LEND A HELPING HAND
Reverend Susan Hall and warden Jenny Anderson are calling on the community to help lend a hand with the restoration of the historic Saint Jude’s Anglican Church in Eldorado.
Super sale sets record
A MASSIVE yarding of 5400 of the nest bred cattle in the region lled the Wangaratta Livestock Exchange to the brim on Friday to mark the biggest single local sale on record.
The total turnover of $5.91 million from the rst of two blue ribbon grown and weaner sales was the biggest the livestock exchange has seen according to general manager Tim Donald, and it could be even bigger for the second blue ribbon sale on Wednesday with another 5500 to 5700 head expected to go under the hammer.
Friday cattle sale sees $5.91m turnover, the largest in Wangaratta’s
BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
5386 head was also the biggest by a sole livestock agency in Wangaratta’s history, with all sellers’ clients under Corcoran Parker. Livestock agent Reiley
The o cial yarding of
Murtagh said it’s the agencies feature sale on the calendar and the major turnover of around 11,000 head of cattle in two weeks at the saleyard was a huge boost for
Wangaratta and surrounds.
“Our main objective is to keep being able to support our clients in selling their cattle and make sure they can all get a crack at one of these blue ribbon sales,” he said.
“Year in year out we’ve got a very good client base that support us and trusts us to sell these cattle and they aim for these sales and do a lot of work to get their cattle to the way they were.”
Crews worked throughout the night at the Wangaratta
Livestock Exchange to pen the huge yarding of cattle and the 30-minute delayed start didn’t deter a strong crowd throughout the sale.
Since local producers cashed in on a peak in the market in feature sales in early January, priced have taken a slight dive in the past month which was re ected at Friday’s sale.
From averages around the $4/kg mark in early January, quality Angus weaners were going for around $3.80/kg on average on Friday, ac-
cording to Mr Murtagh.
Grown and weaned steers averaged $3.65/kg with heifers going for $2.96/kg.
Mr Murtagh said the price dip from earlier January sales was expected, but both buyers and sellers found value in the top quality lines of cattle.
“It’s all around how positive everyone is in the market, it was cheaper, but for the better end of calves the job was still very solid,” he said.
“It’s at a level that’s keeping people entertained to buy and to buy cattle at the right price.
“For your seller, it’s incentive to get their cattle at the right weight and it’s getting a good return for them as well.”
Some of the top pens of the sale included a pen of 27 Angus steers with Rennylea and Ardrossan blood at 411kg from TGL @ Neds, Molyullah for $1611/head ($3.91/kg) and a pen of 22 Angus steers with Alpine Angus bloodlines at 388kg from MG Neilson, Sandy Creek for $1575/ head ($4.05/kg).
■ Continued page 11
Mark Hayley Glenn Tamara Phil Jolanda Emma
■ Story page 3
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
on Thursday, January 23 at 4:45pm and weighed 3.6kg (7lb 15oz). She is the daughter of Ikeylia Dryfhout and Nickolas Chaparro of Chiltern.
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.
carpenter apprentices
By STEVE KELLY
BUILDING apprentices will be paid
$10,000 in an initiative to address a chronic tradie shortage and help overcome Australia’s housing crisis.
From July 1, eligible apprentices in the residential construction sector will receive $10,000 in incentive payments, on top of their wages under a new Key Apprentices Program.
The new payment will be staged at 6, 12, 24, 36 and upon completion.
Rob Humphreys from R&R Quality Homes & Commercial Constructions has four apprentice carpenters on the payroll and he praised the initiative as he thinks it’s a great idea and will especially help younger apprentices starting out.
“I think it’s a fantastic idea because apprentices start o on minimum wages and even though they get a tool allowance, if they have a kickstart like that they can buy tools like nail guns and get organised better.
“It makes it a lot easier otherwise they come to work and they’re grabbing everyone else’s tools because they’re just not set up at the right time.
“Apprentices usually have the basics which is good, but if they have an allowance like this, they can set themselves up a bit better.”
The average wage for an apprentice carpenter in Australia is between $18.72 to $25.50 per hour or $31,000 to $53,000 per annum, as of December 2024, according to Payscale.
Apprentices in the building and construction industry currently receive a $5000 payment, which is front-loaded and this payment will remain available for apprentices who are not eligible for the Key Apprentices Program and it has been extended until the end of 2025.
Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn said Australia’s building and construction industry faces the enormous task of building enough homes, commer-
cial premises and infrastructure to meet increasing demand and a growing population.
“Labour shortages are currently the biggest handbrake on xing the housing crisis,” she said.
“Coupled with government funding of fee free vocational education and training, there is no better time to pick up the tools and become a tradie.
“The revised staggering of payments is something Master Builders Australia has long called for, so there is a nancial incentive for apprentices to complete their training.
“Around 50 per cent of all apprentices do not complete their training - the new staged payments approach will hopefully see the rate of completions increase.
“Builders would like to see this payment expanded to other areas of the building and construction industry that are also facing chronic shortages and crying out for more apprentices.”
TOOLS: Apprentice carpenters Tom Barnes (19) and Todd Ru ord-Sharpe (18) from R&R Quality Homes and Commercial
apprentice incentive payment that
PHOTO: Steve Kelly
Kayce Tyson Cromack
Zaharia Ramonita Chaparro Summer Deretic
Call for support to preserve historical Eldorado landmark
ELDORADO locals are calling for support as their beloved Saint Jude’s Anglican Church is in dire need of repairs.
The warden at Saint Jude’s, Jenny Anderson, who is volunteering on maintenance inside and outside the church, said the community has helped in the past, along with a grant from Heritage Victoria in 2007 and they are once again asking for your help.
“It is important for heritage sites like Saint Jude’s to be preserved,” she said.
“They are our history of a number of our forebears that are testament to their faith and commitment to look after the community of Eldorado.”
The church committee hopes to fundraise for about $6000 for the repairs to replace nails loosened by the elements that have pulled out of the timber batons covering the slate when the iron roof was
BY JORDAN DUURSMA jduursma@ nemedia.com.au
added, a section of ridge capping needs replacing and birds and possums are nesting in the bell-cote.
The church was built in 1870 when the community of 4000 was looking towards an a uent future with proceeds of gold and tin mining and still acts as a gathering place for the community with many projects like ‘Kids Club’ on Thursdays, ‘Cuppa and Chat’ on rst Friday of the month, gentle exercises Mondays and morning tea a er church on Sunday supported by members of the community.
Jenny said it’s important for the community to be involved in the restoration and preservation of its history.
“The community has already responded to the letter to the editor in the
Wangaratta Chronicle with people wanting to help with repairs by running a sausage sizzles at the monthly Foodshare,” she said.
“We do appreciate the community’s help so much; we couldn’t manage without their generosity.”
If you would like to lend
a helping hand with fundraising, contact Susan Hall on 0419651656 or Jenny Anderson on 0427251657.
PROLONGED heatwave conditions are expected to swelter communities in the North East this week with warnings in place to be wary of extreme heat.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe heatwave warning on Saturday and Sunday and it’s expected to remain for most of this week as forecasts are expected to reach 37 degrees or more every day this week in Wangaratta, peaking at a maximum of 40 degrees on Tuesday.
According to the Bureau, thunderstorm activity and dry lightning was possible for parts of the North East on Sunday and Monday.
CFA is urging communities living in high-risk bushfire areas to finalise their bushfire survival plans with the heatwave ongoing.
The Bureau issued key tips to take care and protect yourself and others throughout the extreme heat, which includes staying cool, hydrated, connected with family and friends, up to date with the latest weather forecasts and avoiding leaving children or pets in hot cars.
Local project threading together hope for the community
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
By JORDAN DUURSMA
THREAD Together was awarded the Event/Project of the Year at the Rural City of Wangaratta’s Australia Day event in the King George Gardens on Sunday, January 26.
Thread Together is an ethical response to fashion excess which partners with hundreds of fashion brands, a network of charities, social service agencies, and thousands of volunteers to distribute unsold clothing to those in need.
The Wangaratta Baptist Church has operated a clothing hub since 2023 in partnership with Thread Together as one of the many locations across the country where excess clothing is given to people in need, to support disadvantaged people whilst also protecting the environment by saving these
2025 Season Launch
Wednesday 5 February from 5pm |
O
items from landfill.
Wangaratta Baptist Church pastor, Aaron Wardle, said they are focused on restoring dignity to the most vulnerable in the community.
“We partner with Thread Together, order clothing and set up it like a high fashion retail store so people in need can come in, browse, and select what they want,” he said.
“People can take back some agency because they get to choose, it’s not chosen for them but it’s completely free.”
Pastor Wardle said with the cost of living pressures biting so hard in so many ways for the community, there are many people in need.
“With services like Loaves and Fishes, Carevan and op-shops, this sort of rounds out the support services that are available to people in the North
East who are struggling, providing them with free, high quality clothing.” Referrals and appointments for people wishing to access the local service can be made through the Baptist church, or fellow referral agencies Loaves and Fishes - Christians Caring, Anglicare, Salvation Army, Junction Support Services, Beyond Housing, NESAY, St Vincent de Paul, Uniting Church, Open Door Neighbourhood House and Upper Murray Family Care. Financial donations of funds to cover operating costs and gaps in the market can be directed to Thread Together Wangaratta BSB: 083945 ACC: 317678370.
Anyone interested in donating their time as a volunteer with Thread Together is encouraged to email threadtogether@ wangarattabaptist.com.au.
and Maurie Tyers.
Artist Fiona Bilbrough to host oil painting workshop
LOCAL artists have the opportunity to learn from award-winner Fiona Bilbrough, when the Melbourne-based artist hosts a two-day oil painting workshop in Wangaratta in March.
Hosted by the Wangaratta Artists Society, the workshop being held at The Studio in Batchelor’s Green on March 15 and 16, will delve into landscape and portraiture.
Wangaratta Artists Society member Robyn White said the comprehensive workshop is designed for artists of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced painters.
She said it o ers participants the unique opportunity to learn from Fiona, who has over three decades of experience as an ac-
THE ACROSS
complished artist and educator.
“Fiona’s teaching methodology focuses on casual observation and the prioritisation of visual importance, encouraging students to work from life and study the techniques of master painters,” she said.
“Her artistic in uences stem from renowned painters in Brit-
ain and Spain, and she has devoted her career to instructing students of varying levels in multiple mediums.”
As well as being a distinguished artist and educator, Fiona Bilbrough is currently serving as the president of the Twenty Melbourne Painters Society.
She is the recipient of multiple awards including the 1995 AME Bale Travelling Scholarship and Art Prize, and the Gordon Mo at Award in 2001, 2002 and 2003, which re ect her extensive knowledge gained from study and international experience.
Bilbrough’s works are featured in private collections across Europe and around Australia, and she was the winner of the 2024 Camberwell Art Show.
The workshop will be held on Saturday, March 15 and Sunday, March 16 and the cost is $180 for Wangaratta Artist’s Society members ($220 for non-members) with a $50 deposit required to book a place and full payment due on March 1.
Participants can also opt for a painting supply kit available for a nominal fee, and a supply list will be provided upon booking.
For registration or further information, contact Robyn White on 0412 291 066 or email publicity@wangartists.org.au.
OUTDOOR INSPIRATION: Artist Fiona Bilbrough will host a workshop in Wangaratta focussing on landscape and portraiture.
High temperatures could signal decent rain late March
Pain no barrier for Tim Briggs
Monday, February 2, 2015
By STEVE KELLY
WANGARATTA cyclist Tim Briggs has described his 24-hour continuous bike ride as the greatest physical and mental achievement of his life.
Following his around the clock ride that notched up more than 350km in 24 hours straight, Tim, his support team and the community are on target to raise $25,000 for cancer research.
His amazing efforts have been in honour of his father, Graeme, who passed away from a rare bile duct cancer last February.
“The ride itself has attracted $1200 in donations, and coupled the Tour Frothy event on February 6, and Tour de Cure in April, we will surpass the $25,000,” Tim told the Chronicle with 30 minutes until he reached his
target Saturday morning.
“We had some supporters come through after hours in the Telstra store until about 11pm on Friday night and a couple of riders until 1am on Saturday, on wind trainers beside me.
“At 6am some of the boys from the cycling group came past and I jumped on the bike to ride up to Taminick for a couple of hours and then returned to the static bike at 8am.”
This was because he started to get “cabin fever” in the store and it served him well to break up the challenge.
At 11.30am he had ridden 296km on the stationary bike and
55km on his bike to Taminick.
Tim has been riding all of this life but the longest he had ridden in one go previously was 150km.
“Thoughts of my dad and the support from the guys from the BDA cyclists got me through the night,” he said.
“I was talking to one of the guys while I was out on the road, telling him I was in pain but it was a lot easier than having chemotherapy.”
At 11.30am Tim said his legs and bottom were extremely sore and the previous four hours had been a strain due to sleep deprivation.
His intake of food was often with a large pasta meal on Friday night, along with constant snacks and glucose to keep him going.
He said he’ll get back on the
JANUARY 2025 across North East Victoria was a dry month generally.
At the main centres, Wangaratta recorded 24mms, Rutherglen 21mms, Yarrawonga 18mms and Albury 44.8mms of which 31.8 mm fell on January 12.
Mean maximum temperatures at all four centres were around 33 degrees being near two degrees above normal.
Mean minimum temperatures at all four centres were around 15 and 16 degrees but warmer at 17.6 degrees at Albury; generally close to the January normal.
The highest temperatures at all four centres were 39.6 at Wangaratta, 40.1 at Rutherglen, 38.9 at Albury and 41.5 at Yarrawonga, all occurring on Monday, January 27.
Further north into the Riverina on Monday, January 27 Deniliquin recorded 43 degrees and Hay 44 degrees.
At Wilcannia the temperature soared to 46.3 and there has been no rain there since December 8.
WHAT’S UP WITH THE WEATHER?
By Peter Nelson, retired CSIRO climatologist
The Alpine resorts has had heavier rainfalls of 80 to 100mms during January as a result of thunderstorm activity.
Alice Springs has had very hot weather during January, the mean maximum temperature to date is 41 degrees, nearly 5 degrees above normal.
Other hot Januaries were in 1881, 1887 and 2019.
The rst two did lead to heavy rain during the third week of February in our region and more near the end of March.
There has been an increase in tropical low pressure across the Top End and around Cairns the last four days with 350mms rainfall.
Hopefully this may enhance thunderstorm activity in our regions.
bike tomorrow and Thursday and he looks at his 24-hour ride as something that will put him in good stead for the upcoming 1194km Tour de Cure.
“The training that I’ve done here will get me through April on some of those really long 200km days which now I know I can do,” he said.
“I have done the Shepparton half ironman a couple of times before, but this has been bigger mentally, getting through the night and pushing through the hours.”
AMAZING RIDE: Wangaratta cyclist Tim Briggs rode 350km for 24 hours straight on Friday night in memory of his Dad, Graeme, on his way to raising $25,000 for cancer research.
See story on page 5.
PHOTO: Marc Bongers
The flash of dry lightning was taken at Wangaratta South recently at around 10pm. It’s been a dangerous aspect of weather this January in the hot and dry conditions.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Chatty Café launches at Wangaratta Library
By SIMONE KERWIN
THE Chatty Café initiative has been introduced to the Wangaratta Library, with free morning tea to be held at the Docker Street venue each Wednesday to encourage connections within the community.
A health promotion and community welfare charity, Chatty Café Australia encourages venues of all descriptions - from hospitality venues to art galleries - to provide ‘chatty tables’ where people are welcome to sit and talk to others.
The aim of Chatty Café Australia is to help connect communities and increase social interactions by getting people chatting.
While meeting new people can sometimes feel daunting, the power of a simple conversation can often brighten someone’s day.
Wangaratta Library’s Chatty Café, one of about 200 locations initiated across the nation so far, runs from 10.30am to 11.30am on Wednesdays.
Locals are invited to drop into the library and connect over morning tea in a friendly, relaxed environment.
It’s a concept designed to cater for everyone; from young people
or new parents, to those who live alone, work from home or are new to the area, the Chatty Café is a chance to meet new people and
connect with the community in the welcoming space of the library.
No bookings are needed, and free tea and co ee is provided, or
those attending can feel free to bring their own.
For more information, contact the library on 5721 2366.
Judy Byrne named Local Achiever for Boorhaman
By NATHAN BELL
THE Boorhaman community came together at the local recreation reserve and celebrated Australia Day while enjoying a cooked breakfast. This year’s Local Achiever was well-deserved by Judy Byrne with her award being presented by Deputy Mayor Harvey Benton. Her dedication to the Boorha-
man community over her lifetime is remarkable. Judy had her two friends visiting from America to witness this special occasion.
LOCAL ACHIEVER: Barry and Judy Byrne with daughters Merryn Byrne (le ) and Kirsty Tyers (right) celebrate Judy’s award.
END OF AN ERA: The old 3G parking meters have had blue hoods on them for months, but council is working through a review of the meters that will determine the future of the machines.
Parking meter tenders set for next council meeting
By STEVE KELLY
THE reinstatement of parking meters will be on the agenda for councillors at the February meeting with tenders for renewal of the machines closing last Friday. Council advised that submissions are currently being evaluated by o cers as is the process for all tenders.
The 72 existing inoperative parking meters that were installed in 2015 reached end of life back in October 2024 as a result of the 3G network closing.
Council said it could not comment on the tender process until the February 25 council meeting.
Mayor Irene Grant commented on the matter back in November and said council will have to work through the process to make sure what is provided is in line with community need and expectation. Council reported that prior to the machines no longer generating revenue, 55 per cent of motorists used the EasyPark App to pay for parking, leaving 45pc who used If council was to remove the coin option, customers who use analogue phones would not be able to access the EasyPark or equivalent apps.
Cr Grant said removing the parking meters altogether was not ruled out as a potential option in the review.
PLACE TO HAVE A CHAT: Wangaratta Library coordinator Loueen Twyford and member Pauline Moncrie hope locals will embrace the Chatty Café concept at the library, with free morning tea provided each Wednesday from 10.30am.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Keep cool, stay safe this week
DAYS of extreme heat in summer are part and parcel with what we expect this time of year, but when they come in consecutive days as they are forecasted to this week, it’s vital we don’t get complacent with our safety.
A scorching week of maximum temperatures in the high-30s and low 40s will hit the North East and most of the state, which has prompted warnings from multiple agencies.
It can be easy to overlook the health impacts a heatwave of this scale can have in the community.
Whether you’re going to be outside or not, simple things like drinking water and staying under the air-con are going to be musts this week.
If you can’t keep cool at home, think about where you can go on hot days to cool down.
Public pools, or air-conditioned buildings to name a few and be sure to wear sunscreen outside in these days of extreme UV ratings.
We only have to peek at what’s been happening on the western side of the state for the past week to see the unpredictable danger a pattern of days like this can bring in terms of a fire risk.
While some elements of these fires are outside of our control, what we most certainly can control is how we prepare for these moments.
Finalise your bushfire survival plan, pack an emergency kit with medications, prepare your property by clearing gutters if you’re in a high-risk area and stay informed via VicEmergency.
The Bureau of Meteorology can update its heatwave forecast daily, so it is important to check the warning every afternoon after 3:00pm.
The Quiz No. 120
1. In 2008, which actress gave birth to twins, Knox and Vivienne?
2. Which of the Grand Slam tennis singles titles did Arthur Ashe never win?
3. What is the smallest nation in Southeast Asia?
4. Which company makes Monte Carlo biscuits?
5. The three main rock types are sedimentary, metamorphic and what?
6. What is the most senior appointment in the Royal Australian Navy?
7. Which band had a hit in the 1980s with the song, Sweet Child O’ Mine?
8. Who preceded Bill Hayden as GovernorGeneral?
9. In which country would you nd Abel Tasman National Park?
10. Crème brûlée is French for what?
11. Which model caused a major clothing sensation at the 1965 Melbourne Cup?
12. What is the westernmost country of mainland Europe?
13. Who wrote the 1969 book, The Stud?
14. Which 2000s TV series starred Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson?
15. What are the colours of the two armies in the original game of Stratego?
16. Which two universities take part in the Henley Boat Races?
17. Who played Bella Swan in the 2011 movie, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1?
18. Which Canadian province lies between Alberta and Manitoba?
19. Talia Balsam was the rst wife of which famous actor?
20. The New York Times was founded in which decade of the 19th century?
FACEBOOK users this week commented on a local 78-year-old man who died after an ATV rollover.
• Ian Ladgrove: A great character, he will be missed around the district, condolences to Pats family
• Belinda Mckay: My goodness. Very sad
• Helen Senior: Tragic news. Condolences to all his family.
Facebook users this week also commented on Belle Thompson taking out the
Ladies Open Singles title at the annual Australia Day tournament.
• Adam Douglas: Absolute superstar. Amazing effort Belle Thompson Facebook users this week also commented on the WPACC team inviting the community to hear about the line-up of shows coming to Wangaratta in 2025.
• Hayley Currie: On ya Tattsy ox
We’re paying for road neglect with our lives
VICTORIANS are paying for years of roads neglect with their lives as regional Victoria’s road toll soars more 156 per cent compared to the same time last year.
The state of regional Victoria’s roads is a major contributing factor to the tragic toll and has called on governments to urgently x the issue.
The tragic reality is you’re more than three times likely to lose your life when driving on country roads when compared to driving in the city.
Rural Victorian roads have sadly claimed 23 lives this year, representing a 156 per cent increase on the same time last year.
These aren’t just statistics, it’s our friends, family and loved ones.
Enough is enough.
NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.
week also commented on a proposed $50 million social housing development at Wangaratta’s former Ovens College.
• Nikolay Yashenko: About time.....!!!!!
• Nathan Bihun: Photo op
• Brad Murray: Excellent news. This will help so many people on our area.
• Bradley Garner: Least it’s close to rehab for the tenants
• Julie Hazell: This should have happened a long time
buildings sit there and get destroyed by people
• Helen Senior: Julie Hazell totally agree.
• Leslie Matthews: Excellent idea....just watch the chattering classes pull this initiative apart though.
• Brett Francis: Should be good for the crime rate
• Doug Randall: Years and years of neglect, So sad and unnecessary to let this property , run into disrepair. Needs to be utilised to its full
Our follower total is Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.
15,150
Genuine questions must be asked about as to what contributing factors are behind the accidents and there’s no doubt the state of country roads is a huge factor.
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) calls on all levels of government to urgently address major funding shortfalls to rectify our country roads.
Over the past year, government spending on resurfacing and resealing roads has dropped by a whopping 81 per cent.
That only condemns our roads to ruin and sadly that’s now a reality.
Drivers are expected to maintain road worthy cars.
It’s time for cars to drive car worthy roads to ensure drivers aren’t playing a daily game of roads roulette.
With a federal election looming, there’s no better time for our leaders to step up and commit to genuinely xing this mess.
We’re calling on all levels of government to urgently address the state of our crumbling regional roads for the sake of our safety.
Brett Hosking, VFF president
State’s social housing rank demands action
NEW data shows Victoria remains in last place in providing social housing, prompting the state’s peak community housing body to call for immediate government action to address the deepening crisis.
Public and community housing residents make up just 2.9 per cent of Victoria’s households, according to the Productivity Commission’s latest Report on Government Services. This is the lowest proportion in Australia, and falls below the national average of 3.9 per cent.
The Victorian Government must deliver stronger action that will create more social housing to li the state out of its persistent and unenviable last-place ranking.
Year a er year, Victoria continues to receive the wooden spoon for having the lowest proportion of social housing in the country.
Victoria’s entrenched last-place ranking is pushing more Victorians into housing stress and homelessness, further deepening the state’s housing crisis.
On current settings, the proportion of social homes is set to decline even further over the next decade.
Community Housing Industry Association
Victoria (CHIA Vic) has developed a 10-year funding and building plan to turn this around, and Australia already has many of the systems in place to shi the dial on the housing crisis.
The Victorian Government has taken positive steps to build more social housing, including the Big Housing Build and its Housing Statement but these measures alone are simply not enough to meet the huge scale of demand.
To ease the housing crisis in Victoria we need the state’s proportion of public and community housing to rise from 2.9 per cent to at least 4.8 per cent in the next decade. This is entirely achievable if both the Victorian and Federal Governments commit to a long-term plan, backed by sustained investments to expand social housing in our state.
Our 10-year roadmap outlines the actions governments must take to increase the proportion of social housing in Victoria and shi the dial on the housing crisis.
We need the Federal Government to increase the Housing Australia Future Fund
(HAFF) to $50 billion, and the Victorian government to boost the Social Housing Growth Fund (SHGF) with an extra $6 billion.
Easing the housing crisis goes beyond securing more government funding, it’s also about streamlining processes and unlocking new opportunities to create more social housing. That includes implementing an A ordable Housing Contribution Scheme for private developers, and giving not-for-pro t community housing organisations the rst right of refusal on the sale of government land.
Building up the community housing sector means building more homes for renters.
By expanding our not-for-pro t sector, we can help reduce the social housing waitlist, ease demand on the private rental market, provide more Victorians with housing security, and nally change Victoria’s legacy on social housing provision.
Sarah Toohey, CHIA Vic CEO
WE welcome your letters to the Editor. Priority is given to typed/emailed letters under 250 words. Every letter must have your full name, address and a daytime phone contact number supplied for verification purposes. Any letter may be edited for reasons of space, content or legibility.
Email edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au
Post Letters to the Editor, 37 Rowan St, Wangaratta 3677
YOU’RE INVITED: THE Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre (WPACC) team, including Harriet Last, venue manager Tanya Camplin and Hilary Fielding, invite the community to their 2025 season launch on Wednesday, February 5 at 5.30pm, where this year’s stellar line-up of shows will be revealed.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
A JOINT project involving Greta Cemetery Trust, Wallan Cemetery Trust and the Victoria Police Memorials Committee will reach fruition in February, with the unveiling of a memorial to a police o cer involved in the 1880 Kelly Gang siege at Glenrowan.
The staged project involves placing a memorial plaque and story board at Wallan Cemetery for Constable Hugh Bracken, who is buried there in an unknown, unmarked grave.
Irish-born Bracken served with Victoria Police in two stints between 1861 and 1866, and 1867 and 1873.
He rejoined Victoria Police in November, 1878 to join the search for the gang which killed police at Stringybark Creek, and was kidnapped and held hostage by Ned Kelly at Glenrowan on June 27, 1880.
Bracken showed great coolness and bravery in escaping and warning approaching
police that the gang was in Ann Jones’ Hotel.
He subsequently took part in the siege of the hotel, and played a key role in Ned Kelly’s arrest, which was preceded by a lengthy gun battle.
On May 9, 1883, he was found medically un t and was discharged from Victoria Police.
Sadly, Bracken died by his own hand on February 23, 1900 at his home in Wallan, with his 14-year-old son in the next room.
Cemetery Records show his name, but no details as to section, nor plot, nor who buried him; it is not known where he lies.
Recent, thorough research shows that Bracken has no direct line in Australia; his rst son died in World War 1 and his second son had one daughter who had no children, though there are distant relatives.
However, it was clear that he needed to have a marker to remember him both as a
Local link to long-awaited police memorial
person, and for his place in Australian history.
The Victoria Police Memorials Committee could not provide nancial support for this project, as its funding is limited to cases involving members of the Victoria Police Force who are recorded on the Victoria Police Honour Roll; Hugh Bracken is not recorded on that roll.
Similarly, Victoria Police Blue Ribbon funding is limited to perpetuating the memory of members of the Victoria Police who have died in the line of duty.
It can be argued that Bracken su ered ongoing posttraumatic stress disorder, but he still does not t the stated criteria, so unfortunately, he met neither of the required criteria for funding.
In their respective roles, Noeleen Lloyd (Greta Cemetery Trust) and Ralph Stavely (Victoria Police Memorials Committee) have worked with the Wallan Cemetery Trust to bring together the
for Murray cod.
Record stocking means there’s
VICTORIAN shers are in for a bumper season with more chances to catch a Murray cod thanks to 10 years of record sh stocking by the Victorian Government.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos visited Karkarook Lake on Friday, 17 January to release 6000 Murray cod ngerlings as part of the government’s continued investment in shing.
Mr Dimopoulos said there was no better time to ‘wet a line’.
“We want Victorians to get out and enjoy our great outdoors,” Mr Dimopoulos said.
“There are millions of rea-
plenty of fish
sons Victorian families should get out and drop a line this year – with dozens of lakes and rivers stocked across the state.”
More than 66 million sh have been released across Victoria since 2014, including golden perch, Australian bass, estuary perch, trout, salmon, and dusky athead, and which is more stocking than all other Australian states and territories combined.
During that time, more than 22 million Murray cod have been released at more than 60 locations across the state.
The ngerlings released on
Friday were produced at the Arcadia Native Fish Hatchery near Shepparton, which is being upgraded to triple its size as part of a $15 million investment.
The hatchery is expected to produce up to six million native sh each year.
Several Victorian lakes are open year-round so shers can hunt for Murray cod, including Lake Eppalock, Rocklands Reservoir and Lake Eildon.
Lake Eppalock alone has had 2.4 million cod released, resulting in locals and visitors now catching increasing numbers of the species.
project to memorialise Bracken.
A crowd funding page was created to fund the cost of memorial plaque, placement, story board and related materials, and a memorial service.
The aim was to raise $7500 for a memorial plaque and eventual information board. There cannot be a headstone, nor could it be on a grave, as there is no way of knowing the location of Bracken’s grave. Rather, a place has been determined for a memorial near the front gate of the cemetery.
The GoFundMe campaign was launched on April 30 last year, and had reached half of its target within a week.
Almost 100 individuals and organisations donated to reach the $7500 target, with donations from the Police Veterans Association and Matt Aldridge of THE COOWEE RIDE taking the total amount donated up to just over $12,000.
As a result of the support, a
plaque on the memorial will read ‘Funded by public subscription’.
The project highlights the impact of mental health and PTSD, as an historic and contemporary issue.
A public ceremony and unveiling of the memorial will be held from 10.30am on Sunday, February 23, the 125th anniversary of Hugh Bracken’s death.
All are welcome to attend the unveiling, with RSVP by
February 20 to Noeleen Lloyd 0427 276 372 noeleenlloyd@ gmail.com or Ralph Stavely 0432 622065 ralphstavely@ optusnet.com.au Light refreshments will follow at the Wallan Police Station (at the request of Victoria Police, members of the public will be asked to provide name and date of birth for security reasons when RSVPing. This list will be provided to VicPol and must match ID.)
REMEMBERED: Hugh Bracken, who was involved in the 1880 Glenrowan siege, will be memorialised at Wallan in a joint project involving the Greta Cemetery Trust.
ALL YEAR ROUND TO WET A LINE: Lake Eildon is one of three local lakes which does not have a closed season
Wang West preps in the swing of things
THE school year is under way, and many of the Rural City of Wangaratta’s youngest primary-schoolers have notched their rst days.
Wangaratta West Primary School preps started their year on Thursday morning, and photographer Kurt Hickling dropped in to see how they were enjoying it.
TO BE A
TIME TO EXPLORE: AUDREY DUNCAN ON THE PLAYGROUND.
PROUD
PREP: Jagger Mullins.
HAVING FUN: Lucy Coles.
SLIDING INTO SCHOOL: Zach Everett checks out the play equipment.
CUT AND PASTE: Albert Wighton gets cra y.
SETTLING IN: Willow Canning.
GETTING STARTED: Bella Bihun enjoyed some drawing.
| Junior Reporter Club
ACROSS
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
1 Which thread is used for sewing (6)
8 To reject or renounce, is to do what (8)
9 What might we call a leg or an arm (6)
10 What do we call newly enlisted members of the armed forces (8)
11 What is a lively Spanish dance in three-four time (6)
12 Name a spring, or natural source of water (4)
13 What is offspring, or progeny (5)
16 What are young sheep (5)
19 To discontinue, is to do what (4)
21 Name the act of concealment (6)
22 Which breed of dog originated in Newfoundland (8)
23 What is a set of articles for any purpose (6)
24 Which gaseous element forms about four-fifths of the earth’s atmosphere (8)
25 Which plot of ground is devoted to the cultivation of flowers (6)
DOWN
2 What are spotted, leopard-like cats (7)
4 To be of little breadth, is to be what (6)
5 What do we call bedding, rolled up so as to be easily carried (7)
6 Which term describes the greatest amount (7)
7 Name a scale of temperature (7)
E-QUATIONS 7
13 Reykjavik is the capital of which island republic (7)
15 Name the great circle of the earth (7)
17 Who examines accounts (7)
18 Which fire was set alight on cracker night (7)
20 Name another term for a crowd (6)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
WHICH WORDS
1 ADZE
(a) A type of kidney bean (b) The chancel of a church (c) A timber-dressing tool
2 CUTIS
3 What is a picture, as of a scene (7)
Letters have a number
14 What is Sunday often called (7)
Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
E-QUATIONS
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in
(a) One who makes or sells knives (b) An attendant on a knight (c) The skin
BIYWORD
Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.
CLUES:
Boastful: much ... (7)
Distinguished (7)
East of north-east (3)
Fuel Management Unit (3)
German beer mug (5)
Gleam (5)
Loosen (5)
Roman numeral: X (3)
State of matter (3) Wind instrument (5)
Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.
Friday cattle sale sees record $5.91m turnover, with even bigger sale on the cards Wednesday
■ From page 1
A pen of 21 Angus steers with Banquet and Conamara bloodlines at 326kg from A&M Dobson & Son also exceeded market performance going for $1370/head ($4.20/kg).
As they were in the January sales, the northern buyers in areas of northern New South Wales and southern Queensland areas were again a factor in securing a high percentage of the cattle.
Mr Murtagh said while the impact of northern buyers on the market demand wasn’t as big as the earlier sales sale in January, it was promising to see solid competition coming from local buyers.
“A lot of these cattle are generally purchased by local people, they’re repeat buyers that buy the good cattle from around our area and beyond,” he said.
“But also there’s that impact of the northern buyers wanting a piece of the very well bred weaners and grown cattle.”
Filling out the saleyard on Friday were pens of grown cattle sent from the state’s western district, normally retained but put on sale due to the dry season in the area.
Mr Murtagh said it was great for the agency to support the farmers who continue to do it tough in their region.
“The western district has probably been hit the hardest in the last eight months and they’re continuing to have a poor season and be hit by the elements down there,” he said.
“These cattle had been put away and consigned to us from farmers down that way and they de nitely would have been happy with the result.
“They presented well and put on a fair travel to come here, but they were still strolling, and they’ll go on for anyone that bought them.”
Wednesday sale featuring cattle from agencies AWN, Elders and Nutrien will kick o at 9am at the Wangaratta Livestock Exchange to conclude Wangaratta’s blue ribbon sales.
There will be no prime sale at the saleyard on Tuesday this week, due to the blue ribbon sale on Wednesday.
Blue ribbon cattle sale exceeds expectations for feature vendor
By JORDAN DUURSMA
BROCKLESBY cattle farmer, Simon Ballentine and his sons, were among the crowds at the Wangaratta Livestock Exchange on Friday morning who gathered for the first of two Blue Ribbon sales in two weeks.
Simon said he was optimistic for the prospect of his 183 head of Angus Steers coming in at 393kg, hoping for $4 per kg.
“Across the board we averaged at $1491 per head which was above our expectations,” he said. Coming from Moogenilla
Blood, Simon’s top pen was 66 Angus Steers at 396kg which went for $1595 per head.
As a regular at Blue Ribbon sales, Simon is well acquainted with the fluctuations of the market.
“We’ve been selling here for about five or six years,” he said.
“The market has been falling since early January sales; it’s come back a little bit, but I think we’ve got our cattle in good nick so we were hoping for as a good as we could get.
“A lot of these cattle came from Condobolin, in
northern NSW, and we had a really good season up there, and we’ve got a little bit more weight in the calves this year because of that.
“We still had a tough season down here with our cattle, but we had enough feed to get through, a lot of sileage and that kept them going.”
Next on the cards for Simon and his sons is preparing their artificial inseminate program for their heifers.
“We have a couple hundred heifers, so we’ll be busy organising that program,” he said.
Wangaratta Livestock Exchange
FAMILY BUSINESS: Cattle farmer Simon Ballentine and his sons, Aaron and Ryan, were pleased with their outcome at Friday’s Blue Ribbon sale at the Wangaratta Stock Exchange.
PHOTO: Bailey Zimmermann
A KEEN INTEREST: Peter Johnson and Michael Hourigan were observing the action at the saleyards on Friday, with Mr Johnson to be selling some cattle from his Baddaginnie property on Wednesday’s sale. ~
the market for some feeder cattle.
PHOTO: Grace Fredsberg
SELLING FAST: Corcoran Parker director Justin Keane got proceedings started on Friday morning.
PHOTO: Bailey Zimmermann
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CONCRETING , big or small jobs, paths, driveways, shed slabs, verandahs, 15 years experience. For a free quote phone
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PAINTER, old school, for all your painting needs, commercial, industrial renovations. Phone Juliano 0412 597 482.
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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
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Full time and part time work for Grape Vintage.
Phone Bruce 0414 521 607
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
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.
An opportunity has arisen for a graphic designer to join one of Victoria’s and NSW leading independent news and media groups, based at our Wangaratta office working on newspapers, magazines and digital properties.
North East Media and its related group companies are seeking a graphic designer. You must be able to multitask, have strong organisational skills and be able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines. You must also be a team player who shows initiative and be able to work with minimal supervision.
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If you are looking for a new challenge in an energetic and stimulating environment, we would encourage you to apply.
Applications should be forwarded to:
ATTRIDGE
Helen
2/7/1933 – 30/1/2025
Passed away with family by her side. Loved wife of Kevin (dec).
Loving Mum of John and Linda, Bob and Di. Loved Wang Nan of 10 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
Hooroo H xx
MORRISON
William Robert “Bill” 06/08/1944 - 26/01/2025
Beloved husband to Rita.
Much loved father to Robert, David, Peta and Russell. Adored grandfather to Jessica, Lachlan and Carla Loved and remembered everyday.
ATTRIDGE
Family and friends are invited to attend the funeral service for Mrs Helen Attridge in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Friday February 7, 2025 at 10.30am.
A private cremation will follow. In lieu of owers a donation can be made online in memory of Helen to the Cancer Council at www.cancer.org.au/ Helen’s service can be viewed via Livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming/
Mason Park Funerals 5721 5060 masonpark.com.au
MORRISON
A funeral service to honour the life of William Morrison will be held on Friday the 7th of February at the Wangaratta Presbyterian Church, 158 Rowan Street, Wangaratta commencing at 1.00pm. Burial will follow the service at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery.
Honouring the Journey
Mason Park Funerals
P. 03 5721 5060 W. masonpark.com.au
Personal Notices
A GRADE
Wangaratta & District Cricket Association
SCOREBOARD:
Jed Marek b: Kayde
Thomas Moore b: Matthew Ryan
Archie Crispin b: Matthew Ryan
Mitchell Purcell c: Austen Fendyk b: Jack Ryan
Matthew Lister not out
Fall of Wickets: 1-32 Tyler Nanson, 2-81 Mitchell Giggins, 3-122 Aaron Thrum, 4-125 Joshua Newton, 5-127 William Petersen, 6-129 Jed Marek, 7-144
Thomas Moore, 8-144 Archie Crispin, 9-151 Josh Nanson, 10-165 Mitchell Purcell.
Bowling: Matthew Ryan 13/2/51/3, Timothy Cogger 12/4/25/3, Kayde Surrey 15/8/18/2, Jack Ryan 8.2/1/27/2, Brenton Surrey 5/0/18/0, Will Prebble 4/0/22/0.
BEECHWORTH WANDERERS 1ST INNINGS
Clancy Ellett run out: Archie Crispin, Jed Marek
Jackson Cull b: Archie Crispin
Austen Fendyk b: Jed Marek
Kayde Surrey lbw: Matthew Lister
Fall of Wickets: 1-93 Brayden Stepien, 2-111 James Carboon, 3-146 Charlie Bull, 4-149 Jonty Priest, 5-223 Lucas Ham.
Bowling: Gregor Fraser 8/1/26/1, James Neary 10/2/39/0, Conner Forde 4/0/26/0, Josh Harris 8/0/39/0, Geeth Alwis 23/8/40/4, Glenn White 8/2/23/0, Cooper Thomason 6/0/18/0.
Jack Ryan c&b: Matthew Lister
Will Prebble c: William Petersen b: Matthew Lister
Matthew Ryan c&b: Matthew Lister
Tristan Lenaz b: Matthew Lister
Hunter North c: William Petersen b: Matthew Lister
Timothy Cogger not out
Richard Worcester not out
Extras
Ladd
Fall of Wickets: 1-10 Seamus Phillips, 2-32 Gregor Fraser, 3-62 Conner Forde, 4-121 Cooper Thomason, 5-165 Geeth Alwis, 6-168 Dylan Bursill, 7-183 Nicholas Impink, 8-192 Kane Fitzpatrick, 9-192 Noah White, 10-195 James Neary.
Bowling: Conor Brodie 15/4/31/3, Charlie Bull 6/0/12/0, James Ladd 16/2/60/3, Brayden Stepien 10/0/32/0, Ross Cavill 13.3/5/26/4, Cooper Binion 7/1/24/0.
BEECHWORTH WANDERERS VS CITY COLTS
COLTS 1ST INNINGS
Mitchell Giggins c: Austen Fendyk b: Jack Ryan
Tyler Nanson c: Will Prebble b:
Fall of Wickets: 1-168 Clancy Ellett, 2-169 Jackson Cull, 3-220 Austen Fendyk, 4-236 Jack Ryan, 5-266 Will Prebble, 6-275 Kayde Surrey, 7-276 Matthew Ryan, 8-282 Hunter North, 9-285 Tristan Lenaz. Bowling: Josh Nanson 15/2/34/0, Jed Marek 21/3/65/1, Tyler Nanson 2/2/0/0, Matthew Lister 18/5/46/6, Connor Ormond 9/0/37/0, Archie Crispin 11/1/45/1, Mitchell Purcell 4/0/25/0, Mitchell Giggins 9/1/35/0.
ROVERS UNITED BRUCK VS YARRAWONGA MULWALA
YARRAWONGA MULWALA 1ST INNINGS
Reid Clarke c: Jeremy Wilson b: Daniel Jones
Ben Welsh b: Jacob Schonafinger
Angus McMillan (vc) c: ? b: Jacob Schonafinger
Brock McCabe c: Lakpriya shantha Gangabadawatta Arachchilage b: Jacob Schonafinger
Van Kreeck b: Jacob Schonafinger
Kyle Archibald (c) c: Jacob Schonafinger b: Jeremy Wilson
Adam Dodd c: Jacob Schonafinger b: Jeremy Wilson
Xavier Mitchell c: Matthew Whitten b: Jeremy Wilson
Matt McCabe b: Jeremy Wilson
Oliver Cope lbw: Paddy McNamara
Angus Heslin not out
Fall of Wickets: 1-13 Ben Welsh, 2-13 Angus McMillan, 3-15 Brock McCabe, 4-31 Van Kreeck, 5-32 Reid Clarke, 6-54 adam dodd, 7-54 Xavier Mitchell, 8-63 Matt McCabe, 9-64 Oliver Cope, 10-70 Kyle Archibald.
ROVERS UNITED BRUCK 1ST INNINGS Luke Whitten c: Brock McCabe b: Angus Heslin
McNamara (c) c: Ben Welsh b: Van Kreeck
McNamara c: Ben Welsh b: Angus McMillan
Matthew Whitten c: Reid Clarke b: Angus McMillan
Jeremy Wilson (c) c: Angus McMillan b: Angus Heslin
Jacob Schonafinger not out
Bowling: Paddy McNamara 11/3/16/1, Jacob Schonafinger 11/3/12/4, Daniel Jones 5/1/11/1, Jeremy Wilson 4.3/0/20/4.
Lakpriya shantha Gangabadawatta Arachchilage c: Reid Clarke b: Angus Heslin
of Wickets: 1-0 Charith Perera, 2-6 Ryan Collier, 3-20 Luke Whitten, 4-31
McNamara, 5-37 Reid McNamara, 6-40 Jeremy Wilson, 7-40 Lakpriya shantha Gangabadawatta Arachchilage, 8-40 Matthew Whitten, 9-47 Daniel Jones, 10-58 Charlie Lugg.
Angus Heslin 18/9/26/6, Angus McMillan 15/9/12/2, Aneeque Azam 5/3/6/0, Van Kreeck 7.4/4/11/2, Matt McCabe 6/5/1/0. YARRAWONGA MULWALA 2ND INNINGS
Reid Clarke c: Luke Whitten b: Jacob Schonafinger 7 Ben Welsh c: Paddy McNamara b: Daniel Jones 15 Brock McCabe lbw: Daniel Jones 6 Van Kreeck lbw: Paddy McNamara 9
Angus McMillan (vc) c: Jacob Schonafinger b: Daniel Jones
Archibald (c) c: Jeremy Wilson b: Daniel Jones
Heslin c: Jeremy Wilson b: Daniel Jones
Cope not out
Matt McCabe c: Jeremy Wilson b: Daniel Jones
Mitchell b: Jacob Schonafinger
Fall of Wickets: 1-11 Reid Clarke, 2-30 Brock McCabe, 3-37 Ben Welsh, 4-43
Angus McMillan, 5-56 Van Kreeck, 6-77 Kyle Archibald, 7-77 Angus Heslin, 8-77 adam dodd, 9-82 Matt McCabe, 10-93 Xavier Mitchell.
Bowling: Paddy McNamara 14/4/29/1, Jacob Schonafinger 8.2/3/14/2, Daniel Jones 10/2/24/6, Charlie Lugg 3/1/4/0, Jeremy Wilson 11/5/10/1.
ROVERS UNITED BRUCK 2ND INNINGS
Charith Perera c: Brock McCabe b: Angus McMillan 18 Lakpriya shantha Gangabadawatta Arachchilage c: ? b: Angus Heslin
Jacob Schonafinger not out 23*
Jeremy Wilson (c) c: ? b: Angus Heslin 0
Paddy McNamara (c) not out 24*
Extras 2
Total 3 / 73
Overs 10
Fall of Wickets: 1-21 Charith Perera, 2-25 Lakpriya shantha Gangabadawatta Arachchilage, 3-25 Jeremy Wilson. Bowling: Angus Heslin 3/0/22/2, Angus McMillan 5/0/35/1, Van Kreeck 2/0/15/0.
UNDER 16
City Colts 10/73 Hugh Spring 28 Sameera Witharana 4/21 def by Benalla Bushrangers 10/184 Vishal Sharma 125 Mitchel
Yarrawonga Mulwala 7/225 def Delatite 10/126. Wangaratta Magpies 7/213 Daniel Larkings 83 Benjamin McMasters 2/25 def Ovens Valley United 10/147 Nathan Cullen
Beechworth Wanderers 8/205 def by Rovers United Bruck 6/233.
Ovens Valley United 10/196 def Benalla Bushrangers 8/134. Delatite 3/111 def by City Colts 7/200.
UNDER 14
Ovens Valley United 10/112 def Beechworth Wanderers 10/72. Yarrawonga Mulwala Rams 7/134 def Rovers United Bruck Gold 10/101.
Milawa 4/192 Jason Papworth 59 Fill-in 2/34 def City Colts 5/186 Ross Moore 93* Ryan Brereton 2/31.
Benalla Bushrangers 4/105 Leigh Pollard 30 Harry Craddock 2/16 def Merton 10/104 Luke Berriman 23 Leigh
Rovers United Bruck 6/147 James Campbell 45 Hunter Fraunfelder 3/23 def Yarrawonga Mulwala 10/122 Alexander Kealy 41 Jeremy Ackroyd 3/37. Beechworth Wanderers 10/113 Henry Scalzo 24 Jakeb meyer 4/18 def by Rutherglen United 5/114 Jakeb Meyer 48* Brandon Fitzpatrick 3/23.
Greta 7/125 Michael barnard 62* Louis Sanderson 4/19 def
Ovens Valley United 10/50 Fill-in 11 David Allen 2/4.
Rutherglen United def by Yarrawonga Mulwala (forfeit).
Gapsted 9/170 Nathan Blyth 45 Brad Watt 4/29 def by Greta Blue 6/227 Thomas Grounds 77.
Greta White 10/86 Austin Morris 15 Mark Osborne 2/5 def by Benalla Bushrangers 2/87 Sam Hazell 36 Hamish Tanner 1/1.
Benalla Bushrangers Red 9/123 Mark Botten 34 Dean Chambeyron 4/44 def by Beechworth Wanderers Stanley 4/189 Wiremu Andrews 66 Bryce Cooney 1/28.
Benalla Bushrangers Red 5/182 def Wangaratta Magpies Black 9/58.
Wangaratta Magpies White 9/172 defe Rutherglen United 8/75.
Benalla Bushrangers Blue 8/170 def by City Colts 6/156. Greta White 10/160 def Greta Blue 7/132.
UNDER 12 GOLD
Yarrawonga Mulwala Lakers 5/105 def by Yarrawonga Mulwala Bulls 4/117.
Wangaratta Magpies Black 8/48 def by Benalla Bushrangers Blue 4/145.
Yarrawonga Mulwala Rams 6/105 def Delatite Gold 8/51. Benalla Bushrangers Red 6/120 def Delatite Blue 6/73. Benalla Bushrangers Green 8/71 def by Wangaratta Magpies White 8/73.
UNDER 12 BLUE
City Colts White 5/106 def Rovers United Bruck Green 4/84. Greta 6/57 def by Ovens Valley United Orange 1/98. Rovers United Bruck 8/96 tied City Colts Blue 4/96. Beechworth Wanderers 3/116 def Rutherglen United 8/36.
RUNS THERE: Vihas Wasala looks to belt the ball through the o side. PHOTO: Marc Bongers
Wangaratta & District Cricket Association
season
By NATHAN DE VRIES
THE first WDCA two-day matches in 2025 came to a conclusion on the weekend, with some major implications on the current composition of finals.
Benalla Bushrangers picked up their first win of the season after successfully defending their 234 total at McNamara Reserve against Ovens Valley United.
Resuming at 0/9, the Tigers were bowled out in the 68th over for 195, 40 runs shy of their target.
Seamus Phillips would only add one run to Ovens Valley’s overnight total before he was trapped LBW by Conor Brodie for six runs.
Opening partner Gregor Fraser was likewise dismissed by Brodie, which brought the
Tigers’ batting talisman Geeth Alwis to the crease at 2/32.
Alwis was at his impressive best, rotating the strike and attacking when the ball was there on his was to 80 off 123.
At the other end, Conner Forde (16 off 30) and Cooper Thomason (23 off 43) failed to convert on their strong starts before heading back to the sheds.
Alwis would sky one to Cooper Binion in the 51st over, all but putting the final nail in coffin for the run chase.
The Tigers’ tail withered, the last four batters contributing four runs off the stick to see Ovens Valley’s inning ended.
Ross Cavill backed up his heroics with the bat last week finishing with 4/26 from 13.3 overs, while James Ladd (3/60 off 16) was effective.
Elsewhere, Beechworth
Wanderers are all but guaranteed a finals berth after chasing down City Colts’ 165 in style, cruising to 9/295 by the end of play.
The run chase was anchored by Clancy Ellett at the top of the order, scoring 105 in style.
He would eventually be run out after facing 176 deliveries in a crucial innings for his side.
Fellow opener Jackson Cull was also in the runs with his knock of 59, while Kayde Surrey was given out LBW on 49.
Colts spinner Matthew Lister was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 6/46, while Archie Crispin (1/45) and Jed Marek (1/65) were also in the wickets.
The Wanderers sit third overall, 12.9 points ahead of Ovens Valley and Yarrawonga Mulwala.
■ From back page
Bushrangers, Wanderers triumph
Rovers United Bruck lose 4/18 on day two as Yarrawonga Mulwala Lakers snag victory by 12 runs
“The deck still had a bit in it, both of the Anguses, Heslin and McMillan, bowled superb.
“It’s the result of last weekend, when you lose six wickets it comes back to bite you.
“We thought if we got o to a good start we could get home pretty comfortably, but unfortunately we lost those early wickets and it was just an uphill battle from there.”
With plenty of time still in the day, the Lakers had another bat to try and snare an outright victory, but the Hawks weren’t done yet.
Led by Dan Jones, with season best gures of 6/24 from 10 overs, the home side rolled through the Lakers for 93.
With the Lakers leading by 105 in the second innings, both an outright and reverse outright were on the cards with 10 overs of play. The Hawks played their shots, but couldn’t make the total in the time le in the day, nishing at 3/73.
McNamara (24*) and Schona nger (23*) led the way batting in the second innings.
“We’re pretty proud of our ghtback in the second innings, we knew we were still out there to try and win the game, thought we could pinch a reverse outright which we fought very hard for,” McNamara said.
“Dan Jones had his best game for the season, he’s really having an awesome season with the ball.
“Unfortunately we probably didn’t give ourselves enough overs to get the score, we weren’t good enough with the bat in the rst innings to win the game.”
The Hawks remain on top of the table with three matches le before nals.
STRIKE BOWLER: Dan Jones picked up season best figures of 6/24 from 10 overs in the second innings.
GLOVEWORK: Lucky Shantha goes to whip the bails o .
OUTDONE: Paddy McNamara and the Hawks had to bowl a er they were knocked over for 58 on Saturday. PHOTOS: Marc Bongers
ON THE BOARD: Conor Brodie, pictured in his round 10 match, and the Benalla Bushrangers picked up their first win of the season against Ovens Valley United.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
ROOM TO PLAY
CITY Colts White junior Alex Tekesic uses his feet to get to a wider delivery in his under 12 match with Rovers United Bruck Green. WDCA scoreboard page 14.
Heartbreak for Hawks
Rovers United Bruck lose 4/18 on day two as Yarrawonga Mulwala Lakers snag victory by 12 runs
NOTHING in cricket is ever certain.
Rovers United Bruck needed just 31 runs with four wickets in hand for victory over Yarrawonga Mulwala at WJ Findlay Oval on Saturday, an achievable target with the depth of batting available to them.
However, the Lakers bowlers proved too strong, rip-
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
ping through the middle order and tail to pick up 4/18 and roll the Hawks for 58.
RUB’s Lucky Shantha and Matt Whitten were at the crease at the start of day two, with plenty of time to
bat themselves in and whittle away at the total.
Angus Heslin steamed in during the rst over, and drew the edge on the sixth ball of the day when Shantha defended, caught behind.
Disaster struck again for the home side just four balls later when Whitten prodded at one outside off stump, edging it into the
gloves of Reid Clarke.
In the rst 10 balls of the day, the Rovers had slumped from 6/40 to 8/40.
With a lot of work to do, Dan Jones and Jacob Schona nger worked their way into the day, managing to rotate the strike well.
Their partnership would only last for seven runs before Helsin managed to slip
one through Jones’ defence, castling the import for two runs.
Schona nger would battle away, top scoring with 13*, but the result was sealed when Van Kreeck caught the edge of Charlie Lugg’s bat, caught behind for two.
RUB skipper Paddy McNamara said it was an extremely disappointing way
to end the match.
“To lose two pretty experienced players and have our tail come in straight away wasn’t ideal,” he said.
“The message was to go out positive but we didn’t really have a chance to be positive, they both got out defending, just genuine good balls that got nicked behind.
■ Continued page 15
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PHOTO: Marc Bongers