Wangaratta Chronicle 191222

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, December 19, 2022 - Page 1

29o Sunny

30o 30o 27o TUE

WED

THURS

www.wangarattachronicle.com.au

Monday, December 19, 2022

CFA takes to the high seas

Meet the new Upper House MP

Page 2

Page 9

Phone (03) 5723 0100

Strong finish for Magpies

$1.50 INC. GST

Sport

READY TO REAP LILLIPUT farmer Andrew Russell is going “full tilt” harvesting his canola crop and expects to be doing the same with his other grains well into January. Story page 14.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

VIOLENCE DOWN Dedicated detectives keep p eye y on known offenders,, check compliance p with orders CRIME in Wangaratta fell to a 10-year low with the criminal incidents rate dropping by 1.3 per cent and total offences recorded plummeting by 27pc, according to the latest data release.

The Crime Statistics Agency data shows that in the year to September 2022 there were 1607 incidents recorded per capita (100,000 people) in

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

Wangaratta with criminal damage incidents falling by 171, and there were 149 fewer breaches of family violence orders.

Family violence incidents dropped by 4.6pc, however, Wangaratta still

has some work to do in reducing family violence, as incidents compared to the state average per capita were alarming at 2066.4 in Wangaratta compared to the Victorian rate of 1387.9.

Out of the affected family members 436 were female and 183 were male in Wangaratta, with the highest number, 148 people in the 35-44 year old age group, and the second

highest, 128 people in the 25-34 age group.

Wangaratta Local Area Commander, Inspector Pauline Williams said “it’s incredibly positive to see overall crime in Wangaratta drop to its lowest level in the last decade”.

“This included a 4.6pc decrease in overall family violence incidents in Wangaratta from the previous year.

“Despite this, dedicated family violence detectives are turning up on the doorsteps of known family violence offenders every day, checking that they are complying with their family violence intervention orders.

“If not, police will have no hesitation in arresting them and putting them before a court.”

Thefts increased by

Let us work twice as hard for you Travis | 0477 138 372

Karen | 0400 500 681

124 incidents, there were 89 more breaches of bail conditions, and 80 more sexual offences were reported compared to the previous year.

“While other theft has slightly increased over the last year in Wangaratta, it still remained relatively stable compared to prepandemic levels,” Insp Williams said.

■ Continued page 5

Page 2 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, December 19, 2022

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Voter numbers continue decline A RECORD number of votes were cast in this year’s State election, but the overall proportion of Victorians casting a vote continues to decline.

The writs for the 2022 State election were returned to the Governor of Victoria, Linda Dessau, on Friday marking the conclusion of the 2022 State election.

Some 3,828,791 Lower House votes and 3,877,213 Upper House votes were cast, representing a turnout of 88.14 per cent and 88.23pc respectively.

This is compared to a 90.16pc turnout at the 2018 State Election.

More than half of these were early and postal votes, as voters took advantage of extended hours at 155 early voting centres across the state.

Acting Electoral Commissioner Dana Fleming noted that further research was needed to better understand the reason for the decline.

Est. 1884, Incorporating Wangaratta Despatch, Est. 1861

WEATHER NOT TOO SHEEPISH: Animal Justice Party MP for Northern Victoria Georgie Purcell has big plans to end duck shooting and jumps racing.

Death of duck shooting locked in Georgie’s sights

TEMPERATURES: Monday

Max 29

Min 10

Animal Justice Partyy MP for Northern Victoria maps p out her p plans

Sunny

Tuesday

Max 30

Min 11

Sunny

Wednesday Max 30

Min 13

Sunny

Thursday

Max 27

Min 17

Possible shower

RAINFALL: Wangaratta Lake Buffalo Cheshunt

Last 72 hours

Last 7 days

0.0mm 0.2mm 0.4mm

7.8mm 23.4mm 18.8mm

*NB: Rainfall totals up until 3pm, Sunday

LUCKY NUMBERS Tattslotto - Draw 4321

8, 36, 37, 41, 3, 28 (9, 16) Winning numbers are subject to verification by ticket holders.

NEWS TIPS Office Hours: 5723 0100 After Hours: 5723 0107 Email: edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au

CONTACTS POSTAL ADDRESS: 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta GENERAL TELEPHONE INQUIRIES: 5723 0100 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 5723 0101 DISPLAY ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 5723 0100 Fax: 03 5721 9447 Email: edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au Website: wangarattachronicle.com.au

Follow us ADVERTISING CLOSING TIMES Monday Issue: Display Thurs. 10am. Classifieds Fri. 2.30pm Wednesday Issue: Display Fri. 10am. Classifieds Tues. 2.30pm Friday Issue: Display Tues. 10am. Classifieds Thurs. 2.30pm Published by Hartley Higgins for North East Media Pty Ltd, 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677.

Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Editor Jeff Zeuschner.

Copyright: All advertising and editorial content of this issue is the copyright of North East Media Pty Ltd and cannot be used without the company’s permission.

The Chronicle is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council.

If you believe the standards may have been breached, you may approach the Chronicle itself or contact the council by email at info@presscouncil.org.au or by phone on (02) 9261 1930.

Member

A BAN on duck shooting will be the first mission on new Animal Justice Party (AJP) Northern Victoria MP Georgie Purcell’s agenda as she steps into parliament.

As her first job she will write to Premier Daniel Andrews along with the environment and agriculture ministers this week expressing her views and intentions to bring about an end to duck shooting for good.

Hailing from the Macedon Ranges, the law degree graduate, Ms Purcell is no stranger to politics having been chief of staff for Western Victoria MP Andy Meddick in the last term of parliament.

“I feel very lucky because there are quite a few newbies going in and at the very least I know my way around the joint and know a bit about procedure and process so it’s probably not as daunting for me as some people,” she said.

“My number one priority kicking off the term is getting a ban on duck shooting as it’s something we’ve worked really hard on in the last term of parliament as well.

“We think we’re very, very close to making things happen.

“I’ll be writing to the premier, the environment minister, agriculture minister this week to make sure they don’t have a duck hunting season.

“We have a crossbench that is very progressive on animal issues so I’m hoping to work with them on securing that commitment from the government.”

The number of ducks killed every year is unknown due to the spread and number of locations where ducks can be hunted.

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

“What we do know is about half the birds that are shot are not immediately killed and many are not retrieved by hunters,” she said.

“It’s not just about the cruelty of killing wildlife that’s protected year-round until the duck hunting season, it’s about the ongoing suffering of the birds that are shot and not found by rescuers like myself who go out as volunteers on the wetlands to find birds that are left to suffer.

“It can take weeks to them die from their injuries and it’s quite brutal.

“In every state that duck shooting has been banned in WA, NSW and SA, it has been Labor governments that have done it and we see no reason what the Victorian Labor Government can’t do the same.”

Some other items in Ms Purcell’s four-year vision include a susidised healthcare system for animals called Veticare, more support for the plant-based food industry, and a ban to jumps racing.

“We’re facing a veterinary crisis in Victoria and it’s particularly felt in regional and rural areas where it’s not only hard to get a vet appointment but the prices are going up as well,” she said.

“We want to see the establishment of public veterinary clinics in all regional areas of Victoria that anyone has access to and supporting the recruitment of more vets.”

Plant-based meat has had huge success internationally

and Ms Purcell said this is great for the environment and animals.

“They create jobs and there is a really good success story in Wodonga call V2, a plant-based protein factory that is in every major supermarket chain in Victoria and in every Hungry Jacks store across the country,” she said.

“They’ve just started exporting overseas and they’ve created dozens of jobs in Wodonga so I’m keen to see more investment and support for that industry, particularly as we try and find new ways to fight climate change.”

A ban on jumps racing is on her agenda as Victoria is the only state not to eradicate it.

She said jumps racing is 19 times more dangerous than flat horse racing based on the fall, death and injury rate for horses.

“It’s broadly unpopular not just in the Victorian community but there has been signalling that jumps racing gives the rest of the industry a bad name,” she said.

“It’s propped up and supported by taxpayer money and it’s something I believe Victorians don’t want their taxes to be spent on.

“We call ourselves the progressive state but we’re very much behind on a lot of animal welfare issues so I am really keen to get us up to speed with other states on these issues,” she said.

With 11 on the Upper House crossbench, Ms Purcell is expecting some success in getting legislation across the line.

“What’s very exciting to me about this parliament compared to the last one,

the crossbench has a very progressive sense to it, as it doesn’t have the very conservative element to it that the last one did,” she said.

“With the support of the Legalise Cannabis, the Greens and the Animal Justice Party, I feel really confident we’ll be able to work together on all of our priorities because we’re on the same page on many issues including animal protection.

“Victorians have voted for progressive and positive change and the government can feel comfortable to do the things we’re calling on them to do.”

First elect for Northern Victoria, Liberal MP Wendy Lovell, did say recently that the next four years would be interesting with the likes of the Animal Justice Party in the house which holds different ideologies to many constituents - a view that leans to the right.

However, Ms Purcell said she was open to any MP’s views in trying to achieve amicable and productive outcomes.

“I don’t rule out working with anyone, we might not agree on everything but there will be issues that Wendy and I probably do agree on when it comes to Northern Victoria,” Ms Purcell said.

“No politician or party agrees on absolutely everything and that’s why we go into it.

“I really want to have a proactive and pragmatic relationship as much as I can with every member of the parliament no matter what party they’re from.”

Northern Victoria MPs elected also include Labor’s Jaclyn Symes, The Nationals’ Gaelle Broad and One Nation’s Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell.

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, December 19, 2022 - Page 3

Battery coming to a local neighbourhood

By STEVE KELLY WANGARATTA will receive one of 100 neighbourhood batteries under a $42 million scheme to power 25,000 houses, triple the number with access to a battery.

Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio said Victoria is the battery capital of Australia with a world-leading storage target.

“Now we’re building 100 neighbourhood batteries - including one in Wangaratta - to make sure families across the state can share the savings from our solar boom,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.

“One hundred batteries in communities across the state will drive down power bills and pave the way for us to reach our world-leading targets -

95 per cent renewable energy by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2045.”

Ms D’Ambrosio said they have launched world-leading energy storage targets of 2.6 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy storage capacity by 2030 and 6.3 GW of storage by 2035 - enough renewable energy to power around half of Victoria’s current homes at their peak energy use.

Federal MP for Indi Helen Haines welcomed the election commitment by the Labor Government.

“I am delighted that Wangaratta has been named as one of the towns to receive a community battery by the Victorian Government,” Dr Haines said.

“I have been working hard on community energy policies at a federal level and it is fantastic to see more governments take this up and see the

ENERGY BLOCK: A neighourhood battery in Fitzroy is already saving local people money on electricity bills. benefits of community energy.

“Community energy allows households to access cheaper renewable energy that is generated close to home.

“It assists with reducing energy bills, smoothing the grid and reducing emissions.”

Dr Haines reiterated that community batteries mean we have the opportunity to store solar power collected while the sun is shining and use it in the evenings, realising the full benefits of the solar panels.

She said the Federal Government has also committed to installing community batteries across the country.

“More information about this will become available next year and I will be working hard to ensure Indi can make the most of this investment,” she said.

It has not been confirmed which location in Wangaratta the battery will be installed.

Fire Danger Period starts

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN TODAY marks the beginning of the CFA’s District 23 Fire Danger Period (FDP), with local firefighters reminding residents to remain vigilant despite an expected lower-than-normal risk of fire in the region this summer.

The Seasonal Bushfire Outlook identified potential for increased grassfire conditions throughout summer, following widespread rainfall which has seen significant grass growth and delayed harvest activities.

CFA D23 assistant chief fire officer Rod Railton said local grasslands, particularly in the western side of the shire, posed an immediate risk, after experiencing significant curing through weeks of consistent sunny weather.

“It’s curing quite quickly out that way so our harvest

areas, where we’re going to get our harvesters in the paddock is where our biggest risk is,” he said.

“It will dry slowly back into our hills and then that’ll become a risk to us.”

No burning off is permitted during an FDP without a written permit, which can be applied for by visiting www.firepermits.vic.gov.au.

Mr Railton said despite the slower than normal start to summer, community members should begin fire preparation plans as soon as they can.

“We’ve done a lot of advertising and campaigning through social media and a lot of community information meetings that have happened so we’re certainly getting the message out there,” he said.

“Yes, we are later than normal, but the risk is still going to be there, potentially late January into Feb-

STAY VIGILANT: CFA District 23 assistant chief fire officer Rod Railton reminds community member to start planning for fires and keep a look out for the updated fire danger signs around the shire as the districts’ Fire Danger Period starts today.

PHOTO: Bailey Zimmermann ruary that’s where we’re at.

“But the risk is there now, out around Boweya and those sort of areas grass-

lands are quite cured and ready to burn.”

For more information about the upcoming fire

danger period, visit www. cfa.vic.gov.au/warningsrestrictions/fire-danger-period-restrictions.

Body found at Lake Mulwala A BODY believed to be that of missing 16-year-old Jack Bird has been located at Lake Mulwala, after the teenager and a friend fell from a tinny while fishing eight days ago.

Following a comprehensive multi-agency search of the lake, NSW Police announced late last week that a body, believed to be that of the Shepparton teenager, had been found around 6:30pm on Thursday at Kyffins Bay. The body is yet to be formally identified, with a report set to be prepared for the coroner by Murray River Police District investigators.

