MAYA Ackroyd, Kobe Ackroyd and Kristen Ackroyd hope the Swans ‘shake down the thunder from the sky’ at tomorrow’s AFL Grand Final. It was exactly 10 years ago that Kristen and Maya featured in The Chronicle on the eve of the Grand Final clash between the Swans and Hawthorn, which didn’t end so well for Sydney fans.
on page 6.
STAFF across GOTAFE campuses, including Wangaratta, are reeling with an estimated 70 jobs to potentially go, as part of 90 non-teaching positions impacted under a major restructure of the tertiary education provider.
Following enquiries from this masthead, a Victorian Government spokesperson confirmed that GOTAFE staff were told about the restructure yesterday and it was the result of a careful consultation process that began in July and it was a decision of the GOTAFE board and management.
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
The government confirmed that GOTAFE is currently exploring if impacted staff can take on new roles within the new structure.
If not, they said staff will be offered transition packages and support to explore other opportunities across the TAFE network.
“GOTAFE’s board and management is implementing a new structure to better align
with the needs of students, industry and the wider labour market,” the government spokesperson said.
“The new structure will bring it closer to how other regional TAFEs operate – which is using a TAFE network approach.
“Our thoughts are with all impacted workers and their families.
“Transition packages, support services and opportunities for redeployment – within GOTAFE and across the TAFE network – will be offered.”
■ Continued page 4
By STEVE KELLY
OVENS Ward candidate Rebecca Shenfield has had the goal of becoming a Wangaratta councillor for many years and now the time is right, the Boohaman farmer is going for it.
Ms Shenfield has worked for 20 years at different times for state and local governments and she understands how the mechanics of government operate.
“I feel that I bring skills in the areas of town planning, emergency management, as a resident and farmer to the table, to assist with the community’s focus and vision making,” she said.
With extensive experience in emergency management and land use planning, Ms Shenfield believes that knowing how both operate will allow her to come in as a councillor and understand what decisions get made at a local government level and also what needs to happen for advocacy from local government to influence change at a State Government level.
“I certainly come into it with a good understanding of what needs to be considered when reviewing planning applications, and when making decisions on strategic planning matters for strategies and precinct structure plans,” she said.
“I think it will give me an advantage in knowing how that works and how it all interrelates with State Government and the role they play.”
Ms Shenfield said most of her role has been working through processes with people, whether it be customers, residents and during work as consultant, stepping people through the process what they can and can’t consider.
“I think my advantage would be that I’d be able to articulate or talk through what matters we can consider when looking at applications and what we can’t,” she said.
“Not everyone agrees with a decision but an important aspect is being able to outline why a decision was made, what was considered and being really transparent with that.
“I am prepared to go that extra step and talk through what I’m considering on behalf of a community or how a decision came to be and be accountable for that.”
Looking ahead to Wangaratta’s future and forecast population growth, Ms Shenfield said some of
the challenges for council in the land use space is reaching the residential targets that the State Government has set and making sure they have land that is suitable for rezoning.
The Victorian government has set a target for 5700 more homes
to be built in the rural city by 2051.
“More particularly, making sure it’s got the services available and we know there has been some challenges in recent years with North East Water and their capability to service new residential lots,” she said.
Ms Shenfield also supports council’s role to be an advocate for community in situations like the fast-tracking of renewable energy facilities to make sure they are planned for and located in the most appropriate areas.
“This is something that council is no longer the decision maker on but we can certainly have a voice for the community and work with our State Government partners to make sure that voice is heard,” she said.
Ms Shenfield is contesting the Ovens Ward with other candidates Harvey Benton and Jennifer Garrett. If you would like to contact Rebecca about a council issue of concern email her at rebecca.shenfield@outlook.com or call 0455 888 151.
By CHLOE JAENICKE
BULLAWAH Ward candidate
Brian Fox hopes to make council more accessible to the community.
The last time he was on council was in the 1980s and he said council has changed immensely since then.
“It’s very difficult to compare it because back in the 80s the council was a community organisation, now the council is run more like a company where you have the chief executive officer,” he said.
“Now we’ve got through time a whole set of rules about the contact between the councillors and the CEO.”
Mr Fox said this has also created a change where people don’t know who their councillors are, and he aims to make the next council the most well known in modern times through having their photos in public spaces.
“If you walked to any shop in the street and said, ‘there’s seven councillors name four’, I don’t think that anyone of the shopkeepers would know who four are,” he said. “I would like them to know who the seven are.”
Based on personal experience, Mr Fox believes that making councillors more well known to the
community will create more responsibility and accountability for their actions.
“The moment you get recognition of who’s in charge, things change remarkably,” he said.
Mr Fox’s passions also lie in Wangaratta’s CBD and making it more accessible to people.
He believes there should be more parking and maintenance of the CBD to boost businesses and the economy.
“The council of recent times has eliminated a number of car parking spaces in the CBD and planted them with gardens,” he said.
“While the gardens look lovely, the gardens to me belong in park, in Merriwa Park and the King George Gardens, all of that sort of stuff, not in Norton Street, not in Ovens Street, that’s for the industry of retailing.
“If you get the cars and you get the people and then you get the cash flow then you get more employment, no one is disadvantaged by getting more car parks.
“I don’t want anyone saying ‘I’m
not going to the CBD because I can’t find a park’.”
Mr Fox also has his sights set on manufacturing as he feels Wangaratta is truly unique because it creates a range of products.
“I would like to see all the products made here have a slogan that says the word Wangaratta or the slogan ‘Wangaratta the place to be’,” he said.
“We are so fortunate that we make everything, we’ve got cattle, sheep, pigs, wheat and flacks and I want to get it collectively known as being made in Wangaratta.”
Mr Fox doesn’t believe being the oldest candidate at age 87, puts him at a disadvantage and if elected he looks forward to working with the other councillors.
“Unless I’m sadly mistaken, I don’t see any problem with my age,” he said.
“I know I’m going to find it remarkably different but I’m a merchant of change.”
Mr Fox is up against one other candidate, in current councillor David Fuller, in the Bullawah Ward.
By SIMONE KERWIN
THEY’RE called ‘Believers’: the people from all walks of life, all occupations and of all ages who have thrown their support behind the Project 365 cause.
To Pete Rourke, the founder of the Wangaratta initiative which aims to reduce the stigma of mental health issues and spread the message that ‘it’s okay not to be okay’, these people represent the breadth of the local community and its desire to make an impact.
“They know this is a big issue,” he said.
“We’re never, ever, ever going to tame this beast, but we can at least cut it off at the knees if we work together.”
Project 365 Believers were invited to be part of a photo taken at Merriwa Park last Friday, and turned out in numbers to show their support in person, with many others apologising they couldn’t be there.
“Find me somewhere else in a country town that drives a mental health platform like that,” Pete said.
“The people in our town need to know who supports us, and we invite anyone who wants to support mental health to reach out to us and get involved.
“People are coming to us to do that, and that’s what we find very heartwarming.”
Pete told the gathering on Friday that there was potential to raise around $100,000 through the next Project 365 event, to go towards the foundation that
is supporting mental health in the local community.
The next show, ‘Bringing Light to the Dark’, will be held on February 22, 2025, and is set to unite the community again to be part of a bigger conversation around positive mental health against a backdrop of
music and festivities. The group has been spreading its message interstate with trips to Sydney and Perth in recent months, and has more initiatives to announce in the coming weeks which will highlight avenues for further strengthening the local community represented
by the Believers.
“I think we’re the luckiest community in Australia by a Flemington strait,” Pete said.
“The people in this picture and many others have shown their support - if that continues to grow, can you just imagine the difference it will make?”
seize illicit cigarettes, $30,000 in Wangaratta tobacco raid
AROUND $30,000 in cash and more than 17kg of loose tobacco was seized by Wangaratta police during a search of a Ford Street tobacco store on Tuesday. While searching the Wangaratta premises at around 10am on September 24, officers also seized approximately 1000 illicit cigarettes and 250 e-cigarettes.
The investigation remains ongoing, with investigators continuing to appeal to anyone with information about illicit activity to come forward to police.
Anyone with information about these incidents or with further information about illicit tobacco is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic. com.au
TRAFFIC along OxleyMeadow Creek Road is set to get a whole lot busier for up to two years if a nearby 332MW solar facility is approved.
Oxley resident Linda Simpson is rallying concerned landholders to make a submission to the Meadow Creek Solar Farm permit application, and she is also calling on a condition requiring proponents to seal the entirety of Oxley-Meadow Creek Road.
A Traffic Impact Assessment Report has been released, along with the planning permit by the State Government, the approval authority for the facility.
The report notes the construction will involve 100 heavy vehicle movements over an 11-hour workday, Report flags construction to bring 100 heavy vehicle movements
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
equating to an average of nine trucks per hour (two ways).
It notes there will be up to 90 inbound and 90 outbound worker vehicles/shuttle buses during peak commuter times between 5.30am-6.30am and 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm Saturdays.
Trucks will include 19-metre semi-trailers, truck, dog and 26-metre low loader trucks, Bdoubles and OSOM trucks, restricted access vehicles (RAV) and concrete agitators. During the construction of
the transmission line, all vehicles will approach and depart via Oxley-Meadow Creek Road.
Ms Simpson believes flooding, dust and traffic are likely to impact local businesses, residents and community events during the construction period.
“The Docker-Carboor Road is normally cut off for much longer than the Oxley-Meadow Creek Road (in floods), which will force the MCSF construction trucks and worker vehicles to use Oxley-Meadow Creek Road both ways for significant periods,” she said.
“If flooding occurred it could stop work altogether when they can’t get down
either road, or the trucks will go through Milawa and access the Brown Brothers Road which isn’t subject to flood Inundation both ways.
“Every user and resident of all the route roads from the Hume Hwy, Snow Road, Oxley-Meadow Creek Road, Docker-Carboor Road and Wang-Whitfield Road will be impacted.”
With the tourism industry already severely impacted by the downturn in visitors, Ms Simpson believes the construction operations of the solar facility will be further impact with this added level of heavy vehicular activity.
“The safety of the local children should be para-
mount - they are always on bikes or on foot travelling to and from the recreation reserve,” she said.
“If these roads are to be used as a route for construction, the entire route must be fully and uniformly sealed to protect the health and safety of the community.”
The report notes that as there will be a significant number of heavy vehicle movements across the construction period, regular condition inspections should be undertaken on the roads making up the haulage routes, which should be repaired as necessary.
“The use of a DustMag (or similar) treatment may also
kd y
be considered to reduce dust impacts on properties abutting Oxley-Meadow Creek Road and Docker-Carboor Road,” it read. If approved, it’s believed construction is expected to commence in late 2025 and duration is expected to be 1824 months.
The traffic report concluded that the site is suitable for development as a solar farm, however, the public can still make a submission/objection on traffic aspects or about any other concerns to the planning application by October 16.
Email your submission/ objection to development.approvals@delwp.vic.gov.au.
We invite all Special Educators who are looking for an innovative future focused program to work within, where you have the flexibility to plan your own program. This may be of interest to experienced Primary School teachers or someone with a passion for special education. We invite you to meet with our Executive Principal, Dave Armstrong, for a confidential discussion about the opportunities and benefits of working at Wangaratta High School, within our Inclusion team.
Help make a meaningful difference in the lives of our region’s youth within a culture of high expectations and aspiration, supported by an exceptional staff team. For further information please visit or contact our HR Manager (03) 5723 0500.
By STEVE KELLY
INLAND Rail has advised that works will continue at Wangaratta Railway Station and the Green Street bridge throughout October and November.
Works at Wangaratta station will include:
construction of the pedestrian stairs, ramps and lift shafts;
construction of the new western car park;
electrical connections and upgrades
construction of the new western platform and canopy;
platform handrail installation;
installation of kerbing and fencing;
rail track resurfacing works; and
commissioning of the fire hydrant system.
Works at Green Street bridge will include:
construction of bridge structure reinforcements;
backfill bridge abutments; and
pavement and barrier construction.
Construction work will be carried out from 6am-7pm Monday to Sunday (7 days) and the public can expect the following:
noise from construction machinery and equipment operating onsite;
trucks and other vehicles entering and exiting the work site;
ground excavations in various locations;
approved vegetation removal within the project area; and
Green Street bridge closed between Norton Street and Roy Street West, with detours in place.
Traffic management will be activated when required which
may cause minor traffic delays. Heavy and light vehicles to be used will include concrete pump trucks, trucks, large cranes, dump trucks, loaders, excavators and rollers will be used within the work areas.
For any concerns or enquiries phone 1800 929 244, email inlandrailvic@inlandrail.com.au or visit the Inland Rail shopfront at 48a Norton Street on Thursdays 10am– 2pm.
■ From front page
However, the government’s description of “a careful consultation process” differs to what the National Tertiary Education Union and a GOTAFE staff member have described.
The union met with members earlier this week to discuss what has been “a lack of transparency and communication” from GOTAFE management to employees over the job cuts and restructure.
While numbers of job losses at Wangaratta campus haven’t officially been disclosed, it’s believed that 70 equivalent fulltime (EFT) positions could go across GOTAFE’s multiple campuses.
Wangaratta campus staff make up almost a third of GOTAFE staff, so on this ratio the union estimates that about 20 EFT employees will be let go from this campus.
NTEU industrial officer, Janet Bourke, said there are more jobs lost than GOTAFE originally foreshadowed which is causing staff extreme concern.
“It appears management are trying to rush through these new position descriptions (changes) at a time staff are on leave during school holidays without giving us enough time to scrutinise the new roles,” Ms Bourke said on Tuesday.
“We really want to make sure the current employees’ experience and service is recognised and they have every opportunity to be placed into these new roles.”
Ms Bourke said several staff are concerned about the workloads and already there are roles over the past 12 months that have not been filled.
“We just can’t see how GOTAFE, with multi-campuses, can operate with so few professional staff compared to other TAFEs in Victoria,” she said.
A GOTAFE staff member, who spoke to this masthead on the proviso of anonymity, explained the predicament for many employees.
“Staff are still shocked and stunned about what’s going on, they’re worked up and emotional about the fact for some of them their job is ending and they have to look for employment in a market that is extremely challenging,” they said.
“There are other government departments that are cutting jobs and it’s generally looking pretty grim.
“Staff are doing the best they can to put on a brave face, but they are hurting.”
The staff member said GOTAFE is cutting a selection of jobs mainly across student admin, enrolment and attraction and they’re putting those responsibilities onto other people.
Ms Bourke is the industrial officer for most of the other standalone TAFEs in Victoria and she said the percentage of staffing cuts has not been of this magnitude in the past and she has never seen cuts as drastic as what’s being proposed.
She said the VAGO report details financial issues with GOTAFE, but management are not using this as the reason but rather saying it’s due
“They’ve got this idea of smarter ways of working and what that’s going to mean is that after this restructure is bedded down, everything will just get heaped on fewer staff members,” they said.
“They’re talking about upskilling and there are a lot of higher-level positions, but they are not providing training and support for the staff who are currently employed to be able to apply for the positions.
“It’s an uplift, but in the sense it’s get rid of the old and in with the new.
“The job cuts are probably much more because people will leave, the experience goes out and they’ll recruit others back in.
“Chances are GOTAFE will struggle to find the talent in the regions, so they’ll just be working remotely from Melbourne like half the executive do.”
to an uplift of skills.
In a statement to this masthead on Thursday, a GOTAFE spokesperson said they are streamlining and simplifying their structure to create new foundations for growth.
“We are developing new ways of working, aligning capabilities and processes that focus on student outcomes,” the spokesperson said.
“GOTAFE’s transformation
will ensure our staffing and structure matches our operational requirements to serve our students and stakeholders and set our teams and their leaders up for success.
“While our ways of working will change, what will not change is GOTAFE’s vision of being the training provider of choice for our local community and delivering the skills needed in our region’s industries.”
IN a celebration of local art and community spirit, the Rural City of Wangaratta and local wine producer Brown Brothers have announced a partnership to kick off a large-scale mural art project.
The initiative, which started this week, will see four emerging young female artists from the region gain invaluable experience under the guidance of celebrated local artist Christopher Henderson.
The new mural will grace the walls of Brown Brothers’ packaging facility in Milawa, and will aim to visually embody the company’s core values: wellbeing, innovation, pride, and respect.
The project not only highlights these values but also aims to foster local artistic talent and community engagement.
Mr Henderson, known for his local artwork including the bird mural at Madam Espresso Cafe in Wangaratta, will mentor the selected artists throughout the project.
His involvement is expected to provide a significant boost to the young artists’ development, offering them a unique opportunity to learn from an established professional in the field.
The four artists, chosen through an application process, submitted portfolios showcasing their creative skills and artistic vision.
“This partnership is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our values through art while contributing to the local artistic community,” Brown Brothers winemaker Katherine Brown said.
“We believe that this mural will be a vibrant addition to our new packaging facility and a lasting symbol of the collaborative spirit we value.”
have begun a major crackdown on drink and drug driving over the AFL Grand Final long weekend in an effort to reduce road trauma.
As part of Operation Scoreboard, which kicked off on Thursday, police will be highly visible on roads across the state, carrying out widespread roadside alcohol and drug testing throughout the extended break.
BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
Last year, Wangaratta police detected 95 offences across the Police Service Area (PSA) over the September long weekend, with some 61 related to speeding and seven offences related to drug and alcohol.
It comes as the number of lives lost on Victorian roads this year has reached 211, on par with the same time last year and 28 more than this time in 2022.
Three of those fatalities have come within the Wangaratta local government area this year, including two lives lost on BeechworthWangaratta Road.
Provisional police analysis of this year’s fatal collisions indicates that impaired driv-
THE 2024 Wangaratta Seniors Festival kicks off next week, with over 100 free and affordable events and activities running throughout October designed for those aged 60 and over.
The action begins on Tuesday, October 1 with activities including Come and Try Croquet at the Wangaratta Lawn Tennis Club from 1pm to 3pm, Zumba at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre at 10.30am, followed by Lifeball at WSAC from 1pm to 2pm, and Wangaratta Woodworkers in Evans Street will be open from 9am to 12pm.
There are health and fitness sessions running throughout next week, and husband and wife duo Naturally Kerley will kick off a series of performances at rural locations with a show and sausage sizzle at the Cheshunt Hall on Thursday, October 3 from 12pm.
ing from either alcohol or drugs has contributed to at least a quarter of fatalities, with speed remaining the highest contributing factor.
Assistant Commissioner Road Policing, Glenn Weir, said miscalculation of alcohol consumption continues to be one of the most common reasons cited by drivers who are caught over the limit, suggesting that many people are prepared to risk having a few drinks before getting behind the wheel.
“The message is clear – alcohol, drugs and driving don’t mix, so if you’re planning to celebrate over the AFL Grand Final weekend, plan ahead
and leave the car at home, arrange a designated driver or utilise alternative transport options,” he said.
“Motorists heading to regional areas this long weekend can also expect to see police highly visible.
“Slow down, stick to speed limits, manage fatigue by taking plenty of breaks and avoid distractions when travelling on regional roads.”
Police are reminding motorists that they should expect to be tested anywhere, anytime this weekend, with significant penalties in place for those caught driving while impaired.
With the long weekend in
Victoria also coinciding with the school holidays and an RDO for the industrial sector, police will also be highly visible on major arterials heading to regional areas and holiday hotspots.
Those heading away for the weekend are being urged to stick to the speed limits, take plenty of breaks and avoid distractions when travelling on regional roads.
Operation Scoreboard will run until 11:59pm on Sunday, September 29.
For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads this long weekend, visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.
Don’t forget there are eight days of free public transport coming up from October 6 to October 13, when Victorian Seniors Card holders can travel free in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
The Wangaratta Seniors Festival is run by the Rural City of Wangaratta in collaboration with the Victorian Government, and you can view the entire program online at wangaratta.vic.gov.au/ SeniorsFestival or pick up a copy from council, Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre, and various post offices and stores around the region.
By CHLOE JAENICKE
ONE of the biggest days in the Victorian sporting calendar is almost upon us when the Sydney Swans take on the Brisbane Lions this Saturday in the AFL grand final.
Many gather round the TV alongside friends and family with streamers strung to enjoy a barbecue and a drink at half-time while watching the game.
While neither team is currently Melbourne based, there are still many fanatical fans to be found locally.
This includes lifelong Swans supporter Kristen Ackroyd, who managed to snag tickets to the game at the MCG on Tuesday morning.
“I’ve never been to a grand final before, I’ve been too nervous to go, but this year I decided I’d go and I struggled really hard to get some but I finally got two,” she said.
Ms Ackroyd started barracking for the Swans of her own accord as a child after a love of the game was in-
GO BLOODS: Maya Ackroyd, Kristen Ackroyd and Kobe Ackroyd hope to see the Swans get their first flag since 2012.
stilled in her by her pop.
“My family all go for different teams, my pop was the reason I even love football so much and he goes for
Collingwood, so I think he was a bit devastated when I picked the Swans,” she said.
“I felt bad for them because back then they only
won, like, two games a year and I love an underdog, that’s literally why I started going for them.”
This year she is hoping to
watch the Swans win their first grand final since 2012 alongside one of her children.
“Since 2012 I think I’ve sat
through three grand final losses, it was especially hard two years ago when it was my husband’s team (Geelong) that absolutely pumped us in the grand final, so that was an awesome day in the household,” she said.
“Hopefully we’ll get a win, I’m not sure how I’m going to feel if it’s a loss, I probably won’t ever go again.
“I’ve heard the atmosphere’s great and it’s going to be nice weather, Katy Perry is performing so hopefully we get something good out of the day.”
While she and her children all support the Swans, Ms Ackroyd said she’s the biggest fan of them all, even after her son converted to the Swans almost 10 years ago.
“My son’s only 13 but he’s a mad Swans supporter, he was a Geelong supporter but when he was four he jumped ship to the Swans, much to my husband’s disgust,” she said.
“I’d say I’m probably the worst out of the three of us but my son’s probably very close second.”
Friday, September 28, 2014.
By SIMONE KERWIN
BARBECUES are being wheeled out, streamers hung, and half time refreshments prepared, as Wangaratta gets set for one of the most iconic events on the Australian calendar, tomorrow’s AFL grand final.
Grand final week remains an important one to the nation’s culture – from the glamor and dramatic vote-calling of Brownlow night, through the Grand Final Footy Show, to today’s parade, tonight’s footy marathon, and tomorrow’s breakfasts and lead-in coverage.
And for those whose teams are in the mix, the excitement can reach fever pitch, whether they’re heading to the MCG or watching from the couch or over a barbie.
Wangaratta’s Joe and MaryJane Cannata will hit the road to Melbourne tomorrow, after securing tickets to the grand final to watch their beloved Hawthorn take on Sydney.
The brother and sister, who
took up Kennedy membership this year, have been Hawks fans since childhood, when the halcyon years and players like Brereton, Dunstall and Platten drew their attention.
The pair has been at the ‘G’ for the last two grand finals (Mary-Jane was also there when the Hawks won in 2008), and are keen to see their side claim back-to-back flags.
And in the lead-up to the onfield action, Joe said he enjoyed the festivities outside the ground, with media broadcasts and kids’ activities creating a festival atmosphere.
“It’s good fun, and it’s great to share the experience with someone,” he said.
If the Hawks are successful, the siblings will stay on for the postmatch concert featuring Ed Sheeran and Tom Jones, and the chance to step onto the hallowed turf of the MCG.
PASSIONATE: Hawthorn supporters MaryJane and Joe Cannata will be among the MCG crowd cheering on their beloved Hawks in tomorrow’s AFL grand final, while Sydney Swans fanatics Kristen and Maya Ackroyd will be barracking for the Bloods at home.
PHOTO: Luke Plummer
Meanwhile, passionate Swan Kristen Ackroyd and daughter Maya, who has followed in her footsteps to support the Bloods, will be among local fans watching the game from home.
Kristen said husband Jeremy and son Kobe, both Cats fans, would also be there lending support,
because they always lost”.
“My Pop loved football, and he encouraged me to pick my own team, so I went for the team that always lost, and I’ve stuck by them,” she said.
“Maya’s followed on from me, she’s had it born and bred into her, and she’s right into footy.”
Kristen said she was shocked when Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin joined the Swans for the 2014 season.
“It’s so controversial, isn’t it? But anyone would love to have him on their team,” she said.
but the crowd would be kept to a minimum.
“I’m quite vocal, so I think it will be just us at home, to watch it in some peace,” Kristen said.
“It will be very low-key.”
Kristen’s allegiance to the Swans began as a youngster, when she “felt sorry for them
“I think he’s been a good investment, we’re a good established team, and he’s that extra X factor in the forward line.
“I don’t know how he’s going to perform against his old side, it could be a bit nervewracking for him.”
Kristen predicts a close encounter in tomorrow’s grand final.
“They’ve been the top two teams all year, and I think we should win, but it will be by under 10 points,” she said.
A TWILIGHT laneway market is set to turn the Wangaratta CBD into a vibrant meeting place when it takes place this October.
Rural City of Wangaratta council will transform Victoria Parade into an evening marketplace with stalls of locally made goods, food trucks and live music.
The branding for the laneway market event was developed with input from students across Wangaratta who participated in the Careers Expo at Galen Catholic College in July.
The final design was created by Ellie McNamara, a Visual Communication Design (VCD) student from Cathedral College.
Ellie’s artwork brings the concept to life by capturing the vibrant atmosphere of a springtime laneway market.
Ellie said she came up with the idea for the poster through researching on Pinterest to create a design that was later blended with councils branding.
“It’s pretty cool to see my de-
BY CHLOE JAENICKE cjaenicke@ nemedia.com.au
sign being used,” she said.
“I submitted my idea as a draft and council used the images and the layout to make it into their official version.
“I’m just grateful for the opportunity.”
Ellie’s VCD teacher, Mim Murray, said she was very proud of Ellie’s achievement and looks forward to seeing what she does in the future.
“I’m really happy for her and to see her natural eye for design be recognised is very special,” she said.
“She’s so deserving of it because she’s such a hard worker and has her heart set on a tertiary design course in the future.”
It is set to be a highlight of this year’s Shop Local campaign run by council, which supports small businesses in the region.
As well as providing an opportunity for local makers to show and sell their wares,
businesses along Victoria Parade, including Pedal Slowly, Wangaratta Club, Madam Espresso, and Artisans Alley, will join the festivities, staying open to welcome shoppers and visitors.
Attendees who make a purchase at the market can go into the draw to win a prize to the value of $300.
To enter the draw, attendees can scan QR codes at participating stalls and the winner will be announced on October 31.
Mayor Dean Rees said the Laneway Market is a wonderful opportunity to support and celebrate our local businesses and artisans.
“This market not only brings our community together but also showcases creativity and the entrepreneurial spirit,” he said.
The market will take place on Saturday, October 19 from 5pm to 9pm at Victoria Parade.
For more information on the market or the Local Shop Hop campaign, visit https:// www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/ Business/Shop-Local.
IMMINENT job losses at GOTAFE will have a resounding affect on communities in Wangaratta, Benalla and Shepparton during one of the worst financially challenging times in history.
The specific number of job losses was not confirmed to this masthead despite requests, however, we understand it to be dozens and potentially 70.
GOTAFE and the Minister’s office did supply the Wangaratta Chronicle with information about the restructure and also informed GOTAFE employees about the changes, albeit during the school holiday period.
The impact on staff who could lose their job, or will lose their job, is immense, at a time when job opportunities in regional areas are extremely limited in the current economic climate.
If current staff are not able to take on new roles within the new structure, due to lack of qualifications for instance, direction to the door and a ‘thanks for your service’ letter look the only option.
Or as the government puts it, they will be offered transition packages and support to explore other opportunities across the TAFE networks.
The problem with this is that geographical location is likely to raise a barrier for regional-based people and their families.
For places such as Wangaratta, people can’t just uproot and move to where the work is without essentially leaving behind their lives and starting again.
GOTAFE has not mentioned that financial issues are a part of the restructure, but one only has to look at the public reason of the restructure: “To better align with the needs of students, industry and the wider labour market”.
Delivering the news while most staff are on leave only adds salt to the wounds.
FACEBOOK users this week commented on a local couple winning premierships for rival teams.
• Wendy Harris: Congratulations, well done.
• Carmel Poulter: The smiles say it all.
• Kylie Wealands: Congratulations to both of you! Brilliant article, Simone!
• Jenny Henwood: Wonderful achievement,
very proud.
• Sandy Toohey: Jenny Henwood awwwsome.
• Jo-Anne Currie: Congratulations Will and Brooke.
• Darcy Laffy: Most deserving bloke to win a flag, great bloke too, good stuff shagga.
• Wendy Allan: Congratulations Brooke and will.
• Vicki Lane-Brock
Russell Brock: Congrats Brooke & Will.
ON Sunday, October 6, all those unfortunate people living in Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, NSW and ACT, have to move their clocks an hour ahead, losing a precious hour of sleep.
This causes sleep disruption and our circadian rhythms are thrown out of sync when we’re waking at a time when our body clock is programmed for sleep (Not WA, NT, QLD – they voted No years ago).
Access to more daylight hours, that encourages outdoor activities whilst saving energy costs, has proven to be counterproductive by USA scientists.
And a 20-year study by Sleep Foundation Australia found the October transition period increased cardiac arrest by 13 per cent and may cause development of other diseases.
The solution is not to shift the clock, but let everybody get a good night’s sleep and “save” our health instead.
It’s time to stop Daylight “Savings”.
Let’s get the ball rolling by not moving our clocks forward on October 6.
Maxine Miller, Wangaratta
IT is de eply concerning to read recent letters that echo uneducated views on the Israel-Palestine “conflict” and the situation in Lebanon.
These narratives overlook the history of this tragedy and it’s crucial to address these misconceptions.
The conflict did not begin on October 7.
Palestinian oppression has persisted for decades, rooted in occupation, displacement, and systemic violations of human rights.
Reducing it to a recent event ignores this long history of suffering.
What Israel is doing in Gaza and beyond is not simply “self-defence”.
International bodies, including the International Criminal Court, have labelled it genocide.
The targeted bombing of civilians, hospitals, and vital infrastructure are far beyond any legitimate defence.
To claim otherwise is to ignore the overwhelming evidence of disproportionate force and collective punishment.
We must also reject the narrative that innocent civilians are merely “collateral damage.”
NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.
• Jayne Close: Congratulations.
• Debbie Nolan: Love it.
• Hayley Currie: Naww thats a gorgeous pic ox
• Chris Whinray: Fabulous work you two.
• Leanne Matthews: Well done you too! It is possible.
• Kay Muller: Congratulations to you both.
• Brett Direen: How good wonderful twist regardless who you follow
3 Premiership Cups to Wangaratta as a city we should be proud of our champions.
• Jackie Stevens: Well done you two champions.
• Leonie Arnold: Congrats Facebook users also commented on local principals weighing in on the social media debate.
• Hugh Maguire: Parents should be responsible. We don’t need legislation, we need parents to parent!
Our follower total is Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say. 14,978
This dehumanises people and treats them as expendable or a tragic afterthought.
Every life lost is valuable, and each deserves our outrage.
Disturbingly, these same views allow Israel to continue its operations with impunity, justify actions that amount to war crimes, and enable the violence to spill over into Lebanon.
We have a responsibility to protest these injustices.
To stay silent, or worse, to excuse this violence, is to allow it to continue.
I urge others to educate themselves on the true nature of this conflict.
Tegan Podubinski, Northeast Mums for Peace
TO those in authority that are responsible for the removal of the Australia Post postal box from outside the Rural City of Wangaratta offices (corner of Ford and Ovens streets), I wish to express the inconvenience caused to some Business Wangaratta members conducting their council and other business in that area. I could drive my car and park in the
disability space.
The letter box was right there for my mail to be posted.
It was so convenient.
From a commercial perspective, any loss of service and/or convenience for the public will result in a corresponding loss of customer patronage to businesses in the surrounding area.
Changes in customer patronage is normal in retailing but maybe we can advise a postal box which is conveniently located to a disability parking space.
Adrian Fox, Wangaratta (secretary, Business Wangaratta)
under 250 words. Every letter must have your full name, address and a daytime phone contact number supplied for verification purposes. Any letter may be edited for reasons of space, content or legibility. Email edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au
Post Letters to the Editor, 37 Rowan St,
FACEBOOK users this week commented on calls for change in approach to catchment management.
• Lorraine Monshing Oam:
Yes ! Book learning city people who have very little experience, over generations of Farmers and Ancestors, who looked after the Water ways until the last 20 odd years
• Linda Simpson: I’m with Ken Gaudion. NECMA need to listen to those who have the knowledge and experience.
• Mandy Duke: NECMA Don’t listen to anyone, they are in a world of there own.
• Leslie Matthews: While ignoring the real elephant in the room no doubt.. Facebook users this week also commented on Wangaratta Rovers winning the Ovens and Murray grand final at Lavington.
• Nikolay Yashenko: Incredible effort...
• Eric Gallagher: You all climbed Everest.
• Nina Panozzo: Well done
Check out some of our best photos at our @wangchronicle Instagram account.
tall french man Gaston.
• Kristen Stebny: Sensational effort boys, and well deserved.
• Gianni De Luca: Well done
• Kim Winnell: Nicceee!
• Hanny Bongers: Well done, congratulations
• Roger Neate: Well done
• Susie Rast: Awesome
• Lyn Spencer: Congratulations rovers great win I new you could do it
• Ronnie Bakker: Well done boys great win
• Richard Jeffreys: Yes yes
• Norina Smith: Congratulations guys
• Emma Zane: Such a good game well done boys
• Helen Reilly: Well done Rovers Facebook users this week also commented on the Wangaratta Magpies taking home the C grade netball premiership with a 37-25 win over Wodonga Raiders.
• Vickey Doolan: Congratulations
• Katie Batchelor: Well done Megan O’Keefe
Our follower total is Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.
14,978
X USERS this week tweeted about the Ovens and Murray Football Netball League grand final, A Wangaratta woman who has had a medal worthy career and the installation of the Green Street bridge.
J Rouel @jamesrouel
Absolutely nuts @omfnl Grand Final. Boil over. Yarrawonga loose one game all year, beat their opponents by 78 pts two weeks ago yet Wangaratta Rovers win by 3 pts to break a 30 year premiership drought. Footy you beautiful thing.
University of Melbourne Alumni @unimelbalumni
Medicine alum Alice McNamara is a sports physician for Olympic and Paralympic athletes. From Wangaratta to Paris, tap to read her medal-worthy career story.
https://go.unimelb.edu.au/y878
Infrastructure Magazine @inframagoz
Inland Rail has reached another milestone with the Green St bridge superstructure lifted into place in Wangaratta.
If you have something to say, add our handle @wangchronicle to your tweet and we will publish some each week. NOTE:
By JORDAN DUURSMA
AUSTRALIAN Red Cross Life-
blood is calling for 154 new donors in Wangaratta as part of the push to recruit 100,000 people nationwide to become blood and plasma donors, as demand for blood hits a 12-year-high and plasma demand soars to record levels.
Just over 560,000 active donors currently maintain the blood and plasma supply for Australia’s population of almost 27 million, but new donors are crucial to meet the nation’s growing needs.
Local resident Monique Tolliday made her first donation in Wangaratta on Wednesday.
Monique said she was inspired by her mum and uncle’s commitment to regular donations, one of whom just reached their 166th donation milestone.
“I knew I had always wanted to donate,” she said.
“During birth, I had a postpartum haemorrhage, luckily, I didn’t end up requiring a transfusion but it was very close.
“We all have family and friends in our communities that have required help at some stage, whether that’s cancer, new mothers, road trauma, burns, surgery, accidents or anaemia.
“If you are able to give the gift of life, please consider donating, it’s a small inconvenience to help keep another person alive.
“We can’t just give money to the cause; blood can’t be made, and blood can’t be bought.”
Lifeblood is urging 100,000 Australians – the same number of people who will fill the MCG for Saturday’s AFL Grand Final – to roll up their sleeves
for the very first time.
Lifeblood’s executive director of donor experience, Cath Stone, said a new blood donor is needed every four minutes in Australia and the challenge is to get 100,000 new donors to have a reason to come through the doors in the next 12 months to prevent a donor shortage.
“We know 100,000 people will show up if they have a compelling reason to do so, like cheer-
ing on their team at the MCG,” she said.
“We’re calling on 100,000 people to find their reason to show up to donate blood and plasma.”
Lifeblood Wangaratta Donor Centre is open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 17a Norton Street.
You can book a donation by calling 13 14 95 or book online at lifeblood.com.au or on the DonateBlood app.
FEDERAL Independent MP for Indi, Helen Haines, has praised consumers for active monitoring of price concerns that has led to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) conducting a full investigation into pricing practices.
The ACCC has initiated separate actions against both major supermarket chains, Woolworths and Coles, after consumer complaints and social media monitoring on a range of everyday items.
“These allegations – that the big supermarkets raised prices temporarily before advertising ‘discounts’ that were higher than the original prices – are beyond the pale,” Dr Haines said.
“At a time when Australians are battling to make ends meet, we need tough consequences for businesses that engage in this type of behaviour – the government must show that this is unacceptable and stand up for everyday Australians.”
On the same day as the ACCC announced its action, the government said it would introduce legislation by the end of the year to address the recommendations of reviews into Australia’s supermarket sector, including a new mandatory code of conduct.
“This is welcome news, but probably something that consumers wish had come sooner,” Dr Haines said.
“As an Independent MP, I’ll be watching this closely and holding the government to account to make sure we get the laws we need to help everyday Australians against the top end of town.
“Earlier this year I supported a bill from fellow Independent MP Bob Katter to reduce the dominance of the big supermarket players –so far the action in this space in the parliament hasn’t been from the major parties.”
NO-ONE should navigate a cancer diagnosis alone; that’s the message from Northeast Health Wangaratta (NHW), particularly during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
September has seen NHW raising awareness about prostate cancer and the resources available to those affected by the disease.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly-diagnosed cancer in Australia, claiming the lives of 11 men every day, according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA).
More than 26,000 Australian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, with many experiencing anxiety and depression as a result of their diagnosis.
Seventy-two per cent of men do not seek help for the emotional and mental challenges they face during their cancer journey.
NHW PCFA prostate cancer specialist nurse Nicola Coats said NHW is committed to ensuring that noone in the community feels alone when faced with a prostate cancer diagnosis.
Ms Coats said the NHW Cancer and Wellness Service provides specialist care for individuals diagnosed with cancer, with a dedicated team of specialist cancer nurses offering personalised support.
She works closely with doctors and the broader care team to support both patients and their families.
“We’re incredibly fortunate in our
region to have access to fantastic resources,” Ms Coats said.
“Our specialist nurses can help provide tailored support, offer information about diagnosis and treatment options, answer questions, and assist with making informed decisions about care.
“We’re also here to help manage side-effects, coordinate with treatment teams, and connect patients with services such as transport, accommodation, and local support groups.”
Among the resources available to local patients is the Wangaratta Prostate Cancer Support Group, which provides a safe and confidential environment for men diagnosed with prostate cancer to share their common experiences and to raise awareness.
Family members and partners are also welcome to attend the meetings, which are held on the evening of the second Wednesday of each month.
For more information, contact group leader Bill on 0408 552 768.
There are also excellent resources and support available to help those in need, including via the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia at prostate.org.au
For more information about the Northeast Health Wangaratta Cancer and Wellness Service or to speak with a specialist cancer nurse, contact Northeast Health Wangaratta on 5722 5111.
library next month
By SIMONE KERWIN
ENTRIES have now closed for the 2024 Wangaratta Young Writers Award, which is again being conducted by the Rotary Clubs of Wangaratta and Appin Park Wangaratta.
Submissions from local young people aged between 10 and 19 are currently being assessed by the judges.
Winners of each section will be announced at a presentation evening at the Wangaratta Library to be held on Thursday, October 10 from 6pm.
Families and friends are welcome to come along and join in the evening, where the literary skills of local young people will be celebrated.
Guest speaker at the presentation ceremony will be Amy Doak (pictured), author of young adult mystery novels ‘Eleanore Jones is Not a Murderer’ and ‘Eleanore Jones Can’t Keep a Secret’.
The regional Victorian writer is a lifelong lover of books, reading and writing.
Following a career in media which involved advertising, radio, television and magazines, she continues to work as a freelance writer, and has been excited to see her non-fiction writing career evolve into the realm of fiction.
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
STRATEGIC indicators connected to community engagement at Wangaratta council are behind schedule according to a Q4 update to the 20212025 five-year council plan.
Among the items that have fallen “off track” by quarter four 2023/24 include reviewing and improving council’s community engagement policy (20 per cent complete), and training of councillors and staff in how to plan for and undertake deliberative community engagement (30pc complete).
Both of these actions were awaiting the appointment of a community engagement advisor and that position has recently been filled.
There is an agreement with governance to have the policy reviewed now the advisor has been appointed and they will roll out changes with the new council in FY25.
In reference to the training, a Community Engagement Toolkit was rolled out in 2023, and 12 champions across the organisation were appointed.
A training refresh has not been conducted on deliberative community engagement but will be now the community engagement advisor is appointed.
Council is also looking to increase online access to council services,
processes and information and this is 55pc complete.
“Council continues to work to increase online access to council services,” the council plan update reads.
“To improve customer service for our community, a key part involves efficiently and effectively managing facility bookings from its residents, visitors, and community groups.
“We have gone live with council’s new Optimo Booking and Event Management System to allow greater online functionality and visibility of council’s sportsgrounds, open
spaces, and library meeting rooms for our customers.
“We are finalising online ticketing for council community events.”
From an infrastructure perspective, the expansion and provision of street lighting throughout key pedestrian and cyclist routes is 30pc complete.
Council is exploring opportunities to reduce water usages in council facilities and it is looking to assign water bills to buildings so they can track usage.
Online communications to deliver marketing and social media content
Thursday 3 October
5.20pm for a 5.30pm start until 7.00pm CWA Hall Templeton Street Wangaratta
The Candidates Forum will enable candidates who have nominated for Wangaratta Council to present their values in regard to our environment and ongoing sustainability.
Candidates will have the opportunity to introduce themselves and present what they see as important in how Wangaratta Council should consider issues related to our environment and sustainability. This will be followed by a Q & A session.
This forum is being organised by Wangaratta Landcare and Sustainability with the support of the following Landcare groups across the rural city: Greta Valley Landcare, King Basin Landcare Group, Warby Range Landcare and Friends of Warby Ovens NP.
If you would like to attend, please use the link or QR Code below to get further information. https://events.humanitix.com/rural-city-of-wangaratta-councilcandidates-forum-environment-and-sustainability
that attract new residents are 80pc complete, while work with local partners to ensure a collective approach to marketing the municipality for new residents is 70pc complete.
On the flip side, over the last four years of the plan a vast majority of the strategy actions have been completed.
The actions are categorised under ‘strengthening our leadership’, ‘nurturing our wellbeing’, ‘nurturing our wellbeing’, ‘valuing our environment, ‘expanding our economy’, enhancing our lifestyle’, and ‘growing with integrity’.
Police officers to remember the fallen across the state today
POLICE from across Victoria will gather today to honour their fallen colleagues for National Police Remembrance Day.
The service will honour and remember the 175 officers killed since Victoria Police was established in 1853.
Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said the day was an important opportunity for the policing family to pause and pay tribute to the officers who have tragically died in the line of duty.
“It is also a time to remember Victoria Police colleagues who have lost their lives over the past 12 months through illness or other circumstances,” he said.
“We will always value the bravery, service and commitment of members who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while protecting their community.
“They will never be forgotten.”
A commemorative march will commence at Princes Bridge, Melbourne this morning at 10am and proceed down St Kilda Road to the Victoria Police Memorial, with a formal remembrance service to begin at 10:20am. Services will also be held this morning across the state, with the closest services being in Mansfield, Shepparton and Wodonga.
Dates, times and locations for all regional services are listed on the Victoria Police website.
National Police Remembrance Day coincides with Blue Ribbon Day, an initiative of the Blue Ribbon Foundation which raises money for new and improved emergency facilities in Victorian public hospitals that are then named in memory of fallen officers.
THE Federal Government has appointed Tony Mahar as the new Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner (AEIC).
Independent Federal MP for Indi, Helen Haines, congratulated Mr Mahar on his new appointment.
Dr Haines said she worked productively with Mr Mahar during his time as the chief executive officer of the National Farmers Federation on issues like sustainable agriculture facilitators, renewable energy and biosecurity levies.
Last year Dr Haines worked closely with former AEIC professor Andrew
Dyer, as he undertook an independent Community Engagement Review regarding renewable energy infrastructure developments.
Alongside Senator David Pocock, Dr Haines contributed to the terms of reference for this review and ensured that professor Dyer held roundtables in Wangaratta, where he heard firsthand from locals about their experiences with large scale renewable developers.
Dr Haines said the review made a range of practical, important recommendations.
“I look forward to once more working closely with
Mr Mahar in his new role to ensure they are implemented, and that ultimately renewable energy benefits the regional communities that host this infrastructure,” she said.
To read the Community Engagement Review report, visit https://www.dcceew.gov. au/energy/renewable/community-engagement/review.
To read Dr Haines’ submission to the review, visit https://www.helenhaines.org/wp-content/ uploads/2023/10/231001-Community-Engagement-ReviewHelen-Haines-MP-Submission-FINAL-WITH-APP ENDICES.pdf.
BROWSE over 30 stalls when the Milawa Craft Market is held at the Milawa Hall in Milawa on Friday, September 27 from 8.30am to 1pm.
Showcasing the work of local artists and craftspeople including the Wangaratta Handweavers and Spinners, there will also be a range of food and drinks to choose from and live music.
THE next Creatives of Wangaratta and Surrounds (COWS) market will be held on Saturday, September 28 at the CWA Hall in Templeton Street from 9am until 1pm.
There will be 21 artists, makers and small businesses owners from the North East region on site at the indoor, family-friendly event, held on the fourth Saturday of every month.
Explore a wide range of handmade items including jewellery, homewares and giftware, with a free sticker rally for kids to enjoy.
A COLLECTION of artworks by members of the Goulburn and Northeast Arts Alliance designed to stimulate the senses, is on display at the Art Gallery on Ovens in the laneway off Murphy Street.
The exhibition called “What’s New?” features contributions by the number of local artists which follow emerging idea, explore different mediums and unexpected rhythms.
See it Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am to 4pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2pm until September 30.
AN exhibition of paintings by local artists Barbara Forster, Margaret Bennett and Dawn Meader, is being held in the Bainz Gallery at the Wangaratta Library.
There are over 30 artworks on display showcasing their individual styles and interests, most created in recent times, and they can be seen throughout September during opening hours.
By JORDAN DUURSMA
TENOR, Hew Wagner, will appear on stage as Lindoro in a lead role in Lyster Opera’s production of Rossini’s hilarious comedy ‘The Italian Girl in Algiers’ at Milawa Hall on Sunday, September 29.
Lindoro is an Italian who has been captured by pirates and has ended up in the court of the Sultan Mustafa who is a bit of a pirate himself.
Mustafa is a fan of all things Italian, he has Italian slaves, Italian food and even desires an Italian wife.
When another Italian crew is shipwrecked, an Italian beauty Isabella is on board and Mustafa thinks he will claim her as his wife, but she is Lindoro’s long lost fiancé.
Hew described the role of Lindoro as challenging with many high notes.
“Rossini wrote the opera when he was 21 - which is unbelievablebut despite its challenges the opera is a lot of fun and hopefully that comes across in the character,” he said.
“This production moves very fast and the characters are larger than life, so it’s not like some roles where I find myself absorbed in the part.
“Because it’s a comedy - it’s not a deep role where you go into yourself.
“It’s a very silly plot with lots of sparkling music, lots of notes and it’s a really fun opera.”
Hew started singing when he was eight-years-old in a school choir and dabbled in school musicals and bands.
It wasn’t until he was encouraged by “a wonderful singing teacher” Robert Dawe OAM - a famous Australian oratorio singer - that he made the move to classical music.
“He must have heard something in my voice and thought that’s where I should be heading,” Hew said.
“There is nothing more fun than being on stage, playing a character and being in that moment on that stage - it’s the best feeling ever.”
Lyster Opera was named for William Saurin Lyster (1828-1880), an Irish born entrepreneur who made it his mission to provide opera to the growing population of Australia.
The company continues this vision by bringing opera to new audiences in regional areas.
Secure your tickets for The Italian Girl in Algiers at lysteropera. com.au or by calling 0410 0890 388.
THE Wangaratta community market runs every Sunday at Moore Than Swimming, located at 11-13 Mason Street in Wangaratta, from 8am until 1pm.
There are a wide range of stalls to browse with new and used items, plants, fruit and veg and more, with refreshments also on site, with the Wang Repair Café also on site this Sunday.
THE Hoffmans duo will play music everyone knows and loves at the Da Vinci Social Club in Wangaratta on Saturday, September 28 at 7.30pm. With a repertoire including hits from the 50s through to the 90s, sit back and enjoy a delicious supper before hitting the dance floor.
Tickets are $20 for members ($25 for non-members) with drinks at bar prices (no byo) available by calling Pip on 0409 307 606 or email dvsc. wang@gmail.com.
Stalls are available for $20 each (no bookings required) and car boot sales are welcome for $15, with more information via the market’s Facebook page or call Sheree on 0401 665 886.
A SELECTION of quilts made by local quilter Di Butler is on display at My Little Quilts for the month of September.
See them in the shop at the rear of 49 Reid Street during opening hours.
AN exhibition titled Crossing by one of the region’s most acclaimed artists, Fran O’Neill, bringing together work completed over the last decade, is showing at the Wangaratta Art Gallery.
Having built a significant international career for her evocative and vibrant abstract paintings, O’Neill has now permanently established her studio in the idyllic surrounds of Cheshunt.
Crossing traces O’Neill’s longing for ‘home’ in those years as an expat, the development of her colour palette and the new work created in response to the quality of light and atmosphere of her Cheshunt studio, and it will be on display until November 10.
DAZZLING DIAMONDS:
The striking Diamond Firetail is a jewel of the region’s woodlands.
Chris Tzaros (Birds Bush and Beyond).
By IAN DAVIDSON and CHRIS TZAROS
WALKING in the bush will often result in the sighting of many small bush birds, many of which superficially look the same (often referred to as LBJs – little brown jobs!).
There is one species, however, that is an exception to this rulethe Diamond Firetail.
Upon seeing it flush from the ground, you will notice a vivid flash of crimson as the bird flies away.
Usually perching just a short distance away, they often allow the observer to take note of some of its finer details, and when seen up close or through binoculars, the Diamond Firetail appears as one of the most striking little birds occurring in our region.
Aptly named, Diamond Firetails are a small bird that belong to the family of Australian grass-finches.
They have an intense red rump and base of their tail, which contrasts strongly against their black tail and smokey grey back.
Seen front on, they are crisp white with a distinctive broad black band across their chest. Along their sides, they have jet black plumage adorned with small white spots,
or ‘diamonds’, that almost look as though they have been painted on.
To cap off their distinctive and striking appearance, they have a candy red pointed beak, a matching red eye, and a black ‘bandit’ stripe through their face.
Why are some birds coloured or patterned the way they are?
Through evolution and adaptation, species develop attributes to assist in their survival and reproductive success.
For example research has shown that the function of the white ‘diamonds’ markings on male Diamond Firetails is to show off to prospective female mates during their courtship displays.
Males with more spots had higher pairing success with females.
Also, males with more spots were found to perform better and more intense courtship displays, so not only did they look the best, but they also had the best dance moves! Males dance with a long piece of grass in their beak to further dazzle females.
Along with so many of our other woodland birds, populations of
the Diamond Firetail have been in decline for the past few decades.
In some parts of south-eastern Australia, they have almost completely disappeared due to the loss of their preferred grassy woodland habitat, and the conversion of rough natural areas of native grasses and low herbs, to highly modified cultivated settings of introduced pastures.
This bird feeds on the small seeds of native grasses, herbs and low shrubs, such as saltbushes, often hopping about on the ground around these plants to pick up fallen seeds.
Despite becoming much rarer elsewhere, there are still places in north-east Victoria where Diamond Firetails are doing well, due to the availability and preservation of lightly-timbered open woodland habitats.
This includes rocky granite areas where there is plenty of food and also patches of dense native shrubs, especially prickly species, which firetails love to build their nests in.
To find the bird listen for their distinct mournful double whistle ‘twooo-hee’ call issued from a dead branch in places like the Warby Ranges and the hills around Eldorado.
By JORDAN DUURSMA
MORE than 150 people were in attendance for the inaugural North-East Victorian Region (NEVR) Music Ensemble Day hosted by Wangaratta High School.
The initiative saw 16 schools from across the region come together to showcase a diverse range of performances from a variety of music programs being run across the North East.
The day was organised and facilitated by NEVR coordinators Tricia Baggs and Julie Taylor.
Wangaratta High School’s symphonic band represent-
ed their school at the event, they had been rehearsing weekly since Term 1 to prepare.
Wangaratta High School instrumental music program leader Keyna Masin said live performances are hugely important in music education.
“It is often both incredibly nerve-racking and exhilarating to perform in from of a large audience but it’s a chance for these students who have been working hard all year (and some for many years before this year) to showcase their hard work and their talent,” she said.
“It’s a culmination of ef-
fort and hard work and is kind of what it’s all about.
“An event like this is also a great opportunity for our young musicians to network and meet other young musicians – to compare and collaborate, to gain ideas, and take inspiration from one another.
“Not to mention being a great opportunity for the staff to network and share teaching notes and program ideas.
“The atmosphere was amazing, there’s some great talent in this region and we’re looking forward to seeing what next year brings and what grows from this experience.”
More than 100 people banded together for a ‘Peace for Palestine’ rally in the King George Gardens on September 15.
This was the fourth Palestine rally organised by the North East Mums for Peace (NEMFP) and was attended by Indi Independent federal MP, Helen Haines.
The day started off with a welcome to country and speeches by NEMFP members, Emily Scott and Alex Harris, and Dr Haines and was followed by a march around the Wangaratta CBD.
In her speech, Dr Haines discussed the importance of grassroots activism and of gathering in solidarity to end the conflict in Palestine.
“Your peaceful calls for justice have reached me,” she said.
“I’ve had more correspondence from the people of Indi on the issue of justice and peace in Palestine than I’ve had on any other issue.
“The ongoing loss of life in Gaza, the suffering of innocent people, and the ongoing catastrophic disaster is unspeakably distressing.
“I want to see a lasting peace; I want to see ceasefire.”
Ms Harris also gave a passionate speech conveying the shared sentiment of the NEMFP members.
“As a mother I feel the
BY CHLOE JAENICKE cjaenicke@ nemedia.com.au
deep incongruence; each night I hold my children, knowing they are safe as they fall asleep, but in Palestine, parents put their children to sleep not knowing if it will be their last night,” she said.
“Even if these bombs were to stop tomorrow, the trauma these children have endured will shape their lives and the future of their region.
“I don’t want to live in a world where these unimaginable horrors can unfold while we continue our lives in relative comfort and peace.”
According to NEMFP member, Jessica Carson, the group of mothers started the group as they noticed how the conflict was impacting children in Gaza and the lack of action from the Australian government.
“It’s children who are paying the price of this conflict; 20,000 children have been killed and countless more will live on orphaned and/or with missing limbs,” she said.
“The Australian government just last week abstained from voting in the UN for a ceasefire; we continue to send weapons parts to Israel and countries who
www.corcoranparker.com.au
As a mother I feel the deep incongruence; each night I hold my children, knowing they are safe as they fall asleep, but in Palestine, parents put their children to sleep not knowing if it will be their last night.
- ALEX HARRIS
supply weapons to Israel, there have been no sanctions and not so much as a few strong words condemning the bloodshed.”
Ms Carson said the group will continue holding rallies in the future, with the next
rally planned on October 20 at 3pm at the King George Gardens.
She said while the members of NEMFP invited councillors to their September rally, none attended. They hope to reach out to
been holding ‘Peace for Palestine’ rallies for the last four months.
councillors once again to attend their October rally.
“We invited council members to our last march as there is a growing list of local councils officially recognising the state of Palestine, which we’re hoping our council will join,” she said.
“At this stage, our council is on the other side of things- they had someone remove our banner advertising our first March from the overpass just two hours after it was hung.”
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THE Victorian state final of the Lions Junior Public Speaking Competition was held in Wangaratta on Sunday, September 22.
The Lions Junior Public Speaking program provides primary school students the opportunity to develop and refine their writing skills, ability to speak in front of a crowd and respond to impromptu questions.
It allows the students to use their imagination as well as expanding their research skills and knowledge on the speech topics chosen.
This year, approximately 40 people were in attendance to see the four students competing in the grade 3/4 and grade 5/6 sections of the state final.
Sunday’s competition was the final stage of this year’s Lions Junior Public Speaking Program with students having already competed in school, club, zone, and district level competitions to advance to this state championship level.
There are two parts to the junior public speaking program - the main part being the prepared speeches, where all students are given a topic and asked to prepare a speech.
The topic for the prepared speech for grade 3/4
WINNERS: Sophie Burrell, Mia Longbottom, Yatra
and
all took home awards for their outstanding efforts in the Lions Junior
Competition state finals.
students was “Favourite Fairytale or Book Character”, and the topic for grade 5/6 students was “Who is the most influential person in your life?”.
The second part of the program is a short preparation speech for the Grades 5/6 students.
The students are given a topic and 10 minutes to pre-
pare a one-minute response, the topic for this short preparation speech this year was “What is your Favourite Season and Why?”
The judging panel for the state final consisted of Wangaratta councillor Dave Fuller and two members of the local Toastmasters Club, Charles Halloran and Michael Crofts.
The speeches presented at this Lions Junior Public Speaking State Competition were very inspiring and the judges had a very difficult decision to make on the day.
Valuable feedback from the judges was also provided to the students after their judging was completed.
The Most Outstanding for
Grade 3/4 section was Sophie Burrell from North Albury, and Runner Up was Mia Longbottom from Tatura.
The Most Outstanding for Grade 5/6 section was Adeline Martin from Koondrook, and Runner Up was Yatra Harvey from Baddaginnie. Congratulations to all students that participated in
this year’s program from the school level competitions through to this Victorian state final.
For more information on the Lions Junior Public Speaking Program contact MD201 Lions Junior Public Speaking chairperson, Jo Howell on 0417 558 881 or email lionsjuniorpublicspeaking@gmail.com.
LAUNCHED in May 2024, Simply Naturopathics offers a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to wellness, blending natural therapies with conventional medicine.
Led by Tania, a registered nurse with over a decade of experience, and a degree in naturopathy, she focuses on treating the underlying causes of health issues rather than just symptoms.
“Whether it’s digestive problems, fatigue, skin issues, hormonal imbalances, or stress, my personalised treatments are designed to provide long-lasting solutions,” Tania said.
“I believe in empowering you to take control of your health.
“While traditional medicine often matches symptoms with medications, I dive deeper – considering your diet, lifestyle, and environment, to uncover the true source of your health concerns.
“My inside-out approach, backed by a ‘test, don’t guess’ philosophy, ensures each treatment plan is tailored precisely to your needs.”
Spring brings unique challenges, from seasonal allergies to fatigue.
Now is the perfect time to strengthen your immune system and optimise gut health.
Consultations are available both in person at 74 Main St, Rutherglen, or online via telehealth, and are thorough and personalised, offering holistic solutions that address your overall well-being – not just a quick fix.
“If you’re unsure how naturopathy can help, book a complimentary discovery call to discuss your needs and see how I can
NATUROPATHIC WELLNESS: Tania and her team at Simply Naturopathics can help you get your health back on track.
best support your health goals,” Tania said.
“With expert care, practitioner-only products, and a focus on preventive health, I provide the tools you need to nurture, nourish and restore your health.”
At Simply Naturopathics, we proudly serve the community in the following areas: Rutherglen, Corowa, Chiltern, Yarrawonga, Mulwala, Wangaratta, Howlong, Albury and Wodonga.
comprehensive telehealth appointments, making our expert naturopathic services accessible to clients across Australia.
Cardiovascular
THE neurodiversity book section at Edgars Books & News is a veritable smorgasbord of information for parents, carers, neurodiverse people and teachers.
Some popular titles include Unmasked, ADHD 2.0, I Am Autistic, Unique and We’re All Neurodiverse.
Unmasked by Ellie Middleton, who was diagnosed with autism and ADHD in 2021, is the go-to book on neurodivergence for anyone looking for a diagnosis, trying to make sense of one, or trying to be a better ally.
World-renowned authors Dr Edward M. Hallowell and Dr John J. Ratey ‘wrote the book’ on ADD/ADHD more than two decades ago with their bestseller, Driven to Distraction.
In ADHD 2.0, Drs Hallowell and Ratey, both of whom have this ‘variable attention trait’, draw on the latest science to provide both parents and adults with ADHD a plan for minimising the downside and maximising the benefits of ADHD at any age.
I Am Autistic by Chanelle Moriah is an essential guide to understanding autism for autistic people, their families, friends and workmates.
Chanelle found that there was little written from the perspective of someone who is autistic, so created the missing resource.
In Unique, beloved star of ABC TV’s award-winning Love on the Spectrum and disability rights advocate Jodi Rodgers shares stories from her threedecade career working with the autistic community and calls for a more inclusive and accepting society where we are more
NEURODIVERGENT EDUCATION: Find books on all things neurodiversity at Edgars Books & News.
empathetic and curious about all the relationships in our lives.
So, if you want to learn about ADHD, dyslexia or other learning challenges, autism, relationships and what is included under the neurodiversity banner, visit Edgars Books & News at 55 Murphy Street, call 5721 3758 or go online when it suits you at https://edgarsbooksandnews. com.au/.
Bring in this article to receive 20 per cent off any neurodiverse book purchase.
KATHLEEN Michelini counts herself rich in ways that matter to her.
She’s surrounded by family and delights in being part of the lives of five beautiful foster children, ranging in age from two to 15.
The 95-year-old lives in a granny-flat at the back of her son’s home in Wangandary.
She enjoys bush views of the Warby Ranges, known for its rugged beauty and hiking trails; Ned Kelly country, where nature gives as much as it takes.
“I’m very happy,” Kathleen said.
“I do what I want when I want to do it.
“I’ve got the best of everything, really.
“I come over to the main house for meals and to spend time with the children.
“Then I go back to my unit and do a bit of reading, play card games like patience or watch telly.
“I like doing word puzzles to keep my brain sharp.”
Family has always been important to the greatgrandmother.
She met her late husband, Ennio Enrico ‘Harry’ Michelini, at Rutherglen in an encounter she describes as “love at first sight.”
Harry escaped from Yugoslavia during WWII and worked at Bruck Textiles in Wangaratta before becoming ill and passing
away when he was relatively young.
Kathleen raised their five children, supporting the family through seasonal fruit picking
and cooking for sheep shearers.
“I was quite a good cook, I used to really enjoy making all sorts of meals,” Kathleen said.
Kathleen’s son Kim is proud
“Ours was on paper platters.
“As a kid, I started collecting bottles on the side of the road to make a bit of money.
“But all of this made us resourceful and strong and we were raised with what was important, love.”
It is this same rich tapestry of love that saw Kim and his wife, Leona, foster children once their own brood had left the nest.
They both work part time, and couldn’t be happier juggling the demands of their big, happy family.
Kathleen is delighted to be in the thick of it all while retaining her independence, thanks to a government-funded home care package through Uniting AgeWell.
She sustained a fracture after a fall and receives services to help clean her flat.
Every Friday she is taken out for lunch and a social day at the Pinsent Hotel.
“The staff are what I call perfect people, so very kind and caring,” Kathleen said.
“I’m exactly where I want to be and doing what I want to do.
“I’ve got no complaints at all.”
of the work ethic his mum has passed on to them.
“Some families grow up with everything handed to them on silver platters,” Kim said.
To find out more about how Uniting AgeWell can assist older people live their best lives at home, call 1300 914 074 or visit unitingagewell.org/our-services/ home-care.
RELEASE stress, reconnect to your inner wisdom and embrace wholeness through kinesiology, mind body medicine, and meditation/ mindfulness practices.
Prajna Health is a place for you to find space, peace, growth, renewal and a true and well self.
Joanne is a Himalayan yoga and meditation teacher who combines ancient eastern wisdom with western techniques to promote physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
The mind and the body are one, what effects one – effects the other.
Joanne helps her clients reconnect to their intuitive wisdom (“prajna”) to find healing within, brings clarity to limiting subconscious beliefs, and encourages opening of the mind and connection to the heart leading to a harmonious and fulfilling life.
Passionate about supporting clients to be able to access stillness, feel a sense of calm and expand awareness, despite the ‘busyness’ of the modern world.
Joanne works with clients who experience all kinds of stress – whether it be relationship difficulties, parenting challenges, life changes or transitions, grief or loss, work related stress, low self-esteem, overwhelm, anxiety or stress expressed through physical symptoms.
By considering the interconnected aspects of an individual’s health, the aim is to support the restoration of balance and help clients thrive, through utilisation of a wide range of truly holistic and gentle techniques combining client centred counselling, body therapies (acupressure),
mindfulness, and energetic practices.
Practising from the beautiful Ardor Albury Wellness Clinic, 1/445 Dean Street Albury and online, Joanne offers in-depth one-on-one sessions, a meditation course as well as customised corporate and wellbeing events upon request.
Bringing together Joanne’s passion for helping others, Prajna Health is also home to an online Artisan Store bringing you beautiful, ethically handmade products from Nepal and India inspired by her travels, which empowers women artisans, supporting their independence and wellbeing.
The store offers a range of handcrafted gifts and accessories from handbags, backpacks, yoga mat bags, cashmere scarves, notebooks, kids plush toys, and much more.
Resolving the irritations to health in a holistic manner
WE are presented with a barrage of irritants to our health daily, many of which we are unconscious to, or just accept as ‘how it is’.
Lily Kennedy, a qualified homeopath, Hahnemann healer/trainer and spiritual counsellor, assists her clients naturally and holistically to be able to identify and then deal with these irritants that often are emotionally based and eventually lead to a physical issue.
Homeopathy, a 250+ year old system of natural medicine is non-toxic, side-effect free, stimulates the body to self-heal and strengthens immunity.
It is suitable for everyone from babies to the elderly.
Lily also offers Hahnemann healing and spiritual counselling services that complement each other in how they can effectively assist a client with making real change.
“Hahnemann healing is a form of specialised emotional healing, developed by Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of Homeopathy,” Lily said.
“The basis is that a large percentage of all physical illness is caused by unresolved emotional issues resulting in energetic blocks in the body.
“Through healing sessions, emotions are brought to the surface and then worked through using spiritual counselling in addition to homeopathic treatment if required.”
In addition, Lily is also an accredited medium.
A mediumship reading conveys information directly from spirit that can
Holistic Health Practitioner and founder of Prajna Health
Offering a blend of modalities combining Eastern & Western techniques to promote physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing.
Helping you release stress and reconnect to yourself.
Kinesiologist | Mind Body Medicine Practitioner | Integrative Nutrition Health Coach | Meditation Teacher
Practicing from the beautiful Ardor Wellness Clinic, 1/445 Dean Street Albury and online. One on one sessions | Meditation course | Customised corporate or wellbeing events
help bring clarity to a person on blockages and patterns in their life and relationships, why they are happening and how to move forward.
Lily’s passion is healthcare that encompasses the physical, emotional and spiritual layers of a person.
“My focus is to help people sort their individual emotional and physical health issues, so they can positively move forward and most importantly feel in control of themselves and their health,” Lily said.
For appointments with Lily or for more information, call 0409 381 128 or visit the Resonate website www.resonatehomeopathy.com.au.
Are you feeling the dread of pending Spring and pollen induced hayfever? Don’t be anymore! Using individually chosen homeopathic remedies can help you beat the sneeze in a non-suppressive, natural, effective and immune stimulating way that will give you health benefits now, as well as long term!
Website: www.prajnahealth.com.au
AT Evolve Orthodontics, they believe no two smiles are the same, and your treatment plan should reflect that uniqueness.
From your very first consultation to the final day when your smile is perfected, their highly trained, caring team ensures that every step of the process is tailored to you.
Evolve offer a free consultation with one of their dedicated treatment coordinators, who will take the time to listen to your wishes and goals for your smile.
Whether you’re concerned about appearance, timing, or budget, they incorporate every aspect of your lifestyle into our planning.
Your treatment will be personally designed by specialist orthodontist, Dr Seerone, using the latest technology to create a precise, custom treatment plan unique to you.
Conveniently located in Albury, Wangaratta, and Yarrawonga, they strive to make your journey to a perfect smile as seamless as possible.
Their caring and experienced team of orthodontic therapists works closely with Dr Seerone to deliver your treatment plan with precision and attention to detail.
One of the standout aspects of
treatment at Evolve is their dental monitoring technology.
This allows them to track your progress remotely, meaning fewer unnecessary visits to the clinic and less disruption to your daily life.
Their weekly monitoring meaning they can keep your treatment on track from the comfort of your own home, offering a smoother and more efficient experience.
This meticulous attention to detail in planning means your treatment is not only more predictable but often finishes faster, without sacrificing quality.
At Evolve Orthodontics, their goal is clear: to provide you with high-quality, convenient, and customised care.
From start to finish, your smile journey is carefully managed by a specialist and a dedicated team that is focused on one thingcreating beautiful smiles every single day.
So, why wait?
Meet with one of their treatment coordinators today to discuss what they can do for you and experience the difference that personalised orthodontic care can make.
Visit www.evolveorthodontics. com.au to request your free consultation.
MHA Care is proud to be your local, not-for-profit provider of government funded in-home aged care services, dedicated to enhancing the health and wellbeing of our community.
Based in Yarrawonga, they serve a wide area, including the shires of Moira, Federation, Berrigan, Benalla, Shepparton, and Wangaratta.
“Since our establishment in 1999, MHA Care has evolved into a comprehensive provider of community care services tailored for the frail, aged, and individuals with disabilities, along with their carers,” MHA chief executive officer, Michael Hogan, said.
“Our unwavering commitment to quality has solidified our status as one of the most progressive home and community care organizations in the wider Hume region.
“At MHA Care, our focus is on delivering innovative and effective consumer directed care, guided by best practice standards and a culture of continuous improvement.”
Their board of directors and skilled team members work diligently to ensure they offer the highest quality of home
care services and supports, empowering individuals to remain connected to their communities and maintain their health and independence.
As an accredited organization under the Aged Care Act 1997, MHA Care meets rigorous aged care quality standards.
“This accreditation confirms
our dedication to providing services that prioritize the wellbeing of our clients,” Mr Hogan said.
“Our approach is centred
around wellness and reablement, emphasizing your abilities and fostering independence.”
They believe that despite any changes in physical, social, or emotional health, everyone deserves the opportunity to live as autonomously as possible.
“Our philosophy is simple: we aim to work ‘with you’, not just ‘for you’,” Mr Hogan said.
“We listen to your goals and needs, creating personalized support plans that encourage active participation in your community and daily life.”
Whether you need assistance with daily tasks, health management, or simply want companionship, MHA Care is here to help you thrive.
MHA Care invites you to discover how their services can enhance your quality of life and promote your independence.
“Together, we can create a supportive environment where everyone in our community can flourish,” Mr Hogan said.
For more information about our offerings or to speak with a member of our team, please call MHA Care at (03) 5742 1111 or visit our website at www.mhacare.org.au.
MHA Care Home Care Packages (HCP) allow people of 65* with higher-level care needs to continue to live independently in our local shires. * Available for over 50s if you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Our services include
By Christos Miliankos, North East Naturopathic Group
With Christos Miliankos, North East Naturopathic Group
AS spring blossoms around us, it’s the perfect time to reset our bodies and minds.
With warmer weather and longer days, many of us feel an urge to get outside and embrace a more active lifestyle.
This is the season of renewal, making it an ideal time to focus on health goals, like weight loss and fitness.
One method that continues to gain traction for its effectiveness in shedding pounds and improving well-being is the ketogenic (keto) diet, particularly when paired with a springfriendly exercise routine.
Why keto works
At its core, the ketogenic diet is a low-carb approach that forces your body to switch its fuel source.
Instead of burning carbohydrates for energy, you shift into a state called mild ketosis, where fat becomes your primary fuel.
This metabolic switch can lead to faster and more sustained weight loss compared to traditional calorie-cutting diets.
But it’s not just about the
kilograms; people on keto often report increased energy, reduced cravings, and improved mental clarity-ideal perks as we shake off winter’s sluggishness.
What makes spring such a great time to start or continue with keto is the availability of fresh, seasonal foods.
You can load up on nutrientdense vegetables like leafy greens,
asparagus, and many other seasonal veggies.
These not only fit perfectly into the keto plan but are also packed with the vitamins and minerals that boost your immune system and keep you energized as you increase your activity levels.
Pairing keto with exercise
To maximize your weight loss results this spring, combining the
keto diet with regular exercise is key.
And with the weather warming up, outdoor workouts become much more enjoyable.
Walking, hiking, cycling, or even bodyweight exercises in the park can be excellent ways to get moving outdoors.
A ketogenic diet also works well with moderate-intensity exercise,
as fat is a more sustained energy source.
Unlike quick-burning carbs, the fat you consume and burn on keto supports longer, endurance-based activities.
Just remember, during the initial transition to keto, your body might need some time to adjust to the new fuel source, so be patient as you build your stamina.
Fresh start for a fresh season
Spring is a time of growth and new beginnings.
Embrace this season as an opportunity to refresh your health goals.
With the ketogenic diet and a renewed focus on exercise, you’ll find yourself not just losing weight, but gaining energy, confidence, and a better outlook on the months ahead.
Whether you’re starting fresh or refining your routine, there’s no better time than now to spring into shape.
It’s always advisable to consult with your health care provider about your level of ketosis and to monitor your progress depending on your specific requirements.
At the NE Naturopathic Group we run the highly successful UltraLite Weight Management Program - call us on 03 5798 3344 for more information.
Years of operation: 23
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm
Who’s in your business:
Christos Miliankos -Naturopath, Bowen Therapist Tayla Adams -Naturopath
Adam Beswick - Bowen Therapist, Weight Loss
Lauren Da Silva , Heather Champlin & Jae Tait - Receptionists
Describe your field of expertise:
Helping people and families live healthier, happier lives.
Did you know?
We also specialise in weightloss with the Ultralite Weight Management Program.
As someone who has lost over 20kg, I understand how important it is to manage and keep it off.
What’s a product or service that’s new to your business?
Immune boosting supplements to help build up our immune defenses to not only ward off illnesses, but help our fight them off so they don’t keep coming back.
Supporting local is important because?
By supporting local businesses it keeps us all connected,
WITH Diana Bienvenu, Audiologist, Wangaratta Audiology
HOW did COVID-19 change our communication patterns and did this affect people with hearing loss?
Did this influence what we expect from our hearing?
Many people recognised that they had a hearing loss because of the loss of visual clues when facemasks were worn.
The other consequence of facemasks was to reduce the sound intensity of the speaker’s voice, making it even more difficult to get the message.
Within our audiology clinic, I was pleased to note that our clients who were good hearing aid users tended to get the message, even when we were all wearing facemasks.
Without the benefit of vital lipreading cues, others realised that if they had hearing aids in the drawer at home, it was time to put them on.
And still others discovered that they really did need to have a hearing test.
Trying to remove a facemask without dislodging hearing aids, especially for those with glasses as well, presented an interesting challenge to many of our clients.
Thankfully, the occasions when we must wear facemasks has reduced in recent times.
We experienced significant disruptions to our lives during the restrictions imposed during 2020-2022, and some of these affected our communication abilities, even within the home.
Sometimes these changes made communication more challenging, other
times changes were beneficial.
For example, some people experienced reduced noise levels while working from home alone, while for others this was made more complicated when children’s schoolwork needed supervision, and the house was noisier.
For some time (it seemed like forever) there were limited visitors to the home.
With restrictions on the size of groups when we did get together, often with only one other person, communication was more
straightforward – it was frequently much quieter when going out.
As people with hearing problems are quick to point out to others, the biggest difficulty they experience is when there is background noise.
The overall effect of the restrictions was that we were not practising our listening skills in noisy environments for many months.
For hearing aid wearers, this led to deskilling – getting out of practice.
More recently, over the past couple of years, everyone has needed to practise getting the message in noisy places again. It is important to remember not to be too hard on ourselves as we re-learn to cope in noisier environments.
Remember, at Wangaratta Audiology, we believe that everyone deserves to communicate.
We are happy to help you address your hearing difficulties.
You can contact us on 03 5722 4433.
THE shift toward natural deodorants is growing, fuelled by concerns over harmful chemicals in conventional products.
Traditional deodorants often contain ingredients like aluminium, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, which have been linked to health risks such as hormone disruption, breast cancer, skin irritation, and even reproductive issues.
These chemicals are absorbed through the skin, particularly in the underarm area, making long-term exposure a potential health concern.
Natural deodorants offer a safer alternative by using plant-based ingredients like baking soda, arrowroot powder, and essential oils to neutralise odour while allowing the body to sweat naturally.
Sweating is a vital process for regulating temperature and eliminating toxins, and blocking it with chemicals like aluminium interferes with your body’s natural function. Additionally, natural deodorants are gentler on the skin and less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions, making them ideal for sensitive skin.
One of the most significant concerns with traditional deodorants is their inclusion of endocrine-disrupting chemicals like parabens and phthalates.
These substances can interfere with hormone function, potentially leading to serious health issues over time.
Given the proximity of the underarm area to the lymphatic system, there’s an increased risk of these chemicals being absorbed into the body.
Natural deodorants have proven effective even during intense cardio workouts or the hottest days of summer, providing reliable odour protection without harmful additives.
Our top recommendations at Wholefoods include Miessence roll-on and Woohoo paste both unisex options known for their long-lasting performance.
Choosing a natural deodorant isn’t just about avoiding harmful chemicals; it’s a step toward better health, supporting eco-friendly brands, and embracing a more natural lifestyle. Make the switch and feel confident in your body and health.
AFTER experiencing what life is like with a disability, Belinda Curro decided to start Belinda’s Better Care to allow those who need extra care to have more agency.
She suffered a brain tumour in 2008 and had to be operated on to get rid of the cancer while she was 25 weeks pregnant.
“I had 10 minutes to decide whether to not have the operation, give birth to my child and pass during childbirth, or whilst in my second trimester, have the surgery to remove the tumour and live but possibly lose my unborn child,” she said.
“In those 10 minutes, the thought of my two other children at home growing up without their mother was devastating.”
In the surgery, they were able to remove 80 per cent of the tumour and help Belinda become cancer free and her child was able to survive the surgery.
Despite this, she was still left with an acquired brain injury when she woke up from her two week coma and is currently in remission.
From there, she started
Belinda’s Better Care five years ago, which caters for NDIS and aged care clients, with their youngest client 10 years old and their oldest 95 years old. They offer a wide range of
support from cleaning, meal support, transport, respite and personal care through to community engagement, across NDIS and aged care.
Belinda, alongside her 13 support staff across
Wangaratta, Benalla, Moyhu and Baddaginnie, take a unique approach to disability care.
“We are advocates for our clients who often don’t have a voice to achieve their
goals,” Belinda said.
“We are problem solvers when funding is limited.
Belinda does not hide from her disability but has used it to build a business that understands their clients.
“We are a unique team because we work in a business built by a person who has lived and experienced the impacts of a life changing disability, it gives the team insights that are unique on a daily basis and upskills staff in real time,” Belinda said.
“Many aged care and disability clients experience isolation, lack of community connection, lack of opportunity, we do this job as it is important that they live a life that is valued and respected.”
Belinda said they are excited about the recent financial commitment by the Federal Govt into the aged care system and the financial support to keep more of our clients at home where they want to be.
“It provides an opportunity for potential expansion on our part enabling us to support more clients in the regional North East area,” she said.
“These include packages around how to find a modified bike for a young man or how we engage a young girl to have the confidence to leave her own home.”
At Belinda’s Better Care (BBC) we’re people who care. Our focus is for customers to receive services that are designed to meet their everyday needs and supports to achieve their goals.
BBC was established in 2019 by Belinda, who states; “Living with an acquired brain injury and a disability myself, I understand how important it is to receive person-centered and self-directed supports. Supports that allow me to feel respected and valued, while choosing how I want to live my life”
Community Participation is about how you want to access the community, whether it be for health appointments, going shopping, or for entertainment and fun.
You may choose to head out for activities such as going to the movies, bowling, swimming, or hydrotherapy or it might be to do an art or music class.
You may choose to meet up with friends, go to sporting events, or even go to the gym. We can help you!
Community participation is about supporting people to achieve their personal goals and live their lives how they choose.
Personal Care Supports: We can provide assistance with your daily personal activities such as showering, dressing and assistance with meals, providing support with mobility and transfers, ensuring safety and comfort, and helping with medication management and attending medical appointments.
Transitional Assistance Program (TAP): We can provide short-term services and support if you need extra help at home after a public hospital stay. We will tailor these supports to your individual needs alongside the direction of the TAP Program. (Formally Post Acute Care)
WITH Teresa McMahon, practice manager and pharmacist, South Wangaratta Medical Centre
HAVE you ever heard of thunderstorm asthma?
It’s a peculiar phenomenon that occurs when specific weather conditions mix with high pollen counts, creating a potentially dangerous situation for many people.
Let’s dive into what it is, who’s at risk, and how to stay safe.
Understanding thunderstorm asthma
Imagine this scenario: It’s a warm spring day with pollen floating in the air, and a storm is approaching.
As rain begins to fall, the droplets crash into pollen grains, causing them to break apart into tiny fragments.
These microscopic particles can travel deeper into your lungs than intact pollen, potentially triggering severe asthma symptoms even in people who’ve never had asthma before.
Who’s most at risk?
You might be vulnerable to thunderstorm asthma if:
• You have a history of spring allergies or hay fever
• You’re allergic to grass pollen (especially ryegrass)
• Your asthma symptoms worsen in spring
• You have asthma but aren’t using a preventer medication
Interestingly, even people without
diagnosed asthma can experience thunderstorm asthma if they have strong pollen allergies.
Recognising the symptoms: It’s crucial to know what to look out for.
Symptoms can start as typical hay fever signs like itchy eyes and a runny nose.
However, if you notice coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath, these could indicate a more serious asthmatic reaction.
Staying safe: Your action plan Prevention is key when it comes to thunderstorm asthma.
Here’s how to protect yourself: Leading up to spring:
• Consult your doctor for an asthma review
• See your pharmacist to ensure your inhaler technique is correct
• Familiarise yourself with asthma first aid
During spring and early summer:
• Keep an eye on pollen counts and weather forecasts
• Stay indoors during windy periods before thunderstorms
• Always carry your reliever inhaler
• Consider wearing a mask when outdoors on high-risk days
For those with hay fever but no asthma diagnosis, similar precautions apply. It’s also worth discussing treatment options with your doctor, as effective solutions are available.
The takeaway
Thunderstorm asthma is a serious condition that can escalate quickly resulting in someone needing emergency care.
By understanding the risks and taking proactive measures, you can significantly reduce your vulnerability.
Remember, it’s not just about protecting yourself – spread the word to friends and family who might be at risk.
Knowledge and preparation are your best defences against this weather-induced respiratory threat.
Stay informed, stay prepared, and breathe easy knowing you’re equipped to handle whatever the spring weather throws your way.
By ALISTAIR KENNEDY, Marque Motoring
LAUNCHED here in 2022
the Toyota Corolla Cross is an SUV crossover version of the everlasting Corolla sedan/ hatchback.
It’s the largest of Toyota’s three-model range of compact SUVs above the smaller Yaris Cross and the sportier C-HR.
The original Corolla Cross was available with the choice of petrol or petrol/electric hybrid powertrains but, in line with Toyota’s recent decision to discontinue petrol-only variants where a hybrid alternative is available, the petrol versions are now being phased out.
There are five Corolla Cross variants, 2WD GX priced at $36,480, 2WD GXL ($40,230), GXL AWD ($43,230), 2WD Atmos ($47,030 and Atmos AWD ($50,030). On-road costs need to be added.
STYLING
Corolla Cross sits on the same platform as the Corolla hatch and sedan but with a different body as befitting an SUV.
The styling is quite conservative but that’s unlikely to deter the typical Toyota buyer who prefers function over fashion.
While it shares much with the Corolla its outer appearance is more mini-RAV4 than maxi-Corolla with a snubnosed grille featuring the Toyota logo, with blue highlights in the centre indicating its electric component.
GXL and Atmos add front foglights, enhanced LED
headlights and roof rails.
The Atmos also gets a twopiece panoramic moonroof.
GX and GXL roll on 17-inch alloy wheels, Atmos steps up to 18-inch alloys.
Anyone stepping up from the latest Corolla hatch or sedan will have no problem adapting to the dashboard layout of the Cross because, apart from the new touchscreen, they are all-but identical.
The SUV conversion over the Corolla with more headroom throughout and plenty of leg and foot room in the rear seats for all but the tallest of occupants.
On the downside – literally – we found the bolstering on the front seats much too high and rigid to the extent that we needed a soft cushion to rise above the bolsters.
Only the Atmos comes with a folding centre armrest complete with twin cupholders.
Boot space varies according to driven wheels and powertrain, ranging from 380 litres in the Atmos AWD hybrid up to 425 litres in the 2WD GX and GXL. Atmos comes with a powered rear hatch and kick opening feature.
POWERTRAIN
Power for the Corolla Cross Hybrid 2WD comes from a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine with outputs of 112kW and 190Nm.
It’s teamed to an electric motor on the front axle for a combined maximum power output of 146 kW.
MODEL RANGE:
GX HYBRID 2WD: $36,480
GXL HYBRID 2WD: $40,230
GXL HYBRID AWD: $43,230
ATMOS HYBRID 2WD: $47,030
ATMOS HYBRID AWD: $50,030
NOTE: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Toyota dealer for drive-away prices.
Corolla Cross is the first local model to get the 5th generation Toyota hybrid powertrain which combines a lighter lithium-ion battery with a more powerful main electric drive motor.
The GXL and Atmos Hybrids add a second electric drive motor on the rear axle.
Power is linked to either two or four wheels via a sequential ten-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Corolla Cross was tested by ANCAP in October 2022 and received the maximum five-point rating.
Standard safety features include eight airbags, advanced ABS brakes, stability and traction control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, reversing camera, hill start assist, and Isofix child seat anchors.
Also standard across the range is the latest Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 package which adds a pre-collision safety system with pedestrian and cyclist detection, emergency driving stop sys-
tem, active cruise control, lane trace and departure alert with steering assist, lane change assist with deceleration assist, intersection turn assist, road sign assist, door exit warning and automatic high beam.
In addition, GSX and Atmos get parking support braking with vehicle and object detection and a panoramic view monitor.
Atmos adds pedestrian detection to the parking support brake feature as well as advanced park assist.
The extra height when compared to the Corolla provides easier access although the aforementioned aggressive seat bolsters could cause discomfort to some occupants.
External vision is excellent with a higher driving position, large windscreen, side windows and mirrors together with a relatively narrow Apillar all contributing.
On the negative side the rear window is quite narrow.
There’s a solid feel to the
■ FUNCTION OVER FASHION: The styling of the Toyota Corolla Cross quite conservative but that’s unlikely to deter the typical Toyota buyer who prefers function over fashion.
Corolla Cross and it’s easy to drive and park around the urban environment which is most likely to be its home territory.
Steering which is relatively light but direct and intuitive.
Apart from the batteryonly start and silent running the GX Hybrid that we tested had that sharp acceleration that we enjoy in all vehicles with an electric component.
Suspension is well-balanced although we did get knocked around when maneuvering through a badlycratered section of our drive courtesy of some recent flooding.
Fuel consumption on the combined urban/rural cycle is listed at 4.2 litres per 100 kilometres from the 2WD variants and 4.4 with the AWDs.
We averaged 5.1 L/100 km during our week-long test of the GX 2WD.
SUMMING UP
Everything about the new Corolla Cross points to it being a major success for Toyota.
Start with the base of Australia’s top-selling brand for the past 25 years, add a badge that’s been around here since 1967 and accumulated more than 1.5-million sales.
Then bulk it up to get into the booming compact SUV market, and top it off with the latest in fuel-saving hybrid technology.
All Toyotas now come with a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.
This can be extended to seven years on the engine and driveline, and 10 years on
the hybrid battery, subject to all scheduled servicing being done at Toyota dealerships.
RATINGS:
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Safety: 8/10
Thirst: 9/10
Practicality: 8/10
Comfort: 6/10
Tech: 7/10
Value: 7/10
SPECIFICATIONS (Toyota Corolla Cross GX 2.0-litre petrol / electric hybrid five-door wagon
ENGINE:
Capacity: 1.987 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders in line
Maximum Power: 112 kW at 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 190 Nm at 4400-5200 rpm
Fuel Type: Standard unleaded petrol
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 4.4 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 101 g/km
DRIVELINE: Ten-speed continuously variable transmission
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES: Length: 4460 mm
Wheelbase: 2640 mm
Width: 1825 mm
Height: 1550 mm
Turning Circle: 10.4 metres
Kerb Mass: 1550 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 43 litres
BRAKES: Front: Ventilated disc Rear: Solid disc
STANDARD WARRANTY: Five years / Unlimited kilometres
THIS quality built family home is within the desirable Kingfisher Estate on a large 1565m2 allotment. The contemporary interior offers an openplan design, multiple living areas with neutral tones, high ceilings and an abundance of natural light to this spacious home.
The kitchen has functionality and space perfectly paired with a huge island bench, and is fully appointed with twin ovens and double draw dishwasher.
This wonderful home provides the primary bedroom with a spacious walk-in robe and an ensuite.
Cleverly designed, the three further guest bedrooms all contain built-in robes and share the main bathroom along with a full-sized designated study or possible 5th bedroom. The strong emphasis on indoor-outdoor living seamlessly integrates to the decked, fully undercover outdoor areas.
Comfort is ensured with ducted heating and cooling, split system and gas
log fire while the 26-panel solar unit contributing to the home’s efficiency.
The oversized double garage hasgood internal ceiling height. Additional shedding on the property consists of a large 8m X 7m with concrete floor, power and two roller doors. Bore with pump supplies water to the beautiful established trees and gardens. Fantastic opportunity to acquire a spacious home on a huge block very rarely seen offering privacy in a quiet court location only minutes town.
Wangaratta branch
76 Reid Street
Open weekdays
9am to 5pm (closed 1pm to 1:45pm)
1300 004 863 humebank.com.au
Militaria, Military Vehicle Spares & Canvas, Military Radios, Sundries, Stock Reduction Sale. A/C: EMPIRE TRADING & DISPOSALS
158 WINTON-GLENROWAN ROAD, WINTON VIC 3673
ONLINE AUCTION START: Thursday 10 th October at 12noon
ONLINE AUCTION FINISH: Tuesday 15 th October from 12noon
ON-SITE VIEWING: Saturday 5th & 12th October 10am to 12noon 650+ LOTS 650+ LOTS
Auctioneers remarks: After 55 years, Tim is downsizing his huge stock of military vehicle spares & militaria to a more manageable level. Attendance to view these items is highly advised. (Empire Trading & Disposals will continue to trade with many hard to find items, visit www.timvibert.com.au)
Register to bid by scanning the QR code here
Terms: GST applicable. 5% Buyers’ Premium applicable on all goods. Items must be paid for and funds cleared prior to collection date. Copy of receipt by authorised person must be shown when collecting item/s. If you are unable to collect on the nominated dates, please make contact for alternative collection time. Owner contact details: Mr Tim Vibert 0407 480 354
COLLECTION DATES: SATURDAY 19 TH OCTOBER - 9:30AM TO 1:30PM SUNDAY 20 TH OCTOBER - 9:30AM TO 1:30PM
View photos, terms & conditions or download full catalogue 23 Baker Street, Wangaratta | (03) 5722 2663
29 Mepunga Avenue, Wangaratta Agent | Phone | Price | Location | Perfect investment
$440,00-$484,000
PERFECT opportunity for someone looking to enter the market or looking for a great investment in a sought-after street. The home consists of three bedrooms, open plan kitchen and dining area, separate loungeroom with split system heating and cooling plus a second split system in the main bedroom. Both the kitchen and bathroom have been recently updated and the home is ready to move straight into. Externally there is a great decking area, secure yard and a shed that you could only dream of being approx. 11m x 7m in size with a concrete floor, power and two roller doors. The property is in a great location in a desirable street close to the Wangaratta Hospital, sporting oval and walking tracks, contact us now to arrange your private inspection. 3 1 1 Nutrien Harcourts 5722 9444
Picturesque rural lifestyle property on doorstep to the renowned King Valley with easy access to popular alpine resorts of Mount Buffalo, Mount Feathertop, Mount Hotham and Falls Creek.
Charming and tastefully renovated two bedroom mud brick residence to include well appointed kitchen and bathroom plus open plan living/dining.
Combustion wood heater plus three wall mounted reverse cycle air conditioning units. Perfectly suited to B&B type accommodation for additional income.
Large equine complex to include four internal stables with undercover yard areas, mains power connected with internal lighting, instant gas hot water, 4.5kVA solar system & separate round yard.
Also suited to pasture production, livestock breeding and livestock grazing. Divided into eight main paddocks plus two smaller holding paddocks with excellent fencing. Heavy carrying capacity with improved pastures and extensive fertiliser history. Excellent stock water via established bore and network of ten stock troughs. Plus three bay machinery shed, two haysheds and cattle yards. Only 5 kms to Milawa township and 20 kms to all key services in the regional City of Wangaratta.
INSPECTIONS Strictly By Appointment Only FOR SALE $1,600,000
JOHN HONEYCHURCH 0419 790 924
ALISHA FIELDER 0409 465 024
COWS&CALVES
HMummery-Ovens
15x15AngusCowswithAngusCAF1-2mby JadeParkAngusBull.Notrejoined M&VCarroll-Mudgegonga
12x12AngusCowsM/AwithAngusCAF3m byAlpineAngusBull.NotRejoined ECavedonHoldings-Eurobin
10x10AngusCowsM/AwithAngusCAF6-7m byJadeParkAngusBull.RedepasturedtoJadePark AngusBull DalanderP/L-Porepunkah
10x10Angus/CharolaisxCowswithAngusCAF 1-2mby KellyAngusBullNotrejoined KJMorrison-BarwidgeeCreek
6x6AngusCowsM/AwithAngusCAF1-2m. Notrejoined IBP-Myrtleford
6x6AngusHeiferswAngusCAF2-4mRedepastured toWoonalleeBlackSimmentalBullsincecalving GROWN&WEANERS
CIHighettF/T-Bobinawarrah NEAccr. 150AngusSteers16-18mbyFernhill& AlpineAngusBullsWEANED
LiddesdaleHomestead-Murmungee NEAccr. 60AngusSteers18mbyLandfallAngusBulls WEANED
D&RMatheson-WhoroulySouth NEAccr.
48PollHerefordSteers13mWirrunaHerefordBullsWEANED 10PollHerefordHeifers13mWirrunaHerefordBullsWEANED
L&LMatheson-WhoroulySouth NEAccr
40PollHerefordSteers13mbyWirrunaHerefordBulls
WEANED
JC&JGardner-Bobinawarrah NEAccr.
26AngusSteers12mbyMurramungeeAngusBullWEANED
20AngusHeifers18mbyMurramungeeAngusBullWEANED GCottee-Moyhu
46Angus&BlackBaldyM/S13-14mbyAlpineAngusBulls WEANED
DalanderP/L-Porepunkah NEAccr.
5AngusxSteers20-22mbyMurdeduke&KellyAngusBulls
40Angus&BlackBaldyM/S14-15mbyMurdeduke&Kelly AngusBullYARDWEANED CentralPride-Rosewhite
40AngusSteers12-14mbyAlpineAngusBullsWEANED RMcCourt-Bullioh
40Simmental/AngusxM/SbyBrewerSim/AngusBull12m
WEANED
G&PIvone-Havilah NEAccr.
34AngusSteers13mbyAlpineAngus&WoonalleeBlack SimmentalsBullWEANED
M&LBeach-WhoroulySouth
30AngusM/S13mbyMurramungeeAngusBullWEANED
G,P&D Norman-Londrigan
26AngusM/S12-13mbyBanquetAngusBullsWEANED PossumsReach-BuffaloRiver 25AngusM/S10mbyBluestoneAngusBullWEANED Quanley-Tarrawingee
24AngusSteers15-16mbyStellarAngusBulls AndiamoAngus-Wooragee 12AngusHeifers18mbyAlpineAngusBull 3AngusSteers10mbyAlpineAngusBull 6LimousinM/S10m Clayfield-Rosewhite
20Angus/CharolaisxM/S10mbyRanganBlack CharolaisBull M&IDussin-BowmansForest 20AngusHeifers15-16mbyJadeParkAngusBullsWEANED G&PHarrington-Whorouly
20AngusM/S10-12mbyAlpineAngusBullsWEANED M&JShields-SandyCreek 19AngusM/S10mbyAlpineAngusBullWEANED LFraser-Mudgegonga NEAccr 16Angus/HerefordM/S10-11mbyMurramungeeAngus BullWEANED FAISP/L-Eurobin NEAccr 15AngusSteers10mbyAlpineAngusBullWEANED IvonezRun-Whorouly 15FleckviehSteers10mbySerpellsFleckviehBullsWEANED
A&TLaSpina-Whorouly 14AngusxM/S9-10m T&KHarrington-Whorouly 12AngusM/S10mbyAlpineAngusBull T&JMcKibbin-BuffaloRiver 12AngusSteers7mbyStellarAngusBull A<ucker-Rosewhite 12AngusSteers12mOmeoBred WalkaboutApiaries-Mudgegonga 12PollHerefordSteers11mbyWirrunaHerefordBull WEANED NEAccr HRStrachan-Whorouly 10AngusSteers12mbyTheGlenAngusBullsWEANED E&MNotarianni-Myrtleford 10AngusSteers10mbyAlpineAngusBulls SCurtis-Rosewhite 9AngusSteersbyAlpineAngusBulls10-11mWEANED TheElms-BuffaloRiver 9FleckviehM/S10mBySerpellFleckviehBullsWEANED P&FGiudice-Whorouly 8AngusSteers12mbyRossrichAngusBullWEANED PDrysdale-Markwood 8AngusHeifers12mWEANED R&HMcNamara-WhoroulySouth 5FleckviehSteers 11mbySerpellFleckviehBulls WEANED
An Unscheduled Council Meeting will be held at 2.30pm on Monday 30 September 2024.
The meeting will be held in Council Chambers at the Wangaratta Government Centre.
Questions can be submitted before 10am on the day of the meeting by emailing council@wangaratta.vic.gov.au. There will be no opportunity to ask questions during the meeting. Please contact Customer Service if you have accessibility requirements to attend in person. For those unable to attend, the meeting will be available to view live online, via Council’s YouTube channel where you can also view a recording of the meeting. An agenda will be available on Council’s website.
Join us for a family day and market on Saturday 5 October 10:00am - 2:00pm a Lion’s Park, Glenrowan. Wander through the stalls filled with treasures crafted by local artisans and choose from a variety of food options and entertainment for kids and adults alike. Don’t miss the free old Holden car display and complimentary entry to the Ned Kelly Discovery Hub for the day. https://bit.ly/3TbIIkY
15 October 2024 | 9am-3pm
Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre
Take the next step towards your career in early childhood!
• Interview for job vacancies
• Connect with industry experts
• Explore your career pathway
Residents are invited to take part in a survey about opportunities for women and girls to stay physically active in our region. We want to hear from individuals about informal activities you participate in and from clubs or organisations that already provide activities for women and girls.
Survey closes 5pm on Monday 7 October 2024. https://forms.office.com/r/dLLrweYZZd
16 mixed breed sheep were found in the Milawa area on 24 September. They will be impounded until 2 October 2024. If these are your sheep, please contact customer service.
Join us between 9.30am - 12pm, Friday 4 October to learn more about the opportunities with WSAC!
We are seeking a diverse group of individuals for a variety of roles and shift availability. Apply on the day!
The Tourism Event Funding Program is now OPEN for applications. Are you running an event in our region? Do you have an innovative idea that will attract visitors? Will your event showcase the best our region has to offer?
We want to hear from you! Applications close 3pm Monday 30 September. For details and to apply, head to our website: https://bit.ly/3MJZkgd
Council is seeking expressions of interest for the Summer in the Parks series and want to hear from:
• Community groups or organisations with an event or workshop planned over the summer months.
• Local food vendors offering unique cuisine and able to serve lots of people in a short space of time.
For more information and to submit an EOI please visit the Events page of our website. Submissions close 5 October.
If you’re 12-17 and interested in joining our Youth Council, this is your chance! Meet like-minded people, develop new skills, learn about local council, provide input on projects, report to the councillors, discuss issues that affect young people in our community. You also get to create & deliver a community project, make new friends, and most importantly, have fun! Applications close 4:30pm, Friday 11 October https://forms.office.com/r/u5uXgkfxdA
For more info email youth@wangaratta.vic.gov.au
T14793
of Motor Grader
Tender closes 12pm 2 October 2024
Further details about tenders may be obtained by visiting eProcure on Council’s website.
For
37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Wangaratta Hardcourt Tennis Association
HP Barr Reserve, Shilling Drive, Wangaratta at 2pm. October 13, 2024.
Any queries contact Maria 0421 346 974.
Annual General Meeting
Wangaratta Lawn Tennis Croquet and Pickleball Club Inc.
12.45pm Saturday, October 12, 2024
Location: WLTCPC clubrooms at Merriwa Park
All members encouraged to attend
Contact President, Barry Sullivan 0419 373 988
FLY fishing course, full day course covers the basics of fly fishing, including equipment, casting tuition, fly selection and streamcraft, to be held on Sunday, October 13, 10am4pm at the Log Cabin, 28 Chisholm Street, Wangaratta, cost $70 includes lunch.
To book your place contact 0427 756 665.
GARAGE SALE , 8am-12noon, Friday, September 27 and Saturday, September 28, prices from $5 to $500, cash only, no change. Oil, racks, batteries, tools, ramps, generators, tyres, bicycles, tubes, brake pads, belts, oil filters, mower parts, tractor parts, degreaser, office supplies, power tools, etc. 13 Newman Street, Wangaratta.
CONCRETING, big or small jobs, paths, driveways, shed slabs, verandahs, 15 years experience. For a free quote phone Trev Anderson on 0422 200 761.
FRANK’S DOG TRAINING, qualified, professional dog behaviourist, nationally accredited, obedience training, behavioral solutions, $70 a session. Ph 0418 314 610. Check out my dog tricks on Facebook.
KITCHENS JUST FOR YOU, cabinet making solutions. Kitchens available before Christmas. Phone Roland 0414 950 647.
PAINTER, old school, for all your painting needs, commercial, industrial renovations. Phone Juliano 0412 597 482.
WHEELER
Earthworks, available for all your earthworks needsyard clean ups, stump removals, driveways, material supply and spreading, rural work and more. Call Marcus on 0491 094 545.
Director of Learning Diversity (POL 4)
Maths/Science Teacher (Full Time - Ongoing)
Religious Education Teacher (Full Time - Ongoing)
Arts/Design & Technology (Fixed Term)
Expressions of Interest from all Learning Areas
Cleaner (Full Time - Ongoing)
Traineeship - Education Support
Traineeship - Sport
RURAL CITY COUNCIL
Child Safe Quality Officer
Part-Time (0.4 EFT 15.2 hours per week)
Are you dedicated to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children?
Do you possess a sharp eye for detail and a strong commitment to upholding the highest quality standards of care?
If so, we want you to join our team as a Child Safe Quality Officer. In this crucial role, you’ll be responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring our child safety and quality policies and procedures. The successful applicant should have a good understanding of and experience in the local government environment including quality reviews, service standards and frameworks, legislation and internal and external audit reviews.
Download an Employment Information Pack at www.benalla.vic.gov.au or obtain a pack from Human Resources Coordinator Rhonda McDonald, telephone 03 5760 2662. Applications addressing key selection should reach us by 12 noon Tuesday 1 October 2024
For a confidential discussion on the position, telephone Manager Community Jane Archbold on 03 5761 2210. Benalla Rural City Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Child Safe Organisation.
www.benalla.vic.gov.au
2015 HINO, 187,000 km’s, 12/24 Rego (1SM6CX) 3.5 TONNE, DIESEL MOTOR, TUCKAWAY TAILGATE VERY GOOD CONDITION, COMES WITH RWC Ph 0419 030 666 PRICE TO SELL AT $35,000
2023 Suzuki Jimny, 33,000km, winch bullbar, no off road, reg (1WA2IT), $26,000. Ph 0427 077 572.
2022 GLX Prado, local car, full warranty, as new, 59,000kms, reg (1WQ9ZO), bull bar, driving lights, roof racks, Anderson, Redarc, electrics, $67,000 ono. Ph 0415 665 327.
PEUGEOT 308 HDI 2012 5 door hatchback, 165,700km, RWC, reg (ZKF739), $7900. Ph 0407 313 622.
2014 Jeep Wrangle r Sport Unlimited, convertible hard top, automatic, petrol 3.6 litre, loads o f accessories, such as fog lights, hill descent, etc. goes anywhere, looks awesome in hard to get red, RWC, rego (2AD5JL), $24,999, Mansfield. Ph 0403 359 006.
2016 Mitsubushi QE Pajero Sport GLS, auto, 113,000km, heaps of extras, great car, reg (CMN23Y), $38,000 ono. Ph 0427 500 961.
OLD cars wanted, cars removed. Ph 0435 083 115.
FIREWOOD Mixed bulk loads Garden sleepers Post and rail fencing Pallet timber Milling onsite and farm cleanup Ph 0448 933 999
FOR sale 8’ x 5’ galv steel tipping trailer, good condition, with ramps for ride on mower or small tractor loading, Situated Euroa $1500 ono. Ph 0429 803 505.
FREE Range Hens, ISA Brown Pullets, POL, $30 each. Phone Becky or Hugh on 5798 1868.
SUBARU Forester 2015 auto, tow bar, RWC, reg (1EU8LU), 286,000km, excellent condition, full y serviced $12,000. Contact Ian 0414 428 544.
HONDA XR250R ‘86MD VIN: ME065200456, Honda XL25OR ‘84MD, VIN: MD11-5103978, both bikes in good order, call for further info, $1700 each. Ph 0407 316 788.
TYRES new and secondhand, trailer, rims, wrecking. New hours 9am to 5pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 44 Newman Street, Wangaratta. Ph 0428 257 221, Adzam Tyres.
CANNIZZARO, Giuseppe.
Funeral prayers in celebration of Giuseppe’s life will be offered at the St Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1 Ford Street, Wangaratta commencing at 10.30am on Friday, October 4, 2024. A private burial will follow.
Refreshments will be offered at North East Funerals at the conclusion of the service.
CROUCHER, Ruth Therese.
Passed away September 19, 2024. Dearly loved sister of Pam and Neville. Loved Aunt of Paul, Monica, Brendan and Jacinta and their families. R.I.P
CURR, Margaret Jean. We extend our sincere condolences to Margaret’s family on her passing. She will leave a huge gap in our hearts and lives.
Thank you for a lifetime of memories and for your love and kindness and always being there for us. She will be greatly missed by us all. ~ Rod (dec), Bonnie, Anthony, Andrea, Michelle, Simone and their families.
JAMES, David Stewart “Dave”. Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by those he loved on Saturday, September 21, 2024. Aged 70 years.
Loved husband of Tina. Adored Dad of Adam, Sarni, Bec and Sam. Cherished Poppy of Billy, Ellie, Tabitha, Charlotte, Emmy, Maverick and Arlo. Brother to Alison (dec), Peter and Brian and Glynis. Loved beyond life.
LEITCH, Glenn.
7/5/1971 – 26/9/2024
The family of Glenn, much loved son of Les and Lesley. Brother of Jude (dec), Heather, Mervyn, Deanne and Steven and their families, is saddened to announce his death on Thursday, September 26, 2024. Aged 53 years. Passed away peacefully. For funeral arrangements, please see later paper.
Mason Park Funerals
5721 5060 masonpark.com.au
OATS, Max “Maxie”. Passed away September 18, 2024. Loved husband of Jan. Loved father of Darren, Graham (dec), Tracy, Jason and families. Maxie, you fought so hard and you never gave in – your courage was so great. I hope there are plenty of search word books to keep you busy.
Much loved brother of Pat. Loved Uncle of Graham, Lisa, Chrisdeanne and families. Rest in peace Maxie.
OATS, Maxwell Desmond “Max”.
Loving brother and brother-in-law of Joan and John Cole. Fond Uncle of Jenny, Tony, Barbara, Kate, David and families. Thankyou Jan for the love and care you gave to Max.
PRIESTLEY (nee Mason)
Valda Joyce
9.7.1931 – 23.9.2024
Passed away peacefully at Castlemaine in the presence of her loving husband of 69 years and 5 months, William (Bill), and her son Peter. Daughter of the late William and May Mason.
Loving and devoted mother of her four sons, her four daughter-in-laws and ten grandchildren; Peter and Caroline, Ben. Noel and Maree, Daniel and Jayde, Brett and Eden.
Robert and Karen, Aaron, Joshua, Michael. Ross and Tania, Dylan, Georgia, Taylah, Ella. God has you in His keeping, we have you in our hearts.
For funeral details and livestreaming please visit Valda’s tribute page on the website of Mount Alexander Funerals.
TATULASCHWILI, Sue.
Dearly loved sister-in-law of Lyn and Ted. Cherished Aunt of Tanya, Rebecca, Pam, Mark and families. Treasured memories.
The funeral service for Mrs Margaret Mary Pratt will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at 2pm. A private cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made online in memory of Margaret to the Cancer Council at www.cancer.org.au/
Mason Park Funerals 5721 5060 masonpark.com.au
LINCOLN, Robert “Bob”.
PRATT, Margaret Mary.
1940 – 2024
Passed away peacefully at Northeast Health Wangaratta on Friday, September 20, 2024. Loving wife of Kevin (dec). Loved mother of Shayne, Paul and Jayson. So dearly loved, So sadly missed.
WILTON, Raymond Joseph.
To my dear family and friends, it is with a sad heart I have to say, my brother Ray passed away Sunday early afternoon after a long battle with Parkinsons. Going to miss him so much. Our love and thoughts are with Jen, Robyn, Jeff, David and their families. In God’s safe arms. ~ Love sis Lyn and families xxx
June and family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their kind expressions of sympathy, condolences, cards and flowers; your thoughts were very comforting. We would like to thank Illoura Aged Care for caring for Bob prior to his passing, especially the team of nurses. Please accept this as our personal thanks.
BOURKE, Kathleen Mary. 19/11/1923 – 27/9/2011
Words are few, thoughts are deep, memories of you I will always keep. ~ Kathryn.
The graveside celebration of the life of Mr David Stewart “Dave” James will be held at the Whitefield Cemetery, 8 Cemetery Lane, Hyem on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 10.30am. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made online in memory of Dave to Northeast Health Palliative Care at www.givenow.com.au/nhw Dave’s service will be available to view via livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/livestreaming/
Bring your camping chair to have one last sit with Dave and remember when…
Mason Park Funerals 5721 5060 masonpark.com.au
Remember your loved one in a lasting way
The memory of a much loved family member or friend can live on through a donation to your local health service - Northeast Health Wangaratta. Your memorial donation can assist in securing the continued availability of comprehensive health care locally.
The bereaved family will be notified of your memorial gift according to your wishes and you will receive a tax-deductible receipt for your donation. For further information or to make a donation please contact:
(03) 5722 5069 or PO Box 386, Wangaratta, Vic 3676.
By JORDAN DUURSMA
ROUND 10 of the North East Skate Park Series was a success at Wangaratta Skatepark on Mitchell Avenue over the weekend.
Crowds of local youth turned up to participate and cheer one another on in an epic display of skills on scooter, rollerskates/ blades, skateboarding, and BMX categories.
Wangaratta council’s youth resilience coordinator, Rachel Harrop, said it’s always an incredible event and a fantastic opportunity for young people to showcase their skills.
“This year, we had an impressive 70 competitors, including participants as young as two years old, demonstrating the wide appeal and inclusivity of the event,” she said.
“It’s always heart-warming to see families attending each stop of the competition, fostering a strong community spirit.
“We are also proud to have partnered with eight other councils to expand this into a North East competition, offering even more opportunities for youth to get involved and stay active.”
The series is proudly run by Al’s Skate Co and supported by Victorian State Government, Freeza, Rural City of Wangaratta, Alpine Shire Council, Mansfield Shire, Benalla Rural City, Indigo Shire Council, Albury City, Moira Shire, Towong Shire and Youth Services.
For information on upcoming events, follow North East Skate Park Series on social media.
Scooter Winners
Under 10 Males: 1st Oscar Swan Flynn, 2nd Bodhi Taylor and 3rd Eddie Taylor
Under 10 Females: 1st Willoh Robinson
Under 13 Males : 1st Blake Russell, 2nd Jeremy Pearce and 3rd Rhys Brown
Under 13 Females: 1st Paige Butler and 2nd Mikayla Noyes
Under 16 Males: 1st Jasper Swan Flynn, 2nd Rory Jensen and 3rd Jack
Jones
Open Males: 1st Jai Deverll
Open Females: 1st Sinead Lang
Skate Winners
Under 10 Males: 1st Bodhi Taylor, 2nd Archer Levy and 3rd Masoon Taylor
Under 10 Females: 1st Noah Willett, 2nd Kenzie Hammond and 3rd Maddison Thomson
Under 13 Males: 1st Ace Scott, 2nd Jasper Swan Flynn and 3rd Gus Huguenin
Under 13 Females: 1st Ruby Mathews and 2nd Lucy Costin
Under 16 Males: 1st Josh Clayton
Open Males: 1st Luke Chobocky, 2nd Al Taylor and 3rd Robert Campaciano
move
Come and try croquet in October
WANGARATTA Lawn Tennis Croquet and Pickleball Club members are planning to hold Come and Try days during the October
Interested people are most welcome to come and try on each or any Tuesday and Thursday in October on the lawn courts in the picturesque Merriwa Park from
1pm until 3pm.
Equipment supplied, please wear flat soled shoes.
For more information contact Anne Dodd on 0490 173 169.
THERE are only a few short weeks to go till the Harrietville Half Marathon.
The annual, volunteer-run event will be held on Sunday, October 13, and again raise funds for local causes, which this year will be Harrietville Primary School and the mental health charity Black Dog Institute.
The popular community event attracts runners from Melbourne and regional Victoria, with a great race day atmosphere as well as coffee, food, and music by DJ Beauy for spectators and visitors.
Events include the 21km half marathon and a 10.5km ‘quarter marathon’, as well as 5km and 2km courses.
Numbers have already significantly exceeded last year’s registrations, and organisers anticipate around 300 people will run on the day.
“We’ve seen a steady growth in participant numbers since the half marathon was launched in 2015,” Robyn Downey, creator of the Harrietville Half Marathon and chair of the organising committee said.
BMX Winners
Under 10 Males: 1st Desy Brown, 2nd Mason Stamp and 3rd William Skipwith
Under 10 Females: 1st Savannah Robinson
Under 13 Males: 1st Blake Russell, 2nd Rhys Brown and 3rd Jeremy
Pearce
Under 16 Males: 1st Turner
Pearson
Open Females: 1st Sinead Lang
Open Males: 1st Jai Deverell
“It’s popular because the course traverses such a beautiful environment, and it is a great way for runners to ease into the summer running season.”
The event is non-profit, so after costs all income is donated to the selected causes.
Past events have helped fund projects at Harrietville Primary School, including renovation of the art room, new laptops, new interactive whiteboards and playground equipment.
This year proceeds from the event will also be supporting the Black Dog Institute, acknowledging the impact of mental health issues in regional communities.
All courses utilise the Great Valley Trail between Bright and Harrietville, taking runners into the beautiful bushland along the Ovens River.
Runners emerge into Harrietville to stunning views of Mount Feathertop in the distance, often still covered with winter snow.
“The event is a really friendly, support event with something for everyone, not just the elite runners,” Ms Downey said.
“There are kids’ events from 2km and 5km, as well as a 10.5 kilometre for runners over 12 years of age.
“We wanted this event to be family-friendly, as it’s a great way to introduce kids and adults to running and instil a life-long love of sport and fitness.”
Local businesses take part every year by providing financial support or contributing prizes for each event.
“It’s wonderful how so many local businesses support us year after year – we couldn’t do it without them,” Ms Downey said.
“We also rely on our amazing volunteers, who come back year after year to help with course set up, marshalling, registrations on the day, water stations, and of course clean up.
“We’re humbled by the generosity of all these locals.”
To register for the 2023 Harrietville Half Marathon, visit https:// www.harrietvillehalfmarathon.com.
SATURDAY, September 21
Medal Of Medals Winner: Noel Holmes Nett 69.
A Grade Winner: Ethan Bell.
B Grade Winner: Mitchell Bush.
C Grade Winner: Martin Van Rhee.
D Grade Winner: Ian Weidemann.
Ball winners: Noel Holmes 2 balls -3, Barry Adams -2, Brendon Essex E, Chris Palmer E, Mark Flack E, Ian Dinsdale +1, Hamish Lewis +2, Nigel Cooper +2, Alex Gibbs +3, Jason Moran +3, Aaron Kungl +4, Alex Jones +4, Wade Goodwin +4, Joshua Hayes +4, Sam Richards +4.
NTP: 4th Glenn O’Connell, 8th Garth Fullerton, 13th Glenn O’Connell, 17th Wayne Hibberson.
Sunday, September 22
2 Person Mixed Stableford Kaye O’Shea Day
Winners: Carolyn Jeffrey / Mitch Howe 46.
Runners Up: Judy Fogarty / Mike Fitzsimons 45.
Third Place: Di Murphy / Bill Van Noordenne 45.
Ball Winners: Ryan Harris 44, Linda Stone 44, Fraser Jeffrey 44, Raylene Van Noordenne 44, Marion Hunt 40, Val Ellis 40.
NTP: 4th Josie Fitzsimons / Mike Fitzsimons, 8th Josie Fitzsimons / Ryan Harris, 13th Di Murphy, 17th Val Ellis / Bill Van Noordenne.
Monday, September 23
Veterans 18 Hole Stableford
A Grade Winner: Keith Moorhead
36.
B Grade Winner: Ian Mills 38.
C Grade Winner: Brian Luxford 37.
Ball winners: Phillip Bebb 35, Bill Slade 35, Stan Goldsworthy 35, Ray Hyland 34.
NTP: 4th Pat Ernst, 13th Rog Henderson.
Tuesday, September 24
Captain’s v president’s
President Winner: Mary Jones c/b Leeanne Carmody 34.
Captain Winner: Jackie O’Brien 36.
Ball Winners: Leeanne Carmody (2) 34, Di Murphy 33, Linda Stone 32, Josie Fitzsimons 32.
NTP: 4th Sue Clayton, 8th Linda Stone, 17th Linda Stone.
Wednesday, September 25
Men’s 18 Hole Stableford
A Grade Winner: Hamish Lewis 43.
B Grade Winner: Martin VanRhee 43.
C Grade Winner: Ian Weidemann
36.
Ball winners: Gordon Hines 37, Ian Dinsdale 36, Steve McNaughton 35, Daniel McPhee 35, Terry Docherty 35, Noel Holmes 35, Alex Gibbs 34, Michael Baillie 34.
NTP: 4th Mitch Howe, 8th Michael Baillie, 13th Rog Henderson, 17th Steve McNaughton.
WGC Competitions: Week ending September 22
Tuesday, September 17
Women’s
18 Hole 3 Person Ambrose
Winner: Carol Coghill, Lorraine Adams, Jan Hill 65.33 nett.
Runner Up: Glenda Dodson, Liz Madden, Helen Tate 67.33 nett.
Ball Winners: Karen Smith, Bar-
bara Thomas, Barbara Woodward.
NTP: 7th Sue McCall, 9th Barbara Woodward.
Wednesday, September 18
Men’s Competition
18 Hole Stableford Event
Winner: Rod Moyle 40 points.
Runner Up: Bill Dodd 40 points.
Ball Winners: Kurt Schubert, David Woodstock, Denis Hill, Maurie Braden, Daniel McPhee, Glenn Burns, Arnold Sparks, Greg Sullivan.
NTP: 4th Denis Hill, 7th Rod Moyle, 9th David Woodstock, 11th Phillip Winnell, 16th Denis Hill.
9 Hole Stableford
Winner: Graeme Arnold 20 points.
Runner Up: Peter King 19 points C/B.
Ball Winners: Keith Fleet, Peter King, Bob Haynes.
Thursday, September 19
Women’s
18 Hole Stableford
Winner: Lorraine Adams 39 points.
Runner Up: Sue McCall 38 points.
Ball Winners: Dawn Fleet, Jan Hil, Dona Harper, Maggie Ray.
NTP: 4th Glenda Dodson, 9th Sue Miller, 11th Lorraine Adams, 16th Glenda Dodson.
9 Hole Stableford
Winner: Jill Halbwidl 19 points.
Runner Up: Liz Madden 19 points.
Saturday, September 21
Men’s Competition
18 Hole Stableford Event
A Grade Winner: Drew Winter 39 points.
Runner Up: Trevor Cooper 37 points.
B Grade Winner: Mark White 40 points.
Runner Up: Julian Bau 40 points.
C Grade Winner: Bill Dodd 38 points C/B
Runner Up: Ben Clarke 38 points.
Ball Winners: Christopher Martens, Robert Holloway. Jason McCoy, Michael Webster, Ethan Roach, Ian Rundell, Kurt Schubert, David Wood-
stock, Trevor Trimble, Josh Owen, Jake Riley, Phillip Winnell, Peter Moncrieff, Rodney Godde, Jared Lea, Geoffrey Webster, Luke Jones, Matt Nicolosi.
NTP: 4th Ray Hutton, 7th Paul Judd, 9th Trevor Trimble, 11th Jason McCoy, 13th Barry Thompson, 16th Josh Owen.
Birdies: KFC - Mark White, Martin Anania, Michael Webster. SubwayAshley Clayton.
Secret 6: Drew Winter.
Raffle Winner: Marty Anania.
Women’s 18 Hole Stableford Winner: Sue McCall 34 ponts.
Runner Up: Barbara Thomas 31 points.
Sunday, September 22
18 Hole Medley Stableford Winner: Carl Stibilj 33 points.
Runner Up: John Huntington 33 points.
9 Hole Medley Stableford
Winner: Nikole Cunningham 18 points.
Runner Up: Tamara O’Connor 16 points.
TARRAWINGEE Golf Club results Saturday, September 21 2024.
The members played a stableford event for the Bill & Mary McCormack Memorial Day with the men’s winner being Manny Tanirau 40pts runner up was Lindsay Steer 38pts.
The lady’s winner was Carol O’Sullivan on a countback from Lynn Barrow both with 34pts. Nearest the pins were for the ladies on the 4th Carol O’Sullivan and for the men Ken Miller on the 8th.
Golf to be played on Saturday 28th September between both men and ladies will be organised on the day depending on numbers and it will be 8:30 AM for 9:00AM hit off, it being AFL Grand Final Day.
New members are always welcome at the Tarrawingee club with
WEDNESDAY, September 18
Springtime Flower Walk, Warby Ovens NP
An enthusiastic group of six walked the two wildflower walks beginning at the Killawarra camp. Despite the very dry winter the orchids and other ground flowers were still observable if in small numbers. The weather was great, so an enjoyable slow amble of the just over 5 kms through the healthy Box Ironbark Forest was a very positive experience.
Sunday, September 22
Wandi Wander, Wandiligong
After parking at the carpark close to Doughty’s Bridge, 21 participants followed parts of the Wandi Walk, Bennetts Trail and the Diggings Walk to reach the Wandi Pub for lunch.
The trails follow Morses Creek passing through areas with evidence of the former goldmining days, rocky gorges and swimming holes; along a shared pedestrian/bike path and through ‘the diggings’ with the Royal and Chinese Bridges.
Recent storm damage was evident with fallen trees and the Royal Bridge was off limits also.
a first year membership of $100 and very reasonable competition fees , this can be done by contacting a member or phoning 0428 122 590.
Tarra Ladies
Last Tuesday, Tarra ladies played a Stableford event for the monthly Milawa Hotel Award.
Di McLaughlin posted the best score to win the coveted voucher while Carole O’Sullivan had the best next score.
Joan Quarrell had a great shot to record the NTP on the 4th.
Next week will be the October Monthly Medal.
RESULTS for Monday, September 23 are as follows:
Yvonne McLaughlin and Margaret Bennett d Cheryle Beckley and Christine Ireland 7/5, Susan Fischer and Joan Dyson d Wendy Waddington and Nathan Reynolds 7/6, Elise Downes and Terry Wilson d Maureen O’Keefe and Shirley Godfrey 6/5.
On Wednesday no play was possible due to the heavy rain around lunchtime.
Andy Barbero has returned from playing for Victoria in the InterState Shield which was held in Queensland.
NSW won the Shield with Western Australia second and Victoria third of the six States competing.
Play is on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday commencing at 1.00pm.
Visitors are welcome to come down and enjoy some games with our members.
Please arrive 15 minutes before play commences to allow the draw to be done.
The club is located at 46 Ryan Avenue, Wangaratta.
For further information please contact president Susan Fischer on 0417217009 or secretary Terry Wilson on 0417326739.
Part of the proposed walk was now unavailable, and an alternative route was followed in lieu.
We arrived at the Wandi Pub in good time and delicious lunches were enjoyed under the verandah.
Three participants completed the one way walk to the pub and the remainder of the group completed the return walk via Alpine Park enroute to Doughty’s Bridge.
We had a cool and part sunny day which was lovely as the forecast leading up to the walk day was for wet weather which didn’t eventuate.
Coming Events
Wednesday, October 2
Ingrams Rock, Fiddes Quarry, Ponds Track at Beechworth Historic Park (Gerri, 0438 282 259)
An easy/medium walk starting near Ingram’s Rock, we will walk past Fiddes Quarry and the Precipice and then down the old track to Spring Creek.
This is now open to walkers (it has been closed for a few years since the bridge at the lower part of Spring Creek was destroyed).
We will not be crossing Spring Creek.
We will then retrace our tracks for a while, and then take the Ponds Track and Pine Track back to Ingram’s Rock.
There will be two stops for refreshments along the way, so bring two morning teas, or a light lunch (as we will be finishing up with cake and coffee in Beechworth).
Saturday, October 5
Magpie Creek Historic Area, Wooragee (Gerri, 0438 282 259)
An easy/medium walk of approx 12km, part along the rail trail, part on gravel road and part off track in the Magpie Creek Historic Area.
This heritage listed area has a stone embankment that was built for mining purposes, to divert the waters of Magpie Creek away from its natural bed to enable the mining of the creek bed.
Contact us on 5723 0113 or edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
THE rapid growth of Goorambat’s senior football side over this past O&K season turned out to be irresistible for coach Ben Wapling, who will lead the Bats again in 2025.
Wapling said when he signed last year he was committed to the one season in charge in an attempt to turnaround the fortunes of the club from their 2023 season, but was drawn to the playing group’s development.
“I always committed to helping the club out and rebuild and I said at the stage I’d help out for 12 months
but as you do, you get sucked into it,” he said.
“The commitment the boys have shown and the improvement they’ve made is what we were after.
“They worked extremely hard over last pre-season and worked hard on the mental side of things too to have that sort of belief and work ethic around what we wanted to achieve.”
Goorambat were the league’s biggest improvers this season, jumping from a 10th placed finish in 2023 to make the semi-finals this year.
The side was bolstered by a wave of recruits who came to play under Wapling, head-
lined by veteran goal kicker Duane Haebich, who kicked 72 goals this past season.
Rhys Goodley, Brayden Stepien and Lachy Boyle all made big contributions to the Bats’ quick rise up the ladder and complimented club mainstays Jamie Dunne, Sully Mulay and Dylan Beavis.
The Bats have already been buoyed by a host of senior player re-commitments for next year including cornerstones Dunne, Haebich, Beavis and Stepien.
Wapling said maintaining the core group of players will be the main driving factor to taking the club in further in 2025.
THEY came from near and far for a friendly night of table tennis at Oxley Hall last Monday, September 23.
Early birds, Katie Woodberry and Debbie Brunken, teamed up against Graham and Alison ‘School’s-Out’ Stephens for the first of many games of the night.
Adam ‘Give Me A Lift’ Bosley with daughter, Millie, were ready to put their game into full gear when they took on Graham Stephens and Phoebe Morgan.
With rubber (shoes) burning, the game was full of tight curves and winning maneuvers.
The final result saw a team win by a whisker.
Plenty of laughter was heard when Lucy Uebergang partnered with Neil Brock against Richard Morgan and Mick Gervasoni.
With smiles all around, it came down to a tie-breaker with the biggest-smiling team bringing it home.
Neil Brock and Alison Stephens took on youngsters Millie Bosley and visitor, Harper Nethercote from Ballarat.
With plenty of action both on and off the table, the winning pair, Neil and Alison, managed
to win the tie-breaker, just.
Manni Poulos and Debbi Brunken were clocking up the miles against Mick Gervasoni and Neil Spurgeon in a no-holdsbarred game.
With each team smiling at the end, it must have been close for the winners.
Goal umpire, Richard Morgan and his teammate Susan Bell did not wave the white flags as they took on Paul Lawrence and Katie Woodberry.
In a nail-biter, the final siren saw scores very close.
In true footy finals fashion,
“The existing group of players we have are the ones who have done the hard work, making sure we get as much of them to stick around,” he said.
“We’ll look at areas we might have fallen short this year, like more depth with our on-ball brigade and finding a bit more strength within our forward area so it’s no just reliant on one or two players.”
Goorambat hosted their presentation night for 2024 last week, with Sully Mulay taking home the senior football best and fairest followed by Ben Reaburn at runner up.
■ From back page
Heatley will follow a similar path to Rovers coach Sam Murray who lives in Melbourne but coaches the Hawks.
“I’ll be down in Melbourne and work a routine out,” he said.
“The number one thing for me is the players in Wangaratta but there’s a number of guys we have based in Melbourne and even Geelong so I’ll have to connect the dots there.
“Rovers coach managed it well this year so it’s a model that can be done.”
while playing on a neighbouring table, Neil Spurgeon went for a speccie return and gave the goal umpire a true hip-and-shoulder.
Luckily, both players survived.
After more than one and a half hours of ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’, participants relaxed with a cuppa and supper that would rival any cooking show.
Adult and secondary school students of all ages are welcome to join the group which meets every Monday night, beginning at 7pm at the Oxley Hall. BYO table tennis bat, $2 entry and a plate to share.
Wangaratta said via a club statement that they’re stoked to get their man.
“The board of the Wangaratta Football Netball Club take great pleasure in announcing Jason Heatley as the senior football coach for season 2025 and 2026,” the club said.
“We are thrilled that Jason will be joining our club, his experience, drive and professionalism will be a huge asset as we look to the future.
“Jason’s appointment is exciting for our players and is also equally exciting for our sponsors, members and supporters.
“We welcome Jason and his partner Lisa to the WFNC family.”
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
THE raw emotions of Greta’s first senior premiership in a quarter of a century were still settling in for coach Chris Dube, as he re-commits for the next two seasons.
Long-time player and servant of the club, Dube took over from Greg Newbold to coach in 2024 and went on to have an instant impact, winning the grand final over Bright on September 14.
Dube said the winning feeling was still sinking in for him, while he wasted no time getting to work for next season.
“The boys remind me I’m the youngest old guy they know,” he said.
“While they were naturally soaking up and celebrating the win for a number of days I was back into work and calling players for next year and thanking sponsors.
“I got to enjoy the back end of last week spending some individual moments with past players and really special helpers around the club, and that was incredibly rewarding.
“Delivering a cup for the first time in 25 years naturally got a few old blokes crying and you couldn’t help but be taken back by the impact this group has had on so many people before us.”
After going out in straight sets in 2023, Greta would only lose one game in round four in a dominant season for the club, with five of
their seven teams making it to grand final day.
Dube said he and the club came to the agreement before the start of the finals, as he has enjoyed the transition from battling on the field to the sidelines.
“It was nice to have the backing and support of the club long-term, even prior to the business end of the season,” he said.
“I do enjoy the technical
side of the game but more importantly I have a love for this group and this club.
“The hard work the players and the coaching group have put in has clearly yielded some results, but I’d like to think I’d still be enjoying this role just as much even if we didn’t win the ultimate prize.”
A large portion of the core senior playing group have already announced their recommitments to the club
next year including captain Josh Bell, 2023 Baker medalist James McClounan and leading goal kickers last season Frazer Judd and Cody Crawford.
Dube said the team being built for season 2025 was already looking even stronger than their premiership season this year.
“While every team probably says this right after the season ends, but I really do
have a group in front of me who are enjoying doing the work,” he said.
“When you have a group that is hungry for more and naturally enjoying time with their mates, it’s not hard to get motivated as a coach when the guys are looking to do more.”
Greta will hold their presentation night for season 2024 on Saturday, October 5 at the Da Vinci Social Club.
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
THE Wangaratta and District Cricket Association (WDCA) All-Girls Cricket League looks set to expand as it heads into its second season.
The season was launched with the Carnival of Girls’ Cricket on Wednesday, which invited juniors to the Barr Reserve to show their talents and learn more about the sport in the region while enjoying their school holidays.
While the wet weather moved the event from the Barr Reserve to the indoor
comfort of the stadium, Cricket Victoria’s North East regional manager Peter Brear said the rain didn’t dampen spirits with 52 girls attending throughout the day.
“We walked away very positively and somewhat inspired by the turn up and the positivity of the girls engaging in cricket,” he said.
“Part of Cricket Victoria’s priorities for the participation of the game is to engage young girls from 12 to 15 and younger girls from five to 12 in the Woolworths Cricket Blast program.
“The day was something
we could definitely demonstrate to the clubs who attended that there is an appetite for cricket among girls.”
The carnival was littered with special guests from politicians Helen Haines, Tim McCurdy and Harvey Benton to premier league cricketers in the region, Kate Burns and Sienna Sims, and Cricket Victoria’s head of female cricket Sharelle McMahon.
All guests showed their support for the event.
Last season the league boasted four under 13 teams in the WDCA who played off every second Friday.
Brear said Beechworth, Benalla, Rovers United Bruck and Yarrawonga-Mulwala will be re-committing their teams from the inaugural season, with two clubs seeking the possibility of entering a second side.
An additional two teams are looking to join the league this season in Ovens Valley United and City Colts.
Rutherglen and Delatite have also expressed interest in joining the league.
Brear said he was hopeful the growing interest shown by clubs would also reflect in a growth of registrations in the girls’ league, with regis-
trations opening on Wednesday.
“We feel with the advancements we made last year, we’re looking forward to more girls playing in the second season and trying to get more clubs involved,” he said.
“We’ll be looking back in the next six weeks to compare where we are then to where we were last year and hopefully see an increase in registrations among those age groups.
“I think we’ve done everything we possibly can to put cricket foremost in girls minds and it was well sup-
ported by parents who were interested in what we were doing.
“It’s now up to Cricket Victoria locally and the clubs to push that advantage home and to get some teams committed to the league this year.”
Brear said Cricket Victoria would look to ease new players transition into the sport and their local clubs with more open trainings and come and try days planned at the commencement of term four.
The All-Girls Cricket League 2024/25 season will begin in late October.
BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au
AFTER 20-years of senior football, Wangaratta Rovers stalwart Shane Gaston finally claimed the premiership he so much deserved.
Gaston was on the brink of retirement last year but a strong off-season with partner and Pilates instructor Laura, saw his body improve rapidly, allowing him to have one more crack.
“I put a line through myself last year but I’m very lucky to have a partner who I sat down with and had a good chat and we decided I’d stick at it for one more year,” Gaston said.
“People forget the sacrifice that partners of footballers make, they sacrifice every weekend when you’re playing football on a Saturday and too sore on a Sunday.
“So to have her backing to stick at it and then to win a flag is just unbelievable and I never thought I’d get to here.”
The Hawks were huge underdogs going into the decider and Gaston said that made the win even more satisfying.
“No one gave us a chance which just made it even sweeter,” he said.
“I’ve been playing senior footy for 20-years now and there were plenty of years when we were down the bottom.
“When I was captain of the club my job was nearly all about trying to get blokes to training because you’d just lose week after week.
“You’d hope that people stuck around because of the good time we had off the field because it wasn’t much fun on field.”
Gaston’s 20-year career was filled with plenty of downs, particularly over the last decade when the Hawks won just 13 matches from 2015-2018 and failed to win a game in 2018.
“When you’re getting smashed every week I’m sure it was hard for those past players to be proud, there’s probably an element of embarrassment,” Gaston said.
“Talking to a lot of them on Sunday night, I said that they can be proud again and walk around with their head’s high because we’re not living in the past anymore.
“My whole career there’s been that monkey on the back that our senior side
My whole career there’s been that monkey on the back that our senior side used to be good so to finally be where they were 30-years ago is incredible.
- SHANE GASTON
used to be good so to finally be where they were 30-years ago is incredible.
“Seeing them upstairs after the game with a smile on their faces is something that can’t be matched.”
Gaston praised Rovers coach Sam Murray for the decisions he made leading into the grand final and on game day.
“People probably don’t understand how big of a call it was to bring Will Christie into the side,” Gaston said.
“Two hours of football is a long time after the weeks he had off so it was a huge call made by ‘Muz’ (Sam Murray) and the coaching staff and credit to them it paid off
“If Will didn’t get through the game those guys
would’ve copped it.
“’Muz’ has been great though, he’s been so good at bringing everyone together even though we have players all over the shop – Kieran Parnell lives in Darwin.
“It’s probably been the tightest knit group I’ve been a part of.”
And for now, Gaston will likely hang the boots up after an incredible season.
“I’m content now,” he said.
“I can rest easy knowing I finally won a premiership and the club’s in a good spot.
“My goal before this year was to try and leave the club in as good a position as possible but there isn’t a
better position we could be in now.
“We’ve got some quality players to lean on, Will (Christie) and big Ed (Dayman) are such good players and have gone well past me.
“Time doesn’t let you play forever unfortunately but the sacrifices I made and a lot of the boys made to finally get to the top is all worth it now.
“People wouldn’t understand the things Dylan Stone had to do to play and even just the local boys gritting their teeth and sticking at the club.
“We’ll forever see that 2024 premiers plaque in the clubrooms and will forever remember that special day.”
WANGARATTA have locked in Jason Heatley as their coach for the next two seasons.
Heatley arrives with a wealth of experience having played 63 games at the highest level for West Coast and St Kilda, including 73 goals in the 1997 season.
At community level
BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au
Jason is a three-time senior premiership coach with North Heidelberg and has a fantastic track record in the Northern Football League.
Heatley said he feel’s it’s the right time to move on to another challenge.
“We worked on a succession plan at North Heidelberg and I handed over to the now senior
coach Kasey Duncan,” Heatley said.
“At the mid-year stage I was thinking about what the next 12 months, two or three years look like.
“At some stages throughout this season I felt it was time to hand over the reigns at North Heidelberg and maybe have a rest from coaching but I quickly got the bug back.
“Jon Henry reached out and we caught up and I loved his passion and the vision of the Wangaratta Football Netball Club.”
With the confirmed departures of Callum Moore, Michael Newton and Daine Porter, the Magpies will be looking for a new set of players to step up.
“It’s no secret that a few senior players are departing
but that will only open up opportunities,” Heatley said.
“I think it’s exciting that the list profile is changing, I watched the under 18s and reserves grand finals and there were some quality players running around.
“There’s going to be opportunities for those players to step up.”
Heatley’s looking forward to the rivalry between
cross-road rivals and 2024 premiers Wangaratta Rovers.
“With Rovers winning on the weekend it’s going to give us something to chase because they’re the one’s at the top now,” he said.
“No doubt everyone’s focus will be on them but it’ll only add another level to the rivalry.
“Having two clubs so close together is pretty cool.”
■ Contined page 41
