TODAY
14o
Fog then sunny
15o 15o THURS T HURS
FRI FR
o SAT AT
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
www.wangarattachronicle.com.au
$1.80 INC. GST
Pho Phone (03) 5723 0100
Burglar chased from home Page 3
THE BEST OF MATES
plus
tv
GUIDE
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 PHOTO: Jeff Zeuschner
Derby win for Devils
Sport
Digital hub to reopen 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.
WANGARATTA BEARINGS AND INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
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
75 TONE RD WANGARATTA VIC 3677
03 5721 6633
Agricul
tural
s Tr a i l e r s i o n is m Hose Tr a n s n s o r i g t o Cast Irriga We l d i n n s o t i i s t b g a Drill earin Lubric ols re. . . ucts B ts d s o r r e P t e r To lots mo l r i w l s F o e u Ai l P B p s ools otive itting Hand T Autom Safety Brass F