Wangaratta Chronicle 180823

Still seeking justice for Kath Bergamin

THE brother of Wangaratta woman Kath Bergamin, who disappeared and was “unlawfully killed” 21 years ago today, believes it’s time authorities pursue any suspects through the courts in a final bid for justice for his sister.

Roger Russell, along with his 95-year-old mother Margaret, want Victoria Police and the Office of Public Prosecutions to charge the person or

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

persons they believe are responsible for Kath’s disappearance and death.

Kath was 37 years old at the time of her disappearance from her Brien Crescent home on August 18, 2002 and her body has never been found.

A coronial inquest in 2008 found Ms Bergamin had been “forced to leave” her home and “unlawfully killed”, but concluded there was “insufficient evidence” to establish the person or persons responsible.

In September 2020, investigators interviewed five people in connection with her disappearance, however, all were released pending further enquiries. No charges have been laid.

Speaking to the Wangaratta Chronicle on the eve of the anniversary, Mr Russell said the time is now to charge the person or persons Victoria Police believe are responsible.

“We want a court case to run with whatever evidence is available at this stage due to the fact there has been a long passing of time and the people could pass away and witnesses are passing away,” Mr Russell said.

SOCKING IT TO CANCER FOR TERRY

SPORT

“There’s not going to be much more new evidence so we’re keen at this point to see the case brought to court.

“It is a question of evidence and we think if it goes to court there is a chance for more to come out.

“We would like the matter settled and I can’t see how the passing of any more time is going to help anybody involved in the whole sad affair.

■ Continued page 4

PHOTO:

National Jazz Awards taking applications

APPLICATIONS have opened for the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues’ National Jazz Awards.

The awards have been a cornerstone of the event for 30 years, offering young jazz musicians the chance to showcase their emerging talent.

Despite plans for a reduced festival this year, event chair Dave Fuller said the awards would remain a highlight.

“Launching these awards is the first step towards our 2023 programming,” Mr Fuller said.

“The support they offer emerging artists is a proud factor for me.”

This year’s awards will feature the bass (either electric or upright), and high-level Australian bass players (upright or electric) aged 36 or younger are invited to submit their applications for the awards by September 10.

Applicants must submit three recordings - one piece by an Australian composer, as well as a ballad and a blues standard or original.

The first prize winner will receive $7000 - supported by the Rural City of Wangaratta - and a recording session with Pughouse Studios.

Second place winner will receive $4000, and third place will take home $2000.

Previous winners of the National Jazz Awards on bass include Sam Anning in 2015, Phil Stock in 2008, and Brendan Clarke in 2001.

Full details of the awards and how to enter are available on the festival website, www.wangarattajazz.com

Club bowled with new changerooms

By STEVE KELLY

A SMALL space attached to the Norm Minns Oval grandstand has been transformed, offering clubrooms for Wangaratta Magpies cricketers to call home.

The changerooms upgrade was made possible by $100,000 funding received from the Victorian Government’s Local Community Sport and Recreation Projects through Sport and Recreation Victoria, with the Rural City of Wangaratta kicking in $23,000 as well.

Works have brought the change rooms into the 21st century with female-friendly, separate shower cubicles and three individual toilets, with one featuring disability specifications.

Now members will look to decorate what they see as a blank canvas to hang memorabilia of past triumphs and honour the notable players who have pulled on the whites for the club.

Other works to refurbish the upstairs area are also underway with a dilapidated kitchen sink and bench to be replaced with new accessories and a bar to be installed

for members to have a quiet one after a game.

It will be a place that the members can take ownership of and decorate as they see fit.

Magpies A grade captain Jack Davies was checking out the new digs this week and was pleased with what he saw.

He explained that with female and male players at the club, the new rooms will cater for individual needs and the area upstairs will allow function space as well.

“It definitely feels like we’ve got something of our own now and it offers a bit more of a clubroom vibe,” Mr Davies said.

“We won the one-day final last season and the A Reserve team was quite successful in winning the flag as well.

“We have a few trophies and the old boys have a few boards we can put up around the room.

“It’s a blank canvas for us to create some history and we’ve had ideas of putting past players’ names and what they’ve achieved

on the lockers as well.”

Groundskeeper and former player Barry Grant said there are about 30 years of history they can splash around the rooms.

“The last few years we’ve had success, and it’s almost like a new group has taken a hold of how they want the club to be,” Mr Grant said.

“Like ‘Jacko’, there are a few in their mid-20s, and the guys who will do the work upstairs are players.

“It’s been brilliant and it’s a good place to be around.”

Barry’s brother and president of the Magpies Cricket Club, Darren, said it was a great improvement and club members were happy to hear it had been completed.

“We are very happy with the works, it’s now a nice, light, clean, functional space, and we are looking forward to using it in the coming cricket season,” he said.

Wangaratta District Cricket Association, the Magpies Cricket Club and the Agricultural Society

all stand to benefit from the new facilities.

City director of community and infrastructure Marcus Goonan said the transformation of a previously underused area was a logical step forward.

“The clubrooms now contain the modern facilities local sportspeople need,” Mr Goonan said.

“What used to be a dark space with limited storage is now a fully renovated usable space providing necessary amenities.

“Council is proud to provide the best sporting facilities across the municipality that we can, this requires modernising some of the infrastructure, but we are certainly making great progress.”

Rural City of Wangaratta thanked its local trades in bringing this project to fruition – Zabbas Plumbing & Contracting, RM Claytons Joinery, Websters Electrical, Rigoni Plastering, Programmed Property Services, Design by Jones, Brad Currie Carpentry and Snowden Engineering.

REFRESH: Groundskeeper and player of 37 years, Barry Grant (left), and A grade Magpies Cricket Club captain Jack Davies are thrilled about the new clubrooms space at Norm Minns Oval. PHOTO: Steve Kelly

Erratic driver to serve remaining prison time Man

hospitalised in Taminick Gap crash

By RYAN MALCOLM

A DRIVER who led a drug-fueled chase through the streets of Wangaratta during which he collided with four vehicles and caused a number of near misses has had his driver’s licence cancellation reduced on appeal.

Bundaberg man Bernard Jarman, 41, was jailed, and banned from driving for three years by Magistrate Peter Mithen earlier this year, after he ran red lights, repeatedly drove on the wrong side of the road and overtook vehicles at speed while towing a trailer on February 16.

Appealing his licence cancellation before the County Court sitting at Wangaratta on Thursday, Mr Jarman’s lawyer, Daniel McGlone, said the extent of the licence cancellation had been “excessive”.

Graffiti continues damage streak

By RYAN MALCOLM

A HIGHLY-visible graffiti tag on the rear of a Rowan Street real estate building is the latest in a long line of alleged criminal damage offending against the business.

The large red graffiti on the west-facing wall of the Morris Bros Real Estate building is believed to have been completed in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Business development manager Rob Bell said the offending was “disgusting”.

“(Crime) seems to be happening all over the place at the moment – we’ve had a few rental properties targeted in the last month with graffiti,” he said.

“It’s a bit of a nuisance and the inconvenience of it happening.

“We’re definitely checking our CCTV – we’ve got CCTV cameras around our building.

“We’ve reported it to the police.”

Mr Jarman had been moving from Queensland to his partner’s home in Rosebud at the time of the offending, which occurred after the methylamphetamine-affected driver became lost in Wangaratta after exiting the freeway.

He collided with vehicles on Bowser Road, at the Faithfull and Murphy street roundabout, at the Ford and Murphy street roundabout, before side swiping a vehicle at speed while travelling north on the Hume Freeway.

Officers apprehended Mr Jarman alongside the Hume Freeway, after he ran across lanes of traffic and attempted to crawl under a B double truck, which had screeched to a stop after seeing Mr Jarman on the road.

Mr Jarman was initially sen-

tenced to four months in prison, a sentence of which Mr McGlone said only 33 days had been served.

He told the court a three year driving ban would have a significant impact on his client’s ability to remain employed as a mechanic, and noted Mr Jarman had expressed remorse for the offending to his boss.

Crown prosecutor Sandra MacDougall said it was a “miracle” that no one had been injured during the offending, which was said to have been carried out over nearly an hour.

Judge Gregory Lyon said he was content the incident was “isolated” but said the objective gravity meant Mr Jarman would need to return to prison to complete the remainder of his sentence.

“You caused four collisions, you caused near misses including the potential of head-on collisions,” he said.

Judge Lyon said he would not view the bodycam or dash camera footage of the offending, but noted if he had done so, he could have been content to impose a prison sentence “double or triple” what had been imposed by Mr Mithen.

However, he acknowledged the initial licence cancellation had been excessive.

“Three years for a mechanic in regional Victoria is as good as a lifetime,” he said.

Judge Lyon ordered Mr Jarman serve the remainder of his prison sentence, fined him a total of $750 and banned him from driving for two years.

A MAN was hospitalised with upper body injuries after his vehicle crashed into a tree at Taminick Gap Road on Thursday morning.

CFA and ambulance units were called to the scene in the vicinity of Upper Taminick Road around 11.30am, following reports of a vehicle crash.

CFA units from Thoona and Glenrowan arrived to find a single vehicle towing a horse float had crashed into a tree.

The man was subsequently transported to Northeast Health Wangaratta by Ambulance Victoria paramedics, having sustained upper body injuries.

“Firefighters cleaned up debris and assisted with washaway works on the road,” a CFA spokesperson said.

“The scene was declared safe by 12.08pm.”

Police attended the scene on Wednesday afternoon, checking the local CCTV network, which included the Wangaratta Chronicle and nearby Craig’s Critters.

Workers were observed power washing the graffiti from the building on Thursday afternoon.

A similar tag was also spot-

ted at the walkway of the Rowan Street rail underpass.

Text below the tag reads “(expletive) put the rat in Wangaratta”.

Mr Bell said a Morris Bros vehicle had also been broken into while parked in a driveway at Swan Street in the last fortnight,

with offenders using some sort of device to gain access to the locked vehicle.

It’s unclear whether any of the alleged offending is linked.

Mr Bell said the business would be adding further cameras in the wake of the most recent offending.

WANTED: Police are hoping to speak to a woman who they believe may be able to assist their investigation into a theft from a local hardware store earlier this year.

Police Eyewatch

Police seek help over hardware store theft

WANGARATTA police are hoping to speak to a woman who they believe may be able to assist their investigation into a theft from a hardware store earlier this year.

The incident is alleged to have occurred on July 3.

The woman is depicted as wearing grey pants, a light-coloured sweater, and black-framed glasses.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Acting Sergeant Brett Lincoln at Wangaratta Police Station on 03 5723 0888, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report via www.crimestoppersvic. com.au, and quote reference number 230281445.

NOT IMPRESSED: Morris Bros business development manager Rob Bell labelled the recent graffiti of the business “disgusting”.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

PHOTO:

Funding help groups rebound from floods

By RYAN MALCOLM

GROUPS and organisations across the Rural City of Wangaratta are set to benefit from vital flood recovery funding, enabling important works to floodproof existing infrastructure and build anew.

Milawa Recreation Reserve, Oxley Recreation Reserve, Painters Island and Peechelba Bushland and Public Purposes Reserve will each receive support from the State Government to address infrastructure impacted by flooding events in October and November of 2022.

Reinstating roads and drainage will be a key focus for each of the recipients, with Milawa setting aside funding to assist retaining walls, car parks and the roof at the local recreation reserve.

Oxley’s committee of man-

agement will also repair fencing at the venue, while a small portion of funding for Painters Island will support upgrades to the camp kitchen.

Painters Island Caravan Park manager Jaclyn Guerin said the park had been heavily hit by recent flooding events, and the committee was looking forward to warmer weather.

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) had initially funded upgrades to the park’s ladies amenities as well, however, Ms Guerin said the works would not be going ahead.

“The funding will assist us in doing some repairs to some of the roads around the park, (and) some repairs we need to make in our camp kitchen,” she said.

“They’re directly a result of last year’s flooding, so they’re ar-

eas that were directly impacted and damaged as a result of that.

“We’d like to have them done basically over the course of the next year – we’ll start scheduling in some of the works and obviously we need to wait until things dry out a little bit more before we can start doing some of them.”

Ms Guerin said further flooding had struck the park in the early stages of winter this year as well.

“It’s been very challenging –we had flooding in June and July so it’s been an incredibly challenging two year period,” she said.

“We’re really looking forward to (some warmer weather) – this weather at the moment is brilliant and it’s certainly helping to dry everything out and get everything back to normal, and we’re looking forward to a busy

spring and summer.

“It’ll be here before we know it.”

Minister for Environment, Ingrid Stitt, said the State Government would continue to work closely with the National Emergency Management Agency to identify further support channels for those impacted by last year’s floods.

“This important funding will ensure the hardest hit communities from last year’s floods are able to recover as quickly as possible,” she said.

“The flood recovery projects will help restore facilities that play an integral role in regional communities across Victoria.

“Volunteer committee members have made an extraordinary contribution to their local communities as they work to reinstate the state’s flood damaged facilities and resources.”

Still seeking justice for Kath Bergamin

■ From page 1

“We would like to see a case run and tested, and if it fails it fails, but if it gets up we might get some answers and actually get to find where Kath is, because someone knows where she is.”

The Wangaratta Chronicle has published many articles about the case, it’s been in a book and several podcasts have been aired.

“A fair few people have looked at the case and most of them end up saying why hasn’t it gone to court,” Mr Russell said.

Detective Inspector Dave Dunstan from the Missing Persons Squad told the Wangaratta Chronicle their “thoughts are with the family

and loved ones of Kath Bergamin on the anniversary of her disappearance”.

Detectives from the Missing Person Squad continue to appeal for information, no matter how small that piece of information may seem.

Det Insp Dunstan said while 21 years have now passed, police have not given up hope of finding Kath and determining who is responsible for her death.

“We remain committed to solving this case and providing some comfort and closure to Kath’s loved ones and the local community,” he said.

“Investigators understand how difficult this time of

year is for Kath’s family and friends and we acknowledge the grief and sadness they continue to feel even after two decades.

“It remains our hope that one day we are able to provide them with the answers they so deeply deserve.”

A $1 million reward also remains on offer for information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of the person or persons responsible for Kath’s death.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppers.com. au.

CASE ONGOING: Kath Bergamin was 37 years old when she went missing from her Brien Crescent home in Wangaratta 21 years ago. Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 if you have any information about her disappearance.

TIME TO ACT: Roger Rusell believes now is the time for evidence in his sister’s disapperance to be tested in court proceedings.

St Pat’s move in to new space

IT’S been a big week of action at St Patrick’s Primary School, with students and staff finally moving in to their longawaited new building - officially making the Ovens Street campus Wangaratta’s first double-storey primary school.

A pupil-free day on Monday allowed the removal of portable classrooms which have been in place since the start of last year.

And with assistance from parents and the Catholic Education Office, St Patrick’s staff worked in a chain on Monday to move boxes of supplies into the $3.4 million building, which has replaced a structure established in 1958 that was demolished last year.

Students from grades three to six - and their teachershave spent this week enjoying their new surrounds, with the building including eight classrooms, four breakout spaces, a kitchen and an additional gathering space. A balcony is also set to offer a new outdoor learning area.

Supply issues and wet weather had delayed the finishing date from May last year for the project, which has been supported by a $2 million State Government grant.

For principal Gabrielle Downie, who started at the school last year as demolition and then building works began, seeing the space in use this week has brought relief.

“To move out of the con-

Students and staff relishing $3.4 million double-storey Sddfflihi$34illidbldldevelopment

BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

struction phase is great - everything now has a place,” she said.

Completion of the building means library books which had lined a corridor and been stored in a compactor during the works can now be moved into a dedicated library space, which will be in operation next term.

“Over the next few weeks, we will be setting up our science and art rooms in space previously used as classrooms. We also get our hall back, as it has been used for classrooms while the work has been under way,” Mrs Downie said.

She said the school’s 260 students now had more play space than was available prior to the redevelopment, and work would start early in September to resurface the oval with synthetic turf and to start the first landscaping stage.

“There are some finishing touches to be done, but they’ll happen in the next six months,” Mrs Downie said.

“The students love it - they are excited about being upstairs; the views are fabulous, and being able to see out offers a really calm and relaxing aspect.”

ENJOYING THE SPACE: St Patrick’s Primary School teachers Amanda Cassidy and Tom Boyd relish the surrounds of the new double-storey building. INSET: Portable classrooms were removed from the St Patrick’s campus on Monday.

Grade six student Jack Maiden said the new building not only looked nice, but offered lots of welcome space.

And grade five student Orla Wilkinson welcomed the increased play space, as did teacher Tom Boyd.

“It’s great for the kids to let some energy out, and inside it’s a great environment for learning,” he said.

An official opening for the building is in the works for November.

MAIN PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

LINE Wangaratta expands with first executive officer

LINE Wangaratta has appointed an executive officer, a new role within the organisation to coordinate projects and programs for LGBTQIA+ people, their families and allies in the North East.

Newly appointed executive officer, Allison Winters, the previous president and founder of the organisation, said on the back of recent success, the organisation has entered a period of change.

“We’ve had a fantastic last 12 months, with the opening of the Pride Hub (at Wangaratta Woollen Mills), the only one of its kind in regional Victoria, and our hugely successful Pride Fair Day,” Allison said.

