Shepparton businesses get behind Connect GV fundraiser

The generosity of the Shepparton business community has come to the fore with a number of impressive donations to the ConnectGV Gala Dinner and Goods and Services Auction

ConnectGV and Goulburn Valley families need your help.

There is no out-of-home respite service for the region’s families who have children with autism.

So the disability service is next month hosting a gala dinner to raise funds to ensure respite can be provided.

The News has also committed to doing everything it can to help.

At www.sheppnews.com.au there is a goods and services auction, containing dozens of items that will be sold to help raise $50000.

In coming weeks, we’ll be featuring stories on families who will benefit from the service along with more information on why it is so badly needed.

ConnectGV says autism has only recently been identified as a disability and it’s unique to other disabilities.

A respite service will not only give families a well-earned rest, but also it provides young people with autism the opportunity to develop skills to become independent.

Greater Shepparton businesses are coming on board to support a much-needed service in the community.

The ConnectGV Gala Dinner and Goods and Services Auction will raise money to provide respite services to more than 90 families in Greater Shepparton who have children with autism.

The autism-based respite service has been identified as a vital need because there are no out-of-home respite services in the Goulburn Valley catering to these families.

The fundraising target is $50000, online bids close on February 11 and the Gala Dinner and Goods and Services Auction is on February 15.

Some of the items include a Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo from Ken Muston Automotive valued at $49000, an exclusive tour of David Hayes’ Lindsay Park Racing Stables valued at $800, and a tour of the former stables of Black Caviar at Swettenham Stud followed by lunch at Mitchelton Winery valued at $1300.

For the adventurer, there are holidays, boat hire and a quad bike listed, as well as restaurant vouchers, a watch and a tyre package.

This is the second year Ken Muston Automotive has supported ConnectGV’s major fundraiser.

‘‘Ken Muston Automotive pride themselves in supporting the local community. The ConnectGV fundraisers have a real purpose and we can see the results from our assistance,’’ Ken Muston general manager Ian Raglus said.

Mitchelton Wines was also pleased to support the much-needed cause.

Chef Brett Dobson said the restaurant and cellar door had recently been refurbished and they were looking forward to showing it off.

‘‘It’s great that we can do this while supporting ConnectGV. We have a fresh new menu that incorporates the beautiful produce that is available locally, and Mitchelton winemakers have suggested the perfect Mitchelton wine match for all on the menu,’’ Mr Dobson said.

Friars Cafe is offering a catering package for 10 people, where staff members come to your home and cook for your next dinner party.

Friars staff members will create a three-course meal and supply a linen table cloth and napkins, crockery, cutlery, glassware and a selection of beer and wine.

ConnectGV chief executive Bruce Giovanetti said there was something for everyone and encouraged people to check out the items online or purchase a ticket and come along to the ConnectGV Gala Dinner and Goods and Services Auction.

‘‘It’s an opportunity to participate and hopefully pick up a bargain and contribute to the cause, ’’ he said.

The ConnectGV Gala Dinner and Goods and Services Auction will be at the Shepparton Golf Club on Friday, February 15 at 7pm. Tickets cost $80, which includes a meal, welcome drink and canapes on arrival. To view the items or to place an early bid via the online auction, visit www.sheppnews.com.au and follow the links. For tickets or more information, phone ConnectGV on 58212466.

For more information about the GV Support Group for Children with Special Needs, phone 58311757.

Shepparton Kawasaki owner Ed Rhode and Ken Muston Motors general manager Ian Raglus with their donations to the ConnectGV fundraiser.

Solar panels set example

The South Shepparton Community Centre has made the transition to solar power

An array of solar panels grace the roof of the South Shepparton Community Centre.

The transition to solar energy has been made so the centre can slash costs and set an example to the community, according to president Brian Harwood.

Two dozen 1m x 1.6m panels were installed last week.

‘‘The South Shepparton Community Centre is all about benefiting the community,’’ Mr Harwood said.

‘‘That’s why we’re installing solar panels on the roof.

‘‘The idea of becoming more sustainable, more self-sufficient, fits with the concept we have here of doing things that benefit the community.’’

The 250-watt panels were installed by Baker Renewable Energy of Numurkah and took four workmen a day to put up.

Baker Renewable Energy owner Gary Baker said he was pleased to help out the facility.

‘‘They’re really good people, and green power is definitely the way to go in this area,’’ he said.

Installing the panels cost about $12500 and was paid through the community centre’s accumulated reserve fund.

Mr Harwood said that the centre would be keeping a log of its power usage, so people interested in switching to solar power could be taken through the costs and benefits.

‘‘If someone is considering solar panels for their home, we can show them the daily figures; what goes in and out, and what’s consumed,’’ he said.

Mr Harwood said the panels were a long-term investment that would, eventually, give the centre a 15 per cent return on its money.

The South Shepparton Community Centre is having solar panels installed, to supply the power needs of the centre. Brian Harwood, President of South Shepparton Community Centre

Holder to do battle in pairs at Undera

Goulburn Valley Motorcycle Club has secured World Speedway champion Chris Holder for its pairs event this month.

Goulburn Valley Motorcycle Club has secured World Speedway champion Chris Holder for its pairs event this month.

Holder, Australia’s fifth world champion, competed at the same event at Undera Park Speedway last year when he was ranked No.8 in the world.

The event will be staged on Saturday, February 9.

Last year, he finished second despite winning five-of-five races, partnering Shepparton’s Jackson Milne.

Club spokesman Keith Anderson said the club was thrilled to confirm the reigning world champion’s return.

‘‘We have just found out and it is sensational,’’ Anderson said.

‘‘We haven’t completed the field just yet, but with Chris being the world No.1, our own Dakota North, the recently crowned Australian No.2, and Mansfield’s Max Fricke, winner of the under-21 Australian title, it is sure to be top notch.’’

He said the aforementioned trio made 12 confirmed starters.

‘‘When word gets out that Chris is in, we wouldn’t be surprised if we have more very keen to get involved,’’ he said.

Holder was a star junior rider, before snagging his first senior Australian title in 2008.

He rides in the British Elite League.

Holder smashed the previous track record of 57.01sec, set in 1992, when he flew around the Undera track in 55.63 last year.

Holder, 25, commitment caps a bumper month for the club, which successfully staged the second round of the Australian Solo Championships on January 9.

A crowd of more than 2000 attended.

Anderson said he expected this to be bigger again.

‘‘When you have the world No.1, people want to get there,’’ he said.

World Speedway champion Chris Holder will burn up the Undera Park Speedway tomorrow week.

Old foes to fight for right to be top dog

Top spot and a double-chance will be on the line when Echuca travels south to take on Goulburn Murray Cricket frontrunner Rochester United on Saturday.

Top spot and a double-chance will be on the line when Echuca travels south to take on Goulburn Murray Cricket frontrunner Rochester United on Saturday.

The two sides are level on 98 points apiece, but while United holds a sizeable percentage advantage, it has the bye in the final round, meaning a slip up against Echuca would be costly.

A win, on the other hand, would all but guarantee it the minor premiership, with Echuca not only needing to win its final round match against fellow high-flier Rochester Tigers, but to do so convincingly, and even then the percentage differential could be too significant.

None of this is lost on Echuca skipper Brendan Prendergast.

‘If we can win we give ourselves a chance of top spot, but if we lose we’re out of the running,’’ Prendergast said.

‘‘The way the competition is structured the team on top gets the double-chance and if you look at the sides within the top six, all of them are capable of beating each other.

‘‘You like to think you won’t need the double-chance, but it would be good to have it anyway.’’

The two sides developed a rivalry in the Campaspe Cricket Association, but this will be their first meeting since the competition merged with Kyabram District Cricket Association to form the Goulburn Murray league.

Both boast powerful batting line-ups and therefore the bowlers loom as the key to victory for Prendergast.

‘‘They are a good team, they have a number of good batters, and batting has been our strength for the last couple of years,’’ he said.

‘‘The team that bowls the best if probably going to win the game.’’

Several players on either side found themselves teammates last week at Bendigo Country Week, with Prendergast and United captain Dylan Cuttriss among them.

You can be sure both leaders were making the most of the opportunity to see their district opponents up close and plans will no doubt be in place for how to deal with some players this weekend.

Echuca skipper Brendan Prendergast will lead from the front in the top-of-the-table clash with Rochester United starting Saturday.

'A generous soul'

Shepparton business owner Azem Elmaz has put his business Luftiye's on hold and headed out to Violet Town to volunteer his time and considerable skills cooking meals for the firefighters battling the blaze in the area.

‘‘All you wanna do is ride around Sally — ride Sally, ride.’’

The words of Wilson Picket’s hit song drift across Violet Town’s footy field buoyed by the aromas of roast potatoes, chickpeas, chicken biriani with pumpkin and eggplant.

In any other town it might be just good fun — in Violet Town it is the essence of community spirit and the birth of a new town legend.

Inside the tiny footy clubroom’s kitchens, a group of women and men are packing plastic containers with freshly-cooked meals for hungry firefighters.

The locals sing as they pack, and they laugh as they are told to pack faster by Shepparton blow-in Azem Elmaz.

Mr Elmaz arrived on Sunday and didn’t sleep for 48 hours while he fired up the outdoor barbecue and taught Violet Town people how to cater for up to 300 people four times a day.

His first proper rest came on Wednesday night when he bedded down — in the footy clubroom.

Violet Town’s Ronny Kirkpatrick said Mr Elmaz’s arrival had galvanised the small team of volunteers into action.

‘‘He’s fantastic. We don’t know where we would have started — we’ve catered before, but not for this amount of people,’’ Mrs Kirkpatrick said. ‘‘He’s brought everything. We would have been lost without him.’’

For more about Mr Elmaz’s efforts to cater for firefighters, pick up a copy of today’s Shepparton News.

Azem Elmaz and other volunteers such as Dot Rae (pictured centre) have been busy cooking meals for firefighters at Violet Town.

Pipe fails in heat

A burst water main on Wyndham St was one of several pipe failures in the local area yesterday.

A burst water main on Wyndham St was one of several pipe failures in the local area yesterday.

Goulburn Valley Water technical services acting general manager Les Goudie said recent hot and dry weather conditions were responsible for the spate of bursts.

Mr Goudie said reports of the Wyndham St incident were first received just after noon. He said it was difficult to determine how much water had been lost as a result, but said crews expected to return water supply to normal last night.

Mr Goudie said a temporary water supply from another source was used to provide water to nearby businesses while repairs were undertaken.

‘‘Our focus is getting the main repaired and trying to get water back on to our customers,’’ he said.

Mr Goudie said it was not uncommon for mains to burst after a long dry spell.

‘‘It’s something that happens with the protracted dry period, the ground dries and shrinks and that puts our mains under stress and those that have little weak spots will fail,’’ he said.

‘‘They tend to come in surges with very hot days, with people using more water our system pumps are operating more often and that can certainly stress the system .’’

‘‘We appreciate people reporting any leaks from our systems and they can do that through our free emergency number.’’

Yesterday’s burst follows a similar incident near Numurkah Rd and Graham St on Sunday, which caused a 10m hole.

To report service faults and difficulties phone 1800454500

A burst water main on Wyndham St.

CWA stalwart rewarded for community commitment

Juanita Field, from Waggarandall, has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal for her work with the CWA, of which she has been a member for nearly 65 years.

Juanita Field still has the receipt for the two shilling membership fee she paid when she joined the Country Women’s Association in 1948.

In the years since, she has been president of the Central Murray Group for three, two-year terms, secretary, and sat on several committees.

While joining the young farmers’ group and playing organ at church gave Mrs Field, known to most as June, a way to socialise away from the farm, the CWA gave her a way to give something to her community — a service that has earnt her an Order of Australia Medal.

Mrs Field comes from ancestors who settled at Waggarandall, between Dookie and Katamatite, in 1874.

She joined the CWA after she finished primary school at the ‘‘little school’’ in Youanmite.‘‘The CWA means quite a lot because of what they do in the bigger, wide world and the community,’’ she said.

After Mrs Field and husband Ted had their three daughters, the girls became involved with the Lone Guides — Girl Guides for those who can’t get to meetings.

Mrs Field was easily convinced to help out, a move that led to her taking on leadership roles after her daughters moved on.

‘‘I thought I’d give up then, but they asked me to be district commissioner, then division commissioner,’’ she said.

Now, Mrs Field is a lay preacher at the Katamatite and Invergordon Uniting churches, as well as Sunday school teacher and organist, and member of the Youanmite Hall Committee and Youanmite Social Connections Group.

She was also named Citizen of the Year in Tungamah Shire.

‘‘So sometimes I get some housework done,’’ the 79-year-old grandmother of 12 and great grandmother of one said.

Just for fun, Mrs Field, who can’t swim, has paddled the 404km Murray Marathon eight times — her CWA team Chicks With Attitude has broken the time record twice.

Caniambo CWA member Helen Wall told Bill Marsh in Great Australian CWA Stories Mrs Field epitomised the organisation (though she didn’t use her name).

‘‘Two bung knees. Can’t swim. Is afraid of the water. Jumps in a kayak. Takes a deep breath. Says a little prayer, and away she goes. That’s the attitude.’’

Waggarandall’s Juanita Field has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal.

Fast fire in hills

Firefighters spent all last night trying to control a bushfire that started on hilly farmland near Violet Town yesterday afternoon

JANUARY 28, 2013 4:40am

Firefighters spent all last night trying to control a bushfire that started on hilly farmland near Violet Town yesterday afternoon.

Country Fire Authority issued an emergency warning for the area surrounding Harrys Creek Rd, Hayes Rd, Boho Church Rd and School Rd about 6.30pm.

People living in that area were asked to follow their bushfire plans because their homes and lives were at risk.

CFA district 22 operations officer Trevor Logan said the first crews were called to a property on Harrys Creek Rd at Boho about 1.30pm.

The fire started on a hill and quickly spread north-east over the top of it, affecting Boho, Creamery, Hayes, Sawpit Gully and Upper Boho Rds.

Mr Logan said the fire had destroyed 750ha of land as of 6.30pm yesterday.

Five helicopters and 42 trucks were fighting the fire.

‘‘We will have crews there all night, for sure,’’ Mr Logan said.

‘‘It’s going away from Violet Town, so all we’ve done is put some advice out and if people are around the fire scene, do the usual (safety) things.’’

The helicopters dropped water from a nearby dam, while the trucks battled access difficulties with the hilly land.

Cattle could be seen escaping to the bottom of the hill.

Ambulance paramedics treated a man, believed to be the property’s owner, for minor injuries and smoke inhalation at the scene.

Mr Logan said the cause of the fire would likely be investigated today.

He encouraged people living near the scene to remain alert and keep updated about the fire.

Visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au or phone the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800240667 for regular fire updates

Five helicopters and 42 trucks are helping to fight the fire

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European wasps hit Shepparton

Shepparton residents are under siege from European wasps, which have been swarming around the city during the past few weeks

People eating outside, getting petrol or playing at a playground beware: European wasps are swarming across Shepparton.

They appeared at SPC Ardmona KidsTown last week, but their numbers have increased since the weekend.

KidsTown and nearby Degani Bakery Cafe at Riverside Plaza have had to call in the services of Solar City Pest Control owner Greg Preston to try to battle the yellow and black menaces.

European wasps are also hassling people near Victoria Park Lake.

Mr Preston said the insects generally made their nests near water courses. He said in 10 years he had not had to deal with them, then got two calls in one day.

‘‘They weren’t in Australia until 1979 when they first made it to Tasmania. Then they made it across the Bass Strait to Melbourne and it appears they’re making their way north,’’ he said.

Mr Preston said there wasn’t a lot of information in Australia about how to fight the invading insects, so he was relying on the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation.

He does know they are attracted to food, with meat being their first preference, followed by fruit.

While waiting for traps from a supplier, Mr Preston went to every hardware store in Shepparton looking for traps, but was only able to find two as others had sold out.

In the meantime he set up traps with lamb’s liver (European wasps’ favourite snack) laced with insecticide in an effort to start reducing numbers.

‘‘These wasps swarm and unlike a bee, which will sting you once then fly away and die, a wasp will sting you again and again,’’ Mr Preston said.

‘‘There can be up to 100,000 in a nest, which looks like papier mache and are up to the size of a football.’’

KidsTown playground acting co-ordinator Tracey Toy said given the hot weather and the lifecycle of the wasps, they could be around for several months.

‘‘We are asking anyone at KidsTown or the All Abilities Playground to be vigilant,’’ she said.

‘‘If you are drinking from a bottle or can, use a straw as a wasp may have gotten into the container.

‘‘If you see any wasps, leave them alone as they are unlikely to attack unless provoked.’’

European wasps have been spotted at KidsTown, Riverside Plaza and the lake

Community meeting for Violet Town fire

Residents have been warned a bushfire near Boho and Violet Town could burn for several weeks

JANUARY 28, 2013 9:06am

UPDATE, 2pm: Residents have been warned a bushfire near Boho and Violet Town could burn for several weeks.

About 150 people attended a community meeting in Violet Town this morning to learn more about the fire, which has burned more than 2000ha.

A Country Fire Authority spokesman said a Watch and Act Warning remained in place, but the fire did not pose an immediate threat to property or life.

The terrain is making fighting the fire difficult and fire crews are struggling to gain access.

UPDATE, 12.15pm: Firefighters are continuing to fight a fire in the Violet Town area this afternoon.

The slow moving bushfire is about 1600ha in size and is travelling in a north-easterly direction in the Violet Town-Harry's Creek Rd area.

It is out-of-control and creating spot-fires less than 1km ahead.

The fire is most active on Upper Boho Rd and Sawpit Gully Rd.

There is still smoke over the Hume Fwy between Violet Town and Boho Church Rd. Vehicles travelling through this area on the Hume are asked to proceed with caution and slow down.

9.06am: A community meeting will be held in Violet Town at 11am today to bring people up-to-date on a bushfire burning out-of-control in the area.

The fire has burnt about 2000ha and is creating spot fires less than 1km ahead.

The Country Fire Authority this morning warned the blaze was expected to impact Boho between 6am and 12.15pm.

A Watch and Act warning has been issued to people living south of the Hume Fwy and bounded by Harry's Creek Rd to the west, Boho Church Rd to the east, south of the Hume Fwy and the area north of School Rd.

There is smoke over the Hume Fwy between Violet Town and Boho Church Rd.

Vehicles travelling through this area are asked to proceed with caution and slow down.

Fire is still most active on Upper Boho and Sawpit Gully Rds.

Shepparton man fined but keeps licence

A Shepparton man with multiple previous driving offences has kept his licence, but was slugged with a $1000 fine when he fronted court last week

A Shepparton man has kept his licence, but has been fined $1000 for a string of driving offences.

Police pulled Ricky Ahern, 30, over at 4am on September 5 last year on Goulburn Valley Hwy.

Mr Ahern was a learner driver at the time, but was alone in the car and was not displaying his L-plates.

Shepparton Magistrates’ Court last Monday heard Mr Ahern did not have an alcohol interlock device fitted to the vehicle.

This was a condition stemming from a previous conviction for drink-driving and he was also not wearing glasses, a condition of his permit.

At the time, Mr Ahern told police he had to get to work and lawyer Luke Slater told the court his client usually got a ride to work, but on this day his boss could not make it.

‘‘This is a serious matter,’’ Magistrate John Murphy said.

‘‘He gets a suspended sentence for drink-driving and then fails to have an interlock.’’

Mr Slater said his client was aware of the seriousness of the offences.

‘‘He is legitimately driving on his P’s at the moment and has an interlock fitted,’’ he said.

Mr Slater said his client lived with his partner and three children and worked full-time at an abattoir.

‘‘If I can put a positive spin on his priors,’’ Mr Slater said.

‘‘Good luck,’’ Mr Murphy responded.

Mr Slater said Mr Ahern had a prior history with court appearances every year, but until the present charges had gone three years without an offence.

‘‘It seems he is making some effort to reduce his offending,’’ he said.

Mr Murphy fined Mr Ahern $1000 and made no order against his driver’s licence.

Gallery: Violet Town Boho bushfire

Firefighters were yesterday still battling to contain a massive grassfire near Violet Town. The blaze, which has consumed more than 1600ha since it broke out on Sunday afternoon, is not expected to be under control until later this week.

Grass and scrub fire in the Violet Town Boho area- Sign at the CFA staging area in Violet Town Shepparton News on 30/01/2013 CAPTION: Grass and scrub fire in the Violet Town Boho area- Sign at the CFA staging area in Violet Town

Grass and scrub fire in the Violet Town Boho area-Allan Smith (Boho fire brigade) Shepparton News on 30/01/2013 CAPTION: Grass and scrub fire in the Violet Town Boho area-Allan Smith (Boho fire brigade)

Grass and scrub fire in the Violet Town Boho area-Violet volunteer Lesley Fowler at the catering at the Violet Town staging area

Parents urged to fight education cuts

Member for Northern Victoria Kaye Darveniza is urging local parents to sign a petition against education funding cuts.

Member for Northern Victoria Kaye Darveniza is urging local parents to join the State Opposition’s fight against funding cuts to education.

Ms Darveniza said people could sign a state-wide petition at her office which “makes it clear these cuts are not okay”’.

"Families in Northern Victoria have made it clear to me that they are struggling to deal with the $555 million ripped out of education, so we are running a campaign to pass those views on to the Premier," Ms Darveniza said.

More in tomorrow’s Shepparton News.

Two-hundred cannabis plants found in Strathmerton

Police conducted raids in Strathmerton, Sydenham and Hillside and allegedly discovered more than 200 mature cannabis plants at a rural property.

A Strathmerton address was one of six properties searched by police as part of a drug raid yesterday morning.

A man, 31, was arrested in Strathmerton and is facing charges of cultivating, possessing and trafficking commercial quantities of cannabis.

As part of the raid, police investigators searched properties in Strathmerton, Sydenham and Hillside, near Melton, about 6am.

More than 200 mature cannabis plants were allegedly found at a rural Strathmerton property and a Melton Valley Dve factory in Melton.

Detectives have seized three luxury vehicles — a Maserati, BMW and Harley Davidson motorcycle — from an Austral Dve, Hillside, residence as part of their investigation.

The raids follow a five-month investigation as part of Operation Taxa targeting cannabis cultivation.

Five men are helping police with inquiries.

Australia Day celebrated in style

Reece Rowe was taken by surprise when he was named Mooroopna Young Citizen of the Year for his student leadership and performing arts roles.

Reece Rowe enjoyed a relatively typical Australia Day having a barbecue with friends.

The only difference about his day was earning the Mooroopna Young Citizen of the Year for his student leadership and performing arts roles.

‘‘I was a bit surprised. I didn’t know I’d get it,’’ Reece, 18, said.

‘‘I’d say reach for the stars, aim high.’’

Reece is involved with Word and Mouth and the Initial Stages junior performance group.

The Mooroopna Secondary College graduate said the group had just finished a summer workshop, where members performed a top 15 of songs from movies.

The group returns next week and Reece will write material for acting and singing performances before a production is determined.

‘‘It’s my first year (with the group) — I’m pretty excited,’’ Reece said.

Reece started in performing arts in 2008 when he joined a band for his school’s production.

He is involved with the Rotary Model United Nations and his work with the Rural Youth Ambassador Program was presented to the Victorian education minister.

Reece will tutor students as a Mooroopna Primary School trainee this year.

‘‘I might be able to teach kids the violin,’’ he said.

‘‘I do have one and the school has a good music program.’’

Cecily Dumaresq earned the Mooroopna Citizen of the Year for her voluntary work of 45 years.

Mrs Dumaresq volunteered at her children’s school canteen and mothers club.

She has been the centre manager and secretary of Mooroopna St Vincent de Paul.

She has been the president and secretary of Mooroopna Country Women’s Association and ran an annual craft day for her branch.

Mrs Dumaresq won a Landcare award in 2007 for planting trees on her family farm and around Mooroopna and Tatura.

She also regularly visits nursing home residents.

For more Australia Day coverage pick up a copy of today’s News.

Mooroopna’s Jed, 9, Ben, 8 and Bella Woods, 6, wave their flags

Concerns raised over Congupna crossing sign

The owner of the Congupna General Store says drivers can't see over a road sign at a level crossing, which could cause a major accident.

A level crossing road sign at a major Congupna intersection presents a danger to traffic, the local store owner says.

Congupna General Store owner Carmel Ash said the placement of a sign on Katamatite-Shepparton Rd alerting drivers to the railway crossing, means traffic turning right from Old Grahamvale Rd cannot see vehicles entering from the Goulburn Valley Hwy.

‘‘Someone sitting in an average-sized car cannot see over the sign. Taking kids to school in the mornings — the traffic is quite busy,’’ Mrs Ash said.

New signage was placed at the crossing as part of a series of safety upgrades in October 2010.

Mrs Ash said she approached a foreman in charge of installing the new signs at the time.

‘‘I mentioned that the sign was too high — but he said it was regulation height,’’ she said.

She said residents have since complained to her about the sign.

‘‘It’s always surprised people, the height of it,’’ she said.

‘‘There have been minor accidents at night. Something should be done to prevent a major accident, instead of waiting for one to happen,’’ she said.

‘‘Just lowering the height would be easiest.’’

VicRoads regional director North Eastern Region Graham Freestone said he was not aware of any problems with the sign at Congupna.

‘‘VicRoads is not aware of the sign imposing on the sight distance at the intersection,’’ Mr Freestone said.

‘‘However, we will look into it and relocate the sign if necessary or request V/Line to change it.’’

He said VicRoads encouraged anyone concerned about sight distances, road signs or any other perceived hazard to phone the Benalla office on 57611888 or log an enquiry online via its webpage  www.vicroads.vic.gov.au

The sign at the Congupna level crossing which store owner Carmel Ash says obscures drivers’ view of traffic.

Bat finally tames ball

Runs galore in Seymour District Cricket Association A-grade competition.

It’s been a long time coming but it’s fair to say bat finally defeated ball in Seymour District Cricket Association A-grade competition on Saturday.

Nagambie’s comeback kid Josh Sanderson continued his remarkable run since resuming from a two-year break with a thumping 125 as the Lakers went to second spot on the table after accounting for a Seymour side that has gone from equal favourites to being in danger of missing the finals with a woeful run since Christmas.

Sanderson’s wasn’t the only century of the day, with Avenel skipper Mick Donovan striking an unbeaten 102 to ensure his side didn’t give Broadford the chance of an outright victory.

Eastern Hill managed to stave off a Marcus Hill-led fightback to claim the points at Alexandra, while Rhys Le Quiniat starred as Kilmore chased down a solid Tallarook total to keep its finals hopes alive.

Read a full wrap of all the action in this week’s Seymour Telegraph.

Leigh Irving starts in to bowl for Tallarook against Kilmore.

Blake Coyle in full flight for Tallarook as Kilmore opener Dale Tassone backs up.

Nagambie batsman Josh Sanderson doing what he did best on Saturday - hitting another boundary in his innings of 125 as Seymour wicketkeeper Glen Loraine watches on.

Moama cricketers shine

Clayton Scott and Alistair McCann have shone at the Kookaburra Cup

Moama cricketers continue to shine on the representative stage following the Riverina debuts of Clayton Scott and Alistair McCann at the Kookaburra Cup in Taree earlier this month.

The pair’s showing at the NSW under 14s tournament succeeded clubmates Jake Toll and Joel Murphy’s contribution to the under 16s side at the start of the year.

The team had a successful 47-run win against Illawarra in its opening match, with Scott recording 24 runs at number six and McCann’s leg-spin reaping 2/9 off eight overs.

Riverina recorded another win the next day, defeating Western by 62 runs.

McCann, who did not bat throughout the cup, snared another wicket and Scott added 16 more runs.

But the winning streak came to an end when the side faltered to eventual champion Central Coast.

Riverina was humbled by 83 runs as McCann (1/15) and Scott (2) wrapped up their campaigns.

The duo was selected in the Riverina side following their impressive performances in the successful Southern Riverina team at the Suncorp Bank Cup in Hay last year.

Both players said they were happy with how they performed at the Kookaburra Cup.

‘‘I batted at six the whole time and loved it,’’ Scott said.

‘‘There was no pressure of opening, but I was unlucky to make two in the third match.

‘‘It was good to have that experience, so we can go up and play against all these big blokes in the future.’’

Scott, 14, is ineligible to play with the under 14s next season and will try his hand with the under 16s.

McCann, 13, will be better for the experience and is keen to go around in the same age group again next season.

Both players will continue playing for Moama’s under 14s sides, while McCann will also feature for Moama White under 16s and one of the club’s senior sides.

Commitments to tennis with Rich River and soccer training with Moama-Echuca Border Raiders means Scott can only play so much cricket.

He said it was sometimes difficult to manage playing an array of different sports, but had no plans to give any away.

Clayton Scott and Alistair McCann.

State Fours Championships await Kyabram

David Cartwright was ‘‘over the moon’’ after winning the regional final of the State Fours at Alexandra yesterday

David Cartwright was ‘‘over the moon’’ after winning the regional final of the State Fours at Alexandra yesterday.

The Kyabram skipper and his teammates Greg Shilling, Darren Boswood and Russell Locke are through to the state championships after winning the Central Goulburn Murray Regional Fours final.

The Goulburn Valley Bowls Division state fours winners faced the mammoth task of defeating Central Bowls Division’s Alexandra on its own rink in the best-of-18-ends final, but was up to the challenge with a 21-13 win.

Shepparton Park’s champion fours team of Di Hands, Cathy Dudley, Brenda Brodie and Kate Bush were not quite able to match the result, losing 16-19 to CBD’s Seymour in the final.

GVBD’s men’s side played Murray Bowls Division’s champion Cobram in the semi-final yesterday morning and Kyabram won 20-8.

Alexandra went straight into the final and initially held the upper hand against its opponents, but Cartwright believed the camaraderie between the Kyabram teammates got them through.

‘‘It’s even better when you bowl with blokes you enjoy bowling with. You really enjoy their company. Everyone is fighting for each other,’’ Cartwright said.

‘‘We were down and instead of dropping the bundle we all tried a little bit harder.

‘‘We had better heads than they did, but they got a few good results and it went their way.

‘‘I said to Greg, ‘We’re bowling too well not to come good’, and then we picked up a couple of numbers and we won the last six ends straight I think.’’

Cartwright said the conditions on the green were windy, so it became about which side could keep its cool.

‘‘If you had bowls at the head you were going to get a result and early on we weren’t getting them, but towards the end of the game we had more bowls at the head and they were missing,’’ he said.

Cartwright thanked the GVBD supporters who went to watch and said it was good to have them there when facing the home side.

GVBD’s fours side from Shepparton Park, skippered by Hands, was also drawn to go straight into the final and Hands said it was not a disadvantage because the team rolled up for about 45 minutes before the match.

The Parkers let slip five shots at about the 15th end, which was critical in an otherwise tight match.

‘‘We had a bad end about three ends from the finish, until then we were up, and did a five and never quite recovered,’’ Hands said.

‘‘It was very windy and it was a bit difficult to manage the wind. It was a tight game either way and then we just had one shabby end.’’

Kyabram will represent the Central Goulburn Murray region at the State Championships in Bendigo in April.

Points ever so vital for Mooroopna Golf

Four points is all that separates Mooroopna Golf from a top four berth in division one.

Four points is all that separates Mooroopna Golf from a top four berth in division one.

The big question is, will that still be the case after the end of Goulburn Valley Bowls Division midweek pennant’s penultimate round today?

Mooroopna Golf has two matches to make up the deficit, and will attempt to wrest points off ladder-leader Shepparton Park today.

Golf can ill-afford a maximum points loss, considering Shepparton Golf, Hill Top and Tatura, which are in second, third and fourth place, respectively, all play lower ranked teams.

Mooroopna Golf can draw some confidence from the fact it won its round eight encounter with the Parkers by one shot.

But that was on its home green and only one team has matched the feat since then.

Shepparton Park claimed maximum points in both matches in the new year against Kyabram and East Shepparton and was last beaten by one shot by Shepparton Golf in round 12.

The Parkers have been beaten four times this season, but never at home.

Skipper and head of selectors Bev Thorn said Shepparton Park would go into the match today feeling comfortable.

She said there was only one player different compared to the Parkers’ team from round eight and it was Mooroopna Golf’s green that was the difference that day.

‘‘We didn’t handle their green very well over there,’’ Thorn said

‘‘We only went down by one shot overall, but we only got two points against their eight.’’

Shepparton Park is 20 points clear of second place, so it is all but guaranteed to finish minor premier.

‘‘We’ve just got to keep practicing on grass and keep our ends tight and make sure we get a good start every game,’’ Thorn said.

‘‘I know we’ve only got one more after this to practice, but we’ll be trying.’’

The Parkers will elect to play today’s match on its carpet and have no changes to their side.

Mooroopna Golf skipper Faye Wheelhouse was not concerned about playing on carpet, but said today would be a tough match.

She said Hill Top proved too good for her team last week in the six-shot loss.

If it does not break into the top four this round, Mooroopna Golf’s final chance will be when it hosts Rushworth next week.

‘‘We’ve definitely got to do well tomorrow to still have a chance,’’ Wheelhouse said.

Under-15s to do battle for shield honours

Cricket Shepparton will complete its junior representative campaign when its under-15 squad takes on Bendigo District in the McPherson Shield final at Princess Park on Sunday.

Cricket Shepparton will complete its junior representative campaign when its under-15 squad takes on Bendigo District in the McPherson Shield final at Princess Park on Sunday.

It will be a rematch of the Junior Country Week under-16B clash, which Shepparton prevailed in this month.

That match was preluded by the drama of having to be relocated to Tatura’s Howley Oval, after the originally scheduled ground — Seymour’s Chittick Park — had been deemed unsuitable for play.

Bendigo District batted first that day, compiling 105, before Shepparton reached the total with six wickets and 14 overs to spare.

It completed a hat-trick of junior country wins for Shepparton, with under-14s and under-16A also prevailing against Bendigo in their respective finals.

The under-15s, though, are the only Shepparton squad to make the McPherson Shield final, having gone through the four-round competition undefeated.

Bendigo District and Seymour District will battle for under-17 honours and Bendigo District and Murray Valley will lock horns in under-13s.

The Shepparton team, coached by Fred Andronaco, will be Bailey Michel (captain), Joel Brett (vice-captain), Anthony Andronaco, Sam Allen, Jess Petherick, Jonty Wardle, Aaron Hatch, Jono Mandarodoni, Lachie Karl, Toby Miles, Sam Nash, Darcy Matthews and Jack Maroney.

Shaban Sulejman will be the emergency.

The match will begin at 10.30am, but could be brought forward to 9.30am depending on the weather forecast.

The final junior representative game comes less than a week before Cricket Shepparton’s under-14 and under-16 Twenty20 finals.

The deciders will be played at Deakin Reserve on Friday, February 8.

The under-14s will be played at 4.30pm and the under-16s will start at 7.30pm.

The finals had been scheduled for Sunday, January 20, but had to be changed with some preliminary rounds still to be played.

Games that have not been completed before next Tuesday will be decided by a toss of a coin.