Wangaratta Wholefoods owners Kacey and Jerry O’Callaghan are encouraging locals to start reducing their plastic usage with small things like reusable drink bottles or shopping bags.
Story page 2.
PHOTO: Jordan Duursma
Years in operation: We have been trading for over 40 years now.
Opening Hours: 8am til 5pm Monday to Friday & 8.30am til 12 noon Saturday.
Who’s who at Wangaratta Bearings and Industrial Supplies: (left to right)
Danni Barber, Greg Oates, Brendon French, Dylan Fishcher, Greg Baker, Tony Gigliotti, Chris McInnes – Manager, Craig Fruend, Donna McInnes, Richard Nunn, Jodie Edwards.
$420k funding boost for local sport clubs
The Victorian government has provided $420,000 to help Wangaratta-based Sport North East support local sport and recreation clubs over the next two years.
BY GRACE FREDSBERG gfredsberg@ nemedia.com.au
ster support for local clubs and groups.
something that the clubs can avail for free.”
Describe your eld of expertise: Ability to supply anything automotive,mechanical or industrial.
but less tailored than individual support.”
We guarantee:
Treasurer and MP for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, said the funding through the government’s
Together More Active Program aims to help improve
sport sector capability and increase inclusive participation.
Sport North East team leader Dhanur Sharma said the organisation was pleased to receive the funding to bol-
“It was a team effort in bringing what we had planned in terms of putting through the application,” he said, noting the funding will support club development, inclusion and participation.
“This essentially subsidies our services for clubs... predominantly, it would be
Mr Sharma said the funding will support their efforts to “build the capacity and capability of local sporting and active recreation clubs”, setting them up for a more sustainable future.
may be facing in terms of issues, gaps and opportunities,” he said.
Did you know? We are now the North East distributors for WIA welding consumables & machines, Festool concrete machines and tools.We keep all trailer parts, Unimig welders, pure gas oxy/ LPG / acetylene / argon cylinders, Evakool esky’s and 12 volt fridges, Fuchs oil, Terrain Tamer 4WD parts, Donaldson, Wix and Ryco Filters.
“So that includes one-onone support wherein clubs can actively reach out to us and ask for help.
FULL RANGE CAPTAIN TANKS IN STOCK
“This involves assisting local sport and active recreation clubs, whatever they
“There’s also workshops and participation programs that we can do with them on come and try days, which is part of club development
The second major area is inclusivity, which Mr Sharma said has a focus on enabling people with disability, people of multicultural communities, women, and other demographics that face societal barriers to participate in sport and active recreation.
■ Continued page 3
A 38-year-old man from Bundalong who was apprehended following a drug raid on August 7 last year, involving the seizure of around 250g of meth appeared in Wangaratta Magistrates Court via Webex link on Thursday. Defence council Ben Hall said the defendant planned to enter a guilty plea.
Magistrate Ian Watkins adjourned the matter, and the defendant is set to appear in Wangaratta County Court on 1 September.
Correction: draw errors
We wish to apologise for errors in the published AFL draw of last week’s footy tipping.
While the draw received by our valued tipsters was correct, the print edition published draw had errors - this has now been addressed.
Thank you to members of the public who pointed out the errors, re-inforcing the valued interest in our footy tipping competition.
Suburban Rail Loop sees more jobs in North East
A new contract to supply concrete segments for the southern section of the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) in Melbourne is expected to bring 75 new jobs to LS Precast in Benalla – Victoria’s largest precast concrete manufacturing facility.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Suburban Rail Loop, Housing and Building Harriet Shing made the announcement at the Benalla manufacturer on Friday.
and take thousands of cars off metropolitan roads.
The facility is set to build 170 segments a day, securing jobs for more than 75 local workers and creating even more jobs across the supply chain – with production of the segments set to kick off in October as crews prepare for tunnelling to begin next year.
According to the government, construction of the SRL from Cheltenham to Box Hill is delivering economic benefits across Victoria, with more than 3000 people working on the project, and dozens of suppliers and subcontractors from across the state involved in building the cityshaping project.
project made by Victorians, for Victorians – and it will deliver thousands of jobs to support working families right across the state,” Premier Allan said.
They said more than 96,000 concrete segments will be produced in Benalla to build the 16-kilometre section of twin tunnels that will slash travel times
LS Precast was built in 2018 to support Victoria’s Big Build and it has already supplied 49,000 concrete products for the West Gate Tunnel Project and is currently manufacturing more than 46,000 concrete segments for the North East Link Project.
SRL is expected to help regional people access jobs and uni in Melbourne’s suburbs, and slash travel times across the state.
Trains will be taking passengers in 2035 according to the government.
“The Suburban Rail Loop is a
Minister Shing said if the Liberals want to cancel the Suburban Rail Loop it would mean sacking hundreds of people in Benalla and thousands across Victoria.
Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, said the SRL means hundreds of jobs for Benalla, with the project set to provide an economic boost that will be felt throughout regional Victoria. Court
Wangaratta Wholefoods own ers Kacey and Jerry O’Callaghan are encouraging the local com munity to help reduce waste as part of Plastic Free July.
Plastic Free July is a global movement that has inspired more than 100 million participants in 190 countries to be part of the solution to plastic pollution.
Kacey said whether you want to reduce waste in the home, at school or in your business, there are small things you can do that add up to make a huge impact when everyone does their bit.
“You don’t have to make big changes all at once, just make a commitment to a plastic free swap for one or two things,” she said.
Kacey said there are two main reasons it is important for people to reduce the amount of plastic they are using, the environment and your health.
“Loads of plastic is designed to be single-use and can take hundreds of years to break down, this leaches harmful chemicals into our ecosystem along the way,” she said.
“Obviously the pollution in our oceans and environment also has a detrimental effect on wildlife too.
“As plastic breaks down it doesn’t disappear, it fragments into tiny particles called microplastics which can be found in things we consume daily, like our drinking water, seafood and even salt.
Jerry O’Callaghan are encouraging the community to give Plastic Free July a go this month.
“Evidence is now suggesting that these microplastics we are
BY JORDAN DUURSMA jduursma@ nemedia.com.au
consuming regularly can accumulate in our organs causing inflammation and disrupting hormones.”
Kacey said there are practical ways people can reduce the amount of plastic they are using.
“Start small - use reusable shopping bags, a reusable stainless steel drink bottle and coffee cups, try using bulk food dispensers to restock your pantry items straight into glass jars or use paper bags,” she said.
“Use beeswax wraps or glass containers to store food in, instead of glad wrap.
“Refill your cleaning products or use cleaning products with biodegradable properties so there is no plastic waste.
“At Wholefoods, we support this way of shopping by offering plastic-free alternatives and bulk food and cleaning options for all your essentials.
“Plastic Free July isn’t about doing it all perfectly, it’s about making a few mindful swaps.
“Every step towards reducing plastic will make a difference.
“ We’re proud to be part of a community that cares and we’re here to support anyone looking to take part, whether you’re just starting out or ready to go a bit further in your reducing plastic journey.”
For more information about Plastic Free July, visit https:// www.plasticfreejuly.org/.
Woman is facing serious drug offences
A 36-year-old woman from Bundalong who was apprehended following a drug raid which seized around 226.3g of methamphetamine, 33.3g of cannabis and 0.49g of 1.4 Butanediol (GHB), appeared at Wangaratta Magistrates Court last week.
The court heard police from Yarrawonga and Cobram cited warrants to search the residence of the accused and a seven-year-old child on 7 August last year.
Police seized a purse on the defendant containing a small bag of vegetable-like matter believed to be cannabis.
A drug dog identified the bathroom as an area for police to search and they located a Hogwarts case containing crystals believed to be methamphetamine.
The court heard the defendant failed to comply to supply passcodes to two mobile devices, and would not provide DNA,
but provided fingerprints.
Defence counsel told the court that while it was a large amount of illegal substances, this was not a part of a sophisticated trafficking syndicate.
They said the defendant was now in stable accommodation away from the co-accused 38-year-old man.
Police prosecution cited the amount of 1.4 Butanediol (GHB) was four times the amount of the drug to be considered trafficable,
and they would be seeking the maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, taking into account the defendant has served 61 days of pre-sentencing detention.
Magistrate Ian Watkins said this is a serious offence.
“It was a large amount of methamphetamine and 1.4 Butanediol (GHB),” he said.
Magistrate Watkins adjourned the matter until 14 July due to other related matters before the court.
PHOTO: Jordan Duursma
Council’s performance dips, but above regional average
A scorecard rating council performances across Victoria has Wangaratta dipping slightly based on feedback from local community members.
The 2025 Community Satisfaction Survey results revealed an overall performance with an index score of 58, a slight decline from 61 in 2024.
But Wangaratta continues to outperform both the statewide
average of 53 and the regional centres’ group average of 54, above average in 15 of 21 service areas evaluated.
The rural city was however, below the regional centres’ group average when it comes to arts centres and libraries, local streets and footpaths, planning and building permits, and sealed local roads.
The survey, conducted independently by JWS Research
and coordinated by the Department of Government Services, gathered feedback from 400 residents across four quarterly survey periods.
It provides valuable insights into community perceptions of council services and priorities.
Key areas for improvement include informing the community, with council to introduce quarterly email updates
and maintain its regular digital and media communications to help address this.
Community consultation and engagement was another area and council has updated its engagement toolkit and expanded its Connect Wangaratta platform.
The condition of sealed roads was flagged a priority and council will commence repairs on Swan Street, one
of the most cited roads in the survey.
A roll-out campaign dedicated to providing more detailed information on road management will take place.
Wangaratta Mayor Irene Grant acknowledged the results and outlined council’s commitment to improvement.
“We take this feedback seriously, as it offers our community another valuable oppor-
Rural City of Wangaratta is working with Merriwa Industries to support the local rollout of purple-lidded glass recycling bins from today through until August, as part of the Victorian Government’s expanded recycling initiative.
Council’s partnership with Merriwa Industries followed a public competitive tender.
Merriwa provides meaningful employment opportunities for people with disability, and its staff are playing a vital role in preparing the bins for distribution - assembling the bins, attaching wheels and lids, and ensuring they are ready for delivery to households across the region.
The collaboration shows a shared commitment to sustainability, inclusion, and community growth - building a stronger Wangaratta by creating meaningful job opportunities for people with disability.
Merriwa Industries origins date back to 1975 when a group of visionary parents and volunteers established a workplace where people with disability could thrive.
Today they employ 266 people with over 60 per cent of hours worked in their
tunity to share their views and help shape our direction,” Cr Grant said.
“Council is currently implementing an action plan to address key areas for improvement identified in the results, ensuring our residents feel heard, supported, and valued.”
For full survey results visit www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/ communitysatisfactionsurvey
commercial operations performed by people with disability.
“Social procurement is becoming a big part of how businesses and organisations make decisions,” Bart Crawley, Merriwa Industries CEO said.
“With clients like Telstra, Beyond Housing and council, we are increasingly seeing demand that is driven by shared values.
“Merriwa is uniquely placed locally to be able to assist in a variety of work activities.
“Having labour who can help with RCOW’s purple glass bin roll out awarded to Trident Waste & Recycling Services, demonstrates the flexibility of what we can offer for our customers.
“Merriwa industries have been part of our community for decades, and their dedication to inclusion and excellence aligns perfectly with our values.
“It’s great to support local jobs for people of all abilities - working together to make Wangaratta a better place for everyone.”
Find out when your purple bin will be delivered here: www.wangaratta.vic.gov. au/Home/PurpleBinDelivery.
Vale John Parkes: Diocesan service for former Bishop
By SIMONE KERWIN
A Diocesan service of thanksgiving will be held on Monday, 21 July for former Bishop of Wangaratta John Parkes, who passed away on Thursday evening aged 74.
Bishop Parkes was the 10th bishop of Wangaratta’s Anglican diocese, serving from 2008 until his retirement at the end of 2019, prior to the appointment of current Bishop Clarence Bester.
While his funeral and burial will be held privately, the diocesan service of thanksgiving for Bishop John’s life and ministry will be held on 21 July from 11.30am at Holy Trinity Cathedral, with all welcome to attend.
“We give thanks to God for John, for his life and ministry as a priest and a bishop in the church of God, as husband, father, grandfather and colleague, mentor and friend to so many,” Bishop Bester said.
“We continue to pray for his beloved wife Margaret, children Nell and James, son-inlaw Tanu and grandson Peter.”
In late 2018, as he prepared to mark 10 years as Bishop of Wangaratta, Bishop Parkes delighted in telling the Wangaratta Chronicle how he decided to relocate from Brisbane to Wangaratta.
It was the end of 2007, and he was considering a request by Archbishop of Brisbane Philip Aspinall to become principal at
Sport North East receives $420,000 funding boost to support local clubs, organisations
■ From page 1
“We’re working with clubs, council and community organisations to enable participation opportunities for those groups,” he said.
One example of this was the recent Respect in Sport Workshops they conducted with council support, which aimed to bring awareness to and promote inclusion of women and girls in sport.
“We invited clubs to come along and hear what barriers women and girls are facing at clubs, what people are doing well,
what areas for improvement may be,” Mr Sharma said.
“This is a program tailored for clubs to make sure they are being inclusive of women and girls in any way they can.”
Mr Sharma said advocacy and consultancy work is also important as part of delivering these outcomes.
“Being on local committees, being on local health and wellbeing partnerships is where we get information and local insights into what’s working and what’s not.... and where there are opportunities to work
together to achieve certain mutual outcomes,” he said.
Ms Symes said this program draws on the power of sport making a difference; by helping organisations build safe, inclusive, and resilient environments that encourage participation and support volunteer skills development.
“Sport and active recreation offer long lasting benefits for people’s health and wellbeing,” she said.
“That’s why we are supporting more people in Northern Victoria to get involved.”
■ EDITORIAL PAGE 6
Queensland’s St Francis’ Theological College, but a move to the North East was also on the radar for the then-Assistant Bishop and Dean of Brisbane’s St John’s Cathedral.
With wife Margaret, he travelled to the North East as he weighed his options.
“We were driving up from Alexandra to Mansfield, when we came across Bonnie Doon,” he said.
“Now, I thought Bonnie Doon was a mythical town
invented only for the best Australian film that’s ever been, ‘The Castle’, so as we came to the town, I said to Margaret, ‘I’m the Bishop of Bonnie Doon’.”
His delivery of the anecdote’s punchline was accompanied by Bishop John’s trademark booming laugh, but he quickly added: “That’s part of the story”.
“It was clear to me that this was where God was calling me,” he said.
Get creative in holidays at Wangaratta Art Gallery
By ANITA MCPHERSON
Wangaratta Art Gallery will hold workshops inspired by the current exhibition, the Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award 2025, during the school holidays.
Taking inspiration from the artwork Mirrigimpa (sea eagle) by Elisa Jane Carmichael, participants will use
air dry clay and assorted natural and man-made textile materials to create a tiny bird sitting in its own nest.
The chosen bird might be one of Wangaratta’s many beautiful native birds that live in local parks and gardens or that fly over the Ovens River to a high nesting spot, or it might be an imaginary bird with wild and colourful feathers.
The fun decoration could sit on the windowsill and admired by the birds in the garden, and the nesting material can be recycled for a real bird to use for a new spring nest.
The workshop will be held on Thursday, 17 July, 10.30am to 12pm and is suitable for ages six and up, and the cost is $10 (with all materials provided).
Taking inspiration from the artwork Mythkit: resonance + manifestations, by Charlotte Haywood, participants in Friday’s workshop can create their own fantasy, one-of-a-kind paper flowers.
Flowers have always been a source of inspiration for artists due to their diverse colours, shape and fragrance and the unique way
they attract pollinators.
The one-of-a-kind flowers will be made from a selection of recycled, colourful and patterned papers and might include a butterfly or two.
Bring loads of imagination, nimble fingers and come away from the workshop with one or a whole bunch of awesomely colourful paper flowers to
keep or to give to someone.
The workshop will be held on Friday, 18 July from 10.30am to 12pm and is suitable for ages eight and up and the cost is $10 (with all materials provided).
Both workshops will be led by arts educator Inga Hanover and bookings can be made at wangarattaartgallery.com.au/Programs.
Telstra coverage boost for Hume communities A wetter, frostier June for North East
New or improved Telstra mobile coverage will be delivered across a host of Hume communities as part of a $10 million local investment to help deliver the most advanced, resilient and reliable mobile network in the region.
The series of upgrades and new construction projects is being rolled out over the next 12 months, and follows Telstra’s announcement earlier this year that it would increase its national mobile network investment by $800 million over four years to deliver the connectivity needed to support customers in years to come.
Telstra regional general manager for Eastern Victoria
Jenny Gray said the multimillion dollar funding would help deliver better coverage and performance in the region, now and into the future.
“We have a long history of investing in regional communities, and we know mobile connection plays such a huge role in all our lives as well as our futures, whether we’re on the road, at home or the office,” Ms Gray said.
“Data carried across our mobile network has more than tripled over the last five years.
“This investment will help us further expand our mobile coverage and increase the capacity on our 5G network.
“Our investment includes
30 new projects to upgrade our mobile network in locations such as Wangaratta and Benalla.
“We’re also in the process of building a new site in Beechworth and scoping other opportunities to further expand our coverage.”
Telstra has begun upgrading hundreds of mobile sites at its busiest locations around the country with Ericsson’s AIR 3284, the world’s first 5G triple-band radio – a technology that boosts capacity, improves coverage and is central to building a high-performing, programmable network.
“Customers near the up-
graded sites should see and feel a difference with noticeable improvements to speeds and overall experience from this year especially while using their mobile in busy areas,” Ms Gray said.
“This includes better streaming, faster uploads, and more reliable connectivity during peak times.”
In addition to benefiting from the significant investment on the ground, eligible Telstra customers with a compatible phone can now also access Australia’s first satellite to mobile product – Telstra Satellite Messaging which allows customers to send and receive a text message via Starlink
Direct to Cell satellites when they’re outside the reach of Telstra’s mobile coverage area.
Independent Indi MP Helen Haines welcome the latest funding announcement from Telstra to projects in Wangaratta, Benalla and Beechworth.
“Reliable mobile and internet services are critical for regional communities – not just for day-to-day living, but for safety, business and education,” Dr Haines said.
“I look forward to receiving a briefing from Telstra on these works and will continue to push for better coverage in areas where services remain poor or unreliable.”
Team’s gamble pays off in parliament
Monday, 6 July, 2015
By CAITLIN SARTORI
Victoria may be one step closer to fewer gambling advertisements after Wangaratta High School’s Bill was passed at last week’s YMCA Youth Parliament.
The local team believe too many children are exposed to gambling advertisements and presented its “Regulation of Gambling Advertisements” Bill, which was passed 42-10.
Wangaratta High School’s Bill will now be passed onto Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Jane Garrett, for consideration and potential action.
High school team leader, Darcie Pegler, said one of their main clauses was to ban billboards advertising gambling across Victoria.
By Peter Nelson, retired CSIRO climatologist
The month of June over most of Victoria was wetter than average, with the heaviest rainfalls in Western Victoria where many places had their wettest June since 2014.
In North East Victoria, Wangaratta recorded 84.2mms, Rutherglen 69.6mms, Benalla 62.4mms, Yarrawonga 63.2mms and Albury 58.4mms.
Whitfield recorded 146mms which was above average for June.
The heaviest falls occurred about 8 June and again about 24 June with thunderstorms.
“We spoke about the issue of gambling advertisements on television, especially during major sporting events, but television is a federally governed while billboards come under state jurisdictions,” Miss Pegler said.
In a first for Youth Parliament, all 20 Bills were passed which Miss Pegler
said came as a big surprise.
While in Melbourne, the Wangaratta team met with Federal Labor Party candidate for Indi, Eric Kerr, who addressed the Youth Parliament on day one as a past participant.
“It was good to see the
Wangaratta team’s Bill get through... I think gambling advertisement is probably saturated in our media,” Mr Kerr said.
“It was a very good pick up of the group to discuss the issue in parliament.”
At alpine resorts Mt Hotham recorded 128mms and despite 91mms on 24 June - which was the wettest June day since 1989 - the June total was 35mms below average.
Falls Creek recorded 97mms for June which was 45mms below average.
Mt Buller’s 128mms was 30mms below average.
Mean Maximum and minimum temperatures at Wangaratta for June were 12.6 degrees and 1.0 degrees and were 1.3 degrees below normal and two degrees below normal respectively.
At the other four major centres it was very much the same situation regarding temperature profiles .
The highest temperature of around 18 degrees all occurred on 23 June which was unusually late in the month, whilst the lowest temperature of around minus 4 to minus 5 were recorded on 5 June.
The highest temperature for June at many places to as far as Bourke NSW all occurred on 23/24 June and these were the warmest for late June since 1959.
Mr Kerr said a number of other Bills caught his attention as he spent time switching from the gallery to the chambers.
I would support because I don’t believe there is nearly enough for students,” he said.
“There were a few interesting Bills and they all have merit but the push to have Indigenous education made compulsory in schools is one
“The legalising of medical marijuana has been a reoccurring Bill over the years but I was surprised that one didn’t come up this year.”
The mean minimum temperatures were the coldest since 2015 and this was reflected by many more frosts than normal.
There were 22 frost days at Wangaratta, 19 frosts at Benalla, 21 frosts at Rutherglen, 14 frosts at Yarrawonga and 19 frost days at Albury. Rutherglen takes the prize with dense fogs on 24 days .
WHAT’S UP WITH
ALL FOR A LAUGH: Federal Labor Party candidate for Indi Eric Kerr (pictured back, middle) last week met with Wangaratta High School’s Youth Parliament team (back, from left) Kye Richardson, Lara O’Brien, (front, (from left) Max Dewez, Darcie Pegler, Stella Webster and Corrine Antonoff. PHOTO: Courtesy of Youth Parliament Press Gallery
Afternoon tea showcases new look at St Catherine’s
A special afternoon tea on Wednesday saw the unveiling of a new look and brand for St Catherine’s.
Residents, staff, committee of management and auxiliary members gathered to celebrate the new visual identity for the Ryley Street aged care facility, which was developed in response to calls for an updated look.
The new logo and colours, designed to be timeless, visible and relevant to residents, were showcased as work continues on $14 million redevelopment works at St Catherine’s.
Chief executive officer
Adrian Johnstone said the new entrance, café, wine bar and reception/staff area currently under construction would hopefully be complet-
BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au
ed by Easter next year.
A refresh of the dining room will then be undertaken, and Mr Johnstone said this would hopefully be completed by Christmas 2026.
The new St Catherine’s brand and logo feature three circles representing the foundations of care, compassion and belonging, and reflecting the importance of people, connection and community.
The logo will feature in new staff nametags, wayfinding signage and on new Ryley Street entry signage.
Parental group support gone, but in-home care is staying
The Victorian government has responded to Wangaratta council’s concerns about the end to funding for parents via the sleep and settling program for newborns and infants.
Wangaratta councillor Tania Maxwell recently raised concerns about the cessation of $18,000 that allowed council to facilitate group sessions for parents.
She said the group program was vital in sharing skills, knowledge and resources to help them adapt to those sleepless nights, unrest within the family home, and at times a loss of income.
But while the group sessions stopped from 1 July across the state, a Victorian government spokesperson said there are alternative support options available.
“Sleep and settling can be some of the toughest aspects of parenting and that’s why we continue to offer comprehensive support through our free statewide Maternal and Child
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
Health services across Victoria,” he said.
“We’re also making sure families that need extra support have options to turn to, whether that’s through tailored in-home outreach support or via our expanded Early Parenting Centre network.”
The government advised that Maternal and Child Health services across the state continue to offer tailored in-home support via the outreach sleep and settling service for families that need extra help with sleep and settling.
All parents and cares can access free, evidence-based advice on sleep and settling via the Maternal and Child Health Line (13 22 29).
Families requiring more intensive sleep and settling support can access both day-stay and five-day, four-night resi-
dential support through Victoria’s expanded Early Parenting Centre network.
Cr Maxwell confirmed that Wangaratta council continues to offer personalised, in-home support through our Maternal and Child Health outreach team.
She said this service is a vital resource for families needing tailored guidance to support their child’s sleep and wellbeing.
“By focusing on one-onone support, we ensure that parents receive practical, evidence-based strategies that meet their unique needs during this important stage of early development,” she said.
However, the loss of group sessions represents a significant reduction in service capacity.
“Group formats are inherently more sustainable and cost-effective, allowing us to support multiple families simultaneously,” she said.
“Their removal may place additional pressure on our outreach services.”
• Mary Hardman and Hazel Griffiths
• Claire Hurley, Mary Garlick and Dawn Davey.
• Albert and Marie McIlroy.
Funding for local clubs goes deeper
The Victorian government’s funding for Wangaratta-based Sport North East to support local sport and recreation clubs has been welcomed by the community for a multitude of reasons, be that the practical ways the $420,000 help clubs or what it represents on a deeper level.
Sporting clubs have a wide reach: there are thousands of locals who every week head down to ovals, courts and fields to train, volunteer with setting up, spectate and support one another.
They are part of the very fabric of society that holds communities together, whether that’s carpooling as a child to netball training or grabbing a beer after footy, there is a real-world impact on the community, particularly for young people whose places to mingle and connect are shrinking.
With the growing movement of things being online and disconnected, now more than ever it is vital for the community and government to be supporting clubs that create tangible connections for our community.
This funding has the potential to widen the reach of local sport and recreation clubs to promote further inclusion for people who are on the margins of our community, who ordinarily don’t feel like they can step into those spaces due to societal barriers.
Anyone who has been involved in a local sport and recreation club knows there is much more to it than rocking up on a Saturday to play your game.
There are countless hours of preparation from players and coaches, commitment from families to attend training, games and help out, and the volunteers who ensure everything runs smoothly.
This funding is welcomed to bolster our local clubs and a reminder of the importance of celebrating and supporting what makes our community a community.
The Quiz No.142
1. 1. Which planet has the moons, Phobos and Deimos?
2. 2. Who was Australia’s first female acting Prime Minister?
3. 3. Which sport uses a Snickometer?
4. 4. How many points do you score for hitting the outer bull in a standard game of darts?
5. 5. Which character is the proprietor of the Kwik-E-Mart in the TV show, The Simpsons?
6. 6. In 1945, the United Australia Party became a part of which Australian political party?
7. 7. A traditional xylophone is made from what?
8. 8. In which 2017 movie did Geoffrey Rush play the role of Captain Hector Barbossa?
9. 9. Who was the first Women’s World Surfing Champion?
10. 10. In which year of the 1950s did Winston Churchill win the Nobel Prize for Literature?
11. 11. What is the main flavour of Ouzo?
12. 12. Who was the commander of Apollo 13?
13. 13. By what name was the outlaw, Henry McCarty, best known?
14. 14. What is the world’s tallest mountain when measured from below sea level?
15. 15. In 1993, Czechoslovakia split into which two countries?
16. 16. David Copperfield was engaged to which supermodel for six years?
17. 17. Which comic strip features the characters, Helga, Lucky Eddie, Hernia, and Kvack?
18. 18. Bill Monaghan played for which two WAFL teams during his career?
19. 19. Which band had a hit with the song, Take Me to The River, in 1978?
20. 20. Yoga originated in which country?
Facebook users this week commented on funding that was stripped from a council program assisting parents with newborn sleeping behaviours.
Carole Breust: Another example of Council having
no consideration of what is important for the community.
Tania Maxwell: Carole Breust interesting comment. Child Maternal Health is something I am extremely passionate about. Council
We’re so lucky to live in Wangaratta
We are so lucky to live in Wangaratta.
On Thursday afternoon last week I had a nasty fall in Wangaratta’s CBD.
Members of the public dropped what they were doing and came to my aid.
They helped me up and stayed with me while a taxi was called and I was safely taken home.
I want to to thanks everyone who was so generous and caring about my welfare. It made me realise how fortunate we are to live in Wangaratta.
Yvonne
Voss, Wangaratta
No sense in NDIS price changes and cuts
It seems common sense is being throw out with the bathwater following the latest NDIS price changes as regional service funding is cut.
But perhaps it is because a bigger plan is at hand at state levels.
The problem is we just don’t know because codesign now seems to be as elusive as trying to catch smoke with a fishing net.
The Australian Physiotherapy Association, Dietitians Australia, Australian Podiatry Association, Speech Pathology Australia, Occupational Therapy Australia, the Australian Psychological Society, Exercise & Sports Science Australia and Osteopathy Australia are calling on the federal government and the National Disability Insurance Agency to immediately halt and review the NDIS pricing decision which poses a direct threat to essential supports and choice for people with disability.
Early intervention is crucial for children, and we want them to access this at some level in regional areas so that children can grow, develop, and become more independent, faster and with greater capacity.
Instead of simply cutting funding, let’s take the approach of saying, ‘We are cutting one thing because our plan is to…’. That last piece is what is sadly missing.
We are wasting NDIS funds on report writing for the NDIS reports that, according to their own CEO, are often not even read.
At the same time, we are cutting funding for those very services.
We are also cutting travel allowances and reducing access to these services, and like many in regional Australia, we are left without a plan.
We don’t fund regional disability services to operate remotely, so children and adults living with disability experience significant inequity just to receive any type of support or service and now our federal agency has cut that funding even further.
The reason we fight so hard for allied health and capacity-building services in rural areas is that these services foster independence and lasting change in a person’s life.
This has the potential to reduce long-term reliance on services in the future.
was delivering this incredibly important program.
The state government have stopped funding it, not council.
Carole Breust: Tania Maxwell will pay me to read more thoroughly in future
TRAFFIC UPDATE: Work is progressing on the $2 million upgrade to replace a critical watermain at the intersection of Tone Road and Sisely Avenue, extending beneath the North East Rail Line to Bruck Court. Please be advised that traffic conditions will change in mid-July as the Tone Road/ Sisely Avenue intersection temporarily reopens. This reopening will allow improved access for a limited time before the intersection closes again in August for final commissioning works. The upgrade is expected to be completed by September. North East Water understand these changes may cause some inconvenience and appreciate the community’s patience and support as they carry out this essential infrastructure project. For more information and updates, please visit: www.newater.com.au/sisely.
What I hope from the recent announcement is that this will act as a precursor to the state system announcing proper service planning for foundational supports instead.
Our allied health staff are at breaking point.
There are major wait times and a lack of capacity across health services.
My fear is that we are setting up a health system already beyond capacity for a huge fall, and not coordinating a good system or response, so it is on the verge of collapse.
We must connect the dots and coordinate between departments, state and federal, and devise a solution that is cost-effective because it is efficient and flexible.
Proactive policy results in long-term cost savings.
River Night, national disability sector advocate
Investment in police needed for safety
Victoria’s government has continued to fail to address the growing public safety and crime crisis across our state.
It’s not just Melbourne that has seen a drastic growth in incidents, but our regional communities which have been stripped of resources and left to rely on crumbs across our education, health, roads and justice services.
With the state government’s 2025/2026 budget effectively cutting $0.05 billion from the allocation given to our Victoria Police – excluding the impact that inflation has on the need to increase funding, and with many of the state’s infrastructure projects which would have supported regional safety being delayed, it is clear that the current government has a misunderstanding about our regional communities’ expectations for safety.
Victoria Police have an uphill battle to face
across our state, but especially in our regional communities, with 1100 positions currently vacant across our state placing pressure on our police officers, and the scrapping of the mental health and wellbeing hubs on offer to our officers who have encountered traumatising and confronting scenes, it’s now more than ever that we need a government that prioritises investment in our community safety.
Key projects for revitalisation, upgrading and building new stations across our state, including Shepparton and Bendigo as two key sites, have been delayed for at least another three years, which means at least three more years of our police operating in dilapidated and outdated facilities.
What our police deserve is for our government to invest in their health and safety properly, this includes restoring the mental health and wellbeing hubs, stepping up to bat to defend our force against targeted attacks without merit, as well as reducing the workload by investing more into the workforce, as well as building and upgrading the facilities our police and our communities need to make sure communities can stay safe.
Rowan Farren, Shepparton
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
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Creative couple exhibit buttons and drawings
An exhibition by local artists Helen and Leon Pappas called Thread and Line, is showing at the Benalla Art Gallery shop for the month of July.
Helen and Leon are a creative couple who have a mutual fascination with colour, shape, line and the human figure.
Through their different mediums the couple explores people they know, imagine or pass by; and abstract patterns.
Helen works in miniature textiles creating embroidered buttons, while Leon makes expressive drawings.
Sometimes, working as a team, Leon will create and draw artwork that Helen replicates onto her buttons.
Helen discovered her love for embroidery as a teenager, but it was finding a worn, beautifully embroidered button that truly sparked her fascination with embellishing buttons.
This passion has continued to develop over time, and she has since embroidered over 580 buttons.
Helen sells her pieces featuring portraits and abstract creations through the Victorian Button Collectors Club and to private collectors.
Originally from Greece, Leon immigrated to Australia in 1959, developing his passion for art through formal studies at Prahran College of Technology and Monash University.
Under the guidance of renowned mentors Max Middleton, Ernest Vogel, and Dawson McDonald, he honed his skills, eventually debuting at Kew Gallery in 1968. Leon has exhibited at venues such as the World Art Gallery, St Kilda and Windeyer Gallery, Toorak.
Local creatives are invited to connect with La Mama Theatre
By ANITA MCPHERSON
Alpine and Indigo shires.
Local performing artists and creatives will have the opportunity to learn, network and share ideas with others, during a La Mama Connect session being held in Yarrawonga on Wednesday, 23 July, for the North Central and North East region.
Limelight Touring Theatre Company will host the event, as La Mama Theatre puts its public performances on hold and instead spends the year in review, hosting residencies at its Melbourne venues, and visiting regional centres to hear how it can work best with artists and audiences.
La Mama Connect says its aim is to build a strong and supportive network within the creative community and foster a nurturing environment for collaboration and growth. 
She said while it may involve getting advice on the linking of available resources, or accessing grants, there was no specific agenda or goal for the meeting.
“La Mama is wanting to meet with regional performers, writers, producers and venues to find out how they can use their wealth of experience to help regional people connect with each other, and utilise their valuable Melbourne assets,” she said.
“I think they want to brainstorm, to hear what some of our challenges are, what our vision is, and to find out what creatives and performers in the region need access to.”
Now living in Baddaginnie, Leon contributes to the local artistic community through his involvement with the Benalla Broken River Painters and U3A, where he generously shares his expertise. Thread and Line can be seen at the Benalla Art Gallery shop during July, with works available to purchase.
5-year strategy to boost free and low cost events in city
By STEVE KELLY
A strategy that will guide the Rural City of Wangaratta in its hosting and support of events in the area has been adopted.
The Events & Attractions Strategy 2025-29 provides direction on decision making, event opportunities goals and aspirations for the delivery of council events, attraction of events and the support of community events.
A key goal for council is to listen to the community to develop a diverse program that benefits the social, cultural and economic wellbeing.
“By curating a program of free and low cost events that aligns with the direction of council and the strengths of the regions, we can ensure that the economic benefit and return on investment is elevated to new heights and Wangaratta is known as an idealistic events destination,” the report read.
A draft strategy was exhibited for community feedback in February and some feedback was received during the exhibition period.
After 45 downloads of the strategy, nine people provided feedback, with about 78 per cent of submitters agreeing with the recommendations in the strategy.
Themes from the feed-
back included a desire for the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues to return to its original form.
Another comment was about how the city could better accommodate visitors to the festival.
Council’s New Year’s Eve concert celebration, Project 365 events, and the movies in the park were also assessed by a community member.
Better use of Merriwa Park as an events venue was on the list, as was a request for more funding for Targoora Park.
“We have a perfect live music venue (Merriwa Park) that has been disbanded and requires urgent attention,” they said.
“With minimal effort this venue could be the perfect place to host stage shows for up to 2000-2500 people.”
The development of the
arts precinct was on the agenda of another submitter.
“A new fit for purpose building to house the extensive and culturally important art collection will improve the wellbeing of our community and attract visitors to scheduled programing, also contributing to economic gain,” they said.
Connection-based and local produce/creations-based events were mentioned.
“I feel these attract people of all ages, rather than just toddlers and old people,” he said.
“Events at the moment aren’t really catered to the average 17-40 year old.”
Environmental concerns were expressed calling for the eradication of single-use plastic take-away containers at events and with events that potentially risk injury to animals such as rodeos.
It wants to meet and consult with theatre makers and creatives to discuss pathways, networking, community building and professional development, as well as scoping opportunities for regional and metro exchange.
Limelight Touring Theatre Company co-founder Brenda Spilva said they were excited to be hosting La Mama, on behalf of all performers and companies in the northern region, including Wangaratta, Wodonga,
Participants might come from anywhere in the broader North East region. They may be involved in the performing arts on the stage or behind the scenes, or interested in writing, creating, producing or hosting a show.
La Mama Connect North Central will be held on Wednesday, 23 July with two sessions available, from 1pm to 3pm and from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, at The Old Railway in Lott Street, Yarrawonga. It is free to attend with registration available at lamama. com.au/la-mama-pathways/ la-mama-connect-2025/.
Wangaratta Livestock
COLOURFUL DESIGNS: Thread and Line at the Benalla Art Gallery shop, includes a collection of intricately embroidered buttons created by Helen Pappas.
MORE OF THIS: Project 365 was highlighted as a great event by one of the submitters to council’s Events & Attractions Strategy 2025-29. PHOTO: Christie Creative
Winter season well underway at Probus clubs in Wangaratta
WANGARATTA WEST PROBUS CLUB
Sadly, we opened our June meeting with a minute’s silence to honour the memory of our dear Avis Porter who passed away recently.
Our meeting fell on the Monday of the June long weekend.
Although we were unable to access our venue as early as usual, members agreed to go ahead.
Limited time saw a very basic general meeting with no guest speaker then going straight to lunch.
President Greg presented a special certificate to Lorraine and Peter Adams who were celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary.
Many congratulations were extended to the couple on attaining 60 years of marriage.
The winter chills kept quite a few away, get well soon messages were conveyed to those not feeling well.
Members enjoyed our annual casserole luncheon held at Park Lane Bows Club on 18 June.
Many thanks to members attending providing delicious soups, casseroles and sweets for the occasion.
A contingent of 30 members are looking forward to their trip to Uluru and Alice Springs in midJuly.
Soon afterwards, the club will attend the Bull’s Head Hotel for our Christmas in July luncheon.
Our activities ladies continue to organise a number of social occasions throughout the year.
Our walking, water aerobic and movie groups keep busy.
Sunday lunches in various venues are perpetually popular.
We are always ready to welcome new members interested in social interaction with fellow retirees.
Persons interested in joining our club are invited to phone Avril on 0418 857 124 for information.
WANGARATTA MEN’S PROBUS CLUB
On a cold winter morning, numbers were down at our June meeting with only 13 in attendance.
Sickness and those lucky enough to go north for the winter were certainly missed.
President George was in fine form with the sing-along to warm us up, and we thank Richard for bringing along the violin.
We are learning some old songs that we probably haven’t sung for many years.
Coffee at WPACC (Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre) is still a great outing for members and numbers vary but around a dozen usually turn up.
May luncheon was at Moyhu Hotel and everyone was jealous to see Ken Clarke eating the BBQ Spareribs.
June lunch will be at the Vine, while it’s planned we’ll go to Corowa in July.
Wangaratta Coachlines managing director Don Joyce was guest speaker at the June meeting and enlightened the members of how he first came from over the ditch and settled in Wangaratta.
He started with Hoys buslines, commencing a 30-day outback tour where, not only did he drive, but he was chief cook and bottle washer.
He loved it so much he did this
for two years before becoming part of the operations team.
Before slowing down, he had a total of 53 coaches and was doing mostly government contracts.
WANGARATTA LADIES PROBUS CLUB
Another great meeting with 36 members present.
Last month, the vintage group (for those aged over 80) had six people attend lunch, and they are hoping for the same this month.
Fun and fitness continue with their exercising and coffee afterwards on a Tuesday morning and it is great to see 15 members who regularly attend.
The coffee morning on the last Wednesday of the month continues with a regular number attending each month.
Ten Pin Bowling has a core group that meet each month, but as there is school holidays next month they will not play until August.
Mahjong continues at St John’s Terrace craftroom on the first and third Friday of the month.
Anyone who would like to play, including non-Probus members, are invited to join in.
As there are no garden visits in the cooler months, the garden group headed to the Milawa Hotel in May for lunch and continued on to the Milawa Bakery for coffee and slice.
It was very enjoyable day for all; this month they head to Rutherglen.
Our virtual tour in Tasmania come to an end this month.
I would like to thank Pam Neal for doing this every month; it has been enjoyed by all.
If you’re visiting Tasmania, it gave some wonderful ideas of what to see and do.
Our guest speaker for this month was Matt Dillon from Boys to the Bush, a local charity that mentors young boys with the values of community, engagement and respect.
They aspire to teach young boys to care for themselves, others and respect through community engagement, camps and school programs.
A very interesting talk.
I hope everyone is keeping warm and cosy with the colder weather.
WANGARATTA CENTRAL COMBINED PROBUS CLUB
Vice president Colin Thomson opened the Friday, 20 June meeting at 10am, welcoming members as well as guests Ken and Leila Craig, Norm Baker and Keith Fyffe.
Total membership: 72 plus three guests.
Vonnie Sanson spoke about how she saves up all year to donate to a worthy cause; whether it be a charity or a club or a needy individual. She does this in memory of her late husband.
This year Vonnie has elected to donate $500 to our club to assist with the maintenance of our defibrillator.
Vonnie’s generous donation is greatly appreciated by our members.
Upcoming events are as follows: Christmas in July: Friday, 25 July at noon at The Vine Hotel.
Cost is $30.00pp - please pay online or directly to the club.
Breakfast club: Thursday, 10 July at the Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway.
The in-house lunch is scheduled for 17 October.
Caravanners: From 23-30 November.
Trip to Castlemaine with activities at Bendigo, Ballarat and Castlemaine Gaol.
Please book your site or cabin directly with Big4 Castlemaine Lakeside.
The next guest speaker will be Carolyn Jerome.
The recent passing of an exmember and lovely lady, Betty Toppin was mentioned.
It was also noted that our club has celebrated our birthday month in June over each of our 24 years and who cut the cake on each year.
The next general meeting will be held on 18 July at 10am at Wangaratta Bowls Club.
WANGARATTA APPIN PARK PROBUS INC.
President Denny Wagstaffe called 10 June meeting to order, welcoming 55 members present and five visitors.
General business was attended to, with discussion on PSPL (Probus South Pacific Limited) information, affairs regarding fees and our inventory list.
Storage containers will be purchased to house documents, paperwork, photos and other items.
Special interests groups have been busy recently with games group, card groups, craft group,
breakfast groups and book club all enjoying Probus friendship, fellowship and fun.
Friday lunch group dined out at the Railway Hotel on 12 June while moviegoers saw ‘The Materialist’ on 15 June followed by lunch at RSL Club; they plan to view ‘4 Letters of Love’ on 27 July.
On Saturday, 14 June, members attended a fun rock ’n’ roll night at Masonic Hall, dressing in 50s/60s rock ’n’ roll gear, and singing and dancing the night away.
A great time had by all.
Christmas in July lunch will be held on Thursday, 17 July at Remel, Whorouly.
Organiser Elaine Broadway suggests we meet at Wareena Park at 11.15am and carpool to the venue. Instead of a guest speaker at our August meeting, we are having a ‘Footy Favourites Day’.
Dress in your teams colours and enjoy tasty treats and nibbles. Please bring a plate to share.
September and October trips have been well planned as has Melbourne Cup Day in Nov.
Member Lorraine Cameron’s daughter Sharon was our guest speaker in June.
She introduced us to her beautiful seven-year-old blonde Labrador named Artemus.
Arte is a therapy dog that Sharon has been working with helping school children and many others overcome woes and fears.
A most interesting talk, and Arte was so well-behaved and friendly.
Everybody loved her.
Thank you to Sharon for arranging.
TRAVELLERS: Wangaratta West Combined Probus Club members, alongside members from other Probus Clubs and friends, enjoyed a wonderful trip to Singapore in May. Here, they visited the beautiful Botanic Gardens; just one of the many picturesque Singapore attractions viewed during the six-day tour.
ACROSS
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
1 Which meal is taken at night (6)
7 To be highly elated, is to be what (8)
8 What is a tax or a tribute called (6)
9 Name a visionary person (8)
10 What is used for displaying a film (6)
11 What is an insurrection (8)
14 Name those who design clothing, etc (8)
18 Which word means one or the other (6)
19 What is a public vote (8)
21 Name a quick jerky movement (6)
22 Name a slender appendage in some animals (8)
23 What are evil spirits (6)
DOWN
1 Name a pair of cutting instruments (8)
2 Which term implies that the truth has been established (6)
3 What describes those in attendance upon important personages (8)
4 To restore to health, is to do what (4)
5 What are stables or sheds for horses (6)
12 To have felt indignation, is to have done what (8)
13 Who are members of a warlike Rajput people (8)
15 Name another term for a cashier (6)
16 To find, is to do what (6)
17 What is a courtyard (6)
20 Name a small unit of length (4)
E-QUATIONS 7
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 MORDANT (a) Unhealthy (b) Caustic, as wit (c) Aimless
6 Which term describes agreement or accord (6)
Letters have a number value
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.
2 SPECIOUS (a) Pleasing to the eye but deceptive (b) Given to great display (c) Given to speculation
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:
Belonging to it (3)
Celebratory (7)
Edge (3)
Inert (5)
Language of the Hittites (7)
Level (abb) (3)
Posts (5)
Sum (5)
Swiss potato dish (5)
Tertiary Entrance Score (3)
SOLUTIONS SUDOKU
37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677
Notice of Intention to Apply for a Licence to Construct Works (Bore) for a Licensable Purpose
GMW Reference No: BGW0212-25
We, Domain Chandon Australia Pty Ltd Of 5044 Mansfield-Whitfield Rd WHITLANDS VIC 3678
Refer to Vic Roads Map 48 G6
Intend to make application to Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) for a Licence to Construct Works (Bore), and if successful:
• This is our notice to amend our existing Licence to Take and Use Groundwater to include the bore and extract existing volume of 90.0ML/Year
The application is for (1) one bore to be constructed to a proposed depth of 120 metres.
The water will be used for the purpose of: Irrigation to be constructed and used on lands described ad:
80618461335071UTP 7678179
8712296
9937627172218MCP 10048171171894YCP
Any person able to demonstrate that their interests will be affected by the issue of this Licence including any intended Groundwater use, is invited to make a formal submission setting out the nature of the impact within 14 days of receipt of this written notification.
To make a submission please read the information available to download from Make a submission about a licence application - Goulburn Murray Water refer to the Groundwater section or contact GMW to arrange a copy to be posted to you. Submissions must be lodged using the GMW template available either by mail or email to, licensingadmin@gmwater.com.au or PO Box 165, TATURA VIC 3616.
CLEAN CUT: Here is an opportunity to expand your lawn mowing business or if you’re just starting out, Clean Cut has a number of accounts with an excellent wellestablished clientele who have been with Clean Cut for a long time. Please allow us to discuss this opportunity with you by contacting Chris at 0427 523 293.
CARPENTRY and plastering. Ph 0424 911 161.
WHEELER Earthworks, available for all your earthworks needsyard clean ups, stump removals, driveways, material supply and spreading, rural work and more. Call Marcus on 0491 094 545.
HAY FOR SALE LUCERNE HAY
Top quality, small bales, Gundagai area. Ph. 0427 423 313.
DRY SPLIT FIREWOOD, quality boxwood and gum, available now, $170 per metre, dry, split, ready to burn, fast delivery available. Call G & J Tree Services on 0474 107 631.
MUSTSELL, moving away, Haier 6kg Washing Machine top loader, works like new $150 and Heller fridge/freezer, clean, works well, suit 1-2 people or garage, $100. Ph 0414 559 077.
MINIPOODLES , black and white parti phantom, available now, DNA tested, Source ID: MB118464, Microchip numbers: 991003003251677, 99100 3003251692, 991003003251696. Call Karen 0417 362 961.
1993 Subaru Brumby, needs a little work, not registered, VIN JF3AU5PR016533439, $1500. Phone Mick 0434 078 509.
2004 Ford Fairmont Sedan, good condition, mileage 341,000km, VIN 6FPAAAJGSW4C96098, located Wangaratta, $3750. Ph 0437 172 131.
2007 Ford Ranger, 4 door space cab, new injectors, new tyres, mileage 236,000km, VIN MNALSIE907VS47995, located Wangaratta, $11,500. Ph 0437 172 131.
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Administration/ Classifieds
Maternity Leave Position 12 Months Contract
An opportunity has arisen to join one of Victoria and NSW’s leading independent news and media groups, based at our Wangaratta office working on newspapers, magazines and digital properties across our group.
Skills and Experience
• Prior experience in an administration position
• Ability to handle debtor/creditor queries
• Solid computer skills, including experience with Excel and Word
• Accurate data entry and attention to detail
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Exceptional customer service
• The ability to work in a team-based environment
• Proven time-management skills and ability to prioritise urgent work
If you are looking for a new challenge in an energetic and stimulating environment, we would encourage you to apply.
Applications should be forwarded to: Yvonne Cypser Administration/Finance Manager ycypser@nemedia.com.au
KEYS, Alan Edward.
Born 25/8/1948 – Died 2/7/2025
Dearly loved husband of Anne (dec) and Carolyn. Loving father of Jono, Tim and Deb. Father-in-law to Mel, Emma and Chris. Devoted Grandfather to Emily, James, Jesher, Jack, Eli, Juni, Elera, Bailey, Esther and Mackenzie. Forever with the Lord.
The committal service for Mr Alan Edward Keys will be held at the Springhurst General Cemetery, 275 Cemetery Road, Springhurst on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 1pm. A memorial service will follow in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 commencing at 2pm. Alan’s memorial service can be viewed
masonpark.com.au
KEYS
WANGARATTA Chronicle photographer Marc Bongers made his way down to Saturday junioe netball to take some action snapshots. Photographs can be purchased at the Chronicle.
ATELAITE COKANAUTI
RUBY ZABILOWICZ
NINA PREBBLE
IVE BARBOUR
WANDA SKERMER
LUCY GALLOWAY
ADELINE RYMER
GRACE JOHNSON AND SHAYLEE BUTLER
SHAYLEE BUTLER
CHLOE LITTEL
INDIE SMITH
EVIE BURNS
LIBBY MCDONALD
Hard luck at home in the O&K
By NATHAN DE VRIES
It was a weekend for the travelling teams of the Ovens and King senior football competition, with the visitors taking the wins in all five senior games played on Saturday.
Whorouly shook off their loss last week with a composed 14.12 (96) to 5.8 (38) win over King Valley at Whitfield.
The match was set up through a blistering seven goals to one first quarter, but while the Roos fought hard for the full four quarters, the Lions were too strong.
Whorouly’s Michael Newton brought his season goal tally to 79 after booting nine majors, while Jessie Smith was electric in his first game back since round 10.
For the Roos, Charlie Davies was incredible, while Sam Evans and Sal Bettio continued to deliver week after week.
Tarrawingee took the four points back from Hopperland after securing a 25-point win over Moyhu, 12.9 (81) to 8.8 (56).
An early 17-point quarter time margin was pushed out to 31 by half-time, with the Bulldogs outworking Moyhu and using the ball better.
Moyhu came back hard after the break and kicked four goals to two, trailing by 20
ROUND 14
points with a quarter to play. With the match still in the balance, Tarrawingee displayed their improvement, winning the quarter by five points in a pitch contest.
Cam Chamberlain was among the best on ground for the Bulldogs, assisted by Sam Piper (three goals) and Will Creed, while Moyhu’s Char lie Gibson, Harry Verdon and Jordie Hansted showed their class.
Goorambat went to the Hanger and emerged victori ous, bolstering their premier ship credentials with a 17.17 (119) to 10.9 (69) win over Bonnie Doon.
A contested opening term gave way to a dominant sec ond quarter from the Bats. Controlling the game, the Bats piled on 10 scoring shots for only three goals, and had the chance to ice the game early if they had been a bit more clinical in front of the big sticks.
Bonnie Doon brought the margin back slightly through the third, but a six goal to three to the Bats saw them over the line.
even on points with the Bombers, with Bonnie Doon retaining fourth on the ladder with the superior percentage. Elsewhere, the margin was more pronounced.
Milawa were 12 goals too good for North Wangaratta, the Demons powering to an 18.11 (119) to 6.9 (45) win.
Brayden Stepien slotted five goals for the Bats, with Victor Butler and Sam Gladstone among their best, while Bonnie Doon’s Joel Sanford and Mason Tait finished with seven goals between them. The win brings the Bats
Harry Moran (six) and Lachie Kennet (four) also filling their boots.
The Blues go a game clear on top of the ladder with 44 points, with Bright (40), Milawa (40) Bonnie Doon (32), Goorambat (32) and Whorouly (24) rounding out the top six.
THREAT: Charlie Davies was King Valley’s best on ground, equally impactful in attack and defence
WINNERS AND LOSERS
*Ladder correct at time of print from Ovens and King website.
A GRADE:
Moyhu 30 def by Tarrawingee 44; Benalla AB 17 def by Greta 84; Bonnie Doon 49 def Goorambat 35; King Valley 20 def by Whorouly 52; Nth Wang 16 def by Milawa 66.
B GRADE:
Moyhu 23 def by Tarrawingee 41; Benalla AB 30 def by Greta 76; Bonnie Doon 52 def Goorambat 41; King Valley 19 def by Whorouly 54; Nth Wang 16 def by Milawa 66.
B RESERVE:
Moyhu 41 def Tarrawingee 32; Nth Wang 20 def by Milawa 39; Bonnie Doon 51 def Goorambat 29; King Valley 23 def by Whorouly 43; Benalla AB 55 def Greta 21.
C GRADE:
Moyhu 43 def Tarrawingee 38; Nth Wang 11 def by Milawa 48; Bonnie Doon 77 def Goorambat 16; King Valley 53 def Whorouly 24; Benalla AB 19 def by Greta 79. 15 & UNDER:
Moyhu 34 def by Tarrawingee 79; Nth Wang 11 def by Milawa 66 Bonnie Doon 117 def Goorambat 10; Benalla AB 48 def Greta 36; King Valley 67 def Whorouly 39.
ROUND 15
SAT, JULY 12
BENALLA vs KING VALLEY
GRETA vs WHOROULY
GOORAMBAT vs TARRAWINGEE
BONNIE DOON vs MILAWA
NTH WANGARATTA vs BRIGHT
MOYHU - BYE
GOALS: MOYHU: N. Stewart 2, W. Johnson 2, D. West 2, K. Pensak 1, J. Preston 1. TARRAWINGEE: S. Piper 3, D. Witham 2, H. Amery 2, N. Gorman 2, A. Cook 2, O. Sharp 1.
BEST: MOYHU: C. Gibson, J. Hansted, H. Verdon, N. Gamble, M. Thrum, P. McNamara. TARRAWINGEE: C. Chamberlain, S. Piper, T. Hogan, W. Creed, D. Witham, A. Amery.
BENALLA 4.1 4.3 5.3 7.3.45
GRETA 8.5 14.12 24.21 33.28.226
GOALS: BENALLA ALL BLACKS: J. Smith 2, D. Sinclair 2, M. Ryan 1, C. Orchard 1, L. Sinclair 1. GRETA: J. McClounan 10, H. Moran 6, L. Kennett 4, C. Crawford 3, B. Whinray 2, B. Pearson 2, T. Cheer 1, T. Arrowsmith 1, B. Newbold 1, T. Baker 1, C. Green 1, L. Hadden 1. BEST: BENALLA ALL BLACKS: S. Cox, K. Linke, D. Button, M. Ryan, D. Sinclair, R. Nedeljkovic. GRETA: J. McClounan, C. Crawford, H. Moran, J. Bell, T. Baker, L. Hadden.
GOALS: BONNIE DOON: J. Sanford 4, M. Tait 3, J. Octigan 1, C. Smedley 1, J. Law 1.
GOORAMBAT: B. Stepien 5, R. Goodley 3, B. Wapling 2, T. Nolan 2, J. Taylor 1, V. Butler 1, D. Haebich 1, D. Beavis 1, S. Gladstone 1. BEST: BONNIE DOON: P. Cairns, F. Butterworth, J. Law, A. Hill, P. Smith. GOORAMBAT: V. Butler, D. O’Kane, S. Gladstone, B. Purcell, J. Webb, B. Stepien. KING
GOALS: KING VALLEY: B. Collihole 3, C. Davies 2. WHOROULY: M. Newton 9, C. Southern 2, E. Bramich 2, Z. Bladon 1. BEST: KING VALLEY: C. Davies, D. Lang, S. Evans, S. Bettio, D. Young, S. Jansen. WHOROULY: M. Newton, J. Smith, D. Boyle, J. Bihun, D. O’Shannessy, O. Dixon.
WANGARATTA
GOALS: NORTH WANGARATTA: J. Adamo 2, T. Schulze 1, T. Nanson 1, J. Devine
M. Bodsworth. GRETA: D. Hogan, C. Hernandez, J. Kennett, S. Mcleod, D. Cassidy, A. Ryan. Moyhu 6 5 (41) Tarrawingee 7 15 (57)
BEST: MOYHU: B. Harrison,
NORTH WANGARATTA: J. Adamo, J. Nanson, D. Killen, T. Schulze, M. Smith, T. Nanson. MILAWA: A. Law, M. Giles, J. Owen, J. Lea, H. Kebede, D. Fountain.
CHARGE: Lachy Moore looks to breaks through the tackle from Joel Burchall in Whorouly’s 58-point win over King Valley PHOTOS: Nathan de Vries
CONSISTENT
WINNERS AND LOSERS
GOALS: LAVINGTON: T. Oosterhoff 2, J. Costello 2, J. O’Brien 1, S. Driscoll 1, N. Sedgwick 1, C. Sanson 1. WANGARATTA ROVERS: W. Christie 4, T. Boyd 2, N. Cooper 1, N. Scholte 1, E. Dayman 1, J. Smith 1. BEST: LAVINGTON: J. Driscoll, J. Hart, J. Glanvill, E. Perryman, W. Liersch, A. Cook. WANGARATTA ROVERS: N. Scholte, N. Cooper, A. McCarthy, W. Nolan, X. Allison, J. Smith.
MYRTLEFORD 6.3 8.3 9.9 13.11.89
WANGARATTA 2.2 7.3 8.5 9.6.60
GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: R. Sharp 5, D. Bren 2, K. Agosta 2, L. Murphy-Dale 1, B. Ricardi 1, S. Curtis 1, N. Turner 1. WANGARATTA: X. Laverty 3, M. Hedin 2, J. Clarke 1, C. Barrett 1, J. Craven 1, C. Knowles 1. BEST: MYRTLEFORD: B. Sharp, R. Smith, M. Tenardi, J. Muraca, D. Batey, R. Sharp. WANGARATTA: X. Laverty, C. Knowles, M. Hedin, J. Clarke, T. Norton, B. Melville.
Lavington 36 def by Wangaratta Rovers 71 15 & UNDER Albury 26 def by Nth Albury 52
Myrtleford 52 def Wangaratta 34
Yarrawonga 39 def Corowa Rutherglen 37
Wodonga Raiders 51 def Wodonga 42
Lavington 67 def Wangaratta Rovers 16
Lavington 4.6 (30) def by Wangaratta Rovers 5.4 (34)
GOALS: LAVINGTON: I. Robertson 1, E. Fischer 1, C. Hall 1, C. Way 1. WANGARATTA ROVERS: J. Marek 2, M. Semmens 1, Z. O’Shannessy 1, J. Correll 1.
BEST: LAVINGTON: D. Meani, A. Russell, R. Costello, T. Goonan, E. Fischer, C. Baxter. WANGARATTA ROVERS: H. Mullane, T. Ford, J. Ford, J. Correll, E. Saunders, K. Wohlers. Myrtleford 2.1 (13) def by Wangaratta 19.12 (126)
GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: T. Cooper 1, R. Skahill 1. WANGARATTA: H. Barry 5, H. Laverty 4, C. Kerwin 2, A. Jayet 2, R. Schultz 1, C. Bott 1, H. McKenzie 1, L. Griffiths 1, W. Prebble 1, J. Blake 1.
BEST: MYRTLEFORD: Z. Carroll, J. Hazeldine, C. Piazza, J. Notarianni, T. Miller, H. Stripeikis. WANGARATTA: H. Laverty, A. Jayet, H. Barry, O. Boyle, J. Scheier, R. Schultz.
Albury 11.10 (76) def North Albury 6.6 (42)
Yarrawonga 7.7 (49) def by Corowa Rutherglen 11.8 (74)
Wodonga Raiders 5.5 (35) def by Wodonga 5.11 (41)
GOALS: YARRAWONGA: N. Irvine 4, Z. Fraser 2, J. Hargreaves 2, M. Findlay 1, R. Clarke 1, N. Fothergill 1, M. Parker 1. COROWA RUTHERGLEN: B. Kantilla 3, K. Bradtke 2, J. Cresswell 1, N. Richards 1. BEST: YARRAWONGA: C. Wilson, H. Wheeler, R. Bruce, N. Irvine, N. Fothergill, J. Urquhart. COROWA RUTHERGLEN: J. Rowston, N. Richards, J. Cresswell, T. Forrest, R. Murphy, B. Kantilla. YARRAWONGA 0 0 0 0 COROWA R’GLEN 0 0 0 0
Hedin, T. Berry, C. Hines, K. Driscoll. Yarrawonga 6 10 (46) Corowa R’len ���������� 7�14 (56)
BEST: YARRAWONGA: W. Lutula, B. Schofield, D. Walsh-hall, S. Trembath, J. Eales, D. Flanagan. COROWA RUTHERGLEN: M. Scott, L. Heagney, E. Amery, J. Keys, D. Clancy, F. Parker. Wodonga Raiders 6 12 (48) Wodonga 5 4 (34)
BEST: WODONGA RAIDERS: C. Anderson, F. Jensen, J. Casey, D. Ramage, J. Cannell, I. Anderson. WODONGA: H. Kitching, J. Gilbee, B. Oates, T. Marx, B. Dove, L. Nugent. Albury 16 9 (105) North Albury 4 2 (26)
GOALS: ALBURY: M. Walker 6, E. Ziebarth 2, T. Quade 2, R. Garthwaite 1, K. Heiner-Hennessy 1, J. Gaynor 1, J. Pitt 1. NORTH ALBURY: N. Dennis 3, J. Reynolds 3, T. Broomhead 2, L. Taylor 2, J. Penny 1, D. Cullen 1, K. Duncan 1.
BEST: ALBURY: M. Walker, E. Ziebarth, R. Garthwaite, J. Gaynor, J. Kelly, W. Blomeley. NORTH ALBURY: J. Penny, J. Reynolds, L. Taylor, I. Campbell, J. Weidemann, J. Hayes. ALBURY 3.3 5.3 8.4 14.7.91 NORTH ALBURY 2.3 7.4 10.10 13.12.90
GOALS: WODONGA RAIDERS: C. Rich 2, E. Boxall 1, A. Sinclair 1, B. O’Neill 1. WODONGA: N. Spiteri 7, K. Winter-Irving 3, N. Bradshaw 2, A. Jorgensen 2, T. Miller 1, J. Yelland 1, R. Gill 1, J. Hymus 1. BEST: WODONGA RAIDERS: C. St John, W. Fordham, N. Bracher, C. Rich, B. O’Neill, H. Cribbes. WODONGA: N. Spiteri, A. Jorgensen, N. Bradshaw, T. Johnson, K. Mimmo, O. Greenhill. WOD. RAIDERS
BEST: ALBURY: J. Muller, D. Pattinson, T. Miller, J. Shanahan, B. Hodgson, E. Moore. NORTH ALBURY: B. Spurr, M. Wadley, C. Iannelli, R. Wall, J. Spurr, D. Penny. Lavington ����������������� 5�5 (35) Wangaratta Rovers 9 9 (63)
BEST: LAVINGTON: S. Webb, P. Flood, L. Gaffney, J. Wills, A. Cohalan, J. Oeser. WANGARATTA ROVERS: H. McMonigle, S. Rourke, T. Vincent, S. Doyle, H. Lloyd, S. Allan.
ROUND 13
SATURDAY, JULY 12
WANG ROVERS VS RAIDERS
WODONGA VS WANGARATTA MYRTLEFORD VS YARRAWONGA COROWA RUTHERGLEN VS ALBURY
NORTH
ARCHER DIREEN
NATHAN COOPER
LARA JUDD HANNAH GRADY
HUDSON LLOYD
ED DAYMAN
CAMERON BARRETT
PATRICK WRIGHT
MARSHALL SEMMENS
BAILEY PAUL
Lights to shine on Rangers
By SHANE DOUTHIE
Wangaratta’s home of baseball and softball, Targoora Park, is set to strengthen its reputation as the finest baseball/softball complex in regional Victoria thanks to a 350,000 state government grant for a 500 lux LED lighting upgrade.
The announcement was made last week by Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence and will enable baseball and softball players to play and train at night.
It’s one of 41 new projects who will share in almost $24 million from round 2 of the Allan Government’s Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund (RCSIF), investing in women and girls’ change rooms, sports courts and fields and more.
Wangaratta Rangers Baseball Softball Club committee junior delegate Mikayla Pool said the upgrade would provide greater opportunities for players, particularly girls and women, for training and matches after school and work during the week and at weekends.
“Better lighting will enable us to train longer at night, it will also provide greater safety and create options for night games, particularly for softball during the hot summer months instead of play-
ing in the heat of the day,” she said.
“It will enable the club to operate better all year round and build on the family atmosphere at Targoora Park.”
Baseball is played primarily through the winter months while the softball season runs from October to March with a break in January.
Night games would also be a spectacular development for baseball across all grades during the winter months and enable the club to attract more major tournaments to Wangaratta.
“This is the only complex of its type in regional Victoria, except for Geelong which is virtually metro anyway, with multiple diamonds and soon with lights,” Rangers president Nathan Pool said.
Wangaratta Mayor Irene Grant said the funding was a fantastic outcome for our community.
“The lighting upgrade at Targoora Park will make a real difference, especially in supporting more opportunities for women and girls to participate in sport,” Cr Grant said.
“It aligns strongly with council’s Fair Play and Gender Equity Plan and reflects our commitment to inclusive, accessible community facilities.
“We’re excited to see this
strengthens local communities,” she said.
“In the past two years alone more than 330 community sport projects have increased participation by almost 43 per cent or more than 70,200 new participants, including a 19 per cent increase in junior girls playing sport.”
Local economies are also winners, with more than
1170 direct full-time jobs supported in the delivery of more than $538 million worth of community sport and active recreation infrastructure across Victoria.
The Victorian Budget 2025/26 is investing $20 million to continue pro -
viding new and improved community sports infrastructure through initiatives like the statewide Local Sports Infrastructure Fund, which will be open for applications in the coming months.
MATCH REVIEWS
For more information about the fund and successful projects visit sport. vic.gov.au.
To learn more about the Wangaratta rangers Baseball Softball Club and what they offer visit their website at wangaratta rangers. com.au.
Rovers reclaim top billing after ending Lavington’s six-game winning streak, but Magpies fall to Saints
■ From back page
“We probably didn’t convert our chances in the last quarter, but at the end of the day we maintained pretty good control, with a very even performance from everybody...it put us in good stead.
“They came out firing like we knew they would and in the first 10-15 minutes of that third quarter, they dominated, but we were able to stem the tide a bit.
“We fought back well in the back end of the third quarter, and the last quarter was a really tight tussle but we held on and took the four points.”
Big man Ed Dayman topped the charts with 154 ranking points, racking up 51 hit-outs and three inside 50s, while Charlie Thompson and Sam Murray had 30 touches each, and young gun Noah Scholte was among the best on ground.
“That’s the key for us, we’ve got a really good blend of mature, talented, proven footballers, and that’s complemented by some of our up-and-coming long-term players for the club,” Sullivan said.
“Jai Dal Zotto, Noah Scholte, Brodie Paul, Justin Lewis, all of those guys are really putting in credible performances and making sure we’re not losing out with our younger-age players, they’re contributing well.”
MAGPIES FALL TO SAINTS Elsewhere, Wangaratta Magpies were unable to square the ledger from their earlier loss to Myrtleford, with the Saints taking the points 13.11 (89) to 9.6 (60).
The Magpies trailed by 25 points at the first break, but managed to slam on five second quarter goals to bring the margin back to a solitary goal by the half.
It was a complete arm wrestle through the third, with Wangaratta kept in the game thanks to the Saints inaccuracy in front of goal.
Myrtleford kicked 1.6 to Wangaratta’s 1.2 in the third quarter, the ‘Pies trailing by just 10 points heading into the fourth and final term.
Despite strong efforts at the ball, the Magpies came up short, downed by 29 points.
Xavier Laverty kicked three goals in a best on ground performance, while Chris Knowles, Tyler Norton and Brad Melville were also named among the best for the Magpies.
The results from the weekend see the Magpies a game behind Rovers and even with Lavington and North Albury.
Myrtleford sits ahead of Albury in the five with the better percentage.
BATTER UP: Wangaratta Rangers Baseball Softball Club players Candice Jones and Lily Britton give Cr Irene Grant a few tips at home plate on Targoora Park. PHOTO: Shane Douthie
FORWARD FORCE: Lochie O’Brien drives the Rovers inside forward 50 with his booming left boot.
QUICK HANDS: Sam Murray handballs to Sam Cattapan.
RUCK-ING GOOD: Ed Dayman recorded 51 hitouts and eight clearances.
CONTESTED: Charlie Thompson works his way through traffic.
PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie
A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN
Wangaratta Rangers
Baseball Softball
Club’s home base at Targoora Park will be getting lights.
Delighted by the news on Friday were (from left) club president Nathan Pool, Mayor Irene Grant, Leah Dinsdale, Candice Jones, Donna Smedley, Makayla Pool and (front) Lily Britton.
Story page 15
Top of the table
Rovers reclaim top billing after ending Lavington’s six-game winning streak, ‘Pies fall to Saints
It’s good to be the kings.
Wangaratta Rovers’ senior footballers returned to the head of the pack after prevailing in their one versus two clash with the Panthers at Lavington Sports Ground on Saturday. In front of a smaller crowd than a top of the table clash would generally
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@
nemedia.com.au
garner, the Rovers saluted with a 10.14 (74) to 8.8 (56) win.
The match was very congested early, with the first goal coming more than 11
minutes into the opening term through a Will Christie set shot.
There were just five points in it at quarter time, but the Rovers began to stretch their legs through the second.
They controlled the flow of play and defended exceptionally well, leading by
27 points by the half.
Lavington signalled their intent to fight back early in the second half, taking less than a minute to bang on a goal.
Despite the intensity shown by the Panthers, Rovers kept them at bat, leading by five goals heading into the fourth.
The energy ticked up another notch, with frenetic play and desperate efforts from both teams.
The Panthers kicked three goals unanswered in the last term of the game, coming within striking distance of the Rovers, but the brown and gold proved too good, holding
on for a three-goal win.
Wangaratta Rovers football operations manager Barry Sullivan said it was a promising sign the Rovers could hold off a fastfinishing and fit team like Lavington. “It was a good test for us,” he said.
