Wangaratta Chronicle, Friday, July 28, 2023

Friday, July 28, 2023 $1.80 inc GST

Choose local 2023

It’s all in the family

JOHN and Christine Haddrick first lived in Wangaratta in 1991 for a few years before moving south to the Mornington Peninsula, they then returned to Wangaratta in January 2002 and here they stayed. Before embarking upon North East Funerals John worked in the finance world and Christine in customer relations. Whilst working in these roles both John and Christine were meeting very regularly with small local businesses within Wangaratta and surrounds and got to know and build relationships with many of them.

North East Funerals began its life in Wangaratta as Bell Brothers Funerals, it changed hands and became Matthew Ryan Funerals and then Tate Funerals.

John and Christine Haddrick brought the business and in 2018 changed the

name to North East Funerals to reflect the area in which they service.

John and Christine have strong ties to their community as do their own adult children.

“We have three children, our eldest two have settled in Wangaratta now with their own families and our youngest is in Melbourne with her young family also.

“Our son has his own small concreting business and enjoys playing cricket and footy for local clubs.

“Our eldest daughter Kat joined us earlier this year after working as a Palliative Care Social Worker for Northeast Health Wangaratta.

Kat has recently been welcomed to the team after dedicating her working life to those who are most vulnerable.

She has worked extensively as a

social worker for nearly 20 years in the community health field, supporting and assisting those through trauma, grief, and loss.

Kat’s most recent work saw her providing emotional and practical care and support to individuals and their families in palliative care.

“As a society we still find it difficult to talk about our personal experiences of death and grief, and this can lead to people feeling isolated,” she said.

“Often individuals have not discussed their wishes after death with their family.”

Kat is a well experienced to help and assist families in having those tough conversations to ensure that the final farewell is truly fitting for their loved one.

John and Christine are aware that

employing local people who have grown up here has meant that they are better able to cater to a family’s needs as they are aware of the nuances living rurally brings.

“Over this time we have built an incredible team around us and for the community,” John said.

“Our staff are a part of the community and have families of their own who are attending the local schools and participating in local community groups and sports.

“Their love for where they live means they bring care and compassion to those who live here too.

“Our team work as a close-knit family and we feel privileged to support local families at their most vulnerable time.”

continued page 3

THE LOCAL CHOICE: John and Christine Haddrick surrounded by three generations of the Haddrick family.

PHOTO: Sophie Marsh Photography

Mayor’s Message

RuralCity of Wangaratta would like to thank you for supporting local businesses and shopping locally.

Local businesses are the backbone of regional communities and Council is happy to do what we can to support them.

We are incredibly lucky to have so many hard-working local businesspeople in our community. They turn up every day to provide the goods and services we need to do our jobs; they employ our kids, and they sponsor our sporting teams.

Throughout our municipality, from Wangaratta to Glenrowan, Oxley, Milawa, Everton, Tarrawingee, Moyhu, Eldorado, Whitfield, and Cheshunt, there are some great stores, great places to eat, and some great tradespeople.

From a quick coffee to a new chainsaw, from a kayak to a kitchen appliance, a hula-hoop to a haircut… Anything and everything you need is available on our doorstep.

I encourage everyone to get out there and support our local businesses – shop locally for gifts, take a day trip to a local attraction or just simply soak up some winter sun in one of our local cafes, bars, or restaurants.

There’s never been a better chance to get out and reconnect with our vibrant municipality. Happy shopping!

Mayor Dean Rees

Did you know you can...

1 Connect with us anytime:

Phone: 03 5722 0888

Email: council@wangaratta.vic.gov.au

In person:

62-68 Ovens Street, Wangaratta

Monday-Friday: 8.30am-5.30pm

2 Stay up to date on our social media channels

@wangarattacouncil

@Wangaratta_Council

@RuralCityofWangaratta

3 Chat to your Councillors

Council meetings are held monthly and are streamed onto our YouTube channel. The agenda is made public a few days in advance, and you can submit a question to be answered during ‘question time’ at council@wangaratta.vic.gov.au. Questions can be received until 10am the day of the council meeting.

4 Tell us when something needs fixing

Bins not been picked up? Public toilet leaking? A stray paving stone come loose? Let us know at: wangaratta.vic.gov.au/reportrequest

Recycle most household waste?

By knowing what goes in which bin and disposing of your waste correctly, you can contribute to more material recovery and less waste going to landfill. Check out the 5 R’s of recycling on our ‘what to put in your bins’ web page.

Shop Local Wangaratta

It’s all in the family

 From page 1

John, Christine and now Kat are proud of the team and their ability to provide a sense of comfort and security to the families they meet.

“Our team look after those who have died with the utmost respect and dignity and ensure that their lives are honoured in the way their family wants them to be,” Christine said.

John and Christine have always been active community members serving and volunteering in many clubs and associations and that commitment is not lost on Kat and her husband either.

“Mum and Dad were always volunteering and supporting our school activities or our sporting endeavours; either coaching, scoring or attending to the barbeque,” Kat said.

“They have sponsored Tarrawingee Football and Netball Club over the years and are foundation and strong supporters of Into Our Hands - Give Wangaratta.”

Kat is married with two primary school aged children and enjoys an active lifestyle.

“I’m one of those crazy

people who get up before the crack of dawn and go to the gym before the rest of the family have stirred,” she said.

“My husband Ben and I value community engagement, and both have watched our own parents volunteer whilst growing up and realise the impact and benefits for the community.

“Ben is the president of Wangaratta Auskick and I am one of the Auskick girls’ coaches.

“I also umpire netball where I can in the Ovens and King Football and Netball League after playing for Tarrawingee over the past 15 years.

“Beyond that I am a spectator to my children’s interests of gymnastics, karate, swimming, netball, and football. It’s in these places where you find your village, and we all need one.

“Having worked locally for the past 20 years and owning and running a business for the past 12 in Wangaratta, we have been able to get to know and support other businesses during that time.

“Wangaratta business owners work incredibly hard to provide exceptional

service to the Wangaratta community,” Kat said.

“We value their hard work and know that, like us, they are supporting their own staff and families who live locally as best they can too.”

John said over the years it has been such a privilege to support so many families in Wangaratta and throughout the Alpine and King Valley areas. He has come to know

many people at their most vulnerable in these communities and he now looks forward to his daughter joining him in this honour.

“Funerals are about

personal attention and really listening so we can suggest thoughts and ideas to help add that personal touch to a farewell,” he said.

“Let our family care for your family.”

Years in operation

7

Opening Hours

7:30am-5pm Monday to Friday & 8:30am to 12pm Saturday

The people in your business

Annie: Business Owner. Sam: Blinds & Awnings Sales. Jacob & Anastasia: Paint Sales

What is your/your family history with your business/industry? E.g. Family business/previous owners

No previous history with the industry I just wanted to operate a local business so I could have flexibility with a young family and see them grow up rather than previous corporate role which involved a lot of travel.

What need does your business address for the local community & has that changed over the years?

Knowledge and service for all painting projects and needs and now also competitive blinds, awnings and shutters.

Where would you like your business to be in five years’ time?

Continuing to support the local painting community

What’s the best reason to run a business in Wangaratta?

Locals are so friendly, coming into the paint shop isn’t like a job it is fun and the customers are like family

PROUD LOCALS; John and Christine Haddrick.

PHOTO: Chris Walker

Years in Operation: 14 years

Opening Hours:

Monday to Friday: 9am - 5:30pm

Saturday: 9am - 1pm

Sunday: CLOSED

The people in your business:

Jessica Maddy – Store Manager

Mel Scott- Assistant Manager, Business specialist, & Apple Expert

Wilson Smart – Samsung Expert

Jack Boulton – Sales Associate

Brannan Duffy – Sales Associate

What is your/your family history with your business/industry?

Wangaratta Optus has been a locally run business since opening, with deep rooted connections within the Wangaratta & surrounding areas.

What need does your business address for the local community & has it changed over the years?

We address a vital component of everyday life, connectivity. Technology is ever-changing; we adapt accordingly to help the community keep connected with this fast pasted industry.

Where would you like the business to be in five years’ time?

We want to continue providing our services to the local community; we strive to be the place of business that keeps people connected.

What is the best reason to run a business in Wangaratta?

Dealing with the local community day in and day out, it gives us great pleasure to help so many familiar faces. We also love getting our new members established in our town.

What’s the best part for you about supporting local people?

Being able to help our community gives us a great sense of pride in what we do, we love getting people connected to their friends and family, and getting new businesses set up and supporting them in their journey.

At A1 Tyrepower, we take great pride in our dedicated team who are committed to ensuring our customers’ safety on the road. We strive to surpass expectations, catering to a wide range of customers, including large commercial organizations, fleet vehicles, farm and industrial customers, and local residents. When you purchase a set of 4 tyres from us, you’ll receive a service booklet that grants you free rotations and balances every 5,000km for the entire lifespan of those tyres. We offer complimentary tyre safety and pressure checks at any time. Rest assured, our focus is on providing excellent value for your money with

top-quality products and delivering a professional, efficient, and personalized service that you rightfully expect from the A1 Tyrepower team. Additionally, for your convenience, we offer the option of Zip Pay and Zip Money as payment methods.

We take joy in actively participating in and giving back to our local community. Strengthening community bonds and supporting fellow locally owned businesses is something we deeply believe in.

Thank you for being a part of our journey!

Years in Operation? 35

Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 7am - 5pm & Friday 7am - 4pm

The people in your business: Directors - Heath & Debbie, Manager - Jimmy, Office Manager - Dianne, Leading Hand - Glen, Workshop Staff - Tom, Shane, Boadie, Brendan, Laurie, Phill & Justin

What is your/your family history with your business/industry? Heath has been employed by Wangaratta Engineering since 1997 and became Manager in 2010. In 2017 Heath & Debbie bought the business from the previous owners and founders Chris & Kathy Beilby.

What need does your business address for the local community & has it changed over the years? As a machine shop, we can make almost anything that anyone might need.

Where would you like the business to be in five years’ time? Over the last couple of years, even through COVID, we have had good steady growth, so I would like to see that continue.

What is the best reason to run a business in Wangaratta? I have lived in Wangaratta my whole life, so I wouldn't want to run a business anywhere else!

What’s the best part for you about supporting local people? The best part about supporting local is bumping into clients in the street and having them tell you how well the job Wangaratta Engineering built for them is working exactly as they need it to.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Shane, Brendan, Boadie, Phill, Glen, Tom, Jimmy, Laurie, Justin, Heath ABSENT : Debbie, Dianne

Left to Right: Jack, Mel & Wilson. Absent: Jess & Brannan

- Harrison, Kylie & Andy Coatsworth

Harrison Coatsworth

Years in operation: 3

Opening hours: 7am - 5pm Monday to Friday

The people in your business: James Gigliotti +Jono Sirianni

What is your/your family history with your business/industry? E.g. Family business/previous owners: No family history in the industry but I’ve been in the industry for 15 years

What need does your business address for the local community & has that changed over the years? We deal with all your tree needs from planting, tree assessment and reports to tree pruning and removal.

Where would you like your business to be in five years’ time? In 5 years I hope to grow my business in size to service more of our area

What’s the best reason to run a business in Wangaratta? The best reason is that Wangaratta and its surrounds are a very supportive community that gets behind its local businesses.

What’s the best part for you about supporting local people? Supporting local business benefits the entire community keeping jobs in the area and helping the community grow and evolve.

James Gigliotti

Arborist 0477 776 131

Diploma in arborculture james.gigliotti@hotmail.com

ABN: 82958069781

renovate with us...

FULLY QUALIFIED CARPENTER WITH DOMESTIC BUILDERS LIMITED LICENCE, SPECIALISING IN ALL MAJOR RENOVATIONS

Business name: Crafted By Coops

Years in operation: 10 years

The people in your business: 3

Describe your field of expertise:

We specialise in all major home renovations.

What is your/your family history with your business/industry?

Always loved working with timber from a young age with my dad. My grandfather was a painter and signwriter

What need does your business address for the local community & has that changed over the years?

High quality reliable and punctual tradesman that specialize in renovating homes.

Where would you like your business to be in five years’ time?

With an unlimited builders licence constructing new homes and extensions.

What’s the best reason to run a business in Wangaratta?

Being a small town it is easy to build your reputation and get a positive word of mouth for your business.

What’s the best part for you about supporting local people.

If you support the local people, they will support you

angaratta udiology

82 Docker St, Wangaratta. Phone: 03 5722 4433 www.wangarattahearing.com.au

WATTERS ELECTRICAL

YEARS IN OPERATION? We have been servicing the Goulburn Valley and North East regions for more than 60 years.

OPENING HOURS: Main business hours 7.30am – 4.30pm

THE PEOPLE IN YOUR BUSINESS: Tim Houghton – Operations Manager, Steven Billett – Business Development Manager and supported by 20 staff.

WHAT IS YOUR/YOUR FAMILY HISTORY WITH YOUR BUSINESS/INDUSTRY?

The business was started by LT & WE Watters in 1957 owned by Lance and Wendy Watters, in 1980 Lance’s nephew Robin Knaggs purchased the business, renaming it Watters Electrical Pty Ltd. Today the Wangaratta branch is managed by Robin’s nephew Tim Houghton

WHAT NEED DOES YOUR BUSINESS ADDRESS FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY & HAS IT CHANGED OVER THE YEARS? Electrical Contractors providing residential, commercial, and industrial electrical services across the region. In recent years now providing solar installations, CCTV and security, data, and communications. We provide an after-hours 24/7 breakdown emergency service.

WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE THE BUSINESS TO BE IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME? Providing the community, the same professional service and continuing to support the local community groups.

WHAT IS THE BEST REASON TO RUN A BUSINESS IN WANGARATTA?

Wangaratta is a growing city, centrally located in the north-east region where Watters Electrical can provide professional services.

WHAT’S THE BEST PART FOR YOU ABOUT SUPPORTING LOCAL PEOPLE? We employ local trades people and employ new apprentices each year. We support local sporting clubs, companies/businesses and in return the local community support us.

Everyone deserves to communicate!

Years in operation: Wangaratta Audiology celebrated our 25th Anniversary earlier this year.

Diana and Fred Bienvenu are the managers of this independent familyowned hearing business. Emma and Diana specialise in evaluating hearing loss and related problems for both children and adults and assisting our clients to improve their communication skills with hearing strategies, including the use of hearing aids when appropriate. Our front-ofhouse team, Dorothy, Jo and Jacki, provide excellent customer service and hearing aid repair/troubleshooting.

Diana has been involved in the hearing industry, mostly based in Wangaratta, since 1978. This service was initially located at the hospital, then Wangaratta Audiology was formed in 1998. Fred joined her in practice after completing his audiology studies in 2005. Diana is currently on the Board of Hearing Business Alliance, whose mission is to inspire and encourage small hearing care providers throughout Australia to reach their full business potential.

Wangaratta Audiology continues to provide high-quality hearing services to the community of Wangaratta and the surrounding areas. We enjoy assisting adults to improve their communication through the appropriate use of hearing instruments, whether hearing aids or other assistive listening devices. The improvements in hearing aid technology, including rechargeability, the possibility of Bluetooth connections and use of a mobile phone app to control the hearing aids have been amazing.

At Wangaratta Audiology, we firmly believe that being a part of the Wangaratta community is vital to our service. We think supporting other local small businesses is also important to ensure that the range of local services continues to be available, without the need to travel long distances away from home. We are accessible when you need us, Monday through Friday.

Fred and Diana Bienvenu and their friendly team are here for all your Audiology needs.

ng the Goulbburn n y

THE WANGARATTA WATTERS TEAM. Absent from photo: Steve Billett, Aiden Giovannoni, Di Dunlop

Years in operation: 5 years in December

Opening Hours:

8.30 to 5.30 Mon-Fri, 8.30-12pm Saturday.

The people in your business: Physiotherapists - Todd Bird, Josh Rankin, Anna Trnka, Caleb Pannell, Bec Nugent Receptionists – Corina Falconer, Bec Naish.

What is your/your family history with your business/industry? E.g. Family business/previous owners

Peak Sports Physiotherapy was started as a sole practitioner in December 2018. Over the past 4 years, we have been fortunate to have some exceptionally skilled physiotherapists and administration staff join our team, which has enabled us to become one of the major clinic’s in Wangaratta.

What need does your business address for the local community & has that changed over the years? Our aim is to help the community remain active and pain free. We provide physiotherapy and rehabilitation services for all musculoskeletal and sports injuries, which a particular focus on hip and knee pain, chronic and recurrent low back pain as well as exercise therapy for the management of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis..

www.peakphysio.com.au

WE’VE RELOCATED

2 Green Street,

What’s the best reason to run a business in Wangaratta?

Wangaratta is a growing town with excellent sporting, medical and shopping and hospitality facilities. It’s a great place to live and work.

What’s the best part for you about supporting local people?

In small local communities where everyone knows everyone, it’s very rewarding to help people and then see the outcomes, whether it be by talking to them in the street or reading about how many goals they kicked (in footy) on the weekend.

north east podiatry

Years in operation?

26 years.

Opening Hours:

8 AM - 5 PM Monday to Friday. The people in your business?

Directors - Damien Rossato, Alyce Currie and Andrew Carter. We have a total of 11 Podiatrists and

What is your/your family history with your business/industry?

Damien built his business from the ground up, not long out of University. He is a born and bred Myrtleford lad and opened clinics back then in Wangaratta and surrounds.

What need does your business address for the local community & has that changed over the years? We address any and all foot pain to keep people moving through life. The biggest change is that peeple are living longer and needing us more. Where would you like your

We would like to be the centre of foot health excellence in Australia.

What's the best reason to run a business in Wangaratta?

Why not, it’s the greatest place on earth. What's the best part for you about supporting local people? You get back what you put in. Look after locals and they will look after you.

North East Podiatry

2 Green Street, Wangaratta Ph: (03) 57212533 admin@northeastpodiatry.com.au www.northeastpodiatry.com.au

YEARS IN OPERATION: over 33 years

OPENING HOURS: 10am - late, 7 days a week

a week

THE PEOPLE IN YOUR BUSINESS: Owner, Shayne Gannon, Head Chef, Ranjan Bista and Manager, Arielle Sika are supported by over 40 local team members

e Gannon,

DID YOU KNOW: Our kitchen doesn't close between lunch & dinner. Cooking 12pm-9pm daily.

DID YOU KNOW: We have an indoor kids playground and offer kids eat free every Sunday night.

DID YOU KNOW: Our drive-thru bottleshop trades 10am- 11pm, 7 days a week.

LOCALS KNOW US AS: The Showboat!

"A great pub should be a community hub for all locals. A place for friends and families to gather for all of lifes celebrations. To achieve this, a pub must also thrive in generating great employment opportunities. Having smiling local faces greeting our customers every day is a fundamental part of what we do at

Old Town N Country Tavern."

Shayne Gannon

Ezicleen motto is: Ezicleen today for an easier clean tomorrow.

Years in operation: Ezicleen is new to North East Victoria. The company has been providing surface protection and restoration services to residential and commercial buildings since 2006.

Opening Hours: 8am-6pm, Mon - Fri

The people in your business: Myself and my Wife Leanne.

What need does your business address for the local community & has that changed

We rejuvenate your mineral and hard water stained shower glass, glass pool fencing and balustrades. Whether new or existing our unique once only treatments will restore and extend the life of your wet and dry surfaces.

What’s the best reason to run a business in Wangaratta?

The satisfaction of knowing that the money is staying local and supporting other local people.

Where would you like your time?

I would like to have lots of happy customers.

Tom

White Licenced Applicator 0438 131 065 tom.w@ezicleen.com.au www.ezicleen.com.au

CAPE YORK CONQUERED

Creative precinct plan is forging ahead

STAGE two of the $20m Wangaratta Creative Precinct on Ovens Street has been activated with the awarding of a contract to Sibling Architecture.

At the July council meeting on Tuesday councillors voted to award the Creative Precinct Detailed Design contract, at a tender price of $1,129,461.

The Wangaratta Creative Precinct consists of redeveloping, upgrading facilities and interlinking the Wangaratta Art Gallery, Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre, and visitor services to create a state-of-theart, striking drawcard and focal point for arts, culture and tourism.

Council has received funding support under the Victorian Government’s Enabling Tourism Fund of $500,000 with a council co-contribution of $250,000.

The total combined budget of $750,000 is available for the de-

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

tailed design project. Additional expenditure of $379,461 was approved by council on Tuesday and it will be offset by reducing capital works in future financial years by the same amount in council’s long-term financial plan. A detailed design will allow the overall project to be investment ready and give council confidence in acquiring funding support via state, federal, private, and philanthropic funding.

In the Wangaratta Creative Precinct report tabled in October 2022, it was indicated the project would cost $18.49m if built all at once, or $19.99m if a staged approach was taken.

■ Continued page 3

IT was the ultimate adventure for Wangaratta mates Tom Carriera (right) and Cameron Gray (left), and his father Andrew. Making a 10,000km road trip in a 1970s Holden HQ and Land Cruiser over four weeks, raising funds for young armed service veterans, took them to Australia’s northern-most tip at Cape York (pictured).

Full story page 10

Security personnel hired for Wangaratta council meeting

Disruption of meetings across state, and localised social media chatter trigger decision pg,gg

SECURITY personnel were present at the Wangaratta council meeting on Tuesday night as a result of social media comments and other disrupted meetings across Victoria.

Acting Mayor Harry Bussell addressed the gallery at the start of the meeting informing those present that it was due to “bad behaviour” and a “small minority” that has impacted the conduct of council meetings (in other locations across the state).

“We’ve just taken the op-

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

portunity to trial this and develop some processes and we don’t expect it to become a permanent feature at this stage,” he told the gallery. While the decision to hire security was not made following any direct hijack messages, Cr Bussell later explained that social media chatter over the last month

was a contributing factor.

The Rainbow Ball that was to be held at the Wangaratta Turf Club in June was postponed following comments on social media.

“We know at some stage there are going to be problems and I don’t want that in the council chamber and I thought it was pretty reasonable to have the two security officers there,” Cr Bussell said.

“I think it’s better to be out in front and I don’t want bad behaviour in Wangaratta’s council chamber and we’re

House price median drops

By STEVE KELLY

THE median three-bedroom house price in the Rural City of Wangaratta dropped to $620,000 in the June quarter, but it still remains one of the highest in the region, albeit propped up by high end agricultural property sales.

Median prices in the March quarter for Wangaratta were $645k, compared to Wodonga’s $540k and Benalla’s $422k.

The June quarter shows that Wangaratta’s median is $620k, Wodonga’s $525k, and Benalla’s $405k.

Wangaratta real estate agent Garry Nash believes the median price is inflated in the rural city due to larger parcels of land selling.

“In Wodonga you have a wider selection of developments selling compared to Wangaratta, as this area has always been tightly held, with lesser choice, compared to other major cities,” he said.

Mr Nash said the overall Wangaratta market dropped 3.9 per cent in the June quarter but following the pandemic it has remained progressive across most of the sectors including residential, commercial, industrial

and agricultural. “We’ve often seen multiple buyers for properties and in some cases there’s still an urgency to get that particular property,” Mr Nash said.

During COVID real estate prices climbed about 18 per

just setting the scene.

“The staff did a really good job in how it was put together and we didn’t have any trouble.”

In other parts of Victoria council meetings have been disrupted by anti-government conspiracy group ‘My Place’, which started as a forum for people opposing COVID-19 vaccinations.

The group attempts to spread ideas like the sovereign citizen theory of legal rights known as “pseudolaw” - they argue that taxes, land

titles and even governments are illegitimate.

This year the Yarra Ranges Council had to call police and hire security guards after more than 100 protesters hijacked a meeting.

The City of Casey cancelled a series of drag queen events following a threat assessment conducted with Victoria Police.

About 100 representatives from Victorian councils attended a forum in May to discuss the rising levels of unpredictable and disruptive be-

haviour at council meetings.

Municipal Association of Victoria chair David Clark said the ongoing behaviour seen at some council meetings is threatening and unpredictable and it has no place in our communities.

“It shouldn’t be accepted at any level of government, and councils are right to take a zero tolerance approach, as the people most at risk are often other community members who are in the gallery with the disruptive people,” Cr Clark said.

to $620k in Wangaratta city

“Acquiring property in the Rural City of Wangaratta and its environs is a really safe bet and in a few of our major campaigns we’ve had, it still continues to generate external interest as well as local with external buyers competing with our local buyers,” he said.

However, he said investors need to be mindful of what the State Government is doing in terms of attempting to control rents.

“Market forces have always dictated values of commodities and government intervention has always been an erosion of people’s aspirations to reach a higher level of financial independence so they’re not dependent on social services into the future,” he said.

cent across the rural city, which was brought on by a string of influencing factors.

“Access to finance through the financial institutions is more rigorous, it’s not as easy and interest rates have gone up as we’re

all aware,” Mr Nash said.

“You can’t get finance as easily as it was during the pandemic, when most people could have a talk to a financier or a banker and they’d say ‘you’re good to go’.”

While there’s hope that the economy is heading towards stabilisation and as an investment Mr Nash said real estate is always a safe area to invest in as it rarely goes backwards in terms of value.

Real Estate Institute of Victoria (RIEV) released its June quarter median property sales figures, which takes all property sales in an area and highlights the price in the middle (different to average).

Regional Victorian price medians rose 0.6pc in the June quarter to $604,500, however, Mansfield Shire defied all trends recording the greatest quarterly increase of 9.9pc to $830k.

PHOTO: Steve Kelly

Cr Herry calls for stay on Merriwa Park trees

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

A LONE councillor and local resident have stood firmly against the adoption of a plan that does not protect the removal of up to 12 “high risk” gum trees from Wangaratta’s Merriwa Park.

A tree is considered high risk if it contains a defect that will likely result in failure and, if it is in line of a potential target, such as people, infrastructure, or property, likely to be harmed in the case of failure.

Councillor Jack Herry opposed a motion to adopt the Urban Tree Plan 2023 and supporting documents at the July council meeting on Tuesday.

Cr Herry spoke against the motion because he considered that aspects of the document detailing risk assessment and significant trees status were inadequate.

“It relates to recent events regarding risk and with what’s happened in Merriwa Park... it’s had me looking at that section of the document with a finer eye and in more detail,” Cr Herry said.

He said he wasn’t confident about the process in the urban tree plan document as he believed it doesn’t fully consider the structured risk assessment of the trees.

He also had qualms about the plan not rating trees in Merriwa Park as significant trees, something he described as “obviously ridiculous” and he believed he wouldn’t be the only person to hold that opinion.

“The main reason is because I don’t feel the risk aspect is a robust framework and there is a minimum industry standard that I would like to see for the document - it hasn’t been considered, it is not referenced in the document,” Cr Herry said.

“That relates to the process of risk and some of those questions around who does the assessments, what they have to report on, the tools they have to use and how that’s presented in a report.

“It’s so everyone can under-

stand exactly how the process of such important decisions is conducted.”

Cr Herry’s stance on risk assessment was previously voiced by Wangaratta resident Claire Russell at the meeting.

Ms Russell questioned the scope of council’s risk assessment on the trees and cited a report titled ‘A Review of Deaths in Australia from Accidental Tree Failures’ by Mark A Hartley and Jessica J Chalk, May 2019 (arboriculture.org.au).

“I would like to see who has done council’s risk assessment and what it actually says,” she said.

“Those trees down in Merriwa Park are invaluable and it distresses me immensely.

“I realise that people have objected to those trees, people have called for them to be felled before and now it looks like it’s going to happen, and it’s horrific.”

Ms Russell said the (Hartley and Chalk) report is extremely thorough “challenging all this

thing about trees that fall over and kill people”.

“Everybody in Wangaratta needs to read that - we live with river red gums, they back onto my house, they are part of our lives,” she said.

Merriwa Park has been closed to the public this month due to areas of surface flooding exacerbated by a saturated water table, which was seen as a contributor to a gum tree falling in early July, the fourth tree in about nine months.

Earlier, Cr Irene Grant moved the motion to adopt the plan that had been out for public consultation twice.

“I am moving the tree management plan which has been out for consultation and we’ve considered those submissions,” she said.

“It’s important to have a process in place because that’s been absent and that’s been one of the reasons why we’ve had such a lot of the angst that’s been in focus about what’s hap-

pening at Merriwa Park.”

Following Cr Herry’s comments about industry standards, Cr Grant asked director for community and infrastructure Marcus Goonan about inclusion of industry standards in the plan, and he gave information contrary to Cr Herry’s assertion that the document did not include these standards (as they were not referenced).

“There are a number of different industry standards and it (the plan) is informed by industry standards and it is developed by arborists with extensive knowledge in the field,” Mr Goonan said.

Cr Herry attempted to speak again; however, Acting Mayor Harry Bussell prohibited him because as Cr Grant opened the debate and spoke again due to her question, the debate was already closed.

With councillors Dean Rees and Ashleigh Fitzpatrick absent, the motion was passed 4-1 with Cr Herry opposed.

A WHOLE NEW WORLD: 3D drawings of what the creative precinct in Wangaratta might look like once complete.

Creative precinct plans forging ahead

■ From page 1

A major part of the project is an upgrade and extension of the art gallery into an area currently occupied by a car park at the rear of the existing building. Upgrades are urgently needed to ensure the gallery continues to meet the National Galleries and Museums standards, without which the gallery is unable to attract or exhibit blockbuster exhibitions or secure nationally significant artworks from major institutions like the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV).

Upcoming stages of the development include:

* Stage three - landscape and precinct entrance redevelopment - $2.125m;

* Stage four - function room upgrade and WPACC refresh - $3.761m;

* Stage five - curved wall and gallery 2 upgrade - $3.379m; and

* Stage six - new gallery - $8.237m.

Rural City of Wangaratta Acting Mayor Harry Bussell said the progress of awarding the contract was well considered and overwhelmingly positive for the region.

“The creative precinct is a long-term project that will have significant regional impact,” he said.

“In awarding the contract for the detailed design council is one step closer to having the creative precinct project investment ready.

“The detailed design will enable us to seek funding to bring the project to life.”

Cr Irene Grant said she’s been a great supporter of the whole concept of the creative precinct in that it will add “enormously” to the look and feel of Wangaratta and build on the artistic talent in the community.

She said there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done, including the attraction of external funding to make the building a reality.

DANGEROUS OR NOT?: More trees like this could be cut down at Merriwa Park following a successful permit by the Rural City of Wangaratta to remove them.

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Death and dying and takes centre stage in in The Last Waltz

BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au

Aheart warming play which shares an important message about facing the realities of our mortality and talking about it with those around you, will be performed at St Patrick’s Hall on August 8.

The Last Waltz is a play about life and death and it stars local actor Rose Sexton, who has secured exclusive rights to perform it in Australia.

It tells the story of Vera, who is on intensive care ward, hooked up to machines and unable to communicate.

She wants to go home for her final days, so she leaves her body and bed to talk to the audience about her life and how she ended up this situation.

In the second act, Vera’s daughter-in-law Elizabeth reflects on her relationship with Vera and shares her own experience and side of the story.

The play is presented to coincide with Dying to Know Day, an annual campaign empowering all adult Australians to be strong self-advocates for their own personal planning when it comes to their future.

Rose - an aged and disability palliative resource nurse, who works with aged care facilities and Northeast Health’s community care team - says the focus is on getting more comfortable with talking about death and dying.

“There’s this idea that in society that nobody wants to talk about death or dying, but there’s research which points to the opposite,” she says.

“It’s just that everyone else is thinking ‘no-one wants to talk about this, so I won’t’ - so we’re all sitting around having these private thoughts instead of piping up about it.”

A death literacy advocate, Rose says early planning and talking about dying are the keys to making us more comfortable about our mortality.

“When it’s actually upon you, it’s not the time to start thinking about it, because your mind goes

We spend months and even years planning for a wedding, a child or buying a house - for all these big moments in life we get the best information we can to ensure we make the right decisions - and yet when it comes to death we stick our heads in the sand. -

into panic mode and it’s all too raw and real,” she said.

“We need to start considering that we are mortal, we are all going to die and the sooner we can get our heads around that, the better our dying will be.

“We spend months and even years planning for a wedding, a child or buying a house - for all these big moments in life we get the best information we can to ensure we make the right decisionsand yet when it comes to death we stick our heads in the sand.

“How do you get the death you want if you don’t plan for it ahead of time?”

Rose said over 40 years of nursing she’s seen terrible, tragic deaths which were avoidable, if they’d only thought about it and made a plan before they reached the point when it was too late.

She has also been part of a more positive journey with

Rose Sexton

someone she loved, and said because it was talked about and shared, it became “almost a high point” of her life.

She said while there are no guarantees any of us will get the death we want, you can “improve your chances” by thinking about it seriously and considering your options while you’re able.

“In terms of advance care planning, it’s a gift for your family and peace of mind for you,” she said.

“Statistically around 80 per cent of people will have limited or diminished capacity to make decisions at the end of life, which means someone else will be making decisions on your behalf.

“Who is that person, how do they feel about it, and do they know what you want?”

“These are life and death decisions, and if we can sit down and have conversations about what we want, then everyone can be on the same page.”

For this production of The Last Waltz, Rose’s niece, Mansfield actor Bec Bolwell, will play the role of Elizabeth, and together they use the performing arts to share an important message that an information session or a pamphlet would struggle to do.

“This is a well-written play which really evokes an emotional connection, with lots of funny moments which will make you laugh and cry,” said Rose.

“If you can see the importance of it through someone else’s eyes, it almost sneaks past the thinking mind - touching you in deeper ways that are generally more lasting.”

The Last Waltz, presented by End Stage Matters and Northeast Health Wangaratta, will be performed on Tuesday, August 8 at St Patrick’s Hall in Ford Street from 1pm to 3.30pm.

Following the one-hour play, there will be a Q&A session featuring spokespeople about palliative care, end of life planning, natural burial and funerals, and also a community member whose relative recently went through their end of life experience.

Entry is free and light refreshments will be served, with all interested encouraged to come along.

Bookings are via Eventbrite, email endstagematters@gmail. com or call 5722 5184.

LET’S TALK ABOUT IT: Rose Sexton stars in The Last Waltz, a moving play being presented by End Stage Matters and Northeast Health Wangaratta, as part of Dying to Know Day.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Woman, dogs rescued from “suspicious” fire at gift shop in CBD

By STEVE KELLY

​A FIRE that ignited in Ramseen Gifts shop on Wangaratta’s Murphy Street just before 1am on Thursday morning is being treated as suspicious by authorities.

A 12.49am, following a single call to ‘000’, Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) responded to an incident at the 89 Murphy Street premises.

FRV crews, with the assistance of CFA, arrived on scene at 12.54am to find the front of a street level shop involved in fire.

A woman, believed to be the occupant of a residence on the second level, was trapped inside the building with her dogs.

She and her two dogs were rescued from building and she was treated by Ambulance Victoria for smoke inhalation.

Fire crews worked to contain the fire to the front of the shop

near the doorway.

The fire was deemed suspicious, and the Fire Investigation Unit was notified.

Victoria Police were also on scene and carried out further investigations throughout the day.

Detective Senior Constable James Howarth of Wangaratta Crime Investigation Unit confirmed yesterday afternoon that police were treating the incident as suspicious but there were no persons of interest at that stage.

“The fire occurred at the front of the premises and it’s currently under investigation,” he said.

“We have to wait for forensics to determine the cause of the fire however it is suspicious.”

Police are calling on anyone who may have seen anything suspicious around the time of the incident to call Wangaratta Police Station on 5723 0888.

Employee fights theft charges

A WANGARATTA business owner has told of how she relied on one of her most senior employees to manage the business’ payroll, before the woman allegedly stole more than $77,000 in salary from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider.

Fronting Wangaratta Magistrates Court on Wednes-

day, the defendant entered not guilty pleas to charges of theft, disputing she had deceived her employer in receiving eight separate pay rises between June 2020 and July 2021, which saw her hourly pay rate rise to more than $91.

Providing evidence before the court on Wednesday, the business owner said she had

hired the accused in February 2020 as the company’s operations manager, alleging she had been in charge of overseeing staff and managing the business’ payroll and award rates.

She said the accused had sought an agreed pay rise to $45ph in April 2020, in lieu of receiving shares in the business, which provided

Detox your Home is coming to Wangaratta

support for elderly individuals and those living with disability locally.

Defence counsel Jamie Singh noted the pay increases and associated dates were not disputed by either party.

The victim acknowledged the business had boomed with the assistance of the accused, managing almost 100 clients less than two years

after commencing operations in 2018.

“I was really, really pleased with (the accused’s) work,” she told the court.

In cross examination, Mr Singh tendered diary entries kept by the accused, which allegedly detailed discussions around the proposed pay increases.

The victim agreed an en-

Detox your Home accepts:

Acids and alkalis

Aerosol cans

Ammonia based cleaners

Anti-freeze, coolant

Brake fluid

Car care products and waxes

Cooking oil

Cosmetics, nail polish and remover

Detergents, bleach, disinfectants and drain cleaner

Fertilisers

Fire extinguishers

Floor-care products and waxes

Fuels: petrol, diesel, kerosene

Glues: water-based and solvents

Hand sanitiser

try on April 24, 2020 detailing the agreed increase in pay to $45 was correct, however, labelled subsequent entries by the accused detailing discussions around pay increases as “fictitious”.

The accused had previously contended she had never had access to the payroll.

The hearing continues.

Herbicides and weed killers

Insect spray, pesticides, rat poison

Oven cleaner

Pool chemicals

Solvents

Thinners, turps and paint stripper

Transmission fluid

Wood preservatives and finishes And other items found at home with these symbols:

For a full list of chemicals accepted, visit: www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/ accepteditems

To register to attend

Scan the QR code, visit sustainability.vic.gov.au/detoxyourhome or call 1300 363 744

INVESTIGATING: Police were at the scene of a “suspicious” fire on Murphy Street yesterday.

PHOTO: Bailey Zimmermann

AI-assisted voice analysis trial focus on heart failure

AUSTRALIAN researchers will trial AI-assisted voice analysis to evaluate breathlessness and disease severity in people with heart failure with the aim of providing a cheap and accessible home monitoring tool.

Researchers from the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and The Alfred hospital want to recruit 200 Australians with heart failure who can regularly record their voice on a smartphone for up to a year so their patterns of speech and breathing can be analysed by artificial intelligence and then validated by cardiologists. The most common symptom of heart failure is feeling short of breath - either with rest or exercise - that’s why researchers want to examine novel and user-friendly ways to evaluate breathlessness in people with heart failure.

Head of the new Monash Alfred Baker Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Professor David Kaye, said participants will be asked to use an app on their mobile phone developed by the Centre’s clinicians and engineers to record their voice for one minute on a weekly basis, which will be analysed using artificial intelligence.

Professor Kaye said the centre want to test the software over a long period and validate it against the clinical assessment of cardiologists to see how it stands up.

The software has previously

been used in a small study which involved a one-off voice recording including of people hospitalised with heart failure.

This small study showed good correlation between symptoms and voice changes.

Heart failure can damage your liver or kidneys and can lead to pulmonary hypertension or other heart conditions, such as an irregular heartbeat, heart valve disease, and sudden cardiac arrest.

“Our aim is to help people with chronic heart failure access an easier and cheaper home

monitoring tool that can save lives and enhance quality of life,” Professor Kaye said.

“We think this tool could be particularly useful for people in rural and remote areas where there may be less opportunity to see clinicians or cardiologists.

“Artificial intelligence may also assist in identifying more subtle signs of deterioration and respiratory changes which might not be audible by humans or might be missed by less experienced clinicians.”

If you have been diagnosed

Road safety a focus of forum next month

THE Victorian Transport Association (VTA) is inviting the broader community to voice their concerns and hear the latest from road safety experts at a regional forum in Wangaratta.

The VTA regional forum will be held on Thursday, August 3 from 7:30-9am at the Wangaratta Club, with the addition of an optional Oversize Over Mass Load Restraint Workshop available for freight operators in and around the area.

The forums are sponsored by TWUSUPER and bring together the VTA, National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, WorkSafe Victoria and Victoria Police for important road safety updates from the state’s key transport and safety authorities.

VTA chief executive officer, Peter Anderson, said the regional forums offered VTA members, freight and logistics operators, and the general motoring community the opportunity to advance important conversations on how road safety can be improved for the betterment of all road users.

with heart failure and want to take part in the study you can contact the trial coordinators at hfresearch@alfred.org.au or read more about the study.

For more detail about the study go to https://baker.edu. au/research/clinical-trials/aibreathlessness-study.

To support the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute’s important research in the prediction, prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and their related disorders, visit donate.baker.edu.au.

“Regional Victoria is a vital part of the state’s transport network as well as a major contributor to the economic health and vitality of the Victorian economy, and it’s critical we factor regional perspectives into our thinking when it comes to transport planning,” he said.

“As an industry group the VTA represents the whole of Victoria, not just Melbourne.

“These forums are but one way that we seek to directly connect with regional operators and the communities they work and travel in, so our feedback and perspectives to policymakers and those writing legislation is relevant, informed, and representative.”

The Wangaratta forum includes a light breakfast and is free to attend for all members of the public.

To register call the VTA on 03 9646 8590 or send an email to events@vta.com.au

LONG DISTANCE CHECK: A woman using the AI-assisted breathlessness app. Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and The Alfred hospital want to recruit 200 Australians with heart failure who can regularly record their voice on a smartphone for up to a year.

Inpatient detox to help AOD rehabilitation

NORTHEAST Health Wangaratta (NHW) has opened its first inpatient bed for planned detox from alcohol and other drugs.

NHW said months of careful planning preceded the first admission last week, which will dedicate one bed to supervised withdrawal.

A bed has also been funded at Albury Wodonga Health.

NHW drug and alcohol clinical nurse consultant, Charlotte Byrne, said the service would support local rehabilitation services, such as the 30-bed residential service based in Wangaratta.

“This has been a gap in our local area for a very long time and will support efforts for people to access residential rehabilitation services in this region as well as across the state,” she said.

“Rehabilitation programs generally require a per-

son to withdraw from the substance/s before their admission to that service and, until now, there has been no local option to do that.

“It has required people to be referred to Melbourne or interstate, which can be a barrier to their recovery.”

Ms Byrne said referred patients will undergo a pre-admission process prior to being given a bed date, which includes a patient agreement and an opportunity to discuss the service in detail in order to establish the best footing for success.

“One of the positives of a planned admission is that we have a lot more information about the person before they arrive at hospital,” she said.

“This allows us to start treatment early and provide a flexible and well understood structure around treatment and response.

“There is medical risk that comes with certain substances and withdrawal.

“For example, alcohol withdrawal, at its most severe, can be life-threatening so people require regular medication and nursing care

to ensure their detox is safe and effective.”

As AOD clinical nurse consultant, Ms Byrne will manage waiting lists and referrals, meet with patients before admission and then review them each day, help-

ing guide the medical and allied health teams around their needs and management during their hospital stay.

Executive director of clinical operations, Bernadette Hammond, said NHW had undertaken a detailed process around planning and education with staff to ensure the service was ready for regular admissions.

“We have planned for a weekly admission cycle and

established a model of care based on established best practice,” she said.

“I commend our staff for their great work in developing the scope of practice for this service and we’re really pleased to be able to offer this much-needed service.

“We know there is strong demand and hope having detox available locally will have a positive impact on people’s pathway to recovery.”

Once a year, containerised and bareroot trees for sale at clearance prices!

TO HELP: Northeast Health Wangaratta drug and alcohol clinical nurse consultant, Charlotte Byrne, will manage Northeast Health Wangaratta’s first inpatient bed for planned detox from alcohol and other drugs.

Rehabilitation programs generally require a person to withdraw from the substance/s before their admission to that service and, until now, there has been no local option to do that.

- CHARLOTTE BYRNE

Council security call a sign of the times

IT’S a sad state of affairs when security staff are needed to safeguard against a potential risk to our local democracy.

As we’ve reported, security staff were in attendance at Tuesday night’s July ordinary council meeting as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of councillors, council staff and members of the public.

While no specific threat was directed, there is a heightened sense of threat awareness within local government, with a rise in instances of verbal abuse at meetings, with some councils having had rowdy protesters hijack proceedings, making threats against council staff and councillors.

In the worst case scenarios, some councils postponed public access to meetings, which is not a desirable outcome for anyone.

Freedom of speech is a pillar of our democracy, but it should be done in observance of our societal rules.

At council meetings, community members have the right and opportunity to question council - and so they should.

It is done within a civil, respectful and orderly fashion and should never denigrate to a threat of verbal or physical harm.

Human rights are based on principles of dignity, equality and mutual respect, which are shared across cultures, religions and philosophies.

Unfortunately some people confuse the line between freedom of speech and discrimination.

Only last month we saw how a series of comments on social media caused the postponement of the Rainbow Ball due to concerns for the safety of the people who planned to attend and employees connected to the event.

It is incumbent on us all to call-out bad behaviour.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

FACEBOOK users this week commented on our weekly poll which asked users: ‘Should the State Government have gone ahead with the Commonwealth Games but with all events in Melbourne?’

• Paul Crabb: $2.6 billion , the original price , was far to much for 5,000 odd athletes to play games in the first place !

• Neil Barassi: Victoria already had the facilities in

place to hold the games. There was no need to spend millions building infrastructure that we already had and would have come under budget.

• Raymond Andison: Paying the inflated price for the games would only add to inflation. Do critics want another interest rate rise??

• Timothy Simpson: Instead of hosting the Games, Victoria will build at least 1,300 affordable homes and the permanent

Is council looking after community assets?

I POSE the question, what role does council play in managing community assets?

One assumes that a community asset is firstly, on council’s register of assets, secondly on council land, or crown land where council is the committee of management.

The community asset may in many cases be leased by council to the tenant.

We know that committees appointed by council to manage a community facility must ensure that the facility remains accessible and usable by those in the community that depend on the use of the facility.

We further know, that in most cases, it is beyond the means of local clubs or organisations to maintain significant community facilities on behalf of council.

I would be interested in knowing the status of the involvement by council in the maintenance of say the Wangaratta Rovers clubrooms at the W J Findlay Reserve and the Wangaratta Magpies clubrooms at the Wangaratta Showgrounds, let alone the plethora of community facilities throughout the municipality.

It is widely known that numerous local government instrumentalities, adopt a handson approach to keeping community facilities, compliant, operational, up to-date and viable.

Could a danger exist, that a number of local community facilities will continue to “fall down around their feet”, unless there is some form of intervention.

Graeme Taylor JP, Wangaratta

Pave paradise but animals left behind

REGARDING the imminent closure of the RSPCA facility.

I wonder in its deliberations aimed at saving money did council consult the local veterinary practices who may have to deal with animals dumped on their premises in the dead of night and which they find tied to railings or in boxes on their doorsteps?

Did council factor in the costs to the environment, even to road safety, of domestic animals dumped in areas like the Northern Beaches or roadside rest stops?

Ah well, animal suffering aside, no doubt there will be some dollars to go towards the netball courts.

In the process of upgrading the courts can we expect some venerable trees which serve as bird and native animal habitats to be sacrificed as well?

Marian Gedye, Killawarra

NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.

regional sporting facilities it had promised in an effort to boost regional tourism and events. Sounds like the right call to me.

• Charles Branstom: The Commonwealth Games where wealthy nation’s taxpayer’s money is spent on facilities so an elite few can train ...and compete against athletes from poor countries who do not have those benefits... Fair and level playing ground...???? Pppphhhfffffffftttttt!!! That

would be a NO from me.

Facebook users also commented on gas price rise notices received from gas companies which are set to start from next month.

• Hugh Maguire: All apart of the agenda to sway people away from gas and go electric

• George Dimopoulos: Hugh Maguire even electrical prices have gone up mate

• Paul Crabb: We are being ripped off by foreign controlled corporations

Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.

Our follower total is

14,278

PLANNING FOR FUN: Digital Technology Advisory Committee members Olivia Woodburne, Samuel Price, Anne Stelling, Bernadette Albertson, Maree Timms, Karina Kerr and Zoe Henschke have been busily preparing for National Science Week activities to be held in Wangaratta in August. The group will host the Inspired by Tech Regional Festival, a series of events celebrating innovation and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), after securing a $15,000 Federal Government grant. DTAC’s four planned events begin on Wednesday, August 2 with a Girl Powered Workshop at the Wangaratta Digital Hub, followed by a Quantum and Dark Matter Pub Quiz at the Wangaratta Club on Wednesday, August 9, a panel and Q&A evening at the Wangaratta Library on Thursday, August 17, and the Inspired by Tech Showcase at Galen Catholic College on Friday, August 18.

The real truth behind ‘killer trees’

ANYONE who is concerned about the potential destruction of trees in Merriwa Park may be interested to read this research paper which challenges the fear mentality of “killer trees”. https://www.arboriculture.org.au/ getassets/a2bd3064-7acd-ea11-90fb00505687f2af/A%20Review%20of%20 Deaths%20in%20Australia%20from%20Accidental%20Tree%20Failures.pdf.

When will council reopen our beautiful park or are we all to be protected by big brother.

Why haven’t they closed other parks such as Sydney Beach which has had tree falls?

Claire Russell, Wangaratta

POLL RESULTS

COMMONWEALTH GAMES

Should the State Government have gone ahead with the Commonwealth Games but with all events in Melbourne?

Yes 8 No 21

THIS WEEK

29

Do you think the large red gum trees in Merriwa Park are significant trees?

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

Post Letters to the Editor, 37 Rowan St, Wangaratta 3677

FACEBOOK users this week commented on Mandi McDonald shutting down Linga A While to focus on her next chapter in life.

• Amy Mullane: What a beautiful, inspirational lady you are Mandy. Yes, I will continue to think of Linga A While Nursery often as I enjoy my garden. Mary and I will miss coming in very much and seeing you and Cindy. Lots of love for wonderful new adventure.

• Nanny Alex Nanny Grace: Eric and Molly were my go to plant advisors. Many visits to

their amazing selection of plants in the nursery. And their legacy lived through Mandi and Cindy …. So sad to see you close …. but wishing you all a beautiful future with memories of one of the best personalised nurseries in the North East.

• Rosie Bussell: Best wishes for a wonderful future filled with happiness and good health, thanks for the advice and friendly chats.

• Jeannie Mckendry: Very happy for you Mandy!You are looking beautiful and so happy.

NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.

Relax now and savour every moment. Fond thoughts. Terry and Jeannie.

• Marian Canny: So helpful over many many years... going back to Eric & Molly too.. thanks Mandi you’ve beautified many people’s homes & lives with your knowledge and kind consideration. You’re a real inspiration. Best wishes.

• Marie Hempenstall: Best of luck for future adventures Thanks for all gardening advice.

• Stuart Cullen: Wishing you all the best for your next chapter in

your story, keep safe.

• David Lawson: We too are disappointed, but wish you well for your future.

• Mel Wallace: Sorry to hear this Mandi Mcdonald. Wishing you all the very best in your next venture in life.

• Annette Shanley: You are my hero Mandi… you know that, right? X

• Tania Maxwell: Thanks Mandy for your service and always providing information to us gardeners. You and your business will be missed.

Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.

Our follower total is

14,278

TWITTER users this week tweeted about the commonwealth games, V/Line travel and Oppenheimer.

Rob Williams @robjac01

Reckon you should angle for Wangaratta to get the games. After all they already have a great clay target range set up, which would save about $36k.

Brenton Kaitler @Bighorn9

Celebrating

@ptv_official on the 7:38am from Wangaratta to Sthn Cross. Presently 40 mins behind schedule due to midstation stops and still falling behind. Why? How is this a reliable way for people to commute from regional to city? No reported delays before departure.

Ross @RossDoesHisBest

Watching Oppenheimer the way Nolan intended - at the Wangaratta Cinema Centre.

If you have something to say, add our handle @wangchronicle to your tweet and we will publish some each week.

Tweet Wangaratta trainer Andrew Dale continued the recent trend of Victorian trainers enjoying success in the Southern Districts, saddling up four of the six winners at Leeton on Saturday.

NSW Country and Picnic Racing @picnic_racing

Locals conquer Cape York in historic passion projects

10,000km, four week adventure raises $2000 for young armed service veterans ,,$yg

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

TWO Wangaratta locals who ventured to the northern-most tip of the Australian mainland in cars each almost half a century old have returned from their travels, having raised thousands of dollars for young armed forces veterans in the process.

Originally masterminded by Wangaratta-local Cameron Gray and father Andrew following the latter’s retirement from a 37-year Air Force career, the pair set off for ‘Pajinka’ in June, with Andrew travelling from his home in Tasmania in a 1978 HJ45 Land Cruiser nicknamed ‘Natasha’.

Arriving in Wangaratta to pick up his son for the journey, the pair were joined by Cameron’s longtime friend Tom Carriera, who committed to driving his own early 70s Holden HQ ute alongside them, before embarking on a solo journey through the red centre on his return to Wangaratta.

The northern journey, dubbed ‘Tassie to the Tip’, was documented by Andrew on his 1000-subscriber YouTube channel ‘Grayzbildz’, and raised funds for charity ‘Young Veterans’, which supports young servicemen and women in re-engaging with their community after serving with the armed forces.

So far, the trip has raised $2000, shy of its $5000 donation goal.

Cameron said the fourweek, 10,000km return journey saw the trio cover an average of as many as 500km per day, travelling through the New South

Wales before diverting to Caloundra and taking in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast through to the famed Telegraph Track on Cape York.

“Unfortunately poor Tom sat behind the Land Cruiser which couldn’t do 100kph - so we sat at about 90 or 95 so it was long days, but all three of us are very passionate about cars and like driving, so for us, looking out the windscreen at things was like pulling into a scenic spot to have a look (for others),” he said.

“We really enjoyed the whole adventure behind it – I jumped in with Tom in the passenger seat a couple of times, just to keep him under control and have a bit of a conversation because

he was getting a bit bored by himself.

“Doing the old Telegraph Track for was a really big achievement, (particularly) in an old car like the Land Cruiser. People go and do that track thinking you need a $150,000 setup 4WD to be able to achieve it.

“We went on that track and had as much fun as anyone, the car was probably more capable than

some of the new cars and there were no electronics to go wrong – when we did Nolans (famous river crossing) we didn’t worry about water coming in the car because there was nothing electric for it to fail.

“As long as we kept it running it was going to make it through and surprisingly (the Land Cruiser) dropped down into it and then drove right

out of it – to actually drive it was like ‘this car’s pretty capable’ and a lot of people respected it.”

With both cars having conquered the 571km Peninsula Developmental Road (PDR) and the Telegraph Track beyond, and with the trio sharing a drink at the tip of the Australian mainland, Cameron said the return leg of the journey threw just as many challenges at the travelers.

After Tom departed inland to travel through Halls Gap and Uluru before returning to Wangaratta, Cameron said he and his father had run into car trouble, after a wedg e-tailed eagle flew

through their windscreen.

“We had to kick the windscreen out and drive 400km without a windscreen which got us to Townsville,” he said.

“Luckily this old-school mechanic had a windscreen for our Land Cruiser in his back shed available – for a modern car you probably would’ve waited for one to come in, but this guy had one available which was lucky.

“The hype for heading up there was (about the) unknown, what we’re going to come across - at the same time on the way up there (you’re thinking) is the car going to break down, are we going to have an issue where we actually have to cancel our trip from here and not make it to the top.

“Once we did make it to the top, if the car breaks down from here or something happens, we’ve made it to the top and we’ve actually done something we wanted to achieve.”

Tom experienced his own animal trouble during his solo leg, when he collided with a kangaroo mere kilometres away from his home in Wangaratta.

Having spent considerable time behind the camera throughout the trip, Cameron said it was exciting to be able to look back at the experience down the track, with the first of his father’s YouTube videos expected to be released in the coming weeks.

“That’s going to be awesome to be able to reflect on it one day, and people will see exactly what we saw,” he said.

“I had an idea of what it was like, but you could never explain to someone what (Cape York) is like without experiencing it, it’s such a different place.”

COME JOIN US IN THE KING VALLEY FOR A NEBBIOLO AND TRUFFLE ADVENTURE

Celebrate the gastronomic treasures that grow below & above the land

Nebbiolo & Truffle Dinner: Friday 11th of AugustJoin us for a delicious five-course feast at the Mountain View Hotel. $275 pp, bookings essential. See www.pizzini.com.au for event tickets.

Forage, Sip & Feast: Saturday 19th of AugustEnjoy a fun filled afternoon & evening as you forage for truffles, taste Nebbiolo from the barrel & finish with a delicious five-course feast. $495 pp, bookings essential. See www.pizzini.com.au for event tickets.

PILGRIMAGE: The Holden HQ and 1978 Land Cruiser made an important stop in Bundaberg.

KITTED OUT: Andrew’s 1978 Land Cruiser.

PUNCHING ABOVE: Tom’s 1970s Holden HQ ute wasn’t afraid to tackle some challenging river crossings.

We had to kick the windscreen out and drive 400km without a windscreen which got us to Townsville.

- CAMERON GRAY

CELEBRITY GOLFER: Wangaratta Golf Club manager/secretary Tracey

McKinnon couldn’t resist a photo with comedian Jimeoin when he dropped by to play nine holes at the local course on the weekend. The Irish-born funny man was in the rural city for his show at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Saturday night, and found the golf club the perfect place to relax in the lead-up. Tracey said another popular comedian, Kitty Flanagan, had also played a round at the course when she visited Wangaratta late last year.

Assembly elects new cochairs to lead Victorian treaty negotiations

By CHLOE JAENICKE

WAMBA Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dhudhuroa and Dja Dja Wurrung woman Ngarra Murray and Gunditjmara man Rueben Berg were elected as co-chairs for the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria at the first meeting of the assembly’s second term on Wednesday, July 26. Members for the North East region were also chosen including Yorta Yorta and Wamba Wamba woman Belinda Briggs, Yorta Yorta man Levi Power and Bangerang and Gunditjmara woman Nicole Atkinson.

“I see treaty as a way to strengthen our capabilities and capacity to navigate the complexities we face today and ahead in the future,” said Ms Briggs.

“I see it giving us the means to negotiate our futures, our

place in it, with our identities, culture, knowledge intact, strong spirit, healthy families and community.”

The assembly is the elected ‘voice’ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria and this term its members will negotiate a statewide treaty with the Victorian Government.

Ms Murray - who is a community development and human rights expert and led Oxfam Australia’s First Peoples programs for the last decade - thanked the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have already gotten involved in the journey to treaty, including by enrolling and voting in the recent treaty elections.

“History shows that real change comes from the people,” she said.

“Whether we’re realising

our rights, fighting racism, or standing up for our Country, it is everyday people who are the original drivers of changepeople like us.

“We must make sure that treaty respects our rights, dignity, and sovereignty as First Peoples, and leads to a healed and healthy country for all of us.”

Mr Berg, who is a trained architect and a member of the Heritage Council of Victoria, said treaty is a journey, not a destination.

“The journey to treaty will empower us as First Peoples to make decisions about our lives, our communities, our lands and our waters,” he said.

“It will lead to a better future for all Victorians, where our remarkable cultures and languages are embraced, celebrated and embedded into everyday life.”

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Drama and fiction at The Book Circle

THE latest book recommendations with PAULINE MONCRIEFF, The Book Circle

THE July gathering of The Book Circle was held on Wednesday, July 12 and a variety of books were shared.

FICTION

The 11th Hour, by James Patterson

A really good yarn, with two interwoven plots.

The Revenant, by Michael Punke

The reader is transported back to the 1820s in America.

We are given a good description of frontier life, and a stunning description of the Rocky Mountains as our hero sees them for the first time.

The author has obviously researched the period well, and we are given a graphic description of an encounter with a grizzly bear, and subsequent treatment of the wounds by friendly Native Americans.

The film based on the book stars Leonardo DiCaprio, who won an Academy Award for his performance.

Exiles, by Jane Harper

This is the fifth book

featuring Aaron Falk, from the Australian Federal Police.

He now deals with financial crimes, and his official job is not central to the story.

He is a friend of the local policeman, and there is a missing person who happens to be the ex-partner of his friend’s brother.

No body has been found.

The story is well written, and the author is good at showing the relationships between Falk and others.

There is a good twist near the end.

Novels, by Harlan Coban

The author’s powerful graphic imagery does not make for a comfortable read, but he is an excellent writer.

There is a series on Netflix based on his books.

A Perfectly Good Family,

by Lionel Shriver

An inheritance, a house and three siblings.

Family history and relationships are described in depth, as the story is told through the eyes of the middle child, the sister.

The author has a great facility with words.

The Button Man, by Andrew Gross

A family story covering

the years 1905 to the 1930s.

After the death of their father, the sons of the Jewish family need to start work at a very early age.

Morris becomes a garment cutter, and eventually buys the clothing business.

His brother Sol works with him, but the third brother, Harry, goes into a life of crime.

Jewish gangs control the rag trade in New York, where they are ruthless even to their own people.

Businesses are burned and people are murdered. Many in the police force are on the payroll.

Despite this grimness, we are given a heartwarming glimpse of Jewish family life.

The story is based in part on the author’s own family.

Talking it Over, by Julian Barnes

A funny, intelligent book, often quite moving.

NON-FICTION

The Indi Way, by Voices for Indi

The story of a local campaign to elect an Independent candidate and effect a significant change in the political landscape. It is quite an exciting read.

Back to Bangka, by Georgina Banks

The author searches for the truth about the wartime massacre of Australian nurses on Bangka Island.

One of their number was Dorothy (Bud) Elms from Cheshunt. There is a memorial

for nurses on the silo at Devenish, and a plaque commemorating Vivian Bullwinkel was unveiled there recently.

The group feels that there should be more memorials honouring women, especially wartime nurses.

The Queen is Dead, by Stan Grant

The time, says the author, has come for a reckoning.

The author’s mother was a child when the Queen came to Australia.

The children in the family had only one pair of shoes between them, so took turns to wear them so they would be allowed to see the Queen.

This was the face of absolute poverty, and for many children it continues today.

The Crossroad, by Mark Donaldson

An autobiography by an Australian soldier.

The author was awarded the Victoria Cross in 2008, after rescuing wounded comrades in Afghanistan.

He grew up in a NSW country town, and his father was a Vietnam veteran, who died when Mark was only 19.

His mother disappeared and was never found, presumed murdered.

He joined the army, and was subject to brutal training

in the SAS, where there was a high attrition rate. Senior officers were inexperienced, and often had no battle experience at all.

If This is a Man, by Primo Levi

An account of the author’s experiences in Auschwitz.

ABC TV and Youtube

One plus one, by Dan Bourchier

Bourchier travels across Australia to share the wisdom of the Elders.

Film Limbo on ABC catchup, set around Coober Pedy. Recommended.

The Monday Morning Cooking Club: the food, the stories, the sisterhood

A group of Jewish women from Sydney come together on a Monday morning in a family kitchen and cook together.

This book is a compilation of some of their recipes.

Each recipe begins with some details about the cook and their history of the dish.

They run online cooking classes and demonstrations, and are very engaging. Also, their recipes are delicious and reasonably easy to make.

Follow their blog and find out more at https:// mondaymorning cookingclub.com.au.

Free forum to dive into local fishing and boating

RECREATIONAL fishers and boaters will have the chance to discuss their much-loved pastimes and share ideas to make fishing even better at a free forum in Wangaratta in August.

Wangaratta Sport and FlyFishing Club will host the forum on Wednesday, August 23 from 7pm at their clubrooms at 28 Chisholm Street.

The forum is part of a series running around the state and will feature presentations from Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) and Better Boating Victoria (BBV) staff on the latest in fishing and boating, including updates on the positive

impact the Victorian Government’s $96 million package to improve fishing, boating, piers and aquaculture is making in each local area.

The forum will feature a comprehensive hour-long presentation before the audience gets the chance to engage with VFA and BBV representatives directly, providing an opportunity to ask questions and exchange ideas.

Topics will include local initiatives from the Go Fishing Victoria plan, upgrades as part of the state’s biggest ever boat ramp construction program being led by BBV, the vital work of Fisheries of-

ficers and research insights from fisheries scientists into iconic fish like Murray cod.

VFA CEO Travis Dowling said this year’s run of forums was the biggest yet and presented an opportunity for fishers and boaters to learn something new, share an idea or ask that burning question that has long been the source of debate with family and friends.

“We’re excited to be heading out to even more clubs to catch up with fishers and boaters and discuss how we’re helping make their pastime better than ever,” he said.

“What we’re really keen

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to do is hear what matters to fishers and boaters in their neck of the woods.

“Locals know their patch best and their ideas can help us make fishing even better in Victoria.

“There’s so much to chat about, from where we’re stocking your fish, the growing all-abilities boating network, reinvestment of fees from your fishing and boating licences, important education work and much, much more.”

Wangaratta’s forum is free and no booking is required.

To find out more visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au/localforums

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FISHY TALES: Fisheries officer Lachlan Chapman at a previous fishing and boating forum.

Sunday market had plenty of creative flair in CWA hall

By JEFF ZEUSCHNER

CHILTERN metal artist Helen Hay, was, in her own words, a “bit of a tomboy” growing up.

“I was one of six girls and I was happiest helping dad out in the shed,” she enthused, surrounded by an array of her garden art inside a bustling Wangaratta CWA Hall last Sunday morning.

“Helping dad was where I got my love for metal art.

“I make my sculptures of birds and ornamentals from reclaimed metal...old springs, cogs and such.

“I like to use vintage farm machinery but it’s getting harder to find as much of it is going to scrap.”

Helen’s craft, honed by more than 23 years of ardent practise, was among 21 different stalls at the sixth installment of the Creatives of Wangaratta market.

“I came last month but today is much busier,” she said.

“I’ve sold around eight pieces and have had plenty of interest, handing out a lot of cards.

“I just love the social side of these markets...meeting new people, like 96 year old Laurie (Johns) of Wangaratta...we had a great old chat.”

Fellow stallholder Liz

Wood, with her handmade earrings, was also proving popular with visitors to the market.

“I’ve only been doing it for three years, starting it as a hobby during COVID,” said the Tatong-based artist.

“It’s just a bit of a side hustle, but business has been booming this morning.”

Wangaratta’s Kyra Huhn and daughter Isabelle were keen to purchase some of Liz’s handiwork.

“They’re lovely...so colourful,” said Kyra, with Ocean Grove visitors Karli, Zoe and Evan Czekalowski in tow.

“It’s a great market...so good to see so many creative people.”

Handmade products on offer at other stalls included candles, polymer clay earrings, kids hair accessories, pet bandanas, scrunchies, watercolour art, crochet, wood-turned pieces, home décor items, kids busy boards, jams and chutneys, poured paint art, embroidery, bags and kiln-fused glassware.

The next market will be held on Sunday, August 27 from 9am to 1pm at the Wangaratta CWA Hall next to King George Gardens and entry is free with plenty of free street parking nearby.

CREATIVE FLAIR: Helen Hay was delighted with the interest in her garden art at Sunday’s market.

I’LL HAVE THAT: Wangaratta’s Isabelle and Kyra Huhn, with Ocean Grove visitors Karli, Zoe and Evan Czekalowski, loved the handmade earrings on offer at Liz Wood’s stall.

Donut mind if I do

Enjoy seniors dance today

WANGARATTA Seniors are holding a dance today from 2pm to 4pm in St Patrick’s supper room.

The dance is held on the fourth Friday of each month, and offers a great chance for an outing in a friendly atmosphere.

Music is provided by The Rustic Ramblers, with dance revision from 1.30pm to 2pm, and the $5 admission (non-members $7) includes afternoon tea.

For further information, contact Margaret on 0407 357 226 or Julie on 0408 032 451.

OAK FM at the Whitfield game

OAK FM on 101.3 will be broadcasting from the Whitfield Recreation Reserve this weekend.

The radio station will cover the King Valley home game against Greta from 1pm on Saturday.

King Valley United ladies day

THE King Valley United Football Netball Club is hosting a ladies day tomorrow at the Whitfield Recreation Reserve.

There will be live entertainment, finger food and a glass of sparkling on arrival with tickets $25 per person and more information available by vising the club on Facebook.

PHOTOS: Jeff Zeuschner

It’s time to revise your home fire escape plan

VICTORIA’S fire services are calling on households to develop or review their existing home fire escape plans, amid a trend which sees state firefighters called to more than 3000 residential fires each year.

Fire Rescue commissioner

Gavin Freeman said house fires moved with speed and could quickly fill homes with smoke in a matter of minutes, proving devastating or even fatal to those unprepared. He said families and households spending time together at home this weekend should take the opportunity to make a fire plan together, practice it, and ensure they are well prepared.

“During winter, we spend much more time inside, out of the cold, so it’s important to establish or revisit your home fire escape plan,” he said.

“Nobody wants to think about a fire in the home, but sadly in Victoria every year, on average 18 lives are lost in preventable house fires.

“Knowing how to quickly exit your home in case of an emergency could mean the difference between life and death, and it is crucial that all members of the household, including children,

know what to do in the event of a house fire.”

In the event of a house fire, residents are encouraged to get down low and stay out of smoke where possible, close doors to slow down the spread of smoke and alert others as they make their way towards the exits.

CFA chief fire officer Jason Heffernan said winter was a good time for residents to re-

educate themselves on their escape plan.

“Whether you are a homeowner or renting, you should have a plan in place and practice it regularly, deciding on a safe place to meet, like the letterbox, should an emergency arise,” he said.

“To keep your loved ones safe, it is essential smoke alarms are installed in all bedrooms, living areas

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and hallways so everyone in the property is alerted to a fire.

“The safest plan is to get down low to stay out of the smoke, close nearby doors to slow down the spread of the fire, and call triple zero once you’re safely outside.”

For more information on how to design a home fire escape plan, visit frv.vic.gov.au or cfa.vic.gov.au.

Daisy May McLean

Another busy week for midwifery ward

MIDWIVES and nurses at Northeast Health Wangaratta were once again kept busy last week with plenty of new mums and bubs arriving.

The Wangaratta Chronicle will be in attendance at the midwifery ward on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9.30am to take photos of newborns with their parents, grandparents and/or siblings.

Consent forms are

available from Northeast Health Wangaratta and from Wangaratta Chronicle staff on the day.

If you would like a photo but are not at the ward at the time of visiting, you can come into the Wangaratta Chronicle office at 37 Rowan Street during office hours to organise it.

Photographs are available to purchase from the Wangaratta Chronicle office.

2 X DOUBLE PASSES (2 TICKETS EACH)

Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre Friday 4 August 10.30am

For more information and tickets contact the WPACC on 03 5722 8105 or www.wpacc.com.au

The Seekers were 4 young Australians with a dream and they followed that dream to the top of the pop music world.

The Beggars sing The Seekers follows The Seekers story from the Melbourne cafe scene in 1962 to London the swinging center of the pop universe, to ultimately their 1968 BBC TV special Farewell The Seekers watched by millions.

Enjoy all the hits “I’ll Never Find Another You”, “The Carnival is Over”, “Morningtown Ride” and of course, “Georgie Girl”, alongside The Beggar’s originals and rollicking standards such as “Open Up Them Pearly Gates” and “Sinner Man”. All faithfully re-produced live on stage without backing tracks.

your details and post or deliver to our Wangaratta Chronicle

The Beggars sing The Seekers competition 37 Rowan Street

Wangaratta VIC 3677

Full Name:

Address:

Email Address:

Entries Close: 5pm August 1

THE RIPPLE EFFECT

We were blown away by the impact of our first two gigs - the immensely positive community reaction, and personal messages we received directly from those who’d been helped through the Project 365 message that ‘It’s okay not to be okay’. So naturally we have to go even bigger and better this time around! I moved here from the UK 5 years ago and one of my favourite Aussie-isms is ‘get around it’. It just epitomises so well the culture here of standing up to support one another. As a band, we do that together, and we would love for all of you to join us in getting around those in our community who might be having a tough time, and to let them know it’s okay to lean on a friend. Music is such a great way to spread those messages of optimism and hope, and hopefully we can create good times and memories for everyone in the process. So see you at the next big event on 25th November!

SARAH BRINDLEY VIOLIN

IN DEMAND: Firefighters across the state respond to more than 3000 residential fires on average each year.

PHOTO: Keith Pakenham

DAISY May McLean was born on Monday, July 17 at 3:39pm and weighed 3.735kg (8lb 4oz). She is the daughter of Emily McLean and Thomas McLean of Benalla.

Celebrating local volunteers

By CHLOE JAENICKE

A MORNING tea was held on Monday at the WPACC to celebrate the efforts of volunteers in the community. Groups, clubs and organisations from throughout the Rural City of Wangaratta were well represented.

Volunteer Patti Stafford, who has been a part of many groups, currently volunteering for Inner Wheel, said the connections she has made through helping other people has been very rewarding.

“It (volunteering) is very important for your wellbeing because you meet people and you’re never lonely because you always have people to talk to,” she said.

“Over my years I’ve done lots of different volunteering and one was coaching netball, and those students still recognise me.

“It’s hard to explain the satisfaction you get from helping other people.”

Rural city Acting Mayor Cr Harry Bussell said the morning was a chance to acknowledge and thank local volunteers.

“Our community has a richness and strength because of the work of volunteers,” he said.

“Volunteering helps people develop new skills, make friends and stay connected while also making a difference in other people’s lives.”

LOCAL HEROES: Geoff Allan, Heather Champlin and Robyn Tipping volunteer for the Cancer Council and came to the morning tea.

HELPING THE COMMUNITY: Debbie Robinson, Judy Youings and Carole Breust are volunteers from Make-A-Wish foundation.

CELEBRATING VOLUNTEERS: Independant MP for Indi Helen Haines (left), volunteer Isobel Dunstan, acting Mayor Cr Harry Bussell and Cr Irene Grant all attended the morning tea to support local volunteers: PHOTOS: Chloe Jaenicke

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEKEND Queen theatre experience

BACK by popular demand for their first Australian tour in two years, Queen It’s a Kinda Magic will play to a packed house at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre tonight. Get ready for a night of nonstop rock anthems including We Will Rock You, We Are the Champions, Radio GaGa, I Want to Break Free, Bohemian Rhapsody and many more. Live on stage complete with big sound, big screens, crazy lighting and outlandish costumes, the show starts at 8pm and limited tickets are available at wpacc.com.au.

Artist talk at the gallery

AWARD-winning artist Sepideh Farzam will be part of an insightful “In Conversation” talk at the Wangaratta Art Gallery tomorrow from 2pm.

Farzam is the winner of the 2023 Wangaratta

Contemporary Textile Award for Losing Eyes for Freedom, a collaborative work highlighting the plight of women in Iran.

The community is invited to engage with Farzam’s powerful work and hear from an artist working at the intersection of art, activism and culture, with entry free and bookings at wangarattaartgallery.com.au.

ESSENCE OF HOME: An exhibition by members of the Goulburn and North East Arts Alliance (GANEAA) including Kerryn Taylor (pictured) is showing at the Art Gallery on Ovens. The exhibition extends on GANEAA’s Across the Arts Festival held in April and features artworks which focus on the theme of ‘home’, whether that be a residence, a locality, a country or a sense of place where we feel comfortable and belong. Showcasing a wide range of mediums including paintings, textiles, photography, collage and more, it’s an opportunity to see innovative, original artworks created by talented artists in the local region. Home is open at the Art Gallery on Ovens in the laneway off Murphy Street today and Monday from 10am until 4pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 2pm, before it comes to an end, and entry is free.

Flirtation with Abstraction exhibition

A NEW exhibition called Flirtation with Abstraction featuring the work of artist Frank Burgers is showing in Gallery 2 at the Wangaratta

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Art Gallery. Working with planes of flat colour and structural line, Burgers’ keeps his visual language consistent in response to his immediate environment and experience, whether capturing representation or figurative scenes.

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The exhibition runs until August 13 and entry is free.

Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award

THE eighth Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award

and exhibition is open in Gallery One at the Wangaratta Art Gallery.

The Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award is a biennial event, presented in partnership with the Kyamba Foundation, which celebrates the diversity and

strength of Australian textile art.

The 2023 exhibition includes 29 works, in what is a representation of excellence from practitioners across the nation, and it will be on display until August 20.

Wangaratta community market

THE Wangaratta community market runs every Sunday at Moore Than Swimming, located at 11-13 Mason Street in Wangaratta, from 8am until 1pm.

There is a wide range of stalls to browse and refreshments are available. Stalls are available for $25 each (must have own market stall insurance) with more information via the market’s Facebook page.

Concert at Christ Church Beechworth

JAMES Flores will play the William Anderson colonialbuilt pipe organ (1882) and Rebekah Beall sings Bach, Bédard, Buxtehude, Pergolesi, Purcell and Händel, in Beechworth on Sunday.

The concert will be held in Beechworth’s historic Anglican Christ Church from 2.30pm with tickets available for purchase via eventbrite. com.au.

2 X DOUBLE PASSES (2 TICKETS EACH)

music world.

The Beggars sing The Seekers follows The Seekers story from the Melbourne cafe scene in 1962 to London the swinging center of the pop universe, to ultimately their 1968 BBC TV special Farewell The Seekers watched by millions.

Enjoy all the hits “I’ll Never Find Another You”, “The Carnival is Over”, “Morningtown Ride” and of course, “Georgie Girl”, alongside The Beggar’s originals and rollicking standards such as “Open Up Them Pearly Gates” and “Sinner Man”. All faithfully re-produced live on stage without backing tracks.

Full Name:

Address:

Email Address: Entries Close: 5pm August 1

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

The Southern Whitefacea standout among LBBs

By CHRIS TZAROS, NORTH EAST NATURALLY

OF all the little brown birdsreferred to as LBBs among the birdwatching community - the Southern Whiteface is one of the more distinctive members of the group, having a clearly defined white facial mask which stands out against the greybrown plumage of the rest of the bird.

Their white eye is also a stand out.

Related to the thornbills, which are among the smallest species of birds inhabiting our bushland and farmland areas, whiteface are around the same general size, shape and colourthe primary difference being the shape of their bill.

Whiteface have evolved to separate from their thornbill relatives by feeding from the ground primarily on seeds from native grasses and herbs, as well as taking insects, whereas thornbills are completely insect-eaters.

Therefore, the stubby and robust bill of the Southern Whiteface is perfectly suited to pecking

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seeds and fresh plant shoots from flat surfaces, much like that of a finch, rather than being fine and pointy to catch insects.

They do also consume small pieces of sandy grit which is stored in their stomachs to help grind the seeds they eat.

Southern Whitefaces are rarely seen on their own, as they commonly associate closely with other small ground-foraging birds such as Diamond Firetails, Superb Fairy-wrens and Yellow-rumped Thornbills.

They are sedentary and small groups occur throughout the same area year-round, but groups break-up during the breeding season to establish territorial nesting pairs.

Nests are built in small holes in dead standing trees, stumps and posts, and occasionally in structures such as sheds or barns around farm houses.

They prefer lightly timbered

drier woodland country, typically around the edges of larger patches of bush.

They never occur far from dense cover, typically thick patches of wattles, hopbush or other shrubs. In open farmland areas, they often utilise patches of introduced boxthorn – their prickly dense foliage affording ideal shelter.

Sadly, as is the case with many other small woodland birds, the Southern Whiteface has a declining population across south-eastern Australia.

Habitat modification and simplification is the probable cause, with the loss of native grasses and forbs diminishing their food source and clearing of shrubby understorey, stumps, and dead trees reducing shelter and nest sites.

Locally, Southern Whitefaces may be seen around the fringes of the Warby Ranges and other lightly timbered woodland and farmland areas such as those around Eldorado and Chiltern.

Listen for their twittering calls given in short bursts – often the first indication of their presence.

A STANDOUT: Often perching on fallen sticks and branches, the Southern Whiteface is at home foraging on the ground and over stumps and dead trees.

PHOTO: Chris Tzaros (Birds Bush and Beyond)

Boosting uni options

By STEVE KELLY

A NEW university course in veterinary technology to be pioneered in Wangaratta is expected to attract more students and build on the city’s growing tertiary education options.

GOTAFE and Charles Sturt University (CSU) will roll out a Bachelor of Veterinary Technology degree from 2015, with potential to take in 265 students at the new $8m CSU campus being built at GOTAFE’s Tone Road rural studies campus.

The State Government will inject $730,000 into the $1.3m initiative that will help generate the delivery of more higher education courses in regional areas.

GOTAFE’s link to the degree will offer four pathways for non-year 12 graduates, students with lower ATARs, or those wishing to upgrade veterinary nursing qualifications.

Speaking in Wangaratta

on Wednesday, Minister for Higher Education Peter Hall said the program will also help bridge the gap between country and metropolitan tertiary enrolment rates.

On Track survey data, which analyses school leavers, indicates 58 per cent of 2012 VCE metropolitan student graduates are enrolled in tertiary education, compared to only 38 per cent of regional students.

It’s a reflection of the issue that country students have to live away from home which is also reflected in the deferral rates.

“The rates show that 7.5 per cent (metro) and 15.6 per cent (regional) defer their studies,” Mr Hall said.

“We need to train vets, health professionals and a whole range of people to meet our workforce needs in regional areas.

“This is so students can live at home, study at home and practise their professions in their local area.”

Under the Regional Partnerships Facilitation

Fund’s delivery of $10.4m, Mr Hall said 1000 students are now enrolled in a pathway program that will lead them to higher education.

He said out of CSU’s 38,000 students nationally, one third enrol through TAFE course qualifications.

“I am absolutely confident this course is going to be a great asset for this region, a program well developed, sustainable and serve the region extremely well,” he said.

CSU head of Albury campus, Professor Julia Coyle, said they will work very closely with regional partners and the Rural City of Wangaratta to roll out this course.

GOTAFE CEO Paul Culpan said it is a major development that will meet the requirements of industry.

“The veterinary industry has identified current and future shortages in the area, the increasing complexity of the industry, and the importance of highly trained and skilled paraprofessionals to fill jobs,” he said.

VET DEGREE: Minister for Higher Education Peter Hall (front) with Charles Sturt University Head of Albury campus Professor Julia Coyle, GOTAFE CEO Paul Culpan (back, left) and chairman Michael Tehan at the announcement of a $1.3m rollout of a veterinary technology degree in Wangaratta from 2015. PHOTO: Luke Plummer

Friday, July 26, 2013

The Pinsent Hotel celebrated 100-year anniversary in style

THE Pinsent Hotel 100-year Anniversary Dinner last Saturday night was a huge success, with guests enjoying a complimentary drink on arrival followed by a three-course meal and entertainment from Gatsby Swing.

The 1920s theme was well received with most guests dressing up resulting in a hotly contested ‘Best Dressed’ award being expanded to Best Dressed Individual (Chantal Brinkie from Highbridge Motors, Beechworth) and Best Dressed Table (Caitlin van Leperen and friends).

Each winner received a prize donated by Sam Miranda Wines.

The lucky door prize (a two-night couples get-away donated by Billsons) was won by David and Carolyn Smith.

The evening was a wonderful celebration of the Pinsent Hotel, and by the end of the night there were already talks between guests and staff of making this an annual event on the Pinsent Hotel calendar... perhaps a rock n roll, or Hollywood glam night could be next?

BEST DRESSED: Chantel Brinkies won the individual Best Dressed prize and Caitlin van Leperen and friends won the group Best Dressed prize that was sponsored by Sam Miranda Wines and presented by Brian Pinn from Sam Miranda Wines.

getaway donated by Billsons.

PINSENT PARTY: The team from Highbridge Motors, Beechworth, came to celebrate the Pinsent Hotel’s 100th anniversary.

CENTURY CELEBRATION: Mandy Koh enjoyed the Pinsent’s milestone anniversary with friends.

GREAT GATSBY: Doug and Christine Brockfield celebrated the Pinsent’s 100 year anniversary with James Hoysted and Mina Kami.

FORMER OWNERS: Adrian Fox, Leanne Fox, Des Mansfield, Helen Mansfield, John O’Callaghan and Tom Kelly are all from the ‘Kelly’ family who formally owned the Pinsent.

GATSBY SWING: Jaydon Albon and friends all enjoyed the 1920s themed event with jazz band Gatsby Swing.

PRIZE WINNERS: David and Carolyn Smith were the winners of the couple’s

INSENT PARTY: The team from Motors, eechworth, came to celebrate the Pinsent Hotel’s 100th nniversary.

GREAT

Exhibition is a testament to village’s generous spirit

BY BRODIE EVERIST beverist@ nemedia.com.au

IN 1993 Harrietville opened its heart to 28 children suffering radiation sickness from exposure to the fallout of the Chernobyl nuclear power accident in 1986, as part of a world-wide effort to help victims of the disaster.

It was hoped a period of good food and safety from radiation exposure would help the children recover, but it also brought out the very best in the small mountain village.

It’s the focus of a new exhibition at the Harrietville Museum revealed last Wednesday night, created by Harrietville Historical Society member and PhD candidate Emily Spiller.

Nearly 30 people attended its opening, where they enjoyed food and drink before Ms Spiller gave a small speech and showed documentary footage about Harrietville’s role in helping children affected by the Chernobyl disaster.

“I hope that by having this amazing story recorded into our town’s history, that we can all feel proud about coming from here, and acknowledging the meaningful efforts of locals,” she said.

“Hearing about this story over a cup of tea with my mum, it was extraordinary, not least because our little

town in the mountains had a connection to this very different part of the world.”

Ms Spiller said she was drawn to the story not only as an inspiring example of international goodwill, but also because it links to her PhD studies into US nuclear policy, and the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war.

In February 2022 Russian forces seized the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, controlling the plant for around five

weeks before withdrawing.

“As the world woke up to a country at war, and Russia had seized the Chernobyl nuclear plant as a strategic asset early in its offensive campaign, my drive to bring this project, this part of Harrietville’s history, to life only accelerated,” she said.

Situated in the Edith Hoy Room, the exhibition features memorabilia, photos and newspaper articles from the time, as well as excerpts

of interviews from locals who contributed to helping the children.

“You will see in the exhibition my attempt to intertwine the political climate, which included the opening up of the Soviet Union under Gorbachev, the Cold War hostilities, and ultimately a diplomatic breakthrough between the Soviet Union and the United States on nuclear arms control,” Ms Spiller said.

“These are peripheral but important elements to understanding the impact of the Chernobyl disaster - but of course, the focus is on the kids who came to Harrietville, as it should be.”

The effort to bring the children to Harrietville was spearheaded by Jenny Raymond, who accommodated the 28 kids at her camp Bon Accord for a week after she purportedly read of an appeal to support young chil-

dren and their families affected by the disaster.

“Jenny was wonderful,” her daughter-in-law Jan Maree Duguid said.

“She just invited these children, didn’t ask for any money from anyone.”

But help came from all sides anyway.

A May 1993 Alpine Observer article lists countless examples of goodwill from locals and businesses to the children during their week in Harrietville – they were hosted by restaurants, entertained, events were organised, and they were plied with all manner of food, including chestnuts and walnuts, bananas, lollies from the general store and ice-cream.

According to the article, bananas were second only to ice cream as the favourite of the children and the Soviet Army general staying with them.

A second group of children stayed in 1997, also housed by Jenny Raymond.

Harrietville local Brian Fleming, who was interviewed for the project, recalled organising a lunch in the paddock where the Harrietville Museum now sits for the group of kids who visited that summer.

“They ate us out of chips –we had to go to the pub and grab all the chips they had,” he said.

“Chips in Chernobyl obviously weren’t a big thing.”

The exhibition can be viewed at the Harrietville Museum from 12-2pm each Sunday in August.

