WC20250519KellyLovell

TODAY

18o

Frost then sunny

19o 18o 19o TUE

WED

THU

Monday, May 19, 2025

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Slight increase in affordable housing: report Page 3

LOCAL BIG FREEZE

No rain hurting our rural community

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 (left) and Grace Kerwin.

The event will be held at the WSAC outdoor pool on 22 June. See story page 2.

Pages 4,9

Happy days for Wang Magpies

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Sport

STATE BUDGET WISH Rural city council, lower and upper house MPs detail items that Wangaratta area needs in budget

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

BY SHANE DOUTHIE

sdouthie@ nemedia.com.au

funding to upgrade the Wangaratta-Whitfield 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 financial 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-Whitfield 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

HELP US GIVE THEM A WARM WELCOME YOUR DONATION WILL PROVIDE LIFE-SAVING EQUIPMENT FOR NEWBORNS. Northeast Health Wangaratta is fundraising to support our newborns and ensure they receive the warmest welcome into the world.

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Myrtleford’s Mountain View Childcare Centre, and a new bowls green for Moyhu Bowling Club.

“These investments are critical to support safety, education, sporting infrastructure and community services across Ovens Valley,” Mr McCurdy said.

■ Continued page 2

HELP US REACH OUR $70,000 TARGET

Page 2 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, May 19, 2025

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Male driver killed in single-vehicle crash 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.

Est. 1884, Incorporating Wangaratta Despatch, Est. 1861

WEATHER

BIG FREEZE: Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre staff members (back) Clodagh Duffy, Laura Nelson, Grace Kerwin, (front) Georgia Long and Kieran Radcliffe prepare Leon Newton, Rural City of Wangaratta manager sports, aquatics and events precinct, for an icy splash.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Come and chill out at WSAC’s Big Freeze

TEMPERATURES: Monday

Max 18

Min -3

Frost then sunny

Tuesday

Max 19

Min -5

Frost then sunny

Wednesday Max 18

Min -1

Frost then sunny

Thursday

Max 19

Min 0

Frost then sunny

RAINFALL: Wangaratta Lake Buffalo Cheshunt

Last 72 hours

Last 7 days

0.2mm 0.4mm 0.0mm

0.2mm 1.0mm 0.0mm

*NB: Rainfall totals up until 3pm, Sunday

LUCKY NUMBERS Tattslotto - Draw 4573

31, 40, 44, 37, 9, 19 (5, 11) Winning numbers are subject to verification by ticket holders.

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Member

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 inflatable 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 efforts 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 fight, 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 inflatable slide for their descent into the pool.

There will be a host of frosty activities on offer, 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 official 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 specifically she listed the Wangaratta-Whitfield 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 Whitfield; a full upgrade is required including widening and

improving blind spots,” she said.

“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 five 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.”

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, May 19, 2025 - Page 3

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Affordability bites low income earners

HOUSING affordability has dropped in regional Victoria especially for people on income support and minimum wages, according to figures released by Anglicare Victoria.

Every year Anglicare releases its Rental Affordability Snapshot, a survey of people earning the minimum wage or receiving Commonwealth income support payments.

In Wangaratta there has been an increase in properties affordable 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 affordable for those on income support, or in real terms, 10 properties listed for rent in Wangaratta were affordable 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 affordability 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 affordable 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 affordable 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 affordability for the state’s poorest renters.

“We’re calling for the state government to deliver more affordable 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 affordable 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 affordable housing, we also need to boost Commonwealth Rent Assistance to reflect median rents.

He said the federal Albanese government lifted the maximum rate of Rent Assistance by 27 per cent, over

BIG BUILD: The 44 new apartments on Templeton Street marginally eased the shortage of affordable housing in Wangaratta.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling and above inflation, 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.

Tone Road racers caught, cars impounded, $1850 fines

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN TWO vehicles were impounded after 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 officers 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 offences detected in the Wangaratta Police Service Area.

Of those offences, 11 were due to speeding drivers, with one drink driver and one disobey traffic offence recorded.

Across the state there were a total 930 offences detected during the operation – with

OFF THE MARK: The driver of this Holden was set to face court after being caught speeding. speeding offences 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 left 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 left the severely damaged Holden sedan and its engine resting in two different 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 TAKEN AWAY: This Ford was impounded after it was spotted by police “racing at high speeds” too many motorists disre- on Sunday. garding the rules – particularly when it comes to speeding,” he said.

“Travelling even just a little bit over the speed limit significantly 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.”

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Page 4 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, May 19, 2025

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Autumn break still a no show for farmers

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 off crops - losing money on the seed that was spent.

“Cattle, sheep, cropping and agriculture are all suffering 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

HANDS FULL: Maddi Nichols with Digby, Alfie and Monty, supported yesterday’s Million Paws Walk. PHOTO: Jeff Zeuschner

Hundreds supported Wangaratta RSPCA

THE DEAL IS REAL: Greta South cattle producer Dennis O’Connor believes this is one of his toughest years in a long time.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling. 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 significant 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 shift 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 shift 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

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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.

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Wang Night Shelter supported with $2k People of Post grant

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 gifted 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-

COMMUNITY SUPPORT: Director of Zac’s Place and project manager of the Wang Night Shelter Di Duursma is grateful for community support ahead of the homeless shelter opening for winter.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling 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.

“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 financial pressures faced by community

groups, Australia Post is awarding over $400,000 in grants to over 200 grassroots community and not-forprofit 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-profit, but with cost of living impacting both households and communities, many people are finding it increasingly difficult.

“We’re proud to continue supporting our team members to champion the causes they see making a real difference at a local level and strengthen Australia Post’s commitment to creating a culture of giving for our people.”

Those who wish to financially 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.

$100 bonus lures community

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 offer 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 different 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 fill 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 staff 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 Whitfield. I believe that being in community groups/council reference group/advisory groups is important but difficult when it is all voluntary.”

Ms Brindley said the community vision and council plan are some of the most significant 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.

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

State budget will be watched closely 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.

The Quiz No.135 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 first series of Australian Idol?

6.

6. Robert Herbert was the first 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 first 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 Schofield 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?

Answers 1. Hamburg, Germany 2. John Candy 3. Madagascar 4. Vespiary 5. Shannon Noll 6. Queensland 7. Gemini 8. Edgar Allan Poe 9. 1880s 10. The Man from U.N.C.L.E. 11. Penguin 12.

Tashkent 13. West Coast Eagles, Port Adelaide Power, Fremantle Dockers 14. Beagle 15. The Everly Brothers 16. Bamboo 17. 2005 18. Tasmania 19. 1500m Freestyle 20. The Old Curiosity Shop

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

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 .

• • •

Solar has •destroyed the North East BJ McKay:

Nuclear Plant, it’s not going to happen) Can we please landscape. Well done to move on to some sensible, Helen Haines for turning the realistic discussion instead country side into an eyesore of this ignorant dribble? with negligible benefit.

Jacinta Wighton: Leslie Helen Senior: BJ McKay Matthews Perhaps you could exactly. It’s disgraceful. Our put an industrial size panels country side will look like over your house, then one Spain. It’s dreadful. in your front and back yard.

Leslie Matthews: Problem sold.

Because nothing is more Ross Benton: Leslie pleasing to the eye than an Matthews note to Leslie. open cut coal mine or a coal There are NO plans to build fired power station on the a coal mine anywhere near horizon. (Forget about the Wangaratta.

•

• •

Leslie Matthews: Paul Crabb Ideological navel gazing Paul Crabb: Leslie Matthews After working on multiple remote and commercial projects my gaze is qualified

•

• •

Like the

Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.

Our follower total is

15,270

Solar farm threatens Wangaratta water 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 fire shed.

On the north, the Docker-Carboor Rd, the East Allans Ln, and southwest, the OxleyMeadow Creek Rd. The site is prone to flooding, which should make it an unsuitable site for an electrified 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 different metals and substances.

In the event of a hailstorm, a fire 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 fire.

These pose particular problems: A greater fire intensity often accompanied with the violent ejection of vapors and other materials; exposure to toxic and corrosive vapors, gases and fire effluents.

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

A kick to farmers, volunteers while down 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.

STEP BACK IN TIME: When the Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band had a hit with their song

Wangaratta Wahine in 1975, The Sun newspaper brought the band to Wangaratta and Mic Conway was presented with a cardboard key to the city from the mayor. Mic returned to Wangaratta to celebrate the song’s 40th anniversary 10 years ago, and then councillor (now Mayor) Irene Grant re-enacted the gesture (pictured). Now the 50th anniversary of the Wangaratta Wahine is to be celebrated with a concert at the Vine Hotel on Thursday, 29 May, and local artists are set to support Mic Conway. Newly 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.

PHOTO: David Godkin

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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THE CHRONICLE, Monday, May 19, 2025 - Page 7

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Tonkin’s mammoth landscape to transform Benalla gallery 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-

DRY GOING: It has been the driest at both Wangaratta and Benalla since 1902.

Our driest conditions in more than a century WHAT’S UP WITH THE WEATHER?

By Peter Nelson, retired CSIRO climatologist

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE: The Benalla Art Gallery exhibition includes Mary TONKIN Ramble, Kalorama (detail) 2017-19, oil on linen, 180 x 1890 cm.

PHOTO: Matthew Stanton 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.

Explore the fallout of a terrible mix-up

By SIMONE KERWIN

truly belong.

It’s a beautifully-told and thought-provoking novel which IDENTITY and family connection are among the themes follows the story of Kelsey and Raf Maccioni and their daughup for exploration in a new ter Ammy, who was born just novel by Kylie Ladd, who will days before Shona and Nathan visit the Wangaratta Library this month to discuss her work. James’ son Zac. The only thing the two The author and psychologist couples have in common is the has just released ‘The Mix-up’, which delves into the emotion- IVF clinic where their dreams al and psychological turmoil of came true - until 14 years later, when rebellious Ammy takes two families who discover an a DNA test for a school proIVF error has led to them raisject and reveals the terrible ing each other’s children.

As they navigate the shock- mistake.

Kylie is the author of seven ing revelation, they must determine what family means novels, and has also co-edited and co-authored two nonand where their children

fiction books.

Her fifth novel, ‘The Way Back’ is currently in development for a film.

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 staff on 5721 2366, or email library@wangaratta.vic.gov.au

EXPLORING IMPORTANT THEMES: Kylie Ladd will visit Wangaratta Library on 29 May.

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 first 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 first fortnight of May were all around 22.4 degrees, a massive five degrees above the May normal and the warmest since 1947.

Melbourne also recorded its warmest first 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.

Page 8 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, May 19, 2025

wangarattachronicle.com.au

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD 3

4

5

U T T E R I J P O E M B O R E S A I E J I T S S Y R T O I L P L A N T Y

6

7 8 9

10 11

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

Era Ibis Jeer Joey Opt

23 24 25

9 What are weighing

Pet Plant Poem Prism Riot

forces of a nation (4) is to be what (4)

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

Some values are in the right hand cells.

Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

391

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.

T

13

© Puzzles supplied by AUSPAC MEDIA

SUDOKU

7

4

3 6 5 7 2 1 9 8 4

6

3

4 1 2 3 8 9 6 7 5

5

2

8 7 9 5 6 4 3 1 2

1

6 3 4 9 5 7 8 2 1

8 4 9 8 2 1 D I M Q U Z6 9 2 B 2 4 13 6 6 17 2 26 7 6 7 4

9 5 8 6 1 2 4 3 7

5

DOWN 1 Potato 2 Jason’s ship 3 Place for a firing 4 Utter

7 2 1 4 3 8 5 6 9

7

ACROSS 1 Benefit 5 Strait-laced 6 Jamaican citrus 7 Word of warning

WHICH WORDS: 1 (a) To design previously 2 (a) To express as a quantity

B:2, D:4, I:13, M:6, Q:17, U:26, Z:7

Solve the crossword.

Each answer has four letters.

E L S E L S G M T H N T H P U I R W

SOLUTIONS

381

BIYWORD

6 8 3 5 7 4 2

QUICK THINK

GS

4

081

301o121

SUDOKU

A A A A B B

ACROSS: 1 Sake, 5 Prim, M 6 Ugli, 7 Don’t.

L E A DOWN: 1 Spud, 2 Argo, W A S T E © 3 Kiln, 4 Emit.

B A T H T U B P H I A L S N R G

© Auspac Media - meq0391

5

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)

CROSSWORD

2

121

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.

1 4 6 2 9 3 7 5 8

D÷B B×B Q-D D+B I+D B×I I-M

Ton Toss Utter

WHICH WORDS

22 To be few in number,

E-QUATIONS 7

B D I M Q U Z

Sit Sly Tab Tea Toil

21 What describes the military

2 9 3 8 7 5 1 4 6

18

16

5 8 7 1 4 6 2 9 3

17

15

machines known as (6) 10 To marry, is to do what (7) 12 When one reposes, annual film festivals (6) one does what (6) 3 Which term means 14 To be like brass, is let it stand (4) to be what (6) 4 What is used as a pigment 16 Name an Australian (5) acacia tree (6) 5 What do we call numbers 18 Name a keyboard of sheep or goats (6) musical instrument (5) Letters have a number value 6 Name a sovereign (5) 19 What is a lock of hair (5) DOWN 1 To cease, is to do what (4) 2 Which French seaport holds

12

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

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)

QUICK THINK

English university (6)

7 Name a huge ocean (8) 8 Name a game in which

MINI WORD FIND

2

E-QUATIONS B:2, D:4, I:13, M:6, Q:17, U:26, Z:7

1

U T T E R I J P O E M B O R E S A I E J I T S S Y R T O I L P L A N T Y

ACROSS 4 Which is a famous

MINI WORD FIND 381

1081

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, May 19, 2025 - Page 9

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Tougher times trigger higher numbers

By STEVE KELLY CLIVE and Dianne Anderson from Benambra were selling for the first time at Wangaratta with about 90 Hereford and Angus cattle, offloading 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.

HEALTHY ANGUS: 8 Angus steers averaging 364kg were sold by Greg Maroney at $4.15/kg. D Arnold of Arcadia also sold a good lot of steers and heifers at the sale with the latter selling for $3.47/kg.

MADE THE JOURNEY: Benambra farmers Clive and Dianne Anderson sold cattle at the Wangaratta Livestock Exchange for their first time.

PHOTOS: Steve Kelly 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 finding 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 READY TO ROLL: The first lot included a cow and calf forward in these lighter from WH & GM & SW Swinburne at an average weight READY TO GROW: 7-8 month old Charolais Simmental x steers with ones.” of 530kg, selling for $1400/ph.

Rangan blood were on offer by vendor A Diamond of Moyhu.

Wangaratta Livestock Exchange store cattle sale 15 May VENDOR GATES E. J JARRAWOOD PASTORAL SR&L ANDERSON KIAMUNJIE BRANSON W & C OMNIZAR PTY LTD CE & DG ANDERSON DV PENDERGAST SEVERIN CA & KM Brannigan V & T RAMAGE JW & LJ MORTON D S & E S HARPER D COX W PARTON JH & TM LIMA PARK PASTORAL PEARCE AND HEWITT PYLE R & W ELDER MARY BLEWETT NJ HEYWOOD K.J. FARLEY DA & RP HEYWOOD K.J. MARONEY GREG HEIFER KIAMUNJIE ALLANBRIDGE OMNIZAR PTY LTD OMNIZAR PTY LTD CE & DG ANDERSON SR&L ANDERSON HARPER D BROCKBURRUM FC DICKSON N & K ARNOLD DJ & HE LIMA PARK PASTORAL NALLEN RF & VJ STEEL RE & KI COLE A J MORTON D S & E S COWS & CALVES SWINBURNE

HEAD 16 32 6 10 5 22 14 11 6 1 3 5 4 8 9 16 18 8 14 10 1 12 9 8

BREED HEREFORD HEREFORD BLACK BALDY ANGUS ANGUS ANGUS ANGUS HEREFORD ANGUS ANGUS MIXED ANGUS CHAROLAIS X SHORTHORN ANGUS ANGUS ANGUS ANGUS ANGUS LIMOUSIN X CHAROLAIS ANGUS CHAROLAIS ANGUS

SEX STEER STEER STEER STEER STEER STEER STEER STEER STEER STEER STEER STEER STEER STEER STEER STEER STEER STEER STEER STEER STEER STEER STEER STEER

AVG WT $/PH 155.94 670 176.88 770 241.67 895 382.5 1470 300 1240 207.27 885 235 965 251.67 940 334.17 1340 340 1340 288.33 1080 402 1570 413.75 1530 424.38 1490 419.44 1680 295.94 1230 278.33 1170 248.13 1050 365.36 1500 246.5 920 440 1520 339.58 1140 345 1200 363.75 1510

AGENT ELDERS ELDERS ELDERS ELDERS ELDERS ELDERS ELDERS ELDERS NUTRIEN NUTRIEN NUTRIEN NUTRIEN NUTRIEN NUTRIEN AWN AWN AWN AWN AWN AWN AWN AWN AWN AWN

24 12 17 19 12 10 5 1 10 12 19 15 12 14 3

ANGUS ANGUS X ANGUS ANGUS ANGUS HEREFORD CHAROLAIS X BLACK BALDY ANGUS ANGUS ANGUS ANGUS ANGUS ANGUS ANGUS

HEIFER HEIFER HEIFER HEIFER HEIFER HEIFER HEIFER HEIFER HEIFER HEIFER HEIFER HEIFER HEIFER HEIFER HEIFER

391.25 403.33 297.35 211.32 485 472 438 470 314 365.83 260.53 280.67 233.75 249.29 360

1345 1320 945 730 1650 1520 1500 1550 960 1270 840 860 860 800 1150

ELDERS ELDERS ELDERS ELDERS ELDERS ELDERS NUTRIEN NUTRIEN NUTRIEN AWN AWN AWN AWN AWN NUTRIEN

1

ANGUS

COW/CLF 530

1400

AWN

Wangaratta Livestock Exchange - Prime Market Report VENDOR

HEAD BREED

SEXAVG. WT.

ZEDE FAMILY TRUST

5

ANGUS

COW

Windswept Holdings

1

ANGUS

Solitaire Park

3

GOLDSWORTHY S.T

TUESDAY 13TH OF MAY 2025

C/KG

AGENCY

645

260

CORCORAN PARKER

COW

970

266

CORCORAN PARKER

ANGUS

COW

688.33

265

CORCORAN PARKER

1

LIMOUSIN

COW

660

275

NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK

DALANDER P/L

3

MIXED

COW

693.33

268.2

NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK

WHITE GC & JK

1

ANGUS

COW

595

238

NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK

ELLIS GZ & RW

2

HEREFORD

COW

695

265

AUSTRALIAN WOOL NETWORK

MORGAN HELEN

2

ANGUS

COW

620

250

AUSTRALIAN WOOL NETWORK

CARROLL MM & DUNN CA

2

ANGUS

STEER

477.5

410

CORCORAN PARKER

S CRAWFORD & C GARDNER

1

ANGUS

STEER

455

328.2

ELDERS

MERCER JENNY

1

LIMOUSIN X

STEER

335

330

NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK

RITCHENS DOUGLAS IAN

1

ANGUS

STEER

310

330

NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK

LEAVOLD R & S

2

ANGUS

STEER

415

355

AUSTRALIAN WOOL NETWORK

BURNS P & M

1

ANGUS

STEER

545

285

AUSTRALIAN WOOL NETWORK

SOLITAIRE PARK

3

ANGUS

HEIFER

530

300

CORCORAN PARKER

EDE FAMILY TRUST

3

ANGUS

HEIFER 611.67

355

CORCORAN PARKER

MURTAGH M & L

2

BLACK BALDY

HEIFER

525

350.2

CORCORAN PARKER

ALPINE GRAZING

11

ANGUS X

HEIFER 394.55

310.2

ELDERS

ALPINE GRAZING

1

CHAROLAIS X

HEIFER

545

345

ELDERS

HUNT TOM

2

BLACK BALDY

HEIFER

465

330.2

NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK

DALANDER P/L

5

ANGUS

HEIFER

520

305

NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK

1

ANGUS

BULL 1,225.00

280

CORCORAN PARKER

COWS

STEER

HEIFER

BULLS WINDSWEPT HOLDINGS

NEXT SALE 20TH MAY 2025 1ST ELD 2ND NUT 3RD AWN 4TH CP

Page 10 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, May 19, 2025

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Junior Reporter Club

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO...

Luke Hunt........................................................................................................April 21 Rory Gibb .......................................................................................................April 22 Hunter Lorman..............................................................................................April 23 Charlotte Smith.............................................................................................April 23 Chelsea Canning .........................................................................................April 25 MAY 2025 Birthday Cake Winners - Georgie Unwin May 4 & Hayden Nelson May 16 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.

67a Reid Street WANGARATTA

P: 5722 9211

Pies, Pasties & Sausage Rolls, Salad Rolls, Breads, Cakes & Pastries, Cold Drinks & Coffee HOURS: Monday - Friday 6.30am - 5.30pm HOURS Saturday 7.00am - 2.30pm

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IN PERSON BY PHONE BY EMAIL 37 Rowan Street, classifieds@ 5723 0101 Wangaratta nemedia.com.au 3677

WHEN TO BOOK

Chronicle Classifieds 2pm business day prior to print North East Jobs 3pm Friday

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, May 19, 2025 - Page 11

SELLING A CAR

BUY ONLINE

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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 ref r i ge ra t o r, single beds, FULLY EQUIPPED including a new 24” Smar t 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.

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TYRES n ew an d secondhand, trailer, rims, wrecking. New hours 9am to 5pm, Monday, Tuesday, We d n e s d a y, 4 4 Newman Street, Wangaratta. Ph 0428 257 221, Adzam Tyres.

NISSAN X-Trail STIL 2011, leather interior, good condition, towball, all wheel drive, 2ton capacity, reg (YOF136), $4200 firm. Ph 0403 431 390.

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Long dry boosts cattle sell-off Page 3

Anti-solar farm rally next week Page 4

TAKING FLIGHT Wangaratta ballerina Layla May is one of the hundreds of competitors who will take to the stage for the opening weekend of the Wangaratta Festival of Dance. Spectators are welcome to see all the dancers in action over five days of competition beginning on Friday, 16 May at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre. Story page 4 PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Pies, Rovers back in action Sport

Property tax turmoil to pass upper house Labor government gains enough crossbench support to pass controversial ESVF bill

A PROPERTY tax that’s expected to increase the fire services levy on Rural City of Wangaratta ratepayers by $3.2 million from 1 July, looked certain to pass the upper house on Thursday.

After the second reading of Fire Services Property

BY STEVE KELLY

skelly@ nemedia.com.au

Amendment (Emergency Services Volunteers Fund) Bill 2025, the vote was 22-18 in favour, with Labor MPs

and aligned members from the crossbench, including the Greens, Legalise Cannabis Party and Animal Justice Party members voting in favour of the controversial bill.

Liberal MP for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell

condemned the new tax which she said will collect $2.14 billion over three years.

She cited a study compiled

by Regional Cities Victoria showing Wangaratta city residents’ fire services levy will rise by 67 per cent

under the new tax.

Increases to other municipalities in the region would include Indigo 99pc, Benalla 81pc Mansfield 73pc, and Strathbogie 99pc.

Ms Lovell said it’s “money won’t come back into our communities to increase

capacity of firefighters or SES services”.

She described the tax as egregious and said it will impact the cost of living for all walks of life through higher costs for food production.

■ Continued page 2

Family owned and operated

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.

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FUNERAL DIRECTORS Page 4 - THE CHRONICLE, Friday, January

SOCIAL FOCUS

COSTANTINO, Rosa.

15, 2021 wangarattachronicle.com.au

Charge up your engines

May 20, 2025.

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

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Country stacks up in VCE

2021 - Page 5

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 Second21.6pc rian Curriculum and Assess- achieved Ballarat Clarendon College achieving dux achieved one of the ary College had a median a median study 40+, placing ment Authority (VCCA). it 30th best in highest scores third with 38 and 38.4pc. 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.

with his Touring Car. PHOTOS: Kieren Tilly

after a year like no other

Wang Repair Café returns

Happy 100th Birthday in Heaven to our special Mum, Nanna and Great Nanna.

Sell it!

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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.

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

Honouring the Journey

Mason Park Funerals

 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 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

(left) and Amy Henderson were celebrating

their university offers yesterday.

PHOTO: Kieren Tilly

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

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.

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.

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Page 12 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, May 19, 2025

wangarattachronicle.com.au

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.

CHAD DONALD

NICHOLAS KJAR

COOPER NEWTON

CHARLIE KERWIN

RAMA SCHULTZ

KADE HADLEY

COREY PETERSEN

CHARLIE HARING

HUNTER BARRY

LENNY SIMS

JACK THOMSON

KAEDEN BURROWS

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, May 19, 2025 - Page 13

wangarattachronicle.com.au

WINNERS AND LOSERS

ROUND

6

OVENS AND MURRAY SENIORS LADDER #

TEAM

P

W

L

D

B PTS

6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6

5 5 4 4 3 3 3 2 1 0

1 1 2 2 3 3 3 4 5 6

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 WANGARATTA ROVERS 2 WANGARATTA 3 MYRTLEFORD 4 NORTH ALBURY 5 LAVINGTON 6 WODONGA 7 ALBURY 8 YARRAWONGA 9 COROWA RUTHERGLEN 10 WODONGA RAIDERS

20 20 16 16 12 12 12 8 4 0

SCOREBOARD %

183.75 133.24 135.88 119.12 130.95 97.66 70.67 83.02 84.02 43.43

THIRDS RESULTS

NETBALL SCORES

Myrtleford 4.1 (25) def by Albury 18.12 (120)

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

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.

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.

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)

YARRAWONGA WANG ROVERS

2.2 5.4 2.1 8.3

6.6 6.9.45 12.3 17.4.106

COROWA R’GLEN WODONGA

3.2 5.5 7.2 10.4

7.7 8.9.57 10.8 11.12.78

WANGARATTA NORTH ALBURY

2.3 6.8 10.11 16.12.108 0.2 3.2 6.5 8.7.55

WOD. RAIDERS LAVINGTON

0.2 1.2 3.5 8.8

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.

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.

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.

3.3 6.4.40 8.16 13.18.96

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.

RESERVES RESULTS Wodonga Raiders ...... 2.6 (18) Lavington............. 11.19 (85) BEST: WODONGA RAIDERS: C. Howells, A. Sinclair, H. O’Neill, I. Anderson, F. Jensen, N. Twycross. LAVINGTON: P. Flood, D. Finnimore, A. Daniher, C. McCrae, C. Robertson, C. Clemson.

Myrtleford............ 11.10 (76) Albury...................... 7.3 (45) BEST: MYRTLEFORD: L. Miotto, A. Wickes, R. Grant, L. Hourigan, L. 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.

NEXT WEEK INTERLEAGUE SATURDAY, MAY24

ROUND 7 MYRTLEFORD ALBURY

2.5 3.10 2.1 4.3

5.16 5.5

9.21.75 8.5.53

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.

SATURDAY, MAY31 WANG ROVERS vs COROWA RUTHERGLEN WODONGA vs MYRTLEFORD NORTH ALBURY vs YARRAWONGA LAVINGTON vs WANGARATTA RAIDERS vs ALBURY

WINNERS AND LOSERS

ROUND

8

OVENS AND KING SENIORS LADDER TEAM 1 BRIGHT 2 MILAWA 3 GRETA 4 GOORAMBAT 5 BONNIE DOON 6 NORTH WANGARATTA

P 7 7 7 7 7 7

W 6 6 5 5 5 3

L 1 1 2 2 2 4

D 0 0 0 0 0 0

B 1 1 1 1 1 1

7 WHOROULY 8 KING VALLEY 9 TARRAWINGEE 10 MOYHU 11 BENALLA ALL BLACKS

7 7 8 7 7

3 3 2 1 0

4 4 6 6 7

0 0 0 0 0

1 1 0 1 1

SCOREBOARD

PTS % 24 217.04 24 163.20 20 167.42 20 125.68 20 109.68 12 121.12 12 12 8 4 0

105.95 81.57 58.70 79.68 25.42

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

NETBALL SCORES

ROUND 9

A GRADE: Nth Wangaratta 14 def by

SAT, MAY 24

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 other scores available at time of print

NTH WANGARATTA vs GRETA BRIGHT vs BENALLA ALL BLACKS

GRETA BONNIE DOON

1.1 1.3 1.1 5.2

3.5 8.3

6.9.45 8.3.51

NTH WANGARATTA GOORAMBAT

4.2 8.3 4.0 9.1

11.9 12.11.83 12.2 14.4.88

TARRAWINGEE WHOROULY

3.4 4.6 1.0 0

9.10 0

KING VALLEY BENALLA

7.0 11.3 2.3 3.5

15.6 18.8.116 6.9 8.11.59

MOYHU BRIGHT

1.3 4.6 4.1 11.2

6.10 8.11.59 13.3 19.6.120

GOALS: GRETA: C. Crawford 2, T. Cheer 1, F. Judd 1, J. Bell 1, J. McClounan 1.

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.

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.

9.12.66 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.

BONNIE DOON vs KING VALLEY GOORAMBAT vs WHOROULY MILAWA vs MOYHU TARRAWINGEE - BYE

GOALS: MOYHU: N. Stewart 3, W. Johnson 2, D. West 1, J. Coonan 1, P. McNamara 1. BRIGHT: C. Thomason 6, J. Love 4, C. Banks 3, W. Wales 2, M. Kinthari 1, L. Quirk 1, D. Chellew 1, R. Bacon 1. BEST: MOYHU: C. Gibson, P. McNamara, N. Gamble, H. Verdon, M. Thrum, J. Hansted. BRIGHT: C. Banks, S. Dalbosco, C. Thomason, W. Wales, J. Love, C. Thomson.

RESERVES RESULTS King Valley...................9.7 (61) Benalla All Blacks .........1.8 (14) BEST: KING VALLEY: J. Kelly, M. Ring, D. Stone, J. Jones.

BENALLA ALL BLACKS: M. Bodsworth, C. Jackson, J. Wilkinson, R. Lepenik.

North Wangaratta... 20.19 (139) Goorambat...................2.1 (13) BEST: NORTH WANGARATTA: C. 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 (39) Whorouly................. 10.12 (72) BEST: TARRAWINGEE: W. Phillips, E. Ryan, M. Smith, C. Penney, T. Younger, D. Hogarth.

WHOROULY: M. Charleston, B. Harrington, B. Duffy, D. Thompson, C. Nicholls.

Moyhu ...........................0.1 (1) Bright .................... 18.19 (127) BEST: MOYHU: R. Hargreaves, M. O’Sullivan, M. Startin, N. McAsey, C. Young, M. Ryan. BRIGHT: B. Brain, P. Crocombe, D. Martin, T. Sutherland, J. Banks, L. Robinson.

Greta .........................10.6 (66) Bonnie Doon ................5.6 (36) BEST: GRETA: S. Mcleod, A. Vearing, B. Hogan, L. Brown, C. Guley, O. Ramage. BONNIE DOON: C. Houghton, L. Piper, T. Smith, E. Ivill, M. Hibberd, R. Markwick.

LADDER 1 Greta 24 277.42 2 Bright 24 229.71 3 Nth Wangaratta 20 208.96 4 Milawa 20 190.00 5 Bonnie Doon 20 165.23 6 Moyhu 12 107.05 7 King Valley 12 106.14 8 Goorambat 12 38.67 9 Whorouly 8 89.98 10 Tarrawingee 4 47.73 11 Benalla All Blacks 0 13.99

Page 14 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, May 19, 2025

wangarattachronicle.com.au

MATCH REVIEWS More than a game: Hawks and Bats stand against family violence ROUND

8

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.

BOUNDARY THROW IN: Samuel Gladstone (left) and Matthew Curtis fight it out at the stoppage.

PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie

CONTEST: Jamie Dunne looks to move the ball while Jhye Devine lays the tackle.

FORWARD CRAFT: Josh Kemp booted five goals for the Hawks.

Wild results in O&K footy

CONTEST: Nicholas Redley and Jacob Penn leap in the ruck.

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 off the reigning premiers in their own backyard, with a narrow 8.3 (51) to 6.9 (45) final scoreline.

A match which started on even keel began to tilt the way of the visitors after the first change, with Bonnie Doon producing a fourgoal second term to lead by 23 points at the long break.

Momentum continued to flow Bonnie Doon’s way in the second half, and although Greta started to find 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 outfit who looked to be playing their best footy in some time, with the PHOTO: Nathan de Vries ‘Dogs winning 9.12 (66) to 8.5 (53).

From the first bounce, the Lions looked flat 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 after 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 finished with five goals, while Oliver Sharp and Hugh Amery gave the Bulldogs plenty of energy and speed.

For Whorouly, Cam Wood’s efforts 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.

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, May 19, 2025 - Page 15

wangarattachronicle.com.au

MATCH REVIEWS 6 Wangaratta Magpies obliterate in-form Hoppers, Rovers repeat grand final result over Yarrawonga

ROUND

■ 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.

GREAT GRAB: Brad Melville floats across and takes a terrific mark.

“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.

THROW IN: Josh Tweedale and North Albury’s Jamie Mooney jostle for front position at the boundary.

FLYING HIGH: Aiden Tilley and Xavier Lavery celebrate a goal in the Magpies’ 53-point belting of North Albury.

PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie GROUND BALL: Alex Federico looks for a handball off the deck.

Page 16 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, May 19, 2025

wangarattachronicle.com.au

O&M, O&K football, netball scores

ISSN 2200-078X

9 772200

078028

Page 13

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.

■

Story page 14.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

Statements made

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.

Wangaratta Magpies obliterate in-form Hoppers, Rovers repeat grand final result over Yarrawonga

Describe your field of expertise: Ability to supply anything automotive,mechanical or industrial.

momentum was all welders, going the The and leadtools.We was outkeep to four goals inFestool the opening term 16.12 (108) consumables to the Hoppers Did WANGARATTA’S you know? We aresenior now the North East for WIA welding & machines, concrete machines all trailer parts, Unimig BYdistributors NATHAN football squad firmed in

DE VRIES

8.7 (55).

from five scoring shots.

goals by half-time, with Wan- way of the ‘Pies.

mate premiership contend-

nemedia.com.au

lenges 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

went to another level after the quarter time break, generating plenty of run and movement and outworking North Albury’s defensive structure.

slowing down.

The game broke open in the third term, with both squads finding solid avenues to goal and converting in front of the big sticks, but

pure gaspunters’ oxy/ LPG / acetylene Evakool esky’s and 12 volt fridges, Tamer midfi 4WDeld parts, Wix and The three quarter time garatta showing noRyco signsFilters. of The Magpies’ unitDonaldson, North Albury facedFuchs chal-oil, Terrain many eyes as legiti- / argon cylinders, ndevries@ We guarantee: Exceptional ers after sweeping aside aCustomer Service. talented North Albury brigade at Norm Minns Oval on Saturday.

With both squads heading

into the clash sitting at 4-1, the stage was set for a blockbuster, and the Magpies delivered, running out winners

FULL RANGE OF DIESEL CAPTAIN TANKS IN STOCK WANGARATTA BEARINGS AND INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES

scoreboard had Wangaratta leading by five goals, but they knew a side like North Albury could come back if the door was even slightly ajar.

■ Continued page 15

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