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Monday, June 9, 2025

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FIT FOR FUN, FOOD AND WINE

A GROUP of patrons at Darling Estate Wines made the most of the inclement weather and stayed mostly indoors to enjoy the food and wine at the Weekend Fit for a King on Saturday. See story page 4

Kings Birthday honours Page 3

Mayor flags lean budget Page 5

Saints take down Rovers Sport

Tensions rise on solar “SHE hasn’t even been here.”

It was the resounding statement of concerned community members lined out the door of the Bobinawarrah Memorial Hall Thursday afternoon listening in to expert planning proponents looking to build a 566-hectare solar farm in their community at Meadow Creek.

Experts from the Sydneybased project planning agency Urbis tuned into the meeting virtually and delivered addresses on the back of pre-submitted

Objectors make their frustrations heard about lack of consultation on project

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

questions in the opening hour of the meeting.

But the community made it heard they have had enough of the “controlled dribble” they were hearing, interrupting social and economic impact consultant Amanda Micallef’s address.

The community asked Ms Micallef if she had ever visited Bobinawarrah before,

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A bronx cheer went out across the hall and the community demanded to ask the questions they said they had been waiting three years to ask the proponents in person.

The tensions, which boiled over on Thursday afternoon, had been built up over 70 meetings, countless emails and hours of research into solar farm facilities put in by Meadow Creek Agricultural Community Action Group (MCACAG) members.

The meeting came out of the advocacy from Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner (AEIC) Tony Maher, who implored the proponents to meet with the community before the planning application public notice period expired on Tuesday.

MCACAG members had been in discussion with Mr Maher and his predecessor John Sheldon since July 2023 relaying concerns of a lack of community consultation in the project.

The group said they had not met face-to-face with project team members since drop-in sessions at Milawa on March 2023.

Leaders from all three forms of government, Indi MP Helen Haines, Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy and Rural City of Wangaratta Mayor Irene Grant were in attendance and spoke in closing statements.

Key members of the Meadow Creek Solar Farm company including project development manager

Cameron Munro, planning director John Mills and applicant and landowner Mark Milano were also seated at the front of the hall.

MCACAG members Jess and John Conroy, David Minifie and Angela Godley began the meeting with an opening address restricted to 15 minutes.

Ms Godley echoed the community sentiment of the room to the proponents both online and sitting across from her.

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Meadow Creek community made their frustrations heard ■ From page 1

“I’m constantly along with our community shocked, bewildered and feel very let down in the current processes involved in the establishment of these renewable facilities,” she said.

“I’m concerned by the negative implications this is having and continues to have on our community as a whole and other rural communities like ours.”

Before the experts began their planned responses to questions, project community engagement SPEAKING OUT: Meadow Creek Agricultural director Anna Mitchell stood Community Action Group members Angela in front of the community Godley (left), Jess Conroy, David Minifie and conceded the proponents and John Conroy addressed the community had not done their part in at the beginning of Thursday afternoon’s meaningful consultation so far meeting at Bobinawarrah.

PHOTOS: Bailey Zimmermann and looked to move on.

“We could’ve done better, we’re sorry,” she said.

“It’s really about moving forward and hopefully we can Est. 1884, Incorporating Wangaratta Despatch, Est. 1861 use today to do that.”

Agricultural expert Daryl Poole spoke on the assessment of agricultural land undertaken WEATHER on the project, saying the land was of the “lower end” of grazing priority in the state.

“We don’t deem it be that of significant agricultural land,” he said.

Mr Poole said the proponents looked to use the land for “on and off ” sheep operation when the

“There’s a strong sentiment” - AEIC encourages voices

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are trying put a solar farm and there’s affection to the solar farm coming up in each of the rural areas,” he said.

“Unfortunately, they go in rural areas, and that’s where they go.

“We’re not doing anything unlawful, there’s a thorough process that has to be followed and will scrutinize everything you’re scrutinising, but at the end of the day if we’re granted a permit, we’re granted a permit.”

Speaking after the meeting, Ms Conroy said it was a vital meeting for the community to have and for the three levels of government to see and hear the KEEN EARS: The Bobinawarrah Hall was packed out for the feelings of the community. community meeting with Meadow Creek Solar Farm proponents.

“Even though we’re only a few days out from public exhibition it water contamination, flooding, solar facility is built. was definitely a key meeting for community engagement and Bushfire consultant Kat access to the proposed site of the the community,” she said.

Stevenson spoke on the bushfire “There were a lot of new faces BESS. risks which had gravely there, particularly from the Oxley Final questions were asked concerned the community and community.” prior to the conclusion of the said 85 per cent of the state was A Meadow Creek Solar Farm two-hour meeting including one declared a bushfire prone land spokesperson said the meeting and all solar farm projects would directed to Mr Milano. provided a constructive forum “I’d like to ask why the be built on such land. for the community to hear Milano family are putting the She said thorough guidelines more about the project and the community through the hard mitigated the risks of fire. planning process and raise their ache it’s going through at the For the second hour of moment and the last three years,” concerns. the meeting the community “We appreciate the efforts Ms Conroy said. had their chance to have of all stakeholders who helped Mr Milano said he looked to their say to the proponents, facilitate the meeting, and the support the community. asking questions and making community for their attendance,” “At the end of the day you statements about concerns they said. look at every community that around fire management,

A FORMAL decision on the proposed Meadow Creek Solar Farm may be another three to six months away according to Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner (AEIC) Tony Maher.

Mr Maher, an independent energy adviser for the federal government who helped arrange a meeting between the community and solar farm proponents on Thursday afternoon at Bobinawarrah Memorial Hall, laid out to the attendees what they could expect to hear from the project as it goes off public exhibition on Tuesday.

He said after 10 June, Urbis planning consultants will be given a two to three week period to address queries submitted in the public exhibition phase prior to going to the state government planning department, headed by Sonya Kilkenny, for approval.

If it was to be approved, the federal government can make a recommendation to the planning minister on the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act submissions, which hold federal government jurisdiction.

Mr Maher said he encouraged the community to take advantage of the opportunity they had to make their voices heard.

“Very clearly there’s a strong sentiment and strong views,” he said.

“We weren’t going to solve this in two hours but at least it was an opportunity to be heard.

“We have to have those views

MAKE YOU VOICE HEARD: AEIC Tony Maher encouraged the community to have their say on the proposed Meadow Creek Solar Farm development and ensured they would receive answers from proponents.

PHOTOS: Bailey Zimmermann heard, listened to and responded to.

“You may not like the answers, but you deserve to have answers to the questions.”

All three leaders of local, state and federal government were represented at the meeting and observed its sometime adverse proceedings and reiterated their sentiments on the project in its closing address.

Indi MP Helen Haines acknowledged the years of work concerned community members have put in to navigate the project.

“We have a community of people who are deeply concerned about this project,” she said.

“I think today we’ve heard many comments and questions from the community and a sense of frustration that your legitimate concerns around fire, biodiversity and environment, traffic and impacts on local com-

munities… you have felt you haven’t been heard.”

Rural City of Wangaratta Mayor Irene Grant spoke passionately in her defence of upholding the council’s planning scheme, in which the project failed to meet.

“We’ve been taken on a journey by this community, and I absolutely admire your tenacity and the fact you haven’t given up,” she said.

“We all like the idea of renewable energy and we want it to be something we support, but it’s purely an industrial facility in the middle of agricultural land.

“Keep the fight up.”

Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy said If the project went ahead, it would spell the end of sustainable farming in the region.

“Let these food producers get on and produce food, don’t mess with our water supply and don’t mess with our livelihoods,” he said.

FIGHTING FOR THE LAND: Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy reiterated his stance against the proposed solar farm.

VALUABLE EXERCISE: Indi MP Helen Haines was a keen observer in the Bobinawarrah Memorial Hall “I liken this proposal to a bypass, that bypass gets put on 20 years in advance, 30 years in advance and if somebody doesn’t want to live next to a bypass, they make that decision to move because they have a long lead time.

“These people couldn’t foresee this and they’re not going to accept what you’re putting in front of them, certainly in the scenario you put to them.”

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, June 9, 2025 - Page 3

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Accolade offers platform to promote volunteerism

BY SIMONE KERWIN

skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

JOHN and Jennefer Houghton operate as a team, so it’s fitting that, just as they were joint winners of the 2022 Rural City of Wangaratta Citizen of the Year title, they have also both been included on this year’s King’s Birthday honours list.

The Wangaratta couple have been recognised individually for their service to Wangaratta, each receiving a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the general division of the honours - though much of their work is carried out together.

Accolades don’t sit easily with the humble pair, but John and Jennefer said the recognition was shared with everyone they worked alongside to assist the community, through groups like the Lions Club, Wangaratta Carevan, and Avian Park management committee.

Jennefer said any award was also a chance to highlight volunteerism, and the sense of connection it offered both to those being assisted and to the volunteers themselves.

“It can show people that there are other things happening out there; the bonus is seeing people thrive and helping things happen,” she said.

John agreed: “It’s about paying it forward; everyone’s got an hour a day that they can offer, and there are plenty of opportunities to do that around Wangaratta.”

Helping others has been a hallmark of John and Jennefer’s 25 years together, a

PART OF A TEAM: Jennefer and John Houghton have been recognised for their service to the Wangaratta community, each receiving a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in this year’s King’s Birthday honours. Both say they are representative of a local volunteer army.

PHOTO: Simone Kerwin tradition passed on from their families, and which their own children and grandchildren are also following.

The Houghtons have been foster carers for 20 years through their association with Upper Murray Family Care, and have taken in hundreds of children in need of a loving home since their own five grown children moved out.

Their grandchildren love helping out and talking to people at Carevan, which provides meals and company to local people in need yearround (apart from Christmas Day), four nights a week from 6pm to 7pm at Apex Park, and which has seen a signifi-

cant rise in demand over its 15 years of operation.

“We have great volunteers and team leaders, and also have involvement from groups like Borinya and Inner Wheel, and donations from businesses including Woolworths,” Jennefer said.

“We’ve even had a hairdresser come down and donate time to give haircuts to people in need, and nurses from Gateway Health attend and speak to people.”

John, the current president of Carevan, said attendance at the Apex Park gatherings increased by 20 per cent during Wangaratta’s winter months.

“A lot of people come along due to their isolation as well

as for the meals; it’s an opportunity for them to talk to others,” he said.

The Houghtons enjoy their involvement with the Wangaratta Lions Club, of which John is a former club president, vice-president and director, and say it offers the chance for active service.

“I don’t think people realise how much Lions do, and everything we do goes back into the community,” Jennefer said.

John is currently director of the Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation, and director of the Australian Lions Foundation emergency and special grants, as well as being the Wangaratta group’s catering

coordinator and a member of the membership committee and swap meet committee.

He was district governor in 2023-’24, is a former zone chairman, and was a member of the Moyhu Lions Club before joining Wangaratta.

Jennefer coordinates the Lions’ road safety school in Ryan Avenue, where children from kindergarten through to grade three have the chance to develop their traffic awareness and road safety skills.

John is a former vice-president and board member of the Wangaratta Chamber of Commerce, and the Houghtons said they offered $25,000 annually in sponsor-

ship to local groups through John’s involvement with Elders Insurance Wangaratta, and the family’s Koffie Bean Cafe in Murphy Street, where they aim to help people gain valuable work experience.

“We try to help as much as we can,” Jennefer said.

The Houghtons are also well-known for their Christmas lights display in Tavern Terrace, which has become a Wangaratta tradition and will return this year.

Jennefer is the current president of the Avian Park committee of management, with which John is also involved; both are Wangaratta Slipping (Greyhound) Club committee members, and Jennefer was a founding member of the Bendigo Bank’s Wangaratta Connected Community which has financially supported many local groups since 2017, and she was involved with Girl Guides Wangaratta for 10 years.

John, who is originally from Shepparton, said he loved Wangaratta residents’ friendly, helpful nature.

“It’s a good community,” Jennefer added.

“If you’re in trouble, people here will always help you.”

Jennefer said while there could be plenty of doom and gloom when people viewed the current state of the world, “there is a rainbow out there” in the form of those helping the Wangaratta community.

“Life is what you make of it,” she said.

For more information about Wangaratta Carevan, and how to become involved as a volunteer or to donate, visit https://www.carevanwangaratta.org.au

Graham left a legacy of service to the community GRAHAM Colson has received a posthumous honour in this year’s King’s Birthday list.

Mr Colson, who passed away on 5 February, aged 84, has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for his service to the community of Wangaratta.

The 2021 Rural City of Wangaratta Citizen of the Year was remembered following his passing this year as a modest, unassuming gentleman, and a loyal, reliable and good-natured friend who had left a legacy of service to the district.

From 1954 to his last days, Graham was a fireman.

His calling to become a volunteer firefighter came from the association with South Wangaratta Fire Brigade of his great-grandfather, David, who chaired its first meeting in 1902.

Graham also followed in the footsteps of his father Les, who allowed him onto the fire ground when he was a boy to help mop up.

The eager volunteer was registered with the brigade as a 15-year-old, and assumed captaincy of the South Wan-

garatta CFA brigade in 1969, serving in the position until 1996.

Much of Graham’s firefighting took place in the Warby Ranges, and he became involved in developing tactics to deal with unique problems associated with firefighting in the area, including water relay systems to pump water up the steep escarpments, as such fires posed a potential threat to private property, several townships and the city of Wangaratta.

Graham’s love of the Warbys extended far beyond his firefighting capacity, and included 30 years of involvement with the Warby Range Landcare Group, of which he was a life member.

He held a particular interest in the conservation of flora and fauna in the area, particularly the orchards.

One of Graham’s pet assignments was the Turquoise Parrot Project, which involved the building of nest boxes for the rare bird in the Warbys, and he also assisted with treeplanting and work to reduce the prevalence of pest species.

Graham’s firefighting experience extended to innumer-

A GREAT LEGACY: Graham Colson served for more than 70 years as a volunteer firefighter in Wangaratta and had a distinct love for the Warby Ranges. able group fires, highway incidents, major North East forest fires and campaign fires.

After being deputy group officer for the previous 23 years, Graham was appointed Wangaratta CFA group officer

in 1995, a role he would occupy for the next 15 years until 2010.

He also had a 40-year involvement with Volunteer Fire Brigades’ Victoria, serving as vice-president for some years,

and earning District 23 life membership in 2010.

In more recent times, Graham was one of the major contributors and facilitator of the ‘Make Tankers Ten’ book, which reflects the formation

and history of the Wangaratta Fire Brigade Group.

Graham was a member of the Wangaratta Ski Club for 54 years, after joining in 1967, and was a committee member from 1968-’79, chair of the club lodge sub-committee from 1973-’75, and a club representative of the North Eastern District Ski Association.

He especially enjoyed cross country skiing, away from the crowds with good friends and family, particularly at Mount Hotham.

Graham’s service to the community wasn’t just in his spare time, as he was a police officer for 28 years.

He joined Victoria Police in 1960, and served brief stints at Russell Street and Fitzroy police stations before returning to the farm in 1964.

He rejoined the force in 1976 and work as a crime analyst based in Wangaratta until his retirement in 2000, and was a member of the Retired Police Officers Association.

A much-loved community member, Graham is remembered by his wife of 59 years, Sally, and daughters Fiona and Emma.

Page 4 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, June 9, 2025

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Weekend fit for those undeterred by the rain

BY STEVE KELLY

skelly@ nemedia.com.au

STOIC gatherings of locals and visitors to the King Valley made the most of what the weather gods served up for the annual Weekend Fit for a King festival.

Wines of the King Valley chair Dean Cleave-Smith said wineries didn’t get the numbers through due to the weather but there was still good patronage for those who wanted to sit by a heater and enjoy musical entertainment and the gourmet food and wine the valley is reknowned for.

He said all the venues were well prepared and catered well for the rain with marquees, undercover areas and heaters galore.

“A nice glass of sangiovese and a bowl of pasta was had by the fire and that didn’t sound to bad for those who braved the weather,” he said.

“Live entertainment, a DJ at least at all of the venues, including full live bands were on the bill.”

People love the King Valley so much and head along to the King’s Birthday weekend event each year and Mr Cleave-Smith said it is genuinely a family orientated and an authentic food and wine event.

“We don’t ever claim to be anything more than that,” he said.

“It’s come and join the winemaking families of the King Valley on their home turf -

they’re all really proud and passionate about what they do.

“We are really fortunate to have a set of wine styles, still white and red table wines that are really on trend.

“Our reds are all really medium bodied, whether you want a nebbiolo, a sangiovese, gamay – there is a whole raft of varieties that people are just loving at the moment.

“There are great fiano, pinot grigio wines, or a nice glass of prosecco on a summer’s afternoon, or on a rainy June afternoon in the middle of winter,” he joked.

The June event is always more heavily weighted to a strong local audience, and we really cherish the locals, they’re great patrons of the King Valley.

Looking ahead to the La Dolce Vita Festival in November, patrons will be some of the first to taste some of the 2025 vintage.

It’s expected to be one of the all-time great vintages to come out of the King Valley.

“It will be one of those really great King Valley vintages across the board,” Mr CleaveSmith said.

“You get a vintage that might be really great for pinot grigio or a great red vintage, but the long, dry summer and autumn allowed all the fruit to ripen in its own time.

“It took the pressure off wineries and allowed the fruit to really express itself.

“You’ll see bottled whites

by La Dolce Vita in November and you might see a couple of

IN THE MOOD: It was a celebration of what’s good about the King Valley at Pizzini Wines. early release reds, with others released in about March next year at the earliest.”

If you don’t want to wait until then, all the wineries will welcome you to their cellar doors throughout the year, so head out and taste some of their delicious offerings.

I’ve heard this song a million times, but never like this!

TUNES: Musical entertainment mad e for a perfect setting at Pizzini Win es along with some amazing food.

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HERE’S CHEERS: Patrons stayed in the warm surroundings of the Darling Estate Wines cellar door to enjoy some food and wine.

