Wangaratta Chronicle 190523

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All hail the return of a Weekend Fit for a King

ONE of the region’s most popular food and wine festivals will make a regal return this year, with the Weekend Fit for a King to be held once again on the newly crowned King’s Birthday weekend in the King Valley region. The event has been in hiatus since it was last held in 2019, with Wines of the King Valley members opting

BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au

to run independent events as they also negotiated the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With individual ticketing and entry fees at each venue, it meant visitors needed to

book in advance and restrict their patronage to one or two venues, rather than move between multiple sites.

Wines of the King Valley president Dean CleaveSmith said it had continued to field enquiries from consumers and industry around the festival weekends of Weekend Fit for a King (in June) and La Dolce Vita (in November) due to their

longstanding popularity.

“We had hoped to return to the format late last year, however being able to secure the required workforce was a concern for many of the wineries, so it was delayed,” he said.

“Our industry has also missed the festival format, with many businesses reflecting on the satisfaction obtained by all working on

something together.

“Proceeds from the festivals go directly to marketing the King Valley brand.”

Mr Cleave-Smith said the festivals are a significant contribution to the broader King Valley economy and businesses need to see an increase in winter visitation, so whilst engaging a workforce remains a

challenge, they want (and need) to return to the festival program.

Wines of the King Valley figures reveal the event in 2019 attracted more than 2200 visitors and while 19 per cent were identified as local, 43 per cent came from from Melbourne and another 23 per cent came from other parts of regional Victoria.

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Principal Darta Hovey says expanded sports stadium, new performing arts centre remain on track. Stor y page 7 Story page 7

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CFA push CFA for more more volunteer s volunteers

Solar farm opponents find Upper House ally

OPPONENTS of the proposed Meadow Creek Solar Farm have found an ally in Pauline Hanson’s One Nation state upper house MP Rikki-Lee Tyrell.

The Northern Victorian MP met with local residents who make up the Meadow Creak Agricultural Community Action Group (MCACAG) and visited the site where the proposed 1400 acre solar farm is set to be developed.

“I am deeply concerned that the lack of consultation with the local community will see this proposed solar farm wipe out the generational farming families surrounding it,” Ms Tyrell said.

“This community is passionate about their farmland, environment and homes in the Bobinawarrah locality.

“With their average yearly rainfall being the highest in Victoria, it raises my concerns about the potential impacts of heavy metals from solar panels finding their way into the water-flows, from run off and annual flooding.”

Ms Tyrell said another issue to be taken into consideration was the risk of fires in this location.

“With a high risk of bushfires in the surrounding landscape, local volunteer firefighters are

BY SHANE DOUTHIE sdouthie@ nemedia.com.au

untrained to deal with (and unwilling to be exposed to) a fire if it were to cross this proposed solar farm and impact the lithium batteries accompanying it,” she said.

“This is prime agricultural land, producing high quality food for Victorians, and has been doing so for several generations.

“Why should we sacrifice this type of land and community for an energy source that is unreliable and has a short lifespan?”

Ms Tyrell suggested that perhaps a re-evaluation of the location for a more suitable site would be in everyone’s best interest.

“Beats me why you would want a solar farm in one of the cloudiest locations of Victoria to begin with,” Ms Tyrell said.

MCACAG member and local resident Angela Godley said additional concerns about the project have been raised after the group recently became aware of the mental health impacts this proposal is having on community members.

“People have voiced their in-

creased stress levels with the proponents due to submit their application to the planning minister in the coming weeks or months,” Ms Godley said.

“As this date looms closer there is definitely increased pressure on our committee and community members alike.

“People are worried, exhausted and completely disillusioned by the whole process, the lack of guidelines and policy, and the absence of any government support locally and nationally in supporting our concerns.

“It’s such a monumental amount of information that our committee is dealing with on a daily basis, it’s overwhelming, from community members’ concerns and questions and then the rallying of anyone in power to assist us.

“The lack of policy and laws leaves us as a committee and a community not only having to ask all the right questions but to find our own answers.

“It seems no one wants to give us answers and, if they do, they aren’t applicable in our situation - this seems to be reiterated among hundreds of community groups around the country battling against renewable projects.

“The workload on all these

small committees around the country is unfathomable and the pressure is enormous as they engage in these David and Goliath battles with mostly multinational companies and their own governments.’

Ms Godley said the King Valley community had proven its strength and resilience over recent years experiencing bushfires and COVID, but the prospect of this proposal going through leaves them bewildered and tired.

“The toll of the recent past is clear, heads hang a little lower, and the roadside talk is no longer about weather, kids, or farming; it’s solar farms, sleepless nights and the big question, why here?” she said.

“The mental health implications on our community need to be addressed and it should be for all the rural communities where these projects are proposed.

“I can’t emphasise enough how this affects people, mums and dads, families and their homes, farms, workplaces, community groups; it affects physical and mental health when you are faced with the unknown prospects in front of us so it’s easy to see why people around here are struggling with their mental health.”

All hail the return of a Weekend Fit for a King

■ From page 1

Of those who attended, 55 per cent of attendees said they had not been to the King Valley before.

Mr Cleave-Smith said with half of all attendees staying for two or more nights, modelling suggests the event would have contributed in excess of $1.4m to the broader local economy - that is beyond the wineries and their associated offerings.

Rural City of Wangaratta Mayor Dean Rees said the June festival was great for the King Valley and beyond; the wine region having become one of the rural city’s most important assets, and introducing people to the region.

“The King Valley, with its attractions all year round, is probably our biggest drawcard, bringing people up to experience the great lifestyle offered here,” he said.

“The festival’s contribution to the economy goes beyond the ticket price to goodwill and the money people spend staying overnight, buying food and drinks, filling up their cars and more.

“In the food and wine industry, when you talk about the Milawa Gourmet Region and the King Valley, they all know about it - it’s a miniature Yarra Valley, but better.”

Participating venues for this year’s event include Brown Brothers, Dal Zotto, La Cantina, Darling Estate, Pizzini, Politini, John Gehrig’s and a new venue this year, Hurdle Creek Still.

Visitors will be able to pay one entry fee, receive a tasting glass and visit all participating venues over the weekend of June 10 and 11.

Natalie Pizzini from Pizzini Wines said the festival format was important because the customers loved it.

She said Pizzini’s offering would centre on their Italian wine varieties, belly-warming food and plenty of dancing.

“Customers loved being able to pay one entry fee and travel between venues and they loved the different offerings the wineries would put on, knowing how much energy and effort it took to make these events happen,” she said.

“Simply put, we are listening to our customers and working hard to get our events back to what they once were - a day of feasting, dancing and having fun with family and friends.

“The event will be different to previous years as venues slowly get back to pre-COVID staffing levels and experience offerings, but I can guarantee whichever venue you visit you will be warmly welcomed and get to taste some fantastic drinks.

“We are also excited to now be opening up our event to our local distillers, with Hurdle Creek Gin part of our event this year.”

More information on the Weekend Fit for a King including tickets is available at www. https://www.winesofthekingvalley.com.au/ weekend-fit-for-a-king/.

SOMEONE IS LISTENING: One Nation MP Rikki-Lee Tyrell (front row second from left) with King Valley residents opposed to the Meadow Creek Solar Farm.

City’s Creative Precinct takes the next big step

Art gallery upgrades would widen scope to attract elite exhibitions gypgp

THE Wangaratta Creative Precinct that would cost $20 million to design and build is entering its next phase of development.

A specialist detailed design of the project is being sought, and the public tender process has opened.

The creative precinct is a vision that would bring the co-development of the Wangaratta Art Gallery (WAG) with the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre (WPACC).

Council will need to seek government funding to redevelop the area, with the project to cost $19.99m if built all at once, or $18.49m if a staged approach is taken.

Council said each option has varying levels of benefit, with the staged option expected to attract 162,478 visitors, accumulate a $28.227m annual cultural visitor spend, create about 132.2 equivalent full time jobs in the region, and generate a $10.556m total annual regional income.

A major part of the project is an upgrade and extension of the art gallery into an area

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

currently occupied by a car park at the rear of the existing building.

Council manager arts culture and events, Simone Nolan, said the creative precinct proposal includes significant and long overdue upgrades to the existing art gallery.

“Upgrades are urgently needed to ensure our gallery continues to meet the National Galleries and Museums standards, without which we are unable to attract or exhibit blockbuster exhibitions or secure nationally significant artworks from our major institutions like the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV),” Ms Nolan said.

“Significant loans such as the popular Heidelberg School Tom Roberts, Shearing the Rams painting that Wangaratta featured in 2021 are very difficult to secure in our current building and environmental standards.

“Under the recent Federal

Government announcement of $11.8 million to support a new long-term loan scheme designed to allow more works from the National Gallery’s Collection to be shared with regional and suburban galleries, we need to ensure our own regional gallery is up to the standards scheme such as this require.

“The gallery redevelopment under the creative precinct model will ensure that Wangaratta remains relevant and up to speed with our neighbouring regional cities such as Wodonga and Shepparton.

“These regional cities are getting on board with the growth of cultural tourism and have made significant investments in their art gallery infrastructure.”

Community and stakeholder consultations have been occurring since 2014, then more recently during the research for both the WAG Feasibility Study 2020 and the WPACC Feasibility Review 2021.

In stage one, consultation for this current project was delivered in two rounds,

namely inception meetings to inform about the project, followed by consultation workshops.

Other more informal online discussions have also occurred in the second round with sector representatives.

The final round of community consultation required was for the final draft document being released for public exhibition.

“The business case and concept design were completed in 2022 and went through significant community consultation during November and December,” council director of sustainability and culture, Stephen Swart, said.

“Council then adopted the report in February 2023.

“With a solid business case adopted we were able to secure Victorian Government funding to progress the business case and have detailed designs and contractual documents for the project, completed.

“This step will see the project funding ready, and will enable us to look to future funding opportunities to

keep progressing the visionary masterplan of the creative precinct.

“The creative precinct is a positive project for our municipality that will enhance existing facilities, amplify local economies, attract new residents, and tap into the global growth area of cultural tourism.

“It will service the needs of the immediate community through expanding event diversity and creative educational opportunities across the ages, ultimately building the wellbeing of our regional community.”

Detailed project design and contractual documentation have been funded through the Victorian Government’s Department of Regional Development Victoria, Enabling Tourism Fund. The tender process is open until 2pm Wednesday, June 7, with full details available at Wangaratta | Home (eprocure.com.au).

For more information about the project visit https:// www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/ Development/Our-projects/ Creative-Precinct.

Ruling on Bruck trio is set for next month

THREE former Bruck Textiles executives will next month learn whether allegations they entered into an agreement to withhold or reduce access to employee entitlements will be heard before the County Court.

Former chair Philip Bart, chief executive officer Geoffrey Parker and chief financial officer Ron Johnson were formally charged by the Australian Security and Investments Commission (ASIC) last year, following the business’ sale for $1 to Mr Parker and Mr Johnson's new business Australian Textile Mills (ATM) in 2014.

The sale left up to 60 Wangaratta employees redundant and unable to access $3.48m in entitlements.

Lawyers filed their final submissions in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, following an extensive committal hearing which first commenced in March and returned earlier this week.

Prosecutors have alleged the trio was aware its decision to sell the company could leave staff unable to access entitlements, while defence lawyers have labelled the ASIC investigation “fundamentally flawed”.

On Wednesday, defence lawyer Neil J Clelland KC said if the trio had failed to affect a sale, the business’ asset position could have left all 180 employees without jobs and unable to access entitlements.

He had previously said a decision by ASIC to neglect to interview the accused trio or other high ranking executives of the business during their criminal investigation had meant much of the case against his client was circumstantial.

Magistrate Robert Stary will rule on whether the matter should be elevated to the County Court on June 28.

REVAMP: An artist’s external view of the WPACC and the art gallery co-existing under the Wangaratta Creative Precinct.

IN THE BEGINNING: This scene shows (from left) Wangaratta’s Catholic cottage/presbytery and chapel-school, and (behind the man in the picture) the Presbyterian church. The white building on the far right is the Anglican church.

Visiting clergy follow pioneering priests

Anumber of priests who have served Wangaratta’s Catholic parish and the wider diocese have been visiting Wangaratta in recent days as part of celebrations to mark the 160th anniversary of the establishment of a Catholic parish in the city.

A nine-day novena has involved Wangaratta and King Valley Parishes priests Monsignor Cris Manongas and Fr Nathan Verallo, along with Fr Vijay Bandanadam, Fr Junjun Amaya, Fr Dean Bongat, Fr Joe Taylor, Fr Novi Lim, and seventh Bishop of Sandhurst Les Tomlinson.

Many clergy will also be part of tomorrow’s anniversary celebrations at St Patrick’s Church in Ford Street, where current Bishop of Sandhurst Shane Mackinlay will preside.

Their presence echoes the long history of clergy involvement, alongside that of legions of parishioners, in shaping the parish over the years.

From more recent priests including Fr Mike Pullar and Monsignor John White (who oversaw the funeral of Ned Kelly at St Patrick’s in 2013 - 132 years after the bushranger’s death), to Fr Frank Jones, Fr Frank Hart, Fr John Ware, Fr Des Welladsen, Monsignor John Hussey, Monsignor Frank Hickey, Fr Peter Quinn and others stretching right back to the parish’s pioneer days, a wealth of personalities have served the community from Ford Street.

This is not to mention those including Fr James Byrne, Fr Joe O’Dea and Fr Steve Bohan who have been part of Wangaratta’s Our Lady’s parish community, and the many clergy members who have served at churches which now form the Wangaratta and King Valley Parishes, including Fr Batchelor and Fr Grogan.

Their involvement harks back to the region’s pioneering days, when secular and order priests worked across vast areas as missionaries, in arrangements made according to changes in the developing settlements.

The rush to the Ovens goldfields had boosted the local population in the early 1850s, and a number of appointments based around the Beechworth and Wangaratta areas were made by Archbishop James Alipius Goold, including Fr Patrick Smyth.

In 1863, energetic young Donegal-born priest Rev George Devitt Galen was charged with creating the new parish, in a district roughly designated as west of the Sydney Road (Hume Highway) to the Murray Riversplitting off the east of the Ovens mission with Beechworth as its centre.

The next nearest mission to the west was centred on Sandhurst, now called Bendigo.

A particularly persuasive young priest, Fr Galen was able to raise 3000 pounds in donations from the local community to build the church.

He also managed to hire Augustus Pugintrained architect William Wardell, who designed the cathedrals in Sydney and Melbourne.

Wardell titled his design for Wangaratta ‘a

plan for a village church’.

Fr Galen was interred in the church’s crypt a few weeks before its completion in the late 1860s and dedication in November, 1869. A plaque, funded by all the Christian denominations of Wangaratta, to remember his courageous effort to lead the local Catholic community while dying of tuberculosis is sited between the high altar and the lady altar.

Named to honour its sponsors’ Irish roots, St Patrick’s was the second church built on the Victorian Colony’s busiest thoroughfare, the Sydney-Port Phillip Track.

Features of Wardell’s design are the roof structures, which allow bright Australian light to shine into a neo-Gothic style; the triple lancet windows over the sanctuary; the high altar; the grey granite stonework; and the erect pews.

Wardell trained as an engineer, and his expertise can be seen in the tying of the high roof beams to limit the need for external buttressing.

The lancet windows over the apse - often believed to be the work of the renowned Hardimans of Birmingham and praised as “superb” and “one of the best...seen in Australia” - were later proved to be the work of Ferguson, Urie and Lyon of Melbourne.

The high altar and that in the lady’s chapel to the left of the main church have a base of Tasmanian freestone and a table of Caen limestone.

The latter is a lustrous, creamy and micacous stone from France which was also used in the building of the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace.

How such a large slab came to be in

CITY LANDMARK: St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Ford Street will be the focus of celebrations tomorrow marking the 160th anniversary of establishment of a Catholic parish in Wangaratta.

Australia is not known.

The high altar was the first permanently fixed altar in a Victorian Catholic church, and hence the first to be consecrated and just the second in Australia.

A major extension was completed in 1905, designed by architect William Kell.

Instead of choosing the grey granite of Wardell, Kell used a warmer granite from the local Warby Range.

The original stone can be best seen from St Catherine’s Hostel, behind the sanctuary.

The connection and imperceptible continuation of Wardell’s roof has been muchadmired.

The plaque beside the one recognising Fr Galen acknowledges Rev Maurice Byrne’s long service as parish priest at St Patrick’s, during which he extended the main nave.

On the right wall is a plaque to Rev Francis McCarthy, who was nursed until his death from tuberculosis by fellow sufferer Fr Galen; Fr McCarthy was the first priest to be buried at Wangaratta.

These and other names will be recognised tomorrow as the local community, returning parishioners and clergy, and visitors to the rural city recognise the 160th anniversary of establishment of the parish.

An 11am Mass will be held in St Patrick’s, followed by a shared lunch in nearby St Patrick’s Hall. All interested people are welcome to attend.

For more information or to reserve your place at the lunch, phone 5722 1970.

• Historical information assisted by local historian Peter Murray

PHOTO: High Country Library

PHOTO: Simone Kerwin

Grab a grocery to help support those in need

BY CHLOE JAENICKE cjaenicke@ nemedia.com.au

LOAVES and Fishes Christians Caring (LF-CC) Grab A Grocery returns to Coles and Woolworths supermarkets in Wangaratta on Saturday, May 27.

The annual event invites local shoppers to put a few extra items in their baskets and donate them to Wangaratta’s welfare network to help those in need.

And this year demand is greater than ever, according to LF-CC chairperson Mark Heaton.

He said the charity helped an average of 164 clients per month last year, and that has risen 38 per cent this year for local individuals and families seeking help from emergency food services.

Mr Heaton said this was due to the reduction in COVID financial assistance combined with escalations in the cost of living.

“In Wangaratta for Grab a Grocery, we’ll have volunteers outside Coles and Woolworths stores from 9am to 1pm handing out

flyers outlining which food items are need,” he said.

“We ask people to get tinned items, things like spaghetti, baked beans, and soups are very important at this time of the year, peanut butter, vegemite, the general basic items people use on a day to day basis.”

LF-CC is especially looking for non-perisha-

ble canned food items as they have a longer shelf life.

Mr Heaton said while the support of local parishes and supermarkets is critical, the public’s help was also needed more than ever.

