AROUND 85 pooches and their owners including Jodie, Glenn and Ruby Finlayson (with four-year-old golden retriever Bruce) made one final lap of the RSPCA Million Paws Walk in Wangaratta on Sunday morning. More coverage on the event to come in Wednesday’s Chronicle
PHOTO: Bailey Zimmermann
OPPOSITION to the proposed Meadow Creek Solar Farm has seen around 200 people rally in a nal push to lodge objection before the project’s deadline.
Meadow Creek Agricultural Community Action Group (MCACAG) members and its supporters showed strong
BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
unity in Oxley on Thursday as they look to halt the development of a proposed 566-hectare solar facility on agricultural land.
Rural City of Wangaratta
Mayor Irene Grant, deputy mayor Harvey Benton, Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy and Northern Victoria MP Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell all spoke at the rally and echoed community concerns over the project.
“This is not the right place
for a solar factory, and the proponents have not won over the support of neighbours, the community, or the council,” Mr McCurdy said.
“Instead of Labor taking away our right to farm, they should step outside of the tram tracks and support our farmers and the regions.”
A convoy of around 100 vehicles covered in protest signs and spray paint led by Richie Callaway and Clydesdale Sheena then descended to the location of the proposed development before nishing at the Bobinawarrah Hall.
MCACAG member and nearby landowner Jess Con-
roy said plenty of new faces were seen at the rally, most of them nearby Oxley residents who raised concerns around the proposition of around 100 trucks passing through the township in the proposed peak periods of solar farm construction.
■ Continued page 2
■ From front page
“It was double the crowd of a previous meeting we held early last year; it was really positive,” she said.
The project’s fate will ultimately be decided by Victorian Government Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny a er the objection period closes on 10 June.
More than 420 objections have been lodged on the basis of multiple factors including the occupation of prime agricultural land, a failure in community consultation, water contamination risks and the removal of the right to appeal via VCAT.
Ms Conroy said a further cause of frustration has been brought upon the community due to the continued refusal of Minister Kilkenny to visit the site of the proposed development.
“They had a chance to answer a lot of the concerns that the community have raised around the roads, the loss of strategic agricultural lands, how they’re going to mitigate the risk if there’s a further run o … but they’ve pretty much ignored us,” she said.
Mayor Grant said council had contacted Minister Kilkenny’s o ce for her to see the site and the importance of agriculture to the municipality on two occasions, but had only received a con rmation of receipt in reply.
“We’ve supported our community, and we understand why they’re so concerned,” she said.
“This doesn’t meet the requirements of the Rural City of Wangaratta and we’re concerned without the opportunity to object, we have no right of reply.
“It speaks to what our planning scheme actually says and this is an inappropriate development.”
Ms Conroy said the group will meet with Goulburn Murray Water on 30 May to discuss the risk mitigation of potential thermal water run-o s from the proposed solar farm.
While unable to attend the rally, Indi Independent federal MP Helen Haines was repre-
sented by chief of sta Sally Whyte.
By STEVE KELLY
THE Victorian branch of the Nationals Party has washed its hands of the split between their federal counterparts and the Liberals.
The absence of a commitment from the Liberal Party on key National Party polices was a catalyst for the Coalition split, according to party leader David Littleproud.
These include the $20 billion Regional Australia Future Fund; ‘big stick’ divestiture competition laws that keep the big supermarkets honest; improved Universal Service Obliga-
Dr Haines said the situation with the proposed Meadow Creek Solar Farm highlighted inconsistencies and problems with planning and community engagement for such projects in the state.
“I have written to the Meadow Creek Solar Farm proponents to express my continued disappointment with the lack of meaningful community engagement regarding the project and to request that they meet with locals to discuss their concerns,” she said.
Victorian government agency VicGrid released the outlook of Victoria’s renewable future dra ing seven proposed renewable energy zones, none of which are in the North East.
Dr Haines said she had written to Victorian ministers Lily D’Ambrosio and Sonya Kilkenny, asking a number of questions to help locals gain better understanding of the proposed zones and how they may a ect planning decisions for proposed renewable energy projects already in their communities.
VicGrid CEO Alistair Parker told this mast-
head VicGrid would be putting in place “transitional arrangements” for projects outside renewable energy zones that are well advanced.
“We’ll be publishing details of those arrangements in coming months,” he said.
“The Victorian Transmission Plan is about building the right amount of energy infrastructure in the right place at the right time to keep the lights on as coal closes down.
“This is a new approach that gives communities a real say and gives industry certainty.”
All renewable generation projects inside and outside renewable energy zones will continue to be subject to current planning and environmental approvals in Victoria.
The dra Victorian Transmission Plan is open for public feedback until June 24.
Ms Conroy said she encouraged the community to make a “ nal push” and lodge an objection of the proposed Meadow Creek development before objections close.
You can nd out more information via the group’s website: www.meadowcreeksolar.com. au
tion for communications forcing a better minimum standard for regional mobile and internet access; and the potential of nuclear power as a necessary element of a balanced energy mix that secures Australia’s energy security.
However, the Victorian Leader of The Nationals Danny O’Brien declined to comment on the policies when asked for his view by this masthead.
“The Federal Nationals will make their own decisions,” Mr O’Brien said.
“We have a very strong Coalition here in Victoria.
“The events of this week – a brutal budget and protests on the steps of parliament about the emergency services tax –shows 100 per cent that we need a strong Coalition alternative to the Allan Labor Government.
“The Liberals and Nationals will provide that alternative in November [2026] and we will work together in the next 18 months to make sure we get rid of this terrible Labor government.”
Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy was contacted but he declined to comment.
JEMIMA Wyman has been awarded the prestigious Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award 2025, with its $40,000 prize, for her work, Haze 19, 2024.
The annoucement was made by guest judge Dr Blair French on Saturday a ernoon, at the o cial opening and award ceremony held at Wangaratta Art Gallery.
Wyman’s custom-printed Chi on curtain spanning over six metres in length, forms part of a series of ‘Haze’ curtains which, according to the artist, function as ideological textiles.
Coined by the artist, this is a term for textiles that carry political ideas in their bres, like Soviet era propaganda textiles, war rugs, military camou age and protest attire.
At the same time, they’re decorative, deceptive and tactical devices for con ict.
The winning work, Haze 19 is derived from Wyman’s hand-cut photographic ’Haze’ collages, which weave together smoke clouds that occur
during global protests.
According to the artist “the titles for each work in the ‘Haze’ series list archival details about each individual piece of smoke: the colour, protest, place and date. For Haze 19 the unabridged title is 5074 words long.”
While the artist considers protest smoke as a cloud to be contemplated, she also notes: “It’s a warning sign of past, present and future discontent, yet also an empowering reminder of collective resilience and hope for change, illuminating the biosphere we inhabit today”.
Wyman is a Palawa artist living and working between Australia and Los Angeles. Her practice explores patterns, masking, and camouage as visual strategies of resistance and tools for negotiating identity.
Since 1996, she has exhibited extensively in Australia and internationally since 2004.
Dr French, an accomplished arts leader, curator and current CEO of the Murray Arts Museum Albury, said Wyman’s Haze 19, 2024 “is an immediately arresting work, an explosion of colour and pattern billowing across the gallery space”.
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
POLICE have arrested a New South Wales man for questioning following an extensive man hunt in Myrtleford on Friday.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said it was alleged a car crashed into a tree on Prince Street, near Maple Court, around 11:40am.
“The male driver allegedly fled the scene on foot before there was an extended foot chase and extensive search for the man,” they said.
A police air wing was deployed to assist in locating the 33-year-old.
The Highly Commended Ruth Amery Award of $2500 went to Elisa Jane Carmichael for her work Mirrigimpa, 2024.
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
A BEECHWORTH woman has died and three others, including a child, were airli ed to hospital in a twocar collision at Everton Upper on Saturday a ernoon.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said emergency services responded to the incident around 3:30pm when it was believed a Mazda CX8 and Volkswagen Tiguan collided on BeechworthWangaratta Road.
“The driver of the Volkswagen, a 74-year-old Beechworth woman, died at the scene,” they said.
“Her female passenger was airli ed to hospital with lifethreatening injuries.”
The spokesperson said the driver of the Mazda, a 41-yearold Beechworth woman, was also airli ed to hospital with life threatening injuries along with her passenger, a sevenyear-old girl, who was airli ed as a precaution.
“The exact circumstances of the collision are yet to be determined,” they said.
Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the incident.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam footage or any other information that
could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a con dential report online at www.crimestoppersvic. com.au
The section of the Beechworth-Wangaratta Road was closed for several hours while emergency services attended.
The incident occurred nearly two weeks a er a fatal single-car crash in South Wangaratta on 13 May, which killed a 19-year-old Wangaratta man.
Victoria’s 2025 road toll sits at 122 lives lost, 12 more than this time last year.
With the signi cant investment of project partners, the Kyamba Foundation, prize money now stands at $40,000, representing the richest textile prize in Australia.
The Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award exhibition continues until 17 August.
For more information, please visit www.wangarattaartgallery.com.au
The 2025 nalists, selected from over 430 entries Australia wide.
Following a search of nearly three hours, police found the man in Chambers Street around 2:30pm, some 500 to 750 metres from the crash site.
The spokesperson said no one was injured during the incident and the 33-year-old was expected to be interviewed by police on Friday afternoon.
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
A POLICE Sergeant has said four Wangaratta teenagers were fortunate to survive a single vehicle crash on Milawa-Tarrawingee Road in the early hours of Saturday morning, with the 18-yearold driver to be questioned.
Sergeant Trevor Schultz of Wangaratta police said a Holden Commodore came o the road and crashed into multiple trees near Tarrawingee around 5:30am.
“The vehicle was heavily damaged, and the occupants fortunately survived the impact,” he said.
Sgt Schultz said four Wangaratta locals aged between 15 and 18-years-old were hospitalised, with two of the occupants sus-
taining serious injuries.
“They are going to take some while to recover,” he said.
An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said two female teenagers and a male teenager were treated for upper body injuries and taken to Northeast Health Wangaratta in a stable condition.
Emergency services including local CFA, SES, paramedics and police responded to the incident.
Sgt Schultz said the cause of the crash was still under investigation and police would be making further enquiries with the 18-year-old male driver in due course.
The incident occurred some 10 hours prior to an unrelated fatal collision
within the rural city at Everton Upper, which killed a 74-year-old Beechworth woman and le two others with life threatening injuries and a seven-year-old girl hospitalised.
The community also continues to mourn the loss of a 19-year-old Wangaratta man, who lost their life in a single-vehicle crash on Warby-Range Road in the early hours of 13 May.
Sgt Schultz said local road safety remained a paramount focus for police.
“It’s a constant endeavour for us to drive our road toll down and we just need everybody to be careful on the road and make safety paramount in their decision making while driving,” he said.
The Wangaratta Chronicle will be in attendance at the midwifery ward on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9.30am to take photos of newborns with their parents, grandparents and/or siblings.
Consent forms are available from Northeast Health Wangaratta and from Wangaratta Chronicle staff on the day.
If you would like a photo but are not at the ward at the time of visiting, you can come into the Wangaratta Chronicle office at 37 Rowan Street during office hours to organise it. Photographs are available to purchase from the Wangaratta Chronicle office.
Maci Hannah O’Meara was born at Northeast Health Wangaratta on Wednesday, 14 May at 3.27pm and weighed 3.095kg (6lb 2oz). She is the sister of Olivia, Jayden and Skye, and the daughter of Belinda Peterson and Andrew O’Meara of Euroa.
Sonny Mikaere MacGregor was born at Northeast Health Wangaratta on Thursday, 15 May at 4.59am and weighed 3.73kg (8lb 2oz).He is the brother of Mia and Max, and the son of Dina and Jermaine MacGregor of Benalla.
Harvey James Allan was born at Northeast Health Wangaratta on Thursday, 13 May at 9am and weighed 2.99kg (6lb 6oz).He is the son of Macie and Josh Allan of Finley.
By GRACE FREDSBERG
WANGARATTA artist and illustrator Melissa Johns was recently recognised for her textural illustrations in 2023 picture-story book Harriet’s Hungry Worms, an immersive story following Harriet and her compost worms.
Written by Melbournebased author Samantha Smith and adorned with Melissa’s upcycled artistry, the book received the New York City Book Award in the Picture Books Preschool category on Sunday, 4 May a er being nominated in October 2024.
It’s the third book Melissa has illustrated; in 2020, her artwork was featured in ‘Tabitha and the Raincloud’, and in 2021, ‘Growing Pains’.
Although Melissa said she tends to stick to similar me-
diums across her work, the art style in picture books has a larger appeal to children, applying assorted fabrics to create a three-dimensional look.
“The picture books are a bit more tactile and textured and look like the kids could grab the image o the page,” she said.
As an artist who works sustainably, Harriet’s Hungry Worms makes good use of second-hand materials.
“The rst two books were mostly teabags, napkins, serviettes and gi wrapping,” Melissa said.
“This picture book had wool and cotton and silk pieces for the hair and clothes.
“I made them out of rags from the Salvation Army.
“There’s even one page of the book that’s got the
Chronicle in it... got my dad’s name and the footy club” she said, which brought a personal touch to the drawings.
Working collaboratively, she began by cra ing a story/ picture board of each page, which was then brought to scale to draw up each illustration.
“I make patterns out of all the drawings, like the characters and whatnot,” she said.
“Then I’ll glue those patterns into place and add all the details a erwards.
“One double spread will take a few weeks to make... (but) they’re worth it in the end,” she said.
And it certainly has been, as Harriet Hungry Worms has had major success across the board.
The book was shortlisted for the Rubery Book Awards
ATTENTION: To every resident along the King River, North of Moyhu, to Wangaratta, all residents of the City of Wangaratta. And the residents along the Ovens River West of Wangaratta to the Murray River.
We THANK YOU for your SUPPORT on Thursday’s rally. Please participate in other protests as they are planned, such as a Victorian Government Petition. ✓ TOGETHER WE CAN SAVE OVENS & KING VALLY.
We want to warn you that if the proposed Meadow Creek Solar Farm (MCSF) is built. Because the site is subject to flooding and the runoff flows into the Sheep Station Creek, which flows into the King River. If the MCSF solar panels are damaged by a hailstorm, fire or in dismantling. Or the huge Battery Storage were to erupt in flame and melt down. Then the possibility of the site being polluted by toxic chemicals could be very high and any resultant flooding may pollute the waters of the before mentioned King River, Wangaratta, Ovens River, on to the Murray River.
STOP DESTROYING OUR LAND
Sponsored by the Meadow Creek, Agricultural Community Action Group mcacag@yahoo.com www.meadowcreeksolar.com.au
in the UK, included on the 2024 Premiers’ Reading Challenge and published in magazines, including Better Home and Gardens.
cyclable materials began when she would draw small Victorian houses on individual teabags.
see-through, that I could see the image underneath,” she said.
see-through things… cotton serviettes, tissue paper.
thing I can glue down like paper co ee cups… fabric, wool scraps; anything I can make an image out of.”
mount across all her gallery work, as the materials Melissa uses doesn’t use anything new.
“...I’ll work on canvas or paper, but it is all recycled artwork,” she said.
WANGARATTA’S minimum temperature fell to minus 3.9 degrees last Monday morning.
Other centres across the North East also shivered, with minus 3.3 degrees at Rutherglen, minus 3.3 degrees at Benalla and minus 0.9 degrees at Yarrawonga.
There were lower readings at these places during May last year except at Benalla which had equal lowest for May with 2021 since the minus 3.4 degrees in May of 1967.
Many places in Victoria and parts of eastern South Australia recorded their
coldest May morning on record last week.
Coldstream recorded minus 5.3 degrees on 19 May - the coldest on record for May and then minus 5.5 degrees the next morning.
There were only two colder mornings overall at Coldstream - minus 5.8 degrees on 5 August, 1997 and minus 5.8 degrees on 18 June, 1998.
The past records in the Metropolitan region in over 100 years show that there has never been a temperature falling below minus 5 degrees during the month of May.
Scoresby recorded minus 1.5 degrees - the coldest on record for May in 60 years of records.
Alice Springs recorded minus 1.8 degrees - its coldest morning in May since 2011.
The main feature of the past week has been the ooding rains mainly over the mid north coast of NSW between Newcastle and Gra on due to an active complex low pressure system. The heaviest rainfalls were at Port Macquarie and Taree - where two day totals of 332mms and 412mms respectively were easily a record for May in 185 years of records and in 144 years of records.
A er a prolonged dry period - where Wangaratta only recorded 8.2mm from 22 March to 9am 22 May - the city and much of the North East welcomed consistent rainfall from last Thursday evening into Friday, with more than 10mm up until late Friday morning.
THE Wangaratta and North East community are snapping up the chance to access a one-time rebate for home batteries, according to a local provider.
The federal government announced the Cheaper Home Batteries Program during the election campaign, seeking to transform how households benefit from their rooftop solar and substantially reduce their annual energy bills.
The $2.3 billion plan offers a 30 per cent discount on the cost of a new battery for households, businesses and community facilities such as sports centres or town halls.
The newly re-elected government plan to roll out their Cheaper Home Batteries Program from 1 July.
But, there’s no need to wait until the subsidy kicks in, with batteries able to be purchased and installed and still be eligible for the discount when the new nancial year kicks in.
Solargain Wangaratta sales and marketing manager, Blake Smith, said since the election pledge was made in early April, North East homes have
BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
been eager to cash in on the batteries.
“From that Monday onwards we’ve just seen it go ‘bang’, which is crazy,” he said.
“Everybody wanted these batteries and I think one of the main objections to them was the price.
“To have these rebates in there, it’s great to bring those prices down.”
Mr Smith said home battery attachment rates had been growing year-on year in the past 24 months in the region and the discount incentive was a “game-changer”.
“It makes it more a ordable to store their own solar power, reduce their evening and peak power bills and stay powered during grid outages,” he said. Eligible home batteries for the rebate range up to 50kwh in size.
Mr Smith said a popular option for locals was the 13.5kwh battery, which would attract a discount of around $5000 using the government’s scheme.
“It’s more affordable than it has ever been,” he said.
Mr Smith said the surge in battery buys for the rebate was also aided by a timely drop in the excess solar tari , set to go down to 0.04 cents on the same day as the eligible rebate period begins.
“The timing of this battery to store that power rather than sell it for nothing is great,” he said.
Independent MP for Indi, Helen Haines, said she was thrilled when the policy was announced, advocating for a home battery subsidy in parliament for two years.
“Home batteries will deliver immediate bill relief for households and community groups, and over time we will see this bene t extend to all consumers by reducing overall pressure on the grid,” she said.
Mr Smith said 30 per cent of homes have roo op solar in Australia and the North East was a high uptake area for installation.
A spokeswoman for the federal Minister for Energy, Chris Bowen, said the home battery policy re ected 12 months of input from a broad range of stakeholders
and advocates, including Dr Haines.
“It will bene t households right across the country, including in the electorate of Indi,” she said.
You can make enquiries and install the batteries before the rebate kicks in, but homeowners must wait un-
til 1 July to switch them on.
Mr Smith said people who already have a battery can still access the rebate if they add or upgrade their battery system.
The rebate is a one-time per-household subsidy and will drop year-on-year by 20 per cent until 2030.
“My advice is we’re encouraging people to be mindful that it is one shot so don’t blow it on something just because it’s cheap, do your research and really be thorough with your investigations into what battery is right for you,” Mr Smith said.
AS a small community, it’s not often we get to claim to have the best of something Australia-wide, although it can be easy to give the subjective opinion that ‘the best vanilla slice’ or the ‘best camping spot’ is here.
But as shown in the biennial Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award, we are lucky enough to see the best in the form of textile art.
Wangaratta has a rich history of textile art, particularly in craft making and textile manufacturing, and it’s now reflected in boasting the richest prize for textile art in Australia.
The Kyamba Foundation raised the prize money from $10,000 to $40,000 in 2023, and it remained that way this year.
Internationally recognised artist Jemima Wyman was good enough to take out this year’s prestigious award for her work, Haze 19, 2024, while the Highly Commended Ruth Amery Award of $2500 went to Elisa Jane Carmichael for her work Mirrigimpa, 2024.
But the award means so much more than the fortunate winners, attracting so much brilliance and diversity Australia-wide in its some 430 entries.
Of those entrants, 10 finalists were selected by an esteemed panel, with their works now hanging on display at our very own Wangaratta Art Gallery until 17 August.
Whether you’re a fanatic of the arts or not, it’s a huge deal to have these works, often exhibited overseas or across major Australian galleries. being showcased at our own home.
For what it’s worth, between now and August is an excellent chance to spare a few minutes and see the finest of textile art Australia-wide.
For more information, you can visit www.wangarattaartgallery.com.au
1. Who are the three hosts of the 2017 TV series, Australian Ninja Warrior?
2. Reykjavík is the capital city of which country?
3. Who won the 2016 Sandover Medal?
4. The Triton pickup truck is made by which car manufacturer?
5. Which Summer Olympics had Misha as its mascot?
6. Who played Lee Harvey Oswald in the 1991 movie, JFK?
7. Edgar “Dunc” Gray represented Australia in which sport?
8. The herb, cilantro, is more commonly known by what name in Australia?
9. In SMS talk, 10Q stands for what?
10. Dubrovnik has a coastline on which sea?
11. What is the name of Sacha Baron Cohen’s fictional Austrian fashion reporter?
12. Which number system only uses two digits?
13. In which year did Korea officially split into South and North Korea?
14. What is the clinical name for the belly button?
15. The Mississippi River flows through how many US states?
16. Which Teletubby carries a red bag?
17. The biennial Leafy Sea Dragon Festival is held in which Australian state?
18. In March 2017, Jessica Shaw became the member for which Western Australian electoral district?
19. Who was the original lead singer of Matchbox Twenty?
20. In which African country would you find the states of Oyo, Ondo and Kano?
FACEBOOK users this week commented on the four-month closure expected at the Sisley Avenue and Tone Road intersection due to major watermain works.
• Clinton Kingston: School time bumper to bumper cars all the way up Green st first day.
• Nathan Andrew: Must be big
• Nan Chanchio: This is really annoying and the traffic build up at the detours is
school holiday. How much work will get day on thr raining days during winter??
• Adam Anderson: 4
FRIDAY, 16 May Chronicle edition highlighted an article by three authors for Wangaratta Landcare & Sustainability Inc.
While they have quite extensive experience and credentials, there are several items that I would challenge.
These are the part of their statements that are now in capital letters; I would regard them as opinions, not facts.
1. These greenhouse gases are heating our planet and adding to the severity of weather events.
2. Greenhouse gas emissions cause climate change, which has led to unprecedented heatwaves, extreme res and increased, unprecedented risk of ooding.
3. Wangaratta is ranked in the ve most ood vulnerable cities in Australia.
4. Shepparton is the most ood vulnerable city in Australia.
Your costing of household electricity is a bit like the Labor Party’s promise before the 2022 election to reduce household electricity bills by $275.
You refer to roo op solar and batteries, does this mean that it is completely stand alone or still connected to the grid?
I have solar panels and when there is a power outage, they don’t provide any power for me, this is to prevent people coming into contact with live wires a er the safety mechanism has activated.
Keiran Klemm, Londrigan
WE are pleased that Keiran Klemm has read our articles with great attention to detail.
He has referred to material covered across a number of articles published in the Chronicle over recent weeks.
I can assure the readers that all the articles are written a er scouring reputable sources of information to gather the facts and ensure it is evidence based.
We aim to bring to local readers well researched reliable information on how we adapt to a changing climate, reducing our emissions by encouraging the uptake of renewable energy.
We do not aim to express opinions but use factual sources such as CSIRO, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Rewiring Australia and http://yourhome.gov.au.
In respect to solar panels alone avoiding power blackouts, we don’t believe we indicated that.
NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.
• Andrew Meloury: Hope it’s not like the overpass timeframe or we’ll still be blocked after Xmas Facebook users this week commented on new upgrades to Wangaratta High School following an $11.7 million announcement in the State Budget last Tuesday.
• Andrew Davidson: Pay them on competition of work i bet they would do it a bit quicker
• Kelly Leanne Zuch: They need to be improving on the mental health and safety of not only the kids, but the staff also....
Our follower total is Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.
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were recognised for their 10 years of service when the group met at the Templeton Street RSL on Tuesday. Other 10-year service award recipients who were unable to attend the presentation were Rae Hill and Silvia Edwards. Auxiliary president Wilma Bright said all 10-year service members had been o ice bearers for the group at some time, and were hard-working contributors. Many will be closely involved when the women’s auxiliary holds its next hoy day on Tuesday, 3 June from 2pm at the Wangaratta RSL. Those interested in attending the hoy day are encouraged to call the RSL on 5721 2501 and leave their names.
The facts are that household solar panels connected to a battery can be installed legally to provide energy security in blackouts.
A search of reputable factual information nds:
• Greenhouse gas emissions are adding to the frequency and severity of weather events.
• Greenhouse gas emissions are causing climate impacts of unprecedented heatwaves, re, drought and ood events.
• Wangaratta is ranked the h most ood vulnerable city in Australia, and Shepparton is the most ood vulnerable city in Australia.
These are facts supported by evidence gathered by experts working in these elds.
Russell Sully, Wangaratta South
I HAVE been somewhat aware over the past little while, that there is opposition to a proposed solar “farm” at Meadow Creek.
I’ve seen a few signs around on fences in Oxley and surrounds, and there has been some articles in the newspaper.
But it wasn’t until a full page advert in the Chronicle came out that asked people to come along to a rally at Oxley that my interest was piqued.
My husband and I went along to the rally and listened to people speak about the proposed development, including the mayor, councillors, members of parliament, and locals.
We then joined a convoy of many cars, transports, tractors etc. to drive the perimeter of the property where the proposed solar “farm” is to
be situated.
A er experiencing this today, I have come to the realisation that this proposed solar factory, at the size that is proposed (over 1000 acres) and where it is situated, is blatantly wrong.
There are many reasons for me deciding this, many of which I learnt today.
I would like to ask that all of you who are reading this today, whether you live within Wangaratta itself or in outer communities to please take some time to visit www.meadowcreeksolar.com.au and read up on what the impact of this development will mean for surrounding farmers and our community as a whole. Or talk to someone who is involved in this campaign.
You may very well nd you are of the same opinion as myself.
And if that is the case, please take action and object to this proposal.
Details of how to do this are on the website.
But don’t leave it for too long – objections to be submitted by 10 June.
Sue Wheeler, Laceby
WE welcome your letters to the Editor. Priority is given to typed/emailed letters under 250 words. Every letter must have your full name, address and a daytime phone contact number supplied for verification purposes. Any letter may be edited for reasons of space, content or legibility. Email edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au
Post Letters to the Editor, 37 Rowan St, Wangaratta 3677
WANGARATTA resident
Sally Ross began her commitment to music at the age of four, when she started taking violin lessons.
She went on to gain a music degree and has played in Victorian orchestras in Bendigo, Frankston, Shepparton and the Murray Conservatorium in Albury.
Sally has also freelanced in Melbourne playing the violin for a variety of shows and concerts.
Sally founded the Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra (WSO) in 2021, bringing joy to music lovers and visitors in the local area.
She played first violin in the WSO and also plays the flute and piano.
Sally felt responsible for the WSO and was concerned that the orchestra would never find an oboe player, so she decided to lean to play it herself.
The oboe is a costly and challenging double-reed instrument to learn and maintain, but she committed to many hours of practice.
Eric Anderson has been Sally’s oboe teacher for two years. He served as Officer Commander/music director of army bands in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne and was also head of the Defence Force School of Mu -
sic for five years. He plays oboe in the Goulburn Valley Concert Orchestra in Shepparton.
Eric also plays the clarinet, and a longer oboe called the English horn.
Eric’s dedication to music is evident in his patient and careful approach to teaching Sally.
She is very grateful for his musical expertise.
Sally has found that as an older person it was challenging to learn something so different from violin, even with her long experience playing other instruments.
“Just because we are older doesn’t mean we can’t learn new things,” Sally said.
Every day she wakes up thinking about the day’s oboe practice.
Sally said this is not the wonderful, relaxing retirement she had imagined.
“Even though I had to push away other things, it is definitely worth it,” she said.
Eric will play with Sally in the WSO at concerts in Mansfield on 24 August in the afternoon and at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre in the evening on 7 September.
They will play the whole of Dvorak’s New World Symphony and other inspiring pieces.
LOCAL food advocate, educator, podcaster and author Jade Miles will visit the Wangaratta Library for a special event being presented in partnership with Booktique, to celebrate the release of her new book, Huddle.
A dynamic and passionate voice for regenerative living, Jade Miles brings together decades of experience in food systems, education, storytelling and community-building.
Her first book and accompanying podcast, ‘Futuresteading’, became a movement, reaching audiences across Australia and the USA with its message of reconnecting with nature, slowing down and building resilient local communities.
‘Huddle’ continues this journey, exploring the power of collective action and shared responsibility in building a better future.
Through storytelling and lived experience, Jade asks us to step out of our comfort zones, question modern definitions of success and celebrate the simple, the seasonal and the sustainable.
Alongside her writing and podcasting, Jade is co-founder of the Beechworth Food Co-op and CEO of Sustainable Tablenational organisation championing regenerative farming, food and fibre systems.
She and her family also run
SUSTAINABLE FOCUS: Educator and author Jade Miles will visit the Wangaratta Library on Thursday, 5 June at 6pm.
Black Barn Farm, a biodiverse, you-pick orchard and learning space in Northeast Victoria that welcomes school groups, families and anyone keen to get their hands in the soil.
From barefoot farming to boardroom leadership, Jade Miles is a truly grounded changemaker.
This is a unique opportunity to hear from one of Australia’s most passionate voices for environmental stewardship and community resilience.
Jade Miles will speak at the Wangaratta Library on Thursday, 5 June at 6pm with bookings essential by visiting humanitix.
SPECIAL EVENT: The visit
com or contact library staff on 5721 2366 or library@wangaratta.vic.gov.au.
MAGPIE AND MATES: An exhibition of artworks by Miles Howard-Wilks is in its final week in the gallery shop at the Benalla Art Gallery. Howard-Wilks is a mid-career artist who specialises in painting, ceramics, photography, digital art and zines, whose work features dynamic and surreal landscapes and seascapes with recurring motifs of Australian icons like the magpie (as in Miles HOWARD-WILKS, Untitled 2023 glaze, terracotta 5 x 5 x 5 cm MHC23-0011, represented by Arts Project Australia, Melbourne). Presented in partnership with Arts Project Australia - an internationally leading visual arts organisation that champions neurodivergent artists and artists with intellectual disability - the exhibition runs until the end of May.
ACROSS
1 What is a derived noun form of a verb (6)
8 What is another name for a dingo (8)
9 Name a representation of a person, carved in stone or wood (6)
10 Name a Gallipoli area of special significance to WWI Anzacs (4,4)
11 That which is not substantial is said to be what (6)
13 What describes infirm or sickly people (8)
16 Which term relates to one who gathers harvest grapes (8)
19 Lodestone is a natural what (6)
22 Where was Napoleon decisively defeated by the British (8)
24 Which acronym describes an organisation created to assist child health, nutrition and welfare (6)
25 What do we call one who is skilled in artful management (8)
26 That which is the largest in scope is the what (6)
DOWN
2 Name a British rock singer, composer and pianist, Sir ... John (5)
5 Which metallic element has the symbol Fe (4)
6 To drive off in various directions is to do what (6)
7 To have deposited something as security for money borrowed, is to have done what (6)
15 What is a picture on a computer screen, representing a menu item (4)
17 What do we call natives of Baghdad (6)
18 Name the highest range of a singer, or instrument (6)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
1 APRICATE
(a) To estimate justly (b) To bask in the sun
(c) To approve with authority
3 To loosen something is to do what to it (5)
12 Name a more readily-known term for precipitation (4)
20 To be in operation, is said to be what (5)
2 INQUIETUDE
4 What is another term for a place of residence (8)
Letters have a number value
14 Which aromatised wine is steeped with herbs, bitters, and other flavourings (8)
Some values are in the right hand cells.
Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
21 What are pitchers with wide spouts (5)
23 Which term describes an arm or a leg (4)
(a) A judicial inquiry
(b) Excessiveness (c) Uneasiness
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:
Late Broken Hill artist (3,4)
Combined form: light (5)
Common typo: old (3)
Group of dolphins (3)
Particles (5)
Small amount of access (7)
Small drinks of liquor (5)
Test Reactor Area (3)
Title: married woman (3)
Unit: 100 000 BTU (5)
Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.
Q: Why did the kid throw the butter out the window?
A: Because they wanted to see a Butterfly.
Q: Why can’t you give Elsa a balloon?
A: Because she will “let it go, let it go”.
Q: What sort of dog do jewellery stores sell?
A: Watch Dogs.
Q: What do you give a sick lemon?
A: Lemon-aid
By GRACE FREDSBERG
LOCAL resident Peter McQuade recently celebrated an incredible 35 year milestone at Woolworths Wangaratta.
Peter reached his 35 years of service on 30 April, and celebrated with staff at Woolworths with a morning tea on Thursday, 15 May.
It was a full circle moment for Peter as he worked his final shift in the bakery, the same department he worked his first shift.
“Once I passed the 30 year milestone, my next aim was 35 years,” said Peter, who will retire with Woolworths on 30 June this year.
“For some reason, the years in between don’t have the same attraction.”
Across his decades of service, Peter worked in a number of departments throughout the store.
“I spent time in the deli, butchery, grocery and at one point, I was a trolley boy,” he said.
Peter has a firm commitment to his community, as indicated by his extensive ties to local organisations.
“Volunteering gets me out into the community and so-
cialising with many people,” he said.
“I get to talk and have a laugh, but most of all, I enjoy helping.”
His prolonged involvement with the Wangaratta Magpies Football Netball Club (WMFNC) is admirable and earned him a life membership with the club.
“I have been involved with the WMFNC since the mid 1980s,” he said.
“For many years I was the club’s water boy from the thirds through to the seniors.
“Helping at various club functions was also something I loved.
“Now that I am older, I get to sit at the entrance gate on match day selling raffle tickets and talking to the fans as they enter the grounds.”
He’s also undertaken volunteer work for the Good Friday Appeal and the Wangaratta Jazz and Blues Festival.
He thanked management and his co-workers at Woolworths for every opportunity they’ve given him over his career.
“Their patience and understanding have moulded me to who I am today,” he said.
AS tax time approaches, Platinum Accounting Australia founder and CPA Coco Hou is encouraging Australians to take a smarter, more proactive approach to their finances to maximise their tax return this financial year.
Ms Hou said tax planning doesn’t have to be complicated.
“There are some really simple, legal and effective ways Australians can get a better result on their tax return, but you need to act before 30 June, not after,” she said.
Ms Hou emphasised that many people miss out on legitimate deductions simply because they don’t keep adequate records or fail to plan ahead.
“A little organisation goes a long way,” she said.
“Start by reviewing last year’s return and identify any deductions you may have missed.
“If you work from home, use your car for business or have out-of-pocket workrelated expenses, you may be eligible to claim more than you think.”
Ms Hou is urging Aussies to start reviewing their tax situation now and to look for ways to improve this financial year’s return.
For more information about tax returns, visit https://www. ato.gov.au/.
Could you be a friendly face for a new friend?
IN the heart of Moyhu, community spirit is alive and well thanks in part to locals like George Snowling and Murray Butler, whose dedication to others continues to make a lasting impact.
George built his own home and ran the local grocery store, which served not only as a place to pick up essentials but also as a hub of friendly conversation.
His love of history led him to a unique project: restoring the milestone posts along the old Wangaratta–Whitfield railway line, which closed in 1959.
Through his efforts, George has helped preserve a cherished piece of the region’s past and reignited a sense of pride in the local community.
A former draught horse trainer Murray, connected with George through the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS), building a friendship over their mutual farming background.
Murray volunteers his time to visit two elderly gentlemen through the program.
For him, these visits are more than just social calls, they’re a source of deep personal satisfaction.
“I get a great feeling from volunteering,” he said.
“And I hope that if I ever need company, someone might do the same for me.”
Their stories are a powerful reminder of how simple acts of kindness can leave a lasting legacy and now, the ACVVS is inviting others to follow in their footsteps.
The ACVVS program is calling on locals to consider becoming a volunteer visitor.
All it takes is one hour, once a fortnight, to brighten the life of an older person who may be feeling lonely or isolated, share experiences and wisdom of someone with so much value to share.
You don’t need special training or qualifications just a friendly attitude, a listening ear, and a willingness to share your time.
Whether it’s chatting over a cuppa, enjoying a game of cards, sharing music, or tak-
ing a gentle walk, your visit can be the highlight of someone’s week.
For over 30 years, ACVVS has been making meaningful connections in the Hume region.
Volunteers are thoughtfully matched with older residents based on shared interests and life experiences, helping build genuine, lasting friendships.
The ACVVS team provides full support, regular checkins, and even a quarterly newsletter to help volunteers stay connected and informed. If you’ve got a little spare time and want a new extraordinary experience, consider becoming a volunteer visitor.
For more information, call 1300 843 236 or email acvvs@ thecentre.vic.edu.au.
37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677
CLEAN CUT: Here is an opportunity to expand your lawn mowing business or if you’re just starting out, Clean Cut has a number of accounts with an excellent wellestablished clientele who have been with Clean Cut for a long time. Please allow us to discuss this opportunity with you by contacting Chris at 0427 523 293.
CARPENTRY and plastering. Ph 0424 911 161.
CONCRETING , big or small jobs, paths, driveways, shed slabs, verandahs, 15 years experience. For a free quote phone Trev Anderson on 0422 200 761.
KITCHENS JUST FOR YOU, cabinet making solutions. Phone Roland 0414 950 647.
MARK ’S Mowing, reasonable prices, ride on mowing, edging, clean up, spraying and any rubbish and furniture removal. Ph 0472 603 156.
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.
OLDWARES , collectables, records, home wares, rustic, glassware and furniture. Items must be vintage, pre 1980. Call Rebecca 0400 327 696, or David 0418 665 420. No electrical, bedding or jewelery.
30 free standing exchurch chairs, good condition, 1-$180 5-$625 ono. Phone John 0418 678 345.
TYRES new and secondhand, trailer, rims, wrecking. New hours 9am to 5pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 44 Newman Street, Wangaratta. Ph 0428 257 221, Adzam Tyres.
2017 Ford Transit CamperVan,54,000km, (1KG6TW),$56,000, for more information ring Phil 0418 994 147.
2022 15ft Signature Iridium S Offroad Hybrid van, great condition, $49,900, more details on Caravancampersales. com.au. Ph 0418 609 877.
2012 Holden Captiva, petrol, 184,000km, very good condition, (1DQ 3MD), $5,600. Phone Phil 0418 994 147.
HOLDEN VZ SS Thunder Ute, 2006 6 litre auto, Leather trim, RWC, 6 months reg (1GO-1GA), 222,000kms, $24,950, ONO, Phone Peter on 0412 527 477.
NISSAN X-Trail STIL 2011, leather interior, good condition, towball, all wheel drive, 2ton capacity, reg (YOF136), $4200 rm. Ph 0403 431 390.
The College seeks applications from suitably experienced persons for the following positions:
Executive Assistant to the Secondary Executive Team (Full time/Ongoing)
Commencing in Semester Two, 2025.
Please refer to our website, www.cathedralcollege.vic.edu.au for the position descriptions and application closing dates.
Cathedral College Wangaratta is a Child Safe School and an Equal Opportunity Employer
Ultra Project Services is seeking a highly experienced and professional Site Manager, to join our expanding team. This is a full-time role, where you will be working on commercial & residential projects, based in Wangaratta Victoria and surrounds. As a Site Manager, you will be required to supervise the construction process through to final handover, making sure that the projects are completed on time, and to a high standard. Experience is essential!
Please contact Taylor on 0457 132 883, or email office@ultraprojectservices.com.au with your CV.
PORTER, Avis Annie.
12/6/1952 – 16/5/2025
Late of Wangaratta. Passed away peacefully at Ringwood Private Hospital.
Dearly loved wife of Greg. Loving mother of Sally, Murray, Crystal, Kalista and Libby. Mother-in-law of Simon, Lea, Shane and Alyce.
Adored Ma of Charlie, Harrison and Axel.
A silent thought, a silent tear, Always wishing you were here.
Phone:
WEST, Margaret. The Committee of Management, Management, Staff and Residents of St Catherine’s extend our deepest sympathy to Michelle, Rachel and family on Margaret’s passing.
P.
GOALS: NORTH WANGARATTA: T. Nanson 5, L. McDonell 2, J. Devine 1, J. Kemp 1, t. obrien 1, D. Killen 1, P. Killen 1. GRETA: J. McClounan 5, F. Judd 5, L. Kennett 2, T. Arrowsmith 2, C. Crawford 1, C. Hernandez 1, T. Baker 1. BEST: NORTH WANGARATTA: T. Nanson, B. Raggett, J. Devine, S. Johnson, T. O’Brien, J. Adamo. GRETA: J. McClounan, L. Kennett, J. Kelly, T. Arrowsmith, T. Cheer, Z. Northey.
BRIGHT 5.5 13.7 20.11 27.17.179
BENALLA ALL BLACKS 0.0 1.2 1.3 2.4.16
GOALS: BRIGHT: C. Thomason 11, C. Banks 5, T. Gray 3, C. Martin 2, L. Quirk 2, W. Wales 1, R. Bacon 1, M. Kinthari 1, R. Arguello 1. BENALLA ALL BLACKS: J. Smith 1, C. Orchard 1. BEST: BRIGHT: C. Thomson, C. Banks, P. Bren, W. Wales, A. Dalbosco, R. Jamieson.
BENALLA ALL BLACKS: C. Drury, K. Linke, S. Cox, D. Button, J. Walker, R. Nedeljkovic.
BONNIE DOON 4.6 7.9 14.11 17.14.116
A GRADE: Bonnie Doon 44 def King Valley 30 Goorambat 35 def by Whorouly 42 Milawa 49 def Moyhu 34
B GRADE: Bonnie Doon 53 def King Valley 17; Goorambat 41 def by Whorouly 46; Milawa 52 def Moyhu 34
B RESERVE: Bonnie Doon 62 def King Valley 17; Goorambat 36 def Whorouly 34; Milawa 25 def by Moyhu 50
C GRADE: Bonnie Doon 46 def King Valley 24; Goorambat 24 def by Whorouly 35; Milawa 17 def by Moyhu 41
�� & UNDER: Bonnie Doon 64 def King Valley 21; Goorambat 11 def by Whorouly 65; Milawa 41 def Moyhu 40 No other scores available at time of print
KING VALLEY 1.1 3.2 3.4 6.5.41
BONNIE DOON: l. berriman 3, B. Smith 2, G. Murray 2, C. Turner 2, J. Sanford 2, J. Magro 2, A. Gaff 1, J. Fox 1, C. Smedley 1, T. Berenyi 1. KING VALLEY: S. Jansen 2, T. Stewart 1, D. Young 1, B. Wheeler 1, S. Cooper 1. BONNIE DOON: A. Gaff, J. Sanford, B. Smith, G. Murray, J. Curtin, J. Smart. KING : P. Wright, S. Jansen, L. Toohey, D. Maples, D. Young, T. Stewart.
GOORAMBAT 3.5 5.7 8.8 13.8.86
WHOROULY 2.4 5.4 10.8 10.11.71
GOORAMBAT: D. Haebich 5, K. Black 3, V. Butler 1, A. Blackburn 1, B. Wapling 1, J. Dunne 1, R. Goodley 1. WHOROULY: M. Newton 7, M. Harris 1, A. Ankers 1, M. Robinson 1. GOORAMBAT: K. Black, V. Butler, R. Wilson, B. Purcell, J. Dunne, B. Wapling. : J. Smith, M. Vescio, M. Newton, A. Ankers, L. Moore, E. Woolford.
MILAWA
MOYHU
D. Harris, B. Duffy, T. Crook.
Bright 10.15 (75) Benalla All Blacks 10.4 (64)
BEST: BRIGHT: L. Robinson, S. Nightingale, J. Dalbosco, D. Martin, M. Elliott, B.
: H. Allan 5, J. Radovanovic 4, B. Kearns 2, A. Law 2, B. Bartlett 2, S. Pane 1, D. Bihun 1, A. Bihun 1, T. Dunn 1, C. Dunn 1, D. Farley 1. MOYHU: P. McNamara 2, H. Verdon 1, J. Hansted 1, B. Zimmermann 1. : A. Bihun, B. Kearns, C. Dunn, K. Collisson, A. Law, J. Lea. MOYHU: N. Gamble, G. Hearn, P. McNamara, D. Simpson, C. Gibson, J. Hansted.
SATURDAY, JUNE � NO GAMES ON KING’S BIRTHDAY
SATURDAY, JUNE �� GOORAMBAT vs
vs BONNIE
vs TARRAWINGEE
By NATHAN DE VRIES
AFTER dropping last week’s match, the O&K’s reigning premiers Greta proved they still have what it takes to go deep into September after outclassing North Wangaratta in round nine.
The Blues trailed after the first quarter but came home strong, taking the win by 25 points, 17.9 (111) to the Hawks 12.14 (86).
The Hawks had most of the ball early but weren’t able to seriously impact the scoreboard in the first quarter, leading 3.5 to 2.2 by quarter time.
Greta exploded in the second, their midfield working hard to win the footy and deliver it to their gun forwards.
The Blues would kick seven majors to North Wangaratta’s two, and lead by 21 at the major break.
North Wangaratta would remain in the contest but weren’t able to make any legitimate inroads on the scoreboard.
Greta’s Frazer Judd and James McClounan would kick five goals each, with Tyler Arrowsmith and Lachie Kennett contributing two apiece.
For the Hawks, Tyler Nanson was best on ground with five goals, while Billy Raggett, Jhye Devine and Taylor O’Brien would be influential.
In other matches, Goorambat produced a gritty final quarter to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat over the Lions.
Trailing by 12 points at three quarter time, the Bats
managed to scrap and fight their way to a 13.8 (86) to 10.11 (71) win.
The clash was physical throughout, and with the Bats holding a narrow three-point lead at the half.
Whorouly continued to work hard, coming out of their backline well and hitting their targets inside forward 50, while the Bats dropped off slightly in the third.
With a little over 10 minutes left in the game and Whorouly ahead, the Bats managed a goal against the run of play which seemed to lift them.
Goorambat would kick the last three majors of the game to seal the 15-point result.
Duane Haebich would finish with five goals but it was Kobe Black who would take best on ground honours for the Bats, while Brayden Wapling and Jamie Dunne were consistent as always.
For the Lions, Jessie Smith’s brilliant season continued, with Matt Vescio and Ed Woolford performing at the stoppage, while Michael Newton moved to second on the league goalkicking charts with a haul of seven.
Goorambat coach Ben Wapling said it was a brilliant result and an important one for his side.
“We learned a lot from the Greta game where I felt like we gave up – that’s been the culture we’ve been trying to get rid of at the club that’s been there over a number of years,” he said.
“We knew Whorouly were coming in with probably their best side since round
one, and we’ve been really down on numbers each week.
“Our second halves have always been better – I’d like to have better starts in the first – but we knew that if we could stick there, even in the last quarter, we knew if there were minutes to go we needed that spark.
“A lot of people put their bodies on the line in that last quarter, which gave us what we needed.
“Our pressure wins games, our want for the ball, being first to the footy.” Elsewhere, matches were more one-sided.
Bright handed Benalla All Blacks a 163-point loss, 27.17 (179) to 2.4 (16), with Cooper Thomason booting a bag of 11 goals in a best on group performance.
Milawa responded from a flat first term to run out winners 21.13 (139) to 5.7 (37) over Moyhu.
Aiden Bihun and Braydon Kearns were impressive for the Demons, with Harry Allan (five goals) and Joel Radovanovic (four) hitting the scoreboard, while Hoppers Nathan Gamble and Drew Simpson turned in solid performances.
Bonnie Doon dominated King Valley, handing the Roos a 75-point loss at Bonnie Doon, 17.14 (116) to 6.5 (41).
The Bombers’ list was bolstered by ex-AFL star Andrew Gaff, who finished with a goal in a best on ground performance.
Scott Jansen was the only multiple goal kicker for the Roos, while Patrick Wright and Dan Maples were similarly strong.
■ From back page
With the game beyond a doubt heading into the fourth quarter, O&M took the foot off the gas and went into preservation mode, determined not to let any late injuries ruin their seasons for their club.
While GVL would kick six goals in the final term, it was nowhere near enough to frighten the O&M in their 77-point triumph.
Senior coach Jake Sharp said it was immensely satisfying to produce such a one-sided match against a quality outfit, particularly in the opening quarter.
“I’m pretty rapt, the application to tasks and execution of roles from all of our 22 players was super,” he said.
“To have an opposition league who is considered on the same level as us with one goal at three quarter time just spoke to the level of detail our boys played with.
“We started with six to one with centre clearance in the first quarter, so we were able to gain a lot of field territory from that and apply a lot of pressure on their defence.
“We were 1.5 to start, and we needed to start taking
our chances, but then luckily toward the back end of that quarter we really capitalised on some opportunities.
“Our inside 50s that quarter was 19, so we had a lot of looks at goal, and thankfully we were able to put some scoreboard pressure on because of that.”
North Albury’s Josh Murphy was named best on ground, finishing with six goals, while Corowa Rutherglen’s Kaelan Bradke snagged three.
Sharp said every single player contributed in their way across the three lines.
“Our back seven for the whole day were just elite, one of the points they wanted to be was organised, and they were,” he said.
“Any attacks which were coming in, we had aerial support - Zac Pethybridge, [Ned] Pendergast, Charlie Morrison just supported each other in the air, and we had really good shape at the contest with our smaller types in Schutty [Cody Schutt], Simmo [Simon Curtis], Liam McCarthy and Jack Costello.
“They [the forwards] were super all day, for probably three quarters, GVL played with a spare be-
hind the ball – it’s difficult as a marking player to compete with two as opposed to one, and for the large part they did a fantastic job at either marking those balls and bringing them to ground.
“We spoke about whether that spare was having an impact but it was clear we were still getting shots on goal and we were happy to role with that, because we knew those boys were competing so well in the air.”
The under 18s also celebrated victory, grinding out the win 10.13 (73) to 9.6 (60).
Sharp said the O&M’s commitment to the interleague program was exceptional.
“Representing your league is an awesome accolade to have, and something I’m sure all of those boys will look back on fondly,” he said.
“I love how committed the Ovens and Murray is to interleague football and providing that opportunity for the boys.
“They put a lot of money into the program to make sure it’s a really positive experience and I’m sure a lot of those boys are going to take a lot from it and remember it for some time.”
MATTHEW Curtis from North Wangaratta and Greta’s Mark Wettern soar in the centre bounce. The Blues showed their class in a 25-point win over the Hawks.
■ O&K match reviews page 14.
EVERYONE knows the Ovens and Murray is a highquality league, but the utter domination the interleague squad displayed over rivals Goulburn Valley was something to behold.
In their annual interleague clash for the Ash-Wilson Trophy, the black and gold were
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
imperious in front of around 1000 people at WJ Findlay Oval in Wangaratta, humiliating GVL 18.19 (127) to 7.8 (50). The game was essentially
put away by quarter time, such was the O&M’s dominance across the ground.
O&M’s mid eld lit the spark in the rst quarter, winning the ball and delivering it cleanly into the forwards.
While they were a tad wasteful early, kicking sev-
en minor scores during the opening term, the sheer volume of looks inside forward 50 O&M were producing kept the scoreboard pressure ratcheting up.
O&M would take a six-goal lead into the second quarter, but with GVL kicking with the wind, momentum began
to swing the way of the Violet Crumbles.
The good times kept coming in the second half, with O&M’s forwards sharing the goals around.
■ Continued page 15
Defensive pressure went sky high during the second, with GVL failing to penetrate O&M’s half back line, led by Zac Pethybridge and Ned Pendergast in the air, while Cody Schutt and Liam McCarthy operated well at ground level. Counterpunch e orts saw the margin blow out, with the O&M leading 10.12 (72) to 1.7 (13) by half-time
