LET’S GO
BEST mates Dylan Shepard (left) and Harry Verdon will be locking horns tomorrow as Dylan’s Lions and Harry’s Magpies battle it out for the AFL premiership, where no mercy in vocal barbs and boasting to be shared upon the loser.
 
     
    
              
BEST mates Dylan Shepard (left) and Harry Verdon will be locking horns tomorrow as Dylan’s Lions and Harry’s Magpies battle it out for the AFL premiership, where no mercy in vocal barbs and boasting to be shared upon the loser.
 
     
    
              POLICE have begun a major crackdown on drink and drug driving throughout the state to as they try and keep the AFL Grand Final long weekend fatality free.
As part of Operation Scoreboard, which formally began yesterday, police are carrying out widespread roadside alcohol and drug testing throughout the extended break, adopting
BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au 
     
     
     
     
     
    a zero tolerance approach for those driving under the influence.
It comes as the number of lives lost on Victorian roads has soared to a seven-year high, with 210
fatalities to date in 2023, 27 more than the same time last year.
Some 17 motorists have been killed so far this year on roads within the Wangaratta Police Service Area, which includes Wangaratta, Moira and Alpine shires.
Four of the collisions have occurred within the rural city, with at least one linked
 
    to the alleged intoxication of a driver ahead of a crash which killed two people near Greta Road.
 
    Provisional police analysis of fatal collisions across the state so far this year has indicated drugs and alcohol are the second and third-highest contributing factors to fatalities, with speed remaining the highest.
More than half of this year’s fatalities have also been attributed to low-level non-compliance, such as lower levels of speeding and drink driving, distraction and failing to obey road signs.
Wangaratta Highway Patrol Senior Sergeant David Gillespie said speed, alcohol and drug driving would be key concerns for police
throughout the weekend. “We find at this time of year people are celebrating the grand final, they’re celebrating the changing of the weather and they’re likely to get out and about and potentially there’s a risk there of excess consumption of alcohol and using drugs when driving,” he said.
■ Continued page 2
YARRAWONGA Football
Netball Club has been left reeling after premiership player Jess Koopman was severely injured by a firework during celebrations earlier this week.
The 27-year-old was airlifted to the Alfred Hospital on Tuesday night, having
suffered severe facial injuries after attempting to ignite a commercial grade manufactured firework around 11pm.
Police believe a group of people had been celebrating the end of a football season by letting off fireworks at the intersection of Dunlop and Gilmore streets.
The Pigeons had emerged victorious two days prior in a four-point nail-biter against Albury in the Ovens and Murray FNL’s grand final.
Yarrawonga FNL wished Koopman a speedy recovery in a statement issued on their social media channels.
“As you may be aware, last night Jess was involved in
an accident involving a firework,” the statement read.
“Jess has been transported to hospital in Melbourne and is in the best possible hands - thankfully, he is in a stable condition.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Jess, his partner Georgia, and their families, who are all with him.
“We all hope his recovery is swift.”
A 45-year-old man has been charged following the explosion, amid allegations he supplied the firework.
A search warrant was executed at a Benalla-Yarrawonga Road residence on Wednesday around 9.30am, and the Yarrawonga man
was subsequently charged with reckless conduct endangering serious injury and possess explosive substance.
He was bailed to appear at Wangaratta Magistrates Court on December 4.
A 25-year-old man was also assisting police with their enquiries regarding the incident.
ON THE LOOKOUT: Senior Sergeant Kym Clark was one of several police officers enforcing alcohol testing on Ryley Street yesterday as part of Operation Scoreboard.
■ From front page
 
     
    “There’s a real focus on minor noncompliance - things like not having a seatbelt (on), exceeding the speed limit by less than 10kph, failing to obey appropriate signs in intersections.
 
    “It’s those things that in isolation may be seen as a minor noncompliance or a minor error of judgment, but they’re the things that are actually killing and seriously injuring our local people.”
State Highway Patrol, Solo Unit and the Heavy Vehicle Unit will also be deployed in the region over the weekend and into early
 
    next week, with Snr Sgt Gillespie expecting an uptick in heavy freight operations in the wake of the long weekend.
“We’ve been proactive in our messaging for a long time in relation to the fact that police don’t go out there to deliberately go and book people, but it’s at a point now where minor noncompliance is really hurting us,” he said.
“So we’re going to enforce them all - and if it means you haven’t had a penalty notice in a long time but you’re exceeding the speed limit by a very minor speed, expect to get (a penalty notice).”
SPRING weather has presented a mixed bag for North East farmers, holidaymakers and locals alike this month.
Local dairy, sheep and cropping farmers have welcomed the drier weather after a very wet winter, with the warmer conditions seeing paddocks dry out and speed up the growth of pastures and crops.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Wangaratta’s temperatures this month have been 1.6 degrees above
average, while monthly rainfall of 9.8mm so far to be the lowest since records began, and in stark contrast to the 79.8mm last year.
Daytime temperatures this month have averaged 19.8 degrees with an overnight low average of 4.4 degrees.
Year to date rainfall this year is at 439.2mm, which is down on the average of 464.1mm over the past 35 years.
The Bureau of Meteorology last week declared the arrival of El Niño and a positive In-
dian Ocean Dipole (IOD), a climate driver double-up that significantly increases the likelihood of unusually warm and dry weather across large areas of Australia in the second half of 2023.
This announcement brings the bureau into line with the World Meteorological Organisation, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Japan Meteorological Agency, who all declared El Niño back in June and July.
According to the bureau’s
records, this is the first El Niño since 2015/16 and the third in the last 16 years.
It is also the first positive IOD since 2019.
The last time El Niño and a positive IOD coincided was in 2015.
Wangaratta this weekend is expecting temperatures in the high twenties and continuing through until next Tuesday with rain forecast from Tuesday evening through until next Friday with heavy rain and thunderstorms expected with up to 20-40mm rainfall.
DANIEL Andrews’ time in Victoria’s top job will be fondly remembered by Rural City of Wangaratta Mayor Dean Rees, who said the former Galen College student’s Labor Government had taken good care of the Premier’s hometown.
Mr Andrews formally stood down from politics on Wednesday after almost nine years as Victorian Premier and 13 as the leader of the state’s Labor Party, having first been elected to the seat of Mulgrave in 2002.
While Cr Rees said the former Premier had not shown outward favourtism to a region which members of his family still call home, the ability of the local council, in conjunction with Benalla-born Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes, to lobby for funding had resulted in significant growth in the rural city in recent years.
Major projects partially or fully funded by the State Government in recent years have
BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au 
    included the redevelopment and expansion of Northeast Health Wangaratta, the expansion of the Barr Reserve, and the development of a 30-bed alcohol and drug rehabilitation centre at Greta Road.
“We wouldn’t have got as many things without the good work from (Ms Symes) and also the lobbying from us at council – our advocacy documents which we to try and get funding through the federal and the state (governments) have been so much better over the last six to eight years,” Cr Rees said.
“That’s why we’ve got so much funding – we’ve been able to have great plans, we’ve had so many projects scoped and ready to go and be ready for funding.
“As we know, the government now needs fully-scoped programs, not just ‘we would like to this, could you give us some money’ – you need to have a feasibility study and Wangaratta was so far ahead and that’s why we got the funding.”
With newly-elected Premier Jacinta Allan hailing from Bendigo, Cr Rees said he was hopeful the new Labor Government would ensure country Victoria received proportional financial support going forward.
“At the moment we (Victoria) have an infrastructure budget of billions of dollars each year, but we don’t get a quarter of that budget spent in rural areas – 25 per cent of people now live in country Victoria so we need more infrastructure to improve and make the livability in country areas much better,” he said.
“I understand (Mr Andrews’) position – he couldn’t show favouritism to Wan-
garatta too much because it doesn’t ring true – his favouritism was shown through great projects which we secured via the help of other ministers, mainly around Jaclyn Symes and the work she’s done.
“She’s a country person and she advocated very highly for the rural city, and we have a great relationship with her and that will continue through this government.”
Mr Andrews was Wangarat-
 
     
     
    ta’s second Victoria Premier, following in the footsteps of Sir John Bowser, a former Wangaratta Chronicle editor who was Premier between November 1917 and March 1918.
Cr Rees said he hoped Mr Andrews’ stint could inspire another local Premier to follow in their footsteps.
“It’s just about being able to sacrifice things wherever you are to make sure you take the
right footsteps,” he said.
“As we know (Mr Andrews’) family still lives here, as does his Mum and they’re lovely people.
“Let’s hope it gives that opportunity for another Premier to come from the Rural City of Wangaratta – it would be a great accolade for the rural city to say we’ve had two or three Premiers come out of the Rural City of Wangaratta in the last 30 or 40 years.”
FORMER Galen College
teachers Peter and Kate Murray remember now former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews as a “level-headed fella” who always aimed high.
 
     
    Peter, the school’s former VCE coordinator and an Economics teacher, and Kate, an English teacher who was Mr Andrews’ home room teacher as he completed Year 11 in 1990, said Wangaratta’s second Premier had shown maturity and cultivated strong relationships with his teachers while studying at the Phillipson Street campus.
Mr Andrews formally stepped away from politics
earlier this week, after nine years as Victorian Premier.
On one occasion, six weeks ahead of exams, Mr Murray said Prime Minister Paul Keating had adapted how the Reserve Bank of Australia managed the Australian dollar and, with his teacher under the pump organising VCE exams for each student in Wangaratta, Mr Andrews stepped up to teach the class.
“He put his hand up and said ‘I’ll have a go at it’, so I gave him some resources to work on, and he came in the next day and gave a really good lesson,” Mr Murray said.
“I thought that showed real initiative, as well as a certain confidence to be
able to undertake that sort of thing.
“You could see a lot of (Mr Andrews’ mother)
Jan’s values come through in Dan, he was probably a pretty good, middling student, but he was
certainly prepared to grab opportunities.”
Ms Murray said watching on as Mr Andrews’ role was placed under the microscope, particularly in recent years through the COVID-19 pandemic, had been challenging.
“We’ve had a lot of our friends who have been critical (of Mr Andrews) and we kept saying ‘well look we knew him as a teenager’ – even though he’s made connections and been fairly authoritarian in some ways, he certainly has a compassionate side and was always very well placed to get along well with staff,” she said.
“He was mature at that age – he could interact with staff on a respectful
 
    but quite open level.
“He was always very articulate and could speak out when he had opinions –he wasn’t the most popular kid in his school because he wasn’t a sports jock, but he loved his golf – Peter can remember him flipping off early when he didn’t have classes and going to the golf course (at Waldara).
“When we had Year 12 dinners Jan was pretty good at getting involved, so I think he learned from his parents to reach out to others and not just think about yourself all the time and look for the common good – I think that was probably something he got from his Galen education.
“You could say Dan worked towards achieving success.”
STARTING IMPORTANT CONVERSATIONS: The Project 365 team, on stage at one of last year’s successful concerts which aimed to raise awareness of mental health, are ready to do it all again on November 25, and are also in the running for a community achievement award from Awards Australia.
 
    
              WANGARATTA’S Project 365 is a semi-finalist in this year’s Awards Australia Charitable Foundation Community Achievement Awards, in the Victorian mental health and wellbeing category.
 
    The brainchild of Wangaratta’s Pete Rourke, Project 365 and associated band U Can Cry aim to raise awareness of mental health in the community.
Pete, together with a band of fellow musicians, performed two shows at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre
last year, and they are now preparing for their next gig - ‘The Ripple Effect’, which will form part of a raft of entertainment at the Wangaratta Rodeo Grounds on November 25.
 
    Pete’s Project 365 is one of 10 semi-finalists from throughout Victoria in line for the community achievement award, which recognises groups and individuals working to reduce the impact of mental health and/ or improve emotional and physical wellbeing.
Winners will be announced at the awards gala presentation dinner on December 1, less than a week
 
    after the next Project 365 event.
Pete said he was honoured by the nomination, which highlighted the contribution of all those involved in the local initiative to spread the message of mental health awareness and to start important conversations.
He thanked all those who had purchased tickets for November’s event, and encouraged others to join the fun at the rodeo grounds on November 25.
To book your tickets to ‘The Ripple Effect’, visit https://events.humanitix.com/ project-365-the-ripple-effect
BEST mates will be at odds tomorrow afternoon with no sympathies to be held for the loser.
Dylan Shepard’s Brisbane Lions and Harry Verdon’s Collingwood are set to do battle for the AFL premiership tomorrow afternoon when the MCG will be far from the only battleground venue around the country.
 
    Harry said he was still cooling down from the thrilling preliminary final last week, when the ‘Pies scraped past the Giants by a point.
“I nearly had a heart attack in that game,” he said.
“It’s stressful, hopefully we win it; the game’s at the MCG though so I think we’ve got them.”
Dylan said his first experience as an AFL grand final supporter has been like a roller-coaster of nerves and excitement leading up to the biggest of games.
“I’ve been thinking about it at work non-stop, I’m freaking out for sure,” he said.
“In the first quarter against Carlton I thought it was season over, I really thought we were done, but we clawed back and that’s all that counted in the end.”
Harry and Dylan have been close mates since attending Galen Catholic College and continue to be close, playing footy together for the first time since their school days at Moyhu this year.
“It started in year nine, one day I saw Harry was a bit lone-
ly so we rode our bikes home together, we started playing games and then we just hung out every day since,” Dylan said.
While Dylan was forced by his uncle to become a Lions supporter, Harry said he had a choice between his family’s Collingwood and Essendon loyalties, an easy decision if you ask him.
“Mum goes for Collingwood and Dad goes for Essendon, he bought me some Essendon stuff once and I said I’m not going for them,” he said.
A choice he has not regretted since.
The friends attended the two teams’ round 23 clash in Melbourne just a month ago, and Dylan is confident he can sing the Lions tune once again,
as he did on that occasion.
“They [Collingwood] can’t even talk, they haven’t beaten us all year and it’s going to be three in a row,” he said.
“Lachie Neale has taken Nick Daicos’ Brownlow, and he’s going to take his Norm Smith and his flag all in one year.”
Harry said he was still reeling from Brownlow night, and is confident of a worthy revenge.
“Nick Daicos was robbed of the Brownlow, Lachie Neale didn’t deserve it, and he’s going to go out there and go crazy to win the Norm and the flag,” he said.
The two mates will be watching on at a house party in Melbourne, both agreed only one of them will be hitting the main streets afterwards, only we don’t know who yet.
RACHEL York’s Amour De La Maison furnishing business has been lauded for its finalist finish at the Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards on Saturday night.
 
     
    Ms York attended the awards gala presentation night in Sydney on behalf of her business and was among 800 other small business finalists across the country.
Out of 250 entries in the Home and Garden Improvement category there were 11 finalists, where the small Wangaratta based business fell short to Shower Repair Centre based in Brookvale, NSW.
With a majority of small business winners based in capital cities around the country boasting multiple employees and a store setting, Ms York said she was blown away with the result as a
lone businesswoman from Wangaratta.
“It was pretty exciting for a little ‘one man’ band,” she said.
 
    “When you go to somewhere like Sydney and you’re up against people that are running businesses in Melbourne and other capital cities, it’s nice to know that you’re competing against them and not just fellow local small business ladies.
“It’s lovely to know you’re up there with other elite people.”
Working out of a studio in Kerr Street, Ms York’s predominately online business specialises in vintage designer furniture from all shapes and sizes, selling products to all parts of Australia with 3500 followers on Facebook.
Ms York said her finish as a national finalist has encouraged her to dream even bigger with her business, after learning and networking from some of the best small businesswomen in the country
“The judges said they were very impressed, being able to reuse vintage pieces and style them for the modern home, it was quite nice to hear their feedback... the judges are all business people themselves,” she said.
“I’m a creature of habit so I tend to do things I love that I would have in my own home, so it’s nice to know that you’re on trend in the market and that people are loving your work.”
A spokesman from the awards
host organiser Precedent Productions said it was the most competitive awards night in its short history, with judges given an extra day to adjudicate winners from a number of categories.
“The business did an outstanding job to be a finalist out of 3500 total nominations,” the spokesman said.
“It was a cracking night and was really quite humbling and motivating to hear so many great speakers.”
A WANGARATTA man has been jailed for his role in a series of psychosis-fueled incidents which saw him vandalise and graffiti property and make multiple threats in breach of family violence orders.
The 40-year-old faced Wangaratta Magistrates Court via WebeX from Ravenhall Correctional Centre on Monday, pleading guilty to charges including making threats to kill and criminal damage.
The court heard the defendant had been with two
others on the morning of August 11, when he walked along Roy Street East and spray painted at least two cars, two brick walls, and a letterbox and fence, before being arrested at Norton Street.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Victoria Lennon said the defendant had physically refused to comply with arresting police, and had subsequently urinated on the floor of the police jail while in custody.
In another incident some five days earlier, the defend-
 
     
    ant made several threatening calls to his father, after finding out a vintage car had been gifted to his sister.
According to Sen Const Lennon, the accused had left several voice messages for his father, in contravention of an existing no contact order, including a message more than four and a half minutes long, during which he made threats to shoot his father with a “50cal” firearm.
The court heard the defendant had begun calling his sister two days later
and sent a number of texts, including threatening to force her into her father’s landscaping tumbler, used to separate rocks from earth.
The defendant was subsequently re-arrested on August 15, after family members reported his conduct to police in the wake of a number of threatening social media posts.
Defence counsel Nancy Battiato said her client had previously spent time at Albury’s Nolan House treatment centre, and had been
diagnosed with schizophrenia.
She said he had entered into “some form of psychosis”, and had offended in the context of homelessness.
 
    Ms Battiato also noted her client was due for a depot antipsychotic injection.
Sen Const Lennon noted the defendant had a history of relevant prior offending, but conceded his mental health made for a challenging sentencing proposition for Magistrate Peter Mithen.
“It’s a difficult sentencing exercise,” she admitted.
“He’s no stranger to the temple of justice.”
Mr Mithen urged the defendant to take control of his behaviour.
“A threat to kill is not something the court sees as minor,” he said.
 
    He convicted and imprisoned the defendant for a total of three months, with 28 days having already been served.
Mr Mithen also issued an arrest warrant for a 24-yearold man linked to the graffiti spree, after he failed to attend court on Monday.
 By SIMONE KERWIN
    By SIMONE KERWIN
          
          THOSE seeking an enjoyable new challenge during Seniors Month this October are encouraged to consider Wangaratta’s Sing Australia group.
 
     
     
     
     
     
    The group meets each Wednesday from 7.30pm to 9pm at Purbrick Hall, next to Holy Trinity Cathedral.
With the first two nights’ sessions free for new members, it’s a great chance to meet new people and enjoy the chance to sing in a supportive, friendly environment.
All are welcome. For further information, call Keith Fleet on 0491 114 480 or Cheryl Hoysted on 0419 005 062.
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     By SIMONE KERWIN
    By SIMONE KERWIN
          
          THERE’S still time for a last-minute entry in this year’s Wangaratta Young Writers Award, which closes tomorrow.
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    The competition, which offers three divisions - upper primary, lower secondary and higher secondary (or 19 years and under not at school) - in both story, and poetry and song lyrics categories - is jointly sponsored by the Rotary Club of Wangaratta and the Rotary Club of Appin Park Wangaratta, in conjunction with the Wangaratta Library and the Rural City of Wangaratta.
First, second and third prizes will be awarded in each category, and winning entries will be compiled in an anthology to be displayed in the library and added to its collection.
 
    Entry forms can be collected from the library in Docker Street, and PDF versions can be requested by emailing library@wangaratta.vic.gov.au
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Entries close tomorrow, Saturday, September 30, and a presentation event will be held at the library on Thursday, October 19.
 
     
    A STAIRWELL mess blocking public access at the BigW carpark on Ford Street will be resolved by Rural City of Wangaratta council after receiving a formal complaint.
A concerned local couple visited the Wangaratta Chronicle this week to express their frustrations about the “disgusting” state of the stairwell.
Our team of experienced Dentists & Hygienist are here to offer our patients the highest calibre of professional oral health care and to service all of your dental needs.
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    The stairwell was filled with copious amounts of rubbish, shopping trollies, mattresses and what appeared to be excrement where it appeared homeless person or persons had set up camp.
 
    It made it virtually impossible for the general public to walk through the area.
The couple said they had contacted council to lodge a formal complaint to rectify the mess on
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    the stairwell, and said they were initially told it was a matter for BigW management.
 
     
    When discussing the stairwell cleanliness with BigW management, the couple were told it was a council based matter.
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Council director community and infrastructure, Marcus Goonan, confirmed to the Wangaratta Chronicle that council officers had received the couple’s request for the cleaning of the stairwell
 
     
     
     
     
     
    and had since initiated discussions with BigW management
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    “After a discussion with BigW it has been decided that council will organise the cleaning and additional security patrols of the area,” he said.
The concerned resident said it wasn’t the first time they had raised the issue with the council, but was relieved to hear action would be taken on the cleaning of the stairwell.
TICKETS have gone on sale for the Wangaratta RSL’s Women’s Auxiliary Spring Ball.
The annual ball will take place on October 28 at 6:15pm to take advantage of the beautiful spring weather, according to auxiliary president Wilma Bright.
“Normally we held the balls in May when it was really cold so this time we decided to give it a go in the spring because of the nicer weather,” she said.
The night will feature a live band, a raffle and a twocourse meal included in the ticket.
 
    “Local band Take 6 will be playing, which is made up of six of the members of Sweet Buzz,” Ms Bright said.
Alongside the two-course meal, there will be canapes and pre-meal drinks to start off the night.
The ball is aimed to sup-
 
     
    port and raise money for veterans and Ms Bright said it will be an unforgettable evening of fun and elegance for all.
“People should come along to enjoy a good fun night filled with camaraderie,” she said.
The grand prize of the raffle is a two night luxury escape to Peppers Hepburn Springs for two people along with other amazing prizes. There are limited tickets available, with around half already sold at $120 per person.
To secure your tickets contact the Wangaratta RSL or visit the Wangaratta RSL reception.
ELEGANT FUN: Wilma Bright, Joye Coombs, Jenny Ashton and Louise McKenzie from the Wangaratta RSL Women’s Auxiliary are all looking forward to hosting the Spring Ball.
 
    
              BOTH ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ sides for the upcoming referendum for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament were canvassed infront of almost 50 people assembled at the CWA Hall in Wangaratta on Tuesday night.
Organised by the Liberals’ Federal Electorate Conference (FEC) of Indi and mediated by Father Peter MacLeod-Miller of St Matthew’s Anglican Church (Albury), the audience heard from lawyer Damien Freeman and Indigenous speak-
 
     
    er Sean Gordon for a ‘Yes’ vote, and Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson and Indigenous speaker Wesley Aird for a ‘No’ vote.
FEC Indi chair Tony Schneider said unlike the Federal Liberal Party with a firm public ‘No’ vote stance,
the event was designed to be apolitical, allowing community members to hear both sides of the debate.
“I think this has been missing...presenting both positions side by side at the same time to allow the community to make their own
OLGA and Mason Scholes will be the guest speakers at next week’s annual general meeting for Oxfam Wangaratta.
The couple will be at The Vine Hotel on Wednesday, October 4, with those attending the AGM invited to enjoy a meal from 6pm, followed by their address from 7pm.
 
     
    Olga will speak about her work at the Narwaddekan Academy in West Arnhem Land, where she is chief executive officer/ principal.
The Nawarddeken Academy offers a unique model of bi-cultural, communitydriven education in remote Indigenous communities.
It was established at the request of local Indigenous elders, who wanted children to be able to access full-time education in their home communities.
informed decision,” Mr Schneider said.
“While we would have liked a larger crowd, everyone was respectful and both sides were well represented.”
Australians will vote on the referendum on October 14.
Olga’s husband, former local Mason Scholes, has worked at the NT’s Maningrida College, and will share information about some Indigenous cultural practices.
 
    The timely discussion is open to all, and there is no need to book.
For more information, contact Loretta on 0409 558 245.
 
    WHILE the resignation of Daniel Andrews as Victorian Premier will be celebrated by some and bemoaned by others, there is no doubt he made his mark on Victoria like few leaders before him.
In Wangaratta, Mr Andrews, along with his Upper House MP Jaclyn Symes, were pivotal in the major redevelopment of our public hospital, a much-needed drug rehabilitation centre, and the refurbishment of many of our schools.
At a state level he ruled through one of the nation’s most challenging times trying to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and, despite many criticising his decisions on lockdowns and border closures, was returned with an increased majority at the last state election.
But there are blemishes as well - the state of our roads, our massive debtwhich was already a concern before COVID - has reached alarming proportions since, with higher inflation here and across the world increasing the pain.
Mr Andrews’ commitment to the ‘big metro build’ has made the situation even worse and the loss of the Commonwealth Games, basically because we could no longer afford it, highlighted the situation.
With all that said, Daniel Andrews will be remembered as a political powerhouse, hardworking and committed to his ideals, and a person who has made an impact on how we live, greater than possibly any other rural city resident in the past.
Now we await the style and direction of new Victorian Premier Jancinta Allan, also originating from regional Victoria; she will need to quickly put her stamp on important changes needed after having been linked closely to Mr Andrews’ policies and decisions.
FACEBOOK users commented on our weekly poll which asked users: Do you agree with the State Government’s decision to apply a 7.5 per cent tax on Airbnbs?
• Ninna Edwards: Interesting. I think if they are stand alone properties that otherwise could be long-term rented then yes. We need to do something to address the housing crisis. But if they are small, say granny flat/studio etc) on the same property as
where the owners live then no. These are you mums & dads trying to make a little $ with an asset that is their home too. What Airbnb was initially developed for.
• Alex Dupuis: Nooooo
• William Magnus: No should be 10%
• Charles Edward Halter: No
• Bellini Homer: Airbnbs need to be freed up for long term renting.
Facebook users also commented on the opening
 
    THE proposed addition to the constitution has three simple concepts: 1. Listening to First Nations people; 2. Recognition of them in the nation’s birth certificate, the constitution; and 3. Together it will lead to better outcomes. There is nothing to fear from any of that.
It will give First Nations people a stake in the outcome of programs delivered for them and increase their accountability.
The Closing the Gap reports continue to show that we are making limited progress to closing the gaps, reducing their disadvantages, and incarceration rates.
They are not bad people; they have faced decades of disadvantage since colonial settlement.
‘Yes’ is a vote for optimism, confidence, a vote for the future, an assertion that we are capable of great things, of acting with decency, mutual respect, courage, and generosity.
We have always believed that Australians deserve a fair go for all.
A ‘Yes’ vote does that for First Nations people.
We have much to be proud of in many fields.
There are about 190 nations on earth, our First Nations people have a continuous connection to the country for 65,000 years.
Australia ranks in the top 10 on many social indicators.
As identified by Barry Jones, former Minister for Science, ‘No’ is a confession of failure, or the belief that we cannot do better.
So, we remain prisoners of the past, surrounded by pessimism and apathy. Insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results.
Vote Yes in the referendum and help chart a constructive positive future for our great nation.
Wake up the next day and feel part of something special.
Russell Sully, Wangaratta SouthWELL, only a couple of weeks to go when Australia will choose between making Australia better, or condemning us to the back blocks of world behaviour to Indigenous peoples.
I would like to note a couple of things and I direct them to our youth.
Firstly, many have said that “It’s become too political”.
‘Political’ means relating to the public affairs of the country.
NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.
of Merriwa Park after several months of closure.
• Ian Corbett: Great just need some concerts there now.
• Suzanne Carvill: About time.
• Ash Shearer: Hopefully they culled the bin chickens while they sorted the trees.
• Kyle Cogan: And how can the council justify closing Merriwa Park because of the fear of falling gum trees when other events have been held in place is full of gum trees,
and none have fallen Neil Park should never have been closed in the first place and gumtree are endangered.
• Jessica Penney: Stefanie Wilson Stephen Jude see ya there next wednesday.
• Julian Savery: Secretly installed parking meters in that time no doubt.
• Simon Attard: Julian Savery stop giving the Council ideas.
• Nathan Andrew:Julian Savery yep gotta pay for that Ned Kelly hub.
Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.
 
    Our follower total is
 
     
    14,373
It would only avoid being political if everyone agreed with it.
Once a ‘No’ campaign began, it was always going to be political.
Secondly, I ask the young people not to listen to my (older) generation. We are tired and scared.
Dare to dream of a better Australia, and don’t be put off by the false scaremongering.
And, finally, if you are not sure - not enough detail, too much detail - I ask you to look at the quality of people who are supporting the two campaigns. Examine them and their likely aims - the No campaign features many of the politicians who have been disgraced in this country for one thing and another and a series of misfits and extremist organisations whose aims are clear - divide the country. The Yes campaign seeks to unite. Please, listen to your heart.
Peter and Gillian Leonard, Wangaratta 
    I WOULD like to thank the Wangaratta Players Youth Theatre Group for their fantastic performance of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
My favourite character was the dwarf because he was so funny.
I am hopefully directing a play at my school in Mooroolbark in term four.
My siblings and I are staying here
(Wangaratta) with our grandparents till Sunday, October 1. Grace Jackel (10), Mooroolbark
Do you agree with the State Government’s decision to apply a 7.5 per cent tax on Airbnbs?
Yes 27 No 7
34
 
    AIRBNB TAX votes to yesterdaynoon
Do you think Victoria should scrap the AFL grand final parade public holiday?
WE welcome your letters to the Editor. Priority is given to typed/emailed letters under 250 words. Every letter must have your full name, address and a daytime phone contact number supplied for verification purposes. Any letter may be edited for reasons of space, content or legibility.
Email edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au
FACEBOOK users this week commented on Dan Andrews stepping down from politics.
 
    • Georgina Rea: Thankyou
Dan Andrews for your dedication, commitment and service to Victoria over your 9 years as our Premier. Won with increasing majorities each election and guided us through the toughest of times. A job well done.
• Ricky Iles: His departure gift to all Victorians is a massive debt!
• Timothy Simpson: Courageous and strong Leader. Ripping bloke to boot.
• Michael Gambold: Thank God
• Leslie Matthews: Our Great and Glorious Leader.
• Jaki Burman: Who stepping in then??
• Sandy Wignall: Jaki Burman Mickey Mouse would do a better job !!!!
• Jaki Burman: Sandy Wignall yeah but he not Australian so maybe Blinky Bill.
• Greg Wighton: A job well done, hope he enjoys his well earned retirement.
• Pud McLean: Yippie
• Sandy Wignall: Party time.
 
    • Timothy Simpson: Our Man
 
    NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.
Dan realises that there are other things besides being a politician. His kids are or are almost young adults. Not long & they’ll flee the coup. As all kids do. He wants to enjoy their company more often. Be home for dinner. Spend time with his lovely wife. He might believe that they’ve always supported him, now it’s their turn. He’s only a young man. Lots of life to live. Holidays. See Australia. See the world. Why not. I’m sad to see him go, but I understand. He’s been a very good Premier during very difficult times. It’s not an easy life by any means. I
wish him & his lovely family the very best. And. Thank you Dan.
• Bruce Wilson: Should be a public holiday to celebrate Facebook users also commented on the start of construction on the new Wangaratta Station pedestrian underpass.
 
     
    • William Magnus: When is completion anticipated?
• Marianne Hamilton: Wonder what Vic stations still have a classic walkover bridge now. Nothing like walking over while trains are roaring past underneath.
TWITTER users this week tweeted about local jockeys, a new psychology clinic, and the Wangaratta Rovers.
Dona McQueen @DonaMcqueen
Good day for Wangaratta’s Craig Weeding with a treble at Leeton.
UniMelb MDHS @UniMelbMDHS
 
    Exciting News! Wangaratta welcomes the new Gateway Health Psychology Clinic, offering vital mental health support to the community. Learn how this initiative is making a positive impact on rural mental health
pizziniwines
Follow
 
    Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.
 
     
    Our follower total is
 
     
     
    14,373
John Knight @jkdrumcollectorThe Wangaratta Rural City Council are doing a great job with the drumMUSTER program.
London
1 - we learnt how to make pasta with the Enrico Rocca team - then ate great food and made new friends. Loud conversation and smiles at the end.
Check out some of our best photos at our @wangchronicle Instagram account.
Footy Almanac @thefootyalmanac
Singled out as a youngster, Dylan Wilson has gone on to great things for the Wangaratta Rovers. KB Hill charts his progress.
If you have something to say, add our handle @wangchronicle to your tweet and we will publish some each week.
 
     
    DOWN by our riverside in Wangaratta, on the Bullawah Cultural Trail, a local Tai Chi group gathers weekly to experience mindfulness in nature.
This is done with true acknowledgement of a connection to ancient cultures and being present in the natural environment within which we live according to mindfulness educator and Yes23 campaigner, Mandy Hogan.
“We stand under the same sky, on the same land, and beside the same river as our First Peoples have before us, for thousands of years,” she said.
“Whilst we can’t control the weather, there are some things that are within our circle of influence.
“And giving recognition to the Indigenous as the First Peoples of this country is absolutely something that is currently in our control, in our choice-making.
“They have asked us all to recognise, listen to and protect them, for a better future”.
In Bpangerang language, Bullawah [bulla meaning two and wah meaning water], signifies the joining of the two rivers (Ovens and King).
The two suspension bridges crossing the river symbolise the coming together of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
The Bullawah Cultural Trail was created to celebrate and
share the spirituality, ancient stories, knowledge and skills of our local Indigenous people.
A group of local Wangaratta volunteers are offering an opportunity to ‘Walk and Talk with Us on the Bullawah Trail’ next Friday, October 6 at 9am.
 
    “This walk is intended for community members who genuinely want to know more about how significant this Referendum for the Voice will be for our country, and how urgent the challenge is to create equity for our Indigenous peoples,” Ms Hogan said.
“Voting is compulsory.
“There are still many peo-
 
    ple who may not yet have given much thought for how they will vote on October 14.
“So, ‘If in doubt, then come find out!’
“Our volunteers are communityfocused people who value reconciliation, equality and fairness.
 
    “They are keen to have respectful conversations with those voters who are still undecided.
“Over these past months, Yes23 has grown into one of the largest campaigns for change that Australia has ever seen - now over 44,000 volunteers strong.
“They represent people, progress, ideas, and real change.
 By CHLOE JAENICKE
    By CHLOE JAENICKE
          
          AWARENESS about the risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are being raised today on World Heart Day. According to the Heart Foundation, every day 1619 Australians are hospitalised for cardiovascular disease with rural Victorians facing an increased risk facing a mortality rate 1.11 times higher than the national average.
“In Wangaratta, there’s a higher cardiac risk factor burden with obesity (33.8 per cent), hypertension (23 per cent), smokers (19.7 per cent) and people aged over 65 (22.5 per cent), all above the national average, according to the Heart Foundation,” cardiac liaison nurse at Northeast Health Wangaratta, Maree Jenkin, said.
“In the 2012-2016 period, the number of heart related hospital admissions in Wangaratta (43.9 percent) was also above the national average of 42.3 per cent.
“And they know the campaign should not be about the politics of fear and division.
“Keeping the status quo offers no solutions to the problems faced.
 
     
    “Writing ‘Yes’ is a meaningful step in the right direction to create a more united Australia for the country our great-grandchildren will inherit.
“Come Together with us on Bullawah Cultural Trail Walk next Friday, October 6.
To join the walk meet at 9am Templeton Street boat ramp carpark (between Gray St and railway line).
 
    “While there are risk factors for CVD beyond your control, including age, gender, ethnicity and family history, there are many lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk of CVD.”
The top 10 ways to help protect your heart from CVD and other related heart diseases, according to the Heart Foundation include:
 understanding your risk by seeing your GP for a heart health check;
 eating healthy;
 moving more and getting more exercise;
 being smoke free;
 maintaining a healthy weight;
 drinking less alcohol;
 reducing stress;
 managing your cholesterol; and
 
     
     managing your blood pressure.
The
 
     
     
    We are all residents of the Rural City of Wangaratta and will be writing on our referendum ballot papers on October 14.
 
    to recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. to listening to communities and working together to achieve better results. to a better future.
We have paid for this advertisement ourselves, and we encourage you to write
Mark Townsend
Margaret Anderson
Jenny Murray
Norman McDonald
Isabel Nina Young
Jake Ingham
Virginia Eckels
Peter Dewez
Elizabeth Grogan
Paddy Milne
Rodney Stokes
Heather Redmond
Graeme and Gigi Blanch
Carmen Ludeman
Margaret Brickhill OAM
Gillian Leonard
Neville Quigley
Rob Carolane
Eric Smith
Caz Sammon
Liz Walpole
Paul Rymer
Rowan Kaye
John and Helen van Riet
Julie Davey
Robert Holloway
Sylvia Holloway
Michaela Platten
 
    Peter R. Murray
Clare Grogan
Jeff Faithfull
Mary Daly
Hugh McArthur
Elizabeth Smith
Marisa Quigley
Linda Rendell
Donna Lane
Pippa Duggan
Melinda Edwards
Mick Grogan
Bernadette Blance-Palmer
Rae Quigley
Rob Humphrey
Robin Herry
Steve Parker
Susan Mcdonald
June Gotham
Linda and Geoff Simpson
Russell Sully
Tori Ferguson
Anna Lottkowitz
Dr Helen Haines MP
Robyn and Guy Robertson
Uncle Dozer Atkinson
Judy Rose
Joan Kitson
Heather McKean
Andrew Sinclair
John Ngiam
Susan Benedyka
Don Heath OAM
Peter Leonard
Kellie Loughman
Shane Tomkins
Lucas Di Paolo
Virginia Saint-James
Helen Al Helwani
Ross Lomazov
John Naylor
Julie Carolane
Kathryn Murray
Marty and Mandy Hogan
Linda White
Kate Walsh
Helen Twitt
Cheryl Hoysted
Smiggs SaxelbySmith
Suz Christison
Anne Baumgarten
Jill Huon
Peter Gotham
Bronwyn Chapman
Anita Laurence
Loretta Atkin
Mary-Ann Sargent
Molly Nunn
Ruth HillNoble
Jill Newnham
Prue Noble
Eliza Nunn
Jenny Anderson
Frank Megens
Hedge
 
    Sal Colson
John Griffiths
Lisa Flanagan
Glenn Morrison
Tim Dickinson
Ian Wilson
Jess Young
Kathy Haas
Cathleen Wighton
Neil Duggan
Lucille Milne
Dr Brian Luxford
Holly McCarthy
Suzanne Farrugia
Lyn Leister
Michelle Parker
Phil Haines
Debra Rooks
Joan Sibley
Barbara Griffths
Glenys R. Jackson
Reverend Maureen Beattie
Anne Shaw
Greg Wighton
Simon Brooke-Taylor
John Davis
Ian and Yvonne Davidson
Allison Allen
James Anderson
Reg Carmody
Luke Davies
Donna and Jim Samon
Julia Michael
Claire Russell
Cassandra Pollock
Adrian Twitt
Anne Fogarty
Deanne Burge
Bobbie Titcher
Bill Young
Hamish McKenzie
Ian Minns
James O'Connor
Dr Graeme Rose
Jill Lindquist
Irene Day
Tammy Atkins
Cade Smith
Beth and Lachie Gales
Rose Sexton
Jim McKean
Jamie Kaye
Robyn York
Molly Herry
Colin Stokes
Kathleen Brasher
Tony Lane
Val Edwards
Richie Arnold
Monika Samolyk
Greg Quinn
Jane Baker
Jonny Allen
Mary Reid
Graeme Ray
Joy Ramsey
Emma-Lee Still
Aidan Michael
Janet Heath OAM
 
     
     
     By STEVEN BURKE
    By STEVEN BURKE
          
          FENCES have come down at the Ovens Riverside Precinct, which is now open to the public.
 
    The $3.3m project is virtually complete, with a shared path on the Painters Island side of the river the only remaining piece of work to be completed.
The Rural City of Wangaratta has been running the project since early December last year and manager – projects and contracts, Paul Somerville,
said he was proud of the work.
“I’m really happy with how it’s turned out,” he said.
“It’s been a privilege to work on it.
“Hopefully the Wangaratta public really take to it.”
Mr Somerville said the
 
     
     
     
    development would look most impressive at night time, when hundreds of lights are turned on along the boardwalk, in the square, along the stock bridge and from below the structure.
He said council had been able to do more than what it originally hoped, by adding lighting to the Sydney Beach car park and building the shared path on the Painters Island side of the park.
Council still plans to beautify the river bank on the Apex Park side of the Ovens River.
 
    Working
Assess and correct nutritional deficiencies
 
    Anemia and low iron in pregnancy
 
     
     
     
     
    UTIs and thrush
Alongside medical intervention for pregnancy complications like preeclampsia, placental dysfunction and miscarriage
Immune support for autoimmune conditions
Birth preparation and labor support.
*herbal medicine has a practice as herbs help with:
 
    Strengthen the uterus
Reflux, constipation hemorrhoids
 
     
     
     
    Cold,
Blood sugar and weight stabilisation
Reduce risk of tearing
Improve contractions
 
     
    Shorten labor time
Post Partum recovery
Moods and mental health
Afterpains
 
     
    Perineal tears
Reestablish cycles and fertility
Pelvic congestion/ heavy flow
 
    *herbs nutrients and diet help with:
Low milk supply
Thrush
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Cracked nipples and mastitis
 
    Infant colic, reflux
 
     
    Supporting gut health and reducing allergies in formula fed babies
Allergies
Eczema/ nappy rash
 
    Infections
Infant constipation and gut health
DESIGNS: Shelley Kelly and Jan Manglesdorf (pictured) are looking forward to this
 
     
    
              SEE a diverse collection of handmade quilts made by local ladies on display when the Indigo Quilt Exhibition is held at the Barnawartha Soldiers Memorial Hall on October 13 to 15.
 
    The annual event brings together members and friends of the Skellywags Sewing School who come to sit and sew from across the district, travelling from places including Wagga Wagga, Albury, Wangaratta, Beechworth and Yarrawonga.
 
    More than 30 quilts will be on display showcasing a variety of techniques and
styles, in what will be the last official quilt exhibition, as organisers plan to do something new next year.
Skellywags Sewing School’s Shelley Kelly said along with quilts there will also be a display of textile responses in to the theme of 10 years - celebrating how long they have been in business.
She said there will also be a postcard challenge - with sewers creating textile works to the theme “all about 10” in postcard size.
“There will be a viewer’s choice award and also a quilt raffle, with proceeds going to the restoration of the Barna-
 
     
     
    wartha hall,” she said.
Shelley said while the quilt exhibition has been running for eight years (with a break due to COVID) they have made the decision to “change it up” and do something else next year.
The exhibition will run from Friday, October 13 to Sunday, October 15 from 9.30am to 3.30pm at the Barnawartha Soldiers Memorial Hall in Havelock Street, Barnawartha.
Entry is $5 and proceeds will be donated to the hall’s restoration fund, with morning and afternoon and lovely light lunches also available.
 
    LIVE MUSIC: There will be live entertainment perfromed by country artist Ell Regan at the inaugural Wangaratta Rural Women’s Day.
INFLUENCER: Zoe Carter, an influencer for young people in agriculture will be one of the speakers at the Rural Women’s Day event.
 
    
              LOCALS Meghan Gehrig and Meagan Jeffries are excited about Wangaratta’s first Rural Women’s Day event to be held on October 7.
Rural Women’s Day is a not-for-profit community organisation that connects rural and regional women through community, collaboration and celebration.
This year Rural Women’s Day will welcome more than 1000 attendees to 10 locations across Australia.
Ms Gehrig and Ms Jeffries have worked together for the past 12 months securing the private garden of the Bishops Lodge to host a health and wellness brunch that will follow with an evening celebration of rural and regional women at a gala dinner at Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway.
Rural Women’s Day, Wangaratta will attract local and interstate travellers for their opportunity to connect and hear from the incredible line up of guest speakers.
Attendees will start the brunch with a HIIT class from Kate Loechel from United Body & Soul or a yoga class with Julie Connolly from Find Balance then connect over brunch and hear from chief executive officer of Sustainable Table, Jade Miles and founder of Villo Retreat, Alex Harris.
 
    At the gala dinner, guests will be treated to a threecourse meal, with special guest Grace McLeod, farmer who hails from Western Victoria and who now calls the Top End home.
 
    Speaking also is Zoe Carter, a positive influencer for young people in agriculture.
There will be live entertainment by country music artist Ell Regan.
 
     
    It was sheer curiosity that led Ms Jeffries to take part in the Rural Women’s Day in Nagambie in 2022.
Having heard about the organisation and wanting to know more about it, she decided to go on a road trip and experience the day for herself.
It was there she met the founder of Rural Women’s Day Jackie Elliott and began networking with other like-minded women.
 
     
     
    Ms Jeffries thoroughly enjoyed the day, and on her way home rang Ms Gehrig to discuss hosting an event in their local area.
Ms Jeffries believed Wangaratta would be the perfect location and knew how beneficial it would be for the local community - particularly those who lived on the farms and small towns that make up the Rural City. Because connection matters.
That was the underlying message shared by Rural Women’s Day – North East Victoria co-hosts, Meagan Jeffries, and Meghan Gehrig.
 
     
     
    Although their experiences growing up were different, both women know and value the importance of social connection.
For more information and purchase tickets, visit https://www.ruralwomensday.com.au/shop.
If you, your partner, or your parents need help to stay living at home, call us today to see how we can help.
 
     
     
    We’ve never looked back. Our Home Care Package has been brilliant.
- Les & Jeanette
and Jeanette are two of the thousands of people over the last 23 years who have trusted Latrobe Community Health Service to provide home care services.
Generous donations from the June Canavan Foundation, Australia Post, and other local benefactors have extended the reach of Wangaratta’s popular Cycling Without Age program.
The local branch of a not-for-profit charity which offers free trishaw ebike rides to older people and those with disabilities and reduced mobility, Cycling Without Age Wangaratta has been operating in the rural city since October, 2021.
 
    Now, thanks to the support of the June Canavan Foundation - to the tune of $15,000the local group has been able to purchase a second trishaw to make the rides even more widely available to residents of aged care facilities Illoura, St John’s, St Catherine’s and Rangeview, as well as independent residents of St John’s and other locals keen to get out and about.
The foundation was created to honour the memory of Dr June Canavan, a muchloved sports physician and family doctor who hailed from Wangaratta, before relocating to Queensland.
June’s life was cut short when she died in a plane crash while travelling to Kokoda in Papua New Guinea in August, 2009.
When June’s sister, Wangaratta resident Lorraine Griffiths, heard about the Cycling Without Age initiative in Wangaratta, she encouraged the group to apply for funding through the foundation.
“June would have loved the idea,” Lorraine said.
“She spent a lot of her GP hours working with older residents on the Sunshine Coast, and these rides allow
A PREMIERSHIP poster designed by Herald-Sun cartoonist Mark Knight is the ultimate souvenir for any AFL fan celebrating a flag.
And those who purchase a poster through Wangaratta and district Good Friday Appeal coordinator Alex Carmody will also be contributing to local support of the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Collingwood and Brisbane fans keen to get their hands on a poster celebrating their team if it wins Saturday’s grand final - as well as general footy memorabilia collectors - can leave their details with Alex to secure the memento within a week.
To register your interest in a poster, simply contact Alex Carmody on 0428 120 310.
ANTICIPATED drier, hotter conditions will see parts of the state subject to fire restrictions from as early as October 9.
people to get out and see what’s happening in their community. “A lot of them don’t have family here to take them out.
“It’s fantastic to see people get out and enjoy what they used to experience, and the board thought it was a wonderful thing.”
Indeed, the foundation told Cycling Without Age Wangaratta that the project aligned perfectly with its cause areas of health and sport.
The board said: “June was a committed sports physician who believed strongly in the benefits of exercise and activity, particularly in the outdoors for people in their older age.
“We are sure she would be delighted that we are supporting this project in Wangaratta, which is where she grew up and went to school.”
The team at Australia Post Wangaratta had seen the original trishaw travelling past the door of their Murphy Street base, and also felt they could seek support for the program.
They recommended the initiative for a $1000 Australia Post community grant, and the application was successful.
The grant has assisted with costs including safety items such as helmets for pilots and passengers of the two trishaws.
“(Head office) thought it was a bit of a different idea to enable people to get out and about, and we see the smiles on passengers when they ride past,” Kellie Parnall from Australia Post Wangaratta said.
Gigi Blanch and Joy Ramsey from Cycling Without Age Wangaratta said a num-
 
    ber of other local bequests and donations had also been forthcoming to ensure the program was sustainable and able to serve the increasing number of people seeking rides in the trishaws.
The trishaws currently traverse paths around Wangaratta four times a week, and have been busy over winter, but Joy said now that the warmer weather had arrived, there would no doubt be even more interest.
“We have been waiting for a while to get our second trishaw, and we are so fortunate to have received this funding,” Gigi said.
Peter and Elaine Mudge were the first official passengers when Cycling Without Age Wangaratta debuted two years ago, and were back enjoying a ride in the sun on Wednesday as the two trikes embarked from St Catherine’s in Ryley Street.
“We were the originals, and we’ve been four times since,” Peter said.
Elaine said the couple enjoyed getting out and seeing progress around Wangaratta.
Gigi said more trishaw pilots were always being sought, and she encouraged those keen to help others to consider registering their interest to discover “the joy of it; rolling through town and along the river” as passengers savoured the time outside.
“It’s a lovely experience to give to someone, and it’s ridiculously simple,” she said.
“We pilots get as much out of it as the people we’re transporting, and you get some lovely chats happening along the way.”
For more information about Cycling Without Age –whether to volunteer with the program or to organise a ride – phone 0418 387 089 or email cwawangaratta@gmail.com
Earlier this week, CFA declared Wellington and East Gippsland shire councils would enter their respective fire danger periods (FDPs) early next month, with additional local government areas to be announced in the coming month based on rain, grassland curing and local conditions.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the declaration of a fire danger period earlier in the year was an indication of what Victorians can expect for the summer ahead.
“While crews are ready to respond and support communities this bushfire season, fire safety is a shared responsibility and we ask Victorians to prepare and know their local risks,” he said.
“Take this opportunity ahead of the FDP to clean up your property, prepare your bushfire plan with your family and download the VicEmergency app.” For more information on FDPs, visit www.cfa.vic.gov. au/firedangerperiod.
COMMUNITY FRIEND
An acknowledgment of support, with listing of thanks in press and through digital spaces
1 X DOUBLE
Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre Friday 6 October 10am
 
     
     
    For more information and tickets contact the WPACC on 03 5722 8105 or www.wpacc.com.au
This performance by the MSO is designed for primary age children with an interactive concert discovering sights and sounds of the orchestra.
CORPORATE FRIEND
$100 $1000 $5000 OUTDOOR CO-SPONSOR
An ability to highlight your business or group as a contributing friend, with decal for window, logo use and digital & press highlights
An opportunity to be a part of the branding for our outdoor space built to celebrate both the blues and the community, including stage mentions, logo use and full press inclusion
The Last Hurrah:
Join the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in an exploration of Mendelssohn’s Symphony No.4. Throughout this highly interactive concert, young students will explore Mendelssohn’s incredible work through active participation and listening whilst discovering the sights and sounds of the orchestra. They will be transported to the art, landscape and the people of Italy with Cybec
Assistant Conductor Carlo Antonioli and presenter Karen Kyriakou.
your details and post or deliver to our
Wangaratta Chronicle MSO for Kids: Making Menselssohn
37 Rowan Street
Wangaratta VIC 3677
Full Name: Address:
Email Address: Entries Close: 5pm Monday October 2
A CELEBRATION to mark the 150th anniversary of the opening of the North East Rail Line is set to pass through Wangaratta in recognition of the significant historical event next month.
Orgainsed by the Seymour Railway Heritage Centre, heritage Sprit of Progress carriages will be towed by a S307 train on the line over the October 14 and 15 weekend, with passengers invited along to pass through and stop at all stops to celebrate the historical significance of the trail.
After a round trip from Seymour to Benalla on Saturday, the train will start at Seymour on Sunday and will run express to Benalla, before stopping at Wangaratta, Springhurst, Chiltern and Wodonga, with a one hour stop before making its way back again.
 
     
     
    The Spirit of Progress is scheduled to arrive at Wangaratta at 11:34am, stopping for nearly an hour to allow travellers to gain a brief experience of the stop and for locals to take a look at the heritage train.
Passengers are invited to join and leave the train at any of these locations.
The train will then pass back through Wangaratta at 4pm from Wodonga.
The railway line from Melbourne to Wangaratta was completed on October 27, 1873 and the line to Wodonga was formally opened on November 19.
Local historical geographer Andy Kimber said the introduction of the rail line initiated three main changes to the area.
“Wangaratta became perhaps the major railway town between Melbourne and Albury with so many branch lines going off down and up the Ovens Valley plus up the King Valley,” he said.
“It created a large market for citrus grown along the eastern flanks of the Warby Range; suitable soil and water just under the surface from springs meant that this was the first commercial citrus groves area north of the divide with the Melbourne market available in six hours.
 
    “It enabled one of Australia’s greatest stories to occur in Glenrowan - the new station in the new town of Glenrowan, shifted from the south a few hundred metres in about 1877, was on top of the saddle – the only place where the Kelly gang could hold up the train in June 1880 as the trains slow down climbing the hill.
“The Greta township was quite important in the 1870s with a big pub and stores because it was on the main road from Benalla - virtu-
 
    ally nothing at the old Greta townsite now; most traffic now followed the new railway line through the Glenrowan saddle which was previously very swampy.”
Train return fares from Wangaratta to Wodonga for the one off heritage train ride range from $55 for an adult and $25 for children five to 15-years-old.
 
    Light refreshments and lunch will be available on board for purchase.
You can book tickets via the link https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1109208.
THERE’S something for everyone at the Farm and Family Wellbeing Day.
The event takes place on Friday, October 6 from 9am to 3pm at Grand Oaks Resort (formerly the George Kerferd Hotel) in Beechworth.
It’s an opportunity for local farmers, graziers, vintners, and people working on the land, to come together and attend a series of specialised productivity workshops – while indulging in some great food and enjoying stress management workshops.
The day will feature presentations from AgBiz Assist, Soil Land Food, and the National Centre for Farmers Health.
AgBiz will talk about farm succession planning and other supports available to farmers.
Soil Land Food will share tips and tricks on how to improve soil health and regenerative practices.
The National Centre for Farmers Health will discuss the importance of lung health, will look at the substances that might accidentally be introduced into homes through boots and clothing.
The stress management workshops include Kokedama Moss Balls by Art Starts Here, yoga by Indigo Yoga Space, and massage by professional masseuse Amber Mikhail.
“The day is essentially about productivity and overall wellbeing,” said event organiser, Selina Shapland, community recovery
operations coordinator at Gateway Health.
“We felt that the inclusion of some simple stress management workshops were really important, because good mental health and wellbeing isn’t just about visiting with a therapist or your GP
– it’s also about the little things we do every day or every week, to make time for ourselves.
“A gentle and fun reminder to take some time out, every now and then, helps with both our work/life balance and general productivity.”
THE University of Melbourne’s Dookie Campus will hold a field day about redesigning broadacre farming systems next Tuesday, October 3.
 
    This was incorrectly published in Monday’s Chronicle as being held on October 4.
All are welcome, please RSVP to this free event by emailing raz. mohdazmanhalimi@unimelb.edu.au.
Schedule:
9:35am – 9:55am: Registration and pre-event tea & coffee.
10am – 10:15am Dookie Field Day Welcome Address & Outline of Dookie Field Day - Prof Tim Reeves (the University of Melbourne).
10:20 am – 11:20am: Redesigning Broadacre Farming Systems Project Overview - Assoc Prof Dorin Gupta, project leader (the University of Melbourne) Dr Razlin Azman, Research Fellow. Dr Waseem Ashfaq, Research Fellow
• Dookie farm site experiments: Assoc Prof Dorin Gupta & project team (the University of Melbourne).
• Birchip Cropping Group (BCG) site experiments - Dr Yolanda Plowman & Mr Angus Butterfield (BCG).
• Riverine Plains site experimentsDr Sara Hely & Ms Rhiannan McPhee (Riverine Plains Inc).
• Indigenous Garden site - Ms Gay Baker (owner of Gap Flat Track & Indigenous farmer).
The Family and Farm Wellbeing day is a free event hosted by Gateway Health, the Department of Health and Agriculture Victoria. Attendees are asked to book online via Eventbrite, or to call 0484 288 892 to register as places are limited.
 
    
              LANDHOLDERS can still register for Agriculture Victoria’s webinar series on ‘managing seasonal variability’.
Two of the six webinars have already been held, with the third on next Wednesday, with remaining webinars each Wednesday at 12.30pm until October 25.
The webinar series is to help famers to consider the following questions:
 What are the influencing climate drivers?
 What is your feed and water situation?
 How much water is stored in your soil?
 How many livestock can you carry if we have a drier than average spring?
 Do you have enough water?
 Do you have reserves of hay, silage and grain?
Agriculture Victoria’s program manager, meat and wool services,
 
     
     
    Jennifer Alexander, said now is a great time for farmers to make plans for the upcoming season.
“Following a couple of wetter seasons now is a good time to consider longer-term strategies for
dealing with a potentially hotter, drier and more variable climate,” she said.
Key areas that are crucial for preparing your farm for a variable climate will also be explored, including:
 Protecting your pastures and soil from over-grazing, whilst maintaining fit and healthy livestock.
 The benefits of using a stock containment area to confine stock during a dry season.
 Options for improving the water security and quality on farm, such as tapping into a rural pipe-
line, installing a bore or drought reserve dam, tanks and pipes or a desalination unit.
 Use of silage pits as a longerterm drought reserve.
Attendees are welcome to join one or all of the sessions and participate in discussions.
Visit https://agriculture.vic.gov. au/support-and-resources/eventlisting/managing-seasonal-variability to register for the webinars or contact Clem Sturmfels for more information on 0429 018 879 or clem.stermfels@agriculture. vic.gov.au.
• Native vegetation corridorsAssoc Prof Dorin Gupta & project team (the University of Melbourne).
11:25am – 11:45am: Soil pit profile
- Dr Alexis Pang (the University of Melbourne).
11:50am – 12:00pm: Long
Coleoptile project & Acknowledgment of GRDC Research Infrastructure bidProfessor James Hunt (the University of Melbourne).
12:00pm – 12:10pm: GRDC Research Infrastructure bid - Mr Andrew Russell, chairman of GRDC Southern Panel.
12:10pm – 12:20pm National Phenology Initiative - Dr Corrine Celestine (the University of Melbourne).
12:20pm – 12:30pm: Nitrogen Bank Management - D Arjun Pandey (the University of Melbourne)
12:30pm – 1.15pm: Q & A session/ networking lunch.
This project received funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
increaseyour farm’s productivity and improve
yourfamily’s
overall wellbeingat the Farm and Family Wellbeing Day in Beechworth on Friday, October 6.
 
    LITTLE Black Cormorants are usually found in freshwater wetlands and may be seen in large colonies.
Like all cormorants, their feathers are not waterproof, to aid swimming underwater; and so they are regularly seen perched with their wings outstretched to dry after fishing to make flight easier.
 
    This cormorant is a small, slim, totally black cormorant with green eyes and a greenish sheen on the back, and a slender grey hooked bill.
During the breeding season, adults have fine white flecks on the head and neck and appear more bronze-like.
This species flies in V-shaped formations.
The only other mostly black cormorant is the much larger (70 cm - 90 cm) Great Cormorant, which has a yellow bill, face and throat and a white chin.
The Little Black Cormorant is found throughout Australia, including Tasmania, and is also found on islands to our north and New Zealand.
 
    While mainly found in freshwater wetlands, at times they can be found on sheltered coastal waters, and can use relatively small, deepwater bodies.
Being strongly aquatic, they are seldom seen on dry land, but are
 
     
     
    often seen resting on rocks, jetties and other perches in water.
Most species of cormorants congregate in breeding colonies, but the Little Black Cormorants also regularly forms large flocks at other times.
Foraging Little Black Cormorants may occur in flocks of many hundreds, which sometimes feed co-operatively.
Flocks advance across the water’s surface, with birds flying ahead from the rear, alighting and diving in front of the feeding flock.
They feed on fish, crustaceans and aquatic insects which are caught underwater, by diving and swimming using their large, fully webbed feet for propulsion.
They have special clear membranes that cover and protect the eyes underwater.
Little Black Cormorants nest in colonies, often on the fringes of heron or ibis colonies, building large stick nests in the fork of trees.
Both sexes share nest-building, incubation of up to four eggs and feeding of the young.
Locally they can be found on farm dams, along our many waterways and on Winton Wetlands or Lake Mulwala.
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    AN exhibition of artworks by local artist Milly Quin is showing at the Art Gallery on Ovens.
Called “Adrift”, it features drawings, photography and paintings which have been completed by Milly as part her year as the gallery’s Young Artist Mentorship Program participant for this year.
The exhibition is open from 10am until 4pm today and Monday and from 10am until 2pm on Saturday and Sunday.
 
    AN exhibition by well-known local photographer Marc Bongers is being held in the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre foyer gallery.
Called “The sounds I saw” it shows his exceptional ability to capture the essence of musicians at the Wangaratta Jazz Festival spanning the past 15 years.
With meticulous attention to detail, his portraits reveal the vibrant energy, genuine emotions and timeless beauty that define these talented artists, and they are on display until November 28.
A SIGNIFICANT exhibition of works by two of Australia’s most acclaimed
 
    Aboriginal artists, Judy Watson and Yhonnie Scarce, is showing at the Wangaratta Art Gallery.
 
     
    The exhibition called Looking Glass features paintings, video and sculptural works exploring the elements of earth, water, fire and air.
 
    Kokatha and Nukunu artist, Yhonnie’s Scarce’s heated and blown glass sculptures are shown alongside Waanyi artist, Judy Watson’s washed canvases, stained with earthen pigments, with the exhibition showing in Gallery One until October 22.
 
     
     
     
     
     
    THE Wangaratta community market runs every Sunday at Moore Than Swimming, located at 11-13 Mason Street in Wangaratta, from 8am until 1pm.
There is a wide range of stalls to browse and refreshments are available. Stalls are available for $25 each (must have own market stall insurance) with more information via the market’s Facebook page.
 
    SEE a display of scarecrows made by local participants when the next Devenish Market is held this Sunday from 9am until 1pm. Browse a wide range of stalls, tuck into hot food and coffee and enjoy the family atmosphere, with fantasy and traditional scarecrows on display and prizes to be won.
 
     
    THE annual Benalla Gold Cup will be held today at the Benalla Racing Club from 11am to 6pm.
 
     
    Along with a full day of racing there will be fashions on the field, gourmet food and drinks available and live entertainment into the evening. There will also be free entry for kids 17 and under, with free activities for kids and more information is available by visiting the Benalla Racing Club on Facebook.
 
    AS hundreds of thousands of Victorians begin preparing their property for fire season, emergency services are encouraging landowners to register any planned burn-offs online.
Landowners will be looking to take advantage of the coming long weekend and spring conditions, ahead of an anticipated earlier start to this year’s fire season.
WE’RE not the only ones enjoying the warmer weather in Wangaratta and district.
Reports have been increasing over the past week of snakes starting to emerge from their winter brumation to bask in the sun and search for food and a mate.
Authorities have said it’s not uncommon to find snakes warming themselves on a rock or in a clearing during early spring, particularly on a sunnier day, so it’s important we’re mindful that they can be out and about earlier than normally expected.
“Snakes are generally shy and prefer to keep away from people and often when a snake is found in
 
    a backyard it’s because it’s moving through the area to another habitat,” a spokesperson for the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) said.
“Snake species found in North East Victoria include the Red-bellied Black Snake, Eastern Brown, Tiger Snake and Copperheads.
 
     
    “These four species are venomous, but it is rare for them to bite people.
“Most snake bites occur when people try to capture or kill a snake.
“Being aware that snakes may be around and being informed about how to react to them is important at this time of year.”
If you live in an area with snakes, please remember:
 When left alone, snakes present little or no danger to people.
 If you see a snake, keep calm and move yourself and anyone with you (including pets) away from the area.
 Don’t attempt to capture or harm snakes. Instead call DEECA on 136 186 for further advice.
 Maintain lawns and clean up around your house, as snakes are attracted to shelter such as piles of rocks and timber, chook sheds, sheets of metal, and building materials.
Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre
Thursday 5 October 10:30am
For more information and tickets contact the WPACC on 03 5722 8105 or www.wpacc.com.au
A Romantic Romp through Post WW2 Melbourne!
The surprise discovery of his mother’s 1946 diary leads three-time Barry Award nominee Damian Callinan on a cinematic, romantic romp through post-war Melbourne. However, her diary poses more questions than it does answers.
With suitors lining up for 19-year-old Kathleen Purcell, will Jack Bowlen ever get the Canadian two step right? Will Ron Rogan keep his hands to himself? But most importantly for Damian’s very existence, will she active service?
your details and post or deliver to our
Wangaratta Chronicle
Double Feature by Damian Callinan competition
 
    37 Rowan Street
Wangaratta VIC 3677
Full Name: Address: Email Address:
Entries Close: 5pm Monday October 2
X
 Undertake first aid training and ensure your first aid kit contains several compression bandages, and if someone is bitten, call 000 immediately.
Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 and it is illegal to capture, harm, or kill them.
If you have information about people wilfully destroying protected wildlife, please contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.
Brumation is the term used to describe the hibernation of coldblooded animals, namely reptiles and amphibians who rely on the surrounding environment to regulate their body temperature.
Authorities are expecting a surge in burn-off registrations this weekend and over the coming weeks, with community members urged to visit www.firepermits.vic. gov.au/notify despite the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority’s (ESTA) burn-off registration remaining open.
“Using the fire permits Victoria website to register your burn-off also ensures ESTA’s fire call takers can focus their efforts on taking emergency triple zero calls,” ESTA chief operating officer Nicole Ashworth said.
“Earlier this year, we experienced days with more than 1200 non-emergency calls to register burn-offs on private land, so we’re encouraging people to start pivoting to the easyto-use fire permits Victoria website.”
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the website enabled emergency services to verify whether a fire is a planned burn before deploying resources.
“Unregistered burns can lead to unnecessary callouts for your local fire brigade,” he said.
The website allows you to notify emergency services of your burn, and also check and apply for a permit, if necessary. 
 
    However, if your burn is taking place within the next two hours, you must register your burn via the phone line on 1800 668 511. 
For more information about burning off safely, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/ burnoff
Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre
 
     
    Thursday 5 October 7:30pm
For more information and tickets contact the WPACC on 03 5722 8105 or www.wpacc.com.au
Experience an evening of sparkling Mendelssohn and powerful Mozart with the MSO and Cybec Assistant Conductor Carlo Antonioli.
Awestruck by the towering columns of rock and the rushing water at Fingal’s Cave on a visit to Scotland’s Hebrides islands, Mendelssohn wrote his evocative overture depicting the monumental beauty and forces of nature he encountered. Ever the pioneer, Mozart wrote his Clarinet Concerto for basset clarinet – an instrument with a wider range than the existing clarinet enabling greater dramatic and musical variation. The only problem was that the instrument this beloved concerto through new ears as MSO Principal Clarinet David Thomas performs on this rare and extraordinary instrument.
your details and post or deliver to our
Wangaratta Chronicle
An Evening with the MSO
 
    37 Rowan Street
Wangaratta VIC 3677
Full Name: Address: Email Address: Entries Close: 5pm Monday October 2
PRESIDENT Christine Spriggs welcomed the 35 members present to the September meeting and Richard Gray from the Wangaratta Men’s Club who was observing how the club runs its meeting.
Before the guest speaker arrived Richard spoke on how the Men’s Probus group was going at the moment and some of their ideas for involving more members in the committee.
Members were reminded that if they leave the meeting early they are required to sign out and that there is an apologies book for upcoming meetings if you know you will be away.
All club activities are running well but the Ten Pin Bowling Group needs a few more attendees.
Otherwise the game is over too quickly.
There are quite a few activities scheduled for October either by club members or outside events that will be of interest to club members.
As the weather is picking up it is a good time to be out and about.
 
     
    Members were asked to make a note in their diaries for the Christmas Luncheon on December 11.
Isobel Dunstan from Zonta Club of Wangaratta was guest speaker this month. She spoke on the purpose of Zonta which is to empower women worldwide through service and advocacy.
Zonta International is active in 63 countries across the world.
The local group has contributed funds to help hospital projects, youth groups, school scholarships, local charities and assisted individuals seeking special help to achieve goals.
An interesting and enlightening talk for club members.
PRESIDENT Ron Webb opened the meeting which was very colourful as members dressed in their
favourite football team colours and some waved flags for their team.
Bernie Holmes read a funny story about an Italian man’s impression when he attended his first football match.
Thanks to Ann Gardiner for supplying this one.
Then after Bernie’s funny joke it was down to meeting business.
Beryl Klemm kindly introduced a new member, Merilyn Wright, and members wish her an enjoyable stay with the club, which has an emphasis on fun and friendship.
There has been plenty of action within the Activities Group.
The Garden Club enjoyed a day in Albury at Peard’s Nursery and lunch at the café.
Recently 12 members visited the garden of Ron and Maxine Webb which was delightful.
The Shaky Movers went to Wagga Wagga on September 18 for four days.
The Movie Group enjoyed a laugh at the Big Fat Greek Wedding
Every Thursday members are welcome at Homestead Community Life village hall for fun and card games.
Members enjoyed a Sunday lunch on September 24 at the King River Café.
 
    The club’s birthday lunch will be celebrated a month early at the Wangaratta Club on October 11.
There will be an Oaks Day barbecue lunch on November 9 at Batchelor’s Green.
Guest speaker for this month’s meeting was George Lee.
He kept members entertained about his experience growing up Chinese in Wangaratta.
An interesting family history and memories of the times Wangaratta had quite a few Chinese heritage people in residence was told with humour.
Members look forward to the next instalment of George’s life when he returns for a future meeting.
THE Friday, September 15 meeting was opened by president Rob Lamond who welcomed members and two visitors.
Today there were 45 members present, 15 apologies and two leaves of absence.
Billson Brewery tour on September 4 was a great success with 20 members in attendance for a tour of the premises and lunch in their café at conclusion.
Members were hosted by an excellent tour guide who was most enthusiastic about the ancient heritage of the place and its colourful history from the 1860s.
Events coming up for the club are as follows:
• Thursday, October 5 at 10.30am at the WPAC –Damian Callinan’s “Double Feature” cost $25.
• October 5 at 7.30pm at the WPAC – the MSO, two pieces by Mendelssohn and one by Mozart.
• Wednesday, October 11 Seniors Festival at 2.30pm at the WPAC – Arthur Hull will entertain you with popular ballads in a free concert.
• Wednesday, October 18 Seniors Festival at 10.30am to 12pm at the WPAC, singer Glenn Starr singing hits from the 50s and 60s.
Cost is $20 for the show and a morning tea.
Diners went to Chrismont Winery at Cheshunt for lunch at 12 noon Friday, September 22.
Breakfast Club on September 14 members and two guests enjoyed breakfast at The Gateway.
The next breakfast is Thursday, October 12 at 8.30am, once again at The Gateway.
Guest speaker Geoff Dinning told members about his adventure climbing Mt Kilimanjaro with his son and the preparation that entailed.
The next general meeting will be on Friday, October 20 at 10am at Wangaratta Bowls Club.
 
    PROBUS in September was busy as usual with a Probus Lunch at the Wangaratta RSL, two coffee mornings at Intermezzo Café and many Probus members attended the large funeral of our member Mick MacKenzie.
The club welcomed back from long illnesses past president Laurence Neal and Bill Bellis.
Guest speaker for the month was Joe MacKenzie, son of the late Mick.
Joe spoke of his father’s life and his impact on his family and the community.
He and wife Rosalie raised 12 children and this blossomed into 30 grand-children and eight great grand-children.
Mick was born at Boorhaman and is now buried there.
He was awarded Local Achiever of the Year in 2015.
Mick was a farmer, stock agent and had many roles in the community including local councillor on Wangaratta Rural Council.
Joe said that Mick lived a long and fruitful life and enjoyed coming to Probus events, especially coffee mornings. His interests centred on family, faith, and farm.
His family were very proud of Mick and considered him a great Australian.
Club members do too.
If you are interested in a coffee and chat with friendly fellows or a monthly Probus lunch, please call acting secretary Ed Bradbury on 0402 142 268 and come along and meet us.
THE September meeting opened with president
Maureen Adcock welcoming members and two guests.
These guests, Pat Chadderton and Kevin Franklin, were later inducted into the club as the newest members.
Birthday greetings were extended to several, especially to foundation member Dennis Edwards celebrating his 90th birthday.
Dennis and wife Amelia went along to a meeting 17 years ago to see what Probus was all about with Dennis saying ‘don’t volunteer for anything’, but of course that didn’t happen as Amelia came away as the first secretary of the club.
He said he has made some wonderful friends in Probus and thanked everyone for making their time in Probus memorable.
The club also thanks both Dennis and Amelia for their contribution over the years. Special interest groups are always busy with an activity or event.
Twenty-two members enjoyed breakfast at The Gateway on Father’s Day with the next Combined Breakfast on October 1 at Vintage Café Glenrowan where all members are welcome.
Gentlemen’s Breakfast is on last Thursday of the month 8.30am at the Gateway.
Afternoon Cards meet each Tuesday 1pm at the Wang Club, new players welcome. Craft Group meet on last Tuesday each month 10am to 2pm at Terrace Hall, Williams Rd.
Contact Faye on 0411 761 802 if you would like to join in.
Check your minutes for all other details of group’s plans.
Caravan & Cabin Crew head off to Maidens Inn Moama on October 30 until November 3 for their spring break.
Lots of activities are planned for this trip with a ‘debriefing of the day’ at happy hour or dinner each evening should produce lots of fun and laughter.
Safe travels everyone.
Lots more activities are planned for all to enjoy friendship, fellowship and fun in Probus.
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    CURRENT and former members of the Wangaratta Audiology team gathered last Saturday to mark the clinic’s silver anniversary.
 
     
    Owners Fred and Diana Bienvenu thanked the staff and clients for their support over the last 25 years and look forward to providing the same quality service into the future.
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    NOW the spring sunshine has appeared, participants in the Wangaratta Library’s suncatcher wind chime-making workshop will be able to put what they have made to good use.
 
    The workshop was part of the library’s school holiday activity program and it was enjoyed by all who took part.
 
    EXCITEMENT is growing for this Sunday’s annual Australian National Show ‘n’ Shine to be held in the Seven Creeks Park at Euroa.
 
     
    The day includes not only a huge display of vehicles but also has market stalls offering a range of foods and other items and activities for the kids.
Gates open to the general public at 8.30am and the exhibition continues through until 3.30pm; entry is $5 adults and kids free.
COMMUNITY members have expressed concern over the Victorian Government’s recently announced short-stay levy, suggesting it will not assist Bright’s long-term rental scarcity, while the funds raised are not fairly allocated to regional areas.
Announced last week as part of the Victorian Government’s Housing Statement, the short stay levy will be set at 7.5 per cent of the short stay accommodation platforms’ revenue.
According to the statement, revenue raised from the levy will go to Homes Victoria to support the building and maintenance of social and affordable housing across the state, with 25 per cent of funds to be invested in regional Victoria.
Local council charges on short stay accommodation will also be removed.
Alpine Shire mayor John Forsyth said he would have preferred to see consultation with local governments before formulating the policy, and the provision of local controls around short-stay accommodation. He was also concerned over the removal of local council charges on short stay accommodation, as part of the policy.
“Taking away another power of local government to act for its own community, the amenity of the community, the extra services that are required in order to cater for influxes of temporary residents - I don’t think that’s a good thing for local government,” he said.
He also agreed the levy is likely to increase the cost of short-stay accommodation without increasing the proportion of long-term rentals.
Gerard Gray, principal at Dickens Real Estate in Bright, said he is hoping to find out more as the policy develops, but questioned if the tax will impact local short-stay providers, as the statement currently refers to ma-
jor booking platforms like Airbnb.
He also said it wasn’t likely to have a significant impact on the proportion of long term to shortterm rentals in the area.
“I’d be surprised if that converts a number of people over,” he said.
“If it can get a few properties, a few owners who maybe were sitting on the fence to go across, that’s great.”
 
    In order to encourage long-term renting, he said he would prefer to see incentives for long-term rental providers, such as an exemption or concession on land tax.
Rod Hall, with wife Paula, has owned a Bright holiday rental property since 2000, and said the policy wouldn’t change the proportion of short-term rentals to
long-term rentals in the town.
As the levy is being imposed on rental platforms, like Airbnb, he said the cost would likely be passed on to visitors.
“I can’t see an operator pulling out of their short-term holiday rental on the basis of a levy that’s now being imposed on the visitor,” he said.
“The proposed levy doesn’t do anything to stop investors still buying up properties that are longterm and then putting them into short-term letting.”
Mr Hall also said only 25 per cent of the levy would flow to housing in regional areas – an unequitable amount considering the impact of short-stay accommodation in areas like Bright.
According to the Victorian Government‘s Housing Statement, Victoria has more than 36,000 short-stay accommodation places – with almost half of these in regional Victoria.
Mr Hall questioned whether the 25 per cent funding would be able provide social and affordable housing for Bright considering the town’s strong demand for homes.
“With the median house price in Bright touching $1.2 million and a mere 25 per cent of the levy directed to destinations such as Bright to fund social and affordable housing, one wonders whether such an outcome can be realised,” he said.
“This levy, we believe, is policy on the run, with no apparent consultation and (it) further impacts on the affordability of families and visitors seeking a short getaway.”
NATIONALS MP for Ovens Valley
Tim McCurdy is calling for a State Government guarantee to continue to allow wild dog controllers to bait and trap on public land within three kilometres of private property.
According to Mr McCurdy, control measures in these areas are currently permitted, but the 2018 five-year order allowing it is due to expire on October 1.
Mr McCurdy said he recently met with representatives from the Mudgegonga and Dederang Action Group Against Wild Dogs and saw first-hand the damage wild dogs can caused if left unchecked.
“These wild dogs decimate livestock, especially sheep during lambing season.
“They kill them for fun, and will often only eat the head, heart, and liver, leaving the rest of the carcass to rot.
“It is clear that farmers need all the support they can get, otherwise we will see increased livestock losses and potential shortages.”
Mudgegonga cattle and sheep farmer Dennis Arne said he contacted Tim McCurdy in July with concerns around a 2021 parliamentary report recommending the
 
    government consider the phasing out of 1080 baits and the development of more effective and humane methods of controlling pest animals.
Mr Arne said he uses 1080 baits on his property to control pests and relies on the baiting of wild dogs by the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action (DEECA) within three kilometres of his property.
“It’s all part of an integrated pest management strategy,” he said.
 
    “To take 1080 out of that - it’s like a three-legged stool - it’s taking away one of the critical tools that we need.”
Mr Arne, who is also the president of the Mudgegonga and District Landcare Group, said without 1080 baits he would solely rely on exclusion fencing, which is expensive and not completely effective.
“The wombats are constantly putting ditches underneath the exclusion fencing,” he said.
“And unless all your surrounding neighbours have exclusion fencing as well it’s never going to be 100 per cent effective.”
The parliamentary report, titled ‘Inquiry into ecosystem decline in Victoria‘, details several stakeholder concerns around baiting, includ-
ing suggestions they are ineffective for pest removal, they disrupt the apex predator role of dingoes and the use of 1080 poison is inhumane.
The parliamentary report is still awaiting a government response.
Mr McCurdy said the silence from the government was concerning.
“Two months ago, a spokesperson for the Minister said it was still under consideration and the decision was still months away, leaving time to assess all options.
“It is now only weeks away and what our farmers need is some security and reassurance.”
 
    THE Victorian Government has reaffirmed a commitment to appropriately balance dingo conservation and livestock protection following a call from Nationals MP for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy to guarantee the continuation of wild dog baiting and trapping on public land within three kilometres of private property.
According to the Victorian Government, they are supporting farmers to apply best practice management, including the integrated and targeted deployment of lethal and nonlethal control techniques.
“We will continue to work with Traditional Owners, farmers and private landholders to appropriately balance the protection of livestock and dingo conservation,” a Victorian Government spokesperson said. The baiting and trapping of wild dogs within three kilometres of private property is currently allowed under a 2018 order, but this is due to expire on October 1.
SOME 51 bulls went under the hammer at the Alpine Angus spring bull sale last Wednesday, with strong buyer loyalty a cause for optimism amid a soft market, according to Alpine Angus principal Jim Delany.
 
    Mr Delany said 90 per cent of the bulls were sold, with an average sale price of $8,139 and three bulls selling for $14,000.
He also said around 90 per cent of the sales were by existing clients.
“It demonstrated, again, the strong, loyal support we have from our clients, which we are so appreciative of.” he said.
 
     
    Alpine Angus manager Chris Oswin said buyers of heifer bulls were less active in the sale.
“No doubt this reflects the de-
cline in prices at the saleyard and the widespread fear about El Nino driving dry conditions, so a lot of people are potentially not going to join their heifers,” he said.
“This was evident throughout the sale, but the stronger cow bulls did exceptionally well.”
Mr Oswin said the Alpine Angus program seeks to focus on producing a consistent line of bulls that will birth calves safely and grow quickly to keep clients profitable.
“When times are tough good genetics make all the difference to the bottom line,” he said.
“Focusing on that makes you drive the two key profit drivers of any beef business, and that is the number of kilos you grow and the number of live calves.”
Whorouly cattle farmer Chris Baker purchased two bulls from the
sale – Alpine Qualifier and Alpine Marvel – and said the overall lineup was high quality.
“They’ve done a really good job with the bulls,” he said.
“I don’t think anyone would be disappointed with their purchase.
“Prices weren’t too expensive which is always good for the buyer.”
Mr Baker said docility in bulls has become popular, and it’s a trait he appreciates too.
“Everyone wants quiet cattlethat goes a long way at a sale,” he said.
Mr Oswin agreed.
“You’ve got to have it because if the bull isn’t quiet, he often will pass that on to his daughters and then the whole problem multiplies,” he said.
“It’s much easier to have cattle that you can you can work with easily.”
Government says it’s working to balance dingo and livestock protection
EXPERIENCE comfort and style in this inviting weatherboard home comprising three bedrooms, one bathroom and separate living room.
 
     
     
    Embrace the convenience of being just a stone’s throw away from local shops and schools, along with the hospital and Wangaratta’s CBD.
 
    Entertain in style with a charming gazebo for outdoor gatherings and relaxation.
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arrange an inspection!
 
    team at Garry Wangaratta branch 76 Reid Street Open weekdays 9am to 5pm (closed 1pm to 1:45pm) 1300 004 863 humebank.com.au
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gated yard. The home has dual access from Rowan and Phillipson streets. Uncover the warmth and character of Cassandra Cottage, your perfect home in Wangaratta. SEPTEMBER 29 - OCTOBER 5 | 2023 Hume Bank Limited ABN 85 051 868 556. AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 244248.
THIS gorgeous home is privately set in a desirable location.
 
    As you approach, you’ll immediately recognise the street appeal given the care taken to present this three bedroom, two bathroom, double garage beauty, on a well-cared for block.
Once inside, you can head right and escape to your master suite, complete with WIR and ensuite.
 
    Alternatively, head left to enjoy some time with your family in the first of two generous living spaces which could easily be utilised as a formal lounge or even as a play space for the kids.
The kitchen offers ample storage, modern quality fixtures and appliances complete with a built in pantry and breakfast bar that overlooks the dinning space.
All year round comfort is assured with ducted heating and evaporative cooling
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    throughout and a double garage including electric roller door with direct internal entry.
If you’re looking for a family home, this one is it. Reach out today to find out more.
 
    EOI CLOSING TUESDAY 17 TH OCTOBER
 
    Kitchen/Catering Equipment, Furniture, Decor & More. A/C: Indulge Parkside Pty Ltd
SHOP 21, THE CO STORE, WANGARATTA
AUCTION START: Friday 6th October at 10am
AUCTION FINISH: Sunday 8th October from 1pm
 
    VIEWING DATES: Sat 23rd Sept 10am – 1pm Mon 2nd Oct 12pm – 2pm & Sat 7th Oct 10am – 1pm
Cool room • Café Display Fridge • Bain Marie • Counter top salad bar
 
     
     
    We present a rare property in a tightly held market, this 1.96 hectare Residential Growth Zoned site has been allocated for subdivision in the Rural City of Wangaratta’s thriving South East Growth Area.
• Potential for approx. 20+ lot residential subdivision S.T.C.A.
• Eastern boundary fronts existing arterial road
• Southern boundary bordering future road
• Uninhabitable 4 bedroom weatherboard home
 
    Offered for sale via Expressions of Interest
CLOSING TUESDAY 17 th OCTOBER 2023 @ 12 noon.
TERMS: 10% Deposit. Settlement 60 days. GST Applicable.
OPEN 7-DAYS
23 Baker St, Wangaratta | Ph: 03 5722 2663 | garrynash.com.au
• Commercial Dishwasher & Oven • Cabinetry including counter tops with open shelving, cupboards & drawers, some include sinks • Swann Cameras, Recorder & Screen • POS system • Sear Kitchen Ice Cream & Yoghurt Maker • Assorted electrical kitchen appliances • Upright freezers • Cool room shelving • Stainless steel benches • Assorted timber & plastic dining chairs • Assorted timber square & rectangle tables • Highchairs • Cooking pots, saucepans & frypans • Containers & Tupperware • Baking equipment • Assorted kitchen items, plates, bowls, cutlery & glasses • Light fittings & hanging light pendants
• Ceiling panelling & frame • Miscellaneous cleaning items • Catering & Hospitality supplies • Décor items • Furniture & much more!
Register to bid by scanning the QR code here View photos, T&C’s or download the full catalogue.
Terms: All items attract 10% GST. 5% Buyers Premium, applicable on all goods. Goods must be paid and funds cleared prior to collection date. Copy of receipt by authorised person must be shown when collecting. Attention buyers: For ease of bidding we recommend you investigate making your offers using the ‘Autobid’ option.
Collection Dates: Wed 11th Oct 9am–3pm & Thurs 12th Oct 9am–1pm.
23 Baker Street, Wangaratta | (03) 5722 2663 OPEN 7 DAYS | garrynash.com.au |
1000 1000
M. Willoughby ‘Willow Grace’ (CP)
**
5-7mths Black Aqua blood redepastured may 18th-july 20th
9x9 angus cows 2nd C.A.F 5-7mths Black Aqua blood redepastured may 18th-july 20th
14x14 Angus heifers 1st C.A.F 5-7mths Ardrossan Blood heifers bought ex barnawatha female sale (charlock) redepastured may 18th-july 20th
2 Angus bulls – ‘Jade park’ & ‘Black Aqua’ blood
GROWN CATTLE
WL Allen & Lentarah F/T - Adelong (AWN)
50 Angus & Black Baldy Steers 12-13 months
50 Angus & Black Baldy Heifers 12-13 months
J Keys - Springhurst (AWN)
40 Charolais M/Sex 12-18 months NSM
PG Parker - Glenrowan (AWN)
7 Angus/Hereford X M/Sex 14months Weaned
P & R Martinello, Benalla (CP)
7 Black Baldy Steers 16 months
YOUNG CATTLE
DJ & SJ Minnifie “Cooyong” (CP)
50 Hereford steers 12-13 months
15 Hereford Heifers 12-13 months
KM Kittelty - Barnawartha (AWN)
30 Angus M/Sex 9-10 months ‘Jade Park Blood’
P & M Evans Edi (CP)
30 Angus & Angus x steers 11-13 months VB GA
AJ Cole - Everton (AWN)
10 Angus & Black Baldy M/Sex 12 months ‘Alpine Blood’
Weaned
5 Friesian Steers
A & K Holland, Goomalibee Bridge (CP)
13 Silver Murray Grey Steers, 10 – 12 months, VB GFO
Weaned
12 Silver Murray Grey Heifers, 10 – 12 months, VB GFO
Weaned
‘Fine View Shorthorns’, Tarnook (CP)
11 Hereford x Shorthorn Steers 9 months VB GFO Weaned
11 Hereford x Shorthorn Heifers 9 months VB GFO Weaned
N & F Kelly, Chiltern (CP)
10 Charolais Steers 11–12 months ‘Rangan Blood’
Drenched Ivomec Inj. Vacc 5in1x2 VB GFO Weaned
10 Charolais Heifers 11–12 months ‘Rangan Blood’
Drenched Ivomec Inj. Vacc 5in1x2 VB GFO Weaned
Warrick Armstrong, Tatong (CP)
10 Charolais & Black Baldy Steers 9 months VB GFO
10 Charolais & Black Baldy Heifers 9 months VB GFO
Peter Johnson, Baddaginnie (CP)
6 Charolais X Steers 9 months VB GFO
6 Charolais X Heifers 9 months VB GFO
J Wexler - Gapsted (AWN)
3 Angus Steers 12 months ‘Jade Park Blood’ Weaned
COWS/PTIC COWS
P&V Hourigan “Brumby Hills” Everton (CP)
17x17 Angus Friesian x heifers 2 1/2 years C.A.F 3mths
‘Matthew park’ Blood
T&J Hourigan - Oxley Flats (CP)
10x10 Angus Friesian x heifers 2 1/2 years C.A.F 3mths
‘Matthew park’ Blood
DN & KL Gaudion - Tatong (AWN)
4x4 Hereford Cows with Hereford Calves 6-8 weeks at foot, cows 3rd calf, not re-joined
752m23 1
Solid Starter
For Sale $315,000 View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L24370501
Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta Paul
Harcourts Wangaratta
644m23 12
Quality West End Location
For Sale $479,000
View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L19191221
Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta Danial
Harcourts Wangaratta
635m24 22
Stylish Renovation and in a great location
 
    For Sale $485,000-$525,000 View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L19194247
Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta
Paul Reid M 0417 537 520
Harcourts Wangaratta
588m24 22
Quality & Design
For Sale $699,000 View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L20929570
Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta Danial
Glenrowan
31.4Ac 6
31.4 Acres to Build On
 
     
     
     
    For Sale $633,000 View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L23982837
Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta Joe McKenzie M 0423 655 179
 
    Harcourts Wangaratta
3300m23 21
Shedding Supreme. Renovated home and genuine yard
 
    For Sale $765,000 View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L19190720
Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta
Joe McKenzie M 0423 655 179
Harcourts Wangaratta
1446m24 34
Whitfield new, efficient and with $30k income bonus
For Sale $916,000 View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L19194247
Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta
Joe McKenzie M 0423 655 179
Harcourts Wangaratta
Byawatha 663 Carraragarmungee Road
98.84Ac4 22
Red Gum Plantation Off grid. East side. allotment
Waldara 15 Fairway Drive
 
    967m24 32
Luxury & Exclusive
For Sale $1,100,000-$1,185,000
View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L19193873
Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta
Hugh Amery M 0487 777 311
Harcourts Wangaratta
For Sale
View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/ L19192787
Joe McKenzie M 0423 655 179 Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta
Lurg 97 Granite Road 98Ac2 22 system
Auction View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/ L23161414
Joe McKenzie M 0423 655 179 Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Selling
Boorhaman 370 Carmody Road 226Ac2 10 “WOODS’ Eastside”
Auction
View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/ L22943730
Joe McKenzie M 0423 655 179 Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta Myrrhee 1957 Benalla-Whitfield Rd 114Ac4 12
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    For Sale
View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/ L22664139
Paul Reid M 0417 537 520 Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta
 
     
    24 Swinburne Drive
• 3 bed, 2 bath & 2 living spaces, room for the whole family situated on a 504m2 allotment
• Master boasting ensuite & generous WIR
• Well appointed kitchen with plenty of bench space, dishwasher & great storage
• Open plan living & dining flowing seamlessly through to the spacious courtyard & yard
• Light filled formal living at front of the home
• 2 split systems & wall heaters, double garage with external access, high colourbond fence
 
    FOR SALE $615,000 3
21 Kingfisher Lane
• Peaceful retreat in the countryside, an easy commute to & from Wangaratta & Benalla
 
     
    • 3 beds, dual access bath, fully-equipped kitchen, spacious living & dining, wood fire
• Beautifully landscaped 3,460m2 allotment, established trees, picturesque countryside views, perfect for entertaining guests
• Ample shedding, undercover parking for 3 cars, bird aviary /chicken coop & plenty of rainwater storage plus Hamilton Park Water
Vacant Land - 51
FOR SALE $650,000 3
12.3 ha
55 Kensington Drive, Killawarra
• Incredible lifestyle property set on approx.
6.1 Ac just 10 minutes from Wangaratta
• Renovated kitchen with stone benchtops
• Spacious master with sitting area, walk through robe & direct access to deck area
• 4th bedroom / second lounge or study
• Excellent 12m x 7m approx. shed/workshop complete with concrete floor & power
• Ample water storage + access to town supply
• All the comforts including wood heating, evaporative cooling & solar power
FOR SALE $849,000
Best of Both Worlds
44 Cambridge Drive
• Residential living with the Ovens River only a short walk from your back gate.
• Exceptionally well maintained quality home providing a functional family floor plan
 
    • Spacious 4 beds with full ensuite to master
• Formal lounge room or parents’ retreat
• Entertainers’ kitchen, quality appliances & open plan living set on 1,007m2 approx.
• All year alfresco entertaining enjoying unique parkland views & amazing river red gums
• Ducted gas heating, evaporative cooling, double garage plus additional storage
BUSINESS FOR SALE
COMMERCIAL
Invest or Occupy
104A Murdoch Rd, Wangaratta
• Located between popular Clydes on Murdoch and Oak FM
 
    • Current 3 year lease expires 8th June 2024
• Tenant negotiable with the 3 x 3 Options (for owner occupiers)
• 5 days per week trading with 2 late nights
• Take control of the business at well below set up cost. Wholesale side, selling its own line of products to its strong database of clients and customers.
• Opportunity to add services and specialties
FOR SALE $78,000 + SAV
No GST, Going Concern
• Net rental income of approx. $14,780 per annum + GST
• High exposure location close to Cathedral College & Our Lady’s schools
• 50% regional stamp duty concession avail.
No GST Going Concern
• 97% Gross Profit Margin
$400k + adjusted Net Profit
• Reoccurring income via monthly fence rental
• Extensive plant and equipment list
• Easily relocated or acquired as a “bolt on” for an existing business
• Extensive customer list
•
354 Cemetery Rd, Eldorado
• Signature Alistair Knox 3-bed mud brick & recycled timber family home, on 41 hectares
 
    • Open plan lounge, dining & living, clerestory windows capturing abundance of natural light. Beautiful parquetry flooring
• Equine infrastructure including spacious loose boxes & day yards. 5 individual paddocks
 
    • Ample water via spring-fed dams & 2x 250,000 litre tanks to domestic/household
• 4 car carport, workshop & other amenities
• Ideally positioned within 4km of Eldorado, 25km to Wangaratta 7 31km to Beechworth
 
     
     
    3 2 4 41 ha
FOR SALE $1,850,000
High Exposure Investment 40-42 Rowan St
• Four tenancies across two titles - Gordon Gibson Nominees P/L (Retail), Gordon Gibson
Nominees P/L (Consulting), Rural Housing Network Ltd & Water Technology Pty Ltd
• High quality, energy efficient building on large, central land holding
• 15 onsite, sealed car parks and fully landscaped with mature trees
 
    • 50% regional, commercial stamp duty concession available
COMMERCIAL INVESTMENT FOR SALE $3,300,000 No GST Going Concern
 
    ALTHOUGH Korean carmaker SsangYong has been in the Australian market for the past 20 years it has never been able to get close to the success of its compatriots Hyundai and Kia.
The company has gone through financial difficulties over the years and been taken over at different times by SAIC, Daewoo, Mahindra and, earlier this year, by a new entrant in the automotive scene – KG Mobility.
SsangYong currently has three models in its range, the Musso ute and two SUVs, mid-sized Korando and, this week’s test vehicle the medium-large Rexton.
Rexton languishes near the bottom of the large SUV segment well below the big hitters like Toyota Prado and Kluger, Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X, which is a pity because, after our week behind the wheel, we came away highly impressed.
 
    Drive-away prices starting from $47,990 make it a fair bit cheaper than these competitors with a seven-year warranty adding to the value equation.
Like the ute-based Everest and MU-X, the Rexton sits on the same platform as the SsangYong Musso.
Three variants are offered, ELX, Ultimate and Ultimate Sport Pack, formerly sold as the Black Edition.
A third variant, called Adventurer, will be added later this year that will slot between ELX and Ultimate in terms of both specs and price.
All come with seven seats, a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine, eight-speed automatic trans-
mission and 3500kg braked towing capacity.
STYLING
The constraints of fitting three rows of seats don’t allow for much flexibility in the roofline of large SUVs and Rexton has the same conservative profile as its rivals.
Most of the work therefore gets done at the front and rear.
Rexton has an attractive intricate diamond-style grille with the company logo, which few people recognised, at the top/centre.
Both variants come with quad-style LED headlights, LED daytime running lights and LED front fog lights.
At the rear the tail lights and number plate lights are also LED.
The high-mounted stop lights are integrated into the rear spoiler.
Wheels are 18-inch diamond-cut alloys.
Rexton Ultimate adds privacy glass, powered sunroof and tailgate and illuminated front door scuff plates.
There are six colour choices: Grand White, Atlantic Blue, Fine Silver, Marble Grey, Pearl White and Space Black.
The limited Black Edition is based on the Ultimate model and comes with a redesigned front with diamondshaped grille elements, deep gloss black finish and newstyle LED fog lights.
Other dark touches include black 20-inch alloy wheels and black painted roof rails.
There are only two colour options: Space Black or Pearl White.
ton has a fairly high stance which can challenge shorter occupants, but on the positive side the high seating position provides ideal viewing.
There are thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) leatherlook seats in all three rows.
The front seats are powered, comfortable and supportive as well as being heated and ventilated.
Attractive quilted trim can be found on the seats and around the front console.
Storage space is good with sliding covers for the drink holders and phone charging bay.
The rear seats are finished in the same quilted trim while the second-row seats can tilt backwards to about 50-degrees – subject of course to the approval of any third-row occupants.
The second-row also has a fold-down armrest with two cupholders and small storage area.
Ultimate adds driver’s seat and door mirror memory system, touch-sensing front door locks, heated leather steering wheel, ambient interior mood lighting and third row air conditioning controls.
 
    Access to the third-row seats and space once there provides the usual challenges and are best left for children.
Even then the seating is low and there’s only small, triangular windows which provide a claustrophobic feel.
Boot space with all seats in place is limited.
The 2.2-litre turbo-diesel generates maximum power of 148kW at 3800 rpm and healthy peak torque of 441Nm from 1600 revs.
Fuel consumption is listed at 8.7L/100km.
The eight-speed automatic comes with the convenience of steering wheel mounted shift paddles.
It has part-time 4x4 with low and high range and an automatic-locking rear differential.
Although Rexton hasn’t undergone ANCAP crash testing it does come with a good range of safety equipment in both variants.
They include nine airbags, autonomous emergency braking with forward collision warning, lane change collision warning, safety distance warning, blind spot warning, smart high beam, front vehicle start warning, rear cross traffic warning, tyre pressure monitoring system, Isofix child seat anchors for the outer centre seats and trailer sway control.
There are front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera, with a 360-degree camera in the Ultimate.
Despite its modest 148kW power output, 441Nm of torque means the combination of 2.2-litre diesel engine and eight-speed auto transmission pulls the big vehicle along in a smooth, relaxed and surprisingly quiet manner.
It certainly loses nothing in comparison with its betterknown and more expensive competitors.
Steering is relatively light and there’s a fair bit of body roll through corners, but that’s par for the course with large SUVs.
During our test we aver-
MODEL RANGE
REXTON ELX: $47,990
REXTON ULTIMATE: $54,990
REXTON ULTIMATE SPORT PACK: $56,990
Note: These are drive-away prices and include all government or dealer delivery charges.
SPECIFICATIONS (SsangYong Rexton 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-door wagon)
RATINGS:
Looks: 7/10, Performance: 7/10, Safety: 8/10, Thirst: 9/10, Practicality: 8/10, Comfort: 8/10, Tech: 7/10, Value: 8/10
aged 9.3L/100km, reasonably close to the listed 8.7 L/100km.
We haven’t tested a SsangYong Rexton for quite a long time and came away pleasantly surprised.
It’s very well priced but not at the expense of safety equipment, convenience features or technology.
It not only beats competitors on price but comes with a seven-year unlimited warranty together with seven-year roadside assistance.
Certainly worth a comparative test drive.
ENGINE:
Capacity: 2.157 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders in line
Maximum Power: 148 kW @ 3800 rpm
Maximum Torque: 441Nm @ 1600 rpm
 
    Fuel Type: Diesel Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 8.7 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 223 g/km
DRIVELINE:
Eight-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4850 mm
Wheelbase: 2865 mm
Width: 1960 mm
Height: 1825 mm
 
    Turning Circle: 11.0 metres
Kerb Mass: 2130 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 70 litres
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Seven years / unlimited kilometres
Council is currently considering a proposed Development Plan for Precinct 3 in the South Wangaratta Growth Area. As part of this process Council wishes to engage with all members of the community. Members of the public are invited to make comment to Council for its consideration during the assessment process.
Submissions must be received by close of business
Tuesday 10 October 2023
Get ready for a month-long celebration of our beloved senior citizens at the Wangaratta Seniors Festival 2023 this October!
 
    With over 50 exciting events happening in Wangaratta and its surrounds, this festival promises an unforgettable experience for seniors and the entire community. From live music and delectable local cuisine to fitness workshops and informative expos, the festival caters to diverse interests. What’s more, all events are either free or low-cost, ensuring inclusivity for all. To read the full program please visit https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Residents/ Seniors/2023-Wangaratta-Seniors-Festival
Rural City of Wangaratta is seeking a local government body or similar organisation to lease offices on Level 3 of the Wangaratta Government Centre. The large open plan space and separate office are approximately 78.34m2. They come partly furnished, with access to a shared tearoom, facilities and two secure car parks. For more information and Expressions of Interest email leasing@wangaratta.vic.gov.au by October 9, 2023.
Application No PlnApp23/129
Location 492 Taminick Gap Road Wangaratta
South
Proposal Use and development of the land for an extractive industry (amendment proposal to extend extraction area)
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 on these applications before 13 October 2023.
T41865 Audio Visual Equipment Upgrade, Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre
Tender closes at 12pm Wednesday 18 October 2023.
C41667 Wangaratta Sports & Aquatic Centre Master Plan
Tender closes at 2pm Wednesday 4 October 2023
Further details may be obtained by visiting Councils website.
Council is revising the Privacy Policy 2023. The main changes to the policy relate to clarification of the scope of the policy and the Information Privacy Principles (IPPs), particularly the use, disclosure, and collection of personal information that Council obtains as part of its usual business activities. The proposed policy also outlines a mechanism for an internal review and analysis of any breaches of the policy.
All submissions and any proposed changes will be considered by Council prior to the policy being adopted. Submissions will be received up to 5pm on 27 October 2023. Methods to view and return feedback on the draft, are listed below:
Online: https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/ Your-Council/Public-notices
 
    Email: planningmail@wangaratta.vic.gov.au
Mail: PO Box 238 Wangaratta VIC 3676
 
     
     
    In Person: Council Offices (Planning and Building customer service counter) corner of Ford and Ovens Street Wangaratta
Mark Your Calendar!
On Wednesday 4 October 2023, there will be a fantastic recreation expo happening at Apex Park!
 
    Looking for a new sport to try or hobby to pick up? Maybe your child is looking for a new activity? Wander through the stalls and meet representatives from 14 different sports and recreation clubs all looking for new members!
The expo is completely free to attend with food and coffee vans on site.
All community members are welcome at this event.
If you have accessibility requirements, please contact recreation@wangaratta.vic.gov.au or 5722 0888.
Future Leaders Forum 2023: Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders!
Students from years 7 to 10 are invited to attend a leadership forum.
Friday 13 October 2023 | 9:30am – 2:45pm | Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre Catering will be provided on the day. Please make sure you fill in your dietary requirements.
For more information, and to book your free tickets please visit https://events.humanitix.com/futureleaders-youth-forum
Duty Manager Supervisor - Vegetation Accountant
 
    The Grit & Resilience Festival
Let’s come together for a celebration of mental health and wellbeing at the Grit & Resilience Festival!
 
    Join us for live music from Project 365, yoga sessions, giant games and delicious food and drinks. Grit & Resilience Festival is completely free and open to everyone.
You’ll also find stalls with valuable resources and information on mental health, from counselling services to self-care tips!
Tuesday, 10 October 2023 | 4pm - 6:30pm King George Gardens, Wangaratta
For more info, visit https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov. au/Residents/Grit-Resilience/Whats-On
Child Care Educator Level 3
Visitors Services Officer
Technical Services Coordinator Group Fitness Instructor
Aquatic Education Instructor - Schools
Lifeguard PAC Theatre Technician Supervisor - Front of House
 
    For further information on these positions please visit https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/ Careers
 
    wangarattachronicle.com.au
37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677 5723 0101 classifieds@ nemedia.com.au
INPERSONBYPHONESELLING
 
     
     
     
    2 WEEKS REGIONAL WITH PICTURE from $42
General Classifieds: wangarattachronicle.com.au
 
    Employment: northeastjobs.com.au
 
    Real Estate: northeastproperty.com.au
WANGARATTA’S MARKET PLACE WITH OVER 40,000 READERS EACH WEEK IN PRINT AND ONLINE
PUBLIC NOTICES EMPLOYMENT
RAMS
Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service AGM will be held on Monday, October 23, 2023 from 5.30pm at 664 Daniel street, Glenroy NSW 2640.
 
     
     
     
    To Visit Visited
GARAGE sale, Saturday 30, 8am-1pm, 4 Swinburne Drive, Wangaratta, no early buyers, bread maker, pod coffee maker, guitar, bonsai pots, saucepan set, various household items, everything must go, make an offer.
Further details
Hill View Poll Dorset and White Suffolk Chiltern 0437 490 738
$800 - $1200
Breeding rams
 
     
    Beechworth
Anipro Delivery Driver
 
    ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING will be held on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at 5.30pm at The Wangaratta Club. Guest speaker: Rachel Arndt Wag All welcome.
TARRAWINGEE COMMUNITY HALL
PUBLIC MEETING
Tarrawingee Community Hall
Tuesday, October 17, 2023 7.30pm.
three (3) nine (9)
Tarrawingee Community Hall
November 1, 2023.
Ann Jones on 0437 128 281.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Wangaratta Hardcourt Tennis Association
HP Barr Reserve, Shilling Drive, Wangaratta at 2pm. October 15, 2023. Any queries contact Maria 0421 346 974.
AVACADOS, new seasons, local and cherry pies now available at Sunday Community Market, Moore Swimming Centre.
Sexy fun!
Short time only!
Ph. 0450 835 816
To Visit Visited
HUGE garage sale, 5 Swinburne Drive, 8am - 1pm, Saturday, September 30, camping caravan, kids, baby, kitchen, kids, gaming and much more.
Phone:
 
    CONCRETING - Big or small jobs. Paths, driveways, shed slabs, verandahs. 15 years experience. For a free quote phone Trev Anderson on 0422 200 761.
DANIEL’S Carpentry and Maintenance Solutions. Servicing Wangaratta and surrounds. For a free quote and examples of my work find us on Facebook or www. danielscarpentry.com or phone 0413 660 636.
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.
PAINTER, old school, for all your painting needs, commercial, industrial renovations.
Phone Julian 0412 597 482.
since 1994 Classifieds
PAINTER. Ovens and King Painting Service, trade qualified, over 25 years experience, Interior/exteriors, for free quote phone Cherime Demaj 0422 778 257 or 5721 5482.
TILING, wall/floor, bathrooms, renovations. Phone Claude 0435 945 513.
CLASSIFIEDS WORK! 5723 0101
 
    Full-time Role
Exciting Career Opportunity
Based in Milawa, North East Victoria
About Us: Brown Family Wine Group is one of Australia’s most loved and respected wine companies built on over 130 years’ experience in quality winemaking, market leading innovation and family values that are at the heart of everything we do as a business.
 
    Our portfolio has grown over time to now include market leading wine brands such as: Devil’s Corner from the East Coast of Tasmania, Tamar Ridge and Pirie from Tamar Valley Tasmania, Innocent Bystander from the Yarra Valley and of course Brown Brothers from Milawa Victoria the spiritual home of our business.
About the role: Reporting to the Pre-Production Manager this role has ownership of our packaging Quality Assurance processes. The primary function of this role is to ensure our packaging, as well as product packaged off-site, is within specifications and compliant with all quality standards, customer requirements and regulations.
About you: Ideally, the successful candidate will be highly motivated and have a background in quality assurance and/or compliance. You will have demonstrated ability to successfully implement business process improvements and have strong analytical, investigative, and problemsolving skills. You will also have:
Strong attention to detail with the ability to triage and prioritise evolving demands.
Experience working within ISO9001, ISO22000, HACCP and GMP quality systems is highly desirable.
Excellent communication skills – verbal, written, and interpersonal. Strong influencing and negotiation skills.
 
    Intermediate to advanced computer skills and an ability to learn new programs and applications.
Experience within the food and beverage industry or fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) business, with a focus on quality, packaging, and production is desirable.
Driver’s Licence.
Occasional travel within Victoria and interstate will be required, including overnight stays.
What’s on Offer:
Work within one of Australia’s leading wine companies
Career development
Be part of a passionate and dedicated team Generous employee benefits including discounts on all products.
Apply Now!!
More Information: Further information and a position description may be obtained by emailing Allyce Henwood at careers@brownfwg.com.au . Applications will close on 13 October 2023
Casual Driver for deliveries of Anipro nutritional liquid supplements to farms in the North East region during the summer months. Successful applicants should have a HR licence and be able to work unsupervised, together with a reliable work history. An agricultural background is essential. If you would like to apply for this position, please send your resume to accounts@agrigene.com.au.
 
    Applications close Monday, October 9.
 
    Yackandandah
Full Time
$67,398 - $70,756 Annual
Beechworth
Part Time (56 hrs per f/n)
$63,005 - $66,914 Annual pro rata
Applications close 4pm Sunday, 1st October 2023 Visit www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au/jobs to download the position’s recruitment kit, and to view instructions on how to apply.
 
    www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au
Phone: 1300 365 003
Full or part time opportunity
An opportunity has arisen for a graphic designer to join one of Victoria and NSW’s leading independent news and media groups, based at our Wangaratta office working on newspapers, magazines and digital properties across our group.
Following recent acquisitions North East Media is seeking additional graphic design support. You must be able to multitask, have strong organisational skills and be able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines. You must also be a team player who shows initiative and be able to work with minimal supervision.
Your experience will include sound skills developing artwork using Adobe InDesign. Experience designing artwork for multiple digital channels, including websites, social media, email marketing would be an advantage but not is not essential.
If you are looking for a new challenge in an energetic and stimulating environment, we would encourage you to apply.
Applications should be forwarded to: Edward Higgins CEO North East Media Pty Ltd ehiggins@nemedia.com.au
 
     
     
     
     
     
    (Full Time - Ongoing)
 
     
    Are you a passionate educator who likes making a difference in a child’s life?
Our Lady’s Primary School is a faith community built on the Brigidine traditions to provide quality education and respect for all.
We can offer you:
Opportunity to work with an inclusive, passionate team of educators. Small class sizes.
A commitment to learning and continuous improvement.
The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work with our school here in Wangaratta. We are currently on a journey with the Science of Reading. Knowledge around this pedagogy would be an advantage but not essential.
Our Lady’s Primary School Wangaratta is committed to valuing the safety and individuality of every child. We strive to create an environment where students receive the highest possible standard of care and protection at all times.
 
    Closing Date for Applications: 4.00 pm Friday 6 October 2023
To apply:
Please email your cover letter, resume and supported by 3 verbal referees to Principal Cassie Lynch - E: clynch@olwangaratta.catholic.edu.au
 
    CES Ltd embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourages people from diverse backgrounds to apply. We are committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing, and inclusion of all children.
North East Media and its subsidiary companies has a vacancy at its head office in Wangaratta (Victoria) for a motivated and experienced accounting and business administration professional to provide administration management, financial management, and HR support across the group. Reporting directly to the CEO, the successful applicant will be responsible for the provision of day-to-day accounting and financial management responsibilities in the company. They will deliver on all financial and management accounting requirements within allocated deadlines, collaborate with the wider business to optimise finance operations and provide insightful financial and team information to the CEO for strategic decision making.
Essential Experience: management and the ability to multitask while working autonomously. role and the group.
data entry and financial record-keeping. to collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders.
Reporting to the Restaurant Manager, a maintenance employee forms a critical part of the restaurant team. This role is suited to an individual who has a mature attitude, is highly organised, is able to work autonomously and displays high attention to detail. A maintenance employee is primarily focused on cleanliness of the restaurant (internally and externally) and preparing the restaurant for trade each day. This is a part-time position with typical working hours between 4am and 12pm. Days and hours may change and vary in time to meet the needs of the restaurant. This position falls under the Miscellaneous Award, 2020.
What can you expect on a day-to-day basis?
clean, functioning and welcoming environment for Crew, Managers and Customers
Your keys to success:
 
     
     
     
    Full or part time
Are you working in office administration, retail or hospitality and looking to take the next step in your career? This position is a permanent opportunity which offers stability while working in a supportive team environment.
You will be joining a well established and highly successful print and digital media company based at our Wangaratta office. As a Sales Support/ Office Administrator you will be supporting the team by providing administrative and sales support. Your role will have variety and a typical day will include. phone and email our in-house design team
To be successful in this role you will have: skills
verbal and written skills
The person in this role will also demonstrate a strong sense of urgency working to strict deadlines.
 
     
    This is an opportunity to join our sales team and use your customer service skills to support our clients with their print and digital marketing needs.
We offer a competitive and attractive salary package for the right person and the chance to build a good long-term stable career with a well-respected employer.
letter to: Edward Higgins CEO North East Media Pty Ltd ehiggins@nemedia.com.au
 
     
     
    Applications should be forwarded to: Ian Pople Wangaratta Sales Manager North East Media ipople@nemedia.com.au
and toilets
To apply, please email your resume to andrew.mills@au.stores.mcd.com
McDonalds Wangaratta is looking for a the team as a MAINTENANCE
Beechworth Correctional Centre is a minimum-security prison for men, with a focus on preparing offenders for their release back into the community. The role of the Programs Officer is to provide administrative support to assist the team with compliance with the practice principles of the Offender Management Framework.
About the role
excel spread sheet data entry, filing, file & correspondence management and email inbox coordinating
 
     
     
    How to Apply
For more information and to apply, go to www.careers.vic.gov.au and type in Job ID: VG-3897SEPTEMBER2023 or contact Sheryl Mitsch at Sheryl.Mitsch@justice.vic. gov.au
attributes, and motivation you would bring to this role.
BLACK Holden Cruze
CDX 2010 (XWT095), 173,400klm. $3000 neg. Contact Andrew 0428 410 341.
OLD cars wanted, cars removed. Ph 0435 083 115.
2011 VW Tiguan
2.0 103TDi 5n auto (YIF824), silver, tow b ar, 242,000km used as work commute car, full service history, automatic, diesel, rwc, rego july 2024, $9900 neg, ph 0427 333 417.
 
     
     
    2015 Holden Cruze SRi-V, (1OK9GX), great first car, 1.6L turbo, auto. Top of the range including heated seats, Bluetooth, Sat.nav, 6 air bags. Registered to Nov. 2023. RW certificate.
 
    $8700. Couple minor scrapes on passenge r side. Contact Brad 0488 095 109.
CAREY, Michael John “Mick”.
7/2/1933 – 22/9/2023
Formerly of Park Hall Village Place Wodonga and Wangaratta. Passed away peacefully at the Wodonga Hospital.
GAMBLE (nee Bennett), Pam.
You’ve been the very best sister Blue, no one could have ever asked any more of you.
I’ll cherish the time we’ve spent together; you’ll always have my love forever.
~ Noel x. My beautiful “Pramy”. Your gentle soul at rest. Love you always.
~ Rosey x.
Dearly loved aunty to Don and Tara, Brian and Amanda, Murray and Hannah. Xxxxxx.
Dearest great-aunty to Cooper, Leo, Archie and Brooks, Martin and Eleanor, Elsie and Arthur. Xxxxxxxx. Forever in our hearts.
GAMBLE (Bennett), Pam.
To our beautiful niece and cousin, Pam. We have grown up, and older with you, shared in many special occasionas and events, including Birthdays, playing sport, holidays, footy games in Melbourne, live concerts, weddings, the new generations, and our family gatherings at Christmas. Your lovely beaming face, laugh and smile, we will remember forever.
~ Love always, June and John Bennett, Russell and Marg, Jenny and Nigel Cooper, Garry, Trevor and Louise and their family. Condolences to Ian, Emma, Olivia and Nathan, Heather, Arthur and family.
 
     
    SQUIRES (née McKean), Valerie Margaret ‘Val’. 21/11/1936 - 23/9/2023
Late of Wangaratta, previously of Bendigo. Eldest daughter of Phil and Eve McKean (both dec). Older sister to Alan, Jeanette and Glenys. Adored wife of Mervyn for almost 65 years. Devoted mother and mother-in-law to and Lynette and Brendon.
Loved grandma to David and Moira, Matthew and Ainslee, Katelyn, Emma, Annie, Thomas, Philip, Nicole and Eliza. Great-grandma to Elenor. McDonald House, St Johns Wangaratta. Love you alwaysenjoy the roses in heaven.
CAREY
The celebration of life for the late Mick Carey will be held at The Chapel, Conway Funeral Home, 20 South St, Wodonga at 2pm on Thursday, October 5, 2023. A private cremation will follow the service.
Mick's service will be livestreamed and can be viewed at conwayfuneralhome.com.au
 
     
     
    GAMBLE
HD Fat Bob, 2009, (HY607), 38,000km, $18,000 ono. Ph 0422 794 387.
 
    2016 18’6” Kokoda Endure II Platinum Caravan, semi off road, full ensuite, washing machine, queen bed, 3 gas burners, 1 electric hot plates, microwave oven, tv, 175ltr fridge, freezer, 3 way pull out awning, many more extras, never been used, $47,500. Ph 0457 906 725.
Much loved Husband of Jean (dec). Loved father and father-in-law of Angela and Bryan, and Julie. Adored Grandpa of Adam, Sarah, Sam and Allirra. Great-grandpa of Amelia, Anna, Ollie and Lilly. Finally reunited with his first and only love. Always loved. Never forgotten.
A special thank you to the staff at COU, Wodonga Hospital and Yackandandah Health for all their care and compassion.
GAMBLE (nee Bennett), Pamela Joy.
26/9/1966 – 23/9/2023
Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family. Dearly loved wife of Ian. Loved mother of Emma, Olivia and Nathan.
You will remain forever in our thoughts and hearts.
LEE, Ronald Adrian ‘Ron’. 16/12/1958 – 25/9/2023
Passed away at The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne. Dearly loved husband of Lyn.
 
    Loving Dad of Kirsten and Mat Pini and Chris. Adored Papa of Max, Patrick and Jax. Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day. Always in our hearts.
McGAFFIN (Jones, Barling), Dorothy Joan.
Passed away peacefully at Tallangatta Nursing Home on September 21, 2023. Aged 90 years.
 
     
     
    Much loved wife of John Jones (dec 1988)
Beloved mother and mother-in-law of Susan Andrea and Andrew Oates, Terry and Tuti Jones. Beloved stepmother and stepmother-in-law
A funeral service to celebrate the life of Pamela Joy Gamble will be held at North East Funerals, 184 Greta Road, Wangaratta at 1pm on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, followed by interment at the Tarrawingee Cemetery. Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre would be greatly appreciated. https://www.awcancertrust.org.au/ donate-online/
Pam’s funeral service can be viewed via live stream at www.northeastfunerals.com.au/livestream
To celebrate Pam’s life, you are welcome to wear colourful, casual clothes.
LEE
2020 Toyota Hilux SRS 4x4 2.8l, twin cab white, 23,000km, as new, tilt lid,, bull bar, towbar, side steps, 12 month reg (1SO2UL), $52,000. Ph 0457 906 725.
 
    TYRES new and secondhand, trailer, rims, wrecking. New hours 9am to 5pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 44 Newman Street, Wangaratta. Ph 0428 257 221. Adzam Tyres.
2008 Holden VE SS Sedan (1KF5UZ), 197,800km, manual, 19” rims, has upgraded cams, genie extractors, 3-inch exhaust, high
GAMBLE, Pamela Joy.
26/9/1966-23/9/2023
Beloved daughter of Arthur and Heather Bennett.
Our darling girl, now at peace.
GAMBLE, Pamela Joy.
26/9/1966-23/9/2023
Loved sister and sister-in-law of Rod and Karen. Loved aunty of James and Grace. Gone too soon.
Adored and loving grandma (Mema, G-Gran, Dot) to 21 grandchildren and18 great-grandchildren. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; Isaiah 57:2
Please see a later edition for funeral details.
 
    The service to celebrate the life of Mr Ronald Adrian ‘Ron’ Lee will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Thursday October 5, 2023 at 2pm. A private cremation will follow.
In lieu of flowers a donation made in memory of Ron to Heart Kids can be made online at www.heartkids.org.au/donations/ Ron’s service will be available to view via livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming/
 
     
     
     
     
    A memorial service to celebrate the life of Mrs Valerie Margaret ‘Val’ Squires will be held in the Wangaratta Uniting Church, 10 Rowan Street, Wangaratta on Monday October 2, 2023 at 1.30pm. A private cremation will have preceded the service.
 
    In lieu of flowers a donation in memory of Val to the Cancer Council can be made online at www.cancer.org.au/ Val’s service can be viewed via Livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming/
 
    McKENZIE, Michael.
 
    Rosalie and family wish to thank everyone who supported us and shared in our farewell to Mick.
 
    Thanks to all those who supported and helped to care for Mick, especially Fr Nathan, staff of St Catherine’s, Dr Vanisri, Knights of Southern Cross and Probus. Thanks also to North East Funerals.
 
     
     
    BOURKE, Kathleen Mary.
 
     
     
     
     
     
    19/11/1923 – 27/9/2011
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Deep in my heart you will always stay, loved and missed every day.
~ Kathryn.
MULLINS, Tracy Maree. Loved and remembered always.
~ Dad, Mawde and your sisters Kellie, Danielle and Courtney.
MULLINS, Tracy.
Passed away September 30, 1990. Aged 12 years.
Although so many years have passed since we had to say goodbye, you are always in our hearts. Dearly loved daughter of Jan, loving sister of Kellie and Shaun.
John
5722 2525
 
     
     
    SATURDAY, September 23
Stroke Medal of Medals
Medal of Medals
Winner: Di Murphy 74.
Stroke Event
Winner: Di Murphy 74.
Ball Winners: Frances Duffy (2) 74, Ali Comensoli 74, Leeanne Carmody
74 NTP: 4th Jackie O’Brien, 8th Carol
 
     
    Myles, 13th Linda Stone, 17th Ange Mitchell
Saturday, September 23
Stroke Medal of Medals
A Grade Winner: Gordon Paterson MEDAL OF MEDALS WINNER 69
Runner Up: Andy Senkic 69. B Grade
Winner: Andy Walker 71. Runner Up:
Daryl Johnstone 73. C Grade Winner: Thomas Johnstone 67. Runner Up: Gary Walder 70. D Grade Winner: Terry Docherty 74. Runner Up: Kevan O’Shea 75.
Ball Winners: Mark Dean 73, Glenn Ryan 73, Jacob Schonafinger 73, Peter Glidden 74, Trevor Gunn 74, Bill O’Brien 74, Eon Scott 74, Shane Andrewartha 74, Daniel McPhee 74, Ian Dinsdale 74, Greg Rigoni 75, Peter Geldens 75, Michael Baillie 75, Zac O’Shannessy 75, Brian Thomas 75, Julian Bau 75, Neville Hogan 75, Bronte Bruce 75, Doug Ritchens 76.
Eagle on 5th Hole to Shane Andrewartha and 3rd Hole to Ian Dinsdale.
Super Nine Club Shirt: Gordon Paterson 21.
Aroma Deli: Mark Dean 20.
2 Balls: Kevan O’Shea 20.
NTP: 4th Bill O’Brien, 8th Trevor Morris, 13th Travis Johnstone, 17th Jeff Elliott.
Sunday, September 24
Stableford
Winner: David O’Connor 37.
Ball Winners: Tashi Tenzing (2)
37, Glenn Ryan 36, Fraser Jeffrey
33. NTP: 4th Glenn Ryan, 8th Glenn Ryan, 13th Dave O’Connor, 17th Michael Cordier.
Monday, September 25 - Stableford
 
     
    Winner: Barry Adams 37. ***Pat Ernst Eagle 10th hole***
Ball Winners: Paul McInerney 36, Brian Luxfjord 35 NTP: 8th Pat Ernst, 13th Alex Gibbs.
Wednesday, September 27
Stroke
A Grade Winner: Jacob Schonafinger 71. B Grade Winner: Jim Moore
70. C Grade Winner: Stan Goldsworthy 70.
Ball Winners: Mark Hall (2) 71, Ian Dinsdale 71, Neville Hogan 72, Laurie Miller 73, Glenn O’Connell 73, Keith Moorhead 74, Brian Thomas 75, Andy Walker 75, Nigel Cooper 75.
NTP: 4th Stan Goldsworthy, 8th Ray Hyland, 13th Jacob Schonafinger, 17th Aaron Kungl.
Wednesday, September 27
9 Hole Stableford
Winner: Ben Honeychurch 20. Runner Up: Mark Dean 17 3rd: Doug Ritchens 16.
Ball Winner: Josh Trimble 16.
NTP: 4th Tony Kosch, 8th Tony Kosch.
WGC Competitions: Week ending
September 17
Women’s Competition: 18 hole
Stableford
September 19
Winner: Julie McInnes 35 Points.
Runner Up: Ros Gormly.
Ball Winners: Dawn Fleet, Glenda
Dodson
9 Hole Stableford:
Winner: Barb Thomas 18 Points
Runner Up: Marlene Thompson
Men’s Competition: 9 Hole NETT
September 20
Winner: Graeme Beale 37 NETT.
Runner Up: Phillip Winnell 38 NETT. 18 Hole Stableford
Winner: Jonothan McCafferty 40
Points. Runner Up: Dean Campagna
39 Points.
Ball Winners: John Wiskin, Greg
Sullivan, Matt Nicolosi.
NTP 4th: Branna Duffy, 9th Greg
Sullivan, 13th Glenn Burns, 16th
Phillip Moss.
Men’s Competition: 18 Stableford
 
    September 23
A Grade Winner: Tom McAtee 44
Points. A Grade Runner Up: Chris
Martens 39 Points. 3rd Place: Jack
Reiter 38 C/B Points. B Grade Winner: Bill Dodd 39 Points. B Grade Runner Up: Ray Hutton 37 C/B Points. 3rd Place: Phillip Moss 37 Points.
Ball Winners: Rod Moyle, Trevor Clark, Peter Crawford, John Southwell, Bobby Hutieson, Darren Burns, Matt Fischer, David Altair, Rod Godde, Geoff Webster, Phillip Winnell, Arthur Ingarfield, Denis Hill.
NTP: 4th Denis Hill, 7th Alastair McLean, 9th Dean Campagna, 11th Chris Martens, 13th John Southwell, 16th Jason Oats.
Secret 6: Peter Crawford.
Birdie: Chris Martens, Jack Reiter.
Eagles: Bob Murray, Mark White.
Raffle Winner: Judy Brown.
Women’s 18 Stableford Winner: Judy Brown 38 Points. Runner Up: Ros Gormly 37 Points. Medley Stableford: 9 & 18 Hole Competition
Sunday, September 24
18 Hole Winner: Mitchell Solimo 39 Points. 18 Hole Runner Up: Brannan Duffy 37 Points.
TARRAWINGEE
Saturday, September 23.
The members played a stableford event on the full course which is
now open for the first time in several months and thanks goes to those people responsible for the work in getting the course back to a playable condition.
The winner of the stableford event was Ken Miller with 35pts on a very close countback from Pete Nolan 35pts who was runner up.
Ball winner was Lindsay Steer 32pts.
The ladies event was won by Lucia DaPos 35pts.
Nearest the pin 4th Mark Nolan 8th Manny Tanirau.
The game to be played next Saturday, September 30 will be organised on the day with the hit off being changed to 8:30 am roll up - 9:00am start due to the AFL grand final.
 
    All welcome.
New 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.
 
    Tarra ladies
Tuesday, September 26 Tarra Ladies played the Milawa Hotel monthly stableford event.
The winner was Di McLaughlin with 19 points.
Joan Quarrell was the runner/up
with 17 points.
Next week will be the October Monthly Medal, starting time 9.00am for 9.30am start.
Warby Range Bushwalkers news for September 29
Friday, September 22 to Friday 29 – Week away trip to the Grampians.
We have 29 club members here at gorgeous Hall’s Gap and so far, the weather has been superb for walking.
The organisation of walks, food and accommodation has been top class.
After driving from the northeast, Saturday was spent exploring the immediate Hall’s Gap main tracks and visiting those spectacular lookouts.
On Sunday the three groups (easy, medium and hard) ambled around the Mt William area with the hard crew not arriving “home’ until just before dark.
Monday was spent trudging around the Zumsteins and the MacKenzie Falls section of this glorious park with amazing wildflowers in full bloom.
Despite many people here for the school holidays, we are still able to get out into wilderness areas easily.
Graeme from Myrtleford who has not adventured with us before, describes the three groups via musical examples.4+
He claims that the people walking under 10 kms per day should be called “Easybeats” (with “Friday On Their Minds” when we will not wish to go home).
The medium crew are “Stuck in the Middle With You” by Stealers Wheel Band and the tough hardened mob of course always march along singing the Proclaimers hit “I’m Gonna Be – and I will walk 500 miles”.
The quote of the week so far was heard by a walks leader and planner - the very well organized Michael Braendler, who told his medium level group “Of all the walks I have led over eight years, this has been one of them.”
Coming Events
 
    Saturday, October 7
Greta History Walk, Jeanette, 0417 546 974
 
    A medium walk of approx 15k around Greta, and Greta West, in undulating country, with a guest to fill us in on numerous points of interest, and locations of Greta’s history. Walking on bush tracks, gravel roads and part beside a sealed road.
Sunday, October 8
Grass Tree Celebration Walk in the Warbys meeting at Wenham’s 10am, Andy, 0439 209 749.
A Special Grass Tree walk celebrating these magnificent plants which are threatened by a nasty pathogen. Grass Tree (Xanthorrhoea glauca) experts will guide us around very special groves of this iconic flora. An easy walk of about 5km. We will be required to spray our boots before heading off.
Other wildflowers will of course be encountered on this adventure.
TOOL OF THE TRADE: Table tennis rackets can be made from a range of materials - but they aren’t indestructible.
 
    LAST time, we explored the balls of table tennis –this time we will visit the rackets.
This is the official term from the ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation).
 
    THE Wangaratta Turf Club is on the mend from their drainage works.
The club has been hard at work over the past few weeks installing more drainage on the course proper and are now working towards a return of local racing.
Wangaratta Turf Club chief executive officer Sean Barrett is stoked with the works.
“The works are now complete so it’s up to the weather gods to get the track growing again,” Barrett said.
“We’ve had new drains installed all around the track and we’ve installed some channels that help run water from the middle of the track to the outside.
“We’ve also rectified one of the dam walls which will help provide greater security for our water storage.
“Everyone who’s been out to the track over the past few months have been surprised with how much work’s been going on.”
The turf club is hoping to have a return to racing on Melbourne Cup
 
    Day but will have to wait and see if the weather’s on their side before locking that in.
Even if the club doesn’t have live local racing on Melbourne Cup Day, they will still be running an event for the Melbourne Cup.
The club is offering a Grand Oaks Package for the day which includes access to the Grand Oaks Room, finger food, sweeps for the Melbourne Cup, awards for best
dressed and live music from Ben Smith Duo, while drinks will be available at bar prices throughout the day, just for $35 per person.
“Regardless of the outcome of whether local racing will go ahead we’re still going to be having an event for the race that stops the nation,” Barrett said.
“We want to make sure we give locals the opportunity to celebrate the Melbourne Cup and
give them all a great day out.”
If the club doesn’t host local racing on Melbourne Cup Day, their Christmas Party races will be next on the calendar.
“It looks like everyone’s getting their Christmas parties sorted early because we’ve had strong bookings already,” Barrett said.
“We’re expecting a big crowd and we’ve booked in Glenn Starr Band for the day as well.”
 
    WHILE Brownlow Medal votes were being counted in Melbourne, 19 players battled hard for their own best and fairest votes at the Oxley social table tennis competition last Monday night.
Kicking the night off, Cheryl Coad and Richard Morgan manned and womanned up to throw their all into every point contested against Debbie Brunken and Graham Stephens.
After a very tight tussle which left players with nothing more to give, the game ended with one pair winning by one point.
With each singing and swinging to their own tune, Kate Cole and Clive Brooker treated onlookers to a great spectacle in their singles battle of the brave.
However after each had delivered an A1 performance in determination and durability, Kate eventually brought Clive down to size when
she took the honours 21-19.
A men’s set of Commonwealth Games (if only) standard was fought to the limits when Manni Poulos and Dave Watts lined up against Jason Mullins and Gary Coad.
Sneaky little pop-overs, big smashes, well-placed strokes, sliced and hand-driven serves all added up to a game that had it all.
Hugh Spring bounced out of the stands to partner ‘up and at it’ Adam Bosley, as they took on ‘busy bees’ Allison Stephens and Martin Butcher in one of the many games each had played during the evening.
Following their very enjoyable close contest, it came as no surprise to hear the unanimous call of “double or quits”?
Octogenarians June Uebergang and Neil Brock had their hands full and over flowing when they faced the Gen Z pair, Phoebe Bosley and Archie Crispin.
After finding their feet and ‘hidden talent’, June and Neil gradually pegged back their deficit to put the youngens under pressure in every point.
Intensity of mind and body were on display when Pete Spring and Gary Coad lined up to take on Clive Brooker and Dave Watts in a big bash laced with the soft touch game of catch us if you can.
High fives and back slapping indicated scores were too close to call.
A reminder to all that the group’s final night for season 2023 will be held on Monday, October 9.
Looking forward to seeing all players who have taken part in the competition during the year.
Adults and secondary school students of all ages and abilities are welcome to join the weekly social competition on Monday night, beginning at 7:00pm.
Bring your own bat, $2 entry and a plate to share.
It wasn’t till 1901 that the table tennis bat/paddle/ racket that we are so familiar with appeared, and only used a sheet of rubber on top of a wooden blade, though it was not till much later that sponge started being used between the blade and the rubber.
The wooden portion of the racket is often referred to as the ‘blade’, and can be anywhere between one and seven pieces of wood, though cork, glass fibre, carbon fibre, aluminium fibre and Kevlar are sometimes used.
Regulations state that 85 per cent of the blade shall be natural wood, balsa, lumbar, cypress or hinoki. Table tennis regulations allow different rubber surfaces on each side of the bat, and various rubbers provide various levels of spin or speed and control.
For example, a player may have a rubber that provides much spin on one side of their racket and one that provides no spin on the other, and by flipping the racket in play, different types of returns are possible.
International rules specify that one side must be black while the other side must be a bright colour clearly distinguishable from black and the colour of the ball, usually red.
The glue between the rubber surfaces which has caused much talk in table tennis circles - but that is for next time.
For us keenagers, racket spin and speed comes second to control - in fairness, some of our sessions have some great plays and some of the players have played in different competitions throughout their playing lives and represented Wangaratta in inter-city championships.
Remember come on down Monday and Thursday mornings and from daylight saving on Sunday, October 1 it’s a 7.30am start.
THE Bulldogs’ A grade coach will not return to the role in the 2024 season.
After being the top dog at Tarrawingee since the postlockdown 2021 season, Jackie Everitt confirmed a new coach will take over one of the league’s most stable and powerful netball squads going forward.
Everitt led the Bulldogs to back-to-back finals series, with a stacked team taking some massive victories over strong sides, and multiple individual awards, including her selection as coach of the 2023 Team of the Year.
 
    It hasn’t been smooth sailing over the past three seasons, but Everitt
said it was time to go.
“With work and everything, it was probably an opportunity, it’s a solid foundation, so it’s not going to be a big impact if they get someone else in,” she said.
“I think the COVID issue was the biggest challenge, the impact that COVID had was probably the biggest challenge anyone faced.
“Looking back at it, it was just an unusual set of circumstances.”
Everitt said she was incredibly proud of her players and how they had come together over the past few years.
“They’ve gelled together as a team, there are good friends amongst them but how they’ve gelled as a team
in incredible,” she said.
“Seeing that development and camaraderie, they’re such a good bunch of girls, it impacts the lower teams.
“Some of the young players, they’re like sponges, taking in any information the seniors can give them.
“The footballers didn’t have the greatest season, but they stood by the netball club and they were riding on whatever the netballers were able to achieve which was really good.
“It was a good year at the club because whilst they weren’t winning, the great culture that the club was able to build was great.”
The club has not announced Everitt’s successor as A grade coach.
BIG LOSS: Pranav Menon has moved back to Melbourne in a huge loss for the Magpies.
WANGARATTA Magpies are looking to put the disappointment of last year’s loss grand final behind them.
After falling to Rovers United Bruck in last season’s decider, the Magpies are once again shaping as a leading contender in 2023/24’s flag race.
The Magpies have added 18-year-old English import Charlie Stafford into their line-up with the right-arm quick only adding to their impressive bowling stocks. However, the big talking point will be the loss of star batter Pranav Menon who has led the Mag-
 
    pies’ run scorers in his two seasons at the club.
“The depth is still there for us, we’ll have competition for spots which is good,” Magpies skipper Jack Davies said.
“Charlie Stafford has come across from Mottram where ‘Guilly’ (Zac Guilfoyle) played over the summer so he locked him in pretty early.
“’Prav’s’ (Menon) moving back to Melbourne so that’s obviously a huge loss to us.”
With the loss of Menon, Davies said his batters will need to go to another level this season.
“With our batting the ability is there,” he said.
“A few of our top six or seven just need to stand up, I think that’s going to be the challenge for us because Prav’s led the charge.
“If you look at the top teams in the competition they probably don’t rely on just one person to get the job done.
“That’ll be the challenge for us, getting more blokes to stand up with the bat.”
The Magpies will have arguably the best bowling line-up in the competition with Chris Clement and Zac Guilfoyle proven match-winners, while the addition of Stafford and the rise of Tom Clayton will only add to that depth.
“Bowling was the key for us last season and adding Charlie (Stafford) in will only help us,” Davies said.
“’Tommy’ Clayton’s been virtually unplayable in the nets over the past few weeks, he’s picked up some pace and he’ll be looking for A grade opportunities this year.
“If we can work together and make a competitive score we’ll be hard to chase with our bowling.”
Davies’ Magpies have been training for the past seven weeks with their campaign set to kickoff against Yarrawonga Mulwala on October 7.
“We’ve been training for six or seven weeks now but there were
a few washouts early on,” Davies said.
“The last couple of weeks the numbers have been getting better with footy finishing so we’re starting to build nicely.”
Davies said his side has put the disappointment of last year’s grand final loss behind them.
“Overall it was a successful year for us last year,” he said.
“To come from where we did and win a one-day final and make a two-day grand final was reward for effort.
“We just didn’t play the way we wanted to in the two day grand final, we went away from what we did well all year.”
THE top talent of the AFL North East Border region was on show at the V/Line Cup in Shepparton on Monday and Tuesday.
AFLNEB had division one and two teams in the competition with the top players from the region representing those teams against Victoria’s other leading football regions.
 
     
    AFLNEB took on the likes of AFL Barwon, South East, Gippsland, Bendigo, Greater Western Victoria and Goulburn Murray across the three day carnival.
AFLNEB division one coach Jeremy Campbell said the experience was rewarding for all involved.
“This year was the first year we’ve played back-to-back
games, but everyone really enjoyed it,” Campbell said.
“We had three teams playing, division one and two boys and a girls team as well so there was a really good atmosphere in Shepparton.
“AFLNEB represent Goulburn Murray as well so to take away four teams within the area was a huge effort.”
AFLNEB’s division one team beat GWV Rebels comfortably in their first game but fell to Gippsland the following day, while the division two side lost to GWV Rebels but downed Gippsland.
The girls managed to win both of their games.
Wangaratta was well represented at the carnival with Wangaratta Magpies star Blake Newton awarded best-on-ground in the division one’s final game against
Gippsland, while Lucas Webb (Wangaratta Tigers) won the same award in his division two side’s first game against GWV Rebels.
 
    “Wangaratta wise all of the boys acquitted themselves really well,” Campbell said.
 
    “Obviously Blake (Newton) and Lucas (Webb) played well but there were other Wangaratta boys who were great as well.
“Hamish Laverty rucked for the division one side a lot and Jaxon Coleman had a great carnival too.”
The V/Line Cup is the first step into the junior pathway with u16 Murray Bushrangers following the next year, as well as the u16 national carnival.
“For a lot of the boys before the carnival what you don’t know, you don’t
know,” Campbell said.
“Most of the boys are one of the best players in their local teams and then they find out pretty quick that there are a lot of good players around the state.
“Some find out pretty quick how big the step up is and others go beyond what they think they’re capable of.”
Campbell thanked the volunteers who helped out throughout the carnival.
“What a lot of people don’t realise is that all of the coaches are volunteers who are just passionate about developing junior footballers,” he said.
“Simon Plunkett and Gary Zieball have been involved for years and everyone’s so lucky to have their knowledge.”
WANGARATTA Warriors men’s CBL side has been gifted a breath of fresh air.
Championship coach Shane Wilson has signed on to lead the Warriors for the next three years, and aims to turn the young playing group into true titans of the North East Men’s conference.
Fresh off of coaching the Cragieburn Eagles to a championship in the Victorian Junior Basketball League under 20s, Wilson’s coaching and playing qualifications are
 BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
    BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
          
           
     
     
    beyond reproach, and has a knack for building young players into a winning team.
Although based two hours away in Beveridge, Wilson’s commitment to coach the team has resonated with the players.
“I’ll drive from Beveridge three days a week, a two-
hour drive,” he said.
“It’s a commitment, the boys see it and they’ve gone ‘you’ve committed so we’ve got to commit. We’re 15 minutes away, you live two hours away, we’re playing for you’.
 
    “That’s the hardest part –the easiest part is coaching the game.
“We’ve had one training session together as a broad squad, we’ve been together for about a month and a half now.
“We’ve still got three play-
ers to introduce to the team because of uni, they’re in uni in Geelong.
“They’re all agreeing to a three-year program, so that’s what I’m hoping to stick around for.
“It’s not just going to be one season and then walk away - it’s a young team, and we said we wanted to put Wangaratta back on the map for basketball.”
Wilson said the age range in the squad meant the younger players could learn
from the older heads, and with multiple seasons together going forward, everything is in place to take multiple runs at the CBL competition.
“They’re ranging from 15 to 16, the Wangaratta boys, and we’ve got a few out-oftowners that are more in a mentor role and leadership role,” he said.
“We’ve got a couple of older fellas who are mentoring, and bringing that culture that Wangaratta once had.
“We’ve got 19 boys in the squad now, they want to be there and they want to represent Wangaratta.
“That’s all I ask for, and it’s come together really well in a short amount of time.”
The Warriors have a rough first round draw, up against last year’s runners up Benalla at home on Saturday, October 7, before hosting Shepparton Gators on the Sunday, who are fresh off a div one men’s grand final win in VJBL Big V.
YOGIE
 
    MILAWA’S coaching dynamic duo will go around again in the top job with the Dees through the 2024 Ovens and King season.
The club confirmed Matt Graham and Ben Clarke will retain the senior coaching position on their Facebook page on Sunday.
 
    The senior Demons were an exceptionally strong side, making it to the semi-finals, while the reserves featured in the first week of finals.
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au 
     
    Graham said it was an easy decision to stay on.
“With the way the season went, the progress of the club, the injection of youth to the team, the upward projection on the ladder, it was an absolute no-brainer,” he said.
“It’s a magnificent group of boys we’ve got going at the moment, so it’s going to be exciting to see them fulfil their potential in 2024.
“The boys did a power of work last preseason with fitness and we build on that for this season.
“The core of our defence, our six defenders of this season are all continuing on in 2024, so the stability in the backline is there.
“We’ve just got to
 
    continue to build our midfield and our forward line to get that couple of goals closer than we were this year.”
Graham said the partnership with on-field leader Clarke was steering the club in the right direction, with the pair looking to bring in more young blood.
“The dynamic worked really well between Ben and myself - we’re opposites in
 
    some ways, our failures are the other’s strengths,” he said.
“We have the same philosophy on football and the way we want to see football played, the way we want the game to move.
“The first 12 months worked really well, and Ben’s leadership on the field by setting training standards and playing standards is second to none – that’s what you need from an on-field coach.
“It was our focus as a club to bring that next generation of hopefully Milawa senior footballers to the club, and it looks like we’re going to have a nice injection of young, quality footballers, and also good young men.”
The Demons will unveil new players signings in the coming weeks, with Graham teasing at least three quality names had already put pen to paper.
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    AFTER birthing seven children, Kate’s core had seen better days and after countless MRIs, x-rays, physiotherapists, chiropractor, osteopath visits along with other remedies, Kate didn’t see the pain in her core or back easing.
 
    This was until she booked a consultation with Emily at Core Clinic.
Straight after her first consultation, Kate booked in four sessions of Emsculpt which she said relieved the pain to the point where she no longer relies on pain medication to survive.
 
    “The procedure was unlike anything I have experienced, in no way painful, not even uncomfortable, just strange and weirdly relaxing,” she said.
“After four sessions I was standing taller, my back pain was significantly better for the first time in years.”
She then continued to work with Emily on her lower back pain through six sessions of the Emsella chair treatment.
 
    “After eight months I am able to do gardening, take the kids for a walk, sit on
the ground to play blocks, and just enjoy life again, and I can confidently say I am almost completely pain free,” she said.
Over time, Kate developed a friendship with Emily and said she is extremely grateful to her.
“Emily has been beyond
PURELY For You is a beauty salon hidden in the heart of Wangaratta’s CBD offering professional and affordable beauty treatments tailored to you. They specialise in IPL hair removal, ultrasound body contouring and RF skin tightening, they also offer a wide range of beauty treatments such as brow lamination, lash lifts, spray tans, makeup, and all beauty treatments in between.
With over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, Purely For You pride themselves on creating a welcoming, non-judgmental and comfortable environment for all their clients to relax and feel at ease.
made products.
The products they stock in salon are Ultraderm Skin Care, Runway Room Cosmetics, Mine Tan, Glow Dry, Sunny Skin SPF and Nutra Organics.
Purely For You offer a range of the latest technology based treatments in the salon, their number one treatment is IPL for Hair removal.
 
    IPL is a safe, non-invasive and highly effective treatment used to treat your unwanted hair.
IPL hair removal uses light energy to accurately target unwanted hair long term.
 
     
     
     
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IPL requires no downtime and is almost pain free.
Results can be noticed after as little as one to two treatments.
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flexible, working with me and my busy schedule, and never, when I have had to cancel, has it been an issue,” she said.
“Her beautiful nature and brilliant business model has made my experience a life changing one.”
Purely For You’s focus is to help clients be confident within themselves and leave the salon feeling amazing after every visit.
Purely For You believe no two clients are ever the same and endeavour to tailor each appointment to suit you.
 
     
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The light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair resulting in thermal damage of the hair follicle.
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    WATER is an essential and major component of all living matter – in fact, it is the largest single component of the body.
Our brains are 76 per cent water, our lungs are 90 per cent water, our blood is 84 per cent water and blood plasma is 98 per cent water.
Critical bodily functions such as digestion, circulation and excretion cannot occur without it. It carries nutrients to all vital body substances, plays a crucial role in maintaining body temperature and serves as building material for growth and repair of the body.
Give your body the water it needs.
Adult women should drink around 2L of water a day, and around 2.5-3L a day for men.
It’s advisable to also strive for at least 70 per cent of your diet to consist of water-rich foods.
A sustainable health diet with plenty of water-rich foods such as low-toxicity fruits and vegetables will allow your body to cleanse itself.
So go ahead and make
sure you meet today’s recommended water intake - not just today, but always.
Alkalinity is also important for improving health and one of the best alkalisers is celery juice.
To properly understand the power of alkalising, we need to look at the
 
     
    foods that have alkalising properties.
Let’s keep things simple to start with.
Alkalising isn’t about cutting out all “acidic” foods from your diet.
It’s about adding more of the right alkalising foods.
This way, you’re not
missing out on essential nutrients.
Instead, you’re giving your body a range of nourishing options that will leave you feeling satisfied, energised, and free from the lure of an unhealthy nutrientdepleted diet.
The key is to
consistently and consciously choose alkalising foods at every opportunity.
Here are some examples of common foods that you may want to swap.
- Processed sugars and sweet treats for naturally sweet fruits like berries, apples, and citrus fruits.
- Refined grains for whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oats.
- Dairy products for plant-based alternatives like almond milk, coconut yogurt, or cashew cheese.
- Regular coffee for herbal teas or green tea, which have alkalising properties.
- Processed snacks for raw nuts, seeds, and crunchy veggies like carrots, celery and capsicum.
Your body thrives at a pH of 7.35.
By consciously making these alkalising food swaps, you’re setting the stage for optimal functioning and unleashing the full potential of your incredible body.
 
    So, what are you waiting for?
Start incorporating these alkalising food choices into your daily routine today and experience a profound shift in your well-being.
For pH acid testing and a customized Alkalinity plan call for an appointment at the Wangaratta Wellness Centre on (03) 5798 3344.
 
     
     
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Opening hours: 9am to 5pm
Who’s who in your business: Christos Miliankos -Naturopath, Bowen Therapist Tayla Adams -Naturopath
Lauren Da Silva & Heather Champlin - Receptionists
Describe your field of expertise:
Helping people and families live healthier, happier lives. Did you know?
We also specialise in weightloss with the Ultralite Weight Management Program.
 
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By supporting local businesses it keeps us all connected, growing and investing in ourselves and each other.
With Helen Haines MP
WITH more than 30 years of experience as a nurse, midwife and rural health researcher, I have seen first hand the importance of maternity care in supporting pregnancy, birth, postnatal recovery and the mental health of new mothers.
 
    I am incredibly proud to have been part of the team that founded the Wangaratta Community Midwife Program which has been a permanent feature at Northeast Health Wangaratta since the late 1990s, making it one of the longest-running midwifery group practice programs in regional Australia.
 
    Midwifery group practice programs result in lower rates of intervention, lower risk of preterm birth and foetal loss, and higher rates of maternal satisfaction.
Today, the Wangaratta Community Midwife Program can offer care to around 160 women per year,
 
     
     
     
    that’s around a fifth of all births annually at Northeast Health Wangaratta.
 
     
    Earlier this month I was pleased to launch the Parliamentary Friends
of Maternal Health in Parliament House. Parliamentary friendship groups provide a multi-partisan forum for parliamentarians to
meet and interact with government and nongovernment organisations and associations. This group will hear from experts on matters
 
     
    relating to maternal health and care during pregnancy, transitioning to motherhood and the issues faced by women receiving maternity care.
The event featured Professor Caroline Homer AO as the keynote speaker. Professor Homer is a leading midwifery researcher in Australia and is internationally regarded for her work in maternal and newborn health care and service delivery. I was very pleased to welcome Professor Homer to Parliament House to help launch the friendship group alongside my co-chairs Llew O’Brien MP and Alicia Payne MP. It can be challenging in regional areas to sustain midwifery group practice programs. Through meetings and events with the Parliamentary Friends of Maternal Health, I hope to engage the government to listen to the voices of experts and ensure the sustainability of future innovations in maternal care for mothers in regional, rural and remote Australia.
 
    IN the pursuit of a dazzling smile, traditional braces have taken a backseat to innovative orthodontic solutions.
At Evolve Orthodontics, they’re thrilled to introduce two groundbreaking treatments: LightForce Braces and Clear Aligners. These modern approaches cater to contemporary lifestyles, offering discreet and effective paths to achieving beautifully aligned teeth.
 
    LightForce Braces: Precision perfected LightForce Braces signify a monumental advancement in orthodontic care.
 
     
    Utilizing 3D-printed clear ceramic brackets, these braces are meticulously customised to your individual tooth anatomy and bite.
This unprecedented level of personalisation ensures not only more accurate results but also an elevated treatment experience.
Clear Aligners: The discreet choice
 
    Clear Aligners provide an
 
     
     
    inconspicuous route to your ideal smile.
These custom clear plastic trays, tailored to your unique dental anatomy, deliver unmatched precision and
discretion throughout your orthodontic journey.
At Evolve Orthodontics, they’re dedicated to providing the latest and most advanced orthodontic
 
     
     
     
    treatments.
LightForce Braces and Clear Aligners epitomise this commitment, offering you choices that accommodate your unique needs and lifestyle.
 
    If you’re ready to embark on a journey toward a more confident, straighter smile, explore these transformative treatments with them.
Experience discreet and
 
    precise transformation with LightForce Braces and Clear Aligners at Evolve Orthodontics, where your smile’s evolution is a journey to embrace, not just a destination to reach.
 
    OVENS Murray Public Health Unit has encouraged people to start taking precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes.
Recent warmer weather is expected to see an increase in mosquitoes in coming months.
This follows a wet winter, meaning there is an abundance of water which encourages mosquito breeding.
Mosquitoes can carry many diseases that make you sick.
 
    These include Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus, Murray Valley encephalitis virus and West Nile/Kunjin virus.
Japanese encephalitis is a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain.
In Victoria, a Japanese encephalitis vaccine is available for specific groups at higher risk of exposure to Japanese encephalitis virus.
 
    Your only protection against mosquitoes and the diseases they can carry is to avoid mozzie bites.
Tips include:
• Mozzies can bite through tight clothing. Cover up - wear long, loose-fitting clothing.
 
    • Use mosquito repellents containing Picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin.
• Limit outdoor activity if lots of mosquitoes are about.
• Remove stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed around your home or campsite.
• On holidays make sure
 
    
              EMOTIONAL wellness is vital to achieving optimal mental and physical health, and Lily Kennedy, a qualified Hahnemann healer and trainer, spiritual counsellor and homeopath, enables her clients the opportunity to achieve this in a natural, effective and holistic way.
 
    Hahnemann healing and spiritual counselling services complement each other in how they can effectively assist a client with making real change.
your accommodation is fitted with mosquito netting or screens.
• Use ’knockdown’ fly spray, mosquito coils or plug-in repellent where you gather to sit or eat outdoors.
• Don’t forget the kids –always check the insect repellent label. On babies, you might need to spray or rub repellent on their clothes instead of their skin. Avoid applying repellent to the hands of babies or young children.
“Hahnemann healing is a form of specialised emotional healing, developed by Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy,” Lily said.
“The basis is that a large percentage of all physical illness is caused by unresolved emotional issues resulting in energetic blocks in the body.
“Through healing sessions, emotions are brought to the surface and then worked through using spiritual counselling in addition to homeopathic treatment if required.”
Homeopathy, a 250+ year old system of natural medicine is non-toxic, side-effect free, and
 
     
     
    stimulates the body to self-heal making it suitable for everyone from babies to the elderly.
In addition, Lily is also an accredited medium.
A mediumship reading conveys information directly from spirit that can help bring clarity to a person on blockages and patterns in their life and relationships, why they are happening and how to move forward.
 
     
    Lily has found her calling with healthcare that encompasses the physical,
emotional and spiritual layers of a person.
“My focus is to help people sort their emotional and physical health issues, depending on what is needed for each client, so they can positively move forward and most importantly feel in control of themselves and their health.”
For appointments with Lily or for more information, call 0409 381 128 or visit the Resonate website www. resonatehomeopathy.com. au.
 
    MAKING informed choices about our own healthcare is important.
The healthcare system is moving towards a model of empowering patients, putting us in the driver’s seat to make informed choices about our own health.
When the health problem is hearing loss, there are choices you can make.
For example, you can choose to discuss the communication difficulties you experience with your family or close friends.
They might recommend a hearing test, which you could choose to arrange.
Sometime later, you might choose to take the opportunity and try some hearing aids, hopefully reducing the impact of hearing loss in your life.
Some people find that they adjust to change better when they are the ones making the decisions, and this is helpful in improving communication generally.
“At Wangaratta Audiology, we pride ourselves on giving you expert advice about your hearing, and rehabilitation options,” audiologist, Emma Rayner said.
“When coming for appointments, it is important to have sufficient time for your questions, allowing you to better understand the nature of your hearing loss and how it might impact you.
“If you were confused
about something during an appointment, make sure you ask your audiologist.
“We know that we discuss a lot of information during an appointment and we are happy to write important points down to make
 
     
     
    things clearer and easier to remember.
“Having a family member present may sometimes help you catch all the information.
 
    “If you choose to arrange a trial with hearing aids, audiologists will walk you
 
    through which devices may be suitable for your hearing loss, explaining the benefits and limitations of the recommended devices and likely alternatives.
“We respect that, at the end of the day, it’s your choice.”
It is always helpful if the clinic can make appointments long enough for questions as well as time to become accustomed to new hearing aids in the quiet clinic setting.
 
    Most hearing aid manufacturers provide the possibility of a printout of instructions for you to reference at home, and there may even be helpful videos online or on your hearing aids app.
 
     
    Ms Rayner said it’s important to remember that enabling good communication between your health professionals is very important.
“Before you come for an assessment, have a think about whether there are any other members of your health team you would like us to send information to,” she said.
“If you wish to hold onto notes for your own records, be sure to request this during your appointment.”
They look forward to seeing you at Wangaratta Audiology – at a time of your choosing.
Their contact phone number is 03 5722 4433. Everyone deserves to communicate.
DID you know that one in eight people over the age of 75 have moderate or severe heart valve disease?
Our bodies change as we get older, and our health becomes more important than ever.
One condition that older adults in Australia should be aware of is aortic stenosis, a heart valve disease that affects millions of people worldwide.
First, let’s talk about the heart.
The heart has four
chambers and four valves that regulate blood flow. Including the aortic valve that controls blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body.
However, in some cases, the aortic valve can become narrowed or blocked, due to the build-up of calcium deposits leading to aortic stenosis.
This disease is more common in older persons, with an estimated prevalence of the severe disease in 24,000 Australians over the
 
     
     
    age of 65 living in Victoria.
Symptoms of aortic stenosis can be mild at first, but they can progress over time as the valve becomes narrower.
Some people may not notice any symptoms for many years, while others may experience shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, fatigue and a rapid or irregular heartbeat.
 
    However, aortic stenosis is often underdiagnosed, as some may mistake their symptoms for the natural
effects of aging or other underlying health conditions.
“Aortic stenosis is a heart disease that older adults in Australia should be aware of,” interventional cardiologist from the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Dr Matt Brooks said.
“Although some people may not experience symptoms, patients will develop them as the severity of the disease worsens.
“Patients in this age group should undergo heart auscultation to screen for the
 
     
    presence of aortic stenosis and other valvular heart disease.”
If left untreated, aortic stenosis can lead to severe health complications such as heart failure, stroke, and even sudden cardiac arrest.
Stay informed, pay attention to your heart, and speak with your doctor if you suspect you have any of the symptoms.
“Aortic stenosis can be a serious disease, the sooner the disease is identified, the sooner people can get
the medical treatment they require and improve their quality of life,” Dr Brooks said.
Maintaining knowledge of potential symptoms and paying attention to your heart is essential.
Do not let aortic stenosis slow your life; if you notice any symptoms, consult your doctor right away and ask them to listen to your heart.
For more information on heart valve disease or to get a free informational kit visit NewHeartValve.com.au.
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    WHEN it comes to health and wellbeing, Edgars
 
     
     
     
     
    Books & News have an extensive range of books for children, teens, new parents, old parents, carers, and everyone in between.
The old faithful text when it came to pregnancy, childbirth and what came after was always ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting’ but now you will find a full range of books available at Edgars written by doctors, mums, celebrities, and dads.
 
    One new arrival is Dr Golly’s guide to the first four weeks of parenthood called ‘Your Baby Doesn’t Come With A Book’.
Dr Daniel Golshevsky – also known as Dr Golly – is a paediatrician and father of three who has spent years working with thousands of babies.
He says that every newborn is different but knows that every parent can learn to understand their baby, tap into their innate parenting instincts, and thrive – not just survive – during the first four weeks.
 
    At the other end of the life scale, Edgars have plenty of books to help
think or talk about what is going to happen when the time comes to say goodbye to a loved one and what you might want to put in place ahead of time.
They have books that can help make those conversations less daunting and give practical tips and examples on how to prepare for when ‘it’ happens.
There are also some wonderful picture books for children which touch on the themes of illness, dying and the death of parents or grandparents.
Caring for the elderly can be a demanding role that requires commitment, kindness, and humour.
Lyndis Flynn and Margaret Shelton (both retired social workers) have written an insightful book called “Still Caring: Supporting Older People.”
The book considers the ways in which carers can contribute to the elderly person’s life and also suggests ways in which carers can balance their own lives and well-being with the demands of the particular caring path they choose.
“Still Caring: Supporting
 
     
     
     
    Older People” has been written to provide support to all carers, whether they are working as a professional in aged care or a layperson who finds themselves in a caring role.
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Parents will find books to help them raise the next generation of young people, as well as books aimed at tweens and teens about growing up, gender diversity, pride, resilience, neurodiversity, money matters and much more.
If you have seen a specific book online or in the media but Edgars can always order it in for you, as well as suggest similar titles.
 
     
    If you want to learn about your brain, dementia, how to get a good night’s sleep, dyslexia or other learning challenges, putting better habits into practise or learning how to be more resilient, Edgars also have an extensive range of options.
So, when you are after a health or wellbeing book for yourself, a family member or friend, call or drop in and see the friendly staff at Edgars Books & News and let them help you find what you need.
 
    TOOTH wear is one of the most common problems that can occur with age.
 
    While there is a certain amount of tooth wear that is considered normal, some factors can cause excessive tooth wear that can cause further dental problems and pain if the tooth wear leads to nerve exposure.
Causes of tooth wear
There are different kinds of tooth wear including attrition, abrasion and erosion.
 
    Attrition is tooth wear caused by other teeth from clenching or grinding your teeth causing the back teeth to become flatter and the front teeth to become shorter.
In severe cases, it can also cause tooth sensitivity to sweets and hot and cold temperatures.
 
    Abrasion is typically caused by friction from brushing too hard or brushing horizontally.
 
     
     
     
     
    This typically causes people to experience a V shape or wedge indentation of the teeth in the gum margin.
 
    Erosion is the most common type of tooth wear which is caused by the
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    teeth coming in contact with acid which can dissolve the enamel and dentin.
The main sources of acid from carbonated drinks including sparkling water, fizzy drinks and some sports drinks and medical conditions including GERD, reflux, heartburn, gastritis, silent reflux or sleep apnoea.
Some conditions that affect your saliva glands can also lead to significant acid damage to the teeth. Problems causes by worn down teeth
Worn down teeth can also cause many other dental problems.
This problems range from cosmetic to functional impacts and it’s important these symptoms are treated.
 
    Common problems associated with worn teeth include: yellow teeth, sensitivity, headaches and jaw aches, difficulty biting and chewing, infection, and issues with fillings or restoration.
Prevention
Luckily, tooth wear is preventable, especially if you become aware of the factors that may lead to
 
     
     
    BEFORE AND AFTER: The dentist at Great Alpine Dental can help you get the smile you want.
 
    your teeth wearing down.
The first step in managing tooth wear is diagnosing and dealing with the cause through diet modification, managing reflux, sleep apnoea or saliva substitutes.
Protection is done by
continuing special home care adjuncts , and often a protective nightguard to wear or a sleep apnoea dental nightguard instead of a CPAP.
 
    Treatment
Rebuilding the teeth can be done in several ways
using tooth coloured resin material or tooth coloured porcelain.
 
    teeth from further damage. Your dentist will guide you through which method is most appropriate. For more information on how they can help you with all your dentistry needs, visit https://greatalpine. dental/.
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Services is a wellestablished child-safe not-for-profit organisation supporting the North East and regional Victoria for over 34 years.
 
     
    Junction provides services for a range of people at all stages of life, including young parents’ support, family violence and homelessness support, youth crisis accommodation, NDIS support, driver education, victims of crime assistance, education support and more.
 
     
     
     
    As a regional organisation, Junction is committed to building strong, thriving communities.
 
    “The pace of change in our communities and the pressures added by the rising cost of living continues to bring new challenges,” Junction chief executive officer Megan Hanley said.
 
    “As an organisation, we believe the answer to these challenges is early intervention – setting individuals up to succeed.
“We work for our communities, and we strive to be a positive
presence in the local community by having a positive relationship with community organisations.”
With a focus on early intervention, Junction’s Re-engagement and Community Safety team have several programs that support young people back into education, connecting with the community and developing life and employability skills.
 
    The re-engagement and community safety team
programs support children and young people in all settings of Out of Home Care (OoHC), including residential care.
 
     
     
     
    Ms Hanley said the team pride themselves in being among the best in Victoria. Their work was highlighted as part of Protecting Children Week celebrations.
Every young client accessing Junction’s service is supported to reach their full potential in education to
re-engage in education and the community, increasing their chances of success.
Junction acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government.
 
     
    “Children and young people living in Out of Home Care have often experienced significant traumatic life experiences, which can make engaging in education difficult,” re-engagement and community safety service manager, Cassie Diano, said.
“Every child has the right to education, and it is essential that the education settings and the supports involved can provide an individualised re-engagement plan.
“Often, education settings don’t have the resourcing to provide the level of intensive support required, which is where our re-engagement programs can assist.
“Our model of support provides assertive outreach to our young people and
 
     
     
    determines what their preferred re-engagement pathway looks like.
“The young person’s voice is the most crucial factor in re-engagement.
“By building capacity within schools, engaging with key stakeholders, and connecting young people with educational and engagement activities, the team has empowered young individuals to overcome barriers to engaging.”
Since 2019, Junction’s reengagement programs have received referrals for nearly 950 young people requiring intensive support.
Junction’s commitment to disengaged youth extends beyond the classroom.
Collaboration with community organisations, local businesses, and volunteers helps provide a holistic support network and opportunities for young people to rediscover their interests and strengths. Incorporating these engaging experiences into their lives creates an environment where these young people can develop life skills, collaborate, and connect with the community and others.