Exploring the playground at Appin Park Primary School is high on the agenda for Hunter Lorman (4) as he, like so many others starts school.
■ Story page 2
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Council’s early consultation with community
RURAL City of Wangaratta Council will not have a dra budget period this year and the community has until this Friday to respond to a survey or make a submission to council.
Council CEO Brendan McGrath rst mentioned the new process of engaging with the community groups
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
prior to budget deliberations at the November council meeting, however, there was no mention of the removal of the 28-day dra budget period.
A media release was also distributed; however, it did not mention that there would be no dra budget period in the release, but if readers were to click on the link, they would have to wait until they had read more than 500 words before they found out.
Former Mayor Dean Rees
thinks the early consultation is a good idea as it allows community groups to submit projects.
However, he said the messaging around there no longer being a dra budget period could have been better.
“Hopefully groups can have their projects
Wednesday 5 February from 5pm |
included or partly funded into the budget rather than council doing up a budget and then consulting people after the fact,” Mr Rees said.
“In the past people have indicated that it’s not what they want and council nds itself pulling items out to t others in.
“This can upset people if their project was included and then removed.
“It will still go to council to the mayor and all the councillors for them to approve.
“Talk to your councillors about the things that matter to you in your ward.
■ Continued page 2
Norton Street fire extinguished
A FIRE on Norton Street in Wangaratta was brought under control within nine minutes last Thursday.
An FRV spokesperson said at 4.11pm they were called to an incident on Norton Street a er a caller to triple zero (000) reported an electrical box re spreading to grass.
CFA re ghters also attended this incident.
Fire ghters arrived on scene within ve minutes and found a small re.
The scene was deemed under control at 4.20pm.
WE WANT YOUR NEWS
Early community consultation comes at cost of draft budget’s removal
■ From front page
“The messaging could have been done a bit clearer in that council wants people’s comments today because there won’t be a dra budget period later in the year.”
Sarah Brindley, director corporate and leisure said, “Our process this year prioritises upfront consultation, allowing us to incorporate community feedback and submissions before nalising the budget”.
“This proactive approach contrasts with the past challenges of accommodating feedback postbudget creation,” she said.
“While last year’s budget in-
cluded a standard 28-day consultation period, we also initiated community engagement well in advance.
“These adjustments align with updated consultation obligations for councils in the Local Government Act 2020, which mandates all Victorian councils adhere to their adopted Community Engagement Policy.
“In the past, we’ve typically received between 10-20 submissions during the 28-day period.
“This year, we’ve experienced increased engagement with 118 survey submissions via Connect Wangaratta, and 23 individuals have made budget-speci c sub-
missions, demonstrating heightened community involvement.”
Community engagement opened on December 4 and closes on January 31, with a review of community feedback and hearing of shortlisted budget submissions during February.
The nal revenue and rating plan will be developed in March, and the nal budget will be developed between March and May.
Documents will be adopted by June 30 at the latest and feedback will be sent to budget submitters in July 2025.
Take the Rates, Revenue and Spending Priorities Survey at https://connect.wangaratta.vic.gov.
This will in uence how funding is allocated in the 2025/26 Budget and give feedback on how revenue and rates will be raised across the municipality.
You can also make a submission at https://connect.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/25-26-budgetand-revenue-and-rating-plan/ surveys/2526budget-submissions.
A budget submission is a request for funds for a speci c community project, service or initiative you want to see council invest in next year.
Starting out on the school journey
FOR youngsters like Hunter Lorman, this week marks a major milestone.
The four-year-old is preparing for his first day at school on Thursday, and can’t wait to explore the inviting playground at Appin Park Primary School as he launches into his primary years.
Hunter said he loved learning, and was really looking forward to his year in prep.
His mum, Amy Ratcliffe, admits to feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as the eldest of her two sons gets set to begin his schooling journey, and she can’t wait to hear all about Hunter’s new adventure.
Theirs is a story that will be echoed in households across the Rural City of Wangaratta this week, as local schools swing back into action for 2025.
In a staggered return, some will open their gates to students today, with others set to welcome their 2025 cohorts for the first time on Thursday or Friday.
The final first-day round will be on Monday, when Cathedral
BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au
College’s new prep students settle into their classrooms.
Whether families are preparing for one or multiple youngsters’ time at school; for firsttime primary-schoolers or new secondary-schoolers making a big step in their lives; or for year 12 students embarking on their final year, it will be a busy week.
And with the mercury expected to remain in the 30s, and to creep into the high 30s over the weekend where it will stay for much of the first full week of term next week, school hats and a relaxed end-of-day routine will be essential.
The school commute will be made easier this year, with the Green Street overpass now open and operating, but motorists are encouraged to stay vigi-
Est. 1884, Incorporating Wangaratta Despatch, Est. 1861
READY TO LEARN: Hunter Lorman shares a moment with mum Amy
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
RIVER CRUISE: Liv Kaye (le ), Elijah Knopp, Jarvis Kaye and Charlie Knopp enjoyed Monday a ernoon in the water at Frank Garth Reserve as they tried to escape the heat of the day, with maximum temperatures reaching 39.6 degrees in Wangaratta, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. The Bureau forecasts
HOTO: Kurt Hickling
Future use of digital hub space to be assessed
WITH the Wangaratta Digital Hub set to close at the end of this week, the Rural City of Wangaratta is assessing the space it has occupied for future community use.
Council, which had been overseeing the hub, announced in November that the facility would close at the end of January.
The initiative has been based in the former High Country Library Corporation o ce to the le of the Wangaratta Library entrance.
It has been funded over the past two years by a $170,000 grant
BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au
from the State Government’s Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions and a $50,000 contribution from council, which was leading a project aimed at developing a sustainable model for delivering digital assistance and programs to the community. However, the ongoing funding required to keep the hub operating could not be secured, leading to the decision to close its doors.
A council spokesperson said in November that knowledge gained through the project would guide future initiatives addressing digital inclusion and digital upskilling programs across the rural city and Victoria.
The hub has since continued to open three days a week, but will nally close its doors this week.
A Rural City of Wangaratta spokesperson said council was committed to ensuring the space which has been occupied by the digital hub continued to benefit the community, and
Marian College under investigation following alleged historic child abuse claims
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
MARIAN College is being investigated by a legal rm following accusations of historic child abuse dating back to the 1990s.
Shine Lawyers have advertised a call out for witnesses following the claims at the Myrtleford secondary cschool.
The advertisement asks students or sta members of the school at the time of the claims of child abuse to come forward and speak con dentially with a lawyer to assist with the law rm’s ongoing investigation.
Executive director of Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd Kate Fogarty said the safeguarding of their students remained the Catholic school’s highest priority.
“We express our deepest concern for all survivor-victims of child sexual abuse and acknowledge the pro-
CALL OUT: A law firm has appealed to witnesses of accused historic child abuse claims in the 1990s at Marian College.
found pain and su ering that such experiences cause,” she said.
“We have robust protocols and policies in place to support the safety and wellbeing of all students.
“We are committed to maintaining a transparent and open dialogue with our community and if any mem-
ber of your community has any concerns or needs support, please do not hesitate to contact the Catholic Education Sandhurst o ce.”
Anyone with information about the allegations at the Myrtleford school can contact senior solicitor Penny Toniolos on 03 9616 4209 or ptoniolos@shine.com.au.
Australia Day tragedy at Boorhaman
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
A LOCAL 78-year-old man has died after an ATV rollover at Boorhaman on Sunday.
Police said emergency services were called to a property on Boorhaman Road around 9am where it is believed the man from the Wangaratta area was driving an AllTerrain Vehicle (ATV) before it rolled.
The death is not being treated as suspicious and WorkSafe has been notified of the incident.
Police said they would prepare a report for the coroner.
Teenager found dead in Broken River, Benalla
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
A BENALLA girl was found dead near a camping ground in Benalla on Saturday morning.
Police said emergency services were called to a camping ground on Goulding Close after the 14-year-old was located in the Broken River just before 10am.
Police said her death is not being treated as suspicious.
Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
Body recovered from Murray River on Saturday
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
aligned with current needs.
Council said it would share details of future plans as they became available.
In the meantime, to assist the community a er the closure, a referral information card will direct residents to alternative digital service providers in the region, to ensure they continue to have access to the support they need for digital skills development.
Visit wangaratta.vic.gov.au/ digital-support to nd local organisations and businesses which can assist.
A BODY was recovered during a search for a missing swimmer in Barooga on Saturday. NSW police said around 12.30pm January 24, emergency services were called to the Murray River at the end of Micks Beach Road, Barooga, following reports of a man having difficulty in the water.
Officers from NSW Murray River Police District responded, with assistance from Victoria Police, Marine Area Command, Marine Rescue NSW and the SES launched a search for the missing 23-year-old man.
