Wangaratta Chronicle 250823

Native flora puts brakes on Warby

A FACELIFT FOR WANGARATTA’S GRAND OLD LADY

Look to the future

IT’S time to move on from discussions about the old days of Reid Street, and to look to the future in terms of major events with the potential to succeed the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues, according to Rural City of Wangaratta Mayor Dean Rees.

Jazz festival chair Dave Fuller announced this week that this year’s event would be the current format’s ‘last hurrah’, with nancial constraints, uncertainty around music festivals, and diminished board

Mayor says it’s time to progress from Reid Street discussion

BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

and volunteer resources cited as reasons for the board’s decision to wind up operations.

As a result, a reduced event will be staged on the weekend of November 3 to 5.

Cr Rees said he had been saddened by the news, saying “it was always an

event I looked forward to every year”.

He said while he, too, had enjoyed the social atmosphere created by the free stage which operated in Reid Street during the festival’s heyday, the current climate meant that concept was no longer nancially feasible.

“It costs in excess of $100,000 to close o Reid Street,” Cr Rees said.

“It’s too expensive, and the government is not going

to give us that $100,000 to close the street anymore, when we have parks and green spaces so close.

“I agree with people that it was fantastic in Reid Street, but we’ve got to move on.

“ We can’t do Reid Street, so we need to look to the future.”

Cr Rees said he was not con dent the jazz festival could be revived via next year’s annual general meeting, but said council was open to approaches

from event organisers and promoters with ideas which could potentially create a new event drawcard to the city.

“I commend the (jazz festival) board for what they have done; they are a board with a good heart and a big heart trying to make things work,” he said.

“At the moment, we don’t have anything that could go in that spot, but we are very open to any organisation that wants to come through

and o er an idea of what could happen.

“I can see, with the popularity of the genre through artists like Keith Urban and Taylor Swi , that maybe a country music event could work, and might attract young people.

“We are open to ideas people want to present to us, not as a Rural City of Wangaratta-run event but by independent promoters, and would like to see another major event happening in the city.”

■ Continued page 2

WANGARATTA’S grand old lady of education, Chisholm Street’s Wangaratta Primary School building, is undergoing a longawaited makeover valued at close to $1 million.

School principal Jacinta Kubeil and learning specialist Jaxon Leith are thrilled the school is receiving improvements which will further highlight its rich history.

Full story page 2

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Rolling back the years

BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

WANGARATTA’S grand old lady of education, Chisholm Street’s Wangaratta Primary School building, is undergoing a long-awaited makeover valued at close to $1 million.

Restumping works on the back end of the city’s oldest school building, along with a new roof and restoration of an original hallway, are set to breathe new life into the much-loved campus.

Principal Jacinta Kubeil said plastering and repainting works would complete the project, which started last week and is set to revive the heritage building by the end of the year.

A new playground funded through the State Government’s Inclusive Schools Fund will complement the works.

And fresh recognition of the history of the school, which opened in 1850 and is one of Victoria’s oldest continuously-operating primary schools, will also come through the opportunity to showcase historical items including those uncovered from beneath the building during the renovations.

Ms Kubeil said the restumping project had un-

Fascinating history revealed as school undergoes long-anticipated facelift

Learning specialist Jaxon Leith said it was great to see works under way which would bring an end to patching leaks and cracks.

“No small government school can throw $1 million at a school building, so it was really important to receive this funding; we have certainly learnt a lot about architecture over the last four years,” he said.

Ms Kubeil said significant roof leaks - particularly in the music room which is in the area being re-stumpedhad required staff to bring out buckets every time there was a downpour.

ATTENTION:

earthed items such as old wooden tables and chairs, hand-drawn architectural drawings of the building before its construction, and even a letter sent in June, 1913 by Australia’s fifth Prime Minister, Andrew Fisher.

In the letter, Prime Minister Fisher asks the mayor to “please convey to the head teacher and his staff my ap-

preciation of their kindness on the occasion of our visit to the Wangaratta State School No. 643 on the 13th of May”.

He goes on to say that “the greetings of the bright and healthy children remain one of the happiest memories of my official life”, and wishes the school success.

“We are still uncovering things from that space underneath the building - all sorts

of items,” Ms Kubeil said.

“It’s exciting; the staff have been blown away, and the kids are excited by all the action.

“The big crane was here (on Monday) for the roof works, and we had kids lined up everywhere to watch, thinking it was Christmas.”

Ms Kubeil said it was hoped items such as Mr Fisher’s letter could be placed on

PARTOFHISTORY:This

full display in the restored hallway, which has previously been used for storage but will be opened up to return to its original state.

“It will be a nice showpiece,” she said.

Ms Kubeil said it had taken a number of years to secure State Government funding for the works required for the school’s facelift, and it was greatly appreciated.

She said while the music room was currently out of use, and other specialist subjects such as art, science and library were taking place in other classrooms, the works would make a huge difference to the school when completed.

“Lots of people like new schools, but there is a big chunk of people who love old schools,” she said.

“And we have so many students enrol here whose parents and grandparents have also been students at the school.

“It will be nice for our families to see the building get the love it deserves.”

Look to the future

■ From page 1

Cr Rees conceded there would need to be some thought given to adjusting council’s marketing around jazz, with promotion including a structure at the entrance of Apex Park currently featuring jazz as a key feature of the rural city’s offering.

He said council had offered considerable in-kind support to the staging of the annual jazz festival, and also offered financial support including $7000 for National Jazz Awards prize money.

“Council has also offered a lot of support in recent years to bail out the event,” he said.

“Any future event would need to have strong funding behind it.”

Meanwhile, Mr Fuller said there had been “a terrific flow of support” for the festival and the board in the wake of this week’s announcement.

“There has been…a real organic conversation based on memories and highlights,” he said.

WELL-DESERVED

Wangaratta Primary School learning specialist Jaxon Leith and principal Jacinta Kubeil are thrilled the school is receiving improvements which will further highlight its rich history.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

OUT OF TIME: The Wangaratta Jazz and Blues Festival will be held for the final time in a shortened format later this year.

By RYAN MALCOLM

POLICE at the region’s single-officer stations could be called upon to offer further assistance to staff at Wangaratta’s 24-hour station, as Victoria Police seeks to manage some 800 police vacancies across the state.

Discussions between Victoria Police officials and the Police Association of Victoria (TPAV) recently commenced, with the former proposing changes to the ways single-member stations are staffed.

Under the existing agreement, members at singleofficer stations such as Glenrowan, Moyhu, Whitfield and Chiltern often assist Wangaratta members at major incidents throughout the rural city.

However, under the proposed amendment, the threshold to call upon the satellite stations could be significantly lowered, in order to offset staffing challenges at its 24-hour stations across the state.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said making sure police were visible in the

community was a key consideration, and noted police station counters were not well attended, particularly during the evening and overnight.

“Victoria Police does not have any ongoing issues staffing one person stations due to resourcing,” the spokesperson said.

“When a police station counter is closed, police are still available and on patrol 24 hours a day to respond to incidents and deter crime –it is pivotal our officers are given the best opportunity to respond to urgent incidents

and prevent crime before it can happen.

“We know crime is most effectively deterred and detected via highly visible patrols in the community, rather than from behind a desk at a police station.”

There are some 59 singleofficer stations across the state, 10 of which operate within the Wangaratta, Wodonga or Benalla police service areas.

Some 800 police vacancies are currently unfilled as a result of “attrition”, however, the spokesperson said hun-

dreds of recruits were currently progressing through the Police Academy ahead of their deployment.

TPAV chief executive officer Wayne Gatt said the organisation would not support an initiative which was detrimental to regional communities.

“TPAV will engage with Victoria Police in good faith in an attempt to understand what it is seeking through changes to the way single-officer stations are resourced,” he said.

“We would not support changes that in our view

Single-officer police stations staying, but changes floated Rare flora put brakes on proposed Warby bike trail

BY

TWO endangered bush species in the Warby Range National Park have put the brakes on a local cycling club’s bid to establish a mountain bike park in the area.

Paul Sommerville of Wangaratta Cycling Club has been spearheading efforts for a mountain bike track off Wilson Road at Wangandary to open up greater opportunities for local and visiting cyclists to the area.

The club was proposing for trail development on a plot of land Scouts currently use.

However, the Rural City of Wangaratta council, which has been working with the club, recently confirmed Flat-Leaf Bush-Pea (Pultenaea platyphylla) and Currawang (Acacia doratoxylon), which are classified as endangered species of flora, have been located on the site.

“An environmental assessment of the site found two endangered species of flora which preclude this

site from development,” council manager of community services, Ben Thomas, said.

Mr Sommerville questioned the decision and was baffled why council or Parks Victoria couldn’t further

explore the possibility of the track at the desired location.

“The report says there are endangered species, we need to consider it, there might be offsets available, and somehow they came up with a bushfire risk and said

it’s not suitable,” he said.

“We would have been better off acknowledging those issues and working through them to come to a sensible compromise solution before we jump the gun and say it’s not a suitable location.”

would diminish a policing service to our regional communities.

“Policing is seeing a higher than usual attrition rate and while this is being seen in other workplaces too, our members report that they are leaving for better paying and more flexible employment, that is less stressful and more supported.

“Addressing these issues must be a key focus for Victoria Police, as opposed to attempting to rationalise policing services in regional communities.”

Mr Sommerville said the building of the track wouldn’t have involved the removal of any of the plant species and the club would have been more than happy to plant the species in other areas as well to

increase the number of those species.

“A mountain bike trail is only going to be a foot wide and it’s not going to be devastating to the flora and fauna as a quarry site in the Warbys,” he said.

“The bushfire risk was mentioned as well, but wherever you go in the Warbys you’re going to have a bushfire risk - you just close the track on code red days.”

Mr Sommerville said the rural city remains the only municipality in North East Victoria that doesn’t have a mountain bike park for the public.

“Kids are tearing around the Warbys at the moment as it is and this is about trying to concentrate them into one area,” he said.

Mr Thomas said council is now looking across the Wangaratta area for other sites that may be suitable for mountain bike trails, and will continue to work closely with the Wangaratta Cycling Club on this.

“Council support people getting active and enjoying our natural environment and would like to see this project completed for the benefit of our community,” Mr Thomas said.

STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

* Currawang (Acacia doratoxylon)

ENDANGERED: Flat-Leaf Bush-Pea (Pultenaea platyphylla) is one of the species classified as endangered in the Warby Ranges National Park.

PHOTO: Nathan Johnson on Flickr

State “caught out” in support cut: MP

By RYAN MALCOLM

OVENS Valley MP Tim McCurdy has accused the State Government of trying to cut support services for the state’s most vulnerable students and hoping no one would notice.

Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins had previously announced changes to the established Visiting Teacher Service (VTS), which would see the state’s 118-strong specialist cohort reduced to just 32 as part of a shift to a ‘disability inclusion’ model designed to train existing school staff to manage students with a disability.

VTS staff currently attend schools to provide support to

children with hearing, visual, physical and mental impairments, and also assist students who are severely ill.

A government spokesperson earlier this week said the scaling back of the VTS would help avoid the duplication of services through the Disability Inclusion model.

However, Mr McCurdy said the proposed diversion of resources was “not sustainable”.

Two days later, Ms Hutchins announced each of the 118 existing VTS staff would be retained and included as part of the Disability Inclusion reforms.

“We’ve listened to families, carers and teachers, and have heard about the value that our

visiting teachers provide for children with disabilities across the state,” she said on Wednesday.

“Many students who currently receive support from the Visiting Teachers program will get the same extra assistance as part of our $1.6b Disability Inclusion reforms – and we’ll also bring Visiting Teachers into the Disability Inclusion program as Disability Inclusion Visiting Teachers for schools and families who wish to keep using the service.

“The Disability Inclusion Visiting Teachers will mean a more cohesive and consistent approach across the state, ensuring our schools have access

to a wider range of targeted supports that build on the individual strengths of each student.”

Mr McCurdy said the government had been “caught out” trying to cut services to vulnerable Victorians.

“As the result of a strong campaign from the opposition, the minister has been forced to once again back down from cuts in education,” he said.

“These teachers are essential in regional Victoria, and the fact that the Andrews Government even considered slashing the funding is a disgrace.

“We need to be supporting our vulnerable students and ensuring that they can access a fair and high quality education.”

STEM

LEARNING: Cathedral College students Ethan Coxhell, Rory Gibb, Patrick McCaffrey and Toby Shultz enjoyed the interactive activities at the Inspired by Tech Regional Festival showcase event held last week. The showcase wound up a series of events hosted by Wangaratta’s Digital Technology Advisory Committee, marking National Science Week.

GOTAFE Wangaratta students place in WorldSkills Australia competitions

By CHLOE JAENICKE

TWO students from GOTAFE Wangaratta placed in the 2023 WorldSkills Australia National competition held in Melbourne last week.

The best trainees and apprentices from across the country went head-to-head in the high pressure skill competition judged by experts in their trades.

Brylee Roberts, who is studying Certificate IV in Cyber Security (22603VIC), placed second in the cyber security competition, while fellow Wangaratta GOTAFE student Jake Twyford, who is currently studying Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology (AUR32420), placed third in the automotive refinishing competition.

Mr Roberts said it was a great opportunity to be chosen for the competition and he enjoyed competing in teams of two, who had to problem solve computer hacks and fix viruses implanted by opposing teams. He said both GOTAFE and

his mentor Steve Cranage were a huge help in training and preparing for the competition, which has only strengthened his

resolve to work in the cyber security field.

Mr Twyford said he was “pretty wrapped” with bronze recog-

nition for his work on a car door in competition - having to paint the guards, match colours and create designs.

He said mentor, Anthony Coleman, helped him prepare for the event, but exact takes weren’t known until the competition.

Mr Twyford was also awarded a $250 voucher and trophy from Axalta Paints, in memory of Stuart Aisbett, who passed away at age 30 - and whom the judges believed Mr Twyford shared the same hardworking qualities.

Mr Twyford hopes to either own an automotive shop or become a TAFE teacher and continue being a part of the WorldSkills competitions.

“It’d be pretty cool to do something similar to what Anthony does, they asked me to come back as a mentor in a few years, so I’d be pretty happy to come back and do that,” he said.

“Maybe after that I could even come back as a judge at the WorldSkills event, that’d be pretty cool too.”

FUTURE MENTOR: Jake Twyford hopes to keep helping out at the WorldSkills competitions in the future.

SILVER MEDALIST: Brylee Roberts achieved a silver medal in the cyber security competition.

Full reserved seating aims to remediate train overcrowding

Reservation-only booking

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

A RESERVATION-only booking system for seats on weekend V/Line train services between Albury and Melbourne will be trialled, in an attempt to overcome over crowding since cheaper fares were introduced five months ago.

Under the trial, if all seats are booked on a service, passengers would then have the option of purchasing an unreserved ticket, which alerts them that they may have to stand for some or all of their journey.

Alternatively, passengers may also have the option to travel on an overflow coach, on services where these are available.

With only two of six carriages on the Albury line services currently offered reserved seating, a surplus of unreserved ticket holders have found themselves being forced to stand for all or some of an up to four-hour long journey, with some

choosing to sit on the floor.

Extra train services on a Saturday morning from Albury and another on Sunday afternoon from Southern Cross was trialled during July and August to address the demand, but overcrowding still exists.

The State Government this week announced it will trial weekend reserved seating from Saturday, September 2 until late November following feedback from a recent survey of weekend passengers.

It found that more than 70 per cent supported a move to

reservation-only seating on the busy Albury line trains.

Wangaratta resident Mary Daly witnessed the passenger chaos first-hand on Monday during her trip to Melbourne.

She usually manages to book a reserved seat well in advance and the times she has caught a train without one she has been fortunate, but this wasn’t the case on Monday.

“A lot of my friends have been telling me about the overcrowded trains and I saw it first-hand on Monday,” she said.

“At least 10 people gave

up reserved seats for elderly people who were getting on the train and had nowhere to sit.

“There were people sitting on the floor or standing for a lot of the trip as well.

“That’s great that they are addressing the problem as they haven’t had the capacity for ticketing and although I usually book well ahead, many people are unable to.”

Wangaratta-based Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy said the trial was “a great win for North East Victoria” after consistent lobbying.

Benambra MP Bill Tilley welcomed the change but said this shouldn’t be just a trial it should be permanent, and it should be extended to every service and not just weekends.

V/Line said it will keep Albury line passengers updated as details of the seating reservations trial are finalised to ensure passengers have advanced notice of the change.

Once implemented, V/Line will closely monitor the trial.

In the meantime, Albury line passengers are encouraged to plan ahead and reserve a seat for all long-dis-

tance services by booking online, at a staffed V/Line or premium Metro station, by calling 1800 800 007, or by visiting a retail ticket agent.

Passengers with accessibility needs are also encouraged to call 1800 800 007 to book a reserved seat or accessible space with special provision being made in the trial to ensure sufficient seating is available for those with special needs.

Since cheaper fares were introduced on March 31, about 150,000 Albury line passengers have used the service.

LONG TRIP: Passengers on an Albury line service on Monday were forced to sit on the floor or stand due to overcrowding.

Communication more than words

WHEN we hear the word speech pathologist, you can be forgiven for thinking it’s all about words.

But during Speech Pathology Week, community members have been encouraged to think about speech in a different way and think beyond the spoken word to expression, gesture and identity.

Northeast Health Wangaratta speech pathologist, Sheree Bennett, said this week had presented an opportunity to educate the public that their profession is focused on more than just speech and that their services can help broader communication and swallowing impairments.

“Our work covers the lifespan, from infants and children to the mature aged and into aged care,” Ms Bennett said.

“Communication is more than speaking and the ability to express what you want or need.

“To communicate is how you show your personality, how you establish and maintain relationships with people, and it is very personal to us.

“So when that ability changes – which could be due to a stroke, cancer, progressive neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, Motor Neurone Disease or dementia – it has an enormous impact on the person as a whole.

“As speech pathologists, we provide therapy and work closely with people who have communication difficulties and our work covers a range of responses to meet their specific needs.”

Gil Cunningham from Yarrawonga developed aphasia after one of his strokes.

Ms Bennett said aphasia is

a language impairment that involves a breakdown in the ability to find the right words when speaking and writing.

She said it can cause difficulties understanding written language and can lead to the individual writing unrecognisable letters or symbols.

Before his strokes, Gil was an avid golfer and very ac-

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tive in the management of Yarrawonga Golf Club.

He has been participating in rehabilitation that includes speech pathology over the last 12 months.

“The first thing I found difficult was the feeling of lack of self-control,” he said.

“I felt like a bit of a nuisance and it was difficult to

share my frustration.

“It can be a really lonely time so I have relied on the support of this team at NHW.

“I had real difficulty with my speech at the start and that highlighted to me the extra work that all allied health professionals do to help people recover, and the way they cross over and integrate.”

Ms Bennett said communication impairments could often be improved with consistent, focused rehabilitation.

“For Gil in particular, as a high-functioning person, he experienced some issues early on speaking and writing,” she said.

“It’s hard to imagine what it’s like for someone who has been using language and gestures all of their life to have letters on a page not making sense.

“We implemented a range of activities to help build Gil’s capacity and his confidence and he’s made significant improvements over time.”

Ms Bennett said communication training with families and people that are close to the person they are working with was also important, because families often needed support in understanding how to best support the person with a communication impairment.

“It’s not just if we can’t communicate, it’s the bigger impact on a person’s mental health and wellbeing, and the ripple effect for their family and loved ones,” she said.

Speech Pathology Week runs until tomorrow.

Self-referrals can be made to NHW’s community care intake advisor on phone (03) 5722 5679 or email ccia@ nhw.org.au

Belinda McPherson & Sophie Lorback

OPEN COMMUNICATION: NHW speech pathologist Sheree Bennett is part of the team helping Gil Cunningham recover after a stroke.

BLUE SKY MINE

LEAD singer of Midnight Oil Peter Garrett is making new music and will return to live performance later this year, visiting the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Wednesday, November 29 at 7.30pm. It’s one of just a handful of special appearances by Peter in support of a forthcoming solo release, performing with his band the Alter Egos including Midnight Oil’s Martin Rotsey. Get in quick with tickets on sale today from 9am at wpacc.com.au.

Free session to tackle teen tough issues

By SIMONE KERWIN

SOME of the tough issues confronting teenagers and their parents will be addressed during a free event on Monday evening, being organised by Galen Catholic College and open to the wider community.

Richie Hardcore, a public speaker, consultant, educator and advocate, will be at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Monday from 7pm to 8.30pm to explore everything from consent and respectful relationships to gender and daily safety, masculinity, monitoring internet consumption, and bystander apathy.

The presentation looks at how safe and healthy relationships, homes and communities can be created.

A multiple New Zealand champion in Muay Thai, Richie has retired from fighting and is now a coach and trainer.

As well as coaching athletes through his charitable trust, he uses Muay Thai and kickboxing as part of a mentoring program for people

who have left the criminal justice system, who are in alternative education or alcohol and drug rehabilitation.

Richie has a Master’s degree in sociology, is a White Ribbon New Zealand ambassador, and is part of the New Zealand Ministry of Social Development’s ‘Change is Possible’ anti-domestic violence campaign.

“I speak about masculinity and the social pressures we experience that push boys into a stereotypical idea of masculinity, that is unemotional, violent, disrespectful towards women and homophobic,” he said.

“I discuss pornography, popular music and social media (such as Andrew Tate) as popular sources of

unhealthy ideas and behaviours, and pose critical questions to encourage discussion and media literacy.”

Richie’s presentation, ‘Hardcore Conversations’, contrasts unhealthy ideas about sexual and romantic relationships as they are presented in popular culture with healthy alternatives.

“We finish (by) looking at healthier beliefs and behaviours, as well as role models, that offer counter-narratives to some of the unhelpful and dangerous ideas that are still popular. Then we allow some time for discussion, questions and answers,” he said.

Young people, parents and carers should be aware that Richie uses graphic language and content to associate real situations he has experienced with his age group.

The session is geared towards students aged 14 and over, with each young person attending required to be accompanied by an adult or carer.

To book your place, visit www.eventbrite. com/e/679101229057

TOUGH CONVERSATIONS:

Richie Hardcore will be guest speaker on Monday night.

Five-month seating wait not acceptable

TRAIN travellers may be somewhat relieved now they have a greater chance to reserve a seat on weekend V/Line services from September 2.

The State Government announced a trial reservations-only ticketing system, which it hopes will reduce the number of people missing out on a place to rest for the long-haul journey.

Some political commentary since the announcement has been around the delay it took in addressing a real problem for commuters since fare prices were drastically reduced from March 31.

Only two of six train carriages offered reserved seating, so it’s no wonder that overcrowding has occurred.

People have had to either stand or sit on the floor and there seems to have been no real urgency by the government to address the problem.

There should have been better planning and reaction time to cover the inevitable effect from greater demand caused by drastically - and welcomed - cheaper fares.

The problem is there aren’t enough services on the Albury line, which other regional Victorian cities have the comfort of because they have larger populations, are closer to the city and have more rolling stock.

This trial will run until late November, but the government needs to keep an eye on what’s happening on the weekday services as well because on Monday there were about a dozen people having to stand or sit on the floor.

While some people are able to plan and book well ahead of their scheduled trip, many are not, so unless the government intends to schedule more services every day of the week, it needs to make sure it responds to public needs in a more timely manner.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

FACEBOOK users this week commented on our weekly poll which asked users: ‘Will new attractions, including a Beaut Ute competition, encourage you to support this year’s Wangaratta Show?’

• Paul Crabb: Peter Gladstone A Beaut Ute comp’ for you to enter

• Rez Leslie: Make the entry too the show cheaper for families,that will bring more people back.

• Leeanne M Broady: Will

they have concession tickets gets a bit expensive when you are a family of 7 and have kids over 15 of the 1518 school students and uni student can’t get a student or concession price With the cost of living so high it makes it unaffordable to go

• Zoe Dunstan: I would have to know what is being introduced before I consider it. Considering the cover charge and then having to pay for rides makes for a very expensive day with a family.

Will we ever see Wareena Park development

THE Wareena Park development on the site of the old Olympic pool will provide rooms for Wangaratta Senior Citizens, U3A Wangaratta, Ostinato Community Choir, Vocal Dimension, three bands, and the toy library and will include a hall to seat 250 people.

The project will cost $4 million of which half will be provided by council and the other half has to be sought from other sources.

We seniors have watched millions of dollars being spent on sporting, housing and business developments while our dedicated shovel-ready development has been sidelined for several years.

Currently these organisations are operating in venues that are not fit-forpurpose for seniors.

They may have steps, inadequate lighting, heating and cooling, an outside toilet, no running hot water, no storage space for music, inadequate parking, and may need to be vacated when needed by the landlord.

The new development will provide all these organisations with air conditioned rooms, a modern shared kitchen, storage space, cabling for digital devices, toilets including disabled ones, a mid-sized hall, and much needed security of tenure.

Health professionals urge seniors to maintain mental and physical wellbeing and reduce isolation by engaging in social activities.

We do our best to comply by volunteering in all sorts of organisations, and we provide entertainment and learning opportunities for the wider community.

So I think we deserve a permanent, fitfor-purpose venue of our own.

Although I was impressed with the consultation process, I now wonder whether I will live to see the actual building.

Dr Anne Bittner, Wangaratta

Big business and the honey pot

BIG business seems to be having too much influence on the way Australia is being governed these days.

During the pandemic they were able to collect large amounts of cash from the government without any consequences.

The only ones who paid back were the ones had a social conscious due to a strong media campaign.

Since then, many companies, which include multi-national ones, have been actively involved in social issues to the

NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.

The other attractions aren’t really worth it unfortunately. Last year the offering was rather pitiful, it was such a waste of money unfortunately. There wasn’t even a decent amount of rides on offer. So adding a couple of extra attractions won’t really cut it in my opinion.

• Charmane Bennett: Zoe - The Volunteer Committee would love to hear from you, as ideas people are what we need to continue making the show great. However, the rides that

come (or don’t) & their pricing, are not under the control of our committee. Look forward to you making contact.

• Bellini Homer: Beaut Utes? Sounds a bit blokey. Bring back the Showgirl Completion.

• Shelley Younger: We are all struggling with cost of living. You’d be lying if you weren’t. Maybe try and put a little away each week. But if we don’t support local events the next you know we will be whinging we have nothing local to attend

Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.

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detriment of their core business.

I believe these large corporations got used to the government honey pot and influence had on government by appeasing the government of the day so as to continue this practice.

Whenever I see a government leader stand beside a large corporation executive making an announcement I fear our (taxpayer) pocket is being picked.

Now I read that big business wants to increase GST percentage, so they say to improve our worldwide finance rating. Maybe we need to look at the GST system in total and get rid of all the loopholes.

John Walker, North Wangaratta

There is no Basin Plan without Victoria

THE Victorian Liberal and Nationals condemn the blatant disregard Federal Labor has shown for regional Victorian communities and irrigators by watering down the Murray Darling Basin Plan.

Despite the role Victoria has played in delivering the majority of the already recovered 2100GL, Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek has decided to ignore previous contributions and disadvantage Victorian water users.

The Liberals and Nationals have long been opposed to buybacks to get the additional 450GL, and the Victorian Government has followed our policy position on the issue.

Tim McCurdy, MP for Ovens Valley

POLL RESULTS

NEW SHOW ATTRACTIONS votes to yesterdaynoon

29 Yes 17 No

12

Will new attractions, including a Beaut Ute competition, encourage you to support this year’s Wangaratta Show? THIS WEEK

Will you be supporting the final Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues later this year?

WE welcome your letters to the Editor. Priority is given to typed/emailed letters under 250 words. Every letter must have your full name, address and a daytime phone contact number supplied for verification purposes. Any letter may be edited for reasons of space, content or legibility. Email edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au Post Letters to

QUIET REFLECTION: Local artist Jennifer Paull (pictured) is in residence at the Art Gallery on Ovens this week. Call in and see her latest exhibition Waterways from 10am until 4pm, in the laneway off Murphy Street.

PHOTO: Bailey Zimmermann

wangarattachronicle.com.au

FACEBOOK users this week commented on Glenrowan’s brand new $5.459m Ned Kelly Discovery Hub expecting to attract a further 20,000 tourists to the township each year.

• Paul Crabb: The big cable drum! Hopefully it brings in the tourists.

• Wayne Anderson: Had a good wander around the area a week or two ago. Impressive, out-of-the-ordinary architecture with very good public amenity. Looking forward to seeing what’s

inside. There are not going to be many tourists who walk past this building without being enticed to have a look.

• Sara Tatulaschwili: Waste of money & time… just like the bridge..

• Dave George: They come there expecting to see something, but there’s nothing to see.

• Nathan Andrew: Money could went a fair way into local road repairs, would been more constructive.

• Leslie Matthews: An excellent idea met with the usual amount

NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.

of negativity from the chattering classes in the community... Ned would have been pleased..

• Marianne Hamilton: It’s a brilliant building ‘in place’. Does anyone know who the architects were?

Facebook users also commented on the Jazz and Blues Festival holding its final event in November.

• Margaret Newton: Thankyou to the past organisers,times change, move on.

• John Barnard: Was a great event but lost its sole when they

moved away from Reid St.

• Melissa Jody: The public stage should never have left reid street cost them the event in many peoples eyes.

• George Dimopoulos: Very very sad for the town.

• Kylie Dowell: Hmmmmm..... Maybe give it another go in REID ST??? See what happens then. It also doesn’t get advertised like it use too.

• Jess Keogh: Kylie Dowell having it in Reid street was the best!! Lost its vibe when they stopped it.

Tweet

Alex Masso @alexmasso

Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues just announced this year will be the last.

Dr Stephanie Watts-Fawkes @myco_research

I took the Vline from Wangaratta to Melbourne last week for the first time in years (I used to do it regularly in high school/Uni) - was amazed at how different this Vlocity trains are compared to the old model! Great trip.

Blair Crouch @BlairCrouch1

Day 2 of the @StarsBBL Road Trip and we’re off to Myrtleford, Whorouly, Oxley & Wangaratta for more school visits.

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

Dr

Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.

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Corina Modderman @Corinamodderman

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Bombshells all set for November debut

RIDING high from their hugely successful production of Ladies in Black, local community theatre group the Wangaratta Players are already working on their next exciting projects.

Between September 23 and 30, the Wangaratta Players ‘Youthies’ group will present the classic The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, while preparations are also underway for the November production of Bombshells.

Multi-award winning Australian playwright and author Joanna Murray-Smith’s highlyacclaimed play is a fun and heart-warming journey “from crisis to hilarity”, and will be directed by local theatre stalwart, Wendy Stephens.

The show features six funny and perceptive monologues about the stresses of modern female life, ranging from a feisty teenager to a 64-year-old woman yearning for the unexpected.

A public information session about the show will be held at 11am on Saturday, September 2 at the Players’ Stage Door Studio at 4D Evans Street.

Attendees will be able to meet with Ms Stephens and learn more about the show and the six female characters to be cast, and there will be an opportunity to read through the play and take home audition pieces for the following week.

Ms Stephens said she was excited to get to work.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to direct this wonderful Australian play and to work with the talented people of the Wangaratta Players again,” she said.

Auditions will be held from 10am on Saturday, September 9 at the stage door, before the play is performed over the last two weekends of November.

For more information about Bombshells or to book an audition, contact Wendy Stephens on 0402 288 207.

Solar farm $500,000 pledge to community

COMMUNITY groups in the Wangaratta district are encouraged to apply for funding, with Glenrowan Solar Farm committing $50,000 each year, for the next 10 years, to the local area.

Glenrowan Solar Farm’s community-driven benefit sharing program has been developed with the help of the project’s community reference group (CRG) which was formed earlier this year.

Pacific Partnerships’ managing director Simon Nicholls said the program is about creating a positive legacy for the local community and aligns with the Glenrowan Solar Farm’s commitment to sharing benefit with the region.

“Together with our CRG, we’ve been working to develop a program that can realise better meaningful project outcomes for the local community,” Mr Nicholls said.

“We’re seeking applications for initiatives that demonstrate a direct local benefit and that support the natural environment and climate change, health and wellbeing, population growth and youth retention, training,

Only few days to lodge claim for $250 bonus

WITH the State Government’s $250 Power Saving Bonus set to close on August 31, locals who have not yet applied are encouraged to do so over the next six days.

The bonus is available to all Victorian households who visit the Victorian Energy Compare website or engage with an energy affordability service through participating community outreach partners.

The current round is available to all eligible Victorian households, including those who have

received payments through previous rounds of the program, and is paid to nominated bank accounts via electronic funds transfer or bank cheque.

Pangerang Community

Hub executive officer Tennille Hall said locals seeking assistance with application for the bonus could drop into the Ovens Street neighbourhood house, bringing along their electricity bill, and staff could help lodge their claim.

For more information on Pangerang’s offer of assistance, phone 5721 3813.

skills and education and improving energy literacy,” he said.

“Whether it’s a grant for a community-based organisation to improve their climate resilience, or a program for locals to learn more about renewable energy, we hope to see a diversity of applications.”

The Glenrowan Solar Farm is a 130MWdc solar project located 2km south-west of Glenrowan.

Once in operation, it is expected to supply renewable electricity to the national electricity market, generating power for about 45,000 Australian homes.

Glenrowan Solar Farm has developed a set of guidelines to help community groups or community-based organisations with their application.

An online information session will be held to answer any questions people may have about the program and empower local community groups to make an application to the program.

Applications close at midnight on October 1, with the online information session planned for Wednesday, August 30.

Stall applications for Oxley Bush Market closing early next month

STALLHOLDER applications are closing on September 8 for the 42nd Annual Oxley Bush Market to be held at the township’s historic hall on Saturday, November 4, from 9am to 2.30pm. All applications are to be completed, paid and submitted by this date. Go to oxleyhall.com and follow the links to the BUSH MARKET.

Fill in your details, pay on line and then submit your application.

You will be notified by September 22 if you have been successful . Unsuccessful stallholders will be fully refunded their payment on or around September 22.

BUILDING STEAM: Wendy Stephens is excited to be directing Bombshells on behalf of the Wangaratta Players.

 HIDE AND SEEK SHEEP: Wangaratta Library staff members got into the spirit of Children’s Book Council of Australia Book Week with a ‘Where is the Green Sheep’ challenge on Wednesday. Tracy Peters, Dinka Malsem, Peyton Williams, Sue Thiele, Tanya Hopper and Loueen Twyford wore headbands featuring different coloured sheep, in the vein of the muchloved Mem Fox book, with children visiting the library challenged to find the elusive green sheep.

time session moves

LIBRARY DELVES INTO BOOK WEEK

By SIMONE KERWIN

BOOK Week has been a busy one for many families and schools across the Rural City of Wangaratta - and for the Wangaratta Library, which organised activities designed to bring youngsters and books together.

Driver three times over limit

A WANGARATTA woman caught more than three times above the blood alcohol limit will be sidelined from driving until the middle of next year, after she was seen swerving through the Wangaratta CBD earlier this year.

The 29-year-old entered guilty pleas to drink driving offences when quizzed

by Magistrate Peter Dunn at Wangaratta Magistrates Court this week.

The court heard she had been intercepted with a blood alcohol reading of 0.167 in the early hours of March 12.

Police first spotted the woman driving along Faithfull Street towards the Murphy Street roundabout, with the vehicle swerving onto

the left shoulder and into the oncoming lane.

Police followed the woman for around 700m, before eventually intercepting her on Wilson Road around 1.44am.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Victoria Lennon said officers had smelt intoxicating liquor in woman’s the car, and noted when asked by police what she had been

drinking, the accused asked officers to clarify their question twice.

She eventually told officers she had had four glasses of wine.

Defence counsel Geoff Clancy said his client accepted she had made a bad error in judgment in getting behind the wheel.

He said the accused had

been drinking wine by the glass throughout the evening and “the night just got away from her”.

Mr Clancy told the court his client had not drank since her interception, and had proactively sought counselling in the wake of the incident.

The court heard the accused had been immediately suspended from driving by police.

“This has taken a big toll on her,” Mr Clancy said.

Magistrate Peter Dunn said the accused had made “a silly decision”, but commended her efforts to seek counselling.

He imposed a mandatory licence cancellation of 16 months from the date of initial suspension, and placed her on a good behaviour bond without conviction.

 CENTRE STAGE: Tanya Hopper, Wangaratta

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

BOOK WEEK IS FOR EVERYONE: Joan the dog as Hairy Maclary, from Lynley Dodd’s ‘Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy’.

Fun by the book at Wangaratta West Primary

By SIMONE KERWIN

WANGARATTA West Primary School encouraged students and staff to come dressed as their favourite book character last week, in the lead-up to Children’s Book Council of Australia Book Week.

The school also welcomed local author/illustrator Mal Webster, who spent a day sharing the process involved in the production of his books ‘Box Boy’ and ‘Ship Ahoy! Box Boy’. Students in all year levels were able to ask questions of Mal about the secrets to being a published author, thoroughly enjoyed reading and listening to his stories, and walked away inspired.

TITLE

INSPIRATION: Local author/illustrator Mal Webster spent time with Wangaratta West Primary School students including Paige-Lee Dummett, Annabelle Wills, Tate Llewellyn, Logan Wilson and Amilyia Tremellen, explaining the process of writing his booksfrom the story content, to the creation of illustrations, through to the publishing phase.

EFFORT:

CHARACTER: Ethan Renshaw came dressed as Mr Stink, from the David Walliams book of the same name.

LE ARACTER: han nshaw me essed as m the vid lliams ok the me

We have moved!

MAK Phi Won

MAKER OF MUSIC, DREAMER OF DREAMS: Bernie and Mac Phillips came dressed as two different versions of Willy Wonka from Roald Dahl’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’.

REGAL: Kenzie Boschetti chose to dress as the Queen of Hearts from ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’.

TRANSFORMATION: Selina Patterson, Amanda Keane, Bec McDonald, Kellie Cooper, Zoe Direen, Anne-Maree Sessions and Jacinta Robinson brought to life Eric Carle’s ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’.

CLASSIC: Matilda Lang and Emma Kelly as Tweedledee and Tweedledum from Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice’s

CRAFTY: Landon Coates got creative with a Minecraft Zombie costume.

Adventures in Wonderland’.

TOWERING

Gus Hines as ‘The Box Boy’, title character from a book created by local author/illustrator Mal Webster.

Frequent flyers: the Tree Martin

By IAN DAVIDSON and CHRIS TZAROS

MARTINS are small, largely aerial birds that bear a close resemblance to swallows to which they are very closely related.

There are two species of Martins that occur in this region.

The most common is the Tree Martin, and then there its smaller relative, the Fairy Martin.

Tree Martins are very wide-

spread, occurring over most of Australia wherever there are bigger eucalypts.

Such trees provide small hollows and ledges that are used by the birds as roosting and nesting sites.

In the cool conditions of early morning, communal flocks of these birds may be seen perched together on exposed high branches, preening and sunning themselves for some time before hunger eventually draws them away to commence foraging.

Agile in the air, they expertly circle, swoop and dive for small flying insects above the canopy, high into the sky and also over water and low over paddocks.

At times they will dive down to pick up insects floating on the surface of water and apart from gathering nesting material they very rarely land on the ground.

They are certainly birds designed for a life on the wing, with a short stout beak for catching insects, long pointed wings for effortless flight, and

glossy downy plumage that reduces friction in the air. They have small, weak feet which are used only to grasp perches when resting.

When coming in to nesting holes, they usually plunge straight in without stopping their flight.

Often associating with Welcome Swallows, Tree Martins are best distinguished by their white rump and short square tail, as opposed to the dark rump and longer forked tail of the swallow.

Sometimes, Fairy Martins join the mix as well, but they are noticeably smaller than Tree Martins and though they also have a white rump, they have a rusty coloured head which differs from the black head of the Tree Martin.

Tree Martins are migratory and though small numbers may occur throughout the year in this region, they are certainly more common come spring and into summer.

Locally, they may be seen almost anywhere but good views can be obtained at places such as Winton Wetlands and stretches of the Ovens River, where there are plenty of large old hollow-bearing trees to cater for their needs.

NOT A SWALLOW: Perched near its nest, this Tree Martin takes a break from its life on the wing. PHOTO: Chris Tzaros (Birds Bush and Beyond)

$500m housing program must accommodate for regions: MP

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

WANGARATTA’S federal MP says a Federal Government commitment to fund critical enabling infrastructure to boost housing supply must guarantee a fair share of investment to regional Australia.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced additional funding to address Australia’s affordable housing supply crisis following National Cabinet last week, including a $500 million funding program for local and state governments to invest in the critical infrastructure that enables housing development to get started.

The new Housing Support Program will offer ‘targeted activation payments’ for the connection of essential services and amenities needed to support new housing developments, such as sewerage, water and power.

Indi Independent federal MP Helen Haines met with Mr Albanese earlier this month to discuss the housing issues faced in regional Australia, and how the problems and solutions are different than those in the cities.

Dr Haines said it was now critical that the government “ensure this funding goes to regional and rural Australia, where these funds are needed the most”.

“I will work constructively with the government to ensure we receive our fair share of the funding in the regions, and I am committed to holding this government accountable on behalf of our community in Indi and regional

OUR SHARE: Indi Independent federal MP Helen Haines says new Federal Government funding for housing must deliver for the regions.

Australia more broadly.

“I will look closely at the detail of the Housing Support Program when it becomes available and I will push the government to ensure it works for us in Indi and across rural areas like ours.”

Dr Haines has long called for federal investment and recently presented the PM with her proposal for a dedicated Regional Housing Infrastructure Fund that would invest in critical enabling infrastructure for regional housing developments.

“This is why it is so important to have a strong regional Independent voice in parliament,” she said.

“I have listened to my community in Indi about the problems we face, worked with them to develop those solutions and bring them to government.

“It’s clear the government has listened and now I will make sure this announcement is actually delivered and results in more houses

built in our towns.”

Such a fund could unlock social and affordable housing projects such as the Ovens College redevelopment in Wangaratta where not-forprofit social enterprise and housing developer Nestd, has been contracted to deliver 200 safe, quality, energy-efficient homes for young people, pensioners, women at risk of homelessness and essential workers.

“I have spoken to not-forprofit housing providers who say they face costs to developing housing in regional Australia that they wouldn’t face in the big cities, that’s why we need this funding to kickstart other investment,” Dr Haines reported.

“There is no silver bullet to solve the housing crisis, but funding for critical enabling infrastructure is a major handbrake on housing supply right now, and this funding program could go a long way to addressing the problem.”

Showcase a fitting a finale for tech tech festival

By SIMONE KERWIN

A ‘SHOWCASE’ finale on Friday wound up the successful Inspired by Tech Regional Festival staged by Wangaratta’s Digital Technology Advisory Committee over the last few weeks.

The festival kicked off on August 2 with a Girl-Powered Workshop at the Wangaratta Digital Hub, with a sciencefocused pub quiz held the next week, followed by a panel session and the showcase last Thursday and Friday.

DTAC received a $15,000 Federal Government grant to host the festival to mark National Science Week.

Maree Timms, DTAC president, said the finale was lots of fun, and highlighted the group’s main aim.

“(Our) goal is to connect students, no matter what their level or background, with digital literacy and innovation,” she said.

“To see students from three local high schools and two primary schools all having fun teaching each other was awesome.

“To have local talented alumni giving back, plus industry leaders alongside them, was something very special.

“It was so great to see so much engagement between participants, presenters and guests of all ages - truly inspiring, invigorating and something to be proud of. National Science Week is the best.”

With the theme ‘Inspiring Minds, Shaping the Future’, the showcase brought local students, alumni and industry professionals together to demonstrate how they are utilising technology to revolutionise various domains.

Two sessions were held during the day at Galen Catholic College.

Those who attended Friday’s showcase were also full of praise for the event.

Wangaratta High School teacher Tim Friel said the school’s year seven students absolutely loved the day“particularly the opportunity to guide their peers from different schools in utilising the CoSpaces platform to code new worlds”.

Emma Jones from GHD said she and fellow presenters had enjoyed meeting the region’s next engineers, innovators and scientists: “Kudos to all the educators and industry supporters nurturing them”.

Students from Wangaratta and Carraragarmungee primary schools also took part

in the day, and teachers said there was plenty of excited chatter on the bus on the way home.

Carraragarmungee Primary student Amarlie Kane enjoyed the chance to try VEX robotics during the showcase: “My favourite activity was when we went on a simulator and created a

design that came to life on a fancy cube. I learnt about construction and coding.”

Carraragarmungee Primary’s Marie De Prada said students were fully engaged, hands-on and learning “right from the get-go”.

“It was amazing for our students to learn from peers from other schools, and from the older students presenting their projects involving digital technology challenges,” she said.

Among the visiting alumni was former Galen College student Madalynn Baumanis, who said National Science Week was an important way to support young students to consider the impact of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) in the world.

“Coming from a regional background, events like this have given me the inspiration to pursue my career in biomedical science and chemistry,” she said.

“I was privileged to have been a guest speaker at high schools across Wangaratta, and have taken part in a Q&A session with

people in the region.

“Congratulations and thankyou to everyone involved in the events.”

Madalynn joined Maisie Walker Stelling and Zach Wingrave - who also both presented at the showcase - at the panel evening held last Thursday, which was convened by Emma Jones.

Ms Jones said the session showed that there were myriad pathways to begin and grow a career in STEM; curiosity and dedication trump straight As and exceptional ATARs; non-STEM subjects and experiences (such as circus and volunteering) enrich STEM careers; and that in the local area, it’s still common for students to be the first from their family to finish high school or go to university.

Together, DTAC, students, educators, start-ups and industry mentors and volunteers are steadily lifting the region’s digital ability, and inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals, whose careers will benefit the local community and beyond.

For many people, the after Funeral gathering can be almost as important as the Funeral ceremony itself.

Mason Park’s Memories Room, directly opposite the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery is the ideal location to gather and support one another following a loss. It is a fully licensed facility and we have many food and drink options to suit everyone.

Mason Park Funerals

HANDS-ON Carraragarmungee Primary School students (from left) Amelia Brauman, Amarlie Kane, Sadie Pye and Audrey Jansson checked out some mineral samples with Emma Jones from GHD at the Inspired by Tech Regional Festival showcase held on Friday at Galen Catholic College.

ALL ACTION: Galen Catholic College students Lenny Campbell and Xavier Everitt drive and program a VEX robot while Carraragarmungee Primary School students Sophie Bell and Zara Howell watch their bot’s progress with Sophie’s mum Bipa.

Looking Glass at Wangaratta gallery

A SIGNIFICANT exhibition of works by two of Australia’s most acclaimed Aboriginal artists, Judy Watson and Yhonnie Scarce, is opening at the Wangaratta Art Gallery today.

The exhibition called ‘Looking Glass’ features paintings, video and sculptural works that explore the elements of earth, water, fire and air.

Kokatha and Nukunu artist, Scarce’s heated and blown glass sculptures are shown alongside Waanyi artist, Watson’s washed canvases, stained with earthen pigments.

An official opening celebration will take place today from 5.30pm at the gallery and the exhibition runs until October 22 in Gallery One.

Whitfield family movie night

PANGERANG Community Hub is presenting a family movie night at the Whitfield Recreation Reserve in Whitfield tonight from 5.30pm. Enjoy an evening of fun with the movie “Night at the Museum” to be screened and a free barbecue provided, with all welcome and no bookings required.

Electric vehicles show and tell

FIND out all you need to know about electric vehicle ownership when the Rural City of Wangaratta and Wangaratta Landcare & Sustainability holds an Electric Vehicles Show and Tell event at the Wangaratta Library tomorrow morning at 10.30am.

See a few different EVs on display outside the library, before heading inside for morning tea and to hear from an panel of industry experts and community members with real-life experience as electric vehicle users in the local area on how they work, charge, range-anxiety and more. Walk-ins are welcome on the day but registrations are preferred as this event will be catered by visiting https://events.humanitix.com/electric-vehicle-show-and-tell.

Local creatives to share their artistry on Sunday

THE next Creatives of Wangaratta and Surrounds (CoWS) Creatives Market will be held on Sunday at the CWA Hall in Templeton Street.

It’s an opportunity to browse more than 20 stalls featuring the work of local artists, makers and small business owners who are all based in North East Victoria.

Market coordinator Vitoria Guimaraes said all products are handmade and the vendors are specially selected to create a unique market experience each month for the community, so no two markets are the same.

She said the market is also indoors and heated which means families

Waterways inspired pastel exhibition

AN exhibition of beautiful artworks by local artist Jennifer Paull is showing at the Art Gallery on Ovens. Called Waterways, it is Jennifer’s fourth exhibition at the artist-run gallery, and includes 20 works which have been created over the last 12 months featuring images capturing some of Victoria’s most iconic waterways, from the Melbourne docks to Murray River.

It will be open today, tomorrow and Monday from 10am to 4pm and on Sunday from 10am until 2pm with entry free, in the laneway off Murphy Street.

Warriors Unmasked at the gallery

WANGARATTA Art Gallery, in collaboration with the Centre Against

Violence, is presenting Warriors Unmasked, a powerful exhibition celebrating strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

Warriors Unmasked is an exhibition of works created through The Art Project, which brought together nine victim-survivors of sexual assault and gender-based violence to use art to help heal their own recovery.

Warriors Unmasked - The Art Project is open to the public until September 24 in Gallery Two at the Wangaratta Art Gallery.

State Ballet to presents Cinderella

A FULL length classical ballet production of the traditional fairy-tale story Cinderella will be held at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre tomorrow night at 7.30pm. Featuring internationally recognised artists in leading roles, the

world’s most loved story is retold through superb classical ballet technique and mesmerizing choreography, matched to the hauntingly beautiful traditional musical score by Sergei Prokofiev.

An inspiring, entertaining and memorable experience for the whole family, limited tickets are still available by visiting wpacc.com.au.

Winton Wetlands explored at gallery

A COLLABORATIVE project and exhibition by three artists, Victoria Cooper, Maggie Hollins and Doug Spowart, which is inspired by the Winton Wetlands renewal, is showing in the Bainz Gallery at the Wangaratta Library until Monday.

It is the artists’ response to a place rich in its history of natural and human interaction and includes varied media like textiles, collages and online media.

can attend and enjoy the variety on display no matter what the weather.

This month’s market will feature items such as jams and chutneys, poured paint and watercolour art, embroidery, handmade bags, fresh flowers and kiln-fused glassware.

There will also be candles, polymer clay earrings, kids hair accessories, pet bandanas, scrunchies, crochet, wood turning pieces, home decor, kids busy boards, garden art and more.

The market will be held on Sunday from 9am to 1pm at the CWA Hall next to King George V Gardens with free entry and plenty of onstreet parking available.

Wangaratta community market

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 and refreshments available. Stalls are available for $25 each - more information via the market’s Facebook page.

Chiltern Antique Fair in Chiltern

THE annual Chiltern Antique Fair, attracting dealers and enthusiasts from around the country, will be held from today until Sunday at the Chiltern War Memorial Hall and Library. The fair is open on Saturday from 10am until 5pm and on Sunday from 10am to 4pm with entry $5 per adult.

ARTS AND CRAFTS: Featuring jewellery, giftware and home décor items, the next Creatives of Wangaratta and Surrounds (CoWS) Creatives Market will be held on Sunday at the CWA Hall.

Custom design, quality built

INSPECTIONS are a must to fully appreciate this impeccable three bedroom plus study custom built home, combining outstanding quality and comfort within a desirable Baltimore Estate location.

This sizeable home offers a seamless open plan kitchen, living and dining and all with high 2.75m ceilings.

The kitchen is custom designed to showcase a stone island bench, breakfast bar extension with premium stainless-steel appliances.

Appointed to a high standard, the home has twin ovens (Pyrolytic), dishwasher, an abundance of soft close storage along with excellent storage and butler’s pantry.

Designed to maximise natural light,

the emphasis is all about indoor-outdoor living.

This is truly a home to cater for all seasons, where glass doors lead you straight out to the expansive outdoor area.

Further enhancing this home is the inground salt chlorinated plunge pool surrounded by frameless glass fencing, established landscaping providing both beauty and privacy.

This lovely home provides a primary bedroom with spacious walk-in robe with custom cabinetry and an ensuite featuring an oversized shower, frameless glass, floor to ceiling tiles, and dual vanities.

Smartly designed, the two separated guest bedrooms all contain BIR’s and the main bathroom with freestanding bath,

76 Reid Street Open weekdays 9am to 5pm (closed 1pm to 1:45pm) 1300 004 863 humebank.com.au

porcelain tiles and generous shower.

Comfort is ensured with ducted refrigerated heating/cooling and gas log fire, whilst double glazed windows throughout the home provides efficiency, comfort and quite enjoyment.

Let the house do the hard work for you with minimised expense as the 18 panel solar unit contributes to the home’s efficiency.

The home has shedding 3.6m X 5m with concrete flooring and power along with side access for caravan or trailer storage.

Please contact Danial Siperki at Nutrien Harcourts Real Estate to arrange your private inspection on 0400 027 473.

Agent | Phone | Price | Location |

Nutrien Harcourts 5722 9444

$890,000 - $949,000

wangaratta.nutrienharcourts. com.au/L23810217

It’s the very best of rural outlook, residential living

LIVING in great properties is surely the aim for us all.

If you want central access to town with a rural outlook continue reading: designer built in 2006 on almost one third an acre, this four bedroom home has ducted heating and cooling, formal and informal dining and living areas.

It has an ensuite, separate large laundry, three toilets, powder room, bath, ample storage throughout for linen and supplies, double garage, remotes, 9m X 6m shedding with light, power, great indoor and outdoor living, decking, barbecue area covered and a space for any day of the year.

Further enhancing this property is a security system and a 6.6 KW solar unit.

It is located in a private central terrace, with only a paddock for a rear neighbour simply accentuating the beauty of the lawns, gardens and as-

FRIDAY

Agent | Phone | Price | Location |

Nutrien Harcourts 5722 9444

$1,150,000

24 Vernon Terrace, Wangaratta

wangaratta.nutrienharcourts. com.au/L19190413

pect from every vantage point. Inspect to appreciate with Harcourts residential today.

FOR SALE BY EOI

TWO HIGH EXPOSURE COMMERCIAL INVESTMENTS 40 - 42 Rowan Street, Wangaratta

• Four tenancies across two titles – Gordon Gibson Nominees P/L (Retail), Gordon Gibson Nominees P/L(Consulting), Rural Housing Network Ltd & Water Technology Pty Ltd

• 40-42 Rowan Street (ground floor) - Anchored by second generation irrigation specialists, Gordon Gibson Nominees (established 1976)

• 3 year lease commenced 1 July 2023 with 3 x 3 Options. Annual net rental $90,000 +GST

• Second 3x3x3 lease provides additional net annual rent of $17,323 + GST (approx)

•

The second

EOI Closing Tuesday 12th September 2023 @ 12noon

23 Baker St, Wangaratta | Ph: 03 5722 2663 | garrynash.com.au OPEN 7-DAYS *Boundaries are approximate WANGARATTA STORE CATTLE SALE

R I N G MOTORING

TOYOTA YARIS CROSS GR SPORT

By ALISTAIR KENNEDY, Marque Motoring

AS the name suggests, the Toyota Yaris Cross is a version of the popular Yaris hatchback bulked up to provide access to the, even more popular, compact SUV category.

Launched here in late2020 Yaris Cross is available in both two-wheel drive and electric all-wheel drive variants in three grades: GX, GXL and Urban all with the choice between petrol or hybrid drivetrains.

A fourth variant, and our test vehicle, the GR Sport, was added in October 2022 but only as a 2WD hybrid.

STYLING

Yaris Cross shares the distinctive styling of the Yaris hatch, the Cross SUV carries a sense of robustness and high-riding demeanour favoured by buyers of bigger genuine off-roaders.

Its bold face features a split grille with a lower diffuser, flanked by deep-set LED daytime running lights and slimline headlight clusters, while at the rear a squared-off rear hatch suggests a practical purpose.

Likewise, at the rear, the broad horizontal lines connecting the integrated taillights and squared-off rear hatch suggest a robust and practical attitude.

GR Sport sits between GXL and top of the range Urban grades and can be identified as a part of the GR family thanks to its newly designed black grille with the distinctive ‘G’ mesh pattern found on other GR

Toyota sports models.

The same mesh pattern is applied to the rear bumper, with a sporty rear diffuser featuring four vertically oriented aerodynamic fins.

Unique 18-inch alloy wheels with a twin-fivespoke design and bright machined finish also help to differentiate GR Sport from the rest of the Yaris Cross range, housing sporty red brake callipers complete with GR logos on the front brakes.

INTERIOR

While the platform of the Yaris Cross is only slightly longer and wider than that of the Yaris hatch, it features a substantially longer, wider and taller body to maximise interior space.

While the larger body translates into an airy space for five occupants, but the three in the rear shouldn’t be on large side.

Inside, the GR Sport is immediately identified by unique seats featuring synthetic leather on the bolsters and perforated black suede-like upholstery in the centre, with contrast light grey stitching on the seats and steering wheel.

Ornamental gun metal trim highlights are applied to the shift knob, instrument panel moulding and inner door trim, while suede-like material is also applied to the door trim inserts.

The Urban and GR Sport variants come with nanoe X air ionisation technology which helps to inhibit unwanted pollutants and viruses from the cabin.

Boot space in the 2WD

down to 314 litres in the AWD with a clever split floor for extra storage.

The 2WD gets a spacesaver wheel but the AWD only a tyre repair kit.

POWERTRAIN

The hybrid system for front-wheel drive versions of the Yaris Cross, including the GR Sport, combines a 67 kW / 120 Nm, 1.5-litre three-cylinder, Atkinson Cycle petrol engine and two motor generators on the front axle putting out a combined 85 kW.

AWD hybrid Yaris Cross models gain a third electric motor to drive the rear wheels in slippery on- or offroad conditions.

All variants get a continuously variable transmission with a mechanical first gear for strong take-off

A 10-speed sequential shift function that can be operated by the shift lever, or paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

SAFETY

All Yaris Cross models come with the latest version of Toyota Safety Sense technology include a precollision safety system with day / night pedestrian and day cyclist detection, emergency steering assist, lane trace assist and lane departure alert with steering assist, intersection turn assist, automatic high beam, road sign recognition and adaptive cruise control.

Standard equipment also includes eight airbags including two between the front seat, reversing camera, parking sensors, seatbelt warning and Isofix

child seat anchors.

GXL and above add a blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.

DRIVING

Although its under 4.2 metres in length, clever packaging makes it feel like a much larger vehicle.

Its relatively easy to get into the front seats although a bit more difficult for rear entrants.

The GR Sport tag is a bit misleading because, although it adds plenty of styling enhancements, there’s no difference in performance from the other Yaris Cross models.

There have been adjustments to the tuning of the suspension which added extra firmness that was quite noticeable when we encountered bumps during the rural component of our drive route.

Claimed fuel consumption from the 2WD Yaris Cross Hybrid is listed at 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres.

We averaged a still impressive 4.6 L/100km during our week in the GR Sport.

SUMMING UP

The Yaris Cross is a neat, compact and attractive compact SUV with excellent safety and 10 variants from which to choose.

Pricing is very competitive with the extra $2000 for the hybrid technology well worth considering.

Whether the glammedup GR Sport is the best choice is debatable and we’d recommend doing a comparison between it and the other variants especially looking at the harsher ride.

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Toyota dealer for driveaway prices.

SPECIFICATIONS (Toyota Yaris Cross 1.5 GR Sport Hybrid 2WD)

RATINGS:

Standard warranty is five years with unlimited distance with the powertrain increased to seven years if it is serviced on time. Service intervals are 12 months or 15,000 kilometres.

ENGINE:

Capacity: 1.490 litres

Configuration: Four cylinders in line

Maximum Power: 67 kW @ 5500 rpm

Maximum Torque: 120 Nm @ 3800 rpm

Fuel Type: Standard unleaded petrol

Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR

81/02): 3.8 L/100km

CO2 Emissions: 86 g/km

DRIVELINE: Continuously variable automatic

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:

Length: 4185 mm

Wheelbase: 2560 mm

Width: 1765 mm

Height: 1580 mm

Turning Circle: 10.6 metres

Kerb Mass: 1200 kg

Fuel Tank Capacity: 36 litres

BRAKES:

Ventilated disc Rear: Solid disc

STANDARD WARRANTY: Five years / unlimited kilometres

■ SPORTY LOOKS: New Toyota Yaris Cross gets styling changes but no extra performance.

OPERATION CLEAN UP: Painters

Island Caravan Park manager

Shane Downie had some inmates from Beechworth Correctional Centre gathering debris and chainsawing logs left scattered at the park by the last flood.

Caravan park back in business, and fingers crossed to stay that way

Friday, August 23, 2013

By STEVE KELLY

WANGARATTA’S Painters

Island Caravan Park would only close at the “death knock” this weekend if the river reaches minor flood level.

It’s one of the biggest visitor accommodation weekends on the region’s calendar with the V8 Supercar Championships showcasing at Winton.

But as of yesterday the Ovens River was “very high” at 11.75m and another 25cm higher would see water begin to spill into the caravan park.

Last year park managers

Shane and Sue Downie had 140 patrons stay from the Thursday night onwards.

“We’ve got out fingers crossed that the rain yesterday doesn’t have too much

10 years ago 10 years ago

bearing on the river height,” he said.

“We had the inmates from Beechworth Correctional Centre come in and do a very good job cleaning up and cutting some of the heavier logs to size.

“They worked very hard for six hours to get the park in great shape for the weekend.”

Mr Downie will keep a close eye on the river height and will only close the park when he has to.

“The decision to close the park, if it happens, will be at

1 X DOUBLE PASS (2 TICKETS)

Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre

Saturday 2 September 7:30pm

For more information and tickets contact the WPACC on 03 5722 8105 or www.wpacc.com.au

The stage is set for comic chaos. Our enterprising barber Figaro has wits and tricks as sharp as his scissors. It takes all of his clever disguises, subterfuge and scheming to wrangle a romantic encounter for the would-be lovers.

THE BARBER OF SEVILLE

your details and post or deliver to our Wangaratta Chronicle Opera Australia – The Barber of Seville competition 37 Rowan Street

Wangaratta VIC 3677

the absolute death knock,” Mr Downie said.

“Most accommodation is booked out in Wangaratta and I’ve already had people cancel who’ve rebooked in Shepparton.

“There are sites still available, but I understand if people decide to go elsewhere due to the uncertainty about the potential river height.”

North East Catchment Management Authority and the Rural City of Wangaratta are resourcing historical documents to ascertain the previous height of the Ovens River levee which appears to have eroded.

Once this information is obtained it will allow a working committee to possibly raise the current levee heights in the area to stop future flooding events.

Volkswagen T-Cross

Full Name: Address:

Email Address:

Entries Close: 5pm Thursday August 31

Project 365 has opened my eyes to how powerful music with a message can be. When we finished our shows in May 2022, the ‘Ripple Effect’ was well and truly felt around the community. Pete knew something had to be done to help rid the stigma surrounding mental health, and to help himself, but as a collective, we NEVER imagined we’d be where we are now. People were approaching us in the street, thanking us for what we did and urging us to do it again! The amount of support we’ve received from businesses of all sizes offering assistance in any way they can has been overwhelming. And to my P365 family, you ALL have the absolute whole of my heart. You’ve turned this singer from Yarrawonga, who is usually a little unsure of herself, into someone who is singing this message with pure confidence. I’ve never been a part of something this amazing, and I plan on continuing this journey for a long time yet! I hope EVERYONE can come and experience who Project 365 are on November 25th. There’ll be new songs, a bigger band, a huge community vibe and messages of positivity!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!!

https://events.humanitix.com/project-365-the-ripple-effect

THE RIPPLE EFFECT or ScanQRcode

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

LAUREN GRENFELL VOCALS

PHOTO: Luke Plummer

Rural City Connection

Public

EOI Summer In The Parks

Expressions of interest

Summer in the Parks

Wangaratta Digital Hub

We are excited to announce the Wangaratta Digital Hub is now open!

Come and see us for device-support, meeting rooms, internet access, and co-working spaces Tuesdays to Thursdays, 9am-5pm, or book a meeting room via digitalhub@wangaratta.vic.gov.au

Please take a moment to fill out our short feedback form and help shape the Digital Hub's future https://gqb1bara. paperform.co/

Expressions of interest are now open for local organisations interested in hosting events for this year’s Summer in the Parks program. Each year a series of free events are held in our local parks for the community to come together and celebrate Summer.

You might host an outdoor fitness class, a market or a festival, or perhaps a puppy play date!

If you would like to host an event between 1 December 2023 and 14 February 2024, please let us know, www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/ summerintheparkseoi

Public

Please join us to hear more about Electric Vehicles!

This event is being held in partnership with Wangaratta Landcare & Sustainability and will be an opportunity to learn the basics of Electric Vehicle ownership including, how they work, the cost to buy and run, how they connect to our homes and how you charge them at home and on the road.

For more information and to book your free ticket please visit, https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/ Residents/Events/Electric-Vehicles-Show-Tellage

Kindergarten Enrolments Open

If you are looking to send your child to kindergarten in 2024 Wangaratta Children’s Services have places available! There are integrated and sessional programs available for both 3 and 4-year-olds.

For more information, please visit https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/ Residents/Families-and-children

Nominations are now open for the Rural City of Wangaratta’s Australia Day Awards 2024. Anyone can nominate a citizen, young citizen, community event or project that has inspired them over the last year. Nominations close at 4pm, Friday 3 November 2023

Support Service Survey:

Do you work with/support families who have young children?

The Rural City of Wangaratta has received funding from the Department of Education (DE) to investigate the feasibility and value of adopting and implementing a central registration and enrolment scheme (CRES) for kindergarten in the Rural City of Wangaratta. We would like to hear your thoughts and experiences on kindergarten registration and enrolment and how this could be simplified. Please follow the link below to complete https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ CRESSupportService

Tenders

C41178 Merriwa Park Retaining Wall - Stage 2

Tender closes at 2pm Wednesday 30 August 2023

RFT5409 Workshop Pit

Tender closes at 2pm Tuesday 5 September 2023

Further details may be obtained by visiting Council’s website at, https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/ Working-with-Council. To discuss upcoming projects in your community please contact Council on 03 5722 0888

Positions vacant

People and Culture Specialist

Youth Resilience Peer Worker

For further information on these positions please visit https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/ Careers

IN PERSON BY PHONE

WHEN TO BOOK BY EMAIL

SELLING A CAR BUY ONLINE

Employment: northeastjobs.com.au

Real Estate: northeastproperty.com.au

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

The 'NEW' 4 Paws Deli is 1 years old.

Come in on Wednesday, August 30 to celebrate our new look, and check out our great products. Bring this ad to get 20% off your purchase! See you there from 2pm - 5pm.

FLY fishing course, full day course covers the basics of fly fishing, including equipment, casting tuition, fly selection and streamcraft, to be conducted on Sunday, October 8, 10am-4pm at the Log Cabin, 28 Chisholm Street, Wangaratta, cost $70 includes lunch. To book your place contact 0427 756 665.

LARGE 2 bedroom, self-contained unit, carport, storage shed, fenced yard, suit quite couple/person, $320 per week plus bond. Ph 0427 279 526.

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

DANIEL’S Carpentry and Maintenance Solutions. Servicing Wangaratta and surrounds. For a free quote and examples of my work find us on Facebook or www. danielscarpentry.com or phone 0413 660 636.

DOG TRAINER, Frank Vickers, behavioural solutions, 0418 314 610.

MARKS Lawn Care, reasonable prices, ride on mowing, edging, clean up, spraying and any waste removal. Ph 0427 603 156.

To Visit Visited

SATURDAY, August

26, 9am - 1pm, 73

Docker Street. Hundreds of books: paperback $1, hardback $2, recent releases, novels, history, biography, cookery, gardening, theatre, arts, travel. Furniture: 4-piece can setting, kitchen island trolley, hall stand, chest of drawers x4, bookcases, dog kennels and more. Garden: plant stands, raised bed flat packs, arbor seat flat pack, tools, pots - plastic ceramic, terracottamany sizes.

MECHANICAL and earthmoving repairs.

Pre-season repairs and servicing, breakdowns and call-outs on Ag and earthmoving equipment, dam cleaning, boundary prep and drainage.

Phone Tenny 0400 232 760

TENDERS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Plantation Establishment

Mechanical Site Preparation Works

HVP Plantations are seeking proposals from contractors to undertake mechanical site preparation works in HVP’s Northern Region Estate (Benalla, Myrtleford, Shelley).

The works comprise mechanical site preparation of 2nd and 3rd rotation radiata pine plantations, including contour ripping, track rolling and spreading, and heaping using bulldozers and excavators. The works are to be contracted for up to 3 years.

RFP documents are available by emailing amy.kirk@hvp.com.au or calling 0459 468 343

The RFP closes 5pm Monday, August 28

Galen Catholic College

Our vision is to provide pathways for all students and staff to succeed based on their gifts and talents.

Proudly offering the widest curriculum in Wangaratta with options including VCE, VCAL/Vocational Major, VET, and School Based Apprenticeships.

Investment in infrastructure at the college includes a new Performing Arts Centre and sports stadium due for completion shortly. 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 positions:

Daily Organiser

Technology and VET Technician

IT Help Desk Technician

Learning Mentor

VCE Mathematics Teacher (Term 1, 2024 start)

Applications close on Wednesday, September 6, 12pm. For further details on how to apply please visit our website  https://www.galen.vic.edu.au/employment/

Our school community promotes the safety, wellbeing, and inclusion of all children.

Galen Catholic College embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply.

galen.vic.edu.au

• P: 03 57216322

Community Cooking Facilitator

Open Door Neighbourhood House is currently seeking a suitably skilled person to facilitate our weekly community “meet, share and eat” cooking program.

3 female Shih Tzu/ Cavoodle puppies, ready for new homes August 24, 2023, vet checked, microchipped, first vax. Source ID: MB208182. Microchip numbers: 90016400222340, 90016400222349, 90016400222341. Phone Greg 0400 831 590 for details. Located in Rutherglen.

TWO Schipperke males, 3 and 4 months old, ready to go. $2,500 each. Source ID: 102833. Microchip numbers: 991003001922955, 956000014623265. Ph. 0447 479 048.

PAINTER, old school, for all your painting needs. Commercial, industrial renovations. Phone Julian 0412 597 482.

BIANCA

Busty, blonde Thursday, August 24 and Friday, August 25.

Ph 0488 148 857.

Vacancies

Complex Care Coordinator

Part or Full Time, Fixed Contract – 2024

Ward Clerk – Medical Ward

Part Time, Permanent Contract

48 hours per fortnight

Medical Imaging Technologist

2 Full Time, Permanent Contracts

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

We are seeking an enthusiastic and passionate person with experience and a love of food to join our team. This position requires you to facilitate a class group seeking social engagement and meal diversity within a community setting.

This class is open to everyone in the community who have an interest in cooking and those looking to make new connections. All programs and classes within the Neighbourhood House provide access for all abilities. The suitable candidate will oversee the kitchen hygiene and all facets of workplace health and safety.

Remuneration/ Classification: Neighbourhood House and Adult Community Education Centres Collective Agreement 2016 Tutor 1 -2 (level compensated according to experience level)

Hours: Fridays 9.30am –12.30pm

Casual temporary position - 3 hours per week for Term 4, 2023.

The successful applicant must be committed to the mission of Open Door Neighbourhood House.

A cooking background with food safety and handling certificate and/or relevant experience is preferred. For further information and a position description please contact Gady Parker at Open Door Neighbourhood House on 57 219 175 or email accounts@opendoornh.org.au

Applications to be forwarded to:

Gady Parker: accounts@opendoornh.org.au

Applications close: 4pm on September 8, 2023

It is with Neighbourhood passing respected In the short us, she organisation. any job and Her sense and her positive We will acutely that came house. There and her

send our

VICTORIAN ABORIGINAL CHILD CARE AGENCY

EMPLOYMENT

Exciting Opportunities Await: Join VACCA’s Team and Transform Lives!

Therapeutic Residential Care Worker or Residential Services Worker

Permanent - Salary: Salary between SCHADS Level- 2.4 to 3.1 (($35.14ph - $36ph PLUS penalties) PLUS super - based on skills and Qualifications (Relocation Support will be considered)

Casual - Salary between SCHADS Level- 2.4 to 3.1 ($35.14ph$36ph + casual loading PLUS penalties) PLUS super based on skills and Qualifications

Are you ready to make a profound impact on the lives of Aboriginal families and children? Look no further – the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) is on the lookout for vibrant individuals like you to join our team and become a catalyst for positive change!

Why VACCA?

As an organization managed by the Aboriginal Community, VACCA is deeply committed to advocating for and serving the interests of the Aboriginal Community. We believe that every team member contributes to our collective mission of creating brighter futures for Aboriginal young people and their families.

Options for Every Lifestyle:

Whether you’re seeking full-time, part-time, or casual positions, we have a spot for you. Your work-life balance is essential to us, and we provide the flexibility you need to thrive.

The Perks You Deserve:

• An attractive salary with salary packaging options to maximise your take-home pay

• Up to 5 weeks annual leave

• A rich array of learning and development opportunities, including formal qualifications

• Whole program days

• Opportunities to participate in cultural events and other activities as they arise

• Employee Assistance Program to help you de-stress

• A warm and supportive environment in which you can grow and flourish

• REAL career development opportunities- You can GROW with us!

Education is Key: Never stop learning with VACCA! We’re invested in your educational journey. From study leave to financial support for higher education, we’re here to fuel your quest for knowledge.

Ready to Ignite Change?

Visit our website at www.vacca.org and navigate to the employment tab to uncover the remarkable careers we offer. Your journey toward a fulfilling and impactful career starts here!

Got questions or want to learn more? Reach out to us at 0438 529 010 or drop a line at recruitment@vacca.org.

Let’s embark on this transformative adventure together!

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

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.

REDGUM rural fence posts, 6ft, $10, located Whitfield. Ph 0408 338 187.

TOP quality pasture hay, small squares, located Whitfield. Ph 0408 338 187.

MOTOR VEHICLES

2014 Mazda CX5 Maxx Sport, AWD, 2.2l TurboDiesel, 6 sp Auto, Reg Dec 2023 (1DT2XG), ODO 122,400, towbar, RWC supplied, $20,500 ONO. Ph 0447 381 481.

NISSAN Navara, dual cab ute, JN1CNUD22

A0026712, suit wrecking, 2 engines, 2 radiators, bull bar with electric winch, tow bar, good axles and gear box, $500. Ph (03) 5764 4332.

Classifieds Work!

Holden Cruze SRi-V, (1OK9GX), great first car, 1.6L turbo, auto. Top of the range including heated seats, Bluetooth, Sat.nav, 6 air bags. Registered to Nov. 2023. RW certificate. $10,600. Couple minor scrapes on passenger side. Contact Brad 0488 095 109.

61584 BARNARD, Warren Charles.

The President and members of Wangaratta RSL mourn the passing of our highly esteemed Member. Lest We Forget.

Phone: (03) 5723 0101

McKENZIE, Michael “Mick”

The President and members of the Probus Club of Wangaratta Inc. mourn the loss of our highly regarded and much-loved member. With our deepest sympathy to Mick’s family.

DEATH NOTICES

CARSON, Kevin Geoffrey. 15/10/48 - 17/8/23

Wangaratta. Passed away peacefully at St Vincents Hospital in Melbourne with his devoted wife, stepdaughter, and sons by his side.

Son of Ethel “Betty” and Geoffrey (both dec). Brother of Helen (dec), David (dec), Elizabeth and brother-in-law of Paul Lonergan. Husband of Realene (dec) and loving husband of Phoeurn. Father of Jason and Troy and stepfather of Thida.

EMPLOYMENT

Upper Murray Family Care Board Director

Upper Murray Family Care (UMFC) is seeking applications from community members interested in joining its Board of Directors.

UMFC is governed by a skills-based Board of up to nine members and through a retirement is seeking to fill one vacancy. We welcome applications from community members with lived experience and/or who are a member of our Aboriginal community.

For more information and how to apply:

Please email or contact CEO and Secretary, Felicity Williams, email: fwilliams@umfc.com.au, or phone 02 6055 8000, or visit our website www.umfc.com.au/work-with-us/opportunities.

Applications close on 4 September 2023

HOLDEN Colorado, 2014, auto, 124,000km, dual cab, 4x4, (1EF3ZE), bull bar, UHF, tonneau and tub rack, tow bar, RWC, A/T tyres, side steps, good condition in and out, $28,900 inspection welcome. Ph 0482 586 700.

HARLEY Davidson 2006, 1200c xl 1200r sportster roadster cruiser, 5 spd manual, 7640km, pristine condition, VIN 5HD1CLP186K 455114, plus leather jacket, helmet, gloves and backpack, $11,500. Ph 0412 874 585.

OLD axes with or without handles. Ph 0478 162 069.

OLD coins, notes, watches and jewellery, including two dollar coloured coins. Phone 0478 162 069.

Grandfather of Kai, Kleo, Sasha and Safin. Rest in Peace and always in our hearts.

HARDMAN, Professor Donald John. Passed away surrounded by the love of his family.

11/7/1929 – 22/8/2023

Beloved husband of Mary for 66 years. Adored father and mentor of Suellen, David, Christopher, Adrian and Donald. Much loved father-in-law to Frank, Carolyn, Geraldine and Susan. Cherished grandfather to Tomarsh, Xavier, Juliet, Edward, Tori, Catherine and Braden. Great grandfather of Matilda (Tilly). Enjoy Gods library!

HILL, Pat.

The president and members of the Wangaratta Senior Citizens Club were saddened by the passing of Pat. Deepest sympathy to family and friends.

KLAEBE, Dean Joseph. 15/2/1959-18/8/2023

The Wangaratta Prostate Cancer Support Group extends our sincerest sympathy to Gill and family on Dean’s passing.

KLAEBE, Dean Joseph.

15/2/1959 – 18/8/2023

Phone: email: classifieds@nemedia.com.au

Strengthening families

A special person, a special face. A special someone we cannot replace. Loved and remembered every day. A funeral service to honour the life of Dean Klaebe will be held at Dean’s home, 256 Orchard Drive, Glenrowan at 2pm on Tuesday, August 29, 2023.

McKENZIE,

Michael ‘Mick’. 3/2/1936 – 20/8/2023

Mick passed away peacefully surrounded by family.

Only son of Michael and Theresa (both dec).

Loving husband of Rosalie.

Father and father-in-Law of Margaret, Libby and Chris Dowling, Kathy and John Mummery, Vincent and Annette, Veronica and Richie Williams, Trish Gooch, Michelle and Zennon McCarty, Joe and Marni, Loretta and Colin Bennett, Geraldine and Pat Colombo, Bernadette, Robby and Betty. Grandfather of 30 and Great Grandfather of 8.

Much loved, father and grandfather of Marg and Hamish. Close to our hearts you will always stay.

Loved and remembered every day. Rest in peace Dad.

Much loved father of Libby and father-in-law of Chris.

Pa Mick to Jess, Pat, Harriet, Beth and Joseph, Sam, Erin and William, Tom, Holly, Adelaide, Don and Clementine, Natalie, Peter and Johnny.

My rock and inspiration. Resting now, your legacy will last forever. Grateful for those final cheeky reds and I hope heaven stocks Bobbi Burns Shiraz.

Loved father of Kathy and father-in-law of John.

For this one farmer the worries are over Lie down and rest your head. Your love of God’s soil has passed on to your kin; The stories flow like fine wine. Your labour is done, your home now Heaven; No more must you wait. Your legacy lives on, your love of the land,

Dad, Miss you, love you.

VB in the Telstra Dome. ~ Brad.

And we will close the Gate. Forever in our Hearts.

~ Vincent and Annette, Michael and Meg, Ellenor and George.

Forever in our heart. Eternally grateful for your constant love and support.

~ Von, Richie, Lachy, Bec and Max.

We love you Pa.

~ Trish, Nick and Sarah.

Rest in peace Dad (Pa). We love you and will miss you every day.

You have run the good race.

~ Love Shell Rose, Zen, William and (Lilly), Molly and (Blake), Gemma, Bridie and Jack xxxx.

One of nature’s true Gentlemen. Lived, loved, learnt much and left a legacy.

~ Your loving Son, Joseph, Marni, Charlotte (Tom), Fraser, Xavier, Max and Hudson.

Our beloved Dad, father-in-law and Pa. We might be far away, but you are always in our hearts.

~ Colin, Letty, Conor, Clare, Oliver and Emily.

Thank you for being a wonderful Dad and Granddad (Pa). Rest in peace.

~ Love Geraldine, Pat, Francesca and Luca.

Forever in my heart and memories. Rest in peace.

~ Loved father of Bernie McKenzie.

Today we celebrate the passing of a great man. Your love and inspiration will flow on for generations.

~ Love your youngest son, Robby, Betty, Rose and Connie.

FUNERALS

CARSON

The funeral service to celebrate the life of Mr Kevin Carson will be held on Friday, September 1, 2023, in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta commencing at 2pm. A private cremation will follow. Kevin’s celebration can be viewed via livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming/

HARDMAN

Funeral prayers for Professor Donald John Hardman will be offered in Delaney’s Chapel, Riley Street, Wangaratta on Friday, September 1, 2023, at 10am. Private cremation will follow.

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

Flowers are welcome or if preferred a donation in memory of Donald to the Albury Wodonga Cancer Centre can be made online at www.awh.org.au/donate-now

McKENZIE

Requiem mass will be offered for Michael “Mick” McKenzie in St Patrick's Catholic Church, 1 Ford Street, Wangaratta at 10am on Monday, August 28, 2023 followed by burial at Boorhaman Cemetery. Rosary will be recited at St Martin's Catholic Church, Boorhaman at 6pm on Sunday, August 27, 2023.

The funeral livestream may be viewed at northeastfunerals.com.au/live-stream/

Instead of flowers, a Memorial Gift

An alternative to flowers at a funeral of a loved one is a memorial donation. Family and friends can make a donation in lieu of flowers in recognition of the care and attention provided by Northeast Health Wangaratta. For more information please contact ourCommunity Engagement Team (03) 5722 5069 or PO Box 386, Wangaratta, Vic 3676.

WERNERT

(Phillips),

Jacinta Maree.

We would like to thank all those who attended Jacinta's funeral, and for the beautiful cards, flowers, online tributes, text messages, personal visits, food, and other gifts.

Thank you, to all the wonderful and dedicated doctors, specialists, district nurses, diabetic educators, allied health professionals, Northeast Health Wangaratta, Epworth and Austin hospitals, for their expert care of Jacinta.

A special thankyou to both the JBC and InLife NDIS personal carers and case managers, whose amazing support enabled Jacinta to remain in her own home, of which she was so proud.

To the Wangaratta Maxi Taxi drivers, we wish to thank you for the assistance, kindness and friendship shown to Jacinta.

We thank Fr Des Welladsen for celebrating Jacinta's life with us, and Kate Robb for her guidance with the Liturgy.

To John and Chris Haddrick, and their team at North East Funerals, we express our sincere gratitude for the care, compassion and understanding shown to us.

Please accept this public acknowledgement as our personal thanks.

~ Madeleine, Sarah, Bob, Maureen, Ben and Shaun.

JUBILEE GOLF CLUB

AUGUST 19

Ladies Par

Winner: Leanne Carmody -1. Ball Winners Yogs Naidoo -4, Kellie Roberts -4, Frances Duffy -5.

Monday, August 21

Stableford Veterans

A Grade: Pat Ernst 38

B Grade: John West 37

Ball Winners: Keith Moorhead 37, Attila Kungl 35, Ian Mills 35, Andy

Walker 33

NTP: 4th Alex Gibbs, 8th Alex Gibbs, 13th Keith Moorhead.

August 28

Stableford

Winner: Jim Darcy 19 c/b.

Runner up: Matt Walker 19, 13th Mark Dean.

WANGARATTA GOLF CLUB

WANGARATTA GOLF CLUB

RESULTS

Week ending August 20

Women’s Competition: 18 Hole

Stroke

August 15

Winner: Jan Hall 41 Points.

Runner Up: Karen Smith 34 C/B .

Ball Winners: Barb Thomas, Julie McInnes.

9 Hole Competition:

Winner: Barb Woodward.

Mens Competition: 9 Hole Stableford

August 16

Winner: Sam Antonacci 16 Points.

Runner Up: Ray Hutton 15 C/B

Points.

Ball Winner: Phillip Winnell, John Walker.

Mens Competition: 18 Hole Stableford

Winner: David Methven 40 Points.

Runner Up: Bill Dodd 37 Points.

Ball Winner: Matt Nicolosi, Arnold Sparks.

NTP: 4th Tom McAtee, 7th Dean

Campagna, 9th Tom McAtee, 11th Bill Dodd, 13th Geoff Webster, 16th Denis Hill.

Women’s Competition: 18 Hole

Stroke

August 17

Winner: Dawn Fleet 19 Point.

Runner Up: Karen Smith 18 Point.

Men’s Competition: 18 Stableford

August 19

Winner: Matt Fischer 39 Points.

Runner Up: Chris Martens 38 Points.

Ball Winners: Ian Rundell, Andrew Brereton, Roy Methven, Neil Mckinnon.

NTP: 4th Chris Martens, 7th Trevor Cooper, 9th Matt Fischer, 11th Chris Martens, 13th Ian Rundell, 16th

Trevor Cooper.

Secret 6: Matt Fischer.

Birdie: Chris Martens.

Raffle Winner: Matt Fischer.

Medley Stableford: 9 & 18 Hole

Competition

August 20

18 Hole Winner: Callum Honey 36 Points.

18 Hole Runner Up: Chris Oates 34 Points.

CROQUET

RESULTS for Monday, August 21

are as follows:

Carol O’Keefe and Terry Wilson d Christine Ireland and Nathan Reynolds 7/5, Elise Downes and Maureen O’Keefe d Elaine McDonald and Susan Fischer 7/1, Joan Dyson and

Gabi Heywood d Margaret Bennett and Elaine Mudge 4/3 in a very competitive game that took “forever” to score hoop one.

On Wednesday, some members tried the “new” Advantage Handicap System where instead of having extra turns the “weaker” side starts with a hoop credit, meaning to win they may only have to run less than seven hoops while the “stronger” side may have to run nine or more.

Each side won a game today which indicates that the system works and all players participating enjoyed the experience.

The Australian Croquet association handicap tournament to be played in Albury in late October will use that system.

Playing days are Monday, Wednesday and Saturday commencing at 1pm.

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.

WANGARATTA TABLE TENNIS

RESULTS of Round 8

Wednesday, August 9.

A Grade:

Nathan Vincent Contracting (C Dagoli, R Voss, N Vincent) def. Somerset Communications (J Wright, D Stone, J Loughnan) six rubbers to five.

Corey, Nathan and Robert took two singles matches each to secure their teams overall win. The defeated team showed classy teamwork in the doubles by winning both rubbers, and John added three singles wins to their tally.

Boralma Berkshire (J Maletta, M Comensoli, K Brown) def. N.E. Agricultural and Industrial (M Angehrn, S Picken, T Brown) six rubbers to five.

For Boralma, Mark won his three singles and both double pairings

had wins. With scores tied at five rubbers all, John Maletta won the final deciding match over a valiant Steve to secure Boralma Berkshire’s overall success. For the defeated team Marcus and Tom won two singles each and Steve added one.

B Grade:

Blue Raven (A Holmes, A Higgins) def. Boralma Berkshire (P Mulrooney, F Harris) three rubbers to two. Scores were tied after the singles were played out. The deciding doubles match was a marathon seven set affair, with the ‘Andrews’ narrowly winning the battle.

Plum Digital Hub (K Kazenwadel, A Plum) def. N.E. Agricultural & Industrial (T Tatulaschwili, P Densten) three rubbers to two. Klaus managed to win the first singles match over Ted in an ‘up and down’ seven set match. He went on to win his next singles and Aaron added one to secure the overall team win. Ted and Phil fought on by showing their in-sync doubles chemistry, winning the dead doubles rubber.

C Grade:

Plum Digital Hub (S Algar, P Hughes, R Kanaskar) def. Nathan Vincent Contracting (D Hudson, P Mullins, S Knox) six rubbers to five. Paul and Reggie won two singles each and Steve added one for the winning team and the doubles were shared. David won all three singles and Seth added one for NVC.

Blue Raven (C Hobbs, A Koop, M Curran) def. Somerset Communications (J Lindner, T Koop, J Hughes) eight rubbers to three. Campbell, Angus and Matt won two singles each and both doubles for the team win.

Play in the Winter competition continues next Wednesday at 7pm. The pavilion will be open at 6pm for hit-up and Junior players of all abilities are also welcome at this time for coaching and for new players to learn the game.

NEW Tuesday morning social table tennis at the same Showgrounds venue is between 10am and 12noon each Tuesday morning.

Enquiries Tom (Club president) 0429 809 927, John (Junior coordinator) 0400 182 553 or Maxine (Tuesday social) 0403 209 857.

DOWN THE MIDDLE: Gordon Patterson hits his tee shot at the Jubilee Golf Club.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

WANGARATTA Chronicle photographer Melissa Beattie went to Wangaratta & District Junior Football League finals to capture some of action.

Photographs can be purchased at the Chronicle.

RORY HARVEY

ANDREW FRASER

(L-R) ANGUS JAYET, DANE FOUNTAIN AND DANIEL ELDRIDGE

HENRY BURKE

ANGUS KENNEDY

RY

ANGUS JAYET AND LUCAS WEBB

EDWARD CLAYTON

REID McNAMARA

ZAC O’SHANNESSY

COPE SWINBURNE AND JOSHUA COOK

seddatthe Chronicle

AUSTIN MORRIS

Back to the drawing board at Oxley Table Tennis Club

EXCITEMENT was at fever pitch when 22 players rattled the rafters at last Monday night’s social table tennis competition at the Oxley hall.

Two of the group’s unstoppables’, Debbie Brunken and Kate Woodberry, took on the ‘Uber’ gang, Lucy and June.

While patience is a virtue, “go for it” was virtuous too, as all four players went for everything within and beyond their reach as it was Brunken and Woodberry who had the last laugh.

When the big hitters Kate Cole and Mick Gervasconi; and Martin Butcher and Clive Brooker hit the table, the endless vibration on and around the table could be felt by everyone.

Power and precision were paramount in a ripper game which saw Cole and Gervasconi come out as cool as cucumbers in their well-deserved win.

Back on the scene after a long

absence, Millie Bosley and dad, Adam, proved to be a formidable force when they took on energetic Erica Pike and effervescent Sue McGregor.

Everyone was in winning mode as they played each stroke with careful consideration, but it was Milli and Adam who celebrated their close victory with a high five.

Back to the drawing board, Dale Stebbins and Hugh Spring quickly summed things up when they lined up Allister Olsson and Graham Stephens.

As each pair chalked up a lead, their opponents quickly wiped it from the slate in a great game where everyone leaned no to count your chickens before they hatch.

In the family feud game, Lauren and Audrey Olsson met friends and foes Kate and Marnie Woodberry.

While the mums threw

their support around the girls, Audrey and Marnie threw their all into every opportunity, with final scores ending at ‘love all’.

Pete Spring sprung into action alongside Jason Mullins with strong intentions to roll their opponents Manni Poulos and Clive Brooker.

Amidst plenty of small talk and laughter, there was no soft stuff, no gimmes and no love lost in a dogged battle of minds from start to finish.

Players enjoyed refreshing cuppas and tasty treats after the busy night’s program and on leaving the hall, a wave and “see ya next week” was the farewell call.

Adults and secondary school students of all ages and abilities are welcome to join the weekly social competition on Monday night, beginning at 7pm.

Bring your own bat, $2 entry and a plate to share.

Dragons impress on hockey pitch

WANGARATTA’S division three women’s hockey team played a tough game against Falcons losing 2-1.

The defensive line up of Susie Rudd, Lou Trenkner, Jane Kealy, Lesley Forman, Miriam Franzi and Carli Notman played fiercely in the back line only letting two balls through.

Falcons had many shots on goal but were not able to score high.

The forward line had many shots on goal with Jessica White scoring the goal for the Dragons.

Next Saturday will be the Dragons’ final game for the season.

The under 16s girls faced the Wombats on Friday night and it was by far the coldest night they’ve have had this season.

This did not dampen the

girls’ spirit and they ran out onto the pitch with such a positive attitude.

All the girls have shown improvement in their skills and game play, each week the team bonds are building.

This week, the Dragons had some fun with positioning, with everyone loving trying out a new position each quarter.

Ada Wheeler adapted really well with the change in positioning and was really skilled all around.

Once the game was over the girls gave the Wombats the loudest cheers as it was Eva Siperki’s last game for the season as goalkeeper.

The team chased her down the pitch and all stacked on top of her, a plan made before the game that she was not aware of.

It was wonderful to see

such a happy bunch of young ladies enjoying themselves despite the final score.

The Dragons travel to Wodonga for the first time this season to play their last game of the year.

For the penultimate round of the season, the under 12 girls headed up the highway to battle the second placed Corowa.

The girls started well and created many chances but weren’t able to finish off their work due to some magnificent defence by the Corowa girls.

Greta Le held the defence together at half back and prevented many attacking moves by Corowa along with assistance from Caitlyn Barnden who made many terrific saves in goal.

Morgan Hope provided the highlight of the day when she

tackled a girl twice her size to snatch the ball from her grasp.

Eventually the weight of position was too much for the young Dragons and the conceded some late goals.

It was another great learning experience from the girls who are showing promising signs with one round to go before finals.

Spectators have come to expect a high level of hockey from the division three men’s team this year and last week didn’t disappoint.

The men took on a strong Falcons team that travelled down from Albury to play on Wangaratta’s home turf.

Stewart Kerr scoring the first goal for the Dragons, but it didn’t take long for the Falcons to equalise the score.

The Dragons rallied together and defender Antho-

ny Couche, moonlighting as a striker, scored the winning goal.

None of this would have been possible without the efforts of Anthony’s son Sam filling his father’s shoes in defence and Alex Ellem running the ball through the midfield.

This weekend sees the division three Dragons take on fourth on the ladder United Yellow – it’s sure to be an interesting game as they are the very team the Dragon men face in the first round of the finals the following week.

The under 16 boys took on Magpies on Friday night, in their second to last game of the season.

It was a challenging night for them, with regular goalie Jack Weir out injured, the under 12 goalie Joesph Robertson was called upon to fill

the pads for his first game up a couple of divisions.

He excelled in the goal, making plenty of saves and throwing himself around like he had been playing there all season.

The usual trio at the back of Luke Mercer, Sam Couche and Xavier Bennett were kept busy most of the night, being well supported by the midfield of Henry Findlay, Edward Robertson and Ollie Chambers.

Up front, Andrew Groves, Ollie Fox and Alistair Merritt tried hard and played some great positioning but were unable to get the ball across the line.

With two late soft goals in the last quarter the boys went down 4-0, but the score wasn’t a true reflection of how even the teams were for most of the game.

SPEED: Henry Findlay races up the wing in his under 16 match last Friday night.

PHOTO: Wes Samson

PRESSURE: Division three player Christy Christie takes on multiple opponents in the Dragons’ match agaisnt Falcons on the weekend.

PHOTO: Kylie Samson

AT THE READY: Marnie Woodberry, Graham Stephens, Mark Butcher and Kate Woodberry prepare themselves for their next rally at the Oxley hall on Monday night.

PHOTO: Jason Mullins

Forging a fresh start

FORMER WANGARATTA MAGPIE SUPERSTAR EMBRACING CAREER AS AMERICAN FOOTBALLER IN BARCELONA

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

BARCELONA’S love affair with football is storied, with millions travelling to the Spanish seaside metropolis to watch the world’s best ply their trade each year.

For one former Wangaratta Magpie, the city’s affinity for another form of football is only just beginning.

Two-time Ovens and Murray premiership player, Magpie best and fairest winner and Did Simpson medallist Sam Higgs has traded in the Sherrin and overlooked the round ball, in order to forge a career with the pigskin as a punter for the Barcelona Dragons of the European League of Football.

One of the youngest players ever named to the OMFNL’s senior representative side, and a former VFL player with the Northern Bullants, Higgs’ promising Australian Rules career was cut short by recurring injuries, and he formally hung up the boots at 24.

Now nine years into a planned two-year sojourn to Spain in 2014, Higgs said it had only been a matter of time until the competitive juices returned.

“Before moving overseas, I completed my studies as a chiropractor, and in February 2020, I opened my own office in central Barcelona,” he said.

“I had a patient come and start care who was playing in the Spanish national league for the Badalona Dracs – at the time I could feel the old competitive desire returning, but being 33 there weren’t too many avenues in which I could play a sport which

also included taking care of my physical body.

“I went and watched him play in the Spanish Bowl national championship and realised that punting was not something that the Spanish teams put too much energy into.”

The punter, a position often deployed by teams to force the opposition players into their defensive zone during a change in possession, is a position which has grown in popularity with former AFL players in recent years, allowing them to utilise their penetrating kicking skills without the contact demanded by Australian Rules football.

Having reached out to former GWS Giant Josh Growden, who forged a career as a punter in elite US college systems at Louisiana State University (LSU) and West Virginia, Higgs began honing his punting craft, and joined the Badalona Dracs for the 2021 season.

A challenging debut season made way to staffing changes in 2022, which saw Higgs grow

in confidence and be invited to make the step up to the Barcelona Dragons earlier this year.

“As I started my first season, I had heard of the new European League of Football and the Barcelona Dragons, and even before kicking a football competitively, I spoke with Josh (Growden) and we set the goal of me eventually being signed for the Barcelona Dragons,” he said.

“The Barcelona Dragons have a rich history and were active in the 1990s in NFL Europe, or the World League of Football – to be a part of a team with such rich history truly has been an honour.

“The Spanish National League has been active since 1987, so most of my team mates have been playing for the majority of their adult life – we have some great homegrown players and most are very young, and have the real opportunity to formulate something beautiful with the Dragons over the next five to 10 years.

“There are some great players in the league, with quite a bit of

ex-NFL (United States’ National Football League) and a lot of experience from big college teams.”

Despite the Dragons boasting a 2-8 record and having failed to record a win since June, Higgs said he had been struck by the appetite for American Football throughout the continent, with thousands attending stadiums each week and more tuning into official broadcasts.

He said playing in OMFNL grand finals and grudge matches against Wangaratta Rovers had gone some way to preparing him for the spotlight.

“Germany has had a very strong national league for quite some time, which brings about quite large crowds,” he said.

“One game in the league between Rhein Fire (based in Dusseldorf, Germany) and Hamburg Sea Devils they had 32,500 spectators which really shows that the sport has a place in Europe at a professional level.

“This season we have been

fortunate to play in Milan, Switzerland, Stuttgart and Innsbruck with games to go in Paris and Munich – throughout the league there are teams based in Poland, Germany, Hungary and the Czech Republic, with the aim to grow the sport Europe-wide.

“It’s very interesting with American Football the amount of noise the fans make – in our home games we don’t get that many (spectators), but we have some of the most loyal and loud fans in the league, which creates an intense Saturday night atmosphere at the Terrassa Olimpic Stadium.”

Higgs still maintains his chiropractic office, closing shifts in order to train with the Dragons and maintain his work, life and sport balance.

“I’ve been in Spain for the better part of a decade – I love the Spanish language and culture,” he said

“Now my oldest brother lives with his family in Germany, my middle brother in LA, and we have a family house in the south of France where Mum and Dad spend around six months each year.”

READY TO UNLEASH: Sam Higgs prepares to deliver a punt deep into opposition territory.BUSINESS AS USUAL: Sam Higgs (number seven) runs out for action.

shows off his Ovens and Murray premiership and Did Simpson medals, after being adjudged best on field in the Magpies’ 2008 premiership win.

LIVING IT UP: FORMER WANGARATTA MAGPIE SAM HIGGS IS LOVING LIFE AS A PROFESSIONAL PUNTER FOR THE BARCELONA DRAGONS OF THE EUROPEAN LEAGUE OF FOOTBALL.

YOUNG SUPERSTAR: Sam Higgs showsoffhisOvensandMurray

Junior netball grand finals are here

By CAM MILLER

THE grand finals of the WNA Saturday morning junior competition will be played out on Saturday at 9am on the outdoor netball courts at the Barr Reserve.

The top two teams from each section will battle it out for four quarters to decide the division champions. Spectators can expect to see some very entertaining games.

PREMIER A

Rovers Brown are looking to emulate their efforts from last year and complete a second season in a row of going undefeated. If they do, they will be crowned champions of the top junior division – Premier A.

Rovers Brown coach Emily Landgren is not taking anything for granted though and is expecting a very tough game.

“We’ve had a very successful season, but we know the hard work isn’t finished yet,” Landgren said.

“In order to win against Magpies Black, our aim is to not get ahead of ourselves and stick to our process.”

Magpies Black coach Ker-

ryn Bramich is looking for her team to rise to challenge against their neighbouring rival.

“In that clinch moment, who will step up and bring the team with them?” Bramich asked.

“We have been working on playing as a team.”

Magpies will come in as the underdog, but they proved last week that standings don’t matter and that if they play their best, they will give themselves every chance of causing an upset.

PREMIER B

Myrtleford Black have only lost one game all year, and they will be looking to keep it that way for one more round so they can lift the Premier B shield.

“The girls are all excited, and a little nervous. For six of our players, it is their first time playing in a competition outside of the local Myrtleford domestic comp.,” Myrtleford Black coach Gemma Corcoran said.

“Our plan is to try and enjoy the experience.”

Myrtleford and Rovers Navy have faced off three times during the regular season with Black winning two of them, but Navy did win

Wheeler leads OAKFM Player of the

OAKFM Player of the Year votes for round 17:

Wang v Myrt: 5

Callum Moore (Wang), 4 Luke Saunders (Wang), 3 Michael Bordignon (Wang), 2

Joe Berry (Wang) 1

Liam McVeigh (Wang).

Yarra v Rov: 5 Willie Wheeler (Yarra), 4 Matt Casey (Yarra), 3 Cam Wilson (Yarra), 2 Lach Howe (Yarra) 1 Alex Marklew (Rov).

LEADERBOARD

 38 Willie Wheeler (Yarra).

 34 Isaac Muller (Alb) and Callum Moore (pictured) (Wang)bye this week.

 33 Tim Broomhead (NA).

 31 Sam Murray (Rov).

THE INNER SANCTUM

GRAND FINAL: Lexi Rees’ Dream Team will play in this weekend’s Section 3 grand final.

their most recent encounter and will take some confidence into the game knowing that.

“Myrtleford are tough to beat, but we’ve done it before, so we’ll give it our best Saturday.” Navy co-coach Michelle Burns said.

SECTION 1

Section one has proven to be an exceptionally tough division this year with all of the top sides playing close games.

We can expect another tight game in the grand final, as both teams have recorded a win against each other during the regular season.

Bright coach Jessica Cairnes will be hoping she’s found the key to knocking over the Milawa White side.

“The girls are very excited and proud of themselves for making it this far,” Cairnes said.

“Win or lose we are happy to be here.”

Milawa White coach Alicia Canning said her side will give it a crack.

“We are training well and will give it everything they’ve got,” Canning said.

SECTION 2

Myrtleford Red will be full of confidence after a strong victory in their section two semi-final, but they will be well aware they will face a tougher opponent this week in the Jellybeans.

“Win or lose on Saturday,

I am so proud of the way the girls have played for the entire season,” Myrtleford Red coach Lisa Ward said.

“We are excited and going out there to have fun.”

Jellybeans coach Kate Finnigan is prepared for the challenge ahead of her.

“Myrtleford have been the best team all season,” Finnigan said.

“My kids have improved out of sight.

“Anything can happen on grand final day.”

These two teams have both defeated each other during the regular season, so we should expect to see a close game here.

SECTION 3

Dream Team and The Diamonds face off in the section three grand final, with The Diamonds going in as clear favourites after recording only one loss all year.

“So excited to be in our first grand final,” The Diamonds coach Kellie Symons said.

Amber Kiker, coach of the Dream Team will be feeling good after a high scoring semi-final win last week and is motivated to win.

“Train hard, do your best and believe in yourself and in your team.” Kiker said.

SEARCHING: Wangaratta FNC is on the hunt for the 1932 premiership photo. The photo was taken at Milawa where the grand final was played with the Magpies comfortable winners over Whorouly. While the print is of a poor quality the players’ names from both sides are okay and may lead to some one having a photo that could be restored and displayed. While the WFNC’s priority is to locate the missing premiership photos we are also on the lookout for some other historic photos or information such as transport that was used in early days such as horse and lorry carriage, early motor carriage or rail which was used often to Albury or on the branch lines to Wahgunyah to play Rutherglen or Corowa, along with trips to Beechworth or Bright. Please contact Rod Canny 0402 896 524 or Bob Rowland 0427 217 367 if you are able to help.

WDJFL Finals Week 2 –

Week 1 was an absolute cracker, with all bar one game decided by under 10 points and a huge crowd in attendance across the day! Week 2 shapes up as a ripper, with the forecast looking warm and sunny!

A reminder to everyone who comes along to the finals series that we are there to support the kids and make this a memorable time in their junior sporting lives, examples of poor behaviour will not be tolerated.

SUNDAY 27th AUGUST at the Norm Minns

Oval

8:30am - U12s Semi Final

– Benalla Giants v College JFC

9:50am – U12’s Qualifying Final

– Tigers JFC v Benalla Bulldogs

11:10am – U14’s Semi Final

– Bright JFC v Imperials JFC

1pm – U14’s Qualifying Final

– Kangaroos JFC v Centrals JFC

2:45pm – U17’s Semi Final – Centrals JFC v College JFC

4:35pm – U17’s Qualifying Final – Junior Magpies JFC v Tigers JFC Gate Entry is $6 per person with U16’s free

OKFNL Finals Week 1 –

Now with the regular season done and dusted, the OKFNL turns their attention to finals time!

The top two teams in each grade get to put their feet up while the remaining finals teams fight it out in sudden death elimination finals!

In the senior football, 3rd placed Bright take on the 6th placed Moyhu at Tarrawingee on Saturday, while on Sunday at North Wangaratta the 4th placed Milawa takes on North Wangaratta.

In the A Grade netball on Saturday we have Tarrawingee taking on King Valley while on Sunday Bonnie Doon and Whorouly do battle. Good luck to everyone suiting up over the coming

weeks, may the best teams win!

OKFNL Presentation Night Wrap UPAnother year and another Baker and Morgan medal night run and won.

In an exciting count we had duel winners in the A Grade netball with Mia Tanner from Bonnie Doon and Tig White from Tarrawingee both awarded the Fay Morgan Medal.

In the Baker Medal we had a runaway winner with Greta’s James McClounan claiming the top honour. The night included the announcement of both the Football and Netball Teams of the Year, Leading Goalkickers and MVP awards handed out as well. You can find a full run down of winners on the OKFNL Facebook page.

The Whisper

With the sun out and the smell of freshly cut grass in the air, who is channeling their inner Matt Rowell and hooking into a pre-game meal of kikuyu and a side of buffalo.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Tipsters push for a last quarter comeback

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

PINSENT Hotel’s Beth Watson is hoping for a final round flurry as she looks to comeback to win the Wangaratta Chronicle - Travel & Cruise North East footy tipping competition for the 2023 season.

Leaders Brett Anderson from APCO and Max Webster from Webster’s Electrical can’t be separated on 137 after 23 rounds of tireless hours checking through form guides, rushed selections and assessments of which team has the better colours.

Ms Watson sits three off the two leaders in third on 134, backing up a strong season of tipping last year where she also finished in third.

Ms Watson said a calculated approach to her tipping has been the secret to her success, but a false sense of

trust in her Hawks coming off two straight wins was her downfall last week.

“I hadn’t backed them pretty much all year and we won two in a row so I thought I would go for them and I shouldn’t have,” she said.

“That’s why I’m third and not second.

“I’ll go for them again this week and if they let me down again I’ll probably just abandoned them forever.”

Tipsters are vying to win the first prize of accommodation at Dreaming of Buckland, on the edge of Mount Buffalo National Park, donated by Travel and Cruise.

Second prize is accommodation at Amora Hotel Riverwalk, Melbourne, and third prize is a $200 Pinsent Hotel voucher.

Ms Watson was the winner of the $200 voucher last season, which was shared

among the Pinsent Hotel staff

Although she is on track for a repeat, she said she will be hoping a favourites-based tipping approach in the final round will lead her to a higher glory.

“Following the favourites has always done me more favours than trying to pick the upsets,” she said.

While the success of others is to be marvelled, the rollercoaster season has caught some tipsters out down the bottom of the standings.

Former winner of the competition, Indi MP Helen Haines, has seen a form slump synonymous with her Tigers sitting in second last, while supposed sporting experts at AFLNEB Pranav Menon and Jack Penny squander in the bottom half of the standings.

The winner will be announced next week.

Lady Devils launch into finals

By NATHAN DE VRIES

THE Albury Wodonga Football Association heats up this weekend, with the first knockout round of finals set to be played this Sunday.

Wangaratta City’s senior women’s side will enter their match with Wodonga Diamonds brimming with confidence, having downed top two side Albury United 4-1 last weekend.

Team captain Beth Cope said the energy around the side ahead of finals was palpable.

“There’s a big hype around the finals, everyone’s pumped,” she said.

“It all starts with training, you can just feel the buzz around it, all the high energy - people are just excited.

“After that win (over United) there’s a huge confidence boost around the girls.

“For us, it’s been a few weeks since we’ve had the full side together, so I definitely think playing this week we’re going to have a momentum boost with the girls.

“It’s good being able to play with each other and get our

combinations back together.”

On paper, the Lady Devils will enter the match as heavy favourites over winless Diamonds, having comfortably won their previous encounters.

But finals have a funny way of changing the script.

“They haven’t won a game all season but we don’t take that as easy at all,” Cope said.

“Finals is a completely different ball game, it’s knockout straight away.

“We’ve played them four times, we’ve had four solid against them, but we’ve just got to take our chances when they come - we’ve got to not be complacent.”

With the team hitting their straps at the right time of the year and with momentum on their side, the Lady Devils will be eager to post a positive result and move deeper through the knockout competition.

The division one women’s side take on Wodonga Diamonds at Kelly Park this Sunday from 11am, while the division two women play Myrtleford at Aloysius Park from 9.25am.

READY TO RUMBLE: Beth Cope and the Lady Devils are prepared for a challenging finals series, which kicks off on Sunday.

PHOTO: Kat De Naps Photography

TIPPING FOR THE TOP: Pinsent Hotel’s Beth Watson will be hoping a last round Hawks win over Fremantle among others can propel her to the top of the Chronicle’s Travel & Cruise North East footy tipping competition for the 2023 season.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

O&K PREVIEWS

Time for players to excel in footy finals

By NATHAN DE VRIES

THE weather is warmer, the days are a little longer and there’s the scent of freshly-cut grass in the air which can only mean one thing – it’s time for footy finals.

For North Wangaratta’s senior football team, it’s been a decade since they made a play for the flag, and on Sunday they face up against one of the most experienced finals teams in recent years, Milawa.

The Demons took the win by a landslide the only time this year the two sides went head to head back in round seven, but a lot has changed for both squads.

Hawks coach Steve Manning said this match had been looming over his side for weeks, but they would give it their all.

“We’ve only played Milawa once this year, and we were really impressed with how they went about it,” he said.

“We went away from that day knowing that we had a lot to work on, and it identified a lot of key areas we need to work on and where we needed to be to be competitive with the top four.

“We’ve got nothing to lose, the expectation is for Milawa to walk over us, but we’re certainly going to give it our all and hopefully that frees up the boys a little bit in their application to the game.

“All we can do is present as strong a 21 as we can and make sure everyone commits to the game plan on the day.”

After a fair few years out in the cold, and with the litany of challenges the club has faced, Manning said there was a clear opportunity to take advantage.

“Our club’s been to hell and back over the last 10 years, we’re lucky the lights are still on to be honest,” he said.

“We were kicked off our ground for three years, then COVID took apart the rebuild - we can’t forget about that we’re in such a privileged position to be representing the club still after the work of so many in the last 10 years.

“We’re excited for the challenge, excited to have one of the best,

Who will win?

AS the Ovens and King finals series begins, the Wangaratta Chronicle asked the coaches of teams who missed out on finals who they think will take out the senior footy and A grade netball flags.

FOOTBALL

7th – Tony Ciancio and Jack Davies, King Valley Pick: Greta

Why: Frazer Judd will stand up in the big moments to help them get over the line.

8th - Riley Calvene, Whorouly Pick: Bright

Why: They’ve got a lot of weapons - with (Cooper) Thomason and (Guy) Campbell up forward, they’re a headache. They’re very well structured and well organized, I found they were the toughest team to come up against this year.

9th – Jared Brennan, Goorambat Pick: Greta

Why: They’ve been the best team we played all year. I love how they’ve built a squad over the years and added some quality this season.

10th – Danyon Hearne, Tarrawingee

Pick: Bonnie Doon

Why: They’re very strong on all three lines and they have plenty of options up forward. They would have learnt a lot from their finals run last year so I reckon they’ll go one better this time around.

11th – Nich Spencer, Benalla All Blacks

Pick: Milawa

Why: Milawa will get it done if they’re healthy – no one will be able to go with Jamie Allan on a hot day in September. They’ve got plenty of experience on the big day – I’d say it’ll be them and Bonnie Doon.

Netball

7th – Sarah Osborne, Goorambat

Pick: Milawa

most respected clubs in the competition and take them on in the final.

“The opportunity’s there, they come few and far between – we’re going to be giving it one hell of a crack, there’s no doubt about it.”

Milawa co-coach Matt Graham his side’s experienced leaders would take the game on early, with veritable match winners across their lines.

“With Milawa, we know it’s probably going to be the same old

players that will step up with that experience,” he said.

“Our leaders like Ben Clarke, Josh Owen, Xavier Ham, Dan Bihun – they’ve all been standout performers on the big day multiple times.

“Jamie Allan coming back into the forward line with his forward form has been fantastic, Harry Allan made centre half forward in the league Team of the Year.

“They’ve been coached very well, with Steve Manning winning

Coach of the Year, so they’ll be very well drilled.

“I think we know what they’re going to put up, they’re going to know what we’re going to put up, so it’s going to be a matter of who takes the win at the end of the day and stays alive for finals.”

The second elimination final kicks off on Sunday from 2pm at North Wangaratta, at the conclusion of the reserves hit-out between Benalla All Blacks and Moyhu.

Hoppers dare to dream against Mountain Men

By NATHAN DE VRIES

THEY’RE young, they’re hungry, and they’re talented, and tomorrow, Moyhu will take on powerhouse team Bright in their elimination final.

The Hoppers are one of the season’s biggest success stories, rising from last year’s wooden spoon to finals contention thanks to coach Darren Bell and an influx of youthful players.

Bell said there was a definite energy among the playing group as both senior and reserve squads prepare for finals.

“The boys are really excited and keen to have a crack and experience it,” he said.

“There were 44 at training on

Tuesday, I was over the moon with attendance.

“You tell them to try and cherish it because it doesn’t always happen – you think it’s going to happen again next year and it might not so you’ve got to make the most of it.”

After taking the bye in last weekend’s round 20, Moyhu will be fresh and rested for their biggest match of the year.

The Mountain Men have won both of their matches with Moyhu this year, with their last confrontation in round 16 only decided by 20 points.

“I know their forward line’s as potent as any in the league, but our underrated backline do their job, plug away and help each other out,” Bell said.

“Hopefully we can quell the ball movement up the ground a bit more to help the backline out a bit, that’ll be our main concern to keep on top of their midfielders.

“Matt Thrum’s had a really good back end of the season, I expect him to lead from the front – he’s about the only boy we’ve got over 100 games so I’m sure he’ll lead from the front.

“Charlie West it back in, he’s had a couple of weeks off so he’ll be raring to go, our captain.

“Out of all the top four sides, Bright is the one we match up OK on – it gives us a bit of a sniff, hopefully.

Bright coach Paul Harrison said his side would try to supress the Hoppers early and backed his side’s

experience to get the job done.

“We’re certainly confident but not overconfident - we played them a month ago and they were good,” he said.

“They’re a young team, and if you let them into the game they can really build some confidence, so we’ve got to start well and put our foot down early.

“I’m pretty confident with the boys, we’ve got a couple of other people available to come back into the side so selection’s going to be a nightmare, but that’s OK.”

The Hoppers take on Bright at the Tarrawingee Recreation Reserve from 2pm tomorrow, following the reserve elimination final between Bonnie Doon and Milawa.

Why: They work really well together and appear to have a positive culture. Defensively, they’re very disciplined and are able to move the ball flawlessly down the court. They’re a strong and versatile team.

8th – Sharlene Wohlers, Moyhu

Pick: Milawa

Why: The one goal loss last year will be a major motivator for their team this year – it’ll be a GretaMilawa final. Especially as the weather warms, I think they will be quicker as well. Emily Canny is an accurate shooter, hard to beat.

9th – Kim Newman, North Wangaratta

Pick: Milawa

Why: They’ve been a powerhouse all season and continue to put forward high quality performances every week. It’s a testament to the individual players and the team to have four players voted into the team of the year. I believe that they have the on-court connections, determination and grit to take out the flag for the 2023 season.

10th – Georgia Spencer and Alara Jones, Benalla All Blacks

Pick: Milawa

Why: They went through most of the season undefeated and under the reins of Kerrie Gray we think they’ve got what it takes to go all the way

11th – Marlene Steiner, Bright Pick: Tarrawingee

Why: I like the way Tarra play their netball. It’s a hard call, but I think if Tarra play well coming through the finals, I’ll back Tarra.

READY TO PLAY: Milawa’s Sebastian De Napoli and Hawk David Killen will take the the ground at North Wangaratta on Sunday in their elimination final.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Netball finals set to be thrillers

Ovens and King netball elimination finals this weekend set to be interesting contests gg

By NATHAN DE VRIES

THIS weekend’s elimination finals in the Ovens and King FNL will determine which of the best netball squads in region progress, but it’s anyone’s game.

Saturday has Tarrawingee’s A grade side take on King Valley at Tarrawingee, while Bonnie Doon face off against Whorouly at North Wangaratta on Sunday.

The Roos enter the match as underdogs against the

strong Bulldogs line-up, but with Tarrawingee coming off a loss last weekend and as it’s finals, anything’s possible.

King Valley coach Deanna Mawson said it would come down to shutting down Tarrawingee’s stars while allowing her own to shine.

“I think we stack up OK, we only lost by five goals the last time we played them,” she said,

“They’ve got their ‘bookends’, Tegan White and Kay-

lee Allan, so we’ll be focussing on overcoming those two hurdles, and using our strategies we know have worked in the past to do that.

“A very underrated player of ours is Grace Patterson, who’s just a strong player –she goes about her play and does the smart things, so having her is valuable to be able to call the shots, control the game and support Andrea (Uebergang) in the ring.

“Andrea’s shooting per-

centage is quite good, she’s quite strong in the ring as well.

“Where the club’s come from, been bottom of the ladder for a few years, so it’s been nice for the girls to experience finals fever.”

The winner of Saturday’s game will take on either Whorouly or Bonnie Doon next weekend, who go head to head on Sunday at North Wangaratta.

The Bombers have had the wood over the Lions through

the home and away season, with 23 and 16 goal winning margins.

However, coach Michelle Tanner said the Lions could never be underestimated.

“Just because we’ve beaten them this year, you would never write them off, they’re one team the girls were a little bit scared to play against,” she said.

“It’ll be a good game, it’ll depend on us working on what we’re good at.

“Our weakness is we

MATCH PREVIEWS

sometimes try and slip into the way other people play, and we need to not do that, we just need to focus on what we do well.

“We’ve got nothing to lose now, Bonnie Doon’s A grade has never made finals so they’ve already made history there.”

The A grade netball elimination finals get underway from 2.30pm, played at Tarrawingee on Saturday and North Wangaratta on Sunday.

Injury-riddled Hawks take on Hoppers

By WILLSON MACK

WANGARATTA Rovers are eyeing a confidence building win ahead of their finals campaign.

Between losses, injury and everything in between, Rovers aren’t having the lead-in to finals they were hoping for but a big win over North Albury at WJ Findlay Oval on Saturday is exactly what they need.

The Hawks have suffered three losses on the trot to Albury, Wodonga and then most recently Yarrawonga with their last victory coming against Myrtleford on July 15.

Wangaratta Rovers football operations manager Barry Sullivan expects to get a few troops back from injury.

“It would be great to go into finals with momentum,” Sullivan said.

“Unfortunately we’ve been struck down on the injury front in recent weeks and every week it seems to be compounding, I’m not sure if it’s bad luck of what’s happening.

“Hopefully we’ll get some back over the next few weeks, we should get Ryan Hebron this weekend and Will Christie, Michael Clarke and Dylan Wilson should be available from injury.

“Will McCarthy should be free from Bushrangers and we’re waiting to hear back on if Darcy Wilson can play as well.”

Rovers will be looking to get one back on the Hoppers after falling to

them in round nine by 37 points.

“They’re a competitive side, they’ll fight it out to the end,” Sullivan said.

“Tim Broomhead is leading them well and doing on field what Sam Murray does for us.

“We feel like we always play well on our home deck but if our effort and defensive pressure isn’t on it’ll be a tough day.”

Although a win to the Hoppers would see them join Rovers on eight wins, a percentage difference of 20.92 per cent makes it near impossible for them to jump into fifth position.

“Mathematically North Albury are still a chance so they’ll be look-

Rovers netballers to take court one last time

By WILLSON MACK

WANGARATTA Rovers A grade netballers close their season out with a clash against North Albury at WJ Findlay Oval.

ing for a good win,” Sullivan said.

“We just need to try and use the footy a bit better and reduce our turnovers, and we’ll be okay.

“We need to get back to doing what we do well and apply finalslike pressure because finals can be a different game.”

Despite the influx of injuries, Sullivan has been proud of the young players who have stepped in.

“Judd Schubert and Brodie Paul came in for their first games last weekend and showed that they’re up to the level,” he said.

“Adversity brings opportunity and it’s been great to see players step up from the thirds or reserves this year and develop nicely.”

Rovers will see themselves a sniff with their only victory this season coming against then Hoppers in round nine, although their rivals were missing arguably their best player in Emily Browne who is now back on court.

The Hoppers have been is strong form despite facing the bye last weekend, downing finals-bound Myrtleford the week prior and falling to Lavington by just two goals the week before that.

Wangaratta Rovers will need to bounce back from a tough loss if they’re to trouble North Albury after falling to premiership favourites Yarrawonga by 41-goals.

Although neither team will play finals, bragging rights are on the line.

Nigel Haynes winner of the raffle day with Steele Sidebottom and Jeremy Howe

LAST HURRAH: Rebecca Kreltszheim and Wangaratta Rovers take on North Albury at WJ Findlay Oval tomorrow in thie final game.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

REDEMPTION: Sam Murray and Wangaratta Rovers will be looking to get one back on North Albury tomorrow.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

Friday, August 25

Essendon vs. Collingwood (MCG)

Saturday, August 26

North Melbourne vs. Gold Coast SUNS (BA)

Hawthorn vs. Fremantle (MCG)

Brisbane Lions vs. St Kilda (G)

Geelong Cats vs. Western Bulldogs (GMHBA)

West Coast Eagles vs. Adelaide Crows (OS)

Sunday, August 27

Port Adelaide vs. Richmond (AO)

Sydney Swans vs. Melbourne (SCG)

Carlton vs. GWS GIANTS (MRVL)

leaderboard after round 23

Brett Anderson ..137

Max Webster ....137

Beth Watson .....134

Tom McCurdy ....133

Rob Bell ...............131

Dameon Holmes ..131

Jess Maddy ..........131

Chris Doyle ..........131

James Salafia ........131

Jack Lancaster.......130

Tom the Baker ......128

Kent Wathen ........128

Nick Bell ..............128

Dave Harrop ........126

Jack Penny ...........126

Kay Reid ..............126

Wang Club ..........123

Shayne Gannon ...121

Sean Barrett .........121

Pranav Menon ......121

Trent Terry ............120

Cassie Hall ...........115

Helen Haines ........111

Sarah Crothers .....105

Devils are geared up for quarter-final showdown

Wangaratta City expecting to be bolstered by return of four key players for Sunday match gypgyypyy

WANGARATTA City are set for their first final of 2023, taking on Albury Hotspurs at Jelbart Park.

The Devils looked certain to face Melrose in the quarter-final, however, an 11-1 win to Hotspurs and a 6-0 loss to Albury City for Melrose was enough to push the Spurs up into fifth spot.

The two sides have faced off twice this season with

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

Wangaratta saluting 2-0 in round seven and 6-3 in round 16.

Wangaratta City assistant coach Terry Masters said it was a surprise to be facing Hotspurs.

“It’s a huge surprise to be playing Hotspurs because Melrose looked like they were stuck in fifth spot,” Masters said.

“A big win to Hotspurs and a big loss to Melrose was enough to push Hotspurs into fifth so here we are.

“Hotspurs have some quality players but if the game is played in our front third I’m confident we can

push past this game.”

The Devils are coming off back-to-back losses to arguably the two favourites to make the cup final - Cobram and Albury United.

However, Masters said his side still takes plenty of confidence into the finals series.

“If we can get through this first week of finals the pressure is on everyone else, not us,” he said.

“We’ve got some quality players coming back into our squad and we’ve proven this season that we can match it with Cobram and United – we’ve taken points off both of those teams this season.

“Our boys should have plenty of belief to take into finals.”

Wangaratta City should see the return of walk-in

starters Dan Kelly, Xander Van Bergen, Tom Christison and Jaxon Osmotherly this weekend, while Alex Pitt played his first game back from injury last Saturday against Albury United.

“We should have a full squad to choose from this weekend which is great,” Masters said.

“It’s been a while since that’s happened for us.”

NORTH Wangaratta’s David Killen and Milawa’s Sebastian De Napoli will faceoff in Sunday’s do-or-die Ovens and King senior football elimination final at North Wangaratta Recreation Reserve.

■ Story: Page 32

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Photo credit: Ellen May Photography

Lindy’s perfect floral arrangements

FLOWERS by Lindy (FBL) is a local independently owned floristry business based in the beautiful King Valley.

Lindy has more than 10 years experience in the floristry industry.

She and her small team are happy to travel for weddings and events right across the North East from the King Valley, Mansfield, Rutherglen, Shepparton, to Albury and Bright.

“I absolutely love event work,” she said.

“I think it is the creative process of brainstorming ideas with clients and then working out the mechanics of installations.

“It is so special seeing it all come together.

“It is always an honour to create someone’s dream wedding.”

FBL also delivers flowers daily to Wangaratta, Killawarra, Waldara, Glenrowan, the King Valley, Ovens Valley and surrounds Monday to Saturday.

Orders can be placed by calling 0428 284 331 the day before delivery.

“We pride ourselves on always selecting the highest quality blooms, supporting local growers and utilising seasonal flowers,” Lindy said.

“I do grow some flowers myself, but of course my garden and our winter climate cannot supply all the flowers used so I like to support other local growers as well as buying from the Melbourne flower market.”

Choosing an experienced florist means you can rely on their knowledge and experience to source beautiful flower varieties, condition the flowers properly so they are at their optimum for the day.

They are there to help support you through the process and most importantly give you ideas

Enchant your guests at Annie’s Retreat

ANNIES’S Retreat in Allans Flat made Clare and Ryan’s April wedding a magical affair.

Retreat can make that dream a reality.

on how to use your budget wisely.

Bringing a beautiful wedding to life relies on good communication between couples, venues and vendors.

“There are so many wonderful wedding vendors around the North East and their experience and quality of service is equal to those you will find in the city,” Lindy said.

She recommends couples approach vendors as soon as they have set a date including venues, caterers, photographers, cake makers, sign writers, event planners and florists are always in demand, so the more notice you can give them, the more chance you have of securing the ones you want.

The wedding used some unique decorating ideas with wine barrels and wooden pallets providing tables, hay bales for seating, besides the marquee with round tables, dance floor for later, and games for both adults and kids.

This was all the more attractive as fairy lights glittered through the trees, all attuned to colours and themes of autumn with the native flowers.

They also served a buffet menu with an antipasto to start, hot chips for the kids and pulled pork, lamb or chicken rolls with salads for main, then homemade cupcakes for dessert.

With Annie’s Retreat, Clare and Ryan were able to be imaginative and make their special day as unique as possible, which benefited both them and their guests.

If you’re looking to celebrate your wedding in the most unique way possible or a more traditional way, Annie’s

It is fully customisable allowing you to design whatever you want using the amazing views and gardens as your backdrop. Their outdoor venue for weddings can cater for small (30-45 guests) to large, accommodating up to 150 guests.

The ceremony area overlooks views as far as Mt Buffalo, thus allowing you to celebrate your special day in an enchanting setting that captures the essence of romance, elegance and natural beauty.

Annie’s Retreat also

recently updated its website to make weddings an even bigger focus.

Weddings are now front and centre on the website, making it easier to read what they have to offer and book your special day with them.

Photographer: White Shutter Photography

FANTASTIC FLOWERS: Get the perfect floral arrangements fro your wedding with Flowers by Lindy.

IMAGINATIVE WEDDINGS: At Annie’s Retreat you can use your imagination to make your wedding unique to you just like Clare and Ryan did at their wedding.

PHOTOS: Hannah Adele Photography

PLANNING a wedding can indeed be stressful, but finding an experienced and calm celebrant can ease the burden.

So look no further than Cheryl Warry, a seasoned celebrant and master of ceremonies with over a decade of experience in the wedding industry.

With her unique blend of fun and formality, Cheryl has become a go-to choice for couples seeking a wedding day that is both memorable and elegant.

Cheryl’s journey in the wedding industry began more than 10 years ago, when she discovered her passion for helping couples create magical moments that would last a lifetime.

Cheryl understands the importance of attention to detail in every celebration she oversees.

Her dedication to making your day truly special is matched only by her infectious enthusiasm and warm personality.

What sets Cheryl apart is her ability to strike the perfect balance between fun and a nod to tradition.

Weddings are a celebration of love and Cheryl ensures that each ceremony she officiates is a true reflection of the couple’s unique love story. Whether it’s a whimsical beachside wedding, a laid-back celebration on a private property or an opulent ballroom affair, Cheryl seamlessly tailors her approach to suit the couple’s preferences and the overall theme of the day.

As an MC, Cheryl is the glue that holds the entire event together. Her presence brings a sense of elegance and grace, yet she effortlessly infuses every moment with a lightheartedness that puts guests at ease.

From announcing the arrival of the bridal party to coordinating the speeches, Cheryl’s meticulous planning and impeccable timing

ensures that your wedding day unfolds seamlessly, leaving you and your guests with beautiful memories to cherish.

Cheryl’s genuine love for her work is evident in every aspect of her service.

She takes the time to get to know each couple personally, understanding their vision and works closely with them to craft a ceremony that is authentic and heartfelt.

Cheryl has a way of connecting with people on a deeper level, making each guest feel welcome and cherished.

So if you’re searching for a celebrant who can bring your dream wedding to life with a delightful blend of fun and elegance, Cheryl Warry is the name you can trust.

With her vast experience and infectious enthusiasm, Cheryl is ready to make your special day an unforgettable experience for you, your partner and all your cherished guests.

A memorable and fun big day with celebrant Cheryl Warry Local Celebrant

CELEBRATING LOVE: Cheryl Warry is a seasoned wedding celebrant who helps ensures each ceremony is a unique reflection of each couple’s love story.

Creating an intimate spring wedding

EVERY season new wedding trends emerge and spring 2023 is no exception.

In the past, larger, more lavish weddings were the go-to but in a post COVID world, people are beginning to find the magic in smaller intimate weddings through focusing on smaller details including welcoming boxes and wedding arrangements.

Intimate weddings are a great way to celebrate your special day with your loved ones while also being able to put more money and focus into bridal and groom trends such as the dress, tuxes and hair and makeup.

With the return of greenery and the warmer weather returning, many are also turning to outdoor weddings and taking advantage of nature’s beauty to create a breathtaking backdrop.

Trends emerging with outdoor weddings include wooden arches overflowing with greenery, fairy lights down the aisle and

celebrating the reception in tents made out of satin.

Charming lights are also becoming popular with a more rustic and bohemian approach.

This means medievalinspired chandeliers, with metal craftsmanship and rustic bulbs; string lights strung along the top of your wedding tent draping with greenery and bohemian basket weave chandeliers

Jewellery to make your outfit sparkle

are all coming into style.

Many newlyweds are also using neon signs with quirky catchphrases or their names as contemporary backdrops.

Neutral colours are in this season with sage green themes being among the most popular.

This kind of colour palette works perfectly for both indoor and outdoor wedding events.

AFTER operating for more than 10 years in Melbourne, Victoria Lily recently opened a new store in Bright.

Victoria Lily offers jewellery for everyone in the wedding party including the mother of the bride, the groomsmen, flower girl and even the bride.

For the bride they offer a wide range of jewellery to help your outfit sparkle with the perfect finishing touches.

The friendly staff are also able to co-ordinate the jewellery for everyone in your wedding to create a cohesive bridal party.

Victoria Lily believe everyone deserves to have contemporary jewellery that is exciting, expressive, glamourous and beautiful that can be treasured and enjoyed.

Owner of the stores, Joan Charbonnier, travels around the world to places including Italy, France, Holland and Germany to search for stylish jewellery

from the biggest brands making Victoria Lily a one stop shop for newest trends.

Some of the brands they stock include Thomas Sabo, Coeur de Lion, Von Treskow, Najo, Luminox Swiss watches and more.

If new jewellery isn’t what you’re after on your big day and you’d prefer to wear a family keepsake,

Victoria Lily also offers repairs and restoration. They have teamed up with some of the best artisans who can resize rings, fix chains, re-set stones and more.

No matter what look you are going for on your special day, Victoria Lily can help you co-ordinate those special touches to make your outfit shine.

INTIMATE WEDDINGS: This spring newlyweds are finding the magic in the smaller details of their wedding.

UNIQUE JEWELLERY: Make your bridal party sparkle with contemporary jewellery from Victoria Lily.

YOUR wedding day is fast approaching, and your smile deserves to be as radiant as your love.

Evolve Orthodontics understands the importance of your special day, offering a unique orthodontic experience led by Dr. Seerone Anandarajah.

The expert team, combined with customised treatment plans, can ensure your smile transformation is flawless for your wedding day.

Step into your wedding day with confidence and grace, thanks to a tailored orthodontic treatment plans.

Dr Seerone Anandarajah, specialist orthodontist, leads the practice, ensuring your teeth are aligned, gaps are closed, and your smile is harmonious, enhancing your natural beauty as you celebrate.

The experienced treatment coordinators guide you through every step of your smile journey, ensuring you’re informed and comfortable throughout the process.

The team understands that no two smiles are alike, which is why the orthodontic treatment plans are customised to your unique needs and wedding timeline. You don’t have to be worried about braces affecting your wedding photos.

With advanced orthodontic options, including clear aligners, you can maintain your elegance while achieving your dream smile.

These virtually invisible solutions blend seamlessly into your wedding day aesthetic.

Dr Seerone’s expertise

goes beyond your wedding day, providing long-term benefits for your oral health and self-assurance.

The orthodontic treatment isn’t just for your special day; it’s for a lifetime of confident smiles. Your journey towards a captivating smile that matches your wedding

glow begins at Evolve Orthodontics. Consult with the expert team to create a personalised treatment plan that aligns perfectly with your wedding timeline and aspirations.

With the guidance of Dr Seerone and the dedicated team, your wedding day

smile will be an enchanting testament to your love story. Contact Evolve Orthodontics today to embark on this transformative journey toward a smile that shines as brightly as your happiness on your wedding day.

AS your celebrant Lesley Sanderson will work with you to create a ceremony that celebrates the magic of your story and truly reflects your love.

To craft the perfect ceremony, you and your celebrant need to connect, you need to be on the same page, because there’s never been another wedding like yours and there never will be again.

So if you’re looking for a celebrant who will laugh with you, cry with you, celebrate your love with you, and do it your way, do not hesitate to set up a noobligation meet where you can get together and chat about having your day, your way, with Lesley.

Over the years Lesley has garnered many positive reviews.

“Lesley married us and she was amazing,” Casie and Nick Peters said.

“She tailored our ceremony to exactly how we wanted it - casual, but full of emotion and a bit of humour.

“Lesley made it all very easy for us and we felt completely comfortable working with her for such an important moment in

our lives.

“She’s a beautiful person, full of love and also shared in the emotion with us on the day and also leading up to the wedding.

“Thankyou Lesley.”

“Lesley made our day a dream,” Tammy and Anthony Cranston said.

“She was accommodating and easy to work with leading up to our wedding and her expertise brought our vision to fruition.

“Lesley’s work on the wedding day made everything run smoothly and we were able to relax and enjoy the day.

“We can’t recommend

her enough, thanks so much Lesley.”

“Wonderful Lesley was the celebrant to our wedding on April 1, 2023 outside of Wangaratta,” Genevieve Blanch and Michael Longley said.

“We loved every minute working with Lesley, she felt like our friend right from the beginning, she was professional, organised and made us feel at ease.

“We highly recommend her services.”

To work with Lesley or learn more about her services visit https://www. sandersonscelebrancy.com. au/.

WEDDINGS can be a stressful planning journey with so many details to exact and think about.

But brides and grooms can relax because Kerrie from Bring Around a PosY has got this.

She will take all your stress away and your floral ordering will be a breeze.

Emotion is Kerrie’s design tool and she will guide you in your options and choices from the

moment you first reach out.

“By providing me with your colour palette for your day and wedding setting I can work on a mood board of choices to get to know you and your perfect vision for the wedding day,” Kerrie said.

“From there it’s easy to put it all together - just a few questions around your preferred flowers list and clear communication and your time and focus can

turn to other planning tasks.”

Kerrie immerses herself in the care and trust given to her by clients and feels privileged and honoured to help create the perfect flower arrangements for the most special and memorable of days.

The care Kerrie takes flows through to all her designs and you’ll be glad you chose her to take care of all your wedding floral requirements.

MAGICAL CEREMONY: Celebrate your unique story in a way that reflects your love with celebrant Lesley Sanderson.

PHOTO: Red Leaf Photography

PEEK-A-BOO: Kerrie

Plan your scenic and private wedding at Feathertop Winery

SAY ‘I do’ surrounded by 360 degree views of My Buffalo and the rolling vineyards of Feathertop Wineries Tuscan inspired winery estate.

At Feathertop Winery they offer a unique and private experience for your wedding.

The winery is a modern estate featuring rolling vineyards and contemporary function facilities

When you choose Feathertop Winery as your wedding destination, the estate is all yours for your special day allowing you to have the wedding of your dreams.

The award winning team at Feathertop Winery will share in your excitement for the day at their spectacular venue in near Bright.

The team is dedicated to curating your wedding towards you and aim to provide a comprehensive planning and coordination service to support all

your needs.

To ensure your day runs smoothly, Feathertop Winery will pair you with a dedicated coordinator for the lead up to the wedding.

They’ve got you covered with the best advice for everything from

photographers, hairdressers and everything in between.

They offer a range of versatile spaces lending themselves to a small intimate wedding to a grander affair to ensure the wedding is catered towards you.

Each of the different spaces can easily be styled to your chosen theme. Whether you’re looking for a traditional backdrop with wine barrels, or a sleek modern subterranean vault, the experts at Feathertop Winery are dedicated to

designing a beautiful and social atmosphere for you to celebrate your special day in style.

Feathertop Winery also has food and drinks covered with some extraordinary food creators to ensure you have delicious, fresh

seasonal produce for your wedding.

They encourage you to have a chat with the creators and chefs at the winery to ensure the food is customised to be exactly what you envisioned.

In addition to your venue hire, you will also have access to their two beautiful luxury apartments.

These apartments not only create the perfect base for the bridal party to prepare, but also for your first married couple within walking distance of the venue.

Feathertop Winery is also pet friendly, meaning even your dog can have a role in your special day.

Whether you take advantage of the experienced team’s expertise, or are just looking to book the Feathertop Private Estate for its scenic backdrop, Feathertop Winery could be the perfect place to host your special day.

SCENIC ESTATE: The Feathertop Winery offers a private and unique location that can be customised however you like for your special day.

Photo credit: Samantha Cole Madeline kate

A winery wedding in the country at Annapurna Estate

A BEAUTIFUL country setting can provide all the sought after elements to a wedding – romance, intimacy and that personal touch that is lacking in clichéd function centres.

However, many bridal couples are daunted by the idea of organising a wedding so far from home.

The thought of synchronising guests, goods and services over distance can be overwhelming.

But it doesn’t need to be according to Ezio Minutello, wedding coordinator at Annapurna Estate.

“We pride ourselves on helping couples bring all those elements together effortlessly,” Ezio said.

“We have hosted reception brunches, afternoon teas, buffets, cocktail parties, spit roasts and sit down dinner menus with anywhere from a cosy 30 to 130 or more guests.

“With our chef, Daniel, we work with couples to design a menu and occasion that suits their

budget and provides value for money.

“String quartets, rock duos, jazz bands and even an international gypsy troupe have performed on our stage and we have a long list of musicians on file.

“Likewise, cake decorators, florists and talented local photographers are listed with us.”

The vineyard set in the alps offers such a spectacular backdrop, that couples often choose to have their wedding service and photo shoot at Annapurna Estate.

Nestled in the upper

Engagement and wedding gifts, cards and celebration ideas

Kiewa Valley, Mt Beauty is a charming town to spend a weekend and visitors will find that it boasts a fantastic range of accommodation from the picturesque and affordable caravan parks, through to well-appointed motels and classy five star selfcontained units suitable for all weather.

“Warm summer nights are especially romantic, but every season has its appeal and Annapurna Estate is a stunning wedding venue all year,” Ezio said.

To learn more about how Annapurna Estate can make your dream day shine, contact them today.

EDGARS Books & News in Wangaratta are proud to stock cards, guest books, wrapping paper and bridal charms for all kinds of wedding celebrations.

The future Mr and Mrs, Mr and Mr or Mrs and Mrs are catered for so there’s no need to worry about not being able to find a card to suit the occasion.

When it comes to remembering who came to your wedding, photos are great but what if someone manages to dodge every camera lens?

That’s where a Guest Book comes in – and most people aren’t shy when it comes to popping their name into your book, along with a personal message.

Looking for a bridal gift to symbolise good luck and love?

Edgars has a range to choose from, along with a traditional garter, which could even double as the ‘something blue’.

Have the new couple got a green thumb, want to create their dream

home on a budget or are thinking of renovating or building a new home?

Edgars have a range of books on each of those subjects, along with sustainable living and much more, any of which makes a beautiful tailored gift.

If you can’t decide which book would suit them best – get them a gift voucher instead and

let them choose their own.

And let’s not forget about the magazines for brides and grooms to be – pick up a copy now for your own inspiration. When you’re after just the right wedding gift and/or planning the perfect wedding, make your first and last stop Edgars Books & News in Murphy Street, Wangaratta.

STUNNING SCENERY: Annapurna Estate offers a picturesque setting for weddings all year round.

WIDE RANGE: Edgars Books & News have cards, guests book and gifts to suit all wedding celebrations.