EXHIBITION OPEN: Pictured are (from left) Brian Fleming, who was interviewed for the new Harrietville Museum exhibition; Harrietville Historical Society president Robyn Downey; exhibition creator Emily Spiller; and Jan Maree Duguid, who was also interviewed for the project.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

$10K cup day boost for Dederang

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

DEDERANG Picnic

Race Club will be ready to see some action next February, following a $10,000 Stronger Communities Grant for track upgrade works to repair and remove damaged culverts. The works follow this year’s cancelled event, when heavy rain highlighted some safety issues underneath the racetrack.

Club president Marcus Goonan said the works will be complete by the end of the week.

“Most people who went to or were involved in the Dederang Races and Picnic Day last year saw it cancelled due to the wet weather,” he said.

“The culverts underneath the racetrack have been there for some time and many have started to come apart, and there’s scouring above and below them which is dangerous for horses and riders.

“Horses could put a foot through the soil and fall, causing injury to both the animal and the rider so existing culverts need to be removed or repaired.

“The funding will allow us to rectify those issues and make sure we can race this year.

“We should have works finished by ends of this week; they started Thursday last week thanks to local contractor Richardson Earth Moving.

“He does a great job for us and we’ll be ready to rock and roll for next year’s event.”

Mr Goonan reminded the community that the big day is next year on February 24.

“We’re looking forward to hopefully the whole community coming along again and support us,” he said.

“A big thank you to all those who came along last year despite the cancelled races, we raised another $34,000 for local community groups and

Rising costs to see hall upgrades scaled back

ALPINE Shire Council has had to scale back planned upgrades of the Myrtleford Memorial Hall and Tawonga Memorial Hall because of ballooning budget costs.

Councillors this week decided to reduce the scope of works for both projects, after council’s director assets, Alan Rees, explained that escalating construction costs had seen tender costs significantly higher than original budgets.

stormwater infrastructure.”

Mr Rees said whilst the investigation of the mould was undertaken, the remaining design was completed, and a detailed cost plan developed, with a shortfall of $1.17 million.

At Tuedsay night’s meeting councillors resolved to use the current project budget of $1,048,000 to deliver a complete upgrade of the visitor information centre, with an upgrade to the auditorium put on hold.

organisations which is wonderful.”

The club was among 16 successful organisations awarded between $3,100 and $15,000 to undertake projects across communities in Indi. Independent federal MP for Indi Helen Haines last week announced the funding as part of the Stronger Communities Programme.

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“Council’s decision in 2018 to reactivate the Myrtleford Hall started with the provision of a new commercial space of the Myrtleford Visitor Information Centre, and subsequent successful funding applications and engagement with community stakeholders evolved the project to include works to revive the auditorium,” Mr Rees said.

“The first stage of the project was scheduled to commence in early 2023, however it was delayed after the discovery of rising damp and mould caused by old and defective

Similarly, councillors were told the budget for the Tawonga Hall upgrade - originally funded in 2021 with an $850,000 grant from Victoria Bushfire Recovery - was now put at $1.5m.

Faced with a $660,00 shorfall, councillors agreed to a revised scope of works for the project, which won’t enable the hall to be used for overnight accommodation.

Council will work with the community to determine the best possible outcome with the available budget.

SAFETY FIRST: A $10,000 grant has ensured a safer track for Dederang Picnic Race Club events.

PHOTO: Marcus Goonan

Pothole petition launched

By SAMUEL O’BRIEN

LIBERAL member for Eildon Cindy McLeish has launched a petition to the Victorian State Government after numerous complaints about the state of roads throughout the region.

The petition “draws to the attention of the Legislative Assembly the rapidly deteriorating condition of the highways between Yarra Glen and Mansfield”.

It says, “The Melba Highway, the Goulburn Valley Highway between Yea and Yarck and the Maroondah Highway from Yarck to Mansfield have a significant number of potholes, crumbling shoulders, and broken bitumen, which is jeopardising driver’s safety.

“Drivers are forking out costs for blown tyres, busted rims, and wheel realignment after hitting potholes.”

MP McLeish says the quality of Victorian roads have been a problem for many years, with little to no help from the government.

“Just before the election last year the State Government said they were doing a roads blitz, it did nothing,” she said.

“The petition forces the government to pay attention to the issue.”

The member for Eildon has also fielded complaints to visitors of her electorate who have travelled through the area and witnessed the state of deterioration the roads are in.

“This doesn’t just impact people that live in the area but also the people from the city coming to visit here,” she said.

“A lot of people from the eastern suburbs of Melbourne travel along these

roads when they go on holidays.

“They must have been so appalled by the state of the roads to contact me about them.

“There are also a lot of trucks that drive along this route and then turn up the Benalla road to head to the Hume Highway.

“It is a major transport corridor for the region.”

MP McLeish argues that more funding should be provided to Regional Roads Victoria to address the everincreasing volume of issues

Mansfield bids bye to TARGA rally event

By SAMUEL O’BRIEN

AFTER 13 highly successful years TARGA High Country will not return to Mansfield following the final event held under the current agreement, which ran in February earlier this year.

The event has brought hundreds of fast cars to Mansfield, Mt Buller and the King Valley.

saw a reduced benefit for the Mansfield community.

“TARGA High Country and Mansfield have worked hand-in-hand alongside Mt Buller and Mt Stirling Resort Management since first meeting in 2009 to deliver an international motorsport event in the region, including an iconic and unique street stage in the heart of Mansfield,” he said.

on state-maintained roads.

“Regional Roads Victoria doesn’t have the money to fix the damage along the highways,” she said.

“Instead, the State Government is spending billions of dollars on the suburban rail loop and level crossing removals.

“If our regional roads had the funding of one level crossing removal, it would solve many of these issues.”

The petition can be found on the Parliament of Victoria website and closes on August 30.

But it has had its fair share of troubles over the past few years, with COVID postponements and restrictions in the way the event could be run.

Following multiple tragedies at TARGA Tasmania, a Motorsport Australia safety review of the sport led to a reduced High Country event earlier this year, with the removal of the highly successful and unique to Mansfield Street Stage.

TARGA CEO Mark Perry expressed great sadness at the changes required to the February 2023 event, which

“We have made lifelong friends along the way but the reality of the post-safety review requirements, combined with increasing costs, means running the Mansfield Street Stage is no longer possible.”

Mansfield Shire Mayor Cr James Tehan said the past 10 years of TARGA have been fantastic.

“For the past decade Mansfield Shire has worked with TARGA to deliver this event for the benefit of our local businesses and community,” he said.

Volkswagen T-Cross

DANGEROUS DRIVING: Locations like where the Melba Highway crosses Dixons Creek have continued to deteriorate, making driving a risky experience on roads in and out of Mansfield according to Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish (pictured).

Country living at its finest

SITUATED on a 74ac allotment this rural lifestyle property is a superb opportunity for anyone wanting to live the country dream.

Located just over 20 minutes to Wangaratta CBD this home offers privacy and seclusion whilst still being a close distance to a large regional town.

This quality custom designed home was built in 2010 and is beautifully presented.

The kitchen has country style blackwood cabinetry, equipped with large double oven, dishwasher and breakfast bar.

The open plan dining/living space is a great size and the combustion heater adds to the atmosphere in the heart of the home.

Additional living space upon entry to the home is perfect for a formal lounge, formal dining or sitting room.

The master bedroom features a WIR and ensuite.

The main bathroom has separate toilet and shower only.

Three additional bedrooms are all fitted with BIR’s.

Heating and cooling are well catered for with refrigerated split system and combustion heater.

Entertaining guests is made easy with a large covered outdoor area, showcasing a beautiful rural backdrop - the perfect spot to spoil friends and family when hosting.

Shedding is setup for the lucky pur-

chaser with roller doors, concrete flooring, light and power - great use for caravan/boat storage or large workshop.

Other machinery storage is a second open bay shed.

Other features of the property include multiple large rainwater tanks, fruit trees, in ground water systems and great fencing.

At the rear of the property the grazing land rises to a rocky hill which is all on title offering incredible views to the west - truly a little piece of paradise.

If you are currently looking for privacy, peace and quiet whilst still being close to large rural towns with great facilities get in contact with us today.

Superb investment

UNITS 1-4/69 Dixon offer the perfect opportunity for the savvy investor to secure a solid investment in central Wangaratta.

The units are individually titled but are being offered for sale as a whole to the new owner.

The buildings consist of 2 x two bedroom units and 2 x one bedroom units all of solid brick construction

and are on a concrete slab.

Heating and cooling consist of split system heating and cooling plus some gas heating with electric cooking and gas hot water services.

Each unit has an undercover carpark on title plus a private courtyard and concreted driveway with a low maintenance yard.

The units are in a great central location close the private hospital, sporting facilities, great walking tracks and CBD Wangaratta.

The estimated rent per week is $1080 providing a great return on your investment.

Please contact us now at Nutrient Harcourts to arrange your private inspection.

MITSUBISHI TRITON SPORT LIMITED EDITION

By CHRIS RILEY

THE latest Mitsubishi Triton acquires some fashionable black bits.

There’s been a few along the way and this probably won’t be the last.

Mitsubishi has become the master of squeezing the most out of its long-serving model lines with minor upgrades and special editions.

The current Triton dates back to 2015, but was facelifted in 2019, with changes to front and rear designs – and was the last version that we drove.

There’s an all-new Triton on the way, due for launch later this month overseas, and that means clearing the decks with special editions like this one that are designed to stimulate sales.

Based on the GLS with Deluxe options pack, Triton Sport Limited Edition features a bunch of mainly black extras to make it more appealing -- both visually and functionally.

STYLING

Sport is available in dual cab format only with a tub on the back and choice of white or black, with a black wheels and trim.

Skid plate, side steps and rear apron feature maroon accents, while the bonnet and tailgate get some tasteful GT stripes (not the roof or tonneau cover though).

Triton is priced from $30,740 plus on-roads for the bare bones 4x2 GLX single cab chassis with a manual transmission.

The family-friendly 4x4 dual cab range kicks off with the 4x2

GLX with auto, from $44,240 driveaway (4x4 version takes the price to $48,240).

This is followed in quick succession by GLX+, GLX-R, GLS, GLS Sport Edition, and rangetopping GSR with the works for $65,740 driveaway.

Our test vehicle, the Sport Edition with a six-speed auto, is based on the GLS and priced from $60,926 driveaway -that’s $4500 more than GLS.

In addition to the trim and spin, Sport adds a power-adjust driver’s seat, heated front seats, leather door inserts and a 360-degree camera.

Other features include LED headlights, auto high beam, auto lights and wipers, auto dimming rear view mirror, cruise control, speed limiter, side steps, front and rear parking sensors, auto high beam, auto lights and wipers and an auto dimming rear view mirror.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS

Triton is powered across the board by a 2.4-litre turbocharged diesel engine, with a choice of 4x2 or 4x4, six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.

The diesel produces 133kW of power at 3500 rpm and 430Nm of torque, the latter at only 2500 rpm.

SAFETY

Safety consists of seven airbags, including a knee bag for the driver, rear view and 360-degree cameras, plus autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

There’s also Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Change Assist (LCA) and Ultra-

sonic misacceleration Mitigation System (UMS).

Auto braking works up to a speed of 80km/h with stationary objects or 200km/h if they’re moving.

The mis-acceleration priced reduces the chance and severity of hitting obstacles up to four metres away if the driver mistakenly presses the accelerator instead of the brake, at speeds of up to 10km/h.

Sounds good so far, but –and it’s a big BUT – Triton’s five-star safety rating has expired and it needs to be retested under the current regime.

It was last tested in 2015 and time, as they say, has moved on since then.

DRIVING

At 5305mm long, Triton is up there in terms of size, yet smaller than others.

Head, leg and shoulder room are adequate without being squeezy.

The rear seats will accommodate a couple of teenagers, but three full grown adults could be pushing the friendship.

Side steps and grab handles are provided for each door to make getting in and out easier.

Mitsubishi’s Super Select II all-wheel-drive system lets you choose between rear- or allwheel drive, high or low range and there is also a lockable rear diff

The standard tyres on the Sport are road-biased, but okay for most needs.

Triton is a likeable enough ute.

It’s easy to drive, with a reasonable 11.8 metre turning

MODEL RANGE

circle and feels unpretentious, even replete with stripes.

On anything but wellformed tarmac, however, the ride quickly deteriorates, becoming jarring and jiggly with plenty of backlash transmitted through the steering wheel.

This backlash means you need to keep a close eye on the road.

Looking at the old-style analogue instrument panel, it’s remarkable how little has changed over the years.

The touchscreen lacks a physical volume control or tuning dial for the radio and the instrument cluster does not have a digital speed display or speed-sign recognition.

But at least the instruments are clear and easy to read.

Sadly, it misses out on adaptive cruise control too which we’ve grown to like in recent years.

Off road, Triton is more than competent, even with roadbiased rubber.

With 220mm of ground clearance, low range and a locking rear diff that can be activated in high or low range, it has all the makings for adventure.

We took the ute paddock bashing for an hour or so over mud, loose rock and the odd water crossing -- and it didn’t miss a beat.

Opening and closing the big boot lid is a bit hit and miss too.

Sometimes it was reluctant to unlock and when it came to closing, unless you pushed down with a hand extended to each corner, one side tended to remain unlatched (which wasn’t evident).

Fuel consumption rang-

TRITON GLX FROM $44,240 (Drive away)

TRITON GLX-R FROM $47,490 (Drive away)

TRITON GLX+ FROM $48,490 (Drive away)

TRITON GLS FROM $53,240 (Drive away)

TRITON SPORT EDITION FROM $60,926 (Drive away)

TRITON GSR FROM $65,740 (Drive away)

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact yourlocal Mitsubishi dealer for driveaway prices.

SPECIFICATIONS (Triton Sport 2.4L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, six-speed automatic, selectable 4×4 dual cab ute)

RATINGS:

Looks: 8/10; Performance: 7.5/10; Safety: 6/10; Thirst: 7.5/10; Practicality: 7.5/10; Comfort: 7/10; Tech: 7/10; Value: 7/10; Overall: 7.2/10

es from 7.8L/100km to 8.6L/100km, depending on grade and transmission.

Our six-speed Sport automatic is good for 8.6L/100km.

With a 75-litre tank, it doesn’t seem to use much fuel either.

We clocked up about 600km of mainly country driving over the course of a few days.

I’d like to quantify this, but of course I’d forgotten about Mitsubishi’s crazy trip computer which continually resets no matter what you tell it.

SUMMING UP

It might be a bit long in the tooth, but the Triton has always traded on value for money and the Sport Edition is no exception.

We like to do a bit of country travelling and a 4x4 ute with a lockable tray is an attractive proposition, particularly with the ability to go off road and tow a van.

Then there’s the 10-year warranty (so what if it means servicing the car where you

bought it).

Maybe this could be the one?

ENGINE:

Capacity: 2.4 litres

Configuration: Four cylinders inline

Combined Maximum Power: 133 kW @ 3500 rpm

Combined Maximum Torque: 430 Nm @ 2500 rpm

Fuel Type: Diesel Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 8.6 L/100km

CO2 Emissions: 225 g/km

DRIVELINE:

Six-speed automatic, selectable 4×4

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:

Length: 5305 mm

Wheelbase: 3000 mm

Width: 1815 mm

Height: 1795 mm

Turning Circle: 11.8 metres

Kerb mass: 1991 kg

Fuel Tank Capacity: 75 litres

STANDARD WARRANTY: 10 years / 200,000km

■ KEEPING FASHIONABLE:

Public notices

Road Naming proposal: Outcrop Road, Glenrowan

Council is proposing to name an unnamed government road.

Council is conducting community consultation on the proposed name “Outcrop Road GLENROWAN” as part of the official naming rules for places in Victoria. Submission can be made up to 5pm on Friday 18 August 2023.

How to make a Submission

· By Email: planningmail@wangaratta.vic.gov.au

· Mail: PO Box 238, Wangaratta VIC 3676

· In Person: Planning and Building customer service counter, Wangaratta Government Centre, corner Ford and Ovens Street, Wangaratta.

Please include “Road Naming proposal: Outcrop Road GLENROWAN” in the subject line of your correspondence

For further information please visit, www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/Publicnotices or call the Planning Team on 03 5722 8121.

Killawarra and Peechelba Residents

A community meeting to share the results of the recent Placemaking Survey will be held at 6pm on Wednesday 16 August 2023 at the Peechelba Community Centre.

Council will highlight key themes from the Rural Placemaking Project including new and priority projects.

We look forward to seeing residents of Killawarra and Peechelba then!

Application for approval of a Development Plan

Wangaratta North West Growth Areas - Precincts 4 and Precinct 2 (part of), incorporating land known as Reith Road (Lot1 LP113608) and 48-52 Worland Road (Lot 2 PS 428662).

The plans and principle supporting documentation associated with the Development Plan are available for viewing on Council’s website at, https://www.wangaratta. vic.gov.au/Your-Council/Public-notices. Further supporting documents are available upon request. Interested and affected parties are invited to make comment for Council to consider during the assessment. Submissions must be made in writing via email, planningmail@wangaratta.vic.gov.au or post, PO Box 238 Wangaratta Vic 3676.

Submissions for comment on the Development Plan close at 5pm on 11 August 2023

Should you have any further queries regarding the above matter please contact Council’s Planning Department at, planningmail@wangaratta.vic.gov.au or on 03 5722 0888.

Public notices

Public notices

Kindergarten Enrolments Open

If you are looking to send your child to kindergarten in 2024 Wangaratta Children’s Services have places available!

There are integrated and sessional programs available for both 3 and 4-year-olds.

For more information, please visit https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/ Residents/Families-and-children

Kerbside Bin Audits

Council will be conducting kerbside bin audits throughout July 2023, during which a small number of randomly selected streets in urban and rural areas will be inspected.

The information is being collected to understand volumes of glass generated in the existing kerbside bins.

This information will be used to further inform establishing a suitable glass collection service for Council.

If you have any concerns, please email council@wangaratta.vic.gov.au

More information can be found at https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/YourCouncil/Council-meetings.

Community Grants applications are open!

If you have an idea for a project come see us at one of our community drop-in sessions!

For more information, assistance or to apply, please visit, https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/YourCouncil/Grants-and-funding/Community-Grants or email communitygrants@wangaratta.vic.gov.au.

Tenders

T4597 Weed vegetation and pest control services in Native Vegetation Areas

Tender closes at 5pm on Thursday 17 August 2023

C41102 Rural City of Wangaratta Renewable Energy Audit

Tender closes at 2pm on Wednesday 9 August 2023

C41551 WSAC Change Rooms & Amenities –detailed design

Tender closes at 2pm on Friday 11 August 2023

C41554 Wangaratta Netball Courts – design

Tender closes at 2pm on Friday 11 August 2023

Further details may be obtained by visiting Council’s website at, https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/ Working-with-Council. To discuss upcoming projects in your community please contact Council on 03 5722 0888

Positions vacant

Payroll

Social Planner - Housing

Accountant

Accounts Payable Officer

Community Care Worker

Child Care Educator

Aquatic Education Instructor

Personal Trainer 30

Group Fitness Instructor

For further information on these positions please visit https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/ Careers

615 j.herry@wangaratta.vic.gov.au

INPERSONBYPHONESELLING

37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677 5723 0101 classifieds@ nemedia.com.au

WHENTO BOOK BYEMAIL

Chronicle Classifieds 2pm business day prior to print North East Jobs 3pm Friday

Vacancies

Expression of Interest

Commercial Builders

Registrations sought for Commercially Registered Builders for St Joseph’s Primary, Beechworth Junior Centre Refurbishment

Refurbishment and remodelling of existing education building with associated works and landscaping.

Total building approx. 522m2.

Tenderer’s registration to include and will be evaluated on the following criteria: Submission quality; Previous relevant company experience; Personnel experience; Current commitments; Perceived financial viability; References or past experience with client and design team; Proximity; and Perceived ability to provide an appropriate service on this project.

Registration does not imply selection on limited tender list. Documents expected to be released to selected tender list late August 2023

Registrations by email only by 11th August 2023 to No. 42 Architects Pty Ltd kenwoodman@no42architects.com.au

Contact Ken Woodman 0427 424 201

CONCRETING - Big or small jobs. Paths, driveways, shed slabs, verandahs. 15 years experience. For a free quote phone Trev Anderson on 0422 200 761.

DOG TRAINER , obedience training, behavioural issues, learn to understand and control your companion. Phone Frank 0418 314 610 or E frank@ franksdogtraining.au.

IRONBARK

Machinery, automotive and small engine servicing and repairs, trailer repairs and professional welding services. Ph 03 5722 4460.

PAINTER, old school, for all your painting needs. Commercial, industrial renovations. Phone Julian 0412 597 482.

ACAR BUY ONLINE

2 WEEKS REGIONAL WITH PICTURE from $42

General Classifieds: wangarattachronicle.com.au

Employment: northeastjobs.com.au

Real Estate: northeastproperty.com.au

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

PRIVATE NURSING HOME Rangeview Private Nursing Home currently has vacancies for REGISTERED

Aged Care experience required. A variety of shifts available. Email resumes to janis@meracare.com.au

Galen Catholic College

Our

ASSOCIATE NURSING UNIT MANAGER –(Residential Aged Care)

Permanent Part Time – 0.60 EFT

ENDORSED ENROLLED NURSES

Permanent Part Time Contracts available.

For further information please contact Angela Clement, Director Clinical Services(03) 5728 0316

ALLIED HEALTH ASSISTANT –(Primary Health)

Part Time – 0.20 EFT

For further information please contact Louine Robinson, Primary Health Team Leader(03) 5728 0312 Application instructions can be found on our website.

Date: 11/8/2023 As we are an Aged Care Facility, the COVID 19 vaccinations and booster vaccination is mandatory for all staff. A copy of your covid19 vaccination status is required upon application.

We are seeking a full-time Administration Officer to join our dynamic and supportive team. As the welcoming face of our College, excellent communication skills, innovative approach and a professional, helpful manner is a must. Our School Administration Officer provides support to our staff, students and families across the whole school community. The duties are interesting and varied and the working environment is busy and respectful. The position is ongoing and secure. If you are interested in finding out more about this exciting opportunity, please email recruitment@mcm.vic.edu.au or visit our website, www.mcm.vic.edu.au for a full position description and details on how to apply.

Applications close 4pm, Monday, July 31.

Marian College is a year 7-12 coeducational Catholic School. We are committed to Child Safe standards and promote the wellbeing and inclusion of all children.

Contact

CATHEDRAL COLLEGE WANGARATTA

A school of the Anglican Schools Commission (Inc.)

The College invites applications from exceptional leaders for the following Executive positions in 2024:

Deputy Principal/Head of Senior School Head of Junior School

Applications are also invited for Secondary Teaching positions for one or more of the following Learning Areas in 2024:

Outdoor Education, Physical Education, Senior English, Drama and Humanities (including Geography)

Please refer to our website for more information, or contact Amanda Pigram, Executive Assistant to the Principal on 57 222 144.

Applications are to be forwarded to The Principal, Mr Nick Jones, at principal@cathedralcollege.vic.edu.au by 9.00am, Wednesday August 9, 2023

Jobs at Strathbogie Shire Council

Applications close 9am, 31 July 2023 Maternal & Child Health Nurse

Board Director (x 2 paid positions)

Are you:

Looking for a change of direction?

Find

Applications close 9am, 31 July 2023 Procurement Assistant

Applications close 9am, 7 August 2023

Applications close 9am, 7 August 2023 www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au

Strathbogie Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer and a Child Safe organisation. We value diversity in our workplace and will

EDUCATION SUPPORT OFFICER

PART TIME (0.73 FTE) TERMS 3 & 4 2023

Applications are invited for an enthusiastic, energetic, practical and organised person for the position of education support. The successful candidate will demonstrate initiative and will enjoy collaboration and working with adolescents. The responsibilities will include support in the classroom, camps, excursions and other duties in line with the applicant’s skills and interests.

Qualifications or experience in secondary education support would be an advantage. Employment details are available on the College website, www.mcm.vic.edu.au or contact recruitment@mcm.vic.edu.au

Applications close 4pm, Monday, July 31.

Marian College is a year 7-12 coeducational Catholic School. We are committed to Child Safe standards and promote the wellbeing and inclusion of all children.

QUALITY MALE DALMATIAN PUPPY FOR SALE.

Raised in a loving environment. Ready for new home in 1 week will be 8 weeks. Registered breeder RB103484. Microchipped 91001005233364.

Vet checked, wormed, vaccinated, registered with Dogs Victoria. Ph. 0419 594 508 or email: cathie.e.king@gmail.com

2013 Toyota Corolla

L evin SX, 6 speed m anual, complete service history, RWC, 3 months rego (1KR4DE), 229,521km, Gold exterior, Black interior, car is in very good condition inside and out, $8500. Ph 0407 385 421.

VX Polo Sedan 2005 (TRB 311). 188,000 Klms (10,000 klms per each year old). Very clean inside and out. Modern Pioneer stereo with BT. 5 almost new tyres. RWC completed. R egularly serviced. or retirement car. $5200 with 13 months rego or $4500 with 6 weeks rego. Ph. 0421 542 470

CLASSIFIEDS - 5723 0101

OLD coins, notes, watches and jewellery. Including two dollar coloured coins.

CLASSIFIEDS

2015 , Holden Astr a VXR Turbo, excellent condition, 27,000km, RWC, 12 month rego, (AJJ295), $22,000, ono. Ph 0401 518 029.

OLD cars wanted, cars removed. Ph 0435 083 115.

HARLEY Davidson 2006, 1200cc xl 1200R sportster roadster, cruiser, 5 sp manual, 7640km, prisitne condition, VIN 5HD1CLP186K 455114, plus leather jacket, helmet, gloves and backpack, $12,500 cash only. Ph 0412 874 585.

POLARIS Ace 325, 635km, front and rear brushguard, winch, tow bar and hitch. Feb 23, 2016, 7.5 year old. $4,500, CASH ONLY. Ph. 0412 874 585 or 5726 5212.

TOYOTA Prado 1999 (TRM 702), 356,630km, RWC. 7 seater, serviced regularly, mainly highway use. Reg. until October 28, 2023. $9,000 ONO. Ph 5727 3780 or 0408 314 179.

ANGUS bulls, very quiet, good growth, visit mmas.com.au for videos, data and pricing, Marramungee Angus Stud. Ph 0429 809 288.

TYRES new and secondhand, trailer, rims, wrecking. New hours 9am to 5pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 44 Newman Street, Wangaratta. Ph 0428 257 221. Adzam Tyres.

CLASSIFIEDS - 5723 0101

50th Wedding Anniversary

JEDYNAK (Goonan)

Henry and Carmel celebrate 50 years of marriage today, July 28. Our lives joined at St Mary’s Myrtleford, July 28, 1973. 50 years of love and commitment to each other and cherished memories of watching our family grow. Love forever.

Margaret and Richard Grady

Married 60 Diamond years –July 27, 1963.

A diamond has many facets, Its wealth is beyond compare. It sparkles in the sunlight and glistens everywhere, So, 60 years of marriage is not to be ignored, You may not own many diamonds, But your love is worth so much more. You mean so much to all of us, We couldn’t ask for anything more.

~With all our love, David, Hannah and Taylah, Janice, Ashleigh, Mila, Blaise and Dusty, Chris and Charly-Rose.

BATTY

William “Bill” John. 8/3/1929 – 20/7/2023

Aged 94 years.

Loved husband of Dot (dec). Adored father, step-father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. Loved and adored by all.

To the world you were but one. To us you were the world.

DONALD, Christopher Charles “Chris/Ducky”.

22/3/1955 – 22/7/2023

Aged 68 years.

Passed away at Northeast Health Wangaratta after a long illness.

Dearly loved husband of Lynne.

Loved Dad of Meagan and Simon, Dani, Tim and Mel. Adored Pa of Bruce, Pearl, Savannah and Owen. Words are few, our feelings are deep, Our memories of you we will always keep.

With tears we saw you suffer, We watched you fade away, Our hearts were slowly breaking, As you fought so hard to stay. You did not want to leave us, but you did not go alone. For part of us went with you, The day God called you home. ~ Lynne.

HOGAN, Gregory Owen.

Passed away suddenly at home on Monday, July 24, 2023. Aged 90 years.

Loved husband of Bev. Loved and loving father and father-in-law of Gary and Cindy, Wendy and Woody, Robyn and Andy, Jo and Reg, Phil and Di, Paul and Andrea. Much loved Poppy of 13 grandchildren.

HOGAN, Greg.

My precious twin brother, almost 91 years together. Thank you for being such a great brother. You will always be cherished, loved and missed. ~ Helen.

Geggy, You were a great Uncle. You will be missed always. ~Jenny.

O’FLAHERTY, Barb.

So many precious memories of wonderful times spent together. Will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with Dan, Melanie and Glenn and families.

~ Russell and Barb Godde, Don and Janet Heath, Peter and Lexie Rickards, Max and Jan Vincent and families.

O’FLAHERTY, Barbara.

Our deep sympathy and condolences to Dan and Family.

Barbara was an esteemed and much loved member of our Wangaratta West Combined Probus Club whose happy spirit will be sadly missed by all members.

WHITE, Robin Douglas. 24/3/1942 – 23/7/2023.

Passed away peacefully at Illoura Residential Aged Care, Wangaratta. Dearly loved husband of Lyn. Loving father of Jodie and Warren. Father-in-law of Mark.

Much loved grandfather of Matthew, Rowie, Dylan and Emma.

WHITE, Robin.

HOGAN, Greg.

A much-loved Dad and Father-in-law gone too soon.

~ Love from Paul and Andrea.

Thanks for all you did for us Poppy.

~ Love from Ben, Mollie and Rose.

RITCHENS, Ken.

The members and committee are saddened by the recent passing of our valued and active club member Ken Ritchens (Ken 2).

VAN RUTH, Bill.

Deepest sympathy to Phil and family on the passing of our friend Bill.

~ Mick, Eileen, Sean and Jennifer Conroy, Erin and Anthony McGuire and families. Rest in peace Bill.

Loved brother and brother-in-law of Lindsay and Julie (dec) and Jenni. Uncle of Noel, Stephen and families. Deepest sympathy to Lyn, Warren, Jodie and family. Our thoughts are with you.

Forever Remembered

WHITE, Robin.

HOGAN, Greg.

We would like to express our deepest condolences to Ken’s family during Always remembered.

Dad/Pa

You are someone special, Someone good and true. You will never be forgotten, We thought the world of you. Luv ya!!

~ Dani and Bruce.

Dad/Pa (Chris-Duck)

You suffered so long, and told so few, It doesn’t seem fair, what you went through. Thank you for a lifetime of memories, your love, kindness, help and encouragement. See ya soon Mate.

~ Tim, Mel and Savannah.

Dad/Pa

You weren’t ready to leave. You fought courageously to the end. Your strength and resilience will live on in us. May the Lord bless your soul with eternal peace and happiness.

See you soon Dad. Bye Pa. ~ Meagan and Simon, Pearl and Owen.

GIOFFREDI, Alderigo.

03/6/1936 – 17/7/2023

Aged 87 years.

Loving husband of Bertina (dec).

Loving brother of Ugolino (dec) and Maria (dec).

Adored Uncle of Umiliana and Barry. Words are few, thoughts are deep. Memories of you are ours to keep.

Much loved father and father-in-law of Gary and Cindy.

Poppy to Tayla, Liam and Danah, Duncan and Libby and Charis. Always in our hearts.

HOGAN, Greg.

The irreplaceable ‘go-to man’ for Cathie and Vic Bodsworth and all their family.

How lucky we were to have had him in our lives.

HOGAN, Greg “Smokey”.

The committee and Members of the Jubilee Golf Club are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Greg, life member, wonderful volunteer for over 25 years, golfer and friend who will be sadly missed by all.

DEATH NOTICES

VAN RUTH, William “Bill”.

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of William ‘Bill’ van Ruth, who peacefully left us on July 22, 2023 at the age of 80. Devoted husband to Phill for an incredible 60 years. Bill was a loving father and father-in-law to Lonnie and Julie van Ruth and Shane and Michelle van Ruth. As ‘Opa,’ Bill was adored by his grandchildren and great grandchildren Renee, Ryan, Mitchell, Jessica, Mellissa and Brooke, Jack and Safia. May he find eternal peace and may his soul rest in serenity.

Our thoughts are with Smokey’s family at this

Lorraine Margaret.

Formerly of Beechworth. Passed away peacefully on July 20, 2023 at Beechworth Health Service, Acacias. Beloved wife of Ken. Dearly loved mother of Glenn and David and much loved Aunty Raine of Lucy. Adored Nan of Nicholas. Resting peacefully.

O’FLAHERTY, Barbara Kathryn.

21/5/1946 – 21/7/2023

The family of Barbara O’Flaherty are saddened to announce her peaceful passing at Northeast Health Wangaratta.

Aged 77 years.

Much loved wife of Daniel O’Flaherty and Kevin Poulter (dec).

Devoted and loving mother of Glenn (Sweden) and Melanie (Apollo Bay).

Loving mother-in-law of Madelene and Andrew.

Much loved “Barbie” of Emma and Evelina (Sweden), Henry and Vivienne (Apollo Bay).

“Rest Peacefully Barbie”

WALSH, Ian James. 4/12/1950 – 13/7/2023

Such a special member of our family. Your presence is missed, your memories we treasure. We hold you close within our hearts, And there you will remain, To walk with us throughout our lives, Until we meet again.

~ Lillian, Grant and Sariel. xxx.

WALTER, Gwendoline Ellen.

Born August 1, 1920 at Wangaratta to parents Elizabeth (Robinson) and William Lewis. Sister of William and Eric Charles (both dec.).

Forever Remembered classifieds@nemedia.com.au Phone:

Beloved wife of the late Clyve. Aunty to John, Dianne and Stuart. Died July 23, 2023 at Iris Manor, Ashburton at the grand old age of 102. Private Cremation.

Robin White who has been part

AUZINS, Helga. Passed away July 7, 2014. There is a link that death cannot sever, love and remembrance live on forever. ~Esther, John, Jan, Michael, Brendon and Darren.

FUNERALS

BATTY

A funeral service to honour the life of William “Bill” Batty will be held at North East Funerals, 184 Greta Road, Wangaratta at 1pm on Tuesday, August 1, 2023. Followed by burial at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery.

DONALD

The service to celebrate the life of Mr Christopher Charles “Chris / Ducky” Donald will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street,Wangaratta on Monday, July 31, 2023 at 2pm. Burial will follow at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery.

HOGAN

The funeral service to honour the life of Mr Gregory Owen Hogan will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Friday, August 4, 2023 commencing at 10.30am. Burial will follow at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery. Greg’s service can be viewed via livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming/

The graveside funeral service for the late Lorraine Margaret North will be held at the Stanley Cemetery, Beechworth Road, Stanley on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, commencing at 11am.

Beechworth (03) 5728 1052

O’FLAHERTY

A funeral service to honour the life of Barbara will be offered at Our Lady’s Catholic Church, Corner Murdoch Road and White Street, Wangaratta at 12.30pm on Monday, July 31, 2023.

Private Cremation.

VAN RUTH

Memorial Prayers to celebrate the life of Mr William “Bill” van Ruth will be offered in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Friday, August 4, 2023 commencing at 2pm. Private cremation will have preceded this service.

WHITE

The service to celebrate the life of Mr Robin White will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta, on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, commencing at 2pm. Burial will follow at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery.

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

JUBILEE GOLF CLUB

SATURDAY, July 22

Stableford 3rd round weekend

aggregate

Winner: Melody Adams 38.

Ball Winners: Linda Stone 32, Ange Mitchell 30, Yogie Naidoo 29.

Saturday, July 22

Stableford 2nd Round Captains

Trophy

A Grade Winner: Nat Hirunwiwat

41. Runner Up: Glenn Ryan 38. B

Grade Winner: Ian Dinsdale 40. Runner Up: Ken Beitzel 40. C Grade Winner: Ian Mills 39. Runner Up: Doug Ritchens 37. D Grade Winner: Bernie Grealy 38. Runner Up: Noel Holmes

37.

Ball Winners: Glenn O’Connell 37, Alex Gibbs 37, Peter Geldens 37, Nick Jones 37, Ian Harbourd 36, Geoff Gourley 36, Rodney Sebire 36, Gary Dinsdale 35, Tom Aggett 35, Jeff Elliott 35, Martin Hill 35, Attila Kungl 35, Martin Van Rhee 35, Zac Guilfoyle 34, Ian Wiedemann 34, Ray Hyland 34.

Super Nine

Club Shirt: Ken Beitzel 22.

Aroma Deli: John McKenzie 21.

2 Balls: Ian Mills 21.

NTP: 4th Pat Ernst, 8th Jeff Elliott, 13th Ian Dinsdale, 17th Bruce Reid.

Sunday, July 23 - Stableford

Winner: Jack Reiter 35, Martin Hill.

Ball Winners Martin Hill (2) 35, Glenn O’Connell 34.

NTP: 8th Martin Hill, 13th Wayne Hibberson.

Tuesday, July 25 - Stroke

Winner: Melody Adams 71.

Best Scratch: Melody Adams 91.

Ball Winners Linda Stone (Pinsent Hotel) 74, Marilyn Pane 75, Sue Clayton 78.

NTP: 8th Linda Stone (Londrigans Finer Foods), 13th Liane Graham,17th Leeanne Carmody (2 Balls).

Wednesday, July 26 - Stableford

A Grade Winner: Jacob Schonafinger 41. B Grade Winner: Peter Geldens 38.C Grade Winner: Bernie Grealy 34.

Ball Winners: Ken Beitzel 36, Laurie Miller 35, Eon Scott 35, Martin VanRhee 33, David Richards 33, Peter Ford 33, Alex Gibbs 33

NTP: 4th Ken Beitzel, 8th Laurie Miller, 13th Michael Baillie.

Wednesday, July 26

9 Hole Stableford

A Grade Winner: Tony Kosch 19. Runner Up: Matt Walker 18. B Grade

Winner: Jim Darcy 16. Runner Up: Allen Mercer 15.

NTP: 17th Leo McCoy.

WANGARATTA GOLF CLUB

WGC Competitions: Week ending July 23

Women’s Competition: 9 Hole

Stableford

July 18

Winner: Jill Halbwidl 14 Points.

Women’s Competition: 18 Hole

Stableford

Winner: Maggie Ray 31 Points.

Runner Up: Sue Miller 29 Points.

Ball Winners: Janette Collier, Nora Martin, Jan Hill.

NTP 13th: Sue Miller.

Mens Competition: 9 Hole Stableford - July 19

Winner: Sam Antonacci 17 Points.

Runner Up: Arthur Ingarfield 12

C/B Points.

Mens Competition: 18 Hole Stableford

Winner: Rod Moyle 37 C/B Points.

Runner Up: Craig Donoghue 37 Points.

Womens Competition: 9 Hole Stableford - July 20

Winners: Jan Hill 35 Points.

Runners Up: Chris Cuthbert 33 Points.

NTP 13th: Jan Hill.

Women’s Competition: 9 Hole

Winner: Barb Woodward 20 Points.

Runner Up: Jill Halbwidl 18 Points.

Ball Winners: Karen Smith, Barb Thomas.

Men’s Competition: 18 Hole Par

July 22

A Grade Winner: Jarred Clark + 2.

A Grade Runner Up: Trevor Clark 0. B Grade Winner: Arnold Sparks + 2 C/B.

B Grade Runner Up: Drew Winter + 2 C/B.

Ball Winners: Greg Allan, Ethan Bell, Glen Seymour, Matt Nicolosi, Raffaele Molinaro, Daniel Bihun, Phillip Winnell, Steve Bismire, Mark Comensoli, Maurie Braden, Bob Murray, Craig Donoghue.

NTP: 4th Rod Moyle, 7th Drew Winter, 11th Bob Murray, 16th Brannan Duffy.

Subway Birdie: Lachy Moore.

McDonalds Birdie: Steve Baertschiger, Ethan Bell, Greg Allan.

Secret 6: Trevor Clark.

TARRA GOLF CLUB

TARRAWINGEE Golf Club results Saturday, July 22. The Lefties vs the Righties was

played on a composite course with the lefties though short on numbers were still the winners on the day, the overall winner for the day was Manny Tanirau on a countback from Mark Nolan with both having nett 65’s, Pete Nolan also was a ball winner with nett 66.

Nearest the pin 8th Leo McCoy.

Ladies 8th Lucia DaPos.

Golf on Saturday, July 29 will depend on the conditions but an event shall be played.

Ladies are also invited to participate.

The hit off times for Saturday’s are 11:30am roll up for a 12noon start, we ask members to be early to enable the days program to be organised.

New members are always welcome at the Tarrawingee Golf Club, the joining fee is $100 the contact number is 0428122590 or by contacting a member of the club.

Ladies Golf

On Tuesday, July 25 Tarra Ladies played the Monthly Milawa Hotel Stableford event.

The winner was Lynn Barrow with 16 points and the runner-up was Di McLaughlin with 13 points.

Next week’s event will be the Monthly Medal.

CROQUET

RESULTS for Monday, July 17 are as follows:

Maureen O’Keefe and Carol O’Keefe d Yvonne McLaughlin and Gavan Kelly 7/3, Joan Guttormsen and Janet Kelly d Wendy Waddington and Elaine Mudge 7/3, Elise

Yvonne McLaughlin 7/3, Christine Ireland and Carol O’Keefe d Gavan Kelly and Wendy Waddington 7/0.

On Wednesday, eleven members enjoyed some games in the winter sunshine or shade depending on which court they drew.

Playing days are Monday, Wednesday and Saturday commencing at 1pm.

Visitors are welcome to come down and enjoy some games with our members.

Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow for the draw to be done.

Late arrivals will be included in the next game.

The club is located at 46 Ryan Avenue, Wangaratta.

For further information please contact president Susan Fischer on 0417217009 or secretary Terry Wilson on 0417326739.

WARBY WALKERS

SUNDAY, July 23

Mount Glenrowan via Chick Hill.

The day started with early morning fog down in the valley, but we were to enjoy a stunning blue sly up on the Warby ridge: the maximum temperature being about 12 degrees.

Twelve of us had met at Rotary Park at 9am, organised the car pooling and headed off to meet up with three members who had driven directly to Taminick Gap.

Anne the impressive 16th adventurer walked up Chick Hill from Hamilton Park to join us.

Downes and Christine Ireland d Dawn Wind and Andy Barbero 7/5, Susan Fischer and Nathan Reynolds d Gabi Heywood and Joan Dyson 7/1.

Last Saturday, Gavan Kelly scored an exceptional hoop in one from well behind hoop seven, running hoop eight.

On Wednesday, Wendy Burgess playing two balls against Bruce Guttormsen and Terry Wilson, won the game by running the last hoop from five yards on a 30 degree angle.

Also, on Wednesday, seven Wangaratta members travelled to Shepparton to play in their “Christmas in July” event, with Janet Kelly winning the croquet and Cheryle Beckley taking a raffle prize.

Playing days are Monday, Wednesday and Saturday commencing at 1pm.

Visitors are welcome to come down and enjoy some games with our members.

Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow for the draw to be done.

Late arrivals will be included in the next game.

The club is located at 46 Ryan Avenue, Wangaratta.

For further information please contact president Susan Fischer on 0417 217 009 or secretary Terry Wilson on 0417 326 739.

Results for Monday, July 24 are as follows:

Cheryle Beckley and Maureen

O’Keefe d Susan Fischer and Elaine McDonald 7/1, Janet Kelly and Joan Guttormsen d Gabi Heywood and Robyn Muller 7/2, Margaret Bennett and Elise Downes d Dawn Wind and

Setting off we walked along Ridge Track to the Chick Hill turnoff and took this popular detour to a lovely morning tea spot with a great view of the Victorian Alps.

Returning to the Ridge Track we followed this path to the environs of Morgan’s Lookout (Mount Glenrowan) where we enjoyed a scenic lunch with great snowcapped views of Mt Buller, Stirling, Feathertop and Hotham.

Then it was back mainly downhill, to our cars at Taminick gap.

Coming Events

Sunday, August 6 Gapsted to Stanley along Flagstaff Road. Marita, 0427 521 122

Along Flagstaff Road, which is a well-maintained bush road through mostly native forest, and then also some pine plantations and farmland. There are views over Murmungee Basin on one side, and the Ovens Valley with Mt Buffalo on the other side.

The full walk is a one-way walk ending in Stanley, with the possibility of enjoying refreshments at the pub/cafe.

A 17km walk with 521m ascend.

A shorter option is walking part of the way and then turning back, with the option of joining the rest of the group for refreshments at Stanley pub/café.

A 6km walk with 147m ascend and descend.

Tuesday, August 15

Friends Loop (includes Alpine Views and Mount Warby). Chris, 0418 503 802

A medium loop walk of approximately 12k, taking in the Friends Track, Alpine Views Track, and then Mount Warby in the WONP.

PERFECT SATURDAY: Adam Anderson enjoyed a hit at the Jubilee Golf Club.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

ALYSE OWEN

WANGARATTA Chronicle photographers Nathan de Vries and Marc Bongers made their way to Ovens & King and Ovens & Murray football and netball on the weekend to capture some action. Photographs can be purchased at the Chronicle.

HANNAH GRADY (GD)

MICAELA LARKINGS

ISSY NEWTON

EBONY HUGHES

MATT VESCIO

KELLIE KEEN

GEORGIA CLARK

LEAH JENVEY

AMY BRYNE

ANDREW NEWTON

Ghosts of seasons past not worrying Bombers

THEY may have slumped out of a top two position last year and fallen short in the grand final, but this season’s Bombers believe they can go all the way.

Bonnie Doon’s senior squad have only improved on the list and systems which took them to last year’s decider the long way, and sit on top of the ladder with a whopping 301.33 per cent with one loss against them.

With a golden opportunity to go one better this year, coach Ken Murray said his team were heeding the hard lessons they were taught in 2022.

“For us, it’s more about just making sure we don’t surrender the opportunity that we’ve created for ourselves,” he said.

“Last year, we let top two slip by being lazy in the last round, and lost it to Bright in the last game and fell to third.

“It just meant we had to do it the hard way.

“A few injuries through

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

the finals series probably cost us a better shot at the main game, so we’ve been pretty adamant that we want to finish top two – we don’t care whether it’s first or second, to be brutally honest.

“For us, the boys are pretty hell-bent on trying to go one step better than last year.”

The Bombers take on fifth-placed North Wangaratta tomorrow and have a relatively sedate run into the finals series – by the time September rolls around, Bonnie Doon will not have played a top four team in almost two months.

“Openly, we would’ve loved to have played Greta again and Bright again – you get a better pulse check of where you’re at,” Murray said.

“We throw (the magnets) around a little bit in this

back half of the year.

“You can have plan A and plan B but sometimes you’re going to need plan C and D, so you need to know what’s within people’s wheelhouse, if they can play a different role for us.

“We’ll go to North Wangaratta with our plan A game, we won’t be doing any tinkering, we’ll select the strongest side we can, and we’ll set about trying to play the majority of the game the way we want it to be played.

“There won’t be a lot of tinkering or changing –what’s served us well so far, we’ll try and continue on with that.

“They’re a competitive side, so I don’t think it will be an easy game or a big blowout game, but if we can play to our capability, we should be good enough – but funny things happen in footy.”

Bonnie Doon takes on the Hawks at the North Wangaratta Recreation Reserve tomorrow, with the reserve match from 12pm and the senior hit-out set for 2pm.

Netballers feeling finals crunch

By NATHAN DE VRIES

WITH less than a month left until the 2023 Ovens and King finals series gets underway, time is running out for teams to put their best netball forward and make the six.

In the A grade fixture, the Hawks face a challenge tomorrow when they host number four side Bonnie Doon.

The Bombers are all but guaranteed to appear in finals, but will still be gunning for a massive win over North Wangaratta.

However, the Hawks have fought out strong matches against some of the better teams in the competition, and will be backing in their defenders to create some turnovers.

Whorouly will look to pick up a vital win against Bright at Pioneer Park.

The Lions are currently tussling with King Valley and Goorambat for the last two unclaimed tickets to the finals, which means every match is a must-win from here on in.

A grade coach Ebony Allen said a dominant first quarter would go a long way in securing crucial results for the next month.

“A main focus heading into the last rounds is having a strong start - we can’t afford to be playing catch-up each week against these top sides so that’s a big focus for us at the moment,” she said.

“We had a really good game against Bright last time we

matched up against them so I am confident that we can put out another strong performance.

“We are playing some good netball, it’s just a matter now of nailing the basics so we will be focusing a lot on that when we head to Bright.”

King Valley will try and upset the reigning premiers Greta to keep them in the top

six, but it won’t be easy.

The Blues have been one of the powerhouse sides for the past few years, but King Valley has strung together some impressive results this season, with laser-focussed shooting and fierce defensive efforts.

Moyhu and Benalla All Blacks will also face legitimate flag contenders tomorrow, with the Hoppers hosting Tarrawingee

Blues aiming to finish O&K season strong

■ From back page

“Like all teams, we want to get the double chance and that’s in our own destiny.

“It’s not something we talk about at all.”

With some players out either injured or unavailable for their clash with King Valley tomorrow, the Blues will have to rely on their considerable depth.

“Depth has been a thing we’ve been working on the last few years, we’ve picked up some really good young blokes,” Newbold said.

“We’ve got a few out, it just gives great opportunity for other people.

“It just gives us the scope to be really competitive and give them good experiences so they then go back and play really strong football in the reserves if they’re not up in the seniors.”

King Valley sits just within the top six and will need a massive result soon to keep in contention.

With the match being broadcast on 101.3 OAK FM from 1pm tomorrow, the stage is set for a sure-fire cracking hit-out.

“They had a very good win last week over Goorambat, and their ground is a pretty unique ground in this region,” Newbold said.

and the Panthers travelling up to Milawa to play the undefeated Demons.

The Bats will sit on the sidelines this week, missing out on a chance to earn the valuable points needed for them to crack into the top six, sitting just 13.21 per cent outside.

A grade netball across the region gets underway from 2.15pm.

“They’ll be very competitive, they’re wellcoached, all the Davies boys are playing, they’ll be super keen.

“This is a scalp they need to take to give them any chance of playing finals, so I’m sure Jack (Davies, co-coach) will have them really revved up and ready to play football.”

In other round 17 matches tomorrow, the Hawks host Bonnie Doon, Whorouly travels up the mountain to take on fierce rivals Bright, Moyhu face up against Tarrawingee at home, and Benalla All Blacks plays Milawa.

BUMPER WEEKEND: Maddie Canning and the Bulldogs will face off against Moyhu in one of five thrilling A grade netball fixtures tomorrow.

PHOTO: Marc Bongers

FOR THE TAKING: Beau Smith and the Bombers will aim for a top two finish to the season after crashing out last year.

PHOTO: Charlotte Kilner

Brisbourne searching for one more

By WILLSON MACK

BEN Brisbourne will be hoping to finish the 2022/23 horse racing season off in style this weekend.

It’s a tight race for the Wangaratta Turf Club’s trainers’ trophy with Brisbourne on 46 winners thus far, while Andrew Dale sits just a win behind with both horsemen looking to add to that tally by the final day on Monday.

Brisbourne will run at Echuca today, and then Corowa on Monday for the final day of the season.

Brisbourne has been happy with the stable’s season but wants to eclipse his tally of 46 to make it his best year to date after finishing with that same number in 2021/22.

“It’d be good to get an-

other winner before the season’s done,” Brisbourne said.

“It was a bit of a relief to get to 45 again because it probably wasn’t looking that way for a bit there.

“It’s been nice to finish the season off with a bit of momentum though.”

At Echuca today, Crazy Atom (race one), Nothingelsematters (race four), Lace and Whiskey (race five) and Blaspheme (race six) have all been accepted into the bumper nine race card.

“Crazy Atom is a nice horse and has drawn well, it’s his first start so he’ll be better off for the run” Brisbourne said.

“Nothingelsematters, I’m pretty keen on him, I think we’ll see the best of him at the races – not in the trials he’s had. He’s ready to go.

“Lace and Whiskey and Blaspheme may run at Corowa on Monday so we’ll wait and see on those two.”

At Corowa, Oh Wonderful Why (race four), Winchester Rifle, Nay Hay Hay (race

five), Tato Key and Lace and Whiskey (race six) have all gained a start.

Nay Hay Hay was outstanding on debut at Echuca two weeks ago, winning his first start, while Winchester

Rifle was also a last start victor at Wagga on July 15.

The pair will square off in race five’s Class 1 Handicap (1400m) and look genuine chances.

“In the Class 1 1400m I think both of ours will be strong chances,” Brisbourne said.

“I probably can’t split the two.”

Along with Brisbourne’s 46 winners this season, he’s gone at 33 per cent for placings which he admitted has been frustrating.

“It’s probably been a frustrating year for us,” he said.

“We’ve had too many horses finishing second and third but at the end of the day the horses are running well which is pleasing.

“It was nice to grab a winner in town last Wednesday

Settled Lady Devils pushing for massive win

By NATHAN DE VRIES

LAST week’s crushing 4-2 win over Albury United seemed to mark a turning point for Wangaratta’s senior women’s team.

From a stagnant few weeks of competition, the pieces clicked into place for the Lady Devils last weekend, and they look to parlay this momentum into another win on Sunday, when they host Wodonga Diamonds.

Division one captain Beth Cope said with players returning to the side after unavialabilities, it afforded the squad the opportunity to play in their preferred positions.

“To be honest, I think it was the best game as a team we’ve played all season - we all linked up and it just worked for us,” she said.

“We had some people coming back into the side which boosted confidence, and everyone was just switched on for the day, ready to go.

“It just makes people more confident in where they’re playing because they’ve played there previously and they’re more preferred there.

“Having Sarah Morris back (from playing up forward), she’s a bigger body and she was solid.

“We did have a very young defence line, so she was a good

level-headed defender back there.”

The Diamonds currently sit winless on the bottom of the table, but Cope said they had legitimate talent in their squad, and the Lady Devils would focus on playing their best.

“We’ve played them a couple of times already, they’re a young side but they have got some older bodies through the

centre of their park,” she said.

“For us, we just need to play to our strengths – play the ball through the middle then get out wide.

“At training, we’re working on that final pass through the defence line, trying to work around. It’s all coming into place at the right time.

“We’re still missing lots of chances, especially from last

week, but we are converting the ones that we need.

“Their strength is probably their midfield, so if we can break that down in the first 10 minutes, we’ll be right for the game.”

Wangaratta City hosts Wodonga Diamonds at the South Wangaratta Recreation Reserve this Sunday, with the senior women’s match set for 11.20am.

(Pachino) and we’ve made improvement on our metro winners this season too which is a positive.”

That winner in town was Pachino ($9.50) at Sandown on July 19 with the four-yearold gelding winning race three’s BM70 over 2400m by a head.

Brisbourne’s most recent winner came on Monday at Wagga where stable star Nordic Pride ($11.30) returned to the winners’ circle in the Riverina Cup Prelude (BM74 over 2000m).

It was the gallopers first win since April 6 last year.

“It was just nice to get him back in the winners’ enclosure,” Brisbourne said.

“He’ll now head to an open handicap (Riverina Cup) back at Wagga next start (August 13).”

Devils fighting outs for Diamonds clash

By WILLSON MACK

WANGARATTA City will host Wodonga Diamonds at South Wangaratta Reserve on Sunday.

The Devils will be hoping they can reverse their 1-3 loss to the Wodonga based side back on May 7 as they look to impress on the club’s sponsors day.

Wangaratta City coach Raff Molinaro said his side may have a few out for the clash.

“Last time we had a squad full of sick players and I think we have a few unavailable again this weekend,” Molinaro said.

“Stoycho (Ivanov) has been suspended for two games because of all of the yellow cards he has received over the season so we won’t have him.

“Raul (Pahina) got injured last weekend so we’ll have to see how he pulls up and Alex Pitt might be in Melbourne.”

Molinaro said Diamonds’ energy caught his side off guard when they last met.

“They ran over the top of us in the second half last time so that’s something we’re going to have to be thinking about,” he said.

“We will need to run out the 90 minutes if we’re any chance of winning.

“They’re a young side so I think our bigger bodies need to dictate the ball a bit more.”

“We’ll have to wait and see how our availabilities look.”

A win is crucial for Wangaratta if they’re to stay in touch with third spot as they currently sit a point behind Boomers.

Molinaro’s under no illusions that third spot will be hard to grab.

“We just need to keep grinding out results, that’s all we can do,” he said.

“We need Boomers to drop points and we need to keep winning so it’ll be tough to get ahead of them.

“We didn’t do ourselves any favours with some of the games we’ve drawn or lost this year.”

Sunday, July 30

JUNIORS: From 8:30am

D1 WOMEN: 11:20am

D1 MEN: 3:00pm

CITY WINNER: Ben Brisbourne grabbed his final city winner for the season at Sandown on July 19. PHOTO: Racing Photos

READY FOR MORE: Beth Cope and the Lady Devils will back their settled squad in against Wodonga Diamonds this Sunday.

PHOTO: Kat De Naps Photography

Search continues for missing Magpies team photos from 1931, 1932 and 1933

By SHANE DOUTHIE

WANGARATTA Magpies are continuing their search for their missing premiership team photos for 1931 and 1932 from Ovens & King League and the 1933 Ovens & Murray League.

All the teams were coached by the great Fred Carey and after publishing a copy of the 1931 O&K team that had been taken during the season the club received a number of enquiries and importantly were given a team list of players for theat side.

The club hopes by publishing the list below there may be a chance an extended family member may spot it and provide some more information about those teams.

If you recognise a name or face from the accompanying team list or team photo please contact Rod Canny on 0402 896524 or Bob Rowland on 0427 217 367.

McNamara makes it to final three in ‘Renegades Recruit’

WANGARATTA’S Paddy McNamara has made it to the final three in Melbourne Renegades’ community cricket talent competition ‘Renegades Recruit’, with voting now open to the public.

Hosted by coach Simon Helmot, with Renegades captain Nic Maddinson watching on, the show seeks to find the best community cricketer in the state and offer them a chance to train in the Renegades Academy program, along with a slew of other prizes for the individual and their club.

The 2023 recruit winner has also been named in the Renegades Academy squad for the Top End T20 series in Darwin from July 30-August 6.

The second of three episodes aired on Tuesday night, and ran the six remaining competitors

FEMALE FOOTBALL FINALS

THE INNER SANCTUM

The first of our local leagues finals kick off next weekend with the start of the AFL North East Border Fernwood Fitness Female Football Finals!

Week one of the finals will be a massive Super Sunday at the WJ Findlay Oval in Wangaratta, with a huge 6 games throughout the day, kicking off at 8:45am and the last game starting at 4pm and finishing under lights!

If you haven’t experienced or caught a game of female football locally this is a great opportunity to experience it first hand and under finals conditions.

Gates open at 7:30 and entry is $5, 17 and under are free.

All Girls Auskick Wangaratta

Off the back of a successful launch in 2022, AFL Victoria will be hosting another All Girls Auskick Centre in 2023 kicking off on Wednesday 2nd of August from 4pm to 5pm at the Barr Reserve Oval. The All Girls setting is a fantastic way to get your daughter involved in footy, with skills and activities specifically designed for girls who want to give football a go.

You can find the link to register for the program on the AFL North East Border facebook page, or contact david.alderuccio@afl.com.au for more information.

Participation Coordinator Role

AFL Victoria and AFLNEB are searching for our next Participation Coordinator!

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

through their paces with fitness, fielding, power hitting and yorker bowling.

While he came fourth in the fitness test, McNamara impressed with his fielding, recorded the second fastest hit, and bowled three out of three perfect yorkers, a vital skill for any T20 bowler to possess.

“I think my main role would probably be with the ball,” McNamara said when asked what he could bring to the Academy program.

“I can bowl anywhere, really – I’m happy to have the new ball, bowl a couple of overs at the top and then come in at the death

and try and execute my yorkers, slower balls and bouncers at the end of the innings, as well as try to take wickets through the middle.

“I can hold a bat, but bowling is probably my best attribute.

“I feel like I could extend myself to improve my cricket at a higher level, so this would be a big stepping stone in me being able to push that and move forward with my cricket.”

McNamara was the first to move into the top three, and was joined by Bonbeach CC’s Ab Das and Kooweerup CC’s Luke McMaster in the final.

The winner is decided by public vote, as well as the coach’s final say - to vote, visit melbournerenegades.com.au/recruit before polls close at 11.59pm tonight.

If you are passionate about growing participation at the grassroots level in the North East then this is the perfect role for you.

The role includes working with local schools, Auskick Centres, Junior Clubs and the wider community promoting football, attracting new participants and supporting the retention of participants throughout the junior football pathway.

If you are interested in the role and want to find out more information please contact david.alderuccio@afl.com.au

The Whisper

With a bit of rain forecast for the lead into the weekend and scattered showers on Saturday, who was heard running around on Thursday night at training calling themselves the ‘Wet Weather Wizard’.

Magpies 1933: Back row: Frank Archman, Bob Law, Lin Archman, ?? Moore, Jack Connell, Chas Nicholls, J McGregor. Centre row: Bill Brown, Bill Cameron, Jim Boyd, Les Glassenbury, Fred Carey (coach), C Meagher, Martin Maroney, Bert Carey, Jack Connelly, Jack Tripp (trainer). Front row: H Coe, Lot Kowther, Charlie Shugg, Roy Barnes, D Lloyd, Martin Bean. Players not in the 1933 photo but named in the 1931 premiership team were A Fraser, G Patrick, J Nixon, W Brown, R Colson and in 1932 B Izard, E Mumme, J Bemrose, E Bemrose and L Irving. If you recognise a name or face from the above please contact Rod Canny on 0402 896524 or Bob Rowland on 0427 217 367.

FINAL THREE: Paddy McNamara (centre) is in the final three of “Renegades Recruit’, with public voting now open.

PHOTO: Melbourne Renegades

Race heating up in OAKFM Player of the Year

By WILLSON MACK

Double the birthday fun at Oxley table tennis

WITH all sports high on the agenda, there were none higher than the Oxley social table tennis competition on Monday night, when 28 players rolled up their sleeves in hot pursuit of gold medals.

As always first cab off the rank Debbie Brunken was on the ball from the first stroke when she and hit or miss June Uebergang threw out the challenge to Simon (spokes) Brown and Neil (down) Spurgeon.

After an age-long workout, it was the boys who finished north of the border.

School mates, Marnie Woodberry and the ‘bat whisperer’ Graham Stephens tested the power and fortune of the ‘city centre’ boys Manni Poulos and Will Bonwick.

Rangers rule on the infield and outfield

IN cold but fine weather, Wangaratta Rangers played Porepunkah Panthers in round 12 of North East Baseball at Targoora Park on Sunday in A Grade, Rangers Grey in B Grade, C Grade and under 12s.

The fog had just lifted when the Under 12s played.

Both teams had ten players and with the seven-batter rule in play, Panthers brought in two runs in their first turn at bat, then Rangers had five runs in when their seventh batter got on base safely.

In fact, Rangers scored five runs in each of their four innings while Panthers started batting better late in the game.

Frank Eaton, Morrison O’Keefe, Ryder Lack and Lillie Brockwell all had three safe hits for Rangers, while Heath Hughes, Yuna Meddings and Wes Booth had three safe hits each for Panthers.

Rangers won 20 runs to Panthers 15.

The C Grade game was a different story for Rangers as they struggled to get bat to ball all game and their pitcher had trouble throwing strikes.

If the batter did get a hit, Rangers were fumbling in their fielding.

Rangers could only manage to get five runs across the plate, while Panthers controlled the game scoring 17 runs.

Rangers Grey kept Panthers scoreless all game in their B grade game with their pitcher, Brendon French teaming well with his son Heath as catcher to get 11 strikeouts for the game and having only two safe hits off him.

Although Rangers Grey ended up winning easily, they only scored in two of their five innings.

Rangers Grey won nine runs to Panthers nil.

In the A Grade game, Porepunkah Panthers batted first.

After losing their first two batters they started to find the gaps in their field and brought in two runs before they lost their third out.

They then shut out Rangers Black in their turn at bat.

Panthers did not add to their score in their next three turns at bat, then with two batters out and two on base, Owen Godenzi hit a home run over the fence at centre field to bring Rangers three runs to make four for

the second dig.

They added one more in their fourth to lead five runs to two at the top of the fifth innings.

Panthers brought in three more runs in their next three innings while Rangers Black added five more in their fifth at bat.

Owen Godenzi and Ross Johnson both had three safe hits for Rangers, while Damon Barker batted 1000 for Panthers when he had four safe hits from four at bats for Panthers.

Rangers won 10 runs to Panthers five.

Wangaratta Rangers two other teams played Benalla Bandits in Benalla, Rangers Under 15s played first and brought in six runs when their seventh batter got on base safely.

Bandits could only get one run in their turn at bat.

Rangers repeated their first dig effort in their next two innings, losing only one out in each dig from seven batters.

Bandits tried hard, their last at bat being their best when they scored five runs.

Rangers won 18 to eight.

Rangers Orange played Bandits in the other B Grade game.

Although their play left nothing to write home about, they won 19 runs to Bandits two.

This weekend’s general bye will be replaced by round 10 games which was a washout. All games will be played at Targoora Park, Murdoch Road, Wangaratta.

A Grade

Wangaratta Rangers Black v Nth Albury Bears.

Porepunkah Panthers v Wodonga Warriors.

B Grade

Rangers Grey v Nth Albury Bears.

Rangers Orange v Wodonga Warriors.

Benalla Bandits v Porepunkah Panthers.

C Grade

Wangaratta Rangers v Nth Albury Bears.

Porepunkah Panthers v Wodonga Warriors.

Under 15

Rangers v Wodonga Warriors.

Benalla Bandits v Porepunkah Panthers.

Nth Albury Bears have the Bye.

Under 12

Rangers v Wodonga Warriors.

Benalla Bandits v Porepunkah Panthers.

A great game for players and spectators saw every stroke in the book displayed, but it was the ‘city slickers’ who won by the skin of their teeth.

When teenagers Phoebe Bosley and Archie Crispin paired up to take on the ‘older generational’ pair Joyce Fisher and Neil Brock, some may have predicted the talented youngsters might run away with a win.

But Joyce and Neil had other ideas as they stormed home to win by one point.

Nothing was left on the table in the ‘give it your all’ game by Erica Pike and Don Heath against Adam Bosley and Kate Woodberry.

While Don stood his ground to face the onslaught, Erica performed her trademark somersaults with pike in a gallant effort to nullify everything Bosley and Woodberry threw at them.

Watching from afar it appeared everyone’s game, which it was as final scores were 21 each.

As the saying goes laughter is the best medicine and there was plenty dosed out in a noisy game between Lucy Uebergang and Dale Stephens, and opponents ‘happy wanderer’, Janet Heath and Martin Butcher.

It was a very creditable performance by all, with desperation in over-drive, as big smiles from both fellas and much yelling from the girls said it all.

Everyone was enthralled with a Commonwealth Games standard performance played between Adam Bosley and Allister Olsson and Joyce Fisher and Jason Mullins.

Young Allister’s fast-skimming serves and accurate stroke placement alongside Adam’s relentless all-round pressure was well matched by Joyce and Jason’s combined strengths and ability to read the play from A-Z.

Following another socially competitive night’s play, everyone gathered around the supper table to recuperate and to celebrate Neil Brock’s 80th and Kate Woodberry’s 40th birthdays with a delightfully decorated birthday cake made by ‘temporarily’ retired player Margot Ingwersen.

Adults and secondary school students of all ages and abilities are welcome to join the weekly social competition on Monday night, beginning at 7pm.

Bring your own bat, $2 entry and a plate to share.

IN ACTION: Neil Brock, Janet Heath, Graham Stephens and Kate Woodberry hitting it out mid-rally at Oxley social table tennis Monday night.

PHOTO: Jason Mullins

Murray Football Netball League has a bye this weekend.

TOP FORM: Daniel Sharrock sits in third place in the OAKFM’s Player of the Year.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

Friday, July 28

Collingwood vs. Carlton (MCG) (N)

Saturday, July 29

Geelong Cats vs. Fremantle (GMHBA)

Western Bulldogs vs. GWS GIANTS (MARS)

Gold Coast SUNS vs. Brisbane Lions (HBS) (T)

Essendon vs. Sydney Swans (MRVL) (N)

Adelaide Crows vs. Port Adelaide (AO) (N)

Sunday, July 30

Hawthorn vs. St Kilda (MRVL)

Richmond vs. Melbourne (MCG)

West Coast Eagles vs. North Melbourne (OS) (T)

Brett Anderson ...116 Max Webster .....113

Beth Watson ......113 Chris Doyle ........112 Dameon Holmes ...111 Rob Bell ................111 Jack Lancaster.......110 Jess Maddy ..........109 Tom the Baker ......108 Tom McCurdy ......107 Nick Bell ..............107

Club ..........107

Penny ...........102

Pranav Menon ......102

Trent Terry .............98

Cassie Hall ............94

Helen Haines .........91

SISTER DUO

Blues aiming to

THEY’VE been nigh-untouchable in both grades this year, but Greta aren’t going to lose sleep if they don’t get the minor premiership.

The senior Blues have only dropped a single match so far this year, their round 14 loss to Bright by five points in the wet, and currently sit second on the ladder just 59.3 percentage points behind Bonnie Doon.

Despite their standing, coach Greg Newbold said there were no real aspirations to finish on top of the ladder.

“We were undefeated until a couple of games ago, but it’s never been a focus for us,” he said.

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

“History’s always told us you win 10 games of footy, you qualify for finals, basically, and once you qualify for finals you just try and finish as high as you can on the ladder.

“We’ll just continue to try and win games of footy – we could win every single game of footy from here and still finish second, so it’s not really an issue to us.

■ Continued page 34

WANGARATTA’S Issy Newton fires a pass off to sister Amy Byrne during the Magpies’ win over Albury on Saturday.

PHOTO: Marc Bongers

See more O&M netball pics on page 33, along with O&K football and netball. S

WANGARATTA PRIME SALE WEEKLY ON TUESDAYS AT 11AM

Business Name: Corcoran Parker

Years in Operation: 35

Opening Hours:

Contact Details:

Who’s who in your business: We guarantee;

Years in operation: Business is 37+ years old. We’ve owned it for 2 Years.

Opening Hours:

Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm and Saturday 9.30am - 12.30pm

The people in your business: There are 24 staff at our dealership

The staff at Wangaratta Caravans & Marine are a dedicated and knowledgeable team, committed to providing exceptional customer service and expertise in the caravan and marine industry.

What is you/your family history with your business/industry?

Andrew and Kate, owners of Wangaratta Caravans & Marine, embrace their shared passion for the caravan and marine industry. Both having grown up around water and experienced countless adventures in caravans together, they are living the dream by indulging in what they love every single day. Andrew has a background in Business Manufacturing & Operations as well as and Marine, whilst Kate has background in marketing. Together they make Wangaratta Caravans & Marine the family owned and operated award winning business that it is today.

What need does your business address for the local community & has that changed over the years?

With over 37 years of dedicated service to the North East region and beyond, Wangaratta Caravans recognized the demand for marine sales and service upon taking over the business. Now a Yamaha franchise dealer, proudly featuring Makocraft boats, we aim to become Australia’s most trusted caravan and marine dealership. Where would you like your business to be in five years’ time?

After significant growth over the past 2 years, with marine introduction and workshop expansion, our focus now shifts to enhancing processes, providing tech-based customer solutions, and embracing cutting-edge innovations. Stay tuned for exciting developments.

What’s the best reason to run a business in Wangaratta?

Residing in the ultimate regional town! Surrounded by boundless caravan and boating adventures, from the Murray to the Lake, snow, and high country. Truly living in the heart of the Adventure Capital.

What’s the best part for you about supporting local people?

The best part of supporting local people in Wangaratta is fostering a strong community bond and empowering the local economy to thrive.

Caravan Industry Victoria HALL of FAME 2023

Business name:

Opening Hours:

Who’s who in your business:

Business name: Elders Insurance Wangaratta

Years of experience: Together, the office has 100+ years of insurance knowledge

Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 8.30am - 5pm

Who’s who in your business? John Houghton – Franchise owner, Shane LindsaySales Representative, Carmel Woods - Sales Support Officer

Describe your field of expertise: We cater for all General, Business and Farm Insurance. We provide professional, tailored insurance options for individuals and businesses.

Did you know? We are able to manage and settle the majority of insurance claims in our office, making the claims process more efficient and offering a personal service. We regularly travel throughout the region meeting with clients at their business premises or farm property to determine their most appropriate level of cover. Supporting local business is important because: We employ local people and we utilise local tradespersons and suppliers for any repairs or replacement items, ensuring that claims payments go back directly into supporting local jobs and businesses.

Local – Facts and Features

It’s not just about our products and services. It’s about the community, the joy and connection we can create and bring! We love where we live and work!

Years in operation:

84 years – proudly owned and operated by local families

Opening Hours:

Monday – Friday 6:30am – 5:30pm

Saturday 6:30am – 2:00pm

Sunday 7:30am – 12:30pm

The people in your business: Tim and Lisbeth Long and Bernadine Long and Luis Mendoza

Daryl Brambley, Owen Moore, Jason Moore, Craig Rufford Sharpe, Peter Edwards

Rachel Hogan, Jenny Mitchell, Maria Wadley, Belinda Harrison, Lucy Mitchell-Long, Alice Kjar

Our fabulous juniors – Georgia and James Long, Marcello and Enzo Mendoza, Ava Harrison-Raknes, Flynn Carson

What is your/your family history with your business/industry? (Family business/previous owners)

Edgars has been a community destination since 1939 with a proud history of being family owned and operated by locals. Starting with the Edgars families, and then the Whinray and Rosenow families, and now the Long families.

What need does your business address for the local community & has that changed over the years?

Edgars has always been absolutely committed to serving its community and customers. To do this, we are constantly working to understand and deliver to the changing, unique and individual

needs of the local community. This means we can always remain of service because we genuinely care about what we do and who we serve.

Where would you like your business to be in

The more we can serve our community, its friends, neighbours, visitors and tourists, the more interesting and unique we are as a community. We are excited about being that place for this community in

business in Wangaratta?

Owning and operating a business in Wangaratta:

local groups delivered to our customers and vibrant community

That’s why all of us at Edgars love what we do!

supporting local people?

It’s not just about our products and services. It’s about the community and the joy and connection we can create and bring! So, we’re not just a business, we’re a destination where you can meet your family, friends and catch up on all that’s happening in your town. We love where we live, and we know you do too.

Ava Harrison-Raknes, Bernie Long, James Long, Rachel Hogan, (front) Belinda Harrison, Liz Long and Maria Wadley.

L to R Jalees Khan, Brandon Igri, Angus Beck, Kane Shepherd, Marinna Bowd, Darcy McFarlane, Stephanie Fisher, Jordan Fisher, Emily McCrohan, Michael Cronin, Lachlan White, Chris Oates, Joel Witte (on holidays in Bali) CONTACT

Years in operation: Since 1989

Years in operation: Commenced the 3rd of July 2023.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 7.30am to 4.30pm plus on call to commercial clients.

The people in your business:

Jordan Fisher (Operations Manager), Marinna Bowd (Business

Igri, Chris Oates, Jalees Khan, Lachlan White, Michael Cronin.

What is your/your family history with your business/ industry? E.G. Family business/previous owners.

Jordan Fisher has operated a refrigeration and air conditioning business since 2011 In the Wangaratta region. Jordan and Stephanie Fisher opened this new business with a great team supporting them in their new endeavour.

What need does your business address for the local community & has that changed over the years?

We specialise in refrigeration and air conditioning 24/7 breakdown service, commercial maintenance and installation. time?

Expanding the business into further areas in the border region of Victoria and New South Wales.

Work life balance. people?

We employ local people and believe it is important to support local businesses, sporting clubs and the community as they have supported us. Get a Quote

@uniterefrigeration

Opening hours: Office hours 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday . On air 24/7

Who’s who in your business: OAKFM consists of Station Manager Mike Culley, President Neil Barassi, Vice President Sue Fisher, Treasurer Ian Gambold and Paula Barassi secretary. We have a wonderful range of committee members, including over 20 dedicated and passionate radio presenters keeping us on the air.

What is your/your family history with your business/industry?

I’ve always loved music and believe I grew up in a time when music was at its peak, being the 60s, 70’s and 80’s. I truly feel there is too much good music not being played out there, so I decided to do something about it and became a part of community radio. I can’t sing or play a musical instrument, but can play some of the best music, past and present and this gives me and a lot of others, lots of pleasure.

What need does your business address for the local community & has it changed over the years?

OAK FM provides opportunities for our all-abilities presenters as well as young and older members of the community to be involved in great music presentations and other activities. With an increasing focus on mental health initiatives, OAKFM is continuing to promote wellbeing to the community such as Project 365 . This November’s outdoor event is going to be a showcase on what can be achieved when the community gets together for everyone’s benefit. OAKFM engages in live interviews with local politicians and community leaders that keeps everyone informed on what is happening in their local area. With thousands of local and regional daily listeners, OAKFM has grown as a community connection service provider and we are truly proud of where we have come.

Where would you like the business to be in five years’ time?

Our 5 year plan includes relocating, ideally into a local government building for a forever home and providing a service into the future for community volunteers. Most other community radio stations are a part of local government and we would love to build upon our partnership with the Rural City of Wangaratta. We want to continue to grow our disability programs and positive mental health promotion.

What is the best reason to run a business in Wangaratta?

As a true local community radio station, we are operated by people who live in the area and care about local issues and events. As a charitable, volunteer organisation, we are very passionate about our community and continue to provide information and connections through our broadcasting. We are proud to provide a valuable service and keep the community connected through our broadcasting.

What’s the best part for you about supporting local people?

OAKFM gives opportunities to people to be on the radio. We love to see and hear the local content from musicians , interviews and promotion of local businesses. We are a grassroots organsiation that consists of passionate and dedicated people who really enjoy what they do. We are proud to be broadcasting local sport for over 30 years and continuing to be a much loved and listened to radio station.

Park Lane Nursery

“We pride ourselves on producing the highest quality plants and garden service for our community”

Years in Operation?

Parklane has been established for 31 years and is a Member of The Nursery and Garden Industry of Victoria.

Opening Hours:

Monday – Friday: 10am – 4.30pm

Saturday – Sunday: 8.30am – 3pm

What need does your business address for the local community & has it changed over the years?

We have been growing and providing quality plants at Parklane for local community groups and Landcare in NE Victoria.

Where would you like the business to be in five years’ time?

In 5 years' time we would like to increase the volume of plants going back to the environment and to provide additional employment for people with disabilities.

What is the best reason to run a business in Wangaratta?

Great to be a business in Wangaratta the Hub of NE Victoria, a vibrant and progressive city.

What’s the best part for you about supporting local people?

We get a huge kick out of being part of our customers garden projects, some of which have been years and years in the making!

95 Park Lane, Wangaratta | (03) 5721 6955

OPEN Mon-Fri 10am - 4.30pm Sat & Sun 8:30am - 3:00pm

www.parklanenursery.com.au

Business name: Nu Fruit

Years in operation: 50+ years

Opening Hours:

Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm

The people in your business: We have a team of up to 100 staff members, a combination of both office and warehouse personnel.

What is your family history? Our family owned business began over 50 years ago when Ernie & Art Campagna purchased a small fruit shop in Murphy Street Wangaratta. 7 years later, they decided they wanted to go into the wholesale business, that’s when Nufruit was born. It then moved to a building on Newman Street which Nufruit still occupy.

What does your business address for the local community and has that changed? Nufruit has always provided the freshes produce and the friendliest service. We deliver for free to your door to the Wangaratta and surrounding area bringing people fresh produce at their convenience.

What’s a product or service that’s new to your business? We now range groceries! Helping you have a one stop shop for your family’s needs.

Where would you like your business to be in 5 years time? We continue to grow and expand, employing more locals and delivering more of the freshest produce.

Best reason to run a business in Wangaratta? The local community! We feel so supported by our local community and we love to build and create relationships within our area, they’re the reason we’ve been able to do what we for so long.

What’s the best part for you about supporting local people? We Sponsor multiple sporting clubs in Wangaratta and surrounds and we love seeing locals being provided the opportunity to play sport in safe and welcoming environments. We also love seeing other local businesses grow and thrive with our support.

Global Car & Dog Wash directors Aaron Wright and Luke Maxwell started in business together in 2006 with the formation of Global Utility Construction; which now employs more than 60 people in NSW. As true Entrepreneurs, Aaron and Luke are always looking for the next opportunity.

In late 2020, the opportunity to enter the car washing industry presented itself. We have now grown to run 3 successful Maxishine Car & Dog Wash sites in Kings Park / Wangaratta / Tahmoor, with more locations in the pipeline.

Each Maxishine Car & Dog Wash site has everything you need to wash your vehicle and pets. Significant investment has been made into the latest Laserwash 360— Automatic Touchless machines, Prowash Australia equipped self-service bays, Turbo iVac installations and K9000 2.0 pet wash machines.

Our formula is simple; we make people feel good by delivering a clean,dry and shiny car every time.

TIM

McCURDY,

NATIONALS MEMBER FOR OVENS VALLEY, YOUR LOCAL VOICE.

Tim McCurdy, Nationals Member for Ovens Valley, is your local voice.

Mr McCurdy said, “We’ve all had a tough few years in regional Victoria, and I know just how much our small local businesses have been affected by the uncertain conditions.

“They have worked hard to stay open, often at huge expense, to continue to provide for the community.

“We need to keep shopping locally and continue to support our local businesses, many of them run by families, and help get them back up and running.”

Mr McCurdy has been a fierce advocate for local business in the Victorian Parliament, lobbying to ensure that local businesses have had their voices heard.

“We know in regional Victoria that sometimes we can be forgotten, and that is why I am here as your local member. I am here to support local business, I support shopping locally, and ensuring that you have a voice.

Business is booming right across the Ovens Valley, with plenty of tourists coming to the region to enjoy the local produce. I am pleased to see our communities putting their best foot forward and providing quality local service that you cannot get anywhere else.

“Everyone is working incredibly hard, and they deserve our full support as we see out the snow season and beyond”

Mr McCurdy reminds residents that local business is the backbone of our communities.

“The work that all the staff and owners are putting in has been incredible. The money they earn often goes back into the local economy and into other businesses and services. They truly are the backbone of our communities.

“I urge everyone to shop local and ensure that we continue to support our local community and local businesses going forward.”

Wangaratta / 117 Murphy Street

03 5721 7077

Wodonga / 79 High Street

02 6024 6284

helenhaines.org @helenhainesindi helen.haines.mp@aph.gov.au

Our people

Our Radiologists: Dr James Mullins, Dr Mae Koima, Dr Matthew Eniola, Dr Shedrack Kenis Our Management Team – Matthew, Abbey, Amanda, Simone, Leo plus a bunch of dedicated administration and medical imaging staff

Our history

Dr James Mullins is a highly experienced and well-regarded Radiologist within the region. He is passionate about providing quality healthcare services and leads our clinical team across all 5 locations within The X-Ray Group.

What need do we address for the community?

We are a much-needed healthcare service in Wangaratta, providing the community with affordable and convenient access to medical imaging. Our local service includes digital x-ray, ultrasound, CT, mammography, cardiac CT calcium score, spinal and joint injections.

Where we’d like to be in 5 years

As one of Wangaratta’s leading medical imaging providers, we want to continue supporting our local communities, embrace new technologies and provide the best possible imaging available to patients. It is our priority to invest in high-end technology to allow us to deliver practitioners and patients with high-resolution medical images.

The best reason to run a business in Wangaratta

Running a business in Wangaratta means we’re able to create jobs, as well as provide important medical imaging to the people of Wangaratta. With one of our core values being ‘Patients First’, we are grateful to be part of and support the local community.

The best part about supporting local people

Having a passionate team of expert doctors and radiology staff right in the heart of Wangaratta is extremely rewarding. We also love supporting local businesses and sporting groups.

Authorised by Helen Haines 117 Murphy St Wangaratta VIC 3677

THAT’S THE SHED THAT “ “

1. Years in operation: 24 years

2. Opening hours: 7.30am to 5pm

3. Team in Wangaratta and Mansfield: Ross Barker (Managing Director), John Teiffel (Project Manager), Kelly West (Shed Specialist), Kiarha West (Planning and Permit Administrator), Cecile Allen (Administration), Kylie Blake (Shed Specialist), Andrew Strong (Project Manager)

4. What is your family history with your business? Steelcorp started out in 1999 as a family business selling shed kits to agents. Buffalo Built, who is an offshoot of Steelcorp, started 3 years ago selling rural and residential shed kits and offering full project management, which includes design, supply, installation, slab and permits

5. What need does your business address for the local community, and has that changed over the years? We address the farm and residential storage needs. Being registered builders in VIC and NSW we take the stress out of the project for the client by providing a concept to completion service

6. Where would you like your business to be in five years’ time? Open 3 more branches in VIC and NSW

7. What’s the best reason to run a business in Wangaratta? Wangaratta is a significant rural city and has a strong economy. It is also strategically located on the Hume corridor between Melbourne and Sydney. We are very happy to contribute to the construction industries $500 million plus that is generated for the Wangaratta economy

8. What’s the best part for you about supporting local people? We deal with several trades including local contractors, schools, car dealerships, farmers and wineries and have had an on going relationship for many years with these trades. I call it quality trades and services on your door step.

Years in operation: 123 Years in Wangaratta

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 10am - Late Sat: 10am - Midnight Sun: 11am - 10pm

The people in your business: There are many members, guests & staff at the Wangaratta Club!

What’s the history of the club?

The Club was formed at a meeting held on the 4th October 1909 at the Wangaratta Library Building. It commenced operation in rooms leased from the Commercial Hotel. Since then the Club has seen many changes and after purchasing surrounding land in Victoria Parade in 1956 the Bowling Green was opened. Extensions to the building on numerous occasions have been carried out.

What’s the best reason to run a business in Wangaratta?

Being able to engage with the local community and create a warm and welcoming space for everyone to enjoy!

What’s the best part for you about supporting local people: Seeing the local community benefit from our support. We’re able to give back to the community through community engagement such as sponsorship of North Wangaratta Football and Netball Club, Dragons Hockey Club & Wangaratta Magpies Cricket Club. We’re also able to provide a comfortable space to local Rotary, Probus and Lions groups to hold weekly meetings.

An open letter to our community

Dear Wangaratta Businesses and Community Members, At a time when rising costs of living impact us all, it is comforting to see that despite everything that has been put in front of us, the community has continued to support local endeavours,

From sporting and community groups, to service clubs and charitable organisations, life has largely returned to normal post-pandemic.

Importantly, the vast majority of rural city residents have been supporting our local businesses, the lifeblood of our community, and we encourage everyone to continue in that vein to work together to ensure a better future for all.

wangarattachronicle.com.au

we applaud you !

VISITOUR SHOWROOMTODAY!

Years in operation: We have been trading for over 40 years now.

Opening Hours: 8am til 5pm Monday to Friday & 8.30am til 12 noon Saturday.

Who’s who at Wangaratta Bearings and Industrial Supplies: Danni Barber, Greg Oates, Brendon French, Dylan Fishcher, Greg Baker, Tony Gigliotti, Chris McInnes – Manager, Craig Fruend, Donna McInnes, Richard Nunn, Jodie Edwards, Jedd Siriani and Barrie Allen.

Describe your field of expertise: Ability to supply anything automotive,mechanical or industrial.

Did you know? We are now the North East distributors for WIA welding consumables & machines, Festool concrete machines and tools. We keep all trailer parts, Unimig welders, pure gas oxy/ LPG / acetylene / argon cylinders, Evakool esky’s and 12 volt fridges, Fuchs oil, Terrain Tamer 4WD parts, Donaldson, Wix and Ryco Filters.

We guarantee: Exceptional Customer Service.