28o 27o 27o
Speedsters
■ See story page 5
Parking pickle
Free parking not off the table as new mayor talks options around replacement of meters
ONE of the upcoming jobs of the new seven-member council will be to assess a review into paid parking in Wangaratta’s CBD, with free parking not o the table, according to Mayor Irene Grant.
She said the parking issue was a vexed one with commuters arguing that
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
there’s never quite enough parking spaces or in the right
However, she did con rm that free parking or the removal of parking meters
would be discussed as part of the review process.
“Council will have to work through the process to make sure what is provided is in line with community need and expectation,” Cr Grant said.
“We still need to talk about it and see what we as a council view as the best
way forward.”
Council also has a stake in the co-store carpark which costs council an escalating amount each year, so in theory the removal of paid parking could be detrimental to all ratepayers as it would impact council revenue or could be recovered in other ways.
Council has reported that 55 per cent use the EasyPark App to pay for parking, leaving 45pc who still use cash, which is another sticking point in how the Rural City of Wangaratta replaces the now defunct machines.
“I’m still paying with coins and there are that many apps to use nowadays I nd a parking app just adds to the stress I feel and I don’t need that,” Cr Grant said.
“However, if we’re able to make the transition in a streamlined and straight forward way then it’s something that people in the community could get used to.”
■ Continued page 3
WANGARATTA High School students Willow Norris and Mia Zachariou enjoy using the adventure playground which was developed through consultation conducted by and with students.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Glenrowan man dies after motorbike crash
A GLENROWAN man has died following a motorbike crash in Mossiface last Monday.
It is understood the male rider was travelling on Swan Reach Road when he lost control and left the roadway into an embankment about 3.30pm on Monday, November 18.
The rider, a 69-year-old Glenrowan man, was flown to hospital with lifethreatening injuries where he later died.
Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
Lives lost on Victorian roads this year stands at 258, compared to 265 at the same time in 2023.
Wodonga court case sees $3000 fine for illegal cutting of trees in Wooragee
A 77-YEAR-old man from Mareeba, Queensland has been prosecuted for the illegal cutting of trees at Wooragee, near Beechworth, last year.
At the Wodonga Magistrates Court on Wednesday the man was found guilty of four o ences against the Land (Regulated Watercourse Land) Regulations 2021 for cutting down trees and directing another person to cut trees on regulated land at Wooragee in early 2023.
The man did not attend court, and in his absence, he was ned $3000 with no conviction.
His co-accused pleaded guilty earlier this year and was ned $500.
Authorised o cers from the Conservation Regulator found the man and his co-accused cutting trees down on public land adjacent to the Reedy Creek.
In Victoria, it is illegal to cut or remove native vegetation on public land or damage protected ora without authorisation.
Illegal cutting and removal of rewood is a serious o ence and may result in imprisonment.
The authorised o cers detected the o ending a er receiving a report from a member of the public.
Manager regulatory operations at the Conservation Regu-
lator, Greg Chant, said they are committed to detecting and disrupting rewood the in our forests and our parks.
“These successful court outcomes send a clear message to perpetrators that they will be caught and punished,” he said.
“Firewood the is damaging our parks, forests and native wildlife, which is why we’re
cracking down on illegal rewood operators across the state through Taskforce Ironbark.”
The community plays a vital role in protecting our precious natural resources.
The Conservation Regulator urges anyone who sees suspicious rewood activity to contact them on 136 186.
Taskforce Ironbark, is a
state-wide initiative targeting illegal commercial rewood the from public land through a combination of enforcement and education activities to protect our forests, parks, and native wildlife.
For further information on sourcing rewood legally in Victoria visit: https://www.vic. gov.au/sourcing- rewood.
Lions’ generous donation
By CHLOE JAENICKE
THE Wangaratta Lions Club have donated $3000 to help athletes from Wangaratta District Specialist School (WDSS) achieve their dreams at the All Schools Championships in Brisbane.
The championships will take place from December 6 to 8 and the money donated by the Lions club will go towards the ights of the ve students and their guardians.
Lions club president Tom Little said they decided to donate
to them as they want to help local children reach their goals.
“The Lions club are big on helping the local community especially children that have grown up in the local community,” he said.
“If they can go to the games in Brisbane with our support and have a good time it’s all well worthwhile.”
Coach of the WDSS team, Rowan Barrow, said they were extremely grateful for the generous donation, as the costs for Brisbane are all self-funded.
“It was an amazing, gener-
ous donation that will go towards each of these costs to the families with a massive help to the families to make sure that these kids get to compete,” she said.
“Our school has never done anything like this before, this is huge for our community and obviously the regional community, so we appreciate it very much.”
Ms Barrow said being able to compete in the championships is a dream come true for the students.
“The students are really excited and when they get to the
track, I can just see them turn into these amazing athletes,” she said.
“There’s so much raw talent here and I can see potential para-athletes in the future which we love to see.”
Three of the students have set up GoFundMe’s to cover the rest of the costs that come with competing in Brisbane.
If you would like to donate to Dylan Vescio, Lara Pearson or Victoria Liang’s GoFundMe’s visit https://gofund.me/2eb75f13, https://gofund.me/2eb75f13 or https://gofund.me/b815cc19.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
FIREWOOD THEFT: The Conservation Regulator urges anyone who notices suspicious firewood activity to come forward.
Waiting for details on social media ban
WANGARATTA district educators - like families - are still awaiting detail and working to arm themselves with knowledge after the Federal Government’s introduction of a world-first social media legislation aimed at protecting young people.
While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has revealed this month that 16 will be the minimum age for young people being able to use social media under the legislation, exactly how that will be enforced is yet to be outlined.
Cathedral College Wangaratta principal Nick Jones said “landing on a specific age for this legislation was always going to be problematic”.
“It could be argued that some 14-year-olds do have the maturity to responsibly engage in social media,” he said.
However, he said once the legislation was introduced, it would be important to work with young people and the community to make it work.
“I have no doubt that tech companies are already looking at ways to circumvent the proposed legislation,” he said.
“As I have said previously, it will continue to be our responsibility to educate our young people and their families to support them to make their own good decisions online.”
Wangaratta High School executive principal Dave Armstrong said the age verification aspect of the new legislation would be complex, for adults as well as the children it was designed to protect.
“I think this is something we need to pay a lot of attention to as citizens and as parents, the amount of time our young people spend on social media,” he said.
“It’s important that we don’t rely on the legislation, and that parents remember they can and should have control over what our children are doing online.
“The eSafety commissioner offers really robust advice for parents to be well-informed, and there are plenty of experts who say parents should hold off as long as possible on allowing their children to have phones; 10/11/12 is way too young.
“Everything about devices and social media is engineered for addiction, and we should really remember that as parents particularly, we should have a lot of control. Parents think they have to follow the herd, but that’s not the case.
“Parents don’t have to give their
BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au
child a smartphone, and even once they have them, there are parental control features that can be employed.”
Galen Catholic College principal Darta Hovey said he would welcome more information to understand how the Federal Government would enforce the planned new standards.
“What supports are going to be given to families, schools, organisations and the community that are going to be realistic?” he said.
“I’m not against the legislation, but I’d like to see some detail.”
Mr Hovey said he would like to see explanation of the planned legislation come from the eSafety commissioner, Australia’s independent regulator for online safety.
The eSafety commissioner (https://www.esafety.gov.au) educates Australians about online safety risks and help to remove harmful content such as cyberbullying of children, adult cyber abuse and intimate images or videos shared without consent.
“To me, it’s logical that the messaging should come from there,” he said.
The Federal Government’s decision to legislate 16 as the minimum age for access to social media followed consultation with young people, parents and carers, academics and child development experts, community, industry and civil organisations, First Nations youth, and state and territory governments.
The Bill, introduced to Parliament last week, puts the onus on social media platforms, not parents or young people, to take reasonable steps to ensure fundamental protections are in place.
The government says it will continue to work closely with stakeholders in the lead up to the commencement of the law, with a lead time of at least 12 months following the Bill’s passage to give industry, governments and the eSafety Commissioner time to implement systems and processes.
Minister for Communications
Michelle Rowland said: “Introducing a minimum age for social media access is about protecting young people – not punishing or isolating them – and letting parents know that we are in their corner when it comes to supporting their children’s health and wellbeing.”
137km/h speedsters lose their licences
POLICE are extremely disappointed by the behaviour of two motorists both clocked at 137km/h in 100km/h local speed zones on Saturday.
As part a special operation with the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) to monitor driver behaviour on local roads with a history of high trauma, Wangaratta Police were able to stop two motorists travelling at excessive speeds.
Acting Sergeant Rochelle Maher said in separate incidents a 42-year-old Wodonga man and a 60-year-old Eurobin man were detected at 137km/h on the Wangaratta-Beechworth Road and Great Alpine Road.
“There have been high incidents of road trauma on these roads this year and in part-
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
nership with TAC, Wangaratta Police has extra resources focusing on these roads,” Act Sgt Maher said.
Both motorists were just 3km/h from having their vehicles con scated under the hoon legislation, however, they will still lose their licences for six months.
The joint TAC-Victoria Police campaign combines with police presence, enhanced enforcement activity and local government road safety messages.
The message to Victorian drivers is to drive safely, observe speed limits, separate drink-
ing from driving, avoid mobile phone use while driving and remember to buckle up.
Speed is a factor in about 30 per cent of casualty crashes and males aged 26-39 are most likely to be detected speeding.
Over 40pc of deaths and 20pc of serious injuries occur on high speed rural roads, with run o road crashes particularly common.
Over the past ve years in Victoria, about 18pc of drivers and riders killed had illegal blood alcohol levels.
Drivers and riders involved in distraction-related crashes may make up at least 11pc of road fatalities.
Some 31pc of Victorians admitted to using a mobile phone illegally in the past three months.
Free parking not off the table as new mayor talks options around replacement of meters
■ From page 1
The 72 existing machines installed in 2015 rely on 3G technology which is no longer supported across telecommunication networks.
If council was to remove the coin option, customers who use
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analogue phones would not be able to access the EasyPark or equivalent apps.
To help residents get comfortable with the EasyPark App, EasyPark will host an education outreach session at the council kiosk on Murphy
Street tomorrow.
Sta will be on hand to assist residents to download and use the app.
Council is actively working with the supplier to x and maintain the current parking machines until they are replaced.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
DOING THE HONOURS: Graeme Vincent, who has lived in Oxley for all of his 85 years, will cut the commemorative cake on behalf of the Oxley community during the unveiling of a new bronze plaque for the Hume and Hovell bicentenary.
Bicentenial ceremony of historic naming of ‘Oxley Plains’
IN a significant step toward celebrating the rich history of the region, the Oxley Residents Association has announced plans to commemorate the bicentenary of the naming of “Oxley Plains” by explorers Hume and Hovell in 1824.
The naming of Oxley Plains, as recorded in Hovell’s journal on November 25, 1824, marked a pivotal moment in the overland journey from Lake George, NSW, to Port Phillip Bay, undertaken by Major Thomas Mitchell and William Hovell to chart new grazing lands south of the Murray River.
As they gazed upon the plains from a vantage point near Henley Ridge, the explorers named the area in honour of John Joseph Oxley, a prominent surveyor-general and explorer of the time.
The area eventually saw the development of a settlement at the King River crossing, which would go on to be known as Oxley.
In 1863, the township of Oxley was officially surveyed and gazetted.
A century later, in 1924, local and regional communities came together to mark the 100th anniversary of Hume and Hovell’s historic expedition.
Around 44 commemorative cairns and plaques were unveiled along the explorers’ route, from Hume Reservoir to Port Phillip Bay.
Avenue to active play at high school
By SIMONE KERWIN
AN adventure playground developed with $56,000 in State Government grant funding is now in use at Wangaratta High School - just in time for the transition program for new year seven students.
WHS executive principal Dave Armstrong said the project was a perfect example of the value of encouraging student voice and agency, with the concept having been developed through consultation by and with students at the school.
“We received an initial $14,000 in Active Schools funding, and I said to the students, you decide what we do with it as long as you run a robust consultation and provided it fits with the framework for the funding,” Mr Armstrong said.
He said the resulting process involving surveys and forums came up with the adventure playground idea, which was something the school would not have considered without student involvement.
“I had something else in mind, but when our year 11 leaders started consulting, they came up with three ideas, and this was the most popular,” he said.
The success of the consultation process prompt-
ed Active Schools to encourage students leading the project to apply for a further $30,000 grant, and with this and the school’s subsequent $14,000 Active Schools grant, the concept really took flight.
“It’s been a great opportunity for engaging students and listening to them,” Mr Armstrong said.
Following a year of development, the Ninja Warrior-style playground is now complete and in use by WHS students during break times - and by other students waiting at the nearby bus stop in the afternoons.
Mr Armstrong said it was pleasing that the students who were closely involved in the consultation - Mae
Jayet, Caeleigh Cornhill, Kalika Miliankos-King and Millie Meggs - had been able to see the project in use before departing the school.
“It’s their legacy, and those students have recently gone independently to present to the Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation about the project, following their year 12 exams,” he said.
The playground has features including monkey bars, a climbing wall and angled steps, which have been embraced by students including Elijah Grant, Matthew Leerson, Willow Norris, Georgia Kelly and Mia Zachariou.
Elijah, a year eight stu-
dent, said it was great to do something active during breaks from class, while Matthew said the playground offered something different from the nearby oval, and said he enjoyed the rock wall.
Mia, who’s in year seven, said she loved being active, and the new equipment offered a great way to do that at school, while Willow said she enjoyed the monkey bars.
“You see lots of kids using the playground,” she said.
Mr Armstrong said the playground would be welcomed by incoming year seven students as they arrived to prepare for their 2025 school year in coming weeks.
Some of the nearest sites to Oxley include Everton, Murmungee, Whorouly, Meadow Creek (Edi), Moyhu, and Hansonville.
To honour this momentous anniversary, the Oxley Residents Association has chosen to unveil a new bronze plaque on a granite pedestal in the Oxley Memorial Park on Saturday, November 30.
The pedestal holds particular significance as it was salvaged from the 150-year-old Oxley Shire Hall during a renovation project 22 years ago.
The festivities will begin at 12:30pm with a free community barbeque lunch and the plaque will be unveiled at 2:00pm by Indi MP Helen Haines, continuing a long tradition of regional leaders acknowledging the explorers’ contribution.
Notably, during the 1924 centenary, Robert Cook, the Federal Member for Indi at the time and an Oxley resident, also played an active role in the commemorations.
The unveiling of the plaque will serve as a reminder of the area’s rich history and the enduring legacy of the Hume and Hovell expedition in shaping the development of North East.
For more information, please contact the Oxley Residents Association by email to ora3678@gmail.com or text Alison Stephens on 0407 349 824.
Young regional Victorians invited to be part of new chamber music piece
YOUNG people aged 12 –25, living in regional Victoria, are invited to submit their recordings from nature and be part of a new musical composition, to be performed at the Melbourne Recital Centre.
The Sonic Youth project is a participatory sound–music project that engages young Victorian people in climateaffected areas with issues of ecology and sustainability, using music as the connector.
Participants will be asked to dedicate some personal time to record and upload a sound out in nature – a soundscape – and complete a brief survey about their experience.
The soundscapes will be added to an online portal will where the sounds will be combined and shared with peers.
A new chamber music piece will be composed using the soundscapes and performed at the Melbourne Recital Centre.
All participants will be invited to attend the performance and, with their (or their parent or guardian’s) consent, will have their contribution acknowledged by name.
The University of Melbourne Researchers, Professor Kathryn Bowen, Dr Miriama Young, Sarah Medcalf and Dr Joanne Burns, from Melbourne Climate Futures, expect this project will show how music, creativity and technology can empower young people and strengthen the community in the face of climate change and related issues.
“Young people face increasing anxiety around the climate crisis and how it impacts their future,” said lead researcher Professor
CREATIVE QUEST: Recordings by young people could be performed at the Melbourne Recital Centre in a new musical composition.
Kathryn Bowen.
“Our hope is to give them space to spend time in a place in nature that is meaningful to them, and to share that experience with other young people, while amplifying their voices to a wider audience.”
“We invite all young regional Victorians to learn more and participate.
“These are the most important voices and experiences that we can listen to in this critical moment.”
The Sonic Youth project is funded by A$50,000 from Telematics, A$20,000 from the Robert Salzer Foundation, and in-kind contributions valued at A$30,000 from the University of Melbourne (in particular, the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music).
Find more information on the Sonic Youth survey page or email sonic-youth@unimelb. edu.au. Submissions close December 13.
FUN WITH FRIENDS: Wangaratta High School students Willow Norris, Georgia Kelly and Mia Zachariou on the new adventure playground at the school. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Protect kids using a balanced view
MINISTER for Communications Michelle Rowland in her speech about the Online Safety Amendment did recognise the benefits of social media and the harms in support of increasing the legal access age to 16-years-old.
She did acknowledge that social media can be a source of entertainment, education and connection with the world – and each other.
“Those things, particularly for young Australians, can be beneficial,” she said.
“But, for too many young Australians, social media can be harmful.”
Almost two-thirds of 14 to 17-year-old Australians have viewed extremely harmful content online, including drug abuse, suicide or self-harm, as well as violent material.
A quarter have been exposed to content promoting unsafe eating habits.
Research conducted by eSafety found that that 95 per cent of Australian caregivers find online safety to be one of their toughest parenting challenges.
But increasing the age should not be only one step with the implementation of this age-restricted access.
It is still early days on how this legislation will be rolled out and it will effectively impact all families with children under 16 years of age and the schools and other organisations they attend.
As with any large scale change, there will be certain loopholes and conundrums that arise and a thourough consultation with stakeholders and communities needs to take place to make sure there is constructive input.
The impact of stripping children of their access will also cause significant anxiety, so perhaps some education around best ways in dealing with this would be useful.
The Quiz No. 111
1. On which continent is Mount Melbourne located?
2. By what name is the entertainer, Julie Moncrief Lush, better known?
3. The milk of which animal is used to make Stilton cheese?
4. Which bowler took 3/3 when the Perth Scorchers defeated the Melbourne Stars in the semi-final of the 2016-17 Big Bash League?
5. What is the official currency unit of Iran?
6. Which iconic Australian band released the 1978 song, Know Your Product?
7. In which decade was the Macquarie Dictionary first published?
8. Which soft drink is used in a traditional Shirley Temple cocktail?
9. In Peter Pan, who is Captain Hook’s bo’sun?
10. Romulus and Remus are the traditional founders of which city?
11. In a game of Scrabble, which letter is worth five points?
12. What was the last geologic period in the Mesozoic Era?
13. In which Australian state or territory is the Jabiluka uranium mine located?
14. Who was the host of the 2016 Australian TV gameshow, The Big Music Quiz?
15. How many verses are in the original version of Advance Australia Fair?
16. Which country is surrounded by South Africa?
17. In text talk, what does 2G2BT stand for?
18. What is the official language of Costa Rica?
19. Wayne Carey played for which AFL team from 2003-2004?
20. Who starred as Alfred Borden in the 2006 movie, The Prestige?
FACEBOOK users this week commented on council coming up with new parking payment plans in the new year.
• Jill Lindquist: We are so parking spot obsessed in this town! i don’t like paying for parking and rarely do. I don’t really understand why council ever considered meters a good idea when surrounding towns don’t do it. I guess if all the non meter spots are full we all have the option to park in
one of the shop carparks (and get scraped and dinged by other cars or trolleys).
• Karyn Saunders: I do not sometimes take my phone to town. Does that mean that I cannot park? And I like to use cash!
• Nathan Andrew: High time to wake up a bit and get with the program get rid of them.
Facebook users also commented on the Great Vic Bike Ride coming to
Shut down corporate donations for reform
OUR democracy is, once again, under serious threat.
Marketed as “electoral reforms”, the current federal Labor government in response to the growing move of votes away from the major parties propose a shoddy and shonky piece of legislation more akin to what we might have expected from the LNP coalition.
Perhaps the government and the opposition were in cahoots in dra ing and trying to ram through such an insulting piece of work.
It sure smells like it.
Truth in political advertising?
Nope.
A level playing eld for all candidates? Not that either.
Campaign funding fairness?
Missed the target there too.
As a sure sign of the deviousness and desperation behind this dodgy draconian piece of work, those people we put in power don’t even want this legislation discussed or taken to a reference committee - it’s despicable.
Real electoral reform would include measures to get rid of lobbyists, shut o corporate donations to politicians and their parties, (I mean, the gambling industry, the arms manufacturers and the miners and fossil fuel entities can’t even vote, so why should they be able to buy favour from elected representatives?), and put a real cap on political donations and bring in real time disclosure as well.
If you care about fair and honest government, and genuine electoral reform, make some real noise and let those who we pay to run the show that dodgy deals just don’t cut it and we want better, much better.
Glenn Wilson, Tawonga South
Come along to Thoona Christmas Carols
Thoona CWA are hosting their Christmas Carols on December 6 at the Thoona Community Hall.
A free barbecue will start at 6pm with carols beginning at 7.30pm.
A special person will hopefully make an appearance a er the carols.
This will all be followed by a light supper in the supper room.
All welcome and bring your friends, appetites and best singing voices.
Kathy Ivey, secretary, Thoona CWA
NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.
Wangaratta this week.
• Jack Carruthers: Middle aged men wearing Lycra is not a good look.
• Vicki Nicholson: Jon Bishop see you soon!
• Andrew Meloury: They are going to love the state of our roads.
Facebook users also commented on Wangaratta High School student, Rosie Bulmer, creating art inspired by her time volunteering at Illoura Residential Aged Care.
• Lesley Kiker: Such a talented young artist and one with a warm heart. Creating such a beautiful portrait so our elderly can enjoy.
Facebook users also commented on the new vibrant mural to transform the gateway to Wangaratta.
• Maree Delaney: That looks great.
• Brandon Joel Milky Moore: Looks like an artist w common sense. Finally.
Our follower total is Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.
15,041
The cost of energy facilities on wildlife?
More must be done to ensure local wildlife is protected during the construction of renewable energy projects.
I raised the concerns of Iocal residents during the most recent sitting week of parliament, as property owners and wildlife groups have contacted me about animals being impacted.
The rapid development of renewable energy projects across my electorate has raised signi cant concerns among residents and environmentalists regarding the impact they are having on local biodiversity and native wildlife.
Projects like the Goorambat East solar facility, Glenrowan solar farm, Cooba solar farm, and others in Winton, Ru y and the Strathbogie Ranges are either underway, already built or about to begin.
With each new project we see large areas of land cleared, hundreds of trees removed, and constant activity disrupting natural habitats.
While national attention has been drawn to gliders and koalas, here we are seeing local species like birds, bats, insects and unique plant life facing similar threats.
Many residents have shared photos of injured animals appearing on their properties and displaced by nearby construction.
Failing to protect local wildlife joins the long list of concerns about the projects from locals
and there was signi cant room for improvement when it comes to delivering renewable energy in the region.
We know these projects are already challenged by issues like insu cient community consultation, poor site selection and potential harm to local wine and agricultural industries. Now we are witnessing an environmental toll that contradicts the very principles these projects claim to uphold.
Renewable energy projects in the region serve a purpose, there is no doubt, but there are a lot of factors that need improvement.
If this government or the corporations in charge of these projects will not do it, then it is crucial that our local wildlife groups receive the resources and support needed.
Annabelle Cleeland, Euroa
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AMAZING: Peter Hosking from Wagga travelled down to the Wangaratta Swap Meet on Sunday to sell his creative metal statues. The inventive creatures ranged from crickets, pigs, lizards, scorpions and birds. He’s not a welder by trade but he enjoys churning out the art in his shed.
PHOTO: Steve Kelly
Chef’s hat for KIN in Rutherglen
RUTHERGLEN restaurant
KIN at All Saints Estate has received a coveted chef’s hat in The Age Good Food Guide 2025 awards announced last week, for the second year in a row.
Described as “princely prix-fixe dining with plenty of now-factor” by the guide, All Saints Estate says the award highlights KIN’s commitment to regional produce, quality and exceptional dining experiences.
It says the second chef’s hat not only honours the creative passion of the kitchen team, led by executive chef Jack Cassidy, but also elevates KIN’s reputation as a destination dining venue in North East Victoria.
“Nick, Angela and I, are incredibly proud to receive a Good Food Guide hat for
the second year in a row for KIN,” All Saints Estate director, Eliza Brown, said.
“This recognition validates our team’s dedication to crafting unique and thoughtful dishes that reflect both the seasons and our connection to the region.
“We look forward to continuing to share our journey with our guests.”
Since opening, KIN has been renowned for its evolving menu that speaks to the heart of regional ingredients, presented in a relaxed dining atmosphere.
“This award would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our loyal customers and the tireless efforts of our team, whose hard work, passion and creativity continue to bring KIN’s vision to life,” Ms Brown said.
New team to drive economic development
By STEVE KELLY
A NEW Ovens Murray Regional Partnerships committee, which focuses on regional development has been formed, with consumer researcher and analyst Ian Cesa to head up the team.
Other well-known local executives have been named including North East Water’s Jo Murdoch, Alpine Resorts Victoria Amber Gardner, Tourism North East’s Bess Nolan-Cook, Defence Science Institute’s Charlotte Morris, Charles Sturt University’s Diarmuid Kelly, Upper Murray Family Care’s Felicity Williams, and Mansfield Autism Statewide Services’ Judy Dixon.
Some of the project funding the Ovens Murray Regional Partnership has secured in the past include:
* $8.5m for the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail Enhancements Project (Victorian Budget 22/23). This includes the development and installation of public art, landscaping, improved amenity, and new commercial opportunities along the trail;
* $220k for further business
case development for the Wangaratta Digital Hub to provide critical education and support for people navigating the digital world and workplace (service now discontinued);
* the partnership’s Digital Futures group delivered projects in healthcare technology trials, boosting digital workforce capacity and the development of free public Wi-Fi networks; and
* it successfully advocated for funding to develop the Wodonga and Wangaratta Youth Foyers to provide critical housing and support services for students at risk of homelessness.
Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney
said regional partnerships are a key voice to government, recognising local communities are in the best position to understand the challenges and opportunities faced by their region.
“We look forward to working with new and continuing appointees to drive the economic development of regional Victoria,” she said.
More than 40 new members to Victoria’s regional partnerships, which advocate for regional communities across the state.
In total, 67 people have been appointed to roles across the nine regional partnerships, including 42 new members and 25 who are returning for another term.
Inland
Rail spends $496 million with local companies
NEWLY released figures from Inland Rail show that the project has now spent close to $500 million with almost 750 local companies on the Inland Rail alignment since construction on the project started in 2018, delivering a major boost to regional communities.
At the end of September, Inland Rail had spent $496 million with local companies, with around $100 million spent with local companies over the last 12 months alone, as construction has continued in the Beveridge to Albury (B2A) section in Victoria and commenced in Stockinbingal to Parkes in New South Wales.
From the $496 million spent so far, around $46.5 million has been spent with 36 First Nations businesses in regional Australia, with $7.5 million spent in the last year.
Inland Rail has also continued to be a major jobs provider in regional Australia, with the project providing nearly 6300 jobs at end-September, with just over half of these jobs being filled by local residents and nearly 480 First Nations workers employed.
Local businesses in New South Wales and Victoria can learn how to supply to Inland Rail by visiting: inlandrail.com. au/opportunities/suppliers/.
For construction job opportunities, visit Inland Rail’s construction contractors’ websites at: www.martinusrail. com.au/careers/ (Albury to Illabo and Stockinbingal to Parkes sections, southern NSW) or www.mcconnelldowell.com/ people/career-opportunities (Beveridge to Albury, Victoria).
Stephen Jones, Inland Rail executive director program health, safety, environment and sustainability, said they are proud to be supporting local
businesses as we deliver Inland Rail across Victoria and New South Wales.
He said construction is bringing benefits to regional communities, with local content key to the program’s success.
“Inland Rail has worked extremely hard to engage with local businesses and help to bring them on board as suppliers, and these latest figures demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach,” he said.
“A major focus of Inland Rail has been to build skills in communities along the alignment, so local communities can participate and benefit from this once-in-a-generation project and others in the future.”
FRIDAY 29TH & SATURDAY 30TH NOVEMBER
FRIDAY
STATE RECOGNITION: The second Good Food Guide chef’s hat honours the creative passion of the kitchen team, led by executive chef Jack Cassidy.
PHOTO: Kate Shanasy
STRATEGIC THINKERS: Premier Jacinta Allan takes a selfie with Ovens Murray Regional Partnerships chair Ian Cesa (right).
Surveying 20 years of Juan Ford’s art
THE ACROSS
A MAJOR exhibition exploring the precise and incisive practice of leading Australian contemporary painter, Juan Ford, has opened at the Benalla Art Gallery.
Juan Ford: A Survey has been curated by Dr Vincent Alessi, and presents 20 years of Ford’s practice, revealing the key conceptual questions with which he has engaged and which over time have manifested in more complex, re ned and mature ways.
It is an exhibition that reveals the trajectory of Ford’s thinking, technical virtuosity and visual language, and the new ways Ford has developed to speak with his audience about concerns which have always interested him.
Presented thematically, the exhibition demonstrates how Ford has been consistently engaged with certain questions throughout his career, evidence of his deep intellectual engagement with ideas and concepts and artistic traditions.
“The exhibition celebrates one of this country’s most accomplished painters, not solely owing to his technical brilliance but more so because of his commitment to engage with questions that are incredibly contempo-
including
rary, pressing, and central to who we are, what we might be, and where we are going,” said exhibition curator, Dr Vincent Alessi.
Of his practice, Juan Ford said art involves observation, contemplation, reaction, ow, resistance, time, feeling; all processed by the body, and ltered through a medium.
“The medium’s ltering produces unexpected results, and the totality of the process is a slow form of thought itself,” he said.
Juan Ford: A Survey will
be supported by an illustrated publication, which has been funded by the Gordon Darling Foundation.
Juan Ford will present an artist talk as part of the Gallery’s First Mondays program, on Monday, December 2 at 10am.
Numbers are strictly limited and places can be secured by emailing the gallery on gallery@benalla.vic. gov.au
Juan Ford: A Survey will continue until January 26, 2025.
Students leave vibrant mark at St Catherine’s Hostel
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
RYLEY Street’s St Catherine’s Hostel has been blessed with a new splash of colour among its dining halls.
Around 12 of year 11 Galen Catholic College students have been visiting the aged care residency over the past five weeks putting their painting skills to the test with the help of local artist Lisa Bishop.
The vibrant mural of a native wetlands theme, completed last week, occupies the corridor towards the dining hall of the nursing home.
Teacher Emma Allan said students have been relishing the opportunity to interact with the hostel’s residents while putting the mural together.
“Their interactions not only enrich the lives of the elderly but provide students with valuable
life experiences and lessons,” she said.
“It encourages and fosters a culture of care and respect for the elderly, exemplifying the power of intergenerational connections and their profound impact on building a compassionate and inclusive community. “
Lifestyle coordinator at St Catherine’s Hostel Karen Rufford-Sharpe said the residents have loved seeing their new addition in the corridor of the facility.
“They think it’s nice and colourful, it brightens up the passage,” she said.
“They enjoyed that interaction with the younger generation.”
Ms Allan said the students have undertaken various tasks as part of their connecting with community unit, focused on identifying groups most at risk of losing
their sense of belonging and community.
“They have also explored the benefits of intergenerational engagement by interacting with elderly residents in a local nursing home, supporting them in organised activities and painting a mural outside their dining room area,” she said.
“Engaging in these activities not only fosters a sense of social responsibility but also highlights the importance of empathy and patience.”
Ms Allan said students extended their heartfelt thanks to St Catherine’s Hostel for allowing them to participate in their activities.
“They also wish to express their gratitude to Lisa Bishop for her artistic creativity and guidance in bringing the mural to life,” she said.
300 Wangaratta business staff attend city’s awards
• Casual Dining Business of the Year - Café The PreVue
Monday, November 24, 2014
By KYLIE WILSON
AN assembled crowd of over 300 people from Wangaratta’s business community celebrated on Friday night at the 2014 Wangaratta Business Awards for Excellence.
Business Wangaratta chairman Chris Aggenbach said the night, which took place in a new venue this year – Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre – went well.
“MC Paris Zachariou was well received,” he said Mr Zachariou was a hit with the crowd, interspersing the awards with songs and jokes, as well as relating his own
• Hospitality Business of the Year Joint winners - Pinsent Hotel and Rinaldo’s Casa Cucina
• Manufacturing Business of the Year - Cabinets by Webb
experiences in business in Wangaratta.
Matt Barry, from Small Retail Business of the Year winners Wangaratta Jewellers, said “we’re thrilled to have won such a hotly contested section”.
He added that he was grateful for the support the business had received from the community, their staff and their family.
APCO Wangaratta took out the award for Medium/Large Small Business of the year, and APCO’s Brett Anderson said he and his team were “very humbled” to win their category.
“We really owe the award to all the staff, we have the best
and friendliest staff in Wangaratta,” Mr Anderson said.
People’s Choice Award winners were Wangaratta Indoor Sports and Aquatic Centre (WISAC).
“We are very proud and honoured, and we’re committed to providing quality programs and services to the community,” centre manager Maree Warnett said.
She said the fact that the award was voted by the public “makes it more personal”.
Award winners
• Small Retail Business of the Year - Wangaratta Jewellers
• Medium/Large Retail Business of the Year - APCO Wangaratta
• Trade and Trade Services
Business of the Year - A1 Tyrepower
• Tourism Business of the Year - Glenrowan Vignerons Association
• Accommodation Business of the Year - Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway
• Personal Care and Health Business of the Year - Serenity Skin, Nail and Body
• Commercial and Professional Services Business of the Year Joint winners - Wangaratta Cardiology and Respiratory Centre and Wang Central
• New Business of the Year
- North East Natural Health Centre; Highly Commended:
and Prue
3rd Little Duck Catering, Wang Barbers
• Entrepreneur of the Year
- North East Natural Health Centre
• Workplace Development and Wellbeing Award - The Centre for Continuing Educa-
tion Inc
• Environmental and Sustainable Business Practice Award - Solar Energy Environment
• People’s Choice AwardWangaratta Indoor Sports and Aquatic Centre.
THOUGHTFUL LANGUAGE: Juan Ford: A Survey
works such as Juan FORD Regaining Sight (A Meditation on Rose Soady) 2016, oil on linen 50 x 40 cm, collection of the artist.
GENERATIONAL PAINTING: St Catherine’s Hostel residents Maureen Bedford and Joan Campbell (centre) enjoyed the new mural in the nursing home’s corridors put together by Galen Catholic College students including Isabella Postlethwaite (le ) and Jasmine Smith (right) with the help of artist Lisa Bishop (centre, back).
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
CELEBRATING SUCCESS: At the Wangaratta Business Awards on Friday night were (from le ) Brett and Karen Anderson (APCO Wangaratta, winner medium-large retail business of the year), Elise and Matt Barry (Wangaratta Jewellers, winner small retail business of the year) and Maree Warnett
Anderson (Wangaratta Indoor Sports and Aquatic Centre, People’s Choice Award Winners).
PHOTO: Kylie Wilson
ROCK-CLIMBER RESCUED FROM MT BUFFALO CLIFF-FACE
By PHOEBE MORGAN
EMERGENCY responders were presented with a unique challenge recently as a rockclimber su ered a medical episode part way up a Mount Bu alo cli -face.
The 23-year-old man was rock-climbing with a group of three friends that a ernoon, starting o from the bottom of the gorge, but had to stop once he reached Bent’s Lookout.
Emergency services were called to assist the rock-climbers, with members from Bright SES, Porepunkah CFA, Bright police and Fire and Rescue Victoria from the Wangaratta division attending the scene.
“It’s one of those areas we don’t go to very o en, as there’s not a lot of call-outs there,” said Bright police’s Acting Sergeant Scott Baldock.
“It’s di cult to describe the terrain, but while the rockclimbers walked up from below, on the south side of Mount Bu alo gorge, the emergency services went the other way and came down from the top of the gorge near the Mt Bu alo Chalet.
“They then passed Burston’s Crevice to get to where the rockclimbers were located at Bent’s Lookout.
“Through a group e ort, the patient was then brought up past Burston’s Crevice by his group of friends and the SES members, to receive a medical assessment from ambulance
o cers in a more convenient space.
“Luckily he had recovered enough to be able to help and basically walked himself out; he was escorted slowly to the top with the assistance of ambu-
lance and SES members.”
The patient did not su er a fall and he was escorted to hospital by Ambulance Victoria o cers and was expected to make a full recovery with medical attention.
PRECARIOUS PERCH: The emergency responders were o ered a unique challenge as the patient was located in the middle of two rock-climbing spaces. PHOTOS: Bright SES
Terrace Village market a preChristmas treat
graphers, couture, fne dining, wedding celebrants &more
Autumn Edition Friday 28th February 2025
Winter Edition Friday 23th May 2025
Spring Edition Friday 29th August 2025
Summer Edition Friday 28th November 2025
0128
our features coordinator Luke for more information.
Marg Hochfeld and Pat Chadderton.
David Williams and Sandy Thornhill-Cole.
Jan Nolan and Sue Hodson.
Marie McEvoy and Shirley Rosser.
Melinda Little.
By SIMONE KERWIN
RESIDENTS and guests of The Terrace Village conducted their annual cra and market day at The Terrace Village Hall in Wangaratta last Thursday morning.
Stalls featured items including handcra ed greeting cards, patchwork and quilting, crocheted toys, a Friends of the Hospital cake stall, pot plants, bric-a-brac, and antiques and collectables, and o ered a great chance for Christmas gi shopping.
FAYE PHILLIPS AND NOREEN CLARK.
Junior Reporter Club
ACROSS
1 What is a scarf worn round the neck (6)
8 Which naval officers are of the highest rank (8)
9 Name something fired at, or aimed at (6)
10 What are sudden divergences from some courses to others (8)
11 What is the base unit of electric current (6)
13 Which term implies the most distant (8)
16 Which bombshells are thrown by hand (8)
19 To steal, is to do what (6)
22 Which high explosive consists of a nitroglycerine mixture (8)
24 To be wantonly irreverent, is to be what (6)
25 Which string fastens a boot (8)
26 What is a British colloquial term for bread (6) DOWN
2 Name another term for a kingdom (5)
3 To not be explicit, is to be what (5)
4 To be ragged, is to be what (8)
5 Which word is used after a prayer (4)
7 What are dishes from which food is eaten (6)
12 Name the head of the Roman Catholic Church (4)
14 To have become an adept in something, is to have done what to it (8)
15 What is the official Gaelic name of the Republic of Ireland (4)
E-QUATIONS 7
6 To be passionate, is to be what (6)
17 What is measured movement, as in dancing (6)
Letters have a number value
Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
E-QUATIONS
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD QUICK
18 To be closer, is to be what (6)
20 To fix firmly, is to do what (5)
21 What is estimated worth (5)
23 Baghdad is the capital of which Middle East republic (4)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
WHICH WORDS
1 PREGUSTATION
(a) The right of purchasing in preference to others
(b) A commanding position
(c) A foretaste
2 SCRIMSHAW
(a) A sailor’s spare-time handicraft
(b) An open fabric used in upholstery
(c) One who draws up contracts`
BIYWORD
Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.
CLUES:
Air Launched Vehicle (3)
Allow to pass (3)
Characteristic rhythm (5)
Common motor scooter (5)
Defamation (5)
Lost in thought (7)
Remedial heat: ...thermy (3) Star sign (3)
Targeted (5)
Water-soluble
(7)
Yarding numbers hold steady
November store sale holding a oat but without improvement on previous month’s results
BY KURT HICKLING khickling@ nemedia.com.au
LAST week’s store sale held at the Wangaratta livestock exchange presented mixed bag results with prices holding their own seeing no improvement in comparison to the last few months.
Over 1417 cattle were penned last Thursday, showing that numbers were holding strong for this time of year.
Corcoran Parker stock agent Reiley Murtagh said while prices faired evenly, there is still some reservation in the market due to what has been a tough year for some producers.
“Penning numbers were very good for this time of year which was positive for those wanting to buy in the market,” Mr Murtagh said.
“The quality of yarding was certainly mixed again, a result of seasonal conditions.
“The next three months will govern where the industry will head once we get through the summer period.
“Producers are being conservative right now and are o -loading early and hanging onto stock for the up-
coming premium sales that will be held early next year.”
A pen of Angus heifers with a Angus calf at foot topped in at $1900 while black steers 400-500kg at $3.50/kg, feeder steers 400-500kg at $3.20/kg, restocker steers 280-350kg (mixed quality) at $3.70/kg, re-stocker coloured steers 350kg at $3.45/kg, black light steers 225kg at $4.18/ kg, feeder heifers 380-480kg at $2.50/kg and lighter heifers 380kg at $3/kg.
Cattle producer Brian Bourke from Wangaratta North presented ve steers and ve heifers all around 540kgs last week said in his 40 years’ experience of producing cattle, has proven to be one of the tougher years he has seen this year.
“Every producer is in the same boat where numbers are high, feed is low and are taking stock to the market to make some money and cut back on feeding costs in higher numbers,” Mr Bourke said.
“I am 200 bails short this year which has an impact due to seasonal conditions, creating less feed in paddocks and having to outlay more money on feed which alters my bottom line.
“Overall farmers did not
get the hay quantity they wanted.
“I have seen these conditions before and it’s a matter
of being conservative and trying to nut it out until conditions change, however, we still have a hot and dry sum-
mer to get through.
“I’m running about 500 cows and calves on my property right now and will have to consider cutting back further to ease the pinch as things will get worse before they get better.
“My cows are due to calve in February which is more reason to cut back on numbers as I need to think of the new calves moving forward.”
AWN stock agent Peter Dargan believes the dynamics of cattle producing is changing leading into the summer period and is see-
ing greater numbers of cattle being penned at store sales with most producers trying to cut back in numbers.
“The season is really tightening up and as a result, I am seeing a bigger yarding,” Mr Dargan said.
“Less hay is being cut as a result of poor seasonal conditions and in some cases, farmers are buying in hay which is either hard to nd, or very expensive.
“Producers are either trying their best to hang onto stock or cut their losses and sell.”
Dederang to host free ag relief expo this Friday
By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE
FARMERS, agribusinesses and rural community members are invited to enjoy A Little Bit of Relief Agriculture Expo at Dederang on Friday, with mental health advocate Warren Davies (The Unbreakable Farmer) to be keynote speaker.
Due to forecast heavy rain, the free event at the Dederang Recreation Reserve was postponed to support the local farming communities, with the expo to feature agricultural industry services, farm safety demonstrations and business and health support, among other stalls and speakers.
Beyond Blue ambassador, Brad McEwan, will be the master of ceremonies and the event will feature a speech from Mr Davies, as well as working dog demonstrations with Gary White from White’s Kelpie Stud.
Mr Davies said the agriculture expo will create a welcoming environment for people to come together and talk.
“From experience, I know these events and venues create an environment where community comes together, share stories and connect with people and in a famil-
iar space,” he said.
“It’s on their patch and an agriculture expo isn’t new so weaving these messages in is a great environment to do so.
“It’ so important to gather as a community and check in with other and yourself.
“We just have to sit and listen and let people know they’re supported.”
The event was made possible through the Victorian government’s Emergency
Recovery - Victoria’s Community Recovery Hubs grant program and the Australian Government in response to the October 2022 ood and landslip. The expo will run from 10am to 3pm at the Dederang Recreation Reserve, with food stalls available onsite. For more information, visit https://engage.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/littlebit-relief-agricultural-expo.
LEADING THE WAY: AWN agents Georgia Sampson and Peter Dargan.
KEEN BUYERS: Murray Evans and Ken Cox.
PLAYING SAFE: Wangaratta cattle producer Brian Bourke sells cattle to make way for new calves. PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling
BIT OF RELIEF: Warren Davies (The Unbreakable Farmer) is a keynote speaker at next week’s free agriculture expo in Dederang.
37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677
CONCRETING, big or small jobs, paths, driveways, shed slabs, verandahs, 15 years experience. For a free quote phone Trev Anderson on 0422 200 761.
MARK’S Mowing, reasonable prices, ride on mowing, edging, clean up, spraying and any waste removal. Ph 0472 603 156.
PAINTER, old school, for all your painting needs, commercial, industrial renovations. Phone Juliano 0412 597 482.
WHEELER Earthworks, available for all your earthworks needsyard clean ups, stump removals, driveways, material supply and spreading, rural work and more. Call Marcus on 0491 094 545.
Production Technician
We are seeking mechanically minded individuals to perform a variety of operational functions for the production of Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF). This is a fulltime position, operating under the site EA on a 12-hour rotating 24/6 roster;
• 4-week Rotating Shift Roster Cycle;
• 2 weekends off in every 4;
• Shift Allowance;
• EA Level 4 base $29.39, with 35.75% loading, $39.90 per hour.
For further information, please contact the HR Officer—Alexandra on; (03) 5723 0454 or apply directly via Seek.
CARAVANS & CAMPERS
MAZDA 3, 2010, 2LT, 6SPD, 1 owner, always serviced by Mazda. Vin: JM0BL10F100153182, Rego to the 1/4/2025, excellent condition, $5250. Ph 0456 236 310.
OLD cars wanted, cars removed. Ph 0435 083 115.
BARGAIN!
2011 Avan Cruiseliner, great condition, it has hot water system, 3 way fridge, microwave, gas cooktop, solar, plenty of boot storage, annex, electric jockey wheel, 6 months rego left, $18,500. Phone 0409 700 956
CARAVAN 2010 WESTERN, 18FT,double bed, fridge, stove, HW, shower and toilet, air con, TV, awning. Vin: 6T9T21WA1A03ZA002, great condition, $20,000. Ph 0456 236 310.
HR BUSINESS PARTNER
Based in Milawa, Victoria
12 Month Full-time Fixed-term Contract Commencing February 2025
Brown Family Wine Group are seeking a talented and passionate HR Business Partner to join our dynamic team on a temporary full-time basis for 12 months to cover a parental leave period.
About us: Brown Family Wine Group is one of Australia’s most loved and respected wine companies built on over 130 years’ experience in quality winemaking, market leading innovation and family values that are at the heart of everything we do as a business.
We are a proud and passionate business who are strong on values and culture. Most recently we have identified by workplace culture authority Great Place to Work as one of the 100 Best Workplaces in Australia for 2024. We have also maintained our certification as “A Great Place to Work” for the sixth year in a row and are committed to honouring this recognition throughout all aspects of the business.
About the Role: Reporting to the Head of HR, the Human Resources (HR) Business Partner will act as the focal point for all people related matters for our Milawa site and will provide support in all areas across all HR strategic, advisory and operational services.
About the person: We are seeking an experienced HR professional who thrives on driving change in a fast paced and constantly changing environment to support strategic outcomes. You can engage stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership, painting a vision and influencing people to bring them along on the change journey. You will also have:
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a HR generalist role
• Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources or similar
• Demonstrated expertise in employee relations
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels
• Proactive and solution-oriented mindset, with the ability to think strategically and identify innovative HR solutions
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data to drive decision-making
What’s on Offer:
• A 12 month fixed-term contract with an anticipated end date of February 2026
• Generous employee benefits including discounts on all products
• Flexible work arrangements
• Career Development
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Be part of a passionate and dedicated team More Information: Further information and a position description may be obtained by emailing Allyce Henwood at careers@brownfwg.com.au or calling (03) 5720 5500.
Applications close on 13 December 2024
COLOSIMO, Rosario Pietro “Ross”.
9/9/1942 – 20/11/2024
Aged 82 years.
Passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at St John’s Aged Care Wangaratta. Dedicated loving husband and father to his wife and four children. Poppy to 3 grandchildren. Great-Poppy to 5 great-grandchildren. Peace, perfect peace.
COLOSIMO
Requiem mass for the repose of the soul of Mr Rosario Pietro “Ross” Colosimo will be offered in St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ford Street, Wangaratta on Friday, November 29, 2024 at 10am. Burial will follow at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made online in memory of Ross to Parkinsons Australia at www.parkinsons.org.au/ or Dementia Australia at www.dementia.org.au/
Ross’ mass can be viewed via livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming/
A public viewing will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at 4pm.
masonpark.com.au
LEACH, Peter Murray.
A funeral service to honour the life of Peter Murray Leach will be held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Wangaratta on Thursday, December 5, 2024 commencing at 10am. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Wangaratta Carevan, reflecting Peter’s lifelong commitment to helping others.
Peter’s service can be viewed via live stream at www.northeastfunerals.com.au/ livestream
A private cremation will take place following Peter’s service.
VERWEY, Arie.
3/4/1937 – 25/11/2023
12 months since you left us. Not a day passes by you don’t cross our minds. We are truly grateful for our loving and precious memories that throughout our lives will stay. Love and miss you every day. ~ Feli, Eddy, Alex, Cristy and Jessie.
The memory of a much loved family member or friend can live on through a donation to your local health service Northeast Health Wangaratta. This is a direct way of helping us to continually improve patient care and comfort, ensuring the availability of comprehensive health services in our local community. Family and friends can make a donation in lieu of flowers in recognition of the medical care and attention provided.
The bereaved family will be notified of your memorial gift according to your wishes and you will receive a taxdeductible receipt for your donation. To make a donation or to request information about memorial service donations or remembering Northeast Health Wangaratta in your will, please contact -
or
wangarattachronicle.com.au
Park Funerals
Wangaratta & District Cricket Association
A GRADE
SCOREBOARD: Saturday, November 23
ROVERS UNITED BRUCK DEF OVENS VALLEY UNITED
ROVERS UNITED BRUCK 1ST INNINGS
Charith Perera run out: josh harris 112
Ryan Collier lbw: josh harris 9
Reid McNamara lbw: Gregor Fraser 14
Paddy McNamara (c) lbw: Glenn White 11
Dean Shaw c: josh harris b: Gregor Fraser 1
Matthew Whitten c: Nicholas Impink b: James Neary 65
Jeremy Wilson (c) c: Gregor Fraser b: Glenn White 16
Jacob Schonafinger c: Conner Forde b: Noah White 19
Daniel Jones c: James Neary b: Noah White 2
Brady Bartlett lbw: James Neary 7
Charlie Lugg not out 7*
Extras 15
Total 10 / 270
Overs 72.4
Bowling: Cooper Thomason 4/2/17/0, James Neary
14.4/3/40/2, Conner Forde 8/1/35/0, Josh Harris
11/2/40/1, Gregor Fraser 18/1/57/2, Glenn White 10/0/35/2, Noah White 7/0/33/2.
OVENS VALLEY UNITED 1ST INNINGS
Gregor Fraser b: Paddy McNamara 9
Seamus Phillips c: Dean Shaw b: Paddy McNamara 4
Conner Forde b: Jeremy Wilson 35
Geeth Alwis not out 105*
Cooper Thomason c: Reid McNamara b: Jeremy Wilson 3
Dylan Bursill run out: Charlie Lugg 4 Noah White c: Paddy McNamara b: Jacob Schonafinger 3
Kane Fitzpatrick c: Lakpriya shantha Gangabadawatta
Arachchilage b: Charlie Lugg 7
Nicholas Impink lbw: Daniel Jones 0
Glenn White c: Jacob Schonafinger b: Charlie Lugg 7
James Neary c: Paddy McNamara b: Daniel Jones 7
Extras 0
Total 10 / 196
Ovens 70
Bowling: Jacob Schonafinger 19/5/46/1, Paddy McNamara 17/6/40/2, Daniel Jones 8/0/35/2, Jeremy Wilson 19/1/57/2, Charlie Lugg 7/3/13/2.
YARRAWONGA MULWALA DEF BY WANGARATTA MAGPIES
YARRAWONGA MULWALA 1ST INNINGS
Reid Clarke st: Jack Davies b: Nick Stebnyckyj 45
Fraser Smart c: Callum Honey b: Oliver Andrew 18
Ben Welsh c: Jack Davies b: Zac Guilfoyle 12
Brock McCabe c: Rhys Grant b: Nick Stebnyckyj 58
Angus Heslin c: Jack Davies b: Oliver Andrew 6
Sam Lidgerwood lbw: Zac Guilfoyle 15
Matt McCabe c: Rhys Grant b: Jarryd Wallace 36
Kyle Archibald (c) c: Nic Bonwick b: Oliver Andrew 7
Fill-in c: Callum Honey b: Oliver Andrew 5
Aneeque Azam not out 6*
Van Kreeck not out 1*
Extras 10
Total 9 / 219
Overs 75
Fall of Wickets: 1-36 Fraser Smart, 2-66 Ben Welsh, 3-89
Reid Clarke, 4-118 Angus Heslin, 5-139 Sam Lidgerwood, 6-186 Brock McCabe, 7-205 Matt McCabe, 8-212 Player, 9-215 Kyle Archibald.
Bowling: Oliver Andrew 38/10/101/4, Rhys Grant
2/0/10/0, Zac Guilfoyle 21/5/51/2, Nick Stebnyckyj 10/1/38/2, Matthew Prestianni 2/0/10/0, Jarryd Wallace 2/0/5/1.
WANGARATTA MAGPIES 1ST INNINGS
Cooper Matheson (c) c: Reid Clarke b: Matt McCabe 25
Jarryd Wallace run out: Ben Welsh 58
Jack Davies c: Brock McCabe b: Aneeque Azam 40
Brandon Fitzpatrick c: Kyle Archibald b: Aneeque Azam 9
Oliver Andrew c: Reid Clarke b: Matt McCabe 19
Nic Bonwick c: Brock McCabe b: Matt McCabe 8 Fraser Ellis c: Sam Lidgerwood b: Angus Heslin 6
Callum Honey b: Brock McCabe 34
Rhys Grant not out 21*
Nick Stebnyckyj lbw: Brock McCabe 0
Matthew Prestianni st: Reid Clarke b: Ben Welsh 0
Extras 6 Total 10 / 226
Overs 70.5 Fall of Wickets: 1-31 Cooper Matheson, 2-98 Jack Davies, 3-112 Brandon Fitzpatrick, 4-141 Jarryd Wallace, 5-158
Oliver Andrew, 6-165 Fraser Ellis, 7-175 Nic Bonwick, 8-225 Callum Honey, 9-225 Nick Stebnyckyj, 10-226 Matthew Prestianni.
Bowling: Angus Heslin 16/6/37/1, Matt McCabe 25/5/69/3, Brock McCabe 7/0/48/2, Van Kreeck 7/0/34/0, Aneeque Azam 15/5/32/2, Ben Welsh 0.5/0/1/1.
BENALLA BUSHRANGERS DEF BY CITY COLTS
BENALLA BUSHRANGERS 1ST INNINGS
Brayden Stepien (c) c: Joshua Newton b: Josh Nanson 6
James Carboon c: Connor Ormond b: Jed Marek 2
Ross Cavill c&b: Matthew Lister 83
Charlie Bull c: Mitchell Giggins b: Josh Nanson 1
Jonty Priest st: Mitchell Giggins b: Matthew Lister 72
Gary Priest lbw: Connor Ormond 6
Susanka Gamage c: Joshua Newton b: Connor Ormond 1
Conor Brodie b: Matthew Lister 11
Mitchell Wheelens not out 4*
Sameera Witharana c: Josh Nanson b: Matthew Lister 1
Cooper Binion st: Mitchell Giggins b: Matthew Lister 1
Extras 14
Total 10 / 199
Overs 75
Fall of Wickets: 1-8 Brayden Stepien, 2-8 James Carboon, 3-10 Charlie Bull, 4-147 Ross Cavill, 5-165 Gary Priest, 6-165 Susanka Gamage, 7-182 Conor Brodie, 8-199 Jonty Priest, 9-199 Sameera Witharana, 10-199
Cooper Binion
Bowling: Josh Nanson 10/5/21/2, Jed Marek 9/2/22/1, Alasdair Brett 6/1/18/0, Kent Braden 17/7/37/0, Connor Ormond 9/3/18/2, Matthew Lister 17/5/51/5, Mitchell Purcell 4/1/17/0, Aaron Thrum 3/0/13/0.
CITY COLTS 1ST INNINGS
Mitchell Giggins (c) c: Susanka Gamage b: Conor Brodie 103
Aaron Thrum lbw: Brayden Stepien 23
Ben Feldtmann c: Susanka Gamage b: Ross Cavill 0
Joshua Newton c: Charlie Bull b: Ross Cavill 1
Josh Nanson lbw: Conor Brodie 22
Tyler Nanson c: Gary Priest b: Mitchell Wheelens 21
Kent Braden not out 41*
Alasdair Brett c: James Carboon b: Mitchell Wheelens 0
Mitchell Purcell c: Gary Priest b: Cooper Binion 9
Jed Marek c: James Carboon b: Cooper Binion 4
Connor Ormond not out 12*
Extras 27
Total 9 / 263
Overs 75
Fall of Wickets: 1-94 Aaron Thrum, 2-99 Ben Feldtmann, 3-101 Joshua Newton, 4-148 Mitchell Giggins, 5-159
Josh Nanson, 6-192 Tyler Nanson, 7-193 Alasdair Brett, 8-218 Mitchell Purcell, 9-235 Jed Marek
Bowling: Conor Brodie 16/3/59/2, Charlie Bull 5/0/18/0, Cooper Binion 6/1/31/2, Brayden Stepien 24/1/86/1, Ross Cavill 18/8/32/2, Mitchell Wheelens 6/0/26/2.
A RESERVE
B GRADE
Wangaratta Magpies 10/157 Daviel larkings 71 def by Delatite 10/172 Mark O’Loughlan 88 Fill-in 4/20. City Colts 10/162 Thomas Moore 49 Nehal Tahir 3/26 def by Yarrawonga Mulwala 7/212 Brendan Hill 47 Harvey Moore 2/28.
Benalla Bushrangers 3/103 Simon Briggs 42 Connor
Dennis 2/21 def Rovers United Bruck 10/85 Connor Dennis 22 Josh Hart 3/1
City Colts 3/178 Ross Moore 95 James Campbell 1/17 def Rovers United Bruck 10/76 Gary Elliott 40 Tony Ormond 3/10.
Delatite 8/67 Fill-in 29 Balanarsimha Reddy Vanteru 3/13 def by Rutherglen United 8/178 Adrian Roach 67 Ben Martin 2/28.
Ovens Valley United 10/48 Hayden Williams 10 Daniel Witham 5/15 def by Milawa 9/267 Aden Graham 104 Tom Crook 3/37.
Greta 10/49 Troy Simpson 14 Brendan Duncombe 4/9 def by Benalla Bushrangers 1/53 Visal Sharma 42 Andrew Fraser 1/7.
Beechworth Wanderers 10/93 Lachlan Fitzpatrick 44 Gary Browning 3/10 def by Yarrawonga Mulwala 3/216 Lachlan Phillips 73* Dylan Pool 2/35.
C GRADE
Beechworth Wanderers Stanley v Benalla Bushrangers Red results unavailable.
Yarrawonga Mulwala v Rutherglen United results unavailable.
Greta Blue 8/104 Thomas Grounds 46 Wayne Millis 5/17 def by Gapsted 7/108 Peter Newton 49 Simon O’Brien 1/1.
Benalla Bushrangers Blue 6/154 Christian De Fazio 73 David Impink 3/29 def Greta White 7/152 Ashley Morris 41 Mark Osborne 2/8.
UNDER 16
Rovers United Bruck 10/115 def by Ovens Valley United 5/158.
City Colts 10/230 def Beechworth Wanderers 8/97. Benalla Bushrangers 8/263 def Delatite 10/106.
UNDER 14
Wangaratta Magpies White 10/98 def by Greta White 10/194.
Beechworth Wanderers 10/227 def Yarrawonga Mulwala Bulls 10/112.
Benalla Bushrangers Red 10/137 def City Colts 9/117. Yarrawonga Mulwala Rams 10/114 def Ovens Valley United 8/110.
LINE AND LENGTH: Ben McMasters sends one down the pitch.
RIGHT ARM OVER: Lenny Sims rolls the arm over.
NO RUN: Ryan Parsons blocks out a good delivery.
PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling
Wangaratta & District Cricket Association
MATCH REVIEWS: Saturday, November 23
STORIES
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
DESPITE yet another century from Ovens Valley’s Geeth Alwis, Rovers United Bruck proved too strong for the Tigers at WJ Findlay Oval.
Defending 270, the Hawks bowled extremely well to build pressure, backing their bowlers in to the do the damage over the course of the allotted 75 overs.
RUB skipper Paddy McNamara was the danger man early, removing both Tigers openers cheaply to bring the dangerous Alwis to the crease.
Batting with a hand injury, Alwis produced chances early, but the Hawks put them down, and he made them pay.
Together with Conner Forde (35 from 114), Alwis would produce his second unbeaten century in as many matches, digging in for a well-made 105* from 169.
Forde would play around one from Jeremy Wilson trying to hit over midwicket, and RUB seized their opportunity.
Through pressure bowling and disciplined fielding, the Tigers’ middle order and tail folded, with no other batter reaching double figures.
Charlie Lugg was extremely economical, finishing with impressive figures of 2/13 with three maidens from his seven overs, while Dan Jones (2/35 from eight overs) and Jacob Schonafinger (1/46 from 19 overs) played their role to perfection.
McNamara said disciplined bowling allowed RUB to force errors from the Tigers’ batters.
IT was a successful day for batting teams across the WDCA A grade competition, with Wangaratta Magpies and City Colts batting their way to victory.
Taking on Yarrawonga Mulwala at Stan Hargreaves Oval, the Magpies had a tall task ahead of them, needing 220 runs from 75 overs, facing up against a strong Lakers bowling attack.
The Magpies took their time in the middle, with Jarryd Wallace facing 145 balls for his 58, while Jack Davies (40 from 85) and Cooper Matheson (25 from 49) took their time.
A er Brandon Fizpatrick departed for nine runs, the ‘Pies were 3/112, with Oliver Andrew (19), Nic Bonwick (eight) and Fraser Ellis (six) not troubling the scorers too much. At 7/175, the tail needed to wag, with the big-hitting Callum Honey in at eight belting 34 from 30 balls, with two fours and a six, and Rhys Grant (21* from 19) at nine seeing
their side home.
Matt McCabe was the pick of the Yarrawonga Mulwala bowlers, nishing with 3/69 from 25 overs, while Aneeque Azam pitched in with 2/32 from 15 overs.
Over at Benalla, the Colts romped to a three wicket win over the Bushrangers, chasing down the target thanks to a strong top and middle order performance.
Skipper Mitch Giggins led the charge, opening up the innings and smashing 103 from 120 deliveries.
A er Aaron Thrum (23 from 95) was trapped in front LBW by Brayden Stepien, Ben Feldtmann (zero from eight) and Josh Newton (one from ve) departed without troubling the scorers, the Colts sitting at 3/101.
Handy middle order runs from Josh Nanson (22 from 51) and Tyler Nanson (21 from 37), as well as a brilliant 41* from 78 balls from Kent Braden saw the City Colts over the line.
Geeth tons up again, but RUB Hawks still too good for Tigers
“The deck played really well, the outfield was really quick, so we knew it was going to be tough,” he said.
“We got off to a great start, a couple of early wickets, but unfortunately we dropped Geeth about three times before he was on 20, that really hurt us.
“It was a bit of a boring period between the second and third wicket, Conner and Geeth dug in and nearly took it away from us there, but we went back to trying to bowl our dot balls, build the pressure.
“We knew with our big total on the board they’d have to go at some stage, and once we got one, we were able to rip through their middle order.”
Alwis leads the A grade batting charts with 395 runs at an absurd average of 131.6, but McNamara said they targeted his batting partner.
“We knew we had to bowl well to him - he made 100-odd against Yarrawonga a couple of weeks ago, and we played them earlier in the year and knew what a good batter he is,” McNamara said.
“We bowled really well to him early, unfortunately we dropped him in the slips a couple of times.
“Once he got going, we just gave him a single, got the other batter on strike and tried to build pressure at the other end, and that’s what we did.
“I don’t think they had a player score over 10 after Conner and Geeth.
“We just built pressure at the other end, and we were able to knock over the other batter.”
The Hawks will take the next two weeks off with the bye, and will return to play on December 14.
Magies chase Lakers’ target, City Colts’ bats on fire
READY FOR THE EDGE: Rovers United Bruck’s slips cordon is ready.
WIDTH ON OFFER: Seamus Phillips flashes at one down leg side.
STEAMING IN: Jacob Schonafinger bowled 19 overs of pace in the Hawks’ 74-run win over Ovens Valley United.
PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling
IN THE RUNS: Both Mitch Giggins (le ) and Jarryd Wallace were instrumental in getting their sides over the line in their respective run chases.
PHOTO: Melissa Beattie
Davies backs King Valley Roos in for improved season in 2025
By NATHAN DE VRIES
FRESH off a finals appearance, reappointed King Valley senior coach Jack Davies said he wants King Valley to go even further in 2025.
After helming the side for the last few years alongside Tony Ciancio, Davies will go it alone this season, but would be well supported by his core group of senior players, with the majority of the list signing on for another year in the blue and white.
The Roos commenced preseason last week, with Davies angling for improvement from the first session.
“We want to keep improving from where we finished off last year, as well as adding youth to the club to make us more sustainable,” he said.
“We started last week, Mondays and Wednesdays, just to get the boys back together and create a bit of buzz around the club, work on our skills and our fitness - it’s good to be back.
“We’ve had about 2530 each night with a few apologies, which is great, and I’ve enjoyed seeing some fresh faces and some young fellas around the club.”
The Valley has recruited a damaging duo who will have an impact on the Roos’ flag hopes this season in Tom Curren and Scott Jansen.
Curren is a former AFL player, taken in the 2011 Rookie Draft by St Kilda where he spent six seasons – he has also spent plenty of time in the VFL and WAFL, while spending the last four seasons at Karingal FNC.
Jansen played alongside
Curren at Karingal, where he won a premiership and came runner up in the best and fairest behind Curren, and is familiar with the region after playing at O&M outfit Corowa Rutherglen in 2024.
“They’re obviously class players, playing at a higher level,” Davies said.
“They were keen to play some country footy and we sort of sold the club to them a little bit, where we’re at, where we’re going to and what the club’s all about.
“We’re very lucky at the Valley with the food and win and the people around the community, it’s our big selling point.
“They’re two ready-made midfielders that can slot in there and do a job for us, they’ll be very difficult to match up on.”
The Roos made it to the finals after a five-year absence last season, but were soundly defeated by Bright 14.10 (94) to 8.6 (54) in their elimination final.
“Making finals was great for the club and the boys involved, but to take a step further is definitely high on our cards,” Davies said.
“I know around the league, everyone’s gotten better which is great for the league, and it’s even better to make sure we’re in that same position com-
ing into this year.
“Obviously experience is key in our league, and I think the more blokes you can get around that 28-30 mark, the better you’re going to be, but we’re keeping an eye on the youth and bringing in players that will be the future of our club is a key goal of mine.”
Zonta, Colts attempt to catch out violence against women
■ From the back page
Manning instigated a similar partnership with Centre Against Violence Wangaratta to make a stand against violence against women in North Wangaratta’s fixture with Milawa last season.
The teams will then form a ‘V‘ for the presentation and a minute’s silence will conclude before the match starts to remember those wives, partners, mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends who have lost their lives due to gender- based violence.
“Too many women have died at the hands of their partners or previous partners to ignore this scourge on society any longer and the numbers are increasing at a frighteningly rapid rate,” Ms Wilson said.
The designated 16 Days of Activism runs from November 25 to December 10, will see Zonta clubs across the state partnering with sporting clubs to stand together and highlight the need to challenge the
abuse that is gender violence.
City Colts president Kevin Feldtmann said it was a “no-brainer” for the club to rally behind such a worthy cause.
“I think it’s great for the club to be involved in raising awareness for violence against women,” he said.
“It’s what we’re passionate about and we’re really behind the work Zonta do in general on a daily basis.”
Ovens Valley United secretary and player James Neary said it was an honour for the club to be a part of the game, with the Tigers orange strips to match the theme of the day.
Members of the public are invited to come along and be involved on Saturday, November 30, with proceedings to begin at around 12:30pm. BYO folding chair and picnic lunch.
If weather is inclement, the match and presentation will take place at the same time and venue the following week on December 7.
HOPPING EXCITED: Coach Jack Davies is looking forward to King Valley having a major impact in the 2025 O&K season.
PHOTO: Nathan de Vries
ORANGE UP: City Colts’ Mitch Giggins (left), Zonta’s Joanne Metzger and Ovens Valley United’s James Neary will pad up in orange to raise vital awareness in Colts and Tigers A grade clash on November 30.
PHOTOS: Bailey Zimmermann
ON THE FRONT FOOT
OVENS Valley United opener Gregor Fraser steps to the line of the ball in front of a packed slips cordon. Rovers United Bruck went on to roll the Tigers for 196, completing their 74-run win at home on Saturday. ■ Story page 18 PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
More than a game
City
Colts and Ovens Valley United to ‘Orange Up’ in an effort to raise vital awareness
TWO worlds will collide under one message next weekend as WDCA A grade sides City Colts and Ovens Valley United partner with Zonta Wangaratta to stand against violence against women.
The ‘Orange Up’ twoday xture beginning
BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@
nemedia.com.au
on November 30 at Bill O’Callaghan Oval will feature the worldwide colour against violence across the eld with teams to don or-
ange caps, sweatbands bat grips and take stance with orange stumps.
Zonta Wangaratta president Elizabeth Wilson said it would be a vital day of awareness as the club progresses through its 16 Days of Activism from November 25 to December 10.
“We need to challenge the attitudes that perpetrate and normalise gender violence and deny women’s rights to live in safety,” she said.
“Shi ing these behaviours is hard and slow but gender equality and respectful relationships mean
all of us working together to see real change.
“Collectively we must call on governments, organisations and people everywhere to speak out loud and clear against violence.”
Gguest speaker Steve Manning, senior football coach from the North Wangaratta
Football and Netball Club, will address the teams and spectators for 10 minutes before the match begins. He will aim to engage the public with facts and information about this societal scourge and ways we can all work together for change.
■ Continued page 19
