BRIDGING THE GAP
SPECTATORS watched on excitedly as a massive crane li ed two 50 tonne steel girders into place to form the new Green Street bridge substructure on Saturday morning. Full story page 7
Despicable act
Homeless man robbed of all his belongings at Ovens River campsite at Tarrawingee
A WANGARATTA man has been le devastated a er he was robbed of all of his belongings at his Tarrawingee campsite on Friday morning.
BY
BAILEY
ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
Cameron Eames had been homeless for four months and living along the Ovens River o River Road, Tarrawingee.
Mr Eames said a woman in a white van pulled up to his campsite at around 8am that morning, saying she had run out of fuel and had no one to help her, so he gave her half a jerry can of fuel he had stored at the campsite.
Mr Eames’ support worker, Adam Golding, who sees the 49-year-old every Friday, arrived and also assisted the woman.
The pair observed her drive away and then they drove into town to get food and supplies.
When they returned at around 10:45am, the campsite had been ransacked, with
Mr Eames’ camper trailer the only belonging remaining.
“I was devastated,” he said.
“That was all I had, I don’t have anything else.
“I don’t understand why anyone would rip o a homeless person… I can’t believe people do this to other people.”
Mr Eames’ generator, fridge, new phone, food,
tables, chairs, bedding, clothes and shing gear had all been stolen.
Mr Golding and Mr Eames reported the incident to police later that day and arranged accommodation with BeyondHousing, who set him up in a motel for the weekend.
Currently Mr Eames is staying at a friend’s house,
who has opened his doors to him as he attempts to nd other living arrangements.
Jack McNeilly is Mr Eames’ other support worker and has been seeing him on Mondays and Wednesdays for the past 18 months to help with his schizophrenia.
■ Continued page 2
16 nominate for council election
By STEVE KELLY
NOMINATIONS for the Rural City of Wangaratta Council election have closed with 16 candidates con rmed for this morning's ballot draw. All 16 candidates had nominated prior to yesterday’s 12 noon deadline.
The candidates are
spread across the rural city’s seven wards. But two of the wards only had one nomination each so current sitting councillor Harry Bussell will be elected unopposed for the King River Ward, likewise Irene Grant for the Warby Ward. Former Victorian Member of Parliament Tania Maxwell will go
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9261 1930.
head-to-head with former councillor Mark Currie in the Appin Ward. Former councillor of the 1980s Brian Fox has nominated for the Bullawah Ward to contest current councillor Dave Fuller.
Three candidates have o cially con rmed they will run for the Ovens Ward, including Jennifer Garrett, current councillor Harvey
Benton, and Rebecca Shen eld.
In the Wareena Ward, Peter Siperki, Mel Paul, and current councillor Ashlee Fitzpatrick have thrown their hat in the ring.
It's shaping up to be a four-way contest in the Yarrunga Ward, with Allison Winters, Joanne Pane, Julian Fidge and Anne Dunstan lodging
Local brigades
their nominations with the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC).
The VEC will conduct a public ballot draw at the Wangaratta Election O ce, 104 Murphy Street, at 10am on Wednesday, a time when all nominations will be o cially con rmed.
This year's election will be conducted by mail.
Ballot packs will be
posted to all enrolled voters from October 7, containing a ballot paper, together with their statements.
Voting closes at 6pm Friday, October 25 and all postal votes have to be received by the VEC by noon Friday, November 1. For voters who are unsure which electoral ward they live in, visit https://maps.vec.vic.gov.au/
fired up for state-of-theart facility celebration to mark 40 years
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
ACROSS more than 30 years as a CFA volunteer and employee in the Wangaratta region, Richie Gardner has been best placed to see the growth of one of the city’s most impactful facilities.
The Shanley Street Wangaratta Victoria Emergency Management Training Centre (VEMTC) was built in 1984, after local brigades applied for a more suitable site to house important training in re response.
Beforehand, CFA volunteers in the area would be forced to conduct their training at the old CFA Training College in Fiskville, near Ballan.
“They used to get allocated only a couple of weekends per year and they could only take a select number of people,” Mr Gardner said.
“There was a time restriction, the cost associated with it and the inconvenience of it, and you only got to tap into a small group of people.”
Mr Gardner said once in place, the training centre at Wangaratta was originally used by only some of the local brigades, but word of its potential quickly spread across the region.
“It’s virtually gone from a grass paddock with a hole in it to a fully developed, fully functional, environmentally friendly training facility which trains all of our emergency services in the North East,” he said.
“When I was a younger vol-
unteer who used the facilities in the early 90s we used to get dressed and train in an old, tin re shed.
“It’s a state-of-the-art class one facility now.”
The CFA owned training centre was the rst of its kind for regional Victoria and is now one of eight used for CFA training and education.
Local brigades, emergency service members and their families are set to gather and celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Wangaratta VEMTC on Saturday, October 5.
The family display day will include hot re demonstrations, historic vehicle demonstrations, tours of the grounds and a Lions Club barbeque.
One of the three hot re demonstrations on the day will include a blast from the past on how res were fought when the facility was rst erected with trucks and equipment from the bygone era.
Now a VEMTC Wangaratta campus pad supervisor a er working at the facility for 26 years, Mr Gardner said the anniversary was to help recognise
Homeless man robbed of
the symbol of growth among local CFA brigades and other emergency services in the region the facility has served.
“We pick up four districts in the CFA and we also tap into the eastern side of other districts, including Echuca, Rushworth and down to Wallan,” he said.
The family display open day is exclusively for all brigades, emergency services and family members and will run from 10am to 3pm.
Those eligible to attend can RSVP via email admin.vemtc@ cfa.vic.gov.au by September 20.
all his belongings
■ From page 1
Mr McNeilly said the Salvation Army have been assisting Mr Eames nd a home while he was camping at Tarrawingee, and hoped a solution may arise.
“I can only hope that because of something like this he can have a better chance of getting somewhere to stay, but it’s tough,” he said.
“Cameron’s a great bloke, it’s not like he was camping out there, he was out there because he was homeless.
“I hope he gets a place to live and more of his stu back, that would be great, but I don’t know how that’s going to pan out.”
Mr Eames said he is extremely thankful for the ongoing support he has received from his support workers.
“I’d be stu ed without them,” he said.
“I’ve been doing it tough on the river and to have someone come and steal all of my stu , I can’t believe it.”
Est. 1884, Incorporating Wangaratta Despatch, Est. 1861
DEVASTATION: Cameron Eames (le ) had all of his belongings stolen from a Tarrawingee campsite where he was living. His support worker Jack McNeilly (right) can’t believe the despicable act. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
40 YEARS OF SERVICE: Wangaratta VEMTC campus pad supervisor Richie Gardner is set to light up the campus for its 40th anniversary celebrations in October. PHOTO: Bailey Zimmermann
Iced coffee and cheese to go for alleged burglar at Milawa bakery
A WANGARATTA man suspected of breaking into the Milawa Bakery Café on Friday night made himself an iced coffee and ate a block of cheese before his burglary, according to bakery owners.
A 27-year-old Wangaratta man was arrested and charged with driving, theft and burglary related offences on Friday, September 13.
Wangaratta police said at around 7:30pm, he lost control of his silver Corolla sedan as he was exiting the Milawa township along Snow Road.
The car became stuck in some trees with his 29-year-old female passenger trapped in the vehicle.
She was later airlifted to The Alfred Hospital with suspected head injuries while the Wangaratta man fled the scene.
It’s alleged following the incident he then broke into the Milawa Bakery Café.
Bakery owner Gemma Gray said she and her partner Paul Mascari noticed something awry as they arrived to prepare for business on Saturday morning.
“Paul thought we mustn’t have cleaned up the place properly the day before, but he turned the light on to see money and blood on the oor,” she said.
“We quickly went back outside and called the cops.
“A er having a look around with police, we could see he had decided to make himself an iced co ee, had some cheese
BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
and ransacked all of the draws.”
Ms Gray said the alleged o ender’s “random” haul of objects included a sheet to cover the cookie mixer, a pair of scissors, an eraser, a donation box, a jumper, a mirror and items from the rst aid kit.
Ms Gray said it was alleged the o ender had walked past the bakery on Saturday morning while police were investigating the break-in, wearing the jumper he had taken and was subsequently arrested.
The bakery owners continued to clean the damage on Monday as they opened back up for business on Tuesday morning.
Mr Mascari said losing business on the bakery’s busiest days of trade was a nancial blow.
“It’s just money wasted,” he said.
“All I can see is money going down the drain, everything I’ve had to chuck out, all of the personal stu he had just destroyed and not to mention the food and drink he helped himself to.
“The place had just been absolutely turned upside down.”
Mr Mascari said in a minor blessing to the incident, the business had been inundated with messages of support from nearby local businesses and the community.
