WC20250407

TODAY

21o

Partly cloudy

23o 25o 27o TUE

WED

THU

Monday, April 7, 2025

edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au

wangarattachronicle.com.au

ANZAC Appeal support sought

MAGPIES WIN CLOSE FOUGHT DERBY The hometown derby between Wangaratta Rovers and Wangaratta Magpies certainly got the 2025 O&MFNL season off to a flying start infront of a large crowd at the WJ Findlay Oval on Saturday.

Pre-match ceremonies such as Rovers’ unfurling their 2024 premiership flag, naming the oval’s city-end square in honour of late club legend Steve Norman, and noting Brodie Filo’s 500th senior game, added to the tension of the senior footy.

It was a close match all day, with players - such as Cameron Barrett and Rovers’ Samuel Cattapan putting their bodies on the line.

While Rovers held a three point lead at half time, Magpies turned a one point lead at three quarter time into a two goal victory 15.8.98 to 13.8.86.

■ Story back page

$2.00 inc GST

Page 3

Free comedy show to share hope

Page 9

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

O&K footy: Greta on the board Sport

Vintage delight Flavour shines through for 2025 grape harvest in King Valley, with some saying ‘best ever’

EXCITEMENT is bubbling around the 2025 wine vintage in the King Valley growing region.

Off the back of a long Indian summer the North East has experienced with generally well timed rain events, the ideal conditions have any discerning wine connoisseur warming up

season and some people are saying perhaps the “best ever”, with a caveat that the skelly@ proof of this will be in the nemedia.com.au tasting.

“We’ve just been really fortheir palate in anticipation tunate that we’ve had a long, for the finished product to relatively moderate ripening be bottled later this year. season which worked out Wines of the King Valley president Dean Cleave-Smith really well for everyone,” he said. said it has been a very good

BY STEVE KELLY

“One hail event knocked a couple of vineyards around but they weren’t total losses by any means.

“It has just been one of those cracking seasons for both reds and whites where we usually get vintages where it works for one or the other.

“The rain has stayed away

and we haven’t been under any pressure up until recently from planned burns.

“Growers have been able to leave the fruit on the vine and let it be picked until it’s absolutely ripe.”

Mr Cleave-Smith said vignerons are seeing really good varietal expression, nice big flavours and now it’s over

to the winemakers to weave their magic.

“The long Indian summer or classic Italian style summer analogy sums it up as this has been one of them and in the past they have delivered results for us,” he said.

■ Continued page 2 ■ Upside to US tariff - page 2

Page 2 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, April 7, 2025

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Fire service levy delayed Increased burden on farmers will see grocery prices rise: MP

By STEVE KELLY HIGHER grocery prices will occur if the Victorian government’s new fire services levy passes the upper house of parliament, Northern Victoria MP Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell has warned.

The controversial bill for the new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund was debated in the upper house last Thursday, but a vote was delayed until the next sitting on 13 May. During Thursday’s debate on the bill that would triple farmers’ property taxes, Ms Tyrrell warned the exorbi-

tant rises are unsustainable and will “inevitably lead to higher grocery prices for all Victorians as farmers pass on these additional costs”.

Under legislation before the house, primary producers face cost rises from 28.7 cents per $1000 capital improved value (CIV) to 83 cents.

“The VFF has labelled this levy an unjust cash grab that disregards the invaluable contributions of our farmers, especially during ongoing crises like droughts and

bushfires,” Ms Tyrrell said.

She told parliament that Fire Rescue Victoria and the CFA have concerns with the wording of the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund.

“As it stands, FRV receive 87.5 per cent of the fire services levy,” she said.

“The wording of this bill leaves the door open for this allocation to be lowered, leaving a large shortfall in funding for an already cashstrapped vital service.

“With both FRV and CFA

members relying on 30-yearold trucks and failing equipment to protect the community, both organisations are voicing their concerns with the distribution of this fund.”

The debate stalled when the house ran out of time to fully consider and vote on the matter.

The Victorian opposition is blaming the government for delaying proceedings because of a lack of crossbench support to pass the bill.

Proceedings came with ex-

tra antics with Liberal MP for North-Eastern Metro Nick McGowan forced to remove his tie after Labor MP Ryan Batchelor raised concern.

The tie read ‘Allan government burns FRV’ and he was asked to remove it because it was a ‘political statement’ or ‘a union badge’.

The debate over the ESVF bill will continue at the next sitting of the Legislative Council on 13 May. This bill has already passed the Legislative As-

Hazardous tree sees partial closure of trail

Est. 1884, Incorporating Wangaratta Despatch, Est. 1861

WEATHER

TEMPERATURES: Monday

Max 21

Min 7

Partly cloudy

Tuesday

Max 23

Min 5

Sunny

Wednesday Max 25

Min 5

Sunny

Thursday

Max 27

DANGER: A section of the Bullawah Cultural Trail remains closed to the public while fire continues to burn in a large, dead gum tree.

PHOTO: Jeff Zeuschner

Min 8

Mostly sunny

RAINFALL: Wangaratta Lake Buffalo Cheshunt

Last 72 hours

Last 7 days

0.0mm 0.0mm 0.0mm

0.0mm 0.0mm 0.0mm

*NB: Rainfall totals up until 3pm, Sunday

LUCKY NUMBERS Tattslotto - Draw 4561

3, 42, 43, 10, 27, 23 (6, 18) Winning numbers are subject to verification by ticket holders.

NEWS TIPS Office Hours: 5723 0100 After Hours: 5723 0107 Email: edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au

CONTACTS POSTAL ADDRESS: 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta GENERAL TELEPHONE INQUIRIES: 5723 0100 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 5723 0101 DISPLAY ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 5723 0100 Fax: 03 5721 9447 Email: edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au Website: wangarattachronicle.com.au

Find us on: ADVERTISING CLOSING TIMES Monday Issue: Display Thurs. 10am. Classifieds Fri. 2pm Wednesday Issue: Display Fri. 10am. Classifieds Tues. 2pm Friday Issue: Display Tues. 10am. Classifieds Thurs. 2pm Published by Hartley Higgins for North East Media Pty Ltd, 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677.

Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Editor Jeff Zeuschner.

Copyright: All advertising and editorial content of this issue is the copyright of North East Media Pty Ltd and cannot be used without the company’s permission.

The Chronicle is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council.

If you believe the standards may have been breached, you may approach the Chronicle itself or contact the council by email at info@presscouncil.org.au or by phone on (02) 9261 1930.

Member

sembly on 20 March.

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) hope the delay will give politicians a chance to iron out fundamental issues facing farmers and regional communities.

“This is a step in the right direction...the government tried to push through a flawed tax without consultation,” VFF president Brett Hosking said.

“The VFF’s focus will remain on highlighting the very real destruction that this bill will cause and making sure the government doesn’t steamroll through with a reckless decision.”

A SECTION of Wangaratta's popular Bullawah Cultural Trail was closed on Sunday due a large tree on fire presenting a safety hazard to the public.

Authorities responded to public reports of a burning tree around 4.30am Sunday, with local CFA brigades and Wangaratta police among the first responders to the scene.

On arrival they found a large, hollowed gum tree, approximately 100 feet high, well alight, near the entrance to Northern Beaches.

With the tree on crown land, Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) crews assumed control of the incident and remained on scene monitoring the situation.

FFMVic incident controller, Scott Edwards, said the tree is burning within 15 metres of the trail and has been assessed as too unstable for crews to directly attack.

Mr Edwards said FFMVic crews will remain on site until the area is declared safe.

He said the cause of the fire is being investigated.

With no lightning recorded this morning, and Wangaratta’s overnight temperature falling to a chilly 1.7 degrees with a light frost, authorities are expected to focus attention on causes other than nature.

Flavour shines through for 2025 grape harvest in King Valley ■ From page 1

“The quality is abso“You get the mid-bodied lutely stunning, especially with our higher end reds that the King Valley varieties which is always is so well-known for with welcome.

Nebbiolo, Sangiovese or “We mostly focus on French variety Pinot Noir French varieties, and we - they come along so well have a couple of the Italin these sort of years.” ian varieties as well.

And it sets up well for “Gamay and Sangiovese the region as there is a are some of our lighter huge volume of producreds and we’ve got the tion for Sangiovese and Chardonnay and Aligoté Pinot Noir in the King and we have four vineValley now. yards that grow that grow Whitfield’s Darling this variety at the moEstate operator Sophie ment.

Darling said her sister “We also have some Grace and Dad John were Nebbiolo and Cabernet excited to have finished Sauvignon. the harvest towards the “There has been really end of March after an FLAVOURSOME: Sophie Darling said the quality of fruit has been absolutely beautiful flavour developearly start due to warm stunning at their vineyards in Whitfield.

PHOTO: Anita McPherson ment across the board, weather at the end of from walking through the January. vineyard for early berry “Yields have been a litthe US, it’s disappointtle above average and this sampling and getting evebe a 20 per cent increase

By STEVE KELLY ing to see a 10pc tariff, is variety dependent,” Ms rything into the winery, on the import of goods it’s been really positive.” particularly when we have Darling said. from the European Union A 10 per cent tariff on a free trade agreement,” Australian wine and other which would jack the price up for US consumers he said. products headed for the “From an overall perspecwho love their French and USA might not hurt as Italian wines - with the US tive it’s relatively small and bad as first thought, with some people are saying let’s the biggest wine export other countries facing ACCORDING to Wine Australia’s national vintage report for market for both countries. see where we land as it’s a much higher penalties, 2024, the King Valley’s vintage last year saw 16,404 tonnes little early to assess.

Mr Cleave-Smith said according Wines of the of grapes crushed at an estimated value of $21,653,009.

“EU wine into the US, King Valley president Dean the Victorian Government Of this, Prosecco was the largest variety with 7541 tonnes through Wine Victoria has for which it is a significant Cleave-Smith. ($9,041,950), followed by Pinot Gris/Grigio 3063 tonnes volume, there will be much, ($4,136,591), Pinot Noir 1006 tonnes ($2,030,213), Charbeen trying to stimulate He said under relative much greater price pressure. donnay 1123 tonnes ($1,953,641), Sangiovese 940 tonnes comparison to other coun- US exports over the last “Once the dust settles tries, the tariffs announced couple of years. ($1,069,559) and Sauvignon Blanc 928 tonnes ($936,859). and we understand the in“There has been a

by US president Donald The total crush comprised more than 10 varieties of white creases to Australian wines grapes (13,282 tonnes/$17,043,707 value) and more than 16 Trump might not have too number of programs for relative to others, we may varieties of red grapes (3122 tonnes/$4,609,302). much of an impact on the businesses around US still be very competitive in export so like every other nation’s wine industry.

The King Valley accounted for approximately one per cent the market.” industry that exports to For instance, there will of the 2024 Australian winegrape crush of 1.43 million tonnes.

Aussie wine to US hike dwarfed by EU

2024 KING VALLEY VINTAGE

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, April 7, 2025 - Page 3

wangarattachronicle.com.au

ANZAC Appeal crucial to help support our veterans

BY SIMONE KERWIN

skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

A PARTNERSHIP between RSL Victoria and Woolworths which is now in its 11th year has been marked with the launch of the 2025 ANZAC Appeal at Woolworths’ Wangaratta store.

Customers will be able to purchase badges and wristbands at the store, with all funds going to the RSL to support veterans and their families.

This year’s campaign will also see 20 cents from every pack of ANZAC biscuits sold from Woolworths Bakery between 23 to 25 April go to the appeal, and proceeds from tins and packets of Bakers Finest ANZAC Biscuits go to RSL Australia.

Woolworths has helped raise $13.6 million over more than 10 years as a supporter of the ANZAC Appeal, with these funds distributed nationally based on where sales were generated.

Customers have purchased 2.7 million ANZAC and Poppy Appeal products to wear and show their support for veterans and their families.

Support for veterans provided through the national appeal includes advocacy to help gain compensation for physical and mental health injuries through service; assistance with day-today medical support and employment; social support for veterans and families; and programs that promote physical health and social connection like RSL Active.

As a veteran herself, Woolworths Wangaratta store manager Allison Stone knows the importance of the appeal and the support it provides.

“Having served in the Australian Navy for seven years

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT: Woolworths Wangaratta store manager Allison Stone (centre), along with Wangaratta RSL SubBranch veteran support officer Colleen Davis and senior vice president Andrew Kay, know how just much support for the annual ANZAC Appeal means for local veterans.

PHOTO: Simone Kerwin and coming from a family with a service history going back six generations, I’m very proud to be part of this year’s appeal,” she said.

“As a veteran, I understand the adjustment that is required to return to civilian life and the difficulties that many ex-service men and women find.

“I was fortunate to be able to land a job with Woolworths that has resulted in a 17-year career, but not everyone is as lucky as me.

“It’s a really proud moment to have my employer, Woolworths, support the ANZAC Appeal in a genuine way that will raise funds to help those veterans doing it tough.

“The support provided by the

RSL can’t be underestimated.”

Andrew Kay, Wangaratta RSL Sub-Branch senior vice president, said funding from the ANZAC Appeal was becoming increasingly important to sub-branches.

“Across the state, the demand for support from the RSL is growing, which is consistent with what was sadly articulated through the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, an issue which has been brought to the forefront,” he said.

“The ANZAC Appeal is the major annual RSL fundraiser, and is crucial to making sure Wangaratta RSL has the resources to deal with the issues of local veterans.

“Having Woolworths involved is a boost for the RSL, ensuring the ANZAC Appeal is front of mind over the next few weeks when people are doing their grocery shopping.

“We’re so grateful that people are so supportive of the appeal.”

Wangaratta RSL Sub-Branch veteran support officer Colleen Davis said the RSL relied on the community to support its efforts to assist veterans of all ages, some aged as young as their late 20s.

“If everyone bought a $2 or $5 badge, it would make a big difference,” she said.

“It’s marvellous to have the support of Woolworths; when I’m shopping and see people buying ANZAC biscuits, I al-

ways think, ‘Ripper’, because I know the outcome that support can have.”

Colleen said local army and air force cadets, as well as Guides and Scouts groups, would assist with badge sales over coming weeks. Anyone interested in helping to sell badges in Wangaratta is encouraged to contact Colleen on 0447 217 768.

The Wangaratta RSL SubBranch will mark ANZAC Day on Friday, 25 April with a dawn service from 6am at the Wangaratta Cenotaph on the corner of Ovens and Docker Streets, and a march stepping off from the Wangaratta RSL at 10.40am proceeding to the 11am service at the cenotaph.

Accused drug trafficker, Maserati thief is back in custody AN alleged drug trafficker and Maserati thief caught in Wangaratta is back in custody a month after he was released, a court has heard.

The 29-year-old Wodonga man was listed for a committal mention at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, but defence counsel Chirag Patel informed the court he would be unable to appear due to being back behind bars on Wednesday.

The defendant was arrested at a Wangaratta hotel on 19 November last year along with a 29-year-old Wodonga woman, accused of trafficking four litres of 1-4 butanediol and 87 grams of methamphetamine.

The pair also allegedly stole two vehicles, including a Maserati and a Subaru, and were charged with handling of stolen goods.

The defendant was initially refused release by Magistrate Megan Casey at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on 21 November last year while the woman was bailed.

The court heard the man had later been released on 6 March, only to be back in custody on 2 April in Wodonga on unrelated charges.

Magistrate Casey adjourned the committal mention at the Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court for 1 May.

Final day to enrol to vote in election TODAY is your last chance to enrol to vote in the 3 May federal election.

You must be correctly enrolled by 8pm today.

If you are an Australian citizen aged 18 years or older you are required to vote in the federal election.

For more details go to https://www.aec.gov.au/

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Page 4 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, April 7, 2025

wangarattachronicle.com.au

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD 3

4

5

S P O K E A H K B M R G O C I E I O W L I F E T E A T H A Y R W S I R D

6

7 8 9

10 11

12

13

14

Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally.

Some letters are used more than once.

19 20

21

22

Ago Bee Claw Ear Eat

23 24 25

DOWN 1 To disencumber, is

9 Name an Australian tennis to do what (4) great, Patrick ... (6) 2 Name a piece of 10 Which fellows row boats (7) landed property (6) 12 What is a primary 3 Denpasar is the capital linguistic form (6) of which Indonesian 14 Who tends a furnace (6) province (4) 16 To intrude suddenly, 4 What describes the general is to do what (6) course or tendency (5) 18 To put up with, is 5 What is a loud noise (6) to do what (5) 6 Name another term 19 To congregate, is Letters have value for outhouses (5) a number to do what (5)

Era Fad Fig Hay Life

21 What is the legal title of the

wife of a knight or baronet (4)

WHICH WORDS

22 What is a Scottish

Gaelic known as (4)

1 NATALITY (a) Birth (b) Swimming (c) Nationhood 2 OBFUSCATE (a) To bind by oath (b) To darken (c) To rebuke

E-QUATIONS 7 Some values are in the right hand cells.

Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

385

BIYWORD

E-QUATIONS

Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

P

5 8

© Puzzles supplied by AUSPAC MEDIA

7

SUDOKU

6

4

6 4 5 2 7 3 9 8 1

5 D E 6I K T V X 9 9 12 4 32 21 5 16 87 4 8 7

5

3

3 2 8 9 1 6 4 7 5

2

2

1 7 9 8 4 5 2 6 3

8

1

4 6 7 5 9 2 1 3 8

8

DOWN 1 Support 2 Vein 3 Aquatic plant 4 Keep in

9 8 2 6 3 1 7 5 4

9

ACROSS 1 Regrettably 5 Lock part 6 Advantage 7 Milk source

5 3 1 7 8 4 6 2 9

3 4 6

D:9, E:12, I:3, K:21, T:5, V:16, X:8

Solve the crossword.

Each answer has four letters.

S S T T T V

SOLUTIONS

375

2 9 6 1 5 8 3 4 7

9

6 2 4

C O C O C P E R I R I R

WHICH WORDS: 1 (a) Birth 2 (b) To darken

4 1

QUICK THINK

BIYWORD

5

075

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SUDOKU

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© Auspac Media - meq0385

A A A A B B

CROSSWORD

12

CLUES: All living things (5) Birds of prey (7) British (coll) (5) Cold Rolled Steel (3) Dried coconut meat (5) Driver’s compartment (3) Label (3) Prisoner (7) Theme (5) US actor: ... Gardner (3)

7 5 3 4 2 9 8 1 6

I×I K-D D÷I D+E X-I K-T V-X

115

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.

ACROSS: 1 Alas, 5 Bolt, R 6 Edge, 7 Teat.

T A B DOWN: 1 Abet, 2 Lode, C O P R A © 3 Alga, 4 Stet.

C A P T I V E B I O T A C R S S

D E I K T V X

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8 1 4 3 6 7 5 9 2

18

16

F E B T H R U S H A H F R E S H A I R E T L E X C E E D K D R E L A T I O N A T A D V E R S E T T F O R E V E R S Y T S M O D I C U M E R O R A P T U R E B O A N D E R S E N A U R N I C K E L D E L A M P P O S T E T E D E F R A Y

17

15

QUICK THINK

called what (5,3) 8 To surpass, is to do what (6) 9 What do we call a relative (8) 11 To be contrary, is to be what (7) 13 Which term means eternally (7) 15 What describes a small quantity (7) 17 What is ecstatic joy or delight (7) 20 Name a Danish author, Hans Christian ... (8) 23 What, in the US, is a five-cent piece (6) 24 Which post supports that which lights up a street, etc (8) 25 To pay expenses, is to do what (6)

MINI WORD FIND

2

E-QUATIONS D:9, E:12, I:3, K:21, T:5, V:16, X:8

1

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MINI WORD FIND 375

1075

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, April 7, 2025 - Page 5

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Past, present and future SES community celebrate 50 years FOUNDING members of the Wangaratta VICSES Unit along with around 100 others came to celebrate 50 years of the emergency service in the state.

Wangaratta’s Handley Street headquarters opened its doors to the general public on Saturday, 29 March, to celebrate half a century since the the volunteerbased Civil Defence Organisation was established as the SES Wangaratta SES Unit controller Jess Zuber said she was happy to see such a diverse range of people converge to celebrate the SES “We got to hear some old stories on what’s changed over the 50 years but also we got to share with our community what we do,” she said.

“It was great to hear some of the stories from the founding members, they actually built the first Wangaratta rescue truck as part of their training, which was absolutely bizarre.

“It’s interesting how it’s all changed.”

Ms Zuber said discussions with former members revolved around how climate change may have affected the job, but the service still exists for the same reason as when it was founded.

“I think it’s really important to highlight we’re still here for 50 years later for the same reason they joined, which is to help our community,” she said.

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

It was great to hear some of the stories from the founding members, they actually built the first Wangaratta rescue truck as part of their training, which was absolutely bizarre.

- Wangaratta SES Unit controller Jess Zuber

“They didn’t do a lot of tree jobs back then; we’ve flooded forever but tree jobs were not common.

“It showed the growth and change not only within VICSES but also our community.”

A road crash rescue demonstration took place in the morning while a history display showing 50 years of the service in Wangaratta was on full show inside.

Attendees had the rare opportunity to tour the facility which has only been in operation for a few years.

Ms Zuber said families were surprised by how much space there was and the specialised equipment used by members in emergencies.

“They know we’ve got our road rescue tools and our chainsaws, but they assumed we just tarped roofs and did bits and pieces,” she said.

“To hear we participated in land searches, a lot were surprised to learn how much we did.

“There was lots of information shared which was amazing.”

Ms Zuber said the unit planned to hold another event in August HERE FROM THE START: VICSES Wangaratta Unit founding members (from left) Jim Doyle, Rod McGregor, Tony Allen for past members who weren’t and Faye Doyle paid a visit to the unit’s current Handley Street headquarters during its 50 year anniversary open day. able to attend the open day.

PHOTO: Wangaratta SES

IMPOUNDED: Police impounded this Ford Falcon after it’s driver was clocked at 138km/h in a 60km/h zone on Mason Street. PHOTO: Victoria Police

Car impounded after driver clocked almost 80km/h over speed limit

A 19-year-old Wangaratta man had his car impounded last week after being caught driving at almost 80km/h over the speed limit in Wangaratta.

Wangaratta police said the teenager was observed driving a yellow Ford Falcon at a

fast rate of speed on Mason Street, and was intercepted by police after being clocked at 138km/h in a 60km/h zone.

Police said the driver stated he thought we was driving at 110km/h and was

breaking in a new engine.

The vehicle was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1850 and the driver male is expected to be charged on summons to appear at the Wangaratta Magistrates Court.

New bus shelter welcomed on Williams Road WANGARATTA council has been praised for the installation of a new bus shelter (pictured) on Williams Road near Three Mile Creek.

Regular bus traveler Kelli Densten contacted the Wangaratta Chronicle welcoming the new shelter.

“I am writing to let people know that I finally have a bus stop where I can sit down and I will be out of the rain and sun when it’s raining and when it’s too hot,” Kelli said.

“I also wanted people to know how much the council does for people like me and other people.”

Page 6 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, April 7, 2025

wangarattachronicle.com.au NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.

Government levy needs more scrutiny WHILE the federal election will continue to dominate the news circle up until May 3, it is important that the Victorian government’s controversial new Emergency Services Volunteer Fund (ESVF) continues to come under scrutiny before the push to have it become law resumes on 13 May. The bill, which has passed through the government’s controlled lower house, stalled last Thursday in the upper house and it we resume debate next month, looking to take effect from July 1 this year.

The government’s ESVP will replace the former Fire Services Property Levy - an annual levy, collected by councils via rate notices, introduced in 2013 to help ensure Victorian property owners make an annual contribution to the state’s fire services.

While the FSPL funded 87.5% of Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and 77.5% of the CFA’s annual budgets, the government says the new ESVF will fund up to 87.5% of FRV’s budget and up to 95% of CFA’s budget.

And It will also be used to fund up to 95% of the budgets of a broader range of emergency services including: VICSES, Triple Zero Victoria, the State Control Centre, Forest Fire Management Victoria and Emergency Recovery Victoria.

The government contends that every dollar raised will go towards vital life-saving equipment, vehicles, staff, training for volunteers, community education, and recovery support for when Victorians need it most.

But concerns - from both political opponents, local government, farming and fire representative bodies - remain unresolved and continue to cast doubt over the fairness of the levy and where all revenue will be spent.

In particular, the dramatic levy rise being proposed, hitting rural property owners hardest, sits uneasy with many in rural and regional Victoria, as does only a proprtion of funds going to actual volunteer bodies.

The Quiz No. 129 1.

Which two countries share the Jutland peninsula?

2.

Who was the first person to win the men’s singles title at Wimbledon as a wildcard?

3.

What were the letters and numbers on McHale’s boat in the classic TV series, McHale’s Navy?

4.

Which juice is added to a martini to make a Bronx cocktail?

5.

On which hill is Australia’s Parliament House located?

6.

Who played the role of Major Neddie Seagoon in The Goon Show?

7.

What are the three colours on the flag of Chad?

8.

Who released the 2013 album, The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2?

9.

At which Olympics did Herb Elliott win his gold medal?

10. In 2017, who succeeded Brendon Grylls as the Member for the Electoral district of Pilbara?

11. Who wrote the 1939 novel, The Big Sleep?

12. In which Australian state is Coolangatta Mountain located?

13. What is the official language of Angola?

14. Which movie won the Best Picture Oscar at the 2017 Academy Awards presentations?

15. How many strings are on a standard ukulele?

16. In which decade of the 20th century did Charles become the Prince of Wales?

17. Who was the first cricketer to score a quadruple century in Test Cricket?

18. In the nursery rhyme Hickory Dickory Dock, which creature runs up the clock?

19. The airline called Edelweiss Air is based in which country?

20. What is the floral emblem of the Australian Capital Territory?

Answers 1. Denmark, Germany 2. Goran Ivaniševic 3. PT 73 4.

Orange juice 5. Capital Hill 6. Harry Secombe 7. Blue, yellow, red 8. Justin Timberlake 9. Rome 1960 10. Kevin Michel 11. Raymond Chandler 12. New South Wales 13. Portuguese 14. Moonlight 15.

Four 16. 1950s 17. Brian Lara 18. Mouse 19. Switzerland 20.

Royal Bluebell

Compiled by Ric Allport – www.brainfoodfactory.com – Challenge your Brain

Facebook users commented on the CFA’s fire season seeing a surge in incidents.

Ian Corbett: What burnoffs have happened this year Heaps of wood on my road council just pushes it aside & moves on Big bushfire hazard Debra Whitehead: Ian Corbett and yet if someone came along and picked it all up for their fireplace they’d be fined!!! It’s bloody wrong!

Neil John Maclean: Serves

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• •

you right. Youve had half a century to sort it out , halfwits Andrew Meloury: That’s what happens when you lock up the bush and stop people collecting firewood Facebook users commented on an article about the One Nation candidate for Indi.

Tim Bright: I have absolutely zero attraction to one nation but to be frank ANY vote that’s not for the duopoly is welcome Jenna Swain: Tim Bright

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is their preference flow, to the duopoly aka Liberal Party, that makes them stand in the first place.

Nyree Bennett: He supports banning foreign ownership of residential properties, reducing immigration to ease housing demand and freeing up land for farming and homes. He’s passionate about easing the cost-of-living pressures, improving healthcare access in the bush and letting pensioners work without

•

penalty. “I’m not here for Canberra politics,” Athol says.

“I’m here to represent the people of Indi who keep this country going.” Personally I like this!

Garry Jones: Nope..... One Nation can crawl back into the sea...... they are just 1 small step above palmer’s party.

Trumpet of idiots. Keep Indi Independant.

Darren Peters: Garry Jones and keeping Indi independent means Indi will keep missing out

• •

Like the

Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.

Our follower total is

15,213

Businesses closing at an alarming rate HAVE you noticed more empty shops floating around the area... Seems you might be right in noticing and it certainly isn’t just the North East effected.

Australia as a whole is losing private businesses at unheard of levels.

In 2024, 88 businesses closed for every 100 that opened.

This figure equates to 15,238 businesses that were deregistered or closed down, an equivalent of 17 per cent of businesses operating.

“Challenging operating conditions” were cited as a large contributor to record high turnover rates.

Those that currently own a small business are seeing it first hand on the ground.

Everything is up - electricity, insurance, loan repayments, rent generally remain some of the largest expenses outside of wages but just about any product one may sell or manufacture has seen significant increases in cost also.

General people are also effected having less disposable income to flow into business.

Lets not also forget taxes.

Those that own the building are likely subject to the government’s land tax as part of its ‘Covid recovery’ debt that in all honesty the government largely created by imposing seven lockdowns on us all.

This was always going to be a consequence that unfortunately Victorians may feel for a decade or more.

Matt Strahan, Greta South

Costly desal order flushes more cash THE announcement that the Allan Labor Government has ordered 50 gigalitres of water from Victoria’s desalination plant will cost taxpayers millions of dollars as the idle facility is brought back online.

Having ordered no water for the past two years and receiving only 3.4 gigalitres of the 15GL ordered in 2022/23, it remains to be seen how much Victorians will be slugged for the latest order.

It is costing Victorians $700 million a year to keep the desalination plant mothballed, which is driving up the price of water bills.

Melbourne Water users have been paying more than they should for their water, and Labor has failed to manage the state’s desal plant.

Labor’s fear of dams means we are more reliant on expensive solutions to secure our water.

Tim McCurdy, Nationals’ MP for Ovens Valley and Shadow Minister for Water

DYED IN THE WOOL: Zoe Ryan and Ruth Wolfel are among the Wangaratta Handweavers and Spinners members looking forward to the 18th Annual Wool Day, to be hosted by the group and North East Yarns at the Milawa Community Hall this Saturday, 12 April. The event runs from 10am to 3pm, with a $3 entry fee, and will feature demonstrations, traders, hand-crafted items and refreshments. For more information, contact Liz on 0438 573 357 or Ruth on 0428 900 458.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Labor government must Farmers’ concerns bin its dog of a tax linger on state levy THE Allan Labor Government must immediately take a reality check and end its callous and relentless push to introduce an Emergency Services Tax. Labor’s latest tax grab was snubbed in the Upper House last week after it failed to pass.

Now, Labor must consign its bid for a 60th new or increased tax to the bin.

The tax plan hits homeowners, businesses and farmers – and will hit Victorians with an extra $2.1 billion over the next three years, at a time of a cost-of-living crisis.

Labor’s great big new tax will force hardworking Victorians to pay extra for what are core government services.

James Newbury MP, Shadow Treasurer

Go back to drawing board on state levy THE welcomed delay of the Victorian government’s Emergency Services Volunteer Fund levy passing through parliament provides an opportunity to go back to the drawing board, and use this extra time to speak with rural councils and communities to better understand our concerns about the inequities built into this levy.

We’ve previously proposed three common sense changes; to recalculate the collection formula to make it fairer, to guarantee the money raised will go back to local communities and to make the State Revenue Office responsible for levy administration.

Cr Rob Amos, Rural Councils Victoria chair

THE decision to stall the deeply flawed proposed Fire Services Levy Bill creates a temporary reprieve which must be used to iron out the fundamental issues facing farmers and regional communities.

Legitimate concerns still linger regarding the proposed cash-grab.

Our focus will remain on highlighting the very real destruction that this Bill will cause and making sure the government doesn’t steamroll through with a reckless decision.

Our message to the government couldn’t be clearer - talk to us, consult with us and work collaboratively to get ideas that actually work and don’t risk taking a sledgehammer to the livelihoods of hard-working Victorian famers.

Help keep up the pressure by having your say using the information provided on our VFF website.

Brett Hosking, Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) president

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

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, April 7, 2025 - Page 7

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Prosecution snag in alleged local home invader contest

IT may have been labelled a “fishing exercise” by prosecutors, but the defence team of a Wangaratta woman charged over an alleged Templeton Street home invasion have been granted the right to cross examine two witnesses.

The 31-year-old defendant appeared virtually at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court last Thursday from a rehabilitation centre for a contest mention.

The woman was jailed with two other co-accused following an alleged armed invasion and assault at a Templeton Street home on

23 August last year.

A 52-year-old male resident of the Wangaratta address sustained a severed finger and was allegedly assaulted and suffered injuries to his head.

The court heard the defendant was charged with aggravated home invasion and aggravated home burglary while two men aged 31 and 35 were also apprehended.

The 31-year-old man had pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated burglary and causing serious injury and was set to face County Court on 1 September.

The 35-year-old man will also front County Court on 29 July.

However, the woman was set to contest the charges against her after she was bailed in January this year.

Prosecutors opposed an application by the defence to cross examine two civilian witnesses of the incident, one of whom was in a bedroom of the home at the time of alleged offending.

Prosecutor Bill Baarini said the cross examination of the two witnesses would be “a fishing exercise” for the defence.

“There’s no disputing she was in the home when the alleged offending occurred,” he said.

Mr Baarini said included in evidence was a witness statement and recorded interview of the accused admitting her involvement in the offending and seeing the co-accused armed with a bat and knives.

Mr Baarini questioned the relevance of the civilian witnesses, considering one supposedly didn’t see the alleged offending, only hearing voices.

Defence counsel Chirag Patel said while it was a

narrow issue, the evidence of the two “key” witnesses would assist the court in gaining a full picture of the alleged incident.

“This is not a fishing expedition,” he said.

“It’s clear he [a witness] hears voices, and in the prosecution’s case there is only one female involved in the incident.”

Magistrate Megan Casey granted Mr Patel’s application to have the two witnesses front the court and listed the matter to return to Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on 2 October for a contested committal mention.

Provide feedback on how council engages

By STEVE KELLY COMMUNITY engagement is the talk of the town with local residents, property holders, and business operators now asked to give feedback on a new policy that’s out for public consultation.

Rural City of Wangaratta Council has released its draft community engagement policy which will be on public exhibition for 30 days.

The policy maps out that community engagement is about involving people in the decisions that impact their lives.

It details that successful engagement fosters integrity and builds trust in council, resulting in more inclusive and representative outcomes.

Some of the principles of the policy are to give the community access to objective, relevant and timely information to inform their participation.

To provide this, the council will complete stakeholder assessments for engagement projects, to ensure potential impacts of a project on community and stakeholders are identified, discussed and addressed.

It will make every reasonable effort to include community and stakeholders affected by a project.

Council will remove barriers to participation and ensure an inclusive approach.

Cr Allison Winters said she was excited to see the policy going out for a 30-day public exhibition period and encourages community members to look through the draft policy as it will affect the future engagement of the community.

Mayor Irene Grant said council has certainly been carrying out quite a bit of engagement over the last three months, with “very interesting feedback”.

SKIN IN THE GAME: Cr Harvey Benton urges farmers to get down to the Wangaratta Livestock Exchange for a free skin health check from 15-17 April.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Free skin health checks for local farmers LOCAL farmers are encouraged to take advantage of free skin health checks, thanks to an initiative between the Rural City of Wangaratta in partnership with Myrtleford’s TAFCO Rural Supplies.

The Alpine Outreach Van will be visiting Wangaratta Livestock Exchange from 15-17 April, providing a convenient opportunity for farmers and community members to prioritise

their skin health.

The Alpine Outreach Van will provide a quick and professional skin check, ensuring peace of mind and the opportunity to address any concerns early.

Appointments are 15 minutes each and bookings are recommended, with walkins welcome, subject to availability.

Skin cancer remains a serious concern for outdoor workers, including farmers,

who are exposed to high levels of UV radiation.

This initiative underscores the importance of early detection and proactive healthcare, with a focus on supporting the health and well-being of the farming community.

Mayor Irene Grant highlighted that farmers spend countless hours under the sun, often putting their health on the backburner.

“These free skin health

checks provide a simple yet vital step towards early detection and prevention,” she said.

“We’re proud to partner with TAFCO Rural Supplies and bring this service directly to our farming community.

“It’s about making health care accessible, convenient, and effective.”

Bookings are recommended at https://bit. ly/3DLEqwi

Local man avoids fine, conviction for drunken tour of city A WANGARATTA man who went on a drunken tour of the CBD, threatening bar staff and scaring children, has avoided conviction and a fine.

Appearing at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court last Thursday the 53-year-old admitted to his wrongdoings, which had started with a bottle of whiskey and catching up with a friend.

The court heard on the night of 10 August last year the defendant made his way to the Wangaratta Club, where the bar manager noticed the defendant’s loud swearing was disturbing multiple families and children.

He was told to stop swearing and lower his voice not to “scare the kids”, which he replied he “didn’t f***ing care”.

When asked to leave the defendant became aggressive, lunging over the bar at the bar manager and threatening to “roll” her.

After some time, the man left and made his way to the Pinsent Hotel where he held a barstool above his head in an “aggressive manner” and threw a glass towards an alleyway near patrons.

Police were called and officers found the man at the nearby bottle shop with staff, where he was told to leave the CBD and not attend any other drinking venues.

Some 90 minutes later, he was in line to enter Old Faithfulls Brew Bar where police arrested him and took him home.

Defence counsel Geoff Clancy said his client was catching up with a “long lost” friend during the day and they had a bottle of malt whiskey together.

He said at the advice of his friend his client went out to the CBD, despite strong opposition to the idea from the defendant’s wife.

His friend “disappeared” not long after they went out and he was left on his own.

Mr Clancy said his client’s behaviour was out of character and he apologised to the venues involved.

Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Sarah Williamson wanted a financial penalty to be included in a good-behaviour bond.

Magistrate Megan Casey did not impose a fine or a conviction due to a lack of prior offences, placing the defendant on a 12-month good behaviour bond.

“I’m sure you have reflected on how poorly your behaviour was,” she said.

March was wetter than normal in Wangaratta MOST major centres in North East Victoria enjoyed March rainfalls which were just above their long term average.

Wangaratta had 65.6mms, with the heaviest daily fall of 48.6mms on 21 March.

Benalla received 70.4mms with the heaviest daily fall of 31mms on 15 March.

Albury received 54mms and Yarrawonga received 55mms which was slightly above the March average.

Maximum and minimum temperatures were both

WHAT’S UP WITH THE WEATHER?

By Peter Nelson, retired CSIRO climatologist

notably above the March normal.

In Wangaratta the mean maximum temperature of 30.9 degrees was three degrees above the March normal and the warmest since 32.7 degrees in 1940.

The mean minimum temperature in Wangaratta of

14.3 degrees was 3.4 degrees above the March normal and the warmest since 14.5 degrees in 1985.

It was much the same picture at other main centres, with the daily maxima being the warmest since 1940 and night minima being the warmest since either 1974 or 1985.

Further north into NSW those places which received above average rainfall for March also had well above normal temperatures with night time minima being

notably above normal.

The mean minimum temperature at Deniliquin of 16.4 degrees was the warmest for March since 1974.

At Wilcannia the mean minimum temperature of 20 degrees for March was the warmest in 135 years of records.

At Coonabarabran the mean minimum temperature of16.7 degrees broke a record for March which had stood since 1903.

Recent flooding rains did much damage to many farm

properties in the far west and south west of Queensland around Quilpie, Belombre, Winton and Urandangie with rainfalls over 250mms at the first three towns and over 150mms at Urandangie.

There were major floods previously in 1890, 1963, 1974, 2010 and 2019 at these outback towns.

Wangaratta and district’s current cooler weather will remain until about 13 April, and I expect heavy rain near the end of April.

Page 8 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, April 7, 2025

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Junior Reporter Club

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO...

Hannah Bagley....................................................................................April 8 Olivia Petersen ....................................................................................April 9 Hayden Whiteman............................................................................. April 11 Reese Whiteman................................................................................ April 11 APRIL 2025 Birthday Cake Winners - Paige Shultz April 4 & Luke Hunt April 21 To be in the running to win 1 of 2 birthday cakes each month from Shelley’s Country Bakehouse, join the Junior Reporter Club. Phone 5723 0100 or email reception@nemedia.com.au with your child’s name, address, DOB and phone number. Your address and phone number will not be printed in the Chronicle but is required to contact you should you win the cake. Birthday Book is for 1 to 14 year olds. All existing Birthday Book participants will remain eligible to win a birthday cake. Please note 48 hours notice required.

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THE CHRONICLE, Monday, April 7, 2025 - Page 9

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ACROSS THE ARTS

Historic setting for Off Grid Pop Up Cinema in Chiltern this week

AS part of Chiltern’s Off-Grid Living Festival this week, the town’s historic Star Theatre will host the Off Grid Pop Up Cinema.

Featuring a program of films exploring what it means to live on our planet, how we can care for Country, and what the future may bring, the cinema is organised in conjunction with Environmental Films Aus-

tralia, and will operate this Friday, 11 April and Saturday, 12 April.

The program includes short and feature films, and even a kids’ session, offering something for everyone to take a break from the festival and connect with the environment.

Friday’s session will begin with the Bob Brown feature documentary ‘The Giants’, which explores

the intertwined lives of humanity and trees in a poetic portrait of the environmentalist.

One of Australia’s most successful documentaries of 2023, the film inspired national rallies, put deforestation on the political agenda, and mobilised individuals and community groups to stand up for forests.

On Saturday, the whole family

can enjoy a 4pm screening of the animated ‘Jacob, Mimmi and the Talking Dogs’, in which a young girl must team up with her cousin and the local canine community to save her favourite tree.

Then, at 6.30pm, the Future Shorts session will feature a series of curated science fiction and action short films, delving into how tomorrow’s stories

respond to today’s emergencies.

The program will wind down with an exploration of caring for Country in Australia with ‘Yana Djamaga Ganji/Walk Good Fire’ (2024), preceded by the award winning (and fan favourite) Victorian short ‘Outpicker’ (2023).

For tickets, visit https://www.effa. org.au/events/off-grid

Free comedy show will share a story of hope

WANGARATTA will host a free, one-of-a-kind comedy show this weekend.

Murray PHN is funding the community event at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Saturday, 12 April to help normalise conversations around mental health and encourage people to seek help earlier.

Murray PHN CEO Matt Jones acknowledged that men’s mental health issues often go unrecognised.

“We know that men are disproportionately represented in suicide statistics and there are a range of barriers that prevent them from seeking support,” he said.

“What we need are different approaches so that mental health is recognised as being just as important as physical health.

“Involving those with lived or living experience provides hope, through shared understanding and awareness.

“Humour can also help to break down barriers.”

The free show is being delivered by South Australian comedian and suicide prevention advocate Marc Ryan, who is also known as ‘The Beautiful Bogan’ after featuring on ABC’s ‘You Can’t Ask That’ Bogans episode - one of the most watched in the series.

Drawing from his own mental health struggles, COMING TO WANGARATTA: Marc uses comedy to address Marc Ryan uses comedy to the often-taboo subjects of address the often-taboo post-traumatic stress disorsubjects of post-traumatic der, severe anxiety, depresstress disorder, severe sion, and living with thoughts anxiety, depression, and of suicide stemming from living with thoughts of childhood trauma. suicide stemming from While the topics may seem childhood trauma. heavy and could be triggering for some, Marc’s performances blend humour with heartfelt stories in the hope of encouraging others to get the help they need and to remind them that they’re not alone in their struggles.

Marc said that living with mental illness for more than 27 years has shaped his life.

“I’ve navigated marriage, fatherhood and fostering children while battling internal struggles,” he said.

“By telling my story, I hope to help others understand that mental health is an experience that many of us share.

“It’s time we remove the veil of shame and have real conversations to help with the healing.

“We need to be comfortable to talk about the tough stuff because it’s real and affects us all,” Marc said.

The performance is suitable for audiences aged 18+ Event booking details are risk of harm to yourself or Lifeline – 13 13 14 or lifeline. due to containing strong lan- available at each venue. others, please contact emer- org.au or Suicide Call Back guage and discussing living If you are in an emergen- gency services on 000.

Service – 1300 659 467 or suiwith thoughts of suicide. cy situation or at immediate Other services include cidecallbackservice.org.au

The Art Factory is now open in Albury AWARD-WINNING ‘supported studio’, The Art Factory, is now in Albury.

The Art Factory in Wagga Wagga is a supported studio with more than 40 practicing artists and was established in 2016 as part of the national Supported Studio Network that provides a framework for visual arts studios supporting the professional development of artists with disabilities.

The Art Factory is more than just a studio - it’s an awardwinning creative powerhouse where artists with disabilities find their voice, build confidence, and transform their passion into purpose.

The Art Factory studio in Albury has the same unstoppable mission: empowering artists with disabilities and celebrating creativity like never before.

“We’re beyond thrilled to announce The Art Factory studio is now in Albury,” Leanne Dyer, program coordinator said.

“To celebrate, we’ll be hosting a ‘Come and Try Workshop’ this Friday from 11am to 1pm at the Rotunda Lawn in the Albury Botanic Gardens.

“Join us for a unique experience that combines music and art.”

Simone Reeder, a musical therapist from Music Garden, will provide a musical backdrop, inspiring artists to create in response to the environment.

All are welcome - no experience needed.

For more details visit theartfactorysupportedstudio.com

Young artists showcased in MAMA’s RAW25 exhibit AN annual showcase of the best original artworks produced by young people of the Murray region is currently being held at the Murray Art Museum Albury, as part of RAW25.

This year’s exhibition features nine artists, Alexa Taylor, Alexandra McNamara, Amy Bishop, Brianna Walker, Chiana Broydell, Claudia Alessi, Indita Yaxley, Martin Fraser and Stella Thurkettle, and highlights the unique perspectives and experiences of our local young people.

The 2025 exhibition presents themes centred on the experience of being (a young) human – exploring self-identity, mental health, community, environment and belonging – through a range of mediums including painting, drawing, collage, printmaking, textiles and digital media.

As part of the RAW program, participating artists are involved in a series of workshops with MAMA curatorial staff covering aspects of concept development, artwork preparation, and exhibition installation as well as feedback for future projects, and development of public programs.

From this the artists involved take a leading role in the development of their exhibition.

UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE: Included in the RAW25 exhibition is Stella Thurkettle, The Essence of Experience, 2024, acrylic and liquefying medium on paper.

Applications for the RAW program are open all year round and successful applicants are reviewed and chosen in September each year.

RAW25 will be on display at MAMA until 25 May and entry is free.

NATURAL WONDER: The beauty of the spectacular Warby Ovens National Park and its different ecologies is captured in a new exhibition which has opened in the Bainz Gallery at the Wangaratta Library. Hosted by Friends of the WONP, the exhibition includes works by artists and supporters including (from left) Ian Minns, Paddy Milne and Andy Kimber in visual art mediums including painting, photography, ceramics, illustration and embroidery, celebrating the special flora, fauna and landscapes of the Warby Range, Killawarra Forest and Lower Ovens. It will be on display during the month of April and entry is free.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Page 10 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, April 7, 2025

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RURAL

Vigneron grows new varieties in Australia for the first time

By CORAL COOKSLEY AN award-winning Beechworth vigneron has reaped success with two new exciting grape varieties grown in Australia for the first time.

Fighting Gully Vineyard’s Mark Walpole has grown Petit Arvine and Cornalin, white and red respectively, from the Aosta Valley in mountainous region in Italy’s far northwest with the region bordering Switzerland.

“The grapes are mainly grown in the Aosta Vally and to a limited extent over the border in Switzerland,” Mr Walpole said.

The grapes are ancient varieties with a history dating back to times when country borders were in different locations.

Mr Walpole, known for pursuing alternative grape varieties for his wines, said his interest sparked with the high-altitude location in the Aosta Valley mainly with the climate – elevated sites, cool, and continental with catabatic (downward) winds.

The vigneron visited a number of the best producers in the region of Aosta in 2004 with the region home to many ‘minor’ high quality varieties.

“Many are only found in

and around Aosta and represent only very small plantings,” he said.

Mr Walpole started the importation process in 2017 after thinking about acquiring the grape varieties for quite some time.

Paperwork included obtaining phytosanitary certificates for the dormant cuttings with approval needed from the Switzerland and Italian governments as well as the Australia Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS).

Once released from quarantine in 2020 Mr Walpole took the vine material to the Chalmers Nursery near Mildura to undertake propagation with rootstocks planted at Fighting Gully Road (FGR) in the winter of 2022.

“The first buds from Mildura were brought down to FGR in spring of 2023 and grafted onto rootstock that we had established the year earlier in anticipation of the material coming out of quarantine,” he said.

“The bud grafted vines resulting in our first crop this month.

“The first experimental wines made last year from the mothervines in Mildura have been very well received by the trade.”

Mark’s new Europa Vineyard

A NATION FIRST: Beechworth Fighting Gully Vineyard’s Mark Walpole has garnered success by growing two Australian first grape varieties at his Stanley-based vineyard.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling in Stanley has been found to be an ideal site for the Petit Arvine, with an elevation of more than 700 metres above sea level with its aspect, rainfall and low humidity during the growing season.

“The Stanley climate better represents Aosta Valley as it’s

Wangaratta Livestock Exchange - Prime Market Report VENDOR COWS

HEAD BREED

LANEWAY LIVESTOCK & PRODUCE 2 SCOTT JOHN 1 MURTAGH JE & RL 1 JESSUP DAVID 3 THORPE C & W 2 THORPE C & W 4 SD CATTLE CO 1 SD CATTLE CO 1 SD CATTLE CO 1 HEYWOOD AG & ZB 3 HEYWOOD AG & ZB 2

TUESDAY 1ST OF APRIL 2025

SEX AVG. WT. C/KG

AGENCY

ANGUS ANGUS BLACK BALDY SIMMENTAL ANGUS ANGUS ANGUS ANGUS ANGUS HEREFORD HEREFORD

COW COW COW COW COW COW COW COW COW COW COW

705 640 670 790 680 637.5 650 700 625 800 642.5

354 354 354 350 348 339.2 345 345 345 332.6 334

CORCORAN PARKER CORCORAN PARKER CORCORAN PARKER CORCORAN PARKER NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK AUSTRALIAN WOOL NETWORK AUSTRALIAN WOOL NETWORK

ANGUS ANGUS ANGUS ANGUS X ANGUS X HEREFORD SHORTHORN BLONDE D’AQUITAINE X BLONDE D’AQUITAINE X ANGUS X BROWN SWISS

STEER STEER STEER STEER STEER STEER STEER STEER STEER STEER STEER

368.33 315 665 615 560 485 540 470 435 646.67 675

400.2 440 394 365 395 410 340 340 340 390 370

ELDERS ELDERS CORCORAN PARKER CORCORAN PARKER CORCORAN PARKER CORCORAN PARKER NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK AUSTRALIAN WOOL NETWORK AUSTRALIAN WOOL NETWORK

ANGUS ANGUS ANGUS CHAROLAIS X HEREFORD ANGUS ANGUS LIMOUSIN X HEREFORD HEREFORD

HEIFER HEIFER HEIFER HEIFER HEIFER HEIFER HEIFER HEIFER HEIFER HEIFER

368.33 640 530 472.5 495 598.33 500 430 420 665

355 368 375 410 410 392 340 300 300 362

ELDERS CORCORAN PARKER CORCORAN PARKER CORCORAN PARKER CORCORAN PARKER CORCORAN PARKER NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK AUSTRALIAN WOOL NETWORK

ANGUS ANGUS ANGUS ANGUS HEREFORD ANGUS

BULL BULL BULL BULL BULL BULL

1,215.00 1,095.00 830 1,140.00 1,000.00 1,100.00

311.2 306.2 306.2 334.2 302 307.2

CORCORAN PARKER CORCORAN PARKER CORCORAN PARKER NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK

STEER Laceby Meadows 3 Laceby Meadows 4 LANEWAY LIVESTOCK & PRODUCE 1 LACEBY CATTLE COMPANY PTY LTD 1 MURTAGH JE & RL 1 KORTAR 2 MICHEAL LEWINGTON 1 YORK R & N 1 YORK R & N 1 LOXBY BROWN SWISS 3 LOXBY BROWN SWISS 1

HEIFER Laceby Meadows 3 CRADDOCK J 1 CRADDOCK J 4 KORTAR 2 KORTAR 1 LACEBY CATTLE COMPANY PTY LTD 3 SD CATTLE CO 1 YORK R & N 1 NOTTLE W & D 1 HEYWOOD AG & ZB 1

BULLS DOBSON A & M & SON BOROUGH NOMINEES PURCELL AR & RA CHRISMONT P/L ZOMERDIJK P CHRISMONT P/L

1 1 1 1 1 1

NEXT SALE 8TH APRIL 2025 1ST CP 2ND ELD 3RD NUT 4TH CP

slightly higher, cooler and wetter than Fighting Gully Road,” he said.

“We planted vines there in spring last year which have grown well and anticipate the first crop next year.

“The wines are unique from a flavour and texture point of

view, and will give consumers something different from Merlot, Cabernet or Riesling.”

Seven acres have been planted at Europa Vineyard with two for the Petit Arvine and five acres for both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Mr Walpole is also known for

his award-winning Chardonnay and Syrah.

The vigneron said a lot of the ‘new’ varieties introduced over the past decade or so have been selected for a warming climate but little attention had been given to vignerons in cool areas that have a limited amount of varieties available to them.

Beechworth Vignerons Association president Jeremy Schmölzer said Mr Walpole has been a key proponent in importing new vines and growing grapes with his interest spanning for at least 20 years.

“There’s an exciting curiosity around new varieties with the market willing to try new things,” he said.

“Varieties and trends are changing with good support from restaurants and wine trade for new and interesting varieties.”

Mr Schmölzer said there has been a big adaptation where the industry has adapted, as well as a supportive market with broader acceptance of new varieties.

“It’s great for Beechworth as a small and compact wine region with a high reputation for trade locally and internationally,” he said.

“Mark is a good advocate for the industry and producers.”

Funding to help support climate smart agriculture THE North East Catchment Management Authority (NECMA) has received funding to undertake knowledge building and practical on-ground, climate-smart agriculture activities across the North East region over the next four years.

NECMA officer Sally Day said activities that support agricultural production by improving sustainable land management and protecting and conserving natural capital and biodiversity on farms will be delivered through two grant streams.

“Groups grants of between $10,000 and $40,000 (GST exc.) will fund group-led activities that support capacity building activities, trials, demonstration sites and revegetation programs on farms,” she said.

“A Landholder Incentives Program will support individual farmers to undertake practical projects to improve their farm’s agricultural productivity, natural capital values and climate resilience.

“Incentives of up to $5000/ ha (GST exc.) are available to support on-farm infrastructure (e.g. fencing and offstream water) required to establish vegetation, with plant and guard costs funded by the North East CMA.” Ms Day said applications must be made separately for each stream, with expressions of interest open until 5pm, 28 April.

PRODUCTIVE LAND: New grants are available to support climate-smart agriculture in the North East.

For more details go to https://www.necma.vic.gov.au/ Projects/Current-projects/ Climate-Smart-Agriculturein-North-East-Victoria If you would like to discuss an idea for a group project or a site on your farm contact Ms Day on 0488 576 533 or email sally.day@necma.vic.gov.au Activities to be delivered

by NECMA throughout the duration of the project will include: • practical workshops on designing and implementing revegetation sites in the landscape (such as shelterbelts, farm dams, paddock trees and waterway sites) supporting landholders to develop plans for their revegetation sites and guidance throughout site implementation; • supporting groups and organisations to deliver their group-led projects; - annual forums to build the

skills and capability of regional farmers and industry support staff to adapt to climate change, apply industry sustainability frameworks and/ or engage in natural capital markets, specifically in relation to risk and opportunities; • events and other communications such as videos, podcasts and fact sheets to draw together key findings from the project; and • benchmarking of community attitudes and knowledge in sustainable land management over the course of the project and reporting on project findings at the completion of the project.

Ms Day said that as additional investment streams become available under the program, NECMA will investigate opportunities for additional funding to support the needs and interests of groups and landholders in local catchments.

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THE CHRONICLE, Monday, April 7, 2025 - Page 11

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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.

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If you are looking for a new challenge in an energetic and stimulating environment with a long standing publisher, we would encourage you to forward your covering letter and CV (including three referees) to: Danny Fogarty, Print Manager, North East Media 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta VIC 3677 dfogarty@nemedia.com.au

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SOCIAL FOCUS

Wangaratta Garden Club’s colouful start to autumn

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

WANGARATTA Garden Club held its general meeting last Thursday in the Seventh Day Adventist Church Hall in Phillipson Street.

CARMEL SLOAN Honouring the Journey

This month’s special effort was a container or vase of pink/red/burgundy tones, which produced some striking contributions to the mini-show.

KATHY SEMMENS

TODAY

25o

Mostly sunny

Mason Park

25 25 26o o

TUE

o

WED

THU

Monday, March 31, 2025

edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au

$2.00 inc GST

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Funerals

P. 03 5721 5060 W. masonpark.com.au

MPs to fight ESVF tax Page 3

M&M spread the sunshine Page 4

FIRST CRACK

Football and netball made a triumphant return in the Ovens and King league in misty conditions on Saturday. North Wangaratta’s Hunter Fraser (left) puts a chase on Milawa’s Brandon Fitzpatrick in the Demons’ 45-point win at home. See full results in sport. PHOTO: Marc Bongers

McNamaras steer RUB to premiership Sport

Let the games begin Battle lines for Indi electorate have been drawn with campaigns underway for 3 May federal election

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 officially dissolving parliament on Friday morning and calling a federal election on 3 May. The announcement, just days after Labor handed down its 2025/26 federal budget, kickstarts a five-week election campaign for candidates.

Incumbent Independent Helen Haines, Liberal James

Personal Notices may be placed before 2pm the business day prior to publication

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.

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

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 fighting for what matters to Indi, not party politics.

“We set our own priorities right here in Indi and I’ll keep fighting 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 fight

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 fighting for stranded communities during the pandemic, relief for communities impacted by bushfires, shaping the national agenda with

housing solutions, and securing a National Anti-Corruption Commission, I’ve had local impact and national influence.

“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 first time in 12 years.

For the Liberals to overcome the orange wave, Mr Trenery would need to pull off 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

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Remember your loved one in a lasting way The memory of a much loved family member or friend can live on through a donation to your local health service Northeast Health Wangaratta. This is a direct way of helping us to continually improve patient care and comfort, ensuring the availability of comprehensive health services in our local community.

Family and friends can make a donation in lieu of flowers in recognition of the medical care and attention provided.

Local News.

Anytime, Anywhere, Anyhow.

Page 4 - THE CHRONICLE, Friday, January

SOCIAL FOCUS

The bereaved family will be notified of your memorial gift according to your wishes and you will receive a tax-deductible receipt for your donation.

To make a donation or to request information about memorial service donations or remembering Northeast Health Wangaratta in your will, please contact -

15, 2021 wangarattachronicle.com.au

Charge up your engines

THE CHRONICLE, Friday, January 15,

Wangaratta students compare admirably

MEMBERS of the Northeast Radio Control Car Club gathered at Mitchell Avenue last Saturday to test their vehicles in competition.

New members are always welcome.

For more information contact president Matthew Johnson-Begg on 0467 974 305.  INTO HIS CARS: Gordon Flighty

with his Touring Car. PHOTOS: Kieren Tilly

2021 - Page 5

after a year like no other

Wang Repair Café returns

 REVVED UP: Northeast Radio Control Club president Matthew Johnson-Begg works on his machine in the pits.

 HOT WHEELS: Teo Valle (9) from Peechelba raced for the first time in RC Touring Class.

THE Wang Repair Café will hold its next event tomorrow at Apex Park from 8am until 12pm.

The café will have some t-shirt rugs for sale as well as other items, and cash donations as well as donations of unwanted Christmas presents for them to sell would be appreciated, as the volunteer-run organisation seeks assistance to cover its operating costs and ensure its continuation.

Bring items in need of repair to the park tomorrow morning where volunteers will be on hand to help bring them back to life.

 FAST TRUCK: Talon Fullerton (14) from Wangaratta with his racing truck.

A

SIGH OF RELIEF: After a long, tough

BORDER BUBBLE IS NOW IN PLACE

(left) and Amy Henderson were celebrating

double degree in Arts and Public Policy with a major in third-world development at the Australian National University in Canberra.

“I was happy with my ATAR score even if I thought I could do better but it’s been a tough year,” Kayla said.

“It was difficult not having feedback from classmates because I didn’t know if I was doing okay or needed to improve.

“But, I got there in the end and am

looking forward to the next step.”

Amy, 18, will be doing occupational therapy at Deakin but hopes to branch into humanitarian work in third world countries.

“I had hoped for a higher ATAR but I didn’t need one, I’m pretty happy with how I went,” Amy said.

“Last year I really missed out on having the balance of sport and social aspects of school which really help me get through the study aspect.

their university offers yesterday.

PHOTO: Kieren Tilly

offers

“The offer I received was my first choice so I’m really happy with that.

“I’ll jump straight in this year I think because my initial plans to have a gap year and travel aren’t likely now.

“Eventually I want to go into allied health overseas and Kayla and I have always talked about collaborating; she’s more interested in the politics side and I’d do the health side so that could be cool.”

Musicians invited to orchestra meeting MUSICIANS interested in becoming part of a new regional orchestra being formed in Wangaratta will be meeting in the King George V Gardens on Sunday at 2.30pm.

A newly formed committee, involving local violinist Sally Ross, will be in attendance and the group welcomes other potential members to come along, particularly seeking violin and flute players, a percussionist and a conductor.

For more information visit the Wangaratta Arts Council on Facebook or come along to the meeting in the park on Sunday.

Home Care Packages for Wangaratta

Live at home for longer

For more information visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian

W O N

Victorian and New South Wales border residents will be able to travel into Victoria by showing their driver’s licence or other formal photo ID, to access the services they need.

Travel delays are expected, so please plan ahead.

year local graduates Kayla Fisher

Teens look to the future with uni

WANGARATTA High School year 12 graduates Kayla Fisher and Amy Henderson were among hundreds of local students, and tens of thousands around the state, who received their first round university offers yesterday.

The pair are both interested in humanitarian work and development, and were offered their first choice course at their chosen universities.

Kayla, 17, has been offered a

LL CA

Community Engagement Team (03) 5722 5310 or PO Box 386, Wangaratta, Vic 3676.

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Country stacks up in VCE

A STUDENT’S ability to apply themselves during their schooling is a large ting a slightly better percentpart of how they perform Beechworth Secondary Mansfield Secondary Col- College age of 40+ scores at 3.6pc College

BY STEVE in VCE, but there are many Wodonga had a mehad a median study lege had a median of 29 with dian of 29, with compared to Cathedral’s score KELLY other factors that contribute 3.2pc 40+. of 29, but it was its 40+ 1.3pc of scores 40+.

3.3pc. their desired outcome such skelly@ Yarrawonga College P-12 score that was a standout Myrtleford P-12 College was nemedia.com.au But while Wangaratta with as getting into a university a median of 28 with 13.7pc reaching the A had a median of 28 with 3.3pc of scores High School had a lesser me- grade course of their choice.

40+. figure.

Wangaratta’s three sec- dian 3.9pc of scores 40+, while study score at 26, it was Despite students dealing ondary The top three schools in Benalla P-12 College had Marian schools stack up well better than College had a me- Victoria were Galen and Cathe- a median study with adversity from the pan- when Bialik Colscore of 26, dian of 28 with zero compared to others dral with a 40+ percentage of with zero over scores lege in Hawthorn that demic in 2020 and the touted across had 40+, while FCJ 40+. the region and even 3.9. country-city education divide, several a median of 38 with 39.9pc College Benalla had a strong metropolitan counMount Beauty Secondary of scores Across the region Goul- median they performed reasonably terparts 40+, Mount Scopus of 30 with 6pc of College had across the state. a median of 28, Memorial College burn Valley Grammar School scores well judging by the VCE study was next 40+.

Galen Catholic College in Shepparton with 2.7pc of scores 40+. scores released by the Victo- and had a median with 38 and 39.7pc, with Euroa Secondary College’s Cathedral College both 35 with Wodonga Senior Second- Ballarat 21.6pc achieving dux achieved rian Curriculum and Assess- achieved Clarendon College one of the ary College had a median study 40+, placing a median third with 38 and 38.4pc. ment Authority (VCCA). it 30th best in highest scores score of 29 with Galen get- Victoria. in the region score of 23, with 1.1pc of For the full results visit with a 98.55 ATAR. scores 40+, while Catholic vcaa.vic.adu.au.

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DAVID ASHCROFT

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, April 7, 2025 - Page 13

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MATCH REVIEWS

ROUND

�

SENIORS

WANGARATTA ROVERS

WANGARATTA MAGPIES

��.�

��.�

86

98

GOALS: WANGARATTA ROVERS: O. Clelland 2, S. Murray 1, S. Booth 1, L. O’Brien 1, A. McCarthy 1, D. Wilson 1, W. Christie 1, X. Allison 1, E. Dayman 1.

WANGARATTA: P. Heatley 3, J. Craven 3, J. Clarke 2, X. Laverty 1, B. Melville 1, M. Grossman 1, A. Federico 1.

BEST: WANGARATTA ROVERS: A. McCarthy, D. Wilson, W. Christie, C. Ledger. WANGARATTA: J. Craven, J. Clarke, H. Hewitt, A. Federico, M. Grossman, C. Knowles.

RESERVES

Wangaratta Rovers: 11.11 (77) Wangaratta: 4.6 (30) GOALS: WANGARATTA ROVERS: P. Coleman 4, S. Comensoli 3, T. Vincent 2, H. McMonigle 2.

WANGARATTA: J. Adamo 1, C. Ross 1, H. Graham 1.

BEST: WANGARATTA ROVERS: C. McNamara, S. Comensoli, H. Nolan, S. Nolan, H. McMonigle, P. Coleman WANGARATTA: H. Graham, J. Roberts, C. Newton, H. Burgan, P. Wright.

THIRDS

Wangaratta Rovers: 7.4 (46) Wangaratta: 3.8 (26)

NETBALL

GOALS: WANGARATTA ROVERS: J. Correll 2, Z. O’Shannessy 1, M. Correll 1, C. Johnson 1, E. Saunders 1, J. Marek 1. WANGARATTA: C. Petersen 1, O. Roberts 1, R. Schultz 1.

BEST: WANGARATTA ROVERS: E. Saunders, C. Lugg, C. Boman, R. Harvey, E. White, J. Correll.

WANGARATTA: C. Donald, O. Roberts, W. Petersen, O. Boyle, T. Berry.

A Grade: Wangaratta Rovers 41 def by Wangaratta 52.

B Grade: Wangaratta Rovers 32 def by Wangaratta 39. C Grade: Wangaratta Rovers 25 def by Wangaratta 46.

17 & Under: Wangaratta Rovers 58 def Wangaratta 39. 15 & Under: Wangaratta Rovers 27 def by Wangaratta 40.

WINNERS AND LOSERS

ROUND

�

OVENS AND KING SENIORS LADDER TEAM � BRIGHT � GOORAMBAT � TARRAWINGEE � MILAWA � GRETA � KING VALLEY � BONNIE DOON � WHOROULY � MOYHU �� NORTH WANGARATTA �� BENALLA ALL BLACKS

P � � � � � � � � � � �

W � � � � � � � � � � �

L � � � � � � � � � � �

D � � � � � � � � � � �

B � � � � � � � � � � �

PTS � � ���.�� � ���.�� � ���.�� � ���.�� � ���.�� � ��.�� � ��.�� � ��.�� � ��.�� � ��.�� � ��.��

*Ladder correct at time of print from Ovens and King website.

NETBALL SCORES A GRADE:

Milawa 39 def Greta 31 King Valley 22 def by Tarrawingee 49 Nth Wang 27 def by Bonnie Doon 50 Moyhu 36 def by Goorambat 41 B GRADE: Milawa 45 def Greta 34; Nth Wang 20 def by Bonnie Doon 44; Moyhu 34 def by Goorambat 41 B RESERVE: Milawa 21 def by Greta 39; Nth Wang 15 def by Bonnie Doon 61; Moyhu 47 def Goorambat 23; C GRADE Nth Wangaratta 18 def by Bonnie Doon 71; Moyhu 58 def Goorambat 9 �� & UNDER King Valley 27 def by Tarrawingee 41; Milawa 36 def Greta 30; Nth Wangaratta 8 def by Bonnie Doon 80; Moyhu 43 def Goorambat 8

ROUND � SATURDAY, APRIL �� BONNIE DOON vs MOYHU GOORAMBAT vs GRETA WHOROULY vs KING VALLEY BENALLA vs NTH WANGARATTA TARRAWINGEE vs MILAWA BRIGHT � BYE

SCOREBOARD

BRIGHT WHOROULY

5.5 10.9 14.15 18.16.124 0.0 2.2 2.2 2.2.14

NTH WANGARATTA BONNIE DOON

3.3 5.5 3.3 8.3

6.7 9.6

KING VALLEY TARRAWINGEE

4.7 7.9 1.2 3.3

9.16 11.18.84 4.6 7.9.51

MILAWA GRETA

5.2 6.4 20. 7.3

8.9 11.11.77 10.7 15.10.100

MOYHU GOORAMBAT

0.4 3.5 4.1 7.3

7.7 9.5

GOALS: BRIGHT: C. Thomason 6, W. Wales 3, L. Quirk 3, P. Bren 2, S. Dalbosco 1, R. Bacon 1, M. Kinthari 1, J. Love 1. WHOROULY: A. Newton 1, J. Smith 1. BEST: BRIGHT: D. Chellew, W. Wales, J. Crawley, S. Dalbosco, C. Banks, A. Dalbosco. WHOROULY: J. Smith, C. Southern, R. Eden, G. White, C. Wood, S. Ferguson.

11.7.73 11.8.74

GOALS: NORTH WANGARATTA : C. Smith 4, B. Lane-Gee 3, J. Devine 3, T. Schulze 1. BONNIE DOON : J. Law 5, L. Walsh 2, E. Ivill 1, K. Curran 1, P. Cairns 1, J. Curtin 1. BEST: NORTH WANGARATTA : M. Smith, B. Raggett, M. Curtis, C. Smith, T. Schulze, D. Bradley. BONNIE DOON : J. Law, P. Cairns, T. Snooks, J. Malan, B. Hedin, J. Curtin.

GOALS: KING VALLEY: B. Wheeler 3, T. Mears 2, H. Sims 2, S. Jansen 2, J. Finger 1, J. Cook 1. TARRAWINGEE: N. Gorman 2, W. Phillips 1, S. Piper 1, A. Cook 1, O. Sharp 1. BEST: KING VALLEY: Jack Davies TARRAWINGEE:

GOALS: MILAWA : B. Bartlett 4, H. Allan 2, A. Law 2, J. Lea 1, J. Radovanovic 1, B. Kearns 1. GRETA : F. Judd 5, C. Crawford 3, J. McClounan 2, B. Pearson 1, J. Kelly 1, L. Kennett 1, B. Newbold 1, T. Arrowsmith 1. BEST: MILAWA : H. Allan, B. Kearns, A. Law, D. Bihun, J. Radovanovic, J. Lea. GRETA : L. Kennett, J. Kelly, X. Wales, J. McClounan, T. Arrowsmith, C. Crawford.

9.9.63 12.8.80

GOALS: MOYHU : H. Grant 4, D. West 1, D. McDonald 1, N. Stewart 1, B. Zimmermann 1, N. Gamble 1. GOORAMBAT : D. Haebich 4, R. Goodley 4, A. Blackburn 1, S. Briggs 1, J. Dunne 1, C. Hunter 1. BEST: MOYHU : H. Grant, L. Suffield, H. Verdon, D. McDonald, C. Gibson, P. McNamara. GOORAMBAT : C. Anker, J. Dunne, S. Emmett, J. Taylor, M. Ryan, K. Black.

RESERVES RESULTS Bright .....................16.8 (104) Whorouly ................... 4.3 (27) GOALS: BRIGHT: P. Harrison 8, T. Gray 2, D. Bursill 2, D. Martin 2, E. White 1, J. Dalbosco 1.

WHOROULY: J. Pethybridge 1, M. Charleston 1, K. Fitzpatrick 1. BEST: BRIGHT: Y. Paulsen, A. Shem, T. Gray, P. Harrison, P. Crocombe, D. Martin. WHOROULY: D. Allen, C. Forde, M. Charleston, K. Fitzpatrick, J. Penn.

Milawa....................... 8.9 (57) Greta ......................... 8.7 (55) GOALS: MILAWA: M. Benton 3, M. Walker 2, Z. Carroll 1, S. Williamson 1, D. Larkings 1. GRETA: O. Ramage 2, C. Hernandez 2, D. Cassidy 1, C. Monk 1, B. Spencer 1, L. Arrowsmith 1. BEST: MILAWA: J. Whitehouse, S. Williamson, M. Benton, J. Stevenson, J. Jones, Z. Carroll. GRETA: J. Morham, A. Kennedy, T. Whitecross, C. Hernandez, O. Ramage, C. Monk, North Wangaratta....... 6.2 (38) Bonnie Doon .............. 6.6 (42) GOALS: NORTH WANG: J. Brown 3, A. Knights 1, K. Williams 1, S. McCabe 1. BONNIE DOON: P. Mitchell 2, l. berriman 2, G. Murray 1, F. Cameron 1. BEST: NORTH WANG: A. Knights, J. Brown, B. Schulz-Dahlenburg, R. Adamo, A. Harris, J. Massey-Chase.

BONNIE DOON: J. Kirley, P. Revell, l. berriman, A. Marshall, R. Markwick, L. Jenkins.

Moyhu ..................20.13 (133) Goorambat................... 0.8 (8) GOALS: MOYHU: R. Downing 6, C. Paterson 3, L. Dowling 3, K. Pensak 3, S. Cathie 2, l. Watson 2, B. Harrison 1.

King Valley ..............12.13 (85) Tarrawingee............... 4.2 (26) GOALS: KING VALLEY: L. Pizzini 2, J. Kelly 2, J. Parrott 1, M. McKenzie 1, F. Ott 1. TARRAWINGEE: H. Ormond 1, M. Smith 1, C. Fitzgerald 1.

Page 14 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, April 7, 2025

ROUND

�

wangarattachronicle.com.au

MATCH REVIEWS

Premier Blues on the board over Dees

AFTER their false start to the flag defence last weekend, Greta’s senior football squad banked the points against a tough Milawa outfit 15.12 (100) to 11.11 (77) on Saturday.

The Blues were eager to record a win after a loss to Bright in the opening round, but took some time to work into the contest.

The Demons were impressive early, booting five goals in the opening quarter to take a 20-point lead by quarter time before Greta shot back.

Defensively sound and dynamic through the corridor, Greta ate up the deficit and opened one of their own, up by a kick at the long break.

Gun midfielders James McClounan and Jack Kelly found their feet, keeping the Blues’ forward line well supplied.

Milawa kept coming, but saw chances go begging to trail by 10 points at the final break.

The Blues had enough in

SHORT KICK: DANIEL CASSIDY CHIPS A BALL WIDE TO SWITCH THE FOOTY.

BY NATHAN DE VRIES

ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

the tank and on the scoreboard to kick away late, home by 23 points.

Greta coach Chris Dube said it was a vital result after a lacklustre first week.

“We hadn’t played our best football against Bright so there were a few proud players who wanted to bounce back, so it was nice, against a strong opposition, to correct that immediately,” he said.

“It took a quarter or so to work out a few structural things we wanted to change.

“There was a bit of a breeze but once we made a few corrections we looked like a far better ball-moving side, that’s for sure.”

Lachie Kennett was immense in the ruck for the Blues, while McClounan and Kelly were among the best on ground.

Frazer Judd (five goals) and Cody Crawford (three goals)

AGGRESIVE PLAY: Braydon Kearns looks to send the Demons forward. led the scoring for Greta, while Milawa’s Brady Bartlett (four goals), Harry Allan and Aaron Law (two goals each) impacted the scoreboard.

“If you can get the ball somewhere near [Frazer] Judd and [Cody] Crawford, then you can start locking in the opposition from higher up the ground, it just gives you such an advantage if the ball comes out, because at

times it will come out,” Dube said.

“It was nice it was such an even contribution but there is no doubt some of our prime movers really got busy.

“Macca [McClounan] and Des [Kelly] in particular through the middle, it was a different sort of game, there was a bit of grunt, and Lachie got to do the classy La-

MOVE IT ON: Jayden Whitehouse is called to play on.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling chie stuff that he does.”

While a win is a win in the bank, Dube said the season had just started, and there was a long road to travel down.

“We’re in a position where losses feel heavy but we were really clear as a group that after Bright, there’s another 20 weeks of football to go,” he said.

“Training on Tuesday and

Thursday has been really strong, we’ve got such an engaged group with high numbers, blokes who are doing catch-ups and extras.

“Winning form is good form, but we’re under no illusion that it’s going to be a war of attrition like every other year, and we need to find ways to get wins when we’re not at our absolute best.”

One-point heartbreak for Hawks, Bright put Lions to the sword

By NATHAN DE VRIES

BALL IT UP: Corey Southern is wrapped up by Rod Arguello.

PHOTO: Richard Xerri

MARKED: Cooper Thomason holds onto the mark over Whorouly’s Sam Ferguson.

PHOTO: Richard Xerri

TAP OUT: Ed Bramich and Joe Crawley leap in the ruck.

PHOTO: Nathan de Vries

ROUND two of the 2025 Ovens and King season threw up close matches and blowouts across the senior football competition.

At North Wangaratta, Bonnie Doon was able to edge out the home team in an agonising one-point win over the Hawks.

The Bombers were able to withstand a much-improved North Wang outfit to run out winners by the barest of margins, 11.8 (74) to 11.7 (73).

After a deadlocked first term, the Bombers began to kick away, booting five goals to two to open up a 16-point margin at the half.

The arm-wrestle continued through the third quarter, with the Hawks managing to arrest some of Bonnie Doon’s momentum.

The stage was set for a massive final term, and the Hawks surged back into the contest, but the Bombers had enough in the tank to maintain the lead until the final siren.

Elsewhere, injuries rocked Whorouly in their attempt to

defeat the Mountain Men at Pioneer Park.

For most of the game the Lions operated with a depleted or non-existent bench, as Bright capitalised with an 18.16 (124) to 2.2 (14) final score.

A five goal to two opening term set the tone, and while the Lions found the scoreboard in the second quarter, Bright was able to run the game out well to dominate possession and scoring.

Cooper Thomason finished with six goals, and Darcy Chellew and Wayland Wales were impactful, while Jessie Smith and Corey Southern fought hard for the Lions all day.

Goorambat was able to keep its strong start to the season going with a threegoal win over the Hoppers at Moyhu.

The experienced Bats ran well with the younger Hoppers list and took a 12.8 (80) to 9.9 (53) victory to remain undefeated.

Up at Whitfield, King Valley took the points over Tarrawingee 11.18 (84) to 7.9 (51).

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, April 7, 2025 - Page 15

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MATCH REVIEWS

OUT IN FRONT: Nathan Cooper beats his man to the ball.

FAST HANDS: Will Christie pops a handball up.

Magpies come over the top of premiers Rovers by two goals in all-time classic derby clash ■ From back page

Jasper Craven and Parker Heatley kicked three goals each, while core Magpies Jackson Clarke, Mathew Grossman and Chris Knowles were among the best.

“Rovers are very strong around the footy, so to even halve the contest in there was important for our guys to be able to measure up,” Heatley said.

“A couple of key moments went our way, we were able to play a portion of the last quarter in our forward 50, there was a bit of a breeze but we were able to get some territory.

“I thought Jasper Craven in his first game for the club was outstanding around the footy, amongst others.”

For the Hawks, Alex McCarthy and Will Christie were strong, while Oscar Cleeland impressed up forward with a brace of goals.

Rovers football operations manager Barry Sullivan said while the end result was disappointing, the effort could not be faulted.

“It was a very tight contest played in fantastic conditions – it was a real armwrestle all day but one where there were little bursts of momentum,” he said.

“It was a high-pressure game, it came down to who was able to take advantage of the small windows of opportunity, and Wangaratta did that really well in the last quarter.

“Sam Murray himself was very good, his first half was as good as any on the ground, and Alex McCarthy and Dylan Wilson did take advantage of some opportunities up forward.”

LEG SPEED: Will O'Keefe bursts from the back in the Magpies' derby win over Rovers.

INTO SPACE: Jasper Craven boots the ball into the pocket.

GOT HIS KICK: Harrison Hewitt boots the ball clear of the

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling contest.

CLEARANCE: Sam Murray bursts through the centre of the ground.

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POSSESSION PLAY ZAC Northey works the ball around in the Blues’ statement win over Milawa.

The Blues picked up their first win of the year after trailling at quarter time.

■

Story page 14.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Derby thriller Magpies come over the top of premiers Rovers by two goals in all-time classic derby clash

THE Wangaratta Derby has a knack for producing stunning matches, and the first of the 2025 season was no exception at WJ Findlay Oval on Saturday.

O&M senior footy 2024 premiers Wangaratta Rovers played host to the Magpies and the larger O&M community, as the beloved rivalry was the standalone

BY NATHAN DE VRIES

ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

fixture to kick off the season.

In a result which not many would see coming, the reigning premiers were downed on their own deck, the Magpies coming over the top with a 12-point win, 15.8

(98) to the Hawks’ 13.8 (86).

It was an arm-wrestle from the first siren, the ball ping-ponging between the arcs as both sides looked for a clean possession inside forward 50.

It would take just over eight minutes for the first goal to be kicked, Magpie co-captain Jackson Clarke taking advantage of a loose

ball to run into the open goal.

The struggle continued, with Rovers firing back with two majors of their own to take a six-point margin at the first break.

The ‘Pies found the first goals of the final term but the Hawks answered in kind, but as the quarter wore on the Magpies were just

that little bit cleaner, and it ended up showing on the scoreboard.

Magpies coach Jason Heatley said it was a thrilling game to be part of.

“It was a really tough, even contest that ebbed and flowed both ways at different times,” he said.

“The game was really hot, it certainly wasn’t an

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uncontested match, there was a lot of heat on the footy which tends to put pressure of guys ahead of the footy either way.

“Both sides were really tenacious and fought it our right to the end.

“It was a terrific game of footy, great for the community.”

■ Continued page 15