Wangaratta Chronicle, Wednesday, May 24, 2023

PLEASANT SURROUNDS

Budget to deliver sewerage solutions

WANGARATTA’S sewage capacity problem, which has hindered housing growth in the rural city, has been addressed in 2023/24 Victorian State Budget, with $11 million of works to receive scheduled funding.

The North East Water Corporation is set to receive the funding in the fourth quarter of next financial year, including $6.5m for the

State budget offers $201b in existing and new capital g$gppjprojects

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

Wangaratta Reith Lindner Road sewer pump station, $2.5m for the southern pump station, and $2m for North West growth corridor

detention (underground storage) tanks.

It’s part of $19.48m in funding budgeted for the corporation in the 2023/24 financial year.

A further $4.4m is expected to be funded in the subsequent financial year to complete the Wangaratta pump stations.

It’s intended that this new infrastructure will alleviate the pressure on Wangaratta’s sewerage system until a second waste water treatment plant can be built, which has been earmarked to cost $200m.

Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy said it was a

good start in regards to the funding in the budget for the water authority.

“This has held up future development and we have to provide the opportunities so private enterprise can get in and do what they do best,” he said.

“If they don’t have that capital expenditure by

government to get the land into some sort of shape, then it’s never going to happen.”

There is a total of $201 billion in new and existing capital projects underway in Victoria to transform the way people move around the state and improve access to jobs and services in local communities.

■ Continued page 2

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

2023-24 State budget responses

The Opposition

LIFE is getting harder for regional Victorians under Labor with the state budget slashing funding in key areas including regional roads, health and agriculture according to Nationals leader Peter Walsh.

“Victoria’s crumbling regional roads will only decay further with maintenance funding slashed by 45 per cent since 2020, and from $702.2 million to just $441.6 million in the last

year alone,” he said.

“This comes despite 124 deaths on Victorian roads in 2023 so far, up a shocking 30 per cent on this time last year.

“The regional development budget has again been cut, halved from $211.5 million to $106.6 million in this year’s budget. Since 2020, it has been slashed by 80 per cent.

“Agriculture funding hasn’t escaped the axe either, down 34 per cent on last year from $687.3 million to $454.8 million.

“This is addition to the closure of the sustainable native timber industry being brought forward from 2030 to 2024, a death warrant for communities in the state’s east.

“Trade and global development has now been cut by $60.3 million, or almost 60 per cent, since 2020, despite Victorian farmers and farm businesses continue to weather uncertain international markets.”

Mr Walsh said there is no plan in this budget to

solve regional Victoria’s health service workforce issues.

“This will only leave more Victorians on waiting lists, struggling to receive the urgent care and treatment many desperately need,” he said.

“Victoria’s regions are being left behind by Labor at a time when they can least afford it and this is no more evident than in the cuts to funding in vital areas such as roads, health and agriculture.”

Council to Homeless Persons

The Victorian budget has delivered $134 million to provide access to housing and homelessness support but more is desperately needed according to Council to Homeless Persons chief executive officer Deborah Di Natale.

“We are pleased to see this budget delivers some desperately needed support for rough sleepers through

investment in Housing First responses,” Ms Di Natale said.

“We also welcome funding being maintained for crucial existing support services delivering homelessness and housing assistance to women and young people without a home.

“Still the State Government should commit to building at least 6000 social housing properties each year for a decade.

“The Big Housing Build is proof this government acknowledges the massive need for more social housing. But with 57,000 households on the waiting list, that initiative simply cannot be a one off

“As a state we’re investing in over 55,000 nights of short-term accommodation each month.

“This is nowhere near enough to meet demand and does nothing to end someone’s homelessness.

“That’s where the combination of housing and support through H2H was remarkable.

“We’re looking forward to continuing our work with the State Government to ensure future budgets include more decisions which will put us on a path to ending homelessness.”

Email: edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au Website: wangarattachronicle.com.au

NEW PUMP STATIONS: Sewerage infrastructure near new housing estates in Wangaratta’s north west and southern areas will allow for further population growth in the rural city.

Budget to deliver sewerage solutions

■ From page 1 Northeast Health Wangaratta will be funded for a new PET scanner as part of $44 million for four hospitals across regional Victoria expecting the equipment, something Mr McCurdy welcomed.

Wangaratta High School is not on the list to receive its promised $11 million in the 2023/24 year, however, Northern Victoria MP Jaclyn Symes said they will “kickstart planning on upgrades” at the school as well as others in the electorate.

“The government has committed to the school funding so I have no doubt it’s going to happen, it’s just not going to happen this year,” Mr McCurdy said.

Wangaratta District Specialist School’s Benalla campus has $3.958m allocated for the 2023/24 year to be delivered by the 2nd quarter as part of a $12.216m project.

The budget papers note that the total estimated investment (TEI) has increased by $1.881 million due to market escalation in the construction sector.

Other funding in the budget includes $60k to support Wangaratta North East Bushrangers basketball.

Beechworth waste water treatment plant will receive $50k to begin its $12.1 million upgrade.

Some $30k will be provided to the Beechworth Lions Club Inc.

A grant of $70,000 will support Indigo Power Ltd so they can continue to provide local innovative renewable energy solutions in Benambra.

Another $250k will be spent on the Winton Motorcycle Club track upgrade.

Some $60k will support the Wangaratta North East Bushrangers basketball.

More than 100 sporting clubs will benefit from more than $200 million to improve their facilities, including $15 million to upgrade the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre.

regional Victorians.

“With this budget, we’re delivering on every election promise we made to the people of Northern Victoria - and we’ll keep standing with flood-affected communities across our regions,” she said.

Some other highlights include the Big Housing Build that will invest $5.3 billion to deliver more than 12,000 social and affordable dwellings, including $1.3 billion directed to regional areas.

Four-Year-Old Kindergarten is transitioning to Pre-Prep over the next decade, increasing to a universal 30-hour a week program for play-based learning for fouryear-old children in Victoria.

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

VCCI chief executive officer Paul Guerra said the state budget takes Victoria from the most locked down state in Australia to one of the highest taxing, as the government continues to hit business with the bill for the debt incurred throughout the pandemic and cost blowouts in the WorkCover scheme.

“The government says this is the plan to pay off the ‘COVID credit card debt’ but they’re doing that by using medium to large businesses and property owners as an ATM over the next 10 years,” Mr Guerra said.

or by phone on (02) 9261 1930.

Mr McCurdy highlighted a 25 per cent cut in funding for roads which he was disappointed about given the poor condition of roads in the electorate.

“We are now up to almost a 45pc cut to what we used to receive in 2020,” he said.

Funding will continue for the Education Benalla Program, delivered by the Tomorrow Today Education Foundation, a successful place-based initiative which works to overcome local barriers to educational success through programs designed to reduce social and economic disadvantage in the Benalla district.

Ms Symes said with targeted investment in schools, mental health, aged care, emergency services, recreation and sporting facilities, and community groups - they’re doing what matters for

The budget will invest $620 million across the justice system and emergency services, including youth diversion programs and support for communities that are over-represented in the criminal justice system, and addressing gambling-related harm.

Separately, it invests $677 million in ongoing flood recovery, building on the $1.8b committed last year to help communities get their lives back on track.

More than $120m will be provided to Service Victoria to build and maintain the digital services Victorians expect, with an allocation of $90m supercharging already guaranteed funding to accommodate government service cards.

“It’s certainly a departure from the ‘all in it together’ approach taken throughout the pandemic and this will directly impact jobs and investment in Victoria.

“There are some positive initiatives including funding for manufacturing, major events, exports, renewable energy and training.

“The Victorian Chamber also welcomes the stamp duty reform and the payroll tax offsets for smaller enterprises, but this budget will be remembered for job cuts and tax hikes.”

Employee gambled with $23,600 in support funding

A LOCAL woman who withdrew and ultimately gambled with $23,600 of her employer’s funding has been told her actions were “disgraceful”.

The 42-year-old disability support worker, who currently resides in Moyhu, faced Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Monday, pleading guilty to dishonesty charges after she made 24 unauthorised withdrawals with a number of banking cards belonging to her employer last year.

The court heard between July 18 and August 17, the defendant vis-

ited Westpac’s Murphy Street ATM on several occasions making withdrawals with four separate banking cards.

One card was used seven times to withdraw $6600, another was used three times to withdraw $3000, and a third was used four times to withdraw $4000.

A fourth card was used 10 times to withdraw a total of $10,000.

According to police prosecutor Constable Immy Akers, the accused had told police she had a gambling addiction at

the time of the offending.

The court heard the 42-year-old had previously been sentenced in 2017 for dishonesty offending, ordered to pay back $15,000 after repeatedly underreporting her income while in receipt of Centrelink payments.

Defence counsel Nancy Battiato said her client had been employed by the business since 2015, spending more than seven years with the company before losing her job as a result of the offending.

She said the defendant had been

asked by her manager to withdraw $2000 to pay for bills and shopping requirements for a client, and had panicked after losing the envelope containing the money.

Ms Battiato said her client had been gambling the business’ funds in an effort to recover the $2000, and had been “terrified” to speak to management about her situation.

Magistrate Peter Dunn said the offending could easily have seen a prison sentence imposed.

“This is disgraceful,” he said.

“You were in a position of respon-

sibility and you breached that trust.

“My first thought today was unfortunately I’m going to have to send someone to prison.”

He said a report provided to the court detailed the defendant’s challenging upbringing, and noted he had taken the information into account when imposing a lengthy community corrections order.

He ordered the woman to complete 120 hours of community work during the 18 month order, and ordered she repay $23,600 in restitution.

Art a vehicle for change

By SIMONE KERWIN

RONAN Holdsworth finds art is not just the best way for him to handle his epilepsy, but also a fantastic avenue for starting conversations.

It’s the reason the local artist has just completed his second mural in Wangaratta’s central business district aimed at raising awareness of epilepsy and mental health.

The first, situated behind Worklocker in Faithfull Street, was well-received, and the latest, in Victoria Parade near the Wangaratta Club, is also garnering plenty of attention.

They are part of Ronan’s plan to give away two murals each year to raise awareness for a cause close to his heart.

“For some people, like myself, epilepsy is a package, and you don’t know what you’re going to get in that package; it may also impact on your mental health through having anxiety or panic attacks,” Ronan said.

“It’s about finding ways to deal with it, and for me, that’s art.

“I’m not saying it will work for everyone, but it definitely works for me.

“This new mural has opened up conversations about epilepsy, just as the first one did.

In my life, epilepsy has been something I’ve hidden because of the stigma that’s attached to it, but the more we can talk about it and

THE WAY:

normalise it, the better it will be for everyone.

“Hopefully through those conversations, we can remove the stigma.”

The 20m-long Victoria Parade mural is a bright floral display featuring two blue-banded bees, and 14 ladybugs hidden throughout, offering a searchand-find activity which has been delighting youngsters taking in the artwork.

Ronan invited the community to contribute ideas for flowers to be included in the mural, which features the epilepsy colour, purple, and the mental health colour, green, among the flowers’ bright foliage.

“Generally, it’s just a nice visual image,” he said.

Having epilepsy myself, I know that the less stress I have, the less sensitivity I experience, so that was part of the aim,” he said.

Ronan said it had been humbling to see and hear the reaction to his murals, and to know that his work could have a positive effect on the community.

“It’s not about me, it’s the art,” he said.

“If I stood in that location yelling about epilepsy, no one would listen to me, but if I paint a bunch of beautiful flowers, it’s starting those important conversations.”

Give Wangaratta event next week

THE Give Wangaratta Winter Giving grant awards and community networking event will be held on Thursday, June 1 from 6pm.

A number of grants, proudly funded by the Madge Brown Foundation, Wangaratta RSL and Give Wangaratta donors, will be awarded on the night. The event will also mark the launch of the Winter Giving Challenge, inviting others to lay the foundation for future grants providing hope and opportunity to vulnerable children and families.

Speakers at the grants presentation include Katherine Brown (Madge Brown Charitable Trust) and Jodie Wells (family violence lawyer, Hume Riverina Legal Service, and Into Our Hands board-member), with emcee Jamie Boatwood. Since the Give Wangaratta Sub-Fund was established in 2019, it has distributed over $166000 back into community projects that benefit young people and vulnerable families in Wangaratta.

The event will be held at North East Funerals from 6pm to 8pm with RSVP is required by 5pm today to Into Our Hands at info@intoourhands. com.au.

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BRIGHTENING

Artist Ronan Holdsworth has produced this mural in Victoria Parade, to raise epilepsy and mental health awareness.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Commemorating 35 years of Zonta

THE Zonta Club of Wangaratta celebrated its 35th Annual General Meeting and Change-Over Dinner earlier this month at The Gateway Quality Hotel.

It was sponsored by the Zonta Club of Melbourne and the first meeting, held at the Pinsent Hotel, was attended by 20 charter members.

Zonta Wangaratta was chartered on February 25, 1988.

The governor, Val Sarah, from the Zonta Club of Ballarat installed the office bearers and presented the charter and gavel to the inaugural president Jo Groom.

Guests for the evening, included Mayor Dean Rees, councillors Harry Bussell and David Fuller, representatives from NETracks, Northeast Health, RSL, Borinya, Wangaratta High School and The Lions Club of Wangaratta watched as charter member Isabel Dunstan OAM spoke of the great work done by Zonta Wangaratta since the inauguration and cut the cake.

Ms Dunstan said she reflected on Zonta Club of Wangaratta’s past achievements over their 35 years with great pride.

“I remember all the other wonderful women who helped establish the Zonta Club of Wangaratta in 1988, and those who have worked so hard over the

years to enable our club to remain a vital part of Zonta International and our own community,” she said.

Incoming president Elizabeth Wilson was inducted along with her board, Lois Knox, Nicole McFarlane, Kay Adams, Joanne Metzger and Jennifer Kirby.

Unfortunately Kate Jackson and Lauren Begley were unable to attend and will be inducted at a later date.

Three Long Service Certificates were presented to Ms Dunstan, Lyndsay Fiddes and Ms Kirby.

The final highlight of the evening was the announcement of Zonta Wangaratta’s Woman of The Year to Colleen Davis, volunteer welfare officer for the RSL.

During the global outbreak of COVID-19, Ms Davis put together a volunteer support group to assist her in maintaining contact with veterans in the Wangaratta district, contacting more than 300 community members each week.

Sadly, Colleen was unable to attend but will be presented with her award and certificate at a forthcoming general meeting.

Guest speaker Tammy Atkins spoke of the great need for digital knowledge especially for women living in regional areas with the formation of the Victorian Women’s Trust.

CELEBRATION: The commemorative 35th anniversary cake of the Zonta Club of Wangaratta was a delicious touch to the AGM earlier in the month.

HONOURED: Jennifer Kirby, Lyndsay Fiddes and Isabel Dunstan OAM received their Long Service Certificates from outgoing Zonta Club of Wangaratta president Alison Grant at the annual general meeting earlier in the month.

Ultra marathon for mental health

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

A TEAM of four runners from The Performance Club Melbourne have come through Wangaratta overnight as a part of their 1000km run from Sydney to Melbourne for mental health.

They commenced running on May 18 from Bondi Beach on their way to The Performance Club Williamstown, with the aim of completing the run over 10 days (1000km total and 100km per day) to raise funds for the Holla Foundation, a not-for-

profit mental health charity.

More than $60,000 had been raised as they crossed the 500km mark of the run on Monday, with a goal of raising $200,000 in total.

Their goal is to not only raise funds to support outreach services but also help others understand the importance of mental health and the strength that can be found in vulnerability by giving a friend or family member a “Holla”.

One of the runners, Kevin Bonnar, who is running in 50km relay stints per day, said despite the tough con-

ditions and the niggling injuries, the support shown through country NSW and Victoria has been inspiring.

“On the road everyone who we’ve talked to in the country knows someone close to them that have been affected by suicide,” he said.

“One of the ways we want to open the conversation up is if you’re struggling, ask someone else how they’re doing, because if that person can open up to you, the barrier of vulnerability comes down and you can be more comfortable sharing your struggles.

“I’m just an average dad with kids, none of us are runners, we’re out here moving and we know movement is medicine, and bringing yourself into a community is so powerful in dealing with positivity and people’s mental health.”

You can view the documented run through the Holla foundation’s Instagram account via https://www. instagram.com/hollafoundation/ and you can donate to the cause via this link: https://hollafoundation.com/ donate-to-holla/.

PUSHING THE LIMIT: Dan Snowden, Dylan Conway, Jake Plakakis and Kevin Bonnar took off from Wangaratta this morning as a part of their 10 day 1000km Sydney to Melbourne run for mental health.

NEW BOARD: Incoming board for the upcoming year for the Zonta Club of Wangaratta Joanne Metzger, Kay Adams, Jennifer Kirby, Nicole McFarlane, Lois Knox and incoming president Elizabeth Wilson.

Stranded driver three times the legal alcohol limit

A RURAL city man who became trapped in floodwaters while driving drunk to Wangaratta to purchase fast food last year has been told the floodwaters had prevented him from placing local residents at further risk on the roads.

The 61-year-old Bobinawarrah resident pleaded guilty to drinkdriving during the October 15 incident, after his car became stranded on Oxley Flats Road after he drove into floodwaters while more than three times over the legal blood alcohol limit.

The Wangaratta Magistrates’

Court heard on Monday the Chrysler Sebring driven by the man had been halfway underwater when SES water rescue members were called to the intersection of Taylors Lane, with the accused man seated on the vehicle’s roof and holding onto a nearby tree.

He was said to have recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.17 around 3.30pm, some 75 minutes after emergency service crews had first attended the scene.

He later told police he had been

drinking cask wine throughout the day, and had been driving to get dinner at a Wangaratta fast food restaurant.

He told officers he “just didn’t think (he) drank that much”.

Defence counsel Geoff Clancy said his client had been driving his partner’s vehicle at the time, and had been immediately suspended from further driving in the wake of the incident.

He said the floodwater had stopped the accused from placing other motorists at risk.

“He concedes readily he made a number of poor choices

on this evening,” he said.

Magistrate Peter Dunn said the defendant’s decision to drive had necessitated a significant response by local emergency service crews, as the region was lashed by consistent rain and widespread flooding.

“Everybody places their lives at risk,” he said of the SES response.

“(And the defendant) wants to get pissed and go and get KFC.”

He banned the defendant from driving for 17 months from the October 15 incident, and imposed a $1200 fine with conviction.

Flu season fast approaching

LOCALS are being urged to protect themselves and their loved ones throughout the winter by getting their influenza vaccination, with an anticipated spike in flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases in the coming months.

According to Victorian Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas, only one in 10 children across the state had been vaccinated against the flu as of late April, while one third of parents were unaware flu could cause serious illness in otherwise healthy children.

“While flu can be mild in some people, in others it can cause a very serious illness - so protect yourself and your loved ones by rolling up your arm for your flu vaccination,” Ms Thomas said.

“Children are at a much higher risk of serious illness due to flu, and with so few vaccinated I want to encourage all parents to protect your children this winter.

“Stay well this winter - get vaccinated against flu and COVID, and stay at home if you’re sick.”

Seasonal flu activity is expected to rise in 2023, with cases in children aged between five and 14 increasing by 115 per cent in the last fortnight.

Be a hero for dogs in need

RSPCA Victoria’s Million Paws Walk is on again with Wangaratta one of eight events to be held across the state this Sunday.

Locals are encouraged to register for the ‘pawsome’ day with funds raised going to fight animal cruelty.

Spokesperson for the Wangaratta event Nicole Oats said it’s a great day out for everyone, including our four-legged friends.

“The Million Paws Walk is the highlight of the year for many dog lovers across Victoria and it’s no different in Wangaratta,” Ms Oats said.

“We know people love their pets and there’s nothing better for people or their dogs, than getting out for a walk.

“Million Paws Walk is a fun day out celebrating the animals in our lives and raising much needed funds for thousands of animals in

BY CHLOE JAENICKE cjaenicke@ nemedia.com.au

need who come in through RSPCA Victoria’s doors each year.”

The Wangaratta Million Paws Walk will be held at Kennel and Obedience Dog Club, Wangaratta Showgrounds, with registration open from 9am on Sunday, May 28, and the walk kicking off at 10am.

Kennel and Obedience Dog Club president Kevin Felmingham said they are looking forward to the walk and helping out the local RSPCA however they can.

“I think supporting the RSPCA with the walk is a great event and certainly helps with maintaining

the dogs and animals that are surrendered,” he said.

“Our club is about working for the community and supporting other community groups.”

Mr Felmingham said he encourages people to take part in the walk as not only does it help the RSPCA but is also a great way for people to connect with their pets.

“I think any interaction with your dogs or any animal is important,” he said “It’s about getting out and of the couch and people getting out with their dogs and having a bit of fun.”

Ms Oates said the Million Paws Walk will also include a coffee van, a sausage sizzle, fun activities for the dogs, face painting and a mega raffle where the first prize will be a pet portrait by Stevie 2 Hats from Art Mania.

Some vendors Ms Oates would also like to thank for making the day possible include UnFurgettable Dog Treats, 4 Paws Deli, Canine Nature, Jims Dog Wash and Sarah & Bees designs.

Every single dollar raised through Million Paws Walk helps fund RSPCA’s critical work in the community.

Last year, almost 20,000 dogs turned to the RSPCA around Australia for help, many were victims of cruelty, bred to turn a profit, or abandoned by the humans they loved unconditionally.

Even one dog is too many.

Each step you take at the Million Paws Walk helps in our fight to bring that number down. Head to millionpawswalk.com. au to register for your local walk and start fundraising today.

Vaccination is recommended for anyone six months and older and is free under the National Immunisation Program for people considered to be at higher risk, including children up to the age of five, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, pregnant women, people aged 65 and over, and people with medical conditions that put them at increased risk of severe flu.

Victorians can receive their flu vaccination through a local provider, such as a GP, pharmacy, council immunisation clinic, Aboriginal health service or community health centre.

Cases of RSV are also on the rise, with around 50 per cent of RSV cases within the past fortnight occurring in children aged under three years.

No vaccination is available for RSV, and locals are encouraged to sake simple sanitation steps, such as washing or sanitising hands, coughing or sneezing into your elbow, wearing a mask or staying home when sick to avoid infection.

Deutz Fahr 6145

PAWSOME HEROS: Maryanne Blundy, Nicole Oats and Kevin Felmingham with their dogs Rex and Ryder encouraging people to take part in the Million Paws Walk to raise funds for the RSPCA.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

In the end, we all have to pay

IN a similar tone to the recent federal budget it appears big business, holiday homeowners and landlords have been given the main task of reducing Victoria’s horrific debt.

While the 10-year COVID debt repayment plan is a keystone of treasurer Tim Pallas’ budget, it only accounts for just over $31 billion of the state debt which is estimated to be $116.7 billion this year before rising to $162.2 billion by 2025-26 and a nightmarish $171.4 billion in four years’ time.

It’s proof positive that Victoria’s massive debt can only be laid partly at the feet of the pandemic, and like the excessive storms and flooding were blamed last year for the dilapidated condition of our state’s roads, that’s barely half the truth.

Even the RBA can’t blamed.

Some will say the ‘have-nots’ have fared better but if you were struggling to find a roof over your head or hoping there will be any major solutions to our housing crisis, you will probably be disappointed.

There is simply not enough money to provide any serious assistance for those on fixed income, or lower paid employment let alone to make major inroads into the workforce shortages experienced across so many sectors.

That’s similar to other states but they have less debt than we do.

The State Government seems to have reigned in spending at least, and the predicted cut in public servants, somewhere between 3-4000, is further evidence of that, but of course that means cuts in the government’s ability to service Victorians, so in the end we all have to pay.

There are no real winners in this budget, just some will have less pain than others.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

The Australian QuizNo.25

1 Scott Baio gained fame through his role in which classic TV series?

(a) Happy Days

(b) I Love Lucy

(c) Star Trek

(d) Lost in Space

2 Umeda is a major commercial, business, shopping and entertainment district in which Japanese city?

(a) Hiroshima

(b) Tokyo

(c) Osaka

(d) Nagasaki

(

a) One

(b) Two

(c) Three

(d) Four

4 In the original version of Trivial Pursuit, which category is represented by an orange wedge?

(a) History

(b) Sports & Leisure

(c) Geography

(d) Science & Nature

5 In 1996, who had a hit with the song, Because You Loved Me?

(d) Celine Dion

6 Cilantro is better known by what name in Australia?

(a) Coriander

(b) Basil

(c) Mint

(d) Sage

7 In relation to computers, what does the D in PDF stand for?

(a) Design

(b) Digital

(c) Display

(d) Document

(a) Alyssa Healy

(b) Ellyse Perry

(c) Meg Lanning

(d) Rachael Haynes

9 The Gaza Strip borders which country to the southwest?

(a) Egypt

(b) Jordan

(c) Lebanon

(d) Syria

10 Which opera features the roles of Rocco and his assistant, Jaquino?

(a) Don Giovanni

(b) The Marriage of Figaro

3

How many cycling medals in total did Dean Woods win at the Summer Olympics during his career?

(a) Vanessa Williams

(b) Mariah Carey

(c) Gloria Estefan

Major survey takes pulse of STEM sector

A PIVOTAL major survey to gather powerful new insights on STEM careers to inform policy has been launched by the nation‘s peak body for the science, technology, engineering and mathematics sector.

The STEM Career Pathways survey, which closes on June 14, will be Australia‘s most comprehensive snapshot of current conditions and career patterns for scientists, technologists, mathematicians and engineers.

The study will gather crucial information on workloads, conditions, career development and opportunities for people to move between industry and research across Australia‘s STEM sector.

The survey is being run by Science & Technology Australia.

The STEM Career Pathways survey will be an Australian first: taking the pulse of the whole STEM sector to gather fresh evidence on STEM career patterns and pathways.

We need everyone working in STEM careers – and those who have left them – to fill out this survey to ensure Australia can recruit, retain and nurture the STEM talent we know our economy will desperately need in the years ahead.

The information the survey gathers will help ensure Australia can source and safeguard the brilliant scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians we‘ll need to build the key future industries that will shape our destiny.

By taking around 10 minutes to do this survey, people in the STEM sector will contribute valuable evidence to inform how policy settings shape STEM careers.

It‘s an important way the STEM sector itself can contribute to better working conditions and career security.

The survey can be taken at: https://www. research.net/r/STEM_Career_Survey.

8 Which Australian was named ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Decade for the 2010s at the 2020 presentations?

(c) Fidelio

(d) Carmen

We support the right of all 26 million Australians to have their say and vote in this upcoming Referendum, which is why The Nationals supported the machinery legislation to set up the referendum.

However, we believe the wrong proposition and question is being put to the Australian people – because this bill will substantially change our Constitution.

Ultimately, the Voice is another layer of bureaucracy that won‘t close the gap for Indigenous Australians.

We believe the Voice will do nothing to help practically improve the welfare of Indigenous communities, especially women and children, in regional, rural and remote Australia.

class of people in our Constitution.

A core component that underpins our free, liberal democratic society in Australia is the fundamental principle that every citizen is equal under the law.

A Constitutionally enshrined advisory body to parliament, based solely on a person‘s race, does not align with this.

Therefore, The Nationals will be opposing the Constitution Alteration (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice) Bill 2023.

David Littleproud,

Federal leader of The Nationals

Misha

Schubert, Science & Technology Australia, CEO

Nats won’t back current Voice proposal

THE Nationals will not support legislation for the Voice, which is currently before the Federal Parliament.

The legislation proposes a new section in the Australian Constitution that The Nationals fundamentally disagree with.

It will create another taxpayer–funded level of bureaucracy in Canberra, at a time when our nation needs a better bureaucracy – not a bigger one.

The Nationals believe there is a lack of detail in relation to the Voice proposal, and there are significant High Court implications.

Essential questions and concerns remain unanswered, which has enormous risks to the way our democratic system functions.

The Voice will undermine our core values.

It will divide Australians by conferring extra political rights on a separate and special

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1 (a) Happy Days 2 (c) Osaka 3 (d) Four 4 (b) Sports & Leisure 5 (d) Celine Dion 6 (a) Coriander 7 (d) Document 8 (b) lyseEl Perry 9 (a) Egypt 10 (c) Fidelio

IN PRINT: Local artist and illustrator Melissa Johns celebrated the illustrator launch of her third picture book, Harriet‘s Hungry Worms – written by Samanatha Smith – at Booktique in Wangaratta last week. It features beautiful illustrations created by Melissa using everyday, recycled materials; a perfect match for the story‘s message about sustainability.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

ZONTA Wangaratta recently hosted a successful and enjoyable high tea while presenting one of their popular fundraisers - a fashion parade - at the Gateway Quality Hotel.

Some 90 locals attended the event with about $2500 raised, with all funds to be donated to Northeast Health Wangaratta to purchase a vital signs monitor.

Reality Fine Clothing, Wangaratta, paraded fashions which were most stylish and attractive.

This parade was followed by a parade of fashions of yesteryear which included some extraordinarily historical and beautiful garments dating back to the early 1800s.

Fashions of Past Decades’ from the 1900s, the Roaring 20s, the sophisticated 30s, the war years, into the Hourglass 50s, through to the 60s were on parade.

A presentation was ongoing for

people to watch during the parades which reminded all present of the famous fashion trends of years past of well-known fashion designers.

In addition to the fashion parades, a successful raffle was held with many local supporters who donated including Ramsey Pharmaceutical, Milawa Providore, King Valley Glamping, Londrigan Finer Foods, La Bella Rocca and Linga-a-while Nursery.

Elizabeth Wilson, incoming president of Zonta Wangaratta, said many thanks to those who attended the afternoon and to help make it the success that it was.

Zonta International is a leading global organisation which believes in making the world a better place by empowering women through service and advocacy. Further fundraising activities are planned for this year and information on these will be made available to the community later in the year.

$3000 fine for tired P-plater

A MOTORIST who admitted to reaching speeds of almost 150kph along the Hume Freeway while driving fatigued has been fined more than $1500 and banned from driving for six months.

Ordinarily a resident of the Gippsland town of Morwell, the 21-yearold accused faced Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Monday, admitting to speeding and failing to display his P-plates as he reached an alleged speed of 147kph near Glenrowan earlier this year.

According to police prosecutor Sergeant Stuart Pritchard, the accused’s Suzuki Baleno had been intercepted shortly after 7am on February 1.

The court heard a number of passengers had been resting in the vehicle’s rear seats as the accused accelerated to overtake a truck while driving northbound.

Alcohol and drug tests were administered by officers at the scene, both of which returned negative results, however, Sgt Pritchard not-

ed the accused had immediately admitted to being “tired”.

A charge of speed dangerous was retracted by Sgt Pritchard, who noted the accused had not been impeding other vehicles and there had been no clear weather hazards at the time of the offending.

Defending himself in court, the accused said he had been driving since 3am and had noticed fatigue setting in.

The court heard the group had

intended to stop over briefly in Wangaratta.

“I just ‘oversped’ and that’s when the police camera was there,” he said.

“I just wanted to get ahead of the truck.”

He said he had been forced to pay more than $1600 after his vehicle was towed and impounded in the wake of the incident, and asked Magistrate Peter Dunn to consider a lesser fine.

Mr Dunn noted the accused had

no criminal priors, but acknowledged the offending was serious.

“Speeding is very dangerous, and it makes it even worse if you were tired,” he said.

“(There has been) very poor judgement here.

“If you weren’t speeding, your car wouldn’t have been impounded.”

He did not convict the accused, instead fining him a total of $1600 with court costs and suspending his licence for six months.

READY TO ROLL: Julie Leitch, Jennifer Kirby, Kay Adams and Helen Ralston-Star on the runway which hosted the successful Zonta fashion parade recently at the Gateway Quality Hotel.

WorkSafe urge care in face of fall threat

WORKSAFE is putting employers on notice to address fall hazards in the workplace, following 41 deaths and 7395 serious injuries across the state in the last five years.

Preventable falls from height remain among the top three causes of work-related deaths and one of the leading causes of work-related injury, with three people already succumbing to fatal falls so far this year.

The figure includes a worker who died from head injuries after falling from the roof of a van and jockey Dean Holland, who died after falling from a horse last month.

A further 380 people have

been seriously injured in workplace falls this year, including a toddler who fell from a second-story office window and a contractor who fell 5.5m while repairing a factory roof in Campbellfield.

WorkSafe executive director health and safety Narelle Beer said it was never ok to take short-cuts in the workplace when working at heights.

“A fall can happen in just seconds but the consequences can last a lifetime, including devastating injuries and loss of life,” she said.

“Yet despite the wellknown risks, we still see things like workers on a roof

without fall protection, harnesses not attached to an anchor point, poorly installed scaffolding, platforms without guard rails, unprotected voids and unsafe ladders.”

Since January, a total of $1.1m in court fines, costs and enforceable undertakings have been handed to 17 employers for failing to take reasonable safety precautions while working at heights.

Construction work poses the greatest risk of serious injury or death from falls, with almost half (18) of the 41 fatal falls since the start of 2018 involving construction workers.

According to WorkSafe data, some 913 construction

workers have been seriously injured by falling from ladders during the same time period, while steps and stairways accounted for a quarter of all accepted fall injury claims (1792).

Five workers have died after falls from horses, while four workers have lost their lives falling from trucks, semitrailers and lorries.

Some 268 workers have been seriously injured falling from chairs or furniture since 2018, including one employee who fell while standing on a table to take a group photo.

To prevent falls from height, employers should:

 Eliminate the risk by,

Hundreds of dancers on the big stage

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

By JEFF ZEUSCHNER

MORE than 800 entries have been received for this year’s Wangaratta Festival of Dance, which kicks off this afternoon at the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre.

Festival president, Maryon Vaughan, said dancers were coming from across the state, and New South Wales.

“We’ll have dancers aged four to 20 years taking to the stage over the next five days,” she said.

“We can’t really accommodate anymore within the five days, and we don’t want to go beyond that.”

Dancers will compete in styles of classical, neo-classical and contemporary ballet, funk, jazz, tap, demi-character, and song and dance.

The festival, which commenced

back in 1997, remains one of the largest in regional Victoria.

“For the dancers, it remains a great opportunity to get stage and audience experience, and can build their confidence and offer encouragement,” Mrs Vaughan said.

“This year we’ve got a lot more younger entrants up to age 14, while some of the older age groups have dropped off a bit.

“We’ve also got quite a few boys competing...I think some of the dance shows on television are helping to encourage boys into dancing, which certainly remains very popular with the girls.”

Members of the public can purchase tickets to watch morning, afternoon or evening sessions at the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre from this afternoon until Sunday.

where practicable, doing all or some of the work on the ground or from a solid construction;

 Use a passive fall prevention device such as scaffolds, perimeter screens, guardrails, safety mesh or elevating work platform;

 Use a positioning system, such as a travel-restraint system, to ensure employees work within a safe area;

 Use a fall arrest system, such as a harness, catch platform or safety nets, to limit the risk of injuries in the event of a fall;

 Use a fixed or portable ladder, or implement administrative controls.

BOOK NOW: Places are available on a free community bus to Albury’s Winter Solstice event on June 21.

Winter Solstice brings community together

A FREE bus service will be available for Rural City of Wangaratta residents who would like to attend next month’s Winter Solstice event in Albury. Held annually in Albury on June 21 (the longest night of the year, or winter solstice, in Australia), the free community event is hosted by Survivors of Suicide and Friends, in commemoration of those who have died by suicide. It is a chance to remember, reflect and cherish loved ones.

READY TO DANCE: Wangaratta dancer Dylan Lumsden can’t wait to compete in this week’s Wangaratta Festival of Dance. The nine year old has been dancing for the past six years, and her tutor, Karen Van ver Steeg of Danzworx Wangaratta, said she is the perfect student. “She just lives and breathes it,” Karen said, noting Dylan will compete in solo ballet, jazz and lyrical styles. She said several Danzworx students will be among the strong local contingent from local schools.

“It’s a fantastic event which gives the girls great stage experience,” she said.

DO YOUR KIDS A FAVOR

Make your funeral plans in advance

John & Christine Haddrick

Indi volunteers given $66,000 boost

SOME 23 volunteer groups throughout the Indi electorate are set to share in more than $65,000 in federal funding as part of an effort to increase participation.

Independent federal MP for Indi Helen Haines recently announced a total of $66,216 had been awarded to local groups in increments of between $1000 and $5000, and would assist with the purchase of equipment, fuel, transport and training costs.

Coinciding with last week’s National Volunteer Week, Dr Haines said each group had been assessed by a panel of community leaders and recommended for funding by the Federal Government, with groups in Wangaratta, Myrtleford, Yackandandah, Bright, and Mount Beauty among those set to benefit.

“It’s great timing that we can announce these grants that will provide tangible benefits to important volunteer groups at the same time our community recognises and thanks volunteers across the country,” she said.

“I am always amazed at the incredible work of volunteer groups across Indi, and

this is no exception.

“These grants will go a long way in supporting volunteers across Indi to continue their vital work in supporting our communities. It will help engage vulnerable people in volunteering work, giving them an opportunity to connect with like-minded people and give back to our community.”

Wangaratta Hockey Club is set to receive $1000 to facilitate training for coaches and volunteers, while Wangaratta Croquet Club will net $1000 to purchase a hand-held fertilizer spreader.

Dr Haines said the grants were a recognition of the important work volunteer groups do in the community.

“These grants, while they may seem small, provide a huge benefit to the towns across Indi,” she said.

“They will be used to increase social connections and participation in physical activity, which are essential to our physical and mental health and wellbeing.

“I am delighted to be able to support volunteers and groups across Indi who so generously give their time, talents and expertise to our community.”

The free bus is being arranged by the Wangaratta Grit and Resilience Program for locals who would like to share in the experience with others whose lives have been touched by suicide, or who wish to support friends and loved ones.

The Grit and Resilience Program - a community-driven approach to helping locals unite and build strength, courage and connection so they can overcome hardships together - has supported Winter Solstice since 2020, when it partnered with the Wangaratta Youth Council to develop an edited excerpt of the documentary ‘Solstice’.

“There can be a profound silence in grieving the loss of a loved one, particularly with the stigma that still exists around suicide,” Grit and Resilience Program coordinator Bek NashWebster said.

“The Winter Solstice brings people together to make connection and unite through shared experience. It provides a safe and inclusive space for people to share their stories.”

The bus will pick up and drop off at Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre. Full details and tickets can be accessed via the QR Code on this page.

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

PHOTO: Luke Plummer

Helping a community in need

eford and Wangaratta who sew bags for girls who traditional would not go anywhere when on their periods, so they make special bags that supply equipment for them and new mothers.”

Mr Goncavles came down to Australia to travel for the Timor-Leste choir in Bega valley and decided to spend the rest of his time here with the Friends of Lacluta in Wangaratta.

He was born in TimorLeste but spent eight years in West Timor after his family fled East Timor.

Due to this, Andy Kimber from the Wangaratta friends of Lacluta said Mr Goncalves has already experienced a lot in his life.

“He’s only 32 years old but he’s seen a lot of life and a lot of tragedy,” he said.

“He’s incredibly poor, he lives with his cousin and he doesn’t own anything.”

The relationship between Wangaratta and Lacluta started in 2005 with Mr Goncalves helping out for six years since Mr Kimber met him.

“We met him in 2011 when I brought the Appin Park Rotary group over,” Mr Kimber said.

“When we arrived people said Benny’s the man because he knows English, has great work ethic and he knows how to organise peo-

FRIEND OF WANGARATTA: Benny Goncalves from Timor Leste recently visited Australia for the first time and met with the Friends of Laclutta in Wangaratta.

ple so he became our link guy from then on.”

Relationships such as this started in 1999 after the referendum for Timor-Leste to be independent from Indonesia causing Indonesian armed forces to respond with violence.

After this, the UN launched a large-scale humanitarian operation to

provide the people to Timor Leste with food supplies and other basic services and since then around 40 organisations similar to the Friends of Lacluta have started.

“In 1999 when these organisations started the whole place was smashed so the friendship part of these organisations is really important.”

Currently, the friends of Lacluta have been working on providing people in Lacluta with scholarships for higher education, giving people in Lacluta much needed supplies in schools and health care as well as kits with supplies women can use while on their periods.

“We don’t buy a lot we recycle a lot, so the things

that come out of the hospital like the equipment they no longer use, we take over there, and kindergarten equipment, which might be slightly damaged, we get it fixed by the men’s shed,” Mr Goncalves said.

“We also provide wheelchairs for those with disabilities.

“There are ladies in Myrtl-

The Friends of Lacluta in Wangaratta visit Lacluta regularly, however, according to Mr Kimber, Lacluta is not easy to get to.

“Lacluta is a very difficult place to get to because of very rough roads, at the moment there’s floods all round, because of climate change, it’s something tragic that is happening.”

Due to the help Wangaratta and Myrtleford have offered for his community, Mr Goncalves said he has come to see some people in the community as family.

“I’m using my time in Wangaratta to say hello to my families here because I think we’re all family,” he said.

Mr Goncalves said he is grateful for the help the people of Wangaratta and Myrtleford have offered Lacluta and hopes this could lead to more help for the sub districts of Timor-Leste.

“It’s really helpful for my community, that’s why on behalf of the people in my district I would like to thank the people of Wangaratta and Myrtleford who have already gifted donations and sponsorships,” he said.

SPEAKERS:

A WOODFIRE HEATING AT IT’S BEST

feature-rich Introducing the mighty TAURUS By

combustion

the VisionLINE

By CHLOE JAENICKE

BENNY Goncalves is visiting Australia for the first time as a part of his work with the friends of Lacluta in Wangaratta.

Colours of the rainbow

Cathedral College Wangaratta

MIDDLE and senior schools recently joined forces for a day of house athletics.

With all the colours of the rainbow the senior girls were definitely in the house spirit. The houses are Buffalo (red), Warby (orange), Feathertop (yellow), Hotham (green), Stirling (blue) and Cobbler (purple).

TRUE COLOURS: Showing their house spirit were (from left) Chloe Collins, Alysha Brough, Amaya Moule, Charlotte Brundell, Charlotte Roberts, Caitlin Timmers, Mikayla Contessa, Chantelle Dickson, Sophie Sacco, Mattea Roso, Misha Thompson, Diaz Matthews, Mia Johnson, Isabella Cairncross and Mikayla Bellinger.

Colour explosion

Appin Park Primary School

THE school community and friends enjoyed a successful fundraising event held last Friday on the school grounds.

In the lead up to the Colour Explosion Fun Run, students were encouraged to collect sponsorship from family and friends to raise money towards renewing landscaping of the school outdoor areas and to purchase safety padding for the new goal posts and light posts that have recently been installed.

Students arrived at school on the day in their nice clean white clothing, only to leave school at the end of the day covered in pink, yellow, purple, blue, green, and orange colours.

MESSY FUN: Year five and six students Imogen O’Keeffe and Samuel Savage were all smiles after having plenty of colour and slime thrown their way.

Smart savers

THE school was lucky enough to win $2000, as it helped promote the ‘Berry Street Saver Plus’ program, during a time when many families are doing it tough.

The Saver Plus program aims to assist people on lower incomes build their financial knowledge, establish a long-term savings habit and save for their own or their children’s education.

The free program provides participants with financial education training, personal guidance, and support over a 10-month period.

Every $1 saved by a participant while on the program is matched by ANZ with an additional $1, up to $500 for education costs.

The school is partnering with the program to provide support to eligible families.

The excitement was palpable throughout the day and hit a crescendo at 2pm when the action began.

Running through an obstacle course meant students had

to slow down, giving the staff enough time to spray a variety of colours over them.

The amount of money the students raised is yet to be confirmed however at this point the school will be able to put the expected $10000 raised to good use.

It was an outstanding effort by all students; with five collecting over $500 as individuals, while the top fundraiser was year two student Alex Arcuri who collected over $1000.

For his efforts he was given the opportunity to slime anyone of his choosing.

Fortunately, his classroom teacher, Andy Grant, was more than happy to begin the afternoon session by being covered in a bucket of slime.

It was a fun way for students, teachers and the many onlookers to finish another week of school.

Wangaratta West Primary School

Seasonal fun

Wangaratta Primary School

AUTUMN has definitely arrived at school. Students have taken the opportunity to enjoy it and play in the beautiful array of coloured leaves.

Close friends

WARM WELCOME: Carra students Archy Nottingham, Jarrah Waldhart, Mason Webbers, Amelia Brauman and George Newman say hello to Mr Huggles and Spencer.

Carraragarmungee Primary School

MR Huggles and Spencer are popular new additions to the classroom. They are weighted sensory toys and their names were generated by students through a writing challenge.

The animals are already delivering expected results; their weight gives students a type of pressure therapy, increasing concentration, resilience and helping students recover from any upsets.

1

What are the largest reptiles living today? Are they a) komodo dragons, b) boa constrictors, c) Galapagos tortoises, or d) saltwater crocodiles?

2What is the name of the heaviest element known to occur in nature?

Is it a) gold, b) thorium, c) uranium, or d) lead?

3Extremophiles are organisms that live in extreme conditions. Where can you find them? Is it a) in volcanic springs, b) in soda lakes, c) in hydrothermal vents, or d) all of the above?

4

What is the maximum number of right angles that can be found in a triangle? Is it a) 1, b) 2, or c) 3?

5Which of these units is not part of the metric system? Is it a) metre, b) ampere, c) second, or d) acre?

Double Helix science visit www.csiro.au/helix or call 02 6276 6643. Quiz answers: 1. d) Saltwater crocodiles are the largest living reptiles. 2. c) Uranium is the heaviest naturally occurring element. 3. d) Extremophiles can be found in a range of extreme conditions, including under high pressure, acidic and alkaline conditions, and at extremely high and low temperatures. 4. a) The angles in a triangle must add up to 180 degrees. As a right angle is 90 degrees, and a triangle has three angles, the maximum must be one right angle. Otherwise, if there were two 90 degree angles, it would add up to 180 degrees and there would be nothing left for the third angle. 5. d) The acre is an imperial unit, rather than metric unit.

For more CSIRO

FUNDING BOOST: Receiving the cheque were (from left) Wangaratta West assistant principal Danielle Ashmead, school captains Georgia Kelly, Ky Press and Ariana Simsen, with Berry Street’s Saver Plus Program manager, Sharon Wandin.

FUN OUTDOORS: Students (back) Aerin Sheather and Raine Snowdon with (front) Emmy Smith, Eden Boyle, Audrey Edwards, Clara Silveira and Lidia Kendrick, enjoy playing in the autumn leaves.

THERE are dozens of families across the North East region who make salami year after year who will already have the equipment they need to do so, however, if you are just starting out you will need to consider purchasing some special items to ensure your success.

This equipment can include a good grinder, a sausage stuffer, ‘S’ hooks, a sharp knife, an area that will serve as a curing chamber and your source of preferred meat and ingredients.

Depending on conditions, you might need a humidifier - but speak to a professional at one of our advertising businesses to confirm if you will need this.

While there are plenty of recipe options and tips and tricks to be had and the time it will take will vary depending on these things, essentially to make a salami you make your sausage, add

sodium nitrate and a starter culture, ferment sausages at room temperature and then hang the links out to dry in your curing chamber.

We are fortunate to live in an area where migrants from the ‘old country’ of Italy settled and enriched our regions with their tastes and ways of home, from tobacco to wine and viticulture to pasta, pizza and cured meats, they have been a staple of the North East for more than 70 years.

Many families still celebrate the tradition of making their own salami each year, with new additions by marriage or birth trying their hand when it comes time.

In the following pages, you will find local suppliers who encourage the continuing of this tradition by stocking the essential items for salami makers of all talents this season.

Salami making across the North East

Carnivores unite... your needs are all in one place

HAVING worked as a professional butcher and smallgoods maker for 10 years before starting his own knife and DIY food and beverage store, Brent Ibrom knows the value of quality products and supplies.

That’s how the owner of My Slice of Life came to establish his own brand of meat processing equipmentCarnivore Collective - which is now available online and in store.

The range arrived in early 2023 and includes bandsaws, butchery equipment kits, cabinets, meat slicers, salami maker starter packs and accessories.

“The new line of products have been a real hit with customers, which has been pleasing,” Brent said.

“There are more than 100 products that can be used by game harvesters, home butchers, small scale or family

salami makers, right up to commercial chefs.”

“Locally, we have a lot of people who hunt or process their own meat, or who want to, but they haven’t known the best way to go about it or had the equipment to do so.

“That’s where Carnivore Collective can come in.

“All of our products are created and designed with longevity in mind, along with practicality for a range of situations.

“We have also made them affordable.

“We want to inspire the next generation of home butchers or chefs to take pride in their work, and really enjoy the challenge.

“If they don’t have the right equipment that’s reliable and easy to use, they won’t do that.”

Brent said that the addition of the Carnivore Collective brand is building on what they have had available for

customers already.

“The great thing is that with these new products, we’re getting the opportunity to offer new and existing customers even more when they come in and ask ‘what else can I do with my meat’?”

In addition to the equipment itself, there is also a range of 19 different flavoured seasonings available.

These all natural rubs are gluten free and contain no MSG, additives, fillers or anticaking agents - which means you get all of the good stuff, without any of the bad stuff

So, whether you are a home butcher, budding salami maker or commercial chef, phone or call into the store at 159 Vincent Road or visit mysliceoflife.com. au.

“Trade discounts apply to certain products so it’s worth coming in or calling and talking to us about what you need,” Brent added.

FOR Brent and the team at My Slice of Life in Wangaratta, salami season is the best season of all.

“It’s actually my favourite time of the year,” Brent said.

“Not only do I get together with my family and friends to make our own salami, I get to spend my work days talking everything salami with our customers.”

With products from cotton twine to spices and additives to electric meat slices, My Slice of Life has everything you need to create your own salami or charcuterie meat board masterpieces not only during the 2023 season, but for years to come.

“The prevalence of making your own salami has evolved over the last decade, but particularly in the past few years, with a lot of people taking it up during COVID,” Brent said.

“Before, it was really only the Italian families who had that tradition of getting together each year to make salami but these days just about everyone knows someone who has given it a

go, or who is really into it.”

The history of salami making in Australia goes back to the post-World War II era when more than two million immigrants from the UK and Europe

arrived through the new immigration policy.

For Brent and the team at My Slice of Life, it’s not just about stocking and selling equipment and accessories needed for salami making,

it’s about education.

“We believe that giving people the tools to succeed with their own salami making attempts goes hand in hand with selling them the equipment they

need to do so,” Brent said.

“We have customers locally and Australia-wide who will come in, call or email us with issues they’re having with a batch or a technical aspect

and we work with them, troubleshooting and discussing their processes, and help them find a solution which hopefully means they won’t lose the work they’ve already put in.

“We are here for our customers long after they have purchased their items, and we take pride in that fact.”

In addition to in-person and online troubleshooting, Brent and his team offer a number of food and beverage workshops to educate and instil confidence in locals and those further afield who want to get started in making their own meats.

“We hold workshops & masterclasses throughout the year in sausage making, bacon and kabana, butchery, American BBQ, salami, charcuterie and home brew.

“It’s a great way to bring people together and share ideas and talk about what they’ve done before that worked, and what didn’t, as well as offering support to those who are trying whatever it is for the first time.”

JOE McKenzie started making salami in 1996 and has continued to do so ever since for himself, his friends, and his family.

Mr McKenzie said he first started making salami when he was a butcher in Cobram through helping the Italian families he knew in the area.

“Many of the Italian families in Cobram used to make their own salami and I used to go over and help them out to bone out their pork and learnt how to make salami from there,” he said.

Over the years, Mr McKenzie has found making his own salami has allowed him to make it the way he wants.

“You can make a product that is to your flavouring and liking and usually it’s very difficult to buy salami the same, not saying it’s any better or worse but it’s to my own liking,” he said.

“I enjoy just getting together, the sense of tradition, a sense of something that’s homemade and usually, on the good years, something that’s better than what you find in the shop.”

Mr McKenzie often shares his love of salami making with his friends and family through teaching them how to make it.

“I usually make it for myself with the same people I’ve made it with for a long time or there might be a new family friend that comes to make salami for the first time,” he said.

“It’s pretty exciting when you take a raw ingredient and turn it into a pretty tasty product.”

While he makes traditional salami, he also adds some more flavouring such as capsicum, pepper and chili to make it more to his liking.

Mr McKenzie said there is no real secret to making salami as long as you have the right ingredients.

“A lot of people seem to think they have a secret but all you need is fresh ingredients number one, secondly make sure you use enough salt to preserve the meat, that is paramount without using too much salt to ruin the flavour,” he said.

He also said that as long as the salami is kept fresh it doesn’t matter where you source your salami from.

“Everybody has an opinion about what the best salami is and I find no matter whatever it is, as long as it’s good clean fresh pork and you’ve got salt to make sure it stays healthy,” he said.

 TRADITIONAL SALAMI: Traditional salami made by Joe McKenzie.

 SALAMI MAKING: Joe McKenzie making his own salami.

Vocal Dimension explores love, life in May concert

WANGARATTA audiences will have the opportunity to hear the magnificent pipe organ at Wangaratta’s Holy Trinity Cathedral in full flight this Sunday afternoon, when Wangaratta-based choir Vocal Dimension presents its May concert, under the leadership of musical director Matthew Schultz.

Under the concert title “Love, Life, Death and Taxes”, the choir will present a program of diverse works reflecting on these universal facets of life.

The featured work is Gabriel

Live music at Da Vinci Club

BAND Siesta Cartel will perform live at the Da Vinci Club in Pyles Lane on Saturday, July 1.

The group of young Italians who are celebrating the release of their debut album, will play traditional music inspired by their heritage which they want to preserve for generations to come.

Tickets include three course meal with doors open at 5.45pm and they are $75 per person ($70 for members) available through www.eventbrite.com.au or by calling Pip on 0409 307 606.

Fauré’s acclaimed Requiem, accompanied by the cathedral’s director of music, Dr Kieran Crichton, on the recently-restored Willis organ.

A work of immeasurable creativity and beauty, the Requiem is a true choral classic, full of enduring melodies and harmonies, ranking alongside Handel’s Messiah in its popularity with audiences and musicians alike.

With the Requiem occupying the second half of the program, the first half is devoted to an in-

Beechworth Singers show songs

THE Beechworth Singers will present Songs from the Shows on Sunday, June 4 at the Beechworth Town Hall from 2.30pm.

Directed by Margaret Phillips and accompanied by Sandra Williams, the group will sing favourites from show including The Lion King, West Side Story, Oliver and Fiddler on the Roof.

Admission is $20 per person

(concession $15, children free) which includes afternoon tea, with EFTPOS available.

triguing program of works that Matthew Schultz has put together around the title theme.

These include early-17th century English composer Orlando Gibbons’ setting of Sir Walter Raleigh’s musings on the meaning of life; a detour through a cost-of-living crisis in Georgian England; to atmospheric modern Australian compositions by Peter Sculthorpe and Stuart Greenbaum.

It promises to be a program to satisfy every musical taste.

Vocal Dimension presents

Glenrowan’s Trails, Tastings and Tales festival in June

DISCOVER impressive wines to taste and brews to sip and savour when the Glenrowan Trails, Tastings and Tales festival is held from June 10 to 12.

The three day festival program also offers delicious warming lunches, live music as well as workshops and learning sessions to extend your wine knowledge, with Glenrowan’s community and craft market being held on the Monday.

To find out more or purchase a ticket visit www.visitwangaratta.com. au/Explore/Glenrowan.

Gospel songs at Wesleyan church

THE Wesleyan Methodist church is hosting a gospel singalong this Sunday.

The event is open to the public and will feature gospel songs including, By the Rivers of Babylon, How Great Thou Art, Amazing Grace, The Old Rugged Cross, Be Thou My Vision, Love Lifted Me and many more.

The singalong will take place from 3pm to 5pm at the blue church on the corner of Great Alpine and Parfitt roads.

Italian opera in Oxley

VICTORIA’s regional touring opera company Lyster Opera will present Claudio Monteverdi’s The Coronation of Poppea at the Oxley Shire Hall this Saturday at 2pm.

A cast of 11 will presents the story of the all-consuming obsession of Nero for the beautiful Poppea Sabina and the couple’s rise to power, culminating in one of the most beautiful duets of all time.

Featuring some of Melbourne’s finest singers in spectacular costumes, get your tickets now by visiting www.lysteropera.com.au.

yourstars

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Single Lambs looking for love could find Cupid aiming at someone you thought (wrongly) was uninterested. Paired Sheep could soon make plans to move into new pastures.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Level that sharp Bull’s eye of yours directly at the target you’re after. Don’t let yourself get sidetracked by any misleading or deceptive attempts to distract you.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Early enthusiasm gives way to a more reflective attitude, as you assess the potential of a new job. Avoid questionable advice. The ultimate decision should be yours.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You might need to reassess the responsibility you’ve taken on. Consider delegating some of the tasks to people you trust and focus on those things you do best.

“Love, Life, Death and Taxes” at Wangaratta’s Holy Trinity Cathedral this Sunday, May 28 at 3pm. Alternatively, audiences may prefer to attend a performance the preceding afternoon, Saturday, May 27 at Benalla Uniting Church at 3pm, accompanied by the delightful smaller pipe organ situated there.

Admission is just $20, via cash or EFTPOS at the door, with under-18s free, with admission including a complimentary afternoon tea immediately following the performances.

Dolly Parton Experience at The Vine

BAND Vanessa and the Jealous Guys will bring their eight-piece band show - The Dolly Parton Experience - to The Vine Hotel on July 1, to celebrate one of popular music’s greatest talents. Enjoy the hits of the superstar singer, songwriter and musician, who took Nashville by storm in the sixties and whose career in country and pop has spanned generations. Tickets are available now by visiting www.thevinehotel.net. au.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Don’t be shy about sharing new ideas with your workplace colleagues. Their warm reception and trusted support will soon have you purring with satisfaction.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) That uneasiness over a potential commitment should be confronted and dealt with realistically. Find out why you’re delaying an important decision.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Your business venture gets back into high gear after a brief period of sputtering. Don’t be discouraged. Stay with it. Your hard work and patience will pay off.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21)

Watch out for a tendency to let things slide in hopes that a problem will correct itself. You need to be more proactive than reactive if you want to see change.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A wilting relationship could recover and be coaxed back into full bloom, as long as there is a strong commitment to your partner to make the relationship your priority.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Before you accept a new job offer, check on the status of a promotion you were promised in your current workplace. Then, make a decision.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18)

Expect to find yourself in a teaching situation on the job, which you will no doubt enjoy. Don’t be surprised if you get to learn a few things as well.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20)

You’d love to make a big splash with your new project. But you’d be wiser to introduce it to your colleagues in a more restrained way and let it speak for itself.

MAGICAL MUSIC: Musical director Matthew Schultz will lead Vocal Dimension during their May concert, accompanied by Holy Trinity Cathedral’s director of music, Dr Kieran Crichton, on the recently-restored Willis organ.

PHOTO: Dawn Meader

KING VALLEY NEWS

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

Country move a winner for Laura and Whitfield

BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au

IT has been a challenging few years for local hospitality venues, so being a finalist in four categories at the recent AHA (Vic) State Awards for Excellence, felt like a well-deserved reward for the staff team at the Mountain View Hotel in Whitfield.

The local hotel was not only finalists in the categories of Best Casual Dining - Regional and Best Outdoor Experience - Regional, but ultimately won both those awards.

Pizzini Wines said it was their second year of entering the awards and they could not be more proud, particularly after such a difficulty period.

The hotel’s bar manager Christian John Takats (or CJ) was a finalist in the Emerging Leader of the Year category, and venue manager Laura Luxton was a finalist in the Excellence in Service section.

It’s not the first time Laura has been recognised for excellence in service but it was the icing on cake this time around, having moved to Whitfield from innercity Melbourne two and half years ago.

She said she and her partner Duncan - both hospitality professionals - made the move from a one-bedroom apartment in Docklands shortly after a lockdown, and they haven’t looked back.

“We came up for trial period to see if we could do country lifeand we’re loving it,” she said.

“Like everyone, when lockdown was lifted we reassessed what we wanted out of life - we had some good time to think about our priorities - and when the Woolshed (where we were working) closed down, it was time for a fresh start.”

Laura said Duncan was familiar with the area, having vis-

WANGARATTA Senior Citizens Club will welcome a guest speaker, Tanya Grant from Open Door Neighbourhood House, today from 1.30pm.

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

Next Wednesday, there will be a bus trip to Benalla, leaving the Swan Street car park at 9.30am.

CANCER Council Victoria Wangaratta Volunteer Group will hold its annual Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea event today from 10am to 11.30am in the Uniting Church Hall in Rowan Street. Entry is $10, which includes Devonshire tea and entry for the lucky door prize. All proceeds go towards cancer research.

For more information, phone Barb Thomas on 5721 5737 or 0419 889 804.

THE next meeting of the Australian Plants Society (Wangaratta) will be

ited to enjoy trout fishing with friends for over a decade, and when suitable roles popped up with the Pizzini family, they took the plunge.

“We love the sense of community - I was a bit nervous coming into a small town and wanted to make sure the locals approved of what we were doing with their pub - but they’ve been so wonderful, welcoming and hospitable,” she said.

“We’ve been working closely with groups like the King Valley Art Show and King Valley tourism, we sponsor the King Valley United Football and Netball Club and I’ve even started playing netball again.”

Laura says they’ve been lucky to have secured “an amazing staff team” and to have maintained operations seven days a week, although that required some ducking and weaving through

lockdowns and restrictions, occasionally reverting to offering café-type takeaway options.

She said it was important they were the one place in town locals could rely on to get something to eat or drink - and it’s also the place where young people from the community can get a start in hospitality, to learn work and life skills and benefit for Laura’s experience.

When it comes to providing good service, Laura says the secret is to simply be hospitable, which is especially important in a country venue which receives a broad variety of clientele.

“The most important thing is making sure every person who walks through that door receives a warm welcome - I take pride in my workplace and I treat it like it’s my home - so I make sure people are welcome and feel comfortable,” she said.

on Thursday, May 25 from 7pm at the Masonic Hall on the corner of Appin and Esmond Streets.

Those attending are asked to share their story of a book about Australian plants. It could be a novel or a howto-grow Australian plants guide. All welcome.

WANGARATTA Seniors Dance will be held on Friday, May 26 from 2pm to 4pm in St Patrick’s supper room in Ford Street, Wangaratta.

The dance is held on the fourth Friday of each month, with dance revision from 1.30pm to 2pm, and admission $5 (nonmembers $7) including afternoon tea. Music will be provided by The Rustic Ramblers.

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

MILAWA Hall and Parks Committee will host a country market at the Milawa Hall on Saturday, May 27 from 9am to 12.30pm.

There will be egg and bacon rolls, scones with jam and cream, and lunch available in the hall, along with many handmade products.

SOCIAL CALENDAR

“It’s a balancing act when you’re a country pub and also a tourist destination - we have to make sure the menu and style is versatile enough and that the service is tailored to suit our customers, to provide them with an enjoyable experience.”

Laura says it also helps to have a knack for trouble-shooting and thinking on your feet, and she thrives on those kinds of challenges, as well as dealing with an older building in a remote location.

“It’s a good feeling when you know you’ve done the best you can, managed a tough situation or found a solution - and it’s something I try an ingrain in those who work for me,” she said.

The Mountain View Hotel is now in the running for the national awards which will be announced in Adelaide in November.

PARENTS of children with Type 1 diabetes are invited to attend the next Type 1 Parents Dinner at the Wangaratta RSL in Templeton Street on Wednesday, May 31 from 6.30pm.

To register, visit https://form.jotform. com/231401475714046

THE North Eastern branch of the Embroiderers Guild of Victoria meets every fourth Tuesday at the Masonic Lodge in Appin St, Wangaratta. Beginners and experienced embroiderers are welcome to come along at 9.30am. For more information, contact Jen on 0407 560562.

WANGARATTA Cake Decorators meet every third Saturday of the month at the Baptist Church in Sisely Avenue from 12.30pm.

Phone Jeanie on 0439 087 630 for more information.

Marmungen Rock Ceremony

RURAL City of Wangaratta Citizen of the Year, Moyhu resident Neil Jarrott, will have his carved handprint revealed as part of the Marmungun Rock Ceremony being held this Sunday at 11am in Apex Park, Wangaratta.

Council is partnering with the Dirrawarra Indigenous Network to hold this year’s ceremony, during Reconciliation Week.

Neil Jarrott was awarded for his community work and commitment to Moyhu, and his carved handprint on the Marmungun Rock will be a place for family and the community to recognise his commitment and contribution.

Cheshunt fundraising success

THE Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea event held in support of the Cancer Council at the Cheshunt Hall last week was a great success, with more than 40 people attending the social occasion.

Just over $900 was raised for the Cancer Council and coordinator Linda Cork thanked everyone for their support.

Myrrhee Cabaret dinner dance

GET your tickets now for the fundraising dinner dance being held at the Myrrhee Community Hall on Saturday, June 3 from 6.30pm.

The gala night called Paris in Myrrhee will feature a delicious buffet dinner created by local chef Paul Koulis, local beer and wine, cabaret entertainment by the popular Paris and Co. and a great selection of lucky door prizes.

All are welcome to the fun, social event, with tickets $70 per person available at www.trybooking.com/CHRAV and funds raised supporting the community facility.

Trash ‘n’ Treasure in Whitfield

SHOP for a bargain at the Trash ‘n’ Treasure outlet at the King Valley Community Memorial Hall in the main street of Whitfield on Saturdays from 10am until 3pm.

Featuring a wide range of second-hand goods including furniture, clothing, toys, kitchenware, books and more, all income (cash only) goes towards the upkeep of the locally owned hall.

Outside stall holders are also welcome (with the cost $10) and more information is available by calling Angie on 5729 8487.

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

Contact Colleen on 0427 221 138.

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

The group plays on Sunday afternoons, Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings, equipment supplied. For more information, contact Anne on 0490 173 169.

COME and play mahjong at the Wangaratta RSL on Thursdays from 11am. Beginners welcome. Contact Jan on 0429 166 016.

WANGARATTA Keenagers Table Tennis Club plays on Mondays and Thursdays at the table tennis centre at the Wangaratta Showgrounds. Play begins at 8am. New players welcome. Morning tea provided - please bring your own cup.

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

WANGARATTA Concert Band

rehearses on Mondays from 6.45pm to 9pm at the Avian Park Raceway Band Room in Newman Street.

New players welcome, contact Helen on 0401 021 448.

GLENROWAN Indoor Carpet Bowls at Glenrowan Recreation Reserve Hall Wednesdays - 12.45pm for 1pm start. The competition runs until 3.30pm4pm, and is followed by afternoon tea. For details, phone Frank on 0409 662 462.

WANGARATTA Sing Australia Group meets each Wednesday from 7.30pm to 9pm at Purbrick Hall, next to Holy Trinity Cathedral.

All welcome - for further information, call Keith Fleet on 0491 114 480, Cheryl Hoysted on 0419 005 062 or Marlene O’Keefe on 0417 454 126.

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

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

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

TEAM EFFORT: The Mountain View Hotel team including Binod Bhatta, Alison McEwan (with award presenter, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners sales manager Simon Hill), Ganesh Pyakurel, Duncan Laidlaw, Katrina Pizzini, Laura Luxton, Gemma Wallis, Fred Pizzini, Carlo Pizzini and Christian Takats, are thrilled by their success at the recent AHA (Vic) State Awards for Excellence.

INPERSONBYPHONESELLING ACAR BUY ONLINE

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

WHENTO BOOK BYEMAIL

2

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

Wangaratta Chronicle

33 Australian Army Cadet Unit is now recruiting!

Anyone between the ages of 12-16, out more about the Australian Army Cadets is invited to come along on the 25th May, 2023.

Arrival time: 1930 (7.30pm)

Location: Beersheba Barracks, 83-85 Sisely Avenue, Wangaratta (entry via Kerr St gate)

Contact info: Captain Paul Zuch 0428 214 435

Thinking of playing Table Tennis?

We are excited to announce that the 2023 Winter coming up! Come down to our have a hit.

Wednesday, May 24, 7pm 2 Evans Street, For more

Classifieds Work!

Phone: 03 5723 0101

Yvonne

Smokin Hot 20’s

GORGEOUS pedigree poodle puppies, apricot (rarest colour), red and brown, excellent temperaments, registered breeder, vet checked, vaccinate d and microchipped, Wangaratta. Source number: RB101993, microchip numbers: 9565015917518, 9565016276640, 9565015887743, 9565015899965, 9565016276259, 9565015888968.

Ph 0455 171 780.

ANGUS bulls, very quiet, good growth. Visit mmas.com.au for videos, data and pricing.

Murramungee Angus Stud, ph 0429 809 288.

LABRADOR, puppies, 1 male, 1 female, black, source ID: MB102518, microchip numbers: 900164002210179, 900164002210175, $1000 ono. Ph 0428 270 488.

ELDARODO hall garage sale/market at the hall, Saturday, May 27, 9am-1pm, lots of bargains, sausage sizzle, coffee van, sites available. Phone John 0400 863 334.

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

Credit Card &Eftpos facilities

Why not charge your advertisement to Mastercard or Visa? 5723 0101

Garden requires tidy up.

Good money available.

Ph. 5721 5464.

After 6pm

Thank you

CHECK OUT OUR NORTH EAST JOBS in today's Regional Extra for more employment opportunities.

Published every Wednesday in your Wangaratta Chronicle, Ovens and Murray Advertiser, Myrtleford Times and Alpine Observer

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

PART TIME - MEDICAL SECRETARY/RECEPTIONIST

We are an established multi-specialist medical practice in Wangaratta, hoping for a successful applicant to join our friendly team.

This role will be part-time, 2/3 days per week, with the possibility of increasing. Above ward wage payable. Good communications and interpersonal skills are essential along with enthusiasm to learn.

You will also be required to work as a team as well as independently. Be able to prioritise tasks and display patience and discretion. Responsibilities include, front desk reception, liaising with patients, hospitals, health funds and other medical facilities. Banking and other general administration duties.

Good communication both in person and via phone.

Please forward CV to admin@wgss.com.au

Applications close Friday, May 26, 2023.

Finding

Classifieds Customer Service Officer

We are looking for a dynamic person to join the North East Media team in our Wangaratta office.

This role involves connecting with customers for classified advertising, innovating new business and supporting existing clients on print and digital platforms. This role is pivotal in helping to grow and retain customers with a strong focus on customer service.

Key Responsibilities:

needs

to provide new solutions and services.

positive experience for all customer service enquiries

customers on use of digital platforms

Skills and Experience:

and a results driven attitude attention to detail a must

to prioritise a busy work schedule deadline and work well under pressure

If you enjoy working with customers and as part of a team, and have the skills and experience to suit then we encourage you to send your resume with cover letter to: kmayhew@nemedia.com.au or mail to North East Media, 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta VIC 3677

Why not charge your advertisement to Mastercard or Visa?

5723 0101

KIA Serato 2016, auto, one owner, in good condition, reg (1HO3HB), 156,000km, $17,500 ono. Ph 0429

033 285.

HONDA Civic 2009, 40th anniversary, 144,000km, leather seats, alloys, in very good condition, reg (AAG703), $10,500. Ph 0428 871 803.

SUBARU Forester 2016, reg (1HF5BV), 280,000km country driving, service history, RWC, $15,000. Ph 0417 546 311.

PRE decimal coins, out.

QUEEN size plush blanket, leopard print, new, $30, umbrella baby stroller, used twice $15.

Ph (03) 5721 4538

2 40’ SHIPPING CONTAINERS , in very good condition, normally $10,000 each, now $5500 each.

Lidgerwoods Furniture 0439 030 062.

If you don't use it...

I am 75, looking for a nice lady for friendship and outings. Ph (02)

6026 3105

MALE seeking male friendship and bonding, new friends, new adventures. Ph 0459 158 248, contact after 5pm weekdays and after 2pm weekends.

DEATH NOTICES DEATH NOTICES

BRUMBY, A pleasure to have of Wangaratta/ Sadly missed by all.

CHICK, Wilma Evalyn.

14/9/1929 – 16/5/2023

Dearly loved and treasured friend of Marie and Fred (dec) Hume and family. Wonderful memories to cherish.

D’ARMA (nee Zobbi). Paola Carmen.

24/1/1930 - 18/5/2023

Passed away peacefully at Royal Freemasons Nursing Home, Benalla. Aged 93 Years.

Loved and loving wife of Emanuele “Manni” (dec).

Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Aurora and Franco (Cudini), Frank and Kim, and Mark.

Greatly loved Nonna to 7 grandchildren and Bis Nonna to 12 great grandchildren. Reunited with Dad.

Paola’s family would like to sincerely Freemasons Nursing Home in Benalla for their professionalism and outstanding care shown to Paola whilst she was in their care.

McGRANAHAN, John Leonard.

Passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on Saturday, May 20, 2023. Aged 82 years.

Dearly loved husband of Elaine for 61 years.

Loving father of Jane, Andrew and Michelle.

Father-in-law of Anthony and Maria. Adored Grandpa of Daniel, Caitlyn, Georgia, Emma, Brent and Kayla.

Cherished Great Grandpa of Matilda, Eliza, Clay and Parker. In our hearts you will always stay, Loved and remembered every day.

WANGARATTA & DISTRICT

SPORTFISHING CLUB INC

McGRANAHAN, John.

Founding President and life member of the WDSC.

Sell it!

Chronicle Classifieds get results.

5723 0101

DEATH NOTICES

SIHARAJ

Oday

7/4/1941 – 19/5/2023

Passed away peacefully at Northeast Health Wangaratta with his daughter, son, sister and friend Andy Syres by his side.

Aged 82 years.

Loving husband of Bounyom and Khampane (dec).

Much loved father of Khamkhaune (dec), Khaikham (Kay), Souvanh (Souwee) and Thipphavanh.

Loving grandad of Arnold, Alex, Fiona, Nakita, Khamseing, Kayla, Jayson, Alex, Keo, Roman, Jacob and Jaxon.

FUNERALS

D’ARMA

Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of

commencing at 11am. The funeral will leave at the conclusion of Mass for Burial at the

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

N.J. TODD Funeral Directors

BENALLA 5762 2461

EUROA 1800 352 425

Member AFDA

McGRANAHAN

The service to celebrate the life of Mr John Leonard McGranahan will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Friday, May 26, 2023 at 2pm. Burial will follow at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery.

in memory of John to Northeast Health Palliative Care at www.givenow.com.au/nhw

John’s service can be viewed via Livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming/

SIHARAJ

A funeral service in the Buddhist tradition for Mr Oday Siharaj will be held at North East Funerals, 184 Greta Road, Wangaratta on Friday, May 26, 2023 commencing at 11am followed by private cremation.

IN MEMORIAM

Respected and loved by past and present members. Our thoughts go out to Elaine and their extended family.

HARRY ALLAN

WANGARATTA Chronicle photographer Melissa Beattie made her way down to Lavington Sports Ground for the AFL North East Border LaTrobe Junior Football Carnival.

NOAH WHITE

BLAKE NEWTON

HARRY MULLANE

MITCH BENTON

SOLOMON STEER

ZAC O’SHANNESSY

HARRY ALLEN

LOCHIE RUSSEL

CHARLIE KERWIN

CASHEN MONK

Lea and Claridge win major titles at Wangaratta City Raceway

By DEAN THOMPSON

A HUGE night of racing at Wangaratta City Raceway concluded with Anthony Lea the national champion in the Grand Prix Midgets class and Connor Claridge winning the Junior Open Sedan title.

Wangaratta driver Jesse Nicholas won the ‘Legends Cup’ for Compact Speedcars, Katie Meyer from Ballarat won the ‘Firecracker 1000’ for the Ladies Open Sedans, Jack Chiminello won Sports Sedans, Travis Ramsdale won Unlimited Sedans, Billy O’Donoghue from Corowa won the Goulburn Ovens Sedans, and Arthur Hutchinson was declared the winner of the Junior 1200cc Sedans.

In the twenty-lap Grand Prix Midgets title race Lea came out on top after Riley Bowyer had the early initial race lead.

Lea defeated Riley Bowyer, Chris Fowler, Gary Bowyer, and Travis Florrimell with the top three separated by less than a second.

Fowler and Gary Bowyer switched third and fourth twice before Fowler secured his spot.

The Junior Open Sedan class saw 28 competitors started the afternoon with

dreams of making it to the final first and then to go on and complete the title race.

Riley Balins led the title race early before a tyre went down at the rear of his car and Claridge took the lead.

In the pack Lachlan Bull set a fast lap of the night at 18.232, which would have had in running top three with the Sports Sedans in their fastest race of the night.

Braidan Webster competed in two classes on race night, and he kept the pressure on Claridge for the win throughout the feature event.

Claridge won from Braidan Webster, Jake Tinworth, Lachlan Bull and Jack Randall to become the new Victorian champion.

Competing in the ‘Legends Cup’ event governed by the Victorian Compact

Speedcar Club, recent new addition to the class Jesse Nicholas a Wangaratta club member took victory in heat one of three leading from the fifth lap.

Nicholas set the fastest one lap time of the night at 15.725 for the class.

Matt Papa then won the next two heat races.

Nicholas then beat Trevor Perry, Papa, Mark Cecil, and Mitch Allison reaching the finish line .397 of a second in front of Perry.

The Goulburn Ovens Sedan Association were competing for association points and each heat race produced a different winner.

In the final Corowa’s Billy O’Donoghue came out on top in a feature race where the distance was reduced due to closing weather predictions.

Second was Ben

Schmetzer, Justin Brockley in third with Marty Bassett and Daryl Joosten rounding out the top five.

Racing in the Junior 1200cc Sedan class was also exciting with Arthur Hutchinson getting off to a strong start with two heat race wins before the Victorian champion Bryce Leek won the third and final heat race.

In the final Leek was challenge by Hutchinson and lead every lap passing the chequered flag at the front of the field.

After the flag, an incident affecting the racetrack caused the Steward to withhold the chequered flag celebrations for Leek.

Leek could not contain his excitement and it has been reported by officials they communicated for him to slow down and when this call

was not enacted upon, the victory was awarded to the second placed Hutchinson.

Leek was declared second with Braidan Webster, Riley Taylor and Xander Baxter rounding out the top five.

Leek set the fastest one lap time of the event during the final of 19.664.

Competing in the annual feature for Ladies Open Sedans titled the ‘Firecracker 1000’ were local class champion Felicity Roycroft, and home club racers Jaimi Barber, Tay Barnard and Bianca Ballantyne. and Katie Meyer from Ballarat.

Roycroft won the first heat race and in heat two set the fastest lap for the Ladies at 18.670.

However, Meyer won heat two and three and then over 10 laps took victory after passing Roycroft on lap seven.

Finishing in third was Barber, then Kimberley Smith and Barnard rounding out the top five.

Sports Sedan entrants competed in three heat races with their feature event curtailed after a final splash of rain deemed the track unsafe with only a couple of events to run.

Jackson Lunt won heat one with Caleb Lincoln setting a class fast time of the night at 18.067 in winning the second heat.

Jack Chiminello won the third and final heat and on points was rewarded with the nights win on points from Lunt, Caleb Lincoln, Anthony Nicolaisen and Tom McDonald.

Rounding out all the class results, Unlimited Sedan results was determined on points across the heat racing.

Tim Williams won the first heat before Travis Ramsdale won heat two and three setting a fast one lap time of 17.076 in heat two.

On points Ramsdale was the evenings winner from Williams, Danny Smith, Daryl Nicholson, and Brendan Eames.

The season at Wangaratta is now concluded until spring for the new season.

MILESTONE MATCH: Saturday marked a special occasion for Goorambat netball stalwarts and sisters Kylie Relf and Brittany Button. Both surpassed a milestone in their match against Benalla All Blacks, with Button lining up for her 100th game for the Bats, and Relf marking her 250th outing for the club. The duo helped Goorambat secure their fourth victory of the year with a 48-33 win over the Panthers after being in control of the game for the entire match.

Hawks soar with first win of season, Hoppers fall short of Bulldogs

By NATHAN DE VRIES

NORTH Wangaratta’s A grade netball squad got on the board over the weekend, claiming their maiden victory of the 2023 season with a hard-fought 45-28 win over Bright at the North Wangaratta Recreation Reserve.

The match was a struggle for the first half, with neither team able to pull away as the Hawks led by two goals by quarter time.

Bright rallied and reduced the margin slightly to be a goal down at the main break.

North Wangaratta came out in the second half with some fire, managing to add 14 goals to their total while keeping Bright to just six, leading 31-22 heading into

the final term.

The Hawks surged home, with another 14 to six goal period of play to hand North Wangaratta their first win by 17 goals.

Casey Dent turned in an amazing cameo performance in the two quarters she was on the court, shooting 24 goals at 88.89 per cent accuracy, while Ebony Norris and Hayley Cunningham locked down the defensive end.

Elsewhere, Moyhu couldn’t handle a powerhouse Tarrawingee squad out at the Kennel, with the Bulldogs taking the win 68-39.

The Hoppers had a strong start, keeping right with the third-placed Tarrawingee at quarter time, only trailing by

four goals at the first break.

The second term saw the Bulldogs show their class, notching up 18 goals to Moyhu’s nine to push the margin out to 13 goals with a half to play.

Tarrawingee continued to push, and while Moyhu’s defensive end and midcourt players tried to stifle their progress, the Bulldogs were simply too strong, sinking 38 goals through the second half to take the win by 29 goals.

In other round eight A grade matches, Milawa took down Whorouly 52-26, Bonnie Doon managed to hold off a charging King Valley squad 58-49, and Goorambat handed Benalla All Blacks a loss 48-33.

COMPOSED: Bianca Grasso scans the court for the right pass.

EYES ON THE PRIZE: North Wangaratta goal defence Ebony Norris keeps her gaze fixed on the ball in the Hawks’ 17-goal win over Bright. PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

STATE CHAMP: Victorian Junior Open Sedan champion Connor Claridge. PHOTOS: Vern Parker Photography

AUSSIE CHAMP: Grand Prix Midget national champion Anthony Lea.

PHOTO: Meredith Tolliday

Aiming for gold in Germany

BY CHLOE JAENICKE cjaenicke@ nemedia.com.au

WANGARATTA local Renee Kosch is set to compete in the 2023 World Dwarf Games in Germany from July 28 to August 5 in boccia (a version of bocce) and badminton.

The World Dwarf Games take place every four years and is the only international sporting event held exclusively for athletes with dwarfism.

The games were originally meant to take place in 2021 but were cancelled due to COVID and 2023 will be Ms Kosch’s third time competing in the games.

Ms Kosch competed in both the 2013 and 2017 World Dwarf Games where she won two gold and a silver medal in bocccia, a bronze medal in badminton and was awarded the MVP for the Australian team in 2013.

Ms Kosch said it was amazing to see so many people like her the first time she competed in the World Dwarf Games in 2013.

“The first time I competed was really crazy, it’s amazing how many short statured people there are,” she said.

“The last games I think we had 500 athletes all up.”

In the lead up to the games, Ms Kosch has been preparing through training camps with other athletes as well as training on her own.

The training camps usually take place on the Gold Coast and there are normally three in the lead up to the games.

As for extra training, Ms Kosch said she trains for badminton twice a week,

NORTH East Bushrangers

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

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

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

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

boccia whenever she has time and she also makes time to go to the gym.

“Boccia I just train at my mum and dads place wherever I can get a spare few minutes,” she said.

“Badminton I train two nights a week at the Cathedral College and I go to the gym at Anytime Fitness, a few times a week as well just to keep fit.”

Ms Kosch also works with children as an educator at Country Buddies Wangaratta, but she has had to reduce her hours at work due to the demands of training and caring for her mother at home.

“It’s been a bit hard, I actually had to drop down to three days a week instead of four, because it’s just been a bit hectic with work and

family stuff as well,” she said.

In order to travel to Germany for the games, Ms Kosch has to pay for everything out of her own pocket, including the cost of the training camps and flights to Germany.

“The training camps are at least $1000 for flights each time and accommodation and everything and I will

have three of them, plus the games themselves is going to be about five or six grand and at this stage everything is coming out of my pocket,” she said.

Because of the games being postponed and relocated, athletes have had less time to fundraise for the games which is why Ms Kosch’s friend, Gemma Gray, created a GoFundMe

page with an aim of raising $10,000.

According to the GoFundMe, the funds will not only go towards Ms Kosch’s flights and accommodation but also towards her registration fees and her Team Australia uniform.

For more information and to donate to the GoFundMe page visit https://gofund.me/ a5da48ed.

ROUND RESULTS:

U14 Boys 1 38 def by Ringwood 1 41

(Top Scorers: Keoni Anderson 14, Harris Kain 10, Sam Lupo 10)

U14 Boys 2 38 def by Whittlesea 4 44

(Top Scorers: Brock Buckland 15, Michael Moylan 8, Thomas Waite 5)

U14 Girls 1 44 def   Diamond Valley 2 37

(Top Scorers: Ella Mercieca 22, Lily Purss, Maisey Moscrop 5)

U14 Girls 2 15 def by Whittlesea 2 19

(Top Scorers: Kaity Ford 5, Ella Kennedy 4, Maria Hanley 2)

U16 Boys 1 53 def Camberwell 1 37

(Top Scorers: Owain Boyle 18, Jett Milligan 14, Blake Newton 9)

U16 Boys 2 48 def Melton 2 43

(Top Scorers: Sam Kain 16, Mateo Hanley 8, Harry Pople7)

U16 Girls 1 43 def by Casey 1 62

(Top Scorers: Lily-Anne McClure 12, Mekenzie Wood 9, Meg Evans 5)

U16 Girls 2 48 def Diamond Valley 5 42

(Top Scorers: Sophia Kotzur 21, Scarlett Mullavey 10, Elliana Gray 5)

U18 Boys 1 40 def by Bendigo 1 47

(Top Scorers: Lochlin Harvey 13, Frank Oguche 10, Coen Ainsworth 10)

U18 Boys 2 48 def by Bellarine 1 60

(Top Scorers: Harry Stripeikis 17, James Frazer 10, Bailey Allen 9)

U18 Girls 39 def by Diamond Valley 1 46

(Top Scorers: Jess Freeman 21, Niamh Moylan 10, Felicity Camplin 2)

YLM 76 def by Whittlesea 106

(Top Scorers: Jordan Birch 18, Matt Rennie 16, Jesse King 11)

U14 GIRLS 1 TEAM: BACK ROW (L-R):  Tristan Purss (Coach), Layla Graham, Phoebe Guppy, Scarlett Van Shaik, Ella Mercieca, Amanda Graham (Team Manager). FRONT ROW (L-R):  Annaliesse Gray, Maisy Moscrop, Minnie Humphry, Emerson O’Neill, Eloise Hudgson

OLYMPIC CHAMPION: Renee Kosch with her medals from the 2013 and 2017 World Dwarf Games.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Bushrangers make statement at Norm Minns Oval

THE Murray Bushrangers’ boys made a statement at Norm Minns Oval on Saturday.

The Bushies produced their best four-quarter performance for the season thus far which resulted in a 16-point win over the second-placed Sandringham Dragons.

A flurry of fourth quarter goals saw

the local Coates Talent League side win 11.11 (77) to 7.9 (51).

“It was our most complete performance of the year,” Bushies coach Mark Brown said.

Wangaratta’s Harry Hewitt was excellent in the victory, booting two majors, while Corowa-Rutherglen product Jedd Longmire was

one of his side’s best in the middle.

“He didn’t have a lot of the footy which is often the case at half-forward but his ability to finish was the difference,” Brown said.

“He had a couple of really nice finishes on the run.

“He was really devastating.”

Wangaratta City win 3-1 over Savoys in La Fiera clash

■ From back page

“We played for the full 90 minutes, had plenty of fitness towards the end of the game and were still moving the ball well and controlling the play towards the end.”

Molinaro thought three of his players stood up to the challenge.

“Luca Campagna started for the first time in a while and he was one of the only players who shone in that first half, when everyone was down he was doing his part,” he said.

“Ethan Whiley played a great game on the wing and looked really dangerous at times as well.

“Jaxon Osmotherly kept us in the game in the first half and made a number of crucial saves.”

The victory moves the Devils up to third spot on the table, trailing Cobram by three points and league leaders Albury United by four.

“It’s been good to get some consistency back in our game over the last couple of weeks after a few losses,” Molinaro said.

“We move up to third and now we just want to keep up with Cobram and United and continue to string wins together.

“We’ve got Boomers after this weekend’s bye so it’s really important that we’ve gone into the bye in the position we’re in.”

Wangaratta City will play their FA Cup semi-final against Cobram at Jelbart Park next Wednesday, followed by their clash with Boomers on the Sunday.

Lady Devils further Diamonds drubbing

By NATHAN DE VRIES

WANGARATTA’S senior women’s side keeps getting stronger, backing up their 2-1 win over Wodonga Diamonds a fortnight ago with a tremendous 4-1 smashing in their rematch at the LaTrobe University soccer grounds on Sunday.

Lady Devils skipper Beth Cope broke through the Diamonds defence early, smashing a goal past goalkeeper Helena Zito in just the third minute of play.

Wangaratta kept the pressure on, as Hannah Swindley (33’) and Sarah Morris (39’)

converted to put the Lady Devils 3-0 up at half time.

The onslaught continued after the break, with Swindley again finding the back of the net in the 47th minute to put the match beyond the Diamonds.

Unfortunately for the Lady Devils, they were denied a clean sheet after Wodonga’s Havana Selvey snuck one past Estella Hernandez from a penalty in the 64th minute.

Coach Dan Kelly said the result was extremely promising.

“We had a plan set and the girls really put it to fruition,” he said.

“They made the most of

their chances, we were 3-0 up in the first half then we put another one on in another five minutes.

“I think they knew they didn’t play great, but the fact that you can be 3-0 at halftime up and feel like you didn’t play great just shows how good they’re becoming.

“After that, we were pretty comfortable.”

The Lady Devils will look to continue their run of hot form tonight when they take on Melrose FC at Melrose Park in the second round of the FA Cup.

Kelly said the match was shaping up to be a physical

contest - the Lady Devils will enter the match with a 2-0 record against Melrose this year.

“Nothing changes for us - we let the girls recover on Monday, and have a game on Wednesday,” Kelly said.

“We’ll play against them like how we played against them the last two times.

“It just comes down to the physical battle - whoever wins out in the physical battle comes away with the points.”

The reserve Lady Devils squad had a tough time at Savoy Park, Myrtleford for their traditional La Fiera fixture, downed 8-0.

GOAL HAUL: Harry Hewitt booted four goals in the Murray Bushrangers’ win over Sandringham Dragons at Norm Minns Oval on Saturday. PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

EARLY STRIKE: A third minute goal from Beth Cope set the tone for the Lady Devils’ 4-1 win over Wodonga Diamonds.

PHOTO: Kat De Naps Photography

CONTROLLED: Vitaly Leschen takes control of the ball.

KICK OUT: Jaxon Osmotherly in action.

LONG BALL: Stoycho Ivanov sends Wangaratta forward.

STAND OUT: Ethan Whiley celebrates his goal in Wangaratta City’s 3-1 win over Myrtleford. PHOTOS: Kat De Naps Photography

Round four of Wangaratta junior netball action

ROUND four of the Wangaratta Netball Assocation’s junior netball season was played at Barr Reserve on Saturday.

Results:

Premier A: Rovers Gold 23 (Isabelle Pizzini) def by Magpies Black 23 (Fern Tucker).

Milawa Red forfeit loss def by

Rovers Brown forfeit win.

Greta Blue 26 (Mia Graham) def Magpies White 13 (Pippa O’Connor).

Premier B: Rovers Navy 22 (Mackenzie Rea) def Yfnc 17 (Chloe Cummins).

Rovers Pink 8 (Sophia Davidson) def by Tarra Blue 18 (Alana Young).

Greta White 8 (Lily Noble) def by Myrtleford Black 16 (Billie Prestage).

Section 1: Milawa Blue 10 (Emelia Landers) def by Tarra Red 27 (Charlotte Walker).Rovers Black 17 (Isobella Ford) def Milawa White 13 (Grace Saunders). Redbacks 1 (Paige Schulze) def by Bright 18 (Grace Oswin).

Rovers Yellow 14 (Macey Graham) def by Whorouly Cubs 15 (Lara Marek-Rhodes).

Section 2: Alpha Wolves 9 (Ashton Ryan) def by The Strikers 15 (Team).

Westy Warriors 1 (Lucy Beavis) def by Maltesers 42 (Harper Miller).

Wolf Pack 14 (Paige-Lee Dum-

mett) def Golden Girls 0 (Imogen O’Keefe).

Section 3: Dream Team 6 (Violet Turner) def by The Diamonds 20 (Maya Symons).

Myrtleford Red 39 (Willow Szaraszek) def Sharks 0 (Iris Cagalj).

Fantales 14 (Stella Stamp) def Wild West 7 (Alexis Butera).

Hawks earn interleague inclusion

SEVERAL Wangaratta

Rovers players took part in the inaugural female football interleague carnival held at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve on Sunday.

In the under 18 side, Hawks Sophie Boyle, Lili Fan, Trinny Preer, Makenzie Clarke and Ammy Thompson lined up for North East Border, while the NEB open women’s team included Rovers players Amy Collins, Frankie Butler, Nikita Brown, Kate Burns and Jacinta Findlay.

The NEB open women commenced their first clash,

against Central Victoria, kicking into the wind.

The locals’ mids worked hard around the ground, and the Rovers in the backline kept scoring to a minimum, but at half-time the score was CV 1.6 (12) to NEB 0.0. (0).

The second half gave NEB more scoring opportunities, with Amy Collins marking the ball directly in front and notching the team’s firstand only - goal.

Final score: CV 1.7 (13) to NEB 1.1 (7).

An hour-long break preceded the next match, against Northern Country.

Kicking with the breeze this time, NEB was able to make an immediate impact on the scoreboard. Rovers players showcased their goal scoring, with Amy Collins (2), Frankie Butler (2) and Nikita Brown (1) all scoring majors. The half-time score was NEB 6.8 (44) to NC 0.0 (0).

The second half held fewer scoring opportunities, but there was some great contested ball, with Rovers’ Jacinta Findlay moving away from her normal role in the backline to have a run through the middle.

Kate Burns in the backline

was able to work the team and repel the ball out of the defensive 50.

The final score was NEB 9.12 (66) to NC 0.0 (0), with the win propelling NEB into the grand final.

The locals again met Central Victoria in a grand final which featured the same contested footy from the teams’ first meeting.

The game plan was to shut down the ball, pair up and stop the run-on.

After the first half and CV kicking with the wind, the score was CV 1.3 (9) to NEB 0.0 (0).

The NEB women gave all they could in the last half, scoring 1.2 (8), but were unable to come away with the victory.

Final score: CV 2.5 (17) defeated NEB 1.2 (8).

In the under 18 competition, NEB tackled Northern Country in its opening match, and scored a first-up win: NEB 6.3 (39) to NCWL’s 3.4 (22).

They then faced Bendigo Junior Football League, in a match which saw Hawk Trinny Preer suffer a dayending knee injury.

The NEB under 18s were

WANGARATTA ROVERS vs WODONGA RAIDERS

strong throughout the two halves, and came away with the win and a spot in the grand final.

Final score: NEB 3.6 (24) defeated BJFL 2.0 (12).

In the grand final, NEB took on NCWL on the main oval at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve.

Northern Central won the toss and was able to kick with the wind for the first half, scoring 2.4 (16) to NEB 0.0 (0).

The second half saw the NEB girls continue with their run and carry, but they ultimately fell short for the day: NEB 2.1 (13) to 4.4 (28).

ON ITS WAY: Maahi Kumar sends a pass off.

GREAT PASS: Maddison Craven looks to pass.

YOUNG STAR: Stella Johnson in action for Rovers Gold. PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

YOUNG STARS: Ammy Thompson, Makenzie Clark, Lili Fan and Sophie Boyle lined up in the under 18 female team for North East Border.

INTERLEAGUE REPS: Wangaratta Rovers open women’s players Frankie Butler, Kate Burns, Jacinta Findlay, Nikita Brown and Amy Collins represented North East Border in Sunday’s interleague carnival. PHOTOS: Kev McGennan

ON THE BOOT

La Fiera derby victory

Wangaratta City down Myrtleford 3-1 after slow start in La Fiera Derby at Myrtleford

THREE second half goals saw Wangaratta City recover from a 0-1 deficit to claim the Darrel Van Der Steeg Memorial Shield in Sunday’s La Fiera Derby at Myrtleford

It looked to be anyone’s game at the half-time break but goals from Stoycho Ivanov (63rd minute)

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

and Ethan Whiley (72nd) saw the Devils take the lead with less than 20 minutes to go.

But it was an own goal in the 83rd minute which sealed the deal as Wangaratta ran away 3-1 winners and made it back-to-back victories.

Wangaratta City coach Raff Molinaro said it’s always good to beat Myrtleford.

“It’s always nice to beat Myrtleford, especially over there,” Molinaro said.

“We were 1-0 down and I’m not sure if the occasion was getting the better of the boys but we weren’t playing very well.

“We went into half-time and Terry (Masters) and I

had a chat to the side and they came out in the second half showing heaps more intensity.”

The Devils have shown they can click into a higher gear on a few occasions this season and Sunday was no different.

“It was really pleasing

that we were able to get back in the game,” Molinaro said.

“We’ve flicked a switch a couple of times this season which is a really strong sign and it just shows that the side has a really good mentality.

■ Continued page 22

WDJFL star Josh Hart sends the ball forward in Sunday’s junior interleague carnival at the Lavington Sportsground complex.

■ More photos: Page 19

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

The chase of legends

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

SURROUNDED by trucks growing up in Wangaratta, Matt Robinson couldn‘t get enough of the ‘truckie‘ lifestyle.

Inspired by his dad and step–dad who were both truck drivers, it was Mr Robinson‘s dream to be involved with trucks growing up.

“I‘ve got memories of hanging out in the yard, washing the trucks,” he said.

“Before Wangaratta was bypassed on the Hume (highway) I used to go to a hairdresser in the main street of Wangaratta when I was about five or six, and I would keep on trying to turn around and see what truck was going past.

“It certainly made the hairdresser‘s job difficult.”

Mr Robinson said he could remember owning his first camera at nine years old, and naturally the first thing to come to mind was taking pictures of trucks.

Quickly Mr Robinson found a new hobby, which would lead into his adult life.

A hobby mixed with an obsessive passion for the limited edition Kenworth 950 Legends brought upon Mr Robinson‘s first book published in March; ‘A Man Among Legends‘.

It tells Mr Robinson‘s story of personally chasing down all 75 limited edition Kenworth 950 Legends and taking a photo of each one of them.

The Kenworth T950 was originally manufactured between 1992 and 2007, boasting an old school, tough look, a high cab and power which made it popular with single trailer and road train users alike.

■ Continued on page 6

◆ A COUPLE OF LEGENDS: Matt Robinson with one of the 75 Kenworth 950 Legends which featured in his book A Man Among Legends.

Giardiasis (beaver fever)

GIARDIA is a unicellular protozoan parasite that can cause diarrhoea in a large range of species, including humans.

It is estimated that around 200 million people are infected with giardia each year and it is more common in developing countries.

There are many different types of giardia and humans usually do not get Giardia from their pets and vice versa, however, it can occur.

Infection occurs after cysts are shed in the faeces and ingested by another animal, most often from a water source.

The cysts attach to the surface of the small intestine, causing damage to the villi, resulting in inflammation and malabsorption.

Symptoms include stomach pain, cramping, gas distension, diarrhoea and nausea.

Giardia can be diagnosed by detection of the organism in the faeces via several different methods, including direct visualisation, ELISA or a PCR test.

However, giardia can shed in the faeces intermittently, meaning there

with Dr Meagan Lee, Ovens & Kiewa Veterinary Hospital

is a chance of a false negative result, so in some cases tests will need to be performed several times if the symptoms are consistent with giardia.

Giardia can survive in cool, moist environments for several months, this is why water sources are a common place to pick up an infection.

Keeping your pets from drinking from unknown water sources can help to limit their chance of picking up giardia.

Because giardia cysts are infective immediately when passed into the environment, faeces should be removed quickly and disposed of.

Infected animals should be bathed regularly to remove cysts from the hair coat.

If they do have any of the above symptoms, and your vet suspects giardia, treatment is usually simple and successful with fenbendazole and metronidazole.

This Day in History, 1932

ANOTHER shipment of the beetle, which, it was hoped, would repel the invasion in the North East of St John’s Wort, arrived from overseas.

The beetle eggs passed through by train on their way to Canberra for the Council of Scientific and Animal Research.

What appears to be the first official release of biological control agents for St John’s Wort occurred on October 23 1930, when Dr R Tilyard supervised the liberation of Chrysomela insects in the Ovens pine plantation, before moving up the valley towards Bright.

It was reported that the insects would be released in a number of locations, including the garden at Bright from which the weed was thought to have originally spread.

◆

Redfin, carp caught on fishing adventure outside region

LAST Monday I went off on a fishing adventure.

Although slightly out of the readership area I want to give you a report from somewhere a little different.

Firstly I fished Lake Cooper near Corop from 6:30am to 10:30am.

I only managed to catch three carp in that time.

Lake Cooper has been dry for many years and filled with last year’s floods.

It is a beautiful lake that has quite a few carp and small redfin which I think will provide great fishing next spring and summer before eventually drying up again.

From Lake Cooper I headed across to the Waranga Basin with my kayak where I fished from 11:30am to 3pm.

In that time I caught around 20 or so redfin.

All but two of the fish were caught casting a Strike Tiger 1.5” curl tail grub in ‘Whitebait Pearl’ colour.

The best fishing was in only a metre or so of water.

PET CORNER

I did spend a lot of time trolling a small diving lure but only managed to catch two fish using this technique.

Of the fish that I caught four were nice sized fish, plenty big enough to keep.

The rest were a bit small.

From there I headed home, but decided to stop and wet a line in the Seven Creeks at Miepoll, near Violet Town.

With just over an hour of daylight left I managed to catch four carp on worms.

They were really biting well.

I really enjoyed this little spot for something different although I wouldn’t recommend it to anybody wanting to catch a feed of fish or a trophy fish.

I think it is all carp in there!

These places are a little further away, but if you’re travelling, or looking to try something different I hope this gives you a few ideas.

WANGARATTA RSPCA has many lovable creatures waiting for the perfect family to take them home.

If you want to add a furry friend to your home, call (03) 5722 2874 or visit the shelter at 1 Connell Street Wangaratta. Wangaratta RSPCA’s animal adoption source code is BR100934

SNUGGLY SOCKS: Socks is very active and playful and is looking for an owner who can keep up with him. If you manage to take him for big walks everyday he will return the favour with snuggles in the evening. Socks has many typical traits of a Husky so he would be best suited to an owner who understands arctic breeds and their needs. He may be suited to living with another dog but would not get along with cats or smaller animals. Socks loves to play and would suited a home with teenage children who can keep up with him. His microchip number is 953010100209966. PHOTO: RSPCA

PRETTY: The Waranga Basin is a place of beauty on a calm day. It is a wonderful place to fish, and is fishing very well at the moment. Avoid it on windy days though as it is very open and prone to become rough.

with Rob Alexander WANGARATTA

Emotional eating: a loss of appetite and a pyjama day for the digestive system

I SEE a lot of patients with low appetite.

They say things like ‘I just don’t feel hungry’ or ‘I can go all day without eating and not realise until dinner’.

There are various reasons for low appetite.

Often it is grief.

Grief about living with a debilitating chronic illness, grief from loss of a partner, grief about loss of control, grief about loneliness.

The other kind of appetite loss I see in patients stems from being too busy or stressed.

There is the parent who forgets to eat because they are trying to keep on top of everything; the mother of the newborn with colic who screams whenever they are put down; the workaholic who forgets to eat and has another coffee to ‘get through’ instead; the student who also works part time and the teacher who is too busy at lunch time finishing projects or dealing with meetings to eat.

And then there is loss of appetite that stems from nutritional deficiencies like anaemia (low iron), which can make you crave or dislike certain foods or even just not feel hungry.

In traditional medicine all these (grief, busyness, anaemia) are all known as ‘scattered states’, where the energy is directed away from digestion.

This can leave you feeling nauseous and knotted in your stomach or too busy in your head, disconnecting you from your appetite receptors in the stomach.

If this is you, implementing a ‘PJ day for the digestion’ can help, while you work with your naturopath on the underlying cause.

Eat like this for one day to one month depending on the debility.

This means simple eating, warm foods and lots of nourishing spices.

• Sweet potato, beetroot or parsnip mashed with garlic and sea salt;

with Naturopath Sophie Lorback (BHSCI. NATUROPATHY)

• Handful of soaked barley or lentils in soup;

• Coconut milk curry with sweet potato and pumpkin;

• Yeast free breads (chapatti, damper, soda bread, mountain bread);

• Fresh natural yoghurt mixed into a drink with two parts water;

• Baked bananas and apples;

• Stewed fruits like apples and pears;

• Warm spiced grape or apple juice with cinnamon and star anise (like mulled wine without the alcohol); and

• Rice cooked in ghee, ginger and cumin.

Chicken and cashew stir fry

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup brown rice (uncooked)

• spray olive or canola oil spray

• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped

• 1/2 tsp fresh ginger, grated

• 2 tsp reduced–salt soy sauce

• 150 g skinless chicken breast, chopped

• 2 tbs unsalted roasted cashews

• 1 cup broccoli

• 3 tsp honey

• 1 tbs oyster sauce

• 1 cup snow pea, stalks removed

• 2 spring onions (including green tops), sliced

• 50 g of red capsicum

• 6 dried chilli

Method

Cook rice according to packet instructions. Combine garlic, ginger, soy sauce, pepper and chicken in a small bowl; set aside to

marinate while vegetables are prepared. Heat a non–stick wok or large frypan to high. Add cashews and dry–fry for a minute or until browned; remove from pan and set aside.

Spray pan with oil and heat to high. Add the chicken (with its marinade) and stir–fry for 2 minutes until browned. Set aside. Respray pan with oil, add broccoli and stir–fry for 3 minutes, until just tender.

Add honey, oyster sauce and 2 tablespoons water to the pan along with snow peas, spring onions, capsicum and chicken including any juices, and dried chilli; stir–fry for another 3 minutes till heated through. Divide rice and chicken stir–fry between plates and serve sprinkled with cashews.

Healthy Tip

Chilli, lemon and herbs add flavour – great alternatives to butter and salt!

The chase of legends

■ From page 1 In 2015, Kenworth released a limited edition re–run of the T950 Legends, where 75 were made and sold out within 48 hours of being available.

Mr Robinson said he started to notice the 950 Legends driving down the Hume Highway close to his Craigieburn residence, and knowing the significance of the limited edition re–runs he started taking pictures of them.

“I got to about 30 (pictures) of them and it was suggested to me to make an effort to try and get them all and make a book out of it,” he said.

“I had a general idea where most of them were through Facebook, some of them were just pure luck and I just happened to see them going the other way on the road, so I‘d take a quick U–turn, chase them down and take a photo of it.

“I got quite a few road shots and I‘d often go out the road to the Shell at Kalkallo

and they often pulled up out there.”

Mr Robinson travelled as far as Perth, Mackay and Rockhampton in order to organise meetings with the owners of the 950 Legends and get them on film.

“Often I‘d work out that I‘d have a few days off in the roster or something so I‘d just book a flight and go and hope,” he said.

After nearly six years of chasing down the legends, Mr Robinson photographed all 75 of the limited edition re–runs and completed his book.

He said he has sold more than 240 copies of the book so far and has heard nothing but positive feedback from those who have shown interest in his work, with others so impressed they‘ve suggested a more challenging sequel.

“Since the 950 Legends, Kenworth have done two more limited edition runs of the 900 Legend and the SAR Legend so I‘m getting a lot of people saying I need to do those two books as

well,” he said.

“There‘s 750 odd SARs... it would be as thick as the bible.”

Currently an electrician at Craigieburn, Mr Robinson said despite raising a family in the city for some time he still considered Wangaratta and his childhood among trucks as where his heart is still set.

“I hate Melbourne, Wangaratta is still home,” he said.

“People are a bit amazed when I say I‘m going home this weekend and they give me a funny look.

“The kids are down here and everything now so I‘ve got to be close to them.”

A Man Among Legends can be purchased directly by visiting the Facebook page A man among legends, where additional information on Mr Robinson‘s travels while putting together his book can also be found, or enquiring through email to kw950legend@outlook.com.au

FEATURE STORY

◆ IN HIS VEINS: A young Matt Robinson in front of one of his dad’s old trucks, which he has many fond memories of being around while growing up in Wangaratta.

◆ A STRONG PASSION: Matt Robinson has always had a passion for photographing trucks since a young age, which culminated in his inspiration for publishing his first book in March.

NorthEast JOBS

FIT PEOPLE WANTED ALPINE BIN ROLLOUT

JUNE 2023 - Are you fit, active and love the outdoors?

Mobile Bins Australia is working with Alpine Shire to assemble & ‘roll out’ new Food & Organics ‘FOGO’ wheelie bins. All townships need 1 x bin per house. We need a team to assemble & deliver.

There are four positions available with an average of 35 hours per week and two positions available for an average of 20 hours per week. The hourly rate is $36.00.

Why not get involved in this amazing environment project that helps turn food waste into usable organics.

Starts June 2023, 3-4 weeks duration.

Top casual rates paid, ABN holders too. To apply write and tell us briefly about yourself and why this job might suit you. Email info@ridestorm.com.au

JOBS AT INDIGO

Visitor Information Centre Officer

• Rutherglen Location

• Casual

• $30.80-$32.71 per hour + super

Museum Assistant and Tour Guide

• Beechworth Location

• Casual

• $30.80-$32.71 per hour + super

Enforcement Officer

• Yackandandah Location

• Permanent Full time

• $69,382 - $79,202 per annum + super

Applications close 4pm Sunday, 28th May 2023

Visit www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au/jobs to download the position recruitment kits and to view instructions on how to apply.

SEEKING A CAREER CHANGE? COPRICE WANGARATTA ARE HIRING!

CopRice is the animal foods division of SunRice and is a leading supplier of nutrition products to the companion animal and livestock sectors. CopRice has been supplying quality feeds for animals for over 30 years through plants in NSW and Victoria.

Over 2,100 employees, 30 brands, an unrelenting focus on innovation, and a commitment to our people, our communities and environment, we’re SunRice - an iconic Australian company and a great place to work. SunRice Group provides a real opportunity for passionate people to make a difference.

Our CopRice Wangaratta facility has some excellent opportunities for experienced, dedicated individuals to make a difference.

Vacancies currently exist for the following full time permanent positions.

www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au

Phone: 1300 365 003

AWS Window Fabricator

A local opportunity for the right person Wangaratta based and locally owned Training provided

Requirement:

Good attitude and willing to learn the trade

Flexible time

Good pay

Become an elite aluminium joiner

We offer:

Safe workplace

As business partner

Permanent/Casual/ Apprentice

New migrants/work visa holders are welcome 0426974758, rolly@indiwindows.com, admin@indiwindows.com, www.indiwindows.com

Classifieds Customer Service Officer

We are looking for a dynamic person to join the North East Media team in our Wangaratta office.

This role involves connecting with customers for classified advertising, innovating new business and supporting existing clients on print and digital platforms. This role is pivotal in helping to grow and retain customers with a strong focus on customer service.

Key Responsibilities:

needs

to provide new solutions and services.

positive experience for all customer service enquiries

customers on use of digital platforms

Skills and Experience:

Inc Assoc: AU0029046U

The Board for the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues is looking for an Executive Officer

Tasks include:

General management of communications

Calendar coordination

Stakeholder engagement in conjunction with the board

Remuneration & Timing: Competitive clerical rates

Flexible working hours

Access to appropriate resources

To find out more information: Please email CV and questions to: businessmanager@wangarattajazz.com

Position commences June 5 and runs for six months until Dec 2023.

GREAT JOBS FOR GREAT PEOPLE

The following opportunities now exist for enthusiastic, safety focused people with suitable experience and qualifications. Please visit our website to find out more about current positions available across Mawsons business divisions.

Mildura – Concrete Truck Driver – MILD003

Mansfield – Concrete Truck Driver – MANS002

Myrtleford – Concrete Truck Driver – MYRT003

Mansfield – Quarry Operator – MANQ002

The successful candidates for all roles will have a personal commitment for their safety and can look forward to working with an experienced, friendly and close-knit team of colleagues.

www.sunrice.com.au

strict confidence.

SunRice is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. SunRice will consider qualified applicants for employment based on their merit, individual skills, qualifications, and other appropriate criteria relevant to the role for which they are applying.

Kyneton – Concrete Truck Driver – KYNE003

Regional VIC and NSW –

Quarry Transport Truck and Trailer Driver - QUAT003

Beechworth – Concrete Truck Driver/Batcher – BEEC003

Shepparton – Concrete Truck Driver – SHEP004

Shepparton – Concrete Cartage Contract – CCSSHEP06

Bendigo – Concrete Truck Driver – BEND002

and a results driven attitude attention to detail a must to prioritise a busy work schedule deadline and work well under pressure

If you enjoy working with customers and as part of a team, and have the skills and experience to suit then we encourage you to send your resume with cover letter to: kmayhew@nemedia.com.au or mail to North East Media, 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta VIC 3677

CATHEDRAL COLLEGE WANGARATTA

A school of The Anglican Schools Commission (Inc.)

The College seeks applications from suitably experienced persons for the following full-time Term 3 replacement positions:

Secondary Maths & Science Teacher

(The ability to teach VCE Maths and/or Physics would be advantageous. This position has the potential to be ongoing.)

Secondary Humanities Teacher

The College also has positions available for:

Casual Relief Teachers

(Primary and Secondary)

Please refer to our website for more information. Applications are to be forwarded to: The Principal, Mr Nick Jones at: principal@cathedralcollege.vic.edu.au by Monday June 5, 2023.

Cathedral College Wangaratta is a Child Safe School and an Equal Opportunity Employer www.mawsons.com.au/careers/join-us

Circulating in Wangaratta, Myrtleford, Bright, Mt Beauty, Beechworth, Yackandandah, Rutherglen, Chiltern and districts

The key to DIY

WHETHER you’re building something as part of a DIY project or you’re a tradie, an Allen key may come in handy.

The Allen key, also known as a hex key, hex wrench or Allen wrench is a simple driver for bolts or screws with hexagonal recesses in the heads.

It is typically used to access screws in hard to reach places and to turn the screws faster.

Allen keys are a fairly common tool that are often used to put together furniture flat packs.

North East Fasteners carries a range of quality Kincrome Allen keys for all kinds of purposes.

Kincrome Allen keys typically come in sets that typically contain Allen keys of different sizes and

lengths for whatever you need it for.

An example is the ball point hex key and wrench set short series nine that features nine different Allen keys of all different sizes from 1/16” to 3/8”.

The Kincrome Allen key set is manufactured from S2 steel and is hardened, chrome plated and power coated.

To browse the range of available sets from Kincrome, scan the QR code.

Gender roles flipped in space adventure

ONE of the trends in writing for young people over recent years has been the increasing number of authors drawing on studies in their specialist fields, in a bid to pass on their knowledge.

Among them is Perth-based HM Waugh, an environmental scientist and educator who professes a long-term love of “wild places and high mountains”.

When she’s not writing, Waugh teaches school and community groups about science and the environment.

Among the middle grade fiction she has produced is the space adventure-themed Mars Duology - the second instalment of which, ‘Mars Underground’, has just been released.

The two-part series began with ‘Mars Awakens’, which was unveiled in May last year.

It followed the story of Dee and Holt, raised in two colonies on Mars each long ago abandoned by Earth, who have been brought up to hate each other.

However, when a mysterious object crashlands on a far-flung plain, they are both sent to investigate, and their fates intertwine.

Stranded in a hostile landscape, they must battle epic storms, deadly bio-clouds and mutual mistrust while unpicking the web of lies they have been told about their planet.

The story flips traditional gender roles, with the girls in the story - who are genetically

stronger - tasked with protecting the boys.

In the newly-released sequel, ‘Mars Underground’, Dee and Holt think they’ve found safety, but together must face new dangers to reunite the humans of Mars.

There had been hope when the Davinci colony found that Holt carried precious new genetics, but he was also proof of a whole settlement still surviving at Newton.

However, no-one has yet tried to reach Newton. Holt and Chayse are kept isolated with the fragile Futures, and Dee is destined to join them unless the trio can take matters into their own hands.

Dee, Holt and Chayse set out to cross Mars via a network of subterranean tunnels, hoping they can reach Newton without encountering the sinister Others.

And if they can make it, they must try to convince the Newtonians to work with the Davincians - those they’ve been trained to hate.

This is a thrilling and imaginative conclusion to the Mars Duology, a series sure to capture the imaginations of mid-primary-schoolers.

* We have copies of both books in the series to give away as a pack. If you would like a chance to win both ‘Mars Awakens’ and ‘Mars Underground’ by HM Waugh (Allen & Unwin, RRP $17.99), email skerwin@nemedia.com.au and let us know why.

◆ CONCLUSION: HM Waugh’s ‘Mars Underground’ is the sequel to last year’s ‘Mars Awakens’.

with Mick Seymour, NORTH EAST FASTENERS

with Simone Kerwin NORTH EAST MEDIA