“With the increasing demand within our community, we ask for your assistance to enable us to maintain our food dis-

tribution services at the current level,” he said.

“Your kind donation, no matter how small, will be gratefully received and will assist fellow residents.”

Mr Heaton said the Grab A Grocery initiative was important because not only does it help those in Wangaratta, but also people struggling in other nearby areas.

“We’re servicing the local community where there is a lot of people who are financially stressed at the moment,” he said.

“Effectively the need is that much greater now and we service Wangaratta and the North East of Victoria including people coming from Eldorado and even as far as Beechworth.”

Free workshops to strengthen suicide support next week

A SERIES of free workshops offering community suicide support training will begin in Wangaratta next week.

Part of the Wangaratta Grit and Resilience Program's activities, the sessions will be held at The Centre.

On Tuesday, May 23 there is a session titled safeTALK, which trains people to recognise and take action when people are struggling with the pain in their lives, by connecting them with lifesaving intervention resources.

To book for this training program, which runs from 6pm to 9.30pm, visit https://bit.ly/3LHqghb

Next Wednesday and Thursday, May 24 and 25, a two-day face-to-face training program will be facilitated by Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria (ARCVic), a statewide specialist mental health organisation using the Mutual Support Self-Help model.

To book for this program, which runs from 9am to 5pm on each day, visit https://bit.ly/3z1eRRJ

The following week - on Tuesday, May 30 from 6pm to 9.30pm - participants in the 'What Do I Say, What Do I Do' program will learn how to support those bereaved or impacted by suicide.

They will learn about different styles of grief, and ways to be supportive after someone has lost a loved one to suicide.

To book for this session, visit https:// bit.ly/3FIozMM

All sessions are free.

If you would like more information on any of these sessions, email gritandresilience@wangaratta.vic.gov.au

* If this media article causes you any distress, please phone Lifeline on 131 114 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

GRAB A GROCERY: David Price and Mark Heaton from LF-CC with Coles staff Cosi Osmotherly, Gagan Kapil and Zach Rispin are encouraging people to Grab A Grocery for those in need,

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Local pubs among best in the state

LOCAL venues from North East Victoria are listed among the finalists and winners of the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) Victoria 2023 State Awards for Excellence, announced at the Crown Palladium in Melbourne on May 15 in front of more than 1200 people.

The AHA awards are Victoria’s biggest and most prestigious hospitality awards of the year,

celebrating the accomplishments of Victoria’s pubs and hotels in 40 distinct categories.

The Vine Hotel in North Wangaratta was a finalist in the Best Pub Restaurant - Regional dining award, while The Old Town ‘n’ Country Tavern was a finalist in the Best Family dining award and Parma of the Year award.

The Harrietville Snowline Hotel was also a finalist in the

Parma of the Year award.

The Old Town ‘n’ Country Tavern, Vine Hotel Wangaratta, Mountain View Hotel in Whitfield, Mansfield Hotel and Harrietville Snowline Hotel were all finalists in the category Best Casual Dining - Regional, with the Mountain View Hotel winning the award.

Anvil Brewing Co. in Mansfield and Mountain View Hotel

were finalists in Best Outdoor Experience - Regional, with the Mountain View Hotel also taking home that award.

It turned out to be a big night for the Pizzini family, who not only picked up two major awards, but had two employees from the Mountain View Hotel nominated as finalists in Individual Employee Awards categories.

Road water leak fixed

MOTORISTS and pedestrians would have noticed North East Water (NEW) crews doing some urgent work near the corner of Swan and Rowan streets at lunchtime on Tuesday.

NEW general manager, environment, systems and operations, John Day said it was in response to a customer notification of a leaking service near the roundabout at the intersection.

“The works required a road closure for around four hours while our crews installed a new pipe and repaired the leak,” Mr Day said.

“The works were completed successfully.

“No further delays are anticipated for road-users at this location.”

More than just bike jumps

YBY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

Agroup of local youngsters is channelling disappointment about bike jumps at the Dodsworth Street-Hinchley Street park being removed by council, into a way to learn about making change in the community.

The bike jumps were developed in a section of the park by about 15 children aged under 10 over the recent school holidays, in a project parents say boosted their teamwork skills and created valuable connections.

Following the holidays, the jumps were removed by council, which in recent years has consolidated local bike jumps to two locations - at the West End site off the walking track behind Hulme Drive, and the Arlington site, on land near Arlington Park Estate - to ensure the safety of users, the general public, and the environment.

Kate Dousset said she and fellow parents were keen to ensure the children felt supported in their bid to retain what had built a strong community link as they pitched

in and worked together on the jumps, and also to ensure they learnt how to follow the correct channels to effect that change.

Rural City of Wangaratta director community and infrastructure, Marcus Goonan, said parents had been encouraged to gather information about the jumps project to be presented to council.

As a result, parents started a Change.org petition titled ‘Save the BMX Jumps’, which has so far been signed by more than 250 people online.

“Once that comes in, if it is in the form of a petition, we’ll assess it,” Mr Goonan said.

He said the existing bike jump sites were developed to ensure users were building jumps in a safe way, and also not impacting the environment.

Ms Dousset said parents had enjoyed watching the youngsters keep active during the holidays, and build friendships while they were creating the small jumps.

One parent who commented on the online petition said, being new to the area, the jumps had been a fantastic way for their children to make connections.

Ms Dousset said parents told the youngsters they needed to be mindful that the jumps may not be approved by council, and that there was potential they could be removed.

“We wanted to teach them the right way to advocate for change in their community, to protect something that is more than just bike jumpsit’s the chance to be involved

in the community,” she said.

“Also, in the future, skills like creativity, problem-solving, mindfulness and teamwork developed through projects like this will be fundamental for them.”

Ms Dousset said while the West End and Arlington bike jump sites catered for older children and teenagers, and there were lots of park spaces around Wangaratta geared towards younger children, many between those age groups were not captivated by parks.

“They are getting to the age, at seven to 10, where it’s okay for them to be playing locally with some supervision, somewhere where it’s easy for them to come home and then go back,” she said.

“We ended up with so many kids from the Wang West area converging on the

space, from within about a 50m radius of the playground.”

Parents were often present at the park in a supervision role during the holidays, and began to explore how the jumps would fit with council’s future plans.

Ms Dousset said council’s health plan priorities touched on many of the positive aspects parents had recognised in their youngsters’ involvement with the jumps, including developing projects to keep children active.

She said parents and children involved in the Dodsworth Street/Hinchley Street park jumps were eager to consult with council following presentation of the petition.

“As a ratepayer, you want your views to be heard, and I don’t think it’s about ‘they

win’ or ‘we win’ - we want to come up with a solution that works for everyone,” she said.

Mr Goonan agreed: “I’m always keen to have a collaborative and consultative conversation.

“It’s about having that conversation and making sure both parties are comfortable with the outcome.”

The Change.org petition says: “Moving forward, we would like to put to the Rural City of Wangaratta that we get a couple of loads of dirt to create some safe and small jumps for the children that won’t be taken away and will be there for all of the community to enjoy.”

■ If you would like to view or sign the petition, visit https://www.change.org/p/ save-the-bmx-jumps

ADVOCATING FOR CHANGE: This group of Wangaratta youngsters is seeking council approval to re-establish bike jumps in parkland fronting Dodsworth and Hinchley streets.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

July joy for Galen’s $8.3m build

By SIMONE KERWIN

GALEN Catholic College will begin utilising its new and extended facilities in term three (July), starting with its expanded stadium.

The school’s $8.3 million building project began in June last year, and

includes the extension to the sports stadium as well as construction of a new performing arts centre.

The stadium will double in size to feature two full courts and provide enough space to accommodate a gathering of 1400 people, enabling indoor whole-

school assemblies.

Entry to the performing arts centre is from the Park Crescent side of the school.

It will feature flexible learning spaces, as well as a theatre for onsite performances - the first of which will be Galen’s junior production later this year.

Galen principal Darta Hovey said tradesmen were “flat-out” on the two projects, which would be completed within a week of the initially projected finish.

Flooring is currently being installed in the stadium, with the

progression of work on display for families dropping off and collecting students in the school’s College Street driveway.

The building is now quickly taking shape and will be ready well in time for the junior production in term four.

Mr Hovey said the school was keen for the facilities to be utilised by the community after school hours.

“Hopefully we will have community groups which will be able to use them, as a natural extension of what we do here,” he said.

OUTSIDE VIEW: Galen Catholic College’s new performing arts centre is moving along.

PHOTO: Simone Kerwin

GETTING CLOSER: Galen Catholic College principal Darta Hovey takes a look at the new performing arts centre under construction on the campus.

PHOTO: Simone Kerwin

TAKING SHAPE: A view of progress on the new Galen Catholic College stadium.

PHOTO: Simone Kerwin

Acknowledge region’s unsung heroes

COUNTRY communities thrive on the commitment of their volunteers, and it’s been pleasing to see so many initiatives as part of National Volunteer Week acknowledging their continued devotion to the Wangaratta region.

Volunteerism undoubtedly took a hit as a result of COVID, with the lockdowns and isolation prompting a shift of priorities for many, and a host of organisations, sporting clubs and social endeavours have felt the impact as a result.

Volunteers are so often the unsung heroes of our social tapestry, giving up their free time to surround themselves with those who are just as passionate about the community and working tirelessly behind the scenes.

Those who do dedicate time to volunteering invariably provide glowing reviews around the fulfilment they receive by helping others, and in many cases, volunteers are open to commit as much or as little time as they like to the endeavour.

Many aspects of society have changed in the wake of the COVID pandemic, but there’s hope a drop in willing volunteers will not be a permanent one.

No matter your age or interests, there is a host of volunteering opportunities available within the Wangaratta area which can provide social fulfilment, while emergency service crews such as the CFA and SES are always looking for additional members who are prepared to save lives.

So take the time to thank those who do the one percenters within the community, strike up a conversation, and don’t be afraid to reach in your pockets for someone raising funds for a local initiative.

These people are our lifeblood.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Supportive strangers deserve praise

WHILE waiting for the RACV in Dan Murphy’s carpark in Wangaratta last Sunday, five kind people asked us if we knew we had a flat tyre and needed help. Their concern was greatly appreciated.

Pam Neal, Wangaratta

Land price growth a nightmare

WANGARATTA residential land has far exceeded the Consumer Price Index with land now selling for an average of $500 per square metre.

Worryingly, there are seemingly residential lots that have risen up to 170 per cent in two years.

It’s more clear evidence of why interest rates continue to rise in order to hopefully quell demand and force a much-needed reset.

Clearly there needs to be a change as the current trend is blatantly unaffordable (average annual wage growth 3.7%), CPI 7 per cent, residential land 100 per cent plus) is surely unsustainable.

Little wonder there is an escalating social and affordable housing crisis.

Sadly the ‘Great Australian Dream’ of home ownership, previously more affordable in regional Victoria, has become a nightmare for an increasing number of current and future Australians.

The next generation, of hard-working Wangaratta residents deserve a fair chance.

Hopefully, a timely future increase in land supply will create a fair market value opportunity for the numbers to return an achievable level and indeed encourage investors to become part of a solution to the supply of safe and affordable housing.

In the meantime, for new purchasers, it may be useful to undertake some due diligence/research into possible purchases in order to not add fuel to the raging inflation fire.

Suggested reference: https://www.onthehouse.com.au.

Caveat Emptor - Hasten Slowly.

Peter Forsyth, Geelong (rural city property owner)

Give women’s health deserved funding

WOMEN’S Health Goulburn North East (WHGNE) joins with all of the women’s health sector to ask the Victorian Government to continue its progress on gender responsive budgeting and follow through on its commitments to “give women’s health the focus and funding it deserves”.

As the only state infrastructure that delivers specialist expertise on intersectional gender equity for our health system - both regionally and state-wide - we are in a unique position to understand what investment and services are required to ensure that all Victorians are well.

We know that successful, thriving, and well-resourced public health systems invest in health promotion, as well as clinical services to address illness.

By sustaining this investment over time, governments can strategically and practically reduce the pressure on our vastly overstretched public health system.

In the State Budget 2023, WHGNE and all

Should

APPEAL FOR INFORMATION: Police are seeking public assistance, following the alleged theft of a caravan from a King Valley property earlier this year. Whitfield police believe the van was taken from a rural property in the area between April 7 and 14. Anyone with information is urged to contact Leading Senior Constable Guy at Whitfield Police Station on 5729 8282 or file a report via Crime Stoppers Victoria by visiting www.crimestoppersvic.com.au or by calling 1800 333 000.

Women’s health services, will be expecting investment from the Victorian Government that:

• promotes primary prevention and health promotion for all Victorians;

• delivers to all women and girls in Victoria, access to safe and high quality sexual and reproductive health services, including abortion healthcare, across the life course;

• delivers investment in culturally safe, gender equitable mental healthcare and investment in the primary prevention of mental illness for women and girls;

• invests in health services and programs based on data and evidence to address a broad range of women’s health issues; and

• we are recognised as an integral part of our state’s health system.

The 2023 budget presents the opportunity for government to sustain investment in primary prevention and make strides towards longer term change and address, generations of inequitable health outcomes for women and delivers ongoing to social and economic benefits.

Prevention investment lowers healthcare costs and, reduces the costs to the economy associated with premature death and years spent in ill health.

For our own region we know that a truly gender equitable health system means that women in our region can get the access to services that they need when they need it, and, the lived experience of all women is taken into consideration when designing all health interventions - from primary prevention through to clinical interventions.

We look forward to working with the State Government to ensure that its goals

Police Eyewatch

for equitable health and wellbeing for all Victorians is realised.

Do you think the Federal Government could have afforded more than a $40 increase a fortnight to JobSeeker?

THIS WEEK

Should the State Government cover the full cost of the school crossing program instead of just subsidising councils?

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

Email edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au

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

PHOTO:

the State Government cover the full cost of the school crossing program instead of just subsidising councils?

Amanda Kelly, WHGNE CEO

FACEBOOK users this week commented on work beginning next week on construction of a 2.1m high fence encircling Wangaratta High School, in a project aimed at improving the security and integrity of the campus.

• Alec Anne Phillips: Then it will look like all the other schools which have had this done. Oh for the days when schools didn’t look like prisons! Anne

• Nathan Andrew: Thank

god wasn’t like that when I went there how terrible it’s become

• Kayla Jose: Nathan Andrew I know we have assemblies all the time now too

• Nathan Andrew: Kayla Jose aweful

• Neil John Maclean: 30 years too late

• Leslie Matthews: How sad..

• Suzzanne Goldsworthy: People complain that the high school is out of

control and when the principal is trying to improve the school people still complain. There is no winning either way. I am not sure whether I like the idea of having the kids fenced in but given time let’s see how it goes.

• Alec Anne Phillips: Suzzanne Goldsworthy The fencing order usually comes from further up the chain. not the local Principal’s. I don’t know who has to pay for this expensive exercise. One of the Primary Schools I

taught at in the early 70’s in Broadmeadows was an open area back then. When I went back in the late 80’s, it had an extremely high fence with locked gates when noone was there. I understood why this had been done because of the crime that was happening around the area. I still feel disappointed to see our local schools get the fences but, at least, many don’t have the locked gates so the community can use the outdoor facilities. Anne

Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.

Our follower total is

14,149

TWITTER users this week tweeted about archery with Helen Haines MP, interleague footy and an event for rural teachers

AusPol.co @AusPolDotCo

Helen Haines MP: I got in touch with my inner Mockingjay with the Wangaratta Archers yesterday! Polzy @Polzy2

Interleague is like state of origin gone, should be a premiers comp instead with prize money, more people would watch wangaratta v Echuca than OM v gv Country Education Partnership @CEP_Partnership

We had a fantastic mentor dinner with the Wangaratta Teach Rural group and staff from Wangaratta High last night. It was also great to see the lovely message of support from the local member.

Follow

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

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

Diesel AWD in stock now.

Tweet Gorgeous morning at Wangaratta track this morning. Starting to look for some rain again. Fancy being 20 degrees today in winter.

Dona McQueen @DonaMcqueen

^

Huge thanks to Mr Sinclair and his art class for assisting us in putting Patricia Piccinini’s paste-ups around town as part of the exhibition 52 ACTIONS currently on exhibition in Gallery1

Wangarattaartgallery

Social side focus for community safeguard

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

Boosting the CFA’s standing as a social outlet within its community is set to play a key role in strengthening volunteerism in the local area, according to Wangaratta deputy group officer Travis Ledger.

Coinciding with National Volunteer Week, the long-time Killawarra volunteer said while operational volunteering numbers in the Wangaratta region had remained strong, the firefighting service had been struck by the same shockwaves which rippled through the local community as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said a noticeable change had been felt behind-the-scenes within many CFA brigades.

“There’s been a bit made of people reassessing their lives and their commitments following COVID, and I would definitely say that’s had an effect on brigades as it has many other organisations,” Mr Ledger said.

“In terms of general brigade health and looking to go forward, you want a solid base and you

want new members coming in as time progresses, and obviously you’ve got members getting on in age a bit and people moving away.

“We’ve definitely noticed a change in people as far as their time commitments, but operationally at this point in time I don’t see it as a threat by any means...but just in the greater existence of brigades and CFA we need to constantly push and a bit of a (volunteer) drive from time to time certainly helps that.”

An influx of new residents to the region in the wake of COVID is yet to see a marked boost in CFA support membership, but Mr Ledger said an increased focus

on making local brigades a social experience had the capacity to strengthen smaller rural brigades.

He said “rural decline” could be seen in townships such as Killawarra, Bowmans Forest and Eldorado, however, noted each brigade was making a concerted effort to improve its presence within the community to drive up involvement.

“Farms have become more consolidated to one family, or even a corporation might have control of large landholdings, so there are less local families,” he said.

“Building on the social aspect in those sorts of areas I believe is the key going forward - I know that’s

something that a lot of brigades in Wangaratta Group are doingthat could be attending functions outside of CFA as a brigade and increasing the presence.

“If someone lives in a large town and can head out to one of those smaller brigades in a non-operational capacity that certainly assists.

“At Killawarra there are some members who live in Wangaratta and whilst they may not make the first wave of turnouts, they’re certainly there to back up the brigade in a number of ways.

“Certainly if we can promote mateship and the relationships that are built out of CFA brigades

CFA’s finest enjoy a day with volunteers at the footy

DISTRICT 23 CFA volunteers and other emergency service members, who protect and serve their communities, enjoyed a day at the footy last Saturday as part of the Emergency Services Match between Hawthorn and Melbourne.

Some of the local CFA volunteers who attended included Greg Keane - Glenrowan, Andrew McCormickLaceby West, Peter Brick - Eldo-

rado, Darryl Paterson - Wangaratta, and John Valcich - Tolmie.

The MCG was buzzing with free family fun and festivities in the Emergency Services Fan Zone in the MCG’s Yarra Park.

There was a special performance by Chase and Marshall from PAW Patrol, plus exciting demonstrations and activities from all Victoria’s emergency

services, live music, food trucks, and giveaways. Before the game, Victoria’s emergency services, key personnel, and the motorcade were welcomed.

At half-time, the crowd was asked to show their thanks to emergency services workers and volunteers as they took to the field for a lap of honour.

at the local level then that’s a big thing.

“We’re trying to promote that to a number of younger families who have moved to the area and just trying to encourage that there’s family barbecues and some people go off running together or bushwalking together, so I think that’s probably the key to building in those rural areas.

“You make the commitment to train and become either an operational or non-operational member, but what you’ll reap out of it is great friendships, camaraderie, and some relationships that become lifelong.”

GET INVOLVED: CFA’s Wangaratta deputy group officer, Travis Ledger, said many brigades in the area were expanding their social presence within the community to drive up volunteer numbers.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

PHOTO: Joanna Brick

New public facilities add to Vietnam Veterans’ memorial

By JEFF ZEUSCHNER

IT may only be a table and chairs, but the new public facility is significant for the Wangaratta and District Vietnam Veterans. Provided by the Rural City of Wangaratta last month, the infrastructure encourages more people to stop and sit at the veterans' Memorial Avenue on the Wangaratta-Whitfield Road approach to the city.

The avenue of trees shedding their autumn leaves, together with the memorial rock laid on May 7, 1996, are “dedicated to those who served, suffered and died for their community”.

Plaques of the rock pay tribute to locals who served, and those who paid the ultimate price, such as Michael D Poole, KIA 21/2/67, Bernd Binder KIA 27/10/69, and James Terence

‘Butch’ Renshaw, KIA 30/5/67, aged 22 years, the youngest child of Jim and Jessie.

“It’s nice to have somewhere to come and reflect, but up until now there haven’t been any public amenities here,” said veteran Geoff Daly.

“A few of us (veterans) who meet fortnightly at the Wangaratta RSL thought it would be good to have somewhere people could sit at the memorial.

“Not just for those of us who visit, and help maintain the area, but for other members of the community.

“We spoke with the mayor and council came through for us.”

Mayor Dean Rees said the addition enhanced what is an important memorial.

“It’s the least we can do for their service,” he said.

Free training for volunteers

VOLUNTEER and community groups keen to grow and prosper are being encouraged to take part in a new and free training program.

The GROW Volunteer Resilience and Capacity Program is aimed at volunteer boards and committees, service clubs and volunteer managed groups and organisations located in the fireaffected local government areas of Wangaratta, Alpine,

Indigo and Mansfield.

It is being delivered by Alpine Valleys Community Leadership (AVCL), in partnership with Into Our Hands Foundation, through the financial support of Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV) and Foundation for Rural & Regional Recovery (FRRR).

AVCL executive officer

Jacqui Bramwell said expressions of interest are now being sought from volunteer-

run groups in the Rural City of Wangaratta and Alpine Shire.

“We are going with these two shires first and will then move the program to focus on groups in Mansfield and Indigo next year,” she said.

Ms Bramwell said each participating group would receive up to six hours of one-on-one support over the six-month program period.

“These sessions will focus on how groups can attract

and retain a strong membership base, develop a vision for what the group wants to achieve in the next three years, and create a plan to achieve that vision,” she said.

“In addition, we will be running five online skills sessions, exploring topics such as governance and compliance, strategic planning, volunteer engagement, grant writing, and project management.”

Ms Bramwell said any vol-

unteer group iWangaratta or Alpine Shire could put in an expression of interest before 4pm on May 22.

“Local communities rely on the collective efforts of a multitude of volunteer-run groups, who provide on the ground support and solutions, particularly in times of need,” she said.

“The goal of the program is to provide groups with advice and support that builds

resilient, strong, and adaptive organisations who are able to sustain their operations and contribute to community recovery efforts.”

The program is available to directly support up to 15 community groups in each LGA at no cost to participating groups.

Further information can be found on the AVCL website: http://avclp.org.au/growvolunteer/.

TIME TO THINK: Mayor Dean Rees (left) and Vietnam veteran Geoff Daly make good use of the new public table and chairs at Memorial Avenue on the Wangaratta-Whitfield Road.

PHOTO: Jeff Zeuschner

Local Justices of the Peace celebrate 10th year of service

CHLOE JAENICKE

JUSTICES of the Peace have spent the last decade helping people locally by witnessing and signing documents for those who need it.

Coordinators of the North East group of document signing service, Cheryl Sargent JP and Robert Ford JP, said they would like to thank all the volunteer Justices who help out people in the North East.

“Justices of the Peace play a valuable role in the community by witnessing statutory declarations, affidavits, certifying true copies and many other documents,” Ms Sargent said.

“We wish to sincerely thank all Justices who serve at our various locations.”

The document signing service gives their services freely and are available at libraries in Wangaratta, Myrtleford and Bright.

Justices of the Peace will celebrate their 10th year of service in the North East later this month.

Available times are:

• Wangaratta Library: Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am to 12pm; Thursdays from 5pm to 6pm

• Myrtleford Library: Tuesdays 1pm to 3pm

• Bright Library: Wednesdays 1pm to 3pm

Driving force behind Parkrun

AMONG the local groups which thrive on volunteer support, which is being recognised during National Volunteer Week this week, is Wangaratta Parkrun.

The free, timed weekly 5km event takes place every Saturday from 8am at Apex Park, and has been a volunteering success story since it launched in June, 2015.

During that time, more than 2000 different people have volunteered at Wangaratta Parkrun, carrying out in excess of 3500 different volunteer roles. Their volunteer contribution

has supported locals and visitors to complete the course on 24,197 occasions.

What’s more, 279 people who have completed Wangaratta Parkrun had been doing fewer than 30 minutes of moderate physical activity weekly when they first signed up with parkrun.

This means local volunteers are increasingly supporting people to take the first steps in their physical activity journey, which has major health and economic impacts for the community.

Parkrun events are free and open to anyone.

People can walk or run the 5km course, help out as volunteers, or simply spectate and socialise.

Participants can push a pram, bring their dog on a short lead, or take part with their family.

There is no time limit and nobody finishes last, thanks to volunteer ‘Tail Walkers’ who provide support and encouragement on the course.

Graeme Blanch, volunteer event director at Wangaratta Parkrun, said everyone in the community was invited to give parkrun volunteering a try.

“All the volunteer roles are su-

per simple, and there are a wide variety of opportunities, from welcoming first-timers to marshalling on the course, to handing out finish tokens as people finish the 5km,” he said.

“Our volunteer roster is never full and there is a role to suit everyone.”

Parkrun registration is free at www.parkrun.com.au/register

If you are interested in volunteering you can email the event at wangaratta@parkrun.com message them through the Wangaratta Parkrun Facebook page, or simply come along on a Saturday morning.

KEEPING ACTIVE: Volunteers are an essential part of staging the weekly Wangaratta Parkrun from Merriwa

Park.

PHOTO: Courtesy Wangaratta Parkrun

CELEBRATING SERVICE: North East Justice of the Peace coordinators, Cheryl Sargent JP and Robert Ford JP, would like to thank all the Justices they have worked with over the past decade.

PHOTO: Chloe Jaenicke

Driver avoids conviction

Easter

egg

hunt a sweet boost to paediatric ward

By SIMONE KERWIN

A TOTAL of $3550 raised through OBrien Real Estate Joyce’s chocolate egg hunt, held on the Thursday prior to Easter last month, will go towards boosting equipment in Northeast Health Wangaratta’s paediatric ward.

The evening was again a resounding success, with 57,000 eggs being hunted by a delighted 1200 children at Barr 2 Oval, in an event

which created connections and Easter memories for the local community.

“It’s so nice to be able to give to the paediatric ward; nobody wants to need to use the ward, but we are forever grateful for the fact it is there when we need it,” Beck Joyce from OBrien Real Estate Joyce said.

“It’s just wonderful to be able to give locally.”

The $3550 raised on the night will be used by the

paediatric department to help purchase an iStat machine, which provides an almost instant reading on a patient’s blood analysis, so that treatment can be commenced immediately.

This is a great alternative to taking blood and sending it to the emergency department or special care nursery, which can take time and potentially delay treatment.

The machine will enable the paediatric department to

provide prompt, and sometimes lifesaving, treatments and interventions.

“The department was so overwhelmed to receive the donation, and blown away by the generosity of the community,” Beck said.

The OBrien Real Estate Joyce Easter egg hunt will return in 2024, again on the Thursday before Easter, March 28, with funds again set to go to the paediatric ward.

Help get Treaty done — sign up today:

TREATYELECTIONS.ORG

This is mob’s opportunity to choose who we want negotiating Treaty.

your tyre, and it’s a recipe for

GIVING BACK: Peter and Beck Joyce and Sally Wohlers from OBrien Real Estate Joyce present a cheque for $3550 to Northeast Health Wangaratta chief executive officer Libby Fifis, paediatric ward head Bernie Sharp, and nurses Leah Jenvey, Jessie Gerrish and Bree McClen.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

However, Magistrate Peter

Johnny is a natural leader of the pack and is always confident and affectionate. Johnny enjoys investigating new places, people and smells and can’t wait to explore his new home. Johnny gets stressed if he can’t explore and won’t hesitate to let you know if he isn’t happy. He would be best suited to a large property or outdoor enclosure that he can explore. Johnny may not mind living with another cat. His microchip number is 956000016650935.

Students visit school Galen is helping rebuild

Friday, May 17, 2013

By STEVE KELLY

A VISIT to Timor Leste has helped Wangaratta teenager Sarah Kerr truly appreciate what a lucky country, and privileged existence, she has in Australia.

Sarah was among a group of eight senior students and three teachers from Galen Catholic College who recently returned from an 11 day tour of the tiny country.

The group had raised funds to assist with the rebuilding of a local school at Abafala Village in Timor Leste.

Galen has infact made a threeyear commitment to support the rebuilding of the school, with funds raised by students and the community providing much

needed resources.

Sarah said her immersion into East Timor culture was a real eye opener and something she will never forget.

“There were many ways in which we were all emotionally shocked,” the year 11 student said.

“On our first night we stayed in Dili (Timor’s capital) and travelled to Baucau where we stayed for 11 days.

“While we were over there we visited many schools and travelled around the community....everyone was so lovely and welcoming.

“For me and I’m sure for the other students and teachers it was an incredible experience and it really made us realise how lucky

and privileged we are to be able to have the resources we have here in Australia.

“I wasn’t sure of what to expect but after seeing a developing country through my own eyes it made me appreciate what I have and that I take many things for granted.

“Trying to explain to people about our trip and the emotions we all felt will never fully cover exactly how we felt through our firsthand experience; it is something that you must see through your own eyes to really understand.”

If community members are interested in contributing to the East Timor cause donation forms can be collected from the Galen office or from the Galen website: www.galen.vic.edu.au.

THE Wangaratta RSPCA currently have plenty of options for your new playmate/s.

For more information or to meet any of the kittens, cats, dogs, puppies and rabbits the Wangaratta RSPCA currently have available, call (03) 5722 2874 or visit the shelter and find your new special friend.

Wangaratta RSPCA’s source code is #BR100934.

Cats:

 Short hair, tabby, female, 6 years, 956000015933357, ‘Cindy’;

 Longhair, tabby, male, 5 years, 956000015934221, ‘Jimmy’;

 Medium hair, grey tabby, male, 2 years, 956000016650935, ‘Johnny’;

 Medium hair, ginger, male, 6 months, 956000016677504,

‘Sammy’;

 Medium hair, tabby, female, 4 years, 956000016637832, ‘Zarla’;

 Short hair, black, female, 8 months, 956000016705248, ‘Zelda’.

Kittens:

 Short hair, tortoiseshell, female, 10 weeks, 956000016653595, ‘Daphne’;

 Short hair, tabby, male, 9 weeks, 956000016641417, ‘Frost’;

 Short hair, black, female, 5 months, 956000015934076, ‘Nenie’;

 Short hair, tabby, male, 10 weeks, 956000016677553, ‘Pj’;

 Short hair, black, female, 3 months, 956000016641589, ‘Weekend’.

Dogs:

 Kelpie, black, male, 1 year, 956000016705495, ‘Blackie’;

 Kelpie, black, male, 8 months, 953010006181600, ‘Boss’;

 Bull Arab, white, male, 8 months, 953010006184336, ‘Buster’;

 Staffordshire Bull Terrier, black, male, 6 months, 956000016639052, ‘Merks’;

 Rhodesian Ridgeback, female, brindle, 6 months, 956000015933473, ‘Remmi’;

 American Staffordshire terrier, black, female, 1 year, 956000016674147, ‘Rosie’;

 Siberian Husky, black, male, 1 year, 953010100209966, ‘Socks’.

PHOTO: RSPCA

WANGARATTA RSPCA

SCHOOL VISIT: Galen students (from left) Sarah Kerr, Matthew Thrum and Matthew Fetherstonhaugh (front) with students at the school in Abafala Village, Timor Leste.

Brown Falcon - born to hunt

By IAN DAVIDSON and CHRIS TZAROS

THE Brown Falcon is one of our most common raptors and these birds are often seen perching alone on fences or electricity poles in open country searching for potential prey.

They are normally silent at rest, but often emit cackling and screeching notes when in flight.

The Brown Falcon has a range of plumage colours, from very dark brown to light brown above and off-white below.

Generally, the upperparts are dark brown and the underparts are creamy.

The sides of the head are brown with a characteristic tear-stripe below the eye.

The female is larger than the male and younger birds resemble dark adults, but have less obvious barring on the tail, and a buff-yellow colour on the face, throat and nape of the neck.

These birds are found throughout Australia and New Guinea in all but the densest forests.

Their preferred habitat is open grassland and agricultural areas, with scattered trees or

structures such as telegraph poles which are used for perching.

Birds may stay within the same areas throughout the year or may move around locally in response to changes in conditions.

In our region they tend to concentrate in response to increases in their prey which includes mice, grasshoppers, reptiles and, less often, small birds.

Like all falcons they lack a clutching foot mechanism to catch and kill prey as eagles, kites and many other raptors.

Instead they have a powerful hooked bill with specialised ‘tomial’ teeth which can sever neck bones with one bite.

When prey is sighted, the Brown Falcon swoops down and grasps it in its talons, killing the prey with a bite to the spine.

Less often the species will hunt by hovering or gliding over the ground, often at great heights.

The nest used by the Brown Falcon is often placed in an

old nest from another hawk species, but the species may build its own stick nest in a tree.

Occasionally they nest in open tree hollows and more rarely on cliff edges.

Both sexes share the incubation of the eggs, and both care for the young, although the female performs the bulk of these duties, while the male supplies most of the food.

They breed in winter and spring and produce clutches of two to six young, incubation is around 30 days and then they spend a further 6-7 weeks in the nest prior to fledging.

Brown Falcons can be observed throughout the year, most simply by finding a bird perched on an exposed power pole or fence post, in farmland, and patiently observing it as it searches for prey.

PATIENCE PERSONIFIED: Brown Falcon perched on the end of a branch searching for prey.

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Photo: Chris Tzaros (Birds Bush and Beyond)

Cosi performances postponed

By CORAL COOKSLEY

BEECHWORTH Theatre Company performances of the hilarious classic play ‘COSI’ by Australian playwright Louis Nowra has been postponed to July.

BTC theatre director Janet Tweedie said the May production had to be cancelled due to ongoing illness in the cast.

The production had been postponed last week after a cast member contracted COVID-19, with performances initially rescheduled over the coming fortnight.

“With such a small ensemble piece it is impossible to give a performance that an audience deserves to experience when one of the cast is missing,” she said.

After much debate, Janet said the cast and crew decided to make the difficult decision to postpone performances, with new dates now locked in.

All ticket holders will be contacted to be offered either transfer of tickets or full refunds.

“We look forward to regrouping and providing the Beechworth and surrounding communities with a quality production of this wonderful play,” Janet said.

Performances at Beechworth Serviceman’s Memorial Hall will now take place on Friday, July 21 and Saturday, July 22 at 7.30pm with a matinee session at 2.30pm on Sunday, July 23.

Janet said she hoped ticket holders will hang on to their tickets to see the show.

“We hope other community members who hadn’t as yet booked for the original times can see the show at one of the July performances too,” she said.

“We’ve worked so hard since February and will be ready to share Louis Nowra’s wonderful characters with the world”.

After school at Apex

APEX Park was the place to hang out after school this week, with friends and siblings taking some time out.

REASON TO CELEBRATE: Lani Cousins, Abbey Forrest, Stacey Harris, Kelly Cousins, Rachael Newton and

Allen celebrating Mother’s Day at the Whorouly Football Netball Club.

Whorouly Lions say happy Mother’s Day

FAMILY

CELEBRATING

a

WHOROULY Football Netball Club celebrated Mother’s Day with a luncheon on Saturday. Many daughters, mothers and grandmothers came together for the high tea at the Whorouly clubrooms to celebrate the day..

MAYHEM AND MIRTH: Cosi characters (from left) Ainslie Hunter (Julie), Elroy Bos (Zac), Mack Oswald (Lewis), Lyndal Perry (Cherry), and Julie Groth (Ruth) are planning an unforgettable show, now postponed until July..

GENERATIONS: Natalie Marek-Rhodes, Lara MarekRhodes and Judy Marek celebrating Mothers’ Day as a family.

TOGETHER: Billie Kneebone, Judy Marek, Wendy Burdack and Frankie Stirling having fun at the Lions’ high tea.

ALL SMILES: Eleisha Fraser and Luisa Licciardello at the Whorouly Football Netball Club’s Mothers’ Day high tea.

PRETTY IN PINK DAY: Jade Paul and Sarah Marek enjoying the high tea.

SIBLINGS: Brodie and Brock Garratt are all smiles after

busy day.

LOVE: River and Raine Snowdon grab some downtime together after school.