“We’ve only been here seven months but to have
that support from locals who haven’t even met us and o ered their help, that’s been one silver lining out of all of it,” he said.
“The cops who were here did an amazing job.”
The alleged 27-yearold o ender was bailed to appear in Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on December 16.
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COUNTING THE COSTS: Milawa Bakery Cafe owner Gemma Gray, partner Paul Mascari and sta Annelise Maskell, Zhanna Hutchinson and Chloe Smith were forced to close the bakery from Saturday to Monday due to a break-in on Friday night.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Come and say G’Day at next month’s Glenrowan market
By JORDAN DUURSMA
EVERYONE is welcome to come say g’day at Glenrowan market on Saturday, October 5 from 10 am to 2pm at the Lions Park.
The G’Day Glenrowan Market Day is set to be a vibrant and family friendly a air, showcasing local talent, creativity, and the warm community spirit that makes this town unique.
Wander through the market stalls lled with treasures cra ed by local artisans and creators.
Discover one-of-a-kind ceramic earrings, watercolour paintings, upcycled jewellery, bespoke quilts, and so much more, from handmade dog beds to small batch spirits from a family distillery, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
North East based artist, Emmeleine Bird’s ceramic creations will be showcased at the market, including earrings, planters, bird feeders and fun little trinket dishes as well as tea towels, tote bags and cushion covers that are all hand made with her own fabrics.
“I also have my watercolour paints of native birds and owers with lots of different prints available,” she said.
“Community markets are always in such lovely set-
tings, there’s always a warm atmosphere, plus it’s great to meet the locals and swap art and bird stories.
“It will be a very family friendly event for everyone to come along to, you could make a day of it with your friends or get some early Christmas shopping done.”
The Lions Park will be buzzing with entertainment for all ages. Enjoy live performances
by local musicians, including the soulful tunes of Jazzy Jay, Emma Morona, and Emerson Lavis.
Kids can immerse themselves in fun with life-size board games, a jumping castle, and face painting.
There will be a variety of food options and a chance to support a great cause at the King River & District Fishing Club fundraising barbecue.
Don’t miss the free old Holden car display and complimentary entry to the Ned Kelly Discovery Hub for the day.
Market stalls will include Ambience By Coco (soaps, candles and accessories), Bits N Bullets (unique jewellery made from locally sourced ammunition shells) Dreamy Linens & Gi s (cushion covers, dog beds, scrunch-
ies and play-mats), Emma Makes Things (bespoke quilts and scrunchies), Helens Woodwork (wooden serving boards, kitchen utensils and key rings), NJ Designs (silicone beaded keyrings), Original Spirit Co (handcra ed spirits including gin, schnapps, liqueurs, and spiced tawny) and Valentin Arte (one-o wearable art designs and sterling silver pieces).
A DRIVER was fined $500 without conviction after appearing in Wangaratta Magistrates Court on Monday and pleading guilty to speeding and driving while suspended in Wangaratta earlier this year.
The 39-year-old male driver was intercepted travelling at 92km/h along Tone Road in an 80km/h zone on May 3 while his driver’s licence was suspended.
The defendant said he was unaware the suspension was active at the time of driving.
The court heard at the time of losing his licence, the defendant was driving his wife to chemotherapy treatment for stage four bowel cancer.
The defendant’s wife undergoes treatment in Melbourne and Albury and the defendant said she would be on treatment for the rest of her life.
The court also heard at the time of the speeding, the defendant was on his way to work.
Following the loss of his licence, the defendant lost his job and has since found alternative employment as the single income for his household.
Magistrate Allison Vaughan said she had taken into account the defendant’s personal circumstances and the sentence is significantly reduced, as she would ordinarily issue a fine close to $1500.
“I don’t see any utility in taking away your licence while your wife is sick, not only for your wife but also your work,” she said.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
By STEVE BURKE
SHUTTING down Yarrunga pool and replacing it with a splash park would be the highest priority under council’s $12.85m aquatic plan.
And the community may yet be asked to chip in for the development.
The plan, which was presented to administrators at last night’s council meeting, lists the decommissioning of Yarrunga pool as part of stage one.
Under the plan the pool would have just one more summer in
Yarrunga Pool going at summer’s end under aquatic plan
action, before being decommissioned in March next year, ahead of the opening of the Mitchell Avenue Splash Park in November next year.
The project is expected to have a net cost of $200,000, once the pool site is sold.
Building a new 50m pool and hydrotherapy pool at the Wangaratta Indoor Sports and Aquatic Centre (WISAC) is expected to take longer,
however, with the facilities set to open in November 2017 if the plan comes to fruition.
The new 50m pool forms part of stage two of the project that also involves shutting down the Olympic pool.
While the state and federal governments would be called on to fund a large portion of the $11.5m WISAC development, council and the community would have to cover the rest.
“Council contributions would be budgeted for over the 2014/15 and 2015/16 financial years,” the aquatic plan states.
“It is also expected that there would
be financial contribution to the project from the local community.”
The plan also details exactly why council is going down the new path, rather than doing up the old pools.
It states that the current facilities at the WISAC account for 85 per cent of aquatic visitations to
council facilities, with the Olympic pool accounting for nine per cent of visitations and the Yarrunga pool six per cent.
Council is expected to save $50,000 per year once the new facilities have been completed and old pools decommissioned.
Aiming to ease the burden for allied health placement
Haines moves amendment for more inclusion in government’s new system
BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au
Wangaratta-based Independent MP for Indi Helen Haines has highlighted the need to set a timeline to review the Federal Government’s practical placement system, and to include allied health placements.
The new means-tested Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) will be available from July next year for eligible people studying teaching, nursing, midwifery and social work, to help them manage the costs associated with undertaking mandatory placements.
Dr Haines’ amendment, which she moved in Parliament last week, calls for a review of the system a er three years, speci cally looking at the inclusion of allied health placements.
“Of course, I want to see allied health placements included earlier than this, but this ensures there is an accountability step at the three-year mark,” she said.
“The review will also consider whether the new prac payments are e ective, accessible and working as they should.”
Dr Haines said unpaid practical placements were a huge nancial burden on students, and a barrier to completing higher education in professions the region desperately needed.
“As an Independent MP, I have heard about the struggle of people studying these courses in Indi, and I support these new prac payments,” she said.
“But students studying allied health courses like physiotherapy, speech pathology and occupational therapy also undertake long unpaid placements, and they deserve these payments too.
“Allied health workers are a vital sector of our health workforce, and unpaid placement hours are a real barrier to training in this profession that is already under pressure due to sta shortages.
“Occupational therapy and physiotherapy require 1000 hours of clinical placement, dietitians a minimum of 100 days, and medical radiation practitioners require 52 weeks of placement over four years.
“These placements could be anywhere in Australia, and students o en incur travel and accommodation costs.”
Wangaratta resident Jorja Reidy is aware of the cost pressures associated with allied health training placements. She is in the fourth and nal year of her occupational therapy course at Charles Sturt University, and has completed 30 weeks of full-time placements over the last two years.
While all placements are arranged by the university, which also o ers scholarships and grants for some placements, students must organise their own travel and accommodation.
In Jorja’s case, one of last year’s seven-week placements was in Sydney, and came with a price tag of around $3000 for the young student.
...unpaid placement hours are a real barrier to training in this profession...
- INDI INDEPENDENT
MP HELEN HAINES
Other placements to make up her 1000-hour requirement have been closer to home, but all were unpaid.
Jorja said it had been difcult to secure placements post-COVID restrictions, with a shortage of OTs locally, and the need to nd them beyond the local region created an extra nancial burden for students.
“I know a lot of people who were not able to do placements and have had to defer,” she said.
“Charles Sturt makes us aware in the rst year that there would be 1000 hours of placement required, but with people in di erent nancial situations, it can be di cult.
“I know one person who
worked full-time for a year, and there are a few mums in my cohort - I don’t know how they did it.
“A couple of others got sent to Sydney this year, which was a good experience overall, but very expensive.
“It would be great to have something to o set that cost.
“It doesn’t have to be a lot of money - even just something to help with travel would be good.
“Placements are an important part of the course; OT is quite a broad profession, so it can help you make a decision about which area you’d like to work in.
“There is de nitely an increase in the need for OTs at the moment; before COVID, it
Speeding driver fined $400 after refusing to enter plea at court
A DRIVER was found guilty of speeding 15km/h above the speed a er refusing to enter a plea at Wangaratta Magistrates Court on Monday.
The court heard the male defendant travelled at 75km/h in a 60km/h zone along Snow Road in Milawa on Saturday, May 4.
The defendant, representing himself, refused to enter a plea, claiming he did not consent to the court proceedings, nor recognise the jurisdiction of the court.
The defendant also refused to provide any clari cation on his position, claiming he “would not answer any questions”.
was very competitive, but now everyone is looking for them.”
While she has now completed all of her placements and is into her nal semester at university, Jorja would love to see assistance o ered to allied health students in future.
She supported Dr Haines’ e orts to include allied health students in the CPP.
“It’s very important - we definitely need someone advocating at the moment,” she said.
Occupational Therapy Australia chief executive ofcer Samantha Hunter would also love to see the Commonwealth Prac Payment scheme expanded, saying that nancial barriers to study created inequity in education opportunities and perpetuated a lack of diversity in allied health professions.
Ms Hunter said the need for OT services, for everyone from school-aged children to those over 65, was surging in Australia.
“We need to encourage and enable students to enter into our allied health professions; the future health of our nation depends on it.”
The defendant also brought two dictionaries to court and called on Magistrate Allison Vaughan to tell him where to look to understand the charges.
Magistrate Vaughan said she could not provide the defendant with legal advice, and he could “read any dictionary [he] liked”.
She repeatedly asked the defendant to enter a plea and explained the court would hear the case in his absence if he continued to refuse to engage in the proceedings.
A er lengthy discussions in the magistrate’s pursuit of procedural fairness, which did not shed light of the defendant’s position, he le the court room.
The case was heard in ex-parte as Magistrate Vaughan felt she had exhausted all other avenues.
The defendant was issued a $400 ne without conviction.
3 DAY SCHOOL HOLIDAY CLINIC
DON’T FORGET ABOUT OT: Wangaratta-based occupational therapy student Jorja Reidy hopes moves to include allied health students in the Commonwealth Prac Payment scheme will be successful. PHOTO: Simone Kerwin
Deserved honour for Wangaratta City FC
WHILE not the ultimate goal of any club or community group, it’s always nice to be recognised for your efforts.
Last Friday, our very own Wangaratta City FC received the greatest of honours at the 2024 Victorian Football Gala, named Regional Club of the Year.
This statewide award came after a truly phenomenal year for the club, who undertook a number of projects and educational workshops to help better their players on and off the field.
One of the largest sporting clubs in the area, Wangaratta City FC prides itself on being and inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.
From their Indigenous-inspired playing strips to the family violence awareness round, to a series of workshops aimed at educating younger players on how racism and sexism has no place in the sport, Wangaratta City FC is putting in the work to make sure all who wish to participate in the sport feel welcome.
Their junior division is growing year on year, with two new junior sides added in, and around 250 kids regularly signing up for their MiniRoos program every year.
While they may be a soccer club in AFL heartland, the fact Wangaratta City FC is well supported by the community, and acknowledged by their peers in the wider soccer landscape, speak volumes of the character of the club and its leaders.
It’s all well and good for clubs to say they’re a welcoming environment for everyone, it’s an entirely different challenge to actually create it..
Congratulations to the committee, players, support staff, families, and everyone involved with Wangaratta City FC – you truly deserve the honour.
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
The Australian Quiz
1
What was the first team to qualify for the 2022 Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final?
(a) Melbourne Vixens
(b) West Coast Fever
(c) Collingwood Magpies
(d) Giants Netball
2
“Because a vision softly creeping” is the third line of which famous song?
(a) You're So Vain
(b) Hotel California
(c) The Sound of Silence
(d) Light My Fire
3 What is the smallest country in the Horn of Africa?
(a) Ethiopia (b) Djibouti
(c) Somalia
(d) Eritrea
4 Which yacht won handicap honours in the 2021 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race?
(a) Ichi Ban
(b) White Bay 6 Azzurro
(c) Love & War
(d) Celestial
5 Damask is a type of which of the following things?
(a) Vodka
(b) Soil
(c) Fabric
(d) Fossil
AV transport cuts put patients at risk
PROPOSED changes to Ambulance
Victoria patient transport service criteria are leaving community members worried about the cost of accessing much needed medical services.
As of September 30, the tighter restrictions will see hundreds left without important transport and taxi aid to access medical appointments and treatments.
The increasing centralisation of health services will make it prohibitively expensive to access healthcare in regional Victoria.
With the cuts to health services and risk of mergers, patients are now facing an even more difficult future.
I have had a pensioner who travels three times a week for treatment, inform me that the cost of a taxi for their travel would be over $600, or $200 for the community car.
6
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest is the third novel in which series?
(a) His Dark Materials
(b) The Mortal Instruments
(c) Tales of the City (d) Millennium
7 How many stars appear on the flag of Liberia?
(a) Zero
(b) One (c) Four (d) Seven
8 Neil Young was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist and as a member of which band?
(a) Earth, Wind & Fire
(b) Buffalo Springfield (c) Steely Dan (d) Lynyrd Skynyrd
9 Which branch of geology specifically studies rocks and the conditions under which they form?
(a) Ichnology
(b) Geomorphology
(c) Petrology (d) Paleontology
10 In May 2011, which Space Shuttle was launched for its final mission?
(a) Endeavour (b) Discovery (c) Atlantis (d) Enterprise
He said this is simply untenable, and he will no longer be able to afford to get the treatment he needs.
These changes will impact hundreds across the region – and it would seem that the decision is not entirely based on resourcing.
Often the patient transport service pays for a taxi rather than using a transport vehicle, which indicates that they cannot afford to provide this service anymore.
It is clear that they need more resources and more funding to deliver locals to their healthcare appointments.
Labor cannot manage money, and health patients are paying the price.
Tim McCurdy, MP for Ovens Valley
Stigma for people with dementia
NEW research released this week by Dementia Australia for Dementia Action Week demonstrates a decade of persistent poor understanding of dementia among Australians is leading to stigma and discrimination.
The research report – ‘People in the community’ are the challenge and the solution: Towards a dementia-friendly future’ – reflects the ongoing realities of stigma and discrimination experienced
by people living with dementia.
Data in the report from 2024 shows that:
• 71 per cent of people with a loved one living with dementia felt that people patronised their loved one;
• 76 per cent felt people treated their family member or friend with dementia as though they were not smart;
• two in three identified ‘people in the community’ as the most common source of discrimination; and
• one in three suggested that people avoid or exclude their loved one with dementia.
Other surveys conducted by Dementia Australia have found that one in three people think dementia is a normal part of ageing - which has increased slightly in the past decade.
The research shows that it is indeed ‘people in the community’ who are the most common source of discrimination towards people living with dementia.
This Dementia Action Week (September 16-22) we are calling for urgent and sustained action by communities and
governments to increase their awareness and understanding of dementia – and to become the solution.
Head to dementia.org.au/DementiaActionWeek to find out how you can join us to create a future where all people impacted by dementia are supported and welcomed in their communities, no matter where they live.
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan
HAPPY BIRTHDAY: The Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre is celebrating its 15th birthday today. Venue manager Tanya Camplin and the team, invite the community to call into the venue on Wednesday and join the festivities with a free birthday cupcake for the first 200 people to purchase a coffee or beverage from Intermezzo Café. You can also jump onto the WPACC Facebook page for a special ticket and pre-show dinner giveaway for An Evening with the MSO, drawn on Friday. PHOTO: Marc Bongers
Bridge installation a part of city’s history
A CROWD of around 150 people gathered at the Wangaratta Railway Station to witness the installation of the new Green Street bridge on Saturday morning.
The operation took about 90 minutes and involved a superstructure consisting of two 50-tonne steel girders being li ed into place to form the bridge.
The two main girders and 15 cross girders were li ed into place by heavy duty crane.
The main girders are 32m long, 2.3m high and 0.8m wide, while the 15 cross girders weighing
Green Street bridge put in place
3.03-tonne each, are 10.4m long, 0.765m high, and 0.455m wide.
Wangaratta born and bred resident Bobby Hutchieson was among those to watch the Green Street bridge li ed into place.
“We came down to watch a bit of history in Wangaratta - this big bridge get put in by this massive crane,” Mr Hutchieson said
“It’s a piece of marvellous machinery, thoroughly enjoyed it.
“It’s the biggest crane I have ever seen.
“It’s absolutely fantastic what they’ve done, what they’ve achieved for all of Wangaratta.
“Inland Rail will leave Wangaratta a better place - it’s easy access, its more pedestrian friendly now, it’s
just making a huge di erence.
“We only live about 800m down (from the station) so just about every day I bring Annie (my dog) for a walk, so I have seen how it has been going over the months and it’s really great.
“When the double deckers do nally come in, it will be fantastic watching it.”
Mr Hutchieson is looking forward to when he drives across the new Green Street bridge, knowing he was there when the bridge was installed.
According to Inland Rail, the new bridge is to be completed before the end of the year.
Trolley tracking still high on Clean Up
Wangaratta’s agenda
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
CLEAN Up Wangaratta
(CUW) continue to endorse the reporting of littered trolleys among the community in the lead up to World Cleanup Day on September 20.
Since 2018, World Cleanup Day aims to unify volunteers and partners worldwide come together, to raise awareness of global mismanaged waste.
CUW will take part in small clean ups around the CBD and some of the city’s roads, According to Rural City of Wangaratta Council’s website, shopping trolleys not returned to their owners are considered litter and can be a hazard to pedestrians, have an environmental impact on drains and waterways and make for an uneasy sight in our parks and reserves.
CUW and council recommended the use of the Snap, Send, Solve app, which enables anyone to report an abandoned trolley by taking a photo and sending it to the relevant authority, or council.
The app does not require a phone call or email.
An alternative app includes Trolley Tracker which is compatible with Woolworths, Big W and Dan Murphy’s trolleys.
“They’re the most valuable apps which everybody should have on their phone,” CUW coconvenor Andy Kimber said.
Once an abandoned trolley is reported, the relevant organisation will look into the report and notify the user when the trolley returns home.
For all other retailers, council recommends getting in touch with them directly.
SHIPWRECKED: This trolley was le abandoned at One Mile Creek and reported via the Snap, Send Solve app which aims to reduce trolley litter within the rural city
Wangaratta High School would like to sincerely thank the following businesses for their generous contribution to the success of our ‘Freaky Friday 13th’ Trivia Night fundraiser:
MORNING GLORY: Spectators were up early to witness
KING VALLEY NEWS
Covering Moyhu, Edi, Myrrhee, Whitfield, Cheshunt and Whitlands areas
Committee prepares for 25th King Valley Art Show
ARTIST talks and creative activities for all will add some exciting new elements to this year’s King Valley Art Show, now in its 25th year.
While planning begins almost immediately a er the last show wraps up, a dedicated sub-committee of King Valley Arts (KVA) has been working hard since Easter nalising arrangements for this year’s event being held at King River Brewing from November 2 to 4.
Entries are now invited from participating artists with a $15,000 prize pool on o er thanks to the generosity of sponsors, patrons and friends of the art show, with all awards non-acquisitive.
KVA president Anita Laurence said there are some new additions and sponsors this year including RiverArts Oxley
WANGARATTA Senior Citizens Club will host lunch at the Wangaratta Club today from 12 noon.
BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au
(sponsoring the Young Artist Award), along with patrons 3 Black Sheds and Moyhu Farm Stay.
“We’re thrilled to have their support, and RiverArts in Oxley is a tting sponsor for the young artist award (for artists under 25) as Linda Syers runs art classes for young folk,” she said.
“King River Brewing’s Brianna Munt came up with the idea to have some of the artists give talks over the weekend about their art and their process - and we’ll also have some games and art activities for all ages across the weekend.”
The King Valley Art Show
has not only survived for 25 years but evolved to become a premier arts event in the region, attracting a constant and growing number of entries and visitors over those years.
Ms Laurence attributes its success to the quality and variety of entries, and the enthusiasm the event generates in the community year a er year.
“We’re so lucky to consistently have great artwork entered into the show with such diversity and variety in style and mediums – we always say there is something for everyone to enjoy,” she said.
“There is also the sense of occasion at the gala opening when the awards are announced, and the opportunity to showcase local artists alongside artists from afar.
“It also comes down to a
team e ort by a passionate committee, the support from local businesses and individuals who donate money for the awards, the volunteers who put their hand up to come and help with set up and during the show.
“And without doubt, the community who proudly come and visit the show with their family and friends.”
The judge for the 25th King Valley Art Show will be one of Australia’s pre-eminent landscape artists, Mary Tonkin.
The committee is expecting over 300 artworks to be on display this year, with entries closing on October 20.
Artists can nd out more at kingvalleyarts.com.au, where tickets can also be purchased now for the gala opening on Friday, November 1.
The club will also host indoor carpet bowls tomorrow (Thursday) from 12 noon, Golden Oldies regional bowls competition on Friday from 10am and cards (500) on Friday from 1.30pm, indoor carpet bowls on Monday from 12 noon, and cards (500) and hoy on Tuesday from 1.30pm, all in the clubrooms or in the adjoining St Patrick’s supper room.
A social gathering will be held at the clubrooms next Wednesday, September 25.
WANGARATTA Seniors Old Time
Dancing is held every Tuesday from 7pm to 10pm at the CWA Hall in Templeton Street.
Live music supplied by the Rustic Ramblers, admission $10, please bring a plate of supper to share.
For more information, phone 0407 357 226 or 0408 032 451.
CAKE Decorators Association of Victoria Wangaratta branch will hold its next event at the Galen Catholic College food tech room on Saturday, September 21 from 10am to 3pm.
Cost is $15 members and $25 non-members. For more information, phone Lee on 0419 513 735.
THE Australian Plant Society (Wangaratta) has its next meeting on Thursday, September 26 at the Masonic Hall, corner of Appin and Esmond Streets, at 7pm.
The grand display of Australian native spring flowers will be the main feature. All welcome.
WANGARATTA Seniors Dance will be held on Friday, September 27 from 2pm to 4pm in St Patrick’s supper room in Ford Street (entry beside St Patrick’s Church).
The dance is held on the fourth Friday of each month, with music supplied by Rustic Ramblers, dance revision from 1.30pm to 2pm,
SOCIAL CALENDAR
admission $5 (non-members $7 includes afternoon tea).
For more information, phone Margaret on 0407 357 226 or Julie on 0408 032 451.
WANGARATTA Toastmasters meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 6.45pm at The Centre in Chisholm Street. For more information, contact Joanne Howell on 0417 558 881.
WANGARATTA table tennis weekly social competition is held on Tuesdays from 10am to 12 noon at the Wangaratta Showgrounds table tennis pavilion. All ages and abilities welcome, bats and balls provided, $2 entry. Contact Maxine Miller on 0403 209 857.
Edi Upper school’s 150th anniversary
PAST students, teachers and friends of the Edi Upper Primary School are invited to celebrate its 150th anniversary when a morning tea is held this Friday, September 20 from 10.30am to 11.30am. All are welcome to the celebration which will include a presentation on the school’s history and a time capsule, with RSVP for catering purposes to edi. upper.ps@education.vic.gov.au or call 5729 3560. The school has announced it will become nonoperational during term four, with the Victorian Department of Education to work with the school and the community to determine its future.
Moyhu Lions country market this Saturday
THE Moyhu Lions country market returns to the Moyhu Lions Park for spring this Saturday, September 21 from 8am to 12pm.
There will be more than 15 market stalls along with an antiques and collectables display at this month’s market, plus the introduction of a new monthly raffle with a $100 fuel voucher to be won. Book a stall by contacting Donna on 5729 7563 and come along and enjoy the fun, with a delicious breakfast and hot coffee available.
King Valley Arts Film Club screening
THE next King Valley Arts Film Club screening will be held at the Cheshunt Hall on Tuesday, October 8 with doors open from 7pm and the film to start at 7.30pm.
The October screening will be the Wes Anderson comedy/drama The Grand Budapest Hotel, featuring an all-star ensemble cast including Ralph Fiennes, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe and many more. Film club membership forms will be available at the second season launch event, with more information available by visiting kingvalleyarts.com. au/film-club.
Members can BYO drinks and snacks, with fresh popcorn and ice creams available for sale on the night.
Hume and Hovell 200 year celebration
A COMMUNITY event to celebrate 200 years since explorers Hume and Hovell passed through Moyhu in 1824, and 150 years of Moyhu Primary School, will be held on Saturday, November 23 in Moyhu. A street parade will leave Carl Schulz Reserve at 10.30am heading to Moyhu Primary School, which will host a country fair from 11.30am to 2.30pm featuring historic demonstrations, displays and entertainment for families including live music, novelty races and much more, with entry $5 per person.
OXLEY table tennis weekly social competition is held on Mondays from 7pm at the Oxley Hall.
Adults and secondary school students of all ages and abilities are welcome to join in. Bring your own bat, $2 entry fee, and small plate to share. Contact June Uebergang on 0497 860 785 (text only).
WANGARATTA Sing Australia Group holds its weekly meetings each Wednesday from 7.30pm to 9pm at Purbrick Hall, next to Holy Trinity Cathedral.
All welcome. For details, call Keith Fleet on 0491 114 480 or Cheryl Hoysted on 0419 005 062.
WANG Ukes meets on Tuesdays from 7pm to 8.30pm at the Masonic Lodge in Appin Street. All abilities welcome, phone 0407 311 899 for more information.
WANGARATTA Artists Society Inc provides a supportive environment
for local artists to work on their projects, welcoming beginners to experienced individuals. It hosts workshops led by experienced artists in various mediums throughout the year, and the studio is equipped to cater to artists and their artistic endeavours. For more information, contact Robyn on 0412 291 066.
WANGARATTA Orchid Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 6.30pm in St Patrick’s supper room, off Ford Street.
Meetings include flower shows and talks, and everyone is welcome. Phone Hans on 0428 119 737.
OSTINATO Wangaratta and District Community Choir meets each Tuesday from 7pm to 9.30pm at the Log Cabin, corner Faithfull and Chisholm Streets, Wangaratta. New members welcome. Contact Helen on 0457 269278.
DEDICATED TEAM: While the KVA is busy throughout the year bringing initiatives such as the Film Club and KVA Presents live performances to the community, a sub-committee is dedicated to the art show, with volunteers including Anita Torrance, Alicia Tua, Karen Watson, Anita Laurence, Rowena Tainton and Catherine Dean.
PHOTO: Anita McPherson
Lyster Opera presents
The Italian Girl in Algiers
VICTORIAN regional touring opera company Lyster Opera is excited to be returning to Milawa in September, presenting a new production of Rossini’s hilarious comedy, The Italian Girl in Algiers.
The opera tells the story of the Sultan Mustafa who is obsessed with all things Italian and yearns for an Italian wife.
He gets more than he bargained for when Isabella, the Italian girl of the title, is shipwrecked and proceeds to take over his court – with an eye on her tenor lover Lindoro, whom the Sultan has enslaved.
Director Jamie Moffat said this early work by Rossini is
Wang Players to present Sherlock Holmes mystery
rarely performed because it is technically very difficult.
“The music was written for very, very accomplished singers,” he said.
“We are very lucky to have assembled a cast who can really do the score justice.”
Heading the cast as Isabella is mezzo-soprano Alexandra Mathew, who won acclaim for her performance in another Rossini opera, La Cenerentola, which Lyster Opera presented in 2022.
Playing Lindoro, Lyster Opera is excited to have tenor Hew Wagner, taking on one of Rossini’s most demanding roles and rising brilliantly to the occasion.
WANGARATTA Players are preparing for their next production, Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, a comedic version of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original The Hound of the Baskervilles.
The play is a wild romp that brings energy and humour as it marches quickly from one scene to the next with sets and characters transforming, often before your eyes.
It will be a challenging and fun production with 37 acting roles that are shared amongst the adult cast, and all those interested in being part of the cast or crew are encouraged to register their interest. Information sessions and group readings will be held on Friday, September 20 at 5.30pm and on Saturday, September 21 at 10am and 3pm, at the Stage Door Studio in Evans Street. Anyone unable to attend those times, or those who would like more information (including dialogue for the read-through) can contact wangplayerssecretary@gmail.com.
Those who attended the Lyster Opera’s presentation of Monteverdi’s The Coronation of Poppea in Milawa last year, will remember Hew for his great performance as Nero.
Laura Slavin appears as Elvira and Erin Absalom takes on the role of Zulma, with Troy Castle as Taddeo, Christopher-Jack Andrew as Haly, and Jamie Moffat pulling double duty as Mustafa as well as directing.
This new production has musical direction and accompaniment from audience favourite Pamela Christie, with new sets designed by Blair Parkinson, and superb costumes created especially for this tour by Maddy Connellan.
Steinway on Stage with Tim Wong
LOCAL pianist Tim Wong will perform a recital as part of Steinway on Stage, a series of intimate twilight concerts which feature Wangaratta’s magnificent Steinway grand piano, at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Wednesday, September 18 at 6pm.
With the audience gathered around the piano, Tim - who also play clarinet with the Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra and the Wangaratta Concert Band - will play works by Mozart, Scriabin, Beethoven, Brahms and Chopin. Steinway on Stage is presented in partnership with Wangaratta Arts Council and the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre and tickets are available at wpacc.com.au.
The Hoffmans at Da Vinci Club
DUO The Hoffmans will perform hits from the 50s to the 90s during a supper dance being held at the Da Vinci Social Club in Wangaratta on Saturday, September 28 at 7.30pm.
Tickets include a delicious supper with drinks available at bar prices (no byo) with tickets $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers, available by calling Pip on 0409 307 606 or email dvsc.wang@gmail.com.
Shannon Noll coming to Wangaratta
SHANNON Noll will play at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Thursday, October 3 at 7.30pm, as part of his That’s What I’m Talking About 20th Anniversary Tour 2024.
Nollsie’s rise to fame as runner-up of the first series of Australian Idol, saw him go from being a farm hand in Condobolin, to one of Australia’s most recognised recording artists and entertainers.
Fans will be treated to a high energy and nostalgic live show featuring songs from Nollsie’s historic debut album as well as hits and fan favourites from his career to date, with tickets available at wpacc.com.au.
Lyster Opera was named for William Saurin Lyster (18281880), an Irish born entrepreneur who made it his mission to provide opera to the growing population of Australia.
The company continues this vision by bringing opera to new audiences in regional areas and since 2018 has toured productions including Mozart’s Don Giovanni and Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore.
Secure your tickets now for The Italian Girl in Algiers, coming to Milawa Hall on Sunday, September 29 at 2pm, with tickets $40, $35 (concession) and $30 child, available at lysteropera.com.au or by calling 0410 0890 388.
Author to visit Wangaratta Library
COMMUNITY members are encouraged to take the opportunity to hear from author Robert M. Smith, discover his unique perspective on storytelling and connect with fellow book enthusiasts, at the Wangaratta Library on Thursday, September 26.
Supported by Edgars Books & News, Robert Smith will discuss his writing and the third novel in his Greg Bowker series, The Granite.
The book tells the story Detective Inspector Greg Bowker’s return to the town of his childhood to investigate the murder of an elderly man, one who happens to be Greg’s old school teacher.
His visit reignites boyhood memories of he and his younger brother discovering a blood-covered body on the slopes of a stony, scrubby hill known in the area as the Granitebut are they connected?
The author talk will be held at 6.30pm and bookings are essential via Humanitix or contact library staff on 5721 2366 or library@ wangaratta.vic.gov.au.
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Careful, Lamb. Taking on too many tasks at one time can cause you to create more snarls each time you try to work your way through the tangled mass. Best to handle one job at a time.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Making bold moves is what Bovines do. But the best moves are made with lots of data to provide backup, just in case you charge into an unexpected complication. Meanwhile, a new relationship shows promise.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Sharing credit for a job well-done is easy for you to do, but this is not necessarily the case for your partner. But fair is fair. Don’t let yourself be denied the right to have your contributions recognized.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Communication is important to help bridge a gap that can lead to problems at home and/or at the workplace. Find a way to get your points across before the breach becomes a chasm.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) Relationships, whether business or personal, need to be watched carefully for signs of trouble. Any negative indications should be dealt with before they become too burdensome.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Congratulations! A more positive aspect highlights much of the Virgo’s week. You should find others more receptive to your suggestions and more likely to act on them.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) All work and little play could wear down the Libra’s usually positive attitude. Take some muchneeded time off. Perhaps a short jaunt with someone special is the way to go.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) This is a good time to expand your view from the known to the unfamiliar. Confronting new situations could be challenging, but they could ultimately be extremely satisfying.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Giving advice to those who just want validation for what they’re doing can be unsettling. So, back off and save your counsel for those who really appreciate it.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Cultivating a more positive attitude not only makes you feel better about yourself, but it also has an upbeat effect on those around you, especially a certain someone.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Keeping the lines of communication open and accessible is the key to establishing the right foundation to build an important and meaningful relationship. Stay with it.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Before agreeing to act on a request, consider using your perceptive Piscean talents to see what might lie hidden beneath the surface and possibly cause
HILAROUS OPERA: Alexandra Mathew will play Isabella and Hew Wagner will play Lindoro in Lyster Opera’s production of Rossini’s The Italian Girl in Algiers, at the Milawa Hall on September 29 at 2pm.
IN PERSON BY PHONE SELLING A CAR BUY
37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677
CONCRETING, big or small jobs, paths, driveways, shed slabs, verandahs, 15 years experience. For a free quote phone Trev Anderson on 0422 200 761.
MARK’S Mowing, reasonable prices, ride on mowing, edging, clean up, spraying and any waste removal. Ph 0472 603 156.
PAINTER, old school, for all your painting needs, commercial, industrial renovations. Phone Juliano 0412 597 482.
PLASTERER, no job too small. Ph 0424 911 161.
WHEELER Earthworks, available for all your earthworks needsyard clean ups, stump removals, driveways, material supply and spreading, rural work and more. Call Marcus on 0491 094 545.
WHEN TO BOOK BY EMAIL
EMPLOYMENT
DEPARTMENT MANAGER, RURAL HEALTH AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE
Location: Shepparton, Ballarat or Wangaratta Role type: Full-time, Continuing Salary: Senior Manager 1- Attractive remuneration package + 17% super
Join a dynamic team and lead the development of impactful education and research programs in rural health at the University of Melbourne. This is a unique opportunity to drive transformative healthcare outcomes across rural Victoria by fostering strategic partnerships with healthcare providers. Enjoy excellent benefits and a flexible work environment while making a real difference in rural communities. For any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Fahim Farzad at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au
For queries regarding the role, reach out to Cathy Mason at cathym@unimelb.edu.au
MOTOR VEHICLES
2015 HINO
2015 HINO, 187,000 km’s, 12/24 Rego (1SM6CX) 3.5 TONNE, DIESEL MOTOR, TUCKAWAY TAILGATE VERY GOOD CONDITION, COMES WITH RWC
OUTBOARD motor, 10-15 horsepower, older motor okay, must be running, must be pumping water. Ph 0400 275 356.
WOOD, hardwood plantations and farm/ storm damage clean up. Ph 0448 933 999.
HONDA XR250R ‘86MD VIN: ME065200456, Honda XL25OR ‘84MD, VIN: MD11-5103978, both bikes in good order, call for further info, $1700 each. Ph 0407 316 788.
2016 VW Golf comfortline, 167,000km, rego till May 2025 (1FC8WG), great car, always serviced, $13,750. Ph 0407 829 464.
FIREWOOD, mixed loads, post and rail fencing and garden sleepers. Ph 0448 933 999.
ACKLAND, Evelyn Helen.
18/12/1950 - 13/9/2024
The family of Evelyn Helen Ackland is deeply saddened to announce her passing on September 13, 2024.
Aged 73 years. Passed away peacefully surrounded by family.
Much loved wife of Rodney. Daughter of Helen and Jack (dec.) Mother of Rebecca, Emma, Kellee, Michelle, Sarah, Victoria and Stephanie. Mother-in-law of Steven, Chris, Damien and David Adored Grandmother of Paige, Alex, Matthew, Connor, Mollie, Bonnie, Lily, Grace, Jorji, Ruby, Harry, Phoebe, Evie, Belle, Peggy, Ava, Daisy and partners. Great-Grandmother of Jaelyn.
BUDGE, Desmond Alick “Des”.
2/5/1961 – 13/9/2024
The family of Des is saddened to announce his passing on September 13, 2024. Aged 63 years. Loved son of Lindsay and Florence (both dec). Only brother of Ron and friend to many. Sadly missed.
ACKLAND
Family and friends are warmly invited to attend the funeral service of Evelyn Ackland. To be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Friday, September 20, 2024 commencing at 10.30am. A private burial will take place following the service.
As a loving and meaningful tribute to Eve, a donation to Motor Neurone Disease Victoria would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be made online at www.mnd.org.au/donate Eve’s service will be livestreamed and can be viewed at www.masonpark.com.au/livestreaming
Mason Park Funerals
5721 5060 masonpark.com.au
BUDGE
The service of thanksgiving for Des Budge will be held in the Salvation Army Corp Chapel, 59 Greta Rd, Wangaratta, on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 commencing at 10.30am. Light refreshments will be served in the Salvation Army Hall prior to departing for burial at the Pine Lodge Cemetery, Shepparton arriving at approximately 1pm.
Mason Park Funerals
5721 5060 masonpark.com.au
SUBARU Forester 2015 auto, tow bar, RWC, reg (1EU8LU), 286,000km, excellent condition, fully serviced $12,000. Contact Ian 0414 428 544.
2022 GLX Prado, local car, full warranty, as new, 59,000kms, reg (1WQ9ZO), bull bar, driving lights, roof racks, Anderson, Redarc, electrics, $67,000 ono. Ph 0415 665 327.
OLD cars wanted, cars removed. Ph 0435 083 115.
2016 Mitsubushi QE Pajero Sport GLS, auto, 113,000km, heaps of extras, great car, reg (CMN23Y), $38,000 ono. Ph 0427 500 961. 2014 Jeep Wrangler Sport Unlimited, convertible hard top, automatic, petrol 3.6 litre, loads of accessories, such as fog lights, hill descent, etc. goes anywhere, looks awesome in hard to get red, RWC, rego (2AD5JL), $24,999, Mansfield. Ph 0403 359 006.
FOR sale 8’ x 5’ galv steel tipping trailer, good condition, with ramps for ride on mower or small tractor loading, Situated Euroa $1500 ono. Ph 0429 803 505.
McINTOSH, Nancy “Kay”
Much loved mother and grandmother
No longer with us but never forgotten. Sadly missed but forever loved.
~ Debbie and Harley
McINTOSH, Kay.
1933 – 2024
Loved sister of Leslie and Aunt to Karen, Reg, Ross and Vikki.
~ Les and Joy Whinray and family.
McINTOSH
The service to celebrate the life of Kay McIntosh will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta, on Monday September 23, 2024, commencing at 10.30am. Burial will follow the service at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a donation to Dementia Australia in memory of Kay can be made online at
Honouring the Journey
Mason Park Funerals
masonpark.com.au
PARKINSON, Steven. Passed September 13, 2023. Forever in our hearts.
~ Love Dad, Sharron and Jason (dec).
Athletics day saw students sprint, leap and soar
By JORDAN DUURSMA
WANGARATTA West Primary
School students from grades three to six put on a spectacular display of sprinting, leaping and soaring at their athletics day at the Appin Park Athletics Oval last week.
Students dressed in their team colours, representing their houses and team spirit.
Remember your loved one in a lasting way
The memory of a much loved family member or friend can live on through a donation to your local health service Northeast Health Wangaratta. This is a direct way of helping us to continually improve patient care and comfort, ensuring the availability of comprehensive health services in our local community.
Principal Kristy Mullins said they were blessed with beautiful weather for both their senior and junior athletics days, and the way students rotated through their events and the way they conducted themselves was truly a sight to
“So many parents and carers have commented over the past few days on the beautiful way students cheered from the sidelines, ran alongside one another and participated with huge smiles on their faces,” she said.
“The cheers, smiles and words of encouragement were simply heart-warming as our kids supported one another and gave their best e orts in each event.
“Their sportsmanship throughout the day absolutely shone.”
More than 20 students from Wangaratta High School generously donated their time on their day o to come down and help out.
TAKING FLIGHT: Lucca Bennett looked like she was ready to take flight as she represented her team in the grade six hurdles.
“Not only did they choose to give up their day o to help us, but they further blew us away with their level of maturity, encouragement of students and dedication to the tasks they were assigned,” Ms Mullins said.
FLYING, SOARING: Ruby Drage and Hazel Wyllie were soaring over the hurdles.
Family and friends can make a donation in lieu of flowers in recognition of the medical care and attention provided. Community Engagement Team (03) 5722 5069 or PO Box 386, Wangaratta, Vic 3676. The bereaved family will be notified of your memorial gift according to your wishes and you will receive a tax-deductible receipt for your donation.
To make a donation or to request information about memorial service donations or remembering Northeast Health Wangaratta in your will, please contact -
may be placed before 2pm the business day prior to publication
RUNNING THE RACE: Ollie Fisher gave his all, running to represent his house at athletics day.
represented his house in long
ON THE TRACK: Jack Dean was encouraged by parent helpers and his house mates as he raced against his peers.
PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie
LONG JUMP: Indie Bennett taking a mighty leap for long jump
HAVING A GO: Britney Fitzpatrick gave her all at long jump, with lots of encouragement from her peers as they cheered her on.
jump.
READY FOR ACTION: Lawson Readhead trying his hand at discus.
FRIENDLY COMPETITION: Close friends, Quinn Kelly and Lindsey Oyugi were neck and neck hurtling down the track.
SPORT
Tigers building ahead of cricket season
By NATHAN DE VRIES
WITH the cricket season fast approaching, Ovens Valley United Cricket Club is hard at work getting facilities and players ready for the long summer of cricket.
Memorial Park has been busy over the past few weeks, with the club digging up the old concrete hard wicket and pouring a new slab.
The upgrades are part of the club’s long-term plan to revitalise Memorial Park and the associated facilities to make them t for purpose.
OVUCC president Tom Chettleburgh said the upgrades were a long time coming.
“It’s been on our agenda for the last few seasons,” he said.
“We got to work and identi ed a few grants and applications that might be able to help us get the job done, and we were successful with them.
“We’ve got ourselves in a really good position to be
able to do these things, and have a really strong committee that has the nous and the time to apply for grants.”
On top of facility upgrades, the Tigers have also been hard at work on the recruiting front.
A er securing the services of playing head coach Geeth Alwis for the next two seasons, the Tigers have locked in several new and returning players.
Bailey Wyatt will return to his home club a er spend-
ing the past few years in Western Australia, with his le arm pace a welcome addition to the Tigers’ bowling attack.
UK import Gregor Fraser will pull on the orange and black in 2024/25, making
the move from Delatite CC, where he made 283 runs and took 15 wickets last season.
