Wangaratta Chronicle 260224

MAJOR STEP

WANGARATTA High School students

Naomi Roberts and Hannah Dods played an important role in securing funding for new lockers for use by those experiencing homelessness, presenting their idea to council last year. See story page 2

Fire danger remains

Storms and high winds pose a major blaze threat to the North East region S d i d p j bl h h N h E gi

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

Many of the state’s western and central regions, including Shepparton and its surrounds, were declared an ‘extreme’ fire risk late

last week, amid soaring temperatures and stormy forecasts, and while CFA

District 23’s fire danger is yet to exceed ‘high’ this summer, locals are being

urged not to become complacent.

Australian-standard fire danger ratings were introduced ahead of last summer, ranking risk as either moderate, high, extreme or catastrophic, with total fire bans imposed on days of either extreme or

catastrophic risk.

District 23 acting assistant chief fire officer Steve Contessa said while the North East had so far been “spared” of extreme fire weather, recent weather events had reiterated the need for local residents to be prepared into autumn.

“I’ve got to stress that the community shouldn’t become complacent as we do have significant amounts of fuel load in the environment that will present significant risk to us under wind-driven fires and under wind-driven events,” he said.

“We have been challenged

with the storms which have passed throughout the summer, and as a result of those wind-driven storms, there is a lot of timber on the ground from fallen trees and branches and limbs which does create a risk for us if there is a grassfire.

■ Continued page 2

PHOTO: Ryan Malcolm

International Women’s Day event in Whorouly

INNER Wheel Whorouly is hosting an International Women’s Day dinner on Friday, March 8, featuring guest speaker, Professor Margaret Hamilton AO.

Margaret will share her personal story as a way of reflecting on how our personal and work lives are shaped by our shared experience as women.

The event will be held at REMEL 185 in Whorouly and tickets are $35 (includes main and dessert) with payment details available by RSVP to Filomena Harrington by March 6 at iiw.au.whorouly@gmail.com or call 0412 565 909.

There will also be a raffle on the night, with all funds raised donated back to the local community.

Storms, high winds pose major blaze threat to North East region

■ From page 1

“Those additional, heavier fuel loads present more of a risk because they burn hotter and longer and take more resources to extinguish.

“The longer-term forecast for the remainder of summer and into autumn is for a warmer and drier than normal period, so we are expecting our fire season to continue into April at this point in time.”

Lightning strikes have been attributed as causes for at least two major fires at Greta and in the Warby Ranges over the last fortnight, while storms have also cut off power to hundreds of homes near Wangaratta and into the King Valley.

Mr Contessa said the summer storms posed a number of different challenges for regional communities.

lightning passes and we’ve seen a number of fires over recent weeks where this has been the case.

“These fires, as we’ve seen, do run in the current grassland curing, we have seen fires move forward, and the wind is a significant driver to those.

“Be aware of the weather forecasts for those events and particularly for communities which are susceptible to power outages, be prepared to be self-sufficient for your essential supplies of food, medications and potential backup power supplies for a number of days after.

Lake

“It’s really important for us and we’ve seen it over summer that the lightning has caused a number of fire events across Wangaratta and the broader re-

gion, where it’s important for community members to report smoke sightings and particularly after these dry lightning events.

“It’s a risk for us days after the

“It’s really important people have the ability to maintain their own wellbeing in the event emergency services can’t get to them in a timely manner following a significant storm event or fire.”

Lockers show support for homelessness plight

By RYAN MALCOLM

NEW lockers purchased as a result of a major community fundraising efforts will soon be available at two locations for use by people experiencing homelessness within the local region.

Seven sets of double-stacked lockers were delivered into the care of the team behind the Wangaratta Night Shelter last week, with plans to have the storage available at Apex Park and at the Wangaratta Showgrounds before winter.

A group of Wangaratta High School (WHS) year nine students last year oversaw fundraising initiatives which raised more than $6000 to purchase the lockers, with additional support from ‘Pitch Up’ and community grants from council, a community connect grant from Bendigo Bank, and funding from the Rotary Club of Appin Park Wangaratta.

Local schools also banded behind the initiative, holding ‘out of uniform’ days to help fund the lockers and raise awareness around homeless-

ness in the process.

Upon seeing the lockers firsthand almost 12 months after she and her fellow students first began exploring the project, former WHS Community Leadership Challenge (CLC) student Hannah Dods said it was “surreal” to see their plans come to fruition.

“We had to get the courage to put ourselves out there and do something that we knew was going to make a difference,” she said, reflecting on a journey which has seen her and fellow students Naomi Roberts, Bethany Tanner and Amarina Huggins campaign for the initiative before a council panel and to local schools.

“It was good to see the community got involved and they understood that (homelessness) was a problem and they needed to help.

“The fact that everyone got involved just shows how much of an impact it was going to have on the town, so now all we can hope for is they get used right away.

“We’re going to try and do it every year in CLC now – some-

thing to do with the homeless and working closely with Di (Duursma, Wangaratta Night Shelter steering team).

“We’ll definitely be involved within that circle of kids that decides to do it again with Di – we couldn’t have asked for a better outcome I don’t reckon.”

Rural City of Wangaratta manager community services, Ben Thomas, said making the lockers accessible was a key consideration.

“Council has decided on these two locations with consideration of having lockers placed at multiple sites to allow for ease of access, as opposed to having all lockers at one location,” he said.

“Access to these lockers will be managed by the Wangaratta Night Shelter, which will ensure that people in need can use them.

“The timeline for the installation is expected to be in the next couple of months.”

Ms Duursma said the lockers were a visual symbol of Wangaratta’s support for those experiencing homelessness within the community, which could be

used to securely store belongings while attending appointments or applying for jobs in town.

“That’s what I think these girls have done – they’ve really carried the whole heart of the (night) shelter and Zac’s Place into everything they’ve been a part of,” she said.

“I think it’s really important we don’t hide the problem of homelessness and we don’t stigmatise the people who are experiencing homelessness as criminals, or (being) responsible for their situation any more than you or I would be responsible for some of the things which happen to us.

“It’s a really important thing that they’re visible, they’re safe, and they’re supported by our schools, by our local businesses, by our council – it says a lot, that collective voice says a lot to people.”

To donate to the local homelessness effort, visit Zac’s Place on Wills Street between 12 and 2pm on Mondays or 10am and 4pm on Tuesdays, or contact wangnightshelter@gmail.com.

IMPORTANT STEP: (From left) Wangaratta Night Shelter’s Di Duursma, with WHS students Naomi Roberts, Amarina Huggins, Hannah Dods and Bethany Tanner, and volunteer Jared Richards.

PHOTOS: Ryan Malcolm

STORM THREAT: Forest Fire Management Victoria firefighters spent several days bringing a fire under control in the Warby Ranges a fortnight ago. The region’s fire threat is expected to stretch into April.

PHOTO: FFMVic

Woman dies in crash near Everton

Upper, passenger airlifted to Alfred

POLICE are investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash which claimed the life of a woman on the BeechworthWangaratta Road on Friday afternoon.

A police spokesperson said investigators were told a vehicle had been travelling along Beechworth-Wangaratta Road at around 2pm when the driver lost control, before leaving the roadway and crashing into a tree.

The crash is believed to have occurred just west of Airey Lane in a 100kph zone.

“Emergency crews arrived on scene and started treating the 48-year-old female driver and her 60-year-old female passenger, both from Sunbury,” the spokesperson said.

“Unfortunately the driver died at the scene.”

An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said the vehicle’s passenger was airlifted to The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne in a serious condition, having suffered up-

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

per body injuries.

CFA, Fire Rescue Victoria and SES crews were also on scene, with the incident declared under control shortly before 3pm, according to a CFA spokesperson.

The police spokesperson said the exact circumstances surrounding the crash were yet to be determined and investigations were ongoing.

The Beechworth-Wangaratta Road was closed to traffic from River Road, Tarrawingee to White Post Road, Everton Upper on Friday afternoon.

The female passenger was in a stable condition as of Sunday afternoon.

Anyone who witnessed the collision, with dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www. crimestoppersvic.com.au,” the police spokesperson said.

Galen responding to needs in a changing demographic

BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

GALEN Catholic College is in the early stages of a research project guided by La Trobe University which will help the Phillipson Street campus become a full-service school in student wellbeing and engagement.

Principal Darta Hovey said the move to extend services offered to students and their families was a response to “the changing demographic of Wangaratta and the students in our community”.

“We are looking to create a holistic approach to schooling by providing a wide range of services to support kids at risk or disadvantage, but also the wider community,” Mr Hovey said. He said becoming a fullservice school involved

bringing outside services into Galen.

“Not a lot of schools in Australia do this,” he said.

“With the research team from La Trobe, we will create a plan for what a fullservice school will look like for us.

“La Trobe are with us for three years, and we would then like to set up according to what the research has found is needed.”

Mr Hovey said discussions so far had involved representatives from NESAY, headspace, a local general practitioner, Wangaratta police, the Indigenous community and Borinya Wangaratta Community Partnership, to develop a picture of the community’s needs and challenges.

Michael Chisholm, Aboriginal education officer at Catholic Education Sandhurst (of which Galen is a member school), has also

been involved in discussions, which began last year.

Mr Hovey said the introduction of services at the school to cater for students’ needs would help alleviate problems around the availability of services to families in the school community.

He said long-term, there was potential to open up to the broader community.

Galen already has a speech pathologist and psychologist on campus, along with three other wellbeing clinicians, and calls in occupational therapy (OT) support when required.

Mr Hovey said, depending on the findings of the La Trobe research, this could extend to a GP, other clinicians, and potentially psychology students, as well as a dedicated OT.

There will also be an opportunity to upskill staff at the college through the plan which is taking shape, and

in future there may be scope for outreach services.

“We are hoping this model is something that more

schools can look at longterm,” he said. “We want to help students engage in learning and have

the capacity for growth, so they have the best opportunity to reach their full potential.”

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WORKING TOGETHER: Galen Catholic College junior school leader Kylie Girolami, principal Darta Hovey, La Trobe University’s Dr Imogen Frazer, and Galen’s deputy principal - student development Pat Arcuri gather during a research visit as part of plans for Galen to become a full-service school. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

BLOCKED OFF: Beechworth-Wangaratta Road was blocked off between River Road, Tarrawingee and White Post Road, Everton Upper following a fatal crash on Friday afternoon.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

MAMA exhibition celebrates Everyday artists and fabric work

AN exhibition presenting the work of 16 artists who share their individual and collective experience of life in the region, has opened at Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA).

Called Everyday, it also includes a large collaborative fabric work depicting the Murray River, alongside paintings and works on paper that highlight the area’s natural beauty.

Animals also feature strongly, with collaborative sculptures of kangaroos, goannas and large native birds fashioned from recycled materials.

Recurring images of ice cream cones and smiley motifs, as well as abstract patterning, celebrate moments of daily joy.

The artists exhibiting in Everyday have been brought together through an art group held at Mercy Connect, a not-for-profit organisation that supports people with disabilities to live independently and

maintain active involvement in community.

“This MAMA exhibition is an excellent platform for our wider community to see, and experience, all the incredible artwork pieces designed by this talented group of creatives,” said Mercy Connect CEO Trent Dean.

The exhibition has been designed to showcase each of the artists’ works, while also highlighting that many of the pieces have been conceived and made by groups of artists.

The colours and wall drawings have been inspired by the vitality of the artists’ studio, where they surround themselves with their work.

The exhibition also features a short video work where the artists share what the experience of staging this project and offering their works to audiences means to each of them, drawing each of us further into their everyday.

It will run until June 10.

More than $50 million invested to revolutionise Australian agriculture

CHARLES Sturt University is investing more than $50 million into projects which will revolutionise the Australian agriculture industry.

The investments, facilitated through the University, the Agrisciences Research and Business Park (AgriPark) and key industry partners, will build on the University’s existing substantial investments in agricultural research.

Family’s day on the balcony

By Steven Burke

Monday, February 24, 2014

THE ‘Pies might not have got up but Paul Matthes still had a great time watching his team take on the Tigers at Norm Minns Oval.

Mr Matthes suffered a debilitating stroke late last year while recovering from bowel cancer and the community has rallied around his family.

Wangaratta Magpies

Football Netball Club ensured Paul and his family had a prime viewing position on the balcony for Saturday’s game, while Junior Magpies ran a raffle to raise money for the family.

Paul’s sister in law, Kylie Benton, said the whole family had an amazing day.

“We’re a Richmond and Collingwood family so we had a great day there,” she said.

“His team didn’t win but Paul was just grateful to be able to sit somewhere comfortable and in the shade.”

The raffle helped raise $800 towards the family and together with other

donations they have been able to get their house ready for Paul, who returned home from the Thomas Hogan Rehabilitation Centre at Northeast Health Wangaratta last week.

Paul also has his own electric wheelchair, thanks to assistance from the community.

“He’s able to move around the house freely and get out in the garden,” Kylie said.

Further fundraising activities are planned, including a walk up Mt Buffalo.

To make a donation or for more information, contact Kylie at ekbenton4@bigpond.com. au.

The new investments include $22 million over three years for various projects at the Global Digital Farm, $20 million over three years for various projects in the Renewables in Agriculture program, $10 million across various projects in the Cool Soils Initiative and $8 million towards a circularity Centre of Excellence being developed in Wagga Wagga.

In addition to these projects, Charles Sturt’s Red Meat Innovation Centre is helping to develop a Feedlot of the Future for sheep in Wagga Wagga; to date, these feedlots have only been developed for cattle.

Charles Sturt vice-chancellor, Professor Renée Leon, said the investments would help to address challenges and unlock opportunities in the agriculture sector, helping to push the industry towards its goal of exceeding $100 billion in farm gate output by 2030.

“These investments mark a significant step towards realising the vision of a more sustainable, innovative and resilient Australian agriculture sector,”

BOOST: Charles Sturt University is investing more than $50 million centred around improvements and education in sustainable energy, animal health, agricultural technology and soil health.

Professor Leon said.

“Charles Sturt is at the forefront of innovation across the board, but our agricultural research is truly leading the way on a global scale.

“By collaborating with sector-leading partners like Telstra, NAB, Food Agility CRC and others, Charles Sturt is able to better leverage our researchers’ cuttingedge innovations to serve the needs of primary producers and the industry as a whole.”

The announcement of these investments comes in the wake of news that Charles Sturt will lead the AgriTwins project as part

of CSIRO’s Next Generation Graduates Program.

The University’s Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Futures Institute (AICF) and the AgriPark will spearhead a new era in Australian agriculture through the education of 11 research students, eight PhD students, two master’s students, and one honours student in the fields of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.

The project is a $1.59 million dollar collaboration between nine industry, four academic partners, and CSIRO to recruit students to specialise in digital twins and agriculture.

GRAND UNVEILING: MAMA head of curatorial and collections Michael Moran was joined by contributing artists David Dick and Tara Dodd, along with Mercy Connect CEO Trent Dean, at the launch of the exhibition last week.

AGRICULTURAL

FAMILY DAY OUT: Enjoying the view from the balcony were (from left) Tyler, Trent, Cameron Matthes, (front)Paul and Rachaelle Matthes, (back) Evan Benton, (middle) Kylie Benton, (back) Mick Eaton and Riley Benton. PHOTO: Luke Plummer

Volunteer ambassadors wanted to help sell the region to visitors

COMMUNITY members have the chance to become a volunteer ambassador for the region with an information session about the role on March 12 at 10am.

Enjoy morning tea and let the visitor services team inform and inspire you to be a future volunteer ambassador.

As a visitor services volunteer ambassador, you will play a crucial role as the first point of contact for visitors seeking information and inspiration to enhance their holiday experience. The visitor services team will support you every step of the way, ensuring you are fully equipped to provide

quality customer service in a positive, unbiased, professional, and friendly manner.

Volunteering is not only a fantastic way to connect with your community but also an opportunity to improve the visitor experience and contribute to the thriving tourism industry.

By dedicating your time as a volunteer, you’ll have the chance to meet new people, forge new friendships, deepen your knowledge of the local area, and hone your customer service skills.

Additionally, you’ll have access to industry training and familiarisation visits to

local attractions, businesses, and surrounding visitor information points.

Whether you’re a longtime resident or a newcomer to the area, you are invited to drop in for a chat and register your interest to volunteer.

This is your chance to be part of something truly spe-

cial and make a meaningful impact in promoting our region. Register to attend or call Visit Wangaratta on 1800 801 065 for more information.

If you would like to attend the event at https://bit. ly/3OSqyT5 and contact the team for dietary requirements.

Beautify city’s Merriwa Park

New group established to advocate for the beautifi cation of assets within Merriwa Park gp

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

LOCAL conservation advocates have come together to form a group with the view of returning Wangaratta’s Merriwa Park to its former glory.

The Merriwa Park and Gardens Group was formed after greater community focus on the park over the last 18 months stemming from several red gum trees falling or others being classified as extreme risk, consequently removed by council.

Group foundation member Claire Russell said people in the community started noticing a lack of maintenance of the park during this time.

“The lagoon is in a terrible state and I remember when it used to look lovely, and the fernery, closed for so long, is in total disrepair and weeds are out of control,” she said.

“The lagoon wall has fallen in several places and has not been repaired.”

Ms Russell also noted that one of the large oak trees is effectively dead and the oth-

er one is being consumed by ivy.

The retaining wall now in place due to the landslip was another issue.

Ms Russell said the group name reflects the original title of the Merriwa Gardens management committees established in the early 1900s.

“In the wake of concerns around plans to remove a significant number of the old established river red gums in Merriwa Park in 2023 our organisation has evolved into a larger group of like-minded people who have concerns about the lack of maintenance as well as flood damage in several areas of the park,” she said.

“The aim of the new group is to promote and enhance the heritage, horticulture and wildlife of the park and to ensure sustainable use of Merriwa Park and gardens for future generations.

“Merriwa Park stands as a testament to community initiative, dedication and preservation efforts instigated by our early residents at the end of the 19th and turn of the 20th century.”

The group has already held several meetings and

given feedback to the Rural City of Wangaratta Recreation and Open Space Strategy and to the draft budget.

Ms Russell said the Merriwa Park and Gardens Group aims to work with the rural city by supporting and en-

couraging the implementation of the Merriwa Park Masterplan of 2022.

“When you have an asset like Merriwa Park that is listed on tourism sites all around Victoria, but then people drive down there and

the lawns look lovely but the rest of it is shabby, something needs to be done,” she said.

If you are interested in joining the group email merriwaparkga rdensg roup@ gmail.com.

MERRIWA PARK RETAINING WALL

Marcus Goonan, director community and infrastructure, said the reconstruction of the Merriwa Park retaining wall was a key outcome identified as part of council’s Merriwa Park Masterplan adopted in 2021 and a critical element to preserve Merriwa Park. He said the reconstruction of the retaining wall will help stabilise the embankment located adjacent to the Harvey Norman carpark.

“Previous works included upgrading the upper end of the retaining wall with a new gabion wall.

“This final stage of works is now being delivered on the lower end of existing retaining walls at Merriwa Park.

“Constructing four concrete retaining walls to replace the old timber sleeper construction, in addition to installing improved drainage and irrigation for future plantings.

“Works are aimed to be completed by mid-April and will cost about $370,000 (excluding GST).”

ADVOCATES: Cassandra Pollock, Claire Russell and Ann Ryan are all members of the new Merriwa Park and Gardens Group. They want the Rural City of Wangaratta to restore some of the structures and natural assets.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Fire danger carries on into autumn

WITH the end of summer this week, the fire danger is certainly ongoing after what has been a mild season compared to recent years.

Days over 40C have been non-existent and heatwaves have been mild with cooler nights more regular than not.

In recent years March weather has been hot, and coupled with the wrong conditions the risk of grass and bushfire is elevated.

However, CFA warns that property owners should not become complacent during this time and to maintain an active fire plan.

Fuel loads are high due to heavy rainfall and under windy conditions, if a fire ignites it can move fast, putting assets and lives at risk.

With a higher frequency of stormy weather there also comes the risk of lightning strikes igniting fires.

This has been the cause in the WarbyOvens National Park and also Greta in recent weeks.

This Wednesday is forecast to bring temperatures in the high 30s and winds which has triggered a high fire danger rating (as of Sunday afternoon).

For the latest fire danger ratings visit https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warningsrestrictions/fire-bans-ratings-andrestrictions/total-fire-bans-fire-dangerratings.

It gives viewers a 4-day outlook on the fire danger rating for each region in Victoria and it is updated daily, or as fire danger risks change.

It’s important for people to also download the VicEmergency App on their mobile device and set a location and watch radius.

Another way is to view the VicEmergency incident list at https://www.emergency.vic. gov.au/respond/.

The Quiz No. 74

1. Dave Gregory was the first captain of which Australian national team?

2. Which TV series features the character, Olivia Benson?

3. What is the main vegetable used in a melanzane alla parmigiana?

4. Who wrote the 1960 book, Born Free?

5. In which decade of the 20th century was the University of Western Australia established?

6. Which celebrity couple had the nickname, TomKat?

7. Mount Jagungal is one of the tallest mountains in which Australian state?

8. In 1977, Don Chipp became the first leader of which political party?

9. Which car manufacturer makes the Kangoo?

10. In what year did Queen Victoria die?

11. Jay van Berlo played for which AFL team from 2009 to 2012 inclusive?

12. Which musician plays the role of Hansel’s father in the 2016 movie, Zoolander 2?

13. How many playing pieces are there in total at the beginning of a game of Chess?

14. What are the two colours on the flag of Tunisia?

15. Which Perth Glory player won the 2015-16 Johnny Warren medal?

16. What type of insect is a double drummer?

17. Which band featured Martha Davis as lead singer?

18. What is the capital city of Malta?

19. Which comedy group has the acronym, DAAS?

20. In 2012, Dmitry Medvedev became the Prime Minister of which country? 1.

FACEBOOK users this week commented on the Wangaratta Chronicle family pass giveaway up for grabs to the Sesame Street Circus at Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on March 2.

• Chayce Castles: Good luck everyone my daughter and son would love this

• Peter Skinner: Jamielee Anderson Lara would love this

• Jamie-lee Anderson: Peter Skinner yeah maybe, father & daughter time

• Annelise Maskell: Ellyn O’Brien you like elmo?

• Ellyn O’Brien: Annelise Maskell that’s why I need Macey to win so I have an excuse to go!

• Chris Crabb: Paul Crabb izzys boy coming to town. I was looking at tickets

• Paul Crabb: Chris Crabb

Taylor empowers with positive a message

I’M so impressed with the feedback from the amount of people in our region who went to see Taylor Swift from our region.

Their unanimous response was one of inspiration and validation of their worth and what women and people are capable of when empowered with a positive message of success from a woman who spent years practicing instruments and writing songs to develop her skills and achieve continuous success for her work and creativity.

The causes that Taylor Swift supports at every destination, donating hundreds of thousands of dollars, often millions, shows that her life is more than singing, playing instruments, writing songs, directing and producing her own work and video clips and standing up for the wellbeing of her fans, regardless of whether it may evoke criticism and derogatory comments.

She is setting an example that women are the mistresses of their own destinies, and that this is no longer dictated by negative and often toxic rhetoric of an expiring culture of power over women.

She doesn’t need people to like her, she needs to like herself.

She stands up for what she considers is the right thing to do for communities, and she is being the example of hard work, commitment and kindness that our young girls especially need.

Céline Forster, Wangaratta

An alternative power for electricity

I HAVE been reading a lot about electricity, gas and climate change by so called experts.

We apparently obtain solar power and wind tunnels at great cost from China.

At the same time good farmland is being used for solar power and huge wind tunnels off the coast.

We even find that some states and our Federal Government does not want nuclear power stations as a source of electricity.

I recently received an email from Queensland in respect to research of Thorium in Australia, dated September 17, 2007, in which Thorium could be used as a reactor for electricity.

Thorium in Australia is abundant and as a based fuel cycle be a lot safer than nuclear

NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.

She would love it Facebook users also commented on expected delays on the Albury V/ line train services on Friday morning due to a work stoppage, with limited bus services to be available

• Ricky Iles: Nothing unusual

• Noel Barnard: Garry might be late

• Allan White: Noel I think he is on the arvo run mate

• William Magnus: Second rate system Facebook users also commented on the upcoming Wang’s Big Dig Record Fair this March, which promises to be a celebration of music, vinyl and nostalgia.

• Jessamy Alexander: Julia Cuthbert Gottlieb thanks for tagging me! We are onto it already!

• Gill Piggott: Kate Martin you need to take Jim here.

Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.

Our follower total is

14,700

power and the waste products are not as long lived.

It seems to me that our governments are not interested in following this up.

And there is now reason that these reactors could be built in desert regions of Australia and power lines or tunnels could be used to power the towns and cities at less costs.

Sure, there are still concerns in the mining handling and storage of radioactive materials, but it could be overcome.

Terry Bennett, Milawa

Little B cafe gets an A+ from me

THIS year I have travelled to Wangaratta on a number of occasions to meet with a friend and each time we have visited the Little B cafe in Norton Street.

We keep going back because it is so good.

This cafe and the service is first rate. We get tea served in a China cup and

saucer and snacks served on China plates. The choice of food is excellent and is of good quality.

The cafe is always well patronised which just goes to show people appreciate quality.

This is the type of business that needs to be promoted in your community.

John Enderby, Burwood East

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Email edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au

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VINTAGE VIBE: Ben Nyman from Murphy Street’s No. 49 Record Bar is hosting the Wang’s Big Dig Record Fair, to be held on Saturday, March 9 (Labour Day weekend) at The Centre in Chisholm Street. The fair will see an estimated 10,000 records spanning a variety of genres packed into The Centre’s Colin Cave Gallery, which is named after musician Nick Cave’s father. It will run from 9am to 4pm, with something to suit all budgets, and will also feature cassettes, CDs and music memorabilia, with free entry for those perusing the stalls.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Vax rates for kids high in region

Murray Primary Health Network in top four immunisation rates nationally for 2 and 5 year olds yypyy

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

IMMUNISATION rates for five year old children in Wangaratta-Benalla are almost two per cent lower than the average for the Murray Primary Health Network (PHN), which takes in northern Victoria.

However, rates swung in favour of the WangarattaBenalla area when it came to getting two year olds fully vaccinated, with almost 1.4 per cent more receiving precautionary shots than the Murray PHN average.

Wangaratta-Benalla had the fourth lowest vaccination rate for one year olds in Murray PHN, but it performed fourth highest with two year olds, and third lowest for five year olds.

A new study by Supplemento, which analysed three cohorts of children aged one, two and five, shows vaccination rates of 93.54pc, 94.75pc and 93.82pc for each of the respective cohorts in Wangaratta-Benalla.

This compares with the Murray PHN average figures of 94.14pc, 93.39pc, and 95.78pc for children aged one, two and five, re-

RATES OVER 90: Immunisation rates in Wangaratta-Benalla were strong for two year olds, but dropped lower than average for one and five year olds

spectively. Since 2020 immunisation rates for children have been on the decline according to

the nationwide figures, with 94.2pc of children vaccinated in 2020, and slipping to 93.3pc in 2022.

Permanent recovery focus backed by Gateway Health

GATEWAY Health has backed calls for an overhaul of Victoria’s disaster response, following calls for a permanent Community Recovery and Resilience (CRAR) program to be implemented in disaster-prone regions.

The Alliance of Rural and Regional Community Health (ARRCH), which includes 11 rurally-based independent community health services from across the state, including Gateway Health, is currently campaigning to establish a permanent trauma-informed workforce in community health to support disaster recovery at a local level.

A prospectus is set to be tabled to the Victorian Government by the ARRCH, with a model it says will “overcome the negative consequences of the current reactive approach to disaster recovery”.

Gateway Health executive director of population health, Jacki Eckert, said a permanent CRAR program would nurture important relationships within local communities, which she said had been heavily impacted by disaster in recent years.

“The Community Recovery and Resilience team at

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

Gateway Health has had a big impact on helping communities recover over the past four years,” she said.

“We’ve seen first-hand how important it is to have a workforce that knows the region, has relationships in the community and has expertise in disaster recovery.”

ARRCH executive member and Grampians

Community Health chief executive officer Greg Little said ARRCH member agencies serviced 85 per cent of rural and regional Victoria, yet the current “reactive” approach to disaster recovery meant recovery processes started from scratch after each disaster.

As a result, he said the expertise of the experienced disaster recovery workforce was often lost due to short-term funding, while recovery care could often be fragmented, delayed or non-existent as agencies scrambled to find staff and plan.

“The delay between activation of a local response, and the clarification of roles, expectations and

funding, can lead to duplication of effort, additional confusion, and frustration, and people and programs with no local knowledge or local connections are parachuted into an area for a short time, and then disappear,” Mr Little said.

The proposed CRAR program would provide and maintain localised recovery responses when disasters occur, support impacted community for as long as needed, immediately respond to small and large local disasters and support Emergency Recovery Victoria and local government to develop a coordinated response which effectively mobilises local capability.

Between disasters it would build recovery and resilience capability, support resilience networks, upskill staff in community health and other local organisations and enable surge workforce capacity while building trust in the local community.

“Unfortunately, we know that there will always be another disaster, so it makes much more sense to continue funding to the CRAR program so we don’t have to lose the local expertise and relationships that have taken years to build,” Ms Eckert said.

For one year old children, Murray PHN did not perform well, but still came in 11th on the national scale.

Murray rates highly for two year old vaccinations compared to the other 30 PHNs in Australia, with the

third highest rate. Vaccinations for five year olds in Murray were also strong, the fourth highest rate in the nation.

Individual vaccine rates for Wangaratta-Benalla include:

One year olds: DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) - 93.54pc; Polio - 93.74pc; Hib - 93.54pc; Hepatitis B - 94.95pc; Pneumococcal - 96.77pc;

Two year olds: DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) - 95.19pc; Polio - 97.16pc; Hib - 95.40pc; Hepatitis B - 97.37pc; MMR - 95.40pc; Pneumococcal - 95.84pc; Meningococcal96.50pc; Varicella (chickenpox) - 95.40pc.

Five year olds: DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) - 93.82pc; Polio - 93.82pc. North Coast NSW, which spans from Tweed Heads to beyond Port Macquarie, had the lowest immunisation rate in Australia and it was the only region to have sub 90pc vaccination rates for all age groups.

The highest immunisation rates were in Western NSW across the age groups with full vaccination rates across the studied age groups of 95.75pc for one year olds, 94.19pc for two year olds and 96.40pc for five year olds.

compared to the average for the Murray Primary Health Network.

LIGHT IT UP: A cloud to ground lightning strike at Milawa was captured by Wangaratta Chronicle photographer Kurt Hickling last Tuesday night at about 10pm.

Master weaver Liz Williamson is coming to Wangaratta

THE ACROSS

A COLLABORATIVE textile project by acclaimed Australian weaver Liz Williamson is travelling to Wangaratta Art Gallery this autumn.

The exhibition, Weaving Eucalypts Project, brings together 100 panels woven by Williamson with fabric dyed by 60 collaborators with over 50 eucalypts species identified and sourced from over 50 locations.

The exhibition is the outcome of Williamson’s experiments with Australian natural dye plants and the unique colours extracted from locally sourced plants.

In 2020, Williamson began inviting colleagues in Australia and India to colour silk fabric with eucalyptus leaves collected locally.

These fabrics were then sent back to her studio, and once received, stripped and woven into beautiful panels.

The finished woven panels reflect place and location while the process has created a unique community of collaborators, including Wangaratta artist, Robyn Barrow, who dyed fabric with local eucalypt leaves sourced from her garden.

Since 2021, the project has expanded to connect with more colleagues in Australia and India as well as other countries touched by the Indian Ocean –Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Thailand.

Each collaborator, location and species is named in the accompanying exhibition publication giving audiences an insight into the tremendous diversity of eucalypt species across the globe and the unique colour and shade profile each particular tree, bark and twig produces.

Wangaratta Art Gallery director Rachel Arndt said the exhibition represents contemporary craft dialogue and collaboration between like-minded colleagues across the Indian Ocean.

“The 100 weavings on display in this exhibition showcase an international community of textile practice linked by an engagement with the natural world and sustainable making,” she said.

“Williamson has expertly woven the returned fabrics dyed by her collaborators into panels.

“Referencing the traditions of woven rag rugs and ‘making do’ where new items are made from old or readily available materials.

“The exhibition pays homage to the beauty of the Eucalypt, to local colour, cross cultural connections and shared weaving traditions.”

Weaving Eucalypts Project will be opened by Helen Newman, award winning filmmaker and projection artist, at the exhibition launch on Friday, March 1 from 5.30pm at Wangaratta Art Gallery.

The launch will also celebrate ‘In Grief’ featuring work by art-

WHAT’S UP WITH THE WEATHER?

By Peter Nelson, Peter retired CSIRO climatologist

All time heat records in WA suggest warm weather coming

DURING the past week much of the western part of WA was subject to all time heat records not only for February but also for any other months for this time of year. Carnarvon recorded a maximum temperature of 49.9 degrees Celsius on Sunday, February 18, nearly three degrees higher than the previous record high of 47C in January of 1953.

Shark Bay also recorded 49.8C, more than two degrees above the old record.

Further south along the coast Geraldton recorded 49.2C on Monday, February 19 and this was also easily the hottest ever day in 116 years of records.

The three previous hottest days at Geraldton were 47.3C on February 20, 1985; 46.3C on February 23, 1991 and 46.4C on February 6, 1933.

All these three previous hottest days at Geraldton certainly led to an autumn season in Victoria much warmer than usual during March and most of April until significant rain about April 22.

Maximum temperatures in March may be higher than the hottest day we had during this summer.

There were also very high temperatures in Victoria in the October of 1933, 1985 and 1991. The extreme heat in WA extended eastwards into the Goldfields on Wednesday, February 21.

Karlgoolie recorded 46.5C, a new record for February in 117 years of records.

Previous hottest February days at Karlgoolie were in 1922, 1933, 1991, 1998 and 2019.

Once again these will certainly lead up to a very hot and dry autumn in Victoria and NSW. We could come close to having our hottest Easter for 102 years.

We have had many thunderstorms than normally this summer to date; there were storms on 22 days in Wangaratta .

The old records show there are normally six days of storms during a summer season.

There were 10 days of storms during the summer of 1974-75.

ists Maissa Alameddine and Emily McIntosh presented in Gallery 1.

Maissa Alameddine, who is also a voice artist, will be giving a special performance at the opening reception.

All are welcome and free tickets can be booked by visiting www.wangarattaartgallery.com. au, where there is also more information about programs being held in March to accompany the exhibition.

That was a cooler than average summer in Victoria although February 1975 was a little warmer and we had a mild wet May to August in 1975.

An interesting note is that an unusual formation on the synoptic weather chart occurred on Tuesday, February 13.

It was a small scale meso low near Mt Gambier, which during the day moved eastwards across the state and then parked itself overnight near Shepparton with sporadic rain and much lighting and thunder.

This threw many official forecasts out of whack.

CREATIVE COLLABORATION: Liz Williamson, Weaving Eucalypts Project 2020-22, (detail, installation view UNSW Galleries), silk dyed by artists in Australia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and South Africa with locally sourced eucalyptus leaves, bark or twigs; dyed silk handwoven as weft into a linen and cotton warp.

PHOTO: Jacquie Manning

MASTER MAKER: Acclaimed Australian weaver Liz Williamson will present the Weaving Eucalypts Project at the Wangaratta Art Gallery until April 14 in Gallery 2.

PHOTO: Anna Kucera.

Government urged to find funding for homelessness response

CALLS for the State Government to fully fund a major response to homelessness have intensified, after a state report into the crisis was published last week more than two years after it was initially due.

The Legal and Social Issues Committee Inquiry into Homelessness in Victoria was expected to receive a response from the government by September 2021, with last week’s report coming nearly 900 days after first promised, according

to the Council to Homeless Persons (CHP).

The government response pledged to support 45 of the inquiry’s 51 recommendations either in full or in-principle, and vowed to review a further four recommendations.

It also supported the inquiry’s key recommendations to provide more long-term housing and intervene early to prevent homelessness.

The government’s response comes after the release of its

Housing Statement policy last year, which CHP chief executive officer Deborah Di Natale said needed to be revised to fully fund the homelessness inquiry’s recommendations.

“Money is the missing ingredient in this overdue response to critical recommendations that will reduce homelessness in Victoria,” she said.

“Revising the Housing Statement so it tackles homelessness is absolutely crucial and will send a

message that Premier Allan believes that everybody should have a home.

“We need an iron-clad commitment that this year’s state budget will include the full amount needed to implement these reforms.”

The recent government response also identified five pillars to making homelessness in Victoria rare, brief, and non-recurring, such as supporting people quickly to access and sustain housing, ensuring all parts of the social service system

share responsibility for outcomes, and making sure First Peoples’ homelessness services are self-determined.

Ms Di Natale said the “most serious housing crisis in living memory” had only worsened in recent years, and urged government to seek input from experts in the field in implementing the recommendations.

In December, some 60,708 applications for public and community housing remained on waiting lists across the state.

“CHP would welcome the opportunity to sit on an oversight group to advise the government about the most efficient and effective way to make these recommendations work for people experiencing homelessness,” Ms Di Natale said.

“There are more than 30,000 people in Victoria on any given night experiencing homelessness – it’s crucial they are represented when it comes to implementing these recommendations.”

Tribute shows always a hit in Wangaratta

BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au

ENTERTAINING shows which celebrate legendary artists and popular music from years gone by continue to draw strong audience numbers to the rural city’s live music venues.

It seems if the real thing is no longer accessible, punters are happy to join a crowd of like-minded fans, rekindling memories or enjoying their favourite music played live, thanks to a growing number of talented tribute acts who go to great lengths to recreate an authentic experience.

Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention (WPACC) Centre venue manager Tanya Camplin, said tribute shows will always have a place on the centre’s annual program and are featured throughout the year, with many so popular they draw their own fan base.

She says she thinks it’s because music and artists are so immersed in our memories, both happy and sad.

“Music is really powerful and can often take people back to a different time and place in their lives,” she said.

“Tribute shows pays homage to that music and audiences are really engaged - they love to sing along to their favourites.

“Because these shows are performed in a theatre, they use amazing stage lighting and audio visual effects and are quite interactive, and you

wouldn’t get that in a different setting.”

Ms Camplin said some of the most popular are ABBA tribute shows, which appeal to all ages “because everyone knows the words”, but others go right back to much older artists or genres, including those from the 50s and 60s.

Among this year’s lineup are Rave On - The Buddy Hol-

ly Story, which is a matinee show on March 7 at 10.30am, The Roy Orbison Story on April 5, and Creedence Clearwater Collective on April 6.

“The Robinson Brothers (on March 1) are always well received - a quality act who has been in the industry for the long time - and their 60s shows are a lot of fun and really interactive with the audi-

ence,” Ms Camplin said.

“Johnny Cash is always a hit with fans, and Get Rhythm The Johnny Cash and June Carter Show, will be performed on September 7.”

Also on the program this year, Melinda Schneider returns to the stage to pay tribute to the legendary Doris Day on May 9, the Beach

Boys Experience arrives on May 11, Australia’s enduring Queen tribute, Bohemian Rhapsody, performs on June 7, with Echoes of Pink Floyd bringing their carefully crafted homage to Pink Floyd’s spectacular Signs of Life concerts of the 80s, on June 21.

To see what’s on and book tickets, visit wpacc.com.au/

Whats-On, with Ms Camplin encouraging everyone to plan ahead and bring family and friends along.

“It’s great to sometimes see grandparents bring along their grandchildren - and all enjoying the same music - because so much of the music does resonate with different generations,” she said.

THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE: Echoes of Pink Floyd are among the tribute acts that use lighting and other audio visual techniques to create an authentic concert experience, coming to Wangaratta on June 21.

Carer wellbeing network to provide vital support

A NEW centre established in the Wangaratta CBD is set to provide carers with their own support network.

Gateway Health recently launched a series of Hume Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect Centres, aimed at providing a welcoming space for the use of families, carers and supporters to manage their own wellbeing while caring or supporting someone experiencing mental health and/or substance challenges.

The local centre, located on Rowan Street a stone’s throw from Gateway Health’s Mackay Street headquarters, does not require a referral.

The sites follow the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, which recommended an increased focus on regional health.

General manager mental health and wellbeing

at Gateway Health, Alana Pund, said the centres were an important step to providing support for those fulfilling an important carer role.

“Caring for a loved one can be challenging and it’s important for careers to have a place to get support and to connect with others in a similar situation,” she said.

“The centres build a sense of community for carers.”

The wellbeing centres are led by staff with lived or current experience of supporting someone with mental health and/or substance use challenges, providing tailored information and service navigation to support anyone needing extra assistance in their caring roles.

It also provides them the opportunity to connect with peers.

Gateway Health carer peer worker, Lisa Keogh,

said her lived experience had informed her involvement with the centre.

“When your loved one is in crisis, you get so caught up in trying to help them that you forget to take care of your own needs,” she said.

“That is one of the biggest lessons I have taken away and continue to advocate to people I support.

“It is ok to put your needs first – you cannot pour from an empty cup.

“It’s exciting to be a part of this service from the ground up, and really focusing on the carer/supports, their needs and putting those back into focus.”

Other centres have also been established at Wodonga and Shepparton.

To access the service, call 1800 572 129, text 0403 657 888 or visit 57 Rowan Street any time between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.

Program a path to local leadership

LOCALS seeking to increase their community leadership capacity are being encouraged to apply for the 2024 Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Annual Program.

The program was conceived in 1999, and has since produced more than 500 graduates across the North East and Border regions.

It offers participants a hands-on learning experience, fostering personal leadership skills and regional knowledge and creating a valuable network of likeminded individuals.

AVCL board chair Judy Charlton said when the State Government announced last year that it would cease funding the program, along with other community leadership programs across Victoria, the outpouring of support had reiterated the need for local leadership development opportunities.

“We heard from our graduates and stakeholders about the program’s value, and we crafted a strategy to ensure it remains a staple in building capacity across the

BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

North East,” she said.

“I’m so pleased to confirm to the community that the 2024 annual program is running, largely made possible through our valued partners’ support and financial contribution.”

AVCL executive officer Madeline Hines said the revitalised offering involved 15 full days, including a study tour to Melbourne, two overnight retreats, a launch event and final celebration, and several online skills sessions.

“Given the shorter duration, running over seven months from May to November, the program will be more intentional in its placebased approach while visiting each local government area in our region to learn more about the unique opportunities and challenges,” she said.

“The program will include a leadership in action component.”

Ms Hines said there was an ongoing need for practical leadership across all pockets of the region.

“In recent years, we have faced a raft of challenges across the North East, disrupting and impacting individuals, organisations and communities,” she said.

“To build resilient communities and ensure our region’s vitality and sustainability, we must continue to develop diverse and capable leaders.

“I encourage anyone interested in growing their capacity and supporting their community to consider applying.”

AVCL program manager

Irene Day is a program graduate, and said her progression illustrated the changes the program could make.

“Although I have worked extensively in values-based program facilitation and training, I wanted to undertake the program, as I knew it would challenge me

to grow outside my comfort zone,” she said.

“The experience was incredible, and it’s humbling that I can now take what I learned and provide value back to the community as program manager.”

Ms Day highlighted the equitable opportunities available to support participation.

“My participation in the program was made possible through a June Canavan Foundation scholarship,” she said.

“This year, we have returning and new scholarship opportunities to ensure an equitable, diverse and inclusive cohort.

“We will continue to partner with regional employers who see the value in nominating and funding their staff to complete the program”.

Further information and the application form can be found on the AVCL website, www.avclp.org.au

Applications close on Sunday, March 10.

Enquiries can be directed to program manager Irene Day on 0437 827 548 or leaders@avclp.org.au

TAPPING INTO LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL: The Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Annual Program has produced more than 500 graduates across the North East and Border regions.

HERE TO HELP: Gateway Health carer peer worker Kristie Woods is one of a number of staff available to assist carers in managing their own wellbeing at centres throughout the North East.

ACROSS

1 Name an earlier Australian Prime Minister, Alfred ... (6)

8 In order to marry Wallis Simpson in 1936, what was Edward VIII forced to do (8)

9 To have lessened, is to have done what (6)

10 What might we call a devotee (8)

11 Which horse won the first two Melbourne Cups (6)

12 What does a tramp carry (4)

13 Name the source of opium (5)

16 When one mores furtively, one does what (5)

19 To be partly opened, is to be what (4)

21 What is an unsolicited quantity of oral advice (6)

22 Which term describes friendly feeling (8)

23 Who formerly delivered frozen water (6)

24 To be inhabited, is to be what (8)

25 What is favourable judgement (6)

DOWN

2 What is a prohibition (7)

3 Name another term for tomato sauce (7)

4 What are lowest points (6)

5 What is a small assemblage of houses (7)

6 To be eating sparingly, is to be doing what (7)

7 Which vessels are used for transporting passengers over water on short journeys (7)

13 What is the name of the receptacle for store-bought biscuits or cigarettes (6)

14 Name a long triangular flag (7)

15 To be displaying boredom, is to be doing what (7)

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

17 Name a river in southeastern Tasmania  (7)

18 To try to equal, is to do what (7)

20 To dwell permanently, is to do what (6)

MINI WORD FIND

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 LOGOGRAM

(a) A covered open arcade (b) A rocking stone (c) A

2 NONDESCRIPT

(a) Unconcerned (b) Not easily classified (c) Without equal

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:

Bullock (5)

Cattle stopper at gates (5)

Divide by four (7)

Dreamlike (7)

IOC code: Australia (3)

Old school: alma ... (5)

Regular arrangement (5)

Tree (3)

Without written music: by ... (3)

SOLUTIONS SUDOKU

THINK

Retail beef prices to remain high

Wangaratta meat trader and analyst Simon Quilty explains view of past and future markets gyQypp

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

BEEF lovers will continue to pay high prices at the supermarket or butcher checkout over the next four years, based on forecasts by Wangaratta global meat trader and analyst, Simon Quilty.

Mr Quilty forecasts that any discounts in retail prices for beef products will be short lived and will return to current price levels, if not higher into 2025, 26 and 27.

“Right now and in the last year figures show we’ve had large production in Australia, mainly driven by the dry conditions in 2023,” Mr Quilty from Global AgriTrends said.

“Volumes of exports have been up at record levels for sheep and lamb, but also for beef, but what’s important to note is that large exports don’t equal good demand.

“In actual fact we sold into all these markets last year at a discount due to oversupply and economies that were struggling - it was challenging.”

Mr Quilty said 2024 is a transition year on many levels and globally they expect beef suppliers to tighten and in particular from Australia, the US and South America.

“In 2025 we then start to move into a large rebuild program globally and when rebuilds occur, supply tightens because females are retained and prices move higher,” he reported.

Wangaratta Livestock Exchange - Prime Market Report

In the export scene, he said to realise record prices over 2025, 26, and 27, markets need to improve and economies around the world need to get better.

“The assumption I have in

my forecast is that we move on from the issues that we’ve got, including Japan going into recession and the UK in recession, but we’re expecting by 2025 that these markets will have come out of

the worst and improve.

“To get those record prices, we need stronger economies around the world, therefore demand to improve, but also supply to tighten.”

For some time people have

been aware of the large per kilo variance in price people pay for beef products at the supermarket checkout, compared to what the beasts sell for at the yards.

Mr Quilty said this variance is due to the lack of labour at meat processing facilities.

He explained that without labour it’s difficult to process and therefore a bottleneck occurs and what’s coming out the other end is restricted and prices are at higher levels.

But the labour shortage is expected to change, with Mr Quilty reporting that five meatworks are coming online on the Eastern Seaboard, so the problem with beef will alleviate itself.

“In the sheep meat sector there is no new capacity coming online, so the problems are likely to remain in this sector,” he said.

“We’re expecting improved prices on sheep meat (lamb and mutton) in 2025-26 and possibly 2027, but I fear that the ability to turn the tap on so easily in this sector, that could be short lived, and by 2028 prices could fall again.”

Domestic demand for beef and lamb has been up, as has the volume sold domestically, and lamb sales performing considerably well.

RIC to host free online drought loan webinar on Wednesday

AUSTRALIAN Government farm business lender, RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) will host a free online webinar on Wednesday February 28 for farmers, financial advisers, business planners and rural counsellors who are interested in learning more about how a low-interest RIC Drought Loan may be able to help prepare for, manage through or recover from drought.

As part of the online forum, RIC customer Tim Webb from Forbes, NSW will share experiences about how he and his wife, Jenny, used their Drought Loan to strengthen their farm business.

RIC Chief Executive Officer John Howard said farmers may be eligible to apply for a Drought Loan even if they are not currently in drought because the loan can also be used for activities that will reduce risk and prepare for drought.

“Whether farmers are currently in drought or between cycles, drought is never too far from their minds so knowing what financial options are available can make a difference to how quickly and effectively they manage through and recover,” Mr Howard said.

“Many farmers would be interested to know RIC’s Drought Loan is available for drought preparation activities like increasing water storage

or improving water efficiency.

“This means even if farmers are not currently in drought but want to improve their drought resilience, they may be eligible if they have had a significant financial impact outside their control within the past 5 years.

“RIC loans can help to refinance or restructure existing farm debt to improve cash flow and provide access to new funding for operating expenses and capital expenditure.

Merino producer, Tim Webb is pleased to be available to help other farmers learn more about RIC loans. He will explain how a lowinterest RIC loan helped his business to refinance part of their existing commercial debt during the last drought.

The Webb’s were able to use the money they saved in interest payments to buy in grain to keep their breeding

stock fed and their business running in preparation for retirement.

“The RIC loan kept us going through the drought and the interest pressures at the time,” Tim said.

“We’ve since been able to repay a big chunk of our debt, which has put us in a strong position as we approach succession planning and retirement – it’s been a game changer.”

To register for the free online RIC Drought Loan webinar, visit www.ric.gov.au/ events.

The webinar will be held on Wednesday 28 February 2024 from 12:00 – 1:00pm AEDT. If webinar participants are not able to attend on the day, a recording will be emailed after the event if they register in advance.

For more on the RIC Drought Loan, please visit www.ric.gov.au/drought.

Wangaratta’s Simon Quilty of Global AgriTrends shares some of his knowledge about how the meat

on Friday 1st March 2024. If one or both of the prize winners do not respond to notification within 12 hours, the prize will be re-drawn. Tickets valued at $119 each. Prizes cannot be redeemed for a total cash amount and will be awarded by way of Birds of Tokyo VIP double pass tickets, equaling four (4) tickets total to two (2) separate winners, conditions may apply. VIP experience includes access to pre-concert VIP suite, complimentary grazing table and drinks from 6pm, VIP lanyard with $25 bar credit and early entrance at 7pm. Employees of North East Media Pty Ltd are not allowed to enter.

2 Tebco electric fold up bikes, 36v lithium batteries, in excellent condition, price $2100.

CHEF

Both Casual and Permanent Opportunities Available

About the Restaurant: Brown Brothers Restaurant was recently awarded a hat at the 2023 Age Good Food Guide awards. We are an iconic tourist destination recognised for our outstanding diversity around food and wine experiences, exciting event calendar, and hosts approximately 100,000 visitors per year, with our Restaurant and Cellar Door central to our offer.

About the Role: This is an outstanding opportunity for a motivated and creative Chef to gain exposure to a wide variety of uncommon and inspirational cooking techniques including our fermentation program around miso and sourdough, the culinary art of charcuterie, as well as cheese making.

Supporting the Head Chef and working closely with the broader kitchen team, this role is responsible for delivering best in class dining and food experiences to all visitors to the Milawa site. Our food offer is based around organic produce grown in our on-site commercial kitchen garden, so maintaining, harvesting, and processing produce from the garden is a daily expectation.

Ph 0447 195 411.

Farm shed/garage sale.

BOX steel trailer 180x140, near new, not registered, Wangaratta.

Ph 0450 183 753.

DB with good mattress, $120, large box cd’s including ACDC, ABBA etc, $50, Samsung tv, model code N363, $350, Eko android smart tv 32’, $120, Kambrook dual toaster, $20, LG smart inverter microwave, 1150w, $50.

Ph 0412 874 585.

FRUIT and veggie plastic fold down crates, Wangaratta. Ph 0450 183 753.

HOME wine equipment, 300ltr s/s tank and ferment drum, electric crusher, transfer pump, basket wine press, excellent condition $950. Ph 0417 154 229.

SET of 4 bowls, OHeavy with carry trolley, v.g condition, $285. Ph 0412 874 585

ROOM for rent, aircon, TV, fully furnished, broadband included, shared accommodation, in Springhurst, $270 per week. Ph 0428 217 493.

Accumulation over 70 years. Saturday, March 2, 2024. Details in Friday’s paper.

CLASSIFIEDS WORK!

5723 0101

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

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

PLASTERER, no job too small. Ph 0424 911 161.

WHEELER Earthworks, available for all your household earthworks needs, yard clean ups, stump removals, driveways, material supply and spreading, and more. Call Marcus on 0491 094 545.

To Be Successful: As a self-motivated chef, you will be qualified, inquisitive and have a passion for pushing the culinary boundaries and exploring innovative cooking techniques. An outgoing personality, with a positive attitude will mean an easy transition into the team.

What’s on Offer:

• Work within one of Australia’s leading family-owned wine companies

• Exposure to a range of uncommon and inspirational cooking techniques.

• Genuine career progression opportunities

• Generous product discounts available

• Work with a business that Values Wellbeing, Respect, Innovation and Pride in what we achieve together.

If you are a qualified Chef looking for an outstanding opportunity, APPLY NOW.

Further information and a position description may be obtained by emailing careers@brownfwg.com.au or by calling

Allyce on (03) 5720 5500.

Applications will close on 19 March 2024

Sheriff’s Officer

• Help make Victoria a fairer place to live.

• No prior experience needed.

• Fully paid pre-service training provided.

• Work an 8-day fortnight. No weekend work.

Like working with people? Enjoy challenges? You could be a great sheriff’s officer.

Taking action to build a fairer community

As a sheriff’s officer, you will enforce warrants and orders issued by the courts. It’s an important job that makes members of the public accountable for unpaid fines and other offences.

You will work on the road and in the community. On any given day, you could be working with:

• people with outstanding fines

• people whose vehicle you have wheel-clamped

• property owners who have defaulted on agreements with financial institutions

• businesses who haven’t honoured their court orders

• someone who has failed to appear in court as required.

You daily tasks may include:

• demanding and collecting payments

• applying wheel-clamps to vehicles

• seizing and removing property for the purpose of sale

• arresting a person named in a warrant.

What makes a great sheriff’s officer?

We’re looking for new sheriff’s officers who are assertive, empathetic and resilient

Do you find it easy to connect with people? Do you have a strong work ethic? Can you handle tough conversations and bounce back from challenges? We want you.

The benefits of joining the team

• Access to state-of-the-art equipment and technology, with ongoing learning and development and career progression.

• A Monday-to-Friday roster, with no regular weekend work (occasional overtime may be available). Shifts commencing morning and afternoon.

• Work an 8-day day fortnight. Enjoy a fantastic work/life balance.

• Fully supportive team environment including access to free, confidential employee wellbeing and support.

To learn more about life as a sheriff’s officer, go to justice.vic.gov.au/sheriffrecruitment

Applications close 10 March 2024.

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Vacant PHARMACY ASSISTANT

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The Robertson Group is looking for pharmacy assistants to join their busy teams.

No previous experience necessary, training will be provided. Junior or senior applicants welcome to apply.

Full-Time and Part-Time positions available. The successful applicant will be required to demonstrate a high level of communication skills and be a team player.

Remuneration in accordance with pharmacy industry award, experience and capability. Please send all applications to: administration@brucerobertson.com.au

All applications will be strictly confidential.

EMPLOYMENT

Mason Park Funerals has an exciting opportunity for a Funeral Arranger to join our team in Wangaratta. This is a full-time position with the requirement to be available on an after-hours roster.

No previous Funeral industry experience is required as full training will be provided.

The successful applicant will have:

The ability to work as part of a close-knit team as well as autonomously.

Good communication skills, both written and verbal.

Be highly motivated displaying self-drive, initiative, and adaptability.

High attention to detail.

Be a strong team player.

Be well presented.

Have high emotional intelligence.

If this sounds like the career path for you, please email your resume with a cover letter to Glenn Bouchier –glenn@masonpark.com.au

Wangaratta Chronicle

Graduate Journalist Career Opportunity

Full-time

North East Media, publisher of the award winning Wangaratta Chronicle, is currently seeking expressions of interest from enthusiastic and motivated candidates to join the team in Wangaratta as a journalist.

We are seeking university graduates in journalism/communications (or equivalent experience) who have a genuine interest in living and working in a progressive regional Victorian community.

The successful candidate will be expected to write clear, concise and interesting news, sport and feature stories for our tri-weekly newspaper and associated digital and social media platforms.

We are searching for a skilful, passionate and determined journalist with excellent verbal and written English, sound computer skills, solid general knowledge, a genuine interest in the local community, and an ability to build rapport and networks quickly.

You will need to be well organised, able to work to deadlines, and have strong attention to detail.

Candidates must hold a valid driver’s licence, be available to work flexible hours, and photography and social media skills are desirable.

North East Media is a leading independent family-owned media group with a commitment to community journalism.

Applications, including covering letter and resume, should be forwarded to:

Jeff Zeuschner, Group Editor, North East Media jzeuschner@nemedia.com.au

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DEATH NOTICES

Wangaratta & District Cricket Association

REVIEWS: Saturday, February 24

By NATHAN DE VRIES

A JEREMY Wilson fivewicket haul helped deliver Rovers United Bruck their latest win, with the Hawks knocking over Delatite for 119, defending a slender 150.

With 75 overs to bowl, RUB showcased their depth of bowling, with eight players rolling the arm over.

Jacob Beattie found the breakthrough, removing Gregor Fraser for 14 runs before Wilson worked his way into a hot streak.

The middle order was no match for Wilson’s off spinners, with no batter offering any meaningful resistance as the Delatite batting order collapsed.

Wilson would end with 5/28 from his 20 overs, with Matt Winter (1/10 from six overs) and skipper Paddy McNamara (2/18 from 11.1) chipping in with wickets late in the day.

McNamara said the versatility from his bowling attack was a crucial aspect of the Hawks’ success.

“We have a lot of allrounders in our squad, it’s really good to be able to throw the ball around,” he said.

“If someone’s building pressure you can keep them on, but if not you can throw it around.

“Everyone who came on and bowled did their job, I thought the bowling was really good - we probably just let ourselves down in the field a bit, we were building some good pressure, but a couple of misfields and a dropped catches here and there, we didn’t back up our bowlers in the field as much as we wanted to.

“I’ve said it before, he’s (Wilson) probably one of our most important bowlers, to have him rolling and bowling really well, and bowling overs as well is super important for us.

“He got the reward on Saturday, he usually doesn’t get the reward, only comes away with one or two wickets, so to see him get a bag of five was really good for him and well-deserved.”

The win sees the Hawks close in on a top two finish and a home semi-final, with one match remaining in the home and away season - a home game against Benalla Bushrangers.

McNamara said it was vital for his list to maintain their winning ways heading into the finals series.

“It’s been close all year, if you put a foot wrong then all of a sudden you’re on the back foot,” he said.

“It’s been tight in the top six, and I think it’s really important we come away with another win for our confidence and to secure that top two.

“Benalla got us last time in the first round of the year, so it’s important we get them back and I think it’s important we get a few runs on the board for our batters’ confidence as well.”

In other matches from the weekend, Yarrawonga Mulwala withstood a challenge from Ovens Valley United, rolling the Tigers from 131 defending 152.

The Magpies picked up an emphatic win over Beechworth to keep their finals hopes alive, knocking the Wanderers over for 158.

Benalla picked up a lateseason win over City Colts,l knocking them over for 99 defending 241.

SWINGING: Jacob Schonafinger gets the shiny new ball moving through the air.

ONE MORE: Paddy McNamara rounds at the top of his mark.

Hawks surging ahead to finals

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

WORKED AWAY: Mark O’Loughlan plays the ball down the leg side.

Wangaratta Magpies edge closer to finals berth

■ From back page “For the most part, he (Guilfoyle) bowled quite well and was able to build pressure, he let it slip a little bit late with the runs but he definitely bowled well when he needed to and was able to build pressure.

“It starts with ‘Gathers’ at the top, he builds that pressure and bowls balls you can’t score off of, it lifted the run rate (required) a little bit, then everyone was able to chip in from there.

“We still probably bowled one or two bad balls an over at stages, but overall I’m pretty happy with our effort.”

EFFORT: Zac Guilfoyle took 4/73 from his 29 overs on Saturday.

Victorian Government backs turf club’s new sand track

LEARNING THE GAME: Juniors have spent the last month learning the fundamentals of baseball with the Wangaratta Rangers.

Final come and try baseball hit tomorrow

THE Wangaratta Rangers will round out their month of junior come-and-try baseball sessions tomorrow at Targoora Park.

Almost two dozen kids signed up to give the sport a go, learning the fundamentals of the game, including throwing, catching and hitting.

The program will culminate in a fun game on Tuesday, with the juniors able to put the skills they learned into practice.

Wangaratta Rangers plan to field an under 15 and under 12 team in the 2024 North Easters Baseball Association (NEBA) season, with the fixture yet to be released.

For more information on playing baseball with the Rangers, visit Wangaratta Rangers Baseball on Facebook or contact Owen Godenzi on 0419 514 695.

RACEGOERS and trainers at Wangaratta Turf Club will benefit from new facilities to safeguard animal welfare and meet the demand for year-round training facilities thanks to significant investment from the Allan Labor Government.

Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines visited the Club on Friday to announce the completion of the new $1.1 million sand training track which has been backed by a $550,000 investment from the government’s Victorian Racing Industry Fund, with the other half coming from Racing Victoria and the Wangaratta Turf Club.

This project includes a new 1500 metre railed sandtrack designed for year round use - providing the best possible racing and training conditions to improve horse welfare for the 135 horses and 35 trainers currently based at the track.

The new low-maintenance track will also be easier for the club to maintain and manage throughout the year.

The project began in October 2023 and was completed this month. The new sand track in-

cludes new running rails as well as an improved drainage system with upgraded pumps and filters.

Since 2014, the Labor Government has provided more than $4 million to support racing events and infrastructure projects at the Wangaratta Turf Club.

The thoroughbred racing industry generates $3.43 billion for the Victorian economy and helps sustain 25,705 full-time equivalent jobs.

“We thank the Victorian Government for its important investment to upgrade the inside sandtrack training facilities to improve safety for riders and horses,” CEO of the Wangaratta Turf Club Sean Barrett said.

“We know this upgrade will be of significant benefit to trainers, ensuring yearround use of the track and enhancing animal and participant welfare.”

Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines echoed Barrett’s thoughts.

“These upgrades support a strong and sustainable thoroughbred racing industry that will continue to entertain racegoers, protect animals, support thousands of metro and regional jobs and boost Victoria’s economy,” Carbines said.

Open day to launch Hi-Tec Super Series

WINTON Motor Raceway is excited to announce a free event for the public to launch the Winton Open Day and Hi-Tec Oils Super Series 2024 Media Launch on March 9.

The Hi-Tec Oils Super Series is an action packed nationallevel competition series that focuses on the driver and viewer experience delivering nothing but pure racing to the fans.

Partnered by naming rights sponsor Hi-Tec Oils and sanctioned by AASA, the Hi-Tec Oils Super Series promises categories, drivers, and their sponsors unequalled exposure, broadcast nationally and globally.

The 2024 season is being held over six tracks across four states with over 150 races headlined by the TA2 Muscle Car Series with over 17 categories including two new categories, the Kumho Tyres V8 Classic Touring Cars, Formula RX8 and Formula Vee series.

Additional categroeis include the Australian Excel Series, Legend Cars Australia, Australian Super TT, Stock Cars Australia, Queensland Trans-Am, Replica Tourers, Queensland Touring Car Championship, Queensland Production Cars and many more.

Each round is televised and streamed over a two day format through media partners AVE, SBS / SBS OnDemand,

Fox Sports / Kayo, Speedcafe and Speedweek.

Winton Motor Raceway chief executive officer, Stephen Whyte, said the open day was a fantastic opportunity to see what Winton can offer.

“It’s an exciting chance to see some great cars and stars in action on track as well as the off track entertainment. I’m sure the Hot Laps will be something nobody will want to miss out on,” he said.

The TA2 Muscle Cars will test on the track, the Hi-Tec Oils Drift Cars drift around the short track and the opportunity to win one of 18 prizes just by attending the free event.

There will be a show and shine display including Trucks.

Attendees have an opportunity to win:

• One of five V8 Hot Laps

• One of five Hi-Tec Oils RaceCar Hot Laps

• One of five Hi-Tec Oils DriftCar Hot Laps

• One of three Winton Motor Raceway Merch Packs Winton Motor Raceway will open its gates at 9am until 5am and for general admission and to secure your spot to be in the running for these fantastic prizes book tickets by March 6 via: https://www. eventbrite.com.au/e/wintonopen-day-hi-tec-oils-superseries-media-launch-day-tickets-829696674087.

ADRENALINE RUSH: The V8 Classic Touring Cars are just one of over the 17 categories of the Hi-Tec Super Series, with a season launch set for Winton Motor Raceway on March 9.

PHOTO: Dave Hewison

UPGRADES: Sean Barrett (Wangaratta Turf Club CEO), Anthony Carbines (Minister for Racing), Bill Carlile, Tim McCurdy MP and Scott McCallum (Country Racing Victoria) opened the turf club’s sand track on Friday.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

NO RUN

Bruck on Saturday. The Hawks rolled Delatite for 119, defending their total of 150 runs.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

■ Story page 18

‘Pies on the rise

WANGARATTA Magpies have firmed as finals contenders following a resounding victory over Beechworth Wanderers at Baarmutha Park on Saturday.

Set 219 for the win, the Wanderers failed to make significant inroads in the run chase, removed for 158 from 63.2 overs.

Beechworth skipper Brenton Surrey batted for time, anchoring one end with a well-made 46 from 139 deliveries, but had no one to go with him.

After the metronomic

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

bowling of Matt Gathercole dismissed Kayde Surrey early, Charlie Stafford pounced in the field and affected a direct hit run out to remove Campbell Fendyk for 16.

Zac Guilfoyle started hitting his stride and removed the dangerous Clancy Ellett for just 23 runs, and when Surrey edged on to Cooper Matheson behind the

stumps, the Magpies were on top with Beechworth at 4/103 with most of their damaging batters in the sheds.

Guilfoyle (4/73 from 20 overs) and Stafford (2/9 from 6.2) ran riot through the middle and lower order, with no batter making more than 17 runs.

The undermanned Wanderers lost their final wicket in the 64th over, which gave the Magpies time to boost their points total with the bat, finishing the day at 1/62 from eight overs.

Nic Bonwick (30* from 24) and Cooper Matheson (25 from 19) made the most of their limited time in the middle.

Wangaratta Magpies skipper Jack Davies said the bowling attack built pressure well as a unit.

“For the most part of the day they were in the contest and we had to stick with it, but credit to our bowling and fielding group, we managed to get the job done,” he said.

“We knew if we built enough pressure that the wickets would come.

“We knew we had to be up for the fight for the quality batters they have at the top, we managed to do that, get wickets and take our chances.

“We knew we were a chance to get a run out if we were on our game, that was our goal and if it was in the top four then it’s a massive bonus.

“They were taking some singles early and we knew we had to be on our game there.

“We took the opportunity when it came, it was a bit of a pressure moment and

a direct hit run out, so we’ll take that when it comes.”

Davies said his side’s efforts with bat and ball meant they were still a chance of making finals with one match still to play.

“We knew we needed as many points as we can, that’s been the theme of the last month or so,” he said.

“We get .60 of a point in that little innings, and that’s what we’re after, so credit to Cooper (Matheson), ‘Bottles’ (Nic Bonwick) and ‘Malcs’ (Ryan Malcolm) at the end there.

■ Continued page 18

The

Wangaratta Magpies edge closer to finals berth with comprehensive win over Wanderers ggpgp

DELATITE’S Gregor Fraser shoulders arms and allows the ball to pass through to the keeper in the clash against Rovers United