The Community Voice, Go Nagambie, Wednesday September 16, 2026, Issue 605

16 SEPTEMBER 2026 | ISSUE 605 | FREE

GOULBURN RIVER & RANGES

LAKERS BRING HOME TWO FLAGS

"AT THE END OF THE SEASON, YOU'LL KNOW THE REASON, WE ARE THE PREMIERSHIP TEAM" // PAGE 3

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The Community Voice is a community newspaper that is published by Go Nagambie every fortnight, and it is available for free. It has an average circulation of 2500 hard copies and can be found at distribution points located in Nagambie, Avenel and Seymour. You can also access The Community Voice online by visiting www.gonagambie.com.au

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Community Voice Disclaimer The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Go Nagambie. Every effort is made by Go Nagambie to ensure that the information contained within the Community Voice is correct. Personal views expressed in this publication are soley those of the respective contributors and do not reflect those of the publisher or its agents. Reproduction in whole or in part of this publication is strictly prohibited without prior consent. Photographic rights remain the property of The Community Voice newspaper.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Go Nagambie. Every effort is made by Go Nagambie to ensure the information contained within The Community Voice is correct. Personal views expressed in these publications are soley those of the respective contributors and do not reflect those of the publisher or its agents. Reproduction in whole or in part of this publication is strictly prohibited without prior consent. Photographic rights remain the property of The Community Voice newspaper.

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Please contact The Community Voice: communityvoice@gonagambie.com.au

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Nagambie finishes the KDL season with Senior and Under 18 premierships It was a big weekend for the red, white and black, with the Nagambie Lakers Football Netball Club finishing the 2026 Kyabram District League season with two premiership flags heading back to Nagambie.

The Lakers Seniors saved their best for the biggest game of the year, overcoming Lancaster 13.14 (92) to 11.19 (85) in a hard-fought Senior Grand Final to claim the KDL premiership. It was the sort of country football final that had plenty of everything, with both sides battling it out until the final siren before Nagambie could celebrate a memorable seven-point victory. Adding another flag to the Lakers’ haul, the Under 18s put together a dominant Grand Final performance against Murchison Toolamba, running out 15.9 (99) to 3.13 (31) winners. The young Lakers controlled the contest and finished their season in the best possible way, earning the 2026 KDL Under 18 premiership. There was also individual recognition for two Nagambie players, with Blake Fothergill named Best on Ground in the Senior Grand Final, while Cooper Coll was awarded Best on Ground in the Under 18s. It wasn't all celebrations for the Lakers, with both the Reserves footballers and B Grade netballers finishing their seasons as Grand Final runners-up. The Reserves faced Lancaster in their Grand Final and were defeated 10.8 (68) to 6.7 (43), with Lancaster taking the premiership.

B Grade netball was an even tighter affair, with Tallygaroopna edging out the Lakers by just one goal, 49-48, to claim the 2026 premiership. For both teams, the result was undoubtedly a tough one to take after making it all the way to Grand Final day, but reaching a KDL Grand Final is an achievement that reflects the work put in across the season. Across the weekend, the Lakers had four teams take the field on the biggest stage of the KDL season — and came away with two premierships. Behind those results is everything that makes a country sporting club tick: players putting in the work at training, coaches giving their time, volunteers working behind the scenes, families following their teams from week to week, sponsors getting behind the club and supporters turning up in the red, white and black. That support was on show throughout the finals campaign, with plenty of familiar Nagambie faces making the trip to cheer on the Lakers. For the Senior team, the premiership is the reward for a season of hard work and a strong finals campaign. For the Under 18s, it is a flag that points to plenty of talent coming through the club. And while there were celebrations for two teams and disappointment for two others, that is the nature of Grand Final weekend. The 2026 KDL season is now done and dusted, but for Nagambie there are two new premiership flags to add to the clubrooms and plenty of good memories from a weekend that brought the Lakers community together. Congratulations to the Nagambie Seniors and Under 18s on their premierships, and to the Reserves and B Grade netballers on making it through to Grand Final day.

Pictured: Blake Fothergill

Pictured: Cooper Coll

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Business in the Spotlight

Papilio House: Where Nature, Art And A Little Bit Of Magic Come Together Avenel’s newest boutique is bringing the extraordinary beauty of the natural world to the heart of the village

Her original intention was simply to have a space where she could work, with some retail sales of her insect pieces, orchids and cacti, along with a small range of insect-themed products. Then she walked into the old butcher shop.

Walk through the door of Papilio House in Avenel and you quickly realise this is not your ordinary countrytown shop.

“I fell in love with the old butcher shop the moment I walked in,” Carly says. “She was looking a little tired and in need of a facelift, but I could immediately see her potential.”

Among the shelves and displays are preserved insects, Australian flora and fauna, botanical art, Charlie Bears and an eclectic collection of treasures that invite visitors to stop, look closer and discover something unexpected.

Rather than erase the history of the building, Carly wanted to embrace it and bring some of its character back to life.

For local residents, there is another reason the building may feel familiar. Papilio House occupies the former Avenel Meats premises, a well-regarded and familiar part of the village for many years. Avenel Meats was established in 1987 by Scotty Reid and his parents John and Jill, and the business became well known for its traditional service, locally sourced meat, speciality sausages and smoked goods.

Carly realised there probably wasn't enough within the insect theme alone to fill an entire shop. But she had another lifelong passion to draw upon — her love of native flora and fauna, botanical art and illustration.

Today, the shop has been given an entirely new life by Carly, better known as the Entomology Queen. But Papilio House wasn't originally intended to become the business it is today. The idea began with a practical need for a new studio — somewhere Carly could have more space to create her insect artwork, get out of the house and have more social contact.

“I knew I wanted to lean into the heritage of the building and bring some of that character back to life.”

Her mum is an artist, so art was a big part of Carly’s life growing up. When she began discovering beautiful products featuring Australian flowers, birds and animals, they immediately spoke to her. “From there, Papilio House grew quite organically,” Carly says. “It wasn’t so much a grand plan as something that evolved one piece at a time, built around the things that made my heart sing.” It is not simply an insect shop, nor is it a conventional gift store. It is a reflection of Carly’s interests and

passions, brought together in a space designed to encourage people to wander, explore and discover. Even the name has a special connection to her journey. Papilio is Latin for butterfly. It is also one of Carly’s favourite types of butterfly and the first type she learned to spread when she began working with specimens. “When I started developing the idea for the shop, the words ‘Butterfly House’ kept coming to me,” she explains. “From there, Papilio House seemed like the perfect name. It connected the space with butterflies, but also with where my own journey with insect preservation began.” That journey began in 2019, when Carly started creating insect art under the name Entomology Queen. She was looking for a name that was a little quirky and represented what she did. “My work is entomological art, so ‘Entomology’ made sense. As for ‘Queen’, that was simply because many insects have queens, so it was a bit of a play on that.” The name stuck, and Carly has been Entomology Queen ever since.

and butterflies. It wasn't until she began working with butterflies that she realised just how obsessed with them she had been throughout her life. “What fascinates me most is the beauty of the natural world, and particularly the unexpected beauty,” Carly says. “That unexpected beauty still captivates me,” she says. “Even after years of working with insects, I’m constantly discovering something in nature that amazes me.” For some time, Entomology Queen was simply a hobby. Carly sold a few pieces on Etsy and occasionally attended markets, often simply to reduce the amount of stock she had accumulated. Then came an unexpected approach from the Melbourne Museum. The museum had discovered her work through Google and her Etsy page before contacting her through Facebook about becoming a supplier. “I couldn’t believe it,” Carly recalls.