Top order bat Michael Roberts will also call the Valley home for the upcoming season, and will surely boost Ovens Valley’s run-
NORTH East Bushrangers Basketball (NEBB) is a collaboration between local North East basketball associations with the commitment of “Creating Realistic Pathways for all North East Athletes”
Ten NEBB junior teams compete in the Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) - the highest level junior competition in Victoria.
Our Club offers specialist Basketball Clinics, as well as pathways through Senior Big V Competitions.
One NEBB Youth League Men’s (YLM) team competes in the semi-professional Big V competition.
Big V & VJBL consist of teams from both metropolitan and regional Victoria.
ROUND RESULTS:
U14 Girls 1 33 def Korumburra 1
(Top Scorers: E. O’Neill 9, M. Hanley 8, A. Gray 6)
U16 Girls 1 38 def by Camberwell 2
(Top Scorers: E. Napier 11, E. Mercieca 8, L. Wright 6)
U16 Boys 1 38 def by Dandenong 3
(Top Scorers: S. Kain 21, A. Hamill 5, S. Wright 4)
scoring capabilities.
“Geeth was the big sh to get, the player-coach, and having Bailey moving back from WA is going to be a good asset, having that learm bowler in your stocks,” Chettleburgh said.
“He’s a super-passionate member when he’s here and he’s all-in. Mick Roberts is probably the one that no one knows much about from around here.
“He comes from over Bairnsdale way, a number three bat for Boisdale Briagolong’s A grade, le -hand bat.
“Gregor’s coming back (to Australia) a er spending last season with Delatite, we reached out to them to make sure they were comfortable with it.
“He had a relatively good year last season, and he was de nitely the one we see as going to ll the void of trying to dig out those gritty, twoday innings, it’s what was missing from our A grade.”
The WDCA season commences on October 12.
Club of the Year
■ From back page
“This year, things just came together – we were planning to do a new strip, our cultural jersey project came into fruition this year, we ran lots of di erent workshops for young people around quality in sport and what that looks like, it’s something we’re really passionate about.
“It is great recognition not just for this year but for a number of years we’ve been working really hard at the club.”
While the season may be over, the future burns bright for Wangaratta City FC.
“I think we’re just going to go from strength to strength, to be honest,” Mellor said.
“Next year I can imagine there’ll be increased participation again – football is a growth sport in Australia, and I can’t really see it slowing down.”
HONOURED: Wangaratta City FC committee members Melissa Aggenbach and Kristy Mellor at the 2024 Victorian Football
Gala.
PHOTO: Football Victoria
FRESH DECK: Myrtleford’s Memorial Park welcomed its new concrete hard wicket, part of the club’s improvements to the venue.
NEW COLOURS: Gregor Fraser will trade the blue of Delatite for the orange and black of the Tigers for the 2024/25 WDCA season.
PHOTO: Janet Watt
Questions raised over Ron Barassi Medal name
FOR the first time in history, the 2024 AFL premiership captain will be awarded the Ron Barassi Medal, named in honour of one of the biggest figures in the sport, but not everyone is completely on board with the new medal.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon announced the medal in early September, set to be awarded alongside the Premiership Cup, Norm Smith Medal and Jock McHale Medal on the biggest day on the AFL calendar.
Local psychologist and broadcaster Neil Barassi, cousin of the legendary Ron Barassi, believes if a grand final honour is to bear Ron’s name, it should be the Premiership Cup itself rather than a medal.
“While I acknowledge the profound honour, I believe that, considering Ron’s contributions and accomplishments, the suggestion of the Ron Barassi Premiership
similarly commemorate one of its greatest figures.
“Awarding a medal to the winning premiership captain is a significant honour, but should the Premiership Cup ever bear a name, I believe Ron’s name should be etched onto it.
“This would honour not just his role as a premiership captain but also his contributions to the sport at large.”
the most successful captains, with four VFL/AFL premierships each.
While Ron Barassi was an incredible captain, skippering the Melbourne Football Club to two premierships in 1960 and ’64, Neil feels the impact the great man had on the game extends far beyond simply captaining a side.
Table tennis final contenders now set
PREMIER contenders in the Wangaratta Table Tennis Association grand finals of the 2024 winter competition are now set following the playing of preliminary finals last Wednesday, September 11.
Cup might serve as an even more appropriate homage to one of the sport’s legends,” he said.
“In America, the NFL honours its legend with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, and it seems fitting that the AFL Premiership Cup should
Barassi, an inaugural Legend of the Game when the Australian Football Hall of Fame was founded in 1996, was a part of 10 premiership sides – six as a player with Melbourne, two as a coach with Carlton and two as a coach with North Melbourne – the equal-most premierships with Norm Smith of any person in VFL/AFL history.
However, Syd Coventry (Collingwood), Dick Reynolds (Essendon) and Michael Tuck (Hawthorn) are
“When Ron returned to coach the Sydney Swans, after a game between Melbourne and Sydney, Ron expressed his commitment to ensuring the survival of the thenstruggling Swans, stating that their demise would spell disaster for any serious national competition,” he said.
“Ron’s vision for the future saw the VFL evolve into the AFL, a transformation that is now part of history.”
The 2024 AFL grand final will be played on Saturday, September 28, from 2.30pm.
The intensity went up a notch as winning was now the only way forward.
There were keen onlookers from those teams already through to see who they were ‘up against’ in the big one and there were some high energy hit-ups going on to stay in form.
Results:
A Grade:
N.E. Ag. & Industrial (Tom Brown, Steve Picken, Pat Sehgal) def. Boralma Berkshire (Mark Comensoli, Markus Angehrn, Corey Dagoli) final rubber score 6/4.
Football school holiday program returns
AFL VICTORIA are excited to announce the school holiday program will be returning to Wangaratta for the Term 3 school holiday break.
The school holiday program will be hosted at Wangaratta’s Barr Reserve on Monday, September 23, from 9am-3pm.
There are two different programs available, with an Auskick
program for kids aged five to eight years old, and a Superkick program for eight- to 12-year-olds, from just $50. The Auskick program is perfect for young beginners looking to learn and play in a safe environment - kids turning five in the calendar year are eligible to sign up. Packed perfectly into one day, this program offers more than just footy.
The Superkick program allows kids to get into the action and experience the excitement of Australian Rules Football with a program designed for new players.
Learn new skills, make friends, and have fun under the guidance of AFL experts, all without breaking the bank. With fun at the centre of the
day, this program is the perfect way to learn new skills and make friends.
Registration are open, and sports are limited to abide by staff/participant ratios.
To register, follow these links: Auskick – https://www.playhq. com/afl/register/de1945. Superkick – https://www. playhq.com/afl/register/85254e.
Tom Brown won all three of his singles showing he is in tiptop form and eager for the next challenge with Steve and Pat keen to back him up.
Match wins: Singles: T Brown 3, P Sehgal 2, M Comensoli 2, M Angehrn 1. Doubles: T Brown/P Sehgal 1, M Comensoli/C Dagoli 1.
Somerset Comms (John Bajada, Daniel Larkings, Sienna Bajada) def. Boralma Berkshire (Rod Gerrett, Tim Oliver, Klaus Kazenwadel) final rubber score
The first match of the night was intense with equal determination on both sides of the net. John succeeded despite a brave performance by Rod in the deciding fifth game. 12/10. The young Sienna gave Tim Oliver a fright in their match taking him to five showing she is a talented contender and on the improve looking forward.
Match wins: Singles: J Bajada 2, D Larkings 2, T Oliver 2, K Kazenwadel 1. Doubles: J Bajada/S Bajada 1, J Bajada/D Larkings 1.
N.E. Ag. & Industrial (Manny Poulos, Stephen Alger) def. Auto 8 (Reyansh Kanaskar, Matt Curran) final rubber score 3/1. Despite the final rubber score, each match here was tightly
The last singles match between Manny and Matt, was crucial for Auto 8 to stay alive, but unfortunately for them, Manny was persistent and scraped in, winning 14/12 in the deciding seventh game of the match.
Match wins: Singles: M Poulos 2, S Alger 1, M Curran 1. Doubles: (dead rubber) M Poulos/S Alger.
The grand finals for each grade will be played Wednesday, September 18 at 7pm.
A Grade: Plum Digital (A Lindner, A Lindner, E Kibble) vs. N.E. Ag. & Ind (T Brown, S Picken, P Sehgal).
B Grade: Somerset Comms. (J Bajada, D Larkings, S Bajada) vs. N.E. Ag & Industrial (T Tatulaschwili, R Divinagracia, P Fitzgerald).
C Grade: N.E. Ag & Industrial ( M Poulos, S Alger) vs. Boralma Berkshire (J Lindner, J Ngiam) All welcome to watch the action.
HONOUR THE LEGEND: Neil (left) and Ron Barassi celebrate the Demons’ 2021 premiership.
HOLIDAY FUN: Local footballers (from left) Tom McInerney, Ashton Theabold, Tex Evans, Noah Cooper, Hudson Gamze and Luca Zamperoni at the last AFL Victoria school holiday program. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Locals feature heavily at O&M’s medal night
BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au
THE Ovens and Murray’s Morris and Toni Wilson Medal night saw a number of Magpies and Rovers players recognised for outstanding seasons.
In the senior football it was Yarrawonga superstar midfielder Willie Wheeler who claimed the Morris Medal, while North Albury’s Emily Browne made history in being the first ever netballer to win four Toni Wilson Medals.
In the reserves football it was Wangaratta Rover Noah Amery who took out the Leo Burke Medal ahead of Wangaratta’s Braeden Marjanovic.
Amery polled 24 votes ahead of his Magpies opponent.
“It’s always nice to win individual accolades but it’s always better to win premierships and unfortunately we missed out,” Amery said.
A sweet start to racing career
CRAIG Weeding’s Make It Sweet is enjoying a stellar start to her racing career.
The four-year-old mare’s victory in race six’s benchmark 64 (1450m) at Tatura last week was her fourth win on the trot from just seven career starts. Even more impressively, the daughter of Fiorente is yet to finish outside the
Weeding said his mare continues to
“She’s a really nice horse and we’ve made sure we’ve looked after her and taken her steady,” Weeding said.
“She won her maiden and then we sent her out for a break where she did a really good job in the paddock and came back a stronger horse.
“We always liked her but she’s probably exceeded expectations.”
Thus far, Make It Sweet has won over 1600m, 1300m, 1400m and 1450m but Weeding expects her to get better the longer the trip is, especially considering she’s by Melbourne Cup winner Fiorente.
“But it is nice to get a little bit of recognition for the year that I had and obviously all of this stuff doesn’t happen without my teammates.
“I’ve probably got to thank my ruckman because he fed me all year so that’s one there for you ‘Redders’ (Nicholas Redley).
“Sometimes it’s difficult to play reserves for a lot of the year because you want to be playing senior football but our coaches Ben Kneebone and Shane Flynn brought a lot of the joy back to playing reserves.”
In the under 17’s netball Wangaratta’s Milly O’Kane tied with Wodonga 14-year-old Arhi Cohen for the league medal.
O’Kane and Cohen finished on 26 votes, two votes ahead of North Albury’s Sammi Murray.
In the under 15’s netball it was Wangaratta Rovers rising star Lainey Draper who was a clear winner on 36 votes, six ahead of Wodonga Raiders’ Zali Fryer. Draper capped off a stellar season after winning the best on court medal in the under 15’s interleague game.
“I was not expecting it, I’m so happy,” Draper said.
“I haven’t played with many of the girls in the past, but we got to know each other really well and we’re really close now.”
The Ovens and Murray also announced their teams of the year for both the senior football and A grade netball.
Wangaratta Rovers had five players named in the football side with Sam Murray, Brodie Filo, Xavier Allison, Tom Boyd and Sam Cattapan receiving the honours.
Callum Moore was the sole Magpie to be selected.
Wangaratta then had three players picked in the A grade team of the year with Leah Jenvey (WD), Hannah Grady and Issy Newton (interchange) named.
And finally, Wangaratta claimed the Overall Club Championship for the best performance across all grades of football and netball, while Rovers were named the Football Club Champions with all three grades featuring deep in finals.
“We expect her to get better over further distance,” he said.
“I think that’s what’s impressing us most at the moment, she’s winning at trips we probably weren’t sure that she would.
“We think she can get out to 10 furlongs (2000m), she’s by Fiorente who was a Melbourne Cup winner so she’s got the breeding to like a further trip.”
While the mare is excelling, Weeding still sees plenty of improvement to come.
“The plan is to get her down to town eventually but at the moment she’s still doing things wrong on race day and she’d probably get found out down there,” he said.
“She’s an immature horse so we’ve been patient with her and she’s still got time to grow which is exciting.
“We’ve got patient owners too so we’re happy to take our time with her.
“There’s a race on Benalla Cup day (September 27) that she’ll probably go to and then she might head for a break before bringing her back for the summer.”
Weeding enjoyed an outstanding season in 2023/24 recording 48 winners which saw him claim the Southern District’s Racing Association trainers’ premiership.
“We were really happy with how things went last season,” he said.
“And we’re really happy with how the team is building for this season and I think we can go even better going off the stock we’re bringing in.”
Weeding is also eyeing the $3 million Big Dance at Randwick on Melbourne Cup Day where stable star Prince Of Helena has gained a start after winning the Narrandera Cup.
“We’ve got some nice horses in work, including Prince Of Helena who is ticking along nicely as we look towards the Big Dance,” he said.
SWEET START: Craig Weeding’s Make It Sweet has won four races in a row.
PHOTO: Racing Photos
LEO BURKE MEDALLIST: Wangaratta Rover Noah Amery took out the reserves best and fairest at the O&M’s Morris and Toni Wilson Medal night.
PHOTOS: Border Mail
Dees’ delight in reserves football grand final GRAND FINAL REVIEWS
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
MILAWA entered Saturday’s Ovens and King reserves grand nal clash with Milawa as the underdogs but emerged triumphant with a 7.12 (54) to 4.7 (31) win.
The two best teams in the competition were evenly matched throughout the season, but the Blues held the upper hand a er dispatching the Demons by 48 points in the qualifying nal just two weeks before.
With a strong wind blowing towards the Barr Reserve end of W.J. Findlay Oval, teams would have to make the most of their chances when they arose.
The rst quarter was the epitome of reserves footy, with hard tackles, stoppages, and intense pressure at the source.
Neither team managed a goal in the rst quarter, tied up with two minor scores at quarter time, before Milawa broke the deadlock.
Kicking with the wind in the second quarter, the Demons produced seven scoring shots, including three goals, and set up behind the footy exceptionally well to deny the Blues any access to their forwards.
With a 15-point margin at the major break, the Blues switched on in the third, with Josh Cleeland the man inside the 50 with back-toback goals to spark a ghtback.
Greta’s overlap run was in full e ect, and their composure going inside 50 was incredible.
Milawa trailed by ve points at three quarter time, but had the wind on their side in the fourth quarter.
The Dees took advantage of the conditions, using the
breeze to send the ball deep inside their forward 50, and produced four nal-quarter goals and ve minor scores to take the ag by 23 points.
Milawa’s Steve Williamson was named best on ground, while Riley Young (two goals), Jack Stevenson and Braydon Jones were impactful across the ground.
For the Blues, Josh Clee-
land was among the best, alongside Tom Baker, Ben Hogan and Trent Whitecross.
Milawa co-coach Daniel Larkings said it was an incredible match to be part of.
“It ran our way when we played good footy, it’s just awesome,” he said postmatch.
“They’re such a good
team, it’s quite unexpected.
“We made the most of our opportunities when we had the wind, and the fact that we kept them goalless in the rst half really helped and got our con dence up.
“In that third quarter when they kicked back, we just had really settled heads, and took it when we need to in the moments.”
the winning run or just had a great day.
through the middle of the ground.
SPACE: Tim Leslie finds some room in the contest and takes a snap on goal.
SPOILED: John Jones punches the ball away from Damiun Cassidy.
PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie
Club of
DEES RESERVES SALUTE
BRAYDON Jones and his Milawa reserves side ran away 23-point winners over Bright in Saturday’s grand final at WJ Findlay Oval.
■ Story: Page 15
Year
The Devils were shocked when they were named Football Victoria Regional Club of the
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
WANGARATTA City FC has taken out the Football Victoria Regional Club of the Year award at last Friday’s inaugural 2024 Victorian Football Gala. The best of the best converged on Crown Palladium, with over 800 players, coaches, referees, administrators and volunteer from across the state to come together to recognise the truly exceptional in the sport.
While the Devils were told they were merely a nalist for the Regional Club of the Year award, club
president Kristy Mellor said a bit of subterfuge had occurred.
“They were a bit sneaky, they said we were a nalist and invited us down, then we were the only ones who went down – we’d already won, they just hadn’t told us that,” she said.
“It was a really nice surprise on the night not to
know, that was quite nice.
“It was shock more than anything - I know the club has done a lot of di erent things this year which really focussed on the community and increased participation for juniors, lots and lots of di erent things, but you don’t always know what other clubs are doing.
running something new, a new MiniRoos or raising awareness with a breast cancer round – there are lots of clubs doing lots of things, but I knew we’d done a lot of stu but I wasn’t really expecting to win the award.”
“Clubs are always
Mellor said it was heartening to receive recognition of all their hard work over the years.
“Over a number of years we’ve been working really hard at Wangaratta,” she said.
SPIRIT!
“We started with our MiniRoos program, that’s been going absolute gangbusters for about eight years, we’ve had 250 kids a year for that long, apart from COVID.
■ Continued page 12
PHOTO: Melissa Beattie