“A new board of directors has been appointed at our annual general meeting in July.

“We’ve seen lately how important it is that LGBTQIA+ people feel safe and supported in regional areas, with the loud hate groups, and we’re very proud to increase the number of programs available for marginalised people in our region; we’re not going anywhere.”

The newly appointed co-chair of LINE Wangaratta, Alice Meravi, said she was incredibly excited about the new chapter in LINE Wangaratta’s story.

“It is indicative of the immense growth that has happened that we need to make these changes,” she said.

Allison was excited to be starting in the new role as executive officer, focusing on operational activities

and project management.

“We’ve had a big increase in the number of programs over the past few years,” Allison said.

LINE (LGBTQIA+ In the North East) Wangaratta is a community-

led not-for-profit charity that coordinates social inclusion programs and events, aims at connection and support, raises awareness in the community, supports services and businesses to be LGBTQIA+ in-

clusive and has a vision of change in the North East.

For more information about LINE Wangaratta go to www.linewangaratta.org or www.facebook. com/linewangaratta/.

SELECTED ARTIST: Kerryn Taylor is among 25 artists from across the country showing their work at the Australian Fibre Arts Awards.

PHOTO: Kurt

Hickling

Local artist chosen for the Australian Fibre Art Awards

LOCAL textile artist, Kerryn Taylor, has been selected as one of 25 artists for the Australian Fibre Art Awards.

The awards are held biannually and feature works by artists who create with fibres including, but not limited to, cotton, fur, silk, bark, wood, glass, fibreglass, metals and plastics.

The exhibition is currently showing until September 3 at Gallery 76, Embroiderers Guild NSW in Concord West, Sydney.

Ms Taylor’s work, titled Karijini Rockface, is made from ‘ silk paper’, wet felted silk tops which have been machine embroidered on to a felt background.

It represents the colours and patterns of the ancient rock formations in the Karijini National Park in Western Australia.

The winning works can be viewed on the Australian Fibre Art Awards (AFAA) Facebook Page.

THE RIPPLE EFFECT

MATT

As a mental health professional, I am always discussing the importance and the need for connection and community in all our lives. The last gig showed that something as simple and universal as music can be a powerful medium to get a message across. That message, that it is important to reach out to your community (whatever that may be to you) if you need support is one that we all can benefit from. This new show will be bigger and better, with new songs in an amazing space where people can get up and dance and have a good time whilst also taking in the ethos of the project.

NEW ROLES: The newly appointed co-chair of LINE Wangaratta Alice Meravi (left) and former president and current executive officer Allison Winters are excited to be expanding the charity organisation with their new roles moving forward.

Angie’s Angels fund is helping local families

A SUB-FUND of Into Our Hands Community Foundation is providing muchneeded support for children in Wangaratta during a time of significant need.

The Angie’s Angels fund aims to support children who are facing the loss of their parent, a parent in palliative care, or who may otherwise be disadvantaged.

It was formed in honour of Wangaratta mum Angie Siperki-Marotta, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2016.

At the time, there were few supports available for her children, Ashton and Allegra.

In the past 12 months, Angie’s Angels has begun stepping up its efforts to raise awareness and money for the fund.

This included a highly successful fundraising dinner last month at Aroma Deli Café, raising almost $4000.

Angie’s Angels founders Lou Pomponio, Julian Marotta and Tony Molinaro are continuing to build Angie’s Angels presence in the Wangaratta community, which was showing great support to the cause to date.

“Our fund aims to help local families who are facing the challenges of medical emergencies or for those who have loved ones who are entering palliative care,” Mr Pomponio said.

“Through Angie’s battle, we became aware that there wasn’t much in the way of

support for children who are going through such a situation.

“We have spent a lot of time planning what we can do and the fundraising dinner was just part of what we feel we can achieve.

“We are extremely grateful for the support the Wan-

garatta community has already shown us.”

Into Our Hands executive officer Peter McCabe said the community foundation auspiced Angie’s Angels and had been greatly impressed with the efforts to date.

“We strongly encourage people to give to this and

Join Voice to Parliament info session this Sunday

INDI Independent federal MP Helen Haines will host a Voice to Parliament and referendum information session in Wangaratta on Sunday.

Dr Haines will be joined by constitutional expert and Professor in Law at the University of Canberra, Kim Rubenstein, as well as Wiradjuri academic and research fellow in Indigenous Diplomacy at Australian National University, James Blackwell.

Professor Rubenstein will discuss how changes to the Australian Constitution have allowed for a better reflection of contemporary Australia, and what the proposal for the upcoming referendum is seeking to achieve.

Mr Blackwell will share his experience and knowledge of the process behind the drafting of the Uluru Statement and what the three pillars –Voice, Treaty and Truth, mean in relation to the referendum.

Dr Haines was curious to hear how the community would approach the referendum.

other sub-funds, which help make a difference in our North East communities,” he said.

To find out more and to donate, go to intoourhands. com.au, or you can contact Mr McCabe on 0466 252 866or info@intoourhands. com.au

“If you have questions about the referendum, about the Voice to Parliament, or if you’re interested in learning more about the nation’s founding document, I encourage you to come along,” she said.

The free event will run from 6.30pm to 8pm at Wangaratta’s Regional Study Centre at 218 Tone Road.

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GREAT RESULT: Delighted with their recent fundraiser were (from left) Angie’s Angels’ Lou Pomponio and Julian Marotta with Into Our Hands executive officer Peter McCabe, Tony Molinaro from Angie’s Angels and Give Wangaratta-Into Our Hands representative Ruth Kneebone.

Get behind our Wangaratta Show

MOVING the community back to normality post-COVID restrictions has been quite a process for our community groups.

An increased reluctance among people to get out and about - whether through habits shaped by the pandemic or due to fears of falling ill - has impacted not only attendance but volunteer numbers at many local events.

So when news arrives that a traditional event is ready and raring to go, and working hard to grow its audience, we should all throw our support behind it.

The Wangaratta Show has been a mainstay on the rural city’s calendar for more than 150 years, heralding the start of spring and catering for all ages of the community.

For the youngsters, it’s a captivating kaleidoscope of colour and fun, and gives them the chance to savour sweet treats and get up-close to farm animals; not to mention the showbags.

Teens have traditionally seen it as a chance to enjoy an independent outing with friends, while testing their daring on the rides.

Parents taking their kids along relish their reactions to the fireworks, and hark back to their own enjoyment as children, while older members of the community enjoy a walk around the showgrounds.

New attractions this year are designed to draw different ages - from a Beaut Ute competition, to a local band performing at the main gate, an exciting equestrian event, and an electric train delighting the little ones.

Along with a host of other drawcards, including the pavilion and livestock exhibits, the endeavour of the Wangaratta Agricultural Society to meet its audience’s needs should be backed to the hilt.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

FACEBOOK users this week commented on our weekly poll, which asked users: ‘Would you benefit from the Federal Government’s 60-day dispensing legislation, due to take effect September 1?’

• Jill Lindquist: Not everyone will benefit but it should still be supported as helping people who could use some financial relief. Even with subsidies medication costs can be substantial.

• Alison Fitzgerald: Given

the challenges pharmacists currently face getting medication to fill 30 day scripts this is a ludicrous idea. Very short sighted and can’t possibly work. The whole community will suffer. If you don’t realise the impact this will have on you and your family please speak to your local pharmacist today to understand the horrendous impact this will have on both patients and pharmacists.

• Jack Carruthers: Not all medicines are on the list

Welcomed info session ahead of referendum

WHEN we first heard about the upcoming referendum, it appeared like a ‘no brainer’ with politicians from all areas interested in making a step towards actively acknowledging our history and the First Nations people of our country aligning us with the rest of the colonised world.

The Voice to Parliament was of particular interest to many as it is a portfolio that has repeatedly had legislation and policies made for the Indigenous people without any mandated consultation as to the effectiveness of those programs and laws.

And when those programs fell short, or even if they were effective, they were removed without explanation and not only were the people in those communities left helpless, but also blamed for the waste to taxpayers money.

However, to see the amount of misinformation and disinformation be spewed out across the country opposing agreeance that an amendment to the constitution to provide consistent and accountable advice to the government of the day has been devastating.

Thank you, Helen Haines, our local independent federal MP for Indi, for continuing to step up and offer your constituents the opportunity to learn what this referendum really means.

Enough of our time has been wasted on seeing the manipulative side of humanity that led us to this point in the first place as residents of this incredible country.

It won’t be perfect, but it is definitely a step in the right direction as a country growing up and forming its own identity.

Regardless of how people decide to vote, they have the right to know the truth about what this means and not be manipulated by people whose agenda is self-serving. Please attend the free Voice to Parliament and referendum session being hosted by Dr Haines in Wangaratta on Sunday (6.30pm to 8pm at Wangaratta’s Regional Study Centre on Tone Road) to inform yourself from the person we voted to represent us and who has consistently done so with authentic integrity.

Céline Forster, Wangaratta

Further rental reforms not the answer

I READ the letter from Penny Carr (Wangaratta Chronicle, August 16) relating to the state and federal governments needing to adopt more rental reforms for renters.

While I understand that renters have had

NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.

for 60-day supply. Therefore, in many cases you will only be able to get 30 days. This may impact the chemist but nowhere near as much as they claim. I think pharmacies are quite a lucrative business. Greed comes to mind. Facebook users also commented on the prospect of an additional four new attraction for October’s Wangaratta Show.

• Sandra Roberts: A beautiful smile on a lovely sunny Winter’s day.

• Margaret McDiarmid: Looking good let’s hope we get lovely weather

• Tanya Pawløwsky: Jodie Kuhne enter some of your amazing work into the show? I’m going down today to get the book to see what’s happening for this year to enter, as it changes every year

• Charmane Bennett: Tanya - Show Office is open Thurs & Fridays. Schedule is online only atm.

• Jodie Kuhne: Tanya Pawløwsky awesome!

Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.

Our follower total is

14,296

significant increases in rental prices there are other reasons behind this.

Having worked in real estate for the past 13 years, we are constantly trying to negotiate between renters and landlords for fair outcomes.

The recent State Government rental reforms in March 2021, was proof that it caused rents to increase and make it harder for both landlords and renters.

Many old school landlords did not agree with rental reforms which resulted in many landlords selling investment properties and less properties available on the rental market.

Secondly, the Andrews Government put a hold on all rental increases during the COVID period, resulting in landlords needing to wait until that ended to increase rents.

This led to a spike in increases further.

Recently there has now been a COVID levy tax added onto landlord land tax which is another cost associated.

I strongly argue that putting a rent increase freeze on landlords will ultimately have larger consequences in the long run, as landlords will either sell or ask for a larger increase in rent after the rent freeze is over or beforehand.

There must be a better solution for both parties, perhaps instead of taxing Mum and Dad landlords more, the government needs to think outside the box to find better ways to help renters and landlords.

Rob Bell, Wangaratta

POLL RESULTS

Would you benefit from the Federal Government’s 60-day dispensing legislation, due to take effect September 1?

30 Yes 18 No 12

60-DAY DISPENSING votes to yesterdaynoon

THIS WEEK

Will new attractions, including a Beaut Ute competition, encourage you to support this year’s Wangaratta Show?

WE welcome your letters to the Editor. Priority is given to typed/emailed letters under 250 words. Every letter must have your full name, address and a daytime phone contact number supplied for verification purposes. Any letter may be edited for reasons of space, content or legibility.

Email edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au

Post Letters to the Editor, 37 Rowan St, Wangaratta 3677

IT’S SHOWTIME: Ready for the rush at last night’s sensational opening night performance of Wangaratta Players’ production Ladies in Black were Goodes girls (from left) Rhiannon Thomas, Dianne Feldtmann, Vanida O’Brien, Ling Chow, Monique Hillenaar and Zoe Cooper. More details in today’s what’s on section, page 18.

PHOTO: Elevated Media

FACEBOOK users this week commented on a 24 year old a man and two men in their 40s who were arrested over an alleged graffiti spree near Wangaratta’s Railway Precinct.

• Ay Jay Cee: Omg the youth of today! Back when I was 40 we respected our communities and drew on paper!

• Liz Blair: Should have more sense.

• Craig Louie Lewis: Maybe

they were fixing the tower up, anything would be a improvement.

• Cindy Knight: LOL adults graffiti they need a job.

• Chloe Merson: Wouldn’t u be embarrassed being that age doing that

• Heather Petersen: Geez and look at their ages ..should know better ..

• Starsky Hutch: All we need now is for the magistrate to make them clean it up with a toothbrush..

• Kim Winnell: Not going to

NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.

mature now or ever if doing these type of destruction on whatever blank canvases they can find. Mind you they could have applied just a little touch up to the water tower in the precinct.

Facebook users also commented on Andy Coatsworth finding his father in law’s long lost blue Dodge after a 14 month search.

• Jenny Ramsay- Elkan: Glad you found it.

• Rachel Miranda: Fantastic.

• Denise Gay: Wow, great news and so close to home.

• Teresa Brunt: Happy days.

• Veronica Knight: Great news.

• Cate Gemmill: Wow!!!

• Lesley Kiker: Fantastic news.

• Andrea Hogan: So good.

• Becky Simmons: Rick Simmons Tracy Simmons Linda Szeligiewicz you’re an absolute saint.

• Adam Anderson: Thought that was your paddock for a moment there Kylie Dowell.

Tweet

TWITTER users this week tweeted about local rail trails, stroke week and the National Quantum & Dark Matter Road Trip pub quiz

Vaughan McAlley @VaughanMcAlley

The rail trail from Wangaratta to Bright and beyond is very popular. It would be really useful for one-way trips or getting out of trouble. Maybe the head of the bus company loves bikes?

Julie Davey @msjuliedavey

Follow

Congratulations to CCW Year Ten student and Albury United U17 Goalkeeper Elsa Wilkinson, who was recently selected for the NSW Country National Youth Championships which will be held in Wollongong later this year.

Check out some of our best photos at our @wangchronicle Instagram account.

Really wrapt with feedback from Wangaratta Hospital Allied Health Professionals following my talk for #strokeweek2023. What a committed bunch! timmsy @mareetimms

What a great evening! Thanks so much! You guys are awesome! Even if our @DTAC_Wangaratta team came last! loads of fun, questions were great!

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

Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.

Our follower total is

14,296

Lions Club of Wangaratta @LionsWangaratta

The Lions Club of Wangaratta is proud that this year’s District Governor is one of our own, John Houghton. Here he presents his banner to Club President Geoff Turnbull.

cathedralcollege.wangaratta

Shop memories flow for Vanessa and Norm

BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

EARLIER this year, ABC TV series ‘Back in Time for the Corner Shop’ celebrated that mainstay of suburban life: the general store.

Over five episodes, viewers watched a Sydney family experiencing the evolution of a mixed business, from the 1850s through to the 1990s, and recalled the vital role these stores have played in communities across Australia - providing everything from milk and bread to newspapers and lollies and, most importantly, personalised service and connection.

For Vanessa and Norman Neal, the series offered a fascinating glimpse further back in time than the 17 years they have operated the Appin Park General Store, as well as a reminder of the changes they’ve witnessed in the business.

“It made me think of all the different things we’ve tried, like our gift lines - some have worked and some haven’t; we haven’t changed anything drastically, but you try different things to keep the place going,” Vanessa said.

As the Neals prepare to head into retirement at the end of this month and hand the reins of the store - one of Wangaratta’s last traditional mixed businesses - to new owners, memories of the past 17 years are no doubt cascading through their minds.

The couple were working as sales representatives in Sydney and looking for a change when they happened to visit Wangaratta to attend a funeral.

“Friends of ours had just

they said there was a good little shop for sale around the corner. One thing led to another, and we moved in,” Vanessa said.

“Mum and Dad had had a newsagency, a chicken shop, a hardware shop… so I’d always been around retail, and Norman was always in sales.

“Our role before we came here was calling on post offices with greeting cards, so that became a big part of the business.”

General stores probably attract one of the widest demographics of any small business: kids clamouring to choose their own lollies; families buying food staples; tradies dropping in for snacks; people grabbing their daily newspapers; and

all ages using the post office for everything from parcel delivery to bill paying.

As the world has moved further into the digital age, another layer has been added to the role of general store staff: offering assistance to people, many of them seniors, negotiating the web of online scams.

“We get a lot of people here from (nearby) St John’s, and many of them are scared of things like that and will ask, ‘What do I do about this or that?’ It’s good to be able to help,” Vanessa said.

“You can only go so far with what you tell them, but you can give them information.

“It is important for them to be able to come and ask for help when they need it.

“Especially during COVID, a lot of people felt isolated,

and this was a place they could see someone for that help.”

At the other end of the spectrum are the youngsters following the time-honoured tradition of choosing mixed lollies with their pocket money.

“The kids are pretty good,” Vanessa said.

“You’ll get a real cheeky bunch, then they’ll move on, and others are really well-mannered.

“The lollies are changing too; there are a lot you can’t get anymore.

“But the kids love it.

“Parents will buy the bags we make up, but the kids want to pick their own.”

The post office aspect of the business ensures a different clientele on the weekend, with people who work during the week d ropping in to

use the service.

