Wangaratta Chronicle 210723

TIME FOR A CHANGE

Councils plead road road funding case case

Story page 2.

Magpies face off against T igers Tigers

Sport

FATAL COLLISION

Investigations continue into crash near Wangaratta claiming life of Yarrawonga woman gggg

MAJOR Collision police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding a crash near Killawarra which claimed the life of a 60-year-old Yarrawonga woman on Wednesday afternoon.

Emergency services were called to Wangaratta-Yarrawonga Road near Arnott

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

Road shortly after 2pm, following reports of a threecar collision, and found the sole occupant of a vehicle deceased at the scene.

An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said two occupants of another vehicle involved in the crash were subsequently transported to Northeast Health Wangaratta for observation.

“A man believed to be in his 50s was taken to Northeast Health Wangaratta for observation in a stable condi-

tion,” the spokesperson said.

“A woman believed to be in her 50s was taken to Northeast Health Wangaratta with upper body pain in a stable condition.”

The driver of a third car also suffered non-lifethreatening injuries, according to police.

■ Continued page 5

IT’S been part of Wangaratta’s landscape for decades, but Linga A While Nursery is set to close.

Mandi McDonald, who took over the nursery from her parents eight years ago, says it’s time to focus on a new adventure in life.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

CRASH SCENE: Police, SES, CFA and Ambulance Victoria crews were quickly on the scene on Wednesday afternoon, following a fatal collision near Arnott Road. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

HARD AT IT RESTORING POWER:

CREWS went to work at Pinkerton Crescent to restore a power outage around lunchtime yesterday after a powerline fell into the Ovens River in the early hours of the morning due to extreme weather.

Around 551 homes lost power in North Wangaratta, Tarrawingee, Peechelba East, Boorhaman, Eldorado and Docker Plains. AusNet had been working with the SES emergency response teams to assess the damage in floodwaters and start repairs and restoration efforts.

Power was restored to all homes at around 3:30pm yesterday. An AusNet spokesperson reminded people to stay out of floodwaters and assume any fallen or damaged powerlines are live.

Mandi calls time on Linga A While Nursery

MANDI McDonald is closing Linga A While Nursery in Wangaratta to pursue her next adventure.

The nursery has been in the family since her father and step mum, Eric and Molly Geelan, purchased it 28 years ago.

Ms McDonald has worked there for the last 20 years and purchased it eight years ago with her husband, Paul, when her parents retired.

She said she enjoyed working with her family and was proud to continue the family legacy.

“We were really lucky that work and family just blended so well together,” she said.

“It was lovely to just continue as the next generation and people trusted the family business and the knowledge”.

Ms McDonald said she could not have had such a successful business without great staff

Cindy Hogan has worked at the nursery for the last 20 years also.

BY CHLOE JAENICKE cjaenicke@

She worked for Ms McDonald’s parents and was more than happy to continue at the nursery when Ms McDonald and her husband purchased it.

Ms McDonald said Cindy was an integral part of the nursery.

Over the years Ms McDonald has built a strong rapport with many of the customers that have visited the nursery.

She said she’s had many regulars, some with families even spanning generations over the years.

“I have had customers coming in as young people with their parents, gotten married and are now bringing their own children to the nursery,” she said.

“It’s lovely to see”.

Ms McDonald said many customers had expressed how much they’ll miss Linga A While.

“A lot of people have said to me just in the last week ‘we’ll always think of Linga A While when we look at our garden because most of it came from the nursery’ which is so heart warming,” she said.

Some have even invited Ms McDonald to view their gardens that have been created using plants from Linga A While Nursery and now she feels like she’ll finally have time to see them.

Ms McDonald has always been passionate about gardening and said her favourite part of the job had been helping people’s garden ideas become a reality.

“The thing I love most about my job is bringing joy to people through seeing their dreams come to fruition,” she said.

“I enjoy combining their ide-

as and my knowledge and seeing it through to the end”.

While she has loved working there for the last 20 years, after running the business on her own for the last four years after she lost her husband, Ms McDonald has decided its time for the next chapter.

“I’ve gotten to the point where my kids are adults now and it’s time for a change.” she said.

“I feel very blessed to have worked in this job for many years and will miss the customers, many who have become friends, very much”.

Ms McDonald said she will forever be grateful to her customers.

“I have been so lucky to have amazing customers who have shown us loyalty and support for many years,” she said.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to have been a part of their garden journeys for such a long time”.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

nemedia.com.au

Thhe e thinng g I loove ve mos o t about my m job b is bri r ng nginng jo j y to peoople e throouggh se seeieing g the h ir dreeam a s coomme to o fr f ui u ti t on o

- Ma Manddi M MccDo D na n ld d

PHOTO: Bailey Zimmermann

Dogs’ day out this

Sunday

WANGARATTA Veterinary Clinic will hold a free community gathering at the Wangaratta off-leash dog park this Sunday from 11am to 12:30am.

Many of the Wangaratta Veterinary Clinic staff will be attending and are extending an invitation to the broader community as a way for dog-lovers to mingle.

‘AJ’s mobile cafe’ will be there for all coffee needs, and ‘Unfurgettable Dog Treats’ will be there for the hungry hounds.

UNFURGETTABLE DAY OUT AT DOG PARK:

Emily Foss, Felix De Natris, Hollie Penny, Maddy Nichols and dogs Buddy, Barne, Archie and Juni will be attending Wangaratta Veterinary Clinic’s free community gathering at the Wangaratta off-leash dog park on Sunday.

Catholic parishes to talk about the future

By SIMONE KERWIN

AN assembly of the Wangaratta and King Valley Catholic parishes will be held in Wangaratta tomorrow, aiming to plan for future sustainability.

Fr Nathan Verallo encouraged as many parishioners as possible to come along to the gathering, which will be held in the Sr Mary Griffiths community room at Our Lady’s Church in White Street between 10am and 3pm.

He said the assembly, which will be attended by Sandhurst Diocese Bishop Shane Mackinlay, would be a chance for people to learn how they can be involved in, and also collaborate between, the St Patrick’s, Our Lady’s and Moyhu parishes in order to sustain them for the future.

Our councils remain under pressure for road funding

NORTH East councils have detailed the challenges in addressing the region’s deteriorating road network without further increasing rates, as part of a federal inquiry which sat in Wodonga this week.

Independent Indi MP Helen Haines’ efforts to bring the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport to the region saw strong support from local governments, with seven councils represented at Monday’s hearing.

Dr Haines said the overriding sentiment from councils, including the Rural City of Wangaratta, was a lack of adequate resources to assess roads in the wake of major damage.

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

“What I heard was a very consistent message from all the witnesses, which was their very deep concern around the resources they have to respond to what is a deteriorating rural and regional roads network,” she said.

“They consistently talked about their desire to maintain the rate capping – they don’t want to have to charge our ratepayers any more than what they are currently doing – but their resources to respond to the deteriorating state of the roads is really limited.

“Some of them talked about that there was only one assessor available for the region after the (October) floods – other councils later in the day said that one assessor had been bolstered, that the team’s been bolstered so there’s more now.

“But that kind of evidence was really important for the committee to hear.”

With local councils responsible for some 80 per cent of

roads across the country, Dr Haines said the committee would look at ways to ensure future federal and state funding is spent throughout the regions in a way which is timely and utilises the most up-todate data.

She said road sealing and analysis technology had advanced considerably in recent years, and noted there was room for improvement

in implementing it across the country.

“It’s incredibly difficult for local government – they’re not responsible for the state roads, they’re responsible for the more minor roads,” she said.

“Having said that, 80 per cent of all of the roads across Australia are taken care of by local government, so they’ve got enormous demands made of them and the funding hasn’t kept up with their needs.

“Queensland is actually the best-practice state in using the latest technology to do regular assessments of the road network and to understand things like fine cracking in our sealing of roads – when you get cracks in the roads, that’s when you get water inunda-

tion, and the biggest enemy is water getting in under the seal, that’s what creates the potholes.

“We need to do better in this right across Australia –the technology’s there but I think from a Commonwealth perspective we need to be looking at this and finding ways to make sure we’re using the most modern science to assess our road network regularly.

“This is one of the most common issues people bring to my attention is the state of the roads and (I’m) really pleased to be able to play my part in getting the Commonwealth’s attention on this.

”The committee is expected to table a report before the end of the year.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

...they don’t want to have to charge our ratepayers any more than what they are currently doing – but their resources to respond to the deteriorating state of the roads is really limited.

- Dr Helen Haines

BROADCAST Myrtleford v Wodonga

North East MPs put the Games decision on blast

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

NORTH East MPs have slammed the State Government’s cancellation of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with one labelling the move a “slap in the face to regional Victorians”.

Commonwealth Games Federation statement:

“We were informed on Tuesday that the Victorian Government has walked away from their agreement to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

This is hugely disappointing for the Commonwealth Sport Movement, for athletes around the Commonwealth and the Organising Committee who are well advanced in their planning and preparation.

The reasons given are financial. The numbers quoted to us today of $6 billion are 50 per cent more than those advised to the Organising Committee board at its meeting in June.

These figures are attributed to price escalation primarily due to the unique regional delivery model that Victoria chose for these Games, and in particular relate to village and venue builds and transport infrastructure.

Since awarding Victoria the Games, the Government has made decisions to include more sports and an additional regional hub, and changed plans for venues, all of which have added considerable expense, often against the advice of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA).

for regional Victorians, as was a $40m all abilities sport fund to remove barriers to sport for those living with a disability.

“Locals have told us that more places to live and more places to stay across regional Victoria is what really matters – so that’s exactly what we’ll deliver,” he said.

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Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Tuesday the 2026 Games, which were scheduled to be hosted at four major regional hubs in Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, and Gippsland, would be cancelled amid what he said was a projected cost blowout to at least $6b, after an initial allocation of $2.6b was announced last year.

The figure, which Mr Andrews said had the potential to swell above $7b, was said to be more than twice the forecast economic benefit the Games would bring to the state.

Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy said the decision to cancel the Games in their entirety was a result of “financial mismanagement and incompetence” which had plagued the State Government over the past decade.

He said the state was fast running out of cash.

“This is just another day under Labor, costs skyrocketing overnight, going from $3b to $6b in less than a month,” he said.

“How is it possible for Daniel Andrews and (Minister for

Commonwealth Games Deliver) Jacinta Allan to get their figures so wildly off in such a short space of time?

“Metro-based projects are blowing out by over $30b and still the government pushes on, yet when it comes to spending extra money in the regions –peanuts.

“A brutal budget has led to a budget bungle of colossal degrees.”

While the Games will not go ahead as planned, Mr Andrews announced the regional legacy benefits, such as social housing and tourism, would still benefit from a $2b package earmarked for the regions, which will also see the permanent new and upgraded sporting infrastructure projects planned for the Games completed as planned.

A $60m regional community sport development fund poised to provide aquatic centres, indoor stadiums, lighting upgrades and walking and cycling paths was also announced

Wangaratta-based One Nation upper house MP, Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell, said the $2b funding package would be better off directed towards healthcare, education, infrastructure and job creation in regional Victoria.

“This decision disregards the opportunity to showcase Victoria internationally and signifies a failure in prioritising the needs of the people,” she said.

“This cancellation highlights the need for responsible financial management and a transparent approach in decisionmaking.”

Both Mr McCurdy and Ms Tyrrell committed to advocate for increased investment into regional Victoria going forward, with the former stating the current government was doing an “incredibly poor job” of sharing funding equally.

“I have always stood up for regional Victoria, and always called out Labor’s lack of funding,” he said.

“For a government that claims to govern for all, they are doing an incredibly poor job.

“So the question remains, will the premier join us in supporting regional Victoria, or will he continue to kick us to the curb?”

The reasons given are financial The numbers quoted to us today of $6 billion are 50 per cent more than those advised to the Organising Committee board at its meeting in June.

- Commonwealth Games Federation

We are disappointed that we were only given eight hours’ notice and that no consideration was given to discussing the situation to jointly find solutions prior to this decision being reached by the Government.

Up until this point, the Government had advised that sufficient funding was available to deliver the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games.

We are taking advice on the options available to us and remain committed to finding a solution for the Games in 2026 that is in the best interest of our athletes and the wider Commonwealth Sport Movement.”

SLAP IN THE FACE: Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy has slammed the State Government’s handling of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

• One Nation upper house MP Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell

Say farewell to the Wangaratta RSPCA

BY CHLOE JAENICKE cjaenicke@ nemedia.com.au

AFTER being in operation for almost 20 years, the Wangaratta RSPCA is shutting down at the end of this month.

The animal shelter in O’Connell Street will remain as an overnight home for escape animals under the management of Albury Pound and Animal Care, which has taken over animal pound services from the RSPCA under a new two year deal with the Rural City of Wangaratta council.

Wangaratta RSPCA volunteer program officer, Jasmin Scott, has spent most of the past 16 years working at the Wangaratta RSPCA shelter.

She is saddened to see the RSPCA shelter shut down as it’s not only a loss to the team and the animals but also the community.

“Most people in our community have had an interaction with us, whether that’s bringing in some donated bedding through to all the kids that come through and do tours all the time,” she said.

“I think most people in our community have interacted with us at some stage in their life.

“We’ve obviously been around so long that we’ve seen multiple generations come through.”

Something that drew Ms Scott towards working for the RSPCA was being able to see the impact it has on people everyday.

“We have people from all different levels of the community coming through and you see the difference you make,” she said.

“That might be someone who’s lost an animal coming in and cuddling a cat and that makes their week.”

Ms Scott has even seen

Vale Lesley O’Callaghan

By SIMONE KERWIN

LONG-time Wangaratta resident Lesley O’Callaghan passed away on Sunday, aged 92.

The beloved wife of the late Bill O’Callaghan, a former City of Wangaratta Mayor, Mrs O’Callaghan was the sounding board for and typist of the hundreds of ‘O’Call’s Corner’ stories her husband produced for the Wangaratta Chronicle over almost a quarter of a century.

Her trademark quick wit and sense of humour, and her strong interest in the life of the district, ensured she was a popular and respected community member.

Mrs O’Callaghan was a mother of six, and a loved and loving Nan of 10 and Great Nan of two.

She will be farewelled during a funeral Mass at North East Funerals in Greta Road on Thursday, July 27 from 11am, followed by interment at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery.

Investigations continue into fatal crash

■ From page 1

people come out of their shell and improve their mental health after spending time with the animals.

“There’re other people who come in who have been long term unemployed and they’ve got issues with mental health,” she said.

“The animals help them through that and then they’ve been able to go and find full-time jobs for the first time in their life.”

Many have even come through to the RSPCA and bonded over their love of animals and have gone on to work within the animal care industry.

“I think the amazing thing is you see people that wouldn’t normally get along but because of their love for animals and their passion all

of a sudden they forget about that, and it becomes about the animals which is really nice,” Ms Scott said.

“Some of the work experience kids that have come through are even vets now in our community.”

Ms Scott said the RSPCA has done a lot to educate the community on animal welfare, and it will still support the community in the future.

The RSPCA is currently working with Wangaratta council to potentially partner on education programs for the community, and inspectors will continue to work in the area.

Although there will no longer be a local shelter, the RSPCA is still only a call away.

“If you’re concerned about

an animal in the community, pick up the phone and give RSPCA inspectors a ring,” she said.

This includes if you’re considering rehoming an animal as inspectors can give you advice on either the process that or altering your environment to make it more suitable for your pet.

“Rather than having to go through the emotional issues of rehoming it and everything else sometimes it’s just changing something slightly in that environment and suddenly you can keep that animal happy.”

Ms Scott said the team at the Wangaratta RSPCA is extremely grateful to members of the community who have donated and helped them out along the way.

“I think the big thing is saying thank you to the community,” she said.

“We have people that just come through and donate goods, all the way to the local dog obedience club who we’re definitely still planning on working with.

“The Wangaratta Chronicle has donated so much to us as well in terms of whenever we’ve had some sort of promotion where we need to rehome a bunch of animals, they’d be there right away helping us.”

Animals will still be available for adoption at the Wangaratta RSPCA until the end of July, and after this any remaining animals will be transported to their RSPCA Victoria shelters in Burwood or Peninsula.

A police spokesperson said officers, who attended from the Major Collision Investigation Unit, were yet to establish the exact circumstances which led to the crash.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam/CCTV footage or information was urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Wangaratta-Yarrawonga Road was temporarily closed to traffic immediately following the crash, with reports traffic had come to a standstill as far as to the road’s Three Mile Creek crossing near Wangaratta.

It was subsequently reopened to traffic around 2.30am yesterday morning.

The fatality marks the 167th road death throughout the state so far this year.

SAYING GOODBYE: Animal attendant, Megan Scott, Bailey the Kelpie and volunteer program officer Jasmin Scott are all saddened to say farewell to the Wangaratta RSPCA.

PHOTOS: Chloe Jaenicke

After 20 years service to all creatures, great and small, in our community.. y,g,y

Students bond with St John’s residents

By CHLOE JAENICKE

STUDENTS from Greta Valley Primary School have started weekly visits to St John’s Respect as part of an intergenerational experiment. The visits have been inspired by programs on the ABC which featured four-year-olds and teenagers bonding with older adults.

“Our main topic this term is community and we wanted to do something a little bit different,” Greta Valley Primary School teacher Joseph Chatwin said.

“We saw the old people’s homes with four-year-olds and teens so we thought why not get them involved with the local nursing home and see if we can get the same things out of it.”

Mr Chatwin said the aim of the program is not only to build bonds between the students and residents, but also teach the students confidence and improve their social skills through a series of activities.

“We’re doing a lot of mental things including the maths games we did last week, robotics this week, and we’re hoping to do some physical things like a colour run to push them both physically and mentally,” he said.

Student, Georgia Clancy, said she is looking forward to many of the activities and forming a bond with her partner Lorna.

“I’ve already learnt that Lorna knits, she worked at a telephone exchange, and she lived in Wangaratta and on a milking farm,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to crafting, using the robots and the physical activity as well.”

St John’s residents, such as Bill Power, are also looking forward to the program.

Mr Power said he thinks it’s a great initiative for both the students and residents.

“I reckon it’s fantastic, when I got

opportunity for youth

WITH more young people taking on carer roles for friends and family, a Federal Government initiative is providing financial aid and support to help them continue their educational journeys.

Young Carer Bursary program will offer 1592 grants nationwide, with each grant providing a young carer with up to $3768 to assist them with the costs of education in the 2024 academic year.

Young carers are aged between 12 and 25, and provide substantial unpaid care to a family member or friend facing disability, illness, injury, mental health, and aged care, through to dependence on alcohol or drugs.

Most care for a parent or a sibling, and more than a third care for two or more relatives.

2 3 4 5

the opportunity I thought we have no contact really with younger people and being with the young ones is really good,” he said.

“I’m also really impressed with the quality of the students as well.”

Young carers help with many tasks, including household chores, paying bills, personal care, giving medication and emotional support. Applications for the 2024 Young Carer Bursary program are now open until September 12.

For more information, visit https://youngcarersnetwork. com.au/bursary/youngcarer-bursary/

INTERGENERATIONAL BONDING: Lily Rother, Lorna Cheong and Georgie Clancy are all learning and bonding with each other as part of the program between Greta Valley Primary School and St John’s Respect.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

$1b fund can help ease regions’ housing crisis

post-Games announcement an “absolute win” ygyp

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

A $1 billion Regional Housing Fund predicted to deliver more than 1300 new homes across regional Victoria is a major win for the state, according to BeyondHousing CEO Celia Adams. The funding will come as the State Government this week withdrew from hosting the Commonwealth Games.

With Wangaratta facing a homelessness rate that’s risen by 66 per cent, Ms Adams said the new funding should hit at the very core of the problem in many regional Victorian communities.

More affordable housing will help ease the burden for families living from day to day who were already battling prior to the rise in rental accommodation, interest rates and the cost of living.

The struggles were already on the radar of organisations such as BeyondHousing, and Ms Adams said regions like Wangaratta are

feeling the consequences of significant tree- change migration during and post pandemic which increases rent and demand.

“I sympathise with those who are affected by the decision to cancel the Commonwealth Games in Victoria, as athletes who spend a significant amount of time training and preparing for an event like that, this will be heartbreaking,” Ms Adams said.

“For businesses in the

hospitality and tourism industries who were hoping to benefit, I sympathise and empathise with all of those.

“However, the announcement of the $1b Regional Housing Fund is absolutely a win for Victorians and the government had a difficult decision to make, but made the right decision from an economic perspective.

“When we look at somewhere like Wangaratta with the 66pc increase since the

last Census, we can’t afford to just wait for the situation to get better.”

The only way the housing crisis will ease in Ms Adams’ view is if there are clear policies and funding directed towards increasing social and affordable housing.

Ms Adams believes that a blanket increase of housing for everybody won’t solve the national problem as this hasn’t worked historically.

“There is a need for spe-

Individual NAPLAN results released this week

THE distribution of NAPLAN results have begun this week with a new national approach to grading students to give teachers, school support staff and families the information they need to help students achieve their best.

Acting Minister for Education Ingrid Stitt congratulated students in year 3, 5, 7 and 9 on the years of hard work their NAPLAN results show.

cific and targeted policies and programs that increase the supply of social and affordable housing and we’re not going to solve homelessness without it,” she said.

Premier Daniel Andrews said, “Nothing is more important than finding your own home and this package is delivering real and lasting benefits to Victorians by helping more of them live where they want to live”.

Detox your Home accepts:

Acids and alkalis

Aerosol cans

Ammonia based cleaners

Anti-freeze, coolant

Brake fluid

Car care products and waxes

Cooking oil

Cosmetics, nail polish and remover

Detergents, bleach, disinfectants and drain cleaner

Fertilisers

Fire extinguishers

Floor-care products and waxes

Fuels: petrol, diesel, kerosene

Glues: water-based and solvents

Hand sanitiser

The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) has this year introduced a simple, clear four-band format for NAPLAN results that will be applied to all Australian students’ reports, making it easier for parents and schools to understand and tailor their approach to learning.

Each child’s NAPLAN report will show how they are tracking, and where they sit against the national average, using four easy-tounderstand levels: Exceeding, Strong, Developing and Needs Additional Support. ACARA will release statewide and national NAPLAN results in August.

Herbicides and weed killers

Insect spray, pesticides, rat poison

Oven cleaner

Pool chemicals

Solvents

Thinners, turps and paint stripper

Transmission fluid

Wood preservatives and finishes And other items found at home with these symbols:

For a full list of chemicals accepted, visit: www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/ accepteditems

To register to attend

Scan the QR code, visit sustainability.vic.gov.au/detoxyourhome or call 1300 363 744

RSPCA leaves a lasting impression

THE RSPCA will have a lasting legacy of outstanding care in Wangaratta, and its move away from the rural city is sure to leave an impact on a large number of long-time residents.

For almost 20 years, Wangaratta’s pound service has operated under the RSPCA banner, with its O’Connell Street shelter housing countless escaped animals ahead of their return home or their eventual adoption.

The volunteers who followed their passion for animals to the local shelter provided their time, and most importantly their love, to animals which oftentimes were experiencing a crisis of care, and ultimately changed hundreds of lives for the better.

Some young people who completed work experience with the shelter have gone on to pursue careers in veterinary medicine, while many other volunteers have entered the work force with fond memories of formative times spent caring for animals.

Volunteers play such a key role in the community, and it’s important local pound services going forward have the capacity to cater to those willing to lend a hand.

The magic of entering the local shelter in search of a rescue dog or cat, and actually finding one, was a long-standing and much-loved aspect of our local service.

In the short-term, it appears that same feeling won’t be available in Wangaratta, but if it does return in future years, rekindling that same magic which was ever-present through the RSPCA’s tenure will be a tough ask.

The RSPCA also cared locally for those animals without identification chips and hopefully that same care will continue under the new regime.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

FACEBOOK users this week commented on the State Government’s announcement on Tuesday morning to cancel the 2026 Commonwealth Games in regional Victoria due to excessive costs.

• Paul Crabb: For far to long ridiculous amounts of taxpayer’s monies have been wasted on sports events. Healthcare , education and housing are far more important!

• Timothy Simpson: Common sense prevails.

The premier should be congratulated on pulling the pin for $6b+ for a twelve-day event. 1B$ saved is going to creating housing. Right priority.

• Charles Branstom: The commonwealth and Olympic Games where wealthy nation’s taxpayers money is spent on facilities so an elite few can train ...and compete against athletes from poor countries who do not have those benefits...

Facebook users also commented on the

Tree removal health and safety gone made

COUNCIL’S plan to remove 12 trees from Merriwa Park is appalling, blatantly contradicts the Merriwa Master Plan and is simply health and safety gone mad.

If those trees are cut down we will not see comparable trees grow back within any of our lifetimes.

The council admits on its website that its arborist assessment says that the trees are healthy with no obvious risks.

Council appears to operate under the view that the slightest chance that any tree could fall anywhere mandates that it must be cut down.

Has council considered cutting down the trees in Apex Park?

How about the trees along our creekside trails?

Sydney beach too?

Council also say that River Red Gums are inappropriate for floodplains.

Are they joking?

They’re RIVER Red Gums.

Simon Russell, Wangaratta

Tree risk hardly a new phenomenon

I WRITE on the continual fear mongering in regards to whether or not the trees will be safe in Merriwa Park, Kaluna Park and for that matter any national park in our state, of which there are many we all use every day.

When trees shed limbs as they often do in dry times and wet times, we used to just replant with new ones and move on with our lives.

Apparently now in the 21st century we are supposed to remove all risk to humans, whether it is reasonable or not.

Experts have their opinions just like the rest of the population of Wangaratta who gain immense benefit from lying in the grounds of the Merriwa and Kaluna parks, walking their dogs, exercising, playing tennis, attending kindergartenmust we stop our lives ”Just In Case”?

I think we are living in an ever-changing landscape and I will be walking in bushland where there are larger trees than in Wangaratta, marvelling at their sheer existence, against all odds of a society, all to ready with a chainsaw and working out what to do with the timber.

I am astounded we cannot be looking at other municipalities such as Warrnambool with their beautiful Norfolk Pines

NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.

announcement of two state awards for the architectural design of the Wangaratta Railway Precinct, which was completed two years ago.

• Carole Breust: Really heartwarming to read of the accolades for the railway precinct when it is mostly devoid of commercial endeavour and trying to get a seat on the train to Melbourne is a debacle. Wouldn’t it be nice to see Council fighting for what is

really important to ratepayers rather than spending millions on a precinct no one really benefits from. I am aware that Council don’t manage the trains but surely some effort could be put forward to raise awareness of this situation.

• Bellini Homer: Looks goods for a Bus stop.

• Tony Davidson: The elephant in the room is the barely existent trains.

• Julian Savery: Accolades for the water tower.....are they serious??

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planted a century ago, having the common sense to have signs stating the obvious, “branches fall under these trees”.

If humans choose to take this “enormous” risk of walking underneath our trees in Merriwa Park, I say let them do it.

Julie Dart, Byawatha

POLL RESULTS

COUNCIL WARDS

Do you agree with the proposed increase to the number of council wards?

Yes 9 No 6

THIS WEEK

FEELS LIKE HOME: An exhibition by members of the Goulburn and North East Arts Alliance (GANEAA) including Kerryn Taylor, Kathleen Whelan, Tim Dickinson, Paddy Milne and Janet Campbell (pictured) has opened at the Art Gallery on Ovens. The exhibition is a follow up to GANEAA’s Across the Arts Festival held in April 2023 and features artworks which focuses on the theme of ‘home’. Showcasing a wide range of mediums including paintings, textiles, photography, collage and more, it’s an opportunity to see amazing artworks made by a collective of talented local artists. Home is open at the Art Gallery on Ovens in the laneway off Murphy Street on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am until 4pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 2pm and entry is free.

votes to yesterdaynoon 15

Should the State Government have gone ahead with the Commonwealth Games but with all events in Melbourne?

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.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

• Debbie Clayton: Has anyone ever seen a gum tree shatter or explode when lightning strikes. I have and it’s not pretty. So great idea that they are going.

• Andrew Meloury: Why don’t these trees ever end up in the free firewood collection yards bit of a waste when everyone is struggling.

• Takeshi Covac: Andrew Meloury because there often

milled for lumber if there isn’t to much tension or defects.

• Andrew Meloury: Takeshi Covac by whom for use where

• Michelle Stone: As the old saying goes, Better to be safe then sorry.

• Troy Harrison: Leave them I think. That’s what has always made merriwa park more attractive than the apex park open waste land lol.

• Ben Jackel: These trees have been standing since before white man settle this continent. Maybe look into fixing the

NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.

broken drainage pipe causing the park to flood instead of this environmental vandalism!

• Cindy Knight: Wow seriously. Ashlea Knight Shanon Knight.

• George Dimopoulos: Cindy Knight in one way its sad but on the other way I rather they are gone just incase they fall on someone or family.

• Shanon Knight: Better not go camping then, tree might fall on your family

• Ashlea Knight: George Dimopoulos they defo won’t just randomly fall, they’ve been there

for years, they only fall when there’s excess rain.

• George Dimopoulos: Ashlea Knight I know that I was born here. Just a little older than u.

• Ashlea Knight: George Dimopoulos age doesn’t really have much to do with it, if you’ve been here that’s long you’d know that you’d understand that parks don’t in a flood plain

• George Dimopoulos: Ashlea Knight it is in a flood plain lol

• Cindy Knight: George Dimopoulos yes it’s a natural run off for the river

TWITTER users this week tweeted about war history, electric vehicle charging and local jockeys

Aust War Memorial @AWMemorial #OnThisDay in 1903, Clare Stevenson was born at Wangaratta, Victoria. She was the first woman to be appointed head of women’s wartime service in Australia.

M @spidermania

Still crazy a town the size of wangaratta has only one station and it took this long. Benalla getting the 20 bay Tesla supercharger will draw in a lot of highway traffic, big missed opportunity for wang

Wangaratta Turf Club @Wangarattatc

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In Wangaratta, country Victoria. Every town has its memorial. This one includes the South African wars. So many young men gave their lives for ‘Empire’ - a vainglorious cause at best.

Congratulations Issy Newton and Hannah Grady an outstanding achievement, 200 club games! wangmagpiesfnc

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Great day for @Wangarattatc trainers at Narrandera, double for @craigweeding with CHOICE HARVEST & PRINCE OF HELENA winning the from Dan McCarthy’s RIDDLERO. @ADaleRacing took out the last with CHAIRMAN’S CHOICE

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At Wangaratta Hyundai, we have a range of Hyundai models in stock waiting for you. All the latest models with the latest tech are waiting to be discovered. Book your test drive today and discover the Hyundai for you.

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FACEBOOK users this week commented on 12 Merriwa Park gum trees being marked for removal.

Captain to speak about the finding of Montevideo Maru

THE director of an expedition which located the wreck of a ship involved in Australia’s worst maritime disaster will speak at a free event in Wangaratta next week.

Captain Roger Turner RN was the search director on the Silentworld Foundation expedition, which in April this year discovered the location of the long-lost Montevideo Maru, off the coast of the Philippines.

The Japanese ship sank in July, 1942 while transporting prisoners of war from Rabaul to China during World War 2. The ship was torpedoed by a US submarine which was unaware that it was carrying prisoners of war captured in Papua New Guinea.

The incident resulted in the deaths of around 848 prisoners of war, 206 civilians including 33 Norwegian sailors, and 20 Japanese guards and crew. Numbered among the Australian prisoners were missionaries, women and children.

Captain Turner played a pivotal role in the expedition to find the wreck, as part of the Australian maritime archaeology group Silentworld Foundation and Dutch deep-sea survey company Fugro, with support from the ADF Unrecovered War Casualties-Army.

He will speak about the experience during an evening organised by Freemasons of the Wangaratta Lodge of St John, as part of its community engagement and edu-

cation program. The presentation will be held at the Wangaratta RSL on Wednesday, July 26 from 6pm to 7pm.

Captain Turner served in the Royal Navy for 30 years, including a significant period on nuclear submarines, before bringing his then young family to Australia.

While running his own engi-

neering consultancy, he assisted with a number of marine archaeological projects, including those related to Australia’s first submarines, HMAS AE1 and HMAS AE2.

In the search for the Montevideo Maru, the wreck was located by an autonomous underwater vehicle at a depth of more than 4000 metres (deeper than the Titanic wreck).

It will not be disturbed, with the expedition aiming to tell the story and to bring closure to the families of those lost on board.

On hearing of the find, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “at long last, the resting place of the lost souls of the Montevideo Maru has been found. We hope the news brings a measure

Make a smoke alarm your

of comfort to loved ones who have kept a long vigil”.

To hear more about the longplanned, emotional discovery of the Montevideo Maru, make your booking for one of the limited seats available to hear Captain Turner’s address. Bookings can be made by emailing info@wangarattarsl.org.au or phoning 5721 2501.

FINALLY FOUND: The Montevideo Maru wreck’s location was a mystery for more than 80 years.

LONGPLANNED DISCOVERY: Captain Roger Turner (centre) analyses data at sea with the search team.

Rental market relief hope

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

WHILE rental markets have continued to rise in major cities, the latest Wangaratta figures indicate prices have remained relatively flat over the June quarter.

Geoff Dinning takes the reins at Rotary

ROTARY Club of Appin Park Wangaratta celebrated the efforts of local members recently, with a successful changeover luncheon held in Wangaratta earlier this month.

Rotarians, family and friends from throughout the region gathered at Rinaldo’s on July 1 for the event, which saw outgoing

president Caroline Birnie hand over the reins to Geoff Dinning for the upcoming Rotary year.

A number of distinguished guests were also in attendance, including district governor Neta Kirby, outgoing district governor David McPherson, past district governor Bernie Bott and assis-

tant district governor Patrick O’Shea.

A number of existing presidents and members from Milawa-Oxley, Wangaratta and Beechworth Rotary clubs were also present, as were representatives from the Rural City of Wangaratta and long-time partners Wangaratta Motor Group.

Property analytics company PropTrack found the overall median average weekly rent for a house or unit in the Hume region remained at $420, which was five per cent up on this time last year. While unit rentals dropped two per cent in median prices to $333 over the last quarter, houses went up a similar percentage to $450 per week.

Garry Nash and Co real estate agent and director, Cameron Meggs, said the agency had observed a plateau in the rental market across Wangaratta which offered a more balanced market over the last quarter.

“There is a good supply of properties available to rent and there’s still a healthy supply of people looking to rent these properties,” he said.

“There was a supply and demand issue, demand was outstripping supply and that has certainly balanced out.

“At the moment it’s much healthier and a lot more typical of Wangaratta historically.”

PropTrack economist Angus Moore said the findings were good news for regional renters across the country, as the market looked to be moderating after three years of brisk growth.

The region along with most regional areas across the country reported its slowest pace of annual growth since early 2021, despite being 27 per cent higher overall since the COVID pandemic.

The data in capital cities showed a continued rise in rental market figures, going up two per cent on median weekly rent and 12 per cent up from last year.

Mr Meggs said people had become much more settled since 2021, which has therefore seen less people moving from the city to the region and less uncertainty in investment.

“During COVID, people were moving around a lot for job security, people were moving from the cities to Wangaratta or regional areas which were creating that supply and demand issue,” he said.

Mr Meggs said a lot of Wangaratta’s new estates (Arlington, Baltimore, the golf course, down off Salisbury street) had bolstered rental supply into the market, with many homes built as investment properties because

they offer good tax incentives.

He said while it’s possible there could be a drop in overall weekly rental prices over the next two quarters in the region, he expects the market to stay steady and offer a fair balance for renter and investors for at least the rest of the year.

“I think the great news about Wangaratta is that we tend to be in our own little micro environment where we’ve got very good stable employment, stable schools, and very good health facilities,” he said.

“We’re an attractive location so I don’t anticipate we’re going to see this massive drop where all of a sudden there’s this over supply of properties.

“The cost of living and interest rates are still very topical so the people that were thinking of buying that are no longer looking to buy will continue to rent, so there’s always that demand from people.

“Some people just don’t want to buy real estate or don’t have the ability to buy real estate, so there’ll always be a good healthy supply of renters and at the moment we’re seeing a good healthy number of investors wishing to buy property because it is such a good longterm investment.”

Once a year, containerised and bareroot trees for sale at clearance prices!

LEADERSHIP CHANGE: Geoff Dinning (back middle) will take over the presidency of the Rotary Club of Appin Park Wangaratta from Caroline Birnie (left), and was joined by the former and current district governors, David McPherson and Neta Kirby at a recent luncheon.

Science Week fun to STEM from grant invites young

By SIMONE KERWIN

A $15,000 Federal Government grant will enable Wangaratta’s Digital Technology Advisory Committee to run a series of local events to mark National Science Week in August.

The events are set to celebrate STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and continue DTAC’s focus on improving the region’s digital inclusion and STEM knowledge.

DTAC, a community collaboration of volunteers from local educational institutions, was one of just 32 successful applicants for the Inspiring Australia National Science Week grants.

Its four planned events are aimed at inspiring, educating and showcasing the wonders of STEM, offering unique opportunities for people of all ages to engage with inspiring role models, participate in fun activities, and explore cutting-edge advancements.

The first event, aimed at young females aged between 12 and 18, will be a Girl Powered Workshop at the Wangaratta Digital Hub on Wednesday, August 2 from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Those attending will have the chance to meet STEM trailblazers, who will share their personal stories to spark inspiration.

On Wednesday, August 9, the Wangaratta Club will be the venue for a Quantum and Dark Matter Pub Quiz, a night of discovering the mysteries of dark matter and the power of quantum technologies through fun activities and quizzes.

Running from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, it will be conducted as part of the Quantum and Dark Matter Road Trip team of scientists and science communicators, who are travelling around Australia during August to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers, and unveil the wonders of quantum and dark matter.

A panel and Q&A evening at the Wangaratta Library on Thursday, August 17 from 6pm to 8pm will uncover the possibilities of STEM through local alumni and other regional leaders who are making waves in the industry.

Delve into the world of the ‘Flongle’ for DNA sequencing in saving threatened species; explore chemistry and organic metal frameworks for gas trapping; and discover the latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and software engineering.

This event is perfect for anyone captivated by the wonders of technology and eager to hear about the achievements of locals.

The final event in the series will be the ‘Inspired by TECH Showcase’ at Galen Catholic College on Friday, August 18 from 10am to 3pm.

‘Inspiring Minds, Shaping the Future’ is the theme of the event, which promises to be a dynamic showcase of innovation, collaboration, and cutting-edge technologies.

Students, alumni and industry professionals will join together to demonstrate how they are utilising

technology to revolutionise various domains.

Those attending can witness VEX Robotics in action; learn about machine learning and artificial intelligence; and be inspired by a myriad of other ground-breaking projects and ideas from students and industry partners.

DTAC president Maree Timms said the series of events was open to all those curious about STEM, regardless of age or background.

“Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of these experiences and unlock the endless possibilities that the world of STEM has to offer,” she said.

For more information, including event details, timings, and registration, visit https://dtac.zone/ pages/events

National Science Week 2023 runs from August 12 to 20, and will feature a combination of online and

in-person events across Australia.

This year’s school theme for National Science Week is ‘Innovation: Powering Future Industries’. The theme is based on the advancement of technology in all industries, especially using artificial intelligence.

Federal Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic said: “National Science Week is one of my favourite events of the year, an opportunity to celebrate the staggering amount of great science happening all over Australia.

“These grants play an important role in inspiring young Australians to pursue a STEM career.

“This year’s celebrations will help promote diversity and inclusion in Australian science and technology, with exciting and engaging events planned in a number of regional and remote communities.”

YOUNG rural women and non-binary people from across Australia will have the opportunity to win a once-ina-lifetime Power Trip to the nation’s capital.

Country to Canberra’s prestigious Leadership Competition was launched this week and opens the door for young rural leaders to embark on a five day leadership experience designed to help them reach their leadership potential.

They’ll meet with CEOs and politicians, undertake leadership training, tour parliament and have access to ongoing mentorship and support as Country to Canberra alumni.

This year, entrants will draw from their own lived experiences as they answer the 2023 Leadership Competition question: strong communities, stronger futures: How do diverse young leaders strengthen rural communities?

Country to Canberra chief executive officer, Pauline Siteaud, said the Power Trip is about empowering young rural women and non-binary people to see their leadership potential, and the role they play in shaping Australia’s future.

For 2021 winner Maree Adams, who grew up in remote East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, Country to Canberra’s leadership competition was a transformational experience.

“Country to Canberra has been able to connect me with other inspiring young women and nonbinary people,” Maree said.

“As a team, we are able to work together to make a difference in our communities and inspire other young Australians.”

Country to Canberra is encouraging all eligible rural students in years 10 to 12 to take part.

For further details visit www. countrytocanberra.com.au.

Entries close at 12pm on Friday, September 8.

SCIENCE ON SHOW: Galen Catholic College students demonstrate VEX Robotics for Sunrise weatherman Sam Mac during his recent visit to Wangaratta. Among a range of other attractions, locals can see how VEX works on August 18, as part of the Wangaratta-based Digital Technology and Advisory Committee’s ‘Inspired by TECH Showcase’.

Lady ready to perform Enjoy seniors dance

By BELINDA HARRISON

THANKS to a Catholic education at St Brenda’s and Sacred Heart College (now Notre Dame College) in Shepparton in the 1960s and 1970s, Tricia Voss learnt to love music and singing.

While neither school was known for theatre classes, a grade four production of Thoroughly Modern Millie did teach her the Charleston and she had a wonderful music teacher who played the guitar and loved to sing.

“That was the year The Sound of Music came out and I remember Mum paying 50 cents for me to see the movie on a school excursion,” Tricia said.

“The Sound of Music has been my favourite musical ever since and my children and I know it word-for-word.”

In addition to her music teacher, Tricia’s love of musicals, a love and appreciation of classical music and ballet is thanks to her mother.

“I have continued the practice of taking my own children to every production I’ve been able to and this continues today even though they are now grown and have their own families.”

Tricia was introduced to the Wangaratta Players a number of years ago, in time to audition and be given a role in their production of Grease.

“It was so much fun and I have tried to be involved in local theatre in some way over the years since then,” Tricia said.

“I’ve done a couple of smaller productions and more recently worked with a lovely team who do amazing backstage work; it’s great being able to see how a whole production comes together and the amazing amount of work it takes.”

Tricia’s latest role with the Wangaratta Players will be as Miss Jacobs - a stalwart of Goodes Department Store - in the August production of Ladies in Black.

“Ladies in Black is one of

my favourite books, one I’ve read more than once over the years, and I loved watching the movie when it came out as well.” Tricia said.

“I was so excited to learn there was also a stage play and I pestered Colette (Quin, director) for many months desperate to see when auditions would take place.

“I knew I wanted to be a part of this, whether on stage or backstage and I was delighted to be offered to the role of Miss Jacobs.

“I love that she (Miss Jacobs) is someone with a lot of life experience and someone who can see what a life of missed

opportunity can bring.

“I think the story of Ladies in Black is in fact one of opportunity – opportunity lost and opportunity to grasp with both hands.

“It’s during a period of great change and prospects for people from all walks of life and it’s a story of letting go and taking chances, so may be something everyone can relate to.”

Then of course there is the dancing and singing to the music of Tim Finn for the cast to learn and enjoy, and Tricia said she is lucky to be surrounded by equally enthusiastic cast members who can share their talents with her.

next week

WANGARATTA Seniors will hold their next dance on Friday, July 28 from 2pm to 4pm in St Patrick’s supper room.

The dance is held on the fourth Friday of each month, and offers a great chance for an outing in a friendly atmosphere.

Music is provided by The Rustic Ramblers, with dance revision from 1.30pm to 2pm, and the $5 admission (non-members $7) includes afternoon tea.

For further information, contact Margaret on 0407 357 226 or Julie on 0408 032 451.

Ladies plan street stall

“I am loving the challenge of learning it all especially under the direction of Colette and I feel privileged to be taking part in this wonderful production.”

Ladies in Black will be staged at the Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre (WPACC) on Thursday August 17, Friday, August 18 and Saturday, August 19 at 7pm, with a matinee performance on Saturday, August 19 at 2pm.

Tickets are on sale now via the WPACC box office in Ford Street or online at https:// wpacc.sales.ticketsearch. com/sales/salesevent/95168.

WANGARATTA Royal Children's Hospital ladies auxiliary will hold a winter sale street stall on Thursday, July 27 in the council kiosk in Reid Street, to raise funds for the Royal Children's Hospital.

Items for sale include beautiful hand-knitted baby and children's wear, all with prices reduced, and beanies for $3.

Along with the knitwear, there will be the usual array of cakes, preserves and other items including freshly-made lamingtons, all available for sale from 8.30am.

Your place to feel good.

TRAGIC BUT CARING: Tricia Voss plays the enigmatic and caring Miss Jacobs opposite Gracie York as Lisa Miles in the Wangaratta Players’ August musical Ladies in Black.

PHOTO: Belinda Harrison

Making new friends at St John’s

A PROJECT which has brought together students from Greta Valley Primary School and residents at St John’s Respect on a weekly basis to enjoy a range of activities together is proving beneficial for all.

While the children are making new friends, gaining confidence and interpersonal skills, the residents are enjoying the company, along with fun activities and the opportunity to mix with the enthusiastic youngsters.

Falls Creek, Hotham uniforms make their way to Ukraine

RETIRED uniforms from Falls Creek and Mt Hotham are on their way to residents in Ukraine.

Falls Creek Ski Lifts has donated 103 soft shell jackets and 91 ski jackets, while Mount Hotham Skiing Company have donated 800 items to Rotary’s ‘Donations in Kind’ program.

It’s not the first time uniforms have been recycled for charitable purposes and this extends the work Luke Rickards, Perisher’s Skitube manager, has done transporting many loads of gear from the mountains to the coast for sim-

ilar Donation in Kind programs.

Rotary’s Bob Glindemann was very grateful for the gear, which has now been packed up in the Donations in Kind Footscray warehouse prepared to be sent to the RAAF base in Queensland and flown into the UK with the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles.

“It’s quite an interesting exercise to get it there,” said Bob.

“So far, we’ve sent 35 pallets on two trucks in this load, with 22 pallets sent previously and more to come.”

Bob said one of the biggest is-

SUPPORTING YOUR CARTAGE NEEDS ALL YEAR ROUND

sues for Ukraine is having enough appropriate medical goods, but the ski gear is also very valuable.

The Donations in Kind program started in 1978 and since 2000 has shipped 675 x 40 feet container equivalents to Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands, including hospital equipment to Timor, Uganda, Cambodia and Nepal.

This is the second donation of retired Falls Creek uniforms and the first for Hotham to have gone to the organisation, with the first batch being sent to Somaliland.

“You might wonder why any-

one in Africa needs winter clothing, but it’s very, very cold in Somaliland in winter and the people there simply don’t have the clothing for the conditions,” said Bob.

“A nice warm ski jacket makes a big difference – we’re certainly very grateful.”

If you’re keen to help Rotary’s Donations in Kind program, Bob said all you need to do is buy two sausages every time you pass a Rotary sausage sizzle, because that’s where so much of the money comes from in their fundraising efforts.

 Alex Lambert and Ian Elliot.

 Phyllis Varcoe, Tom Lembert and Lewis Nicholls.

 Tyler Robertson, Merv Squires and Oscar Graham.

Murphy Flanigan, Trevor Clamp and Ted Clancy.

 Frank Marasco and Max Rothera.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

DONATED: Uniforms from Falls Creek and Mt Hotham have been donated to Ukraine.

Community organisations share in $150K of funding

TWO local groups have received $10,000 grants as part of the Federal Government’s Stronger Community Program.

Independent Indi federal MP Helen Haines, this week announced 16 organisations within the electorate would share in $150,000 in grant funding, of between $3100 and $15,000 to help maintain and improve infrastructure and facilities and purchase much-needed equipment.

Wangaratta District Men’s Shed has received $10,000 for clubhouse extension while the Tarrawingee Recreation Reserve committee of management also received $10,000 to install a solar battery system.

Dr Haines said 116 expressions of interest were received for the program across Indi, with each assessed on their ability to encourage and support participation in local projects, increase community participation and contribute to vibrant and viable communities.

“The number of quality projects we reviewed is a testament of the incredible projects happening right across Indi,” she said.

“So many of these projects are occurring in shared spaces across our communities, in the community halls, shared recreation reserves and our art spaces.

“It is wonderful to know the benefits from this funding will expand right

across our communities.”

Other successful recipients were:

• Indigo Shire Council to receive $15,000 to install shade sails at the Tangambalanga Active Park.

• Benalla Scout Group for $6000 to fix the girls toilets at Benalla Scout Hall.

• Arts Council of Mansfield for $15,000 for building refurbishments.

• Eurora Citizens Band for $10,437 to update the Band Hall kitchen.

• Violet Town Bowls Club for $5099 to purchase outdoor seating.

• Yea Bowls Club for $3169 to purchase small size lawn bowls and a ‘bowling arm’.

• Lima School Community Centre for $6000 to upgrade amenities to include a unisex disabled facility.

• Warminda Community House for $4264 to purchase café equipment.

• Bonegilla Hall Management Committee for $10,000 for hall refurbishments.

• Bonnie Doon Football Club for $10,000 for facility upgrades.

• Alpine Park Reserve Wandiligong committee of management for $10,000 for power upgrades.

Dederang Picnic Race Club for $10,000 for track upgrade works.

Willows Reserve Wahgunyah committee of management for $10,000 to purchase a commercial mower.

Celebrating an Australian classic

By CHLOE JAENICKE

A CLASSIC Australian cake, the lamington, is being celebrated today on National Lamington Day.

Scott Butler, owner of Butler’s Pantry Bakehouse in Wangaratta, said the tasty staple in bakeries across the country goes “with our culture”.

“It’s effective and tastes good,” he said.

“It’s something most people can relate to, and a big part of

the Australian culture.

“It can be very basic but also very flavoursome.”

While all stories of how the lamington originated include Lord Lamington, how the cake came to be is still unknown with many theories existing from being improvised with limited ingredients to a kitchen mix-up.

At Butler’s Pantry Bakehouse they typically sell the basic lamington covered with chocolate, and cream inside that we

have all come to know and love.

“They’re made out of sponge, it’s normally day old sponge because fresh sponge is really hard, so we usually just make it a day before we have to cut it,” Mr Butler said.

“Then we’ve got our lamington raspberry and chocolate dip so you dip it in chocolate and the raspberry then we just let it sit and coconut them.”

“We do go through quite a fair few a week, a lot of people go after them.”

- Marissa & Robert

AUSTRALIAN CLASSIC: Owner of Butler’s Pantry Bakehouse, Scott Butler, is celebrating National Lamington Day today.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Mundine to speak on Voice in Wodonga

WARREN Mundine, a leading indigenous Australian, will be speaking on July 30 in Wodonga on why he and some other Indigenous leaders oppose The Voice referendum proposal.

The public meeting will be at The Cube, Wodonga Civic Centre, 106 Hovell St.

Senator Bridget McKenzie has endorsed the event and will have representatives of her party attending.

Mr Mundine said that following the 1967 referendum, he “witnessed a complete turnaround in the position of Aboriginal people in Australia.”

He is opposed to the Albanese Voice proposal.

He sees it as “effectively reversing the 1967 Referendum [by] entrenching race and segregation in the Constitution” and creating a “monolithic bureaucracy … like a great big new protection board”.

He said the Voice will “fundamentally change Australia’s democratic system” and will not bridge the gap in living standards between urban indigenous people and those in remote areas.

Mr Mundine has lived much of his life in regional Australia.

He is of Bundjalung, Gumbaynggirr and Yuin descent. Born in 1956 in regional New South Wales, one of 11 children, he grew up in poverty and lived under segregation in his early years.

The event is being organised by the Wodonga and Albury branch of the National Civic Council.

Bruck house on the market

Friday, July 19, 2013,

By STEVE KELLY

A WANGARATTA landmark that has accommodated the likes of former Prime Minister Bob Hawke is up for sale.

The grand two storey, seven bedroom Bruck House, designed by prominent Australian architect Robin Boyd and built in 1955, is about to go on the market for $795,000.

Bruck Textiles owns the property, but is selling it and two others to help fund construction of three more modern units to accommodate visiting company executives and guests.

A building application for the one, two and three bedroom units recently got council approval, and will proceed next month on vacant Bruck owned land at the corner of Sisley Avenue and Bruck Court.

Bruck Textiles chief executive officer, Geoff Parker, believes Bruck House offers potential for emergency accommodation, a bed and breakfast, or a medical staffing facility.

“It is a sad day to put Bruck House up for sale but we’re just moving forward with the times,” he said this week.

“We’ve had everybody stay at the house from Bob Hawke to (trade unionist) Bill Kelty, to politicians from the other side.

“It is part of the heritage of Wangaratta and it has housed guests from the offices we’ve got in Melbourne and Sydney.”

A request on the sale is that the Bruck House name remains on the property once sold.

The house layout includes open plan living, a lobby, formal lounge, billiard room, dining room, bar, kitchen and separate two bedroom former caretaker’s quarters.

Historic wall hangings and furniture could also be included in the sale if the buyer desires.

There will be a selective marketing campaign in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra through Wangaratta selling agent Gary Nash First National Real Estate.

WILL YOU TAKE ME HOME: Bailey is an active girl with an energetic attitude who can’t wait to meet her new family. She is young and still has lots of learn and needs an active owner that is willing to continue her training. She will need a large outdoor space to burn off her endless energy. She’s very social and wouldn’t mind living with another cat or dog. Her microchip number is 956000015995275.

PHOTO: RSPCA

WANGARATTA RSPCA ANIMALS FOR ADOPTION

IT’S the last week of adoptions for RSPCA Wangaratta.

The Wangaratta RSPCA would like to thank the community for all their support.

Visit www.rspcavic.org for their current list of animals available at RSPCA Victoria sites.

Dogs:

 Koolie, blue, female, 10 months, 956000015995275, ‘Bailey’.

Puppies:

 Kelpie, tan, female, 10 weeks, 956000016640104, ‘Lilo’;

 Kelpie, tan, female, 10 weeks, 956000016629308, ‘Stitch’.

This

even bigger, and not from just the size of the band which has grown, but from absolutely everyone who is behind it to make it a huge success. The audience may see and hear a band of

on stage, but believe me, there is an entire

CAPTURED IN TIME: Bruck House, a grand piece of Wangaratta’s history, is going on the market.

PHOTO: Luke Plummer

10 years ago 10 years ago

WELCOME SWALLOWAND NOT JUST IN SPRING

By IAN DAVIDSON and CHRIS TZAROS

USUALLY observed on the wing, swooping for insects over paddocks or waterways, Welcome Swallows are a ubiquitous bird throughout the northeast region.

Occupying most habitats, they are particularly common in farmland and other modified environments where open spaces allow for foraging, water sources such as dams attract prey, and humanmade structures such as houses, sheds, bridges and culverts provide ideal opportunities for roosting and nesting.

Many readers would be very familiar with the nesting habits of this species, as they commonly build their mud nests under eaves and verandas of houses, and rafters of sheds.

In many cases, nests are constructed right above entrances to sheds and houses – as if attracted by the doormat slogan that bears their name, ‘Welcome’!

Though present throughout the year, numbers of Welcome Swallows are highest in spring and summer and it is likely that many birds move north to escape the cold of winter.

When not breeding, Welcome Swallows can form flocks and roost gregariously, sometimes in groups of up to a hundred or more birds, though

in most cases established pairs remain bonded and continue their reliance on dwellings and built structures in which to roost at night.

At the onset of spring, pairs begin the process of breeding, with both sexes gathering mud to build their nests, lining the structure with fine grasses, feathers, fur and wool.

Pairs often return to the same site as the previous year to nest.

Anywhere from three to six eggs are laid per clutch and Welcome Swallows often produce two broods per breeding season.

Feeding on small aerial insects such as moths, flies, midges and mosquitoes, Welcome Swallows are competent and agile flyers, swooping, circling, banking and diving gracefully through the air, as well as skimming water for prey on or near the surface.

Pleasant as it is to watch swallows expertly foraging and catching their prey, it is even more rewarding to view the species up close, especially in bright sunshine.

What are so often seen as swift moving silhouettes, they transform into creatures of great colour and beauty, with their glossy sheen and contrasting satin blue and deep rufous plumage.

PHOTO: Chris Tzaros (Birds Bush and Beyond)

Wearable art workshop at the Wangaratta gallery

JOIN artist Louise Meuwissen to create an embellished, wearable work of art during free workshops being held at the Wangaratta Art Gallery tomorrow.

In a friendly and relaxed environment, participants will be guided in the creation of a design, its translation to textiles and learn bead embroidery techniques to create their own wearable art piece using recycled vintage and contemporary materials from Louise’s collection.

Workshops will be held at 10am to 12pm (all ages from eight up) and at 1pm to 3.30pm (adult session) with bookings required via the gallery website or call 5722 0865.

Wangaratta community market

THE Wangaratta community market runs every Sunday at Moore Than Swimming, located at 11-13 Mason Street in Wangaratta, from 8am until 1pm.

There is a wide range of stalls to browse and refreshments are available.

Stalls are available for $25 each (must have own market stall insurance) with more information via the market’s Facebook page.

Cosi at the Beechworth hall

BEECHWORTH Theatre Company is presenting its production of Cosi by Louis Nowra, opening tonight at the Beechworth Memorial Hall.

Cosi is a semi-autobiographical comic play set in a Melbourne mental institution in 1971, following the journey of young Lewis, fresh out of university and newly employed by the institution to direct a drama production with the patients.

It starts tonight at 7.30pm, with shows tomorrow at 2pm and at 7.30pm and on Sunday at 2pm, with tickets available at stickytickets.com.au.

Creatives of Wangaratta market on Sunday

LOCAL creatives invite the community to join them for their sixth market event being held on Sunday at the CWA Hall in Templeton Street.

There will be 21 stalls showcasing the handmade wares of artists, makers and small business owners from the local region who have been selected by the organisers to ensure a unique monthly market experience for the community, with no two markets the same.

Flirtation with Abstraction by Frank Burgers

A NEW exhibition called Flirtation with Abstraction featuring the work of artist Frank Burgers is showing in Gallery 2 at the Wangaratta Art Gallery on Saturday.

Working with planes of flat colour and structural line, Burgers’ keeps his visual language consistent in response to his immediate environment and experience, whether capturing representation or figurative scenes.

The exhibition runs until August 13 and entry is free.

Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award

THE eighth Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award and exhibition is open in Gallery One at the Wangaratta Art Gallery.

The Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award is a biennial event, presented in partnership with the Kyamba Foundation, which celebrates the diversity and strength of Australian textile art.

The 2023 exhibition includes 29 works, in what is a representation of excellence from practitioners across the nation, and it will be on display until August 20.

It’s located indoors in a heated hall, meaning it will go ahead no matter what the weather, offering a comfortable experience for both stallholders and families to attend and enjoy the fun.

This month there will be another wide range of handmade products including candles, polymer clay earrings, kids hair accessories, pet bandanas, scrunchies, watercolour art,

crochet and wood-turned pieces.

There are also home décor items, kids busy boards, garden art, jams and chutneys, poured paint art, embroidery, handmade bags, fresh flowers and kilnfused glassware.

The market will be held on Sunday from 9am to 1pm at the CWA Hall next to King George gardens and entry is free with plenty of free street parking nearby.

100 years of the Pinsent Hotel

TICKET holders will celebrate 100 years of the Pinsent Hotel with an evening of good food, drink and 1920s music and dancing on Saturday night.

The special event marks the endeavours of entrepreneur Annie Edith Pinsent who took over the Royal Hotel and in 1923, changed its name to the Hotel Pinsent.

It promises to be an exciting and glamorous event with those attending encouraged to embrace Great Gatsbystyle (with prizes to be won) and more information at pinsenthotel.com.au.

LOCAL CREATIVES: Lia Zicas from Emporium by Leah will be one of the stallholders at the next Creatives of Wangaratta and surrounds (CoWs) market being held on Sunday at the CWA Hall in Templeton Street.

THE community is invited to join members of the Rural City of Wangaratta’s environment and sustainability team including Evelina Dudzinski, Crystal Speakman, Andrew Snowdon and Zaylee Saint-James Turner for a planting session on Sunday ahead of National Tree Day 2023.

Supported by Planet Ark, planting will take place along the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail at Tarrawingee Station from 10am until 1pm, continuing the habitat corridor volunteers planted last year.

Local Indigenous shrubs and grasses will be provided, with the holes dug and ready for everyone to plant into.

This year’s planting event aims to improve habitat connectivity for native wildlife including gliders, woodland birds and reptiles. Participation is free, but registration is required via council, with the Moyhu Lions Club on site to help keep everyone’s energy levels up with a free sausage from the barbecue.

Park patrols to monitor seasonal road closures

PARKS Victoria and Game Management Authority (GMA) authorised officers have begun patrols across the North East to mark the beginning of seasonal road closures in the Alpine National Park and adjoining state forest.

Park Victoria said the cost of seasonal road closure breaches is significant, from replacing broken locks, gates, chains and fencing to repairing damage to roads, tracks and drainage, as well as associated damage to vegetation and cultural sites. Parks Victoria senior enforcement officer Andrew Dean said rehabilitating damaged areas also takes time and resources away from visitor services and protecting the environment.

Check your child car seat safety

PARENTS and carers have been urged to regularly check the fit, safety rating and rules for child car seats.

The advice from RACV follows the release of the latest Child Restraint Evaluation Program for six new child car seats.

RACV head of policy James Williams said it was vital that parents and carers checked often to ensure a safety seat was capable of protecting their children.

“Parents and carers will be aware of how fast their child can grow, and therefore they should be checking monthly whether the restraint is still the right size,” he said.

RACV has published useful information for parents and carers considering a child seat purchase or checking on the viability of their car seat at racv. com.au/childrestraints

The top five things to keep in mind when checking if your child has outgrown their safety seat are:

• ensuring the car seat is installed and securely fastened according to the manufacturer’s guidelines;

• ensuring the child’s shoulders fit between the shoulder height markers on the restraint;

He said seasonal road closures are important to minimise damage to roads and tracks over the wetter months and allow for rehabilitation and other works to occur in some cases.

“It’s imperative that some tracks are closed during the wetter season as they become unsafe, impassable and pose a significant safety risks to drivers,” Mr Dean said.

He said in previous years there has been evidence of visitors, including hunters, illegally entering or passing through the Alpine National Park to undertake hunting activities.

“GMA authorised officers have been encouraged to see the majority of visitors and hunters in state

forests and adjoining national parks have been respecting seasonal road closures- we hope this will continue throughout the winter months,” Mr Dean said.

Hound hunters are being reminded to respect land boundaries, only hunt in legal areas and start hunts well away from private property or public land where hound hunting is not permitted.

“With the hound hunting season well underway, we are reminding hunters to use GPS collars and make sure their hounds remain inbounds,” GMA compliance and intelligence director Paul Stevens said.

On-the-spot fines for breaching a seasonal closure and for interfering with or damaging a gate or

sign is $925 per offence.

Mr Stevens said those found to be hunting illegally or behaving irresponsibly can also be fined or prosecuted, have their equipment seized and/or lose their game and firearms licences.

Mr Dean also said anyone who sees suspicious activity should report it to Parks Victoria on 1319 63.

Find out more about seasonal road closures, got to the Parks Victoria website https://www.parks. vic.gov.au/get-into-nature/safetyin-nature/seasonal-road-closures.

To find out where you can legally hunt in the Victorian high country, go to the Game Management Authority website https://www.gma. vic.gov.au/hunting/hunting-maps.

• moving a child to a larger rear-facing restraint or forward-facing restraint when they have outgrown their rearfacing restraint;

• when a child has outgrown their forward-facing child restraint, moving them to a bigger model with an in-built harness, or to a booster seat depending on their size; and

• only moving a child to an adult seatbelt when they are taller than 145cm (regardless of their age).

Parents will find more information and advice on finding the correct car seat at http://www.childcarseats.com. au.

“If you’re confused in any way, RACV strongly recommends talking to an experienced installer,” Mr Williams said. “It’s never worth the risk to have concerns go unanswered.”

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Calls continue for funding to keep outreach service

By BRODIE EVERIST

NATIONALS’ MP for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy was in Mount Beauty last week calling on the State Government to restore funding for the NewAccess mental health service, which has recently had its funding discontinued.

The service stopped taking clients on June 30 in preparation for funding cessation on August 11.

“We’re in the process now of talking to the ministers to make sure they understand that a community like Mount Beauty, you can’t just go over the hill, on a bus, or you can’t just catch a tram or train into Wodonga to get the same services,” Mr McCurdy said.

“But at the same time, say just restore the funding and we can go on as business as usual.”

“It’s really important that the minister acts now and talks to us, talks to the community, or comes to the community and says, ‘this is why we’re shutting this service down’ or ‘these are the alternatives we can have’.”

The statewide program, created by Beyond Blue and delivered by service provider Wellways, is run locally out of the Mount Beauty Neighbourhood House.

Mental health coach Nicole Stephens has been visiting the centre each Tuesday for around two years to see clients of the sixweek program.

She said the program of low-intensity cognitive therapy has been popular, with a high recovery rate.

“We’ve had a cut off date of when we can take people in, and we had over 20 or 30 people waiting on that list and then I’ve just had about five people in the last two days that have been ringing me wanting to get on the program,” she said.

Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre manager Trish Dixon said access to mental health services is limited for local residents, with

the town lacking transport options to get to regional centres.

“We have been so lucky to get for outreach for them to come out to see clients,” she said.

“Stopping that service is just going to be devastating.”

According to the State Government, the NewAccess initiative had fixed funding in response to the 2019-2020 bushfires and the 2022 Victorian floods, but a government spokesperson said their new Mental Health and Wellbeing Local program is “offering free

Life and times of Stanley photographer going on exhibition

THE works of famed local photographer George Peach are set to be on di splay from tomorrow, allowing the community to reflect on his near 60-year career.

Having been given a camera by his mother as a young man, Mr Peach began photographing the world around him, before leaving his Stanley community to work in Melbourne in 1928.

However, he returned regularly, chronicling his experiences in Stanley and the lives of his family.

‘George Peach: A Snapshot of C20th Stanley Life’ will feature a selection of George’s photographs with a focus on children, fashion, transport, work, leisure and life in the local area across 60 years of the 20th century, displayed with Geo rge’s original captions.

The exhibition will launch at the Stanley Post and Community Hub, Main Street, Stanley from 2pm Saturday, July 22 and will remain open until June next year.

2 X DOUBLE PASSES (2 TICKETS EACH)

Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre

Wednesday 26 July 8pm

For more information and tickets contact the WPACC on 03 5722 8105 or www.wpacc.com.au

‘WERK IT’ by Circus Trick Tease is an all-new, late-night, highenergy, acrobatic comedy romp. Celebrating spandex, high-vis, vitality and vigour – ‘WERK IT’ received nightly standing ovations in it’s debut season. Combining never seen before acrobatic feats and jaw dropping skill, this show is the buzz of the town.

Featuring outrageous circus by Australia’s hottest acrobats, including award-winning Vincent van Berkel (Can’t Face), hula hoop sensation Lisa Lottie (Neon), manipulation idol Richard Sullivan (Jugg Life), real life strong woman Cassia Jamieson

your details and post or deliver to our Wangaratta Chronicle “Werk It” competition

37 Rowan Street

Wangaratta VIC 3677

Full Name: Address:

Email Address:

Entries Close: 5pm Monday July 24

and accessible services for Victorians experiencing mental illness, providing a ‘broad front door’ to the mental health system”.

“With one already up and running supporting Benalla-Wangaratta-Mansfield and with 50 Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals to be delivered across the state, including one in Wodonga - we’re confident that locals will continue to receive mental health support closer to home, with localised treatment and care,” a government spokesperson said.

The exhibition will be open from 8.30 to 10.30am and 3.30 to 5.30pm on weekdays, and from 9am to 11am on Satu rdays.

LIFE ON SHOW: Stanley photographer George Peach will have a collection of his works from the 20th century on display from tomorrow at the Stanley Post and Community Hub.

Euroa Music Festival back in October

EUROA Music Festival will be back with its latest event “Flow” on Saturday, October 21. The announcement follows the Euroa Music Festival team being awarded a much needed grant from the Victorian Government.

Local folk will remember the big rain event which created havoc for not only the town, but also for the organisers of the Euroa Music Festival.

After being unable to hold the event by the creek, the whole town pulled together, with organisers able to execute a superb event in the main street of Euroa, just aweek following the floods of 2022.

Aptly named “Flow”, this

year’s musical event will be presented by Euroa Music Festival and hosted by three very historic venues well known to Euroa locals and visitors alike.

The venues include Euroa: the Butter Factory, Northern Republic (the old Flour Mill) and Seven Creeks Hotel.

The full line-up for 2023 was announced this week, with dozens of acts from near and far joining Vaudeville Smash, who return to Euroa for the third consecutive year.

Joining Australia’s best party band are world champion rock underdogs The Fauves, who will be celebrating 35 years of making great Australian music.

The line-up also includes

rising indie outfit from across the ditch Soaked Oats, the silky sounding soul band, The Meltdown, rising pop artist Woodes, and Melbourne’s loveable Cool Sounds.

Other bands in the line-up include: Gena Rose Bruce; Bones & Jones; Zoe Fox and the Rocket Clocks Folk Bitch Trio; Taylah Carroll; Zig Zag; Swim State; and Bad Ibis.

Mr Palmer said with a lineup like this, the event is set to be another classic Euroa Music Festival success story.

Tickets go on sale tomorrow (Thursday, July 20) with early bird specials and a special deal for locals.

Head to euroamusicfestival.com for all the details.

IS

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SERVICE STOPPED: Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy, Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre board president Kitty Vigo (centre) and centre manager Trish Dixon outside the neighbourhood hub that hosts the NewAccess program.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Whorouly Village Fair back after a three year hiatus

By BRODIE EVERIST

THE Whorouly Village Fair is back this October 22 at the Whorouly Recreation Reserve after a three year hiatus, thanks to local organisers and positive interest from the community.

Organiser Robyn Hajek said a small group of locals met at the Whorouly Cafe around four months ago to discuss the fair, with enough attendees showing interest for organisers to start contacting former stallholders.

Ms Hajek said they have had positive interest from around 20 stallholders and they are now seeking registrations.

“It would be good to get the community together just to socialise and catch up with people – that doesn’t happen often enough,” she said.

“Even if we only get half of what we had at the last one it’d still be a big boost to the economy and local businesses.”

Before it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic the fair had been growing since its beginning in 2014, according to organiser Jennifer Garrett.

She said the first fair had about 1000 visitors, but this grew to between three and four thousand attendees in 2019.

According to Ms Garrett, in

2019 the fair consisted of around 60 market stalls, an exhibition of local art and industry, and AFL great Eddie Betts signing books and even kicking a footy around.

In previous years Ms Garrett said they have also had a jumping castle, face painting and a

dunking machine.

“It’s just great to see everyone come together and have a fun day, but it’s also a way to showcase what we have here in Whorouly,” she said.

As to what the fair will hold this year organisers said it’s too early to say.

Winery makes the Halliday shortlist for Aussie ‘best’

ALPINE winemakers Billy Button Wines has been short-listed in the 2024 Halliday Wine Companion Awards for Best Value Winery in Australia, alongside 11 other wineries.

Incredibly proud of these nominations, managing director Jo Marsh posted to social media, saying “it’s an honour just to be nominated alongside the best in the industry, and we couldn’t have achieved this without your support”.

Marsh’s winemaking side project, with fellow winemaker Eleana Anderson of Mayford Wines, has also been shortlisted in Halliday’s Dark Horse Winery category.

Awarded to those who have received a 5-star rating in the Halliday Wine Companion for the first time the same year, ‘Anderson & Marsh’ has been shortlisted as 1 in 5 wineries across the country to win this prestigious industry award.

Named after a local yellow wildflower, Billy Button wines are made from small parcels of often intriguing varieties and offer a window into the world of the alpine valleys. After individually finding success in the wine industry, winemakers Jo Marsh and Glenn James came together in 2015, combining their expertise and passion to help lift the profile of the Alpine Valleys as a premium grape-growing and wineproducing region.

“Right now we’re calling for stallholders,” Ms Garrett said.

“Whether it’s as big as the last one, or we’re going to build it up again, the primary purpose is an event for the whole community to come together.”

Since then, their vision has won numerous industry awards and accolades for their large and eclectic range of wines.

The Halliday Wine Companion is an annual Australian wine-tasting guide, featuring detailed tasting notes with points, price and value for a selection of wines.

Award winners will be announced on August 2.

GETTING READY: Whorouly locals (from left) Jennifer Garrett, Albi Pianegonda, Graham Wood, Willow Pianegonda, and Charlotte Elkington are excited for the first Whorouly Village Fair since 2019.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

PART 1

End of the line

A quiet conclusion for Myrtleford’s passenger rail service q y ’ p g

By JOHN TAYLOR OAM, Myrtleford and District Historical Society Inc.

THE morning train from Bright to Wangaratta left the Myrtleford Railway Station on May 16, 1952 with no reason to suspect what would lie ahead on a bend beyond the Barwidgee Creek railway bridge one mile from town.

The accumulated lack of wartime maintenance and a shortage of material, which stretched into the 1950s, caused speed restrictions of 25 mph on the line, down from 40 pre-war.

This did not prevent two passenger carriages from being derailed, one precariously, on this day in 1952.

“MIXED TRAIN LEAVES RAILS” headlined the ‘Myrtleford Times’ on May 21.

The D3 635 steam engine had rolled a rail over, and 60 passengers, several on their return journey from Mount Buffalo Chalet, climbed out on to the track and were promptly conveyed to Wangaratta by McPherson’s Bus Lines.

A crane and lifting gear brought from Newport and Benalla righted the carriages and the track was repaired, but the curtailment of a regular passenger rail service was now on notice.

And so a decision was made and announced in the local newspaper on April 23: “PASSENGER TRAINS OFF— POSSIBLE DEATH KNELL”: “On June 13, 1952 the last train to regularly carry passengers will leave the platform at Myrtleford.”

It would be just one year short of 70 years of service to the town and a regular road service to cater for the Mount Buffalo tourist trade would replace the passenger train.

The last passengers on the regular ‘mixed train’ on

June 13 were in a carriage attached behind seven goods wagons and a K 164 steam engine.

One passenger had come from Bright (Mr Wal Larsen, railway enthusiast and historian) who met up with 12 local people on their last trip towards Wangaratta.

Patronage on the Ovens Valley Railway had been

VICTORIAN RAILWAYS PASSENGER

TIME TABLE, Nov 7, 1932: Reading down, a train which left Wangaratta at 12:35pm, arrived at Myrtleford at 2:55pm, Bright at 4:05pm. Reading up, a train which left Bright at 6am, arrived at Wangaratta at 9:17am.

NEWPORT CRANE AT MYRTLEFORD DERAILMENT, 1952: Heavy equipment brought in to repair and rerail passenger carriages, observed by local residents.

declining for some time in the early 1950s as motor vehicles became more common on roads and a bus to Wangaratta had begun connecting with the north-east line’s afternoon service to Albury and taking patrons to the service to Melbourne earlier in the day.

In addition to all this,

there was the slow journey to and from Wangaratta on the old ‘mixed’ service, which could take three to five hours between Bright and Wangaratta, and the Victorian Railways Commissioners had already begun closing passenger services on several branch lines across the state.

On hearing of the news of the passenger rail closure, locals became anxious about the regular mail service which arrived by rail.

‘MIXED TRAIN’ AT MYRTLEFORD, 1952: On June 13, 1952 the last ‘mixed’ train hauled by K 167 leaves Myrtleford for Wangaratta. One passenger carriage is attached at the rear of the train.

MYRTLEFORD RAILWAY

DERAILMENT, 1952: Derailment of several goods wagons and these two passenger carriages on the ‘mixed’ train to Wangaratta in May 16, 1952. PHOTO: Joe

On June 3, 1952 the ‘Myrtleford Times’ headlined “SOLVING THE NO-TRAIN PROBLEM, ESSENTIAL SERVICES— PER ROAD”, reporting on a meeting in Bright attended by representatives of the Myrtleford Progress Association.

Association president Mr E Shears stated “the district was anxious regarding its mail and newspaper service…..the road service for passengers seems entirely satisfactory”.

A regular receipt of these services and the opportunity to have urgent mail replied to on the same day was also emphasized by Mr T Robertson.

Reinstatement of a rail passenger service using a diesel rail car was also raised by Bright representatives, and the Hon Ivan Swinburne MLC undertook to take this up with the Victorian Railways. This request was knocked back due to the state of the line.

The following week, “NEW POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS” were announced for local mail: Leave Wangaratta daily 9.00 am, Myrtleford 10.15 am, Bright 11.15 am. Leave Bright 11.30 am, Myrtleford 12.30 pm, Wangaratta 1.45 pm, with delivery and collection also at places in between.

The quiet demise of the

Myrtleford on December 13, 1883 with all the fanfare, speeches and a ball in the Athenaeum Hall.

However, the official end to the regular passenger service did not mean passengers would never arrive and leave the Ovens Valley on rail again. There were many examples of special rail ‘excursions’.

One occasion occurred on March 5, 1954 when 600 school pupils and adults travelled by passenger train to Benalla to see HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Phillip.

The rail excursion was coordinated by Mr P R (Bob) O’Brien, head master of the Myrtleford Consolidated School and arrived at Benalla at 10.00 am to view a Royal Visit which lasted 30 minutes.

The ‘Myrtleford Times’ reported on a “most memorable experience for residents of the North-East”, with an estimated 1500 district locals venturing to Benalla.

Special mention was made of Mrs J Matthews, who had decorated the Myrtleford engine conveying the schools excursion.

Another occasion occurred in November, 1956 when a tour group attended the Olympic Games in Melbourne.

Then, several rail enthusiast specials in the 1960s, 70s and early 80s would bring passengers back to the Ovens Valley to experience the leisurely trip old travellers once enjoyed.

PHOTO: Joe Bianco

Bianco

PHOTO: Wal Larsen

A timeless masterpiece

NESTLED in the heart of Wangaratta, 2 Graham Avenue presents a rare opportunity to own a prestigious and Art Deco home.

This two-level residence boasts a prime location, where convenience meets elegance, and every detail has been carefully crafted.

Stepping through the doors, you will be instantly captivated by the home’s timeless appeal, built circa the 1940s and meticulously restored to highlight its original art deco features. The preservation of Jarrah flooring, 10ft ceilings, and wrought iron gates beautifully pays homage to the era’s architectural splendour.

The upper level of the home hosts three generously sized bedrooms, two of which graciously open up to private balconies.

Equipped with modern comforts, the fully renovated bathroom with a separate toilet upstairs ensures both convenience and elegance.

Downstairs, a tastefully renovated bathroom/laundry area with a separate toilet complements the functionality of the home.

The heart of the residence lies in its updated kitchen, adorned with stone benches, a gas cooktop, electric oven, and a dishwasher. The kitchen effortlessly flows into the spacious living room, accentuated by

a striking rounded window and a cozy gas log fire, creating the perfect ambiance for relaxation and entertainment.

Seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor living, the dining area opens up to a stunning undercover alfresco space, complete with a ceiling fan and patio blinds. This private oasis allows you to enjoy the outdoors year-round.

For those seeking elevated entertainment, the rooftop balcony presents a grand space with sweeping treetop views, making it an ideal spot for gatherings with family and friends or simply enjoying peaceful solitude under the vast sky.

Adding further convenience, the prop-

erty offers a double carport, ensuring ample parking space for vehicles. Additionally, a small lock-up work shed/studio provides flexibility for creative pursuits or extra storage.

In conclusion, 2 Graham Avenue is a true testament to the enduring allure of art deco architecture.

Its exceptional combination of classic charm and contemporary luxury makes it a rare gem in Wangaratta’s property landscape.

Don’t miss this chance to own a piece of Wangaratta’s history and and make an appointment today to witness the allure of Central Art Deco Charm at its finest.

The Rockery at Eldorado

AFTER enjoying more than two decades of rural living, the owners of the income-generating farm property known as ‘The Rockery’ at 354 Cemetery Road have decided to put up their stunning Eldorado property for sale.

This unique property boasts a breathtaking view of Mount Pilot, Mount Buffalo, and Mount Buller, as well as the Ovens and King Valleys, and features a beautiful Alistair Knox mud brick family home situated on 41 hectares (102 acres) of land. A visit to this property is a must to truly appreciate its magnificence.

The fully fenced farm property is devel-

oped into five individual paddocks with pastures that provide a solid income from agistment. The goat herd, currently comprising around 450 head, is securely contained within pastures that provide ample water, eliminating the need for supplementary feeding. In addition, the property boasts equine infrastructure that includes loose boxes and day yards for trail riding enthusiasts who wish to take advantage of the nearby Mount Pilot National Park.

and beam frame made from recycled large Red Gum posts and Oregon beams.

The property boasts substantial stock and domestic water, with tanks that are filled for paddock use from a reliable dam located lower down on the property. Total water storage capacity is an impressive 250,000 litres, with an additional 250,000 litres of rainwater storage available for household use.

Agent | Phone | CLEAN CUT (AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD ESTABLISHED OVER 28 YEARS FIRST TIME OFFERED/OWNERS RETIRING Domestic, Corporate and Institutional Ground Maintenance and Mowing

| BUSINESS FOR SALE 5721 2014 Expressions of interest to purchase invited. Goodwill plant & equipment. Contact Peter Morris 0412 638 079

The homestead at ‘The Rockery’ showcases all of Alistair Knox’s signature features, including a robust structural post

Garry Nash & Co 5722 2663 $1,850,000 354 Cemetery Road, Eldorado Computerized accounting program Registered staff checks in place Reliable experienced workforce stays Currently covering domestic and corporate grounds maintenance and mowing including pre-sale and event venue presentation. The business has identified potential to expand into landscaping – sub surface watering systems plus broad area slashing. Agents comment ‘An established and profitable small business with income from day one and great potential for expansion.’

| Carpet and upholstery steam cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, flood recovery, office cleaning, window cleaning, general and end of lease cleaning residential and commercial. Established 17 years with repeat residential, commercial, institutional and corporate clients. Advance bookings for ‘next day start’. Excellent Hyundai vehicle equipped with top quality modern cleaning and drying plant together with all ancillary equipment. One person, five and a half day business. Solid Income/Lifestyle Hours

BUSINESS FOR SALE 5721 2014 $125,000 WIWO Contact Peter Morris 0412 638 079

Aqua Peel Carpet Steam Cleaning

Historic Eldorado Land

24 Mackay Street, Eldorado

• Don’t miss the opportunity to own a valuable piece of Eldorado’s rich history today!

• Approx 1,687m2 of land, you’ll have ample room to escape the busy city lifestyle

• 26m bore and power line on Mackay Street

• Conveniently only 25km to Wangaratta, 29km to Beechworth & 21km to Milawa Region

• Short walk to swimming holes, Reedy Creek, National Park, waterfalls & the McEvoy Tavern

• A quantity of Eldorado stone on the land provides for future landscape opportunities

Vacant Land - 1,687m2

FOR SALE $244,500

Central & Neat

1/30

Vacant Land - 5.49 acres

Central Art Deco Charm

2 Graham Avenue

• Prestigious living, highly sought after location

• Circa 1940’s, beautifully renovated, incl many of the original art deco features, Jarrah

flooring, 10ft ceilings & wrought iron gates

• 3 generous beds, 2 with private balconies

• Fully renovated bath with sep toilet upstairs. Downstairs reno bath/laundry w sep toilet

• Updated kitchen with stone benches, gas cooktop, electric oven & dishwasher

• Spacious living, rounded window, gas log fire

• Rooftop balcony for grand views/entertaining

FOR SALE $839,000

Room for the Family

19 Glenmaree Drive, Killawarra

• Only 8kms approx. from Wangaratta’s City Centre in Walnut Grove Estate

• Large Malcolm Graham 1985 built home set on 2.1Ha (5Ac) approx. allotment

• High cathedral ceilings & light filled living

• 3 generous sized bedrooms, master featuring an ensuite & walk in robe

• Open gas fire place, evap cooler for the warmer months & open wood fire in the second living

• Central kitchen, electric cooking, plenty of cupboards space, walk in pantry & views

• Full length rear verandah, 6m x 12m shed

FOR SALE $859,000 3 2 2

BUSINESS FOR SALE

Touchstone Pianos

35 Warby Street, Wangaratta

• Over 30-years history as one of the regions premier piano sales & servicing businesses

• Customer base from the Riverina to NE Vic

• Accredited KAWAI dealer selling & servicing grand, upright, and digital pianos.

• Various staples for the guitar enthusiast, ample scope for growth to include more

• All tooling and delivery vehicles included

FOR SALE $190,000 + SAV

No GST Going Concern

23 Baker St, Wangaratta | Ph: (03) 5722 2663 garrynash.com.au

Function, Views & Privacy

44 Cambridge Drive

• Exceptionally well maintained quality home providing a functional family floorplan

• Spacious 4 bedroom, full ensuite to master

• Formal lounge room or parents retreat

• Functional kitchen with quality appliances & open plan living

• All year alfresco entertaining enjoying the unique parkland views & amazing Red gums

• Ducted gas heating, evap cooling, double garage plus additional storage

• Very private, ideally located on a 1007m2 (approx.) in the popular Cambridge Estate

4 2 2

FOR SALE $917,000

GROWTH ZONE FREEHOLD

Medical Investment

31 Clark Street, Wangaratta

• Strategically located next to Wangaratta Private Hospital

• New three year lease to 30 June 2026 with Options to 2030

• Rental income of $23,400 per annum plus GST and outgoings

• Operated as denture clinic for over 6 years

• Tenanted investments in Wangaratta’s ‘Hospital Precinct’ are rare

• 50% regional stamp duty concession available

FOR SALE $415,000

No GST Going Concern

Mid Century Inspired

31 Perry Street

• Prime central location, solid brick, midcentury modern inspired, 3 bedroom family home set on rare 1,300m2 approx. allotment

• Open-plan living, polished timber floorboards

• Second living space, ideal for a home office or fourth bedroom, & two split systems

• Master incl BIR & private patio overlooking the peaceful & shady backyard

• Expansive yard, 10m x 6m approx shed with concrete floor & power. Rear access.

Vacant Land - 5.49 acres

3

1 2

FOR SALE $560,000

Ovens River Lifestyle

708 Wang-Yarrawonga Rd, Waldara

• Exceptional & tightly held grazing property including 54HA cleared & 60HA native bush

• Magnificent river Red Gums, extensive river frontage, numerous billabongs & city water

• Machinery & disused shearing shed, power connected, steel & steel/timber stockyards

• 24 Meg high security irrigation licence

• Approximately 12.8 HA of leasehold land

• Outstanding opportunity to secure a quality rural asset positioned only 8km from the Rural City of Wangaratta in a growth corridor. Inspection highly recommended.

FOR SALE $2,500,000

Wangaratta

820m23 11

Ideal Starter

For Sale $320,000-$340,000 View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L22498644

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Danial Siperki

M 0400 027 473

Harcourts Wangaratta

Wangaratta

573m23 11

Tranquil Setting

For Sale $360,000 View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L19192507

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Wangaratta 12 Donovan Drive

671m23 11

Well presented 3 Bedroom Home, Private Yard

For Sale $482,500

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L23153504

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Joe McKenzie M 0423 655 179

Harcourts Wangaratta

Wangaratta

626m23 22

Just Move In

For Sale $630,000-$650,000

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L22944767

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Danial Siperki M 0400 027 473

Harcourts Wangaratta

4176m22 22

Perfectly planned practical Paradise

For Sale $825,000 View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L23318418

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Joe McKenzie M 0423 655 179

Harcourts Wangaratta

Wangaratta 47 Park Lane

711m25 22

Magnificent Family Home

For Sale $900,000-$990,000

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L23133669

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Paul Reid M 0417 537 520

Harcourts Wangaratta

Waldara

6705m24 22

Waldara Lifestyle Living

For Sale $999,900 View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L22420827

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Danial Siperki M 0400 027 473

Harcourts Wangaratta

Everton 188 Diffey Road 40Ac3 12

and Wangaratta

Waldara 15 Fairway Drive

967m24 32

Luxury & Exclusive

For Sale $1,185,000

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L19193873

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Hugh Amery M 0487 777 311

Harcourts Wangaratta

Greta South 414 Fifteen Mile Creek Road 207Ac5 22 to Wangaratta CBD

car garage

For Sale View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/

For Sale

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/ L19192248

Hugh Amery M 0487 777 311 Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

plus road leases

Main Residence:

Greta South 114 Thomas Lane 816Ac 4 12 312

2nd Residence: ‘Kimberley Fields’

and two living areas

For Sale

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/ L21215065

Hugh Amery

M 0487 777 311 Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Selling

Wangaratta 42-48 Osboldstone Road 6070m2

Joe McKenziePaul ReidHugh AmeryDanial Siperki

COMMENCING

22 nd July 10am –12noon

ONLINE AUCTION CLEARING SALE

Tractors, Vehicles, Wood Splitter, Fire Units.

A/C: MRS M.A. WILSON 25 MORRISON ROAD, BOWSER

AUCTION START: Friday 21 st July 10.00am

AUCTION FINISH: Sunday 23 rd July from 1.00pm

New 6.5hp Millers Falls petrol motor, Stihl MS170 chainsaw, CIG portable welder with electrodes, heavy duty steel pedestal stand, Polaris Ranger 500 (approx. 20hrs (as new) w/manual, Husqvarna chainsaw, Ariens ride on mower, Deutscher mulcher with Honda GX200 motor, Ford Fairmont (unregistered) 2003, Mazda BT50 c/w racks & tool box (unregistered) 2007, Mobilco swing saw, Black Diamond 40 tonne wood splitter, Massey Ferguson 135 diesel, 4ft slasher, Fordson tractor rims and tyre, Lamb marking cradle, Adjustable portable sheep yard drafting race, Wool table, Ripper, Fordson Turbo tractor c/w forks & bucket, portable fire fighting trailer 5.5 Honda motor 1000ltr tank, 3 P/L scoop, portable irrigator, 3 P/L Massey Ferguson spring tyne scarifier, Alfa Laval hammer mill, 3 P/L super spreader, 3 P/L lifting jib, 3 P/L forks, John Berends 3 P/L forks with adjustments, selection of treated pine posts, Easymix cement mixer, light buck rake, 3 P/L grader blade, New Holland hayliner 69 baler, 4 disc hay mower, Trailer & stock crate, Cooper shearing plant and hand pieces.

2 Stanley wood planes, Dawn vice, pipe bender, timber storage cupboard with 6 shelves, Paslode fixing gun with nails, Paslode nail gun, Hitachi hammer drill, Makita router, Makita electric drill, Ryobi jigsaw, Makita circular saw, Stihl blower, AEG steel nibbler & wire strippers, Milwaukee angle grinder, tool box with tools, pipe cutters, Stanley socket set, tap & die set, Peerless drill press 12 speed 3/4HP, Bossweld mig welder, heavy duty home made pipe bender, TTII double ended bench grinder, double ended GMF bench grinder, Rockwell drop saw, CMG heavy duty steel saw, portable steel workbench, Hitachi 240v jack hammer model H65SA, Millers Falls fence post hole auger, surveyors tripod and level, Honda 11hp motor, Cher electric bandsaw, Honda FG110 rotary hoe, step ladder, new Topcon rotating laser complete kit, post lifter, Giantz Pro 62cc pole chainsaw, Honda brush cutter four stroke, aluminium platform, firewood holder, stand with roller and pipe clamps, Jackaroo professional 4 series 4 burner BBQ, heavy duty car ramps, light duty car ramps, fence extensions, sprinkler heads 25 approx, 4 saw horses, 4” treated pine posts (large quantity), wire spinner, cement mixer, bricky’s wheelbarrow, sheep yard gates & yard panel, wool press, selection of light tubular steel, ferret box and stand, 5 temp fence panels, Husqvarna garden trailer, welding table, colourbond sheets (several), timber & steel frame, plus a host of sundry items too numerous to list.

Register to bid by scanning the QR code here View photos, T&C’s or download the full catalogue.

Terms: NO GST. 5% Buyers Premium, applicable on all goods Goods must be paid and funds cleared prior to collection date. Copy of receipt by authorised person must be shown when collecting items.

Collection Dates: Wednesday 26th July 9am – 4pm & Thursday 27th July 9am – 4pm.

23 Baker Street, Wangaratta | (03) 5722 2663 OPEN 7 DAYS | garrynash.com.au |

Fertile river lifestyle at the edge of town

A RARE opportunity presents itself to secure a unique parcel of land on the banks of the Ovens River, no more than 8km from the Rural City of Wangaratta.

Offered for sale by The Fithall family estate who have owned the property for 30 years, this 118ha allotment is offered for sale by private treaty. Located on the Wangaratta-Yarrawonga Road and flanked all the way along the northern boundary by the spectacular Oven River, the property offers secure water supply and a combination of fertile river flats and productive livestock-carrying country.

This property presents a great opportunity to attract a wide range of buyers from primary producers, to lifestyle enthusiasts. This parcel of land would be ideal for buyers looking to secure agricultural land with privacy and good access to water. The property offers approximately 5-6km of pristine river country and frontage to the very clean Ovens River. Wheth-

er you are seeking an idyllic lifestyle with the opportunity to build your dream home (STCA), or looking to obtain a secure productive grazing block. The property comprises 54ha of cleared land and 60ha of native bush, plus a further 12ha of leasehold land. Water provisions include a 24ML high security irrigation licence, extensive Ovens River frontage, frontage to Three Mile Creek, multiple billabongs and is connected to Wangaratta city water supply.

Agent |

Phone |

Price | Location | Land |

Garry Nash & Co

5722 2663

$2,500,000

708 WangarattaYarrawonga Road, Waldara

118HA

SUBARU BRZ 10TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

By CHRIS RILEY

WE always find it odd driving and writing about a car that is already sold out.

In this case just 150 examples of the Subaru BRZ 10th Anniversary Edition were offered and Subaru has confirmed all 150 of them were snapped up in just over a week.

That’s right, it has been a whole decade since the launch of the ground-breaking coupe.

Of course, you can still buy a standard BRZ, but it won’t come with the special blue paint job, nor will it have the special trim and decals that mark the 10th anniversary of the car’s arrival here in 2012.

Toyota did something similar with its equivalent of the BRZ, the GR86, but in its case, just 86 cars were offered and they too have gone.

STYLING BRZ 10th Anniversary Edition is priced from $43,090 for the manual, or $46,890 for the automatic version of the car.

The look is at once familiar but somehow different, instantly recognisable for what it is.

It’s finished in WR Blue, with black 18-inch alloys and crystal black door mirrors.

There’s a black BRZ badge, but no 10th anniversary badging on the boot lid.

You get a cheap sticker fixed to the rear window instead.

Inside, there’s a numbered badge and commemorative 10th Anniversary logo

embroidered on the inside of the doors.

Our test vehicle was #10 of 150 and will presumably be offered for sale as a demonstrator at some stage.

Blue stripes mark the artificial suede and leather trimmed seats, with contrast stitching for the seats, armrests, steering wheel, shifter and handbrake.

Yes, the price has crept up over the years, but the BRZ still represents excellent value for money for those who take their driving seriously.

Based on the S version standard equipment includes smart key access with push button start, LED headlights with automatic height adjustment, vehicle dynamics control, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control air conditioning, active sound control to enhance engine sound inside the cabin for a more engaging driving experience.

Driver and front passenger seats are also heated.

BRZ is covered by a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty and 12-month roadside assistance, with service capped for 5 years/75,000km.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS

No changes have been made under the bonnet for the anniversary edition and there’s still no turbo to hurry things along.

A larger 2.4-litre flat four produces 174kW of power and 250Nm of torque, with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

of an issue. The car hasn’t been tested by ANCAP yet and would probably not achieve five stars, at least the manual version that we’re driving wouldn’t -- not this time around.

While it has seven airbags, a reverse camera, rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitor, automatic emergency braking is absent and so is lane keep assist -- all of which you get with the auto.

DRIVING

The 10th Anniversary Edition looks the business, finished in striking world rally blue with black mirrors and wheels, along with an integrated rear spoiler and dual pipes emerging from under the rear.

The manual gets 22kW more power and 38Nm more torque, while the auto fares a little better, with another 27kW and 45Nm.

The extra power makes little difference, but the additional torque is welcome, especially as peak torque kicks in 2700 revs lower in the range.

Both transmissions get power to the ground through a Torsen limited-slip rear diff

The dash from 0-100km/h in the manual takes less than 7.0 seconds.

With a 50-litre tank, fuel consumption is a claimed 9.5L/100km (manual) and 8.8L/100km (auto). We were getting 8.8L -- oh, and it takes 98 unleaded.

Automatic variants see the addition of Subaru’s awardwinning EyeSight Driver Assist package for the first time.

The body has 60 per cent more front lateral bending ri-

gidity and 50 per cent more torsional stiffness than its predecessor.

Aluminium materials have been used extensively for the bonnet, front guards and the roof, helping to keep weight down despite additional equipment.

The impressive ride and handling are underpinned by power-assisted rack and pinion steering, independent MacPherson front struts and double rear wishbone suspension, with 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in lowprofile Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber.

The brakes are unchanged but have been recalibrated.

Stepping into this car straight out of a high-performance Audi, the differences are immediately noticeable -- less power of course (a lot less) and more cabin noise (a lot more).

We didn’t miss the power which goes hand in hand with the size and weight of the car, or power to weight ratio as it is known, but the din inside the cabin was another thing altogether.

It is unfortunately a reflection of the pure driving experience (and the Michelins), which puts the driver close to the road and close to the magic that makes it all happen-- you’re at one with the car if you like.

The indicators are annoying because it is too easy to fully activate them rather than get three quick flashes.

It wasn’t too long ago that it didn’t have one-touch blinkers.

Whipping the BRZ into a right hander, we felt the rear

MODEL RANGE

BRZ COUPE: $40,290 (manual), $44,090 (automatic)

BRZ S COUPE: $41,590 (manual), $45,390 (automatic)

BRZ COUPE 10TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION: $43,090 (manual), $46,890 (automatic)

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Subaru dealer for driveaway prices.

SPECIFICATIONS: Subaru BRZ 10th Anniversary Edition, 2.4-litre two-door 2+2 sports coupe

RATINGS:

Looks: 8/10; Performance: 7.5/10; Safety: 7/10; Thirst: 8/10; Practicality: 5/10; Comfort: 7/10; Tech: 7/10; Value: 8/10; Overall: 7.2/10

start to step out before it was caught by the electronics, and right then we knew we were in for some fun.

The larger engine and small increases in power and torque that it brings have made a remarkable difference to the way the car performs, even though it was okay to start with.

Sitting low to the ground you feel like you’re going fast even when you’re not, and with a short wheelbase, low centre of gravity and some sticky rubber, it’s capable of taking corners at speed.

SUMMING UP

BRZ remains fun and affordable.

In years to come this car will be sought out by collectors.

In the meantime, you have the opportunity to enjoy old school driving wrapped in a modern envelope, with electronics to back you up just in case.

ENGINE:

Capacity: 2.387 litres

Configuration: Horizontallyopposed Boxer 4-cylinder, petrol engine

Maximum Power: 174 kW @ 7000 rpm

Maximum Torque: 250 Nm @ 3700 rpm

Fuel Type: Premium 98 RON unleaded petrol

Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 9.5 L/100km

CO2 Emissions: 217 g/km

DRIVELINE:

Six-speed manual, rearwheel drive

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:

Length: 4265 mm

Wheelbase: 2575mm

Width: 1775 mm

Height: 1310mm

Turning Circle: 10.8 metres

Kerb Mass: 1249 kg

Fuel Tank Capacity: 50 litres

STANDARD WARRANTY:

Five years / unlimited kilometres

■ A DECADE ON: BRZ . . . It’s the pick of the crop.

There’s hole lot of trouble

By BRODIE EVERIST

RESIDENTS of the Upper Kiewa Valley are up in arms over the condition of local roads, with authorities citing persistent wet weather for their condition and emphasising current maintenance works.

roads in the Alpine Shire, including the Great Alpine Road, the Kiewa Valley Highway, the Tawonga Gap Road, Happy Valley Road, and Dederang Road.

yBY SAMUEL O’BRIEN sobrien@ nemedia.com.au

THE state of Mansfield’s regional roads has been a hot topic in the community over the past months, with numerous complaints about potholes, ruts and damaging conditions aired in community forums for some time.

As the wet weather continues to dump idealistic snow on the mountain, more roads are falling into disrepair, with mechanics recording an increase in the number of damaged vehicles taken in.

Robert Heaney, who runs Mansfield Tyrepower, has noticed a significant increase, especially over the school holidays.

“Over the last six months, we have seen more vehicles with damaged tyres or dam-

aged rims from the potholes in the area,” he said.

“Over the last two weeks due to the ski season and the holidays we have had an abundance of people come in with damaged tyres, damaged wheels and broken wheels.

“It has become a daily thing.”

The increased demand for replacement parts has also impacted turnaround times for cars, especially for parts for newer vehicles.

“We see a lot of European vehicles in at the moment and

they had different tyre sizes,” Mr Heaney said.

“I’ve got two cars at the moment that I’m waiting on brand new wheels to turn up for.

“One of them has a three month wait for the parts to come out of Germany because there is no stock in Australia and it is a brand new vehicle.

“Visitors take [the longer wait times] in shock because a lot of them are hoping to get things fixed straight away and it mucks up their holiday.

“There have been times

when vehicles have been taken back to Melbourne on tow trucks or people have had to make their own way home, leaving their vehicle here and picking it up at a later date.”

While visitors have seen the brunt of the impacts of potholes recently, Mr Heaney says locals are being affected more on average.

“The potholes have been around for quite a while but as the road conditions get worse; the amount of people that come in or contact us has increased,” he said.

Mount Beauty and District Chamber of Commerce president Gerardo Altman said the highway between Albury and Mount Beauty is “peppered” with potholes, some of which require drivers to drive into the opposite lane to avoid them.

He said at some parts of the road he has to slow down to 40km/h on a 100km/h road.

“We have some of the worst roads that I’ve ever driven on,” he said.

He said while tourists were still making the trip to Mount Beauty, he was concerned that a major incident caused by dangerous roads would put people off visiting.

“It’s ludicrous, especially at night-time,” he said.

“Not only are you dodging animals, you’re dodging potholes too.”

The Department of Transport and Planning is responsible for a number of major

Alpine Shire Council’s manager of engineering and assets, Sarah Buckley, said persistent wet weather has had a significant impact on shire roads over the past two years, but council has delivered around $500,000 in road repair works following the 2022 floods with federal funding.

“Our team continues to work hard to stay on top of road maintenance and repairs, prioritising work according to risk,” she said.

Steve Bowmaker, Hume regional director for the Department of Transport and Planning, said they are continuing maintenance works across the road network, including in the Alpine Shire.

“Like much of regional Victoria, roads across the state’s north-east have been severely impacted by flooding and extreme rainfall.”

“Safety is our number one priority, which is why our crews are prioritising the repair of hazards based on their potential risk to the community.”

DANGEROUS DRIVING: Potholes like this one seen last month on the road to Jamieson have been causing damage to many cars.

PHOTO: Samuel O’Brien

B BRODIE EVERIST d i th Ali Shi

Rural City Connection

Public notices

Public notices

Public notices

Council Meeting

Council Meeting - Tuesday 25 July 2023

The next Ordinary Meeting of Council will be held on Tuesday 25 July 2023 at 6pm.

The meeting will be held in Council Chambers at Wangaratta Government Centre and members of the public will be able to attend in person.

There is also the ability to watch live via Council’s YouTube channel or view a recording of the meeting at, www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/councilonline

Questions can be submitted prior to the meeting by emailing council@wangaratta.vic.gov.au before 10am on 25 July. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the meeting. Agenda items to be discussed can be found at www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/agendas from 4pm Friday 21 July.

Volunteers Morning Tea

Volunteers from across the Rural City of Wangaratta will be recognised at a morning tea being held in their honour at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on from 10-11am, on Monday 24 July 2023. We recognise the great contribution volunteers make to our community. This morning tea is a chance to personally thank the volunteers across our region for all the work they do.

Volunteering helps people develop new skills, make friends and stay connected while also making a difference in other people’s lives.

Volunteers from across our community are invited to attend. To register your attendance, please visit, https:// www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Residents/Whats-On or email, recreation@wangaratta.vic.gov.au.

Application for approval of a Development Plan

Wangaratta North West Growth Areas - Precincts 4 and Precinct 2 (part of), incorporating land known as Reith Road (Lot1 LP113608) and 48-52 Worland Road (Lot 2 PS 428662).

The plans and principle supporting documentation associated with the Development Plan are available for viewing on Council’s website at, https://www.wangaratta. vic.gov.au/Your-Council/Public-notices. Further supporting documents are available upon request. Interested and affected parties are invited to make comment for Council to consider during the assessment. Submissions must be made in writing via email, planningmail@wangaratta.vic.gov.au or post, PO Box 238 Wangaratta Vic 3676.

Submissions for comment on the Development Plan close at 5pm on 11 August 2023

Should you have any further queries regarding the above matter please contact Council’s Planning Department at, planningmail@wangaratta.vic.gov.au or on 03 5722 0888.

National Tree Day Community Event

Join us to connect with nature and your community as we celebrate National Tree Day a week early!

Help plant Indigenous native plants along the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail near Tarrawingee Station. Learn more about our local flora and fauna and help to improve habitat for local wildlife.

The planting is this Sunday 23 July from 10am-1pm

At Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, Tarrawingee Station

Please BYO gloves, water bottle, wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather conditions. A free BBQ lunch will be provided.

Please RSVP for this free event by Friday 21 July at, https://events.humanitix.com/rcow-ntd

Kerbside Bin Audits

Council will be conducting kerbside bin audits throughout July 2023, during which a small number of randomly selected streets in urban and rural areas will be inspected.

The information is being collected to understand volumes of glass generated in the existing kerbside bins. This information will be used to further inform establishing a suitable glass collection service for Council.

If you have any concerns, please email council@wangaratta.vic.gov.au

More information can be found at Waste & Recycling Rural City of Wangaratta

Tenders

C40935 Whorouly Netball and Multiuse Courts

Development Project

Tender closes at 2pm Wednesday 26 July 2023

T4597

Weed vegetation and pest control services in Native Vegetation Areas

Tender closes at 5pm Monday 7 August 2023

C41102 Rural City of Wangaratta Renewable Energy Audit

Tender closes at 2pm Wednesday 9 August 2023. Further details may be obtained by visiting Council’s website at, https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/ Working-with-Council. To discuss upcoming projects in your community please contact Council on 03 5722 0888

Irene

Community Grants applications are open! If you have an idea for a project, come see us at one of our community drop-in sessions!

Discuss your idea with a knowledgeable Council Officer and get your application underway and submitted!

Tue 25 July | @Glenrowan Bakehouse | 10am-12pm

Tue 25 July | @Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre 5pm-7pm

Registration is essential! Please email communitygrants@wangaratta.vic.gov.au or call 5722 0888 to book a time.

For more information, assistance or to apply, please visit, https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/YourCouncil/Grants-and-funding/Community-Grants

New Policies

The Fraud and Corruption Control Policy 2023 has been endorsed by Council and Council is inviting community submissions up to 5pm on Friday 28 July 2023

How to make a submission

By Email: council@wangaratta.vic.gov.au. Please include “Fraud and Corruption Control Policy 2023” in the subject line.

Mail: PO Box 238, Wangaratta VIC 3676. Please include “Fraud and Corruption Control Policy 2023” as the reference.

In Person: To Customer Services, Wangaratta Government Centre – Corner Ford and Ovens Street, Wangaratta. Please include “Fraud and Corruption Control Policy 2023” as the reference to your submission

To view the policy, please go to our website www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Public-Notices

For further information please contact (03) 5722 0888.

Positions vacant

Social Planner - Housing

Customer Experience Officer

Payroll Officer

Aquatic Education Instructor

Personal Trainer Group Fitness Instructor

Community Care Worker

For further information on these positions please visit https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/ Careers

615 j.herry@wangaratta.vic.gov.au

INPERSONBYPHONESELLING

37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677 5723 0101 classifieds@ nemedia.com.au

WHENTO BOOK BYEMAIL

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

ACAR BUY ONLINE

2 WEEKS REGIONAL WITH PICTURE from $42

General Classifieds: wangarattachronicle.com.au

Employment: northeastjobs.com.au

Real Estate: northeastproperty.com.au

WANGARATTA’S MARKET PLACE WITH OVER 40,000 READERS EACH WEEK IN PRINT AND ONLINE

EMPLOYMENT

CREATIVE Market, Sunday, 9am-1pm, CWA Hall, jams, preserves, fresh flowers, wood, garden and glass craft, local artists and makers.

FIRST floor office space in Reid Street, carpet, split system heating and cooling, $95 p/w, includes power. Phone 0431 190 630.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Classifieds Work!

Phone: 03 5723 0101

Expressions of Interest - Financial Accountancy

North East Support and Action for Youth Inc. (NESAY) is seeking tenders from suitably qualified persons or firms to carry out the following services;

Assistance in establishing and reviewing revenue recognition systems annually for programs

Monthly review of the NESAY accounts to ensure records are being maintained accurately and appropriately applying revenue recognition methodology

Assistance to lodge IAS, BAS, Fringe Benefit and Portable Long Service

Leave reports

Liaison with external auditors as required at the request of NESAY Facilitate quarterly reviews of the NESAY finance records to ensure accuracy, planning and advice

Provide advice to the Board on opportunities to enhance the use of the organisation’s resources

Provision of mentoring to the NESAY Finance team on an as needs basis to enable best and current accountancy practice

Tenders shall be prepared in accordance with the conditions outlined in the Financial Accountancy EOI available via our website www.nesay.com.au or by calling 0357 202 201

Submissions must be sent to info@nesay.com.au and marked “Confidential:

Financial Accountancy EOI”, by COB on Monday 31 July 2023

Leah Waring

Chief Executive Officer

CONCRETING - Big or small jobs. Paths, driveways, shed slabs, verandahs. 15 years experience. For a free quote phone Trev Anderson on 0422 200 761.

PAINTER, old school, for all your painting needs. Commercial, industrial renovations. Phone Julian 0412 597 482.

ENGLISH TUTORING available, years

7 – 12. 35+ years teaching experience.

$60 per hour.

Contact 0428 752 465.

For all yourclassified advertising needs

EDUCATION SUPPORT

OFFICER

PART TIME (0.73 FTE)

TERMS 3 & 4 2023

Applications are invited for an enthusiastic, energetic, practical and organised person for the position of education support.

The successful candidate will demonstrate initiative and will enjoy collaboration and working with adolescents.

The responsibilities will include support in the classroom, camps, excursions and other duties in line with the applicant’s skills and interests.

Qualifications or experience in secondary education support would be an advantage.

Employment details are available on the College website, www.mcm.vic.edu.au or contact recruitment@mcm.vic.edu.au

Applications close 4pm, Monday, July 31.

Marian College is a year 7-12 coeducational Catholic School. We are committed to Child Safe standards and promote the wellbeing and inclusion of all children.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE OFFICER

Casual Vineyard Operators

About the Opportunity: We have short to mediumterm opportunities for fit and healthy individuals to work in our Banksdale Vineyard (35 minutes’ drive southeast of Wangaratta) in the months leading up to our busy growing season. Duties include a wide variety of manual tasks in the care and control of vines plus other basic vineyard maintenance.

These roles may suit people seeking off-farm earnings for short periods.

About You: Ideally you will be physically fit, enjoy working outdoors, available to work Monday to Friday, have your driver’s license, a reliable vehicle and be available to start immediately.

About Us: Brown Family Wine Group, an innovative familyowned multi brand wine business, is one of Australia’s most loved and trusted wine brands. We are in an exciting period of transition as we continue to expand, having recently grown to five brands - Brown Brothers, Devil’s Corner, Pirie, Tamar Ridge and most recently Innocent Bystander. We are passionate about our wines and our core values of Wellbeing, Respect, Innovation and Pride in What We Achieve Together. Most recently we have been certified as “A Great Place to Work” and are committed to honouring this recognition throughout all aspects of the business.

What’s on offer: Above award wages, penalty rates and eligibility to access product discounts.

Training will be provided to the successful applicants if required.

Scan the QR code to apply! Scan to apply

Strathbogie Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer and a Child Safe organisation. We value diversity in our workplace and will

Qualified Joiner or Glazier/Fabricator

We are looking for an experienced and energetic tradesperson to join our dynamic team.

Please contact Kristian on 0417 329 052 to discuss the position or call into our office at 3 Sinclair Drive, Wangaratta to arrange a meeting.

Apprentice Joiner/Glazier

Are you excited about entering a trade apprenticeship?

We are offering a unique opportunity to train the right individual the rare chance to learn the art of glazing and joinery with our dynamic team. YOU could be the next apprentice of the year! If this sounds like you, please send your resume to info@reflexwangaratta.com.au or contact our office on 5721 3533 to arrange an interview.

Apprentice Chef

The Gateway has a vacancy for an apprentice Chef. This is a fantastic opportunity for an individual who is a team player, creative, enthusiastic and passionate about cooking.

To apply email your application to our Executive Chef: yoyo@wangarattagateway.com.au

Applications close:

15 August 2023

Why not charge your advertisement to Mastercard or Visa? 5723 0101

Any questions call 5721 5551

O. P. INDUSTRIES Pty. Ltd.

O.P Industries Pty Ltd is seeking the employment of a

O.P Industries Pty Ltd, P.O Box 453

JOBS AT STRATHBOGIE SHIRE COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICER

Housekeeper

A casual position is available for an experienced housekeeper to join our committed, professional Gateway team. Weekend work is required. To apply applications available at info@wangarattagateway.com.au

JOBS AT INDIGO

Plant and Fleet Coordinator

Beechworth

IT Manager

Beechworth

Beechworth

SCHOOL RECEPTION and ADMINISTRATION OFFICER FULL TIME ONGOING

We are seeking a full-time Administration Officer to join our dynamic and supportive team. As the welcoming face of our College, excellent communication skills, innovative approach and a professional, helpful manner is a must. Our School Administration Officer provides support to our staff, students and families across the whole school community. The duties are interesting and varied and the working environment is busy and respectful. The position is ongoing and secure.

If you are interested in finding out more about this exciting opportunity, please email recruitment@mcm.vic.edu.au or visit our website, www.mcm.vic.edu.au for a full position description and details on how to apply.

Applications close 4pm, Monday, July 31.

Marian College is a year 7-12 coeducational Catholic School. We are committed to Child Safe standards and promote the wellbeing and inclusion of all children.

ANGUS bulls, very quiet, good growth, visit mmas.com.au for videos, data and pricing, Marramungee Angus Stud. Ph 0429 809 288.

EXPRESSION of interest, German Shorthaired Pointer puppies, ready in about 3 weeks. Ph 0419 892 305.

FOR sale, 6 Toulouse geese, white, male, 12 months old, $50 each or buy all 6 for $40 each.

Ph 0427 002 364.

TYRES new and secondhand, trailer, rims, wrecking. New hours 9am to 5pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 44 Newman Street, Wangaratta. Ph 0428 257 221. Adzam Tyres.

WALKING machine plus exercise chair, $360 for the lot, Mitsubishi fridge/freezer as new, $260, Wangaratta. Ph 0418 566 683.

ELLIS, Joan Veronica. 20/4/1940 - 15/7/2023

The family of Joan Veronica Ellis is saddened to announce her passing on July 15, 2023.

Joan passed away peacefully at St John’s Respect, aged 83 years. Much loved wife of Max. Mother of Brian and Amanda. Stepmother of Bernadette. Adored Nan of Darcy and Murray and step-grandmother of Shelby. Don’t grieve for me, for now I am free! I follow the plan God laid for me.

ELLIS, Joan.

2008 Holden Commodore Wagon, 216,000km, good condition, automatic transmission, RWC completed, price $7900, rego (1VS 9S0).

Ph 0438 500 888.

VX Polo Sedan 2005 (TRB 311). 188,000 Klms (10,000 klms per each year old). Very clean inside and out. Modern Pioneer stereo with BT. 5 almost new tyres. RWC completed. R egularly serviced. or retirement car. $5200 with 13 months rego or $4500 with 6 weeks rego.

Ph. 0421 542 470

OLD cars wanted, cars removed. Ph 0435 083 115.

2015 , Holden Astr a VXR Turbo, excellent condition, 27,000km, RWC, 12 month rego, (AJJ295), $22,000, ono.

Ph 0401 518 029.

Loved sister-in-law or Dick and Joan. Aunty of Peter and Nat, Craig and Liz, Mark and Karen, Ashley and Renee and families. Loving memories.

ELLIS, Joan. Passed away July 15, 2023. Dearly loved lifelong friend of Mary and Tony. Forever in our heart Rest in peace dear Joan.

MOORE, Maxwell John. “Tangles”. 12/9/1936 – 18/7/2023

Passed away peacefully at St John’s Respect Wangaratta. Dearly loved husband of Evelyn (dec). Loving Dad of Kerri and Kyllie. Father-in-law of Tony and Hugh. Much loved Grandad of Karli. Treasured memories.

O’CALLAGHAN (nee Fahey) Lesley Camille

20/3/1931 – 16/7/2023

Beloved wife of Bill (dec).

Dearly loved mother of Kerri (dec), Jenny, John, Peter, Adrian and Catherine and mother-in-law of Pia, Janine and John. Loved and loving Nan of Alex (dec), Georgia (dec), Matthew, Jack, Samantha (dec), Lucas, James, Megan, Aleksandar and Olivia. Great Nan of Evie and Mila. A dignified lady now reunited with her loved ones.

Those remaining will remember her with much love and respect.

50TH ANNIVERSARY

MERKEL, Peter and Judy.

July 21, 1973.

Congratulations on your 50th wedding anniversary!

Enjoy your special day together.

~ Love from all of your children and grandchildren.

TOYOTA Prado 1999 (TRM 702), 356,630km, RWC. 7 seater, serviced regularly, mainly highway use. Reg. until October 28, 2023. $9,000 ONO. Ph 5727 3780 or 0408 314 179.

Personal Notices

ELLIS Joan. Deepest sympathy to Max, Mandy and Brian. Loved sister and sister-in-law to Kevin and Elaine (both dec). Much loved aunty to Ray, Anthony, Colleen and families. At peace now. R.I.P.

McINTOSH, Hayden. “Haydo”. 22/12/1981 - 12/7/2023

The family of Haydo are saddened to announce his passing, as the result of a workplace incident. Loving and devoted husband of Karen. Adored “Big Dad” of Sam and Emily. Much loved son of Verna and Grant. Bro of Kylie and Craig, Brett and Corina. Uncle to Austin and Maddison. Dearly loved son-in-law of Ann and Murray.

Brother and brother-in-law to Debbie and Steve, Tracey and Ash. Funcle to Lochie, Grace, Lara, Millie and Banjo. A big man with a big heart who always lit up a room.

O’CALLAGHAN, Lesley. 16/7/2023

A much loved friend

Will be greatly missed

O’CALLAGHAN, Lesley.

Treasured memories of a beautiful lady. I will miss our chats and your funny sense of humour.

Cherished friend of Maria and Laura. Beautiful Nan of Lucas and James. R.I.P.

WALSH Ian (Walshy)

The family of Ian Walsh (Walshy) is saddened to announce his passing on July 13, 2023. Aged 72 years.

Dearly loved husband of May. Loving father of Elisa, Kristy, Kylie, Shelley and Lincoln (Dec). Adoring grandfather to all the grandkids.

WALSH, Ian. “Walshie”. 4/12/1950-13/7/2023

60TH ANNIVERSARY

Keith and Dorothy Wise

July 20, 2023. Congratulations on your 60th Wedding Anniversary.

Love From Trevor, Peta, Emily and Ben, Cobie and Chris Sharon, Mark, Grace and Aaron.

MENARA (Miron), Eva.

Dearly loved sister of Ida Zanin. Loved Aunt of Luisa, Victor (dec), Lucia, Anna, Jim and Marc. In God’s care.

MOORE, Max. “Tangles”. Passed away at St John’s on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.

Loved big brother of Maureen. Brother-in-law of Evan. Uncle of Evan, Alicia and Dean. Forever in our hearts. R.I.P.

God saw that you were in pain, He did what he thought best, He put his arms around you, And called you home to rest.

Now at peace with no more pain.

~ Cathy, Graeme, Samantha, Daniel and Julia xx

WALSH, Ian. “Walshie”. 4/12/1950-13/7/2023

In loving memory of my wonderful husband Ian Walsh “Walshie” who had a heart of gold.

God saw that you were weary and now the Angels have you. Sleep peacefully, forever in my heart.

~ Your loving wife May xxx

FUNERALS

ELLIS

The funeral service to celebrate the life of Mrs Joan Veronica Ellis will be held at the St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ford Street, Wangaratta on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, commencing at 2pm. Burial will follow the service at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery.

McINTOSH

The celebration of Hayden “Haydo” McIntosh’s life will be held in the Grand Oaks Room at the Wangaratta Turf Club, Racecourse Road, Wangaratta on Thursday, July 27, 2023 commencing at 1pm.

A private cremation will follow. Haydo’s celebration can be viewed via livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming/

BEREAVEMENT THANKS

PRATT, Len. 12/1/1940 - 2/7/2023

Ann, Mark and all our wonderful family wish to thank everyone who helped ease the pain of losing Len with phone calls, emails, at the Eldorado Cemetery.

To the gem of Eldorado, Roxanne Bodsworth, your unique way of conducting Len's service was both warm and personal, you are very dear to our family.

Mason Park Funerals for your professionalism and attention to detail which made the day a true celebration of Len's life.

To my wonderful neighbours, Kaye, Paul and Cathy Douthie, love and thanks for your help, at any time of the day or night, you are a wonderful team, with a special mention to Paul who went above and beyond the old adage, "Love thy neighbour".

Last but certainly not least, to my sister Heather and her daughter Grace, thank you seems with Len, I am forever grateful for the comfort that you gave to Len and I. The song has ended but the melody lingers on. Sincere thanks to our family and friends.

~ Ann x.

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

MOORE

The funeral service for Mr Maxwell John “Tangles” Moore will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 10.30am.

Burial will follow at the Wangaratta General Cemetery.

be made in memory of Tangles to the Stroke Foundation online at www.strokefoundation.org.au/

O’CALLAGHAN

Funeral mass to honour the life of Lesley O’Callaghan will be offered at North East Funerals, 184 Greta Road, Wangaratta on Thursday, July 27 commencing at 11am, followed by interment at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery.

Live stream may be viewed at northeastfunerals.com.au/live-stream

WALSH

The celebration of the life of Mr Ian Walsh will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Monday July 24, 2023, commencing at 10.30am. Burial will follow at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery.

Remember your loved one in a lasting way

The memory of a much loved family member or friend can live on through a donation to your local health service Northeast Health Wangaratta. This is a direct way of helping us to continually improve patient care and comfort, ensuring the availability of comprehensive health services in our local community.

Family and friends can make a donation in lieu of flowers in recognition of the medical care and attention provided.

BEREAVEMENT THANKS

DALEY, Ann.

Our sincere thanks to all mum’s friends from the Wangaratta community who attended her funeral on June 29, 2023 and sent us personal notes of condolence. We appreciated your kind words of support and your cherished memories of mum. We enjoyed meeting you all and celebrating her life with you.

~ Chris and Antoinette Daley

The bereaved family will be notified of your memorial gift according to your wishes and you will receive a tax-deductible receipt for your donation.

To make a donation or to request information about memorial service donations or remembering Northeast

CODY SCHUTT

WANGARATTA Chronicle photographer Kurt Hickling made his way down to the Ovens and Murray football and netball clashes between Rovers and Myrtleford at WJ Findlay Oval on Saturday to capture some action. Photographs can be purchased at the Chronicle.

PADDY MURRAY

BRIONY SIMPSON

WILL CHRISTIE

REBECCA KRELTSZHEIM

ALEX MCCARTHY

MOLLY MURRAY

SAMI KRELTZHEIM

WILL NOLAN

GRACIE REID

SOPHIE LARKIN

Smashing goals on the Oxley tables

ON Monday night, participants at Oxley hall were part of a thrilling table tennis event showcasing skills, teamwork and competitiveness.

In an exhilarating showdown that left spectators amazed, four fierce competitors, Katie Woodberry/ Graham Stephens and Adam Bosley/ Nev Spurgeon clashed on the arena, weaving a tapestry of skill, strategy, and agility reminiscent of the AFL football field.

Debbie Brunken and Deb Humphreys, presented themselves and won the toss against Martin Butcher and Manni Poulos, going on to achieve stats that any coach would be proud of.

SCOREBOARD

JUBILEE GOLF CLUB

Ladies stableford

Winner: Linda Stone 39

Runner Up: Val Ellis 34

NTP: 4th Robyn Ottaway, 8th Val Ellis, 13th Val Ellis.

Saturday, July 15

Par

A Grade Winner: Darren Jones +5.

B Grade Winner: Wade

Goodwin +3.

C Grade Winner: Attila Kungl +5.

D Grade Winner: Michael Lugg +3.

Ball winners: Glenn

O’Connell +5, Geoff Gourley +4, Malcolm Ellis +3, Nat Hirunwiwat +3, Martin VanRhee +2, Zac Guilfoyle +1, Greg Hogan +1, Daniel McPhee +1, Micheal Baillie +1, Stan Goldsworthy +1, Julian Bau +1, Bronte Bruce 0, Ken Beitzel 0,Gary Dinsdale

0 c/b.

Super Nine Club Shirt: Pat Grady 22.

22.

21.

After winning the crucial initial possession, Neil Brock and Clive Brooker set the tempo of the game from the very start against Kate Cole and Archie Crispin.

Just as midfielders engage in ruck contests to gain control of the ball, Allister Olsson and Phoebe Bosley fought for supremacy at the centre of the table, against Simon Brown and Alison Stephens.

Rather than striking the ball with his bat, Graham Stephens occasionally resorted to a deft “handball” manoeuvre, redirecting the ball using his open palm, emulating the quick, precise handballs seen in AFL Collingwood matches, ena-

Stableford

Winner: Allen Mercer 20.

Runner Up: Leo McCoy 17 c/b.

3rd Place: Chris O’Keefe 17.

Wednesday, July 19

Stroke

A Grade Winner: Adrian Speziale 72 .

B Grade Winner: Ken Beitzel 73.

C Grade Winner: Peter Ford 71.

Ball Winners: Steve McNaughton 72, Greg Hogan 72, Joe Marjanovic 73, Brendan Essex 73, Andrew Skewes 73, Nigel Cooper 74, Jacob Schonafinger 74, John Batchelor.

NTP: 4th Glenn O’Connell, 8th Bruce Poulter, 13th Micheal Cordier, 17th Trevor Nipress.

WANGARATTA GOLF CLUB

WGC Competitions: Week ending July 17

bling him to surprise his opponents with unexpected shots.

A remarkable display of aerial prowess unfolded as Katie Woodberry leaped to intercept high-bouncing

7th Kurt Schubert, 9th Mark White, 11th John Southwell, 13th Ash Clayton, 16th Ash Clayton.

KFC Birdie: Daymn Hoffard.

Subway Birdie: Glen Seymour. McDonalds Birdie: Drew Winter.

Secret 6: Drew Winter.

TARRA GOLF CLUB

Tarrawingee Golf Club Results Saturday, July 15.

Due to the conditions the players used a composite where a stroke event was played with the winner being Pete Nolan 91-27-64, runner up on a countback was Angelo Garraffo from Lindsay Steer with both having nett 66.

NTP: 8th Peter Scoullar.

Golf on Saturday 22nd will depend on the conditions but an event shall be played.

Ladies are also invited to participate.

shots.

With agility and precision, she executed “marks,” snatching the ball out of the air, gaining a precious opportunity to regroup and launch a powerful counter-

net Kelly d Wendy Waddington and Elaine Mudge 7/3, Elise Downes and Christine Ireland d Dawn Wind and Andy Barbero 7/5, Susan Fischer and Nathan Reynolds d Gabi Heywood and Joan Dyson 7/1.

Last Saturday, Gavan Kelly scored an exceptional hoop in one from well behind hoop seven, running hoop eight.

On Wednesday, Wendy Burgess playing two balls against Bruce Guttormsen and Terry Wilson, won the game by running the last hoop from five yards on a 30 degree angle.

Also, on Wednesday, seven Wangaratta members travelled to Shepparton to play in their “Christmas in July” event, with Janet Kelly winning the croquet and Cheryle Beckley taking a raffle prize.

Playing days are Monday, Wednesday and Saturday commencing at 1pm.

attack which Lucy Uebergang answered with ease, leading to ultimate victory.

In a dynamic sport like table tennis, a strong defence is paramount.

William Bonwick consistently unleashed fierce “tackles” by applying hot and relentless pressure on his opponents, and the crowd went wild as his aggressive play enabled him to regain control of the rally.

Team Collingwood, Graham Stephens and Neil Brock, utilised “bounces” to deceive their opponents.

By skillfully striking the ball low on the table, it bounced erratically, making it challenging for their luckless opponents to anticipate the trajectory.

An easy to medium return walk of about 12k along the Ridge Track to Mt Glenrowan with a side trip to Chick Hill. Walking mostly on gravel roads, and some bush tracks, in the WONP. Excellent views from Morgans Lookout at Mt Glenrowan, and views to the alps over the King and Ovens Valleys from Chick Hill.

Sunday, August 6

Gapsted to Stanley along Flagstaff Road. Marita, 0427 521 122

Along Flagstaff Road, which is a well-maintained bush road through mostly native forest, and then also some pine plantations and farmland.

There are views over Murmungee Basin on one side, and the Ovens Valley with Mt Buffalo on the other side.

The full walk is a one-way walk ending in Stanley, with the possibility of enjoying refreshments at the pub/ cafe.

The table’s edges served as an invisible boundary line for tiger, Simon Brown to skilfully navigate. He executed precise shots, delivering shots just inside the line or hugging the edge to maximise success against Adam Bosley and Clive Brooker.

After the game reached its conclusion, the players demonstrated sportsmanship, congratulating each other on their outstanding performance.

Adults and secondary school students of all ages and abilities are welcome to join the weekly social competition on Monday night, beginning at 7pm. Bring your own bat, $2 entry and a plate to share.

Lindner) def Boralma Berkshire (J Maletta, K Brown, M Comensoli) seven rubbers to four. Play was competitive with the majority of matches extended to four or five sets. The first doubles match was a nailbiter with Mark and Kim ahead having won the first two games when the Lindners fought back to finally clinch it in a tight fifth set.

B Grade:

N.E. Agricultural & Industrial (T Tatulaschwili, P Densten) def Somerset Communications (F Harris, P Fitzgerald) three rubbers to two. Ted and Phil teamed up to win the all important deciding doubles.

Blue Raven (A Higgins, A Holmes) def Plum Digital ( K Kazenwadel, R Gerrett) decisively four rubbers to one. Klaus and Rod had ideas of putting a second win on the board in the doubles, but the ‘Andrews’ took that match over seven sets.

Aroma Deli: Darren Jones

2 Balls: Micheal Baillie

NTP: 4th Mike Baillie, 8th Pat Earnst, 13th Bruce Reid, 17th Daniel McPhee.

Sunday, July 16

A Grade: Tom Aggett 39.

B Grade: Matthew Fischer

36.

Ball Winners: Nat Hirunwiwat (2) 36, Pete Evans 35, Martin Hill 33, Eon Scott 33

NTP: 4th Pete Evans, 8th Nat Hirunwiwat, 13th Paul Moss-Holland, 17th Pete Evans.

Monday, July 17

Stableford

A Grade: Ian Dinsdale 35.

37.

B Grade: John McKenzie

Ball Winners: Brian Carr

36, John Batchelor 36, William Slade 36, Michael Baillie 35

NTP: 4th Pat Ernst, 8th Martin VanRhee, 13th Michael Baillie.

Tuesday, July 18

Stableford

Winner: Lee Freeland 42.

Ball Winners: Sue Clayton 30, Linda Stone 29.

NTP: 13th Liane Graham.

Wednesday, July 19

Women’s Competition: 9

Hole Stableford

July 11

Winner: Carol Coghill 14

Points.

Runner Up: Sue Miller 10 Points.

Mens Competition: 9 Hole

Stroke

July 12

Winner: Arnold Sparks 36

Nett.

Runner Up: Arthur Ingarfield 39 Nett.

Womens Competition: 9

Hole Stableford

July 13

Winners: Janettee Collier 19 Points.

Runners Up: Carol Coghill 17 C/B Points.

NTP 13th: Jenny Kerr.

Men’s Competition: 18

Hole Stableford

July 15

A Grade Winner: Rob Holloway 37 C/B Points.

A Grade Runner Up: Kurt Schubert 37 Points.

B Grade Winner: Drew Winter 45 Points.

B Grade Runner Up: Daymn Hoffard 41 Points.

Ball Winners: Ash Clayton, John Southwell, Glen Seymour, Trevor Trimble.

NTP: 4th Daymn Hoffard,

The hit off times for Saturday’s are 11:30am roll-up for a 12 noon start, we ask members to be early to enable the days program to be organised.

New members are always welcome at the Tarrawingee Golf Club, the joining fee is $100 the contact number is 0428 122 590 or by contacting a member of the club.

Ladies Golf

After a few weeks of not playing due to adverse course and weather conditions the Tarra Ladies played the July Monthly Medal on the composite course last Tuesday.

The winner was June Christesen with nett 26.

Weekly competition winner with nett 23 was Toni Wilson.

NTP on the 2nd was Lucia DaPos.

Next week will be the Milawa Hotel stableford event.

CROQUET

Results for Monday, July 17 are as follows:

Maureen O’Keefe and Carol O’Keefe d Yvonne McLaughlin and Gavan Kelly 7/3, Joan Guttormsen and Ja-

Visitors are welcome to come down and enjoy some games with our members.

Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow for the draw to be done.

Late arrivals will be included in the next game.

The club is located at 46 Ryan Avenue, Wangaratta.

For further information please contact president Susan Fischer on 0417 217 009 or secretary Terry Wilson on 0417 326 739.

WARBY WALKERS

Thursday, July 13

Around Lake Benalla.

There were eight participants on this easy stroll walk of about 6km around the gorgeous Lake Benalla, with a short divergence down the Broken River, although high water prevented us from going very far.

Then it was off to the Benalla Art Gallery to check out the artworks and then some lunch in town.

Coming Events

Sunday, July 23

Mount Glenrowan via Chick Hill, WONP. Chris, 0418 503 802

A 17km walk with 521m ascend.

A shorter option is walking part of the way and then turning back, with the option of joining the rest of the group for refreshments at Stanley pub/café.

A 6km walk with 147m ascend and descend.

Tuesday, August 15

Friends Loop (includes Alpine Views and Mount Warby). Chris, 0418 503 802

A medium loop walk of approximately 12k, taking in the Friends Track, Alpine Views Track, and then Mount Warby in the WONP.

WANGARATTA

TABLE TENNIS

RESULTS of Round 5, Wednesday, July 12.

A Grade:

N.E. Agricultural & Industrial (M Angehrn, S Picken, T Brown), def Nathan Vincent Contracting (C Dagoli, N Vincent, R Voss) six rubbers to five. Scores were tied at five all when Steve clinched the decider for N.E. Ag in the last match of the evening.

Plum Digital Hub (K Parker, Andrew Lindner, Austin

C Grade: Somerset Communications (J Lindner, A Coop, J Hughes) def Plum Digital Hub (S Algar, R Kanaskar, P Hughes) six rubber to five. It was nice for Somerset to have their first team win for the season. All players enjoyed a competitive nights play.

Nathan Vincent Contracting (L Kelly, C Hobbs, C Butterworth) def N.E. Agricultural & Industrial (J Delloro, L O’Keefe, S Knox) by six rubbers to five. NVC shared the ‘wins’ to get the six rubbers required to claim the points over the NE Ag guys this week.

There will be plenty of action at 7pm on Wednesday, July 19 with the staging of the annual Club Championships. These include singles and doubles for all grades.

Play will then continue the following Wednesday from 7pm in the Winter Competition. New and existing Junior players of all abilities are invited at 6pm each Wednesday during school terms for play and coaching at the showgrounds venue.

For more information to Tom (Club president) 0429 809 927.

LIGHT IT UP: Debbie Brunken, Adam Bosley, Allister Olssen and Simon Brown search for the winning shot at Oxley hall.

PHOTO: Neil Brock

Fantasy fulfilled as Bogie Panthers roar into WDCA

By NATHAN DE VRIES

AFTER decades of inactivity Strathbogie has a dedicated cricket club once again, following the Bogie Panthers’ inclusion in the Wangaratta and District Cricket Association.

The pet project of president Brad James, 25, the club was voted in as the 14th member club of the WDCA at last week’s annual general meeting by a landslide, 23-3.

James has dreamt of bringing cricket back to Strathbogie for some time, and was overjoyed by the association’s acceptance of his proposal.

“I had faith in myself and backing myself and the boys, but seeing those hands go up was just unreal,” he said.

“I began playing cricket in Violet Town in an under 15s side in the Benalla league, I played right through until I was 18 then started working, and that was the end of my cricket career but it’s been reignited.

“I don’t think the Strathbogie club has been active for 25, 30 years - my old man and his mates, they all played up there as a collective and had it all going up there.

“Things came to the worse and the club folded, and it never got picked up again until now.

“The idea was always a fantasy, something we just dreamt about.

“I went up to the clubrooms there at Strathbogie and I saw they were renovating the clubrooms themselves, and something just sparked in me – why not just try and get something together and make it happen?

“I didn’t really expect something to take off at the start, then I started talking to people and getting certain ideas and support off people.

“It was unbelievable –

just a bit of talk between mates came to fruition.”

With his application accepted and the season fast approaching, now the real administrative work of assembling a functional club begins.

“I’m having a few more meetings with a couple of higher ups and just seeing how we go about starting it up,” James said.

“Preparation of the ground itself and getting

them and the pitch up to scratch, getting uniforms organised, fees, bank accounts, all that sort of stuff has to be organised to get the team where it needs to be.

“I’ve organised a few meetings with Wayne (Cooper, WDCA secretary) and Peter (Brear, Cricket Victoria cricket manager North East Country) so I’ll be chatting with them to see how to go about everything.”

The Panthers will look to field a side in C grade in their first season in the WDCA, and James said his side didn’t mind a bit of driving around the vast geographic region the association covers.

“Most of us live up in the hills so we’re not too worried about driving to Myrtleford or driving up the freeway to other places,” he said.

“It’s somewhere differ-

McNamara progresses in ‘Renegades Recruit’

ROVERS United Bruck Cricket Club A grade skipper Paddy McNamara was one of 10 community cricketers selected for the Melbourne Renegades’ broadcasted talent competition ‘Renegades Recruit’, which began airing on Tuesday night.

The three-episode series, which was first run in 2021, seeks to find the best players in community competitions across the state with the potential to play at a higher level, with the winner to gain a spot in the Renegades’ Academy program ahead of BBL|13

The winner’s club also benefits, with prizes including a Kookaburra Prize Pack (valued at approximately $2000), a training session at the CitiPower Centre, a BBL or WBBL signed playing shirt and 100 tickets to a BBL or WBBL match.

ent every week, it’s not the same group every week.

“The only other option we had was joining a Shepparton league which wasn’t too appealing to us.

“For a few of the older blokes who have families, it’s something they can make a day out of for their family and go somewhere nice, to a lot nicer grounds than what would be in Shepparton and make something out of the day.”

Leader of the pack dominates in solid win

THE Wolfpack took to the field in Baranduda on Sunday to face off against the Wodonga Wombats in a game thought to be tight down to the nail.

President of the Wolfpack and ladies coach, Ivy Higgins led her side as the first Wolfpack player to reach the milestone 50th game with the sun shining.

It didn’t take long for the Wolfpack to remind the competition exactly who they are with two tries in the first five minutes.

Ivy showcased her impeccable skills, scoring not one but two intercept tries the full length of the field.

The final whistle saw the Wolfpack come away with a 40-0 win over the Wombats, a game that’s sealed them into finals.

Other try scorers included Deborah Fili (3), Christine Powell (1) and Jordy Milgate (1). A strong game had by all.

Unfortunately the men’s side had an early finish to their game due to injury.

“When an opportunity comes to go and test yourself against the better players around the state, that’s what I love to do,” McNamara said on the program.

“I am a Renegades supporter, love watching the Renegades, and I’ve always had the thought of bettering my cricket, always want to get better, but have stayed in Wang to try and win a premiership with my local club which I was lucky enough to do two years in a row now.

“I think I’m pretty young compared to a few (in the competition), so that youth coming through, the development would be my main thing, that leadership as well – I’ve had a fair bit of experience of that in the last two years, it’s helped me grow as a person and a player.”

From 10 initial competitors who trained in the nets in the first episode, McNamara progressed to the round of six off the back of his strong bowling action and impressive batting.

While he failed in the Immunity Challenge, which had players attempt to hit the stumps four times in a row as fast as they could, coach Simon Helmot and current Renegade Mackenzie Harvey both felt he showed true potential.

The second episode of Renegades Recruit will whittle the top six down to the final three, and will air on Melbourne Renegades Facebook page and on 7+ Tuesdays from 7pm.

TOP RECRUIT: Paddy McNamara made it to the second round of ‘Renegades Recruit’.

PROUD PANTHERS: Bogie Panthers president Brad James (left) and vice captain Bill Webb.

PHOTO: Dale Mann

LONG LAUNCH: Ivy Higgins kicks off in her milestone 50th game for the Wolfpack in their 40-0 win against Wodonga.

Hawk Manning locked in until end of 2025

■ From back page

“We’re in a good position, yes – we’ve got to consolidate now over the next few weeks and make sure we finish the year just as positively.”

The good news keeps coming for the Hawks, with club captain David Killen and gun defender Adam Enever following their coach’s lead and re-signing.

“The club is rapt to have David and Adam re-sign for 2024,” Manning said.

“Dave is ultra competitive and sets a high standard for our entire list on and off the field - he’s led from the front this year, and it so reassuring for a coach to know that his captain commits his body and soul week in week out.

“Adam has been a huge signing for us this year, and will be hard to beat in our B&F.

“His ability to intercept and then rebound has been crucial for us this year, and his versatility to play anywhere on the ground has also been an asset.”

The Hawks have five matches remaining before finals, with both seniors and reserves squads having great chances to finish in the top six, and take on Tarrawingee at the Kennel tomorrow.

Panthers and Lions each face challenges tomorrow

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

JUST over 10 months on from their epic grand final victory, the tables have turned for Benalla All Blacks.

The Panthers are currently last on the senior ladder with a win and a draw to their name, and face old foes Bonnie Doon tomorrow in a rematch of the 2022 premiership hit-out.

While they lost by 130 points to the Bombers back in round two, Benalla coach Nich Spencer said his side was focussing in on the basics of the game.

“It’s a much different scenario - last year we were very polished and were preparing for the finals campaign, and this year we’re focused on small improvements from week to week with an eye on the future of the club,” he said.

“Particularly over the last six weeks, the vibe at the club has been great, and our playing group has really committed to what we’re trying to accomplish.

“We have definitely become so much tougher around the contest and although the scoreboard some weeks may not show it, teams feel our physical presence when we play.

“We’re just stripping it down to the basics and sticking to the mantra of ‘let’s crack in’.”

While the senior Panthers are working on their game, the reserves are taking it to the next level, looking to defend their flag with a new-look side boasting a seven-match win streak to sit fourth on the ladder.

“We have anywhere from 10-15 Irishman playing for us

while they’re working out at the solar farm, and the improvement they have made in the last 10 weeks since coming to the club is night and day,” Spencer said.

“They have a great natural ability to read the play and seem to find each out and link up all of the time, they just simply go hard and run in waves, they’re fantastic to watch play.

“Their coach Heath Smith honestly deserves all the credit - his ability to connect with his players and get the best out of these boys who have hardly even watched an AFL game is unbelievable.”

The Panthers aren’t the only side staring down a titanic tussle tomorrow.

Whorouly arguably have the toughest run home out of any of sides in finals contention, facing the upper echelon teams of Milawa, Bright, Greta and Bonnie Doon, as well as the Hoppers who they only defeated by a point back in round 12.

Coach Riley Calvene said the last few rounds of the season would be a challenge, but backed his side in to perform this weekend against the Demons.

“The past month has been pretty tough, with the weather and heavier grounds, so the (past) week off was wellneeded,” he said.

“Obviously we were disappointed to drop that game against King Valley, but I think it’s healthy for the competition to have a push for finals.

“There’s a bit more weight on our shoulders but we’ve got to take it with both hands.”

In other round 16 matches tomorrow, the Hoppers host Bright, Tarrawingee plays at home against North Wangaratta, and the Roos take on the Bats.

Four chances left for Goorambat to make finals case

By NATHAN DE VRIES

A LIMITED number of games left, a ladder poised on a knife edge, with a finals berth on the line – it’s the very definition of a make-or-break scenario for Goorambat’s A grade squad.

The Bats are even on points with Whorouly and King Valley, but only two sides can make the top six.

With four matches and a bye left in their season, the Bats are fast approaching their netball D-Day, which may very well be tomorrow’s match against King Valley at Whitfield.

Goorambat coach Sarah Osborne said her side was well aware of the gravity of the upcoming match.

“Obviously we’re sitting on the same points as Whorouly and King Valley, and Whorouly are playing the top of the ladder, so it’s a really important game for us,” she said.

“We’re currently sitting out of the finals, so realistically if we want to play finals, it’s a game that we need to win.

“We’ve definitely discussed where we sit on the ladder but we try to avoid it and focus on each game at a time.

“Hopefully we just don’t think about that and enjoy playing netball.”

The Bats will likely be without shooter Ally Ellis, who rolled her ankle in Goorambat’s loss to Bonnie Doon last week, but they’ve got plenty of consistent performers ready to step up.

“Brittany Button’s been really firing, she very rarely has a bad game,” Osborne said.

“She’s currently injured but she’s still almost able to play at her best – she rolled her ankle a couple of games ago and it turned out it was dislocated, but she’s managing that and we’re very grateful she’s able to continue playing.

“Chelsea Bamford played on the weekend and had a really good game, she’s coming up from B grade.

“She’s a very versatile player, she can shoot and defend and fits in our team really well.”

After a four goal victory over the Roos in round four, the Bats will hope for a repeat result to stay in the hunt for finals.

“Our shooters shot pretty well the last time we played them, we were nearly four goals down at three quarter time and came back and won by four goals at the end, so we had a very strong finish,” Osborne said.

“I think that’s something we do really well, we play a good four quarters – if we’re sitting close, we should be close at the finish.”

The Bats take on King Valley at Whitfield tomorrow, with the A grade match getting underway from 2.15pm.

Elsewhere, Whorouly faces ladder leaders Milawa, Benalla hosts the Bombers, Moyhu plays Bright, and Tarrawingee fronts up against North Wangaratta.

REMATCH: Nich Spencer and the Panthers face Bonnie Doon tomorrow in a grand final replay.

PHOTO: Garry Jones

MAKE OR BREAK: Brittany Button and the Bats will need to win tomorrow against King Valley to keep their finals hopes alive.

PHOTO: Nathan de Vries

AT THE HELM: Steve Manning will stay as North Wangaratta coach for the next two seasons, with skipper David Killen and defender Adam Enever also re-signing.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Senior Rangers come home strong against Warriors

WANGARATTA Rangers

played Wodonga Warriors in all grades of North East Baseball on Sunday while their B Grade Grey team played Benalla Bandits.

The Under 15’s played first.

In the first innings, neither pitcher could find the strike zone resulting in many players getting on base from walks.

Both teams scored six runs each in their first turn at bat.

Josh Wells, Darcy Sanders and Bentley Mitchell all had a safe hit for Rangers while Harry Garo led Warriors’ batting with one safe hit.

Rangers won 12 runs to Warriors six.

There were a lot more safe hits in the Under 12’s game when the coach threw the ball to their own team’s batters, Warriors had only seven players turn up where Rangers had eight.

Lilly Brockwell was Rangers best with the bat, having four safe hits from four plate appearances, while Ethan Mitchell, Ebony Mitchell and Harry Williams all had four safe hits for Warriors to lead their team to win 22 runs to Rangers 12.

In the C Grade game, Rangers colts batted first, with bases loaded their fourth batter hit straight to third base, the fielder caught it and then touched the base to catch the runner off base for a double play.

They then lost their third out without scoring.

Warriors scored three runs in their first at bat, then they added another five in the second dig to hold an eight-run lead at the top of the third innings.

Rangers scored two runs in this dig and another four in the next, but Warriors did

enough to hold out for another win, 12 runs to six.

Rangers Oranges struggled to get two runners across the plate in their first innings in the B Grade game but after getting Warriors out three up/three down in their turn at bat.

They lifted their game to bring in six runs in the second, while Warriors got their first two runs on the board in their turn at bat.

Rangers Orange added another 11 in the next three innings while Warriors could only bring in one more run.

Daniel Wells, Jason Jonker and Brad Murdoch all had three safe hits for Orange while Alex Fletcher was Warriors best with the bat having two.

Rangers Orange won 19 runs to Warriors three.

In the A Grade game. Rangers Black starting pitcher, Na-

than Pool was relieved from the mound after throwing 40 pitches, 27 of them strikes and only three of the 11 batters that faced him getting a safe hit with no runs crossing the plate.

Meanwhile Rangers had put on 15 runs at the same point of the game.

Warriors changed their pitcher to bring Ashley Meyers to the mound.

This worked for Warriors as the Rangers runs stopped completely while Warriors started to get some runs bringing in four in the next three innings.

Tetsu Kamiyama, Ross Johnson and Cam Scott all had three safe hits for Rangers while Jesse Griffiths and Jack Nieuwerth had two each for Warriors, one of Griffiths’ being a home run to centre field.

Rangers Black won 15 – 4.

In the other B Grade game, Wangaratta Rangers Grey played Benalla Bandits.

Rangers Grey got off to a good start when they brought in seven runs in their first at bat and held Bandits to score only two runs in their first innings.

Bandits played catch up for the rest of the game bringing the same amount of runs that the Rangers did in each of the following innings to end up seven runs behind Grey at the end of the game.

Wangaratta Rangers Grey won 15 runs to Bandits eight.

This Sunday’s games:

A Grade

Wangaratta Rangers Black vs Porepunkah Panthers at Targoora Park, Wangaratta.

Wodonga Warriors vs Nth Albury Bears at Gayview Park, Wodonga.

B Grade

Wodonga Warriors vs Nth

Albury Bears at Gayview Park, Wodonga.

Rangers Grey vs Porepunkah Panthers at Targoora Park, Wangaratta.

Benalla Bandits vs Rangers Orange at Benalla.

C Grade

Wodonga Warriors vs Nth Albury Bears at Gayview Park, Wodonga.

Rangers vs Porepunkah Panthers at Targoora Park, Wangaratta.

Under 15

Wodonga Warriors vs Nth Albury Bears at Gayview Park, Wodonga.

Benalla Bandits vs Rangers at Benalla.

Porepunkah have the Bye.

Under 12 Wodonga Warriors vs Nth Albury Bears at Gayview Park, Wodonga.

Porepunkah Panthers vs Rangers at Targoora Park, Wangaratta.

Devils ready for Myrtleford clash

By WILLSON MACK

WANGARATTA City’s rivalry with Myrtleford will be on show once again at South Wangaratta Reserve on Sunday.

The Devils are trying to find the form that saw them beat Albury United early on in the season and Sunday’s clash with the second last placed Myrtleford shapes as a great chance to find a win.

The Savoys spot on the table doesn’t reflect their current form though, beating Albury City and United in their last five starts.

Wangaratta City coach Raff Molinaro said his side is looking forward to taking on Myrtleford.

“We don’t want to lose to Myrtleford at home,” Molinaro said.

“We played great against them at Myrtleford when we won 3-1 so hopefully we can put up a similar performance to that.

“Everyone loves playing Myrtleford so the boys are raring to go.”

Molinaro doesn’t know what to take from the Savoys’ recent form having drawn with Hotspurs last weekend to go along with their strong wins over United and Albury City.

“They’ve been a bit hit and miss so it’s hard to tell what they’re going to be like,” he said.

“They beat United and Albury City but drew with

Hotspurs last weekend but I think it’s going to be a tough game for us.

“I know they’ve brought in a couple of English players over the past month so they’ll definitely help them.”

Molinaro expects to have a strong side in for their round 18 clash.

“We’ve been giving some young guys a go over the past few weeks but they’ve expressed they want to play reserves for the back end of the year,” he said.

“So now we get a chance to bring our senior players back in so we should have a strong squad.

“Hopefully we can play with a consistent team for the rest of the year as we build towards finals.”

Wangaratta women fired up

By NATHAN DE VRIES

WANGARATTA City’s senior women have a terrific opportunity to post a statement result this Sunday when they host Albury United at South Wangaratta.

It’s been five matches since the Lady Devils last won a game (4-1 over Wodonga Diamonds), and will look to pull one over on the number three side to build momentum heading into finals.

Captain Beth Cope said

they’d need to fire up forward early to put United on the back foot.

“I think after the Melrose game it was a good wake up call for us, it just showed us that we have to put in the work now to be a strong side going forward,” she said.

“I feel like we are a very versatile team and we are able to slide into any game.

“I think for us as a team the biggest challenge will be getting the final pass up front and converting when we get the chance.

effort

“We have had problems converting our chances up front, but we worked on converting chances this week during training so we are hoping to implement that into our upcoming game.

“United have had a return of Paula Mitchell who has scored four goals in both games she has played, so we will be trying our best to shut her down fast on the weekend.”

Coach Dan Kelly said United were a quality side but backed his

group in to match it with them.

“They’ve got three or four really good individuals and they’ve got lots of young girls with lots of pace around the wings, so they’ll be very strong in the core,” he said.

“They’ll really try to penetrate through the middle, but also with the young ones, they can run all day.

“It’s about matching them on the day, really.”

The Lady Devils take on Albury United this Sunday from 11.20am at South Wangaratta.

Juniors: From 8.30am

D1 Women: 11:20am

D1 Men: 3:00pm

READY TO GO: Wangaratta City takes on Myrtleford this weekend.

PHOTO: Kat De Naps Photography

STAGE SET: Ruby Snowdon and the Lady Devils host number three side Albury United this Sunday.

PHOTO: Kat De Naps Photography

Diving deep into table tennis in Wangaratta

By PING PONG, table tennis correspondent

TABLE tennis is a beloved sport around the world.

From friendly competition like our Keenagers, to home backyards, to the incredibly popular Olympic sport, it’s a far cry from its humble beginnings in the early days of the 20th century.

This sport has become one of the most popular sports of all time, for all ages, all fitness levels in all countries of the world.

As I delve into the game in future reports, I am interested in our local level in Wangaratta and hope to report the comings and goings of our local club.

We have one club here and it is split into two sections.

There is a Wednesday night competition for the competitive person who plays formally, and another section for a more relaxed person who just enjoys the win or lose mentality of ‘who cares’, for the older folk who enjoys playing for fun.

These are on Monday mornings and Thursday mornings at the Showgrounds.

This is my first report so I hope to give you an idea of some of the history of table tennis and how it has become so popular today.

I’ll be writing about our club in Wangaratta, what happens behind the scenes, and the characters that keep it going.

I’m also interested in talking to the players about how they became interested in the sport and why they come all through the year.

I hope this has raised your eyebrows to start thinking about the game of table tennis and maybe come down and have a hit with us on either a Monday morning, Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.

Ring playing on to the next level, umpring at nationals

MAISON Ring is hoping his umpiring experience in the under 15s School Sports National Football Championships can build towards his AFL dreams.

The Year 12 Galen Catholic College student will venture to Ballarat this week with some of the next generation of AFL and AFLW stars.

Maison will be umpiring on the five designated game days from July 22 to July 29, as fellow Wangaratta local Aron Lombardi (coach) and Blake Newton (player) will be representing Cathedral College for Victoria white.

Ring will be officiating at his second national championships after last year where he said he relished the experience in being among such high end talent.

“It’s the best footballers across Australia and they’re

VLine Cup 2023

THE INNER SANCTUM

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

all in the one place at the one time so you know you’re going to be umpiring some of the next generation of AFL stars,” he said.

“Umpiring the best of the best in whatever age group it might be whether that’s the Coates Talent League, under 19s or VFL women’s, it’s certainly something because you’re umpiring a different standard of football.”

Maison started umpiring seven years ago as a young boundary umpire, picking up weekend pay days until he started to find enjoyment out of the part-time job.

While others Maison’s age were trying their hand in playing the sport, Maison

VLine Cup returns once again in 2023, with the U15’s representative carnival heading to Shepparton in the September School Holidays leading into the AFL Grand Final.

The lead in to the boy’s program has kicked off in the North East this week with over 100 players nominated by their clubs trying out to make the Division 1 and 2 teams that will represent the AFLNEB at the carnival. Of the 100 players trying out 46 players will be selected, while on the girls side of things, we have over 30 girls nominated to make the final squad of 24 players, the girls will kick off their program in early August.

said umpiring was always his interest, starting from AusKick.

“I tried playing for a few years but umpiring was something I always wanted to do, I had a whistle in my mouth since I was in primary school,” he said.

“In 2017 I came down to AFL North East Border and that’s where everything kicked off and I knew after the first year of umpiring I could already see there was a pathway to the state league and the AFL which is when I knew that’s what I wanted to do.”

Maison now umpires the Ovens and Murray Football League and the Coates Talent League and was also selected last week to umpire in the V/Line Cup in September this year, where he will have the opportunity to earn a promotion into the

We wish all players and coaches the best over the coming weeks and at the carnival in September.

Female Umpiring

VFL appointments next season.

Despite already being accepted as an early entry student into a Bachelor of Nursing at Charles Sturt University after his Year 12 studies, Maison said if he had the opportunity to further commit to his AFL dream and move to Melbourne to do his studies online, he would drop everything in order to pursue it.

“There’s 18 players to field a side but to make an umpiring panel it’s a lot more competitive, there’s a lot less opportunity and to have that experience to go down into a talent pathway is what appealed,” he said.

“You have to be one of the best at it and at the end of the day you know there’s always going to be someone else who can take your spot

if you don’t have that drive to follow through.

“There’s only limited opportunity each year, last year there was only nine field umpires promoted.

“If things happen to pan out and that selection happens to go down to the VFL next season then it’s all in or nothing.

“A lot of umpires don’t make the move to Melbourne and that can be a barrier but it’s making yourself seen as having the drive to want to go forward and if going down there is what it takes than I’ll have to pack up and relocate.”

In the meantime Maison said he will look to integrate more elite performance trends into his game at the national championships this week in order to ready himself for the V/Line Cup in September.

Victoria will be hosting another All Girls Auskick Centre in 2023 kicking off on Wednesday 2nd of August from 4pm to 5pm at the Barr Reserve Oval.

Last weekend saw the AFLNEB Umpiring group appoint the first ever all female umpiring panel in the region! The ability to appoint an all female panel is a testament to the hard work and dedication to their craft that all of these women have shown throughout 2023. Currently only 11 of our 152 umpires are female, and as a region we would love to see that number increase significantly over the coming years!

All Girls Auskick Wangaratta

Off the back of a successful launch in 2022, AFL

The All Girls setting is a fantastic way to get your daughter involved in footy, with skills and activities specifically designed for girls who want to give football a go.

You can find the link to register for the program on the AFL North East Border facebook page, or contact david.alderuccio@afl.com.au for more information.

The Whisper

There are reports coming through to Whisper HQ that some recently retired players have come out of the woodwork a few weeks out from finals because they can smell September glory around the corner.

CALLING THE SHOTS: Galen Catholic College’s Maison Ring umpiring in the 2022 Ovens and Murray Football League reserves grand final last year as he prepares to share the field with football’s next stars this week at the under 15s national championships.

‘Pies, Tigers battle for second

WANGARATTA could jump into second position with a win over Albury at Norm Minns Oval tomorrow.

As it stands, the Magpies are a win behind Albury but have a better percentage which only adds to what is set to be an absolute blockbuster.

Wangaratta got the better of Albury in round five by just 13-points and tomorrow’s match-up looks destined for a similar result.

Magpies coach Ben Reid said it’s another crucial game for his side.

“It’s another big game for us,” Reid said.

“I feel like every game lately has been a big game but Albury are a really strong side.

“Last time we played them there it was a really even game and we managed to just get over the line so no doubt they’ll come out red hot.”

Albury boasts a potent forward line with the likes of Jacob Conlan, Jeff Garlett, Riley Bice and Brayden O’Hara all capable of winning games off their own boot.

“They’ve got a lot of weapons down forward,” Reid said.

“We’re going to have to be on our guard for sure, all of their forwards are really dangerous.

“At the same time though I feel like our backs are in good form at the moment so it should be a good battle.”

The battle of the midfields will be crucial with Albury’s Isaac Muller arguably the

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

best ruckman in the O&M which shapes as a huge opportunity for Chris Knowles.

“We know they’re going to have dominance in the ruck with Muller in there,” Reid said.

“’Knowlesy’ is going to have to be up for the challenge but his work over the past few weeks has been really good.

“We might have to go a bit more defensive at stoppages but we also have Cal Moore who can roll into the ruck.

“Cal’s probably one of the few players in the league who can match Muller’s strength so there’s a thought there as well.

“We’ll give ‘Knowlesy’ first crack though and back him in.”

Wangaratta’s trio of talls will be on show with Moore, Reid and Michael Newton set to play together in a rare occasion this season and boast a massive threat.

“’Juice’ (Newton) has been injured and I was suspended so we haven’t played much together this year,” Reid said.

“The good thing for us though is that we played together last year so we know how to work with each other.

“Hopefully we can get some continuity together over the next month or so ahead of finals.”

Wangaratta Rovers have a bye this weekend.

Magpies netballers searching for better execution

By WILLSON MACK

WANGARATTA

A grade

netballers host the sixplaced Albury at Norm Minns Oval tomorrow.

Fresh off a win over North Albury, the Magpies will take on Albury who before last weekend’s bye had lost three straight to Yarrawonga, Myrtleford and North Albury.

As mentioned it’s been a tough run for the Tigers in recent weeks and the task won’t get any easy as they come up against Wangaratta.

Wangaratta co-coach Hannah Grady wants her side to clean up their errors tomorrow.

“Against North Albury we seemed to be making a few errors,” Grady said.

“We’ll be looking to clean them up this weekend, especially around our goal circle.

“Albury are a good side though and we’re going to have to be ready to play.”

Wangaratta are still experimenting with combinations in their goal circle with Georgia Clark, Amanda Umanski, Amy Byrne and Kellie Keen all trying their hands in recent weeks.

Tomorrow looks like another good opportunity for the ‘Pies to continue that as they attempt to find the right mix ahead of a finals campaign.

KEY MAN: Callum Moore will be hoping to propel his side to victory over Albury tomorrow.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

ROUND 14: Ellie Cooper and Wangaratta take on Albury tomorrow.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

Friday, July 21

Essendon vs. Western Bulldogs (MRVL) (N)

Saturday, July 22

Richmond vs. Hawthorn (MCG)

Carlton vs. West Coast Eagles (MRVL)

Brisbane Lions vs. Geelong Cats (G) (T)

Fremantle vs. Sydney Swans (OS) (N)

Port Adelaide vs. Collingwood (AO) (N)

Sunday, July 23

GWS GIANTS vs. Gold Coast SUNS (MO)

Melbourne vs. Adelaide Crows (MCG)

St Kilda vs. North Melbourne (MRVL) (T)

Brett Anderson ..107

Max Webster ....105

Chris Doyle .......105

Dameon Holmes 104

Beth Watson .....104

Jack Lancaster.......103

Jess Maddy ..........102

Rob Bell ...............102

Tom the Baker ......101

Dave Harrop ........100

Tom McCurdy .......99

Nick Bell ...............98

after round

Wang Club ...........98

James Salafia .........98

Sean Barrett ..........98

Kent Wathen .........96

Kay Reid ...............96

Shayne Gannon ....95

Jack Penny ............95

Pranav Menon .......94

Trent Terry ..............91

Cassie Hall ............86

Helen Haines ........83 Sarah Crothers .......81

Two more for ‘Manno’

North Wangaratta’s Steve Manning to stay on as senior coach until end of 2025 season ggy

PERFECT ROLL

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

THE Hawks have locked in star coach Steve Manning for another two seasons.

Manning’s first year at the helm and first year in the Ovens and King league has been exemplary, launching the Hawks into legitimate finals contenders (fifth in seniors and reserves) from a run of challenging seasons.

Manning said the deal was a nobrainer.

“It’s that time of the year when you start having discussions about recruits or things in place at the club – you’ve got to start planning a little bit ahead,” he said.

“It’s nice to get that feedback and recognition and support not just from Allan (Ely) and Shane (Matheson), the president and vice president, but the full committee.

“I think the full committee were pretty keen for Allan to put two years to me.

“It just gives me a little bit of confidence that what we started is on the right track, and it’s a bit of backing from them for us to get everything right.

“It was a good discussion, and I couldn’t be happier.”

Manning said the support he receives from the club has enabled him to turn the corner with the Hawks who have not played a senior final since 2013.

“I’ve worked really well with Allan and Shane, and had really good communication with them with what we need and how we’re tracking footballwise,” he said.

“I couldn’t have more support than I do from those two.

“With me being new to town and new to the league, I didn’t really have any preconceived ideas and that probably helped in the end.

“There’s less pressure of expectations, I’ve just treated every game and every opposition as they are and that’s how you’ve got to be.

“I had no expectations at the start of the year not knowing what the competition would be like, so to be in that position with five games to go is exciting, but we’ve still got heaps of work to do.

■ Continued page 38

ROB Skase rolls a putt on the Jubilee Golf Club’s pristine greens.

■ Scoreboard: Page 36

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling