MARY Archer (le ), Liz Rouse Salmon (centre) and Toni Moore were among the Wangaratta RSL Sub-branch members creating commemorative rosemary sprigs at the RSL’s Templeton Street base on Monday, in preparation for ANZAC Day this Friday. Australians wear rosemary sprigs on ANZAC Day as a symbol of commemoration for those who served Australia in wars, conflicts and peace operations. The tradition stems from rosemary bushes that grow wild on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Türkiye; ANZAC Day marks the anniversary of the start of the Gallipoli campaign in World War 1. The locally-prepared sprigs will be available at Wangaratta’s ANZAC Day service for people to lay at the cenotaph.
ANZAC Day services on page 2
PHOTO: Jordan Duursma
FIRST VOTES CAST
THE line to the Wareena Park Hall pre-polling booth in Wangaratta rolled out the door as it opened on Tuesday morning, with the rst votes of the 2025 federal election now in.
A steady crowd of voters rolled in throughout the morning and they were greeted by supporters predominantly in orange (Independent incumbent
Helen Haines supporters), red (Labor’s Mitch Bridges supporters) or blue (Liberal’s James Trenery supporters) handing out yers for their preferred candidates.
Independent candidate Mark McFarlane greeted
voters in person, looking to gain a personal edge over his eight competitors.
Edwina McFarland from Chesney Vale was among the early voters.
“I knew who I was voting for, so I just wanted to get it
done and dusted,” she said.
Ms McFarland said that vote was for Mr Trenery, dissatis ed with how the current government has handled matters in national security in recent times and Dr Haines’ “predominant support” of Labor.
“I worry that the current incumbent votes mainly with Labor in house and I’m very disappointed in how La-
bor is running the country,” she said.
“I am extremely worried the in uence the Greens have on Labor, they have a disproportionate amount of power for the vote they hold.
“I’m worried more about our country than I am about Indi and that’s basically what that comes down to.”
Liberal Party supporter Ron Aldridge completed his
vote in between greeting the public and con rmed the senate ballot paper was still the size of an average NBA basketball player’s wingspan.
“It’s really frightening when they hand you that senate paper, it doesn’t t in the booth,” he said.
■ Continued page 5
■ More coverage, including candidates’ Q&A - pages 4, 5
Mark Hayley Glenn Tamara Phil Jolanda
Ricky Emma
ANZAC Day plans in place
DAWN and morning services in Wangaratta on Friday, and a number of other gatherings around the district will enable locals to commemorate ANZAC Day this week.
This year marks the 110th anniversary of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli, and the 81st anniversary of the D Day landings, which were the beginning of the end to World War 2, some 11 months later in Europe and in August, 1945 in the Paci c.
Greta Cemetery will host the rst of the local com-
BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au
memorative events, on Thursday from 10am.
Then on ANZAC Day, Wangaratta Cenotaph will host a dawn service from 6am, followed by a gun re breakfast for veterans and their families at the Templeton Street RSL from 6.30am.
There will also be dawn services at Eldorado Community Hall and Cenotaph, and at Cheshunt Hall, both from 6am.
O
wangarattachronicle.com.au
From 9am, Everton Cenotaph, on the corner of Great Alpine Road and White Post Road, will host a service followed by morning tea at the Everton Hall.
This year the Everton community will remember and celebrate the contribution of the three young local women who served in World War 2.
Services will be held at Moyhu Lions Park from 11am, and at Thoona Cenotaph from 11am, where locals are invited to lay a
morning tea provided at the conclusion of the service by Thoona CWA.
The 11am service at the Wangaratta Cenotaph will be preceded by a march, with participants asked to assemble on the footpath outside the King George V Gardens in Templeton Street at 10 am.
They will be called into their positions at 10.20am, and the march will step o at 10.40am, proceeding up Ovens Street to the memorial gardens.
will march back to the RSL, where they will be dismissed.
A lunch will then be provided for veterans, partners and carers by the women’s auxiliary at the RSL. Food will be available in the bistro at the RSL.
Templeton Street will be closed between Ovens and Baker Streets from 9.30am until 11am, and from 12 noon until the marchers have dispersed a er the march.
Other road closures will
Rural City of Wangaratta ANZAC Day service details:
• 24 April, 10am, day service at Greta Cemetery; • 25 April, 6am, dawn service at Wangaratta Cenotaph;
• 25 April, 6am, dawn service at Eldorado Community Hall and Cenotaph;
• 25 April, 6am, dawn service at Cheshunt Hall;
• 25 April, 9am, day service at Everton Cenotaph;
• 25 April, 11am, day service at Wangaratta Cenotaph; • 25 April, 11am, day service at Moyhu Lions Park;
Homelessness happening in our very own backyard
IN the wake of Youth Homelessness Matters Day last Wednesday, North East Support and Action for Youth (NESAY) is calling on locals to recognise the very real challenges faced by young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Youth Homelessness Matters Day is a national day of awareness and advocacy that shines a spotlight on the struggles and the strengths of young people navigating housing insecurity.
It is also a day to celebrate their resilience, and to amplify their voices in the ongoing e ort to create safer, more supportive communities.
phone on (02) 9261 1930.
In Wangaratta and the surrounding regions, the issue is more than statistics - it’s a lived reality, according to NESAY chief executive o cer Laura Shortis.
“NESAY received nearly 500 referrals in the 2023-’24 nancial year, a gure that included more than 70 accompanying children,” she said.
“These numbers tell a powerful story: that homelessness
stage in life, it can a ect them long-term; emotionally, psychologically, and physically.”
To mark Youth Homelessness Matters Day, NESAY had a display at Wangaratta’s Reid Street kiosk, spending the day connecting with the local community, sharing information, and raising awareness around the issue of youth homelessness.
Community members were encouraged to stop by, say hello, and learn more about how they can support local young people doing it tough.
NESAY is a registered charity with Deductible Gi Recipient (DGR) status, as recognised by the Australian Taxation O ce. All donations over $2 are tax deductible, and can be made online through NESAY’s website, in person at the NESAY o ce, or via postal address.
NESAY encouraged everyone to re ect on how they could help create a region where every young person has a safe place to call home - because youth homelessness matters.
Est. 1884, Incorporating Wangaratta Despatch, Est. 1861
le ) Maggie Walker, Emerson Norton (U17 co-capts), Hanna Grady (A grade capt), Jackson Clarke (1st XVIII capt), Charlie Kerwin, John Blake (Thirds co-capts) in front of the showgrounds mural honouring ‘Wangaratta’s own’ 2/24th battalion. Netball and football matches begin at 1pm. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Mass to celebrate the life of Pope Francis
BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au
WANGARATTA and district Catholics, and the wider community, will commemorate the passing of Pope Francis during a mass in Ford Street’s St Patrick’s Church this Saturday morning.
The 88-year-old pontiff died on Easter Monday after suffering a stroke and subsequent heart attack, just a day after he blessed an Easter Sunday crowd from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica.
Pope Francis’ passing follows a recent decline in his health, which saw him hospitalised for 38 days before he returned to his Vatican residence on March 23.
He was head of the Catholic Church for 12 years, after his selection to succeed Pope Benedict XVI, who resigned in 2013 due to age and health concerns and was Pope Emeritus until his death in 2022.
Fr Nathan Verallo, parish priest of the local Christ the King Parish, said he and fellow priests Monsignor Cris Manongas and Fr Arun Korlakanti would concelebrate Saturday’s 10am mass at St Patrick’s, with everyone welcome to attend.
“It is not just the Catholic church that is mourning, it’s the whole world, because this Pope reached out to many, and lived out the
message of the Gospel to the end,” Fr Nathan said.
“Pope Francis’ death is sad news, but we want to celebrate his life, because he has done great things.
“Right from the start, when he took the name Francis after St Francis of Assisi, and instead of giving a blessing to the people first, asked the people to
pray for him, it spoke much to his approach as a leader.
“He articulated the message of the Second Vatican Council (a time of renewal in the church).
“He rocked the church, a church that was ‘rigid’ and black-and-white, and he did that not just for the sake of disturbance, but to provide another lens.
“He was really a priest who looked at the dignity of each person regardless of their history, and who promoted inclusivity; he was a breath of fresh air.
“We need to pray for his eternal rest, and also pray for the church and whoever is elected to replace him to take the lead for the church.”
HISTORIC WEEK: Fr Nathan Verallo, along with fellow Parish of Christ the King priests Monsignor Cris Manongas and Fr Arun Korlakanti, will preside over a mass at St Patrick’s Church on Saturday morning to mark the passing and celebrate the life of Pope Francis.
PHOTO: Simone Kerwin
A WANGARATTA woman who slapped her son’s expartner through a car window told police she thought her actions were justi ed, a court has heard.
Appearing at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court last week, the 60-year-old pleaded guilty to one charge of assault.
The court heard the defendant went past the victim’s address on 15 December last year and spotted her son’s expartner and her sister in a car and she approached them.
She slapped the victim without warning and the sister of the victim separated the two and the incident was reported to police later that night.
The defendant told police the next day she thought her actions were justi ed, as the victim’s sister had previously attended her address and threatened to attack her with a metal pole.
Defence counsel Geo Clancy said threats were made towards his client and when she saw her son’s ex-partner in the car, “things went red”.
Mr Clancy said the Wangaratta woman was undergoing treatment for cancer, PTSD and anxiety and depression.
“She really just wasn’t a quiet existence,” he said.
Magistrate Victoria Campbell imposed a 12-month good behaviour bond with conviction, ordering the defendant not to engage with the victim again and to continue her treatment.
“We don’t like to see our children hurt… but you just need to rein it in,” she said.
Family escape Easter Monday house fire
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
Suspected fire turns out to be driver burning rubber
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
A DRIVER who allegedly performed a series of burnouts on Burke Street Monday evening, creating clouds of smoke mistaken for a re, had his car impounded.
A police spokesperson said emergency services responded to a possible re at about 5:55pm where a
large plume of smoke was present.
“Further investigation established the smoke was caused by a hoon driver, performing a burnout on the footpath,” the spokesperson said.
Police said the vehicle was impounded for 30 days and the driver summonsed to appear at the Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court at a later date.
The Easter Monday incident comes a er police caught a drink driver in Benalla more than ve times the legal limit on Good Friday.
Police will continue to be out in force on local roads for Operation Compass, which will run until the end of the ANZAC Day long weekend.
A FAMILY of ve ed their Wangaratta home to escape a re early on Easter Monday morning.
A FRV spokesperson said re ghters were called to Leishman Street at 5:45am and found the house well alight.
The blaze was extinguished in less than half an hour.
The spokesperson said ve people inside the home were able to safely evacuate, with one person treated by paramedics on scene.
2025 federal election Indi Candidates
Q1 Explain how you would help create more opportunities for youth in Indi – specifically around employment and education - to help diminish the need for people to leave the area?
A1 I am inspired by young people in Indi every day, but I know they have concerns about their future education and employment opportunities, and access to affordable housing. I have a strong track record fighting for affordable housing, for more regional university study centres and higher education opportunities, and for greater access to TAFE and vocational training for young people. If elected, I will fight for: 1. Paid training placements for all students studying medicine and allied health fields like psychology, occupational therapy, mental health support and social work; 2.More funding for rural healthcare training to address doctor shortages in regional communities; 3. Greater access to affordable and high-quality childcare so young parents can balance parenthood and work.
A1
I’ll fight for more training, jobs, and opportunities for young people right here in Indi. Labor’s delivering fee-free TAFE, more uni places, and investing in skills that match regional industries. We’re backing secure jobs through our industrial relations reforms - giving workers better pay and protections. Young people shouldn’t have to leave home to get ahead. I’ll work to grow local pathways in trades, health, clean energy and more - so they can build their future here.
A1
A Liberal Government will support small and medium businesses with $12,000 to hire and train a new apprentice or trainee in critical skills areas for the first two years of their training. We will also make homes more affordable for young people, by investing $5 billion to fund essential infrastructure like water, power, and sewerage at housing development sites. This is in conjunction with our Liberal Plan to support first home buyers and older women to overcome the prohibitive challenge of saving for a home deposit by giving them the choice to use a portion of their superannuation savings towards their deposit, and allow first home buyers to make a portion of interest payments tax deductable.
A1 As One Nation’s candidate for Indi, I’d prioritise local hiring in tourism, agriculture, manufacturing and construction and advocate for tax breaks and incentives for businesses employing youth in these areas. Our proven apprenticeship scheme, offering 75% wage subsidies in year one, 50% in year two, and 25% in year three, has empowered regional youth (One Nation Jobs). Affordable housing and reduced cost of living would help youth stay. I’d push for vocational training in tourism, agriculture, manufacturing and construction aligning with Indi’s economy. This builds on our apprenticeship success, equipping youth with local job skills while ensuring inclusive education.
A1
All people in rural and regional areas should have access to education and training from early childhood to school to TAFE and university. There needs to be adequate resourcing of rural and regional local governments to ensure the delivery of much-needed community services and the improvement and maintenance of local infrastructure. Where economies of scale severely restrict service viability then substitutes such as fast reliable internet services, rural transaction centres and shared facilities in public libraries and community centres are supported. There needs to be a development and implementation of strategies to attract new residents and retain existing residents, through the provision of appropriate financial incentives, housing, community services, and cultural engagement.
A1
The government is not the solution, the government is the problem. Structural issues aren’t solved by throwing taxpayer handouts at problems.
Libertarians will cut taxes and regulation, lowering costs and breaking government chains on the local economy. Lower power prices and house prices, lower taxes on individuals and businesses will create new jobs and hope in the regions. Decentralisation, deregulation and funding reforms will supercharge local schools and training. But ultimately we need to move away from the cargo cult of begging the federal government to throw back a bit of the money they have taken from us. We need to solve these problems ourself, locally.
A1
We live in a great region where there are lots of opportunities for employment with housing that is still relatively affordable by city standards. More could be done. Infrastructure funding will allow more housing development, which is key for encouraging young couples to stay in the area. I would love to see some decentralisation out of Melbourne to create work here. When people do need to go away for work or study, a more frequent train service will help them stay connected to the area. Enough doctors is always a problem. A long term goal for a regional medical school would put us more on the map as a destination for health professionals.
Q2
Cost shifting by state/federal governments has placed an increasingly heavy burden on local councils – and ratepayers. Name three things you would do to help councils and support their communities?
A2 Indi’s nine local councils provide vital community services. If re-elected, I will fight for: 1. A $2 billion Regional Housing Infrastructure Fund, for councils to bid into for essential enabling infrastructure – the water and sewerage, paths and poles –which unlock new houses. 2. Reinstating the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, so $500 million a year is available to councils to fix potholes and road damage. 3. More money into the two grants programs dedicated to regional development – the regional Precincts and Partnerships and the Growing Regions Programs. Indi councils have successfully applied for projects like the Station Precinct in Mansfield and the Art Gallery in Benalla. However, these programs need a substantial funding injection to truly support regional development.
A2 I’ll work to deliver more direct federal funding for roads, bridges, and local services - reducing pressure on council budgets. Labor’s Growing Regions Fund and Roads to Recovery program are already helping, and I’ll fight for more local investment. I’ll also back housing and digital connectivity improvements to support growing communities. Labor’s responsible economic management - including tax cuts for every Australian - is helping councils and residents alike with rising costs.
A2 A Liberal Government will reinstate the 80:20 federal funding model for nationally significant road projects in regional and remote Australia - ensuring more regional roads and highways get upgraded and councils are not taking the whole funding burden. A Liberal Government will also invest $1 billion to empower local councils across Australia, giving them the flexibility to prioritise and deliver critical community infrastructure and road projects tailored to their communities’ needs. This includes help to strengthen communities against natural disasters and fund essential infrastructure to support local growth, and targeted roads funding for regional councils to fix potholes, maintain, and improve local roads. Finally, I will assess the local government Financial Assistance Grants to ensure they are balanced and fit for purpose to support our local government.
A2 One Nation is committed to slashing wasteful government spending and implementing significant federal budget savings of up to $90 billion per year. I will advocate for some of these funds to boost the Financial Assistance Grants for rural councils. This could help Indi’s councils manage services without raising rates. I’d ensure federal policies don’t offload responsibilities onto councils. Working with One Nation’s state member, Rikki-Lee Tyrrell, I’d push for Victoria to align with federal efforts, ensuring councils receive adequate funds to support communities effectively without placing further financial burden on ratepayers and ensuring funds are allocated where needed most and not lost in bureaucratic wastage.
A2 An end to cost shifting from Victorian to local governments, and a memorandum of understanding between the Victorian Government and the local government sector delineating responsibilities, so as to provide certainty to all. Replacement of State Government-appointed regional bodies that govern planning (such as the Victorian Planning Authority and Regional and Metropolitan Partnerships) with representative bodies that genuinely facilitate cross-government collaboration and are publicly accountable. Revocation of rate capping so that communities through their council can decide the level of services and the level of rates they are prepared to pay. Maximum community participation, including in deliberative processes, for the development of strategies, plans and budgets for municipalities.
A2
Councils are 100% a state government issue. There is no constitutional power for the federal government to directly fund councils – it must be filtered through the states. We need to reform the revenue arrangements between federal and states so the states can pay for their responsibilities. But regional Victoria will continue to be bled dry by the Melbourne government, who drain our money, and destroy our industry and jobs. The only real solution is a new regional state from North & West Victoria and South & West NSW with direct access to GST revenues. The new state of Murray will be run by locals who live here and care, not by Melbourne politicians and bureaucrats.
A2 Local councils face a constant battle to find enough money to fund their services. We can’t spend lots more or hit property owners with higher rates. Improved efficiency is the only viable option if we don’t want service cuts. Paying staff to write grant applications, then other people to assess those applications is not where our money should go. We need streamlined recurrent funding to save on administration so that local councils can get on with the job of service delivery. We need to cut the massive expansion of the federal public service to get the money closer to the people. Local councils should always stick to their service responsibilities. No money should go on engaging in political activism.
A1 A2
We have been unable to contact this candidate, nor get a response from his party. The following is taken from the party’s website.
Ben Howman Legalise Cannabis
REDUCE HARM: The criminlisation of cannabis use is a decades old, failed policy that disproportinately harms young and Indigenous people and leads to massive upheaval in the lives of otherwise law abiding citizens. CREATE JOBS: Legalising and regulating cannabis will bring one of the nation’s leading cash crops under the rule of law. This will create jobs and economic opportunities in the formal economy instead of the illicit market. SAVE MONEY: Scare law enforcement resrouces will be better used to ensure public safety while reducing corrections and court costs. Governments would acquire significant new sources of revenue for regulating cannabis sales. PROMOTE CONSUMER SAFETY: Cannabis product testing is becoming a standard requirement for legalised cannabis markets. This means consumers are better informed about the cannabis they use.
A1 I want to see a resurgence in trade schools and apprenticeship opportunities. We need a real focus on building trades, and the only way to do that is support for builders and planners. We need traineeships to increase three fold, while extending work experience opportunities for the young. While many will have to leave the area by circumstance, we have to make it look attractive to stay in INDI.
A2 We need to see far more federal support for road repairs and renewal. It’s OK to pour money into clubs and sports facilities, but what about the roads that get you there? I want to see more federal highway operations being extended to regional roads. It is a job that will take all of us working together for the common road good. Road safety is a real concern of mine, and road conditions are a major cause of accidents today.
Alysia Regan Greens
Athol Thomas One Nation
Helen Haines Independent
Mark McFalane Independent
Michael White Family First
Mitch BridgesLabor
Tim QuiltyLibertarian
James Trenery Liberal Party
Wangaratta voters queue at Wareena Park Hall to have the first say in this year’s federal election
■ From page 1
Mr Aldridge said he had been a long-time supporter of the Liberals and Nationals and highlighted cost-of-living as his biggest local issue.
“When Jim Chalmers gets up and says, for example, last month’s 2.6 per cent inflation has gone down to 2.4 per cent, that 2.6 per cent doesn’t go away,” he said.
“That’s why groceries and everything is dearer than they were three years ago.”
Local couple Barry and Glenys Love were eager to avoid the big lines of election day and vote for Indi to stay Independent.
Mr Love said he wanted to see the balance of power maintained throughout the region by not having a candidate aligned with the major parties.
“I can’t believe a word they [Labor and Coalition] say,” he said.
Kari Sanders, a retiree from Wangaratta, said she had just visited Wareena Park to empty her porta-loo, but instead decided to vote when she saw the
crowds of people scattered nearby.
Ms Sanders said while she wasn’t a big political follower and hadn’t finalised her vote as she was about to enter the hall, she was leaning towards voting for Dr Haines.
“I like what Helen is doing,” she said.
The Wareena Park Hall pre-polling booth will remain open on Wednesday and Thursday this week and all of next week.
Opening hours will include 23-24 April (8.30am-5.30pm), 26 April (9am4pm), 28 April to 1 May (8.30-5.30pm), and 2 May (8.30am-6pm).
Polling places on election day voting, 3 May, will be open from 8am to 6pm.
In the Rural City of Wangaratta they include: Fr James Byrne Memorial Hall, White Street; Purbrik Hall-Holy Trinity Cathedral; St Bernards Primary School Hall; Tarrawingee Community Hall; Glenrowan Primary School; Milawa Public Hall; Eldorado Memorial Hall; Moyhu Soldiers Memorial Hall; Springhurst Primary School; and Whorouly Library Hall.
“Dirty politics” – candidate targeted as Liberals change Indi preferences
INDI Independent candi-
date Mark McFarlane says he has fallen victim to a “witch hunt” a er the Liberals changed their voting preferences on the eve of pre-polling a er becoming aware of his court history.
Incumbent Helen Haines observed Mr Trenery’s rst how to vote card distributed on a yer across the electorate, preferencing Independent Mark McFarlane at number ve, ahead of her.
Mr McFarlane was involved in a civil case in 2021, when the Supreme Court found the transfer of the Glenrowan home of Mr McFarlane’s mother to her son occurred by “undue in uence and was unconscionable”.
Some lawyers later described the matter as a “text-
BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
book example of elder abuse”.
The court ordered the home to be transferred back into his mother’s name and for Mr McFarlane to pay $128,853.13 to his mother in compensation.
Dr Haines said this was an example of Mr Trenery failing to do his research before making claims or decisions.
“Mr Trenery has once again failed to do his homework,” she said.
“The conduct found by the court is completely unacceptable in every situation, particularly from someone seeking to represent our community in parliament.
“The people of Indi deserve to know the true character of the people seeking their vote.
“This is a serious error in judgement by Mr Trenery.”
A Liberal Party spokesperson said they had put Mr McFarlane last on the party’s how-to-vote cards a er becoming aware of his “unacceptable actions and views”.
When asked by North East Media, Mr Trenery declined to comment on the matter directly.
Mr McFarlane told North East Media it was a “witch hunt” against him.
“Politicians should be better than this,” he said.
“It was a civil case, it was a family dispute, and it was settled.
“When I took a police inter-
view I did the right things and they had no good reason to charge me.”
Mr McFarlane said candidates needed to be more democratic in their campaigns, rather than “digging up dirt” on each other.
“Neither the Liberals or Helen had the courtesy to contact me about the issue, they just went straight to town,” he said.
“I believe Helen is on the nose with the electorate and she’s desperate.”
The preferences of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation, The Libertarians and Family First also put Mr McFarlane ahead of Dr Haines.
Dr Haines said while she was pleased Mr Trenery and the Liberal Party decided to rectify their “gross mistake”, she called
on all parties to follow suit.
Indi One Nation candidate Athol Thomas, however, said he would not buy into the “dirty politics” and leave his preferences unchanged throughout the election period, leaving Mr McFarlane as his second preference.
“I actually had the courtesy to ring Mark and hear his side of the story and I would certainly encourage any other candidate to do the same before making any other public assertions about the matter,” he said.
“It doesn’t detract from his policies or his principles from where I stand, I think he’d still be a good representative for the people of Indi if elected.
“I would question whether the people of Indi really want the representation of someone
who would focus on dirty politics rather than good policy.”
Family First candidate Michael White said he would rather commit his focus and resources to greeting the community at pre-polling booths and would be leaving Mr McFarlane as the party’s third preference.
“Preferences are a very secondary issue as to why we’re there and I’d encourage everyone to think carefully about who they’re going to vote for rst, who they’re going to vote for second,” he said.
“It’s a bit of a storm in a teacup.”
In the Greens preferences, Mr McFarlane is listed as seventh behind Dr Haines (second), and last in Labor’s preferences.
Wangaratta's premier audiology clinic
Party voter Ron Aldridge couldn’t believe the size of the senate ballot paper.
GET IT DONE: Kari Sanders went to Wareena Park to empty her porta-loo, and voted early.
VOTES ARE IN: Barry and Glenys Love voted for Helen Haines on Tuesday morning, wanting to see Indi remain Independent.
GETTING IN EARLY: Edwina McFarland from Chesney Vale cast her vote for James Trenery, wanting to see a change in government this election. PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling
Stepping up to help those in need
EASTER in the Rural City of Wangaratta is always a glorious celebration of community.
Many former residents are drawn back to their traditional home base, and savour the chance to catch up with family and friends at favourite spots around the district.
Visitors delight in the fruits of the region and realise, some perhaps for the first time, the attraction of our area.
Then there is the display of community at local church services, and of course, the event that kicks off the long, long weekend - the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
This district has long been recognised for its generosity when support is sought for those in need, and it was on display again on Friday.
Fire engines traversed city streets and rural roads, and money that had been kept aside to hand onto the RCH volunteer collectors was poured into collection tins and the local tally.
From Wangaratta reaching the $3 million milestone in its 56 years of fundraising, with more than $125,000 collected in the city, and Boorhaman, Glenrowan and Eldorado all contributing healthy totals, it was clear that the work of the hospital remains close to the hearts of local residents.
There are very few people who don’t have a story to tell about a close family member or connection who has benefited from contact with the amazing team at the RCH, and we should all feel so lucky that a resource of this kind is available - as much as we don’t wish to need it.
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
The Australian Quiz
1 What is the symbol for the chemical element, astatine?
(a) A (b) At (c) Sn (d) Fe
2
“You talkin’ to me?” is a famous quote by which actor in the movie, Taxi Driver?
(a) Bruce Willis (b) Harvey Keitel (c) Robert De Niro (d) Mel Gibson
3
Port Louis is the capital city of which island nation?
(a) Maldives
(b) Mauritius (c) Marshall Islands (d) Malta
4 Who won the 2022 women’s Stawell Gift running race?
(a) Carla Bull
(b) Cassandra Wang Lecouteur
(c) Clare De Salis
(d) Mia Gross
5 The Haugh unit is used in relation to what type of food?
(a) Edamame
(b) Chilli (c) Cream (d) Egg
Young Australians want ethical action
AS someone who works daily with young people, I see their growing anxiety about the future.
With the federal election approaching, this generation is more politically aware than ever. They are not naïve to fear-based messaging or MAGA slogans.
They recognise tactics that discredit rather than inform, and they are deeply concerned.
Young Australians have seen progress they value - schools nally securing 100 per cent school funding, federal support for free TAFE, regulations introduced on major supermarkets and access to rebated solar support and utility bills.
These aren’t political talking points; they’re real supports o ering them a space in a world to survive and grow.
Accessing job security and cost of living supports, worries about the removal of jobs and penalty rates, and relationships of parties emulating the international situation feel like daily threats they may face.
They see possible threats to jobs and working environments, even when working from home supports children with diverse needs that they know may be actioned depending on who is elected moving forward.
The silence around domestic and genderbased violence impacted by a lack of a ordable and accessible housing impacting their ability to exist let alone thrive is being noted.
How can houses to keep people safe be built if they can’t access skill development?
This isn’t about le or right.
Our children want ethical action, informed conversation and policy transparency for the voters.
When fear and confusion is being used, staying on course so that access to education, job security, cost of living support and a future they can realistically attain is the context of conversations.
They are aware that they are the rst generation to be worse o than all of us beforehand and they are watching to see what we do.
Céline Forster, Wangaratta
‘Ghost
Camping’ needs reforming now
CARAVAN and Residential Parks Victoria is again calling on the Victorian Government to urgently address problems with its
6
Cuts Both Ways is the debut solo album by which famous artist?
8 Yoweri Museveni became President of which country in 1986, a title still held in 2022?
(a) Eritrea
(b) Uganda (c) Sudan (d) Kenya
9 What is the highest possible score you can get when throwing one dart? (a) 20 (b) 40 (c) 60 (d) 80
10Roald Dahl wrote a popular children’s novel titled, ‘James and the Giant’ what? (a) Rabbit (b) Tree (c) Moon (d) Peach
WELCOME SUPPORT: Visiting soldiers Saurav Prasai and Vanessa Dunton were among those who spent time in Wangaratta last week, selling badges as part of the annual ANZAC Appeal. Six soldiers from the transport division at Puckapunyal training base manned badge sale points at Bunnings, Coles and Wangaratta Post O ice on Wednesday and Thursday, o ering locals a chance to support the appeal. Held in the lead-up to ANZAC Day, the appeal is becoming increasingly important to RSL sub-branches including Wangaratta, to assist in providing support to local veterans.
free camping policy and expand the initiative to include regulated parks to reduce the growing issue of ‘ghost camping’.
The April school holidays, and Easter long weekend, again saw state government free camp sites remain near empty, resulting in signi cant economic losses for regional communities and frustration among genuine campers.
Unlike unregulated free camps, privately operated caravan (tourist) parks operate under strict regulation and o er safe, a ordable and family-friendly camping experiences with access to clean amenities, emergency infrastructure and professional onsite sta .
Since 1 December 2024, private tourist parks have been operating in an unfair market, forced by the Victorian Government to compete with free, unregulated camp sites, eroding private park occupancy rates, revenue and pro tability.
Two months ago, we provided the Minister for Tourism Steve Dimopoulos with several options to support private tourist park businesses and the thousands of private park campers who have sought the same nancial bene t as those camping for free in Parks Victoria campgrounds.
If the goal is to make outdoor holidays more a ordable and accessible, regulated tourist parks must be part of the solution.
For example, providing campers in private caravan (tourist) parks with a voucher
worth a similar discount to that which the government is providing campers in their own unregulated campgrounds would give Victorians more choice, provide much greater support for our small business operators and avoid some of the waste created by a poorly managed free booking system. Victorians would be able to redeem camping credits at either public sites or our regulated member tourist parks.
We are urging the Victorian Government to immediately engage with industry and implement reforms that restore credibility to the initiative and ensure equitable support for the businesses that serve as the backbone of regional tourism.
Scott Parker, CEO Caravan & Residential Parks Victoria
Niro
(a) Carla Bull
(c) Gloria Estefan
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Wangaratta smashes $3
milestone to help sick children
THE Wangaratta community turned out in numbers to break a major Good Friday Appeal milestone as its community spirit and generosity was on show once again.
The rural city ticked over $3 million in its 56 years of fundraising for the Royal Children’s Hospital, tallying one of its biggest ever annual totals of $125,987.
Wangaratta and district Good Friday Appeal coordinator Alex Carmody said a er falling just $1000 short last year, it was a highlight to see the community surpass the $3 million mark towards the mighty cause last Friday.
“It was a great day, everybody was cheery because of the weather and ready to get out there,” he said.
“The brigades were brilliant again.”
Wangaratta CFA brigade acting captain Lauren McCully said around 15 CFA trucks were turning on out their lights and sirens throughout the Wangaratta township, as more than 100 CFA volunteers across the rural city rattled the tins.
“We live in such an amazing, generous community,” she said.
“We love what we do and we do it for a reason, but the
BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
Wangaratta community are the biggest ones we need to thank because they are the ones that show up time and time again.
“The kids love seeing the re trucks and we love seeing the kids.”
Wangaratta SES Unit volunteers were also scouring the rural city assisting with collections.
Mr Carmody said Laceby West and North Wangaratta CFA brigades joined the fundraising e orts for the rst time this year, with North Wangaratta’s new re tanker a big hit with the community.
He said the near $126,000 raised was one of Wangaratta’s biggest Good Friday Appeal fundraisers ever, with an extra $9000 raised by the RSL Ladies Auxilary still to be added to the o cial total.
“This was our biggest one in ve years when we were given a $40,000 donation from someone in their will, so this year was really our biggest one,” Mr Carmody said.
He gave special mention to volunteer Norm Adams, who raised a remarkable $16,000 to-
wards the Good Friday Appeal.
“He has been sitting at Coles and Big W over the last month and he sat at the doors and collected money there,” Mr Carmody said.
Jade Martin and her fouryear-old daughter Frankie Batty were among the many hundreds of residents keen to o er a donation as collectors, accompanied by a re truck with sirens blaring, meandered through streets in Wan-
garatta’s West End on Friday.
“We’re happy to support the Royal Children’s Hospital as they’ve been a greats support to us,” said Jade.
“Frankie was a premature baby, born at 28 weeks, and we spent time at the hospital.
“She was unable to swallow food and had a feeding tube inserted into her stomach, which she still has, and we visit the hospital for a check-up each year.”
Dedicated CFA volunteers raised $1,888,912 statewide this year, bringing their lifetime total to over $41 million.
Ms McCully said it was signi cant for the local brigades to play such a big part in the CFA’s 74-year milestone as Wangaratta passed the $3 million mark.
“We all know someone who has been touched by someone who has had a child in the Royal Children’s Hos-
pital, my own daughter and son have been, I was there as a baby; so why not give to it,” she said.
Boorhaman once again performed above and beyond in fundraising with the small community bringing up $63,000 on their own while Glenrowan brought in $9164.
For the second consecutive year, the Victorian government announced $3 million of funds raised by the Appeal will be shared across rural and regional hospitals in the North East and statewide.
CFA chief re o cer Jason He ernan said this year’s Good Friday Appeal was particularly special.
“Being able to exceed the $40 million milestone in the same year CFA celebrate their 80th anniversary is quite tting and is a touching nod to our shared community spirit,” he said.
Chairman of the Good Friday Appeal, Penny Fowler, said the statewide generosity and dedication of the community was truly remarkable, with this year’s nal total standing at $23,822,792 raised.
Since 1931, the Good Friday Appeal has raised over $492 million, with every dollar making a di erence for sick children and their families.
FOR THE KIDS: Wangaratta’s Frankie Batty, 4, accompanied by her mum Jade Martin, was happy to donate to the Good Friday Appeal when firefighter Hamish Steer came collecting on Friday. PHOTO: Je Zeuschner
Boorhaman community spirit on display, raising $63,000 for kids
By JORDAN DUURSMA
MORE than $63,000 was raised in Boorhaman for the Good Friday Appeal, about $59,000 of which was raised at the Boorhaman Hotel’s annual event in support of the Royal Children’s Hospital.
The day began with local re trucks visiting homes and volunteers rattling tins, seeing the small community dig deep and give from the heart.
The ‘Ducky Drop’ fundraiser saw 200 rubber ducks dropped from a helicopter, with prizes awarded to those which landed closest to and furthest from the pin.
Boorhaman Hotel owner Katie Batchelor said she was overwhelmed by the community’s generosity.
“It’s amazing to have such a great response and to see how supportive the community is of each other,” she said.
“Every dollar counts, all the businesses that donate every year and everyone volunteers their time to help is so generous.
“It’s a real community e ort.”
For the fourth consecutive year, the Boorhaman Hotel has hosted the annual event, raising staggering funds for a community of its size.
Katie said it takes a lot of work over many months, but the cause is close to home.
“It’s such a good cause and my daughter was in the Royal Children’s Hospital when she was younger so it’s important to us to add our support,” she said.
Other activities on the day included yabby races, ra es, lucky dips, and face-painting for the kids, and an auction featuring a range of good and services.
In what has become an annual Easter tradition for Victoria, the Good Friday Appeal is now in its 94th year and has raised more than $468 million to deliver the best possible care to patients and families.
For more information on the Good Friday Appeal or to donate, visit goodfridayappeal.com.au.
ACTIVITIES: Kids were kept busy with a wide variety of activities to choose from, including lucky dips and face-painting.
Eldorado fundraiser brings in $21,000 for team Willow
By GRACE FREDSBERG
MORE than $21,000 was raised at the Good Friday Appeal fundraiser at Eldorado’s McEvoy Tavern last Friday.
Event organiser Molly Chambeyron said the day was hugely successful with support from the community more potent than ever.
Molly had been running the annual fundraiser for several years, prompted by the support her granddaughter Willow received from the Royal Children’s Hospital while battling cancer - and fortunately she is now in remission.
“The cra room went o well, the face painters were great,” she said.
Molly said the Whitey’s Ferret Racing proved popular once again and will return at next year’s event.
A personal highlight for her was Peter Coleman auctioning o his sculptures and Joe Hogg’s unwavering
determination to get his hands on the tree of life sculpture.
As for the auctioning of Willow’s table, Molly said she initially had no idea who had bought it.
“The nal bid came to $600; it was our auctioneer Riley,” she said.
“It was mind-blowing.”
The table will be up for auction at next years’ event.
For Molly, the connection and good spirits shared on the day is equally as important as raising funds for the cause.
“It’s about the love and support that turns up on the day,” she said.
“The love there is just amazing.”
Molly extended her gratitude to everyone who o ered a helping hand on the day.
“This day would not happen without Kelly and her amazing sta at the McEvoy Tavern,” she said.
FAMILY FUN: William Wahlert, Henry McInnes, Flynn McInnes and Louis Bell joined in the festivities.
RAISING FUNDS: Charlee Wahlert, Pippa Keane and Annabel Hourigan lent a helping hand to collect donations.
of the event for many, the Ducky Drop, saw 200 rubber ducks dropped from a helicopter.
YABBY RACES: In true country fashion, yabby races were included in the activities for the day, drawing a crowd.
BOORHAMAN SPIRIT: More than 400 locals showed up to support the event on Friday.
HOP TO IT: Event organiser Molly Chambeyron (le ) with McEvoy Tavern owner Kelly Bradley.
RECOGNITION: Jersey Australia
Milawa farmer honoured with Master Breeder award
A MILAWA farmer has been added to the Jersey Australia Master Breeder honour board.
Darryn Hourigan’s Darrynvale Jerseys from Milawa was this month announced as one of Jersey Australia’s two new Master Breeders. The Master Breeder awards were introduced in 2023 to recognise breeding excellence over the past 20 years and the commit-
ment of farmers to the breed.
The award requires breeders to have been a member of Jersey Australia for at least 20 years, to register an average of 25 animals a year and produce elite brood, type and production cows and elite bulls.
Jersey Australia board member and chair of promotions, Jane Sykes, said the greatness of a Master Breeder does not happen overnight; it takes time and patience.
Darrynvale Jerseys was established in 1970 and is owned and operated by Darryn Hourigan and his partner Rachelle.
Darryn’s son Bailey and daughter Ellie are also involved in running the farm.
It has registered 2888 cows and has had 351 classi ed as ‘excellent’.
Darrynvale is a platinum production herd and regularly achieves more than 7000 litres average, with
A not so Good Friday for driver who blew 0.260 in Benalla
A MAN has had his vehicle impounded and driver’s licence suspended a er being caught with a blood alcohol level more than ve times the legal limit in Benalla’s main street last Friday night.
A police spokesperson said Benalla Highway Patrol ofcers observed a utility driving extremely slowly with no lights on along Bridge Street about 7pm.
“When the vehicle pulled into a nearby carpark, ofcers gave the driver a preliminary breath test which returned a positive result,” they said.
“A er accompanying police to a local station, the driver undertook an evidentiary breath test where he returned an alleged reading of 0.260.”
The man’s licence was immediately suspended, and his vehicle was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1280.
He is expected to be charged on summons with tra c related o ences.
Police will continue to be present on local roads throughout Operation Compass, a 10-day road safety blitz running until Sunday, 27 April.
TAKEN AWAY: A man’s utility was impounded a er he was caught more than five times the legal limit in Benalla on Friday night.
some cows producing up to 11,000 litres.
In the early 1980s, Darryn’s father Keith invested in Big Hollow and Merriland genetics in New Zealand, including the world-renowned Daisy family which has had an enormous in uence in the herd.
Darryn continues to breed award-winning cows with deep pedigrees.
Man caught driving after 13 beers and a line of cocaine
A YARRAWONGA man who recently became a father has been warned he could lose his loved ones if he continued substance abuse.
The 29-year-old man appeared at Wangaratta Magistrates Court last week to plead guilty to drink and drug driving offences.
The court heard in the early hours of 17 November last year police intercepted the defendant’s vehicle in Mackay Street, Wangaratta.
After officers conducted a positive premilinary breath test, the defendant admitted to have taken cocaine earlier that night and still had a small ziplock bag of the substance on him.
He recorded a blood alcohol reading of .109 just before 1am at Wangaratta Police Station, where he told officers he had around 13 beers that night and “did a line” of cocaine before driving from Yarrawonga to Wangaratta.
His driver’s licence was immediately suspended and the car impounded.
Defence counsel Geoff Clancy said his client was a hard worker and when his partner suggested he could have an afternoon off to socialise, he made poor choices.
Mr Clancy said hic client has continued his employment in Benalla, organising transport with friends, and engaged in drug and alcohol counselling at the recommendation of his partner, who he recently had a child with.
Magistrate Victoria Campbell issued a 20-month licence disqualification and a $1000 fine with conviction.
“He needs to learn you can’t drink 13 beers, take one line of cocaine and drive in your car,” she said.
“If you have a substance abuse problem you’ll lose your partner, you’ll lose your child and then you’ll have a real problem.
“I really do hope this has been a lesson for you today.”
LOCAL
(JA) Master Breeder Rohan Sprunt (le ) and JA president Geo Akers present Milawa farmer Darryn Hourigan (centre) with his Master Breeder award.
More lifesaving donors needed
LIFEBLOOD is appealing for more donors to help stock up blood and plasma supplies a er a busy school holiday period, punctuated by Easter and the upcoming ANZAC Day long weekend.
Lifeblood spokesperson Cath Stone said every day Lifeblood issues more than 9500 bags of blood, plasma and medications to Australian hospitals. She said the need for blood doesn’t stop when the rest of Australia takes a holiday.
Blood donation plays a critical role in saving the
lives of Australians every day. In fact, just one blood donation can save up to three lives.
Lifeblood is also reminding people not to rule themselves out from donating if they are travelling overseas.
“If you’re heading overseas, you might have to wait to donate blood, but you could be eligible to donate plasma as soon as you’re back,” Cath said.
“Visit our website to check your eligibility because it can change depending on where
you travelled to.
“You never know – you could be able to save a life sooner than you think.”
The Wangaratta Donor Centre in Norton Street has availability for blood donors on ANAC Day, and spots available for plasma donors all this week.
Anyone who makes a donation up until 25 May will receive an exclusive, Easter-themed bandage by Melbourne artist Alice Oehr.
To book an appointment, call 13 14 95, or visit https:// www.lifeblood.com.au/ donor-centre/vic/wangaratta-donor-centre
Can’t make it on Election Day?
Harry cool, meeting fans in Wangaratta
Wednesday, 22 April, 2015
By SHANA MORGAN
If you can’t vote on Saturday 3 May, you may be eligible to vote early.
All Australian citizens aged 18 years and over are required by law to vote.
SEEING smiling young soccer players keen to learn about the game is what impresses Harry Kewell these days.
The former Socceroo - who played for Leeds, Liverpool and both of Melbourne’s A League teams during his career - made a brief stop at the Wangaratta Chrysler Jeep Dodge dealership yesterday to meet local fans.
So, if you can’t make it to a polling place on election day, you may be eligible to: · vote early at an early voting centre, or · apply for a postal vote.
If you’re travelling, working or will be outside the electorate where you’re enrolled on election day, you can vote early.
To check early voting options and eligibility, visit aec.gov.au/early
Your vote will help shape Australia.
To learn more aec.gov.au/early 13 23 26
The visit was part of his tour with the Harry Kewell Academy, which will hold a clinic in Shepparton today for 100 eager children aged under 10 - including nine from Wangaratta City Soccer Club, after the tickets were provided to them by the Wangaratta Motor Group.
“The kids were excited, it’s good to see,” Kewell told the Wangaratta Chronicle yesterday.
“They want to be a part of it and they are willing to go a long way.”
He said he was conducting the clinics to pass on what he learned during his professional career, including passing, shooting and dribbling the ball.
Kewell started playing soccer as a four-yearold and also had the benefit of professional coaching as a young boy.
He said it was good to see high interest in the clinic in rural areas and high participation numbers at local clubs like Wangaratta City.
“If people want to take it seriously, the more people there are the better it’s going to be,” he said.
“Hopefully if I come back, they can show me what they’ve learned.”
WE WANT YOUR NEWS
Call the Wangaratta Chronicle on (03) 57230113 or email us at edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au
GREEN AND GOLD: A signature from Harry Kewell got a big thumbs-up from William Gulbin. PHOTO: Luke Plummer
Comedy Roadshow ready to roll into Wangaratta in May
THE line-up has been announced for the Melbourne International Comedy Roadshow which is coming to the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Thursday, 15 May.
This year’s event will be hosted by Fadzri Rashid, a dynamic stand-up comedian from Singapore known for his sharp wit and engaging storytelling, with special guests Brett Blake, Jude Perl, Matt Stewart and Rowan Thambar.
Fadzri has performed at prestigious venues like the Melbourne Comedy Festival and Es-
planade, captivating audiences with his unique blend of humour and cultural insights.
Brett has starred on ABC TV’s Question Everything and Spicks & Specks, has appeared regularly on the Melbourne Comedy Festival Gala and was a scene stealer in the Jamie Doran thriller, The Tourist, on Stan.
His comedy special Bogan Genius was released in 2022 on Paramount + and his latest, Go Hard or Go Home, has been racking up the views on his YouTube channel.
Jude is a multi-award-winning
Wangaratta Historic Motor Show and Fly-In
THE Wangaratta Historic Motor Show and Fly-In, a popular bi-annual event and one of the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, is set to take place at the Wangaratta Airport this Sunday, 27 April from 9am to 3pm.
The show highlights an impressive collection of historic vehicles, including classic cars, trucks, fire engines, ambulances, police cars, motorcycles, tractors and more.
In addition to land vehicles, the event also features a spectacular display of historic aircraft, particularly World War II planes, which are showcased in live demonstrations.
Tickets are $25 per person at the gate (under 15 free) with more information at wangarattahistoricmotorshowandflyin.com.
singer, songwriter and comedian based in Melbourne.
Texas-born, but Melbourne bred, she has created a name for herself by writing and performing hilarious, yet brutally honest, stream-of-consciousness style lyrics, set to undeniably catchy and well-cra ed songs.
Matt started performing standup comedy, quickly hitting his stride and winning Australia’s largest open mic stand-up comedy competition, RAW Comedy, in 2014, and performing sell out shows across Australia and the UK since 2015.
GANEAA Across the Arts festival in May
THE Goulburn and North East Arts Alliance Inc will present the Across the Arts festival on May 2 and 3 with a range of interactive arts workshops being held at The Centre in Wangaratta.
An official launch will be held on Friday, 2 May in Gallery 2 and the Wangaratta Art Gallery from 5.30pm, featuring a presentation by guest speaker, artist Blake Griffiths, on his stunning new textile exhibition, Trading Cloth. Refreshments will be served, and bookings can be made by visiting wangarattaartgallery.com.au/Programs/ Launch-Across-the-Arts-Festival.
All are welcome to participate in the workshops running over the festival weekend with more information and bookings at ganeaa.com.au.
Rowan is a critically acclaimed stand-up comedian and regular comedy writer at The Project on Channel 10.
He’s been nominated for Best Comedy at Melbourne Fringe, was a member of Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Comedy Zone and has been featured on triple j, NOVA and ABC National Radio.
So grab your friends, get your tickets and prepare for a muchneeded dose of laughter when the roadshow arrives on Thursday, 15 May at 8pm, with tickets available at wpacc.com.au.
The Sounds of Simon & Garfunkel on 20 June
THE Sounds of Simon & Garfunkel, celebrating the music of one of the greatest vocal duos of all time, will visit the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Friday, 20 June at 7.30pm.
Simon & Garfunkel reflected and defined the mood of the 60s with their close vocal harmonies and stirring songs, penned by Paul Simon. The Sounds of Simon & Garfunkel is performed by Mark Shelley and Peter O’Regan - who have been touring and performing for decades in many different forms and guiseswith bass player Christopher Soulos.
Featuring all the hits including Mrs Robinson, Homeward Bound, Sounds of Silence, Bridge Over Troubled Water and many more, experience the music that reflected the mood and social revolution of the era in this special show, with tickets available now at wpacc.com.au.
Whispering Jack Show in Wangaratta
THE Whispering Jack Show, a tribute to the music of John Farnham, is on at the Pinsent Hotel on Friday, 23 May from 6pm. Mike Vee is ‘The Voice’ behind the Australian Whispering Jack show, a tribute to the music of John Farnham, which has toured Australia and internationally for almost two decades.
Mike’s 2025 show features a new playlist and seven-piece band and promises to be an uplifting evening of entertainment, jampacked with Farnham’s greatest hits. More information and tickets are available at Eventbrite.
Obscurity by Maureen Varnavsky at Art Gallery on Ovens
AN exhibition by new resident artist Maureen Varnavasky will open at the Art Gallery on Ovens in Wangaratta on Thursday, 24 April.
In this exhibition, the abstract works explore the concept of obscurity as it impacts upon our ability to see beyond the obvious, still life paintings are simple and pure in form, and seascapes reflect the artist’s love of the ocean.
An opening celebration will be held tomorrow at 6pm with all welcome and the exhibition to be open daily (except Anzac Day) until May 6.
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Someone will try to pull the wool over your eyes. Trust your inborn sense of what’s right and what’s wrong to help you avoid getting fleeced.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Love dominates the Taurean landscape this week, but someone from the past doesn’t feel so kindly to the divine Bovine. Resist an attempt to goad you into a fight.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) A perplexing on-the-job situation that you thought was resolved reopens with a new twist. But this time, you’ll have more people willing to help you deal with it.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A major move could be good for your career, but you worry that it might cause problems for your loved ones. Before making a decision, talk things over with them.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) The Big Kitty’s glitter dazzles the right people who react to your charm. But they’ll want more proof that you can do the job they’re offering.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Continue to assess both sides of a workplace situation before deciding which to support. An old friend brings potentially life-changing news. Listen well.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Your natural inclination for fairness might conflict with the special needs of a friend. Weigh both issues carefully and make your decision in your usual honest way.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A misunderstanding causes a rift in a once-closed relationship. Make a move toward sealing the breach before it grows too wide to ever be repaired.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) You can keep secrets like no one else can, but an unexpected development may force you to consider revealing one of them.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Someone tries once again to goad the Goat into a confrontation, but resist. Remember that you’ve nothing to gain by being the butt of someone else’s ambitions.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) An opportunity that recently opened up needs to be fully explored to make sure that no unsettling surprises will emerge later on. Ask questions and demand answers.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) An old friend reveals a secret from the past that can lead to changes in relationships with family and friends. Expect a shocking reaction from a surprising source.
LAUGH OUT LOUD: Stand-up comedians Fadzri Rashid (main), Brett Blake (le ) and Matt Stewart (right) join the line-up for the Melbourne International Comedy Roadshow coming to the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Thursday, 15 May.
KING VALLEY NEWS
Covering Moyhu, Edi, Myrrhee, Whitfield, Cheshunt and Whitlands areas
New horizons ahead for Lyn Lewis and the Cheshunt Hall
STALWART of the Cheshunt community, Lyn Lewis, has stepped down from her position as president of the Cheshunt Hall committee a er 16 years, as Lyn and husband Graham prepare to make a move and start the next stage of their lives in Wodonga.
Lyn has long been the go-to person for any business relating to the Cheshunt Hall, and she is known for her ability to be frank, forthright and ensure things get done.
So it’s interesting to learn Lyn and Graham only ended up in Cheshunt by chance - Lyn having accompanied a friend who was inspecting a property for her son, only to fall in love with it herself.
Just over 22 years ago, Lyn and Graham sold up their Wangaratta home and taxi business and made the move to Cheshunt and have lived there happily there ever since, enjoying the creek-side location, expansive garden and abundant local wildlife.
When they arrived in Cheshunt, Lyn reunited with an old friend called Janine who lived there too, and the pair decided to attend a meeting at the Cheshunt Hall, both ending up on the committee and Lyn taking on the role of president about six years later.
“When I came on as president, we had not long had a renovation (getting the kitchen and oors done) and we’ve been going along steadily ever since,” she said.
“We’ve had a few wonderful events and performances here, but mainly it has been a community hall for everyone, hosting weddings, birthdays and funerals.
“I’ve loved it - I’ve always had a great committee - the ladies and gents have always stepped up and been fantastic, which helps a great deal - and we’ve always had a good time and been good mates.”
Lyn says she’s pleased to hear the
WANGARATTA Senior Citizens Club will host a social gathering at its clubrooms in Tara Court from 1.30pm today, 23 April.
The club will also host indoor carpet bowls on Thursday from 1pm, cards (500) on ANZAC Day (Friday) from 1.30pm, indoor carpet bowls on Monday from 1pm and cards (500) and hoy on Tuesday from 1.30pm, all in the clubrooms or the adjoining St Patrick’s supper room.
Social gathering next Wednesday will be tricycling at Apex Park from 10am - bring a chair.
THE Australian Plant Society (Wangaratta) has its next meeting on Thursday, 24 April from 7pm at the Masonic Hall, corner Esmond and Appin Streets.
Guest speaker will be Anne Langmaid, nursery manager at Melton Botanic Garden, who will speak about the Australian native plant species of Eremophilas and Melton Botanic Garden.
BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au
new committee, which has grown from nine to 11 members and is headed by Richard Carson, has some new faces and representatives from a mix of age groups.
She said it should be fantastic because there is “young blood” with fresh ideas.
“I decided step away from the committee because it would be too hard, but it doesn’t mean I won’t get involved or help out if I am needed (while I’m still here).
“I wish the new committee luck and look forward to seeing a new mindset of ideas for the hall.”
One of Lyn’s favourite events at the Cheshunt Hall has been the annual ower show, which she and friend Wendy Piccolo were instrumental in organising over many years, getting it to the point where it ran like a well-oiled machine.
She said while she’s happy to help with it, she is also happy to “go along, have a scone, jam and cream and just enjoy it”, like hundreds of people do every year.
Other special events include the annual Australia Day barbecue, fortnightly cra group on Wednesdays, and monthly community lunches, which Lyn has helped facilitate for the last 10 years.
“It’s a lovely day, seeing the older people in the valley get together - the noise level is amazing - they have such a good time,” she said.
“Sustainable King Valley have also done a wonderful job with the food hub - it was a big change, converting our supper room and storage spacebut it has been brilliant.”
The Cheshunt community has endured its fair share of natural disas-
A follow-up in the form of a bus trip to Melton Botanic Garden is being planned for Sunday, 25 May. All welcome.
WANGARATTA Seniors Dance will be held on Friday, 25 April from 2pm to 4pm in St Patrick’s supper room (entry beside St Patrick’s Church in Ford Street).
Music will be provided by The Rustic Ramblers, with dance revision from 1.30pm to 2pm, admission $5 (non-members $7), which includes afternoon tea.
The dance is held on the fourth Friday of each month. For more information, phone Margaret on 0407 357 226 or Julie on 0408 032 451.
PEECHELBA Memorial Hall will hold its centenary celebration and market on Sunday, April 27 from 9am.
Flag-raising and official proceedings will be held at 10.30am, with the day also
ters including oods, storms and the threat of res, but Lyn said through concerted community e ort it continues to become more resilient - the hall being adapted to better suit its function as a Neighbourhood Safer Place, with recent additions including solar panels and a new generator.
Lyn remembers in the hours and days following a cyclonic storm hit a few years ago, while no one outside the valley knew the extent of the damage - the community used their own equipment and did what they had to do to help each other and ensure everyone was safe.
“This community - we pull together - everyone helps everybody,” she said.
“I’ve lived a lot of places, but I have never experienced a place like this.
“The number of people who came to visit me to see if there was anything I needed (a er I’d had a fall) was incredible - I don’t think I’ll nd
SOCIAL CALENDAR
including a vehicle show and shine, market stalls, barbecue food and drinks, music, free games, face-painting and displays from CFA, ambulance, embroidery and dance groups. This is a cashpreferred event, with gold coin entry.
For more information, phone 0488 417 893.
WANGARATTA Garden Club’s general meeting will be held on Thursday, 1 May from 1pm at the Seventh Day Adventist Church Hall in Phillipson Street. There will be exhibits on display, a small stall and afternoon tea. The special effort for this month is a vase or container of coloured foliage. Everyone is welcome.
King Valley commemorating ANZAC Day
AN ANZAC Day commemoration will be held at Cheshunt Hall on Friday, 25 April with a dawn service starting at 5.50am. All are welcome with light refreshments served afterwards and more information available by contacting Angie on 5729 8487.
A community service for ANZAC Day will also be held in the Moyhu Lions Park at 11am, commemorating 110 years since the Gallipoli campaign.
Local veterans will be remembered, there will be a public wreath laying, with refreshments provided by the Moyhu CWA and Moyhu Lions.
All are invited to gather at the Moyhu Hotel following the service, to remember those who came before.
Greta Craft Group meetings
another community like it.”
Lyn says while she recognises she can be a bit of a control freak when it comes to organising things, it’s only because she has wanted to do her best and support her community, in the same way it has supported her.
She is one of those “worker ants” who gets things done, without whom a rural community wouldn’t exist.
While Lyn and Graham have loved their time in Cheshunt and will miss their beautiful home and community, they felt the time was right to move closer to facilities and to family in Wodonga and spend more time with their three children and six grandchildren.
“I will miss my lovely group of friends - and not all to do with the hall - but they promise me they will visit, and I will visit them,” she said.
“And I’ll still come back for the ower show because it’s such a lovely day.”
WANGARATTA West Artisans
Market will be held at St Michael’s Anglican Church in O’Leary Street on Saturday, May 3 from 9am to 1pm.
The market will feature handcrafted items, fresh produce, plants, home-baked cakes, morning tea options and coffee van, along with a barbecue and ‘curry corner’ (gluten-free and vegetarian options).
There will be activities for children during the market.
For more information, visit the wangwestanglicans Facebook page or email artisanmarket@ wangarattawestanglican.org.au
THE Cancer Council Victoria Wangaratta Volunteer Group meets on the first Monday afternoon of the month at the Town and Country Tavern meeting room at 1.30pm. Next meeting is Monday, 5 May at 1.30pm. Everyone welcome.
COME and enjoy spending time with a relaxed group of crafters who share similar interests, as part of the Greta Craft Group. The group meets weekly on Wednesday from 10.30am onwards, at the old Greta school. Bring your own lunch, with a fee paid each week to cover costs, and more information available by contacting Nola Jones on 5727 9295.
Trash and treasure in
Whitfield
THE trash and treasure outlet at the King Valley Community Memorial Hall (former RSL in Whitfield) is open on Saturdays from 10am until 3pm (cash only). All income goes towards the maintenance of the community hall, with those needing assistance or wanting to make donation invited to contact Angie on 5729 8487.
WANGARATTA Old Time/New Vogue Dancing is held every Tuesday from 7pm to 10pm at the CWA Hall in Templeton Street. Admission is $10, please bring a plate of supper to share. Entry also includes raffle ticket and lucky door prize. Phone 0431 190 630 for more information.
WANGARATTA Keenagers Table Tennis competition is held at the Wangaratta Showgrounds each Monday and Thursday from 8am. New players welcome, morning tea provided (BYO cup). Contact Maureen O’Keefe 0409 215 881.
CONNECTING Community Café runs during school terms on Thursdays from 10am to 11am at Intermezzo Café.
Learn what’s happening in the community, meet others and have a place to drop in, have a cuppa and chat. For more information, contact Open Door Neighbourhood House on 5721 9175.
ALL ABOUT COMMUNITY: Lyn Lewis said she has never experienced a place quite like Cheshunt, where everyone helps everybody. PHOTO: Anita McPherson
IN PERSON BY PHONE
Contract No. CM25.060
Hire of Landfill Compactor
Tenders are invited for the hire of a landfill compactor.
Council seeks the provision of a landfill compactor (dry hire) with suitable capability and reliability to enable ongoing and daily operations at the Benalla Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre to ensure compliance with legislative requirements.
Council will consider submissions for late-model or low-hour used equipment, provided the serviceable life, capability, and safety requirements are reasonably guaranteed and uncompromised.
The contract is for a five-year period, commencing 1 September 2025. Tender closes at 5pm Tuesday 20 May 2025.
All responses must be lodged electronically by registering on the e-tender portal: https://app.eprocure.com.au/benalla/home/public
The lowest or any tender may not necessarily be accepted.
CONCRETING , big or small jobs, paths, driveways, shed slabs, verandahs, 15 years experience. For a free quote phone
Trev Anderson on 0422 200 761.
KITCHENS JUST FOR YOU, cabinet making solutions. Kitchens available before Christmas. Phone Roland 0414 950 647.
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.
FOR SALE
$50 OR UNDER
LEVI Straus jeans, brand new, black, w33, l32, will sell $30. Ph 5721 5592.
The Wangaratta Farmers Market is seeking a Volunteer Treasurer. Training provided if required. Up to 3.0 hours a month including attendance at monthly Committee meetings. Attention to detail MYOB experience preferred Experience keeping books for a small business or community group
Contact Eleanor on 0412 563 467 or wangarattafarmersmarket@gmail.com for this position or to volunteer for the market.
MITSUBISHI Tray Top Ute, 2WD 410,00km, motor rebuilt, 5 month rego (CU57VL), $2800. Ph 0439 766 211.
CONVERTIBLE for sale, 1997 AMG
Mercedes SLK 230
Kompressor, solid top folding roof, VIN: WDB1704472F034586, 156,000km, I am selling due to vehicle rationalizing, it is a lovely car in very good condition, a great drive and with Club registration is economical to own, more photos are available upon request, RWC will be supplied, $12,500. Contact Ken on 0418 300 220.
CARAVAN BOX/STORAGE
Heavy duty aluminum checker plate W:1200, D:500, H:700, Slide suits 2KVA generator Storage box side 500x600x700.LED tail, brake and indicator lights. $200. Ph. 0417 551 904.
BOX trailer, well built, $350. Ph 0439 766 211
QUINTREX
BayHunter runabout, 4.4 metre aluminium V-hull, 90s model, with canopy and side window panels, trailer and 40HP Mercury engine, life jackets, reg to Sep 25, $11,000 ono. Ph 0419 870 472.
10FT 6 Boat, on a new trailer, 9hp motor $900, Ph 0439 766 211.
Isabel and Ray DUNSTAN (McGuiffie) April 23, 1955
Celebrate their 70th Wedding Anniversary And Isabel’s 90th Birthday Congratulations on this remarkable achievement, and our loving best wishes ~ From all your proud family.
Amery-Evans
Todd and Kym Amery are very happy to announce the engagement of their daughter Meg Amery to Adam Evans. Congratulations and much love to you
FRASCA, Jack. Loving brother of John Rest in peace. Forever in our hearts. Loved and remembered always. So sadly missed. ~ John and Mariae and family.
Creating art in the holidays
By SIMONE KERWIN
CREATIVE young people used their imaginations to complete mini-artworks last Wednesday, as part of the Wangaratta Library’s school holiday program. Participants were encouraged to paint, draw and add fun materials to create the works, which will be displayed in the library. Wednesday’s session was the nal item on the art-themed program at the Docker Street library, which was fully booked out for the school holidays.
PAINTBRUSH AT THE READY: Louie Fin enjoyed the miniartwork session.
TIME TOGETHER: Olivia and Francis Harrison show their works in progress.
CREATIVE: Aaakash Barnard with his piece.
LOVING IT: Lucy Coles was using bright colours.
ART ACTIVITY: Patrick Fin was among the participants in Wednesday’s session.
BRILLIANT COLOURS: Francesca Fin shows her artistic skills.
SCENIC: Ollie Kittelty gets a start on his artwork.
STRIKING: HOLLY LEE SHOWS THE START OF HER ARTWORK.
SPECIAL EVENT: Rural City of Wangaratta councillor Dave Fuller listens as Adrian Twitt spoke of 50 years of conservation of the Warby Range, at the opening of the Friends of the Warby Ovens National Park art exhibition in the Bainz Gallery. PHOTO: Andy Kimber
MAKING AN IMPRESSION: Among the local artists exhibiting as part of the Friends of the Warby Ovens National Park is Joanne Radnor.
RIGHT: NATURAL
WONDER: Local artist Jacki Macleish has also found plenty of inspiration in the Warby Ovens National PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling
Warbys: pretty as a picture
50 years of conservation and natural beauty celebrated by Friends of Warby Ovens National Park
THE spectacular natural features found within the Warby Ovens National Park and the rich source of inspiration it provides to artists, is being celebrated in an exhibition in the Bainz Gallery at the Wangaratta Library during April.
More than 40 people gathered for the o cial opening of the Friends of Warby Ovens National Park Art Exhibition on 3 April, including Rural City of Wangaratta councillor Dave Fuller, enjoying some refreshments and conversation while acknowledging 50 years of conservation of the precious local ecological site. They were treated to a talk
BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au
by Adrian Twitt, who spoke proudly about the formation of the Warby Range Preservation Society (WRPS) in 1975, and why it was deemed necessary at the time.
Mr Twitt was the society’s original publicity o cer, and explained the group was disestablished on purpose soon a er the Warby Range was launched as a State Park in 1979.
In 2002, the park was expanded to include the state forest of Killawarra.
But Mr Twitt and society
Leo’s keen eye for all things vintage
By GRACE FREDSBERG
FOR the past 15 years, Leo Notarianni has strived to bring the past to present with his countless displays and exhibitions across the region.
Actively involved in a number of historical societies and the elected treasurer of the National Trust’s North East region, he has dedicated much of his time toward recreating the magic of and paying tribute to the mid-century era through his work.
Leo’s assistance in the stage production for Bonegilla: A Migrant’s Journey facilitated in the show’s vibrant atmosphere, having provided the vintage props dispersed across the stage. He also curated and hosted an exhibition in the foyer of the WPACC, supplying items from the Bonegilla era, such as mid-century publications, lm props and collectables, as well as custom-made collages which featured former occupants and migrants connected to the Bonegilla Migrant Camp.
In that same period, he held a Bonegilla era motor display on the Holy Trinity Cathedral An-
members went on to initiate two powerful groups to continue the work of the WRPS into the future.
The very successful Warby Range Bushwalking Club (with a stated conservation aim) continues to involve many locals to this day, with walks in the national park an important part of their program.
The Friends of the Warbys group worked very hard from the late 1970s through to 2005 on various projects, but Mr Twitt said the “baton” of practical work and public education is now being carried on by the present Friends of the Warby Ovens National Park, which was formed only three years ago.
Friends member Andy Kimber said the idea to focus on local environmental art goes back to around 2007, when a few people who lived next to the then Warby Range State Park talked about starting a small arts festival celebrating the superb features of the Warby Range and Killawarra Forest.
He said while other more established parks in the North East such as Chiltern Mt Pilot, Mt Bu alo and Winton Wetlands seemed to have had plenty of visual art displayed either on site or in galleries, it wasn’t the case for the “new” (established in 2010) Warby Ovens National Park, despite it having three
di erent ecologies and exceptional views.
“We were aware of the extraordinary and famous images (of the Warby Range) created by Sidney Nolan and Lorna Chick, but thought few of the top-level images from ‘inside’ the park were being promoted,” he said.
“Creative art interpretation of our local natural environment, including a range of human practices of creative expression - not just visual art - is important in raising awareness about ecological issues and fostering a deeper connection between humans and our neighbouring natural world.”
Mr Kimber said the Friends of the Warby Ovens National
Park hope the exhibition will inform people about the unique and striking features which can be found in the very special local park, and perhaps even encourage some to carry out their own artistic e orts, whether it be with a phone camera, sketch pad or sound recorder.
The current exhibition in the Bainz Gallery includes the artwork of more than half a dozen local painters along with photographers, ceramicists and textile artists, showcasing the three di erent ecologies present in the local park.
The exhibition can be seen throughout April and entry is free.
WORK OF ART: Pictured is the exhibition he held in the foyer of the WPACC, featuring a number of Bonegilla era items from his collection.
BLAST FROM THE PAST: Leo’s 1960 Triumph Herald Coupe at Leo’s Bonegilla Era Motor Display.
glican church grounds and club room, which complemented the post-war nostalgia of the Bonegilla: A Migrants Journey production happening just across the road.
Memorabilia of local dealerships, motoring and classic cars were on display, including Leo’s very own 1960 Triumph Herald Coupe.
Being involved in multiple lm projects, one of the produc-
tions Leo assisted in, a period trilingual lm noir, has had international success, winning 217 lm awards around the world at lm festivals and competitions. By continuing to acquire vintage items he shows no signs of slowing down, as he has three full-length lms in the running. Several short lms, an upcoming mini-series and a number of music clips are also on this years’ agenda.
HISTORY CONNOISSEUR: Leo enjoys sharing his extensive knowledge about the Bonegilla era through his visually-enticing exhibitions and displays.
GOALS: WODONGA: T. Miller 3, R. Bourke 3, N. Spiteri 1, J. Yelland 1, A. Jorgensen 1, O. Willding 1, M. Wilson 1. NORTH ALBURY: A. Gardiner 3, J. Murphy 2, F. Gardiner 2, C. Gardiner 1, F. Gardiner 1, L. Taylor 1, T. Broomhead 1, N. Dennis 1, B. Rigoni 1. BEST: WODONGA: R. Bourke, T. O’Sullivan, T. Miller, M. Wilson, A. Jorgensen, W. Bradshaw. NORTH ALBURY: A. Gardiner, B. Rigoni, F. Gardiner, J. Hayes, G. Godde.
WANGARATTA ROVERS 5.6 8.9 15.15 20.18.138
GOALS: WANGARATTA ROVERS: N. Cooper 4, L. McCartney 4, D. Stone 3, J. Lewis 2, N. Scholte 2, W. Christie 1, S. Murray 1, C. Thompson 1, S. Cattapan 1, B. Filo 1. ALBURY: M. Walker 1, J. Gaynor 1, R. Garthwaite 1, J. Pitt 1. BEST: WANGARATTA ROVERS: S. Cattapan, C. Thompson, J. Mcquade, L. O’Brien, E. Dayman, N. Cooper. ALBURY: M. Bender, B. Kelly, W. Unthank, M. Byrne, L. Koller.
NETBALL SCORES THIRDS RESULTS
A GRADE
Wodonga 52 def by North Albury 58 Wangaratta Rovers 37 def by Albury 53
Corowa-R’glen 16 def by Wodonga Raiders 71; Myrtleford 31 def Lavington 26; Yarrawonga 35 def by Wangaratta 36.
Wangaratta Rovers 12.9 (81) def Albury 6.9 (45)
GOALS: WANGARATTA ROVERS: R. McNamara 2, M. Semmens
2, Z. O’Shannessy 2, J. Correll 2, C. Maher 1, C. Johnson 1, E. Saunders 1, H. Mullane 1. ALBURY: N. Conway 2, R. O’Sullivan
2, R. Tinworth 1, J. Carey 1. BEST: WANGARATTA ROVERS: Z. O’Shannessy, J. Marek, J. Allan, R. Harvey, J. Ford, J. Correll. ALBURY: N. Conway, E. Wallgate, B. Hilton, N. Prentice, J. Whiting, B. Davies.
Yarrawonga 5.4 (34) def by Wangaratta 14.11 (95)
GOALS: YARRAWONGA: L. Henley 2, B. Johnson 1, J. Fraser 1, N. Grieves 1. WANGARATTA: C. Petersen 2, R. Schultz 2, H. Barry 2, J. Blake 2, C. Donald 2, C. Kerwin 1, C. Newton 1, C. Bott 1, M. Bihun 1. BEST: YARRAWONGA: B. McDonald, A. Jaques, L. Henley, J. Ibbott, S. Bigger, R. Bone. WANGARATTA: C. Donald, E. Clayton, Z. Bott, T. Berry, C. Bott. Myrtleford 2.1 (13) def by Lavington 22.11 (143)
GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: S. Crisp 1, T. Cooper 1. LAVINGTON: I. Robertson 6, R. Costello 5, R. Robinson 2, Z. Klemke 2, N. Edmunds 1, C. Webb 1, C. Way 1, F. Scott 1, S. Junck 1, W. Dickins 1, J. McGrath 1. BEST: MYRTLEFORD: C. Ashworth, W. Graham, H. Stripeikis, C. Piazza, J. Hazeldine, Z. Carroll. LAVINGTON: R. Costello, Z. Klemke, C. Hall, I. Robertson, A. Russell, F. Scott.
Wodonga 14.4 (88) def North Albury 10.13 (73) Corowa Rutherglen 9.8 (62) def by Wodonga Raiders 11.12 (78)
COROWA-RUTHERGLEN 2.4 4.8 9..9 14.15.99
WODONGA RAIDERS 2.3 2.5 2.8 3.12.30
GOALS: COROWA RUTHERGLEN: K. Bradtke 5, D. Hope 2, C. Leslie 1, T. Forrest 1, J. Ugle 1, B. Morton 1, P. Lavis 1, L. McCarthy 1, F. Osborne 1. WODONGA RAIDERS: N. Bracher 1, J. Burke 1, B. Jones 1. BEST: COROWA RUTHERGLEN: R. Murphy, K. Bradtke, D. Hope, R. Irvin, J. Eyers, T. Roos. WODONGA RAIDERS: W. McCarty, C. Rich, B. Jones, B. St John, A. Pocock, A. Scammell.
GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: 1, J. East 1, B. Calogero 1, R. Bouker 1, D. Harrington 1. LAVINGTON: C. Sanson 2, A. Swinnerton 2, S. Driscoll 2, J. Glanvill 1, N. Newton 1, K. Davies 1, N. Paton 1. BEST: MYRTLEFORD: R. Smith, Z. Pethybridge, R. Calvene, S. Curtis, M. Munro, N. Ferguson. LAVINGTON: J. Costello, J. Driscoll, A. Swinnerton, J. Hart, J. Spina, J. Glanvill.
GOALS: YARRAWONGA: L. Williams 2, N. Fothergill 2, B. Coghill 1, M. Casey 1, L. Howe 1. WANGARATTA: X. Laverty 4, H. Gottschling 2, P. Heatley 1, B. Newton 1, H. Hewitt 1. BEST: YARRAWONGA: N. Irvine, D. Howe, W. Wheeler, N. Fothergill, J. Payne, H. Wheeler. WANGARATTA: A. Federico, X. Laverty, H. Smart, H. Hewitt, A. Tilley.
: T. Berenyi 4, E. Ivill 3, J. Magro 3, D. Carswell 2, C. Azzopardi 2, J. : J. Sanford, G. Murray, T. Berenyi, D. Carswell, J. Smart, K. Longstaff. : F. Weeks, A. Hillaire, D. Button, K. Glass, K. Linke, S. Cox.
10 2 (62) Wangaratta 16 6 (102) BEST: YARRAWONGA: M. Grinter, Z. Fraser, B. Schofield, W. Lutula, D. Flanagan, J. Eales. WANGARATTA: O. Roberts, N. Sampson, H. Burgan, J. Bianco, J. Roberts, H. Graham. Corowa R’glen 17 11 (113) Wodonga Raiders 6 7 (43)
BEST: COROWA RUTHERGLEN: D. Clancy, H. Canning, W. Bott, M. Lavis, N. Wright, F. Parker. WODONGA RAIDERS C. Smith, B. Jerram, B. Knights, D. Ramage, A. Clare, J. Cannell. Myrtleford ................ 10.3 (63) Lavington 10 7 (67)
BEST: MYRTLEFORD: J. Sharp, N. Turner, T. Cossor, R. Grant, A. Wickes, J. Hazeldine. LAVINGTON: C. Robertson, D. Smith, A. Daniher, H. Barber, D. Finnimore, J. Oeser.
ROUND 3
FRIDAY, APRIL 25
NTH ALBURY vs ALBURY WODONGA vs WODONGA RAIDERS WANGARATTA vs MYRTLEFORD
SATURDAY, APRIL 26
WANG ROVERS vs LAVINGTON
COROWA-R’GLEN vs YARRAWONGA
*Ladder correct at time of print from Ovens and King website.
def Benalla All Blacks 23; Greta 33 def Moyhu 22; King Valley vs Milawa; Bright 43 def Tarrawingee 18.
ROUND 5 SAT, APRIL 26
GOORAMBAT vs BENALLA ALL BLACKS MILAWA vs WHOROULY BRIGHT vs BONNIE DOON MOYHU vs KING VALLEY NORTH WANGARATTA vs
GOALS: GRETA: F. Judd 7, B. Newbold 3, B. Pearson 3, C. Crawford 2, J. McClounan 2, J. Kelly
1. MOYHU: D. Laffy 4, N. Stewart 2, D. West 1, A. Thrum 1.
BEST: GRETA: J. McClounan, J. Bell, F. Judd, L. Kennett, S. Mcleod, P. Fruzynski. MOYHU: L. Semmens, J. Coonan, C. Gibson, M. Thrum, D. Laffy, J. Preston.
GOALS: BRIGHT: C. Thomason 10, L. Quirk 6, C. Banks 3, W. Shem 2, P. Bren 2, R. Arguello 1, P. Sullivan 1, S. Dalbosco 1, R. Bacon 1. TARRAWINGEE: N. Gorman 2, T. Salmon 1.
BEST: BRIGHT: J. Love, A. Dalbosco, C. Banks, C. Thomason, L. Quirk, C. Thomson.
TARRAWINGEE: T. Hogan, N. Redley, T. Salmon, A. Amery, D. Hearne, W. Creed.
VALLEY - - - 10.11.71
WANGARATTA Chronicle photographer Marc Bongers went along to the football and netball matches between Wangaratta Rovers and Albury in the O&M, and Greta and Moyhu in the O&K on Good Friday. Photos can be purchased from the Chronicle office in Rowan Street.
DARCY LAFFY
XAVIER ALLISON
PAUL FRUZYNSKI
BRIONY SIMPSON
MATILDA TAYLOR
LOREN McCLOUNAN
IMOGEN TAYLOR
LARA JUDD
BRODIE FILO
SAM CATTAPAN
MATCH REVIEWS
Easter carnage in O&K footy
By NATHAN DE VRIES
FORWARD lines across the region were on song over the Easter weekend, with the narrowest margin in round four of the Ovens and King senior football competition coming in at 10 goals.
With three teams taking the bye, only four xtures were set across Good Friday and Easter Saturday.
Greta surged in the second half of their Friday home game against Moyhu, coming in 10-goal winners 18.8 (116) to the Hoppers’ 8.8 (56).
The young Moyhu out t came out swinging early, a goal up at quarter time before trailing by just two points at the half.
Greta’s mid eld and forward line started to nd their connections a er half-time, with the Blues kicking seven goals to the Hoppers’ three to lead by 28 points at the three quarter time break.
The Hoppers fell away late, and Greta seized their chance, packing on another six goals to shut the door on Moyhu’s hopes for an upset.
Greta’s James McClounan was electric in the guts and up forward, while Frazer Judd booted seven goals.
For the Hoppers, Liam Semmens and Josh Coonan were impressive, with Darcy La y (four goals) and Nick Stewart (two) the only multiple goal kickers.
Over at Bonnie Doon, the Bombers more than accounted for Benalla All Blacks, trouncing the Panthers 22.16 (148) to 5.7 (37).
announced the Bombers were r-
ing, and they backed it up in the second by kicking another eight goals to lead by 74 points by halftime.
The pain kept coming for Benalla, and despite the e orts of Flynn Weeks and Sam Cox, the Bombers were simply too strong, running out winners by 111 points.
For Bonnie Doon, Joel Sanford and Guy Murray were immense, while Tim Berenyi led the goal kickers with four majors o his boot.
Easter Saturday saw two other substantial margins at Bright and Whit eld.
The Mountain Men continued their undefeated season a er annihilating Tarrawingee in their traditional Easter encounter.
Bright accelerated in the second quarter and never looked back, recording a 158-point win, 27.18 (180) to the Bulldogs’ 3.4 (22).
A three-goal margin at quarter time was blown out to 47 points by the half as Bright’s forwards began to nd some form.
The gap continued to widen, but could’ve been even more expansive if Bright had kicked cleanly in the third quarter, booting kicked 5.9 to lead by 85 points heading into the fourth.
An explosive nal quarter saw the Mountain Men kick 12 more goals, with Cooper Thomason (10 goals) and Luke Quirk (six) doing the bulk of the damage.
Milawa were 84-points too good for King Valley, coming in 23.17 (155) to the Roos’ 10.11 (71).
Demon Brady Bartlett was impressive up forward, kicking 10 goals in a best on ground performance, while Aaron Law, Dan Bihun and Mick Batey were strong.
on court
Hoppers are on the board
By NATHAN DE VRIES
MOYHU picked up their rst win of the A grade season on Good Friday, downing Greta 34-28 in a stunner.
Neither side could pull away early, with the teams evenly matched at both ends of the court, deadlocked at 9-9 a er the rst 15 minutes.
Moyhu started to pull away through the middle quarters, but only led by ve heading into the fourth and nal term.
The Hoppers’ defensive pressure went through the roof, turning the ball over and leaping on any missed shots.
At the other end, Moyhu’s shooters kept piling on the scoreboard pressure, trusting their defenders to keep Greta locked out.
Moyhu coach Ainslee Dowling said it was a brilliant show of consistent quality netball.
“It was pleasing that the girls showed up with that little bit more re,” she said.
“We went into the contest as a bit more of a united front, we just put together a more consistent fourquarter e ort which was pleasing.
“It was neck and neck, even going into the last quarter when we were five goals up, it sort of felt
like it could still go either way.
“It was hot, but we do have a very young, t group, so we felt like if we could just stick with it and capitalise on our turnovers that it would come and we’d be able to put that little bit of scoreboard pressure on them and it did.”
Defender Sophie Morey was best on for the Hoppers, her defensive nous and determination to turn the ball over key to the Hoppers’ win.
“She’s had two performances in the first two games I know she wasn’t happy with within herself - she came out and had an absolute cracking game
which was good,” Dowling said.
“She took a lot of intercepts and rebounded really strongly, which is something we’ve spoken about.
“Liv Corso, who’s been really strong for us in defence, did her ankle early in the third quarter, once she went down Sophie went back into goal keeper, and just picked o multiple balls and kept giving us multiple chances to get that lead.”
Dowling said the con dence which comes from knocking over Greta would be huge for her side.
“We know that our best netball can compete with basically any of the sides, but we’ve got to be able
to put that together consistently,” she said.
“This was just that con dence booster to get that win on the board and bring the team together in that sense, just to have that belief, especially for a couple of the girls who are either new to the side or have come up from B grade.”
Greta now sits ninth on the ladder, one of three teams yet to record a win.
In other matches, Bonnie Doon belted Benalla All Blacks 79-40, Milawa defeated King Valley 53-35, and Tarrawingee proved to good for Bright in a thriller, 55-47.
SPOILED: Lachie Hadden punches the ball away from George Hearn.
CLEARANCE: James McClounan boots the ball from a centre bounce.
PHOTOS: Marc Bongers
PRESSURE: Greta’s Lachie Kennet looks to take possession of the footy, with Moyhu’s Charlie Gibson hot on his heels.
FREE BALL: Allyson Hussey and Matilda Taylor fight for the ball.
PASSING OPTIONS: Millie Mathewson looks for a clear path to the shooting ring.
DEFENSIVE MINDSET: Sophie Morey was best
for the Hoppers. PHOTOS: Marc Bongers
MATCH REVIEWS
Hawks overrun after hot start
By SHANE DOUTHIE
WANGARATTA Rovers showed more positive signs for the future a er a blistering rst quarter against Albury in Ovens and Murray A grade netball on Good Friday. The Hawks actually led by three goals at quarter time and were still in touch at the main break trailing 21-24 before the Tigers’ mature bodies and experienced heads dominated the second half to win 53-37.
Rovers director of netball Sandy Newman was full of praise for her young squad.
“Overall, Good Friday was a great day for Rovers netball with four wins from ve games,” Newman said.
“Our young players stood up and gave us good drive and options.
“Holly McCarthy was superb yet again and has taken the step into A grade with ease, and Sophia Pasquali made her A grade debut to give us a change up in the shooting circle.
“Amelia Sharp was in the best again and had the daunting task of playing on the very smart and accurate Albury goal shooter Skye Hillier.
“Albury had three senior players
return this week giving them a condence boost and more on court experience to li their new look team.”
Kara O’Donohue with 29 goals proved a strong target for the Hawks and Sophie Hatzismalis also had a solid game.
Newman said success in the other grades indicated the overall netball program at WJ Findlay Oval was working.
“Our under 15s and B grade got good wins, C grade have now won two in a row and the under 17s continue their good run,” she said.
“In the A grade we will continue
to work on developing our style of play and minimising errors as we prepare for Lavington this ANZAC weekend.
“Lavington are an overall much taller team than us, so our timing, front drives and passes will need to be spot on and in the rings our shooting and rebounding will be important as we strive for turnovers.
“Lavington are coming o a hard fought three goal win over Myrtleford and will be hungry for more, so we know we are in for another tough game.”
Over at Mulwala on Easter Sunday the Wangaratta Magpies never recovered from an opening quarter onslaught by Yarrawonga who shot out to an 18-12 quarter time lead before going on to win in a canter 67-39.
Olivia Holmes continued her good form with the Magpies and was well supported by Holly Humphry and Milly O’Kane while the consistent Amanda Umanski led the attack with 22 goals.
The Magpies meet Myrtleford on Friday in the annual ANZAC Day match.
Red-hot Rovers completely outclass Albury to the tune of 110 points
■ From back page
Charlie Thompson (37 disposals, 17 contested possessions) was similarly impressive, while Nathan Cooper and Lockey McCartney nished with four goals each.
Isaac Muller was the lone shining light for the Tigers, nishing with 44 hitouts, but received little to no support from his mid elders.
“We were dominant right across the ground, our mid eld was really strong with Ed Dayman and Will Christie in the ruck and Sam Murray, Sam Cattapan, Charlie Thompson and Brodie Filo doing the business in the middle,” Sullivan said.
“Even though Isaac might’ve done well in terms of the number of hitouts, I thought when our guys got in there and got a hitout, they certainly hit it to advantage.
“It was good to see Nathan Cooper kick a few, he’s starting to settle into that forward role a lot better, given he’s been a specialist back for a number of years, he’s starting to improve his forward cra week by week.
“Our back six were pretty solid as well, trying to repel the times they did get it down forward, they did a great job.”
In other matches, the reserves came up short 5.5 (35) to 11.9 (75), while the thirds got up 12.9 (81) to 6.9 (45).
Elsewhere, Wangaratta Magpies got the job done over Yarrawonga at Mulwala on Sunday, coming in winners 9.8 (62) to the Pigeons’ 7.9 (51).
The ‘Pies bounced back a er a slow start, kicking four goals in the second quarter to open up a lead and were able to maintain the momentum until the nal siren.
Alex Federico was best on
FINDINF ROOM: Sophia Pasquali finds space in the goal circle in her A grade debut.
COUNTERATTACK: Mikaela Trethowan moves the ball out of the Rovers’ defensive end.
TOP TARGET: Kara O’Donohue was top scorer for the Hawks. PHOTOS: Marc Bongers
DISPOSAL: Xavier Allison looks to keep the ball moving.
RELENTLESS: Stuart Booth sends the Hawks forward once again.
LEAP: Will Christie takes a solid mark.
ground, while Xavier Laverty nished with four goals.
DOMINANT: Sam Cattapan and the Rovers completely demolished a bumbling Albury Tigers outfit on Good Friday. PHOTOS: Marc Bongers
SOARING DEFENCE
Moyhu’s Liv Corso leaps to defend Bridgette Lewis’ shot on goal in the Hoppers’ six-goal win on Good Friday.
Story page 18.
PHOTO: Marc Bongers
Hawks destroy Tigers
EVEN if your opponent isn’t having their best day on the footy eld, you’ve still got to be good enough to make them pay for their errors.
On Good Friday, Wangaratta Rovers proved they’re more than good enough.
Taking on Albury Tigers at W. J. Findlay Oval, the Hawks expected a tough contest but completely overpowered the Tigers, coming home winners 20.18 (138) to a meagre 4.4 (28).
The tone was set from the opening bounce, with Rovers dominating possession and capitalising up forward to lead by
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
28 points by quarter time.
The game was more contested in the second quarter, but Rovers were simply too powerful down back to allow Tigers any sort of momentum whatsoever.
A three goal to one quarter saw the home team lead by 43 points by the main break, but the real damage was still to come.
Rovers put the nal nail in the co n in the third quarter, which saw Albury only managing a single behind, while it was raining goals at the other end.
The Hawks would kick seven majors through the third, with half a dozen behinds to stretch their score to triple gures and the margin to 90 points with one quarter to play.
Albury tried to come back, kicking two goals in the fourth quarter, their best for the day, but another ve majors to Rovers put
the result out to 110 points, one of Rovers’ biggest wins over Albury in years.
Rovers football operations
manager Barry Sullivan said it was an incredible performance against a quality side.
“We were expecting a tough contest, seeing as Albury beat Yarrawonga the week before, so we prepared pretty well,” he said.
“We were very impressed with our performance – I’m not sure if Albury might’ve been a bit at on the day, but we were very happy to
come away with a healthy win.
“I thought our pressure all over the ground was exceptional.
“Albury didn’t have a lot of time to execute, and I thought when we turned the ball over on them we were able to control the footy and use it really well, and capitalise when we got it into our forward line.”
Sam Cattapan brought his own footy, racking up 39 touches, 13 clearances and a goal in a best on ground performance for the Rovers.
