Wangaratta Chronicle 190423

LEGO MASTERS AT THE LIBRARY

rolling average of patients in intensive care reaching 11.

A total of 30 COVIDrelated deaths were

reported to the department in the past week, which is up 108 per cent when compared to the same period last month. The increase in transmission is believed to be being driven by the combination of waning

immunity and the growth in recent weeks of multiple strains of Omicron.

Last Thursday there were 30 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Wangaratta over the seven days prior - the highest weekly increase since the first week of January.

Northeast Health Wangaratta executive director clinical operations, Bernadette Hammond, said COVID continues to circulate in the community

but numbers in the rural city at the moment are very low.

She said the facility is well prepared to deal with the widespread impacts of the virus.

“At the moment there tend to be three to four people with COVID, or COVID-like symptoms, in our hospital at any one time,” she said.

“We have ongoing plans in place for staff illness from

COVID, or other infectious diseases, to manage any potential impact on service provision.”

Eligible Victorians who have not had a COVID vaccination or confirmed infection in the past six months can now receive their 2023 booster, with 4.4 million Victorians currently eligible.

The Department of Health says vaccination continues to provide the best protection

against becoming severely unwell or dying from COVID-19, irrespective of how many prior doses a person has received.

A free booster appointment can be booked through a local GP or pharmacy including South Wangaratta Medical Centre and Ramsay Pharmacy in Ovens Street or visit www. healthdirect.gov.au to search for a provider.

■ Further story page 2

PHOTO:

Don’t ignore booster dose

LOCAL pharmacist and pharmacist immuniser Kim Ching said a 2023 booster dose is recommended six months after receiving your last COVID-19 vaccine dose or confirmed infection, regardless of the number of initial doses received, for adults aged 65 years and over, and those aged 18 to 64 who have medical comorbidities that increase their risk of severe COVID-19 or disability with significant or complex health needs.

She said adults aged 18 to 64 years without risk factors for severe COVID-19 and children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 years with risk factors for severe COVID-19 can consider a 2023 booster dose based on an individual risk-benefit assessment with your immunisation provider.

“An additional COVID-19 booster dose is anticipated to address the waning of protection against severe COVID-19 before winter,” she said.

“This will increase protection against severe illness and protect the healthcare system during a time of high demand.”

Booster doses are not recommended for children and adolescents under the age of 18 who do not have any risk factors for severe COVID-19.

The six month interval replaces previous interval advice recognising that most people have had prior vaccination and infection (hybrid immunity) and are well protected against severe infection during the period.

In regards to whether ongoing COVID-19 booster doses will be re-

quired, Ms Ching said time will tell.

“People will likely need booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines in the future, but the best timing and frequency of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses are not yet known,” she said.

“It will depend on factors such as the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2, the potential emergence of new variants, and the duration of protection against serious illness from existing and new vaccines.

“The evidence is constantly being reviewed.”

For those wanting to fully protect themselves from ill health before winter arrives, the good news is the COVID-19 vaccine can be co-administered with influenza and other vaccines.

Inland Rail blowout

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

pj

A HOST of “disturbing” findings uncovered during a recent independent review of the Inland Rail project has detailed a lack of governance, delays and massive cost blowouts as key issues facing the development going forward.

Wangaratta-based Independent Indi MP Helen Haines said a report published by Dr Kerry Schott in recent weeks had brought to light significant shortcomings in the freighting project, outlining a cost blowout of an estimated $14b and delays of as many as four years compared to a 2020 estimate.

The project is now expected to cost an estimated $31b, and not be completed in full before 2031, following a host of approval delays across the route, particularly in Queensland.

The report, which was re-

quested by the Albanese Government late last year, lodged 19 recommendations to improve the direction of the project, all of which were quickly accepted by federal stakeholders earlier this month.

Preparatory works around Wangaratta Railway Station are set to commence in the next month, ahead of major construction work in the region.

Specific changes to the Wangaratta Railway Station precinct, in order to increase clearance to facilitate the Inland Rail project’s double-stacked freight trains to run from Melbourne to Brisbane, will see:

• the two Wangaratta Railway Station footbridges removed and replaced with a single pedestrian underpass;

• railway tracks lowered and the Green Street bridge replaced in the same location on the same alignment; and

• the existing track and platform on the eastern side of Wangaratta Railway Station relocated, so it sits parallel to the current track on the western side of the station.

Dr Haines said the Schott report into the Inland Rail project has made disturbing findings on a number of issues, including advice that was not heeded, lack of governance and planning and massive cost blowouts.

“The government has accepted all the recommendations and I hope to see action that benefits the communities in Indi affected by the Inland Rail project,” she said.

“I have had serious questions about the Inland Rail for some years and brought the deputy Prime Minister here in 2021, to hear firsthand the community concerns.

“I will continue to work closely with communities in Indi to ensure they are listened to and their towns retain or improve amenity and quality rail precincts.”

Recommendations lodged by Dr Schott included the appointment of a specialised chair and directors to oversee the Inland Rail project, as well as a permanent chief executive officer for the first time in 18 months.

Her directives would also see Inland Rail become a subsidiary of the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), limiting the risk of the national body being distracted from its business-asusual responsibilities by the Inland Rail project.

Speaking to the National Press Club earlier this month, incumbent Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said the project’s operation under the previous government had provided significant lessons about “how not to do nation-building”.

“The simple fact is the past decade where the Liberal and National Party treated the infrastructure investment pipeline as their own election fund has been one of significant lost opportunity,” she said.

“They chose to spend money on commuter car parks, urban congestion projects and roads of strategic importance that miraculously seemed largely only to be needed in Liberal and National Party seats.

“Dr Schott found significant concerns about the governance and delivery of the project - it is, frankly, a damning indictment on the National Party and a salutary lesson as to why they should never have their hands on portfolios with large discretionary funds again.”

To read Dr Schott’s full report, visit https://www.inlandrail.gov. au/understanding-inland-rail/ publications-and-reports/delivery-inland-rail-independentreview.

PAYING THE PRICE: Significant delays and a cost blowout of around $14b on 2020 estimates have been uncovered following an independent review of the Inland Rail project.

GET BOOSTED: The Department of Health says vaccination continues to provide the best protection against becoming severely unwell or dying from COVID-19.

PHOTO: Pexels

Tony’s Trek promotes mental wellbeing

EFFORTS to raise awareness around the toll emergency service work can take on volunteers will be the focus of a barbecue next week at Wangaratta’s SES headquarters.

Monday’s event coincides with the arrival of Emergency Services Foundation chair Tony Pearce to Wangaratta, as part of an ongoing solo ultra-distance walk through areas impacted by the 2019/20 bushfires.

Having already walked from Melbourne to Mallacoota and then crossed the Alpine range towards Wodonga, Wangaratta will mark the first major stop on the final leg of Mr Pearce’s 1500km walk over 50 days.

Set to commence at 6pm, Monday’s barbecue is expected to bring together community members and emergency services personnel with the opportunity to speak with Mr Pearce, who also serves

as the state’s inspector general for emergency management.

The event will also raise funds for Mr Pearce’s walk, known as ‘Tony’s Trek’, which aims to implement a lived experience program to reduce mental health stigma within the emergency services sector and a research program to prevent further mental injury within the space.

Funds would also go towards a pilot residential

wellbeing program which could bring together emergency workers who are mentally struggling and help them address workrelated concerns and develop resilience.

To confirm your attendance at Wangaratta’s Handley Street headquarters for Monday’s event, contact Jess on 0448 024 128.

To donate to Tony’s Trek, visit www.esf.com. au/tonys-trek.

Drug stop dodger handed fine

COVERING GROUND: Emergency Services Foundation chair Tony Pearce is currently walking 1500km over 50 days through bushfireimpacted areas of Victoria to raise awareness around mental wellbeing within the emergency services sector.

ACCOLADE: Quality Hotel

Wangaratta

Gateway general managers Wendy and Peter Lester are thrilled by the recognition of the International Best of Choice Award.

Inter national International recognition for Gateway for

HOT on the heels of its success in the 2022 Choice Hotels AsiaPac Hotel of the Year awards last month, Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway has been awarded an International Best of Choice Award for 2022.

The International Best of Choice Award places the venue among the best Quality properties in the Choice Hotels International network of more than 2000 Quality hotels globally.

This award follows the venue’s selection in the Hotel of the Year Awards 2022, as one of five AsiaPac Choice franchisees exceeding excellent customer service and amazing guest experiences, chosen from 19 Gold Award winning hotels from 2022.

Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway general managers Wendy and Peter Lester are thrilled by the recognition of the International Best of Choice Award.

“It is an honour to be recognised for our customer service excellence and commitment to continuous improvement,” Wendy said.

“This accolade is a credit to all of our team, some of whom have been with us since we purchased the Gateway and first called Wangaratta home some 29 years ago.

“We look forward to representing the Asia-Pac region at the Choice International Convention in

Las Vegas next week.”

Built in 1988, the property in Ryley Street was acquired by the family-owned Jones Hotel Group in 1993 and renamed Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway under the Choice Hotels Asia Pac banner.

The business proposition has evolved over the last 29 years under the guidance of on-site managers and company directors Peter and Wendy Lester, and currently employs 72 local people.

A MOTORIST who attempted to dodge a police drug and alcohol bus along Wangaratta’s main thoroughfare has been hit with a $500 fine, after being found to be unlicenced during a subsequent intercept.

Facing Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Monday, the accused man pleaded guilty to a charge of unlicenced driving, after he abruptly turned right onto Handley Street after identifying a police roadside testing vehicle in the inbound lane in December last year.

Police later intercepted the man, who was found to have had his licence cancelled in July following another police matter believed to have taken place at a petrol station.

He told police at the scene of the December 1 intercept he had been unaware his licence had been cancelled, a position he reiterated to Magistrate Alexandra Burt on Monday.

“I’d gotten a fine for something that had nothing to do with a driving offence,” he told the court.

He said he had not received a court date in the wake of the matter, and had been unaware of any resulting penalties.

He was not said to have tested for drugs or alcohol following the intercept.

Defending himself in court, the defendant said he had been clean of drugs for two years and had since sold his car in an effort to deter any further transgressions, but admitted he needed his licence to care for family members.

“For me to have a licence is quite a big thing at the moment,” he told the court.

“I’ve cleaned my life up.

“I understand I’ve done something wrong and I need to be penalised, simple as that.”

Magistrate Burt didn’t cancel the accused’s licence, but instead fined him a total of $500 and urged him to contact VicRoads before getting behind the wheel again.

Holiday fun with racing robots

YOUTH had a chance to try out Sphero robots in a Fun With Spheros program, as part of the school holiday fun, at Wangaratta Library last Friday.

The sphere robots would race around the floor and were controlled remotely by iPads. Each child had fun controlling their Sphero robots as they raced around and dodged obstacles in the room.

