BLOOMING HELPFUL
Park Lane Nursery retail horticulturalist Grant Allen has plenty of colourful advice to help avid local gardeners prepare for autumn.
■ Story page 2
CAN BAG MORE DUCKS CAR FOR RAFFLE WINNER
HEALTHY WAIT
ED patient wait times improve, amid growing demand, at city’s public hospital
WANGARATTA’S public hospital has maintained a awless Emergency Department response time of 100 per cent according to the latest data.
However, the triage category two [emergency, seen within 10 minutes] response has waned, with only 68.48 per cent of patients meeting the benchmark time during October to December 2024,
down from 85.09pc in the July-September quarter.
Northeast Health Wangaratta did treat more triage category two patients last quarter compared to the previous four quarters, with 1399 seeking treatment over the three-month window.
Wait times concerning triage category three patients [urgent, within 30 minutes] improved at 76.82pc in the
December quarter compared to lesser percentages for each quarter in the 12 months prior.
Some 87.32pc of triage category four patients [semi-urgent, were treated within an hour], also saw an improvement compared to each quarter’s results in the previous 12 months.
There hasn’t been much uctuation with triage category ve patients
[non-urgent] wait times, with 96.15pc making the two-hour benchmark in the December quarter.
At Wangaratta there were 33 triage category one [need resuscitation] patients treated in the December quarter, up from 25 in the September quarter. No data was available for the most recent wait time performance for surgery at NHW.
A government spokesper-
son said Northeast Health Wangaratta introduced a new patient administration system in October-November 2024, which has impacted the supply of surgery data to the department.
She said the December quarter results for surgery wait times will be reported by the department when March quarter results are released.
The government reported
that investments to improve surgery wait times across the state continue to contribute to better results.
“These include 23 patient support units at hospitals across the state – helping 4668 patients avoid surgery and diverting 211 patients to nonsurgical treatment pathways in the last quarter,” a government spokesperson said.
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PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Glenrowan man found with nearly 650 files of child abuse material
A GLENROWAN man will be on the sex registers list for at least the next eight years a er he admitted to being in possession of more than 600 les of child abuse material. The 39-year-old appeared to be praying while awaiting the Magistrate’s decision at the Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court last Thursday with his
hands visibly shaking while on the crossbench.
The court heard police executed a search of his home on January 11 last year a er a short investigation into a Kik messenger account.
A phone was found in the home containing more than 94,000 les of images and videos, 642 of those to be found
as child abuse material.
Police found 54 images of the most serious material, which related to images and videos of girls aged around eight to 12-years-old taking part in sexual acts, some involving older males.
Around 432 images and videos depicted girls aged 10 to 17 exposed, undressed or
taking part in sexual acts and 156 images of girls in their late teens.
He was arrested and told police he had signed up to Reddit forums around three years earlier in an attempt to “try and nd love”.
He said he would search for singles and would be sent the content by other users.
Bring your garden to life this autumn
By GRACE FREDSBERG
NOW is the perfect time to start preparing your garden for autumnal plantings as we transition out of summer, according to retail horticulturalist Grant Allen from Park Lane Nursery.
Crepe myrtles, bougainvillea, late-summer owering hydrangeas, petunias, echinacea and calibrachoas (million bells) are just some of the plant species that ourish at this time of year.
“The crepe myrtles have been really stunning this year around town,” Mr Allen said.
“Crepe myrtles are one of our biggest sellers at the moment, by far at this time of year.”
Mediterranean type plants, like olives, and Australian native plants also come into bloom in the summer time.
Mr Allen encourages the community to consider planting Australian native species, as these are adapted to our soil types and tend to germinate better.
He said shade trees are a popular choice for people’s gardens, not only for the refuge they provide from the hot sun, but also when they bloom and show o their spectacular autumnal hues.
“The maples are a great plant, beautiful shade tree,” he said.
With such high temperatures, indoor plants like devils ivy have also been selling.
“People are indoors, so indoor plants are always a nice way to brighten up the
A CHRONIC alcoholic who threw a punch at a policewoman and headbutted a Co-store worker has been placed on a good-behaviour bond.
The 50-year-old Wangaratta woman appeared at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court last week and pleaded guilty to multiple offences.
The court heard on June 20 last year around 3pm police were informed of an overdosed patient at Bendigo Bank. She was verbally aggressive, spitting and swearing to emergency services and police and was clearly intoxicated.
He would delete the account, but he said he also used Kik which had “underage porn”.
Defence counsel Chirag Patel submitted a detailed 22-page forensic report with his client.
Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Sarah Williamson said she was not
against a community corrections order but sought conviction.
Magistrate Simon Zebrowski said there were “complex issues” raised in the report and ordered the 39-year-old to be assessed for a community corrections order. The matter will return for sentence on February 19.
inside of your home.”
To maintain optimal plant health, Mr Allen said deep watering your plants early in the morning is essential, and to avoid light sprinkling throughout the day.
However, a common mistake he sees people make is overwatering their plants, which can actually drown the plant.
He said scorching temperatures in recent weeks have slowed things down at the nursery.
Mr Allen said plant owners should take caution during extreme temperatures, particularly in high re danger areas where garden mulch tends to burn.
“Most plants tend to shut down in this extreme hot weather, you’re not getting a lot
She went to walk away from the scene before running back with her st clenched, attempting to punch a policewoman in the face, hitting her body.
The defendant was immediately arrested.
The court heard the defendant was involved in multiple incidents of shop the within Wangaratta’s CBD in incidents from May to October.
On June 13, 2024, two sta members of Allys Fashion based in the Co-store observed the defendant be verbally aggressive, threatening to shoot a worker in the head.
She then grabbed one of the sta
of growth,” he said.
“It’s that time of year that you need to protect the soil and mulch heavily, up to 50ml thick.”
Mr Allen advised against using gravel mulches in high temperatures, as they can get very hot and radiate heat back at the plants.
Aside from mulching, wetting agents can be e ective in providing plants with enough water, particularly with hydrophobic soils.
“Quite o en you’ll water and you think you’ve watered the plant and you’ll scratch under the surface of the soil and it’ll be bone dry still,” he said.
“Wetting agents tend to put a coating on the soil particles which allow water droplets to actually bind to them.”
members in a headlock for around 16 seconds, headbutting and inappropriately touching the sta . Police were called to nd the defendant passed out on a nearby bench due to intoxication.
A victim impact statement read in court said a sta member had since quit the retail scene and had her work hours cut back due to injuries sustained from the incident. The court heard the defendant had been going into the store daily, pocketing items and placing them in “random spots” for sta members to nd.
Defence counsel Geo Clancy said his client, who lives with
Mr Allen also suggested grouping plants together of similar water usage, as this can help reduce total water usage.
As the end of summer nears, he said cyclamens are coming into season much earlier than expected.
The tube plants they grow at the nursery are also currently in production as we transition into autumn.
“It’s a really good time to start planning what you want to do in the cooler months of the year,” he said.
“Your summer vegetables will be starting to wane a little bit now, so it’d be a time to start thinking about your brussels sprouts, cabbages, broccoli and all your winter veg(etables).”
an acquired brain injury, was apologetic to those impacted by her actions.
Mr Clancy said his client’s drinking had become a “circular issue” at the time due to constant worry and she had managed to stay out of trouble since October.
Magistrate Simon Zebrowski placed the woman on a 12-month good behaviour bond with conviction and urged her to rely on her NDIS support.
“You’ve proven you can stay out of trouble, it’s all the grog,” he said. “Hopefully you can stretch that period of good behaviour forever.”
A SILVER CASCADE: Retail horticulturalist Grant Allen beside Dichondra Silver Falls available at Park Lane Nursery.
Motorcycle safety crackdown
MOTORCYCLISTS have been put on notice as local police look to crackdown on two-wheel vehicles through out an uptick of visitation in the year’s warmer months.
Operation Solo Safe has been ongoing in the North East this month which has seen police highly visible on North East roads popular with motorcyclists.
Sergeant Shaun Hillier of Wangaratta Highway Patrol said collisions involving motorcycles are over represented in road trauma.
BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
“As motorcyclists converge on our beautiful region to explore what the North East can offer between January and March we generally see an increase in road trauma involving motorcycles,” he said.
“Whether you’re in a vehicle or on a motorcycle, police will not tolerate any motorists that chooses to endanger them-
selves or any other road users.
“Plan your trip, allow sufficient time to get to your destination and ride responsibly.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility whether you ride a motorcycle or drive a car.”
Sgt Hillier said road trauma involving motorcycles typically occurs on high speed roads and police saw a significant increase in lives lost involving motorcycles over the past two years statewide.
The North East has already been victim of a motorcycle fatality at Bethanga on January 19.
While no fatal motorcycle incidents were recording within Wangaratta in 2024, the rural city’s only fatal motorcycle crash in 2023 occurred in March, when a male rider crashed into a tree on Old Coach Road near Byawatha.
The operation comes as police issued an urgent warning to motorists following a horror start to the year
on the state’s regional roads.
There have been 41 lives lost in the first 43 days of the year – an increase on 31 lives lost recorded at the same time last year.
January recorded 36 fatalities, which is the highest number of lives lost for the month since 2001 when there were 44 fatalities during January.
Of the 41 lives lost to date, 24 have occurred on regional roads – almost double the 13 recorded at the same time last year.
In the North East, six lives have been tragically lost in incidents in Bowmans Forest, Glenrowan, Bundalong, Creightons Creek, Bethanga and Avenel. Provisional analysis of this year’s fatalities suggests that driver behaviour and driving errors, including excessive or inappropriate speed, unsafe overtaking, illegal uturns, failing to stop or give way, fatigue and distraction have been major contributing factors in these fatal collisions.
26ha Chesney Vale grass fires are under investigation
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
SEVERAL fast-moving grass fires stretching 26 hectares along Lake Mokoan Road on Thursday night remain under investigation.
A CFA spokesperson said 31 CFA units along with aircraft support and Forest Fire Management responded to around six separate grass fires near Chesney Vale around 5pm.
Wangaratta CFA captain and incident controller Jason Allisey said the fires burned in paddocks which stretched around six kilometres of road from the Lake Mokoan Hub down to Benalla-Yarrawonga Road.
“There were six separate fires that were quite significant,” he said.
“It was fanned by high winds at that time and it was heading in a south-easterly direction.
Benalla resident wins car in community raffle
A BENALLA resident won the major prize of a car in the Rotary Club of Appin Park Wangaratta’s 20242025 Community Raffle, which was drawn by Rural City of Wangaratta Mayor Irene Grant in front of a large crowd at Wangaratta Motor Group’s Hyundai showrooms last Friday evening.
Jody Livingston’s ticket was plucked out from the large barrel containing almost 13,000 tickets, which had been sold by 29 community organisations over recent months.
Local residents shared in the majority of prizes offered in the raffle, which Rotarian Bev Maher said had helped inject around $200,000 into
the community in the past five years.
“Community organisations selling tickets for this year’s raffle raised and shared in around
$64,000,” she said.
“For many organisations this raffle provides them with their major or even only fundraiser for the year and provides support to their group’s membership.
“We again had amazing support from all local businesses from where we source all the prizes.
“Many local businesses, and local groups have been supporting the raffle since its inception, which has provided a solid and valued base for the event.”
2024-2025 COMMUNITY RAFFLE PRIZE WINNERS
1st Prize: Hyundai Venue from Wangaratta Motor Group valued at $26,500 won by Jody Livingston, Benalla.
2nd Prize: Travel & accommodation package from Travel & Cruise valued at $4400 won by Peter Sedgwick, Wangaratta.
3rd Prize: Trailer & cage from Wangaratta Trailer Sales valued at $3030 won by Rhonda Summerfield, Chiltern.
4th Prize: Harvey Norman voucher (both stores) valued at $2000 won by Susan Cuthbert, Wangaratta.
5th Prize: A1 Trye Power voucher valued at $1500 won by Tom Morrow, Wangaratta.
6th Prize: Air conditioner unit from JCS Industries valued at $1200 won by Wayne Pegler, Oxley.
7th Prize: Tool package voucher from WBAIS valued at $1000 won by Mark Haringsma, Cowes.
8th Prize: Three voucher dining package (Gateway Hotel, Rinaldo’s & Watermarc) valued at $450 won by Peter McBain, Wangaratta
Tree on powerline left almost 1300
homes in King Valley without power
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
A TREE which fell onto a powerline on Thursday night left nearly 1300 homes in the King Valley area without power through the night.
An AusNet spokesperson said crews were notified of the outage on Whitfield Road around 9:06pm.
“Power was gradually restored through the night,” the spokesperson said.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s Wangaratta Airport weather station recorded peak wind gusts of around 61km/h at 9pm on Thursday night.
The Ausnet spokesperson said the remaining homes had to wait until 2pm to have their power restored.
“We have crews on site but they ran into some complications…. we apologise for the inconvenience,” the spokesperson said.
According to AusNet’s power outage tracker as of 11:30am Friday, around 224 customers in Cheshunt, Whitfield and Rose River remained without power.
The outage comes as King Valley businesses and residents expressed frustrations of around four outages in six days last week varying in lengths from four to 14 hours at a time.
Recent weather cells and bushfire mitigation technology had been cited as possible causes for the outages.
“CFA received numerous Triple 000 calls from numerous locations from Benalla-Yarrawonga Road along Lake Mokoan Road to Chesney Vale.”
The fires burned around 26 hectares of grassland with police also called onto the scene.
The spokesperson said firefighters fought to bring the blaze under control at around 7:30pm before it was deemed safe at 9pm.
“No structures were under threat,” they said.
Mr Allisey said Forest Fire Management, CFA and police were present on scene on Friday morning investigating the cause of the blaze.
Mr Allisey said it was unknown whether the fire was suspicious or not.
TREE DOWN: Homes lost power when this tree toppled on to a powerline.
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.
Warmer than the norm continues
THE rst 13 days of February were much warmer than normal across much of Victoria with both maximum and minimum temperatures four degrees above normal. At Wangaratta the mean maximum temperature to date is 35.5 degrees and the mean minimum temperature to date is 17.4 degrees.
The rst 13 days of this month in Wangaratta was the warmest for February since 1983; with the mean maximum temperature of 35 degrees - 1982 was a warm dry year similar to last year.
The records show that useful rains occurred on February 22, 1983 and again on March 21 a er very hot days early March. Rainfall has been below average over most of Victoria except in East Gippsland where Orbost recorded 101.4mms last Monday, February 10 due to an easterly wave low moving westwards from the Tasman sea.
It was Orbost’s wettest February day since 109mms on February 21, 1966 just after decimal
WHAT’S UP WITH THE WEATHER?
By Peter Nelson, retired CSIRO climatologist
currency started.
Another wetter February day at Orbost was 120.8mms in 1897.
Heavy to ooding rains have caused a huge amount of property damage mainly at Ingham in Queensland where a total of 2385mms fell in 16 days from January 28 to February 12. This also exceeded the annual average of 2151mms at Ingham considered very unusually early to exceed the annual average.
Townsville with 1136.4mms for the rst 12 days of February has recorded its wettest February in 154 years of records and also exceeded its annual average of 1134.8mms; this time is not the earliest date the annual average has been exceeded at Townsville.
In January 1953 a total of 1141.7mms was recorded.
Monday, February 16, 2015
WANGARATTA
Handweavers and Spinners members kicked off their activities, and welcomed new office bearers, at their first meeting for the year recently.
President is Caroline Peart from Bowmans Forest, secretary is Joan White from Thoona, and treasurer is Rhonda Kaye from Euroa.
A highlight of the meeting for the 32 members present at the Milawa Hall was the talk and display of work by member Annie Longmuir from Benalla.
Ms Longmuir spins art yarns and knits the finest and most intricate shawls in modern designs and color, with her work having won many prizes.
Members will next meet on Tuesday, March 2, for a workshop on felting.
Planning is underway for the 2015 Wool Day to be held at Our Lady’s Hall in White Street on Saturday, April 18.
For those unable to attend meetings during work hours an evening group meets on the third Tuesday each month at the conference room in the Wangaratta Library from 7pm to 9pm.
SET FOR A BIG YEAR: Wangaratta
Headweavers and Spinners (from le )
secretary Joan White, treasurer Rhonda Kaye and president Caroline Peart admire the work by member Annie Long.
Handweavers and spinners kick off the new year
Where being local means great deal - Hume Bank CEO
WITH an RBA rate cut predicted this month, Hume Bank is reinforcing its commitment to providing home loan customers with better value, award-winning rates, and community-driven banking.
Under its new campaign, “Where Being Local Means a Great Deal”, Hume Bank is challenging the notion that only big banks o er the best rates and service.
“For too long, big banks have dominated the conversation on home loans, but the latest research shows that customer-owned banks like Hume Bank consistently deliver better value,” said Hume Bank CEO Stephen Capello.
home loan rates that are, on average, 0.4 percentage points lower than the major banks. Meanwhile, the Hume Bank Financial Wellbeing Research report con rms that Hume Bank customers feel more nancially secure than the broader local market, thanks to the bank’s commitment to nancial wellbeing and fair pricing.
Hume Bank is also addressing the growing demand for modern banking solutions, ensuring that customers have access to both competitive home loans and digital banking enhancements.
“Our focus is simple - o ering a great deal to customers, both in terms of rates and service,” Mr Capello added.
“We encourage homeowners to take this opportunity to review their loan and see how much they could save.
“We’re already ahead of the curve with competitive rates, and we’re reinvesting back into our customers and community, rather than shareholders.”
According to the latest COBA Impact Report, customer-owned banks provide
“And for rst home buyers to consider coming in to chat with us about how these great rates could help them get into the market. “
STORMY NIGHT: there was lightening but little rain in storms at Wangaratta last week.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Isla June Nicholson
Alya Estelle Niumai Hare
Drivers lose their licence
By JEFF ZEUSCHNER
A DRUNK driver almost ve times the legal limit, and a speeding driver more than 40kms over the 100kph limit face extended licence suspensions a er being caught on local roads last week.
First Constable Gordon Williams of Wangaratta
ED patient wait times improve at our hospital
■ From page 1
“This includes organising additional investigations, education, outpatient appointments or pre-habilitation while they wait to receive their surgery.
“The health system continues to see patients who are sicker and with more complex cases than ever before – more than 60 per cent of presentations to emergency departments required treatment within 30 minutes – this represents an additional 15,000 patients requiring time-sensitive care when compared to the same time last year.
“Health services have also improved how quickly they transfer patients from ambulances, with more than 40 per cent of hospitals improving their offloading times this quarter.”
Woman almost five times legal limit, another driver speeding at 143kph
police said community members alerted police to a driver pulled over in the running lane of Chisholm and Reid streets in Wangaratta’s CBD around 1pm last Thursday.
FC Williams said the female driver had a bottle of vodka in her hand and she
was taken back to the police station where tests revealed her blood alcohol level was 0.240.
“The woman, in her 50s, had her vehicle impounded for 30 days and her licence suspended for 12 months, but that is to be extended to two years,” he said.
“She has been summonsed to appear at court on multiple charges, including driving under the in uence.”
In a separate incident the following a ernoon, FC Williams said a driver travelling in an Audi SQ5 was clocked at 143kph in a 100kph zone
on the Snow Road, near Milawa.
“The 42 year old male driver from Airport West has his wife and two small children on board, travelling to Bright,” he said.
“The driver was issued with a $840 fine and had his licence suspended for six months.
“His speed was only two kilometres under the automatic impoundment of his vehicle.
“The driver was detected as part of our ongoing Operation Sotark, targeting high speed vehicles on rural roads.”
BABY BOOM AT NORTHEAST HEALTH WANGARATTA
NORTHEAST Health
Wangaratta (NHW) has experienced a recordbreaking start to the year.
The public hospital welcomed 78 newborns in January, which is up more than 22 per cent from 2024, and the biggest month in recent records.
And the trend is set to continue this month, with 74 babies already scheduled to arrive.
birth is as smooth and safe as possible,” she said.
“This baby boom is a testament to the incredible care and dedication of our midwives, doctors and support sta .” NHW provides a supportive environment for new mums, o ering 24hour care from a team of dedicated midwives and medical specialists.
Northeast Health Wangaratta CEO Libby Fi s, said 2025 already marks a signi cant increase compared to last year, when NHW recorded an average of 56 births per month, with more than 670 babies born throughout the year.
in January.
Bag limit boost for Victorian duck hunters this season
DUCK hunters will have their highest bag limits in years under settings for the 2025 Victorian duck hunting season.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation, Steve Dimopoulos, on Friday con rmed arrangements he said ensure the duck hunting season in Victoria is “sustainable, safe and backed by science”.
He said the settings were determined by the sciencebased Adaptive Harvest Management (AHM) model and the Wounding Reduction Action Plan.
“This year is the rst season the AHM model will be used to guide the daily bag limit in Victoria, with the modelling tailored to Victoria’s unique conditions, habitats and species,” he said.
“Recreational duck and quail hunting is a legitimate activity, and it matters to thousands of Victorians who love the great outdoors and regional businesses who bene t, but it needs to proceed safely and sustainably.”
The 2025 duck season will open on Wednesday, 19 March 2025 and close on Monday, 9 June 2025.
The start time is 8am for the rst ve days of the season, a er which hunting can start 30 minutes before sunrise.
The 2025 daily bag limit is nine ducks, and seven duck game species can be hunted.
DUCK SEASON: Daily bag limits have risen to nine birds per hunter for the Victorian duck hunting season.
The blue-winged shoveler cannot be hunted this season, and the use of lead shot for quail hunting is also banned.
All new hunters seeking a license are required to do mandatory online knowledge training and testing - including Aboriginal cultural awareness training – as part of the Waterfowl Wounding Reduction Action Plan.
All hunters renewing their licence from 2026 will also be required to complete this training.
Minister Dimopoulos said the government is also giv-
ing hunters certainty about future seasons with the dates for the next three years set out in the Wildlife (Game) Regulations.
He said the government has invested $11.6 million to ensure the proper compliance and enforcement measures are in place so duck hunting remains safe and sustainable into the future.
Further details about the 2025 season, including any wetland closures, will be regularly updated on the Game Management Authority (GMA) website at gma.vic. gov.au.
“Our maternity team has been working tirelessly to support expecting families, ensuring each
The maternity ward consists of six postnatal beds, four birth suites, and a special care nursery with six cots, ensuring high-quality, personalized care for every family.
Ms Fi s said NHW’s maternity unit continues to provide high-quality, patient-centred care, o ering a supportive environment for families throughout their birthing journey.
Bull Sale
2025 Champion Pen - Feedlot Performance
NEWBORN SURGE: Oakley Mae Matthews - pictured with parents Courtney McLeod and and Charlie Matthews of Wangaratta - was among the 78 newborns welcomed by Northeast Health Wangaratta
Ongoing challenge for public health
HEALTH has, and always will be, one of the most pressing issues any government must address for its communities.
And with a growing population, where people are living longer with increased care complexities, the demands on Victoria’s health system will only continue to face rising challenges.
Last week the Victorian Government presented the state’s report card for October to December, with encouraging statewide results.
In general, there was improvement in times for most benchmarks of patient assessment and treatment in emergency departments, and scheduled surgeries.
Northeast Health Wangaratta figures indicated improvements in wait times in most areas, amid an environment of increased demand in the ED.
More funding and resources, supporting the critical role our health workers play, remains a fundamental requirement to help meet our community needs.
But there will always remain limitations, and there are other ways to help address the ongoing challenges.
A lack of access to GPs is often a trigger for rising demands at the ED, and there are few communities in regional Australia who don’t need increased GP services.
With the federal election imminent, the nation’s peak body for GPs last week launched its plan for accessible and affordable GP care.
It has sought support for all parties for a plan requiring significant funding, but promising to get bulk billing rates back to 85 per cent for those who need it most; halve out-of-pocket costs – from $59 to $25 on average for consults longer than 20 minutes; increase growth in the GP workforce; and save nearly half a billion per year by reducing hospitalisations and emergency visits and improving health.
We wait with interest to see how parties will respond, and for policy confirmations as we prepare for the federal election.
The Quiz No. 122
1. Who wrote the 1897 novel, Dracula?
2. In order of playing, what is the second of the Tennis Grand Slam tournaments?
3. Kigali is the capital city of which country?
4. Which soft drink is mixed with dark rum to make a Dark and Stormy cocktail?
5. Who was William McMahon’s Deputy Prime Minister?
6. The navicular bone is located in which part of the body?
7. What is the least densely populated state of the USA?
8. In regard to televisions, what does LCD stand for?
9. Minestrone originally came from which country?
10. Which band reunited in 1994 for the Hell Freezes Over tour?
11. How many players are on the court for each team in indoor volleyball?
12. Who was the first woman to be elected as a representative in an Australian parliament?
13. What is the official currency of Switzerland?
14. Who co-starred with Ewan McGregor in 2005’s sci-fi movie, The Island?
15. Sodium chloride is more commonly known as what?
16. A deckle is used in the making of what?
17. What is the world’s largest island that is not a continent?
18. What is the real name of the rapper known as Diddy?
19. The Melbourne Cup is held at which racecourse?
20. Who played the role of Delvene Delaney in the 2017 TV miniseries, Hoges: The Paul Hogan Story?
FACEBOOK users this week commented on independent MPs supporting a bill to help protect whistleblowers.
• Craig McDonald: About time whistle-blower were protected
• Stephen English: I want to see something happening in her our own area like funding for better roads and please don’t start me on it’s VicRoads or council we put these people there for our benefit also our hospitals anywhere in Indi
all I ever here from Helen is a birthday card in the mail or a leaflet saying how good am I going so someone explain why whistleblowers are so important to us in the North east except for putting Dan Andrews in jail now I would be a whistleblower
• William Magnus: Well done what’s been going on is more than shameful and make it retrospective Facebook users this week also commented on local ambulance response
Congratulations Ross Brown on Australia Day honour
RECENTLY in Parliament I extended my sincere congratulations to Ross Brown AM of Brown Brother’s Winery, located in the beautiful King Valley for his acknowledgment during the Australia Day Honours List.
Ross, a third-generation winemaker was honoured for his services to both the wine and tourism industries, and it was a pleasure to attend the opening of the HIVE, the latest addition to the bottling plant based in Milawa, and be able to congratulate Ross personally on his extraordinary achievement.
It is always encouraging to see the quiet achievers recognised on a national stage, with Ross being particularly deserving given his lifelong dedication to these industries both within our region and abroad.
Thank you Ross for all that you, and your family, have done and continue to do for the North East.
Tim McCurdy, Nationals MP for Ovens Valley
Gateway Health brewing up some kindness
GATEWAY Health is giving out free co ees at its three main locations as part of Random Acts of Kindness Day this week.
Random Acts of Kindness Day, held today (February 17), celebrates and encourages random acts of kindness.
By handing out a ‘free co ee’, Gateway Health is hoping to promote the bene ts of kindness in the community which include boosting oxytocin, energy and serotonin as well as decreasing pain, stress and anxiety.
As a community health organisation, Gateway Health is committed to people’s health and wellbeing and hopes to set an example in reminding the community to make kindness the norm.
We are experiencing a growing sense of division and disconnect, with di erences in opinions, beliefs, and identities o en creating tension rather than understanding.
By shouting people a cup of co ee or encouraging them to pay it forward, we can join together in fostering respect and openness and build stronger, more connected communities.
Gateway Health has a vital role in preventing ill health and promoting wellbeing by providing accessible, inclusive and proactive care across North East Victoria and parts of southern NSW.
NOTE:
times improving.
• VaL Am-Me: Ambulances are not meant to be called so you can skip the waiting line at the ED.
• Shane Kenny: VaL Am-Me I agree. But the reality for battlers is they can no longer afford the Dr ‘gap’ fee of $40+ so this is now a natural occurrence they will lean towards given the Govt/Dr/ Medicare cuts that results in out of pocket.
• VaL Am-Me: Shane Kenny still no excuse to call
an ambulance for a non life threatening emergency or bad accident.
• Felicity Jaylar: Yeah right... live in higgins street and you’re told “you are not a priority. We will send an ambulance out when one is available but that might be hours” literally every time they’re called! Not everyone who lives in higgins Street is a druggy or abusive! Too bad if my baby daughter hurt herself bad because I’d have more luck driving her to the hospital.
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15,167
and
Our focus on prevention helps reduce the burden on acute care services, improves health outcomes and empowers individuals to take charge of their health.
This is essential in building healthier, more resilient communities.
Today, we are just showing how a small act can make a positive impact in the community.
Gateway Health has partnered with Close Collective Café in Wodonga, Where is My Co ee? in Wangaratta and Co ee Chakra in Myrtleford with sta giving out 250 free co ee cards across the three locations.
Trent Dean, Gateway Health CEO
Students disengaged in the classroom
VICTORIAN students are being denied the safe, focused and engaging classrooms they deserve as new data reveals the rate of expulsions from Victorian government schools has reached a ve-year high.
The Department of Education’s latest expulsion report has con rmed that 266 students were expelled across 2023 – a rate of more than one expulsion per school day – whilst suspensions have risen by 30 per cent since 2019.
This data follows the Productivity Commission’s Report on Government Services 2025 which found that more than one in two Year 7 to 10 students are failing to attend school at
least nine days a fortnight and that Victoria was the only state or territory where attendance rates have fallen over the past two years.
The Allan Labor Government is failing to provide Victorian students with the safe, focused and engaging classroom environment they need to achieve their best.
The dramatic increase in expulsions and suspensions re ects disruptive learning environments that are worsening student disengagement and contributing to the exodus of teachers from the profession.
Disengaged students means poorer educational and life outcomes.
This concerning trend must be immediately addressed and teachers better equipped to manage classrooms and ensure every student can access the quality education they deserve.
Jess Wilson, Shadow Minister for Education
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
NATURE EXPLORED: The Birds and The Trees exhibition featuring paintings
drawings by resident artist Karen Brown, continues at the Art Gallery on Ovens today in the laneway o Murphy Street. Celebrating the beauty of the Aussie bush, it’s open from 10am until 4pm.
PHOTO:KurtHickling
Artistic exploration of food and wine in Crystalline
AN exhibition responding to the unique food and wine scene of North East Victoria by Brisbane-based artist Elizabeth Willing opens at Wangaratta Art Gallery this week.
Crystalline explores the interconnected qualities of sugar and alcohol, particularly wine, and is the outcome of research undertaken by Willing in the region during a residency in early 2024.
In her three-week stay the artist spent time working with and observing wine makers and food producers in the King Valley, Beechworth and Rutherglen.
Working across textiles, sculpture and installation Elizabeth Willing’s works are performative and o en participatory explorations of food as both concept and material.
Her practice re ects on the biological and cultural importance of food, hospitality and digestion.
For Crystalline, Willing explores how alcohol and sugar are not essential for our survival but are a ubiquitous part of our daily lives.
Chemically connected through fermentation and production, both sugar and alcohol are associated with ritual, celebration, class and disease.
The exhibition will feature a large textile piece titled Rootstock exploring the impact grape seeds have on the avour of wine, and the parasitic mistletoe which grows abundantly across the region.
Wangaratta Art Gallery director
Rachel Arndt said the gallery was delighted to present Elizabeth’s latest works, following her residency in February 2024.
“During her visit, Elizabeth immersed herself in the unique food and wine history of Wangaratta and the surrounding region,” Ms Arndt said.
“Inspired by Wangaratta’s rich food and wine heritage, Elizabeth has beautifully captured elements of our wine-growing district in her particular visual style.
“Whilst in the region, the artist stayed at the Mécène Residency in Beechworth, thanks to the generosity of owners who are keen supporters of the arts.
“As an artist that works across food, sculpture, installation and textiles, there are so many synergies and I’m con dent Elizabeth’s work will resonate with local audiences and visitors alike, bringing new perspectives to how we understand our rela-
tionship with sugar and alcohol.”
Willing explains how one of her works - rolls of vibrant wallpaper with images of just some of the numerous in uences on wine avour during production - was a result of her research into Australian winegrowers.
EXPLORATORY WORKS: CRYSTALLINE INCLUDES ELIZABETH WILLING, UNTITLED (UNDISCLOSED RED WINE), 2019, WATERCOLOUR AND PENCIL ON PAPER, 29 X 38CM EACH.
Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award
ENTRIES are now open for the $40,000 acquisitive Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award.
Marking the ninth anniversary of this nationally acclaimed biennial prize and exhibition, the Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award 2025 will be held from May 24 to August 17.
“I was trying to understand and articulate the diversity of in uences on wine avour,” Willing said.
“In the process I developed a wallpaper design which features drawings of some of these in uences.
“Grape seeds, for example, if crushed too much release bitterness into the wine, while bene cial bugs amongst the vines such as the Green Lacewing wasp naturally improve the health and therefore quality of the grapes without the addition of chemicals.
“This is just a limited snapshot of the complex interactions between natural and human interventions in the winemaking process.”
One of Willing’s works consists of glass tubes shaped like the human
intestine and colon, these are lled with cordial from Billson’s Brewery which has been operating in Beechworth since 1865.
The exhibition has an accompanying publication of the same name Crystalline, with an essay titled Sugar Hit, by Samantha Littley - curator of Australian Art at Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art.
Crystalline will be opened by Professor David Watson, ecologist and ornithologist and a specialist on the parasitic mistletoe, on Friday, February 21 from 5.30pm at Wangaratta Art Gallery.
All are welcome and a free ticket can be booked by visiting www.wangarattaartgallery.com.au.
Also opening in Gallery 2 on Friday, February 21 is Barra, by Juanita McLauchlan, who will give an artist talk at 5pm, prior to the launch of both exhibitions at 5.30pm.
With the generous support of project partners, the Kyamba Foundation, the award celebrates the strength, innovation and diversity of Australian textile art, and the region’s long and prominent his-tory of textile manufacturing and cra making.
Two prizes are o ered –a $40,000 acquisitive award and the $2,500 Ruth Amery Highly Commend-ed nonacquisitive award.
Both prizes are awarded to nalists selected for the Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award 2025 exhibition.
Artists working with the textile medium in any form from across Australia are invited to apply, with entries open until March 7 and more information available at wangarattaartgallery.com. au.
INVITING NEW 2026 ENROLMENTS
Galen Catholic College welcomes all families to our annual Discovery Evening.
Come and see our new facilities, meet our educators and get hands on with some of our classroom and extra curricular activities!
Junior Reporter Club
Smoke sensor to save wine industry millions
Science breakthrough: North East trials help prove not all smoke taints grapes
A SMOKE sensor developed by La Trobe University researchers in conjunction with local vineyards has the potential to save hundreds of millions of dollars in lost wine production.
The sensor is in the process of being rolled out across the wine industry with monitors now being used to track the impact of bush res that have ravaged the Grampians this summer.
Wine Industry Smoke Detectors (WISDs) – known as ‘wizards’ – track smoke events like bush res and burn o s around vineyards.
The data can then advise winegrowers whether smoke is likely to taint their grapes and if they need to discard their season’s harvest or use winemaking techniques to remove the taint.
Data taken during trials of the sensor through the 2020 bush res that devastated
Vic paramedic practitioner laws pass parliament
LEGISLATION to enshrine Australia’s rst paramedic practitioner into law has now passed the Victorian Parliament, paving the way for them to deliver urgent care and prescribe medicines while saving Victorians a trip to hospital.
The Victorian Government’s Paramedic Practitioners Bill 2024 ful ls a 2022 election commitment, making Victoria the rst jurisdiction in Australia to have dedicated legislation to support this role – allowing the delivery of a higher level of care to patients when and where they need it.
Paramedics regularly transfer patients with serious, but not life-threatening, conditions to hospitals.
With their new advanced clinical training, paramedic practitioners will now be able to assess, diagnose and treat patients in the eld, make clinical decisions and take pressure o busy emergency departments.
The key change will allow paramedic practitioners to prescribe and administer scheduled medicines when treating patients, providing Victorians with immediate treatment on the spot.
The rst cohort of 30 paramedics is currently progressing through Monash University’s nation-leading Paramedic Practitioner master’s degree, with a second cohort set to begin in the coming weeks.
Graduates will be deployed to regional Victoria in 2026, equipped to treat conditions that o en lead to hospital visits, such as urinary catheter care, wound care and closure, minor infections, dislocations and fractures.
wine regions across Australia’s east coast found that $100-$150 million worth of grapes were needlessly discarded over unfounded concerns they were tainted by smoke.
Australian agtech provider Goanna Ag has now signed on to commercialise the WISDs over the next two years, during which time the hardware and algorithm will be further validated in real-world re events and the network of WISDs expanded to other wine regions across Australia.
La Trobe University academic Ian Porter led the WISDs research and the risk model over the last 10 years with cooperation from Lake Nillacootie Estate and Ros Ritchie Wines at Mans eld as eld sites.
Professor Porter said trials of their sensor in vineyards across south-eastern Aus-
tralia had found that smoke tainted wine grapes a lot less than viticulturalists believed, which meant vineyards could avoid signi cant losses of grapes that winegrowers had previously believed were ruined.
“Growers think that all smoke causes smoke taint, but data collected by our team has for the rst time globally linked the amount of fresh smoke needed in vineyards to smoke taint in the bottle,” Prof Porter said.
“This sensor has the potential to save a heap of grapes they would usually throw away, which can be nancially and emotionally devastating for winegrowers, and it’s one of the reasons we developed the WISDs.
“This has been the Holy Grail of research that’s now being solved.”
The prototype smoke loggers have been developed by
La Trobe University researchers and supported with funding from Wine Australia, La Trobe University, and other partners, including the Victorian and Australian governments and regional wine associations.
A network of 100 prototype loggers was deployed in vineyards in North East Victoria a er the catastrophic bushres in 2020, with the technology re ned in the years that followed.
Operating like the networks that continuously monitor air quality for human health, the data loggers calculate risk ratings for smoke taint drawn from a vast database of smoke, grapes, and wine data collected by La Trobe during more than 70 controlled burns and eight major bushres.
This knowledge links smoke dose to smoke com-
position, phenol levels in grapes and wine, and their sensory outcomes in wines.
It also includes burn conditions, distance from the burn, grapevine variety, and the timing of exposure during the season.
Prof Porter said the ndings also showed that in the majority of cases, winegrowers need not be concerned that smoke from planned controlled burns might taint their grapes.
“The WISD is an amazing breakthrough for Australian growers and wine producers. It provides the sector with an extremely valuable tool to use during any smoke event to determine whether there is a problem or not,” he said.
“Having results in real time greatly reduces stress for growers and winemakers and allows them to market their grapes and produce wine with con dence.”
Making waves for cancer care at inaugral Sunshine Swim
LOCAL swimmers are taking the lead in a new challenge the whole community can support to back the vital role the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund plays in providing treatment and care for patients across the region.
The Yarrawonga Mulwala Swimming Club together with the Ovens and Murray District Swimming Association welcomed swimmers from across the district earlier this month for the launch of their inaugural Sunshine Swim.
Help to navigate death and dying
DYING is a normal part of life, but many of us are unprepared for what happens and the practical steps to take after losing someone we care for.
A free workshop is being held in Wangaratta on Tuesday, March 11, and is designed to equip family, friends and carers of someone at the end-of-life with the knowledge and skills to navigate their last days.
The Last Days workshop, presented by Murray PHN in collaboration with HammondCare, is delivered by an experienced palliative care specialist over three hours.
It helps participants to acquire the knowledge and tools to support someone in their care to proactively make
end-of-life choices; understand dying as a normal part of life; know where to find support; and feel confident talking about end-of-life.
Murray PHN CEO Matt Jones said that when we are faced with a loved one at their end of their life, it can be difficult to know what to do.
“This workshop can help you to prepare for what’s coming by learning about the dying process, helping to understand what’s ahead, while creating space for conversations about the person’s wishes and preferences,” he said.
HammondCare clinical nurse specialist Suzanne Sara, who will be presenting the workshops, said services of all kinds in regional Australia are less resourced
than the cities and this can have worrying consequences, especially when the services relate to something as serious and important as end-of-life care.
“Last Days gives people the practical knowledge and tools they need to manage this process and relieves the uncertainty and confusion,” she said.
“Especially for carers in rural and regional Australia, who sometimes feel alone as they deal with this unfamiliar and deeply emotional situation, the program could make a huge difference by helping them feel prepared and understand their options.”
Bookings are essential.
Register by Friday, March 7 at https:// bit.ly/49xyEd3.
With more than 300 swimmers competing as part of their summer competition calendar, it was a perfect opportunity to showcase the Sunshine Swim event and raise some much needed funds towards the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust.
Anne-Marie Humphries, treasurer of the AWRCC Trust, was on hand at the launch to address the crowd, expressing the fund’s excitement for this new event and detailing how the money raised will be allocated.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Yarrawonga Mulwala Swimming Club and the Ovens and Murray District Swimming Association for their support,” she said.
“This event will make a real difference in providing vital cancer services and support to families in our region.”
Members of the community are able to register for free, either individually or as part of a team, and are prompted to pledge a distance goal to gather support and donations from the community.
AWRCC Trust Fund’s Justine Rofe said she was absolutely thrilled to add yet another “sunshine” event to the annual calendar and invites everyone in the region to sign up.
“All funds raised will directly support cancer services in our region, ensuring that patients and families receive the highest quality care close to home,” she said. Registrations are open for the rest of of the month.
Event information and registration can be found at: https://give. awcancertrust.org.au/ event/sunshine-swim.
DEALING WITH GRIEF: HammondCare clinical nurse specialist Suzanne Sara will be presenting the workshops.
PHOTO: Murray PHN
ACROSS
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
1 What are involuntary muscular contractions (6)
8 Name another term for a slaughterhouse (8)
9 To be dignified and imposing, is to be what (6)
10 What are small guitar-like musical instruments (8)
11 What do we call one who is under obligation to another (6)
13 What are amounts of money put in the bank (8)
16 Name a crystallised violet quartz used in jewellery (8)
19 To be paradoxical, is to be what (6)
22 To become inactive, is to do what (8)
24 Name another term for evenings (6)
25 To be the most wrathful, is to be the what (8)
26 Which planet has an extensive ring system (6) DOWN
2 Name a purplishblack dried fruit (5)
3 Name a renowned Australian explorer, Charles (5)
4 What day of the week is named after Across 26 (8)
5 Name the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands (4)
7 To guide, is to do what (6)
12 To be without clothing, is to be what (4)
14 Name those who are under medical treatment (8)
15 What is an admired stereotype (4)
E-QUATIONS 7
17 What took place on the Bounty (6)
20 Which term can mean should (5)
21 To bury, is to do what (5)
23 What are gorillas also called (4)
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 OPHIOLOGY
(a) The science of the eye
(b) The study of snakes
(c) The scientific study of mountains
2 PILULE
(a) A heavy javelin used by Roman foot soldiers
6 Name another term for bullocks (6)
Letters have a number value
18 Name some large, carnivorous felines (6)
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 centre cells.
Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.
(b) A little pill
(c) A hair
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:
Ancient manuscript (5)
Circle section (3)
Dame Edna’s fav flower (7) Depression (3)
Oscar: Academy ... (5) Result of manufacturing (7) Roman numerals: 610 (3) Small condiment flask (5) Student Learning Centre (3) Swift descent on prey (5)
Quality bloodlines leading the pack
By KURT HICKLING
BEEF Week was in full swing across the North East on February 4 as local cattle studs opened their gates for buyers and the public to view quality bloodlines with a high calibre of bulls o ered to purchase.
Mistletoe Limousins at Greta South saw a steady ow of interest on the day, selling two bulls for $5000 each and one for $4500.
Owner Dennis O’Connor said it was a successful open day, helping to raise more awareness of the operation he started on his 480 acre property in 1993. He said recent decades had focused on building up the genetics of his cattle by selecting the nest stock, along with importing stock to strengthen genetic lines and produce the nest cattle.
“When we rst started, our aim was to focus on quality lines as we had the desire to dream big from the start and produce the perfect breed of cattle that would be desirable to ourselves and other producers,” Mr O’Connor said.
“We then looked to source the best bloodlines from France, USA, Canada and England.
“Each variety possessed qualities we were looking for to put
together high-end quality cattle.
“Like building blocks, genetic building takes years as each line is produced...we carefully select cattle with the strongest genetics and features we were looking for moving forward.
“As years went on, we could begin to see our stud develop into something very special and seeing the time, decision mak-
ing and hard work begin to pay o .
“The variety we now have on our stud farm is called the homozygous Pollard variety which again is a combination of selected international varieties.
“Our Pollard variety di ers to other breeds as they have a quiet temperament and are fantastic animals to work with.
FARMERS and small property land managers in North East Victoria are invited to a free Healthy Hectares introductory session on Thursday, March 6, from 7-8pm at The Centre for Continuing Education in Wangaratta. This session o ers an overview of the innovative Healthy Hectares program, a series of six tailored workshops delivered over seven months, starting April 2025.
These workshops are designed to help small landholders plan and manage their properties sustainably.
The project is focused on practical, local and grassroots solutions to both take on climate change, main-
tain agricultural productivity and protect and enhance natural capital.
Led by local experts, the workshops will combine practical sessions with indepth guidance on topics including property planning, soil health management, water requirements for your property, enhancing biodiversity, pasture and livestock management and managing invasive pests and weeds.
“A feature of the program would be the development of a whole farm plan for each of the participants’ properties over the course of the workshop series,” project o cer, Gervaise Gaunt said.
“Participants will also receive a comprehensive range of resources to support skill development and knowledge in sustainable property management.”
The project is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust. Register now via https:// events.humanitix.com/ healthy-hectares-information-session-2025.
For more information about the program contact Wodonga Urban Landcare Network facilitator Jo Vincent at info@wodongalandcare.org.au.
“Another plus is that this variety has more meat than other cattle and have very little body fat.
“Further to that, the cattle have good body structure and excellent bone structure which really helps when calving.
“Feed to meat conversion is good as the meat is short in texture which makes it more tender.”
Like building blocks, genetic building takes years as each line is produced... we carefully select cattle with the strongest genetics and features we were looking for moving forward.
- Dennis O’Connor
Wangaratta Livestock
FUTURE GENERATION: Mistletoe cattle producer Dennis O’Connor remains dedicated to improving the genetics of his cattle.
PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling
STANDING STRONG: Top line bulls were available for potential buyers.
MEEK AS A LAMB: Dennis O’Connor is proud to have a variety of cattle with a quiet temperament.
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.
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.
Your experience will include sound skills developing artwork using Adobe InDesign. Experience designing artwork for multiple digital channels, including websites, social media, email marketing would be an advantage.
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: Kelly Lovell
Creative Services Manager
North East Media
klovell@nemedia.com.au www.nemedia.com.au
DAVID JOHN RYAN, late of 16 Cribbes Road, Wangaratta, Victoria 3677, deceased. Creditors, next-of-kin and others having claims in respect of the estate of the deceased, who died on 9 April 2024, are required by the executor, James Alfred Ryan, to send particulars to him, care of the undermentioned solicitors, by 24 April 2025, after which date the executor may convey or distribute the assets, having regard only to the claims of which he then has notice. MORGAN COUZENS LEGAL, Ground Floor, Suite 10, - 21-23 Reid Street, Wangaratta 3677. Email: reception@ morgancouzenslegal.com.au. Ref: WC:9589.
Outside School Hours Care Coordinator
A position exists at Greta Valley Primary School as their Outside School Hours Care Coordinator. The successful applicant must be qualified (or working towards) the minimum Diploma standard. The position is for Monday to Thursday 3pm to 6pm. Applications can be sent to greta.valley.ps@education.vic.gov.au
For further information contact Principal Howard Gibson 5766 6344. Closing date 21 February 2025
Teaching Position available.
OUTDOOR SCHOOL
15
Mile Creek Campus
Are you interested in working with students from grade 3 to 12 in a residential Outdoor setting. 15 Mile Creek has a contract position available for the remainder of 2025.
15 Mile Creek runs predominantly 5-to-12-day programs for state school students. Staff are required to work overnights on occasion both on and off site. Programs vary week to week ensuing the work is always engaging for staff and students.
Staff earn time in lieu as per the Victorian Governments Schools Agreement.
A comprehensive induction process is in place to ensure staff have the skills and knowledge to be effective at 15 Mile Creek.
If you would like further information, please feel free to ring the Campus Principal Rhys Evans on 0428 789 338.
You are also welcome to make a time to come out and visit our school. The Job is currently posted on recruitment online.
Job Number 1464719
Applications close on February 23rd
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.
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Elite, leather seats, services as per logbook. 4 cylinder 2.2lit Diesel, auto, 1WK 1KR,130,000kms, RWC, $26,350.00 ONO. Phone Maxwell K Batey 0419 547 308.
MAZDA 3 SP25
2009, one owner, 255,000km, RWC, reg (XKA544), immaculately maintained, fullservice history available, very reliable 4cyl 2.5L, auto, $6750. Ph 0409 814 364.
2009 Honda CTX BUSHLANDER. Good condition, Approx 14,000kms, VIN 9C2M35UO8R002382, New fork seals, resent oil change, tires 80 %, Everything works, No further use $2,300 ono PH 0499036050.
MAZDA BT50 2013
Freestyle cab/tray, diesel, 4x2, manual, 79,000kms, one owner, regularly serviced, RWC, reg (1BN6TC), $19,000. Enquiries 0427 817 166.
Volvo XC
OLD cars wanted, cars removed. Ph 0435 083 115.
1998 Jayco Eagle 12ft folding camper, excellent condition, queen size bed, provisions for 2-3 children comfortably, reg (R91716), $12,000. Ph 0490 780 438.
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, $12,000 ONO. Ph 0419 870 472.
WINDMILL, nonoperational, as a garden feature, Southern Cross, head 6’, height 28’, $1200. Phone Ron 0427 303 035.
South Wangaratta Rural Fire Brigade Vale COLSON, Graham.
The South Wangaratta Rural Fire Brigade regret the passing of our long-standing member and leader in Graham Colson. His service to CFA spans in excess of 70 years, devoted firstly to his local South Wangaratta Rural Fire Brigade and Wangaratta Fire Brigades Group. Graham held numerous positions as Brigade Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Group Officer, Group Officer and assisted in leading many District Strike Teams throughout his operational career. Of more recent times Graham was one of the major contributors and facilitator in the ‘Make Tankers Ten’ book that reflects the formation and history of the Wangaratta Fire Brigade Group. Our thoughts and support go out to Sally, Emma, Fiona and the extended Colson family. Our highly decorated Graham Colson will be sadly missed for his skill, knowledge, leadership and wisdom at brigade level and throughout the wider CFA organisation. Rest in peace
BROADBENT
The funeral service to celebrate the life of Mr John Jeffrey “Jeff” Broadbent will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street,Wangaratta on Friday, February 21, 2025 at 10.30am. Burial will follow the service at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery.
Donations made in Jeff’s honour to Alzheimer’s Australia would be welcomed. Donations can be made online at https://donate.alzheimers.com.au.
Mason Park Funerals 5721 5060 masonpark.com.au
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
Wangaratta & District Cricket Association
A GRADE
YARRAWONGA MULWALA DEF BENALLA BUSHRANGERS
BENALLA BUSHRANGERS 1ST INNINGS
Brayden Stepien (c) b: Van Kreeck 24
James Carboon c: Reid Clarke b: Angus Heslin 1
Charlie Bull run out: Xavier Mitchell 4
Jonty Priest c: Brock McCabe b: Angus Heslin 17
Lucas Ham lbw: Angus Heslin 16
DALE STRATTON c: Reid Clarke b: Angus Heslin 4
Gary Priest (vc) c: Matt Knight b: Angus Heslin 0
Conor Brodie lbw: Aneeque Azam 1
Mitchell Wheelens c: Xavier Mitchell b: Brock McCabe 6
Sameera Witharana c: Matt McCabe b: Angus McMillan 18
Cooper Binion not out 0*
Extras 4
Total 10 / 95
Overs 50.3
Bowling: Angus Heslin 16/5/29/5, Angus McMillan
11.3/4/25/1, Matt McCabe 9/1/18/0, Van Kreeck 6/1/13/1, Aneeque Azam 7/3/10/1, Brock McCabe 1/1/0/1.
YARRAWONGA MULWALA 1ST INNINGS
Reid Clarke c: James Carboon b: DALE STRATTON 60
Ben Welsh c: James Carboon b: Conor Brodie 2
Van Kreeck run out: Jonty Priest 1
Brock McCabe lbw: Brayden Stepien 43
Matt Knight c: Mitchell Wheelens b: DALE STRATTON 21
Angus McMillan (vc) lbw: DALE STRATTON 3
Kyle Archibald (c) c: Cooper Binion b: DALE STRATTON 0
Aneeque Azam lbw: DALE STRATTON 2
adam dodd c&b: Charlie Bull 8
Xavier Mitchell lbw: Conor Brodie 5
Angus Heslin not out 4*
Extras 3
Total 10 / 152
Overs 76.1
Fall of Wickets: 1-9 Ben Welsh, 2-29 Van Kreeck, 3-102
Reid Clarke, 4-116 Brock McCabe, 5-132 Angus McMillan, 6-132 Kyle Archibald, 7-134 Aneeque Azam, 8-137 Matt Knight, 9-144 Xavier Mitchell, 10-152 adam dodd.
Bowling: Conor Brodie 22/3/48/2, Charlie Bull
12.1/5/21/1, DALE STRATTON 22/7/43/5, Cooper Binion
6/2/6/0, Brayden Stepien 9/1/19/1, Sameera Witharana 5/1/14/0.
BENALLA BUSHRANGERS 2ND INNINGS
Brayden Stepien (c) c: Reid Clarke b: Angus Heslin 6
Jonty Priest c: Angus McMillan b: Angus Heslin 2
James Carboon not out 15*
Charlie Bull lbw: Ben Welsh 18
season
SCOREBOARD: Saturday, February 15 2024/25
Lucas Ham c&b: Ben Welsh 1
DALE STRATTON not out 0*
Cooper Binion did not bat
Conor Brodie did not bat
Gary Priest (vc) did not bat
Mitchell Wheelens did not bat
Sameera Witharana did not bat
Overs 16
Fall of Wickets: 1-6 Brayden Stepien, 2-9 Jonty Priest, 3-34 Charlie Bull, 4-37 Lucas Ham.
Bowling: Angus Heslin 5/1/14/2, Angus McMillan 2/2/0/0, Brock McCabe 2/0/19/0, Ben Welsh 4/1/6/2, Van Kreeck 3/1/5/0.
WANGARATTA
MAGPIES DEF BY ROVERS UNITED BRUCK
WANGARATTA MAGPIES 1ST INNINGS
Cooper Matheson (c) c: Jeremy Wilson b: Jacob Schonafinger 13
Jarryd Wallace b: Jacob Schonafinger 4
Jack Davies c: Lakpriya shantha Gangabadawatta
Arachchilage b: Paddy McNamara 4
Oliver Andrew c: Brady Bartlett b: Paddy McNamara 5
Dean Simmons c: Lakpriya shantha Gangabadawatta
Arachchilage b: Brady Bartlett 14
Kyle Winter-Irving c: Charith Perera b: Paddy McNamara 20
Nic Bonwick lbw: Brady Bartlett 0
Callum Honey b: Brady Bartlett 4
Rhys Grant c: Lakpriya shantha Gangabadawatta
Arachchilage b: Paddy McNamara 3
Matthew Prestianni not out 0*
Chris Clement b: Paddy McNamara 0 Extras 0
Bowling: Jacob Schonafinger 10/5/12/2, Paddy McNamara 9.3/2/19/5, Brady Bartlett 9/2/17/3, Jeremy Wilson 9/2/19/0.
ROVERS UNITED BRUCK 1ST INNINGS
Charith Perera c: Oliver Andrew b: Dean Simmons 51
Ryan Collier lbw: Chris Clement 38
Reid McNamara c: Rhys Grant b: Oliver Andrew 0
Paddy McNamara (c) lbw: Dean Simmons 0
Matthew Whitten c: Jarryd Wallace b: Oliver Andrew 0
Jacob Schonafinger c&b: Kyle Winter-Irving 29
Lakpriya shantha Gangabadawatta Arachchilage c: Chris
Clement b: Oliver Andrew 30
Jeremy Wilson (c) run out: Oliver Andrew 0
Cormac McNamara not out 11*
Brady Bartlett c: Rhys Grant b: Oliver Andrew 1
Daniel Jones run out 6
Extras 21
Total 10 / 187
Overs 51.3
Bowling: Chris Clement 9/2/50/1, Oliver Andrew 18/2/46/4, Dean Simmons 8/1/34/2, Kyle Winter-Irving 10/3/26/1, Matthew Prestianni 4/0/11/0, Rhys Grant 2.3/1/4/0.
WANGARATTA MAGPIES 2ND INNINGS
Dean Simmons lbw: Jacob Schonafinger 12
Jarryd Wallace run out 5
James Thewlis lbw: Brady Bartlett 7
Oliver Andrew b: Jacob Schonafinger 5
Cooper Matheson (c) not out 30*
Jack Davies c: Lakpriya shantha Gangabadawatta
Arachchilage b: Daniel Jones 5
Kyle Winter-Irving not out 41*
Nic Bonwick did not bat -
Chris Clement did not bat -
Rhys Grant did not bat -
Callum Honey did not bat -
Extras 7
Total 5 / 112
Overs 54
Fall of Wickets: 1-9 Jarryd Wallace, 2-19 Dean Simmons, 3-29 James Thewlis, 4-31 Oliver Andrew, 5-41 Jack Davies.
Bowling: Jacob Schonafinger 13/5/23/2, Brady bartlett
16/2/39/1, Jeremy Wilson 9/2/20/0, Daniel Jones
6/2/10/1, Cormac McNamara 4/3/1/0, Ryan Collier
3/0/10/0, Reid McNamara 2/1/4/0, Matthew Whitten 1/0/1/0.
OVENS VALLEY UNITED DEF BY BEECHWORTH WANDERERS
BEECHWORTH WANDERERS 1ST INNINGS
Clancy Ellett lbw: James Neary 4
Jackson Cull st: Conner Forde b: Geeth Alwis 12
Kayde Surrey c: Kane Fitzpatrick b: James Neary 0
Brenton Surrey (c) c: Gregor Fraser b: Bailey Wyatt 0
Jack Ryan lbw: Geeth Alwis 9
Will Prebble c: Noah White b: Geeth Alwis 1
Matthew Ryan c: James Neary b: Gregor Fraser 23
Campbell Fendyk lbw: Bailey Wyatt 20
Private player st: Conner Forde b: Geeth Alwis 13
Tristan Lenaz not out 8*
Timothy Cogger c: Seamus Phillips b: Geeth Alwis 2
Extras 6
Total 10 / 98
Overs 47.3
Bowling: James Neary 4/3/2/2, Bailey Wyatt 9/1/15/2, Cooper Thomason 8/4/19/0, Geeth Alwis 14.3/5/24/5, Glenn White 5/1/15/0, Gregor Fraser 6/1/17/1, Noah
A RESERVE
White 1/0/5/0.
B GRADE
C GRADE
UNDER 16
OVENS VALLEY UNITED 1ST INNINGS
James Neary c:
Gregor Fraser b: Matthew Ryan 10
Seamus Phillips c: Kayde Surrey b: Timothy Cogger 4
Dylan Bursill (c) c: Timothy Cogger b: Matthew Ryan 9
Geeth Alwis lbw: Kayde Surrey 1
Conner Forde c: Brenton Surrey b: Jack Ryan 11
Cooper Thomason not out 16*
Noah White b: Matthew Ryan 0
Kane Fitzpatrick c&b: Timothy Cogger 19
Wangaratta Magpies 10/108 Oscar Timms 35 John Taylor 3/27 def by Yarrawonga Mulwala 6/111 Sam Lidgerwood 58* Rieran Radcliffe 3/28.
Benalla Bushrangers 3/146 Ross Cavill 51 Benjamin McMasters 1/12 def Ovens Valley United 10/126 Benjamin McMasters 35 Leigh Pollard 4/22. Rovers United Bruck 7/160 Mark Drage 51* def Delatite 10/87 Sam Bell 20 Adriano Speziale 3/20.
Delatite 10/98 def by Merton 4/200. Milawa 10/80 def by Rovers United Bruck 6/132.
Benalla Bushrangers 10/76 def Rutherglen United 10/67. Ovens Valley United 5/125 def by Yarrawonga Mulwala 9/175. Beechworth Wanderers 10/65 def by Greta 1/66.
Benalla Bushrangers Blue 9/120 def by Beechworth Wanderers Stanley 10/133. Greta Blue 5/103 def Greta White 8/102. Benalla Bushrangers Red 4/122 def by Yarrawonga Mulwala 4/123. Rutherglen United def by Gapsted (forfeit).
Ovens Valley United 9/168 def by Rovers United Bruck 6/218. Benalla Bushrangers 8/156 def Delatite 7/122.
Jack Ryan 10/0/24/2.
City Colts 10/201 def Beechworth Wanderers 8/72.
UNDER 14
Wangaratta Magpies Black 7/108 def by Ovens Valley United 7/156. Beechworth Wanderers 10/218 def Greta Blue 9/107. Yarrawonga Mulwala Bulls 10/151 def Wangaratta Magpies White 10/78. Rutherglen United 7/102 def by Benalla Bushrangers Red 6/145. City Colts 10/123 def Rovers United Bruck Gold 9/114. Greta White 9/82 def by Benalla Bushrangers Blue 7/221.
UNDER 12 GOLD
Wangaratta Magpies Black 5/112 def Yarrawonga Mulwala Bulls 6/111. Delatite Blue 10/61 def by Benalla Bushrangers Blue 4/92. Yarrawonga Mulwala Rams 4/99 def Benalla Bushrangers Red 6/90. Delatite Gold 8/41 def by Wangaratta Magpies White 2/89. Yarrawonga Mulwala Laker 4/104 def Benalla Bushrangers 10/55.
UNDER 12 BLUE
City Colts Blue 6/62 def by Beechworth Wanderers 5/123.
Rovers United Bruck Green 7/59 def by Ovens Valley United Black 5/115. Ovens Valley United Orange 2/124 def Rutherglen United 6/104.
Greta 8/86 def Rovers United Bruck Gold 7/45.
CUT: Matt McMahon plays the ball through the o side.
PHOTO: Marc Bongers
ALL SMILES:
Wangaratta & District Cricket Association
MATCH REVIEWS: Saturday, February 15 2024/25 season
By NATHAN DE VRIES
THE conclusion of round 12 of the Wangaratta and District Cricket Association A grade competition saw the top teams further their cases for a nals berth.
At the Wangaratta Showgrounds, Rovers United Bruck more than accounted for crosstown rivals Wangaratta Magpies.
Having romped to victory last week, resuming at 5/151 a er chasing down the 67 needed, the Hawks proceeded to pack on 187 runs before losing their 10th wicket.
Ryan Collier fell early in the day’s play, unable to add to his overnight total of 38 runs before he was trapped LBW.
Jeremy Wilson was unable to get o the mark, trying to get back for a fourth run before he was found short of his ground courtesy of an Oliver Andrew direct hit.
through
Andrew would strike with the ball next, pitching it up and drawing Lucky Shantha into skying it to midwicket for 30.
Cormac McNamara would end the innings unbeaten on 11, with Brady Bartlett (one) and Dan Jones (six) not making much of an impact.
With 54 overs le in the day, the Magpies were sent in for another innings with the bat.
It was tough going early, with the top order removed cheaply.
Jarryd Wallace was run out for ve, Brady Bartlett trapped James Thewlis LBW for seven, and Jacob Schona nger took care of Dean Simmons (12) and Oliver Andrew ( ve).
The partnership between Cooper Matheson and Kyle Winter-Irving would be the highlight of the innings, with the pair adding 71 runs in a strong showcase of batting.
■ From back page
Jack Ryan stuck around, facing 60 deliveries for his 21 runs, but all the action was at the other end when Geeth Alwis came on to bowl.
Alwis decimated the middle order and tail, his left-arm offies too tough to track as they thundered into the batters’ pads.
Prebble would be his first victim, playing back to one which kept low for three, before trapping Matt Ryan (0) and Campbell Fendyk (2) in front.
Alwis would finally claim Jack Ryan’s wicket, caught in the deep, before holding onto one slapped back by Timothy Cogger (0).
Beechworth was bowled out for 65 in 28 overs, with Alwis leading the charge with his 5/8 off 11 overs, and match figures of 10/32 off 25.3 overs.
With 28 over left in the game, the Tigers came out for their second dig, with a boundary from Seamus Phillips off the first ball and his wicket three deliveries later.
Once again, the bowlers had the run of conditions, with no Ovens Valley batter making more than 23 runs or surviving 50 balls.
The Tigers would end the day on 9/86.
Matt Ryan again was the strike bowler, taking 5/33 from his 11 overs, and figures of 10/48 for the match.
The loss is a tough one for the Tigers, who now drop out of the top four after Yarrawonga’s win over Benalla, while the Wanderers have all but secured a finals berth.
RUB Hawks dominate the ‘Pies, Lakers impressive over Benalla
The duo ended the day unbeaten, with Matheson nishing on 30* from 123 balls and Winter-Irving belting 41* from 101.
Matheson said they were behind in the game early.
“Our batting isn’t up to standard at the moment but we believe we are one of the strongest batting lineups in the comp,” he said.
“We bowled much better (on day two), bowling the h stump line, making the batsmen make the mistakes.
“Our batting again was pretty unlucky with Jarryd Wallace tripping over half way down the pitch and getting run out, and Ollie Andrew getting bowled from a wide one down leg that came o the back of his foot.
“Myself and ‘Chook’ (Winter-Irving) just grinded it for the rest of the day and put value on our wickets.
“We didn’t care about the runs, we just didn’t want to get outrighted.”
The Magpies remain in the running for a spot in the nals, with two matches le .
Elsewhere, the Lakers completed a clinical deconstruction of Benalla Bushrangers at Stan Hargreaves Oval.
Chasing 96 for victory and resuming at 1/27, Reid Clarke and Brock McCabe led Yarrawonga Mulwala to 152 all out. Clarke (60) and McCabe (43) were the only batters to capitalise on their starts, with Matt Knight chipping in with a handy knock of 21.
Dale Stratton was the pick of the Benalla bowlers, taking 5/43 from his 22 overs.
The Bushrangers were sent in for their second inning, with only 16 overs le in the day.
Yarrawonga Mulwala would attack the stumps, reducing the Bushrangers to 4/45 at the close of play.
OVU Tigers go down to Beechworth by 22 runs in a low-scoring affair, finals contention now looks shaky
The Hawks converge on Jacob Schonafinger a er a wicket.
NO RUN: Jimmy Thewlis blocks one out.
the leg side in the Magpies’ loss to Rovers United Bruck.
ONE-MAN ARMY: While his side didn’t get the win, Geeth Alwis was incredible with the ball, taking 10/32 for the match.
CARTED
HARRIS Bruneau absolutely lays into a wider deliver in Ovens Valley United’s under 14 match with Wangaratta Magpies Black. WDCA scoreboard page 14.
Stunning defence
Tigers downed by 22 runs in low-scoring Beechworth a air, finals contention now looks shaky
OVENS Valley United
A grade cricketers’ finals hope took a massive hit on the weekend after Beechworth successfully defended their meagre total of 98 runs.
Resuming at 6/44 on a spicy McNamara wicket, the Tigers only added 32 to their total before their tail
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
folded, all out for 76.
Kane Fitzpatrick and Cooper Thomason were in the infancy of their innings as day two commenced, and managed to
build a solid partnership.
However, disaster struck when Fitzpatrick tried a lofted straight drive and Timothy Cogger plucked it out of the air, Fitzpatrick gone caught and bowled for 19.
Cogger would pick up the wicket of James Neary the very next ball, caught by
Will Prebble, and suddenly the Tigers were 8/72.
The hat-trick ball would be left outside the off stump, but Cogger had done the damage.
Matt Ryan would clean up the tail, skittling Glenn White for a six-ball duck, and Bailey Wyatt in his next over to finish with 5/15
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from his 11.1 overs.
Thomason was forced to watch the wickets tumble at the other end, ending unbeaten on 16*.
With the result secured but still plenty of time left in the day, the Wanderers came back out to bat, but it was far from smooth sailing.
Clancy Ellett was the only top order batter to make a start, blasting a quickfire 22 from 17 balls before he holed out to James Neary. Jackson Cull (1), Austen Fendyk (3) and Brenton Surrey (1) all departed in quick succession, with Beechworth nding itself at 4/35.
■ Continued page 15
↪ MARATHON (42.2 km)
↪ HALF MARATHON (21.1 km)
↪ 10KM - FUN RUN
↪ 5KM - FUN RUN
↪ 2KM - P.S. CHALLENGE ↪ COMMUNITY CHALLENGE
PHOTO: Marc Bongers