Her fascination with the natural world, however, began long before she started creating insect art.

“Here I was in a small country town, putting together a few pieces to sell on Etsy, and suddenly the Melbourne Museum was asking me to supply them.” Of course, she said yes.

As a child, Carly describes herself as a “real nature child”, always out in the garden collecting bugs, leaves, stones and feathers, or spending hours watching birds

“I had absolutely no idea how I was going to pull it off, but I knew I wasn’t going to let an opportunity like that pass me by.”

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Business in the Spotlight That was the moment Carly realised her passion could become a genuine business. “That was really the moment Entomology Queen became a business.” For anyone who has never considered what goes into creating an insect artwork, the finished piece represents considerably more work than might initially be apparent. Without giving away all her trade secrets, Carly explains that the simplified process involves rehydrating the specimen, carefully positioning and pinning it, allowing it to set, then mounting and sealing it within a frame or glass dome. Different specimens require different methods of hydration, pinning, positioning and preservation. Each stage requires care and patience, with considerable waiting time sometimes needed to ensure the specimen is properly hydrated and then completely set before moving on. “It’s quite an intricate process,” Carly says. “Taking the time to do each stage properly is important to me because I want the finished pieces to remain beautiful for many years to come.” Carly’s intention isn't necessarily to create scientific displays. Instead, she wants to present each insect in a way that shows it at its absolute best while keeping the positioning natural. That is one of the reasons she loves working with glass domes. They allow her to create three-dimensional pieces where the insect can be viewed from different angles. Sometimes she wants to make an insect appear as lifelike as possible. At other times, she positions it to reveal details that would normally be difficult to see. Beetles are a perfect example. “In nature you rarely get the opportunity to really examine their wings, yet underneath their outer shells some have the most remarkable colours and structures,” she says. “I can position them so those hidden details are visible while still creating something that looks beautiful and natural.” “For me, the artistry is really about finding the best way to showcase the insect itself.” Perhaps one of the most fascinating aspects of Carly’s work is the way it encourages people to look at insects differently. Because they are small, unfamiliar or often regarded as creepy or frightening, insects are frequently overlooked. But when a butterfly, beetle or grasshopper is displayed in a way that allows it to be examined closely, the

experience can change completely.

different things around the shop.”

For now, Carly's attention is returning to insects.

“Before I started this work, I really didn’t like creatures such as scorpions, tarantulas and spiders,” she says.

Recently, she watched a lady walk up to the counter and saw her whole expression change as she started taking everything in.

She is preparing for the National Entomology Insect Expo in Woodend this October, so the next few weeks will be dedicated to creating new insect pieces.

“It was such a lovely little moment to witness,” Carly says.

At the same time, Papilio House is still very much a work in progress.

She also loves the connection that comes with being part of a small community.

There are lots of ideas Carly hasn't yet had a chance to bring to life, and she is looking forward to having the time to play with those ideas and continue developing the shop.

“But working with them so closely has completely changed the way I see them and given me a genuine appreciation for just how fascinating and beautiful they can be.” That respect for the natural world is also central to Carly’s approach to her business. She is very conscious of where her specimens come from and sources through ethical and reputable suppliers, supporting suppliers who use sustainable sourcing and captive breeding programs. For Carly, preservation is also about respecting the specimen itself. She takes great care with how specimens are prepared, treated, mounted and sealed so they can be enjoyed for many years. Education is another important part of what she does. Preserved specimens give people the opportunity to see creatures up close that they may otherwise never encounter — and in some cases may not even know exist. “I think awareness creates curiosity, curiosity creates appreciation, and when people develop a genuine appreciation for something, they’re much more likely to care about protecting it and the environment it comes from.” For someone who calls Avenel home, there was never really any question about where Papilio House should be located. “Avenel is my home, so it was naturally the first choice for the shop,” Carly says. She wasn't looking to run a standard gift shop on a sixday-a-week business model. Instead, she saw Avenel as a place that lends itself beautifully to weekend trade and to the idea of Papilio House becoming a destination-style boutique. The building itself played a major role too. “The old butcher shop captured my heart the moment I walked through the door, and once I could see what it could become, it was very hard to imagine Papilio House anywhere else.” For a regional community, there is something particularly appealing about seeing a familiar shopfront given a new purpose while retaining a connection to the town’s past. And while the insects, artwork and unusual products may draw people through the door, Carly says the thing she loves most about running Papilio House is the people. “I love seeing the delight on their faces when they walk through the door and watching them discover all the

“You get to know people, familiar faces come back through the door, and there’s time to stop, talk and share stories.” One of her most memorable customer experiences doesn't actually involve an insect at all. There is a mother and daughter who visit the shop together and absolutely adore the Charlie Bears. Whenever they come in, they spend time looking at the different bears, picking them up, passing them around and talking about their favourites. Every Charlie Bear has its own name, so the bears quickly become characters in their conversations as they wander around the shop — and there is always plenty of bear hugging along the way.

“Papilio House has already grown into something much more than I originally imagined, and I’m excited to see how it continues to evolve over time.” Perhaps the most fitting thing about Papilio House is that its story mirrors Carly’s philosophy about nature. Beauty isn't always obvious. Sometimes you have to stop, look closer and be prepared to see something you weren't expecting. “I think I’d like people to remember that extraordinary beauty can often be found in unexpected places,” Carly says.

“I love watching the two of them together because there is such genuine delight between them, and of course I get caught up in it too,” Carly says.

“That’s something I’ve discovered through my work with insects, where the most unassuming specimen can reveal something absolutely remarkable when you take the time to look a little closer.”

“We’ll show each other bears we think the other will love, admire all their little details and generally just have a wonderful time with them.”

And perhaps the same can be said for Papilio House itself.

For Carly, those simple interactions are what make operating a business in a small community so rewarding. “It’s such a simple thing, but there’s something really special about those visits. They’re the sort of moments that stay with me.” Ask Carly what her proudest achievement has been and the answer isn't a particular product, customer or business milestone. It is Papilio House itself. She is incredibly proud of taking on such a significant project and seeing it through, particularly while working around significant challenges. “There have definitely been moments along the way when I’ve wondered what on earth I’d gotten myself into, and whether I’d taken on too much.” She has had to learn to work differently, pace herself and accept that sometimes things will take longer. “All of those difficult moments seem to fall away when I walk through the doors and look at what I’ve created.” “It’s beautiful, and I can see how much of my heart I’ve put into it.”

The former Avenel Meats premises, once a familiar part of village life, has been given a new chapter — one filled with butterflies, beetles, Australian wildlife, botanical art, beautiful objects, curiosity and conversation. It is a wonderful example of how a familiar countrytown building can evolve while retaining a connection to the community around it. Tucked away in the heart of Avenel, Papilio House offers visitors the chance to slow down, look a little closer and discover something unexpected. And perhaps, just for a moment, find a little bit of magic.

_______________________________________ PAPILIO HOUSE 10 Bank Street Avenel OPENING HOURS 11am - 4 pm Saturday and Sunday.

