Janet and Don Heath are among a dedicated group of local residents who have spent more than 30 years restoring the historic Oxley Shire Hall. Thanks to fundraising efforts like the annual Oxley Bush Market they ensure it will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.
■ Story page 11.
THE Folk Rhythm and Life Festival at Eldorado will be held this December after plans were extinguished in 2023 due to planning permit issues.
About 65 bands will perform at the Bilyana property in front of up to 3000 people on the weekend of December 6-8, an event that has attracted patrons from across Australia and the world.
Councillors made a decision to approve the event in a confidential session towards the end of Tuesday
Eldorado Folk, Rhythm and Life Festival is back after a
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
night’s council meeting, with an unanimous vote in favour of the event going ahead.
The welcome news comes for the event that was first staged in 1996 but hasn’t run since 2018 due to covid, floods, and the permit issues.
Event organiser Hamish Skermer said they have 65 bands confirmed and it’s
likely to be more as tickets are sold.
There will be some international performers from Canada and New Zealand, local acts and plenty from Melbourne.
Ticket purchases have come from people in Brisbane, Canberra, NSW, SA, Canada and Norway.
The festival has a theme of music, mates, family and the bush and there will be a kids village for children under 12, and full catering
for patrons with food stalls, and local beers.
“We’re hoping for up to 3000 people but 1800 would be good, considering the late notice that the event is definitely happening,” Mr Skermer said.
“My enthusiasm for it is much higher than my feelings of frustration around the timing.”
Problems with the event arose in 2023 with the CFA not having enough time to test an event management plan
and part of this was due to a breakdown of communications with authorities.
“We have clear guidance in our permit that should there be an extreme or catastrophic fire rating then we cancel and abandon the event,” he said.
“We’re prepared for the worst and we’re expecting the best.
“Our preparations have been vindicated as has our documentation, and we as a group of event managers
have been backed and approved, the controversies are behind us.
“I very much thank Mayor Dean Rees and ward councillor Harvey Benton and it has very much reinvigorated me in the power of local democracy.”
Cr Rees said council is very happy with the event going ahead and the recommendation from officers was to approve the permit as well.
■ Continued page 2
By SHANE DOUTHIE
liable for the new 7.5 per cent State Government levy.
LOCAL short term rental
property owners who were meant to be excluded from the new 7.5 per cent State Government levy will now have to pay according to Milawa businessman Colin Dayman.
The Short Term Stay Accommodation Levy was introduced ostensibly to encourage landlords to return their properties to the long term rental market in the current housing crisis and not as just another tax grab from a cash-strapped government.
But according to Mr Dayman, property owners like himself who have short term rental buildings on their residential property that are either unsuitable for long term rentals or are not allowed to be used for long term rentals by their council permit, will also have to pay the levy which went through State Parliament last Friday.
“There appears to be numerous flaws in the assessment of inclusions and exclusions in regard to who and what will be liable for the 7.5 per cent State Revenue Office Levy,” he said.
“Our two ‘tiny homes’ (Church Lane Accommodation) were built specifically for tourism and to be used by family when they visit.
“Wangaratta Rural City Council restrictions were placed on
the development, with no full kitchen or laundry facilities permitted, as well as guests not being able to stay for long periods.
“They are owned by our company and are on land occupied by our primary place of residence.
Mr Dayman said he was told at a State Revenue Office webinar earlier this week the family’s primary place of residence didn’t include the land their primary place of residence was on and consequently the levy would apply.
“If the building was part of the residence the levy wouldn’t apply, the same if it was a converted garage that adjoined the primary residence,” he said.
“But because they are separate from the residence, we will still have to pay it.”
He said numerous caravan parks in the area that also have cabins or Tiny Homes of some description, many with full kitchens and laundries which could conceivably be used as long term accommodation but are primarily used as short term rental accommodation for tourism, do not have to pay the levy, the same for motel and hotel businesses with accommodation.
He said talks with the King Valley Tourism Association have raised serious concerns about the legislation, and they believed four inclusions/exclusions needed to
be included in the bill:
1. On land occupied by your Primary Place of Residence;
2. Purpose built for Tourism Accommodation and never previously rented out as long term rental accommodation;
3. Does the Short Term Stay property have adequate amenities that would facilitate long term occupancy? (Laundry and kitchen suitable for preparing full meals, oven/cooktop etc);
4. Does the Short Term Stay property have any “Long Term Residency Restrictions” placed on the property by the Local Council Authority?
The Short Stay Levy Bill comes into effect 1st January, 2025, pending Royal Assent, which is due on Monday, October 28.
“Unless we can convince the government to advise the Victorian Governor to withhold that Royal Assent until the exclusions can be included, then there is not much we can do,” Mr Dayman said.
He had contacted the Governor’s office but was disappointed in their written response with the Governor, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner’s deputy official secretary advising she was “unable to become involved in this matter on your behalf as you have requested.”
However, there were two instances back in the 1850s when the Governor did intervene.
Based on industry data, according to Mr Dayman, if the bill is not changed, 3495 shortterm rental accommodation providers like himself in Wangaratta, Benalla, Indigo and Alpine shires would fork out up to $15 million per annum on a levy, taking the money out of a regional area into the Victorian State Government Revenue Office, with the legislation itself saying at least 25 per cent of levy revenue would return to regional areas.
Nationals MP for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy said the Labor Government’s controversial 7.5 per cent short stay tax will hurt regional communities.
“This tax drives a wedge between hotel and motel accommodation and AirBNB properties,” Mr McCurdy said.
“The reality is the more accommodation options we have, the more tourists that visit and spend in our small businesses.
“I have local short stay property owners telling me that even without the ability to have long term tenants due to kitchen size or local government permit restrictions, they will still be caught in this web of Labor’s increased and new tax frenzy.
“Border communities who own short stay properties will be especially targeted as short stay properties in NSW will not have the same tax impost.”
Eldorado Folk, Rhythm and Life Festival is back after a five-year hiatus
■ Fromfront page
“The event organisers have done lots of work with their emergency management plan, they have done the work to make sure everyone has a
great time and a safe time,” he said.
“This is a huge economic driver for the community with people coming in to buy their food, at local supermarkets and
restaurants, and it’s a flurry of business in the Rural city of Wangaratta.
“The event is not all about making money for the Skermers, it’s about giving back
to community groups.
“I am a great supporter and I want a lot of local people to attend and experience the festival, even if it’s just for a day.”
WANGARATTA council will proceed with an objection against the Meadow Creek Solar Farm, a move outgoing Mayor Dean Rees has described as the most important decision in his eight years on council.
Community members have been increasingly vocal for the best part of two years on the $750 million, 330MW renewable energy facility proposed on 566 hectares of farmland, with potential to power over 100,000 homes.
From discussions on the topic at Tuesday’s council meeting, councillors offered a swag of arguments in support of council’s objection, which will be lodged by the October 29 deadline.
Two prominent arguments with the planned solar facility have been that it’s proposed for prime agricultural land, and it will have an impact on the ecology and biodiversity of the area.
The fact that the Victorian Government has fasttracked the planning process on all renewable energy faculties in the state by taking away people’s ability to appeal via VCAT has, and will likely continue to be, a blight on people’s rights.
Council also applied to have more time to make
Six out of
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
its submission to the application, however, the State Government declined its request.
“Shame, shame, shame on the Victorian Government for firstly taking away your rights at VCAT,” Cr Rees said prior to being one of six councillors to endorse the objection.
“This is probably the most important issue affecting our community in my eight years on council and again the time that’s given to this is deplorable.
“I urge the Victorian Government to consider abolishment of this solar factory and say no to profits and financial gain, and we know this is all about money.
“This is not about our land, this is all about how much money the applicant, the owners of the land are going to make and it’s millions.
“It’s the most profitable land for agriculture, our food bowl and our community, that’s the main thing.”
There was a
Cr Irene Grant said the development “flies in the face” of the local planning scheme.
“It seeks to develop the solar factory, therefore making the site industrial which will mean more than 570ha of industrial installation on land that is some of the most productive agricultural land in Australia,” she said.
“One of the most important issues is this is not a location that has been nominated by the State Government.
“This location has been
identified in the Hume region road plan as significant, strategic farming land from a state and national perspective.
“VicGrid has declared the area a tier three or low priority site and it would therefore be a great cost to agriculture and the environment, particularly at a water catchment, tourism and the social fabric of the local community.”
Cr Jack Herry was the only councillor against the objection and said he was unsure if council’s submission was
fully comprehensive and well-rounded.
“Or whether it’s one that presents a one-sided perspective on certain matters,” he said.
He noted that the number of large trees to be removed was a concern and said it was 11 large trees in patches and 20 large trees scattered.
Cr Herry also rebuked the use of the words “permanent removal” and “forever” and said 20-30 cannot be considered as permanent and described it as “reckless” language.
“There is a lot to be concerned with about the ecological considerations of the site and it has some good habitats, endangered species and the tree removal,” he said.
Cr Herry noted that the Environmental Biodiversity Conservation and Protection Act has flagged certain (endangered or threatened) species but said this was a process and potentially the project will receive increased oversight and safeguards to be put in place.
“I can’t help but feel people are acting as though this is a pristine, managed conservation or nature area that is proposed to be put to another task, but it’s not, it’s farmland and I don’t think that everyone believes that agricultural activity is completely innocuous,” Cr Herry said.
“Agriculture continues to cause environmental degradation so I believe it could be an opportunity for land to be managed in a more considered manner with tighter controls and more oversight with respect to environmental and ecological considerations.”
By SIMONE KERWIN
WANGARATTA’S role in celebrating the Monaro will be honoured this weekend, as a national gathering returns to the city where it was first held 26 years ago.
The inaugural Monaro Nationals event was staged in Wangaratta in 1998, as a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the production of the Monaro HK.
Back then, it attracted 305 cars - the largest ever gathering of Monaros in one place.
Subsequent events were held in Wangaratta in 2000 and 2002, before the nationals were hosted by Bathurst in 2004, heralding a state-by-state host allocation.
The most recent nationals were held in Queensland’s
Toowoomba in 2022.
Cars began arriving in Wangaratta yesterday for this year’s event, which the Monaro Club Victoria has titled ‘Monaro is Back’.
An estimated 271 Monaros and 500 people are expected to roll into the rural city for the weekend, which will feature a show and shine at the Wangaratta Showgrounds on Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
There will also be displays at the Showgrounds from the Rod and Custom Club and the Early Holden Car Club, along with market stalls and a range of food trucks (admission is $10 adults, under 18s free).
There will also be an informal cruise around Wangaratta from 6pm on Saturday.
Among the organisers of this year’s event is Melbourne man
Matthew Gellert, who will bring his blue 1970 Monaro HG to Wangaratta for the weekend.
Matthew recalls attending the first nationals in Wangaratta in 1998, and said he was looking forward to returning to the rural city.
“It’s a good location for cars to come from all over Australia - it’s well spread-out with lots of infrastructure, and we hope to get 1000 people through the gate for the show and shine,” he said.
“The nationals won’t be held in Victoria again for a while, so I’d encourage people to make the most of it and get along for a look at so many colours, models and derivations of this car.
“We really appreciate the support from the city and from local traders and groups helping out with the event.”
Proven Experience: I have previously served as a councillor, bringing valuable insights into local government.
Professional Qualifications: I am a qualified CPA and have completed the AICD Course (Australian Institute of Corporate Directors).
Leadership Background: With over 25 years in senior executive roles, including as a CEO, I have a strong understanding of organisational management.
Strategic Focus: I know how to set strategic direction, implement KPIs, and engage stakeholders to ensure effective delivery of plans and services.
Having already been elected unopposed this time, I want to reassure everyone within the King River Ward that I will continue to serve them every day, to the very best of my abilities.
I’m really looking forward to what we can all achieve together over the next four years, building on what has already been accomplished for our region over the last eight years.
As a former member of Parliament, cofounder of #ENOUGHISENOUGH Campaign and advocate for many years, I have the skills to work in an environment which requires critical thinking, strategic planning, and the ability to address complex issues. I believe in transparency and accountability. My passion and track record supports others and empowers people to be solution focused. As a councillor for Appin Ward I will ensure people have someone who is transparent, listens and provides clear communication to represent them. My years of advocacy shows my commitment to community.
As a mother, resident, farmer and volunteer, I bring a local understanding of the issues that face residents. I understand the importance of community connection and ensuring that services, facilities and infrastructure meet the current and future needs of our communities.
I bring experience in working in local and state government and I understand legislative responsibly, principles of good governance and budget management.
I am passionate about the rural community in which I live and I understand the importance of residents being listened to, supported and involved in local decisions.
I am ready and willing to listen, to enact change, and to work with community to best address priorities and challenges they face, in order to build a future we can all be proud of.
I spent my secondary school years here in Wangaratta. I completed my baking apprenticeship here in Wangaratta.
I spent 30 years operating my bakery here in Wangaratta. I chaired the Wangaratta Regional Development Corporation.
I have raised four citizens of substance here in Wangaratta. I have been on the head of the school committee wherever my children were being educated - from James Tilson kindergarten to Galen College.
I am passionate about my town; need say no more.
I believe with the experience I have had it will be a major plus in working through the issue council has from emergency to planning and ensuring the rural sector and the whole RCOW can maintain a strong position in the Local Government arena and a desirable place to reside.
In the past four years have you been frustrated, concerned or upset by something that has been done by council? Have you felt like your concerns have not been heard? Have you been confused by the decisions that have been made on your behalf? Have you ever said, “Why don’t they…”? If you answered “yes” to any of the above, then it is time for change. It is no good just complaining, I want to stand up and be part of the solution.
Irene GRANT
EDITOR’S NOTE: This candidate was re-elected unopposed and chose not to provide an answer.
Ashlee FITZPATRICK
Voting for me is ensuring we have stability, good governance and diverse representation at our council table. We need a council that balances experience, is responsive to our community needs, demonstrates adaptability, and embraces change. Being an effective councillor requires more than passion and the desire to make changes. It takes a clear understanding of how our council operates. Over the last seven years, I have gained this understanding and experience. I have the vision, commitment and experience to continue steering our community to a better future with your support.
I’m an independent candidate with no political affiliations or preconceived agendas. My priority is to listen to community concerns, lead with compassion, and ensure local voices are at the heart of council decisions. I care deeply about the Yarrunga community and believe in a more responsive council for Wangaratta. With a strong background in governance, leadership and not-for-profit management, I aim to bring fresh perspectives and new solutions to ensure better council decision making, improved services, sustainable budgets, better infrastructure, and investment to leverage Wangaratta’s strengths.
As a long-term Oxley and Wangaratta local with my passion for growth, family, community and those around me. I will push and push to get those programs, investment and resources for our community.
I’ve never shied away from a genuine challenge and look forward to serving the Wareena Ward and RCOW for this and future terms.
I am very excited to seeing you all in October and delivering what will genuinely benefit the community in a positive and collaborative way. Thankyou
People should vote for me because I have deep roots in Wangaratta, both as a longterm resident, a parent of four children and a business owner. I understand the challenges our community faces and the need to balance business growth with community interests. I’m committed to making tough decisions that benefit all ratepayers, ensuring our city continues to thrive. I will be an active and engaged councillor, focused on transparency, responsible governance, and creating opportunities for all residents. My priority will always be what’s best for Wangaratta and its future.
DUNSTAN
I am dedicated to delivering honest and collaborative leadership. When you vote for me, you are voting for the community. I see it as a privilege to participate in council decisions that consider the longterm impact on future generations. I am confident that I can provide a commonsense approach to decision-making that minimises wasteful spending and prioritises the essentials, enabling the council to operate efficiently.
I am the 48-year-old daughter of Italian migrant parents. I was born in Wangaratta and grew up here. I moved away when I was 18, and my love for Wangaratta drew me back 20 years later. The spirit of this wonderful city is most evident when Wangaratta sits high on the Regional Victoria Tally Total for the RCH Appeal, with a tally total often way ahead of other larger rural cities. Why vote for me? Well, for one, I love Wangaratta. And two, I would work hard to ensure that Yarrunga Ward finally get to have a voice at the council table, a real, honest, and passionate voice.
Our Q&A series with all council candidates is concluded.
People should vote for me because I have the education, training and experience to lead council into making better decisions.
I successfully lobbied for the building of the Rehabilitation Centre on Greta Road.
I successfully lobbied for the building of the roof over the Wangaratta saleyards.
I will always be honest, even at personal cost.
I have the character and courage to drive positive change in council.
Louise Lowe, Danielle Vowles and Susan Christie are wearing a frock every day of October to support the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.
A roup of women are eamin up o suppor t
A TEAM of local women have banded together to form ‘Frocking@Wang’ to raise money and awareness for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF). They are wearing a frock each day in October as part of the Frocktober fundraising campaign.
Team members - Louise Lowe, Danielle Vowles, Alison Gargan and Susan Christie - all work in various community-based programs at Northeast Health Wangaratta and have already raised more than $4000.
This is Louise’s eighth consecutive year participating in Frocktober and it was her enthusiasm and success individually raising money over the years that prompted the team’s formation last year.
It was also the year that two colleagues were diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Last year the team raised $10,000 and would like to get close to that figure again this year. Louise said she was in-
spired for her first Frocktober in 2017 by an exhibition in the Wangaratta Visitor Centre by two former Wangaratta High School students Lauren and Erin Ritchie.
“They were exhibiting frocks that they had worn for their previous Frocktobers, I then joined a team with friends Sue and Kath and we were ‘Ducks in Dresses’ for 2017,” she said.
The OCRF was established in 2000 and is the leading independent funder of ovarian cancer research in Australia, developing ways to better detect, treat and prevent ovarian cancer.
In 2024, the OCRF announced more than $2.4 million in new grants for potentially life-saving research, all of which was raised by the Australian community.
Susan said fundraising campaigns like Frocktober are crucial to generating the vital funds.
The foundation funds research across four key research areas of early detec-
tion, prevention, treatment and managing recurrence.
Susan said medical research advancements in all four areas will contribute to improving survival rates.
“Due to the vague symptoms and lack of early detection test, about 70 per cent of people with ovarian cancer are diagnosed in the advanced stages, when it becomes difficult to treat,” she said.
“Our Frocking@Wang team is thankful to be supported by so many colleagues who have also donned dresses and got behind theme days such as Frock Friday and Checkered Tuesday.”
The team is also running a raffle of three hampers made up of donations from staff, family and friends, as well as generous donations of vouchers from local businesses Annie Mayfield, Hello Petals and Sorella Store.
To donate, visit frocktober.org.au and search for the team name Frocking@ Wang.
After six consecutive years as mayor, Dean Rees reflects on final year and yy,ygghighlights
By STEVE KELLY
MAYOR Dean Rees has given a heartfelt speech at the last session of the existing council thanking all who supported him during his tenure.
He spent the last two terms on council with the last six consecutive years as mayor and he used his platform to talk about the trials and tribulations of council.
“It has come time to say goodbye and good luck to the Rural City of Wangaratta, maybe for some of you out there about me good riddance,” he quipped.
“I have truly loved and respected my role here, it has taught me a great deal about people, it has opened my eyes to some of the limitations that local government has while also highlighting the remarkable things that are achievable.”
Cr Rees spoke of a disconnection between the state and federal governments and local councils.
“I have always found it challenging to accept authority from the state and federal governments because I believe they don’t fully understand our small
communities and how they like to operate,” he said.
“The legislation crafted in Spring Street often feels disconnected from the realities of regional life and our needs are different from those in the big city.
“I’m a firm believer that regional communities and local government are the heartbeat of Victoria and councillors serve the voice of you, the people, and it’s crucial we continue to have their representation on local matters.”
With this Cr Rees said he was concerned about the future of local government especially with the increase in cost shifting from the state and the rising costs of running these organisations.
He noted that administration of these excessive programs and policies are unsustainable and would be such in the private sector - it poses a real financial risk.
“Our core responsibilities are to improve the quality of life in our community, council exists to serve the people and needs at the forefront of everything we do,” he said.
“While we generally do this well, change and respect are always necessary.
“In a democracy we must
listen to the majority, while also respecting the minority, and the minority need to respect the majority.”
Cr Rees paid tribute to the people he has worked with and described it as “a privilege to work with incredible individuals”.
He thanks a long list of colleagues, politicians Helen Haines, Tim McCurdy and Jaclyn Symes, and people in the community who have supported him during his tenure.
Cr Rees spoke about council’s achievements in the last four years, improving the town’s aesthetics, infrastruc-
ture, community cohesion and economic development.
In his last annual report
Cr Rees highlighted the “transformative projects” that have capped off a successful tenure in the top job.
In 2023-24 the Rural City of Wangaratta made use of funding to build the $12.9 million sports and aquatic centre, and the Ned Kelly Discovery Hub.
He said these projects have not only bolstered the community’s infrastructure but also stimulated tourism and economic vitality.
“The Ned Kelly Discovery
Hub has quickly become a cornerstone of Glenrowan, drawing over 51,000 visitors since opening in September and earning recognition as the Best Regional/Rural Industry Contribution at the Parks and Leisure Australia Regional Awards of Excellence, affirming its value as a regional asset.
“The Hub serves as an educational space for local heritage and a front door for visitors to our region.
“Incorporating the Visitor Information Centre has seen a 100 per cent increase in demand for visitor servicing, sig-
nificantly boosting tourism.
“Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Wangaratta Sports & Aquatic Centre recently received an industry award for the Best Medium Sized Aquatics and Recreation Facility - highlighting its remarkable growth and underscoring its pivotal role in community wellness.”
Cr Rees said behind the scenes, council officers have partnered with North East Water to fortify urban expansion infrastructure, crucial for accommodating our growing population.
He said additionally, collaborations with ARTC on Glenrowan and Wangaratta stations have enhanced freight connectivity to Melbourne and the Eastern Seaboard, without financial burden on our community.
Cr Rees made note of council’s adoption of its Affordable Housing Strategy aimed at increasing social, affordable and key worker housing.
“Initiatives like the redevelopment of the former Ovens College and the Garnet Ave project mark the beginning of this endeavour, with more to come as we implement the strategy’s recommendations,” he said.
By STEVE KELLY
WITH an estimated 6-7 months until the next federal election, Liberal Indi candidate James Trenery joined Senator for Victoria Jane Hume at a luncheon with Wangaratta businesspeople on Tuesday.
The cost of living, red tape and regulation and power bills were the focus of much of the conversations from businesspeople who want change.
While any new policy was kept under wraps, the pair hinted there will be some future announcements around helping small businesses, and also policies around housing and energy.
The Liberal Party announced on Saturday that
it will provide $5 billion for enabling housing infrastructure if it gains office next election and it’s something
Mr Trenery said he’s had excellent feedback on.
“We have had such a good reaction in regards to the housing policy, I’ve had phone calls from people in Wodonga and Wangaratta as well because they’ve been so frustrated over a period of time and nothing has been happening,” he said.
“Now we’ve given them that opportunity and it affects all the communities I travel through.”
Mr Trenery operates a freight company and he said he hears firsthand from people what the business landscape is like.
“We have to deliver some
to bring that community together.
“I’m loving the campaign so far and it’s great going out to talk to people and I’ve had a good opportunity to do that and I’m happy to keep going and getting that feedback to inform policies for Indi.”
Mr Trenery and Senator Hume spoke about the Coalition’s plans to introduce nuclear power stations to replace Australia’s coal-fired power sites, with Mr Trenery saying it’s the way to the future.
will be rolled out if we keep going down this track and we can change that.
“In having this sensible conversation, it means the options are open to do something better and I think it has given a bit of hope to those (protesting positioning of solar facilities) to keep going and keep pushing to get something done in those communities.”
hope because a lot of small businesses aren’t seeing any hope moving forward and they don’t feel like anything is going to change and it’s going to get worse, not better,” he said.
“That’s what we have to do
is provide that hope and get something done.
“Regional communities need small businesses to thrive and if the main street is thriving, they’re the people who are going to sponsor the cricket or footy side
“As soon as Peter Dutton spoke about nuclear we started having a more sensible conversation and I think that’s important,” he said.
“We started realising there is $1.3 trillion and 28,000km of power lines that
Senator Hume said there is always going to be a need for renewable energy but it’s about getting the right energy mix over time, so Australia meets its targets of net zero by 2050.
The opening of Mr Trenery’s campaign office is imminent, and people can contact him via his website or Facebook page.
THE news of the Folk, Rhythm and Life Festival going ahead in December this year comes with much relief due to the host of hardships which have stalled the popular event in recent years.
While it had been earmarked for some time, confirmation of the long-running event returning to Eldorado will have tourism in the region shining even greater during the busy summer time.
Last year the event was cancelled due to complications with the CFA, who did not have enough time to test an event management plan due, in part, to a breakdown of communications with authorities.
The 28-year-old event has not run since 2018 due to covid, floods, and permit issues.
The marquee attraction and economic drive the event brings to the rural city can’t be understated, usually attracting around 3000-4000 to the Bilyana property across three days.
There will be some international performers from Canada and New Zealand along with visitors who have already purchased tickets for the festival from around Australia and overseas.
The return of the festival serves as a chance for those who had lost familiarity with the event over its hiatus to be drawn back, for former locals to return ‘home’, and catch-ups to take place while camping out during the event.
The community is always richer for these interactions, whether between newcomers and city stalwarts, or reunions of family or school friends.
It also serves as a peek into some of our finest local talent as well as those showcase performers who are coming from abroad for those who attend.
FACEBOOK users this week commented on three public art pieces proposed for the newly developed Wangaratta Railway Station.
• Neil Barassi: Can the community please have a say on what the artwork will look like. We live here and it would be good to be consulted to avoid another water tower fiasco.
• Kevin Adams: Neil Barassi absolutely! It’s ratepayers money, so we
should be consulted. No one wants anything as awful and embarrassing as that dreadful water tower “art” again!
• Daniel Moore: Neil Barassi totally agree, we should have an opinion on what is painted or designed for public areas of our city.
• Allison Wooldrage: Neil Barassi yes, or at least have a choice that can be voted on
• Karen Tyrrell: Don’t forget the Prosecco bubbles
STATE planning laws which are religiously enforced locally, demand new commercial developments provide for on-site parking or payment in lieu.
Wangaratta council’s 2019 Car Parking Strategy aims for no nett decrease in CBD parking, yet the arts centre development proposal disregards all planning guidelines and totally eliminates the parking which serves WPACC, the art gallery, the cafe, and parents dropping off/picking up St Pat’s school children.
The plans also eliminate the established, council sanctioned access to the St Pat’s precinct from Ovens Street and creates a huge traffic/pedestrian safety issue on Ovens Street by allowing dangerous illegal truck movement. All vehicles ingressing/egressing development sites must do so in a forward direction for obvious safety reasons.
Question: What on Earth is council thinking?
What does council’s planning department think about this?
How did this get to the costly planning stage?
And to our councillors yet to be elected - Where will you stand on this matter of planning laws, conscience and principles?
Peter Morris, Waldara
I WRITE in reply to some of the letters that have appeared in the Wangaratta Chronicle over recent months.
Much has been written re: the necessity to reduce carbon emissions to save the planetwith that I do agree.
However, the process needs to be considered very carefully.
There is no point covering our highly productive agricultural land with glass, plastic and metal, if it means we can’t continue to produce the amount of food we - and other nations - need.
We must preserve the most highly productive agricultural land, and North East Victoria has some of the best.
Kiewa, King and Ovens river valleys are not the places to put these solar panels - except on any roof or existing structure that will hold them.
We have solar panels on our roof, and they have saved us much more than it cost to put them there.
Plus, no trees were cut down, no neighbours
NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.
• Brad Burgan: Neil Barassi that sounds like common sense!
• Bernie Russell: Ronan Holdsworth , hope your doing some of your amazing art here.
• Ronan Holdsworth: Bernie Russell unfortunately my design and concept for working with local indigenous youth was declined.
• Bernie Russell: Ronan Holdsworth are you kidding me, no way. Who made that
bad decision. I’m sorry to hear that.
• Ronan Holdsworth: Bernie Russell the company making the underpass. I thought as basically the only Wangaratta living mural artist I would of had a shot. Plus the work I do with the community, but nope.
• Starsky Hutch: What ever you decide on, don’t use bubbles or a grade 3 art work..
• Leslie Matthews: Excellent idea!
Our follower total is Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.
15,009
ART PROJECT: Wangaratta West Primary School students Iris and Tuhaniu Angikiamo (pictured) have got the ball rolling and now everyone can use their imagination to create unique posters for the 34th Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues. A V/Line VLocity train and drawings by the siblings feature on a template which can be downloaded from the festival website, printed on A3 paper and then jazzed up by kids, adding their own drawings and plenty of colour. Drop the finished posters at the front desk of the Wangaratta Government Centre in Ovens Street during office hours and they will be displayed around town during the festival. Schools and individuals are encouraged to get involved. For more information on the Back on Track art activity, visit wangarattajazz.com/back-on-track/ or SMS David Godkin on 0439 040 868 to find out more.
were affected, the local road didn’t need work (well, not because of the solar installation), and a local business made some money. Winners all around, but I fail to see how anyone except the multi-nationals pushing these projects, will come out unscathed.
Val McMonigle, Glenrowan
IT’S wrong for the Victorian Government to be forcing the Wangaratta and Meadow Creek communities to allow the Meadow Creek Solar Factory (MCSF).
The purpose of the government’s actions is to meet targets, they have to reduce Victoria’s carbon emissions to 75-80 per cent below 2005 levels by 2035.
This is a futile purpose, because Australia contributes only 1.4 per cent of the world’s man-made CO2.
China contributes 27 per cent.
Australia’s saving will soon be replaced by China.
A solar factory is an inefficient way of generating electricity.
It is fueled by sunshine, which is limited by the amount of sunshine and with many cloudy and wet days even less.
The MCSF will permanently pollute the 566 hectares of agricultural land and the economic and jobs value of the agricultural produce lost
to Wangaratta and the wider community for the next 100 years will amount to millions.
Packing one million, electrified, solar panels into the MCSF including 250MW of Lithium BESS, is creating a huge fire risk.
With the MCSF being sited on a Wangaratta Water Catchment Area.
If a hailstorm or wildfire damages the panels, Wangaratta’s water supply risks being contaminated.
Its construction will damage roads and bridges in the area.
It will devalue surrounding properties, increase insurance premiums and reduce tourism.
The MCSF should never be built, it has zero benefits and a multitude of disadvantages.
John Moore,
Wangaratta
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 St, Wangaratta 3677
FACEBOOK users commented on Kai McPhan inviting Aussie music duo Peking Duk to perform in Wangaratta.
• Suzie Quarters: Good on you Kai!
• Allison Coles Allen: Good luck Kai!
• Luke ‘stano’ Stanton: Kai McPhan for mayor.
Facebook users also commented on the recent Laneway Market.
• Brandon Joel Milky Moore: Thats because there is better
wall art down there then there is on the Silo.
• Brett Direen: Brandon Joel Milky Moore I don’t believe linking this to the silo debate is relevant whilst respecting your opinion! Whilst I did not attend personally I did drive past and it’s the most activated I’ve seen that space since the good old Wangaratta Jazz Festival stage days! Congratulations to the organisers on a brilliant concept. Facebook users also commented on council being asked to object to the Meadow
Check out some of our best photos at our @wangchronicle Instagram account.
Creek Solar Farm.
• Noel Barnard: If it goes ahead who pays for the road into the dump.
• Tony Davidson: One look around Wangaratta and it’s easy to see the promptaneous and innovative stewardship of Wangaratta council.
• Leslie Matthews: This is an appalling abuse of democracy.
• Georgina Cusack: Leslie Matthews please explain. I would have thought it is a great example of a rural council actually listening to its people,
in fact, a great example of democracy in action as opposed to a dictatorship. When I went to school many years ago, the definition of democracy was government of the people, by the people, for the people.
• Linda Simpson: Rural City of Wangaratta are objecting to the flagrant disregard of their Planning Regulations which every rate payer is bound by. There are no exceptions in any other case and this application must abide by the same regulations.
X USERS this week tweeted about Peking Duk performing in Wangaratta, last week’s rainfall and an agricultural conference coming to Wangarattta.
Sofia Rita Belmonte @Srb1970Rita WOW Feel good Peking Duk to play at Wangaratta school formal afterparty after student’s ‘lovely’ cold call email.
Kylie Edmondson @kylieedo
20mm in the last 6 hours in Wangaratta and 24mm still to come in the next 24 hours.
SLTEC Fertilizers @sltecfert
Bhav is currently attending the Tri Nut Conference in Wangaratta, learning about the latest developments in Hazelnut, Chestnut and Walnut growing.
If you have something to say, add our handle @wangchronicle to your tweet and we will publish some each week.
Our follower total is Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.
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CFA
our agency partners simulated a major fire situation at the Wangaratta Incident Control Centre to test our skills ahead of the fire season.We are ready, now is the time for those living in bushfire risk areas to get prepared too.
By STEVE KELLY
COUNCILLORS have expressed reservations around proposed art pieces as part of $8.5m enhancements to the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail as they might not fit the landscape, however, they have now endorsed the designs.
Part one is the Bowser to Tarrawingee section themed ‘Magpie Alley’, and features an artistic version of magpies, designed by artist Emily Floyd.
Part two, the Milawa to Oxley section, will have the theme ‘Palate Palette’, representing food grown in the district, designed by artist Beci Orpin.
Cr Harvey Benton was the only councillor to vote against their endorsement, works that include contemporary style magpies and food items including mushrooms, an egg, olive branch, grapes, raspberry, garlic, rough back myrtle and cheese.
Cr Dave Fuller moved the motion to endorse the designs and he noted that “while art is sometimes hard to take in some forms, in other forms
Ms Orpin was tasked to develop a concept design that was “a colourful, whimsical journey that evokes the complex flavours of the region in unexpected ways”. Her biography says she has more than 25 years’ experience evoking wonder and optimism through her practices, with an emphasis on colour and shape.
“With an emphasis on colour and shape, her work bridges illustration, craft and design to create vibrant installations and graphics which often take the form of plants, animals and quirky characters,” it reads.
people see it as beauty”.
“This is one of those projects where we’ve been fortunate enough that we’ve been given funding through Tourism North East to have the opportunity to have art installed,” he said.
Cr Benton said he was struggling to support the motion as the designs do not fit the landscape.
“I think in the early process, some of the community communication was lost and we should have been
able to come up with something connecting to history from around that area,” he said.
Cr Irene Grant said she was “dubious” about the project, but she did support the endorsement of the designs.
“I feel some of this artwork has been hoisted on our community without our community really fully understanding or accepting that this is something that we as a community will have to maintain
into the future,” she said.
“I have a strong sense of caution about this proposal and it’s being funded externally and that’s great.
“However, art is subjective and I love community art and art in the landscape, it looks fabulous.”
Ms Floyd is a Melbournebased artist who works on general spaces for engagement and interaction, while provoking discussions about contemporary ideas.
“The proposed project en-
compasses a series of playful ‘Eye Spy’ magpie themed installations, leading up to a giant magpie family,” she said in her application statement.
“The hero magpie will stand at five to six metres tall, creating a landmark, Instagram friendly icon.
“Magpies are a key indicator of biodiversity, they are intertwined with the different plants, animals, microorganisms and ecosystems of which they are a part.”
LOCAL six piece jazz group, ‘The Daisies’, is set to take to the stage with the Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra (WSO) to perform ‘Full Bloom’ as past of the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues on Sunday, November 3 at 7:30pm.
The Daisies are a group of like-minded musicians from Wangaratta who love jazz and chilled out music from the greats such as Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis and Vince Jones.
The Daisies formed in 2022 and have since played at venues such as the Vine Hotel, Aroma Deli, D’Amico’s and the No. 49 Espresso and Record Bar.
The Daisies are a blend of African Percussion, Double Bass, Piano, Guitar, Flugelhorn and Vocals.
The lush sounds of the Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra are sympathetic to the Daisies which will make for some beautiful sounding music, teamed with interior lighting of the cathedral to make for an incredible evening.
The idea for the concert came from wanting to try something new, to bring together two different music groups to explore, challenge ourselves and create something incredibly special for Wangaratta.
Both the Daisies and the Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra have excelled at their chosen genres and style of concert; the time seems right to set out on such a journey and see where it takes us, to see how as musicians we can grow and learn from each other.
Ben Thomas of The Daisies has been playing music since he was 12, growing up in the East Gippsland Brass Band where he learnt the Cornet.
Ben said he is looking forward to playing the song Flamenco Sketches.
“Written by Miles Davis and Bill
Evans, it is a song that was on my first CD and a song that’s stayed with me for many years,” he said. Playing this arrangement of the song with a symphony orchestra will be incredibly special, a link between Ben’s first steps in music and his latest.
Daises’ resident pianist Mark Bolsius has been playing in bands since he was 16. He came to Jazz via his father’s record collection in his 20’s and following some study at the ANU has been playing solo jazz piano,
and everything from duo through to big band since.
Mark has even played in a Vince Jones tribute band, and is somewhat of a Vince Jones tragic using every opportunity to play his music.
Mark said he is looking forward to this orchestral gig with relish.
Music for this concert has been sourced from all around the world, with music for the night arranged by people in Doha, Buenos Aires, Nova Scotia, Nicholson and Melbourne.
The Doha Jazz Club have kindly donated some of their music for the program. The WSO’s conductor Aaron Wardle leads the group of musicians and encourages members of the local community to attend this special event. Tickets are available for purchase online via wangjazzblues.com.au website, at a cost $25.
Enquiries can be addressed to wangsymphonyorchestra@gmail. com
Ms Orpin collaborated with local makers, residents and primary schools to capture different perspectives on the regional flavours.
The art was also endorsed by council’s public art acquisitions committee prior to council’s decision. The committee recommended that the proposed artworks be accepted as a donation into the community’s public art collection and if the donation is accepted, the artworks will become council assets.
TO assist residents with property clean-ups and to encourage sustainable disposal practices, the Rural City of Wangaratta are pleased to announce free green-waste drop-off at all transfer stations throughout the month of November.
Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this offer to dispose of garden waste, leaf litter, branches, and other woody materials.
By properly managing green waste, residents can help reduce fire hazards.
The separated green waste will be diverted from landfill and instead be turned into valuable compost and eventually used by council’s parks and gardens team, to improve local gardens.
All green waste will be inspected upon arrival at the transfer stations, so it’s essential that the material is free from contaminants, general waste, and recyclables.
Council asks all waste is appropriately separated to help with the smooth processing of materials.
This is a great opportunity to prepare your garden for the summer months, reduce household waste, and contribute to a greener community.
Transfer Stations are located in Wangaratta, at 46-56 Sandford Rd, in Eldorado on Woolshed Rd, in Markwood, at 145 Forest Lane and in Moyhu at 569 Boggy Creek Road. For further information please contact council’s customer service team on (03) 5722 0888
BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au
THOUSANDS of visitors are expected to flow through the gates of the 43rd Oxley Bush Market, an event held on the first Saturday of November which has become a “must” for anyone visiting the region on the Melbourne Cup and Jazz Festival weekend.
So popular has the market become, its 150 sites are quickly reserved by vendors wanting to secure their place, some of whom have been attending since it first began.
The outdoor event is set in the grounds of the historic Oxley Shire Hall, built in 1875 and still afforded shade on the west side by elm trees planted just a year later.
The characterful building was used as council chambers for the Oxley Shire up until 1966, and it is believed to be the oldest, continually used community building in North East Victoria.
Inside, the hall has fivemetre-high ceilings, bright, spacious rooms lined with historic photographs, and polished floorboards, and it has hosted events including balls, art exhibitions and even a touring opera company.
The external brickwork is original - the façade classified by the National Trust - and the building has featured in tourism brochures, artworks and as the backdrop for many a wedding photo, so it’s hard to imagine it once fell into such a state of disrepair it was potentially facing demolition.
When teachers Don and Janet Heath arrived in Oxley in 1976 with their young family, the hall hadn’t been used in a decade and didn’t look at all like it does now.
Janet said there was an old kitchen at the front, a lean-to on the side, elm trees were growing through the floorboards and sparrows were nesting in the ceiling.
“It was unbelievable - the walls were caving in and the beautiful Murray pine floors couldn’t be saved because they were too far gone,” she said.
“There was no powerat the first bush markets (which began in 1980) we had to keep the jam and cream for the scones cool in eskies.”
Janet was among a group of local parents who wanted somewhere to hold their playgroup and when they looked inside the hall they were shocked by its condition.
They notified the Shire of Oxley who agreed with
their assessment - deciding to close it off from public access immediately.
“We thought, if we want it, we’ve got to do something,” explained Janet.
In 1978, a committed group of locals decided to re-form the Oxley Hall Committee with the aim of restoring their local hall.
The first elected officials included Bill Allan (president), Jan Ciavarella (vice-president), Ruth Jordan (secretary) and Lorraine Green (treasurer) with the committee including Mark Phillips, Ella Burdon, Brendon Griffin, Graham Vincent and Janet Heath.
The restoration project was to take over 30 years and is estimated to have cost over $300,000.
The main hall area was restored and renovated in 1997, the supper room and kitchen were re-built in 2002, and the meeting room was extended, with internal toilets built, in 2005.
While the restoration was made possible with grants from state and federal governments and support from the Rural City of Wangaratta, it was the community who initiated and drove the project, also raising money through an innovative new fundraising event they called the Oxley Bush Market.
Don said the Oxley Bush Market was Janet’s idea, and it stemmed from her realisation it was going to take a lot more than the odd lamington drive to bring the hall back to life.
It was the late seventies, and fellow committee members remember
gathering in the couple’s loungeroom to discuss the idea, pledging their support.
“So many people up the valley at that time were starting to do arty stuffpottery, painting and making things - and I thought, wouldn’t it be lovely to have something like that at the hall?” Janet said.
On his travels, Don began calling into the many small and developing family businesses in and around the King Valley region, asking them if they’d be interested in taking part.
Many of those businesses expressed their support, and around 20 to 30 of them set up stalls at what was the very first Oxley Bush Market in 1980.
It proved successful, so the next year they thought they’d do it again, and the market began to progressively grow, until over decades, the site reached capacity.
This year they received over 200 applications to take part, from which 150 were successful in securing a place.
Janet remembers her children were one, three and five-years-old when the market first began, and now - 44 years later - the couple’s children, their partners and grandchildren all come to lend a hand.
“It’s been a really major part of all our lives,” she said.
“Our family has always helped - and my grandchildren have even told me the Oxley Bush Market is ‘better than Christmas.’”
The early markets had only basic facilities
independent benefits from their fundraising activities held at the market, with the CFA running a dog creche and the school providing catering services.
The 40th anniversary Oxley Bush Market was named the Australia Day Rural City of Wangaratta Event of the Year, and Janet said she is proud it has stood in its own light.
including pan toilets, up until the early 1990s when the market committee managed to secure a toilet block from a local school which was closing.
While there was a quiet spell during COVID, which saw the market put on hold for two years, the hall continues to be regularly hired by people for private events including birthdays and weddings.
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE: When it was built in 1875 for Oxley Shire business, it was a modest sized building with no side wings. About 350 people packed into the hall for the grand opening ball “..where they danced from 8pm until 5am.”
Despite having committed decades and worked tirelessly to build the Oxley Bush Market, Janet and Don say it still gives them great pleasure and satisfaction to see people enjoying it.
It meant the hall could also be used for private events and functions like weddings.
Janet says a working bee is held the day before the market, then a volunteer team of up to 45 people begin to arrive from 5.30am on the day itself to help set up and manage the arriving vendors.
She said it has become a well-oiled machine, as uniformed volunteers stream in and set about their allocated tasks, earning praise from stallholders who comment on how well-organised it is.
More volunteers provide marketing, administration and trade skills in the lead up to the event.
The stallholders remain on site until 2.30pm when the market’s raffle is drawn; those who have purchased tickets in the running to win up to 40 prizes like wine, food and accommodation vouchers which are generously donated by local businesses.
Janet said at the end of the market, the volunteers and their families enjoy a “happy hour” celebration together, congratulating each other, reflecting and
sharing their ideas on ways to improve.
“We’re great believers in rewarding the volunteers - we’re really grateful they keep coming - and it couldn’t happen without them,” she said.
Janet and Don estimate a few thousand people attend the Oxley Bush Market each year, pouring through the gates to browse the stalls between 9am and 2.30pm.
They describe it as a very social market, where stallholders and visitors alike enjoy meeting up with people they haven’t seen for years.
Entry is free, but the market still raises around $16,000 for the community, with around $10,000 raised by the hall committee, which although initially put straight towards renovations, is now used for the upkeep of the hall and to support community events and projects.
It has funded initiatives including building a new room at the Oxley Primary School, creating the Oxley Memorial Park and Playground, and installing a memorial plaque beside the Lone Pine in the park.
Organisations like the Oxley CFA and Oxley Primary School also reap
Janet credits members of the Oxley Shire Hall committee, the Oxley Residents Association and the wider Oxley community for the market’s success.
On a personal note, she says she has learned a lot from running the market and derives great satisfaction from it.
“It’s the best - to see all the people and how happy they are,” said Janet.
“It’s a great feeling - to be able to pull together such an event - and to see all the helpers who have worked so hard enjoying it so much.”
Don said he loves seeing the way the hall is now used regularly by the community, remembering when hundreds of supporters gathered there in 2013 for a party to celebrate Cathy McGowan’s election as the first independent member for Indi.
The success of the Oxley Bush Market and the restoration of the historic Oxley Shire Hall have had a profound impact on the Oxley community, as well as on Janet and Don and their extended family.
“One of the things we’re most proud of is the longevity of it - it has stood the test of time,” said Janet.
“It has evolved, but it hasn’t really changedwhatever we were doing from the start (at a time when very few other markets existed) it must have worked.
“And we’re proud that the market has never had sponsorship from anyone - we’ve never had any assistance - we are completely self-sufficient.”
The 43rd Oxley Bush Market will be held at the historic Oxley Shire Hall on Saturday, November 2 from 9am to 2.30pm and entry is free.
November 1-4 2024
VINCE JONES QUINTET • HETTY KATE QUINTET BASS2
COOKIN’ ON 3 BURNERS WITH STELLA ANGELICO & RALEIGH WILLIAMS
NARDIA & JIMI HOCKING • JULES BOULT BAND
CJ COMMERFORD & THE SUPERTONES
CHECKERBOARD LOUNGE • JOEL HAVEA TRIO
PAUL WILLIAMSON HAMMOND COMBO • JOYS NJAMBI
NINA FERRO & THE JACK EARLE BIG BAND • THE ANNA SCIONTI BAND
BRUNSWICK ST TO BOURBON ST • KELLIE SANTIN BAND • ILARIA CROCIANI
PAUL GRABOWSKY • MIRKO GUERRINI • NIKO SCHAUBLE
BOB SEDERGREEN & ADAM RUDEGEAIR • AVA MCDERMOTT
GLENN SKUTHORPE • THE SHUFFLE CLUB • THE WINDSAVERS
THE GREATER MELBOURNE TWEED SOCIETY ORCHESTRA
BENNY & THE BIG WHEELS • SUGARFOOT RAMBLERS
WANGARATTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA & THE DAISIES
FREE COMMUNITY STAGE ENTERTAINMENT • LITTLE PROJECTOR COMPANY
VAN WALKER • STREET PERFORMERS & ART INSTALLATIONS
Festivals Australia
By ANITA MCPHERSON
EMINENT Australian landscape painter Mary Tonkin will be the judge of 25th King Valley Art Show, opening at King River Brewing on November 1.
The committee connected with the Melbourne-based artist through Fran O’Neill, one of this region’s most acclaimed artists based in Cheshunt; the pair having gone to university and then studied together at the New York Studio School.
Mary Tonkin is known as a plein air (open air) painter who works in the lush bushland she explored as a child.
Her parents grew cut flowers and bulbs, and her sister continues to grow rare bulbs on this land at Kalorama in the Dandenong Ranges, where she ventures outside to capture the beauty of the surrounding forest, tree fern gullies and bush dams.
Ms Tonkin completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) in 1995 and a Master of Fine Arts in 2002 at Monash University, where she has also lectured.
She has held solo exhibitions in Melbourne and Sydney since 1999, participated in multiple group exhibi-
tions, and was awarded the National Gallery of Victoria Trustee award in 1994 and 1995, and the Dobell drawing prize in 2002 - the highest prize for drawing in Australia.
The artist’s work is held by the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney, the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, and numerous other public and private collections.
Ms Tonkin said she was looking forward to visiting the King Valley and seeing the diversity of work on display in the art show, having been forewarned it will take time to assess the hundreds of expected entries on display.
She said she was looking forward to getting to know more about the region and seeing what participating artists will contribute to the mix.
“For me, images are best when they convey not just the appearance of something, but how it feels to be in a particular place - a good painting (whether a landscape or other) should convey a sense of its place, where it’s come from and its topic.
“Painting is direct, and it’s mediated through our sens-
es and sensuous response, all wrapped up in our sense of place in the world, which comes with time and culture.”
Ms Tonkin said painting outside, rather than in a studio, was both an essential and enjoyable factor in her own practice.
“It’s just a complete de-
A combined display of quilts from quilters within the Rural City of Wangaratta
light being immersed in it, and I think being aware of that whole sensuous loop really informs the content of the work, or the kind of feeling that you can generate,” she said.
“You can’t obviously illustrate it, but you can convey or imply a sense of the smells and sounds - what
it’s like to be enfolded in that particular landscapethrough the poetic language of painting.”
Ms Tonkin said participating in art shows can be beneficial for artists on the whole, but they need to be kept in perspective.
“It means an artist can see their work in the context of
whatever else is being made around them,” she said.
“That can be a terrific learning experience - on the other hand it might be quite confronting and even upsetting if their work isn’t what they hope it to be.
“The whole concept of prizes for artwork is problematic - ultimately judges can only pick winners according to what they value in a work of art, and what appeals to their personal, subjective taste.
“It is important that artists do not feel that a prize is the measure of the worth of their work.
“It is external validation, which is useful, but ultimately the work must meet the needs of the maker.”
The 2024 King Valley Art Show will be open to the public on November 2 and 3 from 10am until 5pm and on Monday, November 4 from 10am until 3pm at King River Brewing and entry is $3 (kids free).
Prize winners will be announced during the Gala Opening being held on Friday, November 1 from 7pm with tickets available now by visiting kingvalleyarts.com. au, with return bus transfers from Wangaratta available.
By IAN DAVIDSON and CHRIS TZAROS
RECENT warm weather has encouraged many of our local reptiles to become active, with lots of sightings of skinks in the garden, geckos around house lights at night and snakes in pretty much all areas where you would expect to see them.
Dragon lizards, too, have increased their activity levels.
One of our more frequently seen species is the familiar Eastern Bearded Dragon, a widespread and moderately common lizard found in a range of dry woodland habitats.
Reaching around 30cm to 40cm in length when fully grown, Eastern Bearded Dragons are predominately grey-brown above and paler grey below, with a long dark grey tail that is often faintly marked with pale brown bands.
They have a distinctive angular shaped head and around the throat region is a series of keeled scales which form a ‘beard’ that can be expanded when the animal is agitated or in a defensive posture.
Inside the mouth is a lining of bright yellow, which is often shown in conjunction with displaying the beard as part of their threat display.
Bearded Dragons are terrestrial and semi-arboreal.
They shelter in fallen timber, hollow logs, under large rocks and in shallow depressions beneath low vegetation.
From late morning, they habitually climb to a partially exposed vantage point such as a fence post, stump or low shrub to bask in the sun.
They maintain a relatively high average body temperature by constantly changing their body position and their basking site.
Omnivorous, Bearded Dragons feed primarily on invertebrates such as spiders, beetles and flies, and they also browse on a variety of flowers, fruits and soft herbaceous foliage.
One of our egg-laying reptiles, Bearded Dragons lay large clutches of between six to 35 eggs in a burrow excavated in the ground during spring-summer.
Sometimes, two clutches of eggs may be laid in the one season.
The eggs incubate for around 68 to 83 days, after which hatchlings emerge from the burrow as miniature versions of their parents, though somewhat paler in colouration.
Locally, Bearded Dragons may be seen in the Warby Ranges, Killawarra and Chiltern forests, favouring open woodlands with scattered fallen timber, logs or surface rocks.
EXPRESSIONS OF INTERESTS NOW OPEN
REFERENCE: EOI
HOW TO REGISTER:
Opened: 30 September 2024
Closing date: 12 midday AEDT, 2 Nov 2024
•Visit www.tenders.gov.au/atm and search for Restoring our Rivers
•Download and read the Request for Expression of Interest documents
•Login or Register as a new user
•Complete the expression of interest response form and submit your response.
The Australian Government, represented by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, is inviting Expressions of Interests (EOIs) from water right owners across the Southern Connected Murray-Darling Basin who may want to sell their water in 2025.
EOI 1 invites responses from single water rights owners who were not eligible for the Restoring Our Rivers: 2024 Selected Catchments Open Tender. This includes water right owners from within Irrigation Infrastructure Operator areas.
EOI 2 invites responses from entities interested in selling a large portfolio of water of around 20 GL (or greater) across the southern connected Basin.
LIST OF CATCHMENTS:
NEW SOUTH WALES
Murray River
Murrumbidgee
Lower Darling VICTORIA
Ovens & KingVictorian Murray
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
South Australian Murray
Responses to the EOIs are not considered binding
EOI will be able to proceed to subsequent purchase program. Owners of eligible water rights in the catchments listed in the table, including unregulated entitlements and section 51 licences, are invited to express their interest stating the proposed volume and price at which they want to sell their permanent water rights to the department.
The decision to participate is completely voluntary. To read the Request for Expression of Interest and register your interest, please visit AusTender www.tenders.gov.au - and search for Restoring our Rivers.
MORE INFORMATION:
For more information on voluntary water purchasing, visit www.dcceew.gov.au/watertender
ASSISTANCE:
For help with using AusTender, visit help.tenders.gov.au
If you can’t access AusTender or have questions about the expression of interest process, please email watertenders@dcceew.gov.au
12 students across
have been marking the final days of their secondary school lives with celebrations in recent weeks.
Among them were Wangaratta High School students, who have enjoyed themed dress-up days this week. The theme for Monday’s dress-up was ‘something starting with one of your initials’, while Tuesday’s theme was ‘your dream job’, in the lead-up to the WHS year 12s’ final day at school on Wednesday. Exams for Wangaratta’s 2024 VCE cohort start in earnest on Tuesday morning with English, and will continue until November 20.
By STEVE KELLY
OFFENDERS who intentionally injure a victim through non-fatal strangulation will face up to 10 years’ jail with a new law coming into effect at the weekend.
The Crimes Amendment (Nonfatal Strangulation) Act 2024 includes two new offences to crack down on perpetrators.
Penalties include up to 10 years’ jail for visible injury strangulation and a second offence carrying a maximum of five years’ jail for victims without visible injury.
These laws, which have been referred to as Joy’s Law, would not be coming to effect without the tireless advocacy of the family of Joy Rowley whose life was cut short in her own home – where she should have been safe.
Wangaratta’s Centre Against Violence CEO Jaime Chubb described the introduction of the laws to help fight family violence as “a powerful step forward”
“These new laws send a clear message: violence will not be tolerated, and survivors will be supported,” she said.
“Non-fatal strangulation is one of the most dangerous and intimidating forms of abuse, often signalling a pattern of escalating coercive control.
“By holding perpetrators accountable, these reforms are crucial to creating safer homes and communities, particularly for women and children.
“We commend the tireless advo-
FOUR police officers were needed to help restrain a homeless Wangaratta man in possession of methamphetamine on Templeton Street earlier this year, a court has heard.
Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Monday heard the man, wanted on multiple warrants, was spotted by police walking on Templeton Street at around 9:43am August 27.
After conducting a pat down search, police found a small ziplock bag with a white substance inside, which turned out to be a gram of methamphetamine.
The man claimed the substance
cacy of Joy Rowley’s family, whose efforts have led to this pivotal moment.
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that everyone feels safe within their own home.
“These laws are an important recognition of the severity of nonfatal strangulation and a necessary tool in our ongoing work to prevent violence and protect victim survivors.”
Research shows that victims of non-fatal strangulation are seven times more likely to be seriously injured or killed by their partner than other family violence victims.
The laws will not apply when the non-fatal strangulation occurs in the context of sexual activity and consent is freely and willfully given.
These reforms are part of the State Government’s work to improve the justice system’s response
was “medicine” before snatching it back off police and becoming agitated and “abusive”.
Two officers attempted to handcuff the man who resisted arrest, grabbing an officer by the hand and a struggle ensued.
Back up was called and the man was pinned to the ground and handcuffed by four officers.
The court also heard the defendant was caught after attempting to break into multiple vehicles in the early hours of May 11.
From 3:53am to 5:30am he was caught on CCTV pulling door handles on vehicles at properties on
to women’s safety and family violence.
In May, the Labor Government announced further reforms with the Women’s Safety Package which will include new initiatives to stop violence before it starts.
These changes will include changes to the service of Family Violence Intervention Orders so that protection can start sooner, putting a stop to perpetrators who deliberately avoid being served.
Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes said non-fatal strangulation is rarely an isolated event, it often reveals an ongoing and escalating pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour – especially when it occurs in family violence circumstances.
“We must do everything we can to address violence against women – and these new laws will help keep more women safe,” she said.
Meanwhile, for the first time, re-
Greta Road, Perry Street and Hamilton Crescent.
He was able to gain entry to a Nissan and take $120 in cash and coins.
Police arrested him at around 2:30pm that day and he denied his involvement and said the stolen money came from Centrelink.
The man also pleaded guilty to the theft of a $89 bottle of tequila on June 15 at Wangaratta’s Dan Murphy’s.
When arrested, he gave a no comment interview because he “didn’t wan to play the game today”.
searchers have used blood tests to identify concussion caused by intimate partner violence (IPV) in patients, including some that also experienced non-fatal strangulation.
Published in Brain, Behaviour, and Immunity, the Monash University-led study in collaboration with Alfred Health examined symptoms and blood biomarkers to detect brain injury in IPV patients who had experienced a concussion within the past 72 hours.
Patients had worse symptoms and elevated levels of a specific blood biomarker compared to patients who had not had concussion or whose concussion was due to other factors.
Of IPV patients who were recruited to the study, 80 per cent were female (eight women and two men) and 40 per cent experienced a combined strangulation and concussion.
Representing himself in court on Monday, the defendant apologised to the court and police for his behaviour and said he was seeking support for his drug usage issues.
Magistrate Megan Casey placed the man on a 12-month community corrections order, urging he make wise use of its offered support services.
“It seems like life has been a bit precarious,” she said.
“Community correction will try and link you with better supports so you’re not to see police or come to court again.”
A WANGARATTA man called an ex-partner 26 times in one day among persistent breaches of an intervention order, a court has heard.
Appearing at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Monday, the 49-year-old admitted to the continuous breaches which led to him being thrown out of the victim’s home as he refused to leave her residence.
The court heard from October 1 to October 11 the man made at least 70 calls to his ex-partner, including 26 on the one day.
Among multiple texts to her, he pretended he was his mother asking his ex-partner to call him back.
On October 12, the 49-year-old arrived at his ex-partner’s address after spotting her at Benalla McDonalds earlier in the day.
He wanted to pick up some belongings, including a knife, which the victim said she had thrown out.
As he was asked to leave, he became agitated, hitting himself in the head with a pool cue.
A witness heard the commotion and arrived to help the victim.
The court heard the witness pushed the 49-year-old out of the house and onto a table, knocking and breaking glass items before eventually leaving.
The Wangaratta man arrived at the address driving his mother’s car, despite being unlicenced.
Police arrested the 49-year-old later that day, who admitted to being at the residence, saying he was dragged out as he was leaving.
He denied driving the vehicle.
Defence counsel Geoff Clancy said his client has experienced battles with mental health and had served time behind bars related to drug issues.
Mr Clancy said he and his ex-partner moved to Tasmania together before the relationship ended just a few months into their move, which prompted him to move back to Wangaratta to live with his family.
Magistrate Megan Casey issued an $800 fine.
“When someone gives you an order, you’ve got to comply with that order,” she said.
“I hope you’re linked in with the right people to get your mental health back on track.”
THE next Creatives of Wangaratta and surrounds (CoWs) market will be held on Saturday, October 26 at the CWA Hall in Templeton Street from 9 am to 1pm.
This month’s market will have a Halloween theme, with fun activities for all including free Halloween arts and crafts for kids, free Trick or Treating at the market (with pails provided for kids and lollies available from stallholders) and Halloween stickers and prize in the free sticker rally.
The indoor, family-friendly market will host 17 artists, makers and small business owners from the North East region, with everyone welcome.
THE garden of Les and Rosemary Bolitho called Sable Park will be open to the public on Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27 from 10am to 4pm, to raise money for Carevan Wangaratta.
The beautiful five-acre garden is located at 185 Lindner Road in Wangaratta and has water features, 700 roses and an extensive iris collection, along with other stunning spring flowers, shrubs and majestic trees.
Carevan Wangaratta volunteers will also be providing a Devonshire tea, and there will be a display of metal sculptures created by Sam Anderson, along with classic cars and live music on site.
Entry is $5, with limited edition calendars available for $20, all supporting Carevan Wangaratta.
THE next Milawa Craft Market will be held at the Milawa Hall in Milawa on Saturday, October 26 from 8.30am until 1pm.
The will be a wide variety of stalls to browse showcasing local art, craft and produce, with refreshments available and funds raised supporting the local hall.
JOIN the Moodemere Quartet for a concert called Hygge this weekend, taking audiences on a musical journey through the rolling hills, deep forests and
FAMILIES are invited to gather for an afternoon of fun and laughter when the Mt Bruno Picnic is held in the Warby Range this Saturday, October 26 at 1pm.
The traditional family fun day, which has been held for over 100 years, features novelty races for all ages, set in the beautiful surrounds of the Warby Range, just a short walk to the waterfalls.
lively villages of Denmark.
The string quartet will perform a selection of both classic folk tunes and contemporary interpretations, showcasing the unique blend of haunting ballads, lively dance tunes and evocative storytelling which has defined Danish culture for centuries.
Concerts will be held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Wangaratta on Saturday, October 26 at 2.30pm, and at the Yackandandah Courthouse on Sunday, October
Bring your own afternoon tea, water, a picnic rug and chairs and settle in to watch the racing, or test your mettle against family and friends by entering the events.
For children there will be age running races, a three-legged
27 at 2:30pm, with adult and concession tickets available for purchase via Trybooking.
AUSTRALIA’s beloved musical treasure Marcia Hines will perform at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Saturday, October 26 as part of her Still Shining concert tour.
race, egg and spoon, sack races and more.
In the ladies category, try your hand at broom throwing, nail driving, a sprint and the blindfolded wheelbarrow push.
Men’s races include a sprint, ball throwing at the wicket, high jump and more.
Accompanied by her musicians and production crew, each performance will be a celebration of the extraordinary output of this amazing singer and master of career re-invention, from Jesus Christ Superstar to Queen of Pop and then Australian Idol.
Featuring hits from the early days of Fire and Rain, to the Discotheque album, and all the way through to the 2022 release of The Gospel According to Marcia, tickets are available now at wpacc.com.au.
All winners choose their own prizes and all children receive a prize.
Follow the picnic day signs from the Glenrowan–Boweya Road to Jones Road, along to the picnic area at Mt Bruno in the Warby Range.
All are welcome with entry by cash donation at the gate.
UP and coming star Paddy Murphy will play pop and country music live a The Vine Hotel in North Wangaratta on Sunday, October 27 from 12.30pm.
Enjoy lunch, pizza or a drink in the spacious beer garden while soaking up the sunshine, with bookings available by contacting the hotel.
COLOUR: Artists Jacki Macleish and Lauren Bittner welcome the community to visit their exhibition at the Art
open in the laneway off Murphy Street until November 4.
A NEW exhibition by resident artist Jacki Macleish and local ceramicist, Lauren Bittner, has opened at the Art Gallery on Ovens.
Called “Hidden Art off Murphy Street”, Jacki describes the exhibition as a collection of colour with both her acrylic and oil paintings and Lauren’s ceramics sharing a bright and expressive colour palette.
Jacki says she likes to explore
a variety of subject matter including still life, portraiture, landscapes and her favouritefigurative work.
She said recent paintings have been inspired by friends who have done the Camino de Santiago walk along with a visit this year to New York’s Chelsea Market, and some have a racing carnival theme.
She said all the works are
new and while some of them have purpose, others are simply playful and fun.
Lauren Bittner is a Wangarattabased creative who says she strives to spark joy in her creations through the use of colour and whimsy.
Lauren is obsessed with the handmade, meaning her work is unique, individual and full of character.
Her clay creations are all handbuilt and then fired in a micro studio kiln, and while she sells online, they have also featured at the annual Mansfield Pottery Festival held in March.
This is Lauren’s first formal exhibition.
The exhibition is open Wednesday to Monday from 10am until 4pm until November 4 and entry is free.
AN exhibition titled Crossing by one of the region’s most acclaimed artists, Fran O’Neill, bringing together work completed over the last decade, is showing at the Wangaratta Art Gallery. Having built a significant international career for her evocative and vibrant abstract paintings, O’Neill has now permanently established her studio in the idyllic surrounds of Cheshunt.
Crossing traces O’Neill’s longing for ‘home’ in those years as an ex-pat, the development of her colour palette and the new work created in response to the quality of light and atmosphere of her Cheshunt studio, and it will be on display until November 10.
A SELECTION of quilts made by local quilter Robyn Batten is on display at My Little Patch for the month of October.
See them in the shop at the rear of 49 Reid Street during opening hours.
THE Wangaratta community market runs every Sunday at Moore Than Swimming, located at 11-13 Mason Street in Wangaratta, from 8am until 1pm.
There are a wide range of stalls to browse with new and used items, plants, fruit and veg and more, with refreshments also on site, with the Wang Repair Café also on site this Sunday.
Stalls are available for $20 each (no bookings required) and car boot sales are welcome for $15, with more information via the market’s Facebook page or call Sheree on 0401 665 886.
WILD Country, an exhibition by artists Heather Hesterman and Clare McCracken being held at Wangaratta Art Gallery in Gallery 2, explores the historical, cultural and social importance of the Ovens River.
Through creative writing, photography, video and performance, the exhibition aims to cultivate a closer connection to our landscape, to the river and to our allimportant resource – water.
See it in Gallery 2 until November 3.
Friday, October 24, 2014
By STEVEN BURKE
YARRUNGA residents have vowed not to sit quietly and watch their pool be shut down.
At least half a dozen questions about council’s decision to close the pool were fired at administrators at Tuesday night’s council meeting at Tarrawingee.
Council has also met with Our Lady’s Primary School principal Mark Walsh, who has spoken out against the planned closure and how it will affect students at his school and Yarrunga Primary School.
An online petition has also attracted 200 signatures.
Leading the charge is Jenny Hart, who set up Save Yarrunga Pool Facebook page, which in a week has attracted a tick under 1000 likes.
Council plans to close the Yarrunga pool at the end of the upcoming summer, replacing it with a splash park at the adjacent Mitchell Avenue park.
It also plans to close the Olympic pool and build a new 50m pool at Wangaratta Indoor Sports and Aquatic Centre (WISAC), as well as a new hydrotherapy pool.
Ms Hart met with council officers yesterday and told them the fight to save the pool is just beginning.
“We aim to take our campaign from social media into action,” she said.
“We’re not adverse to the whole aquatics plan in principle but not at the expense of closing both the recreational outdoor swimming facilities.
“The Yarrunga pool offers
something the proposed outdoor pool does not offer and the entire community can’t afford to lose that.”
Council’s director community wellbeing, Jaime Carroll, said administrators were firm in their commitment to the aquatics plan, but council was still keen to meet with as many people as possible about the Yarrunga pool.
“Administrators are not going to change their minds but we’ve been keen to get across the
message that nothing will happen until replacement facilities are developed,” she said.
“We really applaud the community for coming to us and raising concerns.
“Unless they raise these concerns we won’t know about them.
“A lot of the concerns are quite legitimate and there are things we can do.”
She said concerns had centred around transport challenges for
people from Yarrunga to get to the WISAC, as well as a lack of an outdoor toddler pool in the aquatics plan.
“The lack of a toddler pool is a really legitimate concern that’s been raised,” she said, adding that council’s plan for new facilities at WISAC was not set in stone.
Ms Carroll said council also understood the community concerns about ensuring all young people had access to swimming lessons.
ACROSS
4 To rinse the throat with a liquid, is to do what (6)
7 To be lower in degree, is to be what (8)
8 Which term relates to a year (6)
9 What do we call one who holds first place in a sport (8)
11 What are roads also called (7)
13 To be far away, is to be what (7)
15 To involve in strife, is to do what (7)
17 Which metal urn is used for heating water for making tea (7)
20 What might we call a Tasmanian (8)
23 What, perhaps, are hold-ups (6)
24 Name a ball game of Native American origin (8)
25 To cleave or cling, is to do what (6)
DOWN
1 Name a unit of length in the imperial system (4)
2 What do we call a person living in seclusion (6)
3 Name a flightless bird of New Zealand (4)
4 Alexander Archibald Leach was known as Cary ... (5)
5 To do, perform, or furnish, is to do what (6)
6 To have sprung through air, is to have done what (5)
9 What are persons undergoing training in the armed services, etc (6)
10 Which people take care of the horses, especially at inns (7)
12 Name a more common term for a matelot (6)
14 What is a passage to a distant place (6)
16 What is the redemption of a prisoner, for a price (6)
18 To be in front, is to be what (5)
19 Name another term for a passageway (5)
21 What is good fortune known as (4)
22 To be simple, is to be what (4)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
1 SPECULUM (a) A mirror (b) A risky investment (c) A phantom
2 TECTORIAL (a) Irksome (b) Covering (c) Moving unsteadily
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. Letters
CLUES:
Alfred (abb) (3)
Apartments (5)
Aye (3)
Barbecue (5)
Come together (3)
Display (5)
Milk coffee (5)
Sparkle dust (7)
Sure (7)
Untruth (3)
STUDENTS enjoyed the recent science show presented by Mr Michael Zweck. After the show, they examined the wonders of dry ice up close.
NATURAL WONDER: CCW students including Isla McPhail, Ryan Hassan, Oliver Rees and Lucy Porter were amazed by the properties of dry ice.
STUDENTS celebrated the last day of term three with a lively Footy Colours Day.
Dressed in the jerseys and colours of their favourite football teams or sporting groups, they proudly displayed their team spirit while engaging in a fun day to conclude the term.
TEAM PLAYERS: Students including Tanner Richardson, Kai Howell, Riley Wheeler and Ashton McGennisken showed their true colours, as did Aerine Sheather and Eden Boyle (far right).
CREATIVE DISPLAY: There were a wide variety of works on display in Wangaratta High School’s VCE Arts and Technology exhibition.
THIS week the VCE Arts and Technology exhibition showed the work of many students in various art and technology medias and formats.
Final pieces included photography, textiles, painting, woodwork and more.
Guest speaker, international and local artist, Fran O’Neill, attended the opening on Monday night where students were presented with awards for high achievement in arts and technology, units one to four.
The school thanks everyone who attended the exhibition in support of students, and congratulates all those who presented their work.
PE sessions are a mandated subject for all Victorian schools and Appin Park students enjoy being able to utilise basic skills to employ in new activities and games.
A focus is always on practising fundamental skills, teamwork and persistence so when the older classes are exposed to new games things can become a little more challenging.
Being able to adapt skills is a task in itself; utilising those skills in a fast-paced game can make things even more interesting and thought provoking.
Over the last few weeks, the Year 3/4 students were learning the skills and rules of Scoop Ball.
The Year 5/6 students extended those skills even further to participate in Softcrosse games. It is always wonderful to see teams battling it out on the pitch, using newly acquired skills and then self-umpiring.
Fairness and having the ability to show empathy and consideration to fellow players is often evident and always encouraged.
READY FOR ACTION: Appin Park year five students Charlie Cook and Zara Pell are ready to battle it out on the Softcrosse field.
1Is lactose a sugar, a fat or a protein? 3The Ring of Fire is a zone of high seismic activity associated with which ocean? 4Pearls, sea shells and egg shells all contain which calcium compound as their main component? 5
2Tonic water was originally used as a treatment for which disease?
A VICTORIAN residence of prestige and prominence within a desirable central location.
The rebirth of this heritage jewel is nothing but remarkable, honouring the past with a stunning renovation whilst the extension delivers a state-ofthe-art luxury home.
Meticulously designed with attention to detail, four-bedrooms plus study, three-bathroom accommodation has been flawlessly finished with 3.7m ceilings, timber flooring, abundance of stone, stunning light fittings, decorative cornices and superb custom cabinetry.
The amazing gourmet kitchen where functionality and design are perfectly paired.
Stone surfaces, enormous island bench, fully appointed with quality European appliances and a butler’s pantry.
Further enhancing the entertainer’s kitchen is an abundance of soft close storage, integrated refrigerator, two
dishwashers, dual ovens, built in microwave, two sinks, pot filler and electric cooking.
The true allure of the expansive open plan living area can only be described as amazing, where the high ceilings continue with amazing natural light thanks to an abundance of custom glass windows and doors.
A separate formal living area boasts French doors to the veranda/pool and an open fireplace.
A dedicated home office is complete with custom desk, storage, cabinets and shelving.
The sumptuous primary bedroom offers a high end lavish ensuite with a stunning walking in robe/dressing room.
All further king-sized guest bedrooms contain built-in robes.
The main bathroom perfectly blends herringbone tiles, claw foot bath, stone vanity, frameless glass and brass tapware.
The laundry is fully equipped with
full cabinetry, storage room and electronic drying rack.
Absolute comfort is ensured with heated flooring in bathrooms, ducted reverse cycle heating and cooling and the efficiency of thermo broken windows assist in maintaining the perfect temperature within the home all year round.
Truly a home that can be enjoyed through all seasons, where glass doors seamlessly integrate to the vast covered alfresco area providing a full outdoor kitchen featuring BBQ, sink, dishwasher and stone benchtops.
The stunning 10-metre inground pool is surrounded by exposed aggregate and finished with frameless glass fencing.
Access to the 3rd bathroom from the alfresco area offering guests full floor to ceiling tiles, shower, vanity and WC.
The oversized garage is spacious enough to accommodate two large vehicles comfortably with additional
- $1,800,000 111 Rowan Street, Wangaratta
storage space and ease of access off Dixon Street.
The large 1226m2 block is entirely fenced and fully landscaped with the perfect combination of established trees, gardens and lawns.
This is an amazing opportunity to acquire a “Forever Home” boasting the ultimate in luxury living in this fully renovated period home with an uncompromised attention to detail.
Sale starts: 4pm, Friday 1st November
Sale concludes: 7pm, Monday 4th November
Tractor, Ute, Spray unit, Bale feed out wagon, Horse float, Slasher, Cattle crush, woodworking & power tools, other farm equipment & much more…
Contact: Hayden Rogers 0428 990 231 Dan Ivone 0427 480 548
tool boxes of hand tools, wheel barrow, 4 builders trestles, bag trolley, 2x 2 drawer filing cabinets, camping chairs, 145L Hisense chest freezer, Honeywell portable evap cooler, antique oval extending dining table with 6 chairs (good condition) Beefmaster 4 burner BBQ (good condition) Brother electric sewing machine, farm trailer, mower.
Kelly & Lewis irrigation pump (model 70, 4-6"), steel posts (approx. 50), Berends heavy duty 5ft slasher, old door & frame, weldmesh panels, old locker, stainless steel sink & splash back, light horse army saddle, RM Williams stock saddle, stock saddle, JI Sowter dressage saddle, Mongoose touring bike, kids Giant bike, Rover & Victa mowers, Davey pressure pump, timber shelving & many more sundry items.
■ SUBARU SOLTERRA: The Solterra is about the same size as a RAV4, but with the interior space of a Land Cruiser 300 Series.
By CHRIS RILEY, Marque Motoring
LET’S be frank, Subaru’s first, fully-electric vehicle, the Solterra is basically a rebadged Toyota bZ4X.
Named for the sun and earth, it’s the second collaborative effort by the two car makers after the Toyota 86/ Subaru BRZ sports coupe.
Unlike the coupe, however, which is powered by Sooby’s boxer engine, you’ll struggle to find anything uniquely Subaru about the Solterra.
The junior partner in the relationship, Subaru reportedly had input into the car’s safety and allwheel drive systems.
The mid-sized, five-seat SUV went on sale in mid-2022 in Japan, US, Canada, Europe, and China, but didn’t make it here until March this year.
Obviously, the two cars look a little different, while the Subaru is offered in all-wheel drive form only.
Subaru claims ownership of the car’s e-Subaru Global Platform (e-SGP) but in reality, it’s just another name for the Toyota e-TNGA platform.
The major differences in styling can be found at the front where Subaru has adopted a blunter face for the Solterra, with an hexagonalstyle grille opening plus the addition of fog lights either side of the lower air intake.
Bonnet, front guards and wheel arch flares remain the same to reduce production costs.
At the rear the changes are even more minimal, with alterations confined to the tailgate area.
Inside, the finish is clean and modern, but it all looks very much Toyota, including the landscape-style touchscreen instead of Subaru’s favoured portrait screen.
Solterra ain’t cheap either, offered in two grades: AWD and Touring, priced from $69,990 and $76,990 respectively – plus on-road costs.
Two-tone paint is available as a $1200 option with Touring.
Entry AWD runs on 18-inch rims
(alloys with wheel covers) and low roll resistance rubber.
It is equipped with dusk-sensing, self-levelling LED headlights, LED tail lights, powered-fold mirrors, puddle lights, powered-operated tailgate, roof rails and roof carrier brackets.
Inside, there’s cloth trim and dualzone climate control with rear air vents, heated leather steering wheel, heated front and outer rear seats, eight-way power-adjust driver seat with lumbar support, plus a mat set and cargo tray protector.
Touring adds larger, 20-inch wheels, synthetic leather, panoramic glass roof, power adjustment for the front passenger, auto-dipping door mirrors and door mirror memory for the driver.
A digital rear vision mirror replaces a conventional mirror in both, bypassing the heads and headrests that usually block rear vision.
The price for both grades includes a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, complimentary five-year service plan (60 months/75,000km), five-year roadside assistance, 2kW (8A) AC charging cable with 10A wall plug for charging.
The high voltage battery is covered by an eight-year/160,000km warranty.
Subaru’s Map Update Program provides map updates for the first three years.
Solterra scores a full five-star ANCAP safety rating.
There’s front, side and curtain airbags as well as a front seat centre bag to stop heads from bumping.
Subaru’s hallmark Eyesight system has made way for what’s called Subaru Safety Sense, with support for adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking.
There’s also emergency steering and brake assist, lane departure warning and lane tracing assist, road sign recognition and speed limiter.
Vision Assist incorporates adaptive high beam, blind spot monitor, front and rear parking sensors and parking brake support, with rear cross traffic alert, safe
Unfortunately, the larger EV batteries become, the more redundant home charging cables are becoming.
In this case it takes 35 hours to charge Solterra from 0-100 per cent with a 10A household power point. With three phase power and an 11kW Wallbox, this figure is reduced to 9.5 hours.
Using a commercial DC fast charger, at a rate of up to 150kW, charging from 0-80 per cent can be achieved in as little as 30 minutes.
In terms of driving, Solterra feels overly large and heavy, with steering that is light and twitchy if you don’t watch it.
Acceleration is brisk, with plenty there for overtaking, but probably feels quicker than it is because of the instant torque.
exit assist and a 360-degree view monitor.
Touring adds advanced parking assistance via displays and alerts.
There are three rear top-tether and two ISOFix child-seat anchors.
Solterra features two electric motors, one for each axle, which delivers its all-wheel drive ability. Individually, they deliver 80kW and 168.5Nm, but together produce a combined 160kW of power and 337Nm of torque.
That’s less power and torque than a WRX for example, while Solterra weighs another 500kg+.
DRIVING
Solterra is about the same size as a RAV4, but with the interior space of a Land Cruiser 300 Series.
The dash is trimmed in a course, Berber-style fabric, that might look swish, but is likely to attract dirt and dust (and might not look quite as flash in a couple of years).
There’s no glovebox, but the twotier centre console offers extended storage space and is topped by a sliding armrest.
We found the manual buried in the boot along with the home charging
cable.
And, before you ask, there’s no additional storage available under the bonnet as is the case with many EVs.
Taking a leaf out of Peugeot’s playbook, a separate 7.0-inch digital cluster sits elevated above the level of the steering wheel, negating the need for heads-up display to some extent.
The navigation software lags and the screen does not respond to destination entry at times.
Power is supplied by a 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery, with energy consumption a claimed 18.1kWh/100km.
The dash from 0-100km/h takes around 6.9 seconds, which is a bit pedestrian compared to other electric vehicles.
In contrast, the single motor fitted to the Toyota front-wheel drive version delivers 150kW of power.
Range depends largely on the size of wheel fitted to the vehicle.
Entry AWD with 18-inch wheels is good for 416km, while Touring with 20-inch spinners has a reduced range of 357km (both figures WLTP).
This latter item of information does not seem to have been publicised widely and came as a surprise.
Handling and ride quality are surprisingly good, but the electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering lacks feedback and the car feels isolated from the road.
Three drive modes are offeredNormal, Power and Eco.
In the event of a flat tyre, a puncture repair kit is provided in lieu of a spare wheel.
After more than 500km of mixed driving, including a run up the coast and back, we were getting energy consumption of 18.6 kWh/100km.
Subaru’s Solterra is relatively expensive and doesn’t go nearly far enough on a single charge.
What’s more, it lacks character, and looks and feels more Toyota than Subaru.
There’s no boxer engine and it lacks the signature engine note that Sooby drivers prize, nor is it any great shakes off the line.
Subaru’s biggest sellers are Forester, followed by Crosstrek and Outback in equal measures.
Solterra is nothing like these vehicles, nor any other Subaru and this could be a bigger stumbling block than the company might think.
We are upgrading our financial system. As a result, payment services will be unavailable via our website and Customer Service desk, from 12pm Friday 18 October, until Monday 28 October. You will not be able to pay: Animal Registration Renewals, Home & Community Services, Infringement Notices, Tax Invoices/Statements.
You will be able to pay: Rates, Planning permits More information here: https://bit.ly/48pSFSp
• Tuesday 29 October 5.30pm | Benjamin Stevenson in conversation with Mark Bolsius from Booktique.
• Thursday 31 October 6.30pm | Gary Davis in conversation.
• Tuesday 12 November 10.30am | Georgina Banks fundraiser and in conversation with Belinda Harrison from Edgars Books and News.
Bookings for all events are essential https://shorturl.at/Lx6zq
Application NoPlnApp24/114
Location 6 Riverview Crescent WANGARATTA
Proposal Removal of a restrictive covenant
This application can be viewed on Rural City of Wangaratta’s website under Development, Planning, Current Applications. Any person who may be affected by the granting of a permit may object or make a submission (must be in writing). For more information, please contact the Town Planning Unit on 03 5722 0888. Council will not decide these applications before 06/11/2024.
On 23 October 2024 Council Officers impounded an abandoned vehicle from Ely Street, Wangaratta. The vehicle is a red Kia Rio Sedan and has previously been registered in NSW. Council requests the owner contact Customer Service to claim the vehicle.
The 2023-2024 Annual Report was endorsed at this week’s council meeting and can be downloaded from our website here: https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/annualreport2024
Nominations for Rural City of Wangaratta Australia Day Awards 2025 are now open. Anyone can nominate a citizen, young citizen, community event, or project that has inspired them over the last year. Nominations close at 6pm, Saturday 9 November 2024. For more information visit: https://bit.ly/4h0ymyK
Each month we are showcasing the cool, quirky, and unique shopping spots across our region. Until November 2024, residents and visitors are invited to explore our charming townships for a chance to win some awesome prizes. Make a purchase at participating businesses, scan the QR code at point of purchase, and you’re in! This month we are highlighting Wangaratta. More info here: https://bit.ly/3IZq8Xy
To assist residents to clean up around their property, we are offering free green waste disposal at all transfer stations for the whole month of November!
Garden waste, leaf litter, branches and woody material will be accepted. All green waste will be inspected upon entry to transfer stations so please ensure material is separated and free from contaminants, general waste, and recyclables. For further information please contact Council’s customer service team on (03) 5722 0888
Wareena Park Oval on Swan Street is closed for reconstruction, with completion expected by April 2025. Access to Wareena Park Pavilion, the carpark, toilets, dump point and the former bowls club will remain open for public use. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve this community space. To find out more visit Our Projects on our website.
68456 SGA Drainage Basin Construction
72387 Road Pavement Rehabilitation Program - MoyhuHansonville Road
72316 Road Pavement Rehabilitation ProgramGambolds Lane
Tenders close at 2pm on Thursday 31 October
T16150 Glenrowan Augmented Reality Project
Tender closes at 12 noon on Wednesday 6 November
65468 Cryer’s Bridge Replacement, Myrrhee-Whitlands Road, Boggy Creek
Tender closes at 2pm on Thursday 7 November
T15289 Supply & delivery of Emulsion
Tender closes at 12 noon on 6 November
Further details on all tenders may be obtained by visiting eProcure on Council’s website.
Early Childhood Educator - Level
For further information on these positions please visit wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/Careers
37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677
NOTICE TO MEMBERS
“Supporting local families for over 40 years”
UPPER MURRAY FAMILY CARE INCORPORATED
“Strengthening families and individuals to build vibrant communities”
Reg No. A 5357 ARBN: 081 624 768 ABN: 99 081 624 768
Welcomes you to the 40th Annual General Meeting Of Upper Murray Family Care Incorporated. The AGM will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2024 10am at UMFC 27-29 Stanley St, Wodonga. Interested members of the public are invited to attend.
Please RSVP by the 1st of November 2024. Phone: (02) 6055 8000 or email: ea@umfc.com.au
MOYHU FOOTBALL & NETBALL CLUB AGM
Tuesday, November 12, 2024 6.30pm
MOYHU CLUB ROOMS
moyhufootballclub@ bigpond.com
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Da Vinci Social Club Inc will be held at the Club, 55 Pyles Lane, Laceby on Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 2pm.
To Visit Visited
PRE-SEASON MEETING
To be held at the Laceby West CFA Station on Sunday, October 27, 2024, 11am start. All operational and non-operational members are urged to attend.
Barbecue lunch to follow. Please direct any enquiries to phone 0413 780 416.
GARAGE moving sale, grab a bargain, everything must go! Camping gear, plants, tools and misc. 42 Kingfisher Drive, Wangaratta, Saturday, October 26, 8am start.
To Visit Visited
GARAGE SALE, Saturday October 26, 91 Vincent Road, household and shed goods, 8am till 1pm, No early entry.
MOVING sale. Large range of items must go. Adult and kids clothing, household items, paintings, kitchenware, crockery, shed/ garden items, fans and appliances, fabric ,kids crafts, bric a brac, sports equipment and more. Saturday, October 26, 7.30am till 1pm, 33 Taylor Street, Wangaratta.
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.
FRANK’S DOG TRAINING, qualified, professional dog behaviourist, nationally accredited, obedience training, behavioral solutions, $70 a session. Ph 0418 314 610. Check out my dog tricks on Facebook.
KITCHENS JUST FOR YOU, cabinet making solutions. Kitchens available before Christmas. Phone Roland 0414 950 647.
MARK’S Mowing, reasonable prices, ride on mowing, edging, clean up, spraying and any waste removal. Ph 0472 603 156.
Earthworks, available for all your earthworks needsyard clean ups, stump removals, driveways, material supply and spreading, rural work and more. Call Marcus on 0491 094 545.
Engineer StudentWork Experience
Full time, Fixed Term (Until February 2025) $64,738 - $68,755 per annum (Pro Rata)
Applications close 4pm Sunday, 10 November 2024.
Visit www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au/jobs to download the position recruitment kit, and to view instructions on how to apply.
Busy retail shop Full-Time or Part-Time
Ph 03 5721 3822 (business hours)
In
tisement
(Operations & Services Positions)
Jubilee Golf Club are on the lookout for an enthusiastic individual to join our team and play a pivotal role in our Pro-Shop and golfing facilities area.
As part of our dynamic team, you’ll have opportunities for growth, development, and a chance to work in a picturesque setting.
The ideal candidates will exhibit flexibility in working varied shifts across a 7-day roster, including weekdays, weekends and public holidays.
MiClub golf timesheet and competition software is used (full training will be provided).
Responsible Service of Alcohol Certification (or willingness to obtain).
If you’re excited about being part of our team, we encourage you to enquire or submit your cover letter and resume to: The Secretary 0437 800 982 pinjarra.1@bigpond.com
Casual opportunity based in Wangaratta Earn $42.90 per hour plus weekend penalty rates
Do you have great communication skills and want to be a role model to people hoping for a second chance?
The Department of Justice and Community Safety are looking for people like you to
Correctional Services.
Community work serves as a valuable way for people who have committed offences to pay back and reintegrate into the community. We ensure these individuals make genuine efforts to undergo rehabilitation, and we keep low risk individuals out of prison and help them contribute to the community.
As a your main role is to supervise a team at community work sites to complete their community work tasks, which might include painting, mowing or maintenance work. Other responsibilities include performing site inspections, assessing hazards, providing guidance and maintaining tools.
To be successful in this role you will have strong communication skills, a good understanding of Occupational Health and Safety Practices and good life skills.
Victorian driver’s licence and undergo Weekend availability is essential.
For further information on this position and
About North East Media (NEM)
NEM is an independent family owned media company with community and farming newspapers, magazines and websites across North East VIC, Southern and Central NSW.
The Wangaratta Division is responsible for a group of regular print and digital publications, including the tri weekly Wangaratta Chronicle and weekly Ovens and Murray Advertiser. We also have special publications, including North East Living Magazine, North East Tourist News, North East Farmer, Southern Farmer, North East Kids and Footy Focus.
Who are we looking for?
The Wangaratta Division is looking for a driven and committed individual to join our advertising sales team, responsible for managing existing clients while growing your own sales.
The ideal candidate will have:
•At least 2 years’ sales experience (sales of advertising in multi-media is a plus, not essential)
•The capacity to see opportunities and market trends and a drive to achieve results to help our business grow
•Effective communication skills (verbal and written), enabling connection with a wide range of people across various industries
•The capability to sustain existing relationships and continuously build new ones
•An excellent work ethic and organisational skills (including maintaining current records in our company CRM program) enabling you to consistently meet deadlines and achieve your sales targets.
•The ability to collaborate (including with your manager, sales colleagues, our editors and graphic designers) to ensure seamless execution of advertising campaigns
•A motor vehicle and a current driver’s licence
What are we offering?
A full-time position with an attractive remuneration package comprising a base salary, commission and employer superannuation contributions.
While this is a maternity leave position, we envisage that the role will lead to an ongoing employment opportunity at the at the end of the 12 month maternity leave period.
How to apply
If you are self-motivated, results-orientated and looking for a challenge in the media environment, forward your resume and covering letter to: Kevin Spendier Advertising Manager kspendier@nemedia.com.au
For further information please contact Debra Harvey, Acting Director Business & Service Development - (03) 5728 0342 or email debra.harvey@beechworthhealth.org.au
• Full Salary Packaging Arrangements
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Passport Program
Join our amazing team of educators and a professional environment that is passionate, We are currently seeking applicants for the following ongoing position for 2025. Food Technology Teacher Our school community promotes the safety,
and social inclusion
SHED find, vintage Chrysler Regal Lebaron ’78, 4.3 ltres, $10,000, looking for offers, VIN: CLBH4IV105369. Ph 0459 899 884.
FORD FALCON FATURA 2003 BA, engine number JGSW3J29778, DLPG sedan, major KMs driven by one careful lady, $4k of receipts showing money spent on car at Premier Panels, 12 months registration plus roadworthy certificate included, car mechanically drives like new, no burning oil, asking $8000 ONO. Ph 03 5721 3948.
2015 HINO, 187,000 km’s, 12/24 Rego (1SM6CX) 3.5 TONNE, DIESEL MOTOR, TUCKAWAY TAILGATE VERY GOOD CONDITION, COMES WITH RWC
MERCEDES Sprinter campervan, ver y good condition, reg till April ’25, can get roadworthy, VIN: WDF9036622A908307,
rams
With much love and happiness, we announce the marriage of Daniel and Hollie on 29/10/2024
Congratulations and best wishes! ~ from both families.
Phone Becky or Hugh on 5798 1868.
TYRES new and secondhand, trailer, rims, wrecking. New hours 9am to 5pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 44 Newman Street, Wangaratta. Ph 0428 257 221, Adzam Tyres.
miss you very much buddy. So much love to Fabe, Shan, Lily and Eliza. Rest in Peace
Love, Aunty Sue, Tennille, Rod, Charley, Noah and Milla. Brad, Robyn, Macey, Amy and Henry. Jason, Paige, Seth and Dane.
McGAURAN, Bernard James “Bernie”. 16/5/1941 – 16/10/2024
Passed away peacefully at Northeast Health after a long illness.
Loved husband of Irene of 58 years. Proud father of Shaun and Christian. Father-in-law of Michelle and Nita. Poppy of Rhys, Noah, Darcy (dec) and Ella. Step-brother of Richard “Dick” English (dec). Brother of John “Irish Jack”. Brother-in-law of Brenda. Interred in Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery. Rest in peace.
McGAURAN, Bernard James Brendan. 16/ 5/1941 – 16/ 10/2024
Loved brother of John Francis Micheal McGauran (Irish Jack) For 83 years. Thinking of you and remembering the good times that we spent and shared together. No more suffering or Pain. RIP Bernie.
McGAURAN, Bernard James. 16/5/1941 – 16/10/2024
His pleasures were simple, his needs were few, if his family was happy, he was too. He gave us love in the fullest measure, care, devotion and memories to treasure, he shared our dreams, hopes and tears. Thank you Dad (Poppy) for those precious years.
Loved father of Shaun and Christian, father-in-law to Michelle and Nita. Poppy to Rhys, Noah, Darcy (dec) and Ella. Now at rest.
PIANEGONDA, John. 08/7/1948 – 18/10/2024
It is with great sadness that the family of John Pianegonda announce his passing at his family home on Friday, October 18, 2024. Husband to Valerie. Father to Katrina and Mark (both dec). He will be greatly missed for his kind heart and his generosity to help others. Forever in our hearts.
A farewell gathering for Joyce Butler will be held at Mason Park Funerals today Friday, October 25, 2024 at 11.30am. A private cremation will follow.
Mason Park Funerals
5721 5060 masonpark.com.au
The funeral service for Ann Minns will be held at Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Thursday, October 31, 2024. Commencing at 10.30am. Private cremation will follow. Ann’s service can be viewed via livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming/ In lieu of flowers donations to The Fred Hollows Foundation in memory of Ann can be made online at www.hollows.org/ Mason Park Funerals 5721 5060 masonpark.com.au
FULLER, Roy. 5/2/1953 - 25/10/2020. Four years have passed, I was never ready for you to leave, You will forever be in my heart and memories. ~ Love and miss you always, Tracy.
HILL, Mark Anthony. 27/3/1971 – 25/10/2014 We think about you always. We talk about you still. You have never been forgotten and you never will. We hold you close within our hearts and there you will remain, to walk and guide us through our lives until we meet again.
Forever ours, love Mum and Annie.
BOURKE, John Patrick. October 21,2006. Words are few, thoughts are deep. Memories of you I will always keep. ~Kathryn.
McINNES, Helen Elizabeth “Nellie” 22/3/33 – 23/10/24
Passed away at Wangaratta Hospital on October 23, 2024.
Beloved wife of the late Nevan John McInnes.
Beloved mother of Helen, Robyn, Bill and Jim.
Beloved mother-in-law of Barry and Barb. Beloved Grandmother of Blair, Scott, Heather, Stephen, Sarah and Nikki. Beloved great grandmother of Theo, Lenny, Artie, Remi, Koda, Katie and Georgia.
She was everything to the family… A true salt of the earth! Now at rest.
Funeral arrangements to be advised.
MINNS (Née Strong), Ann Elizabeth. 11/8/1939 – 19/10/2024
Passed away peacefully at Morrie Evans, Benalla On Saturday, October 19, 2024. Wife of Barry (dec). Loving mother to Monique and Peter (dec). Mother-in-Law to Michael.
We couldn’t say a last farewell, Or even say goodbye. For you were gone before we knew, And only God knows why.
Funeral prayers to honour John’s life will be offered at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church, 2 Coronation Avenue, Bright commencing at 2pm on Friday, November 8, 2024 followed by interment at the Bright Cemetery.
FRASCA, John Michael.
Jack, Rose, Pip, Lyn, Jo and families would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their kind expressions of sympathy, condolences, cards, visits, food and flowers.
Special thanks to the dedicated Doctors and Nurses at NE Health for their care of John. Thank you to NE Funerals for their caring assistance with the service arrangements. Please accept this as our personal thanks.
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
A YARRAWONGA tobacco store was raided by police on Tuesday morning as part of a major disruption of an alleged $30 million illicit tobacco crime syndicate.
Detectives from Victoria Police’s VIPER and Lunar taskforces charged eight people with Commonwealth offences for their part in directing and assisting an organised crime syndicate.
As part of those investigations, a New South Wales man was taken into custody at Yarrawonga.
The 21-year-old was interviewed and released and he is expected to be charged on summons.
It will be alleged the syndicate was leasing stores, employing staff as supervisors, store managers and couriers and commencing deliveries under the guise of operating the stores as legitimate gifts and confectionary stores, while selling only illicit tobacco and related products.
Investigators have obtained transactional records which reflect the syndicate earned over $30M in a 12-month period through the sale of illicit tobacco in these stores.
More than 27 search warrants were executed statewide with assistance from Australian Federal Police (AFP), the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Australian Border Force’s (ABF) Illicit Tobacco Taskforce and Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
Outside of the Yarrawonga Orr Street tobacco store raid, police searched three industrial properties, nine residential properties and 14 other tobacco stores.
During the raids, police seized at least 600,000 illicit tobacco sticks, more than 75kgs of loose-leaf tobacco and a significant quantity of cash from the residential addresses as well as utilities and vans investigators will allege were used in the distribution of illicit tobacco.
Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien said the disruption of this crime syndicate would have a substantial impact on the illicit tobacco trade.
“These were significant players who we believe were directing the activity of a criminal organisation, turning a huge profit at the expense of others,” he said.
“Those involved have the potential and the propensity to commit serious acts of violence and given their complete disregard for the safety of others, pose a serious risk to the community.
“We are doing absolutely everything we can to bring this criminality to an end and to make involvement in illicit tobacco as hostile a
proposition as possible for organised crime groups.”
A 25-year-old Hoppers Crossing man was arrested at Melbourne Airport just before 6am on Tuesday and was charged with the Commonwealth offence of directing the activities of a criminal organisation, possess tobacco products with the intent of defrauding the revenue (Customs Act 1901), possess proceeds of crime and sell/distribute e-cigarettes.
Directing the activities of a criminal organisation carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
Four other people were arrested and have been charged with the same offences, while four others were charged with separate Commonwealth offences.
Searches of the tobacco stores are still underway with total seizures to be confirmed.
The investigation commenced in December 2023 to specifically target and disrupt the trade of illicit tobacco and e-cigarettes linked to
to the course after they were sucessful
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
BOORHAMAN Golf Club is set to welcome a new driving range in the coming months after a $10,000 council grant has fully funded works to begin.
As part of the Rural City of Wangaratta Community Grants program, the golf club was one of the biggest beneficiaries as they look to take their already diverse range of offering for golfers to the next level.
Boorhaman Golf Club vice president Marcus Neal said the club was awaiting the planning permit to be ticked off before concreting, fencing and nets are to be installed.
“We’re rapt with the council and very appreciative, we put a fair bit of work into our application to
make sure we covered the criteria off,” he said.
The driving range has been the brainchild of Mr Neal, who only joined the club’s committee last year.
Mr Neal said he was getting lessons from club captain Nick Batchelor when a conversation stemmed about a potential driving range at the club as an alternative source of income.
“The main thing we’re trying to do is to get more people involved in playing golf,” he said.
“We want to be an option for people from Rutherglen and Wangaratta to come out here into a nice quiet, picturesque area.
“It gives us other options to have community days as well and to get kids involved.”
Mr Neal said the range would
be set up on the first hole and include two dual-purpose bays, giving golfers the option to hit balls onto the fairway in one direction or turning around and hitting into a net.
“We really want to promote something that’s new and exciting and to have a dualpurpose, so you can turn 90 degrees and have a net there as well,” he said.
The project is proposed to be delivered in three stages, with roofing, automatic ball feeders and solar lights all in Mr Neal’s vision for the range.
Without regular formal golfing days, Mr Neal said the club has long been exploring other avenues of regular revenue to ensure its survival.
FootGolf has been a feature
this organised crime syndicate.
Victoria Police has identified a number of state, national and global organised crime syndicates involved in the illicit tobacco conflict. These syndicates are comprised of personnel from Middle Eastern organised crime groups and outlaw motorcycle gangs who are then engaging local networked youth and youth gangs to carry out the offending.
Investigators continue to appeal to anyone, especially store owners and staff, who have information about these incidents and who is responsible to come forward.
Anyone with information about these incidents or with further information about serious and organised crime linked to the illicit tobacco trade is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au.
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
INVESTIGATIONS into an arson attack on a motorhome in White Street last Friday are ongoing as the suspects remain on the loose.
Police said Wangaratta Crime Investigation Unit detectives continue to search for two suspects who were involved in setting the motorhome alight at around 3:20am on October 18.
Police released CCTV vision in the hope someone may have information.
The vision showed two offenders made separate attempts to set the motorhome alight with a Molotov cocktail and a jerry can.
The first alleged arsonist appeared to have thrown a Molotov cocktail at the vehicle, setting his arm on fire during his efforts.
He was last seen running down the road.
at the course since opening in 2015, and played a crucial role in revitalising the club amid declining participation and external challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Neal said he hoped the informal nature of the club and the ability to include lessons with club captain Mr Batchelor for groups like schools would create a vibrant atmosphere at the new range.
“The people who can play go to Wangaratta and Jubilee but for people who just want to learn the game it’s a good spot for that,” he said.
“Long-term, the way you’re going to make money is probably going to come from the driving range, the one in Wangaratta is killing it.”
In the second attempt, another man is seen with a jerry can which is used to further ignite the blaze.
The man was last seen running from the scene.
Fire crews quickly brought the blaze under control, with the situation deemed contained shortly after emergency services were called to the incident.
Investigators believe one of the men would have been injured during the incident and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au.
SATURDAY, October 19
Stableford
Winner: Frances Duffy 38. Ball Winners: Marion Hunt (2) 37, Melody Adams 33, Vicki Moorhead 32, Di Murphy 32.
NTP: 8th Ange Mitchell, 13th Frances Duffy, 17th Ros White. Saturday, October 19
Stableford
A Grade Winner: Allen Bastin 40. B Grade Winner: Glenn Ryan 37. C Grade Winner: Brian Luxford 35.
D Grade Winner: David O’Connor 38. Ball winners: Danny Potter (2) 35, Brian Lee 35, Trevor Gunn 34, Martin Hill 34, Bill O’Brien 34, Steve Rigoni 34, Jim D’Arcy 33, Stephen Thomas 33, Peter Geldens 32, Mal White 32, Stan Goldsworthy 32, Neville Hogan 32.
NTP: 4th Chris Palmer, 8th Bronte Bruce, 13th Dave O’Connor, 17th Allen Bastin.
TARRAWINGEE Golf Club results
Saturday, October 19 and 20.
The Tarrawingee Golf Club held their Annual Tournament over the weekend with the Mixed Pinehurst being held on Saturday, October 19. Thanks to our sponsors Woodpark Wines of Milawa.
Scratch winners were Manny Tanirau and Lucia DaPos 87, runners up were Leo McCoy and Glenda Marshall 92.
Handicap winners on a countback were Pete Nolan and Toni Wilson nett 76.1/8, runners up were Bill Wright and Fay Phillips nett 76.1/8
Nearest the pins on the day were men 8th Pete Nolan, ladies 8th Lucia DaPos.
The Men’s 18 hole Stroke event was held on the Sunday with a very good roll up of players with the following results: A Grade scratch champion Nathan Thomas 75 runner up Darren Edwards 84.
Handicap winner Lee Talbot 87/10/77, runner Bill Wright 92/12/80.
B Grade Scratch: Tom Leitch 90. Runner up Terry Glass 92.
Handicap winner: Manny Tanirau 92/15/77, runner up: Ken Miller 95/14/81.
C Grade Scratch: Zane Howard 93, runner up: Tyson Carey 94.
Handicap winner: Luke Chandler 104/33/71, runner up: Bill Tilley 101/25/76.
Nearest the pins were 4th Bill Wright, 8th Darren Edwards.
Thanks to our sponsors W.A.W. Aroma Deli and Niko’s Butchery Appin Street.
Golf to be played Saturday, October 26 will be a novelty day three
club event, ladies also welcome to play their own event if numbers permit.
Starting at 11.30am for 12pm hit off.
New members are always welcome at the Tarrawingee Golf Club with a first year membership of $100 and very reasonable competition fees, this can be done by contacting a member or phoning 0428 122 590.
Tarra Ladies
Last Tuesday Tarra ladies played Secret Pairs Stableford event.
The winners were Joan Quarrel and Lynn Barrow with Di McLaughlin and Toni Wilson having the next best score.
NTP on the 13th was Di McLaughlin.
RESULTS for Monday, October 21 are as follows:
Shirley Godfrey and Christine Ireland d Wendy Waddington and Gavan Kelly 5/4, Terry Wilson d Elise Downes 7/4.
Last weekend, Joan Dyson and Cheryle Beckley along with Maureen O’Keefe and Andy Barbero competed in the Howlong Handicap Doubles Tournament with Maureen and Andy achieving runner-up status.
On Monday and Tuesday Janet Kelly, Maureen O’Keefe, Gabi Heywood, Andy Barbero of Wangaratta and Nathan Reynolds (Yarrawonga) played in the ACA Handicap Doubles Tournament held at the Twin City Croquet Club in Albury.
Wangaratta Croquet Club members (from left) Andy Barbero, Janet Kelly, Gabi Heywood, Maureen O’Keefe and Nathan Reynolds (associate member) competed at the ACA Handicap Tournament earlier in the week. One of the major golf croquet events in the country, the tournament was hosted by Twin City Croquet Club at Albury Tennis Centre. The locals played exceptionally well in the doubles, with Andy and Nathan reaching the semi-finals, while Janet and Maureen made the quarter finals.
Andy and Nathan reached the semi-finals, while Janet and Maureen reached the quarter finals.
Gabi is currently playing in the Singles event, so Wangaratta is well represented.
No games were played at Wangaratta on Wednesday morning due to lack of numbers, possibly caused by the wet weather or players recovering from four days on the courts at Howlong and Twin City, however, eight members fronted up in the evening and played until dark.
October is Victorian Seniors month and everyone is welcome to Come and Try our great game on any Monday, Wednesday or Saturday.
No booking is necessary, but please wear flat soled, covered footwear (no heels)
All necessary equipment and instruction is free of charge for Come and Try participants.
Play is at 9am on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, with twilight play from 6.00pm on Wednesday evenings.
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.
SUNDAY, October 20
Mount Buffalo
A fine and sunny day was on
display for the 15 walkers who were intent on walking to Eagle Point and Og, Gog and Magog at Mount Buffalo.
After about a half hour drive from the base, we reached our starting point, the track leading to Mac’s Point.
The first section was damp underfoot. Much of the time we walked in shallow flowing water along our walking paths.
Morning tea was taken at 10.30am and just over 2km into our walk, in a location that offered some seating care of mother nature and just before the turn to Mac’s Point. This route travels through rocky terrain, grass plains, and forests of snowgum and alpine ash.
Once we reached the Rocky Creek Track, a dirt road that leads to the reservoir, we headed in the opposite direction towards Eagle Point.
It is at this point we have descended some 150m since we began the walk.
After some 6km of total walking we reached the rock formation.
The advantage of the final ascent is the sturdy ladders to assist you in reaching the summit of the imposing granite boulders.
Eagle Point was our lunch spot at midday with a cloudless sky above us.
With an elevation of about 1470m a keen eye could see Winton Wetlands to the west and Mt. Cobbler to the south.
After lunch and a group photo, it was time to head to the next rock formation, Og, Gog & Magog.
After this pleasant and shaded trail, we reached our necessary junction.
A little more effort with some minor rock scrambling to reach the view at the top is required.
Our elevation of almost 1500m rewarded us with picturesque alpine scenery and expansive views of the Buffalo Plateau.
After some relaxing moments and welcomed edible snakes, it was time to leave.
From here, it was a matter of retracing our route back to the cars.
On our return a snake was spotted by some of the group.
The sounds of birds and joyous frogs with the recent rainfall could be frequently heard.
It was a fantastic day of walking in ideal conditions.
Our 13.88km (or 138,800 decimetres) hike was completed in 6 hours and 20 minutes, once the final group arrived back at the cars just after 4pm.
Coming Events
Saturday, November 2
White Box Walk, Chiltern-Mt Pilot NP (Jeanette, 0417 546 974)
An easy loop walk of approx 8.5km on the White Box Walking Track in the Chiltern – Mount Pilot National Park.
The walk is mostly on bush track, with some gravel road sections, it starts and finishes at the Honeyeater Picnic Area and takes in the former goldmining landscape and remnant Box-Ironbark Forest.
Tuesday, November 5
Cup Day, Orchard Track, Stanley State Forest (Lesley, 0439 776 687)
A choice of two walks being an easy walk of approx 8km, and an easy/medium walk of approx 10km on gravel roads and bush tracks in the Stanley State Forest, taking in Orchard Track, Clarkes Corner and the Murmungee Lookout.
The longer walk will include some short steep sections.
Bring along your race day hat, a plate to share for afternoon tea, and your choice of beverage to celebrate Cup Day.
Local walks from Bushwalking Victoria’s “Try Bushwalking Month November” – includes our White Box Walk at Chiltern (Sat, 2 Nov, 8:15am - 1pm); Mt Glenrowan via Chick Hill (Sun, 17 Nov, 8:15am - 2:30pm); and Kangaroo Hill, Eldorado. (Sat, 30 Nov, 8:15am3:30pm) – for other regional walks see https://ticketing.humanitix.com/ tours/trybushwalking-month-with-bushwalking-victoria.
the winning run or
www.wangarattachronicle.com.au/photo-sales
BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au
LOCAL horseman Ben Brisbourne will have two runners at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate Day.
Inexperienced three-yearold filly Grizinger Pod ($23) will take on race three’s $175,000 listed Symal Crockett Stakes, while stable star Suparazi ($13) will feature in race eight’s $400,000 group two Allinta Energy Crystal Mile.
While both are seen as outside chances, Brisbourne said it’s exciting to have two runners in action on one of spring racing’s premier days.
“It’s what we all strive for, having runners on days like these,” Brisbourne said.
“It’s nice to be going there with two horses who have a chance, they’ve got genuine claims.
“It’s going to be great to turn up on such a big day but it would be even better to get a result.”
Grizinger Pod burst onto the racing scene with a debut victory at Bendigo in May and then went on to finished under two lengths back in a two-year-old handicap at Flemington.
She was then spelled and has had one official trial and two jump outs in the lead-up to tomorrow’s first-up run where she will jump from gate one with Craig Williams in the saddle.
“She’s a nice filly and we’re at that time of year where we want to know where we’re sitting with her so we’ve thrown her in the deep end,” Brisbourne said.
“She was far from disgraced last start in a race
It’s nice to be going there with two horses who have a chance, they’ve got genuine claims. It’s going to be great to turn up on such a big day but it would be even better to get a result.
- BEN BRISBOURNE
that’s had some good form come out of it so she’s not out of the question.
“We just want to find out whether she’s at that stakes
grade or if we should lower our sights a bit.
“Her trials and jump outs have been impressive, she’s gets an in-form jockey and
a good barrier so you never know.”
For Suparazi, the seasoned campaigner isn’t out of the question for a place
either after a flashing second place finish behind one of the country’s rising sprinters in Jimmysstar in the listed Weekend Hussler Stakes at Caulfield two weeks ago.
Ciaron Maher’s Jimmysstar is the current favourite for November 16’s group one Rupert Clarke Stakes.
Suparazi has drawn barrier eight with Jy McNeil booked to ride.
“He’s been super all prep,” Brisbourne said.
“This is a lead up run for his grand final on Melbourne Cup Day in Sydney, the $3 million Big Dance so we’re just looking to put the finishing touches on him fitness wise.
“It’s probably not ideal that he’s running in a super competitive group two but in saying that he hasn’t been missed in the market and is currently a 12-1 chance so there’s been some respect around his last couple of runs.
“He was really good last start and ran the same last 600m sectionals as Jimmysstar who is the favourite for a group one in a couple of weeks.
“It’ll be a tough race tactics wise and he mightn’t have luck when he needs it but he’s in super order.”
The $3 million Big Dance race is a special conditions feature run at Randwick on Melbourne Cup Day each year where Suparazi gained entry through winning the Snake Gully Cup.
The son of Super One is on the fifth line of betting for The Big Dance, currently an $11 chance and Brisbourne is looking forward to the occasion.
“It’s amazing the improvement he’s made in the past 12 months,” he said.
“To go from the Snake Gully Cup to being a genuine chance in a $3 million race is pretty crazy.
“He’s training well, has been super every start this prep, will get a beautiful weight and is fourth or fifth in the market.
“It’s nice to train a horse for a target race like this and it’s also nice that we won’t be going to make up the numbers.”
MICHAEL Quirk is looking forward to leading the Mountain Men in the 2025 Ovens and King season.
Quirk takes over the senior coaching role at Pioneer Park from Paul Harrison, who had coached the side for the past four seasons, after Harrison announced he would be stepping down after the 2024 finals series.
A well-known figure in local sporting circles, Quirk coached Beechworth to back-to-back O&K flags in 2000 and 2001, and has been an integral member of the Myrtleford Saints over the years doing whatever the club needed, including stints as coach and president.
Quirk said he was eager to embrace the challenge of coaching a legitimate flag contender.
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
“I’m definitely looking forward to the task and the challenge, and picking up the good work from where ‘Harro’ left off,” he said.
“It came about through common friendships, people I’ve known at the Bright footy club over the years, and my son Luke who’s been playing at Bright from last year.
“Conversations rolled on from that when ‘Harro’ decided to put his hand up and step aside, the conversations flowed from there, and here’s where we are.
“I’ve been in footy for most of my life, I’ve played a long time and coached various clubs through junior
football and senior football.”
Bright has featured in every senior finals series contested since 2018, with back-to-back grand final appearances in 2023 and ’24.
Quirk said the talent in the group was undeniable, and the frame was there to mount another successful campaign in ’25.
“If we can maintain the majority of the list and add some depth and a bit of quality to that list, I think they can challenge again,” he said.
“I think the frame is there to build on.
“I’d like to add a bit of pace and a bit of run to the midfield to offset the good work by Sam Dalbosco and the rest of the midfielders who work hard.
“I believe we’ve got the goal kicking power to challenge again, we might try to add a key backman there as well.”
After coming so close on multiple occasions, the playing list are fired up to go one step further in 2025, with most players recommitting.
“The majority have agreed verbally – I’ve been around to the majority of the list and everyone’s keen to go again,” Quirk confirmed.
“Declan Bren is returning to Myrtleford, and we wish him well, but I’m confident we’ll retain the majority of the list, and add a bit of depth to it through the midfield.”
A date for preseason training at Pioneer Park is yet to be confirmed.
“I think we can complement their work rate with a bit of pace and skill through the midfield.
By NATHAN DE VRIES
A FIERCE but friendly rivalry will once again be ignited on Saturday when Ovens Valley United’s A grade side make the trek up to Baarmutha Park to face Beechworth Wanderers.
While it’s still very early in the season, both sides look to have what it takes to mount a major offensive in the hunt for glory in season 2024/25.
Both sides will be angling for a victory to settle back into the season, with the Wanderers having the bye last weekend and Ovens Valley United collapsing from a winnable position against the Hawks on the weekend.
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“They opened the bowling with spin which is a different tactic and they executed that to perfection.
“So we’ll expect them to throw a few unexpected things at us but they do still have some of their regulars like Cooper Matheson and Jack Davies.”
It’s the Hawks first game at home after starting the season at Yarrawonga and then Myrtleford.
With Rovers hosting an O&M final in mid-September it’s left little time to prepare a pitch but McNamara doesn’t expect too many demons to be present come tomorrow.
“We didn’t get a heap of time to get a wicket up because they were playing footy there only a month or so ago but it’s coming along nicely,” he said.
“By Saturday it should be right to go and I don’t reckon there’ll be too many demons in it.”
Jeremy Wilson and Dean Shaw are unavailable for the clash leaving the door open for some inclusions.
Tomorrow’s one-day clash starts at 1pm.
The Tigers’ new playing coach Geeth Alwis will present some problems for Beechworth, with 135 runs and a five-fa from two rounds, while the Wanderers boast one of the most prolific top orders seen in the WDCA for some time.
Wanderers skipper Brenton Surrey said the Tigers could never be counted out of a contest.
“It’s always good to come against the new guys and he (Alwis) will be no different,” he said.
“They’ve been a dangerous outfit over previous years and when they get it right, they can beat anyone on their day.
“We’ll have our work cut
out and it’ll be no different this week, we’ll have to be on our game and play well to win.”
Ovens Valley United skipper Dylan Bursill said he always looked forward to playing the Wanderers.
“We’ve had a couple of cracking games at Beechworth for as long as I can remember, they’ve always been tight games up at Beechworth,” he said.
“The last couple (one day games), we’ve actually come away with the win, so it’s been good.
“I think they’re going to be one of the teams to beat this year, they had four of the top batters last year with Campbell Fendyk, Clancy Ellett
and the two Surrey boys, and they’ve added a bit of class on top of that with Matt and Jack Ryan both playing.
“That’ll give them a couple of extra bowlers, I think they’ll be right up there so it’s going to be a tough game.
“We’ll just keep working at it, we’re pretty happy with the squad we’ve got and we’ve been training really hard and working on our game, so we’re looking to take it right up to Beechworth and see where we’re at.”
Elsewhere, the Magpies look to back up last week’s smashing win against a tough Rovers United Bruck side, while Benalla host the Lakers.
AS the junior cricket season continues in the region, those whose game is a step above are getting ready to take the next step.
A total of seven Wangaratta and District Cricket Association juniors were named to the 13-player North East Knights squad for the 2024/25 Under 16 Male Country Cup.
Lucas Ham (Benalla Bushrangers), Van
the next level of junior cricket in the region.
The side will head down to Melbourne starting December 1 to test themselves against the best young country cricketers in the state.
the call up to
a
The Knights’ first round
or
is
The Knights will take on the likes of Gippsland Pride, Central
TAY Barnard, driver of car number 69, has been a dedicated speedway racer for the past 10 years.
When she’s not coordinating medical workforces in Wangaratta, she’s behind the wheel of her VX Commodore, racing in the Ladies and Sports classes at Wangaratta City Raceway.
Speedway has always been a part of her life, with both her parents involved in racing.
Now, Tay and her husband carry on the family tradition together.
Tay has a deep respect for
her fellow drivers, particularly Scott Hawkins, whom she sees as a role model for his professionalism and skill.
She’s also grateful for the volunteers who keep Wangaratta Speedway running smoothly.
“Jackie Twomey stands out for me,” she said.
“Her commitment to the club is incredible - she’s always there, ready to help with anything, and we’re lucky to have her.”
Last season, Tay enjoyed one of her proudest moments, winning the Ladies
Sports feature race at Wahgunyah in a close and thrilling competition with Kayla Mannix.
“That race was so much fun,” Tay recalled, smiling at the memory.
“Kayla and I pushed each other hard, and it was an exciting win.”
While Ladies and Sports are her primary focus, Tay is also looking ahead to bigger challenges.
She’s been racing with GOS (Goulburn Ovens Sedans) occasionally and is considering an engine change for next season to
step into Production Sedans.
“I’ve got some ideas for what’s next - we’ll see where it takes me,” she said.
With the support of her sponsors, including Barnard Haulage, One One Seven Design, and others, Tay continues to push her racing career forward.
“Racing has been a huge part of my life for so long, and I’m excited to see what the future holds,” she said.
Fans can follow Tay and her racing journey on the family race page, RC Racetech #69, on Facebook.
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
WANGARATTA’S Abbey Wason is fast making a name for herself in the world of dirt track racing, having recently claimed second in the pro women’s event at the Victoria Dirt Track Titles in Albury.
Racing at the weekend event on October 12 and 13, Wason competed not only in the Pro Women’s class, where she picked up her first podium finish at state level, but also held her own in the Pro 250 (finishing eighth) and Pro 450 mixed classes.
Wason said the competition was fierce but extremely enjoyable.
“I’m so stoked with the result, I’ve never been on a podium before for a state championship, so it was really cool,” she said.
“I went really well in the women’s class, me and one other girl (Kelsey Jensen) had some really good battles the whole weekend.
“Going into the last race of the weekend we were in a draw on points, so the winner of the next run was going to be the winner overall.
“Right on the last corner of the last lap, I had a massive crash, so I just missed out but we had an awesome battle leading up to it.”
While she has been riding for most of her life, Wason only recently dipped her toes back into the competitive sphere, and immediately caught the bug.
“I used to do a lot of riding when I was younger - I used to do a lot of junior riding, I started on an 85 and I loved it, loved ridingbut I wasn’t very competitive
so I didn’t do much racing,” she said.
“In 2020 I stopped riding due to COVID and whatnot, I moved out of home and I was in year 12 so I had a bit going on.
“In ’22 I jumped back on for a girls only ride day, just to get some numbers up for the club, and I realised how much I’ve missed it, I loved it so much.
“So I just started doing a few events here and there – nothing big, just a few practice days – and then in 2023 I decided to give it a
fair crack and do all the club championships.
“They had the Vic titles at Broadford and the Aus titles in Albury, so it was really convenient – it would’ve been silly not to enter them.
“Ever since doing that, I’ve got the bug for it, and I wanted to do as much as I could this year.”
With a dedicated team in her corner, including father Rick Wason and sponsors like Ross Guymer, this is only the beginning of Abbey’s story.
Wason said she planned
I’ve been getting into speedway a bit more as well, that’s the solo speedway bikes which is a really cool venture which could hopefully one day take me overseas.
to compete in the sport for as long as she could, and was scoping out potential overseas opportunities down the line.
“I’ve been getting into speedway a bit more as well, that’s the solo speedway bikes which is a really cool venture which could hopefully one day take me overseas,” she said.
“They’ve just introduced a new speedway world championship class for women, they’re always scouting and it’s not a massive range of women
out there who are doing the sport, so it makes the opportunity for myself more available.
“It’s a really cool opportunity to think, with the right training and attitude, it could be something that could actually happen.
“I’ve made massive improvement in my race times on the track and I’ve still got a lot in me, so it’s really exciting.”
To follow along with Abbey’s journey, check out her Instagram @abbmoto63.
Local dirt bike rider Abbey Wason finished second at the Victorian Dirt Track Titles in Albury. Story page 35
PHOTO:
Bailey Zimmermann STATE PLACED
CROSS-road rivals Rovers United Bruck and Wangaratta Magpies will once again lock horns at WJ Findlay Oval tomorrow.
It promises to be a cracking clash with both sides coming off confidence building wins after RUB held off Ovens Valley United and the Magpies stunned defending premiers Yarrawonga Mulwala.
RUB skipper Paddy McNamara said it’s a game he always looks forward to.
“We’ve had some great
BY WILLSON MACK
wmack@ nemedia.com.au
contests over the last three or four years so it’s a game both sides look forward to,” McNamara said.
“There’s a bit of history there and both teams have a fairly different looking side to the past few years so it’ll be interesting.
“They had a good win last weekend so I’m sure they’re up and about but so are we.”
Wangaratta Magpies made an interesting move
in their first game of the season, opening the bowling with young offspinner Matt Prestianni.
That move paid off though with the 19-yearold going on to take two wickets in the first over and one in his second, eventually finishing with figures of 5/13 from 5.3 overs.
“They’re a new look team so it’s hard to say what they’re going to do but going off last weekend they might make a few different moves,” McNamara said.
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