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WANGARATTA’S Million Paws Walk is on this Sunday to raise funds for the RSPCA.
Wangaratta Kennel & Dog Obedience Club president Kevin Felmingham, and members Marion Gray and Carol Togher, together with their dogs Ryder, Louisa, Meika, Jagger and Frankie, can’t wait to enjoy a stroll.
Full story page 2.
A 43-year-old Wangaratta man has been charged with drug related offences following the execution of a search warrant by Victoria Police’s VIPER taskforce on Tuesday.
A Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) compliance search was conducted and during the search of the Wangaratta property, police located and seized various quantities of 1,4-Butanediol and methylamphetamine and a small quantity of cash.
of dependence, possess proceeds of crime and possess drug of dependence.
The Wangaratta man was charged with possess traffickable quantity drug
Operation Blue Ember is a joint operation between Victoria Police’s VIPER Taskforce, NSW Police Force’s State Crime Command’s Criminal Groups
and Raptor Squads in partnership with the Sheriff ’s Office.
During the second annual week of action on the border, Victoria Police arrested 28 people and seized weapons, drugs, cash and stolen vehicles following a joint-agency operation
targeting outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCG) and organised criminal entities.
The operation has focused on the North East of Victoria and southern New South Wales.
During the multi-agency operation – which commenced at 6am on Monday,
May 20 and concludes at midday on Friday, May 24 – VIPER Taskforce, as of Wednesday, had executed a total of 29 warrants, including 10 Firearm Prohibition Order compliance searches, made 28 arrests and laid 74 charges.
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WANGARATTA’S Million Paws
Walk this Sunday is the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your dog and help support the RSPCA’s efforts to end animal cruelty.
The event is being hosted at the Wangaratta Kennel & Obedience Club grounds in the Wangaratta Showgrounds from 9.30am to noon, with participants able to enjoy a 1.5km or 4km walk around the adjoining Ovens River.
There will also be a Doggy ‘Sniffari’, training sessions by the obedience club, a raffle for a KONG prize pack and walkers will have the opportunity to meet local RSPCA inspector Kyle Pugh.
“We’re hoping to do some agility work and get all that off the ground too,” club president, Kevin Felmingham said.
“People can see what the kennel club’s all about and hopefully we’ll get some new members as well.”
Mr Felmingham is hoping Sunday’s event will surpass the 100 people and more than 60 dogs who joined in last year, helping raise more than $7000 for the RSPCA.
People can register online today and receive a 40 per cent discount on their ticket - visit www.millionpawswalk.com.au/Wangaratta.
Club members Marion Gray and Carol Togher will be helping man the barbecue and supporting the event.
Ms Gray has owned dogs for
around 50 years and enjoys the companionship she has with her Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Louisa and Meika.
“There’s always someone there to greet us when we get home,” she said.
“They’re our hobbies, our interests.
“Louisa and Meika are small dogs but they’re fun, I’ve had bigger dogs before, but I call these my granny dogs because I don’t want to run anymore.”
Ms Togher said dogs have become her life and that she takes her Dachshunds, Jagger and Frankie, outside every day and believes dogs enrich her life.
“Dogs should be part of the fam-
ily and are here not make our lives better, not worse,” she said.
Ms Togher said the kennel club has become a great space for dogs and that they have begun to treat it as if it’s their own.
“My dogs go out every single day, it’s very important,” she said.
“They bark here because they think it’s their house.”
Ms Togher and Ms Gray encourage other people to come along to the Million Paws Walk as getting outside is not only great for the dogs, but the people too.
“There’s a real spirit of community, like they meet other people with dogs of the same breed, might lead to something else,” Ms Togher said.
THE Salvation Army is collecting donations this weekend for their annual Red Shield Appeal.
Collection points are at Woolworths, Wangaratta Post Shop, Big W and Bunnings during the businesses’ opening hours.
The money raised will go back into the Wangaratta community.
Loaves and Fishes Christian Caring will use the funds to support vulnerable people in the community with food and emergency accommodation.
The Salvation Army’s Major Warren Elliot said the Salvos are grateful for the generosity they have received over the past 60 years of the Red Shield Appeal.
“We hope to see our community come together again this year as we seek to make it another 60 years,” he said.
“All funds raised locally will remain in the local community, allowing the Salvos to meet the specific needs of the most disadvantaged and marginalised members of our region.”
The Red Shield Appeal aims to raise $38 million nationally, enabling the Salvos to support Australians doing it tough in communities around the country.
Each year, through the Salvation Army’s nationwide network of more than 400 centres and 2000 services in areas such as homelessness, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, youth support, family and domestic violence, financial hardship and much more, the Salvos provide:
• assistance to one person every 17 seconds;
• more than 1.67 million sessions of care to over 250,000 people in need;
• over 1.2 million bed nights to people who need accommodation; and
• more than 1.63 million meals to people who access our homelessness services.
To donate to the Salvos appeal, visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS.
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Victoria Police’s Detective Inspector Craig Darlow said by coordinating cross-border and cross jurisdictional operations, both agencies enhance their capabilities to disrupt OMCG and criminal networks.
“Outlaw motorcycle gangs are recognised as having high levels of involvement in illicit drug importation, production and distribution, illicit firearms trafficking and money laundering as well as extreme violent crime,” he said.
“Alongside our partners and with specialist taskforces such as VIPER and Echo, we will continue to use our full range of capabilities to proactively target OMCGs and those people involved in organised crime at every opportunity.
“There can be a perception that it is easier to hide in the country.
“That is simply not true.
“If you are involved in organised criminal activity, you will be detected and you will be held accountable, irrespective of a state border.
“Our message to OMCGs, their facilitators and those people associated with organised crime is clear – we are working together, and we will be relentless.
“You cannot hide, and we will not stop.”
The Sheriff of Victoria Julie Brown said that sheriff ’s officers conduct enforcement activities across Victoria, targeting those with outstanding warrants.
She said the Sheriff ’s Office executed 75 warrants against nine debtors related to warrants totalling $54,887.84.
“Some matters were resolved by immediate payment totalling more than $22,000 during this week of action,” she said
Anyone with information about organised criminal or illicit drug activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
THE installation of a large scale sculpture in Oxley will mark a significant step in the King Valley Prosecco Road Revitalisation Project, expected to be completed by the end of this year.
The project, initiated by Tourism North East and funded with $4M from the Victorian Government, included township enhancements in Whitfield and Cheshunt, two gateway entrance art installations, an adventure play space in Whitfield and the development of a shared walking/ cycle trail connecting Whitfield and Cheshunt King Valley townships.
BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au
Rural City of Wangaratta director community and infrastructure, Marcus Goonan, said the streetscapes works are now complete, although some additional plantings will take place in Cheshunt at a later stage in consultation with the community.
He said an upgrade of the septic system and surfacing of car parks at the Whitfield play space and visitor hub will take place once a final permit for works is received from Re-
gional Roads Victoria (RRV).
“The design works (for the walk/cycle trail) are progressing through the approvals process at RRV and we expect to start and finish the works this year,” Mr Goonan said.
Council has confirmed that a second proposed gateway artwork to be located on the MansfieldWhitfield Road in Whitfield remains on hold while it seeks alternative funding to complete the project.
It announced last week a 6.5 metre high sculpture by Alexander Knox called ‘Bubbles in the landscape’, will be installed on a va-
cant site on the south east side of the roundabout on the Snow and WangarattaWhitfield roads in Oxley by the end of June 2024.
Council manager arts culture and events, Simone Nolan, said the artwork will be maintained and treated as part of the maintenance program for all sculptures and artwork within its public art collection.
“The roundabout precinct is within the care of RRV but council’s public art acquisitions panel considered maintenance of the grassed area when choosing the artwork and consulted its suitability with the field services team
to ensure the sculpture’s grass area is accessible and well presented,” she said.
The selected artwork was one of three finalists chosen from 44 tendered submissions, with council’s public art acquisitions panel saying it recognised Knox’s attention to the environment, location and local context.
The panel praised Knox’s thorough research on the region’s industry and community, as well as his resolved design delivery, saying the sculpture is expected to attract visitors and tourists to the site, serving as a welcoming statement for the food and wine region.
A MARMUNGUN Rock ceremony to honour the Rural City of Wangaratta’s 2024 Citizen of the Year Ruth Kneebone will be held on National Sorry Day this Sunday from 11am at Apex Park.
Each year the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, through the Dirrawarra Indigenous Network, recognise the Wangaratta Citizen of the Year by including their carved handprint on the Marmungun Rock.
These carved handprints are an honour and enduring tribute to outstanding individuals in our community who demonstrate the qualities of an Indigenous Elder – community service, integrity, and wisdom.
Marmungun means ‘of this group’ or ‘of this area’ – the closest traditional Bpangerang word for community.
The Marmungun Rock concept was conceived by respected Elder Wally Cooper whose pride in his Aboriginal heritage and message of hope for the future inspired many.
The Rural City of Wangaratta has commended the community members behind the ceremony for
initiating such a powerful gesture of reconciliation that is creating a lifelong legacy for our community.
Ms Kneebone’s carved handprint will be revealed as the newest addition on the Marmungun Rock, on the eve of Reconciliation
Week, May 27 to June 3. She received the 2024 Citizen of the Year in the city’s Australia Day Awards in January after being nominated for her extensive work in local community groups and organisations.
Ms Kneebone is a dedicated volunteer and active community member and has contributed to multiple organisations that benefit sport, culture, and the welfare of others.
Sunday’s ceremony will include an Acknowledge-
OXLEY ARTWORK: The sculpture called ‘Bubbles in the landscape’ will be installed next month.
WANGARATTA police are searching for a thief who stole a charity collection tin at Wangaratta Club on Sunday afternoon.
Sergeant Jeffrey Kyne of Wangaratta police said at around 1:38pm on May 19, CCTV captured a man approaching an unmanned cashier desk, attempting to take a collection tin. The tin was owned by North Wangaratta Football Netball Club and was placed at the venue to collect donations for Centre Against Violence Wangaratta.
Sgt Kyne said the man attempted to take the tin several times before finally taking it in his possession and placing it inside a shopping bag he was carrying as he left the venue.
ment of Country, traditional performances, the unveiling Ruth Kneebone’s handprint, and will conclude with a barbecue.
This event is open to everyone in the community, please RSVP via dirrawarranetwork@outlook.com.
On Monday afternoon, Wangaratta Club posted video surveillance of the theft occurring in hopes of identifying the offender.
Sgt Kyne said the suspect was actively avoiding police and was a wanted suspect in relation to other outstanding matters in the rural city.
Dance, sip & feast at Pizzini with delicious food by Pinchos, wine tastings and wine cocktails. Plus tunes by DJ Elijah on Saturday and on Sunday Paris & Co. and Bric a Brac.
Pizzini’s event is part of the Wines of the King Valley’s Weekend Fit for A King Festival. Entry is $40pp
EVEN for award-winning Wangaratta actor Colette Quin, the daunting role of Mary in Wangaratta Players upcoming production of The Long Road by Shelagh Stephenson holds new challenges.
Stephenson was commissioned to write The Long Road in England by the Synergy Theatre Project and, in collaboration with The Forgiveness Project, started to work on a play about forgiveness and restorative justice.
Her research took her to prisons to meet prisoners and then the victims of the prisoners’ crimes.
The story follows the aftermath of the death of eighteenyear-old Danny who is fatally stabbed in a random attack and how his family struggles to find meaning and forgiveness.
His mother Mary’s determination to understand the atrocity brings her face to face with his killer and forces the family to confront the bitter senselessness of their loss.
Colette has played emotional, traumatised, even psychotic characters in the past including Blanche Dubois In A Streetcar Named Desire, for which she won a Georgy Award; and Sheila, a survivor of Japanese imprisonment during WWII in the moving Australian drama
The Shoehorn Sonata, but portraying Mary, the mother of Danny, has required a deeper understanding of her character than ever before.
“When I first read the play, I was taken aback at the brutality and honesty of the script; It didn’t sugarcoat the subject matter at all,” Colette said.
“But I loved the honesty of the characters and how they express how they are feeling.
“I was also blown away that it was written to be performed in prisons for inmates.
“A really creative way of starting a conversation about restorative justice.”
Colette said she struggled with why Mary wanted to understand more about Emma.
“If it were me in Mary’s
shoes, I would have “wiped Emma off the face of the earth” literally by not even considering her,” she said.
“My focus would have been totally on me and my loss.
“Maybe that says a lot about me as a person, I don’t know.”
Colette said the fact that she has worked in the legal sector for most of her adult life, made it easier for her to place herself in the circumstances that the characters find themselves in.
“I have had the opportunity to listen to and try and assist victim survivors of all sorts of horrific events,” she said.
“So, I think my total belief that someone could say what they say and feel how they feel, was not foreign to me.
“I also think I find it easy
to empathise with people, put myself in their shoes, drawing from my own life experiences even though they are nowhere near as awful as this story.
“I have felt total loss and aloneness, I have felt anger and despair and have been totally overwhelmed.
“I think we all have.”
Colette said one of the key messages of the play was that there are always two sides to a story.
“Sometimes you can’t lay blame, you need to be empathetic and try to understand no matter how hard and painful that is,” she said.
“Don’t try and make sense of things, make things matter.”
The Long Road, directed by Brad Buckingham, also
features Jack Johnston as Joe (Danny’s brother), Makenzie Clark as Emma, the teenage homeless girl, Miranda Schroeder as Elizabeth the social worker, and Shane Douthie as John, Mary’s husband. The play is recommended for mature audiences and contains adult themes, coarse language, and violence, and will be performed at The Stage Door Studio 4D Evans Street Wangaratta at 7.30pm on Friday, June 14 and 21, Saturday, June 15 and 22, and at 2pm Sunday, June 16 and 23.
Tickets are $30pp available at https://www.trybooking. com/CRRUA.
For more information checkout the Wangaratta Players Facebook page.
TELSTRA has confirmed works to upgrade its mobile base station in Moyhu are now expected to begin on Wednesday, May 29, following a last-minute postponement to planned works in April.
Following confusion around recently reissued dates, Telstra confirmed some interruptions to its mobile network may be experienced in Moyhu from May 29 onwards, with the site to be off air completely from Monday, June 3 until Thursday, June 6, and intermittent outage expected on Friday, June7.
The decision to undertake major works in the days prior to a long weekend has baffled some local residents and business owners, particularly when thousands of visitors are expected to visit the King Valley for the Weekend Fit for a King food and wine festival.
But Telstra said it had “worked with contractors to move the dates”.
“There is never a good time to do these essential upgrade works and Telstra does its best
BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au
to minimise impact where we can,” a Telstra spokesperson said.
“It will be on air from 5pm on Friday, June 7 and over the weekend, including Monday, June 10.
“We will finalise testing of the site on Tuesday and Wednesday (June 11 and 12) so there may be short term, intermittent disruptions while this takes place.
“Barring unforeseen issues, the site works should be complete on Wednesday, June 12.
“Customers will receive an updated text about the works from mid-next week.”
But businesses in Moyhu say they should be warned earlier about planned outages, particularly as they prepare for an influx of visitors before one of the busiest weekends of the year.
When contacted this week, Moyhu Hotel, Ineeta Café and
Moyhu General Store proprietors had not been notified they would have no Telstra mobile service at all from June 3 to 6.
For Melissa Merkel at the Moyhu Hotel, the inconvenience would be keenly felt on Wednesday, June 5, expected to be an exceptionally busy day for the business.
Ineeta Café proprietor
Anita Cook said notification should take place three weeks before an outage, with regular reminders to follow, to allow the busy operators to make alternative arrangements.
She said while pleased to hear her ADSL service would not be affected, the inability to make and receive mobile calls would have an impact.
“In the leadup to a long weekend you have lots of arrangements to make and orders to place, and you get a lot of phone calls from people wanting to ask questions and make bookings,” she said.
“If they can’t reach you, they are maybe going to think your closed and go somewhere else.”
Wendy Brand from the Moyhu General Store said multiple aspects of their business would be impacted, and she believed Telstra should compensate its customers for the inconvenience.
Telstra says landline services, NBN internet services and mobile coverage from other providers will not be affected.
For mobile coverage in the interim, Telstra encourages residents and businesses to activate wi-fi calling if they have access to a wi-fi signal at home or at work.
Retailers are advised to contact their bank for more information relating to EFTPOS terminals which use the Telstra network and get details on alternative methods such as using fixed line or WiFi/NBN internet connections, to ensure continuous service.
Any calls to Triple Zero from a Telstra mobile when the site is off air will automatically be diverted to any working mobile network for connection to emergency services.
BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au
SIX local organisations have received funding through the Wangaratta RSL Sub-Branch’s latest community grants round.
The sub-branch again offered a $25,000 funding pool to local community groups and organisations in the grant program.
The initiative, which has been running since 2019, was developed following the club’s establishment at its premises in Templeton Street, which enabled increased support for the local community.
As a not-for-profit organisation primarily serving the needs of returned service defence members within Wangaratta and surrounds, the club created the funding program to assist other community-based organisations in delivering benefits to those in need in the Rural City of Wangaratta.
Grants for the latest round went to Open Door Neighbourhood House ($6500), Big Brothers Big Sisters Wangaratta ($7000), Into Our Hands/ Madge Brown Foundation ($3000), Zonta International’s boys’ career breakfast ($2500), Boys to the Bush ($3070) and Thread Together Wangaratta ($3000).
Open Door’s funding will go towards a connecting and supporting community project providing opportunities for vulnerable people in accessing aged care, National Disability Insurance Scheme,
the Wangaratta RSL Sub-Branch’s
alcohol and other drug, or mental health support, and assistance to get the appropriate services in place.
The neighbourhood house will provide the experience and expertise required to navigate these complex systems for Wangaratta residents, particularly those experiencing family violence or substance abuse and addiction, or their primary carers.
Big Brothers Big Sisters will use its grant allocation to help meet local demand for its provision of volunteer
mentors for young people in need.
Mentors are carefully matched with the young people involved, and supported through their year-long journey, which involves spending an hour or two together every week enjoying everyday free or low-cost activities and providing a stable adult influence.
Through its extensive community knowledge and network, the program also facilitates connections for young people with a range of services and programs ac-
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cording to need and interests. Wangaratta RSL SubBranch and the Madge Brown Charitable Trust have partnered with GIVE Wangaratta (a sub-fund of the Into Our Hands Community Foundation) to fund the 2024 GIVE Wangaratta grant round which will draw on the RSL community grant contribution.
Into Our Hands supports communities in the North East by promoting philanthropy with donations invested to encourage leadership, community groups and
non-proï¬t organisations.
GIVE Wangaratta is a community-wide initiative to establish a charitable future fund for the long-term needs and benefit of Wangaratta; the fund is led by a local advisory group, where funds raised locally stay locally.
Zonta International’s boys’ career breakfast brings together year 10 students from the North East Local Learning and Employment Network catchment’s 10 secondary schools, to listen to three keynote speakers.
The speakers, who have
all been educated at Wangaratta schools, outline their own career journeys.
Each student is seated with a mentor - a successful local person in their indicated career pathway - to enable conversations to take place about real-life experiences and to foster future connections.
Boys to the Bush, a youth preventative intervention organisation which opened its Wangaratta hub in 2022, will use its community grant to offer two camp places to young people in 2024.
The group’s camps take place during each term break, and offer disengaged boys aged nine to 20 an opportunity to divert attention from devices and make new friends.
The local Thread Together clothing hub, initiated by the Wangaratta Baptist Church, will utilise its funding to expand the service and reach more people in need.
Thread Together provides brand new clothing, which would otherwise have been destined for landfill, for free to those in need.
This is done through the operation of a ‘high-end fashion like store’ shopping experience, where guests can browse and choose from a wide range of clothing, taking away two whole outfits, all for free.
The initiative hopes to recruit and train more volunteers, and work towards funding a coordinator role.
The next Wangaratta RSL Sub-Branch community grants round will be opened to applications later this year.
Mason Park Funerals
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
THE CSIRO’s annual GenCost report has found that large-scale nuclear power would be at least 50 per cent more expensive than wind and solar power with batteries but the Liberal Party remains firm on its stance about the form of electricity generation.
The Liberal Party’s North East branch hosted a forum in Wangaratta this week with four expert panellists presenting information about various forms of energy with their pros and cons.
An audience of about 100 people heard that nuclear power could offer a base load option that could last up to three to four times that of renewable infrastructure.
However, the CSIRO’s report, released the day after the local forum, found it would take at least 15 years to develop, including construction and cost at least $8.5 billion.
The forum was held at Wangaratta’s CWA hall and state Liberal MP Wendy Lovell, Nationals MP Tim McCurdy, and Federal Independent MP for Indi Helen Haines attended.
Liberal Party Wodonga branch president Lachlan McIntyre said there were four strong presenters with a lot of technical information during the session that lasted almost two hours.
On the panel were nuclear energy expert Dennis O’Neill, geophysicist Professor Michael Asten, director of Energy Bureau Consulting Brian Wawn, and primary producer Greg Mirabella.
Mr McIntyre said the Liberal Party will look to remove current licence restrictions around the excavation of uranium as a priority.
He said the forum was about discussing all forms of potential energy and how they might work together to give a sustainable and low carbon output.
“Consensus from the room was that as we’re approaching end of life extensions in NSW with Eraring and elsewhere there is a recognition that in the meantime that coal is very important part of our base load power generation,” Mr McIntyre said.
“There are more advanced and efficient ways of doing that which should be explored while we transition to nuclear.
“This wouldn’t be the whole part of our grid but it should contribute a significant portion as well as continue to build out our renewable capacity.
“There were some people very strongly against renewables, but our presenters weren’t necessarily, but they were just pointing out the economic challenges of that.
“Politically the first objective has to be to repeal the ban on the EPBC (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conversation) (Act) and there is a restriction in the Victorian
INFORMED: An audience of about 100 people heard from nuclear energy expert Dennis O’Neill, geophysicist Professor Michael Asten, director of Energy Bureau Consulting Brian Wawn, and primary producer Greg Mirabella.
Constitution as well prohibiting the use of nuclear power and exploration.
“There is a lot of discussion remaining and that’s what (federal opposition leader) Peter Dutton wants to do and Ted O’Brien, our shadow minister for climate change and energy.
“We’re doing our part in Indi in getting that discussion off the ground.
“Other exports and investors will continue to build out the economic argument but really the political focus is removing the legislative barriers.”
With the net zero targets at the front of mind, Mr McIntyre asked why would you rule one form of power out if it can work?
“A nuclear power plant was built in Finland and it was shown that tariffs actually reduced straight away,” he said.
Mr McIntyre said the panel did acknowledge that there is a high cap-ex cost initially, but a power plant can run for between 60-80 years.
“A number that were built in the 1970s and 1980s are receiving extensions just like our coal fire plants did decades ago,” he said.
The Coalition is set to announce the locations of up to seven proposed nuclear power sites across Australia within weeks.
PLANNED works at a Telstra mobile base station in Moyhu just before the King’s Birthday long weekend is a slap in the face of local businesses on the eve of one of their busiest weekends.
Major works were scheduled to be undertaken in April at the station, but due to “unforeseen circumstances”, they were postponed to May.
Works will begin from May 29, but local residents and business owners will experience disruptions from June 3 to 6, with the service expected to be on air on June 7.
Local businesses only became aware of their service would be disrupted from June 3 to 6 earlier this week.
While a Telstra spokesperson admitted there was never a good time to experience service disruptions, there are better times than some.
Service disruptions just days before the Fit for a King food and wine festival in the King Valley is expected to draw thousands of visitors is an unnecessary disturbance on local tourism.
Telstra said they had worked with contractors to move the dates, but evidently showed a disregard to the dates which suit their customers.
To also leave little notice for local business before a massive long weekend for the region is an unsatisfactory service.
Thankfully, a majority of locals will be able to get by the disruptions as Telstra say landline services, NBN internet services and mobile coverage from other providers will not be affected.
But for a major telco company which can afford to cut 2800 jobs, more common sense must be shown to its customers.
FACEBOOK users this week commented on this week’s web poll which asked: Do you like the concept design for the sculpture being installed in Oxley as part of the King Valley Prosecco Road Public Art Project?
• Dot Hurley: Absolutely NOT…
• Dave George: Karen Barber I’ve been told by a source, that it’s costing over $300,000.
• Karen Barber: How
much was spent on it?
• Paul Crabb: Waste of ratepayers money!
• Marc Bongers: not rate payers money Paul.
• Paul Crabb: Marc Bongers What money is it?
• Marc Bongers: Paul Crabb it’s government funding for arts across the state.
• Paul Crabb: Marc Bongers Still prefer my taxes go towards maintaining our crumbling infrastructure first.
AS we celebrate Palliative Care Week we want to give grateful thanks to the palliative care and district nursing teams at Northeast Health Wangaratta.
They visited our home daily over the last few months of my husband Keith’s life.
Our family thanks them for their expertise, information, compassion and care for us all, especially Keith.
They were like guardian angels.
They knew what we needed and provided it before we knew ourselves.
Nothing was too much trouble for them.
Because of them we were able to keep Keith at home until his last breath.
A very rewarding experience for us all and what Keith wanted.
The good thing is that anyone can self refer to the service.
You don’t have to be on death’s door, just suffering from a life-limiting illness.
It is an extraordinary service which is available to us all.
Our heartfelt thanks to all the teams.
Kerry, Scott and Janelle Marsden, Wangaratta
PEOPLE in rural Australia die earlier the further they live from major cities and yet they have less opportunity to receive specialist palliative care than their urban counterparts.
Leading national organisations are joining together this National Palliative Care Week to advocate for better access to end of life supports for rural and regional communities, with a 12-month review laying out the way forward.
Led by the Australia New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine (ANZSPM), with support from the National Rural Health Alliance, and Palliative Care Australia, the ‘Beyond the Burbs’ scoping review has identified a number of opportunities for workforce training and growth.
Palliative medicine in rural Australia is in crisis, the impact of which seems to be significantly under-appreciated.
There are significant disparities in the kind of palliative care that is available in different geographic locations.
One of the reasons for this is that only 16 per cent of the specialist palliative medicine workforce live and work in rural and regional areas.
Facebook users also commented on updates on the Inland Rail.
• Anne Greys Brantarby: The other day Sisley Ave was blocked off plus the overpass. Just as well we’ve had no rain to flood the underpass.
• Neil John Maclean: The last town by 15 years to get a second platform.
• Brandon Joel Milky Moore: They re alize their “6-month” timeline ends in 15-days. Hmmmm?
• Barry Eadie: For all of
the money being spent on the project, how many trains a day are they expecting to run. I understand double stack containers work well between Adelaide/ Parkes to Perth/Darwin but Melbourne to Brisbane - really. On a recent ABC Landline program covering the project, a women living near the proposed terminal in Brisbane said they will have a train passing every 20 minutes.
• David Edwin: Barry Eadie no they won’t.
We need to embed palliative care skills and values in rural and regional health services through locally based specialist training opportunities, that connect with locally based primary health and aged care networks.
One of the key recommendations of ‘Beyond the Burbs’ is the establishment of a Rural and Remote Institute of Palliative Medicine (RRIPM) to oversee and support specific rural and regional training initiatives.
Metro-centric training leads to fewer rural specialists.
We need to change that so that graduate doctors can grow their palliative care skills in the bush and build a meaningful career and life in rural and regional communities.
Funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, the outcomes of the scoping review have been delivered to Minister Mark Butler, with an overview of the funding need to establish a Rural and Remote Institute of Palliative Medicine.
Rural communities have a great history of fundraising to support locally based hospice and end of life care; government and health services need to step up and play their part in order to deliver on the palliative care needs of the future.
Beyond the Burbs: Specialist Palliative Medicine Training in Rural Australia – A scoping review is available to view and download from ANZSPM website.
Dr Christine Sanderson, ANZSPM councillor and RRIPM clinical lead Do you think nuclear power as an energy source should be
FACEBOOK users this week commented on Tarrawingee’s Megan Freeman playing her 150th game for the club.
• REALITY FINE CLOTHING: Congratulations
• Bernadette Lamb: Congratulations Megan
• Lisa Leahy: Well done Gamze!
• Sonia Pomponio: Congratulations Megan
• Michelle Caruso: Congratulations Megan
• Rhonda Gatty:
Congratulations Megan. Enjoy your game today!
• Caitlin Clayton: Go Megan!
• Sarah Fruzynski: Congrats Gamz
• Karli Vincent: Congrats Megan!
• Rach May: Gamze you superstar!
• Elle Malone: Well done Megan, have a great game
• Sara Gartside: Good luck Megan Freeman.
• Maddie Canning: Legendary status my girl!
• Sharyn Ackerly: Legend!
Check out some of our best photos at our @wangchronicle Instagram account.
Such an inspiration Have a great game Megan Freeman
• Jac Sunday: Awesome, enjoy.
Facebook users this week also commented on Wilma Bright being named as Zonta Wangaratta’s 2024 Woman of the Year in recognition of her community service.
• Melissa Hebbard: Congratulations, Wilma.
• Cassie Hurley: Congratulations Wilma.
• Tracey Louise: Wilma Bright congratulations
Facebook users this week also commented on nuclear energy development in Australia being discussed at a ‘Clean Energy’ community forum.
• Leslie Matthews: How far out of touch with reality can you get? Are these troglodytes proposing that a nuclear reactor be built in Indi?
• Hugh Maguire: Better than these stupid wind farms and solar farms that are doing worse for this so called “climate change”
X USERS this week tweeted about local flora in the autumn weather, Wangaratta man kicking his first goal at the MCG and calls to the community from police for information on a series of explosions.
Ian Thompson @IanThom186000
Some people go to Bright for autumn colour, pretty. Others for the Bunya Avenue, impressive. But the real glory are the awesome remnant eucalypts on the Great Alpine Road outside Wangaratta. They deserve care.
Collingwood FC @CollingwoodFC
JOE RICHARDS HAS HIS FIRST GOAL ON THE MCG!
256km from his home town of Wangaratta, the 24-yearold is living out his boyhood dream!
Victoria Police @VictoriaPolice
Detectives are investigating a series of explosions at numerous locations in Wangaratta in April and May this year. There have been no injuries or property damage. Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers.
If you have something to say, add our handle @wangchronicle to your tweet and we will publish some each week.
Our follower total is Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.
14,847 Tweet
Congratulations to everybody’s favourite clubman, Luke Peters. Loved by all & unparalleled in his longevity on & off the field. Come down to the W J Findlay Oval to celebrate 300 memorable games in the Brown & Gold & enjoy a ‘cool drink’ afterwards.
Rural City of Wangaratta voters head to the polls, via a postal ballot, in October to elect seven councillors for the next four years.
This year’s election wlll be different as a state electoral review will see the rural city’s current council ward structure of four wards (one city ward with four councillors, three rural wards electing one councillor each) being replaced with a new seven single-councillor ward structure.
Voters in each of the seven wards (Appin Ward, Bullawah Ward, King River Ward, Ovens Ward, Warby Ward, Wareena Ward and Yarrunga Ward) will only get to choose between those candidates standing in their ward.
Local government remains our closest distinct tier of government and a democratically-elected council to provide good governance for the benefit and wellbeing of the municipal community has never been more important.
The Wangaratta Chronicle, together with the Rural City of Wangaratta, is encouraging community members to start considering what qualities, experience and skills you want to see in prospective candidates, and what expectations you have of your council?
For prospective candidates, a significant time commitment (last survey 70 per cent of Victorian councillors said they spend 16 hours or more a week), and ability to work through a challenging annual budget process, and wide-ranging list of council responsibilities under more than 120 pieces of Victorian legislation, including land use planning and building control, public health services, domestic animal control and environmental protection legislation, as well as maintaining community infrastructure come with the civic role.
To add some context to the current state of local government, and create greater understanding and hopefully raise interest in prospective candidates and the wider community, we’re asking each current councillor a series of questions.
Today’s column features Councillor Irene Grant.
What skills, qualities or experience do you believe are needed to be an effective councillor?
The ability to read documents, an understanding of budgets and how these work, lateral thinking, and negotiation skills.
There are often difficult decisions to make and the ability to find “middle ground” in a de bate is important. Time management is essential.
It’s important to have an ability to see issues from a big picture perspective and bring a broad view to the table. Single issue councillors don’t work. When making decisions, it’s not just about the short term or even the
medium term, it’s often more about how that decision will impact the long-term future.
What are the biggest challenges facing our incoming council?
One of the greatest challenges is being able to deliver Local Government services within the constraints of diminishing budgets and opportunities for funding.
It’s becoming more difficult to do what councils have traditionally done in the past as the demands to do more in different ways increase.
Councils are sometimes involved in issues that are not local, and not community focused and that can have an impact on the delivery of services, however council can’t be all things to all people.
So the challenge is to balance conflicting priorities.
One of the most challenging parts of being a councillor are the responsibilities with planning - it’s meant to be a black and white decisionmaking process, but it never is.
You’re making decisions around people’s lives and the future of the community, and it can be challenging to balance the different demands fairly, equitably and within regulatory constraints.
How do you balance the needs of your ward against those of the municipality?
First and foremost, I see myself as a representative of the whole municipality.
However, as a ward councillor, I am there as a point of contact to my local community and it allows me to be
immersed in the issues that specifically relate to the ward.
What’s the most rewarding part of being a councillor?
Making a positive difference to the community, making decisions that make the Rural City of Wangaratta a better place.
I’ve been involved in council for many years.
I’ve been a mayor, a councillor and an administrator and it’s been a privilege to make decisions that have allowed the municipality to develop in a positive way.
Wangaratta has much to offer as a regional community - we really do “punch above our weight” in so many ways.
Being a councillor is one way of ensuring that our city and surrounding community remains a wonderful place to live, work and for recreation.
The Rural City of Wangaratta, in partnership with the Municipal Association of Victoria, is holding an information session for the community and prospective candidates. The session, to be held at the Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre at 6pm on Thursday, June 13, can be attended inperson or online. The session will cover local government, role and responsibility of a councillor and the election process. For more information visit mav.asn.au/stand-for-council-2024.
A CONSERVATOR whose experience includes working with museums, libraries and heritage groups will visit Wangaratta next week to lend a hand to local family history researchers.
Debra Parry will be in the rural city on Friday, May 31 thanks to the Wangaratta Family History Society, which is conducting a session focused on dating early family photographs.
Rosslyn Makin from the family history society said the session would be a great opportunity to gain the advice of a qualified conservator, for those who needed assistance and guidance with their research.
Debra has extensive experience as an art and heritage conservator, having previously worked for the National Archives of Australia, Heritage Victoria, the National Museum of Cambodia, and the National Library of Laos.
She worked for six years as a conservator for the National Archives of Australia, where she carried out preservation work, as well as intensive conservation treatment to repair and restore a
range of items so they could be displayed and handled.
During her time with Heritage Victoria, Debra provided advice on preservation and storage to small museums and archives across Victoria, and travelled to many museums and archives to deliver preservation and conservation advice to staff and volunteers.
Working with the National Museum of Cambodia on their collection of glass plate negatives, she trained local staff in the handling and care of the glass plate negative collection, and on storage of the collection.
She also carried out treatment on broken negatives, and photographed them.
In 2015, Debra worked on a project at the National Library of Laos to carry out conservation repairs in the rare book collection of the library.
She also trained staff in the preservation, care and storage of the books.
Debra is a professional member of the Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials, and continues to study conservation at conferences and workshops.
She will speak in Wangaratta on May 31 at the Masonic Lodge Hall in Appin Street from 10am to 3.30pm.
Cost is $30 members and $40 non-members - BYO lunch; tea and coffee provided.
Debra will speak about 19th century and early 20th century family photographs, and how these can be dated through clothing and hairstyles, and through the studios where the photographs were taken.
Those attending are encouraged to bring along photographs they wish to have dated, or about which they’d welcome conservation advice.
Bookings are essential for this event, and can be made by emailing wangfamhs@ gmail.com or phoning 0474 443 626.
The Wangaratta Family History Society operates from the local history area of the Wangaratta Library on Thursdays from 10am to 3pm.
Outside these hours, assistance is available by appointment, which can be arranged by emailing wangfamhs@gmail.com or phoning 0474 443 626.
WANGARATTA students are gearing up for the 2024 Bob Iskov Kokoda Scholarship trek in early July.
The students - John Blake from Galen College, Makenzie Clark from Cathedral College and Hayden Currie from Wangaratta High School - have been allocated a soldier whose story they will carry during their nine day trek on the Kokoda Track, which runs 96kms overland through the Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea.
Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs, Tim Bull, will accompany the students as their trek leader.
He, like local MP Tim McCurdy (Ovens Valley) is passionate about Kokoda and its important part in Australian history, and he has been involved in the Kokoda Scholarships in Gippsland for a number of years.
Jacinta and Shane Hearne will also accompany the students on part of the journey.
RSL committee member
Craig Iskov - so of Bob who served in Kokoda - said the scholarship is an investment in local youth, giving them an opportunity to do something a bit different.
EFFORT: Tim
“If we invest in these young people in Wangaratta then they are going to give back to the community in some way,” he said.
“Walking Kokoda and walking in the footsteps of Australian history has really set the scene for these students to make decisions about their future.”
John Blake will have the story of local hero Albert Sargent, who served in a pla-
Gippsland), students
toon with Bob Iskov through the Middle East battles in 1940-41, on the Kokoda Trackl and Gona in 1942.
John said he signed up because it was a good opportunity to learn more about Australians’ experiences of war.
“I had seen one of my fellow students and good mate from footy, Hugh walk the trek last year,” he said.
“I look forward to seeing
FIFTH generation local lad, Glenn Southgate, is stepping into semi-retirement after being a hairdresser for 40 years.
Glenn said the transition is about finding a better balance which leads to better mental health.
He owns Wang Barbers and is heavily involved in local mental health initiative Project 365, playing the trombone in their 20-piece band, U Can Cry.
Glenn’s love of music began back in secondary college, playing with both the Tech College and Wangaratta City Brass bands.
He joined the Royal Australian Navy band at 16 after being selected to play with the very first Moomba Festival Band, which was under the baton of a naval commander.
After touring nationally and overseas, Glenn took a detour cutting hair in San Diego, California, which became his home for the next 30 years.
Glenn returned to the North East in 2010 after needing support from family amidst mental health struggles.
He went on to open Wang Barbers to continue his pas-
MAKING A POSITIVE CHANGE: Glenn Southgate is making the transition to working two weeks on, two weeks off to find a better balance to support his mental health journey.
sion for cutting hair.
“If you are well trained it’s an amazing artistic expression,” he said.
“A big part of it for me is making people feel good about themselves.”
Glenn’s mental health journey has been up and down, but he has gotten through with support from the community, supportive clients, his passion for music and love of his career.
After a long hiatus Glenn started to play music again, going on to make happy memories with Jazzaratta,
Jammin On, Sweet Buzz, Boweya blues and Liam Blunts Funky Rhythm Train.
Glenn said he feels privileged to be part of the Project 365 band.
“We are seeking to make a difference to the welfare and mental health of local folks,” he said.
Music has been a significant aspect of Glenn’s mental health journey.
“Music is one of the most powerful things we come into contact with,” he said.
“Playing in bands has been a huge part in getting to be healthy again.”
the history and background of the Kokoda Track.
“The main challenge I think will be physical fitness but also comprehending what the soldiers had to go through.”
This year’s students met with their peers Ella Kidd, Zoe Baguley and Hugh Canning, who walked the Kokoda Track last year.
Zoe encouraged this year’s participants to per-
severe when the trek gets tough and they will make it through.
“Stay motivated while doing it, ask lots of questions and talk to people if you have any problems, they are all there to help,” she said.
If any individual or business would like to support the Bob Iskov Kokoda Scholarship, contact the Wangaratta RSL at kokoda@wangarattarsl.org.au.
A FUNDRAISER for Shelly Hanley, the daughter of Wangaratta locals Russell and Jacqueline Wallace, will be held in Beechworth this Sunday so she can access cancer treatment in the United States.
The community is welcome to attend the event at Beechworth’s Hiberian Hotel starting at 2pm where an auction to raise money for Shelly’s cause will be held.
In her younger years Shelly attended Appin Park Primary School and later worked in Coles deli, Juddy’s Tavern, the Grand Central, and played netball for Tarrawingee.
She’s now 39 and has lived in Brisbane with her husband Ben and two sons for the past 10 years.
Shelly was diagnosed with stage four terminal intrahapetic cholangiocarcinoma that has metastised to her liver. Unfortunately, there are no targetable treatment options for Shelly that are available to her in Australia, however, there are some trials overseas that could potentially save her life. They are currently undergoing a review from a panel of experts in America that have offered to treat Shelly.
To donate to Shelly’s gofundme campaign so she can seek further treatment visit
https://www.gofundme. com/f/help-shelly-fight-herbattle-with-cancer
A WANGARATTA not-forprofit organisation working with people experiencing homelessness and housing disadvantage has welcomed housing and homelessness initiatives included in the 2024-25 Federal Budget but says significant investment gaps still need to be addressed.
Beyond Housing CEO Celia Adams said the 10 per cent increase in Commonwealth Rent Assistance was a step in the right direction and would provide some relief for those struggling in the current rental market.
“This modest increase will help alleviate some of the financial pressure, but with rents still on the rise, the gap between living costs and income support continues to widen,” she said.
Over the past 12 months regional rents have risen 4.8pc with the median rent now at $430 a week.
Ms Adams also welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to make temporary funding for homelessness services a permanent fixture through the new five-year federal-state housing and homelessness agreement, securing long-term support with a dedicated funding envelope that maintains its current value.
INVESTMENT GAPS: Beyond Housing said the state needs to increase social housing stock, enhance income supports, and implement targeted measures to assist those most vulnerable.
“This is a crucial step in providing consistent and reliable support to our services and the people who depend on them,” she said.
A LOCAL resident who wants to replace a terracotta roof with Colourbond iron will now be able to despite Heritage Victoria and Wangaratta council officers recommending against the change.
They own a single-storey early to mid-20th century style red brick house located at 7 Gray Street in Wangaratta.
The subject site sits within a row of red and yellow brick early to mid-20th century style dwellings, all with red terracotta or brown tile roofs.
At council’s May unscheduled meeting of council last week director of sustainability and culture, Stephen Swart, said the row of houses along this section of Gray Street are highly intact with numbers 5 and 7 having a similar design, with both being triple fronted with hipped roofs.
The problem was that a Heritage Overlay applies to Docker Street West precinct, in which the house is located.
But rather that adopt the council officer’s recommendation to refuse the application, Mayor Dean Rees put forward an alternate motion to issue the planning permit for the building and to replace the roof.
“This is a terracotta tile roof and some 60 years old and I have spoken directly with the owner of the prop-
RENEWAL: The owner of this home can now replace their roof with Colourbond iron which will prove more sustainable than the old terracotta style.
erty and every time she goes to fix a tile, they crack another three to four,” Cr Rees said.
“Terracotta tile roofs are very hard and expensive to replace and I’ll look forward to another design coming in with a Colourbond roof to a colour that’s agreed to by the owner and the planning department.
“I also note that a property next door has a Colourbond roof stuck out the front which to me doesn’t make sense that this (planning application) has taken a while to be approved.
“We have a heritage advisor and I’ll state that this is heritage advice, but I feel that we
need to look further abroad.
“It’s a costly world out there and a Colourbond roof will certainly be a lot cheaper to replace than a terracotta and sourcing terracotta tiles now is too arduous.”
Cr Harry Bussell said we’ve moved on in recent years from tiled roofs and we have many new building products that are very creative.
“My conscience would certainly not allow for people to pay lots more money for a roof on a residence,” he said.
All five councillors present at the meeting voted unanimously for the permit to be approved.
ble groups such as homeless youth and women and children fleeing violence and the $5000 leaving violence payment.
“This funding is an essential part of the government’s ongoing commitment to addressing homelessness and builds on previous initiatives like the Housing Australia Future Fund,” she said.
An additional $1 billion was also included in the budget for critical infrastructure improvements such as roads and essential services, necessary for supporting new housing developments.
“By investing in infrastructure, the government is ensuring that new housing developments are not only possible but sustainable and well-integrated into existing communities,” Ms Adams said.
Ms Adams also praised the allocation of $1 billion from the National Housing Infrastructure Facility to create housing for vulnera-
Despite expert advice, the government’s decision not to increase JobSeeker and Youth Allowance payments which still leaves recipients well below the poverty line.
“To genuinely address the root causes of homelessness and housing insecurity, we must provide a safety net that
keeps pace with real-world expenses,” Ms Adams said.
“Without substantial increases, more individuals are at risk of falling into homelessness, undermining the positive impacts of other budget measures.”
She also pointed out the absence of new investments in First Nations housing outside the Northern Territory, calling it a missed opportunity to address specific community needs more effectively.
“We need to increase our social housing stock significantly, enhance income supports, and implement targeted measures to assist those most vulnerable, including our First Nations communities,” Ms Adams said.
“The budget has made important inroads with its increased funding for rent assistance and permanent support for homelessness services.
“To really tackle the housing crisis, we need a bolder investment vision that matches the scale of need, with more comprehensive support for income and targeted housing initiatives.”
47th Historic Winton to be live streamed for the ver y first
WHILE nothing beats the ‘in person’ experience of the raceway, hearing and smelling the vehicles on the track, the next best thing is watching it from the comfort of your own home.
For the first time Historic Winton this weekend will be livestreamed so no one has to miss out on the action.
Presented by the Austin 7 Club Inc in association with HMRAV, the event will be livestreamed on motorsport channel, Blend Line TV on Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26.
Highlights will be streamed live on Instagram and Facebook @historicwinton.
“Those that cannot attend the event in person can see the all the action on Blend Line TV,” Historic Winton director, Len Kerwood said.
“For a subscription of only $8 the historic car, motorcycle and sidecar action can be viewed live at home.”
See the links to the Blend
Line TV live streaming of Historic Winton below.
Watch Saturday’s events at https://www.blendline.tv/ live-broadcast/2024-historicwinton-saturday/.
Watch Sunday’s events at https://www.blendline.tv/ live-broadcast/2024-historicwinton-sunday-broadcast/.
On Saturday, a special Cortina Challenge will be held, as souped up, zappy, little family favourites of the 60s and 70s compete in neck and neck action.
A motorcycle favourite series will also start on Saturday as Indian Motocycles battle it out against Harley Davidsons.
On Sunday, the traditional lunch feature of the Sunday Parade presents the beautiful, the unusual and the rusty relics as the best in show circulate in splendour on the Winton Motor Raceway track.
Of course Historic Winton is all about the racing, but spectators can also enjoy the marketplace, great coffee,
delicious food and the massive displays in the Shannons Car Park and in car parks around the track.
One of the anniversary displays will be 90 years of the Austin 7 ‘Jewel’ collection.
The Ruby, The Opal and The Pearl were released in the same year with different body features for a diversifying marketplace with many different purposes for their cars.
There’s so much going on that a complimentary bus transports visitors around the track to the various attractions.
For those wanted to soak up the automotive atmosphere, meet like motor minds and vehicle enthusiasts as well as take in the action trackside at Winton Motor Raceway, discounted tickets and camping bookings are available online at https://www.ticketebo.com. au/historicwinton.
Tickets will also be available at the gate.
BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au
LOCALS have been reminded of the opportunity that exists to hire space available at the Wangaratta Digital Hub.
The hub, located to the left of the Wangaratta Library entrance in Docker Street, reopened in August last year as part of an 18-month sustainable operating model project being overseen by the Rural City of Wangaratta, which began in early 2023 and is being funded by $170,000 from the State Government, along with a $50,000 council contribution.
This project, scheduled to reach its end soon with the formulation of a business plan, aims to identify opportunities and test options which would make the hub financially independent and sustainable for the long-term.
The hub had closed in 2022 after reaching the end of its three-year State Government-funded pilot phase.
Its initial three years were aimed at increasing the region’s lagging digital inclusion status, and cater-
ing to locals’ needs around advancing technology, skill development opportunities and support networks.
While the hub has been busy during its Tuesday to Thursday 9am to 5pm operating hours, offering assistance with device issues, digital mentoring, and oneon-one computer lessons, it can also cater to hotdesk or
co-working, meetings, conferences and events.
Digital hub coordinator Jacob McKay said equipment available at the digital hub included iMac computers, PCs, printers, free WiFi, a kitchenette, and video conference room.
Service fees for tech support and co-working, and room hire fees for pri-
vate, concession, volunteer groups and students, and after hours hire of the hub are available at https://www. wangarattadigitalhub.com. au, and booking enquiries can also be submitted via the website.
The digital hub website also features an online tech support feature, where an AI assistant can attempt to
resolve issues with devices and software, as well as tips on topics such as avoiding scams, internet safety, downloading apps, and mobile data versus home data.
For more information about booking space or about utilising the digital hub’s services, email digitalhub@wangaratta.vic.gov.au or phone 0436 293 629.
Free online help to build resilience in communities
SMALL businesses and community organisations in Wangaratta, Indigo and Benalla local government areas are being offered free help to bolster their online tools.
North East based notfor-profit organisation
Startup Shakeup is offering a free program to help effectively navigate online resources and aid participants to thrive even during challenges like drought and extreme resilience scenarios.
Program co-ordinator Bree Nightingale said the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal is funding the comprehensive digital program to help strengthen social resilience within local communities through digital engagement, awareness, and understanding.
“The initiative, free for participants, includes personalised digital business coaching, in-person digital pop-up hubs, and digital memberships, all designed to facilitate the online growth of businesses and community groups,” Ms Nightingale said. For more information contact Ms Nightingale via email at bree@startupshakeup.org
OUR local national park is well known to many, “discovered” by some during COVID, and a mystery to others – even though the Warby–Ovens National Park (WONP) is on Wangaratta’s doorstep.
This is the second of a series of regular articles about the WONP by members of the area’s newest Landcare group – Friends of Warby Ovens National Park (FOWONP).
By ANDY KIMBERFriends of Warby Ovens National Park’s (FOWONP) logo and our banner has our Grey Grass tree featured strongly.
Xanthorrhoea glauca
subs angustifolia, our local specie, is found on several local club logos such as the Warby Range Bushwalkers, Jubilee Golf Club, Wangaratta branch of the Australian Plant Society and the Warby Range Landcare.
All 28 species of grass tree are native only to Australia unlike eucalyptus and acacia.
Grass trees (genus Xanthorrhoea) look like they were imagined by a risk taking cartoonist.
They have an unmistakable clump of wiry, grasslike leaves on top of a full heavy skirt (Warby plants) or a blackened, fire-charred trunk (most of the rest of Australia).
Often a massively tall flower spike appears from the crown.
Of all the wonderfully unique plants in Australia, surely grass trees rank among the most recognisable.
The common name grass tree is misnamed.
Xanthorrhoea are not grasses, nor are they trees.
Trees are large, woody plants that have a welldefined main trunk or stem with branches extending upward.
They usually have considerable height, ranging from several metres to tens of metres or more.
Grasses, however, are generally small plants and lack a woody stem.
EMBLEMATIC: FOWONP’s new banner has a number of grass tree images on which also underlines the group’s focus.
Our grass trees have trunks made of old leaves and grow up to six metres but with the flower spike included, can extend to eight metres.
These very slow growing plants (1 to 2cm per year) push out an extremely fast-growing (can be 5cm per day!) spike usually in spring which is covered in hundreds of flowers attracting many birds.
Grass trees are distantly related to lilies.
Xanthorrhoea translates to “yellow flow”, referring to the ample resin produced at the bases of their leaves which eventually gathers at the base of the plants.
These incredible plants are found all over Australia.
Our local grass tree (Xanthorrhoea glauca – subs angustifolia or Grey Grass tree) is found as far south as the Strathbogie Ranges and up into southern Queensland but generally just west of the divide.
It is the only grass tree species found in the ACT.
Our special plant has
clearly not been studied as much as Xanthorrhoea Australis which dominates much of the rest of Victoria.
High mortality due to burning seems to be a feature which differentiates Xanthorrhoea glauca plants from Xanthorrhoea australis but also their size.
Botanical experts who have visited this area, are really impressed by the size of Warby grass trees (growing vertically up and amazingly horizontally along to five metres) often fully skirted.
So, many five metre plus Xanthorrhoea exist in the
Warby Range which may have never been burnt in possibly 400 years.
Grass trees could have been the most useful plant to Aboriginal people.
The resin was the best adhesive known and was used to repair canoes and manufacture spears and other implements.
Dead spikes were very straight, strong and light making them ideal for the main part of fishing spears.
Part of the starchy inner section could be eaten along with the honey from native bees which were
attracted to the skirts.
The leaves and hard seeds pods were used as cutting tools.
The always dry skirt material was available for fire making.
No wonder our Warby grass trees are so well known and admired but also in need of protection and they are threatened.
• For more information on FOWONP see its Facebook page, email info@warbyovens.com.au, or contact FOWONP secretary on 0427 686 357.
say
THE Rural City of Wangaratta is currently conducting a survey to gather community input on Wangaratta’s Municipal Early Years Plan (MEYP). This survey is designed to gather insights and opinions from residents regarding the future direction of early childhood services.
Council director community and infrastructure, Marcus Goonan, said public input will play a crucial role in shaping the strategies and focus areas for children’s services in the community.
“We believe in a community-led approach to decision-making,” he said.
“Public input is essential for council to better grasp the diverse needs and priorities of families with young children, enabling us to customise our services effectively to meet those needs.”
Mr Goonan said Wangaratta’s MEYP is a local plan designed to provide strategic direction for the development and coordination of early year’s programs, activities and other local community development processes that impact on children 0 – 12 years in the rural city.
He said the MEYP engages community and partners to work together towards positive early years outcomes for children and families within the rural city.
“The MEYP is a product of collaborative community involvement, and its development has involved families, residents and other service providers who have provided ideas, opinions, data, and feedback on the strategic directions proposed,” he said.
To fill out the survey, which only takes a few minutes to complete, visit: https://bit.ly/3VYc20D
NATIONAL Volunteer Week highlights the vital role volunteers play in our community.
Volunteer contributions have helped Pangerang Community Hub in Wangaratta work with and support vulnerable community members over the past 30 years.
The organisation works towards its vision of ‘connected people, strong communities’ by providing welcoming opportunities for people to connect, create and learn.
Executive officer, Tennille Hall, said volunteering is so rewarding, and that no-one has gotten through life without some form of support.
“Whether it’s having a junior sports coach as a child or a cooked meal during difficult times, it’s nice to pay that forward,” she said.
“People supporting each other is essentially what shapes a community.
“It’s a great way to get out and about, meet new people, help support someone else, learn a new skill or share a skill.
“There’s a volunteering role for everyone and we try to match people up with the right role for them.”
Pangerang Community Hub offers both free and low cost activities, programs
▲ VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Pangerang Community Hub has a diverse range of volunteering opportunities to suit people’s busy lives.
and workshops which provide opportunities for social connection, acquiring new skills and support good physical and mental health and wellbeing. It is based in Ovens Street and also operates through various locations via its mobile hub visiting townships and engaging with groups, clubs and schools in outlying areas.
Pangerang Community Hub runs on a small budget
with low numbers of paid staff, relying heavily on grants and generous time given by volunteers.
“The new mobile hub has been a great addition to the service we can provide to communities, particularly supporting those that find travelling to Wangaratta for these activities difficult due to mobility, access or affordability,” Ms Hall said.
“Having volunteers from these townships support-
ing the mobile hub when it’s visiting, be it in helping with set up, cooking a barbecue or even sharing a skill with the community, significantly helps us to continue these visits to outlying communities.
“It’s also a great way for new people to these towns to meet other people and become a part of their community.”
Volunteer opportunities include childcare, adminis-
More than just a world-class education, Haileybury Pangea Online School opens a whole world of possibilities for students seeking more. It’s a uniquely rewarding online learning experience – where brilliant teachers guide students through Years 5-12. Where bright young minds can learn just how they like – so they can take their futures anywhere they want.
lives of many of our vulnerable community members,” Ms Hall said.
“Our volunteers will develop great skills, improve the lives of people they work with and get heaps of support and encouragement while doing so.
“We really value our volunteers and are working to further strengthen and expand our volunteer management so that we may be able to also assist other community groups in the region with attracting and supporting their volunteers.
“We would just love for people to give us a call or pop in for a chat.
“We have a great volunteer info booklet we can share and chat more about the needs of the organisation and the desires of the volunteer.
tration, tutoring and gardening.
Volunteers come to Pangerang Community Hub from varied backgroundspeople with skills and training, people looking to develop skills and people with disability.
Some roles may require a specific skillset, but most roles do not.
“Volunteers not only support our activities but they make a real difference to the
“I think one hesitation is often people not wanting to commit to regular work, or too many hours, but we can definitely work around individual needs and we really want people to know that even just the smallest amount is still a great help to us.
“We have lots of exciting things coming up and we’d love people to be a part of that.”
To learn more about Pangerang Community Hub visit https://pangerang.org. au/ or call 03 5721 3813.
ONE of Wangaratta Art Gallery’s most popular exhibitions, Petite Miniature Textiles 2024, showcasing innovative textile practice from across Australia in small scale, is now open at the gallery.
This year works included in Petite have been selected by guest curator, artist and previous Petite exhibitor, Susie Losch, and Wangaratta Art Gallery director Rachel Arndt, around the theme “of the times”.
It features 30 works by 22 artists from across the country, exploring a multitude of contemporary concerns from artificial intelligence to affordable housing, and runs until June 23.
THE Wangaratta community market runs every Sunday at Moore Than Swimming, located at 11-13 Mason Street in Wangaratta, from 8am until 1pm.
There is a wide range of stalls to browse with new and used items, plants, fruit and veg and more, with refreshments also on site.
Stalls are available for $20 each (an autumn winter special, no bookings required) and car boot sales are welcome for $15, with more information via the market’s Facebook page.
AN exhibition of drawings and sculptures by Julie Monro-Allison which explores themes of transformation and the evolution of form, is on display in Gallery 2 at Wangaratta Art Gallery.
Shadow Murmurs includes ink and graphite drawings, ceramic forms, bronze and woven cane sculptures, developed from sketches made while investigating and observing living organisms and their cycles of life: in this instance the termite mounds in Far North Queensland.
It will be open to the public until June 9.
A NEW exhibition by resident artists Sian Lim and Joan Mullarvey has opened at the Art Gallery on Ovens this week.
The pair decided to celebrate their shared artistic experiences and friendship over two decades with a joint exhibition they have called Two of Us.
Sian said the exhibition reflects their creative journeys and individual styles.
“In this exhibition I continue to explore and express my love of colour, still life and bird life in my paintings and drawings,” she said.
“I’m working and developing on my loose expressive style in acrylics, ink, pen, pencil and charcoal.”
Sian’s most recent works ex-
BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au
tend on her appreciation of the beauty found in natural form and love of painting flowers, captured with spontaneous, expressive brushstrokes and splashes of colour and light.
In this exhibition, Joan’s artwork expresses lived experiences and memories of places both real and imaged, primarily her local surrounds.
She says she often finds herself caught between formal, representational and expressionist content to express an idea or image which might connect with people or offer a moment of contemplation.
“For me, this is where painting and printmaking allow me the opportunity to create bold and distinctive images by combining mediums and markmaking to create contemporary works,” she said.
Joan is looking forward to holding printmaking workshops later this year and sharing her skills with others.
Two of Us is open at the Art Gallery on Ovens in the laneway off Murphy Street today, Monday and Thursday from 10am to 4pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2pm, until June 3.
An official opening will be held this Saturday from 12pm with all welcome, where they’ll be the opportunity to meet the artists and learn more about their practice.
FOR the month of May, My Little Patch is showcasing an exhibition of quilts created by Desma Versteegen.
Come along and be inspired by the display during opening hours at the shop, located at the rear of 49 Reid Street in Wangaratta.
THE next Creatives of Wangaratta and Surrounds (CoWS) market will be held tomorrow morning at the CWA Hall in Templeton Street from 9am to 1pm.
Browse more than 20 stalls hosted by artists, makers and small business owners from the local region showcasing a wide variety of arts, crafts and creative ideas, with plenty to interest all ages.
AWARD-winning country artist Hayley Jensen, who shot to fame as a top finalist on Australian Idol, will perform at The Vine Hotel in North Wangaratta on Sunday from 12pm.
Hayley has been touring ‘The Acoustic Experience’ show across the eastern states, performing her hits in a stripped back, intimate format and sharing the stories behind them, as well as showcase brand new music.
Tickets are available now by visiting thevinehotel.net.au.
THE 47th annual Historic Winton, Australia’s longest running, all-historic motor race meeting, will be held at Winton Motor Raceway on Saturday and Sunday.
Over 400 historic racing cars, motorbikes and sidecars from the 1920s to the 1980s are expected to battle it out for line honours, supported by vehicle displays, an automotive trader market, food vendors and more.
Tickets are available at historicwinton.org.
VICTORIA Police is embarking on a major effort to hear what Victorians want from police.
The Victoria Police Community Sentiment Survey - now in its third year – is open until midnight on May 31. It seeks to ensure the force remains agile, responsive and visible in addressing local needs.
Assistant Commissioner
Mick Frewen, service delivery transformation command, said the survey provides Victorians with an opportunity to be part of the local decision-making processes, targeting the drivers of crime and key community safety concerns.
“The survey lies at the heart of Victoria Police’s Neighbourhood Policing initiative, which is about
listening to and understanding community needs before working with our partners to develop local solutions,” he said.
“The more people who take part, the clearer picture we will have.”
Respondents are asked about their local community safety concerns, recent interactions and engagement preferences with police and what more
Friday, May 23, 2014
By SIMONE KERWINIF you have a couple of hours to spare this weekend, the Wangaratta Salvation Army corps would love to hear from you.
As the Salvos prepare for this weekend’s Red Shield Appeal, at a time when their services are in constant demand, Lieutenant Darren Lamotte said collector numbers for the annual fundraiser were dwindling.
“Demand gets bigger every year,” Mr Lamotte said.
“But most of the people who come to our church are getting older, and the people who collect for us are getting older, so our collector numbers are shrinking.
“Sadly, our two best collectors passed away over the last 12 months.
the force can do to improve community safety.
Results are used as part of Victoria Police’s backto-basics Neighbourhood Policing initiative to help police develop local responses to key community safety issues.
When issues are more complex police work with local councils, community groups and government agencies.
Police are sharing updates on their progress through local Eyewatch pages.
Around 11,000 people completed last year’s survey which showed safety in public spaces ranked as the top safety concern for a second successive year.
Safety of people’s property and possessions, road safety and drugs and alcohol also rated strongly in the results.
The Victoria Police Community Sentiment Survey is quick, anonymous and can be completed on the Engage Victoria website with accessible survey formats available this year.
A summary of results will be published on the Engage Victoria website with local summaries to be available on local Eyewatch pages. Go to engage.vic.gov.au/ vicpol-2024.
10 years ago 10 years ago
“The reality is, I’ve sent out 60 letters requesting help, it’s all over Facebook and everywhere, but so far I’ve only had three responses.
“I’d expect on Sunday we’ll have about 25 collectors, but it’s hard to know.
“If we were to cover all of Wangaratta, we would need 200 collectors, but last year we had 36.
“Some people will have money ready at the door for us, but if we don’t visit, they won’t send it in, so it’s lost money.
where we make a significant amount of our money, where we get the $20 or $50 notes, so we need to make sure we have people out there to cover as much as we can.”
Mr Lamotte said Community Learning Centre students from the Wangaratta High School had been assisting with this week’s static point collections, and he received an email from a 13 year old girl asking if she could collect for the Salvos because she wanted to make a difference.
“Children under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult, but they are welcome to help with collecting,” Mr Lamotte said.
“We will be at static points, but doorknocking is
Anyone who can offer some time to collect is encouraged to visit the Salvation Army’s base in Garnet Avenue on Sunday.
SALAMI making season is now upon us making it easy to produce salami, prosciutto, Pancetta, Capocollo and other delicacies and the perfect time to invest in new salami making supplies.
My Slice of Life is a local premier retailer of DIY food and beverage making supplies located in Wangaratta.
Earlier this year they relocated to be under the same roof as North East Homemakers Centre and pride themselves in helping people discover the art of salami making.
“We just want to let people know that we sell basically everything but the meat to make salami,” owner, Brent Ibrom, said.
“We have been doing this for a long time, so we are pretty well regarded in the salami making ranks locally.”
What sets them apart from other suppliers is the expert advice customers receive from Brent, who worked as a professional butcher and smallgoods maker for 10 years.
“Our range, our service, our knowledge and all the other key fundamentals set us apart from others,” Brent said.
His obsession with knives and DIY food and beverage began during his first butchery apprenticeship.
“I fell into it a little bit to be honest,” Brent said.
“I started my butchery apprenticeship and the guy I did my apprenticeship for was right into all the salami making supplies, so I naturally followed suit and never looked back from there.”
My Slice of Life is also a proudly family-owned business with generations of butchery knowledge.
Brent said he loves working with family and has enjoyed passing his knowledge down to his son, Blake Ibrom.
“It’s fantastic to work with family,” he said.
“It’s a tradition that’s been passed down through the generations, so we really cherish the ability to be able to do that.”
Their salami making range includes casings, cotton twine, electric meat slicers, netting, netting tubes, salami fillers and stuffers, spices and additives, vacuum pouches, and vacuum sealers.
You can view their range first-hand in store seven days a week or order their products online to have it delivered to your doorstep no matter where you are.
For more information or to view their range online, visit https://mysliceoflife. com.au/.
MAKING salami is equal parts science, equal parts art.
It can seem like a daunting task to beginners but if you remember a few basic steps, do your research and invest in good equipment, it will be well worth it.
Here are some handy tips to help you make the perfect salami:
1. Choose good quality meat: This is one of the most important considerations when making salami. Choosing good quality meat that contains lots of
fat will help ensure your salami isn’t too dry or crumbly.
2. Invest in good quality equipment: Investing in some good quality equipment and ingredients will take your salami from good to exceptional. This includes casings. There are several different kinds of casings and whichever one you choose will depend on personal preference and preferred method.
Some options for casing and skins include natural hog casings, salami
banquet bags, fibrous casing or collagen sticks.|It’s also important to invest in a good quality sausage filler, mincer and slicer that will last you a long time.
3. Practice safety- include curing salt and starter cultures: Curing salt used to prevent the risk of Botulism, which is poisoning caused by bacteria growth that produces toxins, and can be fatal. As well as added safety, using curing salt adds pigmentation to your
salami, giving it that traditional pink colour. Starter culture is used to ensure successful fermentation and produces that tangy flavour we love in salami. Using a starter culture will also lower the pH level which aids in controlling the growth of bad bacteria.
4. Keep your workspace clean: It is vital to keep your equipment and workspace clean. This will allow you to control the bacteria and ensure no bad bacteria
COSTANTE Imports was established in 1968 and is a family run business that specialises in suppling quality and unique equipment for the production of pasta, wine, olive oil and small goods like salami, as well as regional Italian specialties and cookware.
As a boy, Giovanni Costante learnt his trade as an engineer from his father and grandfather and with these skills he built what he has today - a successful manufacturing and importing business.
When he arrived in Australia, Giovanni was full of inspiration and put his skills to good use in his small garage in North Fitzroy in Melbourne, where he began to manufacture the first wine presses, crushers, destemmers and sauce puree machines.
In 1968 he purchased a factory and shop at 377 Bell Street, Preston where he still is today.
The demand for his products grew, and business was doing so well it was time to expand.
He began to import a large variety of products from Italy and never looked back.
What is his secret?
Dedication to his job, his customers and above all, quality.
Many of Giovanni’s customers are still using the first equipment he made all those years agowhich shows that they truly do stand by everything they sell.
Costante Imports is a household name and has become a multigenerational family business, with Mr Costante’s children and grandchildren working and driving the business forward.
They carry the same values of quality, and pride themselves on sourcing quality products to suit their client’s needs while
growing and learning every day.
A visit to the store is well worthwhile and is a treasure trove of products to suit interests including gardening, preserving, pasta making, cooking, barbequing, bread/pizza
finds its way in as it can easily spoil the salami. It’s good practice to sterilise your equipment and wear gloves or wash you hands regularly when making salami.
5. Work in the cold: The winter months are often known as salami season
because of the low temperatures needed throughout the salami making process. When it comes to mincing your meat, it is a good idea to put your meat in the freezer beforehand and set the temperature as low as possible.
making, wine making, sauce making or of course salami making.
Alternatively, you can visit their website www. costanteimports. com.au and if there is something specific you need, call or visit them today to discuss.
EVERYDAY Gourmet takes a unique old school approach to making its salami.
One of their butchers, Karl Caplja said they only use female pigs due to the smell and quality.
“If you get male pigs, they’re usually leaner with no body fat, your back fats the best part to use on a salami,” he said.
“Another big reason is the smell, and it will have a distinctive flavour which you don’t want in your salami.”
Karl has been passionate about butchery for over 30 years and learnt to use only female pigs for salami while he was completing his apprenticeship over in Europe.
“Over in Europe if anyone tasted male pork in their salami, they’d pretty much throw it back at you, it was just a big no no,” he said.
What also sets Everyday
Gourmet’s salami a part is they are bringing it back to basics with their techniques.
“We’re changing and getting in full carcasses, we’re trying to go back to old school butchering,” Karl said.
Karl also makes nonnitrate-based salamis and mainly adds in natural sugars to give it flavour and colour and strives to source the best ingredients.
“I’m fortunate enough that my brother runs butcher shops in Europe
and I get a lot of my ingredients imported which makes a big difference when I make my salami,” he said.
For anyone looking for advice for their own salami making, you can visit Karl in the store on Rowan Street.
“If any customers need expert advice of salts, nitrates, sugars I’d be more than happy to help out,” he said.
To place an order or find out more visit https:// www.facebook.com/ youeverydaygourmet/.
A TRAIL of blue items led eager youngsters to the children’s room at the Wangaratta Library on Wednesday, where a librarian dressed in blue was waiting to host National Simultaneous Storytime.
Organised by the Australian Library and Information Association, the annual storytime focuses on an Australian children’s book which is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country.
This year’s selected book was Aura Parker’s ‘Bowerbird Blues’, and two Foundation classes from St Patrick’s Primary School joined fellow community members at the library, as children’s and youth services officer
Tanya Hopper, dressed in blue, read the lyrical story about a bowerbird’s quest for all things blue - and something more.
Those who gathered at the Wangaratta Library were among more than 2.3 million participants in National Simultaneous Storytime this year across 20,500 locations in Australia and New Zealand.
St Patrick’s Primary School Foundation teacher Grace Patterson said ‘Bowerbird Blues’ was a rich text which could spark conversations about “those we love and things we treasure”.
Children at the library sessionwho were among many across the rural city to read the book simultaneously - also enjoyed the follow-up activity of colouring and creating a bowerbird puppet.
The
The
The home has been updated internally with an updated kitchen, bathroom, carpets and paintwork.
THIS superb lifestyle property captures views of the snow-capped mountains of Buffalo, Falls and Hotham, idyllically positioned on a 100-acre allotment.
This unique, architecturally designed home is a superb opportunity for anyone seeking a rural lifestyle without compromising on life’s luxuries. Located just under 25mins to Wangaratta CBD, this home offers true privacy and seclusion.
Completed in 2016, this immaculately presented home boasts beautiful features including polished concrete flooring, rammed earth walls, double glazed windows, and raised ceiling height.
Modern kitchen with stone benchtops, walk-in pantry, and servery to the outdoor area. Open plan living/dining space is north-east facing, optimising natural light year-round.
The master suite features a walkthrough robe, ensuite with valley views, and freestanding bath. Main bathroom has separate toilet and vanity, as well as shower and bath. Three additional bedrooms are all fitted with BIR’S.
Heating and cooling via refrigerated split system and combustion heater. Stylish entertaining area features one of the home’s curved walls and exposed ag-
gregate concrete, overlooking the firepit area, showcasing a beautiful Greta Valley backdrop.
Shed size is 16m x 9m with concrete floor, power, sliding doors and 5kw solar system. Water for the property is secure with onsite bore, 4 dams and troughs for stock water, and 50,000L rainwater tank. Fencing surrounding the 4 main paddocks are in full working order. The central tree line follows a seasonal creek and fully fenced, all dams are fenced to protect from livestock and the horse round yard and holding paddock are fully fenced. For more information, inspections by appointment only. Hugh Amery 0487 777 311 .
■ THE NEXT LEVEL: The quality of the cabin has taken the CX-30 to a new level.
By ALISTAIR KENNEDY, Marque Motoring
LAUNCHED here in late 2020 the Mazda CX-30 is a small-medium SUV that squeezes into the space between the company’s original SUVs, the compact CX-3 and the mid-sized CX-5.
Between them, these three vehicles accounted for just over half of total Mazda sales in 2023 and were a major factor in the brand being locked solidly into second place behind Toyota in total sales.
CX-30 was given a minor upgrade in late 2023 that included improved connectivity and fuel efficiency, together with a new model grade, the GT SP.
The CX-30 now comes with five equipment levels, in ascending order: Pure, Evolve, Touring, GT SP and Astina.
Prices range from $33,290 for the Pure FWD through to $47,390 for an X25 Astina AWD.
On-road costs need to be added.
STYLING
CX-30 has quite a conservative design which is likely to appeal more to owners at the older end of the age-scale.
The shape is similar to the Mazda3 hatch but 100mm taller with 25mm extra ground clearance.
Although technically an SUV it has a sporty profile that’s almost coupe like.
At the front there are swoop-
ing headlamps flanking a large black version of the current Mazda family grille with an attractive textured fill.
All variants get daytime running lights, LED in the Astina, halogen in the others.
The new GT SP gains a sleeker, more sporty appearance with exterior styling enhancements in the form of black alloy wheels, a black front grille and mirror caps finished in piano black.
The entry-level CX-30 Pure comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, all higher-grade models roll on 18s.
Out the back there are wraparound tail-lights, small roof spoiler, twin exhaust pipes and black plastic in the bumper.
Nine colours are available, five of them metallic are costed options.
The quality of the cabin has taken the CX-30 to a new level.
The driver benefits from a high seating position and auto dimming rear-view mirror.
The leather-clad steering wheel offers a comfortable grip, plus paddle shifts and the air vents are angled to the driver, servicing the dual zone air-conditioning.
Versatile storage includes a good-sized centre console, and a space below the fascia thanks to the uptake of an electric parking brake, plus big door bins.
The dashboard isn’t as expansive as others in the seg-
ment but is well laid out and easy to read.
We love the fact that it resisted the current trend of locating almost all controls in screens by the use of physical knobs for adjusting air conditioning and audio.
Pure and Evolve have manual black cloth seats.
The others have two different grades of leather (Black and Burgundy) and 10-way power adjustment.
Versatile storage includes a good-sized centre console, and a space below the fascia thanks to the uptake of an electric parking brake, plus big door bins.
In the back, CX-30 has good headroom but legroom for taller passenger could be a problem.
The smallish centre-rear seat is not unusual in this size class in that it’s hampered for footroom by the central tunnel.
There are air vents and a fold-down centre armrest with twin drink holders.
Boot space is 317 litres with the rear seatbacks folded.
A space-saver wheel is stored under the boot floor.
CX-30 offers either a Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre, or Skyactiv 2.5-litre petrol engine, mated with a six-speed Skyactiv automatic transmission, plus frontwheel or all-wheel drive.
The 2.0-litre Skyactive-G 2.0 generates 114 kW at 6000 rpm and 200 Nm at 4000 revs is available with all spec levels
apart from the Touring SP. Two variants, the Evolve G20e M and X20 Astina eSkyactiv are mild hybrids and share the G 2.0 engine with a 24V lithium-ion battery.
The larger Skyactiv-G 2.5 engine has a 2.5-litre capacity with outputs of 139 kW at 6000 rpm and 252 Nm at 4000. Its available in the FWD or AWD Astina spec-level as well as Touring and Touring SP, AWD only.
The previous entry-level Pure came with a six-speed manual gearbox option but that was dropped with the latest upgrade and all models now have a six-speed torque converter automatic.
Mazda has a long-standing and admirable focus on safety and this continues in the CX30 which achieved one of the highest ANCAP crash scores to date, with 99 per cent in adult occupant protection.
All variants come with a comprehensive list of safety features including seven airbags (now with a driver’s knee bag), autonomous emergency braking in both forward and reverse, blindspot monitoring, rear crosstraffic alert, adaptive cruise control with stop/go, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, rear parking sensors, reversing camera, advanced speed assist system and IsoFix child seat anchorages.
The higher-spec models add a 360-degree view monitor, cruising and traffic support
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0 G20
2.5 G25 TOURING FWD: $40,190
2.5 G25 ASTINA FWD: $45,390
2.5 G25 ASTINA AWD: $47,390
2.5 GT SP AWD: $44,190
2.5 GT SP FWD: $42,190
NOTE: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Mazda dealer for drive-away prices.
(traffic jam assist), front crosstraffic alert, driver monitoring and front parking sensors.
These latter features are available in other variants with an optional Vision Technology Pack.
Entry is relatively easy and the seats are supportive and comfortable.
The steering wheel is height and reach adjustable and, even in the base level Pure, has leather wrapping as does the gear lever.
The 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine in our test Evolve lacks sharpness of the a turbocharger in the at 2.5 although the six-speed automatic worked well and had the SUV country cruising with confidence.
The new-generation Skyactiv Vehicle Architecture contributes towards excellent ride quality and interior sound levels. Coarse-chip surfaces do increase noise levels although not to the same extent as others in this class.
Handling is accurate and the steering wheel provides the right amount of feedback. Cornering is accurate enough, but this is not a sports sedan, and is certainly not claiming to be one.
Fuel consumption on our test route sat in the nine to ten litres per hundred kilometres in suburban, motorway and rural segments. It dropped to just over the claimed 6.5 L/100km. MODEL
your say
Municipal Early Years Plan - Community Survey
This survey is designed to gather insights and opinions from residents regarding the future direction of early childhood services in Wangaratta. Your feedback will help us understand the needs and priorities of families with young children, ensuring that our services are tailored to meet those needs effectively. Submissions close Friday 31 May https://bit.ly/4cYqHyD
The 2024/25 Draft Budget has now been published, and Council is seeking community engagement and feedback. The 2024/25 Draft Budget outlines the resources required to deliver the Council Plan strategic objectives and includes a fouryear budget forecast. Copies of all documents are available on our website or from the Wangaratta Government Centre, during office hours. Visit Connect Wangaratta to make a submission https://connect.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/ Submissions close Wednesday 5 June.
Council has developed an Affordable Housing Strategy which aims to see an increase in the supply of social, affordable, and key worker housing in the city. Council is now seeking feedback on the Strategy. You can make submission in writing or via the online engagement portal Connect Wangaratta https://connect. wangaratta.vic.gov.au/ For more information visit our website or come along to a drop-in session at the Wangaratta Library Wednesday 15 May 4.30pm to 5.30 pm, Thursday 30 May 4.30pm to 5.30pm. Submissions close Monday 3 June.
Expression of Interest –Wangaratta Aerodrome Terminal Lease
The Rural City of Wangaratta is inviting expressions of interest (EOI) to lease the Wangaratta Aerodrome terminal building.
The Wangaratta aerodrome is located within a short distance of the CBD and close to the Hume Freeway. The terminal building presents an opportunity to extend the aviation industry within Wangaratta and to grow the vision for the aerodrome. For more information or for a copy of the information booklet and registration form, please email economicdevelopment@wangaratta.vic.gov.au EOI Closes: Thursday 13 June, 5pm
The annual Community Grants Program is now open! The Program empowers organisations dedicated to making a positive impact within our community. Applications open 15 May and close on 2 July 2024. If you are not sure how to get started on your application or would like to discuss your project, Council Officers will be available to chat at the sessions listed below. Visit the Community Grants page of our website for more details.
Wednesday 29 May Glenrowan Vintage Café 10am-12pm
Thursday 30 May Wangaratta Library 5-7pm
Monday 3 June Hobbledehoy Café Whitfield 1-3pm
Wednesday 5 June Milawa Bakery 10am-12pm Vine Hotel 3-5pm
Thursday 6 June Eldorado Tavern 10am-12pm Wangaratta Library 2-4pm Wangaratta Library 5-7pm
Join the Inland Rail project team to discuss upgrades to the Wangaratta Railway Station Precinct. The team wants to involve community and learn more about our town's significant stories. This knowledge will be used to create heritage interpretation artworks at the station precinct. So come share your thoughts and hear more about the project.
27 May - Community workshop: 5.30-6.30pm at WPACC. Register at: https://bit.ly/3WIVNok
28 May - Drop-in session: 12.00-2.00pm at WPACC. Register at: https://bit.ly/3UNVrKu
The Rural City of Wangaratta invites the Whitfield community to a Special General Meeting to appoint a new Community Asset Committee. The Committee plays an integral role and ensures this important venue and service for the Whitfield and King Valley Community is maintained.
When: 5:30pm Wednesday 3 July 2024
Where: Whitfield Recreation Reserve, AC Swinburne Pavilion, Whitfield
For more information on becoming a committee member and to register to attend email recreation@wangaratta.vic.gov.au or call Council on (03) 5722-0888
Wangaratta Art Gallery is calling for nominations from the community to join the Gallery’s Acquisitions Panel. The Panel provides advice and support to the Gallery Director in the consideration of works of art to be added to the Gallery’s permanent collection. Nominations close on Friday 14 June, 5pm. To find out more or to nominate, please visit the Gallery’s website https://www.wangarattaartgallery.com.au
Each month we are showcasing the cool, quirky, and unique shopping spots across our region. From April to November 2024, residents and visitors alike are invited to explore our charming townships for a chance to win some awesome prizes. Remember to scan the QR code at point of purchase, and you’re in! This month we are highlighting Milawa. More info here: https://bit.ly/3IZq8Xy
For further information on these
37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677
WAREENA PARK BOWLS CLUB GARAGE SALE!
Large variety of goods, all must go! Cash only. Price by donation. Saturday, May 25, 2024. 8am - 4pm. Swan Street, Wangaratta.
Avenue, Wangaratta. MOVING!
If it makes you feel beautiful then do it!
• Lash extensions
• Waxing
• Tinting
• Lash lifts
• Laser hair removal
• IPL treatments
• Tattoo removal
Nardia Jarman 56 Phillipson Street, Wangaratta 0466 897 315
C O NCRE T IN G , b ig or small jobs, paths, driveways, shed slabs, ve randa hs, 15 years experience. For a free q u o te , p ho ne Tr ev Anderson on 0422 200 761.
h ing (wo men s s i z e 20-26), ma k e
an o ffe r! 64 H ill St , Glenrowan Sunday, May 26, 9am start - no early callers.
DOG TRAINER, Frank
Vickers behavioural solutions. Ph 0418 314 610.
LOTS o f g oo die s, priced to clear, come
around for a bargain, Satu r day 25, f ro m 8am, no early callers, 43 Templeton Street, Wangaratta
MARK’ S Mow ing , r ea so na b le p r ice s, r ide o n m ow ing , edging , clean up , s p r aying and any w a s te r em o val . Ph 0472 603 156.
L ER E a r t hworks, available for all
PERMANENT PART TIME 0.40 EFT
For further information please contact Dyan Hill, Director Human Resources -(03)5728 0250 or email
Dyan.Hill@beechworthhealth.org.au
For further information please contact Elizabeth Ibrom, Acting Director Clinical Services -(03)5728 0316 or email
Elizabeth.Ibrom@beechworthhealth.org.au
FOOD SERVICES ASSISTANT
For further information please contact Susan Plath, Director Business & Service Development -(03)5728 0342 or email
Susan.Plath@beechworthhealth.org.au
• Full Salary Packaging Arrangements
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• including Fitness Passport Program
Tomorrow Today is Benalla and district’s independent community foundation, working to help build strength and resilience in our community, with a focus on improving educational outcomes for local children and young people.
Tomorrow Today is excited to be entering a partnership with Ganbina, to support the educational outcomes of Benalla’s indigenous students. We are currently seeking a motivated individual who is passionate about empowering young Aboriginal people on their journey to creating a meaningful future for themselves and their community.
If you believe you have the drive to succeed in this fulltime role, please forward your application letter addressing the skills and attributes listed in the Position Description, along with a current resume with two professional referees by COB Friday 7 June 2024.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are encouraged to apply.
A full Position Description is available upon request by emailing Sally Matheson, Education Benalla Program Manager – sallymatheson@tomorrowtoday.com.au
To apply and for full details on the position, please log on to: www.beechworthhealthservice.com.au
To apply and for full details on the positions, please log on to: www.beechworthhealthservice.com.au
Join our amazing team of educators and a professional environment that is passionate, collegial and focused on learning for all.
We are currently seeking applicants for the following ongoing position from Term 3, 2024:
• Design and Technology - Materials Teacher
• Mathematics Teacher
• Indonesian Teacher
• Digital Technologies Teacher
• Student Counsellor/Social Worker
• Landscaping and Grounds Traineeship
• We are currently seeking applicants for the following Fixed Term position from June, 2024:
• Laboratory Technician
For further details on how to apply please visit our Our school community promotes the safety, Galen Catholic College embraces diversity and diverse backgrounds to apply.
JOBS AT INDIGO
Finance Officer
Based in Yackandandah
Permanent, full time
$71,810 - $81,974 per annum
Casual Library Technician
Various locations across Indigo Shire
Casual
$31.88 - $33.86 per hour, plus 25% casual loading
Applications close 4pm Sunday 9 June 2024. Visit www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au/jobs to download the position recruitment kit, and to view instructions on how to apply.
www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au
Phone: 1300 365 003
Providing the best quality Catholic education for the children in our care.
Catholic Education Sandhurst.
1 Teaching Position for 2024
Beginning Term 3
Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons to join our Teaching team, Graduate teachers welcome.
The successful applicant will:
• have a passion for teaching
• have a commitment to Catholic Education and to the safety and wellbeing of children
• have a desire to join a collaborative team
• promote positive relationships amongst staff, students and parents
• deliver the Curriculum aligned with the school’s pedagogy
• have a passion for growth in their personal practice.
• have VIT registration
Remuneration is in accordance with the Catholic Education Multi Enterprise Agreement 2022 How to apply:
Detailed position descriptions and application requirements are available by emailing principal@sbwangaratta.catholic.edu.au
Applications close: 7th June 2024 This school community promotes the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children.
Career Opportunity
Full Time
New part-time opportunity at Odyssey House Victoria! Duty Worker – Part-time (either 8 hours per week or 8 hours per fortnight), Permanent.
We are seeking an experienced and passionate individual to join our Residential Rehabilitation Facility based in Benalla (Circuit Breaker) to support our residents in their recovery journey.
This role will join a team of 7 other Duty Workers and play an active role within a resident’s treatment by being the first point of contact and providing appropriate operational response to resident issues. You will work closely with other clinical and non-clinical staff to align the day-to-day operations as well work closely with the residents to foster therapeutic relationships.
Please visit our careers page (https://odyssey.org.au/work-with-us/ careers-at-odyssey/) to view the complete job ad which outlines the responsibilities, key selection criteria and has a copy of the full position description. Applications will need to be made online via our careers page also! For a confidential discussion regarding the opportunity, please contact Kier Later – Assistant Program Manager klater@odyssey.org.au or (03) 5766 6399
Full time opportunity
An opportunity has arisen for a production operator to join one of Victoria and NSW’s leading independent news and media groups, based at our Wangaratta and digital properties across our group. The successful applicant will be responsible for producing newspaper layouts, pre-pressing pages for print, and basic IT troubleshooting.
Skills and Experience
• (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)
•
•
• and to tight deadlines
digital channels, including websites, be advantage but is not essential.
an energetic and stimulating environment, we would encourage you to apply. Applications should be forwarded to: Kelly Lovell Creative Services Manager North East Media Pty Ltd klovell@nemedia.com.au
YELLOW Hyundai sedan, 2000, (1YM9QQ), 218,242km, great car for new drivers, 5 speed manual, $4500 ono, located Mansfield. Ph 0439 719 529
2018 SUBARU Impreza, 34,000km, RWC, (1MA8HE), $20,000 ono. Ph 0448 641 413.
FIREWOOD for sale, good dry hardwood, cut your own to size, ute load plus trailer load for $300. Call 0428 970 591.
FIREWOOD, red gum, box, sugar and blue gum. Telephone North East Firewood 0488 933 999.
FREE Range Hens, ISA Brown Pullets, POL, $28 each. Phone Becky or Hugh on 5798 1868.
TYRES new and secondhand, trailer, rims, wrecking. New hours 9am to 5pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 44 Newman Street, Wangaratta. Ph 0428 257 221, Adzam Tyres.
North East Media, an award-winning publisher of community newspapers, has a full time position for a graded journalist based in our Myrtleford office in North East Victoria.
We are seeking a journalist with previous country newspaper experience to produce our weekly Myrtleford Times and Alpine Observer, servicing the picturesque Alpine Shire communities of Myrtleford, Bright and Mt Beauty.
The position requires a journalist with a strong work ethic and well-rounded skill set, who has a passion for community newspapers and a real desire to work with volunteer contributors.
Excellent writing, editing, photographic, communication, time management and organisational skills, and the ability to generate ideas into relevant news coverage that matters most to a local readership, will be among your strongest attributes.
The ability to use social media and deliver high quality work under deadline pressure are also a must.
The successful applicant must also have a valid driver’s licence.
Applications Close on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. Looking
North East Media is an independent media group publishing award winning publications in print and online across North East Victoria and beyond. Applications, including covering letter and resume, should be forwarded to:
Jeff Zeuschner
Group Editor
North East Media jzeuschner@nemedia.com.au
Stores Person 72 hours, 6 Month Fixed Contract
Ward Clerk - Maternity 32 hours, 12 Month Fixed Contract
Night Porter - Cleaner/Patient Transport 72 hours, Permanent Contract
& Accounts Officer
For further details and employment opportunities visit northeasthealth.org.au/careers
We are seeking a passionate individual to join our Finance team in Wangaratta as a Payroll & Accounts Officer.
Within our Finance department, this role holds significant importance ensuring precise payroll processing and maintaining streamlined accounts management.
Full Time or Part Time (minimum of 30 hours per week including Mondays due to payroll processing requirements)
For further details and how to apply please visit to our website www.nufruitonline.com.au
WOOD, properties and plantations, cash or share basis. Ph 0448 933 999.
ALDRIDGE, Brian Leslie. Passed away peacefully at his home on May 17, 2024. Aged 57 years.
Dearly loved son of Les and Jean (both dec). Forever loved brother of Kim and Trevor, Tracie and Rick. Cherished Uncle and Great-Uncle. Friend to so many.
In God’s care surrounded by love and the music of the angels. Loving you always, forgetting you never. ~ Your devoted family.
CAPONECCHIA, Paolo. 7/6/1927 – 19/5/2024
Loving husband and father.
Please see North East Funerals website for funeral service details.
FRANKLING, Dorothy.
The Staff of Illoura Residential Aged Care would like to pass on their condolences to the family and friends of Dorothy Frankling. Her passing has saddened the Illoura community.
FRANKLING (nee Hipwell), Dorothy Alice “Dot / Dottie”
The family of Dorothy are saddened to announce her passing on May 20, 2024 in Wangaratta.
Dearly loved wife of Keith. Loving Mum of Kerrie, Paula, Angela, Linda and their partners. Adored Nan of 15 and Great-Nan of 10. With tears we saw you suffer, We watched you fade away, Our hearts were slowly breaking, As you fought so hard to stay. You did not want to leave us, But you did not go alone, For part of us went with you, The day you were called home.
Special thank you to all the staff at Illoura Aged Care.
FRANKLING, Dorothy Alice.
Loving Mum Dot and Nan Dot of Kerrie and Peter, Brent and Nicole, Khalia, Caitlyn and Nathan, and their partners and children.
In our hearts you will always stay loved and remembered every day. Will miss you, Mum. All our love.
~Kerrie, Peter and family.
FRANKLING, Dorothy Alice. You fought so hard to stay and though you suffered for too long you’re now finally at peace. Your memories will live in our hearts forever and always.
We love you Mum/Nan. Mum and Mum-in-law of Angela and Neil, Nan of Matthew (dec), Danielle, Shannon, Mickayla (dec), Abbey, Hailea and their partners. Great-Nan of Penelope and Austin.
KING (Neill), Edna May.
Loved mother of Jenny and John, Geoff and Julie, Brian and Laura; grandmother of ten and great-grandmother of twelve.
We have loved you more than words can ever say.
Contact Conway Funerals (02) 6024 1093.
MOSS, Maisie.
Late of Eden Vale, QLD. Formerly of Wangaratta. Passed away peacefully on May 20, 2024. Aged 90 years.
Loved mother of Dean and Gary.
ALDRIDGE
The funeral service for Brian Leslie Aldridge will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 commencing at 2pm. Burial will follow at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery. A donation made in Brian’s memory to Northeast Health Palliative Care unit would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be made online at www.givenow.com.au/nhw
Mason Park Funerals 5721 5060 masonpark.com.au
FRANKLING
The celebration of the life of Mrs Dorothy Alice “Dot/Dottie” Frankling will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Monday, May 27, 2024 at 10.30am. A private cremation will follow. Flowers are most welcome as we all know her garden was her passion.
Mason Park Funerals
5721 5060 masonpark.com.au
PAOLA
A funeral experience... not just a funeral service
Mason Park Funerals
P. 03 5721 5060 W. masonpark.com.au
Phone: 03 5723 0101
NOVAK (nee Mirt), Giovanna. 14/12/1939-22/5/2024
Loving wife and mother.
Please see North East Funerals website for funeral service details.
PAOLA, Francesco “Frank”.
A requiem mass of the repose of the soul of Francesco Paola will be offered in St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ford Street, Wangaratta on Thursday, May 30, 2024 commencing at 10am, followed by interment in the vault section at the Wangaratta Cemetery.
The Staff and residents of Illoura Residential Aged Care are saddened by the recent passing of Frank Paola. We would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Frank during this difficult time.
PAOLA, Francesco “Frank”. 21/1/1939 – 19/5/2024
Dearly loved and loving husband of Benita (dec).
Much loved father of Lina and Marisa. Father-in-law to Robert. Grandfather to 3 and great-grandfather to 5. Rest in peace Dad.
Lance, My sunshine, it’s been 366 days and you are still the first thing I think of every morning and the last thing on my mind each night. ~ Love always, Patti.
Phone: 03 5723 0101 may be placed before 2pm the business day prior to publication
classifieds@nemedia.com.au
to your local health service Northeast Health Wangaratta. This is a direct way of helping us to continually improve patient care and comfort, ensuring the availability of comprehensive health services in our local community.
Family and friends can make a donation in lieu of flowers in recognition of the medical care and attention provided.
The bereaved family will be notified of your memorial gift according to your wishes and you will receive a tax-deductible receipt for your donation.
To make a donation or to request information about memorial service donations or remembering Northeast Health Wangaratta in your will, please contact -
Community Engagement Team (03) 5722 5069 or PO Box 386, Wangaratta, Vic 3676.
for
and can be ordered through the mail or at our office in Rowan Street, Wangaratta. Phone 57230 100 for more information.
KNOCKING on the windows, crying at the locks were 24 players who arrived as the clock struck 7pm to take part in last Monday night’s social table tennis competition at the Oxley Hall.
Warmed up after having walked the crooked mile, Debbie Brunken and Katie Woodberry were raring to go when they took on Phoebe Morgan and Jenni Poulos in the first of many games for the night.
Accurate placement from all players resulted in scores going point for point until a table-edge skimmer determined the win for Debbie and Kate.
A very brave Cheryl Coad partnered June Uebergang to give Neil Spurgeon and Don Heath a run for their money all over the table and beyond.
As is said, ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’, as Cheryl and June slowly but surely pegged back the fellas’ early lead to even the score.
And to everyone’s surprise they came home winning 2119.
There was no fooling around when Manni and Theo Poulos locked horns with Graham Stephens and Adam Bosley in a bullfight that saw every stroke in the book utilised.
After holding a slight lead
for much of the long contest, it was the ‘can’t fool us’ Poulos brother who brought home the well-deserved win.
When Richard Morgan and new kid on the block, but not new to the game,
Paul Lawrence, lined up against Jason Mullins and Pete Spring, it was game on from the first point.
It was little wonder that all four players wore sweat on their brows after a game
enjoyed by players and spectators.
Final scores recorded a win by either Richard and Paul or Jason and Pete.
First and last to arrive, Simon Brown and ‘pie-man’ Will Bonwick paired up against Janet Heath and Brian Bourke in a serious but fun for all thrash out.
With all contributing the ingredients to satisfy their hunger for victory, it was not surprising when one pair were seen licking their lips as they savoured victory.
Mick Gervasoni and Martin Butcher were primed and pumped when they faced Hugh Spring and Gary Coad in a rip-roarer
from go to whoa. With onlookers holding onto their hats, power personified describes the tempo in what could have been a Commonwealth Games performance.
Rounding off the evening’s jam-packed program, players revived and refreshed with a cuppa and a feast of home-mades while holding post-mortems of “what coulda-been”.
Adults and secondary school students are welcome to join the group which meets every Monday night, beginning at 7pm at the Oxley Hall. BYO bat, $2 entry and a plate to share.
IN near freezing conditions, Wangaratta Rangers, Benalla Bandits, United junior teams were the first to play in round five of North East Baseball at Targoora Park last Sunday when they played Porepunkah Panthers.
Panthers brought in six runs in their first turn at bat, then got United out with only three batters facing the pitcher in the Under 15s game.
Panthers added another 10 runs in their next two at bat while United put on two runs in each of their bats.
Panthers won 16 runs to four.
United had nine players in the Under 12s game where Panthers only had six players turn up.
This was a much better game, with every player getting on base from safe hits and running the bases well.
Both teams scored six runs in the first innings and five in their third.
United could not score any runs in the second innings while Panthers added another five to win 16 runs to United 11.
The C Grade game was between Wodonga Warriors and Porepunkah Panthers.
Runs were hard to come by for both sides but Warriors
held on tod win by one run, seven runs to Panthers six.
The B Grade game saw Benalla Bandits play Panthers.
Scores were level on 13 runs each at the top of the sixth.
Bandits brought in one more run in their next turn at bat with Panthers yet to bat.
Panthers were two down, then their next batter hit big to left field to bring two runs and win the game, 15 runs to 14.
Wangaratta Rangers Grey played Porepunkah in the A Grade game.
Panthers scored two runs in their first dig then held Rangers Grey to one.
Panthers added another three in the second to Rangers one to hold five runs to two lead at the top of the third innings.
Rangers got Panthers out three up, three down in the third then got one run closer when they brought in another run in their turn at bat.
Panthers added another run in the fourth, but left bases loaded when they lost their third out.
Rangers Grey hit the front when they scored four runs to one in the fifth.
With time running out Panthers brought in one run
in their last turn at bat to even the score with Rangers Grey yet to bat.
Rangers got their first batter on base safely, their second batter was struck out then their third batter hit straight back to the pitcher, who caught it and threw to first for the double play, three out, game over and the score seven runs each.
Wangaratta Rangers Black played Albury Bears Green in all five grades at Springdale Heights, Lavington.
The A Grade game had everything.
Rangers Black were first to bat, with their first two batters back on the bench.
Their third batter, Owen Godenzi hit a home run to bring in their first run, their next two batters got on base and came home on fielding errors to be three runs in when they lost their third out.
Bears first batter got on base from a safe hit, they lost their next two batters then their next batter hit deep to left field to bring in the runner and himself home on fielding errors to be one run down.
Neither side scored in the second innings, Rangers added one run in the third and Bears brought in two, for the score to be four runs each at
the top of the fourth.
Rangers brought in two more runs in their bat, while Bears added three runs to lead seven runs to six at the top of the fifth innings.
A change of pitcher by Bears saw Rangers score another four runs whilst a change of pitcher by Rangers saw them getting Bears out without scoring to lead 10 runs to seven, with Bears yet to bat.
Bears had their first two batters on bases from safe hits, their next batter had hit a home run, last at bat, Ranger’s pitcher walked him to first and loaded bases.
Bears next batter hit to left field safely and brought in two runs and a runner on third who came home next pitch on a wild pitch to even the score.
Bears scored one more run before time and game was called.
Bears won 11 runs to 10.
It is interesting to note that the last Rangers pitcher to deliberately walk a batter, never played another game for the club. History may be repeated.
In Under 12s Rangers were slow to start but gained confidence as the game progressed where Bears started the game scoring seven runs in their first
innings, another seven in their third and five more in the last while Rangers scored six runs, two and five in the third digs.
Bears won 19 runs to 13.
In the Under 15s game, Rangers showed teamwork in their fielding to hold Bears to just five runs in three innings played, falling away in their batting not adding to their score but to hold on to win by one run at the end of the game.
In the C Grade game, Rangers showed much improved batting when they brought in seven runs in each of their three batting digs, while Bears struggled to get safe hits all game bringing in their only two runs in the first innings. Rangers won 21 runs to two.
The B Grade game saw Rangers Orange held scoreless in their first two turns at bat, while Bears had brought in nine runs to lead 9 – 0 at the top of the third innings.
The game did a complete turnaround when Rangers scored nine runs in their next three turns at bat to be level with Bears.
Bears got their first batter on base safely, they lost their next batter being struck out but with some good base
running, their runner on base came home on a passed ball to win by one run, time and game.
On a brighter side, Ian Dinsdale will play in his 300th game for Wangaratta Rangers in their “C” Grade game against Albury Bears on Sunday at Targoora Park. This game starts at 10.10am…. more on Ian’s past, present and future in next week’s Chronicle.
This Sunday’s games:
A Grade 2.30pm: Wangaratta Rangers Black v Wangaratta Rangers Grey.
Porepunkah Panthers v Wodonga Warriors.
Albury Bears Gold v Albury Bears Green.
B Grade 12pm: Wangaratta Rangers Orange v Benalla Bandits.
Porepunkah Panthers v Wodonga Warriors.
Bears have the bye.
C Grade 10.10am: Rangers v Bears.
Panthers v Warriors. U12s 10.30am: Rangers v United.
Panthers v Warriors. Bears have the bye.
U15s 8.30am: Rangers v United.
Panthers v Warriors.
Bears have the bye.
THE Wangaratta Pony Club grounds was the host for the first annual Wangaratta Dressage Festival on April On 26, 27 and 28.
The festival was a joint event combining three days of dressage competition for the Wangaratta Adult Horse Riding Club (WAHRC) and the Wangaratta Pony Club (WPC).
For the WAHRC, dwindling active membership then the disruption of COVID has meant that the once very active club had a six year break from running official competitions.
WPC has been running an annual Dressage Championship for many years and the two clubs joined forces to conduct a memorable event.
WAHRC and WPC are located together at the Pony Clubs Shanley Street grounds.
Two hundred and 25 horse and rider combinations, travelling from Victoria and interstate attended the event held over the three days of competition.
WB Hunters was the major sponsor of the event and their ongoing support of both clubs has been greatly appreciated.
Taking advantage of the ANZAC Day public holiday on Thursday, April 25, the committees crossed all their fingers and toes in the hope that many people would take a day off work and travel to the Wangaratta Equestrian Centre venue for the two day official Horse Riding Clubs Association of Victoria Dressage Jackpot on April 26 and 27 followed by the one day Pony Club Victo-
JUBILEE GOLF CLUB
Saturday, April 18
Ladies’ Monthly Medal
A Grade Winner: Leeanne Carmody 78.
Best scratch: Leeanne Carmody 88.
B Grade Winner: Lee Freeland *MEDAL WINNER* 75.
Ball Winners: Carol Myles (2) 76, Linda Stone 77, Melody Adams 79.
NTP: 4th Melody Adams
The Pinsent, 8th Melody
Adams Londrigan Finer Foods, 13th Carol Myles Reality Fine Clothing, 17th Ali Commensoli Appin Street General Store.
Saturday, May 18
Men’s 18 Hole Stroke
A Grade Winner: Charl DeMink 69
Runner up: Rhys Rigoni 72
B Grade Winner: Alex Jones 73
Runner up: Andrew Skewes
75
C Grade Winner: Ben Robertson 72
Runner Up: Jim Moore 74.
D Grade Winner: Ian Harbourd 71.
Runner Up: Michael Baillie 73.
ria State qualifying Dressage Jackpot on the 28th.
The combined clubs worked tirelessly to get the grounds ready for competitors and were rewarded with three glorious days of sunshine!.
After the grounds were devastated by floods only
Ball Winners: Steve Fisher 73, John Fitzgerald 74, Garth Fullerton 74, Alan White 74, Glenn O’Connell 74, Nat Hirunwiwat 75, Tristan Heath 75, Ian Mills 76, Tom Arnold 76, Ash Robins 76, Fraser Jeffrey 76, Gordon Patterson 76, Wayne Roberts 76, Wayne Hibberson 76, Rick Harnwell 77, Peter Glidden 77, Eon Scott 77, Martin Hill 77, Robert Voss 77, Darren Jones 77, Greg Van Reit 78.
Nearest the Pins: 4th
Andrew Skewes, 8th Greg Van Reit, 13th Daniel McPhee, 17th Fraser Jeffrey.
Sunday, May 19
Stableford
Winner: Eon Scott 36.
Ball Winners: Aaron Kungl (2) 35, Glenn Ryan 33.
NTP: 8th Glenn O’Connell, 13th Aaron Kungl.
Tuesday, May 21
Ladies Stableford
Winner: Sue Clayton 37.
Ball Winners: Robyn Ottaway (2) 36, Di Murphy 33, Wendy Hogan 32.
NTP: 8th Wendy Hogan, 13th Mary Jones, 17th Di Murphy.
a few years ago, the continued collaboration of both clubs has meant that maintenance, expenses and positive experiences can be shared.
The grounds are 100 per cent maintained by a small hard working group of volunteers.
Wednesday, May 22
Mens 18 Hole Stroke
Winner
A Grade: Stephen McNaughton +1.
B Grade: Trevor Nippress -2.
C Grade: Angus Williams -6.
Ball Winners: John Fitzgerald 2 Balls -5, John Porter -1, Peter Ford +2, Alex Gibbs +2, Brendan Essex +2, Stan Goldsworthy +2, Martin Hill +2, Dave Anderson +2.
NTP: 4th John Porter, 8th
Robert Hancock, 13th Greg Allen, 17th Greg Allen.
Wednesday, May 22
Men’s 9 Hole Stableford
Winner
A Grade: Sam Richards 19.
B Grade: Allen Mercer 16.
Ball Winners: Alan White 2 Balls 18, Doug Richens 16, Peter Walker 16.
NTP: 13th Ron Renkin.
Tarrawingee Golf Club
results Saturday, May 18.
A round of the club championships was played with Mark Nolan leading after three
Most competitors gave very positive feedback about the grounds being a quiet venue with plenty of room for warmup and great surfaces.
The clubs plan to build the strengths of both clubs by co-hosting a two day showjumping event on No-
rounds.
The President’s Trophy was also played for with the winner on the day being Angelo Garraffo 86/21/65, runner up was Ken Miller nett 71, ball winner Leo McCoy c/b nett 76. NTP: 4th Ken Miller, 8th Angelo Garraffo.
Golf to be played Saturday, May 25 will be a stroke round for the fourth and final round of the club championships.
Starting times for the cooler months are 11:30 registration for a 12noon start, ladies welcome.
The NEDGA Sandscrape Championships will be played at the Tarrawingee Golf Club on Sunday, May 25, shotgun start 9:30am – 10:00am.
18 Holes, $30 lunch provided.
New members are always welcome at the Tarrawingee Golf Club by contacting a member or phoning 0428 122 590.
Tarra Ladies
On Tuesday, May 25 the Ladies played the final part of the Club Championships. The results will be pub-
the very near future to further improve the experience for local horse riders of all ages and competitors who attend from across Victoria and NSW.
A huge thankyou the many sponsors: WB Hunters, Off The Track, HERO, Brown Brothers Milawa, The Brews Bus, High Country Horse and Pony Clipping, Fippet, Lilliput Park, Wangaratta Equine Emporium, Wangaratta Saddleworld, JW Equestrian, Blue Skye Jumps, Cedar Lodge Equine Products, Grain and Man Photography and Bush By Design.
Some notable local performances include:
Annie Creed, riding Brookside Shazzam, Saturday Advanced Champion and overall Advanced Champion.
Isla Evans riding Dracmore Firestorm, Friday Advanced Champion and Overall Reserve Advanced Champion.
Hannah Robins riding Cosette, Level 5 Reserve Champion.
Felicity Murtagh riding The Incredible Mr Fish, PCV Grade 1 Reserve Champion.
Lacy Solimo riding Park Avenue William, PCV Grade 3 Reserve Champion.
vember 16 and 17 and are very keen for the Dressage Festival to be an annual event.
By continuing to host events and applying for grants when they are available, the combined committees have many upgrades they would like to achieve in
lished in the next report.
The stroke winner for the day was Toni Wilson, while Lorraine Grenfell had the next best score to be runner-up.
Di McLaughlin had the best shot to get the NTP on the 13th.
As well as preparing for their Annual Tournament which will be held on Friday, June 7, the ladies are catering for the men’s North East Sandscrape Championships at Tarra on May 26.
Results for Monday, May 20 are as follows:
Elise Downes and Nathan Reynolds d Joan Dyson and Maureen O’Keefe 7/6, Janet Kelly and Susan Fischer d Wendy Waddington and Cheryl Beckley 7/5, Christine Ireland and Gavan Kelly d Gabi Heywood and Terry Wilson 6/5 in a timed out game.
Last Thursday Maureen O’Keefe placed equal first in her Division at the NEDCA Autumn Social Day held at
Indigo Arnold riding Poppy, PCV Grade 6 Reserve Champion.
Renee Murtagh riding CN Charleez Commit, Open PCV Grade 2 Champion. If you would like to join either club or find out about future events and training day please contact Renee Murtagh on 0438 564 099.
Benalla.
Gavan Kelly and Cheryle Beckley featured in the raffle draw.
Last Monday and Wednesday, Janet Kelly scored two brilliant Hoops in One during club games at Wangaratta.
Andy Barbero has been selected to play for Victoria in the Golf Croquet InterState Shield to be held on the Sunshine Coast in early September.
Play is on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday commencing at 1.00pm.
Visitors are welcome to come down and enjoy some games with our members. Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow for the draw to be done.
Late arrivals will be included in the next game. The club is located at 46 Ryan Avenue, Wangaratta. For further information please contact President Susan Fischer on 0417217009 or Secretary Terry Wilson on 0417326739
WHEN many champion athletes pass certain birthdays they tend to hang up their boots and uniforms for more leisurely paced activities, but don’t tell that to 69-year-old Ian ‘Deano’ Dinsdale.
Deano has been a star player in a number of sports, and was a legend in local cricket who played more than 400 games for Springhurst in the old Sunday comp and more than 400 games for Bruck in the WDCA, plus countless rep games.
And despite donning spectacles for the first time this year on the sporting field, Deano will take to the diamond this week at Targoora Park to play his 300th game for Wangaratta Rangers.
This season is in fact his 48th year playing baseball, his time with Rangers ‘only’ beginning in 2000 when the club was formed, and he reckons he probably played at least another 300 games for Saints and Tarrawingee prior to that.
“I’ve played continuously from when I was 21; Ray Lewis
who played cricket for us at Springhurst got me to play,” he said.
“We had two others celebrate their 350th matches for Rangers a few weeks back (Rob Seymour and Testu Kamiyama), I probably would’ve reached that too by now, except I miss three games each year because I take my holidays in winter.
“Three games a year over 24 years adds up.”
Deano admits he has slowed slightly from his early days but is far from retiring, ready to help out when required in C grade when numbers are short.
“I’ve had three ‘at-bats’ this season and because of my lack of speed I’m stuck on first base,” he said.
“But even if I don’t get a call up I’m definitely not retired; things can change quickly.
“I still wear the same uniform from when I was younger, although it it’s under a bit more pressure these days.”
It will be a big weekend for Rangers, not only celebrating Deano’s milestone, but for the first time this year all the teams
will be playing at home and the club is hosting a ‘Ladies Day’. Appropriately, Deano will have his loyal family share in the celebrations, daughters Leah and Lauren who play alongside him in the C grade, while Keira will be on the sidelines while she has a break from playing due to “mothering duties”, and of course wife Sandra who has been at his side virtually each and every Sunday over the last 40 plus years.
“I owe Sandra a lot, she’s had to deal with baseball and cricket, she and the girls would always come along, now the girls are playing and two of them, Keira and Lauren, have their own children coming and Sandra will be there on ‘grand-
mother duties,” he said.
“And I want to thank the club for allowing me to be a part of it for so long.
“Even though I am ‘so old’ I still enjoy the team aspect of sport.”
Deano has a simple motivation behind his longevity in sport.
“I would rather play than watch,” he said.
Tickets to the Ladies Day are $20 per head which includes a drink on arrival and grazing board. Bookings essential via the Rangers Facebook page.
A PIECE of premiership history has returned to its founding place, with a 1929 premiership medal won presented back to Moyhu by the Rees family.
The medal was won by Jack Johnstone, who was one of seven brothers to play in the grand final winning side against Myrtleford in 1929, when Moyhu won by two points.
It has now found a new home at Moyhu, presented back to the club by Jack’s daughter Denise Rees and grandson Dean.
Ms Rees said she has been hanging onto the medal for the past 20 years and mentioned she had it to former president Max Batey one day and asked if the club would like to collect it.
“We hope it will serve as a memory for some people,” she said.
“We don’t have much of a family connection out there anymore, I did have a brother-in-law coach for Moyhu in the 60s, Ray Burns, and led them to a premiership.
“I had that many aunts and uncles who used to live and play for Moyhu.
“My grandparents owned the first 200 acres from Bartley Street, which was named after my great-grandmother and later gave their sons the land.”
On the day of Moyhu’s thrilling triumph 95-years ago, Jack kicked four of Moyhu’s 10 goals, as Myrtleford came from five goals down in the last quarter to almost steal the game played at Milawa.
Moyhu president Geoff Hogan said the medal would be put in a frame with another donated to the club recently, a 1904 premiership medal won by R. Bartley.
“It’s very nice to have the memorabilia coming back to the club for future generations to see,” he said.
“We’re hoping to have our own success and win our own premiership medals in the years to come.”
WANGARATTA Turf Club has joined forces with Into Our Hands Community Foundation to launch the inaugural Community Race Day at Wangaratta Racecourse on Saturday July 6.
The new initiative will raise vital funds for the Into Our Hands Community Foundation and its subfunds – Give Wangaratta, Grow Myrtleford+ and Garry Nash & Co Community Fund – through a series of fundraising initiatives and donations from ticket sales to a cocktail-style event headlined by special guest and champion jockey Damien Oliver, a three-time winner of the nation’s greatest race, the Melbourne Cup.
Across an astounding career exceeding four decades, Oliver amassed 3189 race wins
including a record-breaking 129 Group 1 victories.
Oliver is one of a select few jockeys to have won the ‘grand slam’ of Australian racing, being the Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and Golden Slipper. Oliver won Melbourne Cups on Doriemus and Fiorente but the most famous was that on Media Puzzle in 2002. It came less than a week after his brother Jason died in a race fall in Western Australia.
Claiming his first of 11 Scobie Breasley Medals in 1996, Oliver was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2008.
Hosted in the spectacular Grand Oaks Room, guests will enjoy entertainment from guest speaker Oliver, live music from local artist Marc Paola, live and silent auctions and a full day of live
racing action.
Tickets are available for just $150 per person and include entry to the racecourse and Grand Oaks Room, gourmet cocktail food, and a four-hour beverage package and can be purchased online via the Wangaratta Turf Club website or by contacting the Club on (03) 5722 1242.
Since 2012, Into Our Hands Community Foundation has invested into the community more than $1.5 million, supporting a total of 246 organisations and projects across the North East region.
Wangaratta Turf Club CEO Sean Barrett said the club was thrilled to secure Damien Oliver and excited by the opportunity to support the local community.
“Damien is right up there as one of Australia’s greatest sporting stars, he’s domi-
nated the sport of racing and has an amazing story to share,” he said.
“Our club has a strong focus on supporting local community, so to be able to secure Damien and partner with Into Our Hands and the sub-funds provides a fan-
tastic opportunity to raise funds that will stay local to our region and support the growth of North East Victorian communities.”
Into Our Hands executive officer Peter McCabe said the event was not to be missed.
“We are thrilled to be able to partner with the Wangaratta Turf Club and we thank them for their support,” he said.
“Initiatives like this go a long way to raising the profile of what we do and help generate funds which stay locally in our community.”
MILESTONES at the King Valley don’t get much bigger than this weekend at the Whitfield Recreation Reserve.
Tom Newton is set to bring up his 50th club game for the Roos when the reserves go up against North Wangaratta on Saturday, with his impact felt beyond the footy field.
Newton has been at the club since 2012, coming through the former thirds team the Southern Suns as a junior.
When not playing, Newton is a regular in a variety of volunteer roles around the club including water carrier for the seniors and helping at training on a regular basis, which has earnt him a club person of the year award.
The 50-gamer said he looked forward to his milestone match and had been counting down to it since the start of the season.
“It’s a good club, I enjoy the footy and getting around the boys,” he said.
Newton will be well-supported on the day, with a personalised banner in the works and friends and family, including partner Grace,
to be in attendance.
A regular in the Roos forward-line, Newton said he had planned out his celebration for his milestone match goal if the chance comes, but he said it would be a “secret” until he kicks it.
Senior co-coach Anthony Ciancio said the club were excited to get among the well-deserved celebration of a true Roo.
“Whether it’s helping out in the canteen or with running, Tommy’s always there and willing to help out with his effort around the club whenever he can,” he said.
“He’s been a really big part of our playing group for a number of years now so it’s a really nice way to celebrate him.”
In the 2pm game, King Valley face themselves with an intriguing task of taming the Hawks, as the winner looks to stay in touch in the finals race.
Despite only registering two wins on the season so far, North Wangaratta gave the undefeated Bright an almighty scare at home last week, going down by the barest of margins.
Following a tough trip to Bonnie Doon last week, Ciancio said the team were
excited to be back at home after three straight road trips and would be wary of the improved Hawks.
“It’s a credit to Steve and the crew at North Wang how they’re continuing to build similar to us and fighting out a similar lad-
der position,” he said.
“I think it’s going to be a really good game, we had a couple of really good hit outs with them last year which they came out on top with, and it always seems to be fairly tight game between the two of us.
“It was a tough day for us last week but we had a lot of positive moments through the game, we were able to get the game back on our terms with momentum and but we want to sustain those period of momentum for longer.
WHOROULY’S A grade side
will look to break a three-game losing streak this weekend against Bonnie Doon at home.
The Lions draw couldn’t have been much tougher over the past three weeks, coming up against all top-three sides with Bonnie Doon sitting in third and Milawa and Greta both undefeated at the top.
Whorouly put on a much-improved showing against Milawa, starting strongly before being put away in the middle periods to lose 31-58.
Coach Kelly Cousins said she was happy to see the improvements from her team’s 20-40 loss against Greta the week prior.
“I was happy with our volume, I think we lacked a lot of volume against Greta but we freed up a little bit more and I was pleased with our attacking play last week,” she said.
“We’ve definitely got the skills there; we just haven’t got the four-quarter intensity yet so we’ve just got to build on that.”
Despite the recent run of losses, Whorouly still holds onto fifth position after starting the year with four wins from four games.
Cousins said the team now knows where they sit in the grand scale of the competition and was hoping to regain Bec Allen and Laura Keighran this week.
“We know where we’re at now, our draw probably eased us into the season, but we’ve got the top four all in a row (Greta, Milawa, Bonnie Doon and Tarrawingee),” she said.
“Hopefully we build on that, Bonnie Doon will be tough this week as they’re such a physical side.
“It’ll be good to know where we’re at against Tarra after a few really hard games, but we’d like to be there or thereabouts when we play Tarra.”
In other matches coming up on Saturday, both Moyhu and Goorambat will be looking to prove their finals credentials as they search for a crucial win to stay in touch with the top six.
The Bats put themselves back on the winner’s list last week with a 45-33 win over Benalla and find
themselves one game behind Moyhu in seventh, who have lost their past two games against Milawa and Tarrawingee.
The Bulldogs will travel to Benalla to face the All-Blacks while Bright will host Greta and King Valley take on North Wangaratta.
“Hopefully we give the community some good games to watch.”
Action at Whitfield Recreation Reserve will start with the netball at 9:30am, with Newton’s 50th match getting underway at 12pm
BLOCKBUSTER: James McLounan will be looking to play a big role in Greta’s blockbuster clash against Bright tomorrow.
Kurt Hickling
■ From back page
Fellow forward Declan Bren has also kicked 27 in what’s a deadly one-two punch for Bright.
“We’ve got some plans for a few of their players,” Dube said.
“But they’ve got so many good players across the ground so it’s hard to choose who to put work into.
“Cooper Thomason’s a known goal scorer, he can take a grab and snag a goal so we’ll have to watch him.”
While often teams can start slow coming off a bye, Dube’s hopeful his side will be chomping at the bit to tackle Bright.
“When you have a bye it’s the wonderful question of doing too much or not enough,” Dube said.
“We trained through the bye and I think we’ll be ready to go from the first siren on the weekend.
“Playing against a side like Bright should give plenty of natural motivation to have a crack and these are the moments that matter across the season.
“I’d be disappointed if our boys weren’t chomping at the bit to play against a great team.”
FOUR Wangaratta Rovers will feature for the Ovens and Murray in this weekend’s interleague clash with the Goulburn Valley League at Shepparton’s Deakin Reserve.
Will Christie, Tom Boyd, Brodie Filo and Jace McQuade will all done the gold and black as the O&M looks to win the Ash-Wilson Trophy for the third year running.
The interleague clash has been a springboard for players looking to get noticed with former Wangaratta star Joe Richards and Corowa-Rutherglen’s Kaelan Bradtke finding their way onto AFL lists off the back of strong displays.
O&M coach Damien Sexton said he’s confident he’s selected a good side.
“The process has been good, I reckon we’ve got a good balance this year,” Sexton said.
“We’ve got 11 who have played interleague before and 11 that haven’t so half know what it’s about and the other half will no doubt bring a lot of energy given
it’s their first game
“This game gives players the opportunity to show their stuff and open some doors at higher levels which is why I love doing it.”
The O&M squad trained together on three occasions before the final 22 were selected after Wednesday night’s session.
“Selection wise it was a pretty tough side to pick which is a good thing,” Sexton said.
“I always ask the club coaches to put their players up for selection and then I might choose one or two based on form and then after the three training runs we select the final team.
“Last night (Wednesday) we had nine boys miss out which is one of the hardest parts of coaching but there’s no way around it and it’s a healthy problem to have.”
For Sexton Saturday’s game-plan to push the GV League aside is simple, don’t over-complicate it.
“Looking back at previous games doesn’t help in this situation because both teams
are different,” Sexton said.
“We just hope that we can gel well enough and be in front when it counts.
“You don’t want to over complicate it, obviously all players need to defend but you want to see the boys show what they’ve got and show some flare.
“Looking at the weather it’s going to be a magnificent day so it’ll be a quick game of footy.
“What I do know is that it’ll take a four quarter performance.”
Wangaratta Rovers ruckman Will Christie has had an outstanding start to the season and will be looking to show his stuff on the big stage.
“Will’s a really exciting young ruckman,” Sexton said.
“He’s had a great start to the season and has been rewarded so the stage is set for him.
“He’s a big man and he’s a local talent which is such a great thing.”
Wangaratta’s Fraser Holland-Dean and Xavier Laverty were named as emergencies for the clash.
WHILE no Wangaratta or Wangaratta Rovers netballers will feature in the open interleague side this year, it’s sure to be another ripping encounter when the O&M meets the Goulburn Valley League tomorrow at Deakin Reserve.
Reigning Netball Victoria Coach of the Year and former Wangaratta Rovers mentor Noel Halton makes his OMFNL Interleague debut as head coach of the open team.
Despite the lack of local talent in the open age group, there will be plenty of familiar faces at under 17 and under 15 level.
Jodie House returns to lead the under 17 side, while history will also be made with the O&M assembling an under 15 representative team for the first time, off the back of a successful introduction of the grade at club level last season.
Shaylah House has been appointed to coach the under 15s inaugural match.
In the under 17s Rovers duo Amelia Sharp and Holly McCarthy were selected, while clubmates Lily Lyster and Lainey Draper will feature in the under 15’s.
Wangaratta’s Izzy McMahon was also selected for the under 15 squad.
Open interleague squad: Sophie Hanrahan (CorowaRutherglen), Emily Browne,
Grace Hay, Madi Lieschke (North Albury), Taylor Donelan, Mackensey House, Mia Lavis, Eliza Mooney, Emily Stewart, Maggie St John (Wodonga Raiders) and Laura Ryan (Yarrawonga).
Under 17 interleague squad: Aleira McCowan, Kijana McCowan (Albury), Skylah McPherson (Myrtleford), Sophia Kotzur, Zali Macklan, Mac-
kenzie Thompson, Neeve Taylor (Raiders), Amelia Sharp, Holly McCarthy, (Wang Rovers), Abbey Bloye, Molly Moylan, Lily McKimmie (Wodonga). Training partners: Latoya Bowers (Raiders), Meg Foley (Wodonga), Sammi Murray (North Albury).
Under 15 interleague squad: Chelsie Ackerly (Lavington),
Lily Boyer (Myrtleford), Zali Howard (North Albury), Brylee Carkeek, Zali Fryer, Chloe Hale, Lucy Tinkler, Chloe Richardson (Raiders), Izzy McMahon (Wangaratta), Lily Lyster, Lainey Draper (Rovers), Arhi Cohen (Wodonga), Training partners: Gemma Corcoran (Myrtleford), Tyla Hilton (North Albury), Maddison Smith (Raiders).
won the junior category of the Wangaratta Clay Target Club May DTL shoot with an impressive 247/300 targets hit.
WANGARATTA Clay Target Club had another great roll up for the May Down The Line shoot with eight full squads of six.
The day was sponsored by Kudri Demaj who put on some meat trays from Londrigan Finer Foods.
The 100T Point Score was well received and scores were typically high across the grades. Targets as usual were presented well thanks to Daryl Hunt and the Green Dream targets. Thanks to all Wangaratta committee members who helped out and thanks to all that came.
Results: Overall and AA grade - Craig Fitzgerald 296/300, 2nd - Angus Ferguson.
A grade - Craig Sessions 290/300, 2nd - Michael Lindsay 286/300.
B grade - Chris Lewis 276/300, 2nd John Winters 274/300.
C grade - John Bosnick 265/300, 2nd Graham Coyle 262/300.
Junior - Bryce Milthorpe 247/300. Ladies - Jessica-Kate Goodall 262/300. Veteran - John Wojcik 287/300.
THE Division 3 Dragon men’s team took on lower placed Wodonga White at Cathedral College on Saturday.
The Dragons went into the game knowing that they were higher in the ladder they still had to play at their best to come away with a win.
Wodonga White forced the Dragons to play as a team with plenty of teamwork on display in both attacking and defending.
Wangaratta were able to force a short corner in the second quarter, with the ball coming out to Issaac Cameron, who shot the ball towards the goal and was deftly deflected by Tim Longman to score.
After going into the halftime break 1-0, the Dragons came out into the second half looking for more goals but they were unable to trouble the scoreboard for the rest of the game finishing the game 1-0.
The Division 2 Dragon men’s team took on 3rd on the ladder Falcons Orange
on Sunday in Albury.
The Falcons came out strong and fast as expected and the Dragon men held strong, playing some great team hockey.
The Falcons experience showed as they were able to force a number of short corners with the Dragons defence able to shut down most of them.
Goalie Alex James was instrumental in keeping the score respectable making plenty of great saves.
Former junior Harrison North stepped onto the field wearing Dragon colours for the first time in about 10 years, and was right at home albeit a little rusty taking on his former club.
That Falcons had a four goal lead right up until the last minute of the game when Dragons were able to force a short corner.
It forced a penalty stroke which Harrison took successfully, the final score of 4-1 a solid improvement on the 6-0 result the previous encounter.
Under 14 boys
The first quarter against Wodonga was a tight contest, with both teams defending well.
Wodonga broke through with the first goal of the game in the second quarter. Wodonga was doing most of the attacking in the first half and it was only some solid defence and great goalkeeping by Noah Fitzgerald
that limited their scoring.
Wangaratta came out attacking in the third quarter and scored their first goal when Hamish Kerr converted from a short corner.
Wodonga stepped up their game in the last quarter and scored two more goals to finish the game 3-1 over Wangaratta.
Division 3 ladies met Corowa United in Wangarat-
ta in a defensive game.
Goalkeeper Carli Notman was best on ground for her amazing skills stopping majority of Corowa’s shots on goal.
Carli’s expertise sliding from side to side was brilliant to watch as many balls were deflected away.
All other Dragon team members up a fight and tried their best.
◀
Unfortunately Dragons lost to Corowa this time.
The Wangaratta Dragons are gearing up for their birthday bash on June 1 at the ground at Cathedral College.
A great family day is guaranteed, if you are keen to see what we do or would like some information on how to play, festivities start at 9.30am
WANGARATTA City will be out to record their second win of the season when they meet the similarly placed Cobram at South Wangaratta Reserve on Sunday.
Cobram sits just one spot above the Devils also sitting at just the two wins this season and both sides will see the clash as winning opportunities.
Kat De Naps Photography
GOING FOR FIVE: Bianca Mulqueen and Lara McNaughton celebrate a goal at Savoy Park last week as the Lady Devils look to make it five games unbeaten in a ro against Cobram on Sunday:
WANGARATTA City will look to make it five games unbeaten in a row when they host Cobram on Sunday.
After a humbling first loss of the season to Melrose in round five, the Lady Devils have brought out some of their best football, including a 16-0 win against Twin City and a 4-0 win coming off a break last weekend against rivals Myrtleford.
Coach Terry Masters said their La Fiera derby triumph was one of their most complete performances of the season, and the team would look to car-
ry on their momentum this weekend.
“A couple of the girls have told me Cobram tends to be a bit of struggle, it doesn’t matter how good or bad they are going on the ladder, you always seem to struggle to beat them,” he said.
“We’ll work on our strengths and hopefully that’s enough to get us over the line.
“If we keep improving like we have been we should go alright.”
Despite dropping their opening two games to top teams Melrose and Albury Hotspurs, the Roar have gone on to win five of their
next seven and boast the third best attack and defence in the league on record behind Wangaratta City.
The side will be going in relatively unchanged from their win on Sunday, as defender Caitlin Rizzo continues to recover from a foot injury.
“Because we’ve got a fairly strong squad that goes deep, we can afford to have Caitlin rest up until she’s ready,” Masters said.
The division one girls will kick-off at 11:20am at South Wangaratta, which will follow the reserves from 9:50am against the Roar.
Wangaratta City coach Raff Molinaro said his side is eyeing a win.
“Cobram are in a similar situation to us with injuries and things so it’ll be a tight game,” Molinaro said.
“I think for us it’s all about fighting and continuing to try and reach the place we know we’re capable of.
“If we continue to fight we know the results will come sooner rather than later and then from there you never know what can happen when you get some momentum.”
After Elijah Royal and Archer Hill were forced from the field with injury in Wangaratta’s 3-2 loss to Myrtleford on Sunday, the Devils may turn to youth against the Roar.
“Elijah could be out for a month or so with a foot injury, he’s in a moon boot,” Molinaro said.
“Archer will be touch and go, he’ll see how he’s feeling a day or two before the game.
“This weekend could be an opportunity to have a look at some juniors who
are coming through.
“There’s been a few under 16 boys doing well in the reserves and kicking goals so we might turn to them.”
RICHMOND’S AFLW side will hold a free clinic at WJ Findlay Oval on Monday as part of their community camp.
The clinic will feature the likes of Tigers stars Grace Egan, Bec Miller and Gabby Seymour, while reigning AFLW league best and fairest winner Mon Conti and Richmond captain Katie Brennan will be in Wangaratta during the day visiting schools.
Egan, who grew up in Shepparton and played under 18 football for the Murray Bushrangers, said she’s looking forward to getting to Wangaratta.
“Growing up I never thought I’d be playing footy but once I saw and met women that were playing that’s when I crossed over and started playing,” Egan said.
“Hopefully if there are kids who aren’t into football yet, they might come along and meet some of us players which might spark their interest.
“I know that when you’ve met someone personally you’re more likely to become more ntertested in the sport.”
Egan said she’s well aware of the impact professional footballers and sportspeople can have on country kids.
“Growing up in Shepparton you wouldn’t get AFL players to town very often so when they did come it was always exciting,” she said.
“I remember meeting a few AFL players at Deakin Reserve and that was so exciting.
“Hopefully there are a few
excited kids there on Monday.”
The AFLW is continuing to go from strength to strength with the 2024 season just around the corner, kicking off
in the final week of August.
“The AFLW has grown heaps over the past few years,” Egan said.
“The skill level is improving every year and I think
everyone sees that with the higher scoring games and bigger crowds and things.
“This is the first year I’ve been able to turn it into a proper career, I don’t work
another full-time job on top of footy anymore which has been awesome.
“Footy’s now a lot more enjoyable because I’m training fresh and not tired from
WANGARATTA Rovers Football and Netball Club are aiming to fundraise $6000 to send Bella Pasquali to Peru to compete at an international level.
Pasquali is off to Peru in August as part of the Australian contingent competing in the 2024 World Athletics Under 20 Championships.
The local running sensation was named in the 4x400m relay team off the back of her run in the under 20 women’s 400m final at the Australian Track and Field Championships in South Australia in April, with a time of 54.15 seconds.
The club is looking to get 24 sponsors to give $250 each, with already six signed up on the first day of the fundraiser.
Wangaratta Rovers Football and Netball Club secretary Graeme Taylor said they are hoping to raise the funds in the next couple of months.
“The trip is not covered by Athletics Australia so it’s funding that the competitors themselves have to come up with to cover their expenses for the trip,” he said.
“I would encourage anyone who has followed Bella’s career and is keen to see her compete at an international level to give a little.
“It’s a unique opportunity for a local born and raised in Wan-
garatta to feature on an international stage.”
The women’s 4x400m relay team consists of Pasquali, Charlotte McAuliffe, Sophia Gregorevic, Ella Penman, Amelia Rowe and Jemma Pollard.
A group of 68 athletes will represent Australia at the world championships. Donations can be made to Wangaratta Rovers Football Club BSB 803070 Acc 100006808.
juggling two jobs at once like I have been in past years.”
The clinic at WJ Findlay Oval will run from 4pm5pm with any kids aged 6-12 years-old able to join in.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME: Mathew Ferguson coach of the Knights rugby league men’s team (left), and Sal Kaiwai coach of the Knights ladies team (right) are keen for more locals from juniors upward to join their club.
WANGARATTA Knights take on CSU Mud Dogs in round six of the Goulburn Murray Storm Premiership held at Sarvaas Park, Lavington on Sunday.
The Ladies League Tag game (Wangaratta Knights vs CSU Mud Dogs) will be held at 11:15am while the Senior Men’s Tackle (Knights vs CSU Mud Dogs) will be at 3:15pm.
The entire league is also encouraging kids to come along and try out the juniors skill building program that is held on game day during the change over (12:30pm).
Information for registration is found on the Wang Knights Facebook page - Wangaratta Knights Rugby League Club.
Four Rovers to feature for O&M
Page 35
Tom Newton is keen to bring up his 50th match for King Valley in the reserves against North Wangaratta on Saturday.
■ More on page 34
PHOTO: Bailey Zimmermann
Greta to make the trip to face the Mountain Men at Pioneer Park in O&K match of the round p
GRETA are raring to go for Saturday’s blockbuster one versus three affair against Bright at Pioneer Park Reserve.
Coming off a bye, the Blues will be fresh for the undefeated Bright as they look to hand them their first loss for the season.
Greta coach Chris Dube
BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au
said it will be a great test for his side.
“It’s going to be a fantastic test for our boys,” Dube said.
“Bright are a side that we
really respect and playing them in Bright is always a challenge no matter where they are on the ladder.
“It’s going to be a big test and both sides will get to see where they’re at.”
Greta have had a super season to date losing just the one game when they went down to Bonnie Doon
by just a goal in round four.
Since then they’ve beaten North Wangaratta (161-points), Benalla All Blacks (136-points) and Whorouly (92-points) on their way to this weekend’s massive clash.
“As a coach you’re never satisfied and at the end of the day you just take every
challenge as it comes,” Dube said.
“For us it’s just about trying to maintain the same discipline week in, week out which is a tough task to do.
“We’ve had the one hiccup to Bonnie Doon this year which was full credit to them because they were
tougher for longer but we’re going along okay.”
The Mountain Men have match winners across the park with young forward Cooper Thomason among the state’s leading country goal-kickers with 47 majors to his name from seven games.
■ Continued page 34
