Wangaratta Chronicle 230823

TRUMPETING THE END OF WANGARATTA’S BIGGEST ANNUAL EVENT FOR THE PAST 30 YEARS

Jazz festival final hurrah

THIS year’s Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues looks set to be the last.

After more than 30 years of the event being staged in the rural city, its current volunteer board has made the decision to wind up operations after it presents a final, reduced event in November.

The festival returned to a live format last year, after two years of COVID-enforced online iterations and a cancelled event in 2019, and organisers say it returned a positive balance sheet in 2022.

However, ongoing financial

BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

constraints, a shifting and uncertain outlook for music festivals generally in Australia, and diminished resources for the board and its volunteer base have been cited as key reasons for the “prudent” call to stage a ‘Last Hurrah’ for the current format.

Festival chair Dave Fuller said the board had investigated many options

to keep the festival alive, including switching to a biennial staging, creating partnerships, and through discussions with key stakeholders.

“This work has been ongoing since the 2022 festival,” he said.

“The board has recently taken a unanimous and fiscally responsible decision to present a final event in 2023 and not seek further funding for the festival, as is required for its ongoing viability.

“After many years of terrific support from government bodies such as Creative Victoria and the

Australia Council for the Arts, their funding pool is equally reducedand competitive.

“Corporate and philanthropic opportunities will be considered this year in an effort to ensure a fitting send off for the festival.”

Mr Fuller said a major co-sponsor was being sought for a planned outdoor CBD blues space on the Saturday of this year’s festival, and there would also be an opportunity for locals to support the final event through community and corporate ‘friends’ packages.

■ Continued page 2

PHOTO:

Tech basics mentoring on offer at Wangaratta Library

A DROP-IN tech program to help people learn how to use digital equipment and software at Wangaratta Library has been extended. Do you need help learning about iPads, saving documents to the cloud, or getting started with social media?

Have you been gifted a new mobile phone or tablet, and are unsure where to start?

Free one-to-one digital mentoring sessions will now be provided every Wednesday between 10am–3pm.

Rural City of Wangaratta Mayor Dean Rees said this

initiative is great for the community’s digital connectivity.

“We have a wonderful library with incredible resources and helpful staff who are now extending their digital mentoring services to provide an even greater level of assistance,” Cr Rees said.

“Don’t sit at home confused by your new device, visit the library, and get some guidance so you can understand and use your device.

“You will find it even easier to stay up to date with news, book appointments, and most importantly, stay

Est. 1884, Incorporating Wangaratta Despatch, Est. 1861

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in touch with your family and friends.”

The Digital Mentoring Program has been made possible with funding from the State Government.

Bookings are recommended and can be made by calling the library on 5721 2366.

Jazz festival f i n a l final h u r r a h hurrah

■ From page 1

He said $30,000 to $40,000 in community contributions would be sought over coming months to enable the paredback program to proceed.

“If we’re not able to drum up that level of support, we will trim things,” he said.

“We look forward to sharing this celebration with you.”

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Published by Hartley Higgins for North East Media Pty Ltd, 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677.

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“One third of our budget this year will come from state and local government, one third from ticket sales, and one third from community support.

“Our overall budget projection is for a third of what we had last year.”

That means a festival with reduced capacity and scope, but Mr Fuller said it would still aim to celebrate how much the event had meant to Wangaratta over the years.

Following the 2023 event, an audit, reporting and due process will be undertaken in 2024, with an annual general meeting to be held early in the New Year.

Mr Fuller said there would be an opportunity at that AGM for any interested parties keen to see the festival continue to explore opportunities.

Meanwhile, the ‘Last Hurrah’ will be presented in Wangaratta from November 3 to 5, as a final celebration for jazz lovers and Wangaratta residents who have followed the evolution of the event since it began in 1990.

“It is likely to be quite emotional for some, including myself, as we all look back over the many years,” Mr Fuller said.

The final festival will mark the end of more than three decades of the rural city showcasing jazz and blues, and importantly supporting emerging artists, in front of audiences drawn locally, from throughout Australia, and even internationally.

The festival will this year include a gala dinner on the Friday evening; performances and the National Jazz Awards at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre; an outdoor celebration in the centre of Wangaratta; and the traditional Jazz Mass.

The gala dinner will acknowledge the work of volunteers who have contributed to the event; offer a salute to the support provided by major funders Creative Victoria, the Australia Council for the Arts, and the Rural City of Wangaratta; and be a final farewell for life members and community contributors to the festival.

Book-ending the National Jazz Awards presentation of the top five finalists - with bass as the featured instrument - will be a collaboration of local and emerging artists, as well as a special performance.

The festival board and the Rural City of Wangaratta, which has contributed $7000 in prize money, will host the awards presentation on the Saturday evening for invited guests.

The new custodian of the National Jazz Awards, set to manage the competition from 2024 onwards, will also be announced at the awards presentation.

For jazz aficionados, there will be a Saturday evening session at the WPACC featuring a double act, with a headline act programmed by festival stalwart Scott Solimo in consultation with recent former artistic directors Eugene Ball and Zoe Hauptmann.

The WPACC will provide ticketing from September 8 for the gala dinner and the two sessions to be held at the venue.

Mr Fuller said the culmination of the community celebration on the Saturday afternoon and evening would be an outdoor nod to Reid Street – but not in Reid Street.

“Instead, we will land in a scenic green space with elements of local music, food and wine, and a final chance in this format for a gathering of community to wind up more than 30 years of tradition,” he

said.

“It’s this exploration of all the terrific elements that make up our region and its art and culture offering in conjunction with food and wine that excites me after 13 years being involved with the festival.

“I started as a volunteer, and across the years have seen memorable collaborations between the jazz community, the local community, great businesses, and many helping hands at board and volunteer level.

“Equally amazing is the ongoing loyalty of some of our patrons, who continually book year on year to attend; we thank them, and deeply appreciate their support.”

The popular Jazz Mass will be held on the Sunday of the festival at Holy Trinity Cathedral, offering a means of thanksgiving for the festival’s contribution to the community.

Other local venues are expected to host their own jazz and blues events, and the Oxley Bush Market and a number of art events over the weekend are still on the agenda.

For more information about how to support the final Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues, visit businessmanager@ wangarattajazz.com

PILLAR OF TOURISM: The annual Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues has been a marketable item on the calendar for the Rural City of Wangaratta for more than 30 years, including on this sign near Apex Park.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

HERE’S HOW: Digital mentors Jenny Steer (left) and Kate Cole (right) are showing Beth Miller various aspects about using a computer as part of free sessions every Wednesday at Wangaratta Library.

PHOTO: Steve Kelly

Council refrains from entering Voice debate $1000 fine

Mayor says Wangaratta won’t follow in footsteps of yygpppShepparton

By STEVE KELLY

RURAL City of Wangaratta

Council has ruled out taking a stance on The Voice to Parliament Referendum despite a neighbouring city council choosing to backing the yes vote last week.

Greater Shepparton Council, which is one of two Victorian councils to have an Indigenous councillor, voted to support The Voice to Parliament.

But Rural City of Wangaratta Mayor Dean Rees confirmed that as a group this isn’t a move councillors will

be making on either side of the debate.

“As a group of councillors we did have a discussion and we clearly stated that it was a decision for individuals to decide yes or no and for the Federal Government to prosecute the referendum to the public, not organisations,” he said.

Mayor Rees said he was “dismayed” that Greater Shepparton councillors voted to support the yes vote because he had spoken to Shepparton and he got the impression that they weren’t going to go to a vote on it.

The recommendation was

Strong crowd for the Voice referendum evening

MORE than 90 people attended a Voice referendum information session in Wangaratta on Sunday evening to hear from constitutional law and citizenship expert, Professor Kim Rubenstein, and Wiradyuri man and academic, James Blackwell.

Wangaratta-based Indi

Independent federal MP Helen Haines invited Professor Rubenstein and Mr Blackwell to share their knowledge and experience of the Constitution, the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and the importance of the upcoming referendum.

The session was one of five to be held in the federal electorate of Indi with Professor Rubenstein and Mr Blackwell also travelling to Euroa, Myrtleford, Bright and Beechworth.

Bpangerang Elder Uncle Dozer provided a Welcome to Country

in wake of assault on security guard

that council support the establishment of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.

Greater Shepparton councillors endorsed the recommendation, with Deputy Mayor Anthony Brophy moving the recommendation, supported by Cr Dinny Adem who seconded the motion.

Mayor Cr Shane Sali said council’s support of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament was the result of many local community members asking councillors, as leaders in the community, to collectively have a position.

“We are privileged to have the largest First Nations population in Victoria outside Melbourne, and we have one of only two First Nations councillors across all of Victoria,” Cr Brophy said.

“We have Cr Greg James on council which provides us with a unique opportunity, a valued viewpoint, and if you like, in essence, a voice to and within local government.”

Cr James, who has been a strong advocate for supporting the Voice to Parliament, thanked his fellow councillors for supporting this decision.

“It is vitally important that we continue to support our First Nations community here in Greater Shepparton,” he said.

As part of the Australian Government’s commitment to implement the Uluru Statement from the Heart, a referendum will be held between October and December this year. The Voice would be an independent and permanent advisory body that would give advice to the Australian Parliament and government on matters that affect the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

A WANGARATTA man who punched a security guard to the head after being denied entry to a local nightclub has avoided a conviction for the offending.

Facing Wangaratta Magistrates Court on Monday, the 28-year-old pleaded guilty to an unlawful assault charge, after an altercation at a Murphy Street venue late last year which saw him knock out a security guard briefly.

According to police prosecutor Senior Constable Victoria Lennon, the victim had denied the defendant entry to the venue in order to enquire whether the man had been subject to a previous ban.

As the victim turned away to consult with a fellow guard, the accused threw a punch with his right hand and connected with the left side of his victim’s head, knocking him to the ground and causing the guard to lose consciousness briefly.

He was later identified by police and interviewed, but denied any knowledge of the offending.

Monday’s court hearing was translated into Samoan for the accused, who has lived in the Wangaratta area for two years since moving from his native island.

Defence counsel Geoff Clancy said it remained unclear whether the accused had previously been banned from the venue.

He noted his client rarely drank alcohol, but had been doing so prior to the incident, and had no memory of throwing the punch.

and playing of the didgeridoo to open the event.

Dr Haines said it was important for everyone to have the necessary information to vote before the referendum is held later this year.

“Voting in a referendum is different to an ordinary election –

there is only one option with a yes or no answer,” she said.

“Everyone deserves the chance to voice their questions about the referendum respectfully and be listened to.

“I invited Kim and James to speak to our communities because of their expertise on

constitutional matters and the history of the proposal of the Voice to Parliament.

“This referendum is an opportunity to start building a future that is inclusive, reflects the values of our modern society, and respects the oldest living culture in the world.”

Magistrate Peter Dunn elected to impose a fine for the accused’s first offence, but warned the punishment would be more severe if he returned to court.

“If he comes back, things will be a lot worse,” he said.

He fined the accused $1000 without conviction.

STRONG TURNOUT: More than 90 people turned out for an information session on Sunday evening to learn more about the upcoming the Voice referendum.

Touching human tribute to region’s Vietnam veterans

By RYAN MALCOLM

LOCAL veterans turned out in force to pay tribute to their fallen mates on Friday, as RSLs across the country marked 50 years since Australia withdrew from the Vietnam War.

A service at Wangaratta’s RSL sub-branch attracted some 75 veterans, RSL members and their families, laying wreaths in honour of those who served in Vietnam, and in the memory of two Wangaratta locals, Private Bernd George Binder and Sapper Terrence James Renshaw, both of whom were killed in action (KIA).

Vietnam veteran and Wangaratta local Bob Hayward spoke of his experiences while serving with the Royal Australian Engineers during deployments in Vung Tau and Nui Dat, which included transport duties, road and bridge building, and running supplies for mine clearing teams in South Vietnam.

Mr Hayward is a familiar name in the North East, having spent two stints as president of Wangaratta Bright Myrtleford Legacy Group, first in 1999 to 2001, and again from 2017 to 2021.

Wangaratta RSL subbranch secretary Lieutenant Colonel Andy McDonell said he was struck by Mr Hayward’s presentation as guest

speaker, which focussed on the human connections he had made during his service.

“He put a heap of work into it, it was really heartfelt and meaningful – it covered lots of different aspects of the people and entities who contributed to the Vietnam War for Australia, but really focussed on the people and connections,”

Lt Col McDonell said.

“It was as much (about) the enduring connections and the people he’s still in touch with and friends with even to this day – that was the part that really resonated with him.

“(These events are) more important than I realised – I joined the RSL earlier this year, and I’m a veteran myself, but of Afghanistan and East

Young voices put OAK FM back on air

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

COMMUNITY radio was restored on Monday after a lightning strike temporarily disengaged airwaves.

OAK FM went off air for around 10 days after lightning hit the station’s transmitter at Mt Stanley earlier this month.

Among those excited to return to the air were Tommo Fraser and Mitch

Sayers who presented their program as part of Yarrunga Primary School’s regular Monday afternoon slot.

The station has installed around seven new DJs this year and is keen to get more community members.

Those who join before September 13 will go in the draw to win two tickets to the sponsors’ cocktail reception and performance of 39 Steps.

HAPPY: Yarrunga Primary School students Tommo Fraser and Mitch Sayers were keen to present their radio program on Monday after OAK FM experienced airwave difficulties from a lightning strike earlier this month.

Timor, so I’m a younger veteran, and I’ve had no connection with Vietnam veterans myself.

“Even through my actual army time, (the Vietnam War) has always been a thing, but it’s a long time ago – I’ve very recently come to appreciate that these services are really important, and I could see that during the service.”

Lt Col McDonell said renditions of Redgum’s ‘I was only 19’ and John Denver’s ‘Leaving on a Jet Plane’ had been particularly touching.

“Seeing (the songs) playing and people’s reaction to it, they were really in the moment and I could see them being transported back to the 1960s and early 70s,” he said.

“These events are really important to our veterans, and these days the bulk of our veterans who are members of the RSL and their families are Vietnam veterans – they make up the greatest proportion of our membership base.”

Lt Col McDonell paid special tribute to RSL ceremonial officer Liz Rouse-Salmon, who he said had been charged with organising the event.

“She’s one of the olds and bolds - she rules with an iron fist and is great at bringing people together and putting on these events,” he said.

“Liz did a sterling job to coordinate it all, bring it all together and execute on the day.”

PHOTO: Leah Tindill

TIME TO REFLECT: Vietnam veterans (from left) Geoff Daly, guest speaker Bob Hayward and Paul Gannan shared stories of their involvement.

PHOTOS: Craig Iskov

PAYING TRIBUTE:

Wangaratta RSL sub-branch president Lt Gen (ret) Ash Power takes a moment to reflect on the Vietnam War on Friday, the 50th anniversary of Australia’s withdrawal from the war.

Volunteer groups given lesson on resilience

AN innovative and groundbreaking program aimed at building the skills and knowledge of volunteer organisations has been launched in Wangaratta.

The GROW Volunteer Resilience and Capacity Program is being delivered through a partnership between Into Our Hands Community Foundation and Alpine Valleys Community Leadership, and was officially launched yesterday at Wangaratta Library.

Into Our Hands executive officer Peter McCabe said the program was aimed at volunteer-run groups and service clubs located in the fire-affected local government areas of Rural City of Wangaratta, Alpine,

Indigo and Mansfield shires.

“The program has already begun with Wangaratta and Alpine volunteer groups,” he said.

Throughout the program, participants will be given advice and support that builds resilient, strong, and adaptive organisations which are able to sustain their operations and contribute to community recovery efforts.

“Volunteers are vital and we recognise the impact that fires, floods and COVID-19 have had on them, so this program is extremely timely in its delivery,” Mr McCabe said.

Guest speakers at the launch included Diarmuid Kelly, Emergency Recovery Victoria’s regional recovery director for the North East.

Those in attendance also heard from participants, including Resilient Alpine Youth Squad (RAYs) representative Noah Tanzen and Wangaratta Hockey Club president Daniel Warner.

“What these speakers reiterated is how there is a strong need for them to build their skills so that they can continue their very meaningful work in our communities,” Mr McCabe said.

“We look forward to keeping the community updated about the program and the benefits it brings.”

Anyone interested in learning more about the program can contact Mr McCabe on 0466 252 866 or email eo@ intoourhands.com.au.

Campus is increasing community access to mental health support

A PSYCHOLOGY clinic has been established at Wangaratta’s Gateway Health campus to provide affordable mental health services to the community while drawing on the skills of provisional psychologists.

Serviced by qualified provisional psychologists from Victorian universities and supervised by licensed

and experienced psychologists, the clinic will operate through a referral system, however, patients will also be able to self-refer.

Gateway Health general manager mental health and wellbeing, Alana Pund, said demand for mental health support had increased recently.

“We’ve seen more demand

for mental health services in our region and the Gateway Health Psychology Clinic is an innovative and affordable way to increase access to these services,” she said.

“The provisional psychologists are an integral part of the Gateway Health team and we know they’ll provide much needed mental health services to our

clients and community.”

The program will also offer a unique insight into collaborative work with other service providers and the opportunity to develop skills working with a range of clients.

According to a Gateway Health spokesperson, trainees who gain experience in a rural community are often more likely to return to prac-

tice once fully licensed.

The clinic will form part of the ‘Mental Health and Wellbeing for Remote and Aboriginal Victorians’ project, which seeks to provide support to rural, isolated and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities where the mental health workforce is limited.

The project is led by Uni-

versity of Melbourne Department of Rural Health alongside Monash University, La Trobe University, Deakin University and Budja Budja Aboriginal Cooperative.

It is also supported by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care through the Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training program.

The home of future you.

LOCAL PARTNERSHIP: (From left) Wangaratta Hockey Club president Daniel Warner, Alpine Valley Community Leadership chair Judy Charlton, Wangaratta Mayor Dean Rees, ERV’s Diarmuid Kelly, Into Our Hands vice-chair Fiona Nicholls and RAYs’ Noah Tanzen.

Time to bid farewell to fabulous festival

ANYONE who has had anything to do with Wangaratta over the last 30 years will have strong memories of the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues.

Whether it has been through volunteering or supporting the festival, joining the audience, or simply soaking up the ‘vibe’ of the springtime event in the city, locals have seen it as a calendar mainstay, signalling the true start of the region’s festive season.

Over the years, it has endured through torrential rain, a decline in volunteerism, rising insurance costs, and a host of other obstacles, to entertain not only Wangaratta and district residents but those from interstate and abroad with an amazing line-up of musicians.

In its heyday, it saw rural city homes opened up to billet visitors, many of whom forged lasting friendships with their hosts and have continued to return for the event year after year to see the world-class talent on show.

For those who had moved away from Wangaratta to pursue study, work or personal opportunities, ‘jazz weekend’ became synonymous with the chance for an all-encompassing hometown catch-up.

And the artists themselves thrived on the chance to be part of a ‘Wang Hang’.

Even before COVID-19 stepped in, the festival was forced to cancel its 2019 event as organisers sought to ensure its future sustainability, but the climate of the last few years has done it no favours.

While we are living through enormous change, and the end of the festival in its current format may be another example of that, it’s important to remember just what it has meant to the city and the wider region, and to make sure we give it one almighty send-off.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

The Australian QuizNo.38

1 Who is the patron saint of politicians?

(a) Saint John the Baptist

(b) Saint Sebastian

(c) Saint Thomas More

(d) Saint Francis of Assisi

2 Which country are you in if you are racing at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari?

(a) France

(b) Belgium

(c) San Marino

(d) Italy

3 Who starred as Thomas Barrow in the TV series, Downton Abbey?

(a) Rob James-Collier

(b) Brendan Coyle

(c) Jim Carter

(d) Hugh Bonneville

4 As at January 2022, what is the approximate population of Peru?

(a) 3.5 million

(b) 33.6 million

(c) 67.2 million

(d) 121.2 million

5 Which 2013 movie starred Christian Bale and Bradley Cooper?

(a) Man of Steel

(b) American Hustle

(c) Captain Philips

(d) Dallas Buyers Club

6 Lionel Aingimea became President of which country in

2019, a title still held in 2022?

(a) Nauru

(b) East Timor

(c) Sri Lanka

(d) Bangladesh

7 Who won the 2022 Rip Curl Pro women’s event?

(a) Carissa Moore

(b) Tyler Wright

(c) Brisa Hennessy

(d) Courtney Conlogue

8 Which ballet features the role of Count Danilo Danilovitsch?

(a) The Merry Widow

(b) Giselle

million 5 (b) American Hustle 6 (a) Nauru 7 (b) lerTy Wright 8 (a) The Merry Widow

Shining light on one of our biggest killers

I WANT to thank the community which again embraced Stroke Week, which ran from August 7 to 13 this year.

It was heartening to see survivors of stroke and their loved ones embrace this year’s theme, ‘fighting stroke together’ which aimed to bring people together to share knowledge, support and resources to help prevent strokes from occurring and to aid in the recovery process for those who have experienced a stroke.

Peoples’ stories prove time and time again that strokes can happen to anyone, at any time, and research tells us the number of working aged people having strokes is increasing.

Stroke is always a medical emergency, there is never time to waste.

Every minute during a stroke results in 1.9 million brain cells dying, and we just cannot turn that time back.

Treatment can, however, mean a full recovery, or at least a significant reduction in the degree of disability.

With the support of major organisations located in every corner of the country, we’re fighting stroke together and drawing attention to the ways stroke impacts communities.

I encourage the community to keep spreading the F.A.S.T. message all year round.

Knowing about F.A.S.T. and sharing it with your family and friends can be the first step in saving a life and avoiding ongoing disability.

It may be your own life or that of someone you love.

The F.A.S.T message will help you recognise the most common signs of stroke:

• Face – Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?

• Arms – Can they lift both arms?

• Speech – Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?

• Time – Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call triple zero (000) straight away.

Dr Lisa Murphy, Stroke Foundation

Players’ Ladies in Black a big success

A HEARTY congratulations to all involved in staging the recent Wangaratta Player’s

(b)

(c) Swan Lake

(d) Don Quixote

9 The equator passes through which of the following countries?

(a) Somalia

(b) Saudi Arabia

(c) Paraguay

(d) None of the above

10King Charles I of England was executed during which century?

(a) 18th century

(b) 17th century

(c) 16th century

(d) 15th century

STEPPING OUT: This month’s Wangaratta Seniors’ Dance will be held in St Patrick’s Supper Room (entry beside St Patrick’s Church in Ford Street) on Friday afternoon. Locals like Yvonne and Don Bensley, Dianna Lazzarotto, Rudy Servaes, and Jan and John Harris will be enjoying this great monthly social outing, which runs from 2pm to 4pm, with dance revision between 1.30pm and 2pm. Admission is $5 (non-members $7), which includes afternoon tea. The dance is held in the supper

production Ladies in Black.

To the onstage performers, the folk backstage and everyone in between, a very big thank you for the many months spent preparing for this very enjoyable play.

Wangaratta and district is blessed with such a variety of talented people, and thankfully many of them were involved with entertaining excellent and appreciative crowds over four shows.

Very well done all.

Nancy Hupfield, Wangaratta

Budget update needed after Games debacle

THE State Government must commit to providing an urgent budget update with independent oversight following the Commonwealth Games debacle.

The initial $2.6 billion costings upon which the 2026 bid was made have been shown to be woefully inadequate and raise serious concerns about the accuracy of any major project costings provided by the Andrews Government.

We have called on the government to

release all the advice provided to it about the costings for the event so Victorians can understand why they’ve been forced to pay at least $380 million to scrap the Commonwealth Games.

Now is the time for a budget update so Victorians can fully understand our parlous financial position and how much more money taxpayers may have to pay for the Andrews Government’s incompetence.”

John Pesutto, leader of the

Opposition

WE welcome your letters to the Editor. Priority is given to typed/emailed letters under 250 words. Every letter must have your full name, address and a daytime phone contact number supplied for verification purposes. Any letter may be edited for reasons of space, content or legibility.

Email edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au

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room on the fourth Friday of each month. For more information, contact Margaret on 0407 357 226 or Julie on 0408 032 451.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Thief ordered to pay restitution to victims

A WANGARATTA woman is set to continue a drug treatment plan as part of a court order, after she broke into the home of an 88-year-old Mather Street woman while she slept late last year.

Facing Wangaratta Magistrates Court earlier this week, some six months after pleading guilty to the offending, the 29-year-old was ordered to serve an 18-month community corrections order for her actions, which also included thefts of hardware and

bicycles from the Beechworth area while on bail in February.

The court previously heard the defendant had forced her way into her victim’s Wangaratta home and stolen a motor vehicle, a bank card and garden maintenance items.

After being bailed in the wake of the offending, she was said to have stolen around $380 of merchandise from Beechworth Mitre 10, before using stolen bolt cutters to steal two bicycles worth more than $6700

Leaping into Book Week

By SIMONE KERWIN

OP shops are being scoured and dress-up boxes turned inside out, as children (and adults) across the Rural City of Wangaratta leap into Children’s Book Council of Australia Book Week celebrations.

Held each year since 1945, the week aims to bring children and literature together, with schools and libraries taking time to celebrate books, and Australian children’s authors and illustrators.

Classroom teachers, teacher librarians and public librarians create colourful displays, develop activities, run competitions and tell stories relating to a theme to highlight the importance, and the great joy, that comes from reading.

This year’s Book Week theme is ‘Read, Grow, Inspire’, and artist Matt Ottley has created the accompanying artwork featuring a mystical seahorse rising out of a stack of books and being ridden by adventurous young readers. Ottley said that in many cultures, the seahorse represented growth, strength, beauty and spirituality - “perfect

Speeding, drink driver caught, car impounded

from Lake Sambell Caravan Park with the help of a coaccused.

On Monday, the court heard the defendant had spent the last six months in a residential rehabilitation program, where she planned to stay for another extended period over the coming months.

Defence counsel Georgie van Niekerk said both of the bikes had been recovered and returned to their owners in the wake of the theft, but noted one had suffered gear damage and another

had been repainted by the accused.

The offending had previously been linked to an ongoing methylamphetamine addiction, for which Magistrate Peter Dunn had commended the accused for seeking treatment six months ago.

However, on Monday, he said the offending was outside the realms of a sentence of good behaviour.

He ordered the accused pay restitution to Mitre 10, the elderly Wangaratta woman and the bicycle

owners, before releasing her on a community corrections order over 18 months.

He also suspended her driver’s licence for three months as a result of her theft of the vehicle.

“You’ve been to prison before – I’d be guessing that’s all down to drugs in your life,” he told the defendant.

“You’ve been going very well so far – all you’ve got to do is get through this and lead a normal life.

“Hope we won’t see you back.”

AN unlicenced driver allegedly caught at almost three times the legal blood alcohol limit was travelling at just shy of 150kph prior to his intercept, according to local police.

The 28-year-old Wyndham Vale man was spotted travelling at an alleged speed of 149kph on Saturday along the Hume Freeway at Glenrowan.

He was intercepted by state Highway Patrol officers, and allegedly returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.143, A check of his licence found it had previously been cancelled.

His vehicle was subsequently impounded at a cost of $1725, and he was ordered to attend court at a later date.

for the theme of growing and inspiring”.

Schools across the rural city have either invited students to dress as their favourite book characters in the lead-up, or for costume parades planned for this week.

Many are also relishing the chance to delve into the beautiful books chosen as the winners of this year’s CBCA awards.

Meanwhile, the Wangaratta

Library has marked Book Week by holding a special Tuesday story time on stage at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre, and staff will be getting into the spirit with a ‘Where Is the Green Sheep’ game today.

Yarrunga Primary School students Jazmyne Davern, Nash West and Ryan Iverach all enjoy the fun and stories that come with Book Week.

“I like that we get to dress up; I have two ideas for our parade this week,” Jazmyne said.

Nash said he liked seeing all the different costumes, as well as reading the books in the CBCA awards. His class has been enjoying Emily Rodda’s 2019 Book of the Year for Younger Readers, ‘His Name Was Walter’ leading into this week.

Ryan, meanwhile, said he liked

“reading books, talking about books, and sharing books with others”.

Yarrunga Primary School principal Fran Waterman said she loved the fact that Book Week gave adults an excuse to dress up.

“We also add some exciting new books to our library, and children really see themselves as authors, as we do lots of writing during the week,” she said.

EMBRACING BOOKS: Ryan Iverach, Nash West and Jazmyne Davern, all students at Yarrunga Primary School, are among the keen young readers across the Rural City of Wangaratta who look forward to the annual Children’s Book Council of Australia Book Week. They’re pictured here in the school’s Indigenous garden, fitting with the theme of Book Week this year - ‘Read, Grow, Inspire’.

PHOTO: Simone Kerwin

Fair fun

Oxley Primary School

STUDENTS put on an entertaining display at the school’s science fair.

The day was a success, with many students demonstrating their knowledge and families invited to view and participate as well.

SCIENCE WORKS: Students

Lonnie Johnson, Ben Jones and Ethan Millis erupted their volcano at the Oxley Primary School Science Fair.

Fun in the sun

Carraragarmungee Primary School

THERE are more signs spring is on the way and students have been making the most of the sunshine.

They embraced some solar energy, sunning themselves on the grass after their second swimming lesson of the season.

Science Week

Cathedral College

Wangaratta

STUDENTS enjoyed a range of activities during Science Week.

The theme for this year was “Innovation: Powering Future Industries” and there were activities provided in class as well as the chance to participate in demonstrations and information sessions.

WARMER DAYS: Carra students Hamish Brauman, Mason Webbers, Amelia Brauman, Cypress Morton, Jack Webbers, Max Herrmann-O’Brien and Matilda de Prada soaked up the sunshine, with therapy dog Jean.

Adventure camp

Wangaratta Primary School

STUDENTS in grades 3-6 enjoyed an amazing three day camp at Alexandra Adventure Camp in early August. Students participated in a

range of risk taking activities including rock climbing, giant swing, flying fox over a lake and the ever-so-thrilling high ropes course.

Staff, parent helpers and students had a blast of a time encouraging, supporting and even daring each other to tackle their fears.

1In 1996, a record gust of wind was measured on Barrow Island, off the West Australian coast. How fast was it? Was it a) 157 kilometres per hour, b) 284 kilometres per hour, c) 408 kilometres per hour or d) 563 kilometres per hour?

Real life learning

Appin Park Primary School

ONE of the year 5/6 classes has changed their room into a revolving restaurant.

Students have been grouped into working teams to create and run their own restaurants, which includes meal costings for a main meal, dessert and drinks and budgets, including working out quantities to serve the hungry masses.

2Which of the following is not considered to be a true nut by botanists? Is it a) the peanut, b) the hazelnut, c) the acorn, d) the chestnut?

Preparation, serving and the dreaded cleaning up after the meal, are all a part of individual groups tasks.

Some of the foods that have been prepared and consumed have been carbonara, sausage rolls, nachos, rocky road, fruit skewers and red velvet cupcakes along with freshly juiced fruit drinks.

3Why might a bunch of bananas set off a radiation detector?

The students are looking forward to future restaurant meals including mini burgers, tacos and scones.

The students are excited about their learning, not only with the hands-on learning but also with the written reports that are being completed throughout the term, reflecting on their work in their restaurant.

4Which ancient mathematician is famous for having allegedly cried ‘Eureka!’?

of a solar thermal power station.

Bananas contain high levels of potassium, which includes the radioactive isotope potassium-40. 4. Archimedes is alleged to have cried ‘Eureka!’ after he solved a problem while taking a bath. 5. Heliostats reflect sunlight. Heliostats are mirrors that move to reflect sunlight at a stationary target, such as a tower in the middle

QUIZ ANSWERS: 1. c) An automated weather station recorded wind speeds of 408 kilometres per hour during Tropical Cyclone Olivia. 2. a) Peanuts are considered to be legumes, along with beans, peas and lentils. 3.

5What sort of light do heliostats reflect?

For more CSIRO Double Helix science visit www.csiro.au/ helix or call 02

6276 6643.

ON THE MENU: Students Braxton Patton, Kingston Steele, Alison Rogers and Chloe Littel prepare their dessert for the revolving restaurant.

SCIENCE STUDY: Students Charles Hodge and Callan Foster, with principal Nick Jones, enjoyed learning how to operate the Lego Mindstorms (programmable robots) as part of Science Week celebrations.

HIGH FLYERS: Students Dodge Lawrey, Jordana Moore, Brock Garratt, Hayden Boyle, Emily Judd and Maya Blackall prepare to tackle the high ropes course.

No ordinar y mum No ordinary mum

EXTRAORDINARY strength of perseverance through adversity has led to one of the biggest thrills of Rachel York’s life.

Out of 2500 nominees across the country, Ms York’s small hobby furnishings business, Amour De La Maison, was chosen as a finalist at the Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards next month.

Starting out as a small hobby in 2021 and expanding into a small business, the Wangaratta entrepreneur was met with the battle of her life.

Over the past 12 months

Ms York has been fighting ongoing cancer issues, including a recent diagnosis of ovarian cancer in the last month, which has required intense chemotherapy treatment.

Through strong resilience and community support, her business has continued to flourish, selling products to all parts of Australia with almost 3500 Facebook followers.

Ms York said she was blown away when she received the invitation as a finalist.

“Amour was just about doing something that I loved; I had a passion for vintage design and furnishings, but it also needed to be affordable for everybody to be able to have,” she said.

“I don’t proclaim to be this magnificent businesswoman, because I always thought that if I sell one piece of furniture it gave me the ability to buy another piece of furniture to help someone else out then I was happy.

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

“To do this was huge for me, I’ve never done anything like this and to take that leap, have a little bit of faith in yourself and then have the support to put yourself out there.”

Amour De La Maison was lauded for excellence in the Home and Garden Improvement category of the awards and is in the running to take a top gong at the award’s second annual presentation evening gala, on September 23.

The gala will be held in Sydney, aimed at recognising small businesses owned by women across the country.

Working out of a studio in Kerr Street, Ms York’s predominately online business specialises in vintage designer furniture from all shapes and sizes from designer lighting, décor, luxurious monogrammed linen, tables and chairs.

Despite her diagnosis bringing troubling times for herself and her family, she said it was important for her to show her tight-knit business community she would continue to smile through the battles.

“A lot of people on my page would have seen the changes in me; having orange curtly hair and now I wear a turban a lot,” she said.

“I don’t talk a lot about it, because I don’t want it to be about ‘poor me’ or ‘she’s

doing it hard’; I want people to see that I’m still positive and this is just a little hiccup in my life, it’s not going to be my whole life.

“I’m lucky I’ve been up front and honest with all of my clients and people that I’ve met.

“I think if you’re up front and tell them you’ve got this thing going on and fighting this battle, but it’s not going to beat me, then people are willing to work with you as well.

“This is a little hiccup in my life journey and we’re just going to keep moving forward.”

Open garden at ‘Birchwood Near Benalla’

AN Open Garden to raise funds for the Cancer Council Victoria and Benalla and Wangaratta public hospitals will be held at ‘Birchwood Near Benalla’, 653 O’Dea Road, Molyullah on Saturday, October 28 and Sunday, October 29 from 10am to 5pm.

The garden features spectacular displays of salvias, iris, peonies, spring bulbs and more.

The event includes plant sales, arts and crafts, lunch and Devonshire teas.

Entry is $8 for adults, under 18 free.

All proceeds will be donated and shared between the three charities.

There is no wheelchair access and no dogs please (registered assistance dogs admitted).

For more information phone 5766 6275 or visit birchwoodnearbenalla.com.au.

Ms York said when she first started Amour while juggling full-time work commitments as an anaesthetic nurse at Northeast Health Wangaratta, she could never have imagined how successful it has become.

“I always dabbled in this sort of stuff so I thought I’d see if anyone was interested and if anyone likes what I do and it just sort of took off,” she said.

“I decided to migrate it into a small business, still with the idea I was just mucking around and I’ll take my time and it has blown out of

SAVVY BUSINESSWOMAN : Rachel York was thrilled to be announced as a finalist in Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards next month. PHOTO: Bailey Zimmermann

proportion, it’s huge now.”

Along with making people smile, one of Ms York’s biggest inspirations in the business has been her father, John McCormack, who helps with the shipping of furniture and taught her all she knows in furnishing.

While the prospect of winning a national award for her business would be something out of her wildest dreams, Ms York said regardless of the result, the world is her oyster in terms of taking Amour forward.

“I share my passion with my Dad, who’s retired and

he helps me with a lot of the restoration work and a goal would be to work with him all the time and do this,” she said.

“I’m proud of where it is at the moment, for something that started in my husband’s shed I’ve now got my own studio, a website, and I’ve been nominated for this award.

“I’ve only ever considered myself as an ordinary person and a mum that just follows her dreams.

“I wouldn’t have thought in two years this was possible, for a little mum from North East Victoria.”

RACHEL YORK’S SMALL HOBBY FURNISHING BUSINESS IS A NATIONAL FINALIST

Children living testament to volunteers’ efforts

A LOCAL mother of two has expressed her thanks to Good Friday Appeal volunteers from across the state, after each of her daughters were diagnosed with a serious breathing disorder.

Alex Hamlyn, along with three-year-old daughter Lacey and two-year-old Holly, were in attendance at Wangaratta Golf Club last week, as fundraising volunteers congregated in celebration of the almost $4.6m raised by regional communities for the Royal Children’s Hospital in 2023’s appeal.

Both Lacey and Holly were born with a rare condition called Pierre Robin sequence (PRS), with a small lower jaw and cleft of the palate (an opening in the roof of the mouth) causing difficulty breathing and feeding.

Born in Wangaratta in early 2020, Lacey was quickly airlifted to the Royal Children’s Hospital after local doctors realised the newborn’s condition meant her lower jaw was blocking her airway.

“Everything was fine throughout my pregnancy and when she came along, nothing was fine,” Ms Hamlyn said.

“We went down (to Melbourne), they established an airway so she was actually able to breathe – at six weeks of age they break the jaw on either side and over nine days they slowly move the jaw out, pin turn by pin turn.

“They’re on a ventilator and totally knocked out for that time, and then they pull all of the tubes out and (the child) can breathe.”

Ms Hamlyn said Lacey was subject to further surgeries three

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

months after her birth and then at 18 months, when the roof of her mouth was repaired.

“When Lacey was 19 months old and after her palette surgery, six weeks later I had Holly, and Holly had PRS, so it was back to the hospital – we had to relive the whole thing again,” she said.

“We have five different specialists who look after the girls from hearing through to a maxillofacial team for their face, cleft palette team, speech pathology and dental as well, so we’re constantly up and down for different appointments.”

Holly recently had her final surgery to repair her palette, and Ms Hamlyn said she was looking forward to a surgery-free remainder of 2023, however, noted she would miss the staff at the hospital as visits became more infrequent.

“We had more than 100 days collectively with both girls just on the neonatal intensive care ward – the nurses are amazing, they become your friends, especially because (the girls) were born during COVID so nobody could come visit,” she said.

“Your nurses were your support team, and the doctors were just absolutely brilliant.

“We wouldn’t have our two girls if it wasn’t for them, so we’re just forever thankful.

“That’s why we’re here, to thank all these other people who

volunteer, because without them there would be no hospital.

“Every year we watch the Good Friday Appeal, and every year when the fire truck comes down your street we run out and say thank you.

“It’s as simple as that - without them, I wouldn’t have my children.”

VOLUNTEERS GATHER TO CELEBRATE GOOD FRIDAY HEROES

SELFLESS volunteers from across the state gathered in Wangaratta last Thursday evening, celebrating the efforts of more than 70 people who give up their time to raise funds for the Good Friday Appeal each year. Attendees came from as far as Gippsland and Castlemaine to join in the celebrations, while a number of Wangaratta-area locals were also in attendance at Wangaratta Golf Club for the event.

OFFERING SUPPORT:

BIG COMMITMENT: Newstead CFA’s Chris Simmins and Anne-Marie Flenley.

CROSSING THE BORDER: Holbrook SES’ Lester Price and daughter Michelle

DECADES OF VOLUNTEERING: Eildon’s Lynne and Bruce Luckman have been volunteering in their community for some 40 years.

CATCHING UP: (Clockwise from left) Jordan Crofts, Michael Crofts, Roy and Wendy Arnold (from Morwell) and Michelle Crofts (Wangaratta). PHOTOS: Ryan Malcolm

HIGHLY VISIBLE: Albury SES members Chloe O’Leary and Britt Lloyd.

Killawarra CFA’s Simon Williamson and Anna Ackerly.

READY TO THRIVE: Alex Hamlyn with daughters Lacey (left) and Holly, each of whom spent considerable time at the Royal Children’s Hospital after being born with Pierre Robin sequence.

PHOTO: Ryan Malcolm

PHOTOS: Ryan Malcolm

RESPECT LOOKS LOCAL TO BOOST COMMUNITY AGED CARE

The aged care provider is offering up-front, sign-on bonuses of up to $5,000 and $1,000 for Registered Nurses and Personal Care Assistants*

For 100 years, Respect has proudly been serving older Australians through its high standard of care and community, and now the not-for-profit organisation is embarking on a significant recruitment drive to ensure more locals are represented across its growing network of homes.

The Australian aged care industry has recently experienced ongoing challenges around sourcing local talent to support community aged care services. However, Respect is hoping its new national initiative will further compliment the high level of care already provided across its homes with more local representation, including at St John’s. Respect is seeking interest from members of the community looking to work as Registered Nurses and Personal Care Assistants. And as part of its recruitment drive, the organisation is currently offering up-front, sign-on bonuses for locals interested in these positions: up to $5,000 for Registered Nurses*; and up to $1,000 for Personal Care Assistants*.

Both positions represent opportunities to engage in meaningful work and a rewarding career making a difference to the lives of others in the local community. While the Registered Nurse positions allow individuals to draw on, and grow, their broad nursing skills, the Personal Care Assistant opportunities do not require previous

qualifications and include support to pursue future credentials.

Jason Binder, Respect’s Managing Director and CEO, said the recruitment drive emphasises the organisation’s focus on supporting the Wangaratta community while ensuring residents continue to receive the highest level of care.

“As an organisation with a regional focus, we’ve been growing steadily throughout the past decade, and we’ve become known for our ability to run homes at a high standard while investing back into the local community,” he said. “This recruitment drive forms part of that focus – we know how important local communities are to our homes and so we are committed to employing local aged care workers.”

Mr Binder said the recruitment drive would ensure more Wangaratta locals are provided with career opportunities in aged care – of particular importance following the recent 15% pay rise across the industry. Similarly, with more proposed rate increases on the horizon, a career in aged care is set to become one of the highest paid care positions in Australia.

For more information on Respect’s current employment opportunities, or to apply, email recruitment@respect.com.au

*Terms and conditions apply

To help combat recent recruitment challenges impacting regional aged care, Respect wants to ensure more local workers are represented in its St John’s team.

COMING SOON The ultimate guide for tourists and locals

Whitfield family movie night

PANGERANG Community Hub is presenting a Whitfield family movie night at the Whitfield Recreation Reserve on Friday night from 5.30pm.

Enjoy an evening of fun with the movie “Night at the Museum” to be screened and a free barbecue provided, with all welcome and no bookings required.

King River Sounds at the brewery

A LIVE music event called King Valley Sounds will be held at King River Brewing on Saturday, September 9 from 12pm to 10pm.

A family-friendly concert designed to support local talent, the line-up includes Dallas Frasca, Sal Kimber, Dean Haitani Band, Marisa Quigley, Iva Mahoni, Texas Crude & Lucey and more. Tickets are available at https://events.humanitix. com/king-river-sounds with free entry for kids and a range of activities on offer.

King Valley Arts film club screening

THE King Valley Arts Film Club will end its successful first season this year with a screening of the 1960 JeanLuc Godard film, Breathless on Tuesday, September 12.

Breathless was Godard’s first feature-length debut work and represented Jean-Paul Belmondo’s breakthrough as an actor.

It is the quintessential New Wave film, with handheld cameras, unknown or nonprofessional actors, naturalistic dialogue, natural lighting and onlocation shooting.

See it at the Cheshunt Hall cinema with doors open at 7pm before the screening starts at 7.30pm with more information on membership at https:// kingvalleyarts.com.au/ film-club/.

King Valley cluster end of term disco

MOYHU Primary School will be bringing back the 80s at their end of term disco being held on Friday, September 15 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

All school aged children are welcome and encouraged to dress in their best 80s gear and hit the dance floor, with a DJ and photo booth.

Supported by the Rural City of Wangaratta, there will be finger food and cordial with entry by gold coin donation.

Woman fined $750 after major King Valley crash

A KING Valley woman who swerved into the wrong lane of the Wangaratta-Whitfield Road with her six-yearold daughter in the back seat, only avoided a head-on collision after another motorist took evasive action.

Wangaratta Magistrates Court this week heard the woman had been driving north from Moyhu around 1.30pm on January 6, when she continued straight across the road’s centre line as she approached a bend south of Docker-Carboor Road.

A silver Ford utility driving south swerved into the right hand lane to avoid a head-on crash, although both vehicles still made significant contact.

The Ford came to rest facing north, while the accused’s vehicle stopped some 15m off the side of the road.

The accused was found lying near her vehicle and subsequently transported to Northeast Health Wangaratta for observation, as was the driver of the silver Ford.

Puppet show brings cluster kids together

STUDENTS from the King Valley cluster schools enjoyed an engaging day of entertainment when the Lemony S Puppet Theatre brought their show Crow Kid to the Myrrhee Hall stage.

More than 100 students from Whitfield, Edi Upper, Moyhu, Greta Valley and Myrrhee were captivated by the show which was made possible with the support of a $3000 grant secured by King Valley Arts Presents through Regional Arts Victoria.

Afterwards children di-

vided into groups according to their year levels and embarked on imaginative puppet-making workshops, designed to foster their creative education.

Crow Kid is a is a heartwarming tale for children about resilience, connection and the healing power of friendship, captured in a story told through shadow puppetry, but in an “unplugged” style.

Projected onto a back screen with all the machinations revealed, audience members get to see how the

effects and shadows are created, inspiring them to create their own stories in shadows.

Teachers said students were mesmerised by the performance; full of questions and eager to find out how the puppets brought to life.

Coordinators thanked Jess Young and Vanichya Contessa for organising the workshops crafting shadow puppets and light boxes at Myrrhee School, tailored for prep to grade four students.

At the same time, older students had the opportunity

to stay at the hall participating in a workshop led by the talented puppeteers, Em and Eubie, where they had the chance to explore the art of puppetry and learn from skilled professionals.

The students had a wonderful day enjoying lunch and playing together at Myrrhee School.

Not only was it an opportunity for local children to experience an innovative form of performing arts close to home, but to enjoy it in the company of friends from neighbouring schools.

New High Country app to drive local tourism

A NEW mobile app will provide a dynamic visitor guide and wayfinding tool, as well as information around eateries and attractions for those visiting Victoria’s High Country.

Launched last Friday by Tourism North East, the ‘Victoria’s High Country’ app hopes to drive business for local tourism

outlets, promoting experiences and connecting visitors directly to local businesses.

It features hyper-local information which allows visitors to locate and connect with experiences in the town they are staying in, as well as providing search and wayfinding capabilities to allow visitors to explore

the region based on their own interests.

Tourism North East chief executive officer Bess NolanCook said the app would allow visitors to spend more time enjoying the region.

“Victoria’s High Country is full of hidden gems, with something for everyone,” she said.

“Our new app allows visi-

tors to find the region’s offerings more readily, meaning they can spend less time searching, and more time enjoying everything our incomparable region has to offer.”

Now available on both the iTunes App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android), the app was partially funded by the State Government.

The vehicle’s female passenger suffered a broken wrist which required surgery, while the accused’s daughter was uninjured.

Police interviewed the accused in March, when she admitted she had been driving the vehicle when it travelled into the wrong lane.

She told police she had hung up on a hands-free phone call immediately prior to the crash, and then had attempted to pull the vehicle’s sun visor down.

She said she remembered looking down from the road, and then awoke to the vehicle’s airbag in her face, and told officers she did not remember seeing the other car.

The crash scene was part of a 100kph speed zone.

Magistrate Peter Dunn told defence lawyer Stephen Sartori the outcome could have been fatal.

“It could have been far worse than it was,” he said.

“Not to mention the presence of your client’s six-year-old.”

He placed the defendant on a promise to be of good behaviour, and fined her a total of $750.

Covering Moyhu, Edi, Myrrhee, Whitfield, Cheshunt and Whitlands areas

WORKSHOP FUN: After the puppet show, kids including Moyhu Primary School’s Emmy Hansted and Kayleb Braun, tried their hand at puppet making.

SHADOW PLAY: The Myrrhee Hall stage was the backdrop for the Lemony S Puppet Theatre’s presentation of Crow Kid, watched by more than 100 children.

Daffodil Day stall next week

THE Cancer Council’s Wang Volunteer Group will hold its annual Daffodil Day selling day on Thursday, August 31 at the Reid Street kiosk and the Wangaratta Post Office arcade from 8.30am until sold out.

On sale will be beautiful bunches of daffodils, the symbol of hope, at a cost of $10 per bunch with all proceeds going to the Cancer Council Victoria.

Meet the author at the library

AUTHOR Marion Hughes will visit the Wangaratta Library on Thursday, August 31 to speak about her most recent novels, the Dark Illusion trilogy.

Marion is an author of fast-paced, action-packed thrillers full of twists and turns and has received wide praise for the trilogy; with book one - Watch Your Back - described as a thrilling read. She will share insights into her writing at 2pm, with bookings essential via Humanitix or by contacting library staff on 5721 2366 or email library@ wangaratta.vic.gov.au.

yourstars

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) This is a good time for the usually outspoken Lamb to be a bit more discreet. You can still get your point across, but do it in a way that is less likely to turn off a potential supporter.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Good news: All that hard work you put in is beginning to pay off. But you need to watch that tendency to insist on doing things your way or no way. Be a bit more flexible.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You might want to delay making a decision on the future of a long-standing relationship until you check out some heretofore hidden details that are just now beginning to emerge.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Your reluctance to compromise on an important issue could backfire without more facts to support your position. Weigh your options carefully before making your next move.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) This is a good time for ambitious Leos or Leonas to shift from planning their next move to actually doing it. Your communication skills can help persuade others to join you.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22)

Relationships -- personal or professional -present new challenges. Be careful not to let a sudden surge of stubbornness influence how you choose to deal with them.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) You might need more facts before you decide on a possible career change. On the other hand, you should have no problem making a decision about an important personal matter.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) You’re respected by most people for your direct, no-nonsense approach to issues. But be careful you don’t replace honest skepticism with stinging sarcasm.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A newly emerging situation could require a good deal of attention and some difficult decision-making. However, close friends will help you see it through.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Ignoring changes in a relationship could create problems later on. Get involved now while there’s still time to work things out and reach an understanding.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Of course you deserve to indulge yourself in something special. But for now, tuck that bit of mad money away. You’ll need it to help with a looming cash crunch.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) A temporary setback in your financial situation is eased by changing some of your plans. You’ll be able to ride it out quite well until the tide turns back in your favor.

Acclaimed First Nations artists exhibit in ‘Looking Glass’

A SIGNIFICANT exhibition of works by two of Australia’s most acclaimed Aboriginal artists, Judy Watson and Yhonnie Scarce, is opening at the Wangaratta Art Gallery this weekend.

The exhibition called ‘Looking Glass’ features paintings, video and sculptural works that explore the elements of earth, water, fire and air.

Kokatha and Nukunu artist, Scarce’s heated and blown glass sculptures are shown alongside Waanyi artist Watson’s washed canvases, stained with earthen pigments.

Together the works express the inseparable oneness of Aboriginal people with Country.

Wangaratta Art Gallery director Rachel Arndt said ‘Looking Glass’ is an important and timely exhibition.

“Judy Watson’s work is a personal lamentation of the earth’s current humanmade predicament yet also pays homage to the ways the landscape has provided safety and sustenance to her ancestors for countless generations,” she said.

“Similarly, Yhonnie Scarce’s work references the ongoing effects of colonisation on Aboriginal people, on families and on Country.

“It is a great honour to be able to present this work here in Wangaratta, as our community, like so many

Elvis: An American Trilogy in Wangaratta

A SHOW which embodies the essence of the legendary Elvis Presley will visit the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Thursday, August 31 at 8pm.

Three of the world’s leading Elvis performers will take the audience on a spellbinding journey through the many eras of The King, from his rockabilly beginnings through to the movie years of the sixties and ending with his renowned “Aloha from Hawaii” finale.

Starring Steve Michaels, Michael Cullipher and Brody Finlay and marking the 50 year anniversary of the Aloha from Hawaii era, tickets are available at wpacc.com.au.

others across the world, continues to grapple with the precarious nature of our relationship with the environment, and our direct impact thereon.

“We need to continue to hear and learn from First Nations voices – those who for thousands of years have lived in harmony with the land.”

All are welcome to the official opening celebration being held on Friday from 5.30pm at the gallery.

To book a free ticket visit wangarattaartgallery.com. au.

Looking Glass is open to the public from August 26 to October 22 in Gallery One, open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

Session to help empower boys

UPPER Murray Family Care (UMFC), supported by Rural City of Wangaratta, is presenting The Man Cave - a preventative mental health program aiming to teach young boys about healthy masculinity - at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre tomorrow night from 6pm to 7pm.

Recognising levels of bullying, behavioural issues, anxiety and depression have been on the rise since the beginning of COVID-19, UMFC is working to provide resources to help educate families and community leaders on how to proactively support adolescents to build positive social behaviour.

The keynote event is designed to provide practical insights and tools to those who mentor, parent and work with young people.

Delivered by diverse, highly-trained staff and facilitators from The Man Cave and blending presentation, group discussion and Q&A, register now at wpacc.com.au.

Judy Watson’s work is a personal lamentation of the earth’s current human-made predicament yet also pays homage to the ways the landscape has provided safety and sustenance to her ancestors for countless generations

- WANGARATTA

Cathedral College musical production

CATHEDRAL College Wangaratta junior school will present Mystery at Magpie Manor - a Downton-meets - Poirot musical production - at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Tuesday, September 12.

Set in the 1920s and steeped in legend and intrigue, Magpie Manor is in a great state of disrepair and Lord and Lady Pica must take drastic action to save their crumbling manor house.

The show brings comedy, song, mystery and 1920s dance routines together in one entertaining performance on Tuesday, September 12 at7pm with tickets available at wpacc.com.au.

GLASS SCULPTURE: The ‘Looking Glass’ exhibition includes Yhonnie Scarce, Only a mother could love them 2016, hand blown glass, 25.0 x 15.0 cm diameter each (variable sizes - approx.), Monash University Collection.

PHOTO: Courtesy artist and THIS IS NO FANTASY, Melbourne

ART GALLERY DIRECTOR RACHEL ARNDT

LS Quarry opens doors to new concreting plant

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

LS QUARRY and Concrete welcomed the community to its brand new Wangaratta concreting site on Friday.

Site manager Frank Ryan said it was an exciting opportunity to display the new site, which has been worked on and perfected over recent weeks.

“It’s been exceptionally good meeting the prospective new customers, meeting people who are looking for work, we’ve really enjoyed it,” he said.

“It’s been educational, and it’s great to see people are really embracing the concept of the new plant.

“We’ve had concreters, builders, even general people who do a bit of concreting themselves, curb and gutter guys, farmers, anyone who wants to do a bit of concreting.

“With the concreting plant you need it to be functioning well, to be environmentally sound and the quality of the local trades here has been great.”

Site owner Ashley Day gave visiting work crews comprehensive tours of their new facility, which is decked out with newly built silos and six new concrete mixers. The Hay Avenue site officially starts operation on Monday this week.

WANGARATTA Senior Citizens Club will host entertainment at its clubrooms in Tara Court today from 1.30pm.

The club will hold indoor carpet bowls from 12 noon tomorrow (Thursday), cards (euchre) from 1.30pm on Friday, indoor carpet bowls on Monday from 12 noon, and cards (500) and hoy on Tuesday from 1.30pm, all at its clubrooms in Tara Court, off Ford Street, or in the adjoining St Patrick’s supper room.

Next Wednesday, August 30 will serve up a fun game of hoy and a big afternoon tea at the clubrooms from 1.30pm.

WANGARATTA Seniors Dance will be held on Friday, August 25 from 2pm to 4pm at the St Patrick’s supper room in Ford Street (entry beside St Patrick’s Church).

Music will be provided by John and Maureen, with dance revision from 1.30pm until 2pm, admission is $5 (non-members $7), which includes afternoon tea.

For more information, phone Margaret on 0407 357 226 or Julie on 0408 032 451.

ELDORADO Senior Citizens Club hosts indoor carpet bowls at the hall every Thursday from 12.45pm.

THE Australian Plant Society meets on Thursday, August 24 from 7pm at the Masonic Hall in Appin Street for its annual general meeting plus a Dutch plant auction.

The monthly outing will be the following Sunday, August 27, to a garden near Rutherglen.

For details, phone 5725 7207.

THOONA CWA will mark Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week with a morning tea on Monday, September 4 at the Thoona Hall.

It will feature guest speakers talking about ovarian and breast cancer and self-test pap smears.

Join the group from 9.30am for a morning of important health discussions in a warm, friendly atmosphere, RSVP August 30 via Robyn, 0429 635 509.

WANGARATTA’S Vocal Dimension will be part of the Three Choirs

Festival at Holy Trinity Cathedral on Sunday, September 10 from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.

The event will feature an uplifting repertoire sung by the combined choirs of Vocal Dimension, the Murray Concert Choir and Beechworth Singers.

Tickets are available by visiting https://www.trybooking.com/ events/1082812/sessions/4010998/ sections/2012176/tickets

WANGARATTA Cake Decorators meet every third Saturday of the month at Galen College in Phillipson Street from 10.30am, with the next meeting scheduled for September 16.

Those attending the next meeting will make rice paper flowers with Johanne Holt from Queensland. BYO lunch and mug, $15 for members, $20 non-members.

Phone Lee Johnson on 0419 513 735 for more information or to book.

WANGARATTA Table Tennis Association is hosting a new social daytime group at the Wangaratta Showgrounds pavilion on Tuesdays from 10am to 12 noon.

People of all ages, from beginners to more experienced players, are encouraged to play singles and doubles in a relaxed, friendly environment, with coaching for beginners.

For more information, phone Maxine on 0403 209 857 or Julie on 0422 321 456.

THE Wangaratta Artists are under new management, and welcome budding artists to come along, and established artists to exhibit in the studio at Batchelor’s Green.

The group meets at the studio on Mondays and Thursdays from 12 noon.

For more information, phone Clare on 0419 365 149.

COME and play mahjong at the Wangaratta RSL on Thursdays from 11am.

Beginners welcome. Contact Jan on 0429 166 016.

WANGARATTA Keenagers Table Tennis Club plays on Mondays and Thursdays at the table tennis centre at

SOCIAL CALENDAR

the Wangaratta Showgrounds. Play begins at 8am. New players welcome. Morning tea provided – please bring your own cup.

For more information, contact Trevor Wolfel on 0476 891 596.

WANGARATTA Sing Australia Group meets each Wednesday from 7.30pm to 9pm at Purbrick Hall, next to Holy Trinity Cathedral. All welcome – for further information, call Keith Fleet on 0491 114 480 or Cheryl Hoysted on 0419 005 062.

WANGARATTA Concert Band rehearses on Mondays from 6.45pm to 9pm at the Avian Park Raceway Band Room in Newman Street. New players welcome, contact Helen on 0401 021 448.

GLENROWAN Indoor Carpet Bowls is held at Glenrowan Recreation Reserve Hall each Wednesday –arrive 12.45pm for 1pm start. The competition runs until 3.30pm–4pm, and is followed by afternoon tea. For details, phone Frank on 0409 662 462.

COME and try croquet at the Wangaratta Croquet Club, 46 Ryan Avenue, on any Monday, Wednesday or Saturday at 12.30pm. Equipment and instruction provided in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. For further information, phone club president Susan Fischer on 0417 217 009.

SATURDAY Quilters meet on the first Saturday of the month for a relaxed day of sit, sew and chat, from 10am to 3pm at the Wangaratta Small Bore Rifle Club, off the river end of College Street. Contact Colleen on 0427 221 138.

A NEW croquet club has started at the Wangaratta Lawn Tennis Club in Merriwa Park.

The group plays on Sunday afternoons, Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings, equipment supplied.

While the park is closed, the club has found a temporary home for social gatherings at Corowa Croquet Club.

For more information, contact Anne on 0490 173 169.

WANGARATTA Symphony Orchestra meets each Tuesday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Wangaratta Baptist Church, 1 Sisely Avenue.

New string and wind players are welcome to come along to rehearsals to try out.

For more information, email wangsymphonyorchestra@gmail. com or call Chloe on 0413 775 027.

WANGARATTA Woodworkers Inc meet at the Wangaratta Showgrounds each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 12 noon (closing earlier if no-one is present).

The rooms are open on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 7pm to 8.30pm, and Sundays from 10am to 1pm. All welcome.

For more information, contact Bevan on 0437 196 118 or Les on 0412 250 674.

OSTINATO Wangaratta and District Community Choir meets each Tuesday from 7pm to 9.30pm at the Log Cabin, corner Faithfull and Chisholm Streets, Wangaratta.

New members are welcome to join this enthusiastic and welcoming group of singers. For more information, contact Helen on 0457 269278.

LIFEBALL is held each Tuesday from 1pm on the basketball court at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre.

Lifeball is a non–contact game of netball, designed by a doctor and physio for the safety of mature players, with no running, walking backwards or throwing high balls, but enjoying fun and friendship.

For more information, phone 0418 574 404.

WANGARATTA AL–Anon Family Group meets on Tuesdays from 1.30pm to 3pm at the backstage

meeting room at St Patrick‘s Hall in Ford Street.

All welcome.

If your life has been affected by someone else‘s drinking, this group may be for you. Contact David on 0403 552 950 or Bev on 0449 516 828, or phone 1300 252 666.

WANGARATTA Toastmasters conducts its meetings on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 6.45pm at The Centre in Chisholm Street.

For more information, contact president Joanne Howell on 0417 558 881.

BLOKES Time Out conducts regular gatherings and activities on the third Saturday of the month. For more information, visit gritandresilience@wangaratta.vic. gov.au

CYCLING Without Age Wangaratta offers free tri–shaw rides to the elderly, and to people of any age with disabilities or reduced mobility. The group provides regular rides around Wangaratta to people living at home, or living in care.

For more information, phone 0418 387 089 or email cwawangaratta@ gmail.com

TOPS weight supporting group meets at The Centre each Monday from 5pm to 6pm, offering encouragement and great company to support locals in managing their weight.

For more information, phone 0458 374 261.

THE North Eastern branch of the Embroiderers Guild of Victoria meets every fourth Tuesday at the Masonic Lodge in Appin St, Wangaratta.

Beginners and experienced embroiderers are welcome to come along at 9.30am.

For more information, contact Jen on 0407 560562.

TO include your group‘s activities in this listing, email the details to skerwin@nemedia.com.au

NEW MERCH: Luke Thompson and Justin Weldon checked out the opening of the LS Quarry and Concreting site as potential customers.

LUNCH IS ON: Kerri Hollebone and Amanda Newman in charge of the barbeque lunch on Friday.

NEW LOOK: Ls Quarry Wangaratta site manager Frank Ryan with Coral Day, Kate Day and site owner Ashley Day were excited to open the new concreting site to the general public on Friday.

PHOTOS: Bailey Zimmermann

INPERSONBYPHONESELLING ACAR BUY ONLINE

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

WHENTO BOOK BYEMAIL

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

Notification by Buyer - Intention to apply for the permanent transfer of a Licence to Take and Use Surface Water

GMW Reference No: BPTWE0017-23

We Wangaratta Racecourse of 20/41 Cruse Street WANGARATTA VIC 3677

Refer to Vic Roads Map 664 B8

Intend to make application to permanently transfer entitlement to our existing Licence to Take and Use Surface Water and increase the licensed volume from 59.0ML/Year to 83.0ML/Year.

The volume sought in this application is 24.0ML

We intend to extract surface water for the purpose of: Irrigation

To be used on land described as:

Volume Folio Block Crown Allotment Parish

12059 140 Torrens 2036 Wangaratta South

Any person able to demonstrate that their interests will be affected by the transfer of this Licence including any intended surfacewater use, is invited to make a formal submission setting out the nature of the impact within 14 days of receipt of this written notification. To make a submission please read the information available to download from https://www.g-mwater.com.au/customerservices/forms refer to No. 4 (or contact G-MW to arrange for a copy to be posted to you). Submissions must be lodged in writing using the template available by either mail or email to Customer Support Coordinator, Licensing Administration, PO Box 165, TATURA VIC 3616 or email licensingadmin@g-mwater.com.au.

FLY fishing course, full day course covers the basics of fly fishing, including equipment, casting tuition, fly selection and streamcraft, to be conducted on Sunday, October 8, 10am-4pm at the Log Cabin, 28 Chisholm Street, Wangaratta, cost $70 includes lunch. To book your place contact 0427 756 665.

LARGE 2 bedroom, self-contained unit, carport, storage shed, fenced yard, suit quite couple/person, $320 per week plus bond. Ph 0427 279 526.

MIKO

Smokin Hot 20’s Sweet Lil Spicy

Awesome GFE 0411 312 977

SWA10618XE

BIANCA

Busty, blonde

Thursday, August 24 and Friday, August 25.

Ph 0488 148 857.

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

DOG TRAINER, Frank Vickers, behavioural solutions, 0418 314 610.

PAINTER, old school, for all your painting needs. Commercial, industrial renovations.

Phone Julian 0412 597 482.

Open Door Neighbourhood House is currently seeking a suitably skilled person to facilitate our weekly community “meet, share and eat” cooking program.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and passionate person with experience and a love of food to join our team. This position requires you to facilitate a class group seeking social engagement and meal diversity within a community setting. This class is open to everyone in the community who have an interest in cooking and those looking to make new connections. All programs and classes within the Neighbourhood House provide access for all abilities. The suitable candidate will oversee the kitchen hygiene and all facets of workplace health and safety.

Neighbourhood House and Adult Community Education Centres Collective Agreement 2016 Tutor 1 -2 (level compensated according to experience level)

Hours: Fridays 9.30am –12.30pm Casual temporary position - 3 hours per week for Term 4, 2023.

3 female Shih Tzu/ Cavoodle puppies, ready for new homes August 24, 2023, vet checked, microchipped, first vax.

Source ID: MB208182.

Microchip numbers: 90016400222340, 90016400222349, 90016400222341.

Phone Greg 0400 831 590 for details. Located in Rutherglen.

TWO Schipperke males, 3 and 4 months old, ready to go. $2,500 each.

Source ID: 102833.

Microchip numbers: 991003001922955, 956000014623265. Ph.

0447 479 048.

LOCAL domestic cleaner available 2 hours weekly. Ph 0466 643 511.

MECHANICAL and earthmoving repairs. Pre-season repairs and servicing, breakdowns and call-outs on Ag and earthmoving equipment, dam cleaning, boundary prep and drainage. Phone Tenny 0400 232 760.

The successful applicant must be committed to the mission of Open Door Neighbourhood House. A cooking background with food safety and handling

For further information and a position description please contact Gady Parker at Open Door Neighbourhood House on 57 219 175 or email

accounts@opendoornh.org.au 4pm on September 8, 2023

TENDERS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

HOLDEN Colorado, 2014, auto, 124,000km, dual cab, 4x4, (1EF3ZE), bull bar, UHF, tonneau and tub rack, tow bar,

a

HARLEY Davidson 2006, 1200c xl 1200r sportster roadster cruiser, 5 spd manual, 7640km, p ristine condition, V IN 5HD1CLP186K 455114, plus leathe r jacket, helmet, gloves and backpack, $11,500.

Ph 0412 874 585.

DEATH NOTICES

BARNARD, Warren. 19/7/1945-16/8/2023

Dearly loved husband of Robyn.

Father of James, Charles, Anthony, Aaron and Thomas.

Father in-law of Kerry, Jessica, Esther and Taylah.

Grandfather of Seren, Scarlett, Ryan, Rose, William, Astrid, Emily, Daisy and Alexis.

McKENZIE

Michael ‘Mick’. 3/2/1936 – 20/8/2023

Passed away peacefully surrounded by family.

Only son of Michael and Theresa (both dec). Loving husband of Rosalie.

Father and father-in-law of Margaret, Libby and Chris Dowling, Kathy and John Mummery, Vincent and Annette, Veronica and Richie Williams, Trish Gooch, Michelle and Zennon McCarty, Joe and Marni, Loretta and Colin Bennett, Geraldine and Pat Colombo, Bernadette, Robby and Betty.

Grandfather of 30 and Great Grandfather of 8.

FALCONER, Marj.

Goodbye to our beloved big sister Marjorie. We have beautiful memories of you. Our thoughts are with Bob, Jennie, Ben and their families.

~ Shirley, Leonie, Judith, Stephen and families.

FUNERALS

BARNARD

A funeral service to honour the life of Warren will be held at the Bright Football and Netball Club on Monday, August 28, 2023, commencing at 1.30pm. Warren’s service can be viewed via live stream at www.northeastfunerals.com.au/livestream. A private cremation will follow the service.

McKENZIE

Requiem mass will be offered for Michael ‘Mick’ McKenzie in St Patrick's Catholic Church, 1 Ford Street, Wangaratta at 10am on Monday, August 28, 2023, followed by burial at Boorhaman Cemetery.

Rosary will be recited at St Martin's Catholic Church, Boorhaman at 6pm on Sunday, August 27, 2023.

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

McKENZIE, Michael “Mick”. The Committee of Management, Management, Staff and Residents of St Catherine’s extend our deepest sympathy to Rosalie and family on Mick’s passing. Mick was a dedicated former member of the St Catherines Committee of Management.

Remember

Honouring

P. 03 5721 5060 W. masonpark.com.au

The only family owned funeral home in Wangaratta

Proud Member of Australian Funeral Directors Association

John & Christine Haddrick

5722 2525 northeastfunerals.com.au

All Hours

GONE: Josh Cook (right) drags down Jaxon Coleman in Sunday’s under 17 elimination final.

SPEEDSTAR: Under 14 Centrals player Noah Paul boots the ball towards goal.

SHOT: Under 17 College player Hudson Lloyd kicks forward towards his teamates.

FORWARD ENTRY: Tyrone Baxter drives the ball forward.

CLEARANCE: Fraser Stephens boots the ball clear from the pack.

QUICK START: Cooper Grimshaw kicks a goal within first minute of the game against Bright.

ON THE RUN: Will Graham gets boot to ball at pace.

BODY WORK: Bailey Paul (left) and Tigers’ Kayden McKelvie battle it out for the footy in their qualifying final.

HIGH: Under 14 Bright player Lakitha Samarasinghe gets caught over the shoulder.

UNDER17SCOREBOARDUNDER14SCOREBOARDUNDER12SCOREBOARD

BEST: COLLEGE: Angus Kennedy, Levi Smith, Joshua Cook, Charlie Haring, Jonah Massey-Chase, Selby Doyle. KANGAROOS: Zac O’Shannessy, Edward Clayton, Hamish Laverty, Will Graham, Curtis Hines, Jaxon

Coleman. GOALS: COLLEGE: Hudson Lloyd 2, Ryan Dillon 1, Charles Fitzgerald 1, Cormac McNamara 1, Ayden Peebles 1. KANGAROOS: Edward Clayton 3, Corey Marjanovic 1, Zac O’Shannessy 1.

Centrals

BEST: TIGERS: Kayden McKelvie, Samuel Allan, Jayden Whitehouse, Harry Mullane. CENTRALS: Angus Jayet, Cody Johnson, Kade Hadley, Tyrone Baxter, Charlie Kerwin, Charlie Eames. GOALS: TIGERS: Ryan McKay 3, Deacon Cleal 2, Lucas Webb 2, Samuel Alan 1, Jock Correll 1, Harry Mullane 1. CENTRALS: Charlie Eames 2, Cody Johnson 2, Charlie Kerwin 1.

Yellow

BEST: IMPERIALS: Archer Direen, Max Marek, Charlie Flynn, Judd Campbell, Kade Ely, Preston Stamp. MANSFIELD YELLOW: Samuel Kain, Nicholas Hoskin, Phoebe Guppy, Henry Banks, Andrew Friday, Archie Dunn. GOALS: IMPERIALS: Harry Allen 3, Beau Benton 1, Preston Stamp 1, Charlie Walsh 1. MANSFIELD YELLOW: Lenny Gardner 2, Taj Kynnersley 1, Xavier Maroney 1, Gus Robinson

BEST: BRIGHT: Noah White, Oscar Lewis, Lachlan Russell, Luke Carey, Lakitha Samarasinghe, Fraser Stephens. CENTRALS: Connor Ormond, Beau Johns, Kaiden Wohlers, Reid McNamara, Cooper Grimshaw, Austin Morris. GOALS: BRIGHT: Otis Dalbosco 2, Alex Tanaskovic 2, Darcy Andersen 1, Stefan Murdzevski 1. CENTRALS: Cooper Grimshaw 2, Ryan Parsons 2, Dean Balfour 1, Andrew Fraser 1, Reid McNamara 1.

BEST: COLLEGE: Cooper Bowman, Jax Borschmann, Baiden Hallinan, Tate Llewellyn, Luke O’Brien, William Pickett. CENTRALS: Sonny Gales, Samuel Elkington, Nicholas Jones, Dusty Hogarth, Isabella Boulton, Will Boulton. GOALS: COLLEGE: Zachary Tamme 1, Jack Tonkin 1. CENTRALS: Archie Knobel.

BEST: BENALLA GIANTS: Thomas Mount, Jack Hart, Xavier De Fazio, Edward Spinks, Charlie Bowen, Samuel Mount. BENALLA BULLDOGS: Ben Wells, Hugh Ross, Joshua Montgomery, Joshua Bamford, Alex Lambert, Nicholas White. GOALS: BENALLA GIANTS: Jude Binion 1, Xavier De Fazio 1, Eli McKean 1. BENALLA BULLDOGS: Hugh Ross 2, Alex Lambert 1, Oliver Parker 1.

PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie

Sam’s star on the rise

BETWEEN making buckets on the basketball court and kicking goals on the footy field, Cathedral College Wangaratta student Sam Lupo can’t decide what he loves more.

The Myrtleford junior is a highly talented prospect in both sports, representing Victoria recently in the under 12s School Sport Australia Football Championships and coming close to doing the same in the round ball game.

Sam said while he loves both sports the same, he came to learn to love them in different ways.

“I’ve had an interest in footy all my life, kicking the ball outside

GOLDEN

HOUR: Sam Lupo (right) and Victorian under 12s football coach Leigh McQuillen celebrating their national championship triumph earlier in the month, after beating all comers over a week of football in Lavington.

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

with Dad from a young age,” he said.

“What I love about footy is the physicality, making friends and being part of a team.

“When Auskick finished, I had to wait until I could play for Myrtleford under 12s.

“Mum and Dad realised I wasn’t going to have any sport in my life for a couple of years, so

they dragged me onto the basketball court and from that moment I started playing basketball and loved it.”

Sam is coming off what he said was the best week of his young life in the national football championships earlier this month, where he helped Victoria go undefeated to win gold up against some of the best young stars of the game across Australia.

The year six student said the experience of the carnival and the rigorous training leading up to it will hold him in great stead in future seasons going forward.

“I will use the experience to share what I learned with other people as well as using it to get better myself and to improve how I play,” he said.

“I will definitely be doing ice baths in the future because when you get out your body feels like brand new; it showed me how important a proper recovery is.”

On the court, Sam just finished a season with the North East Bushrangers in the under 14s on Friday nights and will be playing representative basketball with the Wodonga Wolves this season,

which will start in September.

Sam said while he couldn’t choose a favourite sport out of basketball and football at the moment, with the help of supporting parents Ermanno and Michelle, he will continue to work hard and be the best he can be in both.

“I think if I keep training in both sports I could have a good chance of making it further; my dad always says to dream big and believe in myself,” he said.

“When I grow up I definitely want to be an AFL star or an NBA star but if I don’t make it in sports I want to be like a physio and help the players out.”

FUTURE STAR: Myrtleford’s Cathedral College student Sam Lupo has been taking giant strides with his sport, recently representing Victoria in the under 12s School Sport Australia canival while also juggling representative basketball ommitments.

RESULTS:

NORTH East Bushrangers Basketball (NEBB) is a collaboration between local North East basketball associations with the commitment of “Creating Realistic Pathways for all North East Athletes”

Eleven NEBB junior teams compete in the Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) - the highest level junior competition in Victoria.

One NEBB Youth League Men’s (YLM) team competes in the semi-professional Big V competition.

Big V & VJBL consist of teams from both metropolitan and regional Victoria.

ELIMINATION FINAL

U14 Boys 2 49 def by Coburg 3 52 Brock Buckland 18, Joseph Milton 13, Michael Moylan 9)

QUALIFYING FINAL

U14 Girls 1 38 def by Bulleen 2 48

(Top Scorers: Ella Mercieca 20, Lily Purss 8, Maisy Moscrop 6)

ELIMINATION FINAL

U14 Girls 2 28 def by Eltham 5 29

(Top Scorers: Maria Hanley 10, Kaity Ford 7, Winnie Heffernan 7)

FINALS WEEK 1 - BYE

U16 Boys 1

QUALIFYING FINAL

U16 Boys 2 40 def by Melton 2 54

(Top Scorers: Seth Graham 10, Sam Kain 6, Josh Vearing 6)

FINAL ROUND OF THE REGULAR SEASON

U16 Girls 1 38 def by Bulleen 1 64

(Top Scorers: Molly Moylan 13, Mekenzie Wood 8, Kiera Freeman 4)

FINALS WEEK 1 - BYE

U16 Girls 2

FINAL ROUND OF THE REGULAR SEASON

U18 Boys 1 70 def Nunawading 1 63

(Top Scorers: Lochie Harvey 19, Frank Oguche 19, Caleb Wharepapa 10)

Junior Bushies U14 girls teams together before their VJBL finals

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

McClounan, White and Tanner take O&KFNL’s top honours

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

SUNDAY’S Ovens and King Football Netball League presentation night was a chance for the league to come together and celebrate the truly exceptional players in the region.

The festivities at the Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway kicked off with Bonnie Doon taking out the Club Champions award for their stellar form across football and netball.

The vote counts built up to the Clyde Baker Medal race, which was won by Greta’s James McClounan by five votes ahead of runner up Jamie Dunne from Goorambat.

An exceptional talent, McClounan made the switch from O&M club Wangaratta to the Blues this year, and has been a key part of their squad.

McClounan was also voted Player of the Year, as well as being named on ball in the Team of the Year.

“It’s been a good season, very enjoyable,” he said.

“I’ve been able to play good footy probably because I’m enjoying myself at Greta - it’s my first year out there, and I can’t thank them enough.

“It’s a great family club, it’s been great to be able to go out there and enjoy myself.”

The race for the Fay Morgan Medal was incredibly close, and in the end last year’s winner Tegan White from Tarrawingee and Bonnie Doon’s Mia Tanner could not be separated, sharing the league’s top individual netball prize.

White also took out the Player of the Year award and named goal keeper in the Team of the Year, while Tanner was named the netball Rising Star.

“I was shocked every time my name came up, I really did not expect it,” Tanner said.

“I was just focusing on making Bonnie Doon the best that we can be all year.

“I’m shocked, but pretty proud.”

The O&K finals series gets underway this weekend, with matches at Tarrawingee on Saturday and North Wangaratta on Sunday.

NETBALL TEAM OF THE YEAR

 ROSS SCHUTT MEDALLIST: North Wangaratta’s Luke Brown tied with Leroy Dowling for the reserves best and fairest.

 RISING STARS: Bright’s Joe Gray and Cooper Thomason both took out the senior football Rising Star award.

 YOUNG GUN: King Valley’s Milly O’Kane took out both the MVP and best and fairest awards in the 15 and under netball.

 KATH DOBSON MEDALLIST: Milawa’s Maya Ackroyd shakes hands with Kath Dobson after winning the B grade medal named after Dobson.

GK - Tegan White (Tarrawingee); GD - Ebony Norris (North Wangaratta); WD – Tahlia Mathews-Vincent (Milawa); C – Jorja Reidy (Greta); WA – Micaela Larkings (Milawa); GA - Jami Ussher (Milawa); GS – Kaylee Allan (Tarrawingee); Subs – Taylah Reidy (Greta), Alyse Owen (Milawa), Emily Canny (Milawa), Ebony Allen (Whorouly), Amanda Coote (Greta). Coach: Jackie Everitt (Tarrawingee).

FOOTBALL TEAM OF THE YEAR

B: Michael Elliott (Bright), Morgan Evans (Bonnie Doon), Simon Pane (Milawa).

HB: Lachie Kennett (Greta), Matt Hedin (Bonnie Doon), Josh Owen (Milawa).

C: Josh Bell (Greta), Campbell Smedley (Bonnie Doon), Sam Dalbosco (Bright).

HF: Cody Crawford (Benalla All Blacks), Harry Allan (Milawa), Ben Clarke (Milawa).

F: Beau Wheeler (King Valley), Frazer Judd (Greta), Cooper Thomason (Bright).

Fol: Mark Wettern (Greta), James McClounan (Greta), Joel Sanford (Bonnie Doon).

Int: Jamie Dunne (Goorambat), Will Foster (Bonnie Doon), Adam Enever (North Wangaratta).

Coach: Steve Manning (North Wangaratta).

FULL LIST OF AWARD WINNERS SENIORS FOOTBALL

 Player of the Year: James McClounan (Greta)

 Leading Goal Kicker: Cooper Thomason (Bright) - 81 goals.

 Clyde Baker Medallist: James McClounan (Greta).

 Runner Up: Jamie Dunne (Goorambat).

A GRADE NETBALL

 Player of the Year: Tegan White (Tarrawingee).

 Leading Goal Shooter: Kaylee Allan (Tarrawingee) - 885 goals.

 Fay Morgan Medallist: Mia Tanner (Bonnie Doon), Tegan White (Tarrawingee).

 Runner Up: Brittany Button (Goorambat).

RISING STAR AWARDS

 Football Rising Star: Joe Gray (Bright), Cooper Thomason (Bright).

 Netball Rising Star: Mia Tanner.

B GRADE NETBALL

 MVP: Sally Burgess (Benalla All Blacks), Jemma Wallis (King Valley).

 Leading Goal Shooter: Sally Burgess (Benalla All Blacks) - 765 goals

 Kath Dobson Medallist: Maya Ackroyd (Milawa).

 Runner Up: Georgia Thomson (Goorambat).

RESERVES FOOTBALL

 MVP: Tim Leslie (Milawa).

 Leading Goal Kicker: Thomas Mullane-Grant (Bright) - 133 goals.

 Ross Schutt Medallist: Leroy Dowling (Moyhu), Luke Brown (North Wangaratta).

 Runners Up: Tim Leslie (Milawa).

B RESERVE NETBALL

 MVP: Elise Nolan (Goorambat).

 Leading Goal Shooter: Michelle Tanner (Bonnie Doon) - 591 goals.

 Best and Fairest Winner: Chrissy Blunt (Bonnie Doon).

 Runner Up: Taykea Boogaard (Bright).

C GRADE NETBALL  MVP: Lily Boman (North Wangaratta).

 Leading Goal Shooter: Cobie McCormack (Bonnie Doon) - 543 goals.

 Flo Egan Medallist: Charlotte Atherton (Bonnie Doon).

 Runner Up: Charlotte Quilliam (Benalla All Blacks).

UNDER 15S NETBALL

 MVP: Milly O’Kane (King Valley).

 Leading Goal Shooter: Anastasia Ford (Moyhu) - 274 goals.

 Best and Fairest Winner: Milly O’Kane (King Valley).

 Runner Up: Anastasia Ford (Moyhu).

CLUB CHAMPION:

 Bonnie Doon

The Wolfpack advance to grand final at Glenrowan on Sunday

LOCAL rugby league club The Wolfpack took to the field against CSU Muddogs in the preliminary final for the Storm Goulburn Murray Cup on Sunday.

After a hiatus of a men’s teams throughout the COVID pandemic, this 2023 season saw a comeback

from the men’s; fielding a solid side proving to be a team that is every bit deserving of the road to glory.

A tough match against CSU saw the boys put up a fight in defence.

Taking the lead into half-time 102, it was a lead they wanted to keep.

Unfortunately, fatigue and the heat

took its toll and the strong Mud Dogs side crossed the line themselves.

Both teams hungry for the spot in next week’s grand final, the teams were going try for try until the dying minutes of regular time.

The final whistle blew with 14-all moving the game into a

thrilling Golden Point.

An unstoppable Uluak took The Wolfpack boys into lethal field position with a final run by Lehi into a prime spot which saw Newyear’s time to strike.

Quickly getting into position he slotted a brilliant field

goal over the black dot.

It was a fitting completion that the men’s playing coach takes his team into the big game next week. Get behind The Wolfpack this Sunday in Glenrowan as they take on Corowa Cougars in the grand final at 3pm.

FAYE MORGAN MEDALLIST: Bonnie Doon’s Mia Tanner was joint winner of the A Grade best and fairest with Tarrawingee’s Tegan White.

CLYDE BAKER MEDALLIST: Greta’s James McLounan took out the Clyde Baker Medal. PHOTOS: Nathan de Vries

Lady Devils smash United ahead of finals

By NATHAN DE VRIES

WANGARATTA City’s senior women’s soccer side will take confidence from their 4-1 comprehensive win over Albury United ahead of finals.

Playing on Saturday night so as not to clash with the Women’s World Cup final, it took just 20 minutes for the Lady Devils to find the back of the net, courtesy of Zoe Marshall.

United’s playmaker Paula Mitchell responded just five minutes later, before Wangaratta captain Beth Cope found the Lady Devils’ second on the cusp of half-time.

Wangaratta’s defence held firm in the second half, not allowing United any legitimate shots on goal, while Bianca Mulqueen (61’) and Marshall (78’) put the result out of reach.

Coach Daniel Kelly said it was a very strong showing at the right time of the season.

“The girls went up there and had a plan to stop their threats, and we had some firepower back ourselves,” he said.

“We contained their threats and played our firepower up front, and it worked out the way it should’ve worked out.

“We had Bianca Mulqueen, she was back again, and Zoe (Marshall) was available, which let us put Sarah Morris

5-2 loss but Devils remain pleased

By WILLSON MACK

WANGARATTA City was a victim of the league title winners at Jelbart Park on Saturday afternoon.

The Devils opened up an early lead over Albury United after Adam Greaves scored in the 29th minute but the Green’s would find the next two goals to lead 2-1 at half-time.

Albury United had their tails up and scored through former Devil Jordan Hore (51st minute) not long after the break.

Wangaratta’s Ethan Whiley got one back for the home side 10 minutes later to close the gap to 3-2 with a chance to equalise with 29 minutes remaining.

However, the Green’s would flex their muscles, banging two goals home within two minutes (81st and 83rd) to grab a 5-2 victory.

Wangaratta City assistant

coach Terru Masters said the game was closer than the score line suggests.

“They scored goals late and they were because of silly errors by us,” Masters said.

“One was an own goal and the other we kicked back into the centre of our goal and they tapped it through so they were lapses in concentration.

“Up until then it was pretty even and we had some good opportunities to equalise.

“Considering the amount of players we had out I’m happy with how we went.”

Albury United’s pace was on show with striker Melkie Woldemichael proving a headache for the Devils.

“I think what we take away from the game is that they’re really strong in the front third and have plenty of pace,” Masters said.

“Their backline is probably where you can expose

them though so if we play them again in finals we’ll want to play the game in our front half.

“We played a different system too which stopped their full backs from pushing up which I thought worked well.”

Wangaratta City was without immediate starters Dan Kelly, Tom Christison, Cooper Patterson and Xander Van Bergen to name a few but will get them back for this weekend’s quarter final clash with Albury Hotspurs. Masters said it was a struggle to fill the squad.

“The night before we had nine players and then Ethan (Whiley) became available and someone else came in,” he said.

“We should have everyone available for this weekend though so there will be a few headaches at selection.

“With a full squad I really think we can shake up finals.”

down back who managed to outmark Paula Mitchell from Albury United - their main threat.

“It was just pressure from the girls up forward, they kept creating chances.

“The midfield played the ball through, closing down and we picked up two chances and slotted them both away which was good.”

Depending on other results, the Lady Devils could finish as high as second on the ladder ahead of finals this weekend, but Kelly said he’d prefer an alternate route to the decider.

“We don’t necessarily want the top two finish, we don’t want to finish second,” he said.

“We want to finish third so we can continue to play this weekend, get more minutes into the girls’ legs who haven’t played 10, 15 games this season and have only played six or seven.

“There were a few hiccups through the year but I said just keep faith in me and the plans we’ve got and come finals we should be able to have a really strong team and have a good run with the youth and experience.”

The reserves women also picked up a victory, downing United 2-1 courtesy of a double from Georgia Mahoney to book a place in the qualifying final against Myrtleford this Sunday.

DOUBLE DAMAGE: Zoe Marshall’s two goals proved the difference against Albury United on Saturday. INSET: SAVED: Claire Ceristison goes down to her left and safely gathers the ball. PHOTOS: Kate De Naps Photography

COMPOSED: Vitaly Leschen in action. PHOTOS: Kat De Naps Photography

IN CONTROL: James Pursell takes the ball forward.

LONG BALL: Stoycho Ivanov sends the ball forward in Wangaratta City’s loss to Albury United.

‘Pies win well, Rovers fall to Pigeons

By WILLSON MACK

WANGARATTA A grade netballers finished their home and away season on a high with a confidence building win over Myrtleford at Norm Minns Oval.

The Magpies will go into this weekend’s final round bye in second place after a 38-29 win over the Saints, with a game separating Wangaratta and the in-form Lavington.

Wangaratta led from start to finish and put in an 11-goal to six third quarter to secure victory over the Saints who were without star defender Sophie Hanrahan.

Magpies defender

Brooke Pryse was back to her best, while Issy Newton and Kellie Keen were also prominent.

Wangaratta had a range of goal scorers with Amanda Umanski, Georgia Clark (14 each), Kellie Keen (9) and

ROUND 20

Amy Byrne (1) all contributing.

Meanwhile, Wangaratta Rovers were shown the benchmark when they went down to premiership favourites Yarrawonga at JC Lowe Oval.

The Pigeons opened up an 11-goal lead at the first break before building that to 22-goals at the main break to virtually put the game to bed, running away convincing 76-35 winners by the final whistle.

For the Hawks, Sami and Rebecca Kreltszheim shot 18 and 17 goals respectively, while Yarrawonga’s Madeleine Allan shot 35 goals in her side’s victory.

Wangaratta Rovers will finish their season against North Albury next weekend, the side their only win came against this year, while the Pigeons have wrapped up the minor premiership and will play Wodonga in their last home and away match.

NETBALLREVIEWS

Bombers shock Bulldogs, Roos steady for finals

THE Ovens and King A grade competition was rocked on Saturday when flag contenders Tarrawingee were handed their fourth loss of the season by a surging Bonnie Doon squad 64-48.

The Bombers went on the offence early, taking a four-goal lead by quarter time with their defenders turning the ball when they could.

Momentum continued Bonnie Doon’s way through to the third term, which saw the Bombers outscore Tarrawingee 12-17, to take a 10-goal lead into the final quarter.

Bonnie Doon coach Michelle Tanner said her side was finding form at the right time, having won their last six matches ahead of their elimination final this weekend.

“For us, we knew it wasn’t going to affect anything on the ladder, but for confidence reasons, it was one we really wanted to win to show the rest of the comp that we’re hitting our straps at the right time,” she said.

“It was fantastic.

“Kaylee Allan’s a massive threat, she’s their strongest shooter – the first time we played them, we didn’t get a very good start and we were chasing all day.

“She dominated that first game, so we knew she was one we really need-

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

ed to work on shutting down, we’d been working on that at training.

“Portia (Keatch) had a fantastic game against Tegan White, she really kept her where she should’ve been.

“It was a reflection of what they’ve been working on at training, they’re improving at the right time.”

Elsewhere, King Valley picked up a handy win over North Wangaratta 5838 ahead of their finals appearance.

A 15-4 opening term to the Roos set the stage and while the Hawks shot well, King Valley’s forward pressure was simply too great to overcome.

Milawa took a substantial 92-15 win over Bright in their match, with shooter Emily Canny piling on 71 goals at almost 90 per cent.

Reigning premiers Greta handed fellow finalists Whorouly a 49-23 loss, looking in fine form ahead of their semi-final next weekend.

Goorambat took a 58-32 win over Benalla All Blacks, but it wasn’t enough of a percentage boost to land them in the top six, just over three points shy.

SEACHING: Issy Newton looks for a teammate.

GREAT TAKE: Leah Jenvey in action.

STAR: Brooke Pryse was excellent in Wangaratta’s win. PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

TEAMWORK: Tess Devine weighs up her passing choices. PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

OPTIONS: Stacet O’Brien looks to send the ball into the shooting circle in the Roos’ win over North Wangaratta.

Tarrawingee were handed their fourth loss of the season by a surging Bonnie Doon side gygg

Pair of Jacks achieve sailing success in Ger many in Germany

THE Hildebrand family of the King Valley is celebrating the sailing success of Jack Hildebrand, who teamed up with Jack Ferguson to win the 2023 Under 23 Junior World Championship in the 49er class at Travemunde in Germany at the end of July, competing in a fleet of more than 100 teams.

Jack is the grandson of Alan Hildebrand and the son of maxi yacht hydraulics expert and Wild Oats team member, John Hildebrand, who was there to cheer the boys on.

Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron (RSYS) member Jack Ferguson told the RSYS the pair only started sailing together three months ago after placing 13th at the Al-

Junior netball finals kick off

By WILLSON MACK

THE Wangaratta

Netball Association’s junior netball semifinals were played on Saturday with results as follows:

Premier Lge A:

Rovers Brown 27 def

Rovers Gold 12.

Greta Blue 14 def by Magpies Black 22

Premier Lge B:

Myrtleford Black 28 ()

Def Milawa Red 16.

Rovers Navy 14 def

Yfnc 12.

Section 1: Rovers Black 12 def by Milawa White 21.

Bright 15 def

Maltesers 11.

Section 2: Myrtleford

Red 21 def Alpha

Wolves 10.

Jellybeans 29 def The Strikers 23.

Section 3: Fantales 8 def by Dream Team 14

The Diamonds 28 def Westy Warriors 17.

lianz Regatta in May, but with new gear on board and guidance from coach Marc Chapon, they were feeling confident in preregatta training.

He said while they sailed consistently during the qualifying series, it all came down to the last race in the final series where the pair had a four point lead over the Maltese team in second place.

“After nailing the start, we mirrored our closest competition from in front and finished well clear to take the championship,” he said.

My Sailing’s Ben Remocker

described the Australian duo as delivering a commanding performance from start to finish.

“They demonstrated exceptional boat handling, tactical brilliance and a strong nerve in unstable conditions, securing the lead early in the championship and holding off challengers through Gold fleet racing,” he reported.

While Jack and Jack have been sailing in a 49er for two years, this is their first regatta season together.

The duo, who also won the Under 21s, was selected to race in

The Hague with the Australian Sailing Squad for the Allianz Sailing World Championships being held this month.

They are sailing with the world’s best in an open age category; some teams having more than 10 plus years’ experience in a 49er.

Alan Hildebrand said he was very proud of Jack who has always been interested in sailing and appears to be following in his father’s footsteps.

“It’s very exciting and satisfying to see him achieving at what he’s doing,” he said.

LIFE MEMBERS: Wendy McCormack and Rodney Dean were recognised for their efforts to the WNA.

WNA recognises association stalwarts

By WILLSON MACK

ON Saturday, August 12, the Wangaratta Netball Association presented two of its long serving members with life memberships at a presentation attended by current and past committee members, along with players and parents of our junior netball competition.

Rodney Dean and Wendy McCormack were presented with their life memberships to acknowledge the outstanding service they had given to the association over their long tenure as committee and executive members.

Rodney – who joins his mother as a WNA life member - joined the WNA committee in 2011 while his sister was the treasurer, and his daughter was playing and umpiring.

During his ongoing time as a committee member, Rodney held the position of treasurer from 2013 to 2016 and then again from 2017 to 2022.

Along with his efforts as treasurer, he also looked after general maintenance at the netball facility including major upgrades and coordinated multiple portfolios for WNA including umpires, tournament and redevelopment.

Rodney has taken part in external netball committees, been heavily involved in competition registrations and Netball Connect implementation and support. He has also completed grant applications for the association and been the main driver for the association’s fundraising efforts, particularly for the Breast Cancer Network Australia.

Wendy officially joined the committee in 2013.

Wendy was already well known to the committee as a stalwart of netball in the area – she can add the WNA life membership to her existing O&K life membership.

As a committee member, Wendy held the position of Secretary from 2016 to 2022 and remains on the committee ongoing.

Along with the fantastic work she did as secretary, she was also involved with strategic planning, policy and procedure documentation, grant applications, events planning, sponsorship packages, and creation of the association position descriptions.

Wendy has also coordinated the all-abilities, Net-Set-Go, grading and tournament portfolios.

Along with Rodney she has been a major part of the registration process and Netball Connect.

“The association is extremely lucky to have had both Rodney and Wendy commit so much of their time and effort towards all their netball programs over the past ten plus years and look forward to their continued support as the association moves forward,” WNA’s Cam Miller said.

QUICK PASS: Violet Turner fires a pass off.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

FULL STRETCH: Harper Miller takes the ball out in front. STAR: Bright’s Tara Barnik in action.

WINNING TEAM: Jack Ferguson (with coach Marc Chapon) and Jack Hildebrand, won the 2023 Under 23 Junior World Championship in the 49er class in Germany.

PHOTO: John Hildebrand

CREAM OF THE CROP

Wangaratta Magpies star seamer Chris Clement named in Victoria Country Cricket team of year

Clement sits among state’s finest

WANGARATTA Magpies’

Chris Clement has capped off a stunning return to cricket, having been recently named in the Victorian Country Cricket League’s team of the year.

The left arm speedster wreaked havoc on batting lineups throughout the Wangaratta and District Cricket Association in 2022/23, as he snagged 39 A grade wickets at a miserly average of 5.41, taking four wickets or more on five different occasions.

He took six wickets twice, with his best a 6/16 effort in only 35 deliveries as he played a key role in bundling the Benalla Bushrangers out

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

for a season-low 18.

He also took 6/20 in a heated contest away to fellow finals contenders Yarrawonga Mulwala.

He was the only WDCAregistered player to be selected in the state country cricket authority’s team of the year.

Having taken the 2021/22 season off as he and partner Adriana welcomed their first child into the world, Clement said his return to

competition, which also saw him secure both the A grade bowling aggregate and average awards in the WDCA, had been a dream.

“I got a call from ‘Crusty’ (WDCA secretary Wayne Cooper) explaining (selection in the VCCL team of the year) to me – I was in a bit of shock, because I didn’t even know anything like that happened really,” he said.

“I couldn’t believe it.

“To be honest, it was just a year where everything went right when I bowled.

“I think it was one of those ‘out of the box’ years, hopefully I can back it up this year.”

Chris Clement

TARRAWINGEE sister duo Kaylee Allan (left) and Tegan White cleaned up at the Ovens and King’s presentation night on Sunday evening.

A full wrap of the awards night in on page 20.

PHOTO: Nathan de Vries