GOOD MATES: Hayden Boyle and Dodge Lawrey take the bikes for a spin.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

Tayla

PHOTOS: Nathan de Vries

Moyhu market day tomorrow

THE next Moyhu community market will be held tomorrow morning at the Moyhu Lions Park in Moyhu from 8am until 12pm.

Enjoy a delicious market breakfast and freshly brewed coffee while browsing the stalls with fresh produce, preserves, plants and more on offer.

King Valley Exchange Day

THE next King Valley Exchange Day will be held at the King Valley Learning Exchange in Moyhu tomorrow from 9am to 1pm.

The fun, community event is a great way to connect with others while shopping for bargains at the Op Shop and visiting the King Valley Community Men’s Shed which will also be open.

Wangaratta City Raceway

ENJOY a big night of speedway action at Wangaratta City Raceway in Shanley Street tomorrow night with races starting at 5pm.

See the GP Midget Australian Title, VSC open ladies feature, the VSC open junior title and much more, with individual and family tickets available.

Shared Vision by teacher and students

RENOWNED wildlife artist and illustrator Kate Jenvey is sharing an exhibition with her students at the Art Gallery on Ovens in the laneway off Murphy Street.

The exhibition includes a wide range or artworks created by the students and gives them an opportunity to showcase their achievements in a professional arts space.

It is open today and Monday from 10am until 4pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2pm.

Young talent on stage at the Wangaratta Festival of Dance

TALENTED dancers will be making all the right moves when the Wangaratta Festival of Dance kicks off at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre this weekend.

Now in its 25th year, the annual dance competition brings together dancers from across the region and beyond, who have the opportunity to hone their stage craft and perform within the city’s state of the art facility.

This weekend, junior dancers take to the stage from 9am through to 8.30pm tomorrow, with more action on Sunday from 9am when the school troupe section begins.

Wangaratta Festival of Dance secretary Cathy Nesbitt said the organisation plans to work with schools over the coming months to build this section next year.

Next weekend, senior dancers will compete from 4pm on Friday, May 26 before troupes in all age groups compete in a number of genres on Saturday, May 27 from 9am to 9pm.

The event will come to an end on Sunday, May 28 when the senior soloist competition is held from 9am.

Showing just how popular the dance competition is, Ms Nesbitt said this year entries were 80 per cent filled on day one of opening, and at capacity soon after.

Competitor Ayva Gumbleton, who will be

performing solos in contemporary, jazz and lyrical as well as a part of a duo and in the troupe day, is a big fan of the event.

“It’s special because it’s the first time I ever competed in a comp, at Wangaratta Festival of Dance,” she said.

“Everyone is so friendly and encouraging and I love seeing my friends from other dance schools

too, plus my friends from our studio, League 23.”

The Wangaratta Festival of Dance is a free event to watch and the community is welcome to come along and show their support for the competitors.

To find out more about the Wangaratta Festival of Dance, school troupes or volunteering on the committee, contact wfodance@gmail.com.

52 Actions exhibition at the gallery

ARTSPACE Sydney’s acclaimed exhibition 52 ACTIONS is on national tour, visiting the Wangaratta Art Gallery.

The exhibition features works from 52 Australian artists and collectives across generations, geographies and cultural backgrounds who, working in a wide variety of mediums, highlight the diversity, complexity and dynamism of contemporary Australian art. The exhibition runs until June 4.

Superpicture: Tristan Chant in Gallery 2

SUPERPICTURE is an exhibition which follows the Dadaist tradition of images quoting other images and looks at the relationship between images and art more broadly.

Created by multi-disciplinary artist Tristan Chant who works across print, collage and textile mediums, the works examine authorship and originality through the juxtaposition of found images appropriated from both high and low culture, and the mobility of photography in art production. By extracting these images from their source material, the works intend to challenge the viewer’s position on both context and consumption.

See the exhibition in Gallery 2 at the Wangaratta Art Gallery until June 11.

Wangaratta community market

THE Wangaratta community market will run every Sunday at Moore Than Swimming, located at 11-13 Mason Street in Wangaratta, from 8am until 1pm.

There will be a wide range of stalls to browse and refreshments available.

Stalls are available for $25 each (must have own market stall insurance) with more information via the market’s Facebook page.

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DANCE SPECTACULAR: Multiple troupes will compete as part of this year’s Wangaratta Festival of Dance competition, which runs over the next two weekends.

HITTING THE HEIGHTS: Ayva Gumbleton (pictured) will be performing solos in contemporary, jazz and lyrical as well as competing as a part of a duo and in the troupe day, at the Wangaratta Festival of Dance.

How to help your local bees

By CHLOE JAENICKE

BEES will be all the buzz on World Bee Day tomorrow.

Bees are responsible for pollinating many of the world's food crops, ensuring the production of fruits, vegetables, and nuts that are critical to our food supply. Unfortunately, they are facing numerous threats, including habitat loss, disease, pesticide use, and climate change.

More than 40 per cent of insect pollinators, including bees, are at risk of extinction in the next two decades, according to a report by the United Nations.

In New South Wales there is even concern for the bee population due to the Varroa mite.

Fortunately, there are simple steps that everyone can take to help save the bees, according to Greg Whitehead from Walkabout Apiaries.

“Get advice from professionals, join a beekeeping club or association and get to know the beekeepers in your community, or simply

create natural bee food by planting more flowering plants in your garden,” the local apiarist said.

Grant Allen, general manager at Wangaratta’s Park Lane Nursery, said bees are mainly active during warmer weather.

“Bees go a bit quiet in winter because of the temperature...they need warm days so bees aren’t that active when it’s under 24 degrees,” he said.

He suggested people place some shallow dishes of water with rocks around their garden for thirsty bees to drink from.

“Bees are incredibly important to the whole of man kind because they pollinate so many things and all our food sources are normally pollinated by bees,” Mr Allen said.

“If something goes wrong with the bees we'd be in trouble.”

Community members are encouraged to support local beekeepers by purchasing natural honey, beeswax and other bee products.

Avoid using pesticides

and chemical fertilisers which can harm bees and other pollinators.

Instead, try using natural pest control methods and organic fertilisers to keep your plants healthy and beefriendly.

Not all bees are social creatures that live in hives.

Many bees are solitary and nest in the ground or in crevices.

Provide some nesting places like bee hotels or leave a small patch of bare soil in your yard for the bees to nest.

The top five bee friendly plants are:

1. Lavender: a popular choice among beekeepers and gardeners because it provides bees with a continuous source of nectar from late spring until summer.

2. Sunflowers: another favourite of bees, their large flowers are rich in nectar and pollen, and their bright yellow petals make them easy for bees to spot.

3. Coneflowers: these tall, colourful flowers are drought tolerant and attract a variety of pollinators including bees and butterflies.

4. Borage: it is a fast growing annual herb that produces an abundance of blue, star-shaped flowers that are highly attractive to bees.

5. Wildflowers: planting a mix of wildflowers in your garden is a great way to provide bees with a diverse range of nectar and pollen sources.

Ghost mushrooms are out, brightening up the night

AFTER a mild and wet summer and autumn, fungi have been appearing everywhere.

What we generally observe, the mushroom caps and bracket fungi, are the aboveground fruiting bodies of vast, but mostly unseen subterranean networks of microscopic fungal filaments (hyphae).

The rainfall has unlocked these underground resources resulting in the proliferation of fungal fruiting bodies.

The Ghost Fungus, Omphalotus nidiformis, occurs in two widely separated regions of Australia (disjunct distribution): firstly, the south-west of Western Australia; secondly, from eastern South Australia, all the way through to coastal Queensland.

Locally, Chiltern has a reputation as one of the most popular locations to spot the ghostly organisms which is where well-known local photographers Marc Bongers,

It grows on both living trees (where it is parasitic) and also on dead wood (saprophytic).

It glows white in the dark although most images on the internet are green.

Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light from a living organism.

Probably the best-known is the sparkling phosphores-

cence produced by dinoflagellates (a type of marine algae) in sea water, but fireflies, glow worms and fungi are other examples of organisms illuminated by bioluminescence. Bioluminescent light is referred to as cold light as it can be generated in the dark.

Light emission is generated in a biochemical reaction catalysed by an enzyme, luciferase, that facilitates the oxidation of compounds called luciferins.

BEE EXPERT: Grant Allen from Park Lane Nursery with some of the many plants that bees are attracted to.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

HIGH VIS: Ghost mushrooms near Chiltern attract plenty of interest from eager photographers when weather conditions are right.

PHOTO: Marc Bongers

Kurt Hickling and Rene Martens each captured these shots recently.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling (left) and Rene Martens (above).

Concern at erosion, impacts on local waterways caused by mass tree-felling

C t i , i p t l l t y d t -f lli g Getting washed away

BY BRODIE EVERIST beverist@ nemedia.com.au

LOCAL environmentalists have raised concerns over potential erosion on steep pine plantation sites in the Ovens Valley, potentially undermining efforts by local groups to improve riparian sites and the health of local waterways.

Cam Walker, campaigns cocoordinator for environmental organisation Friends of the Earth, said he sent a letter to HVP Plantations in April outlining concerns over the mass clearing of vegetation by the company, but even after sending follow-up emails he has received no response.

The letter, sighted by North East Media, said there was significant potential for mass erosion across the North East from blanket clearing of slopes due to harvesting.

It asks HVP to commit to planting native plant species on drainage lines - where water naturally collects and runs down the steep hills - and exclude these areas from future harvesting to prevent erosion.

“We feel that this is a reasonable proposal which will protect soils, improve water quality and reduce erosion from harvested slopes, and increase local biodiversity

while allowing HVP to continue with its planting and harvesting activities,” the letter reads.

Martyn Paterson, vice president of the Upper Ovens Landcare, said he has seen first-hand the silting up of the decommissioned reservoir at Baker’s Gully, which purportedly is habitat for platypus, and said the clearing of pine plantations was partly to blame.

“Little or no vegetation has been left,” he said.

“As it’s on a hillside, we have to look at the conse-

quences of what happens when water hits those areas.”

Mr Paterson said new housing developments nearby would also be causing erosion.

“We have to be cautious when building plots - levelling off of the block for development - to make sure that those blocks don’t erode away into watercourses,” he said.

Mr Paterson and Mr Walker, who lives part-time in Dinner Plain, said they understood the pine industry was important to the local economy.

“We understand you are

going to harvest them and you’re going to replant them, let’s just make it less erosion and slightly more sustainable in that next cycle,” Mr Walker said.

Mick Evans, HVP Plantations northern region general manager, said HVP and many members of the community share interests in the care for protection of soil, water, native flora and fauna, cultural heritage and recreation values.

“Operations are planned and implemented with appropriate methods to match individual

Vandalism sees council close Myrtleford playground

MYRTEFORD’S Cundy Park playground has been closed, as of last week, due to alleged vandalism, according to the Alpine Shire Council.

“Following numerous incidents of vandalism this week, the playground requires thorough cleaning and maintenance,” the council said on Facebook last week.

As of last Friday the playground had been fenced off, with many of the planks making up the playground’s walkway walls removed.

Myrtleford police confirmed they are making enquiries.

YEAR ROUND

site conditions,” he said.

“This includes employing the right plant, equipment and expertise for managing steep and complex sites in our Ovens Valley plantations.

“HVP’s high standard of environmental stewardship is demonstrated through our voluntary participation in two separate sustainable forest management certification schemes.

“HVP has been dual certified continuously to these programs since 2007.”

North East Catchment Management Authority declined to comment.

Snow gear sale to help students

ORGANISERS are gearing up for the annual second-hand snowsports gear sale, to be held at the Bright Community Centre tomorrow from 9:30am to 12:30pm.

Held as a fundraiser for the Bright College Snowsports Team (BCST), the annual event has been responsible for helping hundreds of Alpine Valley families gear up in time for winter.

The sale provides important funding for the BCST program, which generates participation from over 100 students attending Bright P12 College, Porepunkah Primary School and Wandiligong Primary School.

Council requests Bright speed limit reduction

ALPINE Shire Council is preparing a request to the Department of Transport (DoT) to extend the 60kp/h section along the Great Alpine Road at the western entrance to Bright.

Alpine Shire mayor John Forsyth said council’s request for the speed limit change reflects the community’s sentiment to minimise any potential impact to the gateway trees by an intersection leading into the Bright Valley development.

The development expects to provide several hundred residential housing blocks.

“Currently, two of the three proposed intersections for the entrance to the development falls within the 80kp/h zone,” Cr Forsyth said.

“If the request to extend the 60kp/h zone is supported by the Department of Transport, it will mean that the intersections under design will be for 60kp/h speed zones, rather than 80kp/h zones.

“Standard treatments for 60kp/h zones are smaller in area than their 80kp/h equivalents.

“This reduction in area may help minimise the impact on the trees.”

According to council, a speed limit reduction would also improve cyclist and pedestrian safety along this section of the Great Alpine Road, with the gateway trees a popular place for visitors to stop and take photos.

Cr Forsyth said while council is requesting the speed limit change, there are guidelines for speed zones that will inform the DoT’s response to this request.

SUPPORTING YOUR CARTAGE NEEDS ALL

CLEARED: A recently cleared pine plantation in the Ovens Valley.

PHOTO: Martyn Paterson

DAMAGED: Myrtleford’s Cundy Park playground has been closed due to alleged vandalism.

Local people, local places

...immerse yourself in the region

Alpine businesses struggling with staffing accommodation

This year’s imminent snow season at Mt Hotham and Falls Creek resorts may look a little different this year, with a shortage of accommodation for staff causing a range of issues for local businesses.

Falls Creek Chamber of Commerce president Lisa Logan said COVID, the rising cost of living and the landslip on Bogong High Plains Road were among the causes of the lack of beds for staff

“The landslip put out 150 beds which is quite a big impact and the increase of value of holiday accommodation has meant owners are renting to holiday markets rather than staff,” she said.

“We know there are some larger employers on the mountain struggling to house all their staffing needs and part of that is also rental prices going up exponentially following COVID.

“It‘s now around $7000 a bed per person, just for renting for 16 weeks; a couple of years ago that was $5000 and only $3500 before that.

“Ironically this has been an issue for a number of years before COVID; we‘ve been looking at a number of options in terms of building key worker housing on the mountain, both year round and seasonal, but because of the limited availability of sites or just time and cost of building, nothing will be a quick solution.

“We need governments to provide funding or streamline this process to get permits in place so we can get things

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

moving a lot quicker.

“Hopefully, they‘ll recognise these places as major destination locations and we need priority due to the influx of demand.

“We also want to appeal to property owners to consider providing rental accommodation for staff so we can keep providing services people are used to; not only in the alps but places in Bright or Mount Beauty.”

Ms Logan said the lack of accommodation may affect the services provided over ski season.

“We might see some services limited and we‘ll definitely need more patience from people because we won‘t have the full compliment of staff,” she said.

“We also need to be mindful of flu and COVID still around so that will put additional impact with business owners already running establishments closer to home.

Mount Hotham Chamber of Commerce president Steve Belli said there is “next to nothing” for staff

“The larger guys like Vail Resorts have got their own accommodation buildings but even they are short, so for smaller businesses it‘s impossible to find anything,” he said.

FOR the first time ever, people have the chance to own a piece of Hotham history, with 57 chairs from Hotham’s first ever chairlift, The Playground Chair, going up for auction.

“This is a very special chairlift, Hotham’s first - a two-seater that opened in 1969 that was the main access lift back to the village until 1993 when the Village Chair opened,” said Nathan Butterworth, VP + GM of Mount Hotham Skiing Company.

“From personal experience and talking to other businesses there is next to nothing; places like Omeo have starting to come onto the market in terms of staff accomodation and its better than nothing even if it‘s not on the mountain.

“But that brings different issues with staff travelling in the snow, late at night after shifts so its a safety concern; especially a lot of staff are younger and don‘t have the necessary experience.

“One of the main reasons

“What’s even better, the auction is for a great cause with all money raised to be donated to local charities, community groups and environmental initiatives through our EpicPromise Foundation.”

The auction will combine both inperson and online options.

The in-person auction will be held on opening weekend at The Bird, Mt Hotham, on Saturday, June 10 from 4pm – 6pm with John and Lachlan Castran of

is COVID has changed the market in terms of properties being sold up here during those few years and a lot of people isolated here as restrictions weren‘t as tough most of the time and when they left they turned it into short term rentals.

“You can‘t begrudge people doing that with todays interest rates as people have to afford those properties but it‘s tricky.

“The only real way of getting around it is purpose built staff accommodation

history

Castran Real Estate auctioning off at least 15 chairs to the Hotham community.

All remaining chairs will then be released for online auction via the Givergy platform on Sunday, June 11, with bidding closing on June 16.

To register, please visit: https:// www.mthotham.com.au/discover/ connect-with-us/latest-news/2023/ playground-chair-auction-charityapplication#14616387-about

and a reality of government understanding that‘s what needs to happen and working together with industry and property developers and financiers to try make it happen.”

Mr Belli said there are already businesses who have closed for the season, and permanently, due to the issues raised.

“Most will have different opening hours and different service offerings based on the coverage they‘ve got for staff,” he said.

“We still want to make sure guests turn up and have a good experience but they‘ll modify what we‘re doing or they won‘t have a good experience and may not come back.

“There‘s really nothing in the short term to fix it; resort management are looking at possible land to open up for building staff accommodation; as is the alpine shire and Dinner Plain, but in terms of anything for this season there‘s nothing.”

A chance to own your own piece of Mt Hotham

La Fiera Italian Festival set to entertain

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

THE La Fiera Italian Festival in Myrtleford this weekend will see an exciting new event and the return of some loved classics.

Event organiser John Costenaro said he is personally looking forward to seeing the new event, grape

stomp, underway.

“We’ll have four pairs of people from the crowd up on stage competing and it will be quite a spectacle,” he said.

“I’m also excited for the return of the barista race along with the usual la festa.

“Sunday is packed with great things and most of it is free.

“We’ll have various entertainers on stage and a range of stallholders at the Il Mercato market with all sorts of produce from the local valleys.

“We’ll also have roasted chestnuts and vin brulee by Michelini.

“Also returning this year, after many years, is our Italian car display by the Italian Made

Social Motoring Club (IMSMC) from Sydney and a few Italian motorbikes will join in.

