LEON Newton, Rural City of Wangaratta manager sports, aquatics and events precinct, gets into the spirit of the upcoming Big Freeze at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre, with help from Laura Nelson (le ) and Grace Kerwin. The event will be held at the WSAC outdoor pool on 22 June. See story page 2.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Rural city council, lower and upper house MPs detail items that Wangaratta area needs
THE 2025-26 Victorian State Budget is due to be handed down on Tuesday, 20 May with most pundits expecting it to be austere considering the state’s ballooing debt.
Wangaratta council CEO Brendan McGrath said he anticipated a conservative budget.
“We have advocated for
funding to upgrade the Wangaratta-Whit eld Road, a critical route for several hundred thousand vehicles annually, and a growing regional tourism destination,” Mr McGrath said.
“It’s crucial that core funding for services such as libraries, performing arts, and art galleries is maintained.
“Additionally, competitive funding programs to support development and essential community infrastructure would be ideal.”
Nationals MP for Ovens
Valley Tim McCurdy has a lengthy wish list for the electorate, despite Victoria’s current nancial situation.
He listed the ‘promised’ $11.7 million for the next stage Wangaratta High School redevelopment at the top of his list, along with the upgrade of Wangaratta-Whit eld Road, and the urgent
maintenance for all regional and rural roads, along with construction of a timekeeper’s box for the Bright Football Club, support for Wangaratta CFA Group Headquarters, upgrade of Myrtleford CFA facilities, Mount Beauty Police Station upgrade, infrastructure improvements for
“These investments are critical to support safety, education, sporting infrastructure and community services across Ovens Valley,” Mr McCurdy said.
■ Continued page 2
POLICE are investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash in Waggarandall, near St James, that occurred early Sunday morning.
Emergency services were notified that a four-wheel-drive vehicle had left the road and struck a tree near the intersection of Katandra Main Road and Evans Road at 5.48am.
The male driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, died at the scene.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident remain ongoing.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or with dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au.
There have been 117 lives lost on Victorian roads in 2025, compared to 107 at the same time last year.
AS Victorians anticipate the annual Big Freeze at the ‘G on King’s Birthday weekend, Wangaratta is gearing up for its own version of the popular MND fundraiser.
Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre will host a Big Freeze event on Sunday, 22 June from 1pm, where top local fundraisers for the cause will brave the chill and slide into WSAC’s icy outdoor pool on an in atable slide.
Like the Neale Daniherinspired MCG event, the inaugural Big Freeze at WSAC will raise aware-
BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au
ness and funds for research into Motor Neurone Disease.
Termed ‘The Beast’ by Daniher, MND attacks and weakens the nerves that communicate between the brain and the muscles needed to move, speak, swallow and breathe.
FightMND was founded in 2014 by Daniher, Pat Cunningham and the late Dr Ian Davis, with the vision of a world free from
MND, and their e orts sparked a movement which has united Australians in the battle against the disease and has so far raised more than $115 million.
As it joins the ght, WSAC will reopen its outdoor pool on 22 June, and is welcoming the community to support the cause.
Top fundraisers will
provide some of the entertainment on the day, as they take to the in atable slide for their descent into the pool.
There will be a host of frosty activities on o er, including ice bucket challenges, and other cool, family-friendly fun.
Those attending the gold coin entry event are encouraged to wear blue for the chance to win prizes, or to rug up in o cial FightMND beanies and socks, which will soon be available for purchase from the WSAC front desk; all proceeds will go
to the campaign.
Even those unable to take the plunge are encouraged to donate or fundraise by creating a unique donation page.
“This event is a wonderful opportunity to unite our community in support of a critical cause,” Rural City of Wangaratta manager sports, aquatics and events precinct Leon Newton said.
“We are proud to contribute to the important work of FightMND.” For more information and to register, visit www. wsac.vic.gov.au
Rural city council, lower and upper house MPs detail items that Wangaratta area needs in budget
■ From page 1
One Nation upper house MP for Northern Victoria Rikki-Lee Tyrell said she had recently held a meeting with the mayor, councillors and CEO of the Rural City of Wangaratta to discuss the council’s main infrastructure priorities in the lead-up to the state budget.
“Generally, I’m looking for the budget to cut red tape and reduce unnecessary regulative requirements on business to lower the cost of doing business for our small business owners, the cost of which is ultimately passed on to the consumer,” Ms Tyrell said.
More speci cally she listed the Wangaratta-Whit eld Rd
A BUDGET MUST: Funding for urgent repairs ands rebuild of thew Wangaratta-Whitfield Road are among the top budget requests items for local politicians and council.
upgrade and the Wangaratta Organics Processing Plant upgrade as priorities.
“While an announcement has been made that repairs will be carried out on a few sections of the road from Oxley to Whit eld; a full upgrade is required including widening and
“Cost is not determined and will depend on the extent of works, but council are seeking funding from both the state and federal governments for the project.
“The Wangaratta Organics Processing Plant upgrade will
increase the processing capacity of the current plant from 12,000 tonnes of organic material per annum to 25,000 tonnes per annum.
“This will allow the facility to service other councils in the Hume region.
“It is estimated that the project will create 10 full-time jobs during construction and ve fulltime jobs post-construction and inject an additional $3.3m into the local economy each year.
“The location of the plant will save local councils an estimated 33 per cent on organic waste costs per year.
“Rural City of Wangaratta is seeking funding of $8m for the upgrade.”
HOUSING a ordability has dropped in regional Victoria especially for people on income support and minimum wages, according to gures released by Anglicare Victoria.
Every year Anglicare releases its Rental A ordability Snapshot, a survey of people earning the minimum wage or receiving Commonwealth income support payments.
In Wangaratta there has been an increase in properties a ordable for both households on income support and on minimum wage from this year compared to 2024.
In 2024, 43.5 per cent of properties listed in Wangaratta were a ordable for those on income support, or in real terms, 10 properties listed for rent in Wangaratta were a ordable for a household on minimum wage.
Zero properties were affordable for a household on income support payments in 2024.
This year, more than 60 per cent of properties were available to households on minimum wage - higher - but in real terms, is just 11 properties.
Anglicare Victoria pro-
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
gram manager Chris de Paiva said since last year, affordability has gone down in regional Victoria.
He said there’s been a notable drop for regional households on income support, from 5.3 per cent, or 148 properties, in 2024 to 3.6 per cent, equating to 100 properties across the state this year.
“There’s also been a slight decrease in a ordability for those earning the minimum wage, down from 48 per cent in 2024 to 46.9 per cent,” Mr de Paiva said.
“In Wangaratta, while there has been an increase in properties a ordable for both households on income support and on minimum wage from this year on 2024, it doesn’t mean much in real terms.
“In 2025, 11 properties across were a ordable for households on minimum wage in Wangaratta, and if you’re on income support, your prospects are a grand total of one. “While these demographics are not to-
tally priced out, it’s incredibly tight - the competition is high for a very scarce resource.”
Mr de Paiva said while the Big Housing Build has increased the state’s housing stock, it has not helped a ordability for the state’s poorest renters.
“We’re calling for the state government to deliver more a ordable homes across Victoria, and for the federal government to take a more proactive approach providing social housing,” he said.
“We know we’re facing a national shortfall in the tens of thousands when it comes to a ordable rentals and in the regions especially, the location of these homes is important to get right. In Wangaratta, these homes need to be near transport, near services, they need to be appropriately embedded in our community.
Mr Paiva said while we’re increasing dedicated a ordable housing, we also need to boost Commonwealth Rent Assistance to re ect median rents.
He said the federal Albanese government li ed the maximum rate of Rent Assistance by 27 per cent, over
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
TWO vehicles were impounded a er police caught them racing on Tone Road on Sunday, prior to a statewide crackdown on speeding for National Road Safety Week.
A Wangaratta police spokesperson said o cers observed the Ford and Holden sedans “racing at high speeds” along the busy road.
They were intercepted and impounded by police for 30 days at a cost of $1850 each, with both drivers set to appear at court at a later date.
The Holden was seen to have a red P-plate on the rear windscreen.
The incident came as a heavy police presence was seen on local roads for a major speeding related statewide operation conducted Monday.
Operation Action was conducted as part of National Road Safety Week, with 13 total o ences detected in the Wangaratta Police Service Area.
Of those o ences, 11 were due to speeding drivers, with one drink driver and one disobey tra c o ence recorded.
Across the state there were a total 930 o ences detected during the operation – with
OFF THE MARK: The driver of this Holden was set to face court a er being caught speeding.
speeding o ences making up more than half of all detections.
The Wangaratta community has been mourning the loss of a 19-year-old local man who died in a single-vehicle crash on Warby Range Road in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Police continue to investigate the incident which le a horror scene on the South Wangaratta road and will prepare a report for the coroner.
Early indications showed speed was a likely factor in the fatal crash which le the severely damaged Holden sedan and its engine resting in two di erent paddocks,
around 100 metres apart.
The incident was one of 11 lives lost on Victorian roads since Saturday, bringing the road toll this year to 114, 12 more than this time last year.
Assistant Commissioner, Glenn Weir said this terrible period on our roads should remind all of us that nobody is immune from the impacts of road trauma.
“We continue to detect far too many motorists disregarding the rules – particularly when it comes to speeding,” he said.
“Travelling even just a little bit over the speed limit signi cantly increases your risk of being involved in a collision, and yet the majority of those we caught speeding this week were considerably over the limit.
“In light of National Road Safety Week, and the fact we’ve had so many deaths on our roads in a matter of days, we urge everyone to be safe on the roads and most importantly – slow down.”
National Road Safety Week runs until Sunday, 18 May.
Victoria Police encouraged all road users to show their support for the initiative, which calls on motorists to “pledge to drive so others survive”.
and above in ation, in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 budgets.
“They should be commended for that, but the rents paid by Australians who receive Rent Assistance have risen almost 1.5 times faster than the maximum rate of the payment since 2017 [Grattan Institute],” he said.
“Rent Assistance has failed to keep pace with rising costs and more people just aren’t able to keep their head
above water when it comes to paying rent alongside all the other costs of living, like food, medication, and transport. It’s tough out there.”
In 2020 the median weekly rent was $350 in regional Victoria.
Commonwealth Rent Assistance payments at the time were $139 for singles and $131 for couples, with these rates increasing slightly for parents depending on the number of chil-
dren they have.
Singles paying the median rent would have had a gap of $210 in the regions.
In 2025, median weekly rents are $470 in regional Victoria, yet the maximum amount of Commonwealth Rent Assistance is still only $199 for couples and $211 for singles (with no children). Today a single person paying the median rent would have a shortfall of $258 in regional Victoria.
BY KURT HICKLING khickling@ nemedia.com.au
PRESSURE is mounting on most local farmers creating serious concerns as the autumn break is still a no-show, with the forecast of rain nowhere to be seen.
For the second year in a row, the usual autumn break around the ANZAC Day period that allows farmers to sow their crops or generate winter grass has failed to appear.
Cattle producer Denis O’Connor, who runs his “Mistletoe” property with a Limousin line over 440 acres in Greta South, has been on the land for 32 years and fears the worst. He said pressure mounts even further as sheep and cattle producers are being stretched to their limits with prices falling in the last six weeks.
“There are currently some serious concerns for all farmers alike as the pinch of pressure is now becoming very real, with no rain in sight,” Mr O’Connor said.
“We had rain in March this year which prompted a few farmers to plant seed, including us, only to see the gamble fall on it’s head as the dry conditions since that time have killed o crops - losing money on the seed that was spent.
“Cattle, sheep, cropping and agriculture are all su ering in one way or another.
“Hard decisions need to be made in the rural sector.
“Normally our paddocks are full of rye grass, however we can only see dust and dirt for as far as the eye can see.
“Like everyone else we have been obliged to buy in hard feed
and will be purchasing corn and grain to sustain our cattle.
“Purchasing hard feed is very limited, prices have increased based on the availability which is also stretching the budget of every farmer.
“Water sources are another issue as some dam levels are critical with a handful of producers seeing roughly six weeks of supply until water will need to be trucked in if we see no signi cant rainfall between now and then.”
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, weather patterns across southeast Australia have been dominated by multiple slowmoving high-pressure systems.
This is a continuation of weather patterns seen throughout much of 2024.
These slow-moving high-pressure systems have resulted in persistent warm and dry conditions, with fewer outbreaks of
cold air or rain-bearing weather systems.
State of the Climate 2024 has indicated that there has been a shi towards drier conditions across southern Australia, especially for the cool season months from April to October.
While some areas can have above average rainfall in some seasons, for southern Australia as a whole, April to October rainfall has been below the historical 1961–1990 average in the last 30 years since 1994.
The declining trend in rainfall is associated with a trend towards higher surface atmospheric pressure in the region and a shi in large-scale weather patterns.
There have been more highs, fewer lows and a reduction in the number of rain-producing lows and cold fronts.
Over the southern Australia
region, there has been an increase in density, and therefore frequency, of high-pressure systems across all seasons.
Sea surface temperatures remain much warmer than average in the Australian region; El Nino–Southern Oscillation and Indian Ocean Dipole are neutral.
The latest weekly SST analysis (ending May 20) shows warmer than average waters around most of the Australian coastline, reaching up to 3 degrees Celsius above average to Australia’s south-west, south and east.
Global SSTs remain substantially above average.
Each month in 2025 has been the second warmest recorded for its respective month, only slightly cooler than 2024.
Overall, a drier and warm winter is forecast based on the current conditions with no autumn break in sight.
Monday, 18 May, 2015
By JEFF ZEUSCHNER
ROCKY the Chihuahua wasn’t sure what to make of it, but owner Rodney Miller offered a re-assuring cuddle as they assembled for Wangaratta RSPCA’s Million Paws Walk yesterday morning.
“We’re a bit unsure how he’ll go...he’s only doing the 1.5km walk, and I reckon the last 1400 metres may be a struggle,” laughed Rodney, noting he was, after all, very much a ‘lap dog’. Other owners of the 200 plus dogs throwing their support behind the annual fundraiser, were more confident.
“We’re doing the three kilometre walk,” said Wangaratta vet nurse Maddi Nichols, who had her hands full with Burnese Mountain Dogs Digby and Monty, and Alfie the Old English Sheep Dog.
“Alfie is mine and the other two I’m petsitting for eight weeks.
“They’re all big dogs, but have a good temperament,” she said, as the trio pulled her off on the walk.
Just as enthusiastic, but with less pulling power were the dynamic duo of 18-month-old Lula the Maltese Jack Russell, and her best friend Freddie, the three year old Maltese Shitzu.
Respective owners Marnie Bussell and Tanya Cardamone said their loveable and ‘very excitable’ pets were up for the big morning of socialising.
BY JORDAN DUURSMA jduursma@ nemedia.com.au
THE Wang Night Shelter and Zac’s Place have received a $2000 grant as part of Australia Post’s People of Post grants program.
The funds will go towards the preparation of opening up the night shelter on 1 June, including training volunteers and preparing equipment.
Director of Zac’s Place and project manager of the Wang Night Shelter, Di Duursma, said they are thankful for the support and the timing of the grant.
“We’ve only got three weeks until we start the shelter, to have this money gi ed to us at this point is really helpful as we ramp up to the shelter opening,” she said.
“To have this support feels like a huge encouragement and also a real boost to our resources.”
Ms Duursma said the shelter team is already receiving phone calls from people asking when the night shelter is open and if they have anywhere for people to stay.
“There is a real need in the community for a safe place to stay,” she said.
“There are people who are still homeless from last year, as well as those who have lost their home or are struggling to pay rent with the high cost of living.
“We are still looking for volun-
teers, training runs every Tuesday from 2pm - 4pm at Zac’s Place at 1-3 Wills Street, or we can create training times for people who aren’t available at that time.”
This grant round comes as the latest research commissioned by Australia Post has found 40 per cent of regular-giving Australians have donated less in the past 12 months
due to cost-of-living pressures, with half of Australians saying they give less to charity because of the increased cost of groceries and essentials.
Wangaratta postal manager Anne Frawley, who nominated the Wang Night Shelter and Zac’s Place, said she was extremely happy the Australia Post grant was given them.
By STEVE KELLY
CASH incentives totalling $12,000 encouraged half the people who attended Wangaratta council workshops in March, according to a post session survey.
And it appears to have worked, with 62 per cent of the survey respondents answering they had never attended a council workshop before.
The incentive was on o er for residents who participated in one of three 3-hour workshops to share ideas and inform Wangaratta’s Council Plan 2025-29 and Community Vision 2045.
With this they were guaranteed a $100 visa voucher each to spend as they wished.
Wangaratta resident Cassandara Pollock quizzed the use of the vouchers to incentivise participants, a method used to boost feedback on this type of documents, which have historically had very little feedback from the community.
“Did it cost $12,000 to provide shopping vouchers for all the participants?” she asked
“I’m asking the council if you may be aware that indigo Shire tried a di erent strategy, and they gave three $100 door prizes to participants that participated in their consultation strategy.
“I’m asking the council to consider something more along those lines in the future in terms of being more economically considerate.”
Mayor Irene Grant noted that she “absolutely agrees” with Ms Pollock and director corporate Leisure Sarah Brindley followed up with a response to the question.
“I don’t disagree with you - there are many ways to do this,” Ms Brindley said.
“Ultimately our goal was to drive as much participation as we could, and we did ll the spots which was what we were looking for.
“It’s not something we would make regular practice of, and councillors have also indicated that as their intent.
“We’ve looked at various councils and what they’ve been doing in discussion with the
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE: Members of the Rural City of Wangaratta community were eager to listen and share their thoughts about the future of Wangaratta at workshops held earlier this year.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
consultants and they have been guiding us on driving community engagement for this.
“One of the reasons we sought feedback was to understand how much of an impact those vouchers did have.”
Ms Brindley reported that from the community, they received the following positive comments on incentives.
“Was very well done, felt comfortable and engaging. Really great to have so many council sta present and involved. Very grateful for the voucher in recognition of our time and very timely given the current costs of living,” she said.
“The voucher was a lovely contribution towards the fuel it takes me to drive into Wang from Whit eld. I believe that being in community groups/council reference group/advisory groups is important but di cult when it is all voluntary.”
Ms Brindley said the community vision and council plan are some of the most signi cant deliverables council has to deliver in each four-year cycle.
She said they are very appreciative of all community members who have given their time and energy to engage in this process.
Feedback was also gathered in other ways including via an online survey on the Connect Wangaratta website.
“I have read a lot about Zac’s Place in The Chronicle and am aware of some of our regular customers doing it tough and are glad they have somewhere to go get some good food, a place to stay and relax, keep warm and chat with volunteers,” she said.
To help address growing nancial pressures faced by community
groups, Australia Post is awarding over $400,000 in grants to over 200 grassroots community and not-forpro t groups around Australia.
Australia Post general manager community and stakeholder engagement, Nicky Tracey, said being part of a community and feeling connected is more important than ever before.
“That’s why Australia Post continues to support local communities through the People of Post grants,” she said.
“We know that people want to continue to support their local notfor-pro t, but with cost of living impacting both households and communities, many people are nding it increasingly di cult.
“We’re proud to continue supporting our team members to champion the causes they see making a real di erence at a local level and strengthen Australia Post’s commitment to creating a culture of giving for our people.”
Those who wish to nancially support the Wang Night Shelter and Zac’s Place can donate at Bendigo Bank to Zac’s Place Inc, ref. Wang, BSB 633000, Acc.no.155600257 or The Wang Night Shelter has accounts that people can donate directly to at Everyday Gourmet and La Bella Rocca.
To get involved or for more information, contact Wang Night Shelter via email at wangnightshelter@gmail.com or follow them on Facebook.
NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.
THE Victorian government will deliver its 2025-26 budget on Tuesday and like the federal budget was, organisations from all corners of the state will be invested in what it will offer.
Anything that can offer some relief for families on average wages will be key to helping those who have been struggling with housing and making ends meet over the last three years since interest rates, the price of goods and service costs started their steep climb.
Victoria became the most indebted state in Australia last year and whatever spending is announced for the coming financial year will again have to be modest.
When it comes to infrastructure, roads have been neglected everywhere across the state and most motorists would have horror stories to tell about hitting potholes or uneven sections of roads in their vehicles.
Today’s page 1 story continues coverage of the Wangaratta-Whitfield Road and its poor quality.
Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy, and Northern Victoria MPs back spending on the road and everyone else who uses it would welcome funding for renewal beyond the repair works that were recently done.
There is a list of requests that Mr McCurdy has been chasing for infrastructure during the term and funding for some of these would be welcome.
The pressue point will be taxes though, and with the Emergency Services Volunteers Fund to begin from 1 July, there has been, and will continue to be, an uprising from the rural community who are not happy with the higher amounts they’ll have to pay every year, on top of everything else they’re dealing with.
1. 1. Which city in which country hosted the 2017 G20 summit?
2. 2. Who was the main star of the 1989 movie, Uncle Buck?
3. 3. On which island are lemurs found in the wild?
4. 4. What name is given to the nest of a wasp?
5. 5. Who was the runner-up in the rst series of Australian Idol?
6. 6. Robert Herbert was the rst Premier of which Australian state?
7. 7. What is the third star sign in the zodiac?
8. 8. Who wrote the 1843 story, The Tell-Tale Heart?
9. 9. In which decade of the 19th century was National Geographic rst published?
10. 10. Which classic TV series featured the organisation, THRUSH?
11. 11. What type of bird is a gentoo?
12. 12. What is the capital city of Uzbekistan?
13. 13. Jarrad Scho eld played for which three AFL clubs during his career?
14. 14. In the Peanuts comic strip, what type of dog is Snoopy?
15. 15. In 1957, which group had a hit with the song, Bye Bye Love?
16. 16. What is the main food of giant pandas?
17. 17. In what year was Schapelle Corby sentenced to 20 years in a Bali prison?
18. 18. Ben Lomond National Park is located in which Australian state?
19. 19. At the 1976 Olympics, in which swimming event did Stephen Holland win a bronze medal?
20. 20. Nell Trent is one of the main characters in which Charles Dickens novel?
FACEBOOK users this week commented on a last-ditch community rally against Meadow Creek solar facility that will be held this Thursday.
• J Senior Simmo: WHAT YOU VOTE FOR YOU GET....
• Leslie Matthews: J Senior Simmo Gee, very deep and meaningful.
• Paul Crabb: Need to be utilising large roof spaces , ie factory/school/carparks etc , in the communities as opposed to farm land .
• Leslie Matthews: Paul Crabb Ideological navel gazing
• Paul Crabb: Leslie Matthews After working on multiple remote and commercial projects my gaze is qualified
I WOULD like to bring to the attention of every resident of the Rural City of Wangaratta and surrounding areas.
That I believe that their drinking water risks being poisoned, if the Meadow Creek Solar Farm is allowed to be built.
To explain the Meadow Creek Solar Farm site is 566 hectares at Bobinawarrah.
The Solar Farm will consist of 332MW of solar panels, hundreds of thousands of solar panels, and a 250MW BESS (Lithium Ion batteries), Inverters and an electrical substation.
The site is bounded on the North East corner by the Bobinawarrah re shed.
On the north, the Docker-Carboor Rd, the East Allans Ln, and southwest, the OxleyMeadow Creek Rd.
The site is prone to ooding, which should make it an unsuitable site for an electri ed Meadow Creek Solar Farm.
Flood waters from the site, will in the south-west, drain into the Sheep Station Creek, which runs into the King River and on to Wangaratta or may reach in the north the Hurdle Creek, which also runs into the King River.
As I see the situation, the solar panels are made of many di erent metals and substances.
In the event of a hailstorm, a re or when they are dismantled, there is a risk of the metals and substances being released into the soil of the site, permanently polluting it.
Of particular concern is a BESS lithium battery re.
These pose particular problems: A greater re intensity o en accompanied with the violent ejection of vapors and other materials; exposure to toxic and corrosive vapors, gases and re e uents.
It also results in the melting of toxic components, which will also pollute the site.
On Thursday, 22 May, there will be a meeting at the Oxley General Store at 10am where the Meadow Creek Community Action Group is organising a protest rally, ending at the Bobinawarrah Hall.
John Moore, Wangaratta
I HAVE absolute disgust at the Allan Labor Government’s decision to ram through its Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF), as it’s a callous betrayal of regional Victoria.
• BJ McKay: Solar has destroyed the North East landscape. Well done to Helen Haines for turning the country side into an eyesore with negligible benefit.
• Helen Senior: BJ McKay exactly. It’s disgraceful. Our country side will look like Spain. It’s dreadful.
• Leslie Matthews: Because nothing is more pleasing to the eye than an open cut coal mine or a coal fired power station on the horizon. (Forget about the
Nuclear Plant, it’s not going to happen) Can we please move on to some sensible, realistic discussion instead of this ignorant dribble?
• Jacinta Wighton: Leslie Matthews Perhaps you could put an industrial size panels over your house, then one in your front and back yard. Problem sold.
• Ross Benton: Leslie Matthews note to Leslie. There are NO plans to build a coal mine anywhere near Wangaratta.
Our follower total is Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.
15,270
BACK IN TIME: When the Captain Matchbox
the city from the
returned to Wangaratta to celebrate the song’s 40th anniversary 10 years ago, and
to be
Now the
with a concert at the Vine
Thursday,
May, and
formed band the Wanga Rats will don Hawaiian-style regalia and open the concert, playing four songs written about Wangaratta, and audience participation will be encouraged. All are welcome to join the fun in a celebration of the rural city, with tickets available at thevinehotel.net.au.
This is one of the most disgraceful attacks on our rural communities I have ever witnessed.
Farmers across the Ovens Valley are in survival mode.
They are scraping together every last cent to truck in hay and grain just to keep their animals alive in the face of a worsening drought.
And what does Labor do?
They slug them with a tax hike of up to 150 per cent.
The ESVF, passed during a late-night sitting with the support of the Greens and crossbenchers, will see farmers hit with increases of tens of thousands of dollars.
Labor spin doctors call it a ‘concession’ to reduce the increase from 189 per cent to 150 per cent - it’s an insult.
Farmers don’t need $3 a week back, they need a government that understands the brutal reality they are living through.
This decision shows Labor’s utter disregard for the communities who step up time and time again in times of crisis.
Our farmers and emergency service volunteers are the backbone of this state. They deserve respect and support, not to be treated like Labor’s ATM.
Rural Victorians have been kicked in the guts by a government that clearly doesn’t care.
Nationals MP for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy
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A NEW exhibition by leading landscape painter, Mary Tonkin has opened at the Benalla Art Gallery.
Among Tonkin’s many achievements are being awarded the National Gallery of Victoria Trustee Award in 1994 and 1995, and the Dobell Drawing Prize in 2002.
The exhibition, Rambles, presents large immersive paintings alongside the pencil, charcoal and ceramic drawings that underpin them.
Made in the bush over long periods they capture responses to changing light, seasons, viewpoints and sensations.
Tonkin said she was “absolutely delighted to be showing this work, made in the wet, fern-rich bush of Corhanwarrabul/the Dandenong Ranges in the beautiful Benalla Art Gallery.”
“I hope visitors will have a sense of being present to this place with its particular mouldering smell and lush complexity,” she said.
“Perhaps they might recall the sensual particularities of the landscape they carry in their hearts.
“I would like my work to proceed, to reach out and em-
brace, to convey a visceral sense of being present to the forms and the other senses that animate them - the temperature, sounds and smells, thoughts and memories.
“I hope my work conveys an ever-present moment, an elastic or at least complex sense of time and awareness.”
Benalla Art Gallery director
Eric Nash said the exhibition was “a compelling and immersive experience.”
“Such is Mary’s incredible ability as an artist, you almost feel as if you are walking right into the dense bush landscape she is inspired by,” he said.
The exhibition was launched on Friday, 16 May by deputy director of the National Gallery of
Australia, Adam Lindsay. Audiences are invited to gain a deeper understanding of the exhibition through an ‘in conversation’ session with the artist, which will be held at 10am on Monday, 2 June as part of the First Mondays program.
Mary Tonkin: Rambles is free to view and continues until 29 June.
By SIMONE KERWIN
IDENTITY and family connection are among the themes up for exploration in a new novel by Kylie Ladd, who will visit the Wangaratta Library this month to discuss her work.
The author and psychologist has just released ‘The Mix-up’, which delves into the emotional and psychological turmoil of two families who discover an IVF error has led to them raising each other’s children.
As they navigate the shocking revelation, they must determine what family means and where their children
truly belong.
It’s a beautifully-told and thought-provoking novel which follows the story of Kelsey and Raf Maccioni and their daughter Ammy, who was born just days before Shona and Nathan James’ son Zac.
The only thing the two couples have in common is the IVF clinic where their dreams came true - until 14 years later, when rebellious Ammy takes a DNA test for a school project and reveals the terrible mistake.
Kylie is the author of seven novels, and has also co-edited and co-authored two non-
ction books.
Her h novel, ‘The Way Back’ is currently in development for a lm.
She will be at the Docker Street library from 6.30pm on Thursday, 29 May, and will share insights on her writing process, talk about the inspiration behind ‘The Mix-up’, and touch on the key themes of the book.
Bookings are essential, and can be made online at https:// events.humanitix.com/host/ wangaratta-library or by contacting library sta on 5721 2366, or email library@wangaratta.vic.gov.au
Our driest conditions in more than a century
THE very dry conditions throughout April have continued up to the middle of May at major towns in North East Victoria with no rain recorded so far this month.
Since the beginning of April only 3.2mms was recorded at Wangaratta, 6.8mms at Rutherglen, 3.3mms at Benalla and 6.8mms at Yarrrawonga.
It was the driest at both Wangaratta and Benalla since 1902; the driest on record at Rutherglen and the fourth driest at Yarrawonga behind 1991, 1912 and 1897.
Each one of those previous very dry conditions - namely 1897, 1902 , 1912 and 1991 - all led up to much needed heavy rain during the rst week of June not only in Victoria but over most of NSW as well. Further above average rain happened in July.
Maximum temperatures over most of Victoria have been well above normal during May.
At the major towns in North East Victoria maximum temperatures for the rst fortnight of May were all around 22.4 degrees, a massive ve degrees above the May normal and the warmest since 1947. Melbourne also recorded its warmest rst fortnight of May since 1947 and the third warmest since 1866.
Minimum temperatures to date this month tended to be about two degrees below the May normal away from the coastal Victorian resorts.
Mother’s Day was warmer than normal across much of Victoria and NSW but not the warmest on record.
The warmest Mother’s Day in Wangaratta was 23.9 degrees in 2007, while in Melbourne it was 25.5 degrees on May 13, 1866.
Cooler days are expected during the next week with the prospects of frosts, but a return to warmer days is likely during the fourth week of May.
ACROSS
4 Which is a famous English university (6)
7 Name a huge ocean (8)
8 Name a game in which rings are thrown in an attempt to encircle objects offered as prizes (6)
9 What is an unmarried woman called (8)
11 Name an Australian pop and folk group: The ... (7)
13 What is a dirigible (7)
15 To be oblivious, is to be what (7)
17 What are fairies or sprites (7)
20 What, in the US, are estate agents called (8)
23 To bewilder by brilliancy, is to do what (6)
24 What do we call those people who try things out (8)
25 What are dogs of various breeds (6)
DOWN
1 To cease, is to do what (4)
2 Which French seaport holds annual film festivals (6)
3 Which term means let it stand (4)
4 What is used as a pigment (5)
9 What are weighing machines known as (6)
10 To marry, is to do what (7)
12 When one reposes, one does what (6)
14 To be like brass, is to be what (6)
16 Name an Australian acacia tree (6)
5 What do we call numbers of sheep or goats (6)
18 Name a keyboard musical instrument (5)
Letters have a number value
6 Name a sovereign (5)
19 What is a lock of hair (5)
Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
21 What describes the military forces of a nation (4)
22 To be few in number, is to be what (4)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
1 PREMEDITATE
(a) To design previously (b) To warn beforehand (c) To fill the mind of
2 QUANTIFY
(a) To express as a quantity (b) To reduce the strength of (c) To subject to quarantine
Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.
CLUES:
Bathroom fixture (7)
End Use Layer (3)
Essential oil (5)
Meadow (3)
Senior (abb) (3)
Shark protection scheme (7)
Squander (5)
Thin narrow wooden strips (5)
Vial (5)
Wireless Access Point (3)
Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.
By STEVE KELLY
CLIVE and Dianne Anderson from Benambra were selling for the rst time at Wangaratta with about 90 Hereford and Angus cattle, o oading due to the drought conditions in the area.
They decided to sell at Wangaratta on Thursday because it was the last good sale before winter, as they would be unable to drive over Mt Hotham once the cold weather and snowfalls hit.
“It’s real bad at the moment and going into winter we’ve got to reduce numbers now,” Mr Anderson said.
“We always sell at the High Country sales and we run about 700 breeders and we retain all our younger cattle that are unsuitable for the market and we’ll fatten them and send them to JBS.
“These are all surplus to what we’ve got at the moment because it’s so dry.”
The Andersons sold 14 Angus steers weighing an average of 235kg for $965/ hd ($4.10/kg), and 12 Angus heifers at 485kg/avg for $1650/hd ($3.40).
Prior to the sale, AWN livestock agent Ryan Hussey said given the countryside in the North East prices have been fairly good, with steers either side of $4/kg and heifers between late $2.80-$3.70/ kg.
The footnote was that this depends on weights, quality and the bloodlines.
“Any cattle with weight 380-400kg and heavier are maintaining a bit of a rate because of your feeder cattle entry weights,” he said.
“You’re nding people selling heavy cattle but don’t have the feed in the paddock, and they’re not jumping in to buy the volume of the cattle that are coming forward in these lighter ones.”
Wangaratta Livestock Exchange store cattle sale 15
ANDERSON 6 BLACK BALDY STEER 241.67 895 ELDERS KIAMUNJIE 10 ANGUS STEER 382.5 1470 ELDERS BRANSON W & C 5 ANGUS STEER 300 1240 ELDERS OMNIZAR PTY LTD 22
NUTRIEN
Brannigan V & T 1 ANGUS STEER 340 1340 NUTRIEN RAMAGE JW & LJ 3 MIXED STEER 288.33 1080 NUTRIEN MORTON D S & E S 5 ANGUS STEER 402 1570 NUTRIEN
PASTORAL 16 ANGUS STEER 295.94 1230 AWN
PEARCE AND HEWITT 18 ANGUS STEER 278.33 1170 AWN
PYLE R & W 8 ANGUS STEER 248.13 1050 AWN
ELDER MARY 14 ANGUS STEER 365.36 1500 AWN
X STEER
BLEWETT NJ 10
920 AWN HEYWOOD K.J. 1 CHAROLAIS STEER 440 1520 AWN
DA & RP 12 ANGUS STEER 339.58 1140 AWN HEYWOOD K.J. 9 CHAROLAIS STEER 345 1200 AWN
GREG 8 ANGUS STEER 363.75 1510 AWN
24 ANGUS HEIFER 391.25 1345 ELDERS
37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677
CARPENTRY and plastering. Ph 0424 911 161.
CONCRETING , big or small jobs, paths, driveways, shed slabs, verandahs, 15 years experience. For a free quote phone Trev Anderson on 0422 200 761.
KITCHENS JUST FOR YOU, cabinet making solutions. Kitchens available before Christmas. Phone Roland 0414 950 647.
MARK ’S Mowing, reasonable prices, ride on mowing, edging, clean up, spraying and any waste removal. Ph 0472 603 156.
WHEELER Earthworks, available for all your earthworks needsyard clean ups, stump removals, driveways, material supply and spreading, rural work and more. Call Marcus on 0491 094 545.
TYRES new and secondhand, trailer, rims, wrecking. New hours 9am to 5pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 44 Newman Street, Wangaratta. Ph 0428 257 221, Adzam Tyres.
OLDWARES , collectables, records, home wares, rustic, glassware and furniture. Items must be vintage, pre 1980. Call Rebecca 0400 327 696, or David 0418 665 420. No electrical, bedding or jewelery.
WINDSOR Seaview
Caravan for sale, $23,500, dual axle, 2x 100 ltr water tanks, recently serviced and new awning installed, porta loo with privacy tent, full annex, 3 way refrigerator, single beds, FULLY EQUIPPED including a new 24” Smart TV, 2 sets of linen, everything you need to pack up and go, immaculate condition. Contact Brian on 0400 309 747, leave a message if unavailable.
EVERNEW 16ft pop-top caravan for sale, “Elite” model in immaculate condition, twin beds, new Dunlopillo mattresses, two new adult sleeping bags, new interior carpet, built in microwave oven; portable T.V. and DVD player, plus T.V. aerial, two spare wheels, two gas bottles, towing hitch with support bars, jack for front and side li , new caravan cover, pull out awning and separate annexe walls and poles, y screens on all windows, extra equipment and accessories includes electric water jug, $9750. Ph 0419 348 033.
2022 15ft Signature
Iridium S Offroad
Hybrid van, great condition, $49,900, more details on Caravancampersales. com.au. Ph 0418 609 877.
HOLDEN VZ SS Thunder Ute, 2006 6 litre auto, Leather trim, RWC, 6 months reg (1GO-1GA), 222,000kms, $24,950, ONO, Phone Peter on 0412 527 477.
NISSAN X-Trail STIL 2011, leather interior, good condition, towball, all wheel drive, 2ton capacity, reg (YOF136), $4200 rm. Ph 0403 431 390.
Teaching Opportunity at Jamieson Primary School.
Position: F-Grade 2 Generalist Teacher
Location: Jamieson Township
Immediate Start
Jamieson Primary School is on the lookout for a passionate and dedicated F-Grade 2 Generalist Teacher EFT 1.0 to join our small, close-knit school community. This is a unique opportunity to make a signi cant impact on the academic and social development of young learners in a charming and supportive environment.
Currently, Jamieson Primary School has an enrolment of 14 students, with 6 of those children in the prep to 2 room allowing you to work closely with each child.
We are focused on developing students’ academic and social skills, fostering positive attitudes, and nurturing strong values. Our goal is to empower students to grow into wellrounded, con dent individuals who will thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
A historical, fully renovated schoolhouse is available for rent as per the departmental guidelines.
To apply go to Recruitment online https://www.vic.gov.au/school-jobs
Truck Driver/Meat Lumper
Wangaratta Abattoirs requires a reliable person able to be a delivery driver to distribute carcass meat throughout Victoria and the Riverina to local butchers and supermarkets. Early morning starts to allow delivery to butchers during the day and some heavy lifting is involved. We are prepared to teach the suitable person lifting techniques to assist with carcass deliveries.
HEAVY RIGID LICENSE ESSENTIAL. This is an opportunity to build towards a long term position with our company. Apply by return response to this advertisement, call Peter Booth on 5721 2349 or come in and see us at 53 Greta Road, Wangaratta.
COSTANTINO, Rosa.
May 20, 2025. Happy 100th Birthday in Heaven to our special Mum, Nanna and Great Nanna.
Thank you for blessing us with so many beautiful memories and we celebrate and remember you with love on your Birthday and always.
- Alba and Ian, and all your Grandchildren.
WANGARATTA Chronicle photographer Melissa Beattie made her way down to Ovens and Murray Thirds football on Saturday to capture some action. Photographs can be purchased at the Chronicle.
GOALS: YARRAWONGA: B. Kennedy 1, Z. Fraser 1, N. Pendergast 1, N. Fothergill 1, M. Findlay 1, J. Payne 1. WANGARATTA ROVERS: S. Cattapan 4, N. Cooper 4, S. Murray 3, L. O’Brien 2, B. Filo 1, W. Christie 1, D. Wilson 1, A. McCarthy 1. BEST: YARRAWONGA: M. Findlay, D. Howe, B. Kennedy, C. Wilson, Z. Fraser, J. Urquhart. WANGARATTA ROVERS: L. O’Brien, B. Filo, J. Mcquade, S. Cattapan, N. Cooper, J. Dal Zotto.
COROWA R’GLEN 3.2 5.5 7.7 8.9.57 WODONGA 7.2 10.4 10.8 11.12.78
GOALS: COROWA RUTHERGLEN: K. Bradtke 3, D. Hope 3, P. Lavis 1, J. Foote 1. WODONGA: A. Jorgensen 3, T. Miller 3, R. Bourke 2, Z. Harding 2, T. O’Sullivan 1. BEST: COROWA RUTHERGLEN: T. Roos, C. Schutt, D. Hope, K. Bradtke, R. Murphy, R. Irvin. WODONGA: Z. Harding, A. Jorgensen, T. O’Sullivan, M. Wilson, C. Ainsworth, C. Morrison.
A GRADE
Corowa R’glen 64 def Wodonga 46 Wangaratta 43 def by North Albury 50
Myrtleford 57 def Albury 51 Yarrawonga 75 def Wang Rovers 35 Wodonga Raiders 37 def Lavington 31
B GRADE
Wangaratta 49 def Nth Albury 29; Corowa R’glen 45 def Wodonga 41; Myrtleford 63 def Albury 42; Yarrawonga 56 def Wang Rovers 29; Wodonga Raiders 55 def Lavington 37. C GRADE
Wangaratta 52 def Nth Albury 33; Corowa R’glen 39 def by Wodonga 52; Myrtleford 70 def Albury 18; Yarrawonga 45 def Wang Rovers 41; Wodonga Raiders 46 def Lavington 14. 17 & UNDER
Wangaratta 52 def Nth Albury 33; Corowa R’glen 49 def by Wodonga 46; Myrtleford 51 def Albury 28; Yarrawonga 32 def by Wang Rovers 41; Wodonga Raiders 57 def Lavington 47. 15 & UNDER
Wangaratta 40 def by Nth Albury 44; Corowa R’glen 26 def by Wodonga 75; Myrtleford 63 def Albury 18; Yarrawonga 42 def Wang Rovers 28; Wodonga Raiders 51 def Lavington 20.
Myrtleford 4.1 (25) def by Albury 18.12 (120)
GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: T. Cooper 2, J. Hazeldine 1, R. Warner 1. ALBURY R. O’Sullivan 4, R. Tinworth 4, D. Dunstan 2, B. Hilton 1, J. Carey 1, I. Conlan 1, T. Delahunty 1, L. Wheatley 1, C. Sawyer 1, B. Moore 1, k. Piltz 1. BEST: MYRTLEFORD: C. Ashworth, Z. Carroll, J. Hazeldine, C. Piazza, H. Stripeikis, R. Skahill. ALBURY R. Tinworth, R. O’Sullivan, L. Reid, B. Hilton, I. Conlan, S. O’Connell. Yarrawonga 4.3 (27) def by Wangaratta Rovers 15.20 (110)
GOALS: YARRAWONGA: w. thomson 1, C. McCarty 1, A. Jaques 1, T. Baxter 1. WANGARATTA ROVERS: C. Breheny 4, C. Boman 2, B. McMonigle 1, J. Correll 1, M. Semmens 1, A. Direen 1, H. Mullane 1, E. Saunders 1, E. White 1, H. Dodgshun 1, C. Johnson 1. BEST: YARRAWONGA J. Ibbott, t. baxter, R. Cameron, R. Bone, L. Henley, L. Eales. WANGARATTA ROVERS: J. Marek, C. Boman, C. Miller, C. Lugg, C. Breheny, M. Correll. Wangaratta 11.12 (78) def Nth Albury 4.8 (32)
GOALS: WANGARATTA: H. Barry 3, W. Prebble 3, K. Hadley 2, R. Schultz 2, C. Kerwin 1, L. Sims 1. NORTH ALBURY: C. O’Rourke 2, H. Westmoreland 1. BEST: WANGARATTA: K. burrows, A. Jayet, O. Boyle, L. Sims, W. Petersen, W. Prebble. NORTH ALBURY: I. Daley, Z. Lambert, C. O’Rourke, H. Westmoreland, W. Harrington, C. Newton. Wod. Raiders 4.6 (30) def by Lavington 14.13 (97)
Corowa Rutherglen 3.3 (21) def by Wodonga 11.13 (79)
GOALS: WANGARATTA: W. O’keefe 2, A. Tilley 2, P. Heatley 2, X. Laverty 2, J. Clarke 2, T.
Norton 1, B. Melville 1, B. Newton 1, W. Tua 1, B. Marjanovic 1, F. Ellis 1. NORTH ALBURY: F. Gardiner 2, F. Gardiner 1, T. Broomhead 1, J. Murphy 1, L. Taylor 1, C. Winter 1, B. Rigoni 1. BEST: WANGARATTA: T. Norton, N. Richards, J. Clarke, C. Knowles, B. Melville, M. Bordignon. NORTH ALBURY: G. Godde, I. Campbell, K. Flack, F. Gardiner.
GOALS: WODONGA RAIDERS: J. Burke 3, C. Rich 1, W. Robertson 1, Z. Sartore 1. LAVINGTON: S. Driscoll 5, A. Swinnerton 2, J. Costello 2, C. Sanson 2, J. O’Brien 2. BEST: WODONGA RAIDERS: W. Fordham, I. Kotzur, C. Rich, N. Bracher, W. Robertson, C. St John. LAVINGTON: S. Driscoll, J. Glanvill, J. Costello, A. Swinnerton, A. Bennett, C. Annett.
Stripeikis, N. Turner. Albury: D. Buntin, R. Tuckwell, Z. Packer, G. Flanagan, K. Wilson, H. Quinn. Corowa R’glen 8 7 (55) Wodonga 6 8 (44)
BEST: COROWA-R’GLEN: D. Yates, H. Canning, J. Kuschert, T. Young, B. Minogue, J. Keys. WODONGA: R. Thompson, B. Oates, D. Cameron, H. Venturoni, G. McKimmie, C. Williamson. Yarrawonga 6 5 (41) Wang Rovers: 5 15 (45)
BEST: YARRAWONGA: T. Gorman, A. Dickins, B. Symes, J. Robinson, D. Flanagan, C. Courtney. Wangaratta Rovers: H. Nolan, D. Booth, H. Lloyd, O. Clelland, H. McCarthy, J. Cook. Wangaratta............... 7.7 (49) North Albury 5 7 (37)
BEST: WANGARATTA: N. O’Kane, H. Graham, P. Wright, O. Roberts, J. Styles, C. Ross. North Albury: K. Duncan, J. McKenzie, R. Smith, J. King, C. Summers, B. Spurr.
MAY 24
ROUND 7
SATURDAY, MAY 31
A GRADE: Nth Wangaratta 14 def by Goorambat 59; Greta 29 def by Bonnie Doon 43; Tarrawingee 34 def by Whorouly 36; Moyhu 35 def by Bright 58.
B GRADE: Nth Wangaratta 26 def by Goorambat 50; Greta 33 def by Bonnie Doon 37; Tannaringee 32 def Whorouly 31; Moyhu 31 def by Bright 53.
B RESERVE: Nth Wangaratta 23 def by Goorambat 44; Tarrawingee 33 def Whorouly 31; Moyhu 38 def Bright 34; Greta 32 draw Bonnie Doon 32.
C GRADE: Tarrawingee 36 def Whorouly 25; King Valley 44 def Benalla 24; Moyhu 39 def Bright 34; Greta 8 def Bonnie 10; Nth Wangaratta 20 def by Goorambat 43. 15 & UNDER: Tarrawingee 31 def by Whorouly 38; King Valley 34 def by Benalla 60; Moyhu 14 def by Bright 41; Greta 12 def by Bonnie Doon 21; Nth Wangaratta 49 def Goorambat 13.
No
SAT, MAY 24
NTH WANGARATTA vs GRETA
BRIGHT vs BENALLA ALL BLACKS
BONNIE DOON vs KING VALLEY
GOORAMBAT vs WHOROULY
MILAWA vs MOYHU
TARRAWINGEE - BYE
GOALS: GRETA: C. Crawford 2, T. Cheer 1, F. Judd 1, J. Bell 1, J. McClounan 1.
GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: R. Sharp 2, R. Smith 2, K. Agosta 2, T. Cappellari 1, D. Bren 1, M. Munro 1. ALBURY: J. Pitt 2, R. Garthwaite 2, H. Cameron 1, M. Bender 1, T. Miller 1, K. HeinerHennessy 1. BEST: MYRTLEFORD: J. East, M. Tenardi, B. Calogero, M. Munro, T. Cappellari, R. Smith. ALBURY: I. Muller, J. Gaynor, J. Pitt, K. Heiner-Hennessy, M. Duncan, J. Kelly. MYRTLEFORD 2.5 3.10 5.16
vs
vs YARRAWONGA
vs WANGARATTA RAIDERS vs ALBURY
BONNIE DOON: C. Turner 2, E. Ree-Goodings 1, M. Cocks 1, J. Curtin 1, J. Magro 1, J. Sanford 1, T. Berenyi 1.
BEST: GRETA: C. Green, J. McClounan, T. Fursdon, T. Cheer, X. Wales, P. Fruzynski. BONNIE DOON: J. Curtin, J. Law, A. Hill, J. Sanford, P. Smith, C. Turner.
NTH WANGARATTA 4.2 8.3 11.9 12.11.83 GOORAMBAT 4.0 9.1 12.2 14.4.88
GOALS: NORTH WANGARATTA: J. Kemp 5, D. Bradley 2, J. Nanson 2, D. Killen 1, T. Nanson 1, B. Lane-Gee 1. GOORAMBAT: D. Haebich 4, R. Goodley 3, B. Stepien 2, A. Moloney 1, A. Blackburn 1, J. Dunne 1, K. Black 1, T. Nolan 1.
BEST: NORTH WANGARATTA: P. Killen, K. McQuade, T. Schulze, J. Devine, J. Kemp, D. Killen.
GOORAMBAT: A. Blackburn, R. Goodley, Z. Amarant, T. Nolan, B. Reaburn, J. Dunne.
TARRAWINGEE
WHOROULY 1.0 0 0 0
GOALS: TARRAWINGEE: N. Gorman 5, C. Chamberlain 1, O. Sharp 1, A. Cook 1, S. Piper 1. WHOROULY: M. Newton 6, Z. Bladon 1, M. Vescio 1.
BEST: TARRAWINGEE: O. Sharp, N. Gorman, H. Amery, C. Chamberlain, S. Piper, T. Salmon.
WHOROULY: J. Smith, C. Wood, M. Newton, M. Harris, Z. Bladon, M. Vescio.
Matheson, D. Williams, A. Knights, J. Brown, L. Clark, T. Morris. GOORAMBAT: A. Ellis, D. Priest, G. Kirk, W. Hyland, D. Brain, N. Panuccio. Tarrawingee 5 9
By NATHAN DE VRIES
THE community came together in solidarity at the North Wangaratta Recreation Reserve on Saturday, to stand together against family violence.
Organised through North Wangaratta FNC in conjunction with the Centre Against Violence, both the Hawks and their opponents on the day, Goorambat, took to the field before the start of the senior match to stand as a united front, arm in arm.
With fundraising efforts going towards CAV throughout the day, and local community leaders in attendance, North Wangaratta senior coach and organiser Steve Manning said it was a powerful gesture and a sign the community is calling for change.
“The day itself was terrific, we had a heap of people on the ground,” he said.
“We had the honour of having the mayor and deputy mayor from the Rural City of Wangaratta, and [local MPs] Tim McCurdy and Helen Haines stand with us as well on the oval.
“We want to show our community leaders we care, and we want change, and we’re going to support them in everything they can do in their councils and parliaments to help create change in family violence and toughen bail laws for offenders.
“To have that and the complete buyin from the Goorambat Football Netball Club was really cool.
“The money raised for the Centre Against Violence helps them fund educational programs - I’m a big believer that education’s the key to creating long-term change, so we need to have these educational programs available to our organisations and schools in the area.”
The game itself was a treat for onlookers and spectators, who witnessed four quarters of enthralling footy.
In a seesawing contest between two squads who could feature in finals, it was Goorambat who came home with a wet sail 14.4 (88) to North Wanga-
ratta’s 12.11 (83).
The Hawks sprinted away to a three-goal advantage early but were reined in to hold a narrow two-point lead quarter time lead.
Goorambat maintained their momentum and pressure on the footy, and more importantly were exact with their execution inside forward 50.
As the match wore on, the Hawks had more than enough looks on goal, but shonky goal kicking kept the Bats in the hunt, who were clinical.
By three quarter time, North Wangaratta were only by one point, 11.9 (75) to the Bats’ 12.2 (74).
Chances continued to go begging as the fourth quarter rolled on, with Goorambat having enough in the tank to bank the four points.
Aaron Blackburn was best on for the Bats, while forward duo Duane Haebich and Rhys Goodley combined for seven goals.
For the Hawks, Pat Killen and Kyle McQuade put in consistent efforts, with Josh Kemp leading the goal kicking with five.
Manning said the result hurt.
“Taking my coach’s hat off and looking from the perspective of a supporter, it was a really good game of football with ebbs and flows - with the coach’s hat back on, we’re bitterly disappointed, it’s probably one of the hardest losses I’ve experienced in the last three seasons,” he said.
“We took the foot off the pedal a little bit and they were able to move the footy a couple of times into their forward line, and to their credit, they did what they had to do to keep the scoreboard ticking over, they didn’t miss much.
“We missed a lot of our opportunities, particularly early in that last quarter, we should’ve put them away.
“The game was in our control, albeit for a couple of poor decisions, a couple errors in execution, we gave up the lead and couldn’t get it back.”
The Hawks sit at sixth on the ladder after round eight, while the Bats continue their form to sit fourth overall with a 5-2 record.
THE league scriptwriters threw in a few curveballs in round eight of the Ovens and King senior football season, with two massive upsets.
Greta’s title defence was dealt another blow at the hands of old foe Bonnie Doon.
The Bombers managed to knock o the reigning premiers in their own backyard, with a narrow 8.3 (51) to 6.9 (45) nal scoreline.
A match which started on even keel began to tilt the way of the visitors a er the rst change, with Bonnie Doon producing a fourgoal second term to lead by 23 points at the long break.
Momentum continued to ow Bonnie Doon’s way in the second half, and although Greta started to nd their form as the game wore on, even keeping the Bombers scoreless in the fourth quarter, it was too little and too late.
A total of seven Bombers kicked a goal, with Jayjay Curtin and James Law among the best on ground, while Greta defenders Cam Green and Paul Fruzynski worked hard all day.
Elsewhere, Whorouly were humbled by a tenacious Tarrawingee out t who looked to be playing their best footy in some time, with the ‘Dogs winning 9.12 (66) to 8.5 (53).
From the rst bounce, the Lions looked at and uninspired, and Tarrawingee seized on the chance.
Their physical presence at the stoppage and their ability to break through the contest and take the game on saw them net an early lead and momentum, only pegged back thanks to a Michael Newton goal a er the half-time siren to put the Lions up by two points.
The Lions failed to compete across the ground, and Tarrawingee seemed to grow with every passing minute.
Big Ned Gorman nished with ve goals, while Oliver Sharp and Hugh Amery gave the Bulldogs plenty of energy and speed.
For Whorouly, Cam Wood’s e orts in the back line were inspiring, and Newton’s six goals kept his side in the contest for the majority of the match.
Other matches produced more predictable outcomes.
King Valley picked up their third win of the year over Benalla All Blacks 18.8 (116) to 8.11 (59), a fitting result for Roo stalwarts Sam Evans (200 senior games) and Cohen Vincent (250 club games), while Bright hammered Moyhu 19.6 (120) to 8.11 (59) in their match.
■ From back page
Determined to secure the result in the final quarter, the Magpies took charge of the game, booting six goals and one minor score to the Hoppers’ 2.2 to run out winners by 53 points.
“Looking at the stats and numbers leading into the game, they’re a really good connection side, I think they’re right up there as the most prolific handballing side in the competition, so the ability to deny them multiple connections was really important,” Wangaratta senior coach Jason Heatley said.
“Obviously they’ve got some terrific players we had to put some focus into as well, it went a long way to getting a result.
“North Albury had a patch in the last seven or eight minutes of the third quarter where it looked like the game turned a lit -
tle bit and became more on their terms, so for us to be able to wrest that control back was really important.”
Tyler Norton was among the best for the Magpies, while Nick Richards, Jackson Clarke and Chris Knowles all had solid games.
The Magpies showcased their depth inside forward 50 and the midfield, with 11 separate players kicking a goal.
“‘Norts’ was outstanding, he played on [Tim] Broomhead for large portions of the day, but we also had a couple of other guys who were there who were able to roll off and became really adaptable and be really open to change midstream,” Heatley said.
“It’s something we’ve been working on, that selfless piece, and the fact that some boys had to play roles, and I thought they did that really well.
“We were really even across the board, and I thought the ability for us to have a major spread of goal kickers was the real baseline.”
Elsewhere, Rovers proved they have what it takes to go back-to-back after annihilating Yarrawonga in their senior grand final rematch at JC Lowe Oval.
The Hawks dominated all facets of the game after a slow start, coming in winners 17.4 (106) to 6.9 (45).
Yarrawonga kept the Rovers contained through the first term, leading by a point at quarter time, but the reigning premiers started to stretch their legs to lead by three goals at the half.
The Rovers would kick the first two goals of the second half before Yarrawonga pegged one back, but the Hawks had the momentum.
They were clinical with their disposals and worked hard to keep possession of the ball, paying off with great looks on goal.
A four goal to one third term saw the Rovers lead by 33 points heading into the final quarter, but the energy had gone from the Pigeons.
Rovers were strong across half back and counterattacked well, booting five goals through the final term to take the win by 61 points.
Lochie O’Brien was best on ground for the Rovers, controlling the game with his leg speed and three goals, while Sam Cattapan and Nathan Cooper finished with four goals each.
Both senior Wangaratta teams sit with records of 5-1 and will take the coming Saturday, 24 May off, as the O&M heads into the interleague clash with GVL.
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Years in operation: We have been trading for over 40 years now.
Opening Hours: 8am til 5pm Monday to Friday & 8.30am til 12 noon Saturday.
Who’s who at Wangaratta Bearings and Industrial Supplies: (left to right)
Danni Barber, Greg Oates, Brendon French, Dylan Fishcher, Greg Baker, Tony Gigliotti, Chris McInnes – Manager, Craig Fruend, Donna McInnes, Richard Nunn, Jodie Edwards.
Describe your eld of expertise: Ability to supply anything automotive,mechanical or industrial.
WE STAND AS ONE NORTH Wangaratta and Goorambat football netball clubs stood together in opposition to family violence in the community, and to raise funds for the Centre Against Violence.
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We guarantee:
WANGARATTA’S senior football squad rmed in many punters’ eyes as legitimate premiership contenders a er sweeping aside a talented North Albury brigade at Norm Minns Oval on Saturday. With both squads heading
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
16.12 (108) to the Hoppers 8.7 (55).
goals in the opening term from ve scoring shots.
into the clash sitting at 4-1, the stage was set for a blockbuster, and the Magpies delivered, running out winners
North Albury faced challenges early as the Magpies set up well behind the ball and counter-punched through the corridor, the Hoppers kept goalless while the home side kicked two
The Magpies’ mid eld unit went to another level a er the quarter time break, generating plenty of run and movement and outworking North Albury’s defensive structure.
The lead was out to four goals by half-time, with Wangaratta showing no signs of slowing down.
The game broke open in the third term, with both squads nding solid avenues to goal and converting in front of the big sticks, but
momentum was all going the way of the ‘Pies. The three quarter time scoreboard had Wangaratta leading by ve goals, but they knew a side like North Albury could come back if the door was even slightly ajar.
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