Wangaratta Chronicle 250923

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Breaking ground

Pre-cast sections of railway underpass craned into place as Inland Rail works ramp up ypppp

INLAND Rail works took a major step over the weekend with the start of construction on the new Wangaratta Station pedestrian underpass.

As a part of the Inland Rail works blitz, works started at Wangaratta on Friday and have been nonstop for the past 60 hours until the end of today, with the Melbourne to Sydney line to re-open tomorrow

after closing on Saturday.

A large crane with a 750-tonne carrying capacity was used to shift the precast underpass sections into place yesterday morning, with community members gathering at an Australian Rail Track Corporation viewing area in the station’s carpark to watch on.

Each of the underpass sections was estimated to

weigh between 45 and 55 tonnes.

Extra works will be required at Wangaratta tomorrow and Wednesday, meaning trains will not stop at Wangaratta Station for a further two days.

A temporary timetable will be in place for passengers travelling to and from Wangaratta.

Works included cutting

the existing rail track and station platform, ground excavation, installing the pre-cast underpass sections and reinstating the track and platform.

After the underpass has been installed, it will be covered to be completed next year, and the platform and rail track will be reinstated.

ARTC Victoria projects general manager, Ed Walker,

said the 60-hour track possession was important for the construction team to complete a large volume of work in a short time.

The new Beaconsfield Parade bridge at Glenrowan is also beginning to take shape with works over the weekend installing bridge beams and decking over the rail track.

Other works are expected

to continue on the bridge for the rest of the week until this Saturday, with an estimated 50 per cent of overall bridge works completed.

Inland Rail works will be undertaken at 12 sites, including Wangaratta, to enable double-stacked freight trains to pass safely and ensure everyday products can be delivered faster and more reliably around Australia.

EASED IN: Workers were ready to leap into action as a pre-cast underpass section weighing up to 55 tonnes was carefully lowered into place on Sunday morning.

PHOTO: Ryan Malcolm

Police investigating Wangandary vehicle rollover

By RYAN MALCOLM

ONE driver has been hospitalised after his car rolled near Wangandary on Saturday morning.

Police are currently investigating the crash, which involved a single vehicle near the corner of Lindner and Walker roads around 10am.

A 36-year-old Wangaratta man was transported to Northeast Health Wangaratta in the wake of the crash, having suffered minor injuries during the incident.

He was monitored by medical staff and was later released from hospital.

Sergeant Peter McGuffie said police were yet to determine exactly how the crash had occurred, but were investigating whether the driver may have been speeding or alcohol-affected in the lead-up to the rollover.

“Wangaratta Police are appealing to the public to drive safely,” he said.

Est. 1884, Incorporating Wangaratta Despatch, Est. 1861

WEATHER

Residents welcome to South Wangaratta council meeting

THE Rural City of Wangaratta’s September meeting tomorrow night will see councillors gather to sign off on the rural ciyt’s financial performance over the last 12 months.

Ahead of being forwarded to the Victorian Auditor-General, councillors will assess the rural city’s financial statements 2022/23, performance statement 2022/23 and the governance and management checklist, already green-lit by council’s audit and risk committee.

Council’s comprehensive income statement shows an increase of $97.5m compared to 2021/22 figures, which the report linked largely to indexation adjustments of major non-current asset classes and a revaluation of building and

waste management assets last financial year.

The increase played a key role in improving council’s equity position to $748.2m, an increase of $122.8m on last year.

Total income increased by $13.6m, with income from rates and charges increasing by $1.51m largely due to a 1.75pc increase per the rate cap and a 6.23pc increase in waste charges, and capital grants increased by $6.24m.

Total expenses decreased by $7.76m during the same period.

Community members are invited to attend the meeting, which will be held at South Wangaratta’s CFA shed on Shanley Street from 6pm.

Earlier start slated for North East fire season

By RYAN MALCOLM

CFA District 23 could impose its fire danger period as early as next month, with hotter, drier conditions anticipated in line with the recently-announced El Nino weather pattern.

The Bureau of Meterology last week announced a formal end to three years of the wetter La Nina weather phenomenon, with a positive dipole in the Indian Ocean resulting in warmer ocean temperatures which are expected to translate onto the Australian mainland over the coming months.

*NB: Rainfall totals up until 3pm,

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Wangaratta-based District 23 acting assistant chief fire officer Mark Narayan said a decision was yet to be made on exactly when the North East would be subject to fire restrictions, but noted it would be markedly earlier than in recent years.

“What comes along with (El Nino) is warmer weather and increased dry spells,” he said.

“Albeit when you look out of your window everything is still green and there’s puddles of water in paddocks, those grasses and vegetation are curing, so they’re actually drying and there’s some incredible growth that’s happened because the sun’s out and (there’s) that moist ground.

“Every year we plan for our Fire Danger Period… and it’s done with consultation with lots of people.

“Last year was December

16 – this year we were looking originally around mid-October; we don’t know just yet but it’s looking like towards the end of October.”

As a result, CFA crews throughout the region have been hard at work preparing for an earlier call to action, with truck maintenance and skills development key considerations for brigades over the coming weeks.

“We have some prerequisites the chief officer (Jason Heffer-

nan) asks us to do, so that’s our burnover drill, our hazardous trees (awareness) – we make sure we have our minimum skills (training) for all our firefighters who are on all of our trucks,” Mr Narayan said.

“From our district, we want to make sure all of our trucks are in working order and they’re suitably stocked with everything that a firefighter might need – we call that a pre-summer rollout.

“We have a pre-summer brief-

ing – that’s scheduled for October 14 – and we’ll record that and disseminate that to all of our people in district and let them know about the chief officer’s expectations of what we can do… and remind people about the dangers of hazards of our fire season.”

For more information about fire danger period restrictions, visit https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/ warnings-restrictions/fire-danger-period-restrictions.

Free postcards promote connection

PREPAID ‘connection postcards’ are expected to be distributed to four million homes across the country in September, in an effort to encourage people to check in with their friends and loved ones.

or by phone on (02) 9261 1930.

The collaboration between Australia Post and Beyond Blue comes after research indicated nearly half of all Australians will face mental health challenges during their lifetime, and one 10 Australians experience loneliness in any given year.

The postcards will pri-

marily be delivered to regional and rural households, in an effort to connect residents with important mental health information, services and each other, according to Australia Post executive general manager community, sustainability and stakeholder engagement, Tanny Mangos.

“Feeling connected plays an important role in our mental health and wellbeing – in an increasingly digital world, taking the time to write a note to a friend or loved one reminds them

you are thinking of them and is often cherished,” she said.

Beyond Blue chief executive officer Georgie Harman said the partnership with Australia Post played a significant role in sharing important mental health messages with the community.

“Almost everyone experiences loneliness at some stage in their lives, especially those living in rural and remote communities, which is why initiatives like this one are so important to support good mental health practices.”

STAY CONNECTED: Beechworth Post Office staff Carmelina Kuipers, Toni McDonald and Scott Saunders showcase the free ‘connection postcards’.

EARLY START: The North East’s fire danger period is expected to commence as early as next month as a result of the El Nino weather pattern.

PHOTO: CFA Keith Pakenham

CRASH SCENE: Police are investigating after a single vehicle rolled while driving at Wangandary on Saturday morning.

Short Stay Levy set to feed back into regional housing

Opposition cans holiday levy as another tax that will impact tourism across regional Victoria ppyypg

HOMELESS networks have welcomed a short stay accommodation levy of 7.5 per cent that the Victorian Government will charge from 2025, however, property holders and tourism groups are worried it will adversely impact providers and people planning to travel to regional areas.

The State Government’s Housing Statement reported short stay accommodation – like Airbnb or Stayz – has become a popular feature of Victoria’s visitor economy, but it has also reduced the ability for many properties to be used for longer term accommodation.

By STEVE KELLY

WANGARATTA Kennel and Obedience Dog Club, which lies in an emergency relief centre area, will be able to extend and renovate a new kitchen with $25,000 awarded via the FRRR Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program.

The club’s location at the Wangaratta Showgrounds will complement another upgrade to showers and changerooms currently being built for athletes but can can also be used by the community during a disaster event.

A range of events will also be able to benefit from the improved kitchen such as the Million Paws Walk, Relay for Life and the Rod Run car show.

Club member Ron Webb said they were “delighted and surprised” about the funding as it will replace the club’s current facilities in what he described as a canteen that’s about 6x3 metres.

“We want to extend it into a 6x6-metre kitchen with new cabinetry storage and appliances,” he said.

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

“In Victoria, there are more than 36,000 short stay accommodation places –with almost half of these in regional Victoria,” the statement reported.

“More than 29,000 of those places are entire homes.

“These are places that cannot be used for longerterm accommodation or rented out on fixed term agreements – so it makes sense that they should provide some benefit toward

the places that can.”

The Short Stay Levy will be set at 7.5 per cent of the short-stay accommodation platforms’ revenue.

Revenue raised from the levy will go to Homes Victoria, supporting their work building and maintaining social and affordable housing across the state, with 25 per cent of funds to be invested in regional Victoria.

This also means other local council charges on short stay accommodation will be removed.

Celia Adams, CEO of BeyondHousing which is the largest affordable housing supplier in the North East,

said she supported the levy because of the investment into Homes Victoria and the potential long-term positive impacts on the housing crisis.

“I know it won’t be popular for everybody, but even better is that 25 per cent of those funds are earmarked for regional Victoria,” she said.

“When you think about major areas around regional Victoria like the snowfields, we know about the impact these properties have on the private rental market.

“I think a contribution back into safe, secure affordable housing is really positive.

“We saw a lot of properties exit the private rental mar-

ket and become short-stays and that has a significant impact on rental affordability because it’s basic supply and demand.”

But Liberal MP for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell canned the levy and warned it would be detrimental to tourism across regional Victoria.

Ms Lovell said Labor’s new holiday and tourism tax, which could add more than $100 to the cost of a weekend away for Victorians, will impact on the economies of Victorian tourist destinations located on the Murray River when visitors decide to stay at cheaper overnight accommodation across the

Emergency relief area funded $25k

Mr Webb said current works at the showgrounds are part of council’s grandiose vision of building a relief centre following the 2020 bushfires as the existing facilities were deemed inadequate to provide for people who had been displaced from their homes due to disaster.

“When a similar event occurs in the future they will now have facilities that will better cater for people’s needs,” he said.

The dog club committee will meet to discuss the works schedule today so they can get the facilities built and operating.

The local dog club is among more than 200 grassroots not-for-profit organisations in Australia sharing in $2.7 million from the FRRR.

Jill Karena, FRRR’s Place Portfolio lead, said that wonderful volunteers in local groups continue to find meaningful ways to support their communities.

To support grants like this through FRRR, make a taxdeductible donation at frrr. org.au/giving/.

border in NSW where the tax will not be charged.

She said almost half of Victoria’s 36,000 short-stay accommodation properties such as Airbnb or Stayz are in regional Victoria and Ms Lovell said the new tax will simply rip income from accommodation providers on this side of the river and will impact on the tourism dollar spent in these communities.

Ms Lovell said the tax was another hit for regional Victorian small businesses and called on Premier Daniel Andrews to immediately remove the tax and support Victorian providers of shortstay accommodation.

TUCKER TIME: The Wangaratta Kennel and Obedience Dog Club has been successful in applying for an FRRR grant to extend and fit-out their kitchen to cater for larger scale events including emergency relief centre responses during disasters. Pictured are Marion Gray and Kevin Felmingham.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Bush muster is all set for Broken Creek

KEEPING TOWNS BEAUTIFUL: Finalists and participation certificate recipient representatives at Friday’s local tidy towns presentation were (from back, left) Lucie Van Aken, Janet Heath, Bronwyn Chapman, Sammy Rumbelow, Diane Feldtmann, Don Heath, Doug Brockfield, Diane Farmer, Don Stewart, Marg Pullen, Jean Van Aken; (front) rural city mayor Rozi Parisotto, Zoe Stinson, Sofia Kennedy, Katelyn Papakostas, Nathan Chadvan and Sue Phillips.

Vying for Victoria’s tidy title

Monday, September 23, 2013

By STEVE KELLY

THE Rural City of Wangaratta has its best chance in 30 years to be named the tidiest town in Victoria, for the first time next month.

Wangaratta has nine finalists nominated for the Keep Australia Beautiful award.

The finalists were awarded with certificates at a presentation last Friday morning, ahead of the state final to be staged in Wycheproof on October 12.

Wangaratta Community Pride Committee chairperson Marg Pullen was thrilled with the number of finalists - the most ever.

“This is a record for Wanga-

ratta and we have by memory had only a maximum of three before,” she said.

“I was absolutely amazed and so pleased that we had so many entries.

“They have deemed Wangaratta a tidy town and this goes on community involvement, infrastructure and appearance.

“We have never won tidy town of Victoria and this is my dream – it is what I have been working towards.”

A special note was made by Ms Pullen about the efforts behind St Bernard’s

Primary School’s garden and they were fittingly recognised for their participation, along with the Whitfield District Primary School, which was named as one of the finalists.

“Whitfield was outstanding in becoming a sustainable school and the children are so involved in the day to day running of the school’s sustainability initiatives,” Ms Pullen said.

The Wangaratta Community Pride Committee made the final in five categories and other finalists include Whitfield District Primary School, Milawa Heritage Group, Oxley Residents Group, and the Wangaratta Youth Council Advisory Committee.

THE Victorian Bush Poetry and Music Association (VBPMA) is ‘going bush’ this year for its annual muster of bush poets, singers and musicians.

Set to be held at the unique rural setting of the Broken Creek Bush Camp near Benalla from October 13 to 15, the event will cater to caravans, motor homes or tent campers, as well as day and evening visitors.

The weekend will commence at 6pm on Friday with a meet and greet followed by bush poetry and songs into the evening.

There will be a bush poets breakfast from 8.30am to 10.30am on both Saturday and Sunday morning which will include singers and musicians, with egg and bacon rolls available to purchase.

Walk up performers will also be given ample opportunity to perform throughout the weekend.

VBPMA president Tim Sheed said he was excited for guests to arrive.

“Several of our members have enjoyed stays at the bush camp and all report favourably on it as an alternate venue for our genres of entertainment,” he said.

An ANZAC tribute will be held from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday, ahead of a concert from 7.30pm to 10.30pm.

After the breakfast session on Sunday, a novice performed poetry competition will be held, followed by the Carol Reffold Memorial one minute poem competition.

Previous musters held in Benalla have

attracted performers and audiences from across the country.

The tray of an old truck which is enclosed will serve as the bush camp’s main outdoor stage, with a broad, hard standing area for audience members to place their chairs.

There is also a large, three-sided roofed area should the weather be inclement.

Entry to the muster is free.

For more information on the event, contact Tim Sheed on 0438 861 271 or Jan Lewis on 0422 848 707.

For information on camping, visit www. brokencreekbushcamp.com.au or contact camp management on 0428 574 799.

BLUE RIBBON DAY

29

175 of our members have died in the line of duty. On Blue Ribbon Day, I’m so grateful for the Victorian community’s support in remembering our fallen officers.

Your donation will help build emergency medical centres named their in honour – facilities that serve each and every Victorian. September 29th is Blue Ribbon Day. Remember.

Shane Patton, Chief Commissioner Victoria Police

“Thank you for supporting your Victoria Police.”

POPULAR FACE: Peter Rowland and his pet corella ‘Chip’ have been regular attendees at local musters.

PHOTO: Luke Plummer

Outpouring of support for homeless lockers initiative

MORE than $3500 has been raised by community members for a locker initiative kick-started by local students in support of the region’s homeless.

Slated to provide a safe location for those living rough to store their belongings while attending appointments in the Wangaratta CBD, the proposed lockers have galvanised local community organisations, schools and council to show their support for the plight of the grassroots initiative.

Initially masterminded by Wangaratta High School (WHS) year nine students

Bethany Tanner, Hannah Dods, Amarina Huggins and Naomi Roberts as part of the school’s Community Leadership Challenge (CLC) curriculum, the locker bays are now well on their way to being fully funded, with some $3600 already raised. A number of local schools held ‘out of uniform’ days during National Homelessness Week last month, with donations filtering directly into the lockers’ funding pool.

So far, WHS, Cathedral College and Yarrunga, Myrrhee, Oxley and St

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

Patrick’s primary schools have directly supported the initiative, alongside the Rotary Club of Appin Park Wangaratta, Bendigo Bank, Rural City of Wangaratta’s ‘The Pitch’ grants initiative and private donations.

WHS National Homelessness Week fundraising coordinator, Céline Forster, said it was important to shine a light on the community behind the initiative.

“We are so incredibly grateful to all the people who have collaborated with us on this project and have other schools looking forward to assisting in the coming months if required which has been so very heartening for our students,” she said.

“More than ever, we want our community as a whole to know that we care about each other and support each other, whether it be when people are doing it tough, or when people are trying to find solutions and give support.

“We know that many families are doing it tough and that many families have contributed to sup-

porting this project.

“Through this project, our students have learned that anyone can find

themselves in challenging situations – it’s really not that hard.”

A final location for the

lockers is yet to be decided, with further details to be determined in the coming weeks.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT: Wangaratta High School students (from left) Bethany Tanner, Amarina Huggins, Naomi Roberts and Hannah Dods, pictured with Zac’s Place coordinator Di Duursma (middle), have played a key role in developing the lockers initiative.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

El Niño presses need to be bushfire ready

WITH warm weather settling in and the Bureau of Meteorology recently confirming Australia would be entering an El Niño weather pattern this summer, it’s important residents in fire-prone areas begin to take steps to be fire-ready now.

The last time the North East experienced warmer, drier conditions synonymous with El Niño, large portions of the region were heavily bushfire-affected, with firefighters deployed from across the state to tackle major blazes along the border in 2020.

Much has been made of the influx of metropolitan populations to the regions in the wake of COVID-19, and the reality is, with the North East having been subject to wetter, colder La Niña conditions for the last three years, many won’t have experienced a true North East bushfire season.

Making steps towards clearing your property of fuels, cutting off overhanging branches and placing rocks and pebbles around gardens are simple measures landowners can take now to limit their bushfire risk.

In addition, revisiting and making sure you’re confident in your home’s fire plan, as well as making sure you’re across the new Australia-wide fire danger rating system, are key considerations households should be making over the next month or so.

In the chaos of a bushfire situation, having clarity of thought while progressing through your bushfire plan has the capacity to save lives.

By avoiding becoming complacent when it comes to fire safety, residents can reduce their reliance on their local CFA volunteers, and limit needless risk of life. Don’t fail to prepare.

The Quiz No. 54

1. In the January 2016 Big Bash League match between the Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers, players wore playing gear based on which two superheroes?

2. Which country starting with the letter P has the balboa as its official currency?

3. Murray Ball is best known for creating which long-running comic series that featured a Border Collie?

4. Which chemical element has the symbol K?

5. Who played the role of Hikaru Sulu in the 1966 TV series, Star Trek?

6. What is the third largest Australian state in area?

7. In 1998, Sepp Blatter became the President of which sporting association?

8. Whose catch-phrase was “Turn on, tune in, drop out”?

9. What colour is the star on the North Korean flag?

10. In which decade of the 19th century did the Swan River Colony become officially known as Western Australia?

11. Doug Anthony was the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia under which three Prime Ministers

12. Who was the first woman in space?

13. What was the 49th state to join the United States of America?

14. Who won the Best Actress Oscar for her role in, Children of a Lesser God?

15. Which sauce is used in a standard McDonalds Filet-O-Fish?

16. In an SD Memory Card, what do the letters SD stand for?

17. What nationality was Samuel Hahnemann, the man who created Homoeopathy?

18. How do you write forty-five in Roman Numerals?

19. Meg and Jack White were the main members of which band?

20. Which country was formerly known as Ceylon?

FACEBOOK users this week commented on Wangaratta Men’s Shed members who were scammed out of $25,000 two weeks ago.

• Natalie Williams: Such a despicable act - hopefully the bank can help track/reimburse the funds

• Denise Gay: What mongrel does that?

• Marlene Fulton: Have to agree with Denise Gay what mongrel does that

• Mel McDonald: Very sad... a lot of hard work has gone into fund raising for the Wangaratta Mens Shed Very low act...

• Craig McDonald: Sadly, an expensive lesson to be learned.

• Julia Hanssen: I got scammed by that same lot saying they were microsoft and I believed they were trying to help me and after being on the phone for such a long time they had me on hold and I had a feeling I had

Varroa mite may have a silver lining

WHILE establishment of the invasive varroa mite will have major impacts on Australia’s bee-keeping industry, it may deliver benefits for Australian wildlife, by acting as an environmental biocontrol for feral honeybees.

The varroa mite is a parasitic mite that lives on European honeybees and can cause the collapse of bee colonies.

Since it was detected in Australia 15 months ago around $130 million has been spent with the aim of eradicating the incursion due to risks to Australia’s commercial honey industry and crop pollination services.

Government and industry groups have now shifted to containment and control following the failure of eradication efforts.

Hygiene and management approaches will now be used by the industry to protect individual hives.

The varroa mite is likely to inadvertently deliver substantial benefits for Australian wildlife.

Since European honeybees were introduced to Australia around 200 years ago they have established in the wild where they compete with native animals for tree hollows, pollen and nectar.

Competition from feral honeybees is recognised as a key threatening process to native wildlife.

If the mite spreads through the massive feral bee population in our native ecosystems and knocks it down, it will give many native animals a chance of recovery.

Native pollinator insects would benefit, as would animals that feed on nectar and pollen like honeyeater birds and pygmy possums.

For these recoveries to take place it is important that apiarists do not expand further into native vegetation with managed hives, or our native animals will just exchange competition with feral bees for competition with commercial bees.

Associate Professor Patrick O’Connor, University of Adelaide - a member of the Biodiversity Council

Footbridge shows no sign of preservation

IN a recent edition of the Wangaratta Chronicle there was a news article about the historic Cusack Street footbridge that was removed in early July from its near century tenure over the Wangaratta railway lineand it being preserved.

I was shocked last week to see the bent and twisted footbridge laying in the railway compound viewed from Green Street.

It looked to me that it was more likely on the way to a metal recyclers than being

been scammed and phoned the credit union to cancel my card so they got nothing and they had changed the password on my email and I had t o go to Telstra to get help with my computer.....they are very lowlifes who do this to people.

• Charles Branstom: Very low act. They reckoned Ned was a thief.

• Garry Knight: That stinks. No luck with getting compensation from your own bank? Facebook users also com-

READY

preserved - I do hope that isn’t the case.

Immediate action by somebody in authority is required.

mented on the ramping up of Inland Rail construction works with the installation of the new pedestrian underpass, which will see buses replace trains from tomorrow.

• Emma N Robbie: Jodie Pickles I saw this. They are going Thursday so just in the nick of time before they stop running the trains

• Tony Davidson: The Train will actually be a bus ? Sounds like everything is normal then

Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.

NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections. Our follower total is

14,369

Brian Fox, Wangaratta

Tania’s powerful story shines a light

I RECENTLY attended Tania Maxwell’s presentation of ‘Surviving Trauma: My Journey Navigating a Challenging Life’ and like all in attendance was struck by the courage Tania showed, and the powerful story she shared of her life, leading to her advocacy and stint as an MP.

Tania spoke about not being a victim but standing up and moving on with life regardless of what confronts you along the way – a powerful message and I can say firsthand that Tania’s work has been a testament to that philosophy.

I would strongly encourage everyone who gets an opportunity to attend one of Tania’s presentations to do so and hear from her about the importance of this difficult issue.

Tim McCurdy MP, Member for Ovens Valley

FOI shows squandered Games funding

A NEW Freedom of Information request confirms Treasurer Tim Pallas approved a special bid by Premier Daniel Andrews for funding to “support DPC in its work on the 2026 Commonwealth Games”. The funding provided two and a half ad-

ditional staff for the Premier’s department and five extra staff for the Treasurer’s department.

Mr Pallas approved both budget bids through a special Treasurer’s Advance (TA) of $1,565 million in 2022/23 to support central agencies in their work on the 2026 Commonwealth Games and associated Cabinet, governance, delivery planning and cost control processes.

This brief directly exposes the waste and incompetent financial management of Daniel Andrews and Tim Pallas.

This funding is yet another cost hardworking Victorians will have to pay, on top the more than $600 million wasted on the Commonwealth Games debacle that we know of.

Victorians deserve to know how this all went so wrong and those responsible, including Daniel Andrews and Jacinta Allan, must answer to the Parliament and its committees.

David Davis, Shadow Special Minister of State

WE welcome your letters to the Editor. Priority is given to typed/emailed letters under 250 words. Every letter must have your full name, address and a daytime phone contact number supplied for verification purposes. Any letter may be edited for reasons of space, content or legibility. Email edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au Post Letters to the Editor, 37 Rowan

FOR THE SHOW: Riley Woodhead, Harrison Offord and Adalind Adamo were among those to see The Resilience Project’s Martin Heppell present 3 Happy Tricks at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre last week.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Man jailed for 21 months after stealing dog, blackmailing owner

A BENALLA man has been jailed for at least 21 months, after he aided in the kidnapping of a dog and the blackmail of its owner in late 2021.

Hayden Espagne, 27, faced Melbourne County Court for sentence last week, after entering guilty pleas to a host of charges including imprisonment, theft, blackmail and assaulting an emergency worker stemming from incidents on December 21, 2021 and April 9 last year. The court heard Espagne had attended a woman’s Be-

nalla address in the company of three others around 3am during the December incident, as two of the men chased an alleged debt totalling $2000.

Three of the men, including Espagne, kicked at the home’s front door, demanding the woman pay the money, before abducting her five-year-old Golden Retriever dog.

A male inside the address attempted to prevent the kidnapping, but retreated inside after the fourth man brandished a pistol in his direction.

Attempting to retrieve the dog later that afternoon, the victim was told by Espagne she must pay the $2000 debt for the dog or the 27-year-old would “slit (her) throat”.

He and two others were arrested later that same afternoon, after the victim successfully transferred the funds and safely recovered the dog.

During another incident on April 9, Espagne brandished an imitation firearm in the direction of another man while visiting at his Benalla home, before an as-

sociate beat the man with a baseball bat.

Espagne and the victim were known to each other and had previously been associated during the kidnapping of the dog.

Judge Gregory Lyon said Espagne had become aggressive during his subsequent arrest and treatment at Northeast Health Wangaratta, spitting at a police member and racially abusing an officer as they attempted to take a statement.

He said Espagne’s involvement in the abduc-

tion had been less prominent than the other two who were set to receive the $2000 payment, but it was still “particularly serious”.

“In this way you – that is all of you – held all the cards,” he told Espagne.

“You had the power of perception to make good on your threat of harm to the dog.”

Judge Lyon acknowledged the defendant had been a drug addict since a young age, having used narcotics since the age of 12 and first used heroin as a 17-year-old, and often suf-

Oxley Bush Market full to the brim

THE 42nd annual Oxley Bush Market, to be held on Saturday, November 4 is already fully booked, with more than 150 sites boasting an enormous range of home-made, home-grown, homeproduced and new items.

Held at the historic Oxley Shire Hall, the market has become a firm fixture on the calendar for North East residents and visitors alike since 1980.

Oxley Hall committee secretary, Janet Heath, said product duplications and space restrictions meant not all applicants were approved.

“We again have more than 40 new vendors this year, so visitors will find something different at every turn,” she said

“As well as the many stalls selling home-made, home grown and new products, including crafts, baking, plants, preserves, Christmas wares and gifts, there will also be an extraordinary range of gourmet food from around the world to please every palate, toetapping music and entertainment for the kids.

“A ‘monster raffle’ will again be a feature of the day.”

The market, which coincides with the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues, runs from 9am to 2.30pm.

Entry is free.

More information about the market can be found at www. oxleyhall.com or by email to oxleybushmarket@gmail.com.

Newest arrivals: Northeast Health Wangaratta

THE Wangaratta Chronicle will be in attendance at Northeast Health Wangaratta’s midwifery ward on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9.30am to take photos of newborns with their parents, grandparents and/or siblings.

Consent forms are available from Northeast Health Wangaratta and from Wangaratta Chronicle staff on the day.

If you would like a photo but are not at the ward at the time of visiting, you can come into the Wangaratta Chronicle office at 37 Rowan Street during office hours to organise it.

Photographs are available to purchase from the Wangaratta Chronicle office.

fered from drug-induced schizophrenia.

He said Espagne’s 528 days in custody since the April 9 incident had been the defendant’s longest drug-free period in more than 15 years, however, noted failure to continue to address his drug use would likely see Espagne spend the rest of his life in and out of prison.

The defendant will be eligible for parole in the next four months, with the prison sentence to extend to as many as 32 months if unsuccessful.

Vote this week to decide future of Yackandandah Health amid revised takeover bid

By RYAN MALCOLM

A SPECIAL general meeting to decide the fate of Yackandandah Health is set to be held this week, amid a revised proposal from national aged care provider Apollo Care.

Yackandandah Health stakeholders initially opposed the sale in June, with 61.95pc of members voting in favour of the takeover, shy of the 75pc required to greenlight the sale.

A number of community members had expressed concerns around the initial proposal, with some citing a lack of engagement in the sale process and an inability to explore alternatives to Apollo Care.

A new board was elected in the wake of the failed sale, amid concerns the health provider, which currently operates an early learning centre, medical centre, 84-bed aged care facility and retirement village, would need to be placed into voluntary administration if a suitable buyer could not be found.

Board members met with residents, families and Yackandandah Health staff earlier this month to explain their support of a revised takeover by Apollo Care, which board chair Patten Bridge said adopted key elements which arose during an extensive consultation process.

More than 350 members are expected to vote, with membership numbers rising exponentially since June.

PADDY Mason Gigliotti was born on Wednesday, September 20 and weighed 3.275kg (7lb 3oz).

He is the brother of Max Gigliotti and son of Jorden Gigliotti and James Gigliotti of Wangaratta South.

FULL HOUSE: The 42nd annual Oxley Bush Market on Saturday, November 4 has all 150 sites booked.

Teaching and writing a juggling act

By CHLOE JAENICKE

BEN Hobson is a teacher in Brisbane who writes in his spare time and was invited to be a featured author at the Mount Beauty Writers Festival.

Ben has been writing for the past decade since he moved to Brisbane from Victoria to be with his wife.

While in Victoria, he was in a punk band called Sounds Like Chicken as the bass guitarist and after moving to Brisbane, he felt as though he lost his creative outlet which prompted his wife to suggest that he tried writing instead.

“My wife said ‘you read a lot so why not try writing’, so I just started to open up the laptop and research and start to write and I fell in love with it,” he said.

He released his first book ‘To Become a Whale’ in 2017 after realising he enjoyed writing for an audience.

“I think at first it was just for fun but I slowly started to get addicted to the idea of people reading my work,” he said.

“One of the first short stories I wrote got picked up for a magazine and that feeling of having people read it felt great, and that really solidified that goal of having my name on the front of a book eventually.”

The main genres Ben was drawn to were literary writing and historical crime fiction and he often tries to blend the two in his work.

“I kind of like how crime fiction is always getting you to think about life and death and what would you do in this circumstance so that’s really in my bag,” he said.

While juggling writing and teaching English and music can be difficult, Ben said it’s worth it especially when he gets to connect with people over the books he’s both read and written.

“Reading and writing feels like the purest way of experiencing another life and you don’t get to very often,” he said.

“The best thing about writing is if I’ve made someone feel the way I feel when

I read really good books then I’m happy.

“It’s a discipline it’s like exercise, it’s just like anything that’s good for you just have to force yourself to get to the computer.”

Ben also runs a monthly online book club called Ben’s Book Club and the Burgers, Beers and Books podcast.

He said he’s looking forward to the Mount Beauty Writers Festival because it seems like it will have the level of intimacy that allows for both readers and writers alike to have their say.

“Writers festivals can be really big and it’s very easy to lose yourself in the mix of the hustle and this sounds like it’s really picturesque and down to earth,” Ben said.

“If you’re interested in ideas or writing as a craft or reading at all I think it’s the perfect place to come.”

For more information on the Mount Beauty Writers Festival, visit https://www. mountbeautywritersfestival. com/line-up.

Owen is Narnia’s noble older brother

By BELINDA HARRISON

OWEN Guy feels a connection to his character of Peter, the eldest of the four siblings in the Wangaratta P layers Youth Group (Youthies) production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

“Peter is a noble person, one that puts others before himself, especially his sisters and brother and I do the same thingespecially with the people closest to me,” Owen said.

He is a newcomer to the Youthies, having joined about four months ago, but said it has been a life changing experience.

“I have wanted to be an actor for years now and I mostly kept that to myself, but when I heard about the Youthies I thought ‘maybe this is my chance to really focus on what the future may hold for me’.

“There is always an incredible atmosphere when everyone is together.

“For example, for The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe we have all worked together on the costume designs, to find props to use in our performance and the sets have all been designed and built by us.

“It’s a really inclusive group and I have loved working with the people around me to build this performance and make it the best we can.

“Everyone likes everyone and it’s a wonderful place to be every time.

“Bec and Lexi (program directors) are both amazing at teaching us and directing our performances

Textile exhibit explores the meaning of life

A NEW exhibition of textilebased works by Melbourne based artist Evangeline Cachinero called The Four Pillars, is coming to the Wangaratta Art Gallery later this month.

Ms Cachinero is known for her vibrant paintings, digital installations and detailed textiles that bring together her interests in contemporary systems of belief, self-help and psychology.

She has exhibited her work throughout Australia, the US and Europe.

In 2021, she was awarded the Highly Commended Ruth Amery Award in the 2021 Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award, receiving $2500 prize money for her embroidered painting, Pseudologia Fantastica, 2021.

The artist has created a new body of work for this exhibition which explores the pillars of meaning in life, including belonging, purpose, storytelling and transcendence and she challenges visitors to contemplate their own personal pillars for life.

Wangaratta Art Gallery director, Rachel Arndt, said

The Four Pillars is a timely and mesmerising exhibition.

“Evangeline works with many different mediums –painting, digital, photography, textiles – often in the same body of work, exhibition or within one single artwork,” she said.

“She does this to create tension, a beautiful vibrant experience and to challenge the viewer to experience something.

“Her work is detailed and filled with energy, similarly to our media saturated world, however The Four Pillars will also include a space for contemplation, asking visitors to slow down, relax and ponder.”

The artist will be speaking about her work with Rachel Arndt at the opening reception on Saturday, September 30 from 2pm.

To book your free ticket to attend, please visit wangarattaartgallery.com.au/Programs/ Opening-Reception-In-Conversation-The-Four-Pillars.

The Four Pillars will be open to the public from September 30 to November 5 in Gallery 2.

and are wonderful people to work with.”

Based on the classic story by C. S. Lewis, this performance of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe has been dramatised by Joseph Robinette for a younger audience and runs for approximately 80 minutes.

This version faithfully

recreates the magic and mystery of the great lion Aslan; his struggle with the White Witch, and the adventures of the four children who inadvertently wander from an old wardrobe into the exciting land of Narnia.

“Our performance is filled with comedy, action and is highly entertain-

ing and a fun experience for us as actors and I can guarantee that everyone in the audience will absolutely love every minute of our show,” Owen said.

Tickets for The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe were sold out before the first performance with the production continuing this week.

CREATIVE OUTLET: Ben Hobson juggles teaching and writing and will be a featured author at the Mount Beauty Writers Festival.

BIG BROTHER: Owen Guy will be playing Peter in the Wangaratta Players Youth Group’s production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

PHOTO: Elevated Media

ARTIST TALK: Melbourne based artist Evangeline Cachinero (pictured) will speak about her practice at the Wangaratta Art Gallery on Saturday, September 30 from 2pm.

Council is seeking input for events, attractions strategy

COMMUNITY feedback will be sought to help guide council’s events and attractions strategy for the next five years.

The Rural City of Wangaratta’s 2018-2023 Events & Attraction Strategy has, for the past five years, help guide council’s event funding for the purpose of attracting events to Wangaratta and establishing policies and procedures for department operations.

Over the next few months, the Wangaratta community and key stakeholders will be invited to share ideas, desires and feedback on the future of event delivery across the municipality.

Mayor Dean Rees said public input was important to help council reset actions and priorities for the coming five years (2024-2029).

“This is a great opportunity to review our annual program of events based on the changing needs of our community and ensure that we are delivering accessible, inspiring and well attended events the fulfil the needs of the community,” he said.

“We intend for our events to create vibrancy in the municipality, social engagement and enhance resilience amongst our community.

“We take great pride in ensur-

ing that events are accessible for everyone to enjoy.”

Council will conduct public drop-in sessions this Thursday, September 28, from 10.30am to 12pm and on Tuesday, October

3, from 5pm to 6.30pm at Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre.

There is also an online survey on council’s website at www. wangaratta.vic.gov.au.

Free Japanese encephalitis vaccine for local residents

WANGARATTA will be prioritised as part of the State Government’s free Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine rollout this summer.

Acting Minister for Health Gabrielle Williams last week announced Wangaratta would be among 20 regional local government areas to be given free access to the vaccine amid ongoing concerns around mosquito-borne disease throughout the state.

Residents or workers in Indigo, Benalla, Strathbogie, Moira and Wodonga shires will also be able to

access the free vaccine, which is available from GPs, Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, community pharmacies and local councils.

The Ovens Murray local public health unit will also undertake work to raise awareness and improve access to the vaccine over the coming months.

Most people with a JE infection do not show or have only mild symptoms, however, the virus can cause death or permanent disability in extreme cases.

Symptoms usually develop five to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, and can include fever, headaches and vomiting.

Severe infections symptoms can include severe headaches, neck or back stiffness, sensitivity to light, confusion, seizures, paralysis and comas.

Risk of infection from mosquito bites is at its highest between November and March. For more information, visit https://www.health.vic. gov.au/infectious-diseases/ japanese-encephalitis.

Entries sought for Victorian Community History Awards

THE 2023 Victorian Community History Awards are now open for entries. Presented in partnership with the Royal Historical Society of Victoria, the awards celebrate the people and groups involved in history projects that tell local stories which help all Victorians to better understand their past.

Categories include:

• Victorian Premier’s History Award ($5000 prize).

• Collaborative Community History Award ($2000).

• Local History Project Award ($2000).

• History Publication Award ($2000).

• Small History Publication Award ($1500).

• Small Organisation History Project Award ($1500).

• Community Diversity Award ($1500).

• Digital Storytelling Award ($1500).

• Historical Interpretation Award ($1500).

• Oral History Award presented in collaboration with Oral History Victoria ($1500).

• History Article Award ($500).

GET VACCINATED: Residents and workers in high risk areas will have access to a free Japanese encephalitis vaccine this summer.

WHAT’S UP WITH THE WEATHER?

By Peter Nelson, Peter Retired CSIRO climatologist

MAXIMUM temperatures have been well above normal over most of the nation whilst dry conditions have continued with a vengeance over the past week.

Wangaratta has only had 9.4mms of rain this month, which is sliding towards our driest September since 1944 when 6.6mms was recorded.

Rutherglen with only 9.4mms to date this month is also sliding towards it’s driest September since 1944, while Benalla with only 10mms to date this month is facing it’s driest September since 2008 - five months later we faced the Black Saturday horrific events.

Wangaratta recorded 29 degrees last Tuesday, equal to the record September highs in both 1980 and 2008 which date back to 1957.

Rutherglen’s 31 degrees was the town’s hottest September day since 32.2 degrees in 1928.

It is likely that 30 degrees was recorded in Wangaratta in September 1928.

Wangaratta has now had 15 sucessive days this month without any rainall.

The most number of successive days without any rain in Wangaratta during the month of September was 16 days in 1951, 15 days in 1918 and 19 days in 1888.

1951, 1918 and 1888 all led to notably dry and warmer conditions right through to the summer season with serious fire conditions.

Currently the mean maximum temperature this month in Wangaratta is 19.4 degrees, which is about a degrees below the record warmest September in 1944.

Ceduna in South Australia recorded it’s hottest September day on record with a reading of 39.9 degrees on September 17, just 0.1 degree higher than the previous hottest September day of 39.8 degrees in 1980.

Other very hot September days in Ceduna have had a strong tendency to set up notably high temperatures in Victoria and NSW during October as well as very dry conditions.

These conditions did continue into November to some extent but with some more rainfall and by December the above normal warmth still continued but many places managed to record above average rainfalls.

PRESERVING

• Judges’ Special Prize ($500). Entries close October 13. More information can be found at https://prov.vic.gov.au/community/grantsand-awards/community-history-awards.

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

September so far has been warmer, drier than average

THE PAST; Winner of last year’s Premier’s Community History Awards was Janet McCalman, author of Vandemoniums.

EVENTS SURVEY: Over the coming weeks, the Wangaratta community and stakeholders will be invited to give feedback on event delivery across the region.

NOWOUT The ultimate guide for tourists and locals

Enjoying printmaking at Wangaratta Art Gallery

ENTHUSIASTIC participants discovered the art of printmaking during a workshop held at the Wangaratta Art Gallery during the school holidays.

Called Reflections upon the Looking Glass, the workshop was led by Isabel Nina Young who guided the group through silk screen printing techniques, layering paper stencils and block printing with found objects. It was a messy process at times but the results were amazing. Due to public demand, two workshops were run to accommodate all those wanting to take part.

The event complements the Looking Glass exhibition currently being held at the gallery, which runs until October 22.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

COLOUR:

CUT: Owen PethyBridge.

SPLASH: Isabelle Larkin.

CREATE:

DESIGN: Molly

PRINT: Evelyn and Veronica Tilley.

DAZZLE: Lenny White.

PRINT:

PROCESS:

Mosquito Pest Control

MOSQUITOES

Mosquitoes are a scourge across the globe, causing millions of deaths every year. They are active during the hot and wet summer months and can be extremely irritating. Mosquitoes can also cause major disruptions to life and social activities through their persistent biting, which can cause allergic reactions.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Treating Australian “mozzies” requires a multi-faceted approach. If you’re experiencing an infestation, Flick’s expert technicians will visit the problematic location and find the breeding sites. They will help identify and advise on removing and treating potential breeding sites such as stagnant water, long grass and thick foliage, as well as applying high quality pest control products.

When it comes to mozzie control and eradication don’t wait until its too late, call us today

13 14 40

LAYERS: Matilda Bongers and Imogen Gray.

Flynn, Harry and Milla Chandler.

Remi Thewlis and Mim Hedderman.

Pethybridge

Alexis Awad.

Hugh Barnded and George Burgess.

Victor Hugo

ACROSS

1 Name a pioneer in hypnosis, Franz Anton ... (6)

7 What is the science of being, as such (8)

8 Which term describes someone new to the work, etc (6)

9 What is a state of sleep or drowsiness (8)

10 To feel self-reproach, is to do what (6)

11 Which term suggests something revolting (8)

14 What are constituent parts of a whole (8)

18 To set on fire, is to do what (6)

19 What do we call the last work of a composer (4,4)

21 What is a lump of native gold (6)

22 Name the smallest particle of a substance capable of independent existence (8)

23 Which term describes “of two parts” (6)

DOWN

1 Name a renowned magician (8)

2 Name an unmarried woman (6)

3 Who discovered X-rays in 1895, Wilhelm Konrad ... (8)

4 What is a colloquial term for a prison (4)

5 When one jostles, one does what (6)

6 Which attitude stereotypes an elderly person according to age, other than individual abilities (6)

12 To not have a signature, is to be what (8)

13 Which term describes that which is selected from diverse sources (8)

15 Name a renowned Australian writer of verse and prose, Henry ... (6)

E-QUATIONS

Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD QUICK THINK

16 What is a stable trough from which cattle eat (6)

17 What is something puzzling or inexplicable (6)

20 Which term implies a burden or a responsibility (4)

Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.

WHICH WORDS

BIYWORD

Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.

CLUES:

Blood fluid (5)

Cow’s stomach (5) Deserve (5)

Increase in breadth (5)

Males (3)

Number (3)

Opening in bone (7)

Pig (3)

Public processions (7)

Ruin (3)

SOLUTIONS SUDOKU

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

EXPERT ADVICE: (From left) Dr Dorin Gupta, senior lecturer (Sustainable Agriculture), and FDF project leader; Navya Beera, former PhD student; and rsearch assistants Dr Waseem Ashfaq and Dr Jamal Khan.

Dookie Field Day places have focus on redesigning broadacre farming systems

JOIN the Vic Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub at The University of Melbourne’s Dookie Campus for a field day about redesigning broadacre farming systems on October 4.

All are welcome, please RSVP to this free event by emailing raz.mohdazmanhalimi@ unimelb.edu.au

Schedule:

9:35am – 9:55am: Registration and preevent tea & coffee.

10:00am – 10:15am Dookie Field Day Welcome Address & Outline of Dookie Field DayProf Tim Reeves (the University of Melbourne).

10:20 am – 11:20am: Redesigning Broadacre Farming Systems Project Overview - Assoc Prof Dorin Gupta, project leader (the University of Melbourne) Dr Razlin Azman, Research Fellow. Dr Waseem Ashfaq, Research Fellow

• Dookie farm site experiments - Assoc Prof Dorin Gupta & project team (the University of Melbourne);

• Birchip Cropping Group (BCG) site experiments - Dr Yolanda Plowman & Mr Angus Butterfield (BCG).

• Riverine Plains site experiments - Dr Sara

Shifting over to management, not erradication of Varroa mite

Hely & Ms Rhiannan McPhee (Riverine Plains Inc).

• Indigenous Garden site - Ms Gay Baker (owner of Gap Flat Track & Indigenous farmer).

• Native vegetation corridors - Assoc Prof Dorin Gupta & project team (the University of Melbourne).

11:25am – 11:45am: Soil pit profile - Dr Alexis Pang (the University of Melbourne).

11:50am – 12:00pm: Long Coleoptile project & Acknowledgment of GRDC Research

Infrastructure bid- Professor James Hunt (the University of Melbourne).

12:00pm – 12:10pm: GRDC Research Infrastructure bid - Mr Andrew Russell, chairman of GRDC Southern Panel.

12:10pm – 12:20pm National Phenology

Initiative - Dr Corrine Celestine (the University of Melbourne).

12:20pm – 12:30pm: Nitrogen Bank Management - D Arjun Pandey (the University of Melbourne)

12:30pm – 1.15pm: Q & A session/networking lunch.

This project received funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

FOLLOWING a National Management Group meeting involving industry and government bodies on 19 September, Agriculture Victoria will transition its emergency response to a transition to management phase for varroa mite.

Victoria’s chief plant health officer Dr Rosa Crnov said the NSW Varroa mite outbreak is no longer technically feasible to eradicate despite sustained efforts by government and industry.

“Victoria remains free of Varroa mite, and under the Transition to Management program the focus will be on slowing the spread of Varroa and ensuring our industries are prepared and supported for its arrival,” she said.

“The Transition to Management model will support business continuity minimising the impact of varroa on our beekeepers and pollinationdependent industries.

“Surveillance of varroa and keeping track of the movement of bees and beekeeping equipment via our permit system will continue to help us maintain a Varroa-free status in Victoria while we work with industry to adapt to the new model.”

Beekeepers must continue to record any bee movements, regularly test bees for varroa and follow the requirements of the Control Area Order and any permits they are under.

The pause on process-

THREAT REMAINS: Beekeepers must continue to record any bee movements, regularly test bees for varroa and follow the requirements of the Control Area Order and any permits they are under.

ing permit applications from NSW will remain in place for an interim period while applications for permits for movements from all other jurisdictions into Victoria will continue to be processed.

Agriculture Victoria will work on developing the national Transition to Management Plan as part of the Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests (CCEPP) process.

The plan’s focus is slowing the spread of varroa mite, supporting pollination, building industry resilience and providing management solutions.

Since varroa mite was found 15 months ago, Agriculture

Victoria’s world class biosecurity capability has been able to support two successful pollination seasons without the pest entering the state.

Varroa mite is a parasite of adult honey bees and honey bee brood.

It weakens and kills honey bee colonies and can also transmit honey bee viruses. Varroa mite does not affect native bees.

For more information on varroa mite go to http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/varroa.

Any suspected cases of Varroa should be reported to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

INPERSONBYPHONESELLING

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

WHENTO BOOK BYEMAIL

ACAR BUY ONLINE

2 WEEKS REGIONAL WITH PICTURE from $42 General Classifieds: wangarattachronicle.com.au

Employment: northeastjobs.com.au

Real Estate: northeastproperty.com.au

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

Truck Driver/Meat Lumper

Yackandandah

The Wangaratta Chronicle office will be closed for business on September 29, 2023 for the Friday before the AFL Grand Final public holiday.

Deadline for classified advertisements for Monday, October 2 edition, will be Thursday, September 28 at 4pm. Phone 5723 0101

Email: classifieds@nemedia.com.au

Notice of intention to apply for a Licence to Construct Works (Bore) I Take and Use Licence for a Licensable Purpose

GMW Reference No: BGW0339-23

We Geoffrey, Jocelyn and Christopher Owen

Of 301 Boggy Creek Rd MOYHU VIC 3732

Refer to Vic Roads Map 48 G3

Intend to make application to Goulburn-Murray

Water (GMW) for a Licence to Construct Works (Bore), and if successful:

Licence to Take and Use Groundwater for a maximum volume of 50.0ML/Year

The application is for one (1) bore to be constructed to a proposed depth of 300 metres.

The water will be used for the purpose of: Irrigation

To be constructed and used on lands described as:

Any person able to demonstrate that their interests will be affected by the issuing of this Licence including any intended groundwater use, is invited to make a written submission (via post, email or fax) setting out the nature of the impact within 14 days of receipt of this written notification. Late submissions will not be considered.

To make a submission please read the information available to download from https://www.g-mwater. com.au/customer-services/forms refer to the Groundwater section (or contact GMW to arrange for a copy to be posted to you). Submissions must be lodged in writing using the template available by either mail or email to Customer Support Coordinator, Licensing Administration, PO Box 165, TATURA VIC 3616 or email licensingadmin@gmwater.com.au

Time $67,398 - $70,756 Annual

Time (56 hrs per f/n)

- $66,914 Annual pro rata

Applications close 4pm Sunday, 1st October 2023

Visit www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au/jobs to download the position’s recruitment kit, and to view instructions on how to apply.

www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au

Phone: 1300 365 003

Watters Electrical are hiring!

Locations: Wangaratta and Shepparton

As a family-owned industry leader, we offer competitive pay, growth opportunities, and a supportive team. If you're licensed and ready to excel, apply today and be part of our success!

Email

Catholic Education Sandhurst Limited Diocese of Sandhurst

OUR LADY’S PRIMARY WANGARATTA

Classroom Teacher

(Full Time - Ongoing)

Are you a passionate educator who likes making a difference in a child’s life?

Our Lady’s Primary School is a faith community built on the Brigidine traditions to provide quality education and respect for all.

We can offer you:

Opportunity to work with an inclusive, passionate team of educators. Small class sizes.

A commitment to learning and continuous improvement.

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work with our school here in Wangaratta. We are currently on a journey with the Science of Reading. Knowledge around this pedagogy would be an advantage but not essential.

Our Lady’s Primary School Wangaratta is committed to valuing the safety and individuality of every child. We strive to create an environment where students receive the highest possible standard of care and protection at all times.

Closing Date for Applications: 4.00 pm Friday 6 October 2023

To apply:

Please email your cover letter, resume and supported by 3 verbal referees to Principal Cassie Lynch - E: clynch@olwangaratta.catholic.edu.au

CES Ltd embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourages people from diverse backgrounds to apply. We are committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing, and inclusion of all children.

This is an opportunity to build towards a long Apply by return response to this

Finance and Administration Manager

North East Media and its subsidiary companies has a vacancy at its head office in Wangaratta (Victoria) for a motivated and experienced accounting and business administration professional to provide administration management, financial management, and HR support across the group.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the successful applicant will be responsible for the provision of day-to-day accounting and financial management responsibilities in the company. They will deliver on all financial and management accounting requirements within allocated deadlines, collaborate with the wider business to optimise finance operations and provide insightful financial and team information to the CEO for strategic decision making.

Essential Experience:

management and the ability to multitask while working autonomously.

role and the group.

data entry and financial record-keeping. to collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders.

We offer a competitive and attractive salary package for the right person and the chance to build a good long-term stable career with a well-respected employer.

letter to: Edward Higgins

CEO North East Media Pty Ltd ehiggins@nemedia.com.au

JOBS

EMPLOYMENT

SENIOR LECTURER CHILD AND ADOLESCENT HEALTH COORDINATOR

Job no: 0056025

Location: Wangaratta

Role type: Part-time (0.2 FTE); Fixed-term until December 31, 2024

Faculty: Department of Rural Health, Melbourne Medical School

Department/School: Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences

Salary: Level C – $140,433 - $161,926 (pro rata for part-time) plus 17% super

Graphic Designer

Full or part time opportunity

An opportunity has arisen for a graphic designer to join one of Victoria and NSW’s leading independent news and media groups, based at our Wangaratta office working on newspapers, magazines and digital properties across our group.

Melbourne Medical School at the University of Melbourne, locations in Shepparton, Ballarat, Bendigo, and Wangaratta, as well as associations with over 40 rural towns in Victoria, we are dedicated to providing professional health education increase the rural health workforce, and we achieve this through strong partnerships with the local community and healthcare providers, ensuring our programs remain relevant and connected.

What We Offer You!

In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services and discounts on graduate courses. For

About the University of Melbourne

Following recent acquisitions North East Media is seeking additional graphic design support. You must be able to multitask, have strong organisational skills and be able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines. You must also be a team player who shows initiative and be able to work with minimal supervision.

Your experience will include sound skills developing artwork using Adobe InDesign. Experience designing artwork for multiple digital channels, including websites, social media, email marketing would be an advantage but not is not essential. If you are looking for a new challenge in an energetic and stimulating environment, we would encourage you to apply.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team at the Department of Rural Health campus in Wangaratta, Victoria. In this role, you will play a crucial part in shaping the education of future medical professionals, focusing on child and adolescent health in the MD program’s third year. Working closely with the MD Rural Pathway Director and a supportive team, you’ll have the chance to foster strong relationships with healthcare providers and actively contribute to the success of the Rural Clinical School.

Your responsibilities will include: Clinical School students which includes the preparation and delivery of small group tutorials, demonstrations, clinical sessions and other modes of teaching.

and adolescent health for students at Northeast Health Wangaratta.

Department at Northeast Health Wangaratta. adolescent health assessments of medical students.

Who We Are Looking For

You are the ideal candidate if you have a strong commitment to advancing the University’s role in the Rural Clinical School, excel in teamwork and interpersonal communication, while understanding and supporting student needs

You will also have: relationships with all levels of medical practitioners, and other health professionals, in hospitals and the community.

curriculum delivery.

and the University at all levels.

For further information regarding responsibilities and valid Working with Children Check to ensure the University provides a safe environment for everyone.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this

Your New Team – Department of Rural Health

The Department of Rural Health, part of the prestigious

We’re tightly connected with the community, both at home and abroad. We take pride in our people, who all contribute impact of education and research. Discover more via our website and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn.

Be Yourself

backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and welcomes and celebrates diversity. First Nations people, those identifying and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page.

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you process, please contact the email address listed at the bottom of the page.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne. For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu. au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring

Join Us!

If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents:

Applications should be forwarded to: Edward Higgins CEO North East Media Pty Ltd ehiggins@nemedia.com.au

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Quality Assurance Co-ordinator

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Based in Milawa, North East Victoria

About Us: Brown Family Wine Group is one of Australia’s most loved and respected wine companies built on over 130 years’ experience in quality winemaking, market leading innovation and family values that are at the heart of everything we do as a business.

Our portfolio has grown over time to now include market leading wine brands such as: Devil’s Corner from the East Coast of Tasmania, Tamar Ridge and Pirie from Tamar Valley Tasmania, Innocent Bystander from the Yarra Valley and of course Brown Brothers from Milawa Victoria the spiritual home of our business.

About the role: Reporting to the Pre-Production Manager this role has ownership of our packaging Quality Assurance processes. The primary function of this role is to ensure our packaging, as well as product packaged off-site, is within specifications and compliant with all quality standards, customer requirements and regulations.

About you: Ideally, the successful candidate will be highly motivated and have a background in quality assurance and/or compliance. You will have demonstrated ability to successfully implement business process improvements and have strong analytical, investigative, and problemsolving skills. You will also have:

Strong attention to detail with the ability to triage and prioritise evolving demands.

For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.

If you have any particular questions regarding the job, please follow the details listed on the Position Description. https://jobs.unimelb.edu.au/en/ job/914124/senior-lecturer-child-andadolescent-health-coordinator

Applications close:

Experience working within ISO9001, ISO22000, HACCP and GMP quality systems is highly desirable.

Excellent communication skills – verbal, written, and interpersonal. Strong influencing and negotiation skills.

Intermediate to advanced computer skills and an ability to learn new programs and applications.

Experience within the food and beverage industry or fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) business, with a focus on quality, packaging, and production is desirable.

Driver’s Licence.

Occasional travel within Victoria and interstate will be required, including overnight stays.

What’s on Offer:

Work within one of Australia’s leading wine companies

Career development

Be part of a passionate and dedicated team Generous employee benefits including discounts on all products. Apply Now!!

More Information: Further information and a position description may be obtained by emailing Allyce Henwood at careers@brownfwg.com.au .

Applications will close on 13 October 2023

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DEATH NOTICE

RALPH, Hazel Kathleen 14/2/1940 – 22/9/2023

Passed away peacefully at St Catherine’s Hostel Wangaratta. Aged 83 years.

Dearly loved mother of Dianne, Kelvin (dec), Steven and Katie.

Mother-in-law to Gary, Yvonne and Michelle (dec).

Adored Nan to Rosanna and Isobel; Michael, Joshua and Harrison. Grandma to Jessica and Melissa and their families.

In loving memory of our Mum and Nan. You will be sadly missed and never forgotten.

- Di, Gary, Rosanna and Isobel. Rest In Peace.

FUNERAL NOTICE

RALPH

The Funeral Service to Celebrate the Life of Ms Hazel Kathleen Ralph will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Thursday September 28, 2023 commencing at 10.30am.

Private cremation will follow.

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

FUNERAL

DIRECTORS

WDCA on the lookout for umpires

By NATHAN de VRIES

THE Wangaratta and District Cricket Association is on the lookout for anyone interested in becoming an umpire this year.

Michael Hurley, WDCA umpire coordinator and past president, has been hard at work over the past two years improving conditions for umpires in the association, hoping to bring in new officiators.

“We looked at a number of factors which would not only retain the umpires that we currently have within the WDCA, but we’ve also looked at what might entice new faces to our ranks,” he said.

“The WDCA has addressed a number of elements which had slightly slipped from the state average, and I can now say the umpires within the WDCA are being rewarded as well, if not better, than within any association in the country.

“I’ve just come back from playing and umpiring up on the Sunshine Coast and when comparing the associations, there are some very envious people who wouldn’t mind umpiring in the WDCA.”

Not only have umpire remuneration fees increased but the association decided to review the travel allowances for umpires, reflecting the changes within the expanding playing region and the cost pressures associated with using a vehicle.

The umpire coordination team has also gone through an overhaul, with Hurley heading up the panel with Benalla’s Darryl McNeilly and Beechworth’s Brad Buckingham.

“We also had a look at elements within the administrative functions of the umpiring process and Darryl, Brad and I have put together a number of guidelines which should ensure a more consistent approach

to umpire appointments, travel and mentoring,” Hurley said.

“Brad has also stuck his hand up this season to be the training support for umpires within the WDCA, so any new umpires or previous umpires stepping back into the system will have a support system in place.

“There are programs in place through Cricket Victoria or Cricket Australian which can take budding umpires through a pathway process.

“If you have a love for cricket, why not come and join us?

“You get the best seat in the house, you are in a great social environment and are handsomely rewarded.”

To find out more about umpiring in the Wangaratta and District Cricket Association’s 2023/24 season or to put your hand up, contact Michael Hurley on 0438 029 959.

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MEMORIAL

Rovers United Bruck primed for 2023/24

By NATHAN de VRIES

THEY were the one-day runners up and two-day premiers in season 2022/23, but Rovers United Bruck’s A grade cricketers are keen to take a clean sweep of the competition this season.

The Hawks have been one of the strongest sides in the competition post-COVID, with last year’s 37 run loss in the one day grand final to rivals Wangaratta Magpies the only result marring an otherwise stellar record.

A grade skipper Paddy McNamara said while the season feels like it has snuck up a bit, his side was dedicated to preparing as best they could before their first match on Saturday, October 7.

“It’s come up very quickly - if you play footy as well, it comes around really quick,” he said.

“We’re trying to get as many training sessions as we can before our starting game in the next two weeks and, fortunately, the weather’s been really good over the last two weeks, so we’ve had about four

or five hits so far.

“It’s been pretty quiet, actually, there haven’t been too many numbers (around the nets).

“I feel like each year it’s getting tougher and tougher for people to get keen to play cricket, unfortunately - hopefully in the next couple of weeks we start getting a few more, get keen again, and we’ll go from there.”

Despite maintaining the majority of their premiership side, RUB will look to replace lost firepower with both bat and ball.

“We’ll lose Koot (Pienaar, 448 runs @ 28.00), he’s not coming back over, and unfor tunately Brady (Bartlett, 33 wickets @ 13.94) has gone to play with his brothers at Berrigan Cricket Club,” McNamara said.

“Brady’s been a great asset for us over the past two seasons, but hopefully he might be back with us in the next couple of years.

“We’ve got Bailey Dale coming back this season, he obviously had a great season in our first premiership year (355 runs @ 29.58), so

it’ll be great to have him back to strengthen our batting.

“We’ve also got a Pom coming over, his name’s Josh Ansell - he bowls a bit, he’s pretty young, so it’ll be good to get to know him in the next couple of weeks.

“He’ll probably be an opener or first change bowler, he’ll take Brady’s spot, so he’ll slot in nicely.”

With only a few weeks of preparation left before the first over is bowled, McNamara said he hopes to take his side one better than last season and claim both major titles in the A grade.

“We’ll be reaching for that point again,” he said.

“It’s been a great couple of seasons for us as a club on and off the field.

“Hopefully this year we can double up with both the one day and two – we went down in the one-day granny last year, so that’ll be the goal, to secure both this year.”

The A grade Hawks begin their title defence on Saturday, October 7, taking on Benalla Bushrangers at the Gardens Oval.

GO AGAIN: RUB skipper Paddy McNamara said the Hawks would be just as competitive as they were last season.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

Warriors eager for huge season

WHILE they’ve been operating in background all winter, it’s time for the Wangaratta Warriors to take their place in the spotlight.

With junior competitions looming and the senior Country Basketball League season set to begin in just over two weeks, the Warriors are making final preparations at training to get their systems right.

Wangaratta Basketball

Inc president Adam Maher said he can’t wait to get stuck into the summer season.

“It’s massive, it’s great to be back, it’s really starting to feel like a normal year, everyone’s super excited,” he said.

“Our junior season’s ready to start in a couple of weeks at Echuca, and our senior season is starting with the CBL in October.

“There’s a huge buzz around, we’ve got really good numbers in the juniors this year, we’ve had good uptake on that.

“We’ve got 140 athletes in the Junior Warriors program this season which is absolutely fantastic.”

For the juniors, the Echuca Moama Junior Tourna-

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

ment on the AFL grand final weekend marks the true start of their season, with the Warriors sending a total of 12 teams, both boys and girls, from under 12s all the way to the under 18s.

“Echuca’s always really important for us because it’s our first tournament, it’s a really great tournament to gauge where we’re at after the tryouts and after training,” Maher said.

“It’s always a lovely place to spend it, playing basketball and trying to sneak a little watch of the grand final.

“We’re always focussed on trying to expand the female participation, we’re constantly engaged to get female participation through the sport across the board, and the boys have got strong numbers.”

The senior CBL season gets underway on Saturday, October 7, with men and women Warriors sides playing a double-header first round across the Saturday and Sunday.

Maher said the two new coaches brought in to lead the CBL sides had given a burst of energy among the playing groups.

“We’re certainly better than we were last year – we don’t have to have a 50-year old Adam Maher pulling on the boots to play,” he said.

“Shane Wilson out of Craigieburn has come up to take the reins of the (men’s) CBL.

“He’s a young coach, really excited, he’s got some connections to the country here so he’s decided to put back into the country.

“We’ve got a fresh new coach for the girls, Tristan Purss - he’s a Myrtleford boy so he’s played a bit of CBL against us.

“He’s looking for new challenges and has done some coaching in our VJBL (Victorian Junior Basketball League) program for Bushrangers.

“When the call came up, he decided to hang up the boots and said it would be a really good avenue for where he’s going in his basketball career, more into the coaching side, and decided he’d take the role.”

It’s basketball season –game on.

Season begins final stretch at Oxley Table Tennis

WITH all in fine fettle and a spring in their step, 21 players arrived on the knocker, ready and able to contest the many doubles and singles games at the Oxley social table tennis competition last Monday night.

On time all the time, Debbie Brunken was at her liveliest when she and ‘go for it’, Sue Mcgregor, lined up against the elusive butterfly Allison Stephens and ‘hit or miss’ June Uebergang.

In a game of driven speed, old strokes and new were delivered in a great game, with scores reading 21-19.

With sleeves rolled up and more than ready for action, John Fisher and Adam Bosley met Pete Spring and Neil Spurgeon who threw themselves in a marauding tussle in their seemingly endless fight for glory.

Each pair played up front, way back and in between, but while Spring and Spurgeon led

GRAND FINAL

GOALS: YARRAWONGA: Dylan Conway 2, Nicholas Fothergill 2,Ryan Bruce 1, Brayden Coburn 1, Bailey

Frauenfelder 1, Logan Morey 1, Harrison Wheeler 1, William Wheeler 1, Leigh Williams 1 ALBURY: Brydan Hodgson

3, Brayden O’Hara 2, Riley Bice 1,Jacob Conlan 1, Anthony Miles 1, Connor O’Sullivan 1, Elliott Powell 1

most of the match, Fisher and Bosley won by a whisker.

When the ‘bat whisperer’ Graham Stephens and ‘fast moving’ Martin Butcher came head to head with fighting females Joyce Fisher and Marnie Woodberry, they knew the girls would be no pushover.

Matching the fellas strength and finesse, the girls put their best ‘feet’ forward, going toeto-toe and eventually nailed it in a tie-breaker.

Size counted for nothing in the Kate Cole and Hugh Spring versus Gary Coad and ‘Will I am’ Bonwick game.

Big handshakes and back patting indicated finals scores were very close.

Rattling the floors and the rafters from the word go, Allison Stephens and Manni Poulos locked horns with Lucy Uebergang and Clive Brooker in a decibel shattering event.

Loud laughter and waving after each point made it difficult for onlookers to guess

RESERVES RESULTS THIRDS RESULTS

GRAND FINAL - SUN, SEPT 24 Albury 8.13.61 def Lavington 4.6.30

GOALS: ALBURY: Zach Bye 2, Harry Cameron 2, Rory Parnell 2, Ben Kelly 1, Charlie McGrath 1.

LAVINGTON: Charlie Sanson 2, Kai Davies 1, Darcy Smith 1.

BEST: ALBURY: Lachlan Taylor-Nugent, Charlie McGrath, Will Unthank, Ben Kelly, Zach Bye, Harry Cameron.

LAVINGTON: Lachlan Gaffney, Darcy Hennessy, Hunter Galvin, Bailey Pirnag, Andrew Yates, Reece Brennan

GRAND FINAL - SUN, SEPT 24 Lavington 8.10.58 def Wangaratta Rovers 9.2.56

GOALS: LAVINGTON: Corby Robertson 5, Oscar Lyons 2 11, Alex Swinnerton 1. WANGARATTA ROVERS: Finn Osborne

3, Judd Schubert 2, Riley Allan 1, Ryley Ely 1, Justin Lewis 1, Ned Turner 1.

BEST: LAVINGTON: Corby Robertson, Alex Swinnerton, Xavier Russell, Oscar Lyons, Jack Costello, Lochie Semmler.

WANGARATTA ROVERS: Best Players Sam Nolan, Finn Osborne, Justin Lewis, Jez Rigoni, Tom Forrest, Ryley Ely.

which pair was in front, but from the antics performed post game, it seemed both pairs had the last laugh.

Nothing was left on the table when Jason Mullins and Gary Coad took on Dave Watts and Adam Bosley in a mouthwatering display.

A very entertaining game, after which Adam and Dave were seen licking their lips as they savoured success.

Great to see was Marnie Woodberry’s grandma, Joy, stepping down from the stands to try her luck at the game and hopefully giving her the urge to become a regular.

Everyone was advised the group’s final night for 2023 will be held Monday, October 9.

Adults and secondary school students of all ages and abilities are welcome to join the weekly social competition on Monday night, beginning at 7:00pm.

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

NETBALL SCORES

READY TO GO: Adam Maher and the Wangaratta Warriors are ready to take on the basketball season.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

BEST: YARRAWONGA: N/A ALBURY: N/A.

YARRWONGA ALBURY

RETURN READY: Neil Spurgeon and Lucy Uebergang ready themselves for a return at Oxley table tennis on Monday night.

PHOTO: Jason Mullins

GRAND FINAL

Pigeons, Panthers win top gongs

By WILLSON MACK

SUNDAY’S O&M senior football grand final was one for the ages as Yarrawonga snatched a four point win.

In front of 10,156 spectators, the Pigeons held on to claim a 11.10 (76) to 10.12

(72) victory at the Lavington Sportsground. Albury had chances to grab the lead in the dying moments with Jeff Garlett missing a set shot from 45 metres out with just 30 seconds left on the clock.

Pigeons’ star Leigh Masters was the hero, taking an

intercept mark deep in defence with the siren blowing straight after.

Dylan Conway and Nick Fothergill kicked two majors each for Yarrawonga, while Brydan Hodgson booted three in an outstanding display.

Former AFL-player Mi-

chael Gibbons led Yarrawonga’s charge amassing 35 disposals and one goal which saw him take home the Did Simpson Medal.

In the A grade netball, Lavington destroyed Wodonga Raiders’ fairytale finals run with a convincing 10-goal victory.

Panthers’ goal shooter Christine Oguche was phenomenal for the victors, winning the Paula Cary Medal for best-on-court.

The Panthers had a minor lead heading into the first break and were able to build a six goal buffer heading into the second half.

Raiders fought back though and an Emily Stewart goal at the end of the penultimate term saw her side trail by just three goals.

But the Panthers’ class prevailed in a one-sided last quarter to claim the 2023 premiership.

Wangaratta Rovers thirds show bravery, go down in thriller at Lavington Sportsground

■ From back page “It’s obviously disappointing but I’m rapt with the way the boys responded after being 30 points down,” Talarico said.

“A lot of teams would pack up after being that far down at three quarter time so to get it back to two points was a super effort.

“I’m so proud of the boys, it’s tough and we didn’t get the result we were after but I’m extremely proud of the season we’ve had.”

Talarico admitted the Hawks were outplayed.

“I have a lot of respect for the way they go about it,” he said.

“In finals it comes down to which team rocks up on the day and for us we probably only played two good quarters of footy and they were good all game.

“We probably didn’t bring the intensity that was needed, especially in that third quarter.

“They were the better side for longer and deserved the win.”

Osborne’s herculean grand

final display was just one highlight in an outstanding season that saw him play eight games of senior football and represent the O&M in the u18 interleague clash against Goulburn Valley.

“Finn went nuts in that last quarter, he was excellent,” Talarico said.

“He put the boys on his back and those two goals in the last quarter were just unreal.

“It’s tough for him and the other Corowa boys who came to us this season because they lost last year’s grand final as well.”

Talarico saw his side’s last quarter as one of their best of the season.

“I’d put that last quarter up there with last weekend’s first quarter,” he said.

“I said to the boys at three quarter time that we need to believe and we’re capable of kicking the goals required and we nearly pulled it off

“Like I said though, full credit to Lavington, I have a lot of respect for them and their coaches and if we’re going to lose to anyone in a grand final I’m glad it’s them.”

GOOD HANDS: Cooper Gracie takes a grab.

COMPOSED: Ryley Ely sends a kick forward.

HARD BALL: Justin Lewis attacks the ball.

SHARP SHOOTER: Judd Schubert slots a goal in the last quarter.

TIGHT CONTEST: Lach Howe’s Yarrawonga won Sunday’s grand final by four points over Isaac Muller’s Albury side. PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie

STAR: Albury’s Jake Gaynor in action.

Rovers primed for title defence

Page

17

Hawks’ hearts broken

Wangaratta Rovers thirds show bravery, go down in thriller at Lavington Sportsground

WANGARATTA Rovers thirds had their hearts broken in Sunday’s grand final at the Lavington Sportsground.

The Hawks and Lavington couldn’t be split in the first half with the clash never venturing further than a couple of

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

goals either way.

However, the Panthers put the foot down in the third quarter kicking five

unanswered goals to lead by 30-odd points at the final change.

Rovers found life early in the final term when Riley Ely swooped on a loose ball inside 50 and slotted a snap over his shoulder from 30 metres out to cut the margin back to 19 points.

Finn Osborne kicked his second of the match two minutes later to well and truly get his side back in the match.

Osborne’s golden quarter continued when he kicked Rovers’ third straight at the 13-minute mark from outside 50 to cut the margin

back to seven points.

Rovers got within one point with two and a half minutes left after Judd Schubert nailed a set shot from 25 metres out on a slight angle.

Lavington’s Ryder Corrigan could’ve put the nail in the coffin with a set

shot from 45 metres out but pushed it right to give his side a two point buffer, but the miss didn’t matter as the Panthers grabbed a 8.10 (58) to 9.2 (56) win.

Rovers coach Ben Talarico was proud of his side’s efforts.

■ Continued page 19

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling