They’ve le Vanuatu to take up new working opportunities in Wangaratta, and the residents of Respect Aged Care (St John’s) couldn’t be happier to have them here. Residents such as Sandy Harrsion (front le ) and Laurie Thomas have welcomed new aged care workers (from back, le ) Rachel Mangan, Sabrina
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BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
A PEECHELBA woman has joined calls for change into Ambulance Victoria as a parliamentary inquiry hears concerns of ambulance delays where patients have died. The Parliament of Victoria inquiry is investigating core issues e ecting Ambulance Victoria, including concerns over workplace culture, paramedics’ conditions, issues with dispatch and hospital ramping.
In a submission into the inquiry, Peechelba’s Glenda Black said on June 29 last year her 94-year-old mother Wilma Wippell fell out of bed at Cooinda nursing home in Benalla. They were advised immediately that an ambulance was called, and Ms Black arrived there 10 minutes later. Wilma had severe facial bruis-
ing, a bleeding cut on her head, a suspected broken wrist and appeared in considerable pain.
Around two and a half hours a er the initial call, a patient transport crew arrived.
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■ Continued page 3 BY
“An ambulance wasn’t available, and they couldn’t tell us why or where any ambulances were at the time,” Ms Black’s submission read. She said the patient transport crew called an ambulance which arrived 10 minutes later and went to take Wilma to Wangaratta. They stopped twice on the way to the rural city to care for Wilma, who remained in pain.
THE Rural City of Wangaratta has advised the Redcamp Bridge in Myrrhee will be closed from March 31 to April 22, to allow for its replacement.
In October 2024, council engaged Waratah Constructions Pty Ltd to undertake works to replace the bridge on the Boggy Creek Road, and it says they have now progressed to the point where the bridge will need to be fully closed to allow for the bridge deck to be removed and replaced.
To reduce the impact on families, council said works will occur during the final week of school term one and the first day of term two.
General users of the road will be notified of any changes to the closure dates of the bridge via the VMS boards currently on site on either side of the bridge.
Further information regarding the works is available at wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Development/Our-projects/Redcamp-Bridge-Replacement-Boggy-Creek-Myrrhee.
BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
AN increase in popularity of home security devices has been observed by a local tech dealer as the community is urged to look to smart technology to combat crime.
This month Wangaratta police issued a warning to vehicle owners across the rural city to lock their cars following a spate of car break-ins.
Police said opportunistic thieves were targeting unlocked vehicles, in particularly in the West End residential area of Wangaratta.
In Wangaratta, the number of recorded property and deception o enses in 2024, such as breaking and entering, exceeded the past ve-year average (2019 to 2023) by 156 cases, a 22 per cent increase.
This trend has been seen across the state, as close as Shepparton and as far east as Baw Baw and Hume.
Some of the attempted the and the from motor vehicles around Cambridge Drive and Trotman Drive in the early hours of Monday, February 3 was caught on home security cameras.
Security specialist at Dahua Technology and a consultant for Victoria Police and Crime Prevention Victoria, Joe De Martino, said there was once a time when home security was chalked down to hiding the key under a potted plant or a ‘beware of dog’ sign, but they aren’t cutting it anymore.
He said it was rarer to see homes without fences, night lights or security cameras due to the sharp rise in crime, exacerbated by the worsening cost of living.
“Homeowners across the nation are increasingly adopting
new technology measures in the ght against crime,” he said.
“New ‘active deterrence’ technology involves a suite of features like target detection, ashing blue and red lights, assertive warning sounds, and the ability to broadcast your voice over the speaker.
“Some argue this is over-the top… I say in response that people shouldn’t need to go to bed at night wondering if their belongings will still be there in the morning, or even worse, wondering if someone might break into their home and cause them harm.”
Owner of Tomainos Car Audio and Hi-Fi and Jaycar dealer on Faithfull Street Mario Tomaino said the store had observed an
increase in home security sales, which are virtually being bought every day.
“People are seeing the crime rate go up so they’re buying small wi- cameras,” he said.
Mr Tomaino said the store had recently received AI-based ‘active deterrence’ home security devices which have already made a strong start in sales.
“To deter instead of just having footage to give to the police and mopping up the damage is huge,” he said.
“We’re in the same boat, when you come into the store you’ll see we have a lot of empty boxes around the place because we can’t a ord for people to pick up a box and walk out with it, which
is what has been happening.
“It’s a nuisance because you need twice the storage space because you’ve got the box out on the oor and the goods stored somewhere else.”
The Australian Retailers Association reported more than 92 per cent of retailers have experienced verbal or physical assault whilst at work over the same period, with the majority being from small-medium enterprises.
Mr De Martino said commercial property owners have been the victims of crime too o en, from petty the to arson.
“Embracing technology is what the facts call on for a safer Australia,” he said.
LOCAL energy network provider AusNet has submitted a proposal to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) to approve $3.5 billion in investment to upgrade the distribution network to improve its reliability and resilience for customers.
AusNet says it follows more than two years of engagement and research involving more than 16,000 customers to seek feedback on the investment proposals.
AusNet executive general manager electricity distribution, Andrew Linnie, said the investment would provide the funding necessary to continue to meet customer and community needs to support reliability, safety and electri cation.
The $3.5 billion includes $1.35 billion to replace ageing assets, $770 million to increase the capacity of the network, $430 million to improve reliability for problem areas on the network and make the network more resilient to extreme weather, $430 million on digital systems to maintain core services and $240 million to integrate roo op solar and large-scale wind and solar generators, putting downwards pressure on wholesale energy prices.
“We know our customers are facing cost-of-living pressures and we believe we have struck a balance between investing in the network, while keeping energy prices as affordable as possible,” said Mr Linnie.
“We have seen a signi cant increase in frequency and severity of extreme weather events and it’s important we make the network more resilient to these occurrences.
“We also want to improve reliability for many of our regional customers.
“The initiatives and investment proposed are an important step to enable our network to meet future needs.”
Earlier this month, residents and businesses in the King Valley region experienced up to ve power outages within six days, when bush re mitigation technology was triggered following isolated instances of storm damage on the region’s power lines.
AusNet plans are approved by the AER every ve years through the Electricity Distribution Price Review (EDPR) process and the proposal can be viewed at communityhub. ausnetservices.com.au.
THE Reserve Bank’s 0.25 cut to its cash rate on Tuesday a ernoon is expected to o er some relief to homeowners and renew drive and condence in the housing market.
Wangaratta-based Winsec Savings and Loans managing director Tony Ruvolo welcomed the cash rate cut and said he envisages another 0.25 per cent cut in March or April. He said if there are cuts of 0.5 per cent in the next two to three months, hopefully the banks will pass them on in full, and this means the loan servicing rates will come
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
down half a per cent.
“The downward trend might give people enough con dence to go out and do something and I nd that when rates are at, not much is happening in the market,” he said.
“You wouldn’t x rates now, even though some of the banks have a good 12-month rate.
“It depends on what’s going to happen, and if it’s only go-
ing to be only 0.5 per cent in the next 12 months then the xed rate is a goer.”
Impacts of the global economy are likely to continue to be the main in uence on Australia’s economy.
“The problem is what we do in Australia is only a blip on the radar and the impact on us is from the Ukraine, Russia, Gaza and the uncertainly around the tari s with the US, as to whether they will be imposed or not,” Mr Ruvolo said.
“The question of whether we should have more immigration, so we have more peo-
ple working is another factor.”
Mr Ruvolo said the cash rate drop could also prompt Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to call the election very soon.
“Home loans have been quiet and our unregulated lending has been ticking over with several applications for subdivisions,” he said.
“There’s still activity and we have been picking up applications which are just outside the banks’ scope.”
Monash University business school, department of economics lecturer Dr Isaac Gross said the RBA was right
to cut interest rates in the face of the low in ation data that came out in January.
“While the labour market remains strong at around 4 per cent with in ation falling it is well on track to return to the RBA’s target band this year,” he said.
“The RBA will continue to cut slowly over the course of 2025 as and when the economic data comes out.
“If they get back to their natural rate this means three interest rate cuts will be delivered over the coming months.”
The RBA board noted that
■ from page 1
She then arrived at Wangaratta Base Hospital, with paramedics suspecting bleeding on the brain due to her symptoms.
Once at hospital it was agreed active intervention was not in her best interest and she passed away peacefully the next day.
A formal complaint was made to Ambulance Victoria by Glenda’s husband Michael.
“While we know the outcome would not have been different, the stress and trauma waiting for an ambulance when my elderly Mum was in so much need, and we felt totally helpless watching her su ering so much will never be forgotten,” the submission read.
Ms Black said an ambulance was called multiple times by a nurse at the nursing home and she was informed each time an ambulance would be available in 20 minutes.
“It was like that was the standard response,” she said.
“We’re talking about a 94-year-old lady, she’s on the oor, we can’t move her at all because she’s in so much pain
and I don’t know why it took so long.
“The ambulance crews that came were wonderful, the Cooinda nursing sta and Wangaratta hospital sta were wonderful, it was just that time on the oor waiting for the ambulance, no one should have to go through that.”
There have been 65 submissions into the inquiry with other incidents in the North East referenced, including a patient who was deemed in a critical condition at Beechworth hospital waiting ve hours for an ambulance in September 2023.
Ms Black said she hoped the inquiry, due to be released later this year, would bring change into the emergency service.
“We were still le questioning what happened, and I think the system is broke,” she said.
“If it saves one person to have to go through that in the future then it’s worth doing.”
Submissions into the parliamentary inquiry into Ambulance Victoria close on February 28.
Ambulance Victoria were contacted for comment.
the outlook is uncertain and growth in output has been weak, private domestic demand is recovering a little more slowly than earlier expected, and there is uncertainty around the extent to which the recovery in household spending in late 2024 will persist.
“Wage pressures have eased a little more than expected, housing cost in ation is abating, and businesses in some sectors continue to report that it has been hard to pass on cost increases to nal prices,” the board reported.
365 all set for Avian
AVIAN Park will be alive with music and light on Saturday night, as the latest Project 365 show fills the Newman Street venue.