FUN TOGETHER: Jane Thomas, Maggie Thomas, Evy Bongers and Alana Thomas dodging obstacles with their Spheros together.

RACING ROBOTS: Ana Hack and Eli Hack having fun at the Fun With Spheros school holiday event.

PHOTOS: Chloe Jaenicke

DODGING OBSTACLES: Callan Foster controlling his Sphero robots to dodge obstacles.

ROBOTIC

Cooper Howse racing his Sphero robot around the room.

Conveniently located directly opposite the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery, the Mason Park Chapel is a beautiful venue to host the Funeral ceremony of a loved one.

We are equipped with the latest audio visual technology including livestreaming, have plenty of off street parking, and the option of the adjacent Memories Room Function Centre.

Mason Park Funerals

SPHERO FUN: Chase Glendennings, Lily Britton and Chester Glendennings enjoying playing with their Sphero robots.

FUN:

SES women to the rescue in Wangaratta

FEMALE VICSES volunteers from across the Hume region came together in Wangaratta at the weekend, as part of the region’s VICSES Women in Rescue (WIR) event.

The growing initiative, which celebrates women in emergency operations, allows female volunteers to get hands-on with tools and equipment, share rescue skills and network in a safe and supportive environment.

Women from across the North East, including SES brigades at Myrtleford, Euroa, Cobram, Seymour, Yarrawonga, Wodonga, Kinglake, Tallangatta, Seymour, Shepparton and Numurkah, as well as Kiewa CFA members, turned out to Saturday’s event, which saw a 93 per cent increase in uptake across the state this year.

Wangaratta attendees undertook a number of skills-based demonstrations throughout the day, including road crash rescue techniques, chainsaw skills and casualty handling training.

VICSES chief executive officer Stephen Griffin said the event, which was held at eight locations across the state, had proved a valuable initiative for volunteers of all skill levels.

“The Women in Rescue initiative provides a great opportunity for both experienced and newer members to come together and share their skills and knowledge in a supportive environment,” he said.

“It also provides a fantastic opportunity to network with fellow female volunteers from across your region.

“WIR aims to empower women to showcase their skills in contributing to the safety of our communities - it is critical that we reflect the communities we serve, and build the confidence and leader-

Light shone on honesty box thief

A WANGARATTA man who attempted to steal from a roadside honesty box before running from the scene when confronted by a property owner in 2021 has escaped conviction.

The 47-year-old was said to have visited the Glenrowan Road property around 8pm on September 4, using a torch to light his way as he attempted to gain access to an honesty box used by the victim to raise funds for his grandchildren through the sale of manure.

Facing Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Monday, the defendant pleaded guilty to a single charge of attempted theft, after Magistrate Alexandra Burt deemed a financial penalty appropriate, with police unable to ascertain exactly how much money may have been taken.

The defendant had initially disputed the charge and contended he had not been at the scene, despite being identified by the victim and allegedly leaving behind a bag containing an identification card.

When confronted by the victim, the accused allegedly said his friend’s vehicle had been bogged down the road and, in an effort to strengthen his alibi, later told police his bag had been stolen the night previous and none of his friends had vehicles.

The court heard the accused and victim had history, with the victim allegedly providing the accused with accommodation in the preceding months.

Defence counsel Nancy Battiato said her client did not have a record of dishonesty before the courts, and was currently unemployed on a government subsidy.

Magistrate Burt noted there were aspects of the case which “don’t read very well” for the accused.

ship among our women in orange.

“Our female first responders at VICSES are incredible, and attend highly complex, challenging incidents - our Women in Rescue

event showcases their life-saving skills, using the latest rescue technology and training.”

Across the state, some 1655 females volunteer with SES, a figure

which makes up 34 per cent of the volunteer-base.

To volunteer with VICSES, or for further information, visit ses.vic. gov.au/join-us.

She said his eventual plea of guilty was a “sensible decision”. “One thing I didn’t like hearing in the summary is that you had history with this man and in the past he’d helped you,” she noted.

She fined the accused a total of $300.

SHOWING HER SKILLS: Wangaratta SES volunteer Emma Lawrence was one of a number of women from across the North East who undertook road crash rescue training at the weekend’s Women in Rescue event at Wangaratta.

Rail review shows nation’s deficiencies

THE recent independent review of the nation’s Inland Rail has shone another light on how far behind the rest of the world Australia is when it comes to rail transit.

Anticipated costs have almost doubled and up to four years has already been added to the project, which has barely been able to gather steam since initial works commenced five years ago.

Communities across three states have undergone significant consultation processes, and yet, the 1700km railway line designed to overhaul freighting practices along the east coast remains without direction.

For such a major infrastructure project which covers such a vast portion of Australia, it’s disappointing it may take a highly-publicised investigation into its shortcomings to promote real action from key stakeholders.

The project should have been a priority, not a commitment which was allowed to meander along, racking up billions of dollars in debt and absorbing the valuable time of the nation’s skilled workers.

Promisingly, the Federal Government has accepted 19 new recommendations to whip the project back into shape, with an eye to preventing construction from spiraling into further debt.

With the project now under the control of the Albanese Government, it will be interesting to see how construction develops in the coming months and years, and whether these blowouts can be slowly recovered through strong management.

For a nation which continues to lag behind much of the developed world when it comes to the reliability of its rail transit system, this project is of particular importance.

These blowouts can’t be allowed to happen again.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

The Australian QuizNo.20

1 The song, Ain’t No Sunshine, was written by which musician?

(a) Bill Withers

(b) Carole King

(c) Neil Diamond

(d) Joan Baez

2 Who claimed pole position for the 2022 Australian Formula One Grand Prix?

(a) Max Verstappen

(b) Sergio Pérez

(c) Lando Norris

(d) Charles Leclerc

3 Which of the following words is the best description of a self-taught person?

(a) Libertine

(b) Cortege

(c) Autodidact

(d) Argute

4 Who was quoted as saying, “Women who seek to be equal with men lack ambition”?

(a) Germaine Greer

(b) Margaret Thatcher

(c) Timothy Leary

(d) Winston Churchill

5 As at January 2022, what was the approximate population of Qatar?

(a) 2.8 million

(b) 14.7 million

(c) 26.5 million

(d) 41.3 million

Solar farm proposal doesn’t add up

WOULD Brown Bros cover their vineyards with solar panels?

Definitely not you say, that would be ridiculous, they would lose all that income from the vines.

And it could never be restored to its former productivity.

Why then is it OK, for the Meadow Creek Solar Farm (MCSF) to cover 566 hectares of prime beef producing land at Meadow Creek with solar panels?

The amount of lost beef production has been calculated by the Meadow Creek Agricultural Community Action Group (MCACAG) in the article (Wangaratta Chronicle, February 24).

It states the annual loss of beef production would amount to $5.66 million, over 50 years that would come to $283m and with inflation over a billion dollars over 100 years.

It’s a loss we can’t afford, not just to Meadow Creek, but to Wangaratta, Benalla and wider afield.

And as the MCSF has a productive life of up to 30 years, but the panels degrade being only 80 per cent productive after 20 years, will the solar farm be viable then?

As for the decommissioning, the MSCF operators say that at the end of the solar farm’s life they will develop a decommissioning plan, the cost will be astronomical.

But they have not been required to put up a bond, and there will be nothing stopping them from walking away, leaving the landholder and the community with a gigantic, fire hazard, pest infested, junk heap which will be unproductive forever.

For the reasons stated above, everyone should join the MCACAG, in making sure the Meadow Creek Solar Farm is never built.

John Moore, Wangaratta

Upgraded signs seem an extravigance

THIS morning as I left home I was bitterly disappointed to see our Greta town sign had been updated.

My question to the Rural City of Wangaratta - why?

I noticed Wangaratta had recently updated signs. Again why?

Our town sign wasn’t damaged, defaced or in any way offensive.

6 Who provides the voice for Bart Simpson in the TV series, The Simpsons?

(a) Yeardley Smith

(b) Nancy Cartwright

(c) Dan Castellaneta

(d) Harry Shearer

7 Famous artist Albrecht Dürer was born on 21 May of which year?

(a) 1471

(b) 1571

(c) 1671

(d) 1771

8 The Kingdom of Dahomey was a kingdom located on which continent from approximately 1600 until 1904?

(a) South America

(b) Europe

(c) Asia

(d) Africa

9 What type of liquid is used to make traditional South African amasi?

(a) Milk

(b) Water

(c) Beer

(d) Red wine

10How many medals did Leisel Jones win at the Summer Olympics?

(a) Five

(b) Seven

(c) Nine

(d) Ten

SERVING THE COMMUNITY: NEMA’s first session as a part of the disaster support program for multicultural communities in the North East was a success in Wangaratta on Saturday with attendees learning valuable lessons in emergency preparedness. Attendees included (back, from left) Kulvir Kaur (NEMA), Bronwyn Chapman (SES), Faryal Nawaz Khan (NEMA), Helen Parfett (Victoria Police), Sharon Squires (NEMA); (front, from left) Lulu Hou (NEMA) and Safa Molan (Rural City of Wangaratta).

This need to update and PC everything is out of hand.

Have you heard of sustainability?

Seriously our rates are through the roof. We get fined for not using bins correctly, but council can waste unknown amounts putting up unwanted, unnecessary and not needed signage.

Michelle Younger, Greta

Don’t let the rhetoric overpower the truth

IN the many letters to this paper over the many years I have read, there has been a consistent conservative bent by several writers that leans to the right and to a form of populism devoid of facts and truth.

We have seen in our federal seat of Indi the rejection of this type of politics.

I would think the folks of Indi will vote to support an Indigenous Voice to the federal constitution no matter the confusion propagated by those opposed.

There is ample information available about The Voice if you care to look.

Luke Davies, Wangaratta

Council should hold tight on fourth bin

I NOTE that the Victorian Government will this year be offering a rebate for both plastics and glass bottles.

It’s my view the proposed provision of a fourth bin in the Rural City of Wangaratta should be delayed until we see if there’s a necessity.

Brian Fox, Wangaratta

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

Email edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au

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

1 (a) Bill Withers 2 (d) Charles Leclerc 3 (c) Autodidact 4 (c) Timothy Leary 5 (a)

million

(b) Nancy Cartwright 7 (a) 1471 8 (d) Africa

(a) Milk 10 (c) Nine

52 artists share expressions of action at Wangaratta Art Gallery

BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au

A TOURING exhibition which features the artwork of 52 Australian artists and collectives from across Australia, created around the theme of the importance of art as action, will open at the Wangaratta Art Gallery this week.

Called 52 ACTIONS, it emerged from a year-long project created by Artspace in 2018 called 52 ARTISTS

52 ACTIONS, which invited artists and collectives from across Asia to stage actions in unique, physical locations throughout the region and share them with global audiences on Instagram and online.

Artspace curator Talia Linz said then it was one of the first online projects of its kind using Instagram as a platform for artwork, and it transitioned into a book and a physical exhibition in the gallery. She said they wanted to do another iteration of the project, as they found it a great way to support a broad range and large number of artists, but this time they put it into a national context.

“52 Actions began similarly as an online project in 2020/21 (due to COVID),

commissioning artists living and working in Australia to develop and present new works,” she said.

“While there was always an online and digital component, there were also actions taking place in physical form within various communities.

“The invitation was nonprescriptive and very opento look at art as action - and an action can be anything and everything an artist

uses to communicate.

“It’s thinking about what art is - what it can do both within and outside the gallery context - as politics, culture, a means for understanding and connecting, of holding memories and shifting perspectives - all these kinds of ideas of what the role of the artist and art is.”

The team from Artspace then worked with the participating artists to create an exhibition that could travel, and

it will visit more than a dozen venues through until 2025.

Ms Linz said a flexible model was designed so the exhibition could expand or contract depending on the venue, with a screening program at its heart to showcase the many video works created.

She said in Wangaratta, screenings will take place beyond the gallery, with retailer Harvey Norman having come on board as a partner to show three works in

its Wangaratta store during opening hours for the duration of the exhibition.

At the opening of 52 ACTIONS on Friday night there will also be a bicycle projector giving audiences the opportunity to interact and pedal, to view the artists and their video works.

Ms Linz said she’s enjoyed working with the team at Wangaratta Art Gallery and pleased to be able present what is a truly unique exhi-

SYDNEY CREATIVE: Artspace curator Talia Linz will visit Wangaratta this week to oversee the installation of 52 ACTIONS.

bition - involving 52 contemporary Australian artists - to regional and rural locations.

“I feel very lucky to be able to travel and see these very different places and meet the people there, to see what is of interest to the community, meet the local artists and discover what their focus is and the issues which are pertinent to them,” she said.

Each of the artists in explores critical and timely ideas around discrimination, climate justice, migration stories and the unceded sovereignty of First Nations Peoples, through mediums including photography, textiles, illustration, sculpture, ceramics, sound and video and many more.

Artspace’s acclaimed 52 ACTIONS will open at the Wangaratta Art Gallery on Friday, April 21 from 5.30pm to 7pm with all welcome and RSVP to 5722 0865 or by visiting www.wangarattaartgallery.com.au.

Founding chair leaves lasting legacy

INTO Our Hands Community Foundation founding chair Loretta Carroll is set to stand down from the board, following a decade of service which saw almost $1m injected into the local community in the wake of the 2009 North East bushfires.

a disaster we probably didn’t handle as well as we could, but if we’d had the expertise or a community organisation to help, we could do better next time,” Ms Carroll said.

YEARS OF COMMUNITY CARE: Into Our Hands chair Ruth Kneebone (left) and founding chair Loretta Carroll, who will stand down from the board after more than a decade of service to North East communities.

A community advisory committee of local townspeople affected by the fires, which initially sat at Myrtleford in the immediate wake of the devastating fires, started a number of projects led by the foundation, each of which Ms Carroll played a key role in.

“We felt the 2009 bushfire was

“We often don’t realise the value of a local foundation like Into Our Hands until we have an immediate need for support or access to grants for worthwhile projects.

“It’s something we can all contribute to for the betterment of our communities.”

Myrtleford’s demand for a community organisation committed to the long haul has seen some

School holiday fun at the library

THE Wangaratta Library is hosting a series of events for the school holidays this week.

Library children’s and youth services officer, Tanya Hopper, said the school holiday programs booked out quickly and she is expecting around 20 kids to show up to both the scavenger hunt and the Lego challenges this week.

The scavenger hunt, which is happening today at 2.30pm, will put the kids to the test as they search for all the clues to find all the items on the scavenger list.

Then on Friday at 10.30am, the library will be hosting Lego challenges

where the kids will be doing more than just building with the blocks.

They will be expected to compete in both 10 minute challenges as well as a car race to see whose car can

make it the furthest on balloon power.

Last week, the library also hosted stop motion with Stikbots and a fun with Spheros workshop for the school holidays.

$1.2m injected into North East communities since the foundation’s inception, $970,000 of which occurred under Ms Carroll’s leadership, and resulted in Ms Carroll being named a member of the Order of Australia in 2021.

Since 2012, Into Our Hands has overseen 170 grants, supported more than 130 community and non-profit organisations.

Current Into Our Hands chair Ruth Kneebone said Ms Carroll had left a lasting impact on the foundation.

“After 10 years on the Into Our Hands board and several as chair,

we are extremely sad to see Loretta go,” she said.

“Her direction and leadership of this foundation has helped it to become the well-respected community institution it is today.

“Loretta has ensured the foundation continues to operate sustainably which is a significant legacy as our grant-making and philanthropy grows over time.”

Into Our Hands recently celebrated 10 years of giving, and released an anniversary booklet which can be viewed by visiting https://intoourhandsfoundation. com.au.

2 X FAMILY PASSES (4 TICKETS EACH)

Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre

Thursday 27 April 5PM

For more information and tickets contact the WPACC on 03 5722 8105 or www.wpacc.com.au

One of the most-read and famous children’s books of all time, The Very Hungry Caterpillar emerges off the page in a masterful theatrical experience for children 18 months+ and their adults.

Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, the production features a menagerie of over 75 magical puppets, including the star of the show - The Very Hungry Caterpillarand an Australian cast who bring these beloved books to life on stage.

Alongside The Very Hungry Caterpillar, the show features three other Eric Carle stories – Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, Ten Little Rubber Ducks, and The Very Busy Spider.

your details and post or deliver to our

Wangaratta Chronicle

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Competition

37 Rowan Street

Wangaratta VIC 3677

Full Name: Address:

Email Address: Entries Close: 5pm Monday April 24

ON TOUR: 52 ACTIONS, 2022, Installation view, Penrith Regional Gallery, Sydney, will open at the Wangaratta Art Gallery this week.

PHOTO: Document Photography

LEGO MASTER: Tanya Hopper practicing for the upcoming Lego challenges.

Communitybased mental health grants now available

LOCAL communities across the region can now apply for grants of up to $20,000, in order to support community-driven mental health and wellbeing projects.

The Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal’s (FRRR) ‘In a Good Place’ program is set to offer a total of $250,000 in grants as part of a partnership with Catholic Church Insurance (CCI) Giving, to support activities which empower locals to talk, connect, learn, participate and foster help-seeking behaviours.

FRRR people programs portfolio lead, Jill Karena, said the program, now in its sixth year, continued to provide vital funding to support the mental health and wellbeing of communities across remote, rural and regional Australia.

Poisonous

mushrooms

sprouting up in region

WANGARATTA and district residents are being warned of the dangers of consuming wild mushrooms, with cooler weather and recent rainfall providing the ideal growing conditions for certain types of mushrooms.

With foraging quite a common practice in the North East, it’s a message to be taken seriously, according to Victoria’s deputy chief health officer Dr Clare Looker.

Dr Looker said two particular wild mushroom species - Death Cap mushrooms and Yellow staining mushrooms - commonly grow in regional Victoria, but cause gastrointestinal illness, liver failure, and death.

She is urging people not to pick and consume wild mushrooms - as doing so can have serious consequences for your health.

“It is very difficult to distinguish between poisonous and edible wild mushrooms, so people are advised to only consume commercially bought mushrooms,” Dr Looker said.

Death Cap mushrooms - the most dangerous species - are typi-

cally found near oak trees.

It is an exotic species that was accidentally introduced from Europe and has been found under other deciduous trees or conifers in other parts of the world.

These mushrooms are large, with a pale yellow-green to olivebrown cap, white gills, a skirt around the stem and a cup-shaped

sac around the base.

Symptoms of poisoning by Death Cap can include stomach pains, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea within hours of consumption.

Even if symptoms subside, serious organ failure can occur 24-48 hours after ingestion that may result in death.

Inquiry prompts organ donor plea

NORTHERN Victoria MP Gaelle

Broad is urging Wangaratta and district residents to register for organ donation in light of a new inquiry into donation rates in Victoria.

The Parliament’s Legal and Social Issues Committee is seeking submissions to its inquiry into improving organ and tissue donation rates until May 19.

Ms Broad said the inquiry serves as a “timely reminder to seriously consider organ donation”.

She said the committee is keen to receive input on the effectiveness of the current model for registering to be an organ and tissue donor in Victoria, as well as the issues that impact donation rates in the state.

“Just one organ donor can save

up to seven lives - that in itself is an amazing outcome,” Ms Broad said.

“In addition, many more can be helped through tissue donation.

“These figures make it essential that we try to increase the number of people who are registered to be donors.

“Australia has a high transplantation success rate and most Australians support organ and tissue donation.

“However, only around 36 per cent nationally and 23 per cent in Victoria are registered donors.

“That’s the second lowest registration rate of all states and territories.”

According to the Australian Donation and Transplantation Activity Report 2022, around 1800 Aus-

tralians are currently waitlisted for an organ transplant.

Ms Broad said the committee’s inquiry comes at a time when organ donation rates have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the number of organ donors and transplants in Australia decreasing by 15 per cent.

“While this rose slightly in 2022, by eight per cent for organ donors and four per cent for people who received transplants, there is a real opportunity to improve registration,” she said.

The full terms of reference of the inquiry are available on the committee’s website: Inquiry into increasing the number of registered organ and tissue donors (parliament.vic.gov.au)

The Yellow staining mushroom is another exotic species that is the cause of most poisonings due to ingestion of wild fungi in Victoria. This mushroom looks very similar to ‘supermarket’ or cultivated mushrooms and to edible wild mushrooms, such as the field mushroom.

In urban areas, the Yellow staining mushroom can grow in large troops in lawns and gardens.

The cap and stem are whiteish to pale brown and turn yellow when rubbing the surface with a thumbnail.

It usually has an unpleasant odour and symptoms experienced after consumption include nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhoea, varying based on the amount eaten.

Dr Looker said if you suspect you may have consumed a poisonous mushroom, seek medical attention immediately, without waiting for symptoms to appear.

People should contact the Victorian Poisons Information Centre immediately on 13 11 26 for assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

“Projects funded through the In a Good Place program typically bring people together, sometimes to heal, always to learn,” she said.

“The program has a definite and important role to play in supporting rural communities in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and help-seeking behaviours.

“It helps to bring mental health and wellbeing out in the open - making it ok talk about and ok to reach out and ask for help.”

CCI general manager, Jeremy Yipp, said since becoming involved in the project in 2018, CCI Giving had seen the direct impact made to 53 mental health-focused projects across the country.

“Seed funding is critical for the smaller community projects so that they can develop a proof of concept for their activity model and see what works and what doesn’t, and why,” he said.

“Without assistance from grant programs, such as In a Good Place, these projects may never have the opportunity to really get off the ground and reach their full potential.”

