Football and netball made a triumphant return in the Ovens and King league in misty conditions on Saturday. North Wangaratta’s Hunter Fraser (le ) puts a chase on Milawa’s Brandon Fitzpatrick in the Demons’ 45-point win at home. See full results in sport.
THE battle for the federal seat of Indi has begun in earnest, with candidates quickly pivoting into full campaign mode following Prime Minister Anthony Albanese ocially dissolving parliament on Friday morning and calling a federal election on 3 May. The announcement, just days a er Labor handed down its 2025/26 federal budget, kickstarts a ve-week election campaign for candidates.
BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
Trenery, Labor’s Mitch Bridges, The Greens’ Alysia Regan, Family First Party’s Michael White, One Nation’s Athol Thomas and Libertarian Party’s Tim Quilty have already declared their candidacy.
Incumbent Independent Helen Haines, Liberal James
While the Nationals, who polled 3.7 per cent of the primary vote in the 2022 Indi election, are a non starter, other candidates are likely to
been drawn with campaigns underway for 3
emerge before nominations close on April 10.
Incumbent Independent MP Helen Haines will be seeking her third term this election and said she would be ghting for what matters to Indi, not party politics.
“We set our own priorities right here in Indi and I’ll keep ghting for a fair deal for us and for regional Australia,” she said.
Dr Haines outlined key election pledges going into her campaign would include the Border community’s ght
for a new Albury-Wodonga hospital, further local infrastructure to unlock new housing, improve health services, access to childcare and telecommunications and government accountability.
“I’ve got a strong track record and worked across party lines and with governments of both stripes,” she said.
“Whether that’s been ghting for stranded communities during the pandemic, relief for communities impacted by bush res, shaping the national agenda with
housing solutions, and securing a National Anti-Corruption Commission, I’ve had local impact and national in uence.
“We share a vision of what Indi is and could be.”
Liberal candidate James Trenery is looking to win the Indi seat for his party for the rst time in 12 years.
For the Liberals to overcome the orange wave, Mr Trenery would need to pull o a near nine per cent swing from the 2022 election.
He said he is looking to de-
liver on the community’s call for change.
“Here in the North East, the past three years have been tough… we have not got our fair share,” the former Indigo Shire councillor said. Mr Trenery has pledged to follow through with his party’s plan to halve the fuel excise and drop the price of fuel by around 24 cents per litre, as well as delivering on cheaper energy with a mix of renewables, and “getting tough” on violent crime.
■ Continued page 2
■ From page 1
“Our Liberal plan will lower the cost of living immediately,” he said.
“We can’t a ord another three years of Labor and Helen Haines.”
Wodonga social worker Mitch Bridges will be vying for the seat as Indi’s Labor candidate, and said this election “is a clear choice between Labor building Australia’s future and strengthening Medicare with an $8.5b boost, or Peter Dutton, who will cut services and make you pay”.
“I’m committed to supporting our community with real solutions...under the Albanese Government, we’ve eased cost-of-living pressures through energy bill relief, tax cuts, and investments in a ordable housing and childcare,” he said.
“We’re also improving the Pharmaceutical Bene ts Scheme (PBS) to make medicines more a ordable, and our industrial
relations reforms have improved working conditions and provided better security for workers.”
Taggerty-based Alysia Regan, who is The Greens’ candidate, said the Indi electorate was being le behind in terms of housing.
“This election, we can’t keep voting for the same two parties and expect a di erent result,” she said.
“Labor and the Coalition are both backing new coal and gas and worsening the climate crisis… meanwhile, regional Victoria is experiencing more climate-related disasters, including bush res and oods.
“I’m proud to be part of a party that is ghting for no new coal and gas, publicly owned renewable energy, cheaper groceries, and a rent freeze.”
Family First Party of Australia have announced Michael White as their candidate for the Indi seat while Wodonga account-
ant and former councillor and state upper house MP Tim Quilty is running for the Libertarian Party.
Athol Thomas of Wodonga and the Kiewa Valley will stand for One Nation, hoping a background in cattle farming and focus on the agricultural sector will bring him votes.
“I want to provide an alternate for a lot of people who have become disenfranchised with Liberal in particular,” he said.
“One Nation policies are fantastic policies that are clearly geared towards the reduction of cost-of living, reduction of energy costs and future growth for Australians.
“They’re all policies that impact Indi quite signi cantly and I don’t know if Helen Haines has presented anything forward in her six years of being in parliament that have assisted the electorate in any of those ways.
“People really need to delve deeper into
what political parties o er...it’s not just what’s at face value that comes across a lot of mainstream media.”
One Nation tallied the fourth most primary votes in the 2022 election under candidate Beth Stevens, with 5.28pc.
Other parties to have candidates run in the last election including the Animal Justice Party and United Australia Party (Trumpet of Patriots Party) have yet to announce if they’ll contest Indi.
Indi has been held by an Independent since Cathy McGowan beat then Liberal incumbent Sophie Mirabella at the 2013 election.
ENROL TO VOTE:
The Australian Electoral Commission has advised that you must be correctly enrolled by 8pm Monday, 7 April, to vote in the federal election.
For more details go to the AEC website.
By SIMONE KERWIN
MUSIC lovers, arts supporters and the local community are being urged to help secure the future of the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues via a fundraising campaign launched on Thursday.
The ‘Sustaining the Sound’ campaign has set an ambitious $300,000 fundraising target.
Following the festival’s successful revival in 2024, the board has developed a threeyear vision focused on innovation, earlycareer artist development, and long-term nancial sustainability.
The rst phase campaign, which runs from now until June 30, aims to raise funds over those three years through philanthropic donations, bequests and community contributions.
“The Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues has been a cultural treasure for more than three decades,” festival director Andrew Nunn said.
“This campaign is about ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the magic of jazz and blues in our region.
“Every contribution, big or small, will help us grow and sustain this festival for years to come.”
By PETER NELSON
THE month of March in Wangaratta, and much of Victoria, has been notably warmer than average.
In North East Victoria the mean maximum temperature has been the warmest since 1940.
In Wangaratta the mean maximum temperature to date of 31.5 degrees is four degrees above normal and the highest since 32.7 degrees; whilst the mean minimum temperature of 13.8 degrees is three degrees above normal and the highest since 14.5 degrees in March of 1985.
Rainfall totals for the month up until 9am last Friday include 61mms at Wangaratta, 60.1mms at Benalla, 53.6mms at Albury and 46.6mms at Yarrawonga.
Mt Hotham to date has had 148.8mms including 74mms on 21 March which was the wettest for late March since 1985.
Little change from the warmer than normal conditions is expected this week when maximum temperatures could reach 32 degrees.
The next significant rain expected near mid-April, which is somewhat similar to what happened in 1985.
We were saturated with very heavy rain in August 1985.
Support for the campaign can be o ered as a tax-deductible donation via the festival’s online giving program; joining the Legacy Lounge Bequest Society and leaving a lasting impact; becoming a Festival Champion by making a major gi or monthly contribution; and by spreading the word about the campaign and encouraging others to give. Donors can give online or email wangjazz.gi s@yahoo.com for more information about major gi s, sponsorships, or bequests. To learn more and support the campaign, visit https://wangjazzblues.com.au/sustaining-the-sound-investing-in-the-future-ofwangaratta-jazz/
at Wangaratta at 7.30am, Wangaratta city at 7.32am, Wodonga TAFE at 8.10am, Wodonga CBD at 8.20am and Albury at 8.35am.
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
NOW is the time to share your valuable feedback with Northeast Health Wangaratta (NHW) by lling out a survey online that will inform its 2025-2028 Strategic Plan.
Examples of added services include expanded telehealth and virtual consultations, more specialist services, extra communitybased outreach programs, increased in-home care and support services, and additional rehabilitation and therapy services.
NHW has been travelling around the region and conducting listening posts to hear rsthand from people in the di erent communities about what they need regarding the delivery of health services from the organisation.
NHW board chair Alison Maclean said the board is really excited to be undertaking its strategic planning process.
“We have taken the view that hearing from the community is as essential as it always is to make sure their needs, their voices and their expectations from their health service come through in our plan,” Ms Maclean said.
“We have been in various towns interrupting and grabbing onto people as they walk past, asking them about what matters to them in relation to what we do here at Northeast Health.
“We’re thrilled to bits about being a large employer in the town, listening to our sta as well because they are essen-
tially the heart and soul of the place and we need them to be letting us know what matters because they’re also the voice of the community.”
Filling out the survey is easy and will only take a few minutes.
Ms Maclean said the survey is for people who might or might not visit the hospital
By STEVE KELLY
ONLY $250 million out of an expected $2.1 billion expected to be raised by Victoria’s new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund over the next three years is to go to the CFA and SES, according to Liberal MP for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell.
The upper house member is among a growing chorus voicing their opposition to the state government’s new levy, which is set to replace the former fire services levy from 1 July.
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is calling for an immediate halt to the levy, warning that whilst every Victorian will pay, farmers will pay the most.
“Under the proposed changes, the median fire services levy for primary producers will jump from $621 to $1299 per assessment, representing a staggering 109% increase,” VFF president Brett Hosking said.
“This change will result in some landholders receiving hikes in the tens of thou-
sands of dollars.
“In comparison, residential property owners will see a lower increase of 32%, highlighting the disproportionate burden placed on the agricultural sector.
“The policy is a blatant cash grab that will worsen cost-ofliving pressures across the state and cripple many farming businesses.”
Legislation for the levy was passed in the Legislative Assembly on 20 March and it could be debated in the upper house this week, where it is being opposed by Ms Lovell and her Liberal and National party colleagues.
“The Labor government is deliberately misleading taxpayers by including the words ‘volunteers fund’ in the title of the tax, when in fact almost 90 per cent of the extra revenue raised will go to two government departments, and government entities including Triple Zero Victoria and the Emergency Management Commissioner,” she said.
“Only $250 million of the ex-
tra $2.1b collected will go to the CFA and SES, while a number of volunteer organisations, such as volunteer ski patrols in our alpine resorts, are not listed to receive any funds at all.”
One Nation MP for the region, Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell, said she was fundamentally against any additional taxes or levies that are going to increase the financial burden on regional communities.
“Our farmers are an integral part of our way of life...they feed us, and the entire nation, and for farmers to be subject to such a dramatic increase is a disgrace,” she said.
“I am committed to standing up for my constituents in Northern Victoria against what is yet another example of the government hitting the hip pocket of regional people.”
Primary producers face cost rises from 28.7 cents per $1000 capital improved value (CIV) to 83 cents, commercial properties would see a hike from 66.4 cent/$1000 CIV to 133 cents.
THE Victorian government has defended its new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, accusing Liberal MP Wendy Lovell of “lying to regional Victorians” over where the funds raised will be spent.
Responding to questions from North East Media, a government spokesperson said the fund is about making sure emergency services have the sustainable funding and equipment they need to keep Victorians safe and to recover from natural disasters.
“Regional Victoria is one of the most fire-prone areas in the world and natural disasters such as fire, floods and storms are becoming more frequent and severe,” they said.
“Every single dollar raised by the new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund will support our emergency services – helping them to keep communities safe year-round.”
The spokesperson said Ms Lovell’s claims that “almost 90 per cent of the extra revenue raised will go to two government departments” was false and that Fire Rescue Victoria and the Country Fire Association would be the two entities receiving the most funding from the ESVF”.
The spokesperson also said “the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund Bill makes it clear that the fund will be used to collect up to 95 per cent of the budgets for CFA and VICSES – this is more than $250m”.
frequently or can see themselves visiting in the future.
“Give us your brilliant ideas, you’ve probably sat in our waiting rooms or on various beds and you might have thought of a great idea, we’d love to know,” Ms Maclean said.
“Even if you don’t come here, but you might be get-
ting older and you see yourself accessing our healthy services in the future, how would you like them, would you like us to bring more services to your home, have you ever used the community health, or the dental service?
“We look at the demographic and we listen to very important people telling us
the town’s growing and the population’s changing, but we actually want to hear from you.”
As NHW is the centre for many services such as the emergency department, which people from outlying towns access, the opinion of people in the whole 90,000 resident catchment area is important.
Feedback from the listening posts so far has been generally positive and the consultation team wants to hear more about speci c services that would be supportive to individual people’s needs.
To ll out the con dential survey scan the QR code with your phone’s camera, or visit northeasthealth.org.au/ have-your-say and click ‘Online Survey’.
The Wangaratta Chronicle will be in attendance at the midwifery ward on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9.30am to take photos of newborns with their parents, grandparents and/or siblings. Consent forms are available from Northeast Health Wangaratta and from Wangaratta Chronicle staff on the day.
If you would like a photo but are not at the ward at the time of visiting, you can come into the Wangaratta Chronicle office at 37 Rowan Street during office hours to organise it. Photographs are available to purchase from the Wangaratta Chronicle office.
(8lb
He
weighed 3.93kg (8lb 7oz). She is the sister of George, and the daughter of Laura Kelly and Benjamin Kelly of Rutherglen.
weighed 2.8kg (6lb
He is
MEL and Michael Paul, owners of M&M Xtreme World of Fitness, have once again spread the sunshine for the 2025 Sunshine Ride.
A new record of more than $150,000 was raised on the ride for the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund, with the M&M Xtreme team contributing $2000.
“It was a day of fun, laughs and of course hard work,” Mel said.
“Local businesses such as The Dons delivered pizzas for the riders, Butlers Pantry Bakehouse took care of the sugar x while Elite Supps Wangaratta had taste testing, Zambreros donated vouchers, our partners Anytime Fitness Wangaratta joined in, and the Spirited Party Shop
brought along balloons.
“Mario Antonello from Afonso Building solutions was the rst rider to begin with our son Brodie and some pretty amazing M&M members taking the early morning shi s.”
Mel and Mike’s other sons Bailey, Jett and Noah also took part making it a real family a air.
“RCOW councillors and deputy mayor Harvey Benton were there to support and we thank all our local community for supporting this event and making a real difference for cancer patients,” Mel said.
“We are so lucky to live in a caring generous and supportive town like Wangaratta.
“The M& M team look forward to doing it all again next year.”
Monday, 30 March, 2015
By KYLIE WILSON
HAVING been in existence for around seven years, the Wangaratta Ukulele Band are a tight-knit group of people who enjoy making music together.
The group has grown to include about 20 members, and meet each Thursday at the Masonic Lodge in Appin Street between 5.30-7.30pm.
On the first Thursday of each month, the club meets for a social get together and public performance at the Vine Hotel.
Those who are interested in learning ukulele, whatever their skill level, are more than welcome to get in touch with the group.
The band held a “give it a go” session earlier this month and intends to run a series of classes to help people to polish their skills in singing, strumming and more.
The band will also be performing at Paddy’s Hotel in Albury as part of the Uke Empire event from 3.30 onwards on April 19.
The band performs regularly at public events in the region, including Relay for Life, and also play for residents of nursing homes and retirement villages on a regular basis.
By SHAUN McMAHON
COMMUNITY advocate Alysia Regan has been announced as the Greens candidate for the seat of Indi in the upcoming federal election, pledging to push for climate action, a ordable housing and a stronger regional voice in Canberra.
Ms Regan, who has previously stood as a Greens candidate for the District of Sandringham in the 2022 Victorian state election, and in the 2024 Bayside council election, brings a background in not-for-profit work, community advocacy and early childhood education.
She currently divides her time between metropolitan Melbourne and her family’s farm in Taggerty, in the Murrindindi Shire.
“My family have been proud Murrindindi Shire small business owners in the town of Taggerty for 45 years,” she said.
“I work on my primary producing farm on weekends and during school holidays, with my three daughters who enjoy riding their motorbikes around the 125-acre property.”
Ms Regan has served on campaign
and branch committees for the Bayside Glen Eira Greens and has been nominated for several civic awards, including the Victorian Disability Awards, as well as council’s Woman of the Year and Citizen of the Year.
“I have a strong history in advocacy across the not-for-pro t, community and early childhood education sectors,” she said.
“I’ve been recognised for promoting rights for people with disability.”
In announcing her candidacy for Indi, Ms Regan said she would be a voice for regional communities.
“We’re in a housing crisis and regional Victoria is being le behind,” she said.
“In Indi, more than 40 per cent
of renters are experiencing rental stress.”
Ms Regan criticised the major parties for continuing to support fossil fuel projects, arguing the electorate is already bearing the brunt of climate change.
“Labor and the Coalition are both backing new coal and gas and worsening the climate crisis,” she said.
“Meanwhile, regional Victoria is experiencing more climate-related disasters, including bush res and oods.”
She said the Greens’ platform offers voters a real alternative.
“I’m proud to be part of a party that is ghting for no new coal and gas, publicly owned renewable en-
ON THE TRAIL: ALYSIA REGAN WILL CONTEST THE FEDERAL SEAT OF INDI FOR THE GREENS.
READY TO BURN: Controlled burns are planned across the North East, including the Bright area, in autumn.
FOREST Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) intends to take advantage of favourable weather and forest conditions with priority burns in the North East, to reduce the risk of bush res on the community and environment.
ergy, cheaper groceries, and a rent freeze,” she said.
“We want to make big corporations pay their fair share of tax and fund things we all need, like dental and mental health into Medicare and government-built homes to rent and buy.
“In a wealthy country like ours, everyone should be able to a ord the basics and governments should actually solve the problems we face.”
Ms Regan said the people of Indi are ready for a stronger, progressive voice in parliament.
“The electorate of Indi knows they deserve more, and I am ready to demand it,” she said.
“If you want change, it’s time to vote for it.”
FFMVic deputy chief re o cer Aaron Kennedy, said priority burns are planned in state forest, parks and reserves around Beechworth, Yackandandah, Bright, Marysville, Toolangi, Kinglake, Glenburn, Woods Point, Tatong, Howqua, Mitta Mitta, Koetong and Tallangatta Valley over coming weeks.
He said more than 100 planned burns across an area of 46,300 hectares are prepared and ready for ignition in North East Victoria.
“Planned burning is one of the key tools re ghters use to reduce the size, intensity, and impact of bush res,” Mr Kennedy said.
“Reducing fuels such as grass, leaves, bark, shrubs and small fallen branches means res are less intense, slower to spread and safer for re ghters to control.
CONSTRUCTION is continuing at pace on ENGIE’s Goorambat East Solar Farm near Benalla with the help of a autonomous piling system.
Bouygues Construction Australia’s project director Bastien Sauvet said with ENGIE’s support, they have partnered with Built Robotics to trial the cutting-edge Autonomous Piling System at the 250MW solar facility.
“The system uses advanced AI, GPS, and sensor technology to precisely drive piles with minimal human oversight, boosting e ciency and accuracy,” Mr Sauvet said.
“This marks a major step in automating utility-scale solar construction, reducing costs, and accelerating timelines while maintaining high safety standards.”
The plan is for the piling to be completed around the end of June and installation of the rst solar panels is about to start this week, with the rst “golden row” almost complete – it will then be replicated across the rest of the site.
ENGIE’s general manager of engineering & asset delivery Leigh Newbery said its construction contractor, Bouygues Construction Australia, is managing the on-site works.
“We are currently peaking at about 240 people on-site for the construction, while our dedicated project team – including around 50 specialised sta in design, consulting, and management – ensures every detail is meticulously managed,” he said.
2026, it will have a generating capacity of up to 250 megawatts (MW), which is enough to power up to 105,000 average Victorian homes.”
tives, such as the planting of 14,000 trees on site to enhance local biodiversity and screen o the site for neighbouring farms.
concept known as agrivoltaics.
“Autumn is generally the best time of the year to undertake planned burns as the weather is more stable and re behaviour is manageable and predictable.”
“Given the limited opportunities to undertake planned burning, it is important that we commence this work as soon as weather and forest conditions are suitable.”
Mr Kennedy said while planned burning is the most e ective tool to reduce bush re risk, in locations where planned burning isn’t suitable, crews will mulch, mow, slash and spray, build fuel breaks and upgrade and maintain the public land road network to keep Victoria safer.
“We work with the Bureau of Meteorology to assess weather conditions, such as humidity, temperature and wind speed and will only carry out burns when the conditions are suitable, and it is safe to do so,” he said.
“Once the Goorambat East Solar Farm is built and commissioned in
Mr Newbery said the Goorambat East Solar Farm also incorporates numerous environmental initia-
“This approach is part of a broader vision to blend renewable energy with agriculture - a
“In Australia we are lucky to have the space to experiment with agrivoltaics, which might involve integrating sheep grazing or even specialised horticultural practices under the solar panels.”
Mr Kennedy said FFMVic works with emergency sector partners including the Country Fire Authority, Fire Rescue Victoria and Emergency Management Victoria to manage bush re risk, prepare communities and respond to bush res and other emergencies.
Register for the latest updates about where and when FFMVic deliver planned burning at https://plannedburns. m.vic.gov.au/.
SOME of us may already be dreading what’s to come of the next five weeks of election campaigns, but we must pay close attention to what our candidates have to say.
After weeks, if not months, of pre–campaign campaigning by all parties a fair portion of the electorate would be already burnt out from all the political argy–bargy just when we should be starting to focus on the job at hand –deciding who to vote for.
Irrespective of the claims, accusations, counter claims and plain hysteria that will be thrust on us, we need to keep our mind on the job.
Voters must realise they have a significant role to play to ensure the successful candidate reflects the majority of our community’s opinion.
We can only choose who we think is best to serve our needs and hopes and that may be due to their personal strengths, their policies and for some their political allegiances.
Political advertisements and announcements will only become more frequent from today, but what’s important is for people who are unsure what their candidates will bring to the table.
Affordable housing, cost-of-living, energy and healthcare standout as the common key issues outlined by candidates and figuring out where they stand on these issues will be wise to keep track of before making your decision.
Most important of all, we remain a democracy and have the right to choose the people who will represent our values and hopefully take the entire nation forward.
The tricky part for all of us on 3 May will be who you entrust to take on that responsibility.
1. 1. On 17 March 2017, who became the Treasurer of Western Australia?
2. 2. What pseudonym is used by David John Moore Cornwell when writing novels?
3. 3. Dustin Hoffman won his rst Best Actor Oscar for which movie?
4. 4. How many sheets are in a ream of paper?
5. 5. Who succeeded Ferdinand Marcos as President of the Philippines?
6. 6. What was the rst building with 100+ stories?
7. 7. Who provides the voice for the character, Baby Groot, in the 2017 movie, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2?
8. 8. Which Greek philosopher is credited with the quote, “Love is a serious mental disease.”?
9. 9. In which 2010s TV series does Téa Leoni play the role of Dr. Elizabeth “Bess” Adams McCord?
10. 10. The martial art called okichitaw originated in which country?
11. 11. Who created the famous children’s character, Noddy?
12. 12. In which decade of the 18th century did George Washington become the rst US President?
13. 13. Which cartoon TV series had a character called The Great Gazoo?
14. 14. What was the rst non-Victorian team to win the AFL Grand Final?
15. 15. Which country shares Botswana’s western border?
16. 16. What is the largest and heaviest living land animal?
17. 17. Which Perth Wildcats player won the 2017 Larry Sengstock Medal?
18. 18. Who was the lead singer of the 1960s-70s band, T-Rex?
19. 19. In which country are The Remarkables mountain range located?
20. 20. Who wrote the 1905 novel, Invasion of the Sea?
FACEBOOK users this week commented on the theft of a watch that belongs to Wangaratta resident Wayne Stafford and was gifted to him by his late wife.
• Sally Rodgers: So sorry to read this Wayne and hope it is returned to you x
• Kylie Coatsworth Watson: I’m so sorry to hear this Wayne. I really hope that this very special and meaningful item finds its way back to you soon. xox
• Rob Bell: I hope you get it back Wayne Stafford Facebook users this week also commented on proposed fire services levy and the impact it could have on farmers.
• Ant Meyer: Just another tax on hard working Australians from mismanaged government spending
• Linda Simpson: A disgraceful cash grab!
Facebook users this week also commented on Indi Liberal candidate
WHY do the governments not come out and tell everyone Australia we are not a major player in the world arena.
With Australia basically being a dig it up and ship it out country to maintain our standard of living.
But we are living beyond our means when we have to borrow money to cover all our expenditure concerns me as it will eventually come to an end quickly if the Greens, Teals Labor and some independents keep stopping or slowing down development of the resources which has sustained our standard of living for many decades.
Australia should have no foreign debt and have money put away for what we call a rainy day in case of our exports are interrupted for a signi cant period or a signi cant event occurs..
Two recent governments, Swan and Rudd along with Morrison and Frydenberg went on spending spree under the guise of an emergency.
Then and even until today I believed we should have taken our medicine there and then and probably gone into a recession.
But what we have now produced is a handout society and people do not seem to care where the money comes from.
If you look at the interest, we pay each year now it staggers me how we could be using that to make Australia’s future look totally di erent.
If you listen to some economists, you think recession is a bad word.
Yes, it is tough for many, but we tighten our belts during this short period.
Just think if you managed your household budget by continually borrowing money to live, what would be the result.
John Walker, North Wangaratta
WITH almost 27,000 number plates stolen across Victoria in 2024, representing a 45.8 per cent increase since 2023, RACV is calling on the Victorian Government to require new and second-hand vehicle dealerships to install number plates with anti-the screws.
This requirement could be phased in, starting with standard number plates.
The latest data from the Victorian Crime Statistics Agency reveals a concerning ten-year high in number plate the s, with almost 27,000 reported cases in the 12-month period ending 31 December 2024, up from 18,480 the previous year.
On average there are 73 number plate the s
NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.
James Trenery’s support for nuclear power plans if Coalition wins government.
• Kieran Crichton: Oh dear!
• Leslie Matthews: It’s not like he will have much say either way ....
• Raymond Andison: Trenery needs to explain things like how will they overturn the current nuclear ban? cost to purchase, install, operate and maintain? where is the nuclear waste going to go? Where are they going to
source the enormous amount of water needed for Reactor Cooling? Where are they going get skilled experienced staff to install, operate and maintain these white elephants? What happens if the State Governments don’t want it? What is plan B if like most LNP projects they go way over time and budget?
• Jill Lindquist: Raymond Andison yours is a checklist of perfectly reasonable questions for which there have been no answers.
Our follower total is Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.
15,200
ROLLOUT: Instant turf has been laid at Wareena Park as part of the ongoing revitalisation of the ground. The turf will be over-sown with a winter grass to ensure the surface is durable for the 2025 football season and beyond. The turf needs three to four weeks without use for the best possible establishment. Training is expected to resume on the oval in mid-to-late April, depending on weather conditions.
in Victoria per day and that people should be aware that the best deterrent from physical the is to install anti-the screws.
To deter cloning, registration numbers should be illegible when publishing an image of a car online.
RACV is also calling on the government to release the outcomes of the technology trials that were announced in 2019, to combat number plate the and cloning.
While number plate the seems like a lowlevel crime, the reality is it can lead to serious issues for motorists – including identity the and other crimes.
Number plates remain the most commonly stolen item from vehicles, with thieves able to remove standard plates in under 10 seconds.
Stolen plates are being used to commit other crimes including fuel the , drug tra cking, ram raids, burglaries, police evasion, and avoiding tra c infringements.
Beyond physical the , criminals are now also engaging in ‘virtual the ’ by copying registration details from photos posted online to car sales websites or social media, printing them on laminated paper or 3D printers to attach over their own plates.
The nancial impact for victims is signicant, with replacement costs ranging from $39 to $293 depending on plate type, plus the time taken waiting for replacement plates.
Additionally, driving without displaying proper number plates can result in a $385 ne and three demerit points.
Neighbourhood Watch, in partnership with
Victoria Police and RACV, is hosting Safe Plate Days where volunteers install anti-the screws. Anti-the screws are also available from auto shops, hardware stores, and service stations. If number plates are stolen, victims should immediately report the the to local police by visiting the nearest station, calling 131 444, or submitting an online form. They should then visit a VicRoads Customer Service Centre with evidence of identity to apply for new plates with di erent identi cation numbers.
For more information about upcoming Safe Plate Days, visit the Neighbourhood Watch website.
James Williams, RACV head of policy and Bambi Gordon, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch Victoria
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FANTASTICAL LANDSCAPES:
Works being exhibition include Miles HOWARDWILKS Untitled 2023 glaze, terracotta 15 x 22 x 13 cm MHC23-0019.
BENALLA Art Gallery and Arts
Project Australia are once again partnering to present an exhibition in the gallery shop: Magpie and Mates by Miles Howard-Wilks.
Miles Howard-Wilks is a midcareer artist who specialises in painting, ceramics, photography, digital art and zines.
His work features dynamic and surreal landscapes and seascapes with recurring motifs of iconic Australian animals, landmarks and transport.
Howard-Wilks has worked at Arts Project since 2000 and has presented three solo exhibitions.
He has exhibited in national and
international group exhibitions and has work in the National Gallery of Australia, National Gallery of Victoria, Museum of Contemporary Art and City of Melbourne collection, as well as private collections worldwide.
Arts Project Australia is an internationally leading visual arts organisation that champions neurodivergent artists and artists with intellectual disability.
Through their studio program, exhibition opportunities, and professional development pathways, Arts Project artists are empowered to develop their practice and build meaningful careers in the
contemporary arts sector.
Benalla Art Gallery director, Eric Nash, said the exhibition was “an upli ing continuation of our partnership with the country’s leading organisation supporting artists with intellectual disabilities.”
“Miles Howard-Wilks is such an inventive artist; the ceramic forms displayed feature fantastical garden scenes, trains and other features from our urban landscape, and of course prominently celebrate our favourite feathered warblers, the magpie,” he said. All works in the gallery shop are available to purchase.
adventure.
MADAGASCAR The Musical is bringing the magic of the beloved DreamWorks lm to the stage for Wangaratta audiences.
As part of their Australian tour, the production will be held at the WPACC on Saturday, 5 April at 10.30am and 2pm.
Presented by Showcase Entertainment Group and directed by Nick Wilkinson , this global sensation show has landed down under, ready to ignite the stage with electrifying energy, jaw-dropping
production and world-class performances.
Featuring iconic characters, vibrant storytelling, dazzling costumes and catchy tunes in a spectacular Broadway-style production, this the ultimate interactive theatre experience. When New York’s biggest star, Alex the lion, and his best friends nd themselves whisked from their pampered lives at Central Park Zoo to the untamed jungles of Madagascar, chaos, comedy and high-energy antics unfold.
Along the way, they meet hilarious unforgettable characters, including the outrageously amboyant King Julien, who will have everyone dancing in their seats.
It’s a refreshing alternative to screen-based entertainment, encouraging participation, focus and family bonding through an exciting multi-sensory adventure. Tickets are on sale now - so you better move it, move it. Visit the QR code to nd out more.
OPPORTUNITY: Harry Goeby and Anthony Chisholm, both year 12 students at Wangaratta High School, will be among the young performers taking part in the WHS Talent Quest on Wednesday, 2
THE 41-year tradition of the Wangaratta High School Talent Quest is set to continue, with the 2025 event to be held on Wednesday, 2 April.
‘Nostalgic Kids TV’ is the theme of this year’s talent quest, which highlights the school’s quality music program and the depth of talent among students - and staff.
“It’s another chance to showcase our skills, and the last time we’ll get to be part of this event at school,” year 12 WHS student Anthony Chisholm
“It will be something to remember.”
Together with fellow year 12 student Harry Goeby, Anthony will be performing in a number of different bands at the talent quest, including Lukewarm Chilli Peppers.
High school teacher Scott Solimo said students set to take the stage in the WHS Performing Arts Centre on Wednesday evening had been through an audition process to win their spots in the line-up, resulting in the curation of a 20-act show covering a range of genres and everything from bands to solo acts.
“It’s a good opportunity for these young people to play in front of an audience, with full stage production,” he said.
Along with student performances including the opening and closing year 12 acts, the staff act is always a highlight of the show and will again feature in 2025.
Doors open at the WHS PAC at 6.30pm on Wednesday for a 7pm start, and the event is open to everyone. Tickets can be purchased via compasstix.com or the Wangaratta High School administration office.
For more information, visit https:// www.whs.vic.edu.au/talentquest/
ACROSS
1 What is childish talk (6)
8 Which person is born under the sign of Aquarius (8)
9 Name a term for an appointment (6)
10 To be rude, is to be what (8)
11 To say again, is to do what (6)
13 Name a vehicle with only one wheel (8)
16 To fraternise, is to do what (8)
19 To be jubilant, is to be what (6)
22 Name an arachnid with a venomous sting (8)
24 To be pitiful, is to be what (6)
25 What is the art and training of a horse in obedience, etc (8)
26 To have formed an opinion, is to have done what (6)
DOWN
2 To lift up, is to do what (5)
3 Name estimated worth (5)
4 What is freedom from narrow restrictions (8)
5 What is a protuberance or swelling (4)
6 Name a man’s soft felt hat (6)
7 Name a collusive syndicate (6)
12 What is money or riches known as (4)
14 To be pressed in, is to be what (8)
17 What is a call for a repetition (6)
18 What do we call that which is the fewest in number (6)
20 To astonish greatly, is to do what (5)
21 What is prolonged separation from one’s country or home (5)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
1 CONTEXT
(a) A struggle for victory
(b) Associated surroundings
(c) A position argued for 2 DEONTOLOGY
(a) The science of duty
15 What is one unit of a dollar called (4)
Letters have a number value
23 Name an officiating priest of a mosque (4)
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
(b) The theory of the origin and nature of communities
(c) The worship of demons
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:
Atlas (3)
Limb (3)
Manufacturing area (7)
Online Reporting System (3)
Pathology: thin discharge (5)
Pretentiously virile (5)
Religiously fervent (5) Ruin (3)
Sicilian criminal society (5) Sloping roof supports (7)
GROWERS impacted by low rainfall across Australia’s southeast are being reminded to think about herbicide residues when planting back to oats this season.
Independent agronomist with Trengove Consulting, Ben Smith, says that in some situations there hasn’t been enough moisture in soil proles to break down last year’s herbicide applications.
“It’s a real watch-out for oat hay growers this season, particularly in South Australia and the western half of Victoria where there will be areas that haven’t had effective rainfall or enough time pass to deal with her-
bicide residues,” he said.
“There are certain products that require a set amount of e ective rainfall over a dened timeframe before you can safely resow to oats.
“And while the rainfall and interval amounts are on product labels, the important thing here is ‘e ective rainfall’ and not just whether you’ve had the total amount listed.”
For rainfall to be e ective it must penetrate into the soil, keeping it moist to a depth of around 5-10cm for a reasonable period.
“It needs to persist long enough for the soil microbes to have the time to break down any herbicide
residues,” Mr Smith said.
“While you may have actually received the rainfall volume on the label, if it all came down in heavy falls that ran o or there were long gaps between events, you may not have had enough moisture in the soil long enough to degrade all your residues.”
There are several actives and products growers should be particularly aware of.
Pre-emergent treatment Overwatch (bixlozone, Group 13) has a replanting interval of nine months and 250mml interim rainfall for oats, while Sakura and Mateno Complete (pyroxasulfone, Group 15) have a 21-month
and 550ml rainfall plantback to oats.
Any in-season application of imidazolinone (Group 2) products, like Intervix and Intercept, needs to be considered as in many areas there hasn’t been enough rain to satisfy plantback requirements.
Newer IMI tolerant oat varieties Kingbale and Archer can provide residue protection.
Likewise, Re ex (fomesafen, Group 14), Callisto (mesotrione, Group 27) and Talinor (bicyclopyrone, Group 27 and bromoxynil, Group 6) all have 9 month, 250 mm plantback restrictions which may not have been met.
Some sulfonylureas (Group 2) also pose a risk. This includes products with metsulfuron (Ally, Stinger, Trounce), chlorsulfuron (Glean), triasulfuron (Logran) and mesosulfuron (Atlantis).
Soil pH is an important consideration with group 2s.
“The key with all of these is that even if the rainfall volume is achieved, there still has to be adequate soil microbial activity for residue degradation,” Mr Smith said.
“If that hasn’t happened you run the risk of your oats being adversely a ected, leading to issues such as poor crop performance with
DOUBLE CHECK:
Oat growers are urged to check their herbicide application and rainfall records carefully, and talk to their agronomist before sowing oats.
yellowing, stunted growth, reduced vigour, bleaching and root pruning being potential symptoms.”
Mr Smith suggests growers check their application and rainfall records carefully, and talk to their agronomist.
“You can also do a bioassay on the crop or a soil sample to compare with a non-treated paddock, to check for any residues present.
“It has been an incredibly dry year, and in some areas the rain that has been received was patchy to say the least, so it really pays to double check your paddock situation before planting your oats.”
THE Victorian government has expanded the range of two critically endangered small-bodied native sh, Moroka galaxias and McDowall’s galaxias, by stocking both species into the wild for the rst time.
Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) CEO Travis Dowling said the release of 50 Moroka galaxias and 50 McDowall’s galaxias will help curb their risk of extinction and safeguard against increasing occurrences of climate-driven emergencies.
Moroka galaxias survive in one isolated population in the headwaters of the Moroka River within the Alpine National Park, while the last remaining McDowall’s galaxias population inhabits the headwaters of the Rodger River in the Snowy River National Park.
The 100 galaxias were bred for the rst time in late 2024 at the VFA’s Snobs Creek Conservation Hatchery, which was completed last year using $2.725 million from the state and federal governments.
“This is signi cant a milestone in the recovery of critically endangered species and the health of our freshwater ecosystems, where smallbodied native sh play an important role,” Mr Dowling said.
“Moroka galaxias and McDowall’s galaxias have never
been bred or stocked for conservation before, so it’s exciting to see the collaborative 10inTen plan delivering bene ts in its early days.”
Both galaxiids are nationally listed as critically endangered on the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, having been identi ed as facing a high risk of extinction if no action was taken from threats including re, drought, oods and predator invasion events.
The galaxiids are also part of the 10inTen plan to restock and recover ten aquatic native species in as many years, in partnership with Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action’s Arthur Rylah Institute (ARI)
for Environmental Research. Other species in the plan include cat sh, Murray hardyhead, Glenelg freshwater mussel, South Gippsland spiny cray sh, southern purple-spotted gudgeon, southwestern Victorian black sh, Macquarie perch, and trout cod.
Entering its second calendar year, the VFA’s Conservation Hatchery has made ground-breaking progress breeding black sh in a hatchery environment for the rst time, reintroducing the once-extinct olive perchlet into Victorian waters, and successfully producing Glenelg freshwater mussel o spring.
For more information visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au/10inTen.
CONCRETING , big or small jobs, paths, driveways, shed slabs, verandahs, 15 years experience. For a free quote phone Trev Anderson on 0422 200 761.
KITCHENS JUST FOR YOU, cabinet making solutions. Kitchens available before Christmas. Phone Roland 0414 950 647.
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.
GERMAN Shepherd pups purebred male/ female, $800 each, fully vaccinated and vet checked, born 1/2/2025 at Myrtleford, both parents available source ID: MB138819, Microchip numbers: 956000017027384, 956000016168238, 956000016195105, 956000016196708. Contact Betty 0408 573 241.
WANTED – looking for a male Maltese Shih Tzu or Maltese for breeding with a female purebred Maltese Shih Tzu. Looking for around 2 years of age with a quiet temperament. Ph 0434 370 879.
MAZDA 2023 CX3 auto hatch, reg CHC333, one owner, immaculate condition, service books,11,875kms,RWC, $27,750 REDUCED PRICE $26,950. Phone Maxwell.K.Batey on 0419 547 308.
2014 Ford Ranger Wildtrack, Wangaratta, 262,000km, RWC, reg till July (1VR2GV), 2 keys, light bar, electric seats, blue tooth, R cam, service history, local, $20,900 ONO. Call Steve 0402 222 634.
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). Ph 0434 590 566
MITSUBISHI Tray
Top Ute, 410,00km, motor rebuilt, 6 month rego (CU57VL), $2800. Ph 0439 766 211.
2017 Ford Transit CamperVan,54,000km, (1KG6TW),$62,000, for more information ring Phil 0418 994 147.
17FT 1976 York Caravan, $6000. Call 0493 221 685 and leave a message, I will get back to you when I can.
BRAND NEW BOAT PACKAGE, Stacer 379 Proline boat, Bimini Boat Cover, Honda 15 HP outboard, 7 Year warranty Stacer trailer, 12 months rego, Safety Gear, $11,000. Ph 0429 082 292.
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.
AND GROUNDS SCHOOL SERVICES OFFICER (FTE .39 ongoing)
Do you enjoy variety in your work? Do you like being outdoors, then Borinya is for you! Borinya WCP are looking for a dedicated maintenance and grounds person to join our team. Borinya WCP is a specialist school setting inspired by the Catholic story, that offers young people in years 7-12, an opportunity to re-engage with their education. For further details on how to apply and position description please visit our website: www.borinya.catholic.edu.au/news/#jobs OR email ksaunders@borinya.catholic.edu.au
Applications close on Friday, April 18, 2025
Borinya WCP embrace diversity and social inclusion and encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply. We are committed to ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and inclusion of all children.
Award winning newspaper publisher, North East Media, has a vacancy for an apprentice printer to work at our state-of-the-art press facility in Wangaratta, where the Wangaratta Chronicle and more than 20 other regional newspapers are printed.
The successful applicant will be committed to completing the four years of training,during which they will be taught all facets of newspaper printing. Applicants must be self motivated, reliable and be able to work in a close team environment.
This is a full-time position of 38 hours per week, but some flexibility will be required.
If you are looking for a new challenge in an energetic and stimulating environment with a long standing publisher, we would encourage you to forward your covering letter and CV (including three referees) to:
Children’s Services Authorised Of cer –Hume Area – VPS4
2 x Full-time ongoing positions
North Eastern Victoria Area
The Victorian Department of Education is seeking two suitably quali ed Children’s Services Authorised Of cers based in the Hume Area.
As a Children’s Services Authorised Of cer, you will play a key role in promoting quality improvement in Early Childhood Education and Care services by visiting centres and services in your regional area to actively monitor compliance, undertake investigations and conduct assessment and rating visits in adherence with the National Law, Children’s Services Act and Child Safe Standards. This dynamic and rewarding role will give you the opportunity to promote quality improvement and support practice outcomes, while working in a supportive environment that provides training and upskilling opportunities.
While you will ideally have experience in compliance, investigations or working in an early learning environment with a deep understanding of the legislations and National Quality Framework, this is not essential. Candidates with suitably transferrable skills will be considered and are encouraged to apply.
Quali cations and Experience:
Desirable: Relevant quali cations in early childhood education, teaching, or other human welfare studies, behavioural studies or similar.
Essential: Successful applicants will be required to hold a valid Victorian Working with Children’s Check and Victorian driver’s licence. Applicants are encouraged to apply online via the Careers Vic website: https://careers.vic.gov.au
Please refer to Reference: VG/1851162
Applications close: Midnight the 10th of April
Contact: Deb Ellis, Area Manager via (03) 5858 8982 or Deb.Ellis@education.vic.gov.au RS3491
18/9/1931 – 28/3/2025
Passed away peacefully at Woods Point surrounded by her loved ones.
Loving wife of Stirling for 66 years. Loving mother of Kerry, Philip, Geo rey, Michelle and mother-in-law of Rod, Donna and Chris. Loving grandmother to Nicholas, Amy, Sarah, Rachel, Jessica, Terence, Abbey, Shannon, Justin, Jacinta, David, Thomas, Eleisha, Simon and Jay. Loving great-grandmother.
Reunited with Dad, Loved & remembered. xox
Advertisers please note!
Much hardship and difficulty is caused to job seekers by misleading advertising placed in the employment columns. Our Employment column is reserved for advertisements which carry a specific and genuine offer of employment.
Ads for 'Business Opportunities', 'Commission Only' training courses and employment services should be submitted under those headings. Placing misleading ads is an offence against the Trade Practices Act and state/territory fair trading acts and all advertisements are subject to the publisher's approval. For further advice, contact: The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on 1300 302 502 or your state consumer affairs agency.
Matthew Paul.
8/3/1978 – 1/4/2024
We think of you every day, you are so dearly loved and greatly missed. A wonderful Dad to Maggie and Sydney. ~ Love Mum and Dad, and all our family.
The funeral of the late Mrs Betty May Jones will be held at St Cuthbert’s Anglican Church, 41-43 Piper Street Yarrawonga, on Friday, April 4, 2025 commencing at 11am.
The funeral will leave the church at the conclusion of service for the Yarrawonga Cemetery.
ROVERS UNITED BRUCK DEF WANGARATTA MAGPIES
ROVERS UNITED BRUCK 1ST INNINGS
Charith Perera c: Fraser Ellis b: Oliver Andrew 2 Ryan Collier c: Cooper Matheson b: Oliver Andrew 7
Reid McNamara c: Jack Davies b: Fraser Ellis 47
Paddy McNamara (c) c: Jack Davies b: Oliver Andrew 5 Jeremy Wilson (c) c: Jarryd Wallace b: Oliver Andrew 2
Matthew Whitten lbw: Fraser Ellis 3
Jacob Schonafinger b: Fraser Ellis 26
Lakpriya S G Arachchilage lbw: Kyle Winter-Irving 12
Luke Whitten lbw: Kyle Winter-Irving 0
Brady Bartlett not out 10*
Charlie Lugg b: Kyle Winter-Irving 2
BOWLING: Oliver Andrew 25/9/31/4, Dean Simmons 6/1/10/1, Fraser Ellis 30/12/55/3, Kyle Winter Irving 12/1/21/3.
WANGARATTA MAGPIES 1ST INNINGS
Dean Simmons b: Brady Bartlett
Matheson (c) c: Jeremy Wilson b: Paddy
Jack Davies c: Lakpriya S G Arachchilage b: Jacob Schonafinger
Oliver Andrew c: Lakpriya S G Arachchilage b: Jacob Schonafinger
Kyle Winter-Irving c&b: Brady Bartlett
James Thewlis c: Lakpriya S G Arachchilage b: Paddy McNamara
Fraser Ellis not out
Nic Bonwick lbw: Brady Bartlett
Callum Honey c: Jeremy Wilson b: Paddy McNamara
Zac Guilfoyle c: Charith Perera b: Paddy McNamara
Extras Total Overs
BOWLING: Paddy McNamara 19.2/10/26/5, Jacob Schonafinger 21/4/31/2, Brady Bartlett 13/3/25/3, Jeremy Wilson 7/1/26/0.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Reid McNamara, RUB (47).
*Ladder correct at time of print from Ovens and King website.
A GRADE:
Tarrawingee 54 def Benalla All Blacks 39 Greta 23 def by Bright 30
Milawa 61 def North Wangaratta 16 Whorouly 52 def Bonnie Doon 40 Goorambat 40 def King Valley 20
B GRADE: Tarrawingee 59 def Benalla All Blacks 22
Greta 42 def by Bright 43; Whorouly 44 def Bonnie Doon 43
Milawa 48 def Nth Wang 25; Goorambat 39 def King Valley 17
B RESERVE: Tarrawingee 33 def Benall All Blacks 26
Whorouly 44 def Bonnie Doon 38; Greta 30 def by Bright 43
Milawa 55 def Nth Wang 24; Goorambat 42 def King Valley 19
C GRADE: Tarrawingee 22 def by Benalla All Blacks 26
Greta 38 def Bright 35; Whorouly 7 def by Bonnie Doon 43
Milawa 47 def Nth Wang 14; Goorambat 11 def by King Valley 76
�� & UNDER: Tarrawingee 15 def by Benalla All Blacks 35
Whorouly 15 def by Bonnie Doon 50; Greta 13 def by Bright 28
Milawa 54 def Nth Wang 8; Goorambat 5 def by King Valley 53
ROUND �
SATURDAY, APRIL �
MILAWA vs GRETA
BRIGHT vs WHOROULY
NTH WANGARATTA vs BONNIE DOON
KING VALLEY vs TARRAWINGEE
MOYHU vs GOORAMBAT
BENALLA ALL BLACKS � Bye
ALL
GOALS: TARRAWINGEE: N. Gorman 3, A. Cook 3, W. Creed 3, W. Phillips 2, S. Piper 2, S. Peters 1, O. Sharp 1, C. Chamberlain 1, Z. Howard 1. Benalla All Blacks FNC Seniors: M. Ryan 4, D. Broughton 1, C. Drury 1, D. Sinclair 1. BEST: TARRAWINGEE: Z. Howard, S. Piper, A. Cook, W. Creed, H. Amery, A. Amery. BENALLA ALL BLACKS: D. Button, B. Linke, M. Ryan, J. Walker, C. O Donnell, F. Weeks.
GRETA 4.5 4.8 9.9 11.11.77
BRIGHT 2.1 4.6 8.8 12.14.86
GOALS: GRETA: C. Crawford 2, B. Newbold 1, T. Arrowsmith 1, B. Pearson 1, L. Kennett 1, J. Kelly 1, F. Judd 1, J. McClounan 1, J. Bell 1, T. Baker 1. BRIGHT: C. Thomason 5, L. Quirk 2, W. Shem 1, R. Bacon 1, M. Kinthari 1, A. Dalbosco 1, J. Crawley 1. BEST: GRETA: M. Wettern, B. Hooper, L. Kennett, J. Bell, J. Kelly, P. Fruzynski. BRIGHT: W. Shem, J. Crawley, R. Arguello, A. Dalbosco, C. Thomason.
MILAWA 3.1 8.1 114.4 15.10.100
NTH WANGARATTA 3.3 4.5 5.6 8.7.55
GOALS: GOALS: Milawa: B. Kearns 4, J. Radovanovic 3, J. Baker-Swain 2, A. Bihun 2, H. Allan 2, A. Law 2. NORTH WANGARATTA: T. Nanson 3, J. Brown 1, M. Curtis 1, L. McDonell 1, B. Lane-Gee 1, C. Smith 1. BEST: MILAWA: B. Kearns, J. Radovanovic, A. Law, H. Kebede, A. Bihun, K. Collisson NORTH WANGARATTA: M. Curtis, B. Kingston, J. Nanson, B. Raggett, D. Killen, C. Arbuckle. GOORAMBAT 4.0
GOALS: GOORAMBAT: KING VALLEY: S. Bettio 1, T. Curren 1, O. Day 1, D. Young 1, L. Toohey 1, H. Sims 1. BEST: GOORAMBAT: KING VALLEY: T. Curren, R. Wood, D. Browne, B. Collihole, J. Toy, S. Evans.
GOALS: WHOROULY: M. Newton 6, A. Ankers 4, J. Smith 2. BONNIE DOON: C. Azzopardi 1,
A RESERVE GRAND FINAL
Rovers United Bruck 7/95
Jonathan Hyde 27 Nathan Goodees 3/7 def Delatite 10/94 Mark O’Loughlan 17 Adriano Speziale 2/10.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Jonathan Hyde, Rovers United Bruck (27).
B GRADE GRAND FINAL
Yarrawonga Mulwala 10/95
Hudson Gillies 51 Brendan Duncombe 3/12 def by Benalla Bushrangers 6/111
Craig Williams 30 Geoffrey Montgomery 3/29.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Lee Brennan, Benalla Bushrangers (24, 2/19).
C GRADE GRAND FINAL
Beechworth Wanderers
Stanley 10/84 Ryan
Niklaus 23 Ben Pickering 4/20 def by Yarrawonga Mulwala 5/87
Damian Leeburn 44* Hamish Malsem 2/12.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Damian Leeburn, Yarrawonga Mulwala (44*).
Dagoli, D. Cutrona, B. Schulz-Dahlenburg, A. Knights.
Whorouly 5.9 (39) Bonnie Doon ............ 7.13 (55)
GOALS: Whorouly: J. Pethybridge 2, B. Harrington 2, M. Bramich 1. Bonnie Doon: C. Houghton 3, T. Leiman 2, J. Kirley 1, L. Pinder 1. BEST: Whorouly: M. Harris, M. Vescio, S. Piazza, B. Harrington, K. Fitzpatrick, J. Morey. Bonnie Doon: T. Leiman, C. Houghton, L. Jenkins, A. Brkljacic, J. Octigan, F. Cameron. Greta 16.7 (103) Bright 6.6 (42)
By NATHAN DE VRIES
THE A grade grand nal went down to the wire, but Rovers United Bruck managed to pip Wangaratta Magpies at the post, claiming the Geo Welch Shield by just 17 runs at the Wangaratta Showgrounds.
It was clear from the rst ball it was going to be a lowscoring match, with the outeld lush and making runs so much more valuable.
Batting rst, the Hawks managed 128, led by a ghting e ort from young Reid McNamara, who’s battling innings of 47 from 172 staved o a top and middle order collapse.
Everything started o wrong for the Hawks, nding themselves in trouble at 5/55 early on day one.
Oliver Andrew (4/21 from 15 overs) and Fraser Ellis (3/55 from 30 overs) ripped through the top and middle order, dismissing Charith Perera, Ryan Collier, Paddy McNamara, Jeremy Wilson and Matt Whitten for single digit scores.
Schona nger and McNamara got the score past 100, but a er Schona nger was knocked over for 26, the innings started to stagnate.
Kyle Winter-Irving was the bane of the lower order, picking up 3/21 from his 12 overs.
With a small total on the board, the Hawks needed to bowl out of their skin on day two to claim victory.
Paddy McNamara set the tone, dismissing Jarryd Wallace and Cooper Matheson in successive balls to see Wangaratta at 2/3 early.
A ghtback was started by Jack Davies, whose 69-ball stay at the crease kept hopes alive for the Magpies.
Unfortunately, there was no one to go with him.
Oliver Andrew, Kyle Winter-Irving and James Thewlis were all dismissed cheaply, and when Davies himself fell for 13, it was up to Fraser Ellis and the tail. Ellis was composed, while Nic Bonwick (13) and Callum Honey (22) chipped in with vital runs.
The Magpies were 9/95, with victory still in reach, but a massive e ort was needed.
Zac Guilfoyle was determined to help his side to the victory, content to block everything out and let the in-form Ellis score the runs.
The pair managed to add a further 16 runs, but when Guilfoyle tried to punch a shorter one over point o Paddy McNamara, it caught the edge and sailed into the gloves of Perera.
McNamara was the spearhead with the ball, taking 5/26 from his 19.2 overs, while Jacob Schona nger (2/31) and Brady Bartlett (3/25) were among the wickets.
McNamara said it was a ghting victory from his side.
“We had a bat, thinking if the ball gets wet it would be pretty tough to bowl, but to their credit, Magpies bowled unbelievably, it was a tough deck to bat on and we lost a couple of early wickets and were in a bit of strife,” he said.
“We had one huge partnership between ‘Schona’ and Reid; Reid’s knock was so crucial and he ended up getting the well-deserved man of the match.
“We always back our bowlers, it’s always been our strength.
“We started o well, we knew Cooper [Matheson] was the big wicket and to get him rst ball was huge.
“We felt on top there but they dug in, a few of their players dug in and it looked like they were going to get it in the end, but we just got wickets at the right time, and it worked out well.”
Despite taking a ve-fa in a grand nal, McNamara said his cousin Reid was the deserving Player of the Match.
“We wouldn’t have won without Reid and his knock – if we didn’t have his 47, we simply don’t have enough runs on the board to win,” he said.
“He came in at two down and the ball was doing absolutely everything and he was there for the whole day pretty much, he faced 172 balls.
“As a cousin and almost a brother, I’m so proud of him.”
THE 2025 WDCA senior cricket season ended in joy for some and heartbreak for others as the A reserve, B grade and C grade grand finals were fought out on Saturday.
In the A reserve final, Rovers United Bruck held on to take the Brian Fisher Shield over Delatite at the Benalla Gardens Oval.
Bowling first, the Hawks restricted Delatite to 94 all out before chasing the total in under 32 overs.
Bart Cann found the first breakthrough, removing Nicholas Ferguson for eight.
Adriano Speziale (2/10 from seven overs) and Cann (2/12 from eight) were tough to get away, while Dane Winter (2/10 from five) also found some wickets.
Delatite opener Mark O’Loughlan provided some resistance, carving out 17 from his 31 balls faced, but no other batter besides Lochie Pymer at nine made it to double figures.
With a meagre total ahead of them, the Hawks were in trouble early after a collapse saw three wickets fall for no movement on the scoreboard.
Jon Hyde came in and settled the innings, peeling off 27 from 45 to help increase the run rate, but wickets kept falling.
Eventually, Connor Dennis (13*) and Mark Drage (4*) saw the Hawks to a three-wicket win, with Hyde named player of the match.
The B grade grand final was a similarly low-scoring affair between Yarrawonga Mulwala and Benalla Bushrangers, with the Bushrangers getting the job done by 16 runs at Stan Hargreaves Oval.
Lee Brennan (24 from 68), Craig Williams (30 from 54) and Steven Pickering (21* from 15) made the runs for Benalla batting first, with Geoffrey Montgomery picking up three wickets.
The Bushrangers managed 6/111 from their overs, with Laker Hudson Gillies lighting up the run chase with a half century from 83 balls.
Unfortunately, no other batter would go with him, as wicket after wicket fell to see the Lakers bowled out for 95.
Brendan Duncombe finished with 3/12 from his 5.3 overs, with Stewart McLeod, Brennan, and Leigh Pollard picking up two wickets each.
In the C grade grand final, the Lakers managed to defeat the previously undefeated Beechworth-Stanley Wanderers by five wickets at North Wangaratta.
Ryan Niklaus produced the only Wanderers innings of note batting first, managing 23 from 36 balls, while Yarrawonga’s Ben Picketing (4/30) and Will Murphy (3/21) tore through the list.
A composed partnership form Damian Leeburn (44*) and Charles Jamieson (13*) would be the difference after a top order collapse.
By NATHAN DE VRIES
THERE’s plenty to be excited about with Whorouly’s senior squad this year, a er the Lions recorded a massive 56-point win over the fancied Bonnie Doon Bombers.
A er a recruiting blitz in the o -season, the Lions looked the goods a er stunning the Bombers 12.7 (79) to 3.5 (23).
The recruits made their presence known early, with Max Scott, Russ Eden and the back line holding rm, while the forwards presented well.
Senior coach Michael Newton was dominant inside forward 50, looking solid above his head and kicking true to nish with a bag of six goals.
Ed Woolford stood tall in the ruck, while Abe Ankers and Jessie Smith worked hard in and around the contest.
As the game wore on, tensions ared, the heat of the contest leading to some easy goals for the Bombers.
Luke Berriman was best on for the visiting Bombers, with Guy Murray, Peter Cairns and JayJay Curtain good as well.
Elsewhere, Milawa proved they would be around the mark again this year a er dispatching North Wangaratta 15.10 (100) to 8.7 (55).
The Hawks led by two points at the rst break, but a massive second quarter from the Demons saw them lead by 21 points at the major interval.
North Wangaratta couldn’t
break through the Demons defence with any regularity, as Milawa grew the margin past ve goals with a quarter to play.
Milawa ran the show during the fourth quarter, kicking four goals, with a further six behinds to run out winners by 45 points.
Braydon Kearns was the standout for Milawa, kicking four goals, while Kyle Collisson and Joel Radovanovic were strong, while Hawks Matt Curtis and David Killen were impressive.
Over at Goorambat, King Valley were overpowered by the Bats, 16.11 (107) to the Roos 6.7 (43).
A four-point margin separated the teams at half-time, but a massive third quarter saw the Bats push out ahead and lead by six goals at the nal change.
The Roos only managed two goals in the second half of play, with the Bats home comfortably by 64 points.
Tarrawingee dominated Benalla All Blacks 17.14 (116) to 7.6 (48) to record their rst win of the season.
The Bulldogs only had a lead of one goal at the rst break, but soon found their rhythm.
Benalla struggled to keep up, as Tarrawingee kept scoring with abandon.
A total of nine separate players would send one through the big sticks for the Bulldogs, with Zach Howard and Sam Piper among the best on ground for Tarrawingee, while Benalla’s Michael Ryan slotted four goals for his side.
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Ultimately, Bright started to get on top in the midfield while nullifying any Greta advance, and with more shots on goal in the final term, the Mountain Men managed to run out winners by just nine points, a thrilling start to the season for both teams.
Bright coach Michael Quirk said he was impressed by how his side performed against one of the benchmark teams of the competition.
“We always knew it was going to be tough when the fixture came out – Greta, reigning premiers, at the home ground was always going to be a very tough assignment, so we gave ourselves time to set ourselves for it,” he said.
“The first five minutes were very even, both sides were very competitive early, the Greta got onto the end of a few and kicked some goals, and there was a bit of a buffer there going into quarter time.
“We played Sam Buckley on Frazer Judd, we thought that would be a good match-up from our side.
“We wanted to be physical
on a few players, we gave some players some jobs to do and targeted their core group of players, their match-winners.
“I thought our guys stuck to their tasks quite well in shutdown roles.”
Will Shem was best on ground for Bright, while forward dynamo Cooper Thomason kicked five goals.
Greta’s Mark Wettern, Lachie Kennett and Josh Bell were impactful for the home side.
After the heartbreak in September last year, Quirk said the monumental effort from the whole team in the final term was incredible to see.
“The three-quarter time address was all about how much they want to win it - you can talk about game plan and structures and all of that sort of stuff, but it came down to how much both teams wanted to win it,” he said.
“‘Shemmy’ [Will Shem] ran with McClounan and did a very good job on James, minimised his impact.
“Buckley on Judd, Zander Dalbosco on [Josh] Bell, we think those guys did their job for the team and helped us win.”
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Who’s who at Wangaratta Bearings and Industrial Supplies: (left to right) Danni Barber, Greg Oates, Brendon French, Dylan Fishcher, Greg Baker, Tony Gigliotti, Chris McInnes – Manager, Craig Fruend, Donna McInnes, Richard Nunn, Jodie Edwards.
ROVERS United Bruck claimed victory in the A grade grand final by 17 runs over Wangaratta Magpies.
■ Story page 14.
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BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
THE blockbuster first round of the Ovens and King football season lived up to the hype on Saturday. As Greta unfurled their first seniors premiership flag in 25 years in front of an exuberant home crowd, it would be Bright who went on to spoil the party in a thrilling upset.
tain Men pulled one over on the reigning premiers, taking the points 12.14 (86) to the Blues’ 11.11 (77).
After four quarters of quality football, the Moun-
After falling at the final hurdle last season to the tune of 68 points, the Mountain Men were determined to produce a better showing.
It took some time to work into the game, with Greta’s midfield pressure and forward prowess affording them a 16-point lead at the first break.
sive structure started paying dividends.
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Bright started moving the ball better, while the defen-
Greta were kept goalless through the second term, as Bright found more forward entries to trail by just two points at half-time.
A five goal to four third term kept Greta’s noses in front to the tune of seven points with a quarter to play.
■ Continued page 15
The second half was a struggle for both teams, as the realities of a full match and the humidity started having an effect on players.