‘Bringing Light to the Dark’ is the theme of the concert featuring the Project 365 band U Can Cry, and is set to reinforce the local initiative’s mental health message - that ‘it’s okay not to be okay’. Funds raised from ticket sales will be reinvested into the community throughout this year, supporting the vital services that promote positive mental health.
To purchase your ticket, visit https:// events.humanitix. com/project-365-wangaratta
By STEVE KELLY
INDI’S Helen Haines and her fellows federal independent MPs have expressed their disbelief at the Labor and Coalition parties for passing the election funding bill last week.
The deal between the two major parties will enable all individual donors to give a candidate or political party
$50,000, instead of the $20,000 proposed in November.
State and territory branches of parties also count separately so the cap is e ectively $450k for major parties.
There will be a lower disclosure threshold of $5000 down from the existing $16,900, however, $1000 was originally proposed.
The amendments fail to plug a loophole that allows a donor to give separately to all of the branches attached to a political party if each individual contribution is just under the threshold.
There will also be an $800,000 per electorate limit and $90 million per party nationally.
Dr Haines said she was disappointed the legislation that passed doesn’t deliver on the original goal to remove big money
from politics and improve transparency.
She said instead, it delivers the duopoly of politics – Labor and the Coalition –the ability to bring in more, spend more and hide more.
“These reforms represent a fundamental change to how our democracy functions,” she said.
“It was a chance for the government to show integrity to the Australian public.
“We’ve seen the gamut of poor process here – a lack of genuine consultation, an avoidance of scrutiny and a deal done in the dark.
“I wanted to see this bill go to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for a full inquiry but the major parties blocked this scrutiny.
“If I’m re-elected, and regardless of who forms government, I will continue to pursue a fair and just outcome for electoral reform over the course of the next parliament.”
Dr Haines spoke on ABC Radio National last week and con rmed that if she is elected into the next term of parliament this reform “will be well and truly in my line of sight to reform”.
“Both the Coalition and the Labor are a unity ticket on trying to dupe our democracy into voting for the major parties,” she said.
$1500 fine for throwing pie, trespassing at former friend’s Wangaratta
A WANGARATTA man will be out of pocket $1500 for a run of “bizarre” behaviour on February 8 last year, which involved throwing a pie at a former friend and trespassing at his home.
Appearing at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court last week, the defendant admitted to a series of offences following an altercation between himself and the victim at their workplace.
Defence counsel Geoff Clancy said both men used to be associates before a falling out occurred.
The defendant threw a pie at the victim and was unhappy he was being talked about “behind his back”.
After leaving the office, he quickly returned and threatened to go to the victim’s home.
Later that day, the defendant made good on his word and trespassed into the victim’s Wangaratta home, jumping fences into the back yard while the victim was inside.
The back door and kitchen window would be smashed and items including paint cans were tossed from the victim’s shed as the defendant fled.
Police arrived and arrested the defendant.
Mr Clancy said his client had a history of drug addiction but was clean at the time and has seen a de-escalation of violent offences after serving previous stints in jail.
Magistrate Simon Zebrowski issued a $1500 fine for the spate of “bizarre” behaviour.
Wednesday, Feb 18, 2015
By ANITA McPHERSON
THE Whitfield and District Primary School community is celebrating, with the news the school population has grown to 42 students this year. The school has been averaging around 40 students since the early 2000s, and finally exceeded that number this year, with seven new prep students welcomed in 2015.
Principal Mark Van Bergen said the new arrivals are off to a great start, having been assigned older “buddies” to guide them along the way.
“They’ve just started bril-
liantly and I think the transition days last year really helped aid that,” he said.
Mr Van Bergen said he was pleased the school was now in a position to offer three classrooms this year, with music teacher Claire Bradbury coming on board full time.
“Having three experienced teachers at the school is great for our literacy and numeracy programs – it re-
ally makes a difference in the way we’re able to personalise learning to a greater depth,” he said.
“And Claire will be offering private tuition in five disciplines as well as class music for all the students.”
And there are certainly big ambitions for the music program, which last year saw the students release their very own, professionally recorded 14-track CD, “Party Time@Whitfield”.
“There are going to be live performances and we also plan to release a new CD this year, including songs written by students as part of the literacy program,” he said.
By STEVE KELLY
THE Australia Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has called on the Federal Government to make good on money owed to travel agents and airports as a result of Rex Airlines’ collapse.
As the Federal Government has begun its second tilt at selling the airline, ATIA has asked for travel agents, which are predominantly small businesses in regional areas, to be paid out as part of any buy-out or nationalisation of the airline.
The government will work with the administrators of Regional Express Holdings (Rex), as part of the upcoming competitive sale process, to ensure crucial regional aviation services continue beyond June 30 this year.
The government is working with shortlisted bidders on what support the government may be able to provide to maximise the prospect of a successful sale.
Terms of Commonwealth support will be subject to negotiation, but will be conditional on commitments by bidders to provide an ongoing, reasonable level of service to regional and remote communities, the need to provide value for money to
taxpayers and good governance.
However, in the event there is no sale, the government said it will undertake necessary work, in consultation with relevant state governments, on contingency options, including preparations necessary for potential Commonwealth acquisition.
The government is also providing further support through a waiver of the “use it or lose it” test for Rex regional ight slots at Sydney Airport, which will ensure its access to those slots until October 24, 2026.
The government is providing a loan of up to $80 million to keep Rex’s vital regional routes operating until June 30.
It also acquired $50 million of debt from Rex’s largest creditor, PAGAC Regulus Holdings Limited, earlier this year to ensure the airline could continue to operate.
With around $11.5 million in outstanding payments owed to travel agents, predominantly in regional and rural Australia, the Australia Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is also asking the government to ensure that any public funds used to support Rex’s ongoing operation use a clawback mechanism for
these outstanding debts over a 12-month period.
ATIA CEO Dean Long said there’s no doubt that the ideal solution will always be a private buyer.
“If the government does buy Rex, it must make good on the money owed to Australian travel agents and airports as a result of Rex’s collapse,” Mr Long said.
“Like these agents, there are also a number of airports that have signi cant losses due to the collapse of Rex.
“Any buyout of that debt or nationalisation of the airline must see these debts repaid as a priority.
“This can’t just be about sending money to international creditors.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said regional Australians deserve access to quality and crucial regional aviation services.
“We are working collaboratively with the administrators of Rex to ensure that regional services continue beyond June 2025, including looking at what support the Commonwealth can provide,” he said.
“Regional Australians can be assured that our government will continue to ght to ensure these regional airfares remain available.”
By GRACE FREDSBERG
THREE new aged carers from Vanuatu were welcomed to the Respect Aged Care (St John’s) and the Wangaratta community last Thursday.
Residents and sta listened in wonder as Rachel Mangan, Sabrina Felix and Racheline Tal shared some of their culture and daily life in Vanuatu, Melanesia, a sub-region of the Paci c Islands.
As part of the event, they performed a dance to “Woman Vanuatu” by Lei & Suzanna, an artist duo local to their area, which lit up the room with smiles.
The trio were recruited by the Respect Aged Care group last year as part of the Federal Government’s Paci c Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
The PALM scheme enables eligible employers to hire workers from participating countries in the Paci c Islands to ll speci ed roles.
Ms Felix said the trio felt privileged to have this job to help their families back home.
She said the a ermath of the Port Vila earthquake at home had le many jobless, and a desire to help her family sparked her interest in the four year program.
Court told of
helpful in their training.
Ms Felix said looking a er the elderly is an important part of Vanuatu culture.
“Back home, we don’t have any facilit(ies) to look a er elderly, so we just look a er them at home,” she said.
“Here, we are so fortunate, we learn new things.”
Ms Felix said the workplace environment has been lovely, and that administration and workplace sta have been
She said the three new recruits are still adjusting to Wangaratta life, including the erratic Victorian weather.
“In Vanuatu, it’s more tropical weather and it’s humid,” she said.
“When we came over here, it was new for us to experience that kind of weather, like it’s too hot and too cold.”
Ms Felix hopes that achieving her quali cations through work and experience at St John’s means she will be able to bring that knowledge back home.
“I’m learning more about social care in the aged care sector,” she said.
“Every part of this sector is good.”
Respect St John’s general manager Corrine Hough said she was thrilled to welcome the new members to the St John’s family.
“They are so dedicated, so hardworking, they’re beautiful,” she said.
“We’re very privileged to have them here and it helps create our cultural diversity.”
The residents at the home
have found the new additions equally enjoyable.
“They absolutely love it,” Ms Hough said.
“They really enjoy having all the di erent cultures.”
Kathryn Hunter, care manager at St John’s, explained that the recruitment process involved travelling overseas to Vanuatu.
“Through that scheme, we’ve got three sta from Vanuatu,” she said.
“We’re expecting another three to arrive in the coming weeks.”
Ms Hunter said the PALM scheme provided the opportunity for the new carers to ful l their training on-site, meaning their quali cations will be completed through their employment at the facility.
“They get all their hands-on training, their theory, practical, all on the one site, which is supported by the organisation,” she said.
“We’re able to give them accommodation on site as well to help support them to settle into the community while they nd their feet.”
A WANGARATTA woman who denied reversing her vehicle into a victim’s ankle in Woolworths Wangaratta carpark has received a 12month good behaviour bond.
The Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court this week heard that on May 17 last year the 47-year-old was reversing out of the car park with her daughter in the front passenger seat.
The victim was placing a trolley in the nearby trolley bay, as she began to feel pressure on her
The court heard she realised the tyre of the defendant’s vehicle was reversed onto her foot and pleaded with the driver
The defendant exited the vehicle to check on the victim, where a verbal confrontation occurred. She drove off without exchanging details, with the victim taking images of the defendant’s number plate.
Paramedics treated the victim for scrapes and soreness on her ankle, which she said experienced large bruising for around two months.
Representing herself in court on Monday, the defendant said she or her daughter seated beside her didn’t feel or see the car roll back onto the woman’s foot. She said she didn’t see any injury to the victim’s ankle and told her to call the police if she wanted to.
Magistrate Ian Watkins placed the defendant on a 12-month good behaviour bond with conviction, noting she had a history of prior driving offences.
“Accidents can occur at slow speeds in car parks, it doesn’t have to be on a highway,” he said. “Be very careful when you’re driving.”
A FORMER Wangaratta man will wait two months to be sentenced for a violent outburst at his partner’s home while their child was present.
The court heard on December 19 last year around 9am the defendant attended his partner’s address while she and one of their children were in bed.
He kicked the door down and broke a lounge room
Appearing at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Monday, the 18-year-old admitted to the contravention of an intervention order on the mother of his two children.
window and then kicked the front rear panel of the victim’s car, damaging the rear hatch and front passenger door and threw a set of Allen keys which struck the victim in the head.
He then broke down and cried in front of the victim, stating he “just want-
ed us to be happy”.
On Christmas Eve police attended the victim’s house to nd the defendant present and arrested him.
He admitted to his o ences, saying they occurred out of frustration as he attempted breathing exercises before kicking the victim’s car.
Defence counsel Geo Clancy said it was a di cult period for his client who has had to navigate a lot for an 18-year-old, including fatherhood at 16 years of age.
Magistrate Ian Watkins adjourned the matter for a deferred sentence on April 28, giving the defendant an opportunity to engage with mental health counselling.
Mr Clancy said his client was a victim of an “ugly” stabbing which required him to be airli ed to Melbourne and still su ers from the fallout of the incident, moving away from Wangaratta since it occurred.
THE majority of Australians would welcome the interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia this week, albeit the first cut since the early days of the covid pandemic.
The RBA remained stubbornly firm on holding their cash rate at 4.35 per cent mainly due to the slow fall of the inflation rate and the continuing surprising low unemployment rate which has remained around that 4 per cent through all the trials and tribulations of recent years.
Yes, the Albanese Government could have taken action for a faster reduction to the inflation rate simply by not pushing for increases in social security payments, wage rises in public service areas, particularly aged care, and of course the raft of assistance payments and rebates to offset higher households costs, primarily energy.
The strategy was to increase support and investment to avoid a full blown recession - the type Paul Keating said back in 1990 “Australia needed to have”.
Things have been tough for many, but to get inflation down faster it would have been far tougher for many more families and businesses with the accompanying increase in job losses.
And while predictions abound of further cuts to come in the near future, there are international issues in play that can severely hamper that outcome.
Despite what many political pundits may say, when it comes to inflation and our dollar’s value, we are minor players compared to world powers such as USA, China and Russia.
A global trade war and extended uncertainty in the Ukraine and Middle East, or worse, could quickly up-end the gains made here so painfully over the last 12 months.
1 Who was named the Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final Most Valuable Player?
(a) Jessica Anstis
(b) Jhaniele Fowler (c) Sasha Glasgow (d) Courtney Bruce
2 Maseru is the capital city of which African country?
(a) Botswana (b) Ghana (c) Liberia (d) Lesotho
3 The musical, Cats, was based on a collection of poems known as Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by which writer?
(a) Hans Christian Anderson
Lithuania 9 (a) Adam Sandler 10 (b)
(b) T. S. Eliot
(c) Ralph Waldo Emerson
(d) Edgar Allan Poe
4 Which region of the brain has a name that means “little brain” in Latin?
(a) Cerebrum
(b) Hippocampu
(c) Epithalamu
(d) Cerebellum
5 Franklin J. Schaffner won the Academy Award for Best Director for which 20th century movie?
(a) Patton (b) The French Connection
(c) The Deer Hunter
(d) Rocky
6 What is the colour of the vertical stripe in the
IT was a privilege to be able to o er my praise in Parliament to Northeast Health Wangaratta and the incredible sta who form the backbone of our community.
These men and women work tirelessly in testing circumstances, o en managing a wide range of trauma day in, day out without proper recognition.
My acknowledgment of this resilient group of people comes as the Minister for Health further tightens the budget of the health system, which is already wreaking havoc amongst Victorian hospitals and patients.
We are seeing new mothers; mere hours post-delivery being tossed out of hospitals amid shortages of both beds and sta .
This has the potential to create a catastrophic chain of events where mothers and newborn babies are denied vital and necessary healthcare in those fragile few hours and days that follow the life changing event that giving birth is.
I strongly urge the Allan Labor Government to make immediate changes and show respect to the new mothers and babies of the Ovens Valley, in addition to the healthcare workers who are repeatedly forced to work in dangerous situations as a result of Labor’s continuous cuts to integral parts of our healthcare system.
To the sta of Northeast Health Wangaratta, I applaud your e ort, dedication, and continual support that you provide our community, it does not go unnoticed.
I will continue to ght for the changes that will allow our hospitals and healthcare providers to do the work that we desperately need them to do.
Tim McCurdy, Nationals MP for Ovens Valley
IN reference to your story in Monday’s Chronicle, headed “Bag limit boost for Victorian duck hunters this season”.
The Victorian duck shooting season begins on March 19 meaning the regional tourist season ends on March 19.
Who wants to visit regional Victoria with the sound and danger of gun re?
Malcolm Cameron, Camberwell, Resignation doesn’t address crime crisis
centre of the flag of Mongolia?
(a) Green (b) Red (c) Gold (d) Blue
7 The 2022 TV series, Underbelly: Vanishing Act, was based on which person?
(a) Joseph Taylor
(b) Melissa Caddick
(c) Anthony Perish
(d) Tilly Devine
8 Dalia Grybauskaitė became the first female President of which country in 2009, holding the title for ten years?
(a) Iceland (b) Norway
(c) Lithuania (d) Croatia
9 Which well-known person founded the production company, Happy Madison Productions?
(a) Adam Sandler
(b) Richard Branson
(c) Robert Kardashian (d) Steve Job
10What relation is former rugby league player, Scott Sattler, to the iconic rugby league player, John Sattler?
(a) Younger brother (b) Son (c) Cousin (d) No relation
THE resignation of Shane Patton as Victorian Chief Commissioner of Police will not address the escalating crime crisis in Victoria.
Instead, it underscores the Allan Labor Government’s failure to provide leadership and practical solutions to protect our communities.
The dismissal of the chief commissioner is also not going to change many of the frustrations that our o cers are experiencing when the criminals they arrest are released hours later or the resources they need to do their jobs are not forthcoming.
Mr Patton has served Victoria with distinction since 1978, rising from a cadet to chief commissioner.
His unwavering dedication to the police force and community safety is commendable.
He demonstrated professionalism and passion for his role and the people he served. I extend my sincere gratitude for his decades of service.
However, a change in leadership alone will not resolve the systemic issues plaguing law and order in our state.
To restore safety and con dence, we must tackle these critical challenges:
• Strengthen bail laws to ensure violent o enders remain o the streets.
• Fill the 1100 police vacancies that are leaving communities vulnerable.
• Reopen or restore 24-hour service to 43 police stations impacted by Labor’s cuts.
• Increase proactive patrols to deter crime and enhance community engagement.
• Reform the justice system to deliver accountability and protect Victorians.
A Liberals and Nationals Government is committed to prioritising community safety. We will take decisive action to reduce crime, support our police force, and restore public trust – because every Victorian deserves to feel safe in their home and community.
Brad Battin, Victorian Liberal Party leader
A SUSPENDED P-plater couldn’t explain why she was driving at 159km/h on the Hume Freeway and speeding from Wangaratta to Barnawartha, a court has heard.
The 23-year-old woman represented herself in Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Monday admitting to her h speeding o ence.
The court heard on May 4 last year around 8:25m police detected
Feedback on local children’s services wanted
THE Rural City of Wangaratta council wants your feedback on programs and services for children aged 0-12 and their families.
Marcus Goonan, director community & infrastructure, said community input will play a crucial role in shaping the strategies and focus areas for children’s services.
He said a short survey on Connect Wangaratta will provide insight into what the community thinks about early years programs that are available, where they think they need support, and what that could look like.
Mr Goonan said Municipal Early Years Plans (MEYP) is a local area plan designed to provide a strategic direction for the development and coordination of early years programs, activities and other local community development processes that impact on children aged 0–12 years and their families.
the suspended P-plater with personalised number plates on the Hume Freeway at Glenrowan.
As police pursued on the northbound lanes, they observed an increase in speed and were made to overtake multiple vehicles to catch up.
Between Greta Road and Bowser Road, police recorded the black Hyundai doing 159km/h.
Assistance was called to police in Rutherglen, who at 8:54am on the freeway near the Murray Valley Highway in Barnarwartha, detected the P-plater at 122km/h in the 110km/h zone.
The car was pulled over and impounded for $1115.
Police checks showed the P-plater had her licence suspended for three months from March due to an
accumulation of demerit points.
In court, the defendant said she didn’t know she had her licence suspended and was on her way to Sydney.
“Surely a er the fourth ticket you had to of known as a probationary driver your licence was at risk,”
Magistrate Ian Watkins said.
The defendant said she couldn’t explain why she was travelling at the
high speed detected at Wangaratta.
“I think it was quiet, and I just drove,” she said.
Magistrate Watkins issued a $1200 ne and a 12-month licence disqualication, urging a change of attitude to the defendant’s outlook on driving.
“That was a foolish decision on your part and it’s going to cost you dearly to get your licence back,” he said.
It uses a whole-of-community approach to building community strength and addressing the underlying causes of inequity and vulnerability of children and families.
The MEYP is a product of collaborative community involvement, and its development has involved families, residents and other service providers who have provided ideas, opinions, data, and feedback on the strategic directions proposed.
The survey, which only take a few minutes to complete, is open until February 28. Have your say online now here at connect.wangaratta. vic.gov.au/meyp Community members can also have their say at pop up events at the Wangaratta Library and Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre today. Sessions (no bookings required) are on from 11:30am-12:30pm at Wangaratta Library, and 1pm2pm at Wangaratta Sports & Aquatic Centre.
ZONTA Wangaratta are seeking nominations for this year’s Zonta Club of Wangaratta’s ‘Woman of the Year’ award.
Any community member is invited to nominate a woman who lives, works or volunteers in the Wangaratta area and who they feel is worthy to receive this award.
To be considered, the person nominated needs
to have done something extraordinary to bene t others outside of the framework of paid employment.
It could involve community or volunteer service, personal assistance, academic, educational or training assistance, business assistance, welfare or as an exemplary role model.
