Wangaratta Chronicle 240223

Funding secured

State Government delivers to support Grit and Resilience ppgProgram

a $9.1 million investment by the government in early mental health care to establish groups in 10 local government areas.

Group (SIAG) funding, the program will receive ongoing funding of $213,334 per year as part of

This will ensure Grit and Resilience continues beyond the period of its current four-year $1.2 million funding support from the Federal Government, which is due to expire in June.

The SIAG program is a flagship initiative rec-

ommended by the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, so it is fitting the fund will assist Grit and Resilience, which was used as a case study in the Royal Commission’s final report released in March, 2021.

The aim of the SIAG program is to support the community in identifying opportunities, shaping solutions, and developing

initiatives that will promote participation, inclusion and engagement - just what the local program has been doing since 2019.

Chair of the Grit and Resilience Program consortium, Jacki Eckert, said the funding announcement was great news for the community.

“Securing recurrent funding and enabling the program to continue within

Rural City of Wangaratta has been a huge achievement,” she said.

Grit and Resilience Program coordinator Bek NashWebster said the program would continue to evolve with an enhanced focus on social inclusion initiatives, building further on its efforts to strengthen connectedness and inclusion among local residents.

“We are working to

transform the mental health of our community through social inclusion, and all of the outcomes and learnings of the program over the past four years will be used to guide the program,” she said.

“Our greatest asset is our community and our partnerships, and we are looking to grow community representation in driving program activities and initiatives going forward.”

■ Continued page 3

YOUNG firefighter Charlie McGrath has been named Tarrawingee’s premier firefighter of the year.

The 21-year-old, who recently moved to the Tarrawingee area from Moyhu, dominated a secret vote recently undertaken by the brigade management team, and was announced as the winner earlier this week.

In what was the award’s first iteration since being suspended due to COVID in 2020, the second-year firefighter won in a landslide, with his name now adorning an honour board bearing brigade captain David Gilbert and current serving lieutenants Jamaine Cougle and Andrew Jones.

“It’s to encourage our new firefighters to do training, and to turnout and be acknowledged for what they’ve done,” Mr Gilbert said of the award.

“It’s an annual thing, we do it right at the end of the year and Charlie really is the man of the year.

“He romped it in by a mile.”

As part of a 20-strong brigade of active firefighters, Mr McGrath said his involvement in the local firefighting service had been a valuable opportunity to get to know his community and give back to local residents.

“It’s been a great experience - it’s given me the opportunity to become a part of the community,” he said.

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

“It was a big surprise when my name was called out for it at the meeting - it hadn’t even been on my mind.”

Mr McGrath was a recent graduate of the general firefighter (GFF) training program, which sees trainee firefighters from across the Wangaratta and Moyhu groups regularly gather for practical training over a 10 week period before completing three days of skills consolidation at Wangaratta’s Victorian Emergency Management Training Centre.

Mr Gilbert previously lauded the program, praising a noticeable increase in how team-orientated recruit firefighters had proved.

“(Charlie) came through the GFF, and he turns out- every time the pager goes off, if he’s home he’ll turnout no problems,” he said.

“Any course that pops up, he jumps on it - last year he did the low-structure course, he did the hazmat course and he’s just completed the breathing apparatus course.

“He’s very enthusiastic and very reliable - if you tell him to do something, he goes and does it and he thinks outside of the square.

“I wish I could clone him.”

Wangaratta masseuse jailed following rape, sexual assaults

A RAPE victim who reached out to her attacker in the days following an assault at a Murphy Street business has had her bravery applauded, after allegedly convincing the man to partially admit to his offending.

Ashraf Asla, 48, was earlier this week sentenced to a minimum of four years in prison, after pleading guilty to sexually touching two women and raping another while employed at Chen’s Chinese Massage on Murphy Street between 2018 and 2020.

One victim, who attended the business while pregnant in March 2020, requested a 30 minute deep tissue massage on her lower back, and was told by Asla the massage would be “easier” if she took her underwear off.

Judge Daniel Holding said the victim had used a towel to cover her lower body, and had kept her dress and bra on, until Asla requested she remove both, laying the towel lengthways across her back before repeatedly brushing her groin area with his hand.

Judge Holding said the victim had reported feeling “frozen” and had said she could not breathe, before asking if she could put her underwear back on, a request which Asla refuted.

Melbourne County Court heard Asla then repeatedly assaulted the woman with his fingers.

Judge Holding said the complainant had broken down sobbing in front of her husband and young son upon her return home, before contacting and recording

a statement for police.

The court heard days later, on March 24 and 26, the victim was said to have texted Asla, pretending she had enjoyed the encounter in an attempt to have him admit to his conduct.

Upon his arrest on March 30, Asla told police he had not raped the woman, and had only been responding to the woman’s advances via text.

Another victim told of her fear of not being believed following a similar encounter with Asla in 2018, and said she had found the idea of reporting the offending “confronting”.

Upon seeing a social media post regarding Asla’s arrest, one woman said she had felt guilt about not reporting being inap-

propriately touched by him during a massage in 2019, and said the experience had shaken her core beliefs.

Asla’s pregnant victim said the experience had left her in a dark place mentally during the birth of her daughter, and had left her “neurotic, and emotionally and socially inept”.

Her husband said he had harboured concerns his wife may harm herself in the aftermath of the attack.

“I am still in complete disbelief that in 2020 in Australia a young pregnant woman can be raped by a stranger mid-afternoon in a private business on one of the busiest streets in (the) Wangaratta CBD - it feels so unfair that it happened to my family,” he said in a

victim impact statement.

Judge Holding said he recognised Asla’s challenging upbringing, particularly growing up as a Palestinian in Israel, and noted he had been sexually offended against at ages seven and 10.

He acknowledged the breakdown of Asla’s marriage would leave him isolated in prison.

However, he said Asla had used his position as a masseuse to commit a “gross breach of trust,” placing complainants in a vulnerable position before sexually touching them after forming the opinion they were not likely to resist his conduct.

He sentenced Asla to a four year non-parole jail sentence, with a maximum term of five years and 11 months.

LEADING FROM THE FRONT: Tarrawingee’s firefighter of the year, Charlie McGrath (centre) was honoured by the brigade’s management team, including (from left) Jamaine Cougle, Andrew Jones, Barry Grant and captain David Gilbert.

Volunteer some time to make a difference

IF you would like to volunteer your time to a role that makes a real difference, Loaves and Fishes - Christians Caring would love to hear from you.

The local emergency relief program is back in full swing for 2023, and Anglicare community development coordinator David Still said an additional four to five volunteers would help strengthen a volunteer pool which was depleted during COVID-19 restrictions.

Rev Still said several volunteers were unable to continue during the pandemic due to their vulnerability through health conditions.

“It’s a natural part of volunteer organisations that people come and go, and we are always on the lookout for new volunteers who are interested in making a difference for people in the community, particularly around enabling them to eat healthily and stay well,” he said.

Loaves and Fishes - Christians Caring is supported by local churches to provide emergency assistance to those in need in the community.

Rev Still said there was steady demand for the service as locals dealt with the rising cost of living.

“We haven’t seen the full brunt of that yet, with folk on fixed rate mortgages starting to pay more, but even people who normally wouldn’t regard themselves as struggling are feeling it,” he said.

“We ran a limited service in January, but we were still getting 50 to 60 people through a week.

“In an average month, we see 130 to 140 clients.”

Rev Still said volunteering with Loaves and Fishes - Christians Caring was a chance to make a contribution to the broader community and help those in need.

“It’s an opportunity to help make life better for anyone in need of the service,” he said.

“If anyone is interested and would like to find out about what

Shining a light on mental health

THE Grit and Resilience Program is partnering with Gateway Health, headspace, NESAY, and Rural City of Wangaratta’s Youth Services, to hold a series of free workshops in Wangaratta aimed at shining a light on mental health.

The workshops, which commence Monday, will teach the importance of self-care, how to look out for your mates, and how embracing and supporting your wellbeing can enable you to flourish.

There is a range of workshops available, with some being conducted in person and others virtually.

There are workshops for young people, workshops for families, and workshops for parents and carers.

“Mental health and wellbeing are important for not only individuals but our whole community,” Grit and Resilience program coordinator, Bek NashWebster said.

“While it can seem complex, we have incredible resources to assist in supporting people to develop skills to improve their mental health and wellbeing.”

we do and how we work, they’re welcome to come and see us.”

For further information, contact Anglicare’s Wangaratta office on 5723 7900.

State Government delivers to support Grit and Resilience Program

■ From page 1

The Grit and Resilience Program has made steady progress since its establishment in 2019, in response to a community outpouring of concern, and a desire to act in response to factors such as self-harm and suicide, the effects of devastating droughts and bushfires, and youth disengagement from education.

While supported by the Federal Government funding in its initial four years, the program has been shaped by the community, for the community, with a consortium representing the

Rural City of Wangaratta, Gateway Health, Northeast Health Wangaratta, Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service, Albury Wodonga Health, Victoria Police, headspace Wangaratta, and The Centre - Sport North East, and including four community partners

- Caz Sammon, John Davis, Ronan Holdsworth and Richard Grogan.

The program aims to make longterm change by working to understand what drives positive health and wellbeing, and Ms Nash-Webster told the Wangaratta Chronicle recently that, while efforts to secure ongoing

funding had been happening in the background, there was plenty taking place on the ground to build strength, courage and connection in the community.

Among the next events on the agenda for the program are a series of free ‘Spotlight on You’ workshops (see adjacent story) in Wangaratta aimed at shining a light on mental health.

The first of these will be held on Monday and Tuesday at the Wangaratta Rovers Football and Netball Club rooms. For more information

on these sessions, visit http://bit. ly/3S1VJf9

Meanwhile, the sixth Heartbeat ‘check-in’ event for the program will be held in Boorhaman on Thursday, March 23 from 5.30pm.

“The program is evolving with secure, place-based social inclusion funding that will allow us to build grit and resilience into our community for the future,” Ms Nash-Webster said.

• If this media article causes you any distress, please phone Lifeline on 131 114 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

“Looking after our mental health is really important, and most of us need advice on how to best do this at some point in our lives.

“The Grit and Resilience Program is incredibly grateful we are able to work with such dynamic partners and it’s great that together we are able to hold these ten workshops in our local community.

“The spotlight is on all of us to connect and reach out to get the care and support we need and these workshops will assist.”

To learn more on how to look after your mental health, how to look out for your friends, how to support young people, and how to flourish see the full Spotlight on You program of workshops at http://bit.ly/3S1VJf9.

JOIN US: Anglicare community development coordinator David Still with Loaves and Fishes - Christians Caring volunteers Keith Beattie and Robin Loiterton. More volunteers are being sought to assist the emergency relief charity.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Wangaratta Anglican Bishop brings parish flock together

A DIOCESAN workshop led by Wangaratta Anglican Bishop Clarence Bester attracted 104 parish representatives and church officers to Wangaratta’s Cathedral College last weekend.

Church wardens, parish councillors and treasurers from the diocese’s 23 parishes were called together by the bishop to discuss their responsibilities, administrative, financial and insurance issues and to hear about the agenda for the next synodthe annual ‘parliament’ of the diocese.

Each parish, from Picola in the west to Corryong in the east and Kilmore in the

south, elects representatives to attend the synod and, together with parish and diocesan clergy and administrative officers, consider and

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decide policy, management issues and church legislation.

The synod also elects boards to advise the bishop

and consider clergy appointments, a tribunal, and diocesan delegates to the Anglican Church of Australia national synod.

Bishop Bester said the workshop was valuable and he was grateful for the strong, positive engagement of parish representa-

tives, church officers including Archdeacon Neil Hicks, registrar Julie Torpey, treasurer Norm Kenny, legal advocate Rachel Ellyard, and insurance and risk management adviser Neil Bull.

“There is no diocese without parishes and no parishes without parishioners,” the bishop said.

“We’re all in this together and your participation is vital for the wellbeing and good governance of our diocese.”

This week marked the start of Bishop Bester’s fourth year as eleventh bishop of Wangaratta.

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Scouts set to lend a helping hand

By RYAN MALCOLM

COMPETITORS at the upcoming Wangaratta Marathon and Fun Run will not be short of encouragement, with 1st Yarrunga Scouts set to again man a number of support stations throughout next month’s course.

Continuing a long-standing partnership with the local event, 1st Yarrunga Scouts assistant group leader, Melissa Duguid, said the local scouts enjoyed the opportunity to cheer on and support competitors, offering them a cold drink as they close in on the finish line.

“I think we’ve been involved almost from the beginning, it’s

been a really long time,” she said.

“Part of the Scouts philosophy is to be part of the local community and to encourage kids to be part of our local community and see it grow and become stronger.

“We want our kids to be involved in the community, and Scouts Australia says ‘play a constructive role in society’ so we’re trying to encourage our kids to do both.”

Ms Duguid said Scouts members regularly took part in the marathon event itself, volunteering their time either before or after they had run to provide support to fellow community members.

She said the experience played an important role in informing time management for the children.

“It helps them with time management as well - it gives them a bit of a think about how they can manage their time to do a bit more within the community,” she said.

“It’s beneficial for us toowe’re out and seen by the community.

“Our kids get a lot out of it, they see the people running and 95 per cent of them are friendly and at least say hello depending on how they’re going on the day.

“Most people at least smile and I think those that are do-

ing the actual marathon and fun run enjoy seeing our young people out there at least handing out water and getting it cleaned up so it’s not a complete mess.

“The kids enjoy it, they like seeing people run past and I know in the past they have cheered them on - there’s a whole heap of learning opportunities for our young people there.”

The Scouts group is set to begin convening volunteers and establishing a roster in the coming weeks.

For more information and how to enter the Wangaratta Marathon and Fun Run, visit https://wangarattamarathon. com.au.

LENDING SUPPORT: Aiden Tiffin (pictured in 2020) continued 1st Yarrunga Scouts’ long involvement with the Wangaratta Marathon and Fun Run.

ALL TOGETHER: Parish councillors, church wardens and Wangaratta Anglican diocesan officers at the workshop with Bishop Clarence Bester (centre) and Archdeacon Neil Hicks (far right).

PHOTO: Jamie Kronborg

Keeping an ear on business

VICTORIAN Small Business Commissioner Lynda McAlary-Smith was in Wangaratta on Tuesday, aiming to listen to issues encountered by local businesses and ideas devised by council, as well as highlighting supports offered by the VSBC.

Ms McAlary-Smith met with representatives from the Rural City of Wangaratta and with Business Wangaratta chair Dave Fuller during her time in the city, which was part of a tour that also included Mitchell Shire and the City of Wodonga.

“I want to hear what’s happening for the business sector, and get a sense from council’s economic development team of what’s working for them,” Ms McAlarySmith said.

She was particularly interested to hear about the rural city’s plans to establish a business and industry community reference group, applications for which recently closed.

This group of skilled community members will provide advice on sustainable economic development and tourism within the rural city, and ensure community input to council.

“That’s a way of working with businesses, and is a great initiative,” Ms McAlary Smith said.

She said this week’s visit to Wangaratta offered a chance

BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

to highlight the kinds of commercial disputes the VSBC could help resolvefrom disagreements over repairing loss and damage under a retail lease, to situations where a customer was refusing to pay their small business supplier for good or services they had provided.

“We resolve 30 per cent of disputes that come to us without mediation, and there is no charge for that. Of those that go to low-cost mediation ($195 per party), we resolve 70 per cent, so the odds are very good that people will walk away with a good result,” she said.

Ms McAlary-Smith said following three COVID-19 affected years, coupled with the weather events of recent months, many people - including small business owners and landlords - were feeling overwhelmed.

“We are seeing an increase in disputes, particularly around the impact of storms and weather events, which are up 15 per cent on pre-COVID figures,” she said.

She encouraged businesses impacted by recent floods or storm events to

seek assistance via the State Government’s Business Relief Service, details of which could be found at business. vic.gov.au

“There are a lot of challenges around the regions, particularly around repairs and maintenance, and whose responsibility they are. There is also an increase in business-to-busi-

ness disputes,” she said.

“However, when talking to businesses, there is a generally optimistic view that we are hearing again and again from businesses opening up.

“One of the biggest challenges, of course, is availability of staff, and that is linked to availability of housing, particularly in regional areas.

“Now is an interesting time, with businesses experimenting with a range of different approaches to address that, but I would say the number one issue is staff shortages and skill shortages, even within councils, which are not immune from it.

“Wangaratta is an interesting community because it is pretty diverse in terms of

its range of industries. And while supply chain problems are also a huge challenge for businesses at the moment, this does present an opportunity for Victorian businesses to step into the breach for those finding it difficult to source products from overseas.

“Part of my role is that advocacy around business opportunities and connecting the dots in Victoria.”

She said this could include highlighting the opportunities available for young people.

“There are great opportunities in the broader region, but sometimes it’s about creating awareness about these jobs,” she said.

Having spent 18 months as commissioner, Ms McAlary-Smith said she remained passionate about the position, particularly as she grew up in a small business household.

“I love helping small businesses to get things done,” she said.

“I think there has been increased visibility of the commission during COVID, and we are trying to get the message out that we are here to help; the commission’s jurisdiction is really broad.”

For more information about how the VSBC may be able to assist local businesses, visit vsbc.vic.gov.au or phone 1800 878 964.

Our Home Care Package has made our lives much easier.

- Marissa &

Robert

OFFERING SUPPORT: Victorian Small Business Commissioner Lynda McAlary-Smith visited Wangaratta on Tuesday to speak with representatives from the Rural City of Wangaratta and Business Wangaratta.

PHOTO: Simone Kerwin

The lifesavers of Wangaratta

MOST people reading this will probably know someone who has suffered a heart attack, or worse, lost their life as a result of heart disease or a cardiac event.

The reality is, heart disease affects two in three Australians, which is an astounding statistic given that cardiac disease is preventable in a lot of cases.

This month, the X-Ray Group are supporting Heart Health Australia in their efforts to generate awareness of preventable heart disease, by promoting their REDFEB23 national campaign.

Giving back to the local community is also something that the X-Ray Group are passionate about and it is fitting that they were able to help the Wangaratta community with a ‘Defibrillator Sponsorship’.

The installation of a defibrillator this week at the Wangaratta Players Amateur Theatre Group in Evans Street provides visitors to the theatre with access to immediate medical attention should the situation arise.

“Many people falsely believe that defibrillators can only be used by trained professionals,” Joanne Pane, media and marketing manager for The X-Ray Group said.

“However, training is not essential as the device

tells you what to do.

“It is fully automated and specifically designed and tested for the everyday person to use.

“The X-Ray Group are proud to provide the local community with access to this life-saving equipment.

“Furthermore, we encourage everyone to speak to their GP about a referral for a simple 10 minute Calcium Score CT which can help determine their risk of cardiovascular disease.

“Radiology saves lives and this is a way people can be proactive about their heart health.”

President of Wangaratta Players Richard Grogan said that they are extremely grateful to The X-Ray Group for their generous sponsorship.

“We are delighted to be able to have such a vital piece of life saving equipment in our foyer, making our venue a ‘heart aware’ environment for all those who visit the ‘Stage Door’.”

A defibrillator, also known as an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator), is a life saving device.

It has electrical pads which are placed on the body to identify abnormal heart rhythm.

The defibrillator automatically administers an electrical shock, interrupting the

abnormal heart signals that are occurring so that the heart can re-establish a normal rhythm.

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, of any age, background, health status or gender.

It does not discriminate and once a heart attack

strikes, the real countdown to survival begins. A sudden arrest (heart attack) sees a breakdown of electrical impulses to the heart, preventing it from beating efficiently.

