WANGARATTA Artists Society member Wendy Stephens organised a life drawing workshop in Wangaratta on Saturday. It’s success will see it become a monthly event.
WANGARATTA’S Grit and Resilience Consortium is backing calls for more measures to help improve the safety of social media platforms for young people, including verification of mental health information and limiting infinite scroll features.
It has thrown its support behind leading mental health organisations
BY JORDAN DUURSMA jduursma@
ReachOut, Beyond Blue and Black Dog Institute, who have made a joint submission to the Joint Select Committee on Social Media and Australian Society, seeking policies that compel social
media platforms to work according to safetyby-design principles, transparency and user control when it comes to algorithms, verification of health content on platforms and funding for more research into the links between social media and mental health.
Co-chair of the Grit and
Resilience Consortium, Tegan Allen, said she is pleased to see leading mental health organisations collaborating to address the complex issues surrounding social media and mental health for young people.
“Their evidence-based recommendations focus on the lived experiences of
young people are crucial steps in understanding and mitigating the risks associated with social media use,” she said.
“We believe that social media platforms have a significant role to play in ensuring the mental health and wellbeing of their users.
“We are eager to see
the positive changes that can come from these collaborative efforts.” These calls for change align with local initiatives facilitated by the Grit and Resilience Program aimed at supporting young people online and in-person throughout the Rural City of Wangaratta.
■ Continued page 2
Council taking steps for a more equitable sporting future
By JORDAN DUURSMA
THE implementation of a three-year action plan to improve access to council sporting infrastructure for people of all genders and abilities throughout the Rural City of Wangaratta (RCoW) was a key talking point at a community sports forum in early July.
RCoW community and recreation coordinator, Denise Pirko, said the community sports forum was well-attended.
“[The forum] brought together participants from across the sporting landscape and there was enthusiastic discussion about the action plan,” she said.
RCoW ‘s fair access policy and specific actions planned to support its implementation over the next three years are a roadmap to implement equitable access to publicly owned community sports infrastructure across the state for everyone in the community, largely focusing on education in community clubs.
At the forum, council officers announced six successful applicants for Play Like a Girl - the new leadership training program for women and girls.
“These participants will join the Women in Sport Group, helping to develop implementation strategies and offering valuable insights into equity in our clubs,” Ms Pirko said.
wangarattachronicle.com.au
“We will reach out to user groups in August and September to assist all clubs in securing their preferred ground booking times for the busy summer season.
“We are committed to supporting clubs in finding creative solutions, such as alternating sessions, year-on/ year-off arrangements, or shared grounds, to ensure everyone’s needs are met with equity.”
The forum was also an opportunity for participants to hear from the AFL Northeast Border and Sport Northeast about club culture, inclusion and diversity, vaping, alcohol and drugs, and more.
TAFE teachers stopwork with threat of escalation
TAFE teachers will stop work today for a second time since June, and are set to escalate to a 24-hour statewide action on Wednesday, August 21 as part of an ongoing pay dispute.
The Australia Education Union (AEU) said the action comes after more than two years of negotiations with the Victorian government and TAFE employers “have failed to put a fair and reasonable offer for improved pay and conditions on the table”.
AEU data shows that Victoria’s TAFE teacher shortage is expected to worsen and the union pointed to the ‘Victorian State of our TAFEs report’ which showed 71 per cent of TAFE teachers considered leaving their job last year citing concerns about unsustainable workloads, high stress, poor TAFE funding and inadequate pay.
CALLS FOR CHANGES TO SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS
■ From page 1 Program coordinator, Bek Nash-Webster, said the program is committed to fostering social connection and inclusion within and across the community.
“As part of our recent Grit and Resilience SIAG Initiative Blueprint, released just a few weeks ago, we have introduced the ‘Social Media for Youth’ initiative,” she said.
“This initiative will focus on safely disseminating and engaging with young people online, increasing connection, and making social media an inclusive space right here in Wangaratta.
“Our program, evolved from the initial four-year Grit and Resilience Program, brings together community and organisations to identify local needs, existing initiatives, and gaps related to social connection and social inclusion.
“We test and develop a range of funded initiatives that support community
Minimal impact expected: GOTAFE
A GOTAFE spokesperson told the Wangaratta Chronicle that the organisation “recognises the right of a team member to choose whether to participate in protected industrial action and respects the right of staff to express their voice”.
“It is expected there will be minimal impact on education delivery at GOTAFE campuses, with small numbers of employees advising that they will choose to participate in the protected industrial action and no classes cancelled”.
The AEU said the report is based on a survey of 490 Victorian TAFE teachers and shows that:
• 40 per cent of teachers expect to cease working as a TAFE teacher by 2029, just five years away, and 71 per cent of teachers considered leaving TAFE during 2023.
• 71 per cent of teachers who say they have considered leaving in the last 12 months cited improved pay would encourage them to stay, along with 62 per cent reporting reduced adminis-
trative duties would allow them to focus on class preparation and teaching students.
• 66 per cent of teachers say their pay and working conditions do not reflect their professional value or the work they do.
• 79 per cent say there is a shortage of teachers in their department, with the reasons for the shortage including pay and conditions available in industry, excessive workloads, stress, and poor funding for TAFEs.
POSITIVE CHANGES: Co-chair of the Grit and Resilience Consortium, Tegan Allen, is part of the team working to create a safe and inclusive space online for local youth.
participation, inclusion, and connection.
“We recognise that social inclusion is vital in supporting and maintaining social connection efforts that strengthen individual and community mental health and wellbeing.”
The Grit and Resilience Program, funded through the Victorian State Government based on recommendation 15 of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, is dedicated to creating safe and supportive online environments.
• 53 per cent of teachers report class sizes have increased over the past two years, with 54 per cent saying class sizes present an OH&S risk.
AEU Victorian branch president Meredith Peace said these figures show that teachers and students are bearing the brunt of the critical issues impacting Victorian TAFEs.
“TAFE teachers are burnt-out and fed up with the inaction of this state government, who 10 years ago, promised that they would save TAFE in Victoria,” she said.
“Members will rally at 18 stopwork meetings across the state today, and are prepared to escalate to a 24-hour stopwork action in August if Premier Allan and Minister Tierney fail to put a decent pay and conditions offer on the table.”
Woman caught driving while suspended twice
A FORMER Wangaratta woman avoided having her licence disqualified despite being caught driving while suspended twice within three months.
Wangaratta Magistrate’s Court heard on Monday that she had her driver’s licence suspended in January this year due to an accumulation of demerit points for speeding.
While living in Wangaratta, she was caught on both occasions near her home address on February 16 and on April 5.
Representing herself, the mother of four said she was driving to assist her “complex” child, who is diagnosed with ADHD and receives support from the NDIS program.
Currently residing in Korumburra, she said she had only just gained her licence back five days prior and was worried of losing it again.
Magistrate Peter Dunn issued a 12-month good behaviour bond, warning the defendant the maximum penalty for driving while suspended can come with a term of imprisonment.
“You wouldn’t want to test my patience by breaching that bond,” he said.
“You’ve got to get that foot off the pedal.”
Est. 1884, Incorporating Wangaratta Despatch, Est. 1861
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: Community sports forum discussed the council’s action plan for a more equitable sporting future for Wangaratta.
Getting ready for Great V ictorian Bike Ride visit
By PHOEBE MORGAN
BICYCLE Network is coming to Wangaratta next week to meet with locals and discuss how community groups, businesses and tourism operators can get involved and benefit from the upcoming Great Vic Bike Ride.
The floor will be open at the meetings for locals to discuss the ride and see how they can be a part of the festivities.
A meeting is planned at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Wednesday, July 31, between 5.30pm to 6.30pm.
Three thousand bike riders, volunteers and support staff will participate in the biggest multiday bike ride in the Southern Hemisphere starting in Wodonga on November 23 and ending 501ms later in Healesville on December 1.
Wangaratta will play host to the massive event with overnight stops on November 25 and 26.
Bicycle Network CEO, Alison McCormack, said next week’s meeting in Wangaratta will give locals the chance to learn how they can make the most out of the event and get information about how it will operate.
“This year’s 40th anniversary Great Vic is set to feature the North East,” Ms McCormack said.
“We’re excited to work with the local communities to help share their community with riders and showcase the very best of each town.
“Whether you’re part of the golf club or football club, run a cafe, or have some local produce to showcase to riders, we would love you to come along to the community meetings to learn more about the Great Vic.
“The event presents great opportunities for community groups like schools, sporting clubs and businesses.
“Each rider spends an average of $35 a day on the Great Vic, injecting more than $100,000 each day into the region.
“Three out of four riders also tell us that they are likely to come back to towns again within 12 months after first visiting on the ride.”
Planning information including details of campsite locations and changes to traffic conditions will also be discussed at the meetings.
“We want to make sure our visit to each town is as smooth as possible and that local communities understand how the event will run and the opportunities for them,” Ms McCormack said.
For more information on the event, and details for those who can’t make it on the night, visit greatvic.com.au
Vehicle rolls over barrier after collision with truck near Boralma
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
A CHILTERN truckie was given an infringement notice on Monday after failing to give way and colliding with a Ford Everest on the Hume Freeway near Boralma.
Wangaratta police Sergeant Paul Purcell said at around 8:25am on July 22, a truck driving along Carraragarmungee Estate Road attempted to cross the Hume Freeway intersection. After crossing the south-bound lanes before entering the freeway on the other side, it collided with an oncoming Ford SUV, hitting its rear right-hand side.
Sgt Purcell said the SUV spun sideways for around 25 metres before hitting the freeway barriers and causing the vehicle to roll, before coming to rest on the driver’s side.
The driver, aged in his 40s, was extracted from the vehicle and taken to hospital for precautionary reasons, while the truck driver sustained no injuries.
Both vehicles obtained minor damages.
Sgt Purcell said the 49-year-old Chiltern truck driver was issued an infringement notice for failing to give way at the Carraragarmungee Estate Road intersection when crossing the freeway.
Alleged ‘Peppa Pig’ ecstasy
pill trafficker released on bail
AN alleged drug trafficker caught with an estimated $150,000 worth of ‘Peppa Pig’ ecstasy pills in Wangaratta has been released on bail after more than eight months behind bars.
The 27-year-old St Albans man appeared from custody at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Monday, where he was to be released to the drug rehabilitation centre Odyssey House Victoria in Molyullah.
The court heard the man was the driver of a vehicle intercepted by police in Dixon Street at 4.30am on December 5, 2023, with 3.12kgs of pink pills in the shape of popular children’s television character
‘Peppa Pig’ found in the vehicle.
The pills, which were later tested to be ecstasy, had a street value of $150,000.
The defendant and his 34-year-old co-accused, who was the passenger, were remanded into custody.
The defendant told police the drugs were “not mine”.
The court heard the defendant is also facing charges of alleged possession and trafficking of 1,4 Butanediol (GHB).
He was identified as the driver who fled a crash in Melbourne with 478g of aloe vera bottles containing GHB allegedly found in the vehicle.
The defendant was apprehended on the Hume Freeway
at Winton on October 27, 2023 and a search of his home allegedly found 27 identical aloe vera bottles filled with GHB inside his girlfriend’s vehicle, parked on the driveway.
It’s alleged police seized 13.5kg of GHB and found DNA links of the accused on the bottles.
Informant Detective Senior Constable Jesse Gallagher appeared as witness, and said she believed the man still posed a big risk to the community if released from custody.
“Clearly this was a large scale drug trafficking,” she said.
“He’s not getting those drugs from nowhere and I’d imagine
he’s got a fair bit of debt after losing all of those drugs.”
Under cross-examination, defence counsel Liliana Dubroja questioned the DNA findings of the GHB bottles, which also showed there were three other contributors and the accused’s DNA match was a match of “low likelihood”.
The court heard from senior Alcohol and Other Drugs clinician from Odyssey House, Tiesha Simcic, who advocated for the centre’s no tolerance to drugs or other violent behaviour.
Ms Dubroja said there were “triable issues” with the matter and that organised accommodation under the supervi-
sion of Odyssey House would mitigate potential risks of breaches to bail conditions.
Crown prosecutor Sebastian Campbell said protection to the community was paramount and while Odyssey House would provide some stability, exceptional circumstances couldn’t be met.
“The accused will commit further offending if granted bail,” he said.
Magistrate Peter Dunn said while the prosecution case was strong and the accused would be looking at years in prison if found guilty, he would release the accused on bail.
“The fact there is now stable accommodation available
to him in Odyssey House, a well-resourced provider in drug rehabilitation, the risks are mitigated,” he said.
Magistrate Dunn issued strict conditions where the accused may not leave Odyssey House unless under supervision.
The court heard the man’s 34-year-old co-accused of the alleged trafficking of ecstasy had been released on bail on March 7.
The 27-year-old had been remanded in custody since December 5 last year, after having his bail revoked on March 18.
The matter will return for a committal mention on October 17.
PEDAL PARTY: A meeting in Wangaratta next week will discuss how the community can get involved when 3000 riders visit the city in November.
PHOTO: Bicycle Network
Muirs fresh start at new premises
By CHLOE JAENICKE
HORTICULTURE company, Muirs, has moved its Wangaratta location to 16A Shanley Street and celebrated its grand opening on Friday, July 19.
The company has been part of the Wangaratta community since 1983 and decided to move locations to be more accessible to new clients.
“We wanted to be closer to a main street in terms of where we saw ourselves,” Muirs manager and director, Stuart Muir, said.
“Where we were set previously was more in industrial back blocks and that itself really was set up to store and for logistics, people know you’re there just over time but there’s not a lot of passing through traffic.
“To be on the southern side of Wangaratta, for the traffic coming through I think we have a great opportunity to have more eyes on the brand.”
As well as creating greater visibility for the brand, Muirs regional business manager for NSW and North East Victoria, Rob Forsyth, said the new location will allow them to grow the business.
“We were looking for opportunities to grow the business and create new products,” he said.
Mr Forsyth said Muirs has a strong team of agronomists who can offer customers a wide range of support.
“We have local people in each area...we also have international supplier contracts, so we import the best supplies from all
JOINT
Ron Ahl and painter Jana Brook are preparing for their upcoming exhibition at the Art Gallery on Ovens. It will feature fountain pen and watercolour paintings of the Winton Wetlands by Jana, and rustic sculptures including bird baths (pictured) by Ron. An official opening will be held on Thursday, July 25 from 5pm to 7pm at the gallery with all welcome.
around the world,” he said.
“The quality of our staff and team is first class as well as the general feel amongst the group is really something special.”
Muirs offer a wide range of services including testing, monitoring, diagnosis and pest and disease identification of crops while also selling farm merchandise, fertiliser and associated products in store.
Mr Muir said they are looking forward to creating new relationships with local people.
“We like being up here with the people in the North East and we want to continue developing relationships with them,” he said.
To learn more about what Muirs has to offer, visit https://muirs.co/.
Back to business: ATM staff are sorry for the 58 jobless, but glad they’ve got a job
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
BY STEVEN BURKE
THE 124 people who started work at Australian Textile Mills (ATM) on Monday have been told how lucky they are to have jobs.
Steve Twomey was among the workers who met with ATM management at the beginning of their shifts, just over a week after the public collapse of their former employer, Bruck Textile Technologies (BTT).
While 58 former Bruck workers are now jobless and fighting to get their entitlements from a Federal Government fund, 124 essentially kept their jobs and entitlements for the new entity of ATM.
All of those 124 have turned up for work this week.
Mr Twomey, who runs the towelling section at ATM, said it was a mixed day coming back to work.
“It’s never a good thing that so many people were laid off,” he told the Wangaratta Chronicle yesterday.
“They (management) told us they either had to do what
with and a lot of them are no longer there.
they did or the whole lot of us would have lost our jobs.
“I’m glad I’ve got a job.”
Factory manager John
O’Connor was tasked with speaking to staff and getting the organisation up and running again.
He said staff were still quite “shocked” by the events of the past week.
“There’s a bit of a grieving process to go through,” Mr O’Connor said.
“They had a lot of colleagues they were working
He said workers were appreciative of having a job and wanted to know the future direction of the company.
As reported in Monday’s Chronicle, a key change for the company will be a move away from the 22 million metres of fabric per year Bruck produced across 160 fabric lines, to producing 2.5 million to 3 million metres of fabric across 40 lines. Some of the resources will be shifted to more niche, profitable products, like stab/bullet proof vests for defence and Cool Blind window furnishings.
Mr O’Connor said 12 months ago there would have been one person working on the Cool Blind product line at Bruck, while ATM has put it at the top of its priorities and has its product development team focusing on it – with eight workers assigned to developing the flame retardant blind that would be suited for the commercial market.
“Everyone sort of got on with the job.”
SCULPTOR
GROW FORWARD: David Handley and Stuart Muir are looking forward to helping more local people at their new location on Shanley Street. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
1.30PM YESTERDAY: Australian Textile Mills ‘New’ 124 staff hard at work at their former Bruck Textiles’ site wile 58 jobless Bruck Textiles workers attend a creditors meeting.
Figurative artworks come to life at WAS workshop on Saturday
A NEW life drawing group has got off to a strong start, with many local artists drawn by the opportunity to hone their skills with a professional model as the muse, during a workshop held on Saturday.
The Wangaratta Artists Society Inc (WAS) welcomed 15 artists to the life drawing session held at The Studio in Bachelor’s Green, which had been organised by WAS member, Wendy Stephens.
Almost every available easel was occupied as artists took their position around the model, making the most of the vantage point to create their artwork.
WAS member Robyn White said it was a great day and congratulated Wendy on its success.
Gapsted man arrested in major police operation
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
A GAPSTED man was one of three Victorians arrested following a major cross-border police operation.
Police said members from the Viper and Echo taskforces and Wodonga Crime Investigation Unit executed three search warrants at residential addresses in Wodonga (2)
and Myrtleford on July 15. Found at the addresses were two previously stolen Holden SS Commodores valued at around $80,000, a large knife, various calibres of ammunition, stolen and false Victorian registration plates and various quantities of 1,4-Butanediol, methylamphetamine, heroin, cannabis and amphetamine.
All items were seized by police.
The 28-year-old Gapsted man was charged with theft of motor vehicle, handle stolen goods, illegal possession of firearm ammunition and possession of 1,4-Butanediol. Police said he was bailed to appear at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on October 28.
A West-Wodonga man and woman were also arrested and charged with offences related to drug trafficking, theft and various possession of drugs. Police charged 11 people in total following the cross-border operation under Strike Force Uibque, which was established after a stabbing in Albury on Monday, July 8.
NSW Ambulance paramedics treated a 31-yearold man at the scene for stab wounds to his leg and back, and he remains at Albury Base Hospital for treatment.
NSW Police arrested seven people and charged them with 12 offences.
Investigations into Strike Force Uibque are continuing.
Galen Stadium 6-8pm | Expo with Galen learning leaders and further
Soul Food Café 6-8pm | Principal Darta Hovey available for conversations
Galen Performing Arts Centre 6pm - Year 9 Families | Presentation
Galen Performing Arts Centre 7pm - Year 10 Families | Presentation of key
“It was really well attended, with five of our members taking part and another 10 artists from the community coming along, who may join in the future and contribute to our growth,” she said.
“Life drawing sessions will now take place on the third Saturday of every month going forward.”
WAS is a community-based organisation providing a supportive environment for local artists to work on their projects, with artists of all levels of experience welcome.
Membership costs $50 per year and offers access to a spacious studio, open Monday to Friday, with more information available by contacting Robyn on 0412 291 066.
Allans Flat shed engulfed in flames
AN Allans Flat shed was fully engulfed in flames last Thursday afternoon, as CFA units worked for just over three hours to extinguish the fire.
A CFA spokesperson said multiple CFA units arrived at the Gaps Flat Road address on July 18 to find a timber building fully engulfed in flames at around 1:45pm.
Units from Yackandandah, Allans Flat, Kiewa, Leneva, Sandy Creek, Wooragee, Kergunyah and Baranduda worked to extinguish the flames which were out of control for around two hours.
The CFA spokesperson said the cause of the fire was not known and was under investigation.
STUDIO SESSION: Artists and model take a break during the life drawing workshop held by the Wangaratta Artists Society at their studio on Saturday.
Bike riders to increase tourism
THIS year marks the 40th anniversary of the Great Vic Bike Ride which will see around 3000 bike riders, volunteers and support staff descend on Wangaratta later this year.
The multi-day bike ride will start in Wodonga on November 23 and end 501ms later in Healesville on December 1.
The bike ride will cause a large boost in tourism in the area as bike riders are likely to stay in Wangaratta so they can explore the town and surrounding areas.
One of the main goals of the Great Vic Bike Ride is for people to explore parts of the state they might not have seen before and encourage them to come back.
According to Bicycle Network chief executive officer, Alison McCormack, each rider spends around $35 a day on the ride and three out of four riders say they are likely to revisit towns again within 12 months of the ride.
On July 31 the Bicycle Network will be hosting a meeting at the WPAC with locals to discuss how community groups, businesses and tourism operators can get involved and benefit from the upcoming bike ride.
It is important that when the bike ride comes to the North East Wangaratta motorists are careful on the roads and look out for the many cyclists who will be riding through.
Being respectful of the cyclists and volunteers will encourage them to come back and ensure a large boost in local tourism in the future.
For more information on the event, and details for those who can’t make it to the meeting visit greatvic.com.au.
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
The Australian QuizNo.85
1 Middle
Island is the southernmost point of land of which country?
(a) South Africa (b) Canada
(c) Argentina (d) Australia
2 Sharon Rachel Levy, born in 1952, is better known by what name?
(a) Meryl Streep
(b) Sharon Stone (c) Sharon Osbourne (d) Kate Winslet
3 As of 2022, how many times has Serena Williams won the French Open women’s singles title?
(a) Two (b) Three (c) Five (d) Six
4 The Corpus Aristotelicum is a collection of works by which philosopher?
(a) Xenocrates
(b) Socrates (c) Plato
(d) Aristotle
5 Hans-Adam II became the reigning Prince of which country in 1989, a title still held in 2022?
(a) Liechtenstein
(b) Luxembourg (c) Denmark (d) Belgium
stJu as I Am 9 (b) Matteo Berrettini
New Visitor Information Centre needed
WE absolutely agree with the points made by Jennifer Garrett, in her letter in the Chronicle last Friday, in relation to the absence of a substantial Tourist Information Centre, including a Museum, in the Rural City of Wangaratta. Wangaratta is a rural city and deserves the prominence of an operating tourist information centre offering visitors personal communication from locals about local sites and events.
We did have such a centre which also offered gifts and crafts in the centre for those wanting souvenirs of our area.
We are surrounded by many smaller towns that offer this facility for their visitors.
The Hub in Glenrowan, while a good effort to promote Ned Kelly, it is not a representative of all this area has to offer.
We have also had a discussion with members of council on this issue to no avail.
We question what council funds are used for, su rely promotion of our city should be a priority.
Peter and Sandra Headland, Wangaratta
ABA backs national awareness campaign
THE Australian Banking Association (ABA) welcomes the Federal Government’s upcoming campaign to further educate the community about elder abuse.
This was a timely opportunity to further raise awareness and shine the spotlight on financial elder abuse.
Australian banks are deeply conscious of financial elder abuse.
They see it playing out every day and have measures in place to help prevent it and keep older Australians safe.
The ABA has developed guidelines for industry to prevent and respond to financial elder abuse.
Banks also train their staff to recognise red flags and have specialist teams that can respond and support victims.
The key to preventing elder financial abuse is awareness - equipping people with the knowledge of what it might look like, how it can occur, and then
6 What colour is the stripe at the bottom of the flag of Paraguay?
(a) Orange (b) Green
(c) Red (d) Blue
7 Alexandros of Antioch was a Greek sculptor who is credited with creating which of the following things?
(a) Venus de Milo
(b) Pieta
(c) Victorious Youth (d) Christ the Redeemer
8 What is the title of Guy Sebastian’s debut album?
(a) Like it Like That
(b) Conscious (c) Closer to the Sun
(d) Just as I Am
9 Who won the 2022 Stuttgart Open men’s singles tournament?
(a) Andy Murray (b) Matteo Berrettini
(c) Nick Kyrgios
(d) Oscar Otte
10In relation to a medical MRI machine, what does the M in MRI stand for?
(a) Musculoskeletal
(b) Medical (c) Macroscopic (d) Magnetic
empowering them to take action if they see it happening or are a victim themselves.
More progress needs to be made to better harmonise powers of attorney arrangements across jurisdictions.
Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPOA) should be an instrument of protection but the complexity created by the lack of harmonisation of laws between jurisdictions remains a significant barrier to real progress.
This lack of harmonisation causes confusion for older people and their attorneys and creates unnecessary complexity for banks and other entities required to act on EPOAs.
Harmonisation of EPOA arrangements, establishing a national online register of enduring documents and creating an authority to report and act on suspected abuse were all recommended by the Australian Law Reform Commission in 2017 and need to be urgently progressed to better protect older Australians.
More information on how to prevent and respond to financial elder abuse can be found at https://www.ausbanking.org. au/priorities/financial-elder-abuse/. Anna Bligh, ABA CEO
encouraging locals to donate their old/used large batteriesranging from lawnmower, motorbike and golf buggy batteries to those from cars, tractors and trucks - to be recycled as part of a fundraiser for Wangaratta West Primary School. The first drop-off day is this Sunday, July 28 at the Phillipson Street school from 10am to 12 noon. Another will be held on Sunday, August 25, also from 10am to 12 noon. Once the batteries are recycled, 100 per cent of the proceeds will go to the school to help fund beautiful and functional new play spaces for students to enjoy. For more information about the fundraiser, contact Dan on 0418 364 707.
BATTERY DRIVE: Daniel White and sons Bobby and Lenny are
Encouraging a love of green environment in young people
By CHLOE JAENICKE
PARK Lane Nursery has teamed up with Appin Park Primary School for a planting day to help beautify the school and involve children in the environment.
The planting day coincides with School Tree Planting Day on July 26, which is just two days before National Tree Planting Day on Sunday, July 28.
Grant Allen from Park Lane Nursery said since National Tree Day was created by Olivia Newton-John and Jon Dee in 1996, over 27 million trees have been planted across Australia and he hopes this trend can continue.
“It brings the community together, it focuses a lot of thought into the environment,” he said.
“The environment’s so im-
portant, we need to get more trees back into the environment for wildlife, insects, birds and reptiles.
“I think it’s great for the environment and that everyone should get out and plant a tree on July 28.”
Mr Allen said he believes it’s especially important to encourage the next generation to participate in hobbies such as gardening.
“I think we need to look at the broad picture of that for children and instil in their minds how important trees are for the environment,” he said.
“I think it’s important to engage children and get them involved and hopefully it becomes a lifelong passion.”
Park Lane is also taking part in Garden Centre Australia’s and One Tree Per Child’s initiative through
donating plants, planting mix and fertilisers to local schools.
With Appin Park, Grant said they will be working with around 20 year 3 and 4 students to plant trees around the water tanks at the school.
The collaboration started when Appin Park approached Park Lane Nursery after students raised money through raffles to tidy up the area around the fire tanks.
“I just think it’s great that we’ve come on board with Appin Park,” he said.
“Their principal Fiona seems really excited, and I think the kids will have a really good time.”
SAVING THE ENVRIONMENT: Grant Allen and Karrie-Ann Goode are encouraging families and schools to get involved in National Tree Day.
Students, community to join council to plant more Indigenous trees
By ANITA MCPHERSON
MEMBERS of the community are invited to join the Rural City of Wangaratta’s environment and sustainability team for a community tree planting day on Sunday, July 28.
The event is being held to celebrate National Tree Day, Australia’s largest tree planting and nature care event, which wants to see one million trees planted this year across the country.
The planting site in Wangaratta is along the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail at Londrigan and it is prepared and ready to go, with holes dug by the team with help from the Landmate crew from Beechworth Correctional Centre.
Environment and sustainability coordinator Evelina Dudzinski said the aim was to preserve the endangered Plains Grassy Woodland, which was once widespread but has largely disappeared since European settlement.
“Many of the plants and animals that rely on this habitat are now also threatened including the Squirrel Glider, Brush-tailed Phascogale, Grey Crowned Babbler and Bush StoneCurlew,” she said.
“The aim of planting at this site is to continue the habitat corridor along the Rail Trail that we have created with the help of school students and community volunteers over the past two years.
“Our planting will replace weedy species with a range of Indigenous native spe-
NATURE CARE: Council’s environment and sustainability team members including (from left) Crystal Speakman, Evelina Dudzinski, Andrew Snowdon and Vanessa Thompson, welcome the community to join them on National Tree Day.
cies suited to the site with ground layer grasses and herbs, mid storey shrubs and some scattered trees which together will provide food and shelter for a variety of native frogs, lizards, birds and mammals.”
Around 90 students from Glenrowan and Everton primary school will kick things off on Friday, July 26 when they begin planting with the team as part of the Schools Tree Day event.
Local schools across the Rural City of Wangaratta have also been provided with free Indigenous native plants to plant in their school grounds.
Community volunteers
Boozy Corowa night leads to licence disqualification for drink driving
A NAGAMBIE man has been going through hardship since losing his job following a drink-drive and speeding incident on Federation Way this year, a court has heard.
Appearing at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Monday, the man had his licence disqualified for 10-months for his offending.
The court heard the man was observed by police near Boralma on April 13 travelling at 110kph in a 100kph zone.
He was subsequently
pulled over and tested for alcohol, and would later give a reading of 0.106 in an evidentiary breath test.
When questioned by police he said he didn’t think he would’ve blown that much and didn’t think he was going that fast.
Representing himself, the Nagambie man told the court after a busy week working in the Corowa area, he decided to stay his final night in a motel rather than drive home.
He said after buying a six-
pack of beer he was invited to join the festivities with the local bowls club, who “kept feeding him beer”.
After staying the night, the man was on his way back to his Nagambie home when he was pulled over at around 10am.
“Honestly I thought I’d have blown a little bit but not that much,” he said.
“I felt fine, if I didn’t I wouldn’t have driven.
“It’s been pretty hard since I tell ‘ya.”
Magistrate Peter Dunn also issued a $1200 fine.
are called to gather on National Tree Day on Sunday, July 28 from 10am at the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail at Londrigan (enter from Wangaratta-Eldorado Road), with planting to be followed by a free barbecue lunch cooked by the Moyhu Lions Club.
Bring your own gloves (a limited number will be available for those who forget) and a water bottle, wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather conditions.
Participants are asked to register to ensure sufficient catering can be provided on the day by visiting events.humanitix.com/ rcow-tree-day-24.
Wangaratta's premier
KING VALLEY NEWS
Covering Moyhu, Edi, Myrrhee, Whitfield, Cheshunt and Whitlands areas
Community called to contribute to King Valley emergency plan
BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au
MEMBERS of the King Valley community are invited to share their knowledge and help create an accessible map of vital emergency information and services - specific to their community - during a mapping workshop being held on Saturday at the Cheshunt Hall.
The event is being facilitated by the King Valley Community Emergency Management Planning Committee, whose members include representatives from local CFA services, Victoria Police and the Rural City of Wangaratta, as part of the Safer Together initiative.
The group formed in 2023 to discuss and plan for future emergency situations in the King Valley.
Committee member Rosie Suter said the group discussed topics such as the impact of floods, storms and bushfires on communications, electricity outages, road accessibility and medical emergencies.
“We looked at back-up power, communications and options for helicopter landing sites,” she said.
“What came out of these meetings was the realisation we needed a community map which would be accessible through physical signage and printed form in general stores
WANGARATTA Senior Citizens Club members will hold a social gathering at their clubrooms in Tara Court, off Ford Street, today from 1.30pm.
The club will also host indoor carpet bowls tomorrow (Thursday) from 12 noon, cards (500) on Friday from 1.30pm, indoor carpet bowls on Monday from 12 noon, and cards (500) and hoy on Tuesday from 1.30pm, all in the group’s clubrooms or in the adjoining St Patrick’s supper room.
Social gathering next Wednesday, July 31 will be a Christmas in July event at Remel 185 in Whorouly. Bus leaves from Swan Street at 10am.
WANGARATTA Seniors Dance will be held on Friday, July 26 from 2pm to 4pm in St Patrick’s supper room (entry beside St Patrick’s Church, Ford Street).
Music will be provided by Rustic Ramblers, dance revision is 1.30pm to 2pm, and admission is $5 (non-members $7), which includes afternoon tea.
For more information, phone Margaret on 0407 357 226 or Julie on 0408 032 451.
OXLEY Garden Group’s next gathering will be held at Janice and Greg Cherry’s home at 34 Simpson Street, Oxley at 10am on Thursday, August 8.
BE
for both residents and visitors.
“The maps will feature locally specific emergency information such as UHF frequency, defibrillator locations, public wi-fi locations, water points, neighbourhood safer places, emergency staging areas, and so on, as well as show which local roads are inaccessible when water levels rise.”
The Safer Together initiative is being delivered by the Rural City of Wangaratta, partnered
BYO cup, chair and a plate to share. All welcome.
with Red Cross, who has already developed these maps in other areas such as Woods Point and Mallacoota.
Ms Suter said the group is encouraging community members to come to the Cheshunt Hall on Saturday and get involved in the information gathering session.
She said they may have experience, suggestions and important information which should be included in the map.
“Local knowledge is super
WANGARATTA Artists Society Inc provides a supportive environment for local artists to work on their projects, welcoming beginners to experienced individuals.
It hosts workshops led by experienced artists in various mediums throughout the year, and the studio is equipped to cater to artists and their artistic endeavours.
For more information, contact Robyn on 0412 291 066.
WANGARATTA Orchid Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 6.30pm in St Patrick’s supper room, off Ford Street. Meetings include flower shows and talks, and everyone is welcome. Phone Hans on 0428 119 737.
OSTINATO Wangaratta and District Community Choir meets each Tuesday from 7pm to 9.30pm at the Log Cabin, corner Faithfull and Chisholm Streets, Wangaratta. New members welcome. Contact Helen on 0457 269278.
WANGARATTA Sing Australia Group holds its weekly meetings each Wednesday from 7.30pm to 9pm at Purbrick Hall, next to Holy
SOCIAL CALENDAR
Trinity Cathedral.
Anita
important around emergency planning,” she said.
“Having this mapped out clearly will relieve miscommunication and allow residents and visitors to have important, up-to-date knowledge of our local area.”
The mapping workshop will be held on Saturday, July 27 at the Cheshunt Hall from 12pm to 3pm and lunch will be provided, with RSVP please for catering purposes to recreation@wangaratta.vic.gov.au.
members welcome. Contact Frances on 0417 158 220.
Whitfield Recreation Reserve meeting
THE Rural City of Wangaratta invites the Whitfield community to attend a special general meeting for the Whitfield Recreation Reserve being held at the AC Swinburne Pavilion on Wednesday, July 24 at 6pm. The meeting is being held to appoint a new Community Asset Committee which plays an integral role, ensuring the important venue and service for the Whitfield and King Valley community is maintained.
For more information on becoming a committee member and to register to attend, email recreation@wangaratta.vic.gov.au or call council on 5722 0888.
King Valley United ladies day
KING Valley United Football Netball Club will hold a Ladies Day event at the Whitfield Recreation Reserve on Saturday, July 27 from 3pm onwards.
Sponsored by Cavedon Wines, there will be live music from Hannah Hogan, a lucky door prize, raffles, afternoon tea and more, with tickets available by visiting the club’s website or Facebook page.
Myrrhee Hall book swap
THE next coffee and book swap morning will be held on Sunday, July 28 from 9.30am to 11.30am at the Myrrhee Hall. All are welcome to come along and catch up with friends and neighbours, with baristamade coffee and cake available.
KVA Film Club screening in August
THE King Valley Arts Film Club will hold its next screening at the Cheshunt Hall cinema on Tuesday, August 13 at 7.30pm.
The film is the 1959 classic On The Beach starring Gregory Peck, Ava Gardner, Anthony Perkins and Fred Astaire, a sci-fi romantic drama set in 1964 in Australia, which becomes a temporary safe haven after an atomic war wipes out humanity in the northern hemisphere.
Doors open at 7pm and an annual club membership of $40 (for six screenings) is available by visiting kingvalleyarts.com.au/film-club.
Email wangsymphonyorchestra @gmail.com or call Wendie 0408 495065.
All welcome. For details, call Keith Fleet on 0491 114 480 or Cheryl Hoysted on 0419 005 062.
WANGARATTA Woodworkers Inc meet at the Wangaratta Showgrounds each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 12 noon (closing earlier if noone is present).
The rooms are open on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 5pm to 7pm, and Sundays from 10am to 1pm. All welcome. Contact Bevan on 0437 196 118.
WANGARATTA Keenagers Table Tennis Club plays on Mondays and Thursdays at the table tennis centre at the Wangaratta Showgrounds. Play begins at 8am. New players welcome. Morning tea provided –please bring your own cup. Contact Maureen O’Keefe on 0409 215 881.
SATURDAY Quilters meet on the first Saturday of each month from 9.30am in the Wangaratta Small Bore Rifle Club rooms off the river end of College Street. Beginner and experienced
COME and play mahjong at the Wangaratta RSL on Thursdays from 11am.
Beginners welcome. Contact Jan on 0429 166 016.
WANGARATTA Toastmasters meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 6.45pm at The Centre in Chisholm Street.
For more information, contact Joanne Howell on 0417 558 881.
WANGARATTA Family History Society opens each Thursday from 10am to 3pm in the local history room at the Wangaratta Library.
Outside of these hours, assistance is available by appointment only by emailing wangfamhs@gmail.com or phoning 0474 443 626.
COME and try croquet at the Wangaratta Croquet Club, 46 Ryan Avenue.
Equipment and instruction provided. Phone Susan Fischer on 0417 217 009.
WANGARATTA Symphony Orchestra meets each Tuesday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Wangaratta Baptist Church, 1 Sisely Avenue.
CYCLING Without Age
Wangaratta offers free tri–shaw rides to the elderly, and to people of any age with disabilities or reduced mobility. Phone 0418 387 089 or email cwawangaratta@gmail.com
PARKINSON’S Disease Support Group meets every Friday at the Wangaratta RSL for coffee at 10am.
Those who are able meet at the main entrance at 9.30am for a 30-minute river walk prior to coffee.
Contact Dave James on 0409 011 953 or Ros Taylor on 0429 624 844.
PANGERANG Ukes and More meets each Thursday from 5.30pm at Pangerang Community Hub. Cost is $5, and any instruments, as well as voices, are welcome. Enquiries to 0407 311 899.
WANGARATTA Concert Band rehearses on Mondays from 6.45pm to 9pm at the Avian Park Raceway Band Room in Newman Street.
New players welcome, contact Helen on 0401 021 448.
PREPARED: NBN Local community engagement specialist Charlene Donovan met with King Valley Community Emergency Management Planning Committee members Rosie Suter and Jimmy Findlay this week, as the committee prepares for the mapping workshop being held at the Cheshunt Hall on Saturday. PHOTO:
McPherson
Arrival story shared in The Visitors at WPACC
ON a sweltering day in January 1788, seven clan leaders gather on a sandstone escarpment overlooking the harbour.
The attendees, six of them Elders and one new initiate, catchup, laugh together, share a meal and compare notes.
But beyond the friendly banter, protocols and hospitality, a momentous decision is waiting to be made.
A mysterious fleet of giant nawi is amassing in the harbour and as they creep closer, these seven representatives must choose unanimously whether to send these strangers on their way or welcome them.
After its Sydney Theatre Awardwinning premiere production at the 2020 Sydney Festival, Muruwari playwright Jane Harrison’s ‘The Visitors’ has been reworked for this new production directed by one of Australia’s most celebrated directors, Quandamooka man Wesley Enoch.
Born in the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria, Harrison is descended from the Muruwari people of New South Wales and is an award-winning playwright and author.
Her first play ‘Stolen’ played across Australia and internationally for seven years, while her book Rainbow’s End was on the NSW English curriculum from 2016 to 2021 and won the 2012 Drover Award.
Inspiring story of The Peasant Prince
AN award-winning production of The Peasant Prince, by Monkey Baa Theatre Company, will be presented at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre this week.
Harrison writes about belonging and identity and says she is passionate about the power of culture in strengthening wellbeing, and our shared history.
The Visitors tells the story of the First Fleet landing from the perspective of First Nations peo-
COOK UP: Beechworth
The children’s version of Li Cunxin’s iconic autobiography, Mao’s Last Dancer, The Peasant Prince is the remarkable true story of a 10-yearold peasant boy’s journey from impoverished rural China to the international dance scene.
Designed to suit children aged seven to 12 years and their grown-ups, see it on Thursday, July 25 at 6pm and on Friday, July 26 at 10am with tickets available now at wpacc.com.au.
Melbourne Craft and Quilt Fair
THE Melbourne Craft and Quilt Fair will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre at South Wharf from Wednesday, July 24 to Saturday, July 27.
Enjoy the Studio Art Quilt Associates Global Exhibition of international textile artworks exploring the theme “RED”, see the winners and finalists from the 2024 Australasian Quilt Convention Challenge, or get some knitting tips from guest artist, Jake Henzler during his daily workshops.
Visitors can also see quilts designed and embroidered by singer Kate Ceberano, learn how to mend their favourite winter woollies, visit the vintage wedding dress display and shop for handmade gifts and craft accessories.
The fair will be open from 10am to 4pm each day with tickets at craftfair.com.au/ aqc-2024.
chef Amandhi da Silva welcomes participants to join her for a soup-making workshop at the Wangaratta Art Gallery on Saturday, July 27.
PHOTO: Explore Beechworth
ple watching, with an incredible cast bring to life a hugely entertaining study of how communities respond to change and the unknown.
Co-produced by Moogahlin Performing Arts and Sydney Theatre Company, it is described as a riv-
eting, deeply researched insight into one of the most impactful and painful days in Australia’s history.
See it at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Saturday, August 10 at 7.30pm with tickets available at wpacc.com.au.
NOURISHING WORKSHOP WILL CELEBRATE STONE SOUP FOLKTALE
By ANITA MCPHERSON
CELEBRATING all the good things a stock pot yields, Wangaratta Art Gallery is hosting a special workshop on Saturday where participants will help create a communal “stone” soup with chef Amandhi da Silva, before partaking in the resulting broth.
The workshop is designed to complement current exhibition
The Good by Anna Louise Richardson, while also paying tribute to the European folktale of stone soup, a story of survival, communal sharing and nurture.
A version of the traditional story goes that a hungry stranger arrives at a village carrying nothing more than an empty cooking pot, and when the villagers refuse to share their food with him, the stranger fills the pot with water and a stone and announces he
will make stone soup.
The villagers are curious and sceptical about his plan, but eventually each one offers to add a little “flavour” to the stone soup, eventually creating a surprisingly delicious broth which is shared by all.
Wangaratta Art Gallery director Rachel Arndt said the workshop was designed in response to Anna Louise Richardson’s charcoal drawing in the exhibition, stock pot, in which the artist reflects on waste items like vegetable scraps and bones being turned into something good.
“She talks about the magic of the pot and all the nourishment that came out of it,” said Ms Arndt.
“Our exhibitions officer Inga recalled the European folktale about stone soup - where hungry travellers use their ingenuity to get something to
The Great Moscow Circus in Wangaratta
SEE an all-new extreme show by the Great Moscow Circus during their visit to the Old Rodeo Grounds behind the showgrounds in Wangaratta this week.
The circus features some of Australia’s top BMX and scooter riders, exciting trampoline, Russian Swing and the world’s best dare devil motorcycle cage riders, along with breathtaking aerial performances and much more.
Shows are being held Thursday through until Sunday, with tickets available now at greatmoscowcircus.com.au.
Sculptures and watercolours at Art Gallery on Ovens
A JOINT exhibition featuring the rustic sculptures of Ron Ahl and watercolour paintings by Jana Brook will open at the Art Gallery on Ovens this week.
Working primarily in fountain pen and watercolour, Jana’s Winton Wetlands paintings are part of an ongoing series depicting the changing moods of site, while Ron’s sculptures reflect his interest in local flora and fauna.
An official opening of the exhibition will be held on Thursday, July 25 from 5pm to 7pm with all welcome.
eat - and all end up sharing food together.
“We wanted to create that experience for participants and hope they will be encouraged to see the good in the small things - as Anna’s exhibition attests.”
The workshop will be held on Saturday from 11am to 2pm and participants are invited to bring along their favourite soup ingredient to contribute to the pot, while sharing that ingredient’s unique story or importance to their family.
Everyone will then enjoy the soup with bread and a complimentary glass of bubbles, with Amandhi also bringing a delicious soup from her own heritage to share.
Places are limited and tickets are $35 (Wangaratta Art Gallery Friends $30) available at wangarattaartgallery.com. au/Programs.
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) A bit of Arian contrariness could be keeping you from getting all of the facts. Turn it off and tune in to what you need to hear. It could make all the difference this week.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Getting an answer to a vital question involving financial matters might take longer than you’d expected. A new factor might have to be dealt with before anything can move forward. Be patient.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Use your good sense to see what really might be driving a colleague’s workplace agenda. What you learn could lead to a new way of handling some old problems.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A change of mind might once again turn out to be a good thing. True, most of your co-workers might not like the delay, but as before, they might appreciate what follows from it.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) You revel in golden opportunities this week. One cautionary note, though: Be careful to separate the gold from the glitter before you make a choice. Someone you trust can help.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22)
Marriage is important this week, as are other partnerships. Don’t let yourself be overwhelmed by sentiment. Instead, try to steer a path between emotion and common sense.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22)
Dealing with someone who has let you down is never easy. But the sooner you’re able to clear up this problem, the sooner other problems can be successfully handled.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A “friend” who is willing to bend the rules to gain an advantage for both of you is no friend. Reject the offer, and stay on your usual straight and narrow path.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) After all the effort you’ve been putting in on the job and for friends and family, it’s a good time to indulge your own needs. Meanwhile, the weekend could bring a pleasant surprise.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) You might want to do something new this weekend. Close your eyes and imagine what it could be, then do it! Or come up with the closest practical alternative.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Your good deeds bring you the appreciation you so well deserve. But once again, be careful of those who might want to exploit your generous nature for their own purposes.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20)
Trolling for compliments isn’t necessary. You earned them, and you’ll get them. This week, concentrate on moving ahead into the next phase of your program.
RIVETING STORY: The Visitors is an entertaining and deeply researched insight into one of the most impactful days in Australia’s history, told from a First Nations perspective. PHOTO: Daniel Boud (featuring 2023 cast)
Notice of Intention to Apply for a Licence to Construct Works (Dam) GMW Reference No: WLCM0005·24
We David and Rhonda Maples Of Honeys Lane WHITFIELD 3733
Refer to Vic Roads Map 48 H5
Intend to make application to Goulburn-Murray Water for a Licence to Construct Works (Dam) The application is for one (1) Dam to be constructed.
Volumefolio Crown Allotment SectionParish
2944658201AMyrrhee
Any person able to demonstrate that their interests will be affected by the transfer of this Licence including any intended Surface Water use, is invited to make a formal submission setting out the nature of the impact within 14 days of receipt of this written notification. To make a submission please read the information available to download from. Make a submission about a licence application -Goulburn Murray Water (g-mwater.com.au) refer to the Surface Water section or contact GMW to arrange a copy to be posted to you. Submissions must be lodged using the GMW template available by either mail or email to, licensingadmin@gmwater.com.au or PO Box 165, TATURA VIC 3616.
CHECK OUT OUR NORTH EAST JOBS in today's Regional Extra for more employment opportunities. Published every Wednesday in your Wangaratta Chronicle, Ovens and Murray Advertiser, Myrtleford Times and Alpine Observer
CONCRETING, big or small jobs, paths, driveways, shed slabs, verandahs, 15 years experience. For a free quote phone Trev Anderson on 0422 200 761.
PAINTER, old school, for all your painting needs, commercial, industrial renovations. Phone Juliano 0412 597 482.
WHEELER Earthworks, available for all your earthworks needsyard clean ups, stump removals, driveways, material supply and spreading, rural work and more. Call Marcus on 0491 094 545.
TOYOTA Hilux w orkman ute, automatic, as new, 3300km, reg (TGH121), $33,000. Ph 0414 428 544, located Mansfield.
Toyota Hilux SR5 Auto 4x4 Double Cab, SR5+ premium interior, with Nebula Blue op tional paint, black leather accented interior trim and standard Apple/Android car play, features include: side steps, 3500kg braked and 750kg unbraked towing capacity, heavy duty suspension, trailer sway control, satellite navigation (GPS), bought new from dealer, comes with full dealer service history, only one owner, currently registered and will come with roadworthy certificate (BKS063), 94,400km, $49,990 excluding govt charges. Ph 0418 361 935.
SOLD
TOYOTA Corolla 2009, excellent condition, well looked after, metallic black, 150,000km, (XHG700), $8500. Ph 0412 718 068.
TIPPER FARM UTE, 1998 Ford Courier (unreg) petrol / gas, 4WD, manual, straight single cab, steel tray, drop side tray, tow bar, could be re-reg, runs well, VIN: JCOAAASGHCVB78825, $4,500 firm. Ph 5729 3669.
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer ES CJ, Auto Odo 182,013km, 4cyl 2.0L petrol, 6 speed constantly variable transmission, Reg (YTT860), expir y December, 2024, $7,500. Ph 0490 388 939.
SPRINTER Van, diesel, reg till April 2025, roadworthy April 2024, 160,000km, camper/work van / weekend relax plus 12volt system, excellent condition, no rust, $18,000, VIN: WDF90366228908307. Ph 0459 899 884.
SADLY I must part w ith my 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee (too many cars), only one previous owner, and in immaculate condition, all up to date service books, always garaged, only been off-road twice, all hwy kms, 3 litre diesel motor, 3.5 tonne towing capacity, Redarc electric brakes, RWC provided, 166,400km, reg (WAG541), $10,950 ono, IMMACULATE. Ph 0407 050 979.
2007 Nissan Tiida, gold colour, (WRF170), 6 speed manual, new front and back shockers, 2 new front tyres, 235,600km, $5000. Ph 0458 859 959.
HOLDEN Commodore sedan 2000, Olympic model, reliable, body needs work, (QAO524), $1000, located in Wangaratta. Ph 0402 184 262.
PACKAGE Deal, for genuine sale 2004 Ford F250, 7.3hr Diesel, 291. 685km, has near new bravo a/t Maxxis 980 tyres, plus 2 spares on back, rear camera, rear airbag suspension, 274ltr fuel capacity plus 100ltr tank under rear canopy, rear slide on picnic table, central locking system, Hayman Rees tow ball, top winch to help load the boat, plus 5000 pound bull bar winch, lots storage includes 2x60ltr fridge slides, plus boat motor slide, 2 large draws in canopy, lots storage above canopy and below 3x120 Uni solar panels, has pro star solar controls wired ready to go, 4 glass matt batteries, plus built in charger, built in compressor. Side steps and bull bar all aluminum, driving lights CB radio, electric brake system to suit caravan, fully services and will sell with road worthy.
Caravan, 2004 Kedron Cross Country, made in Brisbane, 20ft inside, electric brakes, pullout awning, has matching wheels as the F250, dual axle plus 2 spares. 2 x jerry can, holders at rear, in front bin has 4 x glass matt batteries, pro star solar controls invertor, has 4x120 Uni solar panels on roof, tv antenna, fold up side cooking table built on side, steps that fold up on the door, single beds with inner spring mattresses, wired for CPAP machines x 2, lots storage cupboards, built with Tasmanian oak, 4 burner stove with grill and oven, 240ltr Vitri Frigo, full sink, wired for TV, reverse cycle air con, Island bench table with storage under seats, storage under beds, brand new elec and gas hot water service (never used), water filters and hoses, electric legs, A-Trail Jack plus ockie wheel, 2 wind stiffeners pegs and mat (outside 8x4m) original tyres and rims for caravan, out door shower, 5 water tanks, one tank for drinking only, carpet or vinyl flooring, wired for 12 volt or 240 volt, full annex plus extra plus sun shade, never used, new wheel bearings (never used), 2 gas bottles, front bin and generator compartment, very clean and neat, has lots of extra’s as well. $139,900 ono package deal, will consider splitting, but they do compliment one another. Boat not included. Ph
2020
CARAVANS & CAMPERS
DREHER, Errol Ivan.
Passed away peacefully at Respect St John’s Aged Care, Wangaratta on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Aged 98 years.
Loved husband of Sheila (dec) and Faye. Father of Ruth (dec). Reunited with Sheila and Ruth. Thank you to the staff at St John’s McCall House for their care of Errol and Faye.
Please see later paper for funeral details.
Mason Park Funerals 5721 5060 masonpark.com.au
TIMMS, Josie. Passed away peacefully at Northeast Health Wangaratta on Sunday, July 21, 2024. Beloved wife of Leo (dec). Much loved mother of Maree and Kelly. Nanna of Leo and Billy. Very special “Aunty Jo” to Julie, John, Sam, Demi and all of her extended family and friends. Josie will be remembered for her cheeky banter and love for everyone.
TIMMS, Josie.
A longtime friend reunited with her beloved Leo. Monday mornings won’t be the same.
All our sympathy to Mim, Kelly, Leo and Billy.
~ Love Lyn, Steve and Sharee.
CRAWFORD
A celebration of life service for Robert “Tony” Crawford will be held at Wagga Wagga Country Club, Wagga Wagga, on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 1pm.
A light lunch to follow.
TIMMS
The service to celebrate the life of Mrs Josie Timms will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Friday, July 26, 2024 at 2pm. Burial will follow at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made in memory of Josie to Dementia Australia at www.dementia.org.au/ Josie’s service can be viewed via livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming/
Mason Park Funerals
5721 5060 masonpark.com.au
WHEEELER
The funeral service to celebrate the life of Valerie May Wheeler will be held at St John Apostle Catholic Church, Jamieson on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at 1pm. Followed by a burial at the Jamieson Cemetery. Instead of flowers, please donate to donate.vinnies.org.au
WHEELER, Valerie. Aged 89 years.
Beloved mother, grandmother and friend to Laurie, Jaen and Allan, Tyrone and Mackenzie, Charlotte and Michael. Forever in our hearts.
Remember your loved one in a lasting way
The memory of a much loved family member or friend can live on through a donation to your local health service - Northeast Health Wangaratta. Your memorial donation can assist in securing the continued availability of comprehensive health care locally. 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. For further information or to make a donation please contact: Community Engagement Team (03) 5722 5069 or PO Box 386, Wangaratta, Vic 3676.
Email: classifieds@nemedia.com.au
Phone: 03 5723 0101
Everyone wins in Devils U16 derby
By NATHAN DE VRIES
THURSDAY night was a showcase of the future of talent at Wangaratta City FC, when the club’s two under 16 boys teams took to the field at South Wangaratta to play their round 15 fixture.
Thanks to the massive numbers of players available, Wangaratta City fielded two teams in the under 16 boys division this season, and avoided turning prospective players away.
The player pool was divided into two teams, with Wangaratta Red comprising of last year’s bottom age players, now top age, while Wangaratta Black was made up of new players to the under 16 age bracket.
Thursday’s derby night was played in good spirits, with final scores reading a poetic 3-3 draw.
Red took the lead early,
while a goal late in the second half kept Black in the match, Wangaratta Red up 2-1 by the half.
After Red made it 3-1, Black fought hard to scrape out a draw, despite a fiery final 10 minutes of play which could’ve seen the game go either way.
Under 16 Black coach Damian D’Agostino said it was a brilliant match for both sides, and a strong showing for the future of the club as a whole.
“The game was really well played, there was some good sportsmanship, no malice or anything like that in the game,” he said.
“Because they’re familiar with each other and train together during the week, there was a real sense of familiarity with everything.
who did not field a team.
D’Agostino said the resilience shown by players and parents throughout the year was inspiring.
“For those boys to experience a home ground and also a little bit of club feel about things was a really good experience, something they’ve probably missed out on a fair bit this year,” he said.
gargantuan effort to manage one side, let alone two in the same division.
“Getting 30-odd kids at training doesn’t just happen with one person, there is a group of people who are prepared to shift the weight and move things and carry out tasks,” he said.
“There are others involved in it; my manager Brett Aggenbach, coach of Under 16 Red Joel Hooper and Renee Saunders.
“The future is bright for the club with so many juniors presenting and fighting for positions in senior and reserve squads.
“They felt really comfortable, and there was a little bit of joking coming into play a little bit, but it wasn’t dire straights, eye of the tiger or anything like that – they went out and just played soccer, which was really good to see.
other parents has been really positive, so that’s a good thing, means you’re doing something right.”
“Both teams represented their club very well - feedback from spectators and
Devils’ finals hopes dashed
By WILLSON MACK
WANGARATTA City’s season is all but over after a 4-2 loss to Albury Hotspurs at Aloyisus Park on Sunday.
The Devils looked a strong chance of toppling the Hotspurs but didn’t threaten as they languish in second last spot on the table.
Due to the nature of the fixture, the Black team rarely plays at South Wangaratta, having taken over matches from Twin City Wanderers
“They play away at a different ground every Sunday, different teams every Sunday, there are no other Wangaratta City teams to support on the sidelines, just a handful of parents who brave the cold winter mornings at 7.30am.
“Their resilience has really shone through this year, just to keep turning up to training.
“It’s definitely hats off to them, they’ve done a really good job this year.”
D’Agostino said it takes a
“Over the next couple of years, you’ll see the flow on, it’s a good start.”
With the Red team sitting fourth on the ladder, and the Black side developing impressively week on week, the future is definitely looking bright.
It was a fiery affair with eight cards handed out across the 90 minutes, including a red to Wangaratta’s Tom Humphries. For Wangaratta, Raul Pahina and James O’Callaghan found the back of the net, while Hotspurs’ Dominic Kavanagh scored two for the home side. The Devils men have a bye this weekend before finishing their season with games against St Pats, Myrtleford and Wodonga Diamonds.
DEVILS LOSE: James O’Callaghan scored a goal in Wangaratta City’s loss to Albury Hotspurs on Sunday. PHOTOS: Kat De Naps Photography
NORTH East Bushrangers Basketball (NEBB) is a collaboration between local North East basketball associations with the commitment of “Creating Realistic Pathways for all North East Athletes”
Ten NEBB junior teams compete in the Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) - the highest level junior competition in Victoria.
Our Club offers specialist Basketball Clinics, as well as pathways through Senior Big V Competitions.
One NEBB Youth League Men’s (YLM) team competes in the semi-professional Big V competition.
Big V & VJBL consist of teams from both metropolitan and regional Victoria.
Knights ladies win, men go down
THE Wangaratta Knights went head to head against CSU Mud Dogs at Lavington’s Sarvaas Park on Sunday in the latest round of Goulburn Murray Storm Premiership.
Ladies League Tag started off the day, Shepparton Eagles beating the Wodonga Wombats in game one.
Game two saw the Knights ladies up against the undefeated Mud Dogs, with a suspenseful game
ROUND RESULTS:
U14 Boys 1 - def by Blackburn 1 Forfeit
(Top Scorers: )
U14 Boys 2 32 def by Coburg 3 54
(Top Scorers: E. Sloots 8, X. Phillips 5, J. Goodear 5)
U14 Girls 1 54 def Wyndham 1 26
(Top Scorers: E. O'Neill 12, S. Van Schaik 10, M. Hanley 10)
U14 Girls 2 24 def by Bellarine 2 34
(Top Scorers: R. Pickles 8, L. Nedelkovski 8, M. Tomkins 4)
U16 Boys 1 54 def Bellarine 1 45
(Top Scorers: M. Hanley 21, C. Clark 9, E. Ockenden 5)
U16 Boys 2 36 def by Eltham 6 50
(Top Scorers: J. Payne 8, H. Kain 8, J. Kelly 6)
U16 Boys 3 100 def Surf Coast 3 43
(Top Scorers: I. Lacey 25, A. Richardson 23, C. Hart 20)
U16 Girls 1 - def by Eltham 2 Forfeit
(Top Scorers: )
U16 Girls 2 30 drew Melbourne 3 30
(Top Scorers: E. Gray 10, M. Watson 7, C. Campbell 6)
U18 Boys 2 49 def Eltham 5 47
(Top Scorers: H. Pople 15, W. Hipwell 13, J. Vearing 6)
U18 Boys 2 - def Hawthorn 3 Forfeit
(Top Scorers: )
to the very end.
Both teams remained scoreless, with a few unrewarded tries scored by the Knights, until the final minute when Rain Dodd scored a successful try.
The final score was 4-0; the Wangaratta ladies remained victorious for the fifth game in a row and stay seated at second place on the ladder.
The Knights men fought an even tougher game, scor-
ing early and losing momentum as the game went on.
Injury proved to be a tough component, and morale was low due to many mistakes made on the men’s behalf.
The CSU men blitzed the Knights in the second half, scoring four tries within 15 minutes.
The final score was 16-44 in favour of CSU Mud Dogs.
Successful conversions were kicked by Brent Hansen, and Matthew Flewin. This coming weekend, Wangaratta Knights meet Tumbarumba Greens at the Showgrounds in Tumbarumba.
The weather conditions will be a new challenge for the Knights, but they are hopeful for more wins as finals draws nearer.
Try scorers for the game were: Jacob Roberts, Mathew Ferguson, and Mosiah Kerr-Kaiwai.
COMPOSED: Rain Dodd in action in Wangaratta Knights’ league tag win. PHOTO: Bek Fitzpatrick
HEAD TO HEAD: Ryan Winter and Josh White battle it out for possession. PHOTO: Kat De Naps Photography
CARDED: Tom Humphries receives a red card.
Kangaroos 1.1 1.1 2.2 3.2 (20)
Benalla 4.0 7.3 8.5 10.8 (68)
GOALS: KANGAROOS: M. Sacco 2, B. Hiskins 1. BENALLA: J. Hart 3, C. Squires 2, T. Reeve 2, R. McCarthy 1, M. Cooney 1, B. Cooney 1. BEST:
KANGAROOS: B. Hiskins, B. O’Keefe, A. Hines, R. Downing, A. O’Brien, M. Sacco. BENALLA: J. Mathieson, M. Cooney, J. Hart, S. Gates, C. Squires, B. Cooney.
Centrals 0.1 3.4 4.5 5.9 (39)
College 1.4 2.6 3.7 3.8 (26)
GOALS: CENTRALS: R. Parsons 2, R. McNamara 1, H. Fraser 1, C. Curr
1. COLLEGE: F. Burgan 2, J. Llewellyn 1. BEST: CENTRALS: K. Wohlers, C. Ormond, R. McNamara, H. Currie, C. Doyle, K. Deans. COLLEGE: L. Pensak, H. Bowman, K. Pensak, T. Fieldew, F. Mennie, J. Llewellyn. Bright 2.4 4.6 5.10 5.12 (42)
Junior Magpies 5.1 6.5 8.7 9.8 (62)
GOALS: BRIGHT: O. Dalbosco 1, E. Lodge 1, L. Robinson 1, J. Thomson
1, B. Brady 1. JUNIOR MAGPIES: J. Comensoli 4, R. Burrows 2, C. Miller
2, L. Suffield 1. BEST: BRIGHT: A. Murrells, B. Brady, R. West, J. Thomson, E. White, F. Stephens. JUNIOR MAGPIES: R. Burrows, L. Sammon, Z. Bott, L. Suffield, C. Briggs, J. Wohlers.
Myrtleford
0.0 0.0 0.0 2.0 (12)
Imperials 3.5 6.9 10.11 12.14 (86)
GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: G. Benson 1, J. Notarianni 1, IMPERIALS: W. Prebble 4, M. Semmens 3, M. Marek 2, N. Kjar 1, B. McMonigle 1, B. Benton 1. BEST: MYRTLEFORD: B. McMasters, T. Morgan, J. Novak, C. Piazza, R. Harris. IMPERIALS: D. O’Sullivan, N. Kjar, K. McPhan, B. McMonigle, M. Startin, W. Prebble.
Tigers 3.1 4.6 6.9 9.12 (66)
Mansfield 1.2 2.7 3.7 5.12 (42)
GOALS: TIGERS: H. Dodgshun 3, L. Webb 3, M. Correll 2, J. Wall 1. MANSFIELD: A. Browning 2, n. Taylor 1, J. Turner 1, C. Caminos 1. BEST: TIGERS: W. Simpson, H. Dodgshun, L. Webb, M. Correll, J. Perna, D. Winter. MANSFIELD: L. Smith, A. Friday, A. Browning, C. Dobson, S. Kain, H. Desmond.
Centrals
College
GOALS: CENTRALS: S. Gales 1, J. Bennett 1, N. Jones 1. COLLEGE: L. O’Brien 2, L. Sims 2, L. Pensak 1, H. Allan 1, C. O’Brien 1, T. Llewellyn 1, C. Bowman 1. BEST: CENTRALS: A. Knobel, B. Johns, N. Jones, A. Castle, J. Bennett, W. Boulton. COLLEGE: L. Sims, T. Llewellyn, C. Bowman, L. OBrien, C. O’Brien, D. Ciccone.
Kangaroos
Benalla Red
GOALS: KANGAROOS: A. Symons 3, M. Skermer 1, C. Borschmann 1, H. Ackerly 1, U. Holt 1, L. Downing 1, J. Pople 1. BENALLA RED: H. Skelton 1. BEST: KANGAROOS: U. Holt, D. Johnston, L. Downing, E. Byrne, R. Mackinnon-Burman. BENALLA RED: N. Hogan, R. McCarthy, H. Skelton, X. De Fazio, J. Pollard, C. Bowen.
Junior Magpies
Benalla Black
(31)
(33)
GOALS: JUNIOR MAGPIES: H. Allan 2, S. McIntosh 1, J. Pell 1. BENALLA BLACK: J. Byers 2, J. Fry 1, K. Thwaites 1, H. Blyss 1. BEST: JUNIOR MAGPIES: M. James, C. Littel, T. White, W. James, H. Allan, S. Briggs. BENALLA BLACK: H. Blyss, K. Thwaites, J. Byers, R. White, R. Humphries, J. Lewis.
Tigers
Mansfield Blue
GOALS: TIGERS: R. Webb 2, L. Farrington 1, C. Lack 1. MANSFIELD BLUE: T. Kynnersley 3, J. Fleming 1, L. Gardner 1, G. Robinson 1. BEST: TIGERS: B. Kantor, H. Sharp, R. Webb, L. Farrington, P. Dummet, N. O’Keefe. MANSFIELD BLUE: A. Dunn, G. Robinson, T. Kynnersley, P. Sorn, P. Guppy, J. Kynnersley.
Myrtleford
GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: T. Cartwright 2, . 2, J. Lacey 1, B. Parolin 1, T. McPherson 1, S. Lupo 1, N. Harris 1, H. Durling 1, L. McKeone 1. BEST: MYRTLEFORD: T. McPherson, B. Parolin, S. Lupo, M. McMahon, T. Cartwright, T. Griffiths. IMPERIALS: G. Marek, S. Savage, L. Cumming, S. Newton, C. Walsh, L. Welch.
Bright vs Mansfield Yellow: Bright JFC U14s won by forfeit
1. BEST:
D. Hogarth, J. Vincent, L. Palmer, S. Lewis, O. Forster, B. Mawson. COLLEGE: L. Fraser, Z. Tamme, K. Hope, E. MILLIS, L. Johnson, F. Mckenzie.
Ackerly, F. Mccoy, L. Milvain, B. Jackson. BENALLA RED: J. Hart, S. Mount, A. Roscoe, A. Dickson, T. Snell, A. Evans.
LANE SLOAN
LIAM BOTT
SAMUEL PATTERSON
SAM BRIGGS
ELI DAVIES GETS IN FRONT OF CALEB THWAITES
PHOTOS: KURT HICKLING
Moyhu hops to fifth, Bats shock Roos
By NATHAN DE VRIES
THE Hoppers have leapfrogged Whorouly to sit fifth on the O&K A grade netball ladder following a statement win over Bright 46-39.
In the icy conditions at Pioneer Park, the Hoppers hit the front early and managed to weather a late fightback from Bright, who came within five goals late in the fourth quarter.
Coach Ainslee Dowling said it was a sign of a maturing team to hold on in challenging conditions.
“It was just really pleasing again, the girls are starting to show a little bit of maturity in these games,” she said.
“It was goal for goal most of the day, but we were able to hold onto that lead and keep our nerve in the last quarter to come away with the win.
“The rain really held off for A grade – obviously the ball was wet and the court was wet, but it was still a
game of possession, and there wasn’t a lot of chances to turn the ball over either way.
“Liv Tiso, who’s come in for us this year with quite a bit of experience from Magpies, she’s been really crucial in settling things in that attacking end.
“We don’t get that rush of blood - if Bright had scored two or three goals in a row, we knew that she was going to settle and really compose things.”
Elsewhere, Goorambat handed finals-aspirant King Valley a shock loss, taking down the Roos 35-33.
A two-goal margin to Goorambat at the first break ballooned out to seven, with King Valley feeling the pressure at the main break.
The Roos rallied, with Larissa Benci shouldering the bulk of the shooting work to see the Roos close the gap and sit just four goals behind at the final change.
Goorambat held their nerve and turned the ball at key moments, and managed to be in front when the final siren sounded.
“It was a great hard fought win in trying conditions - the girls really kept the composure and kept the game short as it was so wet,” Bats coach Amelia Gall said.
“We had a hard training session on the Thursday before after a terrible performance against Bonnie Doon, so were really looking to get back to form again.
“We had a few girls out with injuries and holidays, but we knew it would be a winnable game as we only lost to Valley by about eight the last time we played them.
“Overall, it boosted the team spirit to get the win.”
In other A grade matches, Milawa smashed Whorouly 57-29, Bonnie Doon belted Benalla All Blacks 56-17, and Tarrawingee handed North Wangaratta a 67-31 result.
‘Pies win for Grady’s 200th, Rovers miss opportunity
By WILLSON MACK
WANGARATTA gave Hannah Grady a 200th game to remember with a strong win over Myrtleford at RC McNamara Reserve.
On a cold winter’s day in the high country, Wangaratta showed their class as they grabbed a 40-47 victory against the improved Saints.
After leading by four goals at half-time, Wangaratta doubled that margin by three quarter time, putting themselves in the box seat to claim their 12th win of the season.
Amanda Umanski played one of her best games of the season, netting 40 goals, while Hannah Grady was excellent in her 200th A grade game.
Meanwhile, Wangaratta Rov-
Rallysprint a hit despite early finish
JAMIE Luff and Chris Stilling took the top of the timesheets in the shortened Xeno North Eastern Rallysprint at Moyhu on Saturday.
Luff and Stilling drove their Toyota GR Yaris AP4 consistently in the wet conditions and won all three stages of the rally.
Fresh from a fourth-place finish at the last round of the Australian Rally Championship in Queensland, the Yass driver was using the event as vital testing for the upcoming Gippsland Rally in which he’ll compete in the same car.
Second to Luff was the striking Ford Fiesta of Adrian Stratford and Anthony Staltari, with Tasmanians Aidan Peterson and Doug Austin completing the event in third place in their Subaru.
Overnight rain made conditions tricky for the 30 crews, and with wet conditions failing to improve, the decision was made by organisers to shorten the event from eight stages to three.
Regardless of the early finish, teams were complimentary of the event format and expressed their interest
in returning to the local area for another rally in 2025.
Local competitors from the North Eastern Car Club had mixed days.
Cody Richards was ninth overall, father-and-son Jason and Ryder Lennane finished in 15th while Matthew Whitten and Queensland codriver Holly Kilbride failed to finish.
The rally was based at the Moyhu Recreation Reserve with ample support from the Moyhu Lions Club and Moyhu Football Netball Club, with the event continuing with a post-event function at the Moyhu Pub.
ers couldn’t record their third win of the season against the lower-placed Lavington.
Going into the clash the Hawks sat above the Panthers but Lavington rallied to record their third of the season and go a spot above Rovers.
Rovers were behind at every break, eventually going down 2944 at WJ Findlay Oval.
“We kept with them for most of the first half but they pulled away a bit in the second (half),” Rovers coach Gracie Reid said.
“We let ourselves down in crucial moments when we needed to score and didn’t capitalise on our opportunities.
“The scoreline blew out a bit in the end but we still took positives away.
“Our defence was good, our at-
tacking was good at times but the goals just weren’t dropping.”
The Hawks have another opportunity to grab a win after this weekend’s bye when they meet Wodonga at Martin Park on August 10.
Rovers will be bolstered by superstar shooter Kim Borger who will play her third game for Rovers.
“We’ll have a quiet week this week before getting to training next Tuesday where we’ll be preparing for a big game against Wodonga,” Reid said.
“We’ll have Kim Borger for that game which I’m hoping tips the scales in our favour.
“It’ll be the last game she plays for us and we’re extremely thankful for what she’s done in the few games she’s played with us.”
ON FIRE: Amanda Umanski shot 40 goals in Wangaratta’s win over Myrtleford.
PHOTO: Jenny Zamperoni
ICE COLD: Tayla Allan keeps her composure in the Bulldogs’ win over North Wangaratta on the weekend.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
CHAMPIONS: Jamie Luff and Chris Stilling on their way to winning the event in their impressive GR Yaris.
PHOTO: Wishart Media
DEDICATED:
(L-R) Tim Jones, Ashlea Knight, Joel Sebire and Hunter Jones continue to impress at Wangaratta Street Defence.
Ashlea Knight receives black belt honours
ASHLEA Knight is the latest student to grade to black belt at local Zen Do Kai club, Wangaratta Street Defence.
The 17-year old has trained constantly since 2019 and is the first female to achieve this level.
“Ashlea is a really good worker,” said club owner Tim Jones.
“And she doesn’t take a backward step when pairing up with the boy.”
Joining the workforce full time later this year, her promotion will hold her in good stead with employers.
“Having her achievement on her resume shows that she has commitment, persistence and plenty of get up and go,” Tim said. WSD trains at the FMV hall, Appin St. 6pm Mondays. Dai Sempai Tim can be contacted on 0417 114 124.
Female football home and away season concludes
OPENS
By KATHRYN BURNS & OLLIE MORTON RODARO
Rovers vs Murray Felines
Scores: Murray Felines 8.9 (57) to Wangaratta Rovers 1.5 (11).
With a bye in the last round, Wangaratta Rovers travelled to Rutherglen to play Murray Felines in their final game of the home and away season.
The Hawks had already secured a place in the finals, but were looking to get their trademark game style back up and running off after a couple of recent losses.
The visitors got off to a strong start in a typically contested and hard fought game against close their close rivals.
Although time in possession was shared equally, it was the home side who were able to make it count on the scoreboard, scoring three goals to nil in the opening term.
Rovers rallied in a tight second quarter and hit the scoreboard through Amy Collins, going into half-time well and truly in the contest. It was the home side, however, who controlled the second half of the game and were able to lock out the visitors, ultimately securing a comfortable victory.
The grit and determination displayed by Rovers over the last few weeks can’t be overstated.
Working through adversity and injuries, this is a team that shows up week in, week out, sticks together and battles hard every minute of every game.
They now have a week off and will welcome the return of several key players, before starting their finals campaign in the first weekend of August.
Best players: Alice Minns, Caz Sammon, Megan Quick, Belinda Heinrich, Amy Collins, Frankie Butler.
Goalkickers: 1 Amy Collins.
UNDER 17
By JESS WHITEHEAD & CELIA PIESSE
Round 14 v Murray Felines
Final Score: Wangaratta Rovers 1.4.10 defeated by Murray Felines 9.5.59
The U17s Rovers season came down to the final game of the season to determine whether they would play in finals or not.
The Rovers girls were on the back foot right from the start.
The Felines came out strong and fast and got away to a four goal lead in the first quarter.
The quarter time break helped the girls regroup, allowed some positional
changes and they came out firing.
They started using their run and carry, and putting themselves in positions where they could impact the play.
This lead to plenty of time inside their forward 50 and a number of linkage plays saw a few shots on goal.
Unfortunately none were able to be converted to goals, but they were back on track.
Mak Clark was fantastic down back, showing her strength and leadership.
The Felines came out firing after half-time and the Rovers struggled to keep up with them.
Ammy Thompson moved into the ruck and was able to win the tap to Skylah McPherson who ran hard and won heaps of the ball all day.
The ball spent the majority of the time in our backline.
Ali Jones laid a good smother and the chase and pressure that Clare Collins showed was great.
The Rovers girls came out full of determination to finish the season off strongly.
Sienna Koop, playing across half back, repelled the ball at every opportunity and Willow Foster tackled hard.
A link up passage of play involving Lily Gibb and Lilias Coonan saw the ball end up in the forward line.
Skylah McPherson was able to get on the end of it and score the Rovers only goal of the day.
A fantastic season came to an end.
Whilst we didn’t quite scrape into finals, it was the most successful season for the Rovers U17 team.
We look forward to celebrating the year with the team at our presentation night on August 16.
Round 14 – U14 Rovers v Murray Felines (10:30am, Barkly Park, Rutherglen)
Score Murray Felines 19Wangaratta Rovers 9
It was a cold morning for the U14 Rovers up at Rutherglen.
We had 17 players lined up for the final contest of the home-and-away season, with captain Lizzy Healy leading the team well.
The outcome of the match did not affect the Rovers final placing, with the U14s excitingly making finals for the first time in the history
of the competition.
The game was a tough and physical contest from start to finish. Amy Lowe competed strongly in the ruck, winning taps to the advantage of midfielders Issy Foster, Mia Simpson and Bella Boulton.
On the wings, Inanay Gilson and Ames Rea provided some great contests and tackles.
Amelie Booth was dominant in the forward line.
Ruby Newton had a couple of shots on goal, with lovely set-shot sailing through to take her season tally to 47 goals.
An incredible effort to achieve in just 11 games played.
The remainder of the match saw the ball spend a lot more time in Felines forward half, with defenders Eve Blackall, Ash ElliotScragg, Maya Blackall, and Erin Collins all working hard.
The team focus in the second half was shepherds and one-percenters to help teams mates win the ball, and this improved as the game progressed.
The team showed some great composure and good sportspersonship in some trying conditions at times, led from the front by captain Lizzy.
The U14 Rovers are to be congratulated on a terrific season of football, and will now turn their focus towards finals and bringing their top level pressure game to the semi-finals in two weeks time.
Goals: Ruby Newton 1. Best Players: Bella Boulton, Ashley Elliot-Scragg, Mia Simpson, Elizabeth Healy, Inanay Gilson, Erin Collins.
ASSESSING: Ella Bradley looks for a teammate. STAR: Eve Blackall on the run.
PHOTO: Kev McGennan
DESPERATE
Reid steps down
WANGARATTA
Magpies
senior coach Ben Reid has announced he’ll step down from his role after this season.
Reid informed the playing group that he will step down at the end of the season after their slogging win over Myrtleford on the weekend.
He cited a lifestyle change as the reason for the change as he and his family are looking to move to Queensland.
Reid was initially appointed as coach of the
BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au
O&M powerhouse in 2022.
“The Wangaratta Magpies Football-Netball Club wish to thank outgoing Ben Reid for his incredible contribution playing and coaching our senior team for the past three seasons,” the club posted on social media.
“Reidy’s commitment and selfless attitude in developing our entire playing list puts the club in a strong position to continue our progress towards the golden goal of winning a premiership.
“We further extend our heartfelt thanks to Erin (wife), River (son), Bruce and Kay (parents) who have also become part of the Maggies family.
“They have shown
unwavering support to Ben during his coaching and playing days with the Maggies and we are incredibly thankful to them
“Whilst the year is not over and with a few more games scheduled with Reidy at the helm, we wish him all the best with his future endeavours.”
Reid led Wangaratta to a grand final victory in 2022 but the club was sensationally
stripped of that premiership after breaching the salary cap.
In 2023 the Magpies reached the preliminary final before being knocked out by Albury and Reid currently has the side sitting fifth with an 8-6 record.
Meanwhile, Ben’s brother Sam Reid has retired from the AFL.
Sam informed his Sydney teammates on Tuesday
morning he was retiring effective immediately.
He ends his career as a 181-gamer with the club, having made his senior debut in 2010 and played 22 games in the club’s premiership season two years later, when he kicked a goal from 13 disposals against Hawthorn in the Grand Final.
He kicked a career-best 31 goals that year.
Junior Magpies star Baxter McLeod tries to break free from a tackle in his match against Benalla on Saturday.
