WC20250602

HONOUR SET IN STONE

WANGARATTA Citizens of the Year, Wendy and Peter Lester, were bestowed another public honour yesterday, with the unveiling of their handprints cast in the Marmungun Rock in Apex Park.

Story page 3

RELIEF AGENCIES HIT BY VIOLENCE

STAFF at local neighbourhood houses are experiencing incidents of aggression and violent attacks from members of the public, as they try to provide assistance to an increasing number of people in need.

Open Door Neighbourhood House in Wangaratta, which runs a food distribution ser-

BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au

vice and a pantry on site, has had two of their sta members physically assaulted in the last 12 months, forcing them to increase security and

change the way they deliver services to the public.

Incoming chair of Open Door Neighbourhood House

Rob Hankins said the incidents had been reported to police and following the second assault, additional security measures had been put in place, including au-

tomatic door strike locking and security cameras.

He said the person involved in both is known to police, but to get a restraining order or similar is hard for a local community service where people can just walk up to the door.

“We’ve spent a fair amount of money on improving

and changing security and protecting the sta , and we’ve also had to train them on con ict management and how best to treat people who might act or react aggressively at times,” he said.

“It can a ect them, but fortunately we’ve got great sta who are really good at understand-

ing people in the community - particularly those who come into a place like Open Door Neighbourhood House to get food they can’t a ord because of cost-of-living increasesunderstanding those people can be under pressure from a number of directions.”

■ Continued page 2

PHOTO: Adrian Vaughan, Noisebox productions

Drought assistance expanded

Package increased, grants extended statewide, with ESVF relief - capped at 2024/25 payment

THE Victorian government will expand its Drought Package and extend it to farmers statewide to help battle with rapidly deteriorating conditions across the state.

Premier Jacinta Allan made the announcement on Friday, saying the latest weather data shows the anticipated “autumn break” farmers anxiously awaited has failed to eventuate, with the window for last minute rain to avoid a failed season closing completely.

The news follows weeks of lobbying by councils, MPs

and farmer bodies - particularly in the North East (see page 11 today with coverage prior to Friday’s announcement) - for more support to be o ered to farmers across the state.

Premier Allan on Friday acknowledged the increasingly devastating e ects of drought aren’t con ned by postcode or region – “it’s impacting farmers across Victoria and it’s why we’re expanding support statewide”.

She said advice from Agriculture Victoria indicates

that rainfall in May realised the worst-case scenario, and over the past two weeks, a majority of the state received just 20 per cent or less of the average typical rainfall expected in May.

Premier Allan said the latest reporting from the Bureau of Meteorology also indicates these conditions are likely to continue into June - leaving many paddocks and dams dry, with fodder prices doubling.

“Due to these worsening conditions, the Labor Government will deliver a new and ex-

panded Drought Package – supported by an additional $37.7 million in funding,” she said.

“This will ensure farmers across our state are able to access grants of up to $5000 to support on-farm drought management improvements, in addition to nancial counselling and mental health support.”

The worst a ected farmers in Victoria’s south-west will have payments increased to $10,000, with the program also expanded to cover water carting activities and pasture reestablishment across Victoria.

Equally important, the government will cap its controversial Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) contribution - meaning all primary production properties will pay the same amount they paid in 2024-25.

This will see the ESVF variable rate on primary production properties remain at 28.7 – the same as it was in 2024-25 – for the duration of the 2025-26 nancial year.

This reduced rate will be applied to rates notices for primary production properties automatically.

NUMBERS

Agriculture Victoria’s farm technical and decision-making support has also been made available statewide, supporting farmers to manage the impacts of these increasingly drier conditions.

Premier Allan said the government will deliver a further package of support in the coming weeks – informed by a dedicated new Drought Response Taskforce with government, council, farmer, CWA, agribusiness and nance representatives.

Relief agencies hit by violence

■ from page 1

Mr Hankins said one of the most signi cant things they have had to do was to change their method of service delivery.

He said while previously they would have a volunteer or sta member manning the pantry from 10am to 2pm ve days a week and allow people to walk up and access what they needed from the shelf, now people must ring ahead and advise what they need, which is then packaged for them to collect at an appointed time - and it only operates three days a week.

“That way we can control it a little bit better, because we know who and when they are coming and we can have one or two sta available to deliver it and make sure everything is safe,” he said.

“It has changed the way we provide the service - and while there have only been a couple of incidents (and most people have been fantastic) - we simply can’t take the risk.”

Mr Hankins said demand for emergency food relief had signi cantly increased in recent times both at Open Door and at other centres, including Loaves and Fishes - Christians Caring, due to cost-of-living pressures.

He said they would love to have more volunteers and would love to be able to a ord more sta , but it came down to government funding.

“State Government funding is critically important to operational services like Open Door,” he said.

“We have good sta , but we could also do with more.

“Open Door Neighbourhood House is regularly applying for grant funding from one organi-

The Thirty x Thirty exhibition to open

THE annual Thirty x Thirty exhibition will open at the Art Gallery on Ovens in the laneway off Murphy Street in Wangaratta this week.

All works entered in the exhibition must measure 30cm square, with participating artists in the running to win a major prize of $1000, judged by Wangaratta Art Gallery director, Rachel Arndt. The winner will be announced during the opening night celebrations being held on Thursday, 5 June from 5pm to 7pm where light refreshments will be served.

sation or another to provide our services - because it’s not only food relief we provide, but training and socialisation programs for people- and they all require sta and they all cost money.

“We are working hard to make sure our sta are safe.”

Neighbourhood Houses Victoria (NHVic) has con rmed it is

seeing an alarming increase in the number of reported assaults, abuse and bullying a ecting its sta across the sector.

As the peak body of the Neighbourhood House sector representing more than 400 neighbourhood houses and community centres in the state, NHVic said it is looking to ad-

Man is charged with dangerous driving causing death of woman

MAJOR Collision Investigation Unit detectives have further charged a man following a fatal collision in Yarrawonga in April.

A 26-year-old Tatura man was on Frdiay charged with dangerous driving causing death.

The charge follows an incident where it will be alleged two people were involved in an altercation on Hargrave Court, before a woman attempted to intervene on 25 April about 8.30pm.

Police will allege a man got into a car a short time later and collided with the woman who

had attempted to intervene as it left the scene.

CPR was performed on 46-year-old Yarrawonga woman Kylie Sanders, but she died at the scene.

Police located the vehicle in Shepparton and arrested a 26-year-old man on 26 April about 2am.

He was charged at the time with breach of a court order and threats to kill.

The man was bailed to appear in Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on 5 June.

dress the issue by advocating for additional funding.

NHVic CEO Keir Paterson said Neighbourhood House workers are facing growing stress and safety risks, o en dealing alone with complex and sometimes volatile situations.

“This is harming their mental and physical health,” he said.

Driver killed: vehicle hit tree

POLICE are investigating a fatal crash in Browns Plains, near Rutherglen, on Saturday morning. It is believed a vehicle lost control and crashed into a tree near the intersection of ChilternHowlong and Gooramadda roads just after 9.30am.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene.

The spokesperson said circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be determined and a police investigation remains ongoing.

HERE TO HELP: Incoming chair of Open Door Neighbourhood House Rob Hankins said the centre had to change the way it delivered food relief services to the public, following two incidents of assault.

PHOTO: Jordan Duursma

ASU slams council for rejecting grant to lift childcare worker pay

...but council says sta consulted and confirmed grant not a fair and equitable way to proceed

WANGARATTA council has defended its decision not to take up a federal government grant that would increase the pay of early childhood workers.

The Australian Services Union (ASU) has criticised the Rural City of Wangaratta and four other Victorian council for rejecting the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Worker Retention Payment Grant, designed to support and retain early childhood educators during a sector-wide crisis.

The grant runs for two years and funds a wage increase of

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

15 per cent above the modern award rates, and a minimum additional 20pc funding for eligible on-costs (calculated against their base funding).

The AEU says the funding was intended to alleviatenancial pressures, improve workforce stability, and ensure families have access to high-quality early learning.

ASU secretary Tash Wark said it’s a fantastic opportunity

for council to demonstrate its commitment to a female-dominated workforce performing invaluable work in the community, who are among “some of the lowest paid workers in local government”.

“It’s disgraceful that these councils would reject nancial relief for workers who are struggling with the rising cost of living and burnout,” she said.

Under the conditions, if councils access the grant they are unable to increase fees for the life of the grant (two years).

Rural city director of community and infrastructure, Marcus Goonan, said management consulted directly with sta who con rmed the grant would not be a fair way to proceed.

“Council’s priority is to maintain a fair, sustainable, and supportive environment for all our educators,” Mr Goonan said.

“We value their contribution immensely and are proud of the high-quality service they deliver to our community.

“A er careful consideration, council chose not to apply for the ECEC Worker Re-

tention Payment Grant due to its narrow eligibility, inequitable application across our workforce, and unsustainable long-term impact once federal funding ends.”

Mr Goonan explained that the grant would have applied to only a small number of sta and not covered all hours worked.

He said accepting it would have reduced bene ts for some educators, not improved them.

“Educators at the Wangaratta Children’s Services Centre already receive above-

award wages, paid training leave, Christmas/New Year closure, access to the Employee Assistance Program, and enhanced sta ng ratios that promote breaks and work-life balance,” he said.

“We consulted directly with our team, and their feedback con rmed the grant would not support the broader workforce fairly or sustainably.”

Mr Goonan said council remains committed to working with the union and all levels of government to deliver lasting, equitable support for the early childhood sector.

Hands unite cultures, celebrate community, reconciliation

By JEFF ZEUSCHNER

SMOKE from burning gum leaves atop Marmungun Rock sent a clear message on Sunday morning that something special was to occur.

As a crowd of 50 or so tried to shake-o winter’s midmorning chill with rays of sunshine between the trees, their gaze was a xed on the symbolic rock which has been part of the landscape since 2017.

Inspired by respected Aboriginal elder the late Uncle Wally Cooper, the rock carries the handprints of all Wangaratta’s Citizens of the Year since 2017, and those of current recipients Wendy and Peter Lester were to be revealed during the morning’s ceremony.

Son Kevin Cooper, who with his children Emily, Luke and Patrick, and brother Sony on the didgeridoo, performed the ‘spirit dance’ to welcome guests, said his dad was all about reconciliation and loved the Wangaratta community.

“He loved to share our culture and wanted to highlight people who bring the community together,” he said.

Wally’s daughter Anita Morgan, who o ciated the ceremony as a member of the

SHARING

CULTURE: The Cooper family were central to yesterday’s Marmungun Rock ceremony. Pictured are Jesse Cooper on didgeridoo, Anita Morgan (Cooper) who o iciated the ceremony and Kevin Cooper with his children Patrick and Emily performing the ‘spirit dance’.

organising Dirrawarra Indigenous Network, said her father had come up with the idea of a large rock while carving a rock for another project.

“He was a true champion of reconciliation and knew this would bring cultures and the community together and break down some barriers,” she said.

“It is a tting tribute, to him and to all those out-

standing members of our community.”

Ms Morgan said timing the Marmungun Rock ceremony during National Reconciliation Week was all about helping celebrate and build respectful relationships between the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and all other Australians.

She said the Marmungun Rock, sited on traditional Yor-

ta Yorta and Bangerang peoples land, together with the adjoining Bullawah Cultural Trail along the Ovens River, was a signi cant public celebration of Indigenous culture.

Mayor Cr Irene Grant said council was honoured to partner with the Dirrawarra Indigenous Network to conduct the Marmungun Rock ceremony, which was unique to Wangaratta and a won-

derful way to recognise and thank outstanding members of the community.

She said Peter and Wendy Lester were recognised and awarded for their extensive work enhancing the welfare and wellbeing of the community.

Mayor Grant said the couple, through their business Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway, and its 80 or so

sta , provide signi cant support to the community,nancially, in-kind and countless volunteer hours.

She said they have made major contributions to events and organisations across multiple sectors in Wangaratta, including the jazz festival, the Rovers Football and Netball Club, The Orange Door and the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre.

“It is well earned and well deserved recognition,” Mayor Grant said.

Wendy told those present that Peter and she were humbled and deeply privileged by the acknowledgement, thanking all concerned, particularly the Cooper family, especially Jesse who did the hand carving.

“This award is not just a re ection of our e orts it’s a testament to the power of the community,” she said.

“We continue to be inspired and guided by people around us.

“Let’s continue building a stronger, kinder and more connected community.”

That sentiment prevailed, with guests enjoying a Wangaratta Rotary Club of Appin Park sausage sizzle and each others company into lunchtime.

Noisebox productions

ARRIVALS AT NORTHEAST HEALTH WANGARATTA

The Wangaratta Chronicle will be in attendance at the midwifery ward on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9.30am to take photos of newborns with their parents, grandparents and/or siblings.

Consent forms are available from Northeast Health Wangaratta and from Wangaratta Chronicle staff on the day.

If you would like a photo but are not at the ward at the time of visiting, you can come into the Wangaratta Chronicle office at 37 Rowan Street during office hours to organise it.

Photographs are available to purchase from the Wangaratta Chronicle office.

Thursday, 22 May at 8.12am and weighed 4.03kg (8lb 9oz). He is the brother of Ruby and Ella, and the son of Meg Lockey and Billy Drage of Moyhu.

OBITUARY: ROSEMARIE O’BRIEN

at Northeast Health Wangaratta on Wednesday, 28 May and weighed 2.76kg (6lb). He is the

Dynamic teacher was an inspiration to many pupils

By SIMONE KERWIN

Amuch-loved teacher and member of the King Valley community was farewelled last Wednesday, 28 May with family, friends, students and colleagues gathering to honour Rosemarie O’Brien, a dynamic woman with a wonderful sense of humour who loved to help others.

Rosie, who passed away suddenly on May 5 aged 79, is being remembered for her passion and resourcefulness, her big heart and ready laugh.

She was a teacher at the Wangaratta Technical College - through its various name changes to Ovens College - between 1973 and 2001 and again from 2004-’06, and at the Wangaratta District Specialist School from 2007 to ‘19, where she started the school’s senior program.

Rosie’s commitment to teaching was recognised in 2014, when she was nominated by her WDSS Victorian Certi cate of Applied Learning (VCAL) class for the Victoria State Award for National Excellence in Teaching, and was named as one of Victoria’s top 10 teachers.

She also persuaded Ali Alexander at Wangaratta’s Café The PreVue to lend her premises so that WDSS students could create their own restaurant, James’ Place - a project which ran for three years and won the Victorian Education Department’s 2015 VCAL Partnership Award.

Likewise, the VCAL Spirit of Christmas Project, a pop-up shop providing food and gi s for members of the community, earned a VCAL Partnership Award in 2013, as well as a VCAL Intermediate Teamwork Award.

Not that Rosie was in it for the accolades; according to her colleagues, her focus was on creating connections, chasing opportunities and encouraging young people to shine.

She was also an engaging colleague, dodging the limelight and praising others for their input whenever she could.

Fellow teacher and friend Chris Jamieson said Rosie loved to make others laugh, and many remembered her wicked sense of humour, practical jokes, and the cheeky emailed jokes which temporarily had her banned from the educa-

SPECIAL: Some of Rosie O’Brien’s handiwork was on display in the Memories Room at Mason Park Funerals on Wednesday, as friends, family, former students and colleagues celebrated her life.

PHOTO: Mason Park Funerals

a textiles teacher at Wang Tech, but also taught home economics, maths, and information technology.

Combining her post-graduate Monash University course with her enthusiasm for computers, Rosie was generous with her time and knowledge in helping students and sta master new technology.

“She taught young people and adults textile design, dra ing, pattern-making and millinery skills; she taught loads of people to love sewing, she taught loads of people to love life,” Chris said.

“She took textiles outside the classroom with fashion parades and competitions, and each one of those events she initiated or contributed to with boundless energy and countless hours of hard work.”

Rosie was involved in teaching debutante ball groups, and utilised her sewing skills in 13 consecutive school productions, making banners for the school band music stands, and helping to create an Ovens College reconciliation banner bearing the motto ‘Learning Today for Tomorrow’ - a physical example of her belief in fairness, justice and reconciliation.

FAREWELL: Respected former Wangaratta teacher Rosie O’Brien has been remembered for her dedication, friendship and ready laugh.

STRIKING: The Ovens College reconciliation banner Rosie helped create features symbols including Mt Pilot, a spiritual site near Wangaratta, and the wedge-tailed eagle, which is guardian of this area. The junction of the Ovens and King rivers and the two hands joining represent the need to acknowledge the past in order to learn from each other in the future.

tion department email for potentially being inappropriate or phishing scams.

There was very little that could stop her from her teaching responsibilities; a colleague remembers one occasion when there had been a storm and Rosie rang to say she would be late due to the giant gum tree lying over her driveway - sure enough, she cut her way through and was at school by recess.

One of ve sisters born to loving, hard-working immigrant parents (her German mother and Austrian father met and married in Melbourne in 1928), Rosie was raised in Ringwood, trained and worked as a teacher in Melbourne, then moved with her late truck driver husband Mick to a property at Edi,

PHOTO: Mason Park Funerals

where she continued breeding Anglo-Arabian horses and thoroughbreds.

Her champion Arab mare Kate (short for Katishar) won best Galway mare for many years at the Royal Melbourne Show, and won so consistently in rural shows that Rosie stopped showing her to give the local entrants a chance.

“She bred horses concurrently with her teaching, and actually taught to support her horses,” Rosie’s US-based sister Wilma Ho mann said.

Rosie quickly became part of the King Valley community, including spending time milking for local dairy farmers, and later moved into raising cattle.

Wilma said Rosie was “much-

loved, and operated in several di erent spheres, which didn’t all seem to intersect”.

“In the time when she wasn’t teaching, she was either raising calves or milking for dairy farmers,” Wilma said.

“She was always vivacious and friendly right from her childhood and teen years, and her personality was a mix of being very outgoing but also being happy to be by herself on the farm.

“She loved the bush, and was very capable and willing to have a go at anything, to follow her dreams and be really good at it.

“If anyone was in trouble, she was there to help; she was an amazing person.”

Chris said Rosie was primarily

WDSS sta members recalled Rosie’s dedicated mentoring and sharing of knowledge, and said her students were always fully engaged in hands-on activities.