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Want to make a difference in Avenel? Get Active! Avenel Active is looking for locals with ideas, energy and a passion for the Avenel community to join their committee at the upcoming Annual General Meeting. ‘Avenel Active works to help make Avenel an even better place to live’, says Chairperson Julie Dobbie. ‘We’re inviting community-minded locals to put their hand up for a committee role. We’d especially love to see more younger residents getting involved’. The AGM is on Tuesday 6 October at 5.30pm at Avenel Memorial Hall. All committee positions will be declared vacant and a new committee elected for the next 12 months. ‘The committee runs the organisation day-to-day, supports community projects and applies for grants to turn local ideas into reality’, says Julie. ‘Several committee members will step down this year and we’re encouraging members to join and bring forward new ideas.’ Avenel Active members coordinate regular fundraising events for community projects. The biennial Flinders Quartet Winter Concerts sponsored by generous local residents, have raised more than $20,000 for local organisations and projects since 2021. This year volunteers and residents also raised more than $3,000 for members of the Avenel and Upton Hill CFA Brigades to enjoy pizzas and a much-needed break at Bank Street Woodfired Pizza after the January 2026 bushfires.

‘We also make sure Avenel has a voice when it comes to decisions about our town,’ says committee member Kim Gale. ‘We advocate for better town planning and community infrastructure, including safer footpaths, roads and parking, and improved water supply, stormwater and flood management. You don’t need years of committee experience. You just need to care about Avenel, be willing to get involved and have some ideas about how we can make our community even better’. All residents are welcome to attend the AGM, which will be followed by an ordinary meeting at 6.00pm. Residents under 18 years are also welcome with a parent or guardian. Membership is free and joining is easy online at avenelactive.au/join-us or email avenelactive@ gmail.com for a membership form. All members are eligible to nominate and vote at the AGM. For more information about Avenel Active visit www. avenelactive.au

Avenel Active also has a focus on community first aid, recently receiving funding from Strathbogie Shire Council’s Community Strengthening Grants to extend the availability of 24-hour access defibrillators in town, and also received funding from the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal to deliver a second Mental Health First Aid course.

THIS WAY NORTH THE VICEROYS | LILL KILL DESIRABLE ADDICTONS | CLEAN COIL ELLIOT P | JEREMIAH JOHNSTON TYLER & ALINA | DISTASTEFUL MICROWAVES & special guest CHLOE GILL

ALL S ES GE AG A

19 September 2026 12pm-6pm 12pm-6pm

19 September 2026

FREET EVEN

E FRE NT EVE

Buckley Park, Nagambie

NAGAMBIE ROWING CLUB 301-305 High St, Nagambie 03 5794 2747

Avenel Active volunteers also run the weekly ‘Get Me to the Shops!’ community bus to Seymour, the popular Granite Treks which explore the area’s unique local landscapes and collaborate with GoNagambie to help deliver the Nagambie Lake parkrun every Saturday.

ALL

www.nagambierowingclub.com.au

scan for tix

Strictly drug, alcohol, smoke and vape-free event

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Nagambie Soccer Club continues to grow moves to the Rec Reserve Nagambie Soccer Club has just completed its sixth season since its humble beginnings in 2021. Today, more than 100 young players put on their boots every week and run onto the pitch to become part of something bigger than themselves, quite possibly part of something bigger than a sporting club.

The year that’s gone by has been significant for the club. In January, NSC received the ‘Australia Day Award’ for ‘Nagambie Organisation of the Year’, and soon after, the 2026 season commenced. This year, the club was made up of 106 players in nine different teams, ranging from Under 6 through to Under 15. Girls are represented across the age groups, reflecting a sport that continues to grow among both boys and girls. According to Australian Sports Commission data, soccer is now the most popular club-based team sport for children aged nine to fourteen, with hundreds of thousands participating each week. In Nagambie, the story behind those numbers

is perhaps best told by the children themselves. Adriana plays in the all-girls U10 team and has been part of Nagambie Soccer Club since its very first season. When asked what she likes the most about playing soccer, she doesn’t hesitate before answering: “I like how everyone on the team is nice. No one is mean. Everyone is supporting each other.” This, according to President and founder Phil Close, is exactly the kind of environment he and the committee have been wanting to foster since the very start. “We want to be an inclusive club,” Phil says. “NSC has always emphasised the importance of everyone being welcome. We want the kids to have fun, be good teammates, and learn to work together with respect and appreciation for one another.” Phil is also quick to point out that the club’s growth has largely depended on the support of parents who have stepped up as coaches and team managers, some without ever having watched a game themselves. The wider Nagambie community has also been impressive, and many local businesses, as well as the state government, have supported the club financially, enabling it to buy equipment, jerseys and balls. Phil wants to make a special mention of Nagambie Primary School and former principal Rob French, whose willingness to provide grounds gave the club a place to call home from its earliest days.

As the club has grown, attracting players from across the region, one of the biggest challenges has been training times. With the season running through winter and daylight disappearing early, limited lighting has caused inevitable and obvious restrictions. However, when a time slot opened up at the Nagambie Rec Reserve, everything changed. “This is a great step forward for the club,” Phil says. “Being able to train after school hours and after buses have arrived back in town makes a world of difference. It’s also nice to be able to share the space with other local sports clubs and be a part of the big Rec Reserve family.” Soccer continues to grow, and Nagambie Soccer Club is growing with it. But perhaps the club’s greatest success cannot be measured by player numbers, trophies or win-loss records. It can be heard instead in the words of a young player like Gracie, who says she keeps making friends each year. It can be heard when a player explains how she loves that people are kind to one another. It can be seen in the posture of boys walking onto the pitch with more confidence than they had when the season first started. For Phil and the many volunteers, families and supporters who have helped build the club, the end of another season is an opportunity to be grateful for how far Nagambie Soccer Club has come - and to be excited about where it might go next. Because six seasons in, the club is still growing. But more importantly, so are the kids.

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In and around our Communities. Strathbogie Shire Council Fire prevention roadside spraying underway

Chinamans Bridge demolition on track

Young musicians called to take the stage in Avenel

Roadside spraying is now underway across Strathbogie Shire as part of Council’s annual fire prevention program.

Council is pleased to confirm the Chinamans Bridge demolition project is progressing well, with the appointed contractor successfully obtaining many of the relevant approvals and permits needed before works can begin.

Council is inviting young musicians to register for the Avenel heat of the 2026 North East Battle of the Bands.

Over the coming weeks, residents may notice grass, weeds and other roadside vegetation starting to turn brown. These works help reduce fire fuel along roadsides, improve access for emergency service vehicles and support community safety during bushfire and grassfire season.

Here & Now brings free live music to Nagambie Young people will take centre stage in Nagambie this September when the free Here & Now concert returns to Buckley Park as part of Victorian Youth Fest. Here & Now 2026 runs from noon to 6pm on Saturday, 19 September, featuring young local bands and solo performers alongside headliners This Way North and special guest Chloe Gill. The all-ages event gives emerging local musicians the chance to perform in front of their community while providing a free afternoon of entertainment for young people across the region. Strathbogie Shire Council Youth Services’ Youth Crew play a key role in bringing the concert to life, building event delivery skills along the way. Held as part of Victorian Youth Fest, a month-long celebration of young people across Victoria each September, the event is supported by AMPLIFY, the Victorian Government’s Victorian Youth Fest and Strathbogie Shire Council. Community members are encouraged to bring family, friends and a picnic rug for an afternoon of live music at Buckley Park.

info@strathbogie.vic.gov.au 1800 065 993 PO Box 177, Euroa VIC 3666

strathbogie.vic.gov.au

16 SEPTEMBER 2026

Subject to these approvals being finalised, site works are anticipated to start in lateSeptember, with the Goulburn River expected to reopen in time for summer.

The program covers approximately 900 kilometres of roadsides across the Shire and is being carried out by Gigliotti Contracting. Works started last week and are expected to continue until late October, depending on seasonal conditions.

Council officers are also finalising a Heritage Interpretation Strategy and Cultural Heritage Permit, working with the appointed Heritage Consultant, to ensure the bridge’s heritage values are appropriately recognised and preserved throughout the demolition process.

Want to see if roads in your area are included in the spraying program? Visit Strathbogie Shire Pozi: https://bit.ly/4r6lZqn

The project includes removal of the deteriorated timber bridge, preservation of identified heritage features and rehabilitation of the surrounding riverbank.

The event will be held at Avenel Memorial Hall on Saturday, 17 October from 2pm. Musicians aged 12 to 25 can compete as solo artists, duos or bands, giving performers of all experience levels the chance to play live, build their skills and connect with other young musicians. The winner of the Avenel heat will progress to the North East Battle of the Bands Grand Final in Benalla and will get the opportunity to play at a future Strathbogie Shire Council-led music event. The 2026 North East Battle of the Bands is supported by AMPLIFY. To register, visit http://tiny.cc/avbb

Free Longwood film screening puts rural mental health in focus Council is hosting a free community screening of Just A Farmer at the White Hart Hotel in Longwood on Friday, 2 October at 6pm. The powerful Australian film explores farming life, family and mental health, helping to encourage open conversations and remind people they are not alone. The event will also include a welcome from The Unbreakable Farmer, Warren Davies, followed

by presentations from Beyond Blue, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local and AgBiz Assist. Meals are available to purchase. Seating is limited attendees are encouraged to bring a camping chair or picnic rug. Bookings can be made at http://tiny.cc/JAF

CONTENT WARNING: This film explores suicide, grief and the impact of suicide on families and rural communities. The film contains confronting and emotionally distressing themes that may not be suitable for everyone. Please consider your personal circumstances before attending. Information about support services will be available. This community screening of Just a Farmer is supported through the LEAPing into Safer Communities Project under the Victorian Government’s Safer Together program, together with the generous support of RaboBank, supporting community wellbeing, connection and resilience.

Register

Next Council Meeting The next Strathbogie Shire Council Extraordinary Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 6 October at 4pm at the Euroa Community Conference Centre. The meeting is open to the public. To register your attendance, visit https://www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au/meetings/ or phone 1800 065 993.

Visit us in person at: Nagambie 352 High Street Open from 9am – 4pm Mon to Thur

Euroa 109A Binney Street Open from 9am - 5pm weekdays

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Chinamans Bridge – a road to new pastures It must be serendipity that on the eve of Chinamans Bridge being dismantled, a 140 year old letter book came to light in storage at Nagambie Historical Society, with details which give more background to the origin of the bridge name. The ledger, 1886-87, was retrieved to be digitised. Its pages are velum thin with the ink blurring, making deciphering difficult. When finished, it will be able to be read far into the future. It is common knowledge that the Chinese had market gardens on the West bank of the river and served the town with vegetables well into the 20th century. What else has now been revealed is that well before the weir was established, or the bridge built, they had flower and vegetable gardens on the East bank. In 1885 Goulburn Shire Council called a public meeting in the Mechanics Institute and much was said about water taken from the well and pump in the middle of town. “The women can’t cook with it”, “It turns grog black”, “It would rust a bucket within half an hour” among some of the comments. In 1886 Nagambie Waterworks Trust

was formed to bring river water into the town for residents. This was before the weir was mooted. They were able to gain from the Lands Department 3 acres of land along the East bank of the river, in the reserve between the lagoon and the river. That project is another story, but in 1886 Richard Rannard, a local businessman, wrote to the Trust on behalf of an Ah Sing asking if he could use that allocated 3 acres of land for the purposes of a garden to grow flowers for perfumers. Trust secretary and engineer Tipping replied with alacrity that he could use it for £60 a year, with water laid on. This was a good deal of money as town rates were around £4-£10 a year. We can’t yet see the outcome of that request, but nearly a year later when August floods brought the river to a four mile sheet, like a “great inland sea”, the Chinese vegetable gardens near the town were entirely submerged, the roofs of the huts being alone visible. Colonial Bank manager, F. Gunnow, and state school teacher, G. Clayton, were rowing on the lagoon and heard cries from the Chinese quarter, finding the occupiers perched on their roofs. They were rowed back to safety but “great

quantities of vegetables, their goods and utensils were washed away.” They must have returned however, as in March 1891 Ah Hing wrote to the Trust asking permission to erect a bridge across a channel the Trust had cut, later identified as the scour. Not only was the answer no, but they decided he had no right to be there as the land was all resumed. Probably by the Water Supply Department as the weir was almost complete and the land about to be inundated. In July 1891 the Trust ordered Ah Ping and Ah Hing to “remove the bridge over the scour on the bank of the river” and later workmen were sent to remove the debris they left. So it seems most likely that as Chinamans Bridge, then known as Kerris’s, had been completed in June 1891, the Chinese gardeners simply crossed over to set up business on the west bank, out of the Shire. In 1895 and 1897 goods were waiting to be collected at Nagambie railway station for Ah Hing, who obviously remained in the district. The

gardens were referred to as a way of describing the bridge for some years, i.e. near the Chinese gardens. Eventually it seems, the name stuck. Contributed by Judy Macdonald

Bird flu monitoring continues across Victoria Victoria’s response to H5 bird flu is continuing, with a positive detection identified in the 3764 postcode area, according to Agriculture Victoria’s interactive map.

Victoria. This authorises land managers to move and dispose of wildlife that have died from H5 bird flu on public land.

The detection highlights the importance of monitoring sick or dead wildlife and reporting sightings to authorities.

A separate control order covering dead wildlife sampling, handling and disposal on private land also applies across the state. This authorises landowners and managers to move and dispose of wildlife that have died from H5 bird flu on private land.

Agriculture Victoria says H5 bird flu is now present in wild birds in Victoria and cannot be controlled in wild bird populations. Extensive surveillance, testing and monitoring are continuing to help authorities understand how the virus is spreading and which species are being affected. Measures are also being taken to reduce the impact of the virus, including targeted vaccination of priority native species, protection of vulnerable wildlife and strengthened biosecurity measures. Importantly, H5 bird flu has not been detected in poultry in Victoria. Requirements and authorisations Agriculture Victoria has introduced a number of requirements and authorisations across Victoria as part of the response. A poultry housing requirement is in place for flocks of 50 or more birds in certain local government areas in coastal and southern parts of the state. The requirement does not apply statewide. A control order covering dead wildlife sampling, handling and disposal on public land is in place across

Friends of Nagambie Pool We had a successful raffle at the Rowing Club, and want to again thank them for their generosity in helping community groups in town. The funds will go towards our efforts to improve facilities in a small way at the pool. Thanks again to the Shire for all of the upgrades as reported in my last article. We are looking forward to the opening of the season, and having enough life guards to ensure the pool can open on all days that fill the requirements. Please encourage any potential lifeguards to consider training and having a great job over summer. We need to hold our AGM and have set the date to be Thursday, 15th October at 2pm at the Rowing Club. Friends of Nagambie Pool Inc Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the members is to be held as follows: Thursday, 15th October 2026 at 2pm at Nagambie Rowing Club, 301 High St, Nagambie

Agenda To confirm minutes of previous AGM Presidents Report Financial Report 2024/2025 Election of Executive & Committee Members for the year 2025/2026 Anyone interested in being a part of this group is invited to come along, or contact me for further information. Please email me on friendsofnagambiepool@gmail. com or give me, Jill 0419567580 if you are interested in being a Friend of the Pool or just want to be on the email list to find out what is happening around the pool. Also follow the Friends of Nagambie Pool and Nagambie Pool Facebook pages.

These measures are intended to support safe handling and disposal of affected wildlife while reducing the potential spread of the virus. What the community can do Community reporting remains an important part of the response. People are asked to avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds and wildlife, record the location and what they have observed, and report sightings to Agriculture Victoria. Agriculture Victoria asks people to report clusters of five or more sick or dead wild birds of any species. A single sick or dead wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey should also be reported, as should sick or dead marine mammals such as seals or dolphins. Every report helps authorities build a clearer picture of where H5 bird flu is occurring and informs the ongoing response across Victoria. For the latest information, to view the interactive map or report sick or dead wildlife, visit the Agriculture Victoria website

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The Victorian Government is delivering real help, right now with half price public transport for everyone, including concession card holders, from June 1st until January 1st 2027. Taking pressure off the pump with half price trains, trams and buses in metro and regional Victoria, saving daily commuters over $850. Learn more at transport.vic.gov.au

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

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Nagambie Senior Citizens Our outing is to the Q Train on Friday 11th September, was a great success. We left very early from Nagambie for the trip to Drysdale where we boarded the QTrain and headed off for our threehour adventure. We had 42 members attend and we had our own carriage. Our fine dining tables were all set ready for us with our name cards. We enjoyed three courses on the way to Queenscliff, and had a brief stop to enjoy the beautiful sunny day. Then another two courses on the way back. All agreed the food was excellent. We returned home to Nagambie by 6.30, and most of us agreed we didn’t need any dinner. Thanks to Abe for his work on planning and arranging the trip months ago. We also want to thank Matt who delivered us all there and back safely. Our 54th Birthday Party will be held on Monday 12th October and the list is up on the board so get

in early to ensure you have a spot. Those members wishing to come along and may not be regulars at the hall, let us know via email or phone. The next movie day will be Tuesday 22nd September at 1pm held at the hall. The movie is, “The Bucket List”. Come and enjoy the movie and the interval snacks, chill out for a few hours! Our planned DFO shopping bus trip on Thursday 15th October is still evolving. Ideas about travelling by train to Spencer Outlet with a side trip to Victoria Market via tram. If you are interested, we have around 10 wanting to still participate and you are welcome to join them. List again at the hall, or email. The members who participated in the Lake Swim raised over $2600 and we would all like to thank

those who so generously donated and supported us in the dip in the lake. It was very chilly, but well worth the effort for the funds raised for the Cancer Council. We have a display stand of lovely greeting cards made by one of our talented members, Vicki, for you to purchase at the hall. We are also still selling our beanies on the front table at the hall. Come and buy some cards and a beanie when the activities are in progress. Reminder that the newsletter is available to collect from the Post Office, the Library, the Visitor Information Centre and the Community House, if you prefer to pick up a hard copy. For nonmembers wanting to see what we offer, please let me know via our email on nagambieseniors@ gmail.com.

Local Businesses Invited To Do Business With Council Free Nagambie workshop to help local suppliers understand Council procurement Local businesses, tradespeople and suppliers will have the opportunity to learn how to do business with Strathbogie Shire Council at a free procurement workshop being held in Nagambie next month. The Doing Business with Strathbogie Shire Council workshop will be held on Thursday, October 8, from 7am at Somewhere Restaurant at the Waterfront Motel, 277 High Street, Nagambie. The session is aimed at businesses that may be interested in supplying goods or services to Council, whether they are already established

suppliers or have never worked with Council before. The workshop will provide an insight into how Council purchases goods and services and how local businesses can put themselves in a position to be considered for future opportunities. Participants will learn how to register on Council’s eProcure tendering platform, where to find quotation and tender opportunities, what documentation businesses need to have in place and how Council assesses quotations and tenders. Importantly for businesses in Nagambie and across the Shire, the workshop will also explain how local content weighting can support local

suppliers when Council assesses procurement opportunities. Council purchases a wide range of goods and services, from smaller purchases through to larger contracts, creating opportunities for businesses across a variety of industries. For local tradespeople and businesses, understanding how the procurement process works can be the first step towards accessing work that they may not otherwise know is available. The workshop is free, but bookings are essential. Local businesses interested in learning more about supplying goods or services to Strathbogie Shire Council are encouraged to attend and take the

opportunity to better understand the process and how to get started.

Thursday 8 October 2026

7.00am, 277 High Street, Nagambie Somewhere Restaurant, Waterfront Motel Whether you are an established supplier or have never worked with Council before, this workshop will help you understand the process and get started. Bookings are essential. To register: https://events.humanitix.com/doingbusiness-with-the-strathbogie-shire

Free Longwood film screening puts rural mental health in focus A free community screening of Just A Farmer will bring people together in Longwood on Friday, 2 October, providing an opportunity to open up conversations about farming life, mental health and the challenges faced by rural families. The event will begin at 6pm at the White Hart Hotel, with a welcome from The Unbreakable Farmer, Warren Davies, followed by presentations from Beyond Blue, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local and AgBiz Assist. Just A Farmer explores the challenges experienced by farming families and highlights the importance of breaking the silence around mental health in rural communities. Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Cr Scott Jeffery said the film offered an accessible way to begin

conversations that could sometimes be difficult. “Rural communities are incredibly resilient, but people can still experience isolation and feel as though they have to face challenges alone,” Mayor Jeffery said. “This screening is an opportunity to come together, encourage open conversations and remind people they are not alone.” The evening will also support the delivery of the Ruffy Tablelands Local Emergency Action Plan (LEAP), which outlines locally developed actions to help residents prepare for emergencies and support one another. Cr Jeffery said the principles behind the LEAP were also important in building stronger rural communities.

“The LEAP recognises that local knowledge, strong relationships and clear communication are vital during an emergency,” he said. “These are principles that can help build stronger and more connected communities right across our region.” The screening is free to attend, with meals available for purchase from the hotel. As seating is limited, attendees are encouraged to bring a camping chair or picnic rug. The film explores suicide, grief and the impact of suicide on families and rural communities. It contains confronting and emotionally distressing themes that may not be suitable for everyone, and attendees are encouraged to consider their personal circumstances before attending.

Information about support services will be available at the event. Event details When: Friday, 2 October, 6pm Where: White Hart Hotel, Longwood Cost: Free Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/events/ landing/1638111?utm_source=chatgpt.com The community screening is supported through the LEAPing into Safer Communities Project under the Victorian Government’s Safer Together program, together with the generous support of RaboBank, supporting community wellbeing, connection and resilience.

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Bushfire Recovery Fund Tops $1 Million – Launching Permit Relief For Residents Rebuilding Eight months on from January's LongwoodBerrys Lane Bushfires, the Strathbogie Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) continues to deliver practical support to fire-affected communities. Having now passed the $1 million mark in donations from businesses and individuals across the country, SDRF is launching a series of targeted funding rounds designed to help those who are rebuilding after the fires. The first of these, the Housing Rebuild Permit Program, is now open to fire-affected residents across Strathbogie and Mitchell Shires. As part of the program, eligible applicants can claim a rebate of up to $500 on planning permit applications for the replacement of fire-damaged residence, and up to $300 for permits related to septic tanks. According to Don Cook, SDRF Community Advisory Committee Member. “The permit application process is understood to be an essential element of the rebuilding journey. Subsidising these fees for people simply wanting to reinstate what's been lost is a small measure with a big impact.” The Housing Rebuild Permit Program is the first of several support programs the SDRF is introducing in the coming weeks, including: Funding for local volunteer CFA brigades Working with local schools on initiatives that will support students’ mental health and wellbeing, and assistance that will ease financial pressure on impacted families Consulting with the Community Recovery Committees established in Mitchell and

Strathbogie Shires to identify priority needs among fire-affected residents and communities These priorities reflect what residents are telling their local Community Recovery Committees. A recent Mitchell Shire fire recovery survey found that while 86 per cent of respondents strongly agreed they feel connected to and supported by their community, the coming six to 12 months will be defined by the need to strengthen those community connections, support the rebuild process, and maintain community health. Access to grants and recovery funding, along with targeted support for older and vulnerable residents, was also identified as an ongoing priority. Cook said the $1 million milestone builds on the Fund's earlier work distributing around $250,000 to 170+ individuals and households through its Rapid Response Grants, which put money in the hands of affected households to cover immediate expenses within two months of the fires. “What we know from the Community Recovery Committees, and the conversations they're having with their residents, is that grant and funding support is still vital in enabling them to practically move forward,” Cook said. “The SDRF hears that loud and clear and is endeavouring to address these needs in tangible ways – albeit marginally in the scheme of the rebuild still to come.” While reaching a million dollars is no small achievement, the Fund is urging further contributions ahead of the coming fire season to help sustain the rebuild and support the many across the region still doing it tough. For more information on the Strathbogie Disaster Relief Fund and to apply for the Housing Rebuild Permit Program, visit: www. strathbogiedisasterrelief.com

Seymour Shines on the National Karting Stage Australian Kart Championship delivers high-speed action, breakthrough wins and plenty of drama The engines were roaring in Seymour from September 4–6, as some of Australia’s best kart racers descended on the region for the fourth round of the Penrite Australian Kart Championship. The weekend delivered everything karting fans could ask for – breakthrough victories, dramatic incidents, penalties, close finishes and plenty of movement in the championship standings as the series heads towards its final round. In KZ2, New Zealand’s Nathan Crang made an impressive debut at the event, taking pole position before finishing fourth in the final. Toby Dvorak claimed the victory, with Western Australian Dylan Guest finishing second in his first Australian Kart Championship appearance for 2026. Luca Auriemma inherited third after Jay Coul received a drop-down penalty, allowing Auriemma to regain the championship lead by just two points. Townsville’s Jack Larsen produced a breakthrough win in KA2, while series leader Cooper Folley showed plenty of determination to recover from 14th in qualifying and finish second. Corey Carson completed the podium in third, with Folley retaining his series lead. X30 produced one of the weekend’s biggest upsets. Championship leader Jace Matthews finished sixth, while reigning champion Brodie Whitmore retired midway through the final. That opened the door for Braxton Regan, who claimed his maiden X30 Australian Kart Championship victory ahead of Jacob Dowson. Lewis Cordato crossed the finish line highest of the leading championship contenders, but a fivesecond penalty dropped him to 10th, handing the final podium position to Dominic Mercuri. In Tag125, Lenzokart driver Kiahn Burt finally broke through for his first official Australian Kart Championship victory. The result brought him to within eight points of series leader Harrison Hoey. Hoey drove strongly to finish second after starting sixth, while Dallas Greene took third. Praga driver Ryan Uhlmann also made his way through the

field, moving from eighth to finish fourth. KA3 Senior delivered further championship drama. Arrow driver Zach Findlay had taken over the series lead heading into the finals, but a loss of power sent him back through the field before he was caught up in a late-race incident. Benito Montalbano took advantage, working his way from sixth on the grid to finish third and reclaim the championship lead. He finished behind breakthrough winner Zac Heard and Toby Spinks. In KA3 Junior, Archie Bristow enjoyed a nearperfect weekend, winning all four heats before taking victory in the final. The result moved him into the series lead, four points ahead of EKS driver Jensen Damaschino, who finished seventh. Ollie Williamson finished second to move within 10 points of the lead, while Josh Williams finished third. Cadet 12 championship leader Hudson Petta retained his position despite finishing fifth at Seymour, while Rossi Yau enjoyed a major breakthrough. Yau claimed his first Australian Kart Championship podium and his first victory, holding off a hard-charging Alana Gurney by just 0.076 seconds, with Milan Sami close behind in third. The Cadet 9 final was another highlight, with Emerson Mills and Max Gosling swapping the lead before Harry Lack joined the battle after charging from 11th on the grid. Gosling ultimately took the win ahead of JND teammate Lack, with Mills third. Gosling retains the championship lead over Mills, although the margin is now just five points. The championship now heads towards its final round, with the titles to be decided at Bolivar in South Australia from October 16–18.

Junior karters take centre stage this weekend The karting action continues locally this weekend with the 2026 EKS Junior Sprint Classic, being held on September 19–20 at Eastern Lions Kart Club. Some of the country’s best junior karters will compete for the Champion of Champions title, with EKS supporting the event and the next

generation of Australian racers. For local families and motorsport fans, it is a chance to see junior karting up close, with spectators welcome and no admission charge. Why not head out to Hilldene and check out the action? The speed, close racing and atmosphere make karting an exciting day out, and it is a great opportunity to support young competitors at the grassroots level of Australian motorsport. ________________________________________

2026 EKS Junior Sprint Classic Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 September 2026 Eastern Lions Kart Club 1005 Seymour-Toobrac Road, Hilldene, VIC 3660 Spectators welcome – free admission. Come along and support the next generation of Australian karting talent.

Image Below: HIGH-SPEED ACTION: Karts battle it out at speed during the Australian Kart Championship's recent round at Seymour.

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Contribute to the next Avenel Community Plan Avenel Active is seeking expressions of interest from members and residents to establish a working group to develop the next four-year Avenel Community Plan. Avenel Active is supported by Strathbogie Shire Council to undertake community consultation every four years to identify actions for inclusion in the Community Plan. Once endorsed by Council the Plan guides Avenel Active’s projects and advocacy for the next four years.

From Irish Roots To An Australian Citizen Helena Hughes celebrates becoming an Australian citizen in the community she calls home For Helena Grace Hughes, becoming an Australian citizen was a proud and deeply personal moment – one that brought together her Irish heritage, her family, her upbringing in Nagambie and the community she has always considered home. Helena was one of 16 people who officially became Australian citizens at a special citizenship ceremony held in Euroa, surrounded by family, friends and community representatives. While the ceremony marked a significant new chapter, Helena’s story is already deeply woven into the Nagambie community. Growing up in Nagambie, Helena attended St Joseph’s Primary School before continuing her education at International School in Kilmore and Gisborne Secondary College. She now lives with her parents and remains closely connected to her three sisters, family and friends. Her Irish heritage is also an important part of her family story. “I’m very proud of my Irish heritage and where my family has come from,” Helena said. “But Australia is home. Nagambie is home. I’ve grown up here, gone to school here, made friendships here and had so many opportunities because of the community around me.” Family has always been central to Helena’s life, with her three sisters sharing many of the experiences that have shaped their family. “Having three sisters means there has never really been a quiet moment,” Helena joked. “We’ve grown up doing everything together, and they have been a really important part of my life. Having my family there to share the citizenship ceremony with me made the day even more special.” Helena’s connection to the region extends beyond school and family. She has also developed a strong connection with the equine industry, an important part of the lifestyle and economy of communities throughout the Nagambie and Strathbogie region.

For Helena, horses have provided more than a passion – they have been a way of connecting with people and becoming part of the wider community. “The equine industry is such a big part of regional life,” she said. “You meet people from all walks of life through horses. There is a real sense of community, and people are always willing to help each other. I think that is one of the things I love most about living in a regional town.” The citizenship ceremony brought together people from a diverse range of backgrounds, with the 16 new citizens representing countries including Ireland, the United Kingdom, South Korea, France, the Philippines, New Zealand, South Africa, Vietnam, Argentina, Thailand and Indonesia. For Helena, there was something particularly meaningful about making the Australian Citizenship Pledge alongside people who had travelled very different paths to reach the same moment. “Everyone had their own story about how they came to be there,” she said. “That was really special. We all came from different backgrounds, but on that day we were all making the same commitment to Australia.” The ceremony also featured a performance of the Australian National Anthem by Euroa local Mia Rieusset. Strathbogie Shire Mayor Cr Scott Jeffery said it was an honour to share such an important milestone with the new citizens and their families. “Citizenship ceremonies are always incredibly meaningful occasions, not only for those becoming citizens but for the family members and friends who have supported them along the way,” Cr Jeffery said. “Each of our new citizens brings their own experiences, traditions and perspectives to our community, strengthening the vibrant and welcoming place we are proud to call home.” Each new citizen received an Australian citizenship certificate and a native plant to commemorate the occasion.

For Helena, the plant provided a fitting symbol for what citizenship means to her. “I thought the native plant was a beautiful touch,” she said. “It represents putting down roots, and I feel like I’ve already done that here. Becoming an Australian citizen is another way of recognising that this is where I belong.” Looking back on her childhood in Nagambie, Helena says she feels fortunate to have grown up in a community where people know each other, look out for one another and celebrate important milestones together. “I think growing up in a town like Nagambie has shaped who I am,” she said. “You know your neighbours, you know the local businesses and you see the same people at school, at sporting events and around town. There is a real sense of community.” And although Helena is proud of her Irish roots, becoming an Australian citizen has given her another reason to celebrate the country she has always called home. “I’ll always be proud of my Irish heritage,” she said. “But being Australian is now an official part of my story as well. I’m really proud of that.” For Helena and her family, the citizenship ceremony in Euroa was more than a formal occasion. It was a celebration of family, heritage, community and belonging – and a proud moment for a Nagambie woman whose roots run deep in the town she calls home. Helena Grace Hughes was one of 16 new Australian citizens welcomed by Strathbogie Shire. The Shire’s newest citizens are Ian James Askew, Su Ho Bae, Glen Peter Braddock, Justine Lynette Braddock, Clemence Melina Carayol, Cristian Agwilang Daluyen, Timothy Scott Faras, Courtney Jane Hamill, Kym Samantha Henson, Helena Grace Hughes, Dang Van Anh Le, Maria Cecilia Schauer, Kittikhun Singsiri, Kem Bayking Soberano, Joel Eamon Walton and Ordyzhea Wettstein.

Seymour Cup Packages Now on Sale Racegoers can now secure their place at one of the region’s biggest sporting and social events, with tickets and hospitality packages on sale for the 2026 bet365 Seymour Cup. The bet365 Seymour Cup returns to Seymour Racing Club on Sunday 11 October, with a wide range of options available for racegoers looking to experience Cup Day trackside. From premium dining and corporate hospitality to private marquees, trackside packages and general admission, there is an option to suit groups of all sizes. Seymour Racing Club CEO Chris Martin said preparations were well underway for another huge Cup Day. “The bet365 Seymour Cup is one of the biggest days on Seymour’s calendar and we’re looking forward to welcoming thousands of people back to the racecourse,” Mr Martin said. “We’ve worked hard to put together a range of packages that give people different ways to enjoy the day, whether that’s entertaining clients, getting a group of friends together or bringing the family along. “Some of our hospitality options are already attracting strong interest, so we’d encourage anyone planning to come along to secure their preferred package early.” Hospitality options include the Hard Rated Party Marquee, Private Corporate Marquees, Mini Marquees, Umbrella Packages and Bar Landy Restaurant, alongside general admission for those looking to enjoy all the action around the course.

The Club’s all-inclusive Winning Post Restaurant package has already sold out, with the premium experience offering a three-course luncheon, beverage package and views over the home straight and winning post. Away from the track, this year’s Cup will feature a free, expanded Carnival Zone for children, including dodgem cars, axe throwing, temporary tattoos and jumping castles. There will also be live music, roving entertainment, the return of the popular mirrored unicorn, a Bathurst 1000 Precinct, showing the race live on a big screen, and Style Spotting throughout the day. “We want the Seymour Cup to be a great day out for everyone, not just racing fans,” Mr Martin said. “There will be plenty happening across the course throughout the day, and with the expanded free kids’ entertainment, it’s a fantastic opportunity for families to come along as well. “Cup Day is a major event for Seymour and the wider region, and we can’t wait to showcase our Club and our town again this October.” Getting to and from the racecourse will also be easier, with a free courtesy shuttle from Seymour Station meeting all three inbound morning train services and running continuously back to the station following the final race. A ticketed return bus service from Nagambie will also operate on the day.

The 2026 bet365 Seymour Cup will be held at Seymour Racing Club, 55 Kobyboyn Road, Seymour, on Sunday 11 October, with gates opening from 11am. Tickets and hospitality packages are available now through the Seymour Racing Club website.

‘The current Avenel Community Plan expires in 2026’, says Chairperson Julie Dobbie. ‘While there is no obligation to develop a new Plan, there are long-term benefits in documenting community interests and concerns and being able to advocate to Council for funding and delivery of the community’s priorities.’ Consultation for the current Plan included a community survey and speaking to local organisations and businesses about their priorities. Community feedback was then organised into seven themes: Liveable Avenel; Economy and Business; Arts, Culture and Events; Conservation, Environment and Climate Change; Sport, Recreation and Well-being; A Strong and Supportive Community; and Traditional Owner Engagement. ‘Residents feedback significantly informed our activities over the past four years’, says Treasurer Helen Gwilliam. ‘Residents told us their highest priorities were maintaining Avenel’s village character and improving infrastructure and services. This has guided our continuing advocacy to Council about the need for improved town planning, water supply and stormwater management, safe footpaths and parking’. ‘Residents also strongly valued the range of recreational, sporting and cultural activities available in Avenel, and we have worked closely with other Avenel organisations to obtain funding to maintain and develop the community facilities that support these activities’, says Helen. Residents interested in being involved in developing the next Avenel Community Plan are invited to join the discussion at Avenel Active’s next meeting from 6.00pm Tuesday 6 October at Avenel Memorial Hall (following the AGM) or to email avenelactive@gmail.com to express their interest in being involved. The current Avenel Community Plan is available at www.avenelactive.au/about-us ____________________________________ ___

Avenel Water Forum – Wednesday 30 September Avenel Active is inviting residents to attend its second Avenel Water Forum on Wednesday 30 September at Avenel Memorial Hall. Doors open at 5.45pm for a 6.00pm start. Guest speakers from Goulburn Valley Water will discuss the new Seymour Water Network Master Plan, including plans to ensure Avenel has sufficient water supply as it grows. Residents will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss their concerns about water supply and wastewater management in Avenel, now and into the future. All residents are welcome. Avenel Active would be grateful if those planning to attend could RSVP via https://www.trybooking. com/DPQQH or by email to avenelactive@ gmail.com Residents unable to attend are invited to email Avenel Active about any issues they would like raised at the forum. Any residents with water supply or wastewater issues are encouraged to report the issue to Goulburn Valley Water's 24-hour customer service centre 1800 454 500 or online at https://www.gvwater.vic.gov.au/ contact-us/report-a-problem

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Gravelista 2026 Set To Showcase Seymour And Its Spectacular Countryside The countdown is on to one of the region’s biggest cycling events Seymour is getting ready to welcome cyclists from across Australia and beyond when Gravelista 2026 rolls into town on Sunday, October 25. Starting and finishing at the Seymour Racecourse, the event will see hundreds of riders wind their way through the countryside surrounding Seymour, the Goulburn Valley and the Strathbogie Ranges. For those familiar with the roads and landscape, it will be a chance to see our region from a very different perspective. For visitors, it will be an introduction to some of the country that makes this part of Victoria such a special place to live, work and visit. This year's event also carries an added significance for the region. The Gravelista course travels through countryside that was ravaged by the devastating bushfires earlier this year. While the scars of the fires remain visible in many parts of the landscape, the return of an event of this scale is another opportunity to showcase a region that continues to recover, rebuild and get on with life. The fires brought enormous challenges for local communities, farmers and emergency services, and recovery will continue for some time. Seeing hundreds of riders travelling through the area in October will be a welcome reminder of the resilience of the communities that call this region home. Gravelista is not just attracting recreational riders. It is an official UCI Gravel World Series event and a qualifying event for the 2027 UCI Gravel World Championships in Châtel, France. The top 25 per cent of riders in each official UCI age category will earn qualification for the World Championships, meaning there is a very real

international prize on offer for those lining up at Seymour. For everyone else, the challenge is simply to enjoy the ride. The main course is approximately 135 kilometres, with a 95-kilometre course and recreational options also available. Around 82 to 89 per cent of the routes are gravel roads, taking riders through a mixture of open farmland, bushland, hills and some of the region's quieter back roads. The course has also been changed for 2026, with organisers removing the rough and floodprone section of East-West Hall Lane around the 7.1-kilometre mark. Riders will instead head further north along Lambing Gully Road. There will still be plenty to test the legs, including the Wicket Hill climb, which is likely to provide one of the memorable challenges of the day. Behind the event is a strong local partnership, with Go Seymour working alongside Locale Cycling to support and promote Gravelista and its role in showcasing Seymour as a cycling destination. It is part of the broader work being done to build the region's profile as a place to ride, explore and stay, while bringing visitors directly into our local communities. Events such as Gravelista provide benefits well beyond the starting line. Riders don't come alone. They bring family and friends, stay locally, eat locally and explore the towns and countryside around the event. That makes Gravelista an important event for Seymour's visitor economy, but it is also something locals can get behind. There will be the excitement of watching riders tackle the course, the atmosphere around the racecourse and the chance to see some of the world's best gravel riders competing on roads right on our doorstep. And perhaps there is something particularly

fitting about Gravelista travelling through this landscape this year. The countryside may still carry reminders of what happened in the fires, but by October it will also be carrying cyclists, visitors and plenty of energy — a very different kind of activity returning to roads that have seen some difficult times. Gravelista 2026 will take place on Sunday, October 25 at Seymour Racecourse, with the first 135km UCI waves scheduled to start from 9am. Rider registration, course information, camping details and the full event program can be found on the Gravelista website For Seymour, it is another big weekend on the calendar — and a great opportunity to show visitors exactly what our region has to offer.

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St Joseph's Primary Father's Day Breakfast

activities and dress up day, Father's Day breakfast and District Athletics. Here are some of the children’s highlights.

On Friday September 4th we celebrated the special men in our student's lives. Our visitors were treated to tea, coffee and donuts for breakfast, and were then able to spend time playing a variety of games such as Jenga, Connect 4, table tennis, footy, basketball and Tic

‘I liked District Athletics because I could compete with kids from other schools and I made it to Division’ - Seb

Tac Toe with the children. Although it was foggy, it didn't dampen our spirits at all, with our celebration full of laughter and fun. We hope all the amazing men in the school and wider community had a wonderful Father’s Day.

Term 3 Reflection Term 3 has been another busy term, with lots of amazing learning in our classrooms, excursions to Noorilim Estate, Nagambie Museum, Aged Care and our Kindergartens, Learning Conversations with families, 100 days of learning, Mary MacKillop Feast Day celebrations with St. Mary's Rushworth, Book Week

‘I loved having Shan as my teacher and also the 100 days learning day, because everyone dressed up and it was really funny’ – Scout ‘My favourite thing about Term 3 was going to the Museum, I liked seeing the prison cell and the old buildings’ – Zarah ‘I enjoyed going to District Athletics in Shepp to see mates from different schools and going to the Kinder was fun because we got to help the little kids and watch them have fun’ - Morgan ‘I liked the Father’s Day breakfast, because all the Dads came and we got to eat donuts’ – Ruby ‘’I just loved school in general’ – Grace ‘Getting to find out that Sophie and Miss Gab are both having babies’ - Frankie G ‘Going to kinder and playing with the little kids was so fun’ - Maison

Nagambie

Nagambie Primary

PRIMARY SCHOOL

What Should Our Town Have? Our Years 1/2 students have been putting on their thinking caps and making a case for the perfect new shop for our main street! Through persuasive writing students have shared their ideas, given reasons and tried to convince others why their chosen shop would be a fantastic addition to our local community. Take a look at their ideas displayed in the empty shop fronts at 306-308 High St, Nagambie — Which shop would you choose? We’d like to thank Ian & Rosie Metherall for their support in displaying our students’ work.

Avenel Primary A crowd favourite at Avenel Primary School is always gardening and cooking with Nina! This week, our student gardeners were put to work creating a brand-new garden bed, and it was truly a team effort! Nina invited Coral along for an extra set of hands, while Wheels (David Wheeler) worked his magic and built the garden bed for us. A huge thank you, Wheels! Of course, the garden bed wouldn’t have come together without the enthusiastic help of our student gardeners: Adelaide, Alesha, Ruby, Olive, Blake, Austin and Levi. They got stuck into pulling up grass, digging, watering, planting and, most importantly, searching for worms and bugs! Students love spending time learning and exploring with Nina. Here’s what some of our gardeners had to say: Adelaide: “I liked pulling up the grass and digging up the dirt where we found worms. We got to soak the cardboard down with water and we got to plant more plants in the dirt.” Austin: “I like digging in the dirt for worms and finding other bugs.” Austin was also inspired by his gardening experiences to create his own worm farm at home! Blake: “It is very fun because we get to plant stuff and dig up dirt.” Levi has also been putting his problem-solving skills to work. He came up with the idea of using the fallen leaves from our oak tree as bedding for the chickens. His idea quickly became a reality, and we have since had lots of students enthusiastically barrowing leaves from the oval to the chicken coop! It is wonderful to see our students so excited to get outside, get their hands dirty and learn through hands-on experiences. We are very grateful to Nina and all of our wonderful volunteers who make these opportunities possible. If you enjoy gardening and would like to volunteer your time in our garden, please reach out to the school. Our students would love to hear from you!

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Nagambie Golf RESULTS WEDNESDAY 2ND SEPTEMBER We had 6 players for a Stableford round. The winner of all Grades was Irene Keogh with 40pts. The 9 hole winner was also Irene with 19pts. 18 hole balls went to Bev Brown with 32pts and Bev and Moz Fowler 32pts. 9 hole balls went to Kylie Carmichael 16pts and Marg Harrison also with 16pts. N/P on the 3rd was Irene and on 16th Moz. Irene was the winner of The Monthly Medal and The Seymour Club Voucher. RESULTS WEDNESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER We had 9 players. The winner of A and B Grades was Moz Fowler with 33 pts. The C Grade winner was Deb Ringin with 28pts. There were no N/P winners. 18 hole balls went to Bev Brown 31pts and Annette Mills 31pts. 9 hole balls went to Moz 18pts and Annette Mills 18pts. Moz was the winner of The Monthly Medