WANGARATTA’S Baker Street Aroma Deli Cafe is part of the ‘CommBank Matilda’s on Loan’ advertising campaign a er being named a joint winner of a national competition. MAIN PHOTO: IOIO IMAGES / Shutterstock ■ See story page 3.
Grim outlook changes course for local farmers
WANGARATTA had its wettest day for late March in 36 years with 48.6mm recorded in the 24 hours to 9am last Friday, vital rain to signal a potential autumn break in the district for farmers.
Other 24-hour rainfall totals at locations across the district included Whit eld 26.2mm, Edi Upper 35.4mm, Greta West
Cattle producer, agent welcome 2 inches of rain across district
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@
nemedia.com.au
35.6mm, Milawa 44.5mm, and Carboor Upper 58.6mm.
While a follow up rain is needed for an autumn break, crop growers will
begin to prepare their paddocks for sowing programs.
For Chris Gibson, who runs 1600 head of cattle at his feedlot in Taminick, it will allow him to prepare for sowing between April and May.
Mr Gibson had 55mm at
his property and it came at the right time of year for his cropping program.
“It was nice and steady rain and ideal timing for crop preparations and hopefully pasture growth as well,” he said.
“In early April we’ll sow canola and then wheat later
in April into early May.
“The moisture will soak in pretty quickly and we’ll need a follow up rain to make it ideal.”
Despite rain in December, Mr Gibson said the dry summer has reduced the subsoil moisture.
The rain is expected to
inject con dence back into the cattle market with mixed prices at last Thursday’s monthly store sale.
Corcoran and Parker livestock agent Reiley Murtagh said there were 802 cattle yarded. He said there were four pens of cows and calves which topped out at $2050.
■ Continued page 11
Come along to climate chat hour at library
THE Rural City of Wangaratta’s Environment and Sustainability team invite the community to a climate chat hour at the Wangaratta Library from 11am-noon tomorrow.
It o ers a warm and welcoming space where individual thoughts and feelings about how climate change is impacting us.
This activity will provide no advice, no calls to action; just a space to talk, listen and share a cuppa.
Bookings are essential, so register now at https://events.humanitix.com/climatechat-hour.
Churches open their doors to homeless shelter
BY JORDAN DUURSMA jduursma@ nemedia.com.au
WANGARATTA churches have once again rallied to support the Wang Night Shelter as the volunteer team prepares for winter.
The Wangaratta Wesleyan Methodist Church will host the homeless shelter on Monday nights throughout the chilly season, providing a safe, warm and welcoming space to those sleeping rough in the community.
Senior pastor of the Wangaratta Wesleyan Methodist Church, Steve Van Der Poel, said sharing their church building is about more than providing somewhere to sleep, it’s about addressing loneliness and isolation.
“For us, it’s about creating community and a space where everyone feels like they belong,” he said.
“I think while the primary need is addressing homeless, the night shelter also creates a pathway for people to feel like they belong in community and that is not limited to people who are experiencing homelessness.”
Mr Van Der Poel said irrespective of your faith, the homeless shelter is a chance for the community to come together and work together for something bigger than themselves.
“The issue is bigger than one person, but collectively we can make an impact,” he said.
“This is a way we as a church
can provide in practical ways for the community, and that can only happen when we all step up to help.”
The Salvation Army Wangaratta Corps will host the shelter on Tuesdays, Victory Community on Wednesday’s, Zac’s Place on Thursdays, Wangaratta Uniting Church on Fridays, Wangaratta Seventh-day Adventist Church on Saturdays and Sundays.
Five volunteer orientation sessions have been organised with
four a ernoon sessions running from 2pm - 4pm on 25 March, 1 April, 8 April, 29 April and one evening session on 7 April from 7pm - 9pm at Zac’s Place, 1-3 Wills Street.
Volunteers are required to attend one orientation session and hold a valid working with children’s check.
Those who wish to nancially support the cause can donate at Bendigo Bank to Zac’s Place Inc, ref. Wang, BSB 633000,
Acc.no.155600257 or The Wang Night Shelter has accounts that people can donate directly to at Everyday Gourmet and La Bella Rocca.
To get involved or for more information, contact Wang Night Shelter via email at wangnightshelter@gmail.com or come along to a volunteer orientation session, the Wang Night Shelter phone number (0474 777 603) will be active from May onwards.
Sharing stories to help others find their way
MARIA Hutchison will share her lived experience of coming through trauma, abuse and addiction, in a bid to help others nd their way, when she visits Wangaratta today.
Maria, who now works as an addiction treatment counsellor, will headline ‘Living Free A er Trauma, Abuse and Addiction’, which will be held in Wangaratta’s CWA Hall from 6.30pm.
Organised by With Freedom Coaching, of which Maria is the founder, it promises to be a transformative evening as she tells her story while helping others to chart their own paths to recovery.
The evening will also feature Rural City of Wangaratta councillor Tania Maxwell, who has long been an advocate for mental health and community resilience.
Maria’s story began in childhood, when she endured a restrictive New Zealand religious cult from which she fought to break free, survived abuse at the hands of her grandfather, and lost her father when she was just 13.
She battled low self-esteem, which eventually led her down a path of addiction.
“I was in rehab at 22, and I’m now 52, so I’ve been around recovery for 30 years,” Maria said.
“Change is possible - you don’t have to live with the negative impact of the past. There is a level of forgiveness that needs to happen to enable that healing; you
BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au
reach freedom through forgiveness.”
Maria said Monday’s free event was open to people of all ages, to those who have faced trauma, abuse and addiction, and to their carers and loved ones, who are also impacted by it.
She said it was important for people to have a safe space to speak about their situation, at the right time.
“With addiction, when someone says they want help, there is a small window; if the person doesn’t nd a connection in 24 to 48 hours, they can be back into the cycle of addiction,” she said.
“My purpose in life is to be what I wanted myself and didn’t have; I just kept trying to nd my way, and it was really di cult. I want to help people live with freedom.
“If someone comes along and walks away and makes a di erent choice, that’s a success.”
Those who attend Monday’s event will receive a copy of Maria’s book.
For those unable to attend, the Living With Freedom Community hosts regular free Zoom coaching calls, and has a thriving online community.
Learn more at www.withfreedomcoaching.com.au or phone 1300 852 935.
OPEN ARMS: Senior pastor Steve Van Der Poel will open the doors of the Wangaratta Wesleyan Methodist Church to people experiencing homelessness on Monday nights throughout winter. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
GUIDING LIGHT: Maria Hutchison will lead a session at the CWA Hall on tonight, o ering a living testament to the transformation that is possible with a commitment to healing and discovering onself.
Matildas magic for Aroma Deli
By GRACE FREDSBERG
WANGARATTA’s Aroma
Deli Café has been named one of 50 winners in the ‘CommBank Matildas on Loan’ competition and will have the national sporting heroes support them in an advertising campaign aimed at bolstering small businesses around Australia.
Aroma Deli Café proprietor Tony Molinaro has been a beloved xture in Wangaratta for over 25 years, revered for their top-quality co ee, meats, cheeses, and a true taste of Italian culture.
However, Tony’s deep connection to his community extends beyond his café; he has been involved with Wangaratta City Football Club for more than 40 years, making football and sharing good food with people is a lifelong passion.
“My business, my community, and football are three of my biggest passions in life,”
Aroma Deli Cafe owner Tony Molinaro said.
“I have played since I was a junior at Wangaratta [Football Club].
“I started with the under 10s and then played many, many, many, many years, and am still playing.”
Each of the 50 competition winners will receive an advertisement for their business alongside the CommBank Matildas, which will be distributed by the Commonwealth Bank via billboards, radio,
and CommBank branches, as part of a national advertising campaign.
Each winner will get a tailored campaign to promote their business within their respective communities.
“To have the CommBank Matildas shine a spotlight on my café and my town is an incredible honour,” he said.
As an avid soccer fan, Mr Molinaro said having his cafe being promoted by Australia’s soccer team through the initiative is exciting.
“If it’s got my [business] name behind it, even better,” he said.
Mr Molinaro said the opportunity arose when he received an email regarding the competition, to which he submitted a questionnaire and was successfully declared one of 50 small businesses who would have their business promoted by Australia’s soccer legends.
He did admit that, initially, he thought the Matildas players themselves would make their way down to the North East and have a co ee and bite to eat at his café.
“We were coming up with all these things to serve them,” Mr Molinaro said.
Regardless, he appreciated the initiative and commended Commonwealth Bank for lending a helping hand to Australian small businesses, particularly as new research indicated nearly 90 per cent of Australian small to medi-
um business expect to continue to face challenges in 2025.
“It’s a good incentive on
Shoplifting, drug offences drive slight crime rise
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
WANGARATTA’S crime rate has remained relatively steady over the 2024 calendar year with shopli ing and drug o ences driving a slight surge in o ending.
According to the latest gures released by the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA), Wangaratta saw a rise of 1.7 per cent in criminal incidents for 2024.
The increase was largely driven by shopli ing (up 50 incidents from 2023), drug use and possession (up 41 incidents) and explosives o ences (up 15 incidents).
Breach of family violence order remained the top criminal incident within Wangaratta with 204 incidents recorded along with the at 167 incidents.
Both criminal incidents remained consistent with gures recorded in 2023.
While criminal damage incidents was still the second biggest contributor to incidents recorded in the city, there was a 19 per cent decrease in criminal damage from 2023.
Wangaratta’s crime rate per 100,000 people remains at a 10-year high at 6524 incidents, which sits just below the state average of 6550.
The state’s crime rate overall reached its highest level since 2016, increasing by 13.2 per cent on 2023.
Wangaratta also recorded 2860 criminal o ences for the year, up from 2716 the year prior.
The 5.3 per cent increase could be attributed to around 150 charges to an Everton local related to a the of a local business over a sevenyear period.
Overall the o ences rose from 212 in 2023 to 320 last year while breaches of family violence order dropped from 493 to 360 o ences, despite being the top o ence recorded in the city.
Family violence incidents remained on the rise with a 10.1 per cent increase recorded on 2023, with 676 incidents recorded.
Wangaratta’s family incidents rate sits well above the state average of 1503 incidents/100,00 people at 2245.
Statewide, the from motor vehicles and o ending among youths aged between 10 and 17 reached historic peaks.
Police intelligence showing as many as one in ve vehicles are being stolen using electronic devices capable of programming or mimicking keys.
There were 104 the s from motor vehicle o ences recorded in Wangaratta for 2024 and 30 o ences of stolen cars.
Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Bob Hill said the overall crime
rates statewide were “unacceptable”.
“The sad reality is that more crime equates to more victims involving members of community, who in some cases, will be impacted for life,” he said.
“As a society, we simply cannot tolerate this level of o ending.”
Deputy Commissioner Hill said police have worked with the State Government around the “critical” need to strengthen bail laws in the state, with new legislation passing parliament on Thursday.
“We welcome last week’s announcement and have every con dence that the changes will lead to a reduction in youth o ending and crimes such as aggravated burglaries,” he said.
Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy said the new statistics were alarming and a re ection and condemned the state government for failing to keep regional Victorians safe
“Our local police o cers are doing their best under increasingly di cult circumstances, yet they are being let down by Labor’s so -on-crime policies,” he said.
“The state government’s weakening of bail laws has made it easier for repeat o enders to terrorise our communities.”
LOCAL ICON: Aroma Deli Café sta member Jack Molinaro, owner Tony Molinaro, Kelly Kaur, Angela Vesico and Ebony Albertson are thrilled to be a part of the Comm Bank Matildas on Loan advertising campaign.
PHOTO: Grace Fredsberg
CBA’s part to incorporate as many small business as they can,” he said.
“To associate sport and the bank with small business is a great initiative.”
Keep your eyes peeled for Aroma Deli Café’s signage as you enter Wangaratta.
Zonta breakfast event for young men a success
By JORDAN DUURSMA
BOYS and men gathered at the Gateway Quality Hotel for the Zonta Club of Wangaratta’s annual Boys’ Career Breakfast event last Thursday.
The event aimed to bring boys and men into the conversation on gender equality and open young men up to the opportunities for education and employment in the future.
Students from Beechworth Secondary College,
Benalla P-12 College, FCJ College - Benalla, Galen Catholic College, Wangaratta High School and Cathedral College attended with sta members from their schools to hear from guest speakers, Tim Oliver from NE Tracks LLEN, Alex Vella from Ambulance Victoria and Leon Carter from Ag Skills Victoria.
Mentors from an array of career areas in multiple industries networked with students between the guest speakers’ presentations.
ARRIVALS AT NORTHEAST HEALTH WANGARATTA
The Wangaratta Chronicle will be in attendance at the midwifery ward on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9.30am to take photos of newborns with their parents, grandparents and/or siblings.
Consent forms are available from Northeast Health Wangaratta and from Wangaratta Chronicle staff on the day.
If you would like a photo but are not at the ward at the time of visiting, you can come into the Wangaratta Chronicle office at 37 Rowan Street during office hours to organise it. from the
Fresh faces and returning players to help Hawks soar
Monday, March 23, 2015
BY LEAH TINDILL
10:30am and weighed 4.2kg (9lb 3oz).He is the
JAMES JOHN SLATTERY
NEW and returning players at North Wangaratta are set to help the A grade netball side be more competitive this season.
That’s according to 2015 coach and returning player Bianca Ely, who said the Hawks were keen to get the season started.
Ely has been training the A and B grades as a squad and said the return of a few players had helped boost the skill level.
“There’s myself and my sister [Tiffanie Burgan], we have a couple of girls from Chiltern, Kristie Phibbsa and Zoey Quigley,” she said.
“Rochelle Knights has come back and she’s super fit and Janelle Gambold’s back as well – they’re both coming back after being pregnant and they’re keen to go again.
“We were hoping to have
Chealsea Marks come back from Maggies, but she’s gone over to Tungamah, who we had a practice match against.
“Michaela Larkings was going to come over from Maggies too, but she’s decided to stay – we have her sister Sara Larkings playing with us this year though.
“We’ve been doing a few practice matches and everything is looking really positive, we’re really looking forward to the season.”
Fitness has been a main pri-
ority for the Hawks’ preseason and Ely said she hoped that would help the teams later in the season.
“The girls might complain, but I think they’ll see why we’ve been doing it once we start playing, they’ll see why we did so much fitness stuff,” she said.
The Hawks will have to wait to get their season under way, however, with their first match against Goorambat falling in the second half of the split round one.
FAMILY AFFAIR: Carol Myles from the Zonta Club of Wangaratta with her grandson Owain Boyle.
Nicole McFarlane, Jen Kirby, Lorna Williamson and Christine Haddrick.
ALL SMILES: Carter Edmonds and Xavier Kerr.
LEARNING FROM THE COMMUNITY: Xavier Kerr, Edward Robertson and Brendan Ritchens from Evero Engineering.
CREATING CONNECTIONS: Sam Gates FCJ with Lee Cresswell from North East Health
NETWORKING: North East Health’s Ant Ivone, Lachlan Glass, Logan Hyland, Mitchell O’Sullivan, Jack Walker and Alex Vella a paramedic with Ambulance Victoria. PHOTOS: Jordan Duursma
HAWK TOWN: Niccy Hogan, Claire Lenten, Rochelle Knights, Janelle Gambold, Cassy Campbell and Lisa Perso are looking forward to the 2015 season.
PHOTO: Leah Tindill
JUDE CHARLES HOLLOWAY
Get set for Future Ready
BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au
WANGARATTA’S ‘Future Ready: Advancing STEM Skills for Regional Students’ project will be launched this Wednesday.
The evening, which will run from 4pm to 6pm at the Wangaratta Regional Study Centre in Tone Road, offers locals the chance to get up close and personal with VEX robotics, try some coding, test robot arms, and see virtual reality headsets and the resident Robo Dog in action.
Future Ready is being funded by a $40,000 Federal Government grant, which will help the Wangarattabased Digital Technologies Advisory Committee (DTAC) and its partners with their efforts to prepare local students for the fast-evolving world of technology, engineering and programming.
The ‘Inspiring Australia’ Maker Projects - Community STEM Engagement grant will be used by DTAC and Wangaratta Tech School to advance STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) education for regional students and teachers.
It will enable the acquisition of the Future Ready
kit, featuring cutting-edge VEX robotics AIM and CTE Workcell systems, which will bridge the gap between foundational and advanced robotics education, and deliver hands-on learning opportunities for students.
DTAC and its partners, which include Wangaratta Tech School as well as Charles Sturt University Wangaratta, Galen Catholic College, NETracks LLEN and Education Advantage, are thrilled to have received the grant, and looking forward to celebrating the project on Wednesday. Light refreshments will be provided at the Future Ready launch.
UPSKILLING OUR YOUNGEST RESIDENTS:
LAUNCH BOOKINGS: Be part of the launch of the Future Ready project on March 26 by registering via this QR code.
Help map sightings of flying-foxes in local district
GREY-HEADED Flyingfoxes have been seen in the night sky recently around the Wangaratta district and now you can help track their movements with a new digital map.
By adding your sighting on the ying-fox map you can help improve the understanding of yingfoxes across Victoria.
Also known as fruit bats, ying-foxes forage on nectar and pollen from owering trees, as well as fruit.
They can move vast distances across eastern Australia, depending on where their food is.
As they feed at night,
they pollinate owers and disperse seeds of native trees.
Grey-headed Flyingfoxes are a threatened species and important for our environment.
To map your sighting visit https://www.wildlife. vic.gov.au/our-wildlife/ ying-foxes and follow the ‘to add a new ying-fox sighting’ instructions.
JUST HANGING AROUND:
Grey-headed Flying Fox hanging about in a flowering Spotted gum.
PHOTO: Chris Tzaros (Birds, Bush and Beyond)
SKILLS TO THE TEST: Galen Catholic College students work on VEX robotics, which will be a feature of the Future Ready kit.
Students from the Wangaratta district are set to benefit from the Future Ready project.
Resilience during a life of challenges
IN recent years the word resilience has become more popular and better understood by people in our community who have faced hardship.
It’s very rare that anyone’s life is strait forward, as most people you talk to have a story to tell about obstacles in their life and how they dealt with them at the time.
An interesting event is on tonight at Wangaratta’s CWA hall titled ‘Living Free After Trauma, Abuse and Addiction’.
Guest speaker is Maria Hutchison who will share her lived experience of surviving trauma, abuse and addiction.
She wants to help people in the community who have faced or are facing their own battles.
Wangaratta councilllor Tania Maxwell will also be a guest speaker at the event and she has long been an advocate for mental health and community resilience.
Tania was the founder of Enough is Enough lobby group following awful crimes that occurred in Wangaratta.
She then served as a Member of Parliament to try and bring legislative change.
Another article in today’s edition is about local churches opening their doors to offer shelter for homeless people.
People become homeless because of a myriad of reasons.
It could be financial stress, addiction, family breakdown, or mental and physical health problems.
The high cost of living and rental availability and affordability are certainly contributors to homelessness.
It’s refreshing to see the Rural City of Wangaratta’s community shining through with resilience on personal and community levels when it comes to supporting people living locally who are most in need.
The Quiz No. 127
1. Puncak Jaya is the highest mountain in which country?
2. What is the name of the hood ornament on Rolls-Royce cars?
3. Which baseball star was Marilyn Monroe’s second husband?
4. What is the second largest planet in our solar system?
5. Which 1997 movie featured the Kerrigan family?
6. The Odyssey is one of two major ancient Greek epic poems attributed to which person?
7. What is the 7th consonant in the English alphabet?
8. Who was the first Parliamentary Leader of the Australian Greens?
9. What is the capital city of Wales?
10. In musical terms, Presto means to play at what speed?
11. In golf, what name is given to a shot that is four-under par?
12. What was Shelley Long’s character name in the TV series, Cheers?
13. Which gland in humans produces melatonin?
14. In which sport can you score a Champagne Breakfast?
15. Stéphane Grappelli was famous for playing which instrument?
16. In 2011, Jay Weatherill became Premier of which Australian state?
17. Which band released the classic 1979 album, Breakfast in America?
18. In which country was the game of Tiddlywinks invented?
19. What is the preferred food of a silkworm?
20. On what date is Bastille Day celebrated?
Murdoch Rd traffic concerns need tackling
THE proposed subdivisions along Murdoch Road, speci cally at Clarkes Lane and 197 Murdoch Road, present signi cant challenges for tra c management in the area.
With the introduction of about 235 new dwellings at Clarkes Lane and 127 at 197 Murdoch Road, coupled with the expansion of Cathedral College, the impact on local tra c ow cannot be ignored.
As these developments move forward, there seems to be a lack of consideration for how the resulting tra c will a ect the safety and convenience of existing ratepayers. With most new homes expected to have two vehicles, we are looking at an additional 1631 car movements daily from Clarkes Lane and 1270 from the Murdoch Road development alone.
This increase in tra c poses a danger to local residents, tourists, and cyclists who currently use the area.
Moreover, with nearby townships like Moyhu, Oxley, and Milawa expanding, more vehicles will likely travel along Murdoch Road to access Wangaratta, exacerbating the situation.
While Murdoch Road is under VicRoads jurisdiction, the Rural City of Wangaratta is responsible for the adjoining roads.
The council must be more proactive in addressing these tra c concerns and ensure safe access for residents living in roads and courts adjacent to Murdoch Road.
It’s time for proper planning and foresight to ensure that the safety and convenience of all road users are prioritised. Jennifer Crameri, Wangaratta
Colleen Davis’ standout contributions
I WOULD like to highlight the outstanding contributions of Colleen Davis, whose tireless e orts in supporting our local veterans deserve widespread recognition.
Colleen has consistently gone above and beyond to assist those who have bravely served our country, o en stepping in to help when others could not.
During the COVID pandemic, Colleen took it upon herself to call older veterans weekly to ensure their well-being.
This thoughtful initiative evolved into practical support, including grocery deliveries and welfare checks.
Her dedication continues to this day, ensuring veterans feel valued and connected.
Colleen’s commitment didn’t stop there.
She established a monthly morning tea at the Wangaratta RSL, bringing together up to 90 veterans and their families, providing vital social connection for those who might otherwise feel isolated.
Furthermore, she has advocated passionately for homeless veterans, engaging with local and state representatives to push for improved access to housing and working closely with the Goorambat Veterans Retreat to secure emergency relief.
Her recognition as the Zonta Club of Wangaratta’s ‘Woman of the Year’ in 2023 is a testament to her remarkable dedication and sel essness; and her most recent induction into RSL Victoria’s Hall of Fame is a testament to her e orts.
Colleen’s invaluable work in supporting our veterans is an inspiration to our entire community, and I strongly believe her efforts should be celebrated widely.
Tim McCurdy, Ovens
Valley MP
including How To Train Your Dragon, Pirates of the Caribbean, Lord of the Rings, and The Chronicles of Narnia. Tickets are available at www.wpacc.com.au or the the WPACC box o ice.
Teach young offenders some respect
WE keep hearing about the crime committed by our youth these days and all we seem to do is much the same by making parole more di cult to get and send the youth to institutions where all the inmates have committed serious crimes.
Everyone seems to neglect the victims of these awful crimes as many live with that experience for the rest of their lives.
The experience never goes away and many of these people a ected are forced to change their lives to try and get their lives back on track.
We need to take a totally di erent approach and any youth, who commits their initial crime other than most serious ones, gets put on parole for 12 months and if they commit another crime in that period they get two lashes.
I can hear the cries, but just stop and imagine what the victims are going through.
Another option is to send rst time o enders to a low security farm where they have to work and there are consequences such as cold food and shower if they do not perform basic duties.
Many have no idea about routine and have low self-esteem.
This will not eliminate crime but getting the majority of the youth on a path to become successful adults later in life would be an excellent outcome.
John Walker, Wangaratta
New air ambulances to help save lives
FOUR new, ultra-modern air ambulances have o cially taken to Victoria’s skies, delivering life-saving emergency care and transport to Victorians who need it most.
I visited the Ambulance Victoria hangar at Essendon Airport for a tour of the high-tech planes – making Victoria’s air ambulance eet the most innovative in the country.
Providing a vital link between Victoria’s rural communities and metro hospitals,
the two new Beechcra King Air 260 and two King Air 360 aircra join the eet’s ve helicopters – caring for 5355 Victorians in 2023/24 alone.
The new planes replaced the previous eet as part of a $345 million 12-year partnership with Toll Aviation (who acquired former operator Pel-Air), helping Ambulance Victoria make a real di erence to Victorians, no matter where they live.
They are tted with the latest technology to ensure the comfort and safety of patients, including an advanced mechanical stretcher loading system, which helps reduce transfer times by up to 20 minutes.
With a maximum range of 3185 kilometres and a top speed of 574km/h, the planes can y further and faster than the helicopters, as well as being able to transport multiple patients, with the eet’s operations at times extending into New South Wales and Tasmania.
Two xed-wing aircra operate 24/7, with an additional aircra ying for 16 hours a day, ve days a week – the fourth acts as a support aircra , rotating into service to ensure availability while other cra undergo maintenance.
Established in 1962, Ambulance Victoria’s Air Ambulance service provides rapid response, and world-class health care to rural communities, particularly for injured or critically ill patients who need specialist services, such as trauma, cardiac and intensive care.
Minister for Ambulance Services, Mary-Anne Thomas
WE welcome your letters to the Editor. Priority is given to typed/emailed letters under 250 words. Every letter must have your full name, address and a daytime phone contact number supplied for verification purposes. Any letter may be edited for reasons of space, content or legibility. Email edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au
Post Letters to the Editor, 37 Rowan St, Wangaratta 3677
THE MUSIC OF MYTHS AND LEGENDS: Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra returns to the Alpine MDF Theatre at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre (WPACC) to present their concert “Myths & Legends” on Sunday, 6 April at 2:30pm. Conducted by Aaron Wardle (pictured), the music ranges from classical to motion picture film music, covering classic works from Beethoven and Grieg, film scores
PHOTO: Grace Fredsberg
Kelly story figure comes to life on pages of book
PETER L. Newman’s work as a planning consultant often drew him to the North East, and on one of those visits he happened across a publication about James Wallace.
This book, Arthur Hall’s ‘The Headmaster of Hurdle Creek’, led to Peter developing an interest in the life of Wallace, who was a school teacher and life-long friend of Kelly Gang member Joe Byrne.
As a result, Peter spent years si ing through records and original documents for information about the man.
His self-published book, ‘James Wallace: The Kelly Gang Sympathiser’, is the culmination of those enquiries, and paints a portrait of a man who played a key role in
RESULT OF RESEARCH:
Peter L. Newman recently released his book ‘James Wallace: The Kelly Gang Sympathiser’, and will visit Wangaratta Library on Thursday, 27 March to speak about his work.
BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au
one of Australia’s best-known stories.
As part of his promotion for the book, Peter will visit the Wangaratta Library this month, in an event organised in conjunction with Edgars Books and News, to discuss his research.
The book details Wallace’s role in helping to keep the Kelly Gang at large for two years.
Peter said Wallace contributed to critical letters that told Ned Kelly’s side of the story; fed misleading information to the police; assisted in the collection of the plough shares used in making the gang’s armour; and was likely complicit in a signi cant murder prior to the gang’s nal stand at Glenrowan.
Wallace was dismissed from public service a er adverse ndings were made against him by a Royal Com-
mission established a er the gang’s demise. Under threat of persecution, he ed to Queensland.
Six years would pass before it was safe for him to return, whereupon he commenced a career as a journalist, before leaving his family for a new life with a clairvoyant known as Madame Spontini.
NATIVE: Terry Alexander with a 59cm Murray cod caught in the lower Ovens River last Wednesday on a hard body diving lure.
Hooked on
Peter Newman will feature in a free event at the Wangaratta Library on Thursday, 27 March from 6.30pm, speaking about his research and the resulting book.
Copies of ‘James Wallace: The Kelly Gang Sympathiser’ will be available to purchase on the day or, ahead of the event, in-store and online at Edgars Books and News, and Peter will be available following the talk to sign copies.
While this is a free event, bookings are required, and can be made via https://edgarsbooksandnews.com.au/ events/ or at https://events. humanitix.com/peter-newman-talks-james-wallaceand-the-kelly-gang
native fish
ON Friday, 28 March from 4pm-7pm, the Rural City of Wangaratta and North East Catchment Management Authority will host an interactive, family-friendly evening at Apex Park. It will be full of engaging activities for all ages, including a live fish display and expert talks on native fish species.
There will be a carp muster competition, prizes and giveaways, a free barbecue dinner and a talk from local fishing guru, Robbie Alexander. Bookings are a must. Head to https://events. humanitix.com/hooked-onnative-fish.
Nature’s Everlastings on show at Benalla Art Gallery
FELICITY Pasztaleniec’s selection of dried flower and foliage wall hangings, bespoke wreaths and floral feature pieces is on show at the Benalla Art Gallery shop until 10 April.
Focusing particularly on Australian native plants, all items prioritise environmental consciousness by using materials that are reusable, recyclable, or compostable.
Felicity is the heart and soul behind Everlasting Floral Studio, and is a passionate creator dedicated to Australian native flora.
Felicity exclusively uses flowers and foliage sourced from her native ‘bush’ garden and farm in Upper Lurg, which she naturally dries in her studio.
The essence of Everlasting Floral Studio is deeply connected to the beauty of everlasting daisies, which hold a special place in Felicity’s heart.
This inspiration emerged following the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Eve, who was stillborn in April 2020.
During that challenging time, flowers - especially the (eve)rlasting daisies - brought Felicity a sense of comfort and healing.
Her creations are a blend of dried flowers and foliage, primarily native species such as eucalyptus, gum nuts, hakea, wattle, bracken, kangaroo paw, native grasses, billy buttons, banksia, bottlebrush, tea tree, and of course, Eve’s everlasting daisies.
Each piece is crafted with love and care, infused with the restorative power of nature.
Through her arrangements, Felicity strives to share stories of strength, resilience, and beauty, with the hope of bringing joy into the lives of others.
“Having my work featured in the Benalla Art Gallery shop is an incredibly special milestone,” said Felicity.
“It’s more than just an opportunity to share my dried floral creations - it’s a reflection of my deep connection to nature and the
meaning that flowers hold.
“To see them find a place within the gallery, where others can experience their beauty and meaning, is both humbling and rewarding.”
Benalla Art Gallery director, Eric Nash, said the exhibition evidences the depth and variety of talent in the region.
“Felicity is to be commended not only on her technical capacity - producing beautiful works with what could be considered an unconventional medium - but also for the depth of meaning that underpin her creation.”
All works in the gallery shop are available for purchase from Benalla Art Gallery, or by contacting the gallery on 03 5760 2619 or gallery@ benalla.vic.gov.au
CREATED WITH PURPOSE: Felicity Paztaleniec’s ‘Dried Flower Panel’.
March temperatures warmest since 1940
CONDITIONS in North East Victoria have continued to be notably warmer than normal for March.
In Wangaratta the mean maximum to date at 32.4 degrees Celsius is almost 5C above normal and the warmest since 1940. The mean minimum temperature to date is almost 3C above normal and the warmest since 2016.
The main feature lately has been the occurrence of yet another burst of ooding rainfalls in Townsville following the
WHAT’S UP WITH THE WEATHER?
By Peter Nelson, retired
wettest ever February in 155 years of records.
Last night Townsville recorded 281mm in 8 hours and by 9am last Wednesday morning 301.4 mm had been recorded, the wettest daily fall since 366.5mm on 3 March, 1946. A small scale meso low pressure formed over the mountains southeast of Townsville, creating strong convergence
of very moist air masses. It has been the wettest ever wet season with 2264mm at Townsville in 155 years of records; the previous wettest wet season was 2219mm in 1889-1890. Other very wet such wet seasons were in 1917-18, 1949-50 1973-74 and 201819.
The annual average rainfall at Townsville is just over 1000mm. Most of these except 201819 did set up much needed rainfalls in North East Victoria by the second week of April.
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Joke Corner
What
Did
It
What
What
COLOURUSIN!
Cruise night’s March event wellattended
By STEVE KELLY
THE Wangaratta Cruise Night has finished up for the summer and autumn season with thousands of people attending the monthly events since daylight saving began last October.
Now run by the Wangaratta Rod and Custom Car Club, the event brings hundreds of car enthusiasts to the CBD every third Saturday of the month during daylight saving.
Club president Brendan Smith said the final event for this summer season was big with a few from the Vauxhall car club cruising around town as well.
“All the eateries were pumping and fairly busy, from Luca’s on the corner of Ford and Murphy streets right through to the Lunch Box,” he said.
The Cruise Night was suc-
cessful in receiving Rural City of Wangaratta tourism funding to the tune of $3500 to assist in the event’s staging.
The club took over the running of the event from John Giggins who was instrumental in starting the event and but had to hand over the reins due to health concerns.
It plans to hold a fundraising event for John at Winton on Saturday, 5 April with a cost of $10 (minimum) per vehicle.
For more information about the ‘Cruise for a dream’ event, visit https:// www.facebook.com/wangarattacruisenight/.
To donate and help John’s dream become a reality, visit https://www.gofundme. com/f/support-john-gigginsdream-help-bring-trublu-tolife.
PHOTOS: Auto Chick Photography
These motorcyclists was cruising the main streets all night. Falcon ute.
Hot rod. Chevy.
Ford Mustang.
SS CHEVY NOVA
1933-34
FORD HOT ROD
ACROSS
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
4 Name the first book of the Old Testament (7)
8 To be more agile, is to be what (7)
9 Who examines accounts (7)
10 Name a gin cocktail (7)
11 What term means complete freedom of pain (7)
12 To greet, is to do what (6)
14 What is a mother or a father (6)
18 Which bitter crystalline alkaloid was formerly used as a local anaesthetic (7)
21 What is the skin of some animals (7)
22 What is something introductory (7)
23 Which term describes a cinema (7)
24 To be grave, sober, or serious, is to be what (7)
DOWN
1 Name an alternative term for foes (7)
2 To be clever, is to be what (5)
3 To be unlawful, is to be what (7)
4 What are small hard seeds (6)
5 Name the lowest point, as of adversity (5)
6 To surfeit, is to do what (7)
15 Name a person’s outer clothing (7)
16 Name a particular type of dog (7)
17 To expunge, is to do what (6)
18 Name the meat of the coconut (5)
19 To be silly, is to be what (5)
E-QUATIONS 7
7 Damascus is the capital of which Asian republic (5)
20 When one converses, one does what (5)
Letters have a number value
13 What are servile followers (7)
Some values are in the right hand cells.
Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
E-QUATIONS
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
WHICH WORDS
1 SILVAN
(a) Of woods (b) Harmless (c) Clear and ringing in tone
2 WHEEDLE
(a) To make a long drawn-out cry (b) To breathe with a hissing sound (c) To entice by soft words
BIYWORD
Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.
CLUES:
African National Congress (3)
Electromagnetic Spectrum (3)
Fashionable (5)
Latin: thus (3)
More than enough (5)
Moved cautiously (7)
Nearby (5)
Organise (coll.): ... Up (3)
Structure of a living thing (7)
Traverse (5)
SUDOKU
QUICK THINK
Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.
SOLUTIONS
Cattle producer, agent welcomes steady rain at locations across the Wangaratta district
■ From page 1
“There were about 400 steers in a mixed yarding, with feeder cattle making up to $3.40/kg but were very plain quality,” he said.
“Younger black steers from 270kg-350kg made between $3.80-$4.30/kg.
“We had a good run of spring drop calves, only young and light in stature that made up to $5/kg.
“There were only a few lighter heifers to quote and they sold for $2.80-$3.30/kg.
“Heifers back to the paddock (breeders) were 370-380kg made $3.50/kg.
“Little, light heifers were $2.80-$3.40/kg.”
He said the rain will get people thinking about what they’re going to do next with their sowing and it just means confidence into the market.
“It has been pretty grim for the last month and a bit and this will start turning the table and it looks like there will be an upside,” he said.
HEIFERS: There were only a few lighter heifers selling for 2.80-$3.30/kg, breeder heifers were 370-380kg making $3.50/kg and little light heifers were $2.80-$3.40/kg.
Wangaratta
VENDOR
Storages keep water flowing
NORTHERN Victoria’s major water storages are proving their value to the agricultural industry during the ongoing dry spell.
Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) has now delivered more than a million megalitres of water to irrigators in the Goulburn-Murray Irrigation District during the 2024/25 irrigation season.
This is more than 200,000ML more than the amount the water corporation had delivered to these irrigators at the same stage during any of the previous 10 irrigation seasons and is well above the 10-year average of 628,000ML for the same stage in the season.
GMW water delivery services general manager Warren Blyth said the water kept in GMW’s lakes, dams and reservoirs had helped GMW meet this demand.
“This season has highlighted the importance of our water storages,” he said.
“The water held in them has been a vital safety net for many irrigators during an incredibly dry period.”
This dryness is highlighted by how little inflows GMW storages have received so far during the 2024/25 wa-
ter year (1 July to 30 June).
So far, Lake Eildon has received less than half the inflows it usually would have at this stage in the year.
Lake Eppalock has received 14,500 megalitres during the 2024-25 water year so far.
This is not only 12 per cent of the average inflows it usually receives by this stage of the water year but is less than a 10th of the inflows it received in one day during the 2022 floods.
The Cairn Curran, Laanecoorie, and Tullaroop storages have only received four to six per cent of their usual inflows.
However, Mr Blyth said water supply is still relatively healthy.
“Some of our larger storages are designed to be ‘mul-
ti-year’ storages, meaning that once they are full, they have enough water to supply customers for multiple years, regardless of inflows,” he said.
“The likes of Lake Eildon, Lake Eppalock and Dartmouth Dam are still between 60-85 per cent full, so despite the dry weather, this will support water availability in the following irrigation season.”
People can learn more about the outlook for the upcoming irrigation season on the Northern Victoria Resource Manager website: https://nvrm.net.au/outlooks/current-outlook.
People can visit the GMW website to see a list of upto-date storage levels: www. gmwater.com.au/storagelevels.
PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling
Exchange - Store cattle report Thursday, 20 March
TABLE TOP ANGUS 9 ANGUS STEER 297.78 1230
AUSTRALIAN WOOL NETWORK
TABLE TOP ANGUS 9 ANGUS STEER 254.44 1120 AUSTRALIAN WOOL NETWORK
CAMBATONG PARK 10 ANGUS STEER 331.5 1230 AUSTRALIAN WOOL NETWORK
CAMBATONG PARK 9 ANGUS X STEER 218.67 1070 AUSTRALIAN WOOL NETWORK
REILLY HM & WB 11 ANGUS STEER 245.45 1100 AUSTRALIAN WOOL NETWORK
DAL ZOTTO WINES 4 ANGUS STEER 448.75 1590 CORCORAN PARKER
BUTTERFIELD P.G & A.M 7 ANGUS STEER 400 1590 CORCORAN PARKER
ALAN RICE 8 ANGUS STEER 316.88 1240 CORCORAN PARKER
P & B HINDLE 18 ANGUS STEER 19.17 1325 ELDERS
Lindsay Park 25 ANGUS STEER 291 1230 ELDERS
Lindsay Park 21 ANGUS STEER 338.33 1340 ELDERS
Eagles Pastural 8 ANGUS STEER 252.11 1140 ELDERS BROUGHTON AG 10 HEREFORD STR 454 1590 NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK LIMERICK LANE 9 ANGUS STEER 421.67 1510 NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK
UDAL PTY LTD 5 ANGUS STEER 250 1080 NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK
PR Curtis & DJ Stevenson 4 MIXED STEER 256.25 1080 NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK HEIFER
THOMPSON SCOTT 2
BULLS
Wangaratta Livestock
Livestock
HOPEFUL: Graham Batten from Moyhu with his cattle prior to the sale.
IN PERSON BY PHONE
37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677
Ostinato Choir ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
8pm at The Log Cabin, Chisholm Street, Wangaratta
After a rehearsal at 7pm
Board Directors, Merriwa Industries Ltd – Expression of interest
Merriwa is a social enterprise committed to supporting the employment and development of people of all abilities. Operating within a commercial environment, we deliver high quality services and products to our customers across five key divisions (Contract Packaging and Processing, Packaging, Timber Processing, Community Services and Park Lane Nursery), Merriwa provides employment for more than 130 all abilities employees.
Merriwa has an annual turnover of more than $30 million (www.merriwa.org.au).
Merriwa wishes to appoint up to three new Directors for the governance of Merriwa. Given Merriwa’s strategic position and growth agenda, a background in corporate finance/commercial, governance, social enterprises, or all abilities experiences are highly desirable. These are voluntary positions.
To join our Board you must share Merriwa’s values and its commitment to providing meaningful employment and support for people of all abilities. You will live, work or have strong connections with the Wangaratta/ Wodonga/Albury areas and seek to be part of an organisation where your contribution will make a genuine difference. You will need to commit to attend and actively contribute to regular Board meetings (8-10 per year) and have adequate time for preparation with additional committee work when required. Board meetings are held in Wangaratta and Wodonga.
Successful applicants will be required to attain both a National Police Clearance and a Working with Children Check. People from diverse backgrounds and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are encouraged to apply. Previous board experience is desirable but not essential. Please email the Board Chair, Dr Christine Cunningham, at Christine.cunningham@merriwa.org. au for further information, the position description and application details. Applications close 10 April 2025.
GFCV (Gas and Fuel Corp of Victoria) There is to be a reunion of ex-personal (contractors included) on March 27, 2025 at the North Eastern Hotel, Wangaratta at 12noon Partners welcome.
CONCRETING , big or small jobs, paths, driveways, shed slabs, verandahs, 15 years experience. For a free quote phone Trev Anderson on 0422 200 761.
MARK ’S Mowing, reasonable prices, ride on mowing, edging, clean up, spraying and any waste removal. Ph 0472 603 156.
PAINTER, old school, for all your painting needs, commercial, industrial renovations. Phone Juliano 0412 597 482.
WHEELER Earthworks, available for all your earthworks needsyard clean ups, stump removals, driveways, material supply and spreading, rural work and more. Call Marcus on 0491 094 545.
LIVING AREA
PACKAGE includes dining table with 4 chairs and bench seat, buffet unit and coffee table, well loved by a family of 4, minor scratches and cosmetic blemishes, purchased brand new in 2023 from McPhails, selling due to moving interstate, pick up only from Wangaratta, $2500 ono, need gone ASAP! Contact Amy 0418 885 338.
RIDE on lawn mower, cox, 13 horsepower, in good nick, $800. Ph 0439 766 211
POULTRY Sell Out Ducks, Muscovys, Budgies, Bantams incl. C Brites, large hens and pullets of various breeds. Ring for details 0459 899 884.
2007 NISSAN PATROL Ti Manual, approx. 190k on the clock, includes roof rack and awning, selling due to moving interstate, open to negotiation, pick up Wangaratta, (1YP8XF).
$30,000
Ph 0434 590 566
2014 Ford Ranger Wildtrack, Wangaratta, 262,000km, RWC, reg till July (1VR2GV), 2 keys, light bar, electric seats, blue tooth, R cam, service history, local, $20,900 ONO. Call Steve 0402 222 634.
MAZDA 2023 CX3 auto hatch, reg CHC333, one owner, immaculate condition, service books, 11,875kms, RWC, $27,750. Phone Maxwell.K.Batey on 0419 547 308.
MITSUBISHI Tray Top Ute, 410,00km, motor rebuilt, 6 month rego (CU57VL), $2800. Ph 0439 766 211.
2017 Ford Transit CamperVan,54,000km, (1KG6TW),$62,000, for more information ring Phil 0418 994 147.
In memory of BRADBURY, Edgar Ronald “Ed”. 19/2/1939 - 23/3/2024
We remember a loving and wonderful Dad who made his family and friends laugh at his bad 'Dad' jokes. We miss you and think of you often. ~ Love Claire, Richard, Ross, Malcolm and all our
FOR sale steel checker plate trailer, 1500 x 2100, reg (N69098) until July 4, 2025, $300. Ph 0437 454 118.
Truck Driver/Meat Lumper Wangaratta Abattoirs requires a reliable person able to be a delivery driver to distribute carcass meat throughout Victoria and the Riverina to local butchers and supermarkets. Early morning starts to allow delivery to butchers during the day and some heavy lifting is involved. We are prepared to teach the suitable person lifting techniques to assist with carcass deliveries.
HEAVY RIGID LICENSE ESSENTIAL. This is an opportunity to build towards a long term position with our company. Apply by return response to this advertisement, call Peter Booth on 5721 2349 or come in and see us at 53 Greta Road, Wangaratta.
HUGH SPRING
WANGARATTA Chronicle photographer
Marc Bongers went to the Under 16s WDCA grand final match between City Colts and Benalla recently to take some action shots.
ISAAC MOORE
THANISH GADELA
SHAAN PINTO
GO ASHBY
MAX MAREK
Wangaratta & District Cricket Association
A GRADE - SEMI-FINALS
Whitten c: Kyle Archibald b: Angus McMillan
Lakpriya shantha Gangabadawatta Arachchilage c: Reid Clarke b: Angus
McMillan
Brady Bartlett not out
Charlie Lugg not out
Surrey 18/1/5/22/4, Jack
6/2/21/1, Brenton Surrey 1/1/0/0, Henry
6/3/6/1.
/
Bowling: Angus Heslin 20/4/60/0, Angus McMillan 24/7/50/4, Matt McCabe 14/3/32/3, Van Kreeck 7/1/15/0, Brock McCabe 10/2/27/1.
YARRAWONGA MULWALA 1ST INNINGS
Reid Clarke c: Brady Bartlett b: Paddy McNamara
Fraser Smart b: Paddy McNamara
Ben Welsh c: Lakpriya shantha Gangabadawatta Arachchilage b: Jacob
Schonafinger
Brock McCabe b: Paddy McNamara
Zach Moore c: Brady Bartlett b: Jacob Schonafinger
Matt McCabe b: Jacob Schonafinger
adam dodd c: Jacob Schonafinger b: Paddy McNamara
Kyle Archibald (c) c: Ryan Collier b: Jeremy Wilson
Angus McMillan (vc) c: Ryan Collier b: Jeremy Wilson
Xavier Mitchell not out
Angus Heslin run out: Charlie Lugg, Lakpriya shantha Gangabadawatta
Arachchilage
Extras Total
Overs
Bowling: Jacob Schonafinger 16/9/12/3, Brady bartlett 7/0/22/0, Jeremy Wilson 13/4/21/2, Paddy McNamara 14/7/20/4, Charlie Lugg 1/0/6/0.
B GRADE - SEMI-FINALS
C GRADE - SEMI-FINALS
A RESERVE - SEMI-FINALS
Rovers United Bruck 9/130 Blake Nixon 39 Dale Stratton 3/31 def Benalla Bushrangers 10/110 Dylan Barber 33 Bart Cann 3/25. Yarrawonga Mulwala 10/103 John Taylor 27 Joe Kelleher 3/16 def by Delatite 4/104 Mark O’Loughlan 54 Oliver Connell 1/10.
Yarrawonga Mulwala 5/74 Geoffrey Montgomery 31 Henry Berriman 3/10 def Merton 10/73 Luke Berriman 20 Jyda House 3/23. Benalla Bushrangers 6/109 Jack Fullager 59 Jeremy Ackroyd 2/24 def Rovers United Bruck 8/108 Vance Curran 49 Steven Pickering 3/19.
Beechworth Wanderers Stanley 5/198 Ryan Niklaus 66 Simon O’Brien 1/30 def Greta Blue 9/54 Thomas Grounds 19 Kane Niklaus 4/18. Yarrawonga Mulwala 6/146 Darcy Hargreaves 43 Sam Hazell 1/17 def Benalla Bushrangers Blue 8/145 Jack Hart 36* Kade Michael 2/18.
QUICK RUN: Matthew Whitten sets o for a single.
PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie
SAFE SHOT: Zac Guilfoyle runs the ball along the ground.
Wangaratta & District Cricket Association
By NATHAN DE VRIES
ROVERS United Bruck
have booked yet another A grade grand nal ticket a er defeating Yarrawonga Mulwala over the weekend by 104 runs.
Up against a strong Lakers side who have vanquished them twice before this year, the Hawks won the toss and batted, with opening pair Charith Perera and Ryan Collier digging in early.
The pair put 34 runs on the board before Perera chipped one to Ben Walsh in the ineld.
Reid McNamara was the next to go, slashing at one outside the o stump straight to second slip.
The Hawks went from 2/51 to 3/55 a er Paddy McNamara holed out in the deep for three.
Collier was the victim of miscommunication between the wickets, the ‘yes, no, sorry’ of it resulting in his dismissal at the non-striker’s end, run out for 26.
Jeremy Wilson would ght back, working together to bring RUB from 4/58 to 5/112 alongside Matt Whitten, with Wilson snicking the ball to Reid Clarke keeping up to the stumps for 36.
Whitten managed 19 before he was caught behind, with the tail keeping the scoreboard ticking over.
Jacob Schona nger (17 o 29), Luke Whitten (18 from 34) and Lucky Shantha (28 from 24) all chipped in with valuable runs, with the score creeping ever upwards.
The Hawks batted their ll allotment of overs, sitting at 9/186 a er 75 overs.
Angus McMillan (4/50 o 24 overs) and Matt McCabe (3/32 from 24) were the strike bowlers for the Lakers.
With the runs on the board, the Hawks came out to defend and their bowlers were putting it the right spot.
The Lakers opening pair lasted 10 overs before Reid Clarke edged Paddy McNamara to the slips for three runs, the rst wicket falling at 1/20.
The Hawks kept the pressure on, bowling a consistent fourth stump line and allowing the dot balls to pile up.
Schona nger found the edge of Ben Welsh who just poked at one outside the o stump, and when McNamara pushed one through Fraser Smart’s defences and into the top of the o stump, the Lakers were 3/42 a er 21 overs.
The fourth came in the 27th over when Zach Moore slashed one to gully trying to get o the mark a er 11 deliveries.
Pressure continued to mount on the Lakers as they tried to nd avenues to score, but when Schona n-
ger bowled Matt McCabe, the Hawks were in control with Yarrawonga Mulwala at 5/57 a er 33 overs.
The next to fall was Brock McCabe, who had lasted 68 balls before a peach from McNamara took the top of his leg stump.
At 6/62, Andrew Dodd and Kyle Archibald tried to bring some spark into the chase, running the single hard and rotating strike, until Archibald hit one to the waiting hands of cover.
More wickets fell in the 49th over, when a half volley to Dodd was hit right to mido , the Lakers slumping to 8/71.
Wilson struck again in the 50th over, a ball skied to midwicket with Angus McMillan gone for a ve ball duck.
The match was all but concluded, the Lakers needing 104 with one wicket in hand, and when Angus Heslin tried to sneak a single and Xavier Mitchell was caught ball watching at the other end, Heslin was run out, the Lakers bowled out for 82.
Paddy McNamara was the pick of the bowlers, nishing with 4/20 from 14 overs, while Schona nger (3/12 from 16) and Wilson (2/21 from 13) were impactful.
The Hawks’ win sees them take on rivals Wangaratta Magpies in the grand nal.
■ From back page
With 153 on the board, the Magpies needed to bowl and field extremely well to keep Beechworth out of the game.
It took just three overs for the Magpies to strike, with Ollie Andrew catching the edge of Clancy Ellett to Matheson in the slips, the Wanderers 1/9 early.
Matheson would pull of a brilliant catch seven overs later, diving low and to his right and taking the catch to remove Jackson Cull for six.
The experienced Wanderers Brenton and Kayde Surrey were at the crease, determined to outlast the tight line and length the Magpies were producing.
Fraser Ellis would enter the fray, removing Kayde Surrey LBW to see the Wanderers in trouble at 3/28 after 16 overs.
The pressure would get to Brenton Surrey after overs of tight bowling, slashing at a fuller delivery and edging it to the gloves of Jack Davies, Andrew picking up his third.
From 4/42, Beechworth lost two wickets in quick succession, Austen Fendyk trapped LBW to Ellis and Jack Ryan caught in the deep off Andrew, 6/49 after 27 overs.
Zac Guilfoyle came into the attack and picked up a thick edge off his second ball, but it was put down at first slip – the very next delivery the edge came again, but this time Nic Bonwick held onto it to remove Will Prebble.
Matt Ryan and Cam Fendyk worked into a nice partnership, but Ellis would get one to bounce more than Ryan expected, catching the shoulder of the bat and into the gloves of the leaping Davies.
Soaring Rovers rip through Lakers
‘Pies completely dominate Wanderers with the ball
Ellis sensed blood in the water, sending a shorter one down two deliveries later to Henry Scalzo who parried it into the air, caught at short leg.
The Wanderers had one wicket left and needed 86 runs from 40 overs.
Cam Fendyk would work hard to try and keep his side in the contest, but Ellis would have the final say with the Wanderers sitting on 80 runs.
Ellis hit Tim Cogger on the pads in front of the stumps, wrapping the game up in the 40th over and finishing with figures of 5/23 from 17 overs, and Ollie Andrew finishing with 4/18 from 14 overs.
Skipper Cooper Matheson said it was a brilliant display across the weekend.
“We were absolutely clinical with the ball, every week we’ve bowled better and we’ve done it again this week against a class batting line up,” he said.
“I wouldn’t say we were happy with 153, but we knew it was very defendable especially out here, it’s ridiculously slow in the outfield but since both teams play on it there’s no advantage to either side.
“Early the pitch had a bit of pop in it, I thought we might’ve had the wrong decision to bat but it played out alright once the ball got a bit wet because the outfield was a bit dewy.
“Our bowlers were clinical.
“Ollie [Andrew] has been bowling unreal, he’s not bowling quick but in the right areas all day. It’s the same with Frase [Ellis], he’s just a freak.
“We fielded out of our skin, we said if we field well we’ll win, and it worked pretty well.”
The win sets up a derby grand final with Rovers United Bruck.
SHOT: Jacob Schonafinger stands up a carves the ball behind point. PHOTO: Melissa Beattie
GOT HIM: Kayde Surrey and Austen Fendyk celebrate a wicket. NO RUN: Kyle Winter-Irving blocks out a good ball.
SLASHED: Cooper Matheson viciously cuts the ball in front of point in his semi-final.
BIG SWING
CHARITH Perera swings for the fences in the Hawks’ semi-final crushing of Yarrawonga Mulwala. Rovers United Bruck put on 186 runs before bowling the Lakers out for 82.
■ Story page 15.
Wangaratta Magpies’ bowlers completely dominate Beechworth in A grade semi-final triumph
WANGARATTA Magpies are through to the WDCA A grade grand nal a er a truly impressive performance with the ball against Beechworth Wanderers.
Batting rst at the Showgrounds, Wangaratta managed 153 all out from 72.1 overs before bowling Beechworth out for 80.
A er winning the toss and
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
batting, disaster struck for the ‘Pies on the second ball, when Dean Simmons edged a ball which reared o the deck into the waiting hands of Brenton Surrey in the slips. Captain Cooper Matheson
would come in and be the aggressor, playing his shots while Jarryd Wallace played the anchor role.
Matheson would bring up his half century at a run a ball in style, whipping Jack Ryan for a six over the square leg boundary.
The Magpies had recovered well, sitting at 1/56 a er 20 overs, but there was still plen-
ty of work to do.
At the end of the 24th over, Wallace punched a ball to mid-o and sent o for a run, but a miscommunication with Matheson saw Wallace run out at the strikers end quite comfortably for nine o his 73 balls faced.
Jack Davies lasted only eight balls before edging one o Jack Ryan, and Matheson’s
innings ended on 66 when he pushed forward at a ball and snicked it to rst slip.
At 4/83, the Magpies needed a partnership to form, with Ollie Andrew and Kyle Winter-Irving battling away in the middle.
The duo would add 22 before Winter-Irving was dismissed for 14.
Andrew (18 o 88 balls) and
James Thewlis (24 o 35) provided some resistance, but both were soon back in the sheds.
The ‘Pies tail persevered, with Nic Bonwick (four o 21), Zac Guilfoyle ( ve from 45), Callum Honey (two from seven) and Matt Prestianni (one not out from 10) helping where they could.
■ Continued page 15
PHOTO: Melissa Beattie