“Rosie was passionate, focused, resourceful and a powerhouse in getting things done - we would o en receive 3am emails from her, before she went out with the cows,” WDSS principal Alysha Jackson said.

“She rolled into school each day in her ute, o en with bales of hay in the back ready to take home to the cows.

“She had a big heart, had fair and consistent boundaries, and each of the students respected her.

“Rosie always fought for what was best for our students, in the classroom, at school, and out in the community whether on work experience or at James’ Place.

“Many of our sta looked up to Rosie as the pinnacle of an educator, and she mentored teachers and education support sta alike, to foster compassion, dedication, and a vision for students to achieve the most out of their education to set them up for their post-school adventures.”

Thomas John Drage

Angus Beck of Wangaratta.

brother of Alice, and the son of Nikki and Simon Lockhart of Mansfield.

Kane Alexander Lockhart

Tourist route misses cash, but on the radar

Local homeless shelter to open from tonight

By JORDAN DUURSMA

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

FUNDING for the Wangaratta-Whitfield Road was missing in the 202526 Victorian budget but Treasurer and Northern Victoria MP Jaclyn Symes has confirmed an upgrade is on her radar.

During public question time in the Legislative Council prior to the budget, One Nation’s MP for Northern Victoria questioned Ms Symes about the road, asking for a full upgrade between Oxley and Whitfield.

“The Wangaratta-Whitfield Road is a major arterial road that services almost half of the municipality and has been in dire need of an upgrade for many years,” Mrs Tyrrell said.

Ms Symes responded saying she was “intimately familiar about the project as a local member and someone who has supported that region for the past 11 years and indeed lots of investment in relation to the tour-

Victorian Treasurer says she has been briefed on road and “it is a priority”

ism o erings there”.

“You describe Wangaratta-Whitfield Road, but the Benalla-Whitfield Road is also an extension of Wangaratta-Whitfield Road, as is Mansfield-Whitfield Road,” Ms Symes responded to Mrs Tyrrell.

“The whole corridor is something that I am very familiar with.

“As you have articulated, there are lots and lots of visitors going there, because we have been sup-

porting particularly the wineries but also cycling tourism and the like to approach that region.

“I have had briefings with the DTP [Department of Transport and Planning] and Wangaratta council in relation to this road, as well as Tourism North East, so there are a lot of discussions going about this.

“I think that Wangaratta council have got some ideas; DTP probably needs

to do a bit more planning.

“It is a priority.”

Ms Symes said she was of a similar view to Mrs Tyrrell in relation to advocacy for investment on the project, and she thinks there is a bit of work that needs to be undertaken.

In the 2025-26 budget some $976 million has been allocated to xing potholes and upgrading road surfaces across Victoria.

Now that funding has been allocated, road

Cycle trail extension in Whitfield is underway

By ANITA MCPHERSON

WORKS have begun on the shared walk and cycle trail which will connect Whitty Lane to Gentle Annie Lane on the west side of the Wangaratta-Whit eld Road in Whit eld.

North East Civil Construction have cordoned o the area and begun the process of clearing in readiness for construction of the trail, which is being undertaken as part of a number of initiatives captured in the Prosecco Road Project, funded by

the Victorian Government. Rural City of Wangaratta director community and infrastructure Marcus Goonan said residents can expect tra c management throughout the duration of the works, estimated to take six to eight weeks.

He said the sequence of works includes preparing the site by the pruning or removal of non-native trees.

“Machinery will be present on site and there may be minor tra c delays during construction,” he said.

“A 2.5-metre-wide trail will be created between Whitty

Lane and Gentle Annie Lane and once the path is marked out, construction will begin to shape and level it.

“Trucks will bring in clean ll and gravel to help build up the trail where needed.

“We thank the local community for their patience while we work on this section of the rail trail as part of the township enhancement and revitalisation initiatives under the Prosecco Road Project.”

The trail should be completed by early July, weather permitting.

NARROW STRETCH:

The lack of bitumen shoulders on the Wangaratta-Whitfield Road has long been a hazard for motorists, especially with the high prevalence of wildlife in the area and large gum trees close to the road.

maintenance experts from the DTP will begin putting together a program of works for the 25-26 financial year.

A government spokesperson reported that crews regularly inspect every single kilometre of the arterial road network, including the WangarattaWhitfield Road, delivering short-term repairs where needed while also identifying necessary long-term works.

A SAFE space for those without a home to escape the winter chills will become available in Wangaratta from this evening. Wang Night Shelter is opening three out of the seven nights, with the hope to open every night this winter with more volunteers. Starting today, the shelter will offer a warm meal, a safe place to sleep and community connection on Mondays at the Wangaratta Wesleyan Methodist Church on Alpine Road, Thursdays at Zac’s Place on 1-3 Wills Street and Fridays at the Uniting Church on Reid Street.

As more volunteers are trained, the shelter team hopes to open the additional four nights from the second week of June - including, Tuesdays at The Salvation Army Wangaratta Corps on the corner of Greta Rd and Buchan Ave, Wednesdays at Victory Community Church on Ryan Ave and Saturdays and Sundays at Wangaratta Seventh-day Adventist Church on Phillipson St. It’s not too late to register for Volunteer Shelter Orientations at Zac’s Place, to be held on Monday, 9 June from 7-9pm and Tuesdays 3 and 10 June, from 2-4pm.

To get involved or for more information, contact Wang Night Shelter via email at wangnightshelter@gmail.com or come along to a volunteer orientation session. To keep up to date, follow Wang Night Shelter on Facebook.

New glass bin for bottles and jars coming soon. Take a moment to update your recycling knowledge. Visit wangaratta.vic.gov.au/purplebin

Respectful way to celebrate culture and community

WELL done to all parties who contributed to yesterday morning’s Marmungun Rock ceremony at Apex Park.

As it has done since 2017, the ceremony celebrated Wangaratta’s Citizen of the Year, with Peter and Wendy Lester unveiling their handprints carved into the rock.

Ideated by the late Uncle Wally Cooper, the traditional Indigenous ceremony continues to unite Aboriginal and Non–Aboriginal Australians during National Reconciliation Week.

The event is a great example of our community - through the Dirrawarra Indigenous Network and Rural City of Wangaratta - partnering together in a respectful and meaningful way to celebrate what is good about our community.

Often our focus is on the negatives within our society, overlooking so many wonderful and positive things happening day in day out around us.

Even at yesterday’s ceremony, volunteerism was there for all to see - and taste, thanks to the members of the Wangaratta Rotary Club of Appin Park and their mobile barbecue.

Yesterday’s ceremony not only celebrated the Lesters, but it also offered a chance to reflect on what is being achieved thanks to the work pioneered by elders such as Wally Cooper.

Besides the Bullawah Cultural Trail and its Indigenous stories, we have many schools teaching Indigenous languages and stories.

The process of understanding and respecting Indigenous history and beliefs is one we should all embrace and be proud of, for reconciliation is a journey with no end.

The Quiz No.137

1. The ANZAC force landed at Gallipoli on 25 April of which year?

2. What is the of cial language of Brunei?

3. In 2003, who released their debut album, Frank?

4. Frieda Zamba was a world champion in which sport?

5. Which desert covers most of Botswana?

6. With which game would you associate ‘dots’, ‘bamboos’ and ‘characters’?

7. In 2014, who became the Federal Minister for Immigration and Border Protection?

8. Which US state shares borders with Nevada and Colorado?

9. In relation to the university, ECU, what do the letters E and C stand for?

10. Which 2017 song has the rst line, “You know, she played the ddle in an Irish band”?

11. Who well-known Australian wrote the 2002 novel, Hooky the Cripple?

12. In which country is the Owen Stanley Range located?

13. Who was the Australian Prime Minister when the rst PM’s XI cricket game was played?

14. Gyton Grantley starred as journalist Gary Cunningham in which 2009 movie?

15. What is the capital town of American Samoa?

16. In which state was Saint Kilda player, Nick Riewoldt, born?

17. Which edible fruit comes from the owering plant, Fragaria?

18. What is the highest youth award in Australian Scouting?

19. Which TV series was the rst to be based on the works of Candace Bushnell?

20. The sport called rappelling is commonly known by what name in Australia?

FACEBOOK users this week commented on proposed rezoning and subdividing in Clarkes Lane.

• Robert Rosicka: Isn’t a good chunk of that in a flood overlay ?

• Terry Davern: Don’t you think Wangaratta is getting over popperlated there is problems with traffic now

• Marc Bongers: I think the town will benefit greatly from smaller more

affordable lots with good access into the middle of town.

Facebook users also commented on the addition of a glass recycling bin to Wangaratta’s kerbside collection service with a pre-emptive education period to ensue.

• Eighties Rock: Getting beyond a joke, they are placing more onus on us to become mini recycling centres, thus eradicating

Celebrating community and reconciliation

ON Sunday, 1st of June, the Wangaratta community came together to celebrate a special moment in recognition of two remarkable locals, Peter and Wendy Lester.

Earlier this year, Peter and Wendy were honoured as Wangaratta’s Citizens of the Year, a well-deserved acknowledgment of their outstanding contribution to our community. Their dedication and generosity have le a lasting impact, and yesterday, their handprints were unveiled on the Marmungun Rock at Apex Park as part of Reconciliation Week.

The Marmungun Rock tradition, instigated by the late Uncle Wally Cooper, is a powerful symbol of unity and reconciliation. It serves as a meaningful reminder of the importance of recognising and respecting all cultures, and it’s heartening to see this tradition continue in such a thoughtful and inclusive way.

Last week in Parliament, I was proud to acknowledge Peter and Wendy’s contribution and highlight the signi cance of the Marmungun Rock as part of our ongoing journey toward reconciliation.

Congratulations again to Peter and Wendy - and thank you for all you have done for Wangaratta.

It was great to attend the unveiling and celebrate this proud moment with our community.

Tim McCurdy, MP for Ovens Valley

Drought aid welcomed, but more to be done

THE Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) welcomes the Victorian government’s announcement of an expanded drought assistance package and the 12-month pause on Emergency Services Levy (ESL) increases for primary producers.

It represents a step in the right direction but plenty more remains to be done as Victoria endures crippling drought conditions across the state.

Farmers are doing it tough and some are facing the worst drought conditions in living memory.”

You can’t begin to understand the impact of this drought until you actually visit these areas in person.

I thank Premier Jacinta Allan, Treasurer Jacyln Symes and Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence for coming out to see what we’re facing and this extra support.

Pausing the ESL increases for 12 months

more employment.

• Rhonda Watson: Feel sorry for the elderly. Some are flat out knowing what day it is let alone what bin to put out. Life’s hard enough for some without all this rubbish. Pardon the pun

• Leslie Matthews: Excellent initiative....good luck with the ‘education period’ though...

NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections. Our follower total is Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.

• Sarah Kate: Now everyone is going to have a actual bin they can use for

all their cans and stubbies to take to recycling depot.. No more bags and cardboard boxes

And Facebook users commented on repair plans to Reid Street’s footpath being finalised.

• Mel Evans: I wonder if there are plans for the current pavements. They have become incredibly slippery and dangerous overtime in the wet season.

• Annee Daglish: Mel Evans what wet season?

15,344

They are encouraging local retirees who are interested in learning, social and physical activities to reach out and join their community to help them get the most out of their retirement. For more information contact U3Awangaratta@gmail.com.

is the right call, but it doesn’t change the underlying problem: this levy is an unfair cost shi onto farmers.

We’ll use this extra time to continue making the case that it needs to be scrapped altogether, not simply paused.

The VFF is continuing to call for the Victorian government to commit to a long-term, transparent, and genuinely collaborative approach to drought and regional resilience. Farmers and their communities have repeatedly raised concerns, but too o en these warnings have been ignored until pressure becomes political.

Brett Hosking, VFF president

A decade of Australian Mental Health Prize

THIS year marks the 10th anniversary of the Australian Mental Health Prize - a decade of recognising important Australians changing lives through their work in mental health.

From researchers and clinicians to lived experience leaders and local community advocates, past recipients have helped shape policy, challenge stigma, and deliver better mental health support across Australia.

Yet signi cant challenges still remain.

Mental ill-health continues to a ect one in ve Australians each year, with young people, Indigenous communities, and LGBTIQA+ individuals among the most impacted.

Proven, community-led approaches and prevention still struggles for funding and recognition.

The Australian Mental Health Prize honours those creating real change - o en quietly, and with great impact.

Nominations are now open across four categories: Lived Experience, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, Professional, and Community Hero.

I encourage you to nominate someone in the your community making a di erence. Visit www.australianmentalhealthprize.org. au.

Nominations close 23 July.

Adjunct Professor Sophie Scott, chair, Australian Mental Health Prize Advisory Group

WE welcome your letters to the Editor. Priority is given to typed/emailed letters under 250 words. Every letter must have your full name, address and a daytime phone contact number supplied for verification purposes. Any letter may be edited for reasons of space, content or legibility. Email edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au

Post Letters to the Editor, 37 Rowan St, Wangaratta 3677

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME: Wangaratta U3A committee members (from le ) Sandy Bishop, Chris Duyverman, Robyn Robertson, Guy Robertson, Erica Pike, Pauline Moncrief, Ian Wilson and Joan Kitson were elected at their recent AGM at King River Cafe in Oxley.

PHOTO: Jordan Duursma

State accolade for mobile hub helping communities

PANGERANG Community Hub’s innovative mobile hub was lauded at the recent Neighbourhood Houses Victoria conference.

The hub received the Community Resilience Award during an awards ceremony as part of the March conference, for its work in supporting local communities with the mobile hub.

Victoria’s rst ‘neighbourhood house on wheels’, the mobile community hub was developed using $542,000 from the Black Summer Bushre Recovery Grant.

Fitted out with essential resources, technology and equipment, the mobile hub worked with rural communities to develop and deliver more than 95 activities throughout the region that fostered connection and resilience.

Thanks to strong collaboration with local government and emergency services, the hub is now integral to future evacuation plans.

The mobile hub project explores a di erent delivery model for neighbourhood houses by breaking down barriers to participation, supporting community resilience and demonstrating the role of neighbourhood houses in the space of emergency

BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

response and recovery.

“Throughout the duration of the program, we delivered activities across the municipality including movie nights and digital support classes,” Pangerang Community Hub executive o cer Tennille Hall said.

“It really showed what a mobile hub can provide.”

Tennille said the hub currently travelled to Milawa each week to run a Talking Café, which was part of a social prescribing project.

“We are looking to do some more digital support work, and are exploring options to be able to get out and support the community,” she said.

“Since winning the award, we have also taken the mobile hub to meet with some senior executives in the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing to explore opportunities for funding.

“It was exciting to win the community resilience award - we were surprised and really excited.

to o er support, whethernancial or in-kind, to keep the mobile hub on the road.

“There is a lot of interest in it, especially as it’s the rst of its kind in the state - it’s something that’s assisting with social connection and bringing people together.

“It’s nice as an acknowledgement of something that is an innovation, as the sta gave so much support for it.”

Tennille said Pangerang Community Hub would love to hear from any locals able

Among the ways Pangerang is working to support the operation of the mobile hub is through the sale of Kenshi Candles from its 38 Ovens Street base and online.

The Pangerang sales are part of a major fundraiser,

with every candle and di user purchased helping to feed people su ering food insecurity, providing employment for refugees, and assisting the Pangerang Community Hub.

For more information, drop in to Pangerang Community Hub or visit https:// kenshilifechangingcandles. com/pages/pangerang

Warmest May since 1947, with little rainfall

WEATHER statistics of the four major towns of Wangaratta, Rutherglen, Benalla and Yarrawonga show they’ve experienced their warmest May since 1947.

Mean maximums up to May 28 were all around 20.5 degrees, which is three degrees above normal, whilst mean minimums were 1.5 to 2.0 degrees below the May normal which reflects the dry conditions in which Wangaratta received 26mms, Rutherglen 26.5mms, Benalla 13.8mms and Yarrawonga 22.2mms - all barely half the May average.

The highest temperatures were 27.2 degrees at both Wangaratta and Yarrawonga, 25.5 degrees at Benalla and 26.8 degrees at Rutherglen, all occurring on Tuesday, 6 May.

By SIMONE KERWIN

A SEARCH is under way for passionate locals and organisations keen to be part of the next Wangaratta Grit and Resilience Program consortium.

It’s been two years since the most recent consortium started its work on boosting social inclusion in the rural city, and applications are open until 23 June for the next group to follow in their footsteps.

The existing consortium has been involved in creat-

WHAT’S UP WITH THE WEATHER?

A PARTNERSHIP between two local organisations is working to unlock new leadership opportunities for people with disability through a dedicated scholarship fundraising initiative.

The collaboration between the Regional Disability Advocacy Service and Alpine Valleys Community Leadership aims to remove nancial barriers to participation in AVCL’s 2026 annual program - a 10-month leadership experience grounded in community, connection, and practical learning.

“People with disability, especially in rural and regional areas, o en face barriers to becoming involved in initiatives where they can help shape and in uence what happens in their communities,” RDAS executive o cer Ben Foley said.

“Through this initiative, we’re creating real opportunities for people with disability to develop skills, build networks, and contribute to the future of their communities.”

Established in 1998, AVCL’s annual program supports people to grow their condence, develop practical skills, and build meaningful connections.

and the yearly rainfall to date is the wettest since 1852, 1887 and 1963 at Port Macquarie and the wettest since 1963 at Taree.

By Peter Nelson, retired CSIRO climatologist

During the period 20 to 24 May, major flooding rains hit the mid north coast of NSW.

In a four day period 482mms fell at Port Macquarie and 604mms fell at Taree.

This was not only a record for May at both towns for a four day period but also a record for the three normally wettest months of January to March in 185 years of records and 143 years at Port Macquarie and Taree respectively.

Both towns have surpassed their annual average

The complex low pressure moved southwards across Victoria early last week and bought mainly patchy rainfalls in the North East but heavy rains in far East Gippsland and then across Tasmania, bringing Hobart its first month with above average rain this year.

Broome also recorded its wettest May day last Tuesday since 125.6mms on 10 May, 1997 and before that 119mms on 29 May, 1964.

The latter one brought very rainfall from 31 May, 1964 right through to October that year in Victoria.