“Online shopping has gradually increased, and we often see the parcels that go out one day, and then come back the next to be returned because someone didn’t like what they ordered,” Vanessa said.

Then there are the difficult customers - “there are not too many” - and the elements that are part and parcel of working in a general store on a busy shopping strip. Vanessa has noticed people generally seem to have grown more impatient and are always in a hurry.

“But there will be the story of the day - lately it’s been the mushrooms in Leongatha and the Matildas - and you’ll hear about it 20 times during the day, from people who come in.

At the end of the day, you don’t want to hear about it anymore,” she laughed.

“At the moment, a lot of people are commenting on the price rises, whether it’s papers or cigarettes, or their gas and electricity bills.”

Vanessa shares these experiences not just with Norm, but with the team of staff members who have worked at the shop over the 17 years and are like family.

“We always have a laugh - you have to sometimes,” Vanessa said.

The last few years have been among the toughest for the Neals.

Through COVID-19 restrictions, they remained an essential business and never closed, ensuring they were extra busy and didn’t have the chance for the annual holiday that had previously taken the edge off their 4.30am starts.

And Norm’s health has suffered over the last year following a back operation, with customers missing his cheery greeting from the counter, his astounding memory for the names of regular customers, and his proud support of the Melbourne Football Club.

Vanessa said she’s often joked that she could write a book about the people she’s seen and moments she’s experienced while working in the shop, and it may just materialise in retirement.

But first of all, she plans to throw away her alarm clock, and get used to sleeping beyond dawn.

home of future

ALWAYS WITH A SMILE: Vanessa Neal behind the counter of the Appin Park General Store (above), which she and Norm (inset) have operated for the past 17 years.

PHOTOS: Simone Kerwin

ALWAY (above

moved to Wangaratta, and thidthd f thi

FULL SERVICE PHARMACY OPENED IN GLENROWAN

By ANITA MCPHERSON

LOCALS and visitors to Glenrowan are enjoying personal service along with easy access to the essential medications and health care they need, since a new pharmacy opened in their town.

While the Glenrowan Pharmacy has been quietly settling in over the last nine months, it will celebrate its official opening today, coinciding with the opening of a new visitor centre for the region located directly opposite.

The business is owned by Sherwin Kashani who also runs the Milawa Pharmacy, which has grown in popularity since it opened its doors around eight years ago.

Mr Kashani said while locals there were initially surprised to see a pharmacy open up, they grew to appreciate having access to everything they need close to home, particularly during COVID.

“We want to improve accessibility to health care service for everyone,” he said.

“While hopefully we don’t go through COVID again, in those sort of situations, having a pharmacy close by became really important, especially in rural areas.”

Mr Kashani said the population of Glenrowan and surrounds

is more than 1000 people and growing, and many of its residents would prefer not to travel on the freeway to get to Benalla or Wangaratta.

He said the pharmacy is also catering to rural communities just beyond Glenrowan like Taminick, Chesney Vale, Lurg, Greta and Moyhu.

“Glenrowan is a town where things have been starting to happen over the last couple of years, with more housing, a new visitor centre opening and around 700,000 coming each year to visit the Ned Kelly tourism attractions,” he said.

“The pharmacy will provide services to locals and visitors too, and it could be vital for those who need urgent assistance with

conditions such as an anaphylactic reaction or an asthma attack.”

The onsite pharmacist at Glenrowan is Martin Chiurawa

who has relocated from South Australia with his wife and family to take up the role and become part of the community.

Mr Kashani said Martin will be on hand to provide advice and essential services to customers, including prescription dispensing, over-the-counter medications, wellness consultations and more.

“We’re very patient-focussedwhen you come in, you talk to the pharmacist directly,” he said.

“We are a full-service pharmacy which provides everything you need at competitive prices.

“We want to provide the best service and advice we can and focus on the needs of the patient, and if a specialised medication is needed we can get it in the next day.”

The Glenrowan Pharmacy is located at 40 Gladstone Street in Glenrowan.

PERSONAL SERVICE: Resident pharmacist Martin Chiurawa (right) who relocated to Glenrowan from South Australia, is on hand to assist customers including Beth Newbold (left).

OPEN FOR BUSINESS: Business owner Sherwin Kashani is celebrating the official opening of the Glenrowan Pharmacy, which is providing handy health care services to local people.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Celebrating Aged Care Employee Day

Illoura residents and staff celebrated Aged Care Employee Day on 7 August. This day is set by COTA Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria to recognise residential care, home care and retirement living staff who care for over 1.5 million older Australians. Thanks to the members of our workforce who work with great care and compassion for the residents of Illoura.

Intensive Care Unit

NE Health Careers Forum

110 secondary students from across the region attended the NE Health Careers Forum held at CSU Campus GOTAFE on 2 August. This annual event is always well supported by local partnerships.

Students attend four workshops throughout the day with a Q&A panel at the end. The opening simulation is always a hit. The medical education team who run SIMs at NHW set up a mannequin and ran students through a scenario around a mountain bike accident that involved a broken arm, injured neck and broken jaw.The team ran through the pick up by paramedics on the mountain, arrival at ED, assessment, ICU for ventilation, surgical ward and rehab. During that journey they discussed 20 healthcare professions that interacted with the patient. The simulations always get great engagement and attention from the students.

The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) can connect you with emergency doctors and nurses via a video consultation from the comfort of your home. To connect visit www.vved.org.au/patients Nurse-on-Call is available via phone on 1300 60 60 24, putting you directly in touch with a registered nurse who can provide professional health advice around the clock.

Always remember, if it's life-threatening or an emergency, phone 000 or present to our Emergency Department.

Welcoming two new NHW Board Directors

We extend a warm welcome to our two new board directors, Leanne Mulcahy and Caitlyn Walker. Leanne brings extensive experience across governance, risk management and strategic planning. Caitlyn brings her legal knowledge and experience as a solicitor, together with skills in corporate governance and regulatory compliance.

Pictured (L-R): Leanne Mulcahy, Alison Maclean (NHW Board Chair), Caitlyn Walker, Libby Fifis (NHW CEO).

Thanks! Your support was vital

The response from community has been inspiring and funds raised will be used to enhance medical services and acquire 44 new vital signs monitors, improving the quality of our care and benefiting most patients who rely on our services. NHW is grateful to each person and organisation that has played a role in this effort. Your support reflects the strength of our community and ability to make a collective impact.

For information on how you can support NHW, visit www.nhw.org.au/support.

Pictured right, Northeast Health Wangaratta's Kim Bennetts (Executive Director, People & Corporate Operations), Libby Fifis (Chief Executive Officer) and Kerryn Mitchell (Manager Giving) extend the thanks of NHW to residents, local businesses and community groups who have contributed generously to NHW's Vital Signs Appeal.

Pictured are just a few of our generous donors who sponsored vital signs monitors

Top Row (L-R) Brian and Zandra Creed (1 monitor); Historic Motor Show Fly In 2023 (2 monitors); Inner Wheel Wangaratta (1 monitor)

Bottom Row (L-R) Zonta Wangaratta (1 monitor); Lions Club Wangaratta (3 monitors), Uniting Church (2 monitors)

60-day prescription change

$148.2 million Regional Pharmacy Transition Allowance (RPTA) to assist in dispensing change

By STEVE KELLY

PEOPLE accessing prescription medications are expected to be $180 better off each year depending on the quantity of medicines they receive.

GPs have hailed the 60day medicine dispensing reforms that have come into effect immediately for vulnerable people and for others from September 1.

Along with the cost savings to the consumer, the change will lessen the need for people to make as many trips to GPs and pharmacies.

However, it isn’t all good news for the people who operate pharmacies, with a Pharmacy Guild of Australia survey showing hundreds of pharmacies are reducing opening hours, cutting staff and increasing fees for services as a result.

The nationwide survey of 1000 community pharmacies, conducted by the Pharmacy Guild, shows almost one in four (23 per cent) have reduced opening hours, more than half (54pc) have increased fees for services, and 250 pharmacy workers have also been made redundant.

Wangaratta-based Indi Independent federal MP Helen Haines met with pharmacists from across Indi to listen

A backyard blitz just the thing to get Erica smiling

Friday, August 16, 2013

By PETER DOUGLAS

THERE are times in one’s life when a little compassion goes a long way.

Last Friday was definitely one such occasion, when Wangaratta gardener Rick Carter rallied the troops and helped to complete a garden makeover for Wangaratta resident Erica Kalmar.

In the footsteps of television show ‘Backyard Blitz’, Rick and his Jim’s Mowing team of Paul and Ben Craven rolled up their sleeves to give Erica a welcome surprise.

10 years ago 10 years ago

She is battling cancer and her partner and primary carer, Ken Beard, recently passed away.

“This is the best thing that’s happened to me in a long while,” Erica said, as the team of good samaritans blitzed the garden.

“My garden is very important to me, particularly the tree ferns, which remind me

of when I lived at Kinglake.

“I’m so thankful there are people out there like Rick.”

Rick said he and the team were only too happy to help.

“Her partner’s passing came as a complete shock,” he said.

“With spring just around the corner, we wanted to spruce up the garden and lift her spirits.”

Amid a slight drizzle, Rick and the team worked on the front and back yards, pulling up old shrubs, weeding, mowing the lawn and bringing the garden back to its best.

to their concerns about the change to 60-day dispensing for some medications.

“They brought a variety of perspectives on how the changes would affect their businesses and their customers,” Dr Haines said.

“It was a constructive discussion about the ways in which policies around pharmacy and medication dispensing generally affect the valuable community work

pharmacists do, especially with our elderly residents.

“I wrote to Health Minister Mark Butler to outline their concerns and made sure they were understood.”

Dr Haines said she was pleased the minister listened to the input of Indi’s pharmacists.

“Their feedback was essential to the development of the $148.2 million Regional Pharmacy Transition Allowance (RPTA), a new fund that

will allow pharmacy owners in regional, rural, and remote Australia to transition business arrangements to 60-day prescriptions from September 1, 2023,” she said.

The change brings Australia into line with other high-income countries like New Zealand, the USA and Canada, where people already have access to multiple months of medication on a single prescription.

ROSY GARDENERS: Erica Kalmar shares a laugh with (from left) Paul Craven, Ben Craven and Rick Carter.

PHOTO: Peter Douglas

Red Wattlebird

By IAN DAVIDSON and CHRIS TZAROS

ONE of the most common large birds found in native gardens in our region is the Red Wattlebird.

It is the largest honeyeater in mainland Australia, with the Tasmanian Yellow Wattlebird being the largest of all.

They can be very noisy and domineering and often show aggressive behaviour towards other birds intruding on their territory.

Their common name refers to the fleshy reddish wattle on the side of the neck as shown in the attached photo.

The plumage is grey-brown on the body, with prominent white streaks and yellow on the belly.

The face is pale and the tail is long with a white-tip.

Young Red Wattlebirds are duller than adults and have brown, rather than reddish, eyes and their wattle is also very small and pale.

They have several distinctive but unmusical calls including coughs, a harsh ‘yac a yac’ and a loud ‘chok’.

Red Wattlebirds are generally seen singly or in pairs, though larger numbers may congregate noisily in trees with abundant

flowers, often with other species of honeyeaters and lorikeets.

Occasionally, in autumn, when the summer heat has waned, they may form huge mobile flocks which sometimes comprise hundreds or even thousands of birds, flying silently overhead.

Locally these flocks can be seen in the countryside as well as in built-up areas, as the Red Wattlebird commonly occurs in a wide range of habitats.

The Red Wattlebird’s range extends throughout southern mainland Australia.

It feeds on nectar, which it obtains by probing flowers with its thin curved bill.

Some insects are also eaten, taken either from foliage or caught in mid-air.

Berries and the honeydew produced by some insects add to the bird’s diet.

Red Wattlebirds raise one or two broods in a season, the first of which can be observed now in many local gardens.

Both sexes have been recorded sharing

incubation duties, but often the female will do this alone.

Both parents feed the young.

Anecdotally the numbers of Red Wattlebirds occurring in our local area appears to have grown substantially from reports of these birds being uncommon early last century to where now they are one of our most common and obvious honeyeaters.

The effect of having many large honeyeaters in one location is often a reduction in the presence of small birds due to aggressive behaviour of the larger honeyeaters.

One of the ways people can reduce this impact is by having many shrubs in a garden but not as many nectar producing species that provide continuous flowering.

For example, wattles.

- Marissa & Robert

COMMON SIGHT: The red wattles and yellow belly of a Red Wattlebird help make identification straightforward.

PHOTO Chris Tzaros (Birds Bush and Beyond)

Dogs and their owners showed their talents

DOGS of all shapes and sizes took centre stage at the Wangaratta Showgrounds last weekend for the Wangaratta Kennel & Obedience Dog Club’s annual two-day Agility, Jumping and Games Trial.

Club president Kevin Felmingham said this major regional performance event attracted more than 200 dogs and their owners from over Victoria, southern NSW, Canberra and from as far as the NSW east coast.

“The multiple dog events covered four different disciplines of dog’s sport with 775 runs for the weekend...with competitors gaining points towards Australian titles.

“To compete, and meet the early starts required for the events, many participants arrived on the Friday afternoon, camped on the grounds, or stayed in local dog friendly caravan parks and motels... enjoying all that Wangaratta has to offer.

“Visitors commented on the wonderful facilities provided by the club, and for first time visitors, particularly the lovely surrounds of rivers and parks in Wangaratta.

“This was one of three major events the club hosts annually, and it certainly added to the local economy.”

GOTAFE open day to spotlight vocational education options

COMMUNITY members looking to gain new skills and make a change in their lives are encouraged to attend GOTAFE’s open day in Wangaratta this Sunday.

Open day leads into National Skills Week from August 21 to 27 with the theme “What are you looking for?” to spotlight the exciting career and educational opportunities available through vocational training.

GOTAFE acting executive director education Luke Surace said GOTAFE’s open day at its Docker Street

campus and the National Skills Week are opportunities to highlight emerging industries.

Mr Surace said the National Skills Commission’s 2022 Skills Priority List revealed the number of occupations suffering skills shortages almost doubled, jumping from 153 occupations in 2021 to 286.

“According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) top industries of employment across the Rural City of Wangaratta include retail trade, health care, social as-

sistance and manufacturing,” he said.

“Data released by the ABS also indicates health (14.8 per cent) and engineering and other technologies (13.3 per cent) as the most popular fields of study for people over the age of 15 in Wangaratta.

“We encourage community members to come along to our open day and see firsthand the many benefits of vocational education.

“GOTAFE offers a number of courses which lead to careers in in-demand indus-

tries across our community.

“There will be trainers and careers advisors available to speak to prospective students regarding vocational education opportunities available to them.”

Mr Surace said education and training are a big part of the answer to the skills shortage the North East region is currently facing.

“But it is just as important that our training meets local industry needs,” he said.

For more information visit: https://www.gotafe.vic. edu.au/open-days-2023

Dr. Armaan Singh DDS Melb

Dr. David Lin BDSc Melb – Principal Dentist

Dr. Carolyn Chong BDSc Melb

Ms. Sarah Bekker Dental Hygienist

TEAM EFFORT: Corina Wend and her companion Django take to the agility course. PHOTOS: Louisa Ehlers

TAKING IT IN HER STRIDE: Tilly, owned by Karinna Sanders, clears the jump (top) and navigates another obstacle (above).

JOIN US: Wangaratta GOTAFE staff members (from left) Yvonne Van, Lola Tucker and Kate Street are encouraging community members to attend Sunday’s open day at the Docket Street campus.

Author talk at St John’s tomorrow

AUTHOR Georgina Banks, the greatniece of former Cheshunt resident and nurse Dorothy ‘Bud’ Elmes, who was killed at Bangka Island in World War 2, will talk about Bud and her book called Back To Bangka at Respect St John’s Terrace in Wangaratta tomorrow.

Back to Bangka is described as a deeply moving intergenerational family story; a gripping retelling and investigation of events that throw a spotlight on women in wartime – in their vulnerability and profound strength.

Georgina Banks will speak at 2pm and this event is free to attend, with all welcome and no bookings required.

Warriors Unmasked at the gallery

WANGARATTA Art Gallery, in collaboration with the Centre Against Violence, is presenting Warriors Unmasked, a powerful exhibition celebrating strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

Warriors Unmasked is an exhibition of works created through The Art Project, which brought together nine victim-survivors of sexual assault and gender-based violence to use art to help heal their own recovery.

The works delve deep into the hearts and minds of survivors who have displayed unwavering courage and determination.

Warriors Unmasked - The Art Project is open to the public from August 19 to September 24 in Gallery2 at the Wangaratta Art Gallery.

Wangaratta community market

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

There is a wide range of stalls to browse and refreshments are available.

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

Waterways and wet seasons inspired pastel collection

By ANITA MCPHERSON

A NEW exhibition of beautiful artworks by local artist Jennifer Paull has opened at the Art Gallery on Ovens this week.

Called Waterways, it will be Jennifer’s fourth exhibition at the artist-run gallery, and includes 20 works which have been created over the last 12 months featuring images capturing some of Victoria’s most iconic waterways, from the Melbourne docks to Murray River.

Jennifer said her initial inspiration came from our wet season, when flooded creeks and wetlands are abundant with birdlife.

She said a trip along the shipping channels to Williamstown and an incredibly beautiful holiday on the Murray River provided her with further inspiration.

“I just had to include birds in this exhibition as they were so prolific wherever there was water,” Jennifer said.

“All the paintings are in soft pastel which lends itself

Wangaratta Players present Ladies in Black

WANGARATTA Players Inc presents the heart-warming Australian musical “Ladies in Black” at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre.

Based on the bestselling book by Madeleine St John, with words and music by Tim Finn, Ladies in Black is set in 1950s Sydney and tells the story of a young girl Lisa who takes a holiday job at the most prestigious department store in town, where a world of possibilities opens up.

An entertaining night of live theatre and music for all ages, tickets are available now at wpacc.com.au with shows tonight and Saturday at 7pm and a matinee on Saturday at 2pm.

Winton Wetlands being explored in the Bainz Gallery

A COLLABORATIVE project and exhibition by three artists, Victoria Cooper, Maggie Hollins and Doug Spowart, which is inspired by the Winton Wetlands renewal, is showing in the Bainz Gallery at the Wangaratta Library.

It is the artists’ response to a place rich in its history of natural and human interaction and includes varied media like textiles, collages and assemblages along with online media, wall works, artists’ books and photobooks.

See Palimpsest: 3 artists inspired by Winton Wetlands’ Renewal, in the Bainz Gallery at the Wangaratta Library until August 28.

beautifully to portraying the colour and light that I love to bring to my work”.

Jennifer is an awardwinning artist and a signatory member of both the Victorian Artists Society and the Pastel Society of Victoria Australia.

Meet her in the gallery on Monday through to Saturday from 10am to 4pm and on Sunday from 10am until 2pm with entry free.

The Art Gallery on Ovens is located in the laneway off Murphy Street and the exhibition runs until August 28.

Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award

THE eighth Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award and exhibition is open in Gallery One at the Wangaratta Art Gallery. The Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award is a biennial event, presented in partnership with the Kyamba Foundation, which celebrates the diversity and strength of Australian textile art. The 2023 exhibition includes 29 ground-breaking works entered by artists from across the nation and it comes to an end on Sunday.

SCENIC WONDERS: Jennifer Paull (pictured) said she loves to use soft pastel which lends itself to portraying the colour and light of our waterways.

PHOTO: Bailey Zimmermann

Crime and history has novel appeal

The latest book recommendations with NANCY HUPFIELD, The Book Circle

THE August gathering of The Book Circle was held on Wednesday, August 9 and a variety of books were shared.

General Fiction.

‘The Family Inheritance’, by Tricia Stringer.

When Franklin’s Will is read, three generations of the Gifford family women are left reeling, causing them to question their relationships, their loyalties and their identities. They chose to fight back against their dark inheritance.

Audio Book.

Crime Fiction.

‘Old God’s Time’, by Sebastian Barry.

Recommended.

Tom is enjoying his quiet, secluded retirement on the Irish coast, when former colleagues approach him about the murder of a priest.

Suppressed memories reemerge, so Tom must finally face the demons in his life.

‘Broken’, by Karen Slaughter.

Dr Sara Linton makes a rare trip to her home town for Thanksgiving.

She soon finds herself involved in the investigation of multiple murders in the town, with the behaviour of some locals difficult to fathom.

Special Agent Will Trent and his team are brought in to try to make sense of the events and to identify who is responsible.

Some aspects of the Police investigation are suspicious, and Will pursues those in charge.

Events move to a desperate climax.

‘The Whistler’, by John Grisham.

A member of a coastal mafia gang changes his identity, moves inland and organizes Native Americans to build a casino on a Native Reservation.

Jobs go to the supporters of the development, land around the casinoias bought and developed by the organized crime group, and fortunes skimmed from casino earnings.

This fosters more development and the manipulation of the legal system by a corrupted judge.

A member of the Board on Judicial Conduct is discretely informed about the decades of criminal activity, and so begins the steady investigation.

It’s a risky, deadly game with a delicious finale.

Historic Fiction.

‘

The Dickens Boy’. By Tom Keneally.

Recommended.

Edward (Plorn) Dickens was sent to Australia at 16, to learn to apply himself. His older brother Arthur was also on an outback station. Both were sent in the hope of eventually becoming proprietors and ‘players’ in the emerging colony of Australia.

Plorn’s initial posting was short-lived, but with resilience, he found employment with the Bonny Brothers on their sheep station, and this was lifechanging.

His skills and knowledge developed to the point where he was entrusted to run a large section of the property, with his own team.

Experiences with aboriginal customs and laws, an aboriginal massacre by

Queensland troopers in NSW, beginning to read his father’s work and the death of his father Charles, help shape the development of Plorn.

A very engaging tale of outback Australia in the 1860’s, based on much research and a deal of fact.

‘No Great Mischief’, by Alister MacLeod.

This story opens in present day Toronto, Canada, where emotional family ties are explored through flashbacks to childhood and work in the mines.

Historical Clan history goes back to 1779, where some of this story is set.

The author’s message to the reader is that ‘all of us are better when we’re loved’ and that forgiveness and love for humanity are the only weapons humans have against destructive forces of evil.

Powerful and moving writing.

‘Lady Tan’s Circle of Women’, by Lisa See.

Based on the true story of a physician from 15th century China.

Tan Yuxian was raised by her grandparents, her

grandmother being a physician.

Yuxian specializes in female illnesses, until she marries, and is severely restricted by custom. She breaks free from these shackles and goes on to treat women and girls from every level of society.

Many of her remedies continue to be used five centuries later.

A beautiful story, as is another of her books, ‘Island Of The Sea Women’, about women divers and their sensitive harvesting of the ocean.

‘Next In Line’, by Jeffrey Archer.

Based in London, in 1988, the Special Escort Group charged with looking after the Royal Family, come under scrutiny by the Commissioner, for not doing their job properly. They couldn’t keep up with Princess Diana.

Important research notes.

Also by this author , ‘The Clifton Chronicles’, are worthy reads, in sequence.

‘Lion’, by Conn Iggulden, Is about the Greco- Persian wars, 499BC until 449BC.

The various regions in Greece Sparta all had their own rulers.

They amalgamated to fight the ever-constant invasions from Persia, which occurred mostly on the sea and were fought with triremes, powered by oarsmen, who were free men trained on land and at sea.

The main character is Pericles, son of Xanthippus, a Politian, Orator and General.

Cimon, an Athenian statesman and General, played a major role in the powerful Athenian maritime empire. He destroyed the Persian invaders and fleet, at the Eurydome River.

‘Empire’, by Conn Iggulden.

Set around 450BC, gives an account of Athens, which, due to its economic growth, arts and literature, was known as the educational and cultural capital of Ancient Greece.

Pericles continued to have great influence over the Greek Assembly.

Sparta had an absolute hatred for Athens and they had many conflicts.

Non-Fiction.

‘Saving Justice’, by James Comey.

James held a number of positions within the American Justice System before being appointed Director of the FBI in 2013.

He recounts a number of cases which he prosecuted before his FBI role, and how they reflected his values of truth, transparency and trust.

Donald Trump fired him in 2017 for prioritizing justice and the rule of law.

A sequel to ‘A Higher Loyalty’.

‘Saboteur’, by Andrew Gross.

Based on a true story of how British trained Norwegian Resistance fighters, led by Karl Nordstrum scaled an impregnable mountain to destroy the German Norsk Hydro plant, which was manufacturing heavy water, to be used in atomic bombs.

The raid delayed German development for 2 years.

The Germans decided to transport the remaining drums of heavy water by train to the wharf, where a ferry would take them to Germany.

The Resistance blew up the ferry when it was over deep water, so it was lost forever.

The film of this story is ‘The Heroes Of Telemark’ and starred Kirk Douglas and Richard Harris.

A ripping yarn.

‘The Boxing Butterfly. A Life of Conviction’, by Margaret Cunneen.SC with Andrew L Urban.

The TV series ‘Janet King’ was based on Margaret Cunneen SC.

This book flips through some of her trials, and delves more deeply into others. Her relationships with victims, the accused, and her philosophies towards the law, life and ethics make for very interesting reading.

Sexually abused as a child, much of her work was with sexual abuse cases.

Margaret pursued the law without the usual university degree, but quickly acquitted herself as a very accomplished prosecutor.

The ‘tall poppy’ syndrome saw silk denied her until late in her career - at 60 years of age, Margaret set up her own practice as a defence lawyer, a challenge which she is accepting with gusto.

The Boxing Butterfly. A Life of Conviction’ by Margaret Cunneen.SC with Andrew L Urban.

Broken by Karen Slaughter

FELIX Teran Giles was born on Monday, August 7 at 11:56am and weighed 2.6kg (5lb 11oz). He is the brother of Oliver Sharp and son of Shantelle Ball and Breanna Giles of Yarrawonga.

HUDSON Daniel Woods-Passmore was born on Tuesday, August 8 at 1:29am and weighed 3.51kg (7lb 11oz). He is the brother of Sebastian, Evelyn, Braydon and Maddison Passmore and son of Vicki Passmore and James Woods of Wangaratta.

Another busy week in the midwifery ward

MIDWIVES and nurses at Northeast Health Wangaratta have been busy with new mums and bubs. 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.

Hudson Daniel Woods-Passmore

Felix Teran Giles

Literary lunch with Chris Hammer

By CHLOE JAENICKE

THE Wangaratta Arts Council held a Literary Lunch on Saturday, August 12 with leading Australian crime author, Chris Hammer, at the Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway.

More than 90 people attended the lunch where Mr Hammer spoke about his writing journey, his enjoyment of the process, the books that brought him acclaim and his upcoming novel.

After a career in journalism and writing non-fiction, Mr Hammer tried his hand at writing fiction with his debut novel ‘Scrublands’ which was released in 2018.

Since then, he has released four other crime novels, ‘Silver’, ‘Trust’, ‘Treasure and Dirt’ and ‘The Tilt’, and will be releasing his sixth novel, ‘The Seven’ in October this year.

CRIME READERS: Joanne and Michael Metzger enjoyed discussing books with others.

READING TOGETHER: Sandra Bishop, Annette Stariha, Sue McGregor and Robyn Jones came to hear Chris Hammer speak about his novels at the literary lunch.

INSPIRED READERS: Jane Delaney and Julie Davey learnt about Chris Hammer’s writing process.

BOOKWORMS: Linda Rendell and Raye Quigley fueled their love of reading by attending the literary lunch.

AVID READERS: Trudi Vincent, Carmel Corrigan, Deb Donovan and Donna Long attended the literary lunch to hear Chris Hammer speak about his writing process.

LITERARY LUNCH: Jane Kaye and Clare Grogan enjoyed the literary lunch on Saturday.

MEETING THE AUTHOR: Liz Long, Bernie Long, Marg Brickhill and Belinda Harrison all had the opportunity to meet author Chris Hammer at the literary lunch.

PHOTOS: Chloe Jaenicke

Productive river lifestyle at edge of town

A RARE opportunity presents itself to secure a unique parcel of land on the banks of the Ovens River, no more than 8km from the Rural City of Wangaratta.

Offered for sale by the Fithall family estate who have owned the property for 30 years, this 118ha allotment is offered for sale by private treaty.

Located on the Wangaratta-Yarrawonga Road and flanked all the way along the northern boundary by the spectacular Ovens River, the property offers secure water supply and a combination of fertile river flats and productive livestockcarrying country.

This property presents a great opportunity to attract a wide range of buyers from

If

primary producers to lifestyle enthusiasts.

This parcel of land would be ideal for buyers looking to secure agricultural land with privacy and good access to water.

The property offers approximately 5-6km of pristine river country and frontage to the very clean Ovens River.

Whether you are seeking an idyllic lifestyle with the opportunity to build your dream home (STCA), or looking to obtain a secure productive grazing block.

The property comprises 54ha of cleared land and 60ha of native bush, plus a further 12ha of leasehold land.

Water provisions include a 24ML high security irrigation licence, extensive Ovens River frontage, frontage to Three Mile

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

Creek, multiple billabongs and is connected to Wangaratta city water supply.

The productive river flats are complemented by an elevated portion of the property, suitable for carrying livestock during wetter periods, or perhaps as a desirable home site.

Located on a sealed road with power and ample water, this rural allotment lends itself to any number of possibilities.

Existing infrastructure includes machinery shedding, a disused shearing shed, steel stockyards and combined steel-timber stockyards and a crush.

To arrange an inspection, please contact Garry Nash at Garry Nash & Co Real Estate.

LEGAL SERVICES Call

Fixed price conveyancing - no surprises

Fixed price Probate applications

Wills and Powers of attorney

Across Victoria and NSW

MICHAEL R COLDHAM & ASSOCIATES SOLICITORS

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

A highly desirable classic home

SET in a prime location, ‘Bellerive’ circa 1949 is where history meets modern elegance.

Reflecting Romanesque style this home is set on a generous allotment of approx. 1100m2, with two separate titles.

The double brick construction was renovated in 2018 by Cleal Constructions and features high-quality fittings and fixtures, including a new kitchen,

new bathroom, new powder room and new laundry.

The kitchen exudes elegance with European Oak timber floorboards, 2pac cabinetry, over bench touch lighting, soft close drawers and convenient pull-out taps.

Entertaining here will be an absolute delight.

Step out through the French doors from the kitchen to the undercover alfresco or fire pit area and enjoy the pri-

vate seasonal gardens.

The property features an oversized shed complete with a wood fire, cedar work benches, power, lighting, and double door entry, providing additional practicality.

‘Bellerive’ holds massive appeal in terms of location, comfort, convenience, ambience and outlook.

Finding a property of this caliber is a rare opportunity.

Mid Century Inspired

31 Perry Street

• Prime central location, solid brick, midcentury modern inspired, 3 bedroom family home set on rare 1,300m2 approx. allotment

• Open-plan living, polished timber floorboards

• Second living space, ideal for a home office or fourth bedroom, & two split systems

• Master incl BIR & private patio overlooking the peaceful & shady backyard

• Expansive yard, 10m x 6m approx shed with concrete floor & power. Rear access.

Vacant Land - 5.49 acres

3 1 2

FOR SALE $545,000

3 split systems

• Landscaped garden, large patio, dbl carport & impressive shed with concrete & power

FOR SALE $575,000

• Experience comfort & style in this inviting weatherboard home comprising of three bedrooms, one bath & separate living room

• Conveniently just a stone’s throw away from local shops & schools, along with the hospital & Wangaratta’s CBD

• Entertain in style with a charming gazebo

• Generous 659m2 approx. allotment, offering plenty

Vacant Land - 51

25-25A Rowan Street

• Established premier service and supply of premium deli, beef, lamb, and chicken to both retail and approved wholesale customers

• Serving wide list of customers regionally from Wangaratta, Yarrawonga, Rutherglen, etc.

• Long lease. Extensive plant & equipment

• Excellent IP in place with ordering website and critical social media accounts

• Strong growing turnover with very favorable returns for a working owner operator

No GST Going Concern

Baker St, Wangaratta | Ph: (03) 5722 2663 garrynash.com.au

Affordable Family Living

27 Wenhams Lane

• 4 bedroom family home with built in robes

• Full ensuite & walk in robe to the master

• Substantial size living room / lounge with open plan kitchen and dining

• Reverse cycle split systems

• Paved entertaining area with wood fire heater and fenced spa

• Secure garage & undercover driveway

• Close to Cathedral College and overlooking parkland with many walking tracks nearby

4 2 3

FOR SALE $609,000

Ovens River Lifestyle

708 Wang-Yarrawonga Rd, Waldara

• Exceptional & tightly held grazing property including 54HA cleared & 60HA native bush

• Magnificent river Red Gums, extensive river frontage, numerous billabongs & city water

• Machinery & disused shearing shed, power connected, steel & steel/timber stockyards

• 24 Meg high security irrigation licence

• Approximately 12.8 HA of leasehold land

• Outstanding opportunity to secure a quality rural asset positioned only 8km from the Rural City of Wangaratta in a growth corridor. Inspection highly recommended.

Land 118 hectares / 291 acres

FOR SALE $2,200,000

TENANTED

Gordon Gibson 40-42 Rowan St

• Est. in 1976, market leader with expertise in irrigation design, pumping system installation and retail supply across North East Victoria and Southern NSW.

• Domestic, commercial & industrial clientele

• Turnover $2.5m+. Fully equipped workshop

• Extensive plant and equipment

• EBITDA exceeding $250k

• New & secure lease for incoming purchaser

• Vendors will assist with transition of ownership

NDIS Tenant in New

80 Docker Street

Build

• 2022 constructed 8 bedroom (all with WIRs), 8 bathroom residential investment with shared kitchen, living, dining & laundry

• Two (2) year lease commenced 19th September 2022 with 2 x 2 Options to renew

• Current net rent approx. $74,877 p.a. plus GST

• Substantial chattels list included with the sale as well as depreciation benefits

• In Wangaratta’s ‘Health Precinct’ and close to North East Health Wangaratta

No GST

NEW LISTING

Wangaratta

762m24 22

Central, Quiet & Space

For Sale $595,000

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L22184166

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Danial Siperki

M 0400 027 473

Wangaratta

763m23 22

Renovated with a great Shed

For Sale $495,000-$515,000

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L19193554

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Paul Reid

M 0417 537 520

NEW LISTING NEW LISTING

Wangaratta

522m23

3300m23

Wangaratta 5 Filandra Street

813m23 22

Quality Built

For Sale Contact Agent View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L23810217

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Danial Siperki

M 0400 027 473

4.9Ac3 22

Family Living In Oxley

For Sale $985,000

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L21808529

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Paul Reid

M 0417 537 520

NEW LISTING

Waldara

Londrigan 400 Boralma-Tarrawingee Rd

NEW LISTING NEW LISTING NEW LISTING

40Ac3 12

Magnificent Creek Setting on 40Ac

For Sale $1,150,000-$1,220,000

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L20831928

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Paul Reid M 0417 537 520

Harcourts Wangaratta

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/

Hugh

Sale

For

Joe McKenzie M 0423 655 179 Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta Wangaratta 42-48 Osboldstone Road 6070m2 variety of businesses

For Sale

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/ L22947041

Hugh Amery M 0487 777 311

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Joe McKenziePaul ReidHugh AmeryDanial Siperki

Installation helps EVs charge ahead in Bright

By BRODIE EVERIST

SUSTAINABILITY advocates and the Bright and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry have welcomed the installation of a new 50kW DC fast charger in Bright’s Wills Street, behind the IGA.

The new Evie-branded charging station has a CHAdeMO charger, used on the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, and a Combined Charging System (CCS) charger, common on cars from European and US manufacturers.

Bruce Hore, technology and telecommunications spokesman for the chamber of commerce said the charger helps eliminate range anxiety for EV owners.

“Range anxiety is still a thing and while there is fast charging for Teslas located in nearby Ovens, this charger is the first independent, multi-brand, DC fast charger along the Great Alpine Road and opens up the entire Myrtleford to Omeo route, via Mount Hotham or Falls Creek, to all electric vehicles,” he said.

“That provides confidence for a whole range of new visitors, offering charging options that will reduce charging anxiety and encourage longer stays.”

According to the chamber, they have also been encouraging members to install AC ‘Type 3’ chargers

that allow visitors to charge at accommodation and destination attractions that will further elevate range anxiety while ensuring those venues will receive a higher rating in search engines.

“Now that people are searching for charging options within their top three requirements for destination, we need to get ahead of our competition,” Mr Hore said.

“A full charge overnight with off peak rates can be below $10, with

Volkswagen T-Cross

Rebuilding continues on Bogong High Plains Road

CREWS continue to rebuild the slope on the Bogong High Plains Road, located above Bogong Village between Mount Beauty and Falls Creek, following last year’s landslide which kept the road closed for almost six months.

Around 20,000 square metres of biodegradable mesh has recently been installed to further reduce chances of erosion following heavy rainfall events.

Twenty-five temporary sensors have also been strategically positioned across the face of the sloped as an additional safety measure.

the technology now able to control when to charge and even integrate to use only excess solar generation.”

Scott Brandon, president of the Bright and District Chamber of Commerce said DC fast charging opens up the area for local businesses and suppliers to consider the opportunities that electric vehicles can provide.

According to Evie Networks, the 50kW DC fast charger should take between 20 and 60 minutes

to fully charge an electric vehicle.

According to a recent report from the Electric Vehicles Council, EVs are projected to make up over eight per cent of all new car sales in Australia this year, and Mr Lambert said that recent growth in sales was reflected in the number of EVs he has seen in the region.

The charger was installed through a partnership between the Alpine Shire Council, Evie Networks and the State Government.

Upgrades to the affected section include drainage and earthworks, major excavation, asphalt resurfacing, installing guardrails, road strengthening, line-marking, and installing new guideposts and signs. The 300-metre section of road remains open to a single lane of traffic with alternating flow, controlled by traffic signals and with a 40km/h speed limit for the duration of this year’s winter snow season, as works continue to restore two lanes.

There are no restrictions on the type of vehicles that can use Bogong High Plains Road now that access has been restored, except for those that require a permit, such as oversize trucks.

MRPV also encourage cyclists to avoid the area if possible.

PLUG IN: Bruce Hore (left) and Dennis Lambert at the new charging station on Wills Street in Bright.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

wangarattachronicle.com.au THE CHRONICLE, Friday, August 18, 2023 - Page 27

Rural City Connection

Public notices

Wangaratta Digital Hub

We are excited to announce the Wangaratta Digital Hub is now open! Come and see us for device-support, meeting rooms, internet access, and co-working spaces Tuesdays to Thursdays, 9am-5pm, or book a meeting room via digitalhub@wangaratta.vic.gov.au

Public notices

Please join us to hear more about Electric Vehicles!

This event is being held in partnership with Wangaratta Landcare & Sustainability and will be an opportunity to learn the basics of Electric Vehicle ownership including, how they work, the cost to buy and run, how they connect to our homes and how you charge them at home and on the road.

For more information and to book your free ticket please visit, https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/ Residents/Events/Electric-Vehicles-Show-Tellage

Dean Rees Mayor 0429 623 141 d.rees@wangaratta.vic.gov.au

Contact

Box

Wangaratta,

Kindergarten Enrolments Open

If you are looking to send your child to kindergarten in 2024 Wangaratta Children’s Services have places available! There are integrated and sessional programs available for both 3 and 4-year-olds.

For more information, please visit https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/ Residents/Families-and-children

Harry Bussell Deputy Mayor 0429 475 863 h.bussell@wangaratta.vic.gov.au

- Monday

Ashlee Fitzpatrick City Ward 0448 384 600 a.fitzpatrick@wangaratta.vic.gov.au

David Fuller City Ward 0429 545 907 d.fuller@wangaratta.vic.gov.au

Nominations are now open for the Rural City of Wangaratta’s Australia Day Awards 2024. Anyone can nominate a citizen, young citizen, community event or project that has inspired them over the last year. Nominations close at 4pm, Friday 3 November 2023

Expressions of interest

Summer in the Parks

Expressions of interest are now open for local organisations interested in hosting events for this year’s Summer in the Parks program.

Each year a series of free events are held in our local parks for the community to come together and celebrate Summer.

You might host an outdoor fitness class, a market or a festival, or perhaps a puppy play date!

If you would like to host an event between 1 December 2023 and 14 February 2024, please let us know, www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/ summerintheparkseoi

Tenders

T4597 Weed vegetation and pest control services in Native Vegetation Areas

Tender closes at 5pm on Monday 21 August 2023

C41178 Merriwa Park Retaining Wall - Stage 2

Tender closes at 2pm on Wednesday 30 August 2023

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

Positions vacant

Accountant

Maintenance Worker Compliance Coordinator

Gender Equity & FFV Project Advisor

Information Management Administrator

Town Planner

Community Care Worker

Child Care Educator

Personal Trainer 30

Group Fitness Instructor

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

Irene Grant Warby Ward 0428 189 249 i.grant@wangaratta.vic.gov.au

Contact

Harvey Benton North Ward 0429 542 928 h.benton@wangaratta.vic.gov.au

Jack Herry City Ward 0400 669 615 j.herry@wangaratta.vic.gov.au

Baseball H&A season is coming to close

RANGERS had a massive 13 players turn up for the last game before finals in the U15s which kept their coach busy giving everyone a game.

SKY HIGH: Manni Poulos, Allister Olsson, Neil Spurgen and Debbie Brunken stay

Oxley’s social table tennis competition.

Oxley table tennis comes waltzing in

WHILE the Matildas continue to dance to their own tune, 25 players came waltzing to the Oxley hall for last Monday night’s social table tennis competition.

Debbie Brunken had her sleeves up from the first bounce of the ball, pairing up with ‘king’ Richard Morgan in a battle with the ‘older but wiser’ pairing of Erica Pike and June Uebergang.

After holding their ground early in the match, Pike and Uebergang’s game ground to a halt, leaving Brunken and Morgan to raise the victory sign.

When Simon Brown rolled up, everyone knew they’d have to put their skates on to match his spin on the game, as he paired with Adam Bosley against Alison and Graham Stephens.

After travelling side by side for most of the journey, the ‘b doubles’

SCOREBOARD

JUBILEE GOLF CLUB

AUGUST 12

Ladies Stableford

Winner: Yogi Naidoo 39

Ball Winners: Kellie Roberts 37

NTP: 8th Val Ellis, 13th Kellie

Roberts.

Saturday, August 12 - Stableford

A Grade Winner: Rodney Seibre

39. B Grade Winner: Adrian Speziale

36. C Grade Winner: Zac Guilfoyle 39.

D Grade Winner: Thomas Johnstone

39.

Ball Winners: Alex Gibbs 38, Rhys

Rigoni 37, Gary Walder 37, Shane Andrewartha 37, Malcom Ellis 37, Alex Jones 36, Jack Reiter 36, Pat

Earnst 35, Gordon Paterson 35, Jack Stamp 35, Daniel McPhee 34, Ian Mills 34c/b.

Super Nine Club Shirt: Thomas Johnstone 22.

Aroma Deli: Keith Moorehead

21c/b.

2 Balls: Shane Andrewartha

21c/b.

NTP: 4th Thomas Aggett, 8th Gordon Paterson, 13th Thomas Aggett, 17th Paul Cornelious.

Sunday, August 13 - Stableford

A Grade: Joe Marjanovic 40. B

Grade: Martin Hill 40.

Ball Winners: Tashi Tenzing 38, Michael Cordier 36, Brendan Cairns 34, Tom Arnold 32.

NTP: 4th Michael Cordier, 8th Tom Arnold, 13th Joe Marjanovic, 17th

Leigh Simons.

Tuesday, August 15

Stableford 4th round of weekday aggregate

Winner: Carol Myles 30.

Ball Winners: Di Murphy 28, Lianne Graham 28, Mary Jones 26

NTP: 4th Di Murphy, 13th

Lianne Graham, 17th Lianne

Graham

Wednesday, August 16 - Stroke

of Brown and Bosley passed them to win by a whisker.

Jason Mullins and Pete Spring eyed the big picture when they put the ‘the man of Manni parts’ and Neil Spurgeon in their sights.

A great match to watch with big smiles and handshakes celebrating a win by all.

It was as clear as black and white that Neil Brock and Graham Stephens would throw their all when the lined up against newcomer Mick Gerrasconi and Jason Mullins.

Brock’s speed complimented Stephens table coverage, but Gerrasconi and Mullins had the ball on a string, as they tied it all up to register the win.

Teenagers Phoebe Bosley and Archie Crispin gave Kate Cole and Clive Brooker a run for their money in a holds barred game.

It was a toe-to toe battle of the

A Grade Winner: Pat Ernst 68. B

Grade Winner: Ian Mills 68. C Grade

Winner: Peter Ford 69.

Ball Winners: Ian Weidemann 70, Martin VanRhee 70, Brian Wallace 71, Peter Geldens 71, Andrew Walker N72, Steve Fisher 73, Micheal Monro 73.

NTP: 4th Gordon Paterson, 8th Glenn Hunt, 13th Glenn Hunt, 17th Glenn O’Connell.

WANGARATTA

GOLF CLUB

RESULTS

WGC Competitions: Week ending August 13

Women’s Competition: 18 Hole Stroke

August 8

Winner: Karen Smith Nett 72

Medal Winner.

Runner Up: Julie McInnes.

Ball Winners: Barb Thomas, Ros Gormly, Helen Tate, Jill Halbwidl, Jenny Kerr.

NTP 13th: Julie McInnes.

Mens Competition: 9 Hole

Stableford

August 9

Winner: Daymn Hoffard 18 C/B

Points. Runner Up: Ray Hutton 18

Points.

Ball Winner: Craig Donoghue, Phillip Winnell.

Mens Competition: 18 Hole

Stableford

Winner: Ethan Bell 36 C/B Points.

Runner Up: Matt Ring 36 Points.

Ball Winner: Rod Moyle, Scott Thomson.

NTP 4th Matt Ring, 7th Rod Moyle, 9th Matt Ring, 13th Arnold Sparks, 16th Ethan Bell.

Men’s Competition: 18 Stableford

August 12

Winner: Ian Rundell 38 C/B Points.

Runner Up: Matt Ring 38 C/B Points.

brave, but it was the old heads who prevailed, winning 21-20.

It seemed mother and daughter Katie and Marnie ‘would bury’ the hopes of their opponents ‘Smith Street’ Sue McGregor and ‘Will to win’ Bonwick in their laughter filled encounter.

The lead seesawed from point to point, but it was Katie and Marnie who had the last laugh.

Young in age but mature in ability, Allister Olsson and Hugh Spring made it clear to Martin Butcher and Mick Gerrasconi size counted for nothing in this game.

A very even contest finally ended with a ‘penalty shootout’.

Adults and secondary school students of all ages and abilities are welcome to join the weekly social competition on Monday night, beginning at 7pm.

Bring your own bat, $2 entry and a plate to share.

Ball Winners: Rob Holloway, Colin Wyllie, Gary Stone.

NTP: 4th John Southwell, 7th Gary Stone, 9th Ian Rundell, 11th Trevor Cooper, 13th Rob Holloway, 16th Rob Holloway.

Secret 6: Rob Holloway.

Raffle Winner: Denis Hill.

Medley Stableford: 9 & 18 Hole Competition

August 13

9 Hole Winner: Ray Hutton 15 Points. 9 Hole Runner Up: Bob Haynes 10 Points. 18 Hole Winner: Glen Seymour 38 Points. 18 Hole Runner Up: Kurt Schubert 37 Points.

CROQUET

RESULTS for Monday, August 14 are as follows:

Nathan Reynolds and Elaine McDonald d Lauren Kazenwadel and Elaine Mudge 7/3, Margaret Bennett and Wendy Waddington d Joan Guttormsen and Susan Fischer 7/5, Dawn Wind and Christine Ireland d Maureen O’Keefe and Gabi Heywood 7/6, Andy Barbero and Robyn Muller d Wendy Burgess and Elise Downes 7/3, Joan Dyson d Yvonne McLaughlin 7/5.

Last weekend Andy Barbero competed in the Victorian Selectors Invitation event held in Melbourne and was undefeated for the two day event, eventually winning the final 10/8 from Phil Shattock of Ringwood Croquet Club.

On Monday, Dawn Wind cleared an opposition ball from 15 yards and as a result her ball ran the hoop, much to her surprise!

On Tuesday we hosted 25 year eight students from Cathedral College, with several club members attending to supervise and show them how to play Golf Croquet.

The students, boys and girls,

Rangers scored three runs in their first inning, then Tanner Godenzi and Makayla Pool teamed well as pitcher/catcher to get Panthers out three up, three down in each of their first three turns at bat.

Jessie Hoare batted well for Rangers having three safe hits from her three plate appearances while teammate Oscar Maiden hit a two baser and a home run in this two turns at bat.

Rangers went on to win 13 runs to Panthers three.

Panthers turned the result around in the under 12’s game with both teams batting through the seven batter rule in the first innings with Rangers scoring six runs and Panthers five.

Panthers did not lose a runner in their next two innings adding seven runs in each, while Rangers scored five runs in the second then left bases loaded after adding only one more run in the third dig.

All but two of Panthers players had two safe hits with Lincoln Hughes their best with the bat having three safe hits, while Ryder Penny had three safe hits for three plate appearances for Rangers.

Panthers won 25 runs to Rangers 12.

In the C Grade game, Wangaratta Rangers could not get bat to ball in their first four turns at bat and when they did, they were put out before reaching first base safely.

enjoyed the visit and many indicated a desire to return for further games.

Club members Maureen O’Keefe and Andy Barbero are training with the squad to represent the North East against Goulburn Valley in November.

Playing days are Monday, Wednesday and Saturday commencing at 1pm.

Visitors are welcome to come down and enjoy some games with our members.

Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow for the draw to be done.

Late arrivals will be included in the next game.

The club is located at 46 Ryan Avenue, Wangaratta.

For further information please contact president Susan Fischer on 0417217009 or secretary Terry Wilson on 0417326739.

WARBY WALKERS

August 15 Alpine Views Track Warby Ovens NP

There were 15 bushwalkers on this adventure, and we all gathered at Wenham’s Camp just after 9am for an early start.

The distance planned for walk was about 12 kilometres, and we had a beautiful blue sky, with a top temperature of about 15C.

Setting off, we followed Friends Track to the west and made the detour to Kwat Kwat Lookout, where we had a very scenic morning tea, sharing the views with a very elegant wedge-tailed eagle.

We are not sure as to what exactly was the eagle’s intended prey; was it us bushwalkers, our morning tea or Pat’s bag of confectionery snakes.

Regardless, this eagle gave us an excellent display of determination,

All though Panthers were bringing in some runs each inning, they were kept from breaking away by good fielding by Rangers and leaving bases loaded when they lost their third out.

Panthers won 11 runs to Rangers four.

The A Grade game was the usual tight, low scoring game for the first three innings with Wangaratta Rangers Black lading Panthers by two runs at the top of the fourth.

Rangers broke away in their turn at bat when they scored another seven runs from safe hits batting to the outfield then stopped Panthers from adding to their score in their turn at bat.

A change of pitcher by Rangers suited Panthers as they started to bat safely and put runs on the board, but Rangers held on to win by six runs.

Rangers 12, Panthers six.

Brendan Cameron had three safe hits for Rangers, while Dean Anders led Panthers with two.

The last round of home and away games will be held at Targoora Park, Wangaratta this Sunday.

A Grade: Panthers vs Bears, Rangers Black vs Warriors.

B Grade: Panthers vs Warriors, Rangers Orange vs Rangers Grey, Bears vs Bandits.

C Grade: Panthers vs Bears, Rangers vs Warriors.

Under 12’s: Panthers vs Rangers, Bears go straight to the grand final. Under 15’s: Warriors vs Bears, Rangers go straight to the grand final.

style, systems and procedures.

As well, the views of the high country were excellent, as were the vista of the surrounding flood plain. We then retreated slightly so as to rejoin Friends Track, and then the left turn onto the Alpine Views Track.

There were some more great views on this descent, and we subsequently took the turn-off to Mount Warby, where we had lunch, once more enjoying the gorgeous blue sky.

Heading downslope from the Mount to Wenham’s, we had a very enjoyable early afternoon tea to conclude our adventure.

Total travel time was about five hours, and we all passed comment on the wattle blooms.

There were also signs of movement from some of the wildflowers – more of that in September.

Coming Events

Saturday, August 19. Bungalow Spur to Federation Hut, snowline walk

Trevor, 0458 361 417

A hard walk of approximately 18k along the Bungalow Spur Track from Harrietville to the snowline or Federation Hut tucked into the tree line, and return.

The track passes through Alpine Ash Forest to the Snow Gum Forest higher up.

Elevation starts at about 560m and climbs to about 1700m at Federation Hut.

Saturday, September 2

Barry Falls, Eldorado. Jeanette, 0417 546 974

An easy loop walk of about 10k; gentle climbs and one short steep descent, mostly on gravel roads and some bush tracks, to Barry Falls in the Chiltern Mt Pilot National Park.

ready in their match during

PHOTO: Jason Mullins

INPERSONBYPHONESELLING

37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677 5723 0101 classifieds@ nemedia.com.au Chronicle

WHENTO BOOK BYEMAIL

2pm business day prior to print

ACAR BUY ONLINE

2 WEEKS REGIONAL WITH PICTURE from $42 General Classifieds: wangarattachronicle.com.au

Employment: northeastjobs.com.au

Real Estate: northeastproperty.com.au

WANGARATTA’S MARKET PLACE WITH OVER 40,000 READERS EACH WEEK IN PRINT AND ONLINE

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Wangaratta Clay Target Club Inc.

Thursday, August 31, 2023, 6.30pm. All members invited. Light supper provided. At the Club rooms, Detour Road, North Wangaratta. Contact President Angelo Grassi. Ph 0429 365 215.

LARGE 2 bedroom, self-contained unit, carport, storage shed, fenced yard, suit quite couple/person, $320 per week plus bond. Ph 0427 279 526.

MIKO

Smokin Hot 20’s Sweet Lil Spicy

Awesome GFE 0411 312 977

SWA10618XE

IRONBARK

Machinery, automotive and small engine servicing and repairs, trailer repairs and professional welding services. Ph 03 5722 4460.

LAWNMOWING , quality work at a competitive price. Phone Paul 0431 945 320.

MARKS Lawn Care, reasonable prices, ride on mowing, edging, clean up, spraying and any waste removal. Ph 0427 603 156.

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

LOCAL domestic cleaner available 2 hours weekly. Ph 0466 643 511.

MECHANICAL and earthmoving repairs. Pre-season repairs and servicing, breakdowns and call-outs on Ag and earthmoving equipment, dam cleaning, boundary prep and drainage. Phone Tenny 0400 232 760

TENDERS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

EMPLOYMENT

Municipal Building Surveyor

Yackandandah

Community Hub and Outreach

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

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

DOG TRAINER , behavioural assessments, strategic programs, implementing positive outcomes. E frank@ franksdogtraining.au or 0418 314 610.

To Visit Visited

DECEASED estate, take 2, more of a huge range new and preloved items, indoor and outdoor furniture (new flat packs), home and garden wares, motor, other tools, books, cd’s and dvd’s, August 19, 9am -1pm, 18 Dundas Street Wangaratta, please no early callers.

To Visit Visited

SATURDAY, 9am2.30pm, 103 Vincent Road, Wangaratta, garage sale, car parts, baby items, clothing, books etc.

classifieds@nemedia.com.au

Registrations sought for Commercially Registered Builders for ST ANNE’S COLLEGE – KIALLA

Stage 3A extension to the existing new college previously on green field site.

Total building extension approx. 1500m2 with roads, parking and landscaping. Tenderer’s registration to include and will be evaluated on the following criteria: Submission quality; Previous relevant company experience; Personnel experience; Current commitments; Perceived financial viability; References or past experience with client and design team; Proximity and Perceived ability to provide an appropriate service on this project.

Registration does not imply selection on limited tender list.

Documents expected to be released to selected tender list in September 2023. Registrations by email only by September 1, 2023 to kenwoodman@no42architects.com.au

Contact: Ken Woodman 0427 424 201.

Head Chef Wangaratta, Yarra Valley and High Country VIC Chefs/Cooks (Hospitality and Tourism)

Full time

$80,000 – $95,000 per year

The Pinsent Hotel is a busy pub with an abundance of history attached to it, located in the beautiful regional city of Wangaratta. Our historical Hotel has 11 rooms, large bistro, sports bar and gaming. Being right in the heart of the High Country region of Victoria, we are fortunate to have so many opportunities to source and incorporate local product into our dishes.

We are looking for an excited and passionate Head Chef to lead and to continue to encourage our team of professionals to work to their full potential. This role will have you working in conjunction with our Executive Chef to oversee all kitchen operations and become an integral part of our professional and hard-working kitchen team.

Benefits include:

Ideally, you will have:

Head Chef high volume environment your team

Upper Murray Family Care Board Director

Upper Murray Family Care (UMFC) is seeking applications from community members interested in joining its Board of Directors.

UMFC is governed by a skills-based Board of up to nine members and through a retirement is seeking to fill one vacancy. We welcome applications from community members with lived experience and/or who are a member of our Aboriginal community. For more information and how to apply: Please email or contact CEO and Secretary, Felicity Williams, email: fwilliams@umfc.com.au, or phone 02 6055 8000, or visit our website www.umfc.com.au/work-with-us/opportunities.

Applications close on 4 September 2023

Cookery Qualification run a busy service with both kitchen and front of house staff of initiative

can assist in growing the business

Applications to phemployment@southfork.com.au.

To apply for this job go to: careers.umfc.com.au/Vacancies

Scan the QR code to find out more.

Strengthening families and individuals to build vibrant communities

CreditCard& Eftposfacilities

Why not charge your advertisement to Mastercard or Visa? 5723 0101

JOBS AT INDIGO

EMPLOYMENT

Cellar Door Customer Sales

Pfeiffer Wines is searching for a passionate wine lover to join our cellar door team based in Rutherglen, Victoria.

We are looking for someone that has a ‘can do’ attitude and a knack for talking to people from all walks of life. You will be an extension of our family, sharing our story and our exciting and award-winning range of wines, with happy customers. This is a Wednesday to Saturday position with the option for job sharing. We are a people first, inclusive business, that believes everyone has the same chance to achieve their goals and succeed in their careers. Sociable work hours (usually 9am - 5.30pm) and wine discounts apply. The position also offers ongoing wine education with our winemaker, Jen Pfeiffer.

To apply for this position please email your CV and cover letter to Kylie Barton – Sales and Marketing Manager cellardoor@pfeifferwines.com.au

Applications Close Thursday, August 31, 2023

Pfeiffer Wines | 167 Distillery Road Wahgunyah | 3687 +61 2 6033 2805

James Halliday 5 Star Winery 2010-2024

WE ARE HIRING Whitlands Engineering Whitlands Engineering

WELDER/ BOILER MAKER

Whitlands Engineering aka SuperAxe is located in North East Victoria, manufacturing world class firewood processing machinery.

We are looking to expand our team further and are seeking a full-time person with experience in fabrication & welding. Your skills will be utilised in the fabrication of various chassis builds and componentry.

The workshop location is 35 mins from Mansfield (20 mins from Whitfield) in the High Country.

Work hours are 7.30am to 4pm Monday to Friday

Whitlands Engineering is an equal opportunity employer. Remuneration will be commensurate with experience.

Please call Sarah Carroll on 03 5729 7577 for more information or submit your resume and cover letter to hr@superaxe.com.au

Vineyard Machine/Tractor Operator

Casual

About us: Brown Family Wine Group, an innovative family-owned multi brand wine business, is one of Australia’s most loved and trusted wine companies. We have evolved from a single brand to a family of brands that now includes Brown Brothers, Devil’s Corner, Pirie, Tamar Ridge and Innocent Bystander.  We are a proud and passionate business who are strong on values and culture. Most recently we have been certified as “A Great Place to Work” and are committed to honouring this recognition throughout all aspects of the business.

About the Vineyard: The spectacular 118 ha Banksdale Vineyard site growing predominantly the Prosecco variety is in the King Valley, Northeast Victoria, and situated at an elevation of 450 metres. It’s located approximately 35 km south of Wangaratta and 40 km east of Benalla. We constantly strive for continued improvement in quality, value and the long-term health of the vineyard.

About the Role: As a machine operator, tasks will vary daily and include all general vineyard maintenance (trellis & irrigation) as well as the operation of vineyard equipment for the purposes of slashing, spraying, fertilising and chemical application and canopy management.

About the person: Armed with a “can-do” attitude and a current driver’s licence and own transport, your previous experience in viticulture/agriculture/horticulture would be a bonus. Ideally you will have machine/tractor operation experience and the flexibility to undertake a variety of general vineyard duties as and when required.

What’s on Offer:

Above award wages

An “office” with a view!

Generous product discounts

Be part of a passionate and dedicated team

If you have a good level of physical fitness and prepared to work outside in varying weather conditions, we would love to hear from you. Apply now by sending your application to careers@brownfwg.com.au prior to close of business on 25 August 2023.

Nursery Assistant

Part time (30 – 38 hours per week)

The Victorian Alps Nursery is managed by Mt Hotham Alpine Resort, located in Ovens between the picturesque townships of Bright and Myrtleford.

The Nursery is a specialist Australian alpine plant producer and provides a wide variety of high quality indigenous alpine, subalpine and lowland tubestock to a variety of land managers and Alpine Resorts to support environmental restoration programs.

As a Nursery Assistant, you will have the opportunity immerse yourself in the propagation of flora that is unique to the alpine region and assist the Nursery Manager to deliver day to day tasks across all areas of nursery operations. This position offers fantastic opportunities to learn and progress in a unique environment. The successful candidate will ideally have trade qualifications in Horticulture or a similar equivalent field, however support to the correct candidate to undertake training to support the role will be considered. Further information about the role can be obtained through seek.com. For a copy of the position description or any questions relating to the role, please email: rebeccaread@mthotham.com.au. Please submit your current resume and cover letter outlining your interest for this role via SEEK or rebeccaread@mthotham.com.au.

Applications close 5pm, Friday, August 25.

MAZDA BT-50, 2008, WIT-90, 122,500kms, VGC, drives very well, new tyres, $14,990. Ph. 0448 774 415.

HOLDEN Colorado, 2014, auto, 124,000km, dual cab, 4x4, (1EF3ZE), bull bar, UHF, tonneau and tub rack, tow bar, RWC, A/T tyres, side steps, good condition in and out, $28,900 inspection welcome. Ph 0482 586 700.

HARLEY Davidson 2006, 1200c xl 1200r sportster roadster cruiser, 5 spd manual, 7640km, p ristine condition, V IN 5HD1CLP186K 455114, plus leathe r jacket, helmet, gloves and backpack, $11,500. Ph 0412 874 585.

1993 Subaru Brumby 4WD Ute, (XAY493) Vicroads Reg. due July 30, 2024, 177,500km, $6000 ONO. Ph 0466 887 788.

OLD cars wanted, cars removed. Ph 0435 083 115.

MOWER, heavy duty, CMX 186 Razorbac k brush cutter, rops fram, winch and tow/seat belt. Ph 0412 874 585 for price.

CARPENTER”S power tools for sale and builder items. Ph 0429 664 152.

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

DEATH NOTICES

BENSLEY, Rodney Wayne ‘Rod’.

29/10/1948 – 13/8/2023

Passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family after a long valiantly fought illness of Sunday, August 13, 2023.

Dearly loved husband of Heather. Loved father of Melinda, Andrea and Christie. Father-in-law of Greg, Steve and Peter. Devoted Grandpa of Lily, Noah, Chloe, Fletcher and Milla. ‘Forever in our hearts’.

The Celebration of Life for the late Rod Bensley will be held at The Chapel, Conway Funeral Home, 20 South St, Wodonga at 1pm on Thursday, August 24, 2023. A private cremation will follow.

Wodonga and Myrtleford

Ph: (02) 6024 1093

FALCONER, Marj.

18/9/1946 – 16/8/2023

Passed away peacefully at St Catherine’s with loved ones by her side.

Adored wife of Bob, beloved mother and mother-in-law of Jennie and Mark, Ben and Corina.

Inspirational Nanna and biggest fan of grandkids Olivia, Bailey, Charlotte, Erika, and Ryan. Forever in our hearts, minds and being. Love you to the moon and back. Loved and cherished by all.

HILL, Patricia “Pat”.

DEATH NOTICES

PRATT, Kevin Robert Birch.

1939 – 2023

Passed away at Northeast Health Wangaratta with family by his side. Much loved husband of Margaret. Loving Dad of Shayne, Paul and Jayson. Our bridge over troubled waters.

PRENDERGAST, Pat Margaret.

Passed away at St John’s Respect Aged Care on August 16, 2023.

Aged 92 years.

Loving wife of John (dec).

Much loved mother of Sandra and Peter.

Life Member of the Wangaratta Rovers FNC and Wangaratta CFA.

Many thanks to the staff at St John’s for their care and support over the years.

PRENDERGAST, Patricia “Pat”.

PRENDERGAST, Pat.

Farewell to one of the Wangaratta Rovers’ all-time great supporters.

A life member and volunteer for over sixty years.

FRAWLEY, Ivan.

The Committee of Management, Management, Staff and Residents of St Catherine’s extend our deepest sympathy to Gavin, Helena and family on Ivan’s passing.

Passed away on 10/8/2023 at NHW.

Dearly loved sister and sister-in-law of Kath and Geoff (dec).

Adored Aunt of Pam, Jen, Deb and their families.

Forever in our hearts.

GROOM

Born Parkes, NSW 3/12/1934

Died Melbourne 12/8/2023

Aged 88 years.

Happily married to Brian Groom for 66 years. Dedicated mother of Doug and Sally. Mother-in-law to Rosa Groom and Paul Hunt. Adored grandmother of Ivano, Claudia, Gabriel and Julian.

Jo excelled in a variety of occupations including: Nursing, Teacher, Librarian, part owner of Avalon Vineyard in the King Valley.

Operator of Noah’s Ark Toy Library; Aged Care Supervisor at ADDASS – Moyhu;

Author: “Chinese Pioneers of the King Valley”

A kind-hearted woman with a quiet intelligence and a great sense of humour. She will be sadly missed. R.I.P.

PRENDERGAST, Patricia.

The Chairman, Board, Management and members of CFA regret the passing of their colleague and sympathy to Peter and family.

Patricia was a dedicated member of the Wangaratta Fire Brigade, serving for 60 years.

On behalf of the volunteers and staff of District 23, we would like to offer our sincere condolences to Peter and family on the passing of Patricia.

Patricia was a very valued member of the Wangaratta Fire Brigade having served as a volunteer until her passing totalling more than 60 years.

Patricia, you will be truly missed !

DEATH NOTICES

WISE, Graeme David.

Passed away peacefully at Illoura Aged Care Wangaratta on Tuesday August 15, 2023. Aged 88 years.

Dearly loved husband of Sophie.

Loving Dad of Andrew and Simone (dec) and Jane, Diane and Greg Crockett, Julie and Barney Parker, Denis (dec), and Justin.

Hawkins, Noel (Bully) and Glenda Wise, Robert and Judy (both dec), Keith and Dot, and Barry.

Cherished Pop of Xavier and Bec, Yasmin and Arran, Sam and Brodie, Kirsty, Brad and Michelle and Nick.

Adored Grandpop of Bowie, Minerva, Vivienne, Oscar, Edward, Miles, Blake and Indiana.

A gentle nature, a heart of gold, One of the best this world could hold GO TIGES!!

WISE, Graeme. Loved brother of Lorraine and Cliff (dec) Hawkins. Love uncle of Daryl, Wayne, Jason and families. Rest in Peace.

WISE, Graeme. Loved brother, brother-in-law and uncle of Noel, Glenda, Russell, Cheryl, Allison and their families. Resting peacefully.

WISE, Graeme David.

WISE, Graeme David.

Care are saddened deepest sympathy

PRATT

The graveside funeral service for Mr Kevin Robert Birch Pratt will be held at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery, Mason Street, Wangaratta on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 2pm.

PRESSER

Friends, relatives and those whose hearts have been touched by Pat, are invited to celebrate her life with her family.

The funeral service to celebrate the life of Mrs Patricia Presser will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Friday August 25, 2023 commencing at 10.30am. Private cremation will follow. Pat’s service will be available to view via livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming/

MASTROIANNI

Requiem Mass for the Repose of the Soul of Mr Andrew Justin (Drew) Mastroianni will

Burial will follow at the

PRENDERGAST

classifieds@nemedia.com.au

5723

RIP. Loved brother of Keith, brother-inlaw of Dorothy and Uncle of Trevor and Sharon Prentice and families.

WISE, Graeme. Deepest sympathy to the family on the sad passing of life member Graeme.

FUNERALS

PRESSER (Burnett), Patricia Mary.

Late of Wangaratta, Victoria and formerly of Eden, NSW.

26/12/1935 – 14/8/2023

Aged 87 and ¾ years.

Passed away peacefully at St John’s Respect with family. Much loved wife of Laurie (dec). Beloved mother of Vicki, Margi, Jim, Mick and Kay. Loving Nan of 6 grandsons, 1 granddaughter and a Great Nan to her great grandchildren.

FALCONER

The service to celebrate the life of Mrs Marj Falconer will be held in the Oxley Hall, 1157 Snow Rd, Oxley, on Thursday, August 24, 2023, commencing at 10.30am.

A private burial will have preceded this celebration.

A funeral service to honour the life of Mrs Pat Prendergast will be held at North East Funerals, 184 Greta Road Wangaratta on Thursday, August 24, 2023 commencing at 10.30am. Following the service, interment will take place at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery.

WISE

Funeral Prayers for Mr Graeme David Wise will be offered in St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ford Street, Wangaratta on Thursday August 24, 2023 at 2pm. Burial will follow at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery.

Forever in our Hearts

A donation in memory of Marj can be made to Breast Cancer Network Australia at www.bcna-donations.raisely.com/ or the Olivia Newton John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre at www.olivia-newtonjohn-cancer-wellness-andresearch-centre.raisely.com/ classifieds@nemedia.com.au Phone: 03 5723 0101

WHYTE (nee Stebbing)

A funeral service to celebrate the life of Yvonne will be held on Monday, August 21, at North East Funerals, 184 Greta Road Wangaratta, commencing at 11am. Burial will follow the service at the Tarrawingee Cemetery.

Jocelyn “Jo”

ELLIS, Joan Veronica.

Max, Brian, Amanda and Bernadette wish to thank all our wonderful family and friends for all their support and kindness at this sad time. Some having travelled a great distance. Thank you to Mason Park Funerals for their professionalism, caring and understanding. Please accept this as our personal thanks. He has taken our Angel back.

O’FLAHERTY, Barbara Kathryn.

THANK YOU for the love and support that has been extended to us at this time.

Your valued personal visits, flowers, cards, phone calls, social media messages and meals have helped ease our loss and are very much appreciated by the family. A sincere thank you to all those who attended Barbara’s funeral.

Special thanks to the staff at North East Health and Wangaratta Private Hospital and her wonderful team of doctors. Thanks also to the district nurses, Hospital In The Home and Transitional Care Teams for their care and compassion over the last few weeks.

Barbara will remain “Forever in our hearts”.

~ Daniel, Glenn and family, Melanie and family.

Grateful Thanks

Robert Storey Whalley

17/04/1946 - 7/8/2023

I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone who has supported us both on Rob/Bob’s journey; the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Radiation and Day Oncology, Albury Wodonga Cancer Care, Dr Kay Xu, Northeast Health Wangaratta Day Oncology, Palliative Care, District Nursing, home care provider - Empowered Ageing, D&K Cleaning and David Holmes, Paul Appleby Garden Maintenance and to our huge team of dear friends and colleagues, especially during hospital in the home.

To John Haddrick and the team at North East Funerals for their care and assistance and to the Bishop, Dean, clergy and people of the Diocese of Wangaratta who worked so hard to make things go smoothly for the funeral at Wangaratta Cathedral last Monday, 14 August, all together, we made the best possible.

kindness and sympathy continue to be a great comfort.

Thank you all - John Davis

John

Remembering Kath Russell Bergamin. 21 years missing, but always in our hearts and thoughts.

~ The Russell family.

Semi-finals await junior netballers

WITH the regular season completed, this week the top four teams in each of the Wangaratta Netball Association Saturday Morning Junior Competition divisions will face off in semi-final round tomorrow.

The top placed team will play against the fourth side, with second and third facing off against each other, with the winners of both games going through to the grand final the following week.

PREMIER A

Despite and all new look team for 2023, Rovers Brown have continued their winning ways and have made it through the regular season undefeated once again.

They’ll be hoping to repeat their performance from 2022 and win the whole way through to hoist the trophy again.

They will play their stable-

mate and training partners Rovers Gold for a place in the finale.

They’ve played off twice in the regular season, with their encounter last week being decided by only seven goals.

Greta Blue is in great form coming into their semi, having won seven of their last eight games to finish second on the ladder.

They’ve played their opposition Magpies Black three times during the season and won twice, but the average margin is only four goals so expect this to be a close one. There is plenty of talent on the top Magpies team so they will put up a strong fight.

PREMIER B

Myrtleford Black lost only one game all season and will be feeling confident when they face off against Milawa Red.

Finals looming for hockey Dragons

WITH the finals just three games away, Wangaratta’s division three men’s hockey side faced off against second on the ladder United on the weekend.

Having beaten them in their last encounter the Wangaratta men were determined to repeat that performance, but had their work cut out for them with the absence of some key players.

Unfortunately, even with amazing performances from Andrew Groves, Mark Simmons and goalie Phil Fitzgerald, the men just couldn’t quite get the ball in the net.

Even with a 2-0 defeat the Dragon men still came off the field happy, knowing that they played an amazing game.

Holding onto third position on the ladder, they look forward to taking on this team again in the finals.

The under 16 boys took on top of the table Norths on Friday night.

Knowing how strong Norths are,

Myrtleford won both of their previous meetings by double digits but Milawa netball sides don’t give up easily so they will give themselves every chance of an upset.

Rovers Navy finished their season full of confidence, after beating the minor premiers back in round 12.

They played their semifinal opponent YFNC only two weeks ago and had a good win.

The girls from Yarrawonga have beaten Navy once in their previous three clashes so will be looking to repeat that performance this time around.

SECTION 1

Rovers Black finished on top of section one after losing only two games this season.

They finished the season on a four-game winning

streak that started with a win against this week’s opposition Milawa White.

Milawa kept both of their previous results against Black to within five goals, so know they can stay close to the ladder leaders.

Second and third placed teams, Bright and Maltesers, only faced off against each other once in the regular season, with the result going Bright’s way, but only by four goals. Maltesers have shown they can match it with any side after beating Rovers Black back in round ten, so Bright will need to bring their best game if they hope to go further.

SECTION 2

Myrtelford Red’s last and only loss came back in round eight and will be looking to punch their ticket to the grand final against a side they have good form against.

Alpha Wolves have had some good results throughout the season to finish fourth, but both their previous matches against the minor premiers were losses by double digits, so they will need to lift if they hope to progress.

Jellybeans and The Strikers both finished with eight wins from the regular season and besides finishing second and third respectively on the ladder, not much separates them on paper.

They played three close games during the year, with The Strikers winning two of them, but Jellybeans won their most recent encounter. This one could go down to the wire.

SECTION 3

Fantales only lost three games all season to finish second on the section two ladder, but one of those

came at the hands of their semi-final opponent Dream Team.

These two teams have both posted 20-point wins against each other, but their most recent game was a lot closer, going to the Fantales by four points.

Expect another close one this week.

The Diamonds and the Westy Warriors have only met once during the regular season – a 13-point win to the Diamonds.

But that game was back in round 8 so might not be a strong guide.

The Diamonds are in a rich vein of form, as they haven’t tasted defeat since round two, and will be looking to continue that through the finals to cap their minor premiership.

Westy Warriors will have their work cut out for them.

and being a couple of players short, the boys decided to take a more defensive style of play into the match.

The defensive line of Sam Couche, Xavier Bennett, Luke Mercer, Alistair Merritt and goalie Jack Weir were indeed kept busy repelling the Norths attack and were able to keep the ball out of the goal until midway through the second quarter.

Henry Findlay, Edward

Robertson and Ollie Chambers tried all night in the mid field, helping out the defence.

They were able to make a few attacking efforts against the flow of play numerous times, getting the ball through to the forwards of Hamish Kerr and Andrew Groves but were unable to break through the strong Norths line up.

In what was a very good game of hockey, the boys kept the score

line looking reasonable going down 4-0.

The under 16s girls hockey team had to forfeit at the last minute due to illnesses.

Scots were nice enough to allow our girls to play a fun match by levelling out the teams and playing a shorter style game.

The game made the girls communicate and move the ball around to players they

don’t play or train with.

They worked really well together and gained more experience in this fun match.

Chloe Mercer really stood out, being in the correct position, calling for the ball and starting to read the play - her skill level has really developed in the last couple of games. Hopefully next round we can finally play a game with a full team of Dragons.

ONE ONE ONE: Emma Gall presses the Dragons’ offensive play.

PHOTO: Wes Samson

O&K’s socking it to cancer for Terry

By NATHAN DE VRIES

FOOTBALLERS, netballers and umpires will unite this weekend around one of the region’s most well-loved figures, as the Ovens and King Football Netball League rounds out their home and away season by celebrating the ‘Terry Socks it to Cancer’ round.

For the second year, players and umpires will don brightly coloured socks to raise money for the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund, where former Ovens and Murray champion Terry Greaves is being treated for metastatic melanoma.

“Everyone knows someone who has cancer, and they generally go to Albury, so it’s great that the league’s got on board in doing this,” Greaves said.

“Moyhu did it last week because they’ve got the bye.

“18 years ago I had to go down to Melbourne, it’s a three hour trip and by the time you’ve found a park and everything, it’s about four hours until you get into the building, so it’s not great.

“It’s only an hour to Albury, maybe less.

“The footy clubs have been really good in promoting it, everyone knows about it – when you talk to people in the street, they know all about the socks and fundraising campaign.”

The O&K is the third league in the immediate area to host a ‘Terry Socks it to Cancer’ round this year, with the O&M conducting their round on June 10, and the Tallangatta and District Football League getting on board for the first time on August 5.

More than $10,000 has been raised by the campaign.

A grade finalists decided on

Saturday

By NATHAN DE VRIES

THE three-way race for the last two spots in the top six of the Ovens and King A grade will come to a head tomorrow.

Whorouly, King Valley and Goorambat are all in contention for the fifth and sixth spot on the ladder heading into the final round of the home and away season, with wins crucial across the board.

The Lions sit a game clear of their competitors with a healthy percentage of 113.53, but face reigning premiers Greta who are fresh off handing Milawa their first loss of the year.

All that separates the Roos in sixth from the Bats in seventh is 3.49 per cent, meaning both sides must take a hefty win to keep their dreams alive.

Goorambat coach Sarah Osborne said they’d done the math on how they could sneak into finals.

“We probably need to win by at least 30, but in saying that, every goal that King Valley score against North Wangaratta adds to it,” she said.

“We were hoping to win against Moyhu by a bit more (last week), but we didn’t achieve that goal.

O&K operations manager Pranav Menon said it was fantastic to see how passionate the clubs are in supporting the initiative.

“It was really good last year as well, so we were keen to get onto it for this year as well,” he said.

“The support from the clubs has been really good.

“All the clubs are pretty keen on this – it’s just another way football and netball can impact the community in a big way.

“We still have teams competing until the last round, which is good

for the competition as well - we’re looking forward to a colourful last round in the Ovens and King.” Round 20 is set to be a thrilling way to cap off the season heading into finals.

North Wangaratta take on King Valley at home, with the senior football side eager to solidify form before facing Bright in the first round of finals.

The Mountain Men will have their work cut out for them against Milawa, with the Demons winning their previous encounter back in

the first round of the year.

Bonnie Doon will take on Tarrawingee at home, with the Bombers to take out the minor premiership with an unassailable 80.59 per cent lead over Greta.

For their part, the Blues will face off against a fired-up Lions squad at Whorouly with nothing to lose.

Benalla All Blacks host Goorambat in what’s sure to be a fiery affair.

Donations to Terry Socks it to Cancer can be made at bit.ly/terrysocks.

Family name returns to the Bat Cave

By NATHAN DE VRIES

BEN Wapling will lead Goorambat as senior coach in season 2024, a role once held by his father.

Wapling’s father, Dennis, coached the Bats to flag glory in 1974 back when the club competed in the Benalla and District Football League.

Now, it will be up to Ben to build the football sides back into finals contenders after a tough 2023 season sees both seniors and reserves finish in the bottom three.

Wapling said he was looking forward to getting stuck in.

“They’re after someone who can come in who has the experience, and can set some pretty firm rules and direction, work with the current list and bring in some new players,” he said.

“There are a lot of guys out there we can get a lot more out of.

“There are a couple of blokes out there, like Jamie Dunne and some others, that I’ve coached in the junior league that are interested in wanting to coach but are not ready.

“It’s a chance to mentor him and a couple of others to try and set them up for success over the next year or two, or whatever it takes.”

Wapling comes to the Bat Cave with a wealth of coaching experience at all levels, including more than a decade with Auskick, years coaching Benalla’s juniors, and stints at senior clubs like Swanpool and Benalla All Blacks.

Two of his sons, Brayden and Rory, are locked in to don the silver, green and gold next year, with Wapling to set about confirming

the remainder of Goorambat’s list for another season.

Football operations manager Stacey Nolan said Wapling was an

ideal candidate for the position.

“One of our current players, one of our leaders suggested why don’t we approach Ben about coaching next season, so we did,” she said.

“Ben is already talking to our current list with many of them committing to stay on again, which is great.

“He definitely will attract players to the club.

“The club is looking forward to bigger and better things next year, continuing to build on what we have.”

Goorambat has also confirmed Nathan Delaney will coach the Bats’ reserves side, with Gary Priest in an assistant role.

The Bats will finish off their 2023 season with an away game to Benalla All Blacks tomorrow.

“The atmosphere and morale around Goorambat at the moment, everyone’s happy, it’s a shame the season’s coming to an end.

“We’ve had an awesome year –there’ve been some games where the scoreboard hasn’t reflected how well we’ve gone.”

Osborne said she was expecting a fun but intense match against Benalla All Blacks tomorrow.

“There’s always a big rivalry between the two of us,” she said.

“All Blacks haven’t been going that well, but they always seem to match up really well against us, so we’re not going in with the mindset that we need to bring our best game to be able to beat them and beat them by the amount that we’re hoping to.

“We’re looking forward to having a good game and finishing the season off reasonably strong – whatever happens next, we’ll prepare for that.

“Fingers crossed things fall our way and we get one more week at least.”

Elsewhere, confirmed finalists Bonnie Doon and Tarrawingee will go head to head in what could be a semi-final preview.

The last time the Bombers took on the Bulldogs, Tarrawingee proved too strong with a 50-44 result.

Milawa has the chance to finetune some of their systems against Bright at Pioneer Park, with the Demons guaranteed a top two finish.

LOCKED IN: Club president Kate Nolan welcomes senior coach Ben Wapling to Goorambat FNC.

UNITED: North Wangaratta players Haley Cunningham and Pat Kelly wear their colourful socks with Terry Greaves (second from left) and O&K operations manager Pranav Menon.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

SHOOTING FOR GOLD: Cooper Newton is looking forward for a big week of basketball as he heads to Perth for the under 16s School Sports Australia Basketball Championships starting on Sunday.

PHOTO: Bailey Zimmermann

Cooper set to shine at nationals

■ From back page “I played for Vic Country under 16s in Perth last year so that experience will help a lot going back over there again.

“We play every day so I know how to prepare myself and making sure I do recovery sessions is important.”

As well as being selected in the under 16 Basketball Australia National Championships as a 15-year-old last year, he was named as an emergency for the under 18 championships this year.

In between the Warriors basketball season Newton has been enjoying a solid season with the Wangaratta

Magpies thirds along with Blake, fitting it in among his basketball commitments.

The versatile small forward has been training and taking part in practice matches with the Victorian squad in Melbourne each Sunday for the past six weeks in preparation for the championships.

Newton said he has one goal in mind when the team start play in Perth.

“Our preparation has been great, we are really starting to gel; we had our best training run last Sunday,” he said. “I want to play well and help my team win the gold medal.”

Final round United showdown for Lady Devils

By NATHAN DE VRIES

AN in-form senior Lady Devils squad faces their last match before finals this weekend, with tomorrow’s game against Albury United sure to put them to the test.

Originally scheduled for the Sunday, the match was moved up a day so as not to clash with the Women’s World Cup final.

The Lady Devils are flying, notching up five wins from their past four matches, and currently sit third on the division one women’s ladder.

However, a win over United on Saturday, plus United losing their final match the following Tuesday against Melrose, will mean Wangaratta finish second behind Albury Hotspurs and take a bye in the first round of finals.

For skipper Beth Cope, ladder position doesn’t enter into the conversation too much.

“If you finish second you get a bye first round of finals, but for us, it doesn’t really matter,” she said. “Finishing third, we play the first round of finals, and hopefully we’ll have our full side and we’ll link it up and get through and power through to the finals.

KEY PLAYER: Ethan Whiley will be a test to play this weekend.

Devils ready for old foes

By WILLSON MACK

WANGARATTA City’s senior men’s team may be stuck in fourth position no matter Saturday’s result, but there’s plenty to play for.

The match-up has been moved to Saturday night at 3pm meaning the game won’t clash with the women’s World Cup final.

The Devils are set to clash with huge rivals Albury United at Jelbart Park in what shapes as a blockbuster meeting.

United have all but wrapped up the league title sitting three points ahead of Cobram, but even if Wangaratta get the vic-

tory they’re after, United’s goal difference sits well ahead of anyone else.

“Albury United have won the league and we’re stuck in fourth so the result won’t change anything,” said Wangaratta City assistant coach Terry Masters.

“It’s a game everyone from both teams get up for though and we expect it to be a tight tussle.

“We beat them in round two as well so I can imagine they’ll be pretty keen to get one back.”

The Devils have been battling unavailabilities in recent weeks with a number of players injured or suspended.

Masters doesn’t expect a

huge change to his team.

“We won’t get back to full strength I know that,” he said.

“’DK’ (Dan Kelly) won’t be risked, we’ll give him another week to get his calf right.

“We’d hate to bring some players back in and then lose them again, especially this weekend when we can’t go up or down (on the table).

“Alex Pitt might be back which would mean we could push Vitaly (Leschen) into the midfield and then we’d have our backline that we’ll take into finals.”

The clash against Albury United has always been a fiery one but in recent years that

has only evolved, especially after former Devils’ Jordan Hore and Ryan Luty crossed to their rivals.

“Ryan Luty and Jordan Hore are quality players and make their side even better than what they were,” Masters said.

“United’s forward line is dangerous and will be something we need to keep any eye on but in saying that we’ve got a good back line.

“And then our mids should be able to match it with theirs so it should be a good game.

“Hopefully Ethan (Whiley) will be available as well but we won’t push it because we need him right for finals.”

“We’ve just got to play for a win on Saturday, as we always do.

“There’s a lot of high energy going into the last game of the season, it’s exciting.

“We had a chat before with about five rounds to go, and we put all our chips on the table and what we need to do to be in this position we wanted to be in going into finals.

“We wanted to get the four out of five wins and we’ve just stuck to that game plan.”

The Lady Devils have had some tremendous matches against United throughout the year, with a 1-2 win record this season, and tomorrow’s game is sure to continue the exhilarating rivalry.

“They’ve got very solid players through the middle and up front,” Cope said.

“In the last few weeks they’ve had Paula Mitchell return, she’s just an unbelievable player in the league.

“Their weakness is their defence, so if we can push through, get past their forwards and midfielders, we’ll be hopefully set for some goals but their keeper (Samantha Clark) is really good.

“We’ve just got to play to our strengths, play it around, play through the lines.”

The Lady Devils take on Albury United in their last match before finals at Jelbart Park West tomorrow from 2pm.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

DO OR DIE: Tom HIll and his under 12 College side face Centrals in an elimination final kick off the first week of junior football finals.

Junior footy finals kick off on weekend

AFTER 18 rounds of fierce competition and hard work, the Wangaratta and District Junior Football League finals kick off from this Sunday at the Wangaratta Showgrounds.

The full day of football will see the second placed team take on third, and fourth play fifth in each of the under 12, under 14 and under 17 competitions.

The minor premiers of each grade will take to the ground next weekend in the first semi-final.

The action kicks off on Sunday from 8.30am, when the under 12 College side take on Centrals, before the Benalla Giants and Benalla Bulldogs go head to head from 9.50am.

The Imperials face off against Mansfield Yellow in the under 14 elimination final from 11.10am, while Bright and Centrals will fight it out in the first qualifying final at 1pm.

It’s an all-Wangaratta feature in the under 17s with College and Kangaroos facing off at 2.45pm, while Tigers and Centrals take to the field at 4.35pm.

Head along to the Wangaratta Showgrounds on Sunday for a full day of footy action from some of the best rising stars in the area.

Smith takes it up to state’s best cyclists

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

WANGARATTA Cycling Club’s Reuben Smith almost had a home state championships to remember, placing fourth in a thrilling sprint to the line in the under 19s Ronde Van Taminick at Glenrowan on the weekend.

A group of six riders couldn’t be separated by time after five laps and 105km of the Taminick Gap circuit, which saw pre-race favourite Oscar Gallagher edge out some fierce competition in the closest finish of the day.

Wangaratta Cycling Club secretary, Paul Somerville, said it was a top class ride by Smith, who also placed sixth in the time trials on Saturday.

THE INNER SANCTUM

PEDALLING AWAY: More than 300 riders of the state’s best road cyclists competed across two days of cycling action last weekend in Winton and Glenrowan.

WDJFL Finals

“It’s a fairly tough circuit with that climb which breaks up the peleton very quickly, but he was in the lead group all the way through and it came down to a bunch sprint,” he said.

“Oscar Gallagher’s one of the fast-

Finals are upon us in the Insite Real Estate Wangaratta and District Junior Football League for 2023! We are sure everyone has noticed the sun shining a little brighter, the birds chirping a little louder and the days getting a little longer and we couldn’t be more excited!

A reminder to everyone who comes along to the finals series that we are there to support the kids and make this a memorable time in their junior sporting lives, examples of poor behaviour will not be tolerated.

SUNDAY 20th AUGUST at the Norm Minns Oval

8:30am - U12s Elimination FinalCollege JFC v Centrals JFC

9:50am – U12’s Qualifying Final –

Benalla Giants v Benalla Bulldogs

11:10am – U14’s Elimination Final –

Imperials JFC v Mansfield Yellow

1pm – U14’s Qualifying Final –Bright JFC v Centrals JFC

2:45pm – U17’s Elimination Final –

College JFC v Kangaroos JFC

est, not just in the state but in the country, so for Reuben to be within one bike length of him is a fantastic effort.”

More than 300 cyclists across the state competed in the AusCycling Victoria senior and junior Time Trial Championships and Road Race Championships over two days of action packed cycling on local circuits.

Gloomy weather couldn’t dampen spirits for time trials at Winton, while riders basked in the sunshine at Glenrowan for the road racing on Sunday.

Somerville said there was a national standard of riding displayed from the under 11 junior categories up to the senior riders.

“I challenge anyone in the community to ride their pushbikes at 30km/h for 15km,” he said.

“There was some impressive bike setups and some impressive athletes competing through the whole weekend.

4:35pm – U17’s Qualifying Final –Tigers JFC v Centrals JFC

Gate Entry is $6 per person with U16’s free.

OKFNL Presentation Night

It’s that time of year again, where the Bank WAW Ovens and King Football Netball League come together to crown their 2023 Baker and Morgan Medalists in the football and netball respectively. The event is always a great way to kick off the upcoming finals series and with plenty of stand out performers across all grades there are sure to be some thrilling finishes across the night.

The Gateway Hotel will once again play host for the evening, and we look forward to celebrating the year that was, as well as turning our attention to what should be a thrilling finals series.

WDJFL Allocation Nights

Over the next 4 weeks the WDJFL will undertake

“It was a fantastic weekend that really showcased the district and the economic benefits for the town were enormous.

“It was nice for the community to be able to come along and watch national standard competition.

“Obviously not all of them are going to go on and represent Australia but some of these riders will and everyone that goes to the Olympics has to go through grassroots sport.”

Jo Somerville also represented the Wangaratta Cycling Club with pride, competing in her debut state time trial championships in the under 17 girls.

Among the standout performers for the weekend included Jordan Villani in the elite men winning both events, clocking an average speed of 47.2km/h in the 35km time trial, and Sophie Sutton who also completed the double in the elite women with a five way sprint finish in the 84km Sunday race.

their annual player allocation process, which will see graduating Auskickers selected into the various Wangaratta based WDJFL U12’s teams for 2024. It is an exciting time of year for not only the players but also the local clubs who get to welcome a host of new families into their club.

Training sessions started this week, however there are 2 more sessions to come for any interested potential players who were born in 2013 and will be eligible to play in the WDJFL next year. If your child hasn’t previously played Auskick and would like to join the WDJFL in 2024 please contact zac.hedin@afl.com.au

The Whisper

Which player from a finals bound OKFNL club has recently reached out to League officials wanting to know how many nominations they received for the OKFNL Team of the Year?.... give us a spell champ!

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

PUSH TO THE LINE: Reuben Smith (second from the right) from the Wangaratta Cycling was among a thrilling finish in the under 19s road race on Sunday, with Oscar Gallagher (far right) storming away and winning the 105km race.

Magpies looking for win over Saints on Ladies Day

By WILLSON MACK

WANGARATTA will play their final match of the home and away season tomorrow.

It will be a bumper day for the whole club with Ladies Day an integral part of the program, while the A grade netball’s second vs fifth clash will be a thriller.

The club’s Ladies Day will be raising money for Breast Cancer Australia and The McGrath Foundation with tickets going for $40 each which includes a drink on arrival and nibbles from 2pm.

Guest speakers Danielle Pelly of Ena Pelly and Kerry Patford from the McGrath Foundation will be on deck.

Wangaratta coach Ben Reid is looking forward to the day.

“It should be a big day for the club,” Reid said.

“It’s a funny one for us because we have the weekend off next week so the biggest challenge for us is to finish the season strongly.

“We want to play the way we want to play through finals and do the basics well.”

Myrtleford are one of the bigger bodied sides in the competition leaving Wangaratta’s midfielders in for a big day in the contest.

“They’re a physical side, I had a look at their game against North Albury and they put plenty of pressure on the ball,” he said.

“They like to get their numbers back as well and they’re strong in the contest so it should be a good game to get us ready for finals.

“They’ll test us with some

of their bigger bodies and a few of their younger players have some speed too.”

Reid sees the clash as a nice dress rehearsal ahead of finals.

“In finals it’s about winning those 50/50 battles and doing the basics well,” he said.

“We won’t be trying to get too adventurous this weekend, we’ll just continue to work on a few things.”

The Magpies will see a number of quality players return from injury with Reid, Murray Waite and Matt Grossman set to return.

“We’ll get three players back but ‘Juice’ (Michael Newton) will have another week off,” Reid said.

“We want to get him cherry ripe for finals, he’s back running but we want him to build back into it slowly.”

Rovers set to see the benchmark

By WILLSON MACK

WANGARATTA Rovers get the chance to prove themselves when they meet Yarrawonga at JC Lowe Oval tomorrow.

Although the Hawks are battling injuries, they traditionally match up well on the Pigeons having beaten them earlier on in the year, as well as once last season.

Key players Michael Clarke, Dylan Stone, Will Christie and Dylan Wilson are all under injury clouds, while Lockey McCartney should return from concussion protocols for the huge clash.

Wangaratta Rovers coach Sam Murray said he’s working through the injury list.

“We finished with 17 on the field on the weekend and didn’t have bench the week before so there’s definitely a few to work through,” Murray said.

“Michael Clarke, Dylan Stone and Will Christie could all be available any week now, Lockey McCartney should return from concussion and Dyl Wilson’s been having some trouble with his shoulder.

“Cam Chamberlain had a double break to his collarbone last weekend so his season’s done and the list goes on.

“We’ve got confidence in our depth though and it gives some younger boys a look at it.

“Bushrangers have a break next weekend so we might get

OAKFM player of the year tight at the top

VOTES for Wangaratta Teams Lav v Wang: 5 C. Moore (Wang), 4 H. Gottschling (Wang), 3 E. MacKinlay (Lav), 2 J. O’Brien (Lav) 1 C. Knowles (Wang). Rov v Wod: 5 Matt Wilson (Wod), 4 J. Mathey (Wod), 3 Sam Murray (Rov), 2 A. Baker (Wod), 1 T. Murray (Rov).

Leaderboard: Isaac Muller (Alb) 34, Willie Wheeler (Yarra) 33, Tim Broomhead (NA) 33 (bye this week), Sam Murray (Rov) 31, Daniel Sharrock and Callum Moore (Wang) 29, Angus Baker (Wod) 28.

Huge round for O&M A grade netball top five

to see Darcy Wilson play his first game for us for the year which is exciting and Will McCarthy might get a chance as well.”

Rovers lost both of their past two games through bursts of goals with Albury booting five in 10 minutes, while Wodonga dominated the second term last weekend.

“It’s been three or four patches across the past two games that have hurt us,” Murray said.

“Against the Bulldogs we had a poor start to the second quarter and they got three or four goals in front and then we ended up losing by two.

“We had a 30-point lead against Albury and they kicked four or five in a row in 10 minutes.

“We need to sustain consistency and react when good sides are coming at us, try and stem the bleeding a bit.”

Yarrawonga’s midfield is a beast for any O&M side to tackle with Cam Wilson, Mark Whiley and Willie Wheeler all superstars, along with former AFLplayer Michael Gibbons when fit.

Their forward line is also potent with star key Leigh Williams sitting second in the Doug Strang Medal, while Nick Fothergill can win games off his own boot.

“Their midfield stuff is really good,” Murray said.

“We just need to try and get them on the outside with our speed.”

WFNC LADIES DAY

By WILLSON MACK

WANGARATTA A grade netballers will play their final game of the season against Myrtleford tomorrow.

It will be second against fifth when the two sides meet at Norm Minns Oval in a game that could see changes to the ladder with just one round remaining.

With Lavington (third) playing Wodonga Raiders (fourth) and the Saints just a win behind Raiders, a victory to Myrtleford would see them jump into fourth if the Panthers salute.

If that was the case, Lavington would join Wangaratta on 10 wins making it a crucial clash for all sides from second to fifth.

Wangaratta coach Lou Byrne said it’s an important game for her team.

“There’s just one game left for us so we want to finish off well,” Byrne said.

“Lavington play Raiders which will be a huge game and we play Myrtleford so it’s a big round for teams from second to fifth.

“Myrtleford are coming off a loss (to North Albury) so no doubt they’re going to be fired up.

“They’ll be without Sophie Hanrahan too which is a plus for us.”

Wangaratta’s error rate was the downfall in their loss to Lavington last weekend.

The Magpies have just one game left to tinker with those errors before the all-important finals series.

“We just want to come out and play some solid and strong netball,” Byrne said.

“We need less errors, especially if we’re going to do well in finals so that’ll be the focus for us.”

Meanwhile, Wangaratta Rovers take on Yarrawonga at JC Lowe Oval.

The Hawks will be up against it when they clash with the premiership favourites but will be hoping to put their best foot forward as best they can.

Guest speakers Danielle Pelly of Ena Pelly & Kerry Patford from the McGrath Foundation

Music by Antonia Maher Raffle prizes throughout the

LAST DANCE: Liam McVeigh and Wangaratta will play their final game of the home and away season against Myrtleford tomorrow.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

HUGE GAME: Sam Murray and Wangaratta Rovers face Yarrawonga tomorrow.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Friday, August 18

Collingwood vs. Brisbane Lions (MRVL) (N)

Saturday, August 19

Richmond vs. North Melbourne (MCG)

Gold Coast SUNS vs. Carlton (HBS)

GWS GIANTS vs. Essendon (GS) (T)

St Kilda vs. Geelong Cats (MRVL) (N)

Adelaide Crows vs. Sydney Swans (AO) (N)

Sunday, August 20

Western Bulldogs vs. West Coast Eagles (MRVL)

Melbourne vs. Hawthorn (MCG)

Fremantle vs. Port Adelaide (OS) (T)

leaderboard after round 22

Brett Anderson ...131

Max Webster ....130

Beth Watson .....130

Tom McCurdy ....127

Rob Bell ...............126

Dameon Holmes ..126

Jess Maddy ..........126

Chris Doyle ..........125

Jack Lancaster.......125

James Salafia ........124

Tom the Baker ......123

Dave Harrop ........122

Kent Wathen ........121

Jack Penny ...........121

Nick Bell ..............120

Kay Reid ..............120

Wang Club ..........119

Shayne Gannon ...117

Sean Barrett .........116

Pranav Menon ......115

Trent Terry ............113

Cassie Hall ...........110

Helen Haines .......105

Sarah Crothers .....100

PULL UP

YOUR SOCKS

16-year-old Newton and team to contest School Sport Australia Basketball Championships yppp

Cooper set to shine at nationals

COOPER Newton will be looking to lead his state to gold at the 16 and under School Sport Australia Basketball Championships.

The 16 year old will be flying to Perth today with the squad of 10 as they prepare to go up against some of the nation’s finest young stars of the game.

Teams will play up to seven games across six days of non-stop action starting on Sunday.

Historically the championships have only included the 12 and 18 and under ages, but this year has changed the 18 and under to 16 and under.

Cooper will be looking to emulate the success of his younger brother Blake in the oval shaped ball game, where he was named in the All-Australian

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

side for the under 15s football national championships.

Newton said it was a good feeling to be selected after two gruelling trials in Melbourne earlier in the year.

“I’m looking forward to the championships; it should be a lot of fun,” he said.

“I’ve been lucky enough to make a few rep teams over the past year; it all helps every time to just get better at my game.

■ Continued page 35

TOMORROW’S ‘Terry Socks it to Cancer’ round in the O&K FNL will see footballers and netballers, like North Wangaratta’s Haley Cunningham and Pat Kelly, will wear brightly coloured socks to raise money for the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre. Story page 34.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling