Wangaratta Chronicle 270324

and one in six children don’t have adequate access to essential clothing.

When Wangaratta Baptist Church Pastor Aaron Wardle heard about the concept, he felt it could be a good fit for the rural city, and set about making it part of the church’s practical efforts to bring hope to people in need.

“If we can restore some dignity and hope where there is none, what better thing could we do for our community?” he said.

“This is a really dignified way of helping people in need.”

Thread Together collects brand new, end-of-line stock from some of Australia’s largest fashion retailers.

With the support of volunteers, these clothes are sorted in readiness for distribution to people

Eldorado brigades dominate titles

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

ELDORADO’S CFA brigade made history last weekend with their most successful showing at a State Firefighter Championships.

Competing at Mooroopna last Saturday against the best rural brigades in the state, the Eldorado senior division one and division three teams took out the aggregate championships, while their division two team came in third to round out a widely successful weekend.

In the division one ag-

gregate, the Eldorado brigade took out the Low Down Pump and Ladder, Tanker Hose Reel and Ladder, and Tanker Drawing Water from Tank events on their way to lifting the perpetual trophy, holding off Hurtsbridge brigade.

Eldorado entered two teams in division two, with Eldorado B winning the Hydrant and Tanker event while Eldorado C won the Tanker Priming, Pumping and Ladder event and came second in the Tanker Drawing Water from Tank on their way to the third step on the podium.

Eldorado’s division three team scored points in all six events in a thrilling aggregate victory over Maiden Gully’s brigade by six points.

The Springhurst brigade competed hard at the senior championships, winning one of the six events in the division one aggregate.

On Sunday, the juniors took to the stage with Gapsted’s 11-13 years team scoring points in three events to be the highest gran aggregate Wangaratta-based team, while Eldorado’s 11-15 years team took out third in the Tanker Drawing Water from Tank event.

Initiative helping save clothes from landfill, to provide for those in need

■ From page 1

“We have been on-boarding referral agencies since the end of last year, and we are ready to make bookings,” Pastor Aaron said.

“It’s just a matter of people knowing the service exists, because they don’t know yet to ask for it.”

Pastor Aaron said the service had been utilised prior to Christmas by a number of people, including a 17-year-old who had left home and was temporarily moving in with another family.

“He had no money and no options, and he came and chose the clothes he wanted; the change in his demeanour was amazing - he went from being closed-up and down, to leaving bright and happy,” he said.

“That’s the reason we do this - that bit of hope, love, care and attention we can provide, that bit of opportunity for people to think there is good in the world.

“Thread Together is designed to be a really hopeful experience; when you’re down and in need, you can come here and feel like you’re in any other shop, and get to choose your own clothes.

“The service can work, for in-

stance, with women fleeing domestic violence who might have nothing; children in the foster care system; people who are homeless; the long-term unemployed seeking clothing for job interviews; refugees; those in financial distress; or in times of natural disaster, Thread Together can re-clothe 100 families in quick time.

“If the family budget is struggling to put food in the table, it would be hard to afford new clothing as well, so that’s where we can step in and meet that need.

“The initiative has already saved five million items from landfill, and even fittings in the store have been saved from retail stores which would otherwise have had to throw them away.”

Initially, the service is available on Wednesday afternoons, but Pastor Aaron said emergency bookings could also be made.

It has been supported by $7500 in Home and Community Care Program for Younger People funding via the Rural City of Wangaratta, and a $3000 RSL community grant.

“We lease the building, as we don’t have the space for Thread

Together at our current church, and that’s where a lot of our funding goes,” Pastor Aaron said.

The initiative does not need clothing donations, as they are provided through the program, but donations of funds to cover operating costs and gaps in the market can be directed to Thread Together Wangaratta

BSB: 083945 ACC: 317678370.

Pastor Aaron said while the service was currently available to those within the Rural City of Wangaratta, it was hoped it could expand over time to include the entire North East region. He said volunteers, including a coordinator, were being sought to assist in the shop, and anyone interested in offering their time could email threadtogether@wangarattabaptist.com.

au

“You don’t need to have a retail background, you just need to love other people,” Pastor Aaron said.

“It may also be a great opportunity for volunteers seeking retail experience for their CV.

“The more volunteers we have, the more time we can be open.”

Dr Fidge appeals judge's ruling on vaccination case

WANGARATTA doctor Julian Fidge is appealing a decision by the Federal Court earlier this month after a judge ruled his case against Pfizer and Moderna had no prospects of success.

Dr Fidge's case had essentially questioned the genetic make-up of the Pfizer and Moderna engineered COVID-19 vaccinations and requested an injunction against the companies' use of genetically modified organisms.

He had sought injunctions against the respondents for "dealing with genetically modified organisms in Australia without the requisites licence under the Gene Technology Act 2000".

As a GP practitioner, he believes he has been coerced into using RNA injectables (COVID-19 vaccinations) by the state and federal governments.

Man saved by AED on Buffalo

A MAN was kept alive by the use of a nearby automated external defibrillator (AED) when he suffered a heart attack near Lake Catani on Sunday, according to Myrtleford SES controller David Coates.

Mr Coates said the Myrtleford SES were called to the incident around 11:30am, where SES members used a single-wheeled stretcher, known as a mule, to bring the man from a walking track to an ambulance.

The man, estimated to be in his 60s, was then taken to an air ambulance.

According to Mr Coates, members of the public used the AED at the Lake Catani campground to keep the man alive until paramedics arrived, while police blocked traffic to ensure the incident was handled smoothly.

SES respond to motorcycle injury

THE Myrtleford SES assisted at a motorcycle accident on a dirt track in Dederang on Sunday.

According to Myrtleford SES controller David Coates, the SES crew were called to the incident at 9am, and assisted police and Ambulance Victoria to transport the rider to a nearby ambulance by using a ute and spine board.

He said the man, believed to be 27 years, had come off his bike and had suspected spinal injuries.

ON FIRE: The Eldorado CFA brigade celebrate two division aggregate victories and a third placed finish in their most successful State Firefighter Championship performance in their history.

OFFERING HOPE: Wangaratta Baptist Church Pastor Aaron Wardle in the Thread Together clothing hub, which he described as “a really dignified way of helping people in need”. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

A MAN charged over the daylight burglary of a Wangaratta jewellery store in February has been denied bail due to his extensive history of misconduct.

Appearing in custody at Ballarat Magistrates Court on Monday, the court heard the defendant is facing charges over multiple alleged offences committed from July 2022 to March this year.

He and a co-accused are charged with the alleged burglary and causing more than $17,000 worth of dam-

age at Wangaratta’s Prouds the Jewellers on February 1.

Informant Senior Constable Josh Crawford of Ballarat police said the accused was “well known” to the local force, with alleged offending including $441 worth of stolen petrol drive-offs, driving with a suspended or disqualified licence, drug use, family violence order interventions and armed burglary.

The court was told the accused was arrested at a Ballarat APCO fuel station in the early hours of March 18, after he allegedly fled from police.

Police allegedly found a loaded .22 calibre firearm after the arrest, which they contend is linked to the accused.

Defence counsel Ken Baker argued there was a testable issue with the charge of being in possession of the firearm, which would likely be contested.

The court heard the accused was diagnosed with a mental condition (schizophrenia) and required a monthly injection to treat his condition.

Mr Baker said according to a medical report tendered

to the court, the accused had missed an injection in January, which may have contributed to his alleged offending in Wangaratta.

The defendant also showed intent to place an intervention order on his co-accused of the Wangaratta smash and grab, who was “not welcome” by his family at home and was also alleged to be involved in a similar burglary with the accused of a Prouds the Jewellers store in Geelong last year.

“It reduces his risk of re-offending if he is away from the co-accused in his most serious

matters,” Mr Baker said.

Magistrate Michelle Hodgson said while a majority of the accused’s alleged offending would not be worth imprisonment, the alleged petrol drive-offs and alleged involvement in the jewellery store burglaries were concerning.

“These are significant criminal offences,” she said.

“I can say with confidence that for the remainder of the charges, it’s a fairly strong case against you.”

Magistrate Hodgson said while there were a number of compelling reasons to grant

bail, the accused’s history of re-offending while on community correction orders posed too great a risk.

“I am not satisfied I can put conditions in place to an acceptable level of risk,” she said.

“I have no confidence based on your previous conduct you would comply with any conditions proposed.”

The man’s co-accused of the Wangaratta and Geelong burglaries has been identified but remains at large.

The defendant is set to return to court on April 15.

Alleged jewellery thief refused bail Businessman honoured with national award

By JORDAN DUURSMA

HIGHLY respected and admired Wangaratta businessman, George Prothero (pictured right), was honoured with the prestigious 2024 Clive Martella Service to Industry Award at the 2024 FTMA National Conference last week.

The award celebrates Mr Prothero’s monumental near half-century career within the timber frame and truss sector, beginning when he was just 15 years old and culminating in his own business at Alpine Truss, which has become a beacon of innovation and excellence in the industry at Wangaratta over the past two decades.

Under Mr Prothero’s guidance, Alpine Truss has grown to be one of the city’s largest employees and is known not just for its exceptional products and safety protocols, but also for its employee-centric culture and significant contributions to the local economy.

The Clive Martella Service to Industry Award is presented to individuals who demonstrate outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to the timber frame and truss sector.

Mr Prothero’s receipt of this year’s award underscores his role not only as a visionary leader but as a driving force for industry collaboration and advancement.

Upon receiving this distinguished honour, Mr Prothero shared his ap-

preciation for the collective spirit of the industry and the crucial support of his team at Alpine Truss.

“I am deeply humbled by this recognition, which truly belongs to the entire Alpine Truss family and our collaborators across the industry,” he said.

The award ceremony also saw the unveiling of a symbolic timber slab trophy, engraved with Mr Prothero’s name and decorated with the FTMA logo, signifying the strength and unity of the timber and truss community.

FTMA chief executive officer, Kirsten Gentle, said Mr Prothero’s legacy will no doubt inspire current and future generations in the timber frame and truss industry, embodying the spirit of innovation, leadership and community service that the Clive Martella Service to Industry Award celebrates.

Easter appeal tradition continues at

By SHANE DOUTHIE

IT wouldn’t be Easter at Glenrowan unless local CFA members are out and about door knocking for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

Like every Good Friday brigade volunteers will start at around 9.30am on Friday at

Hamilton Park and then work their way back into Glenrowan before lunch and then on toward Greta West in the afternoon, according to Geoff Smith, CFA Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal area manager.

“Last year we raised $7920 and we hope to beat that this year but it could be a little bit harder

than usual with the closure of the pub,” he said.

“If you hear the sirens or see the lights get out and donate.

“You can also donate online, just go to the Glenrowan Good Friday Appeal virtual tin https:// fundraise.goodfridayappeal. com.au/fundraisers/Glenrowan).”

GLENROWAN GIVES: RCH Good Friday Appeal fundraisers from the Glenrowan CFA (from left) Geoff, Sharlee and David Smith, will be among those collecting on Friday.

PHOTO: Chloe Jaenicke

Glenrowan

New GOTAFE students welcomed, others celebrating achievements

By CHLOE JAENICKE

MARCH was a month of welcoming new students and celebrating achievements at GOTAFE.

Graduations and O-Week events took place over the course of March at Wangaratta and other GOTAFE campuses.

“We see both O-Week and graduations as celebrations of new beginnings – the first step into a new study path and the first step into having an impact in the communities and industries across GOTAFE’s footprint,” said Laura Baker, GOTAFE acting executive director growth and engagement.

Some 1586 students completed their studies with GOTAFE over the past 12 months, while more than 1300 have so far commenced studying in 2024.

Wangaratta GOTAFE had their graduation ceremony on Tuesday, March 19 at the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre.

One of the graduates was Kate Reid, who juggled being a busy mother

CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS: GOTAFE CEO Kristie O’Brien spoke at the Wangaratta graduation ceremony.

of two with studying.

Ms Reid is currently working as a National Patient Transport officer in Wangaratta, and has recently commenced further studies at La Trobe University.

“Nursing was always a dream career for me,” she said.

“Once I had children, I decided I wanted to make them proud and so nursing was something I wanted to pursue so they knew they could always follow their dreams.”

CELEBRATING STUDENTS:

Emcee Paris Zachariou led a panel with student ambassadors Tracey Paterson, Kate Reid, Jono Chan and Alanna Birch.

GRADUATING STUDENTS:

Many students celebrated their graduation at Wangaratta GOTAFE on March 19.

Alarming drownings over Easter weekends

AFTER a tragic summer with 99 drowning deaths and many more hospitalisations from non-fatal drowning incidents, holidaymakers in the North East over Easter are being urged to take care around waterways.

Royal Life Saving research reports that a total of 123 drowning deaths have occurred during the Easter holidays over the past 20 years, an average of six drowning fatalities per four-day long weekend.

Drowning over Easter occurs most frequently at rivers, while swimming and recreating or boating.

The data shows that, compared to other

times of the year, people drowned further away from home during the Easter long weekend.

Royal Life Saving chief executive officer Justin Scarr said many people head to regional locations for their holidays to swim, boat or paddle in rivers, lakes and dams which often appear calm on the surface but may have unseen dangers.

“Everyone needs to wear a lifejacket when boating, fishing or paddling,” he said.

“Always Keep Watch and keep children within arm’s reach, designate an adult to supervise during gatherings around all bodies of water, including the backyard swimming pool.”

Conveniently located directly opposite the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery, the Mason Park Chapel is a beautiful venue to host the Funeral ceremony of a loved one.

We are equipped with the latest audio visual technology including livestreaming, have plenty of off street parking, and the option of the adjacent Memories Room Function Centre.

Easter warning: sweet for us but toxic for pets

WANGARATTA pet owners are being warned of the dangers of tasty treats this Easter, flagging chocolate and hot cross buns as toxic to cats and dogs, and Easter Lillies as toxic to cats.

Dr Bronwyn Oke, chief veterinarian at RSPCA Victoria, said keeping these treats and plants away from pets is vital.

“Chocolate and fruits like grapes, sultana’s and raisins can cause serious health issues for pets,” Dr Oke warned.

“Human chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic for dogs and cats, while fruit like grapes, sultanas and raisins can cause kidney failure.

“It’s important to take all incidents seriously, particularly if you’re not sure how much your pet has eaten.

“Time is of the essence when chocolate or these fruits have been eaten, don’t take a ‘wait and see’ approach, as it could cause too much damage or sadly result in death.

“Cats are the ones at risk with lilies, with every part of the plant - leaves, stems, petals, pollen - all posing a serious risk to your cat’s health.

“Even a small amount of the plant can cause lifethreatening medical issues, particularly damage to the kidneys, and death can occur as soon as one to two days after ingestion.

“If you fear your cat may have ingested some lily, call your vet immediately.”

If your pet has eaten chocolate, symptoms may include restlessness, excitement, hyperactivity, nervousness, trembling, vomiting, diarrhoea, increased drinking and urination, increased heart rate, muscle tremors, seizures, and possibly death.

“By the time your pet is showing symptoms it’s potentially already a lifethreatening situation, please don’t wait to get treatment,” Dr Oke continued.

Tips to keep your pets safe this Easter:

• Know where your nearest emergency vet clinic is and have their contact details ready.

• Keep chocolate, any fruit-based hot cross buns, and Lillies out of reach from pets.

• If you know, or even suspect, your pet has consumed any of them, act quickly, get them to a vet clinic as soon as possible.

For more information on how to keep you pet safe visit: https://rspcavic.org/ learn/easter-tips/.

EASTER MENACE: Dr Bronwyn Oke, pictured with Dakota, warns chocolate and hot cross buns are toxic to cats and dogs, and Easter Lillies are toxic to cats.

Laceby to Wangaratta hospital on horseback

BY JORDAN DUURSMA jduursma@ nemedia.com.au

TUP Forge and Eadie Ezerard made the trek on horseback from Laceby to Northeast Health Wangaratta on Sunday to visit Tup’s Nanna Lorraine Forge.

Tup and Eadie rode Fox and Chappo on a round trip that took six hours to surprise Lorraine, who is recovering from a broken hip and COVID.

Tup said they managed to pull off the surprise visit with the help of her Mum who wheeled Nanna out to see the horses riding down the street.

“Nanna was so excited, we never told her we were coming and we surprised her,” Tup said.

“Mum walked her out of the hospital, and we rode down the street and she was so excited.”

Tup said they came up with the idea after visiting her Nanna the day before, when they took Lorraine’s little dog in there because she was missing her animals and the farm life.

“Nan got quite emotional, when we left I felt like there was something more I needed to do,” Tup said.

“Eadie and I thought we’ve got to get on our horses and work them anyway, why don’t we ride

them into town to go see Nan and kill two birds with one stone.”

Lorraine has been in hospital for more than four weeks now.

“She went in there after a fall, she broke her hip and then ended up having COVID as well and was put into isolation,” Tup said.

“It was good for her to be able to come out, she’s missing home so desperately.

“It was really nice to be able to do something special for her.

“Nanna is doing really good after the visit, it sparked her up a lot.”

Lorraine is 92 and has lived in the King Valley her whole life.

The Forge family has been in the region for generations and are a traditional horse and cattle family.

Lorraine used to ride a horse to school everyday and is still regularly out checking cattle calving, checking wild dog traps up in the bush and moving stock.

“Nan can be found at all our horse events at Forges Farm and is well known by all our competitors as she sits on the sidelines cheering everyone along,” Tup said.

“As we pass Nanna’s farm on our annual droving trips, where we walk our cattle down the valley from Lake Buffalo to our home block and back up again, I pick Nanna up and she comes to help deliver smokos and lunches to all the drovers on horseback and

runs a good eye over all the cattle.

“She’s not like a lot of other 92 year olds.

“If there’s something going on and she can be involved she is right there.”

It wasn’t just Lorraine who enjoyed having a visit from the horses.

Tup said people’s reactions were great.

“We had heaps of people pulling up and taking photos, we pulled up at a couple of parks and the kids were all patting them,” she said.

“We chose two of our really quiet horses, Fox and Chappo, and it was a really good day for them to train.

“They are workhorses so they were pretty happy to have a bit of a walk down the street, they soaked up all the pats and just loved it.”

Lorraine’s neighbour from Edi Upper is also in hospital and was able to come out and see the horses, Tup said.

“His family heard that we were out the front, there must have been a bit of a word from inside and he came out as well, so it was really nice for him to see the horses,” she said.

“A few residents were looking out their windows to see the horses.

“It was good for everyone.”

RIDERS’ SURPRISE VISIT MADE HEADS TURN AND WAS A SHEER DELIGHT FOR NANNA FORGE

Thread Together an all-round winner

CONTRARY to what social media would often have us believe, we are much, much more than our appearances.

However, there is something to be said for donning an outfit in which you feel comfortable, confident and - most importantly - yourself.

Sometimes, life circumstances can stand in the way of our ability to achieve this, and as a result, it can impact our feelings of self-pride.

That’s why it’s been so wonderful to hear about the Thread Together initiative, and its arrival on the local scene via the Wangaratta Baptist Church.

Not only does this concept tackle the growing issue of fashion excess and the amount of clothing going to landfill, it also assists people facing some of the toughest moments of their lives - from fleeing domestic violence to experiencing homelessness, or being impacted by a natural disaster.

Locals whose need is identified by a referral agency can access Wangaratta’s Thread Together community clothing hub.

There, in a space beautifully decked out like any other retail store, they can choose two outfits from a selection of brand new, end-of-line stock sourced from some of Australia’s largest fashion retailers.

Imagine the difference in mindset that can be achieved by choosing your own outfit to wear to a job interview you hope will be your first step out of long-term unemployment.

Or, as a teenager, selecting clothes to wear to a school formal you thought you mightn’t be able to attend.

In a world where we strain to hear the positives, this one has ‘good news story’ written all over it.

The Australian QuizNo.68

1 Irwin “Skippy” Handelman is one of the main recurring characters in which 1980s TV series?

(a) Dynasty (b) Growing Pains (c) Family Ties (d) The A-Team

2 Oculus Rift is most closely associated with which of the following things?

(a) 3D printing (b) Virtual reality (c) Planetary motion (d) Tectonic plates

3 As at 2022, how many times has Australia won the AFC Women’s Asian Cup?

(a) Zero (b) One

(c) Two (d) Three

4 The Black Forest Railway is a popular tourist attraction in which country?

(a) Croatia (b) East Timor (c) South Africa (d) Germany

5 The 1970s album, Crime of the Century, was a highly successful album for which band?

(a) Supertramp (b) Sex Pistols

(c) Pink Floyd (d) The Rolling Stones

6 The game of mahjong originated in which country?

(a) Mongolia (b) Korea (c) Japan

(d) China

7 Former President Milton Obote was overthrown by which person?

(a) Muammar Gaddafi

(b) Idi Amin

(c) Manuel Noriega (d) Robert Mugabe

8 What is the capital city of Sweden?

(a) Stockholm

(b) Bern (c) Oslo

(d) Amsterdam

9 Louise Hay wrote a bestselling 1980s self-help book titled, ‘You Can Heal

Your’ what?

(a) World (b) Heart (c) Marriage (d) Life

10In what year did the Indian Premier League Twenty20 cricket competition commence (a) 2006 (b) 2007 (c) 2008 (d) 2009

1 (c) Family Ties 2 (b) Virtual reality 3 (b) One 4 (d) Germany 5 (a) Supertramp 6 (d) China 7 (b) Idi Amin 8 (a) Stockholm 9 d)( Life 10 (c) 2008

Defend your library against budget cuts

PUBLIC libraries in regional Victoria are under threat of drastic State Government funding cuts, and the cycle of justifying their relevance and proving their worth to our communities has begun yet again.

We have already seen a $2.3 million cut to the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program this financial year.

Libraries are under constant pressure to do more with less.

If the predicted cut to library funding goes ahead in the coming state budget it will inevitably lead to a substantial reduction to purchasing power, shorter opening hours, potential job losses and the very real prospect of smaller branches closing forever.

This is the most serious threat libraries have faced in a very long time and we cannot afford to be complacent.

The State Government faces its own budgetary challenges, but regional libraries deserve the security of stable, ongoing funding, and not have to make their case every time Budget decisions are back on the table.

As costs increase, library budgets must keep pace.

It has been demonstrated time and time again how inclusive and invaluable free public libraries are to communities such as ours.

What does your library mean to you?

Are you willing to stand up and protect it?

I urge to you to take affirmative action to defend your library.

We all have a stake in shaping what our community needs and a responsibility to speak up for what’s fair.

Regional Victoria should not suffer because of the cost blowouts of massive Melbourne-based infrastructure.

Please contact our State Member Tim McCurdy and State Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne and add your voice to the fight for your library’s survival.

Jill Lindquist, Wangaratta

There is always hope in tough times

WITH Easter approaching, The Salvation Army would like to extend an invitation to all and ask you to join us for one of our special upcoming Easter services.

With more than 300 local Salvo churches throughout Australia, we welcome you to

Should professional sport be played on Good Friday?

connect with your local Salvos and experience the community and hope that The Salvation Army offers.

As we serve our community, we help people in financial hardship, those experiencing homelessness or living in unsafe homes, people struggling with addiction and mental illness, and people feeling lonely, abandoned and hurt.

Ultimately, we help people looking for hope and peace.

Our passion for helping others comes from the heart of what Easter is all about – Jesus.

On Good Friday, we commemorate the death of Jesus Christ.

It was the most incredible sacrifice for all humankind. But the story didn’t end there.

God had a wonderful plan: to bring salvation and hope to the world. On Easter Sunday, we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection, and the new life He offers to those who believe in Him.

Before His death, Jesus promised his followers that they would have peace.

In the Bible, John chapter 14, verse 27 says, “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

So, what does the peace of Jesus look like?

It comes in the form of hope – even when times are tough.

We all face challenges in life – hardship, injustice, pain, sorrow – but Jesus can turn your life around through the hope He brings.

Let me encourage you to find peace, hope and an authentic faith community at the Salvos this Easter.

To find your local Salvos, visit salvationarmy.org.au/easter

Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, Territorial Commander, Salvation Army

SHIFTING PERSPECTIVE: Local artist Joan Mullarvey was among the many participants to take part in the recent Rutherglen Art Show (pictured). A series of new works by Joan using the printmaking process of collagraphy called Hints of the Valley, is on display now in the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre foyer until May 29. PHOTO: Carley Alchin

Universities accord a chance to help regional students: Haines

INDEPENDENT Federal MP for Indi, Helen Haines, is calling on the Federal Government to act on recommendations in the Australian Universities Accord final report aimed at making tertiary education more accessible for regional and rural students.

“The accord is a comprehensive report into our higher education sector and I am optimistic that the recommendations it puts forward would go a long way to improving Australia’s higher education outcomes,” Dr Haines said.

“This is a rare opportunity that the government must grab with both hands.

“Implementing the recommendations could be transformational for regional, rural and remote communities.”

Tasked with completing a broad review of Australia’s higher education sector, the accord final report makes 47 recommendations to improve the quality, accessibility, affordability and sustainability of higher education.

Among the report’s recommendations are:

• creating a needs-based

funding model for universities;

• expanding the Regional University Study Hubs program;

• paying students to complete compulsory placements and training; and

• modernising the HELP system and improving income support for students.

The report recognises that to meet future needs, Australia needs to double the number of students completing higher education qualifications by 2050, and that without flourishing regional

institutions, accessible tertiary education is simply not possible.

“If we hope to achieve participation parity between students from cities and the regions by 2050, we need to urgently invest in regional universities and TAFEs,” Dr Haines said.

“Increasing funding for the Regional University Study Hubs program would be a boost for regional economies and the workforce.

“There are already three university hubs in Indi, in Wangaratta, Mansfield and

Corryong, and I have seen first-hand the difference they are making, particularly for students who are the first in their family to go to university.

“I am supporting plans for further hubs in Benalla and Murrindindi and I am encouraging the government to fund them.”

Dr Haines said a needsbased funding model could level the higher education playing field and be a gamechanger for regional universities and TAFEs that struggle to compete financially with

Join Inga for fun, creative workshops at gallery

KIDS will have the opportunity to express their creativity and learn some new skills during workshops being held at the Wangaratta Art Gallery during the school holidays.

The two workshops have been developed by exhibitions officer and art educator, Inga Hanover, to align with themes explored in exhibitions currently on display at the gallery.

As part of “Rethink Recreate Waste” on April 4 and 5, participants can spend a morning upcycling yarn, scraps and non-traditional materials into a woven mini wall weaving, using a cardboard frame.

During the “Healing Paper Plant Wreath” session on April 11 and 12, they can make their own individual paper leaf wreath incorporating the leaves of healing and medicinal plants, such as calendula, elderberry, mint and nettle.

Both workshops are suitable for all ages and experience levels.

Gallery director Rachel Arndt said the gallery has created a welcoming and safe Creation Station in Gallery 1 designed for children and their parents to share activities, while also reflecting on the featured exhibition’s themes and concepts.

She said the workshops are designed to build on children’s

fine motor skills, imagination and higher order thinking.

“Rethinking waste was a very important component of the weaving workshop, especially given that according to a 2023 report by the Australian Fashion Council, about 227,000 tonnes of discarded clothing is sent to landfill in Australia each year, with only 7000 tonnes recycled,” she said.

“The workshop for kids is in response to the workshop textile artist Liz Williamson

facilitated for adults, relating to the Weaving Eucalypt Project currently showing in Gallery 2.

“Weaving with Waste is an activity for all ages and requires only the ability to thread a needle and weave it in and out between yarn threads, with awesomely fantastic results.”

Ms Arndt said while the weaving each participant creates in the workshop will be small, it can be easily upscaled at home to incorporate more

waste items from around the house, to make stunning artworks which are limited only by imagination and the materials readily available.

She said it was a great way to use old clothes which aren’t suitable for the op shop, cutting them up into long thin pieces for weaving instead of clogging up landfill.

The Healing Paper Plant Wreath making workshop is in response to the current Gallery 1 exhibition called In Grief and is designed for chil-

dren to learn about the plants that we commonly grown in our gardens or that appear on nature strips that are medicinal and calming.

Participants will be able to draw their own leaves or use the templates provided, before cutting out the leaves.

The workshops will run from 10am until 12pm on April 4 and 5, and on April 11 and 12, and bookings can be made now by visiting wangarattaartgallery.com. au/Programs.

institutions in the major cities.

The report highlights poverty caused by unpaid placements as an emerging issue impacting students trying to balance study and paid work during the cost-of-living crisis.

“Where you live and how much money is in your bank account should not determine whether you can complete your course,” Dr Haines said.

The report also calls for reform to student debt, an increasing source of stress for many students.

Climate and environment challenges for our farmers

THE challenges of climate modelling were a key talking point for local farmers in Wangaratta last week.

Agriculture Victoria seasonal risk agronomist Dale Grey addressed more than 30 local landholders during a special dinner meeting organised by Warby Range Landcare Inc last Wednesday.

Landcare member Michael Reid said Mr Grey’s talk was well received and very informative, particularly around understanding climate modelling and predictions, and how they could be used for future planning.

“Of interest was that the predicted El Nino was weakening and we may see La Nina, with wetter than average weather, within the next few months,” he said.

“What was clear on the night was the complexity around climate modelling and the difficulty to predict weather patterns.”

Mr Grey has recently worked on a project with the Bureau of Meteorology to increase the functionality and information of their climate prediction website, specifically looking at predictions of extremes.

WOVEN WONDERS: Art educator Inga Hanover will lead fun weaving and wreath making workshops at the Wangaratta Art Gallery during the school holidays, with bookings available now.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

WORKING TOGETHER: Wangaratta West students Ethan Lee and Ry Hedderman took part in a word search activity celebrating Harmony Day.

Harmony Day

Wangaratta West Primary School

STUDENTS collaborated with their peers and staff members across all year levels during Harmony Day activities.

They continued to celebrate diversity, respect and inclusiveness, in keeping with the theme of this year’s event which is Everyone Belongs.

HANDS ON: Riley Laxton and Hayden Nelson were among the students practising their CPR skills during the first aid program .

First aid in schools

Appin Park Primary School

ALL classes were fortunate to take part in the St John First Aid schools program recently held at school.

Students were keen to engage in some role play around the focus of DRS: check for Danger, can the patient Respond to your voice and instructions, Send for help by calling 000.

The older students continued their learning and understanding of the following stages, the ABCD components: Airways, Breathing, Compression and Defibrillator.

Using the Little Anne mannequins, students were able to practice the actual technique and timing for applying compressions to the chest.

The program presented to each of the classes certainly engaged all students, and the take-away was that everybody can do something to help others in a potential medical situation - doing something is better than doing nothing.

Fun run

Wangaratta Primary School

STUDENTS exhibited remarkable dedication, commitment and enthusiasm during the Wangaratta Fun Run, racing two kilometres.

With unwavering determination, they trained diligently, embracing the challenge with passion.

Their spirited participation not only showcased their athleticism but also their strong sense of community and sportsmanship, inspiring peers and onlookers alike.

COMBINED EFFORT: Grade six students Dare Patton, Ryan VanDerPoel, Mark Henschke and Christopher Munzel were among the students to compete with enthusiasm in the Wangaratta Chronicle Marathon and Fun Run.

Oxley Primary School

STUDENT Will Loechel enjoyed reading to the class wellbeing bear named Bob. Bob has been a welcome member in the class for students to chat to and show their work too.

GOOD FRIEND: Oxley student Will Loechel reads to Bob the wellbeing bear during class.

Cathedral College Wangaratta

TO celebrate Founders’ Day at the college, students spent the afternoon working with different year levels, creating a bunting flag that represents what Cathedral College means to them, then playing their favourite games.

HELPING HAND: Year 12 college captain Jack Weir (at back) joined young students (from left) Callan Foster (year five), Eric Orlov (prep), Archer Hankin (year five) and Landon Siperki (year five) during the Founders’ Day celebration.

1What

2What do you measure in sieverts?

3Which

4

5

kilometres (actually 8848 metres) above sea level.

a close approach to Uranus, but it was travelling

body. 3. Macular degeneration affects the retina

nitrous oxide, or ‘laughing gas’. 2. Sieverts measure a

gas, used in race cars and dentistry, was called ‘phlogisticated nitrous air’ on its discovery?

part of the body is affected by macular degeneration?

Landcare grants to help support our environment

By SHANE DOUTHIE

THE 2024 Victorian Landcare Grants are now open, with $3.55 million available to support volunteers in caring for the state’s landscapes and biodiversity.

Applications will close on April 30.

The grants are open to environmental volunteer groups and networks, including Landcare groups and networks, Friends groups, Conservation Management Networks, Committees of Management, Coastcare groups and Aboriginal groups.

Project grants of up to $20,000 are available for onground works and community education projects focused on enhancing the natural environment, including native vegetation and wildlife, waterways and soils.

Support grants of up to $500 are available to assist with administrative and operational expenses of groups and networks.

Last year, the Victorian Landcare Grants provided $367,250 to fund 25 onground projects and educational activities within the North East.

The projects included cre-

ating supplementary habitat for native fauna at Burgoigee Creek; a traditional burning engagement and revegetation/remnant protection program at Honey Suckle – Spring Creek in Towong Shire; protecting native forest nectar resources for wildlife with dedicated European Honey Bee plantations at Rutherglen; and stopping the spread of the worst urban garden escapees at Wodonga.

Support grants of $500 were allocated to 16 environmental volunteer groups in the North East CMA region to assist with administration and running costs.

The grants will help achieve targets set in Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037, the Victorian Government’s 20-year plan to protect our environment and native species.

North East CMA chief executive officer, Katie

What do our young people really need in rural areas?

FRRR is encouraging not-forprofit organisations (NFPs) in rural communities to work with local young people to adopt or adapt one of the six project ideas developed at this year’s ABC Heywire Youth Summit.

The ideas emerged in response to the concerns identified as being most current and critical for youth in remote, rural and regional Australia.

Funded through the FRRR, ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants program grants of up to $10,000 are available to kickstart initiatives that pro-

mote equitable access to local services and foster a sense of belonging and connection to peers and to the land.

The six ideas developed by the 35 young summit participants during the week-long youth leadership and skills development event are:

• Bussin’: Create more accessible transport options.

• MEE (Mentoring Educating Empowering): Close the gap in accessing quality education.

• A Place for You: Improve access to mental health services.

• The Bigger Picture: Em-

Full

Email

power youth to celebrate their differences, foster connection.

• Safe Sphere: Access to relevant sexual education.

• Youth 2 Grassroots: Promote a stronger connection with land by fostering a culture of environmental protection.

Applications close May 29.

More information about the six ideas is available at https:// www.abc.net.au/heywire/ grants, and more information about the available grants can be found on FRRR’s website at https://frrr.org.au/heywireyouth-innovation-grants/.

Warner, said the Victorian Landcare Grants aimed to fund projects that addressed local, regional and state land and environment priorities.

Ms Warner said they also aimed to sustain Landcare and other environmental volunteer groups and networks by providing support grants, particularly for those groups whose continuing existence would benefit from this support.

“We continue to work closely with the Landcare groups and networks within our region to help them to meet land and environment goals that are developed within our communities,” she said.

For more information and to apply for the 2024 grants before the 30 April 2024 closing date, go to the North East CMA website at https://www. necma.vic.gov.au/Solutions/ Grants-Incentives/VLG.

Final days to nominate for Wangaratta

Zonta Woman of the Year

ZONTA Wangaratta are still seeking nominations for this year’s Zonta Club of Wangaratta’s Woman of the Year Award.

The woman should live, work or volunteer in the Wangaratta area and have done something extraordinary to benefit others outside of the framework of paid employment.

It could involve community or volunteer service, personal assistance, academic, educational or training assistance, business assistance, welfare or as an exemplary role model.

The award will comprise a certificate and a presentation to mark the achievement, and it will be presented at the club’s annual meeting on Thursday, May 2 at the Gateway Hotel to recognise a local woman’s exceptional service to the community.

Nomination details and application form can be obtained from emailing: zontwangaratta@gmail. com.

Nominations should be lodged with the Zonta Club of Wangaratta by Monday, April 1.

SUSTAINING THE ENVIRONMENT: The Victorian Landcare Grants aim to sustain Landcare and other environmental volunteer groups and networks by providing support funding. PHOTO: Mary Titcumb, Ovens Landcare Network

Country fun in story at Molyullah Easter Sports

FOLLOWING last year’s success where it drew record crowds, this year’s Molyullah Easter Sports returns with all the traditional country fun it is known for, plus a hightech improvement.

Organisers have introduced an online entry ticketing system, which means families returning to the Molyullah Easter Sports on Easter Monday, April 1, can jump the queue by pre-purchasing tickets online at www.molyullah.com. au, while also qualifying for entry into the lucky gate prize.

The Easter Sports, being held at the Molyullah Recreation Reserve from 10am to 4pm, presents all the novelty favourites including gumboot throwing, egg toss, vintage tractor-pull, three legged races and guess the weight of the pumpkin.

Another popular attraction, the traditional woodchopping event, will also make a triumphant return.

Aside from the novelty events and foot races for adults and children, there will be plenty of other country fun including free kids’ rides - a jumping castle, face painting and train rides, trade stands and market stalls, a show ‘n’ shine car event, caricature artist, plant stalls, trash ‘n’ treasure and the ever-popular spinning wheel.

While the horse program is jampacked with novelty events including apple in the straw, barrel and bending races and musical mats.

The free farmyard will feature an animal nursery, how to milk a cow, shear a sheep and the ever-popular dog jump. There will also be a publican’s booth, along with lots of stalls and food outlets selling wholesome country tucker to suit all tastes, including Devonshire Tea served all day featuring delicious scones.

The Molyullah Easter Sports is

WANGARATTA ARTIST’S SOCIETY INC. (A0019666W)

Cordially invites you to our

generously supported by local businesses in and around Molyullah and the Benalla district.

Proceeds from the day are returned to the community for the ongoing upkeep and maintenance of the Molyullah Hall and Recreation Reserve, and in support of various local charities.

The 2024 Molyullah Easter Sports will be held at the Molyullah Hall

and Recreation Reserve, 115 Centre Road, Molyullah, with gates opening from 7.30am for horse events.

Admission is $15 for adults and $7.50 for children (with family tickets also available) and while limited Eftopos facilities are on site, visitors are strongly encouraged to bring cash on the day.

For further information visit www.molyullah.com.au.

Simple steps for a safe Easter on our waterways

WITH Easter and the school holidays approaching, Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) is urging people to play it safe when visiting the region’s lakes, dams and waterways.

During Easter, GMW’s storages often attract between 30,000-50,000 visitors.

With many of GMW’s storages relatively full, visitation numbers are likely to be high.

GMW recreation and land officer Chris Braden encouraged everyone to play their part in ensuring their own safety and the safety of those around them.

“If you are heading out on the water, take a mate, wear a life jacket, stick to the speed limits, and don’t drive while under the influence,” he said.

“Be sure to also check the conditions before you head out, and once you are on the water, be cautious of hazards that may be partially or fully submerged.

“All these actions are fairly simple but taking them will dramatically improve the likelihood your trip will be safe and incident-free.”

Boating is permitted at most of GMW’s storages.

Several of GMW’s storages also include areas restricted to passive recreation – meaning vessels with motors are not permitted.

For more details go to www.g-mwater.com.au/storages/

UNFRAMED EASTER EXHIBITION

28 MARCH - 2 APRIL 2024

OPEN DAILY 10AM - 4PM

The Old ‘Bullring’, Batchelors Green, 1A Tone Road, Wangaratta

JOIN US FOR THE OPENING NIGHT ON WEDNESDAY, 27TH MARCH FROM 6:30PM

Exhibition to be opened by Rural City of Wangaratta Councillor, David Fuller

FREE ENTRY WITH AMPLE PARKING

All are welcome to explore and acquire local artists’ masterpieces

Come and immerse yourself in the beauty of local artistry at our captivating exhibition. See you there!

SHARING SKILLS:

Students learn the secret to a good cook-up

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

By SIMONE KERWIN

IT was a case of sharing skills, supporting a cause and bridging the generation gap when Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning students from The Centre joined Inner Wheel members for an old-fashioned ‘cook-up’ last week.

Stemming from Community Food Forum discussions about the need to pass on cooking skills to young people, the arrangement will see 25 VCAL students take turns in joining Inner Wheel members each month in preparing meals for the Wangaratta Carevan.

Inner Wheel regularly conducts the cook-ups, using food donated by

local businesses, to ensure the Carevan can continue providing wholesome meals to those in need around Wangaratta.

Patti Stafford from Inner Wheel has recently been involved with the Community Food Forum, an initiative aimed at efficiently using local food resources, and among her suggestions was passing on and developing quickly disappearing skills around food preparation to younger generations.

She said working with The Centre was an ideal avenue to do this, and she

was “absolutely rapt” with last week’s first session, and the students’ enthusiasm for their tasks.

“They prepared some veggies for us and were very involved in the tuna bake and frittata we made,” Mrs Stafford said.

“They were just so good, and went from go to whoa.

“I think they enjoyed the atmosphere of it, too, laughing and joking and watching us put in a little bit of this and a little bit of that.

“They were just wonderful, they just jumped in, and I couldn’t praise them up enough.

“I think there’s a lot of scope for continuing this into the future.”

She said she would recommend a similar program to other local community groups.

Tracey Wearne, Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) teacher at The Centre, Inner Wheel’s Patti Stafford and Brenda Joyce, and VCAL students Chelsea Verwey and Taylah Davidson took part in a recent ‘cook-up’ for the Wangaratta Carevan.

PHOTO: Luke Plummer

FAMILY FUN: The Molyullah Easter Sports returns on Easter Monday, April 1, with proceeds supporting the Molyullah Hall and Recreation Reserve and local charities.

SH S ARRIN I G SK S I

Easter Celebrations 2024

HOLY THURSDAY – 28th March

St Patrick’s – 6.00pm

Our Lady’s – 7.00pm

GOOD FRIDAY – 29th March

St Patrick’s – 2.00pm – Stations of the Cross 3.00pm – The Passion of the Lord

Our Lady’s – 9.00am – Stations of the Cross 3.00pm – The Passion of the Lord

HOLY SATURDAY – 8th April

St Patrick’s – 6.00pm - Easter Vigil Mass

Our Lady’s – 7.00pm – Easter Vigil Mass

EASTER SUNDAY – 9th April

St Patrick’s – 8.00am & 10.30am 5.00pm

Our Lady’s – 9.00am

Holy Cross Moyhu – 10.00am

THE SALVATION ARMY COMMUNITY CHURCH

EASTER SERVICES

9.30am Good Friday

Wangaratta Salvation Army 13 Garnet Avenue Wangaratta

10am Easter Sunday

Combined Service

Wesleyan Methodist Church

Cnr Parfitt & Great Alpine Road

Enquiries 0401 886 412

Wangaratta Lutheran Parish

Zion Wangaratta

7 Orwell St Wangaratta

Maundy Thursday: Wangaratta 7:00pm

Good Friday 9:00am

Easter Sunday Wangaratta 11:00am

Holy Trinity Benalla

148 Waller St Benalla

Good Friday 11:00am

Easter Sunday 9:00am

0407 161 568

www.wangarattalutheranparish.org

It’s all about Jesus for you!

A celebration of hope

With Pastor Aaron Wardle from Wangaratta Baptist Church

EASTER Sunday is the day that has changed everything!

A day filled with celebration and hope.

Good Friday shows us how the love of Christ, in giving His life for us, changes everything for us.

The death and resurrection of Jesus has changed everything.

It’s the foundation of hope.

So if you’re not sure about it, I urge you to look into it.

You’ll find plenty of compelling evidence.

But you might feel that Christianity can be a bit weird.

That people go all… well… religious and over-the-top, it’s disconcerting.

To be fair, you’ll also see people losing their heads over a sporting match or music concert.

But Christians have a very sound reason for seeming unsound.

It comes down to this: love.

Christ’s love compels us.

Jesus stepped forward on our behalf and bore the justice of God for us.

HOPE AND CELEBRATION: The Wangaratta Baptist Church is holding Good Friday and Easter Sunday services at 10am.

He then gives us a hope, a purpose, and a future.

This is the love of God displayed through Christ and it is compelling.

If you want to find out more, you are welcome at our Good Friday and Easter Sunday services, both at 10am, 1 Sisely Avenue.

EASTER WITH US

GOOD FRIDAY – 10AM

EASTERSUNDAY – 10AM EASTER SUNDAY 10AM

Celebrating new beginnings

LIFE is full of new beginnings.

When we are born.

When we start walking and talking.

When we start school.

When we get our first job.

Our first romance and serious relationship.

Perhaps marriage and children.

When we change jobs or when we retire.

And so and so on.

Our years as humans are marked by new beginnings all the way through.

Most of them are lifegiving but others can mark a chapter of our lives tinged by sadness and darkness.

My wife Stephanie and I are looking at another new beginning after Easter, as we leave Wangaratta and head somewhere else to live and minister.

We are thankful for the 10 years we have lived and worked in Wangaratta, as

it is a great community and a place we always remember fondly and hopefully return to from time to time.

And so, we are saddened that we are leaving, but excited about the new place we will go to, even if that is tinged with a touch of apprehension at what lies ahead.

Easter is a season which is very much about new beginnings.

The Easter message is that God always offers us new beginnings throughout life.

And even death is not the end, but through Jesus’ resurrection, death is but a beginning to new life in God.

As we encounter new beginnings, may we know the reassurance of God’s blessing upon every part of our life, and may we be aware of God’s everlasting presence with us for the journey ahead.

Holy Week and Easter at Holy Trinity Cathedral Wangaratta

Palm Sunday, 24 March

8.00am Holy Communion

10.00am Choral Eucharist with Palm Procession

Maundy Thursday, 28 March

7.30pm Evening Eucharist of the Lord’s Supper with washing of feet

Music includes Mass for Four Voices (William Byrd) and Ubi Caritas (Oia Gjeilo)

Good Friday, 29 March

2.00pm Liturgy

Music includes Popule Meus (Victoria) and God so loved the world (John Stainer)

Easter Sunday, 31 March

6.00am Vigil

8.00am Holy Communion

10.00am Choral Eucharist

Music includes Missa Brevis in B Flat (Josef Haydn) and Blessed be the God and Father (S.S. Wesley)

Renewing faith at Easter

Bishop

IN November 1851, gold was discovered in Bendigo, and six months later, Dr Henry Backhaus arrived on the Bendigo diggings to minister to the approximately 15,000 prospectors who had thronged to the area to try their luck on the banks of the Bendigo creek.

He celebrated the first Mass in the district in Golden Square.

Despite the very rough living conditions and the long drought in the region, families began to arrive shortly after, and baptisms were soon requested.

Dr Backhaus recorded the first child he baptised – a baby boy called James Joseph – and very many generations since then have been welcomed into the Church and had their names recorded in the registers of the district.

A little over 20 years later, the Catholic community was flourishing, and the four missions of St Kilian’s (Bendigo), Beechworth, Heathcote and Wangaratta, were established as the Diocese of Sandhurst.

This Easter, we mark the

150th anniversary of that event. There is, of course, much to celebrate as we reflect on this journey: the building of so many churches and our beautiful cathedral; the establishment of parishes; providing schools for the education of young people; offering care and outreach to those in need; the generous service of priests, religious, and countless volunteers and staff

Through all this, the fundamental blessing that we give thanks for is the commitment of our communities to living as people of Christian faith, led by the Holy Spirit, building up justice, peace and love, and proclaiming and witness-

ing to the Gospel of Jesus Christ entrusted to us.

Over more than 170 years, our Catholic faith has been lived out and passed on in this region in times of peace and times of war, in times of prosperity and times of hardship, in times of joy and times of sadness, even in a couple of times of pandemic.

At the heart of all these experiences is what we celebrate again at Easter this year: the death and resurrection of Jesus, which marks the culmination of his ministry proclaiming and inaugurating the reign of God, his utter faithfulness and unreserved love for each of us, and the power of God to bring new life in the deepest and darkest of shadows, overcoming the power of all that holds us captive, and even death itself.

As each of us makes our own contribution this year to the long tradition of Easter celebrations in this Diocese, may the generations of faithful Christians who have gone before us encourage and inspire us to make Jesus’ giving of himself the pattern of our own lives, so that we might be renewed in the faith and hope that we proclaim.

Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst

Shane Mackinlay from Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Easter

Reverend Ken Goodger from Holy Trinity Cathedral Anglican Church

RENEWING FAITH: Easter is a time to look back on traditions of both the past and present.

NEW BEGINNINGS: Easter is a time to celebrate new beginnings, an attend a service at Holy Trinity Cathedral.

Inner Wheel

Whorouly garage sale

THE Inner Wheel Club of Whorouly is holding a whole town garage sale on Easter Saturday from 8am to 1pm.

There will be lots of items for sale including furniture, books, household items, jams, toys and many more, with six properties open and five stalls operating in Church Street.

A map will be available at the Whorouly Library Hall for a gold coin donation from 8am on Saturday, March 30.

Creedence Clearwater Collective is coming to Wangaratta

EXPERIENCE the music of one of the world’s most iconic bands, Creedence Clearwater Revival and the legendary John Fogerty, at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre in April.

Creedence Clearwater Collective celebrates the songs they wrote, the songs covered and the songs they wrote for others, in a show which captures all the hits and the unique CCR sound.

See them at the centre on Saturday, April 6 at 7.30pm with tickets available at wpacc.com.au.

yourstars

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) The last lingering days of winter leave the rambunctious Ram more restless than usual. Put all of the extra energy into strengthening a long-neglected relationship.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) The clever Bull will ignore outward appearances and dig a little deeper to find important hidden facts before making a decision. Meanwhile, a friend needs you.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) It’s a good time to reorganize around your home and on the job. Missing items will seem to magically reappear once you discard the clutter.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Tame that skeptical nature of yours. Be open to well-intended advice from a family member. A co-worker also has a suggestion that can be beneficial to the both of you.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) A so-called bargain could turn out to be a mite more risky than you thought. Keep your purse closed for now. A better deal is just down the line.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A sudden romantic overture emerges out of the past and catches you off guard. Respond with your usual honesty. This is not the time for coyness.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22)

Romantic aspects are especially favorable this week. A career move also holds positive potential. Check out possible drawbacks before making a final decision.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21)

You dislike changing plans, but it could be a wise move to be a little more flexible than usual. The reason will become apparent very soon.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A loved one may feel left out of your life as you pursue your objectives this week. Take time to offer reassurances that your priorities haven’t changed.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) This is a good time to stop nursing your wounded pride and start repairing a strained friendship. Take the first step now and let the healing process begin.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Expect good news about a particular health problem. Then go out and celebrate with friends and family. There’s good news about your financial health as well.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) A state of confusion marks the early part of this week, but explanations will come in time to clear things up for you. Be cautious about making promises.

Art on show at Wangaratta Artists Society exhibition

ORIGINAL artworks by members of a local arts collective are now on display, as part of the Wangaratta Artists Society Inc’s Unframed Easter exhibition.

Members began hanging entries earlier this week for the first of what will be two major exhibitions this year, with the Easter exhibition providing an opportunity for local art lovers to pick up an unframed masterpiece and make it their own, at an accessible price.

Committee member Robyn White said about 75 artworks will be on display in The Studio in Batchelor’s Green, also known as “The Old Bullring”.

She said while the majority

Explore Off-Grid Living in Chiltern

THE next Off-Grid Living Festival and Camp Out will be held at its new location, the Chiltern Racecourse and Recreation Reserve, on April 6 and 7.

The festival showcases a diverse array of products, services, skills and knowledge sharing with over 250 stalls, workshops and demonstrations in areas of sustainable, alternative, off-grid and eco-living.

Learn to live off-grid, become self-sufficient and lower your carbon footprint with everything from electric vehicles and the latest in technology, to traditional skills and homesteading.

Its open from 9am until 5pm both days with tickets available at offgridevent.com.au (and only at the gate if not sold out online).

BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au

of artworks are by members of the Wangaratta Artists Society, and most are unframed, this year other artists from across the region were also welcome to enter.

“We’d really like to see the society (and the exhibition) grow, as it’s been an important part of the community now for over 60 years,” she said.

“Entry is free and there is plenty of parking, so we welcome everyone to come and have a look and to find out

Creative Arts Exhibition in Wangaratta

THOONA Country Women’s Association will hold a Creative Arts Exhibition at the Uniting Church Hall in Rowan Street on April 19 and 20. The exhibition will feature sewing, art, embroidery, photography, floral art, cooking, knitting, crochet and more.

It will be open on Friday, April 19 from 1pm to 4pm and on Saturday, April 20 from 9.30am to 3pm and entry is $10 for adults (children free) with all welcome.

more about our group.”

Wangaratta Artists Society is open daily at The Studio, where members come together to explore their individual artistic pursuits and share their skills. It also hosts workshops by accomplished artists in different genres, who provide instruction to members and to those outside the society who register and come along. The works on display in the Unframed Easter exhibition demonstrate the wide variety of styles, mediums and interests of members and those who visit will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite artwork.

At the end of the exhibition,

Emily Williams in Women Of Colour

MULTI platinum-selling recording artist Emily Williams and her three-piece band will present ‘Women Of Colour’ – a performance of empowerment and celebration like no other - at The Vine Hotel in North Wangaratta on Saturday, April 27 from 8pm. Williams will be joined by fellow artists to perform songs from the classic ballads of Whitney Houston to the pop presence of Lizzo, pulling back the red curtain on the history of music to prove how much it’s been influenced by the raw talent and power of women of colour.

Tickets are available now at thevinehotel.net.au.

the artist whose artwork receives the most votes will win a voucher for art supplies, courtesy of Carlisle Art.

Robyn said the exhibitions offer members the opportunity to showcase and sell their artwork, and they also serve as a fundraiser for the society, which operates as a non-profit organisation.

The Unframed Easter Exhibition will be officially opened tonight at 6.30pm by Rural City of Wangaratta councillor David Fuller, with all welcome to attend.

It will then be open to the public from Thursday, March 28 to Tuesday, April 2 from 10am until 4pm.

Ross Wilson and The Peaceniks in Wangaratta

ONE of Australia’s most awarded, respected and well-known artists, Ross Wilson and his all-star band The Peaceniks, will perform 50 Years of Hits at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Friday, May 10.

The show includes all the Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock favourites you’d expect, along with the latest offering from an almost six-decade career, tracks from his latest EP and everything in between.

Twice inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame, Wilson’s live performances are legendary, with tickets available now at wpacc. com.au.

ON DISPLAY: Wangaratta Artists Society members Marina Foad and Robyn White welcome everyone to come and see the artwork on display during this year’s Unframed Easter exhibition.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

The ultimate guide for tourists and locals

Moyhu bowls grand finalists fight to the end

IT wasn’t the result the Moyhu Ovens & Murray B1 Weekend grand final team of 2024 were hoping for, but they put up a good fight.

After a season in which Moyhu finished top of the table, defeating St James to qualify for the grand final, confidence was strong as they had a chance to win.

The weather and the green at Wangaratta were excellent, and early signs in the opening ends were promising with Moyhu keeping up, but by the halfway point across the board, results were starting to struggle.

Ian Ritchie’s team of Anthea Nockels, Howard White and Neil Magee had a handy lead.

BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au

Charlie Thompson’s rink of Ian Mills, Lyn Northey and Max Baker trailed by one shot, and Joe Northey’s rink of Stewart Day, Max Montgomery and Rob Morgans trailed by three shots.

From here on, Ian Ritchie’s rink dominated, however the other two rinks could not gain on their opposition.

After 21 ends Ian Ritchie’s team won 27-21, Charlie Thompson’s rink lost 12-18, while Joe Northey’s rink went down 13-29.

Moyhu lost convincingly to St James, final scores being 52-68.

COMMUNITY EFFORT

THE fourth annual Sustainable King Valley Autumn harvest festival was held at the Cheshunt Hall on March 16 and the feedback from the community has been all positive, with many expressing their appreciation for the inspirational event which was packed full of ideas to on ways to make the most of excess produce, reduce waste and packaging, and share skills and resources. Anita Torrence, Rosie Suter, Lyn Lewis, Kate Gilson and Jane Walsh (pictured) were among those to gather in the sunshine at the hall, relishing the welcoming atmosphere.

The Sustainable King Valley food hub will be open again on Saturday, April 6 from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

WANGARATTA Senior Citizens Club will host a barbecue at Lions Park, Batchelors Green from 12 noon today.

Indoor carpet bowls will be held tomorrow (Thursday) from 12 noon, with cards (500) on Friday from 1.30pm, indoor carpet bowls on Monday from 12 noon, and cards (500) and hoy on Tuesday from 1.30pm, all in the group’s clubrooms or in the adjoining St Patrick’s supper room.

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

THE Wangaratta Royal Children’s Hospital Ladies Auxiliary will conduct a street stall on Thursday, March 28 in the council kiosk in Reid Street, to raise money for the RCH Good Friday Appeal.

The usual array of homemade cakes, preserves, knitwear and other items will be available for sale from 9am, along with fresh lamingtons.

MOLYULLAH Easter Sports will be held on Easter Monday, April 1 at the Molyullah Recreation Reserve from 10am to 4pm.

There will be novelty activities, foot races for adults and children, a woodchopping event, free kids’ entertainment including a jumping castle, face-painting and train rides; trade stands and market stalls; a Show ‘n’ Shine car event; caricature artist; plant stalls; trash ‘n’ treasure; and spinning wheel.

Wholesome food to suit all tastes

Moyhu Lions Easter Market

MOYHU Lions Club will hold a special Easter Market at the Moyhu Lions Park on Saturday, March 30 from 8am until 12pm.

There will be an Easter bonnet parade, Easter eggs for children and kids activities including a jumping castle, face painting, lawn games and more, along with a huge range of stalls to browse, plus egg and bacon rolls, freshly brewed coffee and a farmers breakfast available.

Easter game at Whitfield Recreation Reserve

SOCIAL CALENDAR

will be available for sale, including Devonshire tea served all day.

Admission is $15 adults, $40 family and $7.50 children, and tickets can be pre-purchased by visiting www.molyullah.com.au, while also qualifying for entry into the lucky gate prize.

OXLEY table tennis social competition for 2024 will begin on Monday, April 8 from 7pm at the Oxley Hall. Adults and secondary school students of all ages and abilities are most welcome to join in the weekly competition.

Bring your own bat, $2 entry fee, and small plate to share.

For further information, contact June Uebergang on 0497 860 785 (text only).

VETERAN and family morning tea will be held at the Wangaratta RSL on the second Tuesday of each month, with the group’s next catch-up planned for Tuesday, April 9 from 10am to 11.30am.

All ex-service personnel and families are most welcome. Please feel free to bring along some memorabilia from your service days to show and tell.

For further information, phone 0447 217 768.

OXLEY Garden Group will hold its next gathering on Thursday, April 11 from 10am at Kath and Howard White’s garden at 244 Oxley-Greta West Road, Oxley.

BYO cup, chair and a small plate to share, and bring along bulbs, cuttings, etc, and gardening tips to share. Everyone most welcome.

For further information, phone Kath on 0447 256 048.

GRETA Cemetery Anzac service will be held on Wednesday, April 249.45am for a 10am start.

It will involve flag-raising, placing of flags and poppies on local veterans’ graves by students, the opportunity to lay wreaths or flowers, and light refreshments to follow at Greta Cemetery marquee.

All welcome, honours and awards may be worn on the day. RSVP essential by April 21 for attendance and catering purposes.

Contact Noeleen Lloyd on 0427 276 372 or email noeleenlloyd@gmail.com

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.

WANGARATTA Keenagers Table Tennis Club plays on Mondays and Thursdays at the table tennis centre at the Wangaratta Showgrounds. Play begins at 7.30am. New players welcome. Morning tea provided –please bring your own cup.

For more information, contact Maureen O’Keefe on 0409 215 881.

SATURDAY Quilters hold their meetings on the first Saturday of each month from 9.30am in the Wangaratta Small Bore Rifle Club rooms off the river end of College Street.

New beginner and experienced members are very welcome to attend.

For further information, contact Frances on 0417 158 220.

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

For more information, phone Hans on 0428 119 737.

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.

ENJOY the fun, family atmosphere at the Whitfield Recreation Reserve on Easter Saturday when the King Valley United Football Netball Club plays Milawa in round one of Ovens & King football. Support the Roos with netball starting from 9.30am, Reserves football starting at 11.45am, and the seniors football to kick off at 1.45pm.

There will also be an Easter egg hunt, live music from “H&D”, raffles and souvlaki spit roast, with all welcome and entry free on the day for kids under 16.

CWA King Valley branch meeting

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

The group is all about social connection and inclusion, with all ages welcome.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, April 4 at 6.30pm with RSVP to Mary on 0427 404 411.

Myrrhee School bulb fundraiser

THE Myrrhee School is once again holding its bulb drive, to support the purchase of specialised reading books for Myrrhee students.

There is a selection of beautiful flowers to choose from, with orders to be placed online at bulbfundraiser.com.au/MYRRHEEPS, and a $6.50 postage fee covers delivery direct to the purchaser.

Products are available until April 11 unless sold out, with more information including help to place an order available by contacting Myrrhee School on 5729 7524.

ANZAC Day service all set for Cheshunt

A DAWN service will be held on Anzac Day on Thursday, April 25 at the Cheshunt Hall.

The service will start at 6am with refreshments provided.

GRAND FINALISTS: The Moyhu Ovens & Murray B1 weekend grand final team 2024 included (back row, from left) Ian Ritchie, Rob Morgans, Max Montgomery, Ian Mills, Charlie Thompson, Neil Magee and Howard White, with (front, from left) Stewart Day, Joe Northey, Lyn Northey, Max Baker, Anthea Nockels, Louise Baker and David Waring.

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and will re-open as usual Tuesday, April 2 at 9am

Moyhu Recreation Reserve

Notice is given of a PUBLIC MEETING to be held at Moyhu Recreation reserve on April 15, 2024 commencing at 7.30pm. The purpose of the meeting is to nominate no less than three (3) or more than nine (9) persons as the Committee of Management for the (Reserve Local Name) for a term of three years. The current committee’s term will expire on 5th May 2024. All positions will be declared open, and nominations will be accepted prior to or on the night.

Nominations from women, Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, young people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged.

Further information, nomination forms and nominee declaration forms may be obtained by contacting your local Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

For further enquiries please contact the Secretary, Michelle Wright on 0448 371 069.

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PHOTOGRAPHER Marc Bongers made his way down to the A grade and A reserve cricket grand finals between Rovers United Bruck and Yarrawonga Mulwala, and the B grade decider between Benalla Bushrangers and Milawa. Photographs can be purchased at the Chronicle.

MATT WINTER

REUBEN CORSINI

MARK DRAGE

ZAC MOORE

JEREMY WILSON

BEN WELSH

PADDY McNAMARA

ANEEQUE AZAM

JASON PAPWORTH

SENAKA LAKMAL

Rover s thirds Rovers looking ahead ahead to round one to one

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

WANGARATTA Rovers’ thirds are in great shape ahead of their round one derby clash against Wangaratta on Good Friday.

After falling to Lavington in last year’s grand final, the Hawks will be looking to go one step better in 2024.

However, the side will be a bit of an unknown given a lot of their grand final players were top agers and newly appointed coach Mick Pellegrino said his team hasn’t set any goals for the season ahead.

“We’ll be a lot younger than we were last year because a lot of the boys from last year were top age players,” Pellegrino said.

“We’ve had a great preseason, the boys have bought in to everything we’ve put in front of them and they’re all committed to the season ahead.

“We haven’t set any goals or expectations because we are a younger side this year so for us it’s just about developing those young boys.

“I’d like to think we’ll be competitive this season.”

Rovers have locked in their leaders with Ryley Ely

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

THE Wangaratta Dragons Hockey Club are just mere weeks away from commencing their Hockey Albury Wodonga season, with squads training hard.

The senior season begins on Saturday, April 6, while the juniors take to the field two weeks later on Friday, April 19.

Players have been hard at work on the training track for months, with the seniors and some dedicated junior players facing off in an intraclub hit-out on the weekend Club president Daniel Warner said the club was well set up for the season, but still had a few boxes to tick.

“It’s amazing, it’s a busy time of the year,” he said.

“We’re implementing a new electronic match book system this year, so we’re trying to get our heads around that over the next couple of weeks.

to captain the group, while Sam Rourke (vice captain), Cormac McNamara, Bay Pellegrino and Harry McMonigle are also in the leadership group.

“Ryley Ely will be our captain, he played thirds last year and had a good season and he’s really impressed us this pre-season,” Pellegrino said.

“We’ve then got another

four boys in the leadership group and we could’ve easily have had a few more but we decided to go with a group of five.

“They’re all top agers and will lead the way.”

Friday’s derby against the Magpies shapes as an exciting encounter with Wangaratta also pushing deep in finals last season alongside the Hawks.

“We trained last night (Monday) and the boys can’t wait for Friday,” Pellegrino said.

“They’re all excited to put all the things we’ve trained into practice and being a derby just adds more excitement.

“The Magpies were a young side last year and still pushed deep in finals so we’re under no illusions

that it’s going to be a tough match.”

Pellegrino said he’s hopeful a few of his players will get opportunity at senior level this season.

“For me as coach, I’d love to see a few of the boys be in the senior mix,” he said.

“I know that’ll be hard because the senior side will be pretty strong this year but if a few of them can play sen-

iors this year that would be great.

“I also don’t want to lose sight of the fact that for a number of the players this will be their last year of junior footy so I really want them to enjoy the season.

“And then for the younger players I just want to develop them as best we can so that they’re ready for their top age thirds year.”

Final preparations underway for hockey season

“As far as registrations and trainings are concerned, there are heaps of kids showing up for juniors and heaps of numbers for the seniors.

Albury Wodonga competition for the first time in years.

“We’re still ironing out a few things, finalising teams,” Warner said.

“We’ve got four senior teams in this year: div three women, div two women, we’ve also got a div three men and this year for the first time in a long time we’ve got a div two men’s team as well.

“It’s super exciting, it’s the first time for a long time we’ve had four senior teams.

“We were all a little bit apprehensive at the start of the year but it’s coming together beautifully.

“We had enough for a couple of teams to go out and have a run around, most of the seniors, and a few of the older juniors showed up for a run as well, which was good.

how to juggle two or three sports at the same time, working out how they’re going to play netball and hockey at the same time.”

“We’re getting good feedback, players enjoy it –they’re trying to figure out

The success of the club’s come-and-try day back in February has seen numbers

explode in the juniors, with a healthy representation of boys and girls picking up the stick and enjoying the sport. While the Dragons will field plenty of junior squads, the club will also have four senior teams in the Hockey

“It’s a big credit to the community of Wangaratta as well, we’ve had a lot of members come and join the club who have been in Wangaratta for a while and haven’t played for a while, but they’ve come back and joined us.”

The Hockey Albury Wodonga season commences in early April for the seniors, with juniors playing their first game on Friday, April 19.

MATCH SIMULATION: Wangaratta Dragons (from left) Kylie Samson, Tim Longman, Ellie Samson, Scott Tognola and Aaron Rhodes played an intraclub match on the weekend ahead of the HAW season.

PHOTO: Akaya Rhodes

ROVERS SKIPPER: Ryley Ely will lead Rovers’ thirds in 2024.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

Autumn season begins for table tennis teams

PLAYERS arrived last Wednesday night for the commencement of Wangaratta Table Tennis Autumn competition.

Following two muster and training nights when new and old players had a social hit up, an exciting new year of table tennis is underway.

Results:

A Grade

N.E. Ag & Industrial (Ash Wurtz, Ash Harding) def Plum Digital Hub (Andrew Lindner, Pawan Sehgal) Final rubber score 4/1.

The Ashes from Albury are back for another season.

A Wurtz had a good night, winning both his singles, A Harding added one and they capped their night off with a win in the doubles.

A Lindner scored one singles win for the losing team.

Nathan Vincent Contracting (Nathan Vincent, Tom Brown) defeated Boralma Berkshire (Austin Lindner, John Wright) final rubber score 4/1.

Tom won both his singles and Nathan added a singles win.

They consolidated their success by winning the doubles.

John recorded one singles win for Boralma Berkshire.

B Grade

N.E. Ag & Industrial (James Loughnan, Ken Parker), def Somerset Comms (John Bajada, Sien-

BACK IN ACTION: Tom Brown and Nathan Vincent Contracting defeated Boralma Berkshire in round one of the Autumn Competition.

na Bajada) Final rubber score 3/2.

James and Ken won a singles match each.

John was the strongest performer of the night winning both his singles matches which tied things up at two rubbers all.

The outcome was decided after James and Ken clinched the doubles win.

Plum Digital Hub (Stephen Picken, Ron Divinagracia) def Boralma Berkshire (Kim Brown, David Hudson) final rubber score 3/2.

Ron won both his singles matches and Kim and David had a singles win each.

Steve and Ron combined to win the deciding doubles rubber for Plum Digital Hub.

C Grade

BELLA PASQUALI WILL RUN AS WANGARATTA’S FIRST REIGNING CHAMPION OF THE PRESTIGIOUS STAWELL GIFT

■ From back page

Bella will be running the 400m off a favourable 11m this weekend, which she said would hopefully be a good barometer for her national championship run in Queensland coming up the following weekend, where she hopes to qualify for the World Junior Championships.

“I think I only had five days rest between Stawell and nationals last year, so it’ll be good to have a couple of extra days break,” she said.

“Most people don’t like racing before big competitions but I don’t mind it, I feel like it’s good and I would never miss Stawell.”

The starting gun will fire off with the heats on Saturday before reaching its conclusion on Easter Monday.

Bella will take part in a ceremony on the gift’s eve on Good Friday, where an official unveiling of her commemorative plaque on Stawell’s main street will take place along with men’s winner Ryan Tarrant.

You can tune in to the action at Stawell on Seven and 7plus from 9:25am on Easter Saturday.

THE REIGNING CHAMP: Bella Pasquali will be defending her sash at the 142nd running of the Stawell Gift this weekend. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Plum Digital Hub (Ted Tatulaschwili, Maxine Miller) def Boralma Berkshire (Andrew Holmes, Manni Poulos) Final rubber score 4/1.

Ted and Andrew had a very close six set encounter to start things off, but Ted managed to claim the match and went on to win his next match a little easier and and the doubles with Maxine. Maxine worked hard to add a singles win over Andrew who pushed her out to the full seven sets.

Manni claimed one singles win for the losing side defeating Maxine in yet another long seven setter.

Andrew and Michelle won a singles match each and Klaus won both his.

Tied at two rubbers each it came down to the doubles and NVC played with confidence to get the advantage and take the win.

D Grade

N.E. Ag & Industrial (Stephen Alger, John Ngiam) def Somerset Communications (Jake Delloro, Liam O’Keefe). Final rubber score 3/2. All players had one singles win each and enjoyed a close doubles match to finish off their night. The win went to John and Steve sealing the team’s success.

Plum Digital Hub (Seth Knox, Renee McCarthy) def Boralma Berkshire (Reggie Kanaskar, Jessie Hughes) Final rubber score 4/1.

Seth played very well winning both his singles matches. Renee added a singles win and they united to complete the night with success in the doubles.

Reggie recorded a singles win for the defeated team.

The shed will be open at 6pm again next Wednesday for junior players and for anyone wishing to have a pre-match hit-up.

Senior competition from 7pm.

Enquiries Tom Brown 0429 809 927.

Nathan Vincent Contracting (Andrew Higgins, Michelle Bowd) def N.E. Ag & Industrial (Klaus Kazenwadel, Julie Lindner) Final rubber score 3/2.

WINNERS (L-R) David Staff (Benalla), Janet Kelly (Wangaratta) and Maureen O’Keefe (Wangaratta).

Locals

impress

at Regional Singles Golf Croquet Qualifier

LAST Friday, March 22 the North Eastern District Croquet Association conducted the Regional Singles Golf Croquet Qualifier at Howlong.

The event was run in three divisions and the results were:

Division 1: David Staff from Benalla Croquet Club.

Division 2: Janet Kelly from Wangaratta Croquet Club.

Division 3: Maureen O’Keefe also from Wangaratta Croquet Club.

They will now compete in Melbourne in the regional finals against players from all over Victoria between April 19 and 21.

Devils fail to capitalise on ear ly lead on early lead

WANGARATTA City played out a 2-3 loss to Albury City at South Wangaratta Reserve on Saturday.

The Devils were 1-0 up at halftime but Albury City flicked a switch in the second half, finding the back of the net on three occasions to just edge out the Devils.

Molinaro said his players failed to capitalise on the early lead.

“We were 1-0 up at half-time and City ended up with one less player on the ground because of a red card but we just didn’t capitalise on that,” Molinaro said.

“We’ve got a number of new players in the squad and I think a few of them are still working their roles out too.

“In the end we probably didn’t lose because of how they played, it was more how we played.”

Molinaro believes once his side gels they’ll be able to push most teams.

“It’s going to take us a few games to work out our best 11 and how that looks,” he said.

“Everyone’s still working out how to play with each other and where they fit into the team best.

“Hopefully, after three or four games we’ll know how the side looks best.”

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

It was a fiery affair with the referee handing 10 different players cards throughout the 90 minutes.

“The fouls that brought cards weren’t massive fouls, they were probably just players who had made the same foul a number of times,” Molinaro said.

“When a referee pulls a player up on a number of occasions it accumulates and they give a card.

“The boys need to notice what the referee is doing and adjust accordingly.”

The Devils have the Easter weekend off but face St Pat’s in tonight’s FA Cup at Glen Park.

“It can be hard for players to make the FA Cup games in Albury because the game’s played pretty late (7:45pm),” Molinaro said.

“It does give us an opportunity to have a play around with some players’ positions and work out who fits best where.

“The boys that are playing are looking forward to it.”

Lady Devils revel in 9-0 Albury demolition

SCORING nine goals on an opponent in a half while keeping a clean sheet is arguably one of the best ways to start a season.

Wangaratta City’s division one women kicked off their campaign in devastating style at home on Sunday, embarrassing Albury City with a 9-0 drubbing.

While early signs of rust were evident with a scoreless first half, the Lady Devils had their chances, but put the foot down after the half.

A bag of four goals from Hannah Swindley, a hat-trick from Georgia Mahoney, and contributions from Sarah Morris and Caitlin Rizzo blew Albury out of the water, with almost all the play being conducted in Albury’s defensive half.

Coach Terry Masters said it was an impressive display from his squad.

“We played some good football, the passing between everyone was good and we used the ground well,” he said.

“Our midfield was very strong, with Hannah (Swindley), Charlotte (Brundell) and Georgia (Mahoney), they all had good games.

“We had a few chances in the first half, but in the second half I think they might’ve tired a bit too.

“This was probably our first real hitout, so I dare say we were a bit rusty in front of goal.

“Positioning was pleasing, we weren’t all running all over the shop out of position, it was fairly structured.”

BY NATHAN DE VRIES

The Lady Devils’ mixture of youth and experience was on full display, with every player contributing regardless of how many caps they had.

Masters said after such a resolute result, there would be some selection pressure for players who were unavailable for the match.

“It was pleasing because everyone held their own and didn’t look out of place, it bodes well for the future,” he said,

“It means there’s going to be a fight for spots now, there are probably another four or five who could put their hand up because they were either away or injured, so it’s a good position to be in.

“It was a good mix of people who have played and first-gamers, we had four or five debuts, and a couple of the girls who played haven’t played a lot of first-team football, and they all acquitted themselves well.”

The senior Lady Devils sit third overall heading into the Easter break.

The division two side had a much closer match, downed 4-3 by Albury City.

Sibel Primerano ended with two goals for Wangaratta, while Samantha Scott kicked one.

FOUR FOR HANNAH: Hannah Swindley kicked four goals in the Lady Devils’ 9-0 season opener.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

TOUGH LOSS: Stoycho Ivanov and Wangaratta City went down to Albury City on Sunday.

PHOTO: Kat de Naps Photography

Aggregate champions crowned

REP NETBALL THRIVING IN WANGARATTA

WANGARATTA’s representative netball squads have been training for well over two months and started their season on Sunday in Albury.

All teams travelled to Albury’s JC King netball courts to challenge themselves against the best players from netball associations from around the area including Wagga Wagga, Echuca and Albury Wodonga.

The under 17s team, coached by Stacey Lamb, stormed into the grand final but fell at the final hurdle losing to the Ovens and Murray representative team.

Felicity Lincoln and Megan O’Keefe’s under 15s team snuck into the grand final with a thrilling extra time win in the semi-final and were gallant in defeat, going down to Wodonga in the final game of the day.

THE final round of the Wangaratta Lawn Tennis Croquet and Pickleball Club’s summer aggregate competition was played on Saturday.

The season’s winners were crowned with Andrew Cope claiming the men’s title on 355 games, while Maree Sullivan was rewarded for a stellar season with the ladies’ trophy, winning 325 games.

The season’s remaining results were as follows:

Second: Phil Dryden with 347 games.

Third: John Shanley with 335 games.

Fourth: Mason Scholes with 321 games.

Fifth: Mark Brown with 313 games.

Round 21 results:

Section 1

Sam Allen 24-9, John Brunner 16-17, Mark Brown 14-19, Barry Sullivan 12-21.

Section 2

Ryan Patterson 24-14, Frank Harris 19-20, Henry Dean 19-21, Colin Mackay 18-20, Mike Lairson 16-21.

Section 3

Mario Pane 24-9, Andrew Lindner 19-17, Phil Dryden 15-19, Mason Scholes 14-19, Maree Sullivan 14-22.

Section 4

Joel Eulenstein 22-13, Andrew Cope 21-16, Michelle Flynn 1816, Jono Koop 16-17, Greg Renner 9-24.

Section 5

Des Steele 23-13, Angus Koop 21-18, Beth Cope 19-20, Max McAuliffe 18-17, Peter Ablazej 11-24.

Section 6

John Shanley 23-17, Cate Geard 21-19, Tim Dickinson 20-20, Mick Keogh 16-24.

Saturday tennis continues in the off season, starting at 1pm. Names to be registered by 12:30pm by phoning the clubhouse on 03 5721 2438.

UNDER 15s: (back, from left) Felicity Lincoln (assistant coach), Milli Haring, Freya Chant, Layney Draper, Lily Lister, (front) Charley Miller, Isabelle McMahen and Minnie Humphry (absent: Charlotte Woosnam, Matilda Taylor, Olivia Smith and Megan O’Keefe (coach).

UNDER 15s: (back, from left) Kaya O’Kane (coach) Paige Ely, Tara McMonigle, Layla Graham, Issy Pizzini, Lily Tahin, (front) Clodagh Way, Imogen Bradley, Elouise McLaughlin, and Lindsay Vincent (absent: Emily Liddell).

UNDER 13s: (back, from left) Jaye Miller (coach), Charlotte Smith, Ella Tucker, Polly Oats, Steph Parsons, Lexie Looby, Maisie Palmer, Mahlee Hartwig, Macy Boschetti, Indie Mawson, Chole Liddell, Arabella Cavicchiolo, Harper Miller, Kelly Bihun (Coach), (front) Rosie Edwards, Arabella Brett, Charlotte McMahon, Ames Rea, Maya Symons, Harriet Way and Mikayla Bradley.

UNDER 11s: (back, from left) Shailla Roman, Pia Fisher, Zara Pell, Eliza Looby, Clare Tucci (coach), (middle) Ava Elkington, Darby Hunter, Olivia Tucci, Grace Jones, Olivia Irvine, Emma Kelly, (front) Stella Jarman, Milla McNamara, and Milly Bihun.

UNDER 17s (back, from left) Emmerson Norton, Milly O’Kane, Milla Schubert, Imogen Robinson, Millie Sharp, Sophia Pasquali, Holly McCarthy, Stacey Lamb (coach), (front) Stella Patterson, Sophie Weir, Maggie Walker, Elle Gibson, Sadie Pellegrino and Holly Humphry.

SHOT: John Brunner hits a forehand.

SOFT HANDS: Mark Brown caresses a volley. PHOTO: Marc Bongers

LADIES WINNER: Barry Sullivan presents ladies winner Maree Sullivan with her title.

MEN’S CHAMPION: Andrew Cope (right) took out the WLTCP’s men’s summer aggregate title and was presented the trophy by president Barry Sullivan.

FULL FLIGHT

Sam Allen plays a forehand in the final round of the Wangaratta Lawn Tennis Croquet and Pickleball Club’s summer aggregate competition.

■ Results: Page 23

PHOTO: Marc Bongers

Defending the sash

Bella Pasquali will run as Wangaratta’s first reigning champion of the prestigious Stawell Gift B ll P q li ill W g ’ fi ig i g h pi f h p igi S ll Gif

BELLA Pasquali will be setting off to defend her crown as Wangaratta’s first reigning champion of Australian running’s most coveted prize.

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

The 142nd running of the Stawell Gift will be the epicentre of Australian athletics this Easter weekend with nearly 900 runners making their way to the edge of the Grampians.

Since her win last year, Bella’s mark has been pulled back from 7.5m to 2.5m, which will be third furthest mark from the finish line of the 120 registered runners

vying for the $40,000 prize in the women’s gift

The 17-year-old said while her chances are admittedly tough, she will still look to put on a show at a place which holds a special significance to her.

“It’s definitely been more challenging being at the back, but it’s almost a bit of a privilege as well,” she said.

“I’m hoping I can make a semi and be about middle of the field, but you never really know at Stawell because there’s a lot more competitors from interstate, so it’s a lot different to your week in week out competition.”

Bella’s win last year have opened up a raft of opportunities, from

appearing on Channel 7’s Sunrise to the construction of her own sign at her home Appin Street Athletics Complex.

“It’s definitely gotten my name out there a lot more, which has been good when it comes to certain types of things,” Bella said.

“But to be honest not much has changed, I’m still

training all of the time and competing as much as I can.”

With a greater handicap in the short-distance, Bella’s focus this season has been the 400m, where she has shown strong form in recent meets including a state championship winning run earlier in the month.

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