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, June 9, 2025 - Page 5

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“Just potatoes” in oven for budget

By STEVE KELLY A LEAN budget has been foreshadowed ahead of its release at the June council meeting, with the Wangaratta mayor likening it to a meal without the meat.

Mayor Irene Grant has historically, even when she was an administrator, labeled lean council budgets as “meat and potatoes” budgets, however, last week she went one step further to describe the economic landscape.

During the adoption of the quarter 3 forecast review, Mayor Grant said the budget is “not even going to be meat and potatoes this time, it’s going to be very light on the meat and just the potatoes”.

Earlier, acting director corporate & leisure Tim CoelliDonaghy mapped out cash shortfalls including several decreases in revenue.

“User fees have dropped by $1.2 million, operating grants have decreased by $1.66m, and reimbursements are down by $467k,” he said.

These fee revenue decreases include early childcare (-$572k), community care (-$490k), and Bowser landfill (-$190k), and parking (-$66k).

The Early Childhood area is underperforming against the original budget, with a reduction of ($572k).

This is primarily due to

ongoing staffing shortages, which have impacted council’s ability to maintain required staff-to-child ratios and deliver services at full capacity.

Community Care is showing a reduction of ($490k), mainly due to Nexus ceasing assessments, which accounts for around $150k.

Additionally, there are still unresolved factors impacting the budget, including pending outcomes related to the ASPIRE program, and a contract that is yet to be finalised.

Bowser landfill has seen a further reduction of waste acceptance of ($190k) due to cheaper alternatives at neighbouring councils, due to them benefiting from economies of scale and avoiding EPA levies, particularly in Albury. This reduction in waste intake will extend Bowser’s lifespan by 7-8 years, delaying costly capital works.

Parking meter revenue has further decreased with meters at end of life ($66k).

“Capital grants are down by $4.32m, which includes $3.73m in carryovers and the removal of $580k allocated for the WSAC Power efficiency implementation,” Mr Coelli-Donaghy said.

“Cash - capital contributions have declined by $2.14 million due to a shift from

LEAN OUTLOOK: Revenue decreases across early childcare, community care, Bowser landfill, and parking have put extra strain on council’s 2025-26 budget. cash to in-kind contributions, and a slowing of development in (developer contribution plan) DCP areas.”

He said to minimise the impact of unfavourable movements with a cash impact within this financial year, council officers have undertaken a thorough review of all budgets and have captured $1.85m operating expenses savings within and

2000 have their say on city’s future MORE than 2000 community members had their say on the future of the Rural City of Wangaratta.

This has contributed to the development of a new community vision and council plan.

Between December and March, residents shared their thoughts through surveys, workshops, targeted engagement sessions, and pop-up events.

This generated over 3200 pieces of feedback that has been compiled into a Community Engagement Summary Report.

These included 520 surveys, 118 sticky notes, three Aboriginal advisory workshops, more than 340 quick poll votes, 116 children’s worksheets, eight community pop-ups, more than 600 targeted engagements, 50 conversations with council staff, and 10 conversation kits used across various workshops.

It identifies the community’s 10 priorities that include: Wangaratta being a place for everyone; community health and wellbeing; places and spaces for community connection and culture; transport, roads and infrastructure; care for nature and the environment; cost of living and affordability; community safety, violence and harm from alcohol and drug use; local economy and employment; and communication, accountability and transparency.

The report details feedback on the current community vision, strategic objectives of both the current and proposed council plan, health and wellbeing priorities for the Municipal Public Health & Wellbeing Plan, and key spending, funding and resourcing priorities.

Mayor Irene Grant said the engagement report is a key document for council and it shows what the community has told them and helps guide their decisions.

Cr Grant praised the community’s active participation in the engagement process.

“Councillors and council staff have

IDEAS: Participants in a council plan workshop conducted in March. It’s your last chance to have your say via Wangaratta Connect. undertaken a huge amount of work, but most importantly, the community has been very active in supporting the engagement process,” Cr Grant said.

“I really appreciate what our community have shared.

“This helps us frame our upcoming Community Vision and Council Plan.”

The community engagement report is available on the Connect Wangaratta website.

Feedback on the 2045 Community Vision is open until 13 June through connect. wangaratta.vic.gov.au/reviewing-ourcommunity-vision.

The final vision will be reviewed at the July council meeting.

net capital program savings of $2.24m.

They also recognised $497k in additional other revenue streams including interest income.

“These unfavourable impacts are also being carefully considered in the development of the 2025-26 budget to ensure any corrective actions are taken proactively, and any ongoing adjust-

ments are included.”

Factors are affecting council’s long-term financial outlook including the ongoing impact of the rate cap (3 per cent in 2025-26), as well as continued growth in expenses well above the rate of CPI, for example costs such as insurance and utilities.

A Financial Sustainability program has commenced to develop strategies to coun-

teract these pressures.

Council’s 2024/25 capital works expenditure has decreased from $31.93m to $22.41m, a net decrease of $9.52m.

This figure largely includes $6.7m of carry overs of projects now to be delivered in the 2025-26 financial year, and $2.82m of savings in the 2024-25 Capital Works program.

Page 6 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, June 9, 2025

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

Locals fired up at Bobinawarrah THE long running furor over a proposed renewable energy facility at Meadow Creek will go on for at least another 3-6 months with the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner alerting a boisterous audience at Bobinawarrah last week that there’s a bit to go yet.

Proponents will need to address issues after the public exhibition period closes on Tuesday before the matter heads to the Victorian Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny for a decision.

Those against the project will be hoping it doesn’t follow the same path as the Battery Energy Storage System not that far away at Dederang, with the minister announcing on Friday that this has been approved.

So has a 500-megawatt solar facility in Colbinabbin.

The state government has celebrated the approval, saying they have fast-tracked the renewable energy projects that will help drive down Victorians’ power bills.

Ms Kilkenny said Mint Renewable’s 400MWh battery energy storage system in Dederang will have the capacity to power 69,000 homes during times of high demand and create 150 jobs during construction.

But a strong majority at the community meeting last Thursday would say the minister is missing the point in terms of the location of these energy projects and the element of fast-tracking the projects by removing the rights of the community - landholders, farmers and residents - who will be impacted by the development of these facilities.

Meaningful consultation and a pathway to legally object should be the democratic right of the people who live in this free country.

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The Melbourne Cup is held at which racecourse?

What is the highest mountain in Japan?

Which chemical element has the symbol, Cl? In which movie did Robert Redford play the role of Roy Hobbs?

Who wrote the classic book, The Great Escape?

Which strait lies between Greenland and Iceland?

Who was the first female Prime Minister of New Zealand?

In what month is the US Masters Golf tournament held?

Caryn Elaine Johnson is better known by what name?

Glossy Black and Gang-gang are types of which bird?

Ouagadougou is the capital city of which country?

Which two boxers were involved in the “Battle of the Long Count” fight?

What is the lowest compartment on a ship where the two sides meet?

Claire Dunphy is one of the main characters of which TV series?

The Cape of Good Hope is on the coast of which country?

Wilbur Wilde is famous for playing which instrument?

In 2007, which Australian did Ravi Shastri replace as the coach/manager of the Indian Test Cricket team?

The Bossa nova originated in which country?

Who was the original lead singer of Herman’s Hermits?

Which two colours are on the flag of Greece?

Answers 1. Flemington Racecourse 2. Mount Fuji 3. Chlorine 4.

The Natural 5. Paul Brickhill 6. Denmark Strait 7. Jenny Shipley 8. April 9. Whoopi Goldberg 10. Cockatoo 11. Burkina Faso 12.

Gene Tunney, Jack Dempsey 13. Bilge 14. Modern Family 15.

South Africa 16. Saxophone 17. Greg Chappell 18. Brazil 19.

Peter Noone 20. Blue, white

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

FACEBOOK users this week commented on the extra fee incurred by using the now mandatory EasyPark app in Wangaratta’s CBD. Maree Canavan: This is so wrong. Parking should be free..What happens if you don’t have a phone to download the app??

Tania Maxwell: Maree Canavan you can purchase a voucher from the council.

The office staff can assist you with this.

Stephen English: Really

what have we got sitting in Ovens Street when they think up this sort of stuff for a country town especially when you see towns within range with no parking fees and really more variety Connor Hudston: How much is the fine if you don’t pay for parking?

Gustov Balart: What have council in place for people who don’t have a smart phone?

Kelly Richards: Gustov Balart monthly or yearly

voucher. Which can only be used by one vehicle.

Helen Senior: Kelly Richards and occur a 11.5% fee for the privilege.

Leslie Matthews: Save a few cents, drive to Albury, Wodonga or even Benalla to do your shopping! Seriously, some people need to get a grip on reality....

Lynne Bedford: It’s called greed …and it’s obvious there isn’t any councillors that have a business with a parking meter out the front of it

Tim Cole-Jarred: Good job Rural City of Wangaratta making the decisions we all want.... lol jokes Judi Weir: Shop in Albury.

Bigger town, more choice and more parking. Shame when small business is doing it tough though.

Gav Cotterill: People should be encouraged to shop locally, not be charged to shop locally..

Mandy Duke: Just go to Benalla or Albury as it’s free parking.

Have your say Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page.

Wangaratta Chronicle 13K likes 15K followers

Make first hour of parking free DEAR council, could you please modify the parking policy making the first hour free.

This will provide some relief to those sections of the community that are not ok with apps and vouchers.

But more importantly it will welcome outof-town visitors who likely have not worked out their parking plan before deciding to make Wangaratta their destination.

Adrian Fox, Business Wangaratta Chamber of Commerce

Dederang BESS a betrayal of community THE Minister for Planning, Sonya Kilkenny, has approved the planning application for the divisive and destructive Dederang BESS. This isn’t just a slap in the face, but a stake driven right through the very heart of the Kiewa Valley.

This was never consultation with a community, but a betrayal of the salt of the earth, hardworking, food producers that build our nation each and every day.

It also confirms that Labor isn’t a friend of the regions or small businesses and farmers, instead they look after their mates in the city and big multinational companies.

This is a bad proposal, opposed by council, community, and most importantly, the people it will affect the most, neighbours.

Despite hundreds of objections, thousands of petitioners, and a campaign to keep Dederang BESS free, money won out over the people.

While Greens and Labor voters in the city rejoice at another renewable energy project, we mourn at the destruction of our environment, the loss of farmland that will never return.

When more farmers are forced to sell up, and the cost of food increases again and again due to extortionate insurance and costs, let that be on Minister Kilkenny and Labor’s heads.

Tim McCurdy, MP for Ovens Valley

Last chance to object against solar facility AS submissions close on Tuesday, our community has it’s last chance to stand united

DISPLAY OF GRATITUDE: Janet Leith, a resident artist at Art Gallery on Ovens (left) thanked Wangaratta Gallery director Rachel Arndt for being a supporter of the gallery at the ‘Thirty X Thirty’ exhibition that opened last Thursday night.

PHOTO: Grace Fredsberg against the proposed Meadow Creek Solar Power Station.

This proposed development, located on 566 hectares of high-value agricultural land, threatens both the environment and local farming.

The site is vital for grazing livestock and crop production, and its conversion to industrial use would result in the permanent loss of this productive land.

This contradicts the Paris Agreement’s Article 2.1b, which aims to ensure that global efforts to combat climate change, such as alternative energy developments, do not threaten food production.

Of further concern is the removal of 33 large native trees, many of which are 200 to 600-year-old River Red Gums.

These trees are part of a crucial regional biodiversity corridor and cannot be offset by planting elsewhere.

The proposal risks contamination of nearby waterways, which are in a declared Special Water Catchment vital for both agriculture and drinking water.

The development introduces fire risks, particularly from the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which poses a significant danger to the community and environment.

Neighbouring farmers have been deemed uninsurable should the project proceed, and the land—once contaminated by industrial infrastructure—will likely be unsuitable for future agricultural use.

This industrialisation also threatens the scenic beauty of the area, vital for local tourism.

The facility is designed to operate for 30 years, but what happens then? How will that power be replaced and produced elsewhere once it’s decommissioned?

It is unreasonable, as with other similar facilities statewide, that these projects have such a short lifespan.

Further, how many of these developments include a decommissioning bond to ensure there are funds for thorough site restoration?

I urge all members of the community to voice their objections and protect our land, environment, and way of life.

Get the facts at www.meadowcreeksolar. com.au and lodge your objection today.

Lucy Hayes, Wangaratta

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

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Post

Letters to the Editor, 37 Rowan St, Wangaratta 3677

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

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Council stands against violence THE Rural City of Wangaratta demonstrated strong community leadership in the face of a national crisis, with councillor Dave Fuller calling for collective action to address family and gender-based violence.

Cr Fuller’s comments follow increasing concern across the country about the alarming number of women being killed by violence.

As of 29 May, 31 women have been killed by violence in Australia this year and 19 of those women were killed by an intimate partner.

The figures are on track to meet or exceed last year’s devastating toll of 78 women killed by an intimate partner and 103 women killed by violence.

“From sporting clubs to community organisations,

there is a part - albeit at times a small role - that collectively we can play in working to change the tone on domestic and gendered violence,” Cr Fuller said.

While councils are not direct service providers, Cr Fuller acknowledged the role they can play in driving cultural change and outlined several meaningful actions.

These include strengthening policy integration with key stakeholders, collaborating on training and education with specialist services, and leading community awareness campaigns across platforms.

He also recognised the tireless work of local organisations such as the Centre Against Violence (CAV), who continue to deliver frontline

support and advocacy in the region.

These conversations are especially relevant following the launch of the Ovens Murray Area Community Needs Assessment 2024, released earlier this week.

While the findings are deeply concerning, the report allows the region to respond with clarity and focus.

The assessment identifies four key priority areas for Wangaratta: • Family Violence: High rates affecting women and children, compounded by rural isolation and socioeconomic stress.

• Mental Health: Rising anxiety and depression, particularly in young women, with limited access to local support.

• Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD): High alcohol use and related ambulance call-outs; limited outreach and specialist support.

• Housing and Homelessness: Increasing instability among single-parent families and youth; critical shortage of emergency housing.

Figures from the Centre Against Violence 2024–2025 Annual Report paint a sobering picture of the local demand: • 380 family violence clients (84 per cent female), including 85 adults and 41 children assisted into accommodation- 404pc above target • 75 high-risk family violence cases needing intensive, ongoing support • 495 sexual assault cli-

ents; 60pc related to childhood sexual assault, 53pc past assaults, and 31pc recent cases The Orange Door network also recorded 6143 unique clients across the Ovens Murray region this year, including 3798 children and 14.7pc identifying as First Nations Peoples.

These figures sit against a backdrop of significant structural challenges: • Crisis accommodation shortages • Geographic barriers and limited public transport • Fragmented pathways between services • Severe workforce shortages in trauma-informed and family violence specialist roles With Wangaratta’s family violence rate sitting 49.3pc

above the state average, the Centre Against Violence commends the Rural City of Wangaratta for keeping this urgent issue on the agenda, and for standing in solidarity with victim-survivors and frontline services.

“We know these conversations can be uncomfortable, but they’re absolutely essential,” Jaime Chubb, CEO of the Centre Against Violence, said.

“Bringing the facts to light, however confronting, helps us better understand the needs in our community.

“When councils like the Rural City of Wangaratta take a visible stand, it sends a powerful message that safety, equity, and respect matter.

“And that change is not just possible, it’s expected.”

New initiative brings hope and connection to families rebuilding after family violence FAMILIES recovering from the trauma of family and sexual violence will soon have the chance to reconnect and create meaningful memories together, thanks to a $2500 grant from the Garry Nash & Co. Community Fund, delivered in partnership with the Into Our Hands Community Foundation.

The grant will allow the Centre Against Violence (CAV) to deliver Connecting Families, Connecting Community - a project that provides activity-based gift vouchers for safe, family-friendly outings such as ten-pin bowling, movies, and trampoline parks.

These experiences offer families who have been displaced or traumatised by violence the opportunity to reconnect and build positive memories.

“Imagine being in refuge accommodation, having left your home in crisis, unsure of what comes next,” said Rebecca Jones, family violence and accommodation services manager at CAV. “What will your children

remember from this time?

Thanks to this funding, we can offer moments of joy and connection during some of the hardest days in a family’s life,” she said.

The need for this support is significant.

According to CAV’s 2024– 2025 Annual Report, 85 adults and 41 children accessed crisis accommodation in the Ovens Murray area, equating to 2906 bed nights – a 179 per cent increase over expected targets.

“These numbers reflect not only the increasing demand for crisis support, but the deep need for long-term solutions and support,” said Rebecca.

“The good news is that support when it’s available works.

“Over the past financial year, 303 people were able to maintain or access stable accommodation through our support packages, and 58 victim-survivors secured permanent, safe housing with the help of CAV.” The Connecting Families, Connecting Commu-

nity project is designed to complement these practical outcomes with emotional recovery – offering families a chance to enjoy everyday experiences that many of us take for granted.

The Garry Nash & Co. Community Fund, established in 2021 in partnership with Into Our Hands Community Foundation, has contributed more than $100,000 to over 50 community organisations, with a focus on health and wellbeing, housing and homelessness, education, and disaster relief.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Garry Nash & Co. and Into Our Hands Foundation for recognising the importance of not just surviving, but living – giving families the chance to make happy memories during the hardest of times,” said Rebecca.

If you or someone you know needs our help due to family violence, contact our team during business hours at the Orange Door on 1800 271 support outside of business hours, please call Safe Steps 157.

If you require immediate on 1800 015 188.

SUPPORTING FAMILIES: Staff members, Louise Saric and Ann Gardner, are excited to pass on these acts of kindness and help families create positive memories.

Page 8 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, June 9, 2025

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GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD 3

4

5

6

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

7

8 9 10 11 12 15

16

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17

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20 21

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

Some letters are used more than once.

23

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22

24 25

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monkey – or a human (7)

WHICH WORDS

14 Name a type of reactor (7) 15 Who is a general

1 ANALGESIA (a) Mystical interpretation (b) Absence of sense of pain (c) Loss of memory

assistant in a hotel (7) 17 What is a solid foundation known as (7) 18 Which term describes an abstract (7) 20 Which term describes being the most consistent in thought or speech (6)

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

Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

394

2 CONNUBIAL (a) Like a cone in form (b) Matrimonial (c) Related by blood

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.

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© Puzzles supplied by AUSPAC MEDIA

SUDOKU

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F M S I N S I O S L O T L P T L R V

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F L I R T E D B L E E P A S S S

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A B D G I Q S

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5 3 4 9 7 2 8 1 6

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13

QUICK THINK

dread, is to be what (6) 8 What is part of a lesson prepared outside school hours (8) 9 To accumulate in the course of time, is to do what (6) 10 Which term implies that which is situated where the sun rises (8) 11 Name a place where miscellaneous goods are sold (6) 12 What is the magnitude of anything (4) 13 Which copper coin was worth a twelfth of a shilling (5) 16 What is a bit, or a scrap (5) 19 What is given to the poor or needy (4) 21 To be ingenious, is to be what (6) 22 What is the melting of the insulation of a nuclear reactor (8) 23 To use the services of a person, is to do what (6) 24 What is the middle part of the diencephalon, through which sensory impulses pass (8) 25 Name the wagon attached to a steam locomotive (6)

MINI WORD FIND

2

E-QUATIONS A:10, B:14, D:1, G:19 I:24, Q:5, S:25

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1084

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, June 9, 2025 - Page 9

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Learn about AI use in business THE Rural City of Wangaratta is hosting a forum to help regional businesses harness the power of artificial intelligence.

The event, “Artificial Intelligence Forum Wangaratta: Leveraging AI to Grow Business”, is supported by Regional Development Australia.

It will be held on Wednesday, 11 June from 10am to 3pm at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre.

The forum aims to demystify AI and demonstrate its potential to boost innovation, efficiency, and growth

for businesses in the region.

Attendees will learn from real-world AI applications through local case studies.

They will witness hands-on demonstrations from leading institutions like Swinburne University of Technology.

Rural City of Wangaratta Mayor Irene Grant highlighted the significance of the forum.

“AI provides many opportunities for businesses in our region, but it also brings important questions - where do we begin, how do we avoid common pitfalls, and how can AI truly support business growth,” Cr Grant said.

Christian bowled over by leaders opportunity

Monday, 8 June, 2015

By SHANE DOUTHIE KING Valley vigneron Christian Dal Zotto (pictured) is one of only 15 people who have successfully applied to be part of the Australian wine industry’s Future Leaders program.

Held every two years and coordinated by Australian Grape and Wine Authority (AGWA) in partnership with Wine and Grape Growers Australia (WGGA) and Winemakers’ Federation of Australia (WFA), the program is designed to develop participants’ leadership capabilities and encourage innovation and thoughtful debate on the future of the sector.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge,” said Christian, who is chairman of the Wines of the King Valley marketing group and works at his well-known family winery at Whitfield.

“I was stunned when I received the news but so excited to be given this opportunity.

“It’s an amazing mix of very competent people from all facets of the wine industry.”

The first session of the six-month program - which includes four face-to-face sessions across the country that aim to challenge and stretch participants both professionally and personally - will be a camping trip for the inductees to Canberra this week, a chilling thought for Christian.

“I’ve had to go out and buy some camping equipment so I don’t freeze to death,” he said.

“I’m nervous but so excited.

“It’s inspiring me to want to achieve better things and I hope this program will increase my knowledge of this amazing industry I work in.”

AGWA chief executive officer Andreas Clark said the calibre of applicants was representative of the immense talent working in the Australian wine community.

“Collaborating with WGGA and WFA, this leadership program fosters our upand-coming talent, those individuals who will lead Australian wine in the future,” he said.

WGGA executive director Lawrie Stanford and WFA chief executive Paul Evans encouraged applicants to get the most from this opportunity to learn, network, identify their aptitude and strengths in leadership, and to give back to the industry.

“Future Leaders is about ensuring the next generation has the support and skills necessary to lead the way,” Mr Evans said.

“There is a critical need for their innovation and fresh thinking in decision making.”

“This forum is a great opportunity to explore these questions and discover practical, local solutions.”

Speakers and exhibitors will include the Future Skills Organisation, Swinburne University of Technology’s Factory of the Future, the Australian Regional AI Network, and the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Hub, with more to be announced.

The forum offers valuable insights, networking opportunities, and practical tools for businesses at all stages of AI adoption, from beginners to those seeking to expand

their knowledge.

Tickets are priced at $49.32 which includes lunch.

Space is limited, so those interested are encouraged to book their tickets now at https://events.humanitix.com/ ai-forum-wangaratta-leveraging-ai-to-create-and-growregional-businesses.

THE FUTURE IS HERE: Register for the artificial intelligence forum in Wangaratta on 11 June.

IMAGE: Anggalih Prasetya/ Shutterstock.com

Textile artist Fiona Currey-Billyard reflects on family in Night Talk ACROSSTHE

WAGGA Wagga artist Fiona Currey-Billyard is presenting her latest exhibition, Night Talk, at Wangaratta Art Gallery this winter.

The show features a striking collection of textile works created through meticulous and innovative techniques.

Drawing on materials sourced from specific locations - such as nails, staples, hair and tobacco - CurreyBillyard combines these with textiles and paper to explore texture, memory and place.

This new body of work reflects Fiona Currey-Billyard’s deeply personal memories of people and places, spanning her childhood in Papua New Guinea and regional Australia to her travels across Europe and Australia.

A standout piece in the exhibition pays tribute to her late mother, also a textile artist.

Created using rich blue velvet left behind after her mother’s passing, along with her mother’s detailed sketches and plans, the work becomes both a continuation and a conversation between generations.

In 2023, Wangaratta Art Gallery showcased Fiona Currey-Billyard’s compelling work, Place Talk II (2022– 2023), when she was selected as a finalist for the Wanga-

INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUES: The Night Talk exhibition includes Fiona CurreyBillyard, Mountain I, 2025, graphite, shellac, bitumen and ash on paper, 100 x 100 cm. ratta Contemporary Textile Award.

Now part of the gallery’s permanent collection, the piece evokes memories of her birthplace in Aitape, Papua New Guinea.

Currey-Billyard burnished fine linen with graphite until it gleamed like a dark, glassy tropical sea, punctuated by steel staples arranged to mirror local seasonal ocean currents.

As the artist explains, “these staples attempt to pin down the memory of place and thus seek to transform the ocean into a static representation of an impermanent recollection.”

Memory is a central theme in Fiona Currey-Billyard’s practice, and this exhibition delves deeply into her connection with her recently deceased mother.

The title Night Talk refers to the introspective hours of the night, when memories surface and one’s mind chatters.

Currey-Billyard’s works

MEMORIES: Also included in the exhibition is Fiona CurreyBillyard, My Mother’s Hair My Father’s Tobacco, 2024, fibre, graphite, hair and tobacco smoke, 30 x 100 cm.ollection. translate these nocturnal reflections into tactile forms, contemplating the lasting imprint her mother has left on her life.

More broadly, the exhibition explores how traces of our loved ones continue to shape us and resonate within the environments we inhabit.

Wangaratta Art Gallery director Rachel Arndt said she expects gallery visitors to appreciate the labour, energy and innovation contained within Fiona Currey-Billyard’s work.

“We are proud to host such an exciting artist at the cutting-edge of contemporary textile art practice and are de-

lighted to have acquired her work, Place Talk, 2022-2023, for our diverse and stimulating collection,” she said.

Fiona Currey-Billyard has exhibited widely across Australia and has been a finalist in prestigious art prizes, including the Blake Prize, the Fisher’s Ghost Art Prize, and The National Still Life Prize.

Her work is regularly shown alongside leading figures in contemporary Australian textile art, highlighting her place within this dynamic and evolving field.

The exhibition is now open in Gallery 2 and runs until 20 July.

Independent members receive pay rise

By STEVE KELLY A PAY rise of 3 per cent for the independent members Wangaratta council’s audit and risk committee has been approved.

The committee monitors council reporting, governance and compliance for sound financial and risk management and oversees

council’s internal and external audit programs.

They comprise two councillor members and four independent members who bring expertise in financial management, risk and public sector management.

From 29 May an independent member now receives $676, up from $656, per meeting, and a committee

chair will be paid $811, up from $787 per meeting.

Cr Allison Winters in favour of the pay rise said she has observed each of the committee meetings since becoming a councillors and was continually impressed by the knowledge and expertise of the independent members on the committee.

“They bring an expert level

of knowledge in financial management, risk and public sector management and I fully support the increase in remuneration for the independent members and committee chair,” Cr Winters said.

Matt Fagence was also appointed to the committee as an independent member for a further 3-year term.

Page 10 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, June 9, 2025

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Junior Reporter Club

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO...

Paige-Lee Dummett .......................................................................... June 9 Matilda Park......................................................................................... June 9 Ruby Bright.........................................................................................June 13 Zara Pell...............................................................................................June 14 Finn Hunter Pigram ..........................................................................June 15 JUNE 2025 Birthday Cake Winners - Lewis Bosch June 7 & Vienna Dunne June 20 To be in the running to win 1 of 2 birthday cakes each month from Shelley’s Country Bakehouse, join the Junior Reporter Club. Phone 5723 0100 or email reception@nemedia.com.au with your child’s name, address, DOB and phone number. Your address and phone number will not be printed in the Chronicle but is required to contact you should you win the cake. Birthday Book is for 1 to 14 year olds. All existing Birthday Book participants will remain eligible to win a birthday cake. Please note 48 hours notice required.

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THE CHRONICLE, Monday, June 9, 2025 - Page 11

wangarattachronicle.com.au

RURAL

Community members invited to join King River steering group

By ANITA MCPHERSON THE North East Catchment Management Authority (NECMA) is seeking expressions of interest from individuals interested in joining a project steering group to help shape the future of the King River.

The King River Catchment - Increasing Resilience Project is an initiative “focused on empowering landholders and supporting community aspirations to care for the King River, particularly in the upper catchment area, with a strong emphasis on building resilience in the face of climate change.”

NECMA is seeking one community representative, and two landholder representatives (from agriculture or horticulture backgrounds) to join representatives nominated by selected organisations including the King Valley Tourism Association, King Basin Landcare Group, Edi-Black Range Landcare Group, Ovens Valley Landcare Network, recreational groups (including fishing and canoeing clubs) and the Rural City of Wangaratta.

The initiative is part of the Strengthening Catchment

Stewardship in the North East CMA - Kiewa and King Rivers, a project funded with a $1.6M investment over four years (2024-2028) by the State Government.

A NECMA spokesperson said the project will support activities that build landholder and community involvement to improve the health and overall condition of the King River.

They said a key focus will be the continued development and implementation of the King River Rehabilitation Plan - a plan originally expected to be released last year.

“The original planned release for September 2024 was delayed to allow for deeper collaboration and higherquality input from the community, ensuring the plan reflects shared goals and local knowledge,” the NECMA spokesperson said.

“A draft guiding document for completing the plan will be released online by the end of June.”

Key project activities for the steering group include refining the rehabilitation plan (building on technical guidelines and community feedback from sessions held

NATURAL ASSET: The project steering group being formed by NECMA will continue the development and implementation of the King River Rehabilitation Plan.

PHOTO: Anita McPherson in Oxley, Moyhu and Cheshunt in 2024), providing incentives for landholders to implement river health initiatives at key sites that support river’s stability and ecological values, supporting community-led educational and citizen science programs

Growing the next generation of farming leaders THE Victorian government is strengthening the future of agriculture by helping young farmers develop their skills and advance their careers through a scholarship program.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence announced the opening of the 2025 Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarship Program, encouraging early-career farmers to apply and gain the tools they need to thrive in Victoria’s agriculture sector.

“The 2025 Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarship Program is a great opportunity for farmers looking to broaden their skills and resources, helping them pursue training to enhance their agricultural practices,” Ms Spence said.

“By supporting young farmers to build capability and resilience, we are investing in a stronger, more sustainable future for agriculture across the state.”

The program offers scholarships of up to $10,000 for farmers aged 18 to 40 including up to $5000 for training or study, and another $5000 to apply those skills on-farm through practical investments.

Participants can pursue learning in areas such as agronomy, irrigation, land management and conservation, alongside core business skills like marketing, ac-

two hours, with the group to operate under terms of reference to be agreed upon at the first meeting.

Expressions of interest must be submitted online by 9am, Friday, 13 June with successful applicants notified by Monday, 16 June.

The first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, 18 June from 10am to 12pm, either online or in-person, at Moyhu Soldiers Memorial Hall.

For more information or to submit an expression of interest visit the project page at necma.vic.gov.au.

Wangaratta Livestock Exchange - Prime Market Report

TUESDAY 3RD OF JUNE 2025

within the King River catchment and enhancing recreational and amenity values of the river, including opportunities for canoeing, fishing and swimming.

The steering group will meet quarterly (four times per year) for approximately

VENDOR

HEAD BREED

SEXAVG. WT.

C/KG

AGENCY

EVANS M & A

5

BLACK BALDY

COW

666

318

NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK

WHITEMAN HOLDINGS

1

ANGUS

COW

715

325

NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK

JONES CD & BH

2

ANGUS

COW

765

322

CORCORAN PARKER

NICOL JG

10

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COW

727.5

322

CORCORAN PARKER

VINCENT KT & GR

5

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COW

624

294

AUSTRALIAN WOOL NETWORK

McCULLOUGH S

1

ANGUS

COW

670

315

AUSTRALIAN WOOL NETWORK

PATERSON JULIE

6

ANGUS

STEER

381.67

410

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PATERSON JULIE

9

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499.44

377.2

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ELDRIDGE K

1

HEREFORD

STEER

815

320

CORCORAN PARKER

ELDRIDGE K

1

BLACK BALDY

STEER

880

310

CORCORAN PARKER

IH CONGDON & CL YOUNG

2

LIMOUSIN X

STEER

387.5

380

CORCORAN PARKER

IH CONGDON & CL YOUNG

1

LIMOUSIN X

STEER

380

366

CORCORAN PARKER

HAY EN & ME

2

ANGUS

STEER

300

429.2

AUSTRALIAN WOOL NETWORK

HAY EN & ME

1

ANGUS

STEER

220

429.2

AUSTRALIAN WOOL NETWORK

SUFFIELD DK & KE

2

ANGUS

HEIFER

527.5

360

NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK

SUFFIELD DK & KE

2

ANGUS

HEIFER

517.5

355

NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK

WHITEMAN HOLDINGS

1

ANGUS

HEIFER

655

347.2

NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK

MCMONIGLE L & S

1

ANGUS

HEIFER

495

348

NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK

MCKEAON JULIE

1

SHORTHORN

HEIFER

610

360

CORCORAN PARKER

MCMILLAN, AD & DS

1

ANGUS

HEIFER

670

355

CORCORAN PARKER=

SUFFIELD DK & KE

1

ANGUS

BULL

780

278.6

NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK

PAULUS WJ + RV

1

ANGUS

BULL

805

268.2

CORCORAN PARKER

COWS

STEER

SUPPORTING FARMERS: Applications for scholarships of up to $10,000 for farmers aged 18 to 40 are now open.

PHOTO: Thx4Stock team/Shutterstock.com counting, and HR. After completing their training, recipients can use the second half of their scholarship to invest in farm planning, new technologies, professional development, or equipment that supports innovation and growth.

Since 2015, the program has empowered 133 young farmers from across the state, helping to make Victorian agriculture more capable, adaptable and ready to take on future challenges.

Young Farmers Advisory Council chair Clay Gowers encourages Victoria’s young

farmers to apply for the scholarship program.

“It’s a great opportunity to boost the productivity of your farm business, enhance sustainability on farm and improve your own skills,” he said.

Applications are now open to young farmers who have been working in a farm business for at least three days a week for the past three months, with a minimum of two years’ total on-farm experience.

To apply, visit vic.gov.au/ youngfarmers.

Applications close 5pm, Wednesday, 23 July.

HEIFER

BULLS

NEXT SALE 10TH JUNE 2025 1ST CP 2ND ELD 3RD NUT 4TH AWN

Page 12 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, June 9, 2025

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WHAT’S ON THIS WEEKEND Pages 16, 17

WARM WELCOME KING Valley wineries are ready and waiting to welcome visitors to this year’s Weekend Fit for a King food and wine festival. Caroline Zomerdijk (Pizzini), Cristian Troncoso (Dal Zotto), Mauro De Candia (Dal Zotto), Jasmine Baldry (Dal Zotto), Sophie Darling (Darling Estate), Matt Reiter (Pizzini), Jacques Simian (Politini) and friends, will be offering great wines to taste, heartwarming food to savour and fun, family entertainment over the June long weekend. Story page 4.

PHOTO: Anita McPherson

Magpies plan a quick response Sport

Too fast, too furious

Local police frustration voiced following a horror month across North East roads

POLICE have aired their frustration following a horror month on local roads, with Alpine roads expected to be heavily patrolled by police this long weekend.

A heavy police presence will flood the region’s major arterials this King’s Birthday weekend for Operation Regal in an effort to reduce rising road trauma across Victoria.

It comes after the North East saw 11 fatal incidents

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

occur on our roads last month, up from nine last year and 75 serious collisions, an increase of 13 per cent from May last year.

The statewide road toll for May was the worst on record since 2004, with 37 lives lost, while the last time 136

or more lives lost had been recorded at this point of the year was in 2008.

Within the rural city, a 19-year-old local man and a 74-year-old Beechworth woman lost their lives in road incident in May. Senior Constable James Schifferle of Wangaratta Highway Patrol said the terrible month had taken a toll on local police who continue to be frustrated

with driving habits, particularly around speeding.

“Within our local area, speeding has been a major contributor to those collisions,” he said.

“It’s very frustrating that people continue to flout the rules… even going over the speed limit a little bit contributes to those collisions.

“If you are breaking the

expected high influx of eager snow travellers.

Poor weather conditions are also expected across the region, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting 3-10mm of rain to fall in Wangaratta on Saturday and 3-15mm for Sunday, while snow and below zero temperatures were forecast for Alpine areas like Mount Hotham.

■ Continued page 2

road rules, police will issue infringement notices or send you to court and this is to positively change safety on our roads.

“We continue to be out on the roads every day trying to change people’s ways and we will continue to do so.”

With the onset of winter this week, police will be placing a particular focus on roads connecting to the Alpine region with an

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Local News.

Anytime, Anywhere, Anyhow.

Page 4 - THE CHRONICLE, Friday, January

SOCIAL FOCUS

15, 2021 wangarattachronicle.com.au

Charge up your engines

THE CHRONICLE, Friday, January 15,

Wangaratta students compare admirably

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

New members are always welcome.

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

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Country stacks up in VCE

with his Touring Car. PHOTOS: Kieren Tilly

after a year like no other

FAMILY SUPPORT PRACTIONER

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

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

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

A

SIGH OF RELIEF: After a long, tough

BORDER BUBBLE IS NOW IN PLACE

(left) and Amy Henderson were celebrating

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.

their university offers yesterday.

PHOTO: Kieren Tilly

offers

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

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

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

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

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

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

O W

Home Care Packages for Wangaratta

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

Travel delays are expected, so please plan ahead.

year local graduates Kayla Fisher

Teens look to the future with uni

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

The pair are both interested

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

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

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THE CHRONICLE, Monday, June 9, 2025 - Page 13

wangarattachronicle.com.au

WANGARATTA Chronicle photographer Marc Bongers went to round 8 of A and B Grade Ovens and Murray netball on Saturday to capture some action between Wangaratta and Wodonga Raiders.

Photographs can be purchased at the Chronicle.

HOLLY HUMPHREY

IMOGEN ROBINSON

EBONY NORRIS

McKINLEIGH LAPPIN

LEAH JENVEY

CLAIRE WILSON BLAYNEE HOUSE

AMANDA UMANSKI RICHELLE COLLINS

ABBEY MOORE

PAIGE ZAMPERONI

Page 14 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, June 9, 2025

wangarattachronicle.com.au

WINNERS AND LOSERS

ROUND

8

AMANDA UMANSKI

HOLLY HUMPHREY

AIDEN TILLEY

BLAKE NEWTON

BRAEDEN MARJANOVIC

OLIVIA HOLMES PHOTOS: MARC BONGERS

OVENS AND MURRAY SENIORS LADDER

SCOREBOARD

#

TEAM

P

W

L

B PTS

1

WANGARATTA ROVERS

8

6

2

1

24

152.36

2

NORTH ALBURY

8

6

2

0

24

140.18

3

WANGARATTA

8

6

2

1

24

139.41

4

LAVINGTON

8

5

3

0

20

136.74

5

MYRTLEFORD

8

5

3

0

20

128.26

6

WODONGA

8

5

3

0

20

109.11

7

ALBURY

8

4

4

0

16

86.86

8

YARRAWONGA

8

2

6

0

8

70.04

9

COROWA RUTHERGLEN

8

1

7

0

4

79.36

8

0

8

0

0

41.78

10 WODONGA RAIDERS

NETBALL SCORES A GRADE

Wangaratta 39 def by Wodonga Raiders 56 Corowa Rutherglen 38 def Nth Albury 37 Albury 45 def Wodonga 38 Myrtleford 45 def Wangaratta Rovers 33 Yarrawonga 44 def Lavington 31 B GRADE: Wangaratta 39 def Wodonga Raiders 28; Myrtleford 33 def by Wangaratta Rovers 45; Corowa Rutherglen 39 def by North Albury 49; Albury 28 def by Wodonga 44; Yarrawonga 47 def Lavington 26 C GRADE: Wangaratta 25 drew with Wodonga Raiders 25; Myrtleford 40 def Wangaratta Rovers 25; Corowa Rutherglen 39 def by North Albury 40; Albury 38 def by Wodonga 50; Yarrawonga 43 def Lavington 37 17 & UNDER: Wangaratta 28 def by Wodonga Raiders 33; Myrtleford 29 def by Wangaratta Rovers 54; Corowa Rutherglen 33 drew with North Albury 33; Albury 30 def Wodonga 23; Yarrawonga 51 drew with Lavington 51 15 & UNDER: Wangaratta 22 def by Wodonga Raiders 56; Myrtleford 46 def Wangaratta Rovers 18; Corowa Rutherglen 30 def by North Albury 50; Albury 12 def by Wodonga 26; Yarrawonga 20 def by Lavington 42

%

THIRDS RESULTS Myrtleford 2.2 (14) def by Wangaratta Rovers 3.19 (31)

GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: H. Stripeikis 1, T. Miller 1.

WANGARATTA ROVERS: J. Correll 1, Z. O’Shannessy 1. BEST: MYRTLEFORD: J. Hazeldine, H. Stripeikis, C. Piazza, W. Graham, C. Ashworth, O. Kavanagh.

WANGARATTA ROVERS: H. Dodgshun, K. Wohlers, E. White, C. Maher, C. Miller, J. Marek.

Wangaratta 8.10 (58) def Wodonga Raiders 6.6 (42)

GOALS: WANGARATTA: H. Barry 2, C. Newton 2, R. Schultz 2, C. Kerwin 1, K. Hadley 1. WODONGA RAIDERS: B. Bradshaw 2, B. Capper 1, Z. Harris 1, J. Tinkler 1, A. Everett 1. BEST: WANGARATTA: H. Laverty, C. Donald, C. Kerwin, N. Kjar, L. Sims, W. Petersen. WODONGA RAIDERS: B. Bradshaw, B. Wilson, Z. Harris, H. Gray, B. Sheridan, R. Frazer.

Albury 10.11 (71) def Wodonga 5.1 (31) Yarrawonga 5.8 (38) def by Lavington 10.10 (70) Corowa Rutherglen 3.3 (21) def by North Albury 8.14 (62)

MYRTLEFORD WANG ROVERS

4.3 6.6 1.4 1.5

7.11 1.8

9.12.66 2.10.22

ALBURY WODONGA

3.1 5.2 2.4 6.8

7.5 7.12

8.7.55 9.15.69

COROWA-R’GLEN NORTH ALBURY

2.2 3.2 4.3 7.6

7.5 8.8.56 10.7 15.10.100

YARRAWONGA LAVINGTON

3.1 4.6 0.2 5.3

4.7 7.9.51 9.8 14.10.94

GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: R. Sharp 3, J. East 2, D. Bren 2, B. Calogero 1, J. Sharp 1.

WANGARATTA ROVERS: B. Filo 1, L. O'Brien 1.

BEST: MYRTLEFORD: J. East, T. Cossor, B. Calogero, Z. Pethybridge, M. Tenardi, R. Smith.

WANGARATTA ROVERS: B. Filo, E. Dayman, S. Cattapan, J. Dal Zotto.

GOALS: ALBURY: R. Garthwaite 3, H. Cameron 1, W. Blomeley 1, F. Carroll 1, T. Miller 1, J. Gaynor 1. WODONGA: N. Spiteri 5, M. Wilson 1, R. Bourke 1, J. Cassidy 1, M. Soroczynski 1.

BEST: ALBURY: F. Carroll, I. Muller, J. Gaynor, R. Garthwaite, B. Kelly, M. Walker. WODONGA: M. Wilson, N. Spiteri, T. Johnson, N. Stephens, L. Andrews, J. Yelland.

GOALS: COROWA RUTHERGLEN: K. Bradtke 7, J. Foote 1. NORTH ALBURY: J. Minogue 5, J. Murphy 4, T. Broomhead 3, A. Gardiner 1, L. Taylor 1, J. Mooney 1.

BEST: COROWA RUTHERGLEN: K. Bradtke, N. Amery, J. Foote, D. Melksham, J. Rowston, C. Schutt. NORTH ALBURY: F. Gardiner, J. Minogue, J. Murphy, J. Hayes, C. Winter, A. Gardiner.

GOALS: YARRAWONGA: C. Wilson 2, M. Casey 2, B. Coghill 2, L. Williams 1. LAVINGTON: T. Oosterhoff 5, C. Sanson 3, A. Swinnerton 2, S. Driscoll 1, D. Smith 1, J. Glanvill 1, T. Hargreave 1.

BEST: YARRAWONGA: C. Wilson, N. Fothergill, B. Kennedy, Z. Fraser, N. Pendergast, L. Howe.

LAVINGTON: W. Glanvill, T. Oosterhoff, E. Perryman, N. Newton, J. Driscoll, C. Sanson.

RESERVES RESULTS Wangaratta............... 8.6 (54) Wodonga Raiders ...... 8.5 (53) BEST: WANGARATTA: R. Battin, W. O’keefe, J. Styles, J. Bianco, C. Hines, J. Hedin. WODONGA RAIDERS: J. Purdon, B. Hernan, N. Twycross, C. Taylor, J. Casey, Z. Sartore.

Yarrawonga ............ 2.10 (22) Lavington................. 8.8 (56) BEST: YARRAWONGA: B. Schofield, T. McKimmie, T. Lovell, B. Coburn, M. Grinter, J. James. LAVINGTON: P. Ryan, K. Holman, K. Davies, J. Phegan, A. Daniher, R. Costello.

Albury.................... 8.10 (58) Wodonga.................. 5.4 (34) BEST: ALBURY: W. Bowden, K. Wilson, E. Moore, R. Tuckwell, J. Shanahan. WODONGA: G. McKimmie, R. Ritchie, J. Bradshaw, R. Gill, E. Tshijika, B. Oates.

Corowa R’glen .......... 9.6 (60) North Albury............. 4.6 (30) BEST: COROWA RUTHERGLEN: J. Eyers, J. Ugle, J. Johnstone, J. Keys, J. Richardson, D. Clancy.

Myrtleford................ 8.3 (51) Wang Rovers............. 4.6 (30) BEST: MYRTLEFORD: C. Crisp, D. Batey, A. Wickes, R. Bouker, N. Ferguson, H. Stripeikis.

WANGARATTA ROVERS: J. Allen, M. Cullen, O. Clelland, H. McMonigle, M. Booth, M. Powell.

ROUND 9 WANGARATTA WOD. RAIDERS

7.1 12.6 2.2 3.3

17.6 22.9.141 5.4 6.6.42

GOALS: WANGARATTA: J. Craven 7, X. Laverty 4, A. Tilley 4, J. Clarke 3, B. Newton 2, C. Ross 1, M. Bihun 1. WODONGA RAIDERS: E. Boxall 2, M. Way 1, I. Kotzur 1, C. St John 1, C. Anderson 1.

BEST: WANGARATTA: J. Craven, J. Clarke, T. Norton, A. Federico, X. Laverty, B. Marjanovic.

WODONGA RAIDERS: C. Rich, W. Fordham, H. Cribbes, C. St John, I. Kotzur, N. Bowey.

SATURDAY, JUNE 14 WANG ROVERS vs WODONGA NORTH ALBURY vs MYRTLEFORD LAVINGTON vs COROWA RUTHERGLEN RAIDERS vs YARRAWONGA ALBURY vs WANGARATTA

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, June 9, 2025 - Page 15

wangarattachronicle.com.au

MATCH REVIEWS Rovers outworked in Saints slog ROUND

8

By NATHAN DE VRIES IT was a tough day at the office for the reigning premiers in their first proper day of wet weather winter footy for the season.

On a boggy McNamara Reserve oval and in near-constant drizzling rain, Wangaratta Rovers were unable to overcome an early margin, downed 2.10 (22) to 9.12 (66) by the Myrtleford Saints.

By the time the seniors lined up for their match, the deck had already been chopped up by the two matches earlier in the day, with puddles of standing water at both ends of the ground and in the centre.

Despite having the momentum early, the Rovers were unable to hit the scoreboard in a meaningful way – by quarter time, they’d had 14 clearances and 13 inside 50s, but trailed the Saints by 17 points.

The trend continued through the second quarter, with the Rovers findTALL TIMBER: Ed Dayman and Ryley Sharp battle it out in the ruck.

PHOTOS: Janet Watt ing plenty of the ball but not capitalising on their chances when they arose, while the Saints kept seizing on opportunities.

The Rovers trailed by 31 points at the long break, and still kept fighting hard through the third but were unable to convert on the scoreboard.

The slog wore on, with the Rovers finding their second goal of the day nearly 18 minutes into the final quarter through a Lochie O’Brien bomb into a vacant goal square, but the coffin had already been nailed shut.

Rovers football operations manager Barry Sullivan said Myrtleford played the conditions and took their chances better.

“It’s always an interesting contest at Myrtleford, you’re never sure which Myrtleford’s going to show up this year,” he said.

“The conditions, they played them very well – it was a wet, muddy ground, a bit rainy, and they just OPTIONS: A mud-caked Jez Rigoni looks for a CLEARING KICK: Xavier Allison brings the Rovers out took advantage of their opportunitarget. of their defensive 50.

ties in the first quarter.

“Defensively, they played very well, we didn’t get any shots on goal which weren’t under quite a lot of pressure.

“They were very opportunistic and took their chances, their midfield played quite well against our midfield.

“Even their two big guys [Toby Cossor and Riley Smith] were equal to or better than our two [Ed Dayman and Will Christie] which is a bit unusual these days.”

Even though the conditions were far from ideal, Sullivan said they weren’t to blame for the loss, just the Rovers’ second of the 2025 season.

“Sam [Murray] had prepped them for wet weather footy, so no excuses on that front,” he said.

“I don’t think that was the intent, Sam made it very clear the game plan was adjusted to wet weather footy.

“It was just our ability to adapt, and maybe subconsciously we were looking for options you’d look for on a dry day rather than just getting the ball on boot and moving it forward.”

Despite the loss, the Rovers’ leaders fought hard all day, with Brody Filo, Ed Dayman and Sam Cattapan influential across the ground, while some of the younger Rovers are improving with every match.

“That’s one of the pleasing things, seeing some of the young guys showing they’re really at the level,” Sullivan said.

“Noah Scholte, Jai Dal Zotto, Sam Comensoli, Harry Nolan – they’re all certainly capable replacements and provide good depth.”

Rovers retain top spot on the ladder, equal with North Albury and Wangaratta with percentage becoming a factor, the Hawks ahead by 12.18 and 12.95, respectively.

In earlier matches, Rovers reserves fell to the ladder-leading Saints 4.6 (30) to 8.3 (51), while the thirds hung on despite errant goal kicking 2.19 (31) to the Saints’ 2.2 (14).

Wangaratta hands Wodonga Raiders their biggest loss of the season, obliterated by 99 points ■ From back page

“We’ve been talking about slow starts for a while, and even though we lost the week before we started pretty well, so it’s important in this competition.

“The ground was fantastic, there was a bit of give underfoot but the ground held together great - we just had a couple of showers, so if anything, it was excellent playing conditions.”

Jasper Craven led all comers with seven majors, bringing his season total to 13, while Xavier Laverty (four), Aiden Tilley (four), Jackson Clarke (three) and youngster Blake Newton (two) all contributed multiple goals.

Defensively, while Raiders are far from a flag-contenders, the Magpies backline was resolute for the entire match.

“We were pretty organised down there,” Heatley said.

“We talk about what guys are doing when they haven’t got the footy and what it looks like from behind the

ball looking down.

“I thought [Matt] Grossman, [Cameron] Barrett, [Michael] Bordignon, Harry Smart, these guys were really good.

“A good spread [up forward], lots of good ball sharing.

“We probably left a few out there, but that’s okay as well we were pretty accurate this week, which is what we needed to be.”

IN PURSUIT: Waitai Tua tears after the footy.

PHOTOS: Marc Bongers The result sees the Magpies remain at the top end of town, equal on points with pace-setters Rovers and North Albury, but third on the ladder based on percentage.

Lavington, Myrtleford and Wodonga sit a game behind the top three, while Albury are just four points beyond them.

In other grades of footy, it was a clean sweep across the day for the ‘Pies, with the reserves holding on by a point, 8.6 (54) to 8.5 (53), while the thirds triumphed 8.10 (58) to 6.6 (42).

DIVING EFFORT: Tyler Norton leaps through the softened centre circle.

CLUNKED: Xavier Laverty takes a terrific grab.

Page 16 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, June 9, 2025

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Full O&M Round 8 scoreboard

ISSN 2200-078X

9 772200

078028

Page 14

BREAK THROUGH

CHARLIE Thompson looks to power through the tackle in the Rovers’ tough loss to Myrtelford in challenging conditions.

■

O&M match reviews page 15.

PHOTO: Janet Watt

‘Pies punish Raiders

Wangaratta hands Wodonga Raiders their biggest loss of the season, obliterated by 99 points

through the first quarTHE Magpies are back

BY NATHAN ter, which saw the ‘Pies among the winners followDE VRIES boot seven goals to take a ing a near 100-point hamndevries@ nemedia.com.au 29-point advantage into the mering of the maligned quarter time break.

Wodonga Raiders.

Wangaratta would essenAfter falling to Lavington Oval, obliterating the Raidlast weekend, Wangaratta ers 22.9 (141) to 6.6 (42), a tially put the game beyond the visitors with a stunning produced a substantial 99-point mauling.

The match was set up second-quarter blitz. response at Norm Minns

The Raiders were helpless to stop Wangaratta’s advance, with the ‘Pies booting 5.5 to 1.1 to head into the rooms leading 12.6 (78) to 3.3 (21).

From there, it was a procession, with 10 secondhalf goals coming from

across the forward line, and while the Raiders found three of their own, the Magpies were on another level entirely.

Wangaratta coach Jason Heatley said it was a welcome return to form after last week’s loss.

“We were pretty solid, we wanted to bounce back from the week before,” he said.

“We had good spread, we were able to play all of our Bushrangers boys, so it was really exciting for us.

■ Continued page 15

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