GRAEME Sheppard and his 11 year old Whippet ‘Milo’ were among more than 70 dogs and their owners enjoying a special morning at the Wangaratta off-leash dog park on Sunday.
The pair, who celebrated their 77th birthdays together earlier this year, are hoping the event organised by Wangaratta Veterinary Clinic will be the first of many.
The good news is it will.
■ Full Story page 2
WANGARATTA Digital
Hub will reopen on Tuesday, August 15, as the next step in an 18-month sustainable operating model project being overseen by the Rural City of Wangaratta.
The hub, situated to the left of the Wangaratta Library entrance in Docker Street, closed last year after reaching the end of its three-year State Government-funded pilot phase.
Its initial three years were aimed at increasing the region’s lagging digital inclusion status, and catering to locals’ needs around advancing technology, skill development opportunities and support networks.
It also proved vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, as residents adapted to the rising use of technology.
The sustainable operating project, for which the State
Government’s Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions has provided $170,000 and council has contributed $50,000, is designed to ensure the digital hub is financially sustainable into the future.
It aims by the middle of next year to ‘identify opportunities and test options’ which would make the hub financially independent and sustainable for the long–term.
Rural city director sustainability and culture
Stephen Swart told the Wangaratta Chronicle earlier this month that it was hoped the hub could re-open as soon as possible, saying the opening date hinged on finding the right person as coordinator.
That person has been found, with the appointment of Jacob McKay to the coordinator’s role.
Mr McKay, who moved to the area from Melbourne with his young family a year ago, has a background in marketing and communications, including graphic design and photography.
He said he would bring his tech skills and knowledge to the digital hub’s next phase, including a desire to build community engagement and help people.
From August 15, the digital hub will be open from Tuesday to Thursday between 9am and 5pm. From the reopening, services will focus on digital connectivity and inclusion by providing general tech support (including with devices, apps and internet), free Wi-Fi access, meeting rooms for groups and organisations, and robotics club.
■ Continued page 4
A LOCAL man who threatened a former partner before shattering a car window in an act of intimidation has been fined and convicted for his offending.
On Monday, Wangaratta Magistrates Court heard the accused, who had been in an on-again, off-again relationship with his victim, had been driving her and two
young children in her care into Wangaratta earlier this year, when both began yelling at each other.
Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Stuart Pritchard said the accused had pulled the car over on Steane Street, before walking to the passenger door and asking the victim to exit the car.
WANGARATTA Royal Children's Hospital ladies auxiliary will hold a street stall tomorrow from 8.30am in the council kiosk in Reid Street, selling knitwear, cakes and preserves to raise funds for the Royal Children's Hospital.
Est. 1884, Incorporating Wangaratta Despatch, Est. 1861
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He then proceeded to punch through the passenger window with his bare fist, showering glass on the victim and the children, before intimating the damage would be worse if he used the same fist to punch the victim or the children.
LSC Pritchard said the accused and children had fled to a nearby friend’s house to
contact police, with officers later locating glass shards in Steane Street.
The accused was later arrested by appointment with police, and his injured right hand photographed.
On Monday, he pleaded guilty to family violence-related charges in the wake of the incident.
Defence counsel Geoff
Clancy said his client had a limited history of violence, and while living in a caravan near Oxley Flats with his victim, would often facilitate all of her transport needs.
Magistrate Ian Watkins noted it was serious offending, however, the defendant argued his actions had been provoked.
“They had no right to start
abusing me first,” he told Mr Watkins.
After calming the accused, Mr Watkins imposed a conviction, and fined the accused more than $800.
He also approved a protective order for the children involved in the incident.
“They didn’t deserve to have glass showered on them,” he said.
THEY looked the perfect ‘poster child’ for man and his best friend, nestled together against a large gum, part of arguably the biggest ever gathering of dogs and their owners in the almost four year history of Wangaratta’s off-leash dog park.
Graeme Sheppard and his inseparable 11 year old Whippet ‘Milo’ basked calmly in the Sunday morning sun, in contrast to the near frenetic engagement between dogs of all breeds, shapes and sizes with their owners at the Mitchell Avenue Reserve.
“It’s a great social outing,” said Graeme, who also had four year old Whippet ‘Gabe’ in tow.
“It’s much busier than I thought, and it’s so good to see so many dogs and their owners together.”
Mind you, Milo does plenty of socialising.
“He’s an honorary member of the Wangaratta Men’s Shed, with his own coat, and the blokes down there love seeing him every week,” Graeme said.
“We walk daily and he’s the perfect companion...he has his own recliner chair at home and even snuggles up in bed with me.
“He’s such a placid dog..my best mate...we even celebrated our joint 77 birthdays together earlier this year.”
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Wangaratta Veterinary Clinic organised Sunday’s free community event to help bring dogs and their owners together, and veterinary nurse Maddi Nichols said the overwhelming success would ensure the events become seasonal fixtures on the calendar.
“We’ve had more than 70 dogs, with their owners attend, and it’s been a fabulous morning...we’re grateful for council’s support,” she said.
“Everyone has been able to socialise and we’ve been able to answer general questions around dog dental hygiene, general care and also behaviour.”
Apart from an odd skirmish, the vast majority of dogs and their owners all seemed to be up for a chat, bark and sniff -
the latter two dogs only.
“It’s been wonderful,” enthused Wangaratta Kennel and Obedience Dog Club member Frank Vickers, who recently qualified as a dog behaviourist and trainer.
“The off-leash area allows the dogs to freely play and have fun, and apart from an odd inappropriate interaction, the overall behaviour has been excellent.”
Off-leash though, wasn’t for everyone, with Cassie Hyland
and daughter Zaidee, keeping their five month old black Labrador ‘Arlo’ close by.
“He’s been a little bit of a terror at home....just being a puppy, chewing whatever he finds, so this morning was about meeting other dogs,” said Cassie.
“It’s been good, he’s enjoyed it, but it’s a big change for the family after having had a Rottweiler for nine years.”
For Nick Stebnyckyg, the
morning was all about getting his four year old Great Dane ‘Tex’ coming out of his shell.
While towering over all others with his 60 kilogram frame, ‘Tex’ was a bit apprehensive.
“He has a very docile temperament and seemed a bit nervous when we first arrived, but he has warmed up to socialising with the other dogs,” said Nick.
“He’s a big boy...he eats about three kilograms of food a day.
“But he’s a bit of a sook too.”
WANGARATTA-based state MP for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, whose electorate takes in both Falls Creek and Mt Hotham, is continuing to pursue an all-resort access pass for resort workers.
Mr McCurdy first raised the issue in parliament back in March, asking the Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt why aren’t the
all-resort passes - that existed prior to the COVID pandemic - no longer available, and will the government bring them back?
He also asked if Alpine Resorts Victoria - the new governing body for all Victorian resorts - will introduce a single pass allowing access to all Victorian resorts for a single fee each season?
With half of the 2023 ski season gone, Mr McCurdy said he is still awaiting an answer.
He said having an all-resort pass for staff, instead of having to pay additional costs for multiple passes, would be a practical move to help support the industry.
“We are enjoying a record snow season, with thousands of visitors
coming to our amazing resorts each and every day, however, with this comes more pressure on businesses,” he said.
“We know how hard it is for businesses to find staff and ensure they can meet consumer demands, and with many staff working across multiple resorts, it makes it more challenging.”
POLICE are investigating a series of thefts and an aggravated burglary from Wangaratta’s Baltimore Estate, after an offender was chased from a Thurles Avenue property early on Sunday morning.
Detective Senior Constable Tim Doyle of Wangaratta Crime Investigation Unit said officers understood the offending, which is believed to be linked, had occurred between 2am and 4am in the vicinity of Thurles Avenue, Corncob Boulevard and Sarakos Circuit. He said at least one offender
had entered the Thurles Avenue home around 4am, and had stolen mountain bikes and cash before awakening the home’s inhabitants, who chased the offender from the area.
“They somewhat confronted the offender, but they didn’t actually see anything,” DSC Doyle said.
“The person’s run from the house - they were gone and over the back fence running, so it wasn’t a full-on face-to-face confrontation.”
DSC Doyle said other personal
items had also been taken from the address.
A number of cars were reportedly targeted in the immediate area in the hours leading up to the alleged break-in, with cash and other items taken, and up to five power tools stolen from a nearby utility.
DSC Doyle said some of the vehicles had been left unlocked.
He urged homeowners within the estate to review CCTV and any dashcam footage between the hours of 2am and 4am, and contact Wangaratta Police Station if
WANGARATTA-based Ovens Valley
they noticed anything suspicious.
“(The offender) would have been driving around in that estate so it would be good if anyone with cameras – or sometimes dashcams run when someone walks past the car – if anyone has any means of checking that two hour window and find anything or have any other intel, (they are urged) to contact Wangaratta detectives,” he said.
Residents with any information can contact Wangaratta Police Station on 03 5723 0888.
MP Tim McCurdy is backing State Government efforts to address gambling harm, welcoming the introduction of sweeping reforms to load up limits, pre-commitment limits and mandatory pokies closures.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced the changes earlier this month, which will cap the amount which can be loaded into an electronic gaming machine (EGM) at $100 at a time, down from $1000, and close pokies areas between 4am and 10am across the state by the middle of next year.
New EGMs will also be mandated to spin at a rate of three seconds per game, in an effort to slow the pace of the game down and limit losses.
Some 330,000 Victorians are estimated to experience gambling harm each year, losing an average of $7b annually.
Nationals’ MP Mr McCurdy said efforts to mitigate gambling harm, particularly through addiction and exploitation, were welcomed.
INFORMATION NEEDED:
Police believe four individuals (pictured) may be able to assist their investigation into damage on Murphy Street last month.
WANGARATTA police are seeking public assistance to identify four individuals who may be linked to damage to a window and signage on Murphy Street last month.
Officers believe the group may be able to aid a police investigation into the incidents, which occurred around 3am on June 24.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Senior Constable Ram Hamidon at Wangaratta Police Station on 5723 0888 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
DISCUSSIONS are ongoing about future plans for Ford Street’s St Patrick’s Hall.
Fr Nathan Verallo from Wangaratta and King Valley Catholic Parishes said feedback was being sought from the community about use of the hall.
The parish is also seeking expressions of interest for lease of the building.
“We welcome that community feedback for consideration in plans moving forward,” Fr Verallo said.
“Nothing is set in concrete.”
The hall, with its adjoining
supper room, has been a well-used Wangaratta venue over many years.
According to the Rural City of Wangaratta’s 2004 heritage study, the building is located on the site of the rural city’s first Catholic school, which was established in 1857 and demolished by 1921 to make way for the hall.
The study says the original hall was extended in the early 1960s with the addition of the Tara Court office building across its front.
The hall was utilised for screening films in the 1930s, and was the home of weekly St Patrick’s bingo for many years, until it ceased in 2013.
It has also been the venue for
countless school productions, dances, debutante balls and community group gatherings.
Space in Tara Court and the supper room is currently used by the Wangaratta Senior Citizens Club.
Advertising through Garry Nash & Co for expressions of interest for lease of the hall, which includes a commercial kitchen, stage and other versatile areas, promotes it as a “unique CBD opportunity”, with “income stream from casual users capable of growth”.
The advertisement says it would be “ideally suited for groups with a community focus”, and all commercial uses will be considered.
“Gambling harm is always an area of concern which needs to be addressed,” he said.
“Whilst gambling on the whole can be acceptable, addiction and exploitation must be addressed.
“I am waiting to see the detail of the government’s announcement, and to see how this will help those who need it the most.”
The changes come as the Rural City of Wangaratta is on track to exceed its record EGM losses by more than $2m during the 2022/23 financial year.
According to Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) data, which is yet to be published for the month of June, Wangaratta’s four venues and 154 EGMs raked in $10,070,836 in the financial year to May, and had exceeded the previous record of $8.873m (2018/19) by April.
An average return ($915,530) in June would see rural city losses climb to just shy of $11m for the year, although losses in the 2023 calendar year have trended closer to $800,000 on average.
Gaming losses in Alpine Shire are forecast to exceed $3m for the first time since 2014/15, with players having lost $2,876,881 without accounting for June data.
A loss in line with the shire’s average of $261,534 would see the region record its largest losses since 2011/12.
TIME is almost out to submit nominations for the 2023 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards (VSOYA).
Nominations close on Friday, July 28, and recognise seniors who generously give their time, skills and support to their local communities.
Victorians are encouraged to nominate residents aged 60 and above and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians aged 50 years and above.
Nominate an older Victorian in your life who makes an important contribution to your community, such as through volunteering or supporting community groups.
■ From page 1
The hub will advise as further events and workshops are scheduled.
Volunteers are also being sought to join the team, with council putting the call out to those willing to contribute to the successful implementation of programs, share their expertise, and empower others to embrace technology.
Acting Mayor Cr Harry Bussell said the reopening of the digital hub was a significant step.
“The hub provides accessible technology resources and education to Wangaratta residents, which we know to be necessary in our community,” he said.
“The reopening of the hub demonstrates council’s commitment to local digital inclusion and innovation, and I’m excited to see how it evolves over the next financial year.”
Maree Timms, president of the Wangaratta Digital Technology Advisory Committee, also welcomed
the impending reopening.
“The digital hub has been an important part of the community since it first opened,” she said.
“It has also been ‘home’ to DTAC Wangaratta; we have been able to use it in a number of different ways, from meetings to hosting events, with the goal of improving STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) outcomes in the North East.
“We certainly missed it when it closed and really look forward to
collaborating with Jacob to create more unique and exciting STEM opportunities for our students and wider community.”
For more information on the Wangaratta Digital Hub, including volunteering opportunities and upcoming programs, visit www. wangaratta.vic.gov.au or follow the Wangaratta Digital Hub on Facebook.
The digital hub can be contacted directly at digitalhub@wangaratta. vic.gov.au
Categories for the nominations include, Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the Year for outstanding achievement, Promotion of Multiculturalism Award for promoting the benefits of cultural diversity, Healthy and Active Living Award for helping to create active and healthy communities and more.
Every nominee will receive a certificate acknowledging their contribution, and recipients of the 2023 awards will be honoured at a ceremony during the Victorian Seniors Festival this October.
For more information, visit the awards webpage of Seniors Online or to make a nomination, download a nomination form or complete an online nomination form.
Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre Friday 4 August 10.30am
For more information and tickets contact the WPACC on 03 5722 8105 or www.wpacc.com.au
The Seekers were 4 young Australians with a dream and they followed that dream to the top of the pop music world. The Beggars sing The Seekers follows The Seekers story from the Melbourne cafe scene in 1962 to London the swinging center of the pop universe, to ultimately their 1968 BBC TV special Farewell The Seekers watched by millions.
Enjoy all the hits “I’ll Never Find Another You”, “The Carnival is Over”, “Morningtown Ride” and of course, “Georgie Girl”, alongside The Beggar’s originals and rollicking standards such as “Open Up Them Pearly Gates” and “Sinner Man”. All faithfully re-produced live on stage without backing tracks.
your details and post or deliver to our Wangaratta Chronicle
The Beggars sing The Seekers competition 37 Rowan Street
Wangaratta VIC 3677
Full Name:
Address:
Email Address: Entries Close: 5pm August 1
A NEW committee has exciting plans for the long-running Wangaratta Artists Society, providing more opportunities to exhibit and share skills for both its members and the broader community.
The committee includes president Desmond Burke, vice president Robyn White, treasurer Clare Burke and secretary John Baker; the executive taking the reins in February this year.
Clare said the aim is for the society is to be more progressive and involved with the community, offering more opportunities for community engagement.
“We recently received a $2000 grant from the Into Our Hands foundation for free art sessions including providing tuition to senior members of the community, which we’re hoping to do in the warmer months, around October,” she said.
“We also received a Rural City of Wangaratta tourism grant of $1000 to promote an open art show which will plan to hold in around October or November this year.”
Clare said the group is also encouraging artists in the community to exhibit their artworks on the walls at The Studio in Batchelors Green, where they can be offered for sale.
She said three artists are currently exhibiting, including colourful, abstract works by Brooke
Haebich, watercolours by Naomi Pattie and Susan McLarty’s portraits of brumbies, bison and koalas.
“We’ll put the pictures on the wall and also on our Facebook page, where they can be sold to people who come through the studio,” she said.
Members of the Wangaratta Artists Society, which has been running in Wangaratta for over 50 years, currently enjoy painting sessions on Monday and Thursday afternoons, with another
group using the studio space on Tuesday mornings.
Clare said they had also been running workshops including a pastel workshop with Brightbased artist Stephen McCall back in June, who will return on October 14 to run a pen and wash workshop, which is open to everyone.
A photography workshop is also planned for later in the year.
“It’s all designed to open up the studio up and bring the community in,” said Clare.
A WHOROULY man caught travelling at almost 130kph along the Snow Road near Markwood has been sidelined for three months, after failing to convince police to lower his alleged speed to avoid a mandatory driving suspension.
Facing Wangaratta Magistrates Court on Monday, the defendant pleaded guilty to a speeding offence, after being clocked by a mobile speed camera at 129kph (alleged speed 125kph) in a 100kph zone in December last year.
The court heard the driver had been captured by the camera at around 9pm on December 21, however, the level of traffic was not detailed in court.
The defendant told Magistrate Ian Watkins he had brought the matter to court in the hopes police would reduce his alleged speed by 1kph, in order to avoid a mandatory licence suspension.
In Victoria, anyone caught travelling at 25kph or more above the speed limit is subject to a mandatory licence suspension.
There are currently 31 members of the Wangaratta Artists Society, including a number of new faces, and the committee hopes to welcome more artists in on a casual, pay-as-you-go basis.
Those who join in can learn from existing members, honing their painting techniques using mediums such as oils, acrylics, watercolour or pastels.
Anyone wanting to find out more can visit the group on Facebook, call in to the studio or contact wangartist@outlook.com.
The defendant said he currently worked multiple jobs in Myrtleford and Beechworth, and would struggle to make ends meet without his licence.
Mr Watkins said the police should not be expected to “artificially reduce your speed” after being caught on camera.
He said it appeared road behaviour had been on the decline in recent months.
“(Being) 25kph over the limit on the Snow Road, it’s not the best of roads,” he said.
“That’s quite fast.”
Mr Watkins fined the defendant $300 and banned him from driving for three months, but did not convict him.
THE new gambling reforms set to be implemented across the state by the middle of next year are an important step towards mitigating the harm which so often accompanies obsessive gambling.
Measures such as mandatory closures of pokies areas between 4am and 10am, input limits and mandatory pre-commitment limits are measures which are poised to make those wanting to get on the punt stop and think about their decisions, in an environment which has previously encouraged compulsiveness.
Some may see the new regulations as an overstep by the government, but when the state as a whole is losing $7 billion to electronic machines each year, sometimes the government needs to step in and protect gamblers from themselves.
Mandating seatbelts and creating drink driving laws were similar measures which altered the status quo, but have gone long ways to physically saving lives, an outcome these same gambling measures hope to achieve.
The elephant in the room remains the abundance of online betting sites which remain largely unregulated by the government, and if the State Government is prepared to place restrictions on physical gambling, perhaps a time will soon come where virtual gambling is placed under the microscope.
If that were to happen, it’s important that the marketing approach of these companies, particularly in the sports betting-sphere, also be reviewed, as young people increasingly turn to online avenues to place their bets.
New South Wales has already banned gambling-related signage from outside pubs and clubs, and it will be interesting to see whether Victoria follows suit in that regard.
1 Who won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the 2015 movie, The Danish Girl?
(a) Jennifer Jason Leigh
(b) Alicia Vikander
(c) Rooney Mara
(d) Rachel McAdams
2 The Congress Column is a landmark of which European national capital city?
(a) Brussels
(b) Vienna
(c) Copenhagen (d) Prague
3 Which of the following words is a synonym for the word, ubiquitous?
(a) Presumptuous
(b) Irritating
(c) Omnipresent
(d) Noncommittal
4 As at 2022, which country has won the Women’s Rugby Union World Cup the most times?
(a) New Zealand
(b) South Africa
(c) England
(d) United States
5 Dick Sargent is best remembered for playing the role of Darrin Stephens on which TV sitcom?
(a) Family Ties
(b) Bewitched
(c) I Dream of Jeannie
(d) Gilligan’s Island
OVER the weekend I had cause to go to Howlong and Tungamah.
In over 50 years plus of driving, I have never seen so many roads in such appalling condition.
The same with the roads between Wangaratta and Yarrawonga, drivers need to take evasive action on some of the larger potholes which is asking for trouble on such narrow, busy country main roads.
About time we addressed the real reasons people die on country roads a majority of which are worse than one would expect in the third world, which we are bending over backwards, to be part of.
Marc Chick, Wangandary
IT was a missed opportunity to not redirect any money from the cancelled 2026 Commonwealth Games to Victoria’s crumbling regional road network.
I welcome the funds from the $2.6 billion earmarked for hosting the Games being spent in regional Victoria, but it was a mistake to not spend any on our crumbling regional roads.
Our country roads are the lifelines of regional Victoria, supporting the backbone of our regional economy.
Redirecting funds to fixing these roads would have made sense and would have delivered a benefit to every regional Victorian.
Time and time again our roads have been left to crumble and now the only legacy the Andrews Government risks being remembered for in regional communities is the neglect of country roads.
Sports stadiums in Bendigo, Ballarat and Geelong are little comfort to regional Victorians stuck on the side of the road with a bent wheel and blown out tyre.
Tourists won’t visit regional Victoria if it has a reputation for having the worst roads in the country.
Our broken country roads are compounding cost of living concerns for all Victorians who are facing unexpected and unbudgeted repair bills to keep their cars on the road.
6 Which cyclone caused extensive damage on many islands of Fiji on 20 February 2016?
(a) Cyclone Ula
(b) Cyclone Victor
(c) Cyclone Winston
(d) Cyclone Reuben
(c) 42nd Street
(d) A Chorus Line
9 Which country shares a border with both Denmark and Belgium?
(a) Netherlands
(b) Germany
7
In Cajun cuisine, which term is used to collectively describe a combination of onions, celery and capsicum?
(a) The three wise men
(b) The deadly sins
(c) The devil’s trio
(d) The holy trinity
8 The song, Only You, is a love duet from which musical?
(a) Starlight Express
(b) We Will Rock You
(c) Poland
(d) Luxembourg
10 Which sport was featured in the 1981 movie, Escape to Victory, starring Sylvester Stallone and Michael Caine?
(a) Soccer
(b) Boxing
(c) Cricket
(d) Weightlifting
The additional costs to farmers and transporters is only adding to the cost of doing business and the cost of food on the supermarket shelves.
Daniel Andrews has let slip a golden opportunity to make a difference to regional Victoria pass by.
Real investment in country roads would have had a tangible impact for everyone and the VFF will keep pushing for regional Victoria’s fair share of road funding.
Emma Germano, VFF presidentI WOULD like to express a vote of thanks to the Corowa Croquet Club for their kindness in offering us the use of their facilities as our club and the tennis club in Merriwa Park will be out of action for possibly the next three months.
This kind gesture is really appreciated. As many of our members are in their senior years the loss of our facility was deeply felt.
Once again there are still good and caring people out there in the community.
Anne Dodd, WangarattaWE welcome your letters to the Editor. Priority is given to typed/emailed letters under 250 words. Every letter must have your full name, address and a daytime phone contact number supplied for verification purposes. Any letter may be edited for reasons of space, content or legibility.
Email edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au
Post Letters to the Editor, 37 Rowan St, Wangaratta 3677
WANGARATTA High School
will this week play host to a Local Government Careers Expo, in an effort to shine a light on jobs locally and across the North East.
The Rural City of Wangaratta Council initiative, in collaboration with GOTAFE, NE Tracks LLEN and the high school, will run from 10am to 3pm on Thursday, and provide information from a host of experienced professionals on employment, apprenticeships, trainee opportunities and work experience within the sector.
Career teachers and students in year 10 and above are encouraged to attend, with a chance to explore a range of stalls, talk to special guests and get help identifying a clear pathway to achieve in a career they’re passionate about.
Rural City of Wangaratta chief executive officer Brendan
McGrath, encouraged community members who are looking to plan their future career to come along and speak to council employees about their roles.
“The informal approach to the day sees attendees invited to partake in ‘job speed dating’, enabling people to explore the ins and outs of a fantastic range of careers and training,” he said.
“A careers expo is an opportunity to start exploring
career options - if you’re wondering what the right career path is for you, or how to get into your dream job, this is a great place to start.
“Building skills in Wangaratta’s future workforce and showcasing great job opportunities in our region continues to be a priority in strengthening our region’s local economy.”
GOTAFE will also be providing attendees with the opportunity to
explore education opportunities to help them achieve their dream career pathways.
“This is a key time of year when students are making decisions about their future pathways,” GOTAFE executive director growth and engagement, Hannah Turnbull, said. “GOTAFE is partnering with local industries, like government, to build career pathways and support better economic and
community outcomes for the region.
“We are looking forward to attending the expo to provide attendees with information about courses and study options that best suit them.”
To register for the event, visit https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov. au/Residents/Whats-On/LocalGovernment-Career-Expo.
Lunch will be included for those who register.
A LOCAL community action group established in response to a proposed solar farm at Meadow Creek will seek to voice its opinions at an independent inquiry into the nation’s renewable energy transition later this year.
A series of roundtables, initiated by the Australian Energy and Infrastructure commissioner Andrew Dyer, are expected to be held in rural and regional settings over the coming months, aimed at offering a chance for local communities to offer feedback on consultation practices for the large-scale projects.
Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) communities, of which there are two in the Indi elec-
torate (Ovens Murray REZ, encompassing Eildon to Dederang, and Northern REZ, which encompasses Glenrowan across to Shepparton), will be required to host a number of roundtables, with an eye to a final report being delivered by the end of the year.
The inquiry also aims to ensure the nation’s energy market rules and reforms are fit for purpose.
Meadow Creek Agricultural Community Action Group (MCACAG) has previously voiced its concerns about a proposed development of a solar farm in the local area, which is designated as “strategic agricultural land” and “high value terrestrial land” by the State Government.
A spokesperson said the group would “relish” the op-
portunity to discuss its concerns on a national stage at one of the upcoming roundtable discussions.
“A collective voice from our region would demonstrate some clear deficiencies in the renewable energy policy framework which our community has experienced first-
hand,” the spokesperson said.
“The proposed Meadow Creek Solar Farm would be an excessive industrial energy factory on 1400 acres of the most rainfall-secure and expensive farming land in Victoria.
“It would boast 50 x 40 foot containers of lithium battery
to store the energy in our pristine King Valley catchment – we have huge concerns that our government bodies are collectively ignoring the future issues that this proposed solar farm poses.”
Concerns around the proposed development have also previously centred around it being in a bushfire-prone area which is also subject to regular flooding events, while insurance premiums are expected to rise for owners of nearby properties as a result.
The spokesperson said a number of other in-depth issues still needed to be broached with local, state and federal governments, including “disappointing community engagement”, the degradation of rural
amenity, and “the fact that agricultural produce is going to play a growing role in our economy as our coal and gas (major export income) reserves deplete”.
“Along with more in-depth scientific data on reduced water runoff due to climate change, highlights a greater need to save our highly-productive, secure rainfall areas from being industrialised and agriculturally limited,” the spokesperson said.
“As a community group we have learnt firsthand that DEECA (Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action) guidelines can soon be ‘worked around’ and we cannot comprehend why there is not stronger government policy in place around renewables.”
COME JOIN US IN THE KING VALLEY FOR A NEBBIOLO AND TRUFFLE ADVENTURE
Nebbiolo & Truffle Dinner: Friday 11th of August -
Join us for a delicious five-course feast at the Mountain View Hotel. $275 pp, bookings essential. See www.pizzini.com.au for event tickets.
Forage, Sip & Feast: Saturday 19th of August -
Enjoy a fun filled afternoon & evening as you forage for truffles, taste Nebbiolo from the barrel & finish with a delicious five-course feast. $495 pp, bookings essential. See www.pizzini.com.au for event tickets. @PIZZINI
WWW.PIZZINI.COM.AU
STUDENTS in grade 1/2 have learnt the steps involved when writing a procedure, applying it to a recipe for making fairy bread. Classes then had to follow their own steps to produce the finished product and there were some delicious results.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:
Student Raine Snowdon was proud of her fairy bread, made by following a written procedure.
STUDENTS enjoy the practical elements of science study and putting what they have learnt to the test.
William Perkins tried to get the plasticine to float in science class this week after initially finding out that it sunk when in a ball.
PHYSICS TEST: Oxley
student William Perkins tries to float his plasticine during science class as Harper Munt watches on.
SKILLS TRAINING: Grade six foreman Tyson White enjoys helping other students find their pathway.
A SMALL group of students are selected to participate in the Hands on Learning program run by staff member Tommy Deans and assisted by grade six student, Tyson White.
Tyson is known as the foreman of the group, constantly looking out for his peers and helping them to grow and build on their confidence.
The Hands on Learning program allows students to learn different pathways of education by discovering and developing their practical skills and knowledge.
1Where does the space company Rocket Lab launch rockets from? Is it a) India, b) Brazil, c) Japan, or d) New Zealand?
2What colour is the Cherenkov radiation glow surrounding the OPAL reactor at Lucas Heights? Is it a) blue, b) green, or c) red?
UP AND ACTIVE: Matilda Wilson wore her uniform to school for a fun, playgroup session.
PLAY group is back up off the ground at Carra.
Matilda Wilson couldn’t resist wearing her school uniform, even though she’s not a prep until next year.
The school community is very happy to see some new and also familiar faces back in the Carra Caterpillar Playgroup.
WARM WELCOME: Principal Kevin Hill thanked Craig from Woolworths, who delivered gifts for students, including Mitchell Titcumb and (front) Archie Dodds.
THE school’s Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program has benefited from a grant received from the latest round of the 2023 Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program. It received $1000 towards
3What is the name for the iconic fin on top of a shark? Is it a) a dorsal fin, b) a pectoral fin, c) a pelvic fin, or d) a caudal fin?
its edible garden, which will have native bulbs to highlight indigenous food education; the funds also going towards the cost of garden equipment, materials and seeds.
The children are handson in the garden, growing
a range of vegetables and herbs which they use to create healthy meals.
Craig from Woolworths also visited the school last month bringing show bags and boxes of goodies from the store which everyone appreciated.
4
Which of these plants is most closely related to the poisonous hemlock plant? Is it a) tomatoes, b) oak trees, c) carrots, or d) gum trees?
as the iconic fin on top of a shark. 4. c) Poison hemlock is a member of the Apiaceae family, which includes carrots, parsley and celery. 5. c) Petrology is the study of rocks. It comes from the Greek word petros, which means rock.
tion appears blue, although it’s mostly ultraviolet light. 3. a) Dorsal fins are the fins on the back of fish, such
5What is petrology the study of? Is it a) domesticated animals, b) oils and fats, c) rocks, or d) clear plastics?
For more CSIRO
Double Helix science visit www.csiro.au/helix or call 02 6276 6643. Quiz answers: 1. d) Rocket Lab has a launch site on New Zealand’s North Island. 2. a) Cherenkov radia-
s?
MEMBERS, friends and the community gathered at the Art Gallery on Ovens on July 19 for the opening the Goulburn and North East Arts Alliance (GANEAA) exhibition called Home. The exhibition is a follow up to GANEAA’s Across the
Arts Festival held in April, 2023 and features artworks which focus on the theme of ‘home’, whether that be a residence, a locality, a country or a sense of place where we feel comfortable and belong.
Showcasing a wide
variety of mediums and approaches to the concept, the exhibition is open on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am until 4pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 2pm and entry is free.
By SIMONE KERWIN
MARC Castagnetti’s London-based parents are immersed in the city’s rapture over the birth of a future king - but they were more eagerly awaiting news of another baby’s arrival on Monday.
And they got it when Marc and wife Caragh of Wangaratta welcomed their son, Henry Richard James Castagnetti, on the same day the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s firstborn arrived.
Caragh said her daughters, Angelina (11) and Yvette (8), had been on royal watch throughout her pregnancy, and were delighted when Henry was born at 6.05pm on Monday - five days before his due date.
“The girls were hoping I’d beat Kate, and we just beat her to it,” she said.
There were no paparazzi
lying in wait at Northeast Health Wangaratta when the couple arrived on Monday, and the birth was not proclaimed by a town crier.
(Though Marc joked that he was sure he could “rustle up a golden easel” to display Henry’s vital details, as decreed by royal tradition.)
But Caragh said she did not envy the Duchess, or the scrutiny surrounding her pregnancy, especially over the last few weeks.
“I felt sorry for her at the end, when the pressure was on her to give birth,” she said.
And now the focus is on when and what the royal couple will name their baby prince, who is third in line to the British throne.
It took a week for Prince Charles and Princess Diana to bestow William on their firstborn son, and Queen Elizabeth II took a month to
announce Prince Charles’ name.
“A couple of my friends said, ‘You’d better name the baby quickly*, and we did get in first,” Marc said.
And just as the royal newborn will most likely receive a moniker steeped in family history, Henry’s name has strong links to his mother’s heritage; he is named for three of her Irish ancestors, and her father and brother are also named Richard.
Prince William and wife Kate are hotly tipped to name their son George, with James, Alexander, Louis and Henry also being well supported by punters.
North East Funerals are strong supporters of the annual campaign that empowers all adult Australians to be strong self-advocates for their own personal planning when it comes to their future.
Come and improve your knowledge around choices regarding end-of-life. We want to support you in having conversations with the people most important to you about your unique choices and wishes for your end-of-life. Representatives from local Aged Care Facilities together with local businesses specialising in Wills, Funeral Bonds, Estate Planning, Power of Attorney and Centrelink will be in attendance for a Q & A session. Light refreshments will be provided at the end of the session.
For more information or to register your interest, please contact: North East Funerals (03) 5722 2525 admin@northeastfunerals.com
REVEREND Lesley Lewis last week delivered her first sermon at Beechworth’s Anglican Christ Church, following her appointment as a curate in the Beechworth Anglican parochial district.
Rev Lewis served her first curacy within Alpine Anglican Parish with congregations in Myrtleford and Bright, while continuing to work as a regional infection control consultant with Northeast Health Wangaratta.
Bishop Clarence Bester licensed Rev Lewis in Christ Church during a communion service on July 16, where she was supported by Beechworth vicar Matthew Healy, Eldorado deacon Sue Hall, bishop’s chaplain and Rutherglen priest Scott Jessup, her partner David, and the congregation.
She delivered her first sermon on Sunday.
Rev Healy said it was hoped Rev Lewis will be ordained a priest in the Anglican Diocese of Wangaratta in December.
STAGE SPECTACULAR: Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic recreates Queen’s 1986 World Tour concert, in a night of non-stop rock anthems.
ON the road for their first Australian tour in two years, Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic will take to the stage at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Friday night.
The show will once again immerse fans in the spectacle, grandeur and extravagance of Queen and Freddie Mercury, with Dominic Warren taking on the role of the band’s dynamic front man.
Queen was arguably one of the most influential, groundbreaking bands of the early seventies, forming in 1971 and signing their first recording contract in 1973.
AN all-new high energy acrobatic comedy show called WERK IT arrives at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre tonight at 8pm.
Created by Circus Trick Tease and featuring an all-star cast including some of Australia’s hottest acrobats, WERK IT is a show that is equal parts skill, thrill and comedy, receiving nightly standing ovations in its debut season.
Combining never seen before acrobatic feats and jaw dropping skill (and recommended for those over 15 years) tickets are available at wpacc.com.au.
AWARD-winning artist Sepideh Farzam will be the special guest during an insightful “In Conversation” talk at the Wangaratta Art Gallery on Saturday at 2pm.
Farzam is the winner of the 2023 Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award for Losing Eyes for Freedom, a collaborative work highlighting the plight of women in Iran.
In a beautiful a hand-woven carpet with stitched waxed threads symbolising bleeding and blindness, Farzam brings attention to the ongoing struggle for women’s rights.
The community is invited to engage with Farzam’s powerful work and hear from an artist working at the intersection of art, activism and culture, with entry free and bookings at wangarattaartgallery.com.au.
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Information you need might be coming in sporadically, but at least what you're getting is valuable. Continue to wait until more is available before acting on that career move.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You continue on an upbeat cycle, and with that strong Taurean energy, you should see favorable results from your hard work. A pleasing surprise awaits you in your private life.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) A misunderstanding needs more time to be worked out. Don't give up on it just yet. Remain open to providing explanations, if called for. Another friend offers good advice.
Their earliest works were influenced by progressive rock, hard rock and heavy metal, but the band gradually ventured into more conventional, radiofriendly territory by incorporating styles such as arena and pop rock.
In 1975 they released the album A Night At The Opera featuring the single, Bohemian Rhapsody, which became one of the greatest singles of all time, staying at number one in the UK chart for nine weeks, reaching number one around the world, and climbing to the top of the charts again following Freddie Mercury’s death in 1991.
SEE a show which celebrates The Seekers; four young Australians with a dream they followed to the pop music world, at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Friday, August 4.
The Beggars sing The Seekers follows The Seekers story from the Melbourne cafe scene in 1962 to London, the swinging center of the pop universe, culminating in their 1968 BBC TV special Farewell The Seekers watched by millions.
Featuring hits including “I’ll Never Find Another You”, “The Carnival is Over”, “Morningtown Ride” and “Georgie Girl”, alongside The Beggar’s originals and rollicking standards, the show starts at 10.30am and tickets are available at wpacc.com.au.
The video for the song is credited with being the first genuine promotional video and the song regularly tops major pop polls globally as the best single of all time.
Following the release of more than a dozen albums, A Kind Of Magic, the soundtrack to the Russell Mulcahy film, Highlander, was released in 1986.
Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic recreates Queen’s 1986 World Tour concert and it’s a night of non-stop rock anthems including We Will Rock You, We Are the Champions, Radio GaGa, I Want to Break Free, Somebody
WELL known author of crime fiction, Chris Hammer, will be the guest speaker at Wangaratta Arts Council’s 2023 Literary Lunch, being held on Saturday, August 12 from 12pm.
A leader in his genre, Chris Hammer’s first book Scrublands was an instant bestseller when it was published in 2018, and his follow up books have also been bestsellers and shortlisted for major awards.
The lunch will be held at the Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway and following the meal, Chris will talk and answer questions, with copies of his books available for purchase.
Bookings are available at Edgars Books and News in Murphy Street or by calling 5721 3758.
to Love, Don’t Stop Me Now, Another One Bites the Dust, A Kind of Magic, Bohemian Rhapsody and many more.
Painstaking attention has been paid to all the music including the iconic voice of Mercury, the amazing guitar solos of Brian May and the groundbreaking rock harmonies, supported by state-of-the-art sound, lighting and authentic costumes.
As close as you can get to the real thing, Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic will be performed on Friday night at 8pm, with limited tickets available at wpacc.com. au.
Wangaratta Players Inc presents the heart-warming Australian musical “Ladies in Black” at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre from August 17 to 19.
Based on the bestselling book by Madeleine St John, with words and music by Tim Finn, Ladies in Black is set 1950s Sydney and tells the story of a young high school graduate Lisa who takes a holiday job at the most prestigious department store in town, where a world of possibilities opens up.
A not-to-be-missed entertaining night of live theatre and music, captured in a classic coming of age tale of a young woman and a young country, tickets are available at wpacc. com.au.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Fast action can correct a seemingly minor problem that has taken on some unexpectedly difficult aspects. Stay with it until it's resolved. News on a more positive note is due soon.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) Some snags could cause delays in those plans you're eager to see put into operation. But be patient. The Clever Cat will soon have good reason to celebrate a job well done.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Be careful not to let that Virgan sensitivity dissuade you from being the hardheaded realist you should be at this time. Your goals are in sight. Stay focused on them.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A more positive aspect opens up, allowing you to make some important changes in a personal situation. Remember to seek balance and avoid extremes as you proceed.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21)
This is a good week to get out and enjoy the fine times you missed while you were so deep in those workday projects. Be sure to share it with that special person in your life.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Work and play are in balance this week. However, expect news that could tip things toward the workplace for quite a while -- but all to a good end.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) You're more productive on the job than you have been in some time. That's good, but be careful not to overlook some situations developing in your private life.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18)
You've been doing a lot for others (as usual). But now it's time to focus on your needs, including finally going on that long-delayed trip you've been hoping to make.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) It's all smoothly going on 'twixt you and that very special person in your life. But a colleague causes some disruption on the job that you might be called on to help settle.
THE King Valley community and its youngest residents are set to benefit from a spread of funding received from the Rural City of Wangaratta via a Pitcher This! event held at the Moyhu Hotel last week.
A variety of worthy projects pitched for funding to support of their ideas, all hopeful of achieving votes, but it was Greta Valley Primary School who took out first prize of $1000 for their intergenerational project, which brings together students from grade 5/6 with residents at St John’s Respect for a weekly activity session.
The school says the funding will go towards the costs of transporting the kids into Wangaratta over 10 weeks and will also be used to bring some of the residents out to visit the school.
The project has got off to a flying start with smiles all around as students and residents get to know each other and have some fun.
The second prize of $750 went to King River and District Fishing Club who want to create a sculpture trail along the new bike and walking track which leads from Moyhu to the King River.
Club secretary Regina Crameri said they are planning three different sculptures or installations along the trail, including a rustic artwork, a sheet metal silhouette art piece (of a fish, bird or native animal) and a novelty sign for kids.
She said some large rocks have already been donated from Crameri’s Moyhu Quarry for the project.
“We want to make it a fun and
WANGARATTA Senior Citizens Club will host a social gathering at its clubrooms in Tara Court, off Ford Street, today from 1.30pm.
The club will host indoor carpet bowls from 12 noon tomorrow (Thursday), cards (euchre) from 1.30pm on Friday, indoor carpet bowls on Monday from 12 noon, and cards (500) and hoy on Tuesday from 1.30pm, all at its clubrooms in Tara Court, off Ford Street, or in the adjoining St Patrick’s supper room.
Next Wednesday, August 2, the club will host a movie screening of ‘Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em’ from 1.30pm at its clubrooms.
WANGARATTA Royal Children’s Hospital Ladies Auxiliary will hold a winter sale street stall on Thursday, July 27 in the Reid Street kiosk, to raise funds for the RCH.
The stall will feature beautiful hand-knitted baby and children’s wear, all at reduced prices, with beanies for $3.
Along with the knitwear will be the usual array of cakes, preserves and other items, including fresh lamingtons, all available for sale from 8.30am.
WANGARATTA Seniors Dance will be held in St Patrick’s Supper Room on Friday, July 28 from 2pm to 4pm.
The dance is held on the fourth Friday of each month, with entry beside St Patrick’s Church in Ford Street. Music will be provided by the Rustic Ramblers, with dance revision from 1.30pm to 2pm, admission $5 (non-members $7), which includes afternoon tea.
For further information, phone
OAK FM on 101.3 will be broadcasting from the Whitfield Recreation Reserve this weekend.
The radio station will cover the King Valley home game against Greta from 1pm on Saturday.
THE King Valley United Football Netball Club is hosting a ladies day on Saturday, July 29 at the Whitfield Recreation Reserve.
There will be live entertainment, finger food and a glass of sparkling on arrival with tickets $25 per person and more information available by vising the club on Facebook.
MAKING A PITCH: Moyhu Primary School students including Kyah Currie (holding Winton sign) and Teagan Kelly (holding Moyhu sign), with Edi Upper
Primary’s Jessica Young (holding Edi sign) and Collins Sloan from Oxley
Primary (holding Oxley sign),
interesting walk to the river for locals, and also bring in tourists,” Ms Crameri said.
Third prize of $500 went to Moyhu Primary School to purchase new art and sports equipment to replace what was lost in the recent fire at the school, with kids who attended on the night holding up signs to demonstrate how many communities their treasured local art van visits.
Margaret on 0407 357 226 or Julie Davey on 0408 032 451.
THE Wangaratta Artists are under new management, and welcome budding artists to come along, and established artists to exhibit in the studio at Batchelor’s Green.
The group meets at the studio on Mondays and Thursdays from 12 noon.
For more information, phone Clare on 0419 365 149.
COME and play mahjong at the Wangaratta RSL on Thursdays from 11am.
Beginners welcome. Contact Jan on 0429 166 016.
WANGARATTA Cake Decorators meet every third Saturday of the month at Galen College in Phillipson Street from 10.30am, with the next meeting scheduled for August 19.
Guest at the meeting will be Adrien Trevillian from Melbourne, demonstrating the new style of cartoon cakes. Everyone welcome, cost for the day is $15 members of $20 non-members. BYO lunch and mug.
Phone Jeanie on 0439 087 630 to book and for more information.
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.
For more information, contact Trevor Wolfel on 0476 891 596.
A fourth prize of $250 went to the Edi Upper Hall in support of its community get-together and barbecue, which encourages new and old residents of all ages to meet and connect at their hub.
The enthusiastic pitches were well received in an event enjoyed by all who attended, including Rural City of Wangaratta councillor Harry Bussell.
WANGARATTA Sing Australia Group meets each Wednesday from 7.30pm to 9pm at Purbrick Hall, next to Holy Trinity Cathedral. All welcome – for further information, call Keith Fleet on 0491 114 480 or Cheryl Hoysted on 0419 005 062.
WANGARATTA Concert Band rehearses on Mondays from 6.45pm to 9pm at the Avian Park Raceway Band Room in Newman Street.
New players welcome, contact Helen on 0401 021 448.
GLENROWAN Indoor Carpet Bowls is held at Glenrowan Recreation Reserve Hall each Wednesday – arrive 12.45pm for 1pm start.
The competition runs until 3.30pm–4pm, and is followed by afternoon tea. For details, phone Frank on 0409 662 462.
COME and try croquet at the Wangaratta Croquet Club, 46 Ryan Avenue, on any Monday, Wednesday or Saturday at 12.30pm.
Equipment and instruction provided in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. For further information, phone club president Susan Fischer on 0417 217 009.
SATURDAY Quilters meet on the
FUN AND GAMES: Teagan Callaway and Ellie Evans demonstrate the type of novelty sign they hope to see as part of the fishing club’s sculpture trail from Moyhu to the King River.
first Saturday of the month for a relaxed day of sit, sew and chat, from 10am to 3pm at the Wangaratta Small Bore Rifle Club, off the river end of College Street.
Contact Colleen on 0427 221 138.
A NEW croquet club has started at the Wangaratta Lawn Tennis Club in Merriwa Park.
The group plays on Sunday afternoons, Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings, equipment supplied. For more information, contact Anne on 0490 173 169.
WANGARATTA Symphony Orchestra meets each Tuesday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Wangaratta Baptist Church, 1 Sisely Avenue. New string and wind players are welcome to come along to rehearsals to try out.
For more information, email wangsymphonyorchestra@gmail. com or call Chloe on 0413 775 027.
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.
For more information, contact Bevan on 0437 196 118 or Les on 0412 250 674.
OSTINATO Wangaratta and District Community Choir meets each Tuesday from 7pm to 9.30pm at
THE King River and District Fishing Club will hold its AGM this weekend.
The meeting will be held on Sunday at King River Estate at 2pm and everyone is welcome.
THE King Valley Residents Association meets on the second Wednesday of the month.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 9 at 6pm at the Whitfield Recreation Reserve, with all interested welcome to attend and have their say.
the Log Cabin, corner Faithfull and Chisholm Streets, Wangaratta.
New members are welcome to join this enthusiastic and welcoming group of singers. For more information, contact Helen on 0457 269278.
LIFEBALL is held each Tuesday from 1pm on the basketball court at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre.
Lifeball is a non–contact game of netball, designed by a doctor and physio for the safety of mature players, with no running, walking backwards or throwing high balls, but enjoying fun and friendship.
For more information, phone 0418 574 404.
WANGARATTA AL–Anon Family Group meets on Tuesdays from 1.30pm to 3pm at the backstage meeting room at St Patrick‘s Hall in Ford Street.
All welcome. If your life has been affected by someone else‘s drinking, this group may be for you.
Contact David on 0403 552 950 or Bev on 0449 516 828.
WANGARATTA Toastmasters conducts its meetings on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 6.45pm at The Centre in Chisholm Street.
For more information, contact president Joanne Howell on 0417 558 881.
TO include your group‘s activities in this listing, email the details to skerwin@nemedia.com.au
Wangaratta Chronicle is looking for a driven and committed individual to join the advertising team at our office in Wangaratta.
If you can always see an opportunity and enjoy the idea of helping businesses grow, then we want to talk to you. To be successful in this role you will be able to demonstrate
Excellent work ethic, organisational skills & attention to detail with a drive to achieve results.
An ability to communicate with a wide range of people across various industries. Create innovative business proposals, develop collaborative partnerships and provide excellent customer service both internally and externally.
Taking over an established client list, you will be selling advertising and digital marketing opportunities to existing clients while looking to drive new business opportunities.
An ability to develop and maintaining business relationships will be the key to your success in this role.
An attractive remuneration package is offered including a base salary, commission and employer superannuation contributions.
North East Media is an independent media group publishing award winning publications in print and online across North East Victoria and beyond.
Please forward your application and covering letter to Ian Pople Sales Manager at the Wangaratta Chronicle, ipople@nemedia.com.au
ANGUS bulls, very quiet, good growth, visit mmas.com.au for videos, data and pricing, Marramungee Angus Stud. Ph 0429 809 288.
EXPRESSION of interest, German Shorthaired Pointer puppies, ready in about 3 weeks. Ph 0419 892 305.
FOR sale, 6 Toulouse geese, white, male, 12 months old, $50 each or buy all 6 for $40 each. Ph 0427 002 364.
FOR SALE
WALKING machine plus exercise chair, $360 for the lot, Mitsubishi fridge/freezer as new, $260, Wangaratta. Ph 0418 566 683.
OLD cars wanted, cars removed. Ph 0435 083 115.
POLARIS Ace 325, 635km, front and rear brushguard, winch, tow bar and hitch. Feb 23, 2016, 7.5 year old. $4,500, CASH ONLY. Ph. 0412 874 585 or 5726 5212.
TOYOTA Prado 1999 (TRM 702), 356,630km, RWC. 7 seater, serviced regularly, mainly highway use. Reg. until October 28, 2023. $9,000 ONO. Ph 5727 3780 or 0408 314 179.
2013 Toyota Corolla L evin SX, 6 speed m anual, complete service history, RWC, 3 months rego (1KR4DE), 229,521km, Gold exterior, Black interior, car is in very good condition inside and out, $8500. Ph 0407 385 421.
HARLEY Davidson 2006, 1200cc xl 1200R sportster roadster, cruiser, 5 sp manual, 7640km, prisitne condition, VIN 5HD1CLP186K 455114, plus leather jacket, helmet, gloves and backpack, $12,500 cash only. Ph 0412 874 585.
2015 , Holden Astr a VXR Turbo, excellent condition, 27,000km, RWC, 12 month rego, (AJJ295), $22,000, ono. Ph 0401 518 029.
CLASSIFIEDS WORK! 5723 0101 Classifieds Work! Phone: 03 5723 0101
VX Polo Sedan 2005 (TRB 311). 188,000 Klms (10,000 klms per each year old). Very clean inside and out. Modern Pioneer stereo with BT. 5 almost new tyres. RWC completed. R egularly serviced. or retirement car. $5200 with 13 months rego or $4500 with 6 weeks rego. Ph. 0421 542 470
FOR SALE $50 OR UNDER Sell it!
BRESNEHAN, Cynthia Betty.
Passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at St John’s Respect on Monday, July 24, 2023. Aged 82 years.
Loving and loved mother of Kathleen, Kevin and Sandra, and Judith. Cherished grandmother of Oliver, Madeline, Sebastian and Jarrod. Great-grandmother of Iris and Lewis. Forever loved and missed.
O’CALLAGHAN, Lesley.
The Committee of Management, Management, Staff and Residents of St Catherine’s extend our deepest sympathy to Jenny, John, Peter, Adrian, Catherine Pia, Janine, John and family on Lesley’s passing.
RITCHENS, Kenneth Charles “Dingo”. 10/7/1947 – 23/7/2023
Passed away peacefully at Northeast Health Wangaratta. Son of Alice and Bruce (both dec). Loved brother of Alex and Jenny, Carmel, Alan. Loving uncle to all his nieces and nephews. Remembered with love.
BRESNEHAN
The funeral service to celebrate the life of Ms Cynthia Bresnehan will be held on Friday, July 28, 2023 in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta commencing at 2pm. Private cremation will follow.
Cynthia’s service can be viewed via livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming/
A funeral experience... not just a funeral service
P. 03 5721 5060 W. masonpark.com.au
The only family owned funeral home in Wangaratta
Proud Member of Australian Funeral Directors Association
John & Christine Haddrick
All Hours
The memory of a much loved family member or friend can live on through a donation to your local health service Northeast Health Wangaratta. This is a direct way of helping us to continually improve patient care and comfort, ensuring the availability of comprehensive health services in our local community.
Family and friends can make a donation in lieu of flowers in recognition of the medical care and attention provided.
Community Engagement Team (03) 5722 5069 or PO Box 386, Wangaratta, Vic 3676.
The service to celebrate the life of Mr Kenneth Charles “Dingo” Ritchens will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Friday, July 28, 2023 at 11am. Burial will follow at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery.
BOOTED:
CLEARANCE:
BEST: KANGAROOS: Curtis Hines, Leonard Clayton, Mario Sacco, Luca Pizzini, Sonny McCormack, Will Graham JUNIOR MAGPIES: Hamish Ormond, John Wohlers, Lachlan Suffield, Corey Petersen, Jackson Hewitt, Callum Bott.
KANGAROOS: Alexander Hines
Curtis Hines
BEST: COLLEGE: Lenny Sims, Sam Reid, Harrison Bowman, Hudson McKenzie, Joshua Duffy, Jay Llewellyn CENTRALS: Connor Ormond, Beau Johns, Dean Balfour, Kaiden Wohlers, Reid McNamara, Aiden Castle.
Lenny Sims
Harvey Lyster
Ryan
COLLEGE: Jay Guley, Luke O’Brien, Luke Pensak, Zachary Tamme, Anthony McKeown, Reegan Monk. CENTRALS: Angus Fraser, Samuel Elkington, Archie Knobel, Lucas Doig, Will Boulton, Cooper Blair. GOALS:
Harvey Jacka
BEST: COLLEGE: Ayden Peebles, Charlie Lugg, Cormac McNamara, Hudson Lloyd, Tom Rebbechi, Fraser Burgan. CENTRALS: Bailey Paul, Hayden Currie, Charlie Kerwin, Angus Jayet, Hunter Barry, Cody Johnson.
Charlie Lugg
Hudson
Benalla Bulldogs
Cormac McNamara
Fraser Burgan
BEST: MANSFIELD: Jack Marks, James Benton, Adam Storer, Samuel Guppy, Mitchell Adams, Astin Browning. BENALLA BULLDOGS: Lachlan Glass, Private player, Christian Squires, Jaxon Brunner. GOALS: MANSFIELD: Adam Storer 10, Samuel Guppy 6, James Benton 44, Harry Craddock 1, Ethan Pigdon 1, Nick Taylor 1. BENALLA BULLDOGS: Private player 1.
Benalla Giants
Myrtleford
BEST: BENALLA GIANTS: Owain Boyle, Xavier Wapling, Bryce Cooney, Josh Hart, Mitchell Cooney, Logan Hyland. MYRTLEFORD: Samuel Crisp, Thomas Morgan, Jake Skahill, Tai Miller, Liam McManus, Taj Cooper.
GOALS: BENALLA GIANTS: Owain Boyle 2, Lochlan Duggan 1, Ryder Levy 1, Xavier Wapling 1. MYRTLEFORD: Cooper Howden 5, Jock Pascoe
3, Erik Martin 2, Oscar Benson 1, Taj Cooper 1, Patrick McLean 1, Liam McManus 1, Tai Miller 1, Jake Skahill 1, Ryley Skahill 1.
Bright 0.1 0.1 1.4 1.4.10
Imperials 2.7 9.8 15.8 21.9.135
BEST: BRIGHT: Zac Bradley, Bailey Brady, Nathan Alexander, Ryley West, Henry Lindner, Noah McMonagle. IMPERIALS: Marshall Semmens, Parker Stamp, Jay Canning, Angus Schultz, Declan O’Sullivan, Dylan C Savage.
GOALS: BRIGHT: Tyson Brierty 1. IMPERIALS: Will Prebble 5, Dylan C Savage 5, Nicholas Kjar 3, Jed Marek 2, Benjamin Rea 2, Luke Griffiths 1, Kai McPhan 1, Harrison O’Brien 1, Max Startin 1.
BEST: MANSFIELD - YELLOW: Andrew Friday, Samuel Kain, Ben Baklis, Xavier Maroney, Nicholas Hoskin, Gus Robinson. TIGERS: Mitchell Benton, Mac Correll, Xavier Dodgshun, Nate O’Keefe, Sam Morey, Thomas Jones.
MANSFIELD - YELLOW: Xavier Maroney 3, Samuel Kain
Henry Banks
Taj Kynnersley
Jaxon Wickham
Judd Turner
BEST: MANSFIELD - BLUE: Cruz Purday, Tia-Tane Paraone, Zac Hotton, Liam Smith, Bodhi Killeen, James Wellborne. BENALLA BULLDOGS: Nate Nicholas, Kobi Thwaites, Ryder Robertson, Jack Montgomery, Luke Boulton, Jye Mathieson. GOALS: MANSFIELD - BLUE: Tia-Tane Paraone 6, Orlando Miller 3, Alex Kipping 2, Liam Smith 1, Oscar Smyth 1. BENALLA BULLDOGS: Billy Dyer 1, Ryder Robertson
BEST: BENALLA GIANTS: Josh Hart, Harrison Skelton, William Martin, Dustin McCarthy, Liam Fielding, Kai Dervish. MYRTLEFORD: Ryder Harris, Skylah McPherson, Austin Robb, Sam Muraca, Benjamin McMasters, Noah Robb. GOALS: BENALLA GIANTS: Josh Hart 4. MYRTLEFORD: Benjamin McMasters 3, Lucas McKeone 2, Taylor McPherson 1, Austin
BEST: BRIGHT: Joe Brewster, Harry West, Matthew McCann, Fraser Stephens, Stefan Murdzevski, Gabriel Banks. IMPERIALS: Max Marek, Archer Direen, Jake O’Connor, Beau Benton, Ryley Canning. GOALS: BRIGHT: Gabriel Banks 2, Fraser Stephens 2, Oscar Lewis 1, Alex Tanaskovic 1. IMPERIALS: Harry Allen 1, Ryley Canning 1, Archer Direen 1, Finn Hughes 1, Isaac Robinson 1.
Kangaroos JFC Under 14s vs Junior Magpies U14 (Forfeit)
BEST: KANGAROOS: Charlie Kelly, Bodi Jackson, Luca Solimo, Dustin McAninly, Amelie Booth, Michael Sacco. JUNIOR MAGPIES: Winston Maiden, Archie Johnson, Robert Stribley, Dodge Lawrey, Tyson White, George Thomas. GOALS: KANGAROOS: Bodi Jackson 5, Luca Solimo 5, Jack Pople 1. JUNIOR MAGPIES: Lukas Cannata
BEST: MYRTLEFORD: Jake Jennings, William Koers, Gemma Corcoran, Milla Corcoran, Orlando Hunkin, Claye Corcoran. BENALLA BULLDOGS: Ben Wells, Hugh Ross, Ryan white, Joshua Montgomery, Oliver Parker, Joshua Bamford. GOALS: BENALLA BULLDOGS: Oliver Parker 4, Riley Hilton 1, Hugh Ross 1, Oliver Wardill 1, Ben Wells 1.
BEST: BENALLA GIANTS: Thomas Mount, Thomas Snell, Xavier De Fazio, Jack Hart, Samuel Mount, Jude Binion. MYRTLEFORD - BLACK: Noah Harris, Blake Parolin, Nash Durling, Zahra Hazeldine, Xavier Millar, Benjamin McLean. GOALS: BENALLA GIANTS: Thomas Mount 3, Jack Hart 2, Jude Binion 1, Xavier De Fazio 1. MYRTLEFORD - BLACK: Alexander Cooke 1, Mitch McMasters 1, Oscar Szaraszek 1.
BEST: BRIGHT: David Finlaw, Harris Bruneau, Ari Payne, Oliver Kelly, Campbell Nightingale, Cameron Wood. IMPERIALS: Jack Ambrose, Jack Ginnivan, Judd Campbell, James Irvine, Thomas Sealey. GOALS: BRIGHT: Khy Andersen 1, David Finlaw 1, Kody Watkins 1. IMPERIALS: Gus Marek 1, Samuel K Savage 1.
THREE former long-serving Wangaratta Turf Club committee members were honoured for their commitment to the club on Friday.
Brian Creed, Denis Wilson and Kevin Kurrle were presented with recognition of service plaques for their enduring service to the turf club committee and the Wangaratta Committee of Management, over decades of volunteer hours.
There weren’t many roles on the committee Wilson did not fill in his 40 years at the turf club, which included serving as president, junior manager and treasurer among others as a life member of the club.
Wilson said while his passion for volunteering for the
RECOGNITION: Kevin Kurrle, Denis Wilson and Brian Creed (absent) were recognised by the Wangaratta Turf Club on Friday with appreciation plaques for their years of volunteer service with the club. PHOTOS: Bailey Zimmermann
committee was never for the recognition, he was appreciative of the turf club’s generous gesture.
“When you’re on committees, you go on there with a purpose to help your club; I’ve always had an interest
for racing and for me whatever I could do to help racing in the area I put time into that,” he said.
“You get a bit thin on the ground with people, especially in the last few years over COVID; you end up do-
ing a few other things.
“Mainly I like the breeding of horses and then I got interested in racing, I’m not a big punter but I’ll have a bet.
“I think horses get in your blood a bit and it’s an inter-
est and a hobby; and it stays with you.
“I thank the people who I’ve been with on the committee and have supported the club and the committee through the time I’ve been on it.”
Creed was unable to at-
tend the presentation of the plaques due to a late COVID-19 diagnosis, but was recognised for over 20 years of service to the club.
As a painter by trade, he used his knowledge to contribute in the renovations, planning and infrastructure of the course which went through major improvements over his time.
Kurrle was a member on both the turf club committee and committee of management for over 20 years, and was well-known for operating and founding the equine studies course at GOTAFE’s Tone Road campus.
“I was very happy doing this with these people, we’ve looked after the place and I’m really happy with all of us who used to do some pretty good jobs,” he said.
DOMINANCE: Mark Comensoli secured his 12th Tony Constantino perpetual shield, reigning victorious in the A grade division of the Wangaratta Table Tennis Association.
IT was action stations at Wangaratta Table Tennis Association’s clubhouse last Wednesday, July 19 for the annual club championships, with singles and doubles events for all three grades were played.
Mark Comensoli once
Bushrangers
Basketball (NEBB) is a collaboration between local North East basketball associations with the commitment of “Creating Realistic Pathways for all North East Athletes”
Eleven NEBB junior teams compete in the Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) - the highest level junior competition in Victoria.
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.
again outplayed the ‘young guns’ this year to reclaim the Tony Constantino perpetual shield in the A grade singles championship.
This is the 12th time Mark has won the award.
Mark defeated Corey Dagoli, Nathan Vincent, An-
ROUND RESULTS:
drew Lindner and lastly Tom Brown in the final to win the award.
Club Championship results:
A grade Singles winner: Mark Comensoli, R/Up: Tom Brown.
A grade Doubles winners:
U14 Boys 1 41 def by Altona 1 55
(Top Scorers: Keoni Anderson 18, Sam Lupo 10, Harris Kain 5)
U14 Boys 2 26 def by Keilor 5 47
(Top Scorers: Brock Buckland 7, Cruz McAuliffe 5, Joseph Milton 4)
U14 Girls 1 31 def McKinnon 1 29
(Top Scorers: Ella Mercieca 18, Scarlett Van Schaik 4, Lily Purss 3)
U14 Girls 2 50 def Surfcoast 1 15
(Top Scorers: Kaity Ford 10, Allira Cullinger 10, Ruby Pickles 7Paige Ely 3)
U16 Boys 1 45 def Casey 1 42
(Top Scorers: Cooper Clark 10, Sdashiell Smith 9, Owain Boyle 8)
U16 Boys 2 46 def Ballarat 3 44
(Top Scorers: Sam Kain 16, Seth Graham 8, Mateo Hanley 7)
U16 Girls 1 68 def by Diamond Valley 1 105
(Top Scorers: Molly Moylan 20, Mekenzie Wood 14, Indianna Phillips 9)
U16 Girls 2 51 def Wallan 1 31
(Top Scorers: Sophia Kotzur 15, Lily Moffatt 9, Sienna Sampson 8)
U18 Boys 1 69 def Bulleen 1 54
(Top Scorers: Lochie Harvey 21, Coen Ainsworth 12, Ely Reid 11)
U18 Boys 2 36 def by Diamond Valley 3 56
(Top Scorers: Riley Hutton 11, Cam Cooper 10, Bailey Allen 5)
U18 Girls 38 def by Camberwell 1 42
(Top Scorers: Jess Freeman 14, Milly Evans 7, Elyssa Cole 5)
YLM 117 def by Casey 110
(Top Scorers: Jesse King 48, Sam Gebauer 18, Jordan Birch 15)
Tom Brown and Corey Dagoli, R/Up Mark Comensoli and Robert Voss.
B grade Singles winner: Andrew Higgins, R/Up Ted Tatulaschwili.
B grade Doubles winners: Ted Tatulaschwili and Klaus Kazenwadel, R/Up
Aaron Thrum and Rod Gerrett.
A thrilling singles win for Andrew Higgins in his first year back from a break. Congratulations Andrew!
C grade Singles winner: Reggie Kanaskar, R/Up Julie Lindner.
C grade Doubles winners: Liam O’Keefe and Jake Delloro, R/Up Chloe Butterworth and Reggie Kanaskar.
The youngster Reggie was calm and focused in the singles final to win his first championship. Well done Reggie!
WANGARATTA
Roversyoung gun Justin Lewis has been named the O&M’s latest rising star nominee. Lewis has been selected based on his transition from OMFNL underage divisions, into a consistent performer at senior level. A rising star is selected each month from a list of eligible nominees supplied by clubs.
A total of five nominees
in both football and netball will qualify for the Rising Star of the Year Award, to be presented at the Morris-Wilson Medal in September.
Lewis has played five senior games so far this season, booting six goals and featuring in the best on two occasions.
Wangaratta Rovers football operations manager Barry Sullivan said he’s been impressed by Lewis.
“Since arriving at Wang Rovers, Justin has impressed with his dedication and commitment to improving and has quickly endeared himself to teammates and supports alike with his uncompromising focus on team footy,” Sullivan said.
“He’s a no-fuss, talented young player who has stepped seamlessly into senior football and has a bright future ahead.”
By NATHAN DE VRIES
WANGARATTA City’s senior women’s side produced a stunning 4-2 win over top three team Albury United on Sunday, while the reserve squad denied Savoy victory with a nil-all draw.
Playing on their home deck, it didn’t take long for the division one side to find the back of the net, with Hannah Swindley getting the Lady Devils on the board just four minutes into proceedings.
The Lady Devils doubled the margin just four minutes later thanks to Zoe Marshall taking on the
keeper and succeeding.
In contrast, United had trouble penetrating Wangaratta’s defensive zone, with the Lady Devils heading into the half-time break with a 2-0 advantage.
The second half went goal for goal, as Wangaratta’s defenders limited United’s striking machine Paula Mitchell to just the one goal.
Some lucky deflections went Wangaratta’s way, with a legitimate own goal midway through the second half, but Beth Cope’s header was credited as another own goal.
Coach Dan Kelly said his side had settled, with players
comfortable in their positions.
“I’ve said all along to the girls, with the squad we’ll have for the last five or six games, I don’t think there’s a team that could match what we have,” he said.
“We’ve finally got people back in their proper positions.
“Sarah (Morris) is a defender but she’s played up front for us all season - I finally put her back in her position because United probably have the best forward in the league hands down in Paula Mitchell, who’s scored eight goals in the last two games.
“Putting someone back
with the experience of Sarah, with the older body and mentality, the younger girls started to pick up that they needed to go a bit harder and not mess around, put through challenges.
“It really showed, the girls really kept them at bay, kept them at chances from 30 or 40 yards.”
In the reserve match, Wangaratta stood tall and fought out a 0-0 draw with one of the top sides in the competition, Myrtleford.
Despite sitting in the lower half of the ladder, the Lady Devils weren’t intimidated by their rivals, and kept Savoy honest.
■ From back page
“The team showed a lot of passion and fight from the beginning so I’m really proud of the side.
“We’ve now beaten Myrtleford twice this year and that doesn’t happen too often so it’s a great achievement.
“I can’t fault anyone, everyone did their role, got stuck in and didn’t get drawn in to some of the stuff Myrtleford were doing, we just played our game.”
Raul Pahina was outstanding through the midfield, while youngsters Oscar O’Keefe and Tom Christison were solid contributors.
“Raul Pahina has been great for us through the midfield over the past few weeks,” Molinaro said.
“He controls the midfield and puts his body on the line when he tackles, he changes the momentum of the game.
“Unfortunately he got injured though so we’re going to have to wait and see how long he’ll be out for.”
Wangaratta City faces Wodonga Diamonds this weekend.
WANGARATTA A grade netballers took the chocolates over Albury at Norm Minns Oval on Saturday.
Wangaratta led by seven goals at the main break but the Magpies put the foot down in the third term, netting 18 goals to 10 on their way to a 52-37 victory.
Wangaratta coach Lou Byrne was reasonably pleased with the win.
“Our third quarter was definitely our best quarter,” Byrne said.
“We didn’t execute everything we need to throughout the day but we didn’t go too bad.
“Albury came at us in the first quarter and we were probably a bit sluggish and took a bit to get going but their momentum dropped off a bit which happens.”
Wangaratta has shown plenty of versatility in their combinations in 2023 but Byrne believes she’s starting to find the right mix.
“We haven’t quite found consistency in every quarter yet but that can be hard when you’re juggling players around like we’ve been this year,” she said.
“We’re still shuffling players around and finding strengths in combinations but it think we’ve nearly worked it out now.
“We know certain combinations work well so I think we’re heading in the right direction.”
The Magpies had plenty of avenues to goal with Amanda Umanski (19), Georgia Clark (19), Amy Byrne (8) and Kellie Keen (6) all contributing.
“We’ve definitely got a good mix in the goal circle,” Byrne said.
“The key is picking the right one at the right time but they’re all starting to work better and better and starting to hit their straps.
“Amanda’s getting there now and she’s probably taken the longest time to get where
ROUND 16
BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.aushe wants coming back from injury.”
Leah Jenvey was everywhere for the Magpies, while Ellie Cooper was also strong through the midcourt.
“Leah started in wing defence and then we changed that combo at half-time and put her into attack and Issy (Newton) to centre because we know they work well,” Byrne said.
“It definitely helps having the versatility we do because sometimes the plans we have don’t work and we have to go to plan B.
“You just never know how things will go on court.”
Tigers’ shooter Lilli Howe proved a handful for Wangaratta’s defence shooting 25 goals.
“Albury’s goal shooter was hard to contain,” Byrne said.
“Brooke (Pryse) probably didn’t have her best game, which is bound to happen at some stage in the season, so we shifted the defence around.”
The Magpies sit a game clear in second position and will face top five outfits Wodonga Raiders, Lavington and Myrtleford after this weekend’s league bye.
“We’ll have this weekend off but train as normal and try and keep the foot on the pedal,” Byrne said.
“We’ve only got three games left now and they’re all against top five teams so we want to be peaking over the next few weeks before finals.
“It’s definitely good that we’re playing better teams before finals because we have a bye in the last round so we need to be stepping into the first final in good form.”
THE weekend’s A grade netball results paint an exciting picture for the run into finals, as three teams vie for just two unclaimed positions in the top six.
Two such teams, King Valley and Goorambat, squared off at Whitfield on Saturday, with the Roos narrowly holding on to take the win by two goals 56-54.
After key Bats defender Brittany Button rolled her ankle early in the match, King Valley seized their chance and held a six goal margin at the half-time break, which Goorambat
eroded to just three heading into the final term.
Goorambat managed to even the scores late in the quarter but missed the vital goal to give them the lead, before the Roos pushed out by two goals to take the victory and the coveted fifth spot on the ladder.
Goorambat coach Sarah Osborne said her side worked well to bring the margin back after a slow start.
“We had a bit of a slow start, King Valley got a bit of momentum and the rest of the game we were trailing behind,” she said.
“We made a few changes (after half-time), I put myself
into centre and Amelia Gall went to wing defence which really helped.
“They had a really quick wing attack and Amelia put on some real one-on-one defensive pressure and made their wing attack work a bit harder.
“We were unable to capitalise on some really crucial turnovers, and ended up going down by two, but it was a great game to be a part of, and I know we all walked away really positive from it.”
The result puts the Roos ahead by a game in fifth, while Whorouly and the Bats sit sixth and seventh, respectively.
The Lions had a difficult
game against ladder leaders Milawa, trailing all day to go down 35-54.
Milawa’s Emily Canny was unstoppable in goal shooter, sinking 40 goals from 43 attempts, while Mic Larkings controlled play through her role in wing attack.
For Whorouly, their defenders worked hard all day forcing as many turnovers as they could, while Katie Ivone only missed five goal attempts for the day.
Elsewhere, Tarrawingee took a comprehensive win over North Wangaratta 5520, Bonnie Doon obliterated Benalla All Blacks 68-29, and Moyhu defeated Bright 59-30.
By WILLSON MACK
Premier A: Rovers Brown 34 (Jaymie Law) def Greta Blue 19 (Beth Tanner).
Tarra Blue 13 (Pip White) def by Magpies White 23 (Maisie Palmer).
Rovers Gold 14 (Stella Johnson) def by Magpies Black 29 (Fern Tucker).
Premier B: Rovers Pink 16 (Jorja Sessions) def by Yfnc 22 (Eliza Dowling).
Rovers Navy 13 (Phoebe Alexander) def by Greta White 13 (Ruby Finlayson).
Milawa Red 5 (Charlee Clark) def by Myrtleford Black 31 (Izzy Morrison).
Section 1: Milawa White 18 (Chelsea Canning) def by Rovers Black 23 (Remi Thewlis).
Whorouly Cubs 20 (Jasmine Uebergang) def Rovers Yellow 10 (Lucy Sinclair).
Tarra Red 20 (Charlotte Walker) def by Milawa Blue 22 (Bethany PerryHeyden).
Bright 21 (Tara Barnik) def Maltesers 17 (Matilda Park).
Section 2: Redbacks 3 (Brianna Robison) def by Myrtleford Red 28 (Willow Szarasek).
Jellybeans 24 (Annabell Martino) def The Strikers 20 (Olive O’Brien).
Alpha Wolves 13 (Georgia Kelly) def Wolf Pack 5 (Dasha Manning).
Section 3: The Diamonds 23 (Ruby) def Fantales 14 (Ally Wallace).
Sharks 6 (Harriet Way) def by Golden Girls 11 (Imogen O’Keefe).
Wild West 2 (Ruby Drage) def by Dream Team 19 (Baylee Warton).
WITH a bye for the open women and under 17 teams, Wangaratta Rovers’ under 14 female football team travelled to Wodonga’s Martin Park on Sunday for its clash with the Bulldogs.
Playing numbers have been strong across the season, and there were 20 players keen for this week’s contest.
Trinity Hassgall was appointed captain for the first time this season, in recognition of her consistency on-field, and positivity and encouragement towards her teammates.
The game was a very physical contest right from the start, with the Rovers finding their feet in the first quarter against a strong tackling, bumping and shepherding Bulldogs outfit.
Two excellent passages of play, starting with some great taps out of the ruck by Zierra Melbourne, had the ball deep in the Hawks’ forward line.
In the goal square, Lara Maples managed to collect a ground ball and get it onto her boot, with the ball narrowly touched by an opponent before it could sail across the line, registering the Rovers’ only score for the game.
The second quarter was played largely in the Bulldogs’ forward half, and the Rovers’ defenders worked hard to shut down their opponents, win contests and kick the ball out of the back 50.
After a quick reset at halftime, the Hawks put the focus on shrinking the gap on-field between their back and forward line players, attempting to spoil marks when caught behind opponents, and bringing pressure with shepherds and bumps to help out teammates.
Lily Currie Fraser, Molly Thomas and Inanay Gilson were all playing hard inside the contest, trying to win the
ball clear to a teammate.
Amy Lowe and Hannah Carroll were instrumental in defence, helping to put the brakes on lots of Bulldogs’ attempts at goal.
The final quarter had some of the best efforts defensively that the under 14s have produced this year, with some excellent tackles rewarded with free kicks, matching the physicality of the Bulldogs team, and repeated efforts from several Rovers players.
It’s been a great season of footy development and fun for the under 14s. They have one more opportunity next week to display the huge improvement in individual and team skills they’ve made this year.
Final score: Wangaratta Rovers 0.1 (1) lost to Wodonga Bulldogs 5.7 (37).
Awards: Lily Currie Fraser, Inanay Gilson, Trinity Hassgall, Amy Lowe.
BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au
WANGARATTA City got the result they were after against Myrtleford at South Wangaratta Reserve on Sunday.
The rivalry between the two sides was on show but it was the Devils who proved too strong in the tight 2-1 contest.
The victory sees Wangaratta edge just one point behind the third-placed Boomers who were massively outplayed by Albury United on Sunday going down 7-1.
Wangaratta City coach Raff Molinaro said taking on their traditional rivals brought the best out of his charges.
“It was one of those wins where it felt like the whole club lifted,” Molinaro said.
“There seemed to be a lot more people watching it because it was a derby and the players really showed up for it and showed what they can do.
“To win from 1-1 and then hold Myrtleford out for the rest of the game was great.”
Xander Van Bergen found the back of the net first before Dan Kelly scored the match-winner around the 70th minute.
James Pursell whipped a ball into the box which Kelly would finish.
“We went defensive after ‘DK’ (Kelly) scored his goal so it was great that we held on and kept Myrtleford out,” Molinaro said.
“We actually could’ve gone 3-1 up after Archer Hill was dropped in the box but ‘DK’ skied the penalty.”
The derby always proves to be an entertaining affair and Molinaro said it doesn’t take much to get his boys up for it.
“We’ve got a lot more players who are based in Wangaratta and have been at the club for a long time so they know what the derby means to the club,” he said.
“It doesn’t take much to get the boys up for the Myrtleford games and that was the case on Sunday.
■ Continued page 17