To lodge an application, visit https://frrr.org.au/funding/ place/in-a-good-place or phone 1800 170 020.

Expressions of interest must be filed no later than 5pm on May 17.

NOT TO BE TAKEN: Poisonous mushrooms including the Death Cap (below) and Yellow staining (above) varieties can cause gastrointestinal illness, liver failure and even death.

CONSIDER IT: Northern Victoria MP Gaelle Broad as urging community members to consider registering as an organ donor.

Groups urged to back new Container Deposit Scheme

By RYAN MALCOLM

A NEW container recycling scheme set to debut across Victoria later this year is calling on local businesses and not for profit organisations to act as collection point operators across the North East.

The State Government’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) is set to commence from November 1, offering residents the opportunity to return their used drink cans, bottles and cartons for a 10-cent refund, an initiative which is expected to cut the state’s litter by up to half.

Visy will oversee the service provision throughout Northern Victoria, including the Wangaratta, Alpine, Indigo and Strathbogie municipalities.

Visy chief executive officer Mark De Wit said his company’s experience in the recycling space will help the CDS Vic achieve strong recycling rates, create new local jobs, and reduce waste and emissions from landfill.

“Visy already operates manufacturing and recycling facilities across Victoria, supporting jobs and income,” he said.

“We will empower local

schools, charities and sporting groups to reduce litter and fundraise for projects by establishing the most accessible scheme across Australia.

“Visy’s expertise as Australia’s largest processor of kerbside recycling ensures we will operate a container deposit scheme

Victorians can be proud of.”

Details on where collection points will be established are yet to be

released, however, the government expects at least one collection point for every town of 750 people in regional areas, and one per town of 350 people in remote areas, within 12 months of the project’s launch.

The initiative is also expected to offer charities and local community organisations a new way to raise funds, by allowing groups to receive container donations from the

NO ONE’S UNSINKABLE

community, run a refund collection point or host a container collection drive.

Minister for Environment, Ingrid Stitt, said the initiative would become Australia’s most accessible container refund scheme, with estimates to create up to 500 indirect jobs across the state.

“Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme will maximise the number of cans, bottles and cartons being recycled into new

Rebate to help schools make Canberra trip

NEW rebates aim to help lessen the cost for North East students and schools to visit Canberra.

Wangaratta-based Indi federal MP Helen Haines said the new Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER) program will make it more affordable for students to visit Canberra this year as part of their civics and citizenship education.

Dr Haines said the program includes visits to Australia's Parliament, the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy and the National Electoral Education Centre at Old Parliament House.

“I encourage all schools across Indi to take advantage of the rebates available to support travel to Canberra,” she said.

products, put extra cash in Victorian pockets and will reduce the amount of litter in our environment by half,” she said.

“CDS Vic will be Australia’s most accessible and convenient container deposit scheme, with more than 600 refund collection points across the state.”

To enquire your interest as a collection point for the CDS Vic, visit https://www. visy.com.au/cpo-form.

“These trips, including visits to Australian Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial and other national institutions provide an invaluable learning experience.”

Dr Haines said 12 schools from Indi had already visited Canberra this year, with another 28 scheduled for the rest of the year

“It is an absolute highlight as the Independent federal member for Indi to welcome school groups to Parliament House and speak about what it means to be their representative,” she said.

UNSINKABLE

RECYCLING FUTURE: Visy chief executive officer Mark De Wit tests one of the vending machines to be used as part of the rollout of the Container Deposit Scheme later this year.

Local people, local places

...immerse yourself in the region

Pet rehoming grants now available

UP to $1.25m is being made available for organisations specialising in rehoming cats and dogs, as part of the State Government’s ‘Individual Pet Rehoming Grants’.

Eligible organisations will be able to apply for grants of $500 per dog and $200 per cat to support the cost of rehoming, which includes desexing, microchipping, vaccinations, the purchase of crates, bedding and leads,

and training or rehabilitation.

Northern Victoria MP Jaclyn Symes said the grant program would support the ongoing efforts of animal welfare groups in the region.

“Animal welfare organisations do tremendous work to provide care for many vulnerable animals in our community,” she said.

“I invite all eligible organisations to apply for these grants to help our furry

friends find their forever homes.”

RSPCA Victoria has already received almost $250,000 as part of the program, helping staff to continue their efforts to provide specialist care and services to improve animal welfare and support residents with their new pets.

“We are proud to support rehoming organisations who play such an important role in improving animal welfare

in Victoria,” Minister for Agriculture, Gayle Tierney, said.

“These grants will ensure they can continue to find suitable and loving homes for vulnerable cats and dogs.”

For more information on Individual Pet Rehoming grants, or to apply, visit https://agriculture.vic.gov. au/livestock-and-animals/ animal-welfare-victoria/ community-and-education/ animal-welfare-fund-grantsprogram.

HOUSING SUPPORT: Up to $1.25m in grant funding is now available for programs focused around the rehoming of dogs and cats.

Talent on show at Wangaratta High School

THERE was a strong turnout for the Wangaratta High School 2023 Talent Quest held on April 5, with many audience members enjoying a bite to eat outside before heading into the performing arts centre for what was a spectacular night of entertainment which also celebrated the theme “Decade of the 2000s”.

Teens’ creative focus on homeless issue

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

By CAITLIN SARTORI

LOCAL teenagers have helped bring a new perspective to what youth homelessness looks like.

Using nothing but their mobile phones, teens captured images to enter a photo competition last week as part of NESAY’s Youth Homelessness Matters Day to raise awareness of the issue within the community.

Kate Bear, 15, from Wangaratta, and Jaymee Hanemann, 16, from Mansfield, won with their images, which will be printed on canvas, and displayed throughout the NESAY offices in the region.

Kate, a year nine student at Galen Catholic College, said it was “pretty cool” that her work was recognised, highlighting an issue which she admitted she had no idea was so bad locally.

“I hope that it makes people

realise there are a lot of people out there with nowhere to go,” she said.

It may not be as visible as urban homelessness, but there is a rising proportion of young people in the North East that are out of home, leading to repercussions of not attending school and being unable to

gain employment.

Kate’s image of an empty box signifies that a homeless person would experience emptiness and a feeling of nothing there for them.

Bek Nash-Webster, manager of NESAY’s youth services, said she was left in awe from the entries submitted.

IMAGES: Jaymee Hanemann said her first image of the passageway relates to homelessness because when you’re down in the dark, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and her other image of the bathtub shows that “even when something looks dead and not living, there is still life beneath it”. Kate Bear’s box photo reflects an “Empty, Nothing!”.

• Robyn York, Sue Manks, Margaret and Ian York.

• Isaac Robinson, Noah Williams and Darcy Waide.

• Tim Roche, Elly Gales and Lee Unwin.

• Claire and Suz Christison.

• Kayla Jose, Alexis Cox and Letitia Williams.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Wangaratta Players presenting Six Characters

SEE Six Characters Looking for an Author, presented by the Wangaratta Players, at the Stage Door in Evans Street.

The play is daringly different, unusual, exciting and even challenging for both audiences and cast members, with shows on Friday and Saturday at 7.30pm and on Sunday at 2pm.

Tickets are available by visiting www. trybooking.com/CGQSE.

Tanya Rose Foliage exhibition

A NEW exhibition by local artist Tanya Rose, inspired by foliage and flowers she collected from her garden and the Australian bush, is showing at the Art Gallery on Ovens.

Called Foliage, it features a series of ethereal paintings made using a range of stencils created from the ephemera brought together, layered and enhanced.

See the exhibition Thursday, Friday and Monday from 10am until 4pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 2pm.

yourstars

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) This is a good time to reassess important relationships, both personal and professional, to see where problems might exist and how they can be overcome. Keep the lines of communication open.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) It’s not easy to bring order to a chaotic situation, whether it’s in the workplace or at home. But if anyone can do it, you can. A pleasant surprise awaits you by week’s end.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Be careful that you don’t make an upcoming decision solely on the word of those who might have their own reasons for wanting you to act as they suggest. Check things out for yourself.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A personal relationship that seems to be going nowhere could be restarted once you know why it stalled in the first place. An honest discussion could result in some surprising revelations.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) That unexpected attack of self-doubt could be a way of warning yourself to go slow before making a careerchanging decision. Take more time to do a closer study of the facts.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A workplace problem needs your attention now, before it deteriorates to a point beyond repair. A trusted third party could be helpful in closing the gaps that have opened.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A recent family situation could give rise to a new problem. Keep an open mind and avoid making judgments about anyone’s motives until all the facts are in.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21)

Rely on your always-sharp intuition to alert you to potential problems with someone’s attempt to explain away the circumstances behind a puzzling incident.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Although you still need to do some snipping off of those lingering loose ends from a past project, you can begin moving on to something else.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) With your self-confidence levels rising, you should feel quite comfortable with agreeing to take on a possibly troublesome, but potentially well-rewarded situation.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Travel is favored, both for business and for fun. The end of the week brings news about an upcoming project that could lead toward a promised career change.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You might feel suddenly overwhelmed by a flood of responsibilities. But if you deal with each one in its turn, you’ll soon be able to hold your head above water and move on.

Cast and crew to shine in Galen’s High School Musical

LOCAL students will to take to the stage in a true song and dance spectacular next month when Galen Catholic College presents its annual production, the Disney’s smash hit ‘High School Musical on Stage!’

The show centres on high school jock Troy and smart girl Gabriella who meet on a family vacation and become attracted to each other while singing in a karaoke competition.

Rediscovering each other at school, their relationship and surprise decision to audition together for the school show are thwarted by the school’s current leading lady, Sharpay, and Troy and Gabriella’s well-meaning friends.

Gabriella and Troy find a way to be themselves and are rewarded with the lead roles in the school show, also opening up opportunities for others.

Co-director Julie Nolan said rehearsals are coming along well in a production the students really wanted to do, having grown up with the musical and the cast of characters.

She said they’re also hoping it

Wangaratta Historic Motor Show and Fly In

THE fourth bi-annual Wangaratta Historic Motor Show and Fly In returns to Wangaratta Airport for a fun action packed day this Sunday. Enjoy trade displays, stationary engine working displays, entertainment for kids and much more from 9am until 4pm with food and drinks available on site.

Very Hungry Caterpillar show

ONE of the most-read and famous children’s books of all time, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, emerges off the page in a masterful theatrical experience for children arriving at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Thursday, April 27.

Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, the production features a menagerie of over 75 magical puppets, including the star of the show - The Very Hungry Caterpillar - and an Australian cast who bring these beloved books to life on stage.

BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au

will be a crowd favourite, because it’s so well-known by everyone.

“We also knew the music would suit our band and it allows for some big dance numbers,” she said.

“The song ‘Stick to the Status Quo’ will be a real highlight, and this year it’s really evenly balanced with strong singing, acting and dancing.

“I think because they are characters students can relate to, it’s easier for them to bring them to life on stage.”

Auditions were held in November last year and rehearsals began in late February, with the dance sequences a must-see, largely thanks to Sam Pulvirenti from Pulsate Dance Force returning as choreographer, supported by Galen students Millicent and Abigail Quin.

Around 90 students are involved on stage and behind the scenes, rehearsing after school and even during their holidays

as they count down to opening night on May 11.

Ms Nolan is also sharing the director’s role this year with teacher Olivia Jones, who brings her own ideas to the table.

“It’s great to work with someone else and we really complement each other and work well together on the many different aspects of the show,” said Ms Nolan.

It turns out there is actually a strong team of five women at the core of this production, with Beth Code as choral director, Felicity Davis as music director and Mackensie Honey as dance coordinator.

Ms Nolan said this production will also incorporate some new technology, including pre-recorded pieces and visuals, with the assistance of Adrian Vaughan from Noisebox Productions, while Andrew Sinclair is also on board to help with lighting and technology.

Full of catchy songs and exciting dance routines appealing to all ages, four performances are scheduled on May 11, 12 and 13 at 7.30pm and on May 13 at 1.30pm and tickets are available now at www.wpacc.com.au.

Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra to perform

THE Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra presents the works of Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, John Williams, Grieg, Mozart and more during their World Tour of Music at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and

Convention Centre on Wednesday, May 17 at 7.30pm. The concert will take the audience on a listening experience to some of the most renowned musical places of the world

including USA, Germany, Norway, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Russia, England and back to Australia.

All ages will enjoy the uplifting concert experience, with tickets available at www.wpacc.com.au.

Alongside The Very Hungry Caterpillar, the show features three other Eric Carle stories - Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, Ten Little Rubber Ducks and The Very Busy Spider - with tickets available for the performance on Thursday, April 27 at 5pm (Friday sold out) at www.wpacc. com.au.

James Morrison in concert

ENJOY an afternoon of jazz when multiinstrumentalist James Morrison and his trio perform at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Sunday, May 7 at 2pm.

Presenting one show only, the intimate concert will be an exceptional opportunity to experience one of Australia’s most talented and versatile jazz musicians.

Joining Morrison on stage will be his trio including sons Harry Morrison (bass), William Morrison (guitar) and Patrick Danao (drums), presenting a concert of swinging jazz standards, sublime ballads, and haunting Latin numbers with a few surprises thrown in.

Tickets are available now by visiting www. wpacc.com.au.

SONG AND DANCE: Among the many cast members in the Galen Catholic College production of ‘High School Musical on Stage!’ are the charismatic Toby Beggs and Chari Rispin.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Covering Moyhu, Edi, Myrrhee, Whitfield, Cheshunt and Whitlands areas

Kids can now play in shade at Whitfield Recreation Reserve

BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au

A NEW shade sail has been installed over the play equipment at the Whitfield Recreation Reserve, ensuring children will be able to play safely during the summer months.

The sail was secured a few years ago by the recreation reserve committee through a Rural City of Wangaratta grant achieved with assistance from the King Valley United Football and Netball Club, but the committee had been waiting on the upgrade of the play equipment before putting it in place.

Whitfield Recreation Reserve vice president Bruce Uebergang said it was installed just prior to the start of the footy season and hundreds of children had been making the most of the revitalised area.

He said on Easter Saturday, one of the busiest weekends of the year in the valley and the first home game of the season, hundreds of visitors to the area walked up to the footy ground to watch the action; many families also enjoying the refreshed play area.

The playground is well used during home games but it’s also a popular place for local people to bring their children during the day and it will now be more comfortable to access throughout the year.

WANGARATTA Senior Citizens Club will host lunch at the Old Town and Country Tavern today from 12 noon.

The club will also host indoor carpet bowls from 12 noon tomorrow (Thursday), cards (euchre) from 1.30pm on Friday, and indoor carpet bowls on Monday from 12 noon, all at its clubrooms in Tara Court, off Ford Street, or in St Patrick’s supper room.

There will be no activities on Tuesday (Anzac Day).

Next Wednesday’s social will feature Billy Arnold in an Anzac-themed gathering from 1.30pm.

SPORT North East will hold a sports try day today at Wangaratta Primary School, from 10am to 12 noon for 15 and under, and 1pm to 3pm for 16 and over.

A chance for those with a disability to enjoy a fun, active day, try new sports, talk to club representatives, meet new people and make friends, the event is free and open to all ages. Contact Sharee on 0412 593 644 for more information.

THOONA CWA invites locals to attend the Anzac Day service at the cenotaph in Thoona at 11am on April 25.

There will be a memorabilia display and morning tea.

THE Australian Plant Society will hold its next meeting on Thursday, April 27 from 7pm at the Masonic Hall in Appin Street.

Guest speaker will be Adrian Wells on the Wetlands of the Murray-Darling System. All welcome.

WANGARATTA Seniors Dance will be held on Friday, April 28 from 2pm to 4pm in the St Patrick’s supper room in Ford Street.

The dance is held on the fourth Friday of each month.

Moyhu community meal this week

THE next Moyhu community meal will be held tomorrow in the Moyhu Soldiers Memorial from 12pm. RSVP is essential, one week before meal date to Neil Jarrott on 5727 9464 or email neil.jarrott@bigpond. com.

Craft at Cheshunt

CRAFT sessions are enjoyed at the Cheshunt Hall on the first and third Wednesday of the month from 11.30am.

For more info contact Lyn on 0427 270 551.

ANZAC Day service at Cheshunt Hall

AN ANZAC Day dawn service will be held at the Cheshunt Hall on Tuesday, April 25.

The service will start at 6am with refreshments provided and more information is available by calling Angie on 5729 8487.

Myrrhee toy swap

Mr Uebergang said it’s just one of a number of upgrades which have taken place at the reserve over the last two years, with the netball courts having recently been resurfaced, funded entirely by the footy club. He said this year they have also spent around $7000 to improve the playing surface on the oval including sowing grass, as it had become weedy, uneven and muddy during periods of wet weather.

Music by The Rustic Ramblers, dance revision 1.30pm to 2pm, admission $5 (non-members $7) includes afternoon tea.

For more information contact Margaret on 0407 357 226 or Julie on 0408 032 451.

A FREE, interactive presentation titled ‘Sex and Cancer’ will be held at the Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway on Friday, May 5 from 10.30am to 12 noon.

Designed to help people affected by cancer reclaim their confidence, desire and happiness, the presentation will be led by expert Dr Amanda Hordern. Book online at www.trybooking. com/CHACS

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 are welcome to come along at 9.30am.

For more information, contact Jen on 0407 560562.

WANGARATTA Cake Decorators meet every third Saturday of the month at the Baptist Church in Sisely Avenue from 12.30pm. Phone Jeanie on 0439 087 630 for more information.

SATURDAY Quilters meet on the first Saturday of the month for a relaxed day of sit, sew and chat, from 10am to 3pm at the Wangaratta Small Bore Rifle Club, off the river end of College Street. Contact Colleen on 0427 221 138.

A NEW croquet club has started at the Wangaratta Lawn Tennis Club in Merriwa Park.

The group plays on Sunday

After it had been sown there was a nervous wait before rain arrived; the new grass finally settling in and then taking off just in time for play to begin.

“It’s come up really well and the players are pretty happy with the surface now,” said Mr Uebergang. The club plans to continue to seek funding to upgrade the lighting on the netball courts to provide better conditions for its five sides who play and train on the courts.

SOCIAL CALENDAR

afternoons, Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings, equipment supplied. For more information, contact Anne on 0490 173 169.

COME and play mahjong at the Wangaratta RSL on Thursdays from 11am.

Beginners welcome. Contact Jan on 0429 166 016.

WANGARATTA Keenagers Table Tennis Club plays on Mondays and Thursdays at the table tennis centre at the Wangaratta Showgrounds. Play begins at 7.30am in the summer, and 8am in the winter. New players welcome. Morning tea provided - please bring your own cup. For more information, contact Trevor Wolfel on 0476 891 596.

WANGARATTA Concert Band rehearses on Mondays from 6.45pm to 9pm at the Avian Park Raceway Band Room in Newman Street.

New players welcome, contact Helen on 0401 021 448.

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. For details, phone Frank on 0409 662 462.

WANGARATTA Sing Australia Group meets each Wednesday from 7.30pm to

The recreation reserve is also awaiting approval on new signage to be installed near the tennis courts, secured through council’s community grants program, which will have contact details for anyone wanting to reach a committee representative or hire the facilities.

A much-needed generator has also now been installed at the pavilion which will keep the facility running if there is a power outage.

9pm at Purbrick Hall, next to Holy Trinity Cathedral.

All welcome - for further information, call Keith Fleet on 0491 114 480, Cheryl Hoysted on 0419 005 062 or Marlene O’Keefe on 0417 454 126.

WANGARATTA Symphony Orchestra meets each Tuesday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Wangaratta Baptist Church, 1 Sisely Avenue.

New string and wind players are welcome to come along to rehearsals to try out.

For more information, email wangsymphonyorchestra@gmail.com or call Chloe on 0413 775 027.

WANGARATTA Woodworkers Inc meet at the Wangaratta Showgrounds each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 12 noon (closing earlier if no-one is present).

The rooms are open on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 7pm to 8.30pm, and Sundays from 10am to 1pm. All welcome.

For more information, contact Bevan on 0437 196 118 or Les on 0412 250 674.

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 are welcome to join this enthusiastic and welcoming group of singers. For more information, contact Helen on 0457 269278.

LIFEBALL is held each Tuesday from 1pm on the basketball court at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre.

Lifeball is a non-contact game of netball, designed by a doctor and physio for the safety of mature players, with no running, walking backwards or throwing high balls, but enjoying fun and

A TOY swap and children’s inventions exhibition will be held at the Myrrhee Hall on Sunday, April 30 from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Bring along toys in a clean and good condition (no soft toys or battery-operated) and swap them for another (with any toys not selected needing to be taken home).

Myrrhee Primary School will also be exhibiting inventions they have been creating in the classroom, with the book swap also running, and coffee and delicious food available to purchase.

friendship. For more information, phone 0418 574 404.

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.

All welcome. 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.

WANGARATTA Toastmasters conducts its meetings on the second and fourth Monday of each month from 6.45pm in the community room at the Wangaratta Library in Docker Street.

For more information, contact Leah Walker at leahwalka@gmail.com

BLOKES Time Out conducts regular gatherings and activities on the third Saturday of the month.

For more information, visit gritandresilience@wangaratta.vic. gov.au

CYCLING Without Age Wangaratta offers free tri-shaw rides to the elderly, and to people of any age with disabilities or reduced mobility.

The group provides regular rides around Wangaratta to people living at home, or living in care.

For more information, phone 0418 387 089 or email cwawangaratta@gmail. com

TOPS weight supporting group meets at The Centre each Monday from 5pm to 6pm, offering encouragement and great company to support locals in managing their weight.

For more information, phone 0458 374 261.

UNDERCOVER PLAY: A shade sail is now in place over the upgraded play equipment at the Whitfield Recreation Reserve.

PHOTO: Anita McPherson

INPERSONBYPHONESELLING ACAR BUY ONLINE

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

WHENTO BOOK BYEMAIL

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

The office of North East Media will be closed for business on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 for the Anzac Day public holiday. Deadline for classified advertisements for Wednesday, April 26 edition, will be

Monday, April 24 at 2.30pm.

Phone 5723 0101 Email: classifieds@nemedia.com.au

SHOP

Lavish Wellness Centre

69 Green Street, Wangaratta Ph: 0437 725 990

F: Lavish Wellness Centre

GALEN CATHOLIC COLLEGE AND ST PATRICK’S PRIMARY SCHOOL PROVISION OF SCHOOL UNIFORMS

NOTICE OF TENDER

Galen Catholic College and St Patrick’s Primary School invites tenders for the provision of School Uniforms commencing 1 July 2023

Galen Catholic College is a co-educational school, catering for students in years 7-12, with an enrolment of 1057

St Patrick’s Primary School is a co-educational primary school, catering for students from Foundation to Grade 6, with an enrolment of 280

Request for Proposals Close: Friday 28 April 2023

Request for Proposal documentation is available by contacting:

Emily Hordern Business Manager email: emily.hordern@galen.vic.edu.au

phone: 03 5721 6322

MATURE retired couple, not fussy, no pets or children, wanting house, cottage or unit out of town, long lease, references, will pay lots of rent in advance. Please call 0490 063 945.

To Visit Visited

CLEARING sale, Saturday, April 22 and Sunday, April 23, 8am-4pm, 22 Taylors Lane, Wangaratta. Fencing supplies, truck accessories, workshop tools, tandem trailer and stock crate, sunshine gate 14ft and household goods.

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

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

TILING, wall/floor, bathrooms, renovations. Phone Claude 0435 945 513.

CAVOODLE puppies, males available, black and apricot, $1800. Microchip numbers: 900164002196249, 900164002195902, 900164002195919, 900164002196253, 900164002196230.

Source number MB170559. Ph 0408 205 066.

GUINEA fowl. Ph 0429 928 220.

KELPIE pups for sale, microchipped, vaccinated and wormed, all male, $450, microchip numbers: 953010005853319, 95301000585336, 953010005853399, 953010005853315, 953010005853302, 953010005853378, 953010005853315, source number: EE137473. Ph 0488 251 505 or 0427 251 506.

Wangaratta Chronicle Cadet Journalist Career Opportunity

North East Media, publisher of the award winning Wangaratta Chronicle, is currently seeking expressions of interest from motivated candidates to join the team in Wangaratta as a cadet journalist.

The cadetship is ideally suited for a Year 12 graduate. It is for three years, including course study by correspondence from Deakin University.

The successful candidate will learn how to write clear, concise and interesting news, sport and feature stories for our newspaper and associated digital and social media platforms.

We are searching for a budding writer who has the skills, passion and determination to be a journalist of the future.

Candidates must have excellent verbal and written English, sound computer skills, solid general knowledge, a genuine interest in the local community, and an ability to build rapport and networks quickly. You will need to be well organised, able to work to deadlines, and have strong attention to detail. Candidates must hold a valid driver’s licence, be available to work flexible hours, and photography and social media skills are desirable.

North East Media is a leading independent family-owned media group with a commitment to community journalism. Applications, including covering letter and resume, should be emailed to Group Editor Jeff Zeuschner at jzeuschner@nemedia.com.au

CARAVANS & CAMPERS

2010 VW Golf Wagon diesel, manual, 156,600km, reg to July 8, 2023 (ZWH478), RWC, tow ball, $6000. Contact Libby 0438 648 123.

REGAL Deluxe pop t op caravan, tandem wheel base, full oven, air conditioner, island double bed, good condition, reg (F21556), $9500. Ph 0407 218 377.

2000 model Toyota Echo, 4 door and hatch, auto, aircon, power windows and mirrors, 12 months reg (1JR6CL),$1500. Ph 0435 584 746 or 5778 7661.

2016 RED CENTRE

KIMBERLEY 21’6”, b uilt by Masterpiece Caravans, GVM 3300kg, immaculate condition, self-contained, semidiesel heater, reg till Aug 2023, pet-free/smokefree, great features and extras. Urgent sale. $68,500 ONO. Contact

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

2008 manual Holden Combo Panel Van, excellent condition, reg June 2023 (WZT360), m ileage 52,000km, located in Wangaratta, full history service, price $6000. Ph 0408 261 330. Old cars wanted, cars removed. Ph 0435 083 115.

WANTED to buy Toyota Hiace Van 2006-2018 with less than 300,000km or a caravan preferably with shower and toilet. Ph 0405 224 466.

GAZAL Zodiac pop top caravan 17 ft, registered, tare 1150 atm 1450, very good condition, new awning, Reco 3-way fridge, diesel heater, gas/electric hot water, 2 water tanks, led lighting throughout, windguard aerial, 1500w invertier, 200w sola r panel on roof, 2 batteries, p rivacy screens and walls, $17,000. Ph 0428 398 360.

 ON THE BOOT: Tigers’ Mia Simpson looks to get rid of the ball before she’s tackled by College’s Jax Borschmann in their under 12 match on Saturday.

BEST: COLLEGE: Charlie Lugg, Joshua Cook, Cormac McNamara, Hudson Lloyd, Don Young, Angus Kennedy. TIGERS: Wil Carmody, Samuel Allan, Harry Mullane, Lucas Webb, Drew Winter, Harvey Dodgshun. GOALS: COLLEGE: Charlie Lugg 3; Cormac McNamara 2; Hudson Lloyd 1; Judd McGennisken 1; Max McKenzie 1; Jack Parrott

1; Don Young 1. TIGERS: Harvey Dodgshun 2; Lucas Webb 2; Samuel Allan 1; Drew Winter 1. Imperials

Benalla Bulldogs 0.0 1.3 2.6 2.8.20

BEST: IMPERIALS: Will Prebble, Declan O’Sullivan, Nicholas Kjar, Jed Marek, Luke Griffiths, Mitchell Feldtmann. BENALLA BULLDOGS: Daniel Farley, Callum Carter, Private player, Xavier Rhodes, Private player, Archer Irwin. GOALS: IMPERIALS: Will Prebble 5; Jed Marek

3; Dylan C Savage 3; Marshall Semmens 3; Jarrod Dieckmann 1; Luke Griffiths 1; Declan O’Sullivan 1; Jamie Stone 1. BENALLA BULLDOGS:

Kyle Pearce 1; Jonty Priest 1.

Myrtleford

Bright

BEST: MYRTLEFORD: Samuel Crisp, Cooper Howden, Jock Pascoe, Patrick McLean, Jordyn Notarianni, Tai Miller. BRIGHT: Aidan Hargreaves, Noah McMonagle, Ewan Lodge, Tyson Brierty, Aiden Toy, Lee Robinson. GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: Jock Pascoe 9; Samuel Crisp 5; Cooper Howden 5; Patrick McLean 2; Jethro Novak 2; Oscar Benson 1; Spencer Colson 1; Liam McManus 1; Jordyn Notarianni 1.

BRIGHT: Lee Robinson 1; Aiden Toy 1.

Centrals 0.0 1.1 1.2 5.5.35

Junior Magpies 2.2 6.4 10.6 13.7.85

BEST: CENTRALS: Angus Jayet, Hayden Currie, Hunter Barry, Kade

Hadley, Daniel Eldridge, Bailey Paul. JUNIOR MAGPIES: Will Phillips, Mark John White, Kaeden Burrows, Riley Burrows, Ryley Dalton, Lukas Allan. GOALS: CENTRALS: Cooper Boman 4; Bailey Paul 1.

JUNIOR MAGPIES: Will Phillips 6; William Petersen 2; Henry Scalzo

2; Kaeden Burrows 1; Riley Burrows 1; Blake Newton 1.

Kangaroos vs Mansfield - still pending

 CLEARANCE: Luke Pensak delivers the ball downfield.

 QUICK FEET: Charlie O’Brien looks to dart around his Tigers pursuer.

 JUST IN TIME: Luke O’Brien manages to clear the ball before the smother comes across. PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

 NUMBERS AT THE CONTEST: Outnumbered, Paige-Lee Dummet and her Tigers teammate try to maintain possession of the footy.

BEST: KANGAROOS: Kade Jackson, Ollie Reynolds, Alasdair Brett, Billy Hiskins, Tyler Hunter, Archie O’Brien. MANSFIELD BLUE: Cruz Purday, Orlando Miller, Liam Smith, Tia-Tane Paraone, Jay Hotton, Sam Kynnersley. BEST: KANGAROOS: Alasdair Brett 4; Ollie Reynolds 3; Jamie Scheier 2; Oscar Edwards 1; Billy Hiskins 1; Kade Jackson 1.

BEST: COLLEGE: Lenny Sims, Harrison Bowman, Hudson McKenzie, Sam Reid, Tané Massey-chase, Kyle Tonkin. TIGERS: Mitchell Benton, Marlon Togolo, William Farrington, Sam Morey, Mac Correll, Oliver Mullane. GOALS: COLLEGE: Tané Massey-Chase 1; Kyle Tonkin 1. TIGERS: Mac Correll 2; Marlon Togolo 2; Archie Turner 1.

BEST: IMPERIALS: Archer Direen, Kade Ely, Ryley Canning, Max Marek, Preston Stamp. BENALLA BULLDOGS: Kobi Thwaites, Ryder Robertson, Angus Richardson, Nate Nicholas, Jobe Stovell, Private player. GOALS: IMPERIALS: Archer Direen 6; Harry Allen 4; Max Marek 2; Beau Benton 1; Ryley Canning 1; Preston Stamp 1. BENALLA

Billy Dyer 1; Jackson Fry

CENTRALS: No best players have been selected.

No best players have been selected. GOALS: CENTRALS: Reid McNamara 5; Ryan Parsons 5; Solomon Steer

BEST: COLLEGE: Luke OBrien, Charlie OBrien, William Pickett, Tate Llewellyn, Luke Pensak, Leo Fraser. TIGERS: Kobe Ackroyd, Murphy Flanigan, Joshua Robinson, Sam Gibb, Blake Kantor, Mia Simpson. GOALS: COLLEGE: Charlie OBrien 2; William Pickett

BEST: IMPERIALS: Jack Ambrose, Wally Startin, Reece Pearson, Sam Newton, Jack Ginnivan, Will Clark. BENALLA BULLDOGS: Joshua Montgomery, Ryan white, Oliver Parker, Nicholas White, Ryan Lindsay, Alex Lambert. GOALS: IMPERIALS: Will Clark 2; Tom Benton 1; Gus Marek 1. BENALLA BULLDOGS: Oliver Parker 3; Ryan Lindsay 1; Jordan Streader 1; Oliver Wardill 1.

BEST: MYRTLEFORD: Gemma Corcoran, Halen McIntyre, Milla Corcoran, Cooper Roman, Jake Jennings, Dakar Hilton. KANGAROOS: No best players have been selected. GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: Judd Carroll 1; no other goal kickers selected.

BEST: MYRTLEFORD: Noah Harris, Louis Sanderson, Billy McMahon, Blake Parolin, Xavier Millar. BRIGHT: Ari Payne, Ben Mcconnachie, Harris Bruneau, Kirana Odonnell, Julian Toy, Gus Raveane. GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: Nash Durling 2; Billy McMahon 2; Noah Harris 1; Ella McMasters 1; Xavier Millar 1; Oscar Szaraszek 1. BRIGHT: Harris Bruneau 1; Luke McConnachie 1.

BEST: CENTRALS: Nicholas Jones, Samuel Elkington, Seth Webster Mizzi, Dusty Hogarth, Isabella Boulton, Sonny Gales. JUNIOR

MAGPIES: Lane Sloan, Mason Jones, Dodge Lawrey, Jake Olenczuk, Jimi Pell. GOALS: CENTRALS: Angus Fraser 2; Archie Knobel 2; Jenson Morris 1. MAGPIES: Lane Sloan 2; Baxter McLeod 1; Jake Olenczuk 1; Ollie Parr 1; Jimi Pell 1.

UNDER17LADDERUNDER14LADDERUNDER12LADDER

MATCHRESULTS Team P W L D B FF For Agst % PTS 1 Imperials 2 2 0 0 0 228 36 86.36 8 2 Kangaroos 2 2 0 0 0 144 25 85.2 8 3 Bright 2 2 0 0 0 153 42 78.46 8 4 Mansfield Yellow 2 2 0 0 0 154 55 73.68 8 5 Centrals 2 1 1 0 0 140 92 60.34 4 6 Benalla Giants 2 1 1 0 0 72 65 52.55 4 7 Tigers 2 1 1 0 0 71 95 42.77 4 8 Mansfield Blue 2 1 1 0 0 63 145 30.28 4 9 Junior Magpies 2 0 2 0 0 93 178 34.31 0 10 Myrtleford 2 0 2 0 0 32 112 22.22 0 11 Benalla Bulldogs 2 0 2 0 0 45 217 17.17 0 12 College 2 0 2 0 0 28 161 14.81 0

Teams P W L D BYE F A % Pts 1 College 2 2 0 0 0 83 33 71.55 8 2 Junior Magpies 2 2 0 0 0 88 75 53.98 8 3 Benalla Giants 1 1 0 0 1 56 13 81.15 4 4 Benalla Bulldogs 1 1 0 0 1 43 27 61.42 4 5 Kangaroos 1 1 0 0 1 28 22 56.00 4 6 Tigers 2 1 1 0 0 35 32 52.23 4 7 Myrtleford Black 2 1 1 0 0 71 68 51.07 4 8 Centrals 1 0 1 0 1 36 42 46.15 0 9 Myrtleford Red 2 0 2 0 0 61 74 45.18 0 10 Imperials 2 0 2 0 0 48 105 31.37 0 11 Bright 2 0 2 0 0 23 81 22.11 0

Senior Dragons improving on field

WITH the juniors having the weekend off for school holidays, the Wangaratta Dragons only had three games over the weekend.

In the women’s draw, both the Shamims (division three) and Katems (division two) had a good weekend on the field.

Both are still developing their respective team strengths and finding the best combination of players, however everyone is remaining positive about this season.

This is the great thing about the club and in partic-

ular the Dragon Chicks, who are owning their mistakes and shortfalls by working on developing individual skills which give the teams greater flexibility.

Sunday’s game was a hard slog - some of the girls took some hits on the field and will be carrying injuries into the next couple of weeks.

However, with good support between both teams, everyone was still smiling at the end of the day.

Great efforts this week from both teams - Shamims are so close to scoring their first goal and Katems are

coming together with the same strength that we had last season.

The division three men played an exciting game against the Wombats from Albury on Saturday.

Seemingly unaffected by chocolate from the Easter break, they took to the field and scored early in the first quarter.

With the team still working hard getting acclimatised to the new playing style, the Wombats snuck in two goals in the second quarter.

With everyone on the edge of their seats, during the third quarter both teams

remained scoreless.

Young players Sam Couche and Alex Ellem marked key Wombats out of the game, and the men were not out of it yet.

With two amazing goals in the last quarter, including Henry Finlay’s first for the season (keep your eye on this young fella), the men were back on top.

It was hard-fought and the men did an outstanding job holding on to the victory.

Next weekend sees the men take on a strong United team from Corowa in what should be another exciting match.

Late penalties cost Devils

By WILSON MACK

WANGARATTA City’s undefeated record at home came to an end on Sunday afternoon.

After winning their first three games at South Wangaratta Reserve, the Devils fell to Boomers 2-3 in a close affair.

Wangaratta City led 2-1 early in the second half but two late penalties in favour of the Boomers saw them steal victory with star Andrew Groves scoring a hat-trick.

“From an outside perspective it was a good game to watch,” Devils coach Raff Molinaro said.

“It was very a topsy turvy game, we were 1-0 down, then 2-1 up and at then at the end we were 3-2 down.

“We made some changes throughout the game to try and steer it in our favour and they worked but then we were down to 10 players when Dan Kelly was sent off and had a few calls that didn’t go our way.

“Credit to Boomers they gave a great fight, kept pushing and came from behind.”

Kelly produced a purple patch after coming off the bench and scoring two goals in a 30 minute period but was then red carded after receiving two yellows with 10 minutes to play.

“’DK’ (Kelly) was influen-

Roar take revenge over Lady Devils

By NATHAN DE VRIES

SUNDAY saw Wangaratta’s division one women’s side suffer their second defeat of the season, downed away by Cobram 3-1.

It was a reversal of fates from their round one fixture, which saw the Lady Devils win 4-1.

Wangaratta conceded a goal in just the eighth minute, when Amelia Perry snuck one by Ella Hernandez.

The two sides battled out the remainder of the first half, with neither squad able to gain an additional advantage.

Cobram struck first in the second half, just three minutes into play, when Alyssa Iannucci found the back of the net to make it 2-0 against Wangaratta.

Disaster struck Wangaratta when Hannah Swindley was handed a red card in the 71st minute, meaning the Lady Devils would have to find two goals

with a player down.

Matilda Aggenbach shot back immediately with a goal of her own in the 72nd minute to get the Lady Devils on the board and to deny a clean sheet, with time swiftly running out to find the equaliser. When a ricocheting ball in the Lady Devils’ defence in the 81st minute delivered an own goal, the result was assured.

Wangaratta will look to bounce back with their match

this weekend away to Albury United.

In the reserves game, Wangaratta locked in a strong victory with a 3-1 scoreline over Boomers at home.

Eliza Burke made the scoreboard with a superb goal, while Victoria Broady picked up a two of her own.

The division two women sit at third on the ladder and will take on Wodonga Heart at home this Sunday.

tial when he came from the bench,” Molinaro said.

“He turned the game but he was the given a second yellow card when there was a handball call in the box and he pleaded his case with the referee but was instead sent off.”

Despite the loss, Molinaro was reasonably happy with the display his side put on.

“In the end I wasn’t too disappointed because I know that on any other day it probably would’ve been a different result,” he said.

“We looked really good for the first hour or so and were confident in the way we were playing but we became shaky late so that’s something we need to work on.

“We just need to keep working on things like our structures so that late in games we can hold on.”

Just a two weeks after the Easter general bye the Devils have been fixtured another one this weekend after Twin City pulled their senior men’s team from the competition.

“That’s just the way the fixture’s going to be this year,” Molinaro said.

“Training’s going to be super important over the next week or so because we face Wodonga Diamonds next Wednesday and they’re looking really strong.

“There’s plenty of things we need to work on ahead of that game.”

CONTROL: Joel Van Der Leeuw sends Wangaratta City forward.

PHOTO: Sam Sgarioto

MOVING UP: Lucy North controls the ball in the Dragons’ division three women’s match.

GOAL GLORY: The division two Lady Devils celebrate one of their three goals against Boomers on Sunday.

PHOTO: Sam Sgarioto

Hoppers bounce back over All Blacks

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

MOYHU’S A grade netball squad returned to their winning ways after last week’s loss to Greta, with the Hoppers putting Benalla All Blacks to the sword 67-49 at Moyhu on Saturday.

Following their 26-goal loss to the premiership side in trying conditions, Moyhu came back in a major way, stretching a four goal advantage at quarter time to a lead of 11 goals by the half.

The Hoppers’ shooters, Zara Berry and Sophie Morey, were kept well supplied in the circle, as the home side more than doubled their score through the second half to take their second win of the season.

Coach Sharlene Wohlers said it was important to her side to show consistency, and the win was a great way to do that.

“It wasn’t a great day at Greta, it was wet - they’re last year’s premiership side so we knew that was going to be a hard game because of their talent,” she said.

“(On Saturday) we just talked about the previous game and the game before that against North Wangaratta, what were our strengths, how we needed to play our own game and just keep moving forward.

“In the first quarter it just clicked - our goalies were shooting well, our defenders were really defending well, midcourt was great.

“Before I knew it, we were up and going really well.”

The Hoppers have shown they’re already a much-improved side on last year, an intimidating prospect for the rest of the competition.

“This year, they just have this real belief in what they can do, it’s really

exciting,’ Wohlers said.

“I’m really impressed with everyone, everyone’s training really hard, they’re starting to believe.

“That’s the thing I’ve been trying to work on over the last couple of years - they’ve always had talent, those girls have always had talent, they just haven’t had consistency.

“They’re a gorgeous bunch of young ladies, and having Ainslee (Dowling) on the court, having that

maturity is incredible.

“If someone’s feeling a bit off, she can speak to them - they just really respond to her leadership on the court, her maturity and knowledge.”

In other A grade results, Whorouly took down Goorambat at home by 10 goals, Milawa trounced Bonnie Doon 64-38, King Valley got on the board with a 31-goal win over Bright, and Greta proved they’re still the benchmark with a 69-19 win over the Hawks.

STRIDING OUT: Caleb Gilbert is looking to build momentum off his 15th placed finish in the 5km event at the Australian Open and Under 20 Track and Field Championships.

Learning on the run

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

WANGARATTA teenager

Caleb Gilbert is looking to build on the experience he gained at his first national athletics championship this month.

Competing in the 5km run at the Australian Open and Under 20 Track and Field Championships, the 17-year-old’s time of 15.39 minutes placed him 15th in the field of 22 runners, behind the winning time of 14.29 minutes.

Gilbert’s time was a new record for his Albury Athletics Club.

He said while the race had a similar feel to competing at state level, it was a fantastic learning experience coming up against some of the nation’s best in the 5000m.

“I thought I fitted in pretty well, I didn’t run the best tactical race but you learn,” Gilbert said.

“The first lap was like pedestrian, and then all of a sudden the pace was on.

“I kind of had myself at the back of the front group and dropped from there, I was on my own for the last three kilometers of the race, so it was a bit of a battle.”

STAND

Dean wins in 200th club game, Rovers go down

■ From back page

“There were lots of passages throughout the game that we were happy with and some things we will take into training this week and work on.”

Wangaratta had a busy off-season bringing Ellie Cooper, Brooke Pryse and Keen into the squad, while Amanda Umanski is expected to return from a knee injury in the coming weeks.

“Everyone is working hard to play their role not just as an individ-

ual, but as a team and the outcome of that is balance,” Dean said.

“We have some of our core players from last season as well as some returning players and new players too so we’ve been experimenting with lots of different combinations over the last two games.”

The victory sets Wangaratta up for a mouth-watering grand final rematch against Yarrawonga this weekend.

The Pigeons have also had a win-

ning start to the year, beating Albury and North Albury convincingly.

“We always look forward to playing against Yarrawonga,” Dean said.

“They are such a strong club and with their A grade team being the reigning premiers, we are looking forward to the opportunity to see how we measure up at this point in the season.”

Meanwhile, Wangaratta Rovers were beaten by Wodonga Raiders 57-40 at Birralee Park.

Raiders led by seven at half-time with Rovers still in with a chance but a 30-20 second half saw the home side run away with a 10 goal victory.

Rovers’ Sam Kreltszheim contributed 27 goals, with Gracie Reid impressive through the midcourt.

Taylor Donelan was solid for Raiders, scoring 42 goals, while Mackensey House, Zoe Prentice and Molly Goldsworthy all contributed.

While coming off injuries early in March, Gilbert had a solid lead up into his run at nationals which included a win in the 5km event (16.25 minutes) at the Wangaratta Chronicle Marathon and Fun Run last month.

Gilbert said after a few weeks off the track, he will start to train for cross country this week in the longer eight kilometre format.

“I’ll have to be a bit more aggressive at the start,” he said.

“I’ll be doing some base building and speed work to get into cross country and I’ll see how I can do there.”

LEAPING: Zara Berry soars to secure the rebound.

PHOTOS: Garry Jones

HEAD TO HEAD: Moyhu’s Sophie Morey and Benalla’s Elyse Felstead scramble for control of the ball.

THREAD THE NEEDLE: Briony Simpson looks for a pass.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

OUT: Gracie Reid was one of Wangaratta Rovers’ best in their loss to Wodonga Raiders.

North East seniors tournament approaching

THE Wangaratta lawn Thursday afternoon tennis group had an enthusiastic attendance in perfect autumn sunshine last week.

The local players were getting in some practise and also planning for their upcoming North East Seniors tournament next Sunday, April 23.

Geoff Davidson and Wendy Hall

were busy getting catering commitments from the club members for the big day which will be the last major event for the club’s 2023 season.

If the previous tournament at Euroa is a guide, and the weather is fine, the club could expect up to 50 players and supporters.

The tournament has again been generously supported by Gapsted Wines who will be kindly sponsoring the section winners in the graded round robin format and so helping showcasing regional produce.

As always the club members will put on a welcoming and tasty

lunch as well as morning and afternoon tea.

Michael Falkenberg who is club secretary and a North East seniors tennis group coordinator asked members to invite any friends to play, in fact anyone who may have let their tennis lapse to register to come and have a game in this so-

cial format or even just come down for a look.

The format is open to any players 30 or over. Players don’t have to be a member of any club.

Entries can be sent through to Kevin Callahan on 0409 799 175 or contact the club website.

Hawks trek to Birallee Park MATCHREVIEWS

ROUND 2

WANGARATTA Rovers’

three female football teams

travelled to Birallee Park on the weekend, the open team playing after the men’s game on Saturday, and the two junior teams taking the field on Sunday against Wodonga Raiders

Having watched all three Rovers men’s teams register wins against the Raiders, the Rovers open women were aiming for a clean sweep when they came up against the classy Raiders under lights.

Birallee Park looked picture-perfect as the teams made their way onto the field to complete their final warm-ups. Then the heavens opened, with a short but heavy shower ensuring the match would be played in difficult conditions.

In a high-pressure contest from start to finish, clean possessions were hard to come by, and the tackling from both teams was outstanding.

Lizzie Douglas led the tackle count for Rovers, and excellent forward pressure from Kelsie Powles resulted in her being awarded a free kick for a chase-down tackle in the forward pocket. She made no mistake with the set shot, and for the second game in a row it was Powles who got Rovers on the board with their first major.

The match was a real armwrestle, and once again the Rovers’ back line stood tall to repel a strong Raiders forward line.

Faith Bentley and Jacinta Findlay took intercept marks for fun, and Bree Keys produced a brilliant highlight for Rovers when she won a ground ball deep inside the defensive 50 and burst through two would-be tacklers to clear the 50m line and set up an attacking run for Rovers.

In the end, Wodonga Raiders were able to make more

of their chances inside their forward 50 and take the win 3.6 (24) to 1.1 (7).

The Hawks recorded two more milestones, with Anne Sparkes making her club debut, and Chloe Bastion her football debut.

The following morning, Harper McGrath led the under 14s as captain, with Amy Lowe showing determination to overcome ankle soreness experienced in the warm-up.

The girls were strong in defence, tackling courageously and taking marks. Molly Thomas ran hard and chased the opposition down, while Lily Currie Fraser and Erin Collins also led from the front.

Lilias Coonan used her body well across the halfback line, shutting her op-

position player down. The girls went into the quartertime break three goals down looking forward to the challenge ahead.

The second quarter started with some more great tackles. Chloe Mizzi was rewarded with a free after a strong tackle, and moved the ball easily out of defence. Currie Fraser played well, running through the middle and supporting the backs when needed, while Madi Boulton chased hard.

Inanay Gilson started to make an impact with a lovely mark followed by a great kick to space, which enabled Rovers to move the ball forward. Tessa Koop and Ruby Newton also got a fair bit of the ball and gave the team plenty of opportunities moving forward.

The girls came out from the break pumped for a big second half. Trinity Hasgall was strong in defence, accounting for her player at all times, tackling and moving the ball out of defence.

First-gamer Amy Johnston ran hard on the wing, took a few marks and tried hard to move the ball forward. Molly Thomas and Currie Fraser again showed their run and strength. The girls adapted to playing different positions on the field.

Rovers worked hard from the first bounce of the last quarter to get the ball inside 50 and keep it there for a few minutes.

Newton applied great forward pressure to give the Raiders’ defenders a fright, Gilson kept her feet in a number of tackles, and

Paige Dummet was fantastic with her run and chase all game.

Lizzie Healy, who defended well all game, ensured she got back to touch the ball on the line and deny the Raiders another goal. This started a chain of events where Jasmine Fordham and Koop also ensured the Raiders had to work hard to get the ball over the line. Jasmine was rewarded with a free kick after a good tackle and cleared the ball out of defence. Amy Lowe ran the game out well.

Final score: Wodonga Raiders 11.6 (77) defeated Wangaratta Rovers 0.0 (0).

Awards: Molly Thomas, Inanay Gilson, Paige Dummet.

In challenging wet conditions, the under 17s took on

ROVERS vs WODONGA BULLDOGS

the league leaders.

The Rovers’ back line maintained its pressure during the first term, with Mila Armstrong leading the way. The centre line again started its push to goal in the second quarter. Passages of play from Ammy Thompson, Mia Johnston, Ruby Bihun and Trinny Preer showed promise, but the Hawks failed to capitalise, while Raiders made them pay with their chances into the forward line, managing a cheeky goal off the ground.

The whole team maintained the pressure in the third quarter - special mention to Gemma Couch Trinder and Taylah Cryer, who never stopped running, tackling and competing all day.

The Rovers battled hard in the final term to keep Raiders to just one major, and despite some great play down the ground, they could not capitalise.

While the Hawks lost the match, improvement is substantial. Lily Gibb, Lucy Mansfield and Clare Collins continued their fine form.

Final score: Wodonga Raiders 4.9 (33) defeated Wangaratta Rovers 0.1 (1).

Next week will see the Rovers’ under 14s take on Wodonga Bulldogs at WJ Findlay Oval. While the under 17 and open women’s teams have a bye, they will be hosting a mini-fest after the under 14 game.

Anyone interested in playing social football or giving footy a go is welcome to drop in to the ground from 11am.

There will be a facilitated warm-up and a 30 minute skills clinic before participants will have the opportunity to join in some fun, small-sided games using the AFL 9’s format.

All ages and abilities welcome. Cost to participate is $10 for non-members and $5 for members, and includes barbecue lunch.

BATTLING IT OUT IN THE WET: Rovers’ under 17 side faced challenging conditions in its clash with Wodonga Raiders on Sunday.

NOTHING BUT NET

Dean wins in 200th club game, Rovers go down

WANGARATTA netball

legend Katie Dean celebrated her history making 200th game in style on Saturday afternoon.

Dean became the first netballer to play 200 games for Wangaratta in their clash with Wodonga at Norm Minns Oval which saw them sail to a 60-41 win.

“I felt very grateful, and a little overwhelmed for all the well wishes and attention I received for

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

reaching this milestone,” Dean said.

“I’m really proud to be a ‘Pie and really honoured to be the first player to achieve this milestone.

“I’m looking forward to celebrating more of these milestones for other people

in the near future as there are more netballers who have been at the club for a significant amount of time.

“It was great to get the win on the day.”

Dean started her O&M career at Wangaratta Rovers but crossed to the Magpies in 2010 and hasn’t looked back since.

“I started my journey at Wangaratta Magpies in 2010 and along the way I have met some incredible

people, played against some incredible people and played with some incredible people,” Dean said.

“I’m looking forward to continuing my netball journey here.”

The 32-year-old has been one of the most reliable defenders in the O&M in recent times and has once again started the season strongly, helping her side to back-to-back victories from the first two rounds.

After downing Rovers in round one, the ‘Pies proved too strong for Wodonga on the weekend.

Shooter Georgia Clarke netted 31 goals at an outstanding 93 per cent, while Kellie Keen (18) and Amy Byrne (11) also assisted in the 60 goal total.

“Wodonga are a young side and continue to improve each time we play them,” Dean said.

■ Continued page 18

CLUB LEGEND: Katie Dean played her 200th game for Wangaratta in her side’s win over Wodonga on Saturday.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

BONNIE Doon goal attack Stephanie Ward lines up one of her 16 goals in her side’s 64-38 loss to Milawa on Saturday.

■ O&K netball review: Page 18 PHOTO: Kurt Hickling