Emergency service crews, including SES, Victoria Police search and rescue and maritime police from both states were deployed on the morning of December 11, following reports two boys had fallen overboard after departing Silverwoods Boulevard in a tinny around 9am.

Two nearby witnesses were reportedly able to swim one of the boys to shore, however, could not find Jack upon their return.

A budding first-year apprentice studying mechanical engineering at GOTAFE, Jack recently won gold in the recent WorldSkills turning competition, which was held in Wodonga in November.

“Our thoughts are with Jack’s family, friends, classmates, trainers and workmates during this incredibly difficult time,” a GOTAFE spokesperson said.

“In his time with us, Jack showed incredible talent and passion for engineering.

“Despite only having six months’ experience, Jack recently won a gold medal at the WorldSkills Regional Turning Competition, demonstrating his natural skill and enthusiasm.

“Jack’s friends and colleagues have described him as an exemplary student with ambition, drive and dedication to his craft.

“Staff and students at GOTAFE are deeply saddened at this time.”

DO YOUR KIDS Gift ideas for A FAVOR everyone!

Make your funeral plans in advance 95 Park Lane, Wangaratta (03) 5721 6955 OPEN Mon - Fri 10.00am - 4.30pm, Sat and Sun 8.30am - 3.00pm

www.parklanenursery.com.au Member AUSTRALIAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION

John & Christine Haddrick 5722 2525 (All Hours)

CHRISTMAS TRADING HOURS: We will be closed from Saturday 24th December to 6th January (inclusive), reopening on Saturday 7th January at 8.30am.

Page 4 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, December 19, 2022

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Manager settles into headspace

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

THE wellbeing of local youth remains the key focus of headspace program manager Leah Tylee.

The Beechworth resident began her new role on September 26 and has been getting to know her team, the needs of the local community and connecting with organisation partners.

“I’ve mostly been connecting with the consortium of youth and health organisations that we partner or work with and also recently attended the nation-wide headspace forum to meet representatives of the other 153 headspace centres across Australia,” she said.

“I was born and raised in Gippsland and my wife and I moved to Beechworth in 2020 after falling in love with the local landscapes and com-

munity on our many holidays to the region.

“Outside of work, I’ve spent many years singing in a choir and I particularly enjoy the local music scene.

“I am incredibly impressed by the local produce in our region and my wife and I love growing our own produce with the help of our cat, Simon.”

Leah has a background in social work and said she has enjoyed a “varied and fulfilling career”.

“I started my social work career in the tertiary mental health sector supporting members of the homeless community to access support for their mental health,” she said.

“I then moved into the family violence sector where I led a team of children’s workers supporting children and young people affected by family violence.

“Prior to joining headspace I supported local school communities in their

WE’RE LISTENING: Headspace manager Leah Tylee welcomes support, ideas and input from the community into how the service can support young people and their families.

recovery from the 2019-2020 summer bushfires.

“I wanted to take on this new role because I am passionate about the work that headspace does to support the wellbeing of young people in our community.

“Young people and our local community are the centre of everything headspace does; from the way our centres are designed and what goes out in our text messages, to the strategic direction of our services.

“It makes me feel enthusiastic to go to work every day.”

Leah said she was most looking forward to getting out and about in the com-

munity and getting to know what young people need and want from headspace services.

“In particular, I’m looking forward to working with our Youth Reference Group to support community events and facilitate connection after years of lockdown and disruption,” she said.

“I am privileged to work with a team of passionate and skilled professionals who are committed to supporting young people and making the world a better place for the next generation.

“We take our roles seriously, but also enjoy working as a team both in the office and

out in the community.

“All roles have their challenges of course.

“After a period of lockdowns, disasters and disruptions to the lives of young people, it is important that we continue finding innovative solutions to support them.

“It is also critical that we provide a safe space and platform for young people to have their voices heard; and for their voices to inform our delivery of services.

“This means being adaptive and innovative each and every day so we can continue to meet their needs.

“I want the community

to know that we are always seeking support, ideas and input into how our service can support young people and their families.

“I’m really passionate about reinvigorating our Youth Reference Group and Family and Friends Group, and would love to hear from any young people aged 1225 or families and friends who support young people through tough times and would like to help guide headspace in our work into the future.”

For more information on the local headspace go to https://headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/wangaratta/.

Looking for North East Travel Ideas + Events + More......

VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE NORTH EAST VICTORIA

Destinations

VISIT

VISIT

ALBURY - WODONGA CHILTERN +

ALEXANDRA EILDON - BUXTON

VISIT

+

BEECHWORTH YACKANDANDAH

EXCITING: Tom McLeod will join the masses of Victorian students logging on to check their VCE results today.

PHOTO: Cheryl Browne

VISIT

+

BRIGHT POREPUNKAH

+

Results to reflect a young liftetime of learning for Wangaratta students VISIT

VISIT

MANSFILED

+

VISIT

ECHUCA - COBRAM

+

VISIT

MT HOTHAM

+

WANGARATTA

+

VISIT

VISIT

EUROA - LONGWOOD STRATHBOGIE +

MILAWA KING VALLEY

VISIT

EVENTS

YARRAWONGA MULWALA

CALENDAR

+

+

+

T O U R I S T I N F O R M AT I O N O N N O RT H E A S T R E G I O N A L T O W N S, LO C A L N E W S, S N O W N E W S , W I N E C O U N T RY P L U S O U R M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E D I G I TA L E D I T I O N.

Bookmark Now - Mobile Friendly Find all your North East Tourist Information at

northeasttouristnews.com.au

Monday, December 17, 2012

By LEAH TINDILL HUNDREDS of Wangaratta’s secondary school graduates will log online to find out their VCE results today.

Results will be released at 7am this morning online while some students will receive them by text message before official documents are received in the mail tomorrow.

Wangaratta High School graduate Tom McLeod said while he was reasonably nervous about his results he wasn’t counting on them for university entrance.

He said the results were

important as a reflection of his schooling career but that he did not plan to attend university.

“I actually have no plans to go to uni, I want to go overseas and travel,” Mr McLeod said.

“Hopefully I’ll go to England next year and work and get jobs and go over to Europe - that sort of stuff.”

Wangaratta High School senior school leader, Sue Hooper, said students whose results weren’t as high as they hoped had many other options for pursuing further study.

“There’s lots of different options for them,” Ms Hooper said.

“They can change their (course) preference, they can go through TAFE and do an associate degree then into a degree, or they can work and go in as a mature aged student.

“It might take a little bit longer, but they’ll get there.”

The change of preference period will closes as of noon on December 24.

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, December 19, 2022 - Page 5

Driving into the sunset

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

THERE have been less familiar faces serving the Wangaratta community from the driver’s seat of a car than Daryl Britton.

From mechanic to tow truck driver, taxi driver and courtesy bus driver, Mr Britton has been working within the Wangaratta automotive industry for the past 55 years.

“When I started my apprenticeship under Jack Closehy, I was 15, I finished school and about four days later I was right into it,” he said.

“I love meeting people, having a chat, finding out their backgrounds and about their lives.”

Mr Britton will be retiring from the Wangaratta Motor Group on December 23, where he has been employed since 1989.

“I’m not sure what I’m in for, I think the wife and I can finally do things we’ve wanted to do for a while,” he said.

“We’ll only travel as far as relatives we haven’t seen since before COVID and spend a bit of time with them.”

Born and bred in Wangaratta, Mr Britton has been

through numerous roles in the industry, from mechanic, diagnostic mechanic, specialist service advisor, master service advisor and tow truck driver.

He said as one of two tow truck drivers in town, he was often the first respondent to a scene which was at times an overwhelming burden.

“I drove the tow truck here 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as well as working during the day,” he said.

“I was on call all night and saw a few nasty things, back in those days we didn’t have the SES.” Mr Britton’s first job as a fully qualified mechanic came with Alan Capp Holden in 1972, before being recruited by Bill Gormly at Wangaratta Toyota, later forming as a part of the Wangaratta Motor Group.

When the motor group formed back at his old Alan Capp Holden workplace, Mr Britton saw an opportunity too good to refuse.

“When we moved out here and started to form the motor group, the boss at the time was Andrew Gormly and he wanted to put a van

on to take passengers backwards and forwards,” he said.

“My weekend job for the last 43 years has been driving taxis, so I knew Wangaratta better than anyone else, and I jumped at that.

“And I’ve been doing that for 14 years now, driving people around.”

As courtesy bus driver Mr Britton would cover 200 kilometres a day taking people to and from the motor group as their cars were under service or repairs.

He said his passion for cars comes from his father, who also drove taxis around Wangaratta for 40 years, often servicing and repairing them himself.

Mr Britton still has fond memories of his first car, his grandfather’s 1953 FJ Holden, which he bought off him before he could sell it off.

Despite all the changes and countless technological developments in the industry over time, Mr Britton said he’s willingness to stay came from a love for the community.

“I love Wangaratta and the people, and working for Bill and his son Andrew, it was a family business and it was a

HANGING UP THE KEYS: Daryl Britton is retiring after 55 years in the Wangaratta automotive industry, including 33 years with Wangaratta Toyota and the motor group.

PHOTO: Bailey Zimmermann great place to work,” he said.

“Very few people came and went; it was a close knit family business.”

Mr Britton said he will continue with his weekend taxi driving commitments, doing what he loves most, having a yarn and getting to know

Family fun on big New Year’s Eve playlist LIVE music, activities for kids, dance performances and more, mean there will be whole night of entertainment as the Rural City of Wangaratta prepares for New Year’s Eve celebrations to go off with a bang.

Get ready to party at the Wangaratta Showgrounds on Saturday, December 31, with gates to open at 5pm and a big line-up of entertainment starting at 6pm.

Deputy mayor councillor Harry Bussell said it’s going to be a wonderful night of funfilled entertainment for the whole family.

“There will be local food and drink vendors, activities for chil-

dren, entertainment and performances by local dance group Pulsate Dance Force,” he said.

“Local bands Sweet Buzz and This Way North will be providing the headline entertainment on the night.

“This is a great opportunity to see off 2022 and welcome 2023 in style with your family and friends.”

“Bring a picnic rug, your family, invite your neighbours and come down to the Showgrounds to celebrate New Years’ Eve 2022.”

Entry is free, and food and drinks will be available to purchase with fireworks displays set to take place at both 9pm and midnight.

members of the community.

He will also continue volunteering as a Justice of the Peace and delve into his second passion, family history and restoring historic photos.

“I restore all kinds of photos, old yellow ones; I’m about to colour my grand-

Dedicated detectives keep eye on known offenders, check compliance with orders ■

PARTY TIME: Two-piece indie pop-rock band This Way North will be one of the headline acts during New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Wangaratta Showgrounds on December 31.

.%%$ 4/ 025.% 9/52 /6%2(!.').'

42%%3 Specialising in: r 42%% 2%-/6!, r 025.).' (%$').'

r 345-0 2%-/6!, r #()00).' r ,!.$ #,%!2).' r 4)-"%2 3500,)%3 3,!"3 r &)2%7//$ -5,#( 3!,%3

Just call Dave 0435 624 017 www.justtreesaustralia.com.au

&

parents 1917 wedding photo that was all scratched and damaged, I’ve put it all back together and now I’ve got to see if I can add some colour to it,” he said.

“It’s a bit of fun and games, a bit of a hobby for a selftaught old bloke.”

From page 1 “Wangaratta Police will continue proactive police work in the community, including regular patrols of known crime hotspots and the monitoring of recidivist offenders to keep crime as low as possible.”

There were a total of 2210 offences recorded in the Wangaratta area in 2022 with more than half (52.1pc) progressing to an arrest/ summons and 26.9pc remaining unsolved, according to the data.

Alleged offender incidents dropped by 8.8pc compared to the previous year in Wangaratta with assault and

related offences down 172, breaches of orders down 161, drug use and possession down 68, property damage 64 fewer.

Victim reports increased 3.1pc on the previous year with 1051 reports in total, including assaults down 206, thefts up 202, property damage down 122, sexual offences up 75 and burglary/break in up 64.

Some 358 victim reports were made by females, 401 by males and 280 by organisations.

Age demographics included 217 people (024), 130 (25-34), 134 (3544), 117 (45-54), and 153 (55+).

Page 6 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, December 19, 2022

wangarattachronicle.com.au

NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.

City‘s theft rate cause for concern OPPORTUNISTIC theft continues to plague the rural city, despite countless public awareness campaigns lobbied by police.

The recent release of Crime Statistics Victoria data for Wangaratta detailed a 124– incident increase in other theft offences in the year to September, sticking out amid an overall decrease in the rural city‘s crime rate, which fell to its lowest in a decade.

The increase saw theft levels return to those experienced prior to the pandemic, and while some may put the increase down to a ‘return to the norm,‘ in many ways the data reflects a community stuck in its ways, unable to adapt to a changing environment.

Many of these thefts involve motor vehicles, whether it is the theft of valuables from inside a cabin, or theft of the motor vehicle itself.

Long gone are the days when local residents may have felt safe leaving their keys inside their vehicle, parked on the road.

It is risky enough leaving a wallet, or a handbag, or your favourite pair of sunglasses in an unlocked car, purely due to the ease and speed with which they can be nabbed.

Simple measures such as locking cars and parking them in locked car ports or garages where possible will considerably reduce your risk of becoming a victim of theft, or drastically increase the chance of a perpetrator being caught.

Police will undoubtedly endeavour to continue to support and investigate on behalf of theft victims.

However, by creating healthy habits going forward, community members can have a significant say on the local incidence rate.

It‘s always better to be safe than sorry.

The Quiz No. 017 1. Mount Ossa is the highest mountain in which Australian state or territory?

2. Which team won the 2014–15 Australian NBL Grand Final?

3. ,I \RXU ¿UVW UROO LV D VHYHQ LQ 0RQRSRO\ VWDQGDUG 8. YHUVLRQ RQ ZKLFK VTXDUH would you land?

4. :KR SUHFHGHG *RXJK :KLWODP DV OHDGHU RI the Labor Party?

5. 'XVKDQEH LV WKH FDSLWDO RI ZKLFK FRXQWU\ starting with the letter T? 6. :KLFK WHDP SOD\HG WKHLU ¿UVW :$)/ VHDVRQ in 1997?

7. In which decade did the Hindenburg disaster WDNH SODFH" 8. :KLFK FUHDWXUH ZDV RQ WKH UHYHUVH VLGH RI an Australian 2 cent coin?

9. :KR SUHFHGHG /LVD 6FDႈGL DV WKH /RUG Mayor of Perth?

10. 3DP %XUULGJH ZDV D ZRUOG FKDPSLRQ LQ ZKLFK VSRUW" 11. :KR KDG WKH KLW &UDVK" 12. What is Australia’s northernmost mainland SRLQW" 13. :KDW W\SH RI OLTXLG LV EULQH" 14. Which Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle wears WKH SXUSOH EDQGDQQD" 15. How many frames are there in a game of 7HQ SLQ ERZOLQJ" 16. In which century was the Taj Mahal built?

17. :KR ZDV QDPHG 0DQ RI WKH 6HULHV IRU WKH &ULFNHW :RUOG &XS" 18. :KLFK PRYLH VWDUUHG %LOO\ &RQQROO\ DV 6WHYH 0\HUV DQG -XG\ 'DYLV DV $QQD Redmond?

19. :KRVH DXWRELRJUDSK\ ¿UVW SXEOLVKHG LQ WKH V ZDV WLWOHG 7KH 6WRU\ RI 0\ ([SHULPHQWV ZLWK 7UXWK" 20. :KDW DUH WKH WKUHH FRORXUV RQ WKH ÀDJ RI Laos?

Answers 1. Tasmania 2. New Zealand Breakers 3. Chance 4. Arthur Calwell 5. Tajikistan 6. Peel Thunder 7. 1930s 8. Frill-necked Lizard 9.

Peter Nattrass 10. Surfing 11. Suzi Quatro 12. Cape York 13. Salt water 14. Donatello 15. Ten 16. 17th century 17. Mitchell Starc 18.

The Man Who Sued God 19. Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi 20. Red, White, Blue Compiled by Ric Allport – www.brainfoodfactory.com – Challenge your Brain

FACEBOOK users this week commented on the New Zealand parliament’s decision to pass on a world-first legislation which is set to prevent anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, from legally purchasing cigarettes and wheter they thought the same measures should be implemented in Australia.

•

Eleanor James: So when are they to ban alcohol , fast food, using your car, buying a lotto ticket. All things that

kill people. Honestly I cannot fathom how you and all the people championing this cannot see that it is total govt overreach and will come and bite you at a later date Melanie Hellebrand: 100% Timothy Thompson Simpson: The ban doesn’t impact older smokers, who are most at risk. It does not go far enough. The problem is that the older people aren’t quitting, The system has to start helping these people to

• •

actually give up cigarettes because they’re the ones who are immediately seeing quite substantial risk of death and illness.

Facebook users also commented on Cathedral College Wangaratta year 7 student George Walker qualifying for the under 21 national croquet titles after finishing third in the state championships last weekend.

•

Cathedral College Wangaratta: Well done,

George, CCW is very proud of your achievements!

Hayley Currie: That is so cool, well done young mate!

•

Facebook users also commented on Bella Pasquali’s national success last week after winning gold in the under 17 400m event at the Australia All Schools Championship in Adelaide

• •

Rachael Trimble: Congratulations Amber Vincent: Bloody legend

Like the

Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.

Our follower total is

13,863

Have your say in Wangaratta Chronicle poll

Visit our website to vote at www.wangarattachronicle.com.au

Salvos say thanks for Christmas support AS yet another challenging year draws to a close, I find myself again asking: how can we, at The Salvos, express our immense gratitude to the Australian community for their generosity, kindness and support this year?

How can I put into words what it means to us when Aussies show up year after year to help those doing it tough?

While I try to find the words, I think of families like Annie’s.

They were already living close to the poverty line when her employer cut her hours of work, tipping them over the edge.

Heading into Christmas, they were struggling to make ends meet.

Agonising decisions like whether to put petrol in the car or food on the table; pay the electricity bill or buy medication plagued Annie every day. She began having panic attacks and harbouring guilt about not being able to give her children everything they want and deserve. As you can imagine, celebrating Christmas felt impossible.

But thanks to the Aussie community spirit, Annie has hope.

As a Salvation Army Officer, delivering services to people like Annie, there aren’t enough words to express our deepest gratitude to a very generous Australian community- all we can do is say thank you.

Thank you for donating, volunteering and packing hampers so that we could distribute over 64,000 food parcels and vouchers, and around 300,000 gifts and toys to families.

Thank you for helping us provide over 1.5 million meals, 887,500 crisis beds and 2000-plus services nationwide throughout the year.

Thank you for helping us keep Christmas alive for Aussies struggling to make ends meet, for helping us leave no one in need.

To each and every one of you who supported us throughout 2022, we thank you.

We’ve said it before, but it remains true: we couldn’t do what we do without you.

People say, ‘thank God for the Salvos’. We say thank God for you.

May you and your loved ones cherish this time of year and know that whatever the new year brings, the Salvos will walk alongside those in need and be there when you need us most.

If you would like to donate to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal, or if you need support, please visit

Should Australia follow New Zealand’s lead and ban cigarette sales to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009?

CHRISTMAS BOMBED: The Wangaratta High School students have taken Christmas decorations to the next level by decorating this bus shelter on Phillipson Street with a range of creative paper art.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58).

Major Bruce Harmer, The Salvation Army

Hold national energy doomsayers to account THE Australian Workers’ Union is urging people to take note of the doomladen predictions of the gas industry and the Federal opposition so they can be contrasted with reality, following the passing of the Albanese Government’s price cap legislation through parliament today.

Although the legislation was supported by all crossbench members, the gas lobby and the Coalition have boldly predicted a broad range of catastrophic scenarios for the Australian economy.

These predictions should be carefully noted so they can be compared to reality as it unfolds.

Here’s my prediction for what will happen as a result of this apparently terrifying new legislation: the price of gas and coal will fall, consumers will feel relief, and the manufacturing industry will gain the confidence to keep operating and investing in Australia,” he said.

The multinational energy exporters, who are currently hyperventilating and feeding

the Opposition talking points, will continue to make massive profits.

The world will keep turning.

Australia’s orderly transition to a clean energy future will continue.

Those out there hyperventilating about ‘a war on gas exporters’ and ‘Marxism’ and whatever other nonsense they’ve pumped into the media this week will pull their heads in as they’re forced to acknowledge the embarrassing size of their profits.

The Albanese Government and the crossbenchers are to be commended for seeing through the hyperbolic nonsense of the exporters and legislating in the national interest.

Daniel Walton, AWU National Secretary

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

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, December 19, 2022 - Page 7

Boys to the Bush taking their program to the schools

WELCOME FUNDING: Matt Dillon, Daniel Boschetti, Thomas Ryan, Enda Prosser and Simon Dale are keen for the prospect of new members as they will be running their program for a select group of students at a designated Wangaratta school for a term next year. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

BOYS To The Bush Wangaratta are excited to have the opportunity to run their program at a designated school in the rural city thanks to community grant funding from council.

Wangaratta program coordinator Matt Dillon said the not for profit community charity plans on using the $6400 grant to cover costs to bring their program to more youth next year.

“It’s a great opportunity for the young guys who need it, who are a bit disadvantaged or disengaged

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

from those classroom situations,” he said.

“Whereas the opportunities they get with us will be hands on with the community, what we do with our school program will give them an opportunity to experience that.”

The program is to run for a school term next year for a group of students selected by the school.

Mr Dillon said they are yet to confirm which school.

“We’ll do a lot of visits, we’ll go out and visit the saleyards, take them out on some farms and they’ll get to experience what goes on in a working farm setting; they’ll go out to a local business and get hands on experience,” he said.

“Our value is around the community, so working with the community around engagement is about importantly building resilience in these young guys.”

State support required for Alpine Valleys’ future leaders

ALPINE Valleys Community Leadership will proceed in 2023, drawing on its own financial reserves to operate, amid hopes the State Government will renew its commitment to the program and others like it.

Judy Charlton, Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Fund chair, said AVCL and other leadership programs across the state had been active - via peak body Victorian Regional Community Leadership Program (VRCLP) - in the lead-up to the recent Victorian election, seeking to secure ongoing funding beyond the State Government’s existing funding arrangement, which expires this month.

“Now that we have the outcome of the election, the VRCLP is working to see what is the next step, and we continue to be in touch with Regional Development Victoria through our regional director, Matt Nelson,” she said.

“We are continuing to provide short-term programs, and we have decided to proceed with our 2023 program, for which we will be using our own reserves, built up over two decades.

“We’ve had sponsors and scholarship partners will-

BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

ing and able to provide their contribution, and our participants have been selected.”

Ms Charlton said the program would contribute $190,000 of its own funding to support next year’s cohort, with sponsors and scholarship providers contributing $150,000.

“We would not be able to do that again in 2024, so we hope the government can see the value in investing in local community leadership,” she said.

“The State Government needs people on the ground who can step up and show leadership to develop programs locally, especially in the wake of floods, bushfires and COVID-19.

“The need is greater than it’s ever been.”

The VRCLP is seeking State Government support of $10 million over 10 years for the 10 Victorian programs for which it serves as the peak body.

This would include a share of $1.1 million spread over those 10 years for Al-

pine Valleys Community Leadership, which was established in 1998 to facilitate development of the North East region’s leadership capacity.

Based on the design of programs being run at the time in Melbourne and the Goulburn Valley, the first program was brought to the region in 1999 through a volunteer board of community leaders led by inaugural chair John Brown.

Though it went into recess the following year due to lack of funding, graduates of the first program valued it so highly that efforts were made to continue, and it has been delivered every year since 2001.

The program sees a diverse group of up to 25 aspiring leaders take part in a 10-month intensive experiential learning program designed to develop their personal leadership skills, knowledge of the region, and network of leadership contacts.

“Our alumni program is quite strong; we keep in touch with them and they continue to engage with us,” Ms Charlton said.

“We have had alumni become councillors, join community bank boards, take an active role in local bush-

SEEKING STATE SUPPORT: Members of the Alpine Valleys Community Leadership board (from left), David Kidd, Anthony Griffiths, Judy Charlton, Megan Buntine, Katie Warner, Felicity Whorlow and Sophie Enders (absent Pip O’Donnell) hope the State Government will continue its support for the program beyond this month. fire recovery committees, and contribute significant leadership time locally each year. These are people who are very active in their communities.”

The AVCL 2023 program is set to begin in February,

and Ms Charlton said she hoped the State Government would continue its role in supporting future leaders, not only in the North East but across the state, as Victoria emerged from a difficult period caused by envi-

ronmental conditions and the pandemic.

“There were lots of election promises made, but I truly believe that local leadership has got to be up there as an important investment for the future,” she said.

Give a Child a Gift this Christmas

Our valued volunteers pictured: Heulwen Taylor, Marg Hochfeld, Vivien Kemp, Christine Sewell (front) Lorraine *ULIÀWKV /L] &DVVLQJKDP

Thank you to everyone who has supported this initiative, the well ageing info hub has now closed its doors

Wishing you all a very safe & Merry Christmas

UMFC - 36 Mackay St & New ed) rapp w n u ( r gifts fo & n e r d il ch Teens Proudly supported by

@Charlie’s RESTAURANT BAR Corner of Reid St & Victoria Parade

@Charlie’s

Page 8 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, December 19, 2022

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Stunning images telling true Australian stories via the lens

VISITORS to the Wangaratta Art Gallery have an opportunity to see captivating images of the people and places that make outback Australia tick, during the A Portrait of Australia exhibition.

The stunning display of large format photographic prints brings together the expertise of Australian Geographic’s acclaimed photographers over 30 years, with the National Museum’s interpretive storytelling experience.

A Portrait of Australia: Stories Through the lens of Australian Geographic is touring the country as part of an unprecedented partnership between the two organisations.

National Museum director Dr Mathew Trinca said the exhibition celebrates the bush, the outback, the coast and the people who live and work there.

“It features photographs from the Australian Geographic archive and will transport you to some of the most rugged and remote parts of the country where you will discover the remarkable stories of ordinary Australians,” Dr Trinca said.

Across the arts Australian Geographic’s editor in chief, Chrissie Goldrick, said the organisation was thrilled to be partnering with the National Museum of Australia.

“Both strive to tell authentic Australian stories using the very finest storytelling methods, whether it be words, images or objects,” she said.

“These beautifully presented exhibitions transform our words and pictures into a truly immersive experience.”

The photographs, which will tour Australia for the next two years, are drawn from a book produced to celebrate 30 years of Australian Geographic’s magazine.

Venues around the country were able to select from a collection of 60 photographs to tell their own regional stories -and the stories of the nation.

The exhibition will be on display at the Wangaratta Art Gallery until February 12 next year.

STORYTELLING: Wangaratta Art Gallery curator Ashlee Laing said the gallery was delighted to host A Portrait of Australia, featuring photographs reflecting the beauty and distinct spirit of Australia.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Cold start to summer

READY TO ACT: Fire Rescue Victoria firefighters Matt Thomas and Rob Hardwick taught Wangaratta West Primary School students Marlee Crosher, Eli Armstrong, Will Freeman, Emmett Macey, Kaya Shah and Sadie O’Keeffe how to manage a fire hose, during foundational fire safety training earlier this week.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Fire safety front of mind

By RYAN MALCOLM FOUNDATION students at Wangaratta West Primary School have learnt the importance of home fire safety, as part of a four-stage curriculum complete with two visits from local firefighters.

First introduced by Metropolitan Fire Brigades in 1993, the Fire Ed for Foundation program was expanded to include all Fire Rescue Victoria regions in 2020, following

the career firefighter merger.

The local program concluded on Monday as students learnt how to ‘stop, drop, cover and roll’ before being shown the intricacies of a fire truck by Wangaratta FRV members Matt Thomas and Rob Hardwick.

Wangaratta West Primary School assistant principal Danielle Ashmead said students had learnt about how to distinguish a good fire and a bad fire, how to crawl low

in smoke, where to safely meet in the event of a house fire and how to contact Triple Zero (000).

“Our foundation students participated in ‘The Fire Ed’ program which is specifically designed for children in their first year of school,” she said.

“We were lucky enough to have firefighters visit us from FRV - they worked together with our teachers to deliver a program over

multiple sessions which provided our students with important home fire safety information.

“The biggest highlight for the students was being allowed to sit in the fire truck and experience squirting a fire hose.

“I highly recommend this program to other schools they also provide a program for upper levels which our grade six students were involved in earlier in the year.”

THE first fortnight of December in North East Victoria has seen maximum temperatures four degrees below normal at Wangaratta and Rutherglen.

At Wangaratta the mean maximum temperature to December 14 was 25.1 degrees and this is the coldest start to any summer since 1964.

In addition, there had only been 10mms of rainfall since November 21.

Parks and gardens have noticeably been drying off during December.

A series of low pressure troughs and passages of cold fronts have delivered unsettled conditions and snow falls at Alpine resorts and record low summer temperatures.

Perisher Valley recorded minus 7 degrees on December 9 and this was the lowest ever summer temperature recorded in Australia - the previous record was back in February 1979.

Canberra was hit by a frost on December 9 with the temperature falling to 0.9 degrees - the coldest since 2012 and the third coldest in December since 1980.

An active cold front with severe thunderstorms hit Perisher Valley just two days after it’s record cold day and 118mms of rainfall was recorded in less than 24 hours - the heaviest December rain since 1995.

On December 14 Mt Hotham recorded minus 5.4 degrees which was not only a December record but also a record low in Victoria during any summer.

WHAT’S UP WITH THE WEATHER?

By Peter Nelson, Retired CSIRO climatologist The previous lowest at Mt Hotham was minus 5.2 on December 20, 1978.

It was not long after this date in December 1978 that widespread heavy rain and thunderstorms occurred on Christmas Day. Mt Buller with minus 4.8 recorded it’s lowest temperature since the minus 5.1 on December 28, 1988.

Falls Creek had it’s lowest temperature of minus 4.8 on record for the second time this month.

Since the end of November heatwave conditions have been slowly building up in the northern part of WA and this has spread into the Northern Territory with many places recording temperatures above 45 degrees.

At Mandora, north east of Port Hedland, 48.5 degrees was recorded on December 11 - the hottest on record for December in 60 years of records.

The previous hottest December day was 48.4 degrees on December 22, 1981.

Cool unsettled conditions are likely to continue i the North East until around December 21 when a spell of warm to hot days of 30 to about 38 degrees is expected to near the end of December when thunderstorms are anticipated.

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, December 19, 2022 - Page 9

TEAM FOCUSSED: Wangaratta CFA Captain Jason Allisey (left), Heath French, and volunteer sustainability team member Michelle Critchley (rear).

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

FREE SAILING: Heath French enjoyed climbing up the tall ship mast during the voyage.

CFA volunteer has the time of his life on the Young Endeavour LOCAL teenager Heath French has recently returned from an 11-day trip on the tall ship Young Endeavour as part of a youth scheme in what he has labelled “an experience of a lifetime”.

The Wangaratta 17-yearold was selected through the Country Fire Authority (CFA) as the participant from District 23 to take part in the voyage, sailing from Sydney to Geelong.

Participants learn to sail but it’s the skills for life that are lasting such as communication, leadership, teamwork, selfesteem and a greater understanding of themselves and each other.

Coles donated a $50,000 grant to the CFA to provide four adult and four youth leadership scholarships from CFA districts 12, 22, 23 and 24.

Heath said it taught him practical skills around the use of ropes and teamwork that would translate to other applications during his work as a CFA volunteer.

“There were 24, 16 to 23-year-old people and 12 instructors on board and I made a lot of friends during the whole experience,” he said.

“There was a 24-hour period on days eight and nine when the youth crew took over the ship and we elected our own youth team consisting of the captain, sail master and navigators.

Heath took a liking to navigation where he had to focus on getting the ship to a certain place at a certain time from Sealers Cove at Wilson’s Promontory to just below the rip at Port Philip Bay.

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

“Apart from climbing the 30-metre mast a lot, I personally did quite a bit of mapping while I was on board which I took a keen interest in,” he said.

“We had to sail around certain areas and during our command day weren’t allowed within a nautical mile of the coast unless it was our final destination.

“There was a lot of broken sleep as we had four hour shifts to keep watch during the nights and we seemed to always be trying to beat an approaching storm.”

But it was all worth it with the whole youth crew climbing the masts before being greeted by family after sailing into port at Geelong to end the voyage, but perhaps starting a new journey.

CFA volunteer sustainability team member, Michelle Critchley, played a part in securing the Coles grant and she organised the applications to the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme.

She said the scheme builds self-confidence and leadership knowledge and one of the big things around that is forming lifelong networks and skills.

“It empowers them to succeed and learn valuable skills including people skills which can be applied in life or brigade settings,” Ms Critchley said.

“The training also stands out on a resume, especially those who go down a

hands-on pathway.”

Wangaratta CFA Brigade Captain Jason Allisey said it was an absolute privilege to have Heath as a younger member of the brigade to go and do that type of program.

“That puts him in good stead as a future member of the Country Fire Authority with opportunities into BMT (brigade management team) and officer roles,” he said.

“Heath and a lot of the young members are very keen and it’s just an absolute amazing program that these guys can get their heads around and come back with skills that a lot of my guys here probably would never get.”

The Young Endeavour Youth Scheme partners with schools, businesses and community organisations to provide scholarships to young Australians aged 16-23 to sail in Young Endeavour and to promote the program to youth within their communities.

For more information visit https://youngendeavour.gov.au/. TOP ACHIEVEMENT: Heath French being awarded his completion certificate with ship captain Adam Farley.

YOUNG CFA CREW: Heath French (left), Larissa Ballard, Stephanie Calderwood and Phoebe Church were the four CFA volunteers on board the Young Endeavour, pictured here with captain Adam Farley.

Page 10 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, December 19, 2022

wangarattachronicle.com.au

New workplace harassment laws welcomed locally LOCAL businesses are being urged to take seriously key amendments to the Federal Government’s AntiDiscrimination and Human Rights Legislation (Respect at Work) Bill which was recently passed in parliament.

The Respect at Work Bill requires employers to implement measures to prevent unlawful sexual harassment, sex discrimination and victimisation, and confers new regulatory powers.

Independent MP for Indi Helen Haines said she was pleased to see the recommendations of the Jenkins Report implemented, after it was left to “gather dust for three years by the previous government”.

“One of the most important parts of the bill is the implementation of a positive duty on workplaces to en-

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

sure they are fostering safe and inclusive workplaces,” she said.

“That means it is not enough to just respond to sexual harassment, but now workplaces must take active steps to prevent sexual harassment.

“This applies to employees, employers and customers, so it’s not just about preventing sexual harassment between colleagues but also between, for example, a patron and bar staff.”

The Respect at Work report was released in 2020 by sex discrimination commissioner Kate Jenkins and outlined 55 recommendations

to the Federal Government to amend sex discrimination and human rights laws to create safer workplaces across Australia.

The government has committed to implementing all the report’s 55 recommendations as a matter of priority.

Wangaratta Centre Against Violence (CAV) chief executive officer, Jaime Chubb, said the passing of the bill is a vital piece of work.

“It isn’t just around women’s safety in a workplace; it’s about everybody knowing that they can and should be safe within a workplace,” she said.

“Right across the nation for some time now we’ve had an enormous focus around physical safety and creating workplaces that people know will have access to physically safe work places.”

Ms Chubb said CAV will strive to implement these recommendations locally by continuing to lead conversations and ensure local businesses have access to important information.

“It’s in their best interests, it’s not all about avoiding fines or making sure they don’t get into trouble,” she said.

“We believe employers genuinely want the best for the people who work for them and to do that they need to make sure people can come to work and not experience any discrimination or sexual harassment.

“A lot of it is supporting businesses and organisa-

STARTING THE CONVERSATION: Wangaratta Centre Against Violence CEO Jaime Chubb said CAV will be encouraging local businesses to start the conversations in implementing new amendments in preventing sexual harassment and discrimination in workplaces.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

tions to understand what are some of the driving factors towards an environment where sexual harassment takes place or what are enabling factors within a business or a workplace and what kind of behaviours need to be adjusted so that doesn’t happen.”

While there will be a 12 month transition period before the amendments become enforceable, Ms Chubb said CAV will be encouraging local businesses to act as soon as possible.

“We do know of cases where people have been sexually harassed in a workplace or where there’s been

inappropriate behavior from colleagues,” she said.

“What sits above that still though is that people still have a perception that women can be treated differently and less than, and that’s probably the work we’re trying really hard to overturn.

“Whether we’re talking about a sporting club, a workplace or someone’s home, everyone has a right to feel safe.”

Employers and employees can go to https://www. respectatwork.gov.au/ for information on what the changes mean for them and how to take action in their workplace.

WANGARATTA

Sunday 19 March 2023 Total cash prize pool of over $5000 plus trophies and gift packs

ENTER NOW

For further information and to register go to

wangarattamarathon.com.au

Sponsored by

Charity Partner

Supporting Partner

MARATHON HALF MARATHON 10KM 5KM 2KM PRIMARY SCHOOL CHALLENGE

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, December 19, 2022 - Page 11

SOCIAL FOCUS

Seniors gather for Christmas celebration WANGARATTA Senior Citizens Club held its Christmas break-up lunch at the Wangaratta Club on Wednesday.

Following a break over the festive season, the club’s activities will start up again on Monday, January 9, with indoor carpet bowls, followed

by cards (500) and hoy the following day, all at the clubrooms in Tara Court, off Ford Street.

The next social gathering will be held at the Wangaratta Club on Wednesday, January 18.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

Margot Hartmond, Debbie Savage, Ida Zanin and Alan Black.

Isabel McConnell, Wilma Lawn and Thelma Adair.

Marion Rasmussen and Dieny Vanberlo.

Ian McCartney and June Chopping.

Christine and Michael Chambeyron.

Janine and Steve Doig with Bernadette Griffiths.

Veterans enjoy Christmas morning tea WANGARATTA RSL hosted its regular veteran and family morning tea on Tuesday at its Templeton Street base, with a Christmas theme to complete the year.

The morning tea is held on the second Tuesday of each month, except January, so the next event will be held on February 14.

All ex-service personnel and family are most welcome to attend.

For further information phone 0447 217 768.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

Hanny Bongers.

Ron, Bev and Andrew Foster.

Wilma Bright, Toni Moore, Jenny Ryan, Colleen Davis and Julia Dean.

Community and Business Directory

2022

Proudly brou

ght to you by

Available onlin

e

Available online

(Back, from left) John Emslie and John Hall; (front, from left) Des Woods, Darrell Brumby, Wally Patjens and Charles Haynes.

Secure your advertising space today to ensure that your business is the one Wangaratta residents turn to in 2023.

Wangaratta

Keith Fleet and Doug Williams.

Contact Maddie to discuss today 0435 287 393 or mpelly@nemedia.com.au

proudly brought to you by

David Hobday and Len Maidment.

@Charlie’s RESTAURANT BAR

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS LUNCH 11:30 TO 2:30 for a full Christmas lunch, live music and friendship *CAN YOU HELP? Contact Jon: 0410669908

Corner of Reid St & Victoria Parade 0444 540 010

Page 12 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, December 19, 2022

4|

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Junior Reporter Club

SPOT 5 DIFFERENCES

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO...

6 Reid Street 67a W WANGARATTA

P: 5722 9211 P

Hugh Wiedemann .......................................................... December 23 Frankie Rivett ......................................................... December 25 This Week’s Winner of a birthday cake from Shelley’s Country Bakehouse is Frankie Rivett To be in the running to win a birthday cake from Shelley’s Country Bakehouse, join the Junior Reporter Club. Phone 5723 0100 or email bsommer@nemedia.com.au with your child’s name, address, DOB and phone number. Your address and phone number will not be printed in the Chronicle but is required to contact you should you win the cake. Birthday Book is for 1 to 14 year olds. All existing Birthday Book participants will remain eligible to win a birthday cake.

Pies, Pasties & Sausage Rolls, Salad Rolls, Breads, Cakes & Pastries, Cold Drinks & Coffee HOURS: H OUR RS S: M Mo Monday on nd day ay - F Friday rid ri da ay 6 ay 6.30am .

- 5.30pm S Sa Saturday aturd turd tu rday ay 7.

7 7.00am .00 00a 00am am m - 2.30pm

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, December 19, 2022 - Page 13

wangarattachronicle.com.au

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

Cane Down Hack Halt Kept

5 What are boxing

4 6

A

D

G

T

BIYWORD

G G I K M N

N O P R R R

S S T T T T

H B E I C R L A Z M P S L O L O N C Y

B O D G R U D G E A D T E V A S S E E T R U R I T E A A L A O W E S T A T H R C K E R U E U M B G N E T Y

CROSSWORD

A R I N G O O H U M B S N L U D G E S S C Y M B E R T U H O T T L E L I R E L L A R Y

SUDOKU

© Puzzles supplied by AUSPAC MEDIA

WHICH WORDS: 1 (b) A hill-shading line on a map 2 (a) Related to medicine or physicians

7

S

6

4

E

3

R

5

2

R

1

N

DOWN 1 Compensated 2 Infantry 3 Withdraw gradually 4 Identify

E

ACROSS 1 Chess piece 5 Field of study 6 Prayer leader 7 Unit of force

R

A A D E E E

SOLUTIONS

261

Solve the crossword.

Each answer has four letters.

QUICK THINK

G

261

T

CLUES: Cotton twill fabric (5) Fuel-carrying transports (7) Indian stringed instrument (5) Prefix: grandfather’s father (5) Quote: “to ... is human” (3) Sleeveless garment (4,3) Soiled wool piece (3) Category (5) US: auto fuel (3) Witty remark (3)

A

SUDOKU

Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.

*6

K+H K×K V-Q V÷N G-Q G-N D+N

001

MINI WORD FIND

Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

D G H K N Q V

Sure Torn Used

BIYWORD

271

QUICK THINK ACROSS: 1 Pawn, 5 Area, 6 Imam, 7 Dyne.

DOWN: 1 Paid, 2 Army, © 3 Wean, 4 Name.

E-QUATIONS

Pool Pore Rail Slow Solo

2 IATRICAL (a) Related to medicine or physicians (b) Satirical in verse (c) Of Spain and Portugal

E

14

22

K

12

21

K E P T L E

1 HACHURE (a) A chopping block (b) A hill-shading line on a map (c) An American tree allied to the elm

N

10

19

C C L I A R

WHICH WORDS

A

9

18

servant of a household (6) To be extremely foolish, is to be what (coll) (5) To walk pompously, is to walk how (5) Name a red variety of corundum, highly prized as a gem (4) To which plant group does the fleur-de-lis belong (4)

Lion Lock Ode Pet Pits

T

6

16 Who is the head male

matches split into (6) To be imposing in appearance, is to be what (5) Which devices are used for fastening objects together (6) What is surreptitious procedure (7) Name an agricultural implement for mowing grass, etc (6) To rouse from sleep, is to do what (6)

A A O S T U

Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally.

Some letters are used more than once.

076o001

A

DOWN 1 Which term describes

an inheritor (4) 2 To be more courageous, is to be what (6) 3 What are bookmakers’ prices known as (4) 4 To discourage from acting, is to do what (5)

T

25

I

24

S

23

P

20

H N O L O S

M O

17

T E P O R E

E-QUATIONS D:18, G:16, H:14, K:4, N:6, Q:10, V:24

15

E D O W N D

K E P T L E

13

C C L I A R

11

A A O S T U

9

H N O L O S

8

is to be what (6) To be reluctant to give, is to do what (8) Name the short, thick inner digits of the human hands (6) What is a deep cleft in the ice of a glacier (8) When one walks laboriously, one does what (7) Which blue mineral is a gem of moderate value (7) Name an earlier Australian painter and sculptor, George Washington ... (7) To be the least rapid, is to be the what (7) Which device controls the amount of fuel being fed to an engine (8) What is a chest in which to stow things (6) Which portable shade is used for protection from rain (8) What is a young swan called (6)

T E P O R E

7

261

E D O W N D

ACROSS 4 To be bold or intrepid,

MINI WORD FIND

961

Page 14 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, December 19, 2022

wangarattachronicle.com.au

RURAL

Mixed outcomes in delayed harvest as weather warms

BY SHANE DOUTHIE sdouthie@ nemedia.com.au

THE dour spring experienced across south east Australia will see harvesters working well into January across much of North East Victoria according to Lilliput crop grower Andrew Russell.

Mr Russell is the managing director and a shareholder of Lilliput AG, a sister company of Baker Seeds, a family–owned farming and seed cleaning business.

He is also chair of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) southern panel.

The family farms around 2500 hectares just south of Rutherglen with crops this year of fava beans, canola, wheat and triticale.

He spoke last Friday just before getting onto the header to attack the canola crop.

“We‘re a good three weeks behind where we‘d like to be,” he said.

“It‘s due to the extremely mild and wet spring we‘ve had, it‘s the wettest spring we‘ve experienced with the highest amount of rainfall in our records (going back more than 30 years).

“It puts a bit of pressure on.

“We need moisture to grow our

DUST AT LAST: After such a sodden spring Andrew Russell is relieved to be able to finally harvest his crops albeit far later than usual.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling dramatically reduced due to wa- ising but since August and through crops but not this much.”

September and October it just kept The annual rainfall for the farm ter–logging.

“Where the drainage is good the raining.” is 590mm but this year they have Mr Russell was hopeful the cereblown that out of the water record- yields have been exceptional, it‘s very much high and lows, with the al crops including the wheat would ing 1050mm.

He said the wet weather had se- lowest of the lows the crops have not be as impacted as severely as the canola and, with a week of relariously impacted the canola yield died,” he said.

“The year was looking so prom- tive sunshine under the belt and which, in many areas, had been

WANGARATTA CATTLE MARKET AVERAGES No. BREED 3 1

Ang Ang

4 1 4 5

Ang X BB Ang Limo

6 2 1 9 1 4 1

Ang X Ang BB Ang Limo BB Ang

PRODUCER DISTRICT BULLOCKS (550kg & over) Kris Humphery mansfield Pulitano Past Merrijig STEERS HV & KA White Laceby Pulitano Past Merrijig I & S Vincent Chiltern Higgs Construction Violet Town HEIFERS DBA Goorambat I & S Vincent Chiltern Highfield Past BE & JM Lewis Benalla T & J Hourigan Oxley Flats G & J Chalwell Bowmans Forest Tomeli Past Bobinawarrah TRADE

TUESDAY 13TH DECEMBER 2022

AGENT

Av Wgt c/Kg

AV PRICE

CP CP

636 755

420 400.0

NTR CP NTR NTR

473 525 523 469

NTR NTR NTR NTR CP CP ELD

407 530 630 458 690 587 570

461.2 $2,181.48 440 $2,310.00 440 $2,301.20 440 $2,063.60 $0.00 434.2 $1,767.19 428.2 $2,269.46 428.2 $2,697.66 428.0 $1,960.24 425.0 $2,932.50 406.0 $2,383.22 380.0 $2,166.00

$2,671.20 $3,020.00

$0.00 LOT FED $0.00 VEALERS 1 Lim X GD Bussell Carboor ELD 430 498.2 $2,142.26 3 Limo Higgs Construction Violet Town NTR 465 470.0 $2,185.50 1 Lim X Str K & B Forster Wangaratta CP 365 460.0 $1,679.00 1 Simm X I & M Ramage Molyullah NTR 440 466.0 $2,050.40 COWS 1 Limo T & J Hourigan Oxley Flats CP 720 370 $2,664.00 2 Ang K Finger & Son Moyhu NTR 675 358 $2,416.50 1 Simm I & R Ramage Molyullah NTR 825 355 $2,928.75 1 Limo T & J Hourigan Oxley Flats CP 815 355 $2,893.25 6 Ang Hansen Angus Euroa NTR 738 349.6 $2,580.05 11 Ang Tomeli Past Bobinawarrah ELD 656 346 $2,269.76 BULLS 1 Ang D & M Schultz Wangaratta East CP 1005 314.2 $3,157.71 1 W/Gall Rell Past Myrrhee NTR 680 310 $2,108.00 Next Sale Tuesday 10th January 2023 1: CP 2: ELD 3: NTR 4: AWN

more forecast, he expected to be harvesting that early this week.

“Like most farmers, we‘ve had to be fairly adaptable due to the weather; we‘re direct heading the canola instead of the usual windrows this year,” he said.

“Most farmers I know have mastered it so losses should be minimal.

“We‘re grateful we‘ve got some fine weather now so we‘re all going full tilt.”

Mr Russell said their team of eight, mainly family members, would be working right through Christmas except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day. “We‘ll be harvesting well and truly into mid to late January,” he said.

“As a rule we‘ll have Christmas and Boxing Day off, we still have to function as families, so hopefully we‘ll get a good spell when we get the crop off.”

The eight person team includes two adult children on breaks from university, James who is studying agribusiness at CSU Wagga Wagga, and Pippa, who is studying design and business.

“We‘re happy to be going at all,” Mr Russell said.

“They have always helped out during the school holidays.

“Harvest is an enjoyable time of year, it‘s busy and it‘s where you reap the fruits of your labour.”

BE PREPARED: Rob Hawkings, chair of NEWZ, said all North East wine growers are able to be prepared and informed of fire activity in the region.

PHOTO Georgie James Photography

Communication lines open in time for grape growing season WINERIES and grape growers have come together to increase the preparedness, response, and recovery during region wide crisis events with the formation of the North East Wine Zone (NEWZ) Working Group.

NEWZ covers five wine regions including the Alpine Valleys, Beechworth, Glenrowan, King Valley and Rutherglen Geographic Indicators.

In 2021 the North East Wine industry contributed an estimated $1 billion to the North East economy.

This year the Hume Private Land Burn Coordination Meeting has been set up with a range of stakeholders who are working together to keep each other informed of

any fire activity.

“With communication lines open, all stakeholders are able to be prepared and informed of fire activity in the North East Wine Zone this growing season,” Rob Hawkings, chair of NEWZ said.

“Based on the latest weather outlook, the CFA is expecting this fire season to be below normal in North East Victoria, although the threat of damage from smoke to grapes as a result of grass fires is ever present.”

The CFA introduced the Fire Danger Period at 1am on Monday for all municipalities in North East Victoria including, Alpine Shire, Rural City of Benalla, Indigo Shire, Mansfield Shire,

Towong Shire, Rural City of Wangaratta, City of Wodonga, Moira Shire, Strathbogie Shire and City of Greater Shepparton.

Information on the Joint Fuel Management Program can be found on the Forest Fire Management Victoria website interactive map Joint Fuel Management Program (JFMP) (ffm.vic.gov. au).

For the latest information on burns scheduled in your local area please register your interest at Planned Burns Victoria.

NEWZ is supported by Agriculture Victoria and AgBiz Assist. More information on the NEWZ community can be found at www.newzcommunity.au.

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, December 19, 2022 - Page 15

wangarattachronicle.com.au

IN PERSON BY PHONE BY EMAIL 37 Rowan Street, classifieds@ 5723 0101 Wangaratta nemedia.com.au 3677

WHEN TO BOOK

Chronicle Classifieds 2.30pm business day prior to print North East Jobs 3pm Friday

SELLING BUY A CAR ONLINE

General Classifieds: wangarattachronicle.com.au Employment: northeastjobs.com.au Real Estate: northeastproperty.com.au

2 WEEKS REGIONAL WITH PICTURE

from only $42

OPEN HOURS 9AM TO 5PM MON-FRI

WANGARATTA’S MARKET PLACE WITH OVER 40,000 READERS EACH WEEK IN PRINT AND ONLINE EMPLOYMENT 3 Bedroom brick home, rural Milawa area, split system air conditioner, wood heater, 25 minutes from Wangaratta, $440 per week plus bond. Ph 03 5727 3490 or 0427 273 490.

NEW MASSAGE SHOP Lavish Wellness Centre 69 Green Street, Wangaratta Ph: 0437 725 990 F: Lavish Wellness Centre

School cleaners wanted for 2023 WWCC Police Check Own Transport

EST 1948 For the best range and priced work boots in town.

Work orders welcome

Contact (02) 6056 2494 or

66-68 Murphy Street, Wangaratta 5721 3458

enquiries@ bordercleaning.com.au

PUBLIC NOTICES

Publications and dead dlines over the Christma as New Ye ear period!

Publication date:

&ODVVL²HGV deadline:

Friday, December 23

Thursday, December 22 2.30pm

Friday, December 30

Thursday, December 29 2.30pm

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Tuesday, January 3 2.30pm

Office Hours: Open: Weekdays 9am - 5pm Closed: Friday, Dec 23 Monday, Dec 26 Tuesday, Dec 27 Wednesday, Dec 28 Monday, Jan 2, 2023 We would like to wish all our advertisers and readers a Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year!

MOTOR VEHICLES

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

Shelley's Country Bakehouse has various positions available for

FRONT OF HOUSE The job requires a bright and bubbly person to join our friendly and hard-working team.

This person must strive for great customer service.

Please email info@tobake.com.au and contact Erin or you could drop your resume to 67A Reid St, Wangaratta 3677

CONCRETING - Big or small jobs. Paths, driveways, shed slabs, verandahs. 15 years experience. For a free q u o t e p h o n e Tr e v Anderson on 0422 200 761.

Get

Motoring Advertise your car, boat, caravan, bike or trailer across all North East Media newspapers for

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

CARAVANS & CAMPERS

2002 Pajero Exceed, reg (1JQ4FI), leather 7 seats, 4x4, 3.2l diesel, RWC, 415,000km, good reliable vehicle, some 4x4 gear and parts, $4500. Ph 0448 065 279.

is looking for a

This position is Monday to Friday, we are looking for a hard-working and enthusiastic individual who has a passion for food.

Please email info@tobake.com.au to Wendy or drop a resume 67A Reid St, Wangaratta 3677

Find the widest range of jobs in the North East at

2 owners, 3.5 litre petrol, automatic transmission, 7 seater, new tyres, registered till March 2023 (ZQP660), 200,000km (highway kms), RWC provided, service history available, inspection welcome

$17,990 Ph 0448 906 203

2016 Redcentre Kimberley 21’6”, GVM 3300kg, semioffroad, extended QS bed, ensuite, washing machine, 300W solar, diesel heater, 3way fridge, cafe dinette, SS gas/elec HWS, lots more great features and extras, immaculate, reg Aug 2023, $79,000. Ph 0439 0DQV¿HOG

Conditions apply.

MOTOR VEHICLES

2012 Santa Fe Highlander

SOLD

$42

Shelley’s Country Bakehouse BAKER/PASTRYCOOK APPRENTICE or fully qualified and/or KITCHEN HAND.

CARAVANS & CAMPERS

FORD Mondeo Titanium wagon, top of the range leather, sunroof, park assist etc, 2017/18, RWC, rego (1RR3NP), excellent condition, fussy owner, $25,000. Enquiries 0418 573 570.

CAMPER TRAILER Marlin Cruiser XL, extra awning, 2019 as new, slept in twice, 12 months reg, queen bed, gas strut system offers trailer access via mattress access door or tilt the entire tent to get to large items, ultra fine mesh on all windows and doors, Insulcell triple layer insulated roof keeps you cool, ready to go away for Christmas, all in as new condition, $6000 ono.

Ph 0409 806 052.

CAMPERTRAILER Customline adventure VWHSXS R൵URDG WHQW WRS XSJUDGHG LQ ]LS RQ HQG ZDOOV DQG ÀRRU PHVK IRU DZQLQJ volt deep cycle battery ZLWK H[WHUQDO SRZHU VRFNHWV DQG LQWHUQDO VRFNHWV EHVLGH EHG queen mattress with SLOORZ WRSSHU OLWUH water tank with water plumbed to swing out NLWFKHQ YLD YROW SXPS PRXQWV XQGHUQHDWK WR ¿W D QG ZDWHU WDQN ELNH UDFN ¿WWHG WR GUDZ EDU IRU XSWR ELNHV NJ JDV ERWWOHV RQR &RQWDFW 6WHYH RQ

Sell it!

ROYAL Flair 2001 Chronicle 17’6 x 7’6 poptop Classifieds caravan, front kitchen, get results. double liftup bed, TV, 3way fridge, gas 5723 0101 cooktop, griller, RC airconditioner, as new, full matching annexe, all in excellent condition, CARS wanted, cars $19,000. Ph 0407 838 removed. Ph 0435 083 352 Wangaratta.

115.

CreditCard& Eftposfacilities Why not charge your advertisement to Mastercard or Visa?

5723 0101

Page 16 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, December 19, 2022

DEATH NOTICE

wangarattachronicle.com.au

FUNERALS IBROM

IBROM Guenter Max

The funeral service to celebrate the life of Mr Guenter Ibrom will be held at Our Lady’s Catholic Church, 102 Murdoch Road, Wangaratta on Thursday December 22, 2022, commencing at 10.00am.

08/01/1927 15/12/2022 The family are saddened to announce the passing of their Father, Guenter Max Ibrom.

Guenter passed away peacefully at Stringybark Lodge in Beechworth, aged 95.

Guenter was dearly loved by all his family and will be missed greatly.

Rest In Peace Pop.

TODAY

19o

Possible thunderstorm

20o 18o 19o TUE

WED

THURS

www.wangarattachronicle.com.au

Monday, December 12, 2022

$1.50 INC. GST

Phone (03) 5723 0100

TRIUMPHANT RETURN FOR LION’S CAROLS

BY CANDLELIGHT

Plan for childcare, medical centres

THERE was no shortage of Christmas cheer at the Wangaratta Lions Club Carols by Candlelight in the grounds of the Holy Trinity Cathedral on Saturday night.

A huge crowd, including Wangaratta siblings Zoe, Billy and Lola Flynn, enjoyed the return of the family festivities after several years absence due to the COVID pandemic.

Story page 2.

PHOTO: Jeff Zeuschner

Page 3

Great day at the races

Page 3

Bella wins gold

Burial will follow the service at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery.

Family concern Sport

Police issue warning ahead of expected increase in Christmas domestic violence POLICE have issued a stern warning to Wangaratta and district residents, ahead of an anticipated spike in family violence offences throughout the Christmas period.

A police spokesperson said despite a drop in incidents locally, officers often saw a rise in family violence rates around the holiday period.

EVERYTHIN G MUST GO!

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

In four out of the last five years, December and January have been the two busiest months for family violence referrals made by victim services.

“Police continue to see a spike in family violence incidents during the end of the year, with clear increases on Christmas and New Year’s Day,” the spokesperson said.

“Everyone has a role to play to prevent and end family violence – taking action just might be the difference between a terrible

of what is really going on, of what is really happening behind that veneer of the normal ups and downs of a relationship.

“Police are often asked what should we do if we know family violence is happening to someone we care about?

“Our response is this: ‘if something doesn’t feel right,

situation and a tragedy.

“Family violence mostly happens in the home, behind closed doors – perpetrators are skilled at showing respectability or normalising conflict, and victims are kept silent by shame and fear.

“But sometimes our closest family and friends will get up to see and hear some

CLOSING DOWN SALE TOTAL STOCK CLEARANCE ALL STOCK MUST GO

don’t ignore it, don’t look the other way, don’t make excuses, don’t be a bystander.’”

Data released by Crime Statistics Victoria last week indicated a slight drop in family violence incidents in the rural city last financial year, following a dramatic rise throughout the COVID–19 pandemic.

■ Continued page 2

RETIR G AFTEIN R 23 YEARS

Monday - Friday: 9AM - 5.30PM Saturday: 9AM - NOON Sunday: CLOSED

LIDGERWOOD’S FURNITURE &

5721 6565 40-46 Norton St Wangaratta

Local News.

PHILLIPS, Bruce.

Condolences to all the family on the passing of Bruce.

He was a devoted member and will be fondly remembered. ~ Milawa Football & Netball Club.

FUNERAL DIRECTORS Page 4 - THE CHRONICLE, Friday, January

SOCIAL FOCUS

15, 2021

Charge up your engines

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Friday, January 15,

A STUDENT’S ability to apply themselves during their schooling is a large part of how they perform in VCE, but there are many other factors that contribute their desired outcome such as getting into a university course of their choice.

Despite students dealing with adversity from the pandemic in 2020 and the touted country-city education divide, they performed reasonably well judging by the VCE study scores released by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCCA).

MEMBERS of the Northeast Radio Control Car Club gathered at Mitchell Avenue last Saturday to test their vehicles in competition.

New members are always welcome.

For more information contact president Matthew Johnson-Begg on 0467 974 305. f INTO HIS CARS: Gordon Flighty

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Country stacks up in VCE

with his Touring Car. PHOTOS: Kieren Tilly

Wangaratta students compare admirably

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

Wangaratta’s three secondary schools stack up well when compared to others across the region and even several metropolitan counterparts across the state.

Galen Catholic College and Cathedral College both achieved a median study score of 29 with Galen get-

ting a slightly better percentage of 40+ scores at 3.6pc compared to Cathedral’s 3.3pc.

But while Wangaratta High School had a lesser median study score at 26, it was better than Galen and Cathedral with a 40+ percentage of 3.9.

Across the region Goulburn Valley Grammar School in Shepparton had a median 35 with 21.6pc achieving 40+, placing it 30th best in Victoria.

Beechworth Secondary College had a median study score of 29, but it was its 40+ score that was a standout with 13.7pc reaching the A grade figure.

Benalla P-12 College had a median study score of 26, with zero over 40+, while FCJ College Benalla had a strong median of 30 with 6pc of scores 40+.

Euroa Secondary College’s dux achieved one of the highest scores in the region with a 98.55 ATAR.

2021 - Page 5

after a year like no other

Mansfield Secondary College had a median of 29 with 1.3pc of scores 40+.

Myrtleford P-12 College had a median of 28 with 3.9pc of scores 40+, while Marian College had a median of 28 with zero scores 40+.

Mount Beauty Secondary College had a median of 28, with 2.7pc of scores 40+.

Wodonga Senior Secondary College had a median score of 23, with 1.1pc of scores 40+, while Catholic

College Wodonga had a median of 29, with 3.2pc 40+.

Yarrawonga College P-12 was a median of 28 with 3.3pc of scores 40+.

The top three schools in Victoria were Bialik College in Hawthorn that had a median of 38 with 39.9pc of scores 40+, Mount Scopus Memorial College was next with 38 and 39.7pc, with Ballarat Clarendon College third with 38 and 38.4pc.

For the full results visit vcaa.vic.adu.au.

Wang Repair Café returns

John & Christine Haddrick Proud Member of Australian Funeral Directors Association

c REVVED UP: Northeast Radio Control Club president Matthew Johnson-Begg works on his machine in the pits.

c HOT WHEELS: Teo Valle (9) from Peechelba raced for the first time in RC Touring Class.

c FAST TRUCK: Talon Fullerton (14) from Wangaratta with his racing truck.

A

SIGH OF RELIEF: After a long, tough

BORDER BUBBLE IS NOW IN PLACE

(left) and Amy Henderson were celebrating

their university offers yesterday.

PHOTO: Kieren Tilly

WANGARATTA High School year 12 graduates Kayla Fisher and Amy Henderson were among hundreds of local students, and tens of thousands around the state, who received their first round university offers yesterday.

The pair are both interested in humanitarian work and development, and were offered their first choice course at their chosen universities.

Kayla, 17, has been offered a

double degree in Arts and Public Policy with a major in third-world development at the Australian National University in Canberra.

“I was happy with my ATAR score even if I thought I could do better but it’s been a tough year,” Kayla said.

“It was difficult not having feedback from classmates because I didn’t know if I was doing okay or needed to improve.

“But, I got there in the end and am

looking forward to the next step.”

Amy, 18, will be doing occupational therapy at Deakin but hopes to branch into humanitarian work in third world countries.

“I had hoped for a higher ATAR but I didn’t need one, I’m pretty happy with how I went,” Amy said.

“Last year I really missed out on having the balance of sport and social aspects of school which really help me get through the study aspect.

offers

“The offer I received was my first choice so I’m really happy with that.

“I’ll jump straight in this year I think because my initial plans to have a gap year and travel aren’t likely now.

“Eventually I want to go into allied health overseas and Kayla and I have always talked about collaborating; she’s more interested in the politics side and I’d do the health side so that could be cool.”

Musicians invited to orchestra meeting MUSICIANS interested in becoming part of a new regional orchestra being formed in Wangaratta will be meeting in the King George V Gardens on Sunday at 2.30pm.

A newly formed committee, involving local violinist Sally Ross, will be in attendance and the group welcomes other potential members to come along, particularly seeking violin and flute players, a percussionist and a conductor.

For more information visit the Wangaratta Arts Council on Facebook or come along to the meeting in the park on Sunday.

Home Care Packages for Wangaratta

LL W

O

N

northeastfunerals.com.au

year local graduates Kayla Fisher

Teens look to the future with uni

CA

Victorian and New South Wales border residents will be able to travel into Victoria by showing their driver’s licence or other formal photo ID, to access the services they need.

Travel delays are expected, so please plan ahead.

All Hours

THE Wang Repair Café will hold its next event tomorrow at Apex Park from 8am until 12pm.

The café will have some t-shirt rugs for sale as well as other items, and cash donations as well as donations of unwanted Christmas presents for them to sell would be appreciated, as the volunteer-run organisation seeks assistance to cover its operating costs and ensure its continuation.

Bring items in need of repair to the park tomorrow morning where volunteers will be on hand to help bring them back to life.

Live at home for longer

For more information visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au

Latrobe Community Health Service has worked as a trusted provider of Home Care Packages for 23 years. If you live in Wangaratta or the surrounding area, we can help you live at home for longer.

Gardening and home cleaning Transport for medical appointments

Home nursing services Personal care

Caring local staff

Authorised by the Victorian Government, Melbourne

1800 242 696 or visit care.lchs.com.au

Latrobe Service

Honouring the Journey

Mason Park Funerals

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

Remember your loved one in a lasting way The memory of a much loved family member or friend can live on through a donation to your local health service - Northeast Health Wangaratta. Your memorial donation can assist in securing the continued availability of comprehensive health care locally.

The bereaved family will be notified of your memorial gift according to your wishes and you will receive a tax-deductible receipt for your donation. For further information or to make a donation please contact: Community Engagement Team (03) 5722 5069 or PO Box 386, Wangaratta, Vic 3676.

Subscribe now at

wangarattachronicle.com.au/subscriptions

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, December 19, 2022 - Page 17

Wangaratta & District Cricket Association 2022/23 season

SCOREBOARD: Saturday, December 17

CITY COLTS DEF BY WANGARATTA MAGPIES

YARRAWONGA MULWALA DEF BENALLA BUSHRANGERS

DELATITE DEF BY ROVERS UNITED BRUCK

BEECHWORTH WANDERERS DEF BY OVENS VALLEY UNITED

CITY COLTS 1ST INNINGS *KM Braden b RA Malcolm.............................................48 AF Thrum c CD Matheson b C Clement..........................0 +T Schulze run out (J Davies) ..........................................1 J Solimo not out .............................................................65 TK Moore c N Bonwick b RA Malcolm ............................0 NJ Crispin b C Clement ....................................................4 NM Norris b C Clement.....................................................6 CR Lovett b C Clement .....................................................0 AW Crispin dnb P Prasad c RA Malcolm b C Clement ..............................1 MJ Lister not out ...............................................................0 Extras (nb 2, w 4, b 0, lb 3) ................................................9 Total................................................................8/134 (cc) Overs .............................................................................40.0 FOW: 5 (AF Thrum) 6 (T Schulze) 91 (KM Braden) 91 (TK Moore) 108 (NJ Crispin) 122 (NM Norris) 122 (CR Lovett) 124 (P Prasad).

Bowling: C Clement 8/0/5/30, MD Gathercole 8/1/0/18, FR Ellis 8/3/0/22, Z Guilfoyle 8/2/0/18, NJ Pell 2/0/0/18, RA Malcolm 5/1/2/20, J Wallace 1/0/0/5.

YARRAWONGA MULWALA 1ST INNINGS Z Fraser lbw b CJ Brodie ..................................................2 MT Casey c D Barber b CJ Brodie..................................13 C McIntosh c J Fullager b S Briggs ................................38 B McCabe c D Barber b B Duncombe .............................4 *+R Clarke c CJ Brodie b B Spokes ...............................23 K Archibald run out (B Spokes) .....................................10 J Fraser not out ...............................................................28 AT McMillan not out........................................................33 J Bartlett dnb M McCabe dnb J House dnb Extras (nb 0, w 13, b 0, lb 3) ............................................16 Total................................................................6/166 (cc) Overs .............................................................................40.0 FOW: 3 (Z Fraser) 17 (MT Casey) 24 (B McCabe) 70 (R Clarke) 96 (K Archibald) 99 (C McIntosh).

Bowling: CJ Brodie 8/1/2/25, S Briggs 8/0/1/45, B Duncombe 8/2/1/15, M Priest 7.1/1/0/34, B Spokes 5/0/1/29, J Fullager 4/0/0/14.

ROVERS UNITED BRUCK 1ST INNINGS L Whitten c AP Storer b MR Purcell .................................9 K Pienaar c AP Storer b LJ Scales................................103 J Beattie run out (LJ Scales, A Storer) ..........................38 JA Schonafinger c C Lilly b MW Stevenson ....................1 *PJ McNamara b LJ Scales.............................................18 J O’Donohue not out........................................................7 +GL Shantha c C Lilly b LJ Scales....................................2 M Winter not out ...............................................................3 B Nixon dnb W O’Keefe dnb HL Jones dnb Extras (nb 1, w 15, b 2, lb 2) ............................................20 Total................................................................6/201 (cc) Overs .............................................................................40.0 FOW: 49 (L Whitten) 132 (J Beattie) 148 (JA Schonafinger) 181 (PJ McNamara) 194 (K Pienaar) 196 (GL Shantha).

Bowling: LJ Scales 8/1/3/29, JC Kelleher 6/0/0/54, MR Purcell 5/0/1/14, PM Scales 5/0/0/15, A Storer 8/0/0/48, MB Burrows 2/0/0/21, MW Stevenson 6/1/1/16.

BEECHWORTH WANDERERS 1ST INNINGS K Surrey not out ..............................................................79 C Ellett b H Mann...............................................................1 C Fendyk st NP Impink b DL Bursill ..............................51 *+B Surrey not out ..........................................................41 D Fitzpatrick dnb R Worcester dnb D Pool dnb M Hicks dnb R Ellett dnb H Scalzo dnb T Cogger dnb Extras (nb 0, w 15, b 0, lb 7) ............................................22 Total................................................................2/194 (cc) Overs .............................................................................40.0 FOW: 8 (C Ellett) 116 (C Fendyk).

Bowling: H Mann 8/1/1/28, J Neary 8/2/0/30, M Vescio 8/0/0/42, S Phillips 8/0/0/35, K Fitzpatrick 3/0/0/20, N Bleeser 2/0/0/14, DL Bursill 3/0/1/18.

WANGARATTA MAGPIES 1ST INNINGS +CD Matheson lbw b KM Braden ..................................29 N Bonwick dnb NJ Pell c MJ Lister b P Prasad........................................40 *J Davies not out.............................................................67 MD Gathercole dnb Z Guilfoyle dnb F Dent st T Schulze b KM Braden ....................................4 C Clement dnb FR Ellis not out ................................................................22 J Wallace dnb RA Malcolm dnb Extras (nb 0, w 14, b 0, lb 1) ............................................15 Total................................................................3/177 (cc) Overs .............................................................................40.0 FOW: 60 (CD Matheson) 122 (NJ Pell) 133 (F Dent).

Bowling: CR Lovett 6/0/0/34, AW Crispin 5/0/0/22, NJ Crispin 5/0/0/42, MJ Lister 8/2/0/20, KM Braden 8/3/2/11, P Prasad 8/1/1/47.

BENALLA BUSHRANGERS 1ST INNINGS M Honman c AT McMillan b B McCabe.........................25 J Fullager c C McIntosh b AT McMillan .........................10 GA Hoysted b J House ......................................................9 G Lithgow b J House.........................................................0 *CJ Brodie b J Fraser ......................................................13 J Priest b J House .............................................................0 +D Barber c AT McMillan b J Fraser.................................0 B Duncombe b M McCabe .............................................17 S Briggs c R Clarke b J Bartlett ........................................2 B Spokes not out...............................................................6 M Priest not out.................................................................3 Extras (nb 0, w 8, b 2, lb 0) ..............................................10 Total...................................................................9/94 (cc) Overs .............................................................................40.0 FOW: 34 (J Fullager) 51 (GA Hoysted) 51 (G Lithgow) 52 (M Honman) 53 (J Priest) 60 (D Barber) 73 (CJ Brodie) 81 (B Duncombe) 86 (S Briggs).

Bowling: C McIntosh 3/0/0/12, J Bartlett 4/2/1/9, AT McMillan 5/2/1/5, M McCabe 6/2/1/24, B McCabe 8/2/1/13, J House 6/2/3/7, J Fraser 7/2/2/19, K Archibald 1/0/0/3.

STRAIGHT DRIVE: Henry Scalzo belts one back past the bowler.

DELATITE 1ST INNINGS PM Scales lbw b HL Jones ...............................................8 +C Lilly c B Nixon b PJ McNamara ...................................1 LJ Scales c GL Shantha b JA Schonafinger ...................1 N Ferguson b JA Schonafinger........................................0 PT Smith c GL Shantha b K Pienaar .............................20 MJ Storer c & b B Nixon ....................................................4 A Storer not out ...............................................................19 AP Storer b B Nixon...........................................................0 MR Purcell b B Nixon ........................................................6 *MW Stevenson b PJ McNamara...................................12 JC Kelleher not out ...........................................................0 MB Burrows dnb Extras (nb 1, w 7, b 10, lb 2) ............................................20 Total...................................................................9/91 (cc) Overs .............................................................................40.0 FOW: 4 (C Lilly) 7 (LJ Scales) 8 (N Ferguson) 28 (PM Scales) 47 (PT Smith) 53 (MJ Storer) 53 (AP Storer) 65 (MR Purcell) 84 (MW Stevenson).

Bowling: JA Schonafinger 8/6/2/4, PJ McNamara 8/2/2/11, M Winter 3/1/0/9, HL Jones 6/4/1/3, W O’Keefe 4/1/0/16, K Pienaar 4/0/1/10, B Nixon 6/1/3/9, J O’Donohue 1/0/0/17.

LINE AND LENGTH: City Colts’ Emily Mitchell hits a perfect area in her under 16 clash with Beechworth Wanderers.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

OVENS VALLEY UNITED 1ST INNINGS H Mann b R Worcester ....................................................28 *DL Bursill lbw b R Worcester ........................................68 J Jones c M Hicks b C Ellett............................................21 T Thomason not out.......................................................40 S Phillips c B Surrey b R Worcester ...............................10 K Fitzpatrick c R Worcester b C Fendyk ........................22 R Forde not out ...............................................................15 J Neary dnb +NP Impink dnb N Bleeser dnb M Vescio dnb Extras (nb 4, w 22, b 0, lb 5) ............................................31 Total................................................................ 5/235 (cc) Overs .............................................................................40.0 FOW: 48 (H Mann) 122 (J Jones) 138 (DL Bursill) 150 (S Phillips) 199 (K Fitzpatrick).

Bowling: K Surrey 2/0/0/9, T Cogger 6/0/0/52, D Fitzpatrick 8/0/0/36, R Worcester 8/1/3/39, C Ellett 8/1/1/56, C Fendyk 8/0/1/38.

OUTFIELD: Brandon Fitzpatrick gathers the ball in the deep and rockets it in to the wicketkeeper.

A RESERVE: Wangaratta / Magpies C.C. 3/230 Z Wallace 104* O Timms 74 M Prestianni 28 def City Colts C.C. 82 T Clayton 4/10 G Kerwin 4/19. Rutherglen United C.C. 8/150(cc) J Andison 38 D Simmons 29 K Schmidt 26 J Campbell 3/29 DJ Shaw 2/31 J Hyde 2/33 def Rovers United Bruck C.C. 9/149(cc) R Cobain 50 M Whitten 39 ST Jennings 4/37 A Mclennen 2/7. Benalla Bushrangers C.C. 10/109 M Hadj 31 X Mitchell 3/6 B Frauenfelder 3/38 O Connell 2/20 def by Yarrawonga Mulwala C.C. 6/152(cc) B Frauenfelder 30 V Kreeck 27 M Wheelens 2/33.

B GRADE: Bye. C GRADE: Bye. UNDER 16: City Colts C.C. White 5/100(cc) S Mitchell 28* def Beechworth Wanderers C.C. 48 AW Crispin 2/1 H Moore 2/2. Delatite C.C. def Ovens Valley United C.C. Benalla Bushrangers C.C. 4/112(cc) M Cooney 31* L Ham 30* X Rosser 2/9 def City Colts C.C. Blue 6/86(cc) A Brett 27* J Hart 2/3 W Botten 2/11 J Martin 2/19. Rovers United Bruck C.C. 5/88(cc) N O’Kane 28 D Winter 27 def Yarrawonga Mulwala C.C. 9/87(cc) G Saunders 30* R Parsons 3/11 R McNamara 2/8.

UNDER 14: Rutherglen United CC 6/83 def by Yarrawonga Mulwala C.C. 1/90(cc). Benalla Bushrangers C.C. 4/148 B Cooney 37 M Cooney 31 def Greta C.C. 5/80(cc) B Hazell 3/16. Rovers United Bruck GOLD 0/133 E Jones 25* def Beechworth Wanderers C.C. 8/91 E Jones 2/5. Rovers United Bruck GREEN 2/137(cc) R McNamara 32 X Dodgshun 30 def Ovens Valley United C.C. 7/102(cc) X Dodgshun 2/10 S Elkington 2/16.

Delatite C.C. 6/80(cc) I Moore 2/12 def by City Colts C.C. 5/108(cc).

UNDER 12: Greta C.C. 6/70(cc) def City Colts C.C. Blue 35 T Sealey 2/1 A Hodgson 2/11. Beechworth Wanderers CC Blue 5/92(cc) def by City Colts C.C. White 4/98 D Sanders 38* F Duff 2/21. Rutherglen United C.C. 7/66(cc) def by Ovens Valley United Orange 6/101. Wangaratta Magpies C.C. White 7/108(cc) J Dean 25 J Hart 2/10 X De Fazio 2/13 O Ross 2/20 def Benalla Burashrangers C.C. Red 7/107 J Hart 44 X De Fazio 36* T Tilbrook 2/9. Rovers United C C Yellow v Benalla Bushrangers C.C. results not available. Yarrawonga Mulwala C.C. Rams 6/81(cc) B Wollington 3/10 def Yarrawonga Mulwala C.C. Bulls 7/76(cc). Rovers United C.C Green 7/70(cc) H Sharp 2/3 L Benton 2/4 def by Wangaratta Magpies C.C. Black 7/122(cc) H Sharp 49* W James 29 D Williams 2/3 H Ledger 2/9.

Page 18 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, December 19, 2022

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Wangaratta & District Cricket Association 2022/23 season

ROUND 10 REVIEW: Saturday, December 17

Magpies fly into one-day final

By NATHAN DE VRIES WANGARATTA Magpies’ A grade squad confirmed they were again premiership hopefuls, following a convincing victory over City Colts at Bill O’Callaghan Oval on Saturday.

Batting first, the Colts were in trouble early after two wickets fell for just six runs, but a partnership between Kent Braden (48) and Justin Solimo (65*) got their innings back on track.

The pair packed on 85 runs before Braden was clean bowled by Ryan Malcolm, who would send Thomas Moore packing for a duck just four deliveries later.

The Colts’ tail kept ticking over the runs and rotating strike, but were resoundingly routed by Chris Clement who ended with 5/30 and kept the Colts to 8/134.

Magpies skipper Jack Davies said his adaptable bowling attack did an exceptional job in stifling runs.

“We bowled really well at the start and kept them to a low run rate,” he said.

“We were missing ‘Prav’ (Pranav Menon) in the morning, he had food poisoning, but everyone stood up and played their role and did what we needed to do. “’Malcs’ (Ryan Malcolm) came on, we didn’t have a spinner with Prav out - when they were taking it to us we needed someone we could rely on and knew where they were going to hit, and he was the best option in that regard.

“We just had to stick with it, we just had to be happy with dots and ones at that stage, and it worked in our favour.

“Obviously on the Barr 134 is a bit below par, but we still had to get them on the board.”

The Magpies fired with the bat and worked well in partnerships, with opening pair Cooper Matheson (29) and Nick Pell (40) putting on 60 runs before Kent Braden got one to keep straight and dismissed Matheson LBW. Davies led from the front with his 67 from 95 deliveries, as he built another strong partnership with Pell to get the Magpies within striking distance of victory at 2/122 with 11 overs to go.

Despite the best efforts of Colts’ bowlers Kent Braden (2/11) and Prejith Prasad (1/47), the Magpies passed the total in the 34th over and went on to make 3/177.

The textbook run chase and win secured the Magpies a spot in the one day grand final against Rovers United Bruck, set to be played on Sunday, February 5.

“Obviously with the lower total, we just had to get a positive start and get a partnership, which we did, a 60-run partnership to start set the day up,” Davies said.

“That was our goal on the weekend, just to get the win and get ourselves locked into that one-day final.

“It’s another chance for us to do what we do best and try to win a final.

“Rovers United Bruck has had the wood over us in the last couple of games, but our confidence has gone to another level and we’re starting to back ourselves in and get a full-strength squad finally up and about.

“We’ll be fully confident going into those and do the hard work going into that.”

CARVED AWAY: Justin Solimo (65*) cuts a wider ball through the off side, with Cooper Matheson behind the stumps ready for an edge.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

WICKET MACHINE: Chris Clement tore through the City Colts’ tail, ending with 5/30.

DYNAMIC DUO: The 85-run partnership between Justin Solimo (left) and Kent Braden set the tone well for the Colts.

OVU Tigers smash Wanderers, but fall short of finals

By NATHAN DE VRIES

GOOD FORM: Josh Jones batted well in the Tigers’ win over Beechworth, and was lightning fast between the wickets.

PHOTO: Janet Watt

OVENS Valley United finished their year on a high note witha win on the road against Beechworth on Saturday.

The Wanderers made an impressive 2/194 on the turf at Baarmutha Park, before the Tigers soared past with 5/235 with the bat.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Wanderers lost the early wicket of Clancy Ellett (1) before the dangerous pair of Kayde Surrey (79*) and Campbell Fendyk (51) worked their way into the match.

The 108-run partnership answered any questions the Tigers’ bowlers posed, and showed very little chance of getting themselves out until Fendyk ventured a bit far out of his crease and was stumped.

Brenton Surrey kept the runs flowing, helping himself to 41* by the end of their innings.

With a difficult run chase ahead of them, Tigers’ skipper Dylan Bursill said he wasn’t overly impressed with his side’s efforts in the field.

“I was pretty dirty on the way we fielded, I think we were just a bit too casual and probably let 30 or 40 runs slip just being sloppy

in the field,” he said.

“The chasing down was just casual, they were getting one on our arms - we’ve got to be a bit more onto that, just picking it up and throwing sometimes is your best bet, but they were just doing it easy it seemed. “’Harky’ (Harkaran Mann) bowled well early and was troubling the openers and he got an early breakthrough, but we just couldn’t bust in with Kayde and Campbell Fendyk batting really well.

“Looking at the pitch at the start of the day, we thought there wasn’t 200 from each side and we were a bit worried when they made 2/194.”

A solid effort from the Tigers’ top order set the stage for a thrilling chase, with Mann (28), Bursill (68) and Josh Jones (21) all getting among the runs.

15 year old Tyler Thomason came in at 2/122 and looked exceptional as he smashed 40* from 46 deliveries to help his side get over the line.

Beechworth’s Richard Worcester picked up 3/39 from his eight overs, while Campbell Fendyk bowled well for his 1/38.

Despite securing the win, Ovens Valley United finished third in the one-day competition and will not play off

in the final in February, but Bursill said his squad is eager to begin their two-day campaign.

“Credit to Harky and all the batters, we got going alright and stayed on top of the run rate which was really good,” Bursill said.

“Tyler Thomason’s got a great eye, he’s only 15 years old and he was absolutely smacking them - he hit one so hard it hit middle stump at the bowler’s end and still ricocheted for four.

“In saying that, Josh Jones hit a 20 and he was really good coming in when we were on top, he kept it going and his running between the wickets is phenomenal.

“We were pretty much hitting a run a ball inside the circle for about 10 overs there which was great.

“Some of the boys are looking forward to getting back into the red ball stuff, we’ve been missing it for the last couple of seasons so it’s going to be good.

“Our draw’s pretty favourable, so we’re looking forward to getting into the twodayers after Christmas.”

In other matches, the Magpies disposed of City Colts, Yarrawonga Mulwala got the win over Benalla Bushrangers, and Rovers United Bruck dispatched Delatite.

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, December 19, 2022 - Page 19

SPORT

Wangaratta FNC launching women’s football academy

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

WANGARATTA Magpies are set to launch their inaugural women’s football academy.

The training academy will launch on January 3 with Craig Dent set to coach, with the support of a host of assistant coaches.

Dent has been involved in women’s football since 2016 where he’s undertaken roles with North East Bushrangers, Alpine Lions and Thurgoona Bulldogs.

He also got the opportunity to spend a week with VFL side Casey Demons in recent years.

A special guest appearance will also be made by Wangaratta local Cassidy Mailer and AFLW star Daisy Pearce who was drafted to North Melbourne in the most recent AFLW draft.

Magpies president Ellyn O’Brien said she’s hopeful her club can get a team out of this initiative.

“The goal is to get an under 14’s team out of this academy,” O’Brien said.

“Hopefully, we can get plenty of girls down to the training and get them interested in playing women’s football.

“The long-term goal will be to expand on the under 14’s team and eventually get an open women’s team.

“Once the redevelopment at the club with the female change rooms is done I’m sure that will be a massive benefit to the club as well.”

Dent said he’s looking forward to leading the academy.

“Getting Daisy (Pearce) to launch it is going to be awesome,” Dent said.

“She’s going to be a great drawcard for the first session, she’ll do a talk and run a few drills.

“She’s got such a high profile in the football world so for her to give up her time when she has

NEW DESIGN: The proposed new logo for the Greta Football Netball Club will feature both sports.

Greta Blues looking to implement new inclusive logo

EXCITING: Heidi Parkinson and North Melbourne AFLW player Cassidy Mailer will lead Wangaratta Magpies’ female football academy launch day next month. a pretty hectic schedule is awesome.”

Sessions will run every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30pm to 8:30pm until January 19.

“We’re going to be running the same program that we ran at Thurgoona a few years ago that saw numbers go from 20 to 54 players,” Dent said.

“It’s fantastic that Wangaratta Magpies want to get a women’s team.

“The key thing with growing women’s footy is that it has to be drive and Ellyn (O’Brien) and Russell (Canning) are both

really keen to do that.”

Heidi Parkinson and Sarah Gehrig will also assist Dent with coaching as they look to pursue a career in mentoring football.

“Both girls are keen to get into coaching so they’ll have a great opportunity to learn through this,” Dent said.

“Hopefully we can fast track their learning.

“They’ve both been born and bred into football with Heidi Parkinson related to Michael Turner and Sarah’s related to Fraser Gehrig.”

Also helping out are assistant

coaches Steve McMonigle, Damien Peppler, Samantha Peppler, and Victoria Mell with Nadine Peppler as manager.

Dent has loved seeing the massive rise in the sport with women over the past few years.

“It’s great that girls now have a solid pathway into the AFLW,” he said.

“The NAB League is really strong and we now have local women’s leagues as well so girls can now see a direct pathway.

“I’ve been involved with female footy since 2016 and it’s just gradually expanded.”

GRETA Football Netball Club has changed up its logo ahead of the 2023 Ovens and King season, altering it to include the netball side of the club.

The logo, which consisted of an intertwining ‘G’, ‘F’, and ‘C’, reminiscent of the AFL’s Carlton Football Club, will be updated to include an ‘N’ for the club’s powerhouse netball department.

The change comes on the heels of the O&K adopting a more inclusive and combined logo featuring both football and netball in the 2022 season.

Blues’ president Blake Goodwin said the decision to update the logo was a “no-brainer”.

“A group of our board members are obviously players as well, they came to us late last year or mid-last year and asked how do we go about doing this,” he said.

“The O&K have incorporated the netball into their logo last year, so we tried to follow suit.

“We think of ourselves as a fairly tight-knit, inclusive community, so to have the netball on the logo was a nobrainer for us.

“We actually had a meeting last Monday to finalise the design, so it’ll be on all of our new merchandise and jumpers for the start of the season next year.”

The design is pending final approval by the O&K board, and if accepted, will be the official incorporated logo for one of the region’s most storied football/ netball clubs.

The decision will bring the total number of clubs in the league with inclusive/neutral logos to nine.

Moyhu has signed Darren Bell as head coach for 2023 ■

NEW INCLUSION: Darren Bell will coach Moyhu for the 2023 Ovens and King season.

PHOTO: Bailey Zimmermann

From back page “I think we should have plenty of numbers this year, which was the plan originally, to get the club back up where you don’t have to have old blokes filling in for the seconds anymore, that’s got to stop out there.”

Moyhu finished in the bottom two in both seniors and reserves last year, but Bell was eager to reverse the club’s fortunes.

“It looks like they’ve been struggling, of course, coming from the bottom of the ladder last year and not far off the year before,” he said.

“I’ve had a couple of looks at them over the last couple of years, and it looks like they’ve fallen away - their top 10 players are pretty handy but they fell away especially after half-time.

“We’ve discussed that already - fitness needs to be improved and training needs to be a bit more attended to.

“They all knew at the club what they’re doing wrong, and we’ve just got to try and amend it.

“Being a young group we’re going to be out-bustled and the more experienced sides will try and do us that way, but we’re going to try and negate that with our fitness and our skill level.

“We’re just working on those things at the moment and worrying about our own backyard, and we’ll see what we come up against as the season starts.”

The Hoppers will enjoy six weeks away from the track before hitting it fresh in 2023.

Page 20 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, December 19, 2022

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Magpies launching women’s academy

ªxHRKILCy872010z

Page 19

NO RUN KENT Braden flashes an extravagant leave outside off stump in City Colts‘ seven wicket loss to Wangaratta Magpies.

The Magpies will face Rovers United Bruck in the A grade one day final in early February 2023. Match reviews: Page 18.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Hoppers’ head honcho Moyhu y has signed g Darren Bell as their senior coach for the 2023 Ovens and King g season WITH an influx of fresh blood and an experienced campaigner at the helm, 2023 looks like it could very well be the year of the green and gold.

Past senior premiership player and two-time reserves grand final coach Darren Bell returns to Hopperland to lead the senior footballers in the upcoming season, and

EVERYTHIN G MUST GO!

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

he’s brought with him a raft of fresh faces.

So far, the club has announced the signing of nine new players from across the region, including

from O&M thirds and junior sides, as well as recommitments from experienced players like Brady Bartlett and Tom Clough.

Bell said he had achieved his goal in rejuvenating the Hoppers’ playing list, and preseason signs were promising.

“I’ve been talking to

Gerard Nolan (Moyhu legend) since about June about getting on the recruiting committee and helping out that way, and that’s where it all started - it’s just snowballed from there,” he said.

“I’ve been junior coaching for the last seven or eight years, through the junior league, so I’ve had a bit of

contact with a lot of these kids.

“I think it’s just fallen this way, I’ve given them a call this year and they all wanted to have a bit of a chat about their direction in footy.

“It’s been really exciting, we’ve still got about another 10 to sign up and I reckon they’ll sign up before

CLOSING DOWN SALE TOTAL STOCK CLEARANCE ALL STOCK MUST GO

LIDGERWOOD’S FURNITURE &

Christmas - I think I’ve got a good list to play with.

“We had probably between 20 and 30 there every night, and 60 different faces all up - that’s encouraging, especially when there are a few who haven’t turned up yet with cricket commitments and whatnot.

■ Continued page 19

RETIR NG AFTEIR 23 YEARS

Monday - Friday: 9AM - 5.30PM Saturday: 9AM - NOON Sunday: CLOSED 5721 6565 40-46 Norton St, Wangaratta (Opposite the Railway Station)