It is a deadly situation which requires immediate CPR and defibrillation.

More often than not, a defibrillator is not readily available for people experiencing a heart attack during the critical time before an ambulance arrives.

For those who do not receive CPR and early defibrillation, the likelihood of survival is low, with only five

per cent expected to survive.

Every minute without defibrillation decreases the chance of survival by 10 per cent.

Conversely, the combination of CPR and defibrillation increases a person’s survival by up to 70 per cent.

With heart disease being the leading cause of death in Australia (an estimated 33,000 Australians lose their life to heart disease each year according to the St John Ambulance Australia website) it is reassuring to know that instant access to medical support is available in our community for those who may need it.

Most heart disease is preventable, and treatable if detected early.

The X-Ray Group, the North-East and Border Region’s Medical Imaging provider, are experts in cardiac imaging.

They offer a comprehensive range of specialist cardiac imaging services, many of which can assist in checking a person’s heart health and diagnosing any heart disease that may be present before a heart attack occurs.

Cardiac services include CT Coronary Angiogram (CTCA), CT Calcium Scoring, Echocardiography and Nuclear Medicine Cardiac Perfusion Stress Imaging Studies.

Free Kinder is here!

Three- and Four-Year-Old Kinder is now free across Victoria at participating services — saving families up to $2,500 per year per child.

Over the decade, we’ll also transition Four-Year-Old Kinder into Pre-Prep to become a 30-hour a week program, and establish 50 Victorian Government-owned and affordable childcare centres.

Learn more at vic.gov.au/kinder

SAFETY FIRST: Richard Grogan president of Wangaratta Players gratefully accepts the new defibrillator from The X-Ray Group’s Joanne Pane.

Grit and resilience gets a lifeline

IT was welcome news yesterday to hear that the rural city Grit and Resilience Program will continue thanks to a team effort from governments, health services, police, and the community.

The Grit and Resilience program established here was groundbreaking and a model for communities elsewhere.

It provides that essential support to help people in the community strengthen their mental health as well as provide support and advice to their family and friends.

It‘s about working together to make our community more inclusive and to enable those who feel left out or disconnected to re–engage with others.

The pandemic exacerbated that disconnect for many and all research points to the Grit and Resilience Program being needed even more now than.

Our society has not only economic and financial challenges caused by impacts beyond our control such as natural disasters, international crises and of course, the hangover from the COVID–19 pandemic, we also have to contend with a more divisive, confrontational media and political climate where fear, innuendo and blatant deception masquerade as policy discussion.

The program also has a focus on the mental health of the young who were largely overlooked in previous generations where the philosophy for handling problems was simply to ‘toughen up‘ or hide your true feelings and personalities to conform to someone else‘s ideal.

Teaching young people that life isn‘t always a box of chocolates and that they don‘t have to deal with issues on their own is a great first step in strengthening our community now and for future generations.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

More detail needed before voting on Voice

I AM aware that any comment or question regarding our indigenous population is often treated as politically incorrect.

I have genuine sympathy for our indigenous, and support 100 per cent that they be recognised in our constitution.

I am proud that in the 1967 referendum I worked with my local member and others primarily to have them included as Australians.

My questions regarding the Voice to parliament begin with whether all proposed legislation will be referred to the Voice representatives or will it be legislation which only applies to indigenous people?

If it is the latter then there can be no doubt it should be supported by all.

If it is the former then what will happen if the Voice rejects the legislation?

Will the legislation go ahead despite their protests and if so how will this be perceived, both by them and the general population?

How would a compromise be attained?

I would have to say that my position is all laws should relate to our entire population. No particular ethnic group should be able to have an undue influence on our parliament.

I am aware of many who have similar questions and are currently without a clear understanding of the proposal.

Could you advise me of the correct interpretation?

Doug Cooper, Wangaratta

Have your say in Wangaratta Chronicle poll

Should the Federal Government put up $240M to help establish an AFL team in Tasmania?

successful with the question posed as has already been made public, the Voice would be enshrined in the Constitution but the detail about how it works could be changed through legislation (which is how pretty much all of the Constitution works now anyway).

For more information check the links below.

https://ulurustatement.org/education/faqs/ https://fromtheheart.com.au/ulurustatement/frequently-asked-questions/ https://ulurustatement.org/education/thevoice-model/

Make the pool friendlier to all local citizens

IN 1956 Wangaratta built an Olympic pool mainly by volunteer labour and equipment.

In 1976 the council built the Yarrunga Pool, and both these pools were staffed by volunteers who received their income from the canteens.

And there was an amount more than $100K which had been saved to build a diving pool at the Olympic pool.

But they are now both demolished and our only pool is an $18.1m pool complex at the Barr Reserve which included an Olympic 50 metre pool.

I have been constantly viewing this structure from the carpark and it certainly doesn’t look like a family pool to me.

believe could run into millions.

I accept that part of that time was during COVID lockdowns, but now that is over, let’s use the pool as it was meant to be by welcoming all ratepayers to make use of it, not just the select few.

At least the YMCA did extend hours on hot days and they did hold evening functions during the summer months.

What about it councillors, the pool was built for all ratepayers.

Ken Clarke, Wangaratta

POLL RESULTS

REDUCED RATES?

Editor’s note:

The First Nations Voice to Parliament would advise on issues affecting First Nations Australians, not on all laws. Advise is the key word, it also does not have any kind of veto power, it’s a voice/advisory model, not a decision-making model.

If the referendum is successful, there would then be a process to legislate the model for the Voice. What that model would be is not confirmed but there is a model that has been designed as part of the Uluru Statement process (link below).

This means if the referendum was

The lanes ropes have been in place whenever I have visited and on Tuesday when the temperature reached 35 degrees, the only residents in the 50-metre pool were those swimming laps at 5pm.

Unfortunately, I was a councillor when the YMCA were relieved of their management in 2019, as officers convinced the councillors the city could do a better job of operating the new $18.1 million complex.

What a pity I listened to them.

Three plus years in, the council has had four managers, one who stayed for less than a month, and the ratepayers have had to subsidise the operation by unbelievably large amounts which I

19 Yes 16 No 3

Would you be happy with council cutting some services and projects if it meant rates didn’t increase as much? THIS WEEK

Should the Federal Government put up $240M to help establish an AFL team in Tasmania?

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CONNECT THE DOTS: Narjic Lacey-Bird getting ready to have a game of connect four at one of the activities available at the Koorie Youth Careers Expo last week. Story page 12.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

FACEBOOK users this week commented on our weekly poll which asked: ‘Would you be happy with council cutting some services and projects if it meant rates didn’t increase as much?’

• Paul Crabb: The Council needs to cut frivolous spending on ego driven projects and concentrate of providing the essential services !

• Nathan Andrew: Don’t have to cut ,just spend in the correct areas and stop wasting money on things not needed then the pressure to raise rates all the time should lessen

dramatically or would that be too hard

• Starsky Hutch: No, we need the same artists to do the underpass who did the water tower..

Facebook users also commented on the 3000th day of Daniel Andrews as the premier of Victoria and asked users whether they would like to see a bronze statue of the current premier at the front of 1 Treasury Place since becoming eligible .

• Viviane King: It’s appropriate to recognise a long serving Premier, regardless of political affiliation

NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.

• Bellini Homer: In Dan’s case it should be a GOLD Statue.

• Charles Branstom: Yes because 3000 days are only achieved by the very best. Our Man Dan has all the attributes of an outstanding Leader. He is decisive. Practices what he preaches. Never loses sight of the Team goals. He is passionate about what he does and is humble and accountable whilst doing it. Dan gives credit where credit is due. Great Leaders share the glory and are quick to credit a team member or colleague for a good idea. They know that success

is through teamwork, and they respect the contribution and work other people make.

Facebook users also commented on a crash on Ovens Street on Tuesday afternoon when a vehicle crashed through the front façade of an Ovens Street business backing up traffic throughout the CBD.

• Kris Watts: So happy to here he is ok. Poor man I felt so sorry for him. He was so upset.

• Julie Anderson: I am so glad no one was hurt and wish them all the best for the future

TWITTER users over this week tweeted about a friendly callout to social media influencer Josh Stephen, local honey on sale all the way from northern Sydney and friendly service from staff at Woolworths.

Andrew Freshwater @freshy1973

Good on you mate! If you ever get around the Wangaratta area look me up and come and see some sheep and cattle - a few horses to pat and friendly dogs as well. We’d love to have you come to our farm!

Prof Samantha Thomas @Doc_Samantha

wangarattahighschool

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The Wangaratta High School 2023 Swimming Carnival was fun for all with students and staff parading their house colours loud and proud, numerous championship races and novelty events.

Okay rugby and honey fans!! Via Jackel Honey in Wangaratta, Marcellin Rugby PSG are selling 1Kg pots of delicious pure honey straight from the producer - local deliveries or pickup available. If you are interested please visit https:// marcellinrugbypsg.square.site/s/shop Thank you!!!

tracey @traceyggor

Thank you #Woolworths #Wangaratta Another #Checkout in #express is open now 2 staff working well! Moving better now! Thank you

If you have something to say, add our handle @wangchronicle to your tweet and we will publish some each week.

Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.

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Dr Corina Modderman @Corinamodderman

Day 1 of Centre Against Violence #Wangaratta #Board retreat with #Succession planning (my time as #Chair will end), #Skillsmatrix and #working #effectively. Tomorrow #risk and #future planning. Tx to a great #CEO and #directors we can #thinkbig! #Regional #rural #innovation

Valley residents take their solar factory protest to the Minister

By SHANE DOUTHIE

KING Valley residents opposed to a proposal to construct a solar facility on 566 hectares (1400 acres) of “premium agricultural land” in their backyard have taken their protest to Victorian Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny.

The community action group believes the proposed solar factory, if approved, will be a monstrous industrial site with a massive battery, constructed on a farm property in a region with some of the most productive grazing and cropping land in Australia.

Meadow Creek Agricultural Community Action Group have yet to receive a reply from the minister’s o ce except acknowledgement of its receipt, despite it being sent on January 29.

The residents believe the solar factory proponents, Meadow Creek Solar Farm Pty Ltd, are preparing to lodge their application in the next few months.

“Our local community in the King Valley and Milawa Gourmet Region has grave concerns about the proposed Meadow Creek Solar Farm (Factory) being constructed in our farming district,” the letter, co-signed by John Conroy (Bobinawarrah), Angela Godley (Meadow Creek), Andrew Farrington (Meadow Creek), and Tony Simpson (Docker), said.

“As a local community we support renewable projects and we understand its importance for our future, however, we believe that they need to be in appropriate locations, to ensure food security

and sustainability of our land use for generations to come.”

In the letter they pointed out to the minister the Hume Regional Growth Plan has an overlay of “Strategic Agricultural Land” on the farm describing it as “premium agricultural land or farm”.

The letter included Bureau of Meteorology data conrming the district’s reliable rainfall and how the farm produces enough nutritious fodder to provide annual milk supply for 91,585 Australians.

The most common land use in the district was beef production, as it gets too wet to graze sheep on an average year.

They calculated the farm on an average year will produce up to 226,400kg of premium grass-fed beef, and at an approximate value of $25/ kg is a gross production value of $5,660,000, at retail level.

“This is an extremely productive area and, considering the current in ation rate of dairy and beef products on supermarket shelves, as a

2023

nation we should be protecting our key agricultural production areas, not be turning them into solar factories,” Mr Conroy said.

They suggested better options for solar energy production would be covering industrial sheds or school roof tops with solar panels, or to build solar factories on parts of Australia’s 96 per cent non-arable land mass.

They believe Australia has a duty of care to keep our key agricultural areas in full production to help with both national and global food security.

The letter stated that the property was also in an area with an overlay of High Value Terrestrial Land according to the Hume Regional Growth Plan adopted by the Rural City of Wangaratta and a Special Water Supply Catchment Area for Wangaratta’s domestic water use.

The community action

group said the location at Meadow Creek was also unsuitable for such an industrial project as it is in a re prone area, on a scenic tourist path that links the Milawa Gourmet Region to the King Valley Food and Wine Region, and water courses that ow through the property from a large catchment area that then ow into the King River and the Hurdle Creek.

The residents said there was an abundance of old stand Box and River Red Gums on the property and it was a key transit passage for wildlife between the King River, Hurdle Creek and the Meadow Creek State Forest, home to many native species of ora and fauna, and has areas of cultural sensitivity (refer Areas of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Sensitivity).

The letter asked Minister Kilkenny what will be considered when the planning application is lodged for

the solar factory.

They referred the minister to the DELWP document “Solar Energy Facilities Design & Development Guideline”, which they believed supported their view the location for this solar factory should not be considered.

“If this proposal goes ahead, who is responsible for the toxic mess if/when sometime in the future a bush re/ grass re burns the solar factory, including the monstrous battery, keeping in mind this is a high rainfall Special Water Catchment Supply Area?” Mr Conroy said.

“Wangaratta’s drinking water will be poisoned as will the King River, Hurdle Creek and Sheep Station Creek.”

The action committee said they wished to further engage with all the ministers involved and invited them to the region to meet them rsthand so they can demonstrate the need for this proposal to be rejected.

Nationals MP for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy said there were genuine concerns about the proposed solar farm development in Meadow Creek.

“These concerns merit further discussion and I am also waiting for the minister to reply to my request for a meeting alongside local community members to ensure they have their views heard,” Mr McCurdy said Independent MP for Indi Helen Haines said she was aware of the proposed solar farm and battery for Meadow Creek, and of the community concerns around it.

“The o cial planning process for this development, including the application and objection period, is yet to take place,” Dr Haines said.

“That is the appropriate process and the important rst step for people in the community who have concerns about the project to make their views known.

“I encourage people to take part in that process and ensure their voices are heard by the planning authorities.”

UNITED IN PROTEST: Residents from across the King Valley who are united in their fight to stop development of a proposed major solar factory at Meadow Creek.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Taking to the skies and more

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

THE airways are expected to be filled with a chorus of engine next month as historic planes prepare to take to the sky for the Wangaratta Historic Motor Show and Fly in on April 23.

The Wangaratta Airport is expected to be filled with a range of warbirds and antique civilian planes from Kittyhawks, Mustangs, Harvards ranging from the early 20th century.

Precision Airmotive prin-

cipal and pilot of more than 40 years, Doug Hamilton said while it’s early to tell exactly how many planes will be appearing for the show, he expects a large and diverse line up of planes to be appearing.

“It gets bigger every year, more people are starting to hear about it,” he said.

“We have other smaller events, not meant for the public but this one is a huge event.”

Mr Hamilton, with help from the Wangaratta Aero Club and other businesses

that operate on the airfield, will be overseeing the aircraft fly in and any activity on the runway.

Mr Hamilton said the fourth edition of the bi-annual fly in is the biggest local event on the calendar for plane enthusiasts.

“People who like their airplanes, love machinery so they come out and see all the other airplanes that have turned up and wander around and enjoy the tractors, the trucks and the stationary engines, the cars,” he said.

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Mr Hamilton will be doing a few flights during the day with Precision Airmotive’s Kittyhawk, Mustang, Harvard and a 1950s twin engine Beech 18.

If you wish to participate as an exhibitor, phone Richard Gardner on 0448 906 509 or email northvichcva@ gmail.com to register your interest.

The show will be open to the public from 9am on the day of the event at an admission fee of $25 and under 15s can enter for free.

Dry heat extends tree danger continues throughout region

By RYAN MALCOLM

AS locals relaxed last weekend, local SES crews were hard at work, with stormy conditions and persistent dry heat toppling trees and limbs throughout the region.

Wangaratta volunteers were called to 11 jobs throughout the region between Friday and Sunday, as high winds struck the region on the back of weeks of limited rainfall.

Local SES unit controller, Jess Zuber, said gum trees were liable to drop in all sorts of conditions at this time of the year.

“I think it’s probably the heat that’s drying them out and they’re starting to drop,” she said.

“Mother nature still doesn’t really know what she’s doing but it’s a combination of definitely the heat, and we expect to see more limbs dropping as a result.

“People we know are out walking early and late in the evening, just take care - make sure you have your phone with you, make sure you’re monitoring conditions, particularly driving around our country roads.

“If you have any issues feel free to give SES a call on

132 500 and we’ll come and assist.”

Following a record-breaking year for SES callouts both locally and statewide, Ms Zuber said local volunteers had embraced a similarly busy start to 2023.

“Considering it’s halfway through February we’re definitely seeing an increase in numbers (of reports) which is good - it means our community is responding and calling us, which is fantastic to see,” she said.

“But the weather definitely plays a big part, so it’ll be interesting to see what the rest of the year holds for us.”

TIMBER: Wangaratta SES controller Jess Zuber urged locals to remain aware of falling trees, as dry heat coupled with stormy conditions toppled a number of limbs at the weekend.

PHOTO: SES Wangaratta Unit Facebook

PICTURE PERFECT: This VH-LUI Mustang warbird will be in full flight along with a diverse range of war birds and antique civilian planes for April’s historic motor show and fly in at the Wangaratta Airport.

Guiding future pathways

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

THE Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) is hoping to build on the success of last week’s Koorie Youth Careers Expo to create an annual event within the region.

The expo, held at the King George Gardens last Thursday, was formed as an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth and families to be aware of the support groups and services available to them, and the career and education opportunities within the region.

The gardens were also filled with activities, free giveaways and food and drink stalls throughout the three hour long expo.

VACCA senior youth worker Kiley Walkerden said since the pandemic there has been an increase in support services in the area which many families may not have heard about.

“We wanted to not only have it for youth, but families as well; there are apprenticeships and traineeships available for adults as well,” she said.

“What I’ve heard back from a few of the support services is they’ve had a few young people sign up and they will touch base with them which was good to hear.”

Attendees ranging from Wodonga and Benalla visited the King George Gardens, where Defence Force Recruiting supplied buses for youth and families to have the opportunity to experience the expo.

Ms Walkerden said organisations will have the chance to give feedback on the event in the hopes

VACCA can build on the expo and deliver a similar experience rotating from Wangaratta, Benalla and Wodonga each year.

“At the start we put it out to 40 organisations across the Ovens Murray and we had 20 register their interest,” she said.

“We did want specifically Aboriginal organisations and pathways to education to be there but given we’ve also got youth programs there such as NESAY it would be good to be open to everyone and invite them.”

SERVING THE TREATS: The Thamarrurr

Youth Indigenous Corporation from Bright brought the food and drinks to help promote themselves as one of the 20 support services in the region at the expo which aims to help improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth and families.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

HERE TO HELP: Zali Beach, Rhonda McCallum and Craig Sharrock from Kestrel recruitment shared their pathways to apprenticeships within the region.

Drumming up a storm

Community gathering at Our Lady’s

OUR Lady’s Primary School students, staff and families enjoyed the chance to mark Shrove Tuesday with a pancake breakfast this week.

The first held since interruptions due to COVID-19, the event enabled parent helpers to lend a hand as the community enjoyed a tasty breakfast together and kicked off Project Compassion fundraising for 2023, to raise funds for vulnerable people across the world.

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sunday 19th march + sunday 2nd april lancemore, milawa

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DELICIOUS BREKKY: Harriet O’Brien and Archie Canning get ready to eat their pancakes.

RAISING A SMILE: Charlotte Wisener enjoyed the pancakes.

LENDING A HAND: Marc and Theo Bongers were among the parent helpers on Tuesday.

 Hannah Bussell and Poppy Herry.

 Tammy Keppels.

 Emily Barbary (middle).

 Bree Slattery.

 Emma Phillips.

A WARM morning didn’t deter a range of people from joining in the ‘In the Groove’ free drumming session on Tuesday morning.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

Wrap With Love needs your help

THERE have been urgent requests for blankets/rugs because of the earthquake situation in Turkey and Syria and Wangaratta’s Wrap With Love Program needs your help to respond.

Anyone who can donate knitted or crocheted blankets or squares as per the program’s specifications are urged to do so.

Drop off points in Wangaratta are the Wangaratta Library, West End Lotto & Wool, and the Uniting Church, Rowan Street (on Tuesday mornings between 9.30am and 12pm only).

For details please visit: https:// www.wrapwithlove.org/ or contact Jenny Brown on 0448 251 245.

Entries open for Milawa art show

LOCAL artists and photographers are invited to enter their work in the inaugural Milawa Art Fest which will be held at St Paul‘s Church Hall in Milawa on March 25 and 26.

An initiative of the Milawa Oxley Rotary Club, there is over $2000 in prizes on offer including a $1000 People‘s Choice award, plus prizes for junior entrants including a $250 Secondary School Student Prize and $100 worth of art supplies for the Primary School Student Prize.

Entries will close on March 20 and more information and entry forms are available by contacting Lesley on 0407 573 298.

Community raffle ticket collection begins

THE Rotary Club of Appin Park Community Raffle is closing in and the club is urging community groups and sponsors to start bringing back their raffle books in preparation for the draw next month.

Currently, there is more than 21,000 tickets out in the public arena with some already returned.

President of the Rotary Club, Caroline Birnie, said she sincerely thanked all sponsors and community groups who have taken up the opportunity to be involved this year in the Community Raffle.

“The raffle is drawing to a close and we would appreciate all those who have taken books or registered with the Rotary Club to please start to gather the books for return so they can be marked off and folded ready for the draw,” she said.

“It takes a great deal of effort as you can imagine to collaborate and make sure all the books are accounted for as per the rules relating to holding a raffle of this size.”

The Rotary Club will be manning the clubrooms, the log cabin in Chisholm Street, Wangaratta, from February 22 until March 10, during the hours of 4pm-6pm on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday only for returns.

The Rotary Club, in conjunction with the Wangaratta Benalla Motor Group, will be conducting the draw at the motor showrooms on Tone Road, Wangaratta, from 6pm for a 6.30pm start on Friday, March 24, with light refreshments and finger food available.

Ms Birnie said on behalf of the members, she would like to invite

We would like to announce that Docker Street General Medical Centre will be formally merged with South Wangaratta Medical Centre. You will still be looked after by all of the same caring team and all of the GPs will now be consulting from South Wangaratta Medical Centre at 47-51 Joyce Way Wangaratta.

For appointments please book online at www.dsgmc.com.au, via the HotDoc app or by calling 0357139299. If you have any questions, please contact the practice on 0357139299 or via email at southwangarattamc@gmail.com.

as many as possible to come along and join in to enjoy the fellowship, and the beautiful Toyota Yaris Ascent Sport could be yours.

“I would very much like to thank the following sponsors and the 32 organisations who have registered with us to help make it once again a very worthwhile community project,” she said.

Sponsors: The Wangaratta Benalla Motor Group, Rotary Club of Appin Park Wangaratta Inc., Rural City of Wangaratta, Wangaratta Travel and Cruise, Wangaratta Trailer Sales, Wangaratta Coachlines, Bi- Rite Wangaratta, IGA Express, John Wohlers Jewellers, APCO fuel, Gateway Hotel Wangaratta, Donna Bella Lingerie, Wangaratta Toil and Soil and North East Fasteners.

Printed Habitat at the gallery

A NEW exhibition featuring the work of four prominent North East Victorian printmakers, Anita Laurence, Fleur Rendell, Christine Upton and Barbel Ullrich is open at the Wangaratta Art Gallery.

Printed Habitat showcases the artists’ unique perspectives on the concepts of home, the memory of place and the impact of our engagement with the environment through printmaking techniques.

See it at the gallery until April 16.

Bloom at the Wangaratta Library

AN exhibition of limited edition prints by Cate Geard is now showing in the Bainz Gallery at the Wangaratta Library.

The colourful works have a botanical theme and they can be seen during opening hours until the end of February, with entry free.

Wangaratta community market

THE Wangaratta community market will run every Sunday at Moore Than Swimming, located at 11-13 Mason Street in Wangaratta, from 7am until 12pm.

There will be a wide range of stalls to browse and refreshments available.

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

GRAND PRIZE: Celebrating last year’s Community Raffle and closing in on the next one were (from left) Dean Jacobs, Tristan Saunders, Jarred Clark (Wangaratta Motor Group), Geoff Dinning, Bev Maher (Rotary Club of Appin Park) and Jess Powell (Wangaratta Motor Group) with a Toyota that was won by Carl Schultz from Rosebud.

Floral beauty captured in Keyna’s exhibition of prints

By ANITA McPHERSON

THE natural beauty of flowers in all their many, amazing forms has inspired an exhibition by emerging printmaker Keyna Masin, now open at the Art Gallery on Ovens.

There are 16 artworks on display, all linocut prints made by Keyna over the last few years.

While most are prints of floral arrangements, there are also a few landscapes - one inspired by the eerily orange sky during the bushfires in January 2020, and two carved as part of a GANEAA printing workshop

Keyna took part in with fellow local printmaker, Anita Laurence.

Keyna said flowers have been her long-time love and they are the perfect subject because of their vibrant colours and ranges of texture, shape and form.

“The medium of printmaking helps me explore colour, layering, texture, patterns and balance,” she said.

“The conversational nature of printmaking between the lino and paper (the grooves, indentations and unplanned marks from the lino) adds to the overall nature of the resulting artwork.

“Like floral arrangements, every print is individual.”

Keyna said she’s drawn to linocut printmaking for many

reasons, attracted to the ‘puzzle’ it presents by thinking in reverse - and with reduction prints, thinking in layers of colour as well.

“I like carving the blocks and the different lines and textures you can create with a carving tool, and I really love the first time I ink up a block and the excitement of seeing the first print pulled from the press,” she said.

“I don’t always like the image

and sometimes have to make changes, but I can’t imagine ever tiring of the feeling of anticipation as it goes through the press.”

Some of Keyna’s prints are hand coloured with watercolour inks after the printing process, which she says give her a wider range of colours than she can print.

“I also like that watercolours can give texture through the colour rather than the carving -

Paint by Numbers artwork auction fundraiser

A STUNNING work of art created through a paint-by-numbers process, organised by the Friends of the Wangaratta Art Gallery and involving the Wangaratta community, is on display in Gallery 2 at the Wangaratta Art Gallery and up for auction.

The collaborative painting, designed and finished by acclaimed artist Fleur Rendell, was created by participants from all walks of life and professionally framed by local photographer and picture framer, Marc Bongers.

The auction closes at 5pm today, with proceeds supporting arts-based initiatives of Wangaratta Art Gallery Friends, and more information at www. wangarattaartgallery.com.au.

Creatives of Wangaratta market at CWA hall

THE next Creatives of Wangaratta and Surrounds (CoWS) market will be held in the CWA hall in Templeton Street on Sunday from 9am until 1pm.

It showcases the wares of a wide variety of local artisans and makers with more than 15 stalls to browse on the day.

Longwood Beer, Wine and Cider festival tomorrow

it gets me the result I like,” she said.

This exhibition of collective works by Keyna Masin can be seen at the gallery today, Monday and Thursday from 10am until 4pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 2pm until March 6.

An official opening will be held tonight at the gallery in the laneway off Murphy Street from 5pm until 8pm and all are welcome.

THE Longwood Beer, Wine and Cider festival will be held on Saturday at the Longwood Recreation Reserve in Longwood from 2pm until 8pm.

The market-style outdoor event, held under the gums, showcases local and regional craft beer, local wine and ciders - served by the producers.

There are also food vendors from the area plus live music and children’s activities with proceeds supporting the Longwood Football Netball Club and other local groups and businesses, with tickets available at longwoodfortheloveofale.com.au or at the gate.

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TEXTURE AND COLOUR: Printmaker Keyna Masin (pictured) said flowers

the

and ranges of texture, shape and form.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Local mission to support mums

MOTHERHOOD changes everything.

“And without a second to process that, she’s in survival mode,” according to Alex Harris, founder of Villo Retreats.

“As a mum and a postpartum doula, I’ve seen the struggles that all mums can go through after having children, whether those kids are 6 months or 16 years old.

“Few mums can rely on the assumed ‘village’ to raise their child, replaced with the expectation that us mums ‘do it all’ and pretend that we’re okay - but we’re burning out.

“These one-day retreats are a good starting point for mums to begin prioritising their own mental health and wellbeing.”

Villo will host two one day retreats, on Sunday, March 19 and Sunday, April 2, at the newly refurbished Lancemore Milawa.

These tailored retreats incorporate meditation, yoga, wellness workshops, guided self-reflection and journaling.

There will also be opportunities to meet like-minded mums over locally sourced coffee and baked goodies at morning tea, a restaurant prepared seasonal lunch spread and a wine or two with afternoon nibbles.

Villo’s mission is to create localised communities and empower mums to reclaim their identity and direction.

“It’s all about creating long term change by giving yourself the time and space to relax and reset, using the right prompts and support to set practical and achievable goals moving forward,” Alex said.

Included in the program is yoga with Kristin Paton, and the workshop ‘Who and what serves you most? Navigating YOUR matresence, meaningfully’ from Louise Thornton, Shine Birth.

Know a mum who deserves a break? Surprise her with a rare opportunity to rest, reflect and reset.

Tickets available at www.villo. com.au or phone 0458 421 820.

THE Wangaratta RSPCA currently have plenty of options for your new playmate/s.

 Medium hair, grey tabby, male, 4 years, 956000016556318, ‘Loki’;

WHAT A CUTIE: This young girl is looking for a loving home to call her own. She is a friendly and sociable ferret and would love some friends to play with. Cutie-Pie would be best suited to an experienced adult-only home that understands her needs. Cutie Pie’s microchip number is 956000016558560.

For more information or to meet any of the kittens, cats, dogs, puppies and rabbits the Wangaratta RSPCA currently have available, call (03) 5722 2874 or visit the shelter and find your new special friend.

Wangaratta RSPCA’s source code is #BR100934.

Cats:

 Short hair, tabby, male, 7 years, 956000016561499, ‘Crash’;

 Short hair, black, male, 9 months, 956000016560714, ‘Errol’;

 British Shorthair, black, female, 7 years, 900085000082093, ‘Luna’;

 Medium hair, tabby, male, 3 years, 956000016625717, ‘Noel’;

 Short hair, ginger, male, 1 year, 956000015932544, ‘Puss Puss’;

 Medium hair, grey tabby, female, 4 years, 956000010817079, ‘Tigger’;

 Short hair, black, female, 2 years, 956000016553375, ‘Vooshka’.

Kittens:

 Short hair, black, male, 3 months, 956000016551557, ‘Blinky’;

 Short hair, tortoiseshell, female, 4 months, 956000016552811, ‘Freckles’;

 Medium hair, black, male, 3 months, 956000016561140, ‘Spike’;

 Short hair, black tabby, female, 3 months, 956000016552689, ‘Teeny’;

 Short hair, black tortoiseshell, female, 4 months, 956000016554176, ‘Toffee’;

Dogs:

 Rottweiler, black, female, 2 years, 900113001039745, ‘Ebony’;

 English Staffordshire Bull

Terrier, tan, female, 2 years, 956000016559716, ‘Ripley’;

 American Staffordshire Terrier, male, 1 year, 956000014498585, ‘Zuko’.

Puppies:

 Bull Arab, brindle, male, 5 months, 953010006184366, ‘Bailey’;

 Bull Arab, white, male, 5 months, 953010006184336, ‘Buster’;

 Kelpie, black, female, 12 weeks, 956000016562130, ‘Roni’.

Small animals:

 Ferret, cream, female, 1 year, 956000016558560, ‘Cutie Pie’.

PHOTO: RSPCA

WANGARATTA RSPCA

MUMS ESCAPE: Rediscover your path to happiness in motherhood and more at these one-day wellness retreats for mums at Lancemore Milawa.

Golden-headed Cisticola - what a character

By IAN DAVIDSON and CHRIS TZAROS

THE tiny Goldenheaded Cisticola is a bird that is seldom seen but more often heard with its cheery song that consists of buzzing and wheezing notes, followed by a chirrup.

They are found in tall dense grassland or rushes almost anywhere across northern, eastern and south-eastern Australia.

During their nonbreeding season, cisticolas are quiet and unobtrusive, but as the days grow longer and their breeding season approaches, they generally begin to call more often, usually from an exposed perch, such as at the top of a grass stalk or on a fence post, sometimes cocking their tail at a jaunty angle.

The male Golden-headed Cisticola has a golden body colour, a golden-orange head, and a dull chin when breeding.

Females and males

outside of the breeding season are similar in appearance, being creamy underneath and brown above with streaks of black or dark brown on the upper part of their body, with black wings edged in buff, and a golden head.

Juveniles are similar in appearance to adults aside from being lighter in colour.

In the approach to breeding season, male cisticolas often perform conspicuous Song Flights, with spectacular aerial displays where cisticolas fly up to 30 metres above the grassland, singing constantly, before suddenly plummeting vertically back into the vegetation below at full speed!

Despite this surprisingly aerobatic ability, like many birds which inhabit dense vegetation, their general flight is poor, and they often appear to bob up and

down through the air on tiny whirring wings.

Being birds which spend their entire lives in the grass, it’s unsurprising that cisticolas breed among tall grass and rushes.

Their roundish nests are suspended from blades of grass with a side or top entrance, and are made from grass, tied together with spider webs and sometimes lined with plant fibres and fluffy seeds.

Three or four bluish eggs are laid and incubated by the female.

Locally, these birds are found near wetland and dam edges, usually without trees, where tall grass or rushes and sedges grow.

Hearing the excited insect-like calls “bhzzt” followed by a smoother “lek”, or “weez, wit-witwit” may be the first sign that a cisticola is there, as they’re often quite difficult to find if they’re hiding quietly among the dense vegetation.

FLIGHTS OF FANCY: A Golden-headed Cisticola balancing on rushes.

PHOTO: Chris Tzaros

(Birds Bush and Beyond)

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Friday, February 22, 2013

BY STEVE KELLY

A STAKEHOLDER of the proposed Wangaratta Saleyards redevelopment has called for councillors to show more “leadership” and “maturity” in order for the facility upgrade to go ahead.

Rural City of Wangaratta councillors voted 4-3 this week, against a detailed design and cost estimate to be carried out for a whole of saleyards redevelopment - including roofing and soft flooring across all pens.

This has effectively again stalled the saleyards upgrade that has been in the pipeline for years.

Stock agent Harvey Benton, who also sits on the council appointed committee that last week recommended councillors proceed with project costings, was disappointed with this week’s decision.

He was also slightly miffed by comments made by Cr Paul O’Brien as he moved that council leave the item on the table until it has more information.

Cr O’Brien suggested a total cost figure of $5 to $6 million for the redevelopment and mentioned a figure of $150,000 for a consultant to conduct the costing for the project.

“I want to know where Cr O’Brien’s figure of $5-$6 million came from and I want to know

Council decision on saleyards development disappoints stakeholder y p pp r

they can’t communicate better with the users of the yard and their own advisors than what they’re doing, it shows a lack of leadership.

“We give up our time on the committee to go into these meetings and we’re not given all the facts.

“The first thing council has to do is commit itself in principle to upgrade the saleyards.

“Then we can move our way forward.”

The cost of the redevelopment is needed so council can consider attracting government financial support.

A Wodonga saleyards upgrade is also pending and could take away from Wangaratta’s ability to attract funding.

But Mr Benton said this was a separate issue to Wangaratta’s need for the upgrade.

where the $150,000 consultant’s figure came from,” Mr Benton said yesterday.

“Cr O’Brien has put people off the project by mentioning these figures.

“Unless they (councillors) show more leadership and maturity

they’re not going to get the things done.”

Mr Benton said an agreement in principle to carry out the project is vital, but he sees this as a problem until communication between parties can be improved.

He said a communication break-

down among council, advisers and stakeholders is also at the heart of troubles behind the saleyards project.

“Everything is all airy-fairy and second hand at the moment,” he said.

“Council hasn’t told us and if

“Whether Wodonga gets built or not, we have to go ahead or the council will have to find 80 jobs up the street,” he said.

“If we don’t move with the times, no one will want to be employed out in the open and animal welfare will come into it.”

STONE WALL: Harvey Benton is dismayed by council again putting the Wangaratta Saleyards upgrade on ice.

PHOTO: Simon Groves

Men’s shed love new lathe

THE Myrtleford Men’s Shed has purchased a new metal lathe thanks to participating businesses in their Christmas Santa displays.

For a small donation Myrtleford businesses display Santa and elves around town each Christmas to provide a festive feel to the town.

Men’s shed secretary/treasurer Clive Walker said the funds were used to purchase a new metal lathe, priced at around $3500, replacing an old machine originally donated by Myrtleford P12 College when their trade centre was upgraded.

According to Mr Walker, the previous metal lathe had become too worn to do accurate work.

He also thanked participating businesses for their generosity.

The men’s shed is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 8:30am to 2:30pm and Saturday 9 to 11am at 161 Standish Street, Myrtleford.

“The Myrtleford Men’s Shed welcomes all men to the shed to see what we do, become part of the group, but more importantly be able to enjoy company of others without any need for commitment,” Mr Walker said.

Community group disappointed with chalet progress

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

LOCAL group, Community Action for the Chalet (CAC) are calling for the $2m upgrade of Manfield’s Cafe to begin now, following the recent news that no suitable submissions were received for plans to establish the cafe at the Mount Buffalo Chalet.

The Alpine community was waiting with bated breath to learn the future of hospitality in the famed chalet, after the period for interested parties to lodge expressions of interest for cafe operations officially closed on April 15 last year.

The tender, offered by Parks Victoria, was for a year-long operator to create an engaging and sustainable cafe operation in the front rooms of the chalet, which has laid dormant since the 2006/07 bushfires ravaged the region.

Parks Victoria executive director of visitor experience Lisa Patroni said they completed assessment of applications received.

“Parks Victoria will continue working with Regional Development Victoria to reactivate the chalet through a future EOI process.”

Specific detail regarding the submissions, including

number of tenders received, will remain confidential in line with standard Victorian Government practice.

CAC chair David Jacobson shared the group’s “profound disappointment” at the news via a letter response.

“Regrettably, once again, the 2022 Mount Buffalo Chalet Food and Beverage EOI has been concluded without appointing a proponent,” it read.

“All interested parties would have to acknowledge that we have indeed been patient and pragmatic in all our dealings, ever since the chalet ceased to operate in early 2007.

“It has been incredibly

frustrating, watching the wheels turn at a snail’s pace.

“However, since July 2015, CAC developed strong working relationships with the key interested parties, leading to the November 2015 appointment by former Minister Lisa Neville MLA of the Mount Buffalo Destination Advisory Group (MBDAG).

“In 2016-17, the MBDAG produced and presented to Government the highly acclaimed ‘Vision for Mount Buffalo’ and, since that time, we acknowledge that there have been no backward steps - just some very slow ones forward, separated by very wide gaps.

“Through 2018, the greatly expanded Mount Buffalo Business Assessment Task Force (MBBATF - including the MBDAG) worked constructively with Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) on a comprehensive business case review of our ‘Vision’ document.

“We are proud to have been part of an historic unanimous outcome for such a study - probably a first for Mount Buffalo and the Chalet.”

Mr Jacobson said re-opening Manfield’s Cafe was an “important first step towards returning the chalet to a yearning community”.

“At the outset, we stress that having no proponent yet is probably better than having one unable to rise to the expectations of the EOI and the community,” the letter read.

“However, we seek to support any move that could re-start the process now, to re- establish a proper café offering in the chalet, at the earliest possible opportunity.

“We acknowledge all the great work done by PV since 2016 to save, refurbish and update many aspects of the heritage-listed chalet and gorge precincts.

“The ongoing momentum must not be lost.”

“I recently purchased motorized roller shutters for my house, from Haymes Paint Shop in Wangaratta. I only recently discovered they did blinds, awnings and shutters. I am so happy with the finished product, they keep me feeling more secure in my home, as well keeping the cold out. I was also very happy with the customer service I received. Will definitely recommend.” Val Matheson

MODERN MACHINE: Myrtleford Men’s Shed members (from left) Kevin Dinneen, Barry Holden and Kevin Wood with Santa and their new metal lathe.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Wandi project not a a bridge too far too

By BRODIE EVERIST

A FOOTBRIDGE across Growlers Creek at ‘The Diggings’ in Wandiligong is nearly ready for installation, according to Wandiligong Preservation Society president Robyn Wood.

Ms Wood said she received a Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) letter only two weeks ago saying the works are allowed to proceed.

“We’re really excited that it’s happening, it’s been a long time coming,” she said.

“There’ll be an influx of families over Easter and it’ll be fantastic.”

Ms Wood said the new footbridge, which replaces

a narrow concrete slab, has already been constructed by North East Civil Construction (NECC) and will be similar to the footbridge at the bottom of Lardis Lane.

According to Ms Wood, while NECC still need to obtain a works on waterways permit, they anticipated work will begin within four weeks.

She also thanked members of DEECA for helping them ob-

tain the necessary permits.

She said they plan to have a celebration at the opening of the bridge and invite members of DEECA, and Emergency Recovery Victoria, who administered the $24,000 grant for the project in 2021.

“We’ll have some sort of weekend, family-friendly celebration,” she said.

According to Ms Wood, getting the bridge installed was

Demand for Aussie hops still strong

THE final hectares of a $50 million investment in expansion delivered over the past eight years has been the focus for Hops Products Australia (HPA) after a successful 2022 crop.

Marketing manager Grace Irwin said the new plantings are coming into commercial productivity this year.

“This means we can continue to supply a growing number of local and international brewers with high-quality Aussie hops so they can continue making high-quality beers,” she said.

“We have experienced another typical La Niña weather pattern characterised by cooler daytime temperatures and increased rainfall.

“With our soil saturated and our dams full, four per cent of our acreage became subject to flooding.

“This was a common story across eastern parts of Australia at the tail-end of 2022.

“Despite some challenging conditions, we were able to modify our calendar of inputs, complete stringing and training on schedule, and help most of the flood-affected acreage recover.

“In general, our hops have reached the wire with cones now in the final stages of accumulating all the alpha acids and essential oils that brewers value for their impact in beer.

delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for several permits, including a land use activity agreement.

The original timber footbridge, which linked several tracks across the passive recreation reserve, was washed away in a flood some years ago.

The Wandiligong Preservation Society is the voluntary committee of management for The Diggings.

“Even though the hop and brewing world seems to be going through significant realignment of supply and demand, the outlook for Aussie hops remains strong.

“Since crop 2023 is expected to be on average, we’re encouraging brewers to proactively review their Aussie hop requirements and reach out regarding forward contracts.

“We’re particularly excited to welcome brewers back on farm in 2023.

“Those visiting our Victorian farms might even get to do a hot lap around the outside of our new processing and packaging facility that is scheduled to be commissioned in time for crop 2024. “

The crop 2023 harvest will commence on March 1.

BUILDING A BRIDGE: Wandiligong Preservation Society president Robyn Wood is happy the footbridge over Growlers Creek is nearly ready for installation.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Greta South gardens and serenity on 54 acres with all that you need

AN oasis and ideal rural lifestyle getaway set on a rising block over 54 acres with front cleared and genuine rear bush just affords so many lifestyle benefits and attractions.

Five bedrooms inside include the main, bed two and three with second living area, only built as extension in 2016. Shade and insulation benefits of the verandas. Complete with a healthy vine, ornamental pear trees and a new inground pool which are all ready to accommodate your comfort in every season. As I write this editorial on the

shady front decking, only birds and a bee in the distance are to be heard. The quiet location, on a virtual no through road, ensures low traffic flow. Enquire, inspect and appreciate.

Comfortable and great presentation means new owners can look to see how they best use the five bedrooms, salon and separate bedroom/weekender adjoining workshop, three bathrooms and toilets. Bottle gas for cooking and instant HWS. Shedding is in balance with the size of property. Workshop, Nissan hut, wood shed, ex-shearing shed which

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL PEST CONTROL 24/7

is ideal for raising babies - lambs, calves, kids or chooks - the choice is yours.

Great water set up with three tanks, bore, over 150,000 litres in total storage. 6 Kw solar installed recently for efficiency. Planned and maintained gardens include lawns, natives and introduced plantings making this a beautiful place to live. On the hill in peace and quiet with a pool, sheds and only 25 minutes to town. Grow your own veggies, live the dream and even three bars of internet service as I sit here means you can even work from home.

Spring Time Pests

Digital Pest Control

RODENTS Rats and mice

HOW CAN YOU HELP? It’s important that you don’t allow a few rodents to turn into a rodent infestation on your property.

HOW CAN YOU HELP? It’s important that you don’t allow a few rodents to turn into a rodent infestation on your property.

SMART

Learn more about our SMART Digital Pest Control available for homes and businesses. Call us today on

13 14 40

The sooner you take action the better.

With pests it’s not about treating the symptoms you see but removing the source of the problem. This calls for a professional pest exterminator such as Economic Pest Control.

The sooner you take action the better. With pests it’s not about treating the symptoms you see but removing the source of the problem. This calls for a professional pest controller such as Economic Pest Control.

Looking for a non-toxic solution for your rodent problem?

Hassle-free pest control solution that handles all the work? Then SMART is the answer.

CLEARING SALE

A/c: Estate I.J Fithall & Fithall Contracting Pty Ltd

Central charming red brick home

AT 19 Medowra Avenue Wangaratta is a charming red brick home situated in one of Wangaratta’s most sought after locations. The property consists of three generous sized bedrooms open plan kitchen/dining and living area with a separate sunroom to the rear. The bathroom has recently been fully renovated along with the kitchen, hot water service and air conditioning updated. Heating and cooling are well catered for with gas ducted heating, evaporative cooling and wood combustion heating in the lounge room. Externally there is a detached bedroom with air conditioning and an ensuite ideal for visitors or would make an ideal teenage retreat. The backyard is also secure with enough room for kids and pets to play complete with cubby house. There is also a great decking area

OVER 400+ LOTS

• New Holland JCB 537 135 c/w forks & bucket • New Holland L220 Bobcat c/w bucket • Kubota

4WD L3600 Tractor • John Deere Gator • Berends 5’ slasher • Great Plains 1006NT disc seeder (excellent condition) • 2-Big River irrigation cannons • Harland 4x4 PTO irrigation pump & large quantity aluminium irrigation pipes • MTB 20ton log splitter

• Honda Trx 4x4 auto quad bike (new)

• 8ft Souma rotary hoe • Honda Fire Fighting Pump (new)

• 3PL Rondini s/spreader • Rotowiper

• 3PL 5ft rotary hoe • Munro 3PL post driver • Allbulk boom spray • Lister diesel motor & irrigation pump 5x3 • Norm engineering 4in1 bucket

plus a single garage for car storage or to have as a great workshop. The home is in a great location and inspections will not disappoint, contact us now to inspect.

4

Agent |

Phone |

Price |

Location |

2 1

Nutrien Harcourts

5722 9444

$550,000 - $595,000

19 Medowra Avenue, Wangaratta

WANGARATTA STORE CATTLE SALE

FRIDAY 3rd March 2023 – 10:30am

700 LOCALLY BRED CATTLE

John Tapsell - Beechworth (CP)

40 Angus M/sex 5-6 months Jarobee blood GA VB

JH & TM Parton, Benalla (AWN)

13 Angus Steers 8 months ‘Riga’ Blood WEANED

GFO WEANED

• 9ft Trailing scarifier on rubbers •

• H/D Great Plains Xpress 3m 3PL discs c/w roller (excellent condition) • EDP fruit picker • Kioti Ck35 4wd tractor c/w bucket • Silage mower • K&L 4x4 • Irrigation pump Ford diesel • 3PL Spring Tyne scarifier

10 Angus Heifers 12 months ‘Riga’ Blood WEANED

RWJ & EH Ackland – Greta South (AWN)

Int 3PL scoop • H/B trailing deep ripper

• Berends 3PL scarifier

• John Shearer trash culti drill • Concrete & treated pine power poles (40ft Approx) • 30cm, 56cm, 86cm heavy duty augers •

20 Charolais M/Sex 9-10 months by ‘Paringa & Clarinda’ Bulls WEANED

Overhead fuel tank • Stock crate 190x400m

• Old railway signal post • Fordson Tractor F.Perkins Motor • Plus a host of sundry items

• Host of steel trusses • Collectables • Older machines & equipment

• 1971 MG B Sports Car • Mercedes Benz Coupe 1998 Hardtop Kompressor Convertible

Benz Actros 2644 tipper • Holden 2004 Rodeo Ute (no roadworthy)

• Mercedes

• 1994 Ford LouisVille 12,000lt water truck (unregistered) • Tandem boat trailer • 4.8mt Centurian/Savage boat by Whittley, Mercury salt water 80HP (damaged hull) • 2013 Spyder RSS 3-wheeler motorbike

ONLINE BIDDING Register to bid, view photos, full list of items, T&C’s or download the full catalogue by scanning the QR code here:

Terms: All items attract 10% GST. 5% Buyers Premium, applicable on all goods. Goods must be paid and funds cleared prior to collection date. Copy of receipt provided must be shown when collecting items. Crane hire by appointment.

23 Baker Street, Wangaratta | (03) 5722 2663

OPEN 7 DAYS | garrynash.com.au |

P & KM Kittelty – Barnawartha (AWN)

10 Angus Steers 9-10 months ‘Jade Park’ Blood

GZ & RW Ellis, Milawa (AWN)

8 Black Baldy Heifers 10-11 months by ‘Murramungee’ Bulls WEANED

COWS & CALVES

A & K Porker- Greta South (ELD) * Complete herd dispersal – 3 in 1 outfits! *

25 Angus X Limousin & Angus Cows 2014-2016 drop, with Aug/September drop calves at foot by the raff Angus bull. PTIC to Raff Angus bull. Very quiet outfits. To be drafted on breed & age. Surcan, Wangandary (AWN)

22x22 Red Angus Cows & Calves, 2-4 months, depastured to Red Angus Bull since calving

A/c A Walker-Rosewhite

60 Blonde d’Aquitaine/Charolais x M/S

6-9m

A/c Brindstock-Lucyvale

50 Angus Steers 8m by Alpine & Hazeldene Angus Bulls YARD WEANED

Piliguard Vacc & Drenched NE Accr.

A/c G & W Howell-Rosewhite

45 Angus Steers 11-12m by Pinnacle

Angus Bulls WEANED NE Accr.

A/c M & L Beach-Whorouly South

41 Angus M/S 10-12m by Murramungee

A/c Nicoll F/T-Whorouly

31 Angus M/S 10-11m

A/c JC & J Gardner-Bobinawarrah

30 Angus Steers 10-11m by Murramungee

Angus Bull WEANED

A/c D Rae-Murmungee

30 Angus Steers 12m Alpine Angus Bulls

WEANED NE Accr.

A/c P Morrison & Son-Barwidgee Creek

30 Angus M/S 8-10m by Temania & Black

Aqua Angus Bulls WEANED

A/c PH & RL Serpell-Running Creek

30 Fleckvieh M/S 9-11m by Serpell

A/c BC & AA Hall-Mudgegonga

22 Hereford M/S 9-11m By Newcomen & Nunniong Hereford Bulls WEANED

A/c S Robertson-Buffalo River

20 Angus Steers 8-10m by Alpine Angus

Bulls WEANED NE Accr.

A/c Sole Trader-Bright

20 Angus M/S 11-12m by Pinnacle Angus

Bulls WEANED

A/c RB & RM Lumsden-Buckland Valley

20 Hereford x Steers 8-9m by Rosstulla

A/c KJ Morrison-Barwidgee Creek

10 Angus M/S 10-12m by Ardrossan & Alpine Angus Bulls WEANED

A/c I & M Ramage ‘McLaren’-Lurg

10 Angus & Angus x Steers 10m by Scott’s Angus Bull YARD WEANED

A/c R Carson-Cheshunt

10 Angus M/S 10m by Oswall Angus Bulls

WEANED

A/c P & B Tiffin-Milawa

10 Angus/Simmental x M/S 10m

A/c E & C Martinez-Ovens

Angus Steers

by Alpine Angus & Jarobee Bulls WEANED NE Accr.

A/c Dalbosco Investments-Rosewhite

80 Angus/Hereford X M/S 9-11m by Alpine Angus Bulls WEANED NE Accr.

A/c Vallunga Pty Ltd-Buckland Valley

80 Hereford & Angus/Hereford M/S

9-11m by Alpine Angus & Glendan Park

Hereford Bulls WEANED NE Accr.

A/c T & E Kirk-Barwidgee Creek

70 Angus Steers 9-10m by Alpine Angus

Bulls WEANED NE Accr.

A/c J & B Fraser-Harrietville

60 Angus M/S 10-11m by Alpine Angus

Bulls WEANED NE Accr.

A/c T & D Geddes- Mudgegonga

60 Angus Steers 6-7m by Stellar & Alpine

Angus Bulls Piliguard Vacc NE Accr.

A/c Allonby Angus-Guys Forrest

60 Angus M/S 11-13m by Alpine Angus

Bulls WEANED NE Accr.

A/c L Brine-Rosewhite

60 Angus M/S 10-11m by Murramungee & Jade Park Angus Bulls WEANED

Angus Bull WEANED

A/c JS & DL Hadley-Tallangatta Valley

40 Angus M/S 10-11m by Rennylea

Angus Bulls WEANED

A/c DA Cardwell-Gundowring

40 Angus & Angus/Hereford x M/S 1011m by Cascade Angus Bull WEANED

A/c M & B Roche-Whorouly

35 Angus M/S 10-12m by Fernhill & Alpine Angus Bulls WEANED

A/c Twin Mountains-Ovens

33 Angus/Hereford x M/S 10-11m

Drenched Dectomax 8/1 WEANED

A/c F, J & M Cooper-Tawonga South

15 Hereford Steers Dehorned 7-9m by Talgarno Park Hereford Bull YARD

WEANED

12 Angus/Hereford x M/S 7-11m by Alpine Angus Bulls YARD WEANED

6 Hereford Heifers Dehorned 15m by Talgarno Park Hereford Bull

A/c O’Connor’s View-Murmungee

31 Angus Steers 10-12m by Alpine Angus

Bulls WEANED

Fleckvieh Bulls Pestiguard Vacc. YARD

WEANED NE Accr.

A/c A & M Crisp-Mudgegonga

25 Angus M/S 10-11m by Alpine Angus

Bulls WEANED

A/c Oztrust Grazing-Talgarno

25 Angus M/S 10-11m by Alpine Angus

Bulls WEANED

A/c GI & EA Jones-Kancoona

25 Hereford M/S 10-11m by Rotherfield

Hereford Bull WEANED

A/c Walkabout Apiaries-Mudgegonga

25 Hereford Heifers 16-18m by Wirruna

Hereford Bulls NE Accr.

A/c Waverly Farm-Indigo Valley

25 Angus Heifers 10m by Alpine Angus

Bulls WEANED

A/c P & F Giudice-Whorouly

24 Angus Steers 10-11m by Greenwood

Angus Bulls WEANED

A/c G & P Ivone-Havilah

22 Angus Steers 10-12m by Alpine Angus & Woonallee Simmental/Angus Bulls

WEANED NE Accr.

Hereford Bulls

A/c Ashdan Family Trust-Whorouly

18 Angus M/S 12m AI bred by Chiltern

Park Moe & Pinnacle Angus Bulls WEANED

A/c T & J McKibbin-Nug Nug

17 Angus M/S 9-10m by Murramungee

Angus Bulls WEANED

A/c E & M Notarianni-Myrtleford

15 Angus Steers 7-9m by Alpine Angus

Bulls

A/c IW Bartlett - Buffalo River

15 Angus M/S 10-11m by Alpine Angus

Bulls

A/c Zanotto Family Trust-Myrtleford

12 Angus Steers 10-11m by Alpine Angus

Bulls WEANED

A/c SJ & SG Jones-Kancoona

12 Angus Steers 10-11m by Banquet

Angus Bull WEANED

A/c ME & HM Scales-Bobinawarrah

11 Angus/Simmental x & Angus/Charolais

x M/S 10-12m WEANED

9 Angus Steers 9-10m by Alpine Angus Bulls

A/c Wolf Ventures-Myrtleford

9 Angus M/S 10m by Murramungee Angus Bulls

A/c L Jones-Rose River

9 Angus M/S

A/c The Elms - Buffalo River

8 Fleckvieh Steers 10m by Serpell Fleckvieh Bulls WEANED

A/c E & J Zamperoni-Myrtleford

8 Angus Heifers 10m by Alpine Angus Bulls WEANED

A/c M Morey- Markwood

6 Angus M/S 10m

A/c Southfork-Whorouly

6 Fleckvieh x Steers 9m by Serpell

Fleckvieh Bulls WEANED NE Accr.

A/c W & B Suter-Wangaratta

4 Angus Steers 12m WEANED

A/c FJ Dixon-Meadow Creek

2 Angus/Simmental x Heifers 10m by PJ Cattle Co Angus Bull

An architecturally designed masterpiece

CONSIDERED one of the best dwellings in the city, its unexpected availability can now fulfil the dreams of a new owner.

Built on two levels, the accommodation runs to five bedrooms (three up, two down), three bathrooms with an additional toilet in one of the two. The welcoming formal entry to the home is just one of the design features that gives the home its special status

An expansive open living space, an excellent kitchen with quality appointments and a spacious butler’s pantry. The nearby lagoon and park reserve provides a panoramic overview from all of this formal first floor family living area which opens on to an outside deck further enhancing the inside/outside ambience of this part of the dwelling.

There is also the clever incorporation of a study nook, together with a huge cellar space, dedicated storeroom and two double garages are valuable features.

Wangaratta

KIA SELTOS SPORT+

By ALISTAIR KENNEDY

SELTOS is the second smallest model in Kia’s SUV range, sitting above the compact Stonic and below the Sportage.

It competes against vehicles such as the MG ZS, Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30 and Mitsubishi ASX.

Originally launched here in late 2019 Seltos received a major upgrade in November 2022 with exterior and interior changes, safety improvements, new tech features, plus extra power and a new transmission for the top-spec model.

The changes do come at a price with increases of at least $2200 across the range, although they can probably be justified.

As before Seltos is available in four grades: S, Sport, Sport+ and GT Line.

All get the previous 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine that drives the front wheels, while Sport+ and GTLine are also available with a tweaked version of the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine along with all-wheel drive.

STYLING

To our eyes Seltos is one of the best-looking vehicles in its class, with the chunky style that’s fashionable in current SUVs.

There’s a large grille with mesh fill, an array of lights built to the side and stylish lower area that has a solid look thanks to the expansion at the corners.

At the rear there’s a central light-bar across the top of the tail gate that expands the visual appearance

of the Seltos.

All models get alloy wheels, 16-inch with the Seltos S, 17-inch on the Sport and Sport+ and 18-inch under the GT-Line.

Also standard are bodycoloured folding side mirrors, roof rails and a rear spoiler.

Only the GT-Line gets LED head and tail lights, the others have to make do with halogens.

Other features specific to the GT-Line are a gloss black mech grille, satin silver beltline, powered tailgate and tilt and slide sunroof.

There’s a good range of colours, with nine in total, including a couple of eyecatching two-tone finishes.

INTERIOR

Kia always seems to strike a nice balance with the interior of its vehicles and Seltos is no exception.

It’s neat and functional with plenty of space all round for what is a relatively small car.

The standout feature of the dashboard in Sport, Sport+ and Gt-Line is the wide panel housing both the infotainment and instrument display screens.

An increasingly must-have feature for us, head-up display, is only available in the GT-Line.

On the downside, while there are small physical knobs for the audio controls, air conditioning adjustments for temperature and fan speed require a series of taps on the infotainment touchscreen.

Seats in the S and Sport are cloth trim, with artificial leather trim added to the

Sport+ and full premium leather in GT-Line.

Luggage space with the rear seats in place is 433 litres, expanding to 1393 litres when they’re folded.

Seltos S has a space saver spare under the boot. All other variants get a full-size alloy.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS

All four Seltos variants come with a four-cylinder 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle naturally-aspirated engine that’s carried over from the previous model.

It produces 110 kW and 180 Nm at 4500 rpm coupled with a continuously variable transmission.

Combined fuel consumption is listed at 6.9L/100km.

The big improvement comes from the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol available with Sport+ and GT-Line where power increases 16 kW to 146 kW with an unchanged 265 Nm of torque.

Claimed fuel consumption is 7.4L/100km.

The previous dual-clutch automatic transmission mated to the 1.6 engine has been replaced by an eightspeed torque converter auto that supplies drive to all four wheels through an on-demand AWD system.

SAFETY

Kia Seltos comes with an impressive list of advanced safety features including rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, blind spot collision avoidance, driver inattention alert, forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, with impact-sensing automatic door

unlocking.

In addition, all models get downhill brake control, front and rear parking sensors and two Isofix child seat anchor points.

DRIVING

Our test vehicle was the Seltos Sport+ with the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and new eight-speed torque-convertor automatic.

The first thing we noticed on take-off was how much smoother it was compared to the previous seven-speed dual-clutch system.

The upgraded 146kW engine has plenty of punch with minimal turbo lag off the line.

The steering feel is excellent and really does signal to the driver what is happening at the front of the car.

Multiple changes of direction on a twisting country road are made with ease.

It’s a neat little car to ride in and is generally as smooth and quiet as cars of this size around town.

However, it creates quite a racket on some motorway concrete surfaces and isn’t overly happy on country roads that are in poor condition.

As with all Kia models in Australia, the ride and handling characteristics of the car have been optimised to provide the experience Australian drivers have come to expect.

SUMMING UP

Kia has been steadily moving up the Australian sales ladder and now sits in a career-best third position.

While it’s still relatively new Seltos already accounts for around 11 per cent of

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE

S 2.0 FWD: $29,500

SPORT 2.0 FWD: $32,700

SPORT+ 2.0 FWD: $35,800

GT-LINE 2.0 FWD: $41,500

SPORT+ 1.6 AWD: $39,300

GT LINE 1.6 AWD: $44,900

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Kia dealer for drive-away prices.

SPECIFICATIONS (Kia Seltos GT-Line 1.6-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagon)

RATINGS:

Looks: 9/10; Performance: 8/10; Safety: 8/10; Thirst: 8/10; Practicality: 8/10; Comfort: 8/10; Tech: 8/10; Value: 8/10

company sales. The recent refresher keeps it right up there with the best in a highly-competitive market segment.

As with all Kia vehicles Seltos is covered by the company’s seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty together with seven years of capped price servicing and roadside assistance.

ENGINE:

Capacity: 1.598 litres

Configuration: Four cylinders in line

Maximum Power: 146 kW @ 6000 rpm

Maximum Torque: 265 Nm @ 1600 rpm

Fuel Type: Standard unleaded

Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 7.4 L/100km

CO2 Emissions: 175 g/km

STANDARD WARRANTY: Seven years / unlimited kilometres

■ MADE FOR STYLE: New Seltos has a chunky shape that’s at the forefront of small SUV design.

Myrtleford cutting event returns with 420 entries

THE fifth annual Alpine Regional Horseman’s Association Cutting Event is back, bigger and better than ever, according to president Steve Graves.

The free event is being held over four days star ting tomorrow and showcases the skill of riders and horses working with cattle.

It includes cutting one of the cattle from the herd within two and a half minutes to demonstrate to the two judges the rider and horse’s ability to keep it away from the herd for five to six turns.

President Steve Graves said he looks forward to the event every year as it continues to grow.

“It really does get bigger every year which is really exciting, we’ve got competitors coming from all over the country,” he said.

“I think it’s getting bigger because it’s difficult; it’s not an easy sport and you have to love it and love horses and working cattle and the more you get into it the more you’re addicted to it.

“I was in the Alpine Regional

Horseman’s Association right from the onset as one of the founding members and the cutting event is my thing as it’s one of my passions.

“The club stands behind me when we put it on each year and we’ve got a terrific following in our club and it’s become one of our main events.

“We’ll have food stalls as well as coffee and vendors selling things like leatherwork so we invite everyone to come and sit under the shady trees and watch some terrific cutting.

“We also love that feedback we’ve received shows that people stay in town for days and spend a lot of money here, it’s great to see.

“We’d like to extend a big thankyou to all the local sponsors, it’s a big thing for us and supports our event so much and just make it better.”

The event will be held from February 23 to 26 at the Myrtleford Showgrounds at the Recreation Reserve with Thursday kicking off at midday to 5pm and all other days star ting at 7.30am to 5pm.

La Fiera Young Ambassadors selected

THE La Fiera Italian Festival Myrtleford Young Ambassadors Scheme (YAS) have selected secondary school students Jaz Rossato, Nova Byrne, Krystal Hill, Jack Byrne, Sophie Sacco and Maddison Pasqualotto to represent the festival in 2023 as young ambassadors.

According to YAS founding mentor John Twyford, Ms Pasqualotto will be continuing as a young ambassador but elevated to YAS assistant coordinator this year, where she will learn behind-the-scenes coordination duties for the scheme.

The Young Ambassador Scheme involves the development of young people (16-25 years) in the alpine valleys community who are interested in personal growth through involve-

ment in community service and community leadership activities.

Those selected as ambassadors will undergo a short, part-time mentoring and learning program between February and May to prepare them for being ambassadors, guides and junior leaders at La Fiera.

“Each year, the young ambassadors become the face of La Fiera and bring new ideas and add vibrancy to the festival as they undertake their mission of making all guests feel welcome and happy to be part of it,” Mr Twyford said.

“Young ambassadors will have a range of duties that include promotional and media activities.

“They will be mentored in - among other things - Italian culture and tradi-

tions, the history of Italian families settling in the alpine valleys and environs, event planning and management, community leadership, conversation making and public speaking.”

According to Mr Twyford, the mentoring program is set to begin today and was preceded by a kick-off meeting on February 14.

The scheme ends with a thankyou dinner and the presentation of certificates of achievement.

Mr Twyford said the scheme sources its own funding, not relying on any funds obtained by festival organisers.

He said it costs around $5000 per year to run and full funding for 2023 is yet to be secured.

The La Fiera Italian Festival Myrtleford will run from May 19-21 2023.

YOUNG LEADERS: Secondary school students (from left) Jack Byrne, Sophie Sacco, Maddison Pasqualotto, Krystal Hill, Jaz Rossato, and Nova Byrne have been selected as La Fiera Italian Festival young ambassadors.

Rural City Connection

Council Meeting

The next Ordinary Meeting of Council will be held

Tuesday 28 February at 3pm.

The meeting will be held at Wangaratta Government Centre and members of the public will be able to attend in person. There is also the ability to watch live via Council’s YouTube channel or view a recording of the meeting: www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/councilonline

Questions can be submitted prior to the meeting by emailing council@wangaratta.vic.gov.au before 10am on 28 February. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the meeting.

Agenda/Items to be discussed can be found on council’s website from 4pm this Friday afternoonwww.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/agendas

Planning Applications

Application No

PlnApp16/132.04

Location Wangaratta-Eldorado Road, North Wangaratta

Proposal Use and Staged Development of Land for a Renewable Energy Facility and Removal of Native Vegetation

These applications can be viewed on Rural City of Wangaratta’s website under Development, Planning, Current Applications. Any person who may be affected by the granting of a permit may object or make a submission (must be in writing). For more information, please contact the Town Planning Unit on 03 5722 0888. Council will not decide these applications before Tuesday 14 March 2023

Please join us to celebrate International Women’s Day with Aunty Geraldine Atkinson and Sara Hely, dynamic changemakers who will empower our future generations by creating new social, economic and cultural codes for a gender equal future.

This inspiring event is on Thursday 9 March 2023 from 5.30pm – 7.30pm at the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre (Memorial Hall). Bookings are essential and can be made at www.trybooking.com/CFQWE

To thank you for supporting local businesses, from February to June 2023, we’re giving away monthly prizes (hampers valued at $250) and a grand prize valued at $1,000.

All you need to do is enter the prize draw via the QR code in the local businesses you shop with!

If you own or work for a local businesses and would like to help us spread the word while the competitions are running, please get in touch via (03) 5721 0888 or economicdevelopment@wangaratta.vic.gov.au

Thank you for shopping local!

Author Joe Matera to visit Wangaratta Library is excited to host Joe Matera for the first author event for 2023.

Joe is an Australian singer/songwriter, guitarist, recording artist, music journalist, radio broadcaster and author. His book, Backstage Pass: The Grit and the Glamour, takes readers to the artist’s dressing room as they prepare to entertain the masses and, in some cases, face their demons.

Please join Joe Matera at the Wangaratta Library on Friday 3 March at 6.30pm to hear his story from the world of rock and roll.

Bookings are essential and can be made by visiting Humanitx https://bit.ly/3DsR5Rd or by contacting library staff on 03 5721 2366 or library@wangaratta.vic.gov.au.

Positions vacant

The Mullinmur Wetlands Turtle Talk on Thursday 2 March kicks off March into Sustainability!

We are offering an exciting and diverse range of environmental sustainability events throughout the month of March, with topics ranging from biodiversity, waste, energy and more!

Many of these events are developed and facilitated in partnership with local community groups, with the aim to increase awareness of environmental issues in a hands-on and fun atmosphere and provide an opportunity to network with others who share the same interest. Please visit www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/march-into-sustainability

Tenders

E38696 Prosecco Road - Oxley Gateway Entrance Art Project EOI 1 – Readvertised

Tender closes at 2pm Wednesday 1 March 2023.

C39237 Vehicle Lease Tender

Tender closes at 2pm on Wednesday 22 Mar 2023

Further details of these tenders are available at https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/ Working-with-Council

Rural City of Wangaratta’s People & Governance team is undergoing a transformation to support organisation growth, lead new people strategy initiatives, and focus on supporting our people to grow and succeed. Key roles have been reviewed and created to fully equip the team and organisation with the talent we need, and to provide great career pathway opportunities within the team.

To expand your career and join a dynamic workforce, please review our list of new openings:

For more information, please visit https://clientapps.jobadder.com/46757/total-hrm or contact info@totalhrm.com.au

INPERSONBYPHONESELLING ACAR BUY ONLINE

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

WHENTO BOOK BYEMAIL

2

WANG’S ONLY 5 STAR CARWASH

the best CARWASH

22 - 24 Handley Street, Wangaratta

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of financial members of the Wangaratta RSL Sub-Branch Inc will be held in the 2/24th Inf Bn Function Room on Tuesday 28th March 2023 commencing at 5pm.

Nominations for Snr Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and 3 Committee positions will open on 1st March and close at 4.00pm on 15th March 2023.

Nomination forms and position details can be obtained from the Secretary. Email: secretary@wangarattarsl.org.au

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE A TELSTRA MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 4G/5G AT: LOT C PS808868, 31 MACQUARIE COURT WANGARATTA 3677

1. The proposal on the existing lattice tower consists of: The reconfiguration of existing Panel antennas to include additional 4G and 5G technologies Ancillary works including the installation of (6) Remote Radio Units and (3) Junction Boxes on the existing Telstra headframe, and internal works in the equipment shelter

2. Telstra regards the proposed installation as Low-impact Facilities under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the description above.

3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564: 2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Emily Wardlaw on behalf of Telstra, 0422 685 472, consultation@acquirecomm.com.au by Tuesday 14 March 2023. Further information can also be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3677006 Telstra Limited A.C.N 051 775 556

Acquirecomm Pty Ltd A.C.N: 603 876 240

NEW MASSAGE SHOP

Lavish Wellness Centre

69 Green Street, Wangaratta Ph: 0437 725 990

F: Lavish Wellness Centre

ACCOMMODATION WANTED

ACCOMMODATION WANTED

Looking for a 2 bedroom unit to rent in the Wangaratta Area

Looking to move in 21st – 23rd March

Employed/Self-Employed

Ph 0419 442 420

To Visit Visited

3/115 BURKE Street, Wangaratta, 8.30am Saturday. Must go, downgrading on stuff, please come and have a look.

To Visit Visited FEBRUARY 25, garage sale, 7am, 19 Brodie Street, Wangaratta. Selling everything, some items are free!

To Visit Visited GARAGE sale, Saturday 25th strictly 11am-6pm, Sunday 26th 9am-3pm, 21 Kingfisher Lane, Glenrowan. Furniture, fridge, brica-brac, conga drums.

To Visit Visited GARAGE sale, 8.30am to 4.30pm, Saturday 25 and Sunday 26, 1 Salisbury Street, Benalla. Everything must go, make a reasonable offier.

To Visit Visited HUGE garage sale over two locations, 32 Blackboy Lane and 167 Orchard Drive Hamilton Park, Glenrowan, Saturday, February 25, 8am-1pm. Household items, working electrical goods, books, furniture and lots more, no early callers.

To Visit Visited HUGE GARAGE SALE, lots of Tupperware (exdemonstrators), toys, books, baby and house items. 8am-12noon Saturday 25 February, 17 Kathleen Court, Wangaratta.

To Visit Visited MOVING house, Saturday, February 25, 8am to 12noon, 17 Collyn-Dale Drive Wangaratta. No marked prices just make an offer.

To Visit Visited SHED, house and yard clearout, Saturday, February 25, 7am, 90 Phillipson Street, Wangaratta - corner of Phillipson and Sadler Street.

To Visit Visited

3267 Snow Road, Whorouly, Saturday, 8am - 2pm. Household goods, plants, outdoor furniture, tools etc.

ED’S Lawn Mowing and Gardening, free quote, servicing Mansfield, Benalla and Wangaratta. Please call 0493 672 342.

ENVIRO LIQUID WASTE. Your locally owned and operated septic cleaning business. Servicing septics, grease traps, triple interceptors and winery waste. Phone Peter 0419 163 420.

LAWN MOWING, quality work at a competitive price.

Phone Paul 0431 945 320.

MARK’S LAWN

CARE. Reasonable prices, ride on mowing, edging, clean up, spraying, hard waste removal, rubbish removal and other services as needed. Ph 0472 603 156.

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

General Classifieds: wangarattachronicle.com.au

Employment: northeastjobs.com.au

Real Estate: northeastproperty.com.au

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

JOBS AT INDIGO

Governance

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS - DIPLOMA

We are seeking two enthusiastic Early Childhood Educators to join our growing team of early childhood professionals in delivering high quality early childhood education and care.

These positions will be part time/full time with commencement negotiable in the next 1-2 months. Successful applicants will be joining a committed and supportive organisation that will encourage your future development.

NERPSA welcomes applications from Aboriginal people, people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with a disability.

Applications close on Friday 10th March 2023.

A cover letter and resume with two referees should be submitted to hr@nerpsa.com.au or forwarded to:

ATTN: Human Resources Manager

North East Regional Preschool Association (NERPSA) PO Box 3048

Yarrunga VIC 3677

Contact Angelina at hr@nerpsa.com.au for more information, or www.nerpsa.com.au for a position description.

www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au

NERPSA is a child safe organisation and is committed to providing and actively promoting the safety and wellbeing of children in our services.

St Catherine’s Hostel Wangaratta Inc

Physiotherapist

PPT position or private contractor arrangement

LIFESTYLE ASSISTANT

Full Time – 76 hours

CLASSIFIEDS - 5723 0101

Phone Julian 0412 597 482. HOUSE CLEANER

Must be reliable and honest. References required. Milawa/Markwood area. Phone 0427 886 653

HC Truck Drivers

Full time and part time work for Grape Vintage.

Phone Bruce 0414 521 607

Hours negotiable and flexible St Catherine’s is a not for profit, private 72 bed aged care facility with ageing in place. We are seeking a qualified physiotherapist to join our team as an employee or alternatively, provide services through a contractual arrangement. Terms and conditions are in accordance with Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020

Essential Criteria:

Current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and the Physiotherapy Board of Australia; Bachelor of Physiotherapy (or equivalent);

Experience in physiotherapy treatment of adult/elderly patients

Ability to be responsible and responsive to a situation where a high level of professional autonomy exists

Current Police Check.

Desirable:

Previous experience in Aged Care Position Descriptions are available from Reception Mon – Fri 9.00am to 5.00pm

All enquiries and applications, including CV and current referees to: Email: caremanager@stcatherineshostel.org.au

Attn: Heila Brooks

2023

All applications will be managed with the strictest of confidentiality

St Catherine’s Hostel is a private not for profit 72 bed aged care facility with aging in place. We currently seek a full time Lifestyle Assistant committed to working in a caring team oriented environment.

Terms and conditions are in accordance with St Catherine’s Hostel Wangaratta Inc. (trading as St Catherine’s Hostel) ANMF and HSU Enterprise Agreement 2021

Essential Criteria: & activities programs

Desirable:

Reception Mon – Fri 9.00am to 5.00pm

All enquiries and applications, including CV and current referees to:

Email: caremanager@stcatherineshostel.org.au

Attn:

Telephone 03 5721 2243

Applications close 5.00pm March 23rd

All applications managed with the strictest of confidentiality

St Catherine’s Hostel Wangaratta Inc

OPEN DOOR NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE Positions available

ADULT LANGUAGE, LITERACY

Finance Manager

VPS Grade 5: $103,920 – $125,735 plus superannuation

Looking for security in your career? An ongoing vacancy exists within the Hume Region Finance Team, based in beautiful Northeast Victoria. Join the Department of Justice and Community Safety and enjoy working a supportive team environment.

About the role

- Manage and supervise a small team in the quality delivery of financial accounting, management accounting, budgets, and procurement

- Develop key stakeholder relationships and provide leadership, guidance and advanced expertise

- Ideally based from Shepparton or Wangaratta

Please send your resume and cover letter highlighting your experience and motivation for applying.

Apply today by visiting SEEK or careers.vic.gov.au and searching reference VG/3796. Applications close 28 February 2023.

Do you love Cheese?

We do and we are looking for a Full Time Retail Manager, a Part Time Retail Assistant and Casual Retail Assistants to work in our busy Cheese Shop in Milawa. Applications or further information should be sent to info@milawacheese.com.au

Applications to be forwarded to Loretta Waters coordinator@opendoornh.org.au

Phone: (03) 5721 9175

NIOA (BENALLA) with Australia’s leading Weapons and Munitions Provider

NIOA is an established and growing 100% Australian owned and operated company. Due to recent program successes, a newly formed role exists within the Maintenance division to assist with the everyday running of the business for Australia’s leading Weapons & Munitions business.

As a your responsibilities will include:

Maintain and update facility, equipment and maintenance drawings, procedures and associated documentation

Gathering, collating and storage of necessary electronic and hardcopy documents and information from various stakeholders – i.e. permits, insurance documentation

Preparation and management of work permits and authorisations (hot works permits etc.) with relevant supervision of stakeholders and contractors

Coordinate and oversee work carried out by contractors and service providers and undertake appropriate minor maintenance tasks

Support the Maintenance Manager with reporting and other performance monitoring and measurement tasks

Comply with internal and customer policy frameworks and standards

Ensure pre works planning, including sourcing materials, tools, equipment etc. is completed to a high standard

Ensure all activities are conducted in accordance with NIOA systems & procedures and to the relevant technical standards

The successful applicants will ideally have demonstrated experience and a track record in a similar role. Other desirable skills and experience include:

years of experience is desirable

Knowledge of industrial equipment (e.g., rotating machines, electrical equipment, instrumentation, HVAC systems etc.) is essential

Advanced experience in Mechanical, Electrical and Pneumatic 2D drawings, and knowledge with Draftsight or AutoCAD is essential

Experience with a CMMS (ideally Pronto) is desirable

Experience in a manufacturing, mining and Hazardous Areas environment or similar is required

suite, 2D CAD drafting (Draftsight or similar) and PDF software

The successful applicant will be offered a highly attractive remuneration package proportionate to their skills and experience. The ability to obtain a Defence security

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people encouraged to apply as well as Defence veterans

Wangaratta

Chronicle Cadet Journalist Career Opportunity

Full time 38 hours per week

North East Media, publisher of the award winning Wangaratta Chronicle, is currently seeking expressions of interest from motivated candidates to join the team in Wangaratta as a cadet journalist.

The cadetship is ideally suited for a Year 12 graduate.

It is for three years, including course study by correspondence from Deakin University.

The successful candidate will learn how to write clear, concise and interesting news, sport and feature stories for our newspaper and associated digital and social media platforms.

We are searching for a budding writer who has the skills, passion and determination to be a journalist of the future.

Candidates must have excellent verbal and written English, sound computer skills, solid general knowledge, a genuine interest in the local community, and an ability to build rapport and networks quickly. You will need to be well organised, able to work to deadlines, and have strong attention to detail.

Candidates must hold a valid driver’s licence, be available to work flexible hours, and photography and social media skills are desirable.

North East Media is a leading independent family-owned media group with a commitment to community journalism.

Applications, including covering letter and resume, should be emailed to Group Editor Jeff Zeuschner at jzeuschner@nemedia.com.au

CASUAL WAREHOUSE/ FORKLIFT OPERATOR

Warehouse/Forklift Operators are required to fill crucial roles in our busy winery warehouse, which is based in Milawa, North East Victoria.

Experience required, immediate start.

About us: Brown Family Wine Group, a family-owned multi brand wine business, is one of Australia’s most loved and trusted wine companies. With premium vineyards in Victoria and Tasmania, our family of wines has grown to five brands - Brown Brothers, Devil’s Corner, Pirie, Tamar Ridge and Innocent Bystander. We are looking to develop our business through our diverse and exciting portfolio.

About the role: This is a crucial role which has shared responsibility for the efficient movement of all stock, components, and materials to support business requirements across the Packaging, Export and Warehouse teams by ensuring deliveries are dispatched on time and quality standards are met.

What’s required: You will be an experienced forklift operator with a mechanical aptitude and the flexibility to work some shift work. An understanding of basic warehousing principles and practices would be a bonus. You will be physically fit and bring a positive “can do” attitude.

If you enjoy a busy warehouse environment and possess the attributes outlined above, we would love to hear from you. Scan the QR code below to apply.

Alexandra Community Hub (RTO No. 3730) is Trainer/Assessor to deliver CHC33015

If you have a passion for adult education, we would love to hear from you.

Assessment.

Current industry skills, preferably currently working in the caring sector.

INSURANCE SALES SUPPORT OFFICER (Part Time) WANGARATTA

Elders insurance, operating over one hundred years, is one of Australia’s largest regional and rural insurance services and operates an agency network distributing general insurance products to regional and rural clients.

Elders Insurance Wangaratta is the Elders Insurance agency in Wangaratta where we have a vacancy for an Insurance Sales Support Officer. As an employee of Elders Insurance Wangaratta your major duties will include: business, renewals etc. credit control.

To be successful in this role you must be able to display the following skills:

Ideally you will also have, or be happy to undertake training in Australian Financial or Tier 2 accreditation.

Additionally, you will be able to obtain

This position offers you a career opportunity with a leading Elders Insurance franchise and a competitive remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful applicant.

position description may be directed to: John Houghton ph. 0407 303 691.

John Houghton 24 Rowan street

Email: john.houghton@elders.com.au

Applications close February 28, 2023

SEEKING FEMALE NANNY

Seeking experienced female nanny for delightful 4 year old boy and 1 year old girl. Hours 8.30am5.30pm one or more days Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu. Will include kinder pick-ups. Car desirable but not necessary. Hourly rate negotiable if willing to help with domestic chores.

Send brief cover letter/resume and contact details to Adam at PO Box 802, Wangaratta 3676.

PARAPLANNER/FINANCIAL PLANNING ASSISTANT

An opportunity has become available for a Paraplanner/Financial Planning Assistant to join our growing Financial Planning practice in Wangaratta. For full job details please see seek.com.au/job/60368047.

Vacancies

2015 Holden Cruz e Equipe Sedan, auto, petrol, 102,165km, rego till January 2024 (1DD3ZC), new tyres, recently serviced and new brakes, has RWC, ANCAP 5, $13,000. Call Damian 0427 800 016.

For further details and employment opportunities visit northeasthealth.org.au/careers

Program Development & Project Support

(12-month contract –view to extend)

We are looking for a motivated self-starter with innovative ideas and creativity, along with administration and people skills, to join our team.

The successful applicant will undertake program and activity development and promotional tasks, to meet the needs of our Hub and current project. This will include creating social media marketing content, updating our website and creating print material.

This role will require excellent administration, communication and organizational skills to engage with stakeholders, members of our community and to support our Project Worker.

ENDORSED ENROLLED

NURSES (Residential Aged Care)

Permanent Part Time Contracts available, EFT Negotiable.

HEALTH & ALLIED ASSISTANT (Planned Activity Group)

Casual Contract

Application instructions can be found on our website.

For further information please contact Angela Clement, Director Clinical Services-(03)5728 0316

Closing Date: 03/03/2023

As we are an Aged Care Facility, the COVID 19 vaccinations and booster vaccination is mandatory for all staff. A copy of your covid19 vaccination status is required upon application. All staff who work in our residential aged care units also require a current NDIS check To apply and for full details on the positions, please log on to: www.beechworthhealthservice.com.au

WE ARE HIRING!

RECEPTIONIST / SALES SUPPORT POSITION AVAILABLE!

Due to growth in our company we are seeking an enthusiastic and ambitious individual to join our team on a full time basis.

The successful applicant must have exceptional customer service skills, be prepared to undertake ongoing professional development and be a part of a team. Having existing experience in the real estate industry is preferred but not essential, we can provide training for you and assist with obtaining your real estate qualifications! Preferred applicants will have:

communication skills

and ability to build personal client relationships confidence

If you are ready for a rewarding career in real estate and want to work in a fun team, please forward your cover letter and resume to Rob Bell, rob@morrisbros.com.au.

information about this role, please do not hesitate to contact Rob on 0447 347 971.

29 Rowan Street, Wangaratta

This is a permanent part-time position of 15 hours per week over two days, with some additional hours as agreed. This is funded position for 12 months, with the view to extending.

For further information, to obtain a position description or to submit an application, please contact our Executive Officer Tennille Hall on 5721 3813 or email coordinator@pangerang.org.au.

Applications close on Friday 3rd March 4pm.

Pangerang Community Hub is a child safe organization.

2004 Holden Commodore Berlina, Series 2, red, excellent condition, 210,000km, new Michelin tyres, tow bar, reg (SUO693). Ph 0408 579 394, Wangaratta.

MAZDA BT 50 XTR

2014 3.2L turbo diesel, 6 speed auto, 4 X 4, 186,000 km, rego to January 2024 (1CP8SR), RWC, UHF radio, dual battery, electric trailer brakes, bull bar, canopy, r oof racks, PRICE R EDUCED FROM $27,000 TO $25,000.

Ph Alan 0499 087 598.

Figs $4/kg

Quinces $2.50/kg Jams, sauces and chutneys.

SMITHS GLENROWAN

ORCHARDS

Open weekends 8am-5pm or by arrangement 0408 597 770.

GORGEOUS Pedigree red and brown miniature p oodle puppies, excellent temperaments, registered breeder, vet checked, vaccinated and microchipped, Wangaratta. Source number: RB101993, microchip numbers: 991003001958965, 991003001958879, 991003001958880. Phone (03) 5727 0595 or 0427 886 653 and a new litter is expected soon.

FREE Range Hens, ISA Brown Pullets, POL, $27 each. Phone Becky or Hugh on 5798 1868.

BALINESE style wooden cabinet, 40” television with CD

Ph 0447 526 403.

TYRES new and secondhand, trailer, rims, wreckiing. New hours 9am to 5pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 44 Newman Street, Wangaratta. Ph 0428 257 221. Adzam Tyres.

TOOL BOX Rhino, made in Australia, reduced to $160, 50% off retail. In Warby Street, Wangaratta, ph 5721 2583 or email rmwf47@bigpond.com

2018 Holden Commodore Lt Zb Liftback Auto MY18, 2.0lt turbo petrol, Apple car play/Android auto, reverse camera, auto park, lane assist, r emote start, keyless entry, 57,500km, exexecutive car and then 1 owner, reg till April 2023 (1OO7EY), RWC can be supplied, full service history, $25,000 ono, inspections welcome, more photos on Facebook, located in Wangaratta. Phone Rachael 0400 432 077.

2011 FORD FALCON Ute, XR6, limited edition FG, auto, super cab, 108,000km, RWC, 8 months reg, (YLD597), $24,500. Ph 0412 543 949.

Advertise your car, boat, caravan, bike or trailer across all North East Media newspapersfor

Motoring Get $42

SOLD

Conditions apply.

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

CARAVANS & CAMPERS

OUTBACK, neat as a new pin and ready to go for your Easter getaway, this offroad 16’ pop up caravan comes with full ensuite, double bed (and quality linen), 2 gas bottles, stone guard, solar panel, 2 water tanks, air con, microwave and TV included, 3 way fridge, JTech independent suspension, large front tool box and recently serviced, reg July 23, $47,000. Ph 0408 579 371, Bright area.

2017 JAYCO OFFROAD STARCRAFT

DENT, Phil.

February 24, 1960

Today you would have been 63, I’ll have a beer for you.

Miss ya mate.

~ George.

Cherished Memories

DEATH NOTICES

DIECKMANN (nee Mc Donald), Jennifer Ann. 29/11/1957 – 18/2/2023

Dearly loved wife of Colin. Devoted mother to Shane, Mark, Phillip and Linda. Adored Nana.

Always in our hearts.

DIECKMANN, Jenny. Wish we didn’t have to say goodbye, our hearts are broken. You were our families rock and the glue that held us all together. We love and miss you so much.

~ Love you always and forever Shane, Karen and Jarrod.

FINLAYSON, Ivan George.

It is with great sadness that we announce that Ivan has passed away peacefully on February 20, 2023. Aged 82 years.

Much loved husband to Margaret, devoted father to Terri and Glenn, loved father-in-law to Chris and Jodie, adored Pa to Henry, Jack and Ruby. Forever in our hearts. Rest in peace.

FINLAYSON, Ivan George.

Deepest sympathy on the loss of my dear brother-in-law Ivan. I will miss you but you remain in my heart and memories for all of the good and bad times our family shared. Your suffering is now over and you can now rest peacefully for eternity. God bless.

Deepest sympathy to my sister Margaret and all family.

~ Love to you all, Helen Miller.

FINLAYSON, Ivan George.

With much sadness we say goodbye to our much loved Ivan. He fought the good battle through the many ups and downs of life but throughout he enriched our lives in so many ways. You are gone now but never forgotten and remain always in our hearts and memories, we will miss you so much. Rest peacefully now.

Deepest sympathy to Margaret, Terri and Chris, Glenn and Jodie, Henry, Jack and Ruby.

~ With our love, thoughts and prayers. David and Pina, Leigh and Natasha, Holly, Daniel and Nicole.

FINLAYSON, Ivan.

The members of the Probus Club of Wangaratta West Combined would like to extend their deepest sympathies to Margaret and family on their bereavement.

Ivan will be sadly missed by our Probus club members.

GILBERT, Eileen Verna,(Aunt).

Passed away peacefully at Illoura Aged Care, Wangaratta on Tuesday, February 21, 2023. Aged 82 years.

Much loved Aunt to Debbie, adored Aunt to Mark. Cherished Aunt to Marcus, Nickolas, Christopher, and grandchildren.

God looked upon his garden, And then he looked upon you, He saw your smiling face. He put his arms around you, And called you home to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful, Because he only takes the best.

GILBERT, Eileen Verna AUNT

May the winds of heaven blow softly and whisper in your ear, how much we love you and wish you were here.

Cherished Aunty of Julie and Mick. Much loved Great Aunt of Brieanah, Tayla and Mackenzie. Forever in our hearts.

GILBERT, Eileen.

WEBB, Maurice. Passed away February 16, 2023. We have shared some special times together over the years that has left lovely memories. Sympathies to Ailsa and family.

~ Margaret and Kevin (dec) Fox and family.

FUNERALS

DIECKMANN

The Funeral Service to Celebrate the Life of Jenny Dieckmann will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Friday, March 3, 2023 commencing at 10.30am. The funeral will leave at the conclusion of the service for the Wangaratta Cemetery for burial.

Mason Park Funerals

FINLAYSON

The service to celebrate the life of Ivan Finlayson will be held in the Mason Park Chapel on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, commencing at 2pm. In lieu of flowers a donation in memory of Ivan to the Wangaratta Private Hospital would be appreciated.

Donations can be made online at www.lifelived.com.au/notices/ivanfinlayson/ A private cremation will follow this service.

A memorial gift can live on forever

GILBERT

The Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Eileen Gilbert will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 commencing at 10.30am. Burial will follow at the Wangaratta General Cemetery. Eileen’s Funeral service can be viewed via livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/livestreaming

WEBB

The Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Mr Maurice Webb will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Friday March 3, 2023 commencing at 2pm. A private burial will have preceded this Service.

Maurice’s Memorial Service may be viewed via livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming

Personal Notices

GILBERT, Eileen.

Rest in peace Eileen. Loving life memories.

~ Marcia Nelson (Greski).

BURNS, Brian William (Ben). 20/1/1936-25/2/2021

Two years has passed. Miss you dearly, it doesn’t get any easier.

~ Love Barbie & The Burns Clan.

Send a memorial donation to Northeast Health Wangaratta to help fund ongoing health services in your local community. You can also assist by remembering Northeast Health Wangaratta in your will. For more information please contact ourCommunity Engagement Team (03) 5722 5069 or PO Box 386, Wangaratta, Vic 3676.

JUBILEE GOLF CLUB

THURSDAY, February 16

Stroke

Winner: Liane Graham 74.

Ball winners: Marilyn Pane 76.

NTP: 8th Marilyn Pane, 13th Chris Boseley.

Saturday, February 18

Stableford

Winner: Liz Banister 41.

Ball winners: Carolyn Jeffrey (2)

38, Chris Boseley 36, Di Murphy 33.

NTP: 4th Ali Comensoli, 8th Ali Comensoli, 13th Liz Banister, 17th Di Murphy.

Saturday, February 18

Stableford

A Grade Winner: Dylan Pool 37. B

Grade Winner: Jim Moore 38. C Grade

Winner: Peter Ford 40.

38.

D Grade Winner: Markus Angehrn

Ball Winners:Stan Goldsworthy

(2) 38, Pat Ernst 37, Peter Sawyer 36, Wayne Hibberson 36, Hamish Lewis

36, Joe Marjaovic 36, Andrew Skewes

35, Neville Hogan 35, Terry Docherty

35, Charl Demink 35, Ray Hyland 35, Doug Ritchens 35, Dave Richards 34, Steve Smith 34, Jeff Hemphill 34. Eagle on 9th Hole To Charl DeMink.

Super Nine

Club Shirt: Lee Freeland 24.

Aroma Deli: Jim Moore 22.

2 Balls: Jack Reiter 22.

NTP: 4th Gary Butler, 8th Alex Jones, 13th Pat Ernst, 17th Eric Smith.

Sunday, February 19

Stableford

A Grade: Wayne Hibberson 40. B

Grade: Trevor Morris 43.

Ball winners: Martin Hill (2) 39, Peter Turner 37, Mark Currie 36, John Broz 35, Jacob Schonafinger 34.

NTP: 4th Wayne Hibberson, 8th Jacob Schonafinger, 13th Jacob Schonafinger.

Monday, February 20

Stableford Vets

A Grade: Ian Dinsdale 36. B Grade: Bill O’Brien 36. C Grade: Bill Slade 33.

Ball winners: Pat Ernst 36, Michael Baillie 34, Laurie Miller 34, Keith Moorhead 34, Attila Kungl 33, Corrie Haring 32.

NTP: 4th Gerard O’Brien, 8th Attila Kungl, 13th Bill Slade,17th Keith Moorhead.

WANGARATTA GOLF CLUB

WGC Competitions: Week ending February 19

Men’s Competition

February 15

9 hole Stableford

Winner: Craig Donoghue 24 Points.

Runner Up: Bill Griffiths 18 Points.

Ball Winners: Keith Fleet 17 C/B Points, David Lawson 17.

18 hole Stableford

Winner: Steve Baertschiger 38 Points. Runner Up: Laurie Miller 37 C/B Points.

Ball Winners: Dean Campagna, Trevor Clark, Ray Hutton, Matt Nicolosi.

NTP: 4th Dean Campagna, 9th Kurt Schubert, 11th Laurie Miller, 13th Trevor Trimble.

Men’s Championship Round 1. Stroke 18 Holes

February 18

A Grade Winner: Trevor Cooper 68

Points. A Grade Runner Up: Trevor Clark 70 Points. B Grade Winner: Phill Winnell Jake Burns 64 Points.

B Grade Runner up: Zac Cunneen 68 Points.

Ball Winners: Jason McCoy, Peter Crawford, Hayden Johnston, Ray Hutton, Lachy Moore, Darren Hovey, Craig Henwood, Rod Godde, Bill Dodd.

NTP: 4th Glenn Burns, 7th Mark White, 9th Jason McCoy, 11th Glen

Seymour, 13th Rod Moyle, 16th Rod Moyle.

Secret 6: Jake Burns.

Birdies: Ashley Clayton, Craig Henwood x 2.

Eagle: Lachy Moore.

Raffle: David Lawson.

TARRA GOLF CLUB

TARRAWINGEE Golf Club results Saturday, February 18.

The members played a par event with the winner being Glen Simmons -1.

Runner up on a countback was Mark Nolan from Manny Tanirau and Ken Miller all on -2.

Nearest the pins: 4th Mark Nolan, 8th Leo McCoy.

The event to be played on Saturday February 25 TBA.

Hit off times for Saturdays are 8:30am roll up for a 9:00am start.

New members are always welcome at the Tarrawingee Golf Club.

The contact number is 0428122590 or by contacting a member of the club.

Tarra ladies: Tarrawingee Ladies played a 9-hole stableford event in the heat on Tuesday, February 21.

Winner was Di MCLaughlin, with 19 points.

Runner up was Audrey Bradfield with 18 points.

CROQUET

RESULTS for Monday, February 20

are as follows:

Elaine Mudge and Joan Dyson d Yvonne McLaughlin and Angela Killingsworth 7/5, Margaret Bennett and Nathan Reynolds d Ian Day and Maureen O’Keefe 7/3, Joan Guttormsen and Robyn Muller d Gavan Kelly and Terry Wilson 7/6, Lauren Kazenwadel and Janet Kelly d Elise Downes and Heather Gulbin 6/5.

On Wednesday morning, Terry Wilson after a slow start defeated Lauren Kazenwadel and Joan Guttormsen 26/17 in a game of ricochet croquet,

On Wednesday evening, 11 members and a visitor from Benalla

enjoyed the cooler conditions playing three games before the twilight faded.

Playing times are Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 8:30am and Wednesday (twilight) at 6pm. Ricochet will commence at 7:30am each Wednesday until further notice. Visitors are welcome.

Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow for the draw to be done.

Late arrivals will be included in the next game.

For further information please contact one of the numbers listed below.

President Janet Kelly 0429166016 or secretary Terry Wilson on 0417326739.

PICKLEBALL

RESULTS round 15:

Section: 1

Tim Oliver 45 - 26, Bryan Wilson 40 - 31, Carol O’Brien 34 - 37, John Lowes 23 - 48.

Section: 2

Klaus Kazenwadel 48 - 23, Neville Bell 35 - 36, Russel O,Brien 32 - 39, Tim Dickinson 27 - 44.

Section: 3

Tracy Loyst 44 - 35, Steve Johnston 42 - 37, Stefan Anderson 41 - 38, Ken Gaudion 21 - 4.

Best 14 scores: Kazenwadel, Klaus 517/483, Oliver, Tim 498/376, Bell, Neville 493/472, Wilson, Bryan 491/406, Loyst, Tracy 442/476, Dickinson, Tim 402/428, O’Brien, Carol 359/288, Johnston, Steve 335/330, Cripps, Graeme 332/302, Anderson, Stefan 283/221, Gaudion, Ken 264/305, Menon, Shankar 241/215, Goudie, Les 229/233, Lowe, Rob 212/208, Hibbert, Amanda 212/237, Jamieson, Chris 205/218, Rogers, Ken 204/250, Reid, Jennifer 197/308, Reid, Nancy 162/174, Chivers, Tyson 132/79, Reid, Michael 124/145, Hanratty, Mandy 91/67, O,Brien, Russel 72/76, Wearne, Andrea 68/72, Wilson, Hunter 67/91, Frezzini, Robyn 57/83, Jenkin, Teague 48/29, Perrin, Laurence 48/33, Boyd, Noel 44/87, McKenzie, Leanne 42/34, Birch, Shannon 39/37,

Dinning, Tanya 38/43, Myles, Ken 30/39, Allen, Geoff 28/44, Lowes, John 23/48, Lattila, Gisela 23/48, Newton, Marg 23/9.

WAREENA PARK BOWLS

WAREENA Park Bowls recently held their ladies singles championship.

Finalists were defending champion Alice Dobson and first time participant Gerda Vincent.

Both players started slowly and after five ends Alice led 6-2.

At this stage Alice hit her straps and bowled extremely well to lead 13-4 after 10 ends.

Gerda tried hard to get back into the match but Alice had all the answers and ran out an easy winner 26-5.

Alice went on to represent the club at the Ovens and Murray champion of champions held at Corowa RSL where she performed admirably by reaching the third round.

WARBY WALKERS

MOUNT St Bernard Weekend February 17 to 19

Twenty-six members gathered at the Wangaratta Ski Club Lodge at Mount St Bernard for the annual high country weekend.

On Friday afternoon a short walk up nearby Mt Smythe proved a warm-up for the weekend.

Soon after, storm clouds burst, blotting out the magnificent mountain views from the lodge windows, but providing an enthralling display of lightning and torrential rain.

On Saturday we walked Cobungra Ditch, an artificial waterway that provided a source of water for gold mining operations in this area, and in the modern era provides a 10.5km walk.

Half the group preferred to do the one-way hike with a car shuttle; the other half opted for the full circuit, returning via the Brabralung crosscountry ski trail to complete 18km.

One of the walks on Sunday was a loop of The Twins, just south of the ski lodge.

It was a perfect sunny morning on top of the mountains as ten walkers chose to undertake this walk.

This hike was challenging in numerous places, but worthwhile for the spectacular views on such a fine summer’s day in the high country.

Another group headed out towards the environs of Dibbins Hut, turning around before that big descent down to the Hut, and the Cobungra River.

We all look forward to these High Country weekends, especially when conditions in Wangaratta heat up.

Wangaratta Ski Lodge proved almost the perfect venue.

Coming Events

Sunday, March 5 Wahgunyah River Trail

John, 0417 391 044

An easy to medium loop walk of about 13km walking along bush and walking tracks in the shade of Australia’s favourite tree, the River Red Gums.

This walk takes in the Willows Trail, the Tommy McRae Track and Grantham’s Bend alongside the mighty Murray River.

Tuesday, March 7

Full Moon Walk, Everton

Cecily, 0490 024 471

Under the full moon, an easy walk of 8km, or a return medium walk of about 16km partially along the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail from Everton Station to Everton for dinner at the pub.

Saturday, March 18

Mount Samaria

Jeanette, 0417 546 974

An easy to medium loop walk of about 7km from the Spring Creek Picnic Area, taking in the sawmill kiln ruins and the ruins of the Tramway Braking Station.

Includes a descent along Lightning Track, returning to the picnic area, or a medium loop walk of about 14km which also includes the climb, and a steep descent of Mount Samaria before returning to the picnic area.

Walking mostly on bush tracks, part on gravel roads in Mount Samaria State Park.

DROP: Ian Mills rolls a putt at the Jubilee Golf Club on Wednesday.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

CONNOR DELANY

WANGARATTA Chronicle photographers Kurt Hickling made his way down to WDCA junior cricket and Melissa Beattie to soccer to capture some of sport’s best moments. Photographs can be purchased at the Chronicle.

MITCH FELDTMANN

RAFF MOLINARO

OSCAR O’KEEFFE

BIANCA MULQUEEN

LUKE NICHOLSON

MITCH FRANCIS

MATILDA AGGENBACH

WILLIAM PETERSON

COREY PETERSON

DEAN KELLY

Wangaratta & District Cricket Association

PREVIEWS: Saturday, February 25 2022/23

Rovers United Br uck to Bruck to push for for outright

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

AFTER securing a result in just 56 overs last week, current top of the table A grade squad Rovers United Bruck will aim to lock in an outright victory when their match with Delatite continues tomorrow.

The Hawks knocked Delatite over for 65 runs from 45.3 overs on the turf at WJ Findlay Oval last week, before opening batters Koot Pienaar (99*) and Luke Whitten (28*) proceeded to hammer the bowling attack all over the ground, passing the target in the 11th over.

Rovers United Bruck ended the day’s play at 0/139.

Skipper Paddy McNamara said it was always pleasing to secure a result on the opening day of a twodayer.

“It’s always good to get back home, it was our first game there for a couple of months, we love playing at home,” he said.

“There was a bit in the track, there’s a fair bit of grass on it so it was pretty green and being under covers all night Friday night, there was a little bit in it when you bent the back, but we still bowled really

well and batted really well on it.”

Pienaar was unfortunately stranded on 99 overnight, despite a dramatic final delivery of the day.

“It was pretty crazy - he usually likes to know what he’s on so I ran out there, said he was on 88 with two overs to go but he was absolutely stuffed and I didn’t think he was going to do it,” McNamara said.

“He tried his best to run himself out a couple of times and somehow got to 96 with a ball to go and he smoked one down to fine leg.

“There was a great chase by a

young fella from Delatite who kept it in, and they scrambled and got back for the fourth - then the umpire turned around and called it a short run.

“Unfortunately he’s stranded on 99 which is not a bad score to be on but I think he would’ve loved to have made his ground on one of the runs.

“He’s a pretty calm and composed lad so he has a bit of a laugh about it, but he’ll be pretty determined to pick up where he left off on Saturday.”

With finals just around the corner and the Wangaratta Magpies nipping at their heels, McNamara said it was as important as ever to secure an outright win with as many points as possible.

“We definitely won’t declare overnight - it would be pretty rude to Koot to leave him stranded on 99,” he said.

“We’ll play it by ear, we’ll see what kind of total we can get to.

“It would be good to have another bowl, especially on our new deck, so we’ll definitely be looking

Ovens Valley in the box seat

By WILLSON MACK

OVENS Valley United will be banking on a fast start in their quest to knock over Beechworth tomorrow.

Last weekend the Wanderers were bowled out after 59.3 overs leaving plenty of time for Ovens Valley United to bat on day one which saw them take their score to 1/66 off 12 overs at the end of play.

After their productive day one, the Tigers will resume on Saturday in a strong position to record their fifth win for the year and stay in the finals hunt.

Ovens Valley skipper Dylan Bursill is backing his side in to get the job done.

“It was a good start last

weekend, once we saw off the Surrey boys (Brenton and Kayde) the game turned our way,” Bursill said.

“Brenton batted really well (61 off 149) which seems to be the norm against us and Kayde (48 off 81) was looking good as well so luckily once we got them out the game turned in our favour.

“Josh Newton (55 off 46 not out) then came out for us and had a bit of a dip because he didn’t think he’d be available for this weekend but it’s looking like he might be able to bat a few hours on Saturday now.”

Bursill said Newton’s intent was a lesson for all batters.

“He just didn’t do anything silly, there were no risky shots,” Bursill said.

“He hit the bad balls and kept the good ones out so he’s batting really well at the moment.

“We’ve still got some good players below him who will hopefully do the job on Saturday though.”

The Tigers decided to bat the impressive Harkaran Mann down the order after a productive week at Country Week but he shapes as a game winner on day two of the clash.

“We’ve started well but by no means have we pencilled this one in,” Bursill said.

“They’ve got some good bowlers with Kayde and Richie Worcester but we’ll back our batters like Cooper Thomason and Kane Fitzpatrick who will come in

through the middle.

“We’ve still got ‘Hark’ to come as well, we thought we’d give him a bit of a rest last weekend after the massive week he’d had at Country Week.”

The stakes are made even higher due to the fact that the two teams are only separated by a point with the Tigers just sitting ahead in fourth.

“It’s a must-win game,” Bursill said.

“A win will pretty much take us two wins clear of Beechworth and then Yarrawonga (third place) play Rovers United Bruck next weekend so anything could happen.

“We know our season is on the line so we have to get the job done.”

to send Delatite back in.

“I think the benefit of finishing on top this year is just huge, you just never know what’s going to happen with the weather.

“Obviously the ‘Maggies’ are in a really good position as well and they’re coming up pretty hard behind us, so we’ve got to keep playing our best cricket, focus on what we can control, and hopefully everything falls our way.”

Rovers United Bruck will resume their innings at WJ Findlay Oval on 139 without loss.

IN FORM: Josh Newton will be looking to build on his

out this weekend.

PHOTO: Janet Watt

SO CLOSE: Rovers United Bruck opener Koot Pienaar will be looking for at least one more run tomorrow, after spending the past week stuck on 99 not out.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Qualification barrier dropped for

B, C grade finals

THE B and C grade finals series in the Wangaratta and District Cricket Association have been shaken up, following a rule change passed down from the WDCA executive on Wednesday.

For this season, in order to qualify for finals, players will only need to have played four days of club cricket (juniors and/ or seniors), instead of the normal six days as set forth under rule 13d of the WDCA rulebook.

In a post on the association’s Facebook page, the WDCA said the rule was amended for the 2022/23 season due to three washed out/ abandoned games earlier in the season, teams receiving three byes each in C grade, and a number of forfeited matches.

Brisbourne plots Hell Queen path to success

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

BEN Brisbourne has a special horse on his hands although victory is yet to come for Hell Queen.

The two-year-old filly is placed in all three starts thus far, most recently receiving runner-up honours to Maharba in last Saturday’s twoyear-old $175,000 Talindert Stakes at Flemington.

Hell Queen was backed in heavily late in the 1100m sprint, falling from $21 to $10 and would have just about pulled off an outstanding victory if she didn’t get trapped on the fence at the 400m mark.

She found a run with 150m to go and hit the line hard but unfortunately fell a length short of the victor.

Brisbourne said it’s more encouraging signs for the juvenile

“It was definitely promising signs for her,” he said.

“To be first-up in a good field and be really unlucky to not win shows that her placing in a group race last prep wasn’t a fluke.

“She’ll move on to bigger and better things now.”

Brisbourne said jockey Craig Williams believed the daughter of Hell Bent would have gone close to winning had she had a decent run.

“She just couldn’t get out quick enough unfortunately,” he said.

“When she did get out she got good momentum and hit the line hard which was good to see.

“Craig Williams said if they had gotten out 50m earlier it might’ve been a different story.

“He’s (Williams) booked for her next two rides.”

The rising sprinter is already placed in group races having finished third in the group three Ottawa Stakes last November in an outstanding start to her racing career.

The Talindert is traditionally a solid stepping-stone towards the Blue Diamond Stakes but Brisbourne decided against nominating the filly for the premier twoyear-old race.

Brisbourne has Hell Queen’s plan plotted out with the end goal being the group three Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes at Flemington on March 11.

“She’ll go to a maiden race at Bendigo and then we’ll look towards the

Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes at Flemington,” he said.

“We didn’t nominate her for the Blue Diamond because she wasn’t much of a horse at the start of the season and we didn’t think she’d be doing well as a two-year-old.”

Brisbourne will take a team of four to Moonee Valley tonight with She’s Rich Enuff (race one), Forest Diamond (race three), Secret Sheema (race seven) and Kooled (race eight) all trying their hand in the under the city lights.

“I’d like to think we’re going to the city with all a chance to run top three or four,” he said.

“She’s Rich Enuff ran well in a

maiden at Wodonga last start and we feel like she’ll improve off that run as well.

“Forest Diamond has been disappointing in trackwork but she’s good enough to be competitive from barrier one.

“Secret Sheema is also running from barrier one and she’s suited third up at 2040m, hopefully, with a bit of luck she can win.

“And Kooled has also drawn barrier one which is good for him, he probably needs the run first-up but he’s coming into himself and he’s a class horse so I wouldn’t be surprised if, with a bit of luck, he might run over the top of them.”

The B and C grade semifinals kick off on Saturday, March 18.

New season of grants for sporting clubs

VICTORIAN community sporting groups can kick off their 2023 season with State Government funding now available for uniforms, equipment, training and club development.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence last week announced applications are open for the latest round of the Sporting Club Grants Program.

“We’re backing more clubs to purchase uniforms and equipment and investing in their future through training and development,” she said.

“These grants provide a real boost for clubs and communities, allowing more Victorians to get involved in the sports they love.”

Grants of up to $1000 are available for uniforms and participation equipment, up to $2,000 for training of coaches, officials and volunteers, and up to $5,000 to create new participation initiatives and improve club operational effectiveness.

Previous grant recipients include Moe/Newborough Baseball Club scoring $5,000 to develop a strategic plan to build on club participation, and Swan Hill Little Athletics Centre receiving $2,000 to upskill its volunteer coaches.

For more information and to apply for Sporting Club Grants Program visit sport.vic.gov.au/grantsand-funding.

MIGHTY CLOSE: Hell Queen (white) was narrowly beaten in Saturday’s Talindert Stakes in a gutsy display.

PROMISING: Ben Brisbourne’s Hell Queen has had an impressive start to her racing career.

PHOTO: Racing Photos

Registrations open for social tennis night

WANGARATTA Lawn Tennis Club invites all interested people, regardless of tennis experience, to come down to the fantastic lawn courts and have a hit on Friday, March 3.

The social night, open for members and non-members alike, was organised to promote the club’s impeccable facilities at Merriwa Park.

WLTC president Barry Sullivan said he hoped a social hit would bring people who were on the fence about playing right onto the courts.

“This is a night where new and existing players can come down to the club to experience the facilities, meet some new people, play some tennis and enjoy the relaxing surrounds the tennis club has to offer,” he said.

“The format is doubles tennis with some oversight by experienced players, balls provided and racquets for those that

Sienna’s smashing season

■ From back page

don’t have their own.

“Hopefully, this is the catalyst for people who have thought about getting into tennis to come down and have a go.

“We are getting a lot of interest from groups such as hospital employees.

“If successful, we may continue this format into the future.”

Pizzas will be included after the tennis wraps up, with drinks available at bar prices.

Registrations are currently open via https://forms. office.com/r/R09d1vy8xL or the Wangaratta Lawn Tennis Club Facebook page, and close at 12pm on Wednesday, March 1.

The cost of the night is $15 for non-members and $5 for members, payable on arrival and only by card.

The WLTC Friday social tennis night starts on Friday, March 3 at 5.45pm for a 6pm start to the tennis action.

Star defender joins Magpies

By WILLSON MACK

WANGARATTA has snared one of the biggest recruits of the O&M netball off-season’s biggest recruitd.

Four-time Wodonga Raiders best and fairest winner Brooke Pryse has signed with the Magpies, joining cousins Amy and Issy Byrne and Chaye Crimmins at the club, while also playing under Aunt Lou Byrne.

Pryse has earned a reputation as one of the best defenders in the league and will only add to an already strong defensive circle of Hannah Grady and Katie Dean.

Wangaratta co-coach Hannah Grady is excited to work with Pryse.

“It’s amazing (to sign Brooke),” Grady said.

“It just adds so much depth into our defence and allows for so much more rotation through the mid-court as well as defensively.

“Brooke’s an unbelievable player.

“It’s such a great pick-up and I can’t wait to play with her in the circle.

“She did a few training sessions with us last year and helped us defensively at the back end of the year when a couple of us were under the weather with injuries.

“She really enjoyed it down there and was keen to start with us this year.”

“That was definitely something that helped me push through, and it was really good to experience that with my teammates.”

With the grand final on the horizon, Sims said she was just happy to continue playing cricket for as long as possible.

“I think it’ll be a really good game, they’ve been a really good team throughout the season - hopefully we do get the win but no doubt it’ll be a close game which is always exciting,” she said.

“It’s pretty exciting to be able to have that opportunity to go down there and play with all my friends in the team, make good relationships and meet other people down in Melbourne.

“I’m just really enjoying my cricket at the moment and how I’ve been going.

“Hopefully I can continue to play the way I have been, but I’ve just been happy with how it’s been going at the moment.

“I’d like to keep playing cricket for as long as I can and keep having fun.”

Sims and Carlton take on Geelong on Sunday from 11.30am at Beaumaris Secondary College South Oval for the Kookaburra Women’s Premier Thirds title.

GRAND FINAL BOUND: Sienna Sims will play in this Sunday’s Kookaburra Women’s Premier Thirds grand final after smashing 152* last weekend.

Smith wins Stableford Summer Cup

THE Wangaratta Golf Club women’s 9-hole Stableford Summer Cup event held from November 29 until February 14 has been completed.

This event has been very popular with the women golfers participating in this competition during the hot months.

The 2023 winner is Karen Smith.

Karen who plays off a GA handicap of 32.2 has been concentrating on lowering her handicap and was surprised with her win.

She has been playing some very good golf.

Runner-up was newly elected women’s captain Barb Thomas playing off a GA 28.3.

Third place was shared between Dawn Fleet and Carolyn Sullivan and Lorraine Adams awarded the best attendance prize.

The women held their opening day on Tuesday, February 21 with players in two 9-hole events followed by presentations and lunch.

The year’s full 18 and 9-hole golf programme has resumed.

Playing days are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

For further information about the women’s golf 2023 programme, contact women’s captain Barb Thomas on 0419889804.

WINNER: Women’s captain Barb Thomas (left) congratulating Summer Cup winner Karen Smith.

ALL WELCOME: The WLTC social tennis night is open to all players, whether they’re experienced like Beth Cope or a newcomer to the sport.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

North East Olympian Buckingham joins elite athletics squad

MYRTLEFORD’S own Olympian Ben Buckingham has taken the next step in his athletic journey, after signing as part of the inaugural Oceania division of international athlete program, the On Athletics Club (OAC).

Announced on Wednesday, Buckingham is one of five runners selected by one of Australia’s greatest long and middle-distance runners, four-time Olympian Craig Mottram, to join the list of top athletes from around the world tipped for future success.

The program supports these athletes in preparation for all the qualifying and major events in the lead-up to the Olympics and World Championships, covering expenses for coaching, training, kit and travel to ensure they’re in the best position possible for success at pinnacle events.

Buckingham said he was honoured to be picked in the squad.

“It’s the first time I’ve signed a professional contract, it’s literally based in Richmond, the Melbourne group, a kilometre away from where I live with my partner,” he said.

“It’s a chance to work with Craig Mottram who, when I was a kid, was someone I really looked up to.

“I’ve been there about six months, and it’s been a great new group to join and set up, with support from such a good global brand.

Under 12 cricket finals are here

AFTER 16 weeks of cricket for the youngest in the Wangaratta and District Cricket Association, the under 12 finals series will get underway tomorrow in both the Blue and Gold divisions.

The Blue division semi-finals sees City Colts White take on Ovens Valley United Orange at the Wangaratta High School, and Greta play Beechworth Wanderers Blue at Moyhu, while the Gold semifinals has Wangaratta Magpies Black play Yarrawonga Mulwala Bulls at Wareena Park and Wangaratta Magpies White take on Benalla Bushrangers Red at Bindall Avenue.

With their division grand final next week, every side is just three wins away from ultimate victory in the under 12 competition, with the grand final winners of the Gold and Blue division set to square off on Saturday, March 11 for the overall premiership.

The under 14 and under 16 semifinals are scheduled to be played across Saturday, March 11 and Sunday, March 12, with the grand final to be played on both days the following weekend.

“I just needed a new group and a change after last season, and it’s all come together really well.”

The inaugural Oceania group, which consists of Buckingham, World Championship team members Claudia Hollingsworth and Tess Kirsopp-Cole, Gold Coast Commonwealth Games 800m runner Keely Small and 1500m gun Maudie Skyring, will travel to Boulder, Colorado in May for a training camp and a few races.

“All of the others in the group have made teams but they’re all quite junior and it’s good to be on the circuit with them and pass on what I can,” Buckingham said.

“The American group is based there (in Boulder) and the Australian group will join them for a month.

“It’s just really exciting to be a part of something that’s new and growing, particularly the Melbourne part of it because the European and US groups have been around for a couple of years and are quite established.

“It’s exciting to be a part of the new Melbourne group, and it’s a really cool way to see out my career, to end it helping set something up.”

Buckingham is in fine form, winning the steeplechase at the Adelaide Invitational last week with a time of 8:25.80, his best on Australian soil.

Bloomers’ breakthrough Country Week win

By SUE-ANNE STUART

WHAT an amazing week last week playing with these lovely ladies for my first hit out at the Tennis Victoria Country Week Tennis Tournament held in Yarrawonga this year.

Our team was a joint interclub effort with four ladies from Yarrawonga Tennis Club and three ladies from Wangaratta Lawn Tennis Club.

It is the most tennis I have ever played in four days.

Our “Bloomers” team won the semi-final as the sun went down on Thursday evening in a nailbiter against the Gippy Grannies.

We then braved playing in 38 degrees heat on Friday to win the grand final of our C4 section with a tough match against the “Sunbury Sippers”.

Well played everyone.

WELCOME TO THE CLUB: Ben Buckingham is part of the new Oceania group of international athletics program, On Athletics Club.

PHOTO: Hamish Blair

PERFECT PARTNERSHIP: “Bloomers” (from left) from Yarrawonga Tennis Club: Helen White, Kura Fraser, Jenelle Bennett, Win Win Hewe. From Wangaratta Lawn Tennis Club: Jan Knights (captain), Robyn Snowden, Sue-Anne Stuart.

HAPPY HITTING

Golf results: Page 34

Spectacular Sienna

Sienna Sims blasted 152 not out in the women’s premier thirds to send Carlton to grand final pg

WANGARATTA’S Sienna

Sims is on top of the world after her unbeaten 152* knock secured Carlton a spot in the Kookaburra

Women’s Premier Thirds grand final this Sunday.

Sims came in at 2/32 in Carlton’s semi-final against Essendon Maribyrnong Park last Sunday, and proceeded to clobber 152 runs from 102

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

deliveries, striking at 149 in an innings which included 24 fours.

Carlton ended up making 3/298 from their 40 overs before bowling

Essendon Maribyrnong Park out for 150 to book a place in the grand final against Geelong - Sims also kept wicket for part of the innings and recorded one unassisted run-out to cap off a very successful day of cricket.

This marks Sims’ top score and second ton in the Women’s Premier

Thirds season, where she’s amassed 379 runs and averages an astonishing 94.75 from seven innings.

According to Sims, the do-or-die nature of the semi-final allowed her to swing for the fences.

“The few weeks previous I hadn’t made as many runs as I’d hoped to, so I think I went out there

thinking ‘look, this could be the last game, being the semi-final, so I might as well go out and whatever happens, happens’,” she said.

“It ended really well, obviously, so that was really exciting.

“Just to get to that milestone was exciting - it was my first one (150+) so I

was pretty happy with it.

“It was obviously a really hot day but I had some really good partnerships with two girls, another girl (Tasmyn Hutchins) making 80, and for her to stay in and help me to get those runs as well as the runs for the team, that was obviously a major help as well.

■ Continued page 38

JUBILEE golfers (L-R) Ray Hyland, Greg Hogan and Jeff Hemphill enjoyed the sunshine on Wednesday.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Photo credit: McQuilton Productions

WEDDINGS can be a stressful planning journey with so many details to exact and think about.

But brides and grooms can relax because Kerrie from Bring Around a PosY has got this.

She will take all your stress away and your floral ordering will be a breeze.

Emotion is Kerrie’s design tool and she will guide you in your options and choices from the moment you first reach out.

“By providing me with your colour palette for your day and wedding setting I can work on a mood board of choices to get to know you and your perfect vision for the wedding day,” Kerrie said.

“From there it’s easy to put it all together - just a few questions around your preferred flowers list and clear communication and your time and focus can turn to other planning tasks.”

Kerrie immerses herself in the care and trust given

to her by clients and feels privileged and honoured to help create the perfect flower arrangements for the most special and memorable of days.

The care Kerrie takes flows through to all her designs and you’ll be glad you chose her to take care of all your wedding floral requirements.

YOUR chosen celebrant can help you to design a celebration that will ‘make all your dreams come true’.

You want your wedding day to be memorable, not only for yourself, but for your guests as well.

Your celebrant can help you design a ceremony that truly reflects you both as a couple.

One way of achieving that is to introduce some simple rituals that will make your celebration stand out.

Family or friends not involved in the wedding party may do a special reading.

One ritual that will service most ceremonies is the use of a ‘unity’ or ‘remembrance’ candle.

A candle may be lit, and will burn throughout the ceremony, in memorial of lost loved ones, or even for those who are not able to attend due to distance or health issues.

“I have had people tell me that while ‘live streaming’ a ceremony, the lighting of the candle, made them feel like they were there,” Sandra from Dream Believer Celebrancy said.

For a blended family, a simple ‘sand ceremony’ may be appropriate.

This involves all members of the new family pouring different coloured sands, or pebbles, into a jar, signifying that they are now one family.

There are many rituals, cultural or spiritual, that are available to couples when planning their own ceremony.

You may even consider pagan rituals such as ‘jumping the broom’ or handfasting.

Wedding rituals span generations and cultural divides.

They are a way that wedding couples can bring families together.

“We would encourage everyone to explore their own cultural and spiritual heritage and beliefs when looking to design their own personal ceremony,” Sandra said.

“We are happy to explore any cultural or spiritual requests.”

Amazing autumn weddings

AUTUMN is the second most popular wedding season in Australia after spring and is traditionally March 1 to May 31. Being a transitional season, temperatures are usually mild and tend to be not too hot and not too cold.

The colour-changing beauty of the leaves of deciduous trees in parks and other venues make for stunning ceremony backdrops and beautiful photography.

Autumn lends itself to adding sophisticated woollen jackets or shawls to your wedding party to match your wedding gown, and an added bonus is that they can keep guests warm when the night time temperature dips.

Long-sleeved, sheer backed wedding dresses find their moment to shine at autumn weddings, however if you would rather an off the shoulder look, the lace jacket or shawl can keep you warm during photos or later into the night.

Warm shades of burnt oranges, golden yellows, dark reds or even maroons are perfect for autumn weddings and adding white or ivory amongst them can lighten the darker shades.

Pastel shades offer a romantic feel while splashes of purple, burgundy and rose can offset lighter tones and can be used to highlight special details or match napkins or table decorations at the reception.

Candles and blankets can provide a romantic feel to your ceremony and/or reception and the sense of intimacy will bring your guests together.

As temperatures drop in the evening, a handy blanket to snuggle under will encourage those who don’t want to keep warm on the dancefloor to enjoy the reception for longer.

CHEESE towers make a wonderful alternative to a traditional wedding cake - just ask the team at Milawa Cheese Company.

They love to help couples design a cheese tower that creates a statement on the day, as well as delicious memories that will leave your guests talking long after the event.

Milawa cheese is available all year round, with a wide selection of cow and goat milk options including Ashed Chevre, Camembert and Brie along with the award winning washed rind King River Gold, Milawa Blue, Milawa White and the David Brown Select Cheddar.

Once the tower is cut, the cheese can be served on a board, for a casual sharing feast or individually plated as a finishing touch to a fine dining menu.

Milawa Cheese Company have a wide range of dried fruits, quince pastes and crackers to accompany your tower.

Floral arrangements can be added as a decorative flourish.

To organise a tasting and a consultation for your celebration tower please email shop@ milawacheese.com.au or phone 5727 3589 and choose option number 1.

EARTHY: Autumn weddings provide a soft, warming palette of colour options.

SOMETHING UNIQUE: A cheese tower from Milawa Cheese Company will offer your guests something different.

Spectacular views for memorable celebrations

FEATHERTOP Private Estate’s newest addition, The Vineyard Residence is the perfect location if you are looking to elope or have a small intimate family celebration.

The Vineyard Residence is a spectacular architecturally designed luxury home, showcasing its intoxicating vineyard views and breathtaking views of the region’s famous Mt Buffalo.

The Residence is unbeatable for its grandeur and features whilst still maintaining a sense of place in the surrounding landscape.

The Private Estate can accommodate up to 18 people with The Vineyard Residence sleeping 10; Mount Buffalo View Apartment sleeping six; and Peggy Adelaide Penthouse sleeping two.

The Vineyard Residence can cater for seated celebrations of up to 30 people or cocktail style celebrations for up to 50 guests.

They have the perfect catering package to suit whatever style of occasion you want from a seated eight course degustation to a more casual canape and pizza style menu.

Imagine entertaining your guests in a luxury setting overlooking Mount Buffalo.

Feathertop Private Estate is a truly stunning setting for your most memorable celebrations so contact them today to book your perfect day or weekend.

Kate and Glen (pictured) were married at The Vineyard Residence on January 27 surrounded by their family.

With an intimate guest list of 20 people, the afternoon and evening was enjoyed overlooking the Feathertop Vineyard with a casual canape and woodfire pizza menu.

PERFECT LOCATION: Kate and

Photos by the extremely talented Aaron Wishart from Wishart Media.

WE MAKE YOUR DREAM WEDDING COME TO LIFE

Glen were married at the The Vineyard Residence in January.

PHOTOS: Aaron Wishart

The perfect location for your perfect day

THE Pavilion at Buller Wines is the ideal venue for your wedding this year and beyond.

With flexible wedding packages available, the friendly team will sit down with couples and design a unique package just for their special day.

Ceremony locations abound, with favourites being at the old gum tree in front of the vineyard on The Calliope Lawn and on the second lawn area under dappled shade from beautiful deciduous trees.

A dedicated bridal car entrance is currently under construction and will feature a row of white roses for guests to make their way to the ceremony location. Their ceremony package includes signing table, arbour and ceremony chairs and the team at The Pavilion will set everything up out on the lawn, or in the case of inclement weather, inside.

When it comes to your photos, the winery has some amazing photo location opportunities with a backdrop of old buildings, the vineyard and the expansive lawn areas.

While couples are getting their photos taken, guests can take part in lawn games while enjoying canapes out on the lawn and drinks are served from the pop up lawn bar, which makes for a lovely, relaxed afternoon.

Then it’s time for the all-important reception where couples can choose from traditional alternate plated meals to a cocktail style, all paired with beautiful wine from Buller Wines.

There’s even a Mimosa Bar option and, for the warmer months, couples can book

an ice cream cart to provide an exciting little treat to finish the night on.

Alternatively, if you want to celebrate a post-wedding brunch or lunch you can book space inside or spill out onto the lawn.

Mid-year will see eight new one bedroom Vine Views apartments open where bridal parties can prepare before the wedding and/or have a place to retire to after the wedding.

There will be two ‘views’ available - the historic Calliope vineyard or garden.

The Pavilion at Buller Wines offer some helpful hints for couples when it comes to choosing your ceremony and reception venue/s:

Always have a plan B for your outdoor ceremony - make sure that you love any inside venue you choose just as much as your outdoor setting.

At The Pavilion, they utilise one of their indoor rooms which comes complete with an arch window and is the perfect backdrop for your ceremony.

WEDDINGS & EVENTS

Celebrate your special day at The Pavilion, in a picturesque setting, overlooking the historic Calliope Vineyard at Buller Wines, Rutherglen.

The perfect setting for your beautiful winery wedding, spacious lawn areas, gardens, vineyard and vintage buildings for amazing photo locations.

Our flexible packages will have you and your guests enjoying delicious food paired with the perfect wine in our relaxed, elegant and slightly rustic Pavilion.

We have the flexibility to cater for weddings from 30 - 130 guests for a sit down function, including dance area.

And coming very soon, Vine Views accommodation, opening on site, with views across the vineyard, the perfect place to retreat to, after your day of celebration.

Ceremony

*Vine Views at Buller Wines accommodation opening soon in 2023

Get in touch and we will send you our wedding brochure and welcome you for a site visit.

https://www.mcquiltonproductions.com.au

Transport - you want to make it as easy as possible for your guests to arrive at your wedding (and on time) and there are several local bus companies that can be booked for transporting guests between their accommodation in Corowa and Rutherglen and The Pavilion and to collect them to take them home again.

There are still some available dates for weddings in 2023 at The Pavilion at Buller Wines so contact the friendly team today and discuss your ideal, unique wedding.

hello@thepavilionrestaurant.com.au

Photography ~ McQuilton Productions

YOUR WAY: Flexible packages are available for your ceremony and reception with The Pavilion at Buller Wines.

360 degree views of the Yackandandah Valley

WITH 360 degree views of the Yackandandah Valley, Annie’s Retreat, Vineyard, Orchard & Outdoor Event Centre sits atop a small hillock which offers guests the perfect backdrop for their wedding photos.

Although the property is nestled near the snowfields, they rarely receive snow, instead, you will be treated to gorgeous sunset views, beautiful gardens and a working vineyard.

To take advantage of the best weather, event bookings are between September and March each year.

Husband and wife team Anthony Muhlebach and Anne Taylor are your hosts at Annie’s Retreat and delight in working with couples to organise an affordable and unique wedding day at their venue.

Trained wait staff can be organised to assist your chosen caterer or supplier and there are two areas available - one for ceremonies and one for the reception with photo opportunities in the vineyard or five acres of landscaped gardens

including a beautiful rose arbour.

There are Angus cattle which are fantastic for real ‘country-themed’ wedding parties.

When they are not taking care of guests at weddings and events, Anne and Anthony are hard at work in the vineyard and have produced two vintages so far - a Sparkling Shiraz bottled in 2018 and the Muhlebach Series Shiraz in 2021.

Part of their farmhouse is also available to rent

Capturing your special moments

MUMMA, Mrs, red wine lover and passionate photographer - Beth has been photographing families and lovebirds for 10 years with no end in sight.

Beth is all about documenting real moments, life as it happens, capturing raw emotions, true love and genuine happiness.

Telling stories frame by frame she said she loves her job.

“My wedding and family photography is inspired by a blend of documentary and lifestyle approaches,” Beth said.

“It is candid but intentional, authentic storytelling with purpose, and a romantic fusion of traditional and modern photography.”

on AirBnB with many visitors choosing to make their base at Annie’s and exploring the nearby snowfields, historic towns and bike trails each day of their stay.

Small wedding parties can also be accommodated at the farmhouse.

So when you are considering where to have your wedding or your next event, make Annie’s Retreat, Vineyard, Orchard & Outdoor Event Centre the top of your list.

Whether you’re planning a two-witness elopement, a 200 person extravaganza or a destination wedding, Beth has the experience, the enthusiasm (and passport) to be there and capture you, your love story, and your day in its every detail.

She’s a pro at pinning boutonnieres, zhooshing veils and dresses, and capturing a modern and romantic visual narrative of your wedding day.

“I love the little intimate and quiet details as much as the nuptials and wild party that follows and being the one to capture all of it is why I do what I do,” Beth said.

“It’s my job to make the process of booking your wedding photographer before, during and after your special day as enjoyable and stress-free for you as possible.”

Beth was a finalist in the Victoria

2022 ABIA Wedding Industry Awards for Wedding Photography and is currently taking bookings for 2023 and 2024.

GLORIOUS: Your photos will be the talk of the town when you book Annie’s Retreat, Vineyard, Orchard & Outdoor Event Centre.

NEWLYWEDS: Megan and Daniel Keenan were married on October 11 2022 at Bald Hills House, Stanley. PHOTO: Beth Hulley Photography

Annapurna Estate offers stunning views and fantastic food and wine - the perfect combination for your wedding day.

They have a dedicated wedding coordinator to offer you personal assistance and help tailor the day to ensure a special, relaxing time is had by one and all.

Engaged couples know that the planning and preparation of a wedding starts well in advance for them, but it’s important for your guests to also plan their attendance in advance.

To ensure your guests can spend as much time with you or in the local area as possible, encourage them to book their

accommodation when they send in their RSVP.

Annapurna Estate knows about the annual events in the area and when accommodation is at its peak, so ask them for the inside tip.

They will advise you when there is a specific event on the same weekend in the same town as your wedding, so you will be able to mention when you send out your invitations so guests are not caught out at the last minute trying to find somewhere.

So contact Annapurna Estate about all your wedding function needs and accommodation today.

Annapurna Estate can help you with your all wedding function needs.

North East weddings spotlight

A FAMILY TRADITION OF WATCHMAKERS AND JEWELLERS SINCE 1914

JOHN and Prue Waterhouse were married on the Calliope Lawn at Buller Wines in Rutherglen and was followed by the reception at The Pavilion at Buller Wines on March 19, 2022.

Photos: McQuilton Productions

JARED and Kiera Morton were married at Feathertop Winery on March 20, 2022 and ably assisted by wedding stylist Courtney Conroy from the venue.

Photos: Rachael Emmily Photography.