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No quick fix here

WANGARATTA won’t be included as part of the State Government’s major road maintenance projects in its regional Victorian blitz announced earlier in the week.

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

The State Government launched the $964 million road maintenance repairs program on Monday, with 70 per cent ($675 million) of the investment put into crumbling regional roads. Under a list of the program’s most substantial works obtained by North East Media, no regional roads within the Rural City of Wangaratta local government area were included in the 54-repair works slated for the state. Included in the project’s most substantial works

was the Murray Valley Highway between Jacks Road and Federation Way in Rutherglen, part of the Great Alpine Road near Cobungra and Barooga Road near Cobram.

The nine-month road blitz will also target the state’s busiest travel and trade routes, with works set to be delivered on the Hume Freeway.

The State Government

noted many other roads will undergo other maintenance such as patching and resurfacing that are also part of the program.

“Roads are the lifeblood of our community, and this blitz will mean smoother journeys for northern Victorian families and farmers,” Labor Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said.

Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy said if the

State Government had committed to what they have said in recent years, local roads wouldn’t be falling apart.

“When will the Labor government stop the spin blitz and actually fix our roads,” he said.

“In 2019 a government media release announced, ‘massive maintenance blitz for Victorian roads’; in 2020 it was mission

accomplished with ‘massive road maintenance blitz complete’; in 2021 it was mission accomplished again: ‘major road maintenance blitz wraps up’.

“In 2022 the announcement became ‘road maintenance blitz rolls out across regional Victoria’; in 2023 ‘road maintenance blitz kicks off across regional Victoria’; and in 2024, finally, ‘road maintenance blitz revs up across regional Victoria’.

■ Continued page 2

THE Wangaratta Historical Society and Museum in Ford Street will reopen to the public for the 34th Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues.

including Julie Allen, Paddy Milne, Marg Pullen and Rhonda Diffey,

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

McCurdy takes Meadow Creek protest to Spring St

THE Nationals’ MP for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, has raised the plight of Meadow Creek locals in a scathing speech to the Victorian Parliament.

Mr McCurdy was forthright in pointing out the flaws in the Allan Labor Government’s approach to renewable energy, highlighting that the Meadow Creek Solar Factory was not ‘fit for purpose’.

“I can tell you that people in Meadow Creek do not see their community as a fit-for-purpose place to have a solar factory,” Mr McCurdy said.

“I say ‘factory’ because people call them solar farms, but a farm

is where you nurture animals and grow crops. Where you put lithium solar panels, that is not a farm, that is a factory.”

Mr McCurdy pointed to a study that has been done by a local resident who which shows the alarming affects of solar panels on water catchment and soil.

“It is prime agricultural land and the assessment report that has been handed down by the proponent or been done by consultants of the proponent is just wrong - It is false and it is misleading.

“A local showed me that on the land where solar panels are there were 254 units of lead in the soil analysis, whereas on

other land in the region there are only 22 units.

“This factory will be placed in the middle of a declared special water catchment area, which is to ensure higher quality water for human consumption.

“The logical question that follows this is: how is placing 2.5 million kilograms of lithium iron on a declared special water catchment area appropriate for providing high-quality water for human consumption.”

Mr McCurdy concluded by once again challenging the Minister for Planning to come and meet with locals, despite her declining an invitation to do so.

“I do hope that the minister makes the time to come and do it, because if we do not get a full understanding of how these communities think and operate on this prime agricultural land, we will not get balanced outcomes into the future.”

Mr McCurdy and Liberal MP James Newbury Shadow Minister for Planning, Shadow Minister for Environment were scheduled to meet with Meadow Creek locals and stakeholders to hear their concerns over the project at Bobinawarrah Memorial Hall on Friday at 10.45am although the location may change due to forecast inclement weather.

DINNER WITH FRIENDS

Art workshop with Kate Gorman

LOCAL abstract artist

Kate Gorman will open the Benalla Art Gallery’s range of ‘Art on Saturdays’ workshops with an acrylic painting workshop on Saturday, October 19 from 10am until 3.30pm. The workshops are designed to allow participants to explore different mediums to create individual, unique artworks, with a collage workshop hosted by Felicite Grogan to be held on November 9 and a house portrait workshop with Brooke Whelan on November 30. To find out more or to book visit benallaartgallery.com.au/ learn.

PHOTO: Jordan Duursma

INTERNATIONALLY acclaimed artist Fran O’Neill will speak exclusively about her exhibition Crossing during the Wangaratta Art Gallery Friends fundraising dinner being held in the gallery on Friday, October 25 at 6pm. Wangaratta Art Gallery Friends president Marc Bongers and gallery director Rachel Arndt (pictured) invite the community to join them for dinner, surrounded by the large scale artworks, and enjoy some good conversation, delicious food by King River Café, local wine and art trivia, with a cash bar and raffles on the night. Tickets are $100 per person available at wangarattaartgallery.com.au with funds raised supporting the gallery’s acquisitions program.

Rural city roads overlooked in major road maintenance projects

■ From front page

“We are sick and tired of hearing what Labor promises to do with our roads, if they want us to believe them they should do the job properly.”

One Nation Member for Northern Victoria Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell used the return of State Parliament to call out the Allan Labor Government’s “failure”

to properly maintain regional Victorian roads.

In a Notice of Motion moved by Mrs Tyrrell, she said that under the current State Government, Victoria has some of the worst road conditions in Australia.

“Nearly every day a constituent contacts my office complaining about a dangerous road that has been neglected for repair by the State Government,” she said.

“As the member of the biggest electorate geographically, my constituents are driving on unsafe roads all over Northern Victoria region, from the Alpine region to Mildura.”

In welcoming the longawaited investment, Mrs Tyrrell said the motion called on the pending repair works to be of the highest quality and standard, delivering Victorians world-class road infrastructure.

The motion will be voted on by Members of the Legislative Council in two weeks’ time.

Free stage taking shape

A FREE community stage at the Wangaratta Club on the Saturday of the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues is set to be a gathering space for locals and visitors soaking up the event’s atmosphere.

The free stage will fill the former bowling green at the club in Victoria Parade between 11am and 4pm on Saturday, November 2, featuring not just live music but kids’ activities and undercover shaded seating, with food and drink vendors and a festival information hub to be located in the adjoining carpark.

As the staging of the new-look festival draws closer, board director Sarah Thompson said plans for the space, and for a light installation project across the Wangaratta CBD teamed with a musical walking tour on the Saturday night, were taking shape.

The initiatives have been supported by a $52,000 grant from Festivals Australia, as well as $50,000 from the Live Music Festivals Fund, with local businesses including North East Kitchens, Wangaratta Club, Canny’s and About Architecture also providing vital support for the rejuvenated event.

Ms Thompson said 1500 tickets

BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

had been sold so far for shows on the four-day festival program - almost doubling ticket sales for last year’s festival.

Performances will be staged across Wangaratta venues between Friday and Sunday, and focused on Milawa on the Monday; in addition, the complementary Tarra Blues Festival will be held on the Saturday and Sunday of the same weekend at The Plough Inn in Tarrawingee.

The free stage space at the Wangaratta Club on the Saturday will feature seating to cater for at least 400 people, with marquees offering shade, and live music provided by the Wangaratta High School band, Glenn Skuthorpe, The Anna Scionti Band, and The Windsavers.

From 5pm, the free stage space will become a paid venue, and those enjoying the atmosphere can pay $35 to stay on and be entertained by the Kellie Santin Band, Joel Havea Trio, and Checkerboard Lounge, or can

move on to enjoy the light shows.

Ms Thompson said with promotion of the festival now under way in Melbourne, organisers were keen to ensure Wangaratta residents knew what to expect from their festival in 2024.

“The community stage has been created very much with community inclusion in mind; it will suit all-ages, and cater for families,” she said.

The festival has partnered with Little Projector Company to develop the immersive community arts and lights installation which will be projected onto key buildings within the Wangaratta CBD.

Based on local and patron stories of the festival and key festival venues over the years, the light show will celebrate the event’s rich history and its impact on the community.

Emphasising themes of resilience, creativity and community connection, the installations will be featured across a handful of sites, with other pop-up light shows scheduled for the free walking bike tours on the Saturday night.

These will commence at 8pm, departing from the Wangaratta

Cenotaph in Ovens Street, with a later show from 10pm.

Created with a New Orleans theme, the tours will offer the chance to join a procession around Wangaratta led by a custom-designed, three-wheeled Projector Bike equipped with a high-powered projector and stereo sound system, and live musicians.

The tours are suitable for the whole family, and will travel from Ovens Street to Riverside Square, with multiple screening stops along the way for the jazz and blues-inspired short films and projection art displays.

The Sunday of the festival also promises to offer plenty for locals keen to enjoy the festival vibe, with family-friendly activities and food and drink vendors set to be located in the surrounds of Holy Trinity Cathedral, which will again be the venue for the Sunday morning jazz mass and will be a handy stop for those enjoying nearby performances.

For a close look at what the festival has to offer over the weekend, check out the downloadable program at https://wangarattajazz. com/2024-wangaratta-festival-ofjazz-and-blues-program/

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

LOCAL SES has prompted the community to be prepared with the possibility of a severe thunderstorm passing through the region on Friday.

According to the Bureau Of Meteorology (BOM) forecasts as of 4pm Thursday, Wangaratta was predicted to have 8-35mm of rain fall throughout Friday with the chance of a possibly severe thunderstorm passing through the region.

Strong winds were a possibility with the potential of flash flooding caused by heavy rainfall.

The BOM predicted a deep low pressure system would move across the state Thursday night and Friday morning bringing vigorous northerly flow ahead of it. Wangaratta SES Unit Controller Jess Zuber said now was the time to prepare for the worst.

“We want to be safe on our roads in case of flash flooding and preparing property for strong winds, like securing items in the backyard,” she said.

“We do know those strong winds can lead to those mini tornados, it may not hit us but we would rather be safe than sorry.”

Ms Zuber said volunteers had already experienced increase in trees falling over roads with a pair of incidents in Oxley on Wednesday, as winds and muggy conditions continue.

“We’re urging everyone to stay safe and be prepared,” she said.

Torrential rain, hail and high winds lashed the western part of the state on Wednesday, with a shelter alert announced for parts of the Wimmera.

According to the latest BOM weather warnings, the rural city was not expected to be hit by the worst of the weather, with small parts of the North East predicted to be affected.

Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.

You can report new power faults and emergencies online www. ausnetservices.com.au/outages/ report-a-fault or on 13 17 99. For emergency services, call the SES on 132 500.

DURATION 6 to 12 months NIL COST Fully Funded for eligible participants

FESTIVAL’S COMMUNITY GATEWAY: Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues board members Sarah Thompson and Daniel Peacock are encouraging locals to savour the festival around the free community stage event on the Wangaratta Club site on Saturday, November 2.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

CANDIDATES FOR RURAL CITY OF WANGARATTA

2024 council election

QUESTION:

What types of services would you like to see council improve in the rural city and how would you do it?

At its core, service delivery is an operational function that is the responsibility of the CEO. I would however propose conducting a review of all services delivered by council to determine what is essential, what may no longer be needed, and whether any new services are required. Alongside this, a service delivery survey should be implemented to gauge if council is meeting community expectations. The role of councillors is to ensure council’s vision, plan and policies align with these expectations, setting appropriate KPIs to effectively deliver the necessary services to the community.

All of our services need to work smarter, not harder, to be more efficient in their delivery within the current challenging financial climate.

Increase in services to the elderly who reside within the municipality and extending child maternal health services for parents to access support. Our roads are not all under the remit of council, however those that are should be maintained to a safe and acceptable standard. Support for businesses to enhance street appeal, promote business opportunities and to contribute to employment rates would benefit the community. Increasing awareness of available services in the municipality to assist those who find it difficult to access support and resources.

The 2023 Customer Satisfaction Survey identified that the community is dissatisfied with the maintenance of local roads and delivery of planning and building services. If elected, I would work with my community, fellow councillors and senior management team to understand the factors impacting the delivery of these services and infrastructure; and would work collaboratively to identify what steps need to be taken to address these issues. Where service improvements are implemented, I would continue to consult and obtain feedback from customers to monitor the effectiveness of any changes.

Irene

Improve the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre, the Creative Precinct, access to the library, enhance and provide more green spaces, build on the natural assets of rivers and bushland that surround Wangaratta.

Quality maintenance to our core services is something I will be advocating for.

Revising the overall strategic direction for our community, keeping in line with budgets and the ongoing inflation of costs will be the start.

Looking at current resources, and how we can best utilise these to deliver effective outcomes for community.

Community has been clear with me that they think there needs to be better road maintenance services in town and we need better public transport services. I agree with people I have spoken to about getting better value from infrastructure projects, including modernising facilities. This includes ensuring our recreational facilities and precincts will support service delivery to our whole community into the future. I’ll assess all proposals and connections between investments to ensure they deliver across multiple key performance indicators, including co-investment with the State and Commonwealth.

I would like to see the council making better use of community spaces, such as our green areas and community hubs, to improve the quality of life for all residents, young and old, by creating a betterconnected community. I propose to do this by using multiple platforms to promote and link existing social programs, such as our library, sporting facilities, Grit and Resilience program, and the Synergy Youth Hub in Yarrunga.

Some overlap from previous questions two and five, however as a summary - how to improve depends on what the community may tell us needs to be changed. Roads for example may be workable with increased budget - but that needs to be balanced against a service that may miss out. Step one in this is finding a way to ask ‘what needs to be improved?’ Then working with the organisation, particularly those within who have a more finite expertise on subject matter, to achieve sustainable and incremental change.

I would like to see rural road drainage improved to help in the maintenance of roads.

 I would like to see council remove all monster garbage trucks from residential streets and replace them with much smaller type vehicles that pick up your garbage on demand. Having a 20-tonne truck picking up say 10 kilograms of garbage is neither smart nor economical.

 Signage is vital and the changes in recent years need a total review.

 Including an identifiable number and Cormorant logo on every council motorised vehicle.

Services for rural and remote communities need to be improved. It is not feasible for the young, the elderly and the disadvantaged to always go into Wangaratta to access services, so they miss out. Why not bring some of the services to rural and remote communities, like a visiting maternal and child health nurse, a book and toy exchange bus, and general information sessions delivered at rural locations.

 Council has a challenging job in balancing its facilities and budgets keeping in mind the vast geographical area RCOW serves, although I do advocate for road safety in all aspects and note our need for increased resourcing on that front.

 Run and create programs to aid current crisis of living costs, access facilities and give tools to everyone and aid each other.

 I would advocate for increased technology to minimise blackspots, aid investment and national recognition of facilities.

 Assist business, planning and development for current and future needs.

 Youth, outdoors training and growth for stronger, all-inclusive communities.

 Aged Care services.  Development and support for community art and theatre groups.  Push the Victorian Government on its election promise of a PET Cancer Centre.

 Animal welfare- reinstate animal shelter.

 Primary Care Centre for Bulk Billing Medical services to ease the pressure off our ED department (state and federal issue, but would lobby in my role as councillor to at least get this matter on the table for discussion).  Ongoing road maintenance, not just beautifying.

 Increase the number of family friendly events.  Support and expand council involvement with migrant community groups.

Our Q&A series continues with all candidates in Monday’s edition. Candidates will answer the following: Are there any council services or projects you would look to have reduced or cut to ease pressure on ratepayers?

(Answers are restricted to a maximum 90 words)

I’d like to see under-utilised facilities like the Barr Reserve revitalised to maximise their potential. Boosting tourism through events such as rodeos, concerts, and sports competitions can generate significant income and attract visitors. By hosting these events and expanding the use of our regional sports grounds, we can create new revenue streams and increase community engagement. It’s essential to invest in making these facilities more active and accessible, creating opportunities for both economic growth and community enjoyment.

 Council should improve storm water drainage, particularly in Yarrunga. There is no excuse for the repeated flooding in Yarrunga.

 Road maintenance should be improved.

 There needs to more housing, including private housing, public housing.

NOTE: Irene Grant (Warby Ward) and Harry Bussell (King River Ward) are already elected as they were the single candidates for the single vacancy in their respective wards. Those enrolled in those wards won’t need to vote. Ballot packs have been posted to enrolled voters in all other five wards. If you haven't received your pack go to vec.vic.gov.au to complete an online replacement ballot pack form. Your vote must be posted by October 25.

Allison WINTERS

Brian FOX BULLAWAH WARD

Julian FIDGE

YARRUNGA WARD

Jennifer GARRETT OVENS WARD

Harvey BENTON OVENS WARD

Ashlee

Mel PAUL WAREENA WARD

Peter SIPERKI WAREENA WARD

Writing talent converges on library

By SIMONE KERWIN

SOME of the Wangaratta district’s most talented young writers were celebrated last Thursday evening during the presentation ceremony for the Wangaratta Young Writers Award.

The 2024 competition for young people aged between 10 and 19 was again conducted by the Rotary Clubs of Wangaratta and Appin Park Wangaratta.

Thursday’s event was held at the Wangaratta Library, and featured the presentation of awards in each of the age categories for both story and poetry/song lyric sections, as well as some words of encouragement from

VENTURE DOWN TO LANEWAY MARKET

CREATORS, makers, artisans, businesses and food vendors will converge on Victoria Parade on Saturday for the twilight Wangaratta Laneway Market.

The street will be closed for the event, which is set to run between 5pm and 9pm.

It promises to be a familyfriendly evening, giving locals the chance to meander through a market showcasing the best of what local creatives, foodies and producers have to offer.

Almost 20 vendors will fill the street with their wares, and the market will also highlight businesses

in Victoria Parade and its vicinity.

Extending the community involvement in the event, branding for the market was developed with help from students across Wangaratta who attended a careers expo earlier this year.

Design student Ellie McNamara created the final design, bringing to life the feel of a street filled with music, market stalls and food at springtime.

Don’t miss the chance to celebrate that springtime feel and the efforts of local makers and businesses at the market.

guest speaker Amy Doak. Amy, the author of young adult mystery novels ‘Eleanore Jones is Not a Murderer’ and ‘Eleanore Jones Can’t Keep a Secret’, said her best advice to young writers was to “keep writing”.

Prize-winners in the 2024 Wangaratta Young Writers Award were:

Years 5 and 6 story - 1st Eliza Looby, ‘The Sea of Storms’; 2nd Imogen Rocchiccioli, ‘The Landfill Stars’; 3rd Arabella Chapman, ‘Cape Conran’.

Years 5 and 6 poetry or song lyrics - 1st Henry Talbot, ‘Rodeo’; 2nd Anastasia Panagiotakis, ‘The First Man I Ever Loved’; 3rd Ivy Anderson-Byrne, ‘The Moon’.

Years 7/8/9 story - 1st Dar-

by Rowles, ‘Fractured’; 2nd Lily Purss, ‘Through the Lens of Loss’; 3rd Caitlin Talbot, ‘Alone’.

Years 7/8/9 poetry or song lyrics - 1st Ellie Hutchieson, ‘Heaven’; 2nd Owen Miskin, ‘A Hell of Our Own Devising’. Years 10/11/12 story - 1st Travis Lewis-Anstis, ‘Last Drop of Despair’; 2nd Henry Ross, untitled; 3rd Clara Rocchiccioli, ‘The Exchange’.

Years 10/11/12 poetry or song lyrics - 1st Marlee Ongarello, ‘Between Dreams and the Waking World’; 2nd Anika Robinson, ‘Home’, 3rd Skye Mackinnon-Burman, ‘Effects of Bullying’.

Winning entries will be published in future editions of the Wangaratta Chronicle.

JOIN US IN THE LANEWAY: Kate Youings (KY Designs), Subash Shrestha (Dock 5) and Molly Herry (Pedal Slowly Brewhouse) will be among those highlighting the wares of local businesses and creatives during Saturday evening’s Wangaratta Laneway Market.

On Tuesday 5 November, the Ovens Ford Melbourne Cup Day Races is as real as it gets! Get out there and unwind with the whole community on a day where your only job is to relax and enjoy a day amongst friends.

Hospitality packages available

Live entertainment by DJ Jimi

Fashions on the Field + Up-close racing action

DRAWING INSPIRATION: Young Writers Award prize-winner Anastasia Panagiotakis was among those who spoke with author Amy Doak at the presentation ceremony for the Wangaratta Young Writers Award last week.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Wangaratta’s museum to reopen during jazz festival

By ANITA MCPHERSON

TAKE a step back in time when the Wangaratta Historical Society and Museum opens its doors to welcome visitors thoughout the 34th Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues.

It will be an added attraction on the itinerary of festival goers and locals alike following a long period of closure, with volunteers planning to pull out all the stops for the music-minded crowd.

Among the attractions will be a wall dedicated to Wangaratta’s own local Tin Kan Band from the 1930s and photographs and artefacts from jazz festivals gone by.

Wangaratta Historical Society committee member Paddy Milne said having sorted out some long-term storage issues, the commit-

tee has been working towards reopening the museum to the public.

She said the jazz festival weekend was a great opportunity to attract locals and visitors back into the building and check out what it had to offer.

“We’ll have displays featuring photographs and items from the collection that reflect life and culture in Wangaratta throughout its history, like the annual jazz festival, and there will be a variety of objects relating to Indigenous history and the Bpangerang People, recognition of European settlement, and WW2 and Wangaratta’s Own 2/24th Battalion,” she said.

“There are also early Wangaratta postal items, and a display of early clothing which has been recently from the Callander family.

“Other items on display will cover Wangaratta’s rivers, sports, parks and the Wangaratta Agricultural Show.”

Ms Milne said the committee plans to open the museum on a regular basis with dates and times still to be finalised.

The Wangaratta Historical Society is always on the lookout for new members and volunteers, with more information available by visiting its Facebook page.

The Museum located at 34 Ford Street in Wangaratta will be open from Thursday, October 31 to Tuesday, November 5 between 10am until 2pm.

An official opening event will be held on Wednesday, October 30 from 5pm to 6pm, with music by the Wangaratta Ukulele Band, and everyone is welcome to come along.

CRUISE NIGHT STARTS THIS SATURDAY

By STEVE KELLY

THE Wangaratta Night Cruise is back by popular demand, starting again this Saturday, in what organisers say will be a major boost for local businesses.

Classic cars grace the CBD streets of Wangaratta every year during daylight saving from October to March on the third Saturday of each month from 6pm-9pm.

It’s an extremely popular event with hundreds of people usually turning out to enjoy the

Wangaratta Rural City Council postal election

Elections will be held for Appin Ward, Bullawah Ward, Ovens Ward, Wareena Ward and Yarrunga Ward in Wangaratta Rural City Council.

Check the mail for your ballot pack

Ballot packs containing voting material were mailed to enrolled voters from Monday7October.

This is a postal election only.

If you do not receive your ballot pack by please visit vec.vic.gov.au to complete the online replacement form, or call to arrange a replacement.

Candidates

Candidates who have nominated for election are listed in the ballot packs and at vec.vic.gov.au

A photo and candidate statement will also be included if provided by candidates. Responses to a candidate questionnaire, if provided, are available at vec.vic.gov.au

How to vote correctly

You must complete your ballot paper correctly for your vote to count. Put the number in the box next to the candidate you want to see elected, then number all the other boxes in order of your choice. You must number every box and only use each number once.

How to return your ballot pack

atmosphere and support local hospitality businesses.

Even organiser John Griggins said cruise night is massive with 100 cars cruising up and down the street, parking for people to view their vehicles, and participants and spectators enjoying local eateries.

“It’s the busiest night of the year in Wangaratta now and the business operators love it,” he said.

“I was talking to the guys at the kebab shop and they cannot wait for this Saturday night.”

Put your completed ballot paper in the ballot paper envelope, complete the declaration, then post it ASAP using the reply-paid envelope provided, or hand deliver

Former Visitor Information Centre 104 Murphy Street

Wangaratta

Voting is compulsory

Voting is compulsory for all voters who were enrolled at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August. This includes state-enrolled and council-enrolled voters.

Your completed ballot pack must be in the mail or hand delivered by

State-enrolled voters can register for free VoterAlert SMS and email reminders at vec.vic.gov.au

HOLD THE PRESS: Volunteers including Marg Pullen, Paddy Milne, Julie Allen and Rhonda Diffey have been busy this week preparing for the museum to open to public from Thursday, October 31 to Tuesday, November 5.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

JUST CRUISIN’: Come along to the Wangaratta Cruise Night in the CBD this Saturday from 6pm to 9pm to soak up the atmosphere and support local businesses.

Celebration time continues as WPACC enjoys bumper year

By ANITA MCPHERSON

THE party may be over, but the celebration continues for the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre (WPACC), now in its 15th year.

The WPACC team relished the opportunity to celebrate the venue’s special milestone, with some members having been on staff for the entire 15 years since the doors opened on September 18, 2009.

Venue manager Tanya Camplin said throughout the day, staff and patrons reflected on where they were when the WPACC stage curtains opened for the first time.

She said more than 200 people enjoyed a free birthday cupcake when they purchased a beverage from Intermezzo Café, and the

twilight Steinway on Stage performance with Tim Wong hit the right note.

“Karen Gasperotti is the lucky winner of a double pass to An Evening with the MSO, enjoing a delicious two-course dinner for two prior to the show,” Ms Camplin said.

One of the highlights this year has been the Black Box program held in June which gave locals the opportunity to see the kind of cuttingedge theatre normally enjoyed in Melbourne’s top venues.

Ms Camplin said it was a roaring success, with local audiences thrilled to be able to experience award-winning fringe festival artists and celebrate diverse storytelling right here in Wangaratta.

Tickets are still available

for An Evening with the MSO on October 23, but there is more to enjoy on the program as we count down to the year’s end.

Marcia Hines is bringing her Still Shining Concert to WPACC on October 26, comedian Ray O’Leary will perform live on November 8, and Running in the Shadows of Fleetwood Mac plays on November 15; the six-piece band exploring Fleetwood Mac’s extensive back catalogue.

Ms Camplin said work is well underway on the highly anticipated 2025 season.

With another jam-packed program of entertainment on the cards, surprising someone with a gift voucher at Christmas is a good way to ensure they won’t miss their favourite show or artist next year.

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PARTY TIME: The WPACC team including Jenny Chivers, David Godkin, Harriet Last, Ali Roberts, Kathy Dodgshun, Glenis Rice, venue manager Tanya Camplin, Luka Szczepanik. Allison Gillick, Bailey Waring and Ben Fletcher are celebrating 15 years of bringing entertainment to Wangaratta.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Don’t wait to place your informed vote

THE clock is ticking for those voters who are still hanging on to their mail with just a week left until voting closes for council elections.

While two of Rural City of Wangaratta’s seven wards have been spared the process, the rest of the community who are eligible to vote have until 6pm next Friday, October 25 to post their verdict.

It’s one thing to breeze over the voting card and toss it in the mail, but for those of us who have the chance to make a choice it’s vital to make it a well-informed decision.

There are a number of worthy candidates for council across all five wards and some will be facing the unfortunate reality of missing out on a seat at the table.

Make sure you are taking some time to read over our Q&A series with all council candidates, which will continue to run each edition until next Friday.

Questions have been asked across a wide range of topics and it’s imported you are reading answers and looking for those candidates in your ward who you can entrust to carry out your values and beliefs to the best of their ability.

If you are still unsure about what your ward candidate will bring to the table, make sure to contact them directly and ask appropriate questions to better educate your vote.

You can find contact details for candidates at https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/ voting/2024-local-council-elections/ wangaratta-rural-city-council/nominations.

For those who have voted, hopefully you chose a candidate who you felt was worthy of your vote.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

FACEBOOK users this week commented on $1.5 million Wareena Park Oval upgrade beginning.

• Andrew Meloury: The wareena bowls club rooms would make a fantastic junior football club rooms for end of season functions and awards nights would be better than knocking it down has anyone looked into this Facebook users this week also commented on a local teenager receiving a groundswell of support

after asking an Aussie band to DJ at his party.

• Allison Coles Allen: Good luck Kai!

• Luke ‘stano’ Stanton: Kai McPhan for mayor Facebook users this week also commented on the WDCA looking for extra umpires.

• Brendan May: Jon Steele hahaha the umpire you need when you need to keep your one batsman out on the crease Facebook users this

Rate freezes are not always the answer

I HAVE been following the articles published by Wangaratta Chronicle and written by the candidates hoping to win a seat on the rural city council over the last couple of weeks.

I was especially interested in yesterday’s question in respect of rates.

Having spent four years alongside Mark Currie previously in the formulation of council’s budgets, I thought he and Anne Dunstan gave very good answers to the question.

For the city to continue to grow, you cannot grow without increasing revenue and I think that anyone who thinks they can become a councillor and freeze rates has not read enough about how local government operates.

Wages still have to be paid, costs of goods and services increase by CPI and superannuation goes up again next year.

It will be interesting to see the final makeup of the council, but unfortunately there will be a couple of excellent candidates who will not make it.

We could have as many as four new councillors which will be great for the city.

Kenneth J Clarke, Wangaratta

Proud of our growing solar power industry

LET’S be very clear on the need to reduce carbon emissions worldwide.

We have to do everything necessary to move away from fossil fuel dependence immediately.

As constituents of NE Victoria, we should be immensely proud of our contributions to solar power at Glenrowan, Wodonga and the prospective developments at Meadow Creek.

Graeme C Rose, Wangaratta

We don’t need chaotic councillors again

JANE Baker makes great points in her Letter to the Editor on Friday, October 11, advising voters to be mindful of who exactly they are voting for in this upcoming local election, especially when we have candidates who were part of a previous council that was sacked by the State Government due to accusations of bullying and poor behaviour.

I read with interest the responses to

NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.

week also commented on camping being made free at all of Parks Victoria’s paid campgrounds from December 1 until June 30 next year.

• Starsky Hutch: And outlaw ghost camps, should have a Ranger do daily checks and remove all ghost camps.

Facebook users this week also commented on last week’s Grit and Resilience Festival.

• Sue Phillips: Ahh Judy

Lowen what a legend!

• Gillian Derezyckyj: Boomerang Bags Wangaratta Inc. What amazing hard working ladies Facebook users this week also commented on seeing stunning auroral displays in some Australian night skies last week.

• Wangaratta Show: This pic is magical Kurt.

• Anne Riddell: Tarrawingee, 5:46 am 11 October, even as day was beginning to break

Our follower total is Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.

15,009

SUPPORTIVE SPONSORS: Neil Barassi, from OAKFM and Jonathan Sanders, from Charlie’s restaurant are excited to be sponsors for this years Give a Gift Appeal. This year’s Give a Gift Appeal is being run by both UMFC and Centre Against Violence (CAV). They are urging the community to donate items including toys, sporting equipment, school supplies, or gift cards to the UMFC offices in Wangaratta and Wodonga to help children doing it tough this Christmas. To make a financial donations, visit https://umfc.com.au/donation/donations-give-a-gift/ and https://centreagainstviolence.org.au/support-us/#give-a-gift

issues such as rate rises etc being given by upcoming local council candidates in The Chronicle each week that highlight individuals’ characteristics.

Our councillors need to behave professionally, and to have the knowledge and understanding to effectively manage progressive politics via communication and healthy debate behaviours; especially when they are aware of the detail in issues that we as taxpayers are not privy to.

We need councillors who are firm, but also educated, emotionally intelligent and articulate in their advocacy.

Above all else, we need fair representation in our wards.

We do not need belligerent communication styles exercised at the expense of achieving any progress for the town and risking another council sacking.

No one wants increases in our budget expenses such as rate rises.

However, if there is no alternative because we need to make sure that our

roads are safe for everyone to travel on etc, then I need council to be capable of understanding this challenge, and making sure that should this arise, that our money is being used in the most prudent and effective manner to support our community wellbeing, and not as a justification to create havoc in decision making.

Céline

Forster, Wangaratta

FACEBOOK users this week commented on a woman being remanded in custody following second alleged crime spree in Wangaratta.

• Eric Douthie: Our police deserve a big thankyou from us all. They are the ones we call when the proverbial hits fan. Thanks to them all

• Lorraine Monshing Oam: Friends house had a attempted break in last week down near Cemetery estate …. At about 9am in morning…. Masked youth ,

failed ..but lots of security footage….. They are getting more , brazen, stupid or desperate

• Trevor Dawson: Vandalism early this morning in Ryan Ave by another suspect who also needs to be in custody. Enough is enough police needs to get tough on these crimes.

• Kallan Horton: Trevor Dawson police can only do so much when these offenders are then being released again and again

wangaratta_council

Follow

Nominations are open for the 2025 Rural City of Wangaratta Australia Day Awards! It’s time to recognise those who make a positive impact in our community. Whether it’s an outstanding citizen, an inspiring young person, or a remarkable event or project, we invite you to nominate someone who has made a difference this year.

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

• Sam Kelley: Trevor Dawson totally agree. But I listen to this talk back radio on my way to work, a they have had a lot of police ppl call in. And from what I understand the police a doing the best they can and are sick of it just as much as everyone is. Up in qld they are taking steps back coz the court system is just letting everyone go. Am I believe the courts are the ones to blame not the police. Happy to be proven wrong but.

• Steve Ramage: That’s METH’ED up Facebook users this week also commented on the $1.5 million Wareena Park Oval upgrade beginning, expected to open next year.

• Luke Heffernan: How about spending the money on the roads in Wangaratta?

• Bec Hayward: Luke Heffernan what’s wrong with spending money on the youth of the town? I know many young kids that are going to benefit from this.

Tweet

Our follower total is Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.

15,009

X USERS this week tweeted about a car club heading to Wangaratta later in the month, stunning displays of the Aurora Australis in the skies and suggested motorcycle trips.

Australian Muscle Car Magazine @AuMuscleCarMag

The Monaro Club of Victoria is very excited to welcome all Monaro enthusiasts to the Monaro Nationals 2024 – 24-28 October 2024 in the beautiful and historic Wangaratta region of Victoria. Asher Wolf @Asher_Wolf

We can see Aurora Australis in Wangaratta with the naked eye Chris from Katunga @Hymie313

Unfortunately too much traffic to be really enjoyed on a motorcycle these days. If you get the chance, the Great Alpine Rd. from Wangaratta to Bairnsdale is well worth the trip.

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

McEvoy Mitchell Racing @mcevoymitchell

Capulet scored her third win, with eight placings, from just 15 starts in the Your Everyday Gourmet Benchmark 58 Handicap (1400m) at Wangaratta 9/10/24. Ridden by Apprentice Sarah Field. @ mcevoymitchellracing

Working alone is a contributing factor in the majority of farm workplace deaths.

No matter if it is a perfect day, or a storm is coming and you only have a short window to get the job done. Whatever it is, take a minute to think through what you’re doing. For strategies to stay safe while working alone, visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/working-alone-farms

It’s never you, until it is.

5-hour music session for POTS

By STEVE KELLY

LOCAL sisters Sophie and Emily Bussell have put their shared passion and skills on the piano to healthy use with the two playing a five-hour music session to raise money for the Australian POTS Foundation.

Sophie has lived with POTS for several years, a medical condition that stands for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, which affects a person’s daily functions such as breathing, heart rate and digestion, that can cause immense fatigue.

Essentially when Sophie stands up she feels a rains of symptoms like dizziness, fatigue and nausea.

The sisters entertained passers-by for the long stint on Reid Street on Saturday, raising $102 for the charity.

“It’s the longest we’ve ever played for non-stop, and my hands were sore afterwards,” Sophie said.

She played some of the classical music pieces she knows such as a Chopin waltz and sonata, and Beethoven’s Fur Elise while Emily played several jazz songs.

Sophie threw in a couple of new songs she’s

learnt like Billy Joel’s Piano Man and Ed Sheeran’s Supermarket Flowers, which she also sang to.

She is currently grade 7 in classical piano, with grade 8 the highest level, and she plans to study an equivalent to a diploma in music that will enable her to perform and teach as a career.

The fundraising event has boosted Sophie’s total raised to $1820 of her target of $3000 for the POTS foundation.

“I am pleased with the amount raised and I’m even more pleased with how much awareness the campaign has raised and the connections I’ve formed,” Sophie said.

“I’ve been meeting other people with POTS who have reached out to me and I’m trying to form a POTS support group for people in Wangaratta and surrounding areas.”

Sophie has also been posting to Instagram educating people about POTS with a range of cartoons.

If you have POTS and would like more information about joining the local POTS group, contact Sophie on 0477 132 760.

If you would like to make a donation to Sophie’s cause, visit https:// gofund.me/957a4ab1.

SUPER EFFORT: Sophie Bussell playing during her five-hour fundraising session on Saturday where she and her sister raised $102 for the Australian POTS Foundation.

JAZZ IT UP: Emily Bussell supported her sister playing several jazz numbers.

Get your fix with the Wang Repair Café on Sunday

By ANITA MCPHERSON

FOR the last six years, volunteers from the Wang Repair Café have made a considerable contribution to reducing landfill, fixing hundreds of items and making them useful again.

On Sunday, October 20 they invite the community to come and celebrate their sixth birthday when the trailer sets up once again at the Wangaratta Community Market in Mason Street.

Volunteer Gillian Anderson said while some volunteers have come and gone, others have been part of the initiative since the Wang Repair Café began, and they still love fixing things.

She said they are passionate about keeping items out of waste, and new volunteers who want to come and have a go and learn how to fix things, are always welcome.

“We have fixed bikes, electronic equipment, toys, furniture, umbrellas, gardening equipment repairs, sharpened tools, fixed clothing, teddies, vacuum cleaners - to mention only a few things,” she said.

“We have a lot of new people discovering the Repair Cafe since we moved to the Sunday market (earlier this year) who really appreciate having their treasures get a new life.

Fun, friendships, community, connection, learning, recreation, creative pursuits, sport, social events, workplace skills, life skills... Whatever you’re looking for, you can Community Hub near you!

Gillian said she has also given a number of talks to local community groups recently which have been well received by people who were yet to discover the Wang Repair Café.

This week, Repair Cafe International is celebrating 15 years, with 3300 groups worldwide and 35,000 volunteers getting out and about repairing and saving things from the scrap heap.

Come along and find out more at the Wangaratta Community Market in Mason Street on Sunday or visit the Wang Repair Café on Facebook.

“We also have our old friends coming to find us and bringing along their items for fixing and their secateurs for sharpening.”

Talk to us today about how Yooralla’s Community Hubs for adults with disability can support you to pursue your goals and live the life you choose! out more

▲ SYMPTOMS: There can be some severe symptoms for people who live with POTS.

▲ NO BALANCE: One of the cartoons Sophie created to educate the audience about POTS.

GOOD TO GO: Volunteers like Ross Johnston will have tools at the ready when the Wang Repair Café trailer parks at the Wangaratta Community Market on Sunday. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Quilts, connection and community

WANGARATTA Centre

Quilters gathered together last week for their monthly catch up at Wangaratta Uniting Church.

The meeting room was buzzing with members sharing their recent creations, working on their projects and organising group activities for the weeks to come.

Ros Janas said fellow members rely on the social aspect of their group.

“People’s social aptitude to interact with others is really important,” she said.

“We are social beings; we need to connect with one another.

“Not everyone here is a quilters...we might be called a quilting group but it’s more of a social sewing group for likeminded people.

“It’s like another family, we learn lots about each other when we are together and I think we need it more as we get older, and our circles get smaller and smaller.”

GARDEN EXPO: Green thumbs will find plenty to inspire them at the Moyhu Country Market Garden Expo being held on Saturday, October 19 from 8am to 12pm at the Moyhu Lions Park. There will be market stalls, plants for sale, a flower display and the chance to win a wheelbarrow packed full of garden goodies in the raffle. Max Baker and Louise Baker (pictured) welcome everyone along, with a farmers breakfast and egg and bacon rolls also on the menu.

PHOTO: Anita McPherson

BY JORDAN DUURSMA jduursma@ nemedia.com.au

Wangaratta Centre Quilters president, Wendy Leitch, said the friendships within the group are beautiful.

“It’s exciting when we all come together,” she said.

“You can hear by the chatter and laughter how much we all enjoy each other’s company; the social interaction is a big part.

“Being able to connect over a common interest is absolutely a benefit for our members.

“Post Covid, it’s been so important to encourage people to get back into the community.

“When we started meeting again people were reluctant to leave their houses, but they missed the interactions, to catch up about their families and share what they have been making.

“We would encourage

LOCAL QUILTERS SHARE THE IMPORTANCE OF SUPPORTING ONE ANOTHER

anyone interested in quilting, sewing and craft to come along, everyone is welcome.”

For those interested in joining the Wangaratta

Centre Quilters, come along to their monthly catch up on the second Thursday of every month at the Wangaratta Uniting Church from 10am to 3pm.

For more information, contact Wangaratta Centre Quilters president Wendy Leitch at 5722 4415 or secretary Leonie Burke at 0403 226 129.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION: Member of Wangaratta Centre Quilters, Ros Janas, is encouraging locals to get back out in the community and connect with likeminded people.

Cut off for local council voting creeps closer

VOTERS in the Rural City of Wangaratta have until 6pm on Friday, October 25 to vote for their preferred candidate in the local council election.

Residents need to post their completed ballot pack before 6pm on Friday, October 25 (local clearance times may vary).

Voters can also drop their ballot pack off at the election office located at 104 Murphy Street, Wangaratta before 6pm on Friday, October 25.

Any voter who still hasn’t received their ballot pack by Tuesday, October 15 should go to vec.vic.gov.au to complete an online replacement ballot pack form.

Voters can also hand deliver their completed ballot pack from 9am to 8pm on Thursday, October 24 and 9am to 6pm on Friday, October 25.

Voting is compulsory and enrolled voters who don’t vote may be fined.

PHOTO: Jordan Duursma

Community vigil to honour lives lost and share a message of hope

WANGARATTA’S Centre Against Violence (CAV) invites the community to come together for a special vigil at King George Gardens in Wangaratta, on Thursday, November 28 from 5:30pm to 7pm.

Jaime Chubb, CEO of CAV, said this event is a chance to honour the lives lost to family and sexual violence while sharing a message of hope and strength for the future.

This vigil is part of CAV’s ongoing participation in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign dedicated to ending violence against women, men, and children.

Through this campaign, CAV aims to raise awareness, spark conversations, and encourage action to eliminate family and sexual violence in all its forms.

Ms Chubb said the vigil serves as both a moment of reflection and a reminder of a shared commitment to creating safer communities.

“Though we gather in remembrance, we also come with hearts full of hope,” she said.

“Guest speaker Conor Pall

will join us to share words of comfort, unity, and the belief that, together, we can create a safer, brighter future for everyone.”

The 21-year-old is a passionate advocate for survivors of family and domestic violence.

He is using his own lived experience to advocate for change for children and young people impacted by family violence.

He’s the deputy chair and youngest member ever appointed to the Victorian Victim Survivor’s Advisory Council (VSAC) - a body established following the Royal Commission into Family Violence to ensure victim survivors have a formal mechanism to advise the Victorian Government on family violence reforms.

“Australian Bureau of Statistics data tells us a story – that 95 per cent of all victims – regardless of gender – experience violence from a male perpetrator,” Conor said.

“The common denominator in the story of family violence is men.

“We have to start at the be-

ginning and teach our kids about respectful relationships.

“Show men and boys that it’s ok to express their emotions, to share space with women and to be themselves without getting tied up in outdated hyper masculine ideas of what it is to be a man.

“Because we - men and boys - are the answer in the

fight to end all forms of violence.

“I invite you to stand in solidarity with victim-survivors on Thursday, November 28 and stand against violence in our community.”

Ms Chubb echoed Conor’s call.

“To everyone who has faced violence, we see your courage,” she said.

“In the hardest moments,

you found a way to keep going.

“You are not just survivors - you are strong, and your resilience is a light for others.

“Even in the face of pain, you remind us all that there is always hope.

“This vigil is a time to remember those we’ve lost, but also to celebrate the strength of those who continue to fight for a

world free from violence.

“We will not lose hope, we believe we can create a community where every person feels safe and supported.”

Ms Chubb thanked Safe + Equal, Respect Victoria, and the Rural City of Wangaratta for funding the project.

“Our gratitude also extends to Zonta and Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation for their support in organising this event, alongside our supporters Statewide Children’s Resource Program, Junction Support Services, Upper Murray Family Care, Northeast Health Wangaratta and Victoria Police,” she said.

If you or someone you know needs our assistance due to family violence, contact our team during business hours at the Orange Door on 1800 271 157.

If you require immediate support outside of business hours, please call Safe Steps on 1800 015 188.

For sexual assault support call 035722 2203 during business hours and for afterhours call the State-Wide Sexual Assault Crisis Line (SACL) on 1800 806 292.

Blues Roulette to present ‘The Commitments’ at local blues festival

By JORDAN DUURSMA

EIGHT piece Melbourne band, Blues Roulette, will be returning for the second year in a row at the historic Plough Inn’s Tarra Blues 2 festival.

Blues Roulette will take to the stage on the Saturday evening of the festival, presenting ‘The Commitments’.

The event will run over two days, on the first weekend of November in Tarrawingee, complementing the reinvigorated Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues.

With humble beginnings at a small Melbourne venue, the popularity of Blues Roulette has resulted in appearances at festivals and venues across the country.

Band member, Ben Wick,

said The Commitments was a film in the early 1990s about an Irish band who play soul music which was a hit across Australia with the soundtrack album going number one, featuring songs like Mustang Sally, Take me To The River and In The Midnight Hour.

“Blues Roulette is a rhythm section that has been running for about 10 years, we’ve toured internationally and locally, doing all sorts of cool stuff in and around the blues space,” he said.

“In the last little while we have started doing review shows, we do a Blues Brothers one, a Motown one and a Commitments one.

“Being able to go to festivals with this repertoire is

breathe life into tunes that we all know and love and trying to excite people about music,” he said.

Ben is primarily on bass guitar and has performed and recorded with the likes of Dan Sultan, Lloyd Spiegel, Jeff Lang and Irish Mythen, but for Tarra Blues 2 festival he will feature as Blues Roulette’s guitarist.

we are seeing more and more festivals stopping and it’s hard to run an event, we are seeing the crew out at Tarrawingee really kick goal and expand in the festival’s second year.

great because you see people in their 60s and 70s digging on music they grew up with but we’re also managing to cross over and expose teenagers and young people to this powerful and beautiful music.”

Ben said one of the rea-

sons Blues Roulette stands out is they are all blues musicians living and playing blues with an authentic approach.

“We’re not a bunch of jaded jazz guys looking for a pay cheque, we’re actually bringing vibes and trying to

“I fell in love with the blues pretty young, I was 16 when I saw my first blues gig and it blew my mind,” he said.

“I’m exciting to be heading out to Tarrawingee again, the blues scene needs more regional spots like this for musicians to perform,” he said.

“What I really love about this event, is in a time when

“It’s really exciting that there are people willing to invest the time, energy and money to put on an event and having a community around them to support the journey.”

Other acts on the bill for Tarra Blues 2 festival are the Sammy Owen Blues Band, Fiona Boyes and the Fortune Tellers, Rambal, Daryl Roberts, Charlie Bedford, Soli’s Blues and Blue Sunday. To book your tickets, visit https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1226013.

BLUES ROULETTE: Vincent Bradley on horn, Iseula Hingano on vocals, Paul Slattery on vocals, Michael J Shannon on organ and Jake Cole on guitar from Blues Roulette know how to put on a show, hear them play at the Plough Inn on Saturday, November 2.

SPEAK UP: Conor Pall, deputy chair of Victorian Victim Survivor’s Advisory Council, will be the guest speaker at the anti-violence vigil.

A journey of passion, resilience, and community

with ALI ALEXANDER Café PreVue

IT all began with a vision— transforming a quiet riverside precinct into a thriving space that would bring people together.

In 2011, after eight months of careful planning and hard work, Café PreVue opened its doors.

Behind this vision was Ali Alexander, whose passion for hospitality was inspired by her grandmother, a woman who found joy in taking care of others.

“My Nana was always up and down like a yo-yo, making sure everyone at the table had everything they needed,” Ali recalls fondly.

This spirit of care became the foundation of everything Ali has built.

From these humble beginnings, Café PreVue quickly grew into a vibrant community hub.

Re

flecting on her journey, Ali said, “At first, I didn’t really know the ‘why’, but over time, I realised it was about creating a space where everyone feels at home.”

Coming from a background in retail and nursing, her deep desire to care for others naturally translated into her approach to hospitality.

But Ali’s passion didn’t stop with Café PreVue.

Her next venture, Dock 5, was born from her love of Asian fusion cuisine and shared plates - a dining experience she wanted to

introduce to Wangaraa.

“It wasn’t just about the food; it was about oering something dierent, something that I personally enjoyed,” she said.

Dock 5 became more than just a restaurant; it was a creative outlet, a place where her passion for innovation met her love for building community around the table.

The road hasn’t always been smooth.

“It wasn’t just about the food; it was about offering something different, something that I personally enjoyed,”Ali Alexander.

“Business and life are always a juggle,” Ali admits.

Balancing the roles of entrepreneur, mother, and community member requires both strength and resilience.

One of the most important lessons she’s learned is the value of surrounding herself with the right people - her team, her family, and the wider community.

“The people in my life, both at work and at home, are everything,” Ali said.

“Their support gives me the strength to keep going, even during tough times.”

She’s learned to lean on her skilled team, knowing that every challenge brings growth.

“The harder it is, the more rewarding it will be in the end,” she refl

ects, a mantra that’s deeply embedded in her philosophy. Family plays a vital role in keeping Ali grounded. With a daughter overseas and a busy home life that includes children, horses, and a farm, finding harmony between work

and personal life is essential.

“Sometimes you have to unplug, let the day beat you, and start fresh tomorrow,” she said, highlighting her belief in the power of rest and renewal.

Through it all, Ali draws strength from her personal values and the people she surrounds herself with, tackling each new challenge with determination and grit.

What stands out in Ali’s journey is her deep connection with her customers.

One especially touching story involves a long-time customer she met at Café PreVue who later became a part of her life.

“I nursed her in her final days,” Ali recalls.

“It’s moments like that that remind me how important these relationships are.

“They aren’t just customers; they become part of your family.”

Looking ahead, Ali remains optimistic.

Despite the inherent challenges of running three businessesCafé PreVue, Kiosk, and Dock 5 - she continues to embrace every opportunity for growth.

Dock 5 has successfully transitioned into a vibrant event space, creating a unique seing for special occasions.

“It’s about knowing when to pivot and adapt,” Ali said Guided by resilience, creativity, and her unwavering connection to the people who surround her, Ali knows that each day brings a new opportunity to create, evolve, and keep her vision alive.

A CREATIVE VISION: Ali Alexander’s motivation in the hospitality industry is to create a space where everyone feels at home.

Faces of Small Business

NAB Wangaratta now open

Your future of banking is here

Things have changed for good at NAB Wangaratta. With in branch upgrades to help us deliver more of what’s important to you.

Visit our new look banking hub

45 Reid Street Wangaratta

NODDING BLUE LILY - A PERFECT PERENNIAL

By IAN DAVIDSON & CHRIS TZAROS

THIS week we feature another plant of our rocky bushland, the Nodding Blue Lily.

This is an important plant for many wildlife species including small birds, lizards and snakes because it provides excellent cover.

Although it has the appearance of a shrub, the Nodding Blue Lily is actually a multi-stemmed grass-like plant.

It has long lanceolate (shaped like a lance head and tapering to a point at the tip) leaves which hug the stem.

The leaves are generally blue/green in colour and older leaves turn brown/black, which gives the plant an attractive appearance.

It can reach heights between 0.6 and 1.5m.

The stunning flowers are blue and droop from slender stalks, with vivid yellow filaments.

Flowering usually occurs in early spring, but less often in winter.

The fruit is a black capsule and leathery in appearance, although this plant can also reproduce via its rhizomes (roots).

Naturally occurring Nodding Blue Lily tends to thrive after fire.

Nodding Blue Lily is widespread from south east Queensland through to Western Australia, although it is not found

in extremely arid areas.

It is not considered to be at risk of extinction in the wild; however, very few have been collected in South Australia.

Plants can tolerate drought and frost extremely well, making it a good choice for native gardens.

This perennial plant can survive for many years with nothing more than some basic care.

Planting should be done in a position with good drainage and full to part sunlight.

The ideal soils are sandy, granite, shale, limestone or clay.

This plant will grow well on a bare plot and it will also tolerate plantings within grasses and herbs that do not overshadow it.

Nodding Blue Lily is found locally in and around the Warby Ranges, Killawarra Forest, Springhurst Hills and Chiltern –Mount Pilot.

Often sitting quietly near rocks with Nodding Blue Lily in the morning on sunny days can be rewarded with glimpses of wildlife that use the cover these plants provide to shelter either from the cold, heat or from predators.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTERESTS NOW OPEN

REFERENCE: EOI

The Australian Government, represented by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, is inviting Expressions of Interests (EOIs) from water right owners across the Southern Connected Murray-Darling Basin who may want to sell their water in 2025.

EOI 1 invites responses from single water rights owners who were not eligible for the Restoring Our Rivers: 2024 Selected Catchments Open Tender. This includes water right owners from within Irrigation Infrastructure Operator areas.

EOI 2 invites responses from entities interested in selling a large portfolio of water of around 20 GL (or greater) across the southern connected Basin.

LIST OF CATCHMENTS:

NEW SOUTH WALES

Murray River

Murrumbidgee

Lower

HOW TO REGISTER:

Opened: 30 September 2024

Closing date: 12 midday AEDT, 2 Nov 2024

•Visit www.tenders.gov.au/atm and search for Restoring our Rivers

•Download and read the Request for Expression of Interest documents

•Login or Register as a new user

•Complete the expression of interest response form and submit your response.

Ovens & KingVictorian Murray

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

South Australian Murray

Responses to the EOIs are not considered binding

EOI will be able to proceed to subsequent purchase program. Owners of eligible water rights in the catchments listed in the table, including unregulated entitlements and section 51 licences, are invited to express their interest stating the proposed volume and price at which they want to sell their permanent water rights to the department.

The decision to participate is completely voluntary. To read the Request for Expression of Interest and register your interest, please visit AusTender www.tenders.gov.au - and search for Restoring our Rivers.

MORE INFORMATION:

For more information on voluntary water purchasing, visit www.dcceew.gov.au/watertender

ASSISTANCE:

For help with using AusTender, visit help.tenders.gov.au

If you can’t access AusTender or have questions about the expression of interest process, please email watertenders@dcceew.gov.au

NATURALLY HARDY: The brilliant blue flowers of the Nodding Blue Lily.

PHOTO: Ian Davidson

JIMIHOCKING

4 DAYS, 40 GIGS

John’s passion for Wangaratta never abated

By SIMONE KERWIN

JOHN Elward is being remembered in many ways following his passing last week: as a devoted family man and loyal friend, as a former Hawthorn footballer who played in two reserves flags, and as a City of Wangaratta representative who retained a passion for the district’s development until his final days.

Mr Elward, who served as town clerk (equivalent to the current council chief executive officer role) in the City of Wangaratta between 1974 and 1993, passed away on Monday, October 7 aged 89.

Husband for 63 years of Gwen (who passed away in June), and father to Steven, Anthony and Joanne, Alexandra-born Mr Elward worked in Hawthorn and then Keilor prior to his move in 1974 to Wangaratta, which would become his home for the next five decades.

“He loved Wangaratta and loved being involved in the community,” Mr Elward’s daughter, Joanne Bechaz, said.

“He loved the people, made good friends and enjoyed some great times here.”

Mr Elward arrived in the city at a pivotal time in its development - in the wake of the disastrous 1974 floods; just as the Barr Reserve stadium (now the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre) was being completed; and amid plans to develop a new saleyards complex in Shanley Street.

In the years that followed, Wangaratta welcomed IBM and Yakka as new businesses to town; planning began for an upgraded airport in Greta Road to replace the aero-

drome on The Common; St Paul’s Church in Ovens Street was purchased for development as an art gallery; and the city celebrated its silver jubilee in 1984.

Ken Clarke, who was appointed City of Wangaratta Mayor in 1985, forged a close friendship with Mr Elward during his first stint on council.

“Fifty years of his life were spent in Wangaratta, and John never spoke a bad word about anyone,” Mr Clarke said.

“He was certainly a true friend who I shall miss my weekly catch-ups with.”

Mr Elward’s path to Wangaratta saw him leave his hometown of Alexandra to complete a Bachelor of Commerce degree at Melbourne University.

He first met Mrs Elward in Kew, at the Stanhope Legacy Hostel, and then worked for a time at Colliers Transport, intending to pursue his dream of becoming a truck driver, but instead filling an office role.

Elward

AT HOME IN WANGARATTA: Born in Alexandra, John Elward spent time in Melbourne before moving in 1974 to Wangaratta, which would become his home for the next 50 years.

HIGH-FLIER: John Elward flies for a mark during his time with Hawthorn, where he played 40 reserves and 16 senior games.

His first local government position came with Hawthorn council, where he worked in the rates office in an accountancy role. He moved from Hawthorn council to Keilor council as deputy town clerk, and finally to Wangaratta council as town clerk.

Mr Elward’s footy prowess - which had previously seen him play in a grand final with Alexandra at the age of 16, and later at Balwyn in Melbourne where he was named best first-year player - led to his selection in 40 reserves and 16 senior games with Hawthorn between 1958 and ‘60. He played in the Hawks’ 1958 reserves premiership and was named best and fairest that year. He followed that up with three goals in the club’s 1959 reserves flag win.

He coached Hawthorn’s under 19s, as well as coaching its under 17 team to a premiership in 1962, and was bestowed life membership of the Hawthorn Football Club in 1970.

After he’d moved to the City of Wangaratta, Mrs Bechaz said her father relished his almost 20 years as town clerk.

“He loved his job, and was proud of helping to get the saleyards and the stadium up and going,” she said.

“Mum and Dad both played table tennis at the stadium for many years.

“When he retired from council in 1993, he wasn’t happy with the city’s renaming (following Victorian council amalgamations) as the Shire of Milawa, and was among those who pushed for the change to the Rural City of Wangaratta.”

Mr Elward was awarded a Public Service Medal in 1993 for his contribution to the municipality.

With his wife, he developed a close connection to ‘Wangaratta’s Own’ 2/24th Battalion, helping to organise the group’s weekend in Wangaratta for 20 years and making life-long friends.

The 2/24th was granted ‘Freedom of the City’ by

council in 1990 to mark 50 years since it had left Wangaratta to go to war, and Mr Elward was pleased to be involved with this.

In a book he penned about the 2/24th, Mr Elward wrote: “I have been so lucky and privileged to be befriended by this wonderful group of old veterans and their wives, and can clearly remember long-gone faces and snippets of conversations.”

Mr Elward’s active approach to life did not abate as he entered retirement.

He took up marathonrunning in his 40s, and was 44 when he ran his first Melbourne Marathon, eventually becoming a ‘spartan’ by completing 10 marathons.

On completion of his local government career, Mr Elward and his brother Russell applied for the garbage collection service in Murrindindi.

Winning the tender, they purchased one of Wangaratta’s garbage trucks, and for 11 years Mr Elward drove between Wangaratta and

Alexandra to assist with the run, keeping himself fit by running behind the truck and emptying the bins.

“He loved being outside, and loved the chance to do manual work,” Mrs Bechaz said.

“He also loved his veggie garden, and enjoyed taking his grandkids for bike rides around town.”

Fond of a good speech and known as a talented orator, Mr Elward would prepare a Christmas speech for the family each year, and Mrs Bechaz said it was always interesting to see what highlights he had picked out.

Mrs Elward’s long-time involvement with the City Ladies Bowls Club (later the Wareena Park Bowls Club) led to her husband’s assistance around the club, and he also enjoyed volunteering with the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz.

“He would pick up the international acts from the airport, as it was perfectly aligned with his love of driving,” Mrs Bechaz said.

“He just loved driving, and he and Mum did a few trips around Australia in the caravan. We all liked driving with him most at night, when he wasn’t distracted by looking at the passing trucks; his love of trucks always remained.”

Mrs Bechaz said she remembered her parents as “a really good team”, who always thought about achieving the best for Wangaratta.

Along with his three children, Mr Elward is survived by seven grandchildren and a great granddaughter.

He will be farewelled during a funeral service at Mason Park Chapel on Monday from 10.30am.

CITY LEADER: John Elward spent almost 20 years as town clerk with the City of Wangaratta.

Explore open open gardens on on Sunday and and

By ANITA MCPHERSON

BE inspired when three local gardens open to the public this Sunday as part of Wangaratta’s Friends of Lacluta’s annual open gardens fundraising event.

While two of the gardens are located in Killawarra, John and Joye Podubinski are demonstrating how to make a bird-attracting paradise within a quarter-acre urban garden in Arlington Park.

Joye said the aim was to create a garden which would be home to wildlife and particularly birds, be relatively low maintenance and wouldn’t require a lawn mower.

She said having moved from a 20 acre property out of town about six years ago, the couple were keen to recreate a naturalistic look and feel within the compact space.

“In a larger property you can plant whatever you like - it’s easy - but a small garden is a bit harder, because you’ve got to think about the size and space,” she said.

“But a smaller block is easier to manage - we do a lot of pruning to keep things in order and a bit of weeding - but it’s not a garden that you have to work in, although I’d be out there all the time because I love it.”

Joye said the couple’s aim was to have mostly native plants - being careful not to plant species that could become weeds along the river - and wouldn’t require constant watering.

COVID gave them the time to plan their new garden, and they set about removing the lawn and replacing it with pathways and garden beds, wanting there to be flowers at different times of the

URBAN RETREAT: Joye and John Podubinski have created a haven for wildlife in their garden at Arlington Park, open on Sunday.

By jORDAN DUURSMA

PAM Procter’s Warby Tower Road garden in Killawarra will also be open on Sunday.

Situated against a rural backdrop, Pam described her garden as a continuation of the National Park which used to border her property.

“I’ve tried to enhance the natural elements, taking a holistic approach as caretaker of the environment rather than as a property owner,” she said.

“The garden utilises the natural terrain and I’ve tried to enhance the garden that is already there.

“One of my favourite elements is the rockwork; the natural rocks, and rock walls built using supplies from the local landscape to define some territory around the house, allowing it to blend into the surrounds.”

Pam said the garden very much grew into its design.

“We laid some basic structures and paths initially, but it’s grown by what has suited the environment and survives in its own ecosystem,” she said.

year to feed the birds and insects.

They kept some of the original plants such as a Port Wine Magnolia and a Leptospermum ‘Starry Night’, adding others they had propagated themselves and tube stock they had grown out.

“A lot the trees here are self-seeded, I’ve altered the garden to let the trees be where they want to be, but mostly I’ve worked around what has happened naturally in the ground.”

Pam said she is supporting the Friends of Lacluta initiative because they do “sterling” work.

“It’s a great cause, and it’s nice to be part of an activity that can not only help our community, but also another,” she said.

The Friends of Lacluta Open Gardens event will be held on Sunday,

After applying for a permit through the Rural City of Wangaratta, the recently extended their garden into the nature strip and are now proudly “lawn-free”.

Joye said it has been a challenge and there have been successes

NATURES OWN: Pam Procter is caretaker of the natural environment in her Killawarra garden, open on Sunday.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

October 20 from 10am until 4pm, with gardens open at 6 Arlington Park, Wangaratta, 310 Sessions Road, Killawarra (where there will be a plant and garden book sale) and at 286 Warby Tower Road, Killawarra, where there will be coffee and cake available.

Tickets are $20 for three gardens available at trybooking. com/CVRCI, or $10 for one garden (cash at venue) with funds raised supporting education and health programs in Timor Leste.

and failures, but it’s a garden which continues to evolve, already attracting the New Holland honeyeaters and other species she loves, along with a resident blue tongue, frogs and beneficial insects.

Twilight Laneway Market on Saturday

THE Rural City of Wangaratta will hold a twilight laneway market in Victoria Parade on Saturday, October 19 featuring stalls of locally made goods, food trucks and live music.

As well as providing an opportunity for local makers to show and sell their wares, businesses along Victoria Parade, including Pedal Slowly, Wangaratta Club, Madam Espresso and Artisans Alley, will join the festivities, staying open to welcome shoppers and visitors.

The market will run from 5pm to 9pm and attendees who make a purchase at the market can go into the draw to win a prize to the value of $300, announced on Thursday, October 31.

Moyhu Lions garden expo

THE Moyhu Lions Country Market Garden Expo will be held on Saturday, October 19 from 8am until 12pm in the Moyhu Lions Park in Moyhu.

Browse a wide range of stalls and be inspired for spring, with a flower display, rope making, plant stalls, Meadow Creek nursery, quality craft and the annual wheelbarrow raffle.

There will also be delicious egg and bacon rolls and a farmers breakfast on the menu, courtesy of the Moyhu Lions, along with freshly brewed coffee, Salus bread, baked goods, preserves and more.

Benalla Camera Club exhibition opening

A NEW exhibition by members of the Benalla Camera Club, celebrating its 70th anniversary, will open at the Benalla Art Gallery on Friday, October 18 at 6pm.

The Benalla Camera Club is a local club, with about 30 active members of all levels of experience who meet monthly for photo competitions, workshops, activities and outings.

The exhibition, titled VISIONS: Photographing Benalla and Beyond, celebrates members’ dedication to their craft through contemporary displays of stunning photographs, while also charting both the history of the club and developments in photographic practice across the past 70 years.

The exhibition is free to enter and will continue until December 8.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Prosecco Road gateway artwork launch

THE Rural City of Wangaratta invites local community members to the launch of the sculpture Bubbles in the Landscape, a significant milestone of the Prosecco Road Project, on Sunday, October 20 from 10am to 12pm at Sam Miranda King Valley in Oxley. Council commissioned the sculpture as part of a public art project to create a distinctive sense of arrival to the King Valley region; all part of the Victorian Government’s King Valley Prosecco Road Revitalisation Project.

This is a free but limited ticketed event, and all interested community members are welcome to register for a ticket at prosecco-road-art.eventbrite. com.au.

Whorouly Village Fair on Sunday

THE eighth Whorouly Village Fair will be held on Sunday, October 20 at the Whorouly Recreation Reserve from 9am to 2pm.

Browse around 50 market stalls selling everything from specialty mushrooms to handmade clothing, enjoy entertainment including the Myrtleford Ukulele Group starting at 11am, there will be a belly dancing display by River Spirits from noon, mass line dancing on the oval at 12.30pm, and old-fashioned family games with prizes throughout the day.

Quilts on display at My Little Patch

A SELECTION of quilts made by local quilter Robyn Batten is on display at My Little Patch for the month of October.

See them in the shop at the rear of 49 Reid Street during opening hours.

Young performers to battle it out

A HOST of young local groups and solo artists will showcase their musical talent in Sunday’s Wangaratta heat of the North East Battle of the Bands Series. The event, which is free and open to all ages, kicks off at 2pm

on Sunday at The Vine Hotel in North Wangaratta. It will be the fourth event in the North East Battle of the Bands series, with previous events held in Violet Town and Benalla, and in Mansfield last weekend.

Growth opens at Art Gallery on Ovens

A JOINT exhibition by resident artists Joanne Radnor and Janet Leith called Growth, is open at the Art Gallery on Ovens in the laneway off Murphy Street.

Joanne continues to explore the forms and textures of her much loved Warby Ranges combined with bright fields of vibrant colour, while Janet continues her recent focus on the use of botanical plants connected to healing.

The exhibition is open Friday and Monday from 10am until 4pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2pm until October 21

The Wangaratta heat will feature performances by Eve Blackall, The Dunners, Freaky Reds, Deceptive Biscuit Tin, Anthony Chisholm, K.M.B, Ebony Grant, Charlie Grace and The B500’s.

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 are a wide range of stalls to browse with new and used items, plants, fruit and veg and more, with refreshments also on site, with the Wang Repair Café also on site this Sunday.

Stalls are available for $20 each (no bookings required) and car boot sales are welcome for $15, with more information via the market’s Facebook page or call Sheree on 0401 665 886.

READY TO TAKE THE STAGE: Wangaratta band The Dunners has enjoyed previous success in the Wangaratta Battle of the Bands, and will be competing again on Sunday.

There will be two winners selected from Sunday’s event - a solo artist and a band.

For more information, visit https://events.humanitix.com/ north-east-battle-of-the-bandswangaratta-heat

Wild Country at Wangaratta Art Gallery

WILD Country, an exhibition by artists Heather Hesterman and Clare McCracken being held at Wangaratta Art Gallery in Gallery 2, explores the historical, cultural and social importance of the Ovens River.

Through creative writing, photography, video and performance, the exhibition aims to cultivate a closer connection to our landscape, to the river and to our all-important resource –water.

See it in Gallery 2 until November 3.

Groups helping tackle poverty

Friday, October 17, 2014

By SIMONE KERWIN

THE Wangaratta community has jumped at the chance to be part of Anti-Poverty Week this week, with Scouts, coffee shops, school students and neighbourhood houses all staging special events.

Tennille Hall, community development officer at the Hume Region Wangaratta office of Anglicare Victoria, said local support for the initiative had been overwhelming.

The week is designed to raise awareness of the poverty and hardship affecting more than one mil-lion Australians, and the fact that many local residents struggle to put food on the table for their families each week.

A number of groups kicked

off their observation of the Hands Up for Anti-Poverty campaign in previous weeks, with St Patrick’s Primary School raising $310 for Anglicare Victoria Hume Region through a Book Week parade and sausage sizzle.

Craft group Women in Stitches raised $1000 for Loaves and Fishes Christians Caring as part of Wangaratta food relief, and also created a quilt to promote the week.

Appin Park Rotary Club hosted the young people of Rotary ‘Oak Tree’ at the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre on their way to Sydney in support of ending poverty in Australia.

And the Department of Human Services and Bendigo Bank donated non-perishable items and gold coin donations from staff, and bank

this

customers, to Anglicare.

The helping hands continued this week, with local churches kicking off the campaign by delivering their services with anti-poverty messages.

Fifteen local coffee shops are participating in the ‘Pay it Forward Coffee’ appeal until tomorrow, inviting people to register via a Facebook page to buy two coffees and leave one behind for someone else – thus ‘changing the world one coffee at a time’ (more information on this is

available by phoning Di on 0419 530 455).

On Monday, 1st and 2nd Yarrunga Joey Scouts and Cub Scouts held poverty awareness-themed activities, focusing on food choices and the availability of water, and also donated food to Anglicare.

There was also a community fun evening hosted by the West End Community Group and Carevan, and a vegetable swap and sausage sizzle at Pangerang Neighbourhood

House, before Wednesday’s Hands Up for Anti-Poverty public workshop, which was attended by 45 locals and Anglicare chief executive officer Paul MacDonald.

Today, the Rural City of Wangaratta will host a morning tea for staff and encourage them to donate their usual coffee money to relief efforts, while flash mobs will perform in the city, and Cathedral College students will donate proceeds from their Cans of Compassion appeal.

Tomorrow, the campaign will wind down with a concert on the steps of Holy Trinity Cathedral between 5pm and 8pm.

This event will feature local artists and musicians, an antipoverty dance crew, and an exhibition and presentation of the Bishops Young Peoples Art Competition.

Locals are invited to bring along chairs, blankets and beanbags, and enjoy the entertainment, as well as guest speaker Trish Merlo, principal of Borinya.

HELPING HANDS: 1st and 2nd Yarrunga Joey Scouts and Cub Scouts took part in special activities as part of Hands Up for Anti-Poverty Week

week, including donation of a box of food items for Anglicare.

and fun at Wangaratta Baptist Church

WANGARATTA Baptist Church held its Mainly Music program on Tuesday morning. The program enables children and their carers to enjoy a session featuring music, playtime and story time, and is held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10am at the church, which is located at 1 Sisely Avenue.

Exploring the North East from the skies

By JORDAN DUURSMA

THE annual spring fly-in for the national Cessna 182 Association members happened in Wangaratta over the weekend, with more than 48 members flying from across the country, piloting 17 Cessna planes and one chopper.

In autumn and spring each year, members have weekend fly-ins to far flung places of interest throughout Australia, this season Wangaratta was chosen for their weekend getaway.

Cessna 182 Association member John Stuart and his wife of 57 years, Elaine Stuart, travelled up from Warrnambool for the occasion, on a 98-minute flight.

John said the annual fly-ins are a great opportunity for old friends to catch up.

“It’s a wonderful group of people and I think we’re very lucky to do what we do and see Australia the way we do and it’s lovely to be able to raise money from the members for a good cause,” he said.

“Elaine and I have some wonderful friends through the association who we only see twice a year.

“Our group shares a common interest over the Cessna 182 aircraft and it’s an opportunity for members to travel, socialise and create new friendships.

“We just had our 95th anniversary for the club, so it’s

been going for a long time and I’ve been flying for 32 years.”

During their stay, the group had a tour of Doug Hamilton’s hangar, visited Beechworth courthouse and jail, hosted their annual AGM, enjoyed a gala dinner at the Gateway Hotel, and visited Bright, Mount Hotham and the Pinsent Hotel.

The group also raised funds for the Centre Against Violence during their time together.

“We set up a fine system, so if somebody did a bad landing it could cost them $50 to go towards the centre and so it went on,” John said.

For more information about the Cessna 182 Association, visit www.cessna182.org.au.

Children and adults alike enjoy the session.

Faye Gronow.

Emily Manning and Sarah Keating.

Tom and Brooke Carson.

Fairley and Olivia Knight.

Kayla, Adele and Annie Everitt.

FLYING HIGH: Cessna 182 Association member John Stuart travelled up from Warrnambool for the group’s annual spring fly-in.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

The Proposed Meadow Creek Solar & Battery Farm (Factory)

HOW THIS WILL IMPACT YOU and THE KING VALLEY

1. Located in YOUR Declared Special Water Catchment Supply Area for Oxley's and Wangaratta's drinking supply

• The Wangaratta Planning scheme states that industrial development is to be avoided in the Declared Special Water Catchment Supply Area to ensure high quality water for human consumption.

• What happens if a fire destroys the site?

• The next large rain event following the fire will wash the burnt industrial waste into Oxley's and Wangaratta's water supply

2.

Environmental

Overlays

• Home to the Endangered Sloanes Froglet

• Majestic mature trees will be removed which have large carbon stores and act as climate modifiers, these trees can not be replaced

• High-value terrestrial land which serves as habitat for fauna and flora

3.

Strategic Prime Agricultural Land

Is this a farm or a massive industrial site?

Equivalent to 280 MCGs comprising of: 592,000 panels

(in excess of 20 million kg of panels)

49 x 40 foot containers of Lithium-Ion battery (approx 2.5million kg of battery material)

• Due to the highly reliable annual rainfall and fertile soils, this type of farmland is extremely productive and has a Strategic Agricultural Land overlay

• Solar Sites are better located on LOW-productive agricultural and LOW biodiversity land

Address your concerns to: Hannah Scott Department of Transport and Planning 1 Spring Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000 Email: development.approvals@transport.vic.gov.au Planning application number: PA2403133

A lifetime of adventure

Space flight will

add to Eric Philips’ passion for exploration and remarkable polar feats pgpppp

BY LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE LAndersonByrne@ nemedia.com.au

Polar explorer and soon to be astronaut, Eric Philips, has dedicated his life to adventure.

After travelling the world and running his ice trek and equipment business, Mr Philips moved to Tawonga three years ago, but that hasn’t stopped the global adventuring as he prepares to become the fourth Australian to go to space.

Mr Philips has been training for a three day spaceflight planned for early next year, as mission specialist alongside three other passengers.

The crew will orbit between the North and South poles up to 50 times, a trip that is to be a world first.

But before we wheel through the cosmos, let’s turn back time to a 10 year old Eric, bright-eyed and full of wonder at the world.

“It all started when I pulled a book off my parents bookshelf when I was 10, a book about Antarctica,” he said.

“I saw people dressed up in Michelin style costumes, saw plates of ice and a massive dome of blue and I wanted to be one of those people in the photo.

“I learned very quickly they were scientists, explorers, people in Antarctica and I dedicated my life to becoming one of them.

“It felt a very natural thing for me; adventuring.”

Since 1992 Mr Philips has been exploring the Earth’s fragile polar regions.

“Exploration has been at the core of my instinct,” he said.

“From my inaugural 1992 expedition to Canada’s Ellesmere Island, to pioneering new routes through the Transantarctic Mountains to the South Pole, to kite-skiing solo to the iconic peak of

Ulvetanna, I’ve followed the urge to go where others haven’t.

“To explore the path less travelled.”

Mr Philips outdoor career spans more than 40 years, during which time he’s spent working professionally as an outdoor educator, sponsored polar adventurer and IPGA Polar Expedition Guide.

“As an adventurer I’ve visited every continent on Earth, often leading lightweight and selfsupported expeditions to remote areas,” he said.

“I’ve pioneered four new routes/ variations to the South Pole and was the first Australian, together with companion Jon Muir, to ski to both the North and South poles, locations that I’ve since visited dozens of times as a polar adventurer and guide.

“Through my experiences I’ve developed alternative and highly efficient methods of travel in the polar regions.

“In 1995 I completed a sea-to-sea crossing of Greenland and one of the first polar expeditions to use steerable kites, and have embraced the use of specialised plastics in the construction of polar-specific equipment.

“In 1991 I wrote the book, Icetrek: The Bitter Journey to the South Pole, and my expeditions have produced four internationallyscreened documentary films, most notably, the Emmy Award-winning Greenland production, Chasing the Midnight Sun.”

Since 2004 Mr Philips has been guiding ski expeditions and training in the Arctic, Antarctica and Australia.

“Any opportunity to introduce people to our wonderful ice

Beating the blues on Mental Health Day

By PHOEBE MORGAN

TO commemorate World Mental Health Day last Thursday, October 10, Tom Nicholson, owner of Tom’s Rural Tree Services and his crew and members of the Alpine Shire arborist team, painted a tree blue at the Dederang Recreation Reserve for the Blue Tree Project (BTP).

The BTP was founded with a mission to help spark important conversations and encourage people to speak up when experiencing mental health concerns.

“This Dederang Blue Tree project has been three or four months in the making,” Mr Nicholas said.

“Fortunately, someone in the Alpine Shire office contacted us about this tree at the rec reserve.

“This is our second year painting a tree for the Blue Tree Project.

“Since the Blue Tree painting in Bright last year, I’ve been keeping an eye out for a suitable location for a new tree; something on the side of the road or in a similarly public area.”

Mr Nicholson had to gain the appropriate permission to paint the tree especially for the BTP.

From there he has been working with the Alpine Shire’s head arborist, Gareth Williams, as well as Simon Wright from Mountain Arbor, to prepare the tree.

“This tree would’ve otherwise degraded over time and needed to be cut down; it’s been dead for a long time,” Mr Nicholson said.

“We double-checked for native wildlife inhabitants in the assessment stage, before

we confirmed this tree would be the one that was painted.”

The team used an industrial airbrush and an articulating, cherry-picker lift to access the entirety of the approximately eight-metre tree, and expect the paint to last around 10 years.

After over three hours of careful work, the finishing touch was installing a sign listing all of the sponsors involved.

For more information about The Blue Tree Project, visit: https://bluetreeproject. com.au/

environments is a privilege that I will forever appreciate,” he said.

“In 2011, together with a team of guides spanning six nations, I launched the International Polar Guides Association, of which I am its president and a Polar Expedition Guide.

“Polar guiding is an awesome profession, one that combines my loves of adventure and education.”

Mr Philips, with his wife Susy and daughter, have been living in the Alpine Shire for three years, but he first came to Falls Creek in primary school during a trip from Adelaide.

“I started skiing in the back country here regularly from 1980, every year for the next decade,” he said.

“I would go snow camping, cross country skiing and explore during my enrolment in an outdoor education course.

“Those skills were pivotal in my career as a polar explorer, not

just the skiing but the teaching, imparting knowledge, guiding and instructing.

“We lived in Tasmania for 20 years while I ran our ice trek expeditions and equipment business, travelled around the world and then the kids moved to the mainland.

“We were searching for blocks of land to build on and there was some here on Simmonds Creek Road (Tawonga).

“We sat on the block for five minutes and knew we had to do it.

“I can remember back in the 1980s, driving through Mount Beauty and thinking ‘here we are’.

“My son is studying at the Melbourne University Conservatorium of Music, and my daughter lives here in regional Victoria, working as an outdoor educator and with me as a trainee polar guide.”

POLAR ADVENTURER: Eric Philips (far right) on his Antartic adventure.

PHOTO: Martin Hartley

BRIGHT SMILES FOR A BLUE TREE: Organiser, Tom Nicholson was proud of the work from all involved on the day’s painting. PHOTO: Phoebe Morgan

Battery boost bid

A COMMUNITY-LED battery microgrid system to be located at Bright and Harrietville has been proposed by Sustainable Upper Ovens, with the aim of reducing energy costs and building energy resilience during extreme weather events.

Acting president of Sustainable Upper Ovens, Dennis Lambert, said the microgrid is relevant to homes and businesses that can’t install solar panels on their roofs, and would also benefit Porepunkah, Wandiligong and Freeburgh.

“A battery microgrid is, in its simplest form, just a group of home batteries working together to achieve better energy use outcomes for all participants in the microgrid,” he said.

“And when the main grid power goes down, it has the potential to provide a backup source of power for microgrid participants.

“A microgrid should interest home and business owners looking to reduce their electricity bills, and build their own and the community’s energy security and resilience during bushfires and extreme weather

events.

BY LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE LAndersonByrne@ nemedia.com.au

“But there’s also something in the microgrid for homes and businesses with solar panels, a solar battery, or an electric vehicle.

“Energy costs hurt everyone, but localised solar electricity production and battery storage on homes and businesses can help change this if members of each community work together.”

Mr Lambert said Sustainable Upper Ovens has been working on the battery microgrid proposal with Indigo Power, RMIT and Mondo, a subsidiary of electricity network Ausnet.

“The proposal leverages off a small-scale microgrid established in Yackandandah,” he said.

“At this stage we’re unsure about the scale of the grid, but ideally I imagine 50 to 100 homes would be good.

“As we progress that will evolve.

“We plan to collect data

and build a case to obtain a grant for development of a microgrid in the Upper Ovens Valley that specifically includes homes without solar electricity production.”

Sustainable Upper Ovens is hosting two community information sessions this month, to provide further details of the proposal and answer any questions.

The first information session will be held this Friday, October 18 from 6-7pm at the Harrietville Motel.

A second session will be held on Friday, October 31 at the Bright Senior Citizens Hall from 5.30-6.30pm. You can register for either meeting from the events page at sustainableupperovens.org.au.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION: Dennis Lambert, Helen Meggs and Brian Edwards from Sustainable Upper Ovens are proposing a community-led microgrid.

PHOTO: Phoebe Morgan

Young MasterChefs

Cathedral College Wangaratta

MIDDLE school students took to the kitchen to compete in the House MasterChef competition.

This year’s theme was “Eat like an Athlete”.

Turkey pasties, lamb curry with rice, and buttermilk pancakes with fruit were on the menu.

All the students worked really well together and plated some very delicious meals.

CREATIVE COOKING: Students Lexi Rees and Claudia Kerr prepare their dishes as part of the House MasterChef competition.

WELCOME GUESTS: Edi Upper Primary School principal Claire Bradbury and student

WATER BOUND: Wangaratta Primary School students Gema Winn, Lily Jones and Emily Henschke were among those taking part in swimming lessons.

Special event

Edi Upper Primary School

SPECIAL guests were among those to attend the school’s morning tea celebrating 150 years of education last term.

Representatives from the Victorian Department of Education and Ovens Valley Nationals MP Tim McCurdy were among about 60 who attended, finding out more about the school and its role in the local community over the decades.

Area director Bernie Boulton spoke about the history of the school, and Edi Upper’s last student Jessica Young and principal Claire Bradbury talked about more recent times, and the activities they have enjoyed in the last five years together.

Swimming lessons

Wangaratta Primary School

GRADE 3/4 students recently participated in an intensive one-week swimming program aimed at improving their swimming skills and water safety knowledge.

Held at Moore Than Swimming, the lessons focused on building confidence, improving stroke techniques and teaching essential survival skills.

Students thoroughly enjoyed the week-long program, showed remarkable progress and improved their confidence in and around the water.

WELL DONE: Appin Park foundation students Evie Freeman and Jack Doig were very proud to show their winning ribbon from the Wangaratta Show.

Game on Foundation arts success

Wangaratta High School

THE intermediate boys cricket team recently headed to North Wangaratta and competed in a 20/20 cricket match against their public-school counterparts from the border region.

The boys were successful in their first game, seeing them through to the final where the competition ramped up as they competed against Cathedral College.

The final concluded with a score of 240 to 52, with Cathedral coming out on top.

Well done to all students and staff involved in competing on the day.

Appin Park Primary School

STUDENTS from the foundation class learned that they had won the blue ribbon for their coloured pasta necklaces exhibited in the youngest age group of the horticulture section at the recent Wangaratta Show.

With a variety of colours of pasta to choose from, each of the students laced their own necklaces: some just choosing random colours, others with a more methodical approach using patterns to create their design.

Classroom teacher, Christine Vescio, believes it is important to support local activities, especially when the kids love the opportunity to display their creativity.

“Connecting with current community events fosters the understanding for our students that we belong to a larger community than our school, and that there are many ways we can help and support each other,” she said.

1What is the pollinator of the rare Canberra spider orchid? Is it a) a wasp, b) a bee, c) an ant, or d) a possum?

3Which of these Australian animals is not considered endangered? Is it a) northern quoll, b) Lord Howe Island stick insect, c) northern corroboree frog, or d) eastern grey kangaroo?

4

In 2018, which mammal species genuinely improved from endangered to nonendangered on the IUCN Red List? Is it a) white rhinoceros, b) fin whale, c) Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo, or d) koala?

5Which of these animals is most closely related to now extinct thylacines? Is it a) numbats, b) cats, c) tigers, or d) Tasmanian devils? For more CSIRO Double

Jessica Young welcomed Victorian Department of Education area director Bernie Boulton, Ovens Valley Nationals MP Tim McCurdy, and Victorian Department of Education senior education instructional leader Paul Tozer to the school’s 150 year celebration.

GOOD SPORTS: THE intermediate boys cricket team (pictured) recently competed in a 20/20 cricket competition.

Prime location and classic charm

NESTLED in the heart of Murdoch Road, this charming 1940s red brick home boasts elegance.

Retaining its original character with ornate ceilings, this property offers a warm and inviting feel, perfect for families or those looking to add their own charm.

The home features three generously sized living spaces, creating multiple options for relaxation and entertaining.

The galley-style kitchen, which overlooks a spacious family room is ideal for hosting gatherings or the quiet family catch up.

With two well-appointed bedrooms,

including an ensuite to the main, and a dedicated study room, there’s no shortage of functional living spaces.

Practicality continues with a large laundry offering plenty of storage, an additional one-bedroom granny flatcomplete with a toilet, basin, and its own heating and cooling - adds extra versatility, perfect for guests, extended family, or even as a home office/craft room.

The neatly landscaped, lowmaintenance yard provides a space to unwind, while also offering ample potential for a rear extension (STCA).

With a double carport and a triple lock-up garage, the property has no

shortage of vehicle and storage space, ideal for families with multiple cars or hobbies requiring extra room.

Situated on a generous 767m² (approx.) block, the home enjoys a great outdoor space for gardening or outdoor entertaining.

Its location is unbeatableconveniently close to the city centre, walking tracks, shops, and restaurants, ensuring everything you need is within easy reach.

This Murdoch Road gem combines appeal thoughtful, offering the perfect opportunity to own a home that truly stands out in a highly sought-after area.

Wangaratta 6 Wareena Street

505m22 11

Classic Red Brick Home in a Great Location

For Sale $420,000 - $462,000 View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L30422626

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Glenrowan 5 Kingfisher Lane 1565m24 32

Glenrowan

Nutrien

Danial

Wangaratta 9-11 Dixon Street

1858m24 22

Almost

Nutrien

Wangaratta 29 Mepunga Avenue

710m23 11

Perfect Investment or First Home

For Sale $440,000 - $484,000 View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L19194227

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Paul

Harcourts Wangaratta

Lurg 95 Granite Road

126Ac

Grazing, Serenity, hills and production For Sale $765,000 View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L30766043

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Joe McKenzie M 0423 655 179

Harcourts Wangaratta

Wangaratta 5 Shiraz Court 1565m24 22

Location, Quality, Space and Privacy For Sale $1,000,000 - $1,100,000 View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L25649966

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Danial Siperki M 0400

Wangaratta

Hansonville 00 Wangaratta-Kilfeera Rd 91Ac “Flynn’s” 91 Acres Hanconville

For Sale $795,000 View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L2919276

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Joe McKenzie M 0423 655 179

Harcourts Wangaratta

Waldara 13D Old School Road

4080m23 22

Lifestyle entertainer with rural views For Sale $1,000,000 - $1,100,000 View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L26321548

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Danial Siperki M 0400 027 473

Harcourts Wangaratta

Tarrawingee 30 Ovens Terrace

2.7Ac 4

2.7Acres

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Paul Reid M 0417 537 520

Harcourts Wangaratta

Harcourts Wangaratta

Harcourts Wangaratta

Harcourts

Danial Siperki

0400 027 473

Preparing your home for sale: Tips for cleaning and decluttering

PREPARING to sell your property can be stressful, however don’t overlook the importance of a clean house.

It’s not just about making things look nice, it’s about creating a space that buyers can envision as their own.

A tidy and well-organised home can go a long way in attracting potential buyers and making a positive first impression.

So, take the time to declutter, deep clean, and tidy up before putting your property on the market. It may seem like a small thing, but it could make all the difference in the world.

When in doubt, chuck it out

Step one is easy: declutter like there’s no tomorrow. Not only will it help create a more appealing space for potential buyers, but it’ll also streamline the packing process when it’s time to move to your new home.

Go room by room, and be ruthless. Sort through your wardrobes, cupboards, sheds, and storage areas in the basement. If you haven’t used an item in the last six months, it’s time to say goodbye.

Follow your eyes

With the decluttering out of the way, it’s time to tackle the real fungiving each room a thorough combthrough.

Start by focusing on the first item that catches your eye, and if it’s something that creates a negative impression, it’s likely to do the same

Written by | realestateview.com.au in buying

for prospective buyers.

Take the time to assess the entire room from top to bottom and left to right, ensuring no surface is overlooked. Remember, even the tiniest details matter, so pay attention to everything from scuff marks on walls to dust on shelves. By doing so, you’ll be able to present your home in its best possible light, leaving a positive impression on buyers.

Product check

Before you begin cleaning, it’s essential to check the labels on any chemicals you plan to use to ensure they are safe for the surface you’re cleaning.

The last thing you want is to create more damage or stains while attempting to clean! Pay particular attention to bleaches and abrasive liquids, as these can cause more harm than good if not used correctly. When in doubt, opt for gentler cleaning solutions or consult a professional cleaner for advice.

