Wangaratta Chronicle 220124

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31o Mostly sunny

33o 36o 36o TUE

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www.wangarattachronicle.com.au

Monday, January 22, 2024

Phone (03) 5723 0100

Blue ribbon sale shaping up well with 6500 head

Fix the city’s dangerous footpaths

Page 2

$1.80 INC. GST

Enjoy Jan 25 twilight meet at the races

Page 3

Sport

“HELP US OUT” WANGARATTA Men’s Shed members (from left) Peter Lindsey, Max Vincent and Mal White have been organising a community market to make back some of the funds lost during a scam last year.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Show up for Men’s Shed fundraiser WANGARATTA Men’s Shed is calling on the generosity of community spirit following a devastating $25,000 loss last year, with an upcoming country market planned to raise money to replace the amount scammed from the organisation.

The majority of the money, scammed last September, had been raised by Wangaratta Men’s Shed members over several years along with a

BY LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE LAndersonByrne@ nemedia.com.au

$10,000 grant through Indi Independent federal MP Helen Haines’ office to enable a major upgrade of facilities for the increasing number of members.

Wangaratta Men’s Shed president Ken Clarke said the members were devastated by the loss

with little hope of ever catching up with the criminals responsible, so the organisation is now looking ahead to other solutions.

Shed member Gordon Remnant said the market hopes to see at least 50 stallholders snag a spot at the event in mid-February, with room for up to 100 stalls available.

“At this point we’re looking for stallholders, it can be everything and

anything,” he said.

“It could be a car boot sale, trash and treasure, handmade products, fresh produce, really anything.

“It could even be a good reason to do a garage clean out.

“The only restriction is food as we’ll be supplying a barbecue cook-up ourselves on the day.

“The hope is we can get as many people as possible to take the sites and then if

the community can show up for us on the day and help us raise money to cover our loss that would be excellent.

“We’re hoping for 50 sites taken, there’s enough space for 100 sites at the saleyards where we’re holding the market so we’d love to see people sign up.

“All money the stallholders make will be theirs...our fundraising will happen through selling those sites and providing

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food and refreshments on the day.”

The five metre sites are $30 and stallholders who clean up their sites at the end of the market will receive a $10 refund.

The market will be held on Sunday, February 18 from 9am to 1pm at the Wangaratta Saleyards in Shanley Street.

If you would like to register a stall, call Mal White on 0431 084 380.

TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY. SEE IN STORE.

Page 2 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024

A Current Affair to share Meadow Creek concerns

By RYAN MALCOLM A CURRENT Affair will visit the Bobinawarrah township on Tuesday night, as community members continue to oppose the development of a $750m solar farm development at Meadow Creek.

The popular Channel Nine program will be in attendance at the Bobinawarrah Hall from 6pm, interviewing members of the Meadow Creek Agricultural Community Action Group (MCAGAG) which has been vocal in its concern surrounding the 566ha solar farm proposal.

In a message to members late last week, MCAGAG organisers urged the community to turn up to the filming in force.

“We need a huge attendance for this filming to show our strength in numbers,” the message read.

Est. 1884, Incorporating Wangaratta Despatch, Est. 1861

WEATHER

TEMPERATURES: Monday

Max 31

Min 12

Mostly sunny

Tuesday

Max 33

Min 13

Mostly sunny

Wednesday Max 36

Min 18

Mostly sunny

Thursday

Max 36

Min 21

Mostly cloudy

RAINFALL: Wangaratta Lake Buffalo Cheshunt

Last 72 hours

Last 7 days

17mm 32mm 30mm

17mm 32.2mm 30.2mm

*NB: Rainfall totals up until 3pm, Sunday

LUCKY NUMBERS Tattslotto - Draw 4435

35, 37, 11, 22, 27, 33 (8, 1) Winning numbers are subject to verification by ticket holders.

NEWS TIPS Office Hours: 5723 0100 After Hours: 5723 0107 Email: edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au

CONTACTS POSTAL ADDRESS: 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta GENERAL TELEPHONE INQUIRIES: 5723 0100 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 5723 0101 DISPLAY ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 5723 0100 Fax: 03 5721 9447 Email: edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au Website: wangarattachronicle.com.au

Follow us ADVERTISING CLOSING TIMES Monday Issue: Display Thurs. 10am. Classifieds Fri. 2pm Wednesday Issue: Display Fri. 10am. Classifieds Tues. 2pm Friday Issue: Display Tues. 10am. Classifieds Thurs. 2pm Published by Hartley Higgins for North East Media Pty Ltd, 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677.

Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Editor Jeff Zeuschner.

Copyright: All advertising and editorial content of this issue is the copyright of North East Media Pty Ltd and cannot be used without the company’s permission.

The Chronicle is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council.

If you believe the standards may have been breached, you may approach the Chronicle itself or contact the council by email at info@presscouncil.org.au or by phone on (02) 9261 1930.

Member

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Footpath negligence denied by council Local resident injured j and out of luck following g her trip p on footpath p

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

LIFE has been tough moving around over the last three months for Carole Breust after she was injured in a tripping incident on a raised section of footpath on Wangaratta’s Swan Street.

The footpath is raised with repair works visible on the pavement but council has deemed that the area “did not meet the definition of a defect”.

Initially Ms Breust lay on the footpath for 40 minutes as she wasn’t carrying her mobile phone at the time and she had to wait for a passer-by to call an ambulance.

Scans showed a complete fracture of her patella and a slight fracture of her femur and tibia.

Ms Breust was discharged after five hours in hospital with a brace on her leg and crutches which she had to use for seven weeks.

Her job at All Saints Winery has also been off limits since the trip, as she wouldn’t be able to carry out her duties in the cellar due to her still injured knee.

In a letter to Ms Breust last month, Echelon Claims Service reviewed council’s refusal to acknowledge negligence, and essentially explained that because the section of footpath had not been brought to council’s attention prior to her trip, council was not negligent.

“We reiterate that no defects or hazards were reported during their last inspection on 1 December 2022,” the letter read.

“This confirms council have adhered to their Road Management Plan (RMP).

“Following notification of your accident and an inspection of the area, council found no defects or hazards which breached their intervention level.

“Additionally, council has not received any other complaints involving the area.

“Council cannot be held liable for incidents emanating from circumstances that are entirely beyond its control.

“Nor is council obliged to ensure that public areas are kept entirely free of hazards at all times.”

As a result, Ms Breust was not able to secure any compensation for her loss of income or pain and suffering caused by her injuries sustained from her trip, which she said are still ongoing.

She was also luckless when enquiring if there was a service council could provide to assist with labour around her property such as gardening and other chores.

Wangaratta Chronicle contacted council about the incident and the footpath and council confirmed there was no schedule to improve the footpath from its current state.

“Upon reviewing the specific case, officers assessed the separation between footpath sections,” director of community and infrastructure Marcus Goonan said.

“However, based on the criteria outlined in the RMP, it was determined that the condition did not meet the definition of a defect.

“As a result, no immediate action has been taken in this instance.”

Mr Goonan said it was crucial to emphasise that council’s commitment to the community’s safety remains unwavering.

“We understand the impor-

WATCH YOUR STEP: Carole Breust has been in the wars following a trip on a section of footpath on Swan Street. Apart from the pain, she hasn’t had any joy with council.

PHOTO: Steve Kelly tance of continuous improvement and are actively working on renewal upgrades for footpaths across the municipality,” he said.

“We encourage community members to provide feedback on which footpaths they believe should be prioritised for renewal.

“In our decision-making process, council officers take into account various factors, including condition data.

“We acknowledge that our budget constraints sometimes

limit the extent to which we can address all identified needs.

“Nevertheless, we are dedicated to optimising resources and addressing high-priority areas to the best of our ability.

“We appreciate the vigilance and engagement of our community members in highlighting concerns related to our infrastructure.

“Open communication and collaboration are essential in maintaining and enhancing the overall safety and well-being of our municipality.”

Welcome boost from ARTC sponsorship

BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au

FIVE local sports clubs and facilities will benefit from funding provided by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) as part of its Community Sponsorships and Donations Program.

Funding of between $1000 and $4000 has been made available to individuals and organisations in regional areas along the Inland Rail route, with applications from areas where construction is underway drawing greater focus from the program.

Among those to benefit locally is the Wangaratta Bowls and Sports Club, which received $4000 towards new rubber mats with improved grip, and shade umbrellas for use on the side of the green.

Club executive officer Peter Faithfull said the funding was most welcome and will be used

to purchase about 20 new mats and up to six shade umbrellas, which will come in handy as we head towards the hottest part of summer.

“The old mats we have are slippery when it’s damp or wet, and we wanted to replace them with new ones which will stick to the ground better,” he said.

“Depending on where you’re bowling, from east to west or north to south, for part of it, there’s no shade cover, so the umbrellas will be a big help.

“We hope to have them in place in the next couple of weeks.”

The North East Windsport Club received $1000 towards the installation of an honour board, the Greta Cricket Club received $3254 for the purchase of iPads to score junior cricket competitions, the Wangaratta Pickleball Club received $3000 to purchase a LOBSTAR pickleball serving machine and balls, and the Moyhu Recreation Reserve com-

SHADY PLAY: Wangaratta Bowls and Sports Club executive officer Peter Faithfull said players and spectators will benefit from the new rubber mats and shade umbrellas they will purchase with sponsorship from ARTC. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling mittee of management received $4000 towards a security camera system to protect the facility.

The ARTC is making funding available for short-term projects and activities that contribute to local and regional prosperity, wellbeing and sustainability, such as upgrading community facilities and equipment, imple-

menting unique STEM projects in schools, mentoring and developing local business communities and hosting community events.

To find out more, or to apply for the next round of funding, visit inlandrail.artc.com.au/opportunities/sponsorships-anddonations/.

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024 - Page 3

The impacts of bingeing technology

By CHLOE JAENICKE BINGEING can be seen in many different forms including addictions to alcohol, smoking, gambling and even technology.

Addiction is the act of doing something excessively and repeatedly beyond a reasonable amount of control and local psychologist, Neil Barassi, said he’s seen technology addictions become more prevalent in young people.

“Over recent years I have noticed a concerning trend of parents and partners struggling to manage their families use of social media and e-gaming,” he said.

“I view this unhealthy behaviour as the modern version of smoking cigarettes.”

He said it’s having a negative impact on people’s sleep patterns and relationships.

“Late night excessive use of electronic gaming interrupts healthy sleep patterns and can interfere with the ability to concentrate at school or work, complete homework, play sport or just socialise with friends,” he said.

“In relationships, excessive social media use can ruin the art of conversation.”

While modern technology has become an important part of daily life, Mr Barassi said like most addictive behaviours, it’s about moderation and evaluating how much our usage is impacting us.

“I’m not against social media as I use it myself, however, having time limits and self-monitoring usage is advisable,” he said.

“If you feel you cannot cope without it, it’s important to reflect and review your lifestyle.”

Mr Barassi said it is especially important for

families and couples to have conversations around setting rules and limits for social media if it starts to become an addiction.

“Parents can implement rules around time on and off and have a cut-off point at night from social media and gaming,” he said.

“Couples need to prioritise what’s important in the life and set a time to use social media then put it away.”

Mr Barassi also suggested seeking professional help if there are any further concerns.

“If there are concerns about you or someone else regarding addictive behaviours, you are encouraged to speak to a GP who may refer you for psychological support,” he said.

“There are also numerous helplines for a variety of addictions, and this is a good starting point for support.”

Last piece of Glenrowan bridge slotted into place THE last piece of the new Beaconsfield Parade bridge in Glenrowan has been installed, with the final concrete beam completing the 145-metre span across the railway line.

Work started on the bridge in February 2023 and is expected to open next month for motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and the large number of tourists who visit Glenrowan.

The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) is building a higher new bridge in Glenrowan to facilitate the safe passage of doublestacked freight trains for the Inland Rail project with construction partner McConnell Dowell using a 750-tonne crane to lift the final seven 30-tonne beams into place last week.

In total, 51 concrete beams are incorporated into the bridge – 30 for the vehicle section and 21 beams for the pedestrian section of the bridge.

More than 1200mÂ3 of concrete has been used to construct the bridge.

Inland Rail is a nation building project that will transform how goods are moved around Australia.

In Victoria, work is being undertaken at 12 sites, including Glenrowan and

FINAL PIECE: An aerial photo of the final beam being installed on the new Glenrowan Bridge on Beaconsfield Parade.

PHOTO: Inland Rail Wangaratta, to enable double-stacked freight trains to pass safely and ensure everyday products can be delivered faster and more reliably around Australia.

Ed Walker, ARTC Victoria and South Australian general manager projects, said completing the bridge span over the rail line is an “exciting milestone”.

“It’s challenging to build a bridge like this with a working rail line underneath, but the team is doing a terrific job,” he said.

“Thank you to the Glenrowan residents for their patience and understanding.

“They’ve had to endure 12 months of disruptions but we’re nearly there.”

Peter Lacki, McConnell Dowell senior project engineer, was also excited to reach this milestone within the project.

“With the final beams now in place we will work on completing the barrier installation, connecting the approach ramps and constructing the road base,” he said.

PICK OF THE CROP: Corcoran and Parker livestock agent Reiley Murtagh is looking forward to the big blue ribbon sales at Wangaratta Livestock Exchange coming up on January 31 and February 2.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Cattle primed for super sale Excellent cattle progeny expected to fetch similar figgures achieved in earlyy Januaryy

By STEVE KELLY CATTLE bloodlines that have been bred through generations of expert farming experience will go under the hammer at the annual Wangaratta Livestock Exchange Blue Ribbon Weaner Sale on January 31 and February 2.

Some 4000 head of steers will be sold on Wednesday, January 31 and 2500 head of heifers on Friday, February 2, with the first lot up for grabs from 9am.

Favourable climatic conditions off the back of a wet season in the north and significant rainfall in the southern country of Australia have produced ideal conditions for beef cattle to thrive and the sale is expected to draw buyers from across the Victoria and interstate.

Corcoran and Parker livestock agent Reiley Murtagh gave an appraisal of the offerings ahead of what’s well-

known as the highest quality cattle sale of the year.

“The majority of the cattle are held from breeders in the area that really aim for this blue ribbon sale and there is a lot of good quality from our area with people who have been traditionally selling in this sale for years,” he said.

“These people are growing them from a poddy (calf) and getting them to anywhere from 10-12 months and they invest a lot of money in their bulls and genetics to get them primed for the sale.

“The sale has been a great success for years prior and it will continue to be for many years to come.”

Mr Murtagh said top bloodlines will extend from Te Mania, Alpine Angus and other renowned bull sales from the area and beyond.

He explained that the vendors have been refining their breeding programs for generations and a lot have been

coming to the sale year in year out for decades.

“They have continued to up the quality of their cattle based on this sale,” he said.

“There has been a lot of rain in the northern sector and around here which has kept the flats greens and the confidence up with the buyer.

“The lesser effect of the El Nino and the rain will show through at this sale and we can see it being as good or just a touch better than our January sale.”

Some $4.5 million was amassed from 4900 steers at the start of January with the going price ranging from $3.05/kg to $3.50/kg.

The heifers, ranging from 33kg to 400kg, averaged $2.60/ kg with high quality heifers much sought after.

“There will be something for everyone at this sale, with the current market to suit vendors and buyers,” Mr Murtagh said.

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Page 4 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024

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Pool hours part of talks

Monday, January 20, 2014

BY JAMIE KRONBORG COMMUNITY concern about the interpretation of closing time triggerpoints at Wangaratta’s outdoor Olympic pool will be raised at a regular meeting between pool owner Rural City of Wangaratta and contracted pool manager YMCA if the issue persists.

The city council last Friday opened the Swan Street pool for free following four days of 40 degree-plus temperatures.

City community health and amenity manager Diahann Newell said the decision to give some relief from the heat to city residents would cost the council about $2000 in waived entry fees.

Ms Newell said any on-going fee waiver would only be considered day by day and would depend on the forecast.

Given last week’s heatwave she thought it would have been prudent to keep the pool open for the maximum number of hours – from 1pm to 8.30pm.

But the YMCA ‘s Wangaratta Aquatic Centre manager Maree Warnett said trigger-points were used determine the time at which the pool gates were closed.

The standard closing time is 6.30pm, but if the temperature is above 33 degrees at 5pm closing will be extended to 7.30pm.

If the temperature is above 35 degrees at 5pm closing will be extended to 8.30pm.

But Ms Warnett said the YMCA’s pool

co-ordinator for Olympic and Yarrunga pools had discretion to close the facilities if patronage had generally fallen below 10 pool-users.

Olympic pool neighbour Jenny Stevens said that last Tuesday and Wednesday the pool closed at 8pm despite being 40 degree-plus maximum temperature days.

“There were 25 to 30 people at the pool on both nights and they (pool staff) still shut the pool early,” Mrs Stevens said.

She also thought that the council acted too slowly in waiving entry fees during the extreme heat.

“But I’ve made enough noise and it seems things are starting to improve (at the pool),” Mrs Stevens said.

Ms Warnett said the council’s decision to forego entry fees on Friday was “a terrific thing”.

“I’m sure there are a lot of grateful people out there,” she said.

Ms Newell said the council subsidised the pool.

“For every $3.90 in income the council spends $6.10 on the pool,” she said.

“The community generally believes that the pool runs with its head above water but it doesn’t.”

Ms Newell said the city administrators had recently seen all pool facilities as part of an inspection of the city’s assets.”

“The administrators remain very supportive of the city’s pools in the places in which they’re located,” Ms Newell said.

The city has regular monthly meetings with the YMCA about pool management issues and Ms Newell said she spoke with the pool manager nearly every day.

“If an issue is raised with us (the council) we take it up with the managers and try to resolve it appropriately,” Ms Newell said.

FREE ENTRY: Lifeguards Cassie Im Impi Impink piink ka and n N nd Nellie ellli elli lie e Pu P Purches rrcc throw the gates open at the Olympic Pool on Friday.

PHOTO: Luke Plummer

NEW ALLY: Jacob Selwood, Kylie McConnell, Nathan Campbell and Matthew Gambold will receive council support as they work to establish a live action role play community in Wangaratta.

PHOTO: Ryan Malcolm

Council lends its sword to LARP COUNCIL has thrown its support behind the planned inception of a live action role play (LARP) community in Wangaratta, lauding its appeal to diverse reaches of the municipality.

The initiative, which is advertised as a battle reenactment game where people dress in medieval fantasy clothing and take part in mock battles with weapons made from foam, has attracted widespread interest throughout the rural city, with almost 200 people joining the official ‘Warcry Wangaratta’ Facebook page since last week.

Set to be largely organised by local residents with experience partaking in Albury Wodonga’s own LARP events, Rural City of Wangaratta manager community services, Ben Thomas, said council would offer whatever support it could

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

to the project.

“Council is very pleased to see active recreation pursuits being undertaken by our community members,” he said.

“Our community is diverse, and it is important to council that we have a wide range of recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.

“Officers met with Jacob (organiser Jacob Selwood) last week and indicated that we would be very happy to see the LARP community form an active group within the rural city.

“No location has been decided on as yet, however, we will work with the group to find a suitable outdoor space for their events.

“As with all our community groups we will support

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the club with promotion and offer assistance with planning events.”

While the initiative remains firmly in the planning phase, the Warcry Wangaratta community has already shared recommendations around where to purchase LARP-appropriate weapons and armour, and floated the possibility of creating a renaissance fair outside of the regular mock battles.

“We have encouraged Jacob to liaise with other LARP clubs in the North East for insight into how they formed and to make connections with organisations such as Swordcraft Australia for activity-specific support, including insurance,” Mr Thomas said.

For more information about the initiative, visit h t t p s : // w w w. f a c e b o o k . com/groups/warcrywangaratta.

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THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024 - Page 5

Greyhounds leading pack Ex-racing g dogs g p proving g to be ggreat companions p and p pets for adoption p

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

GREYHOUNDS are one of the most popular breeds of canine pets according to a new Victorian Pet Census and it’s no wonder as their tall statures certainly stand out when their loving owners can be seen walking them around Wangaratta’s streets.

It’s all thanks to a Racing Victoria Greyhound Adoption Program where greyhounds like local resident Sue Carey’s Finn and Harley retire from racing and enjoy a laidback life in towns like Wangaratta.

Sue had been fostering greyhounds for several years and she adopted an ex-racing greyhound when COVID hit back in 2020.

Finn is turning eight years old soon and Sue also fostered Harley (5) over Christmas and she decided to keep him.

“Harley was so lovely, he had to stay, so I’ve become a two-greyhound family,” Sue said.

During their racing years, Harley had about 105 starts and Finn had about 60 and Sue said “they’ve settled into their retirement as elite athletes very well”.

“Greyhounds have a lovely temperament and with every breed there’s a range but generally they settle into pet life and just love it,” she said.

“They’re great companions and everyone asks whether they need a lot of walking.

“A short walk to the coffee shop is just fine and after a good rest we head back home again.”

While some greyhounds can be known to chase small dogs or cats Sue has heard great stories of how greyhounds get quite used to living with other animals.

“Maybe some caution needs to be taken with small, fluffy animals until they settle in,” she said.

To learn more about adopting a greyhound visit https://gap.grv. org.au/adopt-a-greyhound/.

The Victorian Pet Census reveals that more than half of all adult Victorians own a pet, with dogs the most popular at 41 per cent, followed by cats at 24 per cent, with an estimated 4.3 million pets across the state in 1.4 million households.

The Census was compiled by a online panel survey and an online open link survey available to the general public.

LIFE AFTER RACING: Wangaratta resident Sue Carey enjoys walking her adopted greyhounds, Finn (7) (left) and Harley (5). Greyhounds were one of the most popular breeds of pet dogs according to Victorian Pet Census survey findings.

PHOTO: Jeff Zeuschner Among the preferred dog breeds were Cavoodle, Labrador, Greyhound, Border Collie and Golden Retriever.

The majority of cat owners adopted their cats from an animal or rescue shelter.

Five per cent have a bird (average of 5.4 per bird owner), with popular species: budgie, cockatiel, cockatoo, galah, chicken (Isa brown, Silky).

Five per cent have fish (average of 8.6 per fish owner) including 2pc with pond fish and 3pc with aquarium/tank fish, with popular species: goldfish, guppy, betta/ fighting fish.

Rabbits owners made up 2pc, guinea pigs 1pc, and ferrets and rats 1pc.

Some 2pc have a reptile or amphibian including 1pc with lizards, 1pc with turtles, and 0.3pc with snakes, with popular species bearded dragon, blue tongue lizard, Eastern long neck turtle, Murray long neck turtle and python (diamond carpet).

Only 1pc have horses, sheep or cows as pets and just 0.3pc have an insect.

In a demonstration of commitment, pet owners have collectively spent an estimated $6.6 billion in the past year alone on pet products and services to ensure the wellbeing of their beloved companions.

The Census also highlighted the positive impact of pets on the lives of Victorians, with an overwhelming 98pc attesting to ben-

efits of pet ownership.

Companionship and love were ranked highest at 79pc, followed by improved mental health and emotional support at 57pc.

The data collected reflects the diversity in pets found homes in Victorians households, including 83,000 reptiles and amphibians and 43,000 insects and spiders, chosen for their unique appeal and low-maintenance care.

The crucial information gathered as part of the Census will allow the Labor Government to better support Victorian pets, their owners and the animal welfare sector to access the services and support they need most.

To explore the results visit, animalwelfare.vic.gov.au/pet-census.

Wangaratta whooping cough outbreak being managed A WHOOPING cough (pertussis) outbreak is currently being managed in the Wangaratta area by Albury Wodonga Health’s Ovens Murray Public Health Unit (OM PHU).

As of Friday there were four confirmed and two suspected cases affecting children aged under 10.

OM PHU health protection manager Jenny Keogh said the major symptom is the characteristic cough, which is often followed by a ‘whooping’ sound on inhalation.

“The disease poses significant risks to young children and women in their last month of pregnancy,” she said.

“Children aged under six months are too young to be fully immunised and they are affected more seriously by the disease than older children or adults, and are more likely to develop complications.

“Older children and adults who have not received whooping cough vaccination are at risk of infection and are often the source of infection in young infants.

“At the start, symptoms may be similar to those of a cold, but can progress quickly to include severe cough, ‘whooping’ sound when breathing in during coughing fits, coughing that causes vomiting and interruptions to breathing, particularly in babies.

“If you think you may have had contact with a pertussis case, monitor for symptoms, see your GP if you become unwell, avoid contact with newborns, pregnant women and from aged care and disability facilities.”

Ms Keogh also said that primary school aged children and those attending day care should not attend school if they have pertussis.

“If you are an adult and it has been 10 years or more since you had a pertussis vaccination, it is recommended that you have a booster,” she said.

“We would strongly encourage people to be on the look-out for symptoms and monitor themselves and their families closely.”

For more information, go to http://awh.org.au/omphu

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Wasp stings can be nasty and nests on your property are a danger to you and your family.

Don’t let wasps ruin your Summer.

Understanding the wasp problem, recognising the risks of infestations, and seeking professional help from Economic Pest Control are essential steps towards a wasp-free environment.

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Page 6 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024

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NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.

Local Men’s Shed needs your support IT was absolutely devastating for the Wangaratta Men’s Shed members and the wider community when the organisation was scammed out of $25,000 last September.

What makes it even more hard to swallow is that the group of men do so much for the community they live in by applying their craft to make items for the community.

The support the group provides for fellow residents who are navigating life after retirement is priceless.

Most of the money the Men’s Shed lost were funds members raised through years of volunteer work making products for the community.

The money was to be used to upgrade the Men’s Shed facilities to cater for a growing number of members.

The Wangaratta Men’s Shed are holding a market next month and they need all the support they can get to make back some of the money.

They’re hoping for 50 stalls at the market that will be held at the Wangaratta Saleyards near their headquarters on Shanley Street, but there is enough space for 100 stalls.

Any types of stallholders whatsoever are encouraged to sign up for the Men’s Shed market.

The community is encouraged to come up with ideas for stalls for example a car boot sale, trash and treasure, handmade products or fresh produce.

The five-metre sites are $30 and stallholders who clean up their sites at the end of the market will receive a $10 refund.

For more information or if you would like to register a stall call Mal White on 0431 084 380.

The Quiz No. 69 1. Wrest Point Hotel Casino, Australia’s first legal casino, is located in which capital city?

2. Who created the sculptural work, The Gates of Hell?

3. Which country has a coastline on the White Sea? 4. Who was the captain of Perth Glory in the 2015-16 W-League season?

5. Which 2005 movie starred Will Smith and Kevin James?

6. What is the currency unit of Iraq?

7. Brooklyn Joseph, Romeo James, Cruz David and Harper Seven are children of which celebrity couple?

8. What type of animal is an Abbott’s booby?

9. Who wrote the classic 1890 novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray?

10. Which chain of convenience stores sell Slurpees?

11. On which album did the Elton John song, Rocket Man, first appear?

12. Poland Spring bottled water is from which country?

13. In December 2014, who replaced Peter Dutton as the Federal Minister for Health?

14. Khartoum is the capital city of which country?

15. Which four teams played in the semifinals of the 2016 ICC World Twenty20 tournament?

16. Who played Bobby Rivers in the 1990s TV series, All Together Now? 17. The Mississippi River flows through how many US states?

18. Herb Alpert, the famous musician, is best known for playing which musical instrument?

19. In which country was the group, Reporters Without Borders, founded?

20. Who composed the 1812 Overture?

1. Hobart 2. Auguste Rodin 3. Russia 4. Samantha Kerr 5. Hitch 6. Dinar 7. Victoria and David Beckham 8. Bird (seabird) 9. Oscar Wilde 10. 7-Eleven 11. Honky Château 12. USA 13. Sussan Ley 14. Sudan 15. New Zealand, England, West Indies, India 16.

Jon English 17. Ten 18. Trumpet 19. France 20. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Compiled by Ric Allport – www.brainfoodfactory.com – Challenge your Brain

FACEBOOK users this week commented on wait times being reduced at the Greta and Tone Roads traffic lights.

•

Vezz Davern: Have they fixed the train crossing on tone rd as sometimes ya waiting 8-10 min for the train to come and when school is back the morning traffic be hectic alone without adding a train to the mix.

Kelly Richards: Vezz Davern Exactly, it’s going to become a massive issue once

•

• •

school resumes.

Sam Sgarioto: Vezz Davern Tone Rd, doesn’t cross the railway??

Vezz Davern: Sam Sgarioto no it don’t that’s rite!

Tone rd Sicily ave intersection does, just figured most would know what I ment.

Amanda Chrystal: Always nice when emails not only get responded to but actioned.

Julie Platten: Awesome, we will get bottle necked / backed up even quicker now.

• •

•

• Facebook users also commented on establishing • a LARP community in the rural city.

• • • •

Gav Mac: Yeah I guess they only had 2 years to plan.

Caleb Fox: Blade Cleaver Carter Ramsey Jack Spencer let’s do it.

Carter Ramsey: Caleb Fox cast a necromancer spell.

Trent Young: Jez Mercieca let’s go.

Harrison Bell: Riley Sandral see you there.

• •

Matthew Lees: Ashlee Simon Travis Mccormack we on.

Ashlee Simon: Matthew Lees I’m soooo stoked!!

Wade Holland: Cameron Daniel your dreams are coming true mate.

Cameron Daniel: Wade Holland looks like it would suit your figure better than mine shrek.

Vanessa Davies: Love it!

Baxter Lane-gee: Luke Malcolm Luke Townsend something for you boys!!!

••

Like the

Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.

Our follower total is

14,603

Have your say in Wangaratta Chronicle poll

Visit our website to vote at www.wangarattachronicle.com.au

Wind turbine disposal policy needed urgently IT was interesting to see Twiggy Forrest and Chris Bowen making a big play about a new 414MW wind farm that is being built at Uungala near Wellington last week.

According to Professor Ian Plimer these turbine blades comprise layers of balsa wood which is sourced from the Amazon rainforest and highly toxic chemical such as bisphenol-A epoxy resin.

These blades presently are not recycled after their relative short life and are buried, and the bisphenol-A will ultimately leak into the soil.

I have read on the internet that bisphenol-A is banned in many countries for certain uses mainly in the lining of foodstuffs due to exposure to water.

So, a policy of disposal needs to be developed before any more wind farms are approved due to the long-term environmental impact.

I have read on the internet there are currently 31 Australian wind farms over 15 years old, equating to a total of 599 wind turbines approaching the end of their design life. It is estimated that by 2034, a total of 15,000 tonnes of blade composite waste will have been created in Australia due to decommissioned wind farms.

Maybe Twiggy Forrest is going to dispose of these blades in his iron mine in Western Australia but that was never mentioned and is highly likely.

John Walker, North Wangaratta

Gardens a historic sacred misnomer EVER since coming to the North East, I’ve wondered how a First Nations sacred site could be named after a long gone king of England.

I am glad that it is a ‘park’ space, after all the trampling of it in the past.

But let’s ask the First Nations elders of this area what they wish in this matter.

In my view, its neither mine or anyone else’s right to name it, except those elders.

This current naming is the same as if we tried to name StoneHenge after an Australian name.

The absurdity is the same as naming this site after an English name.

They would obviously never allow it.

Will you be attending an official Australia Day event on January 26?

ICE CREAM TIME: Allie (left), Madeline, Flynn and Spencer McKenzie enjoyed their favourite flavours of ice cream on Friday at Apex Park in Wangaratta thanks to Ruth Shaw’s (back) mobile ice cream stand.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling I haven’t and won’t walk on that sacred land, while it is called that most inappropriate and disrespectful name.

I am not Indigenous.

This is just how I feel about it.

And they are not ‘gardens’.

They are an Indigenous sacred site and always will be.

David Rainbow, Myrtleford

No to opinions in letters from ex-MPs THE Chronicle is to be applauded for including letters and FB posts from residents relating to matters that need to be brought to the attention of readers.

However, the inclusion in Wednesday’s letters of a broadcast letter from the Australian Monarchist League and signed by a retired former politician should be classified as an opinion piece

and included in the general sections of the paper.

John Harper, Milawa Editor’s Note: The Chronicle regularly uses opinion pieces from all matter of individuals on a variety of topics, including from retired and active MPs. Letters are themselves brief opinion pieces.

WE welcome your letters to the Editor. Priority is given to typed/emailed letters under 250 words.

Every letter must have your full name, address and a daytime phone contact number supplied for verification purposes. Any letter may be edited for reasons of space, content or legibility.

Email

edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au

Post

Letters to the Editor, 37 Rowan St, Wangaratta 3677

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024 - Page 7

Female health boost amid gynaecology expansion NORTHEAST Health Wangaratta (NHW) has expanded its public Gynaecology Clinic, providing more opportunities for women requiring specialist services.

Established in 2021, the clinic recently added a second day to meet consumer demand, with a team of three specialists supporting referrals from GPs across the region.

NHW interim director of obstetrics, Dr Leo Fogarty, said the clinic was supporting patients with infertility investigation, menstrual issues, management of endometriosis and other pelvic pain, contraception, investigation of gynaecological cancers and surgical procedures.

He said the additional clinic capacity would also help reduce the wait times locally for women seeking support for gynaecology concerns.

“We have a great team of highly skilled clinicians available to support patients with a broad range of gynaecological concerns,” Dr

Fogarty said.

“Our clinic supports referrals from across the North East in addition to the Wangaratta community, including Yarrawonga, Indigo and Alpine shires and Benalla.”

The team encompasses a wide range of backgrounds, with Dr Olufela Ifaturoti bringing 30 years of experience in obstetrics and gynaecology from New Zealand, Dr Rajesh Gangaram joining from South Africa, and Dr Attia Rizwan relocating from Western Australia to round out the clinic.

“I enjoy helping women with a safe birthing experience and extending this to support their other gynaecological needs,” Dr Rizwan said.

Dr Gangaram said more women were presenting with pelvic pain, with greater awareness of conditions like endometriosis and possible treatments.

“There is greater awareness about a host of conditions that women in the past would endure without exploring the options availa-

ble, so it’s positive that more people are seeing a specialist for investigation and to explore treatment options,” he said.

Dr Ifaturoti said the clinic was keen to promote its referral options with GPs and working to reduce the wait time for people seeking support.

“We know that gynaecological conditions can be very disruptive to a person’s daily life and we hope the extended clinic will help meet the demand across our region and have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of our community,” he said.

People interested in booking an appointment with the clinic are encouraged to speak to their GP to obtain a referral.

HERE TO HELP: (From left) Dr Rajesh Gangaram, Dr Laura Davis, Dr Attia Rizwan, Dr Olufela Ifaturoti, Dr Leo Fogarty and Dr Maddy Smith will provide expanded gynaecological support in the rural city.

Free courses to support emergency recovery locally ‘Future Proof’ program to fund young locals in completing p g their TAFE studies

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

Many of the courses are available either online or at TAFE campuses across the North East, while free short courses covering first aid and CPR, construction induction (white card), traffic control and an introduction to emergency management are also available.

The Future Proof program was introduced following the 2020 Black Summer Bushfires, with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) creating the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program in acknowledgement of the 1.5 million hectares of land burnt in the North East.

The program has been adopted by six local councils, two Aboriginal Community

Controlled Organisations, three Local Learning and Employment Networks, and Victoria University.

Rural city youth resilience coordinator, Brady Sharp, said the Future Proof project planned to enrol 150 young people aged 16 to 25 from eastern Victoria in emergency management and community services qualifications before the program comes to a close in November this year.

“This initiative is a youth and community development program that focuses on local support and resilience building for young people in fireaffected areas,” he said.

“Additionally, each council runs a Youth Advisory Group comprising young people interested in building resilience in their communities after the Black summer Bushfires.”

To register your interest, contact futureproof@wangaratta.vic.gov.au.

Transport union strike action this Thursday V/LINE services will be disrupted across the state on Thursday due to stop work action by Rail, Tram and Bus Union workers from 3am to 7am.

The strike is over conditions in an Enterprise Bargaining Agreement.

The RTBU reported that

it has been bargaining since June, but V/Line is yet to address key concerns that have been raised throughout the negotiations to date.

V/Line CEO Matt Carrick said they have been continuing to negotiate in good faith and have made progress towards reaching

an agreement.

“We strongly encourage the union to work collaboratively with us to reach a fair and reasonable agreement.”

“Passengers can keep up to date with the latest information on the V/Line website and our social channels.”

BIG OPPORTUNITY: Rural City of Wangaratta youth resilience coordinator Brady Sharp is urging young people to enrol in free qualification courses offered as part of the ‘Future Proof’ program.

YOUR ONE STOP FIRE PROTECTION SHOP Sales & Service on fire pumps and fire hose kits Onsite service & installation available

71 GRETA RD, WANGARATTA VIC 3677 PH: (03) 5722 1955 EMAIL: wangpump@bigpond.net.au

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YOUNG people aged 16 to 25 are being urged to enrol in a host of free qualification courses designed to improve the way they are involved in disaster preparedness, response, recovery and other community activities.

Supported as part of the Rural City of Wangaratta council’s ‘Future Proof’ initiative and ongoing partnership with the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic), the free courses aim to build resilience and provide localised support to rural city youth, while breaking down barriers to their involvement in recovery into the future.

Through the initiative, students can complete a Certificate IV in Mental Health, a Certificate IV in Community Services, a Diploma in Public Safety, a Certificate IV in Environmental Sustainable Management, or a Certificate IV in Youth Work, for free.

Page 8 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Little things blossom in Fleur Rendell’s exhibition STORMY WEATHER: More storms brought lightning and heavy rainfall to parts of the North East last week.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

ACROSS THE

A COLLECTION of joyful floral and still life prints by local artist Fleur Rendell are on display at the Benalla Art Gallery, in what is the first exhibition for the year in the gallery shop.

Called Little Things, it includes a selection of recently made linocut prints that invite viewers to see the everyday world in a new light.

The works celebrate the seemingly small moments and observations of daily life, offering vivid and joyful insights into our relationships with objects around us.

They are reminders to pause and savour the beauty in the seemingly ordinary.

Fleur Rendell hails from North East Victoria, studied Fine Arts (ceramics and printmaking) at RMIT then completed a traineeship with a master printer at Australian Print Workshop, before qualifying as a teacher at Melbourne University.

She taught for 10 years, before leaving to start a family, which is when she found the time and energy to properly develop her art practice, which soon took on a life of its own.

Over the past 15 years Fleur’s printmaking has explored different avenues but a recurring theme has been her surrounds and what touches her heart; nature, home, family and objects that are imbued with memories.

All prints are made by Fleur in her Glenrowan studio using a vintage 1854 Albion Press.

Warm, humid conditions prevail in January

LITTLE THINGS: See works including Fleur RENDELL, Flowers 2022, hand painted linocut, edition of 20, on display in the gallery shop at Benalla Art Gallery during January.

Benalla Art Gallery director, Eric Nash, said the exhibition was much deserved local recognition of one of the region’s most accomplished printmakers.

Fleur has featured in over 60 group and solo exhibitions in Australia since 1992,

and her work is held in the collections of the Australian Print Workshop, National Gallery of Australia, University of Melbourne and Wangaratta Art Gallery, as well as private collections.

She has received numerous accolades for her work

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including Best Work by a Local Artist in the 2019 King Valley Art Show and first place in the Wangaratta Art Gallery 2008 Jazz Art Award All artworks in the gallery shop are for sale with the exhibition to run until the end of January.

A VERY warm, humid easterly to north-easterly air stream has persisted across most of Victoria and all of NSW for the first half of January.

Daily maximum temperatures have been a shade above normal whilst night minima have been notably three degrees above normal.

At Wangaratta the mean minimum temperature for the first half of January has been 17.5 degrees - our warmest since 1981.

The summer of 1980-81 was notably warmer and wetter than average but the temperature did not reach 40 degrees until January 26 when it was 41.2 degrees.

Two days later 51mms fell in Wangaratta and 5 mms fell at Whitfield.

Thunderstorm activity has been active this summer and not a week goes by without some town receiving record daily rainfalls since just before Christmas.

Early last Tuesday morning Moorabbin Airport received 43mms of rainfall in just one hour as a new cut-off low pressure moved erratically southwards to be located over Tasmania.

Many towns which recorded their wettest January day on January 8 have had further rainfalls to 25 to 40mms.

Bendigo has now recorded 156mms this month, still short of the wettest ever January of 2011 when 177mms fell.

Heathcote has now recorded 201mms, making it the wettest ever January in 166 years of records.

There was only one wetter month at Heathcote, being 221mms in February 1883.

WHAT’S UP WITH THE WEATHER?

By Peter Nelson, retired CSIRO climatologist

Yan Yean Reservoir has received 140.6mms this month which is just a shade below the wettest ever January of 1872.

The town of Cunnamulla located 200kms west of Roma recorded 168mms on January 8 on the same day record daily rainfalls for January at Bendigo, Heathcote and few other towns nearby fell - a very odd situation.

Roma last year had it’s seventh driest year in 153 years.

The sixth driest years were in 1902, 1915, 1946, 1951, 1957 and 2019.

The following years after all these dry years were all wetter than average, not only at Roma and district but at nearly all other districts all the way to Tasmania and there was a higher frequency of tropical cyclones in coastal Queensland.

Three cyclones affected Queensland in 1958 from early February to early April.

Cocos Keeling Island has been notably warmer than normal since November and easily the warmest ever for January in 72 years of records .

The previous warmest January at Cocos was in 1958.

We certainly had a wet year in 1958 in North East Victoria.

For now in the North East a break in the wet humid conditions is anticipated with hotter days in the mid to high 30s and probably no significant rainfall until the end of January.

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024 - Page 9

GREAT LOSS: Fatalities in those aged 60 years and over increased by 3.3 per cent annually over the last three decades.

Cycling deaths on the decline, but not in all age groups CYCLING deaths are slowly declining in Australia, but fatalities involving single riders and older people are on the rise.

Analysis of the 1294 cyclist fatalities recorded in Australia over the last three decades shows cycling deaths slightly decreased overall by an average of 1.1 per cent annually.

However, fatalities in those aged 60 years and over increased by 3.3 per cent annually over the same period.

The research, conducted by scientists from UNSW Sydney and published this week in the journal Injury Prevention, also shows a significant increase in singlevehicle cycling deaths – fatal accidents involving cyclists just by themselves.

The number of single bicycle fatalities increased by 3.7 per cent per year for all cyclists and 4.4 per cent per year for those aged 60 years and older.

“The results of this study show a stark contrast in trends of cycling fatalities

between those aged less than 60 years and older age groups, particularly for single-vehicle fatalities,” says lead author of the study Associate Professor Soufiane Boufous, injury epidemiologist and director of UNSW’s Transport and Road Safety Research Centre.

For the study, the researchers analysed trends by age in national cycling fatalities recorded between 1991 and 2022 from data reported by the police to state and territory road safety authorities.

Adjusting for population, mortality rates per 1,000,000 showed an annual decrease of 3.5 per cent for cyclists under 60 years.

Meanwhile, deaths increased by 0.5 per cent annually in the over 60 group over the study period.

“The rise in cycling fatalities among those aged 60 years and over seems to be related to the ageing of the population rather than an increase in cycling participation,” A/Prof. Boufous said.

“Though one of the challenges is we don’t have a lot of great data on just how many people are cycling.”

The proportion of cyclist fatalities for over 60s in Australia increased from 8.6 per cent of all cycling deaths in 1991 to 45.7 per cent in 2022.

“Part of it is older people are frailer, so if they do have an accident, they’re more likely to sustain and die from serious injury,” A/Prof.

Boufous said.

“Older cyclists may also be more likely to underestimate the likelihood of severe injuries due to single-bicycle crashes, so it is essential to raise more awareness of these risks.”

When examining trends in the number of older cyclist deaths by crash type over the study period, those that occurred following single-vehicle crashes increased by 4.4 per cent year on year, more than double the annual rate of increase in older cyclist deaths from multiple-vehicle crashes at 2 per cent.

“During the 1990s, about one in 10 older cyclist deaths in Australia were associated with single-vehicle crashes, while that figure has been nearly one in three since 2010,” said A/Prof. Boufous.

“It seems to reflect a worldwide trend that has also been observed in several European countries where cycling is more popular.”

Quality of cycling infrastructure in Australia The increase in older cyclist fatalities from singlebicycle accidents is likely related to the increased use and availability of dedicated cycling infrastructure built over recent decades.

“Segregated cycling lanes separate cyclists from motorists and reduce the likelihood of multi-vehicle cycling fatalities, but it doesn’t necessarily reduce single-ve-

hicle fatalities,” said Professor Jake Olivier, co-author of the study and deputy director of the Transport & Road Safety Research Centre.

The quality of cycling facilities might also be partly to blame.

Poorly maintained cycling lanes can force unprepared cyclists onto the road, where they lose control and sustain severe injuries.

“Just because there is an increased availability and use of dedicated cycling infrastructure doesn’t mean all of it is necessarily good or well kept,” A/Prof. Boufous said.

“We also have very disconnected cycling networks where cycling lanes abruptly end and force riders onto dangerous stretches of road alongside motorists, and it’s not uncommon to find debris or cracks along cycle paths.”

Safety issues related to fear of sharing the road with motorists are among the top barriers for would-be cyclists, who identify more

separated bicycle lanes as critical to encourage them to ride more frequently.

“Many hardy individuals continue to cycle despite less-than-ideal conditions for cycling in Australia,” Prof. Olivier said.

“But we also know many more would ride more often with better infrastructure and networks.”

The researchers also recommend governments collect more data on cycling participation rates in Australia to help better plan for demand.

“The safety concerns need addressing if we want more people to cycle, and we should if we care about the environment, climate change, pollution and general health and wellbeing of the population,” Prof. Olivier said.

“To do that, we need more mobility surveys funded by the government to better understand the needs of cyclists and improve the design and maintenance of cycling facilities.”

Page 10 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024

wangarattachronicle.com.au

REGIONAL NEWS

Prisoners give CFA a boost Partnership P t hip reaps p equipment q ip tb benefi fitts ffor rurall b brigade ig d firefi fight ghters

BY CORAL COOKSLEY ccooksley@ nemedia.com.au

SEVERAL Beechworth CFA Rural Fire Brigade members undertook vital training to use a new water pump trailer at Lake Sambell on Monday.

The pump means faster efficient water fills to trucks from lakes and dams in times of bushfires.

Built by the Beechworth Correctional Centre’s Industries’ metal fabrication team, the project has been a partnership between the centre, Beechworth Fire Brigade and Billson’s Brewery.

A Department of Justice and Community Safety spokesperson said the team had worked hard to finish the trailer ahead of the 2024 bushfire season, allowing fire trucks to be filled with water in under four minutes.

The trailer will replace small and slow portable pumps.

Key features of the trailer include twin insulated food and drink coolers, a roof-mounted solar panel, an electronic control panel with USB charging points to charge phones and radios and LED lights for night responses.

TRAINED UP: Beechworth CFA Rural Fire Brigade volunteers Sally Hayden (left), Russell James, Bret Lacey, Kelli Hicks, Pat Hayden, David Lang, Warwick Deuis and Captain Bruce Forrest at the training session with the new water pump trailer this week at Lake Sambell.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley Beechworth Rural Fire Brigade captain Bruce Forrest said the Correctional Centre’s team worked on the project from start to finish before an official handover at the Correctional Centre last

week with a demonstration of the trailer’s capabilities.

“Today we’ve been able to take brigade members through every equipment feature on the trailer so it can be used operationally across the whole district,”

he said.

“The trailer can be operated by any trained member of the brigade.”

Captain Forrest said the trailer was also set up with a shade awning on one side for the volunteer operator.

Training ramps up for dragon boat club

By CORAL COOKSLEY HALFWAY through the dragon boat season means paddling hard and fast for local club members taking up the challenge of regattas.

Beechworth’s Golden Serpent Dragon Boat Club president Brendan Maher said 44 members will head to Falls Creek on the long weekend to race in a regional regatta.

At around 1600 metres above sea level, the Falls Creek Dragon Boat Regatta is the highest dragon boat event in Australia and has been held at Rocky Valley Lake for more than a decade.

“It will be a fun regatta and we have the most members going ever since the club formed three years ago,” Brendan said.

“It’s in our backyard and we’re really excited.”

Brendan said training will ramp up following the meet with a focus on the State Championships in March, which are set to be held at Carrum Downs near Frankston.

“We’ll then build on that to be ready for the Australian Championships which will be in Perth in April,” he said.

“We have a number of members who have been successful in getting into the regional team for Victoria as well as members in the state team to represent Victoria.

“We’re well represented and should have a junior state team too that we’re building up.”

Brendan said the club is going from strength to strength with new members enjoying the sport and beginning to compete.

“If another brigade pulls up, we can fill up their tank within the four minutes and provide them with refreshments while waiting,” he said.

“The trailer not only adds value to Beechworth’s

CFA Rural Fire Brigade but across the district because it will be used at many different fires.”

Captain Forrest said with new trucks the brigade needed a bigger quick-fill pump to fill them in a fire.

“Trailer building started around October last year and it’s an amazing piece of equipment,” he said.

“Three fire brigade members with around 120 years of combined experience drew up a rough plan and the Correctional Centre team helped with the design.

“The Correctional Centre team turned the project into fruition in under three months. “ Captain Forrest said the vehicle is high quality, very functional, works well and is believed to be the first water pump trailer built by the metal fabrication team.

The Department of Justice and Community Safety spokesperson said staff worked with people in custody to help them build skills through training, education, employment and community reintegration programs. ”This ensures they have the best chance of leading safe and productive lives when they return to the community,” the spokesperson said.

Beechworth painting in pastels workshop a winner

By CORAL COOKSLEY

PULLED IN: Beechworth Golden Serpent Dragon Boat members finish a training session at Lake Sambell on Monday afternoon this week.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley Having been involved for around 14 years, Brendan said dragon boating was a lot of fun.

“There’s the fitness side of it too and over the years we’ve made many friendships through paddling, not only around Australia, but overseas as well,” he said.

He said the Beechworth Dragon Boat Club is fortunate to have many families involved as well as couples.

Besides attracting members from Beechworth people from around the region including Albury-Wodonga, Myrtleford and Mount Beauty have been drawn to the club.

Brendan and coach Cindy Ellis represented Australia along with some

members from other North East dragon boat clubs last year in the crew.

The team won gold medals in the 16th International Dragon Boat Festival World Championship held in Thailand in August.

The paddling pair had been selected for the Auroras Australian Dragon Boat team after undergoing a vigorous benchmarking process.

Brendan said Dragon Boat Victoria has helped the local club with a dragon boat from its new fleet to replace an aged one, which had originally been gifted by another club.

He said fundraising will be undertaken to help pay for the new one which has helped the club to retain two boats.

IMPRESSIVE creative work shone at a two-day art workshop by an awardwinning artist for Indigo U3A (University of the Third Age) members last week.

Nine members from U3A’s Scribblers group enjoyed the 9.30am to 4pm sessions under well-known artist Jennifer Paull, held at the Old Beechworth Railway Station in Harper Avenue.

Jennifer - an oil and pastel artist - hails from near Benalla.

She is also a signatory member of both the Victorian Artists Society and the Pastel Society of Victoria Australia.

U3A participant Mike Bydder said it was terrific being a member of the supportive U3A group.

Mike said he joined the Scribblers cohort about four years ago.

He said the workshop gave participants the chance to gain more experience and knowledge.

“It’s just good to be able to come along and learn how to draw and paint and the group is

terrific,” he said.

“It was good to watch Jennifer go through the process that I really enjoyed.”

Scribblers tutor and volunteer for the weeklyrun art group Deb Borleis said she had invited Jennifer to run the special workshop as the group enjoyed working in pastels.

Jennifer led the group by demonstrating with one of her landscapes in pastel, with most participants electing to undertake the same one she worked on while others delved into other subjects.

Jennifer said the course is good for anyone, anywhere who felt they would like to be creative in some way.

“It doesn’t matter what you do but pastel is a wonderful medium,” she said.

“It’s easy to use and messy but it’s a lot of fun, very versatile and I love it.”

An exhibition of her work in August last year held at the Art Gallery on Ovens in Wangaratta had been Jennifer’s fourth exhibition at the local artist-run community gallery.

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024 - Page 11

Resource to help inform feed quality AS Victoria’s grain harvest draws to a close in many areas of the state, Agriculture Victoria has updated a resource for farmers intending to graze crop stubble.

Agriculture Victoria senior veterinary officer, Paul Beltz, said the Agriculutre Victoria website now included timely tips for managing variable feed quality to maintain the health of flocks.

“Stubble can be an

effective source of nutrition for sheep in summer and autumn – however, as the feed quality varies significantly, sheep supplements are often required,” he said.

“An important thing to consider when grazing stubble is the energy and protein content of the diet.

“The value of feed in stubble comes from the residual grain and quantity of green plant material – this

may include shot grain and summer weeds.”

Dr Beltz said the webpage explains the variability found in the feed value of different types of stubble and how to measure it on your farm.

“The best time to start grazing stubble is immediately after harvest as the quality declines with time,” he said.

“Different licks and supplements will be

required to maintain the health of sheep – the updated resource explains these in detail.

“When grazing sheep on stubble, it’s important to be aware of potential health issues including grain poisoning, nitrate poisoning, lupinosis, thiamine deficiency, water belly and worms.

“Sheep could have full stomachs before being introduced to a stubble

paddock, or they can be gradually introduced by limiting the time they graze or by grazing the stubble in cells.

“Issues with toxic weeds follow summer rain and can be seen in sheep grazing stubble.

“Generally, stock should be removed from the area after six weeks, or once grain and green feed falls below 40kg per hectare.

“We know that most grain

growing districts of Victoria will have high stubble loads this season, so grazing will help reduce stubble loads, which will benefit farmers into autumn and winter.”

For more information, visit https://agriculture. vic.gov.au/crops-andhorticulture/grainspulses-and-cereals/ crop-production/generalagronomy/sheep-nutritionalrequirements-when-grazingstubble.

Families enjoy summer fun in Apex Park THE threat of stormy weather didn’t deter families from attending the second Free Summer Fun Days event held by the Wangaratta Baptist Church on January 17 in

Apex Park.

Many who attended were eager to try the giant, super slide, while others got their faces painted or tucked into a sausage hot off the barbecue.

Photographer: Kurt Hickling

ARTISTIC: Hannah Vincent went for a butterfly motif.

GETTING TOGETHER: Eden and Sophia Boyle (with dog Charlie) and Olive and Paige Brown, all enjoyed the day out.

FUN: Jane and Alana Thomas were all smiles.

CREATIVE: Lucy Vincent wore a splash of colour.

ACTIVITIES: Kirby McMahon was keen to try the super slide.

FAMILY: Maddison and Kim Larkin joined the crowd.

JOY: Halle, Mataya and Luella Edwards had fun together.

Page 12 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Junior Reporter Club

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO...

Stella Stamp ............................................................................................ January 22 Lucy Galloway..........................................................................................January 23 Miranda Perkins .......................................................................... January 24 Leo Palmer ................................................................................................January 24 Max Anderson .........................................................................................January 27 Isla Broomfield ........................................................................................ January 28 This Week’s Winner of a birthday cake from Shelley’s Country Bakehouse is Miranda Perkins To be in the running to win a birthday cake from Shelley’s Country Bakehouse, join the Junior Reporter Club. Phone 5723 0100 or email bsommer@nemedia.com.au with your child’s name, address, DOB and phone number. Your address and phone number will not be printed in the Chronicle but is required to contact you should you win the cake. Birthday Book is for 1 to 14 year olds. All existing Birthday Book participants will remain eligible to win a birthday cake. Please note 48 hours notice required.

6 67a Reid Street W WANGARATTA

P: 5722 9211 P

Pies, Pasties & Sausage Rolls, Salad Rolls, Breads, Cakes & Pastries, Cold Drinks & Coffee HOURS: H OUR RS S: M Mond Mo Monday on nd day y-F Friday rriid da ay 6 6.30am .

- 5.30pm Saturday 7.00am S attu a urrda day 7 .0 00a 0am - 2.30pm

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024 - Page 13

wangarattachronicle.com.au

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

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

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

Some letters are used more than once.

Asia Bank Beauty Gym Hasn’t

4 What is an alternative term

for a stupid person (6) 5 What is the newspaper industry known as (5) 6 Which term describes nonsense (7) 7 What is the lowest point, as of adversity (5) 13 Name a British reformatory for young offenders (7) 15 Which resort region is on the Mediterranean coast (7)

also known as (7)

WHICH WORDS

17 Name the unit of

electrical current (6) 18 Which English town is famous for its nearby racecourse (5) 19 Who tends a person in sickness (5) 20 Painfully kicks toe (5)

1 NEROLI (a) The sockeye salmon (b) Daughter of the sea-god Nereus (c) An oil distilled from orange flowers 2 PREROGATIVE (a) A condition that must previously be satisfied (b) A peculiar privilege shared by no other (c) An indication of the future

BIYWORD

323

SUDOKU

© Puzzles supplied by AUSPAC MEDIA

CROSSWORD

7

6

4

3

5

2

1

DOWN 1 Minor quarrel 2 Thought 3 Scratch 4 Space letters within text

ACROSS 1 Small arachnid 5 Groundless 6 Foreboding 7 Light brown

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

SOLUTIONS

313

Solve the crossword.

Each answer has four letters.

QUICK THINK

013

22 19

A A A C C E

WHICH WORDS: 1 (c) An oil distilled from orange flowers 2 (b) A peculiar privilege shared by no other

CLUES: Compere (5) Environmental Impact Survey (3) Force (5) Guides for horse (5) Intended (5) ‘I think therefore ... ...’ (1, 2) Large amount (coll) (3) Naval officer (7) Political party sub-group (7) Sense organ (3)

E

2

SUDOKU

053

Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.

BIYWORD

I-L T-P P+A T÷L P+Z L×P S-P

Ray Say Tip Toy

16 What are small towers

Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

A I L P S T Z

Nut Pen Plum Pub Ram

P G S C A P S T A N R W A E Q U A T O R E E E M E R A L D D S D I D E S S E R T T P I N S I D E R L L N L E R A B I E S A R G E N T O A I U V S R A C R O N Y M S U P A I N T E R S E U E C O T E R I E A S R A R E B I T O A S S T O L U E N E

E-QUATIONS

Key Lean Making Met Nosy

QUICK THINK

MINI WORD FIND

*6

who trades in drugs (7) 2 Which term describes a person who is entertained at the house of another (5) 3 Name a lofty tower attached to a church (7)

R E L I O N N T S

DOWN 1 What might we call one

c38o053

ACROSS: 1 Tick, 5 Idle, C 6 Fear, 7 Fawn.

E A DOWN: 1 Tiff, 2 Idea, I M P © 3 Claw, 4 Kern.

F A C T M ( A E I N

a windlass (7) 8 Name the great circle of the Earth, equidistant from the North and South Poles (7) 9 What is a rare green variety of beryl, highly valued as a gem (7) 10 Name the final course of a meal (7) 11 Which type of trading is an offence (7) 12 Name a fatal, infectious disease of the brain (6) 14 What was an earlier term for silver (6) 18 What is a word formed from the initial letters of other words (7) 21 What was the profession of Rembrandt (7) 22 Name a group of persons who associate closely (7) 23 Melted cheese eaten on toast is known as Welsh ... (7) 24 Which colourless liquid hydrocarbon is used as a solvent (7)

E-QUATIONS A:9, I:20, L:11, P:2, S:21, T:22, Z:19

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

ACROSS 4 Which device resembles

MINI WORD FIND 313

1013

Page 14 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024

wangarattachronicle.com.au

RURAL

Local store sale switch to Thursday sees more buyers, bump in prices

By JEFF ZEUSCHNER WANGARATTA’S shift of monthly store sales from Friday to Thursday market days had an early pay-off, with more buyers and improved prices last week.

Wangaratta Livestock Exchange general manager Warrick Benton said the debut had gone smoothly, with prices slightly up on the previous month for the 420 head yarding.

Corcoran Parker Wangaratta agent Reiley Murtagh said one of the key reasons for the date change was to avoid clashes with other market sales, making Wangaratta a focus for buyers and sellers.

“There were at least two buyers there who weren’t able to attend on Fridays, and their presence did benefit sellers,” he said.

Mr Murtagh said the mixed yarding of cattle contained “quite alot of odds

and sods”, which was to be expected given major blue ribbon weaner sales in Wangaratta earlier this month and at the start of next month.

“Prices were up there and on par for what we’ve seen of late,” he said.

“The trend is on the way up.

“We saw steers of around 350 kilos make $3.20 to 3.35c/kg and there was a pen of steers at the ligher weight of around 200 kilos which made $4 a kilo.”

Cows of 500-600kgs averaged 249c/kg, topping out at $254c/kg, while cow and calf 400-500kg averaged 424c/kg with a top price of 510c/kg.

A total of 148 heifers were sold at an average price of 256c/kg, while 207 steers sold for an average price of 310c/kg.

The total number of 391 head sold made $386,415, with a $988 per head average, topping out at $2250.

“We had a full field of buyers, including those on commission for northern buyers, and all were active...local feedlots were very strong,” Mr Murtagh said.

“All the cattle offered were from the local Wangaratta and Benalla districts.

“Recent weather conditions, particularly rain locally and in the north of the country has definitely driven up confidence.”

WANGARATTA STORE SALE MARKET RESULTS: THURSDAY, JANUARY 18 Vendor STEERS MARTINELLO FLOURISH PASTURAL ORMOND GM & MC BRANSON W & C EARP O GLASS, D & K BROCK P Hillier Z HAY EN & ME SMITH DB & J ELLIS GZ & RW HEIFERS BRANSON W & C BROCK P EARP O GLASS, D & K ELLIS GZ & RW SMITH DB & J McFADDEN MA COW & CALF WESTERN LIVESTOCK PICCOLO GJ COWS SNAITH J

Head/Breed

Avg. Wt. $/head Agency

5 BLACK BALDY 5 HEREFORD 12 BLACK BALDY 5 ANGUS 10 ANGUS 9 ANGUS 9 ANGUS 2 ANGUS 7 ANGUS 10 ANGUS 8 BLACK BALDY

485 357 359.17 377 376 366.11 346.11 392.5 361.43 360 350

1460 1070 1090 1190 1210 1225 1150 1180 1200 1220 1210

CORCORAN PARKER ELDERS NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK ELDERS NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK CORCORAN PARKER ELDERS CORCORAN PARKER AWN AWN AWN

4 ANGUS 7 ANGUS 10 ANGUS 12 MIXED 9 BLACK BALDY 7 ANGUS 2 HEREFORD

357.5 349.29 356.5 350.83 328.89 312.86 312.5

990 900 960 920 890 860 780

ELDERS ELDERS NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK CORCORAN PARKER AWN AWN CORCORAN PARKER

10 ANGUS 7 ANGUS

440.5 472.14

2250 1600

CORCORAN PARKER NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK

6 ANGUS X COW

523.33

1300

CORCORAN PARKER

Wangaratta Livestock Exchange - Prime Market Report VENDOR

PLENTY OF INTEREST: Local and commission buyers were present for Wangaratta’s first store sale in 2024, held last Thursday.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

TUESDAY 16TH JANUARY 2024

HEAD BREED

SEX

AVG. WT.

C/KG

AGENCY

1

cow

800

272

australian wool network

COWS

Voight dh & son

angus

Alpine logging pty ltd

1

composite cow

650

262

australian wool network

Wyllie n l

1

limousin

775

275

australian wool network

cow

Kentucky turf nursery

5

hereford

cow

814

278

corcoran parker

Dinning aj & ca

1

angus

cow

740

278

corcoran parker

Hooper rt & gj

2

angus

cow

672.5

278

Corcoran parker

Galvin livestock

1

angus

cow

730

278

corcoran parker

Mason re & me

2

shorthorn

cow

732.5

278

Elders

Chant g

1

angus

cow

675

278

nutrien livestock

Shanley peter

2

angus

cow

665

274

nutrien livestock

Chant g

1

angus

cow

755

274

nutrien livestock

Carson rb eurangie park holdings

8

murray grey cow

658.75

275

Nutrien livestock

HEIFERS Grealy f

1

limousin x

heifer

435

284

corcoran parker

Mildren sm

3

black baldy heifer

535

283.6

Nutrien livestock

Irving winter kyle

1

angus

465

273

nutrien livestock

heifer

Whytlaw r

1

angus

heifer

550

273

nutrien livestock

Grealy f

1

limousin x

heifer

435

284

corcoran parker

Mildren sm

3

black baldy heifer

535

283.6

Nutrien livestock

Irving winter kyle

1

angus

465

273

nutrien livestock

heifer

Whytlaw r

1

angus

heifer

550

273

nutrien livestock

Tss advisory

2

angus

steer

782.5

292

Corcoran parker

Daws wf & rm

7

angus

steer

537.14

302.2

Corcoran parker

Grealy f

1

limousin x

steer

585

296.2

Corcoran parker

Grealy f

1

limousin x

steer

455

310

corcoran parker

Tanner b & s

3

angus

steer

503.33

288

Elders

Micheli e & s

7

angus

steer

460.71

295

Nutrien livestock

Dixon don

3

angus

steer

480

295

nutrien livestock

BULLS Snowdon robert

1

charolais

bull

980

245

nutrien livestock

Diamond a

1

simmental

bull

750

242.2

Corcoran parker

Jilcorp

1

red

bull

870

248

corcoran parker

Next Sale 23rd of January 2024 1st CP 2nd Elders 3rd Nutrien 4th AWN

Helping dairy producers to manage heat stress in cows

By RICHARD SMITH, Agriculture Victoria dairy extension officer NOW is a good time for dairy producers to assess their heat stress management programs as heat stress can impose a significant financial and welfare cost to a business.

Heat stress has been shown to decrease milk yield by 10 to 25 per cent, feed intake by 10 to 20 per cent, decrease six week and 100 day in-calf rates, drop natural and artificial insemination conception rates, and increase the risk of clinical mastitis in higher yielding cows.

To manage the impact of heat stress the following actions can be taken when a high heat day is expected: • Use low stress stock handling techniques; this helps reduce physical body heat.

• Delay afternoon milking until 5pm.

• Wet the dairy yard for an hour before cows arrive.

• Use yard sprinklers as they encourage heat loss and are an effective method of cooling herds of cows quickly by: - aiming for a moderate to large water droplet from the sprinkler; - using an on/off cycle, sprinkling cows for one to three minutes every 15 minutes; - bringing the milking herd

HEAT STROKE: It’s important for dairy producers to reassess their heat stress management strategies. back to the dairy yard around midday if you don’t have a shade shed and using the sprinkler system to cool cows.

• Install a large water trough on the exit side of the dairy; during hot weather a cow can drink 200 to 250 litres per day.

• Place fans above sprinklers and tilting them down 20 to 30° so they blow air between and underneath cows to enhance whole-body cooling • Provide cows with the highest quality pasture available to graze overnight when they are cooler.

Importantly, if animals are heat-affected and show no signs of improvement, contact your local veterinarian for assistance.

In the long-term the following actions can be considered to manage heat stress to benefit the enterprise and ensure the welfare of cattle: • Review or undertake a whole farm plan including

the placement of shade structures and tree plantings on northern and western edges of pastures – trees can reduce the radiant heat load by 50 per cent or more.

• Fence-off tree lines to protect tree roots and reduce the chance of cows lying down in mud and dung • Install a shade cloth over the dairy yard, this could be permanent or retractable.

- Modelling has shown when shade is provided there are 53 per cent fewer moderate and 86 per cent fewer severe heat stress events.

- Shade, sprinklers and air movement enables faster milk let-down and more incentive for the herd to walk to the dairy • If you have a permanent feed-out pad, consider installing a shade structure over it.

• Assess the impact of withholding insemination during hot weather on herd profitability.

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024 - Page 15

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

WHEN TO BOOK

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

SELLING BUY A CAR ONLINE

General Classifieds: wangarattachronicle.com.au Employment: northeastjobs.com.au Real Estate: northeastproperty.com.au

2 WEEKS REGIONAL WITH PICTURE

from only $42

OPEN HOURS 9AM TO 5PM MON-FRI

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

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at the tĂŶŐĂƌĂƩĂ >ŝďƌĂƌLJ ŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ ZŽŽŵ͕ ϲƉŵ ƚŽ ϲ͘ϯϬƉŵ ŵĞĞƟŶŐ͘ EŽŵŝŶĂƟŽŶƐ ĨŽƌ Ăůů ƉŽƐŝƟŽŶƐ ŝŶǀŝƚĞĚ͘ ůů ŵĞŵďĞƌƐ ǁĞůĐŽŵĞ͘ ŶƋƵŝƌŝĞƐ ĂŶĚ ŶŽŵŝŶĂƟŽŶƐ ƚŽ ĂĚŵŝŶΛďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐǁĂŶŐĂƌĂƩĂ͘ŽƌŐ͘ĂƵ

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Join the Board for a review of The Wangaratta Jazz and Blues 2023.

Thursday, February 15, 2024 5.30pm at The Quality Hotel Wangaratta: Gateway - Bogong Room Positions for the Board will be available.

Register your RSVP by scanning QR code.

To nominate for Board positions, please email for a form and register interest by February 9, 2024 at: businessmanager@wangarattajazz.com

PURE bred long haired German shepherd puppies, born October 17, 2023, 5 female, 5 male, microchipped, vaccinated and wormed, parents available to be viewed, microchip numbers: 991003002427984, 991003002427986, 991003002427987, 991003002427989, 991003002427990, 991003002427991, 991003002427993, 991003002427995, 991003002427996, 991003002428000, source ID: MB237390, $1000 non-negotiable.

Message Kathryn on 0402 826 832.

Call us today...

Galen Catholic College

Xīěʇ åğåāûʇåğʇĦāʈĘěāľåÆÊʇʨĦâĿ¨ŅğʇÜāěʇ¨õõʇĦāʇğīÀÀÊÊÆʇ ¿¨ğÊÆʇāûʇĦâÊåěʇåûÆåľåÆī¨õʇÝåÜĦğʇ¨ûÆʇĦ¨õÊûĦğɉʈ Hāåûʇāīěʇ¨ú¨ōåûÝʇĦʨúʇāÜʇÊÆīÀ¨Ħāěğʇ¨ûÆʇ¨ʇĘěāÜÊğğåāû¨õʇ ÊûľåěāûúÊûĦʇĦâ¨Ħʇåğʇʨğğåāû¨ĦÊɊʇÀāõõÊÝå¨õʇ¨ûÆʇÜāÀīğÊÆʇ āûʇõʨěûåûÝʇÜāěʇ¨õõɉʈ Êʇ¨ěÊʇÀīěěÊûĦõŅʇğÊÊóåûÝʇ¨ĘĘõåÀ¨ûĦğʇ ÜāěʇĦâÊʇÜāõõāĿåûÝʇāûÝāåûÝʇĘāğåĦåāûğʇÜāěʇȟȝȟȡɋ

English Teacher Religious Education Teacher Design and Technology – Materials Teacher Learning Mentor Junior School Administrative Assistant (Fixed term)

Classifieds

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Phone: 5723 0101 email: classifieds@nemedia.com.au

ĘĘõåÀ¨ĦåāûğʇÀõāğÊʇāûʇQāûƨŅɊʇ4Ê¿ěī¨ěŅʇȢɊʇȟȝȟȡʇ¨ĦȞȟûāāûɉʇ 4āěʇÜīěĦâÊěʇÆÊĦ¨åõğʇāûʇâāĿʇĦāʇ¨ĘĘõŅʇĘõʨğÊʇľåğåĦʇāīěʇĿÊ¿ğåĦÊʈ https://www.galen.vic.edu.au/employment/ XīěʇğÀâāāõʇÀāúúīûåĦŅʇĘěāúāĦÊğʇĦâÊʇğ¨ÜÊĦŅɊʇĿÊõõ¿ÊåûÝɊʇ ¨ûÆʇåûÀõīğåāûʈāÜʇ¨õõʇÀâåõÆěÊûɉ 5¨õÊûʇ ¨ĦâāõåÀʇ āõõÊÝÊʇÊú¿ě¨ÀÊğʇÆåľÊěğåĦŅʇ¨ûÆʇğāÀå¨õʇåûÀõīğåāûʇ ¨ûÆʈÊûÀāīě¨ÝÊʇĘÊāĘõÊʇÜěāúʇÆåľÊěğÊʇ¿¨ÀóÝěāīûÆğʇĦāʇ¨ĘĘõŅɉ

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EMPLOYMENT

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PEDIGREE Miniature Poodle Puppies, apricot, M A R K S M o w i n g , red, brown, and black, reasonable prices, ride excellent temperament on mowing, edging, v a c c i n a t e d a n d clean up, spraying and microchipped, many any waste removal. Ph testimonials available 0472 603 156. on request, source number: MB238702, PAINTER. Ovens and microchip numbers: King Painting Service, 9 5 6 0 0 0 0 1 6 2 0 7 9 1 8 , trade qualified, over 9 5 6 0 0 0 0 1 5 9 1 0 7 0 2 , 25 years experience, 9 9 1 0 0 3 0 0 2 4 2 7 9 7 1 , Interior/exteriors, 991003002427970, for free quote phone 9 9 1 0 0 3 0 0 2 4 2 7 9 7 8 , Cherime Demaj 0422 9 9 1 0 0 3 0 0 2 4 2 7 9 7 6 , 778 257 or 5721 5482. 9 9 1 0 0 3 0 0 2 4 2 7 9 7 9 , 991003002427980, W H E E L E R 991003002427977. Ph Earthworks, available 0455 171 780 or 03 for all your household 5727 0595. earthwork needs, yard clean ups, stump CLASSIFIEDS removals, driveways and more. Call Marcus on 0491 094 545.

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PUBLIC NOTICES

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PHONE GREG 0429 306 679 or email jenveytransport@gmail.com Local Eye Specialist seeks Part-Time

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Our ideal candidate will be reliable, punctual and motivated.

No experience needed as training will be provided.

Email Cover Letter and Resume to reception@heals123.com.au

EMPLOYMENT

Milawa Cheese Company

is looking for a long-term superstar to join our family!

Love working with passionate people?

Love the gourmet lifestyle?

Do you have great attention to detail?

Are you enthusiastic about our region?

You could be the retail superstar we are looking for!

You would be working in a cellar door style environment.

Responsible for customer experience and shop presentation.

Full-time position available, must be available weekends and Public Holidays.

Great discounts and further training available.

If this sounds like you, please email info@milawacheese.com.au ASAP! We are ready for you to start immediately.

2013 Renault Clio RS 6SRUW SHUIHFW ¿UVW FDU 39,400km, (CS1990), RZQHG VLQFH QHZ DQG only driven locally and in immaculate condition, K D V D O Z D \ V E H H Q JDUDJHG DQG KDV KDG QR PHFKDQLFDO LVVXHV IXOO VHUYLFH ERRNV 3K

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Ph 0421 229 236.

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Ph 0439 840 716.

Page 16 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024

CARAVANS & CAMPERS

wangarattachronicle.com.au

TODAY

DEATH NOTICES

30o Late shower

29o 28o 27o TUE

WED

THURS

www.wangarattachronicle.com.au

Monday, January 15, 2024

Phone (03) 5723 0100

LUDEMAN,

KOKODA caravan 20’6” 2017 model, full ensuite with ceramic vanity, front island queen bed, café dinette with trifold table, 190Ltr 3 way fridge, full oven with 3 gas and 1 electric burner, 19” digital TV, reverse cycle aircon, LED down lights, top load washing machine, rolled bench tops, drawers on rollers, diesel heater installed, double glazed windows, full checker plate on front and all-comp sides, roll-out awning, 2x 95ltr water tanks with galvanised stone, 22.6Ltr gas and electric hot water system, 2x 9kg gas bottles, deep cycle battery with charger, solar wiring provision with regulator, generator hatch, picnic table, 6” alloy wheels, dual access tunnel boot with lights, immaculate condition, $60,000, legitimate reason for selling, located in Bright.

Ph 0418 802 351 or 0427 189 176.

Brenda Florence.

Passed away peacefully in Melbourne on December 24, 2023.

Aged 71 years Loved and loving sister of Gretchen, Janice, Carl and Marcus.

Loved and remembered always.

$1.80 INC. GST

TOP OF THE CROP

Rural city recycles with state’s best

GRACIE York and Louis Pye will feature at Wangaratta’s 2024 Australia Day Ceremony as nominees for the Young Citizen of the Year award, having been acknowledged for their leadership and work within the community. The pair will join the rural city’s Citizen of the Year and Event/Project of the Year nominees at the January 26 event, which is set to commence from 9am.

■ Full story page 3.

PHOTO: Shane Douthie

Page 2

SES seeking new members Page 5

Hawks soar into decider Sport

FESTIVAL REVIVAL Return of Jazz and Blues Festival continues to gain momentum with November target set

A REVIVAL of the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues continues to grow momentum as a target date is set.

Chairing the meetings has been local performer and festival enthusiast Andrew Nunn, who said as it stands, it was aimed to have a festival of some capacity for the Melbourne Cup weekend in November 2024.

A third public interest meeting regarding the festival

FUNERAL NOTICES

LUDEMAN

in the plans to reinvigorate the nationally recognised event of the past 33 years.

Mr Nunn said the current group is looking to organise sub committees and future board members leading into the current committee’s AGM, which was slated for February 13, 14 or 15.

Current chair of the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues committee, David Fuller, said he has been working closely with the

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

was held at the Railyard Café on Tuesday night which recorded another strong showing of 25 people in attendance with plenty of fresh faces.

Across the three meetings, the steering committee have seen around 60 different people in share their curiosity

leading members of the steering committee to ensure a smooth handover if a new board is formed at next month’s meeting.

“It’s important to get people’s interests defined because there’s a large group starting to grow and to help prep and plan some of these committee’s work on some things in the background,” he said.

“For example I highly recommended a fundraising

put on a festival and albeit last year was at a smaller scale, it’s still daunting for a small group to put together something that appeases all the community,” he said.

While the ‘last hurrah’ 2023 version of the festival was scaled back compared to its former years, strong crowds still attended the event, indicating the appetite for music in the rural city was still there.

■ Continued page 2

sub-committee, somebody who’s going to look at getting out there and sourcing some funding, whether that be private sponsorship or philanthropic.”

Mr Fuller said the only thing stopping a new board being formed at the AGM would be the same difficulties faced by any committee across the volunteer spectrum; time, ability to commit and the unknown.

“It’s a daunting process to

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Livestream of the service will be available, please go to the N J Todd website and follow the livestream link.

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Page 4 - THE CHRONICLE, Friday, January

SOCIAL FOCUS

15, 2021

Charge up your engines

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Friday, January 15,

Wangaratta students compare admirably

with his Touring Car. PHOTOS: Kieren Tilly

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

Honouring the Journey

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

The pair are both interested in humanitarian work and development, and were offered their first choice course at their chosen universities.

Kayla, 17, has been offered a

(left) and Amy Henderson were celebrating

their university offers yesterday.

PHOTO: Kieren Tilly

double degree in Arts and Public Policy with a major in third-world development at the Australian National University in Canberra.

“I was happy with my ATAR score even if I thought I could do better but it’s been a tough year,” Kayla said.

“It was difficult not having feedback from classmates because I didn’t know if I was doing okay or needed to improve.

“But, I got there in the end and am

looking forward to the next step.”

Amy, 18, will be doing occupational therapy at Deakin but hopes to branch into humanitarian work in third world countries.

“I had hoped for a higher ATAR but I didn’t need one, I’m pretty happy with how I went,” Amy said.

“Last year I really missed out on having the balance of sport and social aspects of school which really help me get through the study aspect.

offers

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

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

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

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

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

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

Home Care Packages for Wangaratta

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

Travel delays are expected, so please plan ahead.

year local graduates Kayla Fisher

Teens look to the future with uni

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Funerals

SIGH OF RELIEF: After a long, tough

BORDER BUBBLE IS NOW IN PLACE

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Mason Park

THE Wang Repair Café will hold its next event tomorrow at Apex Park from 8am until 12pm.

The café will have some t-shirt rugs for sale as well as other items, and cash donations as well as donations of unwanted Christmas presents for them to sell would be appreciated, as the volunteer-run organisation seeks assistance to cover its operating costs and ensure its continuation.

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

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

A

Credit Card &Eftpos facilities

after a year like no other

Wang Repair Café returns

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

H O U S E S F O R RELOCATION, range of homes including contemporary, 1930’s art deco, 4 bedroom ranch line, can relocate by registered builder.

Phone Kevin 0411 103 745 or Peter 0423 964 800.

2021 - Page 5

A STUDENT’S ability to apply themselves during their schooling is a large ting a slightly better percentpart of how they perform Beechworth Secondary Mansfield Secondary Col- College age of 40+ scores at 3.6pc College

BY STEVE in VCE, but there are many Wodonga had a mehad a median study lege had a median of 29 with dian of 29, with compared to Cathedral’s score KELLY other factors that contribute 3.2pc 40+. of 29, but it was its 40+ 1.3pc of scores 40+.

3.3pc. their desired outcome such skelly@ Yarrawonga College P-12 score that was a standout Myrtleford P-12 College was nemedia.com.au But while Wangaratta with as getting into a university a median of 28 with 13.7pc reaching the A had a median of 28 with 3.3pc of scores High School had a lesser me- grade course of their choice.

40+. figure.

Wangaratta’s three sec- dian 3.9pc of scores 40+, while study score at 26, it was Despite students dealing ondary The top three schools in Benalla P-12 College had Marian schools stack up well better than College had a me- Victoria Galen and Cathe- a median study with adversity from the pan- when were Bialik Colscore of 26, dian of 28 with zero compared to others dral with a 40+ percentage of with zero over scores lege in Hawthorn that demic in 2020 and the touted across had 40+, while FCJ 40+. the region and even 3.9. country-city education divide, several a median of 38 with 39.9pc College Benalla had a strong metropolitan counMount Beauty Secondary of scores Across the region Goul- median they performed reasonably terparts 40+, Mount Scopus of 30 with 6pc of College had across the state. burn Valley Grammar School scores a median of 28, Memorial College well judging by the VCE study was next 40+.

Galen Catholic College in Shepparton with 2.7pc of scores 40+. scores released by the Victo- and had a median with 38 and 39.7pc, with Euroa Secondary College’s Cathedral College both 35 with Wodonga Senior Second- Ballarat 21.6pc achieving dux achieved rian Curriculum and Assess- achieved Clarendon College one of the ary College had a median study 40+, placing a median third with 38 and 38.4pc. ment Authority (VCCA). it 30th best in highest scores score of 29 with Galen get- Victoria. in the region score of 23, with 1.1pc of For the full results visit with a 98.55 ATAR. scores 40+, while Catholic vcaa.vic.adu.au.

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

New members are always welcome.

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

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Country stacks up in VCE

Live at home for longer

For more information visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian

Latrobe Community Health Service has worked as a trusted provider of Home Care Packages for 23 years. If you live in Wangaratta or the surrounding area, we can help you live at home for longer.

Gardening and home cleaning Transport for medical appointments

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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.

Why not charge your advertisement to Mastercard or Visa?

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 Health Wangaratta in your will, please contact -

5723 0101

Community Engagement Team (03) 5722 5069 or PO Box 386, Wangaratta, Vic 3676.

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THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024 - Page 17

Wangaratta & District Cricket Association 2023/24 season

SCOREBOARD: Saturday, January 20

A GRADE YARRAWONGA VS CITY COLTS CITY COLTS 1ST INNINGS Mitchell Giggins (c) c: Reid Clarke b: James Irvine 16 Aaron Thrum b: James Irvine ................................... 1 Ben Feldtmann c&b: Brock McCabe ......................... 3 Josh Nanson b: James Irvine .................................. 26 Kent Braden c: James Irvine b: Ben McDonald ...... 24 Jessie Smith b: James Irvine .................................... 1 Tyler Nanson lbw: James Irvine ............................... 1 Justin Solimo c: Harrison Wheeler b: Matt Knight . 26 Jed Marek c: Kyle Archibald b: Brock McCabe ......... 6 James Long b: Brock McCabe ................................... 1 Matthew Lister not out .............................................3* Extras.......................................................................... 6 Total .................................................................. 10 / 97 Overs ....................................................................... 61 Bowling: James Irvine (vc) 12/6/16/5, Angus McMillan (c) 12/11/2/0, Brock McCabe 13/2/33/3, Angus Heslin 10/4/19/0, Matt McCabe 10/4/19/0, Ben McDonald 3/3/0/1, Matt Knight 1/0/3/1.

YARRAWONGA MULWALA 1ST INNINGS Reid Clarke not out...................................................1* Matt Knight not out ................................................14* Extras.......................................................................... 1 Total .................................................................... 0 / 16 Overs ....................................................................... 11 Bowling: Josh Nanson 3/1/4/0, Tyler Nanson 4/1/6/0, Kent Braden 3/1/5/0, Matthew Lister 1/0/1/0.

BEECHWORTH VS ROVERS UNITED BRUCK

Yarrwonga Mulwala’s Brendan Hill gets one past Rovers United Bruck’s Connor Dennis in the A Reserve match at WJ Findlay Oval.

PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie

ROVERS UNITED BRUCK 1ST INNINGS Josh Ansell lbw: Dean Fitzpatrick ........................... 24 Bailey Dale c: Dean Fitzpatrick b: Clancy Ellett ...... 61 run out: Clancy Ellett............................................... 80 Paddy McNamara (c) c: Brenton Surrey b: Henry Scalzo ....................................................................... 28 Jacob Beattie c&b: Brenton Surrey .......................... 2 Lucky Shantha not out ...........................................39* Matthew Whitten not out .........................................3* Blake Nixon ................................................ did not bat Harry Jones ............................................... did not bat Jacob Schonafinger .................................. did not bat Jonathan Hyde .......................................... did not bat Extras........................................................................ 26 Total .................................................................. 5 / 263 Overs ....................................................................... 75 Bowling: Timothy Cogger 11/5/31/0, Gareth Taylor 11/2/28/0, Richard Worcester 19/1/62/0, Dean Fitzpatrick 6/3/10/1, Clancy Ellett 10/0/38/1, Kayde Surrey 8/0/34/0, Brenton Surrey (c) 5/0/26/1, Henry Scalzo 5/0/19/1.

BENALLA BUSHRANGERS VS OVENS VALLEY UNITED BENALLA BUSHRANGERS 1ST INNINGS Seamus Phillips lbw: Priyank Chohan .................... 11 Dylan Bursill (c) run out: Priyank Chohan, Gary Priest .................................................................................. 28 Kane Fitzpatrick st: Gary Priest b: Priyank Chohan 12 Cooper Thomason b: Priyank Chohan ..................... 5 Nicholas Bleeser c: Priyank Chohan b: Charlie Bull48 Conner Forde b: Conor Brodie ................................ 51 Gurjot Gosal c: Jonty Priest b: Conor Brodie ........... 9 Nicholas Impink not out ........................................13* Samuel Piazza c: Daniel Brew b: Conor Brodie ........ 9 Glenn White c: Priyank Chohan b: Ross Cavill.......... 7 James Neary c: Conor Brodie b: Ross Cavill........... 14 Extras.......................................................................... 6 Total ................................................................ 10 / 213 Overs .................................................................... 73.2 Bowling: Conor Brodie 16/1/61/3, Charlie Bull 11/2/28/1, Ross Cavill 12.2/5/26/2, Tyler Begnone 6/1/13/0, Priyank Chohan 16/7/40/3, Mitchell Wheelens 6/2/15/0, Daniel Brew 6/2/29/0.

DELATITE VS WANGARATTA MAGPIES DELATITE 1ST INNINGS Gregor Fraser c: Nic Bonwick b: Thomas Clayton .... 4 Alec Ritchie c: ? b: Matt Gathercole........................... 5 Mitchell Copey c: ? b: Thomas Clayton..................... 8 Nick Scales b: Fraser Ellis .......................................... 8 Lachlan Scales c: ? b: Thomas Clayton................... 60 Conor Reeves c: ? b: Fraser Ellis ................................ 3 Trent Berry lbw: Zac Guilfoyle .................................. 6 Mitchell Purcell c: ? b: Zac Guilfoyle ......................... 3

YOUNG GUN: Yarrawonga Mulwala u14’s Levi Purtle lets one go.

Matt Stevenson c: ? b: Zac Guilfoyle ......................... 2 Joe Kelleher not out .................................................5* Michael Burrows b: Matt Gathercole ........................ 2 Extras........................................................................ 10 Total ................................................................ 10 / 102 Overs ........................................................................ 49 Bowling: Matt Gathercole 9/7/1/2, Thomas Clayton 12/3/30/3, Fraser Ellis 10/2/18/2, Nicholas Pell 4/1/5/0, Charlie Stafford 3/0/11/0, Zac Guilfoyle 9/2/27/3, Nic Bonwick 2/0/8/0.

WANGARATTA MAGPIES 1ST INNINGS Cooper Matheson c: Mitchell Copey b: Joe Kelleher .................................................................................. 19 Lachlan Hadden not out ........................................29* Jack Davies (c) not out ...........................................15* Extras.......................................................................... 6 Total .................................................................... 1 / 69 Overs ........................................................................ 23 Bowling: Lachlan Scales 7/1/21/0, Joe Kelleher 5/1/19/1, Matt Stevenson 3/0/12/0, Mitchell Purcell 3/3/0/0, Michael Burrows 3/0/6/0, Gregor Fraser 2/0/10/0.

A RESERVE Ovens Valley United 3/59 Jake Riley 34 Matthew Prestianni 3/9 def by Wangaratta Magpies 9/136 Zachary Wallace 37 Mikka Paulsen 4/33. Rovers United Bruck 1/75 Luke Whitten 30* Andrew Dishot

SHOT: Rovers United Bruck’s u14’s Baxter McLeod in action.

1/17 def Yarrawinga Mulwala 10/59 Jyda House 20 Joel Haddrick 5/9. City Colts 10/90 Harvey Moore 23 Balanarsimha Reddy 5/28 vs Rutherglen United 6/58 Liam Hocking 31 Flynn Noble 2/6.

B GRADE Benalla Bushrangers 6/180 Jack Fullager 74 Troy Simpson 2/11 def Greta 10/98 Michael Barnard 40 Stewart Mcleod 2/14. Ovens Valley United 10/144 Patrick Bren 41 Nathan Pelling 3/21 def Delatite 10/94 Sam Bell 49* Patrick Bren 4/17. Rovers United Bruck 7/154 Gary Elliott 47 David Radeski 3/21 Milawa 6/173 Nathan de Vries 97 Adriano Speziale 2/21. Rutherglen United 6/210 Lochlan Battisson 113* Henry Berriman 2/35 def Merton 4/157 Jai Lerch-mackinnon 76 Lucas Peacock 2/15.

C GRADE Benalla Bushrangers 4/202 Jordan Smith 101* Lucas Pickering 1/2 def Yarrawonga Mulwala 3/188 Steve Lappin 34 Jordan Smith 2/25. Gapsted 5/187 Ashwin Snell 52 Chris Morris 2/33 def Greta 10/96 Chris Morris 36 Nathan Blyth 3/16.

UNDER 16 Greta/OVU 5/172 vs Beechworth Wanderers.

Rovers United Bruck vs Benalla Bushrangers

7/120. Rutherglen United vs Delatite. City Colts vs Yarrawonga Mulwala 10/117.

UNDER 14 Rovers United Bruck Green 3/94 def by Beechworth Wanderers 6/95. City Colts 6/61 def Rovers United Bruck 10/46. Rutherglen United 10/55 def

by Benalla Bushrangers 9/80. Delatite 4/64 def by Ovens Valley United 4/71. Yarrawonga Mulwala 3/98 def by Greta 6/99.

UNDER 12 GOLD Benalla Bushrangers Red 5/93 def by Benalla Bushrangers Blue 4/110. Benalla Bushrangers Green 5/119 def Rovers United Bruck Yellow 7/77.

City Colts White 5/33 def by Yarrawonga Mulwala Bulls 2/119.

UNDER 12 BLUE Ovens Valley United Orange 6/103 def by Beechworth Wanderers 6/113. Rutherglen United 9/114 def Greta 9/96. Ovens Valley United Black 6/40 def

by Wangaratta Magpies White 8/45. Wangaratta Magpies Black 5/108 def City Colts Blue 4/57.

Page 18 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Wangaratta & District Cricket Association 2023/24 season

REVIEWS: Saturday, January 20

Magpies in commanding position

By WILLSON MACK WA N G A R AT TA Magpies are just 33 runs from claiming victory over Delatite at Lords Reserve.

The Magpies enjoyed a stellar day in Mansfield, rolling the home side for just 102 before digging in with the bat and finishing the day at 1/69 from 23 overs.

It leaves the Magpies what should be an easy task this weekend to grab their fifth win of the season and keep their finals hopes alive.

For Delatite there was only one batter to reach double figures and that happened to be Lachlan Scales who made 60, more than half of his side’s total.

Wangaratta Magpies’ quicks couldn’t be kept out with youngster Tom Clayton leading the charge with 3/30 from 12 overs, while Delatite’s batters couldn’t get Matt Gathercole away either as he took a ridiculously economical 2/1 from nine overs.

Zac Guilfoyle (3/27) and Fraser Ellis (2/18) also chimed in on the fun.

With the bat, Magpies’ openers Cooper

Matheson (19) and Lachlan Hadden (29 not out) got the away side off to a nice start, while Jack Davies (15 not out) will join Hadden at the crease on day two.

Meanwhile, City Colts will be in a tricky spot on day two as they look to defend just 97 against Yarrawonga Mulwala at Stan Hargreaves Oval.

Josh Nanson (26), Kent Braden (24) and Justin Solimo (26) were the only batters to reach double figures as Lakers’ quick James Irvine ripped through the Colts’ batting order, taking 5/16 from 12 overs.

Yarrawonga Mulwala had to bat 11 overs and escaped that tricky period unscathed, resuming on day two at 0/16.

In the final game of the round Ovens Valley United struck 213 in their clash with Benalla Bushrangers at Benalla Gardens Oval.

Connor Forde reached a half century with 51 from 78 deliveries, while Nicholas Bleeser enjoyed his day out in the middle making 48 from 92 balls Benalla’s Priyank Chohan (3/40) and Conor Brodie (3/61) were solid with the ball.

GOT HIM: Fraser Ellis (right) and Frazer Dent (left) celebrate a wicket with teammates.

TOO GOOD: Matt Gathercole took astonishing figures of 2/1 from nine overs as the Magpies rolled Delatite.

PHOTOS: Ken Rainsbury

TRUSTY CORDON: Frazer Dent (left), Nick Pell, Matt Gathercole and Nic Bonwick.

Rovers United Bruck set Wanderers 264 for victory ■ From back page

PATIENT PERFORMANCE: Josh O’Donohue made 80 runs as Rovers United Bruck struck 263 against Beechworth on Saturday.

PHOTO: Janet Watt

“Dale went on and made 60-odd and batted really well, it’s good to see him find some touch.”

Incredibly, O’Donohue’s 80 only included one boundary.

“He stuck around all day which is his role, he comes in at number three and is an anchor,” McNamara said.

“We don’t care about how many balls he faces we just want him out there all day and that’s what he did.

“He batted well for his 80.”

The Wanderers will now have a tough task of chasing 264 for victory but if any batting side can do it, it’s Beechworth.

Beechworth’s top order of Kayde Surrey, Clancy Ellett, Campbell Fendyk and Brenton Surrey has been in fine touch this season.

“Beechworth are one of the most in form batting teams in the competition so we can’t take them lightly,” McNamara said.

“I think their top four all average over 35, so we’re going to have to stick to our plans and try and take early wickets.

“If we don’t get some of their keys out early it could be a long day for us.”

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024 - Page 19

SPORT

All-abilities soccer stars thrive at national championships

By NATHAN DE VRIES

A PAIR of Wangaratta soccer players have just returned from the 2024 National Futsal Championships on the Gold Coast, taking silver for Victoria in the AWD (athletes with disabilities) Mixed competition.

James Elkan and Kyle Retallack were part of the state side which took on the rest of the country, breezing through their first two matches by substantial margins, 16-1 against NSW Lightning and 15-0 against Queensland White.

The Victorians struggled against NSW Thunder (1-1) and Queensland Maroon (15), but made the semi-finals, a thrilling rematch against the Thunder.

In a deadlocked match, the match went to penalties after extra time couldn’t budge the scoreline from 2-2.

After NSW took an early lead in the shootout, it was tied on penalties until Retallack stepped up and slotted one in off the crossbar, and when NSW’s penalty was saved, Victoria was in the grand final.

The final match against Queensland Maroon may not have gone to plan, with Victoria going down 3-4, but Retallack said the whole tournament was an incredible experience.

“It was a big stadium, there were six courts going at once, it was full-on,” he said.

“After our first win, we were like ‘we can do this, we’re here to show them who we are’.

“I think I scored about sev-

en goals myself, and one in the penalty shootouts in the semi-finals.

“The highlight was probably going up there and meeting new people, and seeing there’s a lot more people involved in the all-abilities.

“Coming from here, we have one team and we have to travel to Melbourne to play other teams, there’s not a lot to do down here.

“I’m going to stick around for another year, see how we go in the normal season, and I’ll try out for state again for next year, and we’ll go from there.”

Elkan never expected to get the call up, but after another player pulled out, he was on his way to the Gold Coast.

Unfortunately, an injury early in the fixture cut his tournament short, but he still enjoyed his time.

“I’ve been playing soccer my whole life, since I was four years old,” Elkan said.

“I got asked to play for this and I put my hand up - some people pulled out so I got picked to go in their spot, I’m a pretty good soccer player.

“I kicked four goals all up but they put them on someone else, the two Wangaratta boys got 14 goals all up.

“It was actually pretty different from playing normal soccer outdoors, playing indoors, it was all closed up and in a smaller ground.

“The semi-final, that was the closest game I’ve ever seen.

“I’m figuring out where I’m going to go next (to play) - I want to go to Perth, but I don’t know if I’ll be picked for that, I’ll find out next year.”

SILVER: Kyle Retallack and James Elkan (back row, third and fourth from right) in the silver medal winning Victoria AWD team at the National Futsal Championships.

MEDALLIST: James Elkan shows off his medal from the National Futsal Championships.

PHOTO: Nathan de Vries

QUICK FEET: Kyle Retallack in action in the grand final.

PHOTO: Elizabeth Lepre, Football Queensland

Australia Day Eve race meeting up next

RACE DAY: The Wangaratta Turf Club will kick off the Australia Day long weekend with entertainment and races on Thursday.

THE final meeting of the Wangaratta Turf Club’s super January is under a week away.

The Australia Day Eve meeting will be the last of three over the past month after the Family Race Day and last Thursday’s mid-week races were a success.

The races will no doubt be a popular way to start the long-weekend with drinks at happy hour prices until the start of race three, live music from local duo Scott & Amanda in the Grand Oaks Room and giveaways from 102.1 Edge FM and O&M Live via their socials keeping everyone entertained.

Wangaratta Turf Club CEO Sean Barrett said he was hoping to cap off an exceptional few months of racing with another great day.

“Our race meeting before Christmas had a sensational crowd, a great day out here,” he said.

“It was great to kick off the year with the Family Day races, and while we got a bit of rain that afternoon, it was still a wonderful day, and the kids had plenty of entertainment in before we got wet.

“Last Thursday’s event on the 11th,

there was plenty of people here for a Thursday crowd when most people are back at work.

“It’ll be a great way for people to kick off their celebrations for Australia Day weekend.”

In addition to the amazing entertainment, food and drink on offer, the racing itself is sure to excite punters.

“There’s a good mix of races, there are some maiden races and some benchmark races, a couple of benchmark 64s, similar distances to what we had at the previous meeting,” Barrett said.

“It should be a good day’s racing.

“We’ve noticed our field strength has been a real asset of the club, and we’re expecting strong fields again for the 25th, and hopefully some local winners.

“We’re expecting the first race to be around 2pm, so we’ll open the gates from 1pm, and the raced will go from 2pm-5.30pm.

“It should be a fantastic afternoon of racing, then the additional entertainment to continue after the last race.”

Page 20 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Soccer stars thrive at nationals

Page 19

ON YOUR BIKE ROVERS United Bruck A Reserve bowler Joel Haddrick claims one of his five wickets in Saturday’s two-day clash against Yarrawonga Mulwala at WJ Findlay Oval.

■ Scores: Page 17 PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

Rovers crack 263 Rovers U R United i dB Bruck k set B Beechworth h hW Wanderers d 264 ffor victory i y iin clinical li i l b batting i g di display pl y

A CLINICAL batting display from Rovers United Bruck leaves them in the box seat to down Beechworth Wanderers at Baarmutha Park.

In what would be the best batting innings of this season’s WDCA competition, the Hawks stacked on a

180 deliveries, while Bailey Dale’s 61 was also influential in setting the huge target.

Rovers United Bruck skipper Paddy McNamara said he was stoked with the performance.

“It was a great day for us,” McNamara said.

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

whopping 5/263 from their 75 overs on Saturday.

Josh O’Donohue led the charge with a patient 80 from

“We got sent in on Beechworth’s wicket which played really well, the outfield was long but the wicket was beautiful.

“They bowled really well early so it was tough early on but once we got through the first 45 minutes we were

in a good spot.”

Along with Dale, Josh Ansell showed excellent support at the top of the order making 24 from 74 balls.

“Dale and Ansell were great at the top for us,” McNamara said.

“They stuck around and put on 49 runs for the partnership which was huge because we haven’t really had a start like that this season.

“Their start made the day easier for everyone else which is a credit to them.

■ Continued page 18

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