www.awnw.com.au
Issue #300 – Wednesday, 23 September, 2015
Albury Wodonga’s largest circulating newspaper
Only have eyes for you ... After 54 years of marriage, Eva and Bill Mills fulfilled their dying wishes of renewing their marriage vows READ MORE ON PAGE 6
Keep an eye out By ERIN SOMERVILLE BORDER residents are being reminded to remain vigilant in the water this summer with the Murray River being listed as the deadliest location for drowning in Australia. The news comes following the release of the National Drowning Report, and shows the river that runs through the Border cities claimed eight lives in a single year. The report from Royal Lifesaving Australia shows rivers claim the most lives of all open waterways. The culture of drinking on boats or on river banks is also being targeted after the report showed 50 per cent of river drowning deaths in 2002 to 2012 involved high levels of intoxication with victims having a blood alcohol content of 0.2 or higherthree times higher than the limit for driving. Males aged 45 to 54 accounting for 82 per cent of river drowning deaths in the same 10-year period. “Obviously, at that level of intoxication people are not going to make the best decisions,� National Manager of Research and Policy Royal Lifesaving Australia Amy Peden said.
“It can also impair the effectiveness of CPR.� Meanwhile, drugs have been found to play a role in drowning deaths of a number of a 18 to 34-year-olds. Ms Peden said locals should not assume their local knowledge would prevent a river death, with three quarters of those who drown in a river doing so within a 100-kilometre radius of their home. If you do get into trouble in the water, it is important to stay calm. “Float on your back and yell for help. “As the river bends you may be able to grab onto a tree branch or get to the banks.� Farrer MP Sussan Ley, whose electorate takes in the majority of the Murray River, said the reduction in drownings nationwide was welcome, but in country areas there was a problem. “More than a third of all drownings occurred in inland waterways, including rivers, creeks, lakes and dams, which means we are clearly over-represented in the national figures.� “There is also an alarming 30 per cent increase in deaths of children aged 0 to 4.�
“I need to be blunt here; most toddler deaths are preventable and with warmer weather around the corner, the clear message should be ‘Do not let it be your child who drowns this summer’.� “The figures also include a 26 per cent increase in the number of middle-aged people, particularly men, who have died unnecessarily, so guys you need to be more careful and sensible on and around the water.� The Commonwealth commits approximately $11 million a year to water safety initiatives including a $15 million election commitment over five years for our Water Safety: Reduce Drownings program. Meanwhile, the Royal Lifesaving Australia reminds parents to actively supervise their children when swimming this season, which means being sober and within arm’s reach of the child. Residents are also being reminded not to underestimate the power of the mighty Murray. “Check the depth, don’t dive straight in, and sit and observe,� Ms Peden said. “Throw a twig in to see how fast the current is moving, because it may look still but could be very powerful.�
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United Patriots Front took to the streets of Bendigo last month to protest against Picture: FACEBOOK the development of a mosque in the city. 144672
Mosques are in their sights ALBURY has been named by the far-right group United Patriots Front as one of the next stops on their campaign trail to protest against the development of Islamic mosques. The UPF, which describes itself on Facebook as a nationwide movement opposing the spread of Left Wing treason and spread of Islamism came to national attention last month after 300 protestors took to central Bendigo to protest against a mosque development in the Victorian city. Read more on page three.
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Issue #272 – Wednesday, 11 March, 2015
Albury Wodonga’s largest circulating newspaper
READ THE INTERVIEW ON PAGE 13.
By ERIN SOMERVILLE
www.nordcon.com.au
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– was also unnerving. Education was a major part of the trek, with Richard and his two travelling companions stopping in at schools and communities along the way. This was one of the highlights on the journey. “All the school kids had been
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ening aspects of the journey. “You’d be walking and if they’d come from behind they’d blow you along, and if they were coming the other way the wind would nearly knock you over.� Dealing with road trains on narrow roads while horseback riding – something Richard is only relatively new at
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Rowan and Richard Borella follow in the footsteps of Albert across the Northern Territory. 135794 Picture: The Borella Ride, Northern Territory Government. “It was 37 degrees and we had a strong headwind, it was quite difficult.� Richard also faced some challenges that his grandfather wouldn’t have had to come across as he followed the highway instead of the telegraph line. “The road trains,� Richard said when asked about some of the fright-
learning about World War I and of my grandfather.� It was also a rewarding, challenging, and emotional journey for four generations of Borellas who followed behind Richard on his trek. “It was a really great experience, something we never dreamed of,� Rowan Borella, son of Albert, said. “It was very emotional.� Upon stopping in a roadhouse for refreshments, the family even happened to meet well-known Australian folk musician Ted Egan who quickly whipped up a song for their family’s journey. While Richard touched down again in Albury yesterday morning, he hopes his commemorative journey will help preserve his grandfather’s and the Anzac legacy for generations to come. “The opening and closing ceremony was very moving. “You get that lump in your throat and start tearing up in the eye. “He was an incredible man.� See our online gallery at http://alburywodonga.starcommunity.com.au/ for incredible and moving images of The Borella Ride.
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Parenthood’, in a bid to help save PEHP across regional Victoria. The service currently helps over 100 North East Victorian women. They come from all walks of life. PND doesn’t discriminate. Many drive in from their rural farming communities, some come from a strong network of family and friends who just don’t quite understand, and others even cross the Border for help. Continued on page 2
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failed to recognise or understand. Both women credit the Border’s PEHP for leading them, and their families, through the challenging, confusing, and isolated battle. “I wouldn’t be here without them,� Mrs Byrne states with searing honesty. The Byrne and Gitsham families have bravely opened up about their very personal battle with postnatal depression, also known as ‘Anxiety and Depression in Pregnancy and Early
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ALBURY’S Richard Borella was only eight months old when his Victoria Cross winning grandfather Albert Borella passed away, but he now feels closer to him after spending 12 days following in his footsteps. Feeling blistered and battered, Richard was able to put his feet up last week as he finished his epic journey across the outback Northern Territory in recognition of the 1000km his grandfather travelled to enlist for World War I 100 years ago. The Borella Ride was created by the Commonwealth Government through the Anzac Centenary Public Fund and the Northern Territory Government, and was the flagship Anzac Centenary commemorative event for the Northern Territory. As part of the journey, Richard walked from Tennant Creek to Renner Springs, rode a horse from Renner Springs to Katherine, hitched a ride on a mail cart to Pine Creek, and caught a train to Darwin – all as Albert did a century ago. It was a tough trek, and one that hit home the perseverance and strength of Albert Borella. “The third day was the hardest,� Richard said.
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Borella Ride By ERIN SOMERVILLE
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in foreign soil. Almost all towns ownns would mourn in one wayy or another. Some mothers would ould never again hug their sons, ons, some teams would foreverr bee missing their team-mates, an and nd some children would grow up without fathers. Through letters, diaries, ies, photos, and recollections, w wee have created a snapshot into lifee as our Border soldiers and those osee at home saw it during the years ars of the Great War. A century after the historic oric or landing at Anzac Cove, this hs hi week’s NewsWeekly is devoted ted e to honouring and remembering ng the lo locals Australians who loca cals ls aand nd A usstralia lians ns wh hoo gavee ssoo much. m ch.. mu Lest Le t we we forget. foorg rget ett.
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they would be without the support of Albury Wodonga Health’s Perinatal Emotional Health Program (PEHP). Both women understand the importance of having the specialist perinatal support service available nearby after having faced their own different and personal battles with postnatal depression (PND). It was an unexpected, dark, and lonely time in their lives, and an experience many of their family and friends
think I may have picked up the wrong book, as this was nothing like what I had read about this glorious ‘motherhood’ journey to be.� For Mrs Gitsham and her husband Rick, the journey of parenthood would be a very different from the one shown in baby books, despite being shared by thousands of Australian families. Sitting alongside Border mother Kristal Byrne and her young family, the two mothers often wonder where
Simply the best choice of LAND. Both sides of the border.
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Simply the best choice of LAND. Both sides of the border.
through the struggles, many of the local lads made their mark as heroes, doing their towns and country proud. Some came home. Some brought the war home with them. Others stayed forever young as they were put to rest
In a flash, word of a new website launched to support youth on the Border was out. The flashmob stopped traffic on Saturday to spread the word about myrollercoaster, which will help young people on a wide range of mental health and well-being issues. READ MORE ABOUT THE GREAT INITIATIVE ON PAGE 2
Mums cry for help WHEN Kinta Gitsham welcomed her first-born son Archie into the world seven years ago, something didn’t feel quite right. “His birth was quite horrific, and not that I knew it then, but something happened, something changed, something broke inside me the day that I welcomed him into my loving arms,� she said. “Weeks passed; I was beginning to
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in the 2013 election. Member for Indi Cathy McGowan would not comment in the issue, saying it was a matter for the Liberal Party. “My focus remains on representing Indi,� she said.
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of our broader concerns. “In his new capacity as Prime Minister I will continue my discussions with Malcolm to ensure Indi priorities are top of mind.� Mrs Mirabella had secured a cabinet position in the Abbott Government, but lost her Indi seat
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Federal Indi MP Cathy McGowan will be raising youth unemployment with the Prime Minister on his visit to the Border this week. 143792 Picture: ADAM WILSON
By ERIN SOMERVILLE
Just over a week ago, Indi candidate Sophie Mirabella and Member for Farrer Sussan Ley welcomed Prime Minister Tony Abbott to the Border. 144353 Picture: ADAM WILSON ment to making Australia a better place,� she said. “I congratulate Malcolm Turnbull for being elected the leader of the Liberal Party and consequently Prime Minister. “As Communications Minister, I have regularly made him aware of our priorities for Indi and
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HEY were graziers, clerks, buttermakers, men of the railway, or some barely men at all. They were sons and daughte ters of the Border. They were ssoldiers. It wouldn’t be long before th h pull of World War I took the th them far from this sleepy and pe peaceful region and make them m men and women of war. They traded in the Murray R Ri River and arrived to rivers of blo blood at Gallipoli, farewelled the their farmlands for sand in the Mi Middle East, and gave up the w we e western plains of home for the flats of the Western Front. But
Lily and Kristal Byrne, and George and Josie with parents Kinta and Rick Gitsham join PEHP clinicians Lee Rennie, Fiona Gladstone, Laura Parisotto, and Brenda Coates in the fight to save the service. 143252 Picture: ERIN SOMERVILLE
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here for the long term. “We’ve got a number of programs that are working well ... but we really need to generate jobs in this community and we need a commitment from the government.� Ms McGowan will be pushing for the government to do a review of employment opportunities for young people in regional Australia, and create incentives for employers to hire 15 to 24-year-olds. The Indi MP has also brushed off concerns of a protest that is expected to be held during the Prime Minister’s visit by Beechworth’s Refugee and Asylum Seeker Support group in a push for better treatment of refugees and asylum seekers. “It’s a free country, people can do what they need to do, but my emphasis is making sure that the veterans and their experiences of war gets recognised and honoured. “The community will do what the community does and I’m sure they’ll do it with great respect, which is the Indi way.�
BILBERRY
By ERIN SOMERVILLE YOUTH unemployment will be the hot issue thrown at Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s during his visit to Wodonga on Friday 4 September. Independent Federal Indi MP Cathy McGowan announced on Tuesday morning 1 September her plans to address the problem with the Prime Minister during his visit, stating it continued to be a significant issue for regional residents. The Hume region’s youth unemployment rate for Hume at July this year was 27 per cent unadjusted. Ms McGowan said the discussion needed to be had with the Prime Minister. “We recently had the release of the Kitchen Table Conversation Report, and one of the really big issues is the high level of youth unemployment right across the electorate. “I need to talk to the Prime Minister about what sort of programs we are going to have for regional young people not only to keep them here, but to give them the training they need
Albury Wodonga’s largest circulating newspaper
New website gets mobbed
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Youth jobs target
By ERIN SOMERVILLE JUST over a week since Tony Abbott visited the Border as the Prime Minister of Australia, the country is now preparing to welcome in a new leader. Leadership of the nation was challenged and won 54 to 44 votes in just a few short hours by former Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull, in a fast and ruthless Liberal Party showdown on Monday night. The news has been met with varied reactions from local leaders. Member for Farrer Sussan Ley, who had secured the health and sport portfolios in the Abbott cabinet, spoke late on Tuesday morning about the change in leadership. “I congratulate Mr Turnbull on becoming leader of the Liberal party and Prime Minister,� she said. “I also wish to thank Tony Abbott for his leadership as both Opposition Leader and Prime Minister during what has been, and continues to be, a very important time for our country and its future prosperity.� “This Coalition Government is delivering significant policies which benefit my electorate of Farrer directly and the people of Australia. “I look forward to continuing to advance and promote these plans to the best of my ability.� “The change of leadership does not change our resolve to ensure we equip Australia with the tools to continue to thrive and prosper in the 21st century.� Ms Ley was noted to have walked into the partyroom vote solo, despite many of her Liberal colleagues choosing to visibly support either Mr Abbott or Mr Turnbull in front of expansive media coverage in halls of Parliament House on Monday night. Ms Ley has not revealed how she voted, but is expected to retain her cabinet position in a Turnbull Government. Liberal candidate for Indi and close friend of Mr Abbott Sophie Mirabella has been quick to pay tribute to the outgoing Prime Minister. “Tony Abbott has been a close friend of mine for over 25 years and I have enormous respect and admiration for him and his long-term commit-
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Turnaround vote
Albury Wodonga’s largest circulating newspaper
Border’s war
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Issue #278 – Wednesday, 22 April, 2015
Jarratt brings on the fear factor AUSTRALIA cinema scary man John Jarratt and golden girl Kaarin Fairfax stop by in Albury to talk home-grown films, country towns, and the challenges of doing a job while literally tied to a chair.
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Issue #295 – Wednesday, 19 August, 2015
Albury Wodonga’s largest circulating newspaper
Seven long years A Wodonga couple’s seven-year journey to restore an old house that was little more than a pile of stones will be featured in a new ABC television series.
TING
Issue #297 – Wednesday, 2 September, 2015
Albury Wodonga’s largest circulating newspaper
Community says ‘no’ The Border community has gathered together to stamp out child abuse, and support victims.
EXIS
Issue #299 – Wednesday, 16 September, 2015
Read more on page 2.
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