WC271124__SamReiher

TODAY

27o

Possible thunderstorm

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Wednesday, November 27, 2024

New trucks to lift CFA training

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Phone (03) 5723 0100

Giggins blasts maiden century

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Sport

TENT CITY WANGARATTA Showgrounds has literally been a tent city for the past two days, accommodating 2700 participants in the Great Vic Bike Ride. McKinnon Secondary College students (from left) Ruby Johnston, Alexandru Virbanescu, Clara Lovell, Kim Li and Richard Li were part of a 60-member team visiting the city.

STORY PAGE 2 PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

NO SLAM DUNK Surveyor S y staff ff changeover, h g , fire safety f y sign-off ig - ff reasons gi given ffor court d delays l y

INTERNAL staffing issues and a pending sign off from privately contracted fire safety engineers are the reasons given for a delay in the opening of the $12.9 million basketball stadium expansion in Wangaratta.

Wangaratta council showcased a preseason match between NBL teams South East Melbourne and Brisbane on the redeveloped show court at the stadium in late August attracting 1000

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

people, but since then the facility has been off limits until an occupancy permit is authorised.

When asked by this masthead about specifics around why the basketball court facility is not available to the public yet, Rural City of Wangaratta director

sustainability and culture Stephen Swart said there was no one part of the project that is causing the delay but he doubled down on fire safety requirements as the reason.

“People might focus in on one aspect but it’s not as simple as that and the entire project needs to be considered against the state requirements of the code,” he said.

Mr Swart said “there are

a few question marks about aspects of the building project” and this partly stems from a changeover of surveyor staff since the beginning of the project.

He said this has impacted the continuity in knowledge and context with the project which has caused delays.

“We employed a building surveyor when the project started and that surveyor has left council through the normal process of people

coming and going,” he said.

“We had to bring some new people along for the project and also make sure the project was fully understood.

“There were some question marks around whether all the safety requirements were met.”

It’s up to council employed building surveyors to sign off on the project and they depend on the advice from others.

Delays have also arisen as the council surveyor is working with two sets of fire safety engineers and advice from these parties is still pending.

“The way it works is that we have a set of fire engineers who prepare the report and a second set of fire engineers who review that report and certify that it’s correct,” Mr Swart explained.

■ Continued page 2

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Page 2 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 27, 2024

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Court delays having ongoing impact on club ■ From page 1

PLAY OFF: Three months on from the NBL exhibition match and the public still doesn’t have access to the new $12.9 million basketball stadium at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre.

PHOTO: Marc Bongers

Est. 1884, Incorporating Wangaratta Despatch, Est. 1861

WEATHER

“The work takes time and because we have two sets (of fire engineers) involved they need to work through interpretations of different parts of the code and that has taken time and it’s still taking time.

“We are going through a process to make sure it meets the requirements under the building code of Australia and part of that is fire safety measures.

“There is nothing [specific] that has triggered a delay, it’s about general compliance.”

Mr Swart said council’s biggest challenge at the moment is working out how much longer this is going to take but he was unable to answer that question.

“If I start guessing I will create

expectation and I don’t want to do that,” he said.

Wangaratta Basketball Association president Adam Maher said he’s been fielding questions from the community several times a day.

The delay has had a major impact on the Wangaratta basketball community with training, matches, tournaments, and potential events being relocated or missed altogether.

“The impact on basketball in Wangaratta is massive and it’s affected the Warriors CBL side as this was a program that disappeared,” he said.

“Basketball Victoria wanted to have the grand final at Wangaratta on December 14, but it appears we’ve missed out on that now.

“Our tournament this year will have

to be played in Wodonga and due to an absence of information I will have to book the March 2025 tournament in Wodonga as well.

“We’ve had to run our domestic competition over one extra night and we’ve had to use Galen facilities.

“Our training regime for the Warriors is stretched to the max because we haven’t had enough court space.”

Mr Maher said the North East Bushrangers training program has also been hindered, putting stress on other facilities and training schedules.

A $5.46m State Government Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Fund grant enabled the project that had an initial completion date of November 2023..

City awash with 2700 Great Vic Bike riders

By STEVE KELLY

TEMPERATURES: Wednesday Max 27 Min 16 Possible thunderstorm Thursday

Max 28 Min 12 Fog then sunny

Friday

Max 30 Min 12 Possible thunderstorm

Saturday

Max 28 Rain

Sunday

Max 27 Min 13 Possible shower

Min 14

RAINFALL:

Last 72 hours

Last 7 days

Wangaratta

34.2 mm

34.2 mm

Lake Buffalo

44.8 mm

44.8 mm

Cheshunt

43.4 mm

43.4 mm

*NB: Rainfall totals up until 3pm, Tuesday

NEWS TIPS Office Hours: 5723 0100 After Hours: 5723 0107 Email: edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au

CONTACTS POSTAL ADDRESS: 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta GENERAL TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES: 5723 0100 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: 5723 0101 DISPLAY ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: 5723 0139 Email: edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au Website: wangarattachronicle.com.au

Follow us ADVERTISING CLOSING TIMES Monday Issue: Display Thurs. 10am. Classifieds Fri. 2pm Wednesday Issue: Display Fri. 10am. Classifieds Tues. 2pm Friday Issue: Display Tues. 10am. Classifieds Thurs. 2pm Published by Hartley Higgins for North East Media Pty Ltd, 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677.

Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Editor Jeff Zeuschner.

Copyright: All advertising and editorial content of this issue is the copyright of North East Media Pty Ltd and cannot be used without the company’s permission.

The Chronicle is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council.

If you believe the standards may have been breached, you may approach the Chronicle itself or contact the council by email at info@presscouncil.org.au or by phone on (02) 9261 1930.

Member

A SEA of cycling enthusiasts have soaked up the hospitality of Wangaratta over the last two days with their third stop on the 40th Great Victorian Bike Ride.

They have certainly had to deal with the weather elements after 2700 cyclists set off from Wodonga on Sunday to Myrtleford in heavy downpours, but they embraced the serenity of valleys between Yackandandah and Myrtleford.

Thousands of cyclists began rolling in to Wangaratta at about 10.30am on Monday after a quick stop at Brown Brothers Winery for an early lunch, with local police managing traffic as they navigated busy main roads to the showgrounds camping ground.

Rows of erected tents set the scene for the cyclists’ two-day stopover in Wangaratta and they were able to ease their muscles in a mobile sauna, rehydrate from 10,000-litre water storages and take a stroll into Wangaratta’s CBD shopping precinct.

Bicycle Network CEO Alison McCormack said to mark the 40th anniversary of the ride they took it back to where it all began.

“The first ever ride was to commemorate 150 years of Victoria and also a journey that two gentlemen took on their penny farthings 100 years prior around the state,” she said.

“This was the genesis of the ride and we have six penny farthing cyclists doing the ride as well as a whole spectrum of ages from toddlers through to a 91-year-old.”

While the rain caused some issues with leaky tents, Ms McCormack said it has been perfect weather for cyclists as the early morning starts haven’t been too hot and there’s also been no wind.

Volunteer Hayley Gorman from Oakleigh was on her third ride and she has loved riding through the valleys and scenery the region has to offer.

“The few hills on racecourse road into Yackandandah were not nice but downhill into Yack was pretty awesome,” she said.

One of the Warbys (we are

SUPPORT CREW: Alan Leenaerts, Peter Anderson, Anthony Chan, Hayley Gorman and Peter Radford.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

WE’RE HERE: Cyclists were told to ride single file for safety reasons along Rowan Street. right behind you) Alan Leenaerts’ first ride was in 1988 and he has the special job to assist riders when things go wrong.

“We are road cycle support and help people with their mechanicals when they get stuck on the side of the road and hold their hand if they pull a heart string,” he joked.

“The first day is always busy and people need to be taught how to use their gears, put their forks around the right way and how to use their brakes.”

In all seriousness though, he said the support mainly consisted of repairing tyre punctures.

One of the schools participating, McKinnon Secondary College, had 60 students on the ride and teacher Paul King said they have been doing the bike ride since the 1980s.

He’s familiar with the region as his sister lives locally and he said year 7, 8 and 9 students have enjoyed the ride so far.

Several cyclists took on a loop ride to Lake Mokoan on Tuesday morning to check out the sights and although they weren’t able to swim in the lake as they did 40 years ago, they were treated to the unique outlook before heading back to base camp.

It will be the last Great Victorian Bike Ride in its current format as Ms McCormack said it is really cost prohibitive and doesn’t have any government funding support or sponsors.

“Over 200,000 riders have done this and it brings in huge economic benefits to the town and we also surveyed riders and more than 70 per cent said they will come back to the region within 12 months,” she said.

“Over the years the costs have really grown and in future we’ll be looking to stay in each location for longer and have less site movements to reduce costs.

“We might stay in a community two or three nights and cyclists will ride to the tourist sites and spend more money in local communities.”

Wangaratta Mayor Irene Grant said it has been fantastic seeing all the people in the city and it’s a great economic benefit.

“Cyclists have had time to have a look around Wangaratta and hopefully they will come back to visit,” she said.

The cyclists departed Wangaratta via Greta to Mansfield on Wednesday morning.

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 27, 2024 - Page 3

SES crews preparing for potential of severe storms

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

derstorms were likely to sweep across the North East starting Tuesday afternoon and evening.

Heavy rainfall was likely with severe thunderstorms in the region with a slight possibility of intense rainfall.

Large hail and damaging winds are still a risk but not considered as likely a threat as heavy rain, according to the forecast.

Wangaratta SES unit coor-

LOCAL SES crews were preparing yesterday to be storm ready for the next few days as the potential for severe thunderstorms was likely for Wangaratta and the North East, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).

BOM’s thunderstorm forecasts as of 1pm yesterday indicated severe thun-

dinator Jess Zuber said SES crews were already busy on Tuesday morning responding to a tree falling on a building and a leaking roof within the rural city.

“We’re encouraging people to have their cars parked undercover, and loose items are tied down,” she said.

“We’re not expecting flash flooding but always be prepared for it, debris and water could be across

roads when driving.

“These summer/spring storms can be unpredictable, so it’s best to prepare for the worst but hope for the best.”

BOM predicted severe thunderstorms remain likely for Wangaratta throughout this morning and afternoon, with six to 30mm of rain forecast.

Ms Zuber said crew members were being as prepared

as they can be, wary of the addition of some 2700 cyclists camping at the Wangaratta showgrounds overnight.

“We are very mindful of their situation and if they need assistance, we will be able to provide some,” she said.

A combined 35.6mm of rain had been recorded at Wangaratta airport’s weather station between 9am

New trucks bolster CFA driver training in region

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

TWO new CFA driver training trucks are set for Wangaratta as the fire authority looks to boost its driver training capability across the state.

The State Government handed the keys to five of 10 new driver training trucks to CFA last week, with additional driver educators also set to be distributed across the state.

VEMTC Wangaratta pad supervisor Richie Gardner said a medium and a light truck purposely built for driver training would be housed in Wangaratta and used across the North East region.

“It’s a great initiative, supporting brigades for driver training on road and off road,” he said.

“One of the good things is it allows brigades and instructors to access them this time of the year during the fire danger period, without reducing the operational fleet.”

The 10 new trucks, which cost a total of $2.2 million, can be used for on road and 4x4 off road driver training as they are self -sufficient, containing everything the trainer needs to deliver driver training.

Deputy chief officer operational doctrine and training, Rohan Luke, said the new custom designed driver training trucks will be delivered to CFA training grounds across the state which will provide

TRAINING UP: CFA have received 10 new driver training trucks to be distributed across the state, including two in Wangaratta. greater access to driver training without the need to draw on operational vehicles.

“These trucks have been built to replicate the size, weight and configuration of operational firefighting vehicles,” Mr Luke said.

“We’re one of the first in the Australian fire services to have purpose-built driver training trucks for our volunteers to use for driver training.

“Driver training courses are important for future capability within a brigade as they provide the key elements to ensure our drivers

“It’s a great initiative, supporting brigades forr dri rive v r training on rro oad and off road...” ” - Richie Gardn nerr operate safely in high-risk environments whilst protecting Victorian communities.”

CFA recently offered the first female only Driver Educator

1

Course (DEC) which six women have successfully completed.

CFA commander state driving, Malcolm Hayes, said this group of newly qualified

women will soon be delivering driver training to brigades in their area and across the state when required.

“As a result of this femaleonly course, we will have tripled the amount of volunteer female driver educators in CFA which is an incredible achievement and asset for the future of driver training,” he said.

“While we always encourage any CFA members to undertake the course, we do find creating female only courses provides a more comfortable space and environment for them to train.”

Sunday and noon yesterday.

Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.

You can report new power faults and emergencies online www.ausnetservices. com.au/outages/report-afault or on 13 17 99.

For emergency services, call the SES on 132 500.

Shipping container with $25,000 of goods stolen from Beechworth POLICE are seeking public assistance after a shipping container with around $25,000 worth of mining goods was stolen at Beechworth.

Police said it’s believed from around 1:30am to 5:15am on November 16 the Flat Rock Road rural mining site was targeted by two suspects.

A white Mercedes Actros prime mover with two long green trailers was caught on CCTV arriving at a weighbridge at 4:20am.

The same truck was seen leaving the site nearly one hour later, with the stolen white shipping container loaded onto the trailer.

Police said the container was filled with around $25,000 worth of equipment used for mining.

Police released images of the truck with the stolen shipping container on Monday, November 25 in hopes of identifying the Mercedes and the offenders involved.

Images and CCTV capturing a man wearing a black singlet and gray shorts at around 4:10am on the morning of the offending has also been released.

If you have any information, please contact Wodonga Crime Investigation Unit on 02 6049 2700 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at https://www. crimestoppersvic.com.au/.

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Page 4 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 27, 2024

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Walsh steps down as The Nationals’ leader PETER Walsh (pictured) has stepped down as leader of The Nationals in Victoria, with Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien elected unopposed to the position on Tuesday and Lowan MP Emma Kealy staying on as deputy leader.

Mr Walsh has been party leader and deputy leader of the Coalition for the past decade and will continue as Murray Plains MP. He has dedicated the past 22 years to serving regional and rural Victoria – first winning the seat of Swan Hill and then the new seat

of Murray Plains following a redistribution in 2014.

Before entering Parliament he owned and operated one of the state’s largest tomato growing operations as part of his irrigated horticulture and

cropping enterprise, also producing cereals, oilseeds and legumes.

In that role he began his public and community service as Victorian Farmers Federation president, a director of the National Farmers Federation and a director of SPC Limited.

Born and raised in Boort, Mr Walsh’s time farming and living in regional Victoria saw him naturally interested in agricultural and water policy, which is why, he said, he put his hand up to try and make a difference.

After his work with the VFF and entering politics, he would go on to serve as Minister for Agriculture and the Minister for Water in the 2010-2014 Coalition Government.

He was elected leader of the Victorian Nationals following the November 2014 election.

In 2003 he was awarded a Centenary Medal for his services to the environment.

Mr Walsh said the development of the Murray Darling Basin Plan was one of his biggest political chal-

lenges, fighting hard in Opposition and Government to ensure the rights of Victorian irrigators were fairly balanced with the needs of the environment.

He said he believed that initially had been achieved, but he now has “grave concerns” the socialist left agenda of both the Albanese and Allan Labor governments has “skewed the goals and long-term future of the strategy”.

A lifelong Geelong supporter, he is now hoping his new world will allow him time to attend more games.

Community turned up to support Town T-shirt Day

By JORDAN DUURSMA THIS year’s Town T-shirt day was a huge success in Wangaratta, with individuals and businesses across the North East donning iconic Project 365 t-shirts, promoting positive mental health and getting conversations around mental health started.

For the second year in a row, photos were shared online and are still circulating across social media, with the Project 365 team working to create hype around the event both online and in person.

Project 365 member, Lauren Grenfell Scott, said the community has well and truly embraced Project 365 and the t-shirt day proved that.

“The amount of people who came down to the community kiosk (Reid/Murphy streets corner) was huge,” she said.

“We sold around 100 shirts on t-shirt day and shared just as many stories with locals and community beyond Wangaratta, and we are so proud of what we’ve achieved.

“We were able to show off our new Isuzu MUX called Max, Oak FM ran a bake sale that sold out by lunchtime, David from Oak FM came down and did some live interviews with band and committee members, and we were able to not only sell shirts, but show we were able talk about our Mental Health First Aid Scholarships, which local

businesses and volunteer organisations can apply for.

“The scholarships will allow us, as a group, to fund mental health first aid within our community.

“It is as important as CPR training, and we believe it will help a lot of people within our community access help and be comfortable accessing help to feel better and get better.”

Lauren said Project 365 is providing vital assistance to people who may really need it.

“Next we’ll move on to the finishing touches to our show at the Wangaratta Rodeo grounds on Feb 22 next year, named ‘bringing light to the dark’... this show hopes to bring hope and light to the community, to share the message that it’s ok to not be ok,” she said.

Ticket sales will again go back into the community, and the Project 365 band, U CAN CRY, are well into rehearsals to put on an amazing show, promoting positive mental health through the amazing medium of music.

“Our show in November 2023 was huge and the community came out in waves to support, we can’t wait to have everyone back again,” Lauren said.

“It’s gonna be bigger, we’re sharing the space with amazing hot air balloons from Goldrush ballooning, that will light up the night and bring a beautiful glow to the event.”

T-SHIRTS CREATE A RIPPLE EFFECT: Peter Rourke, Tracey Younger and Lauren Grenfell Scott were part of the movement that rippled through the community on Friday, November 15, with conversations around positive mental health sparked by Project 365’s iconic t-shirts.

North East Water seeks public input to plan for future NORTH East Water (NEW) is inviting customers to participate in its next round of community engagement as it develops its next Price Submission, which sets out the proposed fees and charges customers will pay from July 1, 2026.

NEW managing director Jo Murdoch said North East Water had already engaged customers through focus groups, workshops, surveys, pop-up kiosks, we-

binars, and a bill simulator.

“The next phase, starting in early 2025, is a crucial part of our engagement – a deliberative forum that will run over five sessions from late-January to mid-March,” Ms Murdoch said.

“The forums will bring together a diverse group of customers who will learn about key issues, share ideas, and provide recommendations on North East Water’s future direction.

“With our communities

growing and our climate changing, we want to hear from people on how we can plan together to deliver safe, reliable, sustainable, and affordable services for future generations.”

NEW is seeking residential and business customers from across its service region to participate in the deliberative forum.

“You don’t need special skills or expertise to join, just an interest in helping to shape our proposed

future prices and services,” Ms Murdoch added.

“The forum will be asked to consider feedback from earlier customer and community engagement, weigh up different services, infrastructure investments and trade-offs, and provide recommendations for the good of the entire community.

“Around 45 people will be independently selected to take part in the forum that will represent a cross-

section of customers from our region.’

People that are selected to take part will receive an honorarium of $170 per full-day session and $85 for the orientation session (total of $765), payable in mid-March 2025.

Those interested in participating can register their interest at www.newater. com.au/ps.

Registrations close at 5pm Friday, December 13, 2024.

$400 bonus per student set to arrive this week

By STEVE KELLY A $400 School Saving Bonus for Victorian students to spend on equipment and activities is rolling out this week – helping local families with students enrolled at government schools with the cost of living.

Northern Victoria MP Jaclyn Symes said students are eligible for the $400 subsidy to spend on textbooks, uniforms, camps, excursions, and other school activities.

The Labor Government’s $280 million investment will deliver cost of living relief to around 700,000 Victorian families – giving them time to plan and budget for the 2025 school year.

Parents with kids at a government school won’t need to apply for their bonus - it is free, automatic and universal.

The government reported that this week these families will receive an email giving them access to their $400 per child.

Families will be able to choose how they allocate their funds, whether that’s a uniform and textbook voucher – or adding money to their school account for camps, excursions or other extracurricular activities.

The voucher for uniforms and textbooks will be redeemable at local school-approved uniform or book suppliers, while funds allocated to activities will be credited to the family’s school account.

Families can purchase uniforms and textbooks in-person or online through school-approved suppliers, including State School Relief, which offers items such as shoes, swimwear and workwear for VCE Vocational Major students.

Vouchers will also be redeemable at school-operated second-hand uniform and textbook shops.

Textbook and uniform vouchers will be valid until June 30, 2025.

Unspent funds will automatically transfer to a family’s school account once the uniform and textbook voucher period expires, with parents able to use the remaining funds on future school activities.

For families of students at a non-government school, the $400 will be provided directly to each school – to be managed in consultation with the student’s family and in line with the intent of the program.

Non-government school families who are eligible for the means-tested Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (including healthcare and concession card holders) are also eligible for the School Saving Bonus.

For more information on the $400 School Saving Bonus, visit vic.gov.au/schoolsaving-bonus

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 27, 2024 - Page 5

Man invites police in home to find marijuana plant, shotgun A WANGARTTA man placed a cannabis plant and a shotgun in plain view for police officers to seize as he invited them into his home, a court has heard.

Representing himself at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Monday, the 51-year-old pleaded guilty to possession of the illicit substance and shotgun as well as breaches of an in-

tervention order.

The court heard on April 11 this year, the Wangaratta man breached an intervention order of an ex-partner when he was caught on CCTV leaving a glass table on the front gate of the protected person’s home.

Some hours later, the victim discovered several items had been thrown into her backyard, suspected to have

been done by the same man.

The ex-partner, who was present in court, reported the incident to police as harassment.

After identifying the defendant from the CCTV footage of the victim’s neighbour, police attended the defendant’s home.

They were invited inside and were immediately alerted to a cannabis plant.

They followed the defendant into his room and saw a shotgun stored in plain sight.

Following a search of the house a day later, police seized the items along with ammunition and a further small quantity of cannabis.

In court, the defendant said he had owned the unregistered shotgun since 2020, and he used cannabis

to treat back pain.

“I wanted to hand the gun in a long time ago and I wanted police to see it, that’s why I invited them in,” he said.

The Wangaratta man initially denied breaching the intervention order of his ex-partner in police interviews, until he was shown the CCTV footage.

The defendant was also

Well placed for future rural health workforce

BY JORDAN DUURSMA jduursma@ nemedia.com.au

UNIVERSITY students are getting a healthy taste of work placement in Wangaratta in the hope it can help bolster the city’s future allied health workforce.

Four occupational therapy (OT) students from Deakin University, including former local resident Noah Simmonds have been in the city this month on two-week placements, facilitated through the University of Melbourne Department of Rural Health’s Going Rural Health program.

Going Rural Health community placements lecturer Rebecca Oates said the team has worked with a number of local sites to create this placement as a strategy to build the rural workforce.

“The Commonwealth has identified that the recruitment and retention of allied health workers in rural health is a challenge and that has affects on health outcomes for residents in rural areas,” she said.

“Research suggests that if students have a positive rural placement, they are more likely to consider working rurally upon graduating.

“Our role is to build the quality and quantity of rural placements and for these students, it’s their first experience to clinical practice, so a positive experience will

go along way for their future planning.”

Ms Oates said there are often barriers to placement for the rural workforce, as people work part-time or just can’t commit to hosting a full placement.

“This program is an innovative approach to placement as there are barriers to people hosting placement students,” she said.

“These small tasters are good for supervisors who want to be engaged but can’t

commit but also good for students to get an insight into the different practice areas in OT practice.”

Going Rural Health placement coordinator Liana Cooper and OT supervisor Tara Case have established a number of relationships in the area, including Wangaratta District Specialist School, so students can experience a wide range of workplaces.

“We provide opportunities for students to spend time with many different OTs in

the region,” Ms Cooper said.

“They have an observational placement to get a taste for what being an OT looks like at a handful of different host sites.”

The program is open to students from all nationally recognised universities, providing support and experience for rural placements.

For more information about the Going Rural Health program, visit https://goingruralhealth.com. au/.

SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS: Wangaratta District Specialist School occupational therapist and Going Rural Health program alumni Emily Thiele, OT student Noah Simmonds, Liana Cooper and Tara Case are part of the team nurturing a future rural health workforce. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

TICKETS & INFO

charged with a separate breach of the same intervention order prior to an earlier Wangaratta court appearance on July 29 in the courthouse, verbally abusing the victim.

Magistrate Amina Bhai ordered a community corrections order assessment of the defendant and adjourned the matter for sentencing on December 2.

Man’s hefty ban after .183 drink drive reading A LOCAL man has been banned from driving for 18 months following a high drink drive reading on the Murray Valley Highway, Yarrawonga earlier this year.

Appearing in Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Monday, the court heard the 27-year-old was spotted by police as he pulled over onto the side of the highway at Yarrawonga in the early hours of September 28.

Police pulled over beside the grey Holden Commodore and conducted a breath test.

An Evidentiary Breath Test of the driver at around 2am saw him return a reading of .183.

The defendant gave no explanation for his high reading as he was served an immediate driving ban and had his car impounded at a cost of $1500.

Representing himself in court, the man said he had lost his job following the incident after just a month at the workplace.

He said as he entered the car and drove off, he had the intentions of “not returning”.

Magistrate Amina Bhai disqualified the man from driving for the minimum of 18 months and issued a $750 fine.

“You were at risk to not only hurt yourself, but other road users,” she said.

Magistrate Bhai noted the defendant’s history of mental health issues and his willingness to seek treatment as well as a good prior driving record.

“Given the high reading, I need to give a penalty that will deter other drivers from driving in this way,” she said.

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Page 6 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 27, 2024

wangarattachronicle.com.au

The Australian Quiz

THE impending arrival of two new CFA trucks specially designed for driver training is a huge bonus for the region’s hard-working firefighters who are setting up for a busy season.

To have two of the 10 new trucks to be distributed to CFA training grounds across the state coming to Wangaratta will have our region’s brigades well-prepared behind the wheel and surely reflects their value to the state authority.

The much-praised accessibility of the trucks will upskill firefighters for what could potentially be life-saving training.

Their arrival is a timely one as summer is only days away while we’re one week into the Fire Danger Period.

Since its official beginning, mother nature has shown how consistently unpredictable it can be, from scorching temperatures one day to storms the next.

Local CFA figures are expecting a busy fire season despite the recent rain.

Brigades in the rural city are taking proactive approaches in preparation for the season and it’s vital we listen and attempt to gain every piece of information we can from them, particularly if you are at a property further at risk.

While our brigades become more prepared and educated in response to fires, the very least we can do is be prepared ourselves.

It may one day save your life and the lives of others.

Updating your home fire plan, identifying potential risks surrounding your home and evacuation plans are just some of the ways you can prepare.

Keep up to date with the Fire Danger Ratings on the VicEmergency app and VicEmergency website.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS 1 Short gaiters 5 Blemish 9 Remain suspended 10 In excited eagerness 11 Mean dwelling 12 Part of speech 13 Dimensions 14 Old stringed instrument 17 Unbending 19 Mystic symbols 21 Lyric poems 23 Treat ill 25 Perfect score 26 Surface slant 27 Cricket score 28 Starry 30 Dissolve 31 Ancient tongue 33 Harbour towns 34 Level 36 Escapade 37 Sporting side 38 Noise 39 Joint 40 Biblical quotations 41 Exploit 42 Inward feeling DOWN 2 Supplies 3 Essay on a theme

4 Not hollow 5 Cut off 6 Takes for granted 7 Furniture items 8 Young horse 15 Taker of illegal interest 16 Happenings 17 Turn 18 Mild and refined 20 No score 22 Not robust 24 Small, pale seedless raisins 26 Sporting item 29 Declaimed bombastically 30 Sour-tempered 32 Nominated 33 Nuisances 35 Climbing plant

S P A T S S P O T C R H O V E R A G O G V E R B L H O V E L V S I Z E S L U T E R U N E S V R I G I D D M I S U S E O D E S B E V E L R U N T E N S M E L T A S T R A L L A T I N P O R T S T C A P E R A E V E N I T E A M S O U N D T E X T S A K N E E E D E E D S E N S E

1

times?

(a) Jim Cairns (b) Lance Barnard (c) Frank Crean (d) Paul Keating

4

2

(a) Zimbabwe and Zambia (b) Botswana and Eswatini (c) Eswatini and Zimbabwe (d) Zambia and Botswana

Who was the last person to serve as Deputy Prime Minister of Australia during Gough Whitlam’s term as Prime Minister?

Tony Hadley was a cofounder and the lead singer of which famous band?

(a) Spandau Ballet (b) Madness (c) The Cure (d) Talking Heads

3

As at 2022, which team has won the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup the most

(a) South Africa (b) Australia (c) England (d) West Indies

Which two countries share a border with both Mozambique and South Africa?

5

What is the correct order for the following three periods? (a) Bronze Age, Stone Age, Iron Age (b) Stone Age, Iron Age, Bronze Age (c) Iron Age, Stone Age, Bronze Age (d) Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age

6

Who provides the voice for (b) 88 Buzz Lightyear in the 2022 (c) 96 (d) 104 movie, Lightyear? (a) Seth MacFarlane The 1988 novel, The (b) Tim Allen Alchemist, is one of the (c) Tom Hanks best-known novels by which (d) Chris Evans author? (a) Ray Bradbury In what year did the (b) Paulo Coelho Greater Western Sydney (c) Salman Rushdie Giants play their first season (d) Bryce Courtenay in the AFL competition? (a) 2009 Cape Reinga is a popular (b) 2010 tourist destination (c) 2011 is in the far north of which (d) 2012 country?

How many black and (a) New Zealand white keys in total does a (b) South Africa standard modern piano have? (c) Papua New Guinea

9

7

10

8

(a) 70

(d) United Kingdom

Answers 1 (c) Frank Crean 2 (a) Spandau Ballet 3 (b) Australia 4 (c) Eswatini and Zimbabwe 5 (d) Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age 6 (d) Chris Evans 7 (d) 2012 8 (b) 88 9 (b) Paulo Coelho 10 (a) New Zealand

Driving us to safety this summer

No.103

Good things happening in Wangaratta THE central area of Wangaratta is continuing its ‘facelift’.

Fifteen years ago (can you believe it) the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre now with the convention centre component, opened, and the local and regional community, plus the many visitors to town, have thrived on the wide range of performances and happenings in the venue, not to mention benefits of much used Intermezzo Café.

Already underway, St Catherine’s has begun its extension and upgrade, with new entrance off the main street, a café and further much needed accommodation – fantastic.

We are holding our breathe to see if the amazing new Creative Arts Precinct gets a thumbs up – this would extend the range of exhibitions, workshops, touring art opportunities, etc that would become available for the community at large – so school groups, people with disabilities, older adults etc could become much more easily and comfortably able to take part in an extended range of art programmes within the central town precinct.

How fantastic this would be combined with the extensions to St Catherine’s – a whole new world of programming opportunities for their people, right on the doorstep.

Perhaps we might even see such things as an ‘Old People’s Home for four years olds’ or even ‘The Old People’s Home for Teenagers’ - the adored ABC programs that lightened the lives of so many in the real world and for those through their TV screen.

Yes, parking in Wangaratta is always an issue, but in the planning of these facilities, such things have to be accounted for.

And of course, we are lucky to have nearby carparks available at non-shopping times, this being when we are most likely to have these facilities needing additional parking space.

I look forward to seeing Wangaratta welcome a new age.

Pam Procter, Killawarra

Gambling reforms a first in Australia THE Allan Labor Government is continuing its critical work to reduce gambling harm with new nation-leading reforms introduced

PINKING IT UP: Jason Rose, Helen Charles, Shiralee Judge, Jess Wetherall, Carola Sanders and Bronwyn Heard drove into Wangaratta on Friday afternoon as part of Miss Annabelle’s Kombi Tour, which was Shiralee’s idea to raise funds and awareness after being diagnosed with stage four metastatic breast cancer last year. She had always dreamed of owning a Volkswagen Kombi, and this 1974 van was painted pink and white for the tour from Mount Barker in South Australia through to Sydney. It’s making stops along the way to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation, and the group spent some time in Apex Park on Friday as part of their local visit.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling into the Victorian Parliament.

Today (November 26) we introduced the Gambling Legislation Amendment (Pre-commitment and Carded Play) Bill 2024 that will give patrons more control over how much they spend, reducing gambling harm.

An estimated 330,000 Victorians experience harm because of gambling each year – costing Victoria around $7 billion annually and leading to significant financial distress, mental health concerns and relationship issues.

This Bill creates a framework for the introduction of carded play on gaming machines in Victoria, which will require patrons to insert a player card to operate a gaming machine – putting the power back in the hands of patrons.

The card will give people access to information about their gambling and allow them to set limits on how much they are willing to lose – known as pre-commitment.

A pilot of carded play will start in mid2025 across selected venues and a phased approach to implementation will be taken to assist with changing patron behaviour and to reduce gambling related harm.

The current gaming machine spin rate in Victoria is 2.14 seconds.

Under the reforms, any new gaming machines approved by the Victorian Gam-

bling and Casino Control Commission after 1 December 2025 must have a spin rate of at least three seconds per game – slowing games down by 40 per cent.

From December next year, the amount of money people can load onto a machine at any time will be reduced to $100, down from $1000.

Almost 30 per cent of Victorians who play gaming machines experience gambling harm.

Melissa Horne, Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation

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Every letter must have your full name, address and a daytime phone contact number supplied for verification purposes. Any letter may be edited for reasons of space, content or legibility.

Email

edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au

Post

Letters to the Editor, 37 Rowan St, Wangaratta 3677

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 27, 2024 - Page 7

Cars, parts, bric-a-brac and art Wangaratta g Swap p Meet and Show ‘n’ Shine entices hundreds of exhibitors and p patrons

By STEVE KELLY IT was a mix of eloquent cars, bric-a-brac and odds and ends at the Wangaratta Swap Meet and Show ‘n’ Shine on Sunday with people attending the event from as early as 6am.

The annual swap meet, managed by the Wangaratta Rod and Custom, and the Wangaratta Early Holden Car Club (WEHCC) hosting the show ‘n’ shine, appeared to draw a steady stream of visitors to the Wangaratta Showgrounds throughout the morning.

WEHCC vice president Ken Essenhigh said there were 70 cars entered in the show ‘n’ shine, a figure that surprised him due to competition of other events.

“The SpringNats were on at Shepparton, which would have dragged a few cars away, the weather was another thing, and there was limited space so we wouldn’t have wanted too many more than 70,” he said.

“There were some really nice cars and different models you don’t see every day like Studebakers, Plymouth and a lefthand drive Chrysler that I haven’t seen before.

“We had from the latest to the early models of cars such as the old T-Model Fords, with a smattering of European, Australian

ANOTHER’S TREASURE: There was no shortage of bric-a-brac at the swap meet.

ON SHOW: Tarrawingee resident Daryl Howe with his 1959 FC Holden utes (above and inset). and American cars.”

Mr Essenhigh said people came from far and wide with a guy who had Queensland number plates on his VE ute.

“The ute was unique because it had a little switch on the console to bypass the exhaust so it came straight out of the extractors - it sounded really

good,” he said with delight.

WEHCC member Daryl Howe from Tarrawingee was at the show ‘n’ shine with his two 1959 FC Holdens.

The cream-coloured FC ute was totally rebuilt in six months when Daryl found he had some spare time.

“After severe flooding in the area last year, and with

the help of a panel beater and a painter friend, we totally stripped the car back and rebuilt it,” he said.

“The project took them six months to complete and the end result was well worth the work.”

The swap meet had 186 sites booked with bric-abrac, car parts, old farm machinery, candles, jewel-

PHOTOS: Steve Kelly lery and handmade art.

Rod and custom club event coordinator Brendan Smith said stall holders came from Gippsland, Wagga, Junee and Sydney.

“This was the 24th running of the event and next year we’re going to revamp it, so we’ve got a bit more space,” he said.

Space was at a premium

Filling bags with dignity this Christmas

By CHLOE JAENICKE SHARE the Dignity is holding its ‘It’s in the Bag’ Christmas appeal for the tenth year in a row and invite the local community to donate a bag to help women and girls across the country.

Each November Share the Dignity holds the appeal where members of the community can donate a bag of essential items, including pads, tampons, shampoo, conditioner and deodorants, to help women and girls facing homelessness, domestic violence, or poverty.

Regional lead for Share the Dignity North East, Leeonie Williams, said with the rising cost of living, it’s more important than ever to support women in our community.

“Could you imagine having to leave your home and having nothing or been put in a position where you can’t afford to buy a pad or tampon?” she said.

That story is a very real for a lot of women every day.

“These bags give a sense of hope that someone actually cares, it can be quiet overwhelming for some to receive a bag.”

Ms Williams said last year they made around 572 bags locally and will be accepting bag and individual items to be packed and donated to women

and girls who needed them.

To help pack the individual items, a packing event will be held in Beechworth this Sunday, December 1 at the old Railway Station in Beechworth.

The packing event will take place from 10am to 4pm and members of the community are invited to come for any amount of time to

help pack bags and have provided lunch and nibbles when they are finished.

“The packing event is a way of engaging the communities in what it is to be a part of the charity, to support those in their communities,” Ms Williams said.

Ms Williams also said she is open to any other busi-

nesses who would like to do a packing day contacting her on 0439 600 635.

For more information on the appeal, visit https:// www.sharethedignity.org. au/itsinthebag and to learn more about becoming a volunteer visit https://www. sharethedignity.org.au/getinvolved/volunteer.

CREATING HOPE: Leeonie Williams invites the community to donate bags filled with essential items for women at their local Bunnings.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

due to the clash of events with the set up for the Great Victorian Bike Ride that rolled into the city on Monday.

“A big thanks to the Moyhu and Wangaratta Lions clubs for operating the gate and the barbecue, the early holden club and the dog obedience club,” Mr Smith said.

Magistrate tells defendant Illicit drugs not answer to his pain relief A WANGARATTA man has been told to find alternative sources of relief for degenerative back pain after he was caught with illicit substances, a court has heard.

Appearing at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Monday, the 24-year-old pleaded guilty to the possession of small quantities of illegal substances.

The court heard that on September 20 Wangaratta detectives conducted a search at a local address and seized one gram of cocaine, and undisclosed amounts of cannabis and Xanax.

The Wangaratta man made full admissions to possessing the illicit substances, saying the cannabis helped with back pain and he was given Xanax by a friend.

Defence counsel Geoff Clancy said his client’s back condition forced him out of an apprenticeship and police had continued to closely monitor him following his arrest.

Mr Clancy said the substances were for personal use and his client was looking at obtaining a prescription for medicinal marijuana.

Magistrate Amina Bhai fined the defendant and ordered a seizure of the drugs.

“If you can’t get adequate pain relief and keep using cannabis, you’ll find yourself back before the court again,” she said.

Page 8 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 27, 2024

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Wangaratta banking hub officially opens following a $2.6m upgrade NAB has officially opened the doors to its new banking hub in Wangaratta, following a $2.6 million investment in the branch.

More than $300 million has been invested into NAB branch transformations in the past five years.

NAB business banking executive Goulburn Valley, Dave Davies, said the opening of the new-look hub signalled the next chapter in the bank’s long history in the town and its ongoing confidence in the region.

“NAB’s history in Wangaratta dates back 137 years to when National Bank of Australasia opened the Wangaratta branch in February 1887,” Mr Davies said.

“While banking has changed significantly over this time, what has remained constant is our commitment to serving customers well.

“In addition to the new-look design and open plan layout, customers can now experience a new self-service digital bar, business express deposit and change machines, Smart ATM

and new meeting spaces, as well as the same friendly faces and services they are familiar with.

“The space has been purposebuilt to support both our personal and business customers, with a talented team of experts ready to help customers in the one convenient location.

“Like many businesses, NAB has seen the use of digital channels growing rapidly in popularity in recent years.

“More and more customers are using digital banking services to carry out their day-to-day banking at a time and location that is convenient for them.

Mr Davies said the new banking hub was designed to meet the needs of every customer.

“We are adapting so we can continue to serve customers well however they choose to interact with us – whether that’s online, on the phone, or in-person,” Mr Davies said.

“We’re proud to be part of the Wangaratta community and we will continue to back local customers and businesses so they can grow, as well as support new ideas.”

GRAND OPENING: NAB’s Nigel Rumble welcomes guests to the new hub.

NEW HUB: NAB’s Misti-Lee Nagle, Narelle Don, Jemma O’Meara, and Renee Saunders celebrated the new hub opening.

Celebrating Helen’s contribution

By SIMONE KERWIN HELEN Twitt was recognised last week for her many years of service to Landcare in Wangaratta.

A special presentation was made to Helen at the Wangaratta Landcare and Sustainability annual general meeting, held at The Vine Hotel.

Landcare Victoria was first established in 1986, when Joan Kirner was Minister for Conservation, Forests and Lands, and Heather Mitchell was president of the Victorian Farmers Federation.

They joined forces to create what was then called Land Care, to recognise community members, essentially farmers, who

were working on environmental issues.

The first Urban Landcare group was established in 1995 and was driven by Helen and Peter Curtis, two Wangaratta residents with a passion for bush regeneration.

Helen joined the team in 1999, and has been a representative on the committee ever since.

She was there when, five years ago, the Urban Landcare Group merged into Wangaratta Landcare and Sustainability, and continued her committee responsibilities representing the Bush Regeneration Team; that’s 25 years of writing reports, reading reports and attending meetings.

Last Wednesday night at the

WHAT’S UP WITH THE WEATHER?

AGM, Helen declared it was time to step down from her position on the committee, but she was there on Thursday morning alongside husband Adrian and the rest of the team - pulling weeds and clearing paths in Kaluna Park.

The team can relax knowing Helen will still be there, ready to stir them back into action once the scheduled morning tea break has come to an end, and the group thanks her for her many years of contribution.

By Peter Nelson, retired CSIRO climatologist

Welcomed rainfall for November

THANK YOU: Wangaratta Landcare and Sustainability president Tony Lane with Helen Twitt (centre) and committee member Anne Brain.

Bridge honours Tarra’s McCormack brothers Wednesday, November 26, 2014

By STEVE BURKE THE bridge that linked Des and Bill McCormack’s properties now carries their name, in a lasting tribute to the giants of the Tarrawingee community.

McCormack Bridge runs over the Ovens River at the Tarrawingee crusher on River Road – right at the spot farmed by the McCormacks since 1927.

On one side of the river is Landscape, the former property of Des and Kath McCormack, while on the other side is Southernwood, where Bill and Mary McCormack lived.

Memories of the two men came flooding back for family members of the McCormack and Vaughan (Des and Bill’s sister is Lorraine Vaughan) families on Monday as a sign on the bridge, carrying its new name, was unveiled.

The renaming of the bridge was the result of a lot of hard work by Des’ son John, along with the Rural City of Wangaratta Council’s place naming committee.

John recalled the old, rickety

FAMILY CELEBRATION: Carrying out the official unveiling of the “McCormack Bridge” sign were (from left) the late Des McCormack’s wife Kath, the late Bill McCormack’s wife Mary and Des and Bill’s sister Lorraine Vaughan. PHOTO: Steven Burke wooden bridge that was in place from 1877 until 1967, when the current bridge was constructed.

He read from John Kay’s 1954 book “The Story Behind Tarra”, that described the community’s excitement at the timber bridge being constructed in 1877, replacing the

need to cross the river on horseback or cable punt.

John said he was prompted into seeing what his chances were of getting the bridge renamed after his uncle, Bill, died in January this year.

“I just thought something should be done to recognise them while my

mother (Kath) and Mary are still alive,” he said.

In his speech to the dozens of family members and council representatives present, John said Des and Bill would have been delighted to hear the bridge had been named in their honour.

“I’m sure Dad and Bill are here in spirit and they would be very proud and very humbled by this whole experience,” he said.

Des and Bill ran their farms together, with tobacco, cropping, sheep and beef at the properties, originally purchased by their father, John (Jack) in 1927.

Kath moved off the farm after Des became ill and died in the late 1990s and said the 49 years they spent at Landscape were “very special and happy years”.

Mary still lives at Southernwood and said it was an amazing place to live.

“Bill would be very proud of John for getting this organised,” she said.

DURING the morning of Sunday, November 17 a low pressure trough passed quickly through North East Victoria and was accompanied by thunderstorm activity with vivid lightning strikes and bursts of heavy rain at some major centres.

Wangaratta recorded 26.6mm, Rutherglen recorded 19mm and 33.8mm fell in my gauge at Benalla.

Yarrawonga recorded only 8mm and faces its driest No8m vember since 2002. ve Echuca recorded no rain at all and with only 0.4mm to date this month, it faces its driest November for 102 years.

Bendigo also missed out on the rain and with only 5.2mm to date it faces it’s driest November since 1967 after which we had excessive heat during January and February 1968 with temperatures topping 45 degrees.

The heaviest rains during November 17 were around 50 to 60mm at the North East’s alpine resorts.

As the low pressure trough moved into Central NSW it combined with a low pressure trough extending south from Central QLD and resulted in above average rainfalls of 55mm at Dubbo, 53mm at Girilambine, 58mm at Narrabri, and 55mm at Moree.

Only 30mm was recorded at Coonabarabran which has been experiencing its warmest November since 2009.

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 27, 2024 - Page 9

In Sync exhibition is swansong for artists

By ANITA MCPHERSON LOCAL artists Sian Lim and Joan Mullarvey are inviting the community to visit their final exhibition at the Art Gallery on Ovens, as the pair having made the decision to step away after five years.

Sian and Joan are among the founding members of the artist run, non-profit community gallery, which was established to give local artists the experience and opportunity to exhibit in a commercial gallery space, both saying it has made a significant contribution to their art practice.

Sian said being a part of the gallery rekindled her love of painting and drawing and provided her with the opportunity to create and connect with fellow artists in the region.

“It has challenged me to explore and develop my art skills, and I have shared my art journey and established lasting friendships with fellow gallery artists, which I will treasure forever,” she said.

“My art has gradually developed over the years and benefited from the encouragement and support of my fellow resident artists, and I hope to expand on this and take it further in new directions.

“This exhibition showcases my evolving styles and interpretation of colourful florals, nature, still life and landscapes over my years with the gallery.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and will sadly miss it.”

Oxley community to celebrate 200 years THE community of Oxley will come together at the Oxley Memorial Park this Saturday, November 30 to celebrate 200 years since Oxley Plains was named by explorers Hume and Hovell on November 25, 1824, on their overland journey from Lake George New South Wales to Port Phillip Bay. To commemorate this historic milestone, a bronze plaque will be unveiled in the Oxley Memorial Park, and all are welcome.

The community event begins at 12.30pm with a free community barbecue, including live music; an historical display and afternoon tea (byo chair, rug and drinks) with the plaque to be unveiled by Indi MP Dr Helen Haines at 2pm.

Thoona Christmas Carols in the hall THOONA CWA will host a Christmas Carols event on December 6 at the Thoona Community Hall.

A free barbecue will start at 6pm with carols beginning at 7.30pm, and it will be followed by a light supper in the supper room.

All are welcome, with a special person expected to make an appearance after the carols.

SHARED EXPERIENCE: The joint exhibition by Joan Mullarvey and Sian Lim is a celebration of their time at the Art Gallery on Ovens, having been among the Wangaratta gallery’s founding members.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling Sian said while she will take time off to spend with family and travel, she will continue to create and pursue her love of art.

It’s a sentiment shared by Joan, who said the journey they have been on as founding artists - who became life-long friends - was a huge commitment, and one they are proud of.

“The constant, unconditional support each one of us has given to each member of the group marks the success of what we have achieved over the past five years,” she said.

“Being involved in a gallery has kept me focused and enabled me to have work on display on a rotating basis, and it has given me a chance to have a more personal connection with other artists and art lovers, which in turn expands your own horizons and how you approach you own art practice.”

While both artists look forward to more time with family and say it was a difficult decision to leave, they plan to remain in close contact with the gallery and the local art community, and thank everyone for their

Lighting of the Christmas Tree 2024 THE festive season will be officially launched when the Rural City of Wangaratta holds the Lighting of the Christmas Tree at the Riverside Square in Faithfull Street on Friday, December 6 from 6pm to 9pm.

Part of its Summer In The Parks program of events, all are welcome to attend the free event which will have food and drinks available for purchase, with a sausage sizzle provided by the Rotary Club of Appin Park and fresh gelato from Rinaldo’s Casa Cucina.

There will also be activities for children, including face painting and craft stations, the possibility of a visit from a special guest of the season, plus a “makers and creators” market in Apex Park co-hosted by Ultimate Events.

WHAT’S ON

support and encouragement over the years.

Called In Synch, this final, joint exhibition includes a mix of old and new works by the artists, showcasing their range, interests and artistic styles.

There is also a small selection of gift items on display, ideal for those shopping for Christmas.

In Sync is open Monday, Thursday and Friday from 10am to 4pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 2pm until December 2 at the gallery in the laneway off Murphy Street, and entry is free.

Steinway on Stage performance PIANIST Mark Bolsius will be joined by versatile vocalist and clarinet player Jane Still, for a Steinway on Stage performance at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Wednesday, December 11 at 6pm.

It will be the final Steinway on Stage under the auspice of Wangaratta Arts Council, with all invited to enjoy the last of the intimate twilight concerts, where audience members gather on the Alpine MDF stage around the Steinway grand piano.

Tickets are available now at wpacc. com.au.

Folk Rhythm & Life Festival in Eldorado

MUSIC IS MY LIFE INSPIRING Australian musical treasure Marcia Hines will sing at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Friday, December 6, as part of her Still Shining Concert Tour. Having had to cancel her October show at short notice, Marcia is ensuring local fans will not miss out, playing all her hits in celebration of an extraordinary career spanning over five decades. From Fire and Rain to What I Did For Love, and discotheque standards like You and Your Love Still Brings Me To My Knees, Queen of Pop Marcia and her band will take to the stage at 7.30pm with tickets available at wpacc.com.au.

PHOTO: Robert Catto

The three-day Folk Rhythm & Life Festival will take place from Friday, December 6 to Sunday, December 8 this year, with a lineup featuring over 60 acts and more to be announced.

This year’s event will once again take place at the Bilyana Natural Amphitheatre in Eldorado, celebrating music and the bush, with DJs, a big kids village, workshops, comedians, singing and dancing, food and beer.

Camping is on site and in the National Park, with shuttle buses to take visitors the 1.5km from the car park to site, and tickets are available now at www.bilyana.com.au.

yourstars ARIES

(March 21 to April 19) Try to be patient as a troubling matter at work is dealt with a step at a time. Progress toward a resolution might seem slow, but it’s sure and steady.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Be careful

not to let misplaced loyalty to a friend cloud your usually good judgment. Be true to your principles -- they won’t ever let you down.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) A seeming

inability to make a decision can sometimes work to your advantage. Use the time to reassess the situation, then act on the facts you uncover.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Good news!

A personal matter you thought would never improve suddenly takes on a more positive aspect.

Things brighten up at your workplace as well.

LEO

(July 23 to August 22) Don’t huddle alone in your den to nurse those hurt feelings. Instead, get out and enjoy the company of family and friends.

Remember, lions thrive in a pride!

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) An old health problem recurs, but quick attention soon puts everything right. Meanwhile, plans for the upcoming holidays might need to be changed.

Stay flexible!

LIBRA

(September 23 to October 22) A project you started earlier this year begins to be noticed by the “right people.” Expect to get some heartening news by year’s end!

SCORPIO

(October 23 to November 21) It’s relationship repair time for both single and married Scorpions. Patch up the weak spots and renew your commitment to your partner or spouse.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to

December 21) Love and marriage aspects are strong for both paired and single Archers. The latter can expect romantic overtures from a loving Leo.

CAPRICORN

(December 22 to January 19) Expect news about a business deal you weren’t sure about. In your personal life, a dispute with your spouse or partner is soon cleared up.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18)

You have a tendency to overdo it, especially at this time of the year. Ease up on those grand plans for the holidays and take more time for yourself.

PISCES

(February 19 to March 20) Someone from your romantic past might want to renew your old relationship. While this might be what you were hoping for, weigh your decision carefully.

Page 10 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 27, 2024

wangarattachronicle.com.au

KING VALLEY NEWS

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

It’s all kid’s play at Moyhu and District Preschool LOCAL children are learning and playing in an exciting new playground environment recently completed at the Moyhu and District Preschool and kindergarten.

The playground upgrade, which was created by landscape designer Jenny Kjar, includes a variety of interesting play zones to stimulate the imagination of the young children who use it.

The design incorporates a variety of natural materials, colours and textures and new plantings, which blend into a green and nature-inspired landscape.

Early childhood teacher Karen Menichelli said the initial plan for the space evolved on input collected from families, children and the staff team, with the kids deciding a cubby was a top priority.

She said the design made use of all available space, with some tired sections of the front garden also given a refresh - the project undertaken and completed in time for the start of the new term.

“The results are fantastic - we’ve had very positive feedback from families, and the children love it,” Ms Menichelli said.

“The community also watched as it was being built during the last school holidays, and they came and said how good it looked.

Anglican church services this weekend THERE will be a service at the All Saints Anglican Church in Moyhu at 9.30am on Sunday, December 1.

A service will also be held at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Whitfield on Sunday at 11am, with all welcome to attend.

Fundraiser for Cheshunt nurses memorial

BY ANITA McPHERSON

A FUNDRAISING effort is underway to raise money to have statues made in honour of Cheshunt nurses Dorothy ‘Bud’ Elmes and Caroline Ennis, who tragically lost their lives in World War II. Fundraising committee Honouring Our Oxley Shire WWII Nurses wants to have bronze busts made of the nurses and placed at the Oxley Memorial Park, where they will forever be remembered.

Anyone wanting to support the effort can donate by deposit to Bendigo Bank BSB 633 000, account 219384294, account name Honouring Our Oxley Shire WWII nurses (using donor’s name as reference).

Until the end of November, Edgars Books and News will also donate 20 per cent from sales of the book Back to Bangka, written by Georgina Banks (great niece of Dorothy ‘Bud’ Elmes).

amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au

“Jenny was also pleased to see it come to fruition and is very happy with the result.”

Among the interactive features of the garden are a cubby, play theatre, sensory garden and yarning circle, with fun teepees for the kids to climb in to play - all set in a naturalistic environment.

It is perfectly suited to the ages of children who access the facility; the kinder providing separate three and four-year-old programs, as well as occasional care on Fridays, with over 40 children in attendance.

Ms Menichelli said she was pleased local tradespeople and businesses were involved in the project, including local builder Rob Lang and his team who led the way.

She said the project was made possible thanks to the tireless fundraising efforts of parents and friends of kinder, topped up by a community grant of $10,000 from the Rural City of Wangaratta.

The kinder community says it thanks everyone who supported their fundraising efforts, and to council for its generous contribution.

WANGARATTA Senior Citizens Club will host a social gathering at Apex Park today from 1.30pm (BYO thermos and chair).

The club hosts indoor carpet bowls on Thursday from 1pm, cards (500) on Friday from 1.30pm, indoor carpet bowls on Monday from 1pm, and cards (500) and hoy on Tuesday from 1.30pm, all in the clubrooms in Tara Court, or in the adjoining St Patrick’s supper room.

ENJOY barefoot bowls at Wangaratta Bowls Club in Park Lane from 6.15pm on Wednesday, November 27.

Entry fee is $10 per player per night, which includes sausage sizzle and weekly prizes. For details, phone Greg McDonald on 0409 595 452 or the club on 5721 3744.

WANGARATTA West Artisans Market will be held on Saturday, November 30 from 9am to 1pm at St Michael’s Anglican Church, corner O’Leary and Appin Streets.

Handcrafted items, fresh produce, plants, home-baked cakes, morning tea and lunch options and a coffee van will be available, with the Wangaratta Ukulele Club to perform from 10.30am and activities for children during the event.

Whitefield Cemetery information session COMMUNITY members are invited to visit the Whitefield Cemetery on Sunday, December 1 from 9.30am to 1pm, to find out more about organising and purchasing their family plots.

Leanne Jenvey will be on site and is also seeking assistance from anyone able to help the cemetery trust determine a “lost soul’s” information or location at the cemetery.

For more information or to make a time, call Leanne on 0488 598324 or 02 6059 8324.

King Valley Learning Exchange food relief

FUN OUTDOORS: Among the many features of the new playground at the Moyhu and District Preschool and kinder are the teepees, which teacher Karen Menichelli (from left) said students including Orla Courtney, Hamish Ellis and Lenny Corish, all love to play in.

PHOTO: Anita McPherson

OXLEY will commemorate the 1824 naming of Oxley Plains by explorers Hume and Hovell with the unveiling of a bronze plaque in Oxley Memorial Park on Saturday, November 30.

The community event will include a free barbecue from 12.30pm including live music, an historical display and afternoon tea, and the plaque unveiling at 2pm by Helen Haines (MHR, Indi). BYO chair, rug and drinks. For more information, email ora3678@ gmail.com A REUNION for CRB, RCA and VicRoads past and present employees will be held on Saturday, November 30 from 11am at Edwards Tavern, Moorefield Park Drive, Wodonga.

Seniors meals available, disabled access at the rear. For details, phone Marg on (02) 6071 2644.

THOONA CWA will host its Christmas Carols on Friday, December 6 at the Thoona Community Hall.

Free barbecue from 6pm with carols from 7.30pm, followed by a special appearance, and a light supper in the supper room. All welcome.

SOCIAL CALENDAR A CHRISTMAS market will be held in St Patrick’s Hall on Saturday, December 7 from 9am to 1pm, with a range of stalls stocked with potential Christmas gifts, and refreshments available.

There will be buskers, a Christmas photo corner, and a jumping castle and craft activities for children.

ROYAL Children’s Hospital Christmas stall will be held this year at the Market in St Pat’s Hall, Ford Street, Wangaratta on Saturday, December 7 from 9am to 1pm.

The usual array of homemade cakes, preserves, knitwear and other items will be available, along with freshly-made lamingtons.

OXLEY Garden Group’s next gathering will be held at Kaye and Peter Wadley’s garden at Oxley Park, RMB 2120 Snow Road, Oxley, from 10am on Thursday, December 11.

BYO cup, chair, plate to share and cuttings, bulbs, etc to swap. For details, phone Kaye on 0429 662 286.

THE King Valley Learning Exchange in Moyhu is offering food relief to help those facing tough times who need a hand to put food on the table.

Anyone going through a rough patch or needing extra support to keep their pantry stocked, can make contact on 5727 9548 or email manager@kvle.org.au.

ENJOY a coach trip to the Australian Open on Thursday, January 16, leaving the Swan Street car park at 6.30am and then departing the tennis centre at 6pm.

Coach fare $52, with limited number of tickets to Margaret Court Arena available at $95 each. More tickets or ground passes can be purchased if requested. For details, phone Marj on 0400 285 288.

WANGARATTA Seniors Old Time Dancing is held every Tuesday from 7pm to 10pm at the CWA Hall in Templeton Street.

Live music supplied by the Rustic Ramblers, admission $10, please bring a plate of supper to share. For details, phone 0407 357 226 or 0408 032 451.

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

Contact Jan on 0429 166 016.

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

Play begins at 8am. New players welcome. Morning tea provided – please bring your own cup. Contact Nick Youings on 0408 240 554.

WANGARATTA AL–Anon Family Group meets on Tuesdays from 1.30pm to 3pm at the backstage meeting room at St Patrick‘s Hall in Ford Street.

All welcome. If your life has been affected by someone else‘s drinking, this group may be for you.

Contact David on 0403 552 950 or Bev on 0449 516 828, or phone 1300 252 666.

CENTRE Quilters Circle meets on the second Thursday of each month from 10am in the Uniting Church Hall in Rowan Street.

New members welcome, current members are willing to share their expertise and skills. BYO lunch.

Contact Wendy on 5722 4415 or Leonie on 0403 226 129.

WANGARATTA Orchid Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 6.30pm in St Patrick’s supper room, off Ford Street.

Meetings include flower shows and talks, and everyone is welcome.

Phone Hans on 0428 119 737.

OSTINATO Wangaratta and District Community Choir meets each Tuesday from 7pm to 9.30pm at the Log Cabin, corner Faithfull and Chisholm Streets, Wangaratta.

New members welcome. Contact Helen on 0457 269278.

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THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 27, 2024 - Page 11 THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 27, 2024 - Page 11

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WANGARATTA YOUNG WRITERS AWARD

The Landfill Stars

IMOGEN ROCCHICCIOLI took second place in the 2024 Wangaratta Young Writers Award year 5/6 story category with this piece.

The competition was jointly run by the Rotary Club of Wangaratta, and the Rotary Club of Appin Park Wangaratta.

ONCE, when I was five, I Gave my first piece of rubbish.

It was a milk carton, and it had a dark blue lid, which meant it used to contain full cream milk. Mum was there beside me, Giving some empty glass bottles and a broken pale orange plastic container. Grandmum, as I used to call her, was watching from the hall. She didn’t believe in Giving.

“Pah,” she huffed when I asked her why. “Where’s it going? Our old junk doesn’t just disappear, you know!”

Mum hushed her and told her it was a solution.

“Pah,” Grandmum scoffed.

“As if!” But she said no more.

Once, when I was six-andthree-quarters (“Almost seven!” I would always insist, “I’m almost seven!”). I asked Mum what we were Giving to.

“We’re Giving to the machines,” Mum said. “The machines take the rubbish away.

They... put it somewhere else.”

“Somewhere else where?!”

I cried, but Mum pretended not to hear me and wandered off to the kitchen. Grandmum did hear me however, and explained that the machines “... take the lot into space...”, and that they “...release it out into orbit...” so all the things we Gave “floated around Earth.”

This was very confusing, but I pretended to understand it. I knew everyone would be impressed and that it would make me incredibly grown-up indeed.

I didn’t fully understand until I was eight-and-a-half.

Once, on my seventh birthday, I leant out the window and saw a machine. It was huge, almost covering the sky. I was reminded of a spider, one that creeps around at night and appears every morning in a different spot. Mum says they don’t make webs. Grandmum says they don’t make webs because they’re huntsmans for goodness’ sake, and that they can actually be bothered looking for food rather than hoping for a cumbersome fly to bumble into their web.

When I asked her what ‘cumbersome’ and ‘bumble’ meant, she simply said that cumbersome things bumble and if you see anything bumbling around it is therefore cumbersome, and left it at that. The machine is not bumbling, I thought, so it is not cumbersome.

“Big, ugly, cumbersome things, aren’t they?” Grandmum said, appearing behind me.

“But they don’t bumble!”

I told her, and Grandmum looked at me strangely, so I said no more.

 Imogen Rocchiccioli Once, when I was nine-anda-fifth, Grandmum told me about garbage trucks.

“When I was a young girl, about your age perhaps, there was a garbage truck that came ‘round every Tuesday morning,” Grandmum began.

“Noisy thing too, and it reeked of fuel. We could always hear it from a few streets away. My brothers would listen for the truck, and go charging out the front door as soon as they heard it turning into our street.

They wanted to race the truck, you see. They always won, until I told them they were cheating because they didn’t stop when the truck did, as it was collecting the bin. After that, they always lost!”

Grandmum cackled gleefully. “I had a good laugh at them, I did!”

Once, when I was nine-andthree-fifths, the machines didn’t come because it was Christmas.

“Why not?” I asked Mum curiously.

“Because it’s Christmas,” Mum repeated, and so I thought for a very long time about why Christmas would stop the machines when there was so much rubbish from present wrapping.

Once, when I was ten-andtwo-thirds, there was an election. Mum came home and explained that we now had a new Prime Minister. Grandmum was delighted. She was convinced things were going to change. And they did.

Once, when I was elevenand-five-sixths, a garbage truck came past our house. It was yellow. Grandmum Gave the people in the truck three carboard boxes and a broken glass jar. In return, they gave her a bin with a yellow lid, and a piece of shiny paper that was titled Recyclable Items, which I helpfully stuck to the fridge.

Once, when I was eleven, five sixths and one day, I Gave the yellow bin an empty milk bottle. It had a dark blue lid, meaning that it used to contain full cream milk. The shiny paper said it was recyclable. I always followed the shiny paper’s list carefully, because I didn’t quite understand all this recycling business.

Not yet.

LONG HISTORY: Kelly and Chris Sherratt, Solahart WAW, and NAB’s Jane Moore.

New NAB Hub opens in Wangaratta

By CHLOE JAENICKE

IMPROVED HUB: NAB’s Luke Sims chats with Kevin Feldtmann, CG & C Group.

THE new Wangaratta NAB Hub had its official opening on Wednesday, November 20 on 45 Reid Street.

NAB invested $2.6 million into the branch and NAB business banking executive Goulburn Valley, Dave Davies, said the new-look hub signals a new chapter in NAB’s 137 year history of banking in Wangaratta.

NEW CHAPTER: Ross Cook, Country Road Holsteins, with NAB’s Joel Hourigan and Georgia McGrath.

CELEBRATION: NAB state business banking executive Victoria, Nigel Rumble (left) and Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy.

LARGE INVESTMENT: NAB’s Narelle Don, Nigel Rumble and Renee Saunders.

NEW LOOK: NAB’s Dave Davies chats with Michelle and Anthony Ruvolo, WIN Securities.

GRAND OPENING: Cam Meggs, Garry Nash Real Estate, with Paul and Roxy Akers, Wangaratta Eyecare.

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 27, 2024 - Page 13

SPORT

Wangaratta A1’s struggles continue

By WILLSON MACK A1: WANGARATTA failed to gain any points when they went down to Kiewa Valley at Kiewa on Saturday.

The visitors failed to come to grips with the carpet surface and stifling heat as they lost all rinks.

Phil Davern’s rink (1821), Maurie Braden (11-19), Trevor Selwood (13-22) and Laurie McDonald (13-21) all went down in a disappointing loss.

Wangaratta will need to bounce back in the second half of the season to avoid relegation, with only half a game separating YMGCR, Kiewa Valley and Wang at the bottom of the ladder.

UP AGAINST IT: Graeme Smith and Wangaratta A1 went down to Kiewa Valley on Saturday.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie Final scores: Wangaratta 0 pts 55 shots lost to Kiewa Valley 18 pts 83 shots.

Next week Wangaratta host Wodonga.

A4: Wangaratta had a big win against Mansfield on Saturday.

Terry Corrigan, Barry Watt, Michael Howard and

Ric Chivers carried on from last week to post a (19-14) win, likewise Peter Selwood, Keith Izard, Steve Bihun and Murray Lawn made it two in a row with a !18-15) win.

Richie Allan, John Kane, Norm Bussell and Tyson Chivers were the big winners for the home side (2415), and Terry Johnson, Ron McAuliffe, Lola Clarke and Mick Mackow made it a clean sweep when they won (23-18).

Final scores: Wangaratta 18 pts 84 shots def Mansfield 0 pts 62 shots.

Wang travel to Benalla next week.

A5: Wangaratta ground out a close win against local rivals Milawa at Wang on Saturday.

Ken Essenhigh, Chris Bell, Graeme Bull and Ryan Mullavey had a comfortable win over Marty Lane’s rink (23-15), while Graeme Norman, Susan Bull, John Keen and Thelma Stones had a great battle against Bernard Neal’s rink with the two unable to be separated in a (20-all) tie.

Milawa’s Col Reid, John Blackwell, Jane Osmotherly and Cyril Ciavarella gained a rink win for the visitors when they beat Lyn Kahlefeldt, Sussan Singleton, Neville Jones and Bob Edwards (21-17).

Final scores: Wangaratta 11 pts 60 shots def Milawa 3 pts 56 shots.

Wangaratta are away to

Wodonga and Milawa are at home to YMGCR next week.

B1: Moyhu were too strong at home for visiting Wangaratta on Saturday.

Neil Reid’s rink went down to Charlie Thompson’s rink (9-22) and Klaus Kazenwadel’s rink lost to Ian Ritchie (9-25), and Malcolm Hargreaves went down to Robert Morgans (13-18).

The win maintains Moyhu’s lead at the top of the ladder at the half way mark of the season.

Scores: Wang 0 pts 31 shots lost to Moyhu 14 pts 65 shots.

Wangaratta host Myrtleford and Moyhu travel to Rutherglen next week.

ST BERNARD’S SIDES HIT COMPETITION FOR SIX IT was a successful day on Monday for St Bernard’s Primary School’s T20 Blast cricket sides, with both the boys’ and girls’ sides triumphing in the regional final in Shepparton.

The girls team won the final by 40 runs against Yarrawonga Primary School getting a massive eight wickets in the final (each wicket adds five runs to the team total).

Ava Elkington bowled fabulously in the final while Rosie Edwards hit many boundaries.

The boys team won by five runs in a thrilling final against Tallangatta, with grade 5 student Ryan Allen hitting the winning runs in a brilliant last over which saw him hit two sixes in double zones, resulting in 12 runs each.

Both sides will head down to Melbourne on a bus this Friday to take part in the Victoria State Primary Cricket Blast Finals at St Kilda’s Harry Trot Oval.

Students will play against schools from Mildura, Warrnambool, Truganina, Swan Hill, Waverley and Bass Valley.

St Bernard’s will look to defend their boys’ title after the school won the state final last year, albeit with a different squad.

REGIONAL CHAMPIONS: St Bernard’s winnings boys’ team (back from left) Kazu Anderson, Jax Oats, Archie Johnson, Harry Gumley, (front from left) Jake Gray, Harry Edwards, Ryan Allen, Flynn McCoy, Harvey Togolo-Hill, and girls’ team (back from left) Darcie Cowton, Milla McNamara, Sylvia Saunders, Rosie Edwards, (front from left) Ava Elkington, Olivia Gamze, Ames Rea, Layla Hill and Maya Symons.

A timely chat around mental health for soccer club

By NATHAN DE VRIES IT’S always a good time to take stock of mental health and hear about methods of self-care from an expert.

Local psychologist and OAK FM broadcaster Neil Barassi will host a talk for Wangaratta’s Regional All Abilities Rebellion Football Team this Friday at their end of year barbecue, focusing on information around mental health, suicide, and self-care.

Barassi said the idea of speaking to the team was a new addition to their end of year barbecue, but he felt it was prevalent.

“OAK FM do sponsorships for the All Abilities soccer team - they’re a new-ish group trying to get up and

running, so we get behind as we do with other community groups,” Barassi said.

“We were having a barbecue for their team, and end of year thing, and a bit of an info night for new and prospective soccer players for next year.

“There have been a few issues within the team or relevant to the team, so I thought on the night I’ll have a bit of a chat with the team about mental health issues, some self-care, some statistics on suicide.

“It’ll be about self-management and where to go to for help.”

As a psychologist and board member of mental health initiative Project 365, Barassi said mental health awareness and education

was paramount.

“We create an awareness, I’m out there to try and provide some psychoeducation,” he said.

“It’s going out to all current prospective soccer players and guests - they don’t necessarily have to play soccer, but if they’re interested to come along, I’m more than willing to have a chat with all of them as a group event.”

In addition to the talk around mental health, the night will also serve as a recruiting opportunity for the All Abilities side, with prospective members welcome to come along and meet the team.

The barbecue will be from 6.30pm this Friday, November 29 at OAK FM on Murdoch Road.

IT’S GOOD TO TALK: Local psychologist Neil Barassi (second from left) with Regional All Abilities Rebellion Football Team members Nathan Campbell (left), James Elkan, and Michael Virgona.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Page 14 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 27, 2024

wangarattachronicle.com.au

SPORT

Rovers add another state league gun

By WILLSON MACK WANGARATTA Rovers’ outstanding start to the recruiting season has continued, securing the services of state league player Charlie Thompson fulltime.

Thompson first joined Rovers as a part-time player in 2019 under first-year coach Daryn Cresswell before spending time at Richmond and Coburg VFL

and most recently playing 40 games at Perth in the WAFL where he won the best and fairest in 2023.

Thompson’s another huge get for the defending premiers who announced that fellow state leaguer Nathan Cooper would also play full-time at the Hawks just two weeks ago.

Rovers coach Sam Murray is stoked to sign Thompson.

“Charlie is a past player, so

it’s great to welcome him back,” Rovers’ coach Sam Murray offered.

“He compliments the midfield depth we have been building and will be a big leader for us with his experience.

“Charlie’s a ball winner and works hard to transition both ways and is also dangerous when he goes forward.”

Thompson played nine games for Richmond, 24 for Coburg

and most impressively 40 at Perth where he featured in the best on 23 occasions.

The addition of Thompson and Cooper most likely means Rovers won’t add too many more to their list after the club was assigned 36 player points for the 2025 season.

But after winning last year’s flag, the quality of the pair may be all they need to back-up their 2024 heroics.

HUGE GET: Damaging midfielder Charlie Thompson will return to Wangaratta Rovers on a full-time basis for 2025.

SLICK SPRINTER: Suparazi’s run of form continued on the weekend, finishing second in teh $1million The Gong.

PHOTO: Racing Photos

Suparazi impresses once again

By WILLSON MACK THE local legend of Suparazi only grew on Saturday when the Ben Brisbourne trained sprinter ran a gallant second in the group three $1 million The Gong at Kembla Grange.

After a third place finish in the $3 million Big Dance last start, Suparazi earned the opportunity to have a crack at The Gong and she didn’t disappoint as she ran a close second to Gringotts.

While the six-year-old gelding hasn’t managed to secure that big race win yet, it’s been an incredibly lucrative past two starts picking up $490,000 worth of prizemoney and taking his career tally to over $1 million.

The best part of that is the fact he was purchased for just $15,000 as a yearling.

Brisbourne said he’s proud of his stable star.

“He’s our first million-dollar earner, so he’ll never be forgotten,” Brisbourne said.

“I just hope he’s not our last.”

Brisbourne will wait to see how his slick sprinter pulls up before deciding his next move.

“I’m really proud of the horse,” Brisbourne said.

“He’s really stepped up this preparation.

“We’d always had the Big Dance as the grand final for the preparation and trained him for that race, I thought he ran as well as he could that day, but he looks to have even gone to a new level in The Gong on Saturday.

“I was really pleased with how he pulled up post-race - we travelled him back to Wangaratta that evening and he looks to be perfectly fine.

“I think we’ll just see how he is this week, if he’s okay by Friday, then we’ll push on and take him up to The Ingham in three weeks.

“If we think he’s had enough, then he’ll go to the paddock, he’s a nice horse with a nice rating to plan something special in the autumn, hopefully.”

WELCOME TO WANGARATTA: Wangaratta Amateur Swim Club members (from left) Reg Colson, Thomas Reid and Ed Fulton welcomed visiting swimmers to the pool.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

AND THEY’RE OFF: Swimmers dive into the pool to try and post a strong time.

PERFECT WEATHER: Saturday’s sunshine provided a gorgeous atmosphere for the first day of the meet.

All smiles at long course meet DESPITE some topsy-turvy conditions across the weekend, the Wangaratta Amateur and Wodonga City Long Course Meet was a success in and out of the pool.

Hosted at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre across Saturday and Sunday, the hundreds of competing swimmers from clubs across the state had to endure a hot Saturday and cooler conditions and wet weather on the Sunday.

The event was opened by Mayor Irene Grant, and hosted jointly by the Wangaratta Amateur Swimming Club and Wodonga City Swim Club, with swimmers from Wangaratta to Melbourne diving into the

pool across the two days.

Swimmers were doing their best to achieve qualifying times for the various upcoming meets at both state and national levels.

Wangaratta Amateur Swimming Club president Mel Jackson said the meet was conducted in good spirits and enjoyment for all.

“We saw day one was a very hot dry day and day two was a contrast of cold and wet weather, but this did not stop the enthusiasm of the swimmers and the great atmosphere at the pool,” she said.

“Over the two days, the club had 33 swimmers participate in a total of 191 events.

“There were an impressive 123 PBs, one stage age time, seven country times for January 2025, four Victorian sprint and one national time.

“Well done to all the swimmers who train really hard to do their best to achieve in the pool.

“Thank you to WSAC for supporting the event - this is a fantastic event which has featured and has been successful in the last few years for the Wangaratta community.”

Wangaratta Amateur Swimming Club notable results National time: Max Chandler, 50 metre Freestyle.

State Age time: Max Chandler,

50 metre backstroke.

Country times: Max Chandler, Maddy Cross - 50 metre backstroke; Zara Kalish, Patrick Hunter - 100 metre Freestyle; Emma Brettig, Zara Kalish - 50 metre Freestyle.

Victorian Sprint times - Max Chandler, Logan Pace - 50 metre backstroke; Lily Girolami, Patrick Hunter - 50 metre Freestyle.

Lucinda Judd, Caitlyn Barnden, Evenlyn Selby and Spencer Jackson improved their PBs by 20 seconds or more.

Caitlyn Barnden had seven PBs out of eight swims, Spencer Jackson had eight PBs out of eight swims.

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 27, 2024 - Page 15

Five sections enjoy aggregate action

By WILLSON MACK FIVE sections dined out on the pristine Merriwa Park grass courts for aggregate tennis action.

Ryan Patterson continued his strong season and took out section one convincingly with a ripping score of 24-16.

While Patterson was clearly the day’s best, the rest of section one was tight with Mark Brown 21-19, Kevin Callahan 19-20, Mark Wettern 18-22 and Matt Curran 18-23 following.

Section two was terribly tight and the top two couldn’t be split as Mario Pane and Brian Scobie tallied 23-16.

Colin Mackay (17-22) and Mike Lairson (15-24) followed. in section three, Riley Minns had an excellent day claiming the perfect 24 games for (13) to win the section.

Mark Gorman (21-18) was a clear second, with Andrew Cope 16-18, Maree Sullivan 16-19 and Peter Curran 13-22 behind.

Amy Lairson claimed the day’s best score with 24-11 in section four.

While Pat Flynn (19-16)

and Terry Flynn (19-16) were in the wake of Lairson, they battled it out for a podium finish.

John Shanley (18-20) and Sue Piper (12-23) rounded the section out.

And in the day’s final section, Geoff Davidson took out the fifth with 23-14, ahead of Max McAuliffe (20-17).

Des Steele (18-19) and Victor Lairson (13-24) toiled hard all day.

Results: Section: 1 Ryan Patterson 24-16, Mark Brown 21-19, Kevin Callahan 19-20, Mark Wettern 18-22, Matt Curran 1823.

Section: 2 Mario Pane 23-16, Brian Scobie 23-16, Colin Mackay 17-22, Mike Lairson 15-24.

Section: 3 Riley Minns 24-13, Mark Gorman 21-18, Andrew Cope 16-18, Maree Sullivan 16-19, Peter Curran 13-22.

Section: 4 Amy Lairson 24-11, Pat Flynn 19-16, Terry Flynn 1920, John Shanley 18-20, Sue Piper 12-23.

Section: 5 Geoff Davidson 23-14, Max McAuliffe 20-17, Des Steele 18-19, Victor Lairson 13-24.

SPORT

TOP PLAYER: RYAN PATTERSON TOOK OUT SECTION ONE.

TOUCH: Maree Sullivan plays delicately.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

NERTA competition results

COMPETITIVE: Tim Oliver (left) and Rod Gerrett go back and fourth.

NICE TOUCH: Robert Voss hits a backhand.

CLOSE WATCH: John Ngiam in action.

Tight round in A grade table tennis IT was another enjoyable night of play over all three grades in Wangaratta Table Tennis Association.

Teams were closely matched in A grade, with all three tables having a final rubber score of 3/2 at the end of the round.

Results: A GRADE: N.E. Ag & Industrial (Steve Picken, Ash Wurtz) def Boralma Berkshire (Mark Comensoli, Austin Lindner) final rubber score 3/2.

Singles wins: A Wurtz 2, M Comensoli 1, A Lindner 1.

Doubles: S Picken/A Wurtz.

Somerset Communications (Tom Brown, Noah Bye) def Nathan Vin-

cent Contracting (Nathan Vincent, Ken Parker) final rubber score 3/2.

Singles wins: T Brown 2, N Bye 1, N Vincent 1.

Doubles: N Vincent/K Parker.

Auto 8 (Andrew Lindner, Robert Voss) def Appin Park Store (Markus Angehrn, Ash Harding) final rubber score 3/2.

Singles wins: A Lindner 2, M Angehrn 1, A Harding 1.

Doubles: A Lindner/R Voss.

B GRADE: Nathan Vincent Contracting (Tim Oliver, Chris Dean, Andrew Holmes) def Somerset Comms (Rod Gerrett, Ted Tatulaschwili, Seth Knox) final rubber score 8/3.

Singles wins: T Oliver 3, C Dean 1, A Holmes 2, T Tatulaschwili 1, S Knox 2.

Doubles: T Oliver/C Dean 1, T Oliver/A Holmes 1.

N.E. Ag & Industrial (Aaron Plum, Ron Divinagracia, Manny Poulos) def Blue Raven (Michael Bellingham, David Hudson, Matt Curran) final rubber score 6/5.

Singles wins: A Plum 1, R Divinagracia 3, M Poulos 1, M Bellingham 2, D Hudson 2.

Doubles: R Divinagracia/A Plum 1, M Bellingham/D Hudson 1.

C GRADE: Boralma Berkshire (John Ngiam, Stephen Alger) def N.E. Ag & Industrial (Joe Ibrahim, Michael Lin) fi-

nal rubber score 4/1.

Singles wins: J Ngiam 2, S Alger 1, J Ibrahim 1.

Doubles: J Ngiam/S Alger.

N.V.C. (Jesse Hughes, Campbell Hobbs) def Somerset Comms (Julie Lindner, Mary Murphy) final rubber score 3/2.

Singles wins: J Hughes 1, C Hobbs 1, J Lindner 2.

Doubles: J Hughes/C Hobbs.

Competition continues next Wednesday at 7pm.

The Showgrounds venue will open at 6pm for pre match warm up and junior player practice.

Enquiries: Tom Brown 0429 809 927.

The region’s tennis teams fronted up to round six NERTA action with results as follows: Section A Everton Red 4-43 def Corowa Red 2-28, Corowa Blue 5-46 def Everton Blue 1-20.

Section B Wooragee Blue 4-39 def Wahnation 2-38, Wahgunyah Red 6-48 def Wahgunyah Warriors 0-15, Corowa United Red 6--48 def Corowa United Yellow 0-28, Wooragee Red 5-45 def Wahgunyah Deep heat 1-31.

Under 15 Rutherglen 4-31 def Wahgunyah Gold 3-31, Wahgunyah Black 6-40 def Corowa Popyrin 1-18.

LADDERS Section A Corowa Blue 24, Wang Hardcourt 24, Corowa Red 24, Everton Red 15, Everton Blue 12, Boorhaman 6.

Section B Wahgunyah Red 40, Wahnation 26.5, Wahgunyah Warriors 26, Wooragee Blue 25, Corowa United Red 21, Wooragee Red 17.5, Wahgunyah Deep Heat 14, Corowa United Yellow 2.

Under 15 Wahgunyahh Black 23, Rutherglen 15, Corowa Demons 13, Wahgunyah Gold 8, Corowa Popyrin 5.

Page 16 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 27, 2024

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Thompson returns to Rovers

Page 14

NICELY TIMED KEVIN Callahan hits a well-timed forehand during the Wangaratta Lawn Tennis Croquet and Pickleball Club’s aggregate competition at Merriwa Park on Saturday. Callahan went on to record a tidy score of 19-20 in section one.

Results: Page 15

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

CITY COLTS CAPTAIN MITCH GIGGINS HITS 103 RUNS IN MEMORABLE INNINGS

Giggins blasts maiden century

CITY Colts skipper Mitch Giggins was rewarded for years of loyalty with his maiden century on Saturday.

The experienced opener blasted 103 from 120 rocks in a knock that included 14 boundaries to steer his side to a convincing victory over Benalla Bushrangers.

“It was my first century so I definitely enjoyed it,” Giggins said.

“This year I’ve probably questioned my commitment a little bit because I’ve been working away and have a young family so I’ve taken a bit of a step back.

“Cricket’s an unrewarding game at times but making my first century shows why I do it.

“Because I’ve taken a little bit of a step back the pressure’s probably been taken off me a little bit and Josh Nanson has stepped up as vicecaptain which has helped me a lot as well.”

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

Before his innings, Giggins set himself a goal of facing 100 deliveries for the day.

“I told the boys before I went out that I wanted to face 100 balls minimum and I score pretty quickly so I knew if I did that I’d make a few runs,” he said.

“Jonty Priest faced 230 balls the week before and I thought if he can stay out there for that long I can too so that lit a bit of a fire in my belly.

“It was a matter of getting through my first 20 or 30 balls and playing in the ‘V’ and then after that it opened up a bit for me.

“I gave a few chances early on but once I got to 30 or 40 I don’t think I gave a chance.

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“It’s been a big goal of mine to make 100, I just missed out last year so it’s been a long time coming.”

The Colts have had a dream start to the season with a 3-1 record to sit atop of the A grade ladder.

But with games coming up against Ovens Valley United, Yarrawonga Mulwala and Wangaratta Magpies, Giggins is well aware that things can change quickly.

“A lot of sides are posting big scores this year so I’m glad that we managed to bat the 75 overs out and make 260odd,” he said.

“We’ve got Ovens Valley United, Yarrawonga Mulwala, Wangaratta Magpies and Rovers United Bruck in the next four games and they’ve all been making big scores.

“If we’re going to stay at the top of the ladder we’re going to have to continue on with our form because games aren’t going to get any easier.”