High Speed Pursuit Ends in Capture for Rickky

Phone 5862 1034 – Fax 5862 2668 – Email - Editorial: [email protected] - Advertising: [email protected] – Registered by Australia Post – Publication No. VA 1548 established 1895 LEADER NumurkahWEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2020 $1.30 INSIDE

Happy surprise See story page 5 Appeal

A cuppa successNUMURKAH Good Friday Appeal coordinator John with Deb Shrimpton is thrilled with this year’s local donations made during trying times. See story page 2.

See story pages 10 & 11 High speed pursuit ends in capture for Rickky WANTED local fugitive Rickky Leigh Dunn was Dunn ran into the front yard of a nearby property ose charges include reckless conduct endanger- apprehended by police on the weekend, a er leading and stole a Mitsubishi Triton ute that had been le ing persons; dangerous driving while being pursued them on a high speed pursuit across the district. with the keys in the ignition, and drove through the by police; fail to stop vehicle upon police request; Police units from Shepparton, Numurkah and property’s fence to get away. unlicensed driving; possess methylamphetamine; Cobram a ended a Tallygaroopna address just a er He ed through Echuca CBD pursued by police, the of motor vehicle; criminal damage; aggravated midnight on Easter Monday, acting on information including the police air wing, knocking over tem- reckless exposure of police o cer to risk by driving that 28 year-old Dunn may be at the address, or in porary fencing at the Port of Echuca before driving stolen vehicle; and the . the vicinity. down Scenic Drive Track. Dunn was also charged with failing to appear on Happily Dunn ed in a vehicle with a 29 year-old Wunghnu Dunn was apprehended a er he performed a bail at Shepparton Magistrates Court on March 10, man, leading police on a pursuit through the back U-turn and collided with a pursuing police vehicle, and contravening conditions of bail for failing to at- roads of Bunbartha and into Echuca. and the stolen ute became stuck between the police tend at Odyssey House drug rehabilitation centre on stranded It is alleged that the vehicle reached speeds of up to vehicle and a tree. February 26. 150 kms per hour during the pursuit. Following his apprehension on Monday, Dunn Police executed four outstanding warrants of ap- Dunn and his companion abandoned the vehicle was held in custody and appeared before Sheppar- prehension and a revocation of bail warrant when See story page 4 on Bangerang Road, Echuca, and split up, with the ton Magistrates Court yesterday facing a large num- they arrested Dunn on Monday. other o ender being apprehended on foot. ber of charges relating to the pursuit. Continued on page 3. www.numurkahleader.net.au 2 — NumurkahLEADER, Wednesday, April 15, 2020 PETER COX & SONS FUNERALDIRECTORS Mayor’s message – COVID-19 update Professional service tailored to your needs I WOULD like to congratulate our local res- our Facebook page and questions from the pub- idents, who played their part over the Easter lic will still be considered. Locally owned & operated 24 hours - 7 days a week break and stayed at home. You can email questions to [email protected]. Funeral calls and information Normally we would welcome visitors to the gov.au. All questions must be submi ed 24 shire and encourage locals to go out and about hours prior to the meeting. and enjoy our beautiful shire, however it was vi- We have been speaking with residents about Cnr5862 Meiklejohn &3047 Quinn Streets tal we all ‘stayed put’ to minimise the risk to our options moving forward to help pay their rates. health care system. Our COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy is ACCREDITED MEMBER OF THE AUSTRALIAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION e April ordinary council meeting is sched- just one of many initiatives we have put in place uled for next Wednesday, April 22, at the Co- and this policy applies to all rateable properties bram Civic Centre from 5pm. within the shire. Due to the continuing Victorian Government I would like to encourage any ratepayer who COVID-19 stage three restrictions, public at- would like to discuss se ing up a payment plan Can’t get out tendance would be a breach of the stay-at-home to suit their needs, or anyone who is in nancial Thankful... Mayor Libro Mus- directions and we are asking people not to at- di culty to give us a call. tica has praised the behaviour tend. Please continue to stay safe and stay at home of locals over Easter. of the house? Instead, this meeting will be streamed live via unless you need to leave for an approved activity. Make sure you don’t miss out on Numurkah all the local news virtually digs Chemical smell deep for annual on Saxton St Digital appeal NUMUR H residents have stepped up to do their part for the Royal Children’s Hospital, with around $4,000 raised so far for subscriptions the annual Good Friday Appeal. Local appeal coordinator John Shrimpton, from Numurkah CFA, said the brigade was delighted with the result. 1 month $5.95 “We usually raise around $15,000, but most of that comes from door-knocking and tin-ra ling which we couldn’t do this year, so WHILE the rest of us stay safe caught re, destroying the quad we knew we would be well down on that,” he said. at home, local reys remain busy, bike and doing signi cant damage 12 months $54.95 “We also weren’t able to do the usual hamper ra e, which al- with four turn-outs in the past to the interior of the shed. Numur- ways makes a decent amount of money. week. kah assisted with breathing appa- “Given the circumstances, $4,000 is a great result and we are Just a er midday yesterday, Nu- ratus wearers. very grateful to the local community for going out of its way to murkah and Katunga brigades, At 6.25pm on Good Friday, Nu- NumurkahLEADER support us.” along with Shepparton hazardous murkah brigade was turned out Around $1,000 came in before Easter through tins placed in materials van (Hazmat), respond- to a hay bale re at Hendys Road, local businesses and clubs, whilst another $2,600 was raised ed to a report of a chemical smell Numurkah, between Naring Road Ph. 5862 1034 through Numurkah’s online virtual tin. in a unit on Saxton Street, Numur- and Naring Hall Road. 88 Melville St, Numurkah Another $140 was also raised in just a couple of hours through kah, between Gray and McCaskill Two bales were on re, and some a drive-by donation bin. Streets. others were smouldering as a re- ere are still some tins in local businesses that the brigade has A health support worker visiting sult of spontaneous combustion; COME AND SEE US FOR ALL YOUR not been able to collect and add to the tally due to current move- the unit noticed a strong chemical six bales were removed into a large ment restrictions. smell; they evacuated the occupi- paddock, spaced so they could “Once those are counted and factored in, the total will be even ers and called Vic re. burn out. e farmer spread out higher and we’re thrilled with that,” John said. Numurkah re brigade cancelled “Between the bush res and oods, and now coronavirus, these Katunga, and waited for Sheppar- the remaining bales in case any of PRINTING are trying times and we are really happy to see people showing ton Hazmat to a end with their them ignited. CALENDARS their support for the appeal, and very grateful for their generosity.” detectors. On Easter Monday, at 9.40am, John said that, although he is looking forward to things get- No trace of chemicals could be Numurkah and Wunghnu bri- POSTERS UP TO A1 ting back to normal for next year’s appeal and the return of found; the chemical smell must gades, along with Shepparton’s door-knocking and tin-ra ling, this year’s appeal has shown the have dissipated before the Shep- aerial pumper and hazardous ma- PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS potential of online donations. parton crew arrived. terials van, responded to an alarm “ e necessity to do things di erently this year has shown what At 10.30pm last Wednesday, at the GrainCorp plant on Mc- FLYERS we can do with a greater online presence, and that’s de nitely April 8, Nathalia, Numurkah, Pi- Donald Street, Numurkah. something we’ll be looking to explore more in the future.” cola and Barmah brigades were A drop in water pressure caused BUSINESS CARDS Across the state, the appeal raised a record $18.2million, large- called to a shed re at Tenaces a pressure switch to activate the MENUS ly thanks to a last-minute injection of funds from the Victorian Road, Nathalia, between Katun- alarm, which is what it is designed Government. ga/Picola Road and Peter Clay to do. ere was no re. e VOUCHERS At 9.30pm, Victorians had given $9,640,437, but in an unprec- Road. Wunghnu and Shepparton vehi- edented last-minute gesture, Premier Daniel Andrews pledged to A quad bike in the shed had cles were stopped enroute. BOOKS AND MAGAZINES top up the fund18.2 million, ensuring that it beat last year’s total of $18.145 million. Small numbers of anything Ph. 5862 1034 NumurkahLEADER 88 Melville St, Numurkah Changes to local police Police urge Numurkah Leader is bound by the Standards station availability shutdown security of Practice of the Australian Press IN an e ort to minimise the risk of door and abide by any instructions. POLICE are reminding owners or operators of any busi- Council. If you believe COVID-19 infection, Eastern Region Eastern Region Moira LGA Manager ness going into shutdown due to the COVID-19 emergen- the Standards may have been breached, Wangara a Police Division - which in- Senior Sergeant Darren McGrillen said cy, to maintain the security of their premises. you may approach the newspaper cludes local stations - will be restricting regional police are working hard to ensure entry to stations and conducting a COV- there is minimal impact to their service. Police are urging operators to ensure, where possible, itself or contact the Council by email that all cash, cigare es and any valuables, are removed ([email protected]) or by phone ID-19 risk assessment before approving “We are commi ed to serving the com- ([02] 9261 1930). For further information entry. munity during these challenging times. from the business premises and secured. see www.presscouncil.org.au. If you need to visit a police station, you We appreciate your continued coopera- are required to read the signs on the front tion and support,” he said.

NumurkahLEADER

88 Melville Street, Numurkah VIC 3636 Beverley James Dominique Heather Karen Sheryl Phone: 03 5862 1034 Hutchins Su on Cosgriff Kelly Harper Ellio www.numurkahleader.net.au Editor Graphic Journalist Sales Sports Sports Designer Journalist Photographer Published by Jinki Sixteen Pty. Ltd. and printed by Newsprinters Pty Ltd printads@ design@ editorial@ sales@ sport@ Registered by Australia Post - Print Post publication no. 100002644 leader.net.au leader.net.au leader.net.au leader.net.au leader.net.au NumurkahLEADER, Wednesday, April 15, 2020 — 3 High speed pursuit ends in capture for Rickky Continued om ont page. ose warrants relate to a total of 45 charges, which include tra cking methamphetamine Gotcha ... Rickky Dunn and ecstasy, unlicensed driving, failing to stop was apprehended by when directed by police, and car and motorbike police after a lengthy police the , arising from a number of incidents in the pursuit through the district Numurkah area in early December 2019. in the early hours of Easter It is alleged that on December 1, Dunn sped Monday. away from police on the GV Highway at Wungh- nu at speeds up to 150kms per hour. On December 3, he is alleged to have stolen a police car a er police a ended to perform a welfare check a er he was seen apparently un- conscious behind the wheel of a car parked on Lukies Road, Naring. When police approached, Dunn is alleged to have ed the vehicle, go en into the unoccupied police car and driven o . A search involving a number of police cars and helicopters ensued, with Dunn spo ed on Luk- ies Road travelling at speeds alleged to be up to INDEPENDENT MEMBER FOR 200kms per hour. SHEPPARTON DISTRICT e police car was later located at the rear of a Yarroweyah property, but Dunn could not be located. On December 6, he was allegedly located at a property at Tobruk Road, Naring, at around Coronavirus 6.30am. We are all making sacrifices during Dunn is alleged to have ed towards Numur- nated for safety reasons. e 29 year old Wunghnu man involved in Dunn already had three outstanding warrants Monday’s pursuit was charged with a range of these difficult times, none more so kah, along with another person, in a Mitsubishi than our health workers to whom Pajero, hi ing and causing minor damage to a when those o ences occurred. o ences, and bailed to appear at the Shepparton police vehicle as they did so. Dunn appeared before Shepparton Magistrates Magistrates Court at a later date. we are enormously grateful. e o enders drove o towards Numurkah, court on February 21 on charges arising from ose o ences include evade police; reckless I would like to also thank the many those incidents, and was released on bail on con- conduct endangering life; dangerous driving and police initiated a pursuit, but called it o a people who are keeping the rest short time later due to safety concerns. Police dition that he a end Odyssey House drug reha- while being pursued by police; careless driving; believe one of the occupants le the Pajero and bilitation centre where a bed had been secured breach interlock device and possess proceeds of of us safe — the retail workers and got into a Holden Commodore, which was seen for him, but he never arrived at the centre. crime. essential small business owners, in Numurkah a short time later and was brie y e conditions of his bail included that he live Both men have also been ned $1,652 for fail- the farmers, fruit pickers and pursued until the pursuit was once again termi- at Odyssey House, not a end Moira Shire, not ing to comply with social distancing regulations truck drivers, our factory workers use illicit substances and not drive a car. as a result of Monday’s pursuit. Tel:and (03) our 5831 emergency 6944 services www.suzannasheed.com.auwho continue to perform their vital@SheedSuzanna duties. AndSuzanna I would Sheed like to thank all of you Locals fi ned for fl outing social distancing who are performing the valuable FOUR Numurkah residents have each been hours to comply with regulations. ignore our directions, infringement notices will role of staying home. As the weeks issued with infringement notices of $1,652, for “We are trying to assist the public to ensure be issued. turn into months, we are all facing failing to comply with social distancing regula- that everyone complies with the regulations, but Sergeant Gleeson said that, generally, local tions. people need to do the right thing and recognise people have been really good. new challenges. Some of us, like Sergeant Tim Gleeson told the Leader that that the regulations are non-negotiable,” he said. “Most people accept it for what it is and under- myself, continue to work while the nes were issued a er the individuals, three “We understand that there may be some con- stand that, although it’s inconvenient, it’s for the social distancing and keeping our men aged 36, 42 and 78, and a 30 year-old wom- fusion as to what is permi ed under the regu- good of the entire community. family and loved ones safe. Others an, who were gathered at the front of a Melville lations, and we are trying to educate people so “Like everybody else, we just want everyone to are teaching their children in their Street residence, ignored three warnings in three they can do the right thing, but when people get through this.” homes and I hope this is proving a rewarding and positive experience. We will come through this and I am proud that when faced with Coronavirus, my country, my state and my community have shown One more COVID-19 together we can and will overcome this pandemic. Please remember to check in with friends and family on a case confi rmed in Moira regular basis. Stay safe everyone. MOI shire now has 11 con rmed COV- investigation. e current testing criteria is available at ID-19 cases, with the eleventh case being To be er track the spread of the virus in the https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/health-ser- con rmed by the Department of Health and community, Victoria is once again expanding vices-and-general-practitioners-coronavi- Schools Human Services on Saturday. the testing for COVID-19. rus-disease-covid-19. It is not known where the diagnosis was Testing will now be based only on the clin- Victoria’s Chief Health O cer Professor As announced byINDEPENDENT the Victorian MEMBER FOR Government lastSHEPPARTON week, the vast DISTRICT made, or where in the shire the person resides. ical symptoms of COVID-19, regardless of Bre Su on said Victoria is at a pivotal time INDEPENDENTINDEPENDENT MEMBER MEMBER FOR FOR e number remained at 11 as of lunch time age or occupation – making Victoria’s testing majorityINDEPENDENTSHEPPARTON of primary DISTRICT MEMBER and secondary FOR in the response to COVID-19. SHEPPARTON DISTRICT DISTRICT yesterday. criteria the widest in Australia. “We must remain vigilant and not erode the students will be studying from Greater Shepparton’s total number of con- ese symptoms include any new fever, gains made in slowing the spread of the virus. home for Term Two. rmed cases remains at nine, with no new chills or breathing problems, speci cally Now is not the time for complacency. We still cases reported in the past week. cough, sore throat or shortness of breath. have a long way to go,” Professor Su on said. Some schools will still be offering e total number of COVID-19 cases in Only people in the general community with “While we are starting to see some improve- on-site learning, but this is Victoria is 1,291 – an increase of 10 between these symptoms will be eligible for testing. ment in the rate of transmission, that rate restricted to students of essential Monday and Tuesday, as testing for the virus As the testing expands, the public are as- could climb quickly if we lose focus. services staff and those who expands in Victoria. sured that it will also continue for people with “We have been successful in decreasing the To date, 14 people have died from corona- compatible symptoms who are close contacts cannot study at home. Please virus in Victoria, but no new deaths were re- of con rmed COVID-19 cases, travellers number of cases coming from overseas due to contact your school for details. ported on Monday. from overseas, cruise ship passengers, as well reduced international travel and quarantine measures, however we now need to focus on The Government has also initiated e total number of cases is made up of 672 as healthcare workers and people whose em- a program to assist those in need men and 619 women, with people aged from ployment and contact with the broader pub- nding cases that are being transmi ed in our babies to their early nineties. lic may place them at higher risk. community to further slow the spread.” with sim cards or dongles to ere are 122 con rmed cases in Victoria Healthcare workers and other frontline em- “ e testing criteria have therefore been connect to the internet and the that may have been acquired through com- ployees will be able to have their test results changed to include people with clinical symp- loan of suitable devices such as munity transmission. returned faster, allowing them to get back to toms of COVID-19, irrespective of where laptops. Again, please contact they have travelled or any other criteria such Currently 40 people are in hospital, includ- their vital work in the community as soon as your school to see if you qualify for ing 15 patients in intensive care. 1,118 people possible. as age or occupation. this program. have recovered. More than 71,000 Victorians Expanded testing has been made possible by e Department of Health and Human Ser- Tel: (03) 5831 6944 have been tested to date. a reduction in the number of people returning vices follows up and monitors all close con- Tel: (03) 5831 6944www.suzannasheed.com.au Of the total 1,291 cases, there have been from overseas,and more labs having come on- tacts of con rmed cases and provides them Tel: (03) 5831 6944 1029 in metropolitan Melbourne and 236 in line. ere are now 40 screening clinics open with information and support. All close con- www.suzannasheed.com.au@SheedSuzanna regional Victoria. Several cases remain under across Melbourne and regional Victoria. tacts must self-isolate for 14-days. Tel:www.suzannasheed.com.au@SheedSuzanna (03) 5831 6944Suzanna Sheed www.suzannasheed.com.au@SheedSuzannaSuzanna Sheed Funded @SheedSuzannaSuzannafrom Parliamentary Sheed Budget. Authorised by: Suzanna Sheed, 5 Vaughan St, Shepparton VIC 3630. Suzanna Sheed 4 — NumurkahLEADER, Wednesday, April 15, 2020 Victoria’s state of emergency extended THE state of emergency in Vic- “ ere are positive signs our toria is being extended for anoth- e orts are working – but if we re- er four week to give the Victorian lax now, our hard-won gains will Government the powers it needs evaporate and people will die,” he to keep slowing the spread of said. coronavirus and save lives. “ is is an unprecedented cri- Premier Daniel Andrews an- sis – we need to extend the state nounced on Sunday that the of emergency to help slow the state of emergency declared last spread of the virus, protect our month, which was originally due health system and save lives.” Happily stranded ... Graham and Jill to expire on April 13, would be Mr Andrews thanked those Green are waiting out the pandemic in extended until midnight on May Victorians who are doing the Numurkah until they can continue their trip. 11. right thing by staying at home, e extension will allow for but said we must keep at it to save the continuation of measures lives, because if we relax now, the designed to ‘ a en the curve’ of virus will start spreading quick- coronavirus and give the state’s ly and our health system will be health system the best chance of overwhelmed. managing the virus. Victorians have been repeat- Worse places to be stranded day trips, but we’re in the same boat as Under a state of emergency, edly told that, under the stage LIKE the rest of Australia, Graham where they had already planned to visit everyone else and doing what we’re told. Authorised O cers (AOs), at three restrictions currently in and Jill Green from Mandurah in West- friends, and had a site booked at the Nu- “We haven’t even really been able to the direction of the Chief Health place, there are only four rea- ern Australia had no idea what was com- murkah Caravan Park. spend any time with the people we came O cer, can act to eliminate or sons to leave your home: food ing when they le home for a year-long ough they had originally only to visit, but there’ll be time for that when reduce a serious risk to public and supplies, medical care and trip around Australia in early February. planned to stay in town for a few days, the restrictions are li ed.” health by detaining people, re- caregiving, exercise, and work or “If we’d known this was going to hap- as their planned departure date ap- Having now been resident in Numur- stricting movement, preventing education. pen we’d have stayed at home and taken proached, South Australia and Western our trip when this was all over,” Jill told kah for several weeks, the couple have entry to premises, or providing Police have strong powers to Australia both announced that they se led into a daily routine. any other direction an AO con- enforce these directions and can the Leader. were closing their borders, and new “We take the dog for a walk every day siders reasonable to protect pub- issue on the spot nes, including e Greens made good time ge ing restrictions on movement were intro- and go to the supermarket if we need lic health. up to $1,652 for individuals and to Victoria where they stopped on the duced across the country. any essentials, but we had planned to e month-long extension will up to $9,913 for businesses. Un- Mornington peninsula for several weeks “Terry told us that he had been or- live out of the van for a year anyway, so ensure the government can con- der the state of emergency, peo- to visit their son. dered to close the caravan park, but as we have everything we need and we’re tinue its strict enforcement of ple who don’t comply could also “We’d planned to stay a bit longer, but we were already here when the order happy just to stay put here. social distancing, isolation and be taken to court and receive a the owner of the caravan park at Droma- came through, we were allowed to stay,” “We could have applied for an exemp- other directions put in place by ne of up to $20,000. Companies na announced he was closing the park Graham said. tion and headed back to WA, but even the Chief Health O cer to slow face nes of up to $100,000. and everyone but permanent residents “We’re lucky, because even though if we were at home we still wouldn’t be the spread of coronavirus. Since March 28, Victoria Po- had to leave,” Graham said. we’d planned to visit other friends in able to see anybody, so we decided to Premier Daniel Andrews said lice have conducted 19,303 spot With the car booked in for a service in Victoria before we headed north, we wait it out here and then continue our that, while we are starting to see checks at homes, businesses and Shepparton, the couple headed north, didn’t have anywhere we really needed trip. some improvement in the rate of non-essential services across the staying in Shepparton for a couple of to be by any given time,” Jill said. “Numurkah’s a lovely li le town, there transmission, now is not the time state and issued over 900 nes. nights, before heading to Numurkah “We would like to be able to go on are much worse places to be stranded.” for complacency. COVID-19 Community Update

The shut down of all ‘non-essential’ activities to combat the Transfer Stations Update Economic support threat of COVID-19 is continuing and we are all needing to The Tungamah, Strathmerton and Yabba Transfer stations Council is not charging user fees to sporting clubs be flexible. Congratulations to all our local residents who are that use municipal land and buildings whose seasons playing their part in this health crisis by staying home. will remain closed due to the continuing COVID-19 health emergency. are affected. Will there still be council meetings? In addition, all Resource Recovery Sheds are now closed We have also waived the rent for the June quarter Yes, it is business as usual with our ordinary council meetings. and no access will be granted. on enterprises that operate from Council owned The next meeting will take place at the Cobram Civic Centre or managed land and have been affected by the from 5pm on Wednesday 22 April. Even though all other transfer stations, including the enforced closures. Cobram Landfill Site, are still open we are urging residents Due to the continuing Victorian Government COVID-19 Stage 3 to only come if ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY; please follow restrictions, public attendance would be a breach of the stay-at- Immunisation Update home directions. the Victorian Government messaging and “stay at home”. Instead, this meeting will be streamed live via our Facebook page Remember to download the Waste App if you haven’t Our immunisation sessions have ceased to be drop-in sessions and have moved to scheduled appointment and questions from the public will still be considered. done so already, with notifications going out regularly, times. Email questions to [email protected] with all questions to updating the community on any changes to our waste be submitted 24 hours prior to the meeting. facilities. This arrangement will continue for the foreseeable future. Importantly, only those receiving a vaccine and Customer Service update COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy Council places the highest priority on the health and wellbeing of their parent/carer are to attend their scheduled our staff and community and as such we have put the following Council is committed to helping customers, ratepayers appointment – DO NOT attend if you or your child is measures in place – and businesses throughout the shire who are facing unwell. • Our Customer Service Centres in Cobram and Yarrawonga will financial hardship at any time, but particularly during this Please contact us on (03) 5871 9222 to book your remain closed for face-to-face enquiries for the foreseeable current health crisis. appointment. future. However you can still contact us a number of ways – The COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy is just one of visit our website www.moira.vic.gov.au, email us at [email protected] or phone us on (03) 5871 9222. many initiatives we are putting in place and will apply to More information all rateable properties in Moira Shire. • Our visitor information centres will remain closed. For the most up-to-date information regarding • Council facilities including all sports stadiums, recreation Simply give our friendly Customer Service team a call on COVID-19 please go to our website or reserves, playgrounds, skate parks, public barbecues and public 5871 9222 for details on how to apply. www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus exercise equipment are closed.

Phone Email Call us on 5871 9222 [email protected]

NRS Mail To report service issues and emergencies 133 677 PO Box 578, Cobram VIC 3643 www.moira.vic.gov.au after hours call (03) 5871 9222. NumurkahLEADER, Wednesday, April 15, 2020 — 5 Scolyers pack up their troubles in dad’s old kit-bag SURPRISE packages received by mail are arguably one of the nicest parts of Christmas, and Nathalia’s Sc- olyer family received one last Decem- ber that beat them all. e Scolyers knew the package was on its way from Queensland, and knew that it was something that once belonged to their father - but that was all. When the package nally arrived, they were delighted to discover that it was a WWII kitbag, which had belonged to their father Lance Corporal John Scolyer who had served as a dis- patch rider with the 30th Australian Works Co. from 1942 to 1946. e bag had been found several years ago in a garden shed in the small Queensland town of Tolga, with the name J.R. Scolyer and an Australian Infantry Force service number writ- ten on the ap. Nobody knows how, or when, the bag got there, but it somehow seems like fate that it did, because you get the feeling that nobody else but the shed’s owner, Janice McDonald, would have bothered to make sure it found its way home. Janice’s grandparents bought the Unexpected gift ... Bob home she know lives in in 1932, and Scolyer, Cheryl Williams Janice purchased the property and and Kevin Scolyer with moved in a er her aunt died in 2006. their father’s old kit bag e house and shed were both full of and other mementoes things that had been there for a very from his war time service. long time, and Janice gradually began going through them, which was when she found the kitbag. “The bag was a great home for cockroach- the project, and the bag, aside once nealogy Group received the email Kevin’s brother Bob. very kind of her - she could have just es when I found it,” she told the Leader. again. and forwarded it to a surprised and “I was amazed at what good condi- thrown it away.” “It was actually fairly clean on the Late last year, Janice decided to have intrigued Scolyer family, who replied tion it was in, and to see Dad’s name Janice said it never occurred to her to outside, so I hosed it down and hung one more go. to Janice. and service number wri en on it was throw the bag away, and she is pleased it up to dry, with the intention of do- “I looked for the war records again “We con rmed that our dad was incredible.” to have been able to return the item to nating it to a museum one day.” and they were online,” she said. John Reece Scolyer and that he had “We knew Dad had trained in its original owner’s descendants. With Janice slowly working away at “It told me his date of birth and served in the AIF,” Kevin Scolyer said. Kanungra, so we knew he had passed “I value history and I have a respect renovating the property, ‘one day’ was spouse’s name, so I went on Ances- “I said we’d be really pleased to have through Queensland, before he went for the hardships that people some- a long time coming, and the kitbag got try.com and used that information to anything that belonged to Dad and I to Borneo, but whether the bag went times had to go through to get their moved from room to room, but never nd a death record that mentioned gave her the address.” astray on the way there or the way belongings, and what those things thrown out. Nathalia. Shortly before Christmas, the parcel back, we don’t know,” Kevin said. may have meant to them - especially Janice said that in around 2017 she “I found there was a Nathalia gene- arrived, with a card from Janice ex- “We have no idea how it ended up during war time,” she said. did a empt to trace the name and ser- alogy group, so I emailed them and tending her best wishes to the family. in Janice’s shed all those years later, “I’m very pleased to hear that the vice number online, but war records asked if they knew of the family, and if “We still didn’t know what it was but we’re extremely grateful to her family is happy to have their father’s hadn’t yet been digitised, so she set they were still there.” until we opened it up, so it was a for keeping it and tracking down the bag and that it means so much to Lynn Franklin of the Nathalia Ge- great surprise, and very exciting,” said owner and sending it to us. at was them.”

