KEN Essenhigh polishes up his classic 1950 Holden FX for the Show ‘n’
NEWLY installed Mayor Irene Grant will pose a figure of stability as council lifts its focus on the core services of council in a tough economic climate.
The experienced mayor was elected 4-3 at Tuesday night’s special meeting after eventual Deputy Mayor Harvey Benton put forward her nomination.
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
Fellow councillors Benton, Ashlee Fitzpatrick, and Tania Maxwell voted for Cr Grant as mayor with Crs Harry Bussell and Allison Winters backing a self-nominated Dave Fuller who was in opposition for the top job. Both were elected for a one year term. Cr Grant served as
councillor in the previous term and also as an administrator between 2013 and 2016 and her outlook will be more of the same by focusing on the basics of council.
However, she did highlight her interest to see some stages of the proposed $20 million Wangaratta Creative Precinct art gallery development funded by government. Feedback from the
community was heightened during the election period and Cr Grant said a strong focus on the core services will shine through over the next four years.
“The feedback that I get is that people want us to focus on the business of council and we’re here to provide services; the library, sports and aquatic centre, and sporting fields,” she said.
“They want to see roads
without potholes, the parks and gardens looking good and yet in all of that we have to look strategically in how council works to mitigate climate change and things we need to do to make our community a safe and better place.
“If people are critical about what council does or doesn’t do it’s usually around roads, rates and rubbish.”
In the coming year Cr
Grant said main things on the agenda include the rating strategy, the 10-year financial plan, and the community plan, which every new council undertakes.
“I’m really excited about the prospect of our performing arts complex and I’m hoping we’re lucky enough to get funding to kickstart that project,” she said.
■ Continued page 3
Simply the best
WANGARATTA Chronicle staff members have taken out statewide awards at the recent Victorian Country Press Association annual awards.
King Valley based journalist Anita McPherson won the ‘Best Agricultural Story’ with her front page story, published in September last year, exploring the concerns of various valley landholders over the state of river disrepair and erosion and flooding impacts on their properties.
Titled ‘Discontent flows in valley’, judge Simone Smith said the front page photo, headline and story “combine fantastically to paint a picture of the erosion and flooding affecting local landholders.”
“It’s great to hear so many voices, with each person adding a new and valuable
perspective to ‘tell the story’.
“It’s great that the context/ background was left to a little later in the story - enabling the reader to become ‘hooked’ on the issue.
“The complexities of the issues were explained well, with colourful quotes providing a ‘human’ element to the story.
“A great example of local journalism.”
Photographer Kurt Hickling’s work was judged the best in the state, for a second time in three years, winning ‘Overall Photographic Excellence’ with his front page photo (above) of a lightning storm back in November last year.
The judge described the entry as a “knockout” with “excellent composition, exposure, sharpness and careful focus”.
“This is a very skillful image that requires a lot of planning, consideration, photographic experience and skill.
“To conclude, everything about it this is BOOM.
“There are weather pictures and then there is this.”
After winning the aard last year, photographer Melissa Beattie was also runner-up in the ‘Best Sports Photo’ category with her ‘Leaping lizards’ back page entry (at right) of Wangaratta City’s Oscar O’Keefe trying to send a shot to the back of the net in his side’s 3-1 win over Albury City at Jelbart Park.
Wangaratta Chronicle’s advertising and creative services team also took out the state award for the ‘Best Locally Produced Advertising Campaign’ with their Equipment Hire campaign.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Celebrate city’s launch of the festive season
JOIN Wangaratta council on Friday, December 6 for the Lighting of the Christmas Tree at Riverside Square and explore the vibrant Ultimate Events Twilight Market in Apex Park, as we officially welcome summer and the festive season to the city.
From 5pm, Apex Park will transform into a bustling market featuring some of the finest makers and creators from North East Victoria.
Whether you’re hunting for a unique treat for yourself or searching for a last-minute Christmas gift, the Twilight Market has something special for everyone.
At 6pm, the celebrations continue at Riverside Square on Faithfull Street.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase, with a sausage sizzle pro-
vided by the Rotary Club of Appin Park and fresh gelato from Rinaldo’s Casa Cucina.
Activities for children, including face painting and craft stations, will add to the festive atmosphere, along with the possibility of a visit from a special guest of the season.
The evening will conclude with the official lighting of Wangaratta’s Christmas Tree, a highlight of the city’s summer calendar.
“This event will be a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate the festive season,” city Mayor Irene Grant said.
“With entertainment, holiday fun, and activities for all ages, it’s a chance to share in the magic of Christmas with family and friends.”
Alleged drug traffickers face court after raid
WANGARATTA police have seized a “significant” quantity of commercial drugs following a local hotel raid, with two alleged traffickers facing lengthy custodial terms if found guilty, a court has heard.
The 29-year-old male and female alleged commercial drug traffickers faced Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Thursday seeking bail, after they were arrested at a Wangaratta motel on Tuesday, November 19.
Detective Sergeant Chris Hill of Wangaratta Criminal Investigation Unit said the Wodonga pair were caught with around four litres of 1-4 butanediol and 87g of methamphetamine when police arrived at around 11:45pm.
Police also seized an allegedly stolen Subaru.
The court heard an undis-
closed amount of cash was also found while other small quantities of drugs were seized after a search was conducted at the Wodonga woman’s home.
Along with trafficking a commercial quantity of two drugs, the pair were also charged with theft of motor vehicle and handling of stolen goods.
Magistrate Megan Casey deemed the man an unacceptable risk of re-offence and he was remanded in custody.
“You have a criminal history
SERVICES HIGH ON NEW MAYOR’S AGENDA
■ From front page
“Right now, it doesn’t look all that likely but we’re looking to stage some of that and get it off the ground and build a facility that’s going to make a difference to Wangaratta.”
Since filling the position of administrator 11 years ago, Cr Grant highlighted the multimillion-dollar WSAC facility as the jewel in the crown of infrastructure achievements.
She has strongly advocated for Glenrowan, even back when she was mayor in the early 2000s, and she said the new Ned Kelly Discovery Hub has now put a focus on the town and made it a better tourist destination.
The work required between council and North East Water to advance housing development in the growth corridors has also been an achievement over the last decade.
“There are things that have really changed since I was an administrator, but what we’ve been able to do is maintain Wangaratta’s regional feel,” she said.
As Wangaratta’s population hovers around 30,000 people, Cr Grant envisages that the population will continue to grow but not in huge leaps and bounds over the next 5-10 years.
“We’re aiming to keep Wangaratta
as a regional hub and I think that’s one of the great focuses,” she said.
Cr Grant was excited about her election and her thoughts were that the hallmark of a good council was having age and gender diversity around the table.
“There are people coming from different backgrounds and if we focus on the work that we’ve got to do I think we’ll be a successful and hardworking council,” she said.
“The previous council was a very good one and I’m looking forward to making sure we get the same sort of outcomes with this new one.”
Deputy Mayor Benton said the roads strategy and the completion of Wareena Park were high on his list.
“It’s going to be a battle to do all of these works because the government doesn’t have funds, but Wareena Park’s ground and sports facility upgrade is something I would like to see,” he said.
“Funds are going to be tight but we need to make sure we have designs up and ready to go because sometimes grants pop up out of nowhere, for example as they did for the Whorouly netball court project.”
He said Cr Grant’s selection of mayor will offer stability as she will be able to manage a lot of the initial housekeeping tasks such as the strategy and planning involved with setting up new councils.
that doesn’t paint you in a very particularly good light,” she said.
The court heard the 29-yearold had an “extensive history” of offending on bail, while he also faced reckless and dangerous driving charges after allegedly being caught at 202km/h and causing a collision in October.
“The fact he is here at all is a miracle,” Magistrate Casey said.
Magistrate Casey granted
the release of the 29-year-old woman who was facing less charges.
Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Stuart Pritchard put forward strict bail conditions, which included exclusion from the rural city of Wangaratta.
Magistrate Casey said while it was hard to determine while investigations were ongoing, prosecution presented a “very strong case” of commercial drug trafficking.
Magistrate Casey said it was likely “lengthy custodial terms” would be set if the pair were found guilty and the 29-year-old man may remain in custody for two years before a trial.
The pair will return to Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court for a committal mention on March 6, 2025.
LEADERS: Mayor Irene Grant and Deputy Mayor Harvey Benton will lead Rural City of Wangaratta Council for the next year.
PHOTO: Steve Kelly
• Wangaratta Magistrates Court.
Challenge is on for ‘hot wing’ lovers
By CHLOE JAENICKE
MY Slice of Life in collaboration with Nikos Butchery are holding a hot chicken wing eating competition on Saturday, November 23.
Throughout the month, Brent Ibrom said My Slice of Life have held a series of challenges to pay homage to game shows of the 90s, including the upcoming chicken wing challenge.
“We’re holding it for a bit of fun to be honest,” he said.
“Throughout the month have done heap of game shows, including the price is right and the wheel of fortune, we’re basing the hot wing challenge off Who Dares Wins so it fits the theme.”
For the chicken wing challenge they are inviting the community to come to North East Homemakers Centre to cheer on their 20 competitors, including their only female participant, Jackie Neate.
The competitors will be given 1kg of chicken with five minutes to eat them.
Whoever finishes their plate first or eats the most chicken will win a charcoal smoker worth up to $500.
For the spectators, there will be a range of entertainment and prizes, including a prize for the best cheer squad.
“The Railyard is going to be
there with a big smoker and a couple of cooked dishes and there will be a range of discounts and prizes,’ Mr Ibrom said.
ALWAYS OBEY THE STOP SIGNS
Former Wangaratta, Milawa coach charged over collision that killed partner
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
A FORMER Wangaratta man has been charged over a fatal collision that killed his partner in Geelong on Saturday night. Ray Card, 67, was hospitalised with serious injuries and charged by Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives for culpable driving causing death and dangerous driving causing death.
Police believe Card’s utility and a car collided on the Geelong Ring Road at Lara about 11.20pm on November 16.
Card’s passenger was his partner Mandy, 57, who died at the scene.
The driver of the BMW, a 23-year-old Lara man, and his passenger, a 19-year-old Lovely Banks woman were taken to hospital with minor injuries.
The 67-year-old Grovedale man was bailed to appear at Geelong Magistrates’ Court on November 26.
Card is a former coach of the Wangaratta Magpies, coaching the club for six seasons from 1988-90 and again from 1994-96 following a 110-game career with Geelong, which included a best and fairest winning season in 1983.
Card also coached Milawa to a premiership in 1991 in the O&K.
HOT CHALLENGE: Paul Niklaus, Dameon Holmes, Jackie Neate, Dean Milligan and Brent Ibrom invite the community to watch the hot wing challenge this weekend.
Mr Ibrom hopes people in the community come to support the event so they can make it an annual event.
The competition will be held at My Slice of Life in the North East Homemakers Centre building, 161 Vincent Rd, at 11am.
MASS STRIKE: Woolworths distribution centre staff, including 540 at Barnawartha, have started industrial action and refuse to work until a better pay deal is achieved and concerns over working conditions are addressed.
Woolworths distribution staff stop work
By STEVE KELLY
SOME 540 Woolworths distribution centre staff at Barnawartha have stopped work indefinitely as part of a 1500-strong staff industrial action across four sites.
Workers across three distribution centres in Victoria and one in NSW walked off the job on Thursday indefinitely for improved safety conditions and pay parity compared metro sites.
Workers stopped work for one-hour across all shifts last week to hold meetings and voted to take indefinite strike action if Woolworths remained unwilling to negotiate an improved workplace agreement.
Workers are calling to permanently scrap Woolworths’ framework, which the union reported is a highrisk management approach pushing workers to work faster, which the the United Workers Union (UWU) said undermines safety in a very dangerous industry.
Workers want equal pay and conditions across Woolworths distribution centres and are seeking to bring all workers up to at least $38 per hour in the first year of a new workplace agreement, with percentage wage increases in following years.
UWU national secretary Tim Kennedy said Woolworths must scrap its framework once and for all in one of the most dangerous industries for workers in Australia.
“Workers have reported feeling pressured to cut corners and work unsafely or lose their job if they don’t pick at higher speeds,” he said.
Mr Kennedy said workers all over Australia are struggling to survive in the face of more than a decade of wage stagnation compounded by rising prices.
Workers are striking for a cost-of-living wage increase and to be paid the same rate of pay for doing the same work under a national agreement.
“No one wants to see bare supermarket shelves in the lead up to Christmas,” Mr Kennedy said.
A Woolworths spokesper-
son said confirmed they are not expecting any immediate impact to stores in Victoria and NSW as a result of the industrial action.
“Maintaining supply for customers is our priority in the lead up to Christmas,” the spokesperson said.
“We have extensive contingency plans in place to minimise any ongoing impact to customers, including significantly increasing stock levels in stores serviced by these distribution centers and utilising the other 20 distribution centres and 8000 team members in our network to ensure regular deliveries to stores.
“We value our team and are deeply committed to reaching an agreement as quickly as possible so they can receive the benefit of their new pay rates before Christmas.”
Woolworths reported that the union on behalf of works is seeking an immediate wage increase of more than 14 per cent, and wage increases of 11pc, for each subsequent year, significantly above inflation.
The spokesperson said they have already put forward several offers with
competitive pay that is above industry standards, above local market rates, above inflation, and well above the award.
“Over the past seven years, team members at these four DCs have had pay rises above inflation, and the most common earnings for full time team members is between $85,000 and $95,000,” she said.
“Our latest offers would have taken hourly rates at these sites to about 40-60pc above the Storage Services Award, and well above inflation.
The spokesperson said the framework being criticised by the union has been developed with safety as an inherent component.
She said the union has asked for no measurable performance rates.
“The measure of work which sits behind the framework has been developed based on the time it should take a person with reasonable skill, applying reasonable effort, working at a safe and conscientious pace, that can be maintained for the duration of a shift, to complete a task,” the spokesperson said.
FRONT MAN: United Workers Union organiser Mark Schmidt at the Barnawartha site on Thursday. PHOTO: UWU
Great Vic Bike Ride set to roll into Wangaratta
MORE than 2000 bike riders will arrive in Wangaratta as part of the 40th Great Vic Bike Ride this month.
The anniversary ride returns to its original route and riders will travel from Wodonga to Healesville over nine days, arriving in Wangaratta on Monday, November 25 between 8.30am and 1pm.
The riders and crews of event staff will travel along Rowan Street, accompanied by police and support vehicles, and will be instructed by event organiser Bicycle Network to obey road rules at all times.
The riders include groups of school students and riders on all kinds of bikes, who will have ridden 52km from Myrtleford.
They will travel through town to their campsite at the Wangaratta showgrounds, where they will spend two nights.
On Tuesday, November 26 the riders will complete a 60km loop through the Warby Ovens National Park and return to the showgrounds for a second night.
BOOSTING TOURISM: Many bike riders will arrive in Wangaratta later this month with the
On Wednesday, November 27, the riders will depart the Wangaratta Showgrounds onto Evans Street between 6.30am and 8.30am, then travel along Swan Street and
turn left onto Sisley Avenue by 8.50am.
The last of the riders are expected to move through
the Tone Road traffic lights by 8.55am, where they will then turn right onto Greta Road prior to 9am.
Traffic management plans have been put in place over the three day period and will be in effect across the CBD
on Monday and Wednesday mornings.
The riders will complete a 113km ride to Mansfield on Wednesday, and end their journey in Healesville on Sunday, December 1.
About the 2024 Great Vic Bike Ride:
The Great Vic Bike Ride is a rolling camping festival.
There are three-, fiveand nine-day riding options.
Riders will travel an average of 72km a day.
The Great Vic is an allincluded holiday that suits bike packers, adventure seekers, families, schools, and the nostalgic.
Bicycle Network takes care of campsites, food, medical and mechanical assistance and provides comprehensive on-route support.
The ride is great value for money and includes meals and camping, with games, entertainment and a big dose of camaraderie thrown in.
Discover some of the highlights of northeast Victoria, via quiet roads, regional towns and scenic rail trails.
Great Vic Bike Ride.
Help families have a better Christmas
BY CHLOE JAENICKE cjaenicke@ nemedia.com.au
IN preparation for the Christmas season, Loaves and Fishes –Christians Caring are once again holding their Grab a Grocery Campaign on November 23 at Coles and Woolworths.
Loaves and Fishes community development coordinator, David Still, said there will be volunteers at both stores handing out lists of items for people to buy including staples like peanut butter, tinned tuna, tinned fruit and two-minute noodles and Christmas items like Christmas cake and fruit minced pies.
“When someone comes on Saturday, they can stop and get a list of items from one of our volunteers and if each shopper could even just buy one item that would be fantastic,” he said.
“Last year we had a few people who filled up their trolley with the whole list, but we don’t expect that from everyone.”
While the demand isn’t as high as last year, Mr Still said every grocery that someone purchases counts towards helping a local family have a better Christmas.
“The main reason is it enables us to help people, particularly in
the lead up to Christmas, who are struggling, who don’t have enough money to buy food,” he said.
“It’s a really stressful time of the year for families with low income so this is our way of being able to make a difference.
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - NOW OPEN
REF:
“Most of what we collect will be gone in six weeks or less, so it has an immediate impact and goes straight back to the local community.”
For those who can’t purchase groceries on the day, Loaves and
The Australian Government, represented by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to sell water from water rights owners the Southern Connected Murray-Darling Basin who were not eligible for the Restoring Our Rivers: 2024 Selected Catchments Open Tender. This includes water right owners from within Irrigation Infrastructure Operator areas
The expressions of interest will close soon at 12 midday AEDT, 2 November 2024.
LIST OF CATCHMENTS:
NEW SOUTH WALES
Murray River
Murrumbidgee
Lower Darling
VICTORIA
BrokenKiewa
GoulburnMitta Mitta
CampaspeLoddon
Ovens & KingVictorian Murray
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
South Australian Murray
Owners of eligible water rights in the catchments listed above, including unregulated entitlements and section 51 licences, are invited to express their interest stating the proposed volume and price at which they want to sell their permanent water rights to the department
The decision to participate is completely voluntary. You must submit an EOI through this process if you want to be considered for any subsequent water purchasing in 2025
To read the Request for Expression of Interest and register your interest, please visit AusTender www.tenders.gov.au - and search for Restoring our Rivers.
MORE INFORMATION:
For more information on voluntary water purchasing, visit www.dcceew.gov.au/ watertender ASSISTANCE:
For help with using AusTender, visit help. tenders.gov.au If you can’t access AusTender or have questions about the expression of interest process, please email watertenders@ dcceew.gov.au
Fishes will be accepting donations at the Anglicare Victoria office at 39 Ovens Street from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 12.30pm.
For more information, phone 5723 7900.
SPREADING JOY: Youngsters are encouraged to dial # HO HO HO (# 46 46 46) on a Telstra payphone between now and Christmas Eve to chat with Santa.
Make a free call to the North Pole
By SIMONE KERWIN
FROM now until Christmas Eve, children across Australia will be able to make free calls to Santa from Telstra payphones.
All they need to do to convey their important message through a free call to the North Pole is dial # HO HO HO (# 46 46 46).
From telling Santa what they would like for Christmas to chatting about their favourite holiday traditions, Telstra’s Free Calls to Santa hotline allows kids young and old to have a fun and engaging conversation with Santa.
In addition to more than 14,000 Telstra payphones available across Australia, special kid-sized payphones, specially designed for little callers, will be set up for a limited time in select Telstra stores in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane until Christmas Eve.
Telstra’s Free Calls to Santa not only spreads festive cheer accessible to everyone, but offers Aussie kids a fun way to learn how to use a payphone.
Many kids who grew up with smartphones may not have used a handset before, and it is an important skill to have in case of an emergency.
GIVING SPIRIT: David Still, David Price, Meitta Boyd and Wendy Edwards encourage the community to participate in the Grab a Grocery Campaign.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Mayor has eyes on city’s basic needs
EVERY four years the Rural City of Wangaratta has a fresh start with a new council, albeit five councilors are continuing and two are new to the fold.
It is a new team to guide the rural city across multiple facets of local government while addressing challenges and basic needs of all local residents.
There certainly have been challenges for locals over the last few years but many are concerns that council can only influence to a degree.
The housing crisis and a lack of affordable housing has been on the agenda and council did create a strategy allowing it to act as an advocacy agency to support other social and community housing entities.
It worked with agencies like Uniting to approve the permit for the community housing on Templeton Street and new residents on the Victorian Housing Register will move in early next year.
New Mayor Irene Grant is well versed with guiding the city in tough times as she was one of three administrators after the council was dismissed in 2013.
Fast forward 11 years and the basics of roads, rates and rubbish continue to underpin community, and council concerns.
Councils have criticised the Fair Go Rate Cap since it was introduced as it lessens council’s spending power for services - this view remains.
Roads continue to be a major problem everywhere especially after significant flood events in the rural city.
Footpaths and roads are fundamental necessities in our urban and rural areas and continued advocacy to state and federal governments is required to repair, maintain and renew them faster.
These fundamentals have to be the priority even now.
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
FACEBOOK users this week commented on the new mayor and deputy being elected.
• Mary Pace: Congratulations Irene let’s all work together to make Wangaratta a better place for the young and the elderly.
• Sandra Dalton: Congratulations Irene
• Judy Chapman: Let’s hope Wangaratta goes forward with some decent direction.
• Carol Hill:
Congratulations Irene
• Eric Douthie: We need to give them a chance especially with an eye on finances and waste. This council needs to get control back from the staff in senior positions.
• Jack Carruthers: More of the same. Hardly inspiring.
• Michelle Wilson: Thank goodness. Congrats Irene Facebook users with week also commented on a vibrant new mural on the Parfitt Road building of
Strictly Quilts say thank you for ongoing support
ON behalf of the Strictly Quilts committee I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our local community for their support of our 16th Strictly Quilts Exhibition.
We are thrilled with those who took the time to enter their quilts for all of us to enjoy and appreciate.
Special thanks must also go to our guest artist Julie Evans for sharing with us her very talented art pieces.
To all those who made donations to the well supported trading table an raffle…. thank you.
We were overwhelmed by the generosity of our quilting group members for their time, efforts, and donations.
We are very fortunate to be able to use the Uniting Church Hall which is in the centre of town and proved to be very convenient for all our visitors including those who were attending the Wangaratta Jazz Festival.
Their positive comments were much appreciated.
This has been a community effort over the 16 years and we hope will continue to do so thanks to so much in-kind support.
Thanks also goes to North East Media for their ongoing support for our exhibition.
Special thanks to Jordan Duursma for her excellent communication and her articles and reports.
Thank you all for helping us celebrate the work and skills of so many of our local textile artists.
Ros Janas
(on behalf of the Strictly Quilts committee).
The seasonal treats you’re craving are here
IT’S that time of the year againAustralia’s favourite Christmas cake is back, just in time for the lead-up to Christmas.
Lions Christmas Cakes and Puddings are sold by locals for locals.
They’re staples of Australian Christmas time with their excellent taste, thanks to their quality, natural ingredients list, containing over 50 per cent fruit.
Unlike most supermarket Christmas cakes and puddings, they’ve also won the hearts and minds of Australians by serving an incredible purpose, to raise funds for
NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.
North East Water’s water treatment plant.
• Jodie Talbot: Absolutely beautiful
• Julie Roberts: Can we get him to repaint the water tower monstrosity???
• Dianna Piazza: Wow beautifully done
• Dot Hurley: Wonderful
• Amanda Jane: This is amazing! Wow
• Andrew Higgins: Well done. It’s great to see beautiful art revitalising wangaratta. Next, do a
beautiful mural on the large wall at North East Water in faithful street across from the Chisholm street school. Keep up the fantastic work.
• Bruce Neilson: Amazing well done
• Tony Davidson: I love it , its ethereal, 10/10
• Bec Hayward: It is absolutely beautiful!
• Georgina Rea: Looks very appealing. I think we have room in our city for a variety of art work.
• Greg Brown: Magnificent
Our follower total is Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.
15,041
projects that will make a real difference to local communities.
All the funds received from purchases of the cakes and puddings are redirected to Lions Clubs and their initiatives Australiawide, from the city to the regions.
The past several years have been extremely tough for regional communities, with a tumultuous global pandemic and devastating natural disasters.
As most of the country heads into bushfire season again, proceeds from Lions Christmas Cakes and Puddings are vital to funding emergency and disaster relief and assisting locals with recovering from bushfires.
On top of disaster assistance, Lions Clubs run various community service projects and initiatives, ranging from medical research, aid to locals with disability, youth programs and environmental work.
Being the organisation’s biggest fundraising source, sales from Lions Christmas and Puddings are substantial, and so too is their impact, with over $70 million diverted to local community programs and projects since 1965.
In the past 60 years, we’ve come a long way from selling our first pound cake.
Today, our Lions Christmas Cakes and Puddings remain proudly Australianmade, and their impact on communities nationwide is immeasurable.
Funds from Lions Christmas Cakes and Puddings are vital in ensuring Lions Clubs can continue providing disaster relief and supporting a range of initiatives, like childhood-cancer research, that are literal lifelines to locals.
The Lions Christmas Cake recipe is proudly Lions Australia–owned and made in Victoria by Traditional Foods.
This year, new gluten-free versions are also being produced and sold.
For more information on Lions Christmas Cakes and Puddings, visit https://lionsclubs.org.au/get-involved/ fundraising/lions-mints-cakes/.
Rob Oerlemans, Lions Australia CEO
SCOOTING AROUND TOWN: Blade and Jaxon Bishop-Kinlyside have been making the most of the warm weather, getting out and about on their scooters. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
FACEBOOK users this week commented on council planning to update the carparking payment system.
• Sue Nagle: Should be free.
• Nathan Andrew: High time to wake up a bit and get with the program get rid of them.
• Ryan Nedeljkovic: hang on, people pay for parking?
• Kevin Adams: Screens are frequently unreadable in the sun. Many do not use cards... so cash must remain an option.. and is legal tender! Get rid of them altogether.
• Tim Cole-Jarred: As much as I hate paying for parking. The app is great. No one under the age of 30 carries cash anymore.
• Trevor Dawson: Get rid of them.
• Bronwen Jarred: When Paying for parking using the app you also pay GST on top of your parking cost. So parking costs more.
• Lesley Kiker: Having cashless meters will stop people shopping in town. Which will impact employment, businesses etc. it’s hard enough
Check out some of our best photos at our @wangchronicle Instagram account.
now for businesses to survive.
• Julie Braden: So you are forcing people to use an app, and forcing people to have a mobile phone? Not everyone has a mobile phone nor wants one. Aren’t our ridiculously high rates enough to fill the coffers?
• Amanda Jane: It’s like having to pay extra for cutlery when dining in. The concept of having to pay to park eludes me.
• Sandra Duffy: And you wonder why people don’t shop in Wangaratta???
• Hanny Bongers: If you get rid of the parking meters ratepayers will foot the bill. At least now its user pays.
• William Magnus: Can council please inform how much revenue it collects from meters?
• Marianne Grinter: Why go through further expense upgrading to a system that only takes cards, when approx 50% use cash. And surely, the expense doing this , outweighs the loss of removing them altogether! Time for the new Council to get rid of them.
Our follower total is Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.
15,041
X USERS this week tweeted about the mural Julian Clavijo’s new mural, new water for endangered species and Susan Trevillian winning the 2024 Australian Clinical Pharmacy Award.
North East Water @NorthEastWater
A new splash of colour in #Wangaratta! Julian Clavijo’s mural on our water treatment plant highlights the Ovens River’s beauty and the power of water in our community.
#Collaboration with Rural City of Wangaratta #PublicArt
North East CMA @NorthEastCMA
Water for the Environment has been delivered to Mullinmur Wetland in Wangaratta to support the endangered native Freshwater or Eel-tailed catfish (Tandanus tandanus)
Advanced Pharmacy Australia @AdPhaAU
Her role as Chair of the AdPha Rural and Remote Leadership Committee and her leadership at Northeast Health Wangaratta demonstrate her commitment to ensuring equitable healthcare access for all Australians. If you have something to say, add our handle @wangchronicle to your tweet and we will publish some each week. NOTE:
Nth of Wangaratta. Nov 13 Hail event into well windrowed canola. Some of the best hail insurance you can make.
Marty Colbert @colbert_marty
In classic CWA style, the CCW Parents and Friends Association is hosting a bake stall at the College Christmas Fair next Friday.
cathedralcollege.wangaratta: Follow
Over 120 men unite for change at
“She is Not Your Rehab” event
OVER 120 men gathered at the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre to take part in a meaningful event led by Matt Brown, founder of the She is Not Your Rehab movement. Hosted by the Centre Against Violence (CAV) on Tuesday night.
The evening was a call to action - a moment for men to reflect, connect, and commit to building a future free from violence.
Centre Against Violence chief executive officer, Jaime Chubb, said this event wasn’t just about self-reflection - it was about building the foundations for a better future, one conversation, one action, one person at a time.
“It’s about starting with these 120 men and creating a ripple effect that will drill down into our schools, our sports teams, and our homes,” she said.
“Together, we can inspire change that touches every corner of our community.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Rural City of Wangaratta and the State Government Free from Family Violence funding for making this event possible.
“Their support enabled us to bring Matt Brown to Wangaratta and to host a night of such immediate impact.
“It is partnerships like these that give our community the resources to create change.”
The evening opened with a heartfelt Welcome to Country delivered by Bpangerang elder Uncle Dozer, followed by a stirring performance of traditional dance by his eight-year-old grandson.
The audience responded with tremendous applausea moving display of support and hope for future generations.
Uncle Dozer’s words set the tone for the night as he urged the men to take care of themselves and their mates, emphasising the importance of healing and connection within the community.
From there, Matt Brown captivated the room with his raw, powerful stories of trauma, healing, and the critical message that violence is never the answer.
The event encouraged men to take responsibility for their healing, break cycles of trauma, and reimagine their roles in creating healthier relationships and communities.
“The way Matt spoke about his father, his son, and the weight of generational trauma hit home for so many of us,” said attendee Cam Green.
“It was raw, unfiltered, and necessary.
“Something broke through to each man in a different way.”
The highlight of the evening was an activity where attendees were encouraged to call a mate and say, “Love you, bro.”
It was a moment of vulnerability that blended humanity with humour, breaking down barriers to allow deeper connections.
One attendee reflected, “If we allow ourselves to heal, to seek help, to stand up, to help, then we can build back the culture needed to undo the hurt we have done - to our families, to our First Nations people, to ourselves.”
As the event drew to a close, a deeply emotional moment unfolded.
One man from the local MÄori community performed a Haka, leaving the room in awe.
Traditionally, the MÄori people of New Zealand performed the Haka to display a tribe’s pride, strength, and unity - qualities that resonated deeply with the spirit of the event.
In this moment, the Haka was a powerful symbol of
The following candidates were elected to Wangaratta Rural City Council at the general election held in October 2024:
Appin Ward
MAXWELL, Tania
Bullawah Ward
FULLER, Dave
King River Ward
BUSSELL, Harry (elected unopposed)
Ovens Ward
BENTON, Harvey
Warby Ward
GRANT, Irene (elected unopposed)
Wareena Ward
FITZPATRICK, Ashlee
Ward WINTERS, Allison
unity and commitment.
The performance wasn’t just a display of movement, but a profound reminder of the collective strength that comes from men standing together in support of one another and their community.
The room was filled with energy, pride, and a deep sense of connection, reinforcing the message that true strength comes from respect, care, and the courage to change.
But the night was not without sombre reminders.
As conversations about healing and hope unfolded, the stark reality of violence remained front of mind.
The tragic statistic of 14 women killed in Australia in the past three weeks served as a powerful reminder of why events like this are critical.
“We know this is just the beginning,” said Ms Chubb.
“There’s still so much work to be done, and we are
up for the challenge.
“The next steps involve deeper training and broader engagement.
“Thanks to Give Wangaratta and Into Our Hands Foundation, we’re excited to announce two events to do just that.
“The first is the Man Cave Movember Speak Easy Workshop, a hands-on session where participants can learn how to dig deeper into the conversations that need to happen.
“The second opportunity is professional training for 50 advocates through an online Working with Boys program.
“This program will equip participants with the tools to support boys and young men in breaking cycles of harm and building emotional resilience.
“More information can be found on the CAV website. www.centreagainstviolence. org.au.
“We’re committed to keeping this momentum going.
“We’ll continue applying for funding to expand these initiatives, ensuring we create a community that looks after its own - one that embodies care, connection, and hope.”
As the men filed out of the venue last night, the conversations had only just begun.
The ripple effect had been set in motion.
A better, safer, and more compassionate community starts here.
This event was hosted by the CAV and proudly supported by the Rural City of Wangaratta through the Free From Violence Local Government Program.
SETTING THE TONE: The evening opened with a heartfelt Welcome to Country delivered by Bpangerang elder Uncle Dozer, followed by a stirring performance of traditional dance by his eight-year-old grandson.
Squeeze on social housing tightens
ROUGH sleepers account for one in five of all people seeking support from Beyond Housing across the Goulburn and Ovens Murray regions, doubling from one in 10 just a decade ago.
Beyond Housing CEO Celia Adams has described the situation as dire.
“These statistics reflect a chronic shortage of affordable housing and the impact of the ongoing cost of living crisis,” she said.
“People are living in cars, tents, and unsafe spaces.”
According to the Victorian Government’s June quarter data there has been a surge in rental costs across the state, with regional Victoria’s median rent now reaching $450 per week - a six per cent increase over the past year.
“While metropolitan areas face housing pressures, regional and rural communities are equally strained as rents rise, and housing becomes less accessible and affordable.” Ms Adams said.
“All levels of government must recognise that regional areas need their fair share of social housing investment to meet this growing demand and ensure that people in our communities have a secure,
ROUGH TIMES: High rental costs are forcing more people to sleep rough across the region, putting more emphasis on increasing the supply of social housing.
affordable place to call home.
“What we need is a united commitment to tackle this housing crisis head-on.”
Beyond Housing’s 2023-2024
Annual Report, due out next week, will show that almost 3000 people sought some kind of housing support during the year, with nearly half reaching out for the first time.
Alarmingly, 42pc reported mental health issues, and 348 individuals sought help after fleeing family violence.
Older Australians are increasingly affected, with one in eight people seeking support aged over 55.
“We’re seeing people in their
60s, 70s, and even 80s with nowhere to live,” he said.
“This rise in older people seeking assistance is particularly concerning.”
Beyond Housing is calling on all levels of government to address the housing crisis with a coordinated, long-term approach.
“Local councils, state government, and federal policymakers each have an essential role to play,” Ms Adams said.
Local governments can support housing development by connecting providers with landowners, unlocking council-owned land, and offering planning incentives.
“By making land available and streamlining approvals, councils
can expand housing options for those who need it most.”
The Victorian Government can accelerate affordable housing through planning reforms and developer incentives.
Federal programs like the Housing Australia Future Fund can provide sustainable funding for long-term housing solutions.
“We need to see all levels of government come together to make housing a priority that doesn’t fade after elections,” Ms Adams said.
“Models like Housing First, which provide stable housing and wrap-around support, are proven to work and should be expanded in our region.”
iStock.com/PrimitiveVision
With over 300 homes scheduled for completion by 2026, Beyond Housing has already made significant strides, but Adams stressed that more is needed to meet rising demand.
“Our projects are part of the solution, but they’re only a start,” Ms Adams said.
“Real change requires all levels of government to make housing a sustained priority.
“We need a commitment to sustainable solutions that make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring across regional Victoria, ensuring safe, secure homes to prevent homelessness from becoming a lasting crisis in our region.”
Man to face deportation following jail stint for rape of Wangaratta women
A YOUNG Wangaratta woman has said she will need therapy for the rest of her life after being raped in Melbourne, a County Court has heard.
Following a week-long trial, Sudanese man Maker Mangok, 25, was jailed four years and nine months for rape and sexual assault of two Wangaratta women following a night out in Melbourne in 2021.
The court heard three friends were staying in an apartment on Spencer Street after travelling from Wanga-
ratta for the weekend.
They had been drinking at a nightclub with friends until two of the women returned to the apartment in the early hours of the morning.
A male friend of the victims was outside of a Nandos with Mangok, who he had previously not known.
He asked one of the three friends whether Mangok could come to their apartment, which she reluctantly agreed.
The first victim could not be woken by one of the friends as she was observed to
be intoxicated and some continued drinking for a short time before going to bed.
Mangok, who was allowed to stay on the couch, made his way into the room where the two victims were sleeping and committed his crimes.
The first victim attended Wangaratta police to lodge a complaint that night while the second victim called police a week later.
Mangok was arrested on August 25, 2021, and was found guilty after contesting the charges during a weeklong trial.
In a victim impact statement presented to the court, the first victim was found to have been diagnosed with complex PTSD and said she had become reluctant to go out again and it had caused her to lose friends.
Judge Anne Hassan said the 25-year-old defendant’s conduct was opportunistic and predatory.
“You took a callous and calculated advantage of two women in circumstances where you realised they were in a vulnerable state,” she said.
“You were a guest in the apartment in which you took the opportunity to sexually violate two sleeping women.
“You were well aware that she was in no state to consent to sexual intercourse having been present when attempts to wake her had failed earlier in the evening.”
The former bricklayer who had moved to Australia in 2009 said he was “in shock” of his conviction and maintained his innocence.
The court heard Mangok was a regular drinker and
drug user and imprisonment would be onerous due to the prospects of deportation following his sentence, having not yet been registered as an Australian citizen.
“You have lived in this country since you were a child and I accept the prospect of deportation will weigh heavily upon you in prison and will destroy your opportunity to remain settled in Australia,” Judge Hassan said. Judge Hassan ordered Mangok to serve a non-parole period of two years and nine months.
PHOTO:
Author inspires effort to immortalise “Bud and Carrie”
By ANITA McPHERSON
THE tragic story of Cheshunt nurses Dorothy ‘Bud’ Elmes and Caroline Ennis struck a chord with those who attended an author talk and fundraising event held the Wangaratta Library on November 12.
More than 30 people came to hear Georgina Banks speak about her book, Back to Bangka, in which she shares what happened to her great aunt, Dorothy ‘Bud’ Elmes, who was killed in World War 2.
Dorothy, along with fellow nurse Caroline Ennis, was among the last 65 Australian nurses to evacuate from Singapore on February 12, 1942 aboard the Vyner Brooke, which was later bombed by the Japanese at Bangka Island, Indonesia.
Sister Ennis was one of 12 nurses who were lost at sea, while Sister Elmes was one of 21 massacred on the beach at Bangka Island.
Georgina Banks was welcomed to the event by Belinda Harrison, president of the Honouring Our Oxley Shire WWII Nurses group; a fundraising committee with plans to have bronze busts made of the gallant nurses and placed at the Oxley Memorial Park where they will forever be remembered.
Also attending the event were family members of the fallen nurses including Sally Alsop from Melbourne - the niece of Dorothy ‘Bud’ Elmes - Sally’s husband Clive, and locals Margaret and Shelley West, who are the niece and great niece of Caroline Ennis.
Three grade six students from Oxley Primary School, who had attended the Remembrance Day service the day before where Georgina Banks was the guest speaker, also came along.
“We began by sharing some information about our girls, Bud and Carrie, then spoke about Georgina’s book and the journey she took learning all about her great aunt,” said Ms Harrison.
“Then Georgina read some letters from her great aunt Bud which were sent while Bud was overseas nursing (and are in Georgina’s book).
“I read some of Caroline’s
Kombi set to ‘Pink it Up’ in Apex Park
By SIMONE KERWIN
A HOST of family-friendly activities will be held in Apex Park this afternoon, as Miss Annabelle’s Kombi Tour stops in Wangaratta.
The idea of Shiralee Judge, who was diagnosed last year with stage four metastatic breast cancer and decided to realise her dream of owning a Volkswagen Kombi, the tour centres on the kombi which has been painted pink and white and named ‘Miss Annabelle’.
With family and friends, Shiralee is travelling from Mount Barker in South Australia to Sydney, making stops along the way to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation.
The 1974 VW Kombi will be in Wangaratta on Friday afternoon for the event at Apex Park, with festivities starting from 3.30pm, and a Rotary Club of Appin Park Wangaratta barbecue and other refreshments available from 4pm.
letters, which is the first time they’ve been shared publicly, and it was a true honour to have been entrusted to share them with those gathered.”
Also attending from the fundraising committee were Jan Vincent, Lorraine Crellin and Wendy McRae, along with Janet Heath from the Oxley Residents Association, which is supporting the project.
Around $750 was raised on the day, which Ms Harrison said was “fantastic” and a testament to how the project had resonated with members of our local area.
Until the end of November, Edgars are donating 20 per cent of all sales of Georgina’s book Back to Bangka to the fundraiser.
So far $7800 has been raised of the $27,000 needed to fund the memorial busts.
“Once we have half of the full amount, Everlon Bronze will start on the busts themselves, so there is only $5700 to go before it begins,” Ms Harrison said.
“We would like to say a huge thankyou to everyone who has
supported us so far as we raise this money to honour our two local nurses who were tragically lost.
“We plan to hold more fundraising events in 2025.”
Anyone wanting to support the effort and donate by deposit to
CONTINUE the Combined Churches in Wangaratta’s search for their missing sheep with the Messy Nativity Sheep Trail until December 17.
“These shepherds were rounding their sheep up before their sheep ran away,” Anne Turnbull from Combined Churches Wangaratta said.
“Please help to find the lost sheep, as you look in 10 shops in Wangaratta, where the sheep are hiding.”
If you visit the Pet and Hobby Shop in Ovens Street, you will find a yellow envelope with all the details inside.
As you visit the 10 shops, you will be able to collect a nativity character to take home from each shop. These 10 characters will give you a whole Nativity set, to enjoy creating, as you celebrate Christmas this year.
Everyone is invited to come and join in the fun and discover where the lost sheep are hiding and collect all the characters that are part of the nativity story.
▶ LOST SHEEP: Help Mable Davern, Rosie Joiner and Dekota Turnbull find the lost sheep to complete the nativity scene.
LIFE COACH: Chi Chi Wang looks forward to sharing her own experience and strategies to help others build their self-confidence and rediscover their potential.
Free seminar to help participants build selfconfidence
By ANITA McPHERSON
A FREE seminar designed to help people create a purposeful and fulfilling life at any age, will be held at The Centre in Chisholm Street on Thursday, November 28.
The event will be hosted by Chi Chi Wang who, having overcome her own personal struggles, is now focused on helping others build their self-confidence and accept who they are.
Chi Chi’s own journey began when she left Taiwan at 19 with only a small amount of money in her pocket and travelled alone to Australia to start a new life.
She said it was challenging to begin with - struggling with cultural barriers including language - but she made ends meet by working as a waitress, a cleaner and even a house painter.
Despite having an architecture degree, Chi Chi instead chose to follow a passion, settling in the local region, dedicating herself to learning the art of traditional bookbinding and eventually starting her own business which has since gone from strength to strength.
But it was coming to terms with her own difficult childhood - and talking to a friend who had lost three people in his social circle to suicide in a short time - that made her determined to help others.
Bendigo Bank, BSB 633 000, Account 219384294, account name Honouring Our Oxley Shire WWII nurses (reference - donor’s name).
For updates on further events, visit the Edgars Books and News website.
“When I was young in Taiwan, I was bullied and grew up in a dysfunctional household - I understand the pain of struggling with self-doubt and identity issues,” she said.
“It was a long journey to pick myself up and rebuild my selfconfidence.
“I want to help others with low self-esteem be confident in who they are and not feel inadequate.”
Chi Chi said there are others like her who were judged and criticized 20 years ago, who still remember and live with it, and it is preventing them from doing things and moving forward with their lives.
She said she wants to use what she has learnt to help people overcome their challenges and find their purpose again.
Those who attend the workshop will learn to overcome their fears, set achievable goals and “become unstoppable.”
The Become Unstoppable Seminar will be held in Room 2 at The Centre, 17 Chisholm Street, Wangaratta on Thursday, November 28 from 6pm until 7.30pm.
The session is free, with worksheets provided on the night, along with a ticket which can be redeemed to receive a one-on-one session with Chi Chi valued at $150. Seating is limited, and bookings can be made at www.ccwithin.com or by calling 0421 492 026.
Lifeline’s crisis support service is available 24/7 on 13 11 14.
FAMILY TIES: Margaret West (niece of Caroline Ennis) and Sally Alsop (niece of Dorothy ‘Bud’ Elmes) are supporting the effort to have busts made of the Oxley Shire nurses who lost their lives.
MEMORABLE OCCASION: Belinda Harrison, Shelley West, Lorraine Crellin, Sally Alsop (front), Margaret West, Wendy McRae, Jan Vincent and Georgina Banks, gathered for the author talk and fundraising event held at the Wangaratta Library.
Regeneration team
its magic for our natural wonders
Kaluna Park gets a makeover thanks
THE Bush Regeneration Team, an urban Landcare group that are just one of the branches of Wangaratta Landcare and Sustainability, concentrates most of its efforts in Kaluna Park.
With the extended high water levels in the spring of 2023, the environment department of Rural City of Wangaratta asked the team if they could do some restoration work along the banks of the Three Mile Creek, downstream of the footbridge on Willow Drive.
This site was once under management of NECMA but is now council’s responsibility and it posed a few challenges.
“We found many issues including introduced woody weeds like Privet, Black Willow and Desert Ash,” team member Libby Smith said.
“There was also the very hard to handle Blackberry and Noogoora Burr.
“Domestic garden escapees like Wandering Jew and Periwinkle were also thriving, so it’s a timely reminder that gardeners who have these invasive plants must be very careful with the disposal of their garden waste and ensure they don’t get inundated by floodwater, inevitably breaking off and reestablishing downstream.”
After many hours of work, utilising both the most environmentally sound and effective approaches in each case, Libby said the team was starting to make a difference to the landscape, however, by then the water levels had receded and the
team was keen to get back to work at Kaluna Park.
“To manage both sites was always going to be too big for our small team so we took up the opportunity to apply for a Glenrowan Solar Farm Community Benefit Grant,” she said.
“Being one of the successful applicants meant we were able to employ the services of a Landmate Team who worked for a full day on
a weekly basis (taking into account the weather and seasonal plant behaviours).
“They removed fencelines, used brushcutters on some areas to provide better access, tackled large woody weeds with frilling and drilling techniques and achieved a lot more progress than our team was ever going to manage on their own.
“Meanwhile, we tried to get a Three Mile Creek Working Par-
ty together who could maintain and continue the efforts.”
“We letter-dropped many of the adjacent landholders, however the uptake hasn’t been strong enough to date to warrant another group being formed at this stagewe’re hopeful though.”
The Bush Regeneration Team enjoyed the opportunity to work alongside the environment department of council and thanked Glen-
rowan Solar Farm for their contributions which enabled the employment of the lads in the Landmate Team.
By the way, Kaluna Park on the western bank of the King River, is one of Wangaratta’s best kept secrets. according to Libby.
“Have you walked through there lately?” she said.
“There are three interconnected loop walks along cleared pathways through
riverside vegetation that has been managed by the group for nearly 30 years.
“Take your dog if you like.
“At this time of the year you’re bound to see many birds.
“Access is via a path over the levee bank behind the soundshell.
“And if you try it on a Thursday morning you are likely to bump into our group, come and say hello.”
BACK TO NATURE: The Bush Regeneration Team (from left) Tony Faithfull, Adrian Twitt, Mary Reid, Libby Smith, Pat Kuhle, Kirsty Traill, Helen Twitt and Greg Quinn.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Barwon Heads’ headbanging Sunday sesh Man avoids licence suspension after “careless”
By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE
FOR this 90s baby, Grinspoon’s Barwon Heads Hotel gig perfectly captured the nostalgic sound of bloody good Aussie rock, transporting the head-banging crowd back to the early 2000s for a night of highenergy, raucous fun.
The show was one instalment of their national tour, bringing Grinspoon’s first album in 12 years, Whatever, Whatever around Australia in a mega 45-gig run.
On a Sunday night that felt like a Friday, Melbourne rockstar openers Daddy Issues and Press Club didn’t come to play around, with both acts prepping the crowd for a ripper set as they screamed, cartwheeled and even waded into the enraptured audience to say hello.
The mixed demographic of Grinners in the crowd was unnoticeable when the iconic group appeared through the curtain and onto the stage; old rockers and fresh-faced new fans alike jumping up to meet the thumping riffs and wonderfully crunchy vocals.
Despite Whatever, Whatever appearing 12 years after the band’s last album, the foursome is no stranger to playing together, proven by the tight performance and seamless setlist that showcased both past and new tracks in a slap-you-in-the-face approach that OG Grinners love.
Songs from the new album sat perfectly next to older tracks, with
a familiar anthemic approach to some and a reach back into the heavier and louder side of their sound.
Joe Hansen told me so himself last month; “a few tracks have made it out of the archives; puzzle pieces fitting nicely into a high-energy, raucous album that gets you back to the original Grinspoon sound.”
For a band on the cusp of its 30th anniversary, frontman Phil Jamieson’s crisp voice, guitarist Pat Davern’s dextrous hands, bassist Joe Hansen’s thrumming fingers and Kristian Hopes wrists clearly haven’t lost any energy over the years.
As harsh and belting as the tracks were, with Jamieson’s freshly perfected metal vocals crackling through his megaphone, the cohesion between lead and band is something other groups can only dream of, or maybe they need to be just that good for almost 30 years.
When you’re that good, you only need a 36 minute album to remind your fans why they’re buying tickets to a Grinspoon gig 29 years later; the longest track at an easy 3:51, and the 90 minute show was an excellent time capsule for both new and old music to mingle with the sweat of a moshpit.
Grinspoon’s adrenaline and classic rockstar approach to their shows is evidence of their love for what they do, you can see it in Jaimeson’s onstage grins and gravity-defying kicks off the foldback amps, and the
GRINNERS ARE WINNERS: Aussie rock band have delivered some mighty performances on their current tour.
entire bands camaraderie as they play together.
“Touring and playing together is pretty familiar for us; we know what we’re doing and how we do it and, if anything we just tried to relax a bit and enjoy it this time,” Hansen said. Relaxing isn’t a word I’d use to describe my experience at their Barwon Heads show, but enjoy it I sure
did and now I’ve got to go nurse my delicious head-banging neck pain… until next time!
The tour continues with the November 28 show at Amplifier in Perth, WA sold out, followed by November 29 at Mundaring Weir Hotel in Mundaring, before three shows in Tasmania on December 3, 4, and 6 in Tasmania.
SEC locks in massive solar farm in Wimmera
The State Electricity Commission’s (SEC) second investment is locked in with Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for the State Electricity Commission Lily D’Ambrosio announcing a $370 million investment to build the SEC Renewable Energy Park – a massive solar farm and battery in Horsham.
It will be the first 100 per cent government-owned energy generator in Victoria since the Liberal Party privatised the state’s energy system.
The park will be capable of generating around 242,000 megawatt hours of renewable energy a year – enough to power 51,000 homes - That’s five times the number of households in Horsham.
The SEC is partnering with devel-
oper OX2 to build the Park, which will consist of a 119-megawatt solar farm and 100-megawatt two-hour battery.
Around 246 jobs will be created during construction, including 20 apprentices, trainees, and cadets.
The battery will soak up cheap solar while the sun is shining and deploy it later in the day to push
Servicing Wangaratta for over 20 years in Implant placement
Dr. Tony Goodison B.D.Sc (Melb)
Dr. Joe Ibrahim D.D.S (Melb)
Dr. Michael Lin D.D.S (Melb)
down electricity prices.
The battery storage will also allow more renewable generation to come online by storing power until it’s ready to be fed into the grid during high demand.
The local community will directly benefit from the profits from the projects.
The SEC will set up a community benefits fund and will work with the community to invest $42,000 a year back into the local area during the project’s construction, and a further $70,000 every year once the project is operational.
The SEC Renewable Energy Park will come online in 2027. It has employed over 650 people to date and is on track to be connected to the grid in 2025, storing enough electricity to power up to 200,000 homes during peak periods.
Once operational, all profits made by the SEC will be reinvested back into renewable energy projects – growing the state’s battery storage, wind and solar farms.
overtake
A WANGARATTA man avoided suspension of his driver’s licence after an overtake gone wrong on Beechworth-Wangaratta Road in March.
Appearing at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Monday, the court heard how on March 21 around 8:25am the 40-year-old man, with his three-year-old son as a passenger inside the Holden Colorado ute towing a trailer, was following a station wagon along the Great Alpine Road outside of Wangaratta.
The driver of the wagon noted the ute was tailgating at a close proximity along the road.
As both vehicles turned onto BeechworthWangaratta Road at Tarrawingee, the defendant pulled into the right lane to overtake as they reached the 100km/h zone.
A vehicle was approaching in the opposite lane, which made the defendant attempt to quickly rejoin the left lane, colliding his trailer with the wagon now behind him.
Both vehicles pulled over to the side of the road where the victim said they were abused by the defendant, who drove away without exchanging details.
The driver of the wagon reported the incident to police.
Defence counsel Geoff Clancy said his client admitted to his “careless” judgement on the road. Mr Clancy said his client remembers the victim was visibly shaken by the incident and also made her feelings known to him.
Magistrate Megan Casey placed the man on a 12-month good behaviour bond, noting his prior good driving record in her decision not to influence his licence.
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Helping families with summer swimming lessons
By JORDAN DUURSMA
WANGARATTA Sports and Aquatic Centre (WSAC) is participating in the State Government’s VICSWIM Summer Kidz program in January 2025.
VICSWIM’s learn-to-swim program is designed to teach kids basic swimming skills as well as crucial water safety education at a low subsidised cost.
Families with kids aged four to 12 are eligible to enrol in five 30-minute lessons, which run over the course of a week.
Acting Sports, Aquatic and Precinct manager Leon Newton said the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre is proudly hosting the VICSWIM program again this January.
“This weeklong intensive and accessible program is particularly valuable for our community,” he said.
“WSAC is a proud partner with VICSWIM, as it encourages water safety and fun for all primary aged children.”
The State Government has
invested $917,000 into the program as part of wideranging efforts to promote swimming safety and ensure even more kids get their chance to learn water-safety basics.
Last summer, more than 16,000 Victorian children took part at 169 swimming centres across the state, with 120 of these located in regional Victoria.
Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, is encouraging local families to sign up to the Summer Kidz program, so kids can learn the skills and water safety knowledge they need to enjoy their summers by the pool, river and near the ocean.
Week one of the program will run from Monday, January 6 to Friday, January 10 and week two will run from Monday, January 13 to Friday, January 17.
Participant fees are $35 plus a $7 booking fee (charged per transaction not per child).
For more information and bookings visit vicswim.com. au.
Don’t forget regions with housing fund: Haines
INDI MP Helen Haines
has introduced a bill to parliament that’s core goal is to secure a fair slice of funding for regional Australia.
A key request is for Housing Australia to distribute at least 30 per cent of its funds each year to projects in regional, rural and remote areas.
A legislated bill would mean that out of the Federal Government’s $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund, regional areas would receive a guaranteed $3 billion.
Dr Haines also confirmed the government overall has committed more than $30b in new housing.
“I’m worried that both major parties are focused
too much on the cities when it comes to solving the housing crisis, and that the regions are at risk of being left behind,” Dr Haines said.
“That’s why as an Independent, I’m introducing a bill to fix it.
“I’ve been a consistent advocate for government action that reflects the reality in regional, rural and remote Australia.
“The sad reality is that for an entire generation of Australians, home ownership – or even a secure rental –feels out of reach and unattainable, and this is keenly felt in regional areas.”
Dr Haines said rural, regional and remote communities need support to build
the infrastructure that will unlock new housing and that regional councils could no longer carry the burden of funding on their own.
Her Regional Housing Bill would also legislate that an objective of Housing Australia and the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) is to address the housing needs of people in regional, rural and remote Australia, putting a requirement on government to act.
It would also provide absolute certainty that local governments and water corporations are eligible for HAFF for critical enabling infrastructure and should be supported by Housing Australia
“Regional Australia ex-
periences the housing crisis differently to the cities, but we’re competing for the same pool of funding,” she said.
“Despite more than $30b in new housing commitments from this government, there are no initiatives specifically focused on increasing the supply of new homes in the regions.
“We need to amend key housing legislation to ensure local government and water corporations can tap into funding to deliver the pipes, paths and poles that unlock new housing developments.
“This bill will equip regional Australia to tackle the housing crisis head on
– to build the homes that will support our regions for years and decades to come.”
The National Regional Housing Summit 2024 highlighted the constraints on local governments and small communities to deliver the support infrastructure needed to meeting housing needs in regional areas.
Key recommendations from the summit, facilitated by the Regional Australia Institute include a call for policy insights to be laser focused on delivering new homes in regional Australia.
The Regional Australia Institute has been pushing for the policy that will develop and deepen regional rental markets and rental hous-
ing, including social and affordable housing; ensuring a pipeline of developmentready land; and a greater mix of housing in regions, including medium density dwellings.
Liz Ritchie, chief executive officer, Regional Australia Institute, said the regions are experiencing a surge in population and will lead the nation’s net zero transformation, but without adequate foundations – like access to housing – these opportunities will be lost.
“Dedicated and targeted funding must be established for rural and regional Australia and a mandate to report on progress is well overdue,” Ms Ritchie said.
WATER SAFETY: WSAC swimming teacher Jenny Gray helping Levi Ferrari (left) and Alice Watt (right) learn how to stay safe in and around water.
PHOTO: Jordan Duursma
Hume and Hovell 200 years in Moyhu
A COMMUNITY event to celebrate 200 years since explorers Hume and Hovell passed through Moyhu in 1824, and 150 years of Moyhu Primary School, will be held on Saturday, November 23 in Moyhu.
A street parade featuring horses, vintage vehicles and walkers will leave Carl Schulz Reserve at 10.30am heading to Moyhu Primary School, which will host a country fair from 11.30am to 2.30pm.
There will be historic demonstrations and displays including blacksmithing, yarn spinning, whip cracking, vintage cars and tractors, and entertainment for families including live music, novelty races like a horseshoe toss and egg and spoon races, and much more, with entry $5 per person.
Creatives of Wangaratta market on Saturday
THE next Creatives of Wangaratta and Surrounds (CoWS) market will be held on Saturday, November 23 at the CWA Hall in Templeton Street from 9am until 1pm.
There will be over 20 artists, makers and small businesses owners from the North East region on site at the indoor, family-friendly event, held on the fourth Saturday of every month.
Explore a wide range of handmade items including jewellery, homewares and giftware, with a free sticker rally for kids to enjoy.
Milawa craft market on Saturday
BROWSE over 30 stalls when the Milawa Craft Market is held at the Milawa Hall in Milawa on Saturday, November 23 from 8.30am to 12pm.
Showcasing the work of local artists and craftspeople including the Wangaratta Handweavers and Spinners, there will also be a range of food and drinks to choose from and live music.
Duxie Franklin to perform tomorrow
ALT-folk pop singer songwriter Duxie Franklin will perform at No 49 Espresso Bar and Record Store on Saturday, November 23 from 7pm.
The event will celebrate the launch of Duxie’s new single Chlorine - a surf-rock inspired track with catchy melodies and feel-good vibes.
Duxie will be supported by her quirky band, Her Long Lost Texan Uncles, with tickets $20 at the door.
Roll up, roll up for swap meet show ‘n’ shine
A BOOST in the number of classic and customised cars and hot rods are expected at this year’s Wangaratta Swap Meet and Show ‘n’ Shine with two car clubs involved.
Wangaratta Rod and Custom Club has assumed management of the swap meet while the Wangaratta Lions Club will focus on catering, and the Early Holden Car Club (EHCC) will host the Show ‘n’ Shine, as they have done since it began.
Vice-president and founder of EHCC, Ken Essenhigh, said he expected the involvement of the rod and custom club to lift entrants in the vehicle display.
“It’s always a really good outing, catching up with the people over the years and the new cars too,” he said.
“Each year you get the regu-
YOU BEAUT UTE: Ken Essenhigh and his beloved 1960 Holden FB ute which he is likely to take along to the Wangaratta swap Meet Show ‘n’ Shine this Sunday.
BY SHANE DOUTHIE sdouthie@ nemedia.com.au
lars and three or four you haven’t seen before.
“Last year we had about 50 vehicles but I’m hoping we might even get 100 this weekend.”
Mr Essenhigh said room might be at a premium at the Showgrounds on the day as space had been set aside for the impending arrival of the Great Victorian Bike Ride and its entourage of about 3000 the next day.
“It might get a little tight with the pushbikes there but we can handle it,” he said.
Mr Essenhigh was a member of the FX FJ Club back in the day
but decided to start a club of his own locally to have more events and outings , which led to the EHCC.
“This year is the 24th year we’ve held the show ‘n’ shine and I’ve probably had a dozen cars over that time,” he said.
“I can remember the first Show ‘n’ Shine, it was a freezing cold day, the cars that came down from Beechworth still had snow on them when they arrived.
“One of the big years we had was when we were allowed to hold the Show ‘n’ Shine on the centre of the oval and had about 250 cars turn out.
“Yesterday’s Heroes we called it.
“This year I’ll probably take my FB ute so I can carry all the paraphernalia I need on the day.”
CAR CLUBS UNITE FOR BUMPER VEHICLE DISPLAY
The swap meet itself looks set to be a bumper edition with organisers confident the 160 stalls available will all be taken up by the weekend.
Official entry to the Show ‘n’ Shine is via Evans Street gate (cloak room end) for $10, this includes driver entry to the swap meet. All other passengers are $5, cars to be parked by 8.30am. Entry for stall holders is from 5am on the day via Evans St gate (cloak room end)
There is no camping at the grounds this year due to the clash with the Great Australian Bike Ride.
Public entry to the swap meet is from 7am at $5 per person, children under 12 free.
For more information contact Brendan Smith 0407 820 509 or Darren Proctor 0412 098 351.
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PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
ARTISTS IN SYNC
FOUNDING resident artists Sian Lim and Joan Mullarvey are holding their final exhibition at the Art Gallery on Ovens, with the pair about to step away from the gallery to spend more time with family and explore new opportunities. Come and see their new work alongside favourite pieces, reflecting how their friendship and shared passion for art has developed over the last five years. The exhibition is open Monday, Thursday and Friday from 10am until 4pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2pm in laneway off Murphy Street until December 2, and entry is free.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
HEADLINERS
PACIFIC Avenue will headline Sunday’s Push All-Ages Tour gig at The Vine Hotel along with Teenage Joans, and supported by local performers, Beechworth’s Samara Bright and Wangaratta’s Anthony Chisholm. Tickets for the show, which runs from 1pm to 5pm, are available (from $30 plus booking fees) through Moshtix. The gig, an all-ages, fullysupervised, drug, alcohol and vape-free event with no passouts, has also offered local young people the chance to gain valuable event training, giving them hands-on experience in all aspects of event planning, from stage plots and backline to managing riders.
PHOTO: Charlie Hardy
Enjoy Romantic Comedy in Yarrawonga
ALLEGRO Theatre Company
Yarrawonga is presenting Bernard Slade’s play Romantic Comedy at St Andrew’s Uniting Church Hall this weekend.
Romantic Comedy tells the story of Jason Carmichael, an arrogant, selfcentred and sharp tongued, successful co-author of Broadway romantic comedies, who is facing two momentous events: he is about to marry a society belle, and his collaborator is retiring.
Directed by Steve Thornycroft and Shelley Bovenkamp and featuring a familiar local cast, the play will be performed on November 22 and 23 at 7.30pm (cabaret style BYO) with a special performance at Wilby Hall on November 30 at 7.30pm (cabaret), and tickets are $25 with bookings at https://www. trybooking.com/CUZWD.
Drag’d Out Beechworth
Drag’d Out Beechworth, a queer positive all-inclusive community event, will be held in Beechworth on Saturday, November 23.
Enjoy a variety of activities featuring world-class performers including Drag Bingo and Drag Trivia, a pop-up art installation at the Beechworth Memorial Hall, and the popular Rainbow Ball. For a full program including times and booking details visit dragdoutbeechworth.com.au.
Quilts on display at My Little Patch
A SELECTION of quilts made by local quilter Bev Lloyd is on display at My Little Patch for the month of November. See them in the shop at the rear of 49 Reid Street during opening hours.
Wangaratta community market
THE Wangaratta community market runs every Sunday at Moore Than Swimming, located at 11-13 Mason Street in Wangaratta, from 8am until 1pm.
There are a wide range of stalls to browse with new and used items, plants, fruit and veg and more, with refreshments also on site.
Stalls are available for just $20 each (no bookings required) and car boot sales are welcome for $15, with more information via the market’s Facebook page or call Sheree on 0401 665 886.
Students artworks celebrated
THE Rural City of Wangaratta’s Festival of Jazz and Blues has many new young ambassadors.
Following on from the festival’s successful community engagement poster project “Back on Track,” which was an important part of the very successful 34th festival, David Godkin, the projects coordinator visited schools after the festival to personally thank the students and staff for their participation by creating some very interesting artworks.
The first school visited was Milawa Primary School,
where every student created a poster for the festival.
Next to be visited were St Bernard’s and Appin Park primary schools.
The artist’s artworks were returned for display at the schools and each artist was very pleased to receive either a jazz blues T-shirt or a festival glass or a performer poster as a thankyou.
At Milawa PS every student and every staff member went home with a Jazz Blues T-shirt.
Apparently most of the students wore their shirt all day.
2024 WANGARATTA YOUNG WRITERS AWARD
Cape Conran
By SIMONE KERWIN
ARABELLA CHAPMAN took third place in the 2024 Wangaratta Young Writers Award year 5/6 story category with this piece.
The competition was jointly run by the Rotary Club of Wangaratta, and the Rotary Club of Appin Park Wangaratta.
SMOKE filled the air, screams echoed across the campground. The sky turned red, the beast was coming.
Ashes landed on faces they couldn’t hide, it was time to run. The beast grew bigger, it got closer and closer. Sweat dripped off the campers’ faces as they moved quickly through the haze. The young girl could feel her ponytail whacking her face as she was quickly bundled into the car to evacuate. The bird cries added to the chaos, they were loud and constant as they flew in flocks from the treetops to find a new safe place to perch.
Perhaps it was a flicker of lightning from the distant storm that had rolled through earlier, or a careless spark from a nearby campfire. Whatever it was, the result was the same. The orange and red glow spread out like the fingers of a giant hand, casting eerie shadows across the campground. Smoke billowed up; a thick, choking cloud that hung over the town like a warning. The fire’s glow could be seen from miles away, and
soon, the peaceful quiet of the evening was shattered by the wail of sirens.
In minutes, the town’s small volunteer fire department was on the scene. Men and women, faces grim with determination, jumped from the trucks, hoses in hand.
“Let’s get to work!” the fire chief barked as he surveyed the scene. The flames were intense, the heat radiating off in waves that could be felt even from a distance. The firemen moved quickly, unravelling hoses, directing powerful jets of water onto the fire, but the cabins and trees had already become a towering inferno. The blaze was relentless, devouring everything in its path.
Hours passed, and though the firefighters fought valiantly, it became clear that it couldn’t be saved. The fire had burned too hot, too fast. All they could do was contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading to nearby trees, buildings and towns. By the time dawn broke, all that remained of the land was a smouldering pile of ash and blackened smoke.
The fire was out, but town and community would feel its loss for a long time. As the firemen packed up their gear and the last wisps of smoke curled into the brightening sky, the people came together. Plans for rebuilding began almost immediately. The thriving holiday destination might be gone, but the spirit of the community was as strong as ever, ready to rise from the ashes.
Type 1 Parents catch-up
A CHRISTMAS catch-up for parents of children with Type 1 Diabetes will be held on Sunday afternoon in Wangaratta.
The gathering will be held at the North Eastern Hotel in Spearing Street from 2pm to 5pm, with children welcome to attend.
Oxley PS 150 year celebration
OXLEY Primary School will celebrate its 150th anniversary on Saturday, November 30 from 10am until 12pm, and everyone is welcome.
The school will be open and there will be a display of old photographs in the main building, along with fresh scones for morning tea and a coffee van onsite and conclude with the official opening of the school’s new garden and the laying of a time capsule.
Spotlight is a crowd pleaser: Opening “better than expected”
Friday, November 21, 2014
By SIMONE KERWIN
PARFITT Plaza was brimming with cars on Wednesday as the spotlight turned to Wangaratta’s newest retailer on the block.
Customers streamed into the Parfitt Road complex throughout the day to check out the city’s long-awaited Spotlight store, and a lengthy queue awaited the opening at 8am.
Owner Zac Fried described the reaction to the opening as “better than expected”.
Mr Fried attended the Wangaratta opening, before heading to official openings in Grafton and Armidale on the same day; the three stores are among 10 new Spotlight outlets to open in Australia in 10 weeks.
“For Wangaratta, we weren’t really sure what it would be like, but we are definitely very happy,” Mr Fried said.
“The car park (comprising 160 spaces) is full, we’ve double-parked people, and they are also parking on the street.
“The taxi driver said this morning
here, and that it’s a good size,” she said.
make their purchases on the first day of operation for Wangaratta’s new Spotlight store. PHOTO: Luke
that this will get more people to come across the bridge.”
The Wangaratta store employs
30 part-time and full-time staff members, all drawn from the local area, and Mr Fried said there had
been a wealth of craft and textile experience to draw on in the rural city.
“We had someone come to us who had been involved with a curtain retailer for 20 years, so there is a lot of experience out there,” he said.
And Mr Fried said Spotlight’s presence in Wangaratta was a longterm proposition.
“We have a 10 year lease with three six year options, so we’re not going anywhere for 28 years at least,” he said.
Bed linen proved the most popular item for purchase on Wednesday’s opening day, with the fabric and party sections also attracting strong interest.
Staff member Kerri Westhead said customers on the first day had been extremely positive.
“A lot of people are so happy it’s
“They are sick and tired of driving an hour to get their craft supplies.”
Sewing enthusiasts, in particular, were thrilled with the new store.
“When they said it was going to be in this building, I thought, ‘Oh, they normally skimp on Wang’ and they would give us a little tiny version,” Wangaratta resident Lee Manly said.
“I had to come down here to make sure it was the real thing, and it is.”
With her sewing room at home filled with three overlockers, two sewing machines, a cutting table and a filing cabinet full of patterns, Ms Manly said she would be a regular at the new store.
Pauline Campbell agreed, saying she had been “waiting for years” for a Spotlight store in Wangaratta.
“I never thought it would happen,” she said.
The opening of Spotlight follows the arrival of Target in the Co-Store complex in August, and continues the flow of national retailers into Wangaratta.
FESTIVAL CONTRIBUTERS: Year 3/4 students at Appin Park Primary School proudly wearing their Jazz Blues T shirts brought along by David Godkin.
PROUD AMBASSADORS: The 2/3 class at Milawa proudly wearing their vintage festival T-shirts with their teacher Rick Petts, along with David Godkin when he visited the school.
EARLY QUEUES: Customers line up to
Plummer
Arabella Chapman
A VISITOR FROM THE INLAND – THE BUDGERIGAR
By IAN DAVIDSON and CHRIS TZAROS
BUDGERIGARS, or Budgies as they are more commonly known, are the world’s most popular caged bird, and though they come in many attractive colour forms, there is no substitute for the natural form –the green and gold wild budgie.
Seeing budgies in the bush, especially huge flocks, is a wonderful spectacle, far more appealing than seeing this highly mobile icon of the Australian inland couped-up in a tiny cage chattering to itself in a mirror.
In the wild, Budgies predominantly occur through Australia’s dry interior, including our harshest deserts, but they are highly nomadic and have the ability to move large distances rapidly in response to changing environmental conditions.
In arid country, if good rainfall has created the perfect breeding scenario with prolific seeding grasses and the availability of surface water, immense flocks can form where they will use any available tree hollows for
nesting, sometimes forming large breeding colonies.
Their breeding cycle is fast –established pairs can find a nest site, lay eggs and raise chicks within just 6-7 weeks.
After breeding, depending on conditions, they may remain in the area or rapidly depart to find suitable conditions elsewhere.
At times of inland drought, when food and water is scarce, Budgies depart those affected areas and head for greener pastures, often to more temperate regions such as here in the north-east.
Recently, a small flock was seen on the edge of the Warby Ranges at Killawarra, a sign that perhaps others could descend
on the region as we progress towards summer and as the inland dries out.
Budgies feed exclusively on small seeds, mainly from native grasses and herbs, but they may also feed on a variety of weeds and introduced pasture grasses where available. They often perch on long grass, ‘riding’ the stems to the ground to then feed on the seeding heads. They prefer open habitat, and in this region, they
will generally avoid forests and occur throughout farming country and lightly timbered woodlands.
It is rare for Budgies to breed in this region – this only really occurs during severe inland droughts.
However, they were reportedly more common in the early 1900s where, together with Cockatiels, they bred in areas with numerous dead standing trees that contained small hollows for nesting –habitat that is now mostly gone.
SWARM OF COLOUR: Beautiful in their wild habitat – a small flock of Budgies recently spotted in the Warbies.
PHOTO: Chris Tzaros (Birds Bush and Beyond)
Time to swim
Wangaratta Primary School
STUDENTS from grade 5 and 6 recently participated in a weeklong swimming program aimed at enhancing their water safety and swimming skills.
Lessons focused on technique, stamina and water confidence with students learning essential strokes like freestyle and breaststroke, while also practicing safety measures for various aquatic situations.
The program, which was both educational and fun, had students engaged from all swimming abilities.
The week-long initiative was a valuable experience, promoting fitness and water safety awareness among young learners.
Before and after care
Appin Park Primary School
THE school is fortunate to have before and after school care provided at school by Their Care. There are several parents that begin their work before school hours, and they have the comfort of knowing their children can get to school early and be supervised between 7am and 8.45am by Their Care staff.
Breakfast is supplied and often there are quiet, crafttype activities that can be undertaken which engage the students.
The after-school program is open until 6pm which really helps those families who finish their workday later. Again, the students have a variety of snacks offered as afternoon tea before being able to go outside to play or stay inside and have some down time with a quiet activity.
It is a great opportunity for these students to interact with all students across the school, which then flows into the school grounds where there is a sense of belonging within a large family.
EARLY RISERS: Appin Park students Sandra Schulz and Arya Tsamados enjoy some morning craft work before starting their school day.
Nature study Carraragarmungee Primary School Award winner
STUDENT Oscar Newman won one of 25 NAIDOC week awards for a statewide colouring-in competition.
He was so proud of his efforts, and the school community enjoyed helping him celebrate.
PROUD ACHIEVEMENT: Carra’s Oscar Newman was pleased to have won a NAIDOC week award in a statewide competition.
Wangaratta High School
YEAR 7 year level leader
Nathan Manning brought his 15 one-week-old baby chicks in to school.
Students enjoyed cuddles with the feathery friends and learned about their eating and sleeping habits.
CUDDLING UP: Wangaratta High School year 7 students Ellouise Jones and Paige Tanner enjoyed learning about the cute baby chicks.
DISCOVERY: As the school celebrates 150 years, Moyhu students including Sam Allen have researched interesting facts about its history.
150 year anniversary
Moyhu Primary School
THE school will celebrate its 150 year anniversary when a country fair is held in the school grounds on Saturday, November 23 from 11.30am to 2.30pm and everyone is welcome.
In the leadup to the event, students learnt about the history of the school and reflected on how education has changed over decades.
Grade 4 student Sam Allen found it fascinating how students travelled to school over the years and he shares his thoughts.
“Back in 1874, most students would walk to school, even if it meant trekking several kilometres each day,” he wrote.
“At that time, walking was the only way to reach the school, no matter how far away their homes were.
“By the 1880s, students began using horses for their daily commute, and a generous local, Mr Archie McCallum, donated land to the school to serve as a paddock where students could leave their horses during the school day.
“With the turn of the century, bicycles became a popular mode of transport for students and by the early 1900s, cycling to school was a common sight in the town.
“Some students even remember taking the train to attend sports days in nearby Wangaratta, recalling the experience of riding in a rickety cart that seemed to take hours to reach town, adding an element of adventure to their school days.
“From walking and horseback riding to bikes and trains, the history of how students travelled to Moyhu Primary School is a testament to the changing times.”
2
3How many legs does a silverfish have? Is it a) 4, b) 6, d) 8, or d) 10?
4What’s the elemental symbol for potassium? Is it a) P, b) Po, c) K, or d) Gi?
5The extinction that killed off the dinosaurs happened at the end of which geological period? Was it a) the Permian, b) the Triassic, c) the Jurassic, or d) the Cretaceous?
1If you drop a hammer off a tall building, how fast will it be falling after one second? Is it a) 3.5 kilometres per hour, b) 10 kilometres per hour, c) 35 kilometres per hour, or d) 100 kilometres per hour?
WATER FUN: Students including Charles Jones, Ryan VanDerPoel, Mark Henschke, Xavier VanSchaik and Nash Farrugia learnt essential strokes during their swimming program and Wangaratta Primary School.
North facing Ovens River waterfront
THIS property at 56 Cambridge Drive spectacularly captures the Ovens River and its riverfront views are among the best in the city.
It offers a rare opportunity in the highly desirable Cambridge Estate - low maintenance, well positioned, private executive home.
The five-bedroom, double story craftsman built home (2012) with luxurious modern living and a generous size floorplan provides exquisite resort style living for any fortunate buyer.
There is a formal private entry, expansive hallway, four large bedrooms with ample built-in robes, main bathroom, separate toilet and powder room.
The master bedroom captures stunning river views with direct access to the outdoor entertaining area.
There is an adjoining study, large walk-in-robe and ensuite with oversized shower, spa bath and double vanitywith additional access to the fifth bedroom through ensuite.
A spacious open plan kitchen with a
Wangaratta branch
76 Reid Street
Open weekdays
north facing aspect and winter sun has 40mm stone waterfall benchtops, 2pac cabinetry, Smeg 900ml oven and induction cooktop.
A butlers pantry is fitted with sink, addition fridge provision and an enviable amount of storage.
Upstairs there is a versatile living area to utilise as it suits your stage of life.
An adult retreat, lounge or kids games room all will have the aspect.
Summer or winter you can escape to this serene place of relaxation, with options of a cozy wood fireplace, open doors and breeze while enjoying the view of the rivergums and waterfront.
An incredibly private balcony is big enough to entertain and a perfect place to take in the incredible 180 degree river views and enjoy a quiet moment yourself.
Summers are easy to imagine being spent in the north facing, fully paved outdoor entertaining area with built in barbecue, sink and double bar fridge.
The salt chlorinated solar heated in-
9am to 5pm (closed 1pm to 1:45pm)
ground swimming pool and spa completes this entertainers delight.
And you have easy access to the Ovens River at your back fence.
Functional features of this spectacular home include ducted vacuum system, ducted gas heating, evaporative cooling, quality roman blinds throughout and electric roller blinds to the main living areas.
Along with high ceilings and an abundance of storage, everything has been thought of.
This 977m2 allotment is fully fenced with secure private front yard.
The oversized double garage with additional storage is big enough to fit two vehicles and home gym or alternatively a car and a caravan.
The additional roller door at the rear of the garage opens directly onto an expansive east facing decked area that gets drenched in the morning sun providing yet another area for outdoor living/sitting area.
With its rural river outlook, the prop-
erty is nearby to schools and sporting facilities, and bike and walking tracks.
For the astute buyer looking to secure a fantastically located prestigious home here it is, all done - finished, new paint and carpets included this year.
Call today to arrange your inspection 03 57 229 444, Joe McKenzie 0423 655 179, Paul Reid 0417 537 520.
Perfect Milawa lifestyle property
THIS magnificent five-bedroom residence located in the Milawa Gourmet Region is a classically beautiful homestead that offers melds of yesteryear charm within a refined contemporary home.
This property offers the complete package to country living, large family home, full veranda, big shedding, sealed road access and well-established gardens whilst occupying 20 acres of land.
With over 330m2 of living, you are greeted with nine foot ceilings and an impressive sun filled open plan kitchen living and dining.
The kitchen is well appointed with stainless appliances, 900mm oven, induction cooking, large island bench and a large amount of storage with custom cabinetry.
Contributing to the homes efficiency is the 22-panel solar unit along with three battery storage.
The free-standing carport provides for three vehicles whilst the good size shedding (16m x 9m) has full bathroom facilities with WC and shower.
Designed with a clear vision in mind, the tree lined driveway, gorgeous gar-
Price | $1,500,000 - $1,600,000
Land | 20 acres
Location | 268 Oxley Plains Road, Milawa
dens and established trees surrounding the property provides both beauty, shade and can be admired from many aspects in the home.
Paddocks are divided up conveniently into four, all with reticulated water from a bore onsite.
Other notable farm features included steel cattle yards, crush, loading ramp all with separate access to the home, along with machinery/hay shed.
Call Danial Siperki and Hugh Amery from Harcourts Real Estate to arrange a private inspection.
RUTHERGLEN PRIME FOOTPRINT
Custom built home with low maintenance
THIS custom built three bedroom brick veneer home completed in 2022 at 13 Bowerbird Way has a lot to offer for anyone looking for low maintenance lifestyle with high end finishes and all the hard work done.
The master bedroom features an ensuite and walk-in robe while the two additional bedrooms are both fitted with BIRs.
The main bathroom has separate shower and bath with separate WC.
The heart of the home is well thought out with open plan kitchen/ dining space and adjoining living.
The kitchen provides high end finishes with stone benchtops, stainless steel upright stove (900mm) and breakfast bar.
Step outside and entertain your guest with a generous sized alfresco finished with exposed aggregate concrete and ceiling lined with cedar boards.
Live with the comfort of ducted refrigerated heating and cooling all year round.
Agent | Harcourts Wangaratta
Phone | 03 5722 9444
Price | $660,000
Land | 505m2
Location | 13 Bowerbird Way, Wangaratta
The property has just been fully landscaped and is offered with vacant possession, perfect for anyone wanting to move straight in.
Access into the backyard is through the rear of the garage with roller door, also with a separate PA gate on the services side of the home.
If you are currently in the market for a custom-built home, move in ready with all the hard work done then enquire today to book your inspection.
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McDonald’s puts a a Chery on top on
■ REMARKABLE:
The combination of Chery’s new Tiggo 4 Pro convenient size, premium quality cabin, excellent safety features, the latest in technology, long warranty at driveaway prices starting below $24,000 is remarkable.
By ALISTAIR KENNEDY, MARQUE MOTORING
CHINESE carmaker Chery has come up with a very clever marketing ploy by partnering with McDonalds in the fast-food chain’s November sales campaign where the major prize is a new Tiggo 4 Pro.
Without knowing the numbers, it’s fair to assume that a large percentage of people who see the ads have never heard of Chery as a brand and even less of Tiggo specifically as a model.
As is the case with Korean siblings, Hyundai and Kia, most Omoda and Tiggo vehicles are built alongside each other at Chery’s Anhui factory.
We’ve just tested the Tiggo 4 Pro.
It’s the smallest of the three SUVs in the Tiggo range.
Tiggo 4 Pro comes with the choice of two variants, Urban and Ultimate, with driveaway prices of $23,990 and $26,990 respectively.
Add a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, seven-year / 105,000 km capped priced servicing, and seven-year roadside assistance if the vehicle is serviced at a Chery dealership, and the value for money is the best in its class.
STYLING
Overall, there’s not much to make Tiggo 4 standout from the mid-sized SUV crowd.
The vertical grille and squared off rear, together with a longer than average bonnet, give it a chunky look.
The large Chery family grille combines silver diamond and piano black infill grille with the Chery badge at the top-centre.
The grille is flanked by narrow wrap-around LED headlights above long narrow LED daytime running lights.
The Ultimate can be
distinguished by its 18-inch alloy wheels with red trim and brake callipers.
Urban has 17-inch gloss black alloys.
INTERIOR
There’s a high-quality look and spacious feel inside the Tiggo 4.
For a sub-$28,000 vehicle it could easily be for mistaken for something at least twice that price.
Entry is easy and there’s plenty of front headroom despite the sunroof in the Ultimate that we tested.
The seats, cloth in the Urban and faux leather in the Ultimate, are large, supportive and comfortable.
The driver’s seat in the Ultimate has six-way power adjustment and heating, all others are manual and unheated.
All variants get an artificial leather steering wheel with tilt and reach adjustment.
Interior storage is disappointing.
Apart from two cup holders and a narrow opening for the key fob there’s nothing in the central console for phone, wallets and the similar small items.
Rather, the area that could be used on either side of the gear selector is just a bare piano black surface.
To compensate there is a space underneath the console where items can be kept out of sight.
In line with the growing trend most features in the Tiggo 4 are accessed through the media touchscreen meaning far too much of the driver’s time has to be spent looking there rather than the road ahead.
Fortunately, Chery has partially addressed the issue by providing two small levers on the driver’s side of the central console to allow for easy adjustment of the air conditioning.
Likewise, the audio can be adjusted easily with physical buttons below the touchscreen.
Other features can be turned off through the multimedia screen but this needs to be re-done every time the engine is re-started.
Luggage capacity using the VDA criteria is 380 litres with the rear seats in place expanding to a maximum 1225 litres when folded.
There’s a space-saver wheel below the boot floor.
DRIVETRAIN
Both variants are powered by the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine.
Outputs are a reasonable 108 kW and 210 Nm.
It’s front wheel-drive only and comes with continuously variable transmission.
A hybrid variant will be added to the range next year.
There is also a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) available but whether it comes here has yet to be decided.
Tiggo 4 Pro has yet to be crash tested by ANCAP but, given its long list of active and passive safety features it’s likely that it will achieve the maximum five-star rating.
Both variants get seven airbags, rear parking sensors, reversing camera, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, emergency lane keeping, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, integrated cruise assist, blind spot detection, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert and braking, door opening warning, speed limit information function, speed control assist, driver monitoring system and two Isofix child seat anchors. Ultimate adds a 360-around view camera.
DRIVING
Despite its modest engine outputs Tiggo 4 provides capable if unexciting performance.
Around town, which is likely to be its natural habitat, it’s easy to manoeuvre especially in the Ultimate with its 360-degree split screen monitor.
Steering is relatively heavy especially in urban conditions.
Ride is relatively firm but still comfortable enough.
There are two drive modes: Eco and Sport.
Eco is the default setting and is fine for routine driving while Sport does sharpen performance
The lane correction feature is quite severe and we quickly included it in our turn-off sequence together with the speed limit and driver attention alerts before taking off Fuel economy isn’t great.
Listed at 7.3 litres per 100 kilometres we averaged 8.7 L/100 km.
If that’s a major issue then it may be worth waiting for the hybrid version although the bargain prices in place now may well have changed by then.
SUMMARY
Chery Tiggo 4 is another example of how much and how quickly the quality of Chinese vehicles have improved in recent years.
While prices have risen with the arrival of new generation models in brands such as MG and GWM they still remain cheaper than most of their competitors.
The Tiggo 4 Pro is likely to quickly become Chery’s biggestselling vehicle.
The combination of its convenient size, premium quality cabin, excellent safety features, the latest in technology, long warranty at driveaway prices starting below $24,000 is remarkable.
SAFETY
Rural City Connection
Lighting of the Christmas Tree
Join us as we officially mark the beginning of our Summer in The Parks program of events. There will be children’s craft activities, live entertainment, face painting, sausage sizzle and gelato! PLUS, a market in Apex Park. Santa may even make a guest appearance! Smoke, vape & drug free event, strictly no glass or BYO alcohol.
Riverside Square Friday 6 December 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Mental Health First Aid Scholarships
Apply now for the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Scholarship Program. This initiative provides fully funded training to help businesses create supportive, mentally healthy workplaces. Applications close December 13, 2024. The training itself will take place in March 2025. For more information and to apply https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/MHFA
Register with Connect Wangaratta
Register for Council’s Connect Wangaratta website between now and May, and you will automatically enter the monthly draw for a $50 gift voucher, and a weekly draw for local café vouchers and WSAC family swim passes. Connect Wangaratta enables residents to provide feedback on important topics, online. This feedback directly helps to shape final policies and projects. Registration takes less than five minutessign up today to have your say!
Community Satisfaction Survey
From now until 1 December your household may receive a call from independent market research agency, who have been commissioned to conduct a community satisfaction survey on behalf of Council. The agency will interview a sample of residents to assess Council’s performance across a range of measures, identifying ways to provide improvement or more effective service delivery to residents. Your details and responses are confidential. Only the overall results are shared with the Rural City of Wangaratta. We appreciate you taking the time to assist us with your valuable feedback. If you have any questions, please call Council on 5722 0888.
Local Shop Hop King Valley
Each month we are showcasing the cool, quirky, and unique shopping spots across our region. Until November 2024, residents and visitors are invited to explore our charming townships for a chance to win some awesome prizes. Make a purchase at participating businesses, scan the QR code at point of purchase, and you’re in!
This month we are highlighting King Valley. More info here: https://bit.ly/3IZq8Xy
Tenders
Free Green Waste Disposal
To assist residents to clean up around their property, we are offering free green waste disposal at all transfer stations for the whole month of November!
Garden waste, leaf litter, branches and woody material will be accepted. All green waste will be inspected upon entry to transfer stations so please ensure material is separated and free from contaminants, general waste, and recyclables.
For further information please contact Council’s customer service team on (03) 5722 0888
Wangaratta Library Christmas Crafting
Thursday 28 November
• 2-4pm Crafting for adults. Bookings essential call 5721 2366
• 4-6pm Crafting for all the family. Drop-in, no bookings required.
Planning Applications
Application
PlnApp24/132
Location Smith St Oxley
Proposal 3-lot subdivision and variation of restrictive covenant.
Application No
PlnApp24/163
Location 10 Ely St Oxley
Proposal Buildings and works for the construction of a domestic outbuilding.
These applications can be viewed on Rural City of Wangaratta’s website under Development, Planning, Current Applications. Any person who may be affected by the granting of a permit may object or make a submission (must be in writing).
For more information, please contact the Town Planning Unit on 03 5722 0888. Submissions close 6 December.
Positions Vacant
For
Peechelba
2024 Annual General Meeting of the Jubilee Golf Club inc.
Notice is hereby given that the AGM will be held in the Clubrooms on: Tuesday, December 3, at 7pm.
CONCRETING, big or small jobs, paths, driveways, shed slabs, verandahs, 15 years experience. For a free quote phone Trev Anderson on 0422 200 761.
Bulk loads Redgum box and Bluegum Garden sleepers Post and rail fencing Onsite milling Firewood cut and split Ph 0448 933 999
Street and Green Street between 8.30am and 1.30pm PLEASE DRIVE SAFELY
of the Wangaratta Rovers Football & Netball Club Inc will be held at the W J Maroney Pavilion on Wednesday 4 December 2024 at 6pm to receive and consider the annual report of the Committee, the financial statements of the Association, elect the members of the Committee, confirm the annual subscription and consider any other business given in writing to the Secretary. Members have the right to appoint a proxy for the Annual General Meeting. Proxy forms are available from the Club by e-mail: admin@wangrovers.com.au Graeme Taylor, Secretary
All enquiries to the Secretary: Pinjarra.1@bigpond.com or Phone 0437 800 982.
To Visit Visited
CLEARING sale, household furniture and electrical goods, books, homewares and more. Sunday, November 24, 8am, NO early callers, 5 Pelican Court, Wangaratta.
To Visit Visited
HUGE garage sale, lots of bargains, something for everyone! Saturday, November 23, 8am2.30pm, 9 Lomandra Street, Wangaratta.
To Visit Visited
SUNDAY, November 24, 8am-1pm, 7 Avon Street, Wangaratta. Rotary hoe, compressor, fishing gear, spray equipment and lots more. TOOLS, household items, chairs, huge range of books and loads more. Saturday, November 23, 8am12pm, 13 Hulme Drive, Wangaratta.
To Visit Visited
DANIEL’S Carpentry and Maintenance Solutions. Servicing Wangaratta and surrounds. For a free quote and examples of my work find us on Facebook or www. danielscarpentry.com or phone 0413 660 636.
FRANK’S DOG TRAINING, qualified, professional dog behaviourist, nationally accredited, obedience training, behavioral solutions, $70 a session. Ph 0418 314 610. Check out my dog tricks on Facebook.
MARK’S Mowing, reasonable prices, ride on mowing, edging, clean up, spraying and any waste removal. Ph 0472 603 156.
PAINTER, old school, for all your painting needs, commercial, industrial renovations. Phone Juliano 0412 597 482.
WHEELER Earthworks, available for all your earthworks needsyard clean ups, stump removals, driveways, material supply and spreading, rural work and more. Call Marcus on 0491 094 545.
APRICOTS and berries, fresh picked, available on Sunday at the Wangaratta Community Market, 8am-12pm, Moore’s Swimming, Mason Street, Wangaratta. For orders phone 0447 257 300.
BARGAIN, for sale QS bedroom suite, including near new mattress and bed frame, white 6 draw dressing table, 2x of 3 draw bedside draws. $500ono. Phone 0412 081 637.
CARAVAN/CAMPING, new washing machine still in box, new drain hose, new water hose, as new clothes line, new leveling ramp, as new Roman 50LTR fridge /freezer combo with cover. The lot $650. Phone Norm 0408 431 505.
CORRUGATED steel sheets, sizes range from 1m to over 2m, some red Colorbond, $8 a metre. Phone Paul 0428 970 591.
FREE Range Hens, ISA Brown Pullets, POL, $30 each. Phone Becky or Hugh on 5798 1868.
TYRES new and secondhand, trailer, rims, wrecking. New hours 9am to 5pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 44 Newman Street, Wangaratta. Ph 0428 257 221, Adzam Tyres.
CHERRIES – Pick Your Own!
$5kg bring your own containers
Open 8am-5pm daily (closed Fridays)
SMITH’S GLENROWAN ORCHARDS 0408 597 770
MAZDA 3, 2010, 2LT, 6SPD, 1 owner, always serviced by Mazda. Vin: JM0BL10F100153182, Rego to the 1/4/2025, excellent condition, $5250. Ph 0456 236 310.
OLD cars wanted, cars removed. Ph 0435 083 115.
BARGAIN! CARAVANS & CAMPERS
2011 Avan Cruiseliner, great condition, it has h ot water system, 3 way fridge, microwave, gas cooktop, solar, plenty of boot storage, annex, electric jockey w heel, 6 months r ego left, $18,500. Phone 0409 700 956
CARAVAN 2010 WESTERN, 18FT,double bed, fridge, stove, HW, shower and toilet, air con, TV, awning. Vin: 6T9T21WA1A03ZA002, great condition, $20,000. Ph 0456 236 310.
FIREWOOD
Tomorrow Today is Benalla and district’s independent community foundation, working to help build strength and resilience in our community, with a focus on improving educational outcomes for local children and young people.
Business Manager
The Business Manager will support the Executive Officer’s leadership of Tomorrow Today, taking responsibility for operational and financial management and overseeing organisational risk and compliance in line with the strategic and accountability frameworks set by the Board.
Permanent part-time position (22.5 hours per week).
The Position Description can be obtained by emailing admin@tomorrowtoday.com.au or visiting our website https://tomorrowtoday.com.au/aboutus#work-with-us
For a confidential discussion regarding the position, please contact Jodie Fleming, Executive Officer, 0419 395 962 Applications close December 5, 2024.
ALPINE MDF INDUSTRIES PTY LTD.
Production Technician
We are seeking mechanically minded individuals to perform a variety of operational functions for the production of Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF). This is a fulltime position, operating under the site EA on a 12-hour rotating 24/6 roster; •4-week Rotating Shift Roster Cycle; •2 weekends off in every 4; •Shift Allowance; •EA Level 4 base $29.39, with 35.75% loading, $39.90 per hour.
For further information, please contact the HR Officer—Alexandra on; (03) 5723 0454 or apply directly via Seek.
Trails Coordinator
Beechworth Permanent, full time
$87,358 - $95,412 per annum Information Management and Governance Administration Officer
Beechworth Permanent, part time
$64,738 - $68,755 per annum, pro rata
Governance Officer
Beechworth Permanent, part time
$73,785 - $84,228 per annum, pro rata Applications close 4pm, Sunday 8 December 2024.
Visit www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au/jobs to download the position recruitment kit, and to view instructions on how to apply.
BENALLA RURAL CITY COUNCIL
Collaborative Digital Transformation Project (CODI) Project Coordinator (Full- Time) Project Officer (Full-Time) Two Year Contracts
We are seeking applications from suitably experienced and enthusiastic people for the positions of Collaborative Digital Transformation Project (CODI) Project Coordinator and Project Officer.
The roles involve working closely with the project management team to provide high level administrative functions supporting active project governance and adherence to Council’s Policies and the Project Management framework.
Download an Employment Information Pack at www.benalla.vic.gov.au or obtain a pack from Human Resources Coordinator Rhonda McDonald, telephone 03 5760 2662.
Applications addressing key selection should reach us by 5pm Friday 6 December 2024.
For a confidential discussion on the position, telephone Manager Facilities and Information Technology Greg Robertson 0409 529 463. Benalla Rural City Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Child Safe Organisation.
www.benalla.vic.gov.au
Galen
Catholic College
Join our amazing team of educators and a professional environment that is passionate, collegial and focused on learning for all.
We are currently seeking applicants for the following full time, ongoing positions for 2025: Humanities/Mathematics/Religious Education Teacher (any combination) Psychologist
Learning Mentor
Applications close on Wednesday 27th November at 12pm. For further details on how to apply please visit our website https://www.galen.vic.edu.au/employment/ Our school community promotes the safety, wellbeing, and inclusion of all children.
Galen Catholic College embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply. and encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Administration Officer - Community Part-Time (0.6 EFT 22.8 hours per week)
We are seeking applications from enthusiastic and suitably experienced people for the position of Administration Officer – Community. The position will be responsible for providing quality service through the provision of administrative and technical support, including the development and maintenance of appropriate systems and records. If you are a detail-orientated, community minded person with good communication and organisational skills we want you on our team. Download an Employment Information Pack at www.benalla.vic.gov.au or obtain a pack from Human Resources Coordinator Rhonda McDonald, telephone 03 5760 2662.
Applications addressing key selection should reach us by 5pm Wednesday 27 November 2024.
For a confidential discussion on the position, telephone Manager Community Jane Archbold on 03 5761 2210. Benalla Rural City Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Child Safe Organisation. www.benalla.vic.gov.au
BELT, Barry Benedict. 23/7/1932 – 19/11/2024
Passed away peacefully at Rangeview Private Nursing Home, Wangaratta. Aged 92 years.
Dearly loved father of Sue, Sally and Clinton. Father-in-law of Michael and Les. Grandfather of Anthony, Joanne and Christine. Great-Grandfather of 13 and great-great-grandfather of 3. Loved stepfather of David, Robert, Steven and their families.
BUCHAN, James ‘Jim’.
The Eldorado Rural fire Brigade has lost committed and highly respected member, his contributions to the Brigade will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his wife Sandra
BUCHAN, James “Jim”.
On behalf of the volunteers and staff of District 23, we would like to offer our sincere condolences to Sandy and family. Jim was an exemplary member who committed more than 37 years of his life to CFA.
Jim was a member of both the Eldorado Fire Brigade and the Wangaratta Group, holding various positions: Firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, Group Secretary/ Treasurer, VFBV Delegate and Brigade Community Safety Co-ordinator.
Jim was a key contributor to the writing of “Make Tankers Ten” book, the history of the Wangaratta Fire Brigades’ Group. Jim was always committed and a dependable member with a “proactive approach to all situations” – traits crucial to all the roles Jim undertook within the Group and Brigade.
You will be truly missed!
JOBS AT INDIGO
BENALLA
BUCHAN, James.
The Chairperson, Board, Management and members of CFA regret the passing of their colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to Sandy and family.
James was a dedicated serving member with 37 years combined service to both the Eldorado Fire Brigade and the Wangaratta Group until his passing.
GOEBY, Heather. 28/8/1924 - 7/11/2024
Heather passed away peacefully at Rangeview Private Nursing Home with her family by her side on Thursday, November 7, 2024.
Aged 100 years.
Beloved wife of Stan (dec).
Loved Mum to Graham, Ross, Hedley, Narelle, Stuart, Yvonne and their partners. Treasured Grandma to 13 grandchildren and G’G’ to 19 great-grandchildren. “Loved forever”
HARGREAVES,
Stewart James.
11/5/1923 – 15/11/2024
Passed away peacefully at St Catherine’s Hostel.
CALDWELL, Margaret Joan. 22/1/1933 – 13/11/2024
Passed away peacefully at Illoura. Aged 91 years.
Adored and much-loved mother of Jeffrey (dec), Vicki and Gina. Cherished grandmother and great-grandmother to many. So dearly loved. So sadly missed. Rest in peace.
Aged 101 years.
Dearly loved husband of Nancy (dec).
Loved father of Kathryn, Helen, Maree, Joan and Brian. Cherished grandfather of 16 and great-grandfather of 29 grandchildren.
HARGREAVES, Stewart “Jim”.
HARGREAVES
Stewart James ‘Jim’ 11/5/1923 – 15/11/2024
KERR, John William. Passed away peacefully November 8, 2024. Aged 79 years. Loved brother of Joan, Uncle to Jennifer, Wendy, Lynette, Sue and their families. Cherished memories forever.
KERR, John.
Tireless worker, committee man and life member will be missed by all.
~ Committee and members Wangaratta Sprots Club.
LEACH, Peter.
It is with heavy hearts that we share the unexpected passing of Peter Leach. Aged 71 years.
Peter was a loving father to Phillip, Kirsty, Matthew and Cathryn, and a devoted father-in-law to Leigh, Nigel, Stacey and Mick. He was a cherished Poppy to Casey, Jessamy, Amelia, Seth, Kane, James and Baylee.
Peter also leaves behind his beloved sisters, Judy and Robyn, and many close friends who will miss him dearly.
Peter’s life was marked by his deep commitment to community service.
With 50 years of dedication to the CFA, he earned the respect and admiration of those who worked with him.
PEART, Kelvin Lesley. 19/9/1943 – 15/11/2024
Kelvin passed away at Illoura
Residential Aged Care, Wangaratta, peacefully, pain and discomfort free on Friday, November 15, 2024. Dearly loved husband of Caroline for 54 years. Only son of Alma Lillian Peart, and Norman Leslie Peart OAM (Mt Beauty).
Loved brother-in-law to Robert (dec), Richard and Prue, Ian (dec) and Pat, Max and Sue.
Much loved and respected Uncle and Great-Uncle to 30 nieces and nephews. Rest Peacefully Kelvin.
WALDRON
Frances May “Fran” Passed away peacefully in Wangaratta on Monday November 18, 2024. Aged 87 years. Loving wife of Ted (dec). Loved Mum of Rob and Heather, Kay and Russell, Sandy and Neale. Adored Gran of 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. A gentle nature, a heart of gold, One of the best this world could hold.
CALDWELL, Margaret.
The Staff of Illoura Residential Aged Care are saddened by the passing of Margaret who has been part of our community. We would like to pass on our deepest sympathy to her family and friends during this difficult time.
The Committee of Management, Staff and Residents of St Catherine’s extend our deepest sympathy to Kathyrn, Helen, Maree, Joan, Brian and family on Jim’s passing.
Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather Helen, Russell (dec), Jordan, Alex, Timothy, Dee, Grace, Zoe & Airlie So many memories to hold in our hearts. Rest in peace.
JURISEVIC, Lucy “Mumma”. 8/11/1942 – 16/11/2024
Passed away peacefully at Northeast Health Wangaratta surrounded by her loving family. Aged 82 years.
Dearly loved mother of Branko, Mary, Tom, Sophie and Dean. Adored mother-in-law of 4 and grandmother-in-law of 5. Cherished grandmother of 6 grandchildren and great-grandmother of 8 great- grandchildren. Rest in peace and enjoy dancing with the stars. GO TIGERS
In later years, he continued to give back, offering his time to Wangaratta Carevan, the Anglican Church, and delighting many as Santa Claus. His kindness, generosity, and unwavering spirit of service will remain a lasting legacy.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Wangaratta Carevan,reflecting Peter’s lifelong commitment to helping others.
Please refer to North East Funerals website for funeral details www.northeastfunerals.com.au
NORFORD, Ray. Milawa Football and Netball Club would like to send its sincere condolences to the family of Ray Norford. Ray was a long-time trainer of the club. Rest in peace.
PersonalNotices
may be placed before 2pm the business day prior to publication
classifieds@nemedia.com.au
Phone: 03 5723 0101
BELT
A graveside funeral service to honor the life of Barry Belt will be held at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 commencing at 10am.
BUCHAN, James Francis.
A memorial service to honour the life of James Francis Buchan will be held at North East Funerals, 184 Greta Road, Wangaratta at 11am on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. Private burial. James’s service can be viewed via live stream at northeastfunerals.com.au/live-stream/
Phone: 03 5723 0101
CALDWELL
A funeral service to celebrate the life of Margaret will be held at North East Funerals, Bell Room, 184 Greta Road, Wangaratta on Monday, November 25, 2024, commencing at 1.30pm, followed by interment at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery.
GOEBY
Family and friends are warmly invited to attend the Thanksgiving Service of Mrs Heather Goeby, to be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Friday, November 29, 2024 commencing at 2pm.
As a fitting tribute to Heather her family ask that you wear something that is bright, colourful and floral to her service.
Heather’s service will be available to view via live stream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming/
As per Heather’s wishes, a private cremation was held with just her family prior to this service.
Mason Park Funerals 5721 5060 masonpark.com.au
HARGREAVES
A requiem mass for the repose of the soul of Stewart James Hargreaves will be held at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1 Ford Street, Wangaratta commencing at 10.30am on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 followed by interment at the Milawa Cemetery.
Stewart’s service can be viewed via live stream at northeastfunerals.com.au/live-stream/
PEART
A celebration of life service for Kelvin will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at North East Funerals – Bell Room, 184 Greta Road, Wangaratta commencing at 2pm.
Kelvin’s service can be viewed via live stream at www.northeastfunerals.com.au/livestream
A private cremation will follow Kelvin’s service. No flowers by request.
A donation to Northeast Health Wangaratta – District Nurses department and Community Palliative Care Team would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be made via https://givenow.com.au/nhw
WALDRON
The memorial service to celebrate the life of Mrs Frances May “Fran” Waldron will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Monday November 25, 2024 at 2pm.
A private cremation will precede the service.
In lieu of flowers a donation can be made online in memory of Fran to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre at www.petermac.org/ Attendees are asked to wear something bright and colourful.
Mason Park Funerals
5721 5060 masonpark.com.au
McINNES, Nellie 22/3/1933 – 23/10/2024
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all those involved in Nellie’s funeral to celebrate a truly wonderful and much loved person.
To the staff at Mason Park Funerals for making the day such a special occasion –thank you.
To all the friends and family who attended from many parts of Australia –thank you.
May she rest in a well deserved peace. ~ The McInnes family.
JURISEVIC
A funeral service to honour the life of Lucy will be held at North East Funerals, 184 Greta Road, Wangaratta at 10.30am on Monday, November 25, 2024 followed by interment at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery. Lucy’s service can be viewed via live stream at northeastfunerals.com.au/ live-stream/
BELMONT, Ruth. November 24, 2017. We thought of you today, but that is nothing new. We thought about you yesterday, and days before that too. We think of you in silence, we often speak your name. Now all we have are memories, and your picture in a frame. Your memory is our keepsake, with which we’ll never part. God has you in His keeping, we have you in our hearts.
Loved wife of Frank. Loved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
BRETHERTON, Arth.
One year ago we said our goodbyes. We miss you. Forever in our thoughts.
Our dear Sharyn’s ashes were cast into a gentle sea in the presence of her loving family at Tennyson Beach, Adelaide on March 13, 2024. Now Forever Near, Embracing Us With the Ebb and Flow Of the Sea.
NTP: 4th Judy Fogarty, 8th Sheree Coghill, 13th Di Murphy, 17th Linda Stone.
Saturday, November 16
Men’s Par
A Grade Winner: Gordon Patterson 0. B Grade Winner: Neville Hogan +5. C Grade Winner: Micheal Baillie +2. D
Grade Winner: John Johnstone +5.
Ball winners: Terry Docherty (2) +5, Leslie Naidoo on C/B +2, Gary Dinsdale +2, Alex Jones on C/B +1, Alan White +1, Robert Lowe on C/B 0, Russell Stone on C/B 0, Col Braden on C/B 0, Ash Robins on C/B 0, Rick Harnwell on C/B 0, Stan Goldsworthy on C/B 0, Peter Ford 0.
NTP: 4th Dave Richards, 8th Col Braden, 13th Nat Hirunwiwat, 17th Aaron Kungl.
Tuesday, November 19
Ladies 9 Hole Stableford
Winner: Helene Gallo 18.
Ball Winners: Kaye Pink 17, Robyn Grealy 17.
Tuesday, November 19
Ladies 18 Hole Stableford
Winner: Carol Myles 39.
Ball Winners: Chris Boseley 2 balls 38, Josie Fitzsimmons 37.
Ball Winners: Rod Moyle, Dan Bihun, Craig Donoghue, Scott Thompson, Maurie Braden.
NTP: 4th Arnold Sparks, 7th David Woodstock, 16th Dean Campagna.
9 Hole Stableford
Winner: John Walker 19 Points.
Runner Up: John Millman 18 C/B Points.
Ball Winners: Dan Madden, Bob Haynes.
Thursday, November 14
Women’s 18 Hole Stableford Event
Winner: Glenda Dodson 35 Points.
Runner Up: Maggie Ray.
Ball Winners: Barb Woodward.
NTP: 11th Glenda Dodson.
9 Hole Stableford
Winner: Sue Chatfield 16 Points.
Runner Up: Jill Halbwidl 15 C/B Points.
Friday, November 15
9 Hole Medley Stableford
Winner: Ray Hutton 20 Points.
Saturday, November 16
Men’s Competition
18 Hole Stableford Event
A Grade Winner: Ashley Clayton 40 Points. Runner Up: Jeremy Winter 39 Points. B Grade Winner: Matthew Niedra 41 Points. Runner Up: Steve Bismire 40 Points.
Ball Winners: Nicholas Batman, Chris Oates, Trevor Trimble, Craig Curry, Will Styles, Jarred Clark, Ray Hutton, Cam Nottle, Matt Fischer, Craig Donoghue, Ben Clark, Geoff Webster.
NTP: 4th Brandon Bowen, 7th Ethan Roach, 9th Dion Ploegmakers,
11th Chris Oates, 13th Bob Murray, 16th Steve Bismire.
Birdies: Chris Martens.
Secret 6: Trevor Trimble.
Raffle Winner: Mick Webster.
TARRA GOLF CLUB
TARRAWINGEE Golf Club results
Saturday, November 16.
The members played a stableford event and someone had a day out and the handicapper will be very interested.
The winner of the day was our handicapper Lindsay Steer with a
CROQUET
RESULTS for Monday, November 18 are as follows: Margaret Bennett and Cheryle Beckley d Gabi Heywood and Elise Downes 7/4, Wendy Waddington and Gavan Kelly d Joan Guttormsen and Nathan Reynolds 7/6, Janet Kelly d Maureen O’Keefe 7/5.
Last weekend in the GV Fruit Bowl Handicap Doubles Tournament held at Shepparton, Joan Dyson and Andy Barbero placed third in their block defending their win last year.
Maureen O’Keefe and Cheryle Beckley placed fourth in their block and maintained their starting handicap position. The overall winners were Mavis Peters of Shepparton playing with
very good score of 45pts.
Runner up was Pete Nolan 37pts followed by Alex McMillan 36pts.
NTP: 4th Alex McMillan, 8th Lindsay Steer.
Golf to be played on Saturday, November 23 will be organised on the day with all members welcome.
11.30am roll up 12noon hit off.
New members are always welcome at the Tarrawingee Golf Club with a first year membership of $100 and very reasonable competition fees, this can be done by contacting a member or phoning 0428 122 590.
Members are reminded that the
On Wednesday evening, members of the Bendigo BankConnected Community group attended our Twilight session to make a presentation and enjoyed some close games with our members.
Play is at 9am on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, with twilight play from 6.00pm on Wednesday evenings.
Please arrive 15 minutes earlier to allow for a draw to be undertaken.
The club is located at 46 Ryan Avenue, Wangaratta.
For further information please contact president Susan Fischer on 0417217009 or secretary Terry Wilson on 0417326739.
Annual Meeting of the Tarrawingee Golf Club is to be held after golf on the 30th November at approximately 1:30pm, all members are advised to attend.
Tarra Ladies
In very pleasant conditions the Tarrawingee ladies played a Stableford round last Tuesday.
Di McLaughlin had a solid win from Audrey Bradfield who won a ball on a count back from Beat Allan, Lynn Barrow and Carole O Sullivan. Di McLaughlin had a birdie from her NTP on the 13th.
GREAT SHOT: (L-R) Susan Fischer, Dave Fuller and Maureen O’Keefe enjoy twilight croquet.
TWILIGHT FUN: The Wangaratta Croquet Club hosted a twilight session with the Bendigo Bank-Connected Community group.
Trevor Peters of Mooroopna from Taryn Arho and Joy Sutherland of Mooroopna with a score of 7/5.
Wangaratta & District Cricket Association
OVENS Valley United has 75 overs to chase down Rovers United Bruck’s 270 total, a feat which, if completed, would rank as one of the great chases in WDCA A grade history.
The Hawks put themselves well ahead of the game last weekend at W.J. Findlay Oval off the back of opener Charith Perera’s scintillating 112, with Matt Whitten chiming in with a handy 65 of his own.
Perera was imperious in attack and defence, only undone by a direct hit run out at the non-striker’s end in the 53rd over.
The Tigers were without offspinner Geeth Alwis last weekend, who dislocated his finger on day two of their match with Yarrawonga Mulwala, executing a sharp caught and bowled.
His unique brand of pressure left-arm tweakers and strangling line and length was sorely missed, as RUB rotated the strike relatively easily and kept the scoreboard ticking along.
OVU skipper Dylan Bursill said he was optimistic Alwis will be fit to bat this Saturday, and help guide his side to victory as he did against the Lakers when he clobbered 140* from 138 rocks.
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
“He’s a bit touch and go, he did a really good job of dislocating his finger last week with a caught and bowled,” he said.
“He had a hit this week in the nets and it’s still not 100 per cent, but hopefully he can get out and bat on the weekend.
“I don’t think he’ll be able to bowl for another couple of weeks with the finger, it’s his left index finger, that’s the finger he bowls with, but we’re hoping he can get out and give us a hand in the run chase, because he’s very handy.”
Batting time is the key for the Tigers this Saturday, with the required run rate of 3.61 only achievable if Ovens Valley United has wickets in the shed at tea.
“It’s always daunting to chase a decent total like that,” Bursill said.
“We’ve got some good talent throughout our list, it’s just about getting on the front foot, getting out in the middle and spending some time.
“We’ve seen a couple of the Rovers blokes, they took time early and capitalised after tea
when they had wickets in the shed.
“We’ve just got to build our innings like they did, they were only three down at tea.
“If we can get a couple of guys that get a score, and it doesn’t matter who it is, we can chip in around it and build some good partnerships throughout the innings.”
Standing in OVU’s way is a formidable Hawks bowling attack, with the likes of Jacob Schonafinger, Jeremy Wilson, Brady Bartlett, Paddy McNamara and Dan Jones all capable of snagging poles at key moments.
“Their attack is probably second to none in the league at the minute,” Bursill said.
“It showed in the one-dayer when we were in the box seat, they tightened up the screws and their experienced bowlers came back on.
“We’ve just got to play our game and respect the bowling, but at the same time, in 75 overs you know you’re going to get some bad balls, so you’ve just got to capitalise and build partnerships.”
Play resumes at W.J. Findlay Oval at 1pm on Saturday, with the Tigers needing 271 runs to defeat Rovers United Bruck.
Matheson backing his ‘Pies in
WHILE Wangaratta faces reasonably tough challenge of chasing 219 tomorrow, captain Cooper Matheson is confident his side can do it.
The Lakers were on song last weekend, batting out the overs to finish at 9/219 with Brock McCabe (58) and Reid Clarke (45) top scoring.
But if last weekend’s pitch is anything to go off, it’s set to be another belter which sees the Magpies well in the hunt.
“There was a bit in the deck for the first 20 overs but after that it flattened right out,” Matheson said.
“The outfield’s lightning so if you get out through the infield it’s going for four so we just need to get to tea only a couple wickets down and we’ll be in the hunt.
“For us the last 20 overs were a grind, it was tough to take a wicket so we need to remember that while we’re batting.”
Yarrawonga Mulwala’s attack isn’t the beast it has been in recent years with quick James Irvine missing this season.
“We definitely fancy our chances,” Matheson said.
“Their bowling isn’t as strong as it has been the past couple of years but in saying that they still have Gus McMillan and Angus Heslin who are both pretty handy.
“If we can bat the overs we’ll
Run chase for the ages ahead of Tigers in clash vs Rovers
PLENTY OF TIME: Michael Roberts and the Tigers top order will need to bide their time in their run chase.
against Lakers
BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au
be there abouts, in our second dig against City Colts we batted the overs and made around 190 so we know we can do it.”
The Magpies will be hoping Oliver Andrew can continue his strong start to the season with the bat with knocks of 51 and 49 from his past two hits.
While his form with the bat has been impressive, last weekend’s effort with the ball almost tops it.
Andrew bowled 38 overs, meaning he bowled from the start of the 75 over innings to the end, finishing with figures of 4-101.
“We’ve loved having him back at the club, he’s been a ripping pick up for us,” Matheson said.
“He bowled 38 overs for us last weekend and he isn’t even meant to be bowling at the moment because he’s got a crook shoulder.
“He didn’t have a spell last weekend, he bowled 38 overs straight and I kept asking him if he was done but he just wanted to keep going – I was buggered in the field so I’m not sure how he did it.
“He’s such a professional though and hopefully he can make a few runs for us on the weekend.”
MAGIC TOUCH: Oliver Andrew will be hoping to continue his form with the bat and lead Wangaratta Magpies to victory tomorrow.
PHOTO: Melissa Beattie
PHOTO: Melissa Beattie
Action-packed weekend of motor racing ahead
A TOTAL of 105 cars are entered for the Wangaratta City Raceway’s final show of the year, and organisers are eager to showcase an action-packed weekend.
With plenty of different classes and categories of racing on offer, this Saturday, November 23, is set to go off with a bang.
Here’s the class breakdown and what to watch for:
JSPA Juniors - kids aged 10-16 (17 Top Stars, 12 New Stars)
The raceway is thrilled to host the JSPA Round, proudly sponsored by Robinson Motorsport, with their own Axel Robinson among the competitors.
Can Wangaratta junior champion Zac Erickson take on reigning champion from South Australia, Tasmania, New South Wales, and Victoria in River Paterson?
Local heroes include brothers Will and Chaz Fallon and the Beach siblings, Maddy and Blake, all set to give their best on track.
Crowd favourites Ryder and Cooper Lack, along with TJ Ussher, Mackenzie Dixon, and Cruz Abela, are sure to impress in the new starts.
JP Asphalting Sports Sedans (30 Cars, including 16 Wangaratta members)
Drivers to watch:
Bradin Claridge and girlfriend Emma Threlfall - will the women outshine the men this time?
Kimberly Smith and partner Matthew Ismail are ready for a thrilling battle.
Kelvin Guppy returns after two seasons with a sleek new car.
Dennis Reid is debuting adjustments to his setup.
Ryan Beattie makes a longawaited return to Wangaratta.
New Wangaratta member Sean Duffy will be making his first-ever appearance in a new car.
Other Wangaratta members include Rhys Collins, brother duo
Jay and Anthony Nicolaisen, Riley Balins, Tim Mackenzie, Jack Chiminello, and Braiden Webster, all eager to make an impression on home turf.
Compact Speedcars (13)
The Victorian Compact Speedcar Club joins the action with 13 cars competing for the prestigious Presidents Cup.
Rising star Aston Rodriguez has been showing incredible potential, and his breakthrough moment could be near.
Super-mum Tania Hallett, the ultimate multitasker, will be racing while supporting her husband and son, both competing in different classes.
Last week’s rivalry between Trevor Perry and Duane Cordina promises another exciting battle, while all eyes are on whether anyone can beat the Compacts’ record of 15.443 seconds.
AMCA Nationals (7)
This small but mighty field will
RACEWAY PROFILE – EMMA THRELFALL
EMMA Threlfall, driving Wangaratta car 25, has been racing for nearly two years in the Ladies class at Wangaratta City Raceway.
Hailing from Bendigo, Emma works in traffic control when she’s not on the track, where she races a BA Falcon.
She first got into speedway through the Claridge family and hasn’t looked back since.
One of Emma’s proudest moments came at her very first meeting, where she landed a spot on the podium.
“That’s a feeling you never forget,” she said with a smile.
Her ambition now is clear: to win her first feature race.
When asked who she respects most on the track, Emma was quick to answer.
“Anyone who’s out there giving it a go,” she said.
As for the volunteers at Wangaratta, she appreciates them all - “None of us could do what we love without them,” she said.
Emma’s sponsors, including Total Tools Bendigo, Claridge House Removalists, and Goodyear Autocare Bendigo, help keep her racing dreams alive.
You can follow her journey on Facebook at Claridge Motorsport.
use this weekend to fine-tune their skills in preparation for the AMCA Victorian Title on March 29.
VMPA EZ Print Modified Sedans Series (26)
History will be made again as Wangaratta City Raceway hosts round one of the VMPA EZ Print Modified Sedans Series, 29 years after the inaugural round took place here in 1995.
Graham West, the only driver who raced in that debut round, will return to the track this weekend.
Wangaratta drivers include Caleb Lincoln, Connor Claridge making his debut in Modified Sedans, Shane Roycroft back after his spectacular crash last meeting, Nathan Shortis, and Tristan McGraw, a new member of the Wangaratta family.
This weekend promises incredible action across all classes.
Gates open at 11am, with racing starting at 3.30 pm at Wangaratta City Raceway.
IN FORM: Wangaratta Rangers softball side is progressing well through the season.
Softball Rangers finding form
AFTER a slow start to the season, Wangaratta Rangers senior women’s team has found some form over the past two week producing two great performances to come away with a win and a draw.
Last week against the Wodonga Gladiators, Rangers produced their best offensive performance of the season thus far.
Rangers took their time getting the bats going through the first innings, with the short-handed Wodonga restricting the Rangers to just two runs behind the strong pitching of Sophie Berry, while scoring three runs in the bottom of the first.
The Rangers offence then came alive in the second innings, scoring seven runs while batting through the line-up.
Rangers piled on the pressure again in the third innings, once again batting through the line-up and scoring another eight runs through another five hits, with three extra base hits.
Bianca O’Keefe came on for her first pitching appearance of the season to keep the game out of reach for Wodonga.
The fourth innings saw stronger hitting behind McMonigle, Warfe and Maiden, with McMonigle hitting her first home run of the season.
Wodonga produced some fight in the last innings to score another six runs but to no avail, Rangers running out winners 20-12.
Producing the performance of the week, Lorelle McMonigle went three for three with two doubles and a home run, while driving in five runs.
Other notable performances came from Katie Maiden (2-3), Kim Flood (22, 3B) and Sarah Warfe (2-4, 2B, 3B).
This week, Rangers came up against a Gummy Bears squad that produced a strong comeback last week to save a draw.
Rangers got onto the board first, with Lauren Dinsdale driving in Sarah Warfe for the first run of the game.
After a quick bottom of the inning thanks to Kim Flood in the circle, Rangers then scored another two runs through White and Flood to build three-run lead.
Gummy Bears then came out strong in the bottom of the second inning scoring quick runs, only for the Rangers to escape the inning through a double play to hold the Gummy Bears to three runs and keep the game in the balance.
Rangers then came out strong in the fourth inning, scoring seven runs through seven hits and batting through the line-up.
Bears showed the same resilience they did from the week before, taking advantage of fielding indecisions and also scoring another seven runs with the last crucial hit by Condon leaving the game at a 10-10 tie.
Player of the round for the Rangers was Sarah Warfe going three for three with three singles, two runs.
Other key performances came from Katie Maiden (2-3), Lauren Dinsdale (23) and Kim Flood (2-2, 1 2B, 2 runs).
Rangers now sit sixth on the table, and next week play fourth place Wodonga Warriors to stay in touch for the finals.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: A range of different classes will be in action this Saturday at Wangaratta City Raceway.
Descendants celebrate Jim’s glittering career
BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au
THREE members of Wangaratta’s Flynn family headed to Melbourne on Friday to be part of the induction of patriarch Jim Flynn to the Carlton Football Club Hall of Fame.
His grandsons, Pat and Eddie Flynn, and great-granddaughter, Mandy Allen, were among the descendants of nine of the club’s 21 greats most recently inducted into the Hall of Fame who attended the presentation, with Pat accepting a certificate on behalf of the family.
Jim Flynn, a dual Carlton premiership captain and three-time premiership player, was chosen for Hall of Fame induction after the club identified a core group of former players who had contributed significantly to Carlton’s fortunes through the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as the club marked its 160th year.
Born in Benalla in 1871, Jim Flynn initially followed his football dream to the VFA, where he represented Collingwood in one senior game in 1896.
He then joined Geelong in the VFL’s inaugural season in 1897, and played 72 games there to the end of 1902.
Flynn joined Carlton in 1903, and by 1904 had been elevated to the club’s captaincy. He played 77 matches for Carlton, was a part of premiership sides in 1906, ‘07 and ‘08, and was captain from 1905 to ‘07.
In the Blues’ 1906 grand final victory over Fitzroy, Flynn led from the front as the team’s ruckman.
As his business interests
By NATHAN DE VRIES
THE Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre will be bustling this weekend as swimming clubs from across the state descend on the town for the Wangaratta Amateur and Wodonga City Long Course Meet.
Hosted in the outdoor pool at the WSAC, some 383 swimmers from both Ovens and Murray swim district clubs and larger metropolitan clubs are set to dive into the action across Saturday and Sunday.
Wangaratta Amateur Swimming Club president Mel Jackson said the event was shaping up to make a massive splash.
“There’ll be hundreds and hundreds of swimmers competing,” she said.
“More than 95 events have been sold out for session one on the Saturday - we have 35
- specifically the running of the St James Hotel - began to impact on his football commitments, Flynn was given time away on the proviso he could be recalled for finals.
The recalled captain Flynn at centre half-back and his ruck replacement, George Johnson, shared best on ground honours in Carlton’s back-to-back grand final triumph over South Melbourne in 1907.
In 1908, Flynn again expressed an intention to re-
tire before season’s end, and was again convinced to remain on standby.
He returned on the eve of the September 1908 campaign, and was dominant off half-back in Carlton’s semi-final victory over St Kilda, and equally strong in defence when the team completed its hat-trick of premierships in its grand final meeting with Essendon.
Two years later, Flynn was summoned out of retirement for the 1910 semi-final
against South Melbourne, which the Blues lost by 14 points and which finally signalled the end of his league career at the age of 39 and 180 days.
Flynn’s former Carlton coach, Jack Worrall, writing a column for ‘The Australasian’, said Flynn was “a natural centre half back, a splendid centreman with a 50-yard kick on either foot, was a good runner, a great follower and a dangerous forward, as he could both
◀ PART OF
mark and kick. He was an inspiration to the men under him and had the knack of pulling the side together when required…” Flynn passed away in Wangaratta in August, 1955.
Pat Flynn said while he had never had the chance to talk football with his grandfather, he had great memories of them going rabbiting together, and of heading into Wilby with Jim to collect mail and groceries while staying at his
home as a youngster.
He said the Hall of Fame event was extremely enjoyable, and the memorabilia items - including Jim’s 1906 and ‘07 premiership capswhich he took along on the day attracted plenty of interest.
“It was an honour for the family, to think that after all these years Carlton had recognised him and other players who were part of that golden era for the club,” Pat said.
Hundreds inbound for long course swim meet
registered (from WASC) and there are 383 total swimmers from around the state.”
Jackson said the town and facilities were major drawcards for clubs from Melbourne to make the trek up the Hume Freeway to compete in Wangaratta.
“The new pool that we have, it’s an amazing, world class pool,” she said.
“With this event, we’ve been attracting Melbourne clubs coming down for the weekend, which is great for the community and local businesses.”
For local swimmers, the Wangaratta Amateur and Wodonga City Long Course Meet is a chance to further improve on times which could see them qualify for state or national meets.
Jackson said there would be cash and spot prizes for swimmers to also compete for on the day.
“What the swimmers are there for is to get times to go to Countries (Country Championships), which is in January, so they’re trying to chase those times so they can go to the state events,” she said.
“They’re also chasing state and national times to be able to compete in those events.
“After we do our event, our coaches will actually go through all of our swimmers and see who’s qualified for all those events.
“For these events, we do have medals for first, second, and third, and in hot heats which are randomly picked if a swimmer comes first they’ll get a voucher or something like that.”
The Wangaratta Amateur and Wodonga City Long Course Meet will commence from 12pm on Saturday, November 23 at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre.
RICH LEGACY: Pat Flynn, Carlton Hall of Famer Jim Flynn’s grandson, with the cups from the three premiership sides Jim was a part of - 1906, ‘07 and ‘08; he was captain from 1905 to ‘07.
WELCOME TO THE POOL: Wangaratta Amatuer Swimming Club members (back, from left) Spencer Jackson, Zara Calish, Reg Colson, (front from left), Tom Benton and Ed Calish are looking forward to the swim meet this weekend. PHOTO: Nathan de Vries
INSET: A NEW LOOK: The weekend’s meet will be the first one conducted under the club’s new logo.
HISTORY: Eddie and Pat Flynn (Jim’s grandchildren), Mandy Allen (Jim’s great-granddaughter), Josephine O’Connor and James Flynn (Jim’s grandchildren) at the induction of Jim Flynn to the Carlton Hall of Fame last Friday. PHOTO: Jazz Bennett
PROUD: Wangaratta’s Pat Flynn (right) with Carlton Football Club board member Tim Lincoln and the Hall of Fame nomination Pat accepted on behalf of his grandfather, Jim Flynn.
PHOTO: Jazz Bennett
Kelly Sher ratt Kelly Sherratt becomes Greta’s fir st first woman president
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
NEWLY-appointed president of the Greta Football Netball Club, Kelly Sherratt, is playing down the historic appointment as the club’s first woman president, and instead focussing on what’s best for the club.
The Blues held their AGM on Monday, November 11, when Sherratt was voted in to lead the club through 2025.
Alongside Sherratt on the executive is Mick Polwarth (senior vice president), Darren Ross (treasurer) and Emily Naish (secretary), with a strong committee set to support them and the club through the next year.
A long-time servant of the club, having both played and coached over the years, Sherratt was most recently
B grade netball coach and netball coordinator out at Greta.
Sherratt said while she was delighted by making club history, she was looking forward to leading the club she’s spent much of her life at.
“I’m really proud that people had faith in me to do it,” she said.
“I’ve grown up in the area,
I’m a Greta girl from a long time ago, lived in the area, I played for Greta, and my husband and I have just come back after a few years.
“I’m a teacher, so I love organising and getting the best out of things for the whole community as well as the football netball club.
“I’ve had a lot of leadership roles in my teaching life, so I think leading from
the front and bringing everyone along with you is probably the best way forward.
“You don’t do it for the accolades but I’m big on equality.
“I’m just really proud that I was able to have that opportunity to lead.”
Sherratt said the goal for the year would be to make sure the club maintains the course, and remains a posi-
tive place both on and off the field and court.
“I want to keep it goingone of my main goals is just to make sure we don’t go into the red, in a sense,” she said.
“We’re sitting in a really fortunate spot at the moment, we’ve been very successful in netball for many years, and it’s been a hard slog but now the footballers have got to where they are now.
“We’ve got lots of really good people on the committee and around the club who are willing to do things to benefit everybody.”
Preseason training for the reigning senior premiers will commence at Cathedral College on Monday, November 25, with netball trials beginning on Tuesday, November 26, at the Barr Reserve.
Help WDSS students dream big ahead of Nationals
By CHLOE JAENICKE
FIVE students from Wangaratta District Specialist School will be competing in the All Schools Championships from December 6 to December 8 for the first time in the school’s history.
The students who have qualified for the national championships in Brisbane are Dylan Vescio, Lara Pearson, Mia Godwin, Harry White and Victoria WaddelLaing.
The team is led by their teacher Rowan Barrow, who has coordinated many similar athletics trips for regional students in the past.
“I’m really lucky I’ve had exposure to this my entire life but it’s something new for the kids, some of them have never been on a plane trip before,” she said.
To help them get to Brisbane and cover all the expenses that come with competing, three of the students have started a GoFundMe.
Ms Barrow encourages the community to donate to the GoFundMe’s to help these talent students have a once in a lifetime experience.
“It’s a great way to give our country kids a go and their kids with disabilities,” she said.
“There’s so much raw
talent and being able to tap into that and give the kids opportunities to use those talents in sports they may have never tried
before is really exciting.”
Dylan is one of the students who is trying the track events for the first time and his mum, Shannyn Vescio,
said even being qualified for the championships was a special achievement for him.
“Dylan is a kid that is pret-
ty quiet and hangs back and doesn’t like a lot of attention, and has always been told he can’t do things,” she said.
“This is something that he is excelling at, and this is something we want to show him that he can do it, and he can achieve things, and he can dream.
“We want him to just give it a go and experience it regardless of where he places just so he knows he’s just as amazing as anybody else.”
Ms Barrow said the championships are a great pathway to bigger achievements for para-athletes and that she is grateful for support the community has shown, including local athlete Bella Pasqauli, who had a training session with the students.
“I’d like to thank the community for believing in the kids and being so generous with understanding and giving our students an opportunity to achieve,” she said.
If you would like to donate to Dylan, Lara or Victoria’s GoFundMe’s visit https://gofund.me/2eb75f13, https:// gofund.me/2eb75f13 or https://gofund.me/b815cc19.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT: Mia Godwin, Lara Pearson, Bella Pasquali, Harry White and Dylan Vescio trained together in the leadup to the national championships.
LEADING THE WAY: Kelly Sherratt was named Greta FNC president at their AGM last Monday. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
HEAD HONCHO
Kelly Sherratt has been appointed as Greta’s president for the upcoming Ovens and King season.
Story page 35
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Berry’s Power bound
Wangaratta Magpies’ Joe Berry was selected by Port Adelaide with pick 15 of the National Draft ggpyyp
WANGARATTA Magpies’ Joe Berry is off to Alberton Oval.
The crafty small forward was selected by Port Adelaide with pick 15 of the National Draft on Wednesday night and will now join former Wangaratta Magpie Joe Richards at the Power.
Now, the two Joes will be looking to form a lethal duo in Power’s forward half.
BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au
Berry was stoked to get to Port Adelaide.
“It’s been pretty nerve racking,” Berry said on Fox Footy.
“It’s exciting though and I’m happy to be here.”
Berry has been one of the standout forwards in
the country, kicking the most goals at the under 18 National Championships with nine from four appearances, while he also booted 27 goals from 14 games for the Bushrangers.
“Yeah I do (pride myself on my finishing),” he said.
“I put a fair bit of work into it and I was lucky enough to get a few (goals) on the board (this year).”
It’s a fitting club for Berry
who grew up idolising former Port Adelaide superstar Robbie Gray
“I do, really like Robbie Gray’s game, it’s awesome to get there, looking forward to it,” he said.
Port Adelaide national recruiting manager Geoff Parker outlined the traits that saw the Power select Berry.
“Has been one of the best performed hybrid forwards
in the country this year,” Parker said.
“(He) is well balanced and covers the ground with a high cruising speed.
“(He) has very good IQ and runs smart patterns in the front half to find the ball.
“(He) has strong instinct on when to come up to the contest, when to sit out or spit into space.”
Fellow Murray
Bushranger Matt Whitlock was also selected in the first round, going to North Melbourne with pick 27. The Roos traded a future first round pick to Richmond to secure the selection, in exchange for pick 27 and the Tigers’ future second round pick. Whitlock booted 27 goals for the Bushrangers as a 197cm key forward but can also play in defence.
