Wangaratta Chronicle 310124

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www.wangarattachronicle.com.au

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

FABULOUS FIRST DAY AT SCHOOL

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Communities celebrated Australia Day

OLLIE Holmes (left) and Tyler O’Dwyer looked right at home in the prep room at Appin Park Primary School yesterday.

They were among a class of 21 excited youngsters who enjoyed their first day at school, getting familiar with their new surroundings.

The Appin Street school was one of those across the Rural City of Wangaratta which kicked off the 2024 school year by welcoming students yesterday.

Others will open their doors over the next few days to primary and secondary-aged locals who are raring to learn and spend time with friends.

■ See story page 2 PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Pages 5, 7, 9, 10

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Woodchop a cut above in the region Sport

Voice your view COMMUNITY response to the Rural City of Wangaratta’s draft Recreation and Open Space Strategy will be sought during five ‘drop-in’ sessions to be held on Monday and Tuesday.

The draft strategy, which will guide development of these spaces over the next 10 years, is on public display until February 15.

Council is seeking input from the community in its bid to create inclusive and

Local residents’ feedback sought g on 10-year y p plan for recreation spaces p

BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

accessible opportunities for locals to be and stay active.

The draft strategy has been developed with the help of funding from Sport and Recreation Victoria’s Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.

Next week’s sessions

will be attended by a representative from consultant ROSS Planning, offering locals the chance to learn more about the strategy and also provide their feedback.

Community engagement carried out during the development of the draft strategy identified three open space priorities for residents over the next 10 years: new/upgraded

playgrounds (30 per cent); improved access to lakes/ rivers/creeks (28 per cent); and new/upgraded paths (26 per cent).

Content in the draft strategy ranges from future directions for the diverse range of sports pursued in the rural city, to proposals for the many parks located across Wangaratta.

These include the suggestion that a master

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plan be undertaken for King George V Gardens; a recommendation that the Merriwa Park Soundshell be removed; and the nomination of smaller parks which could be rationalised, including Dundas Reserve and Evalyn Reserve.

The draft strategy identifies high priorities (recommended to be undertaken as soon as resources allow), medium

priorities (next five to 10 years), and low priorities (next 10 to 15 years).

High priority proposals include: • development of an affordable physical activity program in parks and community halls across the rural city; • investigation of suitable sites for a second soccer facility and a hockey pitch; ■ Continued page 2

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Page 2 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 31, 2024

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Layla receives gallery’s student art award for 2023

By ANITA MCPHERSON FORMER Wangaratta High School student Layla Ramsay is the proud recipient of the Wangaratta Art Gallery Friends Inc Student Art Award for 2023.

The Student Art Award is an initiative which supports and acknowledges an outstanding visual art student in the Rural City of Wangaratta, and it is open to all year 12 students.

Applicants are assessed on their aspirations, their dedication and evidence of a well-developed visual arts single project or folio presentation, within their final year.

Layla Ramsay, who studied Ancient History, Art Creative Practice, Media Studies and both

General English and English Literature during VCE in 2023, said she was surprised and delighted to receive the award, saying she will put the $1000 award towards her university studies next year.

Layla said going into year 12 she hadn’t really identified her art style and experimented with acrylics, pencils and even clay, before settling on pen and ink.

“In my very last self-directed project in art creative practice, I reverted back to what I was most familiar with - monochromatic, plain old fine liners - and now it all makes sense,” she said.

“I’ve always been obsessed with that basic style, I guess I just didn’t like the idea of being different in my artistic ways, but now, I

truly feel like I have my very own, authentic art style and medium.”

Layla said her body of work, Behind the Curtain, began as a collection of illustrations that resembled monsters conveying mental health conditions attaching themselves to different kinds of people (stemming from Gothic-style artworks of her early high school years and informed by her own personal experiences) but gradually evolved into something more.

She says it is an amalgamation of her past and present artistic ways, current hobbies, hopes and dreams, which became an illustrated book that “reflects the social matters that are recognised more and more in our evolving generations of today.”

Layla said it was a former teacher who last year kept students informed about a number of art exhibitions and opportunities that may interest them, including the Student Art Award, and she decided to enter her year 12 body of work.

“I honestly wasn’t expecting much from this, but when I found out I had won, I guess the reality of what I had actually worked for in year 12 - and what I had achieved finally kicked in,” she said.

Layla will commence her studies at Deakin University for a Bachelor of Creative Arts in March, majoring in both visual arts and writing.

She aspires to be an author/illustrator.

ARTISTIC EXPRESSION: Wangaratta Art Gallery Friends Inc 2023 Student Art Award winner Layla Ramsay.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Est. 1884, Incorporating Wangaratta Despatch, Est. 1861

WEATHER

TEMPERATURES: Wednesday Max 34 Sunny

Min 15

Thursday

Max 34 Sunny

Min 14

Friday

Max 29 Sunny

Min 14

Saturday

Max 33 Sunny

Min 12

Sunday

Max 39 Sunny

Min 14

RAINFALL:

ALL IN THE FAMILY: Talina Cokanauto was welcomed to Appin Park Primary School by siblings Atelaite and Kamalei, while TJ Freeman was on hand to make Evie Freeman feel right at home.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Last 72 hours

Last 7 days

Wangaratta

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Lake Buffalo

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24.4 mm

Cheshunt

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*NB: Rainfall totals up until 3pm, Tuesday

NEWS TIPS

School year getting under way gradually

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

By SIMONE KERWIN

CONTACTS

THE gradual return of students to Wangaratta and district campuses will continue today, as the 2024 school year gains momentum.

Several schools welcomed their cohorts back on site yesterday, with others set to join the throng today and tomorrow, and still more preparing for their first day of school on Friday.

Today’s increase in school traffic will be a litmus test for what road users can expect over coming months, as temporary closure and redevelopment of the Green Street bridge sparks

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

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Member

the need for new school routes.

Cathedral College issued a message on its social media on Monday reminding families that the Green Street overpass closure meant bus shuttle services to and from the Wangaratta High School interchange would take an alternative route, therefore adding extra time in the morning and afternoon.

Rowan Street and Sisely Avenue are expected to be even busier thoroughfares as school traffic picks up in coming days.

Among the schools which welcomed pupils through the gates on Tuesday was Appin Park Primary, where principal Fiona Car-

son said 21 preps settled in beautifully to their new surroundings.

“It’s still a huge change, and it’s still a big event, but students enjoy four transition sessions before prep, and increased opportunities for parents to come in and feel a part of the school certainly help,” she said.

The prep class is part of an increased total enrolment of 175 at Appin Park, and Mrs Carson said the additional dozen or so students were predominantly new arrivals to the area - a positive sign both for the school and the community.

Like a number of schools across the rural city, including

next-door neighbour Wangaratta District Specialist School, Appin Park has undergone some improvements in previous years.

Mrs Carson said she had “fingers and toes crossed” that there may be scope for further works proposed in the Appin ParkWDSS masterplan to be undertaken in coming years to provide extra space.

With students at Wangaratta and district schools set to contend with some hot conditions in their first week back, Mrs Carson said hats were a must, sunscreen was on hand, and the sale of icy-poles on Friday was bound to be popular.

Voice your response to city’s recreational strategy ■ From page 1

• looking at opening the Ryan Avenue Road Safety School for free public use on a regular basis; • running ‘how to’ sessions on One Mile Creek gym equipment; • undertaking a South Wangaratta Recreation Reserve master plan; • upgrading Targoora Park for baseball and softball use; • a rationalisation process for tennis across the rural city, allow-

ing free public access to underutilised courts; • removal of the velodrome from the Wangaratta Showgrounds; • improvements to Wareena Park, in line with the master plan developed for the area; • investigation of mountain biking opportunities close to urban Wangaratta; and • possible development of ar-

eas such as the Wangaratta Rodeo Ground as AFL training grounds.

Anyone who would like to have their say on these and other recommendations contained in the draft strategy is encouraged to attend next week’s drop-in sessions.

On Monday, there will be sessions at the WJ Findlay Multi-Purpose Centre on Schilling Drive between 5pm and 6.30pm; and the Springhurst Recreation Reserve

between 7pm and 8.30pm.

Tuesday’s sessions will be held at the Everton Hall and Sports Complex from 5pm to 6.30pm; the Moyhu Soldiers Memorial Hall from 5pm to 6.30pm; and the WJ Findlay Multi-Purpose Centre from 7pm to 8.30pm.

The draft strategy can be viewed at https://connect.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/recreation-openspace-strategy

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 31, 2024 - Page 3

Merriwa Industries is hit with a $25,000 fine after worker injury

WANGARATTA’S Merriwa Industries has been hit with a $25,000 fine but avoided a conviction after an employee suffered serious burns and a fractured wrist when his hand became trapped inside a machine in late 2021.

Sitting before Shepparton Magistrates Court on Tuesday, Magistrate Amina Bhai noted the company had failed to provide or maintain a safe working environment for its employees during the November 29 incident, when a heat bar rose and trapped the man’s hand inside a machine used to shrink wrap wood products at the Greta Road site.

The court previously

heard two workers had disabled an interlock in the days leading up to the incident, which was designed to cut power to the machine if an access panel was opened.

The interlock had not been reconnected, and one of the workers accessed the interior of the machine around 8am on the day of the incident in order to adjust plastic film which had been incorrectly aligned.

His hand subsequently became trapped by a bar with the capacity to reach up to 160 degrees Celsius, and despite reaching for the machine’s ‘stop’ button, remained stuck for six minutes before help arrived.

“The injury highlights the Company says committed to safe environment potential consequences of THE Merriwa Industries board of directors and senior executive team released a statement after the verdict was handed down, stating it was committed to maintaining a safe environment for all of its staff members.

“It is with deep regret that one of our production managers in our packaging plant in Wangaratta was involved in a workplace incident in November 2021,” the statement read.

“At Merriwa we pride ourselves on a ‘safety first’ culture so we were disappointed to identify that there was a lapse in procedure which led to this incident.

The worker required skin grafts to his burnt hand, and was off work for almost two months.

Ms Bhai said in pleading guilty to the offending, Mer-

“The welfare of our team member was our primary concern – thankfully he recovered well and returned to work seven weeks after the event in January 2022.

“We take full responsibility for this incident and have put additional safety measures in place.

“We continue to be committed to creating a safe environment for all our staff members.

“We are pleased that the court has considered our history of having no prior offences, our high level of safety standards currently in place and the remedial actions put in place since this incident.”

riwa Industries had accepted it had failed to review the machine’s guarding measures after moving it into the company’s second factory just two weeks before the in-

cident, and accepted it had failed to address the disabled interlock.

She said the likelihood of risk arising for a worker could be considered “moderate”.

Police pleased amid serious crash improvement

By RYAN MALCOLM LOCAL police have urged North East motorists to build on a long weekend which saw no serious injury crashes throughout the Wangaratta police service area (PSA), despite a slight increase in overall offending on 2023 figures.

Police were last year called to a fatal crash at Lilliput and several serious injury crashes at Mount Buffalo and Springhurst over the Australia Day weekend’s ‘Operation Amity’, and while Acting Senior Sergeant Bill Dockrey said low-level speeding offences had increased on last year’s figures, police had largely been able to intervene prior to a serious collision eventuating.

Across the PSA, which includes Wangaratta, Alpine and Moira shires, some 111 general offences and 12 driving under the influence offences were detected during this year’s four-day operation, which saw police carry out more than 3000 breath tests, the highest figure in the state according to Snr Sgt Dockrey.

He said the 12 positive

drink or drug tests were “obviously 12 more than we would like to see”, but admitted it was a reasonable outcome as a percentage of the number of tests carried out.

“There were some additional offences such as seatbelt and mobile phone offences and assorted miscellaneous offences – things like boats not being properly restrained and other offences to that nature, but the bulk of our infringements were for speeding in the 1025kph range,” he said.

“People had the opportunity to enjoy themselves without the problems of being delayed by crashes or trauma in the community or in families because of collisions.

“It’s definitely a really busy time for police, and we’ve had a lot of buy-in this year from a wide spread of police units, both in Highway Patrol and general duties policing and even specialist police units.

“The buy-in has been in the form of higher levels of breath testing, higher visibility and taking action before things get to a bad situation, and we believe

KEEPING VISIBLE: Police breath tested motorists on Rowan Street en route to Australia Day celebrations on Friday morning.

PHOTO: Ryan Malcolm that’s probably had a flow on effect in the outcome this week with the road collisions.

“I’d like to congratulate people for how they

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As of January 29, 22 people had lost their lives on Victorian roads in 2024, a decrease on the 28 at the same time last year.

the risk eventuating,” she said.

“The sentence must reflect the need to prioritise workplace safety.”

Ms Bhai acknowledged the company, which is a leading employer of people living with disability, had since adopted further safety measures to prevent a similar incident from occurring.

She said the company’s lack of previous history before the court was reason not to impose a conviction, before ordering the company pay a fine of $25,000 and cover more than $4000 in WorkSafe legal costs.

Albury train line closed next Monday V/LINE trains will be replaced by coaches between Albury and Southern Cross stations for the entire journey on Monday, February 5 due to Inland Rail works at Wangaratta.

Coaches will depart stations up to 7 minutes earlier than usual train times.

McConnell Dowell will continue construction works in and around the Wangaratta Station precinct and Green Street bridge with extended working hours between 2am and 10pm on Monday, February 5 during a track possession.

Station works include installing drainage along a 200m section of track, removal of the unused “dive” platform, and approved vegetation removal.

Cranes will be used to remove the Green Street bridge deck and pier, which will then be demolished and removed off site.

For more information visit https://www.vline.com.au/ Service-Changes/PlannedDisruptions/2024/February/ Coaches-replace-Albury-Linetrains

Page 4 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 31, 2024

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Duck, quail hunting retained Eight g week season for 2024,, with more changes g in 2025

Angry North • greater recognition of Tra- East MP fires Minister for Outdoor Rec- that’s exactly what we’ve done.” sites where duck hunting will RECREATIONAL duck and ditional Owners’ knowledge The 2024 duck season will be prohibited. quail hunting will continue in reation, Steve Dimopoulos, Changes from 2025 will in- of hunting and land manage- back, claiming Victoria with the State Govern- said duck hunting is a legiti- commence on Wednesday, ment. ment announcing its response mate activity and it supports April 10 and end on Wednes- clude: To guide the length and the decision • improving hunters’ knowlto a parliamentary inquiry on regional communities and day, June 5, inclusive.

Hunting start times will be edge and skill by making edu- conditions of each duck seaeconomies.

Monday.

“Our position has not delayed to 8am for the entire cation and training for hunt- son, the science-based Adap- “ignores its The government will accept tive Harvest Management ers mandatory; seven of the Select Commit- changed and we’re supporting season.

• stricter compliance levels, process will be implemented own inquiry” With a daily bag limit of tee’s eight recommendations recreational duck and quail hunting to continue in a safe, six ducks per day, the Blue- including further penalties for from 2025. in full or in principle.

By STEVE KELLY

While the committee did not reach consensus in its report, the views of more than 10,000 Victorians and organisations were heard in the biggest response to a parliamentary inquiry ever in Victoria.

sustainable and responsible way with minimal harm to our environment,” he said.

“We thank everyone who contributed to the Inquiry – the process was about listening to different perspectives, and

winged Shoveler and Hardhead cannot be hunted for the 2024 season due to their threatened status.

Determinations will be made as part of normal seasonal arrangements about

hunters breaking the rules; • banning the use of lead shot for quail hunting; • implementing the Waterfowl Wounding Reduction Action Plan, to reduce the risk of wounding; and

The government reported that after record-high native bird breeding in recent years due to the significant rainfall Victoria has received, the Victorian game duck population increased by almost three-fold.

Exhibition explores future of sustainability

By CHLOE JAENICKE THE Future Now Exhibition, which explores the benefits of living sustainably, is coming to the Wangaratta Library from Friday, February 2 to June 4.

Over the past year and half the exhibition has travelled to many towns in NSW and Queensland, with Wangaratta being its first town in Victoria.

Curator of the exhibition, Dr Jenny Newell from the Australian Museum in Sydney, said it was decided to bring the exhibition to Wangaratta after being approached by Wangaratta Landcare and Sustainability.

“We’re looking forward to having lots of conversations with people in Wangaratta, we know there’s lots of interest and a lot of action already to advance sustainable ways of living, it’s really exciting,” she said.

The exhibition consists of different interactive displays to demonstrate how local communities can create a better future through more sustainable ways of living with the aim of creating hope for the future.

“We just want people to see the benefits for themselves and their families from living sustainably and we created the Future Now exhibition to be really accessible and engaging,” Dr Newell said.

“There’s a little trail of things in it for kids to find if they look on the side of the model of the pods and there’s information in there on the things they can find, and they really enjoy that.”

CREATING HOPE: Jenny Newell has toured the Future Now exhibition to many towns across NSW and Queensland, including Stockland Shopping Centre.

PHOTO: Stockland Dr Newell said they usually try to take the exhibition to towns in Australia that wouldn’t normally have access to similar displays and museums, and it was designed to share ideas across different communities.

“The idea of the Future Now exhibition gets the message out from the city and gets it out to these places where people don’t always get to be part of these important conversations,” she said.

On February 8, visitors to the exhibition will be able to discuss sustainability with Dr Newell at coffee and climate discussion sessions and at panel discussions.

The Panel Discussions will start at 5.45pm allowing people to see the exhibition, enjoy drinks and finger foods and presentations from Russell Sully from Wangaratta Sustainability and Landcare and Dr Newell.

There will be multiple casual coffee and climate discussion sessions

throughout the day which will give people a chance to ask questions and share their own ideas on how to care for the environment with others according to Dr Newell.

“The idea is everyone comes away having learnt something, having shared something, feeling more hopeful, and having a new reason for hope,” she said.

“We check with people at the end of each session, and they always say they learnt something.”

By STEVE KELLY ANIMAL Justice MP for Northern Victoria, Georgie Purcell, has put the government on notice, angered by its decision to maintain a duck hunting season in Victoria..

“Despite decades of campaigning and insurmountable and undeniable evidence, the Allan Labor Government has confirmed that it will not ban duck shooting - ignoring the key recommendation of its own inquiry and report,” Ms Purcell said.

“I want to make it clear that as a result of this decision, I cannot and will not work with the government collaboratively, the way that I have in the past.

“They’ve treated me with disdain, they’ve treated the community with disdain and most importantly, they’ve treated our native waterbirds with disdain.

“The government has ignored decades long evidence of native species decline in favour of something they described today as a ‘hobby’.

“I genuinely thought that the outcome of this inquiry would be positive.

“Not just because of my first-hand experience on the wetlands each year, but because I sat and listened, like every other committee member on that panel, to the horrifying accounts of shooter non-compliance, unacceptable wounding rates and environmental destruction.

“There is absolutely no way to regulate or monitor duck shooting across thousands of wetlands in Victoria - and this government knows that.

“It’s exactly what the report they are choosing to ignore stated.

“They should be deeply ashamed.”

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THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 31, 2024 - Page 5

AUSTRALIA DAY

Achievements a plenty at Milawa-Oxley A GREAT night was had at the Milawa hall when the community gathered to celebrate the 2024 Oxley/ Milawa Australia Day event last Friday.

The festivities kicked off around 6pm when the emcee, Judy White, welcomed all in attendance and called for participants in the annual donut eating competition, which was excitably contested by children and adults alike.

This year the junior heat was won by James Strack and the adult heat was declared a draw when the two contestants, Steve Williamson and Shirraze White, both managed to tie again, even after an eat-off challenge.

The three donut eating champions were then presented on stage with their medallions and the donut eating trophy.

Martin Butcher came to the stage and asked the crowd to break into small groups to discuss and think about what Australia Day means to them.

After five minutes he asked

AUSTRALIA DAY

MILAWA-OXLEY for some responses from the crowd.

With community, freedom, togetherness and being grateful were just some of the many answers.

It was then time for the Junior Achievers for 2024 to be announced and this year’s worthy recipients were Elsie Graham and Zac Williamson, from Milawa Primary School, and Olivia Strack from Oxley Primary school.

The three students were presented with their certificates as well as a $25 gift voucher from Edgars Newsagency, before the honour boards baring their names were unveiled and their proud parents then able to take photos.

The president of the Oxley Residents Association, Alison Stephens, announced the 2024 Local Citizen of the year, which was June Uebergang.

Alison spoke of June’s

community spirit and all that she had achieved since moving to the area.

June, who’s family were also there to share in the evening, was very surprised and although she said she was good at talking, at this moment she felt speechless.

Nevertheless, June still managed to thank everyone for the honour.

She was then given her Australia Day Certificate and an Australia Day Award plaque, which was presented to her by last year’s Local Citizen, Graham Wilson, and made for the occasion by Andrew Higgins from Blue Raven Enterprises.

The Oxley Honour Board was then unveiled to show the addition of her name, before family and friends were given the opportunity to take photos of her on this very special occasion.

Judy White then thanked everyone for coming, before inviting the crowd to enjoy a wonderful supper.

The Milawa Hall and

YOUNG ACHIEVERS: Olivia Strack from Oxley Primary School, Elsie Graham and Zac Williamson, from Milawa Primary School won the Junior Achievers awards.

FRIENDLY COMPETITION: Shirraze White and Steve Williamson tied in the adult heat of the donut eating contest and James Strack won the junior heat.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT: June Uebergang was presented the Local Citizen of the Year Award at the Milawa Oxley Australia Day celebrations.

Trophies, Shanley Signs, Edgars Newsagency, Rick Petts from Milawa Primary School, Tim Seal from Oxley Primary School, and member for Ovens Valley,

Tim McCurdy for being in attendance and all of the partners and families of the two committees and of course all of the people that attended this year’s event.

Park Special Committee and the Oxley Residents Association would like to send a heartfelt thank you to: Blue Raven Enterprises, Ash Allan from Wangaratta

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Page 6 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 31, 2024

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The Australian Quiz

1

WHETHER or not you consider yourself ‘sporty’, the Rural City of Wangaratta’s draft Recreation and Open Space Strategy should be of interest to you.

Yes, the 10-year plan does focus on the future direction of the municipality’s many sporting pursuits, but it also takes in everything from neighbourhood parks and playgrounds to walking and cycle paths.

There is discussion about spaces for dog parks, and proposals to investigate ways to better promote areas around our waterways for recreational use.

Recommendations range from removing the soundshell from Merriwa Park and the velodrome from the Wangaratta Showgrounds, to establishing an indoor sport facility to cater for sports like table tennis, pickleball and indoor cricket.

Essentially, if you ever get out and about in the Rural City of Wangaratta or have an interest in future plans for the municipality, this draft strategy will have something to draw your interest.

So, with five sessions set to be held in various locations next Monday and Tuesday to outline what’s contained in the draft strategy, and to seek public feedback, now is the time to have your say.

Too often, criticism of council comes after decisions have been made - even when opportunities have been provided for locals to contribute their thoughts and ideas.

The public consultation period for the draft strategy closes on February 15, so there is plenty of time remaining to review the document, consider your response and raise any concerns or additional suggestions you, your family or your group may have.

The draft strategy can be found online at https://connect.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/ recreation-open-space-strategy.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Who was the bachelor in the 2021 TV series, The Bachelor (Australia)? (a) Locky Gilbert (b) Jimmy Nicholson (c) Felix Von Hofe (d) Matt Agnew

2

Herman Tarnower created which famous diet? (a) Scarsdale diet (b) 5:2 diet (c) Zone diet (d) Weight Watchers diet

3

In 1988, who had a hit with the song, A Groovy Kind of Love?

(a) Richard Marx (b) Peter Gabriel (c) John Farnham (d) Phil Collins

Evan Holyfield, son of former world champion Evander Holyfield, fights in which boxing weight division? (a) Light middleweight The Zappeion is one of the (b) Cruiserweight most well-known buildings in (c) Welterweight which capital city? (d) Heavyweight (a) Athens

4

DOWN 1 Cold dish 2 Airman 3 Added clause 4 Top cards 5 Apes 6 Mock

7 Low sand hill 10 Lair 13 Colour-scheme 14 Reposes 16 Sovereign 17 Acting part 19 Manufacturer 20 Monument 21 Bird 22 Slang 23 Mineral springs 24 Decorative plant 28 Combines 30 Tell tales 31 Female horses 32 Efts 34 Prolonged pain 35 Hill 36 Island

S P R A B I D D A D I P I C M E D I U M L D E S I R E N L A D O R E S T I N K E R M A D I O D E T E R C S M A T E R N A L E K E O G R E S O F T B G P R E S U M E S A R N O R S I M O N I N N A T E S A N T I R C O T I O S E R W L A M E N T C H O R E A E S L E E K S S

ACROSS 3 Fanatical 8 Of fat 9 Spiritualist 11 Longing 12 Worships 15 Mender of kettles and pans 18 Frighten from 19 Insane 20 Motherly 23 Malleable 25 Supplement 26 Wicked giant 27 Takes for granted 29 And not 30 Man’s name 33 Eastern dulcimer 36 Inborn 37 Unoccupied 38 St. Vitus’s dance 39 Mourn 40 Glossy

(a) Egypt (b) Niger (c) Libya (d) Algeria

9

Who was the wife of William the Conqueror? (a) Margaret of France (b) Adeliza of Louvain (b) Rome Who composed the 1842 piece (c) Eleanor of Aquitaine of music known as the Wed(c) Ankara (d) Matilda of Flanders ding March? (d) Tokyo The annual Epsom Derby (a) Felix Mendelssohn horse race is held during Which of the following foods comes from the cassava root? (b) Ludwig van Beethoven which month? (c) Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (a) Garlic (a) February (d) Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (b) Fennel (b) April

7

10

5

(c) Quinoa (d) Tapioca

8

Chad shares its northernmost (c) June border with which country? (d) August

Have your say in Wangaratta Chronicle poll

Visit our website to vote at www.wangarattachronicle.com.au

What were police thinking on Aus Day? OF all places and times, the police decided to set up their alcohol testing in the worst place you could imagine, remember it’s 8.30am on Australia Day breakfast in King George Gardens.

With so many councils not taking part in Australia Day celebrations on that date, I made sure I attended.

I arrived early to get a car park and noticed police setting up near the Salvation Army premises in Rowan Street that caused traffic back up and unnecessary inconvenience to the people attending.

The anger of people I spoke to was clear and they said “this was a joke” and “what were they thinking?”

With the few events we have in our town from the beautiful old cars parading up and down the main street to jazz and the events like this one in our parks, they are all family events.

We are reminded constantly just how lucky we are to live in a country town such as Wangaratta - then - you compare that to the absolute, embarrassing, disgraceful, unsafe, un-Australian behaviour being allowed in our once beautiful city of Melbourne all allowed and unchecked by our police.

Three cheers to our city council and Mayor Dean Rees for creating this beautiful day, we must never destroy it.

Dot Fox, Wangaratta

6

1 (b) Jimmy Nicholson 2 (a) Scarsdale diet 3 (d) Phil Collins 4 (a) Athens 5 (d) Tapioca 6 (a) Light middleweight 7 (a) Felix Mendelssohn 8 (c) Libya 9 (d) Matilda of Flanders 10 (c) June

Have your say while strategy’s in draft

No.60

Not too late to avoid duck devastation THE Allan Government’s inexplicable decision to ignore the recommendation of its own Inquiry and allow the 2024 duck and quail hunting season to continue with an expanded scale means tens of thousands of ducks and quail will be wounded during the season, experiencing avoidable pain, suffering and distress.

For more than 30 years RSPCA Victoria has been advocating for duck and quail hunting to be banned, and when the Government’s own Select Committee recommended it be banned we were cautiously optimistic we might finally see some change.

Yesterday we were devastated to hear the Allan Government has gone against the evidence and the views of most Victorians who support a ban.

Instead, the 2024 season length is nearly

Do you think the summer school holidays are too long?

FRIENDLY FACES: (From left) Constable Lloyd Barras, Senior Sergeant Brendan Tyrrell, Constable Hayley McDonald, Leading Senior Constable Helen Parfett and Senior Constable Matt Jones were on hand as students such as Monty Tyrrell (prep), Fletcher Hillier (grade two) and Leni Hillier (prep) made the trip to St Bernard’s Primary School for the first time in 2024 yesterday.

PHOTO: Ryan Malcolm doubled, the bag limit has increased, and despite evidence mandatory training isn’t effective in reducing wounding, and evidence enforcement across the state is impossible, it’s being called ‘safe, sustainable and responsible’ – it just doesn’t make sense.

The Government wants to invest $10 million into mandatory training, hoping this will reduce wounding rates, however Denmark, a world leader in wounding reduction, took 20 years to reduce wounding rates, and these rates still sit unacceptably high at around 10 per cent.

At a minimum, a $10 million investment means a spend of around $205 per licensed hunter, and considering how few licenced hunters actively participate, the cost blows out to around $524 per hunter.

During a cost-of-living crisis, there are plenty of struggling Victorians who would rather $524 in their own pocket.

The government also wants to enforce stricter compliance levels including further penalties, we can only ask how they hope to monitor and enforce compliance across more than 8 million hectares of public and private wetlands across the state.

The scale of resources required to ensure compliance would be completely dispro-

portionate to the exceedingly small number of Victorians actively participating in duck and quail hunting.

Given there’s little chance any of these ‘safe, sustainable and responsible’ measures will be in place by the time the 2024 season opens, we can only assume the season will be unsafe, unsustainable and irresponsible.

At the very least the duck hunting season should be cancelled while the new training, compliance and enforcement program is implemented.

Dr Liz Walker, RSPCA Victoria CEO

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THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 31, 2024 - Page 7

AUSTRALIA DAY

Respecting and honouring our history

EXPLORING HISTORY: Cr Harvey Benton, MC Michael Glenister and presenter Robert Steel all spoke at the North Wangaratta Australia Day celebrations.

THE North Wangaratta Community Group hosted an Australia Day event in the club rooms of the Wangaratta Clay Target Club.

On the invitation of MC Mike Glenister, Deputy Mayor Harvey Benton, a great supporter of the North Wangaratta community addressed the group.

Cr Benton spoke of the strength of community groups; he commended the North Wangaratta Group, under the leadership of chair John Booth and secretary Marg Pullen, OAM, on its achievements to date.

Councillor Benton echoed the words of Mayor Dean Rees and Australia Day Am-

AUSTRALIA DAY

NORTH WANGARATTA bassador John Brown earlier in the day at King George Gardens.

Places like Wangaratta, North Wangaratta, Springhurst, and Milawa are geographic locations, but the real strength of these locations is the community and community involvement.

Community members working hard to make their community a better community through their efforts.

Cr Benton’s service to our community is a testament to those themes.

In keeping with a theme of honouring and respecting our past, the community members who contributed to the North Wangaratta Community for over 170 years, Rob Steel, OAM, a licensed surveyor and historic land settlement researcher gave those in attendance a historical insight into the past occupiers/owners of the land now forming the Grossman Estate at North Wangaratta.

Various members of the Morrison family featured strongly for approximately 80 years after 1905.

His research uncovered a 1905 title adjacent to the Grossman Estate in the name

of The President, councillors and ratepayers of the Shire of North Ovens, a predecessor to the Shire of Wangaratta and the Rural City of Wangaratta.

Like landowners/occupiers, councils come and go too.

The community group reflected and respected those previous community members and reaffirmed their commitment to honouring their legacy by working together, continuing to undertake community projects for the betterment of the local community and beyond.

The North Wangaratta Community Group once again thanks Cr Benton for his service, leadership and support.

Boorhaman rejoice in festive morning BOORHAMAN’S Australia Day breakfast last Friday was well attended with approximately 90 residents coming together at the recreation reserve.

Damian O’Keefe, a fourth generation farmer in the district, was the recipient of the Local Achiever of the Year Award.

His nomination was an acknowledgment of his commitment for more than 25 years as a member of the Boorhaman Recreation Reserve Committee, Boorhaman Fire Brigade, Boorhaman Landcare and Boorhaman Tennis Club.

In addition, Damian was recognised for the support he has given to various community sporting clubs as well as to Boorhaman’s

AUSTRALIA DAY

BOORHAMAN

fundraising efforts for the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Damien was surprised and moved at being presented with the award, and was quick to acknowledge others in the community who had also contributed to the success of the area alongside him.

Damien said he thought something may have been going on that morning when his three children were up and ready to leave early for the breakfast.  A SIZZLER: Matt Bowie had the barbeque lighting up at Boorhaman Recreation Reserve on Friday morning.

 PROUD AS PUNCH: The O’Keefe family of Emma (left), Madison, Megan, Damian and Will celebrate Damian’s recognition as Boorhamn’s Local Achiever of the Year at their Australia Day ceremony.

I’m hearing VWX΍ Ζ KDYHQȇW heard in years!

DON AN AUSSIE KIND OF DAY: The Peechelba community gathered in strong numbers to commemorate Australia Day at the bushland reserve.

Peechelba all smiles on Friday morning DESPITE overnight rain, an Australia Day celebration last Friday was held under bright sunny skies and mild temperatures at the Peechelba Bushland Reserve and Community Centre commencing at 8:30am for a community breakfast.

Gathering around the lovely green lawn in the delightful bush setting, approximately 70 community members and friends celebrated the day hosted by the Peechelba Bushland Reserve Committee.

A free breakfast of bacon and egg rolls, sausages and

AUSTRALIA DAY

PEECHELBA

fruit juice drinks were provided by the hard-working committee with generous support from the Rural City of Wangaratta.

Following breakfast, the program commenced with the MC for the day Steve Nicholas welcoming all to the celebrations.

Steve then asked Mal Cohen, a committee member and long-time resident of Peechelba, to raise the flag and join with the gather-

ing to sing the national anthem.

Warby Ward councillor Ms Irene Grant then addressed the gathering noting a number of projects undertaken by the Bushland Reserve Committee including sealing of the access road to the reserve courtesy of a grant from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.

The formalities concluded, those gathered then took the opportunity to socialise with friends and neighbours from across the broader Peechelba community.

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Page 8 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 31, 2024

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THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 31, 2024 - Page 9

AUSTRALIA DAY

Local achievers inspired by the late Jim Tilson AUSTRALIA DAY

WHOROULY

BY JENNIFER GARRETT

AN emotional celebration took place in Whorouly on Australia Day with the local achiever and joint junior achiever having recently farewelled their husband and grandfather.

In accepting their respective awards, local achiever Sherryn Tilson and her grandson, joint junior local achiever James Tilson, both acknowledged the devastating loss of Jim Tilson, whose life celebration had been held at the same location the previous Friday.

James said he was very honoured to be receiving his award and thanked his parents and Nan for their support, but said his biggest thank you was to his Pa. “I looked up to my Pa all my life. He has loved and inspired me,” he said.

James also said he also felt extremely grateful for living in and being part of such a great community.

Sharing honours as Whorouly’s junior achiever this year was Charlotte Elkington, who thanked her family, her primary school,

TRADITION: The honour of raising the Australian flag in Whorouly this year was given to community stalwart John Griffiths, with the almost completed netball courts in the background. her principal Mrs McPherson and had a special thanks for “the people who made breakfast, it was delicious.”

Charlotte said she was very excited to be going to high school next year.

Both juniors completed their schooling at Whorouly Primary School in 2023 and received their awards for their leadership in various roles at school and in the community, teamwork and being great role models.

President of the Whorouly Memorial Park Committee and MC for the event, Trent Newton, said the future was in good hands with such great kids.

Whorouly’s local achiever award was presented to Sherryn Tilson for her work as an elder of the Uniting Church in Whorouly, and as

such running an after-school care group and visiting residents in Barwidgee Lodge in Myrtleford.

She also participated in the community visitors scheme in Wangaratta, assisted the Whorouly Senior Citizens, and was a founding member and now president of Whorouly Inner Wheel.

In an emotional speech, Mrs Tilson thanked everyone for their support and particularly her family.

“This community is just so amazing. Everyone does something,” she said Ms Tilson said it was never a chore when you did something to help out, because you got so much more back.

The local achiever awards were the culmination of the morning’s festivities at the Whorouly Recreation Re-

ENJOYING THE DAY: Beryl Arnott, George Sutherland and Yvonne Arnott celebrate being Australian.

WHOROULY’S BEST: Local achievers recognised for their contribution to the community, (from left) Charlotte Elkington, Sherryn Tilson and her grandson James Tilson.

serve, which started with a free barbecue breakfast sponsored by the Rural City of Wangaratta and enjoyed by the crowd of approximately 150.

The honour of raising the Australian flag was given to community stalwart John Griffiths.

Past recipients of the local junior achiever award, Jake Skahill and Ebony Newton, were invited to talk about what they had achieved in the six years since being named as joint winners in 2018.

Ebony said she had pursued her interest of working in child care and hoped to start her career in the school setting soon, but in the meantime, she had been invited to go to Europe by a family she had been working with as a child carer.

Jake said high school had come as a bit of a shock after leaving Whorouly Primary School.

“I went from 30 kids in the school to 30 kids in a class, and then during Covid only two kids, me and my brother,” he said.

Despite the obstacles, Jake ended up achieving dux of Cathedral College in Wangaratta last year with an ATAR of 97.45 and hopes to eventually work as a veterinarian.

Rural City of Wangaratta councillor Harry Bussell presented this year’s local achiever awards and said it was good to see Whorouly’s new million-dollar netball courts were nearing completion.

“They will be something for the people of Whorouly to enjoy for many years to come,” he added.

Mr Newton responded that the cost of the courts was currently around the $800,000 mark, but the recreation reserve committee could certainly find plenty of things to spend an extra $200,000 on to take the spend up to the million dollars.

Mr Newton said 2024 was going to be a big year for the recreation reserve and the Whorouly community with the netball courts expected to be completed by the end of February, grants to replace the chairs in the reserve pavilion and the ovens in the kiosk, and celebrating 200 years since Hume and Hovell passed through Whorouly, 150 years since the Whorouly Primary School opened and 120 years of the football club.

COMMUNITY: Keith Arnott, Peter Amendola, Nicole Amendola, Ruth Pendavingh and Derek Pendavingh at the Australia Day celebration.

Bush brekky at Hamilton Park THE bushland of the community hub was the backdrop to Hamilton Park’s Australia Day celebration on Friday morning.

The social club provided a tasty breakfast of bacon and egg rolls while residents took the opportunity to mingle and catch up.

Once the work was done and hunger satisfied, the annual Australia Day quiz prepared by Margaret Butt created friendly banter and competition.

Ian Dickson’s recitation of Australian bush poetry entertained the crowd while provoking reflection of the

AUSTRALIA DAY

HAMILTON PARK

BY DOREEN WHEELER humour and struggles of early Australians.

The morning concluded with Ruth Pendavingh performing on guitar, and encouraging everyone in singing the national anthem, along with ‘Waltzing Matilda’ and ‘We Are Australian’.

Thanks to the contribution of the social club and volunteers, an enjoyable morning was had by all.

&

BUSH POETRY: Ian Dickson recites ‘The Burning of Mrs Morriss’s Store at Binda’ and ‘Farewell to Greta’.

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Page 10 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 31, 2024

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AUSTRALIA DAY

Regina represents the true community spirit in Moyhu

MEMBERS of the Moyhu community gathered together in the Moyhu Lions Park on Friday for their annual Australia Day breakfast.

Around 100 people attended, catching up with friends and neighbours on the beautiful summer morning and enjoying sausages and traditional johnny cakes, courtesy of the Moyhu Lions Club.

Moyhu Lions Club president Louise Baker welcomed everyone, thanking the Rural City of Wangaratta for their long term support of the local Australia Day event, the Moyhu Lions and the Moyhu Lions Park.

Australia Day event coordinator Donna Handcock joined Louise Baker to present the awards, which recognised a number of senior students from the King Valley cluster schools, and Local Achiever of the Year, Regina Callaway.

Regina was recognised for the active interest she has taken in the Moyhu township since the day she arrived, and her commitment to making things better for all in her local community.

Regina has been involved in the King River and District

AUSTRALIA DAY

MOYHU

BY ANITA MCPHERSON Fishing Club for many years, holding roles as both president and secretary, and encourages younger members to get involved and “have a go”.

Through club events and meetings, Regina’s focus is on supporting local businesses, and she has also played pivotal roles in the local kinder and school, organising many different events, fundraising, encouraging participation, and building community spirit.

Those behind her nomination said “as a community, we should be proud of this lady and her ‘can-do attitude’ to anything she sees as beneficial to Moyhu and the greater King Valley region.”

The award came as a surprise to Regina, who as secretary of the King River and District Fishing Club, was busy preparing for the club’s annual Rubber Duck Regatta the next day.

She said there to support her daughter Teagan, who re-

COMMUNITY PRIDE: Among those recognised on Australia Day were (back, from left) Ivy Koulis and Arabella Cavicchiolo (Myrrhee School), Regina Callaway (Local Achiever of the Year) and Tegan Callaway (Moyhu Primary School), with (front, from left) Will Lindsay (Myrrhee School), Jessica Young (Edi Upper Primary School) and Pascal Manning (Myrrhee School).

PHOTOS: Nicole Lindsay ceived an award, she was surprised and overwhelmed to receive one herself.

“I just do what I do - not for recognition - but because I enjoy seeing the community get together, work together and have a good time,” she said.

SPECIAL HONOUR: Regina Callaway (with Moyhu Lions Club president Louise Baker) was recognised for her active interest and ongoing commitment to the Moyhu community.

SOCIAL OCCASION: Around 100 people gathered in the Moyhu Lions Park for this year’s Australia Day event.

Australia Day celebrations sizzled at Murmungee OUR Murmungee Australia Day breakfast was an excellent morning after the rain, although we set up indoors and under the verandah just in case.

Thanks to the hall committee for their preparation, and the grounds looked their best after some great work from the Beechworth Correctional Centre crew.

John, Jane and Kate Witherow had the barbecue humming early to feed the 60+ participants.

Cecily Fletcher opened with an Acknowledgement of Country; Ken Fletcher provided

AUSTRALIA DAY

MURMUNGEE

BY CECILY FLETCHER

the amp and a good playlist, and Maureen Rae said all the important things as MC. This year we recognised John Bradford for his work in the community, in his role as secretary-treasurer of the Old Hall Committee; planting and maintaining the rail trail on the way up to Taylor’s Gap (including garden art) with his

STRONG TURNOUT: More than 60 locals turned out the Old Murmungee Hall for the region’s Australia Day festivities on Friday. wife Kaye and daughter, Heidi; contributing to countless working bees and the Giant Pumpkin and Harvest Festival over seven years.

John was also our guest speaker and shared some of his experiences volunteering over many years with an Indigenous reading project working in

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remote communities in NT. John urged people to understand the toll taken on children and communities by the preventable scourge of Rheumatic Heart Disease, and to support efforts to combat this illness that steals lives. For more information go to https:/ endrhd.telethonkids.org.au/

FAMILY AFFAIR: John Bradford (centre) was joined by wife Kaye (cream sweater) as well as his four daughters, two sons in law, and six grandchildren as he was presented a local achievement award on Friday. rhd-in-Australia/.

We had the help of Kaitlin Talbot (John’s granddaughter) and Elsie Bennett to raise the flag.

Although we have a lot of work to do before we can be

truly proud of where we have come from, we can celebrate the community in which we live, and the future we are building for our children’s children in Murmungee.

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THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 31, 2024 - Page 11

WHAT’S ON

Come see the Australian INXS Show

Wangaratta Library book sale Saturday THE Friends of Wangaratta Library are holding a book sale on Saturday, February 3 from 9.30am to 12pm at Wangaratta Library.

There will be a large range of secondhand adult fiction, non-fiction and children’s books to choose from and all money raised will assist the library in providing programming and events.

ONE of the most authentic INXS experiences in the world today, The Australian INXS Show, will play at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Friday, February 9 at 7.30pm.

Fronted by Dellacoma Rio, whose uncanny portrayal of Michael Hutchence has captivated audiences worldwide, the authentic six piece band will take you on a journey through all the classic INXS hits that have made them a household name for decades.

Tickets are available now at wpacc.com.au.

Wangaratta Performing Arts season launch THE Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre is celebrating its 15th year and will hold its 2024 season launch at the centre on Wednesday, February 7.

The launch will feature a special performance by the Flying Fruit Fly Circus and roving entertainment by Planet Bird Colourful Jelly Sparkle.

It will be held from 5.30pm to 7pm and entry is free, with official proceedings in the Alpine MDF Theatre followed by light refreshments in the foyer.

Dan Sultan to perform in Wangaratta OFF the back of his ARIA nominated fifth studio album, Dan Sultan will play at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Saturday, February 10 as part of his regional tour.

Following a string of theatre shows to celebrate the release of his new album, Sultan will showcase his new songs in a different format and take things back to the way they were written.

Accompanied by band member Zeppelin Hamilton (Velvet Trip), tickets are available now at wpacc.com. au or from the box office.

Lyster Opera comes to Milawa ENJOY a rare operatic experience when Lyster Opera brings Friedrich von Flotow’s Martha to the Milawa Hall on March 2, for a special afternoon performance at 2pm.

The romantic comic opera tells the story of two Irish noblewomen who, bored with life at the Queen’s Court, decide to disguise themselves as servants and visit the local fair at Richmond.

When they are hired by two farmers to attend to their housework, comedy turns to romance, and a bad case of mistaken identity.

With a cast featuring singers who have performed regularly at Melbourne Opera and Victorian Opera, tickets are available now at lysteropera.com. au (concessions available).

All GM Day in March THE Early Holden Car Club Wangaratta will present its all GM (General Motor) Day at Apex Park on Sunday, March 10 from 9am until 2pm.

All Holden/GM vehicle owners are welcome to participate with entry $5 entry for vehicles on the day and a sponsor trophy presentation taking place at 1pm.

Browse the spectacular display, with entry by gold coin donation for spectators.

yourstars ARIES

(March 21 to April 19) Is that Arian self-esteem in need of shoring up? Best advice: Do something that will make someone feel good about themselves. It will make you feel proud that you did it.

TAURUS

(April 20 to May 20) It’s time to prove to your detractors that you’re way ahead of them when it comes to getting things done.

So, be sure to avoid surprise distractions and complete that project as soon as possible.

GEMINI

COUNTRY COUPLE: Joanne and Mark Caligiuri pay respect to one of the most loved musical couples of all time in Get Rhythm - The Johnny Cash and June Carter Show.

Get Rhythm with the Cash and Carter show in Wangaratta COUNTRY music fans are in for a treat when Get Rhythm The Johnny Cash and June Carter Show, plays in Wangaratta on Saturday, March 16 for the first time.

Led by real life married couple and award-winning act, Mark and Joanne Caligiuri, and backed up by their full family band, Get Rhythm has been described as one of the most authentic and sincere Johnny Cash and June Carter Shows around.

It was back in 2007 that Mark and Joanne started to create their Johnny Cash Show during the release of the award-winning movie, Walk The Line.

They both have musical backgrounds; Mark as a guitarist in various well-known bands during the 80s and 90s - starting a successful Elvis show in 1996 - and Joanne starting out as a

guitarist for her church band at the age of just 14, before going on to become a lead vocalist in a Rockabilly band.

It was their mutual love of music, particularly the music from the 50s and 60s, which connected them, and they haven’t stopped since.

They toured all over Australia and have now added their very own family to their show, with Mark’s son Chris on double bass, his son Lucas on drums, and his cousin, Adam Prozzo, playing lead guitar.

Together they celebrate the life, love and music of Johnny Cash and June Carter, from their costumes to their look and those remarkable voices.

Joanne has said their show “pays respect to one of the most loved musical couples of all time”.

“We want to bring to life the memories and music of these amazing people,” she said.

Get Rhythm is dedicated to the earlier life and recordings of Johnny Cash and June Carter and focuses on the distinct sound made famous by the Man In Black.

Step back in time with this two-part, high energy, fun show that will get the toes tapping, as they perform songs everyone knows and loves such as, Folsom Prison Blues, Walk the Line, Ring of Fire and famous duets Jackson and Long Legged Guitar Pickin’ Man. See Get Rhythm - The Johnny Cash and June Carter Show at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Saturday, March 16 at 7.30pm with tickets available at wpacc.com. au.

(May 21 to June 20) Be careful not to waste your precious energy on frivolous matters that don’t advance your goals. Stay focused. There’ll be enough time for fun and games after you reach your objective.

CANCER

(June 21 to July 22) You’ve done well on your own, but now could be a good time to consider advice from confidantes, as long as you continue to let your own instincts be your primary guide.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) A belated New

Year’s “gift” could create a problem if you feel unwilling or unable to adjust your plans and accommodate the new development. Check out all options before deciding.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) There’s

a possibility that you could be goaded into making a statement you might regret. It’s important to stay cool no matter how heated the conversation gets.

LIBRA

(September 23 to October 22) A recent sad experience can become a valuable lesson. Examine it well and take what you’ve learned to help you make an important upcoming decision.

SCORPIO

(October 23 to November 21) Lingering problems in a personal or professional partnership still need to be resolved so you can move on. Insist on more cooperation from everyone involved.

SAGITTARIUS

(November 22 to December 21) That recent problem that made you feel emotionally trapped and physically exhausted is gone. Don’t dwell on it. Instead, make new plans and set up other goals.

CAPRICORN

(December 22 to January 19) Your creative talents combine with a strong domestic aspect this week, which means you can start on those home-improvement projects that you’ve been planning for a long time.

AQUARIUS

(January 20 to February 18) It’s a good time to anticipate an upcoming change in the near future. This could mean taking on a new career, going off to a new city or moving into a new home.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Soon,

you should be learning more about the motives of those who continue to pressure you into making a decision that you’re still unsure about. Use this information wisely.

Page 12 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 31, 2024

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KING VALLEY NEWS

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

Huge turnout for Rubber Duck Regatta at Gentle Annie

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

All local women are welcome to join in, with the next meeting being held tomorrow at 6.30 pm.

To RSVP, call Mary on 0427 404 411.

4 r of duck number 26 RACE WINNER: Ownethe spoils as this year’s Troy Surkitt collects winner.

BY ANITA McPHERSON

THE Sustainable King Valley food hub will reopen on Saturday from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Catch up with friends and neighbours, bring a bag and stock up on bulk food items and find out what fresh fruit and vegetables are in season.

amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au

PERFECT weather conditions and an excited Australia Day long weekend crowd set the scene for the running of the King River and District Fishing Club’s 2024 Rubber Duck Regatta.

The sun shone on the sparkling King River as hundreds of ducks sailed their way towards the finishing line, watched by an audience estimated at over 200, who gathered on the banks of the King River or watched from the bridge at the Gentle Annie Caravan and Camping Reserve.

There were plenty of smiles on faces throughout the sunny afternoon as everyone got into the celebratory spirit, enjoying a barbecue, a few drinks and even a dip in the water.

Club secretary Regina Callaway said the club was thrilled with the success of their event, which is its major fundraiser of the year.

She said a new component called Pimp A Duck was well supported, as was the Best Dressed competition, both adding plenty of colour and fun to the afternoon.

“The Pimp A Duck was a hit - the range of pimped ducks submitted by both adults and juniors was very impressive and creative,” she said.

“The Best Dressed competition was also a big hit with some amazing outfits and costumes.

“It was great fun this year and we could not have asked for a better turn out.

“We cannot thank Gentle Annie Caravan and Camping Reserve enough for the venue and support.”

Racing was tight in the main event with competitors evenly matched, but it was duck number 264 who brought home first prize for its owner, Troy Surkitt.

Duck number 102 came second WANGARATTA Senior Citizens Club will host an in-house lunch at its clubrooms in Tara Court, off Ford Street, today from 12.30pm.

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

Social event next Wednesday, February 7 will be an in-house movie, ‘The Terminal’ with Tom Hanks, from 1.30pm at the clubrooms.

WANGARATTA Garden Club will hold its annual general meeting on Thursday, February 1 from 1.15pm at the Seventh Day Adventist Church Hall in Phillipson Street.

This will be followed by the general meeting. There will be a mini-show with members’ flowers,

Sustainable King Valley food hub break

Whitfield Golf Club membership drive event WHITFIELD and District Golf Club will hold its annual members day extravaganza on Sunday, February 4 at the Whitfield Recreation Reserve from 12pm to 4pm.

Annual membership is $50 which includes entry to members day, lunch and drinks, and the chance to win cash prizes up to $3000.

All are welcome to come along to this great community event (lunch only $15, children under 15 free) with more information via the club’s Facebook page or call 0427 762 464.

FASHIONS ON THE FIELD: Duck-themed costumes and a best dressed competition added colour to the occasion.

DUCK FUN: Among those to embrace the spirit of the fun, family event were the “quacking good time” group. for Tracy Scoble, while duck number 134 came third for Jess Slapp.

The last duck to cross the line was number 363, owned by Grace Bozzola.

By the riverside, it was Teagan Callaway who won the junior section of the Pimp A Duck competition, while Jess Slapp won the adults section, with deserving prize

winners in the Best Dressed too.

Regina said the club raised just over $2200 which will help cover expenses and keep membership costs low, also allowing it to put on a free barbecue on club fishing days.

The King River and District Fishing Club thanked all its sponsors for their support, including Moyhu General Store, Astute, Benalla Bait

a stall for purchasing items, and afternoon tea.

The special effort for February is a container/vase of pink tones.

Everyone welcome.

SOCIAL CALENDAR

WANGARATTA Newcomers will hold their next gathering on Thursday, February 1 from 2pm to 3.30pm at Intermezzo Café.

Join the group for a cuppa, a chat, and to meet some new people.

For more information, phone Joy on 0401 843 815 or Ann on 0435 275 864.

WANGARATTA Symphony Orchestra meets each Tuesday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Wangaratta Baptist Church, 1 Sisely Avenue, returning for 2024 on February 2.

For more information, email wangsymphonyorchestra@ gmail.com or call Wendie 0408 495065.

MEMBERS of the Wangaratta Family History Society will begin the year by sorting through files that have been digitised on Friday, February 2 from 10.30am.

The sorting involves skimming through files to detach original certificates and photos which need to be preserved.

If you would like to assist, join the group for a social get-together while working.

SATURDAY Quilters will recommence their monthly meetings on Saturday, February 3 from 9.30am in the Wangaratta Small Bore Rifle Club rooms off the river end of College Street.

New beginner and experienced

REGATTA ACTION: Excited members of the crowd watch from the water as the ducks make their way to the finish line in the 2024 Rubber Duck Regatta. & Tackle, Rapid Hose Systems, Pizzini Wines, INeeta Cafe, Moyhu Hotel, The Bungalow at Nunyara, Bunnings Warehouse Wangaratta, King River Estate, King Valley Fine Foods, Hobbledehoy Cafe and Distillery and Glenwaters Native Fish.

The club looks forward to welcoming everyone back to the event again next year. members are very welcome to attend.

For further information, contact Frances on 0417 158 220.

VETERAN and family morning tea is held at the Wangaratta RSL on the second Tuesday of each month.

The group’s next catch-up is on Tuesday, February 13 from 10am to 11.30am.

All ex-service personnel and families are most welcome to attend.

For more details phone 0447 217 768.

NICOLE Everett from Nicole’s Magical Cakes in Colac will attend the next gathering of the Cakes Decorators Association of Victoria Wangaratta branch on Saturday, February 17.

It will be held in the food tech room at Galen Catholic College from 10am to 3pm.

Cost is $20 CDAV members and $25 visitors (suitable for all skill

King Valley Residents Association resumes THE next meeting of the King Valley Residents Association will be held on Wednesday, February 14 at 6pm at the Whitfield Recreation Reserve.

All are welcome to come along and have their say, with enquiries to kingvalleyra@ gmail.com.

levels). Juniors over 10 years are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult.

For bookings and more information, phone Lee on 0419 513 735.

COME and try croquet at the Wangaratta Croquet Club, 46 Ryan Avenue, on any Monday, Wednesday or Saturday at 9am.

Equipment and instruction provided in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. For further information, phone Susan Fischer on 0417 217 009.

THE Wangaratta Artists welcome budding artists to come along, and established artists to exhibit in the studio at Batchelor’s Green.

The group meets at the studio on Mondays and Thursdays from 12 noon.

For more information, phone Clare on 0419 365 149.

THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 31, 2024 - Page 13

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Page 14 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 31, 2024

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SOCIAL FOCUS

SPLISH SPLASH: Denver Brown knows how to have fun in the water.

CELEBRATING SUMMER: Charlie Tonzing enjoys the shower.

SIBBLINGS: Madeline and Casey Spiller love a cool down.

Keeping summer cool

By KURT HICKLING HOLIDAYMAKERS kept their cool last week by spending some time in the river at Frank Garth Reserve or making a big splash at the Wangaratta Splash Park.

KEEPING COOL: Amelia Tonzing enjoys some fun at the Splash Park.

FLOATING GOOD TIME: Everly Brown enjoys a cool down.

BIG SMILES: Ishanya Sharma loves to make a splash.

MAKING WAVES: Chris Scott takes advantage of the warmer weather.

HOLIDAY FUN: Tanishka Sharma knows how to beat the heat.

Everton not happy

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

By STEVE KELLY

THE Everton community is up in arms over their iconic bus shelter being shoved aside to make way for a new one.

It has been the cornerstone of the local community for years, bringing people together who decorate it to a theme like its current Australia Day setting.

The old shelter even won a Community Spirit Australia Day award in 2012 and last year it helped raise $1200 for Northeast Health Wangaratta.

But Public Transport Victoria (PTV) has gone and plonked a new shelter directly in front of it without any public consultation.

PTV’s explanation is that it is “progressively upgrading bus stops across Victoria to improve disability access”.

“The Everton bus stop is now

disability access compliant with tactiles, curb side and a concrete pad,” a PVT spokesperson said.

Estelle McCormack, Everton Store owner of seven years, couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw the shelter being put in place last Wednesday.

“Many people from the community have decorated the bus shelter to a theme over the years and it has been an icon that 90 per cent of my customers comment on,” she said.

“The shelter has been in Wheels, Take 5, and That’s Life magazines and the Weekly Times – it has put Everton on the map.

UNBELIEVABLE: Sisters Bec (front, left), Tayla, Ebony and Jess Allen are all upset that a new bus shelter is obstructing the view of what has become an icon of their home town Everton.

PHOTO: Steve Kelly “Everybody who has been involved in decorating the shelter has had a ball doing it, but now it can’t be seen.

“I can’t believe that there was

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

zero consultation with anybody and they have just basically thrown it in there.

“We’re not happy with this.”

Ms McCormack also believes

there is now an added safety issue t for f school children because the fo new shelter is closer to the road.

“Sometimes two buses stop there at the same time, but there is not enough room there now,” she said.

“It is going to be dangerous and there are visibility issues because the bus stop is so close to the corner and the road.

Truck drivers are also now unable to park on the roadside while they attend the general store.

After being contacted by the Wangaratta Chronicle PTV said it is aware of the significance of the Everton bus shelter to the local community and is working on the issue.

“PTV and the Rural City of Wangaratta will work together with local stakeholders to investigate options to restore the prominence and visibility of the pre-existing Everton bus shelter,” the spokesperson said.

THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 31, 2024 - Page 15

wangarattachronicle.com.au

WANGARATTA Chronicle photographer Kurt Hickling captured a busy weekend of sport. Photographs can be purchased at the Chronicle.

ANDREW BROADHEAD SABRINA LEWICKI

ADRIAN GRIESHEIMER

WILL BOTTEN

BRENDON DOYLE

JOHN JONTI RYAN PARSONS

ASHLEY ESCORT

BRENDAN MONCREIF

COOPER BINION BRENT SMITH

MICHAEL REID

Page 16 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 31, 2024

wangarattachronicle.com.au

SPORT

It’s seventh heaven for Belle Thompson

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

FOR the seventh time in nine years, Belle Thompson has been crowned the ladies’ open singles champion at the Wangaratta Lawn Tennis Croquet and Pickleball Club’s annual Australia Day tournament.

Last year’s champion progressed to the quarter finals, having drawn a bye in the round of 16, and defeated Anna Tyshing and Hope Curtis-McDonald on her way to the final.

Up against young star Philippa Bush, the match was a significant challenge for Thompson, who eventually prevailed with a 6-1 6-0 final scoreline.

Thompson said the tennis was of an extremely high quality, and she was lucky to take out the top prize.

“It was a bit tough, but I had a great time,” she said.

“The girls I played, even though the score did not reflect it, I was so stressed.

“It was quite tough, I was lucky to get through some of them.

“Unfortunately, the girl I played in the singles final (Phillipa Bush), she twisted her ankle on set point in the first set.

“I gave her some painkillers and stuff, some Voltaren just to try and help the inflammation, and she kept playing, she did amazingly.

“She had me on the ropes in quite a few of the games, I was lucky to bring it back.”

While a seventh single crown is an incredible effort, Thompson said the bigger achievement belonged to the club members and volunteers who helped make the tournament such a success.

“For me, winning it seven times is amazing, and I can’t believe I’ve had the opportunity to do it, the best part for me is catching up with Frank (Harris, tournament organiser) and Barry (Sullivan, WLTCP president), the

BACKHAND WINNER: Belle Thompson took out the ladies open singles title 6-1, 6-0 on Sunday.

PHOTO: Nathan de Vries

REWARD: Belle Thompson is presented with her winner’s cheque

by Premier Panels owner Russell Canning. tournament office, the women in the kiosk, all of them,” she said.

“Everything else, bar the tennis, for me, is the best part of the tournament.

“It’s hard work to get there and I’m lucky I have the opportunity to come up all the time and play for everyone.

“It’s amazing, I love playing

in front of the crowd, they bring another element to it.

“Without Barry, without Frank, without all the people behind the scenes, it wouldn’t be anywhere near as good a weekend for anyone as it is.”

Thompson also made the finals in the ladies open doubles and mixed doubles, but came up short in both.

The work continues for Thompson, who will feature in international Tennis Federation events in Burnie and Traralgon in the coming weeks, and is keen to return to Wangaratta next year to defend her crown.

■ Story with David Hough in Friday’s Wangaratta Chronicle.

Lawn club aces it ■ From back page

“We had some brilliant feedback, everyone had fun,” he said.

“We had plenty of people say they love the culture of the event, the ambience and picturesque setting and the casualness of the event even though it’s serious when on court.

“We sold around 130 rib dinners on the Saturday night too which was brilliant.”

Sullivan couldn’t thank the volunteers of the tennis club enough for their work.

“Massive thanks to all of our volunteers who helped out throughout the weekend,” he said.

“A special mention to Adrian Pantling and Max McAuliffe for looking after the greens, Frank Harris the tournament director and the Callahans for their help as well.

“Also, we couldn’t thank Premier Panels enough for supporting the event, offering the prizemoney and getting the calibre of players we do wouldn’t be possible without them.”

SOFT TOUCH: Michael Reid in action at the Australia Day Tournament.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Australia Day tennis results Event Pos. Name Club G16D: 1 Flynn, Tilly and Gayfer, Jade WLTC, 2 Meisinger, Beth and Meisinger, Rani WLTC. G12D: 1 Grgic, Elsa and Grgic, Sienna Geelong, 2 Gelderbloem, Isabelle and Hampson, Annabel Beaconsfield.

B16D: 1 Winduss, James and Winduss, Lucas Wantirna, 2 Crosier, Harry and Wang, Alex Shepparton.

B12D: 1 Mcgrillen, Jack and Thorneycroft, Parker Margaret Court TA, 2 Pippo, Xavier and Thorneycroft, Sonny Margaret Court TA. G16S: 1 Foot, Aleisha Narre Warren North, 2 Flynn, Tilly WLTC. G14S: 1 Chang, Feixu, 2 Grgic, Sienna Geelong.

G12S: 1 Grgic, Elsa Geelong, 2 Barnard, Ingrid Bright G10S: 1 Mustica, Evie Parkdale, 2 Hampson, Annabel.

B16S: 1 Petersen, Darcy Parkwood, 2 Gelderbloem, William Beaconsfield.

B14S: 1 Ceddia, Christien Macleod, 2 Thorneycroft, Parker Margaret Court TA. B12S: 1 Hampson, Levi, 2 Bergin, William Margaret Court TA. B10S: 1 Dorrington, Joseph Altona, 2 Dicketts, Hunter Albury.

XDD: 1 Phan, Kevin and Khoo, Lee Yen Oakleigh, 2 Brown, Nick and O’Dwyer, Caitlin Canterbury.

XCD: 1 Wilson, Andrew and Wilson, Catherine Berwick, 2 Cope, Andrew and Cope, Sara WLTC. XBD: 1 Sculac, Daniel and Sculac, Katrina Beaconsfield/Berwick, 2 Callahan, Kevin and Cope, Beth WLTC. XAD: 1 Gelderbloem, Mark and Gelderbloem, Gabrielle Beaconsfield, 2 Smyth, Michael and Smyth, Narrelle Bendigo.

XOD: 1 Peart, Matthew and Bush, Genevieve Narre Warren North/Royal South Yarra, 2 Wurtz, Ashley and Thompson, Belle Albury/Chelsea Heights.

LDD: 1 Bolton, Kerrie and Bolton, Kim Rushcutters Bay/Carmelite, 2 Blackwell, Deb and Sass, Paige Maidstone.

LCD: 1 Bartlett, Isabella and Fernando, Leshaye Northcote, 2 Hornblow, Kate and Tyler, Jessica ASPENDALE. LBD: 1 Sculac, Katrina and Wilson, Catherine Berwick, 2 Euhus, Tracey and Kingston, Narelle Langwarrin/Essendon.

LAD: 1 Smyth, Narrelle and Summerill, Kim Bendigo/Wodonga, 2 Campbell, Kate and Sullivan, Maree Benalla/WLTC. MVD: 1 Pane, Mario and Scobie, Brian WLTC, 2 Bush, Nick and Joyce, Nick Echuca/Highton.

MDD: 1 Dickinson, Tim and Russell, Stephen WLTC, 2 Kabylakis, Mehmet and Kabylakis, Nick Oakleigh.

MCD: 1 Elvins, Callum and Elvins, Fraser, 2 Grgic, Matt and Scholes, Mason Geelong/WLTC. MBD: 1 Broadhead, Andrew and Solimo, Scott East Ringwood/Wang Hcrt, 2 Buttifant, Thomas and Kiernan, Darcy Rosanna.

MAD: 1 Franks, David and Vicary, Nicholas Ocean Grove/Albury, 2 Douglas, Jonathan and Griesheimer, Adrian Macleod/Rosanna.

LDS: 1 Mckenzie, Gracie, 2 MckeagneyDouglas, Brigid.

LCS: 1 Buttifant, Madeleine Northcote, 2 Tyler, Jessica.

LBS: 1 Sculac, Katrina Berwick, 2 Flavelle, Maddy Overport Park.

LAS: 1 Gelderbloem, Gabrielle Beaconsfield, 2 O’Brien, Hannah Nathalia.

MVS: 1 Bush, Nick Echuca, 2 Crammond, Stephen Merimbula.

MDS: 1 Phan, Kevin Oakleigh, 2 Whittle, Harry.

MCS: 1 Tesmer, Rolf SOUTH CAMBERWELL, 2 Scholes, Mason WLTC. MBS: 1 Mukhtar, Matthew Rosanna, 2 Ruboczki, Attila Canterbury.

MAS: 1 Sankey, Craig Beaconsfield, 2 Tsorlinis, Nic Upway South.

LOD: 1 Bush, Genevieve and Slisko, Lara Royal South Yarra/Riverside, 2 Dawson, Priscilla and Thompson, Belle Doveton/Chelsea Heights.

MOD: 1 Scott, Andy and Treveil, Luke Overport Park, 2 Bush, Edmund and Peart, Matthew Royal South Yarra/Narre Warren North.

LOS: 1 Thompson, Belle Chelsea Heights, 2 Bush, Philippa Kooyong.

MOS: 1 Hough, David Kooyong, 2 Peart, Matthew Narre Warren North.

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 31, 2024 - Page 17

SPORT

A1’s finals hopes dashed A1: WANGARATTA’S hopes of reaching the finals is now officially over after suffering a narrow away loss to Corowa RSL on Saturday.

Wangaratta were in with a chance all afternoon in the battle between fourth and fifth, however, RSL edged clear over the last few ends.

Chris Randell, Jodie Fruend, Paul King, and Jan Hermassoo were winners over Scott Widdison’s rink (29-22) and Phil Davern, Greg Braden, Steve English and Greg McDonald defeated Jordan Thornton (19-18).

Maurie Braden (16-18) and Trevor Selwood (14-26) both went down.

Final scores: Wang 4 pts 78 shots lost to Corowa RSL 14 pts 84 shots.

Wangaratta will host YMGCR next week.

A3: Wangaratta lost its away game at Moira on Saturday.

Gary Chambers, Denis Wadley, Michells Van Praagh, and Bob McCalman had a win (18-16), while Peter Selwood, Gary King, Chris Bell, and Mick Mackow split the points against Ron Arendt’s rink (18-all).

Gary Fenlon (14-21) and Richard Hermassoo (10-24) both had losses.

Final scores: Wang 3 pts 60 shots lost to Moira 15 pts 79 shots.

Milawa 4 pts 66 shots lost to Bright 14 pts 76 shots.

Wangaratta will travel to Milawa next week.

B1: Wangaratta had a strong away win at Bright on Saturday.

Keith Izard, Gerald Brown, Sussan Singleton, and Gayle King were unstoppable as they careered away to a massive win (35-6), and Richie Allan, Klaus Kazenwadel, Terry Johnson, and John Black also cruised to a big win (31-14).

Ken Essenhigh, Lance Jenkin, Neil Jensen, and Gary Lidgerwood suffered a narrow loss (15-17).

Final scores: Wang 12 pts 81 shots def Bright 2 pts 37 shots.

Moyhu 11 pts 65 shots def Moira 3 pts 53 shots.

MASTERS CATCH-UP: Michelle Hill and Debra Schmidt take a break from practice at the Wangaratta lawn courts.

PHOTO: David Godkin

Ultimate destination for international tennis masters

By DAVID GODKIN

FINALS DASHED: Greg Braden and Wangaratta A1 fell on the weekend.

Wangaratta host Myrtleford next week and Moyhu will travel to Benalla.

B3: Wangaratta leapfrogged Lavington to take second place on the ladder after a great win away from home on Saturday.

Lyn Kahlefeldt, Susan Bull, Michael Howard, and John Keen (28-12) led the way for Wangaratta, as did Howard Beard, Ann Keen, Heather Coyle, and Thelma Stones who won (22-20).

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie Graeme Norman, Lyn Sier, John Knight, and Bob Edwards went down (13-25).

Final scores: Wang 12 pts 63 shots def Lavington 2 pts 57 shots.

Wangaratta will host Myrtleford next week.

Funding serve will help improve pickleball play

By ANITA MCPHERSON PLAYERS will be able practise more easily and better hone their skills during coaching, when a new pickleball serving machine arrives in Wangaratta.

The Wangaratta Pickleball Club received $3000 in funding from the Australian Rail Track Corporation Community Sponsorships and Donations Program, which it used to purchase a LOBSTAR pickleball serving machine and 200 balls.

Wangaratta Pickleball Club president and coach Bryan Wilson said they were pleased to receive the funding, which will benefit all those wanting to learn the sport or improve their skills.

“People will be able to set it up and use it when they want to practise, or we can use it during a coaching session,” he said.

“We want the club to grow - everybody wants to get better as well - so anything we can do to grow the skill of

the club is beneficial.”

The club currently has around 60 members who play competition on Sunday mornings and enjoy social pickleball on Tuesday mornings and Thursday nights at the Wangaratta Hardcourt courts at HP Barr Reserve.

Bryan said while the local club is slowly and steadily growing, there are still many people in town who don’t know what it is.

But the paddle and ball sport - which combines elements of tennis, table tennis and badminton - is booming nationwide, with the Pickleball Australia Association estimating it to be growing by 20 per cent a year.

“It’s suitable for all ages and all abilities and you can be competitive with it, or you can just go out and have fun,” Bryan said.

To find out more, call in during the social sessions, or go to wangaratta-pickleball.com.au or the club’s Facebook page.

GAME ON: Players including Marg Newton, Anita Walker, Georgia McGuffie and Trish Phyland are among those who have taken to the sport of Pickleball. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

WANGARATTA Lawn Tennis Croquet and Pickleball Club’s successful annual tournament may be over but the players keep coming.

On Monday morning after the tournament local international masters champion Michelle Hill and her husband Peter introduced fellow international masters player Debra Schmidt to the wonderful courts in Merriwa Park.

Michelle and Peter had just arrived back in Wangaratta after Michelle successfully played in the masters event in Hobart, which explained why she didn’t play in the local tournament.

Debra and her husband Tim, who are based in Bedford in the UK, said they were loving the Wangaratta weather as it would be freezing in the depths of winter back home.

Wangaratta is their ultimate destination in their Australian tennis tour.

Debra explained they started their trip in Perth and were thrilled to witness The United Cup international tennis tournament while there.

Next came some time in Adelaide to see the action at the Adelaide International before moving onto the just completed Australian Open in Melbourne.

In between playing tennis this week in Wangaratta, Michelle and Peter have an itinerary planned for their visitors which will show them the best of North East Victoria.

After the Schmidts leave for the UK next week Michelle and Debra will then be catching up again regularly as they both plan to play the 2024 season at various International Masters tournaments in the over 60 category.

Michelle and Debra are both retired teachers but Michelle still does some casual relief teaching in Wangaratta and has a day already booked at Galen on Friday.

There should be many tennis and travel stories she can share with her students and the Galen staff.

Page 18 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 31, 2024

wangarattachronicle.com.au

SPORT

CARNIVAL RESULTS

Sports Club thrilled with “awesome” carnival

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

A FESTIVE atmosphere fit for the 103rd Wangaratta Sports Carnival saw top class fields take the track and swing the axe on Saturday.

Picture perfect weather greeted around 1500 people who walked through the Wangaratta Showgrounds gates to catch almost 11 hours straight of action from the woodchop to the running and the feature Wangaratta Gift finals under lights.

Wangaratta Sports Club president Paul Hughes said it was a smoothly run event “We have a really good committee and volunteers and they all pitched in and it ran really well, it was an awesome night,” he said.

“There was good quality in both gift events and the final’s played out pretty well, the women’s was a tight race, Bella as she usually does was coming home like a steam train but she was a long way back.

IN STRIDE: Lachlan Shanks (left) bursts ahead of Geoffrey Lam during the 70m Restricted heats on Saturday afternoon.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling “Jack Lacey was a convincing winner in the men’s and given the track wasn’t fast on times because we’ve had so much rain, I think with his winning time he’ll be one to watch at the Stawell Gift.”

On the track the Little Athletics made a return to the event after last year’s heat re-scheduling took them out of action.

Hughes said the club was extremely happy to see the upcoming junior stars of the track have their chance to feature in front of a sizeable crowd.

“We love having the little aths, that’s the future of the sport and all of us on the committee are passionate about athletics and sport in general and just getting kids out and active,” he said.

“It gives them an opportunity to get in front of a crowd and have some exposure to some high level athletics.”

Of the small contingent of local hopefuls on the track, Bella Pasquali had the crowd on the edge of their seats as she ran fifth in the women’s Wangaratta Gift final, Andrea Hearne made her first gift semi, while young Isabella and Will Boulton impressed earlier in the day with a third and fifth placed finish respectively in the under 14 120m final.

Hughes said it was pleasing to see the event attract athletes from far and wide who made good use of the hospitality in town.

“We were on the weekend with the Shepparton Gift on Sunday, so that means most

people stayed overnight and went to Shepparton the next day, so that’s good for the town,” he said.

“The woodchoppers were really pleased; I heard the takings at the bar were up 20 per cent from last year.

“In the men’s final we had a South Australian and a Tasmanian; it’s good we’re attracting interstaters and people to travel.”

Hughes said he wanted to thank the community for once again supporting the historic Wangaratta carnival and its hard working committee of organisers.

“We really appreciate the strong support we get from the Wangaratta business community, that’s what enables us to put this event on,” he said.

Woodchop a cut above in the region

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN AN IMPRESSIVE community response stirred on a high quality field at the Wangaratta Woodchop on Saturday as the chips clear from the Wangaratta Sports Carnival.

Consistently strong crowds gathered at the Wangaratta Showgrounds temporary woodchop arena throughout the morning and into the afternoon with 26 axemen and women competing across its 12 events.

North East and Border Axemen Association (NEBAA) vice-president, Fabian Harding, said despite clashing national and state title cuts at Kiama over the weekend taking away some of the event’s regulars, he was extremely pleased with the turnout.

“It went really well, it’s probably the biggest cut for competitors in the North East and Border Association and we had a wide ranging group, we had Blake Meyer who is a Victorian champion and a lot of our own axemen,” he said.

“The juniors got the biggest

CHIP ON THE SHOULDER: Travis Risely takes a chunk out of his log at the Wangaratta Sports Carnival Woodchop on Saturday.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling roar from the crowd as they always do and that’s a bonus.

“It was a great crowd, I was a bit worried with it being a long weekend but we had people coming in and out all day so it was really good and I reckon it was a fantastic carnival.

“It’s a great event at Wang too because the public are so close to the action, they’re right on top of the scene and can almost feel the chips in their face.”

Feature winners throughout out the day included Meyer who took home the Ron Harding Memorial 275MM Standing Block Championship

event and Adele Deverall winning the 275MM Ladies Underhand Handicap.

This year’s woodchop introduced an equalisation in prizemoney for both men’s and women’s events, which Harding said had the desired impact in participation number increase for the women’s events.

Harding said he was thankful for the support of the carnival committee and the local woodchop community throughout the event.

“It really makes you so happy that Wangaratta has so

many community and sporting groups putting their hand up to sponsor every year no worries, we sort of go in every year with hat in hand and we never get turned away, it really warms my heart,” he said.

“Hopefully we can build on this into something a bit bigger next year.”

The North East and Border Axemen will be in full swing over the next two months with another event at Tolmie this weekend before upcoming competitions in Berwick, Mitta Mitta, Tallangatta, Alexandra and Gerogery.

COMPETITORS came from far and wide to make their mark at the 103rd Wangaratta Sports Carnival.

See full results below: Woodchop  300MM Standing Block Handicap: 1st Blake Meyer; 2nd James Saunders; 3rd Ben Gigliotti; 4th Bryce Willoughby  300MM Underhand Handicap: 1st Brent Smith; 2nd Blake Meyer; 3rd Ben Gigliotti; 4th Travis Riseley  275MM Novice Underhand: 1st Nathan Fleming; 2nd Joel Beattie; 3rd Adele Deverall; 4th Lily Harding  275MM Ladies Underhand Handicap: 1st Adele Deverall; 2nd Lily Harding; 3rd Wendy Lavell; 4th Eliza Harding  250MM Under 12 Underhand Handicap: 1st Jake Robin; 2nd Hayden Riseley; 3rd Bentley Saunders  Double Handed Crosscut Sawing Handicap: 1st Grant Hoyle & Willy Hoyle; 2nd Nick Wassink & Ashley Escourt; 3rd Bryce Willoughby & Blake Meyer; 4th Rod Meyer & Brad Meyer  250MM Standing Block Handicap: 1st Bryce Willoughby; 2nd Richard Piper; 3rd Brad Meyer; 4th Brent Smith  275 MM Standing Block Championship: 1st Blake Meyer; 2nd Ben Gigliotti; 3rd Brad Meyer; 4th Bryce Willoughby  250MM Novice Standing Block: 1st Travis Riseley; 2nd Ashley Escourt; 3rd Jamie Doodt; 4th Joel Beattie  250MM Under 18 Underhand Handicap: 1st Jamie Doodt; 2nd Travis Riseley; 3rd Bentley Saunders; 4th Jake Robin; 5th Hayden Riseley/Eliza Harding  Butchers Block Handicap (two person team each cut half the log): 1st Rod Meyer & Travis Riseley; 2nd Simon Kirley & James Saunders; 3rd Bryce Willoughby & Willy Hoyle; 4th Blake Meyer & Brad Meyer Running  Yes Optus Wangaratta Gift Men’s 120m: 1. Jack Lacey (yellow) 12.34sec 9m ; 2. Jared Glover (white) 12.47sec 7.5m; 3. Jesse Cordoma (red) 12.62sec 7.5m  Rural City of Wangaratta Women’s Gift 120m: 1.

Chloe Kinnersley (blue) 13.90sec 9.25m; 2. Olivia Barry (yellow) 13.92sec 11.25m ; 3. Zoe Neale (white) 13.94sec 4.25m **Bella Pasquali (red) ran 5th in the final 14.14 sec off 2.50m  RJ Sanderson Open 70m: 1. Hugh Hoffmann (black) 7.71sec 5.5m; 2. Callum James (grey) 7.74sec 7.25m; 3. Jake Ireland (Red) 7.80sec 2.0m  Ovens Ford Kia Restricted 70m: 1. Lachlan Kinnersly (pink) 7.72sec 11.25m; 2. Asare Amoafo (red) 7.89sec 3m; 3. Jarad Glover (white) 7.942sec 3m  David Battin Electrical U14 120m: 1. Macey Hansen (yellow) 14.55sec 14.5m; 2. Maxwell Roberts (white) 14.60sec 13m; 3. Isabella Boulton (blue) 14.84sec 14.5m ** Isabella’s brother Will Boulton ran 5th in the final off 20.5m  Wangaratta Club U18 120m: 1. Harry McDonough (Red) 12.52sec 15.0m; 2. Kylee Drew (White) 12.84sec 19.75m; 3. Charlotte Hallal (blue) 12.94sec 22.5m  Winsec Savings & Loans Masters 120m: 1. Kev Matthews (black) 13.52sec 23.50m; 2. Glenn Stephens (pink) 13.53sec 18.75m; 3. Richelle Ingram (grey) 13.56sec 26.25m  Australian Physical Education Resources Women’s 300m: 1. Zoe Glassborow (black) 40.66sec 25m; 2. Clea Clifford (white) 40.81sec 17m; 3. Claire Hardy (red) 40.85sec 15m  Nutrien Harcourt/McPhail’s Furniture Masters 300m : 1. Steven Hurl (black) 37.42sec 41m; 2. Cam Dunbar (white) 37.55sec 17m; 3. Justin Murphy (green) 37.74sec 27m  Ken Eales Memorial Open 400m: 1. Aiden Green (white) 48.89sec 23m; 2. Harrison Kerr (red) 49.28sec 15m; 3. Daniel Quattrone (grey) 49.42sec 44m  Alpine Truss Restricted 400m: 1. Lachlan Kinnersly (purple) 50.08sec 46m; 2. Sky Robertson (green) 50.12sec 21m; 3. Jonathan Marraffa (blue-white) 51.60sec 63m  Ausview Sashless Window Dominic Thompson Open 800m: 1. Declan Gould (grey) 1:55.78 104m; 2. Charlie Sutherland (purple) 1:56.56 128m; 3.

Cooper Lubeck (red) 1:58.76 46m  Les Williams 45+ 800m: 1. Brendan Bailey ( - ) 2:03.56 198m; 2. Adrian Bender (white) 2:07.42 48m; 3. Robert Kenshole ( - ) 2:08.26 276m  Raison Glass Open 1600m: 1. Stefan Catalano ( - ) 4:17.38 370m ; 2. Cooper Lubeck (white) 4:18.05 130m; 3. Mandessah Wyatt (Green-White) 4:19.74 265m

THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 31, 2024 - Page 19

wangarattachronicle.com.au

SPORT

Eamonn’s Memory breaks through with Tumbarumba Cup win

UNDER 16s

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

WDCA juniors win at Country Week

BY NATHAN DE VRIES

ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

THERE are three new championship teams in the Wangaratta and District Cricket Association.

The WDCA’s under 12 Blue, under 15 and under 16 squads triumphed in their North East Country Region 6 Junior Country Week finals over the weekend in dramatic fashion.

WDCA junior representative cricket liaison Wayne Cooper said three trophies from three grand finals was a terrific way for the association to close out the junior representative season.

“We ended up with three wins out of three grand finals, or three wins from five (grades), so it was really good, it was a very successful carnival,” he said.

“In under 12s, the highlight was Byron Dodd making three 50s in a row (166 runs @ 166 for the tournament).

“In under 15s Van Kreeck took a lot of wickets on one day in two T20s, including two wickets at the end of one game and a wicket in the first ball of the next game.

“That posed a question as to whether it was a hat-trick or not, but it’s actually not – I think we’ll count it anyway.

“Five of our players got into the Team of the Week: Mitch McMasters (also wicket-keeper of the tournament), Van Kreeck, Byron Dodd (also batter of the tournament), Jonty Priest (also player of the tournament), and Lenny Sims.”

Taking on Cricket Albury Wodonga at Baranduda, the under 12 Blue squad won the toss and elected to bat, posting 6/245 from their 40 overs.

Opener Ryder Leith (51 from 52 balls) and number three Byron Dodd (52 from 58 balls) combined for a 135 run partnership before both retired.

Handy middle order knocks

UNDER 15s

UNDER 12 BLUE from Mitch McMasters (17) and George Pfahlert (26) helped the Blues post a formidable total to defend.

With ball in hand, WDCA were simply too good, with Benji Wollington (2/40) getting the breakthrough before Finn Mitchell (3/22) ripped the heart out of the middle order.

Mitch McMasters was dynamic behind the stumps, finishing with a catch and two clever stumpings to limit CAW to 8/186, the match won by 56 runs.

The under 15s had a closer match in their final against CAW Country, defending 3/193 to take the win by 20 runs.

The WDCA top order fired, with opener Mitchell Feldtmann recording a half century with great knocks coming from Reid McNamara (46) and Van Kreeck (34*).

Kreeck backed up his batting performance with the ball, picking up the early wicket of Harry Greenhill for eight, before coming back on later to rip through the middle order, finishing with 3/26.

Connor Ormond was on fire at the other end, finishing with 3/15, with CAW Country limping to 7/173 from their 40 overs.

The under 16s defied the odds after posting a somewhat under par 10/165 from 34 overs, with Jed Marek’s 57 and Henry Scalzo’s 38 the only innings of real note.

CAW Country’s Jonathan Whiting (60) and Noah Andrews (56) almost got their side home, before a collapse saw the batting side capitulate, finishing seven runs shy.

ANDREW Dale’s Eamonn’s Memory finally broke through, claiming his first country cup.

After second place finishes in the Tumut and Carrathool cups in consecutive weeks last year, a third in the Deniliquin Cup, as well as attempts in Berrigan and Balranald’s features, the five-year-old was able to take out the Tumbarumba Cup (1400m) on Saturday.

It was a super run from the son of Per Incanto who got moving on the turn and eventually saluted by more than a length with fuel left in the tank.

Dale said it was good to see Eamonn’s Memory break through for a country cup win.

“He’s finished second with the Carrathool and Tumut cups, third in the Deniliquin Cup and wasn’t far off in the Berrigan and Balranald cups so he deserves this one,” Dale said.

“He’s been racing well this prep without much luck and his run at Albury before Tumut topped him off nicely I thought.

“At Albury we ran him over 1400m and put the blinkers on him and he was solid so we thought we’d give him a crack at the Tumbarumba Cup where he’s raced well before.

“Brad (Vale) gave him a really good ride, he’s a jockey that rides that course really well so it all went to plan.”

Eamonn’s Memory has now won five races from 41 starts with his victory on Saturday taking him over $100,000 in prizemoney.

“He’s a horse that showed promise early but lost his way a bit so it’s great that he’s racing well again,” Dale said.

“This prep we’ve stuck to 1300m-1400m, I still think we can get him to a mile (1600m) but at the moment he’s racing well at that distance.

“The Tumut and Carrathool cups are 1400m races so they might be on the cards and then, if he races well there, we might try and get him to the mile and maybe have a crack at the Towong and Corowa cups.”

Dale has won a number of country cups across his training career and said winning them never gets old.

“All country cups are fantastic,” he said.

“The Tumbarumba Cup is one we’ve been chasing for a few years now so it’s nice to add that to the ones we’ve already won.

“I really enjoy winning these country cups because they’re such good events that are well supported by the community and have such a good vibe on course.”

Page 20 - THE CHRONICLE, E, Wednesday, January 31, 2024

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Junior country y week triumph h

Page 19

CLEAN CUT Richard Piper swings his axe in the woodchopping at the Wangaratta Sports Carnival on Saturday.

■ Carnival recap: Page 18

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Lawn club aces it Bumper A B Australia li D Day tennis i tournament a raging i success with i h 367 players l taking ki part

IT was a perfect Australia Day weekend of tennis for the Wangaratta Lawn Tennis Croquet and Pickleball Club.

With 367 players entered and more than 600 entries for the different events, WLTCP volunteers were flat out across the three day event which started on Friday.

In the end it was Belle

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

Thompson who took out the prestigious open women’s singles event, while David Hough claimed the men’s crown.

WLTCP president Barry Sullivan said it was a

massive weekend.

“We were a bit panicky at 4am Friday morning when it was raining but it stopped in time, the wind picked up and dried the courts and from then on the weather was brilliant,” Sullivan said.

“The courts played well all tournament thanks to the hard work of our curators who

put in some massive days.

“We had matches under lights Friday and Saturday night and we had over 1000 matches played across the weekend.”

In the ladies open singles, number one seed Thompson didn’t drop a set on route to the final where she downed Phillipa Bush 6-1 6-0.

It wasn’t too dissimilar in the men’s open singles with David Hough losing just one set on his way to a 7-6 7-6 win over Matthew Peart in the final.

“Both sections were an incredible standard,” Sullivan said.

“Belle cruised to victory in the ladies, she’s just a class above and when you

watch her you can’t help but think she must be close to making it on tour.

“The men’s was really tight with David Hough winning 7-6 7-6 so both sets went to tiebreakers.”

Sullivan said there was plenty of positive feedback from tournament-goers throughout the weekend.

■ Continued page 16

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