The award will comprise a certi cate and a presenta-
tion to mark the achievement.
The award will be presented at the club’s annual meeting on Thursday, May 1, at the Gateway Hotel to recognise a local woman’s exceptional service to the community.
President of Zonta Wangaratta, Elizabeth Wilson, said the club considers this one of their most important
530,000 people failed to vote at
CLOSE to 530,000 Victorians who appear to have failed to vote in the October 2024 local council elections will have an opportunity to explain why when they receive an ‘Apparent failure to vote notice’ in the coming days.
Electoral Commissioner
Sven Bluemmel said the Victorian Electoral Com-
mission (VEC) is urging people who receive a notice to respond with a detailed explanation, as the VEC is required to issue a ne of $99 if a person fails to respond in writing within 28 days.
“An ‘Apparent failure to vote notice’ is not a ne –it’s a chance to explain why you appear not to have vot-
awards for the year and hoped to receive a number of nominations, as there are many women in the community who deserve this recognition.
Nomination details and application form can be obtained from email: zontawangaratta@gmail.com and nominations should be lodged with the Zonta Club of Wangaratta by Monday, April 7.
ed,” Mr Bluemmel said.
“If you respond to the notice in writing with a valid reason and evidence, you are much more likely to be excused.
“Completing and sending the notice back to us within the 28-day timeframe gives us a chance to consider your explanation and whether you
can be excused.”
Voting in local council elections is compulsory in Victoria if you were enrolled to vote.
Voters are encouraged to sign up to receive VEC VoterAlert updates to receive reminders about future state and local council elections at: vec.vic.gov.au/ VoterAlert
A FREE program for parents and caregivers raising young children with a disability, developmental concerns, or who are neurodiverse will be held in Wangaratta in coming weeks.
ENVISAGE (Enabling VISions And Growing Expectations) is a joint collaboration between Australian Catholic University, University of Melbourne, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and McMaster University.
It is an evidence-based program aimed at empowering caregivers to feel connected, con dent and competent to navigate parenting their child or children with developmental concerns or disability, by embracing strengths-based, future-focused ideas.
Through an extension of National Early Childhood Program grant funding, ENVISAGE is funded to continue through to mid-2027 providing in-person and online workshops.
Over the past two years, it has made a positive impact on caregivers, families and communities across Australia, with more than 1200 parents and caregivers having participated in the program.
The Wangaratta program, for parents and carers of children aged 0 to eight, will be facilitated by Noah’s Ark and Association for Children with a Disability, and hosted at 8 Tone Road over three Tuesdays - February 25, March 4 and March 11 - from 10am to 1.30pm.
The program is designed to help parents and carers feel more con dent and competent in making decisions for their families; to discover practical, evidence-based strategies to help them better understand and advocate for their child’s needs; and to connect with others who may be on similar journeys and share experiences.
There is no cost to be involved, and children do not need an NDIS plan or diagnosis to participate.
Light refreshments will be provided during the sessions.
To register for the Wangaratta sessions, visit https://envisage.community/workshop/ More information is available by emailing envisage@ acu.edu.au or phoning (07) 3861 6079.
FUN OUTOORS: Students Poppy Jones, Lexi Charles, Zara Howell, Lotta Beyersdorf and Gema Winn enjoy time out in the playground.
EXCITEMENT continues as students and teachers alike settle into first term at school.
Both the classroom and the playground are buzzing with energy as students take on new challenges with enthusiasm and extend on their learning, also having fun with friends in the playground.
THE new foundation students have taken to the routines and expectations of school with excitement and ease.
Sometimes the days can feel long for the young students, but with many opportunities to learn through play-based activities, broken up with movement breaks, the students are able to maintain focus and engagement.
Activities that require sharing and turn-taking, physical manipulation of small equipment, developing and refining crossing the midline activities, combined with practising social skills, are a feature of their afternoon sessions.
If you would like to see your school or kinder featured on the page
Please send your photos and news to amcpherson@nemedia.com.au and we’ll include it in an upcoming edition.
ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT: Appin Park foundation student Ammaron Tinirau showed great concentration during the activity, as Tyler Thompson patiently looks on.
Some very structured literacy and numeracy sessions are provided before the lunch break, but it is always the activities after lunch which create relaxed opportunities for interactions and connections with their peers.
A great way to start their schooling adventures.
are pleased to wear their new shirts.
YEAR six students were proud to model their new shirts, which are fresh off the press. Jack Webbers, Stanley Richardson, Hayden Fletcher and Harmoney McBean are taking a leading role in the school community, as they embark on their final year of primary education.
UNDER ANALYSIS: Year six students Charlotte Kerr and Phoebe Read took part in the first session of Science Club for the term.
YEAR six students Charlotte Kerr and Phoebe Read have enjoyed the first session of Science Club for the term. The intriguing session involved an Elephants Toothpaste experiment.
2What is made at
4
1What type of science did Douglas Mawson do? Was he a) an aeroplane engineer, b) an x-ray crystallographer, c) an Antarctic geologist, or d) a vaccine developer?
3Which of these important safety devices was invented in Australia? Was it a) the black box flight recorder, b) the airbag, c) the bike helmet, or d) steel-capped boots?
Which of the following are backwards on wombats? Is it a) their back feet, b) their pouches, or c) their tongues?
they
5Where in Australia will you find a complex that’s part of NASA’s Deep Space Network? Is it in a) Victoria, b) Queensland, c) South Australia, or d) the Australian Capital Territory? For more CSIRO Double Helix science visit www.csiro.au/helix or call 02 6276 6643. QUIZ ANSWERS: 1. c) Douglas Mawson was a famous Australian geologist who explored Antarctica. 2. b) The Australian Synchrotron makes
ST Paul’s College at Walla Walla is continually evolving to provide innovative learning opportunities that support students in their transition to high school.
The new ‘ON TRACK’ program for year 7 students encourages them to take ownership of their learning while building essential skills in communication, collaboration, ethical decision-making, persistence and creativity.
Hands-on subjects such as beekeeping, science and design, and time management are just some of the subjects designed to align with the ON TRACK program, complementing students’ weekly lessons and improving their learning experience.
To support St Paul’s continued growth, a new weekly bus service from Wangaratta via Wodonga now runs twice a week.
This service provides students from the Wangaratta and surrounding areas with the opportunity to fully engage in their learning while developing essential life skills.
Sending your child to boarding school is one of the biggest decisions a family will make.
St Paul’s principal Anita Morton knows that choosing a school which aligns with your values and beliefs builds a foundation for your child’s successful experience while living away from home.
“We acknowledge the decision to enrol a child into our boarding program is one of the biggest decisions a family will make and should not be rushed,” she said.
“We value the process of choosing a school and taking the time to consider if it is the best place to be.
“We provide students with a trial period in boarding as part of the enrolment process, allowing students to see who we are, and for
us to see if we are setting them up for a successful experience”.
St Paul’s offers separate boys and girls facilities that accommodates up to 80 students in each house, supervised by live-in staff.
Whether students are weekly or casual boarders, the primary focus is on providing a secure, safe and country style community, where students can excel academically and thrive as individuals.
Deputy principal of students and boarding, Caroline Clancy, said when you are working alongside teenagers there will be challenges.
“They are still learning, not just academically but socially and emotionally as well, and they are facing more complex challenges than seen by other generations,” she said.
“Pastoral care is what we do to ensure the maximum wellbeing for each student and it’s about growing young people that can look after themselves and operate in the world.”
Teaching doesn’t stop in the classroom but extends into an After-Hours Learning Assistance Program where a team of dedicated teachers and learning support staff provide tuition to students to meet their needs.
St Paul’s welcomes boarding enquiries year-round and will be hosting an open day on Friday, February 28.
More information is available at https://www.stpaulscollege.nsw. edu.au/.
HANDS-ON: Students seeking to immerse themselves in agriculture and expand their knowledge can participate in hands-on subjects such as aagriculture, farm studies, the Year 11–12 Primary Industries VET course, and show team activities.
ASSUMPTION College at Kilmorewill hold its annual open evening on March 17.
This event is a wonderful opportunity for prospective students, families, and the community to explore what makes Assumption College a beacon of excellence in education.
From 3:45pm to 6:30pm, the gates will be open to welcome you into the vibrant campus.
Visitors will have the chance to tour the state-ofthe-art facilities, meet the dedicated faculty teams, and learn about the diverse learning domains and cocurricular activities on offer.
Whether you are interested in their outstanding academic curriculum, active arts programs, or competitive sports teams, there is something for everyone at Assumption College.
For Assumption College team, the open evening is not just about showcasing their achievements; it is about engaging with the
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: Whether you are interested in their outstanding academic curriculum, active arts programs, or competitive sports teams, there is something for everyone at Assumption College. BE INSPIRED: Join in Assumption College’s open evening on March 17 to be inspired.
community and fostering a sense of belonging. They believe that education is a partnership between the college, students, and their families, and this event is a
perfect opportunity to build these connections.
You are invited yo join in on March 17 to experience first-hand the supportive and inclusive environment
that defines Assumption College.
Come and see why their students thrive academically, socially, and personally. The team looks forward
to welcoming you and answering any questions you may have about their college.
Mark your calendars and prepare to be inspired.
Assumption College’s Open
Evening promises to be an informative and enjoyable event for all.
*Please note that the last student-led tour will depart at 6pm
3:45pm - 6:30pm
FOR more than 160 years, boarding has been at the heart of The Geelong College, offering students from rural and regional Australia an exceptional education in a supportive and dynamic residential environment.
More than just a place to stay, the college’s boarding program fosters lifelong friendships, independence, and academic success.
A Welcoming and Supportive Community
Joining a new school and moving away from home can be daunting, but for students like year 10 boarder Hudson Smith from Lockhart, NSW, the transition has been smooth.
Reflecting on his first year at the college, Hudson said it’s such a nice place with kind people.
He quickly found likeminded friends and a strong sense of belonging, not only within the boarding house but also in the wider school community.
For many boarding families, The Geelong College stands out for its personalised approach.
Denise McLellan, whose son Austin is currently in year 8 and whose two daughters have completed their studies at the college, values the warmth and dedication of the staff.
“The college’s understanding of our unique needs and their consideration for our children has been remarkable,” Denise said.
“We’ve always felt the personalised support of the College community.”
The Benefits of Boarding Boarding at The Geelong College provides a structured yet vibrant lifestyle that balances academics, cocurricular activities, and social connections.
Boarders benefit from:
• Supervised study sessions with academic tutors
• Limited screen time to encourage good study and sleep habits
• A diverse and inclusive peer network
• Access to top-tier sports facilities and extracurricular programs
• A sense of independence while still having strong pastoral care
Hudson appreciates the academic support available to him in the boarding house.
“We are really lucky-there are lots of people to help you with schoolwork,” Hudson said.
“The other boys help too,
and sometimes I help them. It feels like everyone is in it together.”
A Family Experience
For the Watson family from Warrnambool, boarding was a family decision.
Seeking the best education for their son Sidney, they found The Geelong College to be the perfect fit.
“Sidney has developed independence and confidence,” his father, Jon Watson, said.
“He will walk into a room, introduce himself, shake hands, and look people in the eye.
“That confidence is something Geelong College has instilled in him.”
As the Watsons’ time at the College comes to a close, they reflect on the friendships, experiences, and growth Sidney has gained.
“It’s been a big part of our lives,” Jon said.
“I’d encourage families seeking a boutique boarding experience to visit an open day and see it for themselves.”
Visit The Geelong College
For families considering boarding, The Geelong College invites you to come for a tour or attend an Open Day to experience it first-hand.
“Geelong is not that far away, and it’s easy once you get there,” Hudson said.
“But mostly, people should consider The Geelong College because it offers one of the best educations around.”
For more information, contact The Geelong College admissions team on (03) 5226 3156 or at admissions@tgc.vic.edu.au.
BOARDING at The Scots School Albury is more than just a place to stay - it’s a home away from home where students are supported, engaged, and connected.
With a strong sense of community and a nurturing environment, Scots boarders enjoy the best of both worlds: the independence of boarding life while remaining close to home and their local networks.
Located in the heart of Albury, Scots offers regional families the convenience of keeping their children nearby without compromising on a high-quality education.
Boarders maintain strong ties with family and friends in their local community,
while also forming lifelong connections with peers and staff who become like an extended family.
Scots provides a structured yet fulfilling program that balances academic rigour with a wide range of cocurricular activities.
Whether it’s sport, music, drama, or outdoor pursuits, boarders have countless opportunities to develop their talents and interests beyond the classroom.
Dedicated teachers and mentors ensure students are well-supported in their studies, helping them build confidence, resilience, and independence.
To truly experience the warmth and vibrancy of the
boarding community, you’re invited to Scots Open Day on Friday, May 2 from 9am.
Specialised boarding tours are also available, offering insight into the exceptional facilities, supportive staff, and enriching experiences that make The Scots School Albury an outstanding choice.
Come and see why so many families choose boarding at The Scots School Albury.
To register for the open day, visit The Scots School Albury website today.
HOME AWAY FROM HOME: Director of boarding, Elsa Kilgour, warmly welcomes students back to the boarding house after a busy day at school.
CHOOSING the right education pathway can be tricky and for every individual it looks different.
While boarding schools can seem daunting, they can help students develop independence, social skills, and a sense of belonging.
They can also help students learn how to manage their time and budget and build strong friendships.
Independence
• Students learn to be responsible for themselves, including managing their time, money, and chores.
• They learn to take initiative and make decisions.
Social skills
• Students develop strong friendships with peers from different backgrounds.
• They learn to work together and support
with people from different cultures and ages.
Sense of belonging
• Students feel connected to their peers, staff, and school community.
• They develop a sense of belonging that can help protect them from mental health issues.
Other benefits
• Students can develop a broader perspective on the world.
• They can learn how to deal with homesickness.
• They can be more involved in school activities and co-curricular opportunities.
• They can develop a sense of responsibility towards others and nature.
Boarding schools can help students develop the skills they need to succeed in further
PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE: Boarding schools can help students develop the skills they need to succeed beyond school.
PHOTO: Shutterstock/Dean Drobot
By JORDAN DUURSMA
LUKE Alleva is bringing ‘The Dancin Man’ to the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Friday, February 28 for a matinee performance.
The show celebrates the quintessential song and dance men that graced the stage and screen such as Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Donald O’Connor, The Nicholas Brothers, and Sammy Davis Jnr.
With a medley of some of the most recognisable songs, including Make Em Laugh, Mr Bojangles, It Don’t Mean A Thing and Singin In The Rain, the show
SEE Wangaratta Players Inc’s presentation of the Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville - A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, at the Stage Door Studio during its final weekend.
From the multi-awardwinning playwright comes a fast-paced adventure about everyone’s favourite detective duo Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson as they endeavour to crack the mystery of “The Hound of the Baskervilles” before a family curse dooms its newest heir. Tickets are selling fast for the final shows on February 21 and 22 at 7.30pm and on February 23 at 2pm, available now at trybooking.com/CXPSH.
promises to take the audience on a journey through the classic decades when music and dance had style, grace and charisma.
Luke said he is drawn to the song and dance performers of the past.
“They were born entertainers and really brought something special to the stage,” he said.
“I want to bring the essence of those performances to the audience.”
Luke said the show is a trip back in time.
“There is a nostalgic aspect here for me,” he said.
“I remember my Nonno and Nonna would put on these amaz-
ALL are invited to celebrate the opening of the next suite of exhibitions, Crystalline by Elizabeth Willing and Barra by Juanita McLauchlan, at the Wangaratta Art Gallery on Friday, February 21.
Crystalline brings together existing and new bodies of work by Brisbane based artist Elizabeth Willing that explore the interconnected qualities of alcohol and sugar, while Barra, meaning thread in the Gamilaraay language of Juanita McLauchlan’s grandmother’s country in northern New South Wales, connects two distinct, yet interrelated areas of the artist’s practice – textiles and printmaking.
Hear from Barra artist Juanita McLauchlan at 5pm, before the exhibitions are officially launched at 5.30pm by Professor David Watson, an ornithologist and ecologist at Charles Sturt University. Refreshments will be served and free tickets can be booked at wangarattaartgallery.com.au.
ing classic musicals where there’s amazing song and dance, and men and women really brought the stage to life on Broadway and the big screen.
“Now as a parent, I get to share those musicals with my own children.”
Luke is the creative director and founder of Luca Entertainment Productions.
He co-produced the international acclaimed ‘Gene Kelly the Legacy’ for the Australian tour, including performances at Sydney State Theatre, Melbourne Recital Centre and Brisbane Qpac.
As the creator of The Dancin
THE popular Lyster Opera returns to the Milawa Hall in March for its third performance, this time presenting Mozart’s The Abduction from the Seraglio. Following its previous near sell-out performances, this production again combines glorious music with farcical comedy - the hysterical romance set in a Turkish harem, where the hero Belmonte, assisted by his servant Pedrillo, attempts to rescue his beloved Constanze. Featuring a cast of some of Melbourne’s finest singers, The Abduction from the Seraglio by Mozart will be performed on Saturday, March 22 at 2pm at Milawa Town Hall, with tickets from $30 to $40 available at lysteropera. com.au or by calling 0410 0890 388.
FOLLOWING the very successful walk in January, the Wangaratta Kennel and Obedience Dog Club will be conducting their monthly Happy Dogs Walk this Sunday, February 23.
The walk will leave from the bridge at the Wangaratta RSL Club at 9am and will cover approximately three kilometres along the river and Merriwa Park areas. Following the walk, enjoy a chat and coffee at a selected venue in Templeton Street, with all welcome.
GUEST artist Mal Patrick will hold an exhibition of his pencil sketches of derelict and abandoned buildings from around Australia, at the Art Gallery on Ovens in Wangaratta this week.
Mal said he has always been fascinated by old, abandoned buildings, sheds and machinery which are part of the country’s history, photographing them and then sketching them using black lead pencils. See the collection of artworks at the Derelict Art exhibition from Thursday, February 20 to Sunday, February 24, with all welcome to meet the artist at the opening on Saturday from 12pm to 2pm.
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Having second thoughts could be a good thing, even if you’re determined to go through with your plans. You might find it worthwhile to take a fresh look at how things have been set up.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Financial matters could continue to be a problem until you’re able to straighten out some of the more pesky situations. Once this happens, the rest should be easier to unsnarl.
Man, Luke said the inspiration behind the show was bringing the best essence from classic shows together for a highlights reel.
“I want the audience to feel transported back to when they were a kid and rst heard these songs, or be reminded of good memories,” he said.
“These are songs that span generations, it’s not just for one demographic or age group.
“It’s about bringing these songs and stories back to life and bringing joy the stage.”
For more information or to secure your tickets, visit https:// www.wpacc.com.au/Whats-On/ The-Dancin-Man.
FROM the premier concert halls of London’s West End to Wangaratta, a special performance by internationally acclaimed diva Bernadette Robinson will be held at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Friday, March 7 at 7.30pm. Renowned for her astonishing ability to embody the voices of iconic singers such as Edith Piaf, Kate Bush, Shirley Bassey, Barbra Streisand, Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, Judy Garland, and the legendary Maria Callas – Bernadette Robinson will captivate the audience with her extraordinary vocal talent. This one-off performance in Wangaratta is a fundraiser for the re-election campaign of Independent federal MP for Indi Helen Haines.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Family matters once again take center stage and should be dealt with competently and quickly. Again, insist that others take on their fair share of the responsibilities.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Your creative pursuits seem to be running into a roadblock. But rather than blame outside factors, look within to see if you might be holding back your efforts for some reason.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) Keep your keen Cat’s Eye focused on relevant aspects of this new situation in your life. Don’t be distracted by trivial matters. You need the pertinent facts before making a decision.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) As much as you prefer doing things on your own, continue to accept help if you still need to resolve the problem that affects your project. Meanwhile, some cheerful news is about to come your way!
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) While you might begrudge the added time it will take to get your project from point A to B to C, etc., you could benefit from the facts that will emerge over this expanded time span.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Regarding your workplace suggestions, be prepared to produce the facts to counter reactions from skeptics who feel like your approach is unreasonable or even impossible.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Savvy Sagittarians will look for work-related answers on their own rather than relying on unproved assumptions. It might take more time to do so, but the payoff is worth it.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Your aspects continue to favor family issues, with a special emphasis this week on changes in and around your home. Get everyone to suggest what they would like to see done.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A matter you thought had been settled still might produce surprises. Best advice: Continue to gather facts to bolster your position just in case you need to produce them quickly.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) While your instincts are usually right when discerning ’twixt truth and deception, you could benefit from doing more research on the new “prospect” that you’ve been pitched.
Covering Moyhu, Edi, Myrrhee, Whitfield, Cheshunt and Whitlands areas
BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au
DRIVERS are invited to load up their passengers and head to the Carl Schulz Reserve in Moyhu on Sunday, when the King River and District Fishing Club holds its annual Meet & Cruise Day.
All are welcome to take part in the free event, which welcomes vintage, veteran, farm and everyday motors of every make and model, to meet at 10.30am at the reserve, register their vehicles and go into the draw to win $100.
There will also be a ra e on the day plus other fun games to play.
Club secretary Regina Callaway said if you’re one of the rst 20 cars to register you’ll receive a voucher for one small co ee from Ineeta cafe and a voucher for one pot or so drink from the Moyhu Hotel.
She said the convoy will then
cruise up the Lake William Hovell where the shing club will have a sausage sizzle available and the ra e will be drawn.
“We cannot thank the local businesses enough for supporting this event - it’s a great day out and fun for the whole family,” she said.
“The event is on Facebook and if you post a picture of your wheels, the
picture with most likes wins $100.
“It’s a good excuse to blow the dust o and enjoy what we have in our backyard.”
Businesses getting behind this year’s event are the Moyhu General Store, Ineeta cafe, Moyhu Hotel, Gino Automotive, VicTech, Bungalow at Nunyara, Rapid Hose, Bunnings Wangaratta, Crockford & Co Jetter
A STORM and subsequent power outage on February 7 saw the opening round of the 2025 Moyhu Barefoot Bowls competition postponed until the following week, when 14 enthusiastic teams gathered to play in perfect weather conditions.
Clubs represented included Moyhu Lions Club, Edi and Moyhu Primary Schools, Greta Cricket Club, Adult Riding Club and Moyhu Netballers, and bowls club member David Waring said with plenty of experience amongst the teams, it should be an interesting season.
At the end of play the winners were Moyhu Primary School team, represented by Adam Vescio, Hamish Falla and Corey Sloan, who
WANGARATTA Senior Citizens Club will host lunch at the Wangaratta Club today from 12 noon.
The club will hold indoor carpet bowls on Thursday from 1pm, cards (500) on Friday from 1.30pm, indoor carpet bowls on Monday from 1pm, and cards (500) and hoy on Tuesday from 1.30pm, all in the clubrooms or the adjoining St Patrick’s supper room.
Social gathering next Wednesday, February 26 will be an SES talk at the clubrooms from 1.30pm.
THE Australian Plant Society (Wangaratta) will hold its first gathering for 2025 in the form of dinner at the The Plough Inn, Tarrawingee at 6.30pm on Thursday, February 27.
All members and newcomers most welcome.
WANGARATTA Seniors Dance will be held on Friday, February 28 from 2pm to 4pm in St Patrick’s Supper Room, Ford Street.
The dance is held on the fourth Friday of each month, with music by The Rustic Ramblers, dance revision from 1.30pm to 2pm, and admission $5 (non-members $7), which includes afternoon tea.
For further information, contact Margaret on 0407 357 226 or Julie on 0408 032 451.
WANGARATTA Old Time/New Vogue Dancing is held every Tuesday from 7pm to 10pm at the
won by a narrow margin, while the meat tray raffle winner was bowls club president, Ian Ritchie.
Round two will be held this Friday starting promptly at 6pm, with the usual sausage sizzle, drinks at bar prices and meat tray raffle.
The club reminds participants their team must play each week to be eligible for the team draw of $100 and the final raffle for $400.
SUCCESSFUL START: Adam Vescio, Hamish Falla and Corey Sloan, playing for Moyhu Primary School, won the first round of the 2025 Moyhu Barefoot Bowls season.
CWA Hall in Templeton Street. Admission is $10, please bring a plate of supper to share. Entry also includes raffle ticket and lucky door prize. Phone 0431 190 630 for more information.
OXLEY Garden Group’s first gathering for 2025 will be at Park Lane Nursery, 95 Park Lane, Wangaratta on Thursday, March 13 from 10am.
Bring a chair, a cup and a small plate to share. All welcome. For further information, contact June on 0497 860 785 (text only).
WANGARATTA Keenagers Table Tennis competition is held at the Wangaratta Showgrounds each Monday and Thursday from 8am. New players welcome, morning tea provided (BYO cup). Contact Nick Youings on 0408 240 554.
CENTRE Quilters Circle meets on the second Thursday of each month from 10am in the Uniting Church Hall in Rowan Street.
New members welcome, current members are willing to share their expertise and skills. BYO lunch. Contact Wendy on 5722 4415 or Leonie on 0403 226 129.
PANGERANG Ukes and More meets each Thursday from 5.30pm at Pangerang Community Hub. Cost is $5, and any instruments, as well as voices, are welcome. Enquiries to 0407 311 899.
Centre, Pizzini Wines and Northeast Fasteners.
The club began running the fun, social event as an alternative to Show Us Your Wheels, which came to an end at the Moyhu Primary School.
All interested in joining in are welcome to the Carl Schulz Reserve on Sunday, February 23 at 10.30am.
THE Whitefield Cemetery Trust will hold an open morning at the cemetery on Sunday, February 23 for anyone wanting to discuss the reservation and purchase of plots.
Those who can assist Leanne Jenvey with helping to locate lost souls at the cemetery are also encouraged to attend from 9.30am to 12pm, with more information available by contacting lmjenvey@ bigpond.com.
A CRAFT session is held at the Cheshunt Hall on the first and third Wednesday of the month from 11.30am.
Learn or teach, bring skills or no skills, or just come along and socialise, with all welcome and more information available by contacting Lyn on 0427 270 551.
THE North Eastern branch of the Embroiderers Guild of Victoria meets every fourth Tuesday at the Masonic Lodge in Appin St, Wangaratta.
Beginners and experienced embroiderers welcome from 9.30am. Contact Jen on 0407 560562.
SATURDAY Quilters meets on the first Saturday of each month from 9.30am in the Wangaratta Small Bore Rifle Club rooms off the river end of College Street. Beginner and experienced members welcome. Contact Frances on 0417 158 220.
WANGARATTA Table Tennis Social Group is held every Tuesday from 10 am to 12 noon, at the Showgrounds table tennis pavilion. All ages and abilities are welcome, with coaching for new players. Free tea and coffee. Entry fee $2. For more information phone Maxine on 0403 209 857.
FREE weekly weight loss park classes are held during school terms on Mondays at 9.30am on Barr Reserve Oval 1 (Bill O’Callaghan Oval).
Those taking part are advised to allow 90 minutes for the social
chat before and after the 50 minute session. For details or to join, text or call Dani on 0467 494 024.
WANGARATTA Toastmasters meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 6.45pm at The Centre in Chisholm Street. For more information, contact Joanne Howell on 0417 558 881.
OSTINATO Wangaratta and District Community Choir meets each Tuesday from 7pm to 9.30pm at the Log Cabin, corner Faithfull and Chisholm Streets, Wangaratta.
New members welcome. Contact Helen on 0457 269278.
LIFEBALL is held each Tuesday from 1pm on the basketball court at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre.
Phone 0418 574 404 for more information about this non-contact game of netball.
WANGARATTA Sing Australia
Group holds its weekly meetings each Wednesday from 7.30pm to 9pm at Purbrick Hall, next to Holy Trinity Cathedral. All welcome. For details, call Cheryl Hoysted on 0419 005 062.
WANG Ukes meets on Tuesdays from 7pm to 8.30pm at the Masonic Lodge in Appin Street. The group will return from its holiday break on February 28.
RESIDENTS and friends of the Myrrhee community are invited to a community barbecue at the Myrrhee Recreation Reserve on Sunday, February 23 from 5pm to 8pm. A barbecue and salads will be provided (byo drinks, plate and a sweet or savoury dish to share).
All abilities welcome, phone 0407 311 899 for more information.
WANGARATTA Orchid Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 6.30pm in St Patrick’s supper room, off Ford Street. Meetings include flower shows and talks, and everyone is welcome. Phone Hans on 0428 119 737.
GLENROWAN Indoor Carpet Bowls is held at Glenrowan Recreation Reserve Hall each Wednesday – arrive 12.45pm for 1pm start.
The competition runs until 3.30pm4pm, and is followed by afternoon tea. New players welcome. Phone Frank on 0409 662 462.
COME and play mahjong at the Wangaratta RSL on Thursdays from 11am. Beginners welcome. Contact Jan on 0429 166 016.
WANGARATTA AL–Anon Family Group meets on Tuesdays from 1.30pm to 3pm at the backstage meeting room at St Patrick‘s Hall in Ford Street.
If your life has been affected by someone else‘s drinking, this group may be for you. Contact David on 0403 552 950 or Bev on 0449 516 828, or phone 1300 252 666.
37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677
WANGARATTA FESTIVAL OF JAZZ Inc. AGM
6pm Tuesday 25 February 2025
The Railyard, Wangaratta, 60 Norton Street RSVP: Eventbrite online
PAPERS: wangjazzblues.com.au
Enquiries: wangjazz.gi s@yahoo.com
CONCRETING , big or small jobs, paths, driveways, shed slabs, verandahs, 15 years experience. For a free quote phone Trev Anderson on 0422 200 761.
MARK’S Mowing, reasonable prices, ride on mowing, edging, clean up, spraying and any waste removal. Ph 0472 603 156.
PAINTER, old school, for all your painting needs, commercial, industrial renovations. Phone Juliano 0412 597 482.
PAINTER. Ovens and King Painting Service, trade quali ed, over 25 years experience, Interior/exteriors, for free quote phone Cherime Demaj 0422 778 257 or 5721 5482.
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.
2013 ISUZU MUX LSU 4X4, turbo diesel, good condition, 280,090kms, reg (1II4XI), $26,000 ONO. Ph 0498 118 997.
2009 Honda CTX BUSHLANDER. Good condition, Approx 14,000kms, VIN 9C2M35UO8R002382, New fork seals, resent oil change, tires 80 %, Everything works, No further use $2,300 ono PH 0499036050.
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Elite, leather seats, services as per logbook. 4 cylinder 2.2lit Diesel, auto, 1WK 1KR,130,000kms, RWC, $26,350.00 ONO. Phone Maxwell K Batey 0419 547 308.
OLD cars wanted, cars removed. Ph 0435 083 115.
MITSUBISHI ASX
2017, 90000km, registered until June 2025 1OJ4NB, $15000. PH 0402 118 361
2022 Volvo XC 60. Registered BVC024 until Jan 2026. Warranty until Jan 2027. Travelled only 48500 Km. Price $45,000. Phone Tony 0409239326 RWC provided.
MAZDA 3 SP25
2009, one owner, 255,000km, RWC, reg (XKA544), immaculately maintained, fullservice history available, very reliable 4cyl 2.5L, auto, $6750. Ph 0409 814 364.
AUDI A4 TDI for sale, local car, 2013 Model, 102,000kms only, pristine condition, 1,000 KLMs per tank on a long trip, rego (1AA8DW), $20,000 firm. Phone Jurgen 0438 500 888.
BRAND NEW BOAT
PACKAGE Stacer 379
2005 Toyota Corolla Ascent Hatchback (TIZ667) May 15. 126,000km, manual, 17" alloy wheels, TRD upgrades, tinted windows, excellent condition $8000. Ph 0438 988 608.
Proline boat, Bimini Boat cover, Honda 15 HP outboard, 7 year warranty, Stacer trailer, 12 months rego, safety gear $13,000. Ph 0429 082 292.
BayHunter runabout, 1992, 4.4 metre aluminium V-hull, with canopy and side window panels, trailer and 40HP Mercury engine, life jackets, reg to Sep 25, $12,000 ONO. Ph 0419 870 472.
YAMAHA XJR1300, excellent condition, only 17,600km, regretful sale due to ill health, $6000. Ph 0427 500 800.
1998 Jayco Eagle 12 folding camper, excellent condition, queen size bed, provisions for 2-3 children comfortably, reg (R91716), $12,000. Ph 0490 780 438.
CHECK OUT OUR NORTH EAST JOBS in today's Regional Extra for more employment opportunities. Published every Wednesday in your Wangaratta Chronicle, Ovens and Murray Advertiser, Myrtleford Times and Alpine Observer
Wangaratta Abattoirs requires a reliable person able to be a delivery driver to distribute carcass meat throughout Victoria and the Riverina to local butchers and supermarkets. Early morning starts to allow delivery to butchers during the day and some heavy lifting is involved. We are prepared to teach the suitable person lifting techniques to assist with carcass deliveries.
HEAVY RIGID LICENSE ESSENTIAL.
This is an opportunity to build towards a long term position with our company. Apply by return response to this advertisement, call Peter Booth on 5721 2349 or come in and see us at 53 Greta Road, Wangaratta.
Wodonga
$121,250 - $132,764 per annum (plus superannuation)
Ongoing, Full Time
The Child Protection Team Manager is responsible for effective service delivery, managing resources and budget, cases awaiting allocation and small teams of practitioners. The Team Manager has the formal delegation to endorse and review case plans to bring about the changes necessary to ensure the safety, stability and development of children and young people and to promote the achievement of case plan objectives within speci ed timeframes. The position will work collaboratively with the Senior Child Protection Practitioners to strengthen case practice, provide effective service delivery and to support other practitioners. The transportation of children is a requirement of this role, as such a valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel, including in country regions is essential. There may be the requirement to work overnight and, travel in evenings and early mornings. Occasionally, additional hours may be required including weekends, to ensure the wellbeing of children.
You will possess an understanding of Aboriginal culture and demonstrate an understanding of the legislative, policy and practice requirements relating to Aboriginal children, families, and communities, including the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle and the programs and initiatives that support its implementation in child protection practice.
Contact for further information: Lisa Moss-Holland lisa.moss-holland@dffh.vic.gov.au or 0428339686
Reference number: DFFH/COPL/381391
Applications close: 26 February 2025
For more information about this opportunity, please go to www.careers.vic.gov.au and download a position description to view departmental information, the selection criteria, our pre employment screening requirements and our Diversity and Inclusion commitments.
BROADBENT
Full or part time opportunity
An opportunity has arisen for a graphic designer to join one of Victoria’s and NSW leading independent news and media groups, based at our Wangaratta office working on newspapers, magazines and digital properties.
North East Media and its related group companies are seeking a graphic designer. You must be able to multitask, have strong organisational skills and be able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines. You must also be a team player who shows initiative and be able to work with minimal supervision.
Your experience will include sound skills developing artwork using Adobe InDesign. Experience designing artwork for multiple digital channels, including websites, social media, email marketing would be an advantage.
If you are looking for a new challenge in an energetic and stimulating environment, we would encourage you to apply.
Applications should be forwarded to:
Kelly Lovell
Creative Services Manager
North East Media klovell@nemedia.com.au www.nemedia.com.au
BROADBENT, Jeff. e Committee of Management, Management, Sta and Residents of St Catherine’s extend our deepest sympathy to Katie, Jane and family on Je ’s passing.
The funeral service to celebrate the life of Mr John Je rey “Je ” Broadbent will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street,Wangaratta on Friday, February 21, 2025 at 10.30am. Burial will follow the service at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery. Donations made in Je ’s honour to Alzheimer’s Australia would be welcomed. Donations can be made online at https://donate.alzheimers.com.au.
Mason Park Funerals 5721 5060 masonpark.com.au
COOPER, Maria “Mia”.
A service to celebrate the life of Maria “Mia” Cooper late of Longwood will be held at Hester Chapel Kittle Bros, 7986, Melbourne Rd South Shepparton on Thursday February 20 at 11am. A private cremation will follow.
DUFFY, Michael Wayne. 3/8/1964 – 15/2/2025 Aged 60 years. Passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side. Devoted husband to Penny. Treasured father to Sarah, Mathew and Kaitlyn. Poppy Mick to Harper, Evie, Ziggy, Harvey “Little Slug” and Reggie “Little Man”. Wonderful friend to many. Rest in peace.
DUFFY
A graveside service to celebrate the life of Mr Michael Du y will be held at the Katamatite Cemetery, Cemetery Rd, Katamatite on Friday, February 21, 2025 commencing at 11am. Brian Walsh Funerals 51 Broadway St, Cobram (03) 5871 1499
ODDIE, Margaret. 21/8/1934 – 14/2/2025 Passed away peacefully at Illoura Residential Age Care. Adored wife of David. Dearly loved mother of Richard, Karen, Jackie and Philip. Loved grandmother of Willow, Kimika, Tess and Travis.
ODDIE
ODDIE, Margaret Rose. The Sta of Illoura Residential Aged Care would like to pass on their condolences to the family and friends of Margaret Oddie. Her passing has saddened the Illoura community.
A celebration to honour the life of Margaret will be held at the Wesleyan Methodist Church, Great Alpine Road, Wangaratta on Friday, February 21, 2025 at 11am. To honour Margaret please wear casual and colourful attire.
A funeral experience... not just a funeral service
Mason Park Funerals P. 03 5721 5060 W. masonpark.com.au
The Wangaratta Warriors under 18 boys and girls division one sides nished their representative season a er competing at the State Championships in Bendigo this past weekend.
The under 18 boys started o day one of the tournament in style, upsetting third ranked Bendigo by six points.
Taking a two-point lead into quarter time, the Warriors extended the lead to seven at half-time and while Bendigo threw everything at them, the Warriors remained calm under pressure, taking the game 47-41.
Game two against Bellarine was a shooting display by the Warriors, who held a 12-point quarter time lead and then outscored Bellarine 45-14 over the remaining three quarters.
The last day of the game
was against arch-rival Wodonga, who the Warriors had had mixed results against this season, notably a fourpoint loss the weekend before at the Wodonga tournament.
It was a lacklustre start by both sides, with the Warriors leading 10-7 at quarter time.
The second and third quarters were a di erent story, with the Warriors dominating the play and outscoring Wodonga 26-8, taking a 36-15 lead at three quarter time.
Wodonga outscored the Warriors 24-10 in the last quarter, but the game was well and truly over, seeing the boys win 46-39 and qualify for a spot in division one (top eight in the state) and a quarter nal matchup against Ma ra.
The quarter nal was a back-and-forth contest, with
both sides not giving an inch, however Ma ra were able to hit some key shots late in
the game, while the Warriors shots just wouldn’t drop.
The Warriors eventually
went down 51-57, bringing their season to an end.
For top aged players Harry Pople, Blake Newton, Charlie Maher and Jack Ford, this bought to an end their junior careers.
The U18 girls rst day of the tournament saw them up against perennial powerhouses Korrumburra and Ballarat (both teams who went onto make the grandnal and semi nal respectively) and while the girls battled hard, they lost both games.
Game three against Swan Hill was a di erent story, with the Warriors taking a fourpoint quarter time lead and were down by two at half time.
Foul trouble and Swan Hill’s increased defensive pressure in the second half saw the Warriors go down 3951, seeing them qualify for division two and a quarter
nal against Southern Peninsula.
The quarter nal started well for the Warriors, taking a three-point quarter time lead, however a 14-2 second quarter by Southern Peninsula saw the Warriors down by nine at half-time.
The third quarter was a tight contest, with the Warriors turning up their defensive pressure holding the opponents to six, but just couldn’t impact the scoreboard and were down by 11 at three quarter time.
Unfortunately, Southern Peninsula turned up their pressure in the fourth quarter, forcing a number of turnovers which resulted in easy scores for them and while the Warriors battled hard, they couldn’t stop the onslaught and ended up going down 52-25.
DI Lucas has been a orded life membership of the Wangaratta Hardcourt Tennis Club, in recognition of decades of service.
Club president Dot Fox ofcially presented Di with the honour at the club on Saturday, March 8, and re ected on her many outstanding contributions.
“Di started playing tennis for Yarrunga in the Church and District Tennis Association, and when they folded she moved to out club playing Wednesday night ladies and Saturday competitions,” she said.
AWAY: Moyhu’s Stuart Day sends down a shot in the B1 qualifying final at Wangaratta on Saturday.
OF
B1: MOYHU pushed minor premiers Myrtleford all the way in Saturday’s qualifying nal at Wangaratta. Moyhu kept pace with their more fancied rivals for most of the match but fell away in the dying stages.
Charlie Thompson, Max Baker, Joe Northey and Neale Grimshaw did their best to li the locals over the line with a strong 21-14 win
over Graham Burrington’s rink, while Robert Morgans, Stuart Brain, Max Montgomery and Stewart Day fell by the same margin to Je Stagg’s rink, 15-22. Ian Ritchie, Neil Magee, Howard White and Anthea Nockels struggled against a Myrtleford rink with several fringe A1 players skipped by Les Brown and went down 14-24.
Moyhu will play St James in this
week’s preliminary nal at Wangaratta, for a chance to have another shot at Myrtleford in the grandnal the following week.
Final scores: Myrtleford 60 shots def Moyhu 50 shots.
In other games held at Wangaratta on Saturday, Corowa RSL won their way into the A1 grand nal with victory over Rutherglen 77-68, and Wodonga ended Yar-
rawonga’s season with a narrow 78-75 win.
In the A3, Mans eld upset Beechworth (89-77) to reach the grand nal while Swanpool earned a crack at Beechworth in this week’s preliminary nal at Wangaratta, for a spot in the nal a er beating Tungamah 86-58.
In the other B1 match, St James defeated Tungamah 59-55.
“Di could see the need for a Saturday morning junior competition, which she started, and had well over 200 players.
“With insu cient courts at the club she approached Wangaratta High School and Galen College, who provided four courts each, and competition ran successfully for many years.”
Ms Fox said Di had also served as a member of the match committee for a decade (1997-2007), and she holds the club record for championship titles- having won 29 in total.
“Di and her partner were ladies doubles champs from 1994-2007; she and her partner were mixed doubles champs from 1997-2008; and she was singles champ from 2003-2006,” she said.
“Di is still playing on a Saturday for the club.”
THERE were only a few sections with a clear winner in the latest round of senior aggregate tennis at the Wangaratta Lawn Tennis Croquet and Pickleball Club on Saturday.
Section one saw Mark Brown (2112) take top honours from Kevin Callahan (21-14), with Ryan Patterson breaking even at 18-18.
Mark Wettern was four games o the pace with his 14-20, while Joe Allen came in with 12-22.
In section two, only two games separated rst from second, with Andrew Lindner (24-16) getting the
job done ahead of Mario Pane (2218).
Mandy Allen was two games behind in third with 18-20, while Matt Curran (17-21) nished ahead of Shane Flynn (17-23).
Geo Kyne more than accounted for his competition, taking out section three with his solid score of 24-14.
Ashley Weston took second place with 18-20, narrowly edging out John Mans eld on 18-21, with Thomas McDonald slightly behind on 17-21.
with just two games separating rst from fourth.
Mel Henderson came out on top with 23-18, managing to hold o Maree Sullivan (22-21), Michelle Flynn (21-20) and Andrew Cope (2121).
Pat Flynn came in with 17-24.
In section ve, Mark Gorman took out top honours with his score of 22-14, with Phil Dryden snapping at his heels with 20-16.
of section six, out in front with an impressive 24-9.
Tim Dickinson (19-13), Mick Keogh (14-16), Sue Piper (11-21), and Robyn Snowdon (10-19) rounded out the section.
Results
Section: 1
Mark Brown 21-12, Kevin Callahan 21-14, Ryan Patterson 18-18, Mark Wettern 14-20, Joe Allen 1222.
■ From back page
“Against teams like that you need a bit more depth – once you let them o the leash, they bat right down to nine or 10.”
Bursill said if the league wants to be competitive at Country Week, the onus of selection should be put back on the clubs.
“Clubs should ask players to represent their clubs, because it’s a good look for the club to send their best players down,” he said.
“Hopefully the clubs can have a bit more input, all clubs.
“Out of the initial squad the WDCA put up, I think only eight players put their hands up to go.
“From what the WDCA thought were possibly the 30 better players in the league, with only eight going and having to nd another ve players, it’s disappointing.”
Section: 3
Geo Kyne 24-14, Ashley Weston 18-20, John Mans eld 18-21, Thomas McDonald 17-21.
Section: 4
Mel Henderson 23-18, Maree Sullivan 22-21, Michelle Flynn 21-20, Andrew Cope 21-21, Pat Flynn 17-24. Section: 5
Mark Gorman 22-14, Phil Dryden 20-16, Peter Curran 18-18, Terry Flynn 12-24.
By JUD MULLINS
OVENS clinched the house title at Wangaratta High School’s 109th swimming carnival, held at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre on Friday.
It was the 11th triumph for Ovens since 1953, its rst since 2020, and only its second in the last 20 years.
Ovens dominated the event, nishing on 443 points to win easily from defending champion and winner of eight of the last 10 years, King (357), followed by Wareena (352) and Merriwa (282).
The talented Ovens year 12s earned a whopping 194 points themselves to be the most proli c cohort across the school, with the boys earning 120 of those points.
King year sevens (122 points), Merriwa year nines (112), Merriwa year sevens (96) and Ovens year sevens (93) were the next strongest groups.
Principal Dave Armstrong presented the 14 Ovens house
captains with the shield at the school’s performing arts centre, with senior captains Tom Ford, Ned O’Kane, Clare Collins and Claire Christison holding it alo , anked by their younger counterparts.
Of the 13 age group champion medals awarded, Ovens and Wareena gathered the most (four each), followed by King (3), and Merriwa (2).
They went to: 13 boysNoah Anderson (Wareena) and Ollie Fisher (Merriwa); 13 girls - Imogen Rocchiccioli (King); 14 boys - Henry Lloyd (Wareena) and Mason Skermer (Wareena); 14 girls - Havarna Long (Ovens); 15 boys - Oskar McGahan (Ovens); 15 girls - Inanay Gilson (Merriwa); 16 girls - Lillian Hooper (King); 17 boys - Merlin Tzaros (Wareena); 17 girls - Milly O’Kane (King); 18+ boys - Ned O’Kane (Ovens); 18+ girls - Isabelle Hooper (Ovens).
A new star was born at the carnival, with year seven student Imogen Rocchiccioli winning every race by a
number of body lengths using immaculate technique, even the 50m butter y.
Year 11s Merlin Tzaros also won all of his races, and year 10 Lillian Hooper was also undefeated, however Jada Ryan almost got her in the 50m backstroke, which was an incredible dead heat in the best race of the carnival.
A number of age group champions made signi cant history.
Last year’s top 10-in-Aus-
tralia triathlete Merlin Tzaros won his h straight title, and Lillian Hooper her four in a row. Both are now one step closer to the ‘straight ush’ (six titles), which only 12 have ever accomplished.
Milly O’Kane and Isabelle Hooper both now have three in their quivers, while Oskar McGahan and Ned O’Kane are now two-time champions.
Milly’s title has seen her climb to eighth on the
school’s all-time leaderboard of combined age group champion wins (swimming and athletics).
With ve carnivals remaining for the year 10 student, she has a total of ve, just three shy of leader Rowan Barrow who has eight (six swimming, two athletics).
Year 12s Tom Ford, beaten to the medal this year by Ned O’Kane, remains on seven, equal second alltime with Brianna Archer
and Xanthea Dewez. He can still level with Barrow, if he wins at the athletics carnival in August.
Fittingly, Barrow was a special guest at the carnival to present the age group champion medals.
Now physical education teacher at Wangaratta District Specialist School, Barrow is a six-time champion, multiple-time state gold medallist swimmer, and holds the most all-time records at the high school’s swimming carnival with seven.
She was also a four-time state triathlon champion.
Year 9 student Inanay Gilson also joins that illustrious ‘both carnivals’ list, boasting a total of three, with seven carnivals remaining.
In a great sign for WHS sport, the school’s year seven cohort scored the most points (392) of any year level on the day, even the year 12s (391) who were one point behind. The year nines (221) were the third most active, in front of the year 11s (166).
ANGUS Fraser and Nick Jones leap into the pool at the WSAC in Wangaratta High School’s 109th swimming Carnival.
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
WDCA cricketers are back in the North East following a disheartening campaign at Melbourne Country Week. The local representative side faced South West Cricket for their nal match on Thursday, hoping to record their rst win of the tournament at the Syd McGain Oval in Strathmore. Their closest match of the tournament, WDCA would come up just 37 runs short, bowled out for 224 chasing 9/261. The WDCA bowlers had a tough time wrangling the South West batting line up, regularly going for more than four runs an over.
stumps out LBW, but the South West top order would continue to pile on the runs.
to be on their game from the rst ball.
Paddy McNamara would break a 50-run opening partnership a er hitting Eddie Lucas in front of the
Brothers Josh Nanson (4/57) and Tyler Nanson (2/60) ripped through the middle order but copped some stick on the way, while gloveman Ryan Collier was kept busy behind the stumps, pouching four catches.
With 262 needed at a tick over ve runs an over, the WDCA batters would need
A er Cooper Matheson fell for a quick re 26 from 19, opener Tyler Nanson anchored the innings, working his way to a half century before he was dismissed for 69 o 77.
At 4/130, WDCA were in trouble, and while there were some handy contributions from the middle order, no one went on with the innings.
WDCA nished the tournament winless at ninth overall, avoiding the wooden spoon by having a better net run rate by 0.096.
Squad member Dylan Bursill said it was a long week for the team.
“We were pretty disappointed with how we went on- eld,” he said.
“Hopefully the WDCA can continue to do Country Week and put some better sides together in future.
“We probably needed a few extra top order batters, and our bowling was very light on.
“We had Paddy McNamara and Matt Ryan, who are really handy bowlers, but a er that the bowling was pretty light.
“We got found out when we were bowling and in the eld, couldn’t really make any breakthroughs with the ball.
■ Continued page 18
