LOCAL MPs and leaders in renewable energy transition are hoping to see early and meaningful consultation from developers of a proposed 400MW Glenrowan Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
Akaysha Energy, in collaboration with BZ Renewables, formally announced their intention to develop the 400MW/ 1600MWh Glenrowan BESS neighbouring the Winton and Glenrowan solar farms.
Akaysha Energy general manager of development Tim Hoban said the energy
BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
company were looking to provide grid stability services, store energy from nearby electricity generation projects and discharge energy to the grid during times of peak demand.
“It really is an ideal site for this type of energy infrastructure,” he said.
“It’s relatively at and close to the Glenrowan Terminal Station, which
reduces the need for long distance transmission lines; it’s nestled amongst energy generating solar farms but it’s a signi cant distance to neighbouring homes.”
The BESS is proposed to occupy around 10 hectares about nine kilometres southwest of Glenrowan and ve kilometres northeast of Winton and would include a control room, substation and associated infrastructure for the 220KV transmission network.
As part of the planning process, several technical assessments are underway,
including a Fire and Bushre Risk Assessment which will be written with input from the CFA.
Subject to necessary approvals, construction of the project could begin in late 2026 and become operational in 2028.
Akaysha Energy senior community engagement manager Jasmine Kerameas said the development area has been found to have low bush re risk, with no Bushre Management Overlay present.
“Akaysha and BZ Renewables have done a lot of stake-
holder engagement,” she said.
The project has been sited to avoid signi cant native vegetation removal and is located on land already cleared for agriculture.
The remainder of the lot will continue to be used for grazing.
Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy said he hoped proponents of the Glenrowan BESS would be open and transparent and willing to provide clear answers to questions the community may have.
“Any developments of renewable infrastructure on
a large scale need to be accepted by the community,” he said.
“I will work with the community to better understand their views and with the proponents to ensure that the right outcome is achieved, whatever that may be.”
Indi MP Helen Haines said it was vital projects of any proposed renewable energy infrastructure fully engage and consult with local community, uphold safety standards, protect the local environment and ensure long-term community bene t.
■ Continued page 2
morning’s Wangaratta Farmers Market including Eleanor Currie (le ), Sharon Stibilj, Penny Raleigh and Belinda Gadsby enjoyed seeing the influx of visitation within the community for the long weekend, as the rural city was blessed with picture perfect conditions across Saturday and Sunday.
PHOTO: Jordan Duursma
Local voices key to charging proposed Glenrowan BESS: MPs
■ From page 1
Wangaratta Landcare and Sustainability (WLS) member Russell Sully said WLS welcomed the proposed BESS at Glenrowan, wanting to see early and meaningful community engagement to determine how the appropriate community benefit was provided.
“The is a major step in North East Victoria for renewable energy and the electricity grid,” he said.
“With the expansion of solar farms in the Glenrowan area with good access to major transmission lines, it was only a matter of time before a big battery received consideration.
“It is important the role of big batteries and possibilities in the grid is understood, through good consultation so innovative community benefits emerge locally.
“Among other community benefits,
there could be a new opportunity to consider ways to increase access to low-cost renewable energy for low-income social households in our area.”
Liberal Candidate for Indi, James Trenery, said he was eager to listen to the community and ensure they are listened to and have an opportunity to voice their views through the planning stages of the project.
“Delivering affordable and reliable energy is a top priority of the Liberal Party’s plan to get Australia back on track,” he said.
“We need to deliver cheaper, consistent, and cleaner power.
“Labor and Helen Haines’ industrial scale renewables-only rollout is destroying prime agricultural land.
“We believe we need a responsible growth of renewables which avoids massive overbuild across pristine landscapes
NUMBERS
and agricultural land, which so many communities across Indi are concerned about.”
Ms Kerameas said Akaysha Energy were looking forward to sharing more details about the BESS with the local community and hearing feedback on the proposal at a drop-in information session scheduled for the Glenrowan Recreation Reserve on Saturday, 15 March from 10am.
“We are interested in any feedback you have, so this can be reflected in the application before it is lodged,” she said.
“This may result in changes to the design or layout, or additional mitigation measures to reduce impacts.
“We are looking forward to talking about BESS technology and understanding what community benefit sharing opportunities we should be investing in.”
The project team, led by planning and
engagement firm Cogency Australia, will be lodging a Planning Application with the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) in the coming weeks.
Federal funding a step towards DTAC dream
A PROJECT funded by a $40,000 federal government grant will help the Wangarattabased Digital Technologies Advisory Committee (DTAC) and its partners in their e orts to prepare local students for the fastevolving world of technology, engineering and programming.
The ‘Inspiring Australia’ Maker ProjectsCommunity STEM Engagement grant will be used by DTAC and Wangaratta Tech School to advance STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) education for regional students and teachers, through the innovative Future Ready: Advancing STEM Skills for Regional Students project.
This grant will enable the acquisition of the Future Ready kit, featuring cutting-edge VEX robotics AIM and CTE Workcell systems.
These systems will bridge the gap between foundational and advanced robotics education, and deliver hands-on learning opportunities for students.
The Future Ready project is set to be launched at the Wangaratta Regional Study Centre in Tone Road on Wednesday, 26 March from 4pm to 6pm.
This evening will o er a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with VEX robotics, try some coding, test robot arms, and see virtual reality headsets and the resident Robo Dog in action.
DTAC and its partners, which include Wangaratta Tech School as well as Charles Sturt University Wangaratta, Galen Catholic College, NETracks LLEN and Education Advantage, are thrilled to have received the grant.
“The DTAC dream was to one day have a STEM centre, an aspirational goal,” DTAC president Maree Timms said.
“This grant marks a signi cant milestone for regional STEM education alongside the development of the Wangaratta Tech School as a regional STEM centre.
“It’s like all the dreams coming to realisation.”
Wangaratta Tech School director Xavier Norden said the school was thrilled to partner with the Future Ready STEM program as it worked towards its own o cial opening in 2026.
“This program complements our mission to empower secondary students across the region with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in an ever-changing technological landscape,” he said.
Anne Stelling, from Charles Sturt’s Regional Study Centre in Wangaratta, congratulated DTAC on developing the Future Ready project: “We are delighted to be part of such a ‘can-do’ community network.
“This project is all about building capacity for regional youth to secure their future careers in this digital world, and we are proud to be able to support that.”
The project’s key initiatives include:
* hands-on robotics education, enabling secondary students to engage with advanced robotics systems and gain skills aligned with
THE Rowan Street pedestrian underpass and service road will be temporarily closed this week as drainage repair works will see the temporary removal of the pedestrian bridge ramp.
Rural City of Wangaratta council said drainage repair works will take place in the vicinity of the Rowan Street pedestrian underpass on 12 and 13 March.
The existing pedestrian bridge ramp will be removed to undertake these improvement works.
Public access will not be available during the period of works on either of the two pedestrian/ cyclist bridges over Rowan Street underpass.
industry needs;
* teacher development, o ering comprehensive professional development, including VEXPD+ subscriptions and face-to-face training, to empower teachers in delivering robotics and programming curricula;
* interactive workshops for students aged 12 to 18 in holiday and school-based sessions to maximize participation and engagement in STEM; and
* enhanced industry connections, including partnerships with local industries and tertiary institutions to create pathways from classroom learning to career opportunities.
The project also supports community outreach e orts, ensuring the impact of the initiative reaches as many students and educators as possible.
The pedestrian bridge on the west side will reopen after the works are complete, however the bridge on the city side will not reopen until the ramp is reinstated in the weeks following.
During the period of works, pedestrians and cyclists will need to use alternative routes such as the underpass pedestrian access in Templeton Street or the pedestrian bridge over rail lines accessible from Gray Street or Norton Street.
Vehicles will not be permitted to access the service road beside 51 Mackay Street on the 12 and 13 March while works are being undertaken.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: Virtual reality headsets will be among the technology on display at the launch of the Future Ready project on March 26.
Glenrowan BESS will hold a community drop-in information session at Glenrowan Recreation Reserve on 15 March.
ON THE MOVE: The pedestrian bridge ramp will be temporarily removed as council undertakes drainage repair works.
PHOTO: Bailey Zimmermann
Cash call for rural health
INDI Independent federal MP Helen Haines has presented a package of measures focused on improving regional healthcare and workforce supply with the launch of her Health Policy this week.
Dr Haines said in regional and rural Australia, the health needs of communities are growing, but health services are falling behind and leaving outdated facilities, insu cient training places and healthcare students struggling to train locally.
“Indi does not have enough doctors, nurses, psychologists and allied health workers to care for our community and the result is people waiting too long, spending too much and travelling too far to access necessary healthcare,” she said.
“I’m putting forward practical plans for the next gov-
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
ernment to provide the quality care our regions need.”
The current government introduced a ‘prac payment’ policy to pay students studying courses such as nursing and midwifery when they undertake the long workplacements required to ful l their degrees.
Dr Haines will work towards extending this to other allied health professionals who are also required to do long placements to become quali ed.
Central to Dr Haines health platform is a $2 billion Building Rural Hospitals fund, including for new buildings, equipment and planning.
“The current funding sys-
tem isn’t working for many rural and regional health services, across Indi and regional Australia,” she said.
“The Commonwealth provides billions of dollars in funding to city hospitals, but we don’t see the same com-
mitment for rural health services that are essential to providing care close to home.”
Dr Haines’ announcement has been criticised by by Liberal candidate for Indi, James Trenery, who said it was an-
other unfunded and uncosted policy.
“We need to ask serious questions around the so called ‘commitments’
Helen Haines is making to the people of Indi,” Mr Trenery said.
“Is the $2 billion hospitals fund announced today real money, funded in the budget?
“If not, how is the program funded?
“Is there a timeline for its delivery?”
Mr Trenery said two years ago Dr Haines announced “a bold vision to train and retain our regional health workforce”.
“So far, nothing has happened, no money has been delivered and the policy is at a standstill,” he said.
“In fact, this same policy has been re-announced again today.”
Woman airlifted after Snow Road collision
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
A WOMAN from the Wangaratta area has been airlifted to hospital after a collision on Snow Road near Milawa early Friday morning.
Sergeant Shaun Hillier of Wangaratta Highway Patrol said a SUV travelling east on Snow Road near Milawa collided with a utility attempting to turn at the intersection of Allans Lane around 7:42am.
“Both vehicles received extensive damage,” he said.
Sgt Hillier said the local 62-year-old female driver of the SUV was taken to Wangaratta hospital before being flown to The Alfred Hospital with serious injuries.
As of 11am Sunday, a spokesperson from The Alfred Hospital said the 62-year-old was in a
stable condition.
The 67-year-old male driver of the utility along with his passenger sustained minor injuries and were taken to Wangaratta hospital.
Police diverted traffic from the scene at the intersections of Oxley Flats Road and Markwood-Everton Road for around three hours throughout the morning.
Wangaratta Highway Patrol continue to investigate the incident.
Sgt Hillier said police were appealing for information from a driver of a tractor which may also have been travelling south down Allans Lane at the time of the collision.
Anyone with information or dashcam footage in the surrounding area of the incident were urged to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000 or Wangaratta Highway Patrol on (03) 5723 0888.
The incident comes as police launched Operation Arid on Friday, which will see the force highly visible on local roads in an effort to reduce road
trauma statewide over the long weekend.
The North East have experienced a tragic start to the year on local roads, with eight lives
lost in regional incidents so far in 2025.
Operation Arid will be ongoing until 11:59pm Monday.
Local CFA officials urge caution after machinery sparked Glenrowan fire
A MOWER has been identi ed as having started a re on Monday, 3 March which burnt 26 hectares of grass and scrub near Glenrowan.
CFA con rmed the cause on Friday while issuing a statewide caution to landowners, farmers, and machinery operators to remain alert to the re risk this autumn.
A CFA spokesperson said 32 CFA appliances from multiple local brigades responded alongside Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic), with air attack support deployed to help slow the re’s spread.
At its peak the re prompted a Watch and Act warning for residents in the Glenrowan, Laceby and Greta West area, urging them to prepare to leave.
The re burned for three days before it was deemed safe late Wednesday a ernoon.
CFA re investigator Daryl Owen said the re was a stark reminder of how easily machinery can ignite a re in dry conditions.
“If you’re using machinery, it’s very important to assess
the conditions beforehand and take steps to prevent sparks,” he said.
“Working in the early morning, maintaining your equipment, and having reghting tools on hand can
make all the di erence.”
CFA District 23 assistant chief re o cer Steve Contessa reinforced that re danger remained a concern, even as autumn begins.
“Even with summer behind us, dry grass and warm conditions mean res can still spread rapidly,” he said.
“The Glenrowan re showed how much e ort it takes to contain a fast-moving grass re once it spreads into di cult terrain.
“We urge machinery operators to be mindful of their surroundings and take every precaution to prevent res like this from starting.”
For advice on re restrictions and safe machinery use during the Fire Danger Period visit CFA’s website.
Don’t use machinery on high-risk days, unless:
• It’s free from faults and mechanical defects that could cause an outbreak of re.
Alleged drinkdrivers in Wangaratta, Myrtleford lose licences
DRIVERS visiting the North East were allegedly caught in high range drink-driving incidents in Wangaratta and Myrtleford across the weekend.
A night out in Wangaratta turned costly for a Thurgoona man who was caught at almost twice the legal drinking limit on Faithfull Street in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Police said officers intercepted the 21-year-old tradesman in Wangaratta after he was spotted driving with no headlights on around 1:05am.
He subsequently accompanied police to the police station where he blew a reading of 0.098.
He was issued an infringement notice for a six-month driving suspension in Victoria, along with a $593 fine.
“Thankfully the driver hadn’t driven very far before being intercepted and no one else was put at risk, however, the consequences for the young man will extend beyond his interaction with police, having real potential to impact on his employment and life in general,” a police spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, a 35-year-old man from the Melbourne area was caught almost three times the legal blood alcohol limit in Myrtleford on Saturday.
Police said members from the Heavy Vehicle Unit were running a preliminary testing site at Myrtleford in support of Operation Arid, taking place over the long weekend in an effort to reduce road trauma statewide.
“After a night of heavy drinking, a 35-year-old man from Blind Bight foolishly decided to drive into town to get a snack when he was breath tested,” a police spokesperson said.
The 35-year-old allegedly returned a reading of 0.146. His licence was immediately suspended, with his utility was impounded at a cost of $1724.00 and he will be summoned to court for charges arising from the intercept.
Operation Arid runs until 11:59pm on Monday, 10 March 2025.
• It’s tted with a spark arrester in working order, a turbocharger or exhaust aspirated air cleaner.
• It carries re suppression equipment comprising either: at least one knapsack spray pump, in working order, fully charged with water, with a capacity of not less than nine litres; or at least one water (stored pressure) re extinguisher, in working order, fully charged with water and maintained at the correct pressure, with a capacity of not less than nine litres.
The Australian Seasonal Bush re Outlook warns that elevated re risk will continue through early autumn in western and central Victoria, as well as south and west Gippsland due to dry conditions and warmer than average temperatures.
Person found dead in rolled over vehicle at Buffalo River
A PERSON was found deceased in an overturned car in Buffalo River on Saturday morning.
Police said the car was spotted by a passerby in waters off Buffalo River Road about 9am on 8 March.
Search and rescue squad officers located one person, who is yet to be formally identified, deceased inside the vehicle.
Police are investigating the incident with the exact circumstances surrounding the crash yet to be determined.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or with dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
TURN BACK: Police were on scene of a Snow Road collision for several hours on Friday morning where a Wangaratta woman su ered serious injuries in a collision at the Allans Lane intersection near Milawa.
PHOTO: Bailey Zimmermann
Nicole Martin, Luan Huynh at Healthfocus Physiotherapy in Wodonga.
ARRIVALS AT NORTHEAST HEALTH
WANGARATTA
The Wangaratta Chronicle 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.
Aroz Raymajhi was born at Northeast Health Wangaratta on Monday, 17 February at 6.50pm and weighed 3kg (6lb 9oz). He is the son of Anu Chaudhary and Saroj Rayamajhi of Beechworth.
WANGARATTA Railway
Precinct’s new underpass will open to the public next week as Inland Rail works will see the takedown of the Docker Street footbridge.
McConnell Dowell will undertake day and night works during a track possession, between 6am Saturday, 22 March and 6pm Monday, 24 March, to remove the Docker Street footbridge in Wangaratta.
Pedestrian access across the station precinct will be via the new pedestrian underpass, which will open on Friday, 21 March.
During the track possession other works will include drainage excavations near the Docker Street footbridge area, landscaping within the station precinct and asphalting of the new platform.
Works following the possession from 25 March to 31 March will include
HARVEY WITHERS
Tuesday, 3
New underpass will open during removal of Docker St footbridge
landscaping, lift shaft and platform installation and underground utility works. Nearby residents can expect some noise during works and ground excava-
tion in various locations. Wangaratta’s Green Street bridge will also undergo finishing touches and be closed with a detour in place during night works
between Monday, 17 March and Friday, 28 March. During this time, McConnell Dowell will be undertaking works to complete the finishing touches
including installation of bridge safety features, handrails, privacy and antithrow screens.
Traffic management will be in place to ensure safe
access for all road users and pedestrians. For any concerns or enquiries please phone 1800 929 244 or email inlandrailvic@inlandrail.com.au.
1st Yarrunga Scouts enjoyed annual Australian Jamboree
MEMBERS of the 1st Yarrunga Scout Group have had the perfect start to 2025, attending the 26th Australian Jamboree in Maryborough, Queensland in January.
Nine Scouts and three group leaders travelled to and from the jamboree by bus with other groups in their unit, including 1st Healesville, 1st Templestowe, 1st Belgrave South and Emerald Scout groups.
There were about 10,000 attendees at the jamboree from all over the world, including the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, France, Canada and Japan.
Group leader Melissa Duguid said attending a Jamboree is the ultimate experience for any Scout.
Over the 10-day camp, Scouts par-
ticipated in a range of activities including abseiling, zip lining, mountain bike riding and hatchet throwing.
All Jamboree participants went to Australia Zoo, and Ms Duguid said some were lucky enough to have Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell present their Crocoseum show.
They also had day trips to Hervey Bay where they went snorkelling and stand-up paddle boarding, exploring Maryborough’s rich history, such as the birthplace of Pamela Lyndon Travers, author of the Mary Poppins series of books.
Ms Duguid said the Scouts worked hard to fundraise a portion of their costs and she thanked community members and local businesses who had supported their fundraising e orts.
Later in 2025, the Joey Scout section will have the opportunity to attend their statewide event, Kangaree at Bay Park, Mt Martha.
For any membership enquiries, please contact Ms Duguid on gl.1styarrunga@scoutsvictoria.com. au or via their Facebook page 1st Yarrunga Wangaratta Scout Group.
LYSTER OPERA PRESENTS AN OPERA BY W.A.
MOZART
Harvey Withers was born at Northeast Health Wangaratta on
March at 12.04pm and weighed 4.14kg (9lb 1oz). He is the brother of Imogen and Lincoln, and the son of Nadine and Jason Withers of Benalla.
GOING UNDER: The new Wangaratta Railway Precinct underpass will be open for use from 21 March.
PHOTO: Je Zeuschner
Kinder works to promote outside play
By SIMONE KERWIN
PROMOTING outside play no matter the weather has been made easier at Christopher Robin Kindergarten, with the completion of a $42,000 project over summer.
The construction has created a larger outdoor space for children attending the Merriwa Park-based kindergarten, enabling them to enjoy the features of the play area during both extreme heat and wet conditions.
Following the removal of trees in the kinder’s vicinity in late 2023, amid concerns about instability caused by ooding across a number of years, the new build will also encourage sun smart behaviour among its young users.
Funding for the project was drawn from the Glen-
rowan Solar Farm ($5000), a Rural City of Wangaratta community grant ($8000) and Inland Rail ($4000), as well as sponsorship and fundraising avenues pursued by the kinder between 2022 and ‘24.
Kindergarten committee president Ren White said the works were supported by council, which owns the
kinder building, and by the North East Regional Pre School Association.
“The new addition allows teachers to continue to do a brilliant job of promoting outdoor play, which is a strong focus at Christopher Robin,” she said.
Julia Michael, who was a member of the kinder committee during the develop-
Porsche driver cops $5000 fine, two year ban for 173km/h speed
A PORSCHE driver who had only had his licence retrieved for two months was caught at 173km/h along Snow Road, a court has heard.
The Cau eld North man did not appear at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court last Thursday with the police prosecution successfully applying to hear the matter ex-parte.
The court heard highway patrol o cers were stationed at Snow Road between Lower River Road and Great Alpine Road in Gapsted around 7pm 21 July last year when they observed a black Porsche coming from the Great Alpine Road at a fast speed.
Police attempted to pursue the luxury vehicle which overtook two cars along the damp road under darkness.
As police positioned themselves behind the Porsche, they observed the driver overtake two more vehicles in a le to right bend, crossing a solid white line in the middle of the road.
Police clocked the vehicle going 173km/h before intercepting the driver and a passenger near Whorouly and impounded his vehicle for 30 days.
Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Stuart Pritchard said the man’s driving was “manifestly danger-
ous and excessive” and the driver and his passenger would most likely have died if involved in a crash and severely damaged vehicles of other road users.
When interviewed by police roadside, the Cau eld North man said he admitted he was at fault and thought he was going around 120km/h.
The court heard the man had only just retrieved his licence following a 12-month disquali cation in May for similar o ending.
Magistrate Peter Dunn issued a $5000 ne and a twoyear driving ban, saying the behaviour was “verging on imprisonment”.
Mudgegonga machinery shed destoyed by fire
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
POLICE are investigating a machinery shed fire at Mudgegonga in the early hours of Friday morning.
A CFA spokesperson said seven CFA units from multiple local brigades arrived to find a Tunnel Gap Road machinery
shed fully alight around 12:35am.
“Crews immediately began suppression efforts,” he said.
“The relevant power company was notified.
“Victoria Police were called to the scene due to suspicious circumstances.”
Police said the fire is no longer being treated as suspicious.
ment of the roof cover, lent her skills as an architect to the project.
“Previously, there was a low-hung roof and a shade sail, which were limiting in the weather protection they provided,” she said.
“This larger outdoor area encourages indoor/outdoor play all year round, and promotes access to the build-in
play equipment which is so lovely.
“It was a long time in the planning stage, and in that time we were out of the kinder and based in The Hub (in Burke Street) due to ooding in Merriwa Park, so it’s wonderful to now have the work completed and being utilised.
“We’ve had some great feedback.”
Ms Michael, whose daughters Ingrid and Freya both attended the kindergarten, said it was special to be able to add value to a place where her family had a connection.
“I feel like it’s a lovely place for a kinder; because it’s in Merriwa Park, it’s a really magical setting for the children,” she said.
UNDER COVER: Maeve and Ren White, and Julia and Freya Michael are thrilled with the new roof extension to Christopher Robin Kindergarten, which supports the pre-school’s promotion of outside play.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Don’t risk it around fires this autumn
THE fire risk within the region has not ended with the formal closure of summer last weekend and we as a community must remain on high alert.
It’s unfortunate we had to be reminded this by clouds of smoke covering the area from fires at Boho and Glenrowan last week.
It’s a huge testament to our firefighters to bring both fires under control with limited harm done, but the nature of how fast these fires spread was alarming and it was reflected in the sheer number of resources used to fight these fires.
This is a stark reminder to any landowners, farmer, machinery operator or community member of how something seemingly as small as mowing the lawn can have outreaching consequences if not done safely.
With summer behind us, dry grass and warm conditions was still a concern for fire authorities and the remaining of the Fire Danger Period can’t be taken lightly.
Temperatures this week and beyond remain hot and dry, with some days even expected to reach into the high 30s this week according to the Bureau of Meteorology forecast for Wangaratta.
Don’t use machinery on high-risk days unless it’s free from faults and mechanical defects, it’s fitted with a spark arrester in working order or carries fire suppression equipment.
Maintain your personal fire plan and if you’re camping, make sure to maintain safe campfire practices.
Landowners still can’t burn off without a permit, burns can easily escape causing significant damage to your home, community and you could be prosecuted.
The Quiz No. 125
1. Scurvy is caused by a de ciency of which vitamin?
2. What is the smallest of Canada’s three federal territories?
3. Which team played against Perth Glory in the semi- nals of the 2016-17 A-League season?
4. With which children’s musical group would you associate Captain Feathersword?
5. Which zodiac sign falls between Taurus and Cancer?
6. What is the largest and most populated island of French Polynesia?
7. Which comedian/actor wrote the 1996 book, I’m Not Really Here?
8. Who painted the scenes from Genesis on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel?
9. In relation to technology, what does HDMI stands for?
10. Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, and Ann-Margret starred in which 2017 movie?
11. The Banzai Pipeline is found off the coast which Hawaiian island?
12. Which band released the 2014 album, Songs of Innocence?
13. The Palme d’Or (Golden Palm) is the highest prize awarded at which event?
14. Which three colours are on the ag of Senegal?
15. Jack McBrayer played the role of Kenneth Parcell in which TV series?
16. The Bullmastiff breed of dog originated in which country?
17. Mark Edmondson is best known for his involvement in which sport?
18. Krispy Kreme rst opened in Australia during which year of the 2000s?
19. The Statue of Liberty was given to the United States by which country?
20. Raisins, currants and sultanas come from which fruit?
FACEBOOK users this week commented on the announcement of Labor’s candidate for Indi, Mitch Bridges.
• Nathan Bihun: I thought that was Helen Haines
• Shannon Louise: Nathan Bihun Helen Haines is an independent and who we want to keep in power!!!
• John Chick: Nathan Bihun go mitch 1 helen 2 corruption last
• Tim Cole-Jarred: Shannon Louise yep Helen
haines will be getting my vote!
• Mick Bear: Will not be getting my vote
Facebook users also commented on a collision on Snow Road near Milawa on Friday morning, which saw three people hospitalised.
• Cheryl Osborn: I hope all are going to be ok
• Leah Khoo: Sending lots of love to the families and may everyone pull through this.
Housing Future Fund must be maintained
THE Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) represents a crucial long-term investment in addressing Australia’s housing shortage and must endure.
The HAFF is already delivering results and should be strengthened.
With close to one million Australians are projected to have their housing needs unmet by the private market by 2039, we cannot a ord to abandon this vital initiative.
The HAFF will deliver 30,000 social and a ordable homes over the next 5 years; 340 homes are complete, more than 5400 are under construction and nearly 8000 are in planning stages.
Last week alone, contracts were signed for hundreds of homes.
The HAFF is now building momentum.
Housing Australia has advised it expects contracts to be signed for thousands of additional homes in coming weeks, with more than 13,000 signed up by the end of June.
Major housing initiatives require careful planning and robust processes to ensure long-term success.
The HAFF’s methodical approach to project assessment and funding allocation ensures taxpayer money is being invested responsibly while maximising social bene t.
The HAFF’s $10 billion endowment model provides the certainty needed to stimulate substantial private sector investment and enable the community housing sector to develop sustainable longterm projects.
NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.
Facebook users this week also commented on a local mural that was nominated for an international award.
• Julie Anderson: It’s so beautiful
• Jade Louise Cartwright: Stunning, congratulations to the artist
• Judy Bailey: Can the artist please repaint the water tower??
• Cheryl Osborn: That’s beautiful
• Kylie Dowell: Imagine
what he can do to the water tower!!!
• Paul Fox: Kylie Dowell and the under pass Facebook users this week also commented on the induction of local RSL veteran support coordinator, Colleen Davis, to the RSL Victoria Hall of Fame.
Our follower total is Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.
15,191
Every segment of the housing delivery system, from builders to community housing providers, are already seeing the positive impact of the HAFF in enabling projects that would otherwise not be viable.
Nick Lucchinelli, Community Housing Industry Association on behalf of the National A ordable Housing Alliance
Commonwealth cozies up with corporates
THE Commonwealth Government announcement to purchase 30,614 megalitres (ML) of water from Duxton Water has sent o alarm bells in Murray Darling Basin communities.
The $121.3m water sale would hurt
farmers and regional communities the most.
While the wealthy shareholders of Duxton Water in inner city seats might receive a nancial bene t, it destroys family farms and their ability to get on with the job of farming and growing food.
It’s pretty simple, you need water to grow food and without that the Commonwealth is ultimately driving family farms o the land.
We’ve seen the Albanese Government stand up for the voters of Adelaide, and the steel workers of Whyalla.
Why is it kicking family farmers and destroying the dairy industry in northern Victoria?
It’s about time they stand up for regional communities and family farms.
The VFF is concerned the Commonwealth is providing no detail on which irrigation districts the 30,614 ML from Duxton Water will impact and is disappointed the Victorian high reliability has been targeted as it is one of the most secure water products.
The VFF says it’s part of a worrying trend
from the Commonwealth to fail to provide any breakdown of what areas they are targeting water for and the environmental outcomes they are hoping to achieve.
The Commonwealth have failed to provide any transparency around its water buyback programs.
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BOTANICAL WONDER: Artists Judi McCann and Rachel Flynn are presenting their exhibition Abundance at the Art Gallery on Ovens in Wangaratta. Featuring a wide range artworks which are filled with beauty, colour and flowers, see them until the end of the day on Monday, 10 March.
Brett Hosking, VFF president
Offering hope to those reclaiming their life after trauma and abuse
FOR years, Maria Hutchison felt like her past would forever de ne her.
A er enduring a childhood within a restrictive religious cult from which she fought to break free, and surviving abuse at the hands of her grandfather, Ms Hutchison battled deep-seated low self-esteem, which eventually led her down a path of addiction.
Now, she is sharing that hardwon wisdom with her community.
On Monday, 24 March, she’ll headline Living Free A er Trauma, Abuse and Addiction, a transformative evening at Wangaratta’s CWA Hall aimed at helping others chart their own paths to recovery.
The event, organised by With Freedom Coaching, will also feature Wangaratta councillor and former state MP, Tania Maxwell, who has long been an advocate for mental health and community resilience.
“I just want to give people hope; I just want to tell people that it’s possible,” Ms Hutchison said.
She said recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and
Welfare shows that one in six Australians have experienced abuse before age 15, while addiction rates in rural communities like Wangaratta remain disproportionately
high and access to specialised support remains limited.
It’s a gap Ms Hutchison and the With freeDOM Coaching aim to bridge.
Attendees at this month’s event will hear how Ms Hutchinson shied from survival mode to designing a life “ lled with purpose, not pain,” followed by talks from two
Another final for award winning local specialist home decor business
WANGARATTA family business
Amour de la Maison is once again a nalist in the Australian Small Business Champions Award 2025. Rachel York and her father and business partner John McCormack’s small home decor business specialises in bringing life back into quality, old style furniture and was one of a handful of more than 5500 nominations across Australia to make the nals, which will be presented in Sydney on Saturday, 29 March.
Amour de la Maison is a nalist in the Home and Garden Improvement category, which they won back in 20023 and then followed up with runner up in 2024.
The predominantly online business operating out of a small studio in Kerr Street has continued to sell its furniture, décor and vintage prints to all parts of Australia including Darwin, Rockhampton, Alice Springs and all across the North East.
IN THE RUNNING:
be a
in
Australian
Sunday March 16th, 2025
experts specialising in trauma recovery and addiction counseling.
A Q&A session and networking opportunity will round out the program, allowing participants to connect with peers and support groups.
“If someone comes to that event and they walk away and make a di erent choice, that’s a success,” Ms Hutchison said.
“That’s what I’m about; giving people opportunities to live into what they really want to do, not just live the story that they’ve been told or they’ve been telling themselves.”
Living Free A er Trauma, Abuse and Addiction runs from 6:30pm to 9pm on Monday, 24 March, at the CWA Hall (17 Templeton Street).
Admission is free, and all ages are welcome.
For those unable to attend, the Living With Freedom community hosts regular free zoom coaching calls, plus a thriving online community.
Learn more at www.withfreedomcoaching.com.au or contact 1300 852 935.
Join in Everton’s free community barbecue
EVERTON Primary School will host Everton Under The Stars, a free community barbecue, on Thursday, 20 March from 6pm to 9pm. There will be live music courtesy of Wangaratta High School student, Anthony Chisholm, plus a range of salads prepared by students as part of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program.
VicRoads customers embracing passkeys
VICROADS has rolled out its latest initiative to enhance customer online security with the introduction of passkeys, offering a simpler and more secure way for customers to access their myVicRoads accounts. Using fingerprint, facial recognition, PIN or a swipe pattern, passkeys eliminate the need for a password and provide more security for VicRoads customers by reducing the risk of phishing attacks. VicRoads joins Telstra, myGov and UBank as one of the first organisations in Australia to introduce passkeys.
Crispin Blackall, VicRoads chief technology officer said the introductory pilot program has resulted in the creation of over 200,000 passkeys, with adoption on latest smart phones, tablets and computers that support passkey technology exceeding 50 per cent.
Post Event Party
Rachel York and her father and business partner John McCormack are thrilled to
finalist
the
Small Business Champion Awards.
Simeon Ayres presents courtship with country at Benalla gallery
A NEW exhibition by North East Victorian artist, Simeon Ayres is showing at the Benalla Art Gallery.
Titled A Cartography of the Heart country… a courtship of belonging, the exhibition features landscapes that are aerial, map-like in perspective, while also encompassing more traditional and pictorial depictions.
His work is an attempt to understand the animate world – a world he sees as both alive and intelligent. He looks for the landscape’s hidden voice, its language, its liminality and its magic.
During the process, Simeon nds that the making of a map is a courtship of kinds, a dance that hopefully allows, what he calls, the “creatureliness” of the country to show itself.
A completed map becomes an invitation to the viewer to follow the deepening paths back home.
Simeon says he walks, listens and observes.
“I feel into the country, its colours, sounds and shapes, its hidden pathways, and secret places,” he said.
“I like to strip back the country of its man-made additions, and speculate as to how it would be before we arrived.
“I like the idea that in my mapmaking, I am giving the land back to itself,
Local students in SHOWCASE exhibition
THE artistic talents of North East Victorian senior art and design students are being celebrated as part of the annual SHOWCASE exhibition which opens on Friday, 7 March at the Benalla Art Gallery.
This year’s exhibition includes 29 artworks created by 20 students during the 2024 school year, from Cathedral College Wangaratta, Galen Catholic College, Benalla FCJ College, Benalla P-12 and Mansfield Secondary College. For 2025 students, this exhibition is an opportunity to see first-hand what is involved with the subjects they are about to undertake, and it is on display until 23 March.
suggesting it could dream once again.
“I don’t use drones or satellites and very little outside mapping - I prefer to walk, to enter the country with the reverence that it asks.
“I have yet to nd a bottom to the work I wish to make… there is so much in this world, so much grace still present in the land itself.”
Benalla Art Gallery director Eric Nash said the exhibition was “a striking body of work that evidences Ayres’ skill, but also his deep and abiding connection to this region.”
Audiences are invited to gain a deeper understanding of the exhibition through a series of programs a workshop with Simeon Ayres on 22 March and an artist talk as part of the First Mondays program on 7 April.
Simeon Ayres: A Cartography of the Heart country… a courtship of belonging, is free to view and continues until 27 April.
Help shape the future of city’s events
THE community is invited to provide feedback on the Rural City of Wangaratta’s dra Events & Attractions Strategy 2025-2029 that was endorsed for public exhibition at last week’s council meeting.
The dra strategy has been shaped by community input, which has included an online survey, community drop-in sessions at various venues, and workshops with key stakeholders.
This dra strategy provides a roadmap for decision-making, setting goals, and realising aspirations in council-led events, marquee event attraction, and community event support.
Key insights from these consultations highlighted several priorities, which include:
•Develop partnerships that support the delivery of events within the municipality.
• Increase the tourism and economic bene t to the community.
• Reduce environmental impacts and increase community accessibility.
• Ensure investments align with the council plan.
• Review and assess the current event programs to ensure they align with community satisfaction and council priorities.
City Mayor Irene Grant said Irene Grant said events play a vital role in bringing the community together, driving tourism, and boosting the local economy.
“This dra strategy reects the priorities and aspirations of our residents, ensuring that our event calendar remains vibrant, accessible, and sustainable,” she said.
“We encourage everyone to have their say and help shape the future of events in our municipality.”
In 2018, council adopted the previous strategy, marking a milestone in shaping the municipality’s event landscape.
With evolving community needs and future considerations in mind, the revision of this strategy is timely and essential.
For more information and to participate in shaping the future of events in our community, visit the Connect website by 28 March at https://connect.wangaratta. vic.gov.au/event-strategy/ surveys/events-strategy
POPULAR: The fireworks display at the showgrounds on new year’s eve is one of the larger events held in Wangaratta each year which attracts thousands of people.
Hot start to March in central Australia
WHAT’S UP WITH THE WEATHER?
By Peter Nelson,
ALICE Springs started March with 44.5 degrees, which was its hottest for March maximum since 45 degrees on March 3, 1886. Oodnadatta which had it’s hottest ever February day with a reading of 48.7 degrees also recorded its hottest March day on record with a reading of 46.1 degrees on March 2. Back in 1951 Oodnadatta recorded a near record temperature of 45.1 degrees on February 28 and then a near record of 44.9 degrees on March 5, 1951. The records do show we had a hot, dry summer in our region during 1950-51 and this continued with a vengeance in March 1951 - the only rain being about 8mms on March 8 at Wangaratta, but April 1951 suddenly turned very cold with heavy rain at mid month then above average rainfall from May to August 1951.
retired CSIRO climatologist
| Junior Reporter Club
ACROSS
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
3 What is a cylindrical container for liquids (8)
7 Name the unit of electric current (6)
8 To impede or hamper, is to do what (8)
9 What are demises known as (6)
10 Where was Napoleon decisively defeated (8)
11 Name the cavity at the upper end of the human windpipe (6)
14 What are cloudbursts (6)
17 Which island is part of the United Republic of Tanzania (8)
18 The East is known as the what (6)
19 Which term describes someone suffering inflammation of a nerve or nerves (8)
20 What is a territorial division delineated for some specific purpose (6)
21 What might we call a bullfighter who fights on foot (2,6)
DOWN
1 What is loss of memory known as (7)
2 Name a period of 100 years (7)
4 That which is the noisiest, is the what (7)
5 Who mends shoes (7)
6 To be highly excitable, is to be what (7)
11 What is a small flavoured cake, often medicated (7)
12 Name a French car manufacturing company (7)
13 To be louder, is to be what (7)
15 To be slanting or sloping, is to be what (7)
16 Name a person of eminence (7)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
1 HISPANIC
(a) Rough with strong bristles (b) Melodramatic (c) Of Spanish origin
3 What are honeycombs constructed from (7)
Letters have a number value
14 What is a hot, dry, dust-laden wind (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 centre cells.
2 INORDINATE (a) Unexpected (b) Excessive (c) Not organised
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:
Advertising spelling: blue (3)
Beautiful (coll) (5)
Beneficiaries (5)
Common typo: the (3)
Dickens rogue: ... Heep (5)
Insects in immobile cases (5)
Skip (3)
Soap operas (coll) (7)
Soft shoe (7)
Understand (3)
Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.
Drier summer was our hottest in five years
By GRACE FREDSBERG
THIS summer was the hottest one in ve years in Wangaratta.
This is the rst time since 2019/20 that the mean maximum temperature for the summer has reached 32 degrees, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
Data from the bureau indicated that the mean maximum temperature for the summer was 32C, surpassing the historical average of 30.8C.
February’s mean temperature was 32.9C, 1.9C higher than the historical average.
December and January’s mean temperatures were also above 30C, so it’s no wonder that the heat this summer was particularly biting.
Over the summer, 18 days exceeded 35C according to the bureau, seven of which came back-to-back in the rst week of February.
The highest daily recorded temperature last month was 38.7C on Wednesday, 5 February, closely followed by 38.5C two days earlier and 37.9C on Friday, 7 February.
December produced the most rain over the summer, with the wettest day generating 24.2mm of rainfall.
February’s rainfall was 14.1mm less than the historical average monthly rainfall (40.7mm).
The average summer rainfall of 26.6mm also fell short of the historical average with 132.6mm.
Looking into autumn, we should expect an abnormally warm next three months, with the bureau predicting there is a 92 per cent chance maximum temperatures will exceed the historical median (22.7C). Next week, there is an 86 pc chance of maximum temperatures surpassing the historical median.
The bureau reported the average minimum temperatures for the summer (14.2C) surpassed the historical average of 13.3C.
In February, the average
While the bureau did not record any 40C days over the summer, it did come awfully close, recording a 39.8C day on 5 January.
corded was 15.0C, 1.3C higher than the historical average (13.7C), with the lowest temperature for the summer also having occurred in this month at 4.8C on February, 17.
Dairy prices to remain elevated despite some global supply growth
THE global dairy market is poised for modest supply growth in 2025, driven by steady production expansion and export demand, according to a new report by food and agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank.
In its Q1 Global Dairy Quarterly report, titled Modest growth amid trade shi s, Rabobank says for Australia, despite milk production beginning to decline in late 2024, a er seven months of the current season, overall production is 0.4 per cent higher year on year (YOY).
Report co-author, RaboResearch senior dairy analyst Michael Harvey said production is weak in western Victoria and Tasmania, but remains strong in eastern and northern Victoria and in New South Wales.
“The outlook for milk production heading into the seasonal spring peak this year – and for the 2025/26 season overall – will be heavily dependent on rainfall and weather conditions,” he said.
The report says summer rainfall over many key dairying regions had been average or “worse”.
Looking forward, it says, above-average rainfall is expected for parts of the east
coast, with autumn being a critical period.
Mr Harvey said favourable autumn rainfall would support better feed supply outlook and support milk ows.
RaboResearch forecasts overall Australian milk production growth of 0.7 per cent YOY for the 2025/26 season.
The report says Australian dairy exports had a very strong year in 2024.
“With slightly increased farmgate milk supply last year and higher export returns, export volumes were higher across the main dairy commodities,” Mr Harvey said.
“Of the two largest volume trade ows, Australian cheese exports jumped 30 per cent and skim milk powder exports li ed 27 per cent YOY.”
Mr Harvey said the outlook for Australia’s dairy trade will be shaped by milk availability moving into the new season and “the seasonal ush” (the springtime peak of milk volumes).
“Export returns are likely to remain attractive, but milk supply growth (impacting supply availability for export) has slowed,” he said.
In terms of local demand,
Mr Harvey said, with in ation continuing to trend lower and recent interest rate relief, this should provide a li in discretionary consumer spending and a subsequent boost to foodservice demand.
According to the report, global dairy prices look set to remain at elevated levels.
It expects milk production in the Big 7 dairy-export regions (the EU, US, New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay) to expand by 0.8 per cent YOY for 2025, with a similar gain in the rst half of 2026.
The report says this forecast is driven largely by a return to production growth in both the EU, where production has oscillated between growth and contraction in recent quarters, and the US, where the typical annual production gains of one per cent have stagnated in recent years.
Mr Harvey said global supply growth was likely to be stronger in the second half of 2025 than the rst.
“2025 will begin with slower production gains, estimated at 0.5 per cent in Q1, which will help maintain the current rm commodity prices,” he said.
This was 146.6mm less than 2023/24.
Despite the below-average rainfall last summer, it was not nearly as dry as the sum-
Rainfall last summer was much drier than the 2023/24 downpours in early December and a few major rain events in January and February.
Rainfall data from last summer followed similar patterns from the 2018/19 season, with the highest total monthly rainfall recorded in December (55.4mm) and the lowest in January (24mm).
The Bureau predicts a 67 pc chance of unusually warm temperatures of above 23.3C. The likelihood of a warmer autumn is furthered through the odds of above median minimum temperatures across the coming months, with a predicted 96 pc chance of minimum temperatures rising above the historical median and a 72 pc chance of unusually warm minimum temperatures.
COWS
STEER
HEIFER
Wangaratta Livestock
POWERFUL: While rain wasn’t as frequent over the summer, February saw a wicked storm that resulted in thousands losing power across the North East. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
IN PERSON BY PHONE
The o ice of North East Media will be closed for business on Monday, March 10, 2025 for the Labour Day public holiday. Phone 5723 0101 Email: classifieds@nemedia.com.au
Wangaratta Table Tennis Association
Autumn Comp Muster Nights
March 5 & March 12, 2025
SENIOR GRADES - 7PM
JUNIOR GRADES - 6PM TO 7PM ALL NEW AND PAST PLAYERS WELCOME All enquiries: Tom Brown 0429 809 927
STYLISH and collectable “Fossil” womens leather wallet, tan in colour with fold over leather clasp and “Fossil Badge” approx 8 inches x 5 inches in size, contains personal cards, lost at Kmart in a trolley, reward for information and return. Ph 0418 175 624.
2007 NISSAN PATROL Ti, manual, mods, approx 190k on the clock, available early May, selling due to moving interstate, $30,000 ono, open to negotiation, (1YP8XF). Contact Jason 0434 590 566.
BATHROOM renovations, carpentry and plastering. Ph 0424 911 161.
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.
WHEELER Earthworks, available for all your earthworks needsyard clean ups, stump removals, driveways, material supply and spreading, rural work and more. Call Marcus on 0491 094 545.
Truck 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.
FULL TIME FARM HAND/WORKER
We’re seeking enthusiastic people, who have a passion and experience in livestock and cropping. Our family farm is centrally located between Wangaratta, Benalla, and Yarrawonga, with a main focus on prime lamb, cereal cropping and a newly acquired Poll Dorset Ram Stud.
Tasks include every aspect of the farm as the seasons change. Lambing, shearing, droving, animal health, sowing, spraying, harvesting, machinery maintenance, stock replacement and pasture care.
Experience and knowledge favoured and the ability to work as a team and individually is required.
Above award wages offered and further extras available to the right person. Applications including a cover letter and resume can be sent to jameses@live.com.au by March, 21, 2025
Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. For more information call Steve on 0412 652 376.
MAZDA 2023 CX3 auto hatch, reg CHC333, one owner, immaculate condition, service books, 11,875kms, RWC, $27,750. Phone Maxwell.K.Batey on 0419 547 308.
TOYOTA Hilux 2013, 169,000km, 5spd manual, 4x4, full service history, no o road, no accidents, black duck seat covers from new, new tyres, reg (1AL4YU), RWC, $32,000. Phone Allan 0400 541 599.
ROYAL Enfield 350 Hunter 2022, great learner’s bike, 3400km long rego, still under warranty, 2U4PN. Ph 0411 519 496 or 5721 3727.
AUSTRALIAN o -road camper trailer, made in Australia, full annexe, hot water, many accessories, excellent condition $22,000. Ph 0427 002 860.
TENTERFIELDQUEEN bedroom suite, includes queen bed frame with large headboard and fabric accent, 2x2 drawer side tables, 1x5 drawer horizontal cabinet, purchased from Harvey Norman 2019, $1,500 ono, pick up Wangaratta, Contact Jason 0434 590 566.
WANGARATTA Chronicle photographer Melissa Beattie made her way down to WDCA junior cricket on Saturday to capture some action from the under 14s match between City Colts Mixed and Benalla Bushrangers Blue. Photographs can be purchased at the Chronicle.
XAVIER DE FAZIO
LENNY CAMPBELL
NOAH GIGLIOTTI
LUCA SOLIMO
LIAM SOLIMO
GUS MAREK
ALEX LAMBERT
SAM NEWTON
HENRY BRIGGS
DARCY SANDERS
Wangaratta & District Cricket Association
SCOREBOARD:
BENALLA BUSHRANGERS VS BEECHWORTH WANDERERS
BEECHWORTH WANDERERS 1ST INNINGS
Jackson Cull c: Conor Brodie b: Ross Cavill
Ellett c: DALE STRATTON b: Charlie
Kayde Surrey b: Conor Brodie
Surrey (c) c: Charlie Bull b:
Ryan run out:
Prebble lbw: Mitchell Wheelens
Fendyk run out: Lucas Ham
Campbell Fendyk b: Cooper Binion
Matthew Ryan lbw: Ross Cavill
Henry Scalzo c: Lucas Ham b: Ross Cavill
Timothy Cogger not out
Bowling: Jed Marek 12/2/34/3, Kent Braden 19/4/48/3, Tyler Nanson 17/6/39/2, Matthew Lister 14/3/34/1, Archie Crispin 4/1/22/0, Josh Nanson 3/0/8/0, Max Marek 0.2/0/2/1.
Bowling: Conor Brodie 9/5/9/1, Charlie Bull 8.2/2/26/1, Ross Cavill 17/3/68/4, Cooper Binion 10.1/0/57/1, Dale Stratton 4/0/27/0, Brayden Stepien 8.4/0/27/0, Mitchell Wheelens 13/1/47/1.
BENALLA BUSHRANGERS 1ST INNINGS
Brayden Stepien (c) not out
James Carboon not out
Extras
Bowling: Matthew Ryan 1/0/5/0.
WANGARATTA
Jacob Schonafinger 1/0/2/0, Brady Bartlett 1/1/0/1.
A RESERVE
Ovens Valley United 10/165 Fearghus Jones 42 Mark
Drage 3/32 def by Rovers United Bruck 8/190 Luke Whitten 61 Archie Mapson 2/34.
Yarrawonga Mulwala 7/181 Sam Lidgerwood 56 Vishal Sharma 2/19 def Benalla Bushrangers 8/159 Dylan Barber 44 Tyrn Docking 3/22. City Colts 6/185 William Petersen 50 Grace Kerwin 2/16 def by Wangaratta Magpies 10/222 Nic Bonwick 85 Dominick Morgan 4/29.
B GRADE
Beechworth Wanderers 9/137 Lewis Richards 68 Udaykiran Kommidi 3/18 def by Benalla Bushrangers 10/154 Leigh Pollard 79 Taylor Thomson 3/34.
Greta 7/126 David Allen 34 Aden Graham 4/18 def Milawa 6/123 David Radeski 59 Lachlan Alexander 2/9.
Ovens Valley United 9/253 Hayden Williams 45 Nixen Martin 4/45 def Delatite 10/120 Andrew Cook 26 Josh Harris 6/18.
Rutherglen United 2/69 Adrian Roach 27 Nick Norris 1/5 def City Colts 9/68 Ross Moore 46 Kurt Schmidt 4/14.
Merton 3/155 Jai Lerch-MacKinnon 64* Luke O’Brien 1/13 def Rovers United Bruck 5/152 Andrew Balfour 58 Rohan Berriman 2/22.
C GRADE
Greta White 7/100 Marc Sealey 27 Kade Michael 2/13 def by Yarrawonga Mulwala 3/102 Ben Pickering 29* Jim Shepherd 1/18.
Benalla Bushrangers Blue 4/117 Christian De Fazio 61 Simon O’Brien 2/13 def Greta Blue 5/116 Michael Walker 44* Steven Hart 1/3. Gapsted 5/171 Shane Wheeler 64 def by Benalla Bushrangers Red 5/176 Jordan Smith 52 Nathan Blyth 2/41.
Beechworth Wanderers Stanley def Rutherglen United (forfeit).
UNDER 16
City Colts 2/85 def Beechworth Wanderers 10/82. Benalla Bushrangers 4/169 def Rovers United Bruck 10/162.
UNDER 14
Benalla Bushrangers Red 7/134 def Ovens Valley United 9/64.
City Colts 10/96 def by Benalla Bushrangers Blue 10/111.
UNDER 12 GOLD
Benalla Bushrangers Blue 6/86 def Yarrawonga Mulwala Rams 7/84.
UNDER 12 BLUE
Ovens Valley United Orange 1/202 def Beechworth Wanderers 4/144.
TAKE THEM: Jack Davies gathers the ball and brings it to the stumps.
AGGRESSION: Cooper Thomason looks to take the bowlers on.
Wangaratta & District Cricket Association
MATCH REVIEWS: Saturday, March 8
2024/25 season
By NATHAN DE VRIES
OLLIE Andrew and Kyle Winter-Irving have put Wangaratta Magpies in a dominant position in their showdown with Ovens Valley United.
Bowling first at the Showgrounds, Andrew (4/18 off 16 overs) and Winter-Irving (3/17 off 14.1) ripped through the Tigers’ line-up, with no batter making more than 18 runs.
It would take 16 overs to find the first breakthrough, with Andrew dismissing Seamus Phillips for 15 runs.
Andrew would strike again in his next over, youngster Noah White gone for six.
The second wicket would bring the top batter in the competition, Geeth Alwis, to the crease, but the Magpies had a plan in place.
Disciplined, controlled bowling frustrated Alwis, who only managed two boundaries in his 49-ball stay at the crease before Fraser Ellis forced a rash shot, Alwis caught by Dean Simmons for 18.
The Tigers were reeling at 4/64, and Andrew and Winter-Irving seized on the opportunity.
Andrew removed the entrenched Cooper Thomason for five from 57 balls, before he and Winter-Irving attacked the pegs to see Ovens Valley languishing at 7/74 from 45.4 overs.
Kane Fitzpatrick (14 from 40) and Glenn White (17 from 46) provided some lower order runs, but eventually they were back in the sheds, the Tigers bowled out for 111.
In other matches, Beechworth piled on a massive total in their match with Benalla Bushrangers, bowled out for 271.
After a shaky start, the Wanderers found a massive partnership in Brenton Surrey (93 off 158) and Jack Ryan (82 off 91).
Campbell Fendyk (28 off 25) and Matt Ryan (20 off 29) also chipped in late in the innings.
Benalla will resume at 0/5 after surviving a single over before stumps.
■ From back page
‘Pies roll through Tigers cheaply
Late wicket puts Rovers United Bruck in box seat with local rivals City Colts sitting at 1/2 at stumps
“They started really well, they opened with spin and there was a bit of turn from the far end, and Tyler Nanson bowled a really good spell to start o with, so it was really tricky early.
“Once we got in and we built that partnership with me and ‘Jerry’ [Wilson], it was good.
“We were in a really good spot at tea and at that stage we were looking at 250+.
“We just collapsed a bit a er tea, we didn’t capitalise on our start.
“I would’ve liked another 30 or 40 more, but we were able to get the big wicket of Mitch [Giggins] at the end.”
McNamara said a shi in his intent led to his more positive innings.
“In the last couple of games I probably haven’t been very positive with the bat, just trying to survive, so I went out with a bit of intent and got a few away early which is nice,” he said.
“When you’re building those partnerships it’s a lot easier.
“Me and Reid started well, Reid was looking really good, then Jerry came in and got himself in, and instead of losing wickets in clumps and putting pressure on each other, we were able to be really solid in the middle order.”
The bowling attack will be under pressure when the Colts resume at 1/2 on day two.
“While it’s not as big a score as we’d like, there’ll be a bit of pressure on us with the likes of Dan Jones, Brady [Bartlett], Charlie Lugg and Cormac [McNamara] to get some overs under their belts,” McNamara said.
“Colts aren’t going to roll over easy, they’ve still got some good batters to come with both the Nansons, Kent [Braden] and Josh Newton.
“It’s going to be a really good opportunity for those guys to bowl under a bit of pressure leading into the nals.”
SMART SHOT: Ben McMasters tucks one away behind square leg. ball in hand, finishing with 3/17.
RUNS THERE: Glenn White smokes one to the boundary.
STRIKE BOWLER: Ollie Andrew led the way for the Magpies, taking 4/18. PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie
CONSISTENT: Kent Braden was pinpoint accurate with his bowling.
BOUNDARY: Jeremy Wilson scoops the ball over square leg.
SENDING IT DOWN: Tyler Nanson took 2/39 from his 17 overs.
RIGHT THROUGH HIM
CONNER Forde was clean bowled by Kyle WinterIrving on Saturday, as keeper Jack Davies celebrates the wicket.
■ Story page 15.
Hawks flying high
Late wicket puts Rovers United Bruck in box seat with local rivals City Colts sitting at 1/2 at stumps
A WICKET late in the day’s play has seen Rovers United Bruck claim the ascendancy in their nal round battle with City Colts at Bill O’Callaghan Oval.
A er being rolled for 189 by the Colts, and with two overs le before stumps, Brady Bartlett managed to catch the edge of Mitch Giggins’ bat, dismissed o the second last ball of the day.
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
A er winning the toss and sending the Hawks in to bat, the Colts were on top of the game early.
The dangerous Charith Perera lasted just nine deliveries before he holed out to Tyler Nanson at mid on from the
bowling of Jed Marek, gone for four, while his opening partner Ryan Collier was skittled by Kent Braden for two runs.
Reeling at 2/8, the Hawks needed to build a partnership, with Paddy McNamara joining Reid McNamara in the middle. Together, the pair would build a handy partnership of 46 runs before Reid was clean bowled by Tyler Nanson for 20.
Jeremy Wilson and Paddy would continue to lock in, rotating the strike well and punishing the bad deliveries when they came.
McNamara would be the aggressor, bringing up his 50 and motoring on, reaching 75 o 107 balls before top edging one from Jed Marek, caught and bowled.
Wilson would continue to keep the scoreboard ticking
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over, reaching 37 from 96, while Jacob Schona nger would chime in with 20 o 34.
Jed Marek was impressive, the young pace bower picking up three crucial wickers for just 34 runs, while the experience of Kent Braden (3/48 o 19 overs) shone through.
Tyler Nanson (2/39 o 17 overs), Matt Lister (1/34 o 14) and Max Marek (1/2 o
0.2) also found themselves in the wickets.
RUB captain Paddy McNamara said while it was a strong score, he felt they le a few runs out there.
“It was a di erent type of Colts ground, the wicket had a little bit in it, and the in eld was pretty damp so it was probably a good toss to lose,” he said.
