Wangaratta Chronicle, 22 May, 2023

DELICIOUS FUNDRAISER

THE countdown is on to the Cancer Council Victoria Wangaratta Volunteer Group’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea event which will be held on Wednesday at the Uniting Church Hall in Rowan Street. Heather Champlin, Margaret Colvin, Wendy Stephens, Barb Thomas and Robyn Proft (pictured) will be there to welcome everyone for a Devonshire tea featuring the Wangaratta CWA’s signature scones. Come to the hall from 10am to 11.30am and show your support for a great cause, with entry $10 per person which includes the chance to win a lucky door prize. All proceeds go directly towards cancer research.

Road fix hope

All eyes on tomorrow’s state budget for funds to improve King Valley - Wangaratta link ygpgyg

AN improved road connecting Wangaratta and the King Valley may be on the horizon with major players united in their recognition of the project as a high priority for the region.

With the Victorian State Budget to be released tomorrow, there are hopes

BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au

significant funds may be allocated to fix the Wangaratta-Whitfield Road which continues to fall into disrepair as visitation

to King Valley tourism destinations skyrocket.

Rural City of Wangaratta CEO Brendan McGrath said it was “a very high priority” for council and had been for some time, with part of Tourism North East’s King Valley Prosecco Road Revitalisation Project also underway.

But he said with all indications pointing to a conservative budget this year, and a number of competing priorities - including the Commonwealth Games, what exactly will be funded is unknown.

“It is one of our key advocacy priorities and

we’ve been talking fairly regularly with both Regional Roads Victoria and the Road Minister’s office,” he said.

“We’re hoping to get the roads minister to come and have a physical look on site with us sometime in the near future.

■ Continued page 2

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Inland Rail works see bridge closure

WANGARATTA’S Docker Street pedestrian bridge will be temporarily closed later this week, to allow the installation of new signal network cabling as part of the Inland Rail project.

Contractors McConnell Dowell stated the bridge will be closed between 7am and 7pm on Friday, May 26, with pedestrian traffic instead directed to cross using the Cusack Street pedestrian bridge.

Trucks, excavators and light vehicles are expected to be in use, and light towers will be installed in the work area.

Nearby residents have been advised general construction noise is expected in the area. To make an enquiry or file a concern, phone 1800 929 244, email victoriaprojects@ artc.com.au, or visit the Australian Rail Track Corporation shopfront at 48a Norton Street between 10am and 2pm on Thursdays.

Est. 1884, Incorporating Wangaratta Despatch, Est. 1861

WEATHER

Grit and Resilience Program checks in with Heartbeat

A COMMUNITY gathering on Wednesday, June 7 will showcase the Wangaratta Grit and Resilience Program’s outcomes over the last few years, and also offer a view to the program’s future.

The theme of Heartbeat #7, to be held at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on June 7 from 5.30pm to 8pm, is ‘Showcase, Celebrate, Evolve’.

The free event will bring together community members who are working in partnership on Grit and Resilience activities, to highlight all they have achieved in their roles.

The communitydriven Wangaratta Grit

and Resilience Program began in 2019, supported initially over four years by $1.2 million in Federal Government funding as it followed its objective to build and sustain grit and resilience in the Rural City of Wangaratta.

The program secured ongoing State Government funding at the start of this year, enabling it to continue helping locals unite and build strength, courage and connection with each other, so they can overcome hardships together.

Program coordinator Bek Nash-Webster said Heartbeat #7 would be a fantastic opportunity for locals to learn how they could become involved as

the program evolved.

“The incredible Kerrie Hicks from Gritential Coaching is our guest speaker. Kerrie has strong ties with Wangaratta, having served the community for Victoria Police for 20 years, including some time as the Local Area Commander,” Ms NashWebster said.

“In 2021, Kerrie spent time working as a team leader and investigator for the United Nations in Iraq, before returning to Australia and establishing Gritential Coaching.

“She uses this new platform to empower people to harness their grit, realise their potential, and live their

lives to the fullest.”

Community members, organisations and businesses are invited to take part in Heartbeat #7, where - as well as celebrating achievements - there will be opportunities to share ideas about how best to build community connection and inclusion, and support mental health wellbeing as the program evolves into the future.

“The June 2023 Heartbeat #7 is an opportunity for everyone - individuals, families and organisations - to get involved in the Grit and Resilience Program,” Ms Nash-Webster said.

“In June 2022, the community told us to continue

the Heartbeat model into the future so that program updates could be communicated and discussed in person while making community connections and having fun.

“We want everyone to get on board, so join us for some light refreshments, great entertainment from Project365 and Jazy Jade Music and an evening of connectedness.”

Book your free spot now by visiting https:// www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ heartbeat-7-showcasecelebrate-evolve-tickets-596328784447 or email the Grit and Resilience Program team at gritandresilience@wangaratta. vic.gov.au for further information.

King Valley - Wangaratta link

*NB: Rainfall totals up until 3pm, Sunday

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■ From page 1

“The state (through Regional Roads Victoria) has put it forward for funding consideration but we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.”

Mr McGrath said with visitation to the region predicated to grow exponentially, on top of high levels of agricultural traffic, trucks and buses, the need to fix the road was elevated.

He said with more tourists driving who were unfamiliar with the area, plus the increased interest in cycling, it was very necessary.

“The revitalisation works currently underway (in Cheshunt and Whitfield) will also continue to drive visitation at faster and higher rates, and they are inextricably linked,” he said.

Mr McGrath said he believed planning for a first stage of the road had been done and funding would be sought to complete that stage, along with funding to plan the second stage concurrently.

He said broader parts of the King Valley Infrastructure

Project, including a bike path from Oxley to Cheshunt and a complementary sculpture trail, were also key to ongoing developments.

“Safe cycling routes, particularly between the townships and in and around the wineries and other businesses, is really important,” he said.

“We’ll build a small section of that as part of the work which is currently funded and we’ll build a significant statement art-piece (at the roundabout near Sam Miranda winery) to focus on the entry point into the King Valley - so a broader sculpture trail would link in nicely with it.”

A spokesperson for the Victorian Government Department of Transport and Planning confirmed the Hume Region was actively working with Wangaratta council to advocate for upgrades to the WangarattaWhitfield Road between Wangaratta and the King Valley “in recognition of its critical role to support tourism, freight and commuter traffic”.

The department did not

comment on what state it considered the road was currently in, or what the estimated cost to repair it might be.

“We will continue to monitor Wangaratta-Whitfield Road between Wangaratta and the King Valley to identify any future safety hazards,” they said.

“We are dedicated to the safety of road users across Victoria and continue to assess where safety upgrades are required across the state.”

King Valley Infrastructure Project proponents Chris Hazell and John Bridges have been actively engaging with the local community, businesses and authorities for over four years, collating evidence verifying the need for urgent improvements to the road they say is no longer fit for purpose.

It was supported by more than 85 per cent of residents surveyed and also received unanimous support from Rural City of Wangaratta councillors when the completed report was tabled at a council meeting last year.

Ms Hazell said a number of

further meetings had taken place this year with council, state and federal government representatives, who appeared to be all in favour of the project.

She said the road required more than short-term repairs, needing to be substantially upgraded over some 39 kilometres, to a standard equivalent to some small sections which had been done.

“All the evidence we have provided underpins the ‘Prosecco Road’ marketing concept, and the road is the most important element of that,” she said.

“By 2030 we are expected to have one million people driving down the Wangaratta-Whitfield Road, staying overnight, visiting businesses.

“If the road is not upgraded to the appropriate standard, we will be in all sorts of trouble by 2030.”

Ms Hazell said the associated elements of the infrastructure, project including a bike trail from Oxley to Cheshunt with sculptural attractions, had the potential to be “world class and a benefit to all”.

All eyes on state budget to improve

MAJOR ARTERIAL: It is hoped improvements to the Wangaratta-Whitfield Road will be funded in tomorrow’s state budget.

PHOTO: Anita McPherson

Jail for Everton murderer

Ricky John Williams to serve maximum of 24 years in prison after fatal North East stabbing yypg

A WANGARATTA man has been jailed for at least 18 years, after he repeatedly and fatally stabbed his former partner during an altercation at Everton in late 2021.

Ricky John Williams, 44, was on Friday sentenced by Justice John Champion to serve a minimum nonparole period of 18 years behind bars, a sentence which could stretch to as many as 24 years for offending which the Wangaratta Supreme Court heard was the latest in a lifetime of violent crime.

Earlier this year, Mr Williams pleaded guilty to the stabbing murder of Carmen Niklaus, with whom he had previously been in a de-facto

relationship before the pair became on-again, off-again partners.

A Family Violence Intervention Order (FVIO) had been granted to Ms Niklaus with Mr Williams as the respondent less than a year prior to the fatal attack.

The court heard Mr Williams had been living at Everton Caravan Park for several months prior to the December 6 incident, and had been approved for National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding only days before the pair’s relationship boiled over.

After initially catching a taxi to Mr Williams’ home around 4.30pm while she was

drug-affected, Ms Niklaus made it known she wished to return to Wangaratta and, the court heard, was subsequently stabbed at least three times with a 200mm kitchen knife to the chest and abdomen by Mr Williams.

He was said to have failed to render assistance to his victim, calling both his NDIS worker and his son while pacing through the caravan park as Ms Niklaus lay naked and bleeding but still alive in his cabin.

He told his son “something really bad has happened” and “I’m going to be away for a long time”.

Ambulance crews later attended after being contacted

by a concerned neighbour, but Ms Niklaus was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr Williams was arrested at the caravan park, later telling police he had become angered by Ms Niklaus’ request to return to Wangaratta, and had become fed up with what he described as “a year and a half of lies”.

“I just grabbed the knife and stuck it in her,” he told police during a record of interview immediately following the attack.

Justice Champion noted Mr Williams had complained of significant housing stress in the lead-up to the incident, and had been identified as exhibiting char-

acteristics of depression, anxiety and borderline personality disorder by specialists through his assessment for the NDIS.

He also acknowledged an acquired brain injury Mr Williams had been diagnosed with following a schoolyard fight at the age of 14 may have contributed to offending.

Justice Champion noted Mr Williams’ criminal history was extensive and spanned a number of states, with offending in Queensland and New South Wales including significant violence and threats of violence on a number of occasions.

He noted Ms Niklaus had been vulnerable, drug af-

fected and defenceless at the time of the attack, but acknowledged it did not appear the stabbing had been premeditated, adjudging Mr Williams’ culpability as middle of the range.

Mr Williams’ early plea of guilty was acknowledged as sparing the victim’s family a lengthy trial process, but Justice Champion said Mr Williams’ actions immediately after the attack had also showed a degree of self-interest.

He noted a non-parole period of 22 years and a maximum sentence of 28 years would have been imposed with a guilty verdict if the matter had proceeded to trial.

Poor weather conditions see levee fix delay

By STEVE KELLY

CONTRACTORS reconstructing the $5.3 million Wilson and Parfitt roads levee are set to resume work on the 4km-plus structure following delays to the project due to inclement weather.

The works, which were previously due to finish last month, include removal and reconstruction of portions of the levee bank and construction of sealed walking tracks on the crest of sections of the levee bank.

Raising the height of the levee and boosting the structural soundness of it will make communities safer during flood events which in the past have exposed homes and residents to a heightened risk of flooding.

Works were being carried out along Wilson Road but council manager of planning and infrastructure, Marsha McMonigle, said rain in recent times has prevented heavy machinery from accessing the area.

“They have been trying to compact the levee and get onto the levee but it has been too difficult even though the rainfall has been modest,” she said.

“The water on top of the levee is not moving away because of the clay.

“They’re hoping to get as far as they can with the works before winter and more rain eventuates.”

The new Wangaratta levee height is based on structural metadata from the past levels of flooding throughout the municipality.

Ms McMonigle said engineering fill, which is a high grade of clay, is in the core of the levee and in some locations they are raising the levee because the structure is sound.

She said in other spots on the levee they are ripping out the existing fill and replacing it with the higher grade clay because the core is not at the required standard.

There has been community consultation up until the rollout of the project and Ms McMonigle said ongoing consultation is letter-based and staff are fielding enquiries that may eventuate.

“We’re certainly indicating to residents about the locations we are working on or where we’re about to work,” she said.

An alteration to the levee was made possible by the National Flood Mitigation Infrastructure Program which only allows construction of the levees exclusive of a one in 100-year flood event, plus three more.

Council committed a cash contribution of $1.8m (GST exclusive) as part of its 2022/23 adopted budget, with $3.5m from the NFMIP.

Wangaratta was one of four Victorian towns to secure NFMIP funding in the 2021/22 year, with Castlemaine receiving $2.2m, Carisbrook $1.2m and Numurkah $2.3m.

WHEN THE LEVEE BREAKS: Contractors are resuming works on the Wilson Road levee after setbacks due to inclement weather.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Learning to walk safely to school

By CHLOE JAENICKE

STUDENTS at St Patrick’s Primary School learnt the importance of road safety and exercise last Friday on Walk Safely to School Day.

Members of the Wanga-

ratta police walked with the children from the Wangaratta Library to their school to teach them how to walk safely to school.

Senior Se rgeant Kym Clark from Wangaratta police said Walk Safely to School Day is a great

way

to promote both road safety and a healthy lifestyle to the children.

“Walking to school creates an opportunity for children to get out and enjoy the fresh air whilst connecting with their family, their friends, and their

Plenty of paws for RSPCA walk

Monday, May 20, 2013

By STEVEN BURKE

IT was a time to “paws” and reflect for many of the participants in yesterday’s Million Paws Walk held at the Wangaratta Showgrounds.

Just under 200 walkers and their dogs took part in the walk which raised money for the RSPCA.

Among the participants were many dogs who had been re-homed through the local RSPCA shelter and other animal rescue services.

Shelter supervisor, Jan Thomas, said catching up with old dogs and their owners was one of the most pleasing parts of the day.

“It’s lovely to see dogs from our shelter,” she said.

“A few came up from Melbourne, who’ve been re-homed through the shelter and it was lovely to catch up with those dogs and their owners.”

Wangaratta’s Nicole and Bethany Godde walked their five year old boxer/wolf hound Bruce, which they got from the RSPCA.

“The best dogs come from there,” Nicole said.

Kristy O’Connell took her children, Felicity and Luke along to walk Mia the Chihuahua and Pippi, who they’ve had for just over a year after getting him from Albury Dog Rescue.

Some $1700 was raised on the day, with that money to go towards buying “enrichment” toys for animals and the upkeep of the shelter.

Ms Thomas thanked Wangaratta Dog Obedience Club for its help with the event.

community,” she said

“We want to keep everybody safe on Victorian roads, so please slow down, and be aware of your surroundings.”

Sen Sgt Clark said it is also important for other motorists and pedestrians

to be aware of their surroundings to ensure everyone is safe.

“The number of pedestrian fatalities and injuries every year are still too high, and as a community we must make sure we look after our most

vulnerable citizens, our community that walk to school,” she said.

“We cannot be everywhere at all times, we need people to take responsibility for their actions, drivers, pedestrians or any other road user.”

WELCOMING YOU TO OUR SCHOOL

Please contact our Enrolments Officer, Jodie Bell for more information. We look forward to meeting you.

WALKING SAFELY: St Patrick’s Primary School students (from left) Max Patterson, Leon Bright, Willow Crowie, Eli Cassidy, Regan Wilson, Matilda Ginnivan, Alex Douganphosay and Ally Wallace learnt how to walk safely to school with Senior Constables Natalie German and Tom Takle, Senior Sergeant Kym Clark and First Constable Hayley McDonald from the Wangaratta police on Friday.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

CUDDLES FOR FRANKIE: Wangaratta’s Margaret Anderson, Coco Fan and Lili Fan with Frankie, who was adopted from the Lost Dogs Home.

PHOTO: Steven Burke

Planning for festival

FOLLOWING a successful return to a live format in 2022, after two years of online iterations due to COVID-19 and a cancelled event in 2019, planning is in motion for the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues for both 2023 and ‘24.

Festival representative Dave Fuller said survey responses from audiences and stakeholders about last year’s event included some insightful and constructive feedback, which had given the board food for thought in moving forward.

Mr Fuller said some of the common feedback related to two well-loved and missed parts of the festival’s history and rich tapestry: Reid Street, and the jam session.

He said Reid Street was removed from the festival in 2014 due to escalating costs; infrastructure requirements, security and other compliance issues had taken the cost to nearly $100,000, with less than a quarter of that amount supported by income, making in untenable for continued staging.

The jam session, meanwhile, is something the board is working to re-incorporate where funding and resources permit.

While finances and resources are restrained amid the festival’s sustainability rebuild, Mr Fuller said over the next two years the event would aim to foster an even stronger community vibe, as well as maintaining pro-

vision of quality live music and entertainment.

In addition to partnering again with local venues, the festival is looking at crosspromotions, including working with the King Valley Art Show and the Strictly Quilts 2023 exhibition.

Mr Fuller said the committees for these comple-

mentary events were looking forward to offering their audiences a variety of new experiences in collaboration with the community and festival.

He said while scale would be reduced and balanced by funding applications submitted across all levels of government, a key part of

the rebuild was fostering a thriving connection to the community - “an almost return to roots-type re-emergence”.

The festival will conduct its annual general meeting on Wednesday, May 24 at The Vine Hotel from 6pm. With the chance to buy a meal and stay for a set by

The Daisies, the meeting is also an opportunity for locals to join the board, and for volunteers to register their interest in assisting with the 2023 festival, which will kick off on Friday, November 3. If you would like more information, email businessmanager@wangarattajazz. com.

Federal funds help volunteer groups

ALMOST two dozen volunteer groups across the Indi electorate will share in $66,216 in funding from the Federal Government.

Independent Indi MP Helen Haines announced the funding on Friday, saying grants of $1000 to $5000 will enable local community groups to increase participation in volunteering across Indi.

Dr Haines said the grants, coinciding with Volunteer Week, will assist organisations and volunteers to purchase small equipment, and pay fuel, transport, and training costs.

Pangerang Community House in Wangaratta will use a $4350 grant to purchase fuel cards and taxi transport, three trolleys, and training for volunteers in first aid and safe food handling .

Wangaratta-based North East Roller Derby received $2500 to help fund volunteer travel costs, training, coaching tools, cleaning equipment, uniforms, projector and screen, a heater, and first aid supplies.

Wangaratta Croquet Club will be able to buy a handheld fertiliser spreader with its $1000 grant, while Wangaratta Hockey Club will use a $1000 grant to run ta raining course with Hockey ACT to develop coaches and volunteers in club.

Driver jailed amid repeat offending in North East

A HISTORY of serious driving offending has seen a Wangaratta man jailed for a month, after speeding from police during a pursuit in Benalla and driving a stolen car through Wangaratta last year.

The 26-year-old was said to have been captured on CCTV footage near White Street in early August, exiting a black Renault Megane which had been reported stolen from a Mornington address a month prior.

Cameras captured the accused wearing red shoes and a green and black hoodie, and he was later found to have been driving in breach of his learner’s permit.

The accused was also said to have been spotted by Benalla police officers on July 6, driving a Mazda 3 registered to a Cheshunt woman along Bridge Street before fleeing as police attempted to intercept him.

Police prosecutor Acting Sergeant Stuart Pritchard

said the accused had ran through a red light and swerved around traffic through the Benalla CBD, forcing police to abandon their pursuit.

The Cheshunt woman was subsequently served with a notice to nominate the driver of the vehicle, and showed officers she had sold the vehicle to the accused nine days previous.

Police were unable to locate the accused, who was said to have been staying

with friends between Benalla and Wangaratta, until his arrest as a result of a September home invasion.

He later nominated a St Kilda woman as the owner of the Mazda 3, but she later denied owning the vehicle and knowing the accused.

A search of the accused’s property also located the red shoes and hoodie depicted in footage of the previous Wangaratta offending, at which time the accused admitted to driving the vehicle

for a friend but said he had no knowledge it had been stolen.

In entering a plea of guilty on behalf of her client, defence counsel Bethany East said the accused had faced a difficult childhood and had turned to drugs at the age of 16.

She said he had a “relevant and significant prior criminal history” and had spent considerable time in custody in recent years.

She noted he had achieved

a number of qualifications while in prison, including attaining a forklift licence, and had made admissions to the offending.

She said considering his continued incarceration as a result of charges currently before the County Court, his offending was “not at the higher end”.

Magistrate Peter Dunn jailed the man for a month, fined him $1500 and banned him from driving for two years.

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LAST YEAR: Thando performs with Horns of Leroy during the 2022 Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues. Planning is currently under way for the 2023 and 2024 events.

PHOTO: Marc Bongers

Rural focus a key for state budget

WITH punters expecting a tougher budget to be handed down by the State Government tomorrow, it’s important a balance is struck between trimming the fat and ensuring those in need of funding receive it.

The state has lived far beyond its means for years now, and the government will need to tighten its purse around unnecessary spending in the face of growing financial pressures and get its priorities right.

So many throughout the state are doing it tough, but with major funding outlays expected for the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games, it may well be that this year is the one that needs to give.

It leaves the state facing a challenging proposition, with increasing concerns around a lack of support for the rural areas of the state outside of major centres such as Geelong, Bendigo and Shepparton.

Local stakeholders have continued their push for an improved roadway between Wangaratta and the King Valley, and a strong proposition has been put before the State Government by Regional Roads Victoria.

Rural road safety has been regularly spotlighted in recent months, with an increasing number of crashes occurring in remote areas throughout Victoria, so increased road spending statewide is a must.

With a spike in tourist traffic expected to flock to the region as the King Valley‘s Prosecco Road Revitalisation Project gathers momentum, a significant funding outlay on an updated road for the area would be a valuable show of support and goodwill to the community and its wellbeing.

The Quiz No. 36

1. The weedy seadragon is the marine emblem of which Australian state?

2.

3. In which 2014 award-winning movie did

4. country?

5. “Aye Carumba”?

6. In which athletics event did Sebastian Coe

7. Who succeeded Major General Michael

8. Which Australian winemaker invented the wine cask?

9.

10.

11. What is the world’s largest lake by surface area?

12. How many questions are on each card in the original version of Trivial Pursuit?

13. By what name is the author, Eric Arthur Blair, best known?

14. Which band features Kim Salmon, Stu Thomas and Phil Collings?

15.

16. Camembert cheese is made from the milk of which animal?

17. What is the longest river in New Zealand?

18. original Australian $100 note?

19. In which borough of New York City was Studio 54 located?

20. Anita Roddick is best known for founding

FACEBOOK users have commented on the rural city’s planned development of the Wangaratta Creative Precinct, with a near $20m development expected to co-develop the Wangaratta Art Gallery and the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre.

• Gemma Duursma: Maybe council could focus on things that are NEEDED...?

• Kerrie Brauman: Gemma Duursma absolutely

• Rob Johnson: Gemma Duursma rural roads

• Cindy Knight: Gemma Duursma roads maybe

• Paris-Anne McKay: Gemma Duursma it’s apparent that only things involving bringing in money are important coz why improve real things when they can improve with bragging rights

• Tania Mills: Second river crossing

Finally, facilities for Vietnam vet memorial

REGARDING the article about and “Public facilities add to Vietnam Veterans’ memorial” in last Friday, May 19, edition of the Wangaratta Chronicle.

I am glad that, at last, we have a council who have put the facilities, which we, Wangaratta and District Vietnam Veterans, asked for when we put the memorial together on May 7, 1996.

We persistently asked the then council for these facilities to be placed there with a drive through and continually got promises that it would be done.

Eventually, a lousy wood table with seat was put on the site, but no drive through.

Congratulations to the council.

Geoff Trevor-Hunt OAM JP,

Wangaratta

Recognising mental health champions

THE well–being and mental health of Australians have been significantly impacted by the mounting pressures they have faced in recent years.

It is crucial that we acknowledge and address the hardships our communities are enduring.

Amidst these challenges, there is a dedicated army of individuals working tirelessly to improve mental well–being.

The Australian Mental Health Prize, established by UNSW Sydney, aims to honour those making ground–breaking contributions in advocacy, research, and community service.

Nominations are now open, and we strongly encourage individuals from every corner of Australia to join us in paying tribute to the mental health heroes in their communities.

Whether it be a researcher shedding light on innovative treatments, an advocate fighting for policy change, or a community service provider making a tangible impact, their efforts deserve recognition.

To nominate someone for the Australian Mental Health Prize, please visit www. australianmentalhealthprize.org.au.

Submissions close on July 17.

Let us unite as a nation to honour those making a profound difference in the lives of others.

Together, we can foster a society that values mental health and provides support to those in need.

Lucy Brogden AM and Allan Fels, co–chairs of the Australian Mental Health Prize Advisory Group

NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.

• Joy-Ian Worland: More parking

• Neil Barassi: Any room for OAKFM??

• Leslie Matthews: Yes it’s a great improvement to the city and most welcome but I suspect the usual chattering classes will have more irrelevant suggestions. You will ask.

• Marc Bongers: Great news, long overdue upgrade for the Wangaratta Art Gallery and WPACC. Looking forward to bigger

and more exhibitions and oppurtunities for artists in the region.

Facebook users also commented on the Australian Hotels Assiciation Victoria 2023 State Awards for Excellence last week where local venues from the North East were listed among the finalists and winners.

• The Vine Hotel: It was a fantastic evening! We’re still recovering

Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.

Our follower total is

14,151

Urging car buyers to prioritise safety

THE Transport Accident Commission is urging prospective car buyers to prioritise safety features, in an effort to address the concerning number of people dying in older vehicles.

The TAC has unveiled a new vehicle safety campaign, which aims to educate Victorians on the lifesaving benefits of advanced active safety features in new and used cars.

Under the tagline ‘find a safer car in your budget’, the campaign showcases widely available vehicle safety features that buyers should consider, including auto-emergency braking (AEB), lane-keep assist (LKA), blind spot monitoring, electronic stability control (ESC), and front, side, and curtain airbags.

It comes as new figures reveal 56 of the 92 driver and passenger deaths on Victorian roads this year have been in crashes involving a vehicle aged 10 years or older.

Many older vehicles are without the lifesaving technologies found in more modern cars, and research shows that if everyone drove the safest vehicle in its class, deaths and serious injuries would be reduced by up to a third.

The TAC campaign highlights how new and used vehicles at similar price points can have varying levels of safety technology included as standard, and encourages people to visit the TAC’s How Safe Is Your Car website to search the safety rating of

vehicles by budget or registration number. By prioritising safety within their budget, Victorians can proactively protect themselves and others on the road.

Our campaign, which will run until June 30, coincides with National Road Safety Week, which highlights the impact of road trauma and ways to reduce it.

Getting people into safer vehicles is a key priority of Victoria’s Road Safety Strategy, which sets ambitious targets to halve road deaths and significantly reduce serious injuries by 2030.

For the latest safety ratings, information on vehicle safety features, and to assess the safety of their own cars, people can visit the www.howsafeisyourcar.com.au website.

Joe Calafiore, TAC

CEO

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WILD COLLECTION: An exhibition by local wildlife artist and tutor Kate Jenvey (pictured) and her students, is on display at the Art Gallery on Ovens, in the laneway off Murphy Street. It will be open today between 10am and 4pm before coming to an end.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Mary and son Jeremy’s journey to citizenship

MARY Ann Bagely and her son Jeremy Bagely were recently conferred as Australian citizens at the May Citizenship Ceremony in Wangaratta.

Ms Bagely said it took her three attempts to pass the citizenship test and that she is glad her hard work finally paid off for her and her son.

“It was good and it was very exciting, you can’t understand, after that I didn’t sleep,” she said.

“It’s a really big relief.”

Due to Jeremy only being 13, Mrs Bagely said she is glad he’s still young as this way her test can grant both of them the citizenship.

Because people trying to obtain their citizenships can only take the test every two years, Ms Bagely and her son have not been back to their home country of the Philippines since moving to Australia in 2015.

“The more you go home for a holiday, the longer it takes to approve the citizenship,” she said.

“It kind of works by points, if you have 20 points and you go home you lose one point, so it was getting longer so I said to my husband ‘why not

BY CHLOE JAENICKE cjaenicke@ nemedia.com.au

wait a few more years?’”

Ms Bagely and her son originally came to Australia to meet her now husband, Paul Bagely, in 2014 when she arrived on a tourist visa.

She met her husband for the first time in Perth because her sister, who introduced them to each other, and her mum lived there.

After spending three months together in Perth, they decided to apply for a prospective marriage visa so Mrs Bagely could move to Australia in 2015.

“At first, I thought we will not be together because it’s far and expensive, and then he asked me if I’ve been to Australia and at that time only my mum and sister had been living in Perth,” she said.

“In 2014 Jeremy and I only came for three months before going back to the Philippines, we then processed

the prospective marriage visa, which takes one year.”

Since then, they have all been living in Wangaratta because of Mr Bagely’s work.

She said she was very grateful to meet Mr Bagely as he has been extremely supportive of both her and her son.

“I will not leave my son wherever I go because as a mother you can’t feel comfortable if you leave your son,” she said.

“My husband also accepts Jeremy as his own, so his last name’s

Bagely which is a good thing.”

The biggest differences Ms Bagely said she noticed between Australia and the Philippines is the government support available in Australia.

“If you have no job here they will help you, if you’re a single mum they will help you but back home you can’t get any government pay,” she said.

“In the Philippines people there would get hungry, they weren’t getting any work, especially the kids and old people because the job only limited to 35 year olds,” she said.

Ms Bagely is also extremely thankful to Janine Stone, Jeremy’s school teacher and her husband Shane for helping them process Jeremy’s paper work and to her mother in law Sue Bagely for accepting her in the family.

“Sue’s been very good I couldn’t ask for more, she’s like a second mum because I’ve got no family in Wangaratta,” she said.

Since moving to Australia, Ms Bagely works as a cleaner and she and Mr Bagely had a daughter, Hannah, who is now five years old.

CCTV footage to play key role in assault hearing

A TEENAGER alleged to have forced his way into a Morell Street unit as part of a 45-minute assault which left his victim with a fractured eye socket, two spinal fractures and a broken rib will return to court later this year.

The accused, who was 19 at the time of the alleged June 17 assault in Wangaratta last year, faced Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court last Thursday, as committal proceedings continued in an effort to elevate the matter to the County Court.

The court last year heard the alleged assault had occurred over an apparent alcohol debt, and had left a 57-year-old victim with severe injuries, including the loss of two teeth.

On Thursday, lawyer Charles Morgan noted the defence was waiting to see important CCTV footage from the Morrell Street area, while also raising questions over the seriousness of the alleged injuries.

Crown prosecutor John O’Halloran said the footage should have been raised at a previous committal mention date, but acknowledged time would be needed to supply the necessary material.

Witnesses, including a doctor who assessed the victim in the wake of the alleged assault, were also in attendance at court on Thursday, and will be cross-examined at the September 14 return date, when the CCTV footage is also expected to be played.

Mr Morgan applied for his client’s bail conditions to be varied, allowing the accused to be away from his home during curfew hours if in the presence of his mother or brother, or if working.

Author to talk about fight for injecting rooms

FORMER Wangaratta resident Judy Ryan will share her experience of the fight for Melbourne’s first safe injecting room when she visits the Wangaratta Library on Thursday, June 1.

Judy will speak about her

book, ‘You Talk, We Die’, a highly personal, yet practical account of how an authentic local voice and an inclusive campaign can change the minds of people to improve the lives of everyone in a community.

Judy’s author talk will be held on June 1 from 6pm to 7.30pm at the library in Docker Street.

For more information or to book, visit https://bit. ly/3DsR5Rd or contact the library on 5721 2366.

Wangaratta's premier audiology clinic

FAMILY CELEBRATION: Mary Anne Bagely and Jeremy Bagely celebrated their citizenships with friends and family in Wangaratta last week.

AUSSIES: Mary Anne Bagely and Jeremy Bagely.

LIVING COLOUR: A beautiful new mural has popped up at GOTAFE Wangaratta. It was created by local artist Tim Bowtell and friends as part of the Goulburn and North East Arts Alliance's recent Across the Arts Festival, demonstrating how large scale artworks are created, adding beauty to a dull space.

Sub-zero temperatures, first frost as winter approaches

WANGARATTA got its first taste of sub-zero temperatures last week, with more certain to follow as we officially change seasons from autumn to winter.

Last Thursday morning the temperature dropped to minus .03 degrees.

It plummeted even further on Friday morning, with residents awakening to white lawns and icy windows as Wangaratta had its first frost for 2023, with sub zero temperatures from 2.30am to 8am, peaking at minus 2.5 degrees at 5am.

The large high pressure system which had stagnated over the Bight will continue to deliver cold conditions to the middle of this week with widespread frosts and the absence of any rain.

In fact, no significant rainfall is expected until June.

Wangaratta to date has only had 20mm for May, which is just over a third of the monthly average for the past 30 years.

Last week Griffith recorded minus 1.7 degrees - its coldest for May since minus 1.8 on 2021 and before that in 2006 when minus 2 was recorded.

The summer of 2021-22 was cooler and wetter than normal in Victoria but that

WHAT’S UP WITH THE WEATHER?

By Peter Nelson, Peter Retired CSIRO climatologist

of 2006-07 summer was very dry and hot with 41 degrees in December 2006 and 42.6 in January 2007 in Wangaratta.

Sydney last week reported having one of its biggest cooling 60 day periods during the autumn season this year with a drop of 10.2 degrees from March 7 to May 13.

This was the fifth biggest 60 day cooling period in any autumn season for the last 164 years.

The four other 60 day cooling periods were in 1861, 1926, 1968 and 2011.

The rainfall records in our regions did show the winter rainfalls to be slightly above average in 1861, 1926 1968. and 2011 and then the spring season to drier and slightly warmer than usual.

Late last week the Riverina town of Hay recorded minus 0.9 degrees on May 11.

This was the lowest temperature for the first half of May since minus 1.6 was recorded 126 years ago on May 9, 1897.

By a remarkable coincidence heavy rain had fallen along the QLD Gold Coast in May 1897 and this also happened last week when heavy rain of more than 100mms in a 24 hour period was recorded at both Gold Coast Seaway and Coolangatta.

The winter of 1897 was wetter and somewhat milder than average over most of Victoria and the

southern half of NSW.

September 1897 was slightly wetter than average in Victoria.

The rest of the 1897 spring season from mid October onwards saw excessive heat from Victoria all the way to southern QLD with dangerous dry conditions up to the end of 1897.

Melbourne during the summer of 1897-1898 re-

corded its hottest summer on record

This is still a record hot summer for Melbourne.

Welcome heavy rain did fall north from Dubbo into QLD during January and February 1898 whilst very hot conditions invaded most of Victoria from January 28 to February 4, 1898.

There were bushfires notably on Red Tuesday, February 1, 1898.

YOU:

Toe-tapping celebration of Thoona CWA

THOONA CWA branch celebrated its 77th birthday with a fabulous toe-tapping, singalong afternoon on May 15 to the Ukuladies Group.

This very positive, talented group of musicians helped bring the Thoona Hall to life.

The community venue has been very light on such events in recent times so it was fabulous to see and hear everybody having fun.

Other CWA branch members, along with district people and a group from the aged care facility, Cooinda in Benalla, were among those in attendance.

Following a much-requested encore, a delicious afternoon tea was served. Everybody certainly had a great day of friendship and companionship and left smiling.

MAMA exhibition explores the life of a working artist

A NEW exhibition by artist Sarah McEwan called Unrequited Love (The Great Magpesis!) will open at the Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) this week.

Sarah is an artist, artist-curator, musician and the creative producer of the Cad Factory, an artist-led organisation collaborating ethically with people and place to create a local, national and international program of experimental work.

She lives between an old schoolhouse in rural New South Wales in Sandigo on Wiradjuri Country and Sydney on Eora Country and is passion-

THE ACROSS

ate about ‘ontoethics’ - how to make the only world we have, different from the past.

Her first exhibition at MAMA, Unrequited Love (The Great Magpesis!) is an exhibition that has personified the creative process and the art world into a being-like entity called ‘Magpesis’.

Sarah said the name is made up of combining the Ancient Greek words mania, obsessive, mad love; agape, spiritual and unconditional love; and poiesis, the act of bringing something into the world that didn’t exist before.

“This exhibition is exploring my relationship to being an artist, where it often feels like my “Magpesis” will never love me back,” she said.

Sarah will also lead a participatory discussion, entitled “Creative Cuddle”, prior to the exhibition opening inviting creative practitioners to express their own experiences - frustra-

tions, successes and learnings - of having a creative practice.

Creatives are invited to join this session from before the opening event.

“I really enjoy acting as an advocate for fellow artists and collaborators,” Sarah said.

“Creating spaces of solidarity and support are very important.”

Unrequired Love (The Great Magpesis!), a solo exhibition of new paintings by artist-curator and musician Sarah McEwan, will be officially opened this Friday, from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Entry is free with all welcome.

LET US ENTERTAIN

Ukuladies entertained the crowd celebrating the Thoona CWA’s 77th birthday at the Thoona Hall.

CREATIVE CUDDLE: Artist Sarah McEwan invites fellow creatives to share their experiences during a participatory discussion being held at the gallery prior to the exhibition opening on Friday.

ICY MORNING: Wangaratta residents awoke on Friday morning to their first frost for the year, with the temperature dropping to -2.5 degrees at 5am.

PHOTO: Jeff Zeuschner

IDAHOBIT celebrated with pride

COMMUNITY diversity and LGBTQIA+ awareness was celebrated in the rural city and surrounds last Wednesday to commemorate International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).

IDAHOBIT aims to coordinate international events that raise awareness of LGBTQIA+ rights violations and stimulate interest in LGBTQIA+ rights work worldwide.

LINE Wangaratta attended numerous community events to celebrate the day, including a community gathering in Beechworth, followed by running an information kiosk in collaboration with Headspace Wangaratta and the Rural City of Wangaratta Council on Reid Street before meeting at the Vine Hotel for an IDAHOBIT dinner.

President of LINE Wangaratta Allison Winters said it was exciting to have the opportunity to showcase the importance of the day and share a vision of further inclusivity for LGBTQIA+ people in the community.

“We had some great conversations about what our hopes are for the future, more specifically what programs we want to see, what events the community want

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

to see and we were really excited to start brainstorming some ideas for how we improve things in particularly for LGBTQIA+ young people in the community,” Allison said.

“We’re really excited to look at some programs for young people at the pride hub hopefully in the next month or two.”

Allison said they hoped the community events helped continue raising awareness among the general population.

“I hope people learned something about different forms of discrimination, violence and microagressions that LGBTQIA+ people experience,” Allison said.

“It was also about visibility and representation of all the diverse people and community members we have in our region.

“Our hope is always for people to form connections and build social connections with allies and community members, to learn more about what support is available and what programs they can attend.”

Marking IDAHOBIT, the State Government an-

nounced the investment of $1.85 million for Rainbow Health Australia to deliver inclusion training to service organisations to make sure they are safe and trusted by the LGBTQIA+ community.

Allison said due to the vast amount of misinformation available online, it was “incredibly vital” to have inclusion programs from peak organisations delivered by trusted community members.

“Investment in education, professional development workshops and forums is critical to make sure people are accessing safe and inclusive services,” Allison said.

“Particularly health

services, mental health services and frontline organisations like domestic violence services because they need to have accurate, up to date information and that can only come from peak organisations.”

Inter-library loans return

LIBRARY users will be thrilled to hear that inter-library loans through the High Country Library Network have recommenced.

Inter-library loans are highly valued by members of the community, as they allow borrowers all over Victoria to access the widest possible range of materials.

Wangaratta Library and Public Libraries Victoria have been working hard to find a solution to enable the service to be reinstated, following an interruption late last year, against a backdrop of rising costs of logistics, couriers, and other operational services.

“There will be some chang-

es to the inter-library loan service in order to reduce environmental and logistics costs,” library coordinator Loueen Twyford said.

“Deliveries will now be made weekly, and a limit of 20 holds per user will apply at any one time.

“We are really happy to be able to offer this service, as it enables our members access to an incredible number of resources.

“However, moving books involves carbon miles and costs for the borrowing library, so we must be cognisant and use the service responsibly.

“We are also able to purchase resources that are not

in our local collection, and have a dedicated purchase request service for this.” Victorian public libraries have worked together to identify ways to reduce the costs of delivering inter-library loans.

Services have been streamlined, and the most cost-effective methods of moving items across the state have been identified, with consideration given to the most equitable ways to ensure all libraries receive value for money.

“Having the inter-library loan service recommence is a great win for our community, and we encourage locals to make a request if there is a title or a resource we can order for them,” Ms Twyford said.

STANDING AGAINST DISCRIMINATION: Rachel Harrop, Kirsty Barnes and Allison Winters held an information stall at the kiosk on the corner of Reid and Murphy Street as a part of their commemorations for IDAHOBIT.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

BOOSTING SELECTION: Wangaratta Library staff members Tracy Peters and Peyton Williams are pleased that inter-library loans have returned through the High Country Library Network.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Breaking down taboos at Murphy Street Kiosk

THE Palliative Care team of Northeast Health Wangaratta (NHW) is asking residents to think about the power of conversation when it comes to matters of life and death during Palliative Care Week.

The NHW Palliative Care team will be at the Murphy Street Kiosk from 10am to 2pm this Wednesday with the aim to break down taboos about endof-life discussions.

Palliative Care coordinator Denise Ritchens said it was important that palliative care is understood for enhancing quality of life as much as it is providing care and comfort in the final stages.

“Palliative care brings together a team to deliver a person-centered approach to supporting lifelimiting illness,” Denise said.

“This includes doctors, nurses, physios, social workers, occupational therapists, dietitians, volunteers and many others.

“We understand that death and dying is a difficult subject, but it is important to talk about it to

promote what can be done at different stages to offer support.

“Whether you are receiving palliative care, looking after someone, or know someone receiving care, we encourage you to share your experience with others and break down the barriers to conversation.”

The NHW Palliative Care team will give general information and Advanced Care Planning information available at the kiosk.

The Palliative Care Team is joining with the Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service (AWAHS) to extend their message to the local indigenous community by hosting a lunch and yarn from 10.30am to 1.30pm on Thursday in Apex Park.

“Palliative care has particular cultural sensitivities for Indigenous communities and we work to ensure our information and engagement is not only responsive to the individual needs, but is culturally appropriate,” Denise said.

Palliative Care Week runs from May 21-27.

Shining a light on proper health advice

AS part of this year’s Exercise Right Week, the Wangaratta Allied Health Hub will be hosting a free talk event this week with presenters and guest speakers detailing why getting the right advice is essential in today’s age of abundant information on social media and the internet.

The event will run on Wednesday at 1:30pm at the Wangaratta Allied Health Hub with an additional online webinar on May 29 at 1:30pm to be available for those unable to attend.

