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, JUNE 24, 2020 $1.30 INSIDE

RV Friendly

See story page 3

THERE were OAMS galore when the Numurkah RSL sub-branch met for the fi rst time since March on Sunday, with three of its members - Sue Aldridge, Peter Dealy and Marj Porter - having received the honour. See story page 5.

A cuppa with Nicole OAMs at the RSL

See story page 10 COVID-19 Community testing in Moira Shire NCN Health is encouraging all community mem- symptoms, however mild, of COVID-19 including; at times, particularly for people who have not been bers who have very mild, u like symptoms to get fever, chills or sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness able to visit family members in hospital or residen- tested for COVID-19 at one of the four hospitals of breath or runny nose,” she said. tial aged care. within the Moira Shire.  e test is free, takes around  ve minutes and in- “ ank you to everyone, who has followed the NCN Heath CEO Jacque Phillips said Numurk- volves a swab from the back of your throat and nose. rules, stayed home, practised social distancing and ah and Cobram Hospitals would be running com- You need to bring at least one form of identi cation, good hand hygiene.” munity testing stations from Wednesday, June 24, such as your Medicare card, and you should return If you feel unwell with symptoms of COVID-19, while Nathalia and Yarrawonga Health were o ering home immediately a er the test and remain in you can now access testing at the following times COVID-19 swabbing by appointment. self-isolation until you receive your test result. and locations; The She said ,with some restrictions easing across Vic- Ms Phillips thanked members of the Moira Shire • Numurkah Hospital, Monday to Friday, 1.30pm toria, the next step in the  ght against COVID-19 is who have been part of the NCN Health communi- – 3.30pm, phone: 5862 0555. people to get tested for the virus, even if you only have very ty and school blitz testing held in recent weeks, and • Nathalia Hospital, by appointment only, phone: mild symptoms. said it was important to remain vigilant. 5866 9444. talk “ e four hospitals in the Moira Shire are work- “ e community have done an amazing job fol- • Cobram Hospital, Monday to Friday, 1.30pm – ing to  nd and treat any cases of COVID-19 that lowing the COVID-19 restrictions set out by the 3.30pm, phone: 5871 0777. See story page 2 could lead to community transmission or outbreak. Department of Health and Human Services and • Yarrawonga Health, seven days, by appointment, Testing will be available to people who are showing the government. I know this has been very di cult phone: 5743 8132. www.numurkahleader.net.au 2 — NumurkahLEADER, Wednesday, June 24, 2020 PETER COX & SONS FUNERALDIRECTORS Should restrictions apply across the state, Professional service tailored to your needs or should areas with active cases be locked Locally owned & operated 24 hours - 7 days a week Funeral calls and information down? VICTORIA took a step backwards with COV- All of the current outbreaks have occurred in Meanwhile, many regional areas have recorded 5862 3047 ID-19 restrictions on Monday, with the number six local government ‘hotspots’, all of which are no new cases for some time - Moira Shire hasn’t Cnr Meiklejohn & Quinn Streets of guests allowed to be hosted at home dropping within the Melbourne metropolitan area. Whilst had a new con rmed case in over a month, and ACCREDITED MEMBER OF THE AUSTRALIAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION back from 20 to ve, and the number of people Australia’s Chief Health O cer Brendan Mur- Indigo Shire had never had a con rmed case - is allowed to meet outdoors dropping back to 10. phy has urged people living within those areas it fair that increased restrictions apply across the entire state, or should regional areas be subject Meals on Wheels Roster  e State Government made the decision in re- not to leave their municipalities, and the Victori- to looser restrictions and people from the met- Rnd 1 Rnd 2 Rnd 3 sponse to Victoria still recording daily numbers an Government is said to be considering a policy of con rmed cases in the double gures - with ropolitan area be prevented from travelling to k. Steel VOLUNTEER Lions Club of of ‘ring fencing’, where people living within hot- regional areas? 29/6 REQUIRED Numurkah last Friday seeing 25 new cases; the highest num- spots are put on lockdown, at this point freedom  e Leader took to Melville Street on Monday A. Cook L. & M. C. & K. Cole ber in two months. 30/6 Mitchell of movement around the state remains a reality. to ask that question. L. Decker C. Boldt R. & G. 1/7 V. Dickson C. North Chessells S. Kennedy E. Adams M. Caccianiga 2/7 J. Brandreth L. & M. J. Stanyer 3/7 Mitchell Coordinator – MHA Care Phone 5742 1111

Jo Dowling I’m from Melbourne. I’ve come to visit my brother who isn’t very well; I was going to come at Easter, but we weren’t allowed to move around then. Alyssa Kirk In Melbourne, we’re being told to go to the Peter Stonehouse I think people with ongoing numbers of active country and spend money to help out the local I’m not overly worried, but I think if you’re in a cases should be on lockdown, but I’m not sure businesses, especially in re hit areas, and I know hotspot you should stay put to stop it spreading about stopping other people moving around. I do a lot of people who have been doing that since even more. think restrictions on gathering numbers need to the lockdown ended. I think everyone needs to stick to the guidelines, apply across the whole state though. Maybe they need to apply the restrictions to because people haven’t been doing that and now Until cases are consistently going down and di erent areas based on the population num- it’s spreading again. I think if people stick to the we’ve got this properly under control, we all need bers, but I don’t think they should stop people current guidelines and do the right thing, we’ll be to knuckle down and do what we need to do to moving around the state. alright. beat this.

Don Maples LEAVE Robert Hall Rachel Lowden I’ve thought all along that people should be I think restrictions should apply equally across It’s scary, and I don’t really know the answer. stopped from moving around, especially from NO ONE the whole state, but I also think people need to What worries me is that winter is here and it the city. It’s obvious, but how would they enforce be stopped from travelling around, especially if could get a lot worse. In somewhere like Numur- it? You can’t stop people moving around - it’s im- they’re in a hotspot. kah that has an ageing population, tighter restric- possible. IN NEED People are being stupid now and ignoring the tions do seem like a good idea. With how many Country towns are really su ering under these fact that the virus is still a serious problem. So new cases are emerging, and the pa ern of how restrictions because of the city, so it’s really un- many people are doing the wrong thing, and if it’s spreading, it’s probably be er safe than sorry. fair to have us under the same restrictions, but if Please donate now this gets out of control, it could be absolutely People are saying it’s not that bad, but it’s not you can’t stop people moving around, what else catastrophic. that good either. We need to be very careful. can you do? RED SHIELD POLICE BEAT Bins set alight APPEAL LOCAL police are seeking information Between June 8 and 11, a 12 tonne white Good save by resident from the public a er a number of rubbish bins horse  oat truck - registration XV7 7LW - was salvationarmy.org.au were set alight in Numurkah and Nathalia in taken from a Labuan Road, Marungi address. recent week. It has ‘MJ Peterson Horse Transport’ printed in kitchen fi re Two rubbish bins were set alight on Blake on both doors and tailgate. Any information A  TUNGA resident made a good save last Fri- Street, Nathalia, on Saturday, June 13, and a or sightings please contact Cobram CIU. day night when oil in a frying pan in their kitchen Numurkah Leader is male o ender lit a re next to a charity dona- An extensive amount of tools and knives caught re at 10.30pm. bound by the Standards tion bin in Numurkah, in the early hours of were stolen during a burglary at Ryan Meat With the frying pan on re and the house lling of Practice of the Tuesday, June 16. Company aba oirs on Ryans Road, Nathalia with smoke, the resident used a dry powder extin- Australian Press Last  ursday, June 18, a black and grey between June 5 and 9. guisher on the re before ge ing outside out of the Council. If you believe push bike was stolen from outside a business  ere have been ongoing reports on hoon smoke and calling the re brigade. the Standards may have been breached, on Melville Street. Police are currently re- driving in the Numurkah area. Police are re-  e use of the re extinguisher extinguished the you may approach the newspaper viewing the CCTV footage. questing the assistance of the community to re, but the rangehood was burnt and the heat melt- itself or contact the Council by email Overnight on Tuesday, June 9, a vehicle combat this type of dangerous behaviour, and ed some air-conditioner vents. ([email protected]) or by phone was damaged and tampered with at a Wallace are urging people to report this type of driv-  e re brigade used a thermal imaging camera to ([02] 9261 1930). For further information Street Numurkah, property, but the o enders ing when it occurs, and anybody who knows check for any hot spots and opened up the house to see www.presscouncil.org.au. were unsuccessful in their a empt to steal the anything about it to get in contact with them. allow the breeze to clear the smoke out of the house. vehicle as it would not start.

NumurkahLEADER

88 Melville Street, Numurkah VIC 3636 Beverley James Dominique Heather Joanne Karen Sheryl Phone: 03 5862 1034 Hutchins Su on Cosgriff Kelly Crisara Harper Ellio www.numurkahleader.net.au Editor Graphic Journalist Sales Admin Sports Sports Designer Journalist Photographer Published by Jinki Sixteen Pty. Ltd. and printed by Newsprinters Pty Ltd printads@ design@ editorial@ sales@ printads@ 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 leader.net.au NumurkahLEADER, Wednesday, June 24, 2020 — 3

Campaigning for change ... Diane Hill, John Watson A message and Elva Harris are petitioning council to help from Moira Numurkah be accredited Shire mayor as RV friendly. Libro Mustica THE COVID-19 pandemic is a ecting our whole region economically. We remain commi ed to helping all the communities in Moira Shire who are facing unprecedented hardship conditions, both  nancially and emotionally. To assist businesses, organisations and individuals resume normal operations and begin to use council facilities again, we will not be charging ‘hire of park’ for events to be held up until the end of September. In addition, ‘hire of hall’ fees will not be charged until the end of September for council- owned or operated buildings in Cobram and Yarrawonga; bookings must still be made and, depending on the type of event, a bond may still be required. We are actively working with individual ratepayers who already have payment plans in place or have requested a plan be devel- oped. As well as waiving 100% of the rent for the June quarter for enterprises that oper- ate from council-owned or managed land, we have also given a 50% rebate for the Sep- tember quarter for these businesses. Under guidance from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Campaign on to make Numurkah an RV friendly town all council- owned or managed buildings A CAMPAIGN to formally make Numurkah Watson said. istered? Will it have insurance? Will it need to have now opened and we have developed a an RV friendly town has been launched, with “ e camping and RV community also relies gain CFA approval?” he said. COVID-19 Safe Plan to support a safe ap- a petition being circulated to pressure Moira heavily on word of mouth, and people know “ ese are all things that I am required to have. proach to use for all groups, organisations Shire Council into assisting the town in meet- that we used to be RV friendly, but we’re not any On top of that, I pay thousands of dollars a year and individuals. ing the criteria required for accreditation by more. If we become RV friendly again, people on the lease of this land. Why should I do that, Access and use of council buildings is the Caravan and Motorhome Club of Australia will tell each other about it, and people who if they’re just going to tell people if they don’t provided in good faith, however it is the re- (CMCA). have been here will talk about how it’s a great want to pay for a site they can just park some- sponsibility of users to ensure they comply Council would also need to make amend- place to stop over.” where for free? with all relevant restrictions, regulations ments to its current RV Friendly Strategy, which A er a welcoming approach and good word “ e current strategy went through a process, and guidelines. was created in 2016, to allow one or more sites of mouth, the town needs to check the boxes which included 18 months worth of meetings, In terms of the health of our community, in Numurkah to be designated as places where required by CMCA to gain an accreditation as to establish, and it’s a sound strategy. while the COVID-19 restrictions are slowly RVs could park for overnight stays. RV friendly - most of which Mr Watson said the “RV friendly isn’t suitable for every area.” relaxing DHHS is reminding us it remains  e petition currently has around 70 signa- town already has. Mr Watson maintains that an RV friendly ac- critical people get tested for this virus. tures, with around 90% of local business oper- “You need somewhere for RVs to park, the creditation for Numurkah would bene t Mr  e four hospitals in Moira Shire are ators having signed. facilities to  ll up with water, a dump point for Harbor’s business. working to enable the quick identi cation John Watson, who is one of those campaigning waste, services and facilities such as medical “My wife and I travel around Australia in our of any future cases in our region. for the change, said Numurkah being accredited care, and a safe, free or low-cost camping spot. RV, and sometimes we stay at caravan parks and Numurkah and Cobram hospitals will as RV friendly would provide a much-needed “At the moment, we actually have all of those sometimes we free-camp. If we go to a place that hold testing clinics Monday to Friday from boost to local businesses doing it tough in the except a designated camping spot.  e council has a really nice caravan park, like here in Nu- 1.30pm – 3.30pm, Nathalia Hospital has face of the COVID-19 situation. could make a simple change to its current strat- murkah, we are just as likely to stay there, so the testing by appointment only and Yarrawon- “If you look dispassionately at where you can egy and create that without it costing anybody ga Health has testing seven days a week but  nd a group of people to come and spend mon- anything.” caravan park will almost certainly bene t from you must make an appointment; please ey at local retail and service businesses, RV trav- Mr Watson also said that in a survey distribut- having people come to Numurkah because it is phone each hospital for more information. ellers are an obvious choice,” he said. ed early this year as part of the process to create RV friendly.” Testing will be available to people who “Numurkah is in a unique situation, because a strategic community plan for Numurkah, the Fellow campaign member Diane Hill cited are showing symptoms, however mild, it isn’t a destination for caravan and RV travel- second most common answer to the question a survey of RV campers in which 16% stated of COVID-19 including fever, chills or lers at the moment, but it is a perfect place to ‘what one thing would you like to see change that they exclusively free-camped, while anoth- sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness of base yourself to see this part of the state, so you about Numurkah?’ was ‘to make it RV friendly’. er 51% stated that they either free-camped or breath or runny nose. would be a racting new people to the town.” “ ere is already a lot of support within the stayed at c0aravan parks.  e test is free, takes around  ve minutes Mr Watson said, at the moment, there are community for this, and for good reason - it “You have the potential to get 67% of the RV and involves a swab from the back of your thousands of RVs that travel along the Goulburn would bring a lot of money into local business- campers who pass through this area coming into throat and nose. Valley Highway and go straight past Numurkah, es,” he said. Numurkah and spending money, and most of You need to bring at least one form of and that having signage announcing the town as One local who does not support the idea is those have stated that they are just as likely to identi cation, such as your Medicare card, RV friendly would lure some of them in. Numurkah Caravan Park proprietor Terry Har- stay at the caravan park,” she said. and you should return home immediately But that’s not the only signage the campaign- bor. “Either way they will be spending money at a er the test and remain in self-isolation ers want to see. Mr Harbor said that he is not opposed to his local businesses.” until you receive your test result. “You need to get the signage and approach business facing competition, but it needs to be  e petition will be presented to council in Stay safe. right, and make it welcoming, to get them to on an equal playing  eld. the coming weeks. A copy can be accessed on turn o the highway and come into town,” Mr “Is the RV site going to be required to be reg- request at Numurkah Bakery Cafe.

• All types of Tax Returns • Companies, Trusts & Super • XERO Certifi ed Advisor • Individual & Partnerships • Business Planning & Advice • Primary Production THANK-YOU FROM OUR SCHOOLS • Bookkeeping Services • Retailing & Manufacturing This term has been an extraordinary time for us all. Our schools were presented with • BAS, PAYG/W & IAS • Payroll & Advice an incredible challenge that had no precedent while our families juggled home, work and school in the isolation of COVID-19. Now, as we begin our return to some normality, Offi ce: 5862 1224 we can look back with pride on how we as a community again dealt with adversity and Adrian: 0409 438 475 rose as one to meet this challenge. Janine: 0458 621 224 So we take time to thank our amazing staff and congratulate our wonderful families. We hope the mid-year break is a restful two weeks where we can spend time with our E: [email protected] families and friends and enjoy our good health. Log Cabin 2 1-3 Melville Street Numurkah 76 236 009 Yours Sincerely Debbie Oliver, Claire Kelly & Paul Arnel www.connollysaccounting.com.au Numurkah’s School Principals 4 — NumurkahLEADER, Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Latest Information

For the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 please go to our website or www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

ECONOMIC SUPPORT COUNCIL MEETING UPDATE

The COVID-19 Financial We have also waived the rent for June Ordinary Council Meeting Hardship Policy is just the June quarter on enterprises Our next council meeting will commence at 5pm Wednesday one of many initiatives we that operate from Council-owned 24 June at the Cobram Civic Centre. are putting in place and or managed land. Due to the Emergency Measures Act 2020 this meeting will be will apply to all rateable We understand these are tough closed to the public, however it will be streamed live via our properties in Moira Shire. times, please give us a call on Facebook page and can be viewed on our website. We are not charging user fees 5871 9222 if you would like to Questions from the public must be emailed to [email protected]. to sporting clubs that use chat about your situation, we gov.au and be clearly marked as questions for the June council municipal land and buildings can work together to see what meeting as opposed to a general inquiry. Submitted questions whose seasons are affected. options are available. will be read at the designated section of the meeting and answered by the appropriate officer or councillor. For more information please give our friendly Customer Service Team a call. PLAYGROUNDS COBRAM CUSTOMER UPDATE SERVICE CENTRE COUNCIL-OWNED FACILITIES Under guidance from the NOW OPEN Department of Health Government restrictions on the use of community facilities are easing and we know users are eager to start using these and Human Services, we The Customer Service Centre in Cobram buildings again for activities including committee meetings, have now opened our is now open. The opening hours are sport, centre-based programs and social gatherings. playgrounds, barbecues, restricted to 10am – 3pm and be for outdoor gym equipment and payments and general inquiries only. Under guidance from the Department of Health and Human skate parks throughout the Services, we have opened all Council-owned or managed We have strict guidelines in place to shire. These areas are used buildings and developed a COVID-19 Safe Plan to support maintain the health and wellbeing of our by a variety of people and it is a safe approach to use for all groups, organisations and team and our community. simply not possible to clean individuals. Call our Customer Service team for more details. the equipment after each • Please stay home if you are feeling use so it is vitally important unwell we all exercise good hygiene • Please maintain your physical REFUGEE WEEK practices before, during and distancing by keeping 1.5m apart after using this equipment. • There is a maximum of 4 customers Refugee Week is a unique opportunity Please maintain your allowed inside the Customer Service for us all to come together, experience physical distancing and area at one time and celebrate the diversity of our keep 1.5m apart and ensure • Please use the hand sanitiser provided. communities and the contribution of your group sizes are less refugees to these communities. We are than 20 people. The Yarrawonga Customer Service Centre will remain closed until further notice. asking people to send us a favourite To keep up to date with all There are still multiple ways to contact recipe and tell us why it is important to the latest COVID-19 news go us – by phone, by email or by going to their family or culture. See our advert in to our website. our website. this week’s paper for more information.

Phone NRS Email Facebook 5871 9222 133 677 [email protected] facebook.com/moirashirecouncil NumurkahLEADER, Wednesday, June 24, 2020 — 5 OAMs and mess tins galore at RSL NUMUR H RSL sub- to be sent back to RSL Vic- branch was lucky enough to toria at the end of the year, hold its  rst general meeting so we thought providing our in three months on Sunday, members with a monthly and, proving what a vener- meal was a be er use of it,” able organisation it truly is, Gerard said. three of those in a endance “More members are able to were recipients of the Medal make it on Sunday, so it is a of the Order of Australia. great time to have the meet- RSL members Sue Aldridge, ing because it can be a social Peter Dealy and Marj Porter occasion as well.” have all been awarded the Whilst plenty of catching honour and were in a end- up was done, there was also ance, and three of the branch’s some o cial business taken 90+ year-old members, Jock care of us well, with mem- Adams, Bill Dudley and Bert bers being brought up to Su on, all WW2 veterans, date on what has been hap- were also able to make it. pening since the last meeting Branch secretary Gerard three months ago, and Mark Watson said the decision to McNamara being presented move the meeting from its with his a liate membership previous time of Monday at badge. OAMs galore ...Sue 4pm, to Sunday, had paid o . “Mark has done an excellent Aldridge, Peter Dealy “We realised more mem- job researching and promot- and Marj Porter are all bers would be able to come ing local military history, and Numurkah RSL sub-branch on a Sunday, so we’ve now locals who have served, so it’s members and OAMs. made it a lunchtime meeting great to have him as a mem- and we put on a barbecue, ber,” Gerard said. which everyone really en- Another highlight of the joyed,” he said. meeting was the chance for “We haven’t been able to members to see Lou Cook’s hold a meeting since March collection of his father Les’ because of the COVID-19 mess tins - known as ‘dixies’ restrictions, and everyone in the army - which Les hand has been pre y isolated, so it engraved with elaborate de- was good to get together and signs whilst a prisoner of war share a meal, even if we did in Changi. have to maintain the physical Designs on the mess tins distancing.” include Sydney Harbour, the Pandemic restrictions al- Queen Mary cruise ship and lowing, the Sunday meet- ‘Changi Cafe’ with a picture ings will now be held every of an emaciated Australi- Proud son ... Lou Cook month, with lunch provided. an prisoner stirring a pot of brought along his collection “Any money le over in the food, and a menu that reads: of his father’s hand engraved welfare account, which is breakfast - plain rice; lunch mess tins to the Numurkah RSL raised through local poppy - just rice; dinner - more A sense of humour under pressure ... Whilst a prisoner of the Japanese during WW2, Les sub-branch’s fi rst meeting in and Anzac token sales, needs bloody rice. Cook hand engraved mess tins with a range of designs. three months on Sunday.

KEEPING OUR LOVED ONES SAFE KEEPS US TOGETHER

It’s up to all of us to keep our friends and families safe. • No more than 5 visitors at your home. • Outside the home, families and friends can meet in groups of up to 10. • If you do have to see people, keep your distance. No handshakes or hugs. Maintain • If you’re feeling unwell - you must stay home. good hygiene. Don’t share food or drinks. Don’t visit friends and family. Don’t go on holiday. Don’t go to work. Stay home.

And if you have symptoms - get tested. This is a wake up call. We cannot be complacent. The only thing between us and a second wave is what we do next.

For details go to vic.gov.au/CORONAVIRUS Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 6 — Numurkahleader, Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Get open. Stay open. With a COVIDSafe plan.

It’s time to restart our economy. So, to ensure that when you open, you stay open, you’ll need a COVIDSafe plan. That way, you can be sure you’re doing everything you can to keep yourself, your staff, and your customers safe, as well as your doors open. For information and tools to create a COVIDSafe plan, visit australia.gov.au

Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra Numurkahleader, Wednesday, June 24, 2020 — 7 End of firewood collection season THE autumn 2020 firewood collection utility relief grant of up to $650 to help with season will close across the state at midnight firewood costs. next Tuesday, June 30. A person may apply for the grant if they Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFM- have an amount owing for a previous fire- Vic) Hume Deputy Chief Fire Officer Aaron wood purchase, or if they will not be able to Kennedy said from July 1 it is illegal to collect afford their next firewood purchase. firewood and there are serious penalties for Information on eligibility for the Non- failing to follow firewood collection rules. Mains Utility Relief Grant Scheme can be “Under Victorian legislation, firewood can found at: https://services.dhhs.vic.gov.au/ only be collected during the firewood collec- utility-relief-grant-scheme-non-mains. tion seasons from March 1 to June 30, 2020 For more information on available finan- (autumn season) and September 1 to No- cial assistance, community members should vember 30, 2020 (spring season),” Mr Ken- phone the concessions information line on nedy said. 1800 658 521. “Limits are in place to prevent households stockpiling large volumes of firewood from During the designated collection periods public land and denying others a supply.” an individual can collect a maximum of two Any information the community may have cubic metres of firewood in a day and may about the illegal removal of firewood for sale collect up to 16 cubic metres per household can be reported to DELWP on 136 186. per financial year. Concession card holders who rely only on Mr Kennedy urged people collecting fire- buying firewood for home heating may be el- wood before the season ends to be consider- igible for the non-mains energy concession. ate, use common sense, follow physical dis- Victorians on low incomes (both concession tancing requirements and stay safe. card and non-concession card holders) who More information is available on the De- rely on buying firewood and have experi- partment of Health and Human Services enced unexpected financial hardship may website: https://services.dhhs.vic.gov.au/ Former Numurkah man ... Ray Ferguson (circled) was a handy member of Numurkah’s also be eligible to apply for the non-mains non-mains-energy-concession. seconds team in the 1970s. Former Numurkah man receives OAM FORMER Numurkah man Ray Ferguson was Mr Ferguson is a founding member and current awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in the scientific officer of the Australian Greyhound Queen’s Birthday Honours earlier this month. Working and Sporting Dog Veterinarians Group, as Mr Ferguson received the honour for service to well as an education provider and former integrity veterinary science. sub-committee member for Greyhound Racing INDIVIDUAL Mr Ferguson lived in Numurkah as a young Victoria. man and was a valued member of the Numurk- Mr Ferguson has worked as a lecturer at ah Football Club’s reserves team throughout the Melbourne University Veterinary School, has 1970s. He married Ali Geddes from Katunga lectured and tutored at various national and and the couple moved to Melbourne, where he international veterinary conferences, and is a has run a successful veterinary practice specialis- practitioner with the Australian Canine Rehabil- ing in small animals for the past 40 years. itation Association.

TAXRETURNS APPRENTICE FROM REFUNDS SPECIAL WITHIN $90 7 - 10 DAYS TAX RETURNS FROM Confidential advice, specific to your needs $ 03 5862 1411 80.00 Belmores 134 Melville Street, Numurkah REFUNDS WITHIN 7 - 10 DAYS CHARTED ACCOUNTANTS www.belmores.com.au APPOINTMENT FOR 2020 INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX RETURNS Due to the Covid 19 restrictions, we will not be undertaking face to face meetings during the months of July and August 2020. We will reassess this timeframe regularly as this pandemic is, as you could appreciate, changing on a daily basis. Our offices will remain attended by minimal staff and all appointments will akenbe t Belmores via Zoom/phone call. CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS If you would like to make an appointment please choose one of the following methods: - Log onto Belmores website & choose contact us/request an appointment, Confidential advice, specific to your needs indicating your preferred appointment type ie Phone/Zoom. You will be contacted with an appointment day/time & requested to forward your documentation. - Phone your local office. We will contact you at the time of your appointment via your preferred method. 03 5862 1411 Alternatively, please email the information below to [email protected], or load onto your drop box or google drive account, and your return will be completed & emailed out to you. 134 Melville Street, Numurkah We realise that this may cause some inconvenience but we wish to keep you our clients and our staff as safe as possible and minimise any risks www.belmores.com.au 8 — NumurkahLEADER, Wednesday, June 24, 2020

YOU’RE MORE SUITED THAN YOU MIGHT THINK

NOW RECRUITING FOR OVER 3000 POLICE

POLICE CAREERS NumurkahLEADER, Wednesday, June 24, 2020 — 9 Letters to the Editor

 rst we spent approximately $54,000 and in the We have the perfect spot for short term stop- Please be friendly second $22,000 but now we are not friendly. overs near the netball courts. How about we at The rewards of a cuppa IN response to le ers in the Numurkah Leader. No more rallies? least give it a try? THE coronavirus has created a lot of concern Yes, I believe that all towns should have a car- David Cook Sandy Rodwell to all, but has taught patience, resilience, and avan park. But they also should have low cost Numurkah Wunghnu living simply with family. camping. Our businesses, too, have struggled to survive. I have travelled all over Australia in my motor Let’s give it a try I would like to congratulate the Numurkah home and the only time I stop in caravan parks HAVING travelled extensively across the Empty creek again Leader for continuing to print the paper each is when I’m forced to. As an Aussie I hate to be length and breadth of Australia for the past 30 WE in Numurkah are bewildered that so week. Your initiative to have a cup of tea with forced. years, predominately in rural and remote are- o en the brainstrust who manage the creek’s di erent identities has been most interesting Regarding Terry’s le er, where did the  gures as and small country towns, it’s great to have a  ows, regularly empty the creek right out. and has shown how humble these people are, $610 and $35 come from? choice of places to camp. In winter, we can almost understand it, to ex- but are doing great things to encourage all to be Of the $610, approximately $210 caravan We prefer not to stay in caravan parks, but pose aquatic weeds to frosts, maybe. connected to our community. park fees, so we are looking at a di erence of some of our friends like them. When emptied, we have a very healthy resi- Your reward for these interviews is the pleas- $48. O en people come to see us when we are dent group of pelicans who are happy to clean ure it has given people to sit down, have a ‘cup- I’ve never been asked how much I spend. away, some of them stay in the local van park, up all the  sh made available to them. pa’ and read such great history. In my travels, I mostly stop in low cost camp- while we camp on the river or creek. I’m not sure if weeds or mud and silt that’s  anks again, keep it going. ing, that is showgrounds or places set aside for Some rigs are too large for van parks or, if just been allowed to build up impedes the  ows. Iris Pendlebury, Katamatite camping by local groups: e.g. lions clubs and for one or two nights, won’t stay if they have to I believe our progressive local  shing club such, with a donation in an envelope provided un-hitch their van. has, with admirable intentions, released  nger- A good read by the club, but I purchase food, diesel, gas and, We are more than happy to pay a small fee to lings of native  sh, several times, a er holding HAVING just spent a week with friends in while walking down the streets, other products camp with no facilities - we don’t need them as special e ort fundraisers and obtaining grants Numurkah, I read with interest your Numurkah that I might come across. If necessary there are we are self contained. for these projects, so our creek would once Leader for Wednesday, June 17. also repairs to my rig. What we don’t spend on facilities we don’t again be a place where our local kids can learn I must congratulate you and your sta on the But if, like many other people with whom need, we do spend on “treats”, such as co ee  shing. content it contained, plenty of local informa- I share the road, this is not a friendly town, I and pub or restaurant meals, or gi s and souve- Even the  sheries have wanted to release  sh tion and a variety of articles from across your would keep going past. nirs, and we replenish our supplies in the small here, but it’s been suggested not. region. All you have to do is look at Facebook, towns. In short, we spend our money there. I think our two town bridge  sh ladders are Two articles that did catch my eye were the CMCA, Free camping Australia, which is a When we visit a place we like, we recommend now deemed useless, since this practice has interviews with David Geddes and Eric Beitzel, group with camping costs up to $25, Mercedes it to others and we return. Maybe next time we been adopted. two local identities whose community aware- Owners Group. stay at the local motel or van park or our friends Please, Goulburn Murray Water, or whoever ness are an example to all of us, and totally de- All these groups say if they are not friendly, do. is making the decisions, don’t  ll us with jar- served the accolades that put them in this posi- just drive on past. Is this what we want?  e  ow on e ects are endless and I believe gon, but could you provide us, through this tion to have articles wri en about them and the I have nothing to gain by Numurkah becom- would greatly bene t all of Numurkah’s busi- newspaper, with some answers to explain your bene ts to your community. ing an RV friendly town, only the fact that when nesses, ensuring they have a be er chance of mysterious reasoning for these management I again congratulate you all, wish you the very travelling people ask where I am from, and I say survival in the long run. strategies. best, and may you continue to serve your com- Numurkah, they say, “oh what a fantastic place” Times are tough at the moment and any sup-  ank you munity during these trying times, and well into or, mostly, “oh that place”. port we can give our local businesses will ulti- Lifetime Numurkah resident the future. Numurkah has hosted two mini rallies. In the mately bene t all of us. Don Staggard Jim Pinsent NUMURKAH LEADER

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Thriving in a regional town ... After a childhood of moving every year, Nicole Wells has found her happy place at Numurkah Community House and Garden.

A cuppa with Nicole Wells Full name: Nicole Peta Wells about people and help them. And she’s funny health. Unless you like sport there aren’t that ple to help with something like this? Age: 36 and smart. She’s also awkward, which gives me many outlets for social support, which is so im- at’s really tricky. You have to know what oth- Marital status: Married with three children permission to be my awkward self too. She’s just portant for people. er people’s values are and if they are the type of Schools a ended: Newman Primary School, brilliant. Health and wellbeing are so important, and person who wants to something, and will do it. St Colman’s Primary School, St Kilda Primary When you were a kid, what did you want to because I have young children growing up here, Some people don’t want to do the work, even School, Tatura Primary School, Toolamba West be when you grew up? I really wanted them to see an environment though they’d like to see something happen, Primary School, Dhurringile Primary School, An acrobat - very strongly. It didn’t happen where people are thriving, and to know what they’re not interested in doing what needs to be Mooroopna High School, currently studying at because I’m terri ed of heights and a bit intro- that looked like in a rural town, and just feel done. I saw in a few of my friends - particularly Swinburne University verted. secure and see that they don’t have to go down Lauren Carlisle and Jenna Simpson - that they Summer or winter? Summer What type of kid were you? the wrong path to have fun. I wanted to create an would love a space like this and want to be part Beach or mountains? Mountains I was very quiet and shy and I liked to watch environment that they could have an interest in, of creating it. Oscar the Grouch or Cookie Monster? people and  gure people out. I became a good and see other people having an interest in. Lauren is such a wonderful gardener and Jenna Cookie Monster reader of body language. I didn’t necessarily have a lot of stability grow- is amazing at the hard work aspect of things, and Crunchie or Violet Crumble? Violet Crum- It looks like you moved around a lot as a ing up and I can really see the ripple e ect of none of us are afraid of dirt. ble kid - how did a shy and quiet kid who moved how, if you help one person, they can help other Your two eldest children are on the autism Elvis or  e Beatles? e Beatles around a lot go about making friends? people, and people can li each other up. spectrum - do you feel the general commu- AC/DC or INXS? AC/DC I was very good at mimicking other people  e community garden is thriving now, but nity has much understanding of what it is to Favourite colour? Purple so I could make friends with them, but I didn’t it started out as a big patch up bindiis and live with autism, or to care for someone who Favourite song? Together, Ziggy Alberts is make many deep and meaningful relationships dirt. How did you  nd the time, energy and does? my current favourite, or anything with bass that because of that. motivation to do all the hard work to get it to I think people have an idea of what autism you’d hear in a nightclub. I think moving around so much helped me this stage? looks like, but it can be really invisible in reality. Favourite TV show? I don’t really watch TV learn to adapt very quickly to di erent situa- First and foremost, it was a team e ort. I hav- I don’t think many people are able to recognise it but I do enjoy e Handmaid’s Tale. I like shows tions. I’ve learnt that every school has a di erent en’t achieved any of the work on my own. I had, in girls, particularly. Generally, (not always) girls that make you think or laugh. Bluey is great. curriculum, so there were a lot of gaps in my ed- and still have, wonderful friends to work with are very good at mimicking ‘socially acceptable’ Favourite movie? Nope ucation and that made high school di cult for me, every step of the way. behaviour and they are typically the ones that Favourite book? me. I learned when I le school that mainstream At the time the work began, I was a stay at seem like they’ve got it all together and are per- I like spiritual books and books about religion education is not as important to be a successful home mum with three kids, so I didn’t have fect in every way. or psychology. e Alchemist by Paulo Coelho adult as you are led to believe. I think it could much of a social outlet or purpose outside of the ey can be good at reading people and  g- would be my all-time favourite. have really helped me to be se led if I hadn’t home, and having a purpose really drives me. uring out how to behave and mimicking social Do you make lists? moved around so much - socially it probably e ladies from the community learning centre skills, but they can be terrible at recognising so- Yes, constantly. I love a good list but mostly of didn’t do me much good, but education-wise I really saw the potential in me to do something cial cues - particularly when they get to the teen things I need to do so I stay on task. I like to cross think I learned everything I needed to know to like this and I think we all saw the need for some- years and things get complicated. things o - the  rst thing on the list always needs get to where I am a er school, because I became thing like this - a place for people to connect and ey’ll o en have a complete meltdown at the to be ‘make a list’ so I can cross that o straight very self-motivated. grow things sustainably. end of the day when they’re out of the public away and get an immediate sense of achieve- You’ve been instrumental in ge ing the Nu- It kind of just landed in my lap and I found the eye, because they’ve been keeping it in all day. ment. murkah Community House and Garden up motivation through having the vision of what With boys it can be a bit more obvious, only Who do you admire? and running - why do you feel it’s important it could be and really wanting to see it how it is because there is so much more research with Jameela Jamil. I love everything about her. I to have a space like this? now. boys and they have a model of what that looks love that she is not scared to apologise when she I le home at 19 and I learnt quite quickly that I suppose one of my skills is having a plan and like, but you can’t o en diagnose a girl on that makes a mistake, she is open and honest about it’s easy to become isolated. Particularly in rural pu ing it into action and not stopping until it’s same model. her imperfections and her mental health and she areas it can be hard to  nd the support and so- done. As a parent of children with additional puts herself in a position to really want to learn cial connection that is so important for mental How do you go about motivating other peo- needs, how supported do you feel in Austral- NumurkahLEADER, Wednesday, June 24, 2020 — 11 A CUPPA WITH DOM ian society? to that person. You can’t talk to one person and Because we’re losing the tradition of children Society at large isn’t overly supportive, simply generalise it to that whole group, because it’s way automatically following parents into certain because we still know so li le.  ere are de nite- too complicated. types of groups a bit, they are  nding it harder to ly services around that can help, but accessing You need to move outside your comfort-circle recruit younger members and they perhaps need those services is very expensive and di cult, and have conversations with people. Being open new ways of promoting themselves to younger and  nding out who they are and what they do to not telling people how they should feel about people and ge ing the message about what they is quite hard to navigate. something and just accepting that’s how they are, and what they do, and what they o er, out Being out in the community, if you have a child do feel and actually listening and then asking if there. This week in 1920 ... who is not coping for any reason, if they are there is something you can do to make things  ose spaces are incredible and the support overstimulated or have sensitivities to things like be er for them is something I really believe in. and fun and knowledge they o er is amazing. To celebrate the State Library of Victoria’s digitising of the war years editions of the Numurkah noise or light or temperature, people don’t really Asking if there is a way you can use your voice If you could wave a magic wand and pro- Leader, each week we will include the news of the understand that they are not just misbehaving. to help them, and having empathy and compas- vide the Numurkah community with any one week, 100 years ago.  eir reaction to those things is usually to act sion can make a huge di erence. thing, what would it be? To view these editions online go to trove.nla.gov. out in some way - they’ll either have a meltdown You are studying psychology - what do you A community house and garden that has un- au/ndp/del/title/591. or they will shut down - one of my kids is a melt want to be when you grow up now? limited funding for resources and support and down kid and the other is a shut down kid. I don’t like to make plans for myself because full-time mental health sta . I would love it to be State-School Honor Board At a meeting of Helping them is about keeping an eye on their I’ve learnt that I never end up where I thought a drop-in centre with someone here all the time the Numurkah State-school committee on Wednes- reactions to things and helping them avoid or I’d be. I like to live in the moment. When I  rst and computers for people to use. It would be a day night last Mr J. Calder (head teacher) reported manage those moments, but society doesn’t re- started studying I wanted to be in victim support beautiful, functional space where people could that the board containing the names of old scholars ally understand and tends to think that you are because I’ve had experience of family violence go 24 hours a day and not be alone. of the school who had enlisted for active service had not discipling them enough and are a bad parent. and I felt like I could help people in that situa- Cancel culture has really gone into over- been completed. The board had on it 146 names. It can be a very high-anxiety situation when tion. Since then I’ve learned that I’m probably drive recently - how do you feel about the Discussion took place as to the arrangements to be you are out and one of your kids is not coping be er at pu ing myself in spaces where I can wholesale banning of things that are now made for the unveiling ceremony, which will take and you just need to get through the supermar- help community and bring people together. I deemed o ensive? place in the Mechanics’ Hall (the school being regard- ket. actually think I’m be er at working with groups Firstly, there is a big di erence between cele- ed as too small for the purpose) on a date to be fixed. My kids are luckily able to function well for than in a one-on-one clinical se ing. brating or honouring something or someone, Brigadier-General Elliott, has been invited to perform the most part and they will be able to function I have ideas that are a li le bit out of the box and remembering it or them. the unveiling, and amongst those to be invited to the well as adults in society, but they may have trou- about how to connect people. I don’t know I don’t think you can hide terrible things, es- function are Lieut-Colonel Murray Bourchier. D.S.O., ble managing their emotions and they will need where it’s going to lead; I tend to just let the uni- pecially not in this age of everybody recording G.M.G., Colonel J. Kendall, O.B.E, Mr Frank Tate (Di- support managing their mental health. verse guide me and if something comes up and I everything on their phones and sharing it with rector of Education) Mr Gray (inspector), the mem- I think if I am able to educate them on how feel like I’m meant to be in that space, then that’s the world. bers for the district. and others. The arrangements for their brains work and when they need to ask for what I do. We need to be more compassionate of the fact the ceremony were left in the hands of Messrs H M. help and how and where they can get it, they will For me, learning is life, and I just love learning that the way our world has evolved hasn’t been in Robin (correspondent), G. Bitcon and Calder. be okay. new things and I love meeting people and hear- the best interests of the majority of people. What are the pros and cons of living in a ru- ing their stories and learning about how I can History and development have been skewed Gun for Numurkah ral area for someone with children with addi- help them and connect them to other people, to the advantage of one group of people and we In a paragraph in last issue under the above caption: tional needs? so I think working within the community is the de nitely need to acknowledge that. an addition that we had written was inadvertently  ere’s not as much understanding, but there’s best  t for me. People aren’t going to forget terrible things omitted. Cr. Gordon, discussing the housing, etc., of the opportunity to teach people about those Most service clubs and community groups happened, and we shouldn’t forget. the captured machine gun that had been allotted to things. If people don’t see it, it doesn’t exist, so have an older membership - do you think it’s I think it’s a wonderful thing that organisations Numurkah, referred to the distinction which Gunner it’s a learning opportunity. People are willing to a misconception that ‘the youth of today’ is and companies with a big platform and a big in- Walter Crozier had won with a particular Lewis gun at learn - you might get a bit of judgement at the lazy and entitled, or could people under 40  uence are standing up and saying ‘this is not the front. (Particulars were given in the “Leader” some start, but if people ask a couple of questions you be doing more for their communities? o k ay ’. time ago.) get a bit more understanding. I think people in every generation have always People are still entitled to be able to educate He suggested that an effort be made to have the gun Living in a regional area means you don’t have seen younger people as lazy and entitled and I themselves about things, and should be able handed over to the council; it had a history that would access to a lot of services, and mental health ser- don’t think it’s ever been true.  ere are always to access what they need to do that. People, li- make its possession one of deep interest to the town. vices are desperately lacking. people in the community, of all ages, who are braries, museums and the internet have all the The suggestion was adopted and it is to be hoped Waiting lists for specialists are really long and motivated to be involved and to help. knowledge for us to learn. that it will be possible to arrange for the presentation of early intervention is really important, so having Young people do care, and they show it in a lot If you could have one superpower what such an interesting exhibit. to wait can make things really di cult because of di erent ways. would it be? you’re not ge ing the intervention you need I think we are seeing a di erent way in how Something that would allow me to eradicate A WARNING. when you need it. people are doing things to help each other, with poverty. If you could get rid of all that unneces- Senior-Constable O’Donnell has advised us that a But it’s a slower way of living in the country technology and social media. sary su ering and have everyone’s basic needs complaint has been made of interference with electric and that makes it worth it.  e noise and inten- I think there’s a bit of a generation gap when it met, it would make a huge di erence to the light wires in the town caused through boys kicking sity and crowding of the city, which people with comes to what people see in those spaces, and world. footballs at practice. The Senior does not desire to take autism typically don’t cope with very well, isn’t not everyone sees the great things younger peo- What one issue do you feel humankind action without due warning being given, but he states so much of a problem here so we’re a lot freer in ple are doing there. needs to resolve to ensure a more positive that unless the lads choose a spot for practice where that sense.  at ‘us and them’ mentality o en comes from future? there is no chance of the wires being interfered with How do you think society can improve at ac- the fact that people only see one right way of do- We need more compassion - compassion is the he will be compelled to take immediate action. The cepting di erence - not just neuro-di erence, ing things, and people are just doing things dif- key to everything. You don’t need to like some- penalty is a severe one, so the boys should take timely but across the board? ferently now because the old ways don’t work as body, you don’t need to get along with every- warning. Listening to people’s experiences. We tend to well now because it’s a di erent time. body, but if you can have some understanding of want to listen to professionals, which is good,  ere’s a been a bit of a communication break- the fact that someone is the way they are for a NUMURKAH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. but I think talking to people who are di erent to down between the generations I think, and reason, and have compassion for that, then it can MEETING OF EXECUTIVE. us and hearing  rst hand what life is like for them we’re losing a lot of the passing down of skills make you less hateful and reactive. The monthly meeting of the executive committee is really important. and knowledge as a result. I’ve seen a lot of Not everybody has had the same experiences of the above was held on Tuesday afternoon of last  ings are di erent for every single person younger people who want to get into those tra- as you have to get where they are, and having an week. A late start was made, and in the interests of all in every single way - you can’t assume that you ditional spaces and learn those things, but they understanding of that and some compassion for members this should not be, as it leads to many hav- understand somebody of a di erent race, abili- don’t know how because of that communication why they are the way they are, would make the ing to leave before the meeting closes. The President ty, gender or di erent neuro-type, until you talk breakdown. world a much be er place. (Mr J. F. McKenna) presided and there were also pres- ent Messrs T. and J. Allen, R. Adams, G. Bedwell, J. S. Christie, J. Findlay, R. C. Gordon, J. Grant, W. Hooper, J. G. Hodgson, J. E. Harper R. Kilpatrick, W. and G. Moss, T. Morris, J. McNamara, A. McLean, M. Kelly, W. Leavey. N. Sutcliffe, C. T. Trengrove Forest tracks closed for the winter Mis-use of the Showgrounds. The Numurkah Football Club applied for permis- IF you’re planning to get away driver safety and road damage tain water quality in rivers, creeks sult with a range of stakeholders, sion to use the showgrounds for football purposes from the newly released madding prevention program. and reservoirs by reducing the including Four Wheel Drive Vic- during the present season. Mr Adams moved, and crowds by going bush this winter, Forest Fire Management Vic- amount of erosion and silt washed toria, to identify sections of the Mr McNamara seconded, that permission be granted it might be worth taking a look at toria (FFMVic) Hume Deputy away from roads and tracks. road network which require clo- subject to the usual conditions. A great deal of dis- Forest Fire management Victo- Chief Fire O cer, Aaron Kenne- Mr Kennedy said that whilst the sures. cussion ensued, during the course of which several ria’s website before you set out, dy, said the main closures for the social and recreational use of Vic- Most of the roads and tracks are members voiced complaints about the manner in to make sure the tracks and roads 2020 seasonal road closure period toria’s beautiful natural resources, re-opened in time for the Mel- which the ground was used gates were being al- you want are open. are now in force and the majority including four-wheel driving, is bourne Cup weekend, but the clo- lowed to remain open, children permitted to climb all Selected tracks and roads in are in areas of the high country, encouraged, some sections of the sure period can be extended if the over the grandstand and other buildings, and in other north east Victoria’s forests and which o en receives winter snow forest road network would rapidly conditions demand it. ways damage was being done to the grounds. The parks have been closed temporar- and sometimes makes tracks im- deteriorate if opened for the en- To plan a trip and check road motion was carried, with the deletion of the proviso ily this winter and spring, to limit passable. tire year. closures visit h ps://www. m. about the terms. the damage done to roads and “Seasonal road closures help “Fire-a ected areas in the Upper vic.gov.au/visiting-state-forests/ Mr Kilpatrick said Mr B. Cohen had spoken to him tracks and to keep motorists safe. limit the damage done to forest Murray and Ovens Valley, includ- forest-and-road-closures. about the way boys were playing on the buildings. and  e Department of Environ- roads and tracks during winter ing roads and tracks, are particu- For information on seasonal clo- had expressed his willingness to help to protect the ment, Land, Water and Planning and spring and, in doing so, en- larly susceptible to damage and sures in parks visit h p://park- property. (DELWP) and Parks Victoria run sures dangerous and di cult sec- will remain closed until they are web.vic.gov.au/safety/closures/ Mr Christie moved that a sub committee be ap- the seasonal road closures oper- tions of road are closed for driver deemed safe for public use,” he seasonal-road-closures2. pointed to meet Club representatives of the Football ation during winter and spring safety,” he said. said. You can also contact your local Club and arrange terms. each year, as part of an annual “ ese measures also help main- DELWP and Parks Victoria con- DELWP o ce by calling 136 186. 12 — NumurkahLEADER, Wednesday, June 24, 2020 NumurkahLEADER

PUBLIC PUBLIC FUNERAL NOTICES NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES THANKS DEATHS NOTICES I wish to express MASKELL — A NUMURKAH my thanks for MORRIS — Lorraine Margaret graveside service St John’s Parish congratulatory 3.5.1954 – 17.6.2020 to celebrate the LIBRARY wishes received on Late of Tweed Heads West, formerly of life of Mr. Graeme Maskell will be held EXTENDED my award of the Numurkah. Order of Australia at the Wunghnu OPENING HOURS ADVERTISING NO weekend mass Medal (OAM) in the Dearly loved daughter of Lorna and Brian Cemetery, Warnecke From June 30, the DEADLINES Queen’s Birthday (dec.) Morris. Street, Wunghnu, on library will be open until further notice Honours. Loved and loving sister and sister-in-law Wednesday, June 24, Tuesday-Friday Classifi ed Marjorie Porter of Carmel and Greg Ryan, Tony, Bev and 2020, commencing at OAM Neil Hutchins, and Terry. 11am. Mornings: Line Ads: Service to be held 10am 12noon Much loved Aunty ‘Raine of Anna, as per current Afternoons: 12 noon POSITION WANTED DEATHS Shannyn and Kelly; Brian and Alana; restrictions. 2pm -5pm Adrienne and Scott; and Sophie; and her In lieu of fl owers, Saturday Mornings Tuesday INGLIS — Leesa. 12 great nieces and nephews. donations to G.V. Health dialysis would 10am-12noon EXPERIENCED DAIRYMAN Numurkah Squash Club Inc committee The most loving and caring daughter a be appreciated. Please register SEEKING DAIRY POSITON and members Envelopes available at the desk on Display mother could have wished for. at the service. with the ability to expand my 30 cows send their sincere Love Mum entering the library, Ads: I have experience in all aspects of condolences to remember to Breanna, Sharon and dairyfarming and have a variety of Your kindness, unconditional love and sanitise your hands Bookings machinery family on Leesa’s and practise social passing after a zest for life made you such an inspiration distancing. by Contact me on 0417 955 230 courageous fi ght. to us all. Please do not come As secretary of the Your infectious smile lit up every room,  to the library if you 12 noon squash club Leesa had a strong impact you always listened and showed so ______have any fl u-like Monday in a short amount much interest in everything we did. Your symptoms. SITUATIONS VACANT of time and was the constant support and guidance will not FUNERAL Ph: 5862 1034 catalyst for very be forgotten and you made us all better DIRECTORS 88 Melville St positive changes. people for being around you. Numurkah Leesa was often You will be deeply missed every minute the fi rst to arrive on competition night, of every day. scored more than her ‘Let’s have a cuppa’ fair share of matches Rest In Peace with Dad, Dallas, Tiger and and was often one of Bella. the last to leave. She Love, Carmel, Greg, Anna, An opportunity to join the Moira team and develop contributed hours of Shannyn, Kelly and families xx her own time toward FUNE LS your career with an innovative leader committed to organisation of the delivering excellent services. club, was a friend to You fought the most amazing battle for Professional service Municipal Labourer us all and she will be the past two and a half years Lorraine. and chapel greatly missed. You were an inspiration to all who knew at a ordable prices Location: Multiple locations across Shire ______you. Type: Permanent Full Time MASKELL — The most loving person in the world, 5862 2332 Salary: $56,808.44 + 9.5% Superannuation Graeme Stanley. which meant you were also the most IVAN NEWBY For further information about the above position, 21.7.1942 - 17.6.2020 loved. PETER K KE visit moira.elmotalent.com.au/careers/Moira/jobs. Peacefully at Love Bev, Bugs, Scott, Adrienne, Moira Shire Council is an Equal Opportunity Goulburn Valley Health, with his Liam, Lenny and Harper. Employer offering flexible work arrangements for loving family by his employees in a family-friendly work place. Local side. My loved twin sister (my other half). Life Moira promotes a workplace that actively seeks to Loving father and will never be the same. People include, welcome and value the contributions of father-in-law of Ian Loved twin sister of Tony. Aunty of Brian, and Fiona, Greg and for all people and encourages people with a disability, Julie, Kay and Mick. Kristy and Alana, great aunt of Ashton and Aboriginal Australians, young people and people Adored Poppy of Iylah, Molly and Millie. from culturally diverse backgrounds to apply. Brittany and Michael, Local Dillon and Karliesha, A much loved sister and aunty, who will NOTICE PURSUANT TO Nash and Arlen. be very sadly missed. Jobs SECTION 181(5)(B) Friend of Helen and Terry and Sophie. Peter. LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1989 Rest in Peace Don’t waste TAKE NOTICE the Moira Shire Council of FUNERAL DIRECTORS Special memories of a wonderful friend. your money 44 Station Street, Cobram VIC 3644, in Tired and weary you Will miss you terribly, your bright smile advertising accordance with Section 181 of the Local made no fuss and fantastic attitude. You tried so hard to regionally when Government Act 1989, intends on or after Bob Fyfe. stay with us. you want 29 July 2020 to sell or transfer to itself ALL Peter Cox & Sons You suffered so much local people THAT piece of land being Lot 3 on Plan of and told so few Lorraine was cremated after a very private Subdivision 204020Y being more particularly Funeral Directors P/L You never deserved service at Tweed Valley Cemetery on to fill your described in Certifi cate of Title Volume 10923 Cnr Meiklejohn and Quinn Sts., Numurkah what you went Thursday. vacancies. Folio 456 being the land situate at Kinnairds CARING, PROFESSIONAL SERVICE, through. A party to celebrate her life will be held Forever in our Road, Numurkah VIC 3636. The registered TAILORED TO YOUR NEEDS at a later date when we can invite the hearts. Call us owner being Blooms of Melbourne Pty Ltd, Your loving son and number of people that will do justice to having failed for a period of more than three Phone 5862 3047 such an amazing woman. about your 24 hours – 7 days a week daughter-in-law Ian years to have paid the rates and charges and Fiona. advertising in respect of same, having further failed to See ya later old fella. needs today. pay such rates and charges pursuant to an ______Order of the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria at MORRIS — Shepparton on 7 September 2012 requiring Lorraine. PASSPORT TUTTLES We will all miss that Numurkah payment of such rates and charges. — FUNERAL SERVICES — smile, zest for life LEADER PHOTOS CLH LAWYERS Phone 1300 858 333 and optimism that in minutes… Level 7, 525 Flinders Street, Melbourne, Caring 24 hour service was Lorraine. Victoria 3000 Sympathy to Lorna Ph. 5862 1034 Ph +61 3 9628 2801 Fax 9628 2810 Inc. Binger & Tuttle, Limbrick & Tuttle, and families. 88MelvilleStreet Phone5862 1034 [email protected] Ref 712064 Numurkah Funeral Services Heather and Shaun Kelly NumurkahLEADER, Wednesday, June 24, 2020 — 13

Slammin’ Sam whops the fi eld by “Rufus T. Fire y” SAM Robertson showed a clean pair of heels to the other 45 competitors in last ursday’s sta- bleford competition at Numurkah Golf Club. Playing o a handicap of six, Sam scored 40 points, indicating he completed the course in 74 strokes. Runner-up to Sam was Jack Dell, who had an out-of-body experience, scoring a  ne 38 points. Winning B grade was the enigmatic Bill Padge , who be ered his handicap by scoring 37 points, thereby holding o Steve Jones, who returned a reasonable 35. e course had dried out somewhat this week, meaning more run and thus slightly higher aver- age totals. e following players received club balls for their scores: Dylan Grandell 36, Les Summer- ville, Steve Mackay, Alan Rogers and Ian Hanna- ford 34, Alan Newby, Peter Cowan, Bob I’Anson and Col McMinn 33, Adam Farrell and Mark He- garty 32, Steve Piggo and Ron Smith 31. Winner of this week’s tin of boiled lollies for coming last, was Graeme Sprunt on 21 points. ‘Doggy’ had donated blood for the  rst time on Monday and felt he may have been drained of ‘precious bodily  uids’, thus a ecting his vitality.

Chip master ... Sam Robertson played a three over par round to win last Thursday’s golf competition at Numurkah. Andy proves he is pretty handy by “Laurie Bunter” the aforementioned Jackie Dell but, as where the diminutive dynamo holed his ANOTHER bumper  eld of 74 play- the old golf adage says, you don’t have to third shot from around 100 metres out ers greeted the starter as the Numurkah draw a picture. to secure his  rst of no doubt may bird- Golf Club’s men’s championships got e day got even be er for David when ies in competition golf. under way last Saturday. later that evening his beloved Bluebag- As mentioned earlier in this article, it It was a huge day as far as major events gers outlasted the fast  nishing Cats to was also the qualifying round of the sin- are concerned, as it was also the  rst snare their  rst win of the season. gles knockout, with the top four players round of the James Price captain’s pu er, Another avid Carlton supporter, An- going on to the match play rounds. the qualifying round for the singles drew Nicholls was runner up in A grade Andy McKeown  nished in pole posi- knockout, and due to the COVID-19 with a brilliant 74-2-72. tion and will take on Shane Falla, who lockdown, the staging of the Mawsons Andrew’s round could have been so quali ed fourth, while the second and Concrete April monthly medal. much be er, if not for three double bo- third seeds David Ludington and Paul A er some overnight rain, the course geys, but nevertheless it was still a  ne Collins respectively, will ba le out the did not o er players a lot of run but was round of golf from the swashbuckling other semi  nal. still in excellent condition, and the fore- PE teacher. ese matches have to be completed cast showers did not eventuate, which Just outside the major placege ers was on or before Sunday, July 5. made for quite a pleasant day on the Shane “Skinny” Falla on 93-21-72, who As far as the championship leader links. collected  ve balls for his  ne round. boards go, we have a log jam in A grade Winner of the monthly medal and B Shane is the son of club legend Ray with Ma y Sellars on top with 73, grade, with the best ne score of the day, Falla and has just returned from living which also earned him some booty for was Andy McKeown, who compiled and working in the USA for the last 18 best scratch score of the day. a very solid 89-17-71 to take the main years. He is really warming to the task Close on his heels, on 74, are defend- prize on a three way countback from Da- and pu ing in a lot of work on his golf ing champion Andrew Storer who is vid Ludington and Paul Collins. game. gunning for his 10th title, and Andrew Andy loves his golf and tries to play Steve Piggo was next with a work- Nicholls, followed by a former winner, whenever his busy work commitments manlike 84-11-73 to snare a boat of Mitch Grandell on 76. allow him the time, so he would be well balls, ahead of newcomer Jordy Clee- Dyl Grandell and Brandan Hosie are satis ed with his e orts. land, who also collected a trio of golf next on 77, ahead of Colin McMinn and Collo was runner up in B grade with balls for his ne 74. Dave Booth, still well and truly in the an excellent 87-16-71, as he is slowly Brandan Hosie and Geo Stone won mix on 78 and 79 respectively. but surely starting to whi le away at his two balls apiece for their 74s, with “ e In B grade, pre-tournament favourite handicap. Flying Scotsman” Colin McMinn secur- Steve Piggo holds sway on 84, three Dave Ludington made a welcome re- ing the last brace of jewels with his 75 shots clear of Paul Collins on 87, with turn to form (although his Jack Roche ne . Bob I’Anson and Ma y Ebborn on 88. partner and long time buddy Jack Dell Other ball winners, down the line, Andy McKeown leads the way in C would say it came a week or so too late) were Dyl Grandell, Andrew Storer, Jye grade with 89, from Geo Stone on 92, when he won A grade with a cracking Warren, Ma Sellars and Ryan Sprunt, with Shane Falla and Jordy Cleeland score of 79-9-71. all on 75, followed by Bob I’Anson, Ron close behind in hot pursuit with their It probably wasn’t the pre iest 79 o Smith, Aidan Sheridan, Mitch Grandell 93s. the stick you will ever see, and con- and Hughie Gunn on 76, with Graeme is Saturday will see the champion- tained many bunts, Lauries (use of the Sprunt and Ma y Ebborn picking up ships continue, run in conjunction with pu er from o the green) and other the last of the balls on ne 77. the second round of the James Price manufactured shots, much to the cha- A special mention of young Hudson captain’s cu er and the Mawsons Con- Grandson of Sid ... Matt Sellars has a one shot lead in the club grin of his player partners, son Nick and “Mouse” Storer’s e ort on the 17th hole, crete monthly medal. championships after the fi rst round, played on Saturday. 14 — NumurkahLEADER, Wednesday, June 24, 2020 Tracey takes early lead in triple treat by “ e Shankster” round of 79 shots, ne ing down to 75, the balls for her 80 ne . be enough to win the state title. round of the Numurkah Pharmacy T CEY Clouston continued a to also take home a ball for the best Last Wednesday’s golf was the Roy- Runners-up were Tracey Clouston captain’s pu er. good run of form to win the  rst round scratch score of the day. al Women’s Hospital quali er, which and Pauline Davies with 38 points,  e women’s club championships of the 2020 Saturday ne champion- Lorraine Craig was the clubhouse will be played a li le di erently this ahead of Robyn Hodgkin/Bev Pea- will begin next Wednesday, and con- ships on the weekend. leader for some time, until Tracey’s year. With no actual  nal to be played, cock and Val Powles/Helen Pickers- tinue over the next two Wednesdays Saturday’s round was a triple-header, score was put through the computer, the winning scores from each club will gill, both pairs with 37 points. as well, in a change to the normal also being the April Numurkah Lead- Lorraine  nishing just one shot be- be submi ed, and the best score will Today’s golf will be the May month- syllabus.  e  rst two rounds are nor- er/R. & K. Smith monthly medal, hind with 76 ne . win. ly medal, and Saturday will double up mally played in conjunction with the along with the Numurkah Pharmacy Margot McGrath and Jenny Luding- Julie Hannaford and Sue Pla fuss on last week’s triple treat: the second  rst two rounds of the Saturday ne captain’s pu er  rst round. ton  lled the next placings, with 78 had a serviceable score of 41 points, round of the Saturday ne champion- championship event. In cool and damp conditions a er ne , ahead of Nola Dalton on 79, and which was good enough to win the ships, a Numurkah Leader/R. & K. Next Wednesday will also be the overnight rain, Tracey put together a Helen Schmedje took home the last of Numurkah round, but probably won’t Smith monthly medal, and the second June monthly medal round. 2020 AFL BUSINESS TIPPING COMPETITION

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NumurkahLEADER Ph. 5862 1034 • 88 Melville St, Numurkah NumurkahLEADER, Wednesday, June 24, 2020 — 15 Local Sporting Legends Faye slays behind the scenes “ ere weren’t enough people with accredita- much it takes to run a season in any sport. You tion, so there were a lot of people without badges have your core volunteers who work their bu s umpiring, which meant they hadn’t been tested o , but then you also have those who like to to ensure they had the skills and knowledge they come in, play their game, socialise and go home,” needed. she said. “In 2007, the league approached Netball Victo- “ e hours some volunteers put in, across the ria to  nd out what we could do to improve and club, to cover every aspect of what needs to be get more umpires, because we knew we didn’t done, is incredible. have the best quality of umpiring in our league. “Just raising funds takes a huge e ort. ey sent Anne Castles up here and she men- “When I got married at 19, the ladies commit- tored the umpires that had badges. tee catered our wedding. Catering events like “Because my daughter and I were the only ones weddings were their major source of fundraising who had B grade umpire badges, we became the in those days. heads of the umpire testing panels to assess who “ ere was one particular lady who had it should get a badge, and we’ve been doing that down pat as to how many boiled eggs you need- since 2007. ed for catering and that type of thing. I used to “I’ve done it for our association and the Shep- help out and I put my hand up to boil the eggs, parton and Murray leagues as well.” and make a donation and leave it at that, but if “It’s all about raising the standard, so you try you were available, you’d volunteer to go and be and mentor and help umpires so they can im- a waiter at the function. A lot of people give their prove. at’s my passion now.” time and e ort to keep clubs running. Faye said that her role mentoring and testing “O en, not always, but o en, I think it runs in umpires was a major catalyst for giving up um- families. If the family’s involved and always got piring herself. in and done stu , that’s what the kids do as well, “I was telling umpires where they needed to because that’s what they know. position themselves on the court, and my ankles “I wasn’t from that type of family, but I did have and knees weren’t wanting to get there,” she said. the support of my parents when I started out “I put myself under so much pressure to do that with the club and the league. Mum would always and I’d go home and be in pain. come with me to the footy and netball and look “I thought if I can’t be where I’m telling them to a er my daughter for me when she was young. be, then I shouldn’t be doing it, so I retired and “My daughter Rachael got dragged around all concentrated on badging others and making sure the netball courts and her passion is the club we raised the standards overall. now as well - she played 300 A grade games and Faye said she will rarely go to a club to assess is also a life member.” an umpire if she hasn’t seen them in action  rst. “I’m one of those people who would just get “I like to see what they’re like during the game. involved.” “You do have to give a fail every now and then, Faye backed away from involvement at club but I would prefer to mentor them and tell level when her marriage broke down, but has them what they need to work on, before they go gradually been making a return. through the test, so you don’t have to do that ag- “For a couple of years I concentrated more on ony of failing someone.” the league level,” she said. Faye continues to a end training each year for “It still feels a bit awkward for me sometimes, updates, and to maintain her place on the testing walking back into the clubrooms, because it was panel. something that was a really big part of our family Whether it’s mentoring and assessing umpires, life and that’s gone now. or  lling a role on the commi ee, Faye has al- “ e last two years, the club has probably seen ways had some type of presence either at club or a bit more of me out there as a Picola league per- league level. son than they have in a long time, because all “ ere has been the odd year that I haven’t held eight of my grandkids were playing or running a role at Katunga, but usually, if I wasn’t at the around out there, and that’s been fun.” club I was at the league, or at the region,” she Faye is now in her third season as a vice-presi- said. dent of the Picola Football Netball League, but Yet despite Faye being a natural pick as an of- is looking to take a step back from that also.  ce holder, she struggles to de ne what makes “ e last few years I’ve  lled the role because her so successful in those roles. nobody else has put their hand up, but it’s get- Passionate administrator “I’m not sure what skills I’d say you need to ting to the stage where I feel I’m going to have to ... Unlike most people, Faye have in those roles. I wouldn’t necessarily say I’m stand aside and force someone else to take the Cook has always been hap- a great communicator. I just get in there and do role,” she said. “Even if I could get someone else to take on my py to put her hand up for the it myself, that’s what I’ve always done. “For example, when we used to have the Katun- role with the league, I’d like to keep doing my role of secretary or treasurer. ga bon re night and all the clubs did something, umpire mentoring, because that’s something I the netball club would have a so drink and icy would hate to see go down the gurgler. pole stall, and I’d just make the decision that “ ere’s been so much work put into Continued om back page Netball has always remained Faye’s main game, that’s what we were going to do and I’d roster the everything, particularly on the umpire side, that A few short years later, Faye was also a familiar and since 2007 mentoring umpires has been her players on.” I don’t want to see it go backwards.” face at the Katunga Cricket Club. passion. So, it seems the ability to role up your sleeves and Faye said she is increasingly experiencing a lack “We lived opposite the footy ground, and the “You can’t have a game without an umpire,” she get on with it is a key a ribute - alongside the will- of energy and patience for the politics involved oval became an extension of our back yard real- said. ingness to try your hand at any role necessary. with sport administration. ly,” she said. “I’ve always been the one to allocate the um- “Trying to raise funds for the club, we came “I’m now  nding it’s starting to grind a bit. “ ursday nights were always cricket night, pires for  nals and source them. When PDFNL up with the idea that we’d run a tournament on ere are di erent versions of politics at the dif- and I’d get home and my husband and son would had two divisions, I had to  ll 56 umpiring spots Wednesday night, and I was one of the main in- ferent levels, but it’s always there. be gone - they’d be across the road playing crick- for the  rst two weeks of  nals, and I take great stigators of that,” she said. “At the moment, with everything being post- et. I decided if you can’t beat ‘em join ‘em, so I pride in being able to  ll those spots. “I loved doing the ladders - it was hard work poned due to COVID-19, I must admit I’m not started helping out and doing small meals at the “Usually I’d start approaching umpires from because it was always done by hand, but it was a missing netball. It sounds a bit sad, but I’ve all of club and that sort of thing. other leagues in April or May to  nd out their real joy of mine. a sudden got my weekends back, which I haven’t “I didn’t see much of my son in winter because availability and give them the dates. “Back in those days you were always secre- had for a long time. I was always at the netball courts, so I decided “We’ve always made sure we looked a er the tary-treasurer, because we only had about nine Still, as tempting as the lure of permanently that summer was his time, and I’d be involved umpires for  nals and made sure they had food teams all together, and doing the ladders was al- free weekends is, Faye isn’t walking away just yet. with the cricket club, so I started scoring for C and drink, so we were always able to get umpires ways part of that role. “I don’t know what I’d do with myself if I re- grade cricket. because we were well known for treating them “We split the roles when the competition got tired from it. “In the early days, one of my jobs was to go and well. up to about 13 teams, because it was too much “I’m not ready to retire from my business, so unlock the canteen and take the delivery of pies “It does get tight, but I feel we have developed work for one person. even though my partner and I have a Winneba- when they arrived and put the pies on, so I was a lot more depth within our own league to  ll “I have been a selector, but it wasn’t something go, we’re not going to be the grey nomads head- the  rst one there. those positions.” I thrived on. I much preferred to do the admin- ing o in the middle of winter just yet. “I never held a formal position at the crick- e depth of umpiring quality wasn’t always istration.” “You do have days where you think ‘why am et club, but it was an extension of our family. available locally however, and Faye has worked Faye is aware that a lot of players would have I doing this?’ but you still go back for more be- Because we lived across the road, if we heard a hard to rectify that. li le idea what goes in to pu ing on the compe- cause it’s a passion. storm coming we would all head over to put the “ e standard of umpiring wasn’t always that titions they’re involved in. “I don’t know what my achievements are - I’ve covers on the pitch and that type of thing.” high locally,” she said. “A lot of players probably don’t realise how just always done stu because I enjoyed it.” 16 — NumurkahLEADER, Wednesday, June 24, 2020 NumurkahLEADER FAYE SLAYS BEHIND THE SCENES BEHIND every sport, and every life member of, and Picola Football said. “I don’t have a passion for sewing By that time, Faye was a young mum, sporting legend, is an army of admin- Netball League, for almost 50 years. “I remember, as a kid, helping mum or kni ing or anything like that, I’ve and the need to juggle more family istrators making it possible for sport- Faye has also received two distinc- collate the books for the farm. I don’t always just been involved with sport commitments saw her get creative ing events to take place. tions for her involvement in netball: know why it appealed to me, but it al- and enjoyed being part of the admin- about how she could get in a game of Whilst in the big state, national and a state distinction for GRNA in 2004, ways did. I suppose I had a lot of the istration of it.” netball. international leagues and associations and a VLine state distinction award in skills I needed when I started, I don’t All the while, Faye continued play- “ e year I had my daughter I actu- those administrators are usually paid - 2001 for e orts in netball. know how or why, but netball was a ing, and also added the roles of coach ally travelled to and from Shepparton o en quite handsomely - at a local lev- Faye started playing netball as a passion for me, so I think that helped and umpire to her load, though she to be part of a morning competition, el, they generally do it on a volunteer teenager for Wunghnu, then moved to it come fairly naturally.” never rated herself all that highly as a because I’d missed out on the season basis for pure love of the sport. St George’s, but Katunga is where she Within a year of joining the club, coach. prior due to being pregnant,” she said. Some of those volunteers do it so really wanted to play. Faye had become secretary, and the “I didn’t feel that coaching was a par- “When I had my son, I started a morn- well, and for so long, that they come “I had friends who lived and played following year, aged just 18, she added ticular strength of mine,” she said. ing comp here in Numurkah where to be considered as legends of the out at Katunga and I tried to get in the role of secretary of the Picola Net- “Even though I have coached there were no set teams, you could just sport themselves. there, but it wasn’t easy to get in as a ball Association to her CV. premiership teams, and people have rock up and get a game of netball. One such legend is Faye Cook, a junior,” she said. Faye said, whilst she has  lled the given me accolades for it, it wasn’t “I still tried to mix the lot and stay in- stalwart of the Katunga Netball Club Faye managed to join Katunga at the role of president in various organisa- something I really enjoyed or thought volved, and I used to leave the kids with of which she was the  rst life member, age of 16, and immediately started go- tions over the years, she much prefers I was particularly good at.” mum in Numurkah so I could play.” Picola and District Netball Associa- ing to the meetings. the more laborious positions of secre- As if she needed more to do, Faye Faye became involved with Numur- tion of which she was the second life “I had already started work as a ste- tary or treasurer. was also a member of the steering kah and District Netball Association member, Katunga Cricket Club and nographer at Morrison and Tear solic- “I just enjoy those roles a lot more, commi ee of the Goulburn Re- and, naturally, put her hand up to be Goulburn Region Netball Association itors, and I found the administration and  lling those positions has always gion Netball Association, which was secretary. (GRNA) both of which she is also a side of things really interesting,” she been my hobby really,” she said. formed in 1982. Story continued page 15 NumurkahLEADER INSIDE SPORT Matty leads fi rst round of

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