UMBRELLA DAY: People had their brollies out last Tuesday, with Wangaratta recording 10mm of rain on Monday through to Wednesday.

Over 10 months, participants travel across the North East and border, learning from local leaders, engaging with di erent sectors, and strengthening their capacity to in uence change in their workplace, community, or wherever they choose to lead.

“While this is a new initiative, it isn’t a new direction –our mission is underpinned by the belief that communities thrive when all people have the opportunity to shape them,” AVCL executive o cer Madeline Hines said.

“This scholarship is a chance to deepen our e orts and ensure the program remains accessible, representative, and inclusive – and as a result, so too are our communities.”

Tegan Allen, who has vision loss, completed the program in 2022.

ing, collaborating on and sponsoring a range of local initiatives including the Grit and Resilience Festival, Safe Space Marquee, Old School Night Out, Project 365, the ‘This is Wangaratta’ podcast, No Lights No Lycra, and psychological rst aid for relief centre sta .

The consortium is a group of local people and partners who work together to strengthen social inclusion, connection and wellbeing across the municipality, and who care deeply about reducing social isolation and

creating a stronger, more inclusive community.

Together, they identify local needs, guide and support meaningful initiatives, and ensure that the program’s work re ects the rich diversity and lived experiences of the Rural City of Wangaratta community.

The consortium aims to identify local needs, existing initiatives and gaps related to social connection and inclusion, implement initiatives that support community participation, inclusion and connection,

and promote mental health and wellbeing through these activities.

Those volunteering for the consortium need to be available for a minimum of two hours each month, have connections within the rural city, a Working With Children Check, undergo a police check (paid for by the program), and also have a willingness to learn, a commitment to inclusivity and be reliable.

Community members with lived or living experience, or who are part of

an organisation making a di erence locally have the chance to contribute, learn, collaborate and help shape the future of social inclusion in the Rural City of Wangaratta as part of the consortium.

For more information about how to lodge an application to join the consortium, email gritandresilience@wangaratta.vic. gov.au, phone 0408 341 067 and leave a message, or visit https://www.wangaratta.vic. gov.au/Community/GritResilience/Get-Involved

“Through doing the program, I was able to meet a diverse range of people, gain practical experience, expand my networks, and deepen my understanding of communities and the amazing initiatives that grow, change and improve them,” she said.

The scholarship fundraising campaign is now open, with tax-deductible donations supporting one or more fully-funded places in the 2026 program.

Applications to participate in the program will open in early August, and anyone interested in learning more is welcome to get in touch with AVCL.

To contribute, or to nd out more about the opportunity, visit www.givenow.com. au/rdasavcl

PHOTO: Je Zeuschner

Kate Smith: Shampoo Studio opens at MAMA

AN exhibition of new paintings by Wagga Wagga based artist Kate Smith has opened at the Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA).

The exhibition called Shampoo Studio is presented as part of nginha: you are here, a season of programming at MAMA celebrating artists from the Border and North East Victorian region.

Smith creates paintings that o en appear un nished.

They celebrate spontaneity, quickness and the generally unseen moments that contribute to the construction of paintings such as doodles and underpainting.

In doing so they draw attention to the mechanics of painting and create open pictorial spaces where the heartfelt and the self-ironising can co-exist.

Smith has exhibited extensively across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand including in signi cant surveys of contemporary art at National Gallery Victoria, Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, and Heide Museum of Modern Art.

In 2022, she was featured in the painting survey Zombie Eaters at MAMA.

The artist will join MAMA head of curatorial and collection Michael Moran for an artist talk on Saturday, 7 June from 12pm to 1pm and it is free to attend.

The conversation will delve into what motivates Smith and her ability to create both heartfelt and on occasion, ironic work.

Register for the talk by visiting mamalbury.com.au/ events/artist-talk-kate-smithwith-michael-moran.

Kate Smith: Shampoo Studio is on display at MAMA until 21 September and entry is free.

Rumours: “Glorious trainwreck of secrets, lies and laughter”

Tickets for Wangaratta Players production now on sale

By SHANE DOUTHIE

TICKETS are now on sale for Wangaratta Players’ next production, the classic Neil Simon comedy ‘Rumours’, which opens on Friday, June 27 at the Stage Door Studio in Evans Street.

Directed by Steve Thornycro and Leanne Kelly, this razor-sharp production throws audiences straight into a whirlwind of carefully orchestrated chaos.

Set in the upper crust of 1980s Melbourne, a dinner party begins with two major problems: the hostess is missing, and the host is upstairs - bloodied, delirious, and not saying much.

What follows is a hysterical spiral of miscommunication, cover-ups, wild theories - and yes, a whole lot of rumours.

Leanne said the 11-piece cast is bursting with talent, energy, and comedic precision.

“Reg Carmody, Bec Carta, Jess

Grant, Rachael Dimattina, Liam Keene, Sean Watson, Tristan Wilson, Aleeta Carmody, Toby Beggs, Rachel Sime, and Rachel Anderson bring the perfect mix of experience, chemistry, and spark to the stage,” she said.

“The stage is set, the costumes are dazzling, and the lines are sharp.

“The cast and crew are gearing up to deliver a night of fast-paced farce, outrageous twists, and theatrical brilliance.”

The directors said they couldn’t be prouder of the ensemble they’ve brought together, calling them “an unstoppable force of timing, wit, and heart”.

Set design, helmed by the everimpressive Paul Walker, is already turning heads.

“His ability to capture the lavish absurdity of 1980s Melbourne with precision and panache has made him a backstage legend,” Leanne said.

“Meanwhile, Helen Faithful is serving iconic fashion realness - her costume work not only nails the era but gives each character a bold visual voice.

“Rehearsals are in full swing, with the cast diving head rst into the rhythm of the farce.

“The energy is infectious, the laughs are landing, and the show is shaping into something unforgettable.

“Neil Simon’s Rumours isn’t just a play - it’s a glorious trainwreck of secrets, lies, and laughter.”

Rumours will be performed at The Stage Door Studio, Evans Street Wangaratta on Friday, 27 June 7:30pm, Saturday, 28 June 7:30pm, Sunday, 29 June 2pm, Friday, 4 July 7:30pm, Saturday, 5 July 7:30pm, and Sunday, 6 July 2pm.

Book tickets online at www. trybooking. com/CZDWH.

Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award 2025

THE Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award 2025 exhibition is open at the Wangaratta Art Gallery. With the significant investment of project partners, the Kyamba Foundation, prize money now stands at $40,000, representing the richest textile prize in Australia. The 2025 finalists, selected from over 430 entries Australia-wide, are contemporary artists who not only demonstrate a mastery of technique in a broad textile medium, but innovation and excellence alongside a rigorous and robust conceptual practice.

See the work of the 10 finalists including Helvi Apted, Elisa Jane Carmichael, Hannah Cooper, Charlotte Haywood, Cara Johnson, Charles Levi, Emily Simek, Jacqueline Stojanovic, Sera Waters andaward winner Jemima Wyman, on display until 17 August.

Katie Noonan to present Grace at the WPACC

FRONTIER Touring has announced five-time ARIA award-winning artist Katie Noonan will embark on a 20-date headline tour across Australia, performing the works of Jeff Buckley’s iconic album Grace, visiting the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Friday, 10 October.

Celebrating one of music’s most notable albums, Katie first introduced her unique adaptation of Jeff Buckley’s Grace live during five sold-out nights at Sydney Festival, and has described the 1994 release as the single biggest influence on her own musical journey. Joining Katie as special guest will be Melbournebased artist Georgia Fields; the singer-songwriter collaborating with Andromeda String Quartet as part of the evocative, genre-defying show. Tickets are available now at wpacc.com.au or by calling 5722 8105.

Stylistic portraiture explored at artists’ workshop

THE Wangaratta Artists Society Inc recently hosted an enriching two-day workshop led by acclaimed Melbourne artist Fiona Bilbrough, focusing on portraiture in oils in the style of John Singer Sargent.

Participants from both the society and the wider community gathered for the intensive weekend workshop, where they learned techniques and approaches inspired by the renowned American portrait painter’s distinctive style.

A highlight of the workshop was Bilbrough’s instruction on working with a limited palette - consisting of yellow ochre, black, white, and cadmium red - mirroring Sargent’s own preference for a restricted colour selection that nevertheless achieved remarkable depth and luminosity in his portraits.

“It was a great weekend lled with creativity and learning,” Robyn White of the Wangaratta Artists Society said.

“Fiona’s expertise in Sargent’s limited palette approach demonstrated how artists can achieve stunning results with just a few carefully selected colours.”

Bilbrough guided attendees through the fundamentals of Sargent’s approach, including his bold brushwork, dramatic lighting, and psychological insight into his subjects, all while working within this disciplined colour framework.

The workshop represents the Wangaratta Artists Society’s ongoing commitment to bringing high-calibre artistic instruction to the region and fostering creative

community connections.

For more information about upcoming workshops and events, please contact secretary@wangartists.org.au or visit www.wangartists.org.au .

The Wangaratta Artists Society is a vibrant community art group based at our welcoming studio space in Batchelor’s Green.

Founded on principles of creativity, support, and artistic growth, we provide a nurturing environment for artists of all skill levels.

Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the rst time or are an established artist looking for a creative community, the Wangaratta Artists Society welcomes you to join our inclusive and encouraging artistic family.

TAKING COMEDY SERIOUSLY: Cast members of Rumours (from le ) Sean Watson, Liam Keane, Tristan Wilson, Toby Beggs and Reg Carmody going through their paces at rehearsal with opening night set for June 27. PHOTO: Kelly Timms

Helen Gibson through the style of American portrait artist John Singer Sargent. PHOTO: Wangaratta Artists Society Inc.

ACROSS

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

4 Kyiv is the capital of which European republic (7)

8 What, in botany, are sepals (7)

9 To be without clothes on, is to be in a state of what (7)

10 What is a protective coating of resin (7)

11 Name the balanced interrelationship of organisms and their environment (7)

12 What are wanderers commonly known as (6)

14 What do we call one who judges with severity (6)

18 Name the ceremony connected with the disposition of a dead body (7)

21 What is a striped badge worn on the sleeve of a police officer, etc. (7)

22 To rewrite on a smaller scale is to do what (7)

23 What is a reconditioned motor-vehicle tyre (7)

24 Name another term for planets or stars (7)

DOWN

1 Who was Australia’s Prime Minister 1929-32, James ... (7)

2 What is a number of sheep known as (5)

3 To have dug up a corpse is to have done what (7)

5 What is a different term for a wireless (5)

6 Which strong ship is used for breaking channels through ice (7)

7 What is a more readily known term for a composition (5)

13 Which word describes an emperor, etc. (7)

E-QUATIONS 7

17 What are open sores (6)

18 What is an alternative term for ensigns (5)

19 What is an addition to a document, etc. (5)

20 Name the first sign of the zodiac (5)

Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.

WHICH WORDS

1 MELLIFLUENT

(a) Flowing with sweetness (b) Tending towards improvement (c) To be sung

4 What describes one who lends money at an exorbitant rate of interest (6)

15 To which animal groups do rats and mice belong (7)

Letters have a number value

16 Name a highly poisonous substance (7)

Some values are in the right hand cells.

Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

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.

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

2 PECCABLE (a) Coming from the heart (b) Liable to sin (c) Comb-like

BIYWORD

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:

African nation (5)

Area from chest to waist (7)

Aus. Adage: no ... (7)

Chomped down (3)

Contaminate (5)

Donkey (5)

Farm animal (3)

Negotiable (abb) (3)

Often (poet.)(3)

Squeeze to remove water (5)

Our farmers need drought relief: MPs

LOCALS state MPs is both houses of the Victorian Parliament are ramping up their calls for the government to extend drought relief to all local government areas within the North East.

In the Upper House last week MPs for Northern Victoria - Wendy Lovell (Liberal) and Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell (One Nation) - joined the growing chorus calling on the

Drought Support Package to be extended.

Ms Tyrrell said the e ects of the drought were spreading throughout all of regional Victoria, with many North East landholders “feeling neglected as they battle no rain and high water and feed costs”.

“By excluding all but one Northern Victorian LGA (Towong shire) from receiving drought assistance

the government has demonstrated just how little regard they have for our farmers and this needs to change now before it is too late,” she said.

Ms Lovell said the package not only needs to be extended to all municipalities in the Northern Victoria Region, but funding amounts available to eligible farmers also need to be increased.

In parliament last week she asked Agriculture Minister Ros Spence to go beyond the current program, and give direct support to farmers by providing nancial assistance for fodder and water delivery, and subsidising water supply for agricultural purposes.

The motion was not opposed, passing unanimously with the support of Victorian Treasurer Jaclyn Symes and

Package fails our farmers, must be extended

WANGARATTA-based Ovens Valley state MP Tim McCurdy has blasted the Victorian Government’s latest drought support package, saying it fails on two fronts: it doesn’t allow funding for feed or water, and it excludes some of the hardest-hit regions altogether.

The Nationals’ MP said with hay now costing up to $400 per tonne and rural families forced to cart water, the government’s $15.9 million package was “too little, too late, and for too few”.

“This is a drought package that doesn’t let you buy feed or water, the two things farmers need most,” he said.

“And worse still, farmers in Alpine Shire, Moira Shire, and the Rural City of Wangaratta aren’t even eligible to apply.

“How can the government look North East Victoria in the eye and say help is on the way when we’re not even on its map?”

Mr McCurdy said while neighbouring Towong Shire received support, other badly a ected farming regions were le completely out.

“This isn’t about politics, it’s about survival,” he said.

“Our farmers need feed, they need water, and they need to be included...this package delivers none of that.”

Bombers make history with first O&K win over Bulldogs

Monday, June 3, 2015

By LEAH TINDILL

BONNIE Doon made history on Saturday, claiming its first senior football win over Tarrawingee at home.

The Bombers joined the Ovens and King league in 2010 and have since played Tarrawingee nine times.

They came close to nabbing a win over Tarrawingee in their first year of O&K footy, missing out by three points.

But Saturday’s game was far from an easy win, according to co-coach Daniel Godsmark, who said it was a ‘seesawing game’.

In fact, the Bulldogs led by three points at the first break, before extending their advantage to 10 points at halftime.

Bonnie Doon was able to regroup after halftime and capitalise on their forward entries in the third term to claim an 11-point lead heading into the final term.

It was a hard-fought battle in the fourth quarter, with the teams taking turns to hold the advantage, but in the end it was the Bombers who took away the historic 10-point win.

“Tarrawingee got the jump on us in the first quarter and put our backs under a lot of pressure,” Godsmark said.

fellow government ministers.

“The Victorian Government must now put these words into action by allocating additional funding, expanding the grants on o er to include nancial assistance for fodder and water delivery, subsidising water supply for agricultural purposes, and extending these bene ts to additional municipalities,” Ms Lovell said.

Petition launched to support droughtstricken farmers

NATIONALS’ MP for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, has launched a petition calling on the Victorian Government to formally recognise drought conditions in North East Victoria and provide urgently needed support to local farmers.

The petition calls for:

• a formal drought declaration for North East Victoria - particularly the Alpine, Mitchell, Strathbogie, Benalla, Campaspe, Greater Bendigo, Greater Shepparton, Mansfield and Wangaratta local government areas; and

• the immediate inclusion of the region in all relevant drought assistance programs.

Ms Cleeland said the decision to start the petition came after farmers in North East were overlooked in the government’s latest drought relief measures, “leaving our farming communities behind during one of the toughest seasons in recent memory”.

The petition is available to sign at: https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/ get-involved/petitions/drought-in-northeast-victoria

AGILITY: Tarrawingee’s Jordan Solimo evades Bonnie Doon’s Kieran McMillan. PHOTO: Pam Zierk-Mahoney

gelled better this week and said the Bombers had learnt from mistakes that led them to a loss against King Valley in round five.

“Halfway through the second quarter we got the lead but they got back up before halftime.

“They were playing very hard, attacking footy.

“In the last quarter we were up, then they were up, then we got a couple of goals and we were able to sneak over the line.

“We haven’t beaten Tarrawingee since we’ve been in the Ovens and King so it was quite an achievement for us.”

Godsmark said the team

“We learnt a bit from the King Valley game,” he said.

“We knew we had to stick to our game plan (Saturday) – we’ve got the skills in our team, it’s just a matter of putting them all together.

“But we gelled really well and in the end that was what really helped us get over the line.”

Danni Heazelwood booted five goals for the match and was named as the team’s best but Godsmark said Leigh Hughes played a particularly pleasing game.

Wangaratta Livestock

LACK OF SUPPORT: Nationals’ MP for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, says drought support should be extended to all North East local government areas.

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Maintenance Coordinator

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About you

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To Apply

If you feel this role could be the one for you, send your cover letter detailing a little about you and why you’re the right fit along with your resume to admin@arboressence.com.au or if you would like a confidential conversation to learn more about this opportunity or to obtain a position description, please contact Pete on 0456 521 991.

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funeral service

WINNERS AND LOSERS

WANG ROVERS 4.3 8.4 11.7 15.10.100 COROWA R’GLEN 1.2 3.3 6.6 12.8.80

GOALS: WANGARATTA ROVERS: E. Dayman 8, N. Cooper 2, D. Wilson 1, W. Christie 1, C. Thompson 1, A. McCarthy 1, L. McCartney 1. COROWA RUTHERGLEN: K. Bradtke 5, J. Longmire 3, P. Lavis 1, T. Longmire 1, K. Williamson 1, E. Amery 1.

BEST: WANGARATTA ROVERS: E. Dayman, N. Cooper, W. Christie, A. McCarthy, S. Cattapan, L. McCartney. COROWA RUTHERGLEN: N. Richards, K. Bradtke, T. Roos, C. Schutt, J. Rowston, B. Morton.

GOALS: WODONGA: N. Spiteri 2, T. Miller 2, T. O’Sullivan 2, A. Jorgensen 2, J. Bradshaw 1, R. Bourke 1, J. Cassidy 1. MYRTLEFORD: R. Smith 1, M. Munro 1, M. Tenardi 1, J. East 1.

BEST: WODONGA: T. O’Sullivan, M. Wilson, C. Morrison, O. Greenhill, N. Bradshaw, N. Spiteri. MYRTLEFORD: J. East, Z. Pethybridge, S. Curtis, B. Calogero, M. Munro, R. Calvene.

NETBALL SCORES THIRDS RESULTS

A GRADE

Lavington 34 def by Wangaratta 39 Wodonga Raiders 60 def Albury 43 Wang Rovers 40 def by Corowa Rutherglen 61 North Albury 39 def by Yarrawonga 53 Wodonga 61 def Myrtleford 58

B GRADE: Lavington 35 def by Wangaratta 39; Wodonga Raiders 55 def Albury 34; Wang Rovers 47 def Corowa Rutherglen 38; North Albury 39 def by Yarrawonga 46; Wodonga 60 def Myrtleford 37

C GRADE: Lavington 27 def by Wangaratta 29; Wodonga Raiders 65 def Albury 15; Wang Rovers 51 def Corowa Rutherglen 36; North Albury 36 def by Yarrawonga 54; Wodonga 38 def by Myrtleford 54

17 & UNDER: Lavington 30 def by Wangaratta 53; Wodonga Raiders 49 def Albury 21; Wang Rovers 76 def Corowa Rutherglen 46; North Albury 34 def by Yarrawonga 56; Wodonga 43 def by Myrtleford 51

15 & UNDER: Lavington 43 def Wangaratta 28; Wodonga Raiders 72 def Albury 16; Wang Rovers 45 def by Corowa Rutherglen 47; North Albury 34 def by Yarrawonga 37; Wodonga 20 def by Myrtleford 30

Wodonga 11.1 (67) def Myrtleford 5.6 (36)

GOALS: WODONGA: B. Parkin 3, F. Kosmina 2, C. Brookes 2, J. Hodgkin 2, B. Nicklin 1, C. Johnson 1. MYRTLEFORD T. Cooper 2, S. Colson 1, H. Stripeikis 1, O. Kavanagh 1. BEST: WODONGA: F. Kosmina, C. Brookes, J. Hodgkin, B. Parkin, C. Munro, M. Prenter. MYRTLEFORD: H. Stripeikis, T. Cooper, z. carroll, C. Ashworth, C. Piazza, W. Graham.

Wangaratta Rovers 19.9 (123) def Corowa Rutherglen 3.5 (23)

GOALS: WANGARATTA ROVERS: J. Correll 4, Z. O’Shannessy 3, C.

Lugg 3, M. Semmens 2, J. Coleman 2, N. Scholte 1, E. White 1, C. Maher 1, C. Breheny 1, J. Wohlers 1. COROWA RUTHERGLEN: I. Dickinson 1, L. Chester 1, D. Purcell 1. BEST: WANGARATTA ROVERS C. Boman, Z. O’Shannessy, J. Correll, J. Marek, A. Direen, C. Lugg. COROWA RUTHERGLEN: J. Forge, J. Lavis, H. Hall, L. Webb, I. Dickinson, A. Coppolino.

Lavington 11.9 (75) def Wangaratta 11.3 (69)

GOALS: LAVINGTON: C. Hall 3, Z. Klemke 2, N. Edmunds 1, I.

Robertson 1, J. McGrath 1, R. Costello 1, C. Webb 1, A. Russell 1. WANGARATTA: C. Petersen 4, R. Schultz 2, H. Barry 2, O. Boyle 2, W. Prebble 1. BEST: LAVINGTON: A. Russell, R. Costello, C. Hall, T. Goonan, Z. Klemke, J. Powling. WANGARATTA: D. O'Sullivan, O. Boyle, W. Petersen, H. Laverty, C. Newton, L. Sims. North Albury 4.10 (34) def Yarrawonga 4.3 (27) Wodonga Raiders 8.6 (54) def Albury 7.7 (49)

NORTH ALBURY 7.4 13.5 18.9 24.10.15 YARRAWONGA 1.3 3.7 6.10 8.12.60

GOALS: NORTH ALBURY: J. Murphy 11, J. Minogue 3, N. Dennis 2, F. Gardiner 2, L. Taylor 2, C. Winter 1, K. Duncan 1, T. Broomhead 1, B. Rigoni 1. YARRAWONGA: L. Williams 4, J. Adkins 2, B. Kennedy 1, B. Coghill 1. BEST: NORTH ALBURY: J. Murphy, J. Hayes, F. Gardiner, B. Rigoni, I. Campbell, C. McIntosh. YARRAWONGA: T. Gorman, N. Irvine, Z. Fraser, M. Findlay, N. Fothergill, W. Wheeler.

LAVINGTON 2.2 4.4 8.7 14.11.95 WANGARATTA 4.3 6.7 7.12

GOALS: LAVINGTON: T. Oosterhoff 6, J. O’Brien 3, C. Sanson 1, T. Hargreave 1, W. Glanvill 1, C. Annett 1, S. Driscoll 1. WANGARATTA: A. Tilley 6, P. Heatley 1, X. Laverty 1, J. Craven 1, N. Richards 1. BEST: LAVINGTON: T. Oosterhoff, E. Perryman, J. Costello, J. Driscoll, J. Spina, C. Annett. WANGARATTA: B. Melville, A. Tilley, N. Richards, J. Clarke, M. Grossman, T. Norton.

GOALS: WODONGA RAIDERS: H. O’Neill 3, A. Scammell 2, C. Rich 2, W. Robertson 2, I. Kotzur 1, W. McCarty 1. ALBURY: J. Pitt 7, R. Garthwaite 6, M. Walker 4, J. Conlan 2, K. HeinerHennessy 2, N. Kelson 1, H. Cameron 1, J. Gaynor 1, T. Miller 1. BEST: WODONGA RAIDERS: A. Scammell, H. Gray, W. Robertson, H. O’Neill, C. St John, I. Kotzur. ALBURY: J. Pitt, F. Carroll, I. Muller, M. Duncan, J. Gaynor, R. Garthwaite.

and King website.

A GRADE:

Bonnie Doon 50 def Bright 49 Whorouly 41 def Moyhu 29; Benalla 31 def by Tarrawingee 69 Greta 28 def by Milawa 49.

B GRADE:

Bonnie Doon 51 def Bright 41; Whorouly 59 def Moyhu 41; Benalla 17 def by Tarrawingee 63; Greta 27 def by Milawa 37.

B RESERVE:

Bonnie Doon 52 def Bright 35; Whorouly 33 def by Moyhu 38; Benalla 38 def by Tarrawingee 41; Greta 32 def by Milawa 49.

C GRADE:

Bonnie Doon 49 def Bright 20; Whorouly 32 def Moyhu 31; Benalla 32 def by Tarrawingee 55; Greta 48 def Milawa 14. 15 & UNDER:

Bonnie Doon 38 def Bright 22; Whorouly 22 def by Moyhu 37; Benalla 55 def Tarrawingee 26; Greta 37 def Milawa 30. No other scores available at time of print

LEAGUE BYE SAT, JUNE 7

ROUND 11 SAT, JUNE 14

GOORAMBAT vs BRIGHT

KING VALLEY vs NTH WANGARATTA

MOYHU vs GRETA

BENALLA vs BONNIE DOON

MILAWA vs TARRAWINGEE

WHOROULY - BYE

BONNIE DOON

GOALS: BONNIE DOON: L. Pinder 2, J. Law 1, E. Ree-Goodings 1. BRIGHT: C. Thomason 4, P. Bren 3, C. Banks 3, R. Bacon 2, M. Kinthari 2, J. Gray 1, D. Chellew 1, C. Martin 1.

BEST: BONNIE DOON: J. Law, Z. Tanner, P. Cairns, P. Smith, L. Pinder, E. Ree-Goodings. BRIGHT: C. Banks, J. Crawley, C. Thomson, J. Gray, C. Thomason, J. Love.

WHOROULY 5.0 7.4 15.1 13.6.84 MOYHU 3.2 5.2 10.4 11.4.70

GOALS: WHOROULY: M. Newton 7, J. Smith 3, K. Fitzpatrick 1, D. Hoy-Maroney 1, E. Bramich 1. MOYHU: B. Zimmermann 4, W. Johnson 2, P. McNamara 2, J. Preston 1, N. Stewart 1, J. Hansted 1.

BEST: WHOROULY: J. Smith, M. Newton, L. Moore, M. Vescio, E. Woolford, W. Allen. MOYHU: J. Hansted, C. Gibson, P. McNamara, A. Thrum, N. Gamble, L. Suffield.

BENALLA 2.1 7.3 9.4 10.6.66 TARRAWINGEE 1.6 7.9 12.13 18.16.124

GOALS: BENALLA ALL BLACKS: D. Sinclair 4, S. Cox 2, T. Levy 2, B. Marlborough 1, D. Broughton 1. TARRAWINGEE: A. Cook 5, S. Piper 4, C. Chamberlain 3, O. Sharp 2, N. Redley 2, S. Thompson 1, D. Hearne 1.

BEST: BENALLA ALL BLACKS: S. Cox, K. Linke, C. O Donnell, D. Sinclair, D. Button, F. Weeks. TARRAWINGEE: N. Redley, M. Tatt, C. Chamberlain, A. Cook, A. Amery, J. Khan. KING VALLEY - - - 11.4.70

GOORAMBAT - - - 15.16.106

GOALS: KING VALLEY: B. Wheeler 3, S. Evans 2, S. Jansen 2, C. Leslie 1, T. Stewart 1, D. Young 1. GOORAMBAT: B. Wapling 4, D. Haebich 3, K. Black 2, R. Goodley 2, B. Stepien 2, A. Blackburn 1, R. Wilson 1.

BEST: KING VALLEY: D. Browne, S. Evans, D. Young, C. Leslie, T. Stewart, P. Voigt. GOORAMBAT: S. Gladstone, B. Reaburn, Z. Amarant, B. Wapling, J. Dunne, C. Anker.

(28)

BEST: WANGARATTA ROVERS: J. Allen, T. Vincent, M. Booth, P. Coleman, H. McMonigle, O. Clelland. COROWA RUTHERGLEN: J. Richardson, J. Ugle, D. Yates, H. Canning, B. Minogue, M. Lavis. North Albury 9 7 (61) Yarrawonga 7 3 (45)

BEST: NORTH ALBURY Z. Hanrahan, M. Wadley, R. Smith, J. McKenzie, M. Norman, B. Spurr. YARRAWONGA: M. Grinter, B. Schofield, R. Mulquiney, C. Courtney, D. Flanagan, A. Dickins.

Lavington 13 20 (98) Wangaratta 3 5 (23)

BEST: LAVINGTON: A. Daniher, C. McCrae, D. Finnimore, C. Clemson, J. Oeser, C. Hall. WANGARATTA: J. Adamo, J. Hedin, H. Burgan, N. Sampson, J. Styles, C. Ross. ROUND 8

SATURDAY, JUNE 7

MYRTLEFORD vs WANG ROVERS

ALBURY vs WODONGA

COROWA RUTHERGLEN vs NORTH ALBURY

YARRAWONGA vs LAVINGTON

WANGARATTA vs RAIDERS

*Ladder correct at time of print from Ovens

T. Dunn

J. Stevenson

D. Bihun

BEST: GRETA: F. Judd, J. McClounan, L. Kennett, Z. Northey, L. Hadden, P. Fruzynski.

Greta Blues prevail over Milawa in top-end showdown

By NATHAN DE VRIES

IT was a match tipped by many to go down to the wire, and the clash between two of the best teams in the Ovens and King senior football league sure didn’t disappoint.

Just seven points separated Greta and Milawa at the nal siren, but it was the reigning premiers who had the last laugh with a 16.12 (108) to 15.11 (101) win over the Dees.

The two quality squads traded blows early, with the rst half being essentially goal for goal, neither side able to establish and maintain a substantial lead for long before reeled back to parity.

As the teams headed into the rooms at half-time, the scoreboard was deadlocked at 8.6 (54) apiece.

Greta’s mid elders started to win more of the ball from the guts in the second half, while their power forward Frazer Judd was exemplary in front of goal.

Down by less than three goals at the last change of ends, the Demons mounted a late fourth-quarter offensive, but Greta had enough on the board to weather the storm.

Blues coach Chris Dube said it was a hearty win over a quality opposition.

“I felt we were lucky to be level with them at half-time, I thought they looked better for longer,” he said.

“It was a really fast- owing but also contested game.

“It got close really late, we’ve trained for that situation a lot so we know what to do when it’s a tight game, but Milawa certainly didn’t make it easy.

“They’re a good side, a legitimately good side – like everyone they had a few quality players out, they’d walk away thinking they can absolutely beat anybody because their brand stacked up.

“A couple of minutes either way, and the result could easily go to both sides.” Judd was indomitable up forward, nishing with a massive haul of 11 goals for Greta, with James McClounan (three), Tyler Arrowsmith and Brodie Pearson (one each) chipping in.

“’Fraz’ is just so unassuming, we joke internally that he doesn’t celebrate his goals enough so we never know if it’s a goal or a point, but he’s a deadeye and doesn’t miss,” Dube said.

“If you’ve got Lachie Kennett and James McClounan kicking the ball to Fraz, more o en than not he’s having a shot from somewhere dangerous.

“He just presents, it felt like in the absence of Cody Crawford he needed to have a bit more forward presence and not always call for the high ball.

“Fraz played di erently, and we don’t win without some of our players doing it a little bit di erent.”

Elsewhere, Whorouly broke their three-game losing streak with a narrow 14-point win over Moyhu 13.6 (84) to 11.4 (70).

The Hoppers didn’t make it easy, refusing to give up and remained in the contest the entire match, led by Jordan Hansted and Paddy McNamara, while Whorouly’s Jessie Smith and Michael Newton were dominant.

In other matches, Bright pumped Bonnie Doon by 77 points, Tarrawingee thumped Benalla All Blacks by 58 points, and Goorambat were six goals too good for King Valley.

The O&K will take a leaguewide bye on June 7, with competition to resume on Saturday, 14 June.

Kearns as he takes a snap on goal.

PRESENTED: Joel Radovanovic takes a great mark inside forward 50.

CLEAR IT: Lachlan Hadden slams it on his boot.

STOPPAGE: Xavier Wales (right) and Jared Lea jostle for front position at a boundary throw in.

CENTRE BOUNCE: Greta’s MArk Wettern and Demon Henoch Kebebe fly in the ruck.

PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie

MISSED IT BY THAT MUCH: Brady Bartlett laments a missed shot on goal.

MATCH REVIEWS

Rovers’ tall timber boots eight goals as Hawks hold off Corowa Rutherglen Roos by 20 points

■ From back page

“The normal plan is we have our key forwards, Nathan Cooper and the like, and normally we’ve got Will or Ed just resting as they rotate in the ruck, but Ed was on.

“We left him down forward most of the day as our key target, and Will spent most of his time in the ruck.

“He got a few on the lead, and he used his strength and physique really well to out-position some of his opponents.”

On top of a terrific solo showcase from Dayman, the Rovers leaders really stood up, with Cooper, Christie, Sam Cattapan and Sam Murray displaying strength in various roles.

“Everyone had their moments on Saturday and stood up when they needed,” Sullivan said.

“I honestly believe we had some better talent overall, and were able to capitalise on that - I think our efforts were probably matched, so it was our talent that got us over the line.

“Kaelen Bradtke had a burst where he looked like he was getting right on top, and we were able to put Nathan [Cooper] back down on him, and that made a bit of a difference in the last quarter as well.

“It gives us a lot of flexibility.”

The Hawks sit on top of the Ovens and Murray senior football ladder, having only dropped the single match, but Sullivan said they’d need to maintain their strong form in a tightly contested season.

“If you look at the results on the weekend, it shows what an even season we’ve got,” he said.

“It reinforces the facts that every week you’ve got to turn up with the right attitude and effort and execute your game plan – that’s the only way you get over the line.

“It’s player management, you’ve got to have a bit of luck with injuries and you’ve got to bat up every week and sometimes that gets tested.

“That’s where we’re a bit lucky at the moment, we’ve got some great young talent coming through and that’s going to serve us well towards the back end of the year.”

Elsewhere, Wangaratta Magpies suffered a setback at the hands of the Panthers at the Lavington Sports Ground.

After a strong first half, the ‘Pies faded in front of goal, losing 10.12 (73) to 14.11 (95).

Aiden Tilley was a shining light for the visitors, finishing with six goals, while Brad Melville, Jackson Clarke and Matt Grossman put in the work.

The loss sees the Magpies slide to third on the ladder, trailing North Albury by 14.04 per cent and a game ahead of fellow contenders Lavington, Myrtleford, Wodonga and Albury.

PHYSICAL: Jace McQuade lays a tackle.

BELOW THE KNEES: Brodie Filo works to win the ball at ground level.

CONGESTED: Charlie Thompson winds his way through tra ic.

THE WARRIOR: Sam Murray fights to break the tackle.

EIGHT OF THE BEST: Ed Dayman booted eight goals in a starring role for the Hawks over Corowa Rutherglen. PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie

13

PURE PACE

JAMES McClounan tears through the middle of the ground in the Blues’ sevenpoint win over Milawa.

■ O O&K match reviews page 14.

Dayman delivers

Rovers’ tall timber boots eight goals as Hawks hold o Corowa Rutherglen Roos by 20 points

WHEN one of your ruckmen starts slotting them up forward, it’s best to sit back and let the big man go to work, and that’s exactly what Wangaratta Rovers did on Saturday.

Ed Dayman starred for the Rovers in their 15.10

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

(100) to 12.8 (80) triumph over Corowa Rutherglen at W. J. Findlay Oval, finishing with a bag of eight goals.

The Hawks were in control for the majority of the game, leveraging a 19-point quarter time lead into a 31-point advantage by the half.

Momentum kept going Rovers’ way through the second half, but the fight

and determination from the Roos kept them in the contest right to the end.

Dayman was in full flight, supported by Nathan Cooper (two goals) and five other single goal kickers.

Rovers football operations manager Barry Sul-

livan said Dayman was the key difference between the two squads.

“It was an exceptional game from Ed Dayman who kicked eight goals, he was probably the difference in the end,” he said.

■ Continued page 15

“It’s one of the things we’re really happy with at the moment, Will Christie and Ed Dayman – if one of them starts to fire in a certain position, we can keep them there and the other one back fills in the ruck or vice versa.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie