Chide vigorously

LETTERS to the editor must be signed with the full name, ad dress and con tact tel e phone number of the author pro vid ed. Letters under 250 words are pre ferred and we re serve the right to edit letters to fit available space. Nom de plumes will only be published at the editor’s discretion. Opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by this newspaper. Email edit.mcourier@nemedia.com.au Post Mansfield Courier, 98 High St, Mansfield, Vic 3722

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS

1 Water-lily 5 Weep convulsively 9 Swelling 10 Wear away 12 Start 13 Pulsate 14 Diplomacy 15 Declares positively 16 Difficult question 18 Behindhand 20 Responsibility 21 Liberal 23 Table supports 27 Yield 29 Headwear 30 Was concerned 31 Confined to an area 33 Layer 34 Sphere of action 35 Within the law 36 Symbol 37 Story 38 Golf mound 39 Command

DOWN

2 King of the fairies 3 Combines 4 Echo-sounding equipment 5 Become established 6 Chide vigorously 7 Part of the ear 8 Continued obstinately 11 Wanderer 16 Assume 17 Certain 19 Insects 21 Gold-coloured 22 Above 24 Divide equally 25 Natural gift 26 Landed property 27 Profession 28 Ten years 30 Stringed instrument 32 Luxury food

SOLUTION

ORDER TEE E E

D TALE TOKEN

LEGAL ARENA A

C TIER LOCAL

CARED HATS U

CEDE T V TRESTLES T I R S

GENEROUS I LATE

ONUS POSER

AVERS TACT R

R THROB BEGIN

ERODE NODE B

P L SOB LOTUS

Haines to help Indi Refugee Support Group

INDI Refugee Support Group Convenor and Mansfi eld local Marie Sellstrom, alongside colleagues Penny Vine (Wodonga), Kirsten Coates (Yackandandah) and Bern Fraser (Wangaratta) recently met with Indi MP Helen Haines to ask for her support for the 40 Afghan families 21 people from Indi are sponsoring.

Eight of the sponsors live in Mansfi eld.

“Many of these families are in extreme danger and fi ve of the families have been supported to move to Islamabad due to threats of execution by the Taliban,” said Ms Sellstrom.

“These people include doctors, lawyers, teachers, police offi cers, midwives and farmers.

“I believe aft er Australia occupying Afghanistan for 20 years and giving the people the impression they can live normal lives we have an obligation to support them.”

The group asked Dr Haines to clarify the Humanitarian Visa Process with the Minister of Home Aff airs and the Immigration Minister, as the applications for sponsorship they lodged in August and September 2021 have received no response to date.

Dr Haines said that while Afghanistan might not be in the news every day, the challenges Afghan people are facing are still very, very real.

“Today I met with some incredible local Indi women who, as part of Rural Australians for Refugees (RAR), are working to bring vulnerable Afghans to safety here in Australia,” she said.

“Australians are a generous people.

“When we see people in need, we instinctively want to help out.

“And Penny, Marie, Kirsten and Bern embody the best of us.”

Ms Sellstrom said that during the meeting Dr Haines’ offi ce had agreed to provide support to the RAR by way of channeling refugee sponsorship requests, assisting in facilitating meetings for RAR National Executive leaders with relevant Ministers to advance the sponsorship program, and also to liaise with the Department of Immigration on humanitarian visas lodged by the residents of Indi.

“We recognise that while it may be diffi cult to successfully bring all the Afghan people we are sponsoring to Australia, we hope that those most at risk can arrive safely in Australia in the next few months,” said Ms Sellstrom.

SUPPORT: Members of the Indi Refugee Support Group met with MP Helen Haines last week, who off ered assistance through her off ice in a number of areas to help the group’s Afghan sponsorship program. Pictured (from left ): Penny Vine, Marie Sellstrom, Kirsten Coates, MP Helen Haines, and Bernadette Fraser.

PLANS to strengthen Mansfield’s claim as a key gateway to the high country were unveiled last week with Mansfield Community Council preparing an ambitious funding pitch for a new $2.3 million interpretative centre.

Television newsreader Jennifer Adams visited the slopes on Mt Buller, and a local man was due to face court after an incident in Gough’s Bay last week that saw a man assaulted with a car jack.

The 25 year old man from Howqua Inlet was charged with recklessly causing serious injury and a 38 year old was flown to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne with severe head wounds.

In sport, Mansfield was given a football lesson on Saturday by arch-rivals Benalla.

The rampaging Saints were bigger, bolder and better than the Eagles, and emphasised their superiority with a 129 point win.

And Bonnie Doon again stamped its superiority over last year’s premiers Goorambat with a strong 29 point win that saw the Dogs maintain top spot on the ladder.

Way Back Wednesday - a look back at what was making news 20 years ago this week.

20 YEARS AGO: Television newsreader Jennifer Adams visited the slopes on Mt Buller, and a local man was due to face court aft er an incident in Gough’s Bay last week that saw a man assaulted with a car jack.

EXPLORE - CONNECT - DISCOVER

Explore the Winton Wetlands 8,750 hectare site, it’s abundant birdlfe, art trails and waterways. Connect with the environment, nature, culture and education. Discover our history, camping, walking and cycling trails. Enjoy coffee, cakes, our seasonal menu and childrens play ground at the Mokoan Hub and Café. Bookings essential. Following current Victorian Covid 19 guidelines. Start your journey at the Mokoan Hub & Cafe, 652 Lake Mokoan Road, Chesney Vale 652 Lake Mokoan Rd Chesney Vale