Wangaratta Chronicle 280324

Gambling reform on council agenda

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THE Rural City of Wangaratta will join the Alliance for Gambling Reform (AGR)

with the action listed in a new policy document endorsed at the March council meeting on Tuesday night.

Joining the national peak body and registered health promotion charity is currently being discussed in 2024-25 council budget deliberations and the director in charge of the move plans to instigate the process once membership is funded.

The decision to join the ARG is one of the measures under council’s endorsement this week of its Policy to Reduce Gambling Harm and Strategic Plan to Reduce Gambling Harm.

Gambling losses on the 154 electronic gaming machines at four venues in Wangaratta during the 2022-23 financial year was $10.874 million, part of a 22.5 per cent increase in gambling losses over the last four years.

Punters have already lost $7.071 million on local machines in the first eight months of the 2023-24 financial year, according to Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission figures.

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

Council’s policy to reduce gambling harm and strategic plan to reduce gambling harm attracted 22 public submissions.

Several changes were around clarifying priorities, including a commitment to join the ARG, and renaming of both documents to their current titles.

Council director of community and infrastructure Marcus Goonan said funding to join the ARG was part of the current budget deliberations process.

“Once the budget is adopted we would look to join the AGR,” he said.

Wangaratta resident Jeremy Kraybill asked whether limiting the number of future EGMs and where they’re located could be factored into the planning scheme and if so was this work underway.

Mr Goonan confirmed that council is considering this through the policy and although it’s not deliberately spelt out, it’s “certainly something we are considering” in future planning amendments.

■ Continued page 3

AUSTRALIAN Red Cross

Lifeblood has issued an appeal to local blood and plasma donors in the lead up to Easter and the school holidays amid growing demand by hospitals.

The need for blood is three per cent higher than the same time last year, while demand for platelets - the clotting agent in blood - is at a record high.

Platelets are taken from blood donations and are a vital part of treatment for cancer patients and road trauma victims.

Lifeblood executive director, Stuart Chesneau, said 1000 donors are needed every day across Australia to ensure hospitals receive the blood they need.

“Blood and blood products will be required every 18 seconds this Easter long weekend and throughout the school holidays by trauma and emergency patients, mums delivering babies, people with blood conditions and cancer patients,” he said.

“And every person who comes in and makes a donation can save up to three lives.”

In 2023, 17 people lost their lives on the roads throughout Easter, while many more required hospi-

BY JORDAN DUURSMA jduursma@ nemedia.com.au

tal treatment.

“Just one person involved in a serious road crash can need as many as 100 bags of blood to survive depending on their injuries,” Mr Chesneau said.

“Hospitals can’t always predict what trauma or emergency patients might come through their doors so having a reliable supply of blood, plasma, and platelets is critical.”

Wangaratta resident Douglas Mckimmie, a 152time plasma donor, said it only takes about half an hour to donate plasma and about ten minutes to donate blood.

“It’s good to help out other people without having to do a real lot myself,” he said, while donating plasma at the Wangaratta Donor Centre on Wednesday.

“It’s nice when you find out you’ve helped save someone.

“They send an email saying your plasma donation helped 18 people or three people for blood donations”

Emily Granland from Red Cross Blood said the Wangaratta Donor Centre is

Telstra’s Moyhu mobile base station upgrade to cause disruptions

FROM Wednesday, April 10 to Wednesday, April 24, Telstra will begin upgrading its mobile base station in Moyhu to bring improved 4G capacity and new 5G coverage, which will require some temporary service disruptions or reduction in mobile coverage.

Due to the major work required on the site, a full site shutdown will occur between Monday, April 15 to Friday, April 19.

Telstra said if all goes well and weather permitting, work will be completed by Wednesday, April 24.

Telstra mobile customers may start receiving text messages advising them of the upcoming upgrade.

Landline services, NBN internet services and mobile coverage from other providers will not be impacted.

Any calls to Triple Zero from a Telstra mobile when the site is off air will automatically be diverted to any working mobile network for connection to emergency services.

closed over Easter public holidays but is open regular hours throughout the school holidays.

“We need an additional 50 donors in Wangaratta in the next two weeks,” she said.

To book an appointment call 13 14 95, book online at lifeblood.com.au or on the DonateBlood app.

BLOCKADE: A semi-trailer driver had to request police assistance on Wednesday at about 2.30pm when he realised his vehicle wouldn’t fit under the Rowan Street bridge that has a clearance of 4.2 metres. Once police arrived the driver proceeded to do a multiple-point turn and eventually headed back towards Phillipson Street to find an alternate route.

Gambling reform on council agenda

■ From page 1

“It’s not a simple task to get that in and we need to be able to align it with a number of different things,” he said.

Cr Irene Grant emphasised that the document was not a static plan and council can continually work on it and improve it.

“We’re working in partnership with the community and the relevant stakeholders to assist our community in the reduction of harm from gaming machines,” she said.

Cr Jack Herry was after more clarity around when the policy would be reviewed and Cr Grant and Mr Goonan confirmed that it could be called in any time to be reviewed.

Nevertheless, Cr Herry moved an alternative motion to have the policy reviewed at a public council meeting in two years’ time.

“This is important because we need an opportunity for there to be ability around these actions being actioned,” he said.

“I believe in the past there have been certain commitments around council’s action in relation to gambling and some of the timeframes have been quite long, probably not ideal.”

In rebuttal, Cr Grant said “this policy can come forward at anytime and it doesn’t need to be put in a timeframe and I would prefer it not to have a timeframe so we could call it in when necessary”.

Cr Herry’s motion was seconded by Ashlee Fitzpatrick, however, it failed to garner any other support from the other five councillors.

DONATE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON: Douglas McKimmie was donating his plasma for his 152nd time on Wednedsay.

PHOTO: Nick Richards

MACHINES: Wangaratta resident Jeremy Kraybill addressing the council meeting. PHOTO: Steve Kelly

PHOTO: Steve Kelly

Second man charged over jewellery store robbery

A SECOND man allegedly involved in a smash and grab at a Wangaratta jewellery store in February has been arrested in Ballarat and charged.

Wangaratta Criminal Investigation Unit detectives have charged the 31-year-old Mt Pleasant man with criminal damage and theft Ballarat Magistrates Court heard this week that two males allegedly entered Prouds the Jewellers inside Wangaratta Co-Store at 1pm on February 1 before exiting the store.

One of the accused men allegedly re-entered the store 10 minutes later armed with a hammer and smashed four glass cabinets containing jewellery and fled.

Shortly after his co-accused allegedly entered the store and stole around $13,000 worth of jewellery before both co-accused offenders fled the scene in a black SUV along Faithfull Street.

The co-accused’s arrest comes after a 29-year-old Scarsdale man was arrested and charged in Ballarat on March 18 with criminal damage and theft. He was denied bail at the Ballarat Magistrates Court this week due to an extensive history of misconduct and has been remanded to appear on April 15.

It’s alleged both offenders were involved in a similar smash and grab of a Prouds the Jewellers store in Geelong in October last year, when more than $63,000 worth of gold chains was stolen. His co-accused was bailed and is set to appear at Wangaratta Magistrates Court on May 13.

Rattling for the kids

TINS will be rattling around the streets of Wangaratta and outlying towns tomorrow as local CFA crews continue their long-standing support towards the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

There will be around five local CFA crews out and about during the day who will be assisted by SES and Fire Rescue Victoria crews from 8:30am until 4:30pm, visiting all areas within the Wangaratta district.

Wangaratta CFA captain Jason Allisey said trucks will be out with their lights and sirens on and anyone wishing to donate can do so with collectors or at the station.

“Royal Children’s Hospital is really important, they do a fantastic job and without the appeal there would be sick kids and unfortunate kids who would be unable to get the care they need,” he said.

Cpt Allisey said it was advised for people to stay away from the fire trucks and donate to the walkers behind the vehicles, who will be carrying the Good Friday Appeal tins.

Local CFA brigades have carved out a wonderful annual tradition, having raised more than $37 million for the Royal Children’s Hospital since 1951.

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said thousands of CFA members on fire trucks and standing at traffic lights rattling tins in their firefighting gear was one of the things that defines the Good Friday Appeal.

Glenrowan CFA brigade will be one of the local crews in full colour, and they will start their donation collections from Hamilton Park at 9:30am,

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

making their way back to Glenrowan before lunch and towards Greta West in the afternoon.

SES vehicles will be driving around town for door knocking collections.

Wangaratta SES unit controller Jess Zuber said volunteers were always happy to assist their CFA counterparts for the important appeal, with some members having had personal experiences at the hospital.

Stationed at the intersection of Murphy and Reid streets will also be local Good Friday Appeal coordinator Alex Carmody, who will be collecting donations from 9am to 1pm on Good Friday.

This year the district has set a target of around $160,000 to be raised, which would bring the total money donated to the Royal Children’s Hospital in Mr Carmody’s 54-year involvement in the appeal to $3 million.

Cpt Allisey expressed his appreciation towards Mr Carmody’s tireless contribution to the appeal on behalf of the local CFA.

CFA brigades will also be fundraising online for those who don’t get a chance to donate in person. Find brigade fundraising pages at https:// fundraise.goodfridayappeal.com.au/ find-a-fundraiser.

You can donate online at www. goodfridayappeal.com.au or call 1300 APPEAL between 9am and 11pm on Good Friday.

Small towns with big hearts hope to eclipse their appeal fundraising totals

BOORHAMAN and Eldorado will tomorrow look to exceed their 2023 Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal fundraising efforts of $38,000 and $18,350 respectively.

The local communities of both townships, together with the support of business across the Wangaratta area, are holding family friendly events at the Boorhaman Hotel and McEvoy Hotel (Eldorado).

Both the events will host a range of fundraising activities including raffles, yabby races, Easter egg hunt and face painting.

The main fundraising activity for both events is the auction of 100 items which have been generously donated by members of the community and local businesses which range from wine, firewood, vouchers, household goods and power tools.

The medical care provided by the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal has special meaning for the Eldorado community, with Willow, the granddaughter of local resident Molly Chambeyron, having recently received treatment.

“I hope that everyone can get behind the event and give what they can to support the wonderful work provided by the doctors and staff at

the hospital,” Molly said. This year, a portion of all funds raised by the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal will be distributed to pediatric units across five regional Victorian hospitals to support children being treated locally.

The Good Friday Appeal fundraisers will be held at McEvoy Hotel in Eldorado from 12 noon and at the Boorhaman Hotel from 2pm.

Impairment a focus on roads this Easter

DRUG and alcohol impaired drivers will be a focus for police this Easter as they mount a statewide operation on the roads.

The force’s ‘anywhere, anytime’ enforcement approach will continue over the high-risk period.

Police intelligence shows a recent a spike in drivers getting behind the wheel when they’re drug or alcohol affected.

As Victoria Police launches Operation Nexus, to run from Thursday to Easter Monday, it’s warning motorists that officers could be anywhere at any time.

Major arterials and roads leading to regional Victoria and holiday hotspots will be key areas of enforcement.

Assistant Commissioner Road Policing, Glenn Weir, said it was important to remember drivers can be tested at any time by any police car.

The effort will include marked and unmarked vehicles as well as the force’s booze and drug bus fleet.

In addition to impairment, speed, fatigue, distraction and seatbelt compliance will be in the sights of police.

Statewide 67 lives have been lost this year compared with 76 last year.

Deaths on rural roads represent more than half of this year’s fatalities.

A total 13 lives have been lost over Easter in the last six years.

Operation Nexus runs from 12.01am on Thursday, March 28 to 11.59pm on Monday, April 1.

GATHER YOUR COINS: Volunteers like Eldorado CFA’s Haley West and local appeal coordinator Alex Carmody will be stationed at the intersection of Murphy and Reid streets tomorrow from 9am to 1pm to continue collections for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

PHOTO: Simone Kerwin

Community joins kids for Ever ton Under The Stars

By ANITA MCPHERSON

A BIG crowd gathered in the grounds of Everton Primary School last Friday night when the school hosted its Everton Under The Stars event.

The free community barbecue which celebrated the school’s Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program, was also designed to bring the community together for a fun, social occasion.

Teacher Linda Newton said the school was thrilled to see an estimated 150 people coming along, settling at picnic tables to make the most of the evening.

She said guests enjoyed the

gourmet barbecue, which included a range of delicious salads whipped up by students, demonstrating all they have learnt in the kitchen.

“It was great - we had live entertainment by Keepsake, children were entertained in the kids corner with art and craft activities, and there was also sporting activities and face painting,” she said.

“We were also pleased to welcome a special guest, Tim McCurdy (state MP for Ovens Valley).”

Ms Newton said students looks forward to continuing to build on their skills through the multi-faceted program when they return to school next term.

City helped forge Tony’s future

Monday

Tuesday

RAINFALL: Last 72 hours Last 7 days

BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

SYDNEY woman Lina Giurtalis has never been to Wangaratta, but the rural city forms a vital link in her family history.

Now, as she prepares to visit Wangaratta in May, Lina is searching for a local connection which would fill the gaps in her knowledge of her father’s time in the North East.

Lina’s late father, Antonino (Tony) Gruppuso was among the Italian soldiers who surrendered to the Australian Army in Libya in 1941 during World War 2.

As a prisoner of war, Tony was taken to various Australian bases in Commonwealth countries, with his final stop in Wangaratta, where he worked as a farm hand.

“Although he was still a prisoner of war, he always told us that the family who hired him on their farm treated him with the utmost respect,” Lina said.

“Eventually the war ended, and Dad was able to return to his home in Italy as a free man.

“But his love affair with Australia enticed him to return here and make it his permanent home.

“He settled in Sydney, but up until his death in 2005, he always had contact with the Wangaratta family and their descendants - so much so that one of the daughters, who would now probably be aged 50 to 60, came up to Sydney and stayed with my parents for a weekend.”

Lina is keen to renew the connection with the Wangaratta family, so is on the hunt for any clues as to their identity.

“Dad wouldn’t have had any connections to Australia is he hadn’t surrendered in Libya,” she said.

“The Aussies treated their PoWs well; Dad had stayed in a few camps before he was moved to that faraway country of Australia.

SYDNEY WOMAN SEARCHING FOR LOCAL FAMILY WITH LINKS TO HER FATHER

RETRACING THE PAST: Lina Giurtalis is searching for connections of a Wangaratta family for whom her father, Tony Gruppuso, worked during World War 2.

“He always told us that the family treated him beautifully; they fed him well, and he was a good worker and they appreciated that.

“He had such positive memories of his time in Wangaratta, and the community there was his introduction to this land.

“I remember him saying that Wangaratta at that time was all farms, and as Dad had grown up in an agricultural environment, he said, ‘Put me on a farm, and I’ll do well.’

“I’m looking forward to going to Wangaratta and finding out more about it; if I’m able to find the family, I’d love to have some time with them and thank them for looking after my dad.

“As you get older, you get more sentimental, and I think I’ll get very emotional when I get down there.”

Lina is following leads

through the Australian Army and through local groups including the Da Vinci Social Club, but would love to hear from anyone who may know the family Tony stayed with while in Wangaratta, or any connections which may still exist locally.

• If you have information you can pass on to Lina, please email lgiurtalis@hotmail.com

HAPPY IN AUSTRALIA: Tony Gruppuso with wife Vita.

FAMILY TIES: Tony Gruppuso with wife Vita and daughter Lina, who will visit Wangaratta in May attempting to retrace her father’s steps in the district.

1) CONNECTION TO WANGARATTA: Tony Gruppuso in uniform. 2) DRAWN TO AUSTRALIA: Tony Gruppuso stayed in Wangaratta while a prisoner of war during World War 2, and loved Australia so much, he returned to settle here after the war.

DELICIOUS SPREAD: Everton Primary School students ensured there was plenty of variety on offer at the buffet, involved in every aspect including planning and preparation.

Ambos rise against burnout

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

AMBULANCE Victoria (AV) staff and paramedics, who are campaigning for better conditions under enterprise bargaining agreement industrial action, say burnout is a major contributor to staff turnover.

Wangaratta paramedic Taylor Honey said staff are collectively forced to work 800 hours overtime a day across the Victorian service, impacting work-life balance and the retention of staff

Ms Honey has been with AV for three years and under protected industrial action she and her colleagues want to get the message across that work conditions need to change.

She explained that a regular shift can be 10-14 hours and to work added forced overtime impacts employees’ abilities to have a good work-life balance.

“A 14-hour night shift can turn into 16 hours and we really want to make sure we’re alert and getting home and seeing other family members before they go off to work or school, or attend planned occasions,” she said.

“This is all really important and when that doesn’t happen you have to put pro-

PARAMEDICS CITE FORCED OVERTIME, FATIGUE AS MAJOR ISSUES THEY WANT ADDRESSED IN EBA NEGOTIATIONS

visions in place to pick your kids up or drop them off to school, like ringing the daycare and a friend to pick them up.

“It doesn’t seem sustainable for a lot people and that’s why there is a large proportion of people who are unable to stay with the service.”

Ms Honey said a study by

RMIT and Swinburne found that one in five paramedics are looking to leave the service within the next 12 months.

“For a service that’s already under a lot of stress, that’s something that we really want to try to prevent,” she said.

“We want to increase the

average career lifespan as it is only five years at the moment and it takes a threeyear uni degree just to be able to do this job.

“We want to retain an experienced workforce and one that isn’t burnt out, isn’t fatigued.

“I really love my job and I want to continue to love my

job and the provisions that we’re working towards will really help to ensure that happens.”

The State Government has offered a three per cent pay increase per annum but Ms Honey said this was not the stumbling block.

Ramping at hospitals is an ongoing issue that Ms Honey

said delays care to the community when they’re stuck at hospitals, something she said needs a better management plan in place as well as the service.

As part of their industrial action, staff have messaging on the side of ambulances and paramedics are also not taking billing information from patients, and doing paperwork manually rather than electronically to make it more difficult administratively for AV, without consequence to patients.

Ms Honey said AV needs to commit to finding a solution rather than forced overtime.

“This might look like more funding for paramedics, for the virtual ED, and the referral communications services that helps to triage who needs an ambulance,” she said.

Ambulance Victoria chief executive Jane Miller said AV respects their people’s right to take protected action during these negotiations.

“Most importantly, if Victorians have an emergency and you need an ambulance, you will get one, and patient safety will not be impacted,” she said.

“AV continues to negotiate in good faith with employee representatives towards a mutually beneficial Ambulance Victoria Enterprise Agreement 2024 (AVEA 2024).”

WE DESRVE BETTER: Wangaratta paramedic Taylor Honey is flying the flag for paramedics across the state as part of protected industrial action for better working conditions to provide a work-life balance.

PHOTO: Steve Kelly

Have a safe and happy Easter holiday

MANY local families will be looking for a well-deserved break over Easter, with some taking extra time off to spend with their children and grandchildren over the school holidays.

While it may feel like a change of season with local winter sport beginning or settling into their seasons, a warm forecast will be sure to see plenty of families outside and spending time near our waterways.

Remember to be sun smart and take care around campsites and removal of litter.

If you’re travelling this Easter or driving to check out some of the festive events happening in the region, it is paramount to abide by road safety regulations during one of the busiest times of the year on our roads.

Police will be out during Operation Nexus to ensure the community stay wary on the roads by avoiding mobile use while driving, driving under the influence and unsafe driving.

Coinciding with Easter is the traditional Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Good Friday Appeal, and Wangaratta usually punches well above its weight in the fundraising stakes.

Many locals wear it as a badge of honour, all for the good of sick kids who rely on the services of the hospital when they’re faced with adversity at such a young age.

Fundraising will be taking place across the rural city with CFA, SES and Fire Rescue Victoria crews out in force as well as local appeal coordinator Alex Carmody, who can be found on the corner of the Murphy Street and Reid Street intersection collecting donations.

Have an enjoyable Easter, and if you’re travelling, stay safe on the roads.

FACEBOOK users this week commented on the weekly poll which asked Should professional sport be played on Good Friday?

• Maxene McConnell: People can do whatever they want on Good Friday. Not everyone follows religion.

• Jack Carruthers: The fact is that Good Friday, as tenuous as it is, links us to the Christian past in which Australia was an essentially white, Anglo-centric society.

Is this enough to maintain the traditional no-fun day that is Good Friday?

• Charles Branstom: The uncomfortable reality that the Christian churches have to face is this: the Christian message no longer speaks to a majority of Victorian’s - or Australians for that matter. Facebook users this week also commented on the supermarket duopoly.

• Tony Davidson: Ending the duopoly may mean lower food prices , but lower

Please, don’t burn off over Easter weekend

THIS year I have already witnessed the plumes of smoke that rise and blanket our skies during the burn-off season.

And just like every other year I am deeply disappointed to see again, the smoke that makes its way across our landscape and between our mountain ranges in time to smother Easter.

It saddens me to know that our Easter holidays will be marred by the haze that hangs in the air day and night.

I hope the “powers that be” will have the good sense to afford us a clean holiday break going forward.

Every Easter people across Australia look forward to gardening, sports, holidaying and spending time in the great outdoors, enjoying life with the summer heat behind us, but the growing amount of smoke in the air stifles and sucks all the potential goodness from our atmosphere; I understand burning off has its place, but please, don’t burn-off Easter too.

Someone please step in and make them wait until after Easter, our heath and the health of our economy depend on it.

Wait a little bit longer and we’ll be healthy and stronger.

Allow us to celebrate Easter without the smoke.

Vicki Richardson, Wangaratta

Unnecessary aerial brumby cull

I WOULD like to inform people of the cruelty which our government is allowing to occur by Parks NSW aerial culling Australia’s heritage brumbies in Kosciuszko National Park.

They are closing the park for seven months from April 4 to allow the slaughter.

In 2000 the government banned aerial culling due to its cruelty after the Guy Fawkes cull.

The current government has overturned this law and says shooting horses multiple times is humane.

This is incomprehensible.

The government says there are between 8000 and 23,0000 brumbies in the park and we believe this is an inflated figure.

A count by Airborn Logic, Clare Galea and Rocky Harvey calculated only 3000 brumbies.

Aerial culling is a traumatic and cruel practice; to be chased by a helicopter while trying to protect your family and being hit by a barrage of bullets is truly disgusting.

Brumbies went to war with our Diggers and this is the way Australia repays them, I’m

NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.

wages for supermarket employees and lower payments to suppliers and growers will be the trade off , ask anyone who works at ASDA or Tesco etc. Facebook users also commented on Tup Forge and Eadie Ezerard riding on horseback from Laceby to Northeast Health Wanagrarra to visit Tup’s Nana, Lorraine Forge.

• Jeffrey Jones: They even went thru McDonalds drive thru for some

takeaway maybe for Nana Forge.

• Jodie Talbot: Margaret maybe the smell you detected this arvo.

• Margaret Anderson: Jodie Talbot yes!!!! The farm smell.

• Leanne Gray: This would explain the horse poo on the footpath.

• Letitia Bell: Leanne Gray I was hyper focused on it all the way into work this morning, how, when, why, nothing was adding up.

Our follower total is Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.

14,737

Have your say in Wangaratta Chronicle poll

Should FFMVic and Parks Victoria do more to avoid fuel reduction burns in busy tourism areas at Easter?

GOOD TIMES: Whorouly residents have been gathering at the recreation reserve every Friday evening following the closure of the Whorouly Pub. Last Friday members of the Whorouly Inner Wheel were serving burgers and chips and raising money for umbilical cord blood research. This Friday night the Whorouly Football Club will be serving fish and chips.

totally ashamed and heartbroken.

It’s just very sad and totally unnecessary.

Our government isn’t listening and is hellbent on getting rid of part of Australia’s heritage.

Please contact you local federal MP to voice your opposition.

More information can be found on the Brumby Action Group Facebook page.

Robyn Grinter, Boweya

Regions miss out on marketing support

VICTORIA’S regions have many amazing events for city people to visits and enjoy.

The recent Tastes of Rutherglen was an exceptional couple of days of fine wines and gourmet regionality food matches.

The event was deserving of more media and exposure as it is a showcase of regional wineries and the tourism lifestyle they provide.

There is too much hype about what’s on in the city and not enough about what’s on in regions.

Regional MPs should be far more involved and supportive in the fine events held in their electorates.

The arts and wine regions like Rutherglen and tourism needs to be far more in tune with each other.

Local MPs should bring many aspects of what’s on together.

The jazz festival held in Wangaratta needs to be reinvented and held at Rutherglen wineries.

Stuart

Davie, Corowa

POLL RESULTS

GOOD FRIDAY SPORTS

Should professional sport be played on Good Friday?

Yes 18 No 10

votes to yesterdaynoon 28

THIS WEEK

Should FFMVic and Parks Victoria do more to avoid fuel reduction burns in busy tourism areas at Easter?

Pictured are locals Colin Walker and Laurie Kneebone enjoying their burgers and fries.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

FACEBOOK users this week commented on which local roads they were concerned about.

• Debbie Rollins: Hmm all of them!

• Doug James: Pot holes are only the start, shear drop off’s on road shoulders, blocked drainage and ever encroaching trees, overhanging limbs and fallen branches add to the mess our roads are in.

• Rez Leslie: The whole of Murdoch road is a mess of potholes and the footpath is no better, try being in a wheelchair or

on a scooter it’s hell.

• Travis Barnes: Murdoch Rd has been in need of repairs for last 18months at least. They fixed the top end but forgot the rest of it.

• Wilma Bright: All of them. I came back from Melbourne two weeks ago by ambulance following spinal surgery. One would not believe how rough the freeway was all the way to Wangaratta. It was awful.

• Dready Wanderer: Perry street.

NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.

• Daniel Williams: Pot hole at the entry of Arlington estate.

• Cam Green: Swan Street bridge before and after is absolutely cooked.

• Kahlee O’Sullivan: not in Wangaratta but the MyrtlefordYack road is absolutely appalling.

cathedralcollege.wangaratta

Follow

Today and tomorrow, our Year Six students are participating in the annual CCW Year Six Bike Ride along the rail trail from Bright to Myrtleford.

Check out some of our best photos at our @wangchronicle Instagram account.

• Rebecca Saward: Federation Way from Bowser to MVH is full of ruts and depression holes. White paint on these but nothing more.

• Bev Harrington: And they need to be done properly not just fill the holes, dig it up and put a whole new section in. It’s the lumps and bumps and awful repairs, shoddy repairs that are the problem everywhere.

• Josie Hurley: There’s to many to name.

• Daniel Moore: Rowan St just on the incline to Green St round about, tone Rd/siserly Street traffic lights and railway crossing.

• Mark Sanders: Murdoch Rd has sections all the way in to town from basically White St. Greta Rd is rough as guts too especially between Newman St and White St heading out, and also heading into town at Handley St.

• Dane Hansted: Wangaratta Whitfield Rd is a death trap.

Tweet

X USERS this week tweeted about local jockeys, Wangaratta High School, and local supermarkets.

Andrew Bensley @AndrewBensley

Update from Vic Jockeys Association. Scans at Wangaratta hospital reveal Tom Prebble has a fracture in his pelvis that doe NOT require surgery. No other injuries identified from incident at Benalla.

RealSchools @RealSchools1

We are thrilled to welcome the teams from Wangaratta HS, North West Christian School, St Therese’s School, and Governor Philip King PS as they join forces with Real Schools to enhance and strengthen their school culture!

HonestAntifarain @Beardog6Michael

You might want to tell aldis Wangaratta that they don’t have self serve checkouts I think they missed the memo.

Our follower total is Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.

14,737

Rapid Relief Team AU @RRT_AU

Wangaratta volunteers served over 200 meals during the Carevan Wangaratta Emergency Services Funfair, to bring the community together and acknowledge emergency services, organisations and community groups from the area.

If you have something to say, add our handle @wangchronicle to your tweet and we will publish some each week.

Mosquitoes can spread serious diseases

The best protection against mosquito-borne diseases is to avoid being bitten in the first place. There are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites.

Apply mosquito repellent evenly to exposed skin. Pack repellent when going for walks, camping, fishing, or travelling.

Wear long, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes, as well as socks and closed shoes. Mosquitoes can bite through tight clothing.

Get rid of places mosquitoes can breed around your home. Empty buckets and small pots of water.

Digital hub project is progressing

By SIMONE KERWIN

WANGARATTA Digital Hub continues to see dozens of visitors each week following its re-opening late last year.

The re-opening in August came as part of an 18-month sustainable operating model project being overseen by the Rural City of Wangaratta, which began in early 2023 and is being funded by $170,000 from the State Government, along with a $50,000 council contribution.

This project aims by mid2024 to ‘identify opportunities and test options’ which would make the hub - situated to the left of the Wangaratta Library entrance in Docker Street - financially independent and sustainable for the long–term.

The hub closed in 2022 after reaching the end of its three-year State Government-funded pilot phase.

Its initial three years were aimed at increasing the region’s lagging digital inclusion status, and catering to locals’ needs around advanc-

ing technology, skill development opportunities and support networks.

It also proved vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, as residents adapted to the rising use of technology.

The sustainable operating project, to which the State Government’s Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions and council have contributed, is designed to ensure the digital hub is financially sustainable into the future.

Digital hub coordinator Jacob McKay said visitors continued to seek help from the hub with device issues, digital mentoring, and one-on-one computer lessons, as well as co-working and events.

“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive for the support the digital hub is providing to the community, including assisting people with job applications, visas, study and business needs,” Mr McKay said.

“Our summer holiday robotics program was a great success, with students learn-

ing new skills in building and coding their own VEX Go robots.

“We were amazed by the enthusiasm and ingenuity displayed, as students raced ahead and created new and interesting ways to solve tasks with their robots.

“We’re running another two sessions in the upcoming Easter holidays, on April 2 and 11, aimed at ages eight and over.”

Mr McKay said full details about these sessions could be found at www.wangarattadigitalhub.com.au

Simone Nolan, Rural City of Wangaratta acting director sustainability and culture, said the digital hub was currently operating three days per week, providing digital skills and support.

“The hub is well-attended and proving valuable for our community, and compliments the support provided by the library,” she said.

“The formulation of a business plan to guide its future will be completed by mid-2024.”

Changes are on the menu

By SIMONE KERWIN

A HOSPITALITY landscape shaped by post-pandemic habits and the current economic climate has prompted changes from The Five Sisters business group, which operates Wangaratta’s Dock 5 and Café The PreVue. Set to come into effect after Easter, the changes will see The Kiosk - which has been located outside Café The PreVue since last Easter - transition to a permanent location operating from the window of Dock 5 in Faithfull Street.

The pod currently housing

The Kiosk will be removed once the relocation to Faithfull Street has taken place.

In turn, Dock 5 will pivot from operating as a restau-

rant, to become an events space for hire, and will host pop-up events for occasions such as Mother’s Day.

Ali Alexander, director of The Five Sisters Group, said issues being navigated by the hospitality sector, including the rising cost of living and seasonal variations in patronage, were factors in deciding to optimise resources, and better cater to patrons’ needs.

She said while the changes would result in three job losses, the number could have been higher if the adjustments were not made now.

“We’re getting on the front foot,” she said.

“Understanding the postCOVID landscape and the financial pressures faced by our customers and fellow

businesses in Wangaratta has been crucial in reshaping our business model.

“In the wake of the pandemic we’ve observed a notable shift in customer behaviour.

“There’s been a change in the frequency with which customers dine out, with less consistency compared to pre-COVID times.

“This shift has prompted us to rethink our approach and ensure that our offerings remain aligned with the evolving preferences and habits of our patrons.

“Our businesses remain dedicated to providing exceptional and accessible dining experiences that resonate with the economic reality and lifestyle of our community.”

PIVOTING: Ali Alexander, director of The Five Sisters Group, said upcoming business changes were prompted by the post-pandemic landscape and the current economic climate. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

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Food Handling Skill Set SITSS00068

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Electric vehicles feature at Off-Grid Living Festival

THE future of transportation takes centre stage at this year’s OffGrid Living Festival on April 6 and 7 in Chiltern with the debut of the new Electrification Festival area, dedicated to showcasing the latest innovations in electric vehicles (EVs) and sustainable transportation solutions.

Set against the backdrop of ecoconscious living, the festival offers attendees a firsthand glimpse into the electrifying possibilities of cleaner, greener mobility.

The showcase promises an immersive experience for enthusiasts and curious onlookers alike.

From electric cars and bikes, cutting-edge EV technology, and a dedicated talks tent with industry experts presenting all weekend, attendees will have the opportunity to explore and test drive/ride a wide range of eco-friendly vehicles from leading manufacturers.

“The electrification of transportation is a pivotal step toward reducing our carbon footprint and mitigating the impacts of climate change,” EV area coordinator, Russel Klose, said.

“By featuring an EV showcase within the Off-Grid Living Festival, we aim to demonstrate how sustainable living extends beyond the confines of our homes and into every aspect of our lives, including how we move from place to place.”

Highlights of the Electrification Festival area include:

EV test drives: Attendees can ex-

perience driving an emission-free vehicles firsthand with test drive opportunities provided by participating manufacturers.

Educational talks: Experts in the field of electric mobility will host informative sessions on topics such as EV charging infrastructure, battery technology, and the environmental benefits of electric transportation.

Sustainable transportation solutions: In addition to passenger vehicles, the showcase will feature a variety of electric bikes, scooters, and other alternative modes of transportation designed to promote greener commuting options.

Festival director, Kate Nottingham, said the electrification festival area underscores the Off-Grid Living Festival’s commitment to inspiring and empowering individuals to embrace sustainable living practices in all aspects of their lives.

“By showcasing the latest advancements in electric mobility, the festival aims to spark dialogue, encourage innovation, and catalyse the transition to a more sustainable transportation future,” she said.

“We believe that sustainable living is about making conscious choices that benefit both people and the planet.

“The electrification area serves as

a testament to our collective ability to drive positive change through innovation and collaboration.

“By collaborating with the team from Kilowatt Cars and Border Regional Electrification Events this year we’ve been able to bring in the best from the industry for one of Australia’s biggest EV showcases.”

The Off-Grid Living Festival will take place at Chiltern Racecourse and Recreation Reserve, on April 6 and 7.

Tickets are available for purchase online at www.offgridevent.com.au.

For more information and updates, follow the festival on social media (@OffGridLivingFestival).

Man in critical condition after Indigo Valley fall

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

A 76-YEAR-OLD man was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition on Monday night following a quadbike crash in Indigo Valley.

Police, CFA, SES and paramedic crews were called to the incident at around 8pm on Monday to the Indigo Creek Road property, after reports a man had crashed and fallen 25 feet down an embankment into a creek, according to police and CFA Victoria.

CFA units were called from Mount Beauty, Wangaratta, Rutherglen, Barnawartha and Indigo Valley.

The incident was under control at 8.41pm and deemed safe at 9.20pm, according to CFA Victoria.

Ambulance Victoria said the man was airlifted to Royal Melbourne Hospital in a critical condition with upper and lower body injuries.

Police said WorkSafe will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

ELECTRIFICATION: This year the Off-Grid Living Festival is offering attendees a firsthand glimpse into the electrifying possibilities of cleaner, greener mobility.

DONOR REGISTRATION PERCENTAGES

ACROSS VICTORIA: The heat map shows Wangaratta and the rest of the north east with a healthy level of registered donors but other areas like metro Melbourne and the north west have low rates.

Region streets ahead with donor registrations

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NORTH East Victoria has one of the highest rates of organ and tissue donors with places like Wangaratta at 35 per cent registered, but there’s a push from parliament to make it even better.

Other areas in the region include Alpine, Mansfield and Towong - all with a 33pc donor registration, while Strathbogie Shire has 32pc.

But when it comes to the whole state, Victorians are lagging behind with just 23pc of the population registered donors compared to the national average of 36pc.

To promote donor registrations, a committee of parliament wants people to be given the option to register for organ and tissue donations at the time of applying for or renewing their driver’s licence.

South Australia already has the option to become organ donors when renewing a licence and that state has 73pc of the population on the donor register.

A Legislative Assembly Legal and Social Issues Committee’s report ‘Register and talk about it’ makes 74 findings and 41 recommendations, including to encourage more registrations through improved accessibility and awareness of the Australian

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

Organ Donor Register (AODR) and better promotion of family discussion about donation.

“It’s so important that people both register and have a conversation with their family about their donation wishes,” committee chair Ella George said.

“We know that will significantly increase the likelihood that a family will consent to a donation going ahead.”

The committee received almost 50 submissions, held seven days of hearings and heard from local, interstate and international experts, as well as representatives of diverse communities and donor families who bravely shared their personal stories.

“It can be incredibly confronting to be asked to consent to a loved one becoming a donor,” Ms George said.

“But we learned that many families find the strength at a time of intense sadness to recognise that they can help others.”

While Victorians were able to record interest in becoming a donor on driver’s licences for a short period, this has not

been possible since the early 2000s.

The rate of registration for young people is particularly low, with just 10pc of people aged 16 to 25 having registered a donation decision on the AODR.

The committee identified building awareness and discussion opportunities about donation among young Victorians as a key opportunity, and makes a series of recommendations to encourage this cohort to register and share their donation wishes with family.

“Educating young people is vital,” Ms George said.

“We need to increase awareness so more young people register to become a donor and share their donation wishes with family, making Victorians better prepared should they ever be asked to provide consent to donation for a loved one.”

The committee also considered living stem cell and living kidney donations, and discovered much more can be done to promote both.

Australia imports most of its stem cell donations from overseas: but this reliance would be reduced by encouraging more young people to register on the Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry.

Picking station to help bolster compost

A PICKING station has been installed at the Wangaratta Organics Facility, marking a major advancement in waste management technology.

This groundbreaking halfmillion-dollar investment, co-funded by the Rural City of Wangaratta and Sustainability Victoria, underscores council’s commitment to reducing landfill.

The new picking station revolutionises the processing of food organics and garden organics (FOGO) from the green bin into valuable compost.

Previously, the removal of contamination from incoming FOGO was labour-intensive and inefficient, relying on manual sorting by staff

With the introduction of the picking station, green

material is loaded onto a conveyor belt and transported to an air-conditioned room where workers can efficiently identify and remove contamination items as the FOGO moves along the picking line. With a licence to process up to 12,000 tonnes of FOGO annually, the facility has the capacity to handle up to 20,000 tonnes per year in the future, ensuring scalability and efficiency in waste management operations.

A recent audit of Wangaratta’s kerbside collection highlighted both progress and challenges.

On average, households disposed of 19.7kg of waste per week, with about half of this comprising food and garden organics, which are

ABOUT 700 GRAMS OF FOOD AND ORGANICS MATTER IS CONTAMINATED PER BIN LOAD IN RURAL CITY

diverted from landfill and transformed into compost.

However, contamination remains a persistent issue, with about 700 grams of FOGO material from each green bin being contamination, impacting the quality of compost produced.

One of the primary challenges identified is the improper disposal of food waste in plastic bags within the green bin.

As these contents cannot be separated during the picking process, the entire bag is directed to landfill.

Councillor Jack Herry said it’s imperative for residents to use compostable green bags and not biodegradable ones to ensure proper waste management practices.

He said the correct bags are available free of charge from the council’s customer service desk or library.

Additionally, Cr Herry said hazardous items such as rope, large pieces of wood, sharp objects, and metal should never be disposed of in the green bin, as they pose risks to workers’ safety.

He recognises the significant advantages brought by the new machinery and underscores the importance of responsible recycling:

“The Rural City of Wangaratta Council greatly ap-

preciates all residents for their joint effort in reducing contamination and safeguarding the recycling facility workers’ health, and our environment for future generations,” he said.

“We are also helping our community make valuable compost, the first of which is already being put to good use by the parks and gardens team, improving our local gardens.”

Man of mystery revealed in The Roy Orbison Story

A THEATRICAL production which sheds some light on the mystery and music of the enigmatic Roy Orbison, comes to the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Friday, April 5.

Experienced musician and performer Mark Shelley brings The Big O to life, admitting while he’s always enjoyed Orbison’s songs, he didn’t really appreciate his significance as an artist until later in life.

It was after many years of performing professionally, and being asked to do those songs, Mark realised there was an opportunity to create a show around him.

“I don’t think I appreciated (Orbison) enough as a young fella, but as I got older, I sort of realised just how good he was - a wonderful vocalist and songwriter - and what a marvellous story his life was as well,” Mark said.

“People would ask me to sing a Roy Orbison songthey thought I sounded a bit like Roy - so it developed from there.

BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au

“I thought, let’s take this a step further and do the whole show and tell the story of his life - the good bits and the bad bits - and portray all the songs as well.”

Mark said Roy Orbison had a very broad vocal range and while he doesn’t exactly replicate the sound - something which would be impossible to achieve - he’s blessed with the range and tone to get very close to it.

In The Roy Orbison Story, Mark takes on the character of Roy and tells the stories of his life through the Big O’s eyes, tying it in with the legend’s long list of hits including Only the Lonely, Sweet Dream Baby, Candy Man, Anything You Want, Workin for the Man, Pretty Woman and many more.

There are 20 songs altogether in the show, performed by a cast of eight accomplished musicians, some of whom have played

and toured with the likes of Dragon, Jermaine Jackson and Marcia Hines, and who Mark describes as “some of the best players in Australia”.

Mark said he completed years of research and watched hours of footage of Orbison performing, discovering a lot about the man that many may not know.

“He was always portrayed as a man of sadness and darkness, and some tragic things happened in his life, but he actually had this wonderful, dry sense of humour as well, and a love of life,” said Mark.

“It’s good to portray that as well, because he wasn’t a sad person - he was very positive.

“He was very passionate about his music, his family and the people he cared for, but he was also a collector of motor cars and motorcycles, and just enjoyed knocking about with his mates as well, so yes, it’s a really interesting story.”

Mark said Orbison was

an incredible songwriter as well as a performer, writing or co-writing 90 per cent of the songs performed in the show, and his quiet confidence and physical presence - always dressed in black and wearing dark glasses - contributed to the “man of mystery” tag.

“He just wrote in such a different manner than most people did - the form of the songs is different to what normal pop songs are,” Mark said.

“His songs were so emotive as well - they’re very dramatic and almost operatic in the way that he wrote and sung them.

“I think that added to the mysterious ‘dark’ image as well, but he was actually a very funny man, which a lot of people don’t realise … yeah, he was very interesting.”

See Mark Shelley in The Roy Orbison Story at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Friday, April 5 at 7.30pm with tickets available at wpacc.com.au.

REBUILDING:

Friday, March 26, 2014

By STEVEN BURKE

REBUILDING has begun on the Whitfield Store just over a year after King Valley icon Barb Sartori was killed in the fire that gutted the old store.

Barb’s son Steve is rebuilding the store with his wife Jess, who will run the business when it opens in hopefully around three months’ time.

When it opens the store will run as it did in the past, serving as a central community hub for the tight knit Whitfield community, offering a post office, takeaway, newspapers and tourist information.

Adjacent to the store will be a community garden and outdoor eating area, where

Steve said the couple planned to make a tribute to Barb.

“Her favorite plant was a Bay Tree so we hope to plant one of those in the garden,” he said.

Steve said it had been a difficult decision to rebuild on the site where his mother lost her life but that he and Jess wanted to give something to the community and fulfil some of Barb’s ideas.

Jess recently moved to Whitfield from Tarneit, just outside of Melbourne, and said she was excited about running the business.

“I’m excited and a bit apprehensive,” she said.

“It’s the first time I would have ever run a shop but there’s a lot of help around.

“So many people have come and said if you need anything, we’re there.”

When it opens the store will run from 7am to 7pm and the Sartoris said there could be some scope to do something additional as the business grows.

“When everything is more settled and we know what people want we do have a couple of plans for what we’d like to do,” Steve said.

“On a Friday or Saturday we might offer a special meal, like pizza or roast, just something different to the regular fish and chips.”

Jess said the plan was to make the store accessible for families with young children.

Rea and O’Keeffe Builders are building the new store, which Steve and Jess hope will be open by the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.

Steve said the store had always been a focal point for the community and he hoped they would embrace it when it is built.

“I just want to thank the community for their support so far and I hope they continue to support it in the future,” he said.

Luke Plummer

By IAN DAVIDSON & CHRIS TZAROS

THE Apostlebird is a mediumsized dark grey bird with a short strong bill, brown wings and black tail.

They are normally seen in groups often found on the ground and belong to the group of birds known as ‘mud-nesters’, which includes White-winged Choughs. They are noted for their communal lifestyle and their bowl

nests constructed of mud and plant fibres.

The Apostlebirds are found in eastern Australia in inland areas from lower Cape York Peninsula, Queensland to northern Victoria and from Naracoorte to Mount Lofty Ranges, South Australia.

Generally the Apostlebird is found in open dry forests and woodlands near water.

They may also be found in farmlands with trees, as well as along roadsides, in orchards and on golf courses.

and, sometimes, small vertebrates.

Apostlebirds are now only found in the northern parts of our region amongst the remnant vegetation along roadsides and in patches on farmland near Rutherglen.

They prefer Murray Pine and Box woodlands which have been largely cleared for dryland cropping.

Their habit of perching in close sitting groups is what has given them their name Apostlebird.

They are also known as the “Happy Family” as they live in constantly noisy groups of 12 or more.

Its call is a rough, scratchy, discordant: ‘ch-kew ch-kew’ or a nasal ‘git-out’ when disturbed.

They forage on the ground in groups, often in association with White-winged Choughs.

The Apostlebirds usually eat seeds and vegetable matter, insects and other invertebrates

CLOSE COMPANY:

A small group of Apostlebirds on a dead branch. PHOTO: Chris Tzaros (Birds Bush and Beyond)

They are mostly sedentary In autumn and winter but small local movements may occur as they move to more open country, where seeds become the more important part of its diet.

Apostlebirds are cooperative breeders.

Non-breeding family members assist with the rearing of young birds and the helpers are generally previous seasons young.

The nest is a large mud bowl, placed on a horizontal branch 3-20m high, and reinforced and lined with grass.

All members of a group assist with nest building, as well as feeding of nestlings, while only the adults usually incubate the eggs (incubation is 18 days).

More than one female may lay eggs in the same nest.

While many eggs may be laid, usually only four nestlings (nestling period is 18 days), will survive to fledge, with numbers possibly restricted by the size of the nest.

Two broods may be raised in a season.

Those wishing to catch a glimpse of Apostlebirds can travel along the lightly used timbered lanes between Boorhaman North and Rutherglen wherever Murray Pine occurs or over the Murray River north of Corowa.

Wangaratta Artist’s Society exhibition

WANGARATTA Artist’s Society is holding its Unframed Easter Exhibition at the Old Bull Ring in Batchelor’s Green until April 2. Featuring more than 70 artworks, the exhibition gives members the opportunity to showcase and sell their artwork, while also being a fundraiser for the non-profit organisation.

It will be open from 10am until 4pm with entry free, plenty of parking and all welcome.

Inner Wheel

Whorouly garage sale Saturday

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

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

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

Moyhu Lions

Easter Market

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

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

Sweet Easter Sunday at Pizzini’s

CELEBRATE the sweet life with family and friends on Easter Sunday at Pizzini Wines from 11am to 4pm.

There will be beautiful food to graze on including panini, housemade cakes and ice-cream with live entertainment courtesy of DJ Hal and lots of fun games for kids.

Entry $10 for adults (kids under 18 free).

Lovely landscape exhibition at Art Gallery on Ovens

A NEW exhibition of beautiful artworks by local artists Linda D’Agostino and Melissa Johns has opened at the Art Gallery on Ovens.

The layered landscape of Linda’s artwork transports viewers into a world of serene beauty and whimsical charm.

Soft pastel hues dominate the palette, gently blending to create a dreamlike atmosphere, where quaint cottages can be found nestled amidst rolling hills.

The naive style infuses the scene with a sense of innocence

and simplicity, inviting viewers to explore the unfolding layers of the landscape.

Each layer reveals new surprises, from lush meadows dotted with wildflowers to winding pathways that disappear into distant horizons.

Melissa will be introducing new ink drawings along with some of her popular mixed media works for this exhibition, still incorporating sustainable, upcycled materials.

Melissa’s work has been described as whimsical, at times naïve, contemporary and

abstract, and she has featured in literary magazines, delivered creative workshops, won several Victorian awards and illustrated three international children’s books, with another on the way. She will also have some of her original book illustrations on display during the exhibition.

The exhibition will run from today through until April 15 at the Art Gallery on Ovens in the laneway off Murphy Street, open Monday, Thursday and Friday from 10am until 4pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2pm with entry free.

Bailey’s of Glenrowan Easter festival

AN Easter festival will be held at Bailey’s of Glenrowan this Saturday and Sunday.

There will be free wine tastings including premium wines, the kitchen will be open from 12pm to 3pm serving up delicious woodfired pizzas and there will be live music with Dallas Alice.

Explore the native garden or take a ride around the grounds on Sunday on a Clydesdale carriage for $5, with entry free to the winery located in Taminick Gap Road, Glenrowan.

Glenrowan market on Monday

EXPLORE more than 22 stalls at the Glenrowan-Warby Range Lions Club Easter Market being held on Easter Monday in Siege Street, Glenrowan from 8am to 1pm.

There will be all kinds of goods on offer including candles, baskets, clothing, food, plants, kids toys, bric-abrac and much more, including refreshments.

Country fun at Molyullah Easter Sports

MOLYULLAH Easter Sports returns with all the traditional country fun it is known for, to the Mollyullah Recreation Reserve on Easter Monday from 10am until 4pm.

There will be novelty favourites including gumboot throwing, egg toss, vintage tractor-pull, three legged races and guess the weight of the pumpkin, plus foot races for adults and children, woodchopping, farmyard, dog jumping, market stalls, delicious food and much more.

Tickets can be pre-purchased online at www.molyullah.com. au, with proceeds from the day supporting the Mollyullah Hall and Recreation Reserve and local charities.

SERENE BEAUTY: See an exhibition of whimsical works by Melissa Johns and Linda D’Agostino (pictured) at the Art Gallery on Ovens this weekend. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Subtle Stitch - A Marian Greaves Retrospective

THE work of well-known local textile enthusiast Marian Greaves is being celebrated during an exhibition being held in the Bainz Gallery at the Wangaratta Library during March.

Called “Subtle Stitch - A Marian Greaves Retrospective,” it includes of wide range of pieces created by the artist over the years which reflect her unique style and interests.

The works covers a variety of topics, with Marian particularly skilled in her textile renditions of trees and landscapes, and they can be seen during March with entry free.

In Grief at the Wangaratta Art Gallery

AN exhibition called In Grief which brings together work by artists Maissa Alameddine and Emily McIntosh, who together examine the multifaceted layers of trauma, displacement, loss and the complexities of grief, is being held at the Wangaratta Art Gallery.

Through performance, glass and installation, both artists produce works that pay homage to past traumas, loss and sorrow that through the processes of making and production act as both memorials, and a way to preserve memories.

See it at the gallery until April 21.

Weaving Eucalypts Project at the gallery

A COLLABORATIVE project by weaver Liz Williamson which explores local colour, cultural connections, and shared weaving traditions is being held in Gallery 2 at the Wangaratta Art Gallery.

In 2020, Williamson began inviting colleagues in Australia and India to colour fabric with eucalyptus leaves collected locally and once received, wove the fabric into panels referencing the traditions of woven rag rugs.

Since 2021, the project has expanded to connect with more colleagues in Australia and India as well as other

Free fun for families on Easter Saturday

By ANITA MCPHERSON

A FREE Easter Fun Day offering a range of family activities including an Easter egg hunt will be held by the Wangaratta Baptist Church on Easter Saturday in Apex Park.

There will be laser tag, an adventure tools toy workshop, facepainting, balloon animal creation, a craft activity, free sausage sizzle and hot cross buns, along with the Easter egg hunt, all from 10am to 2pm.

countries touched by the Indian Ocean, and the Weaving Eucalypts Project now features 100 panels woven by Williamson with fabric dyed by 60 collaborators with over 50 eucalypts species identified and sourced from over 50 locations.

See them on display in Gallery 2 until April 14.

Wangaratta community market

THE Wangaratta community market runs every Sunday at Moore Than Swimming,

Pastor Aaron Wardle said more than 4000 people have attended their free family fun days so far, demonstrating there is a need for fun, safe and accessible things for kids and families to do which don’t cost anything.

He said they were thrilled to be able to meet that need, and thankful for the support of local businesses including Woolworths and Coles, which have helped provide the sausages and bread for the event.

located at 11-13 Mason Street in Wangaratta, from 8am until 1pm.

There is a wide range of stalls to browse with new and used items, plants, fruit and veg and more, with refreshments also on site.

Stalls are available for $25 each (no bookings required) with more information via the market’s Facebook page.

Still Life Love Exhibition in Beechworth

THE Old Stone Hall is presenting Still Life Love, an

There is no need to book for the Easter Fun Day - children, teens and families encouraged to turn up on the day - with children remaining the responsibility of parents for the duration of the event.

The event will go ahead regardless of weather, as there is cover at Apex Park, and more information is available by visiting the Wangaratta Baptist Church Free Easter Fun Day event page on Facebook.

exciting new curated group exhibition showcasing the talents of regional and metro artists working in a variety of mediums in the genre of still life.

Held in the historic 1855

Old Stone Hall, it includes work by artists Valerie Crosse, Kate Davis, Bec Haycraft, Anna Hedstrom, Janet Hearne, Derek Motion, Darren John Pope, Fleur Rendell, Therese Shanley, Heather

Sparks, Catherine Stewart, Dore Stockhausen, Amy Tobin, Kimberley Trujillo and Alice Watson.

The exhibition is from 10am until 2pm daily until April 2

Beechworth Golden Horseshoes Festival

STEP into Beechworth’s vibrant community when the Golden Horseshoes Festival is held this weekend in the historic township from Friday through until Monday.

It will be a weekend of family fun, with live entertainment on Camp Street and at the Ford Street arena throughout the day on Saturday, craft and flea markets, a show ‘n’ shine, roving performers and the grand street parade taking place from 3pm.

There will also be an Easter egg hunt on Sunday in Mayday Hills, and the Wooragee Easter Market on Monday.

To find out more visit beechworthgoldenhorseshoes.com.au/2024-program.

Bald Archy Prize in Mansfield

ARTS Mansfield has secured the exclusive Victoria showing of the 2024 Bald Archy Prize exhibition.

A unique and often irreverent take on portraiture, encouraging artists to explore new and creative ways of portraying public figures, now in its 28th year, this annual event promises to captivate audiences with it humour, wit and unconventional style.

It will be open to the public daily at 101 High Street in Mansfield until April 21, with bookings via trybooking. com, and more information at artsmansfield.com.au/events/ bald-archy-exhibition-2024/.

Apple and and chestnut har vests harvests escape heat

BY LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE LAndersonByrne@ nemedia.com.au

THE recent hot weather may have tried its best to prevent growers from seeing results in their orchards, but according to local farms, fruit quality across the region remains excellent.

Snowline Fruit’s Henry Hilton said the season was a little tricky but his orchards around Stanley avoided the wind and hail storms reported in other parts of the state.

“We had to deal with frosts at the start in late October but it’s been quite reasonable here,” he said.

“We’ve had rain almost every fortnight which is unusual but great for tree growth and fruit growth as we’ve seen a very good size in apples; really they’re on the verge of being too big.”

In fact, some of his Honeycrisp apples were so big he sent four into the North East Media office to demonstrate their size.

One was a whopping 615 grams.

Mr Hilton said apple volumes are good and the quality is excellent.

“Currently we’ve picked Honeycrisp and Royal Gala and now we’re waiting for Red Fuji, Granny Smith and Pink Lady to get to right size to pick, they come later,” he said.

“This season is two to three weeks earlier than last year, probably because it warmed up quickly so plant growth got underway pretty well.

“The biggest thing is the cost of production is killing us; everything is up substantially and all these things compound on us heavily because you can’t keep putting apples up beyond the point where people won’t buy them.

“To cover costs we need more money than what we’re getting as the cost increase outweighs returns.”

Wandiligong grower Don Nightingale, of Nightingale Bros Alpine Produce, said their Kanzi apples were slightly affected by hot weather, but apple quality and quantity is otherwise good.

“So far we’ve picked about a total of 5000 bins of Royal Gala, Kanzi and Red Deli-

cious, with Jazz and Granny Smith finished this week before we get to Fuji, Pink Lady and Envy,” he said.

“We’ve been fortunate this season and we’ve got a good team working with us.”

Last week Nightingale Bros were harvesting their first chestnut variety.

“Again, the hot weather for a start wasn’t good for the crop as it makes harvesting trickier,” Mr Nightingale said.

“It’s important to get them off the ground quickly as they dry out faster.

“We just finished harvesting our Bouche variety so there’s lots more to come but so far the nuts are a good quality and good size thanks to the summer rains.”

Chestnuts Australia Inc. president Brian Casey said local growers were optimistic about this season.

“What I’m hearing from other growers is nuts were

sent to market as early as late February and by early March there was reasonably high volume,” he said.

Mr Casey said the warmer weather has been unconducive to chestnut eating, so demand hasn’t been as strong.

“Sales have still gone quite

well at this stage but around Easter will be the beginning of the peak of harvest,” he said.

“The weather still looks quite warm and dry but we’re expecting an increase in demand around Easter which is good as there will be plenty of nuts.

“The dry conditions may see a slightly smaller crop but growers are optimistic.

“Quality is okay at this stage, growers are happy with what they’re producing.

“We’ll see how it all goes after Easter with colder weather and near the end of harvest.”

WHAT A WHOPPER (Right): One of Henry Hilton’s mammoth Honeycrisp apples compared to a small apple purchased from a local supermarket.

BIG BURRS (Above): Eurobin grower Brian Casey said he expects the chestnut harvest to begin to peak around Easter.

Superb low maintenance living in modern three bedroom home

THIS Wangaratta property at 11A Williams Road provides the perfect opportunity for someone looking to downsize to a low maintenance home or looking for a great returning investment.

The home consists of two separate living areas, three bedrooms all with

built in wardrobes with the main having an ensuite and walk in wardrobe.

Heating and cooling are well catered for with gas ducted heating and evaporative cooling throughout.

The home has a gas cooktop, electric oven and gas boosted solar hot water service.

Externally there is a concreted outdoor entertaining area, garden beds and the property is on its own title.

The home is approximately seven years old and is in a great location close to schools, bakery, post of fi ce and walking tracks. Nutrien

5722

Wangaratta branch

76 Reid Street

Open weekdays

9am to 5pm (closed 1pm to 1:45pm)

1300 004 863 humebank.com.au

Custom, quality home

WHEN quality counts, this fantastic home provides it all situated on a 693m2 allotment.

This versatile property is sure to impress anyone looking for a family home, downsizing, upsizing, or investment opportunity.

Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and two spacious living areas.

The well-appointed open plan kitchen provides stainless cooking appliances, stone island bench and great storage.

There is a timber lined alfresco area, exposed aggregate concrete, plumbed gas and stacker doors providing seamless indoor-outdoor living.

The primary bedroom offers an ensuite and walk in robe.

Both additional guest bedrooms are fitted with built in robes.

The central bathroom features a separate shower and bath.

The laundry is well proportioned to accommodate the family’s needs.

The double lock up garage caters for two vehicles and has direct access to the home and rear yard.

Both front and rear yards have re-

Agent |

Phone | Price |

|

Nutrien Harcourts

5722 9444

$700,000 - $730,000

36 Currawong Drive, Wangaratta

cently been landscaped with an automatic watering system.

There is great size shedding with power, concrete floor and side access.

Ensuring year-round comfort, the home provides ducted refrigerated heating/cooling.

The home is perfectly located in a quiet street within walking distance to schools, local shops and creekside walking tracks.

Call Danial Siperki at Nutrien Harcourts to arrange your private inspection on 0400 027 473

Looking for someone to take over the reins.

New home in Baltimore

THIS newly built family home provides an abundance of quality upgrades on a spacious 774m2 allotment.

This move in ready four-bedroom home combines functionality and family living within the final stage of Baltimore Park Estate.

The sizeable home offers seamless open plan living, dining and kitchen with high nine foot ceilings throughout the home.

The custom designed kitchen showcases stone benches, entertainers/breakfast bar with premium stainless cooking,

It also has a servery window and an abundance of soft close storage along with a butler’s pantry.

This fantastic home offers a spacious primary bedroom with two large his and her walk-in robes and an impressive ensuite with an oversized shower and dual vanities.

The smartly designed three separated guest bedrooms all contain built in robes and share the main bathroom with separate bath, frameless glass and step in shower.

Comfort is ensured with ducted refrigerated cooling and heating.

The home is designed to maximise

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2 2

Agent |

Phone |

|

|

Nutrien Harcourts

5722 9444

$895,000 - $920,000

74 Christensen Lane, Wangaratta

natural light with a strong emphasis on indoor-outdoor living with an Alfresco area leading to the private secure rear yard with full turf and a double lockup garage.

The property is located in a new estate providing an abundance of scope to add shedding or a pool with side access.

The home was consructed by Afonso Homes and completed in 2023, and is inclose proximity to schools and early education providers.

Call Danial Siperki at Nutrien Harcourts to arrange your private inspection on 0400 027 473.

When Alison Chapman, proprietor of the Watts In Café Bundalong bought a block of land back in 2012 she had big ideas. “We had a blank canvas and really no idea on where to start, but we were highly motivated and wanted to bring this to life.” Experience and hindsight has been valuable and over the last 10 years, in conjunction with a former business partner and now her family members, have built a solid business “We have created this amazing community space we are so very proud of.” Says Chapman.

Immediately on arrival its clear Alison, has meticulously created systems with quality appliances to ensure they can be as efficient in the café as possible.

The outdoor dining area under the trees is very inviting for a slow morning coffee or lunch with friends.

Alison and her family confirming the decision to sell was difficult but concedes “We have seen the fruits of our labour, we think it’s the perfect time to hand over to the next generation of owners, who can bring their energy and flare to this vibrant community.”

Watts In Bundalong Café is being sold freehold and as a walk in walk out opportunity, with the view the café will stay open so that the community can still access this hub. There is an offer of transition support to ensure that an ongoing business can see an immediate return on investment.

Anthony Stevens real estate, with offices in Yarrawonga & Geelong, has listed this property for sale. Stevens, principal and licenced agent, has thrown the net far and wide. “We know there are audiences that dream of owning a café, or who are looking to buy themselves a business with a tree change, yet not many people know about Bundalong.”

“This is where we utilise specific digital marketing techniques to get this property and region in front of the right people. Once we spark their interest it is easy to encourage them to consider moving this vibrant community.”

“We immediately started seeing a response from audiences in Melbourne and regional cities, from those who seeking the tree/river change.” says Anthony Stevens.

BUNDALONG | VIC

VACANT LAND 1,656m2

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•

•

• 3

•

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COMMERCIAL INVESTMENT

Whorouly Hotel

542 Whorouly Rd, Whorouly

• Quintessential country hotel with traditional charming character in thriving community

• Fully tenanted with options to extend in 2024

• Net rental income of $20,976 + GST & outgoings per annum

• Dining & entertainment facilities

• 50% regional stamp duty concession avail.

FOR SALE $700,000

No GST, Going Concern

BUSINESS OR LIFE STYLE

The Oven

451 King Valley Rd, Cheshunt

• Successful unique business set in King Valley selling ethically & sustainably produced, breads, pastries, pies & seasonal produce

• Generous 1639m2 block & 298m2 restaurant

• Seating capacity of 40, internally & externally

• 2 x 22kw electric vehicle charging stations

• 2meg domestic water licence (King River) + additional 2meg domestic lic. 4 meg total.

• No GST if sold as a Going Concern

• Could convert to unique living quarters (STCA)

Lifestyle Opportunity on 1,639m2

FOR SALE $985,000 + SAV

COMMERCIAL FREEHOLD

Historic Glenrowan Hotel

46-48 Gladstone St, Glenrowan

• Situated in the heart of ‘Kelly Country’ opposite new Ned Kelly Discovery Hub

• Constructed in 1908, comprises a bar, bottle shop, bistro, commercial kitchen, two beer gardens and accommodation

• Offered with vacant possession, the price incl extensive chattels, plant and equipment

• Includes. approx. 3,000m2 of vacant Commercial 1 Zoned land fronting Hill St

• 50% regional stamp duty concession

FOR SALE $990,000

Plus GST

RURAL LIFESTYLE

Ovens River Frontage

251 Goodwins Lane, Milawa

• Remarkable rural property nestled in the picturesque Oxley Flats / Milawa district

• Circa 1890s solid brick homestead that has undergone a modern renovation, seamlessly blending character & contemporary comforts

• Separate dwelling nearby offers possibilities for a guest house venture or retreat

• Extensive frontage along the Ovens River

• Local pub, restaurants, wineries, primary school, pharmacy, bakery, cheese factory & gen. store

• 5 min drive to Milawa & 12 mins to Wangaratta

Vacant Land - 51

6 2 3 61 acres

FOR SALE $2,000,000

PETROL POWER FIGHTS BACK FROM BELOW

By DEREK OGDEN, Marque Motoring

WHILE the battle rages for the high ground of the top tech, and expensive, electrified territory of the automotive world, a rear-guard action from the internal combustion engine bargain basement is taking place.

Micro cars such as the MG 3, Suzuki Ignis, Fiat 500 and Mazda 2 are leading the charge to defend ICE(land).

The latest call to arms comes from Kia with its upgraded Picanto. What are its chances?

Sadly, gone ta-taas is the popular GT, replaced by a pair of GT-Line legionnaires.

Kia says it has called on the company’s footy-like ‘Opposites United’ (How do they think of ’em?) philosophy for the new range, leading to a modern, sporty design highlighted by a new headlamp set-up, ‘ripped’ radiator grille and reshaped front bumper.

Out back, the tail lamps and bumper have been tweaked.

The new Picanto comes in two trim levels – Sport and GT-Line – with prices coming in at $17,890, plus on-road costs, for the entry-level fivespeed manual.

The four-speed automatic sells for $19,490, while the flagship GT-Line auto tops out the range at $21,290.

On test was the latter.

Price is not the only selling point.

For Picanto buyers it’s wel-

come to Kia ‘seventh heaven’ with the maker’s class-leading seven-year warranty and capped price servicing at 12-month intervals, plus up to eight years roadside assist.

STYLING

On GT-Line, further from above, a daytime running light strip extends across the leading edge of the bonnet, pushing out the headlamps with emphasis on the width.

Newly designed wheels – 14inch alloys on the Sport and a 16inch machine finished diamond cut quartet for the GT-Line.

Power folding side mirrors with integrated warning indicators are now standard across both trims, with GT-Line boasting heating too.

Seven exterior paint finishes are on offer, with Adventurous Green being new to Kia.

INTERIOR

Premium leatherette features as standard on steering wheel and gearshift knob across the range, with the latter also scoring a D-cut sports steering wheel. Leg room, especially in the back is at a premium, while head room is not so.

The driver’s side footwell is not welcoming to larger feet. Pedal space is cramped. Keyless entry is tainted by the need to use it the steering column lock to start the motor.

Boot space, with rear seat backs up is briefcase-like 255 litres; with the seat backs fold-

ed, a respectable 1010 mm.

INFOTAINMENT

Gone are the analogue gauges, replaced by a 4.2inch digital instrument cluster, making the perfect match for the carry-over 8-inch touchscreen – with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – perched atop the central dashboard, beneath which are air-con (no climate) controls with easy-tooperate large knobs.

GT-Line rear occupants also benefit from the addition of USB-C charging ports.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS

Nothing (new) to see here – the Picanto carries over the existing 1.2-litre MPI non-turbo engine, mated with either fivespeed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, putting power to the ground through the front wheels.

SAFETY

With young drivers in mind, the Picanto GT-Line is equipped with a range of Kia’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems as standard across both trims.

These include blind spot collision avoidance Assist rear BCA, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, and lane follow and lane keeping assist.

Low on torque, the GT-Line auto is in no rush to get going, nor is it up.

There’s a reversing camera and rear parking sensors but nothing at the front, which is a

pity because of the stubby nose. Passive safety is in the hands of six airbags – dual front, front side and full-length curtain.

DRIVING

There appears to be little for smart overtaking while on the run. Tootling around town is more to its liking.

The maker puts the fuel consumption on the combined urban / highway cycle at 6 litres per hundred kilmetres. Over a week of average work the test vehicle recorded 7.1 klitres per 100 kilometres.

The ride and handling were reasonably comfortable –some bumps and lumps along the way, considering the short wheelbase (2400 mm) and steering came up with good reaction to driver input.

Feedback was solid but the tyres could not avoid chiming in with annoying road noise on course surfaces. However, the Picanto gets a ‘gold medal’ for parking.

Pick a spot – almost any spot – and the compact is quick to reward the driver in forward or reverse.

SUMMARY

Kia lines up its Picanto to broaden the appeal of its mini hatchback, sacrificing its popular GT in the move.

SPECIFICATIONS

(Kia Picanto GT-Line 1.2-litre 4-cyl petrol, 4sp auto, FWD)

RATINGS

Looks – 8

Performance –

81/02) 6.0

DRIVELINE:

■ PICK OF THE PICANTO: KIA’s upgraded Picanto looks to buck trends.

Play it safe in parks, forests over Easter

CAMPERS heading into local parks and forests over Easter and throughout the school holidays are being urged to act sensibly to avoid putting nature and other forest visitors at risk.

The Conservation Regulator is reminding all Victorians that they are responsible for protecting the environment and preventing bushfires, following some poor camper behaviour on the Labour Day long weekend where more than 60 illegal campfires were lit during dangerous conditions.

Although colder conditions are predicted this Easter holiday, authorities say forest visitors going camping or planning other outdoor activities, such as hiking, prospecting or fourwheeled driving, must follow the relevant laws and should check weather forecasts and fire warnings before leaving home.

Remember these tips while hatching Easter plans:

 Campfire? Check conditions, build it safely and fully egg-stinguish with water before leaving.

 Driving? Use formed, open roads for egg-sploring and have the right licence and registration.

 Prospecting? Have a permit and stay in the right areas to egg-stract gems lawfully.

 Rubbish? Take it home – we eggspect clean campsites and picnic areas.

This advice also applies to anyone using the four-day weekend to stock up on firewood.

Designated collection areas in state forests are open until June 30, but rules apply and firewood collectors should follow safety advice to avoid breaking the law or inadvertently sparking a fire.

Authorities said around 200 unat-

tended campfires have already been recorded across forests, parks and reserves this year, with more than 65 infringement notices for campfire, offroad and littering offences.

Bushfire risk remains high and authorised officers will be on patrol over the weekend, enforcing campfire safety rules.

Officers will also be targeting illegal off-road activity and littering to prevent environmental harm, and anyone caught doing the wrong thing faces fines ranging between $192 and $46,154.

The community is encouraged to report any illegal behaviour on public land to 136 186. Bushfires should be reported to 000.

For more information about rules in state forests, visit: www.vic.gov.au/ rules-in-state-forests

Holidaymakers urged to be prepared

VICTORIA State Emergency Service (VICSES) volunteers in tourism hotspots throughout the North East are encouraging holidaymakers to come prepared before tackling challenging physical activities over the Easter long weekend.

This comes after the Labour Day long-weekend earlier in March, where VICSES volunteers were called to support Ambulance Victoria in the Alpine national park, as hikers experienced mild to severe dehydration while undertaking nature walks in hot or unfavourable conditions.

With adverse weather conditions prevailing across the state in recent weeks, and an expected uptick in tourism during the final weekend in March, visitors to the regions are being urged to understand their limitations to avoid placing themselves or volunteer emergency responders at risk.

Charlie Sexton, VICSES Hume regional duty officer said those electing to hike or bushwalk at any of the hundreds of walking tracks across the state should always consider the degree of difficulty of any walk or hike they undertake and ensure they don’t over-exert themselves.

He said packing ample food and water and ensuring it is consumed while undertaking the activity are simple steps which can be taken to reduce the risk of an emergency response being required.

“Bushwalkers can also mitigate their risk by packing a map and compass or tracking their route through GPS, or by familiarising themselves with emergency markers designed

to pinpoint their location in the event an emergency extrication is required,” Mr Sexton said.

If you are hiking or bushwalking:

• ensure you keep away from hazardous trees, especially if conditions are windy.

• wear appropriate footwear and clothes for the conditions expected, even if you think you won’t need it.

• have communications equipment which will work where you are going, such as a satellite phone if you are walking for extended periods across low coverage areas. Consider if you’ll need radio backup, a Personal Locator Beacon, a copy of any important phone numbers, a phone charger, bat-tery pack or other communications supplies. Tell someone what your plans are.

• bring three to four litres of water per person.

• pack what you need to be ready for an emergency.

Hikers, bushwalkers, and those planning to camp, are also encouraged to stay informed and monitor emergency warnings through the VicEmergency app, website and hotline (1800 226 226) and listen to emergency broadcasters such as ABC local radio, designated commercial radio stations and TV news stations.

Remember to call 132 00 if you require emergency assistance from VICSES, and Triple Zero (000) in lifethreatening emergencies. For more information visit: www.ses.vic.gov.au/planand-stay-safe/on-holidays.

You can also check the Parks Victoria website for changes of conditions at www.parks.vic.gov.au/coclisting.

STAY SAFE: Authorities are urging campers heading to parks and forests over Easter to abide by the rules, particularly not to leave campfires unattended.

Wangaratta Art GallerySchool Holiday Workshops

Rethink Recreate Waste

Thursday 4 April 10am - 12pm & Friday 5 April | 10am - 12pm

Come along for a morning of upcycling yarn, scraps, and non-traditional materials into a woven mini wall weaving. In this workshop participants will learn basic weaving on a cardboard frame and how to incorporate all sorts of waste material - a great technique that will keep little hands busy and minds engaged for many more hours at home!

Healing Paper Plant Wreath

Thursday 11 April 10am - 12pm & Friday 12 April | 10am - 12pm

Make your own individual paper leaf wreath incorporating the leaves of healing and medicinal plants, such as calendula, elderberry, mint, and nettle. Participants will develop fine motor skills by cutting and folding paper to create a healing-plant paper wreath. The workshops are suitable for all ages and experience levels. For more information and to book either workshop visit www.wangarattaartgallery.com.au

Companion Animal Desexing Program

This program provides low-cost desexing for those in our community who hold a pension, concession, or health care and low-income card. The scheme also encourages responsible pet ownership by ensuring animals are microchipped and registered free of charge at the same time. Available now, until funding is exhausted. For full terms and conditions and instructions on how to participate in the program please visit Council’s website or Customer Service desk.

Mitchell Rd Splash Park

The Mitchell Rd Splash Park will be open for the school holidays from Saturday 29 March until Sunday 14th April at 9.00pm.

Tenders

T12435 Climate Adaptation Plan

Tender closes on 9 April 2024 at 5pm

C43853 Truck, Plant & Equipment Hire

C43852 Traffic Control Management Services

C43851 Supply of Emulation and Bulk Storage Tank

C43850 Supply and Delivery of Concrete

C43849 Supply of Asphalt and Asphalt paving

C43848 Supply of Drainage Pipes, Culverts & Pits

C43847 Pavement & Line Marking

Tenders close on 17 April 2024 at 5pm

Further details about applying for a tender may be obtained by visiting the Working with Council page on our website.

Happy Easter!

As the Easter weekend approaches, we would like to inform the community that all scheduled kerbside waste collection (General Waste, Recycle, Organics) will remain unchanged.

Bowser Landfill & Wangaratta Transfer Station will be closed on Good Friday - 29 March 2024 (both domestic & commercial)

Eldorado Transfer Station will be open Easter Sunday (31 March) 9am -11.50am and Markwood Transfer Station will be open Easter Sunday (31 March) 1pm - 3.50pm

Application for approval of a Development PlanWangaratta South Growth AreasPrecinct 6, incorporating land known as 61 Clarkes Lane and 69 Clarkes Lane Wangaratta.

Plans and supporting documentation associated with the Development Plan are available for viewing on Council’s website.

Interested and affected parties are invited to make comment for Council to consider during the assessment. Submissions must be made in writing, email: planningmail@wangaratta.vic.gov.au or post: PO Box 238 Wangaratta Vic 3676.

Submissions for comment on the Development Plan close 12th April 2024. When making a submission please include reference to ‘South Growth Area Precinct 6 Development Plan’.

For any queries, please contact the Planning Department on 03 5722 0888 or via planningmail@wangaratta.vic.gov.au.

Planning Applications

Application No PlnApp23/207

Location 2-6 Docker Street and 47-59 Ovens Street Wangaratta.

Proposal Buildings and works for the extension to an existing supermarket including alterations to the car park, public amenities block and installation of signage.

These applications can be viewed on Rural City of Wangaratta’s website under Development, Planning, Current Applications. Any person who may be affected by the granting of a permit may object or make a submission (must be in writing). For more information, please contact the Town Planning team on 03 5722 0888. Council will not decide these applications before 3 April 2024

Application No PlnApp24/043

Location 229 – Tone Road Wangaratta

Proposal Use and development of the land for a childcare centre and alteration of access to a road in a Transport 2 Zone

These applications can be viewed on Rural City of Wangaratta’s website under Development, Planning, Current Applications. Any person who may be affected by the granting of a permit may object or make a submission (must be in writing). For more information, please contact the Town Planning Unit on 03 5722 0888. Council will not decide these applications before 16 April 2024

Positions vacant

For further information on these positions please visit

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

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

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

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

DOG TRAINER, Frank Vickers, behavioural solutions, 0418 314 610.

MARKS Mowing, reasonable prices, ride on mowing, edging, clean up, spraying and any waste removal. Ph 0472 603 156.

WHEELER

Earthworks, available for all your earthworks needs - yard clean ups, stump removals, driveways, material supply and spreading, and more. Call Marcus on 0491 094 545

1 black male an d

2 ginger female Cavoodle puppies for sale, in Rutherglen, microchipped/ vet check and 1st vax, ready for n ew homes, Breede r Source no MB208182, M icrochip numbers: 900164002282604, 900164002282591, 900164002262606. Phone Greg 0400 831 590.

GARAGE Sale for Good Friday and the town garge sale for Saturday 30. plants, gardening stuff, disability equipment and wheelchair, furniture, queen size bed and mattress near new, lots of bric-a-brac, children’s toys and 2 large Cycads, 8 am start, 469 Whorouly Road, Whorouly, ph 5727 1429.

Vacancies

ANUM – Medical Ward

Part Time, Permanent Contract 56 hours per fortnight

Clinical Educator – Graduate Program Part Time Fixed Contract

64 hours per fortnight

Registered Midwife

Part or Full Time, Permanent Contracts

For further details and employment opportunities visit northeasthealth.org.au/careers

HUMAN RESOURCE OFFICER

Permanent Part Time – 0.40 EFT (Minimum)

For further information please contact Dyan Hill, Director Human Resources -(03) 5728 0250

DIABETES EDUCATOR

Permanent Part Time 0.40 EFT

Permanent Part Time & Casual Contracts available

For further information please contact Elizabeth Ibrom, Acting Director Clinical Services -(03) 5728 0316

Application instructions can be found on our website As we are an Aged Care Facility, the COVID 19 vaccination

A copy of your vaccination status’s are required upon

To apply and for full details on the positions, please log on to: www.beechworthhealthservice.com.au

Benalla Rose City Band currently seeking applications for the position of Musical Director

The successful incumbent will work with the Band’s committee and other relevant external committees to develop and implement an artistic plan that will see the ensemble continue to develop and contribute to community events in Benalla Rural City. Please contact the President on 0409 967 303 to receive a copy of the Position Description.

Applications close April 8, 2024.

11/2011 Colorado

RCLTR, duel cab, 3lt Isuzu diesel, manual trans, tyres 80-90%, new spare, performance program, pedal boost controller, canopy, tubliner, n udge bar

TYRES

BENNETT, Anthony Ross “Tony”.

8/9/1952 - 19/3/2024

Beloved husband of Tracey.

Dearly loved father of Matthew, Darcy, Rebecca and Jordan. Loving grandfather.

So dearly loved, So sadly missed.

BIGNELL, Beverley Anne.

Funeral mass for Beverley Anne Bignell

BIGNELL (nee Lamson), Beverley Anne.

Passed away on Thursday, March 21, 2024.

Much loved mother of Lisa and Mark. Devoted Grandma to Chloe, Charlotte and Oscar.

Born in Wangaratta on the 5th of May. The third child of Frank and Mavis Lamson (both dec).

Caring sister to Graeme (dec), Elaine, Valerie (dec), Lorna and Ronald. We know you’ll be cheering on your beloved Saints. We hold many cherished memories and we hope you rest peacefully now. Remembered with love.

BRADBURY, Edgar Ronald.

Passed away at home in Wangaratta on Saturday, March 23, 2024.

Aged 85 years.

Much loved husband of Grace (dec), and loving father of Malcolm, Ross, Claire, and Richard. Loved father-in-law of Vivienne, Sani, and Debbi.

Grandpa to Summer, Griffin, Jonathon, Emily, Madeleine, and Ronan.

Full of courage and love in the Lord. Always in our hearts.

DAWSON, Peter Leslie.

26/1/1959 – 13/3/2024

Passed away unexpectedly after a short illness.

Loved son of Harold and Nancye (both dec).

Loving brother of Trevor, Gary (dec), Sandra (dec), Robyn and Mick, Wendy and Wayne.

Adored Uncle of Jessica, Jack, Daniel, Emily and Ben and great Uncle of Eric, Gwen and Sebastian.

A gentle nature, a heart of gold, One of the best this world could hold.

DUNNE, Brian Desmond.

Brian passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at St Catherines Nursing Home Wangaratta. Aged 80 years.

He was the dearly loved husband of Elizabeth and much loved father and father-in-law of Catherine and Steve, and Mark and Charlotte. Pop to Jack and Grace. So dearly loved, so sadly missed.

DUNNE, Brian Desmond.

4/10/1943 – 23/3/2024

My teacher, my student, My best mate, my Dad. Words can't describe our feelings for you. You were always there with a smile. No job too big or too small. Nothing was too much trouble for you. Just Brian being the best farmer and Dad. Love you, miss you, forever in our hearts. Until we meet again.

~ Mark and Charlotte Dunne.

DUNNE, Brian Desmond.

4/10/1943 – 23/3/2024

Brother and brother-in-law of Shirley and John (dec) Sullivan. Uncle to Stephen and Jane, Paul and Juliana, Kylie and Mark O’Brien and their families. May he now rest in peace.

DUNNE, Brian.

Dearly loved brother-in-law of Margaret and Michael, Mary and Graeme(dec), Ray and Carmel, Thomas and Joan and their families.

RIP

Forever in our hearts.

DUNNE, Brian.

The Wangaratta

Prostate Cancer Support Group sends our sincerest condolences to Elizabeth and family during this difficult time.

ELLIS, Maxwell Geoffrey.

10/4/1936 – 25/3/2024

The family of Max are saddened to announce his passing.

Much loved husband of Joan (dec). Father of Bernadette, Brian and Amanda. Adored Pop of Darcy, Murray and Shelby. Always in our hearts.

Please see later paper or the Mason Park website for funeral details.

Mason Park Funerals

5721 5060 masonpark.com.au

LEITCH, James Westwood. 12/11/1950 – 22/3/2024

Passed away at home in Rockingham, WA after a brave battle with cancer. Formerly of Boweya, VIC.

Eldest son of Ross and Joan Leitch (dec). Brother of Mary (dec), Elizabeth, Thomas and Andrew.

Much loved and loving partner of Pauline, father of Vanessa, Nathan and Jason, and grandfather to 5 grandchildren.

Much loved Poppy to 9 step-grandchildren and cherished Uncle of 17 nephews and nieces. There will be lots of good sailing and caravaning in the sky. Rest in peace Jimmy.

POVSE (Ramsay) (Chandler), Rose. 23/1/1957-17/3/2024

Loved daughter of Nick and Muriel Ramsay (both dec). Loved sister of Nicholas (dec), Fredrick (dec), Anthony, Neil, Vera, Ken, David (dec), Peter (dec), Heather and Margaret. At peace after a short illness.

POVSE (Ramsy), Rose.

Loved sister of Heather and Jim, Margaret and Doug.

Loved Aunty to Peter, Michael, Damien and Nikkie and their family.

God looked around his garden and found an empty spot. He put his arms around you and lifted you to that spot.

BENNETT

A funeral service to honour the life of Anthony Bennett will be held at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church, 2 Coronation Avenue Bright, commencing at 11.30am on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 followed by interment at the Bright Cemetery.

BRADBURY

A service of thanksgiving for the life of Edgar Ronald Bradbury will be held in the Wesleyan Methodist Church, corner Parfitt and Great Alpine Roads, Wangaratta on Friday, April 5, 2024 commencing at 11am.

A service of committal at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery will precede this service at 10am. No flowers please. Edgar’s Memorial Service may be viewed via livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming

Mason Park Funerals

5721 5060 masonpark.com.au

DAWSON

The service to celebrate the life of Mr Peter Leslie Dawson will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Wednesday April 3, 2024 at 10.30am. Burial will follow at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery.

Mason Park Funerals

5721 5060 masonpark.com.au

DUNNE

Requiem mass for the repose of the soul of the late Mr Brian Dunne will be offered on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Chiltern at 11am. Thereafter the cortege will proceed to the Springhurst Monumental Cemetery.

For livestreaming go to tobinbrothers.com.au

classifieds@nemedia.com.au Phone: 03 5723 0101

BEREAVEMENT THANKS

BUSSELL, Violet Mary.

15/4/1932 – 15/2/2024

We wish to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to family and friends for the condolences, kindness, care and support we received on the recent passing of our dearly loved Mum. We are very appreciative of the care given to Mum by Nurse Practitioner Steve Voogt and the nursing home staff while Mum was a resident of Rangeview Nursing Home.

Thank you to all for helping us commemorate a life well lived, and a Mum, Nanny and Great-Nanny who is sadly missed.

Sue, Michelle, Kris and families.

DEAN, Ron.

The family of the late Ron Dean wish to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation for all the messages of sympathy, kindness and support following the passing of Ron. Please accept this as our personal thanks to all. ~ Dot, Geoffrey, Michelle and families.

The ultimate guide for tourists and locals

WANGARATTA

GOLF CLUB

WGC Competitions: Week ending March 24

Wednesday, March 20

Men’s Competition:18 Hole Stableford

Winner: Graeme Ray 41 Points.

Runner Up: Kurt Schubert 36 C/B

Points.

Ball Winners: David Woodstock, Arnold Sparks, Scott Thomson, Craig Donoghue, Chris Oates, Phill Winnell, Glenn Burns, Dean Campagna, David Ryan.

NTP: 7th Trevor Cooper, 9th Paul Oats, 11th Matt Nicolosi, 16th Trevor Clark.

9 Hole Stableford

Winner: Joe Antic 23 Points.

Runner Up: Peter King.

Ball Winners: Graeme Beale.

March 21 - Women’s Stableford

18 Hole Winner: Glenda Dodson

40 Points.

18 Hole Runner Up: Julie McInnes

39 Points.

Ball Winners: Sue McCall, Sue Miller, Carolyn Sullivan, Barb Woodward, Di Phillips, Jill Halbwidl, Carol Coghill.

9 Hole Winner: Nora Martin 16 Points.

Friday, March 22

Twilight 9 Hole Medley

Winner: Sam Antonacci.

March 23

Women’s 18 Hole Stableford

Winner: Barb Woodward 37 Points.

Runner Up: Sue McCall 35 Points.

NTP 9th: Jan Hill.

Saturday 23rd March 4BBB - Men’s

Competition

Winners: Craig Donoghue & Brandon Bowen 52 Points.

Runners Up: Steve Bismire & Andrew Brereton 49 Points.

NTP: 4th Chris Oates, 7th Matt

Fischer, 9th Dwayne Kerwin, 11th John Southwell, 13th Trevor Cooper, 16th Matt Fischer.

Subway Birdie: Daniel Bihun, Peter Crawford.

McDonalds Birdie: Matt Fischer.

KFC Birdie: Chris Oates.

Eagles: Trevor Cooper & Brandon Bowen.

Raffle Winner: Ed Smith.

JUBILEE GOLF CLUB

Saturday, March 23

Ladies Monthly Medal

Winner: Leeanne Carmody *Medal

Winner* 71.

Ball Winners: Kellie Roberts (2) 72, Jackie O’Brien 74, Ros White 75.

NTP: 4th Ros White, 8th Erica Lombard, 13th Leeanne Carmody, 17th Kelly Roberts.

Saturday, March 23

Men’s Monthly Medal

A Grade: Jeff Elliot 72. Runner Up: Rhys Rigoni 73. B Grade: Jaxon Osmotherly 70. Runner Up: Trevor Gunn 71. C Grade: Patrick Hill 72.

Runner Up: Colin Braden 74. D Grade: Noel Holmes *MEDAL WINNER* 70.

Runner Up: Kevin O’shea 72.

Ball Winners: Julian Bau 71,

Jacob Reidy 72, Wayne Hibberson

73, Gordon Patterson 73, Ken Beitzel

73, Allen Bastin 74, Andrew Charles

74, Tom Aggett 75, Josh Ormand 75, Peter Glidden 75, Daniel Fogarty 75, Wayne Roberts 75, Hamish Lewis 75, Craig French 76.

Super 9

Shirt: Ian Mills 22.

Aroma Deli: Trevor Gunn 21.

2 Balls: Andrew Charles 21.

NTP: 4th Brian Wallace, 8th Alan Bastin, 13th Kevin O’shea, 17th Ian Mills.

Sunday, March 24 - Stableford

A Grade: Ron Webb 38. B Grade: Riley Southwell 37. Ball Winners: Ed Day (2) 35, Rick Harnwell 35, Martin Hill 33, Trevor Morris 33.

NTP: 4th Glen O’Connell, 8th Riley

Southwell, 13th Geoff Nicholson, 17th Chris Palmer.

Monday, March 25 - Stableford

Vets Winner: Brian Luxford 36.

Ball Winners: Alan Sands 36, Bernie Grealy 33.

NTP: 8th John Batchelor.

TARRA GOLF CLUB

TARRAWINGEE Golf Club results

Saturday, March 23

The members held their opening day for the season and they played a mixed Pinehurst with the scratch division being won by a visitor from Beechworth, that being Jacob Howard and June Christesen, the handicap section was won by the club captain Angelo Garraffo and Fay

Phillips with the ball winners being Mark Nolan and Di McLaughlin and Leo McCoy and Lucia DaPos.

NTP for the day: Men 8th Peter Scoullar, Ladies 4th Andrea Simmons.

Golf to be played on Saturday, March 30 being Easter Saturday will be decided on the day.

Hit off times will be 11:30am for a 12:00 noon start.

The members would also like to pass on their condolences to the family members of Kel Richards, a past board member of the club.

Members are always welcome at the Tarrawingee Golf Club, the joining fee is $100 the contact number is 0428122590 or by contacting a member of the club.

WANGARATTA CROQUET CLUB

RESULTS for Monday, March 25 are as follows:

Maureen O’Keefe and Margaret Bennett d Wendy Waddington and Gabi Heywood 7/3, Nathan Reynolds and Terry Wilson d Cheryle Beckley and Lauren Kazenwadel 7/4, Janet Kelly and Joan Dyson d Christine Ireland and Gavan Kelly 7/3.

Last Friday, David Staff from Benalla CC, plus Janet Kelly and Maureen O’Keefe from Wangaratta CC won their respective divisions in the Regional Singles Qualifying Tournament held at Howlong Croquet Club.

They will now represent the North East at the regional finals to be held in Melbourne between April 19 and 21.

Playing days are Monday, Wednesday and Saturday commencing at 9am and Wednesday at 6pm.

Visitors are welcome to come down and enjoy some games with our members.

Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow for the draw to be done.

Late arrivals will be included in the next game.

The club is located at 46 Ryan Avenue, Wangaratta.

For further information please contact president Susan Fischer on 0417217009 or secretary Terry Wilson on 0417326739.

HAPPY HITTERS: (L-R) Jubilee golfers Liane Graham, Vicki Moorhead and Sue Clayton. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

WANGARATTA Chronicle photographer Marc Bongers made his way down to the final round of the junior tennis season recently. Photographs can be purchased at the Chronicle.

BEN HOGAN

AVA RYAN

TESSA KOOP AND ALICE RENDELL

PHOEBE READ

JAMES WILKINSON

ROSE HOGAN

NICHOLAS BRAIN

 JUNIOR TENNIS PLAYERS ENJOYED THEIR LAST HIT OF THE SUMMER AT MERRIWA PARK

Bulldogs head up the mountain in opener MATCH PREVIEWS

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

THE traditional Easter fixture between Tarrawingee and Bright at Pioneer Park is one of the biggest days in both clubs’ calendars, and this weekend’s opening round is set to amplify it.

The Bulldogs will make the trip up the mountain to play on Easter Saturday, with Tarrawingee’s A grade netball squad angling to start their season on the right foot.

A dominant 2023 season saw Tarrawingee finish third overall at the end of the home and away season, and fall one point short of a grand final appearance.

With a new look side and a new coach, the Bulldogs will be aiming for a solid win to begin their flag campaign.

“I’m feeling really confident we’ve done everything we need to do for preseason to be prepared for the start of the season,” Tarrawingee A grade coach Maddie Canning said.

“Saturday’s going to be hot (~31 degrees), but I think with the preseason we’ve done with the preseason comp and the extra fitness training will hold us in good stead.

“There are always nerves, you never know what you’re going to get when it comes to Bright, they’re a fantastic side - that first game is always nervous, no matter what’s happening.”

Bright will come out and play in front of a bumper home crowd with intensity, aiming to improve on their 1-17 record from 2023.

With a new-look side, and a screaming home crowd behind them, Bright will leave everything on the court.

Canning said the Bulldogs won’t be taking any opposition lightly.

“Bright’s always such a fantastic environment up there, with all of the extra tourism for Easter, it brings a different vibe to the

game, but we’re really excited just to get going,” she said.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase A grade netball and women in sport, so I think it’s a fantastic opportunity to take the court and try our best.

“Bright are always fantastic in round one, and the last couple of times we’ve played them they’ve always challenged us, so I’m expecting very much the same thing.

“We’ve got Tayla McPhail who will play A grade as a debutant

this year, as well as Mollie Shanley.

“They both will start on Saturday, and we’re really looking forward to seeing them gel within the team.”

Bright takes on Tarrawingee at Pioneer Park in round one of the O&K this weekend.

In other matches, the Bombers host Benalla All Blacks and the Blues head to Moyhu on Good Friday, while King Valley takes on Milawa at Whitfield on Saturday.

Roos launch season at home to Demons

By NATHAN DE VRIES

KING Valley will have a tough task this weekend to open their account in 2024, hosting a powerhouse Milawa Demons outfit at Whitfield on Easter Saturday.

In front of a heaving crowd, both sides will look to begin their season in strong fashion, and set the stage for a productive and successful year.

Co-coach Jack Davies said the preseason period had been extremely positive at the Valley.

“We’ve had good numbers throughout our preseason, and we’ve worked really hard for this opportunity in round one, so the boys are keen,” he said.

“We’ve obviously welcomed back our past best and fairest winner in Conner Shanley, and we’ll have a few other class players in Ben Bray and Ollie Willet throughout the season.

“It’d be great to see those boys show their talent out on the field and fit in nicely with our group.”

The Easter match is always a massive one at Whitfield, and Davies can think of no better opponent to face than Milawa.

The Roos haven’t lost a senior hit-out to Milawa at their home ground for the past few seasons, most sensationally a one-point win last year.

“It’s a completely different ground to other grounds, being a lot smaller, you can’t open teams up as much, so if you can bring the pressure and willingness to get in and get the footy, it goes a long way at the Valley,” he said.

“It’s a great test, they’re one of the major outfits in the competition, and they’re recruited quite well in the off-season.

“It’s a good opportunity for us, a good test to see where we’re at early in the season. Easter Saturday for us is a massive game, so if we bring a lot of pressure and high amounts of energy, you never know what could happen.

“We know they’re a class side, we know it’s not going to be easy.” Milawa co-coach Matt Graham said the Easter Saturday match was sure to be a brilliant spectacle.

“Easter weekend at King Valley, I don’t think we could ask for a better start to the season,” he said.

“It’s a fantastic ground to play on early in the season, and it’s going to be a really good game of football.

“The way King Valley has always played is they play hard and tough football.

“We haven’t won up there for almost three seasons now, so there is a monkey we need to get off our back up there, and the boys are 100 per cent focussed on making sure we perform.”

Footy’s here, and it’s G-Day for Hoppers

■ From back page

“Greta, with their straight-sets exit last year in the finals, I’m sure they’re out to prove they’re better than that, and with a few big recruits we’ve got a big challenge ahead of us.

“It’s a matter of trying to play our game and match it with their game.”

The Hoppers skew younger than many sides in the O&K, but their athletic ability and willingness to make a contest will hold them in good stead.

“We want to see where we sit, I suppose - we know there’s probably four really good sides in it, and we’re up against one this week,” Bell said.

“I just want to see how our new leadership group plays their roles this week, and get the boys up and about.

“We’ve got Liam Cook and Matt Thrum as our new co-captains, they’ve been really good over the preseason, I couldn’t ask any more out of them, and another six or seven boys have stood up underneath them as well.

“Greta have got that many players you’ve got to watch from all ends of the ground, so we’ve all just got to be accountable.

“I know their midfield, there are a few good ones in the league, but they’re right up there, especially with a couple of recruits they’ve picked up.

“We’re going to be hard pressed in there, but we’ve worked on a lot of midfield stuff so we’re prepared.”

Bell said the atmosphere would be incredible out at Moyhu, with the fences packed with locals and tourists eager to take in some exciting footy.

“It’s great we’re the opening match of the season on Good Friday, home ground, so it’s a big spectacle for the boys,” he said.

“They’re all excited, and I just hope they can hold their nerves and make a good account of themselves.

“It was great last year out at Greta in the second round last year, but in the first round everyone’s excited to see where everyone sits.

“I’m sure there will be plenty of people there, holidaymakers as well, so it promises to be an exciting start to the O&K.”

The Hoppers take on Greta at Moyhu tomorrow, with the senior match to begin from 2pm.

ROOS READY: Beau Wheeler and King Valley will face off against the Milawa Demons on Easter Saturday at Whitfield. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

EASTER NETBALL: Maddie Canning and the Bulldogs will hope to take the chocolates over Bright at Pioneer Park this Easter Saturday.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

ON THE HOP: George Hearn and Moyhu take on Greta at home tomorrow to begin their 2024 )&K season. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Magpies set for first clash under new coach

By WILLSON MACK

ON the netball court this weekend, no doubt Wangaratta will be odds-on favourites but the Rovers are ready to give it their all.

While the Magpies are expected to finish at the top end of the ladder in 2024, round one is always the unknown and could the Hawks surprise on Good Friday?

The Magpies will step out on court for the first time under coach Shea Cunningham who said herself and her team can’t wait for round one to begin.

“The girls are feeling excited and can’t wait for the game to get underway,” Cunningham said.

“Pre-season feels like forever for the players but not long enough for

the coaches but it’s going to be great to get going.”

Wangaratta’s goal circle shapes as one of the most exciting in the competition with Amanda Umanski, Georgia Clark and Kellie Keen all established players in the competition.

“Amanda’s looking good post her knee rehab,” she said.

“She’s looking stronger and heaps more confident in her knee which is really exciting for her and the team.

“She’s not going to be just a holding goaler this year, she’ll get on the move and play a few different roles.”

Cunningham can’t wait to see the trio in action together.

“We’re so lucky to have two tall goalers in Georgia and Amanda, I think they compliment each

Perfect autumn weather for croquet at the Wangaratta Lawn

other really well,” she said.

“And then to have Kellie Keen who can come on and play in front of one of them will be great as well.

“I certainly feel like we’ve got a nice trifecta in there who will also be great leaders for a younger goalers like Rose Henry when they come up and play in the A grade.”

Spectators at Norm Minns Oval will also get to see the addition of former Yarrawonga player Abbey Jones who arrived at the Magpies in the summer.

“Abbey Jones will play which is super exciting,” Cunningham said.

“She’s been a super pick up for us and was able to have a hit out in our practice match last weekend.

“She held her own and looked really good.”

Concussion guidelines updated

THE AFL has released updated guidelines on the Management of SportRelated Concussion in Australian Football at all levels of the game outside AFL and AFLW.

The guidelines, designed to help those involved in the game including medical staff, volunteers, coaches, players, parents and administrators, outline the steps in the initial management of a suspected concussion and the stages for return-toplay following concussion.

In the guidelines, the earliest that a player may return to play (once they have completed a graded loading program and have obtained medical clearance) is on the 21st day following the concussion (where the day of concussion is designated day “0”).

This means that a player who is concussed in a match on a Saturday will miss at least the next two Saturday matches and will only be able to return to play on the third Saturday (i.e., the 21st day after the concussion was sustained) if they have recovered according to the protocols and have been medically cleared to return to play.

In many cases, recovery will be slower than the minimum 21 days.

How concussion presents and the rate and pattern of recovery, vary from person to person and injury to injury.

Players will also have different individual circumstances and the return to play program must be individualised based on progress and medical clearance, rather than the number of days since the incident.

The guidelines (along with other supporting resources) are available at https://play.afl/ learning-resource/aflcommunity-concussionguidelines#article-1.

The AFL recently announced important developments in relation to the returnto-play protocols in the concussion guidelines for AFL and AFLW and all levels of Australian Football, including community football, which has led to the release of the updated guidelines.

The new community football guidelines and the elite football guidelines are in-step with the recent Australian Institute of Sport’s Concussion and Brain Health Position Statement regarding return-to-play protocols post-concussion.

Cassie Hurley takes a shot.

Cheryl Sampson, Heather Gulbin, Clive Jones, Annette Filipek, Anne Dodd, Lorraine Johnston and Cassie Hurley.

Annette takes a break for a snack.

Talking tactics.

Annette Filipek tries to block Anna Dodd’s Green.

Trish Rogash going for the hoop.

Heather Gulbin looks to see what Clive Jones’ yellow will do.

ROUND ONE: Wangaratta’s Amanda Umanski will be hoping to get her season off to a flier.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

THIS Sunday morning it was perfect autumn weather for croquet at the Wangaratta Lawn Tennis, Croquet and Pickleball Courts.

Magpies recr uits to recruits to step out in step out in derby affair affair

ROUND one is here and there’s no better way to celebrate the start of a new football and netball season than a derby.

Wangaratta and Wangaratta Rovers will meet on Good Friday at Norm Minns Oval under lights in what shapes as a fascinating contest given both outfits have recruited well over the offseason.

For the Magpies, they’ve brought in the class of former AFL player Patrick Naish, as well as West Preston Lakeside duo Alex Federico and Aidan Tilley, while the familiar names of Brad Melville and Nick Richards also return.

Wangaratta coach Ben Reid said he can’t wait for tomorrow night.

“A round one derby at home, under lights will be exciting,” Reid said.

“It’s always a good time of year and I think with the AFL going for the last few weeks everyone’s been ready for footy to start.

“Hopefully we can get a good crowd in because I’m

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

A round one derby at home, under lights will be exciting.

- WANGARATTA COACH BEN REID

sure it’s going to be a good game, both sides have recruited well.”

The Magpies will have to keep close tabs on former Carlton player Lochie O’Brien who’s fresh off an AFL list, while NTFL star Kieran Parnell will be dangerous off half-back.

“It’s always hard to tell how sides are going to be in round one but you still need to keep

WANGARATTA Rovers will be looking to make a statement in Friday night’s derby at Norm Minns Oval.

The Good Friday clash shapes as one of the most anticipated derby’s in recent years with both the Rovers and Magpies expected to go well in 2024.

The Hawks enjoyed a stellar season of recruiting gaining the massive signature of former Carlton player Lochie O’Brien, as well as NTFL gun Kieran Parnell and EDFL duo Xavier Allison and Sam Cattapan.

Rovers football operations manager Barry Sullivan said there’s a buzz around the club heading into round one.

“Every year when round one comes around it’s an exciting opportunity to see how the pre-season has gone and where you’re situated after a long summer,” Sullivan said.

“But then to be playing the Magpies on Good Friday just adds to the excitement even more.

“Hopefully there’s a fair crowd there on Friday night to see all grades of footy and netball on the paddock.”

The Hawks have tried a number of new things over the summer, one of those running Sam Murray in the midfield which could cause the Magpies

on eye on them and what they might do,” Reid said.

“Rovers will probably have three or four new boys but apart from that they probably haven’t changed a hell of a lot.

“Both clubs know a fair bit about each other but with round one you’re never sure whether there’s going to be a change of game plan or what not.”

WANGARATTA ROVERS LOOKING TO MAKE A STATEMENT

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

a headache if it comes to fruition on Friday.

“After last season we were looking at where we could improve and the midfield was one of those areas,” Sullivan said.

“We tried some things with our midfield over the summer and we believe we’ve now got more depth in there.

“I think the midfield battle is going to be really exciting.”

The Hawks were blown away by 83-points in the most recent derby and Sullivan said they are keen to make amends.

“They did a number on us in the last derby we played so we don’t want that to happen again,” he said.

“From what I’ve seen over the preseason and our practice match form I feel quite optimistic about Friday and feel that we can take it up to them.

“It would be a massive statement to win round one but it won’t be easy because they’re such a good side.”

Reid said all of the Magpies’ recruits will play tomorrow.

“All of our recruits will play which is really exciting,” he said.

“The one everyone will be excited to see is Brad Melville back home, I’m not sure when the last time he would’ve played round one at Wangaratta would’ve been so we can’t wait to get

him for a whole year.

“His leadership across the board is so valuable and he adds a lot to our side.

“Pat Naish, Alex Federico and Dan Sharrock may all team up in the midfield at some stage too which we’re looking forward to seeing.”

While Reid couldn’t give too much away on how his side will play in 2024, he said

his side is just looking to be consistent.

“We just want to play as close to our best footy week in week out,” he said.

“It’s easy to look down the track but I feel like if you just keep it a week at a time it pays off in the long run.

“I can’t wait to see how we look on Friday night because you never really know until round one.”

Every year when round one comes around it’s an exciting opportunity to see how the preseason has gone and where you’re situated after a long summer.

- ROVERS FOOTBALL OPERATIONS MANAGER BARRY SULLIVAN

MAGPIES DEBUT: Wangaratta recruit Alex Federico will play on Good Friday.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

100 GAMER: Will Nolan will play his 100th game in Friday night’s derby.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

Hill’s officially on top of the tennis world

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

MICHELLE Hill is officially the world’s number one doubles player in her age group.

Hill’s ascent to the top of the world rankings follows a summer of sustained success where she won tournaments at state and national level, excelling in all three formats of competition; singles, doubles and mixed.

Over the past few months the local star claimed the winner’s title in singles, doubles and mixed at the Victorian Claycourt Championships in Melbourne and emulated that achievement in the Victorian Grasscourt Championships.

Hill also claimed the singles and doubles titles at January’s Masters National Championships in Hobart, while most recently she won the doubles and mixed doubles at the Oceania Championships earlier this month.

Hill said it’s exciting to reach number one.

“I reached the number two singles player last year which was really exciting and I hadn’t really considered reaching number one in doubles,” Hill said.

“Last year at the world championships we lost the doubles semifinal 10-7 in a tie-break and if we had won that match I would’ve reached number one then.

“I won the Australian Championships in January and then played the Oceania Championships at Kooyong and won that and that got me the 1000 points which got me to number one.

“The rankings can change every week depending on what happens overseas but it’s definitely exciting to reach number one.”

Hill had a fantastic 2023 where she won 20 of her 24 doubles games and 24 of her 28 singles matches.

“I had a big year last year, Peter and I travelled to Europe and I played a few tournaments over there and then I came back and played tournaments over here,” Hill said.

“Over here I played in the Victorian Grasscourt Championships, Victorian Hardcourt Championships, Australian Hardcourt Championships and Oceania Championships so I try and play all of the tournaments in Australia.”

Hill’s attention is now firmly on the Masters World Championships in Mexico where she will be captain of the Australian team in her age group.

Hill will be playing in the teams

event week one followed by the individual titles in week two and will be ranked highly in the doubles (1), singles (2) and mixed (4) events.

“We’ve got a strong team this year and it would be great to win a medal,” Hill said.

“Apart from the world championships Peter and I aren’t too sure if we’ll play anywhere else overseas yet.

“I go up an age group next year so we’re deciding whether we go this year or just wait until next year.”

Hill said the combination of

playing tennis and travelling is a dream come true.

“It’s just great, I get to play tennis and see the world at the same time – it’s the beauty of it,” she said.

“There’s tournaments all over the world, you can go to Europe, South America, North America –there’s tournaments everywhere so we don’t tend to go back and play somewhere we’ve already been.”

Hill thanked her usual doubles partner Wanda Howes and also her hitting partners for their help.

“I’d like to thank my hitting

partners for keeping me in form, I hit with my husband Peter and bit and have a weekly hit with Michael Rutledge who gives me plenty of good practice,” she said.

“Also Phil Peck, Frank Harris and Barry Sullivan down at the Wangaratta Lawn Tennis Croquet and Pickleball Club, I play doubles with the, on a Thursday which is always great fun.

“I’d also like to thank my regular doubles partner Wanda Howes, she’s from Melbourne and is the number two doubles player in the world and we’ll be playing together in Mexico.”

WAITING: Georgia Mahoney and the Lady Devils won’t be back in action until their FA Cup match with Diamonds on Thursday, April 4. PHOTO: Kat De Naps Photography

Lady Devils on break

By NATHAN DE VRIES

EVEN though their season just started, the league-wide Easter weekend off means the Lady Devils won’t be on the park this weekend.

The division one women’s side was saddled with the bye in round one, and only played their first game of the season last weekend, a 9-0 destruction of Albury City.

Now, the Lady Devils will have to wait another week to continue their season, but once they make their return, they face a massive block of matches.

The Lady Devils will play every weekend until the King’s Birthday break on Sunday, June 9, with hopefully more than one midweek FA Cup clash thrown in.

Senior coach Terry Masters said the side faced a massive block of matches which is sure to test the durability of the squad, but he had faith in the depth of players available.

“This year, because it’s a full league, basically, there aren’t too many byes,” he said.

“After Easter, the only weekend we get off is the King’s Birthday weekend.

“On Thursday, April 4 we’ve got an FA Cup game against Diamonds, and then we play Diamonds again on the Sunday, but it’s not just 11 players, there’s a squad now, so we can use 15, 16 players if we need.

“We’ve got young girls coming through that will be there for at least three years, depending on what they do with their schooling.

“We’re a very young side which is good – that’s why people like (Caitlin) Rizzo and Hannah (Swindley) are important for these young kids to help them out on the park.

“There are people in the division two who are putting their hand up - the div two girls did well as well (last weekend), we had basically an under 16s side, Sibel (Primerano) scored two goals and Samantha Scott scored a goal.”

Wangaratta’s women return to play on Thursday, April 4 in their first round FA Cup clash with Wodonga Diamonds.

SUPERSTAR: Michelle Hill has been dominating the masters tennis circuit.

Thursday,

Friday,

Saturday,

Sunday, March

Western Bulldogs

West Coast Eagles (MRVL) Richmond vs. Sydney Swans (MCG) (T)

Monday, April 1

Hawthorn vs. Geelong Cats (MCG)

Byes: Gold Coast SUNS, GWS GIANTS

O&K FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE 2024 OFFICIAL FIXTURE

Round 1 March 29, 30

Bonnie Doon vs Benalla Good Friday

Moyhu vs Greta Good Friday

Bright vs Tarrawingee Easter Saturday

King Valley vs Milawa Easter Saturday

Whorouly, North Wangaratta, Goorambat - BYE

Round 2 April 6

Bright vs Milawa

Benalla vs Whorouly

Greta vs Goorambat

North Wangaratta vs Moyhu

Tarrawingee vs King Valley

Bonnie Doon - BYE

Round 3 April 13

Benalla vs Bright

Goorambat vs King Valley

Moyhu vs Bonnie Doon

Tarrawingee vs Greta

Whorouly vs North Wangaratta

Milawa - BYE

Round 4 April 20

Bright vs Whorouly

Bonnie Doon vs Greta

King Valley vs Moyhu

Milawa vs Tarrawingee

North Wangaratta vs Goorambat

Benalla - BYE

Round 5 April 27

Greta vs North Wangaratta

Goorambat vs Whorouly

King Valley vs Bright

Milawa vs Bonnie Doon

Moyhu vs Benalla

Tarrawingee - BYE

Round 6 May 4

Bright vs Goorambat

Greta vs Benalla

Milawa vs North Wangaratta

Tarrawingee vs Bonnie Doon

Whorouly vs King Valley

Moyhu - BYE

Round 7 May 11

Benalla vs King Valley

Greta vs Whorouly

Goorambat vs Bonnie Doon

North Wangaratta vs Tarrawingee

Moyhu vs Milawa

Bright - BYE

Round 8 May 18

Bonnie Doon vs King Valley

Goorambat vs Benalla

North Wangaratta vs Bright

Whorouly vs Milawa

Tarrawingee vs Moyhu

Greta - BYE

Round 9 May 25

Bright vs Greta

Benalla vs Tarrawingee

King Valley vs North Wangaratta

Moyhu vs Goorambat

Whorouly vs Bonnie Doon

Milawa - BYE

Round 10 June 1

Bonnie Doon vs North Wangaratta

Greta vs King Valley

Milawa vs Goorambat

Moyhu vs Bright

Whorouly vs Tarrawingee

Benalla - BYE

Round 11 June 15

Benalla vs Milawa

Greta vs Moyhu

Goorambat vs Bright

King Valley vs Tarrawingee

North Wangaratta vs Whorouly

Bonnie Doon - BYE

Round 12 June 22

Bright vs Bonnie Doon

Milawa vs Greta

North Wangaratta vs Benalla

Moyhu vs Whorouly

Tarrawingee vs Goorambat

King Valley - BYE

Round 13 June 29

Bonnie Doon vs Moyhu

Goorambat vs Greta

Milawa vs King Valley

Tarrawingee vs Bright

Whorouly vs Benalla

North Wangaratta - BYE

Round 14 Naidoc Week 1 - July 6

Benalla vs Moyhu

Bonnie Doon vs Milawa

Greta vs Bright

Goorambat vs North Wangaratta

King Valley vs Whorouly

Tarrawingee - BYE

Round 15 NAIDOC WEEK 2 - July 13

Bright vs Benalla

Bonnie Doon vs Goorambat

North Wangaratta vs Greta

Moyhu vs King Valley

Tarrawingee vs Milawa

Whorouly - BYE

Round 16

Bright vs Moyhu

Benalla vs Bonnie Doon

King Valley vs Goorambat

Milawa vs Whorouly

Tarrawingee vs North Wangaratta

Greta - BYE

Round 17

King Valley vs Greta

Milawa vs Benalla

North Wangaratta vs Bonnie Doon

Moyhu vs Tarrawingee

Whorouly vs Bright

Goorambat - BYE

July 20

July 27

Round 18 August 3

Benalla vs North Wangaratta

Greta vs Tarrawingee

Goorambat vs Milawa

King Valley vs Bonnie Doon

Whorouly vs Moyhu

Bright - BYE

Round 19 August 10

Bright vs North Wangaratta

Tarrawingee vs Benalla

Bonnie Doon vs Whorouly

Greta vs Milawa

Goorambat vs Moyhu

King Valley - BYE

Round 20 August 17

Benalla vs Goorambat

Bonnie Doon vs Tarrawingee

Milawa vs Bright

North Wangaratta vs King Valley

Whorouly vs Greta

Moyhu - BYE

OVENS AND KING FINALS: Elimination Finals - August 24/25; Semi Finals - August 31, September 1; Preliminary Final - September 7; Grand Final - September 14

O&M FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE 2024 OFFICIAL FIXTURE

Round 1 Easter Weekend 29, 30 & 31 March

Wodonga Raiders vs Lavington Fri 29th

Wangaratta vs Wang Rovers Fri 29th – 6pm

Corowa Rutherglen vs Albury Sat 30th

Myrtleford vs North Albury Sun 31st

Yarrawonga vs Wodonga Sun 31st

Round 2 6 April

Albury vs Wodonga Raiders

Wang Rovers vs Corowa Rutherglen

North Albury vs Wangaratta

Wodonga vs Myrtleford

Lavington vs Yarrawonga

Round 3 13 April

Wodonga Raiders vs Wang Rovers

Corowa Rutherglen vs North Albury

Wangaratta vs Wodonga 6pm

Myrtleford vs Yarrawonga

Albury vs Lavington

Round 4 20 April

Yarrawonga vs Wangaratta

Lavington vs Myrtleford

Wodonga vs Corowa Rutherglen

North Albury vs Wodonga Raiders

Wang Rovers vs Albury

Round 5 ANZAC Split Round 25, 27, 28 April & 4 May

Wod. Raiders vs Wodonga Thu 25th – 3pm

Albury vs North Albury Thu 25th

Wangaratta vs Myrtleford Sat 27th

Corowa Rutherglen vs Yarrawonga Sun 28th

Lavington vs Wang Rovers Sat 4th

Round 6

Yarrawonga vs Wodonga Raiders

11 May

Myrtleford vs Corowa Rutherglen

Wangaratta vs Lavington

Wodonga vs Albury

North Albury vs Wang Rovers

Round 7 18 May

Wodonga Raiders vs Myrtleford

Corowa Rutherglen vs Wangaratta

Albury vs Yarrawonga

Wang Rovers vs Wodonga

Lavington vs North Albury

Interleague Bye 25 May

Round 8 1 June

Wodonga Raiders vs Corowa Rutherglen

Albury vs Wangaratta

Wang Rovers vs Myrtleford

North Albury vs Yarrawonga

Lavington vs Wodonga

Round 9 King’s Birthday 8 June

Wangaratta vs Wodonga Raiders

Corowa Rutherglen vs Lavington

Myrtleford vs Albury

Yarrawonga vs Wang Rovers

Wodonga vs North Albury

Round 10 Split Round

15, 22 & 23 June

Albury vs Corowa Rutherglen Sat 15th

North Albury vs Myrtleford Sat 15th

Lavington vs Wodonga Raiders Sat 22nd

Wodonga vs Yarrawonga Sat 22nd

Wang Rovers vs Wangaratta Sun 23rd

Round 11 29 June

Wodonga Raiders vs Albury

Corowa Rutherglen vs Wang Rovers

Wangaratta vs North Albury

Myrtleford vs Wodonga

Yarrawonga vs Lavington

Round 12

Indigenous Round 6 July

Wang Rovers vs Wodonga Raiders

North Albury vs Corowa Rutherglen

Wodonga vs Wangaratta

Yarrawonga vs Myrtleford

Lavington vs Albury

Round 13 13 July

Wodonga Raiders vs North Albury

Corowa Rutherglen vs Wodonga

Wangaratta vs Yarrawonga

Myrtleford vs Lavington

Albury vs Wang Rovers

Round 14 20 July

Wodonga vs Wodonga Raiders

Yarrawonga vs Corowa Rutherglen

Myrtleford vs Wangaratta

North Albury vs Albury

Wang Rovers vs Lavington

Hall of Fame Function Wed 24 July

Hall of Fame Showdown 27 July

North Albury vs Lavington

Round 15 3 August

Wodonga Raiders vs Yarrawonga

Corowa Rutherglen vs Myrtleford

Albury vs Wodonga

Lavington vs Wangaratta

Wang Rovers vs North Albury

Round 16 10 August

Myrtleford vs Wodonga Raiders

Wangaratta vs Corowa Rutherglen

Yarrawonga vs Albury

Wodonga vs Wang Rovers

Round 17 17 August

Corowa Rutherglen vs Wodonga Raiders

Wangaratta vs Albury

Myrtleford vs Wang Rovers

Yarrawonga vs North Albury

Wodonga vs Lavington

Round 18 24 August

Wodonga Raiders vs Wangaratta

Lavington vs Corowa Rutherglen

Albury vs Myrtleford

Wang Rovers vs Yarrawonga

OVENS AND MURRAY FINALS

Qualifying Final 31 August

Elimination Final 1 September

2nd Semi Final 7 September

1st Semi Final 8 September

Preliminary Final 15 September

Grand Final 22 September (Lavington)

AFL NORTH EAST BORDER

AFLNEB is focusing on junior participation

By ZAC HEDIN AFL North East Border Region Manager

THE 2024 football and netball season is now upon us, and the season ahead presents many exciting opportunities, along with some mouth-watering match-ups on the fields and courts.

As a region we continue to explore growth opportunities for the game while we are faced with participation trends in certain areas which are impacting on all sports, not just football.

Across the region, participation at junior levels continues to be a big focus, with a key focus on recruitment, transition and retention of our junior footballers.

As a region and with our participation team we have narrowed our focus to target schools and communities with low participation rates, giving every child an opportunity to get a football in their hands.

With an acknowledgement that participation rates peak in the 12-13 year old age group, we can prepare for the projected decreases experienced in all team sports at mid to late teenage years by ensuring we maximise interest at entry levels.

The more numbers playing the game at under 12 and below, the better the scenarios are for participation in future years.

The challenge for all stakeholders in our game is to maintain engagement in AFL as players transition through their careers.

The role of club presidents, committees and of our coaches to ensure a positive match day experience for players and families has never been more important.

In some instances, the reality is that the game will need to continually evolve at both club and league level as the community needs of football and netball changes.

This itself can be exciting yet incredibly challenging.

As a code we cannot stand still

and must continue to assess and plan for the game’s future which requires ultimate collaboration at all levels of the game.

Throughout 2024, AFLNEB will work in partnership with our leagues to deliver coach and club education, as well as trialling new initiatives to improve the game day experience for everyone involved at the games – such as the introduction of the AFLNEB Club Development Conference

held in March which attracted over 80 club volunteers. With the Community Club Sustainability Program now embedded with the Player Points System and Allowable Player Payment Rule, the environment in which clubs operate is regulated and has shown to be having an impact on the processes senior clubs adopt to financial management and player management.

This is a positive and encourages well managed clubs.

What we are also seeing is a greater focus by clubs on junior pathways and retention which should not just be about the most talented, but must also include developing players who aspire to play the game for enjoyment and social engagement regardless of the standard.

The AFLNEB Commission remains committed to local football at all levels and to decision making in the best interests for football in the region.

To attain ultimate collaboration necessitates making decisions that are not always popular or well received as understandable, leagues and clubs have individual priorities which aren’t necessarily considerate of the regional strategy or direction.

Again, 2024 will be exciting at all levels and we look forward to celebrating all that is country football and netball in our region and collectively managing the challenges which will be presented.

In doing so, we look forward to working with clubs and individuals who are the backbone of the game.

We look forward to seeing everyone out enjoying their football and netball, whether that be as a player, umpire, volunteer, coach, passionate spectator or interested onlooker in 2024.

See you at the football and netball!

Spectacular

King football and netball

IT seems like it’s crept up on everyone, but it’s finally here –the 2024 Ovens and King football and netball season is about to commence.

The five grades of netball and two football will battle it out over the next 20 weeks for a shot at ultimate glory in the finals series, set for late August.

But there’s a lot of sport to get through first.

Bonnie Doon will look to retain their senior football crown, while Greta’s netballers will attempt to make history as the only club to claim six consecutive A grade netball titles.

Bright took out the reserves football crown and look to be just as strong, while the Blues and Bombers will be tough to beat in the lower grades of netball.

In the football, youth is the name of the game, with Moyhu, King Valley and Tarrawingee taking the time to invest in the next generation of footballers, while Bright has gotten even more dangerous across all three lines. Massive recruitment has taken place at Milawa, Greta and North Wangaratta over the off-season, with the depth of their lists sure to be on full display.

Benalla, Goorambat and Whorouly look impressive and will be sure to push some of the top teams – underestimate them at your peril.

In the netball, the triumvirate of teams will again set the standard for A grade netball, with Greta, Milawa and Tarrawingee all looking powerful. The Roos, Bombers and Lions will be tough to beat again, after

recruiting well and fine-tuning aspects of their game.

Moyhu and Goorambat will look to surprise some teams, while Bright and North Wangaratta will work on getting the best squads they can on the

court and push for a finals spot as well. With such a competitive and evenly-matched season across every single grade of football and netball, there’s never been a better time to head out to your

local match and take in some of the scintillating sporting action. Be sure to catch as many games as you can this year, and support your local sports clubs and their sponsors – and be sure to cheer on your side!

HISTORY IN THE MAKING: Greta’s A grade squad will shoot for an unprecedented sixth consecutive title, a league record, in season 2024. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Exciting changes for female footy growth

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

WITH the endorsement of a new club, more themed rounds and a pilot Under 12s program, the North East Border Female Football League is clearly seeing positive growth as players gear up for the 2024 season.

League operations manager Matthew Elliott said numbers remain consistent with previous years, though new faces are common across the league.

“We sit at around the 450 mark but we find its not always the same majority of players,” he said.

“We’ve got some exciting additions this year though with the endorsement of a North Albury club and later in the season we’ll pilot an Under 12s group to bridge the age gap.

“At the moment we have Under 14s, Under 17s and open women’s (the seniors), but what we’re trying to do is bridge the gap for younger players.

“Children aged 10 turning 11 and 11, 12 and 13 year olds can play in Under 14 but that’s a four year catchment so we want to complete that pathway for girls of that younger age.

“The younger girls still have the option to play in boys teams at that age but we feel as a region we want to complete the female pathway and provide an opportunity to play with girls closer to their age.

“The pilot this year will be unscored and no awards but if we implement it as a competition next year we may need to adjust other

age groups to spread out the age of players but that’s to be discussed after evaluating how it goes.”

Mr Elliot said the league is still finalising the fixture but the start weekend will be Sunday, April 7 with the grand final on August 18.

“We’ve got similar rounds as last year but this time we’ve formalised more of our themed rounds,” he said.

“Two consecutive weekends in July; July 7 and 14, will focus on the Indigenous theme round aligning with NAIDOC Week celebrations.

“We’re also introducing pride rounds on June 2 and 16, both of these were suggested and lead by the clubs and Rovers have put together a pride themed jumper already.”

WANGARATTA Rovers’ open women’s co-coach Kate Burns said pre-season has been strong with a core group of players returning and a number of new arrivals.

“We’re excited about both the new talent and the talent we get to develop ourselves as they all bring something to the table,” she said.

“We had a practice match against Moonee Valley in an established

metropolitan competition which was very close so we know we’re on the right track.

“Myself and co-coach Ollie Morton Rodaro are in our second year and are starting to see some of the building blocks in terms of game style taking shape.”

Both past players and new additions have been flagged as impactful for the season.

“Emma Gosbell is primed for another amazing year; she’s won three best and fairest in a row and is looking every bit as strong and impressive as she has so we expect her to be an integral part of the side,” Burns said.

“Charli Simmonds; a new player from the Northern Territory, brings a lot of experience and is a dynamic player who can play any position on the ground.

“Alice Minn who relocated to Wangaratta after playing metro footy in Melbourne has a lot of experience and is a terrific leader who can play key positions and that experience will make a big difference for us.

“Returning players Ella Bradley and Jacinta Findlay have really stepped up their intensity and have put in big pre-season so if they continue into the season the way they’ve been tracking those two will have a pretty big impact.

“Our players are really hungry to improve and get fitter, stronger and better and they want more time together so we’re pretty confident we’re coming into the season ahead of where we finished.

“Last year we finished in a prelim final so we should be aiming high.”

RARING TO GO: Paige-Lee Dummet is among the young chargers at Wangaratta Rovers.

Thrilling season awaits junior footballers

By MATTHEW ELLIOTT, WDJFL operations manager

SEASON 2024 is around the corner for the Wangaratta and District Junior Football League, with clubs stepping into the pre-season with enthusiasm and excitement.

The league currently boasts more than 600 registered players, with more to register prior to Round 1.

With the season commencing the weekend of April 13 and 14, players have arrived at training ready to enjoy playing football with their club mates.

Player retention is strong as we move from the 2023 season - the league is encouraged by the efforts of club committees to build positive environments for the young players which ensures they continue to return year after year.

The U12s competition will feature 10 teams, including Benalla’s two sides, now known as Benalla Red and Benalla Black.

This change has been implemented for the club’s U14 and U17 sides, moving away from the Giants and Bulldogs monikers of the past and reflecting the ‘one-club’ mantra as they progress into the future on a united front.

Keep an eye out for the new reversible guernseys the Red and Black teams will be showcasing this season.

Having fielded two teams in 2023, Myrtleford will be represented by one team in 2024 and have great registration numbers in this age group already.

A total of 12 teams will contest the U14 premiership, with Mansfield

joining the fray with two sides.

With close to 50 registered players, time will tell if their Yellow or Blue side will finish higher on the ladder, with the Yellow side completing the 2023 season three wins better off than the Blue side.

Finishing fifth and sixth on the ladder respectively, this is a testament to the club’s endeavours to field two evenly matched teams, ensuring all players extract the optimal benefits

from their time in the sport.

Looking to the U17 competition, we will have an 11-team competition in 2024.

If the 2023 season is an indication, this is set to once again be a hotlycontested premiership, with only eight points separating the top seven teams last year.

With many players benefiting from pre-season training with senior clubs, the players are well-drilled and return to their clubs as mature

leaders ahead of this year.

The WDJFL will enter two U14 and two U16 teams in AFL North East Border’s Junior Carnival, hosted at Lavington Sports Ground on Sunday, May 19.

The league has scheduled a general bye for this weekend to ensure players are well-rested to strongly represent our league.

Everyone is welcome to attend the carnival to support our teams and enjoy a wonderful day of

representative football.

The league’s presentation event will be held on Monday, September 2, and will prove to be another fantastic event to celebrate our season.

The season culminates with Grand Finals on the weekend of September 7 and 8, in our traditional period being the weekend prior to the OKFNL grand finals.

On behalf of the WDJFL, I wish all members of all clubs the very best for the 2024 season.

BACK IN PLAY: Junior footballers across the region are eager to get their seasons underway.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Bushrangers ready for Coates Talent League

THE Murray Bushrangers are raring to go for the 2024 season.

At the start of the month the Bushrangers announced their 2024 squads in the U18 and U16 boys, as well as the U18 girls where a number of Wangaratta locals were picked.

With the squads set, the North East Victorian side are at the end of the pre-season and working towards their round clashes.

Murray Bushrangers talent manager Mick Wilson said things are heating up at this time of year.

“We’re well and truly into it,” Wilson said.

“Our U16 girls start this weekend and our U18 girls have their testing down in Melbourne and then next weekend our U18 boys have their testing.

“Both U16s teams play just two games and then they turn their attention to Victoria Country.”

The U18 boys kicked their season off with a clash against Tassie Devils at Craigieburn on Saturday (March 23), while the girls open on April 14 against Gippsland Power.

“It’s always hard to tell how all of our teams will look at this time of year,” Wilson said.

“We hope that all teams are competitive and for us it’s just important that we give all of our players the best opportunity to showcase their talent in front of recruiters this season.”

Mark Brown will once again lead the U18 boys, while Emma Mackie will coach the U18 girls.

In the U16 boys, Dale Carmody and Carl Norton will coach those rising stars for the two games.

“We’re lucky that we’ve got so many experienced coaches leading the sides,” Wilson said.

“Along with the head coaches we have people like Leon Higgins, Justin McMahon and Jason Wells who will assist as well.

“There’s plenty of wise footy heads there who will help out heaps.”

The Bushrangers had U18 boys and girls train with Victoria Country’s academy over the summer as they look to put their

best foot forward for selection in the U18 National Championships.

“We had two U18 girls take part in the camp, Maddie Ibrahim from Yarrawonga and Holly Egan from Shepparton,” Wilson said.

“In the U18 boys we had

Ollie Warburton (Shepparton Swans), Jack and Matt Whitlock (Shepparton), Zac Harding (Wodonga Bulldogs) and bottomager Riley Onley (Shepparton United) who did well to be selected.”

VIC COUNTRY POSSIBLES: Murray Bushrangers (back L-R) Madi Ibrahim (Murray Felines), Holly Egan (Shepparton Swans), (front L-R) Matt Whitlock (Shepparton FNC), Riley Onley (Shepparton United), Oliver Warburton (Shepparton Swans), Jack Whitlock (Shepparton FNC), Zac Harding (Wodonga Bulldogs).

Merriwa Magpies fired up for big season

WANGARATTA-based Merriwa Magpies return to a bigger and better all-abilities competition this season with more clubs wanting to be a part of the action.

Merriwa Industries is proud to continue its ongoing partnership with the Wangaratta (Magpies) Football Netball Club’s subsidiary all-abilities team, which competes as part of the Victorian Football Integration Development Association (FIDA), providing the opportunity for footballers of all abilities to participate in structured competition across the state.

The competition is getting stronger each year with two more teams said to be joining for the 2024 season.

John Mullins who heads up the Merriwa Magpies team is excited for the upcoming season.

“It’s terrific that the popularity of the competition is on the increase,” he said.

“A new team from Ballarat is joining the competition and we’ve had interest for future teams to participate from Albury-Wodonga.”

The competition has a unique round robin format that encourages more participation and match time on game days.

Merriwa Magpies compete against the Wodonga Jets, Echuca Moama Rockets and Goulburn Valley Stars across multiple venues throughout the year.

The team is lucky enough to receive coaching expertise from ex-St Kilda premiership player Bob Murray, one of the AFL’s greats.

“We are so grateful for Bob’s continued involvement in the team,” said Mullins.

“Not only does he have outstanding football credentials, but off the field Bob has had wonderful experience working with young people with disability.

“It’s a rare combination of talent and expertise’.”

Mullins encourages new players interested in joining Merriwa Magpies to come down today (Thursday, March 28) to the

team’s first training session at the Wangaratta Magpies ground from 4-5pm to see what it’s all about.

Registrations will be taken on the day and there will be a barbecue and opportunity to meet Murray and Mullins and ask them any questions.

If you can’t make the day but are interested, please reach out to Mullins on mob 0411 699 179.

Anyone over the age of 16 with a disability is encouraged to attend.

The regular training night will be

on Thursdays from 4-5pm at the Wangaratta Magpies ground. Competition games will be held once a month from the end of April through to mid-August, with an organised Carnival Day in May.

Merriwa Magpies encourage all community members to follow the team on social media under the Merriwa Magpies Facebook page and show their support by attending matches, the details of which will be updated on the Facebook page.

Merriwa Industries and the Wangaratta (Magpies) Football Netball Club are proud to bring ‘quality to life’ through football.

“Being involved with the Merriwa Magpies is a great way for us to connect with the wider community and continue to provide more opportunities for people with disability to live meaningful lives,” said Merriwa marketing manager Karen Prebble.

“It’s at the heart of what we do.”

Proudly bringing quality quality life life in our Community to

SET FOR ANOTHER SEASON: With St Kilda premiership player Bob Murray (left) again taking on coaching duties, the Merriwa Magpies are looking forward to another big season.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

O&M gearing up for tight season of footy, netball

LAST year’s O&M season was nothing short of competitive with both the senior football and A grade netball competition’s as tight as ever with Yarrawonga claiming the football premiership, while Lavington edged out Yarrawonga in the netball.

In the senior football, the 2024 season shapes as one of the closest in recent times with seven to eight sides genuine chances of playing finals.

Last year’s grand finalists in Yarrawonga and Albury will once again set the benchmark, while Wangaratta, Wangaratta Rovers, Wodonga, Lavington and North Albury are all shaping up nicely.

But more importantly, how good will it be to see Corowa-Rutherglen back on the field after a hiatus in 2023.

“The whole competition is excited to have CorowaRutherglen back,” O&M general manager Kane Arendarcikas said.

“A lot of work has been put in by the club’s officials behind the scenes and while they’ll admit there’s a long way to go in terms of their facilities and things, they’ve done an incredible job to be ready for season 2024.

“We’re keen to see how they go and it will be awesome to see them in action against Albury in front of a big crowd on Easter Saturday.”

This year’s season will kick off with Good Friday showdowns between Wodonga Raiders and Lavington, and of course the Wangaratta derby under lights

between Magpies and Rovers. The round one action doesn’t stop there though with Corowa Rutherglen to host Albury in what shapes as a monumental occasion for the Roos, while on Easter Sunday Myrtleford plays North Albury at RC McNamara Reserve and Wodonga takes on Yarrawonga on the Pigeons’ home turf.

“We don’t always get Easter landing on round one but we did this year and we saw that as a great opportunity,” Arendarcikas said.

“Raiders and Lavi kick it off, leading into the big Wangaratta derby under lights at Norm Minns Oval which was a massive success last year.

“Corowa Rutherglen will be back at John Foord Oval for the first time in 18 months and then there’s two big games on the Sunday.

“Wodonga heads to Mulwala to take on Yarrawonga and I’m sure the Dogs head there with a bit of confidence after a strong season last year and Myrtleford takes on North Albury with both sides looking to improve.”

Much like the football, the A grade netball will be competitive with Lavington, Yarrawonga, Wangaratta, Wodonga Raiders and Myrtleford all set to challenge again.

“In the netball, we see the grand final rematch between Raiders and Lavington straight off the bat

which is a great way to start the year,” Arendarcikas said.

“Raiders have kept their squad together and Lavington have lost a few so it’ll be interesting to see how that game pans out.

“It’ll be a close season in the netball with powerhouses Yarrawonga and Wangaratta no doubt looking to stay at the top and the likes of North Albury, Wodonga and even Albury go into the season with young sides.”

The annual Ash-Wilson Trophy will be played for on May 20 at the Albury Sportsground between the O&M and Goulburn Valley League which is always a great watch.

“We look forward to the

interleague every year,” Arendarcikas said.

“Look what’s happened the last few years on the football side of things, Joe Richards and Kaelan Bradtke played in those games and ended up on AFL lists so it’s great exposure for all of the players.

“If the one thing we get out of the concept is putting players names up in lights then I think it’s doing a good thing.”

Damian Sexton will coach the senior football for a third successive year, Tom McGrath will lead the u18 football, while Noel Halton has been named coach of the open netball side.

Jodie House will coach the u17 netball.

EXCITING SEASON AHEAD: Grand final day is always the highlight of the Ovens and Murray season.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

WANGARATTA MAGPIES

Top three is the goal for eager Magpies

WANGARATTA fell just short of making last year’s grand final after Albury pipped them in the preliminary final.

The Magpies go into 2024 with an arguably better list having gained the massive signatures of former AFL player Patrick Naish, as well as former West PrestonLakeside gun Alex Federico.

The ‘Pies were also bolstered by the returns of former juniors Brad Melville and Nick Richards who both return with VFL experience, particularly Melville who enjoyed three years at Richmond.

Superstar midfielder Jackson Clarke will also be back from injury after missing half of last season which is just as good as a recruit.

Wangaratta coach Ben Reid is looking forward to seeing what 2024 holds.

“I think every year you have to be aiming for finals, you may as well not turn up if you don’t want to play finals,” he said.

“We’re definitely aiming to finish top three but it’s going to be a tough season, I reckon seven or eight teams can play finals this year and five or six of them will be pushing for top three.

“If you don’t play your best footy I think you can get done by any team.”

While Wangaratta supporters will be looking forward to

seeing their new recruits in action, Reid is keen to see the development of his youth.

“A lot of the younger guys have impressed me over the pre-season,” Reid said.

“Fraser and Charlie HollandDean have both been strong over the pre-season, along with Harry Hewitt and Braeden Marjanovic.

“Xavier Laverty also hasn’t put a foot wrong since coming back from Bushrangers.

“A few of the older guys are in good nick as well, Michael Newton, Michael Bordignon and Cam Barrett are all in great shape.”

Club Info

COACH: Ben Reid

ASSISTANT COACH/ES: Dean Stone (backline), Dale Carmody (midfield), Kent Braden (forwards), Brennan Jenvey (reserves).

CAPTAIN: Daine Porter.

VICE CAPTAIN/S: Daniel Sharrock, Brad Melville, Jackson Clarke.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Patrick Naish, Alex Federico, Fraser Holland-Dean, Charlie Holland-Dean

ARRIVALS: Patrick Naish, Alex Federico, Aidan Tilley, Brad Melville, Nick Richards, Charlie Naish (nominated as home club).

DEPARTURES: Luke and Dan Saunders.

WANGARATTA CHRONICLE

LADDER PREDICTION: 2nd.

Cam Barrett

MAGPIES - NETBALL

‘Pies’ netballers are aiming for finals

AFTER a semi-final exit to eventual grand finalists Wodonga Raiders, Wangaratta’s A grade netballers are once again pushing for a finals campaign in 2024.

The Magpie shave kept their departures to a minimum, losing just one player in Ellie Cooper but will welcome the return of Chaye Crimmins, as well as the inclusion of former Yarrawonga player and 2017’s grand final best on court Abbey Jones.

Wangaratta A grade coach Shea Cunningham will also have her first season at the helm and said she’s settled into life at Norm Minns Oval.

“Everyone’s been great since joining Wangaratta,” Cunningham said.

“I’ve settled in really well thanks to everyone being so welcoming and transparent.

“Joining a new club is always nerve-racking but I I’ve felt at home really quickly which has been great.”

The Magpies haven’t missed finals for a number of years now and Cunningham is hopeful that streak continues under her guidance.

“For us the goal is finals,” she said.

“Once we get there we can build but the first step is making finals.

“This year’s competition is going to be extremely competitive.

“Yarrawonga and Raiders will obviously be up there again, Myrtleford are a bit of

an unknown given they’ve recruited those two players from Myrtleford and then Albury are an unknown as well.

“I’d say that fifth spot will be up for grabs come the end of the year which could make for an exciting finish.”

While the likes of A grade main stays Issy Newton, Hannah Grady and Georgia Clark will no doubt lead the charge this season, Cunningham said there are a number of B grade players pushing for selection.

“Some of our B grade players have been putting their hand up for A grade selection,” Cunningham said.

“A number of them are in really good shape and have gotten fitter and stronger as the pre-season has gone on, you can tell they’ve been doing work outside the club.

“It’ll be good to see those players take their chance when it comes.”

Club Info

COACH/ES: Shea Cunningham (A grade), Lou Byrne (B grade), Megan O’Keefe and Laura Fisher (C grade), Kellie Keen (u17), Lou Byrne (u15).

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Georgia Clark, Amanda Umanski, Hannah Grady, Issy Newton.

ARRIVALS: Chaye Crimmins (maternity leave), Abbey Jones (Yarrawonga).

DEPARTURES: Ellie Cooper (travelling).

WANGARATTA CHRONICLE LADDER PREDICTION: 3rd.

Season Fixture

R1 Friday, March 29, 6pm vs Wang Rovers - home

R2 Saturday, April 6 vs North Albury - away

R3 Saturday, April 13, 6pm vs Wodonga - home

R4 Saturday, April 20 vs Yarrawonga - away

R5 Saturday, April 27 vs Myrtleford - home

R6 Saturday, May 11 vs Lavington - home

R7 Saturday, May 18 vs Corowa-R’glen - away Saturday, May 25 Interleague

R8 Saturday, June 1 vs Albury - away

R9 Saturday, June 8 vs Wod. Raiders - home

R10 Sunday, June 23 vs Wang Rovers - away

R11 Saturday, June 29 vs Nth Albury - home

R12 Saturday, July 6 vs Wodonga - away

R13 Saturday, July 13 vs Yarrawonga - home

R14 Saturday, July 20 vs Myrtleford - away Saturday, July 27 Hall of Fame bye

R15 Saturday, August 3 vs Lavington - away

R16 Saturday, August 10 vs Corowa-R’glen - home

R17 Saturday, August 17 vs Albury - home

R18 Saturday, August 24 vs Wod. Raiders - away

BIG YEAR AHEAD: Georgia Clark and Wangaratta will be pushing for finals in 2024. PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

WANGARATTA ROVERS - FOOTBALL

Rovers bolstered by recruiting blitz

OF all of the Ovens and Murray sides, Wangaratta Rovers were possibly the busiest on the recruiting front throughout the preseason.

The Hawks have brought in a number of top-tier players that sees them as one of the most intriguing sides of the competition this season with former Carlton wingman Lochie O’Brien the biggest coup of them all.

No doubt O’Brien will come into the O&M and make an impact from the get-go as the Hawks look to push for a top three spot and a deep finals campaign.

“We’re certainly aiming for finals and hopeful of a top three finish,” Wangaratta Rovers football operations manager Barry Sullivan said.

“We’ve recruited a number of handy players and feel we have a side that can push the likes of Yarrawonga, Albury and Wangaratta.

“It’s looking like another tight season and we won’t know how things are shaping until round four or five but I expect Albury, Yarrawonga and Wangaratta to be at the top again.”

While Rovers’ top echelon of players like Sam Murray, Alex Marklew, Brodie Filo and now O’Brien are no doubt as good as any teams, Sullivan believes the

Hawks’ young brigade will impress in 2024.

“Some of our young players are looking really good,” he said.

“The likes of Finn Osborne, Judd Schubert, Riley Allen, Elijah Amery and Jace McQuade have all had great pre-seasons.

“And then our top tier players that you’d expect to be doing well all are, players like Xavier Allison, Sam Murray, Lochie O’Brien, Tom Boyd and Alex Marklew.”

Club Info

COACH: Sam Murray

ASSISTANT COACH/ES: Josh Naish, Kyle Raven, Ben Kneebone (reserves), Shane Flynn (reserves assistant).

CAPTAIN/S: Alex Marklew and Tom Boyd.

VICE CAPTAIN/S: Will Nolan, Stuart Booth, Xavier Allison, Dylan Wilson

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Sam Murray, Alex Marklew, Xavier Allison, Lochie O’Brien.

ARRIVALS: Sam Cattapan, Xavier Allison, Lochie O’Brien, Kieran Parnell, Tom McDonagh, Max Cullin, John Jorgensen (VFL-listed)

DEPARTURES: Paddy McNamara, Tom Baulch, Michael Clarke (retired).

WANGARATTA CHRONICLE

LADDER PREDICTION: 4th.

We are looking forward to seeing the rovers guys and and court in 2024! We also urge you to support country us again in 2024.

Jack Gerrish

WANGARATTA ROVERS - NETBALL

Development’s the key for Rovers

WANGARATTA Rovers didn’t have the season they were after in 2023, notching just the one win, but Hawks coach Gracie Reid is confident her squad will improve in 2024.

Rovers snared one of the competition’s biggest recruits in former Melbourne Vixens attacker Kim Borger, even if it will only be on a part-time basis.

The Hawks also picked up Ebony Norris from North Wangaratta who will no doubt add plenty to the young squad.

“We just want to continue to grow and improve on last year,” Reid said.

“We’re still a young team so it’s all about development and we’ve already seen plenty of that over the preseason.

“Pre-season and the practice matches have been great and our bond is heaps stronger than it was this time last year which will also help on the court.

“We’ll play a similar style to last year but obviously look to get better at it.”

Reid welcomed the addition of Borger who will play when free of coaching commitments with Western Warriors’ u23 team.

“It’s going to be great to have Kim around the club, everyone’s so excited,” Reid said.

“Everyone will learn so much off her which is super valuable for a young group like us.

“She’ll play when free of coaching commitments with Western Warriors, it’ll just depend on her load.”

The Hawks kick their season off with a derby clash against rivals Wangaratta on Good Friday.

“The derby’s always an exciting game and everyone looks forward to it,” Reid said.

“It’s always a good challenge for us and we enjoy having a crack.

“We’re very excited for round one.”

Club Info

COACH/ES: Gracie Reid (A grade and u17), Stacey Lamb (u17 and A grade, assistant), Kim Newman (B grade), Jodie Gibson (C grade), Jaynelle Henderson and Jaye Miller (u15).

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Sami Kreltszheim, Ebony Norris, Gracie Reid.

ARRIVALS: Kim Borger, part-time (Melbourne Vixens, VNL), Ebony Norris (North Wangaratta), Ellie Miller (under-17s).

DEPARTURES: Kelsie Wilson.

WANGARATTA CHRONICLE

LADDER PREDICTION: 8th.

LEADER: Gracie Reid will coach Wangaratta Rovers’ A grade again in 2024.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

Season Fixture

R1 Friday, March 29 vs Wangaratta - away

R2 Saturday, April 6 vs Corowa-R’glen - home

R3 Saturday, April 13 vs Wod. Raiders - away

R4 Saturday, April 20 vs Albury - home

R5 Saturday, May 4 vs Lavington - away

R6 Saturday, May 11 vs North Albury - away

R7 Saturday, May 18 vs Wodonga - home Saturday, May 25 Interleague

R8 Saturday, June 1 vs Myrtleford - home

R9 Saturday, June 8 vs Yarrawonga - away

R10 Sunday, June 23 vs Wangaratta - home

R11 Saturday, June 29 vs Corowa-R’glen - away

R12 Saturday, July 6 vs Wod. Raiders - home

R13 Saturday, July 13 vs Albury - away

R14 Saturday, July 20 vs Lavington - home Saturday, July 27 Hall of Fame bye

R15 Saturday, August 3 vs North Albury - home

R16 Saturday, August 10 vs Wodonga - away

R17 Saturday, August 17 vs Myrtleford - away

R18 Saturday, August 24 vs Yarrawonga - home

Benalla Panthers are on the rise

AFTER a dominant 2022 and a slump in 2023, Benalla All Blacks are looking to surge up the ladder once again.

Last year’s wooden spooners are out to prove their flag win in ’22 was more than a flash in the pan, having recruited well from surrounding towns and leagues to bolster their stocks across the ground.

Heath Smith has stepped up to the senior coaching role after coaching a rag-tag group of reserve players from across the globe to a grand final, and feels his side has what it takes to ask legitimate questions of the flag contenders.

“Our challenge this year is to get 100 per cent commitment from the best of the guys, we believe we have some great talent but our commitment and cohesion as a team is the key,” he said.

“We have a great core group of young guys like Chelton Orchard, Dave Button, Tom Levy and Jessie Walker, who are really determined to drive the standards of this group.

“Throw in the experience of Jake Jones, Damian Broughton, Nich Spencer and Jordan Smith and we think we can really challenge some sides this year.”

On top of a proven flagwinning list, the Panthers have added speed, cleanliness with the footy and class to their numbers for this season.

“Sam Cox from Violet Town

U18s is a very fi,t talented kid who can play multiple positions,” Smith said.

“He has massive potential to be a great player, he hunts the footy and can use it really well.

“Nathan Buhagiar is a fit and experienced mid/ half forward who is really a determined in and under player – he’s setting great standards for us, uses the ball well.

“Patrick McDonald attacks the footy hard, runs hard and is always looking to make his teammates better.

“Tyson Ryan has been out of footy for a few years, but he is a pretty mobile big fella who can take great marks and use the ball well.”

The Panthers head to Bonnie Doon to take to the reigning premiers in round one.

Club Info

SENIOR COACH: Heath Smith

ASSISTANT COACH/ES: Kallum Croxford (reserves)

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Chelton Orchard, Sam Cox, Nich Spencer, Jordan Smith

ARRIVALS: Sam Cox, Pat McDonald, Tyson Ryan, Nathan Buhagiar.

DEPARTURES: Kyle Collisson, Cody Crawford.

2023 LADDER POSITION: 11th.

2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 11th.

Our challenge this year is to get 100 per cent commitment from the best of the guys, we believe we have some great talent but our commitment and cohesion as a team is the key.

HEATH SMITH, SENIOR COACH

Brendon Smith

BENALLA ALL BLACKS - NETBALL

All Blacks set for huge season on court

BENALLA’S netballers will focus on gradual improvements this season, coming off the back of a less than stellar 2023, but the hunger is there.

Even though the Panthers only won the single game last year, the structures and potential is plain to see, with co-coaches Georgia Spencer and Alara Jones cultivating their crop of players on and off the court.

Spencer said a core group of eager players had been putting in the work during the preseason, and she was eager to see it come to fruition.

“Preseason has been ticking along well, we have been light on numbers but have a core consistent group who is dedicated and excited to get stuck into the season,” she said.

“The main focus for us this year is honestly going to be focusing on the small wins and achieving personal goals set within the team.

“We just want to get out there and enjoy our netball.”

New defensive options Olive Moon and Chloe Pilkington will be a breath of fresh air to the side, with a number of Panthers eager to impress.

“We do have two new additions in the defence end with Chloe Pilkington

and Olive Moon joining the team - between the two of them they’ll be a strong force down that end with their height and athleticism being key factors,” Spencer said.

“I think Gertie McCallum is definitely the girl to watch this season, she’s a stand out on the court.

“She’s absolutely the teammate you’d want on your team.

“She is very determined to have a big year out on the court for 2024 so I’m looking forward to seeing what she can do this year.”

The Panthers will have a tough start to the year, up against the Bombers on the road before hosting the Lions in round two.

Club Info

COACHES:

A GRADE: Georgia Spencer, Alara Jones.

B GRADE: Meagan Hausner, Mel Reaper.

U17S: Elyse Felstead, Emma Sangster.

U15S: Jemma Smith.

Players to watch: Gertie McCallum, Meagan Hausner, Olive Moon.

ARRIVALS: Chloe Pilkington, Olive Moon.

2023 LADDER POSITION: 10th.

2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 9th.

R1 Bonnie Doon (A) (GF) March 29

R2 Whorouly (H) April 6

R3 Bright (H) April 13

R4 BYE April 20

R5 Moyhu (A) April 27

R6 Greta (A) May 4

R7 King Valley (H) May 11

R8 Goorambat (A) May 18

R9 Tarrawingee (H) May 25

R10 BYE June 1

R11 Milawa (H) June 15

R12 Nth Wangaratta (A) June 22

R13 Whorouly (A) June 29

R14 Moyhu (H) July 6

R15 Bright (A) July 13

R16 Bonnie Doon (H) July 20

R17 Milawa (A) July 27

R18 Nth Wangaratta (H) August 3

R19 Tarrawingee (A) August 10

R20 Goorambat (H) August 17

Elyse Felstead

BONNIE DOON - FOOTBALL

Reigning premiers are back to defend flag

THE 2023 O&KFL senior premiers are back with a vengeance in 2024, with a largely unchanged list set to defend the title.

The Bonnie Doon Bombers were the dominant team last season, losing only one match in their journey to the grand final, where they soundly defeated Bright 8.8 (56) to 6.2 (38).

However, it will be an unchanged list suiting up in the red and black this year, both on and off the field.

Premiership coach Ken Murray stepped aside after securing the flag, and will be replaced in the top job at the ‘Doon by premiership hero Campbell Smedley.

Livewires Joel Sandford and Hayden Watkins have likewise left the club, but the Bombers have recruited extremely well to shore up their squad.

“We managed to grab three new players this year which was fantastic,” Smedley said.

“Peter Cairns comes to us from Euroa, he will play as a mid/ forward.

“Jack Goonan returns for us having a year off last year...he will fit nicely into half back.

“Ari Reuben comes across from Mansfield as our centre half back which we are really excited about.

“Unfortunately we did lose a couple also this year in Joel Sanford back to Mansfield, Hayden Watkins heads down to Healesville, and then there has

been a couple hang the boots up.”

The Bombers’ forward conversion and defensive tenacity made them a tough group to handle last season, and with a list hard at work during the offseason, they’re sure to be a handful again.

Three of the top five goal scorers from last season hail from Bonnie Doon and are going around again this year, with Luke Murray, Al Bennett and Will Foster keen to kick their side to another flag.

Smedley said while their forward line loomed as a danger to defenders in the league, the entire list was eager to go backto-back.

“Most of the boys have come along this year and are hungrier than ever to be there in September,” he said.

“I reckon if we can keep James Law fit and on the park this year he will take some taming.”

The Bombers will begin their title defence at home on Good Friday, playing host to Benalla All Blacks.

Club Info

SENIOR COACH: Campbell Smedley.

ASSISTANT COACH/ES: Sean Campitelli (reserves), Patrick Smith (reserves).

PLAYERS TO WATCH: James Law, Matt Hedin, Jack Goonan.

ARRIVALS: Pete Cairns, Ari Reuben, Jack Goonan.

DEPARTURES: Joel Sanford, Hayden Watkins.

2023 LADDER POSITION: 1st.

2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 3rd.

Will Foster

BONNIE DOON - NETBALL

Bombers craving consistency on the court

THE Bombers will maintain a largely unchanged list from the 2023 season, with a few tall inclusions to bolster their offensive and defensive options.

Bonnie Doon has challenged the finals in multiple grades for many years, with their B grade and B reserve flags from last season a timely reminder of the depth at their disposal.

While the A graders were unsuccessful in their flag hunt after finishing fourth overall last season, they showed plenty of fight and potential against some of the top teams in the competition.

Head coach Michelle Tanner said the A grade list would put forward another strong case for finals, but consistency on the court was the focus for the group.

“It’s not like we haven’t got good numbers, but A grade has changed a bit this year, and I’m pretty happy with who we’ve got,” she said.

“We’ve got a couple of newbies in there and we’ve retained everyone from last year, so that’s good too.

“I think our focus will be on consistency more than anything.

“They did better at it last year, being consistent across four quarters, whereas I’ve always felt that’s where our weakness is.

“I don’t have any expectations as to what they can accomplish, but I think consistency will definitely be what we focus on.

“You just need to stay a little bit calmer and play the way we

play, rather than getting sucked into the way other teams play, because we’re not them.”

Last season’s defender Erin Brond will move back into the midcourt to her preferred position, and alongside talented players such as Mia Tanner and Portia Keatch, the Bombers are sure to test many sides.

“She’s (Brond) only 16, she’s been playing in defence for us for a couple of years, but her strength is probably more in the wing

defence area,” Tanner said.

“Now we do have a couple of new players, she can move over to there - it’s good for her, but it’s good for us as well because it’s where she should be.

“Mia (Tanner) and Portia (Keatch), they know how each other plays, so that’s good for us.

“I think it’s just a comfortable thing.”

The Bombers take to the court in round one at home to Benalla All Blacks.

Club Info

COACHES:

HEAD COACH: Michelle Tanner.

ASSISTANT COACH/ES: Christina Blunt (seniors), Cass McCormack (juniors).

U17S: Mia Tanner.

U15S: Jess Harris.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Erin Brond, Mia Tanner, Portia Keatch.

2023 LADDER POSITION: 4th. 2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 5th.

SEASON FIXTURE

R1 Benalla (H) (GF) March 29

R2 BYE April 6

R3 Moyhu (A) April 13

R4 Greta (H) April 20

R5 Milawa (A) April 27

R6 Tarrawingee (A) May 4

R7 Goorambat (A) May 11

R8 King Valley (H) May 18

R9 Whorouly (A) May 25

R10 North Wang (H) June 1

R11 BYE June 15

R12 Bright (A) June 22

R13 Moyhu (H) June 29

R14 Milawa (H) July 6

R15 Goorambat (H) July 13

R16 Benalla (A) July 20

R17 North Wang(A) July 27

R18 King Valley (A) August 3

R19 Whorouly (H) August 10

R20 Tarrawingee (H) August 17

Mia Tanner

Mountain Men poised to push for the flag

AFTER coming so close to the premiership last season, Bright’s senior footballers won’t let the cup slip through their fingers a second time.

Practically since last September, the Mountain Men have been hard at work improving their fitness and ability to punish teams late in the match.

With a largely unchanged list which struck fear into teams across the competition, Bright has recruited well, slotting in former O&M stars from Myrtleford like Declan Bren and Tyler Thomason into an already powerful line-up.

Coach Paul Harrison said every single player had improved their fitness, and the players had pushed each other to improve.

“Our boys have put in a heap of work, we’ve been going since the middle of November, plus all of the extras they’ve been doing themselves,” he said.

“I think across the lines, we’ve definitely strengthened each line with bringing in certain players.

“I think the key improvement for us is definitely our fitness, able to run out games a lot better.

“The boys’ preparation themselves outside of training, it’s well and truly sunk in that the opportunity is there to get our hands on a premiership, and they certainly are hungry not to miss out on it.”

Harrison said competition for senior spots would be incredibly competitive.

“Probably all of the players we’ve brought in can easily step into our senior side,” he said.

“The likes of Declan Bren who in our practice match was unbelievably good – his presence around the ball, his pressure, he’s so quick.

“You’ve got Luke Quirk, Jai Dykstra, even Michael Hastie down back who’s moved to town, we didn’t know a lot about him but he’s stepped into our program and knows how to play his role perfectly through that back half.

“We’ve definitely added a lot of quality, there’s no doubting that, but sometimes they’ve got to fit into the system as well.

“We play a pretty team-oriented style, so you’ve got to really fit in and play your role – I don’t want anyone trying to be a superstar.

“If everyone can play their role, we’re going to be hard to beat.”

Bright host Tarrawingee in round one, before taking on rivals Milawa in the second round.

Club Info

SENIOR COACH: Paul Harrison.

ASSISTANT COACH/ES: Guy Campbell, Michael Elliot (reserves)

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Tom Gray, Joe Crawley, Macca Simpson.

ARRIVALS: Clay Dillon, Declan Bren, Tyler Thomason, Jai Dykstra, Luke Quirk, Michael Hastie, Dale Breeding.

DEPARTURES: Darcy Sholl, Riley O’Shea.

2023 LADDER POSITION: 3rd.

2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 2nd.

I think across the lines, we’ve definitely strengthened each line with bringing in certain players.

PAUL HARRISON, SENIOR COACH

Cooper Thomason

Revamped Bright to shake up competition

WITH a vastly altered A grade squad and some fresh faces, Bright’s netballers will be eager to get stuck into the 2024 season.

Last year’s wooden spooners are focusing on having fun with their new look side, with players changing grades, moving up from juniors, or playing their first season at Pioneer Park.

New A grade co-coach Kate Buckley said the new side had generated quite a buzz around the club.

“We’ve got a few new faces to a few different teams, and it’s pretty much a whole new outlook for the A grade team this year,” she said.

“It’s been a really good preseason, we’ve had some really good numbers on the court each week at training.

“We’ve got a brand new face at the club this year, Ash Grimes, she’s a diverse midcourt player and she’s also a goaler.

“It’ll be good to have that third option in the goal ring, she’s an incredibly athletic, very switched on netballer.

“A few of our midcourters have stuck around but have played in different teams; we’ve got Georgie Matters, Monique Martin and Ash Farmer all playing through the midcourt and rotating through there.

“The talent in those girls is amazing, they work so hard, they’ll be very handy.”

After a few lean years on the ladder, Buckley said she was looking forward to enjoying

the year alongside some great people.

“We just want to have a positive playing experience,” she said.

“Obviously, a few wins on the board would be handy, but with a few of us returning to netball, we want to get back into how things run and enjoy ourselves.

“My co-coach Janis Madden is an incredibly experienced coach, umpire and ex-player who is a great asset to the club, team and myself – I’m grateful to be able to work alongside her.

“We’re excited, we’re nervous but we’re ready – round one will be a great test to see where we’re sitting for the year.”

Bright takes on Tarrawingee at home in round one.

Club Info

COACHES:

A GRADE: Kate Buckley, Janis Madden.

B GRADE: Laura Harris, Tracy Fitzpatrick.

B RESERVE: Georgie Matters.

U17S: Nic Connelly.

U15S: Erin Nightingale.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Ash Grimes, Molly Whitty, Ash Farmer.

ARRIVALS: Ash Grimes, Laura Harris (returning), Kate Buckley (returning).

DEPARTURES: Maddie Muller, Ruby Delacy.

2023 LADDER POSITION: 11th.

2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 11th.

R1 Tarrawingee (H) March 30

R2 Milawa (H) April 6

R3 Benalla (A) April 13

R4 Whorouly (H) April 20

R5 King Valley (A) April 27

R6 Goorambat (H) May 4

R7 BYE May 11

R8 Nth Wangaratta (A) May 18

R9 Greta (H) May 25

R10 Moyhu (A) June 1

R11 Goorambat (A) June 15

R12 Bonnie Doon (H) June 22

R13 Tarrawingee (A) June 29

R14 Greta (A) July 6

R15 Benalla (H) July 13

R16 Moyhu (H) July 20

R17 Whorouly (A) July 27

R18 BYE August 3

R19 Nth Wangaratta (H) August 10

R20 Milawa (A) August 17

Bats’ back

NEW Goorambat coach Ben Wapling said his side has what it takes to push the top teams in the league.

Signing on at the back end of last season, the experienced coach has assembled a strong squad and has instilled in them a hunger and drive to improve.

“Going from having 10-15 during the year at training and things like that, we’ve 20-40 at training, so we’re in a lot better condition habits-wise, and have a determination to get better,” Wapling said.

“The boys are fit, I think the league will see a different outfit from what they saw last year, just from the way that we go about what we’re doing.

“We’ve got nothing to lose, realistically – we won three games last year, so our thing is to get out there and have a crack no matter what team it is, and give our best.”

Wapling brings with him two gun players in sons Rory and Brayden, as well as utility Rhys Goodley, to bolster a list with a lot of potential.

“Jamie (Dunne) is one of the main reasons I’m there, he came runner-up in the league medal, so he’ll definitely be good,” he said.

“I think Jamie will definitely be a standout – it’s not about medals with him, he just wants to play his best brand of footy.

“Bringing Rhys Goodley into the side and committed, he can go at either end, he’ll be great.

“We’ve got a lot of new faces, obviously I brought my boys (Rory and Brayden) over with me, and some other ones who

have come into the side.”

Wapling said the main goal was improving week to week, and finding a way to pressure some of the top teams.

“We’ve got to work hard - it’s one of those sayings, ‘I never talk about losing; you either win or you learn’,” he said.

“We’ll get in there, and if we lose games then we’ve got to work out what we’ve learned from that game and what we can take into the next game.

“It’s not about having a massive turnaround, we want to work hard, get our confidence, and get to the point where we are pressing and getting up there with some of the better sides.”

The Bats commence their season in round two on the road to Greta, with the bye in the opening round.

Club Info

SENIOR COACH: Ben Wapling.

ASSISTANT COACH/ES: Jamie Dunne, Nathan Delaney (reserves), Gary Priest (reserves).

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Jamie Dunne, Rory Wapling, Brayden Wapling

ARRIVALS: Rhys Goodley, Rory Wapling, Brayden Wapling, Duane Haebich, Lachy Boyle

DEPARTURES: Ryan Burns, Aaron Blackburn.

2023 LADDER POSITION: 9th.

2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 10th.

season 2024

We’ve got to work hard - it’s one of those sayings, ‘I never talk about losing; you either win or you learn’.

GOORAMBAT COACH BEN WAPLING

Jamie Dunne

GOORAMBAT - NETBALL

Youthful Bats keen for development

YOUTH and versatility will be the name of the game for Goorambat’s A grade squad.

After a period of competitive netball over the past few seasons, narrowly missing out of finals in 2023, the Bats are going through a changing of the guard.

Established players like Sahar Osborne, Brittany Button and Mackenzie Wilkinson have left the club, but Amelia Gall has returned to guide the squad as coach, and she’s been joined by an influx of young and fit players.

“The team is tracking well so far and looking exciting - with a few new players coming to the club this year we are looking forward to a promising year,” Gall said.

“We’ve been surprised with all of the new girls who have come across to play.

“A few of them have come across from Bendigo, they’ve got friends or family over here and they’ve decided to come over and play for the season.

“Others have moved to Benalla and have come out to Goorambat.

“It’s been really good, they’re young and fresh, and it’s nice to see some young ones coming up into our senior squad.”

Gall said the versatility of the side would be their greatest strength, with many players on the list able to be deployed anywhere across the court.

“Georgia Thomson is stepping back up into A grade, and I think she’ll really step up to replace Brittany Button in that strong defensive line-up, she reads the

play really well,” Gall said.

“We’ve got Piper Nally, she’s new from Bendigo, she’s fast and fit, so she’ll fit into that midcourt where Sarah has left us.

“Along with this new girl Jasmin (Martin), we’ve got some height into the team, which is good.

“With a new, fresh and young team, we really just want to develop on that and keep pushing those players to come through.

“We’ve probably lacked shooting in the past, but this year we’ve got a really versatile side, that’s what I’m really impressed with.”

The Bats sit out round one, and will travel to Greta to commence their season in round two.

Club Info

COACHES:

A GRADE: Amelia Gall.

B GRADE: Kylie Relf.

B RESERVE: Georgia Thomson.

U17S: Nikki Wallace.

U15S: Kaylah Devlin, Alyssa Priest.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Olivia Tolliday, Piper Nally, Georgia Thomson.

ARRIVALS: Piper Nally, Jasmin Martin, Olivia Tolliday, Lisa Johnson, Olivia Hayes, Grace Handley, Brooke Haddrel.

DEPARTURES: Brittany Button, Sarah Osborne, Mackenzie Wilkinson.

2023 LADDER POSITION: 7th.

2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 8th.

SEASON FIXTURE

R1 BYE March 29

R2 Greta (A) April 6

R3 King Valley (H) April 13

R4 Nth Wangaratta (A) April 20

R5 Whorouly (H) April 27

R6 Bright (A) May 4

R7 Bonnie Doon (H) May 11

R8 Benalla (H) May 18

R9 Moyhu (A) May 25

R10 Milawa (A) June 1

R11 Bright (H) June 15

R12 Tarrawingee (A) June 22

R13 Greta (H) June 29

R14 Nth Wangaratta (H) July 6

R15 Bonnie Doon (A) July 13

R16 King Valley (A) July 20

R17 BYE July 27

R18 Milawa (H) August 3

R19 Moyhu (H) August 10

R20 Benalla (A) August 17

Kylie

Battered Blues are back to play

AFTER an extremely promising finals campaign ended prematurely last season, Greta is hungry to go deep into September this year.

The Blues were a benchmark side through the 2023 season, but bowed out in the preliminary finals with a litany of injuries hampering the side.

Now, with new coach Chris Dube and a brilliant mix of established Blues and new recruits, Greta is ready to challenge the league once again.

“We are in a fortunate position to have a rather settled list with the inclusion of a few as well,” Dube said.

“It’s nice to be able to add to a group that is really hungry.

“Having a lot of people on the track means you get to integrate the new players with the existing, and there’s a balance between the excitement of the new guys and the continuity of the older ones, so it’s been fun.”

The Blues have been recruiting hard, snatching forward dynamo Cody Crawford from Benalla, as well as a handful of strong players from outside the O&K, and 2023 Clyde Baker Medallist James McClounan will be sure to have another impactful season.

“You never really know how you’re going as everyone else is getting better, but I’m excited because of the attitudes to work hard and the understanding that competition for spots will be even tighter this year,” Dube said.

“While we might’ve broken

down a little bit last year, we got beaten by better sides, so the theme to the boys is we’ve actually achieved nothing.

“The reality of the competition is close isn’t good enough.

“In respect to what we have to beat, there are another 10 sides but more importantly we need to attack those teams who got us late in the season.

“Full respect to Bright, Milawa and Bonnie Doon, who are equally as motivated and I’m sure have added resources.

“We have to turn up and we have to play good footy to beat good sides.”

The Blues will enjoy a Good Friday trip to Moyhu to kickstart their 2024 campaign.

Club Info

SENIOR COACH: Chris Dube.

ASSISTANT COACH/ES:

Josh Bell, James McClounan, Stewart McLeod (reserves).

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Jarrod Morham, Brad Whinray, James McClounan.

ARRIVALS: Jack Kelly, Cody Crawford, Frazer Dent, Jack Baker, Dale Walker (returned), Marcus Jones (returned), Ben Hogan, Jeremy Merceica, Dylan Corcoran, Angus Kennedy, Corey Gunn.

DEPARTURES: Cam Newbold (Yackandandah), Zac Northey (travel).

2023 LADDER POSITION: 2nd.

2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 4th

We have to turn up and we have to play good footy to beat good sides.

CHRIS DUBE, SENIOR COACH

James McClounan

GRETA - NETBALL

Queens of the court going for history

NO team in the history of Ovens and King netball has ever won more than five premierships backto-back, but that’s exactly Greta’s goal for the 2024 season.

The Blues have won the last five A grade grand finals which have been contested, since the streak began in 2017 – in 2020 and ’21, no grand finals were played due to COVID.

This team already sits alongside some of the greats of local netball – incidentally, Greta is the only club to win five A grade flags backto-back (1985-’90, 1991-’95).

To take the cup this year would put this Greta side high in the pantheon of O&K netball, but it’s going to be a challenge.

Esteemed players Lindsay Humphries and Kirsty Paul have stepped away this year, but with Loren McClounan back at the helm and the quality of players on their list, the Blues are once again the ones to beat.

“The girls have put in a lot of work and energy levels are highacross all grades we’ve got a good level of consistency with existing players and then some new faces who will bring a lot to their teams,” McClounan said.

“Everyone is excited and ready for the season to start.

“I think being successful always comes with a little added pressure.

“There’s always expectations to remain at the level you’ve been at, even though there’s changes to the side, but we will just keep the focus on our game and what we need to do to play our best netball.”

McClounan said the loss of such incredible players like Humphries and Paul hurt, but the Blues had more than enough talent to stand tall on the court.

“They are two amazing players that are a huge loss for our side,” she said.

“They’ve both played at the club for years and are incredible players that brought so much experience and guidance to our side, they will definitely be missed.

“We have Maddie Hill stepping up from our juniors to help fill the shooting role, and we’ve got plenty of variety in the mid who will work hard to fill Kirsty’s place.

“Jorja Reidy is consistently strong every year and she has been working really hard over the preseason.”

The Blues commence their title defence on Good Friday at Moyhu.

Club info

COACHES:

A GRADE: Loren McClounan.

B GRADE: Kelly Sherratt.

B RESERVE: Helen Judd.

U17S: Milly Mathewson.

U15S: Chloe Bouchier.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Jorja Reidy, Tayla Ramsay.

ARRIVALS: Georgia McGrath, Brooke Rouse, Alex Robinson, Bec Robinson, Tayla Ramsay.

DEPARTURES: Lindsay Humphries, Kirsty Paul.

2023 LADDER POSITION: 2nd.

2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 1st.

SEASON FIXTURE

R1 Moyhu (A) (GF) March 29

R2 Goorambat (H) April 6

R3 Tarrawingee (A) April 13

R4 Bonnie Doon (A) April 20

R5 Nth Wangaratta (H) April 27

R6 Benalla (H) May 4

R7 Whorouly (H) May 11

R8 BYE May 18

R9 Bright (A) May 25

R10 King Valley (H) June 1

R11 Moyhu (H) June 15

R12 Milawa (A) June 22

R13 Goorambat (A) June 29

R14 Bright (H) July 6

R15 Nth Wangaratta (A) July 13

R16 BYE July 20

R17 King Valley (A) July 27

R18 Tarrawingee (H) August 3

R19 Milawa (H) August 10

R20 Whorouly (A) August 17

Jorja Reidy

Roos are investing in the future

KING Valley will once again make efforts to push their way up the ladder this season on the back of heavily investing in the future of the club.

The Roos finished just outside the top six in 2023 on the back of a number of eager and talented players making their open-age footy debuts from the local junior ranks. Combined with some more experienced players, the latest crop of budding juniors in the blue and white will look to make their mark on the O&K.

Co-coach Tony Ciancio said the young players had impressed on the track.

“Getting the boys back together has been a massive hit, we’re continuing to build on what we started last year with the way we want to play both with the footy but also the way we want to defend,” he said.

“We had our moments last year, but for us, to be able to be better for longer is what we’ve been aiming towards and building towards in this preseason.

“Our younger cohort of players coming through from the under 17s program last year, seeing that transition from them this preseason into senior footy has been really promising.

“The last couple of years, we’ve been heading in the right direction from a win-loss perspective, and we aim to continue that trajectory this year.”

The return of 2022 best and fairest winner Connor Shanley to the Valley will be sure to be a massive boost, alongside a few very handy signings.

“On-field, we’re super familiar with

what Connor will bring, but what’s impressed most is what he’s added to our playing group in getting around our junior boys coming up through the under 17s program, giving them feedback and working with them,” Ciancio said.

“We’ve had Dylan Browne come across from the Wangaratta Magpies under 18 program, he has been super impressive since the first day of preseason.

“His willingness to learn, his mindset to training and going out with a purpose and wanting to set himself some goals and be quite persistent to achieve them, he’s been really impressive.

“We’ve had Conner Thornton come across from Beechworth and join us as well, he’s been able to get to training and really impress with what he’s been able to do in our match simulation drills.”

King Valley host Milawa in the opening round of the season.

Club Info

SENIOR COACH/ES: Jack Davies, Tony Ciancio.

ASSISTANT COACH/ES: Mark Thornton (reserves).

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Connor Thornton, Connor Shanley, Dylan Browne.

ARRIVALS: Connor Thornton, Dylan Browne, Mackenzie Hughes, Daniel Maples, Max McKenzie, Connor Shanley

DEPARTURES:

2023 LADDER POSITION: 7th.

2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 6th.

We had our moments last year, but for us, to be able to be better for longer is what we’ve

been aiming towards and building towards in this preseason.

TONY CIANCIO, SENIOR COACH

Jack Davies

KING VALLEY - NETBALL

Roos building on past strengths

KING Valley’s A grade squad is looking to further improve their standing in the competition after some solid years under coach Deanna Mawson.

The Roos played finals last season on the back of some incredibly strong netball, but will field a different-looking A grade squad, on the back of departures from prolific players Maggie Bromley, Millie Proft, Andrea Uebergang and Grace Patterson. However, the addition of a few talented players from Mansfield, as well as moving Shani Rickard from centre to her preferred role in the shooting end, will help keep the Roos competitive against the top teams.

“We’ve had some girls leave, we lost four decent players, but we’ve had a couple of new girls come in,” Mawson said.

“We’ve got a couple of players from Mansfield who are super handy.

“They just turned up, it was so good – one of the footballers lives over there with one of the girls’ sisters, so he brought them over with him and they asked if they could play.

“We’re keen to put Shani Rickard into goals, which is where she generally likes to play.

“She played centre for us last year because there was no room in goals, she’s been going really well.

“We’ve secured Larissa Benci to come back and shoot for us, she was in our premiership team in 2015 and ‘16.”

Despite a strong line-up in years gone by, Mawson said the best way to improve the team’s chances of travelling deep into September would be to grind out difficult wins last in the game.

“Instead of sitting around fifth or sixth, I want to be sitting up third or fourth, so winning those games that we lost by a few, just getting over in those ones, seeing a little improvement there,” she said.

“It’s something I’ve found in my second year now, we’re just building on things we’re working on last year which is really nice.

“Even though there’s an influx of new players, we’ve got the bones there to just input similar players, so we’re not starting from scratch, which is lovely.”

The Roos host last year’s runners up Milawa at Whitfield in round one.

Club Info

COACHES:

SENIOR: Deanna Mawson.

ASSISTANT: Stacey O’Brien.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Shani Rickard, Sally Keith.

ARRIVALS: Allanah Grant, Bella Stoney, Jacoba Tanner, Larissa Benci (returned).

DEPARTURES: Maggie Bromley, Millie Proft, Andrea Uebergang, Grace Patterson.

2023 LADDER POSITION: 6th.

2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 4th.

SEASON FIXTURE

R1 Milawa (H) March 30

R2 Tarrawingee (A) April 6

R3 Goorambat (A) April 13

R4 Moyhu (H) April 20

R5 Bright (H) April 27

R6 Whorouly (A) May 4

R7 Benalla (A) May 11

R8 Bonnie Doon (A) May 18

R9 Nth Wangaratta (H) May 25

R10 Greta (A) June 1

R11 Tarrawingee (H) June 15

R12 BYE June 22

R13 Milawa (A) June 29

R14 Whorouly (H) July 6

R15 Moyhu (A) July 13

R16 Goorambat (H) July 20

R17 Greta (H) July 27

R18 Bonnie Doon (H) August 3

R19 BYE August 10

R20 Nth Wangaratta (A) August 17

Shani Rickard

Demons’ recruiting riot set for debut

MILAWA will look to go a few steps further than their 2023 campaign this year, with a raft of new players set to don the red and blue.

The Demons have brought around a dozen new and returning players to the Milawa Recreation Reserve, boasting incredible depth and talent across the three lines.

Familiar names in the O&K such as Jared Lea (Moyhu), Brady Bartlett (Moyhu) and Kyle Collisson (Benalla All Blacks) have signed with the Demons for 2024, as well as an experienced group from the Picola and district league.

Co-coach Matt Graham said the recruitment had gone well to shore up the side’s shortcomings from last season.

“The issue we had in 2023 was the depth of the club wasn’t exactly where we needed to be to be that top two team, and we hope that we’ve rectified that with our recruits this season to fill the spots we thought we were deficient in,” he said.

“All the new recruits have hardly missed a training session and have almost been setting a new standard within the group.

“We could not be happier with personnel and attendance so far, they’ve ticked every box they needed to, and now we just wait to play round one.”

The Demons’ eyes are firmly set on a top two finish and a deep run into finals, with more and more

We could not be happier with personnel and attendance so far, they’ve ticked every box they needed to, and now we just wait to play round one.

MATT GRAHAM, CO-COACH

players stepping up, Milawa won’t be short of game winners.

“We’re going to have less of a reliance on specific players as we probably had in the past,” Graham said.

“We feel like the depth across the forward line, our back line and our midfield now allows the playing group to be able to share the load.

“It’s going to provide a wealth of opportunities to new players and

existing players in different roles that they might not have had in season ’23.

“The opportunity to work together right from the first bounce of round one and develop together is going to create, hopefully, a galvanised group that we take and aim for a top two position.”

Milawa head to Whitfield to kick start their season, up against the Roos away from home.

Club Info

SENIOR COACH/ES: Matt Graham, Ben Clarke.

ASSISTANT COACH/ES: Liam Byrne, Daniel Larkings (reserves), Brenton Gray (reserves).

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Brayden Kearns, Tyler Dunn, Brady Bartlett, Jared Lea, Kyle Collisson, Ben Clarke, Xavier Ham.

ARRIVALS: Jared Lea, Kyle Collisson, Josh Roman, Tyler Dunn, Braydon Kearns, Brady Bartlett, Corey Dunn, Ricky Ahearn, Brandon Fitzpatrick.

DEPARTURES: Declan Joyce-Lawford.

2023 LADDER POSITION: 4th. 2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 1st.

Aiden Bihun

MILAWA - NETBALL

Demons are eager to continue their powerhouse performance on court

MILAWA’S netball program has produced some of the best squads in the O&K, and the side they’re bringing to the A grade competition in 2024 is set to continue the tradition.

Mood at the Milawa Recreation Reserve has been positive throughout the preseason period, with memories of the last grand final fuelling a desire to improve and work harder to once again be in the conversation come September.

Coach Kerrie Gray praised her squad’s efforts to be as good as possible heading into the season.

“We have had a really good preseason, working intensely on our netball conditioning,” she said. “We have had great energy, with lots of new and returning players to the club and that in itself creates an exciting atmosphere.”

Last year’s runners up will be just as strong, despite a few list changes.

Alyse Owen, Jami Ussher and Kyra Clarke will be missing from the A grade list, but retuning player Jordan Leslia and young up-andcomer Maya Ackroyd will be sure to make their presence known on the court.

“We are again really excited about our A grade group this season, we have a great mix of youth and experience,” Gray said.

“Change is inevitable, it’s how you deal with that change which matters.

“We are working really hard on building our new combinations and only time will tell on where we will feature on the ladder this season.

“Maya Ackroyd has secured a position in the A grade team, on the back of two fantastic season in B grade, I think we will see her take her netball to another level.”

The Demons head to Whitfield to take on King Valley in the first round of the year,

Club Info

COACHES:

A GRADE: Kerrie Gray.

B GRADE: Kim Michelini.

B RESERVE: Lia Williamson.

U17S: Kerri Michelini.

U15S: Kerrie Gray, Ella Kent.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Maya Ackroyd, Aliza Robinson, Molly Bihun.

ARRIVALS: Aliza Robinson

(returning), Jordan Leslie (returning), Hannah Kilner, Kate Dunn, Kristal Slade, Molly Bihun, Rachel Hansford, Tammy Vincent.

DEPARTURES: Charlie Forbes, Elise Stevens, Jami Ussher, Kayla Essex, Kyra Clarke, Mik Cose, Rachel Llewellyn, Sarah Warfe.

2023 LADDER POSITION: 1st.

2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 2nd.

SEASON FIXTURE

R1 King Valley (A) March 30

R2 Bright (A) April 6

R3 BYE April 13

R4 Tarrawingee (H) April 20

R5 Bonnie Doon (H) April 27

R6 Nth Wangaratta (H) May 4

R7 Moyhu (A) May 11

R8 Whorouly (A) May 18

R9 BYE May 25

R10 Goorambat (H) June 1

R11 Benalla (A) June 15

R12 Greta (H) June 22

R13 King Valley (H) June 29

R14 Bonnie Doon (A) July 6

R15 Tarrawingee (A) July 13

R16 Whorouly (H) July 20

R17 Benalla (H) July 27

R18 Goorambat (A) August 3

R19 Greta (A) August 10

R20 Bright (H) August 17

Sarah Matthews-Vincent

Youth to lead changed Hoppers list

MOYHU showed some immense improvement last year under coach Darren Bell, and the Hoppers will be keen to maintain that momentum in 2024.

Investing in the youth and the up-and-coming players at the club, Moyhu found themselves in finals action off the back of a stellar season.

While they lost in the elimination final, the Hoppers were more than competitive against the majority of the competition for periods of time.

A swathe of the club’s leaders has exited the club, meaning it’s time for the next generation to step up and prove themselves.

“This preseason’s probably been better than last season as far as attendance and getting a bit more out of it - I’d expect us to be competitive, but we’ll see how we go,” Bell said.

“We’ve got another four or five from the junior league in this year, and they’ve really taken to training really well.

“I’d expect most of them to be playing seniors at some stage of the year.

“At the moment, Harrison Grant and Harry Verdon haven’t missed a training run, I expect big things from them.

“Jett Roberts, ‘Zimma’ (Bailey Zimmermann) have had some interrupted preseasons but they’re back on deck now which is good.”

For Bell and the Hoppers, constant improvements are key to

the season, with plenty of young players eager to make a name for themselves in the O&K and work on their game.

“I just want us to build on last year’s great platform we set... we were competitive with most of the top sides for a quarter or two, and from five down we were more than in every game,” he said.

“We just want to hold our ground, we’ve lost a bit of

experience this year so we’re going to probably be younger again this year.

“We won’t be setting any bars to go at, we just want to improve every week and see where we sit.

“I don’t expect them to be superstars, I just want them to help continue our growth and make sure we’re switched on for 120 minutes.”

The Hoppers take on Greta at Moyhu in round one.

Club Info

SENIOR COACH: Darren Bell.

Bailey Zimmermann

ASSISTANT COACH/ES: Mario Anania (reserves), Leroy Dowling (reserves).

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Jett Roberts, Harrison Grant, Harry Verdon, Bailey Zimmermann, Tom Bannon.

ARRIVALS: Dave McDonald, Cooper Verdon, Josh Camilleri, Nick English, Joe Stefani, Nathan Chin, Will Carmody, Will Phillips, Ryley Dalton, Brandon Harrison, Jamion McGeehan, Jack Baker.

DEPARTURES: Jared Lea, Caleb Bell, Brady Bartlett, Charlie West, Xavier Wales, Lukas Jacobson, Harrison McCarthy.

2023 LADDER POSITION: 6th.

2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 9th.

MOYHU - NETBALL

Moyhu to field exciting young talent

THE ever-competitive Hoppers will look to outwork teams with their pace and sharp skills, with a healthy crop of young players donning the green and gold this year.

New coach Ainslee Dowling will lead an eager list of young players, but will lean into their strengths to blow teams off the court.

Dowling said the preseason period had been exceptional, and her squad was looking forward to testing their mettle in the O&K season.

“It’s a pretty good vibe, lots of energy, and all of the girls seem pretty keen,” Dowling said.

“We’ve had really good numbers, I think it helps with a young group, you seem to get numbers there a little bit easier.

“There are a few new players but there’s a core from last year, and they all seem really keen.”

New signing Grace WatsonLong from Rutherglen will be a feature through the midcourt, exemplifying the Hoppers’ push for quick, athletic netball in 2024.

“We’re just focussing on playing to our strengths because we are quite young, a really quick, fast game, using our fitness and those sorts of strengths in a lot of ways,” Dowling said.

“The main focus is just to keep building on where ‘Sharls’ (former coach Sharlene Wohlers) has left us, with a really good core and teams on the up.

“I’m pretty excited, we’ve added Grace Watson-Long to our senior squad this year,

she’s come from Rutherglen.

“She’s a really quick midcourter, she’s been really impressive in the preseason comp, starting to slot in really nicely through the middle of the courts and link up well with a couple of new shooting options as well.

“She’s quite versatile, she’s one we’ve added in to that A grade side that’s pretty exciting.

“I think, across all three grades, we don’t have too high expectations but we really want to improve on that win-loss ratio from last year across all three, which I think we’ve got great potential to do.”

The Hoppers begin their season in tough fashion, hosting reigning A grade premiers Greta on Good Friday.

Club Info

COACHES:

A GRADE: Ainslee Dowling.

B GRADE: Kim Saunders.

B RESERVE: Jackie Lake.

U17S: Georgia Allen, Tayla Scobie.

U15S: Emma McLaughlin.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Grace Watson-Long, Amy Holmes.

ARRIVALS: Grace WatsonLong, Matilda Taylor, Liv Tiso, Jasmine Scott, Liv Corso, Georgie Canning, Chloe Cook, Milly Cheeseman.

DEPARTURES: Charli Draper, Claire Annett.

2023 LADDER POSITION: 8th.

2024 Ladder prediction: 7th.

SEASON FIXTURE

R1 Greta (H) March 29

R2 Nth Wangaratta (A) April 6

R3 Bonnie Doon (H) April 13

R4 King Valley (A) April 20

R5 Benalla (H) April 27

R6 BYE May 4

R7 Milawa (H) May 11

R8 Tarrawingee (A) May 18

R9 Goorambat (H) May 25

R10 Bright (H) June 1

R11 Greta (A) June 15

R12 Whorouly (H) June 22

R13 Bonnie Doon (A) June 29

R14 Benalla (A) July 6

R15 King Valley (H) July 13

R16 Bright (A) July 20

R17 Tarrawingee (H) July 27

R18 Whorouly (A) August 3

R19 Goorambat (A) August 10

R20 BYE August 17

Zara Berry

Players flocking to the Hawks’ Nest

NORTH Wangaratta will approach the 2024 season with a vastly changed list from last season, investing in young up-and-coming players to complement a very competitive outfit.

The Hawks are hungry to put their hard work from preseason into practice, coming off their first finals appearance in a decade last year.

More than a dozen new names have been added to the Hawks’ list, hailing from local junior league clubs, the O&K, O&M, TDFL and even beyond.

Coach Steve Manning said leaders were in place to welcome the new additions to the Nest, and their vigour had shown in preseason.

“It’s been a really good summer, we’ve gotten ourselves into pretty good nick and good order, we’re just looking forward now to the real stuff,” he said.

“We’ve probably improved our depth more than anything, and that was a priority of mine going forward.

“We’ve had a bit of a high turnover, but our squad bats deeper this year.

“It’s exciting, bringing some new guys in from around the place has only added to that.

“We’ve got a list now that we feel like we’re going to be able to be competitive every week.”

Leading the new signings is former Wangaratta Magpie Josh Nanson, who will join brother

Tyler at the nest, and is already making himself indispensable to the midfield unit.

“We’re really excited for Josh, he comes to us with a great reputation, highly regarded at the Maggies,” Manning said.

“Already on the track, he’s instructing our midfield group with a lot of our stoppage work, which is invaluable.

“He’s got a bit of toe as well, and we’re really excited to see what he can do.

“He’s always going to get a bit of attention from other sides, but I think the way that he is, a hard worker and nothing much fazes him, he’s a really exciting addition.”

With established Hawks like Damien Bradley and Jhye Devine eager for their first match against the Hoppers in round two, Manning said there was a real energy out at North Wangaratta.

“Damien’s in ripping nick, and Jhye’s a young player that surprised a lot of us last year with his ability to hold down centre half forward, and he hasn’t missed a session during the preseason,” he said.

“We’re really excited to have the young boys putting in, and hopefully the rewards will come.

“We’re really excited, can’t wait to get into it.”

North Wangaratta will take the bye in round one, and will host Moyhu in round two.

Club Info

SENIOR COACH: Steve Manning.

ASSISTANT COACH/ES: Jamie Berry, Justin Schulze, Luke Kuschert (reserves).

CAPTAIN/S: Dave Killen, Damian Bradley (vice), Patrick Kelly (vice).

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Damian Bradley, Josh Nanson, Jhye Devine.

ARRIVALS: Josh Nanson (Wangaratta), Caleb Bell (Moyhu), Will Lawrence (Centrals), Matt Curtis (Mooroopna), Kai Hochfeld (Wangaratta JFC), Tristan Anderson (Wahgunyah), Zach Heard (King Valley), Liam McDonnel (Wahgunyah), Michael Kreun, (Wahgunyah) Sean Gales (Anglesea), Tyron Manderson (Wahgunyah), Kade Parkinson (Beechworth), Reidy Rosser (Wahgunyah), Ash Lowen (Benalla All Blacks), Daniel Buchan (Milawa), Brett Sessions (King Valley).

DEPARTURES: Tanner Freeman (Rennie).

2023 LADDER POSITION: 5th.

2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 5th.

Taylor O’Brien

NORTH WANGARATTA - NETBALL

Culture building at North Wangaratta

A CORE group of young and upcoming netballers will form the base of the Hawks’ A grade squad for season 2024.

Alongside new A grade coach Carolyn ‘Caz’ Hart, North Wangaratta will aim to foster a fun and welcoming culture, which they feel will bring the results.

The Hawks have done well to bring back a number of former junior players to the senior ranks, as well as promoting promising players to see just how high they can fly.

“A lot of the girls have come back after playing under 17s a couple of years ago, they’re now all together,” Hart said.

“We’ve got a very young, inexperienced team – in the A grade, only four girls have really had a good couple of years’ exposure to senior netball.

“All in all, it seems to be tracking well - we’ve been having 20, 25 to training for three teams, minimum, every training.

“We had a practice match, we fielded two teams out of the three we had, and we came away with two wins, so that was nice.

“Now it’s about building and working on things at training, taking it one week at a time.”

The defensive end will be one to watch, with Hayley Cunningham and Abbey Freeman to use their agility and athleticism to upset some of the league’s best shooters.

“I look forward to watching our defence in action together,

Hayley Cunningham and Abbey Freeman,” Hart said.

“They’re both young, have a lot of energy, have both played seniors before – Hayley’s been playing seniors for quite some period of time.

“I’m looking forward to watching those two and what they can bring together.”

Hart said this season was about forming a base the club can build on in seasons to come.

“We want people to come back and say they want to come to North Wangaratta, we just want it to be a good culture,” she said.

“It’s about building a foundation that we can continue on with in the years to come.

“Milawa have a strong team, and they’ve been playing together for years and years, and we want to keep that culture.”

The Hawks take the bye in round one, before hosting Moyhu to commence their season.

Club Info

COACHES:

A/B GRADE: Carolyn Hart.

B RESERVE: Gemma Enever U17/U15S: Hannah Burns.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Haley Cunningham, Lily Boman, Ruby Lane-Gee.

ARRIVALS: Mia Ely, Lily Boman, Charlotte Pople, Jemma Steinlauf, Mae Jayet.

2023 LADDER POSITION: 9th.

2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 10th.

SEASON FIXTURE

R1 BYE March 29

R2 Moyhu (H) April 6

R3 Whorouly (A) April 13

R4 Goorambat (H) April 20

R5 Greta (A) April 27

R6 Milawa (A) May 4

R7 Tarrawingee (H) May 11

R8 Bright (H) May 18

R9 King Valley (A) May 25

R10 Bonnie Doon (A) June 1

R11 Whorouly (H) June 15

R12 Benalla (H) June 22

R13 BYE June 29

R14 Goorambat (A) July 6

R15 Greta (H) July 13

R16 Tarrawingee (A) July 20

R17 Bonnie Doon (H) July 27

R18 Benalla (A) August 3

R19 Bright (A) August 10

R20 King Valley (H) August 17

DESIGN YOUR OWN PARMA!

New-look Bulldogs set for improvement

AFTER a rough 2023 which saw the Bulldogs sing their song only three times, Tarrawingee are rebuilding and angling for an improved 2024 season.

The Bulldogs finished 10th overall, but with the addition of playing co-coach Justin Hoggan, as well as a group of youngsters with senior experience now under their belt, Tarrawingee will be much improved.

“Obviously last year was a bit of a struggle, only winning two games, but to their credit they did well with fielding two sides all year,” Hoggan said.

“At the moment we’ve had some great numbers, most training sessions are in the high-twenties/low-thirties area.

“We’re looking forward to the season starting.”

Hoggan said consistency and investing in the club’s young list was a priority for the season.

“This year it’s more about developing the younger guys we’ve got at the club,” he said.

“We were a really young side last year, so the ones who have put in a great preseason, I’m looking at them to develop more and more into senior footballers.

“Hopefully we’ll have more of a consistent side, with the numbers we’ve brought in, we’ve probably brought back

10-12 players to the club.

“Consistency is probably going to be our biggest thing this year, that’s what we’re striving for, and hopefully we can sneak a few spots up the ladder.”

Hogagn said while a finals berth wasn’t out of the question, the Bulldogs would focus on internal improvements and consistently performing on the field.

“We’re not going to set ourselves up to be up there with the best, premiership contenders – we’re never going to put that sort of badge on our hat,” he said.

“We’re mainly enjoying having more numbers and getting the vibes around the footy club.

“Ideally, we’re going to try to push for that fifth or sixth spot on the ladder, but we’ll see how it goes from here.”

The Bulldogs head up to Bright to take on the Mountain Men in round one.

Club Info

SENIOR COACH/ES: Justin Hoggan, Evan Benton

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Seth Coonan, Zeke Carruthers.

ARRIVALS: Justin Hoggan, Zeke Carruthers, Lukas Allan, Tom Rebbechi, Cam Nolan.

2023 LADDER POSITION: 10th.

2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 7th.

Consistency is probably going to be our biggest thing this year, that’s what we’re striving for, and hopefully we can sneak a few spots up the ladder.

JUSTIN HOGGAN, CO-COACH

Hugh Amery

TARRAWINGEE - NETBALL

Tenacious Tarrawingee back for more

THE constant threat to all Ovens and King netball sides are up for the challenge once again, with Tarrawingee angling to hand out more than a few upsets to the rest of the top sides in 2024.

The Bulldogs finished third last season, being one of the only teams to defeat eventual premiers Greta, but exited the finals one game short of a rematch, downed 45-46 by Milawa.

With a largely unchanged squad – if anything, stronger than last season – the Bulldogs will look challenging again.

Maddie Canning will step up into the coaching role following the departure of Jackie Everitt, and with a list full of talent at her disposal - such as two-time reigning Faye Morgan Medallist Tig White - Tarrawingee will push a lot of teams to their limit.

Joining the ranks this year are Mollie Shanley and Tayla McPhail, set to provide a lot of class at both ends of the court.

“Preseason has been fantastic with all five teams entering into the (Wangaratta Netball Association) preseason competition,” Canning said. “This has allowed each team to gel, improve their fitness and try out different combinations.

“It’s shown some really positive signs across all the grades.

“For A Grade with a largely unchanged list, the competition has allowed Mollie and Tayla to slot into their respective ends and get used to playing with the team.

“This is not only a credit to them but also to the girls who played last year and their ability to adapt and always be looking to improve their games.”

Canning said building and maintaining a strong culture at the kennel would help them find success this season.

“Across all grades this season, we are really focusing on getting the basics right, fitness and building that confidence and trust within the teams,” she said.

“I think the one to watch this season in A grade will be Annie Creed, she’s only young but presents so much class and athleticism with ease.”

The Bulldogs head up the mountain to take on Bright in the opening round of the season.

Club Info

COACHES:

A GRADE: Maddie Canning.

B GRADE: Sharyn Ackerly, Amy Mountney.

B RESERVE: Lynda Griffin, Em Te Tai.

U17S: Tif Clare, Sophie Archer. U15S: Coll Nolan.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Tig White, Annie Creed, Mollie Shanley.

ARRIVALS: Mollie Shanley, Tayla McPhail.

DEPARTURES: Paige Warner.

2023 LADDER POSITION: 3rd.

2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 3rd.

SEASON FIXTURE

R1 Bright (A) March 30

R2 King Valley (H) April 6

R3 Greta (H) April 13

R4 Milawa (A) April 20

R5 BYE April 27

R6 Bonnie Doon (H) May 4

R7 Nth Wangaratta (A) May 11

R8 Moyhu (H) May 18

R9 Benalla (A) May 25

R10 Whorouly (A) June 1

R11 King Valley (A) June 15

R12 Goorambat (H) June 22

R13 Bright (H) June 29

R14 BYE July 6

R15 Milawa (H) July 13

R16 Nth Wangaratta (H) July 20

R17 Moyhu (A) July 27

R18 Greta (A) August 3

R19 Benalla (H) August 10

R20 Bonnie Doon (A) August 17

Maddie Canning

Whorouly Lions building into contenders

WHOROULY’S fortunes on the footy field have been hit and miss over the past few years, but some changes around the group and some players coming into their own means the Lions are ready for the hunt.

Livewire forward/utility player

Lachy Moore has stepped up to the senior coaching role, and his players have doubled down on putting their best efforts forward on game day.

Assisted by a strong coaching staff, Moore and the Lions are angling to make a legitimate play to move up the ladder.

“The boys have been travelling really well over the preseason, we’ve all noticed a bit more of a buy-in from everyone, doing a little bit extra,” Moore said.

“There’s been some incredible efforts from some of the boys, that sort of extra buy-in from the players has really started to lift some standards that we’ve been trying to work on for a few years now.

“I have every desire to win and make an impact where we can, and the boys are well on track.

“I just really want to push the positivity, and as much as I hate to say it, get that brand where we can enjoy coming to football, enjoying coming here and playing for one another.

“At the end of the day, that’s going to bring the results we want...we want blokes, even in losses, to try and be positive and not walk out hating football.”

While Whorouly did lose a trio of senior players to O&M side Myrtleford, they’ve recruited well, with new faces

like Eddie Woolford and Zac Bladon complementing a strong list.

“Big Eddie Woolford has demanded a spot round one, he’s going to show a real aggression at the football that we’re going to love,” Moore said.

“There are other boys like Zac Bladon, who’s really interested in making an impact, so it’s going to be very interesting to see how they adapt.

“Andy (Newton) is one to watch this season, he’s been super impressive on the track.

“We’re really excited to have Ollie Dixon re-sign, he’s putting on size, he’s putting on smarts, and really looking to take on the game.

“We have Darcy O’Shannessy coming back again, we put him from the forward line to the back line and he’s really become a staple of this team.”

The Lions will sit out round one with the bye, before taking on Benalla All Blacks at Friendlies Oval to begin their season.

Club Info

SENIOR COACH: Lachy Moore.

ASSISTANT COACH/ES: Paul Glanville, Tim Stevenson, Shane Moore (reserves).

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Andy Newton, Ollie Dixon, Darcy O’Shannessy.

ARRIVALS: Eddie Woolford, Josh Newton, Brannan Duffy, Jared Cook, Zac Bladon.

DEPARTURES: Riley Calvene, Xavier Cannizzaro, Jake Riley, Rhys Goodley.

2023 LADDER POSITION: 8th.

2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 8th.

The boys have been travelling really well over the preseason, we’ve all noticed a bit more of a buy-in from everyone, doing a little bit extra LACHY MOORE, SENIOR COACH

Andy Newton

WHOROULY - NETBALL

Lions courting netball success

WHOROULY will have to wait a week to make their 2024 season debut with the bye in round one, but the Lions are eager to begin their flag campaign.

After an exceptionally promising 2023 season, which ended prematurely in an elimination final, the Lions have bolstered their list and look to be more attacking on the court.

On top of retaining most of their list, and strengthening it, works on Whorouly’s new courts are completed, set to give the Lions top notch training and game facilities.

A/B grade coach Kelly Cousins said the girls had embraced preseason with intensity.

“The girls are feeling pretty good, we’ve had three practice matches, so we’ve got a bit of match sim under our belt,” she said.

“We finally got onto our courts, and that was really good, having a full court back under our use, it’s really helped.

“The list is looking good, we’re working on our combinationswe’re just testing combinations trying to get the right fit but it’s shaping up well, I’m happy.”

The Lions will be without key shooter Katie Ivone, but have brought back Katelin Anesbury, who is gelling well with established shooters Sarah Primerano and Tayla Allen.

“My focus is on our attacking end and building really solid connections between our attackers to set us up for the

season ahead,” Cousins said.

“It’s a bit of a gap, but at this stage we’ve had a couple of players who have played with us before like Katelin Anesbury, she’s come back and training really well - she’s fitted nicely in with Tayla Allen and Sarah Primerano.

“We naturally lend ourselves to a really good defensive squad, both in A and B grade.

“Our defensive pressure is great, I’ve been really impressed with what we’ve been putting out defensively, just have to work on our attack end.”

The Lions begin their season in round two against Benalla All Blacks.

Club Info

COACHES:

A GRADE: Kelly Cousins.

B GRADE: Kelly Cousins.

B RESERVE: Eleisha Fraser, Grace Way.

U17S/U15S: Candy Weldon, Ange Godley.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Katelin Anesbury, Sally Wood, Sarah Primerano.

ARRIVALS: Laura Keighran, Rachel Wiggins, Katelin Anesbury.

DEPARTURES: Katie Ivone, Lani Cousins, Sarah Weimer, Sareh Marek, Kirsty Spinks.

2023 LADDER POSITION: 5th.

2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 6th.

SEASON FIXTURE

R1 BYE March 29

R2 Benalla (A) April 6

R3 Nth Wangaratta (H) April 13

R4 Bright (A) April 20

R5 Goorambat (A) April 27

R6 King Valley (H) May 4

R7 Greta (A) May 11

R8 Milawa (H) May 18

R9 Bonnie Doon (H) May 25

R10 Tarrawingee (H) June 1

R11 Nth Wangaratta (A) June 15

R12 Moyhu (A) June 22

R13 Benalla (H) June 29

R14 King Valley (A) July 6

R15 BYE July 13

R16 Milawa (A) July 20

R17 Bright (H) July 27

R18 Moyhu (H) August 3

R19 Bonnie Doon (A) August 10

R20 Greta (H) August 17

the winning run,

Sarah Primerano