Wangaratta Chronicle 311022 by Provincial Press Group

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22o Late shower

13o 15o 16o TUE

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From a ‘nightmare’ to fresh beginning

Page 7

Monday, October 31, 2022

Budget shortfall of equity, care and wellbeing measures

$1.50 INC. GST

Phone (03) 5723 0100

Wash out: Tomorrow’s race meet abandoned Page 9

Sport

GREAT TO BE BACK THE Black Sorrows had the crowd up dancing at the Wangaratta High School on Friday night, as a new-look Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues returned to the city after an almost four year absence. Full Story page 3. PHOTO: Marc Bongers

$20m arts splurge Councilil calls C ll ffor comment on W Wangaratta g C Creative i P Precinct i renewall works k

A $20 million illi Wangaratta W tt Creative Precinct in the Ford and Ovens streets area is part of the latest plan by council to promote and grow its place in the state's cultural tourism market and create jobs. One of the main components of the proposed development is a proposed new art gallery to be built behind the existing

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

Ovens Street building and a new glazed wall system on the adjacent performing arts centre creating an ‘arts and activity hot-spot’. It is expected there will

AFTER 23 YEARS

be a loss off 43 carpark b l k spaces as a result of the proposed creative precinct development. Council has released a business case and concept design report that offers three options for funding over 10 years, ranging from a one-time spend of $18.495m, a six-stage approach costing $19.999m, or a cheaper third option

thatt would th ld only l maintain i t i existing infrastructure costing $2.298m. Each option has varying levels of benefit, with the staged option expected to attract 162,478 visitors, accumulate a $28.227m annual cultural visitor spend, create about 132.2 equivalent full time jobs in the region, and generate a $10.556m total annual regional income.

decides If council il d id tto go with the staged approach, stage one is estimated to cost $1.528m, stage two $916k, stage three - $2.175m, stage four - $3.761m, stage five - $3.379m, and stage six - $8.237m. The staged approach would include council cash of $4.57m, borrowings of $4.5m, government grants/ philanthropic funding of

$10.93m, $20m. $10 93 equalling lli $20 One of the main components would be the transition of the two arts and cultural services - the Wangaratta Art Gallery (WAG) and the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre (WPACC) - as well as the relocation of visitor information services from Murphy Street. ■ Continued page 2

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Page 2 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, October 31, 2022

Police continue to probe shooting at Beechworth HOMICIDE Squad detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances of an incident at Beechworth on Thursday night that left one man dead, and another man seriously injured. Police responded to the rural property on Buckland Gap Road following reports a man had been injured and that there had been a shooting at the property about 8.45pm. As officers moved in they located the body of a 60 year old man at the front of the home and an injured 61 year old man in a rear shed. The injured man was airlifted to hospital. A crime scene was set up Friday morning while detectives work to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. Officers from the Major Crime Scene Unit attend the property on Friday. Anyone with further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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Shaded spaces boost

Est. 1884, Incorporating Wangaratta Despatch, Est. 1861

WEATHER

PUMPED: Wangaratta West Primary School students (from left) Zoe Haynes, Hudson Styles, Noah Johnson and Grace Ryan and grade two teacher Holly Johnston are excited for the upcoming upgrades of a new shade sail to be built in the grade one and two playgrounds in the coming months. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

WANGARATTA West Primary School’s spacious grounds will be granted a further shady space, with the construction of a new shade sail over the campus’ grade one and two playground in the coming months. Recently announced as part of the State Government’s latest round of shade grants, a $25,000 boost will aid construction of the new sail, joining more than 60 other schools across the state in sharing in the $2.5m program. Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, said the new structure would aid school children in enjoying outdoor play safely. “These grants will help school students enjoy a healthy outdoor lifestyle while having the necessary shade to protect them from the sun,” she said. “The Andrews Labor Government has helped hundreds of schools and community groups provide the protection Victorians need to prevent cancer and stay sun-smart and will continue to do so into the future.” Wangaratta West Primary School spokesperson Danielle Ashmead said the project would also benefit community members, with the Phillipson Street campus often used outside of school hours. Australia currently has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with two in three people diagnosed with the disease by the age of 70. In 2020, melanoma was the fifth-mostcommon cancer in Victoria, with 2582 new cases and 271 deaths.

TEMPERATURES: Monday

Max 22

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Tuesday

Max 13

Min 7

Showers

Wednesday Max 15

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Showers

Thursday

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Possible shower

RAINFALL: Wangaratta Lake Buffalo Cheshunt

Last 72 hours

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24.4mm 35.4mm 25.6mm

69mm 69.4mm 65.4mm

*NB: Rainfall totals up until 3pm, Sunday

LUCKY NUMBERS Tattslotto - Draw 4307

7, 9, 42, 6, 22, 3 (16, 13) Winning numbers are subject to verification by ticket holders.

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HOT-SPOT: McCabe Architects studio’s impression of how the Wangaratta Cultural Precinct’s new facilities could look.

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Council calling for comment on proposed Wangaratta Creative Precinct renewal works

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Follow us ADVERTISING CLOSING TIMES Monday Issue: Display Thurs. 10am. Classifieds Fri. 2.30pm Wednesday Issue: Display Fri. 10am. Classifieds Tues. 2.30pm Friday Issue: Display Tues. 10am. Classifieds Thurs. 2.30pm Published by Hartley Higgins for North East Media Pty Ltd, 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677. Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Editor Jeff Zeuschner. Copyright: All advertising and editorial content of this issue is the copyright of North East Media Pty Ltd and cannot be used without the company’s permission. The Chronicle is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council. If you believe the standards may have been breached, you may approach the Chronicle itself or contact the council by email at info@presscouncil.org.au or by phone on (02) 9261 1930.

Member

■

From page 1 The intention is to redevelop the WAG and WPACC facilities and outdoor areas to create “a beloved and vibrant local community arts and activity ‘hot-spot’ and striking regional visitor drawcard”. Council said that gallery facilities are in declining condition and in need of an upgrade and given their age and condition, without work, significance maintenance costs will continue to grow. One of the most critical limitations of the present art gallery building is its lack of space to host or curate large, complex and/or technologybased exhibitions within the gallery spaces. Inadequate climate control (temperature and humidity at international museum standards) and lighting, the lack of a suitable loading dock and

insufficient storage areas for crates and exhibition materials are a problem. Low staffing numbers also present a major obstacle to the gallery’s programming as it struggles to meet the contractual requirements for first class loans, exhibitions and programming. This is also the case for WPACC with scope to grow the programming and conference market pending additional staffing with expertise in those areas. A shift away from the traditional visitor information centre model due to a rapid decline in patronage partly due to a rise in digital services (decline in walk-ins of 8.4 per cent over five years) is another component of the business case. Decentralising of physical visitor information services,

embracing and investing in digital visitor servicing streams and, engage and empower tourism businesses and residents were identified as strategic directions for the service into the future. One new avenue would be to provide branded official guides and maps that also include localised content for sub regions and destinations. The report is out for public consultation for 30 days and is scheduled to return for adoption at council’s December ordinary meeting. A request to extend the consultation period by two weeks due to the jazz and blues festival was accepted, however Mayor Dean Rees informed any person or group needing more than 28 days to call council for a time extension. Cr Harvey Benton said he

agreed in principle with the project and strongly urged people to make a submission with their thoughts about the precinct and potential concerns with parking changes. Cr Irene Grant said this has been a project a long time in its genesis and there’s been a lot of discussion about the impact this will have on the community. “It’s an enormously exciting project that will change the whole face of arts and culture in Wangaratta and I certainly urge people to come forward with their ideas,” Cr Grant said. “I endorse Cr Benton’s concerns around parking, but we can work around that as well - we need to look at what this will bring to our community.” If the plan is adopted, council’s mayor and CEO will proactively seek grant funding for the precinct works.

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THE CHRONICLE, Monday, October 31, 2022 - Page 3

Festival has a new beat

t may have looked different to previous instalments - with the obvious absence of a public outdoor offering - but the weekend’s Wangaratta of Festival and Jazz and Blues certainly delivered for thousands of patrons. The first full in-person festival since 2018, the event’s national and internationals artists entertained packed audiences at 10 venues throughout Wangaratta and district from Friday evening through to last night. As usual, Friday evening’s Blues session - at the new venue of the Wangaratta High School - proved a crowd favourite, with the large audience dancing in the aisles for the final sets of the Black Sorrows. “It was a great night and we’ve had solid crowds at Saturday’s events too,” said festival co-artistic director Scott Solimo. Mr Solimo, who is also Wangaratta High School’s music teacher, said there had been a strong local following at the Blues. “Not only did they enjoy the music, but they also were surprised by the quality of venue we have here at the high school..it worked really well,” he said. At the main venue for jazz - the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre - artists such as New York based jazz/ avant-garde drummer and percussionist, Pheeroan akLaff, teased those in the packed theatre with his adventurous performances that have been lauded the world over. The former Pullitzer Prize for Music finalist said he was delighted to be back in Australia, particularly returning to Wangaratta having performed at the 2005 festival. He said friendly Aussie faces had again made him feel welcome and he praised those behind the festival for getting the event happening again, despite all the challenges over recent years, saying getting people together, celebrating music, had never been more important.

BY JEFF ZEUSCHNER jzeuschner@ nemedia.com.au

His only regret was not having time to see a live kangaroo. Brisbane-based jazz musician Ben Shannon, who finished off the jazz program on Saturday night performing with Shamin, said he hoped his first festival wouldn’t be his last. “It was well run and organised, with a relaxed vibe, and it is held in such high regard for Australian jazz improv,” he said.

azz festival board chair Dave Fuller said yesterday that overall the festival’s return had been a success, with most venues having hit capacity over the weekend. “The last in-person festival in 2018 saw 2000 tickets sold, and we set a goal this year of selling 1000, which we achieved,” he said. “We’d sold around 75 per cent of that to loyal patrons before announcing our program...and of our total ticket sales around 75 per cent are from outside the Wangaratta region. “The general consensus was that commercial accommodation and B&B was booked out and we had people staying as far away as Beechworth.” Mr Fuller said the six member volunteer board appreciated the support of the Rural City of Wangaratta, other sponsors, partners and volunteers. He said members will meet over coming months to digest this year’s festival and plan for the future, noting the need to adapt, and a desire to build on local partnerships...such as that with the Wangaratta High School. “We’ve got changing and unpredictable weather, limitations on resources which need to be managed,” Mr Fuller said. The festival wrapped up yesterday with free entry to a range of performances

CHARISMATIC: New York drummer Pheeroan akLaff performing at the WPACC Theatre on Saturday.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

FEEL THE RYTHYM: Claude Carranze (left) and fellow members of the The Black Sorrows were a hit at Wangaratta High School Blues’ venue on Friday night; Aussie jazz legend Mike Nock (above) performed at the WPACC Theatre on Friday night; and Sam Anning (right) performed at the Holy Trinity Cathedral on Saturday. PHOTOS: Marc Bongers at the Community Stage inside the WPACC theatre, and events at Wangaratta RSL, the Vine Hotel, Milawa Cheese Factory and Plough Inn at Tarrawingee. Yesterday’s morning’s jazz mass at the Holy Trinity Cathedral with performers Rebecca Barnard and Tim Neal was standing room only.

Former Kiwi strings win, inspired by earlier festival NEW Zealand born artist Peter Koopman beat off four other young jazz guitarists to win the 2022 National Jazz Awards on Saturday. All five guitarists - selected from a field of 37 applicants - performed infront of a packed audience in the WPACC Hall in what was again a celebrated feature of the weekend’s Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues. Judges Stephen Magnusson, Fran Swinn and Carl Dewhurst awarded Mr Koopman the

prestigious title, and $7000 prize with a recording session at Pughouse Studios in Melbourne, ahead of fellow Sydney based guitarist Joshua Meader, and Tasmania’s Julius Schwing. Speaking at the awards, Mr Koopman thanked the Rural City of Wangaratta for its sponsorship, and said that its was his attendance at the Wangaratta festival in 2007 that inspired him to relocate to Australia and pursue his professional career.

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Page 4 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, October 31, 2022

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Muddy, but Oxley Bush Market back to its very best By JEFF ZEUSCHNER

KEEPING BUSY: Rachel Benton (left) was keen to snap up some local jewellery made by Wangaratta stallholder Kylie Everitt at the Oxley Bush Market on Saturday. PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

INCHES of mud underfoot did little to deter thousands of enthusiasts at the Oxley Bush Market on Saturday. With the occasional burst of sunshine, and no rain, the popular annual event made its triumphant return after several years of forced hiatus due to COVID restrictions. Oxley resembled an MCG car park as visitors from across the North East meandered the grounds of the Oxley Shire Hall, seeking out bargain wares from the 150-strong stallholders. Wangaratta mum Kylie Everitt was a first time stallholder, and instantly found interest in the jewellery she has been making at home over the past year or two as a hobby. “It’s been an awesome market, I sold quite a few pieces and I love meeting all the different people,” she said. “I sell some of my jewellery on instagram (@rufusposy) and online, but these markets are fantastic.”

BACK TO ITS BEST: Thousands of people enjoyed the Oxley Bush Market on Saturday. PHOTO: Melissa Beattie Market co-organiser Don Heath said the day had exceeded all expectations. “After a couple of years off we weren’t sure how things would go,” he said. “But perfect weather and a huge crowd made for a terrific day. “We were down a few vendors but that actually worked well as there were areas we wouldn’t have been unable to put stalls due to how wet it was.

“We put a call out to the Oxley community Friday night to help with the set up and we had 40 to 50 people come and help...it was outstanding.” Mr Heath said the market was a valuable fundraiser for the upkeep of the hall, while the Oxley Residents Association uses its raffle at the market - which sold an unprecedented 2700 tickets - to help fund local community causes.

Retirement village reforms welcome, but longer comment period is needed WANGARATTA retiree Les Scobie has been praised for his tireless work to help reform Victoria’s retirement village laws and improve residents’ protection and safety. The State Government’s draft legislation to amend the 36-year-old Retirement Villages Act includes 12 of 16 recommendations Mr Scobie had put forward. Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party Member for Northern Victoria, Tania Maxwell, said one of the recommendations is a requirement for all retirement village operators in Victoria to maintain emergency evacuation plans. “This was a vital issue that Mr Scobie set out in his submission to a Legislative Council Legal and Social Issues Committee inquiry into Victoria’s retirement housing sector in 2016,” she said. “He noted that in the past some village operators ‘made it very clear to village residents that in their view they had zero responsibility to residents in the case of an

emergency or evacuation’. “This inquiry reported to Parliament in March 2017. “It’s taken the State Government almost six years to consider that report, commission a review of current legislation and release a draft amendment bill that does, to its credit, propose important changes. “These should, for the most part, better protect the interests of retirement village residents. “But it’s so disappointing that advocates like Mr Scobie and advocacy organisations like Residents of Retirement Villages Victoria have been given just 21 days this month to comment on the draft bill before the government enters the caretaker period ahead of the November 26 election. “I’ll be asking the next government to extend the time for comment, because these are important reforms affecting a large number of people and it’s only fair that they are given proper time to have their say.”

Mr Scobie said retirement village law reforms were badly needed and welcome. “The bill will be an improvement when it passes Parliament, but it does not solve all the problems,” he said. “Sadly the Andrews government gave village residents just 21 days to comment on complex reforms to complex law. “For many residents like those in Wangaratta the new proposed time limit for a village operator to repay exit entitlements to a resident will actually go from six out to 12 months. That’s hardly positive. “What’s welcome is that emergency evacuation plans will become mandatory, Consumer Affairs' powers will be strengthened, and a new body will be established to handle disputes up to a value of $100,000 between residents and retirement village operators.” Go to https://engage.vic. gov.au/retirementvillagesact for more information.

HOME SECURITY & PERSONAL SAFETY Learn techniques on how to stay safe & be secure in your own home Presented by Helen Parfett, Crime Prevention Officer from the Wangaratta Police Where: When: Cost: RSVP: Email: Register:

The Uniting Church Hall, 10 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 2pm Tuesday 15th November 2022 FREE - afternoon tea included by Friday 11th November 2022 to Nadia on 1800 319 333 or infohub@nhw.org.au https://home-security-and-personal-safety.eventbrite.com.au

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SOME REFORMS: Les Scobie with Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party MP Tania Maxwell at The Terrace, the retirement village operated by Respect in Wangaratta, which also operates neighbouring St John’s aged care.

Get your Barefoot tickets now WANGARATTA Players’ production of Neil Simon's longest-running hit, Barefoot in the Park - which was the tenth longest running non-musical play in Broadway history - will hit the stage next month. Directed by Fiona Evans, the production is a light-hearted story with delightful characters. The story centres on newlyweds Paul - a straight-as-an-arrow lawyer - and Corrie - a free spirit - and is at times hilarious, poignant and a whole lot of fun as the couple approach life's challenges and adjust to married life. The Wangaratta Player’s renovated foyer has a licenced bar which is open before and after shows for your enjoyment and also features live music played on their baby grand piano. Barefoot in the Park will be held at the Stage Door, 4D Evans Street Wangaratta on November 18, 19, 20 and 25, 26 and 27. To book your tickets, visit https://www.trybooking.com/CDTGR.

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THE CHRONICLE, Monday, October 31, 2022 - Page 5

$1.6m to bolster local health

NORTHEAST Health Wangaratta will receive more than $1.6 million from the State Government to bolster equipment and improve public hospital facilities. Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, announced on Friday that $902,080 was being provided for laprascopic towers, as well as $734,791 for an air handling unit replacement. Ms Symes said the lapras-

Hospital p equipment q p to improve p imaging, g g, tumor detection

copic towers will provide advanced imaging, improved tumour detection, improved reporting to governance bodies, improved recording of patient clinical information and procedural efficiency and surgical through-put. She said the project were among 128 across rural and regional Victoria sharing

in more than $70 million through the government’s Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF). Other recipients across Northern Victoria are: • Alpine Health – Myrtleford, Bright and Mt Beauty sites to receive $50,000 for air quality improvement and COVID filtration airflow

upgrade; and $482,536 for Xray equipment upgrades at all three sites; • Walwa Bush Nursing Centre to receive $424,430 to upgrade nursing and general practitioner accommodation; • Beechworth Health Service to receive $454,800 for floor covering replacement; and $350,000 for building

fabric upgrade and rectification works; • Corryong Health to receive $310,638 for the renewal of day procedure equipment; • Tallangatta Health Service to receive $250,000 to develop a Primary Care Centre; and • Albury Wodonga Health to receive $482,760 for a

compliance project and $926,329 for upgrades and maintenance. “These new projects right across Northern Victoria are about ensuring the community continues to receive modern and effective care,” Ms Symes said. “Through the RHIF, we’re supporting health services deliver tailored solutions that are best suited to their patients and staff.”

Council strategy backed by State Government cash THE State Government will help bankroll a new Recreation and Open Space Strategy for the Rural City of Wangaratta. Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, has confirmed a $40,000 grant to council towards the cost of the strategy. Ms Symes said the funding was part of around $1 million in grants for various North East projects flowing for the Victorian Budget to deliver new and improved community sports infrastructure and programs to boost participation in local sports clubs and organisations. Other grant funding announced on Friday included: • $300,000 to Chiltern Tennis Club towards the redevelopment of courts and new clubrooms; • $220,313 for Baarmutha Park sports facilities in Beechworth to install floodlighting; • $150,000 for Tangam-

balanga Active Park Pump Track; • $150,000 for Wahgunyah Pump Track; • $30,000 for the planning and design at Butson Park sports facility redevelopment in Yackandandah; • $45,000 for a new equine arena and fencing at the Tintaldra Recreation Reserve; • $40,000 for Wodonga Master Planning Project to identify the needs of individual precincts at Diamond Park, Gateway Lakes and Martin Park; and • $30,000 for Bright Skate Park upgrade concept design. Ms Symes acknowledged the councils and clubs for their commitment and financial contribution to these projects. “This is a great investment in community infrastructure and will go a long way to support the growing number of people in the area keen to get involved in local sport and recreation,” she said.

THE ART SHOW GOES ON: The annual King Valley Art Show remains open to the public today, from 10am to 5pm, at King River Brewing, on the Wangaratta-Whitfield Road just before the Whitfield township. The exhibition, with 300 works of art, made a triumphant return over the weekend, with several hundred people enjoying the gala opening on Friday evening. Pictured are King Valley Arts committee member Suz Christison (left) and judge Richard Lewer at the gala night, which was opened by Indi Independent MP Helen Haines (pictured centre with King Valley Arts secretary Tori Ferguson). Further coverage in Wednesday’s Chronicle. PHOTO: Samantha Caddey

Looking to lift capacity at garden, waste processing facility THE Rural City of Wangaratta has received a $160,000 State Government grant for design works to increase capacity at council’s garden and waste processing facility.

Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, confirmed on Friday that the funding was one of three grants in the North East through the latest round of the Regional Infrastructure Fund and In-

vestment Fast Track Fund. Also funded was $20,000 to replace Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre’s aging roof, and $324,493 for Bellbridge Boathouse at Lake Hume. Ms Symes said 38

projects in rural and regional communities had shared in $20 million in funding to unlock more jobs and help make regional Victorian an even better place to live, work and visit.

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FLOODED AGAIN: Moderate flooding of the Ovens River again had Apex Park looking like a lake yesterday. PHOTO: Jeff Zeuschner

Moderate flooding expected to remain as further rain forecast for catchment THE Great Alpine Road at Wangaratta remained closed over the weekend as moderate flooding of the Ovens and King rivers persisted following rainfall in the catchments on Friday. Apex Park, which was all but free of floodwaters on Friday, transformed into another murky lake,

as the adjoining Ovens River peaked at a river height of 12.52 yesterday. The Bureau of Meteorology said the river at Wangaratta is likely to remain above the moderate flood level (12.40m) today. It said renewed rises are likely from rainfall forecasts of up to 20mm-

25mm today and 10mm15mm tomorrow. The bureau said moderate flooding of the King River at Docker Road bridge yesterday was likely to see renewed rises from today with forecast rain through the catchment. For the latest flood warnings and advice go to the bom website.

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Page 6 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, October 31, 2022

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NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.

Jazz revival with a surprising new beat IT was different, but the weekend’s Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues was an important revival of what has been a mainstay in our city for three decades. Certainly, after an absence of almost four years of an in-person event the fact the festival was back was greatly appreciated by loyal fans, musicians, the wider jazz and blues industry, and the local tourism industry. The biggest and most obvious difference lamented by some in the local community was the absence of a public, outdoor, free venue. Weather and safety conditions had unfortunately rendered several previous outdoor spaces impractical. And with current security requirements and other costs pushing the price tag of a Reid/Ford Street free outdoor stage to over $100,000, the financial sustainability of reviving such a free component seems unrealistic. The traditional free community stage condensed down to Sunday at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre - did provide accessible entertainment. It is clear that the festival, like many events run by volunteers, will continue to face challenges and must adapt and evolve. Part of that is continuing to find new partners, such as the Wangaratta High School, which provided a superb venue for the Blues program, surprising many within the community. While there will be critics, all those that have been involved in the festival helping to bring it to fruition - should be congratulated on their efforts. And for those with advice on how to make it better, why not step up and volunteer.

FACEBOOK users commented on the new town signs greeting people at the entrance of the Rural City of Wangaratta, including the development that the Tarrawingee sign had been printed the wrong shade of yellow.

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Missy Jean: Just do them blue like the Wangaratta shire sign Gemma Duursma: Missy Jean Springhurst is red

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Missy Jean: Gemma Duursma oh really, I haven’t seen that, I imagine that’s looks better than the yellow Gemma Wyllie: They’re all hideous but, how this safety concern managed to get past every vetting stage is what blows my mind. Tim Cole-Jarred: Wrong shade… you can’t even see them say or night. Brendan James: What a *sign* of the times. Na Um: Give it a month for the grass to grow and

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you wont see it. Hanny Bongers: Put the old ones back Ashley Clough: Surely a proof was created. Samples done. Colours agreed upon. Signs made. Signs delivered . Signs Installed Signed off on by Council. Invoice paid. And at no point during the entire multiple month process did anyone stand back and say ‘ gee that colour doesn’t work’? Amazing.

Facebook users also commented on the Bully’s

Barbershop initiative ‘funky shirt Friday’ which sees Bully’s staff don a funky shirt each Friday to help raise awareness and start conversations around mental health.

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Wangaratta Kennel & Obedience Dog Club Inc.: Great work to you all Harry Hawkins: Bill Mack can’t wait to see urs Kate Maher: Bec Van D Heyden we talked about this...! Bec Van D Heyden: Kate Maher omg yes!

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$4700 raised to help people in Timor Leste

Should the Federal Budget have included more measures to address rising household cost of living pressures?

THE Wangaratta Friends of Lacluta committee would like to thank everyone who supported our recent open gardens fundraiser and helped to make it a very successful day. We raised $4700 on the event. All of that money will go towards our education and health projects in the subdistrict of Lacluta in Timor Leste. We have already started planning for next year's event. It will be held on Sunday, October 22. We have a garden confirmed in Tarrawingee. We would like to have two more gardens in the Wangaratta and Tarrawingee district to open to the public. If you have any interest in offering your garden, please contact me on 0437271480 to discuss it further. John Bradford, open gardens convenor, Wangaratta Friends of Lacluta

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$7m ‘hospital’ pledge I WAS interested to read about $7 million dollars being pledged by Tim McCurdy (Ovens Valley MP) to have a look about for a new Wangaratta public hospital site should the Coalition win office at the November state election. If that is true, myself and a couple of mates would do it for nothing and use the $7 million to get rid of potholes, a second river crossing, and tourist information centre that caravans and motorhomes can get to easily, and also get rid of parking meters altogether. We reckon the old airport runway would be a good place to start looking Tim. Save $7 million too. Also while I'm wound up, lets get rid of those terrible town signs too - go into outback towns in NSW and Queensland and have a look at how it's done. Having said all that, Wangaratta is a great place with a great council and council workers, and is a great place to live and have kids. Would not live anywhere else. Stan Stewart, Wangaratta

Good luck to all our year 12 students AS the year draws to a close, I would like to wish all the best to year 12 students who commenced their exams, marking the

MAKING A SPLASH: Appin Park Primary School students (from left) Luke Welch, Chevy Hall, Toby Lawler and Liam Cooper took to the lanes at Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre late last week, as part of a school excursion as the school year begins to wind down. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling culmination of their educational journey. Many students may have already started music, drama, and language exams, and I congratulate them for the hard work they have put into those exams. I know that year 12 students will have mixed feelings as they enter what marks the beginning of their final school journey. I wish them all the very best of luck as they undertake their exams. Everyone has different goals and expectations around their results, and I hope that every student is able to achieve them. Our students are the future in an everchanging world where new opportunities arise all the time. I remind all year 12 students to feel incredibly proud for how far you've come, and just how much you have achieved in the last 12 months, let alone 12 years. At the end of the day, your result does not define who you are as a person, and there are many pathways to get where you want to be. All the best for the remaining exams, and congratulations on reaching the end of an era. Tim McCurdy, Nationals MP for Ovens Valley

Sharing knowledge of “Caring for Country” WANGARATTA Landcare and Sustainability Inc will hold its annual general meeting at the Vine Hotel on November 16, with dinner available from 6pm, and the meeting starting from 7pm. Guest speakers will be Uncle Dozer Atkinson and Jiarra Atkinson who will have a conversation about - “Caring for Country – a shared understanding and walking together side by side”. Ann Brain, WLSI secretary

WE welcome your letters to the Editor. Priority is given to typed/emailed letters under 250 words. Every letter must have your full name, address and a daytime phone contact number supplied for verification purposes. Any letter may be edited for reasons of space, content or legibility. Email edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au

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THE CHRONICLE, Monday, October 31, 2022 - Page 7

Makeover a positive change ‘Kitchen Nightmares’ has provided a fresh lease of life for restaurant owners

IT may h have b been stressful at times, but a reality show appearance on Channel Seven’s ‘Kitchen Nightmares’ has been beneficial, according to Bulls Head Hotel’s Belinda Sorrensen. The Murphy Street venue appeared on the new series on Wednesday last week, with Belinda and husband Mark, owners of the pub for the last 22 years, given feedback on their business from celebrity chef Colin Fassnidge. The kitchen operated until 7pm on Wednesday, to enable staff to gather with family, friends and supporters in the Bulls Head and watch the episode as it screened across Australia. “The majority of the comments have been really great; I understand it's going to draw some negativity, but at least that means people were watching,” Belinda said. She said overall, the business’s involvement in the series had been positive, enabling a renovation and even

BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

drawing visitors from the freeway to check out the venue they’d seen mentioned in advertising promotions for the show. “The amount of people who have stopped by to have a look has been unbelievable,” Belinda said. “It’s actually attracted a lot of people who have said they’d never come in to Wangaratta before, but decided to after seeing it mentioned. “I think it’s human curiosity that makes you want to go and see what it’s really like. “This is such a beautiful town, and I’m really grateful that we’ve brought our kids up here, so if it brings 10 people to town who might not otherwise have dropped in, I’m happy for the show to have achieved that. “We love living in the North East, and the chance to put Wangaratta out there

WORTH THE EXPERIENCE: Belinda and Mark Sorrensen in their renovated Murphy Street hotel, which was the subject of last week’s episode of ‘Kitchen Nightmares’. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling is a really positive thing. “Even having the 25 people in the film crew here for a week has to be a good thing, and they made Wangaratta look beautiful on screen.

“At the end of the day, we needed help, and it has helped us.” Belinda said the business would continue to run the menu suggested by Fassnidge for at least

a fortnight after the screening. She said she was extremely happy with the makeover to the hotel. “And Colin was great fun,” Belinda said.

At the end of the day, we needed help, and it has helped us. - Belinda Sorrensen

EXCITED: Vicki Paris, happy to be camping at the showgrounds, was rapt to be at her 10th jazz festival on the weekend. PHOTO: Jeff Zeuschner

Jazz fans happy to call showgrounds their temporary home during festival By JEFF ZEUSCHNER DIE-HARD jazz fan Vicki Paris was among those happy to call the Wangaratta Showgrounds her home away from home, while savouring the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues over the weekend. The Healesville pensioner and her campervan were unable to be accommodated at their usual haunt of Painters Island Caravan Park, which remained closed due to ongoing flooding from the Ovens River. “It’s a shame for the caravan

park, but we’re very thankful for the Wangaratta Lions Club arranging things at the showgrounds,” she said. “We’ve got power, toilets, and hot showers...it’s a beautiful spot. “And it’s also very handy as it’s halfway between the two main venues (at the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre and Wangaratta High School).” Wangaratta Lions Club president Michael Everard said there were around 20 caravanners/campers who'd made the showgrounds their temporary home, with

club members helping provide breakfasts and catering over the weekend. “It’s the community thing to do, we saw that Painter Island was closed so we were happy to be looking after the visitors,” he said. The weekend event was the 10th festival for Ms Paris, and she was rapt to have it on back in person after its three year hiatus. “As a pensioner this is a very affordable weekend festival, and I love all the jazz, particularly being able to see and hear international artists,” she said.

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Oxley set to host an operatic twist on the Cinderella story Across the arts

LYSTER Opera is bringing its La Cenerentola tour to the Oxley Shire Hall on November 12 at 2pm. The opera is Rossini’s hilarious take on the Cinderella story, La Cenerentola, and is considered by many to have some of opera’s finest writing for solo voice and ensembles. The title role of Angelina is being played by emerging mezzo-soprano Alexandra Mathew while acclaimed tenor Hew Wagner plays her handsome prince, Romiro. Wangaratta Chronicle journalist Belinda Harrison spoke to Alexander and Hew ahead of next month’s performance. When did your interest in music or opera start and how did you go about pursing a career in it? Alexandra Mathew (AM): I've always loved singing and music in general which, growing up, was encouraged by my classicalmusic-loving mum. When I was taking VCE music I studied with an amazing classically-trained singing teacher who introduced me to a wealth of beautiful vocal music and encouraged me to pursue tertiary-level music studies and I’ve continued working stubbornly at my singing through inevitable knockbacks, setbacks and periods of stasis, as well as triumphs and successes. Hew Wagner (HW): I was the kid who sang in every choir and at every opportunity I could growing up and I’ve always loved music in a wide range of genres. When I was finishing school, I had some amazing teachers who identified something in my voice that would suit singing

BELLE OF THE BALL: Mezzo-soprano Alexandra Mathew takes on the title role of Cinderella (Angelina). opera. I studied at the Elder Conservatorium of Music at the University of Adelaide and went on to be part of the Young Artist program at the State Opera of South Australia. Is this your first tour and role? AM: No, I have had a number of small roles such as Dritte Knabe in Mozart’s The Magic Flute (China tour 2016) but Angelina certainly is the most substantial role that I've performed and it has been an enjoyable challenge learning and memorising something this sizeable. HW: I’ve performed with a variety of opera companies in Victoria and South Australia and toured through regional Australia, Malaysia and China. Some of my favourite

roles have included Ernesto in Don Pasquale, Balthasar Zorn in Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg and Hoffman in Tales of Hoffman. What do you love about performing opera and performing for regional audiences? AM: Performing opera is an opportunity to escape from reality and delve into another time and place and immerse myself in another character. For this particular production, it’s been a lot of fun learning and rehearsing Rossini’s effervescent music, which I hope will uplift and entertain audiences. HW: Regional audiences are the best audiences and it’s great to perform in intimate venues as opposed to

HANDSOME GUY: Acclaimed tenor Hew Wagner plays prince Romiro. the massive theatres in the cities where the audience feels so far away. Have you been to the North East previously? AM: I’ve actually performed quite a few times in the North East at Wangaratta (Anglican) Cathedral during a Trinity College Choir tour in 2006 to the Three Choirs Festival performance of Handel’s Messiah in 2019. I love performing in this part of Victoria, both for the beautiful setting and the warm reception of the local audiences. HW: I have really fond memories of family holidays to Bright, of performing in Madam Butterfly in Yackandandah with Co-Opera in 2014 and we performed Don Pasquale in Oxley earlier this year.

Which singers have influenced your career? AM: Although she died well before I was born, I’ve always felt very inspired by my opera-singing greatgrandmother Julie Russell, who received singing lessons from Nellie Melba and had her own radio show on Sydney’s 2GB. In 2018 I completed a Master’s thesis on the music Benjamin Britten composed for British singer Kathleen Ferrier and I loved learning about her strong work ethic and down-to-earth temperament despite her international fame and success. I also enjoy listening to recordings of Teresa Berganza, Agnes Baltsa and Frederica von Stade for their

beautiful, individual voices and musical intelligence. HW: I think every tenor would like to sing a bit more like Pavarotti but Jussi Bjorling, Francisco Araiza and Lawrence Brownlee are just incredible. What can the audience expect from this production? AM: Lively, glorious music, a few laughs and some joyfully outlandish and colourful costumes. HW: It’s a really fun version of the Cinderella story with great music, some spectacular singing and a few twists you might not expect. • To book your tickets to La Cenerentola on November 12, visit www.trybooking.com/ events/landing/941038.

October setting new rainfall records across country AS this month draws to a close many places have recorded their wettest October on record, not only in Victoria but to as far north as Emerald in outback Queensland which received 151mms - its most in 140 years of records. Springsure which has 157 years of records has received it's wettest October on record with 217mm , including a record three day total of 184mms. October rainfall records were set at Moree with 211mm, breaking the previous record of 195mm in 1954 - with 107.8mm on October 21 breaking the previous record daily fall for October of 106.7mm in 1954. Nearby towns did have heavy rain in October 1954 and this did set up very

WHAT’S UP WITH THE WEATHER?

By Peter Nelson, Retired CSIRO climatologist heavy rain from late October to the second week of December 1954 over most of Victoria, with frequent thunderstorms bringing flash flooding. Actually the summer of 1954-55 in Victoria was warmer than usual but cooler than normal in NSW. The following stations have recorded their wettest October on record as well as the wettest ever month: Renmark 169mm in 133 years of record; Bendigo 228.4mm in 160 years of

WET OCTOBER: Constant rainfall this month has seen floods and many new records set across the country. records; Swan Hill 157mm in 138 years of records; and Echuca 190mm was the third wettest month behind March 1950 and January 1974 in 163 years of records. March of 1950 was noteworthy for major floods along the Goulburn River system and a few weeks

later in early April 1950 there were major floods in East Gippsland and also in the central west of NSW. The last three months has been very wet at places in North East Victoria closer to the ranges. Whitfield has received 743mm since the beginning

of August and this is the wettest August to October period in 120 years of records. Other very wet August to October periods at Whitfield were in 1917, 1955 and 1975. To date the yearly total at Whitfield has reached 1413mm and could break the 1917 record wet year when 1946mm was recorded. October was the fifth successive month of below normal maximum temperatures over a large area of the nation being about two degrees over most of Victoria and up to three degrees below normal in NSW and outback Queensland. During the past week or so maximum temperatures have been notably above the October normal over northern WA and adjacent

district in the Carpentaria area. At Wyndham and Victoria Downs the highest temperature reached 44.5 degrees on October 21, which was almost a record high for October. Previous very high October temperatures were in 1953, 1984, 1987, 1993, 2002, 2005, 2011 and last year. Out of these episodes 1987, 1993, 2011 and last year did set up a summer season wetter than usual in Victoria. Most of these eight cases did see a brief burst of very hot days in December, early in January and hot spells during the third and fourth weeks of January in Victoria topping 40 degrees, but February tended to be cooler and wetter than usual.

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THE CHRONICLE, Monday, October 31, 2022 - Page 9

FEDERAL BUDGET

Shortfall on equity, care and wellbeing measures WA N G A R AT TA - b a s e d gender equity organisation, Women’s Health Goulburn North East (WHGNE), has welcomed elements of the federal budget, but said it still neglected to fund some equity, care and wellbeing measures that a pandemicweary public now expected of government. Amanda Kelly, chief executive officer of WHGNE, cited the inclusion of the Women’s Budget Statement, in addition to the prioritisation of investment in care and the implementation of the newly released National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children, as positive additions to last week’s budget. “We’re very pleased to see the inclusion of a comprehensive Women’s Budget Statement which explores the impacts of the budget on all women, from diverse com-

munities and different backgrounds, so crucial to achieving gender equality that is equitable and fair,” she said. “We’re particularly pleased to see the consideration of women escaping family violence in the formulation of housing investment decisions. “The approach to the prevention of gendered violence is effective and evidencebased, but if we are serious about ending gender-based violence within a generation, we must significantly increase investment in the resources and services necessary to facilitate the approach.” Ms Kelly said that the women’s health sector had long advocated for increased access to early childhood education and care and paid parental leave as central to achieving gender equity. “While the government’s

STEPPINGSTONE: Amanda Kelly was pleased about the Women’s Budget Statement that is another step towards gender equality. $4.7 billion investment to mitigate childcare costs is a positive step forward, WHGNE would prefer to see investment in free, universal childcare to provide carers more choice,” she said. “Similarly, while the extension of Paid Parental Leave to 26 weeks is critical to efforts ensuring care is shared, we would have liked to see this change immediately, rather than incrementally.” Despite the Federal Government's discourse around prioritising a wellbeing economy, WHGNE said it would have liked to see

more ambitious steps. “More people in our communities recognise that equity, care and connection are fundamental to our collective wellbeing,” Ms Kelly said. “We are disappointed that there is no increase in the Jobseeker payment, despite calls from social justice groups across the country. “People who rely on this payment are struggling with the rising cost of living and many are falling below the poverty line.” While people struggling financially were given no reprieve, high income earn-

ers will benefit through the controversial stage-three tax cuts - despite organisations like WHGNE urging reconsideration prior to the release of the budget. “It’s disappointing to see that the stage-three tax cuts made it into this budget. “Some $254 billion of extra funding would have been more equitably spent on investment in public infrastructure.” Ms Kelly said the newly announced Housing Accord was a positive step towards addressing the housing crisis, however, government

needed to phase out the highly gendered taxation settings that favoured high income earning housing investors. “Things like negative gearing and capital gains tax enable people to accumulate enormous wealth, while others in our community cannot afford a roof over their heads,” she said. “Government must pour more resources and investment into supporting people into secure, climate-safe, long-tenured, accessible, appropriate and socially connected rental homes.”

Five year plan on housing shortage, job vacancies welcomed REGIONAL Australia Institute (RAI) has welcomed the federal budget’s commitment to build one million new homes over five years. The institute has been the leading voice calling for action on bolstered public and private sector investment in regional housing. RAI chief executive officer Liz Ritchie said the budget directly advanced the RAI's recently released Regionalisation Ambition 2032 - a decadal framework to ‘rebalance the nation’ with critical investments in housing; skills; regional health, innovation and productivity. She said unprecedented region-

al market tightness is frustrating the attraction of new people to the regions and contributing to an unprecedented 93,000 job vacancies in the regions - almost one third of the nation's entire internet-advertised jobs on offer. “The collaboration by all levels of government and the residential development, building and construction sectors, through a new Housing Accord is welcomed,” Ms Ritchie said. “As is the Regional First Home Buyers Guarantee, an initiative recommended by the RAI, in its Building the Good Life, regional housing

discussion paper released in March.” Ms Ritchie said the RAI expected that at least one third of the investment in the government’s touted ‘well located new homes’ including, affordable and social housing, would be directed to regional areas with acute housing shortages. To address the regions’ jobs and skills challenges, the RAI welcomed a $1 billion investment in fee-free VET places plus 20,000 new university places with a focus on rural, remote and Indigenous Australians. Regional Australians continue to experience reduced access to general practitioners, specialists

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and allied health professionals, when compared to their capitalcity counterparts. Ms Ritchie congratulated the government’s $146 million investment over four years to build the rural health workforce, including with a focus on obstetrics, anaesthetics, surgery, mental health and paediatrics and the training of junior doctors in place in regions. The budget also includes an additional $656 million for the Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia, which will advance the RAI’s goal to improve the digital inclusion score of regional

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Now into its 43rd year of music making, VicWelsh (led by Faleiry Koczkar OAM and Rushan Hewawasam, and accompanied by Lorna Ogilvie) is a traditional Welsh male voice choir, singing in four-part harmony and presenting about twenty concerts a year mainly in Victoria. Performing hymns, ballads, show tunes, arias and Celtic favourites that raise the roof in chapels and concert halls from Bangor to Bairnsdale, the choir is well known for its professionalism, humour and entertaining engagement with audiences young and old alike.

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Australians to 73 or above, equal to metropolitan Australia. “The RAI is also encouraged by the government's plan to direct $15 billion to a National Reconstruction Fund to diversify Australian industry with a focus on key areas including agriculture, fisheries and forestry, resources and renewable and low emissions technology,” Ms Richie said. “Critically and appropriately the government has directed $3 billion to help communities and industries impacted by the past and current flood emergency and to mitigate potential disaster loss and damage.”

Wangaratta Chronicle Victoria Welsh Choir Competition 37 Rowan Street Wangaratta VIC 3677

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Entries Close: 5pm Wednesday November 9th ÞŃŦŦĞƙơ ėƙóǎŦ óƭ ƙóŦėŲŤɔ tóŦóķĞŤĞŦƭʀơ ėĞĐŃơŃŲŦ Ńơ ȊŦóśɔ vŲ ĐŲƙƙĞơƖŲŦėĞŦĐĞ ǎŃśś ďĞ ĞŦƭĞƙĞė ŃŦƭŲɔ ¦ƙŃǞĞ ŦŲƭ ƙĞėĞĞŤóďśĞ ĶŲƙ Đóơľ Ųƙ óďśĞ ƭŲ ďĞ ƙĞɲơŲśėɔ ŦĞ ĞŦƭƙǔ ƖĞƙ ƖĞƙơŲŦɔ

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ARAPAHO (FR) Trainer: Bjorn Baker Jockey: Ms Rachel King Barrier: 19 Weight: 52.5kg

....................................................

Trainer: Symon Wilde Jockey: Dean Yendall Barrier: 22 Weight: 51.5kg

DRAWN BY:

66 NEWMAN STREET, WANGARATTA

5722 2111

....................................................

www.arsw.com.au

INTERPRETATION (IRE)

DRAWN BY:

....................................................

w w w. t a r r a p u b . c o m . a u

....................................................

REALM OF FLOWERS

PFG AUSTRALIA

DEALER OF THE YEAR

Trainer: Anthony & Sam Freedman Jockey: Damien Thornton Barrier: 5 Weight: 50kg

Phone: (03) 5722 9933 271 Tone Road Wangaratta VIC 3677

PROUDLY SUPPORTING LOCAL WINE, BEER & SPIRIT PRODUCERS *, <gZiV GY" LVc\VgViiV

TRALEE ROSE (NZ)

Trainer: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Jockey: Ms Jamie Kah Barrier: 16 Weight: 51.5kg

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....................................................

DRAWN BY:

....................................................

Trainer: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Jockey: Craig Newitt Barrier: 6 Weight: 50kg

....................................................

Phone Dave

....................................................

Trainer: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Jockey: Teo Nugent Barrier: 8 Weight: 50kg

DRAWN BY:

GRAND PROMENADE (GB)

DRAWN BY:

5753 3112

admin@midlandfreight.com.au

Trainer: James Ferguson Jockey: Kerrin McEvoy Barrier: 9 Weight: 55kg

....................................................

freight people

DEAUVILLE LEGEND (IRE)

....................................................

Trainer: Danny O’Brien Jockey: Damian Lane Barrier: 21 Weight: 54kg

Your local

DRAWN BY:

SMOKIN’ ROMANS (NZ)

LUNAR FLARE

DEALER OF THE YEAR

Trainer: Michael Moroney Jockey: Patrick Moloney Barrier: 3 Weight: 51.5kg

West End Lotto & Wool Shop

YOUNG WERTHER (NZ)

DAQIANSWEET JUNIOR (NZ)

SERPENTINE (IRE)

Wouldn’t it be nice

Trainer: David Payne Jockey: Jason Collett Barrier: 11 Weight: 55.5kg

CAMORRA (IRE)

VOW AND DECLARE

DRAWN BY:

MONTEFILIA

LET’S PLAY!

Trainer: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Jockey: Tim Clark Barrier: 24 Weight: 55.5kg

w w w. t a r r a p u b . c o m . a u

....................................................

STOCKMAN (NZ)

DRAWN BY:

....................................................

Trainer: Robert Hickmott Jockey: John Allen Barrier: 23 Weight: 53.5kg

KNIGHTS ORDER (IRE)

THE PLOUGH INN TA R R A W I N G E E

Trainer: Edward Cummings Jockey: Hugh Bowman Barrier: 10 Weight: 55.5kg

Trainer: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Jockey: Mark Zahra Barrier: 14 Weight: 57.5kg

DUAIS

THE PLOUGH INN TA R R A W I N G E E

GOLD TRIP (FR)

2022

DRAWN BY: ....................................................

̛̯̲̚Ύ̴̶̱̰Ύ̸̳̲̱ ̰̰̯ΎƟɀȳɂȯΎƪȽȯȲ˴ΎƯȯȼȵȯɀȯɂɂȯΎ̵̶̶̲ ȷȼȴȽ˲ȺɃȱȹɇȶȽɅȲȳȼ˷ȱȽȻ˷ȯɃ

5 NUMERIAN

9 STOCKMAN

13 SERPENTINE

17 EMISSARY

21 POINT NEPEAN

2 DUAIS

6 WITHOUT A FIGHT

10 VOW AND DECLARE

14 DAQIANSWEET JUNIOR

18 LUNAR FLARE

22 HIGH EMOCEAN

3 KNIGHTS ORDER

7 CAMORRA

11 YOUNG WERTHER

15 GRAND PROMENADE

19 SMOKIN’ ROMANS

23 INTERPRETATION

4 MONTEFILIA

8 DEAUVILLE LEGEND

12 HOO YA MAL

16 ARAPAHO

20 TRALEE ROSE

24 REALM OF FLOWERS

GOLD TRIP

Page 12 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, October 31, 2022

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Junior Reporter Club

CROSSWORD

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO...

6 Reid Street 67a W WANGARATTA

P: 5722 9211 P

Abbie Woodberry ............ October 31 David Robb ........................ October 31 Sonny Wallace ................ November 1

Hudson Membrey ......... November 3 Blake Ibrom .................November 4 Geordie Mellor...............November 6

This Week’s Winner of a birthday cake from Shelley’s Country Bakehouse is Blake Ibrom To be in the running to win a birthday cake from Shelley’s Country Bakehouse, join the Junior Reporter Club. Phone 5723 0100 or email bsommer@nemedia.com.au with your child’s name, address, DOB and phone number. Your address and phone number will not be printed in the Chronicle but is required to contact you should you win the cake. Birthday Book is for 1 to 14 year olds. All existing Birthday Book participants will remain eligible to win a birthday cake.

Pies, Pasties & Sausage Rolls, Salad Rolls, Breads, Cakes & Pastries, Cold Drinks & Coffee HOURS: H OUR RS S: M Mo Monday on nd day ay - F Friday riday ri da d ay 6 6.30am . - 5.30pm S Sa Saturday atu turd urrd day day ay 7. 7 7.00 7.00am .00 00am am - 2.30pm

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, October 31, 2022 - Page 13

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Ass Case Cop Dram Ears

BIYWORD

264

Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

SUDOKU

N O P P P P

R S S S S T

CROSSWORD

E E G I L N

S A P U A R

DOWN 1 Overabundance 2 Ancestry 3 Flower with a bulb 4 Sheet of insulation

BIYWORD

ACROSS 1 Smooth-talking 5 Old Italian money 6 Complex dwelling 7 Dry run

A A B C D D

SOLUTIONS

254

QUICK THINK Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

254

SUDOKU

CLUES: Additional beneﬁt (5) Breaks suddenly (5) Bristol airport code (abb) (3) December (abb) (3) General Learning Area (3) Pen friends (7) Performing (5) State Emergency Service (3) Stumbled (7) Tea or coffee (coll) (5)

21 10

L+X R-L Y-C F÷L L+C B-L C+F

WHICH WORDS: 1 (c) A right to necessaries allowed by law, 2 (a) To obtain by guile or swindling

B C F L R X Y

254

Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: ﬁve across and ﬁve down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.

E-QUATIONS

1 ESTOVER (a) An excuse for not appearing in court (b) An ornamental stand of shelves for bric-a-brac etc (c) A right to necessaries allowed by law 2 FINAGLE (a) To obtain by guile or swindling (b) To manage financially (c) To punish by fine

Some Stop Warp Woe

WHICH WORDS

inﬂate balloons (6) Through which openings do we take food (6) Name a particular synthetic polyamide (5) Which is the last letter of the Greek alphabet (5) What is a monster, commonly represented as a hideous giant (4)

Poem Pope Poser Prod Roar

E D E S T R Y K A N I N G S M O P O E N A A S E N T O R Y M E L I E F O G A N S A S

4 When one emphasises

Eats Lamp More Paw Peel

U B I T S M M A R I C K

L A M P O C

T R A M P S A E T E D I T O R I R E B O G E Y S O S V E C H E M I S E O G L A U C O I T G E U P H O R M S E

the word radar stand for (5)

17 Which gas is used to

the spitz family (6) Which mythical monster is said to spout ﬁre (6) Which Arnhem Land peninsula is a site of bauxite mining (4) Name the German chancellor (1862-1871), Otto von … (8) What is the Orient known as (4)

R E M O S A

Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.

6 Name a dog breed of

E A E A R S

MINI WORD FIND

3 What is a basic unit of

something, one does what (8) 5 Which pointed device is attached to a rider’s boot heel to goad a horse onwards (4)

DOWN 2 What does the ﬁrst letter in

measurement (5)

700-254

S T O P R E

QUICK THINK ACROSS: 1 Glib, 5 Lira, 6 Unit, 7 Test. DOWN: 1 Glut, 2 Line, 3 Iris, 4 Batt.

C U S P E D P S A

P E N P A L S

O S P R O D

D B O © T R I S N G

16 19

P R A W A P

E-QUATIONS B:21, C:10, F:9, L:3, R:13, X:18, Y:19

L A M P O C

R E M O S A

E A E A R S

S T O P R E

known as (6) Which fabric is often used for wall hangings (8) Who is responsible for the content of a newspaper (6) What are wages known as (8) Which golf scores are one over par (6) Name a writ process for the summoning of witnesses (8) What are apothecaries (8) Which term describes a wise and trusted counsellor (6) Name a disease of the eye, characterised by progressive loss of vision (8) To help people in need is to give what (6) To feel unnaturally elated, one feels what (8) Topeka is the capital of which US State (6)

254

O S P R O D

ACROSS 1 What are vagabonds

MINI WORD FIND

954

P R A W A P

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

Page 14 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, October 31, 2022

wangarattachronicle.com.au

RURAL NEWS

Anxious wait for crop growers Wet spring is keeping paddocks in region saturdated, inaccessible for machinery

By KURT HICKLING LOCAL crop growers are staring down the barrel of a season that could potentially devastate crops due to the excessive amount of rain that has fallen over winter and into spring. Farmers with crops around the Springhurst area are playing the waiting game in the hope they can salvage what is left of their crops. Low lying and flat areas are most affected with heavy soils already saturated, giving no leeway for water to drain, causing crops to rot that will cause significant damage costing farmers dearly. Baker Seeds general man-

ager Andrew Russell is playing a nervous waiting game but remaining positive as he hopes for a good outcome. “The floods are bringing high anxiety to local growers with some crops already damaged, however some crops are holding steady,” Mr Russell said. “Canola crops have been affected by floodwater which has made accessibility to crops impossible for any type of machinery to attempt to harvest due to saturated and boggy soils which further means the delay of harvesting and a risk of crops being damaged or destroyed. “Currently 30 per cent of our crops are destroyed and as time progresses with

unchanged conditions, this number will most certainly increase if we don’t get a dry spell of rain that will allow soils to dry and have traffic ability to harvest.” Mr Russell said three weeks is needed with no rain and sunny days in order to commence harvesting with current conditions being labeled as poor. He said time is against local growers and farmers not only being delayed with harvesting, but also their other seasonal work such as spraying and fencing. The Bureau of Meteorology is expecting La Nina to continue until March 2023, however, rainfall is expected to be less frequent in the coming weeks.

WAITING GAME: Growers need three weeks with no rain for soils - such as this paddock at Springhurst on Friday - to dry and allow farming equipment on the crops. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

GMW asks for customer cooperation with emergency maintenance GOULBURN-Murray Water (GMW) is asking customers to be understanding if staff visit their property after hours to conduct emergency maintenance on assets. GMW distributions services manager Greg Shannon said while staff would always attempt to phone the landowner if they needed

to visit a property outside of work hours, the timing of the maintenance work could make this difficult. “We always attempt to notify people if we need to enter their property to repair an asset, however, if an asset needs repairing at 2am, we might not always be able to reach the landowner,” he said.

“In addition to trying to contact people, our staff will be in GMW uniforms and will be carrying identification. “Our vehicles will also have GMW markings on them, and hazard lights on. “We understand it can sometimes be surprising for people to see someone on their property when

WANGARATTA CATTLE MARKET AVERAGES No. BREED 2

Ang

3 8 8 3 1

Lim Ang Ang S/H S/H

17 9 6 3 7 1 1

Ang Her Ang Angus Ang Ang X Char

PRODUCER DISTRICT BULLOCKS (550kg & over) Oswall Ang Benalla STEERS ST Goldsworthy Oxley Flats RM & LJ Forrest Corowa M Bemrose South Wang FJ Belmont Greta FJ Belmont Greta HEIFERS Lemana Park Moyhu PJ Wells Byawatha T McClounan Boorhaman WH, GM & SW Swinburne Cheshunt G Dunkley Boorhaman A Wheeler Laceby KC & GJ Manton Hansonville TRADE

TUESDAY 25TH OCTOBER 2022

AGENT

Av Wgt c/Kg

AV PRICE

NTR

655

483.2

$3,164.96

NTR NTR ELD ELD ELD

485 527 547 598 520

595.0 530.0 484.0 482.0 476.0

$2,885.75 $2,793.10 $2,647.48 $2,882.36 $2,475.20

NTR NTR NTR AWN ELD AWN AWN

440 421 562 563 615 615 545

515 510 464 457.2 455.0 450.0 440.0

$2,266.00 $2,147.10 $2,607.68 $2,574.04 $2,798.25 $2,767.50 $2,398.00

they are not expecting, but we ask that customers act respectfully when staff visit their properties to make these emergency repairs.” According to GMW, the water provider has staff available to repair assets at all times. GMW has zero tolerance of aggressive behaviour both physically and verbally towards its staff. Yelling, swearing, threats of violence, and threats with weapons are all examples of aggressive behaviour. “It is crucial to our irrigators that we are able to maintain our assets, but the safety of our staff is paramount,” Mr Shannon said. “We appreciate customers

FIXING UP: Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) is asking customers to be understanding if staff visit their property after hours to conduct emergency maintenance on assets. help and understanding as we look to ensure our water

delivery systems are efficient and reliable.”

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$0.00 LOT FED

4 1 1 1 5 2 6 8 6 9 1 1 1

$0.00 VEALERS Lim X Paul Thomas Mason Everton AWN 452 592.0 $2,675.84 Lim X ST Goldsworthy Oxley Flats NTR 445 582.0 $2,589.90 Lim X CF Reid Milawa NTR 425 578.0 $2,456.50 Lim X Kelmare P/L Edi NTR 345 560.0 $1,932.00 COWS Angus G Dunkley Boorhaman ELD 635 436.2 $2,769.87 S/H GJ Andrew Euroa NTR 790 434.6 $3,433.34 Ang Yandra Angus Euroa NTR 739 432.0 $3,192.48 Angus G Dunkley Boorhaman ELD 765 430.0 $3,289.50 BB SH & ML Thrum Greta West AWN 736 428.0 $3,150.08 Ang Bowmans Forest Bowmans Forest AWN 652 428.0 $2,790.56 BULLS Ang GA & AD McNeil P/Ship Bobinawarrah AWN 1050 350.0 $3,675.00 Ang RG Heywood & Son Murmungee NTR 1300 345.0 $4,485.00 Ang Oswall Ang Benalla NTR 910 335.0 $3,048.50 Next Sale Tuesday 1st November 2022 1: ELD 2: NTR 3: AWN 4: CP

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THE CHRONICLE, Monday, October 31, 2022 - Page 15

wangarattachronicle.com.au

IN PERSON BY PHONE BY EMAIL 37 Rowan Street, classifieds@ 5723 0101 Wangaratta nemedia.com.au 3677

WHEN TO BOOK

Chronicle Classifieds 2.30pm business day prior to print North East Jobs 3pm Friday

SELLING BUY A CAR ONLINE

2 WEEKS REGIONAL WITH PICTURE

from only $42

OPEN HOURS 9AM TO 5PM MON-FRI

General Classifieds: wangarattachronicle.com.au Employment: northeastjobs.com.au Real Estate: northeastproperty.com.au

WANGARATTA’S MARKET PLACE WITH OVER 40,000 READERS EACH WEEK IN PRINT AND ONLINE PUBLIC NOTICES

EMPLOYMENT

The office of North East Media will be closed for business on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 for the Melbourne Cup Holiday. Deadline for classified advertisements for Wednesday, November 2 edition, will be Monday, October 31 at 2.30pm. Phone 5723 0101 Email: classifieds@nemedia.com.au

CATHEDRAL COLLEGE WANGARATTA

NEW MASSAGE SHOP Lavish Wellness Centre 69 Green Street, Wangaratta Ph: 0437 725 990 F: Lavish Wellness Centre

EST 1948

For the best range and priced work boots in town 66-68 Murphy Street, Wangaratta 5721 3458

MOBILE HAIRDRESSER Cuts & Colours Wangaratta/ Beechworth Sandra Paterson 0438 218 715

LARGE 2 bedroom unit, carport, storage shed, only 2 on the block, in a quiet court, suit quiet person/couple. Ph 0427 279 526.

EMPLOYMENT

A school of The Anglican Schools Commission (Inc.)

The College seeks applications from suitably experienced persons for the following position:

Junior School (Primary) Teacher Commencing in Term One, 2023 Please refer to our website for more information. Enquiries regarding the position can be directed to Mr Greg Newbold, gnewbold@cathedralcollege.vic.edu.au. Applications are to be forwarded to: The Principal, Mr Nick Jones at principal@cathedralcollege.vic.edu.au by 5.00 pm Friday, November 4, 2022 Cathedral College Wangaratta is a Child Safe School and an Equal Opportunity Employer

discover

belong

achieve

Wangaratta Chronicle Cadet Journalist Career Opportunity Full time 38 hours per week

CLASSIFIEDS - 5723 0101

EMPLOYMENT

Wangaratta Taxis DRIVERS WANTED If you like driving, why not give driving a taxi a go!

All you need is a full drivers licence, unrestricted, be over 25 years of age, get a police check and a medical. We as a company will pay for you to get your Taxi Drivers Licence, help with lodging forms and supply a uniform for you to get started. The position is open to driving a taxi car and or a maxi taxi. Shift work is a requirement and applicants would need to be flexible with their availability as Wangaratta Taxis is a 24/7 operating service. If you want to have a go, send your resume to Wangaratta Taxis email: sixat12@bigpond.com or for enquiries phone 0407 216 025.

North East Media, publisher of the award winning Wangaratta Chronicle, is currently seeking expressions of interest from motivated candidates to join the team in Wangaratta as a cadet journalist. The cadetship is ideally suited for a Year 12 graduate. It is for three years, including course study by correspondence from Deakin University. The successful candidate will learn how to write clear, concise and interesting news, sport and feature stories for our newspaper and associated digital and social media platforms. We are searching for a budding writer who has the skills, passion and determination to be a journalist of the future.

Candidates must have excellent verbal and written English, sound computer skills, solid general knowledge, a genuine interest in the local community, and an ability to build rapport and networks quickly. You will need to be well organised, able to work to deadlines, and have strong attention to detail. Candidates must hold a valid driver’s licence, be available to work flexible hours, and photography and social media skills are desirable. North East Media is a leading independent family-owned media group with a commitment to community journalism. Applications, including covering letter and resume, should be emailed to Group Editor Jeff Zeuschner at jzeuschner@nemedia.com.au

______________classifieds@nemedia.com.au Emailyouradvert

Administration/Finance Ofﬁcer About us: Brown Family Wine Group is one of Australia’s most loved and respected wine companies built on over 130 years’ experience in quality winemaking, market leading innovation and family values that are at the heart of everything we do as a business. Our portfolio has grown over time to now include market leading wine brands such as: Devil’s Corner from the East Coast of Tasmania, Tamar Ridge and Pirie from Tamar Valley Tasmania, Innocent Bystander from the Yarra Valley and of course Brown Brothers from Milawa Victoria the spiritual home of our business. We are extremely proud to produce a brand portfolio of wines that boasts Australia’s #1 White Wine, Australia’s #1 Premium Prosecco, and Australia’s #1 Pinot Noir together with numerous award-winning wines across several varietals that consumers continue to love. At Brown Family Wine Group, we are passionate about both our quality wines and our amazing people, and we remain committed to the core family values of our company being: Wellbeing, Respect, Innovation and Pride in What We Achieve Together. We are proud that our business has recently been certified as “A Great Place to Work” and remain committed to honouring this recognition throughout all aspects of the business. What’s involved: This predominantly Accounts Receivable role involves providing financial, administrative and clerical support for the Financial Accountant and Team as part of the day to day running of the Brown Family Wine Group Finance Department. This is a full-time role, but we are open to part time for the perfect person. Some of your responsibilities will include: Ensure the company receives payments in from approved debtors as well as verifying and posting receipts and resolving any discrepancies. Assist with point-of-sale banking and receipting in cellar door and restaurants. Be a point of contact for all Accounts Receivable. Maintaining the new and existing customer address book and credit worthiness. Maintain debt controls by monitoring held order requests. Generate and distribute month account statements. Manage tenant rent and other charges and follow up outstanding debts Assist Accounts Payable with invoice entry when time allows About you: You don’t need to have experience in Finance or Accounts Receivable - we can provide you with training. What’s more important is that you have the following: Excellent organisational & communication skills. Eye for detail and the ability to think through issues. Ability to work as part of a customer focused team. Good computer skills, with proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office. Current Drivers’ License. What’s on offer: For the successful candidate we offer a great work culture, a competitive salary and generous product discounts just to name a few! Please send your application to careers@brownfwg.com.au

Looking for a change of direction? Find your next job in the classified section of the or go online anytime at

Page 16 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, October 31, 2022

wangarattachronicle.com.au

TODAY

21o

DEATH NOTICES

EMPLOYMENT

Possible thunderstorm

22o 20o 19o TUE

VINTAGE CASUALS

GLASS, Graeme Stanley 4/07/1933 – 27/10/2022 Passed away peacefully at Illoura. Much loved Dad to Gary, friend to Tanya. Papa to Kelsey and Josh. Loved and loving partner to Barbara and family, Karlyne, Chris, James, and Elise. A true gentleman with a love for life, adventure, and community values. Also well respected and befriended by the dogs in the neighbourhood.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN THE WINE INDUSTRY? WOULD YOU BE AVAILABLE FOR UP TO EIGHT WEEKS? DO YOU HAVE A GOOD LEVEL OF HEALTH AND FITNESS? If so, this may be an opportunity to join our winery team for the 2023 Vintage. About us: Brown Family Wine Group is one of Australia’s most loved and trusted wine companies. With premium vineyards in Victoria and Tasmania, our family of wines has now grown to five brands - Brown Brothers, Devil’s Corner, Pirie, Tamar Ridge, and Innocent Bystander. We are passionate about our wines and our core values of Wellbeing, Respect, Innovation and Pride in What We Achieve Together. We have been certified as “A Great Place to Work” and are committed to honouring this recognition throughout all aspects of the business

Phone (03) 5723 0100

Pair’s bronze dream

Page 11

$1.50 INC. GST

Sport

Region pitches case A $29.5m proposal to open specialist family violence court and legal services to Wangaratta is set to be put before government officials ahead of next month’s election. Local legal, community and family safety organisations have recently banded together to push for Victoria’s 15th Specialist Family Violence Court to be opened in the North East, with a formal proposal to be put before

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes and Family Violence Prevention Minister Ros Spence for consideration. Headed by Wangarattabased state MP Tania Maxwell, the Centre Against Violence and Hume Riverina Community Legal Service,

an advisory panel made up of local government officials, women’s health advocates and victim survivors met four weeks ago to establish the proposition. Crime Statistics Agency data to June 30 showed family incidents exceeded the state average by 82.1pc in Benalla, in 52.3pc in Wodonga and 50.2pc in Wangaratta in the year to June 30. The advisory panel wants a court 15 to provide services

for North East families, victim survivors and perpetrators, after the 2016 Royal Commission into Family Violence recommended the development of 14 ‘headquarter courts’ to deal with family incident and violence cases. Ms Maxwell also sought a Parliamentary Budget Office costing for the proposal which estimated $19.8m for the specialist court and $9.7m for the legal aid office in financial

years 2023-2026. “The panel has set out a compelling case for the new court and legal aid office in a proposal that I’m sending today to Victorian AttorneyGeneral Jaclyn Symes and Family Violence Prevention Minister Ros Spence,” she said. “It sets out the key reasons why a specialist family violence court is sorely needed in the North East. “These include increasing

safety for victim survivors, ensuring better support for them at court, providing magistrates with different powers to act, requiring a higher level of perpetrator accountability, delivering targeted support for them, and raising awareness about family violence and its impact, with a strong message to the community that family violence is being seriously addressed.” ■ Continued page 2

Tim McCURDY Tim McCURDY MP MP NATIONALS MEMBER FOR OVENS VALLEY NATIONALS MEMBER FOR OVENS VALLEY facebook.com/TimMcCurdyMP facebook.com/TimMcCurdyMP tim.mccurdy@parliament.vic.gov.au

tim.mccurdy@parliament.vic.gov.au

A funeral service to honour the life of Ray will be held on Wednesday November 2, 2022 at North East Funerals, 184 Greta Road, Wangaratta commencing at 1pm, followed by interment at the Wangaratta lawn cemetery.

LABORATORY ASSISTANTS: Responsibilities include routine sampling and analysis, testing of grape samples and maintaining laboratory records. Good hygiene, housekeeping and safety are essential. Previous experience in a laboratory or Year 12 chemistry study would be an advantage. To be successful in any of these positions, you must be able to work as part of a team, however there is an expectation that you can work independently in various situations.

15 Murphy St, Wangaratta VIC

(03) 6155 155721 Murphy

St, Wangaratta VIC

(03) 5721 6155

What’s on offer: Above award wages, penalty rates and eligibility to access product discounts. Training will be provided to the successful applicant. If any of these roles interest you and you believe you have the skills and Johnlove & to hear experience to be successful, then we would Proud Member of Australian Christine from you! Funeral Directors

Haddrick PleaseAssociation indicate clearly in your application which role you are applying for – Cellar Hand/Forklift Operator/ All Laboratory Assistant. Hours Position descriptions for either position may be northeastfunerals.com.au obtained by telephoning (03) 57 205 500.

GLASS

MOTOR VEHICLES

Motoring

Local News. Anytime, Anywhere, Anyhow. Page 4 - THE CHRONICLE, Friday, January

4/07/1933 – 27/10/2022 A memorial service in celebration of the life of Graeme Glass will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Friday November 4, 2022 commencing at 10.30am. No flowers by request. Graeme’s service can be viewed via livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming

Get

SOCIAL FOCUS

15, 2021 wangarattachronicle.com.au

Charge up your engines

THE CHRONICLE, Friday, January 15,

in VCE, but there are many other factors that contribute their desired outcome such as getting into a university course of their choice. Despite students dealing with adversity from the pandemic in 2020 and the touted country-city education divide, they performed reasonably well judging by the VCE study scores released by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCCA).

MEMBERS of the Northeast Radio Control Car Club gathered at Mitchell Avenue last Saturday to test their vehicles in competition. New members are always welcome. For more information contact president Matthew Johnson-Begg on 0467 974 305.  INTO HIS CARS: Gordon Flighty

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Country stacks up in VCE

A STUDENT’S ability to apply themselves during their schooling is a large part of how they perform

with his Touring Car. PHOTOS: Kieren Tilly

Wangaratta students compare admirably

ting a slightly better percentage of 40+ scores at 3.6pc compared to Cathedral’s 3.3pc. skelly@ nemedia.com.au But while Wangaratta High School had a lesser meWangaratta’s three sec- dian study score at 26, it was ondary schools stack up well better than Galen and Cathewhen compared to others dral with a 40+ percentage of across the region and even 3.9. several metropolitan counAcross the region Goulterparts across the state. burn Valley Grammar School Galen Catholic College in Shepparton had a median and Cathedral College both 35 with 21.6pc achieving achieved a median study 40+, placing it 30th best in score of 29 with Galen get- Victoria.

BY STEVE KELLY

Beechworth Secondary College had a median study score of 29, but it was its 40+ score that was a standout with 13.7pc reaching the A grade figure. Benalla P-12 College had a median study score of 26, with zero over 40+, while FCJ College Benalla had a strong median of 30 with 6pc of scores 40+. Euroa Secondary College’s dux achieved one of the highest scores in the region with a 98.55 ATAR.

Myrtleford P-12 College had a median of 28 with 3.9pc of scores 40+, while Marian College had a median of 28 with zero scores 40+. Mount Beauty Secondary College had a median of 28, with 2.7pc of scores 40+. Wodonga Senior Secondary College had a median score of 23, with 1.1pc of scores 40+, while Catholic

College Wodonga had a median of 29, with 3.2pc 40+. Yarrawonga College P-12 was a median of 28 with 3.3pc of scores 40+. The top three schools in Victoria were Bialik College in Hawthorn that had a median of 38 with 39.9pc of scores 40+, Mount Scopus Memorial College was next with 38 and 39.7pc, with Ballarat Clarendon College third with 38 and 38.4pc. For the full results visit vcaa.vic.adu.au.

Wang Repair Café returns

 REVVED UP: Northeast Radio Control Club president Matthew Johnson-Begg works on his machine in the pits.

 HOT WHEELS: Teo Valle (9) from Peechelba raced for the first time in RC Touring Class.

THE Wang Repair Café will hold its next event tomorrow at Apex Park from 8am until 12pm. The café will have some t-shirt rugs for sale as well as other items, and cash donations as well as donations of unwanted Christmas presents for them to sell would be appreciated, as the volunteer-run organisation seeks assistance to cover its operating costs and ensure its continuation. Bring items in need of repair to the park tomorrow morning where volunteers will be on hand to help bring them back to life.

 FAST TRUCK: Talon Fullerton (14) from Wangaratta with his racing truck.

SIGH OF RELIEF: After a long, tough

BORDER BUBBLE IS NOW IN PLACE

year local graduates Kayla Fisher

(left) and Amy Henderson were celebrating

their university offers yesterday. PHOTO: Kieren Tilly

Teens look to the future with uni

WANGARATTA High School year 12 graduates Kayla Fisher and Amy Henderson were among hundreds of local students, and tens of thousands around the state, who received their first round university offers yesterday. The pair are both interested in humanitarian work and development, and were offered their first choice course at their chosen universities. Kayla, 17, has been offered a

double degree in Arts and Public Policy with a major in third-world development at the Australian National University in Canberra. “I was happy with my ATAR score even if I thought I could do better but it’s been a tough year,” Kayla said. “It was difficult not having feedback from classmates because I didn’t know if I was doing okay or needed to improve. “But, I got there in the end and am

looking forward to the next step.” Amy, 18, will be doing occupational therapy at Deakin but hopes to branch into humanitarian work in third world countries. “I had hoped for a higher ATAR but I didn’t need one, I’m pretty happy with how I went,” Amy said. “Last year I really missed out on having the balance of sport and social aspects of school which really help me get through the study aspect.

offers

“The offer I received was my first choice so I’m really happy with that.

“I’ll jump straight in this year I think because my initial plans to have a gap year and travel aren’t likely now. “Eventually I want to go into allied health overseas and Kayla and I have always talked about collaborating; she’s more interested in the politics side and I’d do the health side so that could be cool.”

Musicians invited to orchestra meeting MUSICIANS interested in becoming part of a new regional orchestra being formed in Wangaratta will be meeting in the King George V Gardens on Sunday at 2.30pm. A newly formed committee, involving local violinist Sally Ross, will be in attendance and the group welcomes other potential members to come along, particularly seeking violin and flute players, a percussionist and a conductor. For more information visit the Wangaratta Arts Council on Facebook or come along to the meeting in the park on Sunday.

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Mansfield Secondary College had a median of 29 with 1.3pc of scores 40+.

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Reliving the 1968 London to Sydney rally visit

PROFESSIONAL printmaker Fleur Rendell has created an artwork for the Friends of the Wangaratta Art Gallery annual fundraising event to be held on Sunday, November 6 from 2pm4pm. All donated funds raised at the event will go towards supporting the Wangaratta Art Gallery Friends. Story page 8. PHOTO: Rhylla Morgan

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THE CHRONICLE, Monday, October 31, 2022 - Page 17

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Local people, local places

OU NO T W

...immerse yourself in the region

Page 18 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, October 31, 2022

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SPORT

Ovens and King FNL board set to farewell four long-time servants THE Ovens and King Football Netball League Board will begin a period of transition at the upcoming annual general meeting. Coming to the end of their three-year terms are OKFNL board chairperson Peter Byrne, the board’s financial director Stuart Hutchinson, as well as the resignations of deputy chair John Muraca and community member Peter Hines. Mr Byrne has been OKFNL chair since 2010, was an inaugural member of the OKFNL board in 2006 and has been a delegate to the league since 1989. “The main thing in my time; it’s not my time really - it’s the board members, it is important to have an independent board to represent each club equally,” he said. “A few things stand out - firstly, the partnership between football and netball becoming one as the Football Netball League, the mergers with the Benalla and District FL with the VCFL, the preseason carnival of the new teams with equal prizemoney for both netball and football teams. “The board oversaw the purchase of defibrillators for all clubs; that was well before it was thought of. “It would be remiss of me to not mention the work the board and the club presidents did to help guide us through the COVID-19 pandemic - to be able to communicate effectively with them was a major benefit to us as we led as best we could in uncertain times. “The board kept meeting consistently through the pandemic via Zoom which helped us update clubs as

JOB DONE: Peter Byrne (left) and Stuart Hutchinson, along with John Muraca and Peter Hines, have stepped down from the board of the Ovens and King FNL. soon as we could; I think we came out the other side in a good position. “In ending, a new true logo to represent both netball and football, as well as the netball uniform guidelines to help maximise participation. “I also want to say a thank you to Sandy Thomas. “As the inaugural league manager in 2005 Sandy did a lot of work for the league to get the football and netball underneath one banner governed by independent elected board members, as well as all the support of the AFL North East Border administrators since then.” The league thanks Mr Byrne for the service. It also acknowledges and extends thanks to the con-

tributions of John Muraca, an inaugural OKFNL board member as chairman in 2006 and a stalwart of the league for 40 years as a club delegate for Whorouly FNC as well as president; Stuart Hutchinson was also an inaugural board member as the financial director, and to the services of Peter Hines whose contributions to the league and interleague are deeply valued over eight years as well as their families after decades of service to our local league. Mr Muraca said the support of the league board members was pivotal. “I just loved doing the job - I met a lot of long-time friends,” he said. “Getting the Ovens and King FNL league to play

their grand final in town, as well as becoming one with the netball league - we were the first league to do it in the region - at the start we had great support from Fay Morgan. “My long standing relationship with Peter Byrne and Stuart Hutchinson has certainly helped me in the role. “I have just enjoyed every minute of it.” Mr Hines was a keen organiser of interleague, and enjoyed the behind the scenes governance of the league. “I came in on the back of involving myself in interleague, we were able to beat all interleague teams in the region in the last eight years - the involvement in that was

fantastic,” Hines said. “To be a part of the board governing the rules and regulations; it’s a bit like an umpire - sometimes it isn’t going to please everyone with the decisions that were made but as an independent board it is important to have that equality. “The relationship with the AFL North East Border and the time that is put into run the league by volunteers and paid workers is huge.” As an inaugural board member, Stuart Hutchinson has been elected as financial director of the board since its inception and helped guide the league to a strong enough position to negotiate its way through COVID impacted seasons. “Being a member of the

board I have found to be a great way to give back to the O&K community,” Hutchinson said. “I have made friendships with members of the board, as well as club committee members which was very rewarding when I attended matches.” Hutchinson said sound decision making by the board was crucial to ensure the league remained financial. “As the financial director there has been a great sense of achievement in being able to get the league into a strong financial position and then maintain that,” he said. “This can only be achieved by making sound and tough decisions at the right time.” In closing, Hutchinson thanked members of the board for their hard work over the past 16 years. “I would like to congratulate Jenny Wyllie and Trish Hogan on their tireless work over the time with the introduction of under 15s and B Reserve grade netball - a strengthening of the league,” he said. “I would also like to give a huge congratulations to Peter Byrne for an outstanding contribution to the Ovens and King FNL; most people wouldn’t comprehend the hours that Peter has put in with dealing with administrators from AFLNEB, AFL Victoria, other district league presidents as well as OKFNL club presidents to help keep the OKFNL at the forefront of competition.” The Ovens and King Football Netball League’s Annual General Meeting will be held on November 28, 2022 at 6pm at the Wangaratta Club.

Rains sees third strike for cricket season opener WANGARATTA and District Cricket Association secretary Wayne Cooper said ground conditions across the region were unfortunate, but they can‘t control the weather. Round three of the WDCA season, scheduled for last weekend, was cancelled on Thursday afternoon due to 16 venues across the area being unavailable and the remaining available venues all saturated with under–prepared turf wickets. The season, originally scheduled for an October 15 start, has yet to see a delivery bowled. “In the past we‘ve had seasons where maybe two of the first three have been washed out before, so it‘s not unusual to have washouts early in the year,” Cooper said. “What‘s been unusual is it‘s been three in a row, and with more wet weather forecast

this week, we‘ll do our best to get started. “The feedback from some clubs is because there‘s been a lot of rain they haven‘t been able to train properly, so it‘s definitely been interrupted. “At Benalla it‘s been worse with flooding, whereas at a club like Rutherglen with the under–cover facility, we‘ve trained right through and haven‘t missed any. “It‘ll just make more people keen when it starts.” The WDCA has traditionally aimed for an October start to the season, but with the washed–out rounds, the league is heading for one of its latest starts ever. With the exception of last season, which began late on November 6 due to COVID restrictions (with its own share of washed–out early matches), every season for the past 10

years has got underway on or before October 23. Cooper said the WDCA was working with clubs to possibly make changes to the fixture down the road. “The WDCA has sent out an email to clubs for feedback on draw options and whether we need to change them,” he said. “Potentially, playing one– dayers up to Christmas to get a full round in is one of the options, so we‘ve asked for club feedback on that. “A lot of other competitions in Victoria are doing the same. “We‘re working with clubs for draw options for the remainder of the season.” The association will meet next week, but in the meantime, cricketers will be praying for blue skies and sunny weather so round four this weekend can get underway.

A WAITING GAME: Cricketers endured a third straight washed–out round of matches over the weekend. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, October 31, 2022 - Page 19

SPORT

Fresh faces to lead King Valley

READY TO HOP: New King Valley co-coaches Jack Davies (left) and Tony Ciancio are working on lifting the Roos to the heights of the Ovens and King league. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

KING Valley has laid the groundwork for a strong season on the football field, with the appointment of cocoaches to the senior side. Jack Davies and Tony Ciancio will lead the Valley through the 2023 season, taking over from Jarrod Branson. A well-known family name within the club, Davies joined from Wangaratta Rovers for the back half of the 2022 season, while Ciancio enjoyed his first year back in the blue and white in 10 years. “’Tekka’ (Jarrod Branson), the coach last year, stood down and left a vacancy,” Davies said. “Tony Ciancio, the other co-coach, came to me with the idea - ‘I’m pretty keen on the idea but I’d need some support, would you help me?’ and I said yep, no worries. “Obviously my family comes from there (King Valley), I’ve got brothers who play out there. “Tony’s played a pretty high standard, he’s really highly respected by the playing group inside our club and he’s got a lot of experience. “We’ve spoken to the playing group and they’re all keen and excited for next year - it’s a bit of a change, a change in structure that’s made everyone excited.” The Roos’ seniors have ended the last two senior years in the bottom two spots

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

on the ladder, only winning five games from their past 31 outings, but a breath of fresh air at the helm could be exactly what the blue and white need. Ciancio said if you looked at the progress from 2021 to ‘22, the positives were there to see clear as day. “Breaking that down, you look at one win the year before this year and then four wins this year, so in terms of momentum, we built on this year from previous years,” he said. “To be honest, we’re just looking at doing that again in terms of trying to retain the current playing group we’ve got and develop them, and hopefully get some fresh faces who are really going to add and buy into the club culture as well. “We’re looking at building that, building a club that people enjoy being around because at the end of the day if they enjoy being there, they’re going to pop down. “That’s what we’re really big on, and just getting that enjoyment back into footy after the last couple of years, and getting back to grassroots footy. “In saying that, every team’s going to get better and just like any other team, we’ve got to do the same.”

Dynamic duo, Byrne returns to coach with Grady By WILLSON MACK

LOU Byrne and Hannah Grady will co–coach Wangaratta Magpies‘ senior netball team in 2023. The club announced last week that the duo would take on the role with Chaye Crimmins stepping aside for Byrne. Byrne returns to the Magpies having coached the side to the 2018 premiership during her four–year tenure as A grade coach, starting in 2014. “I took a bit of a step away this year and was able to sit on the sidelines and watch as a spectator,” Byrne said. “I was still doing some work with our junior development teams but in terms of the senior stuff I took a bit of a load off myself this year. “I think I‘ve definitely freshened up now and I still feel like I have enough knowledge to pass on...I keep up to date with everything in today‘s game.” Following Byrne‘s triumph with her side in 2018, she coached the Magpies‘ B grade the following season. Along with her 2018 flag, Byrne assisted the 2009 C grade team to premiership success. Byrne said Grady is the

perfect person to take the role on with. “A couple of the girls came to me and asked if I‘d do it and I said I would if it was as co–coach,” Byrne said. “Hannah is the perfect person to take the role on with, I feel like I‘ll be able to guide her and the team but she‘ll be able take charge on the court. “It‘ll be a good mix of leadership I think. “We get on really well and respect each other.” Byrne returns to the Magpies with daughters Issy and Amy being key figures in the A grade team. After making this year‘s grand final but falling to Yarrawonga, Byrne believes Wangaratta is in a good position to push further next year. “I definitely think our team is looking favourable,” she said. “We‘re still doing a bit of recruiting but I think all we need is nine or 10 players in the A grade who are 100 per cent committed. “It really pays dividends when you‘ve got players on the bench who are ready to go.” Wangaratta will hold trials on November 8, 10, 15 and 17.

LEADERS: Lou Byrne (left) and Hannah Grady will co-coach Wangaratta in 2023.

PHOTO: Wangaratta Magpies Facebook

Page 20 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, October 31, 2022

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Magpies name co-coaches for 2023

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Page 19

ROO MENTORS KING Valley has announced their coaches for the 2023 season with Jack Davies (left) and Tony Ciancio stepping up to co-coach the Roos in 2023. Story: Page 19 PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Racing wash out The Wangaratta g Turf Club’s Melbourne Cup p Dayy meet has been abandoned,, track unsafe WANGARATTA Turf Club has made the difficult decision to abandon its Melbourne Cup Day races tomorrow. Following almost 50mm of rain over the past week, along with more forecasted today and tomorrow, the track was last Friday deemed unsafe to race on, forcing the club to announce the

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

cancellation of the meet. It‘s a bitter blow for the club, which was hoping to run its first Melbourne Cup Day meet since 2019.

Club chief executive officer Sean Barrett said the club was disappointed to lose the meet. “The call was made at about 9:30am on Friday morning,” Barrett said. “We had a lot more rain than expected on Wednesday and then a shower on Friday morning just made

it impossible for the track team to mow the track which is a real shame. “There‘s also a lot more rain coming so we had to make the decision to abandon the whole day.” Full refunds will be processed for all tickets and packages purchased and if an order was placed online

a refund will be processed to the card used for payment. “It‘s just frustrating because from a club‘s perspective a lot of work goes into preparing days like these,” Barrett said. “All we want is to see people back at the track enjoying the races but unfortunately we can‘t con-

trol mother nature. “Now we just look forward to our Christmas races.” The turf club‘s Christmas Party Races will be held on Saturday, December 10. Tickets and packages are selling fast and the club will have a host of great entertainment to make it a day to remember.

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