April Ordinary Council Can’t get out of Meeting

the house? Our next council meeting will commence at 5pm Wednesday 22 April at the Cobram Civic Centre. Due to the continuing Victorian Government COVID-19 Stage 3 Make sure you don’t miss out on restrictions, public attendance would be a breach of the stay-at- all the local news home directions. However, this meeting will be streamed live via our Facebook page and will be available to view on our website after the meeting. Why not gift a digital Questions from the public will still be considered – questions must be emailed to [email protected] and be submitted 24 subscription to a friend or hours prior to the meeting. Submitted questions will be read at the designated section of the meeting and answered by the appropriate officer or family member? councillor. For more information please give our friendly Customer Service 1 month $5.95 12 months $54.95 Team a call.

(03) 5871 9222 133 677 [email protected] Ph. 5862 1034 NumurkahLEADER www.moira.vic.gov.au 88 Melville St, Numurkah 6 — Numurkahleader, Wednesday, April 15, 2020

OFFICIAL MEDICAL ADVICE Coronavirus: You must take action to save lives in your community.

Stay at home unless absolutely necessary. Banks, supermarkets/groceries, petrol stations, medical services and suppliers will remain open. You must avoid non-essential travel.

If you can, work from home. Use phones for meetings and stop handshaking. Tap to pay where possible instead of using cash.

Gatherings of 2 people max You must stay 2 arms lengths Exercise away from others. are being enforced, with the away from others and wash exception of households, your hands for 20 seconds. work and education.

Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra CUT OUT AND KEEP NumurkahLEADER, Wednesday, April 15, 2020 — 7 Numurkah locals mending fences WHILE it’s fair to say the events of March 2020 onwards have le the entire world reeling, many bush re affected Australians were deep in crisis before coronavirus was even heard of. Fortunately, as devastating as the 2019/2020 bush re season was, kind-hearted Australians rallied behind the victims - including four local people who have literally been mending fences for re a ected farmers. Forest and Cath Stanyer are old hands at the volunteer fencing game, having assisted a er the Black Satur- day res, as well as a er res at Terang, Benalla and Wunghnu. When they started pitching in again at the start of this year, helping rebuild fences near Cudgewa, their e orts inspired fellow Numurkah Uniting Church congregants Ian and Helen Furness to lend a hand as well. Cath told the Leader that helping someone who has lost so much and doesn’t know where to start with recovery work is immensely satisfying. “It gives them a bit of hope, and the Team work ... Cath and job of recovering doesn’t seem quite Forest Stanyer (centre) as overwhelming when there are peo- with fellow fencing volun- ple there to help,” she said. teers helping to rebuild “Usually they have lost all of their fences destroyed in the fencing, but if you can get the bound- Corryong ﬁ res. ary and containment fences up fairly quickly, then at least they can get their ca le rounded up and o the roads bit of walking, it wasn’t really di cult. As well as fencing, Cath and Helen local Rotary club put on a dinner for who have gone through, pu ing in and safe. “I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s not al- also spent a day folding 1,000 t-shirts to us and some of the families, and the over 3,000 hours, helping 19 farmers “Seeing a new fence go up in the place of a burnt one is very satisfying, ways easy to know how to help people, be sold at the Rise from the Ashes ben- farmers have been very good to us as and erecting around 20kms of fencing. and gives you a real sense of purpose.” but this is something practical you can e t concert held at Cudgewa Recreation well.” “Because of the pandemic restric- While Cath and Forest were old do that makes a big di erence to peo- Reserve at the end of February. Whilst Helen and Ian could only tions, we had to come home almost hands at the fencing game, Helen ple.” “It was a great day, and we were devote a couple of weeks to the cause, three weeks ago because we couldn’t was keen to help, but wasn’t sure how Forest, who as a former farmer him- made really welcome and really felt a Forest and Cath had been at it since use the community hall any more,” much help she could actually be. self is probably handier than most part of it,” said Cath. early January, coming home every Cath said. “I was surprised at how many things and does more of the technical work, “ e locals up there have really second weekend to water their garden “As soon as we can, we’ll be heading I could actually do,” she said. agreed. looked a er us. and catch up with family before head- back up there. “I just followed instructions and, al- “You don’t need experience to fence, “We’ve been staying at the footy ing back to do more fencing. “We have to - there are still hundreds though it could be tiring because it’s it’s pre y simple really, you just need ground in caravans and using the Cath and Forest have been core more kilometres of fences that need to physical and you end up doing a fair to be willing to do the work,” he said. kitchen in the community hall. e members of a team of 45 volunteers be rebuilt.” Influenza program commences We are offering four extra sessions, in addition to our normal vaccination timetable, for influenza vaccinations. These sessions will offer all National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccines to approved infants, adults, and secondary school students plus catch up immunisations to those students who missed their scheduled doses in Term One due to school closures. We will also offer paid influenza vaccinations, $18 per dose, to those people not on the NIP and these will be allocated on a ‘first to register’ basis. Childhood Immunisation These sessions are BY APPOINTMENT and only those people receiving their Update vaccines and their primary carer (if required) should attend the session. Our normal immunisation sessions are Please phone (03) 5871 9222 to book your allotted time. now by appointment only. Only children receiving the vaccine and Flu Vaccine Session Times their parent or carer should attend. Please don’t attend if you or your child is Cobram Civic Centre - 17 April - 12.30pm unwell. Yarrawonga Maternal and Child Health Centre - 20 April - 9.30am For all session times please go to our Numurkah Visitor Information Centre - 28 April - 2pm website then give us a call on 5871 9222 Nathalia Maternal and Child Health Centre - 30 April - 9.30am to make an appointment.

StayCOVID-19 safe, stay well and above all... (03)Community 5871 9222 [email protected] Update www.moira.vic.gov.au 8 — Numurkahleader, Wednesday, April 15, 2020 COME AND SEE US FOR ALL YOUR PRINTING NEEDS CALENDARS FLYERS POSTERS UP TO A1 BUSINESS CARDS PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS MENUS

NumurkahLEADER Ph. 5862 1034 88 Melville St, Numurkah GOVERNMENT SUPPORT PACKAGES EXPLAINED The Australian Federal Government have introduced a number of measures to assist Businesses and Individuals to manage through the impact of the Coronavirus. Below we highlight some of the main features of the package and how to access these.

SMALL BUSINESS MEASURES INCREASING THE INSTANT ASSET JOBKEEPER PAYMENT WRITE-OFF Under the Jobkeeper payment From the 12 March 2020, the instant businesses significantly impacted by asset write-off threshold is set to Protecting their charges ... Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge nurse unit manager Deb the coronavirus will be able to access increase from $30,000 to $150,000 Hitchcock giving the flu vaccination to staff member Annie Munroe. a government wage subsidy of $1,500 until 30 June 2020. From 1 July 2020, per fortnight per employee, for up to six this threshold reduces to $1,000, for months. Employers (including not-for- businesses with less than $10 million profits) will be eligible for the subsidy if turnover. Mandatory flu vaccination their business turnover has reduced by SUPER MEASURES more than 30% relative to a comparable Access to lump sums from super on period a year ago (of at least a month). compassionate grounds This is for businesses with a turnover of If certain criteria is met you may be able for residential aged care less than $1 billion. to access up to $10,000 of your super CASHFLOW BOOST – TO BE before 1 July 2020. NCN HEALTH staff are roll- and volunteers.” pact on our health system at the DELIVERED IN TWO TRANCHES: A further $10,000 can be accessed from ing up their sleeves to protect Ms Phillips said from May 1 same time,” Ms Phillips said. 1. The First Phase will include a minimum 1 July 2020 for a limited time. residents against the flu this all visitors to a residential aged The annual influenza vaccina- amount of $10,000 and maximum of You must apply for the lump sum year, and urging the commu- care facility will be asked to tions have been offered free to $50,000 and will be payable on the through the Australian Taxation Office nity to get immunised before provide proof of vaccination aged care residents, employees lodgement of the March BAS. The (ATO) via MyGov. If eligible, the ATO will issue a determination to the member’s May 1. prior to entry. This may be a and volunteers at NCN Health payment will be equal to 100% of the NCN Health CEO Jacque statement or record from a since the start of April. tax withheld from salary and wages. fund. 2. Additional payments to be introduced INCOME SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS Phillips said the outbreak of health practitioner, an immuni- Some community members any virus in an aged care facil- sation history statement avail- are eligible for bulk billed ap- in the July to October 2020 period, equal – JOBSEEKER PAYMENT to the total of all first cash flow boost A new six-month ‘Coronavirus ity can cause significant health able from Medicare online, or pointments. You may be able to payments received. The maximum total supplement’ of $550 per fortnight will concerns to staff and residents. from the Express Plus Medi- receive a free flu vaccine if you: payment is $50,000 and the minimum be paid to individuals who are currently “From May 1, no-one will be care mobile app. • Are 6 months to 5 years of total payment is $10,000. eligible for certain income support allowed on the premises of any Even if you are not planning age. These payments will be delivered by the payments. residential aged care facility on visiting a residential aged • Are over 65 years of age. ATO as a credit against the balance on For the period that the Coronavirus within NCN Health if they do care service, NCN Health is • Have a chronic condition (di- the March, June & September Activity supplement is paid, the Government will not have an up to date vaccina- asking the community to be abetes, heart disease or asthma). Statement’s lodged. If this places the also expand access to certain income tion against influenza,” she said. vigilant against the flu this sea- • Are pregnant. entity in a refund position, the ATO will support payments (e.g., the Jobseeker deliver the refund with 14 days. “We are committed to pro- son. • Are an Aboriginal or a Tor- Payment, the Youth Allowance tecting the health and safety “In light of the coronavirus res Strait islander person aged SUPPORT FOR EMPLOYERS WITH Jobseeker and the Parenting Payment) of our residents. These restric- we are expecting to see an in- six months to five years. APPRENTICES AND TRAINEES for eligible individuals. If you are an employer who employs TAX-FREE PAYMENTS OF $750 TO tions are in line with the Public creased demand on all areas of • Are an Aboriginal or a Tor- apprentices, you can apply for a wage Health and Wellbeing Act and our health service. Having your res Strait islander aged person ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS will apply to everyone includ- flu vaccination is not just about over 15 years. subsidy of 50% of the apprentice’s The Government will be providing wage paid during the nine months two separate $750 tax-free payments ing staff, health care workers, keeping yourself and your fam- To book your flu vaccination, from 1 January 2020 to 30 September (referred to as ‘economic support visitors, health practitioners ily well, but reducing the im- please contact your local GP. 2020. Employers will be reimbursed up payments’) to social security, veteran to a maximum of $21,000 per eligible and other income support recipients apprentice ($7,000 per quarter). and to eligible concession card holders. Employers can register for the subsidy from early April 2020, with all claims for For further details on any of the above payment required to be lodged prior to measures and how you are able to Interpol warning on 31 December 2020. access these contact Belmores. COVID-19 scams INTERPOL has issued warnings about finan- that claim to be providing official information on cial fraud linked to COVID-19, advising that coronavirus, but are actually attempts to try and criminals are taking advantage of coronavirus obtain personal data. Belmores anxiety to defraud victims online. Scammers are impersonating official organisa- CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS The international policing agency has warned tions such as the World Health Organisation and that an increase in people working from home, the Department of Health, or legitimate busi- Confidential advice, specific to your needs and more frequent government announcements, nesses. may increase vulnerability to people falling vic- People wanting information on the pandemic are tim to online scams. advised to visit the Department of Health and the People are urged to be aware that scammers are World Health Organization websites directly. 03 5862 1411 adapting existing technology to play on people’s If you think you have been scammed, contact fears around coronavirus, and selling products your bank or financial institution immediately. www.belmores.com.au claiming to prevent or cure the virus. More information on coronavirus scams is Scamwatch has received multiple reports of available on the Scamwatch website, including phishing scams sent via email or text message how to make a report and where to get help. Numurkahleader, Wednesday, April 15, 2020 — 9 THINGS TO BINGE Bitter Ricky is darkly amusing WITH season two arriving on Netflix in a couple of weeks, there has never been a better time to discover comedian Ricky Gervais’ latest series After Life. Gervais plays Tony, a journalist (and I use that term loosely) for a local village newspaper, grieving the death of his wife Lisa from Disappointing ... Damage to the heritage listed pavilion, which has recently been refur- breast cancer. bished, has disappointed locals. Though it would appear that he used to be a friendly, easy-going type, his recent loss has turned Tony into a bitter bloke with nothing to lose. Tony wanders around shell-shocked, telling peo- Cemetery damage disappoints ple exactly what he thinks and trying out some ex- DAMAGE done to a grave and the herit- Overall the damage is estimated to be valued tremely questionable coping mechanisms. age-listed pavilion at Numurkah cemetery has at $5,000, with the marble lid of the grave dis- Brief flashbacks, and Tony’s repeated view- left the emeteryc trust committee disappointed. lodged, a side bearer flattened, and the heading of video messages left by Lisa, provide The damage occurred overnight on Saturday, stone moved. a glimpse at exactly what Tony has lost and April 4, and is believed to have involved a large The amaged to the pavilion is particularly dis- make you feel for him, regardless of how mean vehicle. heartening for the committee, as the structure, he can be to others. The vehicle had driven through a makeshift which dates back to 1889, had recently been re- Gradually, Tony emerges from his grief long barrier erected the previous day to prevent ve- furbished. enough to make new friends and gain some hicles entering, due to the ground being water- “We refurbished the pavilion as part of a pro- appreciation for the fact that there are others logged as a result of recent heavy rain. gram to improve the cemetery, and we have had standing staunchly by him no matter what he Numurkah and Wunghnu Cemetery Trust generous grants and donations from local busi- says or does. secretary Bernadette Steward said the damage nesses and service clubs to help us do that,” Ms Despite it’s subject matter,After Life manag- was discovered at around 6am on the Sunday es to be funny, even if the laughs often come One morose man and his dog ... Ricky morning. Steward said. “The work is almost complete, with the origi- from moments that you know you proba- Gervais’ After Life will have you laughing “Our maintenance man had been in self-isola- bly shouldn’t find quite so amusing because tion for a fortnight because he had just returned nal gates being re-installed this week, following even as you wonder if you should. their renovation. they’re actually pretty wrong. from overseas, and he was chomping at the bit Gervais is great as the morose and bitter terrific too. to get down there and see how things were, so he “We take pride in keeping the cemetery nice With just six 30 minute episodes, this dark- for the community, and it’s really disappoint- Tony who continues to endure purely because got there early on the Sunday,” she said. that’s what his wife wanted of him, and the ly funny series is an easy watch, and will have ing that there are people who think they can “He noticed the damage to the pavilion supporting cast - which includes quite a few you looking forward to season two dropping straight away, but we didn’t realise the grave had come along and do whatever they like and make faces familiar from past Gervais offerings - is on April 24. been damaged until a couple of days later.” things hard for everybody.”

An important message from the Victorian Government STAGE 3 RESTRICTIONS ARE NOW IN PLACE. That means there are only four reasons to be out.

Shopping for food and Exercise. Medical care Work and education supplies that you need. and caregiving. – if necessary.

Stay informed at coronavirus.vic.gov.au 10 — NumurkahLEADER, Wednesday, April 15, 2020 A CUPPA WITH DOM A cuppa with Deb Fowler Full name: Debra Anne Fowler Age: 60 People skills ... Deb Fowler Marital status: Partnered with six kids Schools a ended: Noble Park Primary says that making people feel School, South Vale Primary School, Heather heard and understood is the key Time for Hill High School, Southern School of Natu- to good people management. ral erapies, regional TAFES and training organisations a cuppa Summer or winter: Winter ONE of the many simple pleasures the Beach or mountains: Mountains Oscar the Grouch or Cookie Monster: current social distancing regulations Oscar the Grouch have robbed us of, is the freedom to get Crunchie or Violet Crumble: Violet Crumble together for a cuppa and a chat. Elvis or e Beatles: Beatles Fortunately, before those regulations AC/DC or INXS: INXS Favourite colour: Green kicked in, the Leader took the opportu- Favourite song: Georgia by Don Burrows nity to sit down with a few well-known Favourite TV show: e Walking Dead locals and to get to know them even Favourite book: My Mother Myself Do you make lists? better. No. I have particular things each day that I Through a mixture of seeming- know I have to do – Monday is compliance, Tuesday is something else, and so on. In this ly light-hearted questions, and a few job you can make a list but it’s so changeable deeper, more speciﬁ c ones, we gain it gets thrown out the window, so I learned a an insight into these familiar faces and long time ago that that was really frustrating, about those things. You run Bohollow Wildlife Shelter – so now I just try and concentrate on ge ing If you could have one superpower what how did you become a wildlife carer? learn some things we might never have a certain area done each day. would it be? I used to be a publican, and a lady who otherwise guessed. When you were a kid, what did you want Invisibility, because I think sometimes you was a wildlife carer used to come in with her to be when you grew up? This week we get to know Deb Fowler need to be able to watch what’s going on qui- li le joeys and I just fell in love with them. I wanted to be a writer more than anything. etly to understand it, and you could do that I’ve always been an animal person, so I asked - manager of the Numurkah Communi- I think then I would have liked to have been if you were invisible. her if I could learn how to do it. at was 25 someone who wrote something really mean- ty Learning Centre and wildlife carer - a Which of the seven deadly sins do you years ago and it just developed from there. ingful and philosophical. As I’ve grown, I commit most o en? What is it that draws you to animals? little bit better. think I would just like to write a book about Glu ony, especially when it comes to wine I suppose it’s their need and the disrespect the life of a wildlife carer and my stories and chocolate. and lack of importance they’re given by hu- DONT MISS OUT ON YOUR LOCAL NEWS Subscribe online today

www.numurkahleader.net.au 1 month $5.95 12 months $54.95 NumurkahLEADER NumurkahLEADER, Wednesday, April 15, 2020 — 11 A CUPPA WITH DOM mans. We tend to put ourselves at the top of the hierarchy of life and I don’t feel that. I kind of think we’re all in it together – animals and humans. e unconditional joy of having an animal get well and get back out where they were, not much can beat that. You used to be a publican - is there a big di erence between doing that and running a community learning centre? This week in 1920 ... Yes and no. e people management skills you To celebrate the State Library of Victoria’s need are similar. e way I went from publican to digitising of the war years editions of the Numurkah here was through becoming a trainer in hospital- Leader, each week we will include the news of the ity and that led me into the training organisation week, 100 years ago. and community house sector. We’d sold the pub To view these editions online go to trove.nla.gov. and I immersed myself more into this and I spent au/ndp/del/title/591. six years learning the ropes at another organisa- The Numurkah Leader issue of April 14 is miss- tion before I became the manager here. ing from the Trove collection, so we have included What is the key to managing people? this report on the Goulburn levees, from the April Recognising and understanding that we’re all 7 edition. di erent, but we all essentially have the one need and that’s to be heard and to be valued. If we do THE GOULBURN LEVEES AGAIN that, then I think we do pre y well. ere was a fair a endance of landholders in- Do you think that in our society we fail at Her happy place ... Deb is terested In the levees at a public meeting held in that more than we succeed? the Public Hall, Nathalia, on ursday last. Cr I think a lot of people try really hard to get out never so relaxed as when she Schier (shire President) was voted to the chair, there and make a di erence and I think in this is outdoors with the native and outlined the scheme as already given in “ e day and age there is a level of expectation of en- wildlife she loves so much. Leader” titlement. I think that theses days people feel a Cr. J. H. Tucke spoke at length against the li le more entitled than they used to. proposal. e levees had already done thou- at’s not everybody, but some people are a b e e r . light; I just like to get out and about and do my sands of pounds worth of damage, and it would li le bit more di cult to get to consider other How have you been dealing with the social own thing. take more than £1 an acre to clear the land of people – they’re much more insular and sel sh. distancing regulations? On your o ce door you have a sign that says gum suckers that had sprung up. A cut at Mc- I think there are some people who have been I really hate that it’s called social distancing – I ‘ e trouble is, you think you have time’. Is Coy’s bridge would ruin still more land. ey raised to do all the good things; to be kind and prefer to call it physical distancing. We can be at that a mantra that you live by? should ask that the ballot be postponed so that help their neighbours and recycle. en there is a physical distance from each other but still so- I do love that mantra, I think it’s an important the farmers could be educated to the meaning of another lot of people who haven’t been raised to cialising. I think when you’re talking about iso- thing to remember. the proposal. do that, but some of them do it naturally. I think lation it’s really harmful to a community and I Probably the mantra I use most of though, Any money spent as proposed would be wast- it’s an individual thing and it’s innate, but I’m not think we need to look at a di erent way of talking comes from e Handmaids Tale ‘Don’t let the ed. He moved that Messrs Clarke and Mitchell sure that it’s all human nature – it’s probably a about it, because we’re not really isolated when b**tards grind you down’. I use that a lot. It ts endeavor to have the ballot postponed, and that combination of nature and nurture. we can continue to connect and socialise in one with a lot of what I do, especially with the wild- the Commission meet the landholders again. Do you think that heightened level of enti- shape or another. Mr J. Collins seconded. tlement in our society now is contributing to life rescue when people are asking me why I want I nd that it’s these things that are making some to save a kangaroo or corella because they’re just Mr W. P. Sco said he had changed his opin- some of the issues we’ve seen recently with people push back against and refuse to be told pests. ion regarding the e cacy of the levies, which people not coping with the current situation what to do – it’s a misunderstanding because were only a waste of money. If the scheme were in a way that acknowledges that other people we’re not being told not to socialise, we are being I remind myself that it’s what makes me happy and lls my soul, so I won’t let anybody grind me gone on with farmers would be induced to grow need access to resources as well? told to keep a physical distance. wheat, which would be destroyed by oods, but Absolutely. We don’t like change and we don’t You have two quite intense jobs – what do down – I just get on with what I need to do, and don’t let what other people have to say, get me they would still have to pay the rate. He intended want to have to change our lifestyle. I think you you do to relax? voting “No” on bis ballot Paper. see that with people’s reaction to climate change I play Playstation – my favourite game is the down. e chairman said the scheme had already and those sorts of things as well. Witcher. Apart from that I really just love to be What one issue do you feel humankind been explained to a public meeting by the com- With the climate strikes with the kids, there outdoors. I nd si ing outside with my animals needs to resolve to ensure a positive future? mission, and he did not think there was anything was a lot of nger pointing between older people really soothing. I don’t really have any hobbies De nitely the environmental issues around cli- to gain by carrying the motion. He would vote and younger people and everyone was trying to that I do to relax. mate change and animal welfare and the welfare against the proposal. blame somebody. Nobody wants to accept re- Do you have any special or unusual talents? of humans. Mr A. McDonell said there was no chance of sponsibility, but I believe we’re all in it together No, I’m very ordinary and I’m happy with that. We need to be kinder. We really need to be having the ballot delayed. So far he knew the and we all need to pull together to make things I don’t want to be special. I don’t like the lime- kinder. vote was to be on an area basis. Mr H. Broom, sen., said he had returned his paper marked ‘No.” Cr Garonne thought the vote should go on, Fruit ﬂ y numbers will soar and the people organised to vote “No”. School e scheme might be all right for Loch Garry, but it was a di erent thing at McCoy’s bridge, without funding, growers warn where they proposed to take the water from the speed zones INDUSTRY insiders have warned Queens- position because we have signi cantly re- river and return it at a narrow place. With a 32 . land Fruit Fly (QFF) numbers will increase duced the threat of fruit y. ere is no ques- ood the banks would go as before. He advised School will look a li le di erent this term, but by between 60-70% in the Goulburn Murray tion that the COVID-19 virus must have everybody to vote against the scheme. school speed zones will remain the same. Valley (GMV), if the Victorian Government centre stage at the moment, but a rise in QFF Mr Golding announced his intention of voting With Easter Monday signalling the end of Victo- fails to fund continued prevention and man- numbers next fruit season will be the nish of “No,” and said the Commission was using its rian school holidays, speed zones around schools agement measures a er June this year. lot of growers. power to take a ballot, without rst educating were reactivated yesterday, despite it being a pupil e region has been successful in reducing “If QFF is not managed, you can say good- the people as to its meaning. free day. fruit y numbers through the GMV Regional bye to our fruit exports and forget about post Mr McDonell was against the rate, because e State Government has taken the decision to Fruit Fly Project, but the future of the project COVID-19 recovery in horticulture. is is the district could not stand the burden, but he apply a consistent rule to school zones across the is uncertain, with the Victorian Government about assessing the threat to our industry and thought the vote should be proceeded with. e state to protect students ge ing to and from school yet to advise whether it will be funded a er acting now to prevent losing next season’s Undera people wanted the work carried out, and to avoid confusion for motorists about what June 2020. harvest. If the government is thinking recov- and the works at Loch Garry would ease things speed limits apply. e project has reduced fruit y numbers ery, it will be too late for us,” he said. a good deal here, he thought. He moved as an Some school speed zones are permanent, while by more than 73% in Cobram and 60% in Summerfruit Australia Deputy Chair Adri- amendment that the meeting oppose the strik- others operate from 8am to 9.30am and from Greater Shepparton, Campaspe and Strath- an Conti echoed the need to continue to pro- ing of a rate and that all landholders be urged to 2.30pm to 4pm on weekdays during the Victorian bogie Shires. tect the industry’s longer-term prospects and vote “No.” school term. GMV Fruit Fly Project Governance Group, prosperity. Mr J.L. Harding seconded. All school bus services will operate as normal Chair and Cobram and District Fruit Grow- “Next season the world will hopefully be e vote was not on an equitable basis, for from today, to help students who cannot study at ers Association, President, Tony Siciliano coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic and leaseholders had received papers, and they home get to and from school. said it was inevitable fruit y numbers in the export demands are expected to accelerate would have the power to put a tax on the land Social distancing measures will ensure any stu- GMV will increase to where they were prior sharply. Our industry needs to be fruit y for all time. e levees had proved a failure, and dent who must travel to school can do so safely, to the project’s commencement, if the pro- free to take advantage of the expected global instead of rich river ats the land adjoining had but the message to students and teachers is clear ject was to cease. demand,” Mr Conti said. been impoverished. – all children who can learn from home, must learn “Despite the many economic challenges “We are involved in gaining and maintaining Mr O’Rourke favored the work, Mr Burroughs from home. facing the government, it’s imperative and a market access which relies on complying with thought something should be done. e levees While Tuesday, April 14, was the o cial return ma er of common sense that we continue to strict protocols. It is critical to continue the could be repaired and the creeks opened up. date for government schools in Victoria, dates protect our horticultural industry by main- work of the GMV Regional Fruit Fly Project, Good work had been done at Loch Garry, for independent schools will vary from school to taining our focus on reducing the spread of as without this project we would not have been A er considerable further discussion the school. fruit y,” Mr Siciliano said. successful in dramatically reducing fruit y amendment was carried. Real-time tra c conditions are available at traf- “If funding for the project stops in June fruit populations to the point we are at today. Should the Commission comply with the re- c.vicroads.vic.gov.au or via the VicTra c mobile y numbers will increase to what they were “Our exports to the end January were over quest to allow of scrutineers being appointed, app. e latest public transport information and before the project began, which will bring 13,000 tonnes and up about 8% on vol- Messrs J. Broom and S. Garonne are to act. Mr. network status is available at ptv.vic.gov.au or in with it huge blows for our growers and our ume, and our goal is to be able to continue P.D.K. O’Hanlon was appointed secretary to the the PTV mobile app. horticultural industry. this next season which is hopefully post the movement. “At this point in time we are in a positive COVID-19 pandemic.” 12 — NumurkahLEADER, Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Easter WITH no-one able to go out for Easter this year, we asked 2020 our Facebook followers to share photos ofstyle what they had been up to on Sunday.

Where to start? ... Max Erickson wasn’t holding back with his Easter treats.

Bunny apprentice ... Archie Erickson decided to dress up Fun day ... Charlie Boler enjoys the chocolate bunny he Special treat ... Kerry Cursons enjoyed traditional Macedonian as a rabbit to go Easter egg hunting. found on his isolation Easter egg hunt at home. Easter biscuits handed over the fence by her neighbour. No longer got a landline? Add your mobile! Help us update the Numurkah Local Phone Book CONTACT US TODAY

5862 1034 [email protected] NumurkahLEADER, Wednesday, April 15, 2020 — 13 NumurkahLEADER

PUBLIC NOTICES BIRTHS DEATHS DEATHS BUSINESS NOTICES

SMITH (EDIS) MATTHIES OSBORNE – Kevin — John, Amanda (Philpot) — Jean Edward. AGISTMENT and big brothers Margaret. 12.11.1933 – 7.4.2020 Emmett and Sterling 19.11.1933-6.4.2020 Late of Invergordon, WANTED are delighted to Formerly of Mardan passed away at Need to announce the arrival South. Karinya, Numurkah. FOR 10 DAIRY HEFFERS of Loving wife of Ivan Dearly loved husband MAEVE RUBY (dec.). Terrifi c mum of Maureen (dec.). of Phillip, Dianne, Loved and loving advertise Contact 0417 995 230 born Thursday, 9th April, weighing Faye and Andrew, Dad of Peter and 2.8kg (6lb 2oz). and their partners. Kathy. Much loved Nanna of Brodie, Pa of Lilly and Holly; Jordan, Nicholas Cheyne & Linda, regionally? and Alisha, and Hayley & Stuart, and ANZAC DEATHS their partners. Great Jayson; and Great Pa Nanna to 4. of Amelia, Riley and Dearly loved sister of Sophie; Bailey; and DAY 2020 AUSTERBERRY Joyce, Bob, and John Logan. Talk to us! (Barnes) — Patricia and families. Due to the current situation and Florence Evelyn ‘Pat’ We can organise all your “Card sharp You had a smile for the requirements of Headquarters 31.7.1929 - 10.4.2020 everyone. Passed away extraordinaire” RSL Victoria Inc., no offi cial Anzac You had a heart of advertising needs in peacefully, aged 90 Private cremation Commemorations Services will be gold. years, at Goulburn You left us wonderful one easy step. conducted in Numurkah. However the Valley Health, memories. public are invited to lay a fl oral tribute Shepparton. For us to have and to at any time during the day (as you go Loved and loving hold. wife of Ray (dec.). Due to the current shopping) at the Memorial Park in Loved and loving restrictions, a Reunited With Mum Melville Street. Poppies will be available mother and mother- celebration of Jean’s in-law of Geoff and adjacent to the Cenotaph. life will be held at a A sincere thank you Jen, and Marg and later date. to the wonderful staff Gary O’Donnell. at Karinya for their Devoted and loving loving care of Dad. Numurkah Lions Club Inc. Nan Pat of Daniel and Nicole, Matt and Donations 5862 1034 • [email protected] Amanda, Kiersten appreciated to and Michael and Karinya, can be made SouthMARKET Bank of Broken Creek, Numurkah Monique and 5862 2332 via credit/debit card Michael. Loved by ringing NCN Have your This Saturday and loving great Health on (03) 5862 FUNERAL DIRECTORS Time: 8.00am - 12 noon grandmother of 0555 Local Phone • Cottage Craft • Produce Patrick and Thomas, Book details Due to government • New & Second Hand Goods Will and Jack and changed? CANCELLED Oliver and Toby. restrictions, a Private • Something for everyone FUNERAL Service will be held Peter Cox & Sons So Dearly Loved and DIRECTORS at Numurkah Lawn Enquiries Doug 0459 322 496 Cemetery. Funeral Directors P/L 2019 So Sadly Missed NUMURKAH AND DISTRICT Cnr Meiklejohn and Quinn Sts., Numurkah LOCAL PHONEBOOK Another Lions Club Project Forever In Our Hearts Peter Cox & Sons CARING, PROFESSIONAL SERVICE, Numurkah & Dist. TAILORED TO YOUR NEEDS Numurkah DISTRICT HEALTHPrimary & Community SERVICE Health: Aged Care: Palliative Care 03 5862 3047 • Karinya District Nursing Mental Health • Numurkah Pioneers Community Health A Private Funeral Memorial Lodge Xray Ultrasound Dental (private practice) Acute, Urgent Care and Theatre

“Improving health and wellbeing in our local community” Member of the Australian 2 Katamatite Road, Numurkah Ph. www.ndhs.org.au03 5862 0555 ADVERTISING will be held on Friday Phone 5862 3047 [email protected] DEADLINES April 17, 2020. Funeral Directors Association 24 hours – 7 days a week A farewell and ______Please let us know before this year’s Classiﬁ ed Line Ads: celebration of Pat’s life will be held for FUNE LS edition so that we 12 noon Tuesday extended family and can ensure that all Professional service the information is Display Ads: friends, at a later TUTTLES correct Bookings by date. and chapel — FUNERAL SERVICES — at a ordable prices 12 noon Monday Peter Cox & Sons NumurkahLEADER Phone 1300 858 333 Numurkah & Dist. Caring 24 hour service 88 Melville Street Ph: 5862 1034 03 5862 3047 5862 2332 Ph 5862 1034 88 Melville St Numurkah IVAN NEWBY Engagements Member of the Australian Inc. Binger & Tuttle, Limbrick & Tuttle, printads@ PETER K KE Funeral Directors Association 03 5862 1034 Numurkah Funeral Services leader.net.au NUMURKAH LEADER

Project2_Layout 1 13/10/14 9:23 AM Page 1 GEOFF EDDY Numurkah Building & Plumbing P/L Reg No DBU24094 BUILDER Specialising in: Buildings & Alterations Numurkah Sand and Gravel • New Homes • Pergolas • Reroofi ng of Quality Homes Ph: Kris - 0437 073 244 Ash - 0418 879 636 Specialising in septic systems Bathroom & Kitchen Renovations NEW LOCATION 2046 NATHALIA RD, NUMURKAH Truck and dogs • Water truck hire • Loader hire • Road grader at 140m ONE CALL DOES IT ALL MOBILE 1xgps • Excavator 2x20t 1x30t gps • White rock • Cream and red granite • Hill rock • 20mm - 40mm brown rock • Blue rock (various sizes) • Matt: 0407 046 331 Phil: 0419 360 905 0418 326 478 Stone dust • Washed pebbles (various sizes) • Agg rock and Septic Mark: 0427 646 231 Reg No. DB-U6526 rock • Garden topsoil • Packing sand • Lawn sand • Washed river sand • Numurkah Commix • Compost • Mulch and barks 14 — NumurkahLEADER, Wednesday, April 15, 2020 Local Sporting Legends Getting to know our local sporting greats HERE at the Leader we know that for report - but that doesn’t mean there’s So, each week, we speak to one those who start reading the newspa- nothing at all to report sports-wise. such local each week - at least until per from the back page, the cancel- Scratch the surface, and the Nu- sport starts back up. lation of sporting competitions locally, murkah district has a large number After all, just because we can’t get nationally and globally has hit hard. of seemingly ordinary residents who together for a chat doesn’t mean we With little to no sport being played have achieved remarkable things in can’t get to know each other a bit live, there is little to nothing new to a wide variety of sporting fi elds. better. Practice makes a profession for Geoff ANYONE who ever doubts the power of prac- Australia and New Zealand, competing for prize tice needs only to study Geo Sutcli e’s career as money. a lawn bowler to have their doubts blown away “You’re not talking hundreds of thousands of for good. dollars with lawn bowls, you’re talking $5,000 to In Geo ’s rst season as a lawn bowler at Nu- $10,000,” he said. murkah Golf and Bowls Club, at the age of 21, he “ e most I ever won in a tournament was won the club singles championship. e rst of $8,000 - and also a gold nugget - in the Gold a total of a total of 33 times he would achieve it. Nugget tournament at Tweed Heads.” In his rst year out, you might put that down On the professional circuit, Geo formed close to beginner’s luck, but, in fact, Geo had been friendships with the other players. practising for six years. “You’re constantly travelling around with the Geo ’s parents were very good lawn bowlers same 20 players and you get to be really, really who enjoyed the sport so much they installed a good mates. practice green at the family’s Waaia farm when “You’d all have a drink in the bar together a er Geo was 15, and Geo and his siblings got as the tournament but playing against each other much use from it as their parents did. on the green it was on. We were playing for mon- “Us kids used to come home from school and ey, so it was really on.” get the bowls out and play,” Geo said. If he wasn’t o to a tournament somewhere in “I became pre y good at it in those six years.” Australia or New Zealand, Geo would be at the Geo had only waited so long to test his skills Numurkah Golf and Bowls Club practising. o the farm because club rules prevented him “It’s like any sport, what I put into it is what I from playing championships or pennant until he got out of it, and those years I played profession- turned 21. ally I would be over at the golf club practising “When I won the club singles that rst season I every day, like a pro-golfer would, and of course thought ‘you know what, I might be okay at this I got be er at it.” game’,” he said. Alongside his victory against Rob Parella, an- Once he got started, Geo began playing pen- other singles victory stands out for Geo . nant for the club, where he was the youngest “Mum and Dad used to take the caravan up to member by 15 years. the Gold Coast and anytime I was playing up With regular competition, Geo got be er and there they would come and watch,” he said. be er, and ve years later, when he was 26, he “John Snell was an iconic Victorian player who was invited to trial for the Victorian team, and had won nine masters, and I beat him in the nal gained selection. at Coolanga a, and Mum and Dad were there. Up to that point, Geo had also been playing at was a really exciting day.” football, but he gave it away for fear of a football Beyond the personal victories, one of Geo ’s injury impacting on his ability to play bowls. all-time highlights is a victory he got to share Geo ’s bowls game continued to improve, and with friends, and fellow Numurkah Golf and with improvement came success - and a decision Bowls Club players Des Staggard, Steve Piggo to be made. and Andrew Henderson. “Mum and Dad had le the farm by then and “We won the state fours in 1995 in Ballarat, my wife Jenny and I were running it,” he said. and then went to Tasmania to compete in the “I had started to get invitations to tournaments Australian titles,” Geo said. all over Australia and New Zealand, and we knew “We didn’t do any good in the nationals, but we that we either had to sell the farm so I could go had fun. It was Drew’s rst time on a plane and ahead with my bowls, or give bowls away and do we stayed at a ve star hotel. To be able to share the farm work.” that with mates from my club was fantastic.” At the age of 31, Geo sold the farm to become A er ve years as a professional - which he a professional lawn bowler, and almost immedi- describes as the best ve years of his life - Geo ately won the Victorian title. walked away from the touring life. “I hadn’t won a state title until I went profes- “I’d achieved my goals,” he said. sional, and then I won a state singles. With just “I’d played for Australia, won a state title and the bowls to focus on I kept ge ing be er and a national title. At 37 years of age I thought I’d be er and then I got a call up from the Australian be er get back in the workforce.” selectors to trial. Geo and Jenny bought a farm at Katunga, and In 1992, Geoff was ranked as the number Geo started working as the curator at the Nu- two lawn bowler in Australia. murkah Lawn Tennis Club. “The number one player was Rob Parella - Bowls coaching also beckoned. he had a fantastic drive and he was so devas- “I was approached by Nathalia Bowling Club worked in the kitchen and I still know them now the arm. I thought ‘I’ll never get this’ but I prac- tating; he was the one I really looked up to,” to coach, and I coached for three years and we when I go to those clubs, and I enjoy that.” tised for the whole winter in Co s Harbour last Geoff said. won the premiership each year. A decade ago, when he turned 60, Geo gave year; out there every day, just like I used to when “I beat him 31 - 30 at Southport to win the “A er that, Shepparton Golf Bowls Club ap- coaching away, but continues to play. I was playing full-time. I’m pre y good with it Australian singles title. God, that was a great proached me and I coached there. ey had moment, and it was the kick I needed to get played in seven nals but never won a premier- “I’ve wound my bowling down a lot now. I’m now, and I’m improving all the time. into the Australian squad.” ship, and the year I went there we won it, and still competitive, and I can hold my own against “It’s actually been exciting to have a new chal- After two years of trialling, Geoff was select- came runner-up the following year. others, but I haven’t got the consistency now lenge again. I didn’t expect to be presented with ed to represent Australia at the Pacific cham- “I did a year at Numurkah Golf and Bowls Club that I had when I was younger.” a new challenge a er 50 years.” pionships in Hong Kong in 1992, and won a er that, and then a year at Shepparton Park. A er 50 years in the game, Geo was thrown a Geo , who is a life member of the golf club two silver medals. “Coaching was di erent than playing, and I new challenge last year, and although it was un- and was inducted into the Murray Bowls Hall of It was the rst of 38 games he would play for loved it - you’re involved in the club in a di erent welcome at rst, he has since embraced it. Fame a few years ago, is now content to do bowls the national team - including four times against way and not just focussed on your game. “I injured my back on a shing trip and I the way most people do - semi-retired and play- New Zealand in the Trans Tasman champion- “I already knew the be er players in the clubs couldn’t bend down to bowl anymore, so I need ing pennant on Saturdays and the odd tourna- ships. - especially Nathalia and Shepp Golf - but I got to use a mechanical arm now,” he said. ment around the district. As a professional lawn bowler, Geo toured to know the average player and the ladies that “It was pre y devastating at rst having to use “I’m just an average bowler now, but I enjoy it.” NumurkahLEADER, Wednesday, April 15, 2020 — 15 Local Sporting Legends

GEOFF’S STATS 38 games for Australia 340 games for Victoria One Australian singles title One Victorian singles title Two Victorian country singles titles One Victorian Champion of Champions title One Victorian State Fours title One Teed heads Gold Nugget Two Coolanga a Master of Masters Two Murwillumbah Masters Fours One National Under 35 singles title One Bicentennial Pairs (Tasmania) One Gold Coast Winter Carnival Pairs One Wagga City Masters Pairs Sweet victory ... Geoff 33 Club championships celebrates his defeat of iconic Victorian bowler 43 Association titles John Snell, made all the sweeter by his parents Proud to wear the green blazer ... Geoff represented his 18 Group titles being there to see it. country 38 times during his illustrious career.

Picola league Miles scores big season WHILE COVID-19 has Daniel Henderson and Jarrod caused the cancellation of a Rankin shared the honour of multitude of sporting events being named as the best club- still on and end of season presenta- men. tions over the past month or so, Club president Brad Tweed hold one local club managed to hold said this year’s award was a hard THE Picola and Dis- its presentations in a di erent decision, “with the usual people trict Football and Netball manner. helping out all the time”. League has advised that it Katunga Cricket Club an- “ ese two blokes’ hard work is still unable to put a date nounced their season trophy stood out to us, and we appreci- in place for the start of its winners with an entertaining ate everything they have done.” season. slideshow played on the club’s Spencer Small held on to win League operations man- Facebook page. the division two best and fairest ager Shane Railton had pre- e presentation included award by a solitary vote, with viously advised that it was round highlights, game votes, 13, ahead of Robert Harris on the PDFNL board’s intent leader boards and photos of 12. to meet prior to April 17, the division one players receiv- Harris took some consolation, to review and/or con rm a ing their premiership medals, though, winning the MVP and possible May 2 commence- all accompanied by music and the bowling average, taking 16 ment of the 2020 season. photos of the trophies. wickets with an average of 8.56. “With the necessary state e 2019/20 season proved Ayden Youd was named the and federal gathering rules most successful for division best player in the nals series, remaining in place, and one captain Toby Miles, who as well as taking out the season there being no indication as walked away with a premiership ba ing award, with 283 runs for to when they will be li ed, ag and a best and fairest award an average of 56.6. the PDFNL is unfortunate- for his e orts. Yehan Sooriarchchi was ly not able to provide any e opening bowler scored awarded the coach’s trophy. further information at this 30 votes in the club’s top award, Under 14 Zavier Morris had stage on when the PDFNL ahead of Brad Tweed and Adam a great season, taking out the season may be able to com- Cook, who tied for the run- MVP and winning the ba ing mence. ner-up position on 22 votes. average with a total of 117 runs “ e PDFNL advises that, Miles also won the bowling at an average of 23.40, showing as gathering rules brought average with 32 wickets for why he was named the Russel upon the suspension of the an average of 8.13 runs, the Cook most promising junior. 2020 season, the li ing of MVP with 512 points, and was Nathan Simpson won the such will be the trigger for named the best player in nals, bowling average with 13 wick- the immediate commence- to cap o a most successful sea- ets at a terri c average of 6.92, ment of the PDFNL season. son. Darby Salter was awarded the “Such is the evolving na- Daniel Henderson took out coach’s trophy, and Ryan Said ture of the COVID-19 pan- the ba ing average with 269 was named the David Miles demic, options and possible runs at an average of 38.43. e most determined player. season structures are forev- captain’s award went to Mitch All of the under 12 players will er being considered” Mr Doyle, and the coach’s award receive a trophy for their partic- A mile ahead ... Toby Miles enjoyed a terriﬁ c season as captain of Katunga’s division one Railton concluded. went to Ben Whitford. ipation. side. 16 — NumurkahLEADER, Wednesday, April 15, 2020 NumurkahLEADER

PRACTICE MAKES A PROFESSION FOR GEOFF

ANYONE who ever doubts the power of practice needs only to study Geo Sutcli e’s career as a lawn bowler to have their doubts blown away for good... Story Page 14

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