Following an ongoing search, the body of a man was found in waters nearby about 11.45am January 25.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
PHOTO: Phoebe Morgan
AUSTRALIA DAY
Hamilton Park shows a vibrant sense of community
HAMILTON PARK
By DOREEN WHEELER
RESIDENTS turned out in numbers to celebrate their annual Australia Day breakfast under the gumtrees in the Hamilton Park Community Area.
A vibrant sense of community was shown when more than 60 people made up of
all ages enjoyed a delicious cooked breakfast and bush poetry and Aussie singalong. The big feature of the morning was the opening of the community playground.
Many thanks were in order for combined e orts and skills of Hamilton Park community and the acknowledgment of generous donations from local organisation,
including the Rural City of Wangaratta, to make the long held dream of a community playground come true.
Hamilton Park board chairperson Ian O’Brien presented representatives of Glenrowan-Warby Lions Club, Warren and Robyn Coles with a certificate of appreciation for their generous donation towards the playground project.
Garrett and Chelsea Matheson.
The community recognised Els Pendavingh and Julia Michaels with the Local Achievers Award for their energy and drive in fundraising, design and sourcing of equipment.
Ian said, “Without their e orts we could not have achieved a playground that was better than we ever envisaged”.
OUTSTANDING:
Community celebrations at Whorouly
WHOROULY
COMMUNITY was the focus of Sunday’s Australia Day celebrations in Whorouly.
More than 100 community members of all ages gathered for the barbecue breakfast at the Whorouly Recreation Reserve and to witness life-long resident, 94-year-old Bill Newton do the honour of raising the Australian ag.
Whorouly Memorial Park Committee president and Bill’s second cousin Trent Newton, who was master of ceremonies for the event, said Bill hadn’t moved far in his life, but he
had achieved a lot.
Rural City of Wangaratta’s Cr Harry Bussell welcomed the crowd and declared the community cared-for reserve to be “as picturesque a public space as anywhere in the Rural City of Wangaratta”.
Mr Newton then announced that this year Whorouly had two junior local achievers.
Recognised for her outstanding leadership and achievements at Whorouly Primary School, where she completed Year 6 last year, one junior award was presented to Chelsea Matheson.
Young sports all-rounder, with accolades spanning from the
snow slopes to the cricket eld, and Myrtleford P12 student Louis Sanderson was also presented with a junior award.
Both Chelsea and Louis thanked those gathered for their awards and said they were proud to be part of Whorouly community.
Mr Newton went on to present Jennifer Garrett with the senior local achiever award for 2025 in recognition of her e orts in putting together the monthly Whorouly Newsletter, which started in 2012, and running the annual Whorouly Village Fair.
Ms Garrett said being involved in the community had strength-
ened her sense of belonging.
“I rmly believe by putting in, you will always get a lot more back,” she said.
Ms Garrett said with younger residents like this year’s young achievers, Chelsea and Louis, who would help build, strengthen and support the wonderful Whorouly community, the future looked bright.
The day’s o cial proceedings nished with updates from local community groups, including Whorouly Inner Wheel Club, Whorouly Kindergarten and Whorouly Football Netball Club, before attendees were treated to scones, jam and cream.
Peechelba folk catch up for breakfast
PEECHELBA
By BRIAN LAWRENCE
THE Peechelba Bushland Reserve committee sponsored its annual Australia Day celebration at the Peechelba Community Centre, perfect weather resulting in a roll up of more than 60 people from the township and broader district attending the celebration.
A free breakfast and drinks were served by committee members at about 8:30am.
Steve Nicholas, a local identity and committee member, was the master of ceremonies and gave a brief outline of achievements in Peechelba in the last year.
Steve then introduced Brian Lawrence who had the honour of raising the ag to the tune of the national anthem.
Councillor Tania Maxwell then took the microphone re ecting on how important it is that celebrations such as this continue to be held in small communities.
All in attendance then took the opportunity to socialise with neighbours and friends from across the broader Peechelba district.
A big thank you to all who assisted in making the day a success and to the Rural City of Wangaratta for their support.
Ron Ferguson wins Local Achiever Award
MURMUNGEE
By JOHN BRADFORD
A CROWD of about 60 people enjoyed a delicious cooked breakfast in the picturesque grounds of the Murmungee Hall. The grounds were looking great a er the mowing and clean up by Mick Snoey and his work crew from the Beechworth Correctional Centre.
Councillor Dave Fuller spoke on behalf of the Rural City of Wangaratta. He then presented the Local Achiever Award to Ron Ferguson.
MC Judy Gri ths read out Ron’s lengthy citation
which clearly showed how very involved Ron is in our local community.
A minute’s silence was held to honour the tragic death of long serving committee man, Brian Rae, in a tra c accident the previous week.
The passing of Kelvin Peart was also recognised for all the work he did for the BowmansMurmungee CFA.
There were many young families in attendance which was great to see.
DEDICATED: Wangaratta councillor Dave Fuller with Ron Ferguson who won the Local Achiever Award.
Hamilton Park Local Achievers Elisabet Pendaving and Julia Michael.
Nick, Nikki and Sam Ferguson enjoyed the event at Murmungee.
FLYING THE FLAG: Young Harry Ivone flying the Australian flag(s) and enjoying a sausage on Australia Day, with dad Jason.
WHOROULY ACHIEVERS: Local achiever award recipients (from le ) Louis Sanderson, Jennifer
Local Achiever awards go to Max and Myrtle Donnan
EVERTON
THE Everton Australia Day event was a resounding success, with over 70 people in attendance.
Festivities began with a cooked breakfast provided by the hall committee, setting a warm and welcoming tone for the o cial proceedings.
Children from Everton Primary School raised the Australia Flag and led singing of the national anthem and performed a mov-
ing rendition of ‘We Are Australian’ in Auslan.
Councillor Dave Fuller addressed the gathering, re ecting on the importance of Australia Day to the community.
In his speech he commended the improvements at the Everton Hall and Sports Complex and applauded the shared values and spirit of togetherness at Everton.
The event was o ciated by president of the Hall and Sports Complex committee, Ruth Kneebone.
Ruth re ected on the history of the sporting complex and the many people who made it what it is today.
A poignant moment was when Yvonne Donnan received the Local Achiever Award on behalf of her parents, Max and Myrtle Donnan.
The contribution by Max and Myrtle of the land for the complex was celebrated with a bronze plaque presented by Cr Fuller to Yvonne.
The plaque will be placed
in the grounds of the complex.
Brief reports from CFA Captain Dean Bennett, Everton Primary School Principal, Kevin Hill and Stacey Thomas from the tennis club rounded out the proceedings, showcasing the diverse and vibrant aspects of Everton’s community life.
The event was a testament to the strong community bonds and the collective effort in celebrating Australia’s heritage and future.
Leeanne
Leanne and Bernie Finnigan win citizen award
MILAWA/OXLEY
A COOL respite from the summer heat was had by everyone who attended the Milawa/Oxley Australia Day, held in the comfort of the airconditioned Milawa Hall.
Councillors Harry Bussell and Allison Winters joined the community to celebrate, with festivities beginning at 5.50pm.
MC Judy White took to the stage to welcome all in attendance and read an Australia Day Poem.
Willing participants then lined
up for the annual donut eating competition, which this year saw Lorcan Stephens winning the junior medallion and Donna McAninly winning the adult.
Alison Stephens from the Oxley Residents Association announced the Local Achievers for the Oxley community as Harriet Day and Dusty McAninly, a er which, Judy White presented Milawa’s Local Achievers, Ashley Goyne and Harry Smith.
These four young people have all displayed respect and true sel essness, by making meaningful con-
tributions, not only to their schools but the wider community throughout 2024. It was then time to announce the local Citizen of the Year, with this year’s worthy winners being long-time residents of Milawa, Leeanne and Bernie Finnigan, who were both stunned by the honour.
Last year’s citizen June Uebergang was on hand to award Leeanne and Bernie with their certi cates from the Rural City of Wangaratta in front of their proud family and friends.
Continuing to provide Exceptional Service
They were also presented with an Australia Day plaque, which is made annually by Andrew Higgins of Blue Raven Enterprises.
During the evening, a er each presentation, the community honour boards were unveiled, showing the recipients’ names and allowing those present, plenty of opportunities to take photos of these outstanding and dedicated community members.
The night ended with everyone enjoying a delightful supper.
The Milawa Hall and Park com-
mittee and the Oxley Residents Association would like to send a heartfelt thank you to Blue Raven Enterprises, Ash Allan of Wangaratta Trophies, Shanley Signs, Edgars Books and Newsagency, Jess Brennan from Milawa Primary School and Tim Seal from Oxley Primary School and all the partners and families of the two committees and of course all those who attended this year’s event. Without the help and support of all of you, this night would not be possible.
MILAWA ACHIEVERS: Ashley Goyne and Harry Smith were thrilled a er being named Milawa’s Junior Achievers.
OXLEY ACHIEVERS: Harriet Day and Dust McAninly are the Junior Achievers from Oxley.
TOP CITIZENS: Bernie and
Finnigan were named Citizens of the Year for Milawa/Oxley.
Back to school this week
IT’S that time of the year again when school kids, teachers, and parents gear up for the back to school rush.
While things like uniforms, books, pick-up and drop-off times, school lunches, excitement and nerves fill the minds of those headed to school and those looking after them, it’s important to remember what a privilege it is to have the opportunity to learn in safe and inclusive environments.
For many school aged children across the globe that is not a reality.
Whether it’s starting prep, moving from primary school to secondary school, starting year 12 or dropping your child off to school for the first time, this week is a major milestone for many.
While this is a pivotal time for students, parents and teachers, it’s also important for drivers to keep in mind the change in traffic conditions this week.
When school zones are active, hefty penalties can apply for violations but most importantly they are there for the safety of the next generation.
Remember to stick to the 40km/h speed limit when it applies in school zones and be wary of school crossing supervisors.
For some students this year is part of a firmly set routine of heading back to school but for others this is the first time and that can come with a plethora of new experiences, including walking or riding to school and navigating unfamiliar streets.
Our role as a community is to keep our younger community members safe as they embark on their education journey, so remember to slow down and keep a look out when driving in school zones.
The Australian Quiz
1
Life thru a Lens is the debut solo studio album by which person?
(a) Michael Bublé (b) Robbie Williams (c) Rick Astley (d) Justin Timberlake
2 Which team won the 2022 Liqui Moly Bathurst 12 Hour endurance race?
(a) Mercedes-AMG Team CraftBamboo (b) Audi Sport Team Valvoline (c) SunEnergy1 Triple Eight Race
Engineering (d) MANN FILTER Triple Eight Race
Engineering
3 Kenrokuen Garden, one of the “Three Great Gardens of Japan”, is located
on which island?
(a) Honshu (b) Kyushu (c) Hokkaido (d) Shikoku
4 Jack Teagarden is best remembered for playing which instrument?
(a) Saxophone (b) Trombone (c) Piano (d) Trumpet
5 What is the capital city of Greenland?
(a) Nuuk (b) Reykjavík (c) Qaqortoq (d) Qaanaaq
(a) Mammals (b) Animal behavior
(c) Insects
(d) Whole organisms
7 Who immediately succeeded Sir Peter Cosgrove as GovernorGeneral of Australia?
(a) John Hindmarsh (b) David Hurley (c) Quentin Bryce (d) Charles Hotham
8 Which 20th century science fiction movie features scenes set in 1999 Los Angeles, 1937 Los Angeles, and 2024 Los
(c) Time After Time (d) The Thirteenth Floor
9 Jean Rhys is best remembered for her novel, Wide Sargasso Sea, which was written as a prequel to which novel?
(a) Jane Eyre (b) Pride and Prejudice (c) Wuthering Heights (d) Sense and Sensibility
10 In which Australian city is the annual Tour Down Under cycling race held? (a) Melbourne
Australia Day speech whitewashes our history
LISTENING to a YouTube clip from the 70s, the late American writer James Baldwin answering a question by the interviewer regarding the USA and slavery.
What he said was succinct and truthful, an answer that could apply to all manner of issues from then to now and into the future.
He said, “If your trying to avoid reality, then how can you face it?”
When I heard about the Federal MP for Farrer Susan Ley speech in an Albury church on Australia Day, Baldwin’s words resonated loudly.
The speech compared the arrival of the First Fleet as similar to Elon Musk’s mission to Mars, of brave new settlers and explorers founding a new and idyllic society.
Having read Ley’s speech on her website after hearing about it, she did not mention the existence of rst Australians at all, never, not once.
She made references to many falsehoods and myths, some drawing such a long bow they were just plain ignorance or stupid.
Perhaps she was just playing to her audience.
Or her knowledge of our history is somewhat skewed to what she wants to know, what she was perhaps taught, or a version of events that suit the times and her political future.
“If you’re trying to avoid reality, then how can you face it?”
Luke R Davies, Wangaratta
Support launched for Dimboola bushfires
AUSTRALIA Red Cross has opened Register. Find.Reunite. and is urging people a ected by the Dimboola Bush res, to get in touch with their families and friends.
Being separated from family and friends is one of the most stressful things a person can experience during an emergency.
The service helps nd and reunite family, friends and loved ones during a disaster.
If you or a loved one has been impacted by the Dimboola Bush res, Australian Red Cross encourages you to register or enquire through the Register.Find.Reunite. service. People can register and look for someone with Register. Find.Reunite. on the Australian Red Cross website at redcross.org.au from a computer or any mobile device.
The Register.Find.Reunite. service matches registrations from people a ected by an emergency to enquiries made by their loved ones searching for news. Where a match is made, with consent, the person who made the enquiry will be noti ed.
By registering with Register.Find.Reunite. you are also letting important services know that you are OK and what support you may need.
Fyowna Norton, Australian Red Cross
Young women also at risk of breast cancer
EARLY-onset breast cancer now accounts for over one- h of all breast cancer cases in Victoria, with 1067 diagnoses out of 5197 breast cancer cases.
The increase is indicative of a national trend.
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is calling for greater awareness, more research, and tailored prevention e orts to address the steady increase in breast cancer diagnoses among women aged 25 to 49, as highlighted in Cancer Council Victoria’s Cancer in Victoria 2023 report.
In 2023, breast cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer among younger Victorian women.
Young women diagnosed with breast cancer face unique challenges that impact their careers, relationships, family planning, and overall, wellbeing.
The data cannot be ignored, we o en hear
from women in their twenties, thirties and forties who have had their concerns dismissed because of their age.
Immediate reforms are needed to support young women with the knowledge, resources, and care they deserve.
Understanding the factors driving this increase is crucial.
Research on why younger women are being diagnosed is a critical part of the overall picture, early detection can be the di erence between a treatable diagnosis and incurable metastatic disease.
BCNA encourages all women to know their bodies and recognise potential symptoms early.
BCNA also o ers a private peer support group for younger women a ected by breast cancer, available at: BCNA’s Online Network. Vicki Durston, BCNA director
Added joy for return to school
By KURT HICKLING
THE joy was unleased for the community’s students last Thursday and Friday just before they return to school, as local Donna Vickers and her charity distributed an array of o erings for families in need.
Replicating the success of last year’s inaugural event, Unleash the Joy donated items collected from the community that were distributed at the CWA Hall last week.
Ms Vickers inspiration to start her initiative proved to be a huge success and many local families were assisted with kind donations that aided her dream.
The not-for-pro t charity also received a host of donations this year from local businesses including Woolworths, Big W, 3NE, La Bella Rocca, Wangaratta Central Dentist and CWA.
Ms Vickers was exceedingly happy with the response from the community and labelled the event as heartwarming.
“I am so happy with the response we have had from the community, seeing everyone come together for such a great cause makes all the efforts worthwhile,” Ms Vickers said.
“We have had a fantastic response from the commu-
nity who are so grateful for what we do in providing everything parents need to get their children back to school.
“There were single mums, single dads, grandparents who had children in their care, kids that were doing home school and families that were really struggling… there is a big need for it here.
“Single mums and dads, other family members including grandparents with grandchildren in care, just to name a few were all assisted with various school items.
“To see the joy on everyone’s faces brought happy tears to my eyes.
“We had a couple of late donations from Melbourne Towing who donated $500
and Sign Pro, which re ects the overall kind generosity to help such an important cause.
“This is a great thing we are doing, which is rewarding to warm the hearts of those in need.
“I have been helping families in Wangaratta for the last 25 years and I absolutely love what I do.”
Ms Vickers said her aim for next year is to nd a permanent location where they can have a familiar place where families can come along.
“We are open to taking kind donations for any winter school clothing to assist families in need for when the cooler months arrive,” she said.
POOL PARTY DRAWS THE CROWDS
By SIMONE KERWIN
a
Wangaratta man released after admitting to “structured” order breaches
A WANGARATTA man was released from custody a er he admitted to the most “organised and structured” breaches of an intervention order a Magistrate had seen.
Appearing from custody at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court last Monday, the 28-year-old pleaded guilty to a charge of persistent breach of an intervention order placed by an ex-partner over the new year period, which landed him in custody for a second time in a matter of weeks.
The court heard the pair crossed paths in Bunnings Wangaratta on December 28 and embraced in a hug.
He was previously granted release from custody on December 16 last year to a Macedon address to
live with his brother following several alleged breaches of the same intervention order.
They went back to the 28-yearold’s Wangaratta home, a er the victim was told to leave her phone and car behind so she “wouldn’t be tracked” by police.
The court heard the pair made numerous contacts by payphone over the following days, and the defendant visited the victim at her campsite in Tocumwal on January 3 and stayed the night.
Under suspicion there was a breach in the order, police visited the Wangaratta man’s home to nd him and the victim together on January 4, where he was taken into custody.
The court heard the pair used discreet communication methods
including UHF radios and changing their status in their “about me” section of their pro les on LinkedIn to communicate with each other in order to avoid police detection.
Magistrate Ian Watkins would subsequently deny bail on January 6. “It was probably the most organised and structured e orts to avoid detection for breaching an intervention order I’ve seen,” he said.
Defence counsel Geo Clancy said the past two weeks behind bars had been an eye opener for his client, who intended not to relate or have contact with his former partner again.
“Nothing like having your liberty taken away to have a think about things,” he said.
Mr Clancy said the 28-year-old
had strong family supports in Melbourne and they intended to help him seek further treatment for severe anxiety and depression, which would be aided if he was to be released from custody.
The 28-year-old had been bailed just two weeks prior to his most recent arrest for alleged persistent breaches of the same intervention order where he allegedly choked an ex-partner and injured her puppy.
The court heard the defendant allegedly used various social media platforms to try and contact the victim, even communicating with them by allegedly changing their Spotify username into messages, including “you told them about the calls” and “I miss you so much”.
As part of his bail, he was banned from visiting the Rural City of Be-
nalla and ordered he complied with the intervention order and stay in the state of Victoria.
Magistrate Watkins placed the defendant on the same bail conditions when he was released on January 20.
“He’s someone who just doesn’t get it,” he said.
“The courts are serious about bail conditions as they are family violence orders.
“No one will have any sympathy for you if your breach your order.”
The court heard the 28-year-old planned to contest past alleged matters, which will be heard on March 6.
He will be sentenced for his most recent matters on March 17, as the prosecution awaits a victim impact statement.
RAZZLE DAZZLE: Willoh Robinson gets a tidy up before school from Amanda Bell.
SHARE THE LOVE: Nicole Robinson receives school items from Donna Vickers.
PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling.
Leeam Hughes and Ascha Harvey.
Jono Leahy.
Lara Taylor and Martina Stevenson.
Ian Gillespie. PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling.
THE Rural City of Wangaratta staged a pool party at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre on Friday, inviting young people to enjoy the cool of the outdoor pool on the last Friday of school holidays. There was
free sausage sizzle, a DJ pumping out tunes, and council staff were on hand.
Kai Sanderson and Rylee Duke-Sutton.
WHAT’S ON
Outdoor Ball in Merriwa Park
ENJOY live music and dancing with family and friends when the Rural City of Wangaratta presents the Outdoor Ball on Saturday, February 15 from 6pm to 10pm in Merriwa Park.
The free community event will feature live music by one of Australia’s top Latin Bands, Zona 7, with a variety of food and drink options from local vendors, including a selection of local wines.
An optional VIP table which seats up to 10 guests can also be booked for $100 at events.humanitix.com/2025-wangarattaoutdoor-ball-table-bookings.
Comedian Tommy Little comes to Wangaratta
STRAP yourself in for an hour of laughs when comedic powerhouse, Tommy Little, presents his brand-new hour of stand-up, I’m Not Proud, at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Saturday, March 15.
One of the nation’s most beloved performers and radio co-hosts, Tommy has won over audiences across the country with his sharp wit, hilarious banter, and engaging storytelling which will keep everyone laughing from beginning to end.*
yourstars
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Your batteries should be fully recharged by now, making you more than eager to get back into the swing of things full-time. Try to stay focused so that you don’t dissipate your energies.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You’re eager to charge straight ahead into your new responsibilities. But you’ll have to paw the ground a little longer until a surprise complication is worked out.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Rival factions are pressuring you to take a stand favoring one side or the other. But this isn’t the time to play judge. Bow out as gracefully as possible without committing yourself to any position.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Reassure a longtime, trusted confidante that you appreciate their words of advice. But at this time, you need to act on what you perceive to be your own sense of self-interest.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) You need to let your warm Leonine heart fire up that new relationship if you hope to see it move from the “just friends” level to one that will be as romantic as you could hope for.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) There’s still time to repair a misunderstanding with an honest explanation and a heartfelt apology. The sooner you do, the sooner you can get on with other matters.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Expect a temporary setback as you progress toward your goal. Use this time to reexamine your plans and see where you might need to make some significant changes.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Some missteps are revealed as the cause of current problems in a personal or professional partnership. Make the necessary adjustments, then move on.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Jupiter’s influence helps you work through a pesky problem and allows your naturally jovial attitude to reemerge stronger than ever. Enjoy your success!
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Set aside your usual reluctance to change, and consider reassessing your financial situation so that you can build on its strengths and minimize its weaknesses.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18)
Some recently acquired information helps open up a dark part of the past. Resolve to put what you’ve learned to good use. Meanwhile, travel plans continue to be favored.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Act on your own keen instincts. Your strong Piscean backbone will support you as someone attempts to pressure you into a decision that you’re not ready to make.
Popular shows coming to the WPACC in February
UNFORGETTABLE music which will appeal to all ages opens the 2025 season at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre in February.
The live performances kick o with The Australian INXS Tribute Show featuring Dellacoma Rio, who is known for his uncanny portrayal of Michael Hutchence, which has captivated audiences around the world.
The show is a fully immersive and energy- lled “Wembley Style” INXS experience, featuring an original video show and authentic, six-piece band per-
forming the hits that made INXS a household name.
They will visit the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre on Thursday, February 13 at 7.30pm.
On Friday, February 14, the world’s most popular ABBA show Bjorn Again will visit Wangaratta as part of their Waterloo anniversary tour, celebrating 50 years since ABBA won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 with landmark song.
Australia’s own Bjorn Again is a globally recognised show performing in over 120 countries to critical acclaim and has been en-
Limelight Touring performs Grace in February
INDEPENDENT local theatre company
Limelight Touring Company will perform Australian playwright Katy Warner’s play Grace at local venues during February.
Directed by Kirsty Woods, Grace tells the story of Emma who has finally ‘made it’ and is about to receive the Hans Christian Andersen Award –the ‘Little Nobel Prize’ of children’s fiction.
With her mother, Beth, by her side to share in the moment, Emma is ready to celebrate the pinnacle of her career in a luxury Copenhagen hotel until an unexpected visitor disrupts Emma’s plans and threatens to upend her future.
Starring Colette Quin, Laura Gundrill and Brenda Spilva, Grace will open on February 7 and will visit The Vine Hotel in North Wangaratta on February 13, with tickets for all shows available now by visiting limelighttouring.com.
dorsed by the original members of ABBA.
They will have audience singing along to all ABBA’s biggest hits including Waterloo, Dancing Queen, Ring Ring and more, for a Valentine’s night lled with nostalgia and non-stop fun.
Opening the matinee season for 2025 is Luke Alleva who will present The Dancin Man on February 28 which celebrates the song and dance men of the mid-century such as Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire and Sammy Davis Jnr.
A performer, choreographer
Wangaratta Players presents Baskerville
WANGARATTA Players Inc. will present the Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville - A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, at the Stage Door Studio from February 7 to 23.
From the multi-award-winning playwright comes a fast-paced adventure about everyone’s favourite detective duo Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson as they endeavour to crack the mystery of “The Hound of the Baskervilles” before a family curse dooms its newest heir.
Watch as the intrepid investigators try to escape a dizzying web of clues, silly accents, disguises and deceit as the actors deftly portray more than 40 characters.
Shows will be held on February 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22 at 7.30pm and on February 16 and 23 at 2pm with tickets available now at trybooking.com/CXPSH.
and star of stage and screen himself, Luke Alleva sings, taps and chats his way through this high-energy show, accompanied by a three-piece-band playing a medley of hits with a modern twist including Make Em Laugh, Mr Bojangles, It Don’t Mean A Thing, Singin In The Rain and many more.
The show is being presented at 10.30am making it accessible for all, including those who’d prefer to travel to Wangaratta during the day.
Tickets for all shows are available now at wpacc.com.au.
Lyster
Opera returns with a Mozart classic
THE popular Lyster Opera returns to the Milawa Hall in March for its third performance, this time presenting Mozart’s The Abduction from the Seraglio. Following its previous near sell-out performances, this production again combines glorious music with farcical comedy - the hysterical romance set in a Turkish harem, where the hero Belmonte, assisted by his servant Pedrillo, attempts to rescue his beloved Constanze.
Featuring a cast of some of Melbourne’s finest singers, The Abduction from the Seraglio by Mozart will be performed on Saturday, March 22 at 2pm at Milawa Town Hall, with tickets from $30 to $40 available at lysteropera.com.au or by calling 0410 0890 388.
AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE: Dellacoma Rio is known for his uncanny portrayal of Michael Hutchence in The Australian INXS Tribute Show coming to the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on February 13.
PHOTO: Oztributeshow
Inaugural BBQ Showdown sizzles at Mitchell Reserve
By GRACE FREDSBERG
SPIRITS and tempera-
tures were high last Sunday as a number of NorthEast residents competed in a smoky BBQ Showdown at Mitchell Avenue Reserve.
“It was just a really fun day,” said one of the BBQ judges, Dameon Holmes.
“All the contestants were having a ball when they were cooking.”
This family-friendly event invited people of all skill levels to participate, and was delivered in part by local Wangaratta business My Slice of Life, who kindly loaned barbecues for the contestants to cook on.
Mr Holmes shared how his personal highlight of the day was “tasting that many high-quality steaks and sausages.”
His favourite dish, though, was “the winning steak” from Albury’s Luke Fraser, which was apparently “far above and beyond the rest of the competition”, and as such Mr Fraser was deemed the clear winner in that category.
Additionally, Austin McGrath from Wangaratta claimed victory in the sau-
sage category, which according to Mr Holmes, was quite a narrow win.
The top three contestants in this category only had
SPORTS CARNIVAL
two points separating them.
Mr Holmes said there was a wide variety of steak and sausage-cooking methods used by contestants on the day.
“Some used the gas barbecues, some used the smoker… some also brought their own grill grates,” he said.
Mr Holmes said he hoped that the BBQ Showdown will return next year for another day of great fun.
$1500 fine for man with “appalling” driving record
A WANGARATTA truck driver was given a hefty fine following an “appalling” record of driving and driving while suspended.
The Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court heard on December 28, 2023; the defendant was intercepted at Peechelba after speeding at 109km/h in a 100km/h zone.
Police found the man’s licence had been suspended months prior, which he said he wasn’t aware of.
On February 15, 2024, he was intercepted at a petrol station on the Western Highway where he again told police he wasn’t aware of his licence suspension.
Appearing in court last Monday, defence counsel Geoff Clancy said there had been confusion about whether he had a suspended licence or not after consultations with VicRoads.
Mr Clancy said his client had been told VicRoads had his licence registered as of February 2024, but later confirmed it was suspended in subsequent enquiries in March.
The suspension was made due to an accumulation of demerit points.
Magistrate Ian Watkins fined the man $1500 and did not impose any further penalties on his licence.
“You’ve got an appalling driving record and it’s not good enough,” he said.
Clayton Fraser, John Gannon, Bernie Grealy, Paul Hughes, Troy Lewis, Greg O’Keeffe, Anna Pasquali, Wally Pasquali, Ange Reynolds, Greg Strano, Dave Taylor, Geoff Webster, David Wohlers, Ken Jasper AM, Rod Green, Peter King, Fabian Harding
CARNIVAL PARTNERS
• Victorian Athletic League
• Australian Physical Education Resources
• RJ Sanderson & Associates
• Kamwang
• Wangaratta Chronicle
• Wangaratta Little Athletics
MAJOR SPONSORS
• Austview Sashless Windows
• Nutrian Harcourts
• Ovens Ford Kia
• Wangaratta Club
• Brown Brothers
• McPhail’s Furniture
• Heather Hearn
• McDonalds Wangaratta
• Taylor Made Plumbing
• Aroma Deli Cafe
ELITE SPONSORS
• Ken Jasper AM
• Quality Hotel Gateway Wangaratta
• Websters Electrical
• David & Barbera McCabe
• Paul Hughes
• Greg Strano
• Warby St Vet Hospital
• Jonhstone Mortgage Finance
• AcuHerb
• Rosewall Building Services
• Selwood & Ackerley
• Greg & Vicki O’Keeffe
• David Battin Electrical
• Tony Goodison
• Murray Edgar
• The Osteopathic Clinic
• Dual Heating & Air Conditioning
• John Hilditch
• Alan Mills
• Les Willams
SPONSORS
• Phillipson Street Clinic
• Garry Nash & Co
• In Home Appliance Repairs
• Jonathon Rodgers
• Graham Kerr
• Brendan Norton
• BK Optical
WINNER’S STEAK: My Slice of Life’s Brent Ibrom pictured with BBQ steak winner Luke Fraser. PHOTO: Amanda Chrystal
KING VALLEY NEWS
Covering Moyhu, Edi, Myrrhee, Whitfield, Cheshunt and Whitlands areas
Commitment to community celebrated in King Valley
BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au
A CROWD gathered under blue skies at the Moyhu Lions Park for the Australia Day breakfast held on Sunday, including Rural City of Wangaratta councillor Allison Winters.
The annual event is a time to come together, socialise and recognise the e orts of community members who have made a special e ort this year - and some over many years.
This year the Local Achiever award went to Donna Handcock, who was recognised for her commitment to serving the Myrrhee and Moyhu communities for over 40 years.
A er moving from Wangaratta to Myrrhee, and later Meadow Creek, Donna became an active and valued member of the Moyhu Playgroup, Moyhu Preschool and the Myrrhee Primary School.
Donna has served on the Myrrhee Soldiers Memorial Hall committee for decades, held the position of treasurer for over 10 years, and was actively involved with many of the hall’s projects and working bees, including organising movie nights held at the hall.
Having been a long-standing member of the Moyhu Football and Netball Club, Donna holds life membership and has held many positions including treasurer and canteen coordinator over the years.
For many years Donna held the position as the regional coordinator for Southern Cross Youth Exchange; Donna and husband Neville having hosted 18 students.
Donna had a long association with the Moyhu Lions Club before becoming an o cial member in 2010 and since then has held the
WANGARATTA Senior Citizens
Club will host a barbecue in Lions Park (Bachelors Green) from 12 noon today.
The club will hold indoor carpet bowls on Thursday from 1pm, cards (500) on Friday from 1.30pm, indoor carpet bowls on Monday from 1pm, and cards (500) and hoy on Tuesday from 1.30pm, all in the clubrooms in Tara Court, off Ford Street.
Social gathering next Wednesday, February 5 is an in-house movie, ‘Someone Like You’, from 1pm at the clubrooms.
WANGARATTA Old Time/New Vogue Dancing is held every Tuesday from 7pm to 10pm at the CWA Hall in Templeton Street.
Admission is $10, please bring a plate of supper to share. Entry also includes raffle ticket and lucky door prize. Phone 0431 190 630 for more information.
WANGARATTA Keenagers Table Tennis competition is held at the Wangaratta Showgrounds each Monday and Thursday from 8am. New players welcome, morning tea provided (BYO cup). Contact Nick Youings on 0408 240 554.
PANGERANG Ukes and More meets each Thursday from 5.30pm at Pangerang Community Hub.
Cost is $5, and any instruments, as well as voices, are welcome. Enquiries to 0407 311 899.
roles of president and treasurer multiple times.
Known for her can-do attitude and smiley disposition, Donna is the current president of the club and the coordinator of the Moyhu Lions monthly market where she can be seen greeting everyone at the community stall, and Donna has also organised the Australia Day event for at least 10 years – so it was an e ort for club members to
THE North Eastern branch of the Embroiderers Guild of Victoria meets every fourth Tuesday at the Masonic Lodge in Appin St, Wangaratta.
Beginners and experienced embroiderers welcome from 9.30am. Contact Jen on 0407 560562.
SATURDAY Quilters will hold its next meeting on Saturday from 9.30am in the Wangaratta Small Bore Rifle Club rooms off the river end of College Street. The group meets on the first Saturday of each month.
Beginner and experienced members welcome. Contact Frances on 0417 158 220.
WANGARATTA Table Tennis Social Group is held every Tuesday from 10 am to 12 noon, at the Showgrounds table tennis pavilion. All ages and abilities are welcome, with coaching for new players. Free tea and coffee. Entry fee $2. For more information phone Maxine on 0403 209 857.
FREE weekly weight loss park classes will commence on Monday, February 3 at 9.30am on Barr Reserve Oval 1 (Bill O’Callaghan Oval).
Those taking part are advised to allow 90 minutes for the social and fun class, with a 10 minute chat before and after the 50 minute session. For details or to
keep the well-deserved award a surprise until the day.
Winning the Local Event of the Year was the combined Hume and Hovell 200 year celebrations, and 150 years of the Moyhu Primary School - a multi-faceted community event held in November, spearheaded by Regina Callaway with support from the community.
Regina was recognised for the huge undertaking which required
SOCIAL CALENDAR
join, text or call Dani on 0467 494 024.
OSTINATO Wangaratta and District Community Choir meets each Tuesday from 7pm to 9.30pm at the Log Cabin, corner Faithfull and Chisholm Streets, Wangaratta. The group will be back on February 4. New members welcome. Contact Helen on 0457 269278.
LIFEBALL is held each Tuesday from 1pm on the basketball court at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre. The group returns to action on February 4. Phone 0418 574 404 for more information about this noncontact game of netball.
WANGARATTA Sing Australia Group holds its weekly meetings each Wednesday from 7.30pm to 9pm at Purbrick Hall, next to Holy Trinity Cathedral, resuming on February 5.
All welcome. For details, call Cheryl Hoysted on 0419 005 062.
WANGARATTA Newcomers will hold its next get-together at Intermezzo Café on Thursday, February 6 from 2pm to 3.30pmjoin the group for a cuppa, a chat
King Valley community lunch
THE King Valley community lunch is held on the first Thursday of the month. THE next event is on Thursday, February 6 at the Cheshunt Hall, with those planning to come asked to RSVP to Lyn by the Sunday prior on 0427 270 551.
King Basin Landcare group meeting
THE King Basin Landcare Group meets at the Whitfield Recreation Reserve at 7pm on the second Monday of the month.
All community members are welcome with more information available by calling Rosie on 0418 503 946.
many hours of work, resulting in a well-attended and successful event which was enjoyed by everyone.
Students were also praised for their e orts this year including Juliette Ashworth from Myrrhee School, and Emmy Hansted and Edward Allen from Moyhu Primary School, who are looking forward to entering the next stage of their education this year.
The Moyhu Lions Club was also pleased to make a donation of $1000 to the Moyhu Fire Brigade on the day.
Around 75 people including locals, visitors and special guest, Rural City of Wangaratta councillor Dave Fuller, gathered to celebrate Australia Day in the evening, enjoying supper at the Cheshunt Hall.
Coordinator Lyn Lewis said it was a brilliant evening with the meal including a barbecue and a variety of salads t for a king - a wonderful way to celebrate in the King Valley.
and to meet some new people. For more information, phone Susan on 0412 497 183, Joy on 0401 843 815 or Ann on 0435 275 864.
WANGARATTA Garden Club will hold its annual general meeting on Thursday, February 6 from 1pm at the Seventh Day Adventist Church Hall in Phillipson Street.
The AGM will be followed by the general meeting. Special effort is a container or vase of pink tones, and there will be a mini-show bench and afternoon tea. Visitors welcome.
WANGARATTA Toastmasters meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 6.45pm at The Centre in Chisholm Street. The group will return from its break on February 12.
For more information, contact Joanne Howell on 0417 558 881.
CENTRE Quilters Circle, which meets on the second Thursday of each month from 10am in the Uniting Church Hall in Rowan Street, will return on February 13.
New members welcome, current members are willing to share their expertise and skills. BYO lunch. Contact Wendy on 5722 4415 or Leonie on 0403 226 129.
WANG Ukes meets on Tuesdays from 7pm to 8.30pm at the Masonic Lodge in Appin Street.
The group will return from its
King Valley Arts Film Club screening
THE next screening of the King Valley Arts Film Club will be held on Tuesday, February 11, with doors open from 7pm, at the Cheshunt Hall cinema. The film will be The Taste of Things, a 2024 French historical romantic drama directed by Tran Anh Hung, which is set in 1889 and depicts a romance between cook Eugenie (Juliette Binoche), and Dodin (Benoît Magimel), the famous gourmet she works for.
Annual film club membership is just $40 per person which entitles you to attend any or all of the six films screened bimonthly per year, available by visiting https://kingvalleyarts. com.au/film-club/.
holiday break on February 28. All abilities welcome, phone 0407 311 899 for more information.
WANGARATTA Orchid Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 6.30pm in St Patrick’s supper room, off Ford Street.
Meetings include flower shows and talks, and everyone is welcome. Phone Hans on 0428 119 737.
GLENROWAN Indoor Carpet Bowls is held at Glenrowan Recreation Reserve Hall each Wednesday – arrive 12.45pm for 1pm start.
The competition runs until 3.30pm-4pm, and is followed by afternoon tea.
New players welcome. Phone Frank on 0409 662 462.
COME and play mahjong at the Wangaratta RSL on Thursdays from 11am. Beginners welcome. Contact Jan on 0429 166 016.
WANGARATTA AL–Anon Family Group meets on Tuesdays from 1.30pm to 3pm at the backstage meeting room at St Patrick‘s Hall in Ford Street. If your life has been affected by someone else‘s drinking, this group may be for you. Contact David on 0403 552 950 or Bev on 0449 516 828, or phone 1300 252 666.
the Australia Day supper held at the hall.
LOCAL AWARDS: Receiving recognition on Australia Day were (back, from le ) Regina Callaway and Donna Handcock, with Rural City of Wangaratta councillor Allison Winters, and (front, from le ) local students Edward Allen, Emmy Hansted and Juliette Ashworth.
IN PERSON BY PHONE
37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677
USED once going outback/near new (built Nov 2019), top rack and additional annex included, $6000 neg. Ph 0417 154 229 or 0401 422 650.
CUB Supamatic hard floor camper trailer, towable by smallish car, excellent condition, light enough to push into position, very easy to set up, central walking between 2 single beds, ready for caravan park or bush camping, reg (W37396), see erected opposite Tarra Pub 17th-19th Jan, $7500 ONO. Phone Charlie 5725 1761.
YAMAHA XJR1300, excellent condition, only 17,600km, regretful sale due to ill health, $6000. Ph 0427 500 800.
QUINTREX
BayHunter runabout, 1992, 4.4 metre aluminium V-hull, with canopy and side window panels, trailer and 40HP Mercury engine, life jackets, reg to Sep 25, $12,500 ONO. Ph 0419 870 472.
CONCRETING , big or small jobs, paths, driveways, shed slabs, verandahs, 15 years experience. For a free quote phone Trev Anderson on 0422 200 761.
MARK ’S Mowing, reasonable prices, ride on mowing, edging, clean up, spraying and any waste removal. Ph 0472 603 156.
PAINTER, old school, for all your painting needs, commercial, industrial renovations. Phone Juliano 0412 597 482.
PAINTER. Ovens and King Painting Service, trade quali ed, over 25 years experience, Interior/exteriors, for free quote phone Cherime Demaj 0422 778 257 or 5721 5482.
WHEELER Earthworks, available for all your earthworks needsyard clean ups, stump removals, driveways, material supply and spreading, rural work and more. Call Marcus on 0491 094 545.
TRUCK DRIVERS WANTED
For the 2025 Grape Season. MUST BE OR HAVE: CURRENT HC LICENCE, OVER 25 YEARS OLD, FORKLIFT LICENCE, EXPERIENCED WITH GENERAL FREIGHT. APPROXIMATELY 8 WEEKS WORK, STARTING EARLY FEB. Above Award Wages for the right applicants.
PHONE GREG 0429 306 679 or email jenveytransport@gmail.com
Truck Driver/Meat Lumper
Wangaratta Abattoirs requires a reliable person able to be a delivery driver to distribute carcass meat throughout Victoria and the Riverina to local butchers and supermarkets. Early morning starts to allow delivery to butchers during the day and some heavy lifting is involved. We are prepared to teach the suitable person lifting techniques to assist with carcass deliveries.
HEAVY RIGID LICENSE ESSENTIAL.
This is an opportunity to build towards a long term position with our company. Apply by return response to this advertisement, call Peter Booth on 5721 2349 or come in and see us at 53 Greta Road, Wangaratta.
Apprentice Printer Full-Time Position
Wangaratta or Wodonga
Child Protection Principal Practitioner
$157,356 - $180,117 + superannuation
Full time (76 hours per fortnight), xed term
An exciting opportunity to join our Child Protection team based in Wodonga and Wangaratta as a xed term Principal Practitioner.
The Principal Practitioner’s role is to strengthen the skills and knowledge of child protection practitioners and build a child-focussed familycentred practice culture that integrates evidence from research and critical re ection.
The Principal Practitioner will undertake specialist assessments and interventions, case reviews, appeals and maintain case records, visit children, their parents, families and carers, and other professionals involved with clients of Child Protection.
The Principal Practitioner will provide high level expertise and offer secondary consultation and live supervision; facilitate staff mentoring and practice development; and provide leadership in the implementation of continuous improvement strategies based on clinical best practice.
Contact for further information: Tammy Robl, tammy.robl@dffh.vic.gov.au
Reference number: DFFH/COPL/746616
Applications close: Midnight Sunday 9 February 2025
For more information about this opportunity, please go to www.careers.vic.gov.au and download a position description to view departmental information, the selection criteria, our pre employment screening requirements and our Diversity and Inclusion commitments.
Award winning newspaper publisher, North East Media, has a vacancy for an apprentice printer to work at our state-of-the-art press facility in Wangaratta, where the Wangaratta Chronicle and more than 20 other regional newspapers are printed.
The successful applicant will be committed to completing the four years of training,during which they will be taught all facets of newspaper printing. Applicants must be self motivated, reliable and be able to work in a close team environment.
This is a full-time position of 38 hours per week, but some flexibility will be required.
If you are looking for a new challenge in an energetic and stimulating environment with a long standing publisher, we would encourage you to forward your covering letter and CV (including three referees) to:
Danny Fogarty, Print Manager, North East Media 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta VIC 3677 dfogarty@nemedia.com.au
All applications are regarded as private and confidential. Award wages apply.
- Esther and John.
HOWARD, Winston Frederick “Win”. 26/2/1947 – 24/1/2025
Passed away peacefully in Wangaratta. Former husband of Adele (dec). Loved Dad of Vicki (dec), Leonie & Mike, Stacey & Andrew and Marcus. Loving Grandpa of Jade, Darian, Cody, Tass, Taylor, Ashlee and Lauren. We knew one day we would lose you, For good things do not last, But not the way it happened, You died and broke our hearts. Privately cremated. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.
Mason Park Funerals 5721 5060 masonpark.com.au
A funeral experience... not just a funeral service
Mason Park Funerals
ROBISON, Lillian. January 26, 1968. Sadly missed along life’s way, quietly remembered every day.
LOCALS
ON
PATRIOTIC: Mark McFarlane and Brian Sheppard.
GARDEN MUSIC: The Wangaratta Concert Band played a mix of Australian classics.
SING IT PROUD: Sing Australia hit all the right notes at the Wangaratta Australia Day celebrations in King George V Gardens.
Australia Day.
PHOTOS: Steve Kelly
MAKING A SPLASH: Chloe Salafia enjoys a cool down.
BEST MATES: Tyler Salafia, Carl Watts and Memphis Cash.
SWINGING GOOD TIME: Beau Letica.
HORSE FLOAT: Madiyah Almasri.
THE BIG PADDLE: Riley Akkurt and Sumayah Almasri.
SUMMER FUN: Kayden Akkurt. PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling
By KURT HICKLING
THE TOOLS: Wangaratta Lions Club members Ray Stamp and Graham Whitehead cooked the sausages to perfection for the hungry crowd.
High numbers of people all ages attended Australia Day events around the rual city on Sunday.
Crowd turns out for carnival woodchop
By NATHAN DE VRIES
SEVERAL hundred eager spectators were treated to a spectacle on Saturday when the axemen started swinging at the Wangaratta Showgrounds.
Commencing from 10.30am, a full eld of 33 competitors battled against the heat as well as the other participants in a stunning display of strength and skill.
Event organiser Fabian Harding said it was one of the best cuts put on at the carnival in recent years.
“The competitors were stoked, it’s one of the biggest cuts now in regional Victoria,” he said.
“That’s why we want to keep it going and keep it as strong as it is, it’s great to see that many people there, local people coming down to support it.
“All went o without a hitch – not too many complaints, just your normal
grizzles about wood and how hot it is.
“It was a great atmosphere all day, there were families and everything there, it was really good.”
With a healthy crowd all day, kept well entertained and fed, the tree climb saw the crowd swell.
Brad Meyer was the rst of four axemen to climb his tree and cut through, to the roar of those watching.
“The public loved the tree climb, it’s quite a spectacle,” Harding said.
“People all day were asking about it, as soon as they saw the tree poles they were asking what time it was because nobody wants to miss it.
“It got a big roar, that’s when the full crowd was around, they love watching it.”
Harding said his favourite event to watch was the grudge match between event sponsors Jamie Law (Wangaratta Saw and Lawnmower),
Dave James (Wangaratta Fasteners), and Chris Backas (Backas Earthmoving).
“There was a lot of smack talk before it, we thought we were going to have to separate them, it was getting quite intense,” he said.
“There were only a couple of hits between rst and third.
“Jamie Law from Wangaratta Saw and Lawnmower took that out, so he’s got 12 months of bragging rights –he’s on a bit of a high about it, he was spruiking how good he was at the end of the day.
“Jamie, being a Kiwi, was cutting not just for his company but for his country.
“There was a lot of passion, I thought he was going to strip o and do a Haka when he won it.”
Harding wished to thank all the sponsors, competitors, helpers and spectators who helped make the chop such an entertaining and
well-run event.
“It was a good atmosphere, it was a good community atmosphere which I think is great,” he said.
“We’re trying to build each year and have something a bit di erent, bring a few more people in.”
Woodchop results
Matt Byrne 300mm Standing Block Handicap - 1st Brad Meyer, 2nd Ben Gigliotti, 3rd Jason Kirley, 4th Blake Meyer, 5th David McIntosh, 6th Jarrod Williams.
North East Fasteners 250mm Standing Block Handicap - 1st Kevin Williams, 2nd Jason Kirley, 3rd Blake Meyer, 4th Dale Hansford, 5th Willie Hoyle, 6th Brad Meyer.
R&R Quality Homes 300mm Underhand Handicap - 1st Dale Hansford, 2nd Willie Hoyle, 3rd Ben Gigliotti, 4th Jason Kirley, 5th David McIntosh, 6th James Saunders.
Ron Harding Memo-
rial 275mm Standing Block Championship - 1st Jarrod Williams, 2nd Ben Gigliotti, 3rd Blake Meyer, 4th Kevin Williams, 5th Jason Kirley, 6th Willie Hoyle, 7th David McIntosh.
Michels Trenchless/1Stop Training Centre 275mm Novice Underhand Handicap1st Nathan Riseley, 2nd Tim Miller, 3rd Jamie Doodt, 4th Brendan Moncrie , 5th Nathan Fleming, 6th Joel Beattie, 7th Bentley Saunders, 8th Riley Plattfuss, 9th Hayden Riseley.
Watters/Robinson Truck & Coach Maintenance 2 Man Combination Handicap1st Dale Hansford and Rod Meyer, 2nd Ben Gigliotti and Brent Smith, 3rd David McIntosh and Jarrod Williams, 4th Willie Hoyle and Kevin Williams.
Backas Family Tree Felling Handicap - 1st Brad Meyer, 2nd Blake Meyer, 3rd Rod Meyer, 4th Willie Hoyle. Elders Insurance/Body Fit Training Double Handed Sawing Handicap - 1st Brett Robin and Blake Meyer, 2nd Tim Miller and Dale Hansford, 3rd Brad Meyer and Rod Meyer, 4th Ben Gigliotti and Brent Smith.
Margaret Harding Memorial 250mm Under 18 Underhand Handicap - 1st Bentley Saunders, 2nd Riley Plattfuss, 3rd Hayden Riseley.
WATCH THEM CHOP: The woodchopping at the Wangaratta Sports Carnival was well attended, with the public turning out in support. PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie
A champion on and off the track
By SHANE DOUTHIE
ONE of the most popular winners at the Wangaratta Sports Carnival on Saturday evening was club secretary Paul Hughes who took out the McDonald’s Wangaratta Masters 120m Final.
Hughes timed his run to
perfection from his 12.50m mark to cross the line in 13.260sec ahead of Cam Dunbar (8m) in 13.392sec and Laura MacDougal (20.75m) in third in 13.374sec.
“I was thrilled,” Hughes said of his win.
“I really enjoyed the day overall; we’re a volunteer
committee and to stage such an event it takes a lot of hard work in the lead up and on the day.
“But as a runner, I was soaking up the atmosphere.”
He said the break competing provided from the hustle and bustle of working at the event proved the ideal prepa-
ration for his races.
“It surprised me how relaxed I was when it came time to competing,” Hughes said.
“I guess that’s what running is for me; it’s an outlet, a fun sport that keeps me t.” Hughes also made the nal of the Nutrien Harcourt Mas-
ters 300m but he withdrew from the race.
“I had run out of legs,” he confessed.
Hughes was even more excited about the impressive run of 16-year-old Callum Bott who won the Ken Eales Memorial Open 400m Handicap to close out the night.
“Callum’s was a real classy run,” he said.
“Anyone who knows athletics who saw that performance would know they saw a kid who is running at a national level.
“He ran it beautifully.
“That’s what putting on these carnivals is all about.”
Sports carnival attracts all sorts from all over
ONE of the attractions of the Wangaratta Sports Carnival is the diverse range of people of all ages who are involved, whether competing, o ciating, providing music or refreshments, or simply just watching. Many enjoy themselves so much they return again and again.
MOTORING HOME: Wangaratta Sports Club secretary Paul Hughes powers through the finish line in Wangaratta Masters 120m fina and salutes the crowd on the presentation dais.
PHOTOS: jamiesonphotography
LONG WAY TO THE TOP: Kylee Drew, Charlotte Hallal, Manase Masudi, Clea Cli ord and Amber Vaneede from Mornington Peninsula’s BIT coached by Paul Bolton. PHOTOS: Amanda Chrystal
SASH SAYS IT ALL: Kyle Hilson, winner of 800m mixed final with his mum, Gina Hilson.
HAPPY TO BE HERE: Kellfit Crew from Seymour.
IN THE BLOOD: John McPhan, Coral McPhan, Valerie Gephart and Daryl Gephart supporting their son and nephew Dale McPhan.
BEST OF THE BEST: Helen Best with daughter Zarli Best, winner of little athletics girls 400m.
ON THE DISCS: DJ Elijah Royal.
GREY POWER: Sports carnival o icials David Wohlers, David Taylor, Greg Strano, Ken Jasper and Rodney Green.
Belle’s championship run extends
Tennis tournament an ace
■ From back page
Sullivan said the hot weather had caused some matches to be moved around, but everyone emerged unscathed.
“The weather was a bit of a challenge on the Monday, we knew it was going to get very hot so we tried to schedule in as many games as we could on the Sunday,’ he said.
“That put a lot of pressure on everybody, but we ended up getting through that.
“We had to move some matches across to the Monday, but we ended up nishing around 1pm, 1.30pm which was before the real hot temperature kicked in.
“There was some medical treatment, band-aids for blisters and things like that.
“One guy did actually run into the gate and fence and hurt himself a bit, but we were lucky we had two doctors on hand to sort him out.”
With this year’s tournament in the
books, excitement is already building for the 2026 edition, which will be a special milestone for the Australia Day competition at WLTCP.
“Everyone’s already excited for next year, which will be the 100th running of our Australia Day tournament,” Sullivan said.
“People who couldn’t come this year have apologised and they’re going to come next year, they said they’re going to bring extra players.
“It’s going to put a lot of pressure on all of us to consider how many players we can actually entertain.
“It’s a good problem to have.”
Sullivan wished to thank all competitors, committee members and volunteers for their assistance in helping the event run as smoothly as it did, as well as major sponsors Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway and Johansen Insurance Brokers.
FOR a record-equalling eighth time, Belle Thomp son has taken out the Ladies Open Singles title at Wanga ratta Lawn Tennis Croquet and Pickleball Club’s annual Australia Day tournament.
The Melbourne local romped to the decider where she dismantled Phillipa Bush 6-2 6-0 on Sunday.
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
“I knew she (Bush) was going to come out with some really big serves and bit hitting, and that’s exactly what she did.
“I won the doubles and the mixed as well,” she said.
“I have a slipped disc in my middle back, it’s compressing a nerve so my leg goes numb, so it’s not great.
Thompson dropped just three games on her way to the nal, defeating Chelsea Evans 6-0 6-1, and two-time champion Hope Curtis-McDonald 6-1 6-1.
“We had a few extra girls up there this year, I had to really lock in a bit,” Thompson said.
“There were girls I know from tournaments in Melbourne, but I’ve never taken them on grass before.
“It meant in the warmup I had to really get my mind locked in to focus on every point, really.
“I had to give myself a bit more time on the return to try and get into some of the points.
“We’d have a couple of tight points at the start of the game and she’d pull out an ace out of nowhere.
“There were a lot of deuceads which happened to go my way rather than her way.”
Despite the apparent ease of her singles championship run, it was a physical challenge for Thompson.
She also had doubles and mixed commitments, and had to manage a back injury, with impressive results.
“I’ve been doing a lot of rehab, just trying to get that right for a couple of months now, and it’s starting to be alright.
“It’s a lot of stretching, warming up, warming down, jumping in and out of the pool in between matches.”
Thompson is now even on ladies singles title wins at Merriwa Park with local tennis legend Michelle Hill.
“Now we’re equal, next year’s the title,” she said. She (Hill) is incredible, she’s ninth in the world in masters, to still be going is amazing.
“I will be trying, next year’s the 100th year of the tournament so I am not missing that at all.”
A1
bowlers angling to avoid relegation
A1: WANGARATTA lost at home to YMGCR on Saturday.
The home side struggled early and never looked in the hunt, however, a mid-match revival saw them come from nearly 30 shots behind to brie y hit the lead, but they couldn’t maintain the surge and YMGCR nished the stronger of the two sides.
Maurie Braden, Rho Smith, Norm Bussell and Gerald Brown did their best to li the home side with an emphatic 28-9 win, while Phil Davern, Mark Allan, Greg Braden, and Brian Challman were also comfortable winners, 21-15.
Trevor Selwood’s (11-29) and Laurie McDonald’s rinks (9-31) were on the wrong side of some big margins.
Wodonga defeated Kiewa at Kiewa on Saturday helping Wangaratta to maintain a 16-point lead over Kiewa in the race to avoid relegation.
Final scores: Wangaratta 4 pts 69 shots def by YMGCR 14 pts 84 shots.
Wangaratta are away at Myrtleford next week.
A4: Wangaratta went down away to premiership favourites North Albury on Saturday.
Terry Johnson, Keith Izard, Gary King and Rob Worthington were best performed for the visitors
managing a comfortable 27-15 win, while Paul King, Barry Watt, Michael Howard and Ric Chivers also won 20-17.
However, big losses to Richie Allan’s rink (7-31) and Richard Hermassoo’s rink (12-31) saw the home side record a big win.
Final scores: Wangaratta 4 pts 66 shots def by North Albury 14 pts 94 shots.
Wangaratta are at home to Rutherglen next week.
A5: Wangaratta had a close away win at YMGCR on Saturday.
Ken Essenhigh, John Keen, Lola Clarke and Ryan Mullavey were big winners for the visitors, 23-11, while Lyn Kahlefeldt, Susan Bull, John Knight and Mick Mackow also nished well up, 21-16.
Graeme Norman’s rink went down 11-22.
Final scores: Wangaratta 12 pts 55 shots def YMGCR 2 pts 49 shots. Wangaratta host Dederang next week.
B1: Wangaratta received a forfeit from Rutherglen who were unable to muster enough players on Saturday.
Scores: Wangaratta 14 pts 10 shots def Rutherglen 0 pts 0 shots. Wangaratta are away to Yarrawonga next week.
TRUST THE TURN: Chris Randell bowls out wide and waits for it to come back.
PHOTO: Melissa Beattie
AMAZING EIGHT: Belle Thompson brought up her eighth Open Singles title at Wangaratta in straight sets.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
CRUSHING FOREHAND: Jeremy Taylor in action in the Men’s Open Singles final at the WLTCP Gateway Australia Day Tournament. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Spectators flocked to watch the tree climbing at the Wangaratta Sports Carnival woodchopping, where Will Hoyle (pictured) and three others defied gravity and hewed through timber.
Over 400 compete, hundreds more spectate over three-day Gateway Australia Day Tournament
BY NATHAN DE VRIES
ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
THE weather may have been hot, but the tennis was even hotter across the threeday Gateway Australia Day Tournament held in Merriwa Park over the long weekend. The Wangaratta Lawn Tennis Croquet and Pickleball Club (WLTCP) hosted 409 entrants from Saturday through to Monday which, combined with hundreds of additional spectators, family members, volunteers and support crew, made for an electric, carnivallike atmosphere across the gorgeous grass courts.
enjoyable for all who made their way to the courts.
“The tournament went fantastically well, there was lots of competition,” he said.
“The courts held up brilliantly – a er three days of activity, we could’ve played another three days.
WLTCP president Barry Sullivan said the entire event was expertly run and
“There were well over 400 participants, and you add on all the volunteers, support sta , family members who came to watch, at times on Saturday there would’ve been 700, 800 people around the court area, easy.
“It was a credit to the curator, Adrian Pantling, and Max McAuli e who is our greens committee head, a fantastic e ort from them.
“It’s getting bigger and bigger every year, the feedback we had from most people was outstanding.”
The premier events on the schedule, the men’s and women’s Open Singles tournaments, were hotly contested.
In the men’s, Sam Thompson from Grace Park in Hawthorn managed to defeat top-seed from Kooyong Jeremy Taylor 7-5 6-4, while Belle Thompson claimed a record-equalling eighth ladies title over
Phillipa Bush 6-2 6-0.
“Our Open Singles nalists played some awesome tennis,” Sullivan said.
“They put on an absolute classic exhibition, and on Sunday night there were lots of people down there until late watching the semi- nals under lights and commenting on how fantastic the standard of tennis was.”