Bathroom beauty

Bathrooms, along with kitchens, are often considered the key selling points of a house, so it’s crucial to make sure yours is dressed to impress.

Start by tackling any mould or mildew that has accumulated, paying special attention to areas like shower

trays, doors, curtains, and the grout between tiles.

A clean and hygienic bathroom can make all the difference in creating a positive impression on potential buyers. When it comes to glass surfaces like doors and mirrors, use non-streaky sponges to ensure a sparkling finish.

King of the kitchen

The kitchen is a crucial area to focus on when cleaning your house since it’s often considered the heart of the home and a key selling point.

Remove all items from cupboards to clean deep into shelves and drawers, scrub the floors and surfaces, and remove any old or dying fruit and vegetables from the fridge.

Last stop: the oven. Ovens and dishwashers are fixed items that are usually sold alongside the house, so it is important to pay special attention to these.

Invest in a heavy duty oven cleaner to combat any grease, grime and remnants of failed cooking experiments.

Wash the windows

A simple one, but easy to overlook. Windows collect dust, grime, and in houses with small childrenfingerprints and streaks! Before your inspections, give them a wash with

bag trolley, 2x 2 drawer filing cabinets, camping chairs, 145L Hisense chest freezer, Honeywell portable evap cooler, antique oval extending dining table with 6 chairs (good condition) Beefmaster 4 burner BBQ (good condition) Brother electric sewing machine, farm trailer, mower.

Kelly & Lewis irrigation pump (model 70, 4-6"), steel posts (approx. 50), Berends heavy duty 5ft slasher, old door & frame, weldmesh panels, old locker, stainless steel sink & splash back, light horse army saddle, RM Williams stock saddle, stock saddle, JI Sowter dressage saddle, Mongoose touring bike, kids Giant bike, Rover & Victa mowers, Davey pressure pump, timber shelving & many more sundry items.

glass cleaner and wipe them with a streak free cloth.

... and the walls

If painting isn’t in the budget, spruce up your walls and give them new life with a quick wash.

Soapy water and a sponge should do the trick to remove fingerprints, scuff marks, dust and grime from your walls and have them looking fresh and clean in no time.

Use a circular motion as you clean to avoid streak marks.

Look up

Use a broom to sweep up any spider webs accumulating on your ceiling.

And then look down

Mop, scrub and vacuum all floors inside and out. Make those surfaces so clean you could eat off them!

Cleaning your house means keeping it clean

Hopefully you will only need to do one mega clean when preparing for the first open for inspection.

After that, it’s all about maintaining the cleanliness.

Make it habit to clean up every area as you use it: this means doing dishes as you cook, wiping bathroom surfaces after use and vacuuming and sweeping daily.

If you keep on top of the seemingly little tasks, you will be ready at a moment’s notice if an unexpected buyer approaches you for an inspection!

Rural City Connection

Council Meeting

The next Council Meeting is at 6pm on Tuesday 22 October in Council Chambers at the Wangaratta Government Centre. Questions can be asked by those in attendance and can also be submitted before 10am on the day of the meeting by emailing council@wangaratta.vic.gov.au. An agenda will be available on Council’s website.

Please contact Customer Service if you have accessibility requirements to attend in person. For those unable to attend, the meeting will be available to view live online, via Council’s YouTube channel. You can also or view a recording of the meeting. Visit our website for more info.

Wangaratta Library Upcoming Author Events

• Tuesday 29 October 5.30pm | Benjamin Stevenson in conversation with Mark Bolsius from Booktique.

• Thursday 31 October 6.30pm | Gary Davis in conversation.

• Tuesday 12 November 10.30am | Georgina Banks fundraiser and in conversation with Belinda Harrison from Edgars Books and News.

Bookings for all events are essential https://shorturl.at/Lx6zq

Council Payment System Upgrade

We are upgrading our financial system. As a result, payment services will be unavailable via our website and Customer Service desk, from 12pm Friday 18 October, until Monday 28 October. You will not be able to pay: Animal Registration Renewals, Home & Community Services, Infringement Notices, Tax Invoices/Statements.

You will be able to pay: Rates, Planning permits More information here: https://bit.ly/48pSFSp

Australia Day Awards

Nominations for Rural City of Wangaratta Australia Day Awards 2025 are now open. Anyone can nominate a citizen, young citizen, community event, or project that has inspired them over the last year. Nominations close at 6pm, Saturday 9 November 2024. For more information visit: https://bit.ly/4h0ymyK

The Laneway Market is on this weekend!

Bring the family and enjoy an evening stroll along Victoria Parade. Discover local makers at the market stalls, enjoy live tunes from buskers, and explore the welcoming laneway businesses and food vans.

Saturday 19 October, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Victoria Parade, Wangaratta CBD.

Family Fun Day for National Children’s Week

Join us on Thursday 24 October for a morning filled with exciting games, delicious food, a jumping castle, face painting, and much more.

Help celebrate the incredible talent, skills, and abilities of our youngest residents. This week shines a light on the abundant opportunities in our community to support our children to learn, grow, and thrive. In partnership with NEMA - North East Multicultural Association. 10am -12pm at Batchelors Green, Wangaratta

Local Shop Hop Wangaratta

Each month we are showcasing the cool, quirky, and unique shopping spots across our region. Until November 2024, residents and visitors are invited to explore our charming townships for a chance to win some awesome prizes. Make a purchase at participating businesses, scan the QR code at point of purchase, and you’re in! This month we are highlighting Wangaratta. More info here: https://bit.ly/3IZq8Xy

Free Green Waste Disposal

To assist residents to clean up around their property, we are offering free green waste disposal at all transfer stations for the whole month of November!

Garden waste, leaf litter, branches and woody material will be accepted. All green waste will be inspected upon entry to transfer stations so please ensure material is separated and free from contaminants, general waste, and recyclables. For further information please contact Council’s customer service team on (03) 5722 0888

Wareena Park Oval Upgrade

Wareena Park Oval on Swan Street, Wangaratta is closed for reconstruction as of this week, with completion expected by April 2025. Access to Wareena Park Pavilion, the carpark, toilets, dump point and the former bowls club will remain open for public use. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve this community space. To find out more visit Our Projects on our website.

Tenders

68456 SGA Drainage Basin Construction

72387 Road Pavement Rehabilitation Program - MoyhuHansonville Road

72316 Road Pavement Rehabilitation ProgramGambolds Lane

Tenders close at 2pm on Thursday 31 October

65468 Cryer’s Bridge Replacement, Myrrhee-Whitlands Road, Boggy Creek

Tender closes at 2pm on Thursday 7 November

T16150 Glenrowan Augmented Reality Project

Tender closes at 12 noon on Wednesday 6 November

T15289 Supply & delivery of Emulsion

Tender closes at 12 noon on 6 November

Further details on all tenders may be obtained by visiting eProcure on Council’s website.

Positions Vacant

RoleClosing

Early Childhood Educator - Level 328-Oct-2024

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

37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677

PRE-SEASON MEETING

To be held at the Laceby West CFA Station on Sunday, October 27, 2024, 11am start. All operational and non-operational members are urged to attend. Barbecue lunch to follow. Please direct any enquiries to phone 0413 780 416.

Wangaratta Table Tennis Association

Spring Comp muster nights

October 16 & October 23, 2024

SENIOR GRADES - 7PM

JUNIOR GRADES - 6PM TO 7PM

BOOK BYEMAIL

To Visit Visited

DOWNSIZING sale, inside and outside, everything must go! Paintings, pictures, shelves, cabinets, cutlery, crockery, pots/pans, appliances, ornaments, crystal, books, shed/garden items, emptying whole unit! Saturday, October 19, 8am3pm, 36 Murdoch Road, Wangaratta.

To Visit Visited

GARAGE SALE, Saturday, October 19, 8am-2pm, 6 Pyle Road (Cnr Eldoraro Road), Londrigan.

To Visit Visited

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

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.

WordPerfect

Word perfect means “without error”.

If you need something written or edited, focus, to advertise, instruct, persuade, present, publish or legally bind, whether long or short, you need WordPerfect.

BORINYA (WCP) WANGARATTA

Maths Teacher (FTE 1: ongoing)

Borinya is a specialist school setting inspired by the Catholic story, that offers young people in years 7-12, an opportunity to re-engage with their education.

An exciting opportunity exists for an outstanding educator with a passion to work in a diverse and inclusive alternate education setting.

Closing Date for Applications: 5 pm Sunday 10 November 2024

ALL NEW AND PAST PLAYERS WELCOME All enquiries: Robert 0407 228 280 Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Da Vinci Social Club Inc will be held at the Club, 55 Pyles Lane, Laceby on Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 2pm.

PEECHELBA Community Market, November 9, 2024, 9am-1pm, Peechelba Bush Reserve. Music, food, art, plants and much more.

PLANTS and stands, furniture, garden stuff, Driza-bone jackets plus lots lots more! 9am till 4pm, 469 Whorouly road, Whorouly.

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.

FRANK’S DOG TRAINING, qualified, professional dog behaviourist, nationally accredited, obedience training, behavioral solutions, $70 a session. Ph 0418 314 610. Check out my dog tricks on Facebook.

KITCHENS JUST FOR YOU, cabinet making solutions. Kitchens available before Christmas. Phone Roland 0414 950 647.

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

I am Helen, a lawyer with an Honours Degree, a major in English Literature and 30 years’ experience writing documents, including contracts, advice, reports, resumes, theses, presentations, proformas, manuals and advertisements. Contact me for a no-obligation quote for:

Copywriting

Drafting

Editing

Formatting

Proofreading

Speech writing

Technical writing

Word processing

Email wordperfect52@gmail.com

Telephone 0498 490 265

Temporary Full-Time December 2028

For further details on how to apply & position description please visit our website: https://careers.ceosand.catholic.edu.au/jobs/search Job Number: 492667

SERVICES ASSISTANT PART TIME 0.50EFT

Are you passionate about curating high quality exhibitions for the community? Do you possess a deep knowledge of Australian art and a strong commitment to delivering visitor experiences of the highest quality?

If so, we want you to join our team as the Curator, Benalla Art Gallery. In this crucial role, you’ll be responsible for developing, managing and delivering Benalla Art Gallery’s program of Exhibitions in keeping with the Vision, Mission, and Objectives set within the Benalla Art Gallery Strategic Plan.

The successful applicant should have a good understanding of both the arts and public gallery sector, and the local government environment including policy frameworks and budget processes.

Download an Employment Information Pack at www.benalla.vic.gov.au or obtain a pack from Human Resources Coordinator Rhonda McDonald, telephone 03 5760 2662.

Applications addressing key selection should reach us by 12 noon Tuesday 22 October 2024

For a confidential discussion on the position, telephone Director Benalla Art Gallery, Eric Nash, on 03 5760 2679. Benalla Rural City Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Child Safe Organisation. www.benalla.vic.gov.au

For further information please contact Debra Harvey, Acting Director Business & Service Development - (03) 5728 0342 or email debra.harvey@beechworthhealth.org.au

Full Salary Packaging Arrangements

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Passport Program

EMPLOYMENT

2025 VINTAGE CASUALS

About the Company: At Brown Family Wine Group, we are passionate about our quality wines and our amazing people, and we are committed to the core family values of our company - Wellbeing, Respect, Innovation and Pride in What We Achieve Together. We are a proud and passionate business who is strong on values and culture. Most recently we have identified by workplace culture authority Great Place to Work as one of the 100 Best Workplaces in Australia for 2024. We have also maintained our certification as “A Great Place to Work” for the sixth year in a row and we are committed to honouring this recognition throughout all aspects of the business.

Location: Our Winery is based in Milawa northeast Victoria and only 15 minutes’ drive from Wangaratta.

Opportunities Available: We’re on the hunt for fit, healthy, and enthusiastic individuals to work in our winery over our busy vintage period – from early February to around mid-April 2025. We have multiple roles available – Cellar Hands (no experience required as full training will be available), Forklift Operators (with HR licence (LF) and at least 12 months experience) and Laboratory Assistants (a minimum of year 12 chemistry study or experience in laboratory techniques).

What’s Required: A good level of physical fitness, be committed to work for the entire vintage period (approx. 8 –10 weeks), the flexibility to work shifts and a willingness to work up to 6-7 days/week. Overtime and appropriate penalty rates will apply.

This is a great opportunity for students who are considering a GAP year to work locally and gain some work experience in a dynamic, safe and supportive environment.

What’s on Offer:

•Opportunities to meet new people

•A safe working environment

•Comprehensive training and induction

•Product Discount

•Work with a leading globally recognised brand

•Accredited Great Place to Work

Timing: Interviews will be held in mid to late November with the roles commencing early February through to mid-April (depending on the season).

Applications close 8 November 2024.

Advertising Sales/Account Manager (Print & Digital)

About North East Media (NEM)

NEM is an independent family owned media company with community and farming newspapers, magazines and websites across North East VIC, Southern and Central NSW.

The Wangaratta Division is responsible for a group of regular print and digital publications, including the tri weekly Wangaratta Chronicle and weekly Ovens and Murray Advertiser. We also have special publications, including North East Living Magazine, North East Tourist News, North East Farmer, Southern Farmer, North East Kids and Footy Focus.

Who are we looking for?

The Wangaratta Division is looking for a driven and committed individual to join our advertising sales team, responsible for managing existing clients while growing your own sales.

The ideal candidate will have:

•At least 2 years’ sales experience (sales of advertising in multi-media is a plus, not essential)

•The capacity to see opportunities and market trends and a drive to achieve results to help our business grow

•Effective communication skills (verbal and written), enabling connection with a wide range of people across various industries

•The capability to sustain existing relationships and continuously build new ones

•An excellent work ethic and organisational skills (including maintaining current records in our company CRM program) enabling you to consistently meet deadlines and achieve your sales targets.

•The ability to collaborate (including with your manager, sales colleagues, our editors and graphic designers) to ensure seamless execution of advertising campaigns

•A motor vehicle and a current driver’s licence

What are we offering?

A full-time position with an attractive remuneration package comprising a base salary, commission and employer superannuation contributions.

While this is a maternity leave position, we envisage that the role will lead to an ongoing employment opportunity at the at the end of the 12 month maternity leave period.

How to apply

If you are self-motivated, results-orientated and looking for a challenge in the media environment, forward your resume and covering letter to:

Kevin Spendier Advertising Manager kspendier@nemedia.com.au

FORD FALCON FATURA 2003 BA, engine number JGSW3J29778, DLPG sedan, major KMs driven by one careful lady, $4k of receipts showing money spent on car at Premier Panels, 12 months registration plus roadworthy certificate included, car mechanically drives like new, no burning oil, asking $8000 ONO. Ph 03 5721 3948.

SHED find, vintage Chrysler Regal Lebaron ’78, 4.3 ltres, $10,000, looking for offers, VIN: CLBH4IV105369. Ph 0459 899 884.

BIRDS nest ferns $35-$70, “Theorem” recliner and lift chair, as new $1800, single bed, as new mattress $75, 2 large glass coffee tables $50 each. Ph 0428 402 963. FREE Range Hens, ISA Brown Pullets, POL, $30 each. Phone Becky or Hugh

Best wishes to Alison Walpole (OAM). Keep Dancing for the occasion of your 97TH Birthday!

Sunday, October 20. From Andrew and Marie Walpole.

HARTWIG ~ EARLEY

Leigh and family, together with Moya and family, wish to announce the marriage of Teegan and Joel on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at Brown Brothers, Milawa.

Wishing them both a lifetime of love and happiness.

BEATTIE, Ian Roy. 1/1/1974 – 11/10/2024

You were a genuine caring man with a sense of humor and a happy smile.

You found your place in life with the greyhounds as owner/ trainer and made enduring friendships along the way. Taken way too early.

You shall be sadly missed by all.

CAIN, Rhys Daniel. 14/10/1998 - 12/10/2024

ELLIS (née Barrow), Joan. 23/4/1944 – 10/10/2024

Passed away peacefully at home with family by her side on Thursday, October 10, 2024. Aged 80 years.

ARNOLDUSSEN,

Johannes “Hans” Wilhelm.

Born 9/6/1929 Valburg, The Netherlands. Died 12/10/2024 Formerly of Cheshunt.

Dearly loved husband of Anne. Father of Greg and Kyra-Jane. Opa to Frederick and Isabelle. Father-in-law to Kim and Stefan. Loved brother, Uncle and friend. Resting peacefully under an apple tree.

BEACH, Neil Andrew. 5/6/1950 – 14/10/2024

Passed away surrounded by his loving family.

Dearly loved father of Tara, Natalie and Eli.

Adored father-in-law of Philip. Much loved Grandpa of Patrick, Darby and Edward. A friend to many.

BEATTIE, Ian Roy “Beatles” “Bug”. 1/1/1974 - 11/10/2024

Beloved son of Andy (dec) and Marg. Loved brother to Karen (Kittelty) and Robert. Brother-in-law to Jack.

Adored Uncle and Great-Uncle to Ashlee, Thomas, Scarlett and Kinsley. “The Last Race Is Over”

The funeral service for Mr Ian Roy Beattie will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Thursday, October 24, 2024 commencing at 1pm.

Burial will follow the service at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery.

Mason Park Funerals 5721 5060 masonpark.com.au

Our thoughts go to Marg, Karen, Rob and Families. ~ Beryl Swift and family.

CROWE, Gary Edwin. 7/8/1950 – 12/10/2024

Loved son of Linda and Ernest Crowe (both dec).

Brother of Ray, Leanne and Karen. Uncle of Jack, Laura, Jessie and Great-Uncle of Sophia and Joanna. Gary died peacefully, in Wangaratta, following a valiant battle with cancer. Lucid until the end and thankfully pain free. Thanks to the Northeast Health Palliative Care Team for their ongoing support, along with his community of friends from the library, chemist and country markets throughout the North East. In particular sincere appreciation to the Buck family. A private cremation has been held for Gary.

Rest in Peace

Mason Park Funerals

5721 5060 masonpark.com.au

DOHERTY, Steven John “Bill”. Of Corowa, NSW. Passed away suddenly at the Wagga Base Hospital on Sunday, October 13, 2024.

Dearly loved son of Carmel.

Brother to Sharon, Michelle and Wayne. Loved partner of Jane. Father and father-in-law of Chloe and Bobby, Megan and Shayaan and Elizabeth. Proud Poppy to Ruby and Ellie. Much loved Uncle and brother-in-law.

Fought hard to the end. For funeral arrangements please see later paper.

Forever loved son of Dion and Michelle Cain. Beloved brother of Dylan and Joel. Treasured brother in-law to Leesa and Claudia.

Adored Uncle of Dustin, Jordan and Beau. Dearly loved nephew of Wayne (dec), Janine, Craig, Meagan, Roxanne, Steve and Gayle. Fun-loving cousin of Liam, Riley, Matt, Kate, Alyce, Cherie, Belle, Angus and their families/partners. Devoted grandson of Kevin and Marie (dec) Elliott. Loved grandson of Nola Hanna.

Our beautiful blue-eyed boy, who I so wanted and loved from the moment I knew you were on your way. You are a man true to your name, “a passionate warrior”, who has left a giant footprint in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

“Stay safe Rhys” “Will do, Mish” Keep climbing Rhys and don’t look back. ~ Love always, Mum.

Rhysy boy, We cherish every memory and moment that we spent together. Your beautiful heart surrounds us. Our love for you will hurt so bad until we have you in our arms again. ~ Lots of love, Big D.

Beloved grandson of Kevin and Marie (dec) Elliott. Now reunited with his dearly missed Nana and Uncle Froggy. My mate, I didn’t get to spend enough time with you. Until we meet again.

Dearly loved nephew of Janine, much-loved cheeky cousin of Alyce and Cherie. Always smiling, our precious Mowgli, we will miss you and Billy coming to visit us. A gentle soul, now at peace. Sweet is the sleep that ends all pain.

Please see North East Funerals website for funeral service details. www.northeastfunerals.com.au

Dearly loved wife of Richard “Dick”. Loving Mum of Peter and Natalie, Craig and Elizabeth,Mark and Karen, Ashley and Renee.

Adored Nan of Joshua, Mikaela, Braden, Teagan, Bradley, Jordy, Harrison, Toby, Cooper and Murray. Cherished Great-Nan of Hugo and Nora. With tears we saw you suffer, We watched you fade away.

Our hearts were slowly breaking, As you fought so hard to stay. You did not want to leave us, But you did not go alone. For part of us went with you, The day God called you home. Always in our hearts. FRY, Robert James ‘BOB’. 18/6/1938 – 9/10/2024

Sadly passed away peacefully at Northeast Health, Wangaratta with family by his side.

Dearly loved husband of Edna, of 56 years.

Loved father and father in-law of Wendy and Paul, Karen and Rod.

Loved Pa of Matthew, Rebecca, James and Grace.

Gone But Never Forgotten. FRY, Robert James.

My heart is filled with sadness, And secret tears still flow. What it meant to lose you, No-one will ever know. Sadly missed.

~ Your loving wife Edna.

Brian.

Loved brother of Marie Quilstrom, Uncle of Wayne and Darren, and families.

3787040

GAMBOLD, Brian William. The President and Members of Wangaratta RSL mourn the passing of our highly esteemed Member. Lest We Forget.

GAMBOLD,

GAMBOLD, Brian “Barney” William.

Born in Myrtleford April 13, 1945. Passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on October 14, 2024 at Bentley Wood Aged Care Myrtleford (Myrtleford Lodge).

Formerly of Whorouly.

Dearly loved Dad to Paula, father-in-law to Greg ‘Cyril’. Much loved Pop to Rikki, Marko, James and Rach.

Adoring great-grandfather of Isaac and Zane.

Our hearts ache with sadness, Our secret tears flow, For what it means to lose you, No-one will ever know. ~ Gone fishing ~

MALGIOGLIO, Rosario ‘Ross’. 27/12/1932 – 9/10/2024

Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family.

Beloved father to Josephine and Rosalba. Grandfather to Joseph and Angela La Spina. Great-Grandfather to Torres La Spina.

Dad, your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. Until we meet again. Rest in peace.

RAISON,

Allan George. Milawa FNC is saddened by the passing of Allan Raison. Life Member and long-time volunteer.

Condolences to the family.

~ Milawa Football Netball Club.

ARNOLDUSSEN

A graveside service for Mr Johannes Wilhelm “Hans” Arnoldussen will be held at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 2pm

Flowers are welcome or if preferred, a donation can be made in memory of Hans to Northeast Health Palliative Care at www.givenow.com.au/nhw

Mason Park Funerals

5721 5060 masonpark.com.au

BEACH

A funeral service to celebrate the life of Neil Beach will be held at North East Funerals – Bell Room, 184 Greta Road, Wangaratta on Monday, October 28, 2024 commencing at 11am. Private cremation will follow.

ELLIS

The funeral service to celebrate the life of Joan Ellis will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta TODAY Friday, October 18, 2024 at 2pm. Burial will follow at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery.

Joan’s service will be available to view via livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming/

Mason Park Funerals

5721 5060 masonpark.com.au

GAMBOLD

The service to celebrate the life of Brian “Barney” Gambold will be held at the Whorouly Recreation Centre, 1 Memorial Park Drive Whorouly on Friday, October 25, 2024 commencing at 10.30am. In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of Barney can be made directly to Myrtleford Lodge Aged Care.

Barney’s service can be viewed via livestream at https://masonpark.com.au/live-streaming/ Mason Park Funerals

5721 5060 masonpark.com.au

MALGIOGLIO

Friends and relatives are respectfully invited to attend a Requiem Mass for Rosario ‘Ross’ Malgioglio, which will be held at St Patricks Catholic Church, 1 Ford Street Wangaratta on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 11am.

Following the service, relatives and friends are invited to join the family for refreshments, at North East Funerals, 184 Greta Rd, Wangaratta VIC 3677. Interment will be held at Keilor Cemetery, Cemetery Rd and Ely Ct, Keilor East VIC 3033 on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 1pm.

Ray McQuade

40 Year Anniversary

Louise Irene (nee Pedler), Hulme. 11/ 2/1915 – 17/10/1984

Missed dearly, a wonderful and supportive wife and mother, Nanna, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother.

Mother to Shirly, Margot, and Harold. Memories shared with some of her family and her favorite seafood.

Thankyou Mum, xo xo xo xo ~ Harold Ross.

FRY

Robert James.

A funeral service to celebrate the life of Bob, will be held at North East Funerals - Bell Room on Monday the 21st of October 2024 commencing at 11.00am. A private cremation will follow the service.

Alma and families would like to convey their heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their kind expressions of sympathy,

We would like to thank Palliative Care, Phillipson Street Clinic, Wangaratta Private

A special thanks to the dedicated team of nurses

Finally, we would like to show our appreciation to Mason Park Funerals and celebrant Barbara

Please accept this as our personal thanks.

LEITCH, Glenn.

Les and Lesley Leitch and family would like to thank the people who attended the funeral of Glenn and also the many people that have offered their condolences, sent cards, flowers and called in.

Special thanks to Mason Park Funerals and Darren Lamotte for their caring and assistance with service arrangements. This has helped us through this journey. Please accept this as our sincere thanks.

BEREAVEMENT THANKS

ASSESSING: Nancy Brooks (Yarrawonga) assesses her next move under the watchful eye of Harley Knott (Wodonga).

WANG CROQUET

RESULTS for Monday, October 14 are as follows:

Margaret Bennett and Terry Wilson d Shirley Godfrey and Joan Dyson 7/1, Wendy Waddington d Elise Downes 7/5.

On Thursday, October 10 We hosted 32 players from around the North East and Goulburn Valley at our October Social Day.

The weather was good and everyone enjoyed themselves.

The overall winner was Lorrainer Williams from Yarrawonga club with four wins and 16 net hoops.

Runner-up after a playoff was Helena Simm of Benalla with a 2/0 win over Helen Humphries of Mooroopna.

The Hoop-in-One prize was taken out by Wendy Wiltshire of Yarrawonga with two successes and the Jump Shot prize went to Harley Knott of Wodonga with three successful jumps.

Last Tuesday, some members participated in the Albury Social Day with Janet Kelly attaining second place.

October is Victorian Seniors month and everyone is welcome to come and try our great game on any Monday, Wednesday or Saturday.

No booking is necessary, but please wear flat soled, covered footwear (no heels).

All necessary equipment and instruction is free of charge for Come and Try participants.

Play is at 9am on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, with twilight play from 6.00pm on Wednesday evenings.

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.

JUIBLEE GOLF CLUB

MEN’S stroke

A Grade Winner: Chris Palmer 73.

B Grade Winner: Alex Gibbs 69.

C Grade Winner: Danny Potter 69. Ball winners: Michael Baillie 72, Colin Braden 72, Andrew Walker 73, Jim Moore 73, Mitchell Bush 74, Bill

Slade 74, Alex Jones 74, Michael Lugg 74, Garth Fullerton 74, Jim

D’Arcy 74.

NTP: 4th Peter Glidden, 8th Colin Braden, 13th Wayne Hibberson, 17th Aaron Kungl.

Sunday, October 13: Stableford

A Grade Winner: Wayne Hibberson 39. B Grade Winner: Martin Hill

35. C Grade Winner: Denise Rigoni 38.

Ball winners: Dwayne Blackwell (2) 38, Nat Hirunwiwat 37, Rick Harnwell 36, Paul Moss-Holland 36, Trevor Morris 36.

***Aaron Kungl Eagle 15th hole***

NTP: 4th Wayne Hibberson, 8th

Dwayne Blackwell, 13th Mark Dean, 17th Wayne Hibberson.

Wednesday, October 16: Men’s Par

A Grade Winner: Eon Scott +5. B

Grade Winner: Martin VanRhee +2. C

Grade Winner: Mark Hall +1.

Ball winners: Steve Fisher +3, Peter Geldens +1, Brendon Essex

E, Andrew Walker E, Ian Mills E, Bill O’Brien -1, Jim Moore -1, Jaxon

TOP

closely watching,

SKILLFUL:

Osmotherly -1, Pat Grady -1, Bernie Grealy -2.

NTP: 4th Brian Luxford, 8th Eon Scott, 13th Dave Richards, 17th Steve Fisher

TARRA GOLF CLUB

TARRAWINGEE Golf Club Results

Saturday, October 5.

Members played a stroke event for Pete Nolan Snr Medal of Medals for those that qualified with the winner being Ken Miller with a very good score of 79/15/64.

The Barry Hanna and Peter Farquar Memorial was also played with all members being eligible for this trophy the winner also was Ken Miller with the above score, the runner up was Manny Tanirau nett 68 followed by Pete Nolan nett 70.

NTP: 2nd Ken Miller, 4th Ken Miller, 8th Angelo Garraffo.

Results Saturday, October 12.

Both men and lady members played a stableford event with the men’s winner being Lindsay Steer with 32pts, runner up Ken Miller 31pts. NTP: 4th Ken Miller, 8th Lindsay Steer.

Ladies winner was Lucia DaPos 37pts, runner up Cindy Hardy 30pts.

There were no NTP’s for the ladies.

Members are reminded that the Tarrawingee Annual Tournament will be held on the weekend of the 19th & 20th October with the mixed Pinehurst on Saturday, 19th and the men’s A.B.& C Scratch if numbers permit on Sunday, October 20.

It will be a 9:15am roll-up for a 10:00am shotgun start.

New members are always wel-

come at the Tarrawingee Golf Club with a first year membership of $100 and very reasonable competition fees, this can be done by contacting a member or phoning 0428 122 590.

WANGARATTA GOLF CLUB

WGC Competitions: Week ending October 13.

Tuesday, October 8

Women’s 18 Hole Stableford Event

Winner: Candice Jones 32 points.

Runner Up: Glenda Dodson 32 points.

Ball Winners: Jenny Kerr, Barbara Woodward. NTP: 11th Candice Jones.

9 Hole Stableford

Winner: Liz Madden 22 points. Runner Up: Lois Sanderson 21 points.

Wednesday, October 9

Men’s Competition

18 Hole Stableford Event

Winner: Greg Van Riet 39 points.

Runner Up: Mitch Howe 38 points.

Ball Winners: Phillip Winnell, Glen Seymour, Chris Oates, Rod Moyle, Matt Nicolosi, Gregory Sullivan, Trevor Trimble, Ray Hutton, Tim Maloni.

NTP: 4th Greg Van Riet, 7th Jake Burns, 9th Michael Webster, 16th Glen Seymour.

9 Hole Stableford

Winner: Bob Haynes 21 points.

Runner Up: Walter Auer 20 points.

Ball Winners: Graham Whitehead.

NTP 11th: Keith Fleet.

Thursday, October 10

Women’s: 18 Hole Stableford

Winner: Susan Miller 39 points.

Runner Up: Sue McCall 38 points.

Ball Winners: Barbara Woodward, Karen Smith. NTP: 7th Sue McCall, 9th Dawn Fleet, 11th Sue McCall, 16th Barbara Woodward.

9 Hole Stableford: Winner: Barbara Thomas 22 points. Runner Up: Glenda Dodson 14 points.

Saturday, October 12

Men’s Competition

18 Hole Stroke Event

Monthly Medal

1st Round Men’s Club Championships: A Grade Winner: Trevor Cooper 66 nett. Runner Up: Jeremy Winter 67 nett. B Grade Winner: Brendan Reid 67 nett. Runner Up: Frazer Dale 68 nett.

Ball Winners: Cameron Nottle, Simon McKay, Dale Carmody, Matthew Ring, Peter Moncrieff, Michael Webster, Ethan Bell, Dean Campagna, Joe Patterson, Jake Goddard, David Lawson, Steve Bismire, Ray Hutton, Luke O’Brien, Tim Leslie, Andrew Brereton, David Woodstock, Damian O’Brien, Ben Clarke.

NTP: 4th Robert Murray, 7th Trevor Cooper, 9th Scott Thomson, 11th Jeremy Winter, 13th Darren Burns, 16th Peter Moncrieff. Birdies: McDonalds - Jeremy Winter, Darren Burns.

Secret 6: Jeremy Winter.

Raffle Winner: Carol Coghill.

Women’s 18 Hole Stableford

Winner: Barbara Thomas 36 nett.

Runner Up: Glenda Dodson 34 nett.

Sunday, October 13

18 Hole Medley Stableford

Winner: Brady Bartlett 38 points. Runner Up: Jared Lea 37 points.

Ball Winners: Trevor Cooper, Kurt Schubert.

DAY: Judith Young (Wodonga) plays her shot at Wangaratta Croquet Club’s social day with Des Davis (Wodonga)

(L-R) Heather Scott (Wodonga) plays her shot in front of Tony Daniel (Howlong), Nancy Brooks (Yarrawonga) and Denise Boldiston (Mooroopna).

HAPPY HITTERS: (L-R) Helen Collins (Albury), Denise Boldiston (Mooroopna), Lyn Moulday (Benalla) and Linda Thorn (Mooroopna) enjoyed the day.

Last hurrah for Oxley table tennis season

By JUNE UEBERGANG

THE hall was alive with the sound of ping pong balls, when 28 players dressed in their favourite sporting gear came from near and far to take part in this year’s final showdown of the Oxley social table tennis competition.

And as laughter is said to be the best medicine, everyone was well dosed and raring to go from 7pm.

First to tee off, Paul Lawrence paired up with Don (not Trump) to test the mettle of Brian, who returned from ‘back o’ Bourke’ and ‘catch me if you can’ Debbie Brunken, in a game where each player brandished their own weapons in full support of their partner in a game of eye-watering magnitude from beginning to end.

While many deep, hard-driven serves and strokes were unreturnable, other were met and negated with pinpoint precision to all points on the table.

Scores see-sawed throughout until one pair made a late surge, slamming their way to victory 21-18.

Adorned as a ‘Saint’ Adam Bosley and ‘Go Pies’ Graham Stephens teamed up to take on ‘Relay for Lifer’ Neil Brock and Kate ‘everywhere’ Cole, in a game where each pair in turn led their opponents on a merry dance in the desperate attempts, and fulfilments, of casting the final blow on every point.

With neither pair showing any signs of lowering their intensity, table edges, net cords, hard drives and slices were all on display in the epic contest.

No final scores were registered, but high-fives and big smiles indicated it was a job well done.

Generational age differences played no part in a great contest when Cheryl and Gary ‘Morse’ Coad challenged the youthful ‘school champion’ Millie Bosley and ‘wellsprung’ Hugh Spring in a game from which all spectators learned a thing or two.

Power and dexterity were all on show with quick thinking, as Cheryl kept her eye on the ball, Gary kept his hand on the wheel, and Millie and Hugh pulled the punches from both sides of the body.

And just as one pair thought they

had the game in the bag, the other pulled the rug out from under them, resulting in a tie.

When Simon (Brown) and the ‘pie-man’ William Bonwick joined forces to take on ‘rip-tearers’ Janet Heath and Katie (Perry) Woodberry, it was a ‘foregoner’ there would be no mucking around, and both pairs would fight to the end for each and every point.

With Simon on a roll, and William backing him up to the limit, the girls knew they had the job in front and behind them.

But as is well known ‘winners are grinners’, and this was clearly visible as both pairs left the table grinning from ear to ear.

Always seeing the ‘big picture’, Jason Mullins teamed up with ‘no fooling around’ Clive Brooker to take on ‘the Hawks’ immortals’ Mick and Sharene Gervasoni in a long and live-

ly event from the first point.

With the fellas playing the heavy stuff, Sharene tempered the pace and strength, with her careful and accurate placement of short and wide strokes, resulting in each point taking many strokes to win or lose.

A great game finally ended with a loud ‘whoopee’ and hearty backslaps.

With the ‘you go bangs’ Lucy and June Uebergang lined up with their respective partners, ‘Smith Street’s flier’ Sue McGregor and Manni ‘games under his belt’ Poulos, everyone knew it would be a game of ‘go out there and get ’em’.

As the girls played their own signature shots, and missed some others, Manni was in control of his deliveries, and the flow of the game from start to finish.

But it was Manni who with Sue by his side, kept his finger on the pulse

Softball season starts for Rangers

WANGARATTA Rangers hosted the first round of the 2024/25 Softball Albury Wodonga season on Saturday, with the club hosting competitive softball for the first time in 18 years.

Prior to the game, Kevin Pool was given the honour of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch for the competition, in recognition for his work in bringing softball back to Wangaratta.

Three games were played on Saturday, with Rangers hosting Albury Comets, North Albury playing an intraclub clash between Drop Bears and Gummy Bears, and the two Wodonga squads, Gladiators and Warriors, facing off.

Wangaratta were up against the Comets, returning to Softball Albury Wodonga after travelling to be a part of Wagga Softball last season.

Jayde Gardiner starred with bat and ball, starting as a pitcher and collecting two hits.

Rangers persisted against a stronger team on the day, behind the team’s only RBI from Lorelle McMonigle.

The end score was Comets 20 to Rangers 1.

The two other games were much closer, with Drop Bears defeating Gummy Bears 5-4 in their match, and Warriors also picked up a one-run victory against the Gladiators 9-8 in an entertaining game with three inside the park homeruns and plenty of offence.

Next game for the Rangers will be against the Bundy Bears at 2pm this Saturday at Jelbart Park, along with the start of the junior competition which will see the under 12s in action against the Comets from 11.30am.

until finally calling the result a tie.

When ‘Magpie man’ James Cole and ‘fast bowler’ Pete Spring faced ‘cue-ball champ’ Theo Poulos and ‘sports all-rounder’ Neil Spurgeon, everyone knew it would be game on with no holds barred.

From the outset, both pairs worked in unison with neither conceding a point until the ball had bounced twice.

Tough to play, it came as no surprise to see all four players mopping their brows while one pair finally raised the victory flag.

Following the night’s many contests, players and spectators enjoyed a cuppa and supper, to celebrate and reminisce on another successful season, after which Neil Brock presented June Uebergang with an album of copies of the season’s weekly reports in the Wangaratta Chronicle.

In closing, June congratulated and thanked everyone for their unending support in many ways throughout the year.

The group will now go into recess until a date to be determined in autumn 2025.

And as was once said, “giving your all for the sake of the team, accepting victory and defeat just the same; it matters not if you win or lose, but how you play the game.”

And we played the game, in every sense of the word.

The return of the Boorhaman Classic

By BOORHAMAN GOLF CLUB

AFTER a pause since 2019, the Boorhaman Golf Club was proud to announce the return of the Paul (Late) & Betty Dean Day, a cherished tradition started in 2004 by long-time members, Paul and Betty Dean, to support the club.

Events like these are vital to the continued success of our club, bringing together the community and keeping the spirit of local golf alive.

This year, 24 players competed in the ever-popular two-person Ambrose format, with handicaps determined by the alwaysreliable honesty system.

The day was filled with friendly competition, camaraderie, and a shared love of the game, reinforcing the importance of communitydriven events like this.

A huge thanks to Betty Dean and the entire Dean family for their unwavering support in bringing this event back.

As a volunteer-run club, the Boorhaman Golf Club relies on local support to keep our doors open and provide a great golfing experience for everyone.

The Boorhaman Golf Club isn’t just for golfers we also offer footgolf, a fun twist on the traditional game, perfect for all ages.

The facilities are great for Christmas parties and other gatherings, often in partnership with the Boorhaman Hotel, one of the club’s major sponsors.

This year’s Paul & Betty Dean Day winners were:

1st: Mick Matthews and Paul Moss-Holland.

2nd: Frazer Dean and Eli Dean.

3rd: Kevin Elliot and Mark Dean.

Thanks to all the sponsors for the prizes and raffles on helping make it such a successful day.

For more details on our events and to stay up to date with everything happening at the club, check out our Facebook page.

The club also have a new website coming.

FIRST PITCH: Kevin Pool threw out the first pitch in recognition of his hard work bringing softball back to Wangaratta.

HEAD-TO-HEAD: Neil Spurgeon, Janet Heath, Paul Lawrence, Adam Bosley in action at Oxley’s social table tennis competition.

PHOTO: Jason Mullins

HAPPY GROUP: The Oxley social table tennis group.

PHOTO: Kate Byvoet-Mullins

WINNERS: Mick Matthews and Paul Moss-Holland claimed the Boorhaman Classic.

NEW LOOK ‘PIES: Callum Honey will be looking to step up in A grade cricket this season.

‘Pies pumped for season start

By WILLSON MACK

AFTER a first round bye, Wangaratta Magpies begin their 2024/25 campaign tomorrow.

The ‘Pies have been one of the more consistent sides of the competition over the past three years but several departures sees them sporting a relatively new look squad.

That side gets the perfect opportunity to show their stuff when they meet defending two-day premiers Yarrawonga Mulwala at home.

Newly appointed captain Cooper Matheson said he’s looking forward to the challenge.

“One hundred per cent they’re the benchmark of the competition so it’s good to face them first up,” Matheson said.

“We might have a few unavailabilities for the first few weeks but once we get a full squad in I reckon we’ll be thereabouts.

“So if we could steal a couple of early ones (wins) that would be huge for us.”

The Lakers kicked their season off in fine fashion last weekend, running away to an impressive 41-run win over Rovers United Bruck in the grand final rematch.

“They’re such a good side so we’re going to have to be on our game,” Matheson said.

“They just do everything well – but particularly their bowling, they bowl in consistent areas and don’t get the other side many boundary balls.”

The Magpies will be without Ryan Malcolm, Nick Pell, Matt Gathercole, Zac Guilfoyle and Lachlan Hadden this year and will also be missing Fraser Ellis and Frazer Dent for the first few weeks of the season.

But Matheson is hopeful he has some boys who are ready to step up.

“We’ve lost a few but there’s some boys that are really keen for the season and want to step up,” he said.

“Guys like Cal Honey, Rhys Grant and Matt Prestianni have all played plenty of cricket and are confident they can handle the higher grade.

“’Cal’ (Honey) loves his cricket and is pumped to start and Matt Prestianni is someone that’s going to be really important to us with his off-spin.”

After just missing out on finals last year, the Magpies are turning their attention to their fielding in a bid to rise up the ladder.

“The big focus for us this year will be our fielding,” Matheson said.

“We’ve lost a few of the older boys who probably aren’t as agile in the field so this year we have a squad full of boys who are all more than capable.

“We’re going to aim to win games in the field.”

Wangaratta & District Cricket Association 2024/25

season

IT’S only round two of the A grade season, but a blockbuster match-up awaits Rovers United Bruck and Ovens Valley United this Saturday.

A rematch 257 days in the making is on the cards, when the Hawks and Tigers come head-to-head in white ball cricket for the first time since Ovens Valley triumphed in last year’s one-day final.

Both sides have reworked their line-ups, and it’s still very early in the season, so it’s anyone’s game.

For the Tigers, playing coach Geeth Alwis is the lynchpin with bat and ball, after taking 5/14 and belting 81 last weekend against Benalla, guiding his side to a win.

Conversely, RUB are coming off a loss to the strong Lakers, who rolled them for under 100 last Saturday.

Hawks co-captain Paddy McNa-

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

mara said his side would shake off last weekend’s results and focus on putting forward a consistent performance.

“It was a very disappointing result for us to start the season, especially against Yarra as well,” he said.

“We had six players who scored between 10 and 21, so we were able to get the starts but we weren’t able to go on with it.

“We’ve got to put the onus on a few blokes to go on, get a 50+ score and get our total around 150+ which is a winnable score in this comp.

“We ended up bowling them all out, just picked up wickets along the way but not in the fashion we would’ve liked to.

“We still had some pretty good performances with the ball, everyone took a wicket, everyone was able to get it up there but probably not consistently enough.”

Ovens Valley skipper Dylan Bursill said it would be interesting coming up against the newlook Hawks.

“I don’t really know what to expect with the Rovers, they have had a fair bit of turnover,” he said.

“I’m expecting their new opening batter (Charith Perera) to be handy.

“Although it’s the grand final rematch, we will be just trying to improve and work in partner-

It didn’t take long for the Wangaratta and District Cricket Association to see a hat-trick. Rovers United Bruck rising star Reid McNamara threw himself straight into the action in his under 16 match against Beechworth Wanderers, knocking over Riley Lappin, Archer Warner and Benjamin Cogger in three consecutive deliveries. McNamara’s day then got even sweeter as he took his first A grade wicket that afternoon, claiming the scalp of Yarrawonga Mulwala’s Xavier Mitchell.

Grand final rematch

ships with both the bat and ball, and we were pretty good in the field on the weekend.

“With Gregor (Fraser) and Geeth (Alwis) in the top order, it’s really freed a few blokes up to play different roles which is really exciting.

“We have still got a few unavailable and injured across the board at the moment, but we’re really looking forward to a solid hit-out.”

The Tigers host Rovers United Bruck on the turf at McNamara Reserve, Myrtleford, this Saturday from 1pm.

Elsewhere, the Magpies kickstart their campaign against the Lakers at Barr 2, while the Colts are at home to Benalla on Bill O’Callaghan Oval.

FIERCE FOES: Paddy McNamara’s Hawks will be out for vengeance for their grand final loss to Ovens Valley United.

PHOTO: Nathan de Vries

Open wheel mayhem to be unleashed

By BRETT BALINS, Wangaratta City Raceway

THIS Saturday from 4pm, Wangaratta City Raceway will unleash the mayhem of open wheel action when the Wingless Sprints hit the clay, along with the ‘Fire Cracker 1000’ for VSC Ladies Sports Sedans proudly supported by Highline Racewear and The Wangaratta Merch Shack.

This is a night of action no one should miss, the VSC Ladies put on fantastic racing every time they hit the track.

A strong field has nominated for this event, led by Wangaratta’s very own Victorian champion Felicity Roycroft, who will be out to get revenge after Sarah Meakins dominated the final to record the win at the season opener last month.

Zoey Salau will have something to say about it though, always fast when she is on track and certainly will be one to watch - but don’t count the rest of the field out, there are some very talented racers in the field.

Bree Simpson will be in with a good showing after a successful Junior Sedan start to her career before jumping into a Compact Speedcar, and Katie Meyer is another driver who will be at the pointy end of the field, along with Tay Barnard, Mia Lamb, Cobie McGraw, Emma Threlfall, Kimberly Smith, Tara Lee, Bianca Ballantyne, and Macca Bunt.

The Wingless Sprints will be at the track for their long overdue visit, and there is a great field of 29 drivers ready to tackle the new surface at Wangaratta City Raceway.

Christopher Temby is a name that has often been on the podium of Wingless features in Victoria, while Carly Walsh will get back in the driver’s seat after some time off being a mum.

There is a great crop of NSW drivers heading down to take on the Victorians - Andrew Seery and John Egan will lead the charge along with the Thacker brothers from Redneck Racing, and a host of fellow New South Welshman.

The mighty little GP Midgets will return to Wangaratta City Raceway to put on a show, all very eager to

get out on the new surface and hunt down the new lap record.

Wangaratta has the father/son combination of Shawn and Luke Ward in the field - they would love nothing more than to snare a win on their home track to start the season, but this win could go to any driver in the field.

Chris Fowler, Alex Meyers, Travis Florrimell, Matt Kamolins, Daniel Merideth, Terry Brown, and John Rouse are all more than capable of being in front when it matters.

The speed of these little rockets is crazy, expect lap records to be broken.

The SSV Northern Street Stock Series gets underway with round one for season 2024/25, and a healthy field will assemble to take the honours.

Last start winner at Wangaratta Morris ‘Oggie’ Ahearn will be wanting to keep his run going, but Shane ‘The Hulk’ Roycroft is determined to turn his luck around and finally get to the top step, and he has the pace and skill to do it.

Matt ‘Nelo’ Nelson will hit the

TOUGH TO BEAT: Felicity Roycroft will be one to watch in the Firecracker 1000.

STRONG PROSPECT: Expect Katie Meyer to be at the pointy end of the field.

Wangaratta clay for the first time in a while, but whatever he gets in, and wherever he does it, he is always at the front of the field, so expect nothing less this time around.

A host of other seasoned Street Stock racers will be looking to kick start their seasons with strong results, and with the pace we saw at Wangaratta’s opening night a few weeks ago, the action will be fast.

Another strong field of VSC Sports Sedans will be in action with Michael Mannix looking to better his third-place finish last month.

Wangaratta’s Alex ‘Action’ Gouveia will take to the track for the first time this season, widely known for the bare essentials.

Others in the mix will be Kenneth ‘Kenno’ Mankey, Brendan Brewer, Tim McKenzie, BJ Harris, Lachie Hamilton, Mitch Sayers, and Matthew Ismail.

SSA Production Sedans are back, with a few extras this time around.

Chris Lack had a good showing at the first meeting and will be hoping that continues, Rodney Anderson hits the track in his Mustang,

along with fellow Wagga Speedway Club member Alex Cheney in his BMW for the first time this season.

Michael Sayers and Tom Barnard are keen for more action, while Katie Meyer and Felicity Roycroft will be in the field doing double duties in two classes for the night.

The final class for the night is the future of speedway - the mighty SSA Junior Sedans will have a hit out, and they will be looking for good seat time ahead of their state title at the venue in January.

The Lack Brothers will be on track together for the first time, with Ryder looking to upstage his more experienced brother Cooper on the night.

Axel Robinson is coming along in leaps and bounds, getting faster all the time in his bright green Lancer, Zack Erickson continues to improve, as does Zade Ussher, while Mackenzie Dixon is looking forward to a successful debut.

The action will be plentiful when it all kicks off at 4pm this Saturday, October 19 at Wangaratta City Raceway, so get yourself trackside.

FASHIONS ON THE FIELD TO HEADLINE MELBOURNE CUP DAY RACES

THE Wangaratta Turf Club’s Pizzini Fashions on the Field will be a showpiece of next month’s Melbourne Cup Day races.

Four categories will be on offer for those partaking in the glitz and glamour, those being Lady of the Day, Gentleman of the Day, Millinery Award and Junior of the Day (U16 boys and girls).

Wangaratta Turf Club chief executive officer Sean Barrett said the fashions will once again be a hit.

“Fashions on the Field is always hotly contested, with great prizes up for grabs in each category,” Barrett said.

“This year’s edition is bound to be no different.

“It’s an event that adds to the race day experience and always provides great entertainment, whether you’re up on the stage or simply ad-

GLITZ AND GLAMOUR: Fashions

miring the wonderful outfits in the crowd.”

The Pizzini Melbourne Cup Day fashions program commences at 2pm, just inside the entrance gates

at Wangaratta Turf Club. No registration required; just show up in your racing finery, ready to strut your stuff Prizes:

“The talent is there” – Ash Grimes set to coach Bright

By NATHAN DE VRIES

BRIGHT’S Ashleigh Grimes is optimistic the players at Pioneer Park have what it takes to climb the ladder in 2025, with the right guiding hand.

After coming runner up best and fairest in her first year at Bright, Grimes has been tapped to take on the role of playing coach of the A grade squad for the upcoming season.

Grimes comes with a wealth of knowledge from coaching representative sides in Melbourne, and will be helped out where possible by mother Clare, who has coached at Division 1 level in the VNL.

Grimes said the appointment had come around quickly, but she was looking forward to the challenge.

“I coached down in Melbourne a fair bit and I loved it – I didn’t really think it was an option up here, and it all came about,” she said.

“I was at the (O&K) grand final, one of the A grade girls came up to me and said ‘we think you would be really good at coaching A grade, is it something you’d ever consider?’ and I said yeah, definitely.

“My mum coached VNL as well, so she’s going to try and get up as much as she can and help out.

“We both did a lot of representative netball coaching, and I played regional netball down in Melbourne and Mum coached that.

“She’s amazing, she taught me a lot of what I know.”

Bright hasn’t finished higher than eighth since before COVID, but Grimes said there was definitely potential.

“The talent is there, it’s just moulding them with a little bit of coaching,” she said.

“I think it’s about getting them to have the belief that they are good enough to be winners.

“I think a lot of them after a lot of years of not being super successful, they don’t realise that.

“Coming in this year, there is so much talent within the group and a lot of young talent too, which is really exciting.

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“I think getting them that coaching that’s really going to teach them the basic things they probably haven’t experienced before and they can do – it’s just helping them get there.”

Bright will continue to finalise their coaching panel ahead of preseason, but plans were already in place at Pioneer Park to make 2025 their year.

“Nic Connolly, who was the under 17s coach this year, she’s organised a bit of a Monday night social comp, so a lot of the girls are coming down and playing that which is really good,” Grimes said.

“I’ve spoken to one of the local gyms and they’re keen for us to use them for preseason, and I’m getting in contact with a few other clubs for praccy matches.”

OPEN WHEEN ACTION: Cobie McGraw takes to the track this Saturday.

on the Field will be a popular asset of the turf club’s Melbourne Cup Day races.

MAGPIES RETURN

JACK Davies and his Wangaratta Magpies play their first game of the 2024/25 season after facing a bye first up. The Magpies are thrown straight into the thick of it with a meeting against defending premiers Yarrawonga Mulwala at Barr Reserve 2. ■ Story: Page 38

Open wheel mayhem to be unleashed

Richards traded to Port Adelaide

WANGARATTA product Joe RIchards is on the move.

After a breakout season with Collingwood this year, RIchards is off to Port Adelaide after requesting a trade last week.

The Power received the 24-year-old as part of a mega three-club deal with Gold Coast and Collingwood, along with Jack Lukosius and Rory Atkins.

Richards signed a three-year contract, locking him in at Alberton Oval until the end of 2027.

Port Adelaide list manager Jason Cripps was pleased with the move.

“There are obviously a lot of layers that are attached to deals and we’re really pleased to add both Jack (Lukosius) and Joe to our list (to assist in the forward line),” Cripps said.

“It was definitely a priority for us to add more talent to our front half and we feel both Jack and Joe will do that.

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

“We get back Sam PowellPepper next year (too) - he seems to be the forgotten man but he’s so important to our group, he’s in our leadership group, he’s a fierce competitor who brings energy.

“We had Marshall, Lord and Finlayson this year who all had injury interrupted seasons so we feel if those guys can get a good run at it, we bring Pep back into the team and add Jack and Joe, we’re really excited around what our front half can look like next year.”

Richards was drafted by the Magpies as a mature-aged recruit with pick 48 in the 2022 AFL National Draft, after previously been overlooked as a teenager.

He attracted the attention of

recruiters with his performances for the Wangaratta Magpies.

Earlier this month, Richards took home the Harry Collier Trophy as Collingwood’s best young player in 2024.

POWER BOUND: Joe Richards was traded to Port Adelaide on Tuesday.

PHOTO: Port Adelaide FC (X)

PHOTO: Janet Watt