In an era saturated with information on social media and the internet, it has become increasingly challenging to discern trustworthy sources for health and fitness guidance.

Charlee Webb, exercise physiologist at Flexout Health, emphasised the significance of seeking reliable information.

“This year’s Exercise Right Week annual campaign aims to encourage all Australians to become more active and to know where to find the right advice regarding physical activity,” she said.

Flexout Health is offering a series of informative and interactive events which will be held in three locations across the North East including Wangaratta.

The purpose of these activities is to empower individuals with accurate knowledge and to promote a healthier lifestyle.

Attendees can expect to gain practical advice, debunk common exercise myths, and receive guidance on establishing sustainable and effective fitness routines.

Flexout Health encouraged everyone, regardless of age or fitness level, to participate in Exercise Right Week and take advantage of this opportunity to obtain reliable information from qualified professionals.

You can register for the free Exercise Right Week event via the link: https://wangarattafreetalk.eventbrite.com or for the online webinar via: https://bit.ly/FlexoutFREEtalk.

For the love of music

From a passion developed in Wangaratta, Alastair living the dream at Sydney Opera House

BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

Even after more than 20 years as an orchestra librarian, Alastair McKean is always learning something new.

The former local resident, who attended Yarrunga Primary School and graduated from Wangaratta High School in 1991, is currently head of library services with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, having also spent time as orchestra librarian with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

Based in the dream workplace of the Sydney Opera House, Alastair’s role involves looking after the sheet music for the orchestra.

“We have at least one program each week, and we start working on them about two to three months before the performance, so at any one time we’re working on about 3250 individual books of music,” Alastair said.

“I get a thrill out of simply getting all the music organised and in order.

“We want the musicians to walk on stage, pick up the music and be ready to play, and I get immense pleasure when it all just works.

“And you get to work with this glorious music; week in, week out, you’re helping this amazing orchestra bring to life some of the greatest creations of the human mind.

“Really, I can’t believe how lucky I am.”

Alastair was recently elected president of the international Major Orchestra Librarians’ Association (MOLA), which covers not only orchestras but military bands, university librarians and opera houses.

“MOLA started in the US in 1983, and now has 325 orchestras and about 480 librarians from all over the world. I’ll be the first president from outside the US or Europe,” he said.

“We have an annual conference - this year, in Berlin - and it’s a lot of fun.

“Apart from learning new stuff, you get to hang out with the only other people in the world who really understand this ridiculously specialised and, let’s face it, very strange job that we all do.”

Alastair began composing music while attending WHS, then completed a music degree in composition at Sydney University.

“I worked out that I actually enjoyed organising the performances more than I did composing for them,” he said.

“My first job out of uni was with the Australian Youth Orchestra.

“It was great, but AYO is based in Sydney.

“One day I just had this lightbulb thought: ‘I’m over Sydney.

“I want to move to Melbourne’ (closer to family). And that weekend the MSO advertised for a librarian: pure serendipity.

“If you’ve been trained to compose music, you do a lot of studying scores and learning all the trivia about the instruments of the orchestra.

extra-curricular activities at WHS - being in the play every year and doing debating and so on - but I think Yarrunga Primary and Wang High were places where kids were looked after and nurtured and valued, long before it was fashionable for schools to claim that.

with

“And although I had no idea about this at the time, that’s the guts of an orchestra librarian’s job.

“So when I interviewed for the MSO, the questions were things like ‘How many clarinets in Mahler’s third symphony?’, and because I’d been collecting scores for years, this was second nature.

“Again, I was incredibly lucky.

“When the SSO’s head librarian retired after 37 years, I had been at the MSO for 17 years.

“It had been a wonderful place to work, and I made great friends, but the move to Sydney was the right thing to do.

“The music is amazing, the SSO is the best-run orchestra in Australia, and it’s a fantastic workplace.”

Alastair’s love of music extended to teaching the music journalism course at the Australian Youth Orchestra’s National Music Camp.

“I get a real charge out of helping people discover music they’ve never heard, or bringing a new angle about music they already know,” he said.

“There’s always someone in the audience who knows nothing about the piece, and someone in the audience who knows a lot about it, and you have to tell both of them something new.

“I really enjoy doing that.

“I do a lot of pre-concert talks, and it’s always rewarding when you see that ‘aha!’ sweep across

the faces of the audience, and you think, ‘Got ‘em!’.

Alastair says he wouldn’t be at the SSO were it not for his involvement with the Border Music Camp in Albury, where he began as a student and is now director.

“I’ve been going to camp since 1989, when I was in Year 10,” he said.

“My viola teacher, Hugh Davis, got me into it.

“His mum, Cate Davis, started the camp, Hugh succeeded Cate as the director, and then they gave me the job.

“That was in 1997, and now after a couple of years when we couldn’t run the camp due to COVID-19, this year’s camp will actually be my 25th as director.

“It is incredibly important for musical kids.

“You spend a whole week just playing music, and that’s unbelievably powerful.

“We always say one week of camp is as good as six months of music lessons, but the other important thing is that you hang out with other musicians.

“If there are only a few kids in your year at school who are really crazy about music, then you come to this place where there are 220 kids and 50 tutors and everybody is crazy about music, that just blows your mind.

“What’s particularly important for country kids is that you get to

play in a big orchestra, or a big band.

“You can do that easily in the city, but you can’t necessarily if you come from Wangaratta, and the camp shows regional kids that there are wider horizons.

“Most of our tutors are music teachers in their day jobs, and in their holidays they come to work as music teachers at Border.

“They all say working with such motivated, enthusiastic kids who have such hunger for music really recharges their batteries, and they go away knowing why they got into music in the first place.”

Alastair said while he loved music as a primaryschooler, it wasn’t until high school that he considered it as a career.

“When I started getting serious about composing, I announced one year that I would write the music for the school play, and Mr Ziermann and Mr Ashfield (responsible for play and music respectively), responded to this frankly bizarre and grandiose notion as if it were the most normal thing in the world, and they ensured it happened,” he said.

He said his passion for music - and art in general - was also nurtured by his parents, Jim and Heather, who still live in Wangaratta.

“Mum and Dad believe that art is important, and so my brother Cameron and I were brought up to think that too,” Alistair said.

“We were all always reading books and we went to theatre and galleries and concerts.

“When the MSO used to come to Wang every year, we would always go and see them, and we used to drive down to go and see the Melbourne Theatre Company.

“The other big thing for me was when my uncle, David Carolane, moved to the district and set up the Wangaratta Choristers.

“David was an experienced, distinguished musician who’d conducted very good community choirs in Melbourne for years, so having someone like that in town was pretty incredible.

“Dad and Cameron and I sang in the Choristers all through high school.”

Alastair said he had wonderful memories of growing up in Wangaratta.

“The Ovens and King valleys are the most beautiful part of the world, and being close to that glorious country was pretty wonderful. Living in Sydney, I really miss those cold, cold winters,” he said.

“I went to two excellent schools.

“I had huge fun with the extracurricular activities at WHS - being in the play every year and doing debating and so on - but I think Yarrunga Primary and Wang High were places where kids were looked after and nurtured and valued, long before it was fashionable for schools to claim that.

“I remember getting to the end of high school and suddenly realising, as we were all about to go off out into the great big world, that there was this really fierce pride that our teachers had in us.

“There was that same pride from the whole Wangaratta community.

“I still carry that in me.

“I still try to live up to it.

“On the surface Wangaratta can seem a very traditional place, and I don’t think that’s true at all. It has depth.

“It is small enough to be cosy, but it is big enough to be interesting and creative, and subversive, even.

“Nick Cave has been quoted as saying some exceedingly rude things about Wangaratta.

“Well, that’s his experience, but it wasn’t mine, and I think he’s dead wrong.”

I had huge fun

the

- Alastair McKean

DREAM WORKPLACE: Former Wangaratta resident Alastair McKean in the concert hall at the Sydney Opera House.

PHOTO: Natalie Wong

ACROSS

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

1 Name the twin brother of Pollux (6)

7 Who was Augustus also known as (8)

8 What are some punctuation marks (6)

9 What is a cestoda (8)

10 Name the branched horn of a deer (6)

11 Which term describes hoof-like (8)

14 Lincoln is the capital of which US State (8)

18 Name a private in the Royal Australian Engineers (6)

19 Which aromatic inner bark is much used as a spice (8)

21 Who wrote Animal Farm, George ... (6)

22 What are mines of wealth (8)

23 When one throws, one does what (6)

DOWN

1 Which plant has tuberous rootstocks and nodding flowers with reflexed petals (8)

2 Name a US child film star, later a diplomat, Shirley ... (6)

3 What are platforms for public speaking (8)

4 To be above or upon, is to be what (4)

5 Which term describes frank admission (6)

6 Name a hook-billed, fleshy-tongued bird (6)

12 What is the policy of a government to make more information about public affairs freely available (8)

13 What are rare green varieties of beryl, highly valued as gems (8)

15 Name a renowned US inventor, Thomas ... (6)

16 What is an airstrip known as (6)

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

17 What are swarming broods of progeny (6)

20 Which term describes a labyrinth (4)

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

WHICH WORDS

1 CONTESSERATION

(a) The act of forming friendship or union

(b) Joining together of timber

(c) Transmission of a disease by direct contact

2 FURTIVE

(a) Raging

(b) Stealthy

(c) Timid

BIYWORD

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

CLUES:

Cavalry rifle (7)

Chocolate substitute (5)

Dehorned cattle (5)

Deplete (3)

Fish (3)

Olympic fencing event (5)

Printers’ measures

Repetitive training exercise

Shoe repairer

Unit

SUDOKU

QUICK THINK

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

SOLUTIONS

Farmland in strong demand

Rising values in local market continue to reflect state and national Riilillkifldildtrends

BY KURT HICKLING khickling@ nemedia.com.au

FARMLAND values are continuing to rise, and remain in demand across the Rural City of Wangaratta, reflecting state and national trends.

The recently released 2023 Rural Bank Australian Farmland Values Report shows a 20 per cent rise in growth for 2022, keeping pace with growth in 2021 and being the first time in the last 28 years that growth of more than 15 per cent was recorded across all states and territories.

Victoria’s farmland values continued to break records again in 2022 following a year of strong growth in 2021.

The report said Victoria has seen a transition growth of 26.3 per cent in a median price growth over 12 months with a 44.6 per cent transaction or volume decrease which means property owners are holding onto their land and making land availability low with plenty of buyers trying to enter the market causing prices to spike.

Kathryn Davies, of Rural Bank (Victoria), said the slowdown in transaction numbers reflected buyer caution and

deeper business consideration off the back of rising interest rates and input costs.

“With good growing conditions, an easing in some commodity prices from record highs and continued higher interest rates, purchasers are conducting deeper analysis to ensure that higher purchase prices don’t harm the overall returns that can be generated

and will likely lead to lower growth in property prices for 2023,” she said.

Locally, Garry Nash & Co Real Estate director Garry Nash is pleased with the current market with a number of rural properties up for sale in a strong position for both buyers and landholders alike.

“Leading up to COVID

the market was full on,” Mr Nash said.

“Currently things have remained the same with buyers who are turning out in numbers with the confidence to purchase while the market is strong despite current interest rates.

“The cost of living, Interest rates, and livestock prices has made the market ease somewhat.

“The recent sale of Acacia Park based in the King Valley, which is on 263.8ha, is evidence that the demand and strength of buyers was high.

“Locally the market on the rural sector remains positive with plenty of potential buyers and further confirms the North East is the place to be.”

Rural Bank head of agribusiness development, Andrew Smith, said this was the ninth consecutive year the national median price per hectare of Australian farmland has increased, lifting the 20-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to 8.5 per cent and with the national median price rising by 167 per cent at a CAGR of 11.5 per cent over those nine years.

“Farmland values maintained strong growth momentum in 2022 as the national median price per hectare increased by 20 per cent to $8506 per hectare,” he said.

“The key drivers of farmland values are set to remain in favour of demand exceeding supply through 2023, driving a 10th consecutive year of growth in the national median price per hectare.

“Tasmania was the clear standout with a median price per hectare rise of 54.9 per cent.

“Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia all recorded growth of more than 20 per cent, closely followed by Queensland and New South Wales with increases of 15.9 per cent and 18.9 per cent respectively.

“As an asset class, the exceptional growth rates seen in recent years have lifted the national 20-year CAGR to 8.5 per cent, but factoring in the new level of interest rates, downturns in commodity prices and the potential for a drier finish to 2023, we see indicators pointing to farmland values reaching an inflection point.

“While growth in farmland values is still expected in 2023, this will likely be at a slower rate than the previous two years.”

The 2023 Rural Bank Australian Farmland Values Report revealed farmland transactions in 2022 equated to a total of 8.8 million hectares of land traded at a combined value of $11.7 billion.

“To put this market activity into perspective, the total number of hectares of Australian farmland sold in 2022 equates to an area similar in size to that of a European country, such as Hungary,” Mr Smith said.

Grants are still available for local flood affected farmers

FARMERS in the region affected by last year’s storms and floods now have until 4pm on July 13 to apply for flood recovery financial support, including grants of up to $75,000, concessional loans and assistance with transport costs.

Delivered under the Primary Producer Flood Recovery Package as part of a suite of financial support valued at over $300 million, the support package is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Available are:

• Primary Producer Flood Recovery Grant (up to $75,000);

• Rural Landholder Grant (up to $25,000);

• Flood Recovery Transport Support Program (up to $15,000); and

• Primary Producer Flood Recovery Concessional Loan (up to $250,000).

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt, said the extension would help ensure farm businesses and communities were supported in the clean-up and recovery.

“Last year’s disaster caused significant damage

and disruption to communities across Victoria, through flash flooding, landslips, road damage and closures and impacts from fallen trees,” Mr Watt said.

“We know that for farmers especially, cleaning-up, managing disease and pests, and the shortage of contractors are serious challenges which may have impacted their ability to consider financial assistance.

“By extending the date for applications, we’re making sure farmers who were affected later have

time to assess damages and complete their applications for financial support.”

Victorian Minister for Agriculture, Gayle Tierney, said the extension of time for the submission of applications would help relieve some of the workload farmers were dealing with.

For more information on the range of financial support measures available for the October 6, 2022 to January 13, 2023 floods and storms, visit Rural Finance at www.ruralfinance.com.

CONFIIDENCE: Garry Nash feels positive with the local rural market.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

DELUGE: Flooding at Tarrawingee last year caused serious flooding to some areas and farmers are encouraged to apply for a grant if they were affected.

PHOTO: Steve Kelly

PUBLIC NOTICES

33 Australian Army Cadet Unit is now recruiting!

Anyone between the ages of 12-16, out more about the Australian Army Cadets is invited to come along on the 25th May, 2023.

Arrival time: 1930 (7.30pm)

Location: Beersheba Barracks, 83-85 Sisely Avenue, Wangaratta (entry via Kerr St gate)

Contact info: Captain Paul Zuch 0428 214 435

ADULT SERVICES

ANGEL!

Thinking of playing Table Tennis?

We are excited to announce that the 2023 Winter coming up! Come down to our have a hit.

Wednesday, May 24, 7pm 2 Evans Street, For more

0432 735 169

PETITE PAWS

DOG GROOMING

Accredited Groomer. Small dogs only. Free pick up and delivery.

Contact Liz 0400 753 885

Yvonne

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

Smokin Hot 20’s Sweet Lil Spicy

Awesome GFE 0478 822 568 SWA10618XE

GORGEOUS pedigree poodle puppies, apricot (rarest colour), red and brown, excellent temperaments, registered breeder, vet checked, vaccinate d and microchipped, Wangaratta. Source number: RB101993, microchip numbers: 9565015917518, 9565016276640, 9565015887743, 9565015899965, 9565016276259, 9565015888968.

Ph 0455 171 780.

ANGUS bulls, very quiet, good growth. Visit mmas.com.au for videos, data and pricing.

Murramungee Angus Stud, ph 0429 809 288.

LABRADOR, puppies, 1 male, 1 female, black, source ID: MB102518, microchip numbers: 900164002210179, 900164002210175, $1000 ono. Ph 0428 270 488.

Why not charge your advertisement to Mastercard or Visa?

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

Wangaratta Chronicle Cadet Journalist Career Opportunity

Full time 38 hours per week

North East Media, publisher of the award winning Wangaratta Chronicle, is currently seeking expressions of interest from motivated candidates to join the team in Wangaratta as a cadet journalist.

The cadetship is ideally suited for a Year 12 graduate.

It is for three years, including course study by correspondence from Deakin University.

The successful candidate will learn how to write clear, concise and interesting news, sport and feature stories for our newspaper and associated digital and social media platforms.

We are searching for a budding writer who has the skills, passion and determination to be a journalist of the future.

Candidates must have excellent verbal and written English, sound computer skills, solid general knowledge, a genuine interest in the local community, and an ability to build rapport and networks quickly. You will need to be well organised, able to work to deadlines, and have strong attention to detail.

Candidates must hold a valid driver’s licence, be available to work flexible hours, and photography and social media skills are desirable.

North East Media is a leading independent family-owned media group with a commitment to community journalism.

Applications, including covering letter and resume, should be emailed to Group Editor Jeff Zeuschner at jzeuschner@nemedia.com.au

Inc Assoc: AU0029046U

The Board for the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues is looking for an Executive Officer

Tasks include:

General management of communications

Calendar coordination

Stakeholder engagement in conjunction with the board

Remuneration & Timing:

Competitive clerical rates

Flexible working hours

Access to appropriate resources

To find out more information: Please email CV and questions to: businessmanager@wangarattajazz.com

Position commences June 5 and runs for six months until Dec 2023.

Classifieds Customer Service Officer

We are looking for a dynamic person to join the North East Media team in our Wangaratta office.

CATHEDRAL COLLEGE WANGARATTA

A school of The Anglican Schools Commission (Inc.)

The College seeks applications from suitably experienced persons for the following full-time Term 3 replacement positions:

Secondary Maths & Science Teacher

(The ability to teach VCE Maths and/or Physics would be advantageous. This position has the potential to be ongoing.)

Secondary Humanities Teacher

The College also has positions available for:

Casual Relief Teachers

(Primary and Secondary)

Please refer to our website for more information. Applications are to be forwarded to:

The Principal, Mr Nick Jones at: principal@cathedralcollege.vic.edu.au by Monday June 5, 2023.

Cathedral College Wangaratta is a Child Safe School and an Equal Opportunity Employer

This role involves connecting with customers for classified advertising, innovating new business and supporting existing clients on print and digital platforms. This role is pivotal in helping to grow and retain customers with a strong focus on customer service.

Key Responsibilities:

needs

to provide new solutions and services. positive experience for all customer service enquiries customers on use of digital platforms

Skills and Experience:

and a results driven attitude attention to detail a must to prioritise a busy work schedule deadline and work well under pressure

If you enjoy working with customers and as part of a team, and have the skills and experience to suit then we encourage you to send your resume with cover letter to: kmayhew@nemedia.com.au or mail to North East Media, 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta VIC 3677

EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT

PART TIME - MEDICAL SECRETARY/RECEPTIONIST

We are an established multi-specialist medical practice in Wangaratta, hoping for a successful applicant to join our friendly team.

This role will be part-time, 2/3 days per week, with the possibility of increasing.

Above ward wage payable. Good communications and interpersonal skills are essential along with enthusiasm to learn.

You will also be required to work as a team as well as independently. Be able to prioritise tasks and display patience and discretion. Responsibilities include, front desk reception, liaising with patients, hospitals, health funds and other medical facilities. Banking and other general administration duties.

Good communication both in person and via phone.

Please forward CV to admin@wgss.com.au Applications close Friday, May 26, 2023.

AWS Window Fabricator

A local opportunity for the right person Wangaratta based and locally owned Training provided

Requirement:

Good attitude and willing to learn the trade

Flexible time

Good pay

Become an elite aluminium joiner

We offer:

Safe workplace

As business partner

Permanent/Casual/ Apprentice

New migrants/work visa holders are welcome 0426974758, rolly@indiwindows.com, admin@indiwindows.com, www.indiwindows.com

FIT PEOPLE WANTED ALPINE BIN ROLLOUT

JUNE 2023 - Are you fit, active and love the outdoors?

Mobile Bins Australia is working with Alpine Shire to assemble & ‘roll out’ new Food & Organics ‘FOGO’ wheelie bins.

All townships need 1 x bin per house.

We need a team to assemble & deliver.

Why not get involved in this amazing environment project that helps turn food waste into usable organics.

Starts June 2023, 3-4 weeks duration.

Top casual rates paid, ABN holders too.

To apply write and tell us briefly about yourself and why this job might suit you. Email info@ridestorm.com.au

I am 75, looking for a nice lady for friendship and outings. Ph (02) 6026 3105

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

TOYOTA Hilux SR5, 4WD, petrol, tray, 1981, reg (BBO864), excellent farm vehicle, no RWC, $4100. Call Rod 0439 839 228.

BRUMBY, Darrel. The Wangaratta/ Myrtleford/Bright Legacy Group members extend our deepest sympathies to Darrel’s family and friends on his passing. He was a member since 2001 He will be sadly missed.

DEATH NOTICES

FISK (nee Simmonds), Nancy Doreen. Passed away at St John’s Village Wangaratta May 15, 2023. Age 95 years.

KIA Serato 2016, auto, one owner, in good condition, reg (1HO3HB), 156,000km, $17,500 ono. Ph 0429 033 285.

SEEKING A CAREER CHANGE? COPRICE WANGARATTA ARE HIRING!

CopRice is the animal foods division of SunRice and is a leading supplier of nutrition products to the companion animal and livestock sectors. CopRice has been supplying quality feeds for animals for over 30 years through plants in NSW and Victoria.

Over 2,100 employees, 30 brands, an unrelenting focus on innovation, and a commitment to our people, our communities and environment, we’re SunRice - an iconic Australian company and a great place to work. SunRice Group provides a real opportunity for passionate people to make a difference. Our CopRice Wangaratta facility has some excellent opportunities for experienced, dedicated individuals to make a difference. Vacancies currently exist for the following full time permanent positions.

2003 Ford Falcon XT BA Fairmont, only 170,000km, RWC, 5 month reg, (IJQ405), $5,500. Ph 0499 992 860. Bright.

Loving wife of Roy (dec). Loved mum to Ian and Claire. Adored Granny to Ben and Julie, Kellie and Leigh. Great Granny to Archie, Gabrielle, Maya, Katelyn and Ivy. Visiting Heaven’s Stables.

FISK, Nancy Doreen.

12/12/1927 - 15/5/2023

The successful candidates for all roles will have a personal commitment for their safety and can look forward to working with an experienced, friendly and close-knit team of colleagues.

www.sunrice.com.au

strict confidence.

SunRice is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. SunRice will consider qualified applicants for employment based on their merit, individual skills, qualifications, and other appropriate criteria relevant to the role for which they are applying.

SOLD

HONDA Civic 2009, 40th anniversary, 144,000km, leather seats, alloys, in very good condition, reg (AAG703), $10,500. Ph 0428 871 803.

OLD cars wanted, cars removed. Ph 0435 083 115.

2008 Prado GXL, auto, 3.00l diesel, 7 seater, very clean and tidy, 349,000km, drives well, serviced regularly, RWC, rego (SIR327), $22,500. pH 0417 561 585.

SUBARU Forester 2016, reg (1HF5BV), 280,000km country driving, service history, RWC, $15,000. Ph 0417 546 311.

2 40’ SHIPPING CONTAINERS , in very good condition, normally $10,000 each, now $5500 each.

Lidgerwoods Furniture 0439 030 062.

2009

Sterling Caravan 21ft, very little u se, locally on site, great condition. $34,500 Ph. 0437 339 665.

Formerly of Oxley. Loved mother and mother-in-law to Darrell (dec) and Sharon. Adored Granny to Ashley and Leah, Brad and Nicole. You and your stories will never be forgotten.

FISK, Nancy Doreen.

12/12/1927 - 15/5/2023

A cherished mother and grandmother You are and were…. And will forever be.

TRAILER

~ Love always Gayle Kevin and Renate Reid and Emma Sheridan and Marc

PRE decimal coins, out. WANTED TOYOTA LANDCRUISER 1950-1990

CALL ZACH 0448622234

LEVINY

The life celebration of Mr John Leviny will be held at the “Glasshouse”, Benalla Lakeside, enter via Arundel Street on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 commencing at 1pm. Those attending are asked to wear a touch of colour in memory of John. N.J. TODD

5762 2461

2014 Aussie Swag Ultra

CARAVANS & CAMPERS

Jayco

STAR: Ellie Cooper looks for a teammate.

PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie

COMPOSED: Issy Newton sends a pass away.

*Ladder

CONTESTED: Georgia Clark takes the ball at full stretch.

WINNERS AND LOSERS

OVENS AND KING SENIORS LADDER

SCOREBOARD RESERVES RESULTS

GOALS: MILAWA: Patrick Rattray 3, Xavier Ham 2, Harry Allan 1, Jack Bussell 1, Ben Clarke 1, Declan Joyce-Lawford 1, Luke Toohey 1, Steven Williamson 1. WHOROULY: Joshua Newton 2, Jack Lunardi 1, Lachlan Moore 1, Samuel Piazza 1. BEST: MILAWA: Ben Clarke, Liam Byrne, Aiden Bihun, Declan Joyce-Lawford, Liam Murphy, Xavier Ham. WHOROULY: Edward Bramich, Andrew Newton, Paul Glanville, Joshua Newton, Glenn White, Connor Crimmins.

BONNIE DOON

KING VALLEY

GOALS: BONNIE DOON: none selected. KING VALLEY: Aaron Cheong 2. Tomas Boustead 1, Bradley Collihole 1. BEST: BONNIE DOON: Jayjay Curtin, Joel Sanford, Morgan Evans, Zak Bailey, Matthew Hedin, Beau Smith. KING VALLEY: Sam Evans, Vincent Star, Tim Roman, Beau Wheeler, Tomas Boustead, Bradley Collihole.

NTH WANGARATTA

NETBALL SCORES

AGRADE:

Milawa 52 def Whorouly 26; Bonnie Doon 58 def King Valley 49; North Wangaratta 45 def Bright 28; Tarrawingee 68 def Moyhu 39

BGRADE:

Milawa 67 def Whorouly 40; Bonnie Doon 52 def King Valley 30; North Wangaratta 57 def Bright 40; Tarrawingee 33 def Moyhu 29

BRESERVE:

Milawa 50 def Whorouly 30; North Wangaratta 37 def by Bright 67; Tarrawingee 29 def Moyhu 21

CGRADE:

Milawa 16 def by Whorouly 40; Bonnie Doon 55 def King Valley 21; North Wangaratta 26 def by Bright 41; Tarrawingee 49 def Moyhu 29

UNDER15s:

Milawa 23 def by Whorouly 26; Bonnie Doon 20 def King Valley 12; North Wangaratta 28 def by Bright 36; Tarrawingee 19 drew with Moyhu 19

ROUND 9

SATURDAY, MAY 27

MOYHU VS GOORAMBAT

BENALLA ALL BLACKS VS TARRAWINGEE

WHOROULY VS BONNIE DOON

KING VALLEY VS NORTH WANGARATTA

BRIGHT VS GRETA MILAWA - BYE

2.1 5.1 8.2 8.4.52

BRIGHT 4.1 7.2 10.4 17.6.108

GOALS: NORTH WANGARATTA: Tyler Nanson 5, Flynn Butterworth 1, Ryley Ely 1, David Killen 1. BRIGHT: Cooper Thomason 6, Myles Jamieson 5, Nick Lebish 2, Patrick Bren 1, Mason Cracknall 1, Samuel Dalbosco 1, Max Rampling 1. BEST: NORTH WANGARATTA: Ben Schulz-Dahlenburg, Adam Enever, Cooper Gracie, Preston Coleman, Timothy Wilson, Thomas Johnson BRIGHT: Max Rampling, Myles Jamieson, Samuel Dalbosco, Darcy Sholl, Harry Jamieson, Mikka Paulsen.

TARRAWINGEE

2.1 7.1 9.3 9.4.58

MOYHU 6.3 11.6 17.8 19.13.127

GOALS: TARRAWINGEE: Ethan Roach 4, Mitchell Holt 2, jeremy Lawford 1, Matt Seymour 1, Oliver Sharp 3. MOYHU: James Kelly 7, Ned Taylor 3, Charlie West 3, Liam Cook 1, Harrison Grant 1, Fraser Landgren 1, Jared Lea 1, Jett Roberts 1, Ethan Rooney 1. BEST:

TARRAWINGEE: Ethan Roach, Jarrod Everitt, Hugh Amery, Thomas Salmon, Joshua Smart, Mitchell Holt MOYHU: Harrison Grant, James Kelly, George Hearn, Liam Cook, Harrison McCarthy, Lukas Jakobsson.

GOORAMBAT

3.4 7.5 9.7 10.10.70

BENALLA ALL BLACKS 3.3 6.7 8.11 8.15.63

GOALS: GOORAMBAT: Aaron Blackburn 4, Kobe Black 2, Simon Briggs 1, Jamie Dunne 1, Samuel Gladstone 1, Bradley Simmons 1. BENALLA ALL BLACKS: Joshua Hyland 4, Cody Crawford 1, Joel Eastwood 1, Jordan Smith 1, Regan Williams 1. BEST: GOORAMBAT: Jamie Dunne, Rick Walker, Kobe Black, Charles Hunter, Tim Colville, John House. BENALLA ALL BLACKS: Jake Jones, Cody Crawford, Chelton Orchard, Kyle Collisson, Kieran Linke, Joshua Hyland.

Milawa ...................11.11.77

Whorouly ..................9.5.59

BEST: MILAWA: Daniel Larkings, Ned Turner, Dylan C Savage, Hamish Falla, Private Player, Jordan Friend.. WHOROULY: Matthew Harris, Daniel Harris, Marc Costenaro, Harrison Colville, Peter Sang, Nathan de Vries. North Wangaratta ......3.4.22 Bright ..................19.10.124

NORTH WANGARATTA: Luke Brown, Blake Marlborough, William Petersen, Corey Dagoli, Corey Petersen, Cameron McCormack. BRIGHT: Dylan Bursill, Tyler Thomason, Bailey Jennings-Allen, Sam Buckley, Beau Whitely, Aidan Parmesan. Tarrawingee ................1.3.9 Moyhu..................21.10.136

TARRAWINGEE: Tyler Heywood, Tennessee Younger, William Styles, Brodie Hamill, Lukas Allan, Dan Hogarth. MOYHU: Leroy Dowling, Will Johnson, Caleb Bell, Jacob Beattie, Thomas Clough, Anthony Welsh. Goorambat .................0.3.3 Benalla All Blacks ......12.8.80

GOORAMBAT: Jack Williams, Peter Cochrane, Todd Haslam, Shaun Lemmer, Dallas Spencer, Brenton Doig. BENALLA ALL BLACKS: Jordan Dux, Brendan Moffatt, Dean Bradshaw, Alex Singline, Patrick Dunican, Jack Horsburgh. Bonnie Doon ...........12.15.87 King Valley ................1.6.12

correct at time of print from Ovens and King website.

Rampaging Bright continues form

By NATHAN DE VRIES

BRIGHT’S impressive scoring ability was once again on show at the North Wangaratta Recreation Reserve, as the Mountain Men booted 17.6 (108) to the Hawks’ 8.4 (52) to claim their sixth win on the trot.

With seven changes from last week’s squad, Bright took some time to adapt to the Hawks’ oppressive defensive zone.

The Hawks kept Bright contained early, staying within two goals on the scoreboard in the first half, as the Mountain Men struggled to put meaningful scores together.

Bright showed their class and depth in the final quarter, as they started to win the ball through the middle of the ground and effectively go inside 50, booting seven goals to none to take the win by 56 points.

Bright coach Paul Harrison said the Hawks put up a terrific fight, and made it exceptionally difficult for his side to play their style of footy.

“We started OK, they played a style of footy where they were trying to make it a bit of a scrap heap and to their credit it worked,” he said.

“We knew their pressure would be fairly high, they had five kids from Wangaratta Rovers come up and play for them, so we knew they would be pretty quick as well.

“Our guys were winning a lot of the footy through the back half and getting it into the middle of the ground quite easily, but they had a huge amount of numbers back in our forward half, and they tried to run the

ball through once they won it back.

“For 10 minutes in the third quarter it looked like we were going to break the game open, but they were able to hang in there.

“In the last quarter we really got on top in the middle and started getting a lot of clear footy outside, and lifted our forward 50 entries too.”

Bright forwards Myles Jamieson (five goals) and Cooper Thomason (six goals) were on song, while North Wangaratta’s Ben Schulz-Dahlenburg and Adam Enever kept the Hawks in the fight.

Harrison said his side’s depth was tested, but had stood up to the challenge.

“They’re definitely a much-improved team and we had seven out from the week before, so I knew it wasn’t going to be an easy win,” he said.

“They were able to slow the game down for three quarters, and to their credit they got through our defence a few times and scored a couple of easy goals.

“We had five kids in the team who were playing their first or second game, I thought it was a huge effort from our young fellas to be able to stand up and get away in the last quarter.

“We’ve still got the likes of Tom Mullane-Grant who didn’t play on the weekend, Sam Buckley, Dylan Bursill - guys like that running around in the reserves.

“We’ve got plenty of options, we’ve been lucky over the last two weeks because we’ve had a lot of injuries and a lot of people out, but the depth we’ve been able to build has kept us going well.”

Goorambat downs Benalla by seven points in thriller

■ From back page

Aaron Blackburn booted four goals for the Bats, while Benalla’s Josh Hyland (four goals) and Jake Jones put in solid performances.

“We had some guys who had pretty good games - Charles Hunter is an older fella who’s come to us this year, and his experience in the moment has been really good,” Brennan said.

“Aaron Blackburn popped up with four goals, Jamie Dunne was sensational again.

“John House did a role on Cody Crawford, and ‘Crawfs’ still had a fair day but I think Johnny nullified him around to contest enough to get the job done.

“We had a fairly even contribution which was good, but those guys were the standout.

“We got challenged a few times, and it got tough, but we got tougher.”

The Bats’ second win keeps their season alive, sitting ninth on the ladder but one game behind Moyhu in sixth.

In other round eight matches, Milawa took down Whorouly by 44 points, Bonnie Doon thumped King Valley 13.15 (93) to 4.2 (26), Bright took a 56-point win over North Wangaratta, and Moyhu triumphed over Tarrawingee 19.13 (127) to 9.4 (58).

NUMBERS: Bright players converge on the contest as Myles Jamieson slams in from the side.

CHIP IT WIDE: Taylor O’Brien works the ball out along the wing.

TOUGH HIT-OUT: North Wangaratta’s Adam Enever and Bright’s Mikka Paulsen battle it out in the ruck.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

BEST ON GROUND: Jamie Dunne produced another stellar performance for the Bats.

BATS ON TOP: Darcy Edgar and Jake Jones go at it in the Bat’s seven point win over Benalla All Blacks.

PHOTOS: Meredith Tolliday

INTERLEAGUE - SENIORS

GOALS: OVENS & MURRAY: Matthew Casey 2, Julian Hayes 2, Ewan Mackinlay 2, Lucas Conlan 1, William Glanvill 1, Jim Grills 1, Samuel Jewell 1, Jake O’Brien 1, Brody Ricardi 1, Dylan Stone 1. GOULBURN VALLEY: Jack Evans 4, Jayden Magro 3, Ben Christopher 2, Lachlan Hill 1, Will Monahan 1, Lachlan Murphy-Dale 1, Ben Rigoni 1.

BEST: OVENS & MURRAY: Lucas Conlan, Charlie Morrison, Julian Hayes, Joshua Mathey, Jim Grills, Cody Schutt. GOULBURN VALLEY: Kaine Herbert, Bryce Stephenson, Aiden Mills, Jack Evans, Frazer Dale, Will Monahan.

INTERLEAGUE - UNDER 18s

Ovens & Murray ...........13.11.89

Goulburn Valley ...............4.6.30

GOALS: OVENS & MURRAY: Corby Robertson 4, Charley

Holland-Dean 3, Judd Schubert 3, Zac Whitsed 2, Ned Twycross 1. BEST: OVENS & MURRAY: Ned Twycross, Charlie Ross, Harvey Cribbes, Daniel Finnimore, Charley Holland-Dean, Judd Schubert. GOULBURN VALLEY: Max Mahoney, Ned Byrne, Ben Woods, Lachlan Pentony, Sam Lewis, Zac Metcalf.

O&M snatches thrilling victory

THE Ovens and Murray took home the Ash-Wilson Trophy in a close affair on Saturday afternoon.

After a six goal to one first quarter, the O&M squad looked like it was simply too good for the Goulburn Valley League, however, the GV proved up to the task but fell just short in the 13.14 (92) to 13.7 (85) thriller.

Amazingly, Goulburn Valley even led by two points at three quarter time but the O&M found a five goal to four final term to take home victory.

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

O&M coach Damian Sexton said the game could’ve gone either way.

“We got off to a good start and credit to them it was probably too easy of a start and we became complacent,” Sexton said.

“They had a good, young group of players like ours but luckily we managed to hold on in a finals- like atmosphere.

“The lead changed five or six times in the last quarter but we were fortunate enough to be in front when it mattered.

“It could’ve been seven points either way so it was just a great game for interleague footy and I’m sure all the spectators enjoyed it.”

O&M’s backline stood tall with Lucas Conlan, Julian Hayes and Charlie Morrison all named in the best players.

Albury’s Riley Bice received the umpires’ votes for the AFL Victoria award,

while Wangaratta Rovers star Brodie Filo was also prominent.

With the game on a knifeedge and the GV League up by 15 points, Bice kicked two crucial goals as the hosts came from behind to snatch a dramatic win.

“Conlan, Hayes and Morrison were all really good I thought, they combined really well,” Sexton said.

“Brodie Filo was fantastic, we know how good of a player he is but he showed his experience throughout the whole interleague pro-

cess, he was outstanding.

“Brodie was a leader for us, he’s got strong opinions which he should have with his experience.”

Rovers’ defender Cody Schutt was given vice-captain duties for the clash which was well deserved according to Sexton.

“Cody was named vicecaptain because he’s just such a good citizen,” he said.

“He’s a good leader but more importantly he’s a good citizen and I thought he played his role really well on the day.”

The O&M and GV’s rivalry will only grow with clashes like this and Sexton couldn’t be happier to see the sides back battling it out.

“We’re so fortunate that the O&M and GV want to do interleague,” he said.

“It’s important to give players a finals-like game because some players never play finals and only two teams can play in a grand final every year.

“Getting the opportunity to play a high quality game like interleague is so important.”

O&M netballers fall three goals short after slow start

By WILLSON MACK

OVENS and Murray netballers couldn’t get their revenge on the Goulburn Valley League on Saturday.

After falling to the GV outfit last year, the O&M fought out a top quality clash but ultimately fell 36-39 in a close affair.

The O&M trailed by six goals at the first break but closed that margin to just one at three quarter time and looked a genuine chance, but the GV side responded to run away victors.

Goulburn Valley’s Sarah Szczykulski was named best on court.

O&M coach Rhiannon Harris said her girls couldn’t recover fron the slow start.

“We gave them a five to nil head start before we even posted a goal so that wasn’t ideal at all,” Harris said.

“The margin blew out to nine or 10 at one stage but the girls managed to peg it back and get

within one at three quarter time and the game was there to win.

“We ended up falling short but I’m incredibly proud of all 10 players, everyone played their role and that’s all you can ask.”

Harris felt that her side was ready to go despite the slow start.

“The intensity was good in the warm up and everyone was ready to go but I think the speed and physicality of it caught our girls off guard for the first quarter,” she said.

“We just threw a few balls away and missed a few shots early but we managed to turn that around and get back in the game.

“The physicality of the GV was something the girls probably weren’t used to, it’s a different format of netball to what is played in the O&M.”

Wangaratta’s Hannah Grady stood tall in defence alongside Sophie Hanrahan after Hannah Symes had to leave the court with a knock to the nose.

“Hannah Symes copped a

knock to the nose so Hannah Grady was moved to GD and Sophie Hanrahan played GK so that was a combination we expected to use at some stage,” Harris said.

“Those two girls did a great job even though they probably weren’t expecting that change to be made so early.

“Also for Wangaratta I thought Ellie Cooper was great in WD and Issy Newton was good through the mid court too.”

Harris said she’s stoked to have interleague netball back.

“It’s fantastic to have it back,” she said.

“For people to put their hand up and play or help with interleague when they could be having a weekend off is great.

“It’s a credit to all involved and both organistions to be willing to put the event on.

“The weather at the end of the day probably impacted the crowds a bit but for our game at 12:15pm we had a great crowd in.”

■ More photos on page 17

GREAT BATTLE: Wangaratta Rovers’ Cody Schutt goes head-tohead with his GV opponent.

SNAP: Wangaratta Rovers’ Jack Gerrish throws the ball on his boot in the O&M’s win over the Goulburn Valley League.

PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie

CONTRIBUTOR: Wangaratta’s Hannah Grady was outstanding in the O&M’s loss to the GV League.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

O&M netballers fall short

Goorambat hang on

Goorambat triumphs over Benalla All Blacks in arm-wrestle contest at Goorambat

GOORAMBAT defended its home ground against a challenging Benalla All Blacks outfit on Saturday, with the Bats edging out their rivals 10.10 (70) to 8.15 (63).

In tough conditions, the match was a see-sawing affair, with the Bats leading at each break despite Benalla regularly kicking away early

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

in each quarter. A one point margin at quarter time was pushed out to four by the half, with the lead changing multiple

times as the match wore on.

Inaccuracy in front of goal for Benalla proved costly, as the Panthers kicked 2.4 through the third term to trail the Bats by two points heading into the fourth quarter.

Fatigue started to set in, but Goorambat was able to see out the challenge and take the

victory by seven points.

Co-coach Jared Brennan said the win was a great reward after a challenging month of footy saw several major losses.

“We could’ve rolled over at times but they stuck in it, and we got the result,” he said.

“They started off, got a

couple on us early, then it was just a bit of an arm wrestle all day.

“We were in front at every break but at times they came out at the start of the quarter and kick a couple of goals on us, and we’d have to fight our way back from there.

“They definitely came to play, and credit to our boys,

I think at times we looked really good and there were times we let ourselves down with a few fundamental errors.

“We’d had a pretty tough month with results not going our way, and to get the result on Saturday was a bit of reward for effort for the fellas.”

■ Continued page 18

WANGARATTA Rovers’ gun Brodie Filo finds space to get a kick away in the O&M’s seven point win over the Goulburn Valley League on Satirday at the Albury Sportsground.

■ Story: Page 19

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie