Chronicle Wednesday 260624

Sudden passing of of community phar macist pharmacist

END THE WAR

GREG Lynn has been found guilty of murdering Wonnangatta Valley camper Carol Clay, but not guilty of murdering Russell Hill.

The 12-person jury laid down their split verdict on Tuesday afternoon after a five-week trial and just over a week of deliberations.

Mr Lynn (57) pleaded not guilty to two charges of murder, arguing the deaths of campers Russell Hill (74) and Carol Clay (73) at a Wonnangatta Valley campsite on March 20, 2020 were an accident.

The former pilot, as the defence’s only witness, told

the court during the trial that Ms Clay was shot in the head while he and Mr Hill struggled over control of Mr Lynn’s shotgun after a dispute, and Mr Hill died in a subsequent struggle, after a knife accidentally plunged into his chest.

Mr Lynn’s lawyer, Dermot Dann KC, previously told the court his client had made a “series of terrible choices” to cover up the pair’s deaths, which included destroying evidence and burning the remains of Mr Hill and Ms Clay.

Mr Lynn told the jury his actions in destroying evidence at the campsite were a "panicked" response to the "horrendous" scene before him.

"All I can say to the families is that I am very sorry for your suffering that I caused," he said.

"I haven't behaved well, I've made some poor decisions, but murder, as I understand it, I'm innocent of."

Prosecutors had described Mr Lynn’s series of events as a lie and argued

his actions to destroy evidence and cover up the deaths of the campers as ones made by a man who had committed murder.

Crown prosecutor Daniel Porceddu alleged Mr Hill was killed first by unknown means, most likely over a dispute about Mr Hill’s drone, and Ms Clay was later shot in the head because she was a witness in the violent murder of Mr Hill.

A total of 49 witnesses were called throughout

the trial including friends and family members of Ms Clay and Mr Hill, police detective, experts and park rangers and workers in the Wonnangatta Valley.

The court heard through family members of Ms Clay, including her daughter Emma Davies, the pair had a “loving” and “caring” relationship, that had lasted more than a decade and had been concealed from Mr Hill's friends and wife.

Wife of Mr Hill of more than 50 years, Robyn Hill,

told the court her husband had told her he was camping alone when he left their Drouin home for the Wonnangatta Valley.

Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien released a statement acknowledging the jury’s verdict, and thanked the work of its officers during the four-year long case.

“Our thoughts are with the Hill and Clay families at this time and we acknowledge how difficult these past four years have been for them,” he said.

■ Continues page 2

Truckie caught with high drink drive reading

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

A TRUCK driver has been caught drink driving at allegedly three times the legal limit on the Hume Freeway near Chiltern on Monday night.

The 37-year-old man had his licence immediately suspended after returning an alleged evidentiary reading of .158.

Truck drivers in Victoria have a bloodalcohol limit of zero.

Police observed a semi-trailer driving erratically on the freeway in Chiltern at about 7.30pm.

Police intercepted the truck driver who underwent a preliminary breath test, before accompanying members to a nearby station where he returned the high range alcohol reading.

Residing in the southeastern Melbourne suburb of Clyde, the man is expected to be charged on summons with traffic offences.

Phar macist, Pharmacist, motor spor t motor sport enthusiast passes away passes

wangarattachronicle.com.au

9261 1930.

BRUCE ROBERTSON, AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY AND BUSINESSMAN, DIES SUDENLY AGED 69

By STEVE KELLY

FAMILY, friends and the wider community are saddened by the sudden passing of Bruce Robertson, aged 69, on Sunday.

The well-known pharmacist devoted his career to community health, through his ownership of the Wangaratta’s Phillipson Street and Curtis Adams pharmacies, along with pharmacies in Bright since 2011 and Beechworth since April this year.

Bruce’s partner of 25 years, Kristine, said he was “loved, respected and admired”, especially by her and son Alistair, and all staff across the pharmacies.

“We have had an outpouring of messages between the two of us and calls from the motorsport world around Australia and New Zealand,” Kristine said.

“He was the first one to lend a helping hand with anything, he was loyal and always put himself out there.

“Being a pharmacist wasn’t just a job for him, he put his whole heart into it and if he could fix it, he would.”

Bruce was a member of the Pharmacy Guild of Victoria and representative for Goulburn Valley and North East Victoria for some 37 years, and was awarded a prestigious Life Membership of the Guild in 2019 for services to the industry, especially in the domain of rural representation and workforce.

He grew up in Rosanna and attended Rosanna State School, Macleod High School, and then the Victorian College of Pharmacy.

His affiliation with Wangaratta came through friends and colleagues of his parents, annual visits to the Australia Day tennis

tournament, and other sporting connections, such as rallying.

Following graduation and registration as a pharmacist, Bruce very nearly worked at the pharmacy that he would eventually purchase from Alan Hildebrand, the founder and first owner of the Phillipson Street business.

Six years later, after managing pharmacies and owning two of his own in Melbourne (Thornbury and Richmond) gaining experience along the way, Bruce sent a Christmas card to Alan, which led to a handshake deal that, when Bruce sold his Melbourne interests, he would move to Wangaratta and buy the Phillipson Street business.

Community grassroots support and involvement was very much a labour of love for Bruce,

LEONIE TO SHARE HER WRITING PASSION

BESTSELLING

author Leonie Kelsall

will discuss her latest work, ‘Homestead in the Eucalypts’, at the Wangaratta Library during an upcoming visit to the region.

The South Australian writer’s novels are celebrated for their authentic portrayal of rural life, as she draws inspiration from her upbringing on the Fleurieu coast and the wheat and sheep farming lands of Pallamana.

Leonie’s works beautifully capture the essence of country living and the resilient characters who call it home.

‘Homestead in the Eucalypts’ follows student doctor Taylor Lawrence, who retreats to her grandparents’ South Australian farm after her life is upended. There, she escapes into vivid fantasies about Anna, a settler

facing a devastating bushfire, and her rescuer, Luke Hartmann.

As the line between fantasy and reality blurs, Taylor must uncover the truth, risking either her sanity or her heart.

During her visit to the Wangaratta Library on Thursday, July 11 from 2.30pm, Leonie will share her unique perspective and storytelling magic. It will be a chance to connect with fellow book lovers, delve into the worlds created by the author, and perhaps discover a new favourite read. Bookings are essential, and can be made online at https://events. humanitix.com/host/ wangaratta-library , or by contacting library staff on 5721 2366 or via email on library@wangaratta. vic.gov.au

but his extensive experience in all facets of motor sport meant that he was an industry mover and shaker, and he was for a long time.

Bruce had been involved with the Benalla Auto Club, and the North Eastern Car Club was in Bruce’s motor sport domain, as he was a long–time supporter and sponsor of junior driver development programs and competitions.

The North Eastern Car Club sent its condolences to Bruce’s family in a social media post on Monday noting that club members were shocked and saddened by the passing of their respected life member.

Funeral arrangements for Bruce will be published at a later date.

Greg Lynn found guilty of one Wonnangatta murder

■ From page 1

“Their courage and resilience in the face of their grief, amidst enormous public attention, has been nothing short of extraordinary.

“We would also like to acknowledge the determination and perseverance of Missing Persons Squad detectives over the course of this exhaustive and complex investigation, as well as the significant support received from a number of specialist areas and local police from right across Victoria Police.”

Mr Lynn has been in custody since November 2021, and will remain in custody to await a sentence.

A mention hearing has been set for July 19.

Anybody found guilty of murder is liable to at least 25 years imprisonment, with the maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Est. 1884, Incorporating Wangaratta Despatch, Est. 1861

COMMUNITY MAN: Local pharmacist Bruce Robertson passed away on Sunday. He has been described as a man who was loved, respected and admired, and he will be sadly missed by those who knew him.

ENTRANCING ROMANCE: Leonie Kelsall will be in Wangaratta in July to speak about her new rural romance, ‘The Homestead in the Eucalypts’.

Council confident it can meet new housing target

2500

lots set out under State Govt’s target of 5700 new homes by 2051 gy

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

RURAL City of Wangaratta council is confident it will be able to meet the State Government’s big build targets despite limited consultation in the target set.

Under the State Government’s draft housing capacity targets announced last week, the Rural City of Wangaratta has been slated for an additional 5700 homes to be built by 2051.

Council director of sustainability and culture, Stephen Swart, said consultation with the State Government around these targets was limited.

“We weren’t sure about what the targets would involve, we found out the same time as everyone else did,” he said

“It’s a draft target, so it has been released for feedback and we will have a look at how achievable it is and think about making a submission.”

Mr Swart said council has already set out residential development for around 2500 new residential lots in the city’s south and north west residential growth zones, which leaves 3200 lots to be filled to reach the State Government’s draft housing capacity target.

Mr Swart said council was confident it would have the ability to deliver on the target, but it won’t be as simple as “just rezoning land”.

“This is not just about planning for residential growth, it has to happen at the same time as we are planning for other things, economic development and environmental sustainability are two of the biggest things we have to consider at the same time,” he said.

“We will continue to do strategic planning for future growth, so our ability to add

more land to that if needed, is good.

“We need to be planning for that supporting infrastructure and services, including water, sewerage and roads but also other things we sometimes don’t think about like open spaced community facilities, education facilities, health facilities, all of those things that are needed to service the communities of the future.

“Part of the picture for us is to continue to work with our community and also other stakeholders and authorities to ensure these developments are fully supported into the future.”

Housing development in Wangaratta has slowed in

recent years due to sewerage capacity issues, but an investment of $11.6 million by North East Water into council’s south and north west growth areas will look to alleviate those woes.

Mr Swart said with capacity challenges being met in those growth areas, he was confident sewage capacity wouldn’t prove a similar issue in these targets as council looks to collaborate similarly with other services.

“North East Water have done a lot of work recently to make sure those sewage services can be available for the future,” he said.

“Just like we’re working in partnership with North East Water, we need to work in

partnership with the State Government to ensure the community has the facilities they need.”

As to where the additional 3200 homes will be built, Mr Swart said it would be a part of council’s additional strategic planning, with economic development, tourism and environmental sustainability strategies front of mind.

“There’s also other opportunities to look at the future housing needs of our community and the different housing types people will need in the future and part of that future is housing of different density,” he said.

“For example encourag-

ing housing within the right locations, particularly our central areas where services are more accessible should be part of the picture and is part of the picture at the moment.

“At the end of the day, if we are going to have a bigger population, they have to be supported by the other things you need, not just the house.

“Jobs is part of that picture, but also living in a community where kids go to school, people need access to other services, open space, the character of the place is very important.

“We need to keep all of those things in mind when planning for future growth.”

Burger lust costs Bright man 22-month driving ban

A BRIGHT man’s appetite for a burger has cost him his driver’s licence, after being caught drink driving around town at almost five times the legal limit.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Sarah Williamson told the Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court that on April 9 at 4pm, a station wagon was reported to be driving on the wrong side of the road and swerving through the main streets of Bright.

Police located the vehicle parked at Anderson Street and observed it veering across roads as the driver attempted to drive home.

Police intercepted the vehicle at Mountbatten Avenue, later taking the driver into the station where he blew .228, leading to the immediate suspension of his licence and impoundment of his vehicle.

The man said he had four hard spirits and thought he was under the limit.

“Unless they were giant four spirits, it probably suggests you had a bit more than that,” Magistrate Megan Casey said.

The defendant, representing himself, admitted to the court he had three port vodkas after catching up with a friend for drinks, before he became hungry and drove to get a burger.

“It was a really stupid thing to do and I’m incredibly remorseful and embarrassed,” he said. Magistrate Casey disqualified the man’s licence for 22 months and placed him on a 12-month good behaviour bond.

“You are incredibly fortunate this didn’t come to a disaster, it’s a miracle you didn’t hit something or someone,” she said.

BRICK BY BRICK: Council will consider its submissions as the State Government set the Rural City of Wangaratta a draft housing capacity target of an additional 5700 homes by 2051.

158km/h speedster didn’t see police coming

A MELBOURNE man clocked at 158km/h on the Hume Freeway near Glenrowan didn’t see or hear police signals during a 7km chase before being pulled over, a court has heard.

Appearing before the Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Monday, the 31-year-old man had his licence disqualified for dangerous driving.

Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Stuart Pritchard told the court on February 8 this year at around 4:10pm, police were notified of a speeding driver who was overtaking cars erratically and dangerously on the Hume Freeway had just pulled into BP Glenrowan.

Police detected the speeding white Renault in the northbound lanes of the freeway from the Great Alpine Road exit ramp and begun pursuing the vehicle.

For the next five kilometres police monitored the vehicle travelling at speeds of 120km/h to 158km/h, almost crashing into multiple vehicles while overtaking.

The Renault would continue as police activated their lights and sirens, even driving in the middle of the freeway in an attempt to gain the driver’s attention.

The speedster eventually came to a halt as it was forced to brake to allow a vehicle to merge from the Bowser Road interchange.

Police immediately arrested and impounded the defendant’s vehicle.

The 31-year-old’s defence counsel said his client was just laid off from his Melbourne-based employment on the day of the incident and wanted to get away and “see the mountains”.

He said his client had just moved into a new residence

and had a large amount of possessions packed in the car obstructing his rearview mirror and the radio on loud.

When pulled over, the defendant’s defence counsel said his client was shaken up when arrested at gunpoint, thinking police were pursuing another vehicle during their chase down the freeway.

Magistrate Megan Casey acknowledged the defendant didn’t willingly ignore police, but was lucky not to have caused harm to other road users.

“This could’ve ended incredibly badly, this court often sees similar situations where it goes horribly wrong,” she said.

“Having a licence is a privilege and you need to treat it like the privilege it is.”

Magistrate Casey also issued a 12-month good behaviour bond.

Whitlands celebrates early season snow

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

By ANITA McPHERSON

BUBBLY is always at its best when well chilled, but residents in Whitlands had no need for an ice bucket when they celebrated the arrival of snow on Tuesday morning.

The snow began to fall on the small rural enclave located about an hour’s drive south of Wangaratta at around 6.30am and continued into the morning, while the temperature hovered around one degree.

Resident artist Michael Ashby said the temperature crept up to 3.7 degrees by lunchtime, but by then the snow showers were replaced by rain.

“It’s a little earlier than usual because it usually happens in July or August, but it’s unpredictable, and we can even get snow in September if conditions are right,” he said.

“We usually get two or three falls a year and during winter we have many days under 10 degrees.”

During the 12 years Mr Ashby has been living in Whitlands, the most snow he has seen has been four inches deep, although he

says other residents have told him they have had as much as a foot in years gone by.

But the “mild French climate” provides plenty of inspiration for the artist, with summer days not usually exceeding 34 degrees and spectacular foliage and flowers in the autumn and spring.

“It is really pretty when the snow first falls, when the light hits the pristine snow on blades of grass,” he said.

“The freshly falling snow is quite magical and at the same time it’s also silent because the birds don’t come out.

“The climate here is not for everyone, but we enjoy it.”

SNOW WHITE: Residents on the Whitlands plateau including Michael Ashby (pictured) may have welcomed the first snowfall of the year with a drop of the local bubbly, but it’s

tiny

located south of Wangaratta, with more

PHOTO: Daniel Ashby

Queries over school funding equity

By SIMONE KERWIN

THE State Government’s school funding allocation system has been called into question by a Rural City of Wangaratta resident.

Greta-based Gordon Perkins said while other schools in the district were seeking funding for capital works, one local primary school - which currently has one student enrolled - received almost $19,000 in the June 2023 round of the State Government’s Bushfire Preparedness (Vegetation) funding.

A Victorian Department of Education spokesperson said enrolment numbers did not impact whether a school received funding for bushfire safety management.

“I’m not having a dig at the school community - they are going to support students if they need to,” Mr Perkins said.

“My concern is more to do with the complete disregard for how our tax dollars are being spent.

“It’s frustration at the way funds are distributed, and the fact some of the larger schools don’t receive similar funds.

“It seems a disproportionate amount of funds going to a school with one student.

“I’m also aware that a primary school in the Shepparton region

just prior to Christmas had new flooring and carpet installed, and the school was then destaffed - in other words, closed.”

The Department of Education spokesperson confirmed that Currawa Primary School, located on the Dookie agricultural campus, became non-operational due to no enrolments in 2024.

The school had been renovated in 2023, in line with regular review and strategic planning processes.

In response to a query about school funding arrangements, the Department of Education

spokesperson said: “We work closely with small schools to make sure they can meet the needs of their communities and deliver a comprehensive education for local students”.

“All schools on the Bushfire At-Risk Register receive specific funding through the Bushfire Preparedness (Vegetation) Program to enable activities that reduce the risk of harm from a bushfire,” the spokesperson said.

“Given the nature of bushfires, funding is based on the size of school sites, not enrolments.” Government schools and

their local communities assess a school’s ability to meet local needs and deliver a comprehensive educational program as part of their regular review and strategic planning processes.

School councils can recommend to the Department of Education that the school becomes non-operational (previously described as de-staffed) or is closed if there are low or no confirmed enrolments for the coming year.

The non-operational process, as a step prior to any formal closure, enables schools to re-open if local demand increases.

Nurses and midwives to meet in Wangaratta to consider wage increase

THE Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (Victoria Branch) has called a statewide meeting of members, including one in Wangaratta, to consider the State Government’s offer of a 28.4 per cent (compounded) wage increase by the end of the fourth year.

The offer is an in-principle agreement subject to both cabinet approval and member endorsement.

It follows intensive discussions between the ANMF and senior representatives from the Department of Health and the Allan Government and 48 days of protected industrial action which began on May 7.

ANMF members will meet on Wednesday, June 26 in Melbourne and eight satellite venues in Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Mildura, Shepparton, Traralgon, Warrnambool and Wangaratta.

On May 20 members rejected an offer which included government wages policy of 12 per cent, cash bonuses and an additional gender equity uplift of between 5.5pc and 13.3pc based on the expected outcome of ANMF’s Fair Work Commission aged care work value case.

ANMF (Vic branch) secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick said nurses and midwives are looking for an offer that respects the work they do.

“We believe this offer protects our current career structure and will significantly help to retain and recruit a permanent nursing and midwifery workforce and rebuild our health system,” she said.

TRACKSCHOOL TRACK DAYS

A QUESTION OF FUNDING: Greta resident Gordon Perkins is concerned about how tax payers’ funds are being spent.

City plans tracking well towards growth

THE State Government aims to have 5700 extra homes built in Wangaratta by 2051 and the city is well poised to make this happen given some foresight several years ago to rezone land into residential.

A Wangaratta Population and Housing Strategy was published in December 2013 that mapped out a vision for the Rural City of Wangaratta, a document to use in future decisions with the forecasted growth in mind.

Key infrastructure is one of those requirements that is needed to accompany this level of growth and the strategy created 11 years ago predicted the city would have a population of 29,160 by 2031, an addition of 2350 people from 2011.

Under a low growth scenario the city could stagnate with only 225 more people and under a high growth forecast there would be 33,220 by 2031.

Well, despite all the dramas with sewer capacity in urban Wangaratta since 2019, the rural city has already surpassed the bottom two population predictions and could quite possibly near the high growth scenario in the next seven years.

North East Water is rolling out $11.6 million in supporting infrastructure in 2024-25 to accommodate the advancement of more homes.

As detailed by council director of sustainability and culture Stephen Swart said in today’s article, council has to work with the State Government to ensure the community has the facilities they need.

Different types of housing should also be a priority to cater for the varying types of living needs, with social, affordable housing, and key worker accommodation super important.

With an expected surge in building growth across the nation, a labour workforce that matches this demand will also be a necessity.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

The Australian QuizNo.81

1 Which country was awarded the George Cross “for acts of the greatest heroism” during World War II?

(a) Malta

(b) France

(c) Belgium

(d) Netherlands

2 Saaremaa is the secondlargest island in which sea?

(a) Black Sea

(b) Mediterranean Sea

(c) North Sea (d) Baltic Sea

3 The traditional Indian drink called lassi is based on which food?

(a) Almond

(b) Yogurt

(c) Coconut

(d) Rice

4 What was the first team to score over 350 points in total in the 2022 NRL season?

(a) Penrith Panthers

(b) North Queensland Cowboys

(c) Brisbane Broncos

(d) Melbourne Storm

5 The 1986 movie, Children of a Lesser God, is based on a play by which person?

(a) Mark Medoff

(b) Arthur Miller

(c) Eugene O’Neill

(d) Harold Pinter

lsBrusse 9 (a) The Mentalist 10 (b) Baseball

More defibrillators would save lives

WHAT an opportunity for the councillors of the Rural City to use a portion of the amount of $140k set aside for community grants to purchase defibrillators for those towns who have not been able to obtain one previously.

I know in my time in council there were applications for assistance to purchase defibrillators that were not always successful, so let’s make sure all our satellite towns/villages have one readily accessible to the public when needed.

They are now available for around $2200, so if we need 10 to be purchased it is less than $30k of the money available.

I wouldn’t be here without a defibrillator being available for me five years ago.

Kenneth J Clarke, Wangaratta

Keep your nose out of state politics

IF Mr Dutton has aspirations of being our next Prime Minister, why is he dabbling with state politics (power supply)?

Is nuclear energy an issue with the people of Dickson?

Maybe he should be reminded that quite a few so-called ‘safe’ seats have been lost to independents.

Carl Petersen, Whorouly

Thomas Curnow should be celebrated

FOR many years, the last weekend in June was a time when people in Glenrowan and surrounding districts commemorated what was thought to be an heroic attempt by Ned Kelly to make the north-east a republic at the Last Stand at Glenrowan in June 1880.

In recent years historians have shown the republic claims to be a myth, and Ned Kelly’s plan for Glenrowan to be a revengeful blueprint for a bloodthirsty police massacre. Largely to the amazing courage of schoolteacher Thomas Curnow, the planned train wreck and police massacre was avoided, and the Kelly Gang’s reign of terror ended. The entire colony celebrated.

When you visit the new Ned Kelly Discovery Hub at Glenrowan, there is no mention of the Republic of North East Victoria, and at the en-

6 Avianca S.A. is the flag carrier airline of which country?

(a) Ecuador

(b) Colombia

(c) Peru (d) Argentina

7 In the Greek alphabet, which letter comes directly after theta?

(a) Mu (b) Sigma (c) Rho (d) Iota

8 The famous sculpture called Manneken Pis, depicting a naked boy urinating, is a popular tourist attraction in

which capital city?

(a) Stockholm (b) Copenhagen (c) Brussels (d) Berlin

9 Jane is the main character in which TV series?

(a) The Mentalist (b) Breaking Bad (c) House (d) Dexter

10Stickball is a street game most similar to which of the following sports?

(a) Cricket

(b) Baseball (c) Ice hockey (d) Polo

trance this quotation from Ned Kelly “I expect a special train will be sent from Benalla and I am going to kill the lot”.

If anything is going to be commemorated or celebrated this weekend, it should be Thomas Curnow’s bravery, and the demise of the Kelly Gang of murderers.

David MacFarlane, Sydney

Stop the petty nit picking

LAST week l received an email from Nationals’ leader Peter Walsh MP requesting a signature on a petition to revoke the Companion of Australia award bestowed on former Premier Dan Andrews.

No doubt thousands of constituents would have received the same communication from the Nationals’ MP.

Here in Victoria we have a situation that requires immediate action to fix numerous social and economic issues, and we need the energy and expertise from people in government who are being paid to do this task and not get involved in petty nit picking.

As for the King’s Birthday awards, in general, most people who live in Australia would not have a clue as to the meaning of OAM, OBE, AC and various other gongs bestowed on individuals in this country.

Zenon Tik Hertik, Wangaratta

DOUBLE TAKE: Budding portrait artists will have the opportunity to hone their skills when Archibald Prize and Doug Moran finalist Daniel Butterworth visits RiverArts in Oxley this weekend. The established artist who specialises in portraiture is returning to the region to conduct a kids portrait workshop on Friday, followed by an all-day workshop for adults on Saturday. During his last visit in November, Daniel painted RiverArts founder, visual artist Linda Syers (at left, with the portrait Daniel painted below) and to celebrate his return, Linda decided to capture the familiar face of King River Café owner Ben Bonwick (at right). While the kids workshop is now full, a few spots remain for Saturday’s session at RiverArts, located downstairs at King River Cafe, with bookings and more information at https://www.trybooking. com/CSGGN.

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

Community rallies rallies for Palestine

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

A GROUP of Wangaratta mums are calling for ceasefire to the Palestine-Israeli conflict and they were well supported by others in the community at a rally on Sunday.

The ‘Peaceful Walk for Humanity’ rally had about 100 who walked through the CBD with homemade signs calling for an end to the conflict.

Rally organiser and Wangaratta resident Emily Scott realised that their efforts might be in vain, however, she and other community members were drawn to do something about the fighting in what she described as “genocide”.

“We’re just a group of mums who live in a safe country but none of use could stomach what’s happening in Palestine anymore,” Ms Scott said before the rally.

“We’re aware of the fact we’re not going to make huge change with out little group but it was just a point of trying to do something.

“We’re just trying to make a bit of noise so there is an incentive for our political leaders to take this to parliament and hopefully make some more noise.”

The women are calling for ceasefire, Palestine to be recognised as a state, and no more weapon sales to Israel.

Many of the people who attended have friends who are Palestinian, and a lot of the rally attendees

By STEVE KELLY

A NEW Climate Council report has highlighted the dramatic rise in insurance premiums, a burden that is pricing people out of the market leaving their properties vulnerable in the face of rising extreme climate events such as bushfire and floods.

The ‘Too Close to Home’ disaster report details the impacts of natural disasters on communities.

“More and more climate impacted Australians are finding it difficult to insure their homes due to rising premiums driven by worsening climate risks,” the report reads.

“Following the 2022 floods, insurance premiums for high-risk properties, including those in flood-prone areas, increased by 50 per cent.”

Indi MP Helen Haines has also given a snapshot of the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters accentuated by the geography of “wide flood plains and forested hills”.

“Affordable and accessible insurance is critical as the frequency and severity of flooding and bushfires increases,” she said.

“A 2023 Climate Council report lists Indi as the eighth most at-risk federal electorate for insurance to become unaffordable within the next 10 years, and the second most

MUMS CALL FOR CEASEFIRE TO THE PALESTINE-ISRAELI CONFLICT WITH RALLY AROUND CITY’S CBD

have lived in Melbourne for large portions of their lives.

“I know there is war going on everywhere, but it really is a genocide now and it’s an important case we want to stand up for,” Ms Scott said.

“People are literally livestreaming people’s deaths and they’re asking for someone to do something about it.”

Ms Scott said there is nothing

antisemitic about the rally and she said she has Jewish friends who she loves and who also stand behind this cause.

“Obviously there are extremists of all kinds and I definitely take issue with antisemitism and fascism, but this is not at all any kind of antisemitism,” she said.

Ms Scott said a lot of the media coverage on the topic is one-

sided and while she condemns any form of terrorism, she said innocent people - children, women and men - are continuing to die.

“Australia still hasn’t recognised Palestine as a state and this is one of the only mechanisms to secure protection for the people,”

she said.

“So many other countries recognise Palestine as a state, but

Australia is again following suit with the United States - it’s weak.”

The group tried to publicise the rally prior to the event but a banner on the Rowan Street bridge was taken down a few hours later by a member of the public.

They also didn’t have much luck with sharing the event online via social networking pages.

The group aims to hold the rally again in the coming weeks.

Insurance premiums out of reach for some

AFTERMATH: Indi

the

with other politicians and police members during the Black Summer Bushfires in January 2020. it’s incidents like this which have contributed to a rise in insurance premiums.

at-risk electorate in Victoria for natural disaster related insurance unaffordability.

“In the Rural City of Wangaratta, 60 per cent of all properties are at high risk of insurance premiums rising to become unaffordable by 2030.

“The price of insurance in regional areas has increased dramatically in recent years, in some instances, insurance companies have refused to insure properties altogether.”

Since the 2019-2020 Black Summer Bushfires, Dr Haines said she has been contacted by many businesses across Indi, notably in the alpine re-

sort of Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Mount Buller, where businesses have found it impossible to access insurance or premiums have increased to unviable levels.

“In my submission to a parliamentary committee inquiry into insurers’ responses to the 2022 floods, I urged the Federal Government to work with state, territory and local governments to develop a national framework for supporting property owners who cannot access affordable insurance,” Dr Haines said.

“We must ensure individuals and regional communities are supported to build back better after natural disasters – this means accounting for

changing risks and increasing resilience to future natural disasters.

“Insurance policies should be fair, easy to understand, affordable and designed to meet the unique circumstances and needs of regional, rural and remote Australia.”

RACV Insurance responded to a query from this masthead about the reasons behind the insurance price rises.

RACV’s general manager motoring products, Jeff Ames, said there are several factors that continue to impact insurance premiums.

“These include inflationary driven cost pressures affecting labour, building materials and motor vehicle part costs, as well as the impact of severe weather and natural disasters, which has led to higher global reinsurance costs (insurance for insurers),” Mr Ames said.

“Our goal is to keep our insurance premium rises to a minimum; however, these cost pressures have driven insurance premiums higher across the insurance industry.

“We understand the impact of the current cost of living pressures on households and we’re working hard to keep premium rises to a minimum.

“We encourage our members who are facing cost of living pressures to contact us to discuss their individual circumstances and to learn more about how we can help.”

Rutherglen tops ‘trendy’ list

RUTHERGLEN has been named Victoria’s - and Australia’s - trendiest location.

Using criteria such as the number of cafes, markets, vintage shops, theatres, street art and art galleries present in each location, B2C Furniture came up with the list of Victoria’s trendiest and least trendy areas for 2024.

Rutherglen and Richmond beat out Melbourne to be named Victoria’s trendiest spots, with Rutherglen crowned not just Victoria’s trendiest place but also the nation’s, ranking ahead of Queensland’s Gold Coast.

Its large number of art galleries and markets helped secure the top position, showing it has plenty to offer art enthusiasts and those seeking to sample local produce and the region’s famous wines.

Behind Rutherglen and Richmond in the top five were Mount Evelyn, Wattle Glen and Melbourne.

The ranking system wasn’t such good news for Euroa, however, which ranked fourth on the list of least trendy locations according to B2C Furniture.

MP Helen Haines stands amid

orange glow

MUMS ON THE MARCH: Rally organiser Emily Scott (left) leads a peaceful walk through Wangaratta’s streets with signs trying to send a message to Australian politicians.

KING VALLEY NEWS

Covering Moyhu, Edi, Myrrhee, Whitfield, Cheshunt and Whitlands areas

Improving a playspace for active Moyhu kids

BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au

AN exciting new outdoor playspace with zones designed to engage children from birth to five years of age has been developed for the Moyhu and District Preschool, which provides kinder and occasional care from Monday to Friday to dozens of local children.

Designed by Jenny Kjar with input from parents, educators and the children themselves, it includes features such as a cubby, play theatre, sensory garden and yarning circle, which will be surrounded by bush tucker plants.

Educator Karen Jones said there will be intimate playspaces specifically designed to suit the variety of ages of young children the centre caters for.

She said the play theatre will have a stage for performances and the yarning circle will help develop children’s awareness and understanding of Aboriginal culture.

“We also plan to make better use of the space in front of the centre,” she said.

“We’ll create a lot of different play zones for children so they can play in lots of different ways.”

The Moyhu and District Preschool and Occasional Care committee is now focused on raising the money needed to begin construction, with funds raised by the 2024 Winter Wine and Beer Drive, going directly towards the innovative project.

This year’s drive coordinator Bec Pallot said the fundraiser is

WANGARATTA Senior Citizens

Club will host a social gathering at its clubrooms in Tara Court today from 1.30pm.

The club will also host indoor carpet bowls on Thursday from 12 noon, cards (500) on Friday from 1.30pm, indoor carpet bowls on Monday from 12 noon, and cards (500) and hoy on Tuesday from 1.30pm, all in the group’s clubrooms or in the adjoining St Patrick’s supper room.

Social gathering next Wednesday, July 3 will be an in-house movie from 1.30pm.

THE Australian Plants Society (Wangaratta) will hold its next meeting on Thursday, June 27 from 7pm, at the Masonic Hall on the corner of Esmond and Appin Streets.

Presenter will be Isabel Young, speaking on ‘Dyeing materials using native plants’.

There is a follow-up on Saturday, June 29 from 9.30am to 12.30pm in a workshop at 475 Shanley Street, Wangaratta South - all welcome.

WANGARATTA Seniors Dance will be held on Friday, June 28 from 2pm to 4pm in St Patrick’s supper room in Ford Street, with music by Rustic Ramblers.

The dance is held on the fourth Friday of each month, with dance

ACTIVITY:

run to benefit both the Moyhu and Whitfield Community Childcare Centre and Kinder, supporting many King Valley families.

She said drives are generally held in winter and summer, and they have appreciated the support of the local businesses who provide great quality products to them at discounted prices.

“We’ve been really lucky this year to have had a couple of families from the wineries who are affiliated with the kinder, and our president last year also helped by having some contacts,” she said.

revision from 1.30pm to 2pm.

Admission is $5 (non-members $7), which includes afternoon tea. For details, phone Margaret on 0407 357 226 or Julie on 0408 032 451.

CAKE Decorators Association of Victoria Wangaratta Branch will hold a beginners’ day on Saturday, July 20 from 10am to 3pm in the Galen Catholic College food tech room.

Afternoon tea provided, tea and coffee available all day (BYO mug), cost is $15 members, $20 nonmembers. To book, phone Lee on 0419 513 735.

WANGARATTA Orchid Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 6.30pm in St Patrick’s supper room, off Ford Street. Meetings include flower shows and talks, and everyone is welcome. Phone Hans on 0428 119 737.

OSTINATO Wangaratta and District Community Choir meets each Tuesday from 7pm to 9.30pm at the Log Cabin, corner Faithfull and Chisholm Streets, Wangaratta. New members welcome. Contact Helen on 0457 269278.

WANGARATTA Sing Australia Group holds its weekly meetings each Wednesday from 7.30pm to 9pm at Purbrick Hall, next to Holy Trinity Cathedral.

“The drive is going quite well so far which is great considering the pressure of the rising cost of living, and that’s why we’ve tried to keep prices lower this year, which has helped.”

Wine drive supporters have plenty to choose from, including Francesco Prosecco, Darling Estate Reisling, Red Feet Pinot Grigio, a selection of red and white varieties from Brown Brothers, King River Brewery Smooth Alt Bier, or a mixed dozen of red and white wines.

Order forms are available from

SOCIAL CALENDAR

All welcome. For details, call Keith Fleet on 0491 114 480 or Cheryl Hoysted on 0419 005 062.

the centres or from the Moyhu and District Preschool Facebook page and they need to be placed by Friday, June 28, with the product available for collection from King River Brewing from July 12 to 14.

Committee treasurer Georgia Jennings said all profits this year will go towards the project, which they hope to begin soon, although they may have to complete it in stages as funds allow.

It seems a great way to enjoy the best of the region’s produce, at the same time supporting a vital local centre.

members welcome. Contact Frances on 0417 158 220.

Fishing club competition in Glenrowan

KING River and District Fishing Club will hold a Future’s Fishing Comp at the Glenrowan Recreation Reserve this Sunday.

Registration is from 10am (with a prize for registering) and there will be raffle, with a free sausage sizzle at 12.30pm, the raffle drawn at 2pm and all welcome.

Whitfield Rec Reserve special meeting

THE Rural City of Wangaratta invites the Whitfield community to a special general meeting to appoint a new Community Asset Committee.

The committee plays an integral role and ensures the important venue and service for the Whitfield and King Valley community is maintained.

The meeting will be held at the AC Swinburne Pavilion on Wednesday, July 3 at 5.30pm.

For more information on becoming a committee member and to register to attend email recreation@wangaratta. vic.gov.au or call council on 5722 0888.

King Valley community lunch

THE next King Valley community lunch will be held at the Edi Upper Hall on Thursday, July 4.

Please RSVP to Therese by the Sunday before on 5729 3603.

King Valley CWA meeting

THE CWA King Valley Branch meets on the first Thursday of each month at 6.30pm at the Whitfield Recreation Reserve.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, July 4 at 6.30pm and all local women are welcome to join in, with RSVP to Mary on 0427 404 411.

Equipment and instruction provided. Phone Susan Fischer on 0417 217 009.

WANGARATTA Woodworkers Inc meet at the Wangaratta Showgrounds each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 12 noon (closing earlier if no-one is present).

The rooms are open on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 7pm to 8.30pm, and Sundays from 10am to 1pm. All welcome. Contact Bevan on 0437 196 118.

WANGARATTA Keenagers Table Tennis Club plays on Mondays and Thursdays at the table tennis centre at the Wangaratta Showgrounds.

Play begins at 8am. New players welcome. Morning tea provided –please bring your own cup. Contact Maureen O’Keefe on 0409 215 881.

SATURDAY Quilters meet on the first Saturday of each month from 9.30am in the Wangaratta Small Bore Rifle Club rooms off the river end of College Street. Beginner and experienced

OXLEY table tennis weekly social competition is held on Mondays from 7pm at the Oxley Hall. Adults and secondary school students of all ages and abilities are welcome to join in. Bring your own bat, $2 entry fee, and small plate to share. Contact June Uebergang on 0497 860 785 (text only).

COME and play mahjong at the Wangaratta RSL on Thursdays from 11am.

Beginners welcome. Contact Jan on 0429 166 016.

WANGARATTA Toastmasters meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 6.45pm at The Centre in Chisholm Street.

For more information, contact Joanne Howell on 0417 558 881.

WANGARATTA Family History Society opens each Thursday from 10am to 3pm in the local history room at the Wangaratta Library. Outside of these hours, assistance is available by appointment only by emailing wangfamhs@ gmail.com or phoning 0474 443 626.

COME and try croquet at the Wangaratta Croquet Club, 46 Ryan Avenue.

WANGARATTA Symphony Orchestra meets each Tuesday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Wangaratta Baptist Church, 1 Sisely Avenue. Email wangsymphonyorchestra@gmail.com or call Wendie 0408 495065.

CYCLING Without Age Wangaratta offers free tri–shaw rides to the elderly, and to people of any age with disabilities or reduced mobility. Phone 0418 387 089 or email cwawangaratta@gmail.com

PARKINSON’S Disease Support Group meets every Friday at the Wangaratta RSL for coffee at 10am.

Those who are able meet at the main entrance at 9.30am for a 30-minute river walk prior to coffee. Contact Dave James on 0409 011 953 or Ros Taylor on 0429 624 844.

PANGERANG Ukes and More meets each Thursday from 5.30pm at Pangerang Community Hub. Cost is $5, and any instruments, as well as voices, are welcome. Enquiries to 0407 311 899.

OUTDOOR

Committee treasurer Georgia Jennings, with Liam Watts, and educator Natalie McDonald with Ezekiel Leighton, are among those looking forward to seeing the much-loved playground at the Moyhu and District Preschool upgraded with even more to engage and stimulate children. PHOTO: Anita McPherson

Cathedral College Wangaratta

YEAR five students recently conducted a Science Fair to consolidate their learning in science.

Students considered earth a component within a solar system and used models to investigate systems at astronomical scales.

They understood that earth is part of a system of planets and other celestial bodies orbiting around a star.

It was a wonderful chance to impart their knowledge to other students and staff.

SOLAR EXPLORATION: Taking part in the Science Fair was head of junior school, Mr Leigh Symons, Grace Loveday, Sebastian Neely, science teaching and learning leader Dr Olivia Woodburne, and Hamish Lloyd.

Science Fair Zoo adventures

Team spirit

Appin Park Primary School

AS a part of the last week of each term, the school completes team activities where there is plenty of support and encouragement from all.

The foundation - year two students bravely faced the cool morning conditions to participate in a variety of tabloid activities.

They were supported and directed by the year six students, who took on leadership roles in different ways.

The year three to six students then had their time to work through 12 physical activities in their multi-aged groups.

The interaction amongst the students in each group,

the encouragement, and the commitment to participate to the best of their ability was evident by the numerous shout-outs given by peers.

It is great to see and hear the acknowledgment of students towards their peers.

This positive recognition is always well received.

IN REHEARSAL: Members of the St Patrick’s school choir practised with performers from the Australian School of the Performing

in the leadup to the upcoming Arts on Show.

Show time

St Patrick’s Primary School

Wangaratta Primary School

GRADE 3/4 students headed to the big smoke to visit the Melbourne Zoo as part of their sustainability unit.

Heading down on the train was such an exciting adventure for the students and they thoroughly loved trekking their way around the zoo encountering many wild and cute beasts along the way.

Students took part in workshops run by zoo staff learning about more effective ways they can be sustainable.

BIG TRIP: Grade 3/4 students enjoyed visiting all the different exhibits at the Melbourne Zoo.

MIXING UP: Sid McAninily got hands-on making damper as part of Oxley Primary School’s agriculture/science program.

Outdoor lesson

Oxley Primary School

STUDENT Sid McAninily enjoyed making some damper out in the fire pit. The activity was part of the agriculture/science program offered at the school.

PHYSICALLY ACTIVE: Appin Park student Hayden Nelson showed

Do you have a photo and story from your school or kinder you would like to see on the page? Send it to amcpherson@nemedia.com.au and we’ll include it in an upcoming edition.

2

1Which other planet in our solar system is closest in size to Earth? Is it a) Mars, b) Venus, c) Neptune, or d) Mercury?

3Which of the following animals dives deepest? Is it a) the leatherback turtle, b) the emperor penguin, c) the elephant seal, or d) Cuvier’s beaked whale?

4Where are macadamia trees native to? a) Australia, b) South Africa, c) Hawaii, or d) South Korea?

5Which of these sciences does not have a Nobel Prize? Is it a) physics, b) chemistry, c) biology, or d) medicine?

more CSIRO Double Helix science visit www.csiro.au/helix or call 02 6276 6643. Answers: 1.

Arts,

LAST week the school choir were lucky enough to work with the talented performers from the Australian School of the Performing Arts in preparation for the upcoming Arts on Show. Sandhurst Arts on Show is a biennial event, a collaboration between the Catholic Education Office Sandhurst, the Australian School of Performing Arts and Sandhurst Primary schools.

WHAT’S ON

Choirboys and Dragon head to Club Corowa

CLUB Corowa has announced the next instalment of its renowned Club Corowa Concert Series, featuring two of Australia’s most iconic rock bands performing a night of unforgettable music.

The Choirboys and Dragon will take to the stage, supported by the local rock sensation The Silverbacks on Saturday, September 21.

Choirboys, one of Australia’s most authentic pub rock icons, will bring their popular rock anthems to life, including “Run to Paradise,” “Boys Will Be Boys,” “Never Gonna Die,” and many more.

Seventies rock legends Dragon will perform their unforgettable hits such as “Are You Old Enough,” “Young Years,” “Rain,” and “April Sun in Cuba,” as part of a celebration of Australian rock.

Tickets are now on sale with general admission and a VIP experience available now by visiting clubcorowa. com.au, until sold out.

yourstars

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Avoid having someone else take credit for a project that you started by finishing it yourself. Then it will be you lovely Lambs who will be wearing those welldeserved laurels.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) The facts about a new opportunity are still emerging. Wait until they’re all out in the open, then use your keen business sense to help make the right decision.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You might feel confused or even hurt by a friend who suddenly puts distance between you. If they won’t discuss it, don’t push it. An explanation should come in time.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Your willingness to be part of a team opens doors that had been shut to you. Keep them open by honoring your promises, even when your commitment seems to be wavering.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Congratulations! You’re really getting things done to purrfection. And don’t forget to take a catnap now and again to keep those energy levels up and bristling for action.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Your plain-talking honesty is admirable, but sometimes sharp words can leave painful scars. Be careful that what you say doesn’t come back to hurt you.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A stress-filled period takes a positive turn as you deal with the underlying problem. Act now to avoid a recurrence by changing some basic rules in your relationship.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Your rising energy levels make it easier for you to achieve some important objectives. This could lead to a big boost in how you’re perceived, both at home and on the job.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A changing picture begins to emerge as you learn more about an offer that seemed so right but could be so wrong. Look to a trusted adviser for guidance.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Spiritual aspects are strong. Take time to reflect on the path that you’re on and where you hope it will lead you. It’s also a good time to reach out to loved ones.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) You could be assuming far too many responsibilities, whether it’s at work or in personal matters. Be careful that you’re not weighed down by them.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You’re getting closer to your goals. And since nothing succeeds like success (or the promise thereof), don’t be surprised to find new supporters swimming alongside you.

Rural life and everyday drama in The Good

THIS winter, Wangaratta Art Gallery welcomes national touring exhibition The Good by Western Australian artist Anna Louise Richardson, opening this weekend.

Richardson’s practice centres around rural life and the drama present in everyday reality and this major solo exhibition promises to resonate with the Wangaratta community.

Working primarily in large scale drawing, her work renders realistic scenes that speak strongly to her experience of rural life as a member of a multigenerational farming family.

The Good emerges from Richardson’s broader investigations into the complex relationships between humans and the natural world, tinged by grief and the competing demands of nurturing new life.

In a world increasingly de-

Symphony of the Seas by WSO

THE Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra will present a Symphony of the Seas, celebrating all kinds of water, at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre tomorrow night at 7.30pm.

The WSO will play music including The Hebrides overture by Felix Mendelssohn, the theme from Swan Lake, Beethoven’s 6th Symphony (also known as the Pastoral symphony), and Mozart’s well known Horn Concerto featuring the orchestra’s talented horn player, Bronwyn McGorlick. With many more waterthemed classics to enjoy, get your tickets now at wpacc.com. au.

fined by division and hardship, Richardson’s work points to the necessary act of radical optimism needed to seek goodness in all things.

Richardson says her work is autobiographical, chronicling her life through the objects around her that are steeped in meaning and memory, yet are present in many people’s realities.

“The scale of my drawings brings their stories to life,” she said.

“I hope that The Good will bring something familiar to regional audiences nationwide and spark a connection between my life and theirs - together we can see the good in all things.”

The Good is co-curated by Wangaratta Art Gallery director Rachel Arndt and Wagga Wagga Art Gallery director, Lee-Anne Hall.

It is currently touring na-

Vika & Linda in Wangaratta on Friday

ONE of the most loved vocal duos of their generation, Vika & Linda will perform a very special show at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre this Friday night.

After three classic albums with the Black Sorrows, Vika & Linda have released seven studio albums, two live albums and a chart-topping anthology, and been nominated for four ARIA Awards.

The sisters will be accompanied by their close collaborator and producer Cameron Bruce on grand piano, in a concert that will truly showcase the rich beauty of their voices together.

The show starts at 8pm with tickets available at wpacc.com.au.

tionwide through Museums & Galleries of NSW and will eventually be seen in 11 galleries across four states, with funding through the Federal Government’s principal arts investment and advisory body, Creative Australia.

The exhibition was initially conceived for its resonances with communities across the country, many who have experienced prolonged periods of hardship.

Rachel Arndt explains The Good is the culmination of Anna Louise Richardson’s explorations into her layered relationships with the natural world, coloured by love, loss, and the complexities of motherhood.

“Her works reverberate meaning and reflect moments of connection for her and her family – pillow stacks, daisy chains, beef carcasses, ingredi-

Arj Barker performs The Mind Field

POPULAR stand-up and comedy festival favourite Arj Barker will present his show The Mind Field at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Saturday night at 8pm. Arj explores the theory that all of reality, as we can ever possibly know it, exists exclusively in our minds, and armed with this knowledge, Arj sets out to answer some of Life’s Biggest Questions.

Don’t miss this hilarious new show by Australia’s funniest adopted Californian, who has come to understand our culture perhaps even better than we do ourselves.

Tickets are available now at wpacc.com.au.

ents for cooking, the products of the farm and the objects necessary for survival in a rural context.

“The exhibition is both catalyst and opportunity for audiences across the country to explore what the ‘good’ means within their lives, their families, and communities.”

An opening reception will be held on Friday, June 28 June at 5.30pm, with the exhibition to be formally opened by co-curator Dr Lee-Anne Hall, director of Wagga Wagga Art Gallery. All welcome and free tickets can be booked by visiting wangarattaartgallery.com.au.

The launch will also celebrate the opening of Fearless, an exhibition of textile art by artist Flossie Peitsch, in Gallery 2.

The Good runs from June 29 to August 11 in Gallery 1 at Wangaratta Art Gallery.

All outdoor expo at Wangaratta Racecourse

THE Rural City of Wangaratta in collaboration with 3NE/Edge FM will present the All Outdoor Expo on Sunday, June 30 at Wangaratta Racecourse. The event will feature a variety of indoor and outdoor stalls showcasing 4WD vehicles, camping gear, bicycles, fishing and hunting equipment, specialty goods, energy providers and much more.

There will also be something for young people with a jumping castle, mermaid braids and face-painting. It will run from 10am to 2pm on Sunday, June 30 and entry is free.

RURAL REFLECTIONS: The Good, an exhibition by Anna Louise Richardson (pictured in her studio), will be officially opened at the Wangaratta Art Gallery on Friday at 5.30pm.

PHOTO: Bo Wong

ASSUMPTION College is where students and their families value the beautiful and spacious facilities as well as warm, and kind relationships that their children form with each other and the staff

The College was founded in 1893 to provide Catholic families living in regional areas, with a high-quality schooling and

boarding experience.

Boarding students thrive in their comfortable “family style” centres.

There is a palpable sense of young people flourishing in surroundings that challenge and excite them.

Assumption College boarding staff live on site with the students and provide a “family spirit” so

both students and their parents feel welcomed and valued.

A purpose built Agricultural and Animal Studies Facility was opened in 2023, and in 2024 will see the construction of a contemporary, community facing STEM and Allied Health Facility.

The innovative MyMAP curriculum focuses on “stage not age” learning, providing a vast

range of offerings.

Students can personalise their VCE journey with courses including the VCE, Vocational Education and Training or School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships.

Students collaborate to achieve their best and share their pride in these collective efforts.

Working with their peers

becomes a foundational element required to enhance their skill development, knowledge and understanding in future years.

Subjects such as HighPerformance Sport, with renowned community partners, are further ways students find connection, along with an extensive co-curricular program of sporting and cultural activities.

FAMILY VALUES: Assumption College prides itself on creating a welcoming environment for students and their families.

HAILING from Swan Hill in north-west Victoria, Georgie Cameron began her boarding journey at Melbourne Girls Grammar in Year 10, when her sister was in Year 12 and the Boarding House co-captain.

Now, it’s Georgie’s turn to be in her final year of school, following in her sister’s footsteps as one of MGGS’s Boarding House captains.

“Being named as one of the 2024 Boarding House co-captains is such an honour and I could not be more grateful to be a part of leadership in the house,” she said.

This leadership position feels like a privilege for Georgie and she’s really loving the chance to work with other student leaders as a member of the MGGS Student Executive Council (SEC).

“Being a part of the SEC is more than just a shiny badge and golden embroidery,” she said.

“It allows us to provide a voice for our peers and lead our school as we try our best to provide a positive and inspiring culture.”

BOARDING SCHOOL

Many opportunities at Melbourne Girls Grammar

strongly encouraged to be studying after school, especially around exam time, and the staff are really helpful when it comes to preparation.”

somewhere different, but we have so much in common which makes having conversations with people you have never met before really easy,” she said.

the support of teachers, residential staff, academic coaches, classmates and friends, I know I am able to achieve amazing results,” she said.

The MGGS student grew up playing netball and basketball, and now represents the school in both. She trains multiple times a week on top of gym sessions in the Artemis Fitness Hub.

“Up to Year 10 in the Boarding House you do ‘prep’, which is two hours of compulsory study after school,” she said.

This is in addition to her study, which she admits has improved immensely since beginning boarding at MGGS.

“In Years 11 and 12, we don’t have to do prep, but we all work in our rooms anyway from 6.30pm to 8pm.

“As boarders, we’re

Georgie says homesickness hasn’t been an issue for her and she’s very content with her boarding family.

“I feed off other people’s energy, and I love company and my parents are just a phone call away,” she said.

Georgie really enjoys meeting new boarders and helping them transition in the Boarding House.

“We all come from

Gaining the right skills doesn’t happen by chance. The Boarding and Academic Programs at MGGS create the perfect environment for your daughter to develop her skills and self-confidence, identify her strengths and pursue her learning with enthusiasm. To find out more, visit

mggs.vic.edu.au/boarding

There are many activities Georgie enjoys in her downtime, including walking around the Botanical Gardens, catching an AFL game at the MCG or shopping with her friends on Chapel Street.

She is finding Year 12 to be a lot of work but is feeling positive about the months ahead.

“I find that when I apply myself, and with

The Melbourne Girls Grammar Boarding House is an environment where boarders feel comfortable trying new things and challenging themselves in a supportive community. They are bold, dynamic and ready to take on anything.

For more information and to arrange a tour, visit https://www.mggs.vic.edu. au/boarding.

ENCOURAGING HOBBIES: Melbourne Girls Grammar encourages students to explore their hobbies and challenge themselves.

BUILDING FRIENDSHIPS: Georgie Cameron has built many friendships at the boarding house.

THE Xavier Boarding House prides itself on creating a community based on Catholic values, where students and staff forge lasting bonds and where every student experiences a broad and challenging program in a small boarding house setting.

At Xavier College they strive to engender a love of learning that will last long after graduation from the college.

They do this by providing a caring community within which boys from Years 9 to 12 are encouraged to develop personal leadership skills, to become responsible members of the community, to strive for excellence and to become ‘men for others’.

A vital facet of a Xavier College education is their focus on ensuring that boys are connecting with a welcoming and caring community.

Xavier boarders appreciate the opportunity to live, work and play with their best mates.

Current Year 12 boarder and captain of Boats, Harry Glass, said becoming a boarder at Xavier is one of the best decisions he’s made.

“It has exposed me to a variety of opportunities that I would not have found elsewhere,” he said.

“Many of these friendships I have found within our boarding family.

“Being part of such a tight knit boarding community made the

BOARDING SCHOOL

Creating a sense of community for young men

transition to living in the city very enjoyable and easy.

“It has given me the chance to build such strong connections with people that I will carry with me beyond my time at the college.”

Harry said there are many aspects of Xavier that set it apart

from other schools.

“One of the most unique things that sets Xavier apart from all the other schools is when one of our Year 12 students voluntarily makes themselves vulnerable in front of their peers,” he said.

“It is a safe time for them to share general wellbeing

difficulties or reflect on how they have navigated through a difficult time of their life.

“This vulnerability and trust explains some of the incredible bonds and lifelong friendships that are forged during your time here.

“It recognises the need for young males to share their

feelings and demonstrates how we support each other on our journey throughout life.

“The Xavier experience has been life changing for not only me, but also my family and I thoroughly encourage anyone considering boarding to seize the opportunities at Xavier.”

The Boarding House seeks to enhance each boy’s sense of respect for the members of his community.

The relatively small size of the house ensures that students know one another well and are therefore in a position to contribute positively to the learning and development of their fellow boarders.

Their key entry point of Year 7 is now accommodated in an exceptional, new state-of-the-art Year 7 to 8 learning precinct on the senior campus, opened at the beginning of the 2024 school year.

Preceding this will be a sevenyear journey through an amazing, brand-new P-6 junior school.

Xavier prides itself on delivering a unique Jesuit education, and 2028 will mark 150 years of developing exceptional graduates through inspiring learning experiences.

Buoyed by strong recent VCE results and APS sporting success, the College now looks ahead with excitement and anticipation.

Xavier College is very much on the move.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT: Xavier boarders appreciate the opportunity to live, work and play with their best mates.

BOARDERS are a highly valued and integral part of Caulfield Grammar School – the heartbeat of their Caulfield Campus.

Dedicated to providing rural and international students with access to its innovative learning programs since its foundation in 1881, Caulfield Grammar School’s boarding school is located conveniently close to Melbourne’s CBD and is highly regarded for providing a thriving learning environment.

“Caulfield Grammar places great importance on students achieving their academic potential and in fostering a strong sense of personal responsibility,” head of boarding, Tim Gallop, said.

“Students choose from an extensive list of learning programs, along with cocurricular activities such as music, theatre, visual arts, dance, sport, community service and leadership programs.”

Caulfield Grammar’s Morcom House caters for girls and boys in Years 9 to 12.

Students are supported to develop a ‘mind for life’ and feel empowered, deeply engaged and encouraged to follow whatever path they choose.

Modern accommodation and facilities are designed to complement the learning program, with configurations

BOARDING SCHOOL

Connectedness and care

MIND FOR LIFE: Caulfield Grammar School encourages their students to feel empowered in whatever path they choose.

ranging from single-bed to three-bed options.

Girls and boys share recreational and dining facilities but are accommodated in separate boarding houses.

“Caulfield Grammar’s CaulfieldCARES (Capabilities, Attitudes, Relationships, Empowerment, Support) program importantly supports the physical, mental, emotional,

social and spiritual needs of students,” Mr Gallop said.

“The importance of family is also a key element of the school’s approach to education and fostering wellbeing.

“We have a firm belief that good consistent communication between staff and parents is the key to providing a supportive and successful learning environment for their child.”

YEAR 9 student Hudson Smith from Lockhart in NSW started at The Geelong College as a boarder this year.

A long way from home, Hudson and his family chose the college for many reasons, he was keen to have new experiences and meet different people, as well as challenge himself in his schoolwork.

Looking at a school and actually living and learning there can be quite different, so it was with a hint of relief that Hudson found likeminded and kind people in the staff and students, both in the school and in boarding.

“It’s such nice place with kind people,” he said.

According to Denise McLellan, mother of Austin in Year 8, Sophie, Year 12 and Georgia who completed her VCE in 2022, they too have noticed the warmth and support of college staff and the community.

“For us, what truly set The Geelong College apart as the ideal choice for our family were factors beyond academics,” Denise said.

“The staff, from teachers to management, have always made the effort to know our family both individually and collectively.

“As a boarding family, the college’s understanding of our unique needs and their consideration for our children has been remarkable.

BOARDING SCHOOL

A smorgasbord of fun at The Geelong College

“We’ve always felt the warmth and personalised support of the college community.”

Hudson finds boarding life is busy and fun, living with your friends and sharing experiences with them builds really strong friendships.

“There is always something going on, study, football, tennis, excursions and trips,” he said

“It is a busy but fun life as you get to be with friends all the time and I think everyone should give

boarding a go.”

Denise shares that her children also thrive in the busy environment.

“The wide array of subjects, camps, and extracurricular experiences offered at college,” Denise said.

“It’s a smorgasbord of fun for a kid from a small country town and our kids have haven’t held back in terms of having a go at the opportunities in music, sports, and more, relishing the chance to

explore and engage.”

Hudson has found the nightly study sessions with tutors really helpful in developing good study routines.

“We are really lucky, there are lots of people to help you with schoolwork, I really appreciate the guidance especially when it comes to assessments and things like that,” he said.

“The other boys can sometimes help too which is good, and sometimes I help them.

“It does feel like everyone is in it together.”

Hudson thinks people should consider finding out more about

The Geelong College.

“Geelong is not that far away and it’s easy once you get there, there is no traffic, not like Sydney and Melbourne and it is just a big country town, so it’s easier for country kids to feel at home,” he said.

“But mostly they should consider The Geelong College because it gives one of the best educations for students around.”

Visit The Geelong College at the Sheepvention on August 4 and 5 or at the Henty Field Days from Tuesday, September 17 to Thursday, September 19 or at www.tgc.vic.edu.au.

FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT: Hudson Smith has made many new friends at The Geelong College, including Henry and Aria.

SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY: Denise, Sophie, Shannon and Austin McLellan said they love the variety of activities The Geelong College has to offer.

OVENS RIVER RESTORATION BOOSTED BY $46,000 GRANT

Helping our habitat

HABITAT restoration works at Mayfly Rise on the upper Ovens River, led by Alpine Fly Fishers, the Australian Trout Foundation (ATF) and Wangaratta Fly Fishers, have been boosted by a $46,000 grant for riverbed stabilisation, erosion prevention and replanting of native species.

Harrietville fisherman Brian Eddy said the works have been an ongoing project for the Alpine Fly Fishers, who are now on their fourth stretch of restoration along the Ovens River.

“The Ovens River has historically been affected by mining and dredging around 100odd years ago,” he said.

“In the early years, the management, or mismanagement, thought they were doing the right thing clearing out snags which are actually the habitat for aquatic species.

“You end up with a wide, unstable riverbed that erodes

BY LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE LAndersonByrne@ nemedia.com.au

each winter and lose any suitable habitat.

Mr Eddy said the funding will go towards using boulders to create different flow paths and places for fish to rest and find food.

“The diversity to flow and depth will create cooler waters in summer,” he said.

“We’ll use various tools to prevent further erosion, such as using fallen trees to peg along the banks, and then we’ll replant native trees, shrubs and grasses to hold everything together and create habitat for insect life as well.

“This project is a big one and not something a small club like ours could do ourselves so it’s great to receive grants like this.”

ATF president Terry George said these works are important for the local environment, land and climate action.

“The positive effects these works have is a benefit to all water creatures; fish, native fish, freshwater crayfish and small bodied natives,” he said.

“They have the same needs we have; somewhere to live and somewhere to hide from predators, it also provides cooler waters and the plant species we put in scour the cobbles out and make for deeper water as well.

According to Mr George, an electro fishing survey at Mayfly Rise 1 by the Arthur Rylah Institute revealed that since habitat was installed in the river the abundance of fish has expanded.

“There were lots of little black fish found, trout populations, small-bodied natives, two female platypus in good condition and

freshwater crayfish,” he said.

“By installing habitat in the rivers, fish abundance can grow up to 80 per cent and by revegetating the riparian strips, the water temperature can decrease up to 10 per cent.

“We might be the trout foundation but we’re really conservationists; our mission is to protect and enhance the health of waterways and fisheries for future generations.

“This is intended to be a long, ongoing process and there’s much more work to be done.

“Apart from the Ovens, we’ve got wonderful streams in the local catchment, which we’ve done some work on, and the Buckland River still needs a lot of work.”

Anyone interested in getting involved with these projects can register to volunteer at https:// australiantroutfoundation.com. au/ or contact the Alpine Fly Fishers or Wangaratta Fly Fishers.

Growers feel pressure of bats and business

By BRODIE EVERIST

LOCAL apple growers are reporting increasing costs of business amid static apple prices, with fruit bats a nuisance this year as they flew from the north in search of feed.

Freeburgh orchardist Peter Caloutas said it had been a tough season caused by fruit bat incursions, a warm autumn failing to colour fruit, and a quiet wholesale market.

This was only compounded by growing costs of business, such as input prices, wages and packaging.

“Everything around us is going up except our bottom dollar,” he said.

He said they will no longer sell fruit at the Melbourne market in Epping, a major Victorian whole-

sale market for growers and retailers.

“After 60 years we’re going to throw that in because the customers are running dry,” he said.

Mr Caloutas said he lost a considerable amount of fruit during the picking season due to fruit bats, which he said hadn’t visited his orchard in large numbers for threefour years.

“When it comes to picking, we need to lift the nets off and by doing that, you’re exposing the fruit to the elements,” he said.

“The bats come in and just cause havoc.”

Stanley orchardist Henry Hilton had similar concerns around increasing business costs, suggesting they were becoming unsustainable for growers.

Mr Hilton suggested inputs, such as electricity, transport and packaging, had increased his costs by around ten percent on the last financial year.

“It doesn’t matter whether I buy a ballpoint pen or I reinsure – they’re all climbing,” he said.

“Our product is not going up at the same rate.

“You end up treading water or going backwards where you can’t keep doing that.

“You’ve just got to shut the door, and that’s that, but, I mean, that’s going on across all agricultural and horticultural industries that I’m aware of.”

Don Nightingale, of Nightingales Apples in Wandiligong, said fruit bats were a nuisance from March through to April, and they forced

Teachers forging ahead

By BRODIE EVERIST

ST MARY’S Primary School

received a pleasant surprise last week when Victorian Minster for Education Ben Carroll specifically named the school during his announcement of a policy changing the way children will be taught to read.

According to the school, Mr Carroll mentioned St Mary’s Primary School as an example of a school that has been implementing an approach that will now be made mandatory across all government schools due to its effectiveness.

“It was great to be called out by the Minister – it was fantastic,” said school principal Kitty Hancock, who was attending the summit where the announcement was made. As of next year, students from Prep to Grade 2 across Victoria will be taught using a mandated systematic synthetic phonics approach as part of their reading programs, with a minimum of 25 minutes daily explicit teaching of phonics and phonemic awareness.

Systematic synthetic phonics is a structured approach that explicitly teaches the relationship between sounds and letters to read words, and it’s an approach St Mary’s began exploring in 2019.

“It’s the ability to decode words using knowledge of letter-sound relationships,” Ms Hancock said.

“So teaching the children what those letter-sound relationships are and then how you can break down words when you’re reading.

“Not always, but usually the kids that struggle to learn to read are most likely to have missed out on that systematic and explicit phonics.”

The new policy will also include explicit teaching of oral language, vocabulary, reading fluency and comprehension.

pickers to take the fruit from underneath netting.

“Once they find a source of food, they’re going to keep coming back,” he said.

He agreed times were tough for the industry but didn’t want to complain.

“There’s no doubt about it,” he said.

“There’s the high cost of production, and we’re not getting any more for the fruit.”

However, he said the season had produced a good crop, with ‘club’ varieties, such as Jazz, Kanzi and Envy growing in popularity.

“We’ve picked nice fruit, our tonnages are where we thought they’d be, and quality, especially in the second half of the season, quality was good,” he said.

Ms Hancock said explicit teaching, which involve teachers clearly showing students what to do and how to do it, is an approach they take across their curriculum, giving students certainly across different classes.

“It’s just the way we teach, it really helps those kids with anxiety or any wellbeing issues because they know that the delivery is similar in each class,” she said.

“We’re four years down the track and there are still things for us to learn, but we feel really comfortable in what we’re doing.

“We get a lot of schools come to watch us teach from across our Catholic schools, but also from a lot of state schools.”

RIVER RESTORATION: Alpine Fly Fishers’ Brian Eddy beside one of the new Ovens River improvement works near Bright.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677

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

MARK’S Mowing, reasonable prices, ride on mowing, edging, clean up, spraying and any waste removal. Ph 0472 603 156.

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

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

CHECK OUT OUR NORTH EAST JOBS in today's Regional Extra for more employment opportunities. Published every Wednesday in your Wangaratta Chronicle, Ovens and Murray Advertiser, Myrtleford Times and Alpine Observer

Advertising Sales/Account Manager (Print & Digital)

North East Media Pty Ltd

Wangaratta Division VIC

Sales Representatives/Consultants (Sales) FULL TIME

About North East Media (NEM)

NEM is an independent family owned media company with community and farming newspapers, magazines and websites across North East VIC, Southern and Central NSW.

Our Wangaratta Division is responsible for a group of regular print and digital publications, including the Wangaratta Chronicle, Ovens and Murray Advertiser. We also have special publications, including North East Living Magazine, North East Tourist News, North East Farmer, Southern Farmer, North East Kids and Footy Focus.

Who are we looking for?

The Wangaratta Division is looking for a driven and committed individual to join our advertising sales team, responsible for managing existing clients while growing your own sales.

The ideal candidate will have:

• At least 2 years’ sales experience (sales of advertising in multi-media is a plus, not essential)

• The capacity to see opportunities and market trends and a drive to achieve results to help our business grow

• Effective communication skills (verbal and written), enabling connection with a wide range of people across various industries

Administration

Maternity Leave Position

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

You will work within the administration team focusing on reception, classifieds, accounts and general administration duties.

Skills and Experience

•Prior experience in an administration position

•Ability to handle debtor/creditor queries

•Solid computer skills, including experience with excel and word

•Exceptional attention to detail, and accurate data entry

•Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

•The ability to work in a team-based environment

•Proven time management skills and ability to prioritise urgent work

While this is a maternity leave position, we envisage that the role will lead to an ongoing employment opportunity at the at the end of the 12-month maternity leave period.

If you are looking for a new challenge in an energetic and stimulating environment, we would encourage you to apply.

Applications should be forwarded to: Karen Spokes Administration Manager kspokes@nemedia.com.au

• The capability to sustain existing relationships and continuously build new ones

• An excellent work ethic and organisational skills (including maintaining current records in our NEM Synergy CRM program) enabling you to consistently meet deadlines and achieve your sales targets

• The ability to collaborate (including with your manager, sales colleagues, our editors and graphic designers) to ensure seamless execution of advertising campaigns

• A motor vehicle and a current driver’s licence

What are we offering?

A full-time position with an attractive remuneration package comprising a base salary, commission and employer superannuation contributions.

How to apply

If you are self-motivated, results-orientated and looking for a challenge in the media environment, forward your resume and covering letter before 5.00pm on Friday, 12 July 2024 to: Kevin Spendier Advertising Manager kspendier@nemedia.com.au

Garage Sale - Deceased Estate Everything Must Go

There will be crockery, cutlery, glassware, electronics, furniture, dining table and chairs, coffee table, lamps, antique lampstand, queen size beds, bookshelves, old and new books, wood lathe, vintage tools, wood turning tools, timber, iron, garden pots, drills, nuts bolts and screws, garden tools, cookware, office stationery, filing cabinets, side tables, photo frames, prints and much more.

OFFERS WELCOME - CASH ONLY

When? Saturday, June 29

Where? 97 Templeton Street, Wangaratta Time? 8am to 2pm (no early callers)

WANTED to buy, small or large lots predecimal coins, pennies, shillings, albums. Turn old money into new.

Cut this ad out.

PACKAGE Deal, for genuine sale 2004 Ford F250, 7.3hr Diesel, 291. 685km, has near new bravo a/t Maxxis 980 tyres, plus 2 spares on back, rear camera, rear airbag suspension, 274ltr fuel capacity plus 100ltr tank under rear canopy, rear slide on picnic table, central locking system, Hayman Rees tow ball, top winch to help load the boat, plus 5000 pound bull bar winch, lots storage includes 2x60ltr fridge slides, plus boat motor slide, 2 large draws in canopy, lots storage above canopy and below 3x120 Uni solar panels, has pro star solar controls wired ready to go, 4 glass matt batteries, plus built in charger, built in compressor. Side steps and bull bar all aluminum, driving lights CB radio, electric brake system to suit caravan, fully services and will sell with road worthy.

Caravan, 2004 Kedron Cross Country, made in Brisbane, 20ft inside, electric brakes, pullout awning, has matching wheels as the F250, dual axle plus 2 spares. 2 x jerry can, holders at rear, in front bin has 4 x glass matt batteries, pro star solar controls invertor, has 4x120 Uni solar panels on roof, tv antenna, fold up side cooking table built on side, steps that gold up on the door, single beds with inner spring mattresses, wired for CPAP machines x 2, lots storage cupboards, built with Tasmanian oak, 4 burner stove with grill and oven, 240ltr Vitri Frigo, full sink, wired for TV, reverse cycle air con, Island bench table with storage under seats, storage under beds, brand new elec and gas hot water service (never used), water filters and hoses, electric legs, A-Trail Jack plus ockie wheel, 2 wind stiffeners pegs and mat (outside 8x4m) original tyres and rims for caravan, out door shower, 5 water tanks, one tank for drinking only, carpet or vinyl flooring, wired for 12 volt or 240 volt, full annex plus extra plus sun shade, never used, new wheel bearings (never used), 2 gas bottles, front bin and generator compartment, very clean and neat, has lots of extra’s as well. $139,900 ono package deal, will consider splitting, but they do compliment one another. Boat not included. Ph 0427 936 630.

CARAVANS & CAMPERS

1996 Opal Pop Top caravan, double island bed, full gas stove, 3-way fridge, annex, reg F32442 23/11/24, $7000 ono. Ph (02) 6032 9409.

YELLOW Hyundai sedan, 2000, (1YM9QQ), 218,242km, great car for new drivers, 5 speed manual, $3999 ono, located Mansfield. Ph 0439 719 529 2018 Subaru MY18 Premium Outback 3.6R 6 cyl station wagon with sunroof, 99,500km, one owner, full service history, reg (ATIB). Contact George Ph 0427 498 402 $26,500 ono

& CAMPERS 2014 Jayco Starcraft V91992 16ft 6in, PopTop, 2 single beds, shower-toilet, solar power, diesel heater, $31,800 neg. Ph 03 5766 2657.

CARAVANS

FORD Ranger XLT (1KK1SJ), automatic 2017, 146,000km, diesel, long range tank, Red Arc electric brakes, dual batteries, just had service, transmission serviced every 50,000km, $35,500. Ph 0427 273 796.

MERC E240 for sale, recent full service, excellent tyres, new windscreen, 337,000km, reg (QJE744), $2800 ono.

Phone Charlie Brydon 0418 597 627.

M7 Max Trainer, as new condition, $1200. Phone Paul 0497 117 458.

FIREWOOD for sale, good dry hardwood, cut your own to size, ute load plus trailer load for $300. Call 0428 970 591.

TIMBER, fencing and post rails, garden sleepers, decking, pallet, onsite milling. Ph 0439 576 625.

it...

MAIDMENT, Leonard Ernest. 27/3/1924 – 17/6/2024

Loving husband of Wilma (dec). Father of Stephen (dec), Robyn and Christopher (dec). Father-in-law of Warren. Pops to Jason and Rebecca, Kate and Daniel, Emma and Aaron. Fly free Pops

FUNERALS

MAIDMENT

The funeral service for Mr Leonard Ernest “Len” Maidment will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Friday, June 28, 2024 at 2pm. A private cremation will follow. Len’s service can be viewed via livestream at www.masonpark.com.au /live-streaming/

Mason Park Funerals 5721 5060 masonpark.com.au

DEATH NOTICES IN MEMORIAM

SHARP, Evelyn. Passed away June 28, 1982. In loving memory of our dear mother and grandmother. Mum, many years have now passed since God opened His arms and took you by His side, for He only takes the best. Gone are the days we used to share our lives together, and in our lives you will always be in our hearts forever. A smiling face, a heart of gold, the best this world could ever hold. Today, tomorrow, our whole lives through, we will always love and miss you. Loved and remembered by your loving daughter Marie and grandson Stephen, and by your loving son George. Love you always Mum xxx

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Knights take home Hayden McIntosh Shield

ROUND nine was a great success for the Wangaratta Knights, with both the ladies’ and men’s teams celebrating victory against the Wolfpack.

Numbers were strong for the Knights ladies League Tag, with a full bench available to keep players fresh.

The Wolfpack gained the first two points, with a successful penalty goal kicked.

Soon after, Nicola Melville and Fredericka Allan scored one try each, with a successful conversion from Ella Harris.

Morale was high for the

Knights at half-time, proving that good attitude and teamwork can drive the team to success.

In the second half, Ella Harris cleared two tries, leaving the final score for the game 18-2 Knights way.

Ella was also named Player’s Player for the game.

The seniors’ game commenced after a minute’s silence, honouring Hayden McIntosh - former member of both the Knights and the Wolfpack, who sadly passed away last year.

Coach Mathew Ferguson

NORTH East Bushrangers Basketball (NEBB) is a collaboration between local North East basketball associations with the commitment of “Creating Realistic Pathways for all North East Athletes”

Ten NEBB junior teams compete in the Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) - the highest level junior competition in Victoria.

Our Club offers specialist Basketball Clinics, as well as pathways through Senior Big V Competitions.

One NEBB Youth League Men’s (YLM) team competes in the semi-professional Big V competition.

Big V & VJBL consist of teams from both metropolitan and regional Victoria.

felt confident that the seniors could pull-off a win against the Wolfpack, with minimal injuries across the team from the previous week, and players returning from long term injury.

A high-energy game was played by both teams, the point of difference being the Knights remaining calm under pressure.

Try scorers for the game were: Steven Smith (1), Ned Blackely (1), Mosiah KerrKaiwai (1), Ratul Sauniyaka (2), Matthew Flewin (3), and conversions were kicked by

Jacob Roberts (1), and Dean Simmons (5).

The concluding score for the game was 44-20.

After winning the game, the Knights were awarded the Hayden McIntosh Shield, with Ratul Sauniyaka receiving the Man of the Match medal presented by Hayden’s wife Karen McIntosh and their children.

Ratul was awarded Player’s Player as well.

Next Sunday, June 30, the Wangaratta Knights will play against the Border Bears at Eldorado Centennial Park Reserve.

ROUND RESULTS:

U14 Boys 1 34 def by Gippsland 1 86

(Top Scorers: O. Pigdon 12, B. Manning 8, T. Thorp 6)

U14 Boys 2 32 def by Ballarat 2 60

(Top Scorers: J. Goodyear 12, E. Kain 6, X. Phillips 4)

U14 Girls 1 49 def Melton 1 37

(Top Scorers: M. Moscrop 16, E. Hudgson 12, S. Van Schaik 6)

U14 Girls 2 30 def Wyndham 4 15

(Top Scorers: M. Tomkins 9, E. Kennedy 6, T. Heenan 4)

U16 Boys 1 53 def McKinnon 2 47

(Top Scorers: C. Clark 13, S. Wright 11, E. Ockenden 7)

U16 Boys 2 49 def by Altona 2 56

(Top Scorers: J. Kelly 14, R, Casanova 12, B. Harvey 6)

U16 Boys 3 37 drew Altona 4 37

(Top Scorers: B. Buckland 7, E. Damon 7, C. Hart 6)

U16 Girls 1 59 def Wyndham 1 33

(Top Scorers: E. Mercieca 19, E. Napier 16, M. Evans 15)

U16 Girls 2 23 def by Craigieburn 1 27

(Top Scorers: E. Gray 11, C. Campbell 6, P. Male 4)

U18 Boys 48 def by Macedon Rangers 1 53

(Top Scorers: J. Walker 10, R. Robinson 8, R. Hamilton 8)

HUGE WEEKEND OF JUNIOR NETBALL

ROUND eight of the Wangaratta Netball Association’s junior netball competition was action packed at Barr Reserve on Saturday. See results below:

 Premier A Rovers Brown 39 : 3 Whorouly Lions. Myrtleford Black 17 : 21 Magpies Black. Rovers Gold 9 : 18 Magpies White.

 Premier B Pigeons White 31 : 10 Tarra Blue. Rovers Pink 20 : 20 Myrtleford Red. Pigeons Blue15 : 27 Milawa Red. Greta Blue 18 : 20 Tarra Red.

 Section 1 Myrtleford White 8 : 40 Milawa White. Moyhu 19 : 17 Rovers Black. Rovers Navy 17 : 14 Stars. Rovers Yellow 10 : 16 Wild Cats.

 Section 2 North Wangaratta 23 : 8 Cherry Bombs. Gumleaves 11 : 10 Greta White. Milawa Blue 21 : 20 Maltesers. Angels 14 : 20 Westie Wolves.

 Section 3

Wildflowers 10 : 28 Goal Getters. Whorouly Cubs 16 : 16 Jelly Beans. Wild West 11 : 7 Swiftnets. The Aussie Girls 0 : 35 Skittlepod.

SHARP SHOOTER: Olive O’Brien tries to convert. PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

STAR: Alison Rogers looks for a pass.

SHIELD WINNERS: Wangaratta Knights captain Scott Miller, the McIntosh family, coach Mathew Ferguson, vice president Cathy De Viliers.

COMING TOGETHER: Wangaratta Knights and the Wolfpack came together for the Hayden McIntosh Shield. PHOTOS: Adelaide Fitzpatrick

Tiger

Benalla Red

2.3 3.7 6.7 10.9.69

BEST: KANGAROOS: Ollie Reynolds, Ryley Downing, Kade Jackson, Leonard Clayton, Mario Sacco, Will Graham. BRIGHT: Jack Thomson, Lee Robinson, Hamish Johnston, Alan Grasser, Lakitha Samarasinghe, Aidan Hargreaves. GOALS: KANGAROOS: Ryley Downing 5, Harvey Jacka 2, Jamie Scheier 2, Will Graham 1, Mario Sacco 1. BRIGHT: Lee Robinson 3, Bailey Brady 2, Otis Dalbosco 2, Ewan Lodge 1, Aiden Toy 1, Ethan White 1.

Tigers 5.3 8.6 12.13 13.13.91

2.3 2.3

Benalla

BEST: TIGERS: Mac Correll, Drew Winter, Jake Wall, Jack Preston, Sam Morey, Lucas Webb. BENALLA: Josh Hart, Bryce Cooney, Christian Squires, Xavier Rhodes, Ryder Levy, Sam Gates. GOALS: TIGERS: Lucas Webb 4, Harvey Dodgshun 3, Mac Correll 2, Jake Wall 2, Ryan Mckay 1, Sam Morey 1. BENALLA: Josh Hart 3, Xavier Rhodes 1.

BEST: CENTRALS: Cooper Boman, Kaiden Wohlers, Brooklyn Mawson, Connor Breheny, Hunter Fraser, Patrick Ford. MYRTLEFORD: Charlie Piazza, Jordyn Notarianni, Thomas Morgan, Liam McManus, Benjamin McMasters, Bailey Robb. GOALS: CENTRALS: Charlie Curr 5, Cooper Boman 2, Connor Breheny 2, Reid McNamara 2, Ryan Parsons 2, Henry Burke 1. MYRTLEFORD: Bailey Robb 2, Taj Cooper 1, Liam McManus 1. Junior Magpies

BEST: JUNIOR MAGPIES: Callum Bott, Lachlan Suffield, John Wohlers, Lucas Sexton, Charlie Miller, Joel Comensoli IMPERIALS: Nicholas Kjar, Angus Schultz, Kai McPhan, Archer Direen, Harry Allen, Mitchell O’Sullivan. GOALS: JUNIOR MAGPIES: Alex Cairncross 2, Callum Bott 1, Riley Burrows 1, Joel Comensoli 1, Charlie Miller 1. IMPERIALS: Harry Allen 4, Kai McPhan 3, Will Prebble 2, Archer Direen 1, Seth Ismale 1, Nicholas Kjar 1, Max Marek 1, Marshall Semmens 1. College

Mansfield

BEST: COLLEGE: Fraser Burgan, Christian Ashworth, Nevada Monk, Charlie Fitzgerald, Lachlan Pensak, Sam Reid. MANSFIELD: Jaxon McCormack, Cruz Purday, Noah Whittall, Henry Banks, Andrew Friday, Liam Smith. GOALS: COLLEGE: Harrison Bowman 1, Ryan Dillon 1, Christian Pasquali 1, Kallam Pensak 1, Sam Reid 1, MANSFIELD:, Harry Craddock 2, Andrew Friday 2, Xavier Maroney 2, Henry Banks 1, Samuel Kain 1.

Levi Canning 1, Isaac Chilcott 1, Maddox Coleman 1. Kangaroos 3.3 4.4 8.8

BEST: TIGER: Riley Webb, Thomas Jones, Austin Whitehead, Blake Kantor, Lewis Jones, Lachie Farrington. BENALLA RED: Harrison Skelton, Xavier De Fazio, Jack Pollard, Noah Cooney, Riley McCarthy, Thomas Mount. GOALS: TIGER: Hugh Sharp 2, Austin Whitehead 2, Kobe Ackroyd 1, Henry Gibb 1, Blake Kantor 1, Xavier Sheldon 1, Marlon Togolo 1. BENALLA RED: Xavier De Fazio 1, Cash Nolen 1, Harrison Skelton 1, Mason Willett 1. Centrals

Myrtleford

BEST: CENTRALS: Archie Knobel, Andrew Fraser, Nicholas Jones, Liam Bennett, Samuel Elkington, Jesse Walkerden. MYRTLEFORD: Sam Lupo, Hudson Durling, Max McMahon, Taylor McPherson, Blake Parolin, Jack Matheson. GOALS: CENTRALS: Archie Knobel 3, Ethan Cryer 1, Jesse Walkerden 1. MYRTLEFORD: Sam Lupo 3, Hudson Durling 2, Tex Cartwright 1, Taylor McPherson 1, Austin Robb 1, Cooper Roman 1. Junior Magpies

Imperials

BEST: JUNIOR MAGPIES: Alexander Scholes, Archie Johnson, Harry Allan, Patrick Alker-Jones, Jake Olenczuk, Lane Sloan. IMPERIALS: Samuel K Savage, Wally Startin, Jack Ambrose, Mike Sheppard, Levi Flanagan, Reuben Griffin. GOALS: JUNIOR MAGPIES: Archie Johnson 5, Patrick Alker-Jones 2, Will James 2, Sam McIntosh 2, Jimi Pell 2, Alexander Scholes 1, Lane Sloan 1. IMPERIALS: Lenny Campbell 1, Sam Newton 1, Mike Sheppard 1. Mansfield Blue

Benalla Black

BEST: MANSFIELD BLUE: Taj Kynnersley, Jay Kynnersley, Jake Hoskin, Archie Dunn, Gus Robinson, Billy Turner. BENALLA BLACK: Joshua Montgomery, Kobi Thwaites, Joshua Byers, Tom Osborne, Oliver Wardill, Riley Hilton. GOALS: MANSFIELD BLUE: Taj Kynnersley 5, Archie Dunn 2, Jacob Fleming 2, Gus Robinson 1. BENALLA BLACK: Levi Crisp 1, Jackson Fry 1.

Mansfield Yellow

BEST: BRIGHT: Noah White, Harry West, Gabriel Banks, Cash Garratt, Brock Buckland, Oscar Lewis. MANSFIELD YELLOW: Noah De Santis, Isaac Crowe, Oscar Pigdon, Jack Clydesdale, William Benton, Toby Gerrans. GOALS: BRIGHT: Noah White 5, Brock Buckland 4, Gabriel Banks 3, Alex Tanaskovic 3, Darcy Andersen 1, Kobe Buckland 1, Archer Crawley 1, Dane Garratt 1, John Oswin 1. MANSFIELD YELLOW: Oscar Pigdon 2, Max O’Brien 1, Mitch Rossiter

COLLEGE: Lenny Sims, Dominic Ciccone, Cooper Bowman, Kayden Reid, Harry Dean, Charlie

Jack Ginnivan, Finn Kennedy. GOALS: JUNIOR MAGPIES: George Thomas 1. IMPERIALS: Judd Campbell

Aleksia

Harvey Togolo-Hill. BENALLA RED: Jack Hart, Thomas Snell, Angus Roscoe, Xavier Beriman, Hudson Pickering, Oliver Smith. GOALS: TIGERS: Logan Benton

OBrien. KANGAROOS: Henry Ackerly, Maddox Coleman, Mitchell Murphy, Noah Gigliotti, Levi Canning. GOALS: COLLEGE: Harvey Allan 1, Reegan Monk 1, Lenny Sims 1. KANGAROOS: Jack Pople 2,

ALEX TEKESIC

SELBY DOYLE

VAUGHN GODENZI

NOEL MWENDWA

HUDSON MCKENZIE

LOGAN KENT

KALLAM PENSAK

RYAN DILLON

CHARLIE DOBSON

NEVADA MONK

‘Pies back on top after convincing derby win

CONVINCINGWIN:AmandaUmanskishot

CONVINCING WIN: Amanda Umanski shot 41 goals in Wangaratta’s derby win over

Dees have their day

■ From back page

“We wanted to really learn from our encounter on the weekend and take away things we needed to work on,” she said.

“I was really impressed with the girls this week because there would be times in our recent past, and even last year’s grand final where Greta got a jump on us, in the past we may have let that early lead go and thrown the towel in.

“We had to adapt to changes, we had to make sure we were learning from the things that weren’t working for us.

“We’ve got a tough run now with King Valley, Bonnie Doon and Tarrawingee, and even Whorouly after that, they’re tough sides.

“You might go into King Valley who might be seventh on the ladder, but they can sit you on your backside pretty quickly, it’s a lot more competitive.”

In other matches, Whorouly picked up a handy win over Moyhu to go a game clear in fifth, the Lions home 44-30.

Bonnie Doon had a comprehensive win over Bright 73-28, Benalla All Blacks downed North Wangaratta 46-31, and Tarrawingee belted Goorambat 63-35.

By WILLSON MACK

WANGARATTA has made light work of Wangaratta Rovers in Sunday’s derby at WJ Findlay Oval.

The Magpies led by just two goals at the first change and Rovers looked up for the fight, however, Wangaratta flipped a switch as they ran away to a convincing 37-60 victory.

After suffering their first loss of the season last round, the victory sees Wangaratta reclaim top spot on the A grade ladder.

Wangaratta coach Shea Cunningham said she was pleased with the performance.

“We started pretty well and jumped to a couple goal lead at quarter time which was good,” Cunningham said.

“Rovers pegged us back in the second quarter but we finished that off well and had a decent lead at half-time.

“We were able to get further ahead at every break which was nice, especially coming off the bye where traditionally we don’t do too well.

“They stayed with us for much of the game which was good to see, they’re improvement has been awesome to see.”

Amanda Umanski was outstanding netting 41 conversions, while Georgia Clark (10) and Kellie Keen (9) also contributed.

Wing defence-goal defence Hannah Grady was named Wangaratta’s best as she continued another strong season.

“Hannah played wing defence in the first half and then went back to goal defence in the second (half),” Cunningham said.

“She just does such a good job of transitioning the ball out of defence and is a great presence on the court.

“She’s having a great season and is a really important player to us.”

Cunningham said there’s plenty to work on going into the back half of the season.

“I think we’ll look at tidying up our transition and being cleaner coming down the court,” she said.

“We want to continue to be patient with the ball when attacking too.

“As long as we’re improving week on week I’m happy.”

For Rovers, Samantha Kreltszheim shot 23 goals, while Rebecca Kreltszheim made 14. Molly Murray continued her strong season in defence.

STAR: Sami Kreltszheim puts a shot up.

GOOD BATTLE: Wangaratta’s Issy Newton battles with Rovers’ Mikaela Trethowan. PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie

Rovers.

FAST PASS: A quick back and forth from Jordan Leslie allows a better shot on goal.

OPTIONS OPEN: Jorja Reidy looks for a pass from the midcourt.

PLAY: Micaela Larkings sends the Demons forward. PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

Your chance to sponsor a horse race

By WILLSON MACK

BUSINESSES and organisations have a unique opportunity to sponsor a race at the highly anticipated Into Your Hands Community Foundation Race Day at Wangaratta Turf Club on Saturday, July 6.

Wangaratta Turf Club has generously donated four race names to be auctioned, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going directly to Into Our Hands Community Foundation and its sub-fund GIVE Wangaratta, Grow Myrtleford+, and Garry Nash & Co Community Fund. The race sponsorship

auction will be conducted online, starting at 10am on Wednesday, June 26, and closing from 3pm on Friday, June 28

Interested parties can register to bid by scanning the QR code provided or visiting the auction website.

Into Our Hands executive officer Peter McCabe said sponsoring a race is an ideal way to promote a business or organisation to an audience, while also contributing funds to worthy causes in North East Victoria.

“This is a unique opportunity to gain significant exposure and support the local community

simultaneously,” he said.

For more information on the Community Race Day or to book tickets to attend the event, please contact the Wangaratta Turf Club at (03) 5722 1242 or visit this link.

Into Our Hands Community Foundation is dedicated to supporting the communities of North East Victoria by funding projects and initiatives that drive positive change and development.

The foundation’s subfunds, Give Wangaratta, Grow Myrtleford, and Garry Nash & Co Community Fund, focus on specific local areas, ensuring targeted and effective use of resources.

MATCH REVIEWS

Mixed results for Rovers

By BRON MCGORLICK

PLAYING a home game over-the-road at the Showgrounds was a new experience for some of our young Rovers.

A few absences meant that we had 15 players for a key mid-season contest against Wodonga Raiders.

Captain for the day was Lizzy Healy, who provided excellent leadership on field and talking with the team at each of the breaks.

Playing her first game from the Rovers was Ashley Elliot-Scragg, who rotated between forward and defence and showed some excellent strength and courage when competing for the ball.

The game started with Rovers winning plenty of the ball through the middle of the ground, but unable to convert on the scoreboard, with Raiders showing lots of pace in running the ball out of defence.

Ruby Newton continued her excellent form up forward, taking some strong overhead marks and managing to kick two goals for the quarter .

The second quarter saw more of the ball down Raiders end, with some excellent defending from Erin Collins and Lizzy Healy.

The second half was an excellent re-set from the U14 Rovers, with some outstanding pressure around the game led by Bella Boulton

running hard on the wing, Paige-Lee Dummet off the half backline and Inanay Gilson applying tackles all over the ground.

Amy Lowe got a quick kick out of the pack to register her second goal for the game.

Ames Rea and Lily Webb linked up well with some great kicking and marking.

The last quarter was an impressive finish with the Rovers players all running out the game well to keep the Raiders goalless.

Final score: Wangaratta Rovers 25 def by Wodonga Raiders 44.

Goals: Ruby Newton 2, Amy Lowe 2.

Awards: Ashley ElliotScragg, Paige-Lee Dummet, Bella Boulton, Inanay Gilson.

Best: Inanay Gilson, Paige-Lee Dummet, Isabelle Foster, Amy Lowe, Bella Boulton, Lizzy Healy.

UNDER 17

By JESS WHITEHEAD and CELIA PIESSE

After a couple of weeks off, the Rovers u17 team started the game with high energy and intensity.

Chloe Mizzi used the ball well out of the middle, and was able to hit targets such as Abbey Waide.

Clare Collins was strong up forward and showed great defensive skills.

Ammy Thompson worked hard in the ruck and out tapped her opponent dis-

playing her great leap.

They went out in the second and continued the determination to attack the footy.

Gemma Couch-Trinder was given a job to help out the backline.

She used her speed and agility to ensure no Raiders forwards were able to dominate our backline.

Taylah Cryer found the ball easily, Scarlett Simmonds ran well on the wing, Immy Cook worked hard ensuring her tackles stuck and the Raiders girls weren’t able to break free.

Zierra showed speed and fierce desire to get the ball, and getting free to have a shot on goal just as the halftime siren went.

The girls had kept the Raiders to just two goals for the quarter.

In the third, Willow Foster applied great pressure to the opposition, as well as showing brut strength to break the Raiders tackles.

Ella Pund was strong in

the backline, laying tackles and hitting targets kicking in from full back.

Abbey was the recipient of some fantastic teamwork - Clare to Ammy, to Chloe to Lily Gibb, to Taylah, back to Chloe who got it to Ammy before hitting Abbey on a great lead in the forward line and converting a set shot.

Molly Thomas ran hard to apply defensive pressure in the backline and through the middle, while Alli Jones showed the Raiders how tough she was chasing her opponents down.

The final quarter showed how good Lily Currie Fraser’s fitness level is.

She was able to continue to push hard both in attack and in defence and take defensive marks.

Hannah Carroll continued to play a number of different roles for the team and showed her commitment to the contest following up with second and third efforts.

The game ended in defeat for the Rovers but the girls continued to show improvement for this season and kept positive until the final siren.

Final score: Wangaratta Rovers 1.1.7 defeated by Wodonga Raiders 14.13.97

Best Players: Lily Gibb, Amelie Thompson, Gemma Couch Trinder, Chloe Mizzi, Clare Collins, Lily Currie Fraser.

Goal Kickers: Abbey Waide 1.

OPEN

By KATHRYN BURNS and OLLIE MORTON RODARO

Sunday, June 23 saw Wangaratta Rovers open women host Wodonga Raiders at Norm Minns Oval under glorious conditions.

Coming off a double bye, and against a team they’d only beaten once before, the Hawks were chomping at the bit to get into the contest.

The first quarter was an

WANGARAT TA ROVERS WANGARATTA vs L AVINGTON PANTHERS LAVINGTON

arm wrestle in which neither side was able to gain the ascendency, but finished with Raiders a goal ahead, thanks to an opportunistic goal from the Raiders crafty small forwards.

However it was Rovers who were soon ahead on the scoreboard and once in front, put their foot down to ensure there was no room for a raiders fight back.

Frankie Butler was at her damaging best at centre half back, making countless interceptions and launching the Hawks back into attack.

Jacinta Findlay was outstanding in the middle, winning the ball, breaking tackles and delivering the ball inside fifty.

Alice Minns worked tirelessly up and down the ground and the Rovers forward line looked like a unit really starting to hit its straps.

Dakota McAliece, back for her first game since round one, was a stand out up forward with her dynamic play and Kelsie Powles slotted a dribbler from the pocket that is sure to be a goal of the year contender.

Final scores: Wangaratta Rovers 8.4.53 def Wodonga Raiders 1.3.9.

Goal Kickers: Renea Macbain 3, Kelsie Powles and Chloe Kungl 2, Dakota McAliece 1.

Best players: Frankie Butler, Chloe Kungl, Charli Simmonds, Sal Kimber, Alice Minns, Renea Macbain.

SUPPORTERS: (L-R) Kathrn Baer (Gateway Health), Maryann Donnellan (Gateway Health), Loretta Waters (ODNH), (back )Jaime Chubb (CAV), (front) Caz Sammon (BBBS), (rear) Jo Britton & (front) Jo Dickson (Wang MS Peer Support), Rachael De Summa and Teagan Allen (Blind Sport & Rec).

TEAMWORK: Erin Collins gets a handball away to Inanay Gilson. PHOTO: Kev McGennan

U14 ROVERS V RAIDERS

Devils shocked by Cobram in 5-0 loss

By WILLSON MACK

IN what looked like a winnable game for Wangaratta City the Devils were shocked by Cobram at Cobram on Sunday.

After a 5-2 win over the Roar earlier on in the season, Wangaratta would’ve fancied themselves to topple their counterparts but Cobram responded emphatically with a 5-0 smashing.

Cobram’s Kieran O’Donnell couldn’t be stopped scoring all five of his side’s goals in the drubbing, leaving the Devils in second last place on the table with just two wins to their name.

Wangaratta City coach Raff Molinaro said it was a disappointing result.

“It was a poor performance all round,” Molinaro said.

“We reiterated before the

game how important the match was but some things didn’t go our way and we were never really in it.

“Our squad depth was telling and it can be hard when you’ve got younger players taking a fair bit of the load.”

With the Devils aiming for yet another finals campaign in 2024, they face an uphill battle to making the top eight as they currently sit two games back.

“At the start of the season the goal was to play f inals but we might have to reassess those expectations,” Molinaro said.

“We’re lucky we have some good juniors coming up so maybe we might need to look to developing them for the rest of the season.

“We’ve had a good crack this year but so far it hasn’t gone the way we wanted.”

PLAY LIKE A

GIRL: Women and girls aged 15 and over, from any sporting code and level are encouraged to apply for the scholarships.

Play Like a Girl scholarships on offer

WOMEN and girls in the Rural City of Wangaratta have the chance to apply for six fully-funded scholarships for the Empowered to Lead program, thanks to a partnership with the Play Like a Girl organisation.

The initiative aims to inspire and empower women and girls involved in community sport by providing them with valuable leadership skills and networking opportunities.

The Empowered to Lead program presents a unique opportunity for passionate women and girls to enhance their capabilities, build confidence, and connect with other aspiring leaders within the sporting community.

Funded through the Victorian Government’s Free from Violence Program, these scholarships align closely with council’s commitment to promoting inclusivity in community sport through the Community Sport Fair Access Policy.

Women and girls aged 15 and over, from any sporting code and level including players, coaches, administrators, and volunteers, are encouraged to apply for the scholarships. Applications can be submitted by completing an Expression of Interest form by Monday, July 8.

Successful applicants will have access to a five-week online course.

Session times are flexible, scheduled either on Mondays from 6:30 – 8pm starting July 29, or Fridays from 7.30 – 9am starting August 2.

Upon completion of the course, graduates will have the opportunity to join a reference group to further support council in implementing the Fair Access Policy.

“Council is committed to supporting community initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion within sport and recreation,” council director community and infrastructure Marcus Goonan said.

“The partnership with Play Like a Girl underscores the council’s dedication to empowering women and girls through leadership development opportunities.”

To apply, visit https://forms.office.com/r/ RuvZvZs9Wy, and for further details recreation@wangaratta.vic.gov.au or visit https:// playlikeagirlaustralia.com.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

SPACE: Vitaly Leschen in action.

LONG BALL: Jamie Walker sends the ball long.

SPLITTING BALL: Raul Pahina tries to thread the needle.

PHOTOS: Kat De Naps Photography

BIG LOSS: Jack Whiley and Wangaratta City fell 5-0 to Cobram.

THE Demons shocked the formerly undefeated reigning premiers Greta on Saturday, exacting revenge for last season’s grand final loss with the narrowest of wins 52-51.

Greta shot out of the gates early, opening up a five-goal margin after 15 minutes, before the Demons worked their way back into the match to level the scores 2525 by the half.

DERBY WIN

Leah Jenvey looks for a teammate in Wangaratta’s strong 23-goal win over Wangaratta Rovers at WJ FIndlay Oval on Sunday.

■ Story: Page 21 PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

Milawa flips script in grand final rematch,

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

p p g

into the final term, but after a frantic and exhilarating 15 minutes of netball, Milawa had managed to make up those two vital goals to snare the win.

From there, it was a shot for shot battle, and with each side boasting quality across the court, the margin for error was slim to none.

The Blues held a meagre one goal advantage heading

Emily Canny was immense under the post for the Demons, shooting 39 goals at 82.98 per cent accuracy, and was well supported by goal attack Jordan Leslie.

Milawa coach Kerrie Gray said it was a tremendous effort from her side against one of the best teams in the competition, but there was room for improvement.

“It was a well-played-out match, I don’t think either of us played our best netball, but it is only mid-season,” she said.

“They came out firing, I think they were six up

within five minutes, but we managed to sneak back even-ish around half-time.

“We’d have a couple of minutes or a patch of really good netball, then we would just fade out, so we just didn’t play the consistent netball that we need to to compete with the top sides.

“With that comes defensive pressure, our

decision making, our ball use, it was the whole package that we need to keep chipping away at.

“That’s where we were probably really lucky to pinch that one this week.”

Gray said her side had a lot of work to do if they wanted to stand out in the competitive top end of the competition.

■ Continued page 21