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THE local rural community has slammed the State Government’s plan to accelerate renewable energy projects across the state.

In a bid to advance $90 billion worth of developments held up in red tape, Premier Jacinta Allan last week announced renewable energy projects will be eligible for an accelerated planning pathway under the Development Facilitation Program (DFP).

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

Under the change, all new renewable projects in Victoria will be treated as a “significant economic development”, removing the planning panel process and third-party appeals at Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) and

FAMILY FUN ON THE RUN 2

Some 1078 entrants enjoyed perfect autumn conditions for yesterday’s Wangaratta Chronicle Marathon and Fun Run events, with parents and children (pictured) enjoying running together in the 2km ‘Chasers’ event. Full coverage in sport. PHOTO: Jef Zeuschner

Rallying for the appeal Page 3

F ishing for Fishing for research Page 9

RUB, Yar ra Yarra into WDCA grand final grand final Sport

Fast-track fightback

Local fi gures slam the State Government’s plan to advance renewable energy projects

opening a pathway for decisions to be made on applications within four months.

Meadow Creek Agricultural Community Action Group (MCACAG) spokesperson, John Conroy, said the government’s decision would divide themselves from communities in an effort to “get their own way”.

“Once again they’re removing any sort of power from local communities

or local representatives to have any impact on decision making,” he said.

“It’s hugely concerning when you’ve got international renewable companies coming to claim our agricultural land and turn it into an industrial zone, which is going to change our landscape forever.

“These professionals are spending years putting together these applications and they expect a commu-

nity to digest information and come to them with all of their is dotted and ts crossed and be a chance to defend their proposal.

“Communities are meant to be built on trust and good relationships with neighbours and once again the government seems to be able to destroy it.”

MCACAG have vehemently been advocating against the construction of a

proposed $750m solar farm development at Meadow Creek since November 2022, which will be one of the projects that could fall under the fast track changes.

Under the changes, Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny said communities can still raise concerns through the usual consultation submissions process and appeal decisions to the Supreme Court.

■ Continued page 2

Man airlifted after Chiltern car rollover

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

A MAN in his 80s was airlifted to The Alfred Hospital following a car rollover on Beechworth-Chiltern Road early Friday morning.

According to Police, it’s believed the car left the road and rolled, trapping the driver on the road just after 7am.

The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was extracted and flown to hospital by paramedics with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police will investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has dashcam/CCTV footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Local figures hit back at State Government’s renewable fast-track

■ From page 1

Mr Conroy said MCAACG would be prepared to take the State Government to the judicial system if the proposed Meadow Creek development is given the green light.

“We feel we have a really strong case; going by the guidelines the government set, if they approve the Meadow Creek Solar Farm in its current form, it’s unjust,” he said.

“They clearly state that it can’t be there, and they think it’s a chance of getting across the line just because their agenda is net-zero by 2045.

“They’re aiming for responsible renewables in appropriate locations and this is neither, we need to protect our premium assets, we have 96 per cent non-arable grassland in Australia and there has to be some better planning involved.”

Mayor Dean Rees said council was in full support of the Conroys and the current

government was out of touch with their decision making.

“This is just another reason for why the Allan Government has to go; they’re taking rights away from people to even put a case forward,” he said.

“One of council’s five main pillars is to support farming, we know farming is one of our major employers, which is cropping and grazing, and this doesn’t support farming.

“I’d be happier if these decisions were council made decisions, not at State Government level and we can get the community to decide.”

Cr Rees said he and around eight other representatives from Victorian councils met with Ms Kilkenny late last year, where he had hoped conversations around further consultation in solar farm development would progress.

“I thought they were going

Eliana Hore

ELIANA Hore was born on Thursday, March 14 at 9:20am and weighed 3.8kg (8lb 6oz).

She is the sister of Evelyn and the daughter of Rebecca and Jacob Hore of Bundalong.

to listen to us and were going to talk to us, I put some things out there where I was happy to talk about other solutions for our community for which I’ve heard nothing back,” he said.

“We’re disappointed to hear it but we will still fight for our voices to be heard, this is not democratic, this is a dictatorial government that does whatever they want.”

Nationals Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, said he was disgusted with the blatant attempt from the Allan Labor Government to silence regional voices in favour of big renewable energy companies.

“I am incredibly concerned that by removing the planning panel process as well as third-party appeals at VCAT, we will see more communities ignored by Labor in their push for renewables,” he said.

“The government for Melbourne are once again silencing the regions in favour of their ideological city-based agenda.”

ARRIVALS AT NORTHEAST HEALTH WANGARATTA

The Wangaratta Chronicle will be in attendance at the midwifery ward on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9.30am to take photos of newborns with their parents, grandparents and/or siblings.

Consent forms are available from Northeast Health Wangaratta and from Wangaratta Chronicle staff on the day.

If you would like a photo but are not at the ward at the time of visiting, you can come into the Wangaratta Chronicle office at 37 Rowan Street during office hours to organise it.

Photographs are available to purchase from the Wangaratta Chronicle office.

Theo James Gibson

THEO James Gibson was born on Tuesday, March 12 at 2:39pm and weighed 3.5kg (7lb 11oz).

He is the brother of Levi and son of Melissa Van Breda and James Gibson of Taminick.

SYLVIA Dalla Costa was born on Thursday, March 14 at 3:41am and weighed 3.06kg (6lb 11oz).

She is the sister of Chevee, Bella, Cody, Kaleb, Jamie, Harris and Lily and the son of Catherine Hellwig of Eildon.

LIT UP: Local figures have criticised the State Government’s plan to fast track renewable energy projects.

Archie Jack Kosch

ARCHIE Jack Kosch was born on Thursday, March 14 at 3:09pm and weighed 3.7kg (8lb 2oz).

He is the brother of Remi Margaret Kosch and the son of Tegan Lane Gee and Aaron Kosch of Wangaratta.

Sylvia Dalla Costa

18,000 CFA radios on their way

$138m spent on CFA radios with GPS functions to help locate firefighters on the $ppggground

DISTRICT 23 firefighters will benefit from an uplift in technology from 18,000 new radios that will be rolled out across the state from next month as part of a $138 million distribution.

CFA Acting Chief Officer Gary Cook said the technology will be a significantly higher level than the current equipment, which was introduced in 2008.

Volunteer firefighters will now also have direct communication access with all emergency service agencies in Victoria with the radio’s multiband capability, not just other CFA volunteers.

They will also be able to speak with crews from New South Wales and South Australia.

This function will be particularly valuable during mass fire events where more than one agency is deployed such as Fire Rescue Victoria or VICSES, or where interstate crews are

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

deployed to events such as fires that cross state borders.

“One of the new features will allow brigades to communicate on the same frequency as cross border brigades which enable seamless operation,” Mr Cook said.

“They are multiband so they can operation on our rural or regional mobiles radios and they can operation on the Melbourne metropolitan network as well.

“If a District 23 strike team was to assist at an incident out of the district, the radio will pick up which frequency they should be on - they are just clever radios.”

Mr Cook also highlighted that handheld radios will be distributed at a ratio of 1:1 for every breathing ap-

paratus, compared to the current ratio of one radio for every two BAs.

“What this means for operators fighting fires in buildings, they’ll individually have a radio, so from a safety aspect that’s a massive uplift as well,” he said.

The new radios will have Global Positioning System (GPS) functions on all handheld devices, making it easier for crews to locate firefighters on the ground and ensure their own safety.

Last March, 15 CFA districts across the state participated in a three-month pilot program with Motorola Solutions to determine the right radios for the replacement program.

Volunteers from all CFA regions were consulted to assess the radios by testing their functions in simulated, real-life scenarios, including hot, smoke filled and noisy environments, and while wearing a

breathing apparatus.

The services contract between CFA and Motorola will be for 10 years.

Mr Cook said the portable radios distribution will be straight forward but the mobile radios in the trucks will have a complete installation regime.

The full statewide roll out is expected to take 1824 months.

Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes said these new radios have undergone a trial by fire –tested by volunteers who know what they need in the face of disaster.

“It’s really exciting to kickstart the rollout of these important devices for all our brigades,” she said.

“Our CFA volunteers go above and beyond to keep Victorian communities safe from disasters – we’re continuing to back this important work with record funding and support.”

Five decades on, generosity is still going strong

SPEND some time with Alex Carmody and his Good Friday Appeal collection tin, and you’ll quickly understand the depth of local feeling for the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Alex is in his 54th year of involvement with the appeal collection in Wangaratta and district, but still never fails to thank a donor, no matter how small their offering - and many are quick to reciprocate, as he helps raise money for Melbourne’s RCH to ensure it can continue providing world-class care for children.

“Thank you - about 150,000 times over, I reckon,”

BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

one gentleman said to Alex as he dropped some money in the tin.

Alex is accustomed to comments like these: “It seems every second person you meet has been to the Royal Children’s Hospital, or they know someone who has,” he said.

“While I was collecting at APCO one day, someone told me they were on the way to the hospital from there.

“You don’t really have to tell them what you’re collecting for - they know what it’s all about.

“People still love supporting it as much as ever.”

While he doesn’t set a target for fundraising, Alex, the appeal coordinator for the local area, said he was

hopeful that this year could see the district reach the $3 million mark for his period of involvement.

“We need about $160,000 to get there,” he said.

Already this year, $5000 has been raised through the community raffle, and just as much in tin collections.

“While I was sitting there selling raffle tickets, we filled two tins a week,” Alex said.

“We look to be on a par with last year.”

Alex would love some volunteer collectors to assist him on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, as well as next Thursday and Good Friday, around the traffic lights at the intersection of Murphy and Reid Streets.

Collectors able to volunteer any time between 9am and 1pm on those days are invited to meet at the intersection, or contact Alex on 0428 120 310 for more information.

LOCAL FACE OF THE APPEAL: Alex Carmody, Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal coordinator for Wangaratta and district, says locals are as generous as ever as appeal collections continue in the lead-up to Easter.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Library card’s ever-growing value

AMID ever-rising costof-living pressures and pandemic-induced social issues, the Wangaratta Library’s role as a safe haven has been further cemented.

And with the availability of an increasing range of online resources, a library card is offering even greater value to members - all for free.

Creativebug for Libraries, which provides unlimited access to online art and craft classes, and hoopla Digital, which offers audiobooks, ebooks, comics, movies, TV shows, magazines and music, have recently been added to the services available simply by using a library card.

They join services including Borrow Box, ULibrary and Libby (which offer ebooks and audiobooks) and the Story Box Library (featuring celebrities reading children’s books), which can also be accessed through the free membership.

Wangaratta Library coordinator Loueen Twyford said the online offering further illustrated that libraries were about more than just books in the often uncertain times of the 2020s.

Ms Twyford said the Docker Street library catered for all members of the community - still providing a wide range of books and other printed materials, but also providing access to the digital world, as well as frequently meeting the social needs of Rural City of Wangaratta residents.

“It’s a place where people know they can come to get out of the harsh weather, because the building is cool in summer and warm in winter, she said.

BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

“We also see a lot of people working remotely, who may be impacted by the cost of living or are perhaps passing through and need somewhere to base themselves.

“We are open to all; we have people visit who have mental health issues or are homeless, and some of our regulars are here almost all day because they know it’s a safe and relaxing place to be.

“Some even feel comfortable enough to curl up and go to sleep while they’re here.

“My staff are starting to become the port of call for people who are not sure where to go for help.

“We recently did some financial counselling training, so that we can direct people to resources which can help them.

“Everybody is battling with the cost of living, and these days we are definitely much more than just books - we are more of a community loungeroom.”

Ms Twyford said many people dropping into the library were seeking assistance with navigating the internet.

“Organisations don’t send out physical forms anymore - you often have to go online; if you are not familiar with that, it makes it really hard for people,” she said.

“There is definitely a social need; many people don’t know where to go for help, or come to the end of their tether with something they’re trying to access, so it’s great that they see the library as that place they can go for help.

“We have to stress we’re not experts, and we can only guide people and be a referral point for their needs.”

Post-COVID restrictions, Ms Twyford said the opportunity for patrons to visit and engage with others remained a vital function of the library.

“We’re finding a lot of people are socially iso-

lated, and they do come in and love chatting with our library staff,” she said. “We learn about them and their lives, and sometimes when you haven’t seen them for a while, you do worry about them.

“A lot of people don’t come out as often as they once did, but when they do, they are up for a chat, and want to be

Remembering the ‘great escape’

MONDAY, MARCH 17, 2014

By SIMONE KERWIN

LITTLE did Rosemary Williams know when she began researching her grandmother that it would spark something of an obsession with the famed World War 2 ‘great escape’.

While delving into her family history, the Eldorado resident came across a distant cousin, Argentine Flight Lieutenant John Gifford Stower, who was involved in the escape from Stalag Luft III in Sagan (now Zagan), Poland in 1944.

F/L Stower was among those detained in the prisoner of war camp, which was designated for captured air force servicemen and run by the Luftwaffe, the German airforce.

In 1944, 76 officers of various nationalities who were interned in the camp’s North Compound escaped from the prison through a tunnel they had dug, 10 metres deep and more than 100 metres long.

Only three of the escapees made it back to England; the rest were caught within a few days after a massive manhunt

by the Germans.

Adolf Hitler was so incensed that he ordered 50 of the airmen to be shot, and his order was carried out by the Gestapo.

F/L Stower was among those killed, and Mrs Williams said though she had known about him only for the past year, she felt a strong enough connection to her relative to organise a local commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Great Escape.

The service will be held next Monday, March 24 from 11am at the Wangaratta Cenotaph, with all members of the public invited to attend.

The anniversary of the escape is also being commemorated at the tunnel entrance at Zagan, with many family members of the 50 men – who came from Britain, Canada, Australia, Poland, South

involved in what’s happening in their library.”

Ms Twyford said the online resources offered via library cards aimed to meet the needs expressed in feedback from members.

“It highlights the balance between the print and online resources we offer; there are a lot of different options, so that if one

doesn’t suit your needs, another might,” she said.

“Because COVID forced people to go online, there are a lot more e-resources available, so our library collection is much more than what’s actually in our building.

“We’re pleased we can provide access to a diversity of material, and we are here to help.”

EPA warns about storage of waste tyres

IMPRISONED: This was Stalag Luft III in Sagan (now Zagan), Poland in 1944, from which the Allied airmen dug their way out.

Africa, New Zealand, Norway, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, France, Greece, Lithuania and Argentina - expected to attend.

Mrs Williams’ husband, Keith, who has also become interested in the story of the ‘great escape’ through her research, said there were very few descendants of the 50 men shot, as most were unmarried men.

But Mrs Williams has made

contact with F/L Stower’s nephew in Argentina, and feels an increasingly strong link to the man described in books she has read as “handsome” and “dashing”, and a talented rugby player.

Born in Argentina to British parents, he was one of more than 700 men from Argentina who made their own way to England during World War 2 to join the Royal Air Force.

OFFICERS from EPA

Victoria’s North East office have used drone flyovers to gather video evidence during a waste tyre inspection blitz of a number of businesses suspected of storing waste tyres in the Greta, Shepparton, Rutherglen and Wodonga areas.

Waste tyres are a major fire and environmental hazard and a key focus for EPA throughout the state with an estimated 100,000 tonnes a year requiring disposal in Victoria alone.

“Of the 11 sites we inspected, we found more than half needed advice about their responsibilities in storing the tyres,” EPA North East regional manager Renee Palmer said.

“Waste tyres pose a major environmental risk and must be stored and managed according to the regulation.”

Waste tyre storage or recycling is a prescribed activity under the EP Act 2017.

An EPA registration is

required to store more than five cubic metres of tyres at a site.

If a site has more than 40 tonnes or more than 5000 equivalent passenger units (EPU), it will require an EPA operating licence.

“We are actively enforcing regulations whenever we find instances of breaches particularly with waste tyres,” Ms Palmer said.

“We’ll be conducting more unannounced inspections in the North East and all businesses, including tyre retailers, demolition, earthmoving and transport companies, should make sure they know their obligations under the Act.

“We are also reminding industry that waste tyres are classified as reportable priority waste (RPW) under the Environment Protection Act 2017 and their transport must be recorded in EPA’s waste tracker.

Further information is available on the EPA website.

OFFERING MORE THAN JUST BOOKS: Wangaratta Library staff member Peyton Williams knows the value that comes with a library card, with a range of online resources available through membership.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

HotHouse Theatre spotlights local talent in premiere

BY CHLOE JAENICKE cjaenicke@ nemedia.com.au

HOTHOUSE Theatre proudly announces the world premiere production of The Plan (and Other Plans) from March 19 to March 23, a hilarious new play that promises to captivate audiences with humour and heart.

Written and performed by comedy duo Bridie Connell and Grace Rouvray, known for their work on Tonightly with Tom Ballard and Netflix’s 600 Bottles of Wine, respectively, The Plan (and Other Plans) delves into the complexities of family dynamics, loss, and the journey of growing uptwice.

The play follows the lives of Rosie and Gen, as they navigate the challenges that arise when their Paul Kellyobsessed father falls ill.

Alternating between caring for their father and maintaining their own lives, Rosie and Gen confront the realities of adulthood while realising they can’t control everything the way they plan.

“Hilarity gives way to beauty and truth as a family who have spent the better part of their lives avoiding the hard conversations finally have to face reality together,” artistic director, Karla Conway, said.

“It’s a deeply funny, playful, joyous and moving journey to witness.”

Leading the company on stage is Albury Wodonga performer and playwright,

Grace Rouvray and also featuring Albury local, Kerryn Beatty.

The show also features local talent behind the scenes including the composer, Andrée Cozens, from Everton.

Ms Cozens’ role is to create the ambiance of the play through music and sound effects.

She said she enjoyed delving into all the elements of the play from the comedy to the sorrow surrounding the father’s illness.

“For me it’s just sitting with this play and really delving into the script and the words and the meaning behind the words and it’s incredibly moving,” she said.

“It’s been a big challenge to address the hilarity and the craziness of this family and address this very deep grief that comes with when a parent is unwell and the disjointed relationships in the family.”

Ms Cozens said she is looking forward to the audience’s reactions as the story unfolds on stage.

“It’s very relatable, I have three adult daughters so I can see it all playing out and I could see it in myself when I was younger with my own parents,” she said.

The development of the play began in 2021 through HotHouse Theatre’s CELSIUS program, supporting local independent artists to develop new works.

Its first staged reading was on Zoom during lockdown, with over 60 people tuning in across NSW and VIC to hear it, almost four years from

inception to production - a testament to the dedication and perseverance of its creative team.

“Despite the challenges posed by the financial investments required to

produce original works, HotHouse remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering local talent and bringing captivating stories of regional Australia to life,” Karla said.

The play will take place at the Butter Factory Theatre and for ticket information or to donate to the fundraising campaign, visit HotHouse Theatre’s website, https:// hothousetheatre.com.au/.

PREMIERE PRODUCTION: Grace Rouvray and Kerryn Beatty will be playing the leads in HotHouse Theatre’s production of The Plan (and Other Plans).

Wangaratta's premier audiology clinic

Photo: Michelle Higgs

Continue the love for Good Friday Appeal

THE time to rally for the statewide Good Friday Appeal is nearing, as the local effort seeks volunteers and contributors to the vital cause.

Local appeal coordinator Alex Carmody is in his 54th year of involvement with the appeal collection in Wangaratta and district and is on the look out for some helpers over the upcoming weekends, leading into the Easterthemed holiday.

To start his contribution to the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) this year, Alex was one of the major contributors to the Wangaratta Community Raffle, raising $5000 through selling tickets.

During his period of collecting for the Good Friday Appeal, Alex has seen firsthand the strong support towards the RCH, which he believes has been visited by nearly every second person who kindly donates.

Countless local families have accessed the RCH services over the years and it’s the acknowledgement of this locally that stands true when it comes to supporting RCH fundraising campaigns and others.

Without volunteers like Alex, those vital services simply won’t see the million dollars’ worth of funds generously donated by Victorians every year.

In tough financial times, it can be difficult to reach deep into the pockets, but a collation of donations in money or time in any size is what counts the most.

Last year the community tallied just more than $100,000 of donations towards the appeal, with Alex hoping to get to $160,000 this year to bring a milestone total of $3m raised during his tin collection tenure.

Let’s help Alex see his goal be achieved.

The Quiz No. 77

1. What was the name of the cyclone that devastated Darwin in 1974?

2. Gangkhar Puensum is credited with being the highest mountain in which country starting with the letter, B?

3. How many gold medals did Australia win at the 1896 Summer Olympics?

4. Who played the role of Jack Geller in the TV series, Friends?

5. Cheryl Kernot was the leader of which political party before joining the Labor Party in 1997?

6. What is added to peaches and vanilla ice cream to make a traditional Peach Melba?

7. In 1984, Cash Converters opened its first ever store in which Australian capital city?

8. By what name was the singer Priscilla White best known?

9. The Tenth Insight: Holding the Vision is the second novel in which series by James Redfield?

10. Which 2016 movie stars Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman and Angela Bassett?

11. In which decade did Usain Bolt first break the 100m sprint world record?

12. Donna Simpson, Vikki Simpson and Joshua Cunningham started which band in the 1990s?

13. Who was the first Australian prime minister to have been based in Western Australia?

14. Which band had the 1981 hit, Tainted Love?

15. Tony Mundine beat which boxer in 1972 to win his Commonwealth Middleweight boxing title?

16. What are Japan’s four main islands?

17. Joel Madden married which person in 2010?

18. What type of seeds are used to make tahini?

19. In relation to car technology, what do the letters HSD stand for?

20. Which two countries border Mexico to the southeast?

FACEBOOK users this week commented on Charlie’s Burgers taking over the former Scribblers café building on Reid Street.

• James McAnanly: On ya Marky!!

• Amber Long: Leah Fisk yeah I saw it there the other day. We’ll have to go.

• Leah Fisk: Absolutely.

• Michelle Micheli:

Congratulations Mark.

• Becky Simmons: Melanie Crispo dinner & cocktail date soon??

• Melanie Crispo: Becky Simmons ummmm girl yes.

• Becky Simmons: Melanie Crispo alright you didn’t really have a choice but anyway HAHA.

• Heather Davern: Jody Davern great news.

• Vezz Davern: Jody Davern can’t wait.

• Shayne Garland: Well done and welcome back Mark.

• John Barnard: Welcome back, hope it all goes well.

• Denise Gay: Cassie

Nuclear power is the way to go

AUSTRALIA would be well-advised to install nuclear power stations to provide a base load power supply.

The nuclear power stations have a life of over 50 years while the battery, wind farms and solar farms only have a life of 10 to 25 years.

If Australia started building a nuclear power station now it could be online when many of these solar and wind farms are at the end of their life.

Presently there is no procedure to dispose of these batteries, solar cells and wind turbine blades.

People are working on possible solutions, but none are commercially available at the present time.

Presently, all the waste products which have failed are buried and are a potential environmental disaster in the making.

Another point is the power required to replace our present load will need to be increased dramatically due to the power loss getting from these remote sites to the end used along with the increase electric cars and immigration.

The government has not provided any details about who pays for the replacement batteries, solar cells and wind turbine blades when they reach their end of economic life or fail.

Will the government continue providing subsidies or will the cost be passed onto the consumer?

Australia presently has nuclear facility at Lucas Heights, a suburb in Sydney, which is used mainly to provide nuclear products for medical procedures.

This was first established in 1958.

Also, the government are in the process of procuring nuclear submarines.

John Walker, North

Wangaratta

New view to Eldorado Dredge access

CONCERNING the story published in the Wangaratta Chronicle, January 29, 2024, “Eldorado Community fights back on state’s dredge restrictions”, we would like to offer another perspective.

Eldorado Environmental Volunteers approached Parks Victoria and the Centennial Park Management Committee in September 2023 to discuss concerns about increased traffic and vehicle damage to trees planted by volunteers in Eldorado Historic Park Reserve.

This has occurred, following the

NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.

Hyland. They are opening in Scribblers.

• Melissa Jacka: Yay! We’ve missed you.

Facebook users also commented on the representation of Wangaratta Rangers players competing in the Under 16s State Championships.

• Charee Pool: Awesome kk. You are a champion.

Love you xoxo

• D’melza Pool: Nathan & Makayla Great weekend .

Well done Oscar & Kk

• Damien French: Way to go KK and Oscar! You both had an awesome weekend!

• Joy McQuade-Jones: Great to see you play, well done.

Facebook users also commented on Garry Nash and Co Real Estate continuing their partnership with the Wangaratta Chronicle Marathon and Fun Run.

• Chloe Hutson: Can’t wait to run on Sunday.

Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.

Our follower total is

14,732

Have your say in Wangaratta Chronicle poll

Should Australia look to nuclear power as an alternative source of energy?

ON THE MARCH: Wangaratta RSL Sub-Branch volunteer Philip Bright is taking part in March On this month, to support Soldier On’s lifesaving mental health services for veterans and their families. He’s walking during the month to raise funds and honour the courage and sacrifice of veterans past and present. Locals are encouraged to join Philip on his walk from the RSL car park off Templeton Street to the Northern Beaches on Monday, March 18 from 9am; Wednesday, March 20 from 9am; Thursday, March 21 from 9am; Friday, March 22 from 9am; Monday, March 25 from 9am; Wednesday, March 27 from 9am; and Thursday, March 28 from 10.30am. To sponsor Philip’s fundraising efforts, visit https:// www.marchonchallenge.org.au/fundraisers/philipbright/virtual24 PHOTO: Chloe Jaenicke

installation of a new gate between Centennial Park and Eldorado Dredge Historic Reserve.

There has been a noticeable increase in traffic, particularly by non-locals since the installation of the new gate.

Concern was also raised about possible damage to the shared bike/pedestrian walking track in Centennial Park used by vehicles to access the new gate.

There was no discussion about restricting access to the Eldorado Dredge Historic Park or swimming hole during communication about the gate.

Additionally, Parks Victoria did not indicate that entry to the Eldorado Dredge Historic Reserve would be restricted.

All three organisations agreed that signage should be installed only, and gates would not be locked.

In February 2024, a representative from the Eldorado Environmental Volunteers met with the member for Ovens Valley, Tim

McCurdy, to provide a balanced view and factual understanding of what occurred. We hope that this information will ease the community’s concerns about access to the Eldorado Dredge Historic Park.

Suzanne Farrugia, Eldorado

1.

Plan ahead for your firewood collection this season

VICTORIANS who rely on firewood for heating and cooking are being urged to plan ahead this firewood collection season, in the wake of a number of emergencies across the state.

Residents can now collect free firewood for personal use from state forest collection areas until June 30, provided by fallen trees and forest management works.

Two cubic metres can be collected per person, per day, while a maximum of 16 cubic metres can be collected by a household each financial year.

Department of Energy,

Environment and Climate Action director of forest and fire operations, Aaron Kennedy, said collected firewood could not be sold, and urged collectors to play it safe and check weather conditions before venturing into the forest, particularly in the wake of recent storms, flooding and busfires.

“When collecting, please drive only on formed roads, be aware of the environment around you and safety of yourself and others as trees may fall or drop limbs without warning,” he said.

“I would encourage people

who rely on firewood for heating and cooking to plan their needs early.

“Firewood collected during the collection season needs at least 8-12 months to cure and be dry before use.”

It’s an offence to collect wood outside designated areas or to leave formed roads to collect or load.

“Most people do the right thing and stick to the collection limits, but people should know authorised officers from the Conservation Regulator, FFMVic and Parks Victoria conduct routine, random and targeted patrols

of forest areas,” Mr Kennedy said.

The State Government also provides targeted energy support and concessions for people on low incomes who buy firewood or need assistance with their energy costs.

For more information, visit https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/ firewood/energy-concessionand-support.

Everyone in community belongs on Harmony Day

BY CHLOE JAENICKE cjaenicke@ nemedia.com.au

AS a part of Harmony Week, North East Multicultural Association (NEMA) will be hosting a Harmony Day celebration on Saturday, March 23.

Harmony Day is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians.

The 2024 theme for Harmony Day is “everyone belongs” and NEMA hopes to emulate this in their celebrations.

“As a community and individuals we should be asking the question; what we can do, need to do, want to do,” NEMA event manager, Sharon Squires, said.

“We are one world, one people and we share our space with each other regardless of each individual’s background.”

Harmony Day was introduced by the Howard Government in 1999 to observe multiculturalism in Australia around March 21, however Harmony Day has since become Harmony Week, from the 18 to 24th March 18 to 24.

It is a day of reflection; honour human rights and to commemorate the Sharpsville Massacre on March 21, 1960 in South Africa.

At NEMA’s free Harmony Day event, there will be food vans, emergency services, cultural

EVERYONE BELONGS: NEMA is holding a Harmony Day event to celebrate all cultures on Saturday, March 23.

stalls, performances by locals and children’s activities such as the Wangaratta Pipe Band, giant lawn games, In the Groove drumming, jumping castles and the Central Victorian Lion Team from Bendigo, who will be performing the art of traditional Chinese dancing.

The team consists of a Lion Dance Team ‘Fu Wa’Girls and a Dragon Team.

Ms Squires encourages the community to join NEMA to celebrate and remember what harmony stands for.

“Harmony is peace and har-

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mony is being together, understanding and living together,” she said.

The colour orange, traditionally represents Harmony Day and embodies social communication, which is a value NEMA strives to achieve with celebrations, events and projects.

“It opens conversation between people and gives us the freedom to be who we want to be, say what we want to say,” she said.

“It’s creating new ideas and being together and recognising that we are one.”

Most importantly, Ms Squires said she is looking forward to seeing the joy the day brings people.

“I want to see people having fun and enjoying themselves and make the most of what we have here in our community and our surrounding community,” she said.

“I really hope that our community can come together and love what we have done.”

The free event will take place from 11am to 2pm at Batchelors Green and everyone is welcome to come along.

Public defibrillators saving lives out-ofhospital

MORE bystanders than ever are using publicly accessible automated external defibrillators (AED) to help Victorians in cardiac arrest, according to recent data released by Ambulance Victoria (AV).

The latest Victorian Ambulance Cardiac Arrest Registry (VACAR) annual report revealed paramedics responded to a record 7830 out-ofhospital cardiac arrests in 2022/23, up 6.4 per cent from the previous year.

Of those cases, 139 had a shock delivered by a public AED, up from 107 cases last year.

“Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and a significant public health issue in Australia,” AV director or research and evaluation, Ziad Nehme, said.

“Data from the most recent VACAR report reinforced why Victoria has the best cardiac survival rates in Australia, and among the best in the world.

“When cardiac arrests were witnessed by members of the public, 80 per cent of people were willing to step up and commence lifesaving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) – a vital step in the chain of survival.

“There was also a record number of people using AEDs, with 53 per cent of patients surviving their cardiac arrest after receiving a shock before paramedics arrived.”

A 2023-2028 Cardiac Arrest Improvement

Strategy was released last year by AV, which aims to improve community-based participation in CPR and public access defibrillation.

“AV’s vision is to improve cardiac arrest survival rates in Victoria by 30 per cent by 2028,” Ziad said.

“Some initiatives in the strategy include investing in community education programs (including education in schools) and Heart Safe Communities, as well as encouraging the use of digital media applications, such as GoodSAM, to enhance community responses.”

FIREWOOD SEASON OPEN: Firewood can now be collected at select state forests across Victoria.

PHOTO: DEECA

Record entries dazzled visitors at Tastes of Art Prize

THE ACROSS

BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au

A RECORD number of entries were received for the 2024 Rutherglen Tastes of Art Prize this year, creating a spectacle which has attracted visitors from far and wide.

Over 300 people attended the gala opening held at the Rutherglen Memorial Hall on March 8 where the winners were revealed, after judges Kate Gorman and Jules Boag completed the difficult job of assessing what was a high standard of entries.

Among those to take home major awards were Julie Hooper for “The Golden Hour”, Shirley Pinchen for “Icy Blast” (both winning $2000 for painting/mixed media) while Jenny Wallace took home $2000 in the works on paper section for “Winter - Lake William Hovell”.

Jacqui Melbourne’s sculpture “Trojan” won the $2000 award in the 3D artwork category.

Rutherglen Tastes of Art Prize committee member Irena Webster said more than 300 artists entered over 530 artworks - all on display in the exhibition - and over 30 had sold within just a few days.

She said the event was opened by former Rutherglen High School principal Phil Rogers, who spoke about the importance of the arts in the curriculum and its role in releasing student creativity, encouraging risk

taking and individuality.

“It was a very social evening with people mingling, enjoying Campbells Wines and eating delectable food prepared by students from Rutherglen High School,” she said.

“Visitors commented on the wide variety and the high standard of the works presented and many said they were return over the weekend for a second look.

“What stood out was the joy the team of 30 volunteers experienced in seeing artists creating magic, and us being able to bring the love of art to the community.”

Winners of the 2024 Rutherglen Tastes of Art Prize

Julie Hooper “The Golden Hour” won first prize of $2,000 in Painting/Mixed Media (sponsored by Campbells Wines).

Shirley Pinchen “Icy Blast” won first prize of $2,000 in Painting/Mixed Media (sponsored by Destination Rutherglen).

Jenny Wallace “WinterLake William Hovell” won first prize of $2,000 for Work

on Paper (sponsored by Hennessy Home & Garden).

Jacqui Melbourne “Trojan” won first prize of $2,000 for 3D Artwork (sponsored by Scion).

Kate Hanton “Shiver” won first prize of $1,000 for Photography Places (sponsored by James & Co).

Ann Killeen “The First Eve” won first prize of $1,000 for Photography People (sponsored by The Other Place).

Marg Leddin “Solstice Mandala” won first prize of $1,000 for Photography Illustrative (sponsored by Pickled Sisters).

Paul Blake “The Dilemma” won first prize of $1,000 for Photography Animals (sponsored by Francis Transport).

Lylah Ellao “Marlow’s Trunk” won first prize of $250 for Youth Award (sponsored by Indigo Shire Council).

Rosie Bulmer “Reputation” won first prize of $250 for Youth Award (sponsored by Indigo Shire Council).

Finn Welsh “Extinction: a work in progress” won

first prize of $250 for Youth Award (sponsored by Indigo Shire Council).

Melissa Thomas “Blue Wren” won Highly Commended of $200 (sponsored by Indigo Shire Council).

Beth Peters “I hold you” won Highly Commended of $200 (sponsored by The Rutherglen Convent).

Melissa Thomas “Under the Tuscan Sun” won Highly Commended of $200 (sponsored by Merchant Rutherglen).

Susie Goodyear “Quick give me a drink before they cancel that too” won Highly Commended of $200 (sponsored by Gelatina).

Wayne Roberts “Grazing Ovens River Flats” won Highly Commended of $200 (sponsored by Valentines).

Jeanette Graham “Autumn Morning, Lake Moodemere” won Highly Commended of $200 (sponsored by Caffeine N Machine).

Andrea Travassaros “Time Out” won Packing Award of $100 (sponsored by Rutherglen Op Shop and Baker Seed Co).

WHAT’S UP WITH THE WEATHER?

By Peter Nelson, Peter retired CSIRO climatologist

Dry conditions may linger a bit longer

VERY heavy rain has fallen at Eyre located to the far east of WA since last weekend.

Over a five day period 343 mms was recorded, the wettest ever such period in 140 years of record.

This was higher than the annual average of 316 mms.

In March 1912 , 203.8mms was recorded, the only previous wet month.

March 1912 was a warm dry month in SA, Victoria and up to QLD and much needed rain fell in both June and July 1912.

Just to the north of Eyre at Rawlinna there is a Merino sheep station the largest in Australia being a million hectares holding 60000 sheep and most of this property went under water.

A strong high pressure ridge prevented the eastward movement of this massive deluge from Eyre and just only a few mms rainfall resulted in South Australia.

It has been exceedingly very dry in our regions since Friday, January 26, so many places went through the whole of February without any rain and the first 13 days of March has been rainless.

Very hot days arrived during the second week of March.

Adelaide, after the wettest November to January period on record, has had no rain since January 28.

The 47 days to date without any rain across a rainless February is the longest since 48 days in 1954.

The longest such spell without any rain in Adelaide was 77 days in 1893 and 66 days in 1870.

All three, 1870, 1893 and 1954, saw a notably dry and warmer March in SA, Victoria and NSW and this continued right up to the

third week of April.

Then came much needed rainfall in Victoria.

Melbourne last Saturday night recorded its hottest March night with 27.1 degrees on record, previous warmest March night was 26.5 degrees on March 13, 2013.

The outer suburb of Scoresby also recorded its hottest March night with 26.5 degrees on record; previous hottest March night was also in 2013.

Currently we are having our first 12 days of March being the hottest in NE Victoria since 2016.

The overall hottest March was in 1940.

The current very hot spell saw the highest temperatures in South Western Victoria where Warrnambool recorded 40.7 on the Saturday and 40.5 degrees on the Sunday.

This is the hottest pair of March days at Warrnambool on record.

Maximum temperatures to date have not been exceptionally high further north into SA and from Northern Victoria to well into NSW.

This may be due to places from Alice Springs right up to Daly Waters which have already received above average rainfalls for March.

Both Elliot and Daly Waters have received 153mms and 184 mms for the first 10 days of March which is well above average for March.

On top of very high rainfalls at both places in January and February; the records do show that January to March 1974 was also very wet at both places.

I recall we had very heavy rain late in April 1974 and May 1974.

POPULAR EVENT: Visitors enjoyed the wide variety of artworks on display at the 2024 Rutherglen Tastes of Art Prize, which received a record number of entries this year.

PHOTO: Carley Alchin

Perch, cod capture rates to take the challenge

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

ANGLERS are set to converge on the Ovens River for the annual Ovens River Challenge next weekend to assist with citizen science.

The ‘catch, measure and release’ event will run over three days from March 22-24 where headquarters will be located at Nimmo Bridge recreation area on Buffalo River Road at Myrtleford.

Supported by Native Fish Australia (NFA), Victorian Inland Fisheries Alliance (VIFA) and Australian Trout Federation (ATF), the challenge encourages anglers to head out into the tributaries of the Ovens River and record their fishing for research purposes, with prizes at the end of the weekend up for grabs.

Wangaratta Fly Fishing Club will see plenty of representation throughout the challenge and club president Bryan King said he was hoping the event would attract anglers from all parts of the North East for an enjoyable weekend.

“The idea is to get people out fishing for the weekend, record all of their catches and give that information back to the fisheries,” he said.

“They’ve been doing a lot of stocking of Macquarie perch and

Murray cod in the Ovens, and they want to find out a little bit of information; how far the fish have spread, what sort of condition they’re in, how big they are and the capture rates of the fish.

“You can fish right up near Harrietville, in the Buckland or any of the tributaries.”

This will be the third year of the event where there will be capture prizes for trout, Murray cod and other species with special prizes and giveaways for

junior anglers.

The grand prize across the weekend will be given out to the angler who has caught the most species for the event.

Mr King said committed anglers could catch as much as eight species in a day.

“Since I’ve moved to the area I’ve always done what I call the North East challenge; which means catching a Brown trout, a rainbow trout, a trout cod, a Macquarie perch and a Murray

cod on the first day,” he said. There will also be casting exhibitions and free fly and lure casting tuition for all ages on Sunday from 11am to noon; a free barbecue on Sunday; and fisheries updates from the Victorian Fisheries Authority, NFA and ATF executives. To register go to: https://australiantroutfoundation.com.au/ ovens-river-challenge-2024/ and click the ‘register’ button on the page.

Creative workshops during the school holidays

CHILDREN can be creative and learn new skills during four fun school holiday workshops being held at the Wangaratta Art Gallery from April 4 to April 12, inspired by current exhibitions.

On Thursday, April 4 and Friday, April 5 from 10am until 12pm, participants will learn how to upcycle yarn, scraps and non-traditional materials into a woven artwork, as part of a workshop called Rethink Recreate Waste.

Be inspired by Liz Williamson’s Weaving Eucalypts Project exhibition and create your own woven waste response, choosing from natural and recycled materials.

On Thursday, April 11 and Friday, April 12 from 10am until 12pm, learn how to make an individual, paper leaf wreath incorporating the leaves of healing and medicinal plants, such as calendula, elderberry, mint and nettle.

Participants will develop fine motor skills through the cutting and folding of paper, along with a discussion on the healing properties of plants.

The workshop responds to the current exhibition In Grief, where the artists Maissa Alameddine and Emily McIntosh invite you to make your own leaf to contribute to a communal work about remembrance.

The workshops are suitable for all ages and experience levels (children under 8 must be accompanied by a parent or carer) and all materials are supplied, with only enthusiasm required. They will be facilitated by the gallery’s registered teacher Inga Hanover and the cost is $10 per session, with more details and registration available now at wangarattaartgallery.com.au/ Programs.

READY TO FLY: Wangaratta Fly Fishing Club members Bryan King (left), Peter Thackray, Ray Beavis and Gary Scholz are preparing to fish the tributaries across the Ovens River next weekend for the Ovens River Challenge.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

The ultimate guide for tourists and locals

Electrofishing education

BY CHLOE JAENICKE cjaenicke@ nemedia.com.au

NORTH East Catchment Management Authority (NECMA) demonstrated the art of electrofishing to local schools and members of the public last Tuesday at Mullinmur.

Electrofishing is a technique that uses direct current electricity flowing between a submerged cathode and anode that affects the movements of nearby fish so that they swim toward the anode, where they can be caught or stunned.

NECMA holds regular electrofishing events to promote the important native fish species that reside in the wetland and the Ovens River system as well as to remove carp and other pest fish species.

This technique was adopted by Wangaratta Landcare and Sustainability (WLS) in 2013 when WLS members observes an electrofishing boat being used to survey native fish at the junction of the Ovens and King rivers in Wangaratta operated by scientists from the Arthur Rylah Institute (ARI).

WLS members began to help out with the removal of carp as ARI continued their native fish survey.

In 2015, WLS successfully applied for a grant that allowed them to have a concentrated focus on the removal of carp via electrofishing conducted by ARI.

The carp removal with ARI has continued over the past 10 years and opportunities arose to undertake additional carp removal via funding grants plus some significant donations.

Over the years the number of carp has reduced significantly as an estimated 34 tonne of carp has been removed and delivered to NutriSoil as of January of this year.

After regular floods in the past year, some planned electro-fishing wasn’t able to take place causing carp

BIG CATCH: George Fisher.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling.

PRESERVATION: Fleur Mallinder and Scott Raymond.

numbers to increase.

Because of this additional electrofishing targeting carp has taken place in February and March of 2024.

ARI will have teams of research scientist out on the Ovens River over the next few weeks to conduct carp removal as part of a Flood Recovery Program funded by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), to assess and remove European carp at strategic locations across flood affected rivers.

LEADING THE WAY: Jade Scown and Taya

EDUCATION: Lucas Ryder and Corinne Hutchinson.

FUTURE GENERATION: Corinne Hutchinson and Patty Dobbyn.

CLEANING UP: Mannix Scott.

Ross.

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

MINI WORD FIND

ACROSS

4 What is the name given to five kings of Norway (6)

7 What is severity of temper (8)

8 What was the former name for Commonwealth Day (6)

9 Which term describes the length of time anything continues (8)

11 Name a North American species of reindeer (7)

13 Which mollusc has two shells hinged together (7)

15 Which fabric is made from a mixture of silk with cotton (7)

17 Who wrote the war novel The Twenty Thousand Thieves, Eric ... (7)

20 Which fibrous amphibole is used for making fireproof articles (8)

23 Which city in southern England is famous for its university (6)

24 What is a test in which a performer is asked to demonstrate his ability for a particular role (8)

25 To be in jail, is to be where (2,4)

DOWN

1 What, initially, is the Australian Council of Trade Unions (4)

2 What is the name of a loud singing male insect (6)

3 Which person practises a Hindu religious philosophy (4)

4 Which nocturnal carnivore feeds chiefly on carrion (5)

5 To restore to sound condition, is to do what (6)

6 Which musical direction suggests “in a slow and solemn manner” (5)

9 Name an Australian artist, noted for his portraits, Sir William ... (6)

10 What are spotted, leopard-like cats (7)

12 What were German submarines called (1-5)

E-QUATIONS

Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

14 Name an Australian Prime Minister, Tony ... (6)

16 Who originated an Australian airline company, Sir Reginald ... (6)

18 Which substance, in minute amounts, modifies the growth of plants (5)

19 What is a locationdetermining device (5)

21 Which English monk was known as the “Venerable” ... (4)

22 Name a particular woodwind instrument (4)

Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.

WHICH WORDS

1

(a) Producing musk (b) Relating to form (c) Fatal

2 NICOTIAN

(a) A tobacco smoker

(b) A cast-iron alloy

(c) The third eyelid developed in birds etc

BIYWORD

Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.

CLUES:

Ball holder (3)

Cleaning lady (coll) (5)

Day of the week (7)

Franciscan: grey ... (5)

Greater Western Sydney (3)

Hairy coat (3)

Prefix: parent’s parents (5)

Proportional relationship (5)

Response Amplitude Operator (3)

Tornado (coll) (7)

SOLUTIONS SUDOKU

Solve

QUICK THINK

Autumn break delayed

Drier weather impacting cattle prices, as farmers prepare paddocks for cropping programs D i h i p i g l p i , f p p p dd k f ppi g p g

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

DRY conditions throughout March have farmers in the Wangaratta district waiting on decent rain so they can sow crops for the coming season.

From the cattle front, AWN livestock agent Ryan Hussey said the fat job has backed off, the better end of the bullock job is hanging on, feeder cattle have come back and it’s a sign of the dry times.

“An autumn break will turn the season around and get the job going again,” he said.

“You’ve got people who have knocked up all their fire breaks so they can start burning stubble and start sowing and fertilising, but it’s about waiting for the right time of the year to be able to do it all,” he said.

District 23 commander Paul Scragg said they’ve had many landholders apply for agricultural permits to burn grass and stubble in preparation for their sowing program.

“We’ve been granting per-

mits but only for grass and stubble only - it’s still too early for any burning other than that and the burning of dead branches and other debris will have to wait,” he said.

But after the eighth wettest summer on record in Wangaratta, it could be a while yet for an autumn break, as the Elders 28-day forecast doesn’t predict any rain days for the rest of March.

For April the Bureau of Meteorology forecasts rain is likely (60 to 80 per cent chance) to be below median for most of Australia, except central and eastern New South Wales, south-eastern Queensland, and Tasmania.

For April to June, below median rainfall is likely (60 to 80pc chance) for most of the north and west, and parts of the south and east of Australia.

For most remaining areas, there is neither a strong wet nor dry signal in the forecast, compared with median.

The monthly store cattle sale this Thursday at 9am has an advertised 950 head, with a herd dispersal, females and young cattle on offer for what could bring

Wangaratta Livestock Exchange - Prime Market Report

good value prices.

AWN has several lots of young cattle they will auction, including 25 pure Table Top blood Angus steers, R &J Zani of Rutherglen will sell 25 Angus mixed sex with Oswald blood, 20 m/sex from Unthank of Cheshunt

with Black Aqua blood, 20 Angus m/sex from Fletcher Farming at Moyhu with Riga blood.

Nutrien has a herd dispersal from R Backlund of Norong with 30 Poll Hereford Heifers, 20 Poll Hereford cows, and 39 Poll Hereford

cows mixed four to eight years.

Corcoran and Parker have AW Evan of Rosewood selling 50x50 Angus cows with Scotts Angus blood.

They will also auction several lots of Angus heifers from Nagnom Family Trust -

Osbornes Flat with high quality bloods lines up for grabs. Elders will auction 18 m/ sex Angus with Scotts Angus blood grown at Myrrhee by H Bott, along with 11 Simmental steers with Tennysonvale blood and 12 Sim/Angus m/ sex, from G Jenvey of Edi.

Farmers urged to stay alert to risks of fatigue in danger period

WORKSAFE are encouraging to take care of themselves heading into peak months for workplace fatalities in agriculture.

WorkSafe Inspector Dallas Braam advised farmers and farm workers to listen to their bodies and not shrug off the signs of fatigue.

“Fatigue affects your decision making and when your decision making is affected not only are you affecting yourself, potentially, but the people you’re working with, who are usually family and friends,” he said.

“Taking a break to get hydrated, have some food, or call a friend could prevent an injury out there and you’ll be going home to see your loved ones at the end of the day –that’s the difference.”

WorkSafe data shows March and November are peak months for workplace fatalities in agriculture, corresponding with the busy sowing and harvest seasons.

BULLS

Families and communities are reeling from the loss of two lives in workplace incidents on farms already this year, taking the number of work-related deaths in agriculture to 34 since January 2020.

Farmers and farm workers who suffer serious injuries also face a long road to get back on the job, with more than 25 per cent of those in-

farmers and farm workers to stay alert to risks of fatigue entering danger period.

jured still unable to return to farming one year on from a serious incident.

WorkSafe Executive Director Narelle Beer said every conversation about farm safety helped remove the stigma around health and safety in agriculture.

“We’re working for a future where safety is at the centre of farming operations and where deaths and injuries are

seen to be preventable, not inevitable,” Dr Beer said.

“Every time a farmer or farm worker talks about farm safety helps to make a real difference in preventing families and communities from losing loved ones.”

More information on the It’s never you, until it is campaign and farm safety can be found at worksafe.vic.gov.au/ saferfarm.

GOOD VALUE: The monthly Wangaratta Livestock Exchange is on this Thursday at 9am and it lists some high quality blood lines.

BE WARY: WorkSafe Inspector Dallas Braam and WorkSafe have urged

Telstra plan to upgrade the existing telecommunications facility comprising 40m monopole at Oxley-Meadow Creek Road, Oxley VIC 3678 (Lot 2 on PS423199) www.rfnsa.com.au/3678015

1.

LTE700 (4G) and NR850 (5G) technologies at the Oxley service area.

2. The proposed upgrade comprises of the installation of six (6) new panel antennas (each no more than 2.8m long), and the installation of associated ancillary equipment (including but not limited to the proposed new triangular headframe). All internal equipment will be housed within the proposed equipment shelter located at the base of the facility (with a base area of not more than 7.5 square metres).

3. Telstra regard the proposed installation as a Low-Impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the above description.

4. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about this proposal. Further information and/or written submissions should be directed to Matilde Tobon, Aurecon Australasia Pty Ltd (A.B.N 54 005 139 873) via email to: Matilde.TobonMaya@aurecongroup.com or via post to: Matilde Tobon, Aurecon Australasia, PO Box 23061, Docklands, VIC, 8012 by 5pm on 2/04/2024.

PAINTER, old school, for all your painting needs, commercial, industrial renovations. Phone Julian 0412 597 482.

PAINTER. Ovens and King Painting Service, trade qualified, over 25 years experience, Interior/exteriors, for free quote phone Cherime Demaj 0422 778 257 or 5721 5482.

WHEELER

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

MARKS Mowing, reasonable prices, ride on mowing, edging, clean up, spraying and any waste removal. Ph 0472 603 156.

Earthworks, available for all your earthworks needs - yard clean ups, stump removals, driveways, material supply and spreading, and more. Call Marcus on 0491 094 545.

Aboriginal Case Manager, Wodonga

Fixed-term, full-time position based in Wodonga until 10/12/2025

Engage with the local Aboriginal Community in a vital and meaningful role

Salary range $84,166-$90,558 plus superannuation

This is a prioritised role for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, who will be given priority consideration as per the special measures provision of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

Corrections Victoria is committed to the delivery of responsive and culturally appropriate services that meet the objectives of the department’s Aboriginal Justice Agreements.

As our Aboriginal Case Manager based in Wodonga, you will manage both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal offenders on court orders by conducting risk assessments, preparing case plans, providing interventions, and addressing the underlying causes of offending.

To be successful, you will have:

Victorian Koori Community

culturally

To apply, visit careers.vic.gov.au and search for Job ID 3839. For more information, contact Bernard Wilson on 0419 279 189 or email Bernard. Wilson@justice.vic.gov.au

Applications close Sunday 24 March 2024.

2005 Ford Falcon Ute XR6 BA MK II, auto, super cab, 173,000km, new tyres, (THQ392), $9500. Phone Danny on 0405 165 092.

HONDA AG bike X R190CT, as new, p urchased new in A pril 2023, travelled only 350km, farm bike r egistration (2049Z) and RWC, $5500. Ph 0407 752 960 (no text)

EDUCATION SUPPORT ROLE

KOKODA caravan 20’6” 2017 model, full ensuite with ceramic vanity, front island queen bed, café dinette with trifold table, 190Ltr 3 way fridge, full oven with 3 gas and 1 electric burner, 19” digital TV, reverse cycle aircon, LED down lights, top load washing machine, rolled bench tops, drawers on rollers, diesel heater installed, double glazed windows, full checker plate on front and all-comp sides, roll-out awning, 2x 95ltr water tanks with galvanised stone, 22.6Ltr gas and electric hot water system, 2x 9kg gas bottles, deep cycle b attery with charger, solar wiring provision with regulator, generator hatch, picnic table, 6” alloy wheels, dual access tunnel boot with lights, immaculate condition, $49,950, legitimate r eason for selling, located in Bright.

Wangaratta & District Cricket Association

By WILLSON MACK

2023/24 season

SEMI-FINALS: March 16 and 17

YARRAWONGA Mulwala will face Rovers United Bruck in next weekend’s WDCA A grade grand final.

The Lakers made light work of Beechworth Wanderers at Stan Hargreaves Oval on the weekend with a 162 run victory.

Beechworth were handed a monumental task after the minor premiers made 8/290 on day one of the clash with the Wanderers falling well short, bowled out for 128.

The Lakers’ total was guided by 69 from opener Matt Knight, while Brock McCabe (53) and Reid Clarke (45) were also prominent.

Yarrawonga Mulwala virtually had the game sewn up after dismissing Beechworth’s top four batters in Kayde Surrey, Clancy Ellett, Campbell Fendyk and Brenton Surrey for a combined 46 runs.

Wanderers tail-enders

Richie Worcester (24) and Henry Scalzo (21) tried their best with handy knocks but it wasn’t enough to overcome the league’s powerhouse.

The Lakers’ victory sets up a scintillating grand final clash with Rovers United Bruck who will be gunning from a hat-trick of premierships.

■ From back page

Lakers pile on 290 in semi-final demolition, face RUB in decider

RUB win through to grand final after downing City Colts

“Matt and myself managed to get a good partnership going after tea and we ended up making 260-odd which was a great score.”

City Colts had to be near perfect with the bat to even come close to chasing 260 but their batting innings never looked promising, slumping to 5/25 with Hawks import Josh Ansell ripping through the top order.

Ansell saved his best performance for the season for the semi-final clash, taking ripping figures 5/20 from 14 overs.

“Josh has threatened to do that a few times this year, he’s looked really good all year,” McNamara said.

“He definitely bowled his best this weekend and I think it was the quickest he’s bowled all season so he bowled superbly and ripped through them early on.

“Our whole attack was good though, our main focus was building pressure through maidens and I thought we did that well.”

The Hawks will now be gunning for a hat-trick of premierships when they meet the Lakers in the decider next weekend.

“We’re stoked to play in a third straight final but the job’s not done,” McNamara said.

“It’s not going to be an easy game, Yarrawonga Mulwala’s been the best two day team all year and they showed they’re in great form this weekend.

“We’ve wanted to have another crack at them so we’re really looking forward to taking them on.

“It’s been a really enjoyable season so hopefully we can top it off with a win.”

TUCKED AWAY: RUB’s Matt Whitten hits one through mid-wicket.RIGHT ARM OVER: City Colts’ Kent Braden lets one go.

HAWKS ARE THROUGH: Paddy McNamara led Rovers United Bruck to the WDCA grand final with a knock of 65. PHOTOS: Marc Bongers

BIG KNOCK: Yarrawonga Mulwala opener Matt Knight made 69 in his side’s semi-final win over Beechworth Wanderers.

Verwey, Sloss win marathons

BY JEFF ZEUSCHNER jzeuschner@ nemedia.com.au

He only decided to defend his title at the last minute, entering the day before yesterday’s event, when he and his wife decided to visit her mother at Killawarra.

“It was kinda last minute, and I hadn’t trained specifically for the event, but I do a lot of running and knew I was in reasonable nick,” Verwey said after completing the 42.195km course in a time of two hours, 40 minutes and 41 seconds.

“It was a bit slower than my winning time of last year (2.33.55), but I’m rapt with the win.

“I ran with the pace setter at around 3.50 minute pace for a fair bit of the race then kicked away.

“It’s the first marathon I’ve done this year and conditions were just perfect...it’s a great, flat and really enjoyable course.”

Verwey now has his sights set on the Melbourne Marathon later in the year.

“I ran it last year and pace set for my friend Gemma

Maini, who won the women’s event...completing it in 2.35.00.”

Lee Martin of Mitcham was second home in the marathon in a time of 2.43.56, while Cameron Hall was third in 2.44.54.

Samantha Sloss was the first female home in the marathon in a time of 3.23.47, with Lauren Scott second (3.51.02) and Cheryl Symons third (4.07.28).

Sloss relocated from Melbourne last month to take up employment at Northeast Health Wangaratta, and not even a tumble at the Roy Street bridge could slow her down.

“I set myself to run under three and half hours and was really happy with my time,” she said, admitting her partner, Hugh Bismo - who grew up in Wangaratta, played a role in her success.

“He was out front, riding the bike, helping with my pacing,” Sloss said.

“I wasn’t up for any long conversations so he did all the talking.”

The half marathon proved

Results:

Marathon

Male: 1st Dane Verwey 2.40.41; 2nd Lee Martin 2.43.56; 3rd Cameron Hall 2.44.54.

Female: 1st Samantha Sloss 3.23.47; 2nd Lauren Scott 3.51.02; 3rd Cheryl Symons 4.07.28

Half Marathon

Male: 1st Aidan Fattore 1.16.24; 2nd Stephen Smith 1.19.25; 3rd Ryan Claxton 1.21.30.

Female: 1st Giann Sebire 1.26.43, 2nd Halisa Nicolaci 1.34.53; 3rd Laura Hill 1.35.57.

10KM

Male: 1st Mark De Campo 35.55; 2nd James Maguire Capone 37.24, Jake Mountney 37.45.

Female: 1st Penny Townshend 41.07; 2nd Oliviah Bodycott 46.36; 3rd Jess Cox 48.49.

5KM

Male: 1st Josh Ledger 17.03; 2nd Eric Wood 17.10; 3rd Michael Hosking 17.16.

Female: 1st Victoria Mitchell 18.50; Bella Fulford 22.20; 3rd Louise Fraser 23.38.

a happy hunting ground for Griffith-based runner Aidan Fattore, who won the event in one hour, 16 minutes and 24 seconds.

Fattore placed third in the 10km event last year, but reveled in yesterday’s cooler conditions on course.

“I’m use to running in 37 degrees at home so this morning was a nice change,” he said, embracing his children.

“I’m rapt to have set a PB, sitting on 3.40 minute pace for much of the race.”

Three minutes behind was second placed Stephen Smith (1.19.25), with Wangaratta Runners’ team member Ryan Claxton in third (1.21.30).

Eighteen-year-old Giann Sebire of Wangaratta was the first female home in the half marathon in a time of one

hour, 26 minutes and 43 seconds.

A member of main event sponsor Garry Nash & Co Real Estate’s team, Sebire set a PB and improved on her previous best finish of third in 2022.

“I ran solo for much of the race, using some of the male runners for pacing,” she said, looking ahead to the cross country running season in a few months.

Almost 300 runners competed in the 10km event, with Porepunkah’s Mark De Campo the first home in a time of 35 minutes, 55 seconds, ahead of James Maguire Capone (37.24), and Jake Mountney (37.45) running for the Old Faithfulls Brew Bar team.

The 38-year-old was surprised by his win, but said

he’d enjoyed the perfect conditions.

“It’s a very well organised event...the early start is great and the variance on the course - from footpath to road and gravel track along the Ovens River - makes it thoroughly enjoyable,” he said.

Cathedral College Wangaratta teacher Penny Townshend was the first female home, completing the 10km distance in 41.07, ahead of Olivia Bodycott (46.36) and Jess Cox (48.49).

Coming back from a knee injury, Townshend was delighted with her win, having placed second on several occasions.

The largest field for the day - of just over 300 - competed in the 5km event, with first home being Wangaratta’s Josh Ledg-

er (Ledger Racing) in a time of 17.03, ahead of Eric Wood (17.10) and Michael Hosking (17.16).

The win, after a recent six week injury lay-off, adds to the 18-year-old’s recent victory in the 7.5km City to City event.

A leading pack of five kept together for much of the race with Ledger kicking clear with around 500 metres to go.

Two-time Australian Olympic steeplechaser (3000m) Victoria Mitchell was among the pack and was the first female home in a time of 18.50, with Bella Fulford second (22.20) and Louise Fraser third (23.38).

The Mansfield-based PE teacher said the flat, fast course was a good run to help her return to competition after almost eight months out of racing due to a “smashed knee” in a horse riding incident.

The 2km Primary School Challenge drew more than 200 entrants with the first three runners all completing the distance within eight minutes.

More coverage of the events, including full race results, will appear in Friday’s edition of the Wangaratta Chronicle.

FRANKSTON runner Dane Verwey made it back to back Wangaratta Chronicle Marathon wins on Sunday - but no one was more surprised than him.

OUT FRONT: Mark De Campo led the field and won the 10km event in a time of 35.55. PHOTO: Nick Richards

REWARDED: Receiving their prizes from marathon and fun run event sponsor Garry Nash & Co Real Estate director Cameron Meggs are (above, from left) male marathoners Lee Martin (2nd), Dane Verwey (1st) and Cameron Hall (3rd); and (below, from left) marathon female placegetters Lauren Scott (2nd), Samantha Sloss (1st) and Cheryl Symons (3rd).

ALL SMILES: Victoria Mitchell (left) and Penny Townshend caught up after winning their 5km and 10km events respectively.

ON THE PODIUM: Female half marathon placegetters (from left) Halisa Nicolaci (2nd), Giann Sebire (1st) and Laura Hill (3rd); and (below, from left) 5km placegetters Eric Wood (2nd), Josh Ledger (1st) and Michael Hosking (3rd).

March20,2022

DANE MAKES IT BACK TO BACK MARATHON WINS

FRANKSTON runner Dane Verwey (pictured) blitzed the field to win the 2024 Wangaratta Chronicle Marathon at the Wangaratta Showgrounds yesterday.

In cool and overcast conditions ideal for running, Verwey completed the 42.195km flat course in a time of two hours, 40 minutes and 41 seconds - some three minutes ahead of second placed Lee Martin(2.43.56), with Cameron Hall in third (2.44.54). Samantha Sloss, who recently moved to Wangaratta, was the first female home in a time of three hours, 23 minutes and 47 seconds, ahead of Lauren Scott (3.51.02) and Cheryl Symons (4.07.28).

A total of 1070 entrants competed in yesterday’s fun run events.

 Further coverage page 19. PHOTO: Nick Richards

Hawks win through

Rovers United Bruck will face Yarrawonga Mulwala in next weekend’s WDCA grand final gg

ROVERS United Bruck are through to their third straight WDCA A grade final, facing Yarrawonga Mulwala in what already shapes as a ripping clash.

The Hawks put on a clinical display against rivals City Colts, winning by 129 runs after setting their rivals a whopping 260 for vic-

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

tory.

RUB’s skipper Paddy McNamara led from the front slapping 65 from 112 with the bat and followed that up with 1/18 from 15 overs with

ball in hand in a man of the match display.

McNamara said it was one of his side’s best performances for the season.

“It was a complete performance I thought,” McNamara said.

“We built on last weekend where we had everyone doing their role and that hap-

pened again this weekend.

“Everyone did the basics right and it came together for us in the end.”

The Hawks’ top order was on fire with Josh O’Donohue (15), Luke Whitten (45), Bailey Dale (22) and McNamara (65) all playing their part, while Matt Whitten (61) made valuable runs in the

middle order.

“Our openers Josh and Luke did a great job at the top and took the sting out of the game,” McNamara said.

“We wanted to get through the first 10 overs unscathed and we did that fairly well.

“Luke’s 40-odd was the best knock he’s had in the

A grade team this year so it was great to see him find some form.

“And then after that we know at Rovers (WJ Findlay Oval) batting gets easier after tea so we made sure we had wickets in the shed and managed to capitalise from there.

■ Continued page 18