“We’ve got two masterclasses on offer, one with local chef Patrizia Simone teaching some Italian classics and one with James Mele demonstrating sausage and salami making so there are still tickets for

that, as they aren’t free.

“Another activity on Sunday worth mentioning is the open house at the Old School Museum which has a great display of Italian migration into the area.

“There’ll be the usual children’s activity hub in Jubilee Park with face painting, a photo booth and a balloon

artist which is great for families on the day.”

John said all of the events premium tickets have been sold for the Saturday event, but tickets can be bought at the door from 11.30am.

“We’re expecting great crowds over the whole event.”

For full program details go to https://lafiera.com.au/

Indi light horse and other troops to honour Sandy in Tallangatta

THE 8th Indi Light Horse Heritage Troop will join hundreds of horses from light horse troops across the region for the unveiling of the Sandy the War Horse statue at Tallangatta tomorrow.

Sandy the War Horse, the trusty steed of Major General William Bridges, was the only Australian war horse to return from 136,000 sent to World War One and was bred at Old Tallangatta.

The life size bronze statue was made by sculpture artist Brett Garling and will be unveiled tomorrow on a prepared memorial platform in Tallangatta's main street.

The event will be commemorated over Saturday and Sunday with street markets, live music, silent auctions and other novelty events for families, horses and riders on show.

A parade of more than 200 horses led by light horse troops

is expected for the unveiling and for Indi Light Horse Heritage Troop secretary Shane Welch, it will be the biggest he has seen.

“The event is a huge significance for us because Indi is our area,” he said.

“We’re paying tribute to all of those guys who did serve and a tribute to the horsemen who served and didn’t come home.

“It was all to do with quarantine, they wouldn't let the horsemen or the horses come back; where Sandy was the only one we know of who did come back.

“If the weather holds up like it has been, it's going to be perfect.”

The commemorative statue unveiling will begin from 1pm on Towong Street, Tallangatta.

Further information can be found on the Sandy the War Horse Facebook page via the link: https://www. facebook.com/profile. php?id=100063566617483.

MARCHING ON: Shane Welch and Jarrod Toomer of the 8th Indi Light Horse Heritage Troop will be in full gear tomorrow - as they were in Wangaratta on ANZAC Day (pictured) - for a parade of more than 200 horses at the unveiling of the Sandy the War Horse statue at Tallangatta.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

MAY 19 - 25

‘Kimberly Fields’ in Greta valley

‘KIMBERLEY FIELDS’ is under 30 minutes from Wangaratta and just 15 minutes to Moyhu township.

Located in the heart of Greta valley and comprised of 816 acres plus leases, this property boasts a real opportunity for large scale cattle operation.

The property has sealed and dirt road access with multiple entries to paddocks, yards and shedding.

It is a perfect block for fattening and breeding cattle, silage/hay production and many other rural pursuits.

The main homestead features a four bedroom home plus study, with one bathroom.

The main kitchen living is open plan with separate lounge.

Heating and cooling are well catered

for with two combustion heaters and split system.

A large decked outdoor area is the perfect location to entertain and admire the views of beautiful well-established trees and garden.

A second dwelling on the property is a 1970s built brick veneer home, consisting of three bedrooms, one bathroom with kitchen dining and separate lounge.

Multiple sheds are on the property with a machinery shed, un-used dairy, open bay hay shed along with further hay shedding located in the front paddock.

Cattle yards are fitted with loading race, crush, all under cover with extensive steel holding yards all connected to a laneway system.

Water reliability is a huge feature of

‘Kimberley Fields’ with 800-850mm per annum rainfall along with a fully licenced/ registered dam on farm with 140ML of storage.

The dam is fitted with 15inch gate valve and water can be released to a house dam with pumping point.

Previously used for dairy farming, since 2014 the owners have turned their attention to breeding beef cattle.

With great fertiliser history, reliable water source and large-scale acreage this property is a rarity in today’s market.

This is the first time the property has offered to the public market in over 50 years clearly demonstrating a rare opportunity.

For more information about 114 Thomas Lane, Greta South or to book an inspection please call Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta.

4 1 2

Agent | Phone | Price | Location |

Nutrien Harcourts 5722 9444

lifestyle at the edge of township

A RARE opportunity presents itself to secure a unique parcel of land on the banks of the Ovens River, no more than 8km from the Rural City of Wangaratta.

Offered for sale by the Fithall family estate who have owned the property for 30 years, this 118ha allotment is offered for sale by private treaty.

Located on the Wangaratta-Yarrawonga Road and flanked all the way along the northern boundary by the spectacular Ovens River, the property offers secure water supply and a combination of fertile river flats and productive livestock-carrying country.

This property presents a great opportunity to attract a wide range of buyers from primary producers, to lifestyle enthusiasts.

This parcel of land would be ideal for buyers looking to secure agricultural land with privacy and good access to water.

The property offers approximately 5-6km of pristine river country and frontage to the very clean Ovens River.

It offers an idyllic lifestyle with the opportunity to build your dream home (STCA), or presents as a secure

productive grazing block.

The property comprises 54ha of cleared land and 60ha of native bush, plus a further 12ha of leasehold land.

Water provisions include a 24ML high security irrigation licence, extensive Ovens River frontage, frontage to Three Miles Creek, multiple billabongs and is connected to the Wangaratta city water supply.

The productive river flats are complimented by an elevated portion of the property, suitable for carrying livestock during wetter periods, or perhaps as a desirable home site.

Located on a sealed road with power and ample water, this rural allotment lends itself to any number of possibilities.

Agent |

Phone |

Price |

Location |

Garry Nash & Co

5722 2663

$2,500,000

708 WangarattaYarrawonga Road, Waldara

Magnificent family home

47 PARK LANE is a magni fi cent family home located in one of Wangaratta’s most desirable locations and renovated to perfection.

The home consists of fi ve spacious bedrooms with main bedroom and second bedroom downstairs and the additional three bedrooms upstairs.

The main bedroom has an ensuite with all other bedrooms having built in wardrobes making for ample storage.

The kitchen has been updated with Falcon 900mm stove, stone bench-

$420,000 WIWO No

tops, appliance cupboard and breakfast bar.

The main bathroom has a separate bath, shower and a double vanity and has ample room for a larger family to live plus there are three toilets in total.

Heating and colling are well catered for with two evaporative coolers, ducted gas heating plus a split system to keep you comfortable all year round.

Externally there is a 7mt x 9mt outdoor entertaining area adjoining the low maintenance secure rear yard

and magnificent garden.

The home is bright and has an open plan feel and has had all the hard work done and is ready for the new owners to live in and enjoy.

The home is perfectly located right across the road from the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre, Barr Reserve ovals and close to Northern Beaches walking tracks.

Inspections will not disappoint, contact us now to inspect at Nutrient Harcourts..

Billy & Me - The Hard Work Already Done 67 Clyde Street, Myrtleford

Since 1984 Billy & Me have serviced Myrtleford and surrounds with quality ladies and men’s clothing and accessories for all occasions. Being the only store of its kind in the town and serving a population of over 12,000 people it’s easy to see why this business is the area’s premier place to shop.

Adding to their diversity they supply a full range of work wear from the job site to the office along with being the uniform providers for both P-12 College and Marian College in Myrtleford.

Exclusive opportunity to purchase may only be available until 15th June 2023!

• Secure new lease in place for incoming new owner.

Full hand over training offered.

• Revenue well over $600k for 2022.

• Ideal for owner operator/partnership. $420,000 WIWO (incl all stock, fixtures, plant & equipment).

• No GST Going Concern.

PEUGEOT 308 PLUG-IN HYBRID

■

By ALISTAIR KENNEDY

PEUGEOT’S GT Sport

Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) hatchback has become the fourth model to join the French carmaker’s 308 compact range.

It joins the GT hatch, GT Premium hatch and GT Premium wagon petrol variants.

The new 308 PHEV is Peugeot’s third plug-in petrol-electric hybrid, joining the 3008 GT Sport SUV and 508 Fastback GT with two more set to arrive later this yearthe 2008 small SUV and 508 Sportwagon.

Also coming later in 2023 will be Peugeot’s first fully electric vehicles, the e-Partner small van and e-2008 compact SUV.

STYLING

We love the looks of the latest 308 starting at the front where a large, intricate grille flanked by LED Matrix headlights and claw-shaped daytime running lights.

The 308 is the first Peugeot model to feature the latest iteration of the iconic Peugeot lion badge sitting in the centre of the grille as well as on the front side panels, boot lid and in the centre of the eye-catching black alloy 18-inch wheels.

The rear has also been given a serious makeover with tri-segment tail lights on either side and the lion-claw in the centre of each.

The battery charging socket is at the rear of the passenger side.

INTERIOR

While the new 308 is slightly longer than the previous model, it’s still a small car and we found it a little cramped.

Headroom is restricted by the panoramic sunroof which forced us to drop the powered driver’s seat to its lowest level resulting in a lower driving position

than preferred.

The front passenger seat has manual adjustment but, like the driver’s seat, is heated and comes with a multipoint massage function and lumbar adjustment.

The 308 comes with the latest version of the Peugeot i-Cockpit which combines a small sports steering wheel with 10-inch digital instrument panel and 10-inch central infotainment touchscreen, blended and ergonomically positioned.

Boot space is around average for the class with 361 litres when the rear seatbacks are folded.

POWERTRAIN

308 GT Sport PHEV combines a 1.6-litre 132 kW/250Nm 1.6-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine with an 81kW electric motor for combined power and torque outputs of 165kW and 360Nm.

It is integrated with an eEAT8 transmission, which for this application has the traditional torque converter replaced with a wet, multi-disc clutch.

As with the other 308 variants the GT Sport PHEV is front-wheel-drive.

The 12.4kWh Li-ion battery with 100kW of battery power and 3.7 kW onboard charger provides a WLTP test range of 60km in electric-only driving.

Three driving modes are available: Electric, Hybrid and Sport.

The 308 GT Sport PHEV comes as standard with a mode two charging cable, supplied with the vehicle at time of delivery.

The on-board charger unit restricts the accepted charger to a capacity of 3.7kW.

Using a domestic power socket with a 2.3kW singlephase 10A charger, the battery will be charged in around 5.5 hours.

With a home charging

station such as a Wallbox this will reduce to about 3.5 hours.

SAFETY

There’s a comprehensive list of safety features across the entire 308 range.

Highlights include autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, active cruise control with Stop & Go function, forward collision warning, long-range blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning with unmarked road edge detection, advanced driver inattention alert, speed limiter function, tyre pressure warning and two Isofix child seat mounts.

GT Premium and GT Sport PHEV add active lane positioning assist while the PHEV gets Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) which generates sound when the car is travelling at low speed to alert pedestrians.

When tested by ANCAP in November 2022 the absence of a front centre airbag, which is a relatively new feature, led to 308 getting a four-star rating.

DRIVING

The low-slung styling of the 308 can make it a bit awkward for taller occupants but it’s a sporty-ish car so that’s to be expected.

Once seated though the seats are comfortable and supportive.

Peugeot’s have always been among our favourite driving cars and the instant torque from the 308 PHEV further enhances that enjoyment.

It’s great fun to drive both around town and in the hilly terrain segment of our rural drive route while it cruises effortlessly on the motorway.

While the PHEV’s battery adds around 230kg to overall weight over its petrol-only

siblings it can still get from zero to 100km/h more than two seconds faster at 7.5 seconds.

The ride is relatively firm but not uncomfortable while steering is light and direct.

Using the outdated NEDC test procedure Peugeot lists fuel consumption at 1.3L/100km for the 308 PHEV.

The result is based on starting with the battery fully charged, travelling the claimed maximum distance in EV mode (60km) before automatically switching to hybrid mode for the remainder of the 100km trip.

The anomaly in the system is that, after travelling 100km the only way to repeat such low fuel usage would be to stop and fully recharge the battery before continuing.

During three separate tests the best battery-only distance we could achieve was 52km.

With the battery fullycharged we covered 100km using 3.4L/100km.

Although that’s nearly double the listed figure it’s still pretty good.

However, once the battery is flat, and running in normal hybrid mode including battery regeneration, we averaged a less-impressive 5.6L/100km.

SUMMING UP

As enjoyable as the Peugeot 308 PHEV is to drive the biggest problem is its price.

At $64,990 plus on-roads it’s between $16,000 and $23,000 dearer than its petrol-only siblings.

Do the sums and it’s very hard to financially justify spending that sort of money, but no doubt dyed-in-the wool environmentally-focused Peugeot enthusiasts will be willing to do so.

All Peugeots come with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty although

AT A GLANCE

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Premium dealer for driveaway prices. SPECIFICATIONS (Peugeot 308 GT Sport PHEV: 1.6-litre turbo-petrol/electric hybrid five-door hatch) RATINGS: Looks: 9/10;

the PHEV’s battery warranty is extended to eight years - but with distance cut to 160,000km.

PETROL ENGINE:

Capacity: 1.598 litres

Configuration: Four cylinders

inline

Maximum Power: 132 kW @ 6000 rpm

Maximum Torque: 250 Nm @ 1750 rpm

Fuel Type: Premium unleaded petrol

ELECTRIC MOTORS:

Front electric motor: 81 kW /

320 Nm

Battery capacity: 12.4 kWh

Battery Power: 100 Kw

Electric Only Range: 60 kilometres

COMBINED

PERFORMANCE:

Maximum Power: 165 kW

Maximum Torque: 360 Nm

Claimed Fuel Consumption: 1.4 L/100km

Claimed CO2 Emissions: 33 g/km

DRIVELINE:

Eight-speed automatic

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:

Length: 4365 mm

Wheelbase: 2675 mm

Width: 1859 mm

Height: 1465 mm

Turning Circle: 10.5 metres

Kerb Mass: 1633 kg

Fuel Tank Capacity: 40 litres

BRAKES:

Front: Ventilated disc

Rear: Solid disc

STANDARD WARRANTY: Five years / unlimited kilometres

FULLY CHARGED: Peugeot 308 PHEV combines great looks with sharp performance.

Rural City Connection

Public notices

Have your say on Council’s 2023/24

Draft Budget

Rural City of Wangaratta 2023/24 Draft Budget is prepared as required by the Local Government Act 2020. The 2023/24 Draft Budget outlines the resources required to deliver the Council Plan’s strategic objectives and includes a four-year budget forecast.

The 2023/24 Draft Budget is now on public exhibition for community feedback through written submissions.

How to access documents

Copies of all documents are available from the Wangaratta Government Centre, Cnr Ford & Ovens Streets, Wangaratta during office hours or online at www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au

How to make a submission

By Email: council@wangaratta.vic.gov.au.

Please include “2023/24 Draft Budget” in the subject line.

Mail: PO Box 238, Wangaratta VIC 3676.

Please include “2023/24 Draft Budget” as the reference.

In Person: To Customer Services, Wangaratta Government Centre – Corner Ford and Ovens Street, Wangaratta.

Please include “2023/24 Draft Budget” as the reference to your submission

Closing date for written submissions

Any person may make a written submission regarding the proposed 2023/24 Draft Budget. Submissions will be received up to 5pm on Friday 26 May 2023.

PLEASE NOTE:

Submissions are public documents and form part of the meeting minutes. Therefore submitters’ names and addresses will become part of the public record. Anyone who has made a written submission to the Council may request to be heard in support of their submission, or be represented by another person acting on their behalf. If you want your submission to be heard by Council, you must advise this in your written submission.

Council will meet to adopt the 2023/24 Budget at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 27 June 2023 at 6pm.

For further information please contact (03) 5722 0888.

Inclusive Wangaratta Working Group

If you’re passionate about inclusiveness and want to make a real difference in your community - then this is your chance to join a working group who are making things happen!

The Inclusive Wangaratta Working Group is currently being built to help work through new projects that matter to you. The anticipated time commitment will be: brainstorming session. brain-storming session. being presented to Council meetings every two months.

If this interests you please visit our website for further details https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/ Committees/Inclusive-Wangaratta or email council@ wangaratta.vic.gov.au.

Public notices

Public notices

Conflict of Interest Policy 2023

Council is considering establishing the Conflict of Interest Policy 2023. This is being revised as part of Council’s standard policy review cycle, to clarify the types of conflicts of interest, formalise Council’s approach to conflict of interests disclosures, to establish circumstances in which affected persons must not participate in a decision making process and to satisfy the provisions of the Local Government Act 2020 (Vic). All submissions and any proposed changes will be considered by Council prior to the policy being adopted. Submissions will be received up to 5.00pm on 26 May 2023. To view this policy please visit, https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/ Public-notices

Oxley Meeting

Oxley and District residents are invited to a community meeting to discuss local infrastructure projects. This meeting is part of Council’s ongoing commitment to the Rural Placemaking Project and the Snow Road District Plan.

Draft designs for the Oxley Township Drainage Improvements, Johnson & Green Streets, and projects for the next financial year will be discussed.

Join us and have your say at the Oxley Shire Hall, 6pm - 7:30pm Tuesday 30 May 2023.

For more information please visit https://www. wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/Publicnotices/Oxley-Community-Meeting.

Tenders

C40034 Bank Street Pump Station

Tender closing at 2pm Monday 22 May 2023.

C39979 Everton Tennis Court Redevelopment

Tender closing at 2pm Monday 24 May 2023.

C40193 Wangaratta Creative Precinct Detailed Design

Tender closes at 2pm Wednesday 7 June 2023.

Further details may be obtained by visiting Council’s website at, https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/ Working-with-Council. To discuss upcoming projects in your community please contact Council on 03 5722 0888

Positions vacant

Child Care Educator Level 2

Supported Play Group Facilitator

Councillor & Executive Support Officer

Mechanic

Domestic Care Worker

Community Care Worker

Lifeguard

Aquatic Education Instructor

Gym Instructor

Group Fitness Instructor

Customer Experience Officer

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

33 Australian Army Cadet Unit is

Anyone between the ages of 12-16, out more about the Australian Army Cadets is invited to come along on the 25th May, 2023.

Arrival time: 1930 (7.30pm)

Location: Beersheba Barracks, 83-85 Sisely Avenue, Wangaratta (entry via Kerr St gate)

Contact info: Captain Paul Zuch 0428 214 435

Thinking of playing Table Tennis?

We are excited to announce that the 2023 Winter coming up! Come down to our have a hit.

Wednesday, May 24, 7pm 2 Evans Street, For more

Beef Cattle Farms Wanted to Lease, Agist or Sharefarm.

Family farming operation based in Rosewhite is seeking 100 ac + beef cattle farms to lease, agist or sharefarm. References available, history of improving lease blocks.

Jake@howman.com.au

Ph 0411 890 925

To Visit Visited BIG GARAGE SALE, MASSIVE BARGAINS. Friday 19th May, 4pm-6pm, Saturday 20th May, 7am-1pm, 22 Taylor Street, Wangaratta. Furniture, camping, Honda generator, chainsaw, books, household goods, jigsaws, craft, sewing, linen, timber, bric-abrac and more.

To Visit Visited

PETITE PAWS

DOG GROOMING

Accredited Groomer. Small dogs only. Free pick up and delivery.

Contact Liz 0400 753 885 ANGUS bulls, very quiet, good growth. Visit mmas.com.au for videos, data and pricing. Murramungee Angus Stud, ph 0429 809 288. FREE Range Hens, ISA Brown Pullets, POL, $27 each. Phone Becky or Hugh on 5798 1868. LABRADOR, puppies, 1 male, 1 female, black, source ID: MB102518, microchip numbers: 900164002210179, 900164002210175, $1000 ono. Ph 0428 270 588.

FRIDAY 19th, 12pm4pm, Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st, 8am-1pm, 160 Colson Drive, South Wangaratta. Ride-on mower, motorbike (scooter), wakeboard and boots, motorbike gear, tyres, Star Trek DVD sets, westerns, bikes, snowboard, perfume, wedding dress, gun bags, clothes, tool boxes, shelving and heaps more. EVERYTHING HALF PRICE SUNDAY.

To Visit Visited

MILAWA garage sale, 8.30am - 2pm, 1616 Snow Road, Milawa, no early arrivals, a garage sale with something for everyone! Household items, tupperware and partylite products (candles and decor pieces, new and ex demo), vintage furniture, clothing, golf clubs and balls, camping and fishing gear, books, dvds, a couch for your 4 legged mate, bamboo floor boards, garden pots (used), old windows, panelled doors, shower screen panel, fridge for the shed, outdoor glass table and chairs.

To Visit Visited

To Visit Visited SATURDAY 20 and Sunday 21, 10am to 2pm, furniture, fridges, hanging plants, pots and lots more, flat 1/86 Cribbes Road, Wangaratta.

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.

ENVIRO LIQUID WASTE. Your locally owned and operated septic cleaning business. Servicing septics, grease traps, triple interceptors and winery waste. Phone Peter 0419 163 420.

GARDENING, MOWING for all gardening needs in Wangaratta district from Violet Town to Cheshunt, Springhurst, Bundalong South. Please phone Geoff Moore 0421 639 775.

HEDGE TRIMMING, gutter cleaning, pruning, garden tidy up, rubbish removal, odd jobs. 25 years trade experience. Phone Michael 0412 857 771.

MARK’S LAWN CARE. Reasonable prices, ride on mowing, edging, clean up, spraying, hard waste removal, rubbish removal and other services as needed. Ph 0472 603 156.

Senior Electorate Officer (Grade 2 or 3)

The Department of Parliamentary Services provides support to all Members of Parliament for the recruitment and selection of their staff. On behalf of Annabelle Cleeland, Member for Euroa, we are are seeking a highly motivated, experienced person to join Annabelle's electorate team in Benalla.

Reporting to Annabelle Cleeland, Member for Euroa, key duties may include: communications, such as the website. speeches, and other written materials campaigns and events/functions

This role is ongoing, full-time, with a sixmonth probationary period. A Grade 2 or 3 position may be offered.

For a full position description that includes further information on salary and duties, please search for the role on Seek or contact the Department of Parliamentary Services by emailing Recruitment@parliament.vic.gov.au

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter via Seek or to Recruitment@parliament.vic.gov.au

The Department of Parliamentary Services supports all Members of Parliament in the recruitment and selection process of Electorate Officers. You will receive communications throughout the process from the Department.

Classifieds Customer Service Officer

We are looking for a dynamic person to join the North East Media team in our Wangaratta office.

This role involves connecting with customers for classified advertising, innovating new business and supporting existing clients on print and digital platforms. This role is pivotal in helping to grow and retain customers with a strong focus on customer service.

Key Responsibilities: needs

to provide new solutions and services. positive experience for all customer service enquiries

customers on use of digital platforms

Skills and Experience:

FIRST floor office space in Reid Street, carpet, split system heating and cooling, $95 p/w, includes power. Phone 0431 190 630.

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

Please call 0490 063 945.

MONSTER SHED SALE , Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 May, 8am-4pm, 258 Clemens Lane, Myrtleford. Tools, new and used, generator, 3pl grader/ripper, garden mulcher (new), push mowers and as new 4wd diesel Husqvarna mower, fire fighting pump, cargo drawer for utility, tyres for 4wd, furniture, household goods, sound systems, snow gear, office equipment including hydraulic drafting table, and much more.

and a results driven attitude attention to detail a must to prioritise a busy work schedule deadline and work well under pressure

If you enjoy working with customers and as part of a team, and have the skills and experience to suit then we encourage you to send your resume with cover letter to: kmayhew@nemedia.com.au or mail to North East Media, 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta VIC 3677

Vacancies

Full Time, Permanent Contract

Surgical Liaison Nurse

For further details and employment opportunities visit northeasthealth.org.au/careers

MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST

PART TIME - MEDICAL SECRETARY/RECEPTIONIST

We are an established multi-specialist medical practice in Wangaratta, hoping for a successful applicant to join our friendly team.

This role will be part-time, 2/3 days per week, with the possibility of increasing.

Above ward wage payable. Good communications and interpersonal skills are essential along with enthusiasm to learn.

JOBS AT INDIGO

You will also be required to work as a team as well as independently. Be able to prioritise tasks and display patience and discretion. Responsibilities include, front desk reception, liaising with patients, hospitals, health funds and other medical facilities. Banking and other general administration duties.

Good communication both in person and via phone.

Please forward CV to admin@wgss.com.au

Applications close Friday, May 26, 2023.

May 2023 Visit www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au/jobs to download the position recruitment kits and to view instructions on how to apply.

www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au

Phone: 1300 365 003

Inc Assoc: AU0029046U

The Board for the Wangaratta

Festival of Jazz and Blues is looking for an Executive Officer

Tasks include:

General management of communications

Calendar coordination

Stakeholder engagement in conjunction with the board

Remuneration & Timing:

Competitive clerical rates

Flexible working hours

Access to appropriate resources

To find out more information:

SEEKING A CAREER CHANGE?

COPRICE WANGARATTA ARE HIRING!

CopRice is the animal foods division of SunRice and is a leading supplier of nutrition products to the companion animal and livestock sectors. CopRice has been supplying quality feeds for animals for over 30 years through plants in NSW and Victoria. Over 2,100 employees, 30 brands, an unrelenting focus on innovation, and a commitment to our people, our communities and environment, we’re SunRice - an iconic Australian company and a great place to work. SunRice Group provides a real opportunity for passionate people to make a difference. Our CopRice Wangaratta facility has some excellent opportunities for experienced, dedicated individuals to make a difference. Vacancies currently exist for the following full time permanent positions.

Please email CV and questions to: businessmanager@wangarattajazz.com

Position commences June 5 and runs for six months until Dec 2023.

HEALTH PROMOTION OFFICER

Permanent Part Time – 0.40 EFT

Application instructions can be found on our website.

For further information please contact Sam O’Connor, Acting Primary Health Team Leader - (03)5728 0312

Closing Dates: 02/06/2023

The successful candidates for all roles will have a personal commitment for their safety and can look forward to working with an experienced, friendly and close-knit team of colleagues.

www.sunrice.com.au

strict confidence.

SunRice is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. SunRice will consider qualified applicants for employment based on their merit, individual skills, qualifications, and other appropriate criteria relevant to the role for which they are applying.

As we are an Aged Care Facility, the COVID 19 vaccinations and booster vaccination is mandatory for all staff. A copy of your covid19 vaccination status is required upon application.

All staff who work in our residential aged care units also require a current NDIS check

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

Finding the right job for you matters to us

CATHEDRAL COLLEGE WANGARATTA

A school of The Anglican Schools Commission (Inc.)

The College seeks applications from suitably experienced persons for the following full-time Term 3 replacement positions:

Secondary Maths & Science Teacher

(The ability to teach VCE Maths and/or Physics would be advantageous. This position has the potential to be ongoing.)

Secondary Humanities Teacher

The College also has positions available for:

Casual Relief Teachers

(Primary and Secondary)

Please refer to our website for more information. Applications are to be forwarded to:

The Principal, Mr Nick Jones at: principal@cathedralcollege.vic.edu.au by Monday June 5, 2023.

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

achieve belong discover

NIOA (BENALLA) Maintenance Coordinator

with Australia’s leading Weapons and Munitions Provider

NIOA is an established and growing 100% Australian owned and operated company. Due to recent program successes, a newly formed role exists within the Maintenance division to assist with the everyday running of the business for Australia’s leading Weapons & Munitions business. We are looking for a trade level qualified Electrical, Mechanical or Engineering professional who is ready to:

outcomes.

documents and information from various stakeholders – i.e., permits, insurance documentation. permits etc.) with relevant supervision of stakeholders and contractors.

undertake appropriate minor maintenance tasks.

maintenance services.

performance monitoring and measurement tasks.

equipment etc. are completed to a high standard. & procedures and to the relevant technical standards. The successful applicants will ideally have demonstrated experience and a track record in a similar role. Other desirable skills and experience include: Microsoft office suite is vital.

and risk identification is highly regarded

Engineering and 5+ years of experience is very desirable.

2D drawings is advantageous.

environment or similar is desirable.

The successful applicant will be offered a highly attractive remuneration package proportionate to their skills and experience. The ability to obtain a Defence security clearance and a firearms licence may be required. HR@nioa.com.au

https://www.seek.com.au/job/67405890

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and Defence Veterans are encouraged to apply.

Galen Catholic College

succeed based on their gifts and talents.

FIT PEOPLE WANTED ALPINE BIN ROLLOUT

JUNE 2023 - Are you fit, active and love the outdoors?

Mobile Bins Australia is working with Alpine Shire to assemble & ‘roll out’ new Food & Organics ‘FOGO’ wheelie bins. All townships need 1 x bin per house.

We need a team to assemble & deliver.

We are currently seeking applicants for the following full time, ongoing positions:

Mathematics Teacher

Wangaratta Chronicle

Cadet Journalist Career Opportunity

Full time 38 hours per week

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

The cadetship is ideally suited for a Year 12 graduate.

It is for three years, including course study by correspondence from Deakin University.

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

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

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

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

Library Services/Customer Relations Officer (2 positions)

Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop Learning Centre

Temporary Part-Time (0.5 EFT) until May 2024

Temporary Part-Time (0.4 EFT) until January 2024

We are seeking applications from suitably experienced and enthusiastic persons for the positions of Temporary Part-Time Library Services/ Customer Relations Officers.

In the role you will be responsible for providing exceptional administrative and customer service duties which support the operation of the Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop Learning Centre.

To be successful you will have demonstrated interpersonal skills and customer relations experience in a service industry.

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

Applications addressing key selection close 5pm Monday 22 May 2023.

For a confidential discussion on the positions, telephone Human Resources Coordinator Rhonda McDonald on 03 5760 2662.

Why not get involved in this amazing environment project that helps turn food waste into usable organics.

Starts June 2023, 3-4 weeks duration.

Top casual rates paid, ABN holders too.

To apply write and tell us briefly about yourself and why this job might suit you.

Email info@ridestorm.com.au

TOYOTA Hilux SR5, 4WD, petrol, tray, 1981, reg (BBO864), excellent farm vehicle, no RWC, $4100. Call Rod 0439 839 228.

KIA Serato 2016, auto, one owner, in good condition, reg (1HO3HB), 156,000km, $17,500 ono. Ph 0429 033 285.

CARAVANS & CAMPERS

2014 Aussie Swag Ultra

2003 Ford Falcon XT BA Fairmont, only 170,000km, RWC, 5 month reg, (IJQ405), $5,500. Ph 0499 992 860. Bright.

HONDA Civic 2009, 40th anniversary, 144,000km, leather seats, alloys, in very good condition, reg (AAG703), $10,500. Ph 0428 871 803.

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

2008 Prado GXL, auto, 3.00l diesel, 7 seater, very clean and tidy, 349,000km, drives well, serviced regularly, RWC, rego (SIR327), $22,500. pH 0417 561 585.

SUBARU Forester 2016, reg (1HF5BV), 280,000km country driving, service history, RWC, $15,000. Ph 0417 546 311.

WANTED TO BUY

2009 Jayco Sterling Caravan 21ft, very little u se, locally on site, great condition. $34,500 Ph. 0437 339 665.

2 40’ SHIPPING CONTAINERS , in very good condition, normally $10,000 each, now $5500 each. Lidgerwoods Furniture 0439 030 062.

WANTED TOYOTA

LANDCRUISER 1950-1990

CALL ZACH 0448622234

TYRES new and secondhand, trailer, rims, wreckiing. New hours 9am to 5pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 44 Newman Street, Wangaratta. Ph 0428 257 221. Adzam Tyres.

CLASSIFIEDS WORK!

TRAILER

ANNIVERSARIES

21.5.1966

Harold Ross and Bethne Therese (nee Kirwan) HULME

St Patrick’s Church, Wangaratta, 3pm. I love you more and more as every long day passes by Bethne. Likewise I miss you as every day goes by. Thus a beautiful (not only from out but also within).

Wife, mother and Nonna.

~ Love your grieving husband Harold. God Bless xoxoxo

Hence please continue with your constant intersessions.

DEATH NOTICES

BRUMBY, Darrel.

The President and Members of the Probus Club of Wangaratta Inc. mourn the loss of our highly esteemed member.

With our deepest sympathy to Scott, Quentin and the family.

CAVALLIN Angelo

20/11/1948 – 16/5/2023

Passed away peacefully at home in Edi. Dearly loved and loving husband of Julie for almost 50 years.

Much loved father, father-in-law and Nonno of Johanna, Davide and Alex, Tania, Joel and Chloe, Mick, Rachael, Olivia, Millie and Oscar.

DEATH NOTICES

CHICK (nee Gaskin), Wilma Evalyn.

14/9/1929 – 16/5/2023

It is with great sadness that the family of Wilma Evalyn Chick, announce the peaceful passing away of Wilma at Wangaratta on May 16.

Loved and adored wife of Walter Desmond, (Des) Chick.

Mother of Dianne, Trevor, Christine, Pauline, Colleen and Kathleen.

Mother-in-Law to Robert, Leanne, Stephen, Craig and Andrew.

Much loved Gran to Daniel, Karen, Laura, Megan (dec), Hannah, Aaron (dec), Simone, Jordan, Katelyn and Bradley.

Great Gran to Jai, Leela, Spencer, Matilda, Gus, Miller and Peyton. Will be sadly missed by many.

FISK, Nancy Doreen.

12/12/1927 – 15/5/2023

Late of Oxley.

Dearly loved wife of Roy (dec). Adored mother of Ian, Gayle, Darrell (dec) and Kevin. Now at rest.

HARRIS, Christine.

Passed away in Gold Coast Hospital on May 16, 2023. Formerly of Wangaratta. Niece of Shirley McMillian.

Cuz of Jim, Roy (dec) and Beth.

Our hearts are broken. Love you more.

STEVENSON, Anthony Paul.

9/3/1966 – 12/5/2023

Passed away suddenly at Sunshine Coast University Hospital.

Brother of Andrea and Paul. We didn’t see you close your eyes, We didn’t say goodbye. We were only told that you were gone, And still we don’t know why. picked for God’s garden.

FUNERALS

BRUMBY

The service to celebrate the life of Mr Darrel Mansfield Brumby will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta, on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 commencing at 2pm.

Burial will follow at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery.

Darrel’s service can be viewed via livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming/

Returned and Services Personnel are respectfully invited to attend.

FUNERALS

CAVALLIN

A requiem mass for the repose of the soul of Angelo Cavallin will be offered in St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ford Street, Wangaratta on Wednesday, May 24 commencing at 12pm, followed by interment at Whitefield Cemetery, Whitfield Road Hyem.

CHICK

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a service to celebrate the life of Mrs Wilma Chick to be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Thursday, May 25, 2023 commencing at 10.30am.

Burial will follow the service at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery. Flowers are welcome or, in lieu donations in memory of Wilma can be made to Cancer Council at www.cancercouncilfundraising.com.au

FISK

The funeral service to celebrate the life of Mrs Nancy Fisk will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street Wangaratta, on Monday, May 22, 2023, commencing at 10.30am. Burial will follow at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery.

STEVENSON

The Service to Celebrate the Life of Anthony Paul Stevenson will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at 2pm. Burial will follow at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery.

Anthony’s Service can be viewed via livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming/

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Mason Park Funerals

P. 03 5721 5060 W. masonpark.com.au

The only family owned funeral home in Wangaratta

Proud Member of Australian Funeral Directors Association

John & Christine Haddrick

All Hours 5722 2525 northeastfunerals.com.au

BEREAVEMENT THANKS

BRADEN,

Esther.

26/9/1937 – 6/5/2023

Esther’s family would like to thank her extended family and all her dear friends for the support, sympathy and best wishes that has been given to us at this difficult time. Your flowers, cards, visits, and calls are all very much appreciated.

To all the staff at St Catherine’s Hostel. The care and love that was given to Esther and her family throughout her residency and especially the last few weeks was so very much appreciated and will never be forgotten by the family.

To the Wangaratta Football and Netball Club, thank you for honouring life member Esther by wearing black arm bands. Thank you to all the Probus members, who along with the WFNC formed a guard of honour at Esther’s service.

To all the staff at Mason Park, Hayley and Glenn, we would like to thank you so much for your kindness, understanding and professional guidance through such a difficult time in our lives.

~ Maurie, Julie, Colin, Greg, John, Terry and families.

MARSHALL, Mary Helena. Trevor and Geraldine, Jessica, Marc and Logan, Rebecca, Nick, Paige and Imogen wish to thank everyone who attended the funeral service of Mary. She was our mother, mother-in-law, Grandma and Great Grandma who we all loved very much.

To our family, friends, and especially the you for your support, the many phone calls, hugs when needed.

Special thanks to Mason Park Funerals for the care and supported they provided to us all. Resting peacefully.

SCANLAN, Julie.

May 20, 2019. Missing you sister, wish you were here.

Forever in our hearts.

- Kate, John and clan.

SKINNER, Keith Edward “Strop”. May 20, 2018. Time passes, but memories remain.

~ Christine and family.

BRUMBY,

Game faces on at Oxley table tennis

ALL roads led to the Oxley Hall, where 22 players arrived on the knocker at 7pm to tear up the table at the social table tennis competition last Monday night.

At precisely 7:01pm, Richard Morgan and foot loose Debbie Brunken, threw out the challenge to Mr and Ms Heath, Don and Janet.

As always Janet spread her shots and herself all over the table leaving husband Don to work overtime as he covered left, right and centre.

Brunken kept her best foot forward in attack and defence while Morgan covered more ground than the MCG.

After a game that had it all, a tie-breaker was a fitting result.

John Fisher, who enjoys table tennis for breakfast, lunch and tea was raring to go when he lined up with young and

equally keen Audrey Olsson to put Audrey’s school friend Marnie Woodberry and their special maths teacher Dale Stebbins under the pump from the first ping of the ball. And what a contest it was, power serves, hard and gentle drives, sneaky cuts and slices were all on show as each pair was determined to outplay the other on every point.

The set went on forever until Fisher and Olsson finally raised the banner high.

‘Will I am’ Bonwick knew he had a lot on his plate when he partnered ‘the old grey mare’, June Uebergang when they took on the bloke with more tricks up his sleeve than Houdini, Graham Stephens, and the bright and breezy Phoebe Bosley.

It as on for young and old with Stephens and Bosley rip-

ping shots from everywhere and putting them into an early lead.

However after Bonwick was able to pass on to Uebergang a few helpful hints, the game evened up with the lead fluctuating from point to point, until Phoebe and Graham skipped away to win 21-15.

The old saying don’t judge

a book by its cover rang true when the young and small statured Allister Olsson partnering the always ready and stable Joyce Fisher, took on the intrepid traveller Cheryl Coad and rip-tearer Martin Butcher.

It was evident from the beginning that the young Olsson was no pushover as he and Fisher answered the call

in attack and defence.

But totally equal to the task, Coad and Butcher threw back everything they faced, giving Fisher and Olsson more than an exhaustive run on every point.

A great game obviously enjoyed by all.

Returning from her country travels Erica Pike was in top form when she and Richard Morgan joined forces to take the game up to the queen of laughter, Lucy Uebergang and Graham Stephens.

Ability and agility were tip-top with all four players returning shots from head high, below the table, sneaky net cords and others that came from nowhere.

Not sure who won, but it was close.

Words can’t accurately describe the event where Manni Poulos and Jason Mullins;

and Gary Coad and Adam Bosley threw everything into their contest in a no holds barred exhibition.

There was certainly no mucking around as they lit up the scene with some electrifying play from all points.

Final scores were irrelevant, but it was so close that ‘change partners’ was immediately decided and it was on again.

Another evening of physical and social enjoyment ended with everyone helping themselves to refreshments and replays of the nights battle of the tables.

Adults and secondary students of all ages and abilities are most welcome to join in the action at the Oxley Hall each Monday night from 7pm.

BYO bat and $2 entry fee and a plate to share.

Boorhaman Golf Club prepared for open day

LAST week saw a great turnout for the Boorhaman Golf Club’s working bee to get the course ready for the Opening Day on Saturday, May 27.

Many hands helped to spread more sand on our greens and plenty of raking and scraping made sure they are now covered.

Mowers were in action and there was a general tidy up in readiness for the big day.

The course is looking ready

SCOREBOARD

JUBILEE GOLF CLUB

Saturday, May 13

Ladies Stroke

Winner: Jackie O’Brien 73.

Runner up: Marilyn Pane 74.

Ball winners: Frances Duffy 75, Val Ellis 76.

NTP: 4th Linda Stone, 8th Kellie Roberts, 13th Josie Fitzsimons, 17th Roz White.

Saturday, May 13

Stroke

A Grade winner: Charl Demink 69 c/b.

Runner up: Nat Hirunwiwat 69.

B Grade winner: Jaxon Osmotherly 70.

Runner up: Sam Richards 71.

C Grade winner: Fraser Jeffrey 66.

Runner up: Garth Fullerton 69.

D Grade winner: Jim Darcy 72.

Runner up: Michael Lugg 75.

Balls: Brian Wallace 71, Rodney Seibre 71, Glenn Ryan 71, Pat Ernst 72, Les Naidoo 72, Shane Andrewartha 72, Daniel Fogarty 72, Dylan Pool 73, Jeffery Elliot 73, Glenn O’Connell 73, Jacob Schonafinger 73, Wayne Roberts 73, Rhys Rigoni 74, Adam Anderson 74, Michael Baillee 74, Joe Marjanovic 74, Nigel Cooper 74, Adrian Speziale 74, Daniel Mcphee 74, Wade Goodwin 74.

Super Nine: Sam Richards 22

Club Shirt: Glenn Ryan 21 C/B

Aroma Deli: Michael Lugg 21

NTP: 4th B Bruce, 8th J Elliott, 13th R Seibre, 17th J Bau.

Monday, May 15

Stableford Vets

A Grade: Alex Gibbs 38.

B Grade: Greg Hogan 35.

***Noel Holmes Hole in one 4th hole***

Ball winners: Stephen McNaughton 37, Ric Chivers 37, Laurie Miller 36, Pat Ernst 35.

Tuesday, May 16

Stableford Winner: Joy Hester 37.

Ball winners Liane Graham (2) 35, Melody Adams 34.

9 Hole winner: Pauline Mercer 17.

Ball winner: Robyn Grealy 15.

NTP: 4th Vicki Moorhead, 8th Liane Graham, 13th Bruna McDonald, 17th Joy Hester.

Wednesday, May 17

Stableford

A Grade winner: Matt Walker 16.

B Grade winner: Bruce Poulter 13

C/B.

Wednesday, May 17

Par

A Grade winner: Jaxon Osmotherly +6.

B Grade winner: Martin Hill 0C/B.

C Grade winner: Ian Harbourd +3.

Ball winners Mitch Howe +5, Gordon Paterson +4, Andrew Walker +2, Ray Hyland +2, Joe Marjanovic Jnr +1, Greg Hogan 0, Brian Thomas 0, Ric Chivers 0, Keith Moorehead 0.

NTP: 4th D Potter, 8th M Munro, 13th R Hancock, 17th M VanRhee.

WANGARATTA GOLF

CLUB

WANGARATTA GOLF CLUB RESULTS

WGC Competitions: Week ending May 14 2023

Womens Competition: May 2

Womens Championship 2nd

Winners: Glenda Dodson 69 Nett.

Runners up: Lesley Anderson 71 Nett.

Ball winners: Lorraine Adams, Carolyn Sullivan, Lois Sanderson, Nora Martin, Maggie Ray.

NTP: 9th Jill Halbwidl, 13th Dawn Fleet.

Men’s Competition:

May 10

18 Hole Stableford

Winner: Kurt Schubert 33 Points.

Runner up: Matt Nicolosi 32 Points.

Ball winners: Bill Dodd, Michael Webster, Rod Godde, Trevor Trimble.

NTP: 4th Dean Campagna, 9th Bill Dodd, 11th Michael Webster, 13th Trevor Trimble, 16th Rod Moyle.

9 Hole Stableford

Winner: Arthur Ingarfield 17 C/B Points.

Runner up: Graeme Arnold 17 Points.

Women’s Competition

Thursday, May 1

Competition: 18 Hole Stableford

Winner: Carolyn Sullivan 32 Points.

Runner up: Sue Miller.

Men’s Competition:18 Hole Stableford

May 14

A Grade winner: Matthew Robinson 38 C/B Points.

A Grade runner up: Scott Thomson 38 Points.

B Grade winner: Roy Methven 40 Points.

B Grade runner up: Arthur Ingarfield.

Ball winners: Trevor Cooper, Glenn Burns, Andrew Forrest, John Southwell, Brannan Duffy, Drew Winter, Aussie McGrath, Bill Dodd, Laurie Miller, Arnold Sparks.

NTP: 4th Phillip Moss, 7th Tom McAtee, 9th Neil Membrey, 11th Neil Membrey, 13th Brannan Duffy, 16th Trevor Cooper.

Secret 6: Matthew Robinson.

Birdie: Neil Membrey.

Raffle: Ross Anderson.

Women’s Competition

Winner: Maggie Ray 36 C/B Points.

TARRA GOLF CLUB

Tarrawingee Golf Club Results

Saturday, May 13.

The members played the second round of the club championships and the leader after the second round is Jason McCoy, nett winner on the day was Manny Tanirau 82-1765, runner up Glen Simmons nett 68, ball winner Pete Nolan nett 70.

NTP: 4th Manny Tanirau, 8th Lindsay Steer.

Ladies played a stroke event which was won by Lucia DaPos 10735-72, runner up Fay Phillips nett 82. Nearest the pin 4th Lucia DaPos.

Golf on Saturday, May 20 will be for the Presidents Trophy to be held in conjunction with the third round of the club championships.

Ladies are asked to attend as there will always be a separate event for them.

The hit off times for Saturday are 11:30am roll up for a 12noon start, we ask members to be early to enable the days program to be organised.

New 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

On Tuesday, May 16 Tarrawingee played a 9-hole stableford

and the club would like to see you there.

The day will feature a 9 Holes -2 Person Ambrose (players without a handicap welcome) with a 10am shotgun start.

Entry is $20 and includes a barbecue lunch.

There are prizes for longest drive and nearest the pins. To register phone Judy on 0418 129 367 or email byrnes1544@gmail.com.

competition.

Winner was Lorraine Grenfell with 16 points.

NTP on the 13th was Dianne McLaughlin.

Next week will be the Captain’s Trophy.

CROQUET

Results for Monday, May 15 are as follows:

Elaine McDonald and Maureen O’Keefe d Heather Gulbin and Wendy Burgess 7/5, Sally Fisher and Margaret Bennett d Susan Fischer and Yvonne McLaughlin 7/4, Andy Barbero and Christine Ireland d Robyn Muller and Dawn Wind 7/3, Nathan Reynolds d Joan Dyson 7/3.

Last weekend, Andy Barbero finished 14th of the original 52 entries in the Australian Croquet Association Open Singles Tournament played in Melbourne.

Considering that Andy has only been playing tournaments for about 15 months that was an exceptional effort.

Playing days are Monday, Wednesday and Saturday commencing at 1pm.

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 one of the numbers listed below.

President Janet Kelly 0429166016 or secretary Terry Wilson on 0417326739.

PRIME TIME: Graham Stephens, Alister Olsson, Marnie Woodberry and Audrey Olsson were in the thick of the action at Oxley table tennis on Monday night.

PHOTO: Jason Mullins

FAIRWAY TO HEAVEN: Boorhaman Golf Club fairways are in beautiful condition ahead of this golf season.

PITCH PERFECT: Barry Byrne on the mower raking the sands in preparation for the Boorhaman Golf Club Open Day.

Big hitting Bears crush Rangers

ROUND four of North East Baseball saw all teams playing their games at Targoora Park, Wangaratta.

Wangaratta Rangers under 12s played Albury Bears with both teams having a good number of players turn up.

Bears brought in six runs in their first turn at bat then held out Rangers who did not score a run until their second turn at bat when they were able to bring home four runs then they added another five in their fourth innings.

and Lillie Brockwell all had two safe hits each for Rangers while Ethan Simmons batted three, two base hits for Bears in a good display of batters with Harley Webster and Hudson Simmons also had three safe hits each.

Bears won 19 runs to Rangers eight.

Rangers played Porepunkah Panthers in the under 15s game.

Panthers team is very young and are short of experienced players who can throw strikes resulting in many of the Rangers players being walked to first base

and forced around the diamond by the following batters but pitching improved during the game.

Rangers used two pitchers for the game in Tanner Godenzi and then Darcy Sanders who both threw well.

Ayla McCallum was Panthers’ best with the bat having two safe hits, while Josh Wells was Rangers best having two safe hits with Godenzi and Jessie Hoare each having one.

Rangers won 15 to Panthers one.

Porepunkah Panthers

turned the result around in their B grade game against Rangers Orange when they stopped Orange from scoring in their first two turns at bat and themselves bringing in six runs in their first two digs.

Rangers Orange got on the books when they scored three runs in the third innings, while Panthers added another two to hold an eight runs to three lead at the top of the fifth innings.

The last innings was the best batting by both teams, when Rangers Orange

brought in seven runs and Panthers added another six to run out winners 14 runs to Orange 10.

Rangers Black were not on their usual game when they played Albury Bears in their A grade game.

Bears are a big hitting side, but their first three batters to face the pitcher were all caught out on fly ball catches in the outfield.

Rangers failed to take advantage when they failed to score a run in their turn at bat.

Bears lead-off batters were bringing in the runs

before the lower order batters were being put out and Rangers safe hits were coming few and far between.

Bears had 18 safe hits to Rangers eight.

Brendon Simmons and Matt Condon both hit a home run for Bears, while Rob Seymour and Owen Godenzi each had two safe hits for Rangers.

Bears won 17 runs to Rangers three.

Wangaratta Rangers travel to Gayview Park in Wodonga on Sunday to play Wodonga Warriors.

Wangaratta hockey squads continue with improvement

THE division three men had a hard-fought victory on Saturday against a strong Falcons team from Albury.

Conceding a goal early in the match, the Wangaratta men were a little rattled by the pressure the older more experienced players from Falcons were putting on them.

Not to be out done the men stepped up; the youngsters - Henry Findlay, Alex Ellem, Sam Couche and Xavier Bennett - seemed to have a sixth sense.

With goals from Tim Longman and Adam Smith the honour belonged to the Dragon men, their second victory in a row putting them in fourth on the ladder.

It was another successful game for the women’s division two team, who played a challenging game against one of the top teams on the ladder, Wodonga.

Wangaratta not only managed to keep the score to a nil-all draw but were also awarded the most short corners, with a couple of very close shots on goal.

There was a huge team effort put in by all players as it was a fairly even game.

Player of the day was awarded to Kate Reilly who captained the team with great talk and enthusiasm on the field.

Emma Gall was awarded the gift voucher for always pushing past her limits and directing the play.

Thanks go to Adelaide Croker and Lesley Forman who played two games this weekend for the women’s teams and did a fantastic job at that.

The division three women lost 4-0 on Saturday against North Albury.

Unfortunately, the Wangaratta Dragons did not score a goal but it wasn’t from lack of trying.

Lucy North, Jamielee Sexton and Adelaide Croker got the ball to goals with amazing runs around their opponents, however couldn’t get the ball across the line.

Player of the match was Wangaratta goalkeeper Carli Notman.

The defence alongside

Notman worked strongly together and kept the Norths from scoring anymore.

The division three team will be heading into the second round with a fire in their belly.

A clear cold Friday night with a couple of the under 16s girls out due to illness left Wangaratta shorter than usual.

The Falcons lent some players to make it a more even game but were just too strong of a team.

It’s been a hard run for the girls’ team but the side gets to focus on the little things, like the amazing defensive team of Charlotte Marshall, Ayla McIntyre and Millie Rivers.

The best part is seeing them giving a high-five to goalkeeper Eva Siperki each time she makes a spectacular save.

Eliza Garraffo as a winger and inner, is already showing great flexibility in positioning in her second ever game.

The Dragons’ attacking duo of Adara Evans and Ellie Samson ran non-stop.

Their next game will be Saturday, May 27 for their first ever home ground game.

The club welcomes supporters to come on down and cheer on the girls.

Under 14s had a tough game against Corowa United in Wangaratta, up against some big-hitting from the Corowa forwards.

Best on ground went to Noah Fitzgerald, and a call out goes to Lily Radnor and James Wheeler for their courage in defence.

The Dragons had some spectacular plays in attack including Jake Lane working the ball into the D for Hunter Ross to score the goal.

The under 16 boys made the trip up the freeway on Friday night, to take on the Falcons.

In what was easily their best game of the season so far, the Dragons dominated field position and were relentless in their attack on the goal.

Henry Findlay

Lucas Hoare, Isla O’Keeffe

CLEAR: Caitlyn Barnden smashes the ball clear of her opponent.

PHOTO: Kylie Samson

REPOSITIONING: Henry Findlay works across the field to defend the space.

PHOTO: Wes Samson

and Ollie Chambers were excellent in their ball movement and

giving good service to Hunter Kerr and Andrew Groves in the forward line. The only real blemish of the night was when an op-

portunistic goal was scored by the Falcons 28 minutes into the first half. The back four defenders of Sam Couche, Xavier

Bennett, Luke Mercer and Alistair Merritt gave up little space to allow the Falcons more attacking opportunities.

Player of the match was Edward Robertson. Despite the 1-0 loss, the team is threatening for a win very soon.

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME: When Benalla All Blacks were forced to forfeit Saturday’s reserves match against Greta, the Blues’ seconds were still keen to have a run at home, electing to play a 15-a-side game in which some players donned the purple and gold colours of old. In the second half, the match exhibited the brand of community spirit for which the club is famous, with several young Blues supporters and sons-of-guns taking the field, in a spectacle enjoyed by those savouring the past player and premiership reunion day. Meanwhile, Greta took home the Gerry Crothers Cup in both netball and football.

Hawks and Bright look to re-launch seasons tomorrow

TOMORROW is an important day for North Wangaratta’s and Bright’s A grade netball squads, as the two sides aim to lodge a much-needed win on the board.

Both sides are yet to claim a victory so far in 2023, but have been competitive against some of the best squads in the league.

Bright A and B grade coach Marlene Steiner said her squad was eager to tackle a strong opposition tomorrow.

“It’s only the sixth game we’ve played together as teams, and each week’s been a different line-up,” Steiner said.

“We’ve got some combinations we’ll try out at training and hopefully we’ll put it together and bring home some wins on the weekend.

“They’re really excited - they came off the court, both teams (A and B grade) feeling ready for this weekend already.”

In other matches, Whorouly will look to bounce back from two losses in a row when they take on Milawa.

The Demons are having an incredibly strong year once again, currently undefeated from their six matches with a percentage of 227.49.

Bonnie Doon hosts King Valley in what looks to be a very even contest, with both squads looking to capitalise on momentum and post a statement result.

The Bulldogs will seek to maintain their form when they host the eighthplaced Hoppers.

Tarrawingee have only dropped the one game for the year, and their defensive end will be a tough challenge for Moyhu’s shooter to overcome.

Another close match will be fought out at Goorambat, where Benalla All Blacks will look to take their second win of the year over the Bats.

The A grade matches get underway from 2.15pm, with the day’s netball action to begin with the 15 and under games from 9.30am.

Battle of Bats and Blacks

ONE of the fiercest rivalries in the Ovens and King league will be reignited tomorrow when Goorambat hosts Benalla All Blacks, with both sides eager to add some momentum to their season.

Due to their close proximity and history before joining the O&K, the Bats and Panthers have enjoyed many close-fought contests over the years, with Goorambat the only side to defeat Benalla in their dominant flag-winning season last year.

Now, both sides reside near the bottom of the ladder, with one win each and 0.19 percentage points the difference.

Goorambat co-coach Jared Brennan said despite the difficult times the club finds itself in, numbers at the Bat Cave are still strong.

“Our problem is we don’t have the depth we’ve had in previous years, but we’ve still got pretty good numbers considering teams are around us who are struggling to fill two sides,” he said.

“We get a few back this week but we lose a few, we’ve got a few under injury clouds - you get one back but you lose two, or vice versa.

“We just don’t have the cattle to go for as long as what these other sides do at the minute.

“We’re not the only ones in that situation and we’re certainly not saying ‘poor us’ but it would be nice to get a good run at it.

“Every week we’ll show up with the intent to try and win.”

While the depth from

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

previous years may not be there, the Bats are still not to be trifled with, and will back themselves in to take down a rebuilding Benalla team.

“We actually had a couple of blokes come up from the twos who are holding their own and actually have been pivotal parts,” Brennan said.

“Last year we had Curtis Anker, he was in and out of the senior side all year, but he’s been our lynchpin at full back - he’s a farmer, so some weeks he’s available and some weeks he’s not, that makes it hard.

“Johnny House has been pivotal in our midfield, he just goes all day, but last year he was more inclined to play twos with his mates.

“Last year Jamie Dunn was sensational all year and showed the league how good he was, but we’ve probably been a bit harder on him this year because we’re expecting him to do what he was doing last year.

“We’re approaching it just like any other week.

“We try not to focus on other sides as much, we just try to focus on what we can do.

“At the end of the day, we just want to put a side out there that’s competitive.”

In other round eight matches, Milawa hosts Whorouly, the Bombers take on King Valley, North Wangaratta plays Bright, and Tarrawingee will look to get on the board against Moyhu.

READY TO SOAR: Tim Colville and the Bats will look to take down Benalla All Blacks tomorrow at home.

PHOTO: Marc Bongers

IN ACTION: Players of all ages enjoyed the chance to take to the Greta Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

PHOTO: Courtesy Greta Football Netball Club

PHOTO: Courtesy Greta Football and Netball Club

La Fiera derby clash to excite

THE Wangaratta-Myrtleford derby will take another step in the history books when they meet in this weekend’s La Fiera Derby at Myrtleford.

Wangaratta City will go into the match as favourites having won five games as opposed to Myrtleford’s one, but form is irrelevant when these two sides clash.

Wangaratta coach Raff Molinaro is expecting a tight tussle.

“When you play Myrtleford it’s one of those weeks where it doesn’t matter what form either side is in it’s always going to be a good match,” Molinaro said.

“This Sunday will just come down to who wants it more but we’ll go into the match having confidence from Sunday’s match because that was a big booster for us.

“Wangaratta and Myrtleford is always a good game

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

for a neutral supporter because it always comes down to the mentality of both sides.”

The long-time soccer rivals will be vying for the Darrel Van Der Steeg Memorial Shield, which is named after a former star of both clubs.

The shield was first introduced in 2014 in memory of Van Der Steeg, who died aged just 24 in a tragic car crash near his Bendigo home in 2013.

“I think it’s important to remind some of the younger boys how important the game is between Wangaratta and Myrtleford and how much history there is,” he said.

“Playing on the La Fiera

weekend and playing for the Darrel Van Der Steeg Memorial Shield is awesome and gives the boys a little more to play for.

“It’s going to be tricky playing in Myrtleford because their ground can be hard to play on at times but we shouldn’t be thinking about that too much.”

Wangaratta will be close to full strength with Alex Pitt and Vitaly Leschen returning to the squad this weekend accompanied by goalkeeper Jaxon Osmotherly back on the pitch for his second game since returning from injury.

“Alex Pitt and Vitaly Leschen come back so we’re pretty close to a full strength side,” Molinaro said.

“Obviously we’re still missing Djafari Mwarabu who’s out with a fractured ankle for an extended period but apart from that we’re really healthy.”

It’s deja vu for Lady Devils with Diamonds clash

JUST two weeks after locking in a victory, Wangaratta City’s senior women’s squad will travel back up to Wodonga to face the Diamonds once more, with aims to improve on the past scoreline.

In their last encounter just a fortnight ago, the Lady Devils took the points 2-1 thanks to strikes from Beth Cope (10’) and Eleisha Baker (70’).

Since their previous encounter, Wangaratta took out a 3-2 win over Melrose FC to sit second on the division one women’s ladder.

Coach Dan Kelly said ladder position was crucial in setting up his side’s run when finals come around.

“It’s definitely important,” he said.

“If we finish second, there’s a week come finals where we don’t have to play the first round, we get a rest.

“At that point in the season, if we can pip that second spot, it would be a good rest for those girls, and it would help get their bodies right for a big semi-final, whoever it’s against.”

Five of the Lady Devils’ eight matches this year have been decided by a single goal, one way or the other.

Kelly said a strong offensive

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

push would be key to taking down the Diamonds after playing them so recently.

“I don’t think there’s a benefit (to replaying a team so soon) - if anything, we’re probably going to be fresh on their minds,” he said.

“They’re going to want to do us over after we beat them.

“With Diamonds, we just need to put the game away.

“We’ve played them twice already where we should’ve put the game away a bit earlier, they’ve kicked a goal and it’s just put a bit of pressure on us.

“I think with the girls that we do have, there’ll be a time where we kick four or five or six goals and that will take the pressure off the game.

“Hopefully that’ll be this week.”

The senior match between Wangaratta City and Wodonga Diamonds gets underway from 11.20am this Sunday at the LaTrobe University soccer ground, with the reserve Lady Devils to face top side Myrtleford at Savoy Park from 9.50am.

REMATCH: Beth Cope and the Lady Devils take on Wodonga Diamonds this Sunday, after beating them 2-1 two weeks ago.

PHOTO: Kat De Naps Photography

RETURNING: Vitaly Leschen is returning to take on Myrtleford this weekend.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

O&M netballers keen to get one back on GV

By WILLSON MACK

THE Ovens and Murray’s open netball squad will be hoping to get one back on the Goulburn Valley League when they clash tomorrow.

After falling to the GV League 44-39 last year at Mooroopna, the O&M gets the chance to bounce back on their home turf at the Albury Sportsground.

Wangaratta guns Issy Newton, Hannah Grady, Georgia Clark and Ellie Cooper have all been selected to don the O&M colours.

O&M open netball coach Rhiannon Harris believes the O&M have the squad to take it up to the GV League.

“Everything’s been great so far and I’m extremely humbled to be

asked to coach,” Harris said.

“We’ve got a great group of talented, skillful players so we just need to get the combinations right on the day.

“We’ve had to make a few changes after Laura Davis from Yarrawonga injured her finger on the weekend so we’ve brought Liv La Spina from Myrtleford in.

“We’ve also got a player that isn’t 100 per cent sure if she can play so Saige Broz from Myrtleford has been brought in too.”

Harris admitted her side is eager to get one back on the GV League.

“Absolutely the girls are keen to get one back on them, especially the girls who played last year,” she said.

“I know the girls who played

last year were really disappointed with the way it when down so there’s a lot of drive to get some revenge.”

The O&M side has gathered together for three training sessions in the lead up to tomorrow’s clash with the most recent on Wednesday night.

“Training’s been great with a lot of laughs,” Harris said.

“It’s been good to have such a different mix of girls and I think a lot of the players have enjoyed training with someone who they mightn’t love playing against at club level.

“We played a bit against the u17 girls on Wednesday night which was a good time to look at some of the different combinations we have.”

The GV side doesn’t look as strong as previous years with Jessie Barnes (Shepparton United) and Nikita Singh (Seymour) not featuring.

“Both Jessie and Nikita stood out for them last year so they probably aren’t as strong this year but we won’t be underestimating them,” Harris said.

“I’d say we’ll have as much speed as them but they might have a little more physicality so that’s an area we’ll have to watch.

“We’ve got 11 players in the squad and all will get a go on the court at different stages so we’ll have the luxury of making adjustments when we need to.”

The open netball clash starts at 12:15pm with the u17 netball to follow at 1:45pm.

O&M footballers set for Ash-Wilson Trophy clash against GV League

■ From back page

“All of the Rovers boys have been super,” Sexton said.

“Brodie Filo’s a star and he’s been really dedicated to the program from the word go, it’s been great to see him so positive at training and bouncing around.

“He’s a leader of the group now and he’s standing up to that task well.”

Despite the win in 2022, Sexton won’t take anything away from that clash.

“We won’t take anything out of last year, that’s done and today’s today,” he said.

“GV will probably have more of an experienced group than us but that’s fine and we’re really looking forward to the challenge.

“I’ve been saying to our players if you want to be a star you have to beat a star so it’s going to be a great opportunity for our group.”

Last year’s interleague match proved to be a massive springboard for a number of players with Joe Richards (Wangaratta) and Kaelan Bradtke (Corowa-Rutherglen) finding their way onto AFL lists over the following off-season.

Albury’s Fletcher Carroll and Wodonga Raiders’ Max Beattie also moved up in class and made the move to the SANFL.

“That’s why I don’t mind playing a young side because if those players take their opportunity who knows what could come of it,” Sexton said.

“Players like Billy Glanville (Lavington), Jake O’Brien (Lavington), Ewan Mackinlay (Lavington), Riley Bice (Albury), Ryan Bruce (Yarrawonga), Bailey Fraunfelder (Yarrawinga), Josh Mathey (Wodonga), Julian Hayes (North Albury) and Jack Gerrish (Rovers) all get a chance to take that step up.”

Sexton is hopeful a strong crowd ventures to the Albury Sportsground to watch the match.

“Albury’s such a fantastic venue, their ground is unbelievable which is a credit to their curators,” he said.

“If people want to watch some smart, fast footy then come on down and watch.

“We just want to get the job done and we’re under no illusions that that will be given to us because we know that the GV is a formidable opponent.”

Tomorrow’s interleague clash starts at 2:10pm with the u18 game starting at 12pm.

to all the

PAYBACK TIME: Wangaratta’s Hannah Grady will represent the O&M in tomorrow’s interleague clash against the Goulburn Valley League.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

Tight tussles in table tennis title deciders

ANOTHER successful competition is complete following the playing of the Wangaratta Table Tennis Association’s autumn grand finals.

Trophies and awards were presented and celebrated post-match at the showgrounds venue last week.

The grand final results from the autumn competition are:

A Grade:

The premiers, NE Agricultural and Industrial (Ken Parker and Tom Brown) overpowered Somerset Communications (John Wright and Kim Brown) by three rubbers to one.

While not totally unexpected, it was a thrilling win for Ken and Tom.

It goes to show that if you bring your best game on grand final night anything is possible.

Things started well for the losers with Kim narrowly defeating Ken in seven sets.

Tom and Ken both won their singles against John.

Ken’s confidence grew with each game in his match up against John to get the win in the seventh set.

Tom secured the final singles win defeating Kim to seal their premiership victory.

B Grade:

The premiers, Somerset Communications (James Loughnan, Andrew Higgins and John Maletta) defeated Plum Digital (Austin Lindner, Aaron Plum and Andrew Holmes) six rubbers to four.

This was a closely contested final, with all players determined and hopeful from the outset.

John won two singles as did Andrew Higgins.

John and Andrew won the first doubles match

over Austin and Aaron. James won his final singles match, narrowly defeating a valiant Andrew Holmes in five sets to seal the premiership.

For the losing side Austin won both singles played, Aaron won one and Andrew Holmes and Austin won the second doubles match over John and James.

C Grade: The premiers, Boralma Berkshire (Paul Hughes and Phil Fitzgerald) defeated NE Agricultural and Industrial (Julie Lindner and Jessie Hughes) three rubbers to one.

Phil dominated by easily winning both his singles and Paul added one to claim the premiership.

Julie won a singles for the defeated side but Julie and Jessie’s hopes were dashed before reaching the final doubles match.

Congratulations to Consistency Award winners:

A Grade: Mark Brown, Andrew Lindner and John Wright (tied).

B Grade: John Maletta.

C Grade: Phil Fitzgerald and Matt Curran (tied).

Congratulations to all players for their achievements this season.

The winter competition commences on Wednesday, May 31 at 7pm.

A muster night will be held on Wednesday, May 24 at 7pm.

Interested players of all abilities are warmly invited to attend.

Enquiries to Tom Brown (club president) 0429 809 927.

Junior coaching continues each Wednesday during school term at 6pm.

Enquires to John Wright (junior coordinator) 0400 182 553.

Murray Bushrangers launch Dungala Talent Pathway

THE Murray Bushrangers are set to launch a new initiative to support local Indigenous girls and boys to transition more easily into AFL Talent Pathway Programs.

The Dungala program, launched on Wednesday, May 17, at Rumbalara Football Netball Club aims to identify and support talented Aboriginal footballers by providing access to high level training, coaching, and competitive opportunities, as well as education and mentorship.

The program will also aim to promote the participation and inclusion of Aboriginal players from the Murray Bushrangers region and follow the paths of local juniors such as Jy Simkin and Jarman Impey who play at North Melbourne and Hawthorn respectively.

Murray Bushrangers assistant coach Levi Power will lead the program and work closely with the Rumbalara Football Netball Club, Richmond Next Generation Academy, and other key community stakeholders.

“The opportunity to support talented young footballers reach their potential is exciting,” Power said.

“I personally experienced the Talent Pathway system as a player, and now look forward to making this process a positive experience.”

The program launch was attended by AFL national diversity talent manager Pauly Vandenburg, AFL talent ambassador Kevin Sheahan, and AFL head of talent pathways Grant Williams.

John Wright, Andrew Lindner, Mark Brown (A Grade Consistency).

Andrew Higgins, James Loughnan, John Maletta (B Grade Premiers).

Andrew Holmes, Austin Lindner, Aaron Plum (B Grade Runners Up).

Ken Parker, Tom Brown (A Grade Premiers).

John Wright, Kim Brown (A Grade Runners Up).

Paul Hughes, Phil Fitzgerald (C Grade Premiers).

Julie Lindner, Jesse Hughes (C Grade Runners Up).

30

Ovens St, Wangaratta

P: 03 5722 9600 W: travelncruise.com.au

WEBSTERS

LightinguptheNorthEastsince1929

round

Friday, May 19

Port Adelaide vs. Melbourne (AO) (N)

Saturday, May 20

North Melbourne vs. Sydney Swans (MRVL)

Western Bulldogs vs. Adelaide Crows (MARS)

Fremantle vs. Geelong Cats (OS) (T)

Brisbane Lions vs. Gold Coast SUNS (G) (N)

Essendon vs. Richmond (MCG) (N)

Sunday, May 21

Hawthorn vs. West Coast Eagles (UTAS)

Carlton vs. Collingwood (MCG)

GWS GIANTS vs. St Kilda (GS) (T)

30 Ovens St, Wangaratta

P: 03 5722 9600 W: travelncruise.com.au

leaderboard after round 9

Brett Anderson ...58

Dameon Holmes .57

Max Webster ......57

Chris Doyle ........56

Beth Watson ........55

Carlo De Napoli ....55

Jess Maddy ..........54

Dave Harrop ........54

Nick Bell ..............54

Kent Wathen ........54

Tom the Baker.......53

Rob Bell ...............53

Jack Penny ...........53

James Salafia ........52

Pranav Menon ......52

Nicci Bettles ..........51

Shayne Gannon .....51

Jack Lancaster .......50

Sean Barrett .........50

Tom McCurdy .......49

Trent Terry ............46

Cassie Hall ...........46

Helen Haines .......42

Sarah Crothers ......41

O&M ready for battle

The Ovens and Murray’s interleague side will take on the GV League tomorrow at ThOdM’ilidillkhGVLAlbAlbury

THE Ovens and Murray will battle it out against the Goulburn Valley League for the Ash-Wilson Trophy this weekend at the Albury Sportsground.

The O&M were victorious in last year’s fixture and will be looking to replicate that 18.11 (119) to 9.10 (64) win.

Wangaratta Rovers will have four players suit up for the O&M with Cody Schutt

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

named vice-captain, while Brodie Filo, Dylan Stone and Jack Gerrish will all feature.

O&M coach Damian Sexton said he’s looking forward to the challenge.

“We’ve got a good, young

group this year and the beauty of it is they’re all in good form and deserve their spot,” Sexton said.

“It’s exciting for the group to be playing interleague again and we’ve had a good lead in to the match.

“We’ve lost a couple to injury over the past week or so but that’s just what happens with interleague footy and I’m well aware of that.”

The O&M have been forced to make two changed to the team with Albury’s gun ruck Isaac Muller missing this weekend through concussion protocols, while Yarrawonga’s Harry Wheeler has been suspended for a week for striking Myrtleford’s Sam Martyn.

“It’s very disappointing for Harry to miss this weekend because he’s such a passion-

ate interleague player and people don’t realise that he’s been a GV player as well,” Sexton said.

“It’s a tough one for him because he gets a one week suspension but he really misses two through interleague and then his club game the following week.

“He would’ve been our captain as well so it’s very disappointing.”

Sexton said late last month that no Wangaratta Magpies players were put up for selection after coach Ben Reid explained that the club was still a bit raw about being stripped of the 2022 premiership.

Rovers’ players will still carry the Wangaratta flag in this edition of the Ash-Wilson Trophy.

■ Continued page 36

WANGARATTA Dragons’ budding star Hunter Kerr attacks the ball in the division three men’s game on Saturday. The divison three side won 2-1 over Falcons.

■ Hockey report: Page 33

PHOTO: Wangaratta Dragons Hockey Club