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Magpies tame Tigers, set for finals
Hundreds of primary school children were among more than 1000 people of all ages to compete and enjoy the Wangaratta Chronicle Marathon and Fun Run events at the Wangaratta Showgrounds yesterday. Story page 13 PHOTO:Kurt Hickling
WANGARATTA based Indi
Independent federal MP
Helen Haines is lobbying for tens of millions of dollars to be invested into the Wangaratta economy.
Dr Haines is calling for hundreds of millions of dollars for the Indi electorate through a budget submission put to Treasurer Jim Chalmers ahead of the federal budget to be released on 25 March.
BY JORDAN DUURSMA jduursma@ nemedia.com.au
Her detailed funding proposals have been created in partnership with local councils, Regional Development Australia (Hume Region), Alpine Resorts Victoria and local stakeholders including Albury Wodonga Health, TAFEs, Tourism North East and North East Water. She said the submission
addresses needs across Indi, particularly the housing supply and a ordability crisis, “with councils identifying the lack of funds to build basic infrastructure a challenge to unlocking private investment in new builds”.
Priority projects for Wangaratta are expansion of the Organics Processing Plant, Prosecco Road tourism project, redevelopment of Wangaratta’s Ovens College site, infrastructure to unlock
housing growth, and the expansion of Wangaratta’s Creative Precinct.
The Organics Processing Plant project requests a $6m federal contribution as part of the total project cost of $8m, to increase the council owned Bowser facility’s capacity to process 25,000 tonnes per annum of organic material over two years, with an estimated 10 full time jobs to be created during construction with
direct value-add and indirect consumption adding a further $3m to the local economy.
The Prosecco Road tourism project requests a $10m - $12m federal contribution, part of the total project cost of $15m, to build global acknowledgment of the brand and position the King Valley as Australia’s premier Prosecco region.
It is expected to increase visitation from 38,000 visi-
tors per annum to 630,000 per annum and includes development of key township enhancements in the form of streetscaping and upgrades to amenities, road infrastructure, support to the agricultural sector, development of tourism products such as farmgate sales, cellar door connections, gravel griding cycle tracks, accommodation, and nature-based activities.
■ Continued page 5
THE Wangaratta Library has been selected as the host site for two cutting-edge Space Technologies Discovery Boxes, developed in collaboration with the Australian Space Agency and Children’s Discovery Centre.
These innovative boxes are designed to spark curiosity and creativity among children and their accompanying adults.
Each Discovery Box features a programmable Edison robot (Roover Jr.) equipped with tracked wheels, a solar charging panel, voltmeter, weather station, and even a genuine meteorite sample.
Whether exploring pre-designed micromissions or inventing their own adventures, participants are encouraged to engage deeply with these exciting tools.
The boxes are available for loan for up to four weeks.
For more information, please contact Wangaratta Library staff.
WANGARATTA Ladies Probus
Club has celebrated the 30th anniversary of its ‘fun and tness’ group.
Club member, Janet Clarke, said the group was the brainchild of Wangaratta new-comer Doreen Holmes, with the rst events held in the building which now houses Watermarc.
She said the group met at various locations during the rst years of the class and were motivated by a number of guest speakers who shared their meth-
ods of achieving a healthy lifestyle, including line dancing and water aerobics.
According to Ms Clarke, Dianne Hourigan was a wildly popular instructor who certainly brought the “fun” in their group’s name to fruition.
For more than ve years, they undertook Tai Chi under the guidance of Nina Shanks, who would drive from Benalla early in the morning to run the class.
“We truly loved it,” Ms Clarke said.
“One of our most satisfying days was when Nina was the guest speaker at our monthly meeting, and we did our Tai Chi routine on the bowling green at Wareena Park.”
Ms Clarke said that the group purchased a television and tapes from the Arthritis Association to use during their classes.
“We have continued to use them and wonder who will wear out rst; [the tapes] or us,” she joked.
diminished, but they now have 15 dedicated members who attend every 8am class on Tuesday, rain, hail or shine.
“I am proud to be one of two original members le in our happy group, and I thank Doreen for bringing the idea to Probus,” Ms Clarke said.
“May we keep going well into the future.”
Class numbers have grown and
At present, the group assembles at St Patrick’s dinner room and conclude the class with a coffee at Ko e Bean Cafe.
By GRACE FREDSBERG
ASPIRING Wangaratta
artist
Ellie McNamara is among 20 students selected from around the region to have their artwork displayed in Benalla Art Gallery’s annual ‘SHOWCASE’ exhibition, which runs until this Sunday, 23 March.
The Visual Communication Design (VCD) student from Cathedral College has six artworks exhibited at the gallery.
Last year, a separate design by Ellie was selected to feature on a poster advertising Wangaratta’s laneway market.
One of the exhibition pieces takes inspiration from fashion, while another which features pillows is symbolic of comfort and peace as was centred around a study on Western Australian artist Anna Louise Richardson.
She also has a “bright and colourful” landscape based on Tasmania being displayed.
“It was from a reference I found online, but I’ve been to Tasmania and it’s
quite nice,” she said.
Pieces from her VCD class are also exhibited, including branding for a Melbourne café, a light, and a performing art centre for the school.
“Mainly, I would just nd the reference and, depending on what we were tasked to do, do a sketch and then went in with more detail,” she said.
With the fashion-inspired piece and the landscape piece, Ellie said she used watercolour rst, followed by so pastel for details and charcoal for shadows and highlights.
However, in her pillows piece, she only used graphite and pencil. When it came to her VCD work, she primarily utilised digital media, with applications like Procreate and Adobe Illustrator.
Ellie said having her work viewed in a formal gallery was very exciting.
She thanked the Benalla Art Gallery, her visual communication teachers and her art teachers for the opportunity.
INLAND Rail has nished all work on the Beacons eld Parade bridge in Glenrowan, making it the second of 12 construction sites to be completed in the Beveridge to Albury (B2A) section of the project.
Adjacent to the siege site where infamous bushranger Ned Kelly took his last stand, the bridge connects Glenrowan’s key heritage landmarks via a network of pathways, improves vehicle and pedestrian safety and leaves a legacy which Ed Walker, Inland Rail Beveridge to Albury delivery director, believes is respectful of the town’s unique heritage.
Mr Walker said the works also included additional car parking in Woolshed Road and Siege Street, safer bus parking bays and landscaped gardens on both sides of the railway line.
Replacing the existing 60-year-old bridge, the new 145 metre open-span structure was required to provide su cient height and width clearances to allow the safe passage of double-stacked freight trains which are to travel between Melbourne to Brisbane under the $10 billion Inland Rail project.
Mr Walker said construction partner McConnell Dowell will now demobilise plant, equipment and workers from the Glenrowan site, although locals will see tree watering and tidy up works continue over the coming months.
He said B2A Tranche 1 projects at Barnawartha North and Glenrowan are complete, and Wangaratta and Seymour-Avenel Road projects are close to completion.
“Construction is about to
commence on Tranche 2 projects at Benalla, Euroa, Broadford, Wandong, Tallarook and Seymour,” Mr Walker said.
“Thank you to the Glenrowan community for their patience, hospitality and enthusiasm throughout the two-year construction period.
“They responded when we asked for their feedback and shared local knowledge during visits to our shopfront and information sessions.
“We understand the dis-
ruption and inconvenience caused during the construction phase, but the result is great for locals and the thousands of tourists who visit every year.
“It takes many hands to build something of this scale and we’re proud to have employed hundreds of local workers and contractors to get the job done.
“We’re thrilled the new bridge, and surrounding area can be enjoyed by locals and visitors for decades to come.”
WANGARATTA Railway Precinct’s new underpass will open to the public this 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 this 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 landscaping, lift shaft and platform installation and underground utility works.
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.
For any concerns or enquiries please phone 1800 929 244 or email inlandrailvic@inlandrail. com.au.
WANGARATTA’S Victoria State Emergency Service (SES) Unit has called on the public to help celebrate 50 years of emergency assis tance within the commu nity.
Initially established on 5 March, 1975 forming from the volunteer-based Civil Defence Organisation at the time, VICSES has built a legacy of dedication, providing critical emergency assistance to thousands across the state each year.
To help mark the milestone in belated fashion, the Wangaratta unit will be hosting an open day at its Handley Street headquarters on Saturday, 29 March from 10m to 2pm.
Wangaratta SES Unit controller Jess Zuber said she hoped the community could come out in numbers for the free open day to help the unit celebrate such a signi cant milestone.
“We have had a positive impact in those 50 years with various volunteers who work
BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
within our community,” she
“They continue to respond to road accidents, storm and ood events; and for a ood prone town, I think SES volunteers have been so critical to the community.
“Like many volunteers we’re there to help our community and over 50 years, I don’t think that’s changed.
“Our communities have changed, some of the strategies and the way we operate has changed, but I think that commitment of wanting to help is what’s really driving our volunteers.”
The day will be lled with a host of o erings for the community including kids activities, a ra e and giveaways, a history display and an open exploration of the unit.
The feature event of the day will be a road crash rescue
the unit at 11am.
There will also be food and drinks available in the form of a food truck and co ee van.
Ms Zuber said since the Handley Street headquarters opened post-Covid, many people haven’t had the chance
she hoped the community would take the opportunity to see the building and get a feel for how the service aids them in their times of need.
“There’s a lot of previous buildings, equipment and former members behind us in 50
years so we want to celebrate the journey we’ve come on as well,” she said.
Over the past ve decades, VICSES volunteers have stood on the frontline of Victoria’s most challenging emergencies and severe weather events, including:
major ooding in 2010-11 and 2022, severe storms in 2021, the 1983 Ash Wednesday res, the devastating 2009 Black Saturday res, the 2019-20 Victorian Black Summer Bush res, the 2021 Victorian Earthquake and so much more.
Last year alone was the Wangaratta unit’s busiest in more than a decade, responding to 395 requests for assistance within the community, surpassing 2022’s gure of 391.
Ms Zuber said anyone in the community who would like to share their photos of their experiences with the SES unit over the past 50 years can drop in their photos at the SES Handley Street headquarters. Overall, volunteer numbers are slightly up in each of the past two years however many units are currently actively recruiting.
For those interested in joining VICSES or learning more about becoming a volunteer, visit ses.vic.gov.au/join-us.
The Wangaratta Chronicle attendance at the midwifery ward on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9.30am to take photos of newborns with their par ents, 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 pur chase from the Wangaratta Chronicle office.
ZABARJUNG SINGH was born at Northeast Health Wangaratta on Tuesday, 4 March at 10.31am and weighed 4.795kg (10lb 6oz). He is the brother of Zorawar Singh, and the son of Maninderpal Kaur and Lovepreet Singh of Wangaratta.
6 March at 9.05am and weighed 2.5kg (5lb
and
She
the
ABOUT 130 people attended the Zonta’s Young Women’s Career Breakfast on Thursday, 6 March at the Gateway Hotel Wangaratta to celebrate International Women’s Day. The audience included 60 students from surrounding areas and 29 mentors who have given there time to attend the breakfast.
Guest speakers were St Bernard’s Primary School teacher Stacey Lamb, businesswoman Taneia Hill, and social worker and small business owner Brianna Norden.
BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au
PLANNED changes to Open Door Neighbourhood House’s food pantry operation in Wangaratta will require the service to close for a short time, before it reopens in an exciting new format.
The food pantry, which weekly attracts an estimated 70 visits and provides direct bene t to up to 150 locals, has been operating for about eight years in the neighbourhood house’s Burke Street location.
Acting manager at Open Door, Gady Parker, said the service began several years ago as a selection of vegetables on a trestle table at the rear of the house.
“That transitioned to storing and distributing food from our foyer,” she said.
Over the period of its operation, demand for the food pantry - which relies entirely on donated food - has gradually increased, particularly over the past three years amid the pandemic and cost-of-living concerns.
“Through COVID, we did manage to feed the community, though it was challenging,” Ms Parker said.
She said Open Door was the last face-to-face food distribution outlet in Wangaratta, and was now seeking to align itself with others operating in the area.
When the new format is introduced, those utilising the food pantry will phone in their orders, which will then be packed up to be collected at staggered times.
To prepare for this change, the food pantry will be closed from 2pm on Friday, 21 March,
and then reopen in its new format on Tuesday, 22 April.
“We’re excited about the change in format, and about opening up our foyer to showcase everything that happens here,” Ms Parker said.
ZONTA Wangaratta are still seeking nominations for Wangaratta’s Woman of the Year award.
The woman should live, work or volunteer in the Wangaratta area and have done something extraordinary to benefit others outside of the framework of paid employment.
It could involve community or volunteer service, personal assistance, academic, educational or training assistance, business assistance, welfare or serving as an exemplary role model.
The award will comprise a certificate and a presentation to mark the achievement.
The award will be presented at the club’s annual meeting on Thursday, 1 May at the Gateway Wangaratta to recognise a local woman’s exceptional service to the community.
Nomination details and application form can be obtained via email: zontawangaratta@gmail. com and nominations should be lodged with the Zonta Club of Wangaratta by Friday, 4 April.
“We’re asking the community for their patience and understanding as we navigate our way through the new process towards exciting new times for Open Door.
“We will still be able to provide everything we did before - it’s just that the process will be di erent.
Anyone seeking more information about the food pantry changes can contact Open Door Neighbourhood House on 5721 9175.
“We can’t x food insecurity or cost-of-living, but we want to continue to provide as much support as possible to our community.”
■ From page 1
The redevelopment of Wangaratta’s Ovens College site requests a $4.1m federal contribution to enable the redevelopment of the remaining 2.5 hectares of the former Ovens College site to create a state-of-the-art showcase housing precinct, comprising of social and a ordable housing, key worker accommodation, café/restaurant, community hub, childcare and indoor play centre.
Dr Haines is also seeking a
$100m in federal funds as part of $200m project to address Wangaratta’s key water and wastewater infrastructure needs to reduce the frequency of spills during wet weather events, to service growth and to ensure long term water security.
Key projects include a $20m upgrade to the city’s water treatment plant and a $100m investment to extend and upgrade the wastewater network, enhancing compliance and capacity.
A further $10m - $15m in federal funding is also being sought to expand Wangaratta’s Creative Precinct under a $20.5m project for the codevelopment of the existing art gallery and performing arts centre.
The project is expected to create 149.9 ongoing FTE jobs and attract approximately 200,000 visitors putting around $33 million back into the local economy.
Dr Haines’ submission also includes measures to reduce
cost-of-living pressures on households and small business and support regional Australia, such as:
• a $2 billion Regional Housing Infrastructure Fund over four years in regional Australia to unlock investment in new houses;
• support for households to electrify through zero-interest loans;
• reintroduction of the Small Business Energy Incentive for an additional three years;
• dedicated regional health
infrastructure fund;
• increased funding for regional internet and mobile phone blackspots, community nodes, tower backups and cells on wheels; and
• extension of the Renewable Heat Industrialisation Program to support manufacturing.
The full Indi Budget Submission, listing all projects can be found at https://www. helenhaines.org/wp-content/ uploads/2025/03/Indi-BudgetSubmission-2025.pdf
COMMUNITY members are invited to attend Wangaratta Library’s official launch of its Gardener’s Library this Thursday from 2pm to 3:30 pm.
This innovative new initiative is aimed at empowering community gardeners by offering everything from gardening materials to seeds to plant cuttings, and even old newspapers for composting - making it easier for local gardeners to grow and nurture their green spaces.
“The library aims to encourage sustainable living and provide valuable resources for those interested in growing their own food and plants,” said library coordinator Loueen Twyford.
“It is great to launch this project as part of the March into Sustainability series.
“We hope the Gardener’s Library will foster a greener, more connected community and expect the project to develop and thrive for many years to come.”
OUR SES volunteers, much like the men and women of the CFA, are the very essence of community spirit and civic service.
As we’re reporting in today’s edition, our Wangaratta SES unit is gearing up to mark 50 years of service, and it’s something we can all help celebrate and be proud of.
For most of those years the local unit called a makeshift portable office and sheds next to the water tower in Millard Street its home.
From this humble base, unit members rallied together and responded, night or day, to emergency situations - be it on the roads, floods, storms or fires, or another desperate cause - requiring their skills and training be put into practice.
Their presence and ability to respond has never been more critical given the expectation of more extreme weather events.
Celebrations later this month at the SES’s new base in Handley Street present the perfect opportunity to thank unit members for their ongoing efforts, and see their skills on show.
IT may be an aspirational wish list, on the eve of a federal election to be called, but the budget submission made by Indi Independent Helen Haines, on behalf of the communities she serves, cannot be understated.
Priority projects have been identified by Indi communities and deserve serious consideration and support for federal funding.
These projects - irrespective of who will be Indi’s MP after the election - must continue to be pursued, along with the growing needs of regional Australia if our country is to stay productive.
1. In which city is the Australian Institute of Sport located?
2. Which character was the pilot of Thunderbird 2 in the 1960s TV series, Thunderbirds?
3. What is the name of the uppermost region of Earth’s atmosphere?
4. Mogadishu has a coastline on which ocean?
5. What were the rst names of the comedy duo, Abbott and Costello?
6. How many cards are used in the game of whist?
7. In relation to the term, G-force, what does the G stand for?
8. Which team did the Perth Wildcats defeat in the 2016–17 NBL (Australia) Grand Final series?
9. Nantucket is an island belonging to which US state?
10. What was the rst feature lm to be directed by Orson Welles?
11. Roquefort cheese is made from the milk of which animal?
12. What does an arctophile collect?
13. Who wrote the 1984 self-help book, You Can Heal Your Life?
14. What is added to whisky to make a Whisky Mac?
15. In what year was Michael Jackson born?
16. Anguilla is an overseas territory of which country?
17. What is the national summer sport of Canada?
18. Who was the original bass player of The Beatles?
19. Which mountain range is seen as the natural border between Europe and Asia?
20. In which country did the cha-cha-cha originate?
FACEBOOK users this week commented on a Tesla that was impounded near Rutherglen after it allegedly drove 171km/h in a 100km/h zone.
• Daniel Moore: IMPOUND & crush it 1 less tesla on the road
• William Magnus: Crush the car Facebook users this week also commented
on a local coach and two players who will be undertaking the Victorian Netball League reserves competition this season.
• Michelle Caruso: Brilliant work Mina Lamb
• Maree Witney: Amazing Stace . You’re a star Facebook users this week also commented on the announcement of new bail laws targeting reoffending and the rising
WOULD all readers please take a moment to peruse the website, theyvoteforyou.org. au.
This site clearly displays the voting record of all Members of Parliament, including that of our local MP, Independent Dr Helen Haines.
The voting record for Dr Haines displays her record of voting with the following MPs as Adam Bant (The Greens) 74 per cent, Anthony Albanese (Labor) 70 per cent, Peter Dutton (Liberal) 31per cent.
In an article in the Wangaratta Chronicle on Friday, 7 March, Dr Haines stated her ability to work with both of the major parties, including the previous Morrison government.
I would therefore question why her voting record on the same theyvoteforyou.org. au website demonstrates that Dr Haines voted only 32% with the then Liberal Prime Minister Scott Morrison, yet with the then current opposition Labor leader Bill Shorten 65%.
I will suggest that this Greens/Labor support will continue in a tied vote.
Therefore, whichever party is elected, they need clean air to govern in their own right without needing to become involved in endless bargaining that may bene t only a small percentage of Australians, and not necessarily be in the best interests of all Australians.
The words of JFK (US president John Fitzgerald Kennedy) could not be more plain: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”.
This call for action to do what is for the greater good could not be more critical than it is now.
Georgina Cusack, Wangaratta
THE Allan Labor Government must address persistent issues occurring across the North East rail line.
I wrote to the Minister for Public and Active Transport last week, calling for an urgent investigation into the ongoing and unacceptable issues plaguing the region in recent months.
Passengers across the region have reported a series of failures that have severely impacted their ability to access reliable public transport, including:
• trains failing to stop and pick up passengers, leaving travellers stranded.
• frequent and last-minute service cancellations.
• overcrowded trains with no available seating, forcing passengers - some of whom
NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.
crime rate in Victoria.
• Trevor Dawson: Good!
• Cindy Knight: Bail. laws She has given the police ultimate power to search at anytime It’s not the police it’s the judges that let them out on bail multiple times
• Karl Aldridge: Actions speak louder than words. Let’s see consequences for actions.
• Joanne McKellin:
Believe it when we see it
• Nathan Bihun: Pffft!
• Terry Davern: that’s awesome they may think twice Facebook users this week also commented on the containment of a Beechworth grass and scrub fire.
• Kelli Sinclair Hicks: Thank you FFMVic for your quick response. Professional as always.
Our follower total is Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say. 15,191
are elderly or have disabilities - to stand for the duration of their journey.
• reserved seating not being honoured, creating confusion and distress for passengers.
These failures are not only causing significant inconvenience but are also undermining con dence in regional public transport, disproportionately a ecting those who rely on it for work, medical appointments, and essential travel.
Given the North East line’s historical issues and the promises made regarding service improvements, this situation is unacceptable.
I have urged the Minister to immediately investigate these ongoing disruptions and provide a clear plan to ensure reliable, safe, and digni ed travel for passengers on the North East line.
Annabelle Cleeland, Nationals’ MP for Euroa
LANDMARK payday super laws – released 14 March for consultation - will be a gamechanger to stem a $5 billion challenge in unpaid super and help millions of Australians retire with super they are owed.
Crucial payday super laws will make the system fairer for both workers and businesses, so more workers are paid the super owed to them and businesses compete with each other on a level playing eld.
We’ll swi ly work through implementation with other key stakeholders to keep this crucial legislation moving forward and passed.
The laws will align the payment of super
contributions with wages – instead of being paid only at least once a quarter – making it easier for workers to check they have been paid the right amount of super.
It will also make it easier for businesses to smooth out cash ows by paying super on payday – instead of having liabilities build up over several months and avoid time-consuming reconciliation processes.
Unpaid super costs Australians $5 billion a year – with 2.8 million workers missing out on the super that should be paid to them under the law – and missing out on the compound returns on their super.
The reform would take e ect from 1 July 2026 – three years from when it was announced in May 2023.
This simple change will mean almost nine million Australians will get their super paid sooner - adding $7700 more at retirement – because the more frequent super contributions start to compound sooner.
It also prevents employers being undercut by businesses who deliberately underpay sta . Misha Schubert, Super Members Council CEO
WE welcome your letters to the Editor. Priority is given to typed/emailed letters under 250 words. Every letter must have your full name, address and a daytime phone contact number supplied for verification purposes. Any letter may be edited for reasons of space, content or legibility.
Email edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au
Post Letters to the Editor, 37 Rowan St, Wangaratta 3677
INCESSANT and unpredictable power outages in the King Valley have been a key focus of talks in parliament between Wangarattabased Nationals’ MP for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy and a senior AusNet representative.
The extreme outages, which have been reported by residents to last more than 15 hours, with up to 13 outages in a week, have wreaked havoc on local businesses and homes in recent months.
Mr McCurdy said the recurring outages have caused locals to lose faith in their energy providers, further casting doubt on the State Government’s ability to provide reliable management of the state’s electricity and transition to renewables.
“I met with a senior AusNet representatives in parliament recently who apologised for the number of outages in the Ovens and King valleys over the
summer period caused by extreme weather,” he said.
“AusNet said it is experiencing more ‘weather events’ that impacts its network and outlined several future upgrades proposed for the area.”
Mr McCurdy said the outages and the frequency in which they are occurring are “completely unacceptable” and he told Ausnet there was an immediate need for assistance and answers for King Valley residents.
He said AusNet is currently investigating as to whether it can provide generation support and has encouraged King Valley organisations to apply to the Energy Resilience Community Fund, to see if viable initiatives can be provided to locals, such as batteries.
For more information, visit https://www.ausnetservices.com.au/about-us/community/energy-resiliencecommunity-fund.
THE Liberals and Nationals have tabled the largest petition in Legislative Council history as anger brews about the Allan Labor Government pushing ahead with the expansion of national parks.
More than 40,000 signatures have been received for the No New National Parks petition, which stands up for the rights of those who want to keep accessing state forests for traditional bush activities.
In a massive show of support, almost 34,000 concerned bush users signed up on-line, making it the largest e-petition in Victorian history for both houses of parliament.
Many concerned bush user groups gathered on the steps of parliament last week to make a signi cant statement and raise awareness of their ght.
A ected groups include those involved in dispersed camping, hunting, fourwheel driving, hiking,
horse-riding, mountain biking, prospecting and shing.
Nationals’ MP for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy said the petition seeks to ensure that thousands of Victorian bush user groups and hobbyists could continue to enjoy public land.
“Victorians have spoken and voiced their concerns about Labor’s policies to lock up even more public land,” Mr McCurdy said.
“Public state forests should be just thatopen to the public to use for recreation.
“Regional Victorians enjoy hunting, mountain biking, camping, horse riding, and fourwheel driving, and they shouldn’t be punished while Labor tries to win back votes from The Greens.
“These activities fuel regional economies and allow for people to relax and enjoy themselves in nature, improving their health and continuing on our strong bush traditions.”
By WENDIE WILKIE, WANGARATTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
A COMITMMENT by her grandmother (nana), to buy all her grandchildren their rst musical instrument meant that Rachel Campbell got her rst clarinet when she was seven years old.
Then came a piano at nine and soon enough, music became the focus of her life.
“We are a bit of a musical family,” Rachel said.
Rachel, who plays rst clarinet in the Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra, lives in Porepunkah and is a musician and music teacher working at St Marys Primary School in Myrtleford and at Bright P-12 College.
She plays clarinet, saxophone and piano, and teaches them to her students.
Rachel’s husband, Jason, is also a musician and plays tuba in the Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra.
They both play and conduct in the Mount Beauty Community Band.
Their children have also taken up music, with their daughter studying classical voice at Monash University and their son playing drums in local groups.
Rachel has had a long involvement with music all across Australia.
She played in a school band in Canberra, then the Coonabarabran band with her father, and then in Geraldton , WA, with a combined high schools band.
She completed a Bachelor of Musical Performance at Newcastle Conservatorium before joining the navy as a musician in 1991.
The navy gave her many exciting opportunities to play, such as the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, various events during the Centenary of Federation, and other naval celebrations, parades and award ceremonies.
The navy was also where she met and married her husband.
A er the birth of her rst child, Rachel returned to study and completed a Graduate diploma in Education which enabled her to teach classroom music as well as instrumental.
Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra allows Rachel to indulge in her love of classical music.
As rst clarinet, she plays an important role in the wind section.
“I love that we play varied music that is exciting not only for the musicians to play, but also for our audience to listen to,” she said.
She joined the orchestra at the end of 2021 a er seeing an ad on the Bright community noticeboard.
Rachel encouraged those interested in learning an instrument or playing with the orchestra to pursue such aspirations.
“Do it,” Rachel said.
“You are never too old or young, it is never too late to learn something new, to challenge yourself and become involved with a great group of people.
“If you learned an instrument as a child, go back, dust it o , the skills are still there.
“There are so many groups, bands and choirs that will welcome you.”
‘Myths and Legends’ is the theme of the two concerts that the Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra will be putting on soon.
The rst will be at Rutherglen Memorial Hall on Sunday, 30 March at 2.30pm, and the second at WPACC in Wangaratta on Sunday, 6 April at 2.30pm.
Tickets available at the venues.
There will be classics by Beethoven and Greig, but also modern tunes such as music from ‘How to Train your Dragon’ and ‘Indiana Jones’.
By Peter Nelson,
The concert will end with themes from Pirates of the Caribbean – great dra-
matic music and lots of fun to perform.
For further information, contact Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra secretary Wendie Wilkie at wangsymphonyorchestra@gmail.com.
CLASSICAL AT HEART: Rachel Campbell has been with the Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra since 2021 and plays first clarinet.
ISOLATED thunderstorms a week ago offered the North East as welcome reprieve from the hot, humid and dry conditions which have prevailed over most the state.
The storms on March 10 saw 10mm recorded at Wangaratta and 20 mms at Benalla, with heavier falls of 46mms at Mt Buffalo, 34mms at Mt Hotham and 26.6mms at Falls Creek.
To date the mean maximum temperature for March in Wangaratta is 33.6 degrees, which is more than five degrees above normal, whilst the mean minimum temperature of 14.2 degrees is 3.5 degrees above normal, making it the warmest for March since 2016.
In Melbourne the mean maximum to date this month is 29.4 degrees, which is 5.4 degrees above the March normal and the warmest in March since 1940.
The mean minimum temperature of 16.6 degrees was 3.3 degrees above average and the warmest in March since 2013 and before that in 1974.
Tropical cyclone Alfred has done much damage to homes in south east of Queensland and the far north coast of NSW around Lismore with flooding rains and strong winds. Brisbane was swamped by 275mms to Monday morning 10 March - the wettest March day since 284mms in 1908 and the wettest day overall since 26 January, 1974 when cyclone Wanda did much flood damage.
One could say that tropical cyclones as strong as Alfred will lead to wetter than average conditions in Victoria for the rest of this year.
The cyclones of 1954, 1955, 1974 and 2011 all certainly did.
POWER:
Monday, 16 March, 2015
STUDENTS and staff at Glenrowan Primary School wholeheartedly embraced National Ride2School Day on Friday, with a large majority of the school community choosing more active ways to arrive at school.
Staff member Rachel Hogan said over half the school’s students chose to ride their bikes to school, with many making use of the new bicycle path between Hamilton Park and Glen-
rowan, while around a third of students walked or rode scooters to school.
When the students arrived at school, they were also treated to snacks of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Ms Hogan said the school hoped to hold more regular dedicated days encouraging active ways of getting
to school in the near future, adding that it was part of the school’s commitment to promoting good health and physical activity.
Since 2006, the Ride2School program, managed by Bicycle Network, has encouraged thousands of students throughout Australia to ride and walk to school regularly.
The program encourages students to travel to and from school safely – wearing helmets if riding, and being aware of other users of roads and footpaths.
ACROSS
1 Which term means threefold (6)
8 What is an error in naming a person or thing (8)
9 To ride at full speed, is to do what (6)
10 To be tainted, is to be what (8)
11 Which metallic element has the symbol Ag (6)
12 Which term means otherwise (4)
13 What is a saloon car also known as (5)
16 What term means to move with the feet or body rhythmically (5)
19 What is a term meaning to entreat or exhort earnestly (4)
21 Name one of the assassins of Julius Caesar (6)
22 What is an incendiary explosive device (8)
23 In which printing type do the letters slope to the right (6)
24 What is a compound found in many animal and plant tissues such as egg yolk (8)
25 Which political group aims to protect the environment (6)
DOWN
2 To understand clearly, is to do what (7)
4 What is an aggregate of nations (6)
5 To have given displeasure, is to have done what (7)
6 What is a feeling of excitement (7)
7 To be learned or scholarly, is to be what (7)
13 What is a light baked dish (7)
15 What is another name for banded anteaters (7)
17 What term means improper use of words or grammar (7)
18 What is wariness (7)
20 To be flowing backwards, is to be doing what (6)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
1 NEB
(a) A beak or bill (b) The point or gist (c) A headland or cape
2 PRESCIENCE
3 Sucre is the judicial capital of which South American republic (7)
Letters have a number value
14 Which device is used for lifting and moving heavy weights (7)
Some values are in the right hand cells.
Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
(a) Foresight (b) A right arising out of one’s rank (c) A conjuring trick
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:
Bench-like seat (3)
Chickens (5)
Common pest bird (5)
Fool (coll) (5)
Histamine (abb) (3)
Monthly License Fee (3)
Negative vote (3) Of alleles (7)
Rejuvenation (7) Steel tower (5)
Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.
DUCK hunters are being urged to familiarise themselves with the rules for hunting at Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) lakes, dams and reservoirs across the North East, ahead of the season opening this Wednesday.
Local GMW storages where duck hunting is permitted include Lake Bu alo, Hume Reservoir (Victorian lakebed areas), Lake Eildon, Lake Nil lahcootie and Lake Nagambie.
season, which runs until 9 June, should be aware of where they can and can’t hunt.
“Duck hunting is permitted at several of our lakes, dams and reservoirs, but there are still parts of these storages where hunting is prohibited,” she said.
“It is important people learn
MIXED BAG: Some water storages are open to duck hunting, others aren’t, so hunters are urged to check ahed of this season’s opening on Wednesday.
land management actions.
“We ask everyone who visits our storages makes safety a priority, and respects both the environment and other members of the public,” Ms Bourke said.
“If people have any questions about where they can hunt at our storages can phone us to get clari cation.”
Information on duck hunting at GMW storages, including maps specifying where duck hunting is permitted, can be found on the GMW website: www.gmwater.com.au/duckhunting
ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS: Victorian Fisheries Authority’s Jarryd McGowan hosting a hatchery tour.
NATIVE sh production will go on show these school holidays with free family fun on o er at the Arcadia Native Fish Hatchery Open Day on Sunday, 6 April.
Victorian Fisheries Authority chief executive o cer Travis Dowling said following the success of last year’s event the hatchery, only 15 minutes from Shepparton, would again be opened to all.
Running from 9am to 4pm, the open day will highlight the Arcadia Visitors Centre with its adventure playground, educational signage, picnic areas and sh-out pond stocked with Murray cod, golden perch and silver perch.
Wangaratta shing guru and popular YouTube creator Robbie Alexander will be there to talk about local hot spots, there’ll be live music, a shing simulator, Fishcare Victoria volunteers, a sensory activity for kids, spinning wheel with prizes and lots more.
“The open day is a great
reason to plan a weekend in the Goulburn Valley, enjoy the many things the region has to o er and spend time in the great outdoors wetting a line and learning about all things shing,” Mr Dowling said.
“Free learn-to- sh clinics for kids will be a feature, with expert guidance to teach youngsters, who will take home a free rod and reel to continue their shing journey.
“Experienced shers can also try their luck at the shout pond, which has recently had access to the bank improved to make it more accessible for everyone.
“Our sh production experts will also provide tours of the hatchery, showcasing how Murray cod and golden perch are grown and how an ongoing expansion of the site will triple production capacity to a whopping six million sh per year.”
The aquaculture hub will explain how Murray cod are also grown for Victorian sea-
food lovers with samples of smoked cod, while Aquna Sustainable Murray cod will have a pop-up stall with sales and tastings of their product used in restaurants and home kitchens.
Filleting and cooking demonstrations will also make the most of the delicious sh, and if all that has your mouth watering lunch can be purchased including sh burgers, sh and chips, a sausage sizzle and a co ee van.
The sheries education team will keep the kids entertained with a range of activities, scientists will be dissecting and discussing the fascinating anatomy of Murray cod, and a range of sta will be on hand to answer any burning questions you might have to settle any longrunning debates with shing friends or family.
The Arcadia Native Fish Hatchery is located at 200 Ross Road, Arcadia.
For more information, head to www.vfa.vic.gov.au/ arcadiaopenday.
THE region’s gardeners are being urged to take part in a free soil screening citizen science project that’s mapping soil conditions across the state.
EPA Victoria has reported that 2000 home gardeners have registered and sent in more than 5000 soil samples so far, but most have come from the metropolitan area.
Victoria’s chief environmental scientist Prof Mark Patrick Taylor said it’s a free service for home gardeners that does science and the environment a favour.
“Register on the EPA Victoria website, send in three small samples and you’ll receive a scientific assessment
Hunters are reminded to regularly check the GMA website for updates on wetland management actions, including any wetlands that may be closed to hunting to protect signi cant concentrations of rare or threatened species.
People with further questions on where they can hunt at GMW storages can phone GMW on 1800 013 357.
Details on the arrangements for the 2025 duck hunting season can be found on the Game Management Authority website: www.gma.vic.gov.au/ hunting/duck/duck-season-arrangements
of your soil condition and the trace elements it contains,” Prof Taylor said.
“It’s a free offer to home gardeners anywhere in Victoria, but we’re not seeing many samples from country areas so far,” he said.
“EPA’s scientists will add your soil data to a study that is mapping soil condition across the state.
“You’ll be helping scientific research and getting a detailed report on what’s feeding your garden.”
So far, about 80 per cent of the 5800 individual samples screened have shown trace elements that are within recommended levels. EPA provides a scientific report, and if the soil is not up to scratch, EPA can give you some tips on ways to manage your garden.
“Any home gardener who sends in samples can have scientific results for the price of the postage and ensure your family is gardening in soil you can trust – we just need more country people to get involved,” Prof Taylor said. Register or see more details on GardenSafe on the EPA Victoria website: epa.vic.gov.au/ for-community/get-involved/ citizen-science-program/gardensafe
37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677
TRADES &
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.
EDUCATION SUPPORT OFFICER
A vacancy currently exists at Carraragarmungee PS for an Education Support Staff member for 30 hours per week. The role requires empathy, patience and excellent communication.
Working with students with additional needs who require emotional and social support in the classroom to maximise their access to learning. For detailed information please contact Marie de Prada, Principal Carraragarmungee PS on 0427 012 374.
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.
CROSSFIRE EV Farm Ute side by side, $15,500, great little EV for around the farm or small property, have added a solar panel and MPPT controller to charge the battery, excellent condition only 2 years old and hardly used, only 218km on the clock, 48 Volt AC induction motor, regenerative braking, on board Delta Q 1200W charger with 240V lead, 27 HP / 119 N.m Torque, improved traction and stability over loose or slippery surfaces with 2WD and 4WD options and ability to select high, med and low range, 12" aluminium wheels with 6 ply 26" Carlisle knobby o -road tyres, hard top roof, independent front and rear suspension with nitrogen lled shock absorbers, practical and durable polycarbonate manual tipper tray, easy access walk through cabin, long bench seat, tow ball/tow hitch, 3500 lb winch, 200W solar panel and 10A Renogy Rover Boost solar charge controller with battery temperature and voltage monitoring and bluetooth connectivity. Ph 0407 171 345.
TENTERFIELD
BYRNE
The College seeks applications from suitably experienced persons for the following positions:
Learning Enhancement Teacher Junior School
The College seeks applications from suitably experienced persons for the following positions:
(Fixed-term 0.4 FTE, possibility of ongoing employment)
Learning Enhancement Teacher Junior School
(Fixed-term 0.4 FTE, possibility of ongoing employment)
Food and Technology Teacher
2007 NISSAN PATROL Ti Manual, approx. 190k on the clock, includes roof rack and awning, selling due to moving interstate, open to negotiation, pick up Wangaratta, (1YP8XF).
$30,000
Ph 0434 590 566
QUEEN 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.
Nancye Jean Passed away peacefully at Rangeview Private Nursing Home, Wangaratta, on Friday March 14, 2025. Aged 89 years. Mother of Mark, Janette and Ian (dec). Nanna and Nanny Byrne of 7 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Loved by all. Bye Bye for now.
(Fixed-term 0.4 FTE, possibility of ongoing employment)
(Part-time, possibility of ongoing employment)
Food and Technology Teacher
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.
(Part-time, possibility of ongoing employment)
Chief Exam Supervisor
Food and Technology Teacher
(Part-time, possibility of ongoing employment)
GAT/Examination Supervisors
Chief Exam Supervisor
GAT/Examination Supervisors
(Casual/short term)
(Casual/short term)
Chief Exam Supervisor GAT/Examination Supervisors
Please refer to our website, www.cathedralcollege.vic.edu.au for position descriptions and application closing dates.
(Casual/short term)
Please refer to our website, www.cathedralcollege.vic.edu.au for position descriptions and application closing dates. Cathedral College Wangaratta
Please refer to our website, www.cathedralcollege.vic.edu.au for position descriptions and application closing dates.
MAZDA 6GT wagon, 2014, 2.2litre twin turbo diesel, 6 speed auto, leather interior, 129,000 km, Mazda serviced since new, rego expires October 2025 (1DZ 7ZL), excellent condition, $14,000. Ph 0438 556 959.
BY JEFF ZEUSCHNER jzeuschner@ nemedia.com.au
SOMOLIAN refugee Abdi Rhoble (main photo) lived up to pre-race expectations and took out the 14th annual Wangaratta Chronicle Marathon at the Wangaratta Showgrounds on Sunday morning.
The 34-year-old and his fellow Collingwood Running Club member Andrew McIntosh ran a cracking pace to lead the almost 100 strong eld all race, with Abdi pulling away at the 41.5km mark to ensure the win and $1000 cheque from race sponsors Garry Nash and Co Real Estate was his time of 2 hours 42 minutes and 41 seconds.
While arguably the most humid conditions for the event in recent years, cloud cover and a slight breeze helped keep the temperature below 30 degrees, which was appreciated by the 1200 registered runners competing in the 42km marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km and 2km distance events throughout the morning.
OFF AND RUNNING: Competitors in the 5km event head o from the Wangaratta Showgrounds Sunday morning.
ratta Chronicle Marathon and Fun
Run race director Liam Delany, said he would ultimately like to represent Australia one day.
Abdi, who was unable to eat or drink on race day because of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, said he enjoyed the undulating course and just ran to the conditions - not looking to try and better his PB of 2.20 which placed him sixth at the Melbourne Marathon last year.
“I’m building my race consistency...I have the Ballarat half marathon in April, then marathons in Mans eld and the Gold Coast a er that,” he said.
Abdi, who is coached by Wanga-
Having competed for Somalia at several World Cross Country events since 2014, it was a er competing at the 2023 world titles at Bathurst, NSW that Abdi decided to stay in Australia, and he is working through the immigration process to receive citizenship.
“I’ve really enjoyed today’s event and look forward to returning next year,” he said.
Mr Delany, in his rst year as race director, said the annual event had been another great success, in no short measure to the tremen-
dous support of sponsors, community members and competitors.
“Race wise we had around 1200 competitors, similar to last year, and there was some tremendous running,” he said.
Hayley Waterson was a prime example, running under three hours to be the rst woman home in the marathon in a time of 2 hours, 57 minutes and 32 seconds, ahead of Lauren Scott (3:36:56) and Molly Carter (3:41:06).
Mans eld’s Tynan Mims blitzed the near 300 strong eld in the half marathon, sponsored by RJ Sanderson & Associates, completing the 21km distance in a time of 1:08:31, ahead of Tim Bryant
PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling
(1:11:28) and Aden Reynolds (1:12:44).
Katherine Dowie was the rst female home in a time of 1:23:03, ahead of Oliviah Bodycott (1:25:04) and Sarah Trainer (1:25:26).
Mt Beauty 16-year-old Alec Franzke had too much pace in the nal 100 metres to out sprint Ashley Ho mann to win the 10km race, sponsored by Wangaratta Body Fit Training.
Alec’s winning time of 30.40 minutes was a new course record, and was also a PB by 50 seconds.
“I’m really happy with the run... it was part of my training for the nationals in Perth in April, where I’ll compete in the U20 5km distance,” he said.
“I’ve been running since I was eight and competing at nationals since I was 10.”
Wangaratta local Jackson Harrap was third home in the event which had the largest eld of 330 runners, while the rst female nisher was a familiar face, being former Cathedral College Wangaratta teacher Penny Townshend, now living in Bairnsdale.
Penny, who was the rst female home last year and has been a consistent podium nisher in the last few years, clocked her fastest time yet of of 35.16 minutes, ahead of Albury runners Shivonne Sieber (38:07) and Kelli Ho mann (38:33).
In the 5km event, sponsored by Johnsons MME chartered accountants, Brent Andersen was rst home in a time of 15 minutes 42 seconds, just ahead of Eddy Franzke (15:49) and Hitanshu Pillay (16:55), while Sarah Cavill was the rst female home in 20.49, ahead of Bella Fulford (21:27) and Stephanie Gibson (21:47).
The 2km Primary School Challenge, sponsored by Intersports Wangaratta, attracted hundreds of young runners from primary schools throughout the region, was won by Archie Delany of Mans eld in a time of 7 minutes 21 seconds, ahead of Joshua Bryant (7:37) and Jake Woolston (7:51).
The rst three placed female runners were Elsie Cavill (8:33), Morgan Hope (8:43) and Emma Wyatt (9:20).
• The winning school of the 2km Primary School Challenge, as well as the Community Teams Challenge, will be announced in Friday’s Wangaratta Chronicle, with full results of all race events.
SCOREBOARD:
BENALLA BUSHRANGERS DEF BY BEECHWORTH
BEECHWORTH WANDERERS 1ST INNINGS
Jackson Cull c: Conor Brodie b: Ross Cavill
Clancy Ellett c: DALE STRATTON b: Charlie Bull
Kayde Surrey b: Conor Brodie
Brenton Surrey (c) c: Charlie Bull b: Ross Cavill
Jack Ryan run out: Gary Priest
Prebble lbw: Mitchell Wheelens
Austen 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: 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.
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.
BENALLA BUSHRANGERS 1ST INNINGS
Brayden Stepien (c) c: Clancy Ellett b: Timothy Cogger
James Carboon b: Matthew Ryan
Ross Cavill c: Austen Fendyk b: Matthew Ryan
Charlie Bull c: Austen Fendyk b: Jack Ryan
Jonty Priest c: Brenton Surrey b: Matthew Ryan
Bartlett
Joshua Newton c: Cormac McNamara b: Jacob Schonafinger 17 Max Marek c: Ryan Collier b: Jacob Schonafinger
Tyler Nanson lbw: Jacob Schonafinger 9 Josh Nanson (c) c: Paddy McNamara b: Cormac McNamara
Marek c: Matthew Whitten b: Charlie Lugg
Braden b: Charlie Lugg
Bowling: Jacob Schonafinger 12/4/26/4, Brady Bartlett 6.1/2/13/3, Paddy McNamara 6/1/15/0, Daniel Jones 4/0/25/0, Charlie Lugg 8/6/8/2, Jeremy Wilson 5/2/10/0, Cormac McNamara 3/1/13/1.
Lucas Ham b: Kayde Surrey
DALE STRATTON c: Kayde Surrey b: Brenton Surrey
Priest (vc) c&b: Matthew Ryan
Wheelens not out
Binion b: Kayde Surrey
Bowling: Matthew Ryan 20/8/34/4, Timothy Cogger 11/2/33/1, Kayde Surrey 15/6/17/2, Jack Ryan 11/2/27/1, Brenton Surrey 8/4/18/1, Henry Scalzo 7/0/26/0, Will Prebble 4/0/21/0. WANGARATTA MAGPIES DEF
OVENS VALLEY UNITED 1ST INNINGS
Gregor Fraser c:
Jed Marek
Charlie Lugg b: Corey Petersen
Lakpriya shantha Gangabadawatta Arachchilage not out
McNamara not out
Bowling: Jed Marek 5/3/3/3, Corey Petersen 4/1/9/2, Mitchell Purcell 3/0/13/0, Archie Crispin 3/0/18/0, Max Marek 1/0/22/0, Mitchell Giggins 1/0/4/0.
A RESERVE
B GRADE
16
UNDER 14
UNDER 12
Yarrawonga Mulwala 8/123 def Rutherglen United 10/92. Rovers United Bruck 6/175 def Merton 8/133. Benalla Bushrangers 2/124 def Milawa 10/121.
Delatite 5/265 def Wangaratta Magpies 9/111. Yarrawonga Mulwala 10/219 def City Colts 10/133. Rovers United Bruck 3/198 def Benalla Bushrangers 10/74.
City Colts 10/198 def Benalla Bushrangers 10/120.
Benalla Bushrangers Blue 7/173 def Gapsted 6/136. Benalla Bushrangers Red 4/200 def Greta White 8/198. Rutherglen United def by Greta Blue (forfeit). Beechworth Wanderers Stanley 7/209 def Yarrawonga Mulwala 10/187.
Benalla Bushrangers Red 8/124 def Benalla Bushrangers Blue 10/96.
Ovens Valley United Orange 4/90 def Benalla Bushrangers Blue 8/74.
bailey Wyatt 14/2/56/3, Geeth Alwis 19/4/40/1, James Neary 10/1/44/1, Noah White 6/0/24/1, Gregor Fraser 7/0/47/0, Glenn White 12/3/23/0, Benjamin McMasters 4/1/11/0, Dylan Bursill 2/0/12/1, Seamus Phillips 2/0/9/0, Kane Fitzpatrick 3/0/16/0.
MATCH REVIEWS: Saturday, March 15
2024/25 season
By NATHAN DE VRIES
THE teams for the A grade WDCA nals series have been locked in.
Rovers United Bruck claimed the minor premiership a er accounting for City Colts in day two of their encounter at Bill O’Callaghan Oval on Saturday.
With City Colts needing 190 to win, resuming at one down for two runs, Rovers United Bruck knocked them over for 110.
Brady Bartlett continued where he le o last week, picking up Archie Crispin for just four from 13 balls, before Jacob Schona nger came into the attack.
Schona nger would pick up four vital top and middle order wickets, nishing with 4/26 for the match from his 12 overs.
Aaron Thrum (14 o 43) and Josh Newton (17 from 41) provided some resistance, while Max Marek and Tyler Nanson failed to cross into double digits.
The only innings of note came from Josh Nanson, who provided some strength in the lower order with his knock of 41 from 75.
Jed Marek (21 from 24) would assist, but the Hawks’ bowlers were simply too good.
Along with Schona nger, Brady Bartlett (3/13 from 6.1 overs) would have a major impact on the game, while Charlie Lugg (2/8 from eight) and Cormac McNamara (1/13 from three) found themselves
among the wickets.
With 17 overs le in the day, the Rovers had another bat, ending at 5/70.
Lucky Shantha (23*) and Reid McNamara (37*) were strong for the Hawks, while Jed Marek picked up 3/3 from ve overs.
The loss means City Colts will not play nals, nishing the year sixth on the ladder with a 4-8 record.
Rovers United Bruck will play Yarrawonga Mulwala in the semi- nals a er the Lakers enjoyed the bye this round and nished fourth.
Beechworth will play Wangaratta Magpies in nals, with the Wanderers in some form a er knocking o Benalla on the weekend.
With 271 runs on the board, the Wanderers had more than enough to account for the Bushrangers, who ran out of overs at 9/189.
The dangerous Brayden Stepien was gone for just eight, with Ross Cavill (22) and James Carboon (16) came and went, with Mattt and Jack Ryan tearing through the middle order.
Lucas Ham would ght his way to a half century o 100 balls before he was knocked over by Kayde Surrey.
Matt Ryan would dismiss Gary Priest for two runs to nish with 4/34 from his 20 overs for the day, while Kayde Surrey picked up 2/17 from his 15 overs.
Benalla nish on the bottom of the ladder, having only won one game for the year, while
■ From back page
“’Deano’ [Simmons] got 40odd, ‘Jacko’ [Davies] got 50, and even Ollie [Andrew] found a bit of form with his 30.
“Simmo was more of an anchor when we were batting together, and I was more aggressive, trying to score.
“Me and Simmo set the game up and won the game for us, so the other boys didn’t have pressure on them so they could go out and get a bit more out of it without the pressure on.
“We got what we wanted, everyone to have a bat out in the middle and get something out of it.”
The Magpies finish the home and away season second on the ladder, qualifying for a home final against Beechworth Wanderers this weekend.
“We’re peaking at the right time,” Matheson said.
“We’ve had an up and down year, a few games we’ve struggled for numbers, but now we’re beginning to play really solid cricket going into finals.
“We’ve got our main team together of about 13 players, so hopefully we can keep our form going through the finals and make a big push.”
Marathon, held for its 14th iteration, at the Wangaratta Showgrounds. Some 1200 registered runners enjoyed cooler than expected conditions for the series of events over 42km, 21km, 10km, 5km and 2km distances. More coverage on page 13.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
WANGARATTA Magpies confirmed they’ll be a fearsome team in the finals series after a massive victory over Ovens Valley United in their last home and away match of the WDCA A grade season on Saturday.
Resuming at 0/4 at the Wangaratta Showgrounds, the Magpies breezed past
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
the asking total of 111, piling on the pain to finish the match at 7/293.
Jarryd Wallace was content to dig in, but edged one off Bailey Wyatt for only
one, with the Magpies immediately on the back foot at 1/5.
Dean Simmons would continue on, combining with skipper Cooper Matheson for a match-winning partnership of 137 runs.
Simmons seized on any loose delivery, keeping a resolute defence for his 43
from 120, while the power hitting came from the other end.
Matheson was imperious, clobbering 92 runs from just 101 deliveries to help lift his side over the line.
After Matheson was dismissed, edging Wyatt to first slip, Jack Davies would continue the damage.
Combining with Oliver Andrew (28 off 64), Davies would carve out a handy half century to boost the total past 200.
Plenty of players enjoyed time in the middle, with Jimmy Thewlis (12 off 21), Callum Honey (29 off 27), Zac Guilfoyle (11* from 25) and Rhys Grant (11* from
13) chipping in late in the day.
Matheson said it was a brilliant time for the squad to find some form.
“We finished the game off very strongly, with our batting backing up our bowling from the week before,” he said.
■ Continued page 15
