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Monday, January 20, 2025

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$2.00 inc GST

Bulk billing rates drop Page 3

Grace coming to local halls Page 8

CRASH COURSE A 76-year-old Wangaratta man was treated for minor injuries after a crash through the Aldi carpark fenceline on Friday morning.

■ Story page 2 PHOTO: Bailey Zimmermann

‘Pies into oneday final Sport

“Installation by stealth”

Nearby residents of reverse vending machine query “a lack of transparency” after Swan St installment

NEARBY residents of the newly installed reverse vending machine at Wareena Park say they have been blindsided by its placement.

The machine was brought in by Visy crews last Thursday morning, as the recycling company looks to bolster its presence of the State Government’s Container Deposit Scheme within the rural city.

The automatic reverse vending machine will be available for the community to cash in their eligible drink containers for 10c

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

refunds to complement the current Newman Street Exchange Depot site.

Swan Street resident Karen Adcock said her and her neighbours first heard of its installation after receiving a letter from Rural City of Wangaratta Council on Tuesday, notifying them of plans to install the machine

at the car park “across January/February”.

But as the crane dropped the reverse vending machine, the size of your average shipping container, into the rear of the Wareena Park carpark on Swan Street, residents across the road were baffled by what was happening.

“I thought it was pretty rude, the letter said January/ February and two days later its being installed,” Ms Adcock said.

“There’s been no conversation with the people it’s

Lucy & Bill’s

going to directly impact.”

Ms Adcock and another nearby resident made a formal complaint to Rural City of Wangaratta Council after the machine was put in place, saying the “installation by stealth” lacked transparency and raised concerns around its positioning, opening hours and noise disturbance in the area.

The council letter received by nearby residents outlined the reverse vending machine will be open for use from 7am to 8pm seven

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OPENING Wangaratta SPECIAL

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days a week once operating from early this week.

The letter also outlined the machine would be cleaned on a weekly basis and the initial placement of the machine was subject to a 12-month trial, at the end of which council would determine whether the reverse vending machine could continue to remain at its Swan Street location.

Ms Adcock said while she and many of the nearby residents were supportive of the initiative, the machine had

been placed in the wrong spot.

“It concerns me the operating hours are seven days a week from 7am to 8pm which is fine during daylight savings, but what happens in winter when it’s dark and you’ve got car lights flashing into people’s front rooms?” she said.

“It doesn’t really fit in with the scheme of what they have planned for that sight eventually… it’s a bit of an eyesore.

■ Continued page 2

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Page 2 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 20, 2025

Thoona fire contained by air attack

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN NORTH East CFA crews were forced to call on air support for the second time in a week to contain a scrub fire at Thoona on Thursday morning.

A CFA spokesperson said six CFA units from multiple brigades responded to the blaze around 7:55am on Irvine Road.

“Upon arrival, crews found a grass and scrub fire spreading in difficult to reach terrain,” they said.

“Air attack support was requested to assist suppression efforts.”

The spokesperson said the incident was deemed under control around 9:14am.

The fire followed a blaze in similarly difficult to reach terrain in the Winton North and Taminick area on Monday afternoon.

Est. 1884, Incorporating Wangaratta Despatch, Est. 1861

WEATHER

TEMPERATURES: Monday

Max 35

Min 16

Mostly cloudy

Tuesday

Max 38

Min 17

Mostly sunny

Wednesday Max 33

Min 18

Max 27

Min 13

Mostly cloudy

RAINFALL: Wangaratta Lake Buffalo Cheshunt

Swan St residents appalled by lack of transparency on reverse vending machine ■ From page 1

“There’s no designated carparking or traffic flow signals in the entrances and they’re not designed for trailers or trucks.

“It’s a very busy carpark, especially when sports start happening there again, that car park gets full and there’s kids everywhere, I just think it’s wrong.”

Rural City of Wangaratta director of community and infrastructure Marcus Goonan said the Swan Street site was seen as the most appropriate agreed upon area by council and Visy for the machine due to its visibility and open space.

“The community’s right, we haven’t done any consultation on its location,” he said.

“I saw there was some commentary about why not having it at the Barr Reserve or other places, but the main positioning of these things is they need to be accessed easily and also well seen.

“As you can imagine, placing it out the back of the Barr Reserve doesn’t create that ability for people to know where it is and it’s easier for the facility to be managed in that more front facing location.

“We’re certainly interested in what the community thinks of that and that location; we’ve been really clear about the fact this is a trial and it can be moved at any point based on feedback.”

Mr Goonan said the reverse vending machine and its positioning within the area could easily be re-located to complement the current Wareena Park Master Plan if it stays there beyond its trial period.

According to the master plan, the area currently occupied by the reverse vending machine had been marked as a “seniors exercise area”.

Mr Goonan said council would work with the community around how the machine would work at its current location or other locations if moved and encouraged feedback

UP IN ARMS: Residents adjacent to the Wareena Park car park Graeme Crowley (left), Karen Adcock and Sharon Gannon have objected the positioning of the newly installed reverse vending machine, citing a lack of transparency in its placement. PHOTO: Bailey Zimmermann to go directly to council.

“There’s a number of other locations Visy are looking at that are on private property and they’ll continue to work with those private groups to see if they can facilitate some outcomes there,” he said.

“I appreciate we’re going to have to work through what it all looks like and the amount of traffic and rubbish that is there, but I’m really confident we’ll be able to get there.”

Last 72 hours

Last 7 days

0.0mm 0.0mm 0.0mm

12.8mm 10.2mm 9.0mm

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

*NB: Rainfall totals up until 3pm, Sunday

LUCKY NUMBERS Tattslotto - Draw 4539

19, 15, 45, 7, 11, 34 (32, 42) Winning numbers are subject to verification by ticket holders.

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Follow us ADVERTISING CLOSING TIMES Monday Issue: Display Thurs. 10am. Classifieds Fri. 2pm Wednesday Issue: Display Fri. 10am. Classifieds Tues. 2pm Friday Issue: Display Tues. 10am. Classifieds Thurs. 2pm Published by Hartley Higgins for North East Media Pty Ltd, 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677.

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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

Mr Goonan said council had already been in contact with the machine contractors about reducing its proposed opening hours, which they hoped would alleviate some concerns.

Council said residents are encouraged to direct queries via the Rural City of Wangaratta Council website.

Visy were contacted by the Wangaratta Chronicle but declined to comment.

Man hospitalised after Aldi carpark crash

Mostly cloudy

Thursday

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ON SCENE: Emergency services diverted Reid Street traffic around the incident at the Aldi carpark.

PHOTO: Bailey Zimmermann

A WANGARATTA man was hospitalised on Friday morning after crashing through the fence line of the Aldi Wangaratta carpark.

Acting Sergeant Col Boyle of Wangaratta police said emergency services responded to the incident around 10am to see the vehicle resting past the fence line, with the hood of the car open and debris scattered on the Reid Street footpath.

“Investigations are underway into the single vehicle collision involving the fenceline,” he said.

“Police are asking anyone with dashcam footage or anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward and speak to us.”

Act Sgt Boyle said the 76-year-old obtained minor injuries as paramedics assessed the man on scene.

An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said the man was transported to Northeast Health Wangaratta in a stable condition.

Ambulance Victoria, SES, Fire Rescue Victoria and police crews were on scene with traffic on Reid Street partially closed off following the incident.

ARRIVALS AT NORTHEAST HEALTH WANGARATTA The Wangaratta Chronicle will be in attendance at the midwifery ward on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9.30am to take photos of newborns with their parents, grandparents and/or siblings.

Consent forms are available from Northeast Health Wangaratta and from Wangaratta Chronicle staff on the day.

If you would like a photo but are not at the ward at the time of visiting, you can come into the Wangaratta Chronicle office at 37 Rowan Street during office hours to organise it.

Photographs are available to purchase from the Wangaratta Chronicle office.

Judgaadh Singh Dhillon JUDGAADH Singh Dhillon was born on Thursday, January 9 at 9:37am and weighed 2.55kg (5lb 9.9oz). He is the brother of Narvair Singh Dhillon and the son of Cobram’s Harsh Otaal and Jagjit Dhillon

Ace James Lewis Ace James Lewis was born at Northeast Health Wangaratta on Tuesday, January 14 at 9:15pm and weighed 3.095kg (6lb 13oz). He is the son of Amy Liprino and Daniel Lewis of Wangaratta.

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 20, 2025 - Page 3

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Bulk billing rates continue Superload to pass through to drop nationwide, locally Wangaratta

AUSTRALIA’S bulk billing rate has continued to slide, dropping from 35.7 per cent at the start of 2023 to 20.7 per cent at the start of 2025, while out-of-pocket costs have continued to increase.

According to Cleanbill’s 2025 Blue Report, Victoria, NSW and Qld are now the only states with a bulk billing rate above 10 per cent.

Despite having the second highest bulk billing rate of any Australian state, Victoria has still seen a drop of 15.5 percentage points in its bulk billing rate in the last two years alone.

The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) said Cleanbill’s 2025 Blue Report highlights the need for an urgent injection of funding in Medicare to support more bulk billing and reduce outof-pocket costs.

While the latest Medicare data shows 77.6 per cent of GP consults are bulk billed, Cleanbill’s independent report, shows the percentage of practices bulk billing new adult patients without concession cards continued to fall, to 21 per cent.

However, this decline slowed after the State Government tripled bulk billing incentives, showing the val-

BY JORDAN DUURSMA

jduursma@ nemedia.com.au

ue of this investment.

RACGP president Dr Michael Wright said all Australians need affordable access to a GP who knows them.

“With a federal election fast approaching, we should be seeing bold commitments from all political parties to achieve this,” he said.

“With proper investment in Medicare we can increase bulk billing, and reduce outof-pocket costs for people who aren’t being bulk billed.”

The report also shows average out-of-pocket costs increased 4.1 per cent to $43.38 and the number of Australians avoiding seeing a GP because of concerns surrounding cost has grown from around 600,000 in 2022 to over 1.5 million in 2024.

Gateway Health chief executive officer Trent Dean said the health service is committed to providing equitable access to healthcare services, particularly for those that currently face the greatest health challenges and those from priority populations in the community.

LOCAL OPTIONS: Gateway Health chief executive officer Trent Dean said Gateway Health continues to offer bulk billing.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling “We agree that access to affordable healthcare is a necessity,” he said.

“It is important people continue to seek assistance to address potential issues promptly for better outcomes and preventing minor concerns from escalating into serious conditions which exacerbate the load on the primary health system.

“Gateway Health contin-

ues to offer bulk billing at our medical practices for patients that are under 16 years of age or hold an eligible concession or health care card and our bulk billing rates are above the average state and national rates outlined in the report.

“While we do charge a gap fee for other patients accessing our clinic, the outof-pocket charges are well

below the state and national average by up to $8 in line with our priority to provide affordable healthcare options.

“As a registered community health organisation, we continue to stress that prioritising preventative care - not only for patients but also all levels of governments - is essential for maintaining wellbeing and quality of life.”

PEDAL AWAY: This year’s Sunshine Ride for Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre ambassadors Al Taylor (left), Tracey Stiles and Greg Featonby at the event launch on Friday.

Saddle up for the Sunshine Ride REGISTRATIONS are now open for the fifth annual Sunshine Ride, raising money and awareness for the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund.

Starting at 6pm on Friday, March 14, more than 300 riders from across the region will work in teams to keep the pedals turning on exercise bikes for a full 24 hours.

The challenge involving local gyms, sporting clubs, community groups and businesses aims to represent the round-the-clock struggle often faced by patients and families following a cancer diagnosis.

After raising a record $142,000 in 2024, organisers are this year hoping to top $150,000.

“We’re putting the challenge out to anyone with access to an exercise bike to put a team together, have some fun and support this really worthwhile cause,” committee member, Scott Russell, said.

“Last year we had gyms take part from Albury, Wodonga, Wangaratta and Wagga.

“Albury Thunder Rugby League Club did it at their clubrooms at Greenfield Park, and Albury Wodonga Cycling Club had bikes at Comet Cycles in Albury’s main street.

“Ron Finemore Transport also joined us for the first time from their depot in Wodonga.

“So it’s something that can be done anywhere, as long as you’ve got a bike and a team of people willing to give it a go.”

Mr Russell, who is Chief Inspector at Albury Police, will be taking part in his fourth consecutive ride along with his “Triple P” teammates from Murray River Police District.

They will be among about 20 teams stationed at Adrenaline Boxing and Conditioning, where the ride had its beginnings in 2021.

Bringing a twist to the event this year will be Ambassador, Al Taylor, who will participate on a skateboard.

He hopes to put a team together to ride at his Wodonga business, Al’s Skate Co. “The Sunshine Ride is a fantastic event that raises money for a great cause, but also takes a novel approach that promotes people being

healthy and exercising,” Mr Taylor said.

“I think it’s such a great idea that I want to get the skating community involved.”

Other Ambassadors are retired professional cyclist, Greg Featonby, and four-time cancer survivor, Tracey Stiles.

Ms Stiles was first diagnosed with cervical cancer when her son was just six months old.

She has since had tumours removed from her uterus and kidneys.

After undergoing her last cancer treatment in 2023, Ms Stiles was grateful for the community at her local gym, PT Fitness in Wodonga.

“When you meet a good crew like we’ve got at the gym,

it makes the cancer journey so much easier,” she said.

“They’re so supportive.

“So I’ve loved doing the Sunshine Ride at PT Fitness for the last two years.

“You’re with gym friends and know it’s going to a worthy cause at our local cancer centre.”

M&M X-treme World of Fitness Wangaratta have registered a team for the event, if you wish to donate to their cause you can do so via the link: https://give.awcancertrust.org.au/fundraisers/ MMX-TREMEWORLDOFFITNESS425/sunshineride To register or find out more about the Sunshine Ride, visit www.sunshineride.org.au

A 73-metre-long superload will be stopping near Wangaratta on Tuesday morning during its three-night journey to Wodonga.

The load will travel from Glen Waverly from Sunday which was expected to cause significant disruptions to traffic along the route at times..

A Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson asked motorists to be patient when encountering the load in transit and to follow the direction of traffic controllers escorting the load.

Victoria Police will be present during this move to help ensure there is no obstruction to the safe transport of the load.

The spokesperson said there will be no designated viewing opportunities available, and asked the community to stay well clear for their own safety when the load is in transit and when parked.

The load load will make its way out of the city from Monday night and travel north along the Hume Freeway from Beveridge, leaving the freeway at Tallarook to use Main Road, Schoolhouse Lane and Dysart Road before returning to the freeway and arriving at the Wangaratta rest area by early Tuesday morning.

The load will then continue north along the Hume Freeway to Wodonga from 10pm Tuesday, January 21.

Once the load arrives at the Wodonga rest area, New South Wales Police will take over coordination for the remainder of the journey through New South Wales.

The load travels at speeds of up to 60km/h.

When travelling over bridges or around corners, the load will slow to around 5km/h.

Due to its 5.3-metre width, this load will take up the entire width of some roads, however there will be limited opportunities to pass under supervision of the specialist support crew.

Traffic management officers and load escorts will accompany the load for the entire journey, making sure that roads are safe during and after the move.

They will help to manoeuvre the vehicle safely around corners, temporarily removing signs and lights, placing steel supports over existing drainage and will then put everything back in place once the load has passed through.

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

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

Page 4 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 20, 2025

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FIRE STARTER: Don’t throw your batteries in the bin.

PHOTO: Willoughby City Council

Batteries starting fires in garbage, recycling trucks

By STEVE KELLY RURAL City of Wangaratta is urging people to stop throwing batteries in the general waste or recycle bins as they are causing truck and landfill fires.

Council director community and infrastructure Marcus Goonan said minor fires have occurred locally in both the back of waste trucks and at the landfill.

He said people can dispose of batteries safely and for free at council’s transfer station or at several participating retail outlets.

“Please don’t put them in your waste bin,” he said.

B-cycle drop off points in Wangaratta include Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, Big W, Rock and Road Cycles, Bunnings Warehouse, and Wangaratta Works Depot on Sandford Road.

“Improperly stored or disposed of batteries, especially lithiumion types, can ignite and cause devastating fires,” warned Libby Chaplin, CEO of B-cycle.

“This year alone, there have been hundreds of battery-related fires in Australian homes.

“Never put batteries in general waste and recycling bins.

“They’re not just a fire risk at home - they can also harm workers in the waste and recycling industry and damage critical infrastructure.

“When a rechargeable battery is crushed inside a waste and recycling truck or at a recycling facility, it starts a chemical reaction that creates an explosive fire.”  Don’t toss them in general waste or recycling bins.  Tape them using clear sticky tape. Cover used battery terminals to prevent contact with other batteries and metals which can spark and cause fires.  Take them to one of over 5200 accredited B-cycle drop off points nationwide - for other locations visit http://b-cycle.com.au

OPEN ARMS: Salvation Army Captain, Stan Oldfield, is opening his arms to the down and out of the Wangaratta community. INSET: HEART FOR HELPING: Stan Oldfield describes himself as having a big heart for helping people.

PHOTOS: Jordan Duursma

A new leader for Wangaratta Salvos

MONDAY marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Wangaratta Salvation Army as the welcomed Stan Oldfield, their newly appointed Captain.

Following on from Peter and Rhonda Lewis’ efforts before him, Stan is looking to move forward with the same focus on community.

“It’s just about reaching out to the down and out in the community, reaching out to average people because everyone needs help at some point,” he said.

“Being a chaplain isn’t all about doom and gloom, its about being there to talk to people when they just want to chat.

“I’m hoping for this place to be a light in the darkness.”

BY JORDAN DUURSMA

jduursma@ nemedia.com.au

Stan moved to the area last week from Bentleigh in Melbourne with his wife and the youngest of his three children ahead of his appointment.

“I’ve been an officer for 10 years, I started off at Noble Park for two and a bit years, then Bentleigh, and now here,” he said.

Stan said he came to the Salvation Army through an Easter egg hunt.

“My wife and I were taking our kids to see their cousins and we went past a sign saying ‘Easter egg

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hunt next Saturday’ so she thought she would take the kids and we went along, she didn’t realise there would be a service for the hunt, (I did), she enjoyed it so we stayed and ended up being Salvos,” he said.

During his appointment in Bentleigh, Stan was a sports chaplain and volunteer at the Hampton Rovers and hopes to be involved with similar roles for local footy clubs here.

“I’m hoping to help the people in Wangaratta be the best people they can be,” he said.

“If anyone comes here looking for help I will do what I can, if I can’t meet your need I will direct you towards people who may be able to help.

“I don’t care what you look or smell like, what your gender preferences or sexuality is, I’m happy to talk to anyone and everyone is welcome here.”

Stan said after serving 15 years in the Army and 12 with Victoria Police there is not an obscenity, blasphemy, profanity, colloquialism or curse that he hasn’t heard.

“I’m not offended by them and I won’t be phased,” he said.

“I warn people I have a warped sense of humour but I’m a regular guy who has a big heart for helping people.”

To volunteer, or if you need support from the Salvos, visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS.

Make me an offer for university Monday, January 19, 2015

By KYLIE WILSON WANGARATTA’S Amy Retell is among hundreds of local VCE students who will find out about their university places today, with round one offer information becoming available.

The former Wangaratta High School student studied a wide range of subjects for her VCE, including English, literature, psychology, business management, legal studies and global politics.

Being named dux of legal studies for her efforts, Amy

EXCITED: Amy Retell anxiously awaits round one university offers.

PHOTO: Luke Plummer said her hope is to study a double degree in commerce at Deakin University in either Geelong or Burwood.

Ms Retell said she would combine commerce studies with studies in either arts or real estate.

She added that her ambition is to use her degree to help build a career in the

corporate sector.

Round two offers will be made for graduate entry teaching courses this Friday, January 23, and for all other courses on Thursday, February 5.

More information on the offer process and options for students are available at www.vtac.edu.au.

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 20, 2025 - Page 5

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50-year celebration for Vauxhall car club

THE Vauxhall Owners Club of Australia is excited to be celebrating 50 years of operation and in March they are going back to where it all began - in Wangaratta.

Club member Joan Maher said their 50th anniversary event will have some of the original cars on display during the public display at Apex Park, as well as many of the founding members and/or their families in attendance.

“We will be based in Wangaratta and the surrounding area from Thursday, March 13 until Monday, March 17 and we are expecting well over 50 Vauxhalls and Bedfords to attend,” she said.

Initially the club got together as a group from an advert that Wangaratta local Vauxhall enthusiast Ian Ward placed in the JulyAugust 1974 edition of Restored Cars magazine.

The club was sponsored as a one make group by the VVCVCW and its first national get together was held

For information contact Leigh on griffinvale@hotmail.com or 0407 884 869.

A summary of the event itinerary includes: Thursday, March 13 – Afternoon tea, booking in and meet and greet for the early arrivals.

Friday, March 14 – Day run to Glenrowan and surrounds. Afternoon tea, booking in and meet and greet for today’s arrivals. Barbecue welcome dinner and social evening with the VVCVCW members. Vauxhall Club memorabilia display.

ONE FOR THE AGES: The Ward family in their ’38 DX Roadster with Ian and Heather standing holding daughter Bronwyn with David and Meaghan in the dickie seat. The photo was taken in 1974 and they were preparing to go on the first Vauxhall rally. This car was the one they had in the first rally. It was yellow and the family called it “Benny”. The car was sold and eventually ended up in the UK. in Wangaratta in January 1976.

It became a club in its own right with a meeting held in Cheshunt in January 1977.

The club has grown from strength to strength and

now has members throughout Australia and overseas, with national rallies held each year in all states on a rotational basis.

The club’s current membership is about 600.

“If you have an interest in or a connection to Vauxhall or Bedford vehicles we would love to hear from you with any info or if you wish to join us at any stage please do,” Ms Maher said.

Saturday, March 15 – Vehicle parade through town and public display in Apex Park.

Afternoon run to view local enthusiast’s collections.

Saturday evening social get together, old rally films, memorabilia display, etc.

Sunday, March 16 – Day run to King Valley area.

Evening meal at local function centre, entertainment and rally wrap-up.

Monday, March 17 – Pack up and head for home.

Wangaratta Ambulance nominated for state WorkSafe award for snow vehicles WANGARATTA’S Ambulance Victoria team has been nominated as one of 21 finalists for the 2024 WorkSafe Awards.

The local emergency service was named in the Health and Safety Solution of the Year category for their work in distributing world-first snow vehicles specifically designed for the Victorian High Country during its snow season.

Three brand new state-ofthe-art Can-Am defenders and Skidoo vehicles hit the slopes in order to dramatically boost patient care in the snow.

The vehicles had been three years in the making, going through rigorous testing and design alterations to ensure they are best suited for snow resorts at Falls Creek, Mount

Hotham and Mount Buller.

Other finalists in the category include Genesis Safety, Kilmore and Westkon Precast Concrete, Albion.

From almost 150 nominations, 21 finalists were shortlisted across six award categories for the annual accolades, which celebrate initiatives in workplace health and safety and return to work.

The winners of the 35th annual WorkSafe Awards will be announced at an event at the Park Hyatt Melbourne on 27 February, with tickets now on sale.

WorkSafe chief executive officer Joe Calafiore said it was inspiring to see such a diverse mix of workplaces and individuals represented this year.

“Our finalists come from a

wide range of industries including construction, education, healthcare and more,” he said.

“It’s wonderful to see advancements in workplace health and safety happening right across the board.”

Whether it be height-adjustable change tables, world-first snow ambulances, or using artificial intelligence to help prevent falls from height, Mr Calafiore commended the finalists for pushing the boundaries with their groundbreaking safety solutions.

“Each and every year our finalists set new standards in health and safety innovation with fresh ideas that challenge what’s possible,” he said.

The awards will feature a record six finalists in the Health

UP FOR AWARD: Ambulance Victoria’s Laura Bye (left), Jon Hopkins, Greg Margetts and Rob Heaslip showcasing the emergency service’s new snow vehicles. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling and Safety Representative of the Year category and also highlight important achievements in the prevention of workplace mental injury and getting injured workers back to safe and sustainable employment.

Tickets are on sale now until Friday, February 7 on the

Eventbrite web site and you can email awards@worksafe. vic.gov.au for more information.

The awards will be held on Thursday, February 27. https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/2024-worksafevictoria-awards-tickets-1088192867159

BLOCKADE: There were plenty of trees over road in Oxley, Milawa, Tarrawingee, Markwood and Myrtleford on Wednesday after a storm.

PHOTO: Wangaratta SES Unit

Region’s rainfall almost half January average WHAT’S UP WITH THE WEATHER?

By Peter Nelson, retired CSIRO climatologist

USEFUL rainfalls have occurred over most of Victoria during the first half of January this year.

The heaviest falls were in Melbourne and suburbs which have exceeded their January averages.

Rainfalls in North East Victoria are about half the January average of 24mm at Wangaratta and 21mm at Rutherglen and around 50mm at Alpine resorts.

To date the mean maximum temperature at Wangaratta was 33.2 degrees Celsius and at Rutherglen 33.9C. Both were two degrees above normal for January.

The mean minimum temperature at both places were around 15C degrees being just over 1C above normal for January.

Close to last Christmas bushfires caused campers to move quickly away from Cape Otway.

This caused me to update the rainfall records at Cape Otway and found that this location had its driest ever year in 163 years of records with 599mm, well down on the annual average of 853mm.

The previous driest year was 1967 with 635mm rainfall.

The late spring and summer of 1967-68 was very hot in Victoria apart from heavy rain after mid-January 1968 and this above normal warmth continued until heavy rain arrived at the end of April 1968.

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Page 6 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 20, 2025

wangarattachronicle.com.au NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.

Communication is key on all fronts THE success of the new reverse vending machine as a part of the State Government’s Container Deposit Scheme and its correct positioning will require voices to be heard by all parties.

Installed on Thursday morning at the Wareena Park carpark, the machine is set to be operational from this week as residents are encouraged to deposit eligible drinking containers for a 10c refund.

There’s no doubt the initiative led by the Container Deposit Scheme’s North East operators Visy is welcomed, with its convenience and accessibility likely to boost the city’s recycling capabilities as it has in other locations in the state.

The scheme operated at the Newman Street Exchange Depot has been popular, with over $1 million of refunds being distributed back to the community since its introduction in late 2023.

Nearby residents have stated they have no issue with the above, but to be notified of the machine’s installation for the first time just a couple of days before being installed is hard done by.

They have also queried whether it’s the right place for the machine in the first place, set to draw more traffic to an already busy area during peak winter sport season.

Council have made it clear that this is a trial positioning agreed upon by them and Visy, which they intend to evaluate once they see it in action.

It’s important for those who aren’t in favour of its placement and those who are to make their opinions heard through council channels so they can appropriately assess where it can be placed for the benefits of everyone in the community.

The Quiz No. 118 1. What is the eighth planet from the sun in our solar system?

2. Who wrote the 1988 book, A Brief History of Time?

3. Which Australian won the US Open Golf title in 2006?

4. What is the rarest colour of diamonds?

5. The Gregorian calendar replaced which calendar?

6. Who played Max Guevara on the 2000s TV series, Dark Angel?

7. Vientiane is the capital city of which country?

8. What is Dora the Explorer’s surname?

9. Which band had the 1966 hit, Good Vibrations?

10. In Greek mythology, who is the father of Triton?

11. Which material is traditionally used to cover competition Billiard tables?

12. In which bay is Alcatraz Island located?

13. What type of creature is a macaque?

14. In chess, by what other name is the Castle known?

15. Who was Rod Stewart’s first wife?

16. Which car manufacturer made the model called the Quattro?

17. The vagus nerve starts in which part of the human body?

18. What was Louis Armstrong’s best known nickname?

19. In which movie series would you find Neo and Morpheus?

20. The Galápagos Islands are part of which country’s national park system?

Answers 1. Neptune 2. Stephen Hawking 3. Geoff Ogilvy 4. Red 5. Julian calendar 6. Jessica Alba 7. Laos 8. Márquez 9. The Beach Boys 10. Poseidon 11. Baize 12. San Francisco Bay 13.

Monkey 14. Rook 15. Alana Collins (Hamilton) 16. Audi 17. Brain (Brainstem) 18. Satchmo 19. The Matrix 20. Ecuador

Compiled by Ric Allport – www.brainfoodfactory.com – Challenge your Brain

FACEBOOK users this week commented on the return of masks at the hospital after a rise in Covid cases.

Robert K Fisher: The flue is normal .they should stop making viruses Tanya Donchi: Covids never left… it’s just people have stopped being so dramatic about it .. ugh Catherine Jones: It’s been around for months.

Leslie Matthews: Covid never really left town...

• • • • •

Lisa Delahunty Peach:

Well that was bound to happen!!

Facebook users this week also commented on a new automatic reverse vending machine in Wareena Park.

Terry Gilfuis: Why opposite residential houses? Surely Avian Park complex, Council’s Newman St Depot car park or even fence off a section at the Sandford Rd Transfer Station would be better options?

Greg Brown: Terry Gilfuis don’t talk sense Terry Sharon Gannon: Who

• • •

would like this outside their house. Council have moved quickly to take residence by surprise. No consultation just a letter drop to some of the properties day after work had commenced.

Karen Adcock: Wrong place and no resident consultation.

Debbie Clayton: What a bloody eyesore . I feel for The residents that will have to look at this. Surely there would have been a more appropriate place. That area could have

• •

been made into a beautiful park area for Families to Enjoy.

Why didn’t it Go Down near the stadium. ?

Abbey Wright: Emma Tyrrell Alf will loose his mind !

Facebook users this week also commented on a police car being rammed by an alleged speeding driver.

Colin Hutchinson: Tax cuts WahWah Khan: The Pursuit of “Happiness”!! I hope it was all good at the end!!

Colin Hutchinson: Bugger

• • • •

Like the

Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.

Our follower total is

15,130

Emergency fund act of “political football” UNCONTROLLED wild fires have filled the headlines over the last few weeks and CFA Volunteers from Wangaratta Group have, as ever, been playing their part in readiness and response.

More than 25 Wangaratta District people spent a week at the massive Grampians fire, in strike teams and incident management.

On a recent high-risk day, 60 members stood so small fires wouldn’t become large.

Recent fires locally, in difficult terrain, have been controlled without fuss.

The myriad other events that demand the services of the CFA are dealt with each day by our quiet champions in yellow.

We know that this work is truly valued within our own communities.

It’s a pity that appreciation isn’t reflected in the same way in the language of the Victorian Government.

The government’s recent announcement regarding the “Emergency Services and Volunteers fund” is a regrettable example of the community’s goodwill towards CFA being used by politicians to mask policies that don’t have CFA Volunteers and their Community’s at their heart.

Labelling the policy as a Volunteers fund is an extraordinarily cynical move, not worthy of anyone who aspires to good governance.

The new fund will finance eight government departments that don’t have a volunteer element.

Of the additional $600m raised, only approximately 8 per cent will find its way to CFA. Recognition of active volunteers by exemptions granted in this new tax regime is well overdue but CFA members with property other than their home face an increased financial burden.

Variable levy rates applied on primary production property will nearly triple and variable commercial property levy rates will double.

Many of our active brigade members will be worse off financially, even with an exemption on their primary residence.

Volunteers who rent their homes will receive no benefit from this new tax regime, and may be faced with increased rental costs as Rental providers pass on the increased levy.

The additional funding announced for fleet replacement is welcome, but the funds are limited and not a sustainable solution for a structured replacement of CFA’s increasingly aging fleet.

CFA’s substantive budget continues to be reduced.

Analysis of the authority’s annual reports shows a net reduction in funding of $14M over the last four years.

Much of the remaining budget, a whopping

BATTER UP: Abbey Coutts was one of many eager participants at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre open day on Saturday to check out the newly opened stadium expansion courts.

The community open day featured group fitness classes and showcased the stadium’s sport clubs who now get to call the facility home.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling $67.3m this year, is retained and controlled by the State Government, not the CFA board, and not readily available for CFA’s immediate needs.

This poorly labelled policy, designed to meet someone else’s needs, again corrodes what was once an icon of volunteering at a global level.

We live in one of the most fire prone environments on the planet and we are experiencing changes in climate that are increasing the size, severity and frequency of bushfires here and across the globe.

Our capacity to respond is not matching this existential change.

I’m constantly in awe of the extraordinary acts of community spirit I witness as CFA volunteers respond to every call for assistance made of them.

CFA is without doubt our greatest community asset in the face of the burgeoning risk of the increasingly common mega fires we experience.

These capable, committed and resilient people don’t deserve to be anyone’s political football.

The policy makers in government should ensure their actions match their rhetoric and act genuinely to grow our capacity, not diminish it.

Lachlan Gales, Group Officer, Wangaratta Group of Brigades

January 26 not a date to celebrate WITH January 26 approaching, the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria – the elected group of Traditional Owners leading the journey to Treaty for Victoria – said that it is not a date to celebrate.

This date marks the beginning of the British colonising Australia and the negative consequences that are still felt today.

Aboriginal people have held protests on this date from 1938 when it was first declared a “Day

of Mourning” by Aboriginal campaigners.

If we want to move on together, we have to accept the truth about what was done to Aboriginal people and how January 26 represents the beginning of dedicated attempts to wipe our people, our cultures, and our languages off the face of the planet.

The Assembly will be bringing together Aboriginal Community leaders in Victoria in the lead up to January 26 for a joint call to encourage Victorians to stand in solidarity with mob this year.

In recent years more friends and allies have joined in solidarity, recognising that January 26 is not a date to celebrate.

We’re encouraged to see a number of local communities, businesses and organisations taking their own steps to stop celebrating on January 26 and we’d urge individuals to add their name to the Not a Date to Celebrate petition that Clothing the Gap is running.

We thank the local councils that are showing leadership and compassion and supporting inclusivity by acknowledging that for many people January 26 is a day of mourning. It’s not a date to celebrate.

First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria

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

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Post

Letters to the Editor, 37 Rowan St, Wangaratta 3677

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 20, 2025 - Page 7

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TOGETHER: Lucy Burke had a helping hand from Jenny Cook.

FUN: Alana Thomas and Jane Thomas were just getting started.

FAMILY: Max, Indi, Evie, Jackson and Thomas Reid all took part in the workshop.

DUO: Teaming up for the tie-dye session were Pia Solimo and Remmy Smith.

CREATIVE: Louis Manuel-Roberts had his bundle wrapped up tight.

Kids enjoy tie-dye workshop at Wangaratta Library

PHOTOS: Jordan Duursma

IT was a bit of a messy process but led to some very colourful results, when kids took part in a tie-dye workshop at the Wangaratta Library on January 15.

T-shirts and other items were turned into groovy, unique masterpieces during the session, using a process which was made popular in the sixties and seventies.

New interns begin work at Wangaratta’s public hospital SIXTEEN new intern doctors have begun their professional journey at Northeast Health Wangaratta this month.

Following a week of induction and mandatory training, these newly graduated doctors are now ready to embark on their first rotations at NHW, gaining invaluable experience in various medical fields.

The NHW intern program offers these doctors a comprehensive year-long experience across key specialty areas, including: medicine, surgery, emergency, orthopaedics, sub-acute/rehabilitation, and paediatrics.

A unique feature of the NHW Intern Program is its collaboration with Murray to the Mountains (M2M), which blends placements in rural and regional hospitals alongside General Practice rotations within the community.

This partnership gives the interns a diverse experience and a well-rounded understanding of the healthcare needs in both urban and rural settings.

Throughout their year, the interns will be mentored by a team of experienced professionals, including registrars, general practitioners, senior medical officers, and specialists. This expert guidance will help nurture their practical skills, medical knowledge, and ability to collaborate within wider medical teams.

NEW COHORT: Some 16 interns begin their placement at Northeast Health Wangaratta across a range of specialties.

Intern Brendan Barrett said he was looking forward to having the opportunity to develop his diagnostic and management skills especially within the emergency department.

“Providing and expanding access to high quality healthcare is one of my passions and my main driver for entering medicine,” Brendan said.

“I trained at NHW and felt so welcomed and supported that I wanted to start my career in that environment.”

Libby Fifis, chief executive officer of Northeast Health Wangaratta, expressed her enthusiasm about the program’s impact on both the interns and the local community.

“The NHW Medical Training and Intern Program plays a pivotal role in pro-

viding practical workplace experience for the next generation of doctors,” Ms Fifis said.

“This ensures that our community continues to receive outstanding healthcare services.

“Our dedicated medical team works tirelessly to support our interns and junior doctors, helping them develop critical skills such as patient rapport and effective teamwork. “We are thrilled to welcome this passionate new group of doctors and are eager to see the positive impact they will have on the health and wellbeing of the North East community.”

The NHW Intern Program is an integral part of NHW’s commitment to fostering future healthcare talent and ensuring long-term medical care in the region.

DON’T BE SHY, GIVE NIKO’S A TRY Monday-Friday

6:00am - 18:00pm

Saturday

6:00am - 13:00pm

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6:00am - 12:00pm 2a Edwards St, Wangaratta

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Niko’s Butchery Wangaratta

Page 8 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 20, 2025

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Limelight trio brings Grace to local halls and venues

By ANITA MCPHERSON A NEW play which keenly observes family and celebrates storytelling, will be the next production presented by local professional theatre group, Limelight Touring Company next month.

Grace by Melbournebased playwright Katy Warner, brings together three women of three generations over one long weekend in Copenhagen, centred around Emma who is about to receive the Hans Christian Andersen Award - the top literary prize for children’s fiction.

Emma is ready to celebrate the pinnacle of her career and has her mother, Beth, by her side to share in the moment, until an unexpected visitor disrupts Emma’s plans and threatens to upend her future.

The play is perfectly suited to the Limelight cast of Colette Quin, Laura Gundrill and Brenda Spilva, under the direction of Kirsty Woods, who are in rehearsals for the opening in February.

They are at an exciting stage, having put scripts down and turned their focus towards stage direction and developing the characters and their interaction.

ACROSS THE

Kirsty said all is progressing well, and as the cast has had their scripts for some time now, they have grown to understand their characters and been able to develop ideas early on.

Brenda Spilva, who plays the role of Emma, said with the script having some snappy, fast dialogue, the trio can now take in the full meaning of it, and consider the dynamic relationships between the characters.

She said the script was a gift to Limelight, suiting the company’s key pillars of supporting regional actors and celebrating strong female roles and female writers.

“Katy Warner was really excited that we wanted to perform her play,” Brenda said.

“The dialogue and the way the characters can relate through the common theme of storytelling is really beautiful.

FAMILY DYNAMICS: Laura Gundrill and Brenda Spilva (pictured) are joined by Colette Quin in the cast of Grace, being performed at The Vine Hotel in North Wangaratta on Thursday, February 13.

“And the themes that come up around intergenerational female relationships will also be really relatable to our audience.

“I think everyone who see it will take away something around the relationships we have with the women in our lives.

“Some of the dialogue is hilarious and some is serious and reflective - it’s a real unicorn script in that

it’s three women on stage, and we could cast it with the three founding members of Limelight.”

Brenda said what the play shares about Hans Christian Andersen and the evolution of storytelling, is something the cast has enjoyed learning about, and the audience will too.

Grace can be seen at small halls and venues around North East Vic-

toria from February 7 to 15, returning to a number which hosted Limelight’s successful production of Waiting in 2024.

See Grace at The Vine Hotel in North Wangaratta on Thursday, February 13, with the full program and tickets for all shows available by visiting www.limelighttouring. com.

Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award entries open ENTRIES are now open for the $40,000 acquisitive Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award.

Marking the ninth anniversary of this nationally acclaimed biennial prize and exhibition, the Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award 2025 will be held from May 24 to August 17.

With the generous support of project partners, the Kyamba Foundation, the award celebrates the strength, innovation and diversity of Australian textile art, and the region’s long and prominent history of textile manufacturing and craft making.

Two prizes are offered – a $40,000 acquisitive award and the $2500 Ruth Amery Highly Commended non-acquisitive award.

Both prizes are awarded to finalists selected for the Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award 2025 exhibition.

Artists working with the textile medium in any form from across Australia are invited to apply, with entries open until March 7 and more information available at wangarattaartgallery.com.au.

Menagerie exhibition at Art Gallery on Ovens *

A NEW exhibition featuring paintings, drawings, sculptures and sketchbooks by celebrated Australian artist Carolyn Sheather will open at the Art Gallery on Ovens on January 23.

Called Menagerie, the artworks featured in the exhibition were designed to highlight the value of animals in our world, revealing their characteristics and representing them true to form.

The exhibition will run from January 23 to February 3 with an official opening to be held on Saturday, January 25 from 12pm to 2pm and all welcome.

Help paramedics find you with just three words

PICTURESQUE: Among the artworks on display as part of Watercolour Wonders is Range views, watercolour on paper, by Bruce Hargrave.

LOCAL LANDMARKS CAPTURED IN WATERCOLOUR AT BENALLA GALLERY AN exhibition called Watercolour Wonders by long-time Euroa resident Bruce Hargrave is showing in the Benalla Art Gallery shop during January.

Bruce grew up in suburban Melbourne and now divides his time between his Albert Park studio, where he enjoys city views from the front verandah, and the

tranquil landscapes of Euroa, with its vistas toward Balmattum Hill.

The exhibition features a selection of impressionist and realist watercolours showcasing landscapes, urban streetscapes and architecture of our region.

Painted both in his studio and ‘en plein air’ the artworks

capture the essence of his local surroundings.

Notable architectural landmarks featured in the suite of works include the Benalla Art Gallery, Benalla Botanical Gardens and Rotunda, the Benalla Railway Station, the Victoria Hotel and North Eastern Hotel, and FCJ College.

Bruce is a regular participant in group exhibitions, where he has received numerous awards.

Bruce has also held a number of successful solo exhibitions since he began watercolour painting in 2006, and is a member of the Watercolour Society of Victoria.

All works in the gallery shop are available for purchase.

AMBULANCE Victoria (AV) paramedics are calling on the Victorian community to make use of what3words via the Emergency Plus app, describing it as a life-saving tool.

What3words is a program linked to the Emergency Plus app which divides the world into three metre squares with each square assigned a unique combination of three words.

The Emergency Plus app shows a patient’s latitude and longitude in addition to their unique three words.

Calls to Triple Zero (000), SES and for non-urgent police matters can be made directly through the Emergency Plus app.

What3words can also be accessed through its own website and app.

Location services via the Emergency Plus app can be pre-loaded and used without an internet connection.

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 20, 2025 - Page 9

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Junior Reporter Club

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO...

Harrison Joyce ...................................... January 20 Archie Johnson ..................................... January 20 Roxy Smithwick ...................................... January 21 Xander Siperki........................................ January 21 Joy Jackel ................................................ January 21 Imogen O’Keeffe.................................... January 21

Riley Twomey.......................................... January 21 Stella Stamp ........................................... January 22 Lucy Galloway........................................ January 23 Miranda Perkins .................................... January 24 Leo Palmer.............................................. January 24

JANUARY 2025 Birthday Cake Winners - Payton Kay January 4 & Emily Ievenieks January 9 To be in the running to win 1 of 2 birthday cakes each month from Shelley’s Country Bakehouse, join the Junior Reporter Club. Phone 5723 0100 or email reception@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. Please note 48 hours notice required.

67a Reid Street WANGARATTA

P: 5722 9211

Pies, Pasties & Sausage Rolls, Salad Rolls, Breads, Cakes & Pastries, Cold Drinks & Coffee HOURS: Monday - Friday 6.30am - 5.30pm HOURS Saturday 7.00am - 2.30pm

Page 10 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 20, 2025

wangarattachronicle.com.au

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 To be in a state of decay,

1

is to be what (6) 7 What is something that sticks fast (8) 8 Imperative means what (6) 9 What is used especially in some cases of poliomyelitis (4,4) 10 Name a climatic event occurring on average every four to five years (2,4) 11 In which month is the Melbourne Cup run (8) 14 What are rare green varieties of beryl (8) 18 Name the principal organ of taste (6) 19 Who practises legerdemain (8) 21 To fix upon a sharpened stake, is to do what (6) 22 What is a furcula (8) 23 What are termagants (6)

2

3

4

5

MINI WORD FIND 364

1064

C E H H A N A R V E I N M A Y B R T E A O N E D L R I G I D F A B L E L

6

7 8 9 10 11

14

15

12

13

16

17 18

19

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

Some letters are used more than once.

20 21

Air Bed Camel Cry Era

22 23

6 What is a way for entrance

Fable Get Herd Hit Lay

12 What are sacristies (8) 13 Name another term

WHICH WORDS

is played at a table (8) for umpires (8) 2 What is a subject 15 What is near-sightedness for an essay (6) known as (6) 3 Countrywide implies 16 What, in India, are which term (8) kings or princes (6) 4 Columbus is the capital 17 Name a concealed of which US state (4) marksman (6) 5 Which institution is for 20 Which chess piece the care of the insane, a castle (4) etc (6) have a number isvalue Letters

1 HASSOCK (a) A minister’s long robe (b) A slotted part that receives a staple (c) A stuffed stool 2 INHUME (a) To bury in the earth (b) To hold back (c) To drink in

E-QUATIONS 7 Some values are in the right hand cells.

Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

374

BIYWORD

E-QUATIONS

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

BIYWORD

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

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© Puzzles supplied by AUSPAC MEDIA

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Each answer has four letters.

4 3 6 2 9 2 1 H M Q S V Z 4 10 5

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C:1, H:3, M:15, Q:2, S:4, V:10, Z:5

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15

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104

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THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 20, 2025 - Page 11

wangarattachronicle.com.au

RURAL

A challenging road to neutrality Chambers family at Lake Moodemere near Rutherglen talk about change in farming practices

L

eadership and change is not foreign to the five generations of the Chambers family at Lake Moodemere Estate in the Rutherglen wine region.

Changing farming systems and the mix of activities in order to remain in business is critical, as are the leadership skills shown by Belinda, Michael and Joel Chambers.

Lake Moodemere will soon be one of six wineries in Australia to become certified carbon neutral.

With deep family connections within the wine industry and a history of previous generations providing leadership within the broader agriculture industry this adaptation to climate change and emissions reduction was a natural step.

North East Catchment Management Authority spoke with the Chambers family in conjunction with hosting two Wine Australia workshops exploring carbon neutral wine and grapes at Rutherglen and Oxley during December.

These workshops are part of the Carbon Farming Outreach Program, helping farmers learn how to reduce emissions, store carbon and navigate carbon market opportunities.

When the Chambers family achieved sustainability certification for their Rutherglen vineyard on Lake Moodemere in 2021, they found a user-friendly framework that helped them create a stable ecosystem, reducing their reliance on synthetic fertilisers and expensive and intensive vineyard practices such as slashing and other unnecessary activities. oel, who returned to Lake Moodemere Estate in 2018 after serving in the Australian Defence Force, where he had honed his skills in leadership and change, said sustainability certification was focused around growing grapes using sustainable regenerative vineyard practices that are better for the environment while allowing the production of an acceptable yield and high quality.

He said while it was a logical step for the small familyowned winery and vineyard, it wasn’t without its challenges.

“At the start we did go hard, the vineyard went into shock and we had the worst vintage we’ve ever had,” Joel said.

For Joel’s father Michael, who established the wine label with wife Belinda in 1995, seeking sustainability certification made sense.

Michael’s father Peter had already moved away from pesticides in the vineyard which was first planted in 1886.

He said what really pushed them into the big time was the millennial drought as for a couple of years, the crop was a bit thin on the ground.

But last year they had their highest yields ever and the best quality.

“The vines have gone through this transition and they’re starting to produce up to eight tonnes a hectare

J

which is all we need,” Joel said.

“And they’ve created this stable ecosystem where we don’t have to rely on any synthetic fertiliser.

“The sign of a healthy vineyard is when you go through to put your fungicide spray on and you come out and the tractor’s covered in bugs and spider webs.

“And you’ve gotta give it a really good wash down.”

The Chambers family recently celebrated their centenary; 100 years of mixed farming and growing grapes on the Lake Moodemere property.

At the same time Joel, who followed his parents Michael and Belinda, grandfather Peter and great uncle Bill into winemaking, has ensured Lake Moodemere will become the first carbon neutral wine operation in North East Victoria.

But he says going carbon neutral at Lake Moodemere has been a “whole different kettle of fish”, in spite of the earlier transition to sustainability certification.

“It identifies your bigger emission areas and our vineyard is now not a big emitter,” Joel said.

“It wouldn’t be responsible to try and reduce emissions further in the vineyard because then we are going to have a yield issue.” n order to meet the challenges of achieving carbon neutral certification through the governmentbacked program Climate Active, the Chambers engaged a consultant, rather than go it alone as they had previously done with sustainability certification.

“You need to reveal your entire input process and that goes from how you grow your grapes to how you operate your wine business; how we get our wine to our cellar club members or to the consumer,” Joel said.

The process identifies high emissions such as transport, wine bottles and the production system. From there, the Chambers have worked to reduce their emissions and have bought a minimal amount of offsets to cover transport which accounts for about 70 per cent of their business emissions.

Bottles are also a major emissions contributor, particularly the heavyweight premium claret bottle which until now has contained the Lake Moodemere family range.

The Chambers were using some light and green bottles already, and have since moved to use them across their range.

The only exception is for sparkling where there is no lightweight option for safety reasons.

They are also working through reducing their emissions and aiming to become carbon positive via insetting, a form of offsets where the carbon absorbed by a property and soil is claimed.

The climate active regulations currently do not allow

I

the insetting of tree plantings or biodiversity, which is a “business as usual” part of any farming operation. he Chambers say changes to the way on-farm biodiversity plantings are allowed to be used in the emissions footprint calculation is critical in supporting farmers to become carbon neutral.

“We’ve been working on our soil carbon in the vineyard for some time,” Joel said.

“It’s up around 3pc compared to our land over the road which sits at about 1pc.

“If that can be registered and used; together with planted out areas that are not farmed, we will probably become carbon positive.”

Michael, Belinda and Joel say their small management team has given them greater versatility than larger operations but even then, the cost of carbon neutral certification remains a big deterrent both to them and their winemaking colleagues.

“So far it’s taken us two years because we spent an entire year getting our documentation together,” Joel said.

“The big cost is your initial certification and then you have to report every year.

“It would be nice to start to do that by ourselves; to do our own reporting and documentation. That would certainly lower costs.”

Right now, Joel said the carbon neutral certification will be a trial period at Lake Moodemere.

While sustainability certification had delivered the winery good marketing opportunities and a point of engagement, particularly with its Cellar Club membership; it was still too early to know if carbon neutral certification would do the same.

“I think we’re definitely gonna give it maybe five years and we’ll see where things are - the cost will come into it big time,” he said.

Belinda Chambers said when Joel returned to Rutherglen in 2018 after four years in the military, she and her husband had committed to back him where his passions were.

“And his passion was very quickly identified in the carbon neutral space for emissions,” she said.

“It was challenging for us to get our head around and to believe it, but as we went through the journey that changed and we’re fully immersed now.

“The strategy is to continue into the next generation and make sure that we’re investing in the kinds of things that Joel wants to continue with.”

The North East CMA is helping farmers to make informed decisions about carbon farming with free workshops on offer.

If you are interested in attending a training workshop or are interested in having training delivered to your group or network, contact Lachlan Campbell at lachlan. campbell@necma.vic.gov.au.

T

The vines have gone through this transition and they’re starting to produce up to 8 tonnes a hectare which is all we need.

- Joel Chambers CARBON NEUTRAL TRIAL: Joel Chambers in the vineyard at Lake Moodemere Estate.

Wangaratta Livestock Exchange - Prime Market Report VENDOR

HEAD BREED

TUESDAY 14TH OF JANUARY 2025

SEX AVG. WT. C/KG

AGENCY

COWS BENNETT RG & KJ GOLDSWORTHY S.T HARRISON JOHN FORGE GG & AM P/L EVANS RP & JP DAWS WF & RM STAMP RJ & RJ CARSON M & L

1 1 4 1 1 1 1 1

ANGUS LIMOUSIN ANGUS BLACK BALDY ANGUS ANGUS ANGUS ANGUS

COW COW COW COW COW COW COW COW

845 610 692.5 765 735 710 700 740

305 NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK 300 NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK 309.2 NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK 305 AUSTRALIAN WOOL NETWORK 305 AUSTRALIAN WOOL NETWORK 302 CORCORAN PARKER 302 CORCORAN PARKER 295 CORCORAN PARKER

1 1 3 1 1 1 1 4 1 8 1 1

ANGUS X STEER 700 ANGUS STEER 570 ANGUS STEER 415 SANTA GERTR USTEER 385 LIMOUSIN X STEER 460 ANGUS X STEER 395 ANGUS STEER 700 LIMOUSIN X STEER 353.75 BLACK BALDY STEER 570 ANGUS STEER 628.13 LIMOUSIN X STEER 320 LIMOUSIN X STEER 365

315 NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK 345.2 NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK 348.2 NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK 336.2 NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK 355 NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK 340 NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK 320 AUSTRALIAN WOOL NETWORK 360.2 AUSTRALIAN WOOL NETWORK 320 CORCORAN PARKER 365 CORCORAN PARKER 360.2 CORCORAN PARKER 342.2 CORCORAN PARKER

1 1 3 2 1 1 1 1

RED ANGUS LIMOUSIN LIMOUSIN X LIMOUSIN X CHAROLAIS LIMOUSIN X LIMOUSIN LIMOUSIN X

HEIFER HEIFER HEIFER HEIFER HEIFER HEIFER HEIFER HEIFER

415 415 328.33 352.5 775 465 390 380

310 355 310 310 315 340 360 340

1 1 1

ANGUS ANGUS ANGUS X

BULL BULL BULL

335 690 760

270 CORCORAN PARKER 280 AUSTRALIAN WOOL NETWORK 267.2 ELDERS

STEER BEST R & L HARRISON JOHN RITCHENS DOUGLAS IAN SCHREIBER GRAEME R COLLINS DOYNA SCHREIBER GRAEME R VOIGHT DH & SON PYLE R & W DIFFEY T & R DAWS WF & RM STAMP RJ & RJ BARTSH C & K

HEIFER KENNEDY P & S GOLDSWORTHY S.T GOLDSWORTHY S.T GOLDSWORTHY S.T TAAFE BRIAN PYLE R & W EVANS RP & JP SODERBLOM AJ & BJ

ELDERS NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK AUSTRALIAN WOOL NETWORK AUSTRALIAN WOOL NETWORK AUSTRALIAN WOOL NETWORK CORCORAN PARKER

BULLS MCMILLAN, AD & DS LOURENSZ CHRIS SEKAN CHANCE PTY LTD

Next Sale 21st of January 25 1st Nutrien 2nd AWN 3rd CP 4th Elders

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RESTAURANT SUPERVISOR PERMANENT FULL-TIME At the heart of our dining experience, the Restaurant Supervisor plays a vital leadership role in delivering exceptional customer service in our renowned Restaurant at the home of Brown Brothers in Milawa, Northeast Victoria.

About the Restaurant Having recently retained our Age Good Food Guide hat for the third year, Brown Brothers restaurant pairs 135 years of wine making history with seriously good food. Menus change with the seasons and cater for light lunches, shared feasts or a 5-course degustation. Our food philosophy centres around the kitchen garden and minimal waste all whist creating and sharing wine adventures with guests.

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Loved father and father-in-law to Mandy and Phillip (Mullens), Bup to Grace & Nick (Thomas), Charlotte and Lochie and Samuel.

Great - Bup to Percy and Tiberius.

Remembering the times we shared at our farm ‘Carinya’.

Thank you for all you taught me ~ M.

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WEDDINGS

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 20, 2025 - Page 13

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CHAMPION HEREFORDS

measure Page 3

Spor t

Maindample cattle producers Tony and Elena Marchese with Vincenza Di Filippo were awarded top price for the champion Hereford pen at the Wangaratta Livestock Exchange sale on Friday. See story page 7 PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

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Page 14 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 20, 2025

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Wangaratta & District Cricket Association 2024/25 season

A GRADE BEECHWORTH WANDERERS DEF YARRAWONGA MULWALA BEECHWORTH WANDERERS 1ST INNINGS Jack Ryan b: Angus Heslin ..................................................2 Clancy Ellett c: Oliver Cope b: Ben Welsh........................27 Jackson Cull c: Oliver Cope b: Aneeque Azam................57 Brenton Surrey (c) run out: adam dodd, Reid Clarke ....27 Kayde Surrey b: Angus Heslin...........................................22 Austen Fendyk b: Angus Heslin ..........................................8 Matthew Ryan not out .....................................................19* Tristan Lenaz lbw: Angus Heslin.........................................3 Hunter North not out.........................................................2* Timothy Cogger did not bat.................................................Richard Worcester did not bat .............................................Extras .....................................................................................8 Total .............................................................................7 / 175 Overs ...................................................................................40 Fall of Wickets: 1-2 Jack Ryan, 2-47 Clancy Ellett, 3-93 Brenton Surrey, 4-127 Jackson Cull, 5-144 Austen Fendyk, 6-151 Kayde Surrey, 7-167 Tristan Lenaz.

Bowling: Angus Heslin 7/1/34/4, Matt McCabe 4/0/29/0, Ben Welsh 8/0/32/1, Brock McCabe 8/0/24/0, Van Kreeck 6/0/22/0, Aneeque Azam 7/0/31/1.

YARRAWONGA MULWALA 1ST INNINGS Reid Clarke c: Tristan Lenaz b: Matthew Ryan ..................0 Ben Welsh c: Austen Fendyk b: Timothy Cogger ..............8 adam dodd lbw: Timothy Cogger ......................................9 Brock McCabe b: Timothy Cogger .....................................4 Zach Moore c: Clancy Ellett b: Jack Ryan ..........................0 Kyle Archibald (c) b: Jack Ryan...........................................0 Oliver Cope c: Richard Worcester b: Matthew Ryan .......16 Van Kreeck c: Timothy Cogger b: Brenton Surrey ..........33 Matt McCabe c: Austen Fendyk b: Brenton Surrey .........10 Angus Heslin not out .........................................................6* Aneeque Azam c: Kayde Surrey b: Brenton Surrey ..........4 Extras ...................................................................................18 Total ...........................................................................10 / 108 Overs ................................................................................33.2 Fall of Wickets: 1-0 Reid Clarke, 2-21 Ben Welsh, 3-25 adam dodd, 4-27 Zach Moore, 5-28 Brock McCabe, 6-28 Kyle Archibald, 7-84 Van Kreeck, 8-90 Oliver Cope, 9-99 Matt McCabe, 10-108 Aneeque Azam.

Bowling: Matthew Ryan 8/3/21/2, Timothy Cogger 6/1/19/3, Jack Ryan 4/0/13/2, Richard Worcester 5.3/0/21/0, Clancy Ellett 5/1/22/0, Brenton Surrey 4.5/0/11/3.

SCOREBOARD: Saturday, January 18

OVENS VALLEY UNITED DEF BY CITY COLTS

WANGARATTA MAGPIES DEF BENALLA BUSHRANGERS

OVENS VALLEY UNITED 1ST INNINGS Seamus Phillips c: Archie Crispin b: Josh Nanson .........11 Gregor Fraser c: Joshua Newton b: Jed Marek .................4 Geeth Alwis c: William Petersen b: Tyler Nanson ...........34 Cooper Thomason b: Josh Nanson ...................................3 Dylan Bursill (c) c: Mitchell Giggins b: Matthew Lister....20 Conner Forde b: Jed Marek...............................................44 Noah White c: Joshua Newton b: Archie Crispin ............19 marcello vescio c: William Petersen b: Archie Crispin .....0 Glenn White run out: Joshua Newton ...............................2 josh harris c&b: Jed Marek..................................................5 James Neary not out .........................................................0* Extras ...................................................................................10 Total ...........................................................................10 / 152 Overs ................................................................................39.1 Fall of Wickets: 1-15 Gregor Fraser, 2-24 Seamus Phillips, 3-28 Cooper Thomason, 4-74 Dylan Bursill, 5-84 Geeth Alwis, 6-140 Noah White, 7-144 marcello vescio, 8-145 Conner Forde, 9-147 Glenn White, 10-152 josh harris.

Bowling: Josh Nanson 8/0/35/2, Jed Marek 5.1/0/11/3, Connor Ormond 4/0/17/0, Tyler Nanson 8/2/25/1, Matthew Lister 8/0/32/1, Archie Crispin 4/0/20/2, Mitchell Purcell 2/0/10/0.

WANGARATTA MAGPIES 1ST INNINGS Cooper Matheson (c) c: Cooper Binion b: Charlie Bull ..32 Jack Davies c: Josh Hart b: Sameera Witharana ............34 James Thewlis c: Brayden Stepien b: Josh Hart ..............3 Oliver Andrew run out: Brayden Stepien, Gary Priest ...45 Kyle Winter-Irving c: Jonty Priest b: Brayden Stepien ...26 Fraser Ellis not out ...........................................................37* Dean Simmons b: Conor Brodie.......................................26 Nic Bonwick c: Gary Priest b: Conor Brodie ......................1 Jarryd Wallace not out ......................................................1* Zac Guilfoyle did not bat ......................................................Callum Honey did not bat ....................................................Extras ...................................................................................13 Total .............................................................................7 / 218 Overs ...................................................................................40 Fall of Wickets: 1-47 Cooper Matheson, 2-52 James Thewlis, 3-85 Jack Davies, 4-125 Kyle Winter-Irving, 5-160 Oliver Andrew, 6-215 Dean Simmons, 7-217 Nic Bonwick.

Bowling: Conor Brodie 8/1/41/2, Charlie Bull 5/1/25/1, Josh Hart 5/1/29/1, Cooper Binion 6/0/33/0, Sameera Witharana 8/0/54/1, Brayden Stepien 8/0/32/1.

CITY COLTS 1ST INNINGS Mitchell Giggins (c) c: Dylan Bursill b: Geeth Alwis .........19 Tyler Nanson c: Seamus Phillips b: James Neary ..........84 Aaron Thrum c&b: Gregor Fraser .....................................23 Joshua Newton not out ..................................................53* William Petersen not out.................................................20* Archie Crispin did not bat.....................................................Matthew Lister did not bat ...................................................Jed Marek did not bat...........................................................Thomas Moore did not bat ..................................................Josh Nanson did not bat ......................................................Connor Ormond did not bat ................................................Extras ...................................................................................11 Total .............................................................................3 / 210 Overs ...................................................................................40 Fall of Wickets: 1-53 Mitchell Giggins, 2-117 Tyler Nanson, 3-160 Aaron Thrum.

Bowling: James Neary 8/1/29/1, Josh Harris 3/0/28/0, Marcello Vescio 5/0/40/0, Geeth Alwis 7/2/16/1, Glenn white 5/0/40/0, Noah White 3/0/17/0, Gregor Fraser 8/1/29/1, Cooper Thomason 1/0/10/0.

BENALLA BUSHRANGERS 1ST INNINGS Brayden Stepien (c) c: Nic Bonwick b: Kyle Winter-Irving ..............................................................................................90 James Carboon c: Cooper Matheson b: Matthew Prestianni..............................................................................6 Lucas Ham c: Cooper Matheson b: Dean Simmons.........2 Charlie Bull run out: Kyle Winter-Irving ...........................20 Jonty Priest lbw: Kyle Winter-Irving.................................12 Gary Priest (vc) b: James Thewlis ......................................1 Josh Heylbut st: Jack Davies b: Zac Guilfoyle.................11 Josh Hart c: Fraser Ellis b: Jarryd Wallace.........................5 Conor Brodie not out.........................................................9* Sameera Witharana not out .............................................0* Cooper Binion did not bat....................................................Extras ...................................................................................17 Total .............................................................................8 / 173 Overs ...................................................................................40 Fall of Wickets: 1-41 James Carboon, 2-45 Lucas Ham, 3-123 Charlie Bull, 4-125 Brayden Stepien, 5-126 Gary Priest, 6-148 Josh Heylbut, 7-152 Jonty Priest, 8-158 Josh Hart.

Bowling: Matthew Prestianni 6/0/28/1, Dean Simmons 5/0/38/1, Fraser Ellis 4/0/19/0, James Thewlis 8/1/32/1, Kyle Winter Irving 8/1/22/2, Zac Guilfoyle 4/0/13/1, Jarryd Wallace 3/1/4/1, Nic Bonwick 1/0/7/0, Callum Honey 1/0/6/0.

A RESERVE

Rovers United Bruck 7/125 Blake Nixon 38* Nathan Cullen 3/33 def Ovens Valley United 10/80 Nicholas Bleeser 17 Mark Drage 2/5. Benalla Bushrangers 9/220 Dale Stratton 55 Oliver Connell 5/35 def by Yarrawonga Mulwala 8/245 Fraser Smart 42 Kallum Croxford 2/51 City Colts 10/144 Justin Solimo 55 Kieran Radcliffe 3/21 def by Wangaratta Magpies 5/258 Daniel Larkings 91 Corey Petersen 1/11.

B GRADE

Greta 10/85 David Allen 20 Mark Richards 4/13 def

by Rutherglen United 8/86 Ravikiran Pantam 30 Jeremy Hill 3/16. Rovers United Bruck 3/247 Andrew Balfour 81 Lachlan Fitzpatrick 1/37 def Beechworth Wanderers 10/86 Jacob Howard 28 Mitchell Benton 3/13. Yarrawonga Mulwala 10/99 Geoffrey Montgomery 38* Rohan Berriman 4/16 def by Merton 6/100 Luke Benton 29* Hunter Frauenfelder 3/45. City Colts 9/83 Hugh Spring 32* Xavier De Fazio 3/16 def by Benalla Bushrangers 10/84 Xavier De Fazio 19 Tony Ormond 3/20. Delatite 10/51 Ross O’Meara 12 Aden Graham 6/7 def by Milawa 2/201 Jason Papworth 76 Al Bennett 1/44.

C GRADE

Gapsted 5/173 Peter Newton 42 Paul Montgomery 3/29 def Benalla Bushrangers Blue 9/171 Steven Hart 46*.

Yarrawonga Mulwala 7/187 Damian Leeburn 75 James Davidson 1/16 def by Beechworth Wanderers Stanley 8/188 Justin Iaria 53 Jack Hudson 4/39. Greta Blue def Rutherglen United (forfeit). Benalla Bushrangers Red 7/171 Jordan Smith 72 Marc Sealey 4/30 def by Greta White 9/197 Austin Morris 72 Nicholas Jacobs 3/40.

UNDER 16

Rovers United Bruck 3/99 def Benalla Bushrangers 7/81.

Delatite 5/113 def by Beechworth Wanderers 4/125.

City Colts 3/115 def Ovens Valley United 4/94.

UNDER 14

Beechworth Wanderers 4/146 def Wangaratta Magpies White 8/78. Yarrawonga Mulwala Rams 8/75 def by Greta Blue 5/92. Wangaratta Magpies Black 8/77 def by Yarrawonga Mulwala Bulls 3/124. Benalla Bushrangers Bluue 7/75 def Rovers United Bruck Gold 7/68. Greta White 7/80 def by Benalla Bushrangers Red 4/104. City Colts v Ovens Valley United results unavailable.

UNDER 12 GOLD

Delatite Gold 8/27 def by Benalla Bushrangers Green 8/49. Benalla Bushrangers Red 4/91 def Wangaratta Magpies White 5/63. Yarrawonga Mulwala Bulls 5/117 def Delatite Blue 3/76. Yarrawonga Mulwala Rams 8/42 def by Benalla Bushrangers Blue 4/81. Wangaratta Magpies Black v Yarrawonga Mulwala Lakers resunts unavailable.

UNDER 12 BLUE

Rovers United Bruck Green 5/47 def by Beechworth Wanderers 6/98. City Colts Blue 5/17 def by Ovens Valley United Orange 6/119. Ovens Valley United Black 3/81 def City Colts White 3/75. Rutherglen United 3/109 def Rovers United Bruck Gold 8/70.

GOOD AREAS: Hugh Spring bowls a good line and length.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

PUNCHED AWAY: Lenny Sims drives at a fuller delivery.

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 20, 2025 - Page 15

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Wangaratta & District Cricket Association 2024/25 season

MATCH REVIEWS: Saturday, January 18

Momentum building for Colts

By NATHAN DE VRIES A BLISTERING innings from opener Tyler Nanson saw the City Colts chase down Ovens Valley United’s 152 in 33 overs.

After winning the toss and sending the Tigers in to bat, the Colts found the early wicket through pace tyro Jed Marek in the third over, with Gregor Fraser edging one to Archie Crispin at first slip.

The ever-dangerous Geeth Alwis looked in good touch early, but couldn’t find a batting partner to go with him, as Josh Nanson picked up the wickets of Seamus Phillips (11) and Cooper Thomason (three) cheaply.

Regular wickets prevented the formation of a strong batting partnership, but the Tigers were buoyed by the efforts of Conner Forde, who hit 44 from 55 deliveries and found the boundary eight times.

The Colts’ bowling attack kept striking, limiting Ovens Valley to 152 all out.

Colts skipper Mitch Giggins said the choice to bowl first was a calculated risk which paid off.

“You would’ve thought we were mad that we’ve won the toss and bowled - the ground was beautiful, deck was immaculate,” he said.

“I just feel like, last week, batting first and getting rolled for 90, sitting out in the field in the heat the boys dropped the morale a little bit.

“It was something different, just trying something out, and obviously it paid off well for us.

“We just got to that point where we’re really missing six-to-eight overs from Kent, just another HEROIC KNOCK: Tyler Nanson’s 84-run innings helped lay the groundwork for the Colts successful run chase against Ovens Valley United.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie person who can put it on a dime

and tie up an end.

“Archie (Crispin) bowled a few overs with Mitch Purcell; we just got some overs into some other guys to try and get us through for six-to-eight overs.”

With a chaseable total ahead of them, the Colts needed a top order batter to find some runs and Tyler Nanson took responsibility.

He batted with poise and skill, compiling a 53 first-wicket partnership with Giggins (19) and 64 with Aaron Thrum (23).

While a century looked on the cards, a mistimed flick saw Nanson dismissed at square leg for 84.

Josh Newton found some form, belting 53* from 49 deliveries, with William Petersen earning the red ink with his cameo of 20*.

Giggins had nothing but praise for Nanson and the batters.

“It’s the best I’ve ever seen him bat, the smartest he’s ever batted – he picked his balls, picked his shots, he was just really switched on considering he’d bowled eight overs,” he said.

“He was mentally and physically buggered on about 40, and for him to stick at it, massive props to him, it was a fantastic knock from him. “‘Az’ (Thrum) is playing a good supporting role this year – he’s not making many runs but he’s chewing up balls and batting time, turning the strike over for whoever’s out there.

“It’s good to see Joshy Newton back in the runs again, another 50 for him.

“It’s very good heading into the two-dayers that we’ve hit a bit of form like this now.”

The Colts will recommence their long-form campaign this weekend, up against Beechworth Wanderers at Baarmutha Park.

Wangaratta Magpies will meet RUB Hawks in oneday final after belting Benalla Bushrangers ■ From back page

Benalla’s Brayden Stepien had loomed as a major threat all season, but had only managed 61 runs from five matches, until last week’s 42 from 32 signalled he was on the up.

Stepien strode to the crease and began a barrage of pure power hitting and class, clobbering 90 from 73 deliveries with 12 boundaries.

“He batted unreal, it’s been a while since I’ve seen someone bat the way he did on the weekend,” Matheson said.

“We had no answers for him, we were just hoping he’d hit it down someone’s throat.

“He went about it very well, and put us on the back foot very early – they were 0/33 after three overs and we were a bit lost in the first five overs in the field.

“We set our fields and bowled to them, slowed them down a bit and put the pressure back on them.

“He was our main wicket, once we got him it set us up to win.”

Winter-Irving was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 2/22 from his eight overs.

The result means the Magpies finish on top of the one-day ladder, and will host the one-day grand final at the Showgrounds on Sunday, February 2, against rivals Rovers United Bruck.

“It’s a huge result for us from where we thought we were going to be at the start of the year to where we are now,” Matheson said.

“We’re pretty pumped about it.

“At the start of the year we said if we were going to get some silverware with anything it’d probably be the one-dayers, they suit us the most.

“Hopefully we can get the job done in a couple of BLOCKED OUT: Jack Davies gets to the ball with a front foot defensive shot. weeks.”

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Page 16 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 20, 2025

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Junior, senior cricket results

ISSN 2200-078X

9 772200

078028

Page 14

PULLED AWAY: Cooper Matheson rocks back and pulls a shorter delivery away through the leg side.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Finals secured Wangaratta Magpies will meet RUB Hawks in one-day final after belting Benalla Bushrangers

A STERLING triumph over a lively Benalla Bushrangers squad has delivered top spot on the one-day cricket ladder and a home grand final for Wangaratta Magpies.

Wangaratta put 7/218 on the scoreboard at the Showgrounds before restricting the Bushrangers to 8/173 by

BY NATHAN DE VRIES

ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

the end of their 40th over.

It was a comprehensive batting effort, with the vast majority of Magpies finding a start.

Cooper Matheson (32 off

27) and Jack Davies put up 47 runs before Matheson was knocked over, with Jimmy Thewlis not making much of an impact before he was back in the sheds.

Oliver Andrew (45 from 64) looked promising but a mix-up saw him run out, while Fraser Ellis (37*), Kyle Winter-Irving (26) and Dean

Lucy & Bill’s

Simmons (26) pitched in with the willow.

Matheson said they could’ve made even more runs on a very battingfriendly surface.

“In the batting department, we batted unreal,” he said.

“We probably left a few runs out there but everyone

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that batted, apart from Jimmy Thewlis, everyone got a start, a 30 or 40, but no one went on with it.

“Ollie was a bit stiff, getting run out, but that’s cricket.

“He was barbecued, he basically ran four - he got to the other end and Fraser sent him back, he had to come back and nearly got home.

“Fraser is just very good value - because he hasn’t fully committed this year, he’s not thinking about his cricket as much, he’s just going out there, seeing the ball and hitting it.

“He just adds a whole other dynamic to our batting lower down the order.”

■ Continued page 15

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