Chronicle Friday 190424

White

eventful career as a combat photographer

memories

Day spent with

A COMMUNITY legal service says it has had to turn away almost as many people as it has been able to help in Wangaratta and the North East because of chronic government underfunding and uncertainty.

Hume Riverina Community Legal Service is calling on the Federal Government to address what is says is a national funding crisis affecting the community legal sector and invest in justice for regional communities.

“In 2022-23 we assisted more than 1300 clients experiencing intersecting disadvantage who would not otherwise have been able to access legal assistance.

“We partner with health, education and community service organisations across North East Victoria and the Southern Riverina of New South Wales to provide legal assistance to people experiencing disadvantage, and barriers to justice,” said Hume Riverina Community Legal Service manager and principal lawyer Sarah Rodgers.

late father who also served. She shares her story on page 2, as our community and the rest of the the nation prepare to mark ANZAC Day next Thursday.

Legal service says lack of funding has seen only half community demand met gygyy Justice denied

“We turned away almost as many people seeking legal assistance as we were able to help.

“We have called on the Commonwealth Government to increase funding for the community legal sector by at least $125 million in the 2024 Federal

Budget, and a commitment to long-term funding security for the sector.

“Access to justice is essential to the wellbeing of individuals and communities and should be based on need, not postcode or the size of your bank balance.”

■ Continued page 5

Behind the the lens, but not but not protected from car nage from carnage of war war

AS people prepare to pay their respects to ex-service men and women on ANZAC Day next week, former local Australian Defence Force (ADF) public affairs photographer Robyn White knows only too well the horror that conflicts can deliver.

During her service from 1991 to 1999 she encountered some uplifting moments behind the lens of her camera and was the first person to come through Karpooka Army Base into public affairs and the first woman as a combat photographer.

There were also some dark times such as the Kibeho massacre in Rwanda in April 1995 where about 4000 displaced persons were killed by the Rwandan Patriotic Army.

She joined a peace keeping mission as a world photographer and videographer, alongside a Reuters media reporter, to document the aftermath of the conflict, and the vision is chilling.

It was to be the most difficult time in Ms White’s ADF career, as years later she was medically discharged due to her post traumatic stress disorder from the event.

“It was pretty horrific. Australian personnel consisted of medical,

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

infantry and I was there as the cameraman for the world,” she said.

“Apparently the world’s media were upset because Reuters had the exclusive on the incident and they questioned what type of imagery would they get from an Army photographer.

“It was a really horrible place and there were just bodies everywhere - I had never seen and I don’t think many soldiers could say they had seen that many people on the ground at one time.”

During Ms White’s service she was part of some other notable historical events including the return of The Unknown Soldier from France in 1993, who now lies at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

She would go on to receive a Damien Parer tri-service defence award for public affairs for the photo of The Unknown Soldier being carried by six Regimental Sergeant Major equivalent from the three services with the French soldiers and the colour party saluting, surrounded by a foggy backdrop.

Ms White’s 21-year old son Jackson Bird is the fourth generation of the family

ANZAC Day services will be held in Wangaratta at dawn and 11am on Thursday, April 25 to commemorate Australian service members.

To attend the dawn service, members of the public must arrive at the Cenotaph at 5:45am, with the service commencing at 6am and concluding at 6:25am.

Veterans, wives, partners and their carers are invited to attend the Gunfire Breakfast at the Wangaratta RSL at 6:30am following the dawn service.

DRAMATICEVENT:RobynWhiteispicturedhereinthe

to serve in the military and is currently with the Australian Army posted in Darwin.

Alot of Ms White’s job was to photograph positive PR about the ADF but one job that took a turn for the worse was when she was aboard a 50-year-old Douglas DC-3 aircraft when it was ditched by the pilots into Botany Bay shortly after take-off the day before ANZAC Day in 1994. The cause of the crash was determined to be a power loss in the aircraft’s left engine due to an inlet valve being stuck in the open position.

Ms White was aboard the plane that was destined for Norfolk Island where she

was going to photograph Victoria Cross recipients.

“I lost all my camera gear and I was jokingly told off for not getting a photo because a photographer from The Australian managed to get a photo of inside the plane when it was in the water,” Ms White said.

“The Australian photographer panicked a bit after taking the photo and he wanted to get out of the plane and I was stuck in my seat, struggling to get out.

“The plane floated for about 15 minutes and looking back it was funny because we were worried about it crashing prior to take-off due to the age of the plane and the eight-hour trip we were about to travel.

To participate in the march leading to the 11am service, assemble in front of King George Gardens (opposite RSL) no later than 10:20am for a 10:40am step off.

The march will conclude at the cenotaph for the main service to commence at 11am.

“After the crash I was in shock and all I could think about was losing my two sets of camera equipment and having to fill out a loss and damage report and getting into trouble.”

Ms White’s connection to the defence force came at a young age with her father Reg Charles White completing national service from 1947-48 and in 1951 in Korea and she will be thinking about him on ANZAC Day, as they both used to share the memories of the day.

“I always used to come home and march with Dad on ANZAC Day - it was a special thing for us,” she said.

Her grandfather, Reg

John White paid the ultimate sacrifice in World War I, as he didn’t return home, leaving Robyn’s grandmother to raise 11 children.

This was a similar story to so many others who died during the Great War, a legacy that many Australians, and no doubt Ms White, will be paying tribute to again, next Thursday.

“It’s important for people to pay respect to those who served because it’s a big deal,” she said.

“Young people see the old diggers marching but they don’t see them as 18, 19, or 20-year-olds, which is the age they are, I’d really like them to think about that.”

EVENT: Robyn White is pictured here in the doorway of the DC-3 plane after the pilots performed a controlled ditch into Botany Bay due to engine failure on ANZAC Day eve in 1994.

POLICE INVESTIGATE MINOR EXPLOSION AT ROWAN STREET UNDERPASS

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

WANGARATTA police are investigating a minor explosion at the Rowan Street underpass on Thursday morning.

Sergeant Glenn Smith said police were advised of a small device being dropped from the street’s overpass at around 9.15am, which caused a minor explosion and scattered on the road.

Sgt Smith said no vehicles were damaged and no one was injured.

Crime Investigation Unit detectives were seen picking up fragments of the small device at the underpass at around 9.45am, blocking one lane of traffic towards the Rowan Street and Baker Street roundabout.

Sgt Smith said anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam or CCTV footage are encouraged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Federal funds win for local schools

THREE local schools have received funding for capital works projects through the Commonwealth Schools Upgrade Fund.

Everton, Oxley and Wangaratta primary schools will all benefit from the federal funding announced yesterday by Wangaratta-based Indi Independent federal MP Helen Haines.

Wangaratta Primary School has been allocated $498,408 for a new multi-purpose covered hardcourt, including resurfacing and installation of sporting rings.

Oxley Primary School will receive $478,188 for a new outdoor playground and surrounding landscaping.

At Everton, a $431,133 allocation will help rerefurbish the school’s toilets.

Dr Haines said it was fantastic to see the funding flow to Indi schools where it was needed.

“Upgrades to playgrounds, sports grounds, outdoor spaces and fundamental amenities such as toilets support student wellbeing and engaged learning experiences,” she said.

“This much-needed investment will be enthusiastically welcomed by students, parents and teachers alike.”

More “affordable housing” units for former Salvo’s site

$3.5m development plans lodged for Garnet Avenue to help ease affordable dwelling void $ppgpg

By STEVE KELLY

PLANS are before council for a 10-unit development costing $3.5 million at Garnet Avenue’s former Salvation Army Wangaratta Corps site to help ease the “pressing need for quality, affordable housing”.

The units are proposed for the large triple lot site at 13-17 Garnet Avenue, located in a General Residential Zone in Wangaratta’s west end.

Plans detail that the architecture “carefully considers neighbouring properties’ street frontages and private open spaces”.

The proposal entails construction of 10 new dwellings, comprising a blend of unit sizes optimised for diverse household needs,

with corresponding onsite carparking including two onsite visitor car parking spaces.

The units encompass two three-bedroom units, four two-bedroom units, and four one-bedroom units, each complemented by a carport and outdoor storage shed.

Plans inform that the selection of materials adheres to a robust, neutral palette, uniting traditional and contemporary hues, promoting aesthetic cohesion.

Each of the three types of dwelling has its own main colour, and all share the same unifying window, fencing, and roofing and rainwater goods.

Units 3 and 8 will be threebedroom dwellings, featuring a two-storey design host-

AFFORDABLE

ing kitchen, living spaces, a laundry, storage, and water closet on the ground floor.

“The overall height of the two-storey units is well under the 9m maximum, measuring approximately 7.7m for the three-bedroom units,” the plans detail.

“The proposed roofs’

slope, gable forms, and hipped structures reflect those of neighbouring properties.”

There will be four twobedroom units positioned in two pairs, with their respective carports in the middle of each pair. The ground floor of each

two-bedroom unit houses a combined living, kitchen, and meals area, alongside a water closet, laundry cupboard, broom cupboard, and storage cupboard beneath the stairs.

Four, one-bedroom units are also in two pairs and share similar floor plans and are complete with a covered outdoor area and patio.

“The positioning, massing and scale of the proposed buildings harmoniously integrate with their surroundings, ensuring minimal change to the shadows cast into the private open space of the neighbouring properties,” the proposal reads.

“Vehicular movements and waste management have been meticulously addressed, garnering support

from a traffic engineer in their design assessment.

“And all requirements for onsite parking have been achieved.

“The landscaping plan, designed and prepared by a landscape architect, fosters low maintenance, robust green spaces for each unit and communal areas.”

The application can be viewed on Rural City of Wangaratta’s website under development, planning, current applications.

Any person who may be affected by the granting of a permit may object or make a submission in writing.

For more information contact the town planning unit on (03) 5722 0888.

Council will not make a decision on the application before April 30.

We help you find, what you are good at and what your next step is towards your goal.

CLEARING UP: Wangaratta police were picking up fragments of a small device which caused a minor explosion at the Rowan Street underpass on Thursday morning.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

HOUSING: 10 units in Wangaratta’s west end, a development costing $3.5 million, have been proposed through council.

Blackberry control session being held on Saturday at King Valley

LOCAL landholders are invited to join the Ovens Landcare Network along with local blackberry control experts and contractors to learn about best practice blackberry control in the King Valley tomorrow.

Participants will learn how to identify different blackberry varieties, the various options for control and inspect sites controlled using different herbicides.

It will take place on Saturday from 10am until 12pm at the Edi rest area, on the corner of the Wangaratta-Whitfield Road and Edi-Cheshunt Road.

Refreshments including a light lunch will be provided, with RSVP by texting or calling Penny on 0427 613 970 for catering purposes.

By CHLOE JAENICKE

WOODWORKING is often seen as a man’s hobby, but Fran Whitehead believes more women and young people should give it a try.

Ms Whitehead is the secretary of the Wangaratta Woodworkers and enjoys learning different aspects of woodwork, including pyrography, which is the freehanded art form of decorating wood or other materials with burn marks.

“The only thing I do now is the pyrography, I have done the lace work, and I tried the scroll saw, but I wasn’t interested in that, so I’ve stuck to the wood burning,” she said.

“With the pyrography when I do start it, the time goes and it’s relaxing and with the pen making, it brings a great satisfaction to make something that you can use.”

Wangaratta Woodworkers currently has around 50 members but is currently looking to attract more female and younger members, as numbers in those demographics are dwindling.

“When my husband started scroll sawing we had a group that met on Wednesday nights, we had 12 and 14-year-olds coming along,” Ms Whitehead said.

“As they got older, they got busier in their social life and a lot of them bought their own machines and did it at home, we had about four scroll saw machines.”

Ms Whithead is encouraging more young people to join as it’s another hobby they can do aside from sport.

“Young people should join because it’s a great skill where you get to learn how to make things,” she said.

There are also many opportunities for women in the club according to Ms Whitehead.

“There’s a chap who runs a box making workshop for women and he had about half a dozen come along and I think three stayed in the club,” she said.

“I think if they come and try they might enjoy it.”

Ms Whitehead also encourages people to join the club as its a great way to collaborate on projects with others.

“One of the women was making little boxes to put on the wall to hold her medallions and other people in the club helped her work out how to hang them and make them work,” she said.

Ms Whitehead said Wangaratta Woodworkers’ 11th annual scroll saw weekend on May 4 and 5 was a great opportunity for people looking to get into the hobby to give it a try. They will also be able to see expert scrollers from all across Australia display their skills on a scroll saw - a small electric or pedal-operated saw used to cut intricate curves in

materials such as wood. Those who come along will also have an opportunity to test their own woodworking skills.

The Wangaratta Woodworkers meet on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9am to 12pm, Sundays from 10am to 1pm and on the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 5pm to 7pm at their shed on Evans Street.

Anyone is welcome to join the club by either showing up to the meetings or contacting Ms Whitehead on 0419 214 198 or club president Bevan Tremellen 0437 196 118.

COME ALONG: Wangaratta Cruise Night will have an encore appearance this Saturday night from 6pm to 9pm. Usually held between October and March, it started as a casual few mates with 10 cars and 30 people and has now turned into 350 to 400 people and 100 plus cars, with families coming out, bringing chairs and enjoying local eateries down Wangaratta’s Murphy Street.

CLUB Corowa witnessed an electrifying night of performances as internationally acclaimed band Birds of Tokyo took to the stage on March 8 in support of mental health awareness, raising $10,819.92 for the Black Dog Institute.

Club Corowa chief executive officer Peter Norris said the soldout concert was a testament to the club’s reputation for delivering unforgettable experiences. It began with the dynamic beats of DJ Verse@ille, followed by local favourites Empress and

Aces, leading up to Birds of Tokyo’s headline performance.

Birds of Tokyo, known for their chart-topping hits and captivating live shows, showcased their signature blend of anthemic rock melodies to a packed audience.

Beyond the music, the event served as a powerful platform for fundraising and advocacy.

Through the generosity of concertgoers, the $10,819.92 raised will support the Black Dog Institute’s crucial initiatives in mental health research, edu-

cation and clinical care.

In addition to supporting the Black Dog Institute, Club Corowa invited local mental health advocate Daniel Hateley from the Fight is Real initiative.

Daniel’s efforts, including community barbeques and exclusive merchandise sales, further contributed to this important cause.

Mr Norris said that In the last 12 months, Club Corowa has earned a reputation for its commitment to showcasing top-tier talent, drawing artists including Jon Stevens, ILLY and The

Screaming Jets to the region.

“We are deeply grateful to Birds of Tokyo for lending their talent and voice to such a meaningful cause,” Mr Norris said.

“Their performance helped us shine a light on mental health awareness while providing an unforgettable experience for everyone in attendance.”

Commenting on the event, Roundbox Events expressed their privilege in bringing such remarkable concerts to Club Corowa and raising funds for a worthy cause.

Helping women through cancer

By CHLOE JAENICKE

DEBBIE Clayton started the Beautiful You charity to help women going through cancer in Queensland and needs the local community to help her do the same in Wangaratta.

Debbie was born and raised in Wangaratta and started the charity after losing her Mum, Terry Heffernan, in 1999 to breast cancer.

“I think it’s important because women who have been diagnosed, they need help and I know from Mum that it’s a really tough journey that they go on,” she said.

After losing her mum,

Debbie moved to Queensland where she devoted herself to helping other women with cancer through fitting their wigs and assisting with other necessities.

“In Queensland I have a Beautiful You Funky Op Shop and all the funds go towards the women getting house cleaning,” Debbie said.

“The charity pays for that, so they don’t have to while they’re going through treatment.”

Debbie has recently moved back to Wangaratta and brought the wigs and is calling upon the community to help with the cause.

“I’ve come back to Wan-

garatta and I’ll be taking the wigs with me while I visit different towns spreading the word about the charity and what I do,” she said.

As a start, Debbie is hoping to get a beauty therapist on board, and somewhere to use as a base to do wig fittings on a weekly or fortnightly basis.

“If I can find a beauty therapist here that could work beside me and do that for me that would work out well to where cancer patients can go and have a facial or a pedicure,” she said.

Debbie is also hoping she’ll be able to expand the charity in Wangaratta to the level it is in Queensland.

“Eventually it would be

great if we could do house cleans and help pay for the wigs so the patients would only have to pay a percentage of the wig and not the whole price of the wig,” she said.

“Many people from Wangaratta donated to me while I was in Queensland but it might as well stay here.”

Debbie hopes to give back everything she raises in Wangaratta to those who need it the local community and will be helping women going through any cancer treatment.

To learn more about the Beautiful You charity call Debbie on 0409 480 250 or visit https://beautifulyouprogram.org.au/.

Legal service says lack of funding has seen only half community demand met

■ from page 1

Ms Rodgers said community legal centres play a critical role in providing access to justice through the provision of legal assistance to clients, community education, and law reform advocacy where unfair laws exist.

She said chronic underfunding and inflationary pressures combined with inadequate indexation, and a lack of long-term funding security, are putting at risk the community legal sector’s unique service model

and contribution to increasing individual and community wellbeing.

Ms Rodgers said funding uncertainty and shortages, coupled with overwhelming demand are forcing centres to turn away people in need.

“Nationally, the sector assisted 179,000 people to manage everyday legal problems with their housing, employment, health, finances, and personal safety, and to better understand and exercise their legal rights,” she said.

According to the Commu-

nity Legal Centres Australia (CLCA) annual State of the Sector Report, more than 350,000 people were turned away from community legal centres in 2022-23.

Wangaratta-based Indi Independent federal MP Helen Haines has backed Ms Rodgers’ call for increased funding.

“The crisis in our community legal sector has been building for some time because of a lack of financial certainty and staff shortages,” Dr Haines said.

“This is particularly acute

in regional areas where equitable access to legal services can be a barrier for some communities.

“Many people across our region turn to the Hume Riverina Community Legal Service (HRCLS) when in need of legal advice and representation.

“Often these people are facing other vulnerabilities such as family violence, homelessness and poverty when they seek support from community legal services.

“It is very concerning that

HRCLS have turned away as many people as they have helped when our regional communities are already under cost-of-living pressures and facing significant housing challenges.

“Last month, I wrote to the Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus on behalf of HRCLS to highlight the crucial role the organisation plays across our region and to ask for a solid commitment that the Commonwealth Government will meet the ongoing funding needs of this vital legal service.”

HELPING OTHERS: Renee Underhill was one of the women Debbie Clayton has helped through the Beautiful You charity.

JUSTICE SHOULD BE FOR ALL: Hume Riverina Community Legal Service manager and principal lawyer Sarah Rodgers.

Celebrate the solar new year in Sri Lankan style

By JORDAN DUURSMA

NORTH East Sri Lankans Association (NESLA) is holding a Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebration at Wangaratta’s CWA hall in Templeton Street and the adjoining King George Gardens this Saturday, April 20 from 10am to 3pm.

The free event will celebrate the start of the solar new year with traditional games, dancing, music and a traditional Sri Lankan meal.

Celebrated at this event and being shared with the broader community are Avurudu from Sinhalese culture and Puthandu from Tamil culture of Sri Lanka, with various traditions and rituals observed. Avurudu and Puthandu are celebrated on April 13, which is the traditional new year as per the Panchanga (Hindu) Calendar used in the Indian subcontinent, and as per the Buddhist calendar used in Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka.

At Saturday’s event you’ll be able to test your strength playing kotta pora, a game played on a suspended beam where the objective is to knock your opponent on to the soft mattress below.

Share your inner artist in the game aliyata aha thabeema, a competition to see who can draw the elephant’s eye.

Join in a game of kana mutti bindeema to find and smash the winning pot with a pole to release glitter or coloured water while blindfolded.

If games are not your style, the celebration will have food available, with a range of Sri Lankan delicacies to enjoy.

The event will feature dance styles from Sri Lanka from famous Shali and Shani Performing Arts Australia.

The event is supported by the Victorian Multicultural Commission.

To reserve your free spot book your tickets through https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ 878620275897?aff=oddtdtcreator

Section of Hume Freeway closing to city-bound traffic

THE Melbourne-bound lanes of the Hume Freeway will close between Wallan and Kalkallo over two weekends in April and May, for important road resurfacing works.

The first closure takes place from 9pm this Friday to 5am next Monday.

A second closure is planned for the same times on the weekend of Friday, May 3 to Monday, May 6.

During each stage of works, the southbound lanes of the freeway will close between Watson Street, Wallan and Donnybrook Road, Kalkallo. Traffic heading towards Melbourne will exit the freeway at Watson Street, then use Wallan-Whittlesea Road, Epping-Kilmore Road, Merriang Road and Donnybrook Road to return to the freeway.

Motorists are asked to allow at least 25 minutes extra for this detour, with heavy congestion likely during peak periods.

The southbound freeway entry ramps from Lithgow Street, Beveridge and the Northern Highway, Wallan will be closed during this time.

Residents of Beveridge should allow an additional 10 minutes to travel north using the freeway and Northern Highway at Wallan, to join the above detour route.

Over two weekends of continuous work, crews will resurface a 2.5km section of the freeway between Gunns Gully Road and Donnybrook Road to ensure the safety of the network and provide smoother journeys for all road users.

Road maintenance requires dry, temperate weather conditions when removing and relaying the road surface.

These dates and times are subject to change due to weather conditions.

Real-time traffic conditions are available at traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au.

The latest public transport information and network status is available at ptv.vic.gov.au or in the PTV mobile app.

BRINGING CULTURES TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE: People are invited to welcome the start of the solar new year with the North East Sri Lankan Association this Saturday.

Justice for all should be a priority

A CALLOUT for increased Federal Government funding for the country’s legal sector in May’s upcoming budget from a local legal service has highlighted a sorry situation.

Hume Riverina Community Legal Service said the loss of funding was considered a national crisis affecting access to proper justice for regional Australians.

In 2022-23 the service assisted more than 1300 clients experiencing disadvantage who would not otherwise have been able to access legal assistance but turned away nearly just as many people.

As seen by the most recent financial year statistics, many people from the region turn to the community service for assistance in time of their greatest need, and only to be turned away due to no fault of their own is a major community concern.

The community legal service has been far from the only one to have been forced to turn vulnerable clients away due to this shortfall.

According to the Community Legal Centres Australia (CLCA) annual State of the Sector Report, more than 350,000 people were turned away from community legal centres in 2022-23.

The report surveyed and consulted with 130 community legal centres from all states and territories, which demanded a funding injection and long-term security.

Access to proper, professional legal support is as important as health or education and one of the fundamental responsibilities of federal and state governments.

Put up the money or we all suffer the consequences.

FACEBOOK users this week commented on the poll which asked: Should the Fire Danger Period (and fire restrictions) remain in place in the local district until May 1?

• Robbie Alexander Photography and Fishing: It varies from season to season. It depends how much rain we get. On wet years like the last two summers we don’t really need one at all. Then

some years it needs to be extended due to dry conditions. It should be climate driven, not calendar driven.

• Leslie Matthews: Conditions are dependent on the environment not a date on the calendar. The date is just a guide.

• Julian Fidge: Leslie Matthews that can’t be right. We have had half of inch of water on the ground for half of the FDP!

Libraries are more than physical books

WITH the Victorian Government drafting a budget it’s a salient time to give libraries their due in our communities and to highlight the importance they play directly and indirectly to our society.

Beyond bookshelves there’s a multitude of services on offer.

The digital world is a good example, services now cover all manner of items.

Library staff are often called upon to assist people with completing necessary online forms.

To do this we need staff who have the time to help and up to date technology.

I personally borrow via a library provided audio books app.

This has been an essential service in my life.

After suffering a brain injury/stroke, there was an extended period of time where I could not read for more than a few minutes at a time.

Audio books have been a big part of my recovery these past several years.

I didn’t go into the library for a couple of years but was still was an avid user.

This is just one example of the way the benefits of a library extend well beyond the building itself.

These services cost money, are increasingly in demand and need a funding stream that keeps pace with inflation.

Libraries need a stable, reliable funding stream.

I call on Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks to stop before they start with proposed library cuts.

Cuts which would be like cutting off your nose to spite your face.

Luke R Davies, Wangaratta

Support is out there for those with dementia

RESEARCH commissioned by Dementia Australia and undertaken by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare in 2023 shows the number of Australians living with dementia is expected to nearly double by 2054.

In 2024 it is estimated there are more than 107,600 people living with all forms of dementia in Victoria.

This figure is projected to increase to more than 216,400 by 2054.

• Marlene Lamond: No. Facebook users also commented on their favourite local coffee spots.

• Mark Bolsius: Old Faithfulls

• Alex Dupuis: Tone Road Takeaway yummy.

• Ken Willmott: Aroma deli cafe in Barker Street. Facebook users also commented on proposed residential growth taking its first steps in Wangaratta’s south.

• Dave George: One little town centre to shop in with all these extra people. Development is going crazy. It’s not about money from extra rates, it’s about a way of living. And Wangaratta is becoming unappealing from why people are attracted to living here.

• Kim Winnell: What about the elephant in the room. New estate more traffic, more bottlenecks. Need that darn bridge sooner rather than later.

EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES:

Wangaratta High School are looking forward to hosting their second 2025 Year 7 information evening for students and families joining the school community next year, on Monday, April 22. Executive principal Dave Armstrong said that the evening focuses on educating students, parents and carers on the key programs offered by the school, along with important information regarding supporting students in their transition into secondary education. “We invite those who could not attend our first information session to attend on Monday, to meet key staff and gain an idea as to opportunities available to our students, including the Select Entry Accelerated Learning (SEAL) program which is the longest standing and best high ability program in the region,” he said. For those interested in attending the evening, please register your interest via the school website; whs.vic.edu.au/ year7enrolment. Our

No one should have to face dementia alone.

Dementia Australia is here 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

If you or a loved one have a diagnosis of dementia, or mild cognitive impairment, or you’re concerned about changes to your cognition or that of a loved one, call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.

Maree McCabe, CEO Dementia Australia

POLL RESULTS

FIRE DANGER PERIOD

Should the Fire Danger Period (and fire restrictions) remain in place in the local district until May 1? THIS WEEK

votes to yesterdaynoon 20 Yes 3 No 17

Do you plan on attending an ANZAC Day service?

FACEBOOK users this week commented on Wangaratta’s live music scene and what artists they would like to see perform.

• TJ Brettoris: Hunters & Collecters

• James Camera-On: The Drones, a re-united Gerling or Mammon’s Throne - they were awesome at Tanswells last year!

• Amanda Corbett: This Is Serious Mum

• Ian Ladgrove: Check out The Vine Hotel it’s a little bit North of Wangaratta but plenty of live music over the next few weeks including a comedy night.

• Reg Carmody: You Am I. Middle Kids. AlexLahey. Red Hook. Stonefield. There’s too many!!!!!

• Tim O’Neill: Council support something... nah, they cancel more things than they support... have to be connected to Council to get there support

• Shez Mitchell: Alcohol free venue, good luck! Try halls, there are a few in Wang. CWA hall and can spill out into king George Gardens and close to food shops.

• Charles Branstom: King Gizzard and the Lizard wizard.

• Paul Knowles: Nothing stays open after 9pm. Where would live music prosper??

• Timothy Simpson: Wang uses to have vibrant live Music scene. The Vine, The Pino and the Albion. Sadly, the introduction of poker machines killed the Pinsent’s interest in live music.

Facebook users also commented on the latest ‘Bluey’ episode ‘The Sign’.

• Tracey Louise: My 13 year old and his mates binged Bluey these school holidays!! Teenagers!!

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

X USERS this week tweeted about housing developments, local football games and volunteer-led community groups.

Helen Haines MP @helenhainesindi

• Erin Comtesse: I’m 35 years old and hubby is 31, we both cried

lol

• Robert Costante: OMG I loved it

• Kayla Ashton: The sister is pregnant!

• Chayce Castles: I set my alarms and woke all my kids up to watch it my teens not to happy but they enjoyed it all sitting together

• Leanne Morrison: Mads Revell Brad Revell I cried

• Kylie Bakker: It was definitely a rollercoaster of mixed emotions!!

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

14,785 Tweet

VICTORIA’S

I have been working with the Rural City of Wangaratta and social enterprise and housing developer Nestd to make this vision a reality. To reach its full potential, the project requires collaboration and support from all tiers of government and the local community.

Ovens & Murray FNL @omfnl

ITS GAMEDAY! The SS&A Ovens & Murray is back in Round 3, with huge games across Wodonga, Corowa, Myrtleford, Albury, and Wangaratta! Make sure to get around the grounds to support your team and favourite players!

Rainbow Roo @RainbowRooAus

LINE Wangaratta is a volunteer-led community group that coordinates social inclusion programs and events, aims at connection and support, raises awareness in the community, supports services and businesses to be LGBTQIA+ inclusive. If you have something to say, add our handle @wangchronicle to your tweet and we will publish some each week.

Great to see kids from Wangaratta Auskick in action at Half Time under lights and in front of a huge crowd last night at the Wangaratta Magpies Football & Netball Club v Wangaratta Rovers Football & Netball Club derby! aflneb

Brewing Success: The Madem Espresso Journey

with MAD, EM AND CHINNY. Madem Espresso

YOU will find Madem Espresso, nestled along Muntz Street in the West End of Wangaraa.

The café was born from a fusion of dreams and dedication by its founders, Mad and Em.

Celebrating its fifth anniversary, this beloved establishment has not only grown in popularity but has also expanded its presence to a second location on Victoria Parade.

This expansion is a proof of the community’s enduring support and the undeniable quality of the coee served.

At the core of Madem Espresso’s business is Chinny, the operations manager, whose role far exceeds typical managerial duties.

His expertise and passion for coee have led to the creation of all the unique blends that have become a staple of the business.

Ethically sourced, the signature West End Blend stands out, both versatile and wellrounded, used in-house and is loved by locals.

“Our aim was to create more than just a café,” Mad reveals.

“We envisioned a welcoming space where the quality of our coee reflects the warmth of our community.

“We’re commied to providing a slice of country hospitality where

everyone feels like they belong.”

This philosophy of inclusivity and connection is what defines Madem Espresso.

It’s a place where coee transcends being merely a beverage; it becomes a conduit for sharing stories and building memories.

“We don’t just see ourselves as a café, but as a vital part of the community fabric”

- Chinny

“Seeing Chinny’s dedication to perfecting each blend, the smiles on our customers’ faces as they sip their coee, and the exchange of stories across the counter encapsulate the essence of Madem Espresso,” Em adds.

As Madem Espresso looks towards the future, the commitment to oering exceptional coee and fostering a space that embodies community spirit remains paramount.

Integral to Madem Espresso’s story is ‘Rhonda the roaster’.

More than just a piece of equipment, Rhonda is the linchpin of the café, ensuring that each batch of coee upholds the high standards set by the founders.

The decision to relocate Rhonda to the spacious second location on Victoria Parade not only marks a significant growth for the business but also reinforces their dedication to crafting coee that deeply resonates with the community. To those embarking on their entrepreneurial journey, the founders oer these words of wisdom: “In the world of entrepreneurship, it’s often a maer of sink or swim. Embrace this challenge with passion, resilience, and a steadfast belief in your vision. Let the community you serve be your anchor and remember that success is not just about staying afloat but about navigating your path with purpose and heart.”

Madem Espresso is a powerful reminder of how simple dreams, fueled by dedication and community support, can unite people in profound ways.

It’s a testament to the idea that the simplest of pleasures, like a perfectly brewed cup of coee, can foster the most meaningful connections.

“We don’t just see ourselves as a café, but as a vital part of the community fabric,” Chinny reflects.

NEWSTADIUM NEWPAC

“Every coee roast I create, is my homage to our town and its people.”

To continue being part of the journey and to experience the heart of Wangaraa one sip at a time, follow Madem Espresso on social media.

FABULOUS NUMBER 5: Em and Mad celebrate the fifth anniversary of Madam Espresso while the always bubbly Chinny (insert) prepares to welcome patrons.

Faces of Small Business

More than just friends

By IAN MINNS

OUR local national park is well known to many, “discovered” by some during COVID, and a mystery to others – even though the Warby–Ovens National Park (WONP) is on Wangaratta’s doorstep.

This is the first of a series of regular articles about the WONP by members of the area’s newest Landcare group – Friends of Warby Ovens National Park (FOWONP).

The group’s logo attempts to highlight the diversity of the internationally recognised Green Listed Park.

‘Be Green’ listing is the highest world-wide environmental assessment by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

Over many years of growing conservation efforts, the WONP now encompasses 147km2 in the three distinct ecological

zones of the Lower Ovens River and its flood plains, arguably the best boxironbark forest in the country at Killawarra, and the iconic granitic ranges and woodlands.

The flora and fauna found in these three components of the park are amazing in their diversity as well.

From ancient grasstrees to gigantic red gums, delicate orchids to wattles that create a golden forest when in flower.

Powerful owls, turquoise parrots, honey-eaters, goannas, carpet pythons, koalas, freshwater crayfish, Murray cod, sacred kingfishers are just the beginning of an impressive list of inhabitants.

Parks Victoria created the current national park in 2010. Its efforts were rewarded in 2021 with a Green Listing (https://iucngreenlist.org/ sites/warby-ovens-nationalpark/).

Key achievements in conservation, good governance and creating benefits for the community were reasons why WONP was chosen.

The park is a place setaside for passive recreation where the community can visit, learn, camp, swim, canoe, bush walk, bird watch, cycle and relax.

Volunteering to support the work of the local Parks Victoria staff could be added to the list.

Just over 12 months ago a group of locals re-formed FOWONP.

Objectives included:

 Partnering with Parks Victoria and other stakeholders in the conservation of WONP;

 Partnering with traditional owners to support the management of WONP in a culturally sensitive and ecologically appropriate way;

 Connecting people with nature and rewilding individuals to enable all people to be part of the solution to biodiversity loss through the impact of climate change and other factors;

VOLUNTEER GROUP INVITES OTHERS TO HELP THEM PROTECT AND IMPROVE WARBY-OVENS NATIONAL PARK

 Celebrate and enjoy the uniqueness of the WONP ecosystems and help sustain these qualities for future generations;

 Providing a community voice in support of WONP;

 Carry out these objectives in a manner that enables the park to continue to meet the criteria for IUCN Green List recognition.

The group has 43 members including a committee meeting monthly, a small enthusiastic working bee team operating on the third Tuesday of the month and on four weekends per year. The group needs more support and welcomes new members.

Interested participants can join FOWONP this Sunday, April 21 to help with planting in the Bush Garden (formerly the Wenham’s Arboretum) at Wenham’s Camp from 9am.

This will be a family friendly event. The Bush Garden was created in the 1990s to be a showcase of the flora found in the Warby Range component of the national park.

Rejuvenating the display will allow visitors to engage in the diversity of plants within a short, sign posted walk.

More information can be found on the FOWONP

Facebook page, emailing info@warbyovens.com. au, or contacting FOWONP secretary on 0427 686 357. A highlight of all working bees is often morning tea time.

This BYO affair is usually a feast and conversations highlight the camaraderie often found in volunteer organisations.

FOWONP was delighted to receive a Rural City of Wangaratta Community Grant of $5000 in 2023 to support their work.

The group purchased a trailer and conservation equipment.

These are transported to various sites across the park for working bees.

Over the last 12 months the FOWONP has worked on eradicating black willows in the Lower Ovens area, started the restoration of the Springtime Walk in the Killawarra, the rejuvenation of the Wenham’s Camp Bush Garden, and created a focus on the threats facing the park’s grass tree species Xanthorrhoea glauca (subspecies angustifolia).

FOWONP would to hear from locals who could utilise their skills or time in conserving one of Victoria’s special natural places. Join the team and support Parks Victoria in its role to protect our state’s natural and cultural heritage.

 JOIN US: Pictured are volunteers Jenny Dickinson, Greg Quin, Joy Podubinski, Kersty Trail, Gyll Lambert, Andy Kimber, John Podubinski from Friends of Warby-Ovens National Park with their trailer which has proven a winner at working bees. The group is holding a family friendly working bee to plant a bush garden this Sunday, details in the article.

Why we need to adapt now

By RUSSELL SULLY for Wangaratta Landcare & Sustainability

RECENT extreme weather events highlight the impact of our changing climate now - heatwaves, droughts, floods, storms and fires.

These events have disrupted critical infrastructure, essential services and food production which subsequently impacts on our cost of living and employment opportunities.

Climate change is making hot days and heatwaves more frequent and more severe.

Since 1950 the annual number of record hot days across Australia has more than doubled.

Specifically, there has been an increase of 0.2 days/ year since 1957, so on average there are almost 12 more days per year over 35C.

Climate impacts are cascading and compounding across Australia creating new risks and yet the actions we need to take are known (see the Future Now exhibition at the Wangaratta Library for climate solution for our homes, cities and country).

Adopting climate solutions makes sense both economically and practically.

They are within our reach. We can choose to be part of the problem, or part of the solution.

Which would you rather be?

The largest portion of domestic emissions are from households, followed by businesses.

They both use similar machines which produce greenhouse gas emissionsthe cause of climate change.

Forty-two percent of emissions are from household energy.

All these emissions come from energy used to drive the machines in our daily lives - petrol cars, gas heaters, gas hot water heaters, gas stoves, and the fossil fuel power plants supplying much of Australia’s grid network electricity.

In Wangaratta we live in a temperature zone where we need to strike a balance between the costs for cooling in summer and heating in winter.

Temperatures above 35C are uncomfortably hot and are a risk to health and wellbeing.

Forty percent of household energy costs are consumed in heating and cooling.

Between 2009 and 2022 Wangaratta averaged 23 days over 35C and 5.5 days over 40C.

For existing homes, how we live in them can make it warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Simple things like opening and closing the blinds and windows to adjust the room temperature can make a significant difference to room temperature and household costs.

Ceiling fans in living and sleeping spaces can make up to 30C difference in the room temperature.

Fitting blinds and curtains which keep the extreme heat out in summer and warmth in in winter.

Upgrading insulation in ceiling and floors along with draft proofing are all good retrofitting options.

The Future Now climate exhibition at the Wangaratta Library offers up practical ways we can adapt now – for comfortable living now and into the future.

MODEL LIVING: The WSL Future Now exhibition features informative models on how best to live with climate change.

LIVING WITH CHANGE: Wangaratta Library staff member Tracy Peters at the WLS Future Now Exhibition.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

TALENTED PERFORMER:

Musical afternoon at St Catherine’s Hostel

By CHLOE JAENICKE

RHONDA Burchmore visited St Catherine’s Hostel in Wangaratta to perform for the residents during the afternoon on Friday, April 12.

Many took advantage of the sunny weather outside to watch the performance with friends and sang along to the live music.



PERFORMANCE:

2025 YEAR 7 INFORMATION

EVENING & REGISTRATION

6:00pm - Monday, 22nd of April, 2024

We invite future families who were unable to join us for our previous session, to our second Year 7 2025 information evening.

The evening includes an oversight of our Year 7 program and the remarkable opportunities at the High School, as well as details on our Select Entry Accelerated Learning (SEAL) program.

REGISTER FOR YEAR 7 2025: www.whs.edu.au/year7enrolment

MUSICAL PERFORMANCE: Bernadette Crabb and Sue Whelan. LISTENING

Nerida Ginebra, Liz William and Kim Mead.

SONG AND DANCE: Jenny Cherubin and June Vearwe.

Rhonda Burchmore delighted the audience. PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

LIVE

Peta and Jack Dillon.

L

RELAX AT TWO OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GARDENS IN THE WANGARATTA DISTRICT THIS WEEKEND

Enjoy delightful autumn colours at open gardens

By STEVE KELLY

TWO meticulous gardens exuding autumn colour - the The Stamp Garden and Gundabooka - will open to the public from April 20-21 from 10am to 4.30pm, both days.

At 11 Kingfisher Drive in Wangaratta The Stamp Garden will provoke you to enjoy sweeping lawns surrounded by interesting garden borders.

The garden, maintained by Rhonda Stamp, has intense autumn colours.

Morning and afternoon tea and a light lunch will be provided by the Wangaratta Zonta Club.

Gundabooka on Heywood Lane at Everton (off Great Alpine Road) will also offer magnificent autumn colours and wonderful plants to admire.

They are maintained by passion-

ate garden owner Elizabeth (Rhonda’s sister), who calls it “a working woman’s garden”.

A light lunch will be provided by the Everton Hall committee.

Entry to the gardens is $10 adults, students $6 and under 18 free via Trybooking at https:// www.trybooking.com/CPHUN.

For information about the Open Gardens Victoria program visit opengardensvictoria.org.au.

MARKET DAY: Support local artisans and get set for Mother’s Day at the Wangaratta West Artisans Market on Saturday, May 4.

One-stop shop for Mother’s Day gifts

By SIMONE KERWIN

GET set for Mother’s Day by purchasing gifts at the next Wangaratta West Artisans Market on Saturday, May 4.

Hosted by the Parish of Wangaratta West and the Warbys and held in the grounds of St Michael’s Anglican Church, corner O’Leary and Appin Streets, the market will

run from 9am to 1pm. Stalls will feature fresh produce, plants, homemade cakes, jewellery and craft A coffee van will complement the sweet treats available for purchase, as will the always-popular cake stall, while sausages and hamburgers will be available from the barbecue, and patrons can also enjoy loaded baked potatoes on sale inside the church hall.

For youngsters, there will be face-painting, colouring and games, and the ukelele band will be back to entertain the crowd.

A Mother’s Day-themed raffle will be drawn on the day, with a selection of hampers on offer.

The event offers the ideal chance to buy a Mother’s Day gift, while enjoying a great day out with others, and supporting local artisans.

By JORDAN DUURSMA

OVENS Landcare Network with Swamps Rivers and Ranges are hosting an open garden at “Verticordia”, Helen and John van Reit’s inspiring native garden in South Wangaratta this Sunday. Enjoy a stroll around Helen and John’s established garden, overflowing with beautiful native plants and designed to support a large range of native fauna. The event will be held on Sunday, April 21 from 12pm to 4pm at 475 Shanley Street, Wangaratta South, entry is $10.

The Australian Native Plant Society will have native plants for sale and Oxfam Wangaratta are providing Devonshire tea throughout the afternoon. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Oxfam. The afternoon will also include a presentation from the garden owners on the how, what, when and why of gardening to attract and support native wildlife. The event focuses on an approach to gardening that supports the unique and special plants and animals native to the area while still being a source of beauty and joy for the garden owner.

The local landscape is made up of many parcels of public and private land.

Together, the community can provide a diversity of habitats for different plants and animals.

Public land managers such as councils and Parks Victoria can protect remnant vegetation, improve habitat, and create havens for locally native species on public land. Householders, businesses, schools and other landowners can do the same on private land.

By wildlife gardening, the community can work together to make the local neighbourhood a place that supports the native plants and animals in the area.

Participants can learn about building knowledge, skills, confidence and ownership in caring for the land, strengthen their connections with community, nature and place, and improve their health and wellbeing.

This event has been made possible with funding from the Victorian Landcare Program.

For more information contact Kerrie on landcare.kerrie@gmail. com or 0418 427 730 or to book https://events.humanitix.com/ gardens-for-wildlife-open-garden

AMAZING: Come and see Rhonda Stamp’s and her sister Elizabeth’s gardens at two locations and enjoy refreshments this weekend. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

GLITZ AND GLAMOUR: Rachel York and husband Jon attended the Australian Small Business Champion Awards last weekend, where Ms York’s Amour De La Maison was a “very close” winner of her small business award category.

National commendation for Wangaratta small business finalist

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

WANGARATTA’S Rachel York was given national recognition as her business went up as a finalist for an ’Oscar of Australian small business’ at the Australian Small Business Champion Awards.

Ms York and husband Jon walked the red carpet at Sydney’s Darling Harbour last weekend as the Wangaratta mum’s small business Amour De La Maison was nominated in the Home and Garden Improvement category. Her home décor business operated out of a studio in Kerr Street went up against 11 other small businesses from around the country, with Ringwood-based timber coating business Fiddes Australia winning the award.

Ms York said the couple thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere of the 1000-strong crowd of small business entrepreneurs and she was lucky enough to speak to the award’s judges themselves.

“It was lovely that we were personally spoken to by the judge to say we are a close winner,” she said. It was the second time in as many years Ms York had attended as a finalist under her small business in Sydney, having being nominated as a finalist in the Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards.

Founder of the national small business champion awards, Steve Loe, said oerating a small business today requires steadfast commitment, leadership, savviness, creativity, people skills, vision, social consciousness and a spirited drive.

“I am blown away by the growth of this program and its intensifying spotlight on the most deserving small business operators,” he said.

RECOGNITION OF SERVICE: Acting Senior Sergeant Tim Hart (right) awarded the Victoria Police Service Medal (Clasp) in recognition of 40 years of service and the National Emergency Medal for service during the 2019-2020 Victorian bushfires.

AN HONOUR:

Region’s police officers acknowledged for their community contribution

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

LOCAL police members had a rare moment to look back and recognise outstanding service in the community at the Eastern Division 4 Awards day last week.

Held at the Wangaratta Turf Club on April 9, the awards acknowledged outstanding service within the community as well as long-term service acknowledgement in the region, spanning as much as 45-years on the force.

Other awards also acknowledged were divisional commendations, regional commendations, national emergency medals, end of service recognition, Victoria

Police service medals and the police star.

Attendees converged from across the division region stretching from as far as Echuca, Corroyong and Mount Hotham.

Wangaratta local area commander, Acting Inspector Kym Clark, said it was a big day for members and their families to be able to receive much deserved recognition for their contribution to the community.

“It was a fantastic day for us to be able to recognise the good work that’s done by our members every day, in particular their years of service and special acknowledgements for jobs done,” she said.

“It was lovely for the families to be able to be there.

“Within our region we’ve got some significant experience and community contributions by our members.”

Regional Commander for the Eastern Region, Assistant Commissioner Russell Barrett attended to formally present the awards to all recipients.

“The police star is awarded by the Chief Commissioner for employees who are killed or seriously injured, and we had one member who received some serious injuries in relation to a vehicle ramming and was awarded with the star,” Acting Inspector Clark said.

“We had a major incident citation which was recogni-

Dean’s focus on community

Thursday, April 17, 2014

BY SIMONE KERWIN

KEN Goodger, new Dean of Wangaratta’s Holy Trinity Cathedral, said his two children were preparing to swap surf for snow as part of their coming move from the Sunshine Coast.

Rev Goodger, who will take up the position of Rector of Wangaratta and Dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral in July, will relocate to the rural city from his current post in the Caloundra/Glasshouse Country parish with wife Stephanie and children Zoe (13) and Jacob (11).

“It will be a big change, but a nice one,” he said.

“We have visited Wangaratta on a number of occasions and always enjoyed it, so we are looking forward to it.

tion for service at a critical incident and this particular one was a Burke Street incident.”

It was just the second iteration of the awards day, introduced last year.

Acting Inspector Clark said with the feedback received this year from the members, their families and executive command, the force would look to hold the awards annually going forward.

“There were a number of awards that were recognised and unfortunately we don’t get a chance to do this regularly,” she said.

“There are still a number of medals and awards in relation to the bushfire period in 201920 yet to be recognised.”

Bishop of Wangaratta John Parkes said he knew the Goodger family well from his own time in Brisbane, and “knew Ken would be a perfect fit”.

Rev Goodger said he did enjoy dinner with the Queen.

“Along with 400 other people,” he joked.

10 years ago 10 years ago

“My children will miss the surf, but they are looking forward to heading into the hills and learning to snowboard.”

Rev Goodger takes on the role vacated in December by Fr Michael O’Brien, who has moved on to army chaplaincy, and currently being filled temporarily by Interim Dean Fr John Southerden.

Originally from Brisbane, Rev Goodger has previously served as Rector in the Brisbane suburb of Moorooka/ Salisbury.

“He has a track record in connecting school and parish, and actually spent three years as Rector of London’s St Peter’s Eaton Square, where it was his job to strengthen the relationship between the parish school and the parish,” Bishop Parkes said.

“Ken and Stephanie are very family focused, Ken is great at liturgy, and they will be a blessing.”

Rev Goodger, who served in St Peter’s Eaton Square between 1999 and 2002, actually counted Queen Elizabeth II among his parishioners.

Though Her Majesty never attended one of his services,

Rev Goodger said he had worked to develop family ministry in each of his postings, and this would again be a focus.

“What I would like to do is make the Cathedral a community Cathedral, not just a place for Anglicans who come to church,” he said.

“The community obviously identifies with the Cathedral, so I want to explore how it can be a community place.

“Other than that, I think it’s a matter of coming along and seeing what the community needs.

“Wangaratta seems to have a very good community feel, and I think we’ll enjoy that.”

READY FOR A CHANGE: New Dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral Ken Goodger, with wife Stephanie and children Zoe (13) and Jacob (11), will move from the Sunshine Coast to take up his new role in July.

Amanda Harris (right) awarded the Victoria Police Service Medal in recognition of 10 years of “diligent and ethical” service.

IN TIMES OF NEED: Eastern Region, Assistant Commissioner Russell Barrett (left) presents Police Custody Officer Jacinta Hutton with a National Emergency Medal for her service in the 2019-2020 Victorian bushfires.

HotHouse Theatre appeals for for donations

HOTHOUSE Theatre, a cornerstone of contemporary Australian theatre on the border, is shedding light on the financial challenges of producing original works.

As they continue in their mission to produce regional stories for national stages, they are calling on the region to get behind the cause.

The company has launched a fundraising campaign, “Stage Your Support - Your Donation Doubled,” and is inviting locals and theatre enthusiasts to help them reach their ambitious goal of raising $18,000 by May 31 to support the development of the next great regional story.

In an exciting development, Creative Australia is supporting HotHouse Theatre through the Plus1 program - matching every dollar raised up to the goal of $18,000, effectively doubling the impact of each donation.

“Box office revenue consistently falls short of covering the substantial production costs, presenting a challenge to sustaining our commitment to fostering the growth of regionally-based artists,” said new HotHouse chief executive officer, Terese Casu.

Artistic director Karla Conway said every great regional story you see premiere at HotHouse takes three years of investment from development through to production.

“Regional stories matter,” she said.

“It is not enough to only bring stories in from the city, our stories belong on professional stages, here and around the country, but it will take the commitment of the whole community to make it happen.”

By donating to the Plus1 Program, supporters will become an integral part of sustaining the rich tapestry of Australian theatre in our region.

Donor generosity will be proudly showcased on a special donor screen in the Butter Factory Theatre foyer and on the website.

Donors who are able to donate $1000 or more will be invited to join the HotHouse giving circle called the Incubators who will receive unique opportunities to participate in the behind-the-scenes events at HotHouse, special VIP invites and social events throughout the year and op-

portunities to engage more deeply in the development of our future.

“Suppor ters play a crucial role in helping us bring regional stories to national stages and contribute to the longevity of exceptional theatre on both local and national platforms,” added Terese.

“With just a few weeks left until May 31, we are asking our community to get behind us to ensure we are able to continue creating exceptional theatre locally, such as our recent hit The Plan (and Other Plans) by Grace Rouvray and Bridie Connell, that was loved by audiences young and old.”

Beyond funding the upcoming commissions and productions, HotHouse Theatre aims to build a more extensive a nd robust community of supporters.

This deeper connection is vital for the company’s unique position in the region, and we want our support-

ers to have authentic opportunities to engage and feel connected to the work that is developed here and play an active role in shaping our future.

Regional works from HotHouse have been gaining national attention.

Their smash hit All the Shining Lights recently won the AWGIE Award for Best Theatre for Young Audiences.

Last year HER and Unprecedented received publication, the latter touring into regional NSW, VIC and QLD.

In March HotHouse premiered another smash hit – The Plan (and Other Plans), and they are now in development on the next great work from the region.

HotHouse Theatre invites all lovers of theatre to be part of this important journey.

To contribute and double your impact, visit www.hothousetheatre. com.au.

RIDE FOR CHARITY: A team of 12 will ride 350km, from Wangaratta to Tallarook to raise awareness and funding for affordable homes.

Charity ride for homelessness

By JORDAN DUURSMA

STABLE One’s 2024

Charity Ride is set to start from Wangaratta on Wednesday, April 24.

The team of 12 will ride 350km from Wangaratta to Tallarook to raise awareness and funds to help build affordable homes.

The campaign aims to promote and support Stable One’s Affordable Supported Housing Village model in conjunction with their Winter Shelters, as a long-term solution to offer accommodation to people experiencing homelessness.

The riders will begin their five day journey across western Victoria after experiencing a night in the Wang Night Shelter at the Wangaratta Wesleyan Methodist Church.

Di Duursma, director of Zac’s Place and project manager of the Wang Night Shelter, said just like those who are experiencing homelessness who stay in the shelter, the riders will be involved in all aspects of the experience.

“They will be unloading the shelter trailer, setting up their beds, participating in preparing and serving the meals and they will have night shelter volunteers sharing their experiences of volunteering,” she said.

“I think it is a wonderful experience for people who are from the city to be made aware there is homelessness in regional towns.

“While the scale might not be the same, we have people in our community

who have the capacity to be part of the solution for those experiencing homelessness.”

Ms Duursma said having the experience of staying in the Night Shelter will help the participants to understand what the Wangaratta community does to support vulnerable people in the community.

“The riders are sponsored so they are not coming to Wangaratta to raise funds to take back to Melbourne,” Ms Duursma said.

“They are coming to create awareness and connection about the building a village model, in the hopes we might be able to do it in different places.”

Wang Night Shelter work in partnership with Stable One as an affiliate member of their network of Winter Shelters.

“Stable One helped us start the Wang Night Shelter six years ago,” Ms Duursma said.

“We continue to work together with great relationships and mutual support.

“We are very interested in seeing the housing village model trialled and then replicated in other parts of Victoria which are already involved in the Winter Shelters.

“We want to see this idea come to regional Victoria as well as Melbourne.

“We would love to see something similar in Wangaratta.

“This is a collective response to homelessness, loneliness and heartache in our own home town.”

PHOTO:

Moyhu Lions Country market

THE Moyhu Lions Country market will be held at the Moyhu Lions Park in Moyhu on Saturday morning from 8am until 12pm.

This month’s market is the Poet’s Breakfast, with everyone invited to bring along their favourite poem to share.

There will also be a range of stalls to browse, freshly brewed coffee and breakfast available, prepared by members of the Moyhu Lions Club.

Creative exhibition in Wangaratta

THE Country Women’s Association Moira Group will hold a Creative Arts Exhibition and competition at the Uniting Church Hall in Rowan Street on Friday and Saturday.

The exhibition will feature sewing, art, embroidery, photography, floral art, cooking, knitting, crochet and more, along with demonstrations of card making, crochet and making Christmas trees.

It will be open today from 1pm to 4pm and on Saturday from 9.30am to 3pm and entry is $10 for adults (children free) which includes a Devonshire tea, with all welcome.

Shadow Murmurs at art gallery

AN exhibition called Shadow Murmurs by Julie Monro-Allison which explores the translation of an idea between one medium to another, the creative potential and the slippage that arises, will be open to the public tomorrow in Gallery 2 at the Wangaratta Art Gallery.

Taking initial inspiration from the biological complexity and diversity of microscopic creatures, their cycles of life and the spaces in which these cycles unfold, Monro-Allison’s woven textile sculptures and graphite drawings consider the losses and gains experienced, and asks questions such as what changes when a drawing becomes a textile form.

It will be open to the public until June 9 with an official opening celebration being held on Friday, May 3 from 5pm.

Kate reflects on a lifetime of lions

By ANITA MCPHERSON

AN exhibition of paintings and drawings by award-winning artist Kate Jenvey, which capture the majestic beauty of lions in the wild, has opened at the Art Gallery on Ovens in Wangaratta.

Renowned for her realistic paintings and drawings of wildlife, Kate said this exhibition reflects on her growth as an artist, from her first painting as a five-year-old, through to today, with lions as a subject.

“I grew up in East Africa and I was inspired by the abundant wildlife - so lions have always been a very magnetic subject for me to draw and paint,” she said.

“This exhibition is a bit of retrospective, but it also includes some of my latest work.”

Kate said lions have a firm place in her heart, symbolising so much on a cultural level and in many other ways, and the artworks are mostly drawn from photographs she has taken of lions in their natural habitat.

She returns to Africa as often as she canvisiting around four times in the last 10 years - including a trip just last year.

With camera in hand, Kate joins expeditions with experienced tour operators who are familiar with particular areas and know where the resident prides will be.

She said while the light is bright in East Africa, it is always somewhat diffused with dust and smoke, and that has a big influence on her work.

She takes thousands of photos before working through them to find the images which will go on to inspire everything from powerful portraits, through to intimate interactions between pride members.

“I love getting out in the wild and immersing myself in nature,” she said.

“And I love seeing lions because they have become vulnerable now which is really tragic,

Hints of the Valley by Joan Mullarvey

A COLLECTION of works by local artist Joan Mullarvey is on display in the foyer gallery at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre.

Hints of the Valley brings together a series which use the printmaking process of collagraphy; a technique

as they were plentiful when I was a kid.

“This is my lifetime journey - and I thought it was a nice way to tell a story about one of the things that has inspired me along the way.

“I will also donate a portion of the proceeds of any sales of my artwork to foundations which specialise in lion conservation, because that’s also dear to my heart.”

An official opening will be held on Saturday from 12pm to 2pm and everyone is invited, with the opportunity to meet Kate and learn more about her work.

she is particularly drawn to, where textural collaged plates are created then inked in a painterly approach. They will be on display until May 29.

Wangaratta community market

THE Wangaratta community market runs every Sunday at Moore

A Lifetime of Lions will be open at the Art Gallery on Ovens from today through until April 29, on Monday, Thursday and Friday from 10am until 4pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 2pm, in the gallery located in the laneway off Murphy Street, with entry free.

Than Swimming, located at 11-13 Mason Street in Wangaratta, from 8am until 1pm.

There is a wide range of stalls to browse with new and used items, plants, fruit and veg and more, with refreshments also on site.

Stalls are available for $25 each (no bookings required) with more information via the market’s Facebook page.

Wang Repair Café at the market

THE Wang Repair Café will be set up at the Wangaratta community market in Mason Street on Sunday from 8am until 12pm.

Bring along your broken items to repair including electronics, household goods, sports equipment garden items and more.

MAJESTIC INSPIRATION: Kate Jenvey’s latest exhibition “A Lifetime of Lions” includes drawings and paintings that span the decades, inspired by one of her favourite subjects. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Praying Mantid - Spot them if you can

By IAN DAVIDSON & CHRIS TZAROS

AT the end of summer and start of autumn many larger insects appear because they have longer life-cycles and spend spring and summer growing and developing.

The Praying Mantid is an example of this lifecycle and is this week’s feature species.

The word mantises is plural for mantid.

The Praying Mantid is probably best known for its remarkable camouflage throughout various stages of its life cycle.

Many adults resemble sticks, twigs or leaves, their eggs could be mistaken for seeds, and juveniles often mimic ants.

There are about 118 species of

Praying Mantises in Australia and they can range in size from 10120 mm in length.

They can be found on vegetation such as flowers, tree trunks and tall grasses.

There are also some that live on the ground.

Their bodies are variable in shape but they are mostly thin and sticklike.

Their head is triangular and appears hard, with thread-like antennae which are usually shorter than body length and

their eyes are large, bulging and well separated.

Praying Mantids are carnivores with powerful chewing mouth-parts and are predators, eating mostly insects but have been known to eat small lizards and birds.

Praying Mantises are usually solitary animals and often territorial.

They are usually green or brown.

Many have cryptic colouring and resemble sticks, twigs or leaves to assist in camouflage for hiding and ambushing prey that help them blend in with their surroundings.

They also tend to spend a lot of their time motionless with their

forelegs outstretched awaiting prey.

Females are usually larger than males.

The female dies about two weeks after laying from 40-100 eggs and the total mantid lifespan is about 6-12 months

When disturbed they usually remain still or run out of the line of sight and some large species can inflict a nasty cut-like bite when handled.

They have good vision and

their head often turns to face moving objects.

They are weak fliers usually flying in short bursts and are active during the day and night.

Mantids have three life stages: egg, a nymph stage which resembles a smaller wingless adult, and adult.

Egg clusters are protected inside cases known as ootheca.

Locally, ootheca often resemble greenish hard sponge-like papery spheres about half the size of a golf ball.

In the autumn these are left attached to small twigs or branches, with the eggs inside over winter.

Check your caddy liners before you bin them.

Only certified compostable liners are accepted in your food and garden organics bin.

Other types of liners and bags won’t break down correctly and will contaminate the resulting compost. So check for the AS 4736 symbol before putting a liner in your green bin. You can also put your food scraps and garden clippings in the bin loose.

Small acts make a big impact.

Council logo goes here [QR Code] wangaratta.vic.gov.au

Find out more: <councilname>.vic.gov.au

KINGS OF CAMOUFLAGE: Typical stick-like pose of the Praying Mantid.

PHOTO: Chris Tzaros (Birds Bush and Beyond)

Fruit fly remains a seasonal threat

BY BRODIE EVERIST beverist@ nemedia.com.au

THIS season the impact of fruit fly has been mixed, according to local growers and gardeners, but the pest problem can be calamitous if left untreated.

Myrtleford horticulturalist Annette Smits said there had been large numbers of fruit fly in the area during the fruiting season, citing numbers in her own garden and two Beechworth property owners who had reported significant numbers of the fly.

“I had traps full; every fortnight I had to make new gel,” she said, referring to the attractant gel that kills the winged insects.

One of those Beechworth property owners, Mareike Borchard, said she had to strip her 10 apple trees of fruit due to an infestation, and she wasn’t sure how the pest got to her property.

“We live in the middle of the national park, so we were quite surprised,” she said.

“It could have been from animals, I don’t know.”

However, other reports on the fly have been mixed.

problems with the pest.

According to the latest National Fruit Fly Strategy, there are a number of fruit fly types, but the most economically destructive are the Queensland Fruit Fly, which is distributed along the eastern seaboard into the Northern Territory, and the Mediterranean Fruit Fly, which lives in parts of Western Australia.

Both lays eggs in fruit, and upon hatching, the maggots will consume the fruit from the inside out, eventually leaving to pupate in the soil.

There are a number of homemade recipes for fruit fly traps, with ingredients like vegemite, fruit, milk, sugar and even red wine, but most of them don’t work, according to Ms Smits.

Around 7-8 years ago she tested a number of fruit fly remedies, finding the most effective is the ‘BioTrap’, which combines a pheromone lure for the male fly and an attractant gel for the female fly.

At the time she got the Myrtleford rural supplies cooperative TAFCO to begin selling the traps and associated lures.

Three local orchards – two in the Alpine Shire and one in Whorouly (Rural City of Wangaratta) – reported no problems with the fly.

though he said he only has a small number of clients.

“They came in fairly early this year.”

After this year’s troubles she is happy to report TAFCO has got them back in stock.

Local gardener Alan Mitchinson said only one of his clients suffered from the pest this season,

Cafe, social enterprise ends after a decade of service

By BRODIE EVERIST

BRIGHT’S Dumu Balcony Cafe had its last day of operation on Friday, with staff members, trainees and supporters holding a party afterwards to mark the occasion.

The cafe hosted young people from Wadeye, in the Northern Territory, in 10-week stints to teach them hospitality skills, customer service, and prepare them for work as part of a work readiness program.

Program co-founder and former cafe owner Bec Crawley spoke at the event, recounting the early days of the venue in 2014.

“We called ourself a social enterprise while social enterprises were just finding their place in the world,” she said.

“The words ‘break even’ probably describe what we do best.

“We put purpose over profit and I still can’t quite believe that we lasted this long.”

As reported in the Alpine Observer, the cafe has closed due to owners selling the property, but the work readiness program will continue with other local businesses.

Ms Crawley and cafe co-founder Marni Witts partnered with the Tharramurr Youth Indigenous Corporation so they could run the work readiness program, and around a year ago ownership of the cafe was handed to the corporation.

“I left Dumu with its best mate, Thamarrurr Youth last year and like all children, it took its own direction and became what it was meant to be,” Ms Crawley said.

“As Dumu flies away from its home, it does so in the peak of its life.”

“As soon as we noticed we sprayed the trees and then netted them straight away,” he said.

While he only had one client affected by fruit fly, he said he had heard other gardeners reporting

As well as using traps, growers are advised to use fine netting and to pick up fallen fruit to stop the fly.

GETTING TOGETHER: Dumu Cafe staff and trainees gathered for a photo last Friday. PHOTOS: Brodie Everist

TRAP ‘EM: Myrtleford horticulturalist Annette Smits recommends using commercially-available fruit fly traps to stop the pest.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Expressions of Interest, closing Thursday, May 9 at 12noon at the agent’s office.

Property blends history and modernity

NESTLED in the heart of Wangaratta, this lovely four-bedtroom, two bathroom property on an expansive 2633m2 allotment at 12 Parfitt Road unveils a captivating blend of history and modernity.

This hidden gem showcases a remarkable transformation, with a tasteful and considered renovation breathing new life into the historic Butter Factory and a charming Victorian family home.

Meticulously restored, these spaces honour the area’s rich heritage, whilst simultaneously offering a sanctuary for con-

temporary living in the heart of the city.

The main residence built in the circa 1900’s seamlessly blends contemporary comforts with old-world charm.

Classic red brickwork, bullnose verandahs, Murray Pine timber floors (reinstalled two years ago with under floor insulation), high ceilings, grand archways, a wood fire and much more all combine with the tasteful renovation to deliver an inviting and truly special home.

The home features four large bedrooms, dining room and lounge areas,

and stunning bathroom, with the magnificent kitchen’s state-of-the art appliances including a large Smeg double oven with gas and electric cooking.

The lovingly restored Butter Factory building with its wood fire, upstairs loft and rustic charm, offers endless possibilities (STCA).

The property also has a workshop and tool shed, established gardens with an outdoor entertaining area and a 12m bore.

Contact agent Garry Nash & Co for more on this fabulous opportunity. Garry Nash & Co. 5722 2663

Wangaratta branch

76 Reid Street

Open weekdays

9am to 5pm (closed 1pm to 1:45pm)

1300 004 863 humebank.com.au

The kitchen showcases Blackwood cabinetry and is equipped with quality appliances and a large pantry, perfect for culinary enthusiasts.

This space connects to the open-plan meals/dining area, which then flows through to the large family room.

ensuring ample storage and

for the entire family. The master bedroom also features a new ensuite.

Enjoy the convenience of a purposebuilt home office, providing the ideal space for remote work or study with a lovely bay window outlook and external access perfect for client meetings. This large room could also be easily converted into a fourth bedroom.

Through sliding doors there is an additional formal lounge room with a feature combustion wood heater, providing ample spaces for family living and entertaining.

There are also a number of split systems throughout the home to provide convenient climate control yearround.

An 8kw solar system covers a large portion of electricity usage, supplemented by solar hot water, ensuring energy

efficiency and sustainability.

Step outside to a paved, all-weather entertaining area overlooking the inground pool and established gardens, creating the perfect backdrop for outdoor gatherings and relaxation.

Additional features include two large machinery sheds, a double carport, plus an insulated and air-conditioned bungalow/games room with an additional storage room.

A small cluster of wine grape vines adds a touch of charm and potential for hobby winemaking.

Enjoy the serenity of country living while being just a short distance from essential amenities and recreational attractions.

4 2 2

Garry Nash & Co.

5722 2663

$995,000

461 Markwood Everton Road, Everton Agent | Phone | Price | Location |

The property is only a 20-minute drive to Wangaratta or Myrtleford, and close to the gourmet food region and ski fields. Don’t miss the opportunity to make this family oasis your own.

Contact Garry Nash & Co today to arrange a private inspection and begin your journey towards a relaxed country lifestyle.

7 Belle Avenue, Wangaratta

For sale $559,000

Spacious family home with in-ground pool

• 4 bedrooms or 3 with second living space.

• Ducted heating and cooling + wood heater.

• Modern renovated kitchen.

• Shed, solar and in-ground pool.

• West End close to shops and schools.

13 Thomas Wedge Drive, Wangaratta

For sale $549,000 to $565,000

Neat brick home. Large shed.

• Comfortable 3-bedroom brick home

• Ducted gas heating

241 Warby Range Road, Glenrowan

For sale $675,000

Affordable out-of-town living

• 1-acre (approx.). Hamilton Park Estate.

• Sandstone cladding. Modern kitchen.

• Downstairs bathroom. Upstairs ensuite.

• Large shed with toilet. Good fencing.

• Raw water supply + huge rainwater tank.

11 Higgins Street, Wangaratta

- $320 per week.

• Fully renovated bathroom. Modern kitchen.

• 2 separate living spaces.

• Ducted heating and cooling. Wood heater.

• Easy maintenance on 566m (approx.)

14

Court,

walk-in robe and ensuite.

• No more to spend. Complete from top to toe.

Wangaratta 2 Appin Street 740m22 11

Renovate or Develop

For Sale $385,000 View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L19191762

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Danial Siperki M 0400 027 473

Harcourts Wangaratta

Wangaratta 159 Burke Street

842m23 12

Perfect Start

For Sale $420,000

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L19194021

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Danial Siperki M 0400 027 473

Harcourts Wangaratta

Wangaratta 38 Blake Street

697m23 22

West End Family Home

For Sale $499,000

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L27263229

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Danial Siperki M 0400 027 473

Harcourts Wangaratta

Danial Siperki M 0400 027 473 Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Boorhaman East 712 Boorhaman East Rd

59Ac3 26

Country Lifestyle Opportunity in Boorhaman East

For Sale $665,000

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L127089095

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Hugh Amery M 0487 777 311

Harcourts Wangaratta

By CHRIS RILEY, Marque Motoring

THE Nissan Navara PRO4X was replaced by the PRO4X Warrior which in turn has recently been replaced by the much-hyped PRO-4X Warrior by Premcar.

Premcar had a hand in some or all of them, but here’s the thing . . . the Pro-4X is back.

Take your eye off the ball and look what happens.

What’s more, there’s an SL Warrior by Premcar now too.

Who will be top dog?

STYLING

To give Navara and the PRO-4X some context, there’s a new one due soon.

That’s a good thing because the current Navara has been with us for 10 years and despite a makeover, it is starting to show.

They say however that the last of the line is always the best one because by then they’ve managed to iron out the bugs.

That makes the only real decision here whether to get the PRO-4X or the PRO-4X Warrior by Premcar?

They might look similar, but they’re actually two very different vehicles.

PRO-4X is all about show, a flashy package designed with the city driver in mind.

Nissan describes it as a style package aimed at adventure lovers and travellers craving an escape from their daily routine.

The Warrior, as its name suggests, has been assembled to take on the elements, targeted at the driver who’s not afraid to get their car dirty and maybe scraped with some serious low-range action.

Prices for Pro-4X start from $63,955 for the manual or $66,921 for the auto; both fig-

ures driveaway. The Premcar version is $74,255 for the manual or $76,830 with an auto, over $10K more and that’s a huge difference.

Based on the entry grade SL comes only as an auto and is priced from $67,027.

The former darling ST-X is $55,945.

Interestingly, they’re all powered by the same 2.3-litre four cylinder turbo-diesel, some with single, some with twin turbos.

Our test vehicle was the PRO-4X automatic.

The latest version looks the goods, dressed in black, with red decoration and PRO-4X decals.

There’s black 17-inch alloys and all terrain Yokohama rubber, along with a black interlock grille, black sports bar, rear step for ease of access and a tailgate embossed with the Navara name.

The makeover includes privacy glass, together with black roof rails, door handles, door mirrors and side steps.

Inside there’s two-zone climate air, heated, part-leather, red-stitched, embroidered front seats with the PRO-4X logo and a power-adjust driver seat.

There’s also a fancy chrome transmission surround, rear air outlets, and of course that odd little sliding rear window that has been a part of the Navara experience for so long.

Standard features include push-button start, cruise control (but not adaptive cruise), quad LED headlights and LED tail lights, auto high beam, auto lights and wipers, auto dimming rear-view mirror, rear parking sensors, floor mats, tow bar and tub liner.

It appears a tonneau cover is optional although the test vehicle was supplied with one.

Spare is a full size steel wheel located out of the way under the rear.

The instrument cluster features old style analogue dials left and right, separated by a centre digital driver information screen with the ability to display a digital speedo.

PRO-4X is covered by a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with service intervals set at 12 months or 15,000km.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS

In terms of grunt the twin turbo 2.3-litre four cylinder diesel puts out 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque, the latter from a low 1500 through to 2500 rpm.

These are good figures because torque is the stuff that provides low-end grunt, the same as a V8 and makes it more accessible.

The turbo-diesel comes with a choice of 6-speed manual or 7-speed auto transmissions.

The auto includes Navara’s Drive Mode Selector, with Sport, Off-Road, Tow and Normal modes.

SAFETY

Safety extends to seven airbags, including a driver’s knee bag, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Emergency Braking, Intelligent Driver Alertness, Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Lane Intervention, Blind Spot Warning and an Intelligent Around View Monitor, including an offroad monitor, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Autonomous emergency braking (City and Interurban) is now standard on all variants, but does not detect pedestrians and cyclists.

DRIVING

At more than 5.3 metres in length and with a 12.5 metre

turning circle, Navara can be tricky to park.

Or it would be if not for rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera with guidelines and 360-degree overhead monitor to help.

Sides steps are fitted but getting in would be easier if the driver was provided with a grab handle like other occupants.

It would also be so much easier to find the ideal driving position if the steering wheel was reach-adjustable — which it is not.

On a more positive note the driver seat is power adjustable which helps to get it just right.

The back seats are large enough and comfortable enough to accommodate adults, but legroom is limited so we would not like to spend too much time back there on long haul trips.

They lift up to reveal extra storage.

Of note the child seat anchor points in this car feature cloth loops which are located on the top edge of the seat.

The idea is to pass the tether through the closest loop and then continue to the next one along where you attach the snap shackle.

Can’t say we’ve encountered this setup before and forewarned is forearmed because the loop may not be large enough to accommodate the tether buckle.

Ground clearance is a big factor when it comes to offroad ability.

PRO-4X offers what we regard as a rather per se 220mm — the bare minimum really.

This climbs to 260mm in the off-road focused Premcar model.

Wading depth for both is 600mm.

There’s a part-time dual range 4×4 and rear diff lock,

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE:

NISSAN NAVARA PRO-4X manual, $63,955

NISSAN NAVARA PRO-4X automatic, $66,921

NISSAN NAVARA SL WARRIOR by Premcar, auto only $67,027

NISSAN NAVARA PRO-4X WARRIOR BY PREMCAR manual, $74,255

NISSAN NAVARA PRO-4X WARRIOR BY PREMCAR auto, $76,830

NOTE: These prices are drive-away.

which means essentials are there, it’s just that we wouldn’t be tackling anything too extreme.

While a front bash plate is fitted, the part you can see under the bumper is plastic and easily damaged.

Suspension is double wishbone at the front and five-point, multi-link at the rear, as opposed to the old fashioned leaf springs offered by most utes.

A strengthened rear axle and additional load volume make the vehicle ready for work or play.

PRO-4X pulls strongly just off idle, but tends to run out of puff if you start to push hard.

The ride on the other hand is surprisingly supple, on well formed roads at least.

Once you hit the back roads it soon deteriorates, becoming brittle and unforgiving.

The steering is a bit vague, but it goes where you point without too much complaint.

Gear changes from the seven-speed box are smooth and timely.

Rather than thrash it PRO4X is at its best cruising in the left lane, where it purrs along, quiet and smooth and using little fuel for its size.

Working with the Vehicle Dynamic Control system (VDC) and ABS brakes, this system enables drivers to be more confident and feel secure when towing large payloads and driving through muddy terrain with less acceleration and brake operation.

Our test vehicle was fitted with Yokohama Geolandar allterrain rubber, which tends to be good in the dry but terrible on wet roads, so the rear end is apt to become unstable in twowheel drive aka. rear-wheel drive.

PRO-4X can tow a 3500kg braked load and payload of 1013kg (manual) or 1004kg (auto).

The new trailer sway control system helps the vehicle to maintain stability on the road when towing a trailer.

But a tonneau cover is optional and there is no 12 volt outlet in the tray for a fridge.

Fuel consumption for this model is a claimed 8.1L/100km from an 80-litre tank.

We were getting pretty close to that at 8.2L/100km after almost 800km.

In four-wheel drive mode, Navara activates its Active Brake Limited Slip Differential system (ABLS), which manages power delivery and wheel braking between the front and rear axles and between the left and right of the vehicle, depending on traction and speed.

■ THE LATEST VERSION: Looks the part, dressed in black, with red decoration and PRO-4X decals.

Council Meeting

The April Scheduled Council Meeting will be held at the Eldorado Memorial Hall at 6pm on Tuesday 30 April with public consultation time available from 5:30pm. Questions from the public are welcome. These can be submitted up until 10am on the day of the meeting through our website at www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/Contact-us Alternatively, questions can be asked in-person at the meeting. A recording of the meeting will be available following the rural meeting on our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/@ RuralCityofWangaratta. A light supper will be provided.

Come along to this free event and get to know our intriguing local water mammals the Platypus and Rakali. There will be presentations from local experts, fun activities for families, and a bbq. For more information and to book your tickets visit https://events.humanitix.com/mullinmur-platypus-rakali

Notice of Planning Scheme Amendment C86wang

Location: Lot 2 PS744661D Wangaratta-Whitfield Road and part of Targoora Park (330 WangarattaWhitfield Road), Wangaratta

Proposal: This combined Sec 96A planning scheme amendment and planning permit application (ref: PlnApp24/005) proposes the rezoning of Lot 2 PS744661D Wangaratta-Whitfield Road from Low Density Residential Zone - Schedule 1 to General Residential Zone - Schedule 1 to facilitate a multi lot staged residential subdivision (233 lots) including the removal of native vegetation, the alteration of an access to a road

a Transport

2 (Wangaratta-Whitfield

and the removal and variation of

easement (E1). The amendment also proposes to partially rezone Targoora Park (330 Wangaratta-Whitfield Road) from Public Park Recreation Zone to Public Use Zone 1 to accommodate the construction of an integrated waste water treatment plant. The amendment can be viewed on Rural City of Wangaratta’s website, including details of how to make a submission: www.wangaratta.vic. gov.au/Development/Strategic-planning/PlanningScheme-Amendments. For more information, please contact the Strategic Planning Department on 03 5722 0888. Any submissions must be received by COB on 14 May 2024.

Wangaratta

Transfer Station closed ANZAC day.

Due to unforeseen circumstances the Wangaratta Transfer Station will be closed on ANZAC day Thursday 25 April. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Synergy Youth Hub

Come down to the Synergy Youth Hub on Monday afternoons in April for a series of great activities. 29 Flanagan St, Wangaratta (behind James Tilson Kindergarten).

22 April: Board games night

29 April: Personnel Group info session & FREEZA catch-up. The Personnel Group assists individuals to find long-term, sustainable employment

Have you say

Municipal Early Years Plan - Community Survey

This survey is designed to gather insights and opinions from residents regarding the future direction of early childhood services in Wangaratta. Your feedback will help us understand the needs and priorities of families with young children, ensuring that our services are tailored to meet those needs effectively. Submissions close Friday 31 May https://bit.ly/4cYqHyD

Local Shop Hop

Each month we are showcasing the cool, quirky, and unique shopping spots across our region. From April to November 2024, residents and visitors alike are invited to explore our charming townships for a chance to win some awesome prizes.

Local Shop Hop’s first stop is Glenrowan. Pop into the amazing shops in Glenrowan for a bite to eat, a gift, or a little something for yourself. With every purchase at participating spots, you have a chance to win amazing prizes. Simply scan a QR code, and you’re in! More info here: https://bit.ly/3IZq8Xy

Planning Applications

Application No

PlnApp23/209

Location 197 Murdoch Road, Wangaratta

Proposal Staged multi-lot subdivision, removal of native vegetation and creation of access to a Transport Zone 2. These applications can be viewed on Rural City of Wangaratta’s website under Development, Planning, Current Applications. Any person who may be affected by the granting of a permit may object or make a submission (must be in writing). For more information, please contact the Town Planning Unit on 03 5722 0888. Council will not decide these applications before 26 April 2024.

Application No

PlnApp24/048

Location 13-17 Garnet Avenue Wangaratta

Proposal Buildings and works for the construction of ten dwellings. These applications can be viewed on Rural City of Wangaratta’s website under Development, Planning, Current Applications. Any person who may be affected by the granting of a permit may object or make a submission (must be in writing). For more information, please contact the Town Planning Unit on 03 5722 0888. Council will not decide these applications before 30 April 2024.

Positions vacant

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

WHEELER Earthworks, available for all your earthworks needs - yard clean ups, stump removals, driveways, material supply and spreading, and more. Call Marcus on 0491 094 545.

BENALLA RURAL CITY COUNCIL

Project Officer – Free from Violence

Part-Time (22.8 hours per week)

28 February 2027

To Visit Visited

84 RIVERVIEW Road, Benalla, Saturday and Sunday, April 20 and 21, 8.30am-2.30pm, no reasonable offer refused.

To Visit Visited

HOUSEHOLD items, shed stuff, plants and lots more, Saturday 20 and Sunday 21, 7am start, 7 Riesling Road, Rutherglen.

BUILDING maintenance, all jobs including carpentry, painting, electrical, TV antenna and computer solutions. Call Mark on 0472 668 237.

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

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

DOG TRAINER, Frank Vickers behavioural solutions. Ph 0418 314 610.

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

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

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

To Visit Visited

LOTS of goodies, come and look, Saturday 20 and Sunday 21, 9am5pm, 177 Tone Road, Wangaratta. Ph 5721 5882.

To Visit Visited

MOVING! A bit of everything, no reasonable offer refused, Saturday, April 20, 8am2pm, 37 Appin Street, Wangaratta - corner of Teague Street and Appin Street.

We are seeking applications from suitably experienced and enthusiastic people for the position of Free from Violence - Project Officer.

The position is responsible for leading Council’s implementation of the Local Government Guide for preventing Family Violence and All Forms of Violence against Women. This is part of the Free from Violence Local Government Program 2024-2027.

The position has a variety of tasks where you will use your skills and experience to:

engage with stakeholders across Council to build capacity embedding a gender lens across all areas of the workplace and service delivery; and co-design and deliver community initiatives to support the prevention of family violence and all forms of violence against women.

Download an Employment Information Pack at www.benalla.vic.gov.au or obtain a pack from Manager People and Performance, Janine McMaster, telephone 03 5760 2600.

Applications addressing key selection close 5pm Tuesday 23 April 2024 For a confidential discussion on the position, telephone Manager People and Performance, Janine McMaster 03 5760 2600.

Benalla Rural City Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Child Safe Organisation. www.benalla.vic.gov.au

St Catherine’s Hostel Wangaratta Inc

Have you ever thought about working in aged care but not sure?

Come in for an informal meet and greet and tour of our facility. We would love to see you and show you what makes

St Catherine’s a great place to work!

This will provide an opportunity for us to answer your questions and tell you about the benefits St Catherine’s offers. You may be very surprised. Ring Bec on 03 5721 2243 to organise a time to suit you.

Registered Nurses - Grade 5

$56.8316 per hour base rate

+ shift allowances + applicable penalty rates

Permanent Part Time Night Shift positions

Permeant Part Time Weekend Shifts

Attractive sign on bonus may be applicable!

St Catherine’s is a not for profit, private 72 bed aged care facility.

EXPERIENCED PRUNERS REQUIRED

ABOVE AWARD WAGES START MID - LATE MAY

Experienced preferred

WE ARE LOOKING FOR NEW TEAM MEMBERS

Are you our next team leader, case prac or project worker?

Are you looking for flexibility in your work days/hours?

Want to join a team that is passionate and committed to create change?

For more information, please call us on 03 5720 2201 or visit our website: www.nesay.com.au to access the position descriptions and find out the details on how to apply.

Applications close 5.00pm - 25 April 2024.

Full-Time Educator Position

This position is 5 days, Mondays to Fridays

We seek an energetic and committed educator to join our team.

JACK Russell pups, 2 female, tri-colour, 9 weeks old, vaccinated and microchipped, beautiful pups, $1000 each, source ID: MB247428, microchip numbers: 956000016590495, 956000016670613. Ph 0432 243 392.

Permanent part time positions available on set roster. Applicants must be committed to working in a caring team oriented environment.

Terms and conditions are in accordance with St Catherine’s Hostel Wangaratta Inc. (trading as St Catherine’s Hostel) ANMF and HSU Enterprise Agreement 2021.

Essential Criteria:

Desirable:

Position Descriptions are available from Reception Mon – Fri 9am to 5pm

of Early Years Learning training or equivalent and have a Current Police Check, Working With Children Check,

Expressions of interest for further information and position description

please telephone Mandy on (03) 5728 2378 or email BCEYLC@gmail.com

Application close Friday, May 17, 2024

For further information please contact - (03) 5728 0342

Closing Dates: 01/05/2024

Application instructions can be found on our website As we are an Aged Care Facility, the COVID 19 vaccination

A copy of your vaccination status’s are required upon

To apply and for full details on the positions, please log on to: www.beechworthhealthservice.com.au

CATHEDRAL COLLEGE WANGARATTA

A school of the Anglican Schools Commission (Inc.)

The College seeks applications from suitably experienced persons for the following positions:

Teaching Positions

Secondary English

Non-Teaching Positions

College Counsellor Cleaner

Please refer to our website for more information. Applications are to be forwarded to: principal@cathedralcollege.vic.edu.au by 5.00 pm Monday April 29, 2024.

Cathedral College Wangaratta is a Child Safe School and an Equal Opportunity Employer

Victoria Police has an exciting opportunity for one (1) Mental Health Clinician to join the newly established Eastern Health and Wellbeing Hub. The Hub is the single most significant investment in the health, safety, and wellbeing of Victoria Police employees. The Hub has been established to improve prevention and respond to work related injuries.

The Mental Health Clinician will provide preventative and proactive mental health services to Victoria Police employees.

The position will work closely and collaboratively with local managers and employees to improve help seeking and early engagement with appropriate mental health services. Through a relational and integrated approach, this position will engage with employees through wellbeing conversations, brief interventions, care co-ordination and reflective practice to create pathways for employees to seek the most appropriate support they need.

As an employee of Victoria Police, you will have access to a range of benefits.

For further information, please contact: Vincent Sackitey, Mental Health Clinician Team Lead on vincent.sackitey@police.vic.gov.au

For position descriptions and details on how to apply, please visit the Victorian Government careers website (Careers.vic.gov.au).

CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFICER

the Wangaratta branch. Hours are negotiable. The suitable applicant will provide high level customer service within the agricultural industry, assist the customer service team with stocktake and stock maintenance and maintain the appearance of the branch. Essential requirements include a manual motor vehicle licence. For more information on applying please contact Adam McNamara or to our website at www.yendaprods.com/contact/careers

Closing date: COB May 1, 2024

Contact: Adam McNamara | amcnamara@yendaprods.com.au

IZUZU D-Max LSU

2021, auto, canopy, snorkel, bullbar, UHF, electric brakes, Anderson plug, black duck seat covers, full slide out floor, 80,000km, (BNE007), $55,990. Ph 0458 265 318.

2015 Skoda Octavia Scout Premium Wagon, diesel, roof racks, tow bar, 304,000km, service history, RWC, reg (AEV982), $8000 ono. Ph 0438 648 123, Milawa.

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

HOLDEN Vy Commordore 2003, car is mechanically A1 serviced and maintained regularly, very clean inside and out, no dints or scratched, always garaged, comes with HSV body kit and door plates, 295 289km, reg till Sep 2024 (1CT5VS), $6200 ono. Ph 0427 214 821.

HOLDEN MOTOR AND PARTS, 161 Holden motor and gearbox complete, 2 EH and EJ Holden panel van back doors, wheelbarrow full of various Holden parts. Also selling PLANTS – plenty of plants left! Ph 0484 297 122. FREE Range Hens, ISA Brown Pullets, POL, $28 each. Phone Becky or Hugh on 5798 1868. RED lounge suite; 3 seater and 2 seater with reversible chaise and ottoman, loose cushions, great condition, $500. Ph 0415 667 911. TYRES new and secondhand, trailer, rims, wrecking. New hours 9am to 5pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 44 Newman Street, Wangaratta. Ph 0428 257 221, Adzam Tyres.

FOR GENUINE SALE, the chance to purchase the complete package when it comes to heading off on the trip of a lifetime! The package includes a 2010 Toyota GX V8 trayback ute with extended cabin and steel and canvas canopy over rear tray, the ute has done a genuine 51,200kms, it has been fitted out with over $30,000 in extras, reg (1MP2DP). The caravan is a 2016 Jayco Silverline Outback, 21’6” in length, the Silverline was the top of the range in that model, it is fitted with all of the quality appliances you would expect in a van of this quality, it is also fitted with a queen size electric slide out bed, it has travelled approx 6000kms, all on bitumen surfaces, the van comes with over $10,000 worth of extras, it is a must see to believe what is included in this package. Would possibly sell the ute and van seperately, $150,000 negotiable, must sell. Ph 0407 218 028.

HOLMES, Christopher John.

Sadly passed away unexpectedly on April 10, 2024.

Treasured memories of a brother who was humble, funny, generous and a genuine good guy.

Love to Mark, Clare, Bron and families.

Sadly missed but never forgotten. ~ Tess, John, Samantha, Ben and Liam.

CAIRNS, Bob.

A valued member of the Wangaratta Men’s Shed and will be sadly missed.

CAIRNS

A memorial service to honour the life of Mr Robert “Bob” Cairns will be held at North East Funerals, 184 Greta Road, Wangaratta at 2pm on Monday, April 29, 2024. Requiem mass held previously in Melbourne and privately cremated.

FARRONATO

COATSWORTH, Marion Olive.

14/8/1932–9/4/2024

Devoted wife and loving mother.

Loved grandmother and great-grandmother. Privately cremated.

JEFFRESON, Barbara Helen.

6/1/1937 – 14/4/2024

Dearly loved wife of Noel (dec). Mother of Sally, Jenny (dec) and Tim.

Mother-in-law to Peter and Lyn. Adored Grandma of Brett, Damian and Will.

CLAMP

The funeral service for Trevor Clamp will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta, on Friday, April 26, 2024 commencing at 2pm. A private cremation will follow.

A requiem mass for the repose of the soul of Antonio Farronato will be offered in St Mary’s Catholic Church, Lawrence Street, Myrtleford, TODAY commencing at 10.30am, followed by private cremation.

Cherished Memories

CLAMP, Trevor John.

15/9/1946 – 11/4/2024

Aged 77 years. Trevor passed away at Northeast Health, Wangaratta, on Thursday, April 11, 2024. Father of Simone and Lucas and brother of Joan. Always in our hearts, will be sadly missed.

CLARKE, Robert George “Bob”. Dad, we’ll always remember the survival camps, motorbike rides and everything normal in between. Growing up with you was always exciting.

Thanks Dad ~ Love Peter and Nicole.

CLARKE, Robert George.

Loving brother-in-law of Joan and John Cole. Uncle of Jenny and Rod (dec), Tony and Colleen, Barbara and Mick, Kate, Dave and Donna. Fond memories.

DUTTON, Margaret May.

14/5/1943 – 9/4/2024

Loved wife of Roger (dec).

Loving mother of Shane, Mark and Donna.

Adored Grandmother of Jack and Nathan, Great-Grandmother of Danika and Eira.

Lifelong Melbourne Football Club supporter.

Reunited with Grandpa.

KERR, Ann Maree.

13/5/1974 – 11/4/2024

Aged 49 years.

Loved and adored soulmate and wife of Vaughan.

Dearly loved mother of Michelle, Adam and Ricky. Daughter of Neil and Norma Peterson. Loved daughter-in-law of Charlie. Funeral details are yet to be confirmed, please see North East Funerals website for further details or contact (03) 5722 2525.

Mason Park Funerals 5721 5060 masonpark.com.au

CLARKE

The funeral service to honour the life of Robert George Clarke will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Monday, April 22, 2024 at 10.30am. Burial will follow at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery. Bob’s service can be viewed via live stream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming No flowers, please. In lieu, a donation made in memory of Bob to Northeast Health would be appreciated. Donations can be made online at www.givenow.com.au/nhw

Mason Park Funerals 5721 5060 masonpark.com.au

DUTTON

O’DEA, Allan John. 26/9/1947–8/4/2024

Dearly loved by many. Privately cremated. RICKARD, Noel. The Staff of Illoura Residential Aged Care are saddened by the passing of Noel Rickard who has been part of our community. We would like to pass on our deepest sympathy to his family and friends during this difficult time.

Funeral prayers to honour the life of Margaret May Dutton will be held at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1 Ford Street, Wangaratta commencing at 11am on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 followed by a private cremation.

JEFFRESON

WALKER

The funeral service for Matthew Paul Walker will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Monday, April 22, 2024 at 2pm. Burial will follow at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery. Matt’s service can be viewed via live stream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming In place of flowers, a donation made in Matt’s memory to Beyond Blue would be appreciated. Donations can be made online at www.beyondblue.org.au /get-involved/donate

Mason Park Funerals 5721 5060 masonpark.com.au

BURNS, William Colin. 1/2/2000 – 19/4/2023

A year has passed since you left, wish you were still with us.

Dad, Kerry, Tom, Seth, Charlie and Stuart.

Since I lost my Will, I have searched for you, But can’t find my Will.

I have called grief line, But can’t find my Will. I’ve been to counseling, But can’t find my Will.

I have walked for hours through the bush, But can’t find my Will.

I’ve been fishing at your lake, But can’t find my Will.

RICKARD, Noel Warwick. 11/11/1946-13/4/2024

Sadly missed by many. Privately cremated.

A memorial service for Mrs Barbara Helen “Barb” Jeffreson will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Friday, May 10, 2024 at 2pm. A private cremation will have preceded the service.

I lay awake at night with my brain constantly searching, But can’t find my Will.

I’ll continue on with no Will.

As only when I’m gone from this world, I will find my Will again.

Cherished Memories

Mason Park Funerals 5721 5060 masonpark.com.au

Until I see you again, My Will.

Love Dad.

classifieds@nemedia.com.au

Phone: 03 5723 0101

Action aplenty at Oxley table tennis

By JUNE UEBERGANG

WITH apologies to Banjo Patterson, ‘there was movement at the station, for the word had passed around,’ that the Oxley social table tennis competition was back in action every Monday night at the Oxley hall.

With 19 players, including two new faces, and a ‘blast from the past’ arriving, all ready for action, the atmosphere was electric from the first ping of the ball, in the many doubles and singles sets contested.

Arriving first, the always up and ready Debbie Brunken joined forces with ‘ever ready’ Katie Woodberry, to do battle against father and daughter duo, Richard and Phoebe Morgan.

SCOREBOARD

WANGARATTA GOLF CLUB

WGC Competitions: Week ending April 14

Wednesday, April 10

Men’s Competition

18 Hole Stableford

Winner: Dale Carmody + 4 Nett.

Accurate service and stroke placement by all players ensured it would be a close contest, and very entertaining for onlookers.

In a family feud match, Manni Poulos, and his wife, Jenni, lined up to take on Hugh Spring and his mum, Bec.

Though new to the scene, Jenni and Bec were certainly not new to the sport, as they each gave their utmost in supporting their own boy.

The match was closely fought with great thought and deliberation, until one pair eventually won the tiebreaker.

When ‘Fleetfoot’ Neil Brock, and ‘rip-tearer’ Kate Cole faced up to ‘on the go’ Cheryl Coad, and ‘blast from the past’ Dook Gibb, the table and the floorboards took

a beating. Serves, forehands, backhands, spiced with anticipation and intent were delivered in spades.

So many almost ‘gotch-

as’ were nullified by quick thinking and the ‘never say die’ performances by all players.

Hard to guess who won, but Cole and Brock had the

bigger smiles.

When ‘the don’ Heath offered his hand to wife Janet to partner him to play against the ‘roundabout rouseabout’ Graham Stephens and the ‘wheely’ consistent Simon Brown, spectators knew they were in for a feast of entertainment.

While Janet spread herself, over, under and all around the table, Don covered the gaps with aplomb (not a plum!).

However, Simon quickly put his spin on the game, while Graham drove accurately between the lines, giving Heath a real run for his money.

Near neighbours, Jenni Poulos and ‘Will I am’ Bonwick joined forces to take on Gary ‘Stretch’ Coad and ‘hit or miss’ June Uebergang in

a tight tussle of power, with and without glory.

A very even contest in which neither pair considered raising the white flag, resulted in a strong physical and mental ‘work out’, and a strong desire to bowl their opponents over.

However, after a lengthy duel, Jenny and Will took the honours.

Everyone regained spent energy with a cuppa and fine food, while holding postmortems, on ‘what could have been’.

Adults and secondary school students of al ages and abilities are most welcome to join the group which meets every Monday night, beginning at 7pm in the Oxley hall.

BYO bat, $2 entry, and a small plate to share.

Runner Up: Trevor Cooper +3 Nett.

Ball Winners: Charlie O’Brien, Drew Winter, John Wiskin, Chris Oates, Glenn Burns, Phillip Winnell, Ross Anderson, Matt Fischer.

NTP: 4th Dale Carmody, 7th Dale Carmody, 9th John Wiskin, 11th Matthew Walsh,13th Trevor Cooper - HOLE

IN ONE, 16th Chris Oates.

9 Hole Stableford

Winner: Joe Antic + 3. Runner Up: Graeme Beale + 2.

Ball Winners: Graham Whitehead, david Lawson, John Walker. April 11 - Women’s Stableford: 18 Hole Winner: Judy Brown 33 Points. 18 Hole Runner Up: Glenda Dodson 32 C/B Points.

Ball Winners: Rosie Webb, Lorraine Adams, Jill Halbwidl.

NTP 9th: Jill Halbwidl.

NTP 13th: Sue Miller.

9 Hole Winner: Sue McCall 18 Points.

Saturday, April 13

A Grade Winner: Jarred Clark 38 C/B Points.

A Grade Runner Up: Mark Comensoli 38 Points.

B Grade Winner: Maurie Braden 43 Points.

B Grade Runner Up: Geoff Webster 41 Points.

Ball Winners: Glenn Burns, Simon

McKay, Darren Burns, Nick Jones, Russell Wallace, Dale Carmody, Matt Walsh, Steve Bismire, Peter King, Ross Anderson, Callum Honey, Robert Fischer, Matt Nicolosi, David

Lawson.

NTP: 4th Matt Walsh, 7th Simon

McKay, 9th Dale Carmody, 11th Martin

Anania, 13th Max Webster, 16th Darren Burns.

McDonalds Birdie: Ashley Clayton, Trevor Cooper.

KFC Birdie: Michael Webster.

Subway Birdie: Glenn Burns.

Secret 6: Steve Bismire

Raffle Winner: Russell Wallace

Women’s 18 Hole Stableford

Winner: Janette Collier 37 Points.

Runner Up: Sue McCall 36 Points.

Sunday, April 14

18

Hole Stableford

Winner: Brannan Duffy 38 Points.

Runner Up: Matthew Robinson 37 Points.

9 Hole Stableford

Winner: Tamara O’Connor 24 Points.

Runner Up: Belinda Winter 21 Points.

JUBILEE GOLF CLUB

SATURDAY, April 14

Ladies’ 18 Hole Par

Winner: Yogs Naigoo 70.

Ball Winners: Francis Duffy (2) 72, Ros White 72, Mary Jones 72, Linda Stone 73.

NTP: 4th Jackie O’Brien, 8th Alison Comensoli, 13th Ros White, 17th Alison Comensoli.

Saturday, April 14 - Par

Winner: A Grade Winner: Ian Dinsdale +1. Runner Up: Daniel McPhee +1. B Grade Winner: Paul Lawrence +3.

Runner Up: Tom Arnold +3. C Grade Winner: John McKenzie +3. Runner Up: Brian Wallace +3. D Grade Winner: Colin Braden +3. Runner Up: Joshua Hartwig +3.

Ball Winners: Michael Lugg +3, Ken Beitzel +3, Peter Geldens +1, Joshua Ormand +1, Phillip Densten +1, Fraser Jeffrey +1, Tanu Nu’u 0, Pat Grady 0, Rodney Sebire 0, Kelvin Archer 0, Hamish Lewis 0, Peter Challman 0, Joe Marjanovic 0, John Johnstone 0, Brian Luxford -1, Rhys Rigoni -1, Gordon Patterson -1, Ed Day -1.

Super Nine Club Shirt: Steve Richards 22.

Aroma Deli: John McKenzie 21.

2 Balls: John Johnstone 21.

NTP: 4th Kevin Hill, 8th Wayne Hibberson, 13th Garth Fullarton, 17th Ken Beitzel.

Sunday, April 14 - Stableford

Winner: Adrian Speziale 39.

Ball Winners: Matthew Pane (2) 38, Wayne Hibberson 37.

NTP: 8th Matthew Nunn, 13th Wayne Hibberson.

Tuesday, May 16

Ladies 18 Hole Stableford

Winner: Carol Myles 41.

Ball Winners: Marilyn Pane (2) 39, Chris Boseley 38, Lee Freeland 37, Jackie O’Brien 34.

NTP: 4th Lee Freeland, 8th Marilyn Pane, 13th Lee Freeland, 17th Di Murphy.

Wednesday, April 17

Mens 18 Hole Stroke

Winner : A Grade: Ian Dinsdale c/b from Greg Van Riet +1. B Grade: Ian Mills +2. C Grade: Michael Baillie -2.

Ball Winners: Dave Anderson 2 Balls -1, Greg Van Riet +1, Steve Fisher +2, Bernie Grealy +2, Atilla Kungle +3, Steve Richards +3, Kelvin Archer +3, Glenn Hunt c/b +3.

NTP: 4th Ian Dinsdale, 8th Greg Van Riet, 13th Steve Richards.

TARRA GOLF CLUB

Tarrawingee Golf Club results Saturday, April 13

A round of the singles KO was played with the winners being Lindsay Steer, Angelo Garraffo, Ken Miller and Peter Nolan, Mark Nolan had a bye.

A further round of the KO will be played on Saturday, April 20 with those players not involved to play a stableford round.

There will also be an event for the ladies on the day.

Hit off times will be 11:30am for a 12:00 noon start.

Members are always welcome at the Tarrawingee Golf Club, the joining fee is $100 the contact number is 0428122590 or by contacting a member of the club.

Tarra Ladies Beautiful autumn weather and great course conditions allowed the Tarra Ladies to enjoy the continuation of their 2024 Club Championships.

The stroke winner for the day was Di McLaughlin and the runner-up was Andrea Simmons.

The NTP on the 4th was won by Di McLaughlin.

Next week will see the continuation of the Club Championships.

WANG CROQUET CLUB

RESULTS for Monday, April 15 are as follows:

Joan Dyson and Elise Downes d Susan Fischer and Maureen O’Keefe 7/5, Dawn Wind and Terry Wilson d Joan Guttormsen and Wendy Burgess 7/4.

Last weekend Andy Barbero competed in the ACA Bronze Medal Tournament in Melbourne finishing mid-field, a good result considering some competitors were Australian Team members.

On Wednesday, Wangaratta hosted Howlong for round two of the NEDCA Pennant Competition.

Both teams won six games with Wangaratta winning the day by running more hoops.

Dawn Wind, playing in her first pennant competition performed very well, winning the majority of her games.

The independent referee complimented the Wangaratta Croquet Club on the standard of court presentation and attention to detail in relation to the running of the day.

Play is on Monday, (Thursday until May 16) and Saturday commencing at 1.00pm.

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

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

Late arrivals will be included in the next game.

The club is located at 46 Ryan Avenue, Wangaratta.

For further information please contact President Susan Fischer on 0417217009 or Secretary Terry Wilson on 0417326739.

WARBY WALKERS

April 6 - 13

Week away based at Merimbula

Thirty walkers travelled to Merimbula through mist and rain on Saturday, April 6 for a communal week at Manna Park Lodge.

Fortunately, the weather improved to allow ideal walking conditions over the next six days.

Walks explored the coastline from Mimosa Rocks National Park north of Tathra down to Saltwater Creek in Beowa National Park south of Eden.

Day 1 Sunday 7/4. 10.5km - medium and easy

Most of the group set out for a walk around the Bega River in Mimosa Rocks National Park in sunny mild weather.

Moon Bay was visited before a climb through rainforest to Wajurda Point Lookout with panoramic views along Nelson Beach and Nelson Lagoon.

A sea eagle watched our progress.

A short walk on Park Roads brought us to an ideal lunch stop on the lagoon/ beach loop and a paddle for some.

On return to Moon Bay Road a high loop through shady forest took us back to our vehicles.

A small group chose an easy walk.

They drove into the Park and completed the Nelson Lagoon Loop and the Wajurda Point Track before retiring for lunch in Tathra.

Day 2 Monday 8/4 17km, medium and easy

Most walkers undertook the southern half of the Wharf to Wharf walk including some side trails.

Starting at Merimbula Wharf the walk to Short Point was on coastal reserves in the residential area.

We were alarmed to see Council starting to dredge an opening to the sea for Back Lake.

Fortunately we were allowed to cross and waded through in still calf deep water.

With bare feet we beach walked up to Tura Head.

Lunch was taken after a walk out on the Headland side trail.

The surfing dolphins were a highlight of this section.

The trail headed inland through coastal bush to Bournda Lagoon.

Low tide allowed another easy paddle through.

After a short beach walk the shady forest walk to Hobart Beach campground and waiting transport was welcome.

The short walk group chose not to paddle across Back Lake but walked out to Long Point from the wharf and along the Merimbula River boardwalk.

Day 3 Tuesday 9/4

14km medium and easy

The main group undertook the northern section of the Wharf-to-Wharf walk.

Starting at Tathra Wharf (which was closed for repairs) we headed south to Hobart Beach Camp.

This section was mainly through coastal bush with several steep descents to bays.

We crossed lovely Kianinny Bay and Boulder Bay which was aptly named.

Lunch was enjoyed at the picturesque Games Bay.

The shoreline was rocky and broken until the final stretch along the beach blocking the beautiful Wallagoot Lake to the sea.

The short walkers explored the Hobart Beach area, Wallagoot Lake and Bournda Lagoon before retiring for refreshments.

Coming Events

Sunday, April 28

Salisbury Walk, Friends Track, Kwat Kwat Lookout, Warby Ovens NP (Jeanette 0417 546 974)

A choice of two loop walks both starting at Wenham’s Camp.

An easy walk of about 5k on the Friends Track, with a stop at Kwat Kwat Lookout and Mount Warby, or a longer easy walk of about 10k that takes in the Alpine Views Track and Salisbury Walk before reaching Mount Warby.

Both walks are on bush tracks in the Warby Ovens National Park.

Excellent views over the Ovens Valley to the Victorian Alps from Kwat Kwat Lookout, and from Mount Warby.

Saturday, May 11

Billabongs and Ovens River Flats, Killawarra, WONP (Michael, 0447 617 880)

A medium loop walk of about 14k on bush tracks among billabongs, creeks and Ovens River flats at Killawarra.

This is one of the most level walks we do.

The previous time we completed this walk there was an abundance of birdlife.

BACK IN ACTION: Manni Poulos and Jenni Poulos in a family feud match.

LIAM MCDONNEL

WANGARATTA Chronicle photographer Marc Bongers made his way to Ovens and King’s North Wangaratta vs Whorouly football and netball matches to capture some action. Photographs can be purchased at the Chronicle.

LIAM McDONNEL

RUBY LANE-GEE

SARAH PRIMERANO MATT CURTIS

DANIEL WILLIAMS

ZAC HEARD

EBONY ALLEN AND KAITLYN ROBINSON

ADAM ENEVER

GRACE WAY

KYRA BELL

Blues face Bombers in toughest challenge yet MATCH PREVIEWS

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@

ALL eyes will be on the Bonnie Doon Recreation Reserve this Saturday as two premiership favourites trade blows for the first time this season.

Reigning premiership champions Bonnie Doon host Greta this weekend in what is sure to be a brilliant game of football.

The Bombers have been on the warpath so far this season, sitting with a mind-boggling percentage of 2485.71 after their two matches against Benalla All Blacks and Moyhu.

Greta has likewise been doling out the damage up forward, coming off a 257-point drubbing of Tarrawingee last weekend.

These two titanic forces of Ovens and King footy will finally come face to face, and Greta coach Chris Dube is understandably excited to see what his squad can do against the best.

“We’ve long said history says Bonnie Doon and Bright are the two best teams in it, and you’ve got to beat the best teams to be in that conversation,” he said.

“There’s no bigger challenge than going up to Bonnie Doon to play them, and we expect them to be red-hot, so it shouldn’t be a hard match to get up for.

“As I’ve said, we’ve achieved nothing yet, and they’ve got some silverware very recently.

“They’ve maintained their list and they’re a really strong outfit, and we’re going to have to play strong football for four quarters to beat them.”

The Blues boast two of the top three goal kickers after three rounds of footy, with Frazer Judd and Cody Crawford already boot-

ing 42 goals between them, but the talent doesn’t stop there.

“We’re fortunate to have two talented big guys, and we’ve also got some highly capable smalls and medium sized guys around them, but we’ve been able to use those talents that are on offer,” Dube said.

“They’re a structured group of players who are sticking to task, so on any given week someone’s going to bob up and kick some goals, but as a coach it’s nice to be able

to kick the ball deep into a forward line that has blokes who are not just strong with their hands, but also great set shots.”

While the excitement of seeing these two powerhouse outfits go head-to-head will get many pumped up for September, Dube said it’s still only round four.

“No doubt both sides will be just as eager and excited to knock the other one off, but the reality is both Bonnie Doon and Greta are probably going to be better sides

later in the year than round four,” he said.

“We’re going to have a look at them, they’re going to have a look at us – at the end of the day, we’re going to know a little bit more about each other at 4pm.”

In other round four matches, Bright hosts Whorouly, the Hoppers head up to Whitfield to take on the Roos, the Demons and Bulldogs go head-to-head at Milawa, and the Hawks play Goorambat at the North Wangaratta Recreation Reserve.

Past players to unite at the Valley

SATURDAY is shaping up to be a massive day at Whitfield, with past players and sponsors set to turn up in droves to cheer the King Valley Roos on over Moyhu.

After two weeks on the road, the Roos’ return to the Whitfield Recreation Reserve could help bring some brilliant results in both the football and netball.

With sponsors set to attend alongside those who have worn the blue and white in years gone by, it’s sure to be a brilliant day for the club.

King Valley United Football Netball Club president Jamie Keith said the stage was set for a massive day on and off court and ground.

“I think at the moment we’re well above 50, we’d want to try and get about 100 if we can, maybe more,” he said.

“We’ve made it a little bit more unique this year, we’re getting it catered for, we’ve added a nice little layout up there on the grass near the clubhouse, and we’ve got some music on as well, a bit of an after-game function. “We’re just making it a little bit bigger and better this year, we’ve promoted it well and we’re getting some really good numbers compared to previous years, which is pleasing.”

“They are always (great games) against Moyhu, we look forward to Saturday’s games,” he said.

“It was great to see the A grade netballers get their first win last week, they played a really good game against Goorambat.

“We started the (senior football) year with two narrow losses, games that were there for the taking, but we looked a completely different side last week.

“We didn’t travel well to Goorambat, but the boys are shaking that one off and moving on to this week against Moyhu, and hopefully we can get the win.

REMATCH: The last time Milawa and Tarrawingee went head-tohead, one goal decided it.

Demons in tough run on return

AFTER spending last weekend away from the action, Milawa’s A grade netballers will be eager to crack back into the season.

Sitting with an undefeated 2-0 record, the Demons face a block of five matches to solidify their place as one of the premier sides in the competition.

Senior coach Kerrie Gray said her team was eager to get back into the swing of playing.

“I don’t think they were that keen for a break, so I feel like they’ll be champing at the bit to get out there and have a bit of a consistent run for a few weeks,” she said.

“I feel like it’s the start of the season.

“We had the two polar opposites in the weather, with the heat in King Valley and rain in Bright.

“We’ll bounce into what looks like perfect conditions for netball but against a really strong Tarrawingee outfit.”

Facing the Bulldogs for the first time since their one goal win in last season’s preliminary final, the Demons will have their hands full.

“I know they had Greta in round three, and in my short time in the league they’ve been consistent and improving every year,” Gray said about Tarrawingee.

“I just think they’re a team that every time we play them, they’re a little bit better.

“I feel like we had a near miss in last year’s finals – in a sense, they were really unlucky we snuck away with a win.

“They’ll be pretty driven to get out there.

“For us, it’s early days in the season, we’ve got some new players and we’re still building into the season a bit differently.

“We’ve lost a couple of players and I think it just shifts the dynamics a little bit, and we’re still finding our feet as to where we all fit and how it’s all going to play out, and I think there’s no better time to launch into a tough opponent, and see how it all pans out.”

In other matches, Greta will surely face a challenge against an up-and-coming Bonnie Doon outfit on the Bombers’ own courts.

The A grade netballers have played well against solid teams, angling for their second win of the season, while the senior footballers will give everything they’ve got to take home their first points of the season.

The electric atmosphere and generations of players gone before will surely help inspire the current crop of players.

“Connor Shanley’s really impressed me, Sam Evans has really stood out, and some of the younger guys like Dylan Browne in his first year of senior footy, he’s making a spot for himself in the backline which is really nice to see.”

For more information about the past players and sponsors day and upcoming events, visit the King Valley United Football & Netball Club’s Facebook page.

The Bombers have been snapping at the tails of sides like Greta for a few seasons, and will be rested after taking the bye last weekend.

Elsewhere, King Valley will look to build momentum against Moyhu, Bright hosts the Lions, and North Wangaratta are at home to the Bats.

MASSIVE MATCH: Skipper Sam Evans and the Roos will be working for their first win of the year, up against Moyhu this weekend. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

MASSIVE MATCH: Greta and Bonnie Doon will come face to face for the first time since last year’s semi-final, with James McClounan (left) and Guy Murray sure to be pivotal players for their teams. PHOTO: Bailey Zimmermann

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

nemedia.com.au STORIES

Rover s’ biggest Rovers’ task awaits

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au STORIES

WANGARATTA Rovers have won all three of their matches to start the 2024 O&M season but face a flag fancy of the competition tomorrow.

Albury enjoyed a stellar first two games of the season smashing both Corowa-Rutherglen and Wodonga Raiders but slipped up against Lavington last weekend, falling by 21 points after kicking an inaccurate 4.15 compared to the Panthers’ 9.6.

The Hawks will be hoping to hand the Tigers their second loss on the trot when the two sides meet at WJ Findlay Oval.

Wangaratta Rovers captain Alex Marklew said it’ll be a good test.

“The last four or five times we’ve played them it’s been anyone’s game and I reckon it’ll be a similar contest this weekend,” Marklew said.

“On our end I feel like we’ve only played in patches this season so we’re going to have to play four quarters if we’re going to beat Albury.

“They’re a good side with plenty of talent, we’re looking forward to it.”

Albury’s forward line is stacked with talent with the likes of exAFL players Mat Walker (Hawthorn), Lachie Tiziani (GWS) and Jeff Garlett (Carlton/Melbourne)

all dangerous. The Tigers will also be awaiting VFL selection to see whether Port Melbourne forward Jacob Conlan is available.

“I’m not too worried about their forward line, I’ll always back our backs in,” Marklew said.

“We’ve got Jace McQuade and Tom Boyd who play key back –‘Boydy’ played forward last year but has shown how good he is down back this year.

“And then we’ve got some good small-medium lockdown defenders like Xavier Allison and Will Nolan so I think we’ll be right.”

The midfield battle will be an exciting contest with the in-form

Will Christie set for his biggest challenge in the ruck when he meets arguably the competition’s best big man is Isaac Muller.

“Will’s playing with confidence at the moment and I think he can match anyone with the way he’s been playing,” Marklew said.

“Will can use his height against ‘Issy’ (Muller) and run him around the ground a bit but it’s going to be a good battle in there.

“Our clearance work has been a bit down this season so hopefully Will gets on top and our mids can go to work.”

Rovers’ recruits Lochie O’Brien, Sam Cattapan, Allison, and Kieran Parnell are already proving

their worth this season and Marklew said he’s loved welcoming them to the side.

“They’ve all been great so far,” Marklew said.

“We’ve basically got a new midfield with Lochie and Sam (Cattapan) going in there and ‘Muz’ (Sam Murray) has started playing midfield too so they’re all getting used to working together.

“Last year we probably lacked midfielders but now we’ve got seven or eight who can go through there which is exciting.

“Xavier Allison has been good down back too, he’s just really calm when he has the ball and his leadership is good too.”

Pigeons clash shapes as tough task for ‘Pies

WANGARATTA’s search for a first victory doesn’t get any easier this weekend when they clash with defending premiers Yarrawonga at JC Lowe Oval.

At 0-3 the Magpies need to get a riggle on if they’re to be a genuine chance in September and they can silence the doubters with a win against the Pigeons.

Wangaratta coach Ben Reid admitted Saturday will be a tough task.

“I think playing Yarrawonga in Yarrawonga is the toughest test in O&M footy,” Reid said.

“They certainly play well there and have a lot of support behind them so it’s going to be a massive challenge for us.

“They’re the defending premiers and probably isn’t a better team in the competition.”

Yarrawonga’s midfield of ruckman Lach Howe, Willie and Harry Wheeler and Michael Gibbons

shapes as a massive task for the Magpies.

“We normally match up okay with them in the midfield but that’s their strong point,” Reid said.

“Howe’s one of the best rucks in the competition and then you have the Wheeler brothers and Michael Gibbons is back too so there’s a lot of x-factor there.

“Their midfield is something we’re going to have to watch but I’ll back our boys to at least match it with them.

“Our midfield was a lot better on the weekend, better around the contest and clearances but the challenge will be doing it for four quarters.”

Yarrawonga is stacked with marking talls and have dominated the contested marking statistic in all of their three wins this season.

“They’re a big, strong side with plenty of quality talls, the likes of

Pendergast down back, Leigh Williams up forward and even Matt Casey who I rate,” Reid said.

“Bringing the ball to ground will be a focus for us but they’re also good on the ground and like to get their game going by finding a mark by foot.

“They’re just a quality side and we’re looking forward to playing them.”

The Magpies could silence their critics with an upset win over the Pigeons but Reid said that’s far from the minds of his side.

“To be honest we’re not in a position to look at outcomes, we just need to focus on the process and doing it for four quarters,” he said.

“At the moment we’re playing in patches and the most disappointing thing for us is we’re not bringing the effort for a full game.

“In this competition if you don’t bring effort you get your pants

YOUNG GUN: Kyia Wohlers and Wangaratta Rovers take on Albury tomorrow. PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

Rovers

after first win for 2024

WANGARATTA Rovers coach Gracie Reid is hopeful her girls can take it up to Albury at WJ Findlay Oval tomorrow.

The Hawks have shown huge improvement in 2024 pushing the likes of Wangaratta and more recently Wodonga Raiders when they got within 10 goals by the final whistle last Saturday.

The Tigers have won just the one game thus far as the Hawks look to post their first win for the season.

“Our netball is in a good place at Rovers across the board,” Reid said.

“The hard work we’re putting in at training is showing on game day which is very rewarding.

“I really hope we show up against Albury and it’s a competition game because, as we’ve seen this season, if any team gets a sniff they’re a massive chance of rolling over the top.”

Albury have a new look side in 2024 and were somewhat of an unknown so Reid said her side will be focusing on their own game.

“I had a look at their side and didn’t recognise many names so they’re a bit of an unknown,” Reid said.

“We’ll just focus on our game and make sure we’re sticking to our structures and taking our time with the ball.”

pulled down so that needs to improve.”

The task of beating Yarrawonga is already hard enough but the Magpies will have to do it without Pat Naish, Brad Melville and Harry Hewitt.

“Pat’s done something to his shoulder or pec so we’re awaiting results for him but I doubt we’ll see him for at least a few weeks,” Reid said.

“Brad and Harry have both hurt their hamstrings so they’ll be out for a few weeks too.

“Those injuries give opportunity to players like Will O’Keefe who has been best on ground in the reserves in the last two weeks so hopefully he’ll add a bit around the ball and up forward for us.

“Mark Anderson will also come back in for his first game of the season, he got through the twos last week so he gets his opportunity.”

Young goaler Kyia Wohlers has come into the fold over the past two rounds and impressed in her first full A grade game against Raiders, netting 21 goals.

Wohlers will be hoping she can put in another solid display against Albury.

“Kyia played a quarter two weeks ago and then played her first full game last weekend and was excellent,” Reid said.

“She shot really well and you wouldn’t have known she was playing her second game if you didn’t know her.

“She’s slotted into our team seamlessly and I’m really proud of her and what she’s been doing.”

Meanwhile, Wangaratta faces the highly touted Yarrawonga at JC Lowe Oval.

The Magpies have started the season with a bang winning all four of their matches, while Yarrawonga suffered their first loss of the season to Myrtleford last weekend.

BIG TASK: Alex Marklew and Rovers take on Albury at WJ Findlay Oval tomorrow. PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

Michelle Hill nominated for Masters Athlete of the Year

MICHELLE Hill is a finalist for the 2023 Victorian Sports Awards.

Hill has been nominated for Masters Athlete of the Year after starring on the tennis court in national and international masters tennis competitions.

In 2023 Hill won singles tournaments in Melbourne and Yarrawonga before claiming the triple-crown at the Australian Championships with victories in the singles, doubles and mixed doubles.

Overseas, Michelle also won singles tournaments in Poland and Czech Republic, while being further honoured when she was named Australian captain at the World Masters Team Tennis Championships.

Finalists across 18 catego-

ries have been announced for the 2023 Victorian Sport Awards (VSAs), an event that recognises and celebrates the achievements of homegrown sporting heroes at both a grassroots and highperformance level.

Over 240 nominations were received from the Victorian sporting community, honouring those who have made an exceptional contribution to sport and recreation in Victoria during the previous calendar year.

Individual and team athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, administrators, media personnel and the initiatives that promoted participation from both metropolitan and regional areas were acknowledged as well as the elite sportspeople

who shone at national and international tournaments.

In order to select the finalists and eventual winners from these nominations, 37 highly qualified people from the Victorian sport and recreation industry were invited to constitute this year’s judging panels.

Judges included four-time Olympian Steve Moneghetti, head of female cricket at Cricket Victoria Sharelle McMahon, COO of AusCycling Kate Palmer as well as CEOs from the Victorian Institute of Sport (Anne Marie Harrison), Tennis Victoria (Tamatha Harding), Softball Australia (Sarah Loh), Netball Victoria (Andrea Pearman), Bowls Victoria (Tony Sherwill) and Table Tennis Victoria (Andrew Weiss).

Jones awarded Zen Do Kai black belt

WANGARATTA Street Defence have added another Zen Do Kai black belt to their stable. Hunter Jones was recently put through a rigorous 60 minute grading, testing his strength, knowledge and endurance.

The 17-year-old has been training on and off in martial arts since 2013.

“Hunter has worked constantly with Sempai Joel Sebire over the past two years to get him to the next level,” club owner Tim Jones said.

“He will now go on to assist with, and bring new ideas to the club, while working towards his first degree.”

In other news, WSD have been delivering their ‘Streetwise’ self defence classes at the Wangaratta High School.

“We have developed a good relationship with them over the last couple of years,” Jones said.

“Unlike other secondary schools, they allow us to treat the students as young adults.

“We are upfront and honest in preparing them for real life situations.”

Anyone interested in self defence classes or Zen Do Kai should contact Dai Sempai Tim on 0417114124.

Devils are keen to snap three-game losing streak

By WILLSON MACK

WANGARATTA City are looking to snap a three game losing streak against Boomers on Sunday.

After losses to Albury City, Wodonga Diamonds and Melrose, the Devils are desperate for a win but it won’t be an easy task against Boomers.

Boomers have also notched just

the one win up this season but have been in all of their games with their biggest loss by just one goal.

Wangaratta City coach Raff Molinaro said he’s looking forward to the challenge.

“Boomers are a good side and it’ll definitely be a challenge for us,” Molinaro said.

“I feel like we’re over the hump

now of our worst soccer and have a few players coming back this weekend which will help loads.

“We’re getting some depth back now.”

Wangaratta will welcome Mason Taylor back from suspension, while Vitaly Leschen and Alex Pitt will also return.

But the big inclusion will be new Scottish import Jamie Walker

who will play in goals for the Devils in his first game on Sunday.

“We’ve got some valuable players like Vitaly Leschen, Alex Pitt and Mason Taylor coming back,” Molinaro said.

“Jamie is a Kilmarnock academy product which is a club in the second division of the Scottish Premier League so we can’t wait to see how he goes.”

LADY DEVILS LOOKING TO BOUNCE BACK TO BOOMERS

By NATHAN DE VRIES

AFTER succumbing to their maiden loss in the Sunday competition, Wangaratta’s division one women will seek a return to form against Boomers.

The Lady Devils fell 5-1 to Melrose last weekend, just their second loss for the season between the Sunday competition and FA Cup fixtures.

Analysing the result, senior coach Terry Masters said there was plenty to take from the match.

“Defence didn’t do that badly, it was just that it was kept in their front third most of the time, we didn’t really get a chance to get it out and get it into our forward line,” he said.

“It was more we didn’t control the ball, they killed us in the midfield.

“They actually held up quite well, the defence, considering the amount of time that was spent in our defence.

“I think they scored a couple of their goals late,

we were well in it scorewise up until the last 10-15 minutes, but play-wise they were the better side all day.

“One game doesn’t make a season.”

The Lady Devils will look at this weekend’s clash with Boomers as a chance to reset, with the fifth ranked squad a prime target for Wangaratta.

“It’s going to be a reasonable test, because Boomers are around that middle of the table mark,” Masters said.

“They’ve had some good results, but they’re probably similar to us, they’ve got a lot of new players.

“This side won’t be as well-organised and have the experience, but they’ll still be good.

“They’ve got a girl who’s scored quite a few goals in her time through juniors and seniors, so they’ve certainly got scoring potential in Claire Mahoney - I personally haven’t seen her play, but

I just know she can score goals.

“I wouldn’t expect them to be as good as Melrose, but they’ll still be a handy side so we’ll have to be on our A game.”

The next few weeks will be crucial for the Lady Devils to further gel ahead of a massive encounter with the undefeated Albury Hotspurs in mid-May.

“If we can get this result, the next two weeks after that looks fairly comfortable,” Masters said.

“We’ve got Twin City, who have been getting belted by everyone, and the next one is (Wodonga) Heart.

“We’ve got a couple of supposedly easy games, but you need to put them away early.

“If we can get this, we can start stringing some pretty good performances together.”

The senior Lady Devils take to Glen Park against Boomers from 11.20am this Sunday.

RETURN: Mason Taylor returns to Wangaratta City’s side this weekend.

PHOTO: Kat De Naps Photography

RETURN: Leanne Branson and the Lady Devils are back in action this Sunday against Boomers. PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

BLACK BELT: Tim Jones, Hunter Jones and Joel Sebire.

Dragons strong on hockey field

WANGARATTA Dragons’ division two men’s team travelled to Wodonga on Sunday morning to take on Falcons Orange.

Despite being only their second game in the division, and still learning and adapting to each other’s game style, the men took it right to the more experienced team.

In a very even first half, the Falcons were made to earn any advantage they had over the younger inexperienced Dragons team.

Solid defence started at the back, with goalie Alex James stopping plenty of shots on goal.

Anthony Couche and his son Sam were kept busy defusing the many attacking raids, helped admirably by Xavier Bennett and Charles Webster.

The Dragons went into the main break only down by one goal.

This week the div two men will take on Wodonga at Cathedral College.

The division three Dragon men travelled up to Wodonga for round two of the season to take on Wodonga Whites.

It was a warm day on the hockey field but the men didn’t let that deter them from taking the fight to their opposition.

Leading the charge with an early goal was newcomer to the club, Izaac Cameron, and set the scene for the rest of the match.

Confidence was still high amongst the Dragons after their performance in the first half.

However, the Falcons came out and found another gear, forcing the Dragons to lift and to try and match the opposition, led again by Charles Webster, who received plenty of support from Scott Tognola, Jack Weir and Henry Findlay through the midfield.

The team received one too many cards from the umpires, and combined with running out of legs and Falcons’ experience the team went down 0-6.

With goals from Stewart Kerr, Ollie Chambers, Simon Lipshut and Michael Wheeler, the Dragons overwhelmed the Wodonga defence and came out victors 5-1. None of this success would have been possible without the support of new youngsters in the team like Ollie Fox and Edward Robertson - the team proved that they will be the ones to watch in the division three men’s competition.

The div three ladies played a defensive game against Falcons Orange, unfortunately going down 2-0.

The Falcons had plenty of opportunities to score more goals but the Dragons’ defence was too strong.

Wangaratta’s midfielders and strikers had their chance at goals but were just not able to score.

It was a hot day for it, however, everyone played their best as an individual and as a team.

DEFENCE

WANGARATTA

Dragons’ men prepare to defend a penalty in their side’s 5-1 win over Wodonga.

■ Story: Page 37.

BELLA Pasquali has run a qualifying 400m time to be eligible for selection at the World Junior Athletics Championships.

The local running sensation finished third in the under 20 women’s 400m final at the Australian Track and Field Championships in South Australia finishing in 54.15 seconds, smashing the qualifying time of 55.40.

Pasquali is now a chance to be selected to compete at August’s World Championships in Peru for the Australian under 20 4 x 400m relay team but while she’s run the time, she’s realistic about her chances of being selected. “I ran the time so now I just have to wait and see if I’m selected for the 4 x 400m relay,” Pasquali said. “I think selection will be soonish but I don’t have super high expectations of getting selected so I’m not feeling too nervous.

“Hopefully I’m selected but if not that’s all good, I’m still in my bottom age year for the age group so there’s always next year.”

Pasquali’s time of 54.15 wasn’t a personal best but she was still pleased with her run.

“I thought it was a pretty good run,” she said.

“I think it was 0.3 (of a second) off my PB or something like that so I got pretty close to that so it was a decent run.

“There’s definitely a few things I could’ve done better and a few things I would

change but there’s room for improvement there which is a positive.”

Pasquali enjoyed a strong Australian Track and Field Championships, also winning the under 20 4 x 400m with her Victorian team.

The Victorian team’s time of 3:40.92 was not only a Victorian record but also a championship record with Geelong’s Ida Laherty, Grassmere’s Layla Watson and Melbourne’s Sophie Gregorevic beating the previous championship record by 0.23 seconds.

STRONG SHOWING: Bella Pasquali (third from left) celebrates her 4x400m relay win with teammates Sophie Gregorevic, Layla Watson and Ida Laherty.

Dietary fibre critical in managing hypertension, international study finds

HIGH blood pressure, or hypertension, remains a global health concern, contributing to 19 per cent of deaths worldwide.

In a ground-breaking international review led by Monash University scientists and published today in Hypertension, biologists highlight the pivotal role of dietary fibre in managing hypertension and reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, and call for the inclusion of dietary fibre in clinical guidelines for hypertension.

The review sheds light on the often-overlooked importance of dietary fibre in blood pressure management.

“Despite numerous guidelines recommending lifestyle modifications as first-line treatment for hypertension, specific recommendations regarding fibre intake have been notably absent,” said lead study author associate professor Francine Marques from the Monash University School of Biological Sciences.

“Dietary fibre has emerged as a crucial yet underappreciated part of hypertension management.

“Our comprehensive analysis emphasises the evidence supporting the effectiveness of dietary fibre in lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of

cardiovascular events.”

The findings of the review have significant implications for public health initiatives and future hypertension guidelines.

By recognising the vital role of dietary fibre, healthcare professionals can take proactive steps to address hypertension and promote cardiovascular health.

The review outlines a number of findings, including:

The impact of fibre on blood pressure: Meta-analyses have shown that higher intake of dietary fibre is associated with a significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, independent of pharmacological interventions.

Each additional 5 grams of fibre per day is estimated to reduce systolic blood pressure by 2.8 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 2.1 mmHg.

Gut microbiota: Dietary fibre promotes cardiovascular health through various mechanisms, including modulation of gut microbiota and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

These SCFAs produce antiinflammatory effects and regulate immune function, contributing to reduced blood pressure.

Challenges and recommendations: Despite the clear benefits of dietary fibre, global intake remains insufficient, with the average consumption hovering around 11 grams per day.

The review provides evidencebased recommendations, suggesting a minimum daily intake of >28g/day for women and >38g/day for men to effectively manage hypertension.

The review also provides resources for medical teams and patients of what foods to prioritise to increase fibre intake and reach their recommendations.

“Our study highlights the urgent need for healthcare providers to prioritise dietary fibre as vital for hypertension management,” Ms Marques said.

“By incorporating dietary fibre into treatment plans and empowering patients to increase their intake, we can significantly reduce the burden of hypertension and improve cardiovascular outcomes.”

ACHING LEGS? LEG CRAMPS? UNSIGHTLY VEINS?

Dr Peter Chu, vascular surgeon, is dedicated to providing effective and prompt treatment of circulatory and venous conditions to the Northeast region of Victoria. Dr Peter Chu with the assistance of Melbourne Vascular Imaging, offer the latest minimally invasive “walk-in walkout” treatment strategies for varicose veins, spider veins and other venous disorders to the Northeast region.

MANAGING HYPERTENSION: Research has found dietary fibre could be the key to managing high blood pressure.

Living my life, my way

RETIRED firefighter and former professional cyclist for the Preston Cycling Club, Roger Neate, is a big personality with deep reserves of courage.

He was on the frontline in battling the fires during Ash Wednesday in the 1980s and rescued countless people during his 20 years as a firefighter.

“You don’t have time to feel scared,” Roger said.

“You’re just focused on working together as a team.”

Now the 79-year-old, who relocated from Melbourne to Wangaratta many years ago, is determined that he and his wife Karen will be able to continue living their best possible lives in their own home, on their terms.

They say this is possible thanks to the governmentfunded home care package Roger receives through Uniting AgeWell.

“I’m living my life, my way,” Roger said.

He loves watching sport on telly, especially the Essendon bombers, going for walks and volunteers at the op shop at the Wangaratta Uniting Church. Both attend the Uniting

Church and Karen also volunteers with Loaves and Fishes, PALS (People Alone Lending Support), is part of a knitting group and loves reading, crafts and gardening.

“I had a massive stroke a few years ago,” Roger said.

“I figured out from the

get-go that I was not going to let it define me.

“I resolved to work around what I could do and receive assistance for the things I need help with.”

Working as a team with Uniting AgeWell’s caring staff, he’s done just that. He receives home and

garden assistance and the couple has forged a close bond with home care worker Hannah Robinson.

The couple has also worked closely with care advisor Teresa Knight, who ensures Roger’s home care package is tailored to support his needs.

A high-rise toilet and rails were installed in the bathroom, he has an electric armchair, a computer tablet helps keep him in touch with family and friends and he uses a special stickdesign vacuum cleaner to help around the home.

Roger also has ongoing rehabilitation and therapy.

“I can’t praise Uniting AgeWell enough,” Karen said.

“As Roger’s main carer, I do all the driving, shopping and cooking and I worry what will happen to him if

anything happens to me.

“So Teresa came to the rescue and we worked out a contingency plan that will allow Roger to continue living at home if I’m not around anymore.

“This gives me great peace of mind.”

To find out how you can be supported to live safely and independently at home as you age, call Uniting AgeWell’s Hume Home Care team at the Wangaratta office on (03) 8527 5880 or visit unitingagewell.org.

LIFE ON HIS OWN TERMS: Roger Neate enjoys a great rapport with Uniting AgeWell Home Care Worker Hannah Robinson.

PEACE OF MIND: A Home Care Package through Uniting AgeWell gives Wangaratta couple Roger and Karen Neate great peace of mind.

Junction’s dedicated team driving positive social change

JUNCTION Support

Services is passionate about early intervention and innovative services.

The aim is to support people in need.

That has been Junction’s focus since it started in Wangaratta nearly 35 years ago.

Over that time, the award-winning regional not-for-profit organisation has grown to provide over 40 tailored programs to support individuals, children, and families in North East Victoria when they need it most.

“Supporting our community, inclusive of our youth has been our purpose since our establishment in 1989,” Junction Support Services’ chief operating officer, Michelle Fell, said.

“We’re proud to support young people across Ovens Murray, while being recognised as the area’s largest youth agency and youth homelessness

support service for young people in Wodonga. “We support young people who are experiencing or who are at risk of homelessness, who live in Out of Home Care because they cannot live with their families or in foster care, who need support to re-engage in education, and also young

people who don’t have anyone to supervise the 120 driving hours they need to get their P plates.”

In addition to extensive youth support work, Junction has provided specialised therapeutic counselling support services across the Hume region.

“Our people are what

make Junction great. We have a growing, dedicated team of passionate people driving positive social change,” Junction chief executive officer, Megan Hanley, said.

“Some of our staff support people who have experienced trauma, violence, abuse or adverse life circumstances.

“It is emotionally demanding but very rewarding work.”

Junction provides services for people at all stages of life, including support for young parents, family violence support, youth crisis accommodation, education support and counselling, NDIS support, and more.

In August 2023, Junction launched Windbreak 3690, an inclusive, safe, and welcoming space for youth, and in March 2024, it launched a social enterprise café in Wodonga.

Close Collective Café is named in tribute to Kate Close, a team manager at Junction who sadly passed away in 2022 from cancer.

All café profits are reinvested in Junction’s youth and community support programs.

Junction’s long-term vision for the Close Collective Cafe is to provide young people with essential

skills for employment and independence through a 10week training program.

A crucial part of Junction’s success is collaboration with other agencies to ensure people get the support they need, regardless of their circumstances.

“Success is best when we all work innovatively and creatively toward creating a more equitable and just society,” Ms Hanley said.

“Because we are regional, our expertise is tailored to regional and rural needs; and because we are a notfor-profit, we are committed to working alongside and empowering our communities.

“Our focus is on employing locals who can contribute their experience and understanding of our community’s unique challenges.”

To learn more about Junction, including current employment opportunities, visit https://junction.org.au/.

SOCIAL SUPPORT: Junction Support Services is the area’s largest youth agency and in August 2023, Junction expanded its services by launching Windbreak 3690, an inclusive, safe, and welcoming space for youth.

Explore books for your wellbeing

EDGARS Books & News have an extensive range of books for children, teens, new parents, old parents, carers, and everyone in between on the subjects of health and wellbeing.

“4 Weeks to Better Sleep” by Dr Michael Mosley is new in store this month and accompanies the SBS series.

Dr Mosley is the bestselling author of The Fast 800 and The 8-Week Blood Sugar Diet and his new book is based on ground breaking sleep science which shows that sleep is increasingly recognised as essential for a healthy brain and body, but 60 per cent Australians struggle to get enough.

“The Myth of Normal” by Dr Gabor Maté has also just been released and is a life-affirming book which connects the dots between our personal suffering and the relentless pressures of modern life –showing that ill health is a natural reflection of our disconnection from our true selves.

Prajna Health’s holistic healing to ease your stress

RELEASE stress, reconnect to your inner wisdom and embrace wholeness through Kinesiology, Mind Body Medicine, and Meditation/ Mindfulness practices.

Prajna Health is a place for you to find space, peace, growth, renewal and a true and well self.

Joanne combines ancient Eastern wisdom with Western techniques to promote physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.

The mind and the body are one, what effects one – effects the other.

Joanne helps her clients reconnect to their intuitive wisdom (“prajna”) to find healing within, brings clarity to limiting subconscious beliefs, and encourages opening of the mind and connection to the heart leading to a harmonious and fulfilling life.

Passionate about supporting clients to be able to access stillness, feel a sense of calm and expand awareness, despite the ‘busyness’ of the modern world.

There is also “The Healthy Hundred” by one of Australia’s most trusted physicians – Dr Peter Larkin – who will teach you how everyday choices impact your wellbeing from sleep to exercise, gut health to immunity, caffeine to sunscreen and red wine to family time.

better habits, resilience, growing up, gender diversity, pride or money matters, come in store to Edgars Books & News at 55 Murphy Street, call 5721 3758 or go online when it suits you at www.edgarsbooksandnews. com.au.

So, if you want to learn about your brain, dementia, dyslexia or other learning challenges, neurodiversity,

Bring in this article to receive 20 per cent off any health or wellbeing book purchase.

Joanne works with clients who experience all kinds of stress – whether it be relationship difficulties, parenting challenges, life changes or transitions, grief or loss, work related stress, low self-esteem, overwhelm, anxiety or stress expressed through physical symptoms.

By considering the interconnected aspects of an individual’s health, the aim is to support the restoration of balance and help clients thrive, through utilisation of a wide range of truly holistic and gentle techniques combining client centred counselling, body therapies (acupressure), mindfulness, and energetic practices.

Practising from the beautiful Ardor Albury Wellness Clinic, 1/445 Dean Street Albury and online, Joanne offers in-depth one-onone sessions, a meditation course as well as customised corporate and wellbeing events upon request.

Bringing together Joanne’s passion for helping others, Prajna Health is also home to an online Artisan Store bringing you beautiful, ethically handmade products from Nepal and India inspired by her travels, which empowers women artisans, supporting their independence and wellbeing.

Offering a range of handcrafted gifts and accessories from handbags, backpacks, yoga mat bags, cashmere scarves, notebooks, kids plush toys, and much more.

Holistic Health Practitioner and founder of Prajna Health

Offering a blend of modalities combining Eastern & Western techniques to promote physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing. Helping you release stress and reconnect to yourself.

Kinesiologist | Mind Body Medicine Practitioner | Integrative Nutrition Health Coach | Meditation Teacher

Practicing from the beautiful Ardor Wellness Clinic, 1/445 Dean Street Albury and online. One on one sessions | Meditation course | Customised corporate or wellbeing events

Connection, Compassion and Contribution

Website: www.prajnahealth.com.au

IG: @prajnahealth

Facebook: @prajnahealth Co

LEARN MORE: Edgars Books & News has all the books you need to learn about your health and wellbeing.

HOLISTIC HEALING: Joanne works with a wide range of people to help them deal with their stress.

Promoting positive mental health

PROJECT 365 is the brainchild of Peter Rourke, who had an early morning epiphany in 2021, forming a desire to do something to make a difference for the community and to raise funds for mental health support.

However, after taking some time away from music, he needed a band. He had a name – U Can Cry – and a network of local musicians to call on.

All he had to do was ask and no one hesitated.

Everyone knew the importance of this project, and the importance of awareness around mental health.

The number “365” stands for the days it took to put together a band, learn 30 songs, build a show and send a message to the community that talking about mental health is the first and most important step to becoming stronger and more resilient.

Project 365’s message is simple: “it’s okay, you can cry, we’ve got you.”

Throughout the years, Project 365 has built a multitude of supporters and sponsors and without them, Project 365 would not be what it is. Since its initial run of shows, Project 365 has formed a board of management, added new members to U Can Cry, built a larger network throughout the community and extended its reach to drive the message that “It’s okay, to not be okay”, and sparking conversations around mental health.

We are a sum total of our parts, and optimal health will be out of reach if we favour one part or parts at the expense of the others. I offer holistic healthcare modalities that encompass each of the 5 parts, helping you to recognize and then change what is necessary which allows for balance, direction and clarity so that you can be united in your health and move forward.

,

A huge crowd of over 1700 patrons came to be part of their community message and enjoy the music, food, drinks, kid’s activities, and market stalls.

People of all ages danced

Last November, after many months of organisation and rehearsals, the Project 365 team pulled off an inspiring show under a big-top at the Wangaratta Rodeo Grounds.

and sang into the evening to In The Groove drumming and songs from Matt and Charlotte Rispin and Project 365’s 20-piece band, U Can Cry.

Project 365 will be holding their third show at Wangaratta Rodeo Grounds on February 22, 2025.

“Early Bird” tickets will soon be available.

PROMOTING CHANGE: Peter Rourke came up with the idea of the Project 365 concert to spread awareness of mental health.

BREAKING STIGMAS: Last year’s show, performed by U Can Cry, drew in a huge crowd of over 1700 patrons who came to be part of Project 365’s message.

Why are my teeth failing?

Dr Amit Kapoor, Great Alpine Dental

WHEN was the last time you went to the dentist?

What procedure did you have done?

It is likely that you had a filling or a crown or a tooth extraction or a “clean” or one of many commonly known dental procedures.

But did you receive treatment?

Let me explain.

When a tooth has a cavity or breaks (which leads to any of the above outcomes) the procedure you received has dealt with the outcome of the disease process, not the disease itself.

The question to ask is why did I get this disease in the first place, why did my tooth decay?

Why did it crack?

Or in the bigger picture, why do I get so many cavities despite doing my best?

Why are all my teeth wearing down?

Why do I keep breaking my fillings?

Over my years of practice of dentistry and trying to help patients I have developed a philosophy of risk management for my patients instead of just fixing what is broken. So that going forwards my patients can avoid being back in the same situation.

It is also called preventative dentistry.

So how does it work?

Usually when patients first present to us with a problem we try to manage that immediate concern for them.

Once this is done, we then try to identify which disease process they are prone to and what risk factors are present in their situation.

There are five most common risks that could lead someone to end up with poor oral health:

1. The risk of decay

2. Gum disease risk

3. Cancer risk

4. Biomechanical risk

5. Soft tissues diseases

Now let’s delve deeper into each.

Decay risk: We talk to the patient about their diet, dental home care history, medical history, family history to establish what risk factors in this particular patient are causing the risk of decay to be elevated.

Some of the risk factors are a diet high in sugar, fizzy drinks, frequent snacking, acidic diet, lack of or poor quality saliva.

Gum disease risk: Gum disease is exceedingly common.

The phrase “Long in the tooth” has been used to denote old age for decades as it is associated with gum recession.

But research has shown that with proper care gum disease is

DENTAL CARE: The dentists and Great Alpine Dental believe it’s important to practice preventative dentistry. PHOTO: Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels

not the inevitable outcome in older years of our lives.

We talk to our patients about several risk factors during our first appointment to establish their risk of gum disease.

Biomechanical risk: This is the risk of structural failure of teeth.

When people have missing teeth, mal aligned teeth, worn down teeth, abrasions on teeth, cracked filled teeth, improperly designed dentures on teeth and many more reasons the load on teeth might

exceed or be directed along angles that teeth aren’t designed to bear.

Another common situation is tooth loss which very commonly causes other teeth to move and migrate (at a very slow glacial pace) which can many years later cause problems.

A single tooth loss may in the future lead to more tooth loss.

Another common cause is grinding or clenching and sleep apnoea (which can cause grinding or clenching)

Cancer risk: Another well-known disease whose presence may lead to removal of teeth or entire jaw.

We also investigate this risk further with our patients.

Soft tissue disease is like skin diseases inside the mouth, they are rare but can be very debilitating.

We do a very through cancer and soft tissue check at every visit to rule these out.

At Great Alpine Dental, your first visit after relieving any immediate concerns is understanding your risk profile.

We then help you manage your risk factors, with new home care techniques, special products and cleaning aids or diet modification etc.

Once disease risk is managed and we are certain that we now have decay and gum risk under control the treatment for most people will end here but for others we then move onto managing the biomechanical risk, if necessary, by rebuilding what was lost of tooth structure or aligning them.

By using this unique risk reduction based approach our goal is to give our patients a smile or a dentition that would last them a very long time and especially the tools and skills to manage their home care well and avoid future disease.

Skills they can also share with their loved ones.

Recognising and Responding to Sexual Violence in Adults - Free CPD training for all AHPRA registered healthcare professionals

women aged 18 years and over (22%) have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.1

deserve. Those that do disclose to a health professional need to be treated

Monash University’s Department of Forensic Medicine (DFM) and consortia a three-unit course for health practitioners in Recognising and Responding to Sexual Violence.

Funded by the Commonwealth Department of Social Services as an initiative under the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 20222032, the course equips healthcare workers with vital skills through a patientcourse takes participants on a deep dive into the drivers and effects of sexual violence and responding to adult disclosures and at-risk patients. This course comprises of three units which can be undertaken as standalone units or as a complete training suite.

the course is delivered at no cost to participants and via both online and faceto-face delivery modes. The online format for a unit is delivered over a sixweek period whereby participants are expected to commit to an average of one hour per week to course work. The online delivery includes live sessions with clinicians who have expertise in responding to sexual violence.

are more limited which ultimately places more responsibility on clinicians responding to patients.

The course helps equip healthcare professionals with the skills to provide support and resources to victims/survivors. The course educates healthcare professionals to:

• • Understand drivers and the short and long-term impacts on individuals

REGISTER FOR THE COURSE HERE:

• • Construct trauma-informed patient management plan for patients who

• Respond to sexual violence in patients who are known to be at a higher risk of experiencing sexual violence.

This CPD program is accredited by the Royal Australian College of General

Midwives (ACM) and the Australian College of Nurses (ACN).

professionals nationally. Below are a few examples of past participant feedback:

“Engaging, informative. A good balance of didactic and interactive content”

– Nurse

“Interactive, up to date, delivered by knowledgeable and experienced practitioners” – Doctor

edu/medicine/sphpm/study/professional-education/responding-to-sexualviolence. As well as register your interest.

If you are a healthcare professional in the Benalla area who is interested in Violence – Responding to Adult Disclosures at the Benalla Hospital on 30th April 2024 from 8:30am – 5pm. More information below.

1 Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2021-22). Sexual violence. ABS. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/crime-andjustice/sexual-violence/latest-release.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING IN RECOGNISING & RESPONDING TO SEXUAL VIOLENCE

1-Day FREE Intensive Course at the Benalla Hospital

Monash University’s Department of Forensic Medicine is proud to present its FREE CPD Unit 2 Training Responding to Sexual Violence in Adults.

COURSE STRUCTURE:

This unit focuses on a consultation with a patient who discloses that they have been subjected to sexual violence. It will equip practitioners with an understanding of the challenges to disclosure:

•

Core to this content is an exploration of key communication skills to support trauma-informed and patient-centered responses. This unit references the WHO’s LIVES Framework for responding to and caring for individuals subject to sexual violence and the RACGP’s Eight Steps to Intervention (The 8Rs).

This training is open to all AHPRA registered healthcare professionals.

DETAILS:

Tuesday 30th April at the Benalla Hospital 8:30am - 5pm

Your smile, your way: leading the charge in personalised orthodontic care

IN today’s fast-paced world, finding orthodontic care that fits seamlessly into your busy schedule can be a challenge.

That’s where Evolve Orthodontics steps in, revolutionizing the orthodontic experience with their commitment to personalized care and cutting-edge technology.

Led by specialist orthodontist Dr. Seerone Anandarajah, their large and dedicated team is here to ensure that your journey to a dream smile is a resounding success.

From their skilled orthodontists, dentist and oral health therapists to their meticulous treatment coordinators and innovative Dental Monitoring team, every member plays a crucial role in delivering topnotch care tailored to your unique needs.

At Evolve Orthodontics, they understand that your smile is as unique as you are.

That’s why they’ve made it their mission to listen to your desires and craft a customized treatment plan that reflects your preferences and goals.

With them, it’s truly “your smile, your way.”

So, how do they make it happen?

Their state-of-theart Dental Monitoring technology allows you to stay connected with them from the comfort of your own home.

Simply snap some photos of your teeth using your smartphone, and the team will keep a close eye on your progress, making adjustments as needed to ensure optimal results. But their dedication to personalized care doesn’t stop there. Their team is committed to walking alongside you every step of the way, offering support, guidance, and expertise to ensure that your orthodontic journey is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

At Evolve Orthodontics, they’re not just in the business of straightening teeth; they’re in the business of transforming lives.

They believe that a confident smile can make all the difference, and are honoured to be a part of your journey toward greater confidence and self-assurance.

So, if you’re ready to take the first step toward a brighter, happier smile, they invite you to join them at Evolve Orthodontics.

Together, they can make your dream smile a reality, your way.

For a complimentary consultation with Evolve Orthodontics’ dedicated treatment coordinator and to learn more about how they can help you achieve your dream smile, visit www. evolveorthodontics.com. au today.

A WARM WELCOME GUARANTEED: The friendly reception team are there to help you take your first step to your new smile.

Helping community members live independently

INDEPENDENT Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines has worked for reforms to the aged care sector that put the needs and preferences of older people first when addressing their health, safety and wellbeing.

“As we age, living independently in our own homes can become more difficult,” Dr Haines said.

“Asking for help should not mean losing one’s independence.

“Getting help with daily activities allows older people to continue to live independently in their own home for longer.

“Getting help at home means different things for different people.

“It may mean grocery shopping, cooking meals, showering or cleaning.

“The Royal Commission into Aged Care quality and safety recommended an aged care system that supports people to age with dignity in their own homes.

“Yet all too frequently, my office hears stories of older people and their families desperately trying to find home care service providers but there are just not enough of them in regional and rural areas.”

In Parliament, Dr Haines has raised how the deficiencies of the aged care system are particularly acute in regional Australia.

She has highlighted through speeches the lack of available home care packages, long wait times, closed-book providers, last-minute cancellations and lack of providers for services such as basic cleaning, gardening and maintenance.

“The Government must show it grasps the extent of this problem,” Dr Haines said.

“It must consult widely and actively listen to regional and rural experiences.

“It must also provide proper powers and resources to the bodies set up to handle aged care complaints, so the experiences of regional and rural communities are properly understood, and solutions found.

“I share the frustration of those who contact my office, who tell me they are struggling to access the in-home care they

need to continue to live independently.

“Please reach out via email, phone or by visiting my office if you or someone you know needs support.”

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission handles complaints and answers questions about the rights of older people and the Australian Government’s obligations.

Contact details and further information can be found at: www. agedcarequality.gov.au

The Australian Government subsidises the cost of in-home support services.

Depending on the care needs, services can be accessed through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme or a Home Care Package.

The

can discuss concerns and needs in relation to home care packages. They have advocates that can help you navigate the aged care system and can explore alternative options through state government funding that may be available to assist you and your loved ones to live independently for longer.

Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN)

MAKING CHANGES: Dr Haines with Dr John Davis of Wangaratta, one of just 14 people on the Council of Elders working with the Department of Health and Aged Care, and Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells.

INDEPENDENT LIVING: Helen Haines pictured with Edith Dryden who turned 108 in October 2023 who lived independently until she was 101 and now lives in residential aged care in Yackandandah - the same town she’s lived in since 1960.

Thriving together: Keeping you and your family well this winter

AS the winter season sets in, parents often find themselves navigating through a maze of runny noses, coughs, and sneezes. But fear not.

With a little proactive care and attention, we can help our children stay healthy and thriving even during the coldest months.

Here are some essential tips for keeping kids well this winter:

1. Boost immunity naturally: One of the best defences against winter bugs is a strong immune system.

Encourage a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to provide essential vitamins and minerals.

Incorporate immuneboosting foods like citrus fruits, berries, garlic, ginger, and yogurt into your child’s meals.

Additionally, ensure they stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and herbal teas.

2. Prioritize rest and sleep: Adequate rest is crucial for maintaining overall health, especially during winter when our bodies are more susceptible to illnesses.

Establish a consistent bedtime routine and ensure your child gets enough sleep each night.

Rest allows the body to repair and rejuvenate, strengthening the immune system and reducing the risk of illness.

3. Embrace outdoor activities: While it may be tempting to stay indoors where it’s warm, outdoor activities are essential for promoting physical activity and mental well-being.

Bundle up your little ones and encourage them to play outside.

Fresh air and sunlight provide valuable vitamin D and help combat the winter blues.

4. Practice good hygiene: Reinforce the importance of good hygiene

habits to prevent the spread of germs.

Teach your children to wash their hands with soap and water, especially before meals and after going to the toilet.

Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow, and avoid touching their face, particularly their eyes, nose, and mouth.

5. Support digestive health: A healthy gut plays a significant role in overall immunity.

Incorporate probioticrich foods like yogurt and probiotics into your child’s diet to promote a balanced microbiome.

Limit sugary snacks and processed foods, which can disrupt gut health and weaken the immune system.

Our gut is important to keep our gut well as it stores 70 per cent of our immunity.

6. Consider natural remedies: When colds and flu do strike, consider natural remedies to alleviate symptoms and support recovery. Herbal teas with ingredients like elderberry, chamomile, and echinacea can provide soothing relief. Honey and lemon can help ease sore throats, while saline nasal drops can help clear congestion.

I find that homeopathic remedies work fast in overcoming coughs and colds.

7. Foster emotional well-being: Winter can

sometimes bring feelings of sadness or loneliness, especially for children who may miss outdoor activities or time with friends.

Be attentive to your child’s emotional well-being and provide plenty of love, support, and reassurance.

Engage in activities together as a family, such as board games, crafting, or storytelling, to create warm and memorable moments.

By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can help your child not only survive but thrive during the winter months.

Remember, small lifestyle changes can make a big difference in keeping your family healthy and happy all season long.

Let’s thrive together this winter.

For further information on our Thrive Together program or to make a booking go to www. nenaturopathicgroup. com.au

Immune boosting supplements to help build up our immune defenses to not only ward off illnesses, but help our fight them off so they don’t keep coming back.

Supporting local is important because?

By supporting local businesses it keeps us all connected,

STAYING HEALTHY: It’s important to do what you can to keep yourself and your family healthy.

“What did you say?”

WHEN was the last time you needed to request, “What did you say?”

Do you need to say this frequently and how do the people around you react when they hear this?

Are you successful at receiving a helpful answer?

There are times when you will hear the dreaded “Don’t worry, it doesn’t matter!”

The problem is, you might think that whatever was said might actually have mattered and you do not know that for yourself until you know what was said.

Or the speaker might repeat, word for word, what they just said – and you still missed the key word.

Ways to improve the type of question you ask could be helpful at getting the message better next time.

If you can take a little guess at what was said, it might be helpful to respond to something you were not sure about, starting with “Did you say …?”

For example, “Did you say the plane is coming at 5 o’clock?”

This might result in an

affirmative answer (you can pat yourself on the back) or a correction – usually only the incorrect part will be repeated – “No, the train!” and usually that will be emphasised. At least the speaker knows you were paying attention.

Then there is a different scenario: were you really paying attention at the start of the message, or was your mind on something else?

Even if you are the only other person in the room, you might be thinking or doing something completely different.

It is important that the person gain your attention before starting the message.

Alternatively, sometimes it is the message itself –for example, many words are used by different generations in quite different ways, and this can lead to a feeling that you

might not be sure what is actually said, even though you might have heard all the words.

Occasionally, that might be why we have asked for a repeat.

Perhaps asking for a specific explanation about that topic might lead to be better outcome.

If you find yourself frequently wondering just what was said, it is time to have a hearing check-up.

The team members at

HEARING OTHERS: It’s important for everyone to find effective ways to communicate.

Wangaratta Audiology are happy to discuss communication strategies to assist you to the message better.

For more information, call Wangaratta Audiology on 03 5722 4433 because everyone deserves to communicate.