Tongala’sGTSFarmSupplieshasclaimedtheAIRR MemberoftheYearawardforVictoriaandTasmaniafor thesecondconsecutiveyear.OwnersJordanSouterand PaigeWadesaythehonourreflectsthestrengthoftheir teamandthesupportofthelocalfarmingcommunity. TurntoPages4-5formore.
StudentsfromTongala PrimarySchoolandSt Patrick’sPrimarySchool rolleduptheirsleevesand gottoworkrecently,taking partinCleanUpAustralia Dayandhelpingmake theirschoolgroundsand localstreetsalittlecleaner. AtStPatrick’sPrimary School,studentsandstaff workedtogethertotidythe schoolgrounds, surroundingstreetsand evensectionsofTongala’s mainstreet. MeanwhileatTongala PrimarySchool,senior
studentsheadedoutinto thecommunitytocollect rubbish,whilethejunior gradescleanedupthe schoolgroundsandthe EnviroGarden
Bothschoolswereproudof theeffortsshownbytheir students,demonstrating howevensmallactions likepickingupafewpieces ofrubbish canmakea bigdifferencetothelocal environment �� Seepages33and34for morephotosfromboth schools’CleanUpAustralia Dayefforts
Afterjustoverayear producingTonnyTimes,the Marcheditionwillbeour finalone.
RohanandIhavetruly enjoyedtheprivilegeof sharingthestories,pride andspiritthatmake Tongalasuchaspecial community
Fromlocalachievementsto everydaymomentsthat bringpeopletogether,ithas beenajoytohelpcapture andcelebratethelifeofthis town
Unfortunately,theTongala CommunityActivities Centrehasdecidedtotake thepublicationinadifferent direction,andwerespect theirdecision Wewouldliketosincerely thankthemany contributorsand
collaboratorswhomade thisjourneysoenjoyable particularlyJoyfromthe SeniorCitizens,Debfrom Kyvalley,SuefromtheOTP, TanyafromTongalaBowls Club,LeannefromTCAC, andthewonderfulteamsat TongalaPrimarySchooland StPatrick’sPrimarySchool Yourstories,supportand enthusiasmhelpedbring thesepagestolife
Toeveryonewhoread, contributedto,orsupported TonnyTimesoverthepast year thankyou Ithas beenaprivilegetotell Tongala’sstories. WewishtheTCACevery successasthepublication movesforward
–DianeAldous,editor, TonnyTimes
Tongala-basedrural merchandisersGTSFarm Supplieshavewonthe prestigiousAIRRMember oftheYear(Victoria/ Tasmania)awardforthe secondyearinarow. HeldattheGoldCoast ConventionCentreon Monday,February16,the AIRR&TuckersConference Awardsceremonyattracts hundredsofstoreowners fromacrossAustralia.
Competingagainstmore than70Victorianand Tasmanianstores,GTS FarmSuppliesclaimedthe 2025/26Memberofthe Yearaward,whichnow proudlysitsalongsidetheir 2024/25title
OwnersJordanSouterand PaigeWadesaidthey weresurprisedand humbledtobehonoured again.
“Eventhoughwe’dbeen nominated,wereallydidn’t expecttowinforasecond time,”Paigesaid
“We’veonlybeenin businessforfiveyears,so wefeltlikewehad ‘impostersyndrome’ walkinguptoreceivethe award
“But,ofcourse,wewere absolutelyoverthemoon “It’sacredittoourteam andtheirhardwork.
“Wehavefivefull-time staff,includingourselves, andacoupleofcasuals “Wecatertoacustomer basethatstretchesto thousandsacrossthe districtandisn’tconfined toourownpostcode. Farmersandtradiesare ourmainclientele
“JordanandIbothcome fromdairyfarming backgrounds,soweknow firsthandthatagricultural businessisthebackbone ofourregion
“We’refortunatetohave fantasticrelationships withinourfarming community”
Thebusinessalsoworks closelywithmajorlocal industriesincluding Greenham,Goodness Grown,SLTEC,McCollsand TongalaNutrition Jordansaidhewas
extremelyproudofhowfar thebusinesshadcome “Whenwefirststarted, everythingwasnewand exciting,butit’sstill excitingfiveyearsdown thetrack,”Jordansaid.
“Ourplanscontinueto growandeverydaywe seemtobetackling anotherproject “Areasthathavereally takenoffincludeour autumnseedrange whetheritberyegrass, oatsorvetch andwe’re happytocustomise
producttosuitcustomers. “Fertilisersaleshavebeen massivetoo “Anotherareapeopledon’t expectfromafarm suppliesandhardware storeisourmeatcounter. “Wehaveapartnership withtheTongalaabattoir, Greenham,tostockand supplytheirbeef “Thescotchcuberollsfly outthedoor people havereallygotatastefor them.”
Outsidebusinesshours, JordanandPaigeare
heavilyinvolvedinthe TongalaFootballNetball Club,withJordanserving asSeniorFootballCoach andPaigeasClub
Treasurer PaigeisalsoChairofthe TongalaCommunityBank branchofBendigoBank Ontopoftheirbusiness andcommunity commitments,theyare alsoparentstosevenyear-oldBarneyandfiveyear-oldZoe,whohasjust startedherfirstyearof school
Communityconnection meansagreatdealtothe pair,andGTSFarm Suppliesproudlysponsors severallocalsporting clubs
Supportingothersmall businessesisalsocentral totheirapproach
Thestorestocksproducts madebylocal manufacturers,including hayfeedersandtroughs producednearbyin KyabramandNanneella. Eventhesmalleritems reflectthelocalfocus
fresheggsfromCooma andtubsofTongalahoney producedjustdownthe road
GTSFarmSupplies combinesthisstronglocal offeringwiththebuying powerofnationalgroups AIRRandHomeHardware, allowingthemtomeetthe needsofcustomersacross theregion
“Wecouldn’tbeinthe runningforawardslike StoreoftheYearwithout thesupportofour suppliersandcustomers,”
Paigesaid.“Ithinkthekey tooursuccessisthatwe haveagreatworking environment
”Ourstaffarehappyand helpfulintheirjobs,and ourcustomerscanfeel thatthemomentthey walkinthedoor”
Jordansaidcustomer serviceremainedthe foundationofthe business.
“I’vegotamotto,”hesaid. “Ourpricesaregreat,but ourcustomerserviceis evenbetter”
Aftertakingabreakin 2025,theTongalaTownWideGarageSalewill returnthisOctober,and planningisnowunderway tobringitbackbetterthan ever
Overtheyearsthegarage salehasbecomeoneof thosesimpletraditionsthat manylocalslookforward to It’sadaywhenfrontyards turnintolittlemarkets, visitorswanderthestreets lookingforhidden treasures,andneighbours stopforachattheymight nothavehadotherwise Forsomehouseholdsit’sa chancetoclearoutafew thingsandmakeafew dollars.
Forothersit’sabout strollingaroundtown, seeingfamiliarfaces,and enjoyingthebuzzthatfills Tongalafortheday Italsobringsextravisitors intotown,withmany stoppingbylocal businessesforacoffee, lunch,oralookaround. Eventslikethisremindus thatcommunitydoesn’t havetobecomplicated Sometimesit’ssimply aboutopeningthefront gate,puttingafewitems outonatable,andseeing whocomesby.
Withtheeventreturningin 2026,theTongala DevelopmentGroupis startingearlypreparations andinvitingasmallgroup
oflocalstohelpshapethis year’sevent. Theaimisn’ttocreatea bigcommitteeoraheavy workload
Justahandfulofpeople workingtogethertohelp coordinatethingslikethe townmap,promotion,and afewofthedetailsthat helpthedayrunsmoothly. Ifyou’veenjoyedthe garagesaleinthepast,or simplyliketheideaof helpingkeeptraditionslike thisaliveinTongala,you’re welcometocomealongto aplanningmeetingor
orhaveachatwitha memberoftheTongala DevelopmentGroup. There’snopressureto commitlongterm Sometimesbelongingtoa townsimplymeans lendingahandwhenit suits.
Moredetailsaboutthe Octobereventwillbe sharedinthecoming months,butonethingis certain itwillbegreatto seeTongala’sfrontyards andstreetscomealive again.
–Tongala DevelopmentGroup
Well,wewerehopingfor rain,butwecertainlygot morethanwebargained for,andeverythingisnowso greenandclean Therearetouchesof autumnaboutnow,and aren’twethankful!
TheSeniorsareverygrateful tomemberWinCrillyfor organisingcarpetbowls. Attendanceonthefirstday wasveryencouraging Ifanyoneisinterestedin comingalong,evenifyou areabeginner,thegroup meetsfrom12.30pmto4pm eachMondayat14CavellSt. Whenyouarepartofa groupliketheTonnySeniors, itistherandommoments thatmaketheday
Outsidethepostoffice recentlyIcameacrossa visitorfromWaggawhowas checkingoutTongala’s murals.
Ofcourse,Isentheraround toCavellSttoseeours She latercaughtupwithme andtoldmeoursunflowers madeherhappy.How lovely!
Iwouldalsoliketo acknowledgesomerandom actsofkindnessthismonth Wearestillworkingonthe muralgardenandoffer specialthankstoRodneyfor twotrailerloadsofstones, withthetrailerkindly suppliedbyMurrayRoss ThanksalsotoDifor cultivatingnativeplantsfor ustouseintherockery
Wearealsoverythankfulto Mark,withhismighty machine,whoturnedup whenwereallyneededa hand,muchtothereliefof PresidentPhil. Thentherewastheissueof waterflowingfrom somewhere,whichturned outtobecomingfromnext door
Acallfromaneighbourand aquickresponsefrom plumberDanielsoonsorted thatout Wehavesomanygood peopleinTongalawhohelp insomanyways. Enjoythecoolerweather beforeitchangesagain, thoughhopefullynottothe extremeswehaverecently endured
Carpetbowls
–JoyChalmers,Secretary, TonnySeniors
isoneveryMonday,from1230pmto 430pm,at14CavellSt Costis$2 Formoredetails,contact WinCrillyon0422451676.
MynameisMatePirara,I am27yearsold,Ihave foursiblings
Threeboysandonegirl Iwasthelastborninthe family.
Icompletedsecondaryin 2020,butcouldnotmake itandabouttwoyears later,Ihavebeen upgradingtwosubjects, MathsandEnglishina Opendistancelearning centre,whichthe programmeisunderthe UniversityofTecnologyin PapuaNewGuinea Ideciededtocontinue withtheothersubject, butIwashavingfinancial hardship.
Ireallyliketoplay volleyballandmaking friends
Ialsolovelearningthings andtravelling
Iamfromthecoastal partofPapuaNew Guinea(PNG)andour beautifulsmalltownis LaeandtheProvinceis
Morobe Everyonelovesto visitbecauseitspeaceful andwherepeopleinPNG canfindlotsof opportunity,however,I leftmyvillageandreside intownwithafamily
Ittakesfourhoursfrom travelingonaoutboat motortowheremy villageis.
Wehaveabeautiful
blacksandybeachalong anisland Ontheisland weusedtogoonpicnics, spendingholidaysand holidaysandhuntingfish Backhome,Iworkedin cateringforabout10 months.
Igenerallydokitchen handduties,wecooked foodsaccordingtothe menuanddeliveredto othercompaniesthat contractedwithus.
Ididlearndifferentthings, likecookingrecipesand operatingelectrical equipment
IcametoAustraliainthe purposeofworkingand saveupforschoolfees, helpingfamilyand startingabussines Ialsodecidedto completemyfour-year termandapplyfora skilledvisaifIameligible. InAustralia,it’smyfirst timeexperiencingthe climateswithdifferent seasons,whichisfour, Winter,Autumn,Spring andSummer
ThewagethatIreceive weeklyfromthe Greenhamorganisationis reallyhelpfull WhenIambackhome,I willoperateabussines andcontinuefurther study,inwhichIwould takingbussinesand accounting.
�� CuriousifGuidingis rightforyourdaughter?
We’dloveforyoutocome alongandseewhatit’sall about Ourunitmeetsevery Wednesdayfrom530pmto 7pmduringschoolterms, andfamiliesarealways welcometodropinandget afeelforthefun,friendship, andconfidence-building thatGuidingoffers We’realsohopingto welcomesomeyounger membersintoourgroup. Ifyouhaveayoungerchild who’skeentojoin,we’re morethanhappytostart themalittleearliertomake itworkforyourfamily We’dtrulylovetoseeyou there Guidingisa wonderfulplaceforgirlsto grow,explore,andshine �� Term1atTongalaGirl Guides
Term1isalreadyinfull swingatTongalaGirl Guides,andit’sbeen wonderfultoseethegirls backtogetheron Wednesdayafternoons from530pm learning, laughing,andtryingnew things.
TocelebrateValentine’s Day,thegirlsdecidedtodo somethingalittledifferent thisyearandmade homemadepinklemonade Usingwatermelonfor naturalcolour,they followedanewrecipe(with muchbetterresultsthan lastyear’sslime experiment!) Whilenot everyonelovedthefinal taste,therewasplentyof fun,teamwork,andgiggles alongtheway whichis whatGuidingisallabout
Thetastingsessionwas madeevensweeterwith StrawberryFreddoFrogsin redjelly,kindlybroughtinto sharebyoneofourGuides. WealsocelebratedShrove Tuesday eventhoughit fellonaWednesday becausepancakesare alwaysafavourite!
Thegirlsenjoyedmaking bothbuttermilkandoriginal pancakes,choosingfroma deliciousrangeoftoppings includingsyrups,fruit, spreads,butter,andeven icecream.
Thisnightisahighlight everyyearandneverfailsto bringbigsmiles
�� ThinkingDay–AGlobal CelebrationofFriendship Everyyearon22February, GirlGuidesandGirlScouts aroundtheworldcome togethertocelebrateWorld ThinkingDay aspecial momentdedicatedto internationalfriendship, unity,andmakingapositive difference.
Thisyearwasextra meaningful,marking100
yearssincetheveryfirst ThinkingDayin1926 Forawholecentury,thisday hasencouragedgirlsand youngwomentospeak upabouttheissuesthat mattertothem,supportone another,andtakeactionto createabetterworld Today,11.2millionGirlGuides andGirlScoutsacross153 countriesjoininthisglobal celebration It’salsoatimetoraisefunds thathelpkeeptheGuiding movementstrongand accessibleforgirls everywhere.
Andthere’sevenmoreto lookforwardto in2028, we’llcelebrate100yearsof WAGGGS(theWorld AssociationofGirlGuides andGirlScouts),marking anotherincredible milestoneinempowering girlsworldwide
�� Fundraising& CommunitySupport
We’rerunningaCadbury fundraiser,sellinglarge FreddoFrogsand CaramelloKoalas
Chocolatesare2for$3or $60perbox Ifyou’dliketo placeanorder,phoneMel on0409804091. We’realsocontinuingto collecteligible10c recyclablesthroughthe CDSTongalainitiative Familiescansupportusby: Droppingbottlesand cansatthefrontofthe GuideHall
Bringingthemalongto meetingnights
Contactingusto arrangeacollectionor drop-off Everydonationhelpsus providemoreopportunities, activities,andexperiences forourGuides andwe trulyappreciateyour support Thiscanalsobe helpfulincleaningupour community.
Forenquiries,please contactMelon0409 804091,orvisittheGirl GuidesVictoriawebsite -www.guides vic.org.au/join-now/tofindoutmore.
OpeningHours OpeningHours
Monday9am-3pm
Tuesday9am-3pm
Wednesday9am-3pm
Thursday9am-3pm
Friday9am–12pm
For75years,CFAhas proudlystoodalongside theRoyalChildren's HospitalGoodFriday Appeal. Thisyearmarksthat incrediblemilestonealong withtheTongalaFire Brigade'sfundraising involvementfor45years. Theappealitself celebrates95yearsof fundraisingandlife changingimpact 2026createsmajor
milestonesforthethreeof usandwewillbedoing ourupmosttomakeita memorableone.
Dedicatedvolunteerswill beoutandaboutonGood Fridaycollecting,please donatewhatyoucan,it doesn'tmatterhowbigor small,itallmakesahuge difference.
Thestationwillbeopen from8am Reminder,wealsohave tworafflesrunning
TheEastereggraffle$1 ticket,2prizes,anddrawn onGoodFridayatthefire station.
Ticketsavailablefromany CFAmemberandoutside IGAclosertoEaster
Thesecondraffleisa goodsandservices monsterraffle,tobedrawn onGoodFridayatthe Tongalahotel.
Ticketsavailablefromthe hotel,SarahLloydand myself $2eachor3for$5
Donationsarecontinuing topourinforthisraffle acknowledgementposter atthepub.Manygreat prizesuptobewon. ThankyouTongala communityforyour continuoussupportinthis venture Itisverymuch appreciated.
-SueDuggan,Royal Children’sHospitalGood FridayAppeal,Area Manager,Tongala
Advertise in our trade guide: Email: tongalatimes@tongala.vic.au
Phone: Tongala Community Activities Centre on (03) 5859 1268 on 24th March at 1pm
Dryroadsidegrassandhot vehiclepartscanbea dangerouscombinationduring thewarmermonths
Manypeopledon’trealisethat somethingassimpleaspulling overontodrygrass,ordriving throughpaddocksand roadsidevegetation,canspark afirefromahotexhaust system
Inhotandwindyconditions,a smallignitioncanquicklygrow intoaseriousgrassfire.
TheCFAisremindingmotorists tothinkcarefullyaboutwhere theydriveandwheretheystop Avoidparkingordrivingthrough drygrass,particularlyonhot days,andalwayscheckbehind yourvehiclebeforeleaving. Bytakingafewsimple precautions,wecanallhelp reducetheriskoffiresandkeep ourcommunitiessafe
WearealocalVACCAccredited workshopandmobilemechanicforall yourautomotiveoragriculturalservicing andrepairneeds.
Wedoeverythingfromservicingyour chainsawuptofixingyourbrokentractor orfarmmachinery,wealsooffermini diggerhire(withoperator). Nojobtoobigorsmall,feelfreeto giveusaringandaskifwecan helpwithanyofyour mechanicalneeds.
KyabramandTongala residentsarebeingasked tokeepaneyeoutfor suspiciousactivity followingrecentbreak-ins atlocalwater infrastructuresites
GoulburnValleyWaterhas reportedintrusionsattwo facilities–therawwater storagesiteonMcEwen RoadinKyabramandthe WaterTreatmentPlanton HendersonRdatTongala Theincidentshave involvedcutfencingand damagedormissing safetysignage,prompting thewaterauthorityto increasesecurityandwork closelywithVictoriaPolice toidentifythose responsible GoulburnValleyWater’s GeneralManagerService DeliveryDanFlanagan saidthebreak-inswere extremelyconcerning “Watertreatmentand storagesitesarehighly
controlledenvironments andunauthorisedaccess istreatedasamajor breach,”MrFlanagansaid. “Peoplebreakingintoour sitesareexposing themselvestosignificant dangerandour communityto unnecessaryrisk These
areactiveoperational siteswithdeepwater, chemicalstorage,moving equipmentandrestricted zones.”
MrFlanagansaidrepeated intrusionsalsodivert valuablestafftimeand resources
“Everytimeafenceiscut
orsignageisremoved,our teamsmustassessthe site,carryoutsecurity checksandcomplete repairs–takingtimeaway fromessentialoperations thatkeepdrinkingwater safeandreliable” Tamperingwithwater infrastructureorinterfering withwatersystemscan resultinsignificantlegal consequencesandfines underVictorianlegislation, asthesefacilitiesare consideredcritical infrastructure.
Residentsareencouraged toreportanyoneloitering nearsites,damaging fencesoraccessing facilitiesafterhours
Suspiciousactivity canbereportedto Policeon000,Crime Stopperson1800333 000,orGoulburn ValleyWater’s24houremergencyline on1800454500.
TheKoyugaKanyapella LandcareGroupInc.was establishedinNovember 1998,withHendersonRd, WilsonRd,LookerRdandthe GoulburnRiverformingthe boundariesofthegroup’s focusarea.
Apartfromarecess between2004and2007,the grouphasremainedactive foralmost25years,working toimproveandrestorethe localenvironment.
Amongthefirstprojects undertakenbythegroup wererevegetationworks alongtheMurrayValleyHwy inApril2000andplanting projectsattheKoyuga RecreationReserve.
InJulyofthatsameyear, about500treeswere plantedattheoldKoyuga Hallsite,whereasection wasestablishedasaseed orchardandplant identificationarea.
Thisplantingbecamethe foundationforwhatisnow knownastheKoyuga Arboretum
Overthepastquartercentury,theArboretumhas grownintoasignificant communityproject.
MuchcreditisduetoDallas Wyatt,whoinstigatedthe conceptanddedicated countlesshourstobringing thevisiontolife
Today,theArboretum showcasesawidevarietyof trees,shrubsand groundcoversnativetothe localarea,providingan importanthavenfor indigenousplantsand wildlife.
Travellerspassingalong
O’DeaRdareencouraged totakeamomenttostop andenjoytherecreated bushlandsettingandsee firsthandtheresultsof manyyearsofvolunteer effort.
TheKoyuga/Kanyapella LandcareGroupInc will holditsnextmeetingasa fieldtriptoBendigoon Friday,April10,2026. Thevisitwillincludestopsat theGoldfieldsRevegetation NativeNurseryin Mandurangandthe BendigoBotanicGardensat WhiteHills
Formoreinformation phone:JoyLiersch (President)on 0428959145;Di Mangan(Secretary)on 0427590282;oremail: kklandcaregroup@ gmail.com
MAR 21 MAR 28
Tongala Multicultural Festival
Flight Night @ Tongala Football/ Netball Club
Kyvalley Dance, 7.30-11.30pm @ Kyvalley Hall
Tongala Easter Egg Hunt, 5.30pm @ Potts Village Green
Mother’s Day High Tea, 10.30am @ Kyvalley Hall
StJamesAnglicanChurch Services:EverySundayat 530pm HollycommunionwithRev ElwynEnosfromKyabram. AllWelcome Forinformationonservice times,phoneDonSlade (Warden)on0428503844 orDianeManganon 0427590282
StPatrick’sCatholicChurch Tongala:FirstSundayof month,1130am PhonetheParishOfficeon (03)58521026.
EmbraceChurch 80ManganSt,Tongala Morningservice:10am Servicesarealsolivestreamed PhonePsLynHopeon 0408821760.
NorthernRiversUniting ChurchClusterTongala Service10am. PhoneRayWakefieldon 0419933938 Servicesareavailableon ZoomeachSunday.
Scan the QR CODE to access the full-colour, extended digital version of Tonny Times
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CONTACT:
TongalaCommunity ActivitiesCentre
Phone:(03)58591268
94ManganStreet, Tongala,3621
OPEN:MondaytoFriday, 9amto2pm
Aprildeadline
Copydeadline: 07/04/26 Issuedate: 14/04/26
Email:tongalatimes@ tongala.vic.au
1stWednesdaymonthly, 7pm@TCAC
1st&3rdThursday,7pm 2ndTuesdayeverymonth 4thMonday,monthly 4thTuesday,monthly,1pm 4thWednesdday,6pm 3rdTuesday,Monthly,10am EveryWednesday
As property values across Victoria continue to shift, now is the perfect time to get a current market opinion on your home.
Foundation students thriving
AhugefirstfiveweekshaveseenournewFoundationstudents settleintoschoollifeextremelywell
OurschoolhasregisteredasaRide2Schoolcentre,andour studentsarelovingbringingtheirbikesandscooterstoschool andspendrecessandlunchtimeactivelyridingourtrack NationalRide2SchoolDayisonFriday,20 March, th wherewewillbehavingfuncompetitionsanda walkingschoolbusleavingtheTongalaPolice Stationfrom8.40am.
Thehighlightofthisdayisgoingtobethelongest ridechallenge,wherewewillhaveanexercise bikesetupinthemainbuildingandwillbe continuouslyriddenfrom845amto315pmto seehowfarwecangoinonedays Staff,students andcommunitymemberswillbetakingstintsto ridethroughouttheday.
Ourschooltookateamof16studentstotheinter schoolswimmingcarnivalinEchuca Ourstudents competedwellallday,withlotsofribbonsbeingwon. HannaHhasqualifiedfortheregionallevelinSwanHill, whilstTillyEandourgirlsmedleyrelayteamrecordedthe3 fastesttimeoftheday Overall,bothschoolscombined
came3 inthestandings rd Clean Up Australia Day
Everyyearourschooltakespartinthisimportant day Notonlydowecleanupinandaroundour school,butourseniorstudentsheaddownthe streettomakesureitistidyaswell Unfortunately,therainearlierintheweekmeant afewareaswereoutofaction,butoverall,itisan especiallyimportantmessagewesendtoourstudents.
Community Bank partnership
SchoolleadersJedBandAlbyDattendedtheCommunityBank’ssponsorshipawardseveningandspoketo theaudienceaboutthepositiveimpactofourBoystotheBushprogram ThisprogramismadepossiblethroughthesponsorshipfromtheCommunityBank,alongwithour EmpoweredGirlsandInformandEmpowerprogram.
Upcoming Events
OurGrade2SleepoverisbeingheldonFriday,March13 Thishasalwaysbeenapopularevent,andwillno doubtbeasuccessagain OurGrade6studentsareattendingtheNationalYoungLeadersDayconference inMelbourneonFriday,March27 ThisisalsothesamedayassomeofourGrade5studentsare competingintheInterschoolTeamTennistournamentinEchuca th th -RobHogan,Principal,TongalaPrimarySchool
OnMarch5,thegrade2-4studentswereluckyenoughtohaveavisitfrom UncleRickandSimone,withsometraditionalindigenousartefactsand instruments.ThisvisitalignedwiththeInquiryUnitstheclassesarestudying onartefactsandhowtraditionalmusicbringscommunitiestogether.
OurGrade2shadafantasticafternoonofgames,ascavenger hunt,somedancing,dinneranddessertattheirsleepover, followedbyamoviebeforebed
Studentsfrom2/3Aenjoyedavisittoourlocalagedcare residentsonMarch11.Duringthevisit,studentsspenttime gettingtoknowtheresidentsbyaskingthoughtfulquestions suchas“Whatisyourfavouritecolour?”,“Whatdoyouenjoy doing?”,“Whatisyourfavouriteplace?”and“Whatisyour favouritefood?”.
Grade2/3AhadtheirfirstvisittoTongalaAgedCare onFebruary11tojoininonsomeValentine’sDaycraft.
Ourstudentsrolleduptheir sleevesandworkedtogether tocleanupourschoolyard, theareasaroundourschool, andeventhemainStreetof Tongala Wearesoproudof theirenthusiasm,teamwork andcommunityspiritshown byeveryoneinvolved
DayfourbeganattheSheppartonGatorsstadium, wheretheboysworkedonbasketballskills, teamworkandcamaraderie.Withtherainsticking around,theythenenjoyedZootopia2atthemovies, whichwasabighit.Theboysshowedfantastic respectandleadershipthroughouttheday,making usincrediblyproud.AfterlunchatSubway,they stoppedbyBendigoBankTongalatothankHamish d h f h i i k b h lf
OnMarch1,ourstudentscametoschoolincasualclothesas partofourfundraiserforCaritasProjectCompassion.During theseasonofLent,weareworkingtogethertoraisemoney tosupportthoseinneed.Thankstothegenerosityofour schoolcommunity,ourcasualclothesdayandicypolesales raised$222.
Thisgroupislearningnewskillseachweek.Sofartheyhave threadedneedles,sewedbuttonsonmaterialandthey recentlyusedthesewingmachine!
OnMarch3welookedafter ourchickens,plantedbasil, carrots,springonionand coslettuce
Thisone’sforIvan
AfantasticturnoutfortheTinningFamilyOpenTwoBowlTripleson March1 Thereweresomegreatgamesandtoughcompetitionacross the30teams,withplentyofsuperbbowlsgoingdownthegreen. Winners:IvanHicks,AshleyFrenchandBruceO’Neill. Runners-up:KelvinWalsh,JorjaPontonandRobPonton. ThirdPlace:MaurieHateley,GraemeWoodcockandKenRisstrom BestLastGame:LeighPolkinghorn,NoelWestandJohnRiedell AllwinnersarepicturedwithGeoffTinning
Father-and-son
combosgoheadtohead
TheMen’sPairsFinalwas playedonMarch13and producedaterrificcontest, withsomebrilliantbowlson display CongratulationstoJackand SteveHammond,who eventuallyranoutwinners17–15overanotherfather-andsoncombination,Geoffand PeteTinning,inaclosely foughtmatch Welldonetoallinvolved.
Andthat’sawrap... Itwasafantasticeveningtobringthe2026Simplot SummerSocialBowlsCompetitiontoaclose Therewasagreatturnoutthroughouttheseries,witha recordnumberofteamsentered Participantsenjoyed plentyofbarbecueandbowls,withsomebeautiful weatherhelpingmakethecompetitionevenmore enjoyable.
Thewinnersofthisyear’sserieswerepresentedwith Simplotpacks,courtesyofourwonderfulsponsors PicturedarethewinningteamofRozaandRay Armstrong,MariannWesterhoffandCooperJenkins Congratulations!
Ifanyonehadtoldaneight-yearoldDylanNexhipthathewouldbe captainingtheAustralianMen’s NetballTeaminthefuture,he probablywouldhavegiventhema cheekygrinandcontinuedhis courtsidemischiefatTongala FootballNetballClub’scourts Thosecourtswerewhereitall began Dylangrewuparoundsportin Tongala,followinghismumGlenys tonetballtrainingwhilehisdad Barryheadedofftofootball Netballwassimplypartoffamily life,somethingthatfilledevenings andweekendsand,beforelong, becamecentraltowhohewas.
“Thereweren’tmanyboysplaying, butitneverstoppedme,”Dylan said
“Ijustlovedbeingaroundthegame.”
Thatloverecentlycamefullcircleon theothersideoftheworldwhen DylancaptainedtheAustralian Kelpiesonathree-TesttourofSouth Africaearlierthisyear,withhismum andsisterAbbeyinthestands.
“MymumtravelledtoSouthAfrica, andmysisterAbbeycameoveras well,”hesaid
“They’vebeenmybiggestsupporters throughoutmynetballjourney” ForGlenysandAbbey,thetripwas morethanjustaholiday.
Itwastheculminationofyearsspent drivingtotraining,watchingfrom coldsidelinesandencouraginga
youngboywhowasdeterminedto playasportwhereheoftenstood outsimplyforbeingthere
“Abbeyplayednetballherselfand spentalotoftimeputtingupwith mycoachingwhenwewere younger,”Dylanlaughed.
“Tobeabletoshareanexperience likethatwiththemisincredibly special” Familysupporthasbeenaconstant throughoutDylan’scareer HisdadBarryhasalsotravelledto supporthiminternationally,including atriptoNewZealand.
ContinuedonPage2
ContinuedfromPage1
“I’vebeenreallyluckyto haveclosefamilyand long-timefriendsableto attendgames,bothin Australiaandoverseas,“ Dylansaid
“ComingfromTongala, thoserelationshipsmeana lot.”
Thatsenseofcommunity hasfollowedDylan throughouthisjourney, fromtheassociation courtsonSaturday morningstoiconic internationalvenues.
OntheSouthAfricantour, onemomentstoodout abovetherest.
“PlayingatEllisParkin Johannesburgwas unbelievable It’ssuchan iconicsportingvenueand homeoftheSpringboks
Theatmospherewas electricandunlike anythingI’veexperienced before.”
Beyondthescaleofthe stadium,itwastheculture ofthecrowdthatlefta lastingimpression
“SouthAfricansupporters
NothappywithyourcurrentProperty Manager?
Wemanagerentalsproperly–Including compliance.
Fullycompliantproperties
Lessstress
Betterreturns
Nowacceptingnewproperties
Calltoarrangeafreemarketappraisal.
celebratethespectacleof thegame,”Dylansaid “Theygenuinelycheer greatplayfromanyoneon court,notjusttheirown team
“Thenoiseandenergy wereincredible”
Thetour,stagedacross lateJanuaryandearly February,sawtheKelpies playthreeTestmatches, withDylancaptaining everyone Itwasanothermilestonein anationalcareerthat beganin2022whenhe
joinedtheAustralianmen’s program
“Everytourisdifferent,but theopportunityto representAustraliaand experiencedifferent countriesthroughnetball hasbeenincredibly special”
Whatmanymaynot realise,however,isthe financialrealitybehind representingAustraliain men’snetball Unlikemany eliteprograms,theKelpies arenotcurrentlyfundedby NetballAustralia.
Ourteamhasover80yearsofcombinedexperienceinlocalrealestate.
“Noneofitisfunded,”Dylan explained “Beforeeachtour,players receiveaninvoiceandare responsibleforcovering thefullcostthemselves”
Dylanhasbeenableto continuethankstostrong sponsorbacking
“Mymainsponsoris CraddockAviation,runby StaceyMcGillandBrendan Craddock,whohave supportedmeincredibly well BullaFamilyDairyhas alsosponsoredmeover theyears.”
Hebelievescomingfroma smalltownhasplayeda keyroleinbuildingthat support “InplaceslikeTongala, peoplereallygetbehind you.I’mhugelygratefulfor that.
“Unfortunately,the financialburdenprevents someathletesfrom continuing,andI’mvery awareofhowprivilegedI amtobeabletokeep playing.”
Overmorethanadecade inthesport,Dylanhas watchedmen’snetball
evolverapidly.
“Themen’sgamehas improvedsignificantly,”he said
“Everystatenowrunsa men’sleague,soplayers areconsistentlycompeting atahighlevel.
“Thatexposurehaslifted theoverallstandardtoa genuinelyworld-class level”
Jointtrainingcampswith theAustralianDiamonds, includingsessionsatthe AIS,havefurtherraised expectations “Thosecampsarehighly competitive Theypushyou tobebetter.”
Awayfrominternational duties,Dylanisimmersed full-timeintheelitegame asanassistantcoachwith
SuperNetballteamthe NSWSwifts.
Oncetheseasonbegins, liferevolvesalmostentirely aroundperformanceand preparation
“It’srelentless You’re constantlyanalysing, planning,travellingand thinkingaboutthegame.”
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Atypicalweekincludes videoanalysis,multipleoncourtsessionsanddetailed oppositionpreparation, taperingintolighter trainingasmatchday approaches.
Dylanalsocompletesone dayofcasualteaching eachweek,maintaining tieswiththeeducation sector
Hiscoachingstylehas beenshapedbyearlier workatKnoxGrammarin Sydney,wherehespent fiveyearsworkingacross PrepandSeniorSchools aftermovingfromVictoria in2020.
“Mybiggestleadership lessonwasabout empoweringothers,”he said “Leadershipisn’tabout beingreliedonconstantly, it’saboutgivingpeoplethe skillsandconfidenceto solveproblems themselves”
hasunfoldedinthemedia, workingasaFoxSports commentatorsince2023 acrossSuperNetballand internationalmatches
“Commentarysharpened thewayIanalysethe game,”hesaid.
“Articulatingstrategyin realtimereally strengthenedmy understanding”
Evennow,thereare momentsthatfeelsurreal.
“It’sstrangeknowingyour analysisisbeingbroadcast intofamilylivingrooms, especiallywhenyougrew upinasmallcountry town”
Anotherunexpected chapterofDylan’scareer
Despitethetravel,the professionalrolesandthe internationalexposure, Dylan’sconnectionto Tongalaremainsstrong Hestillvividlyremembers hisearliestcoaches, includingTanyaSmithand LeanneHarris,andhis simpleinstructionsasa younggoaldefence “Iwastoldmyonejobwas tostopgoals,”hesaid
“AndItookthatvery seriously”
Returningtocoachat Tongala,includingtaking onseniorcoachingduties in2013,wasaspecial chapterinitself
Fromfollowinghismumto training,tocaptaininghis
countrywithfamily watchingon,Dylan Nexhip’sjourneyhascome alongwayfromthecourts ofTongala,yetitisthose earlydays,andthepeople whosharedthem,that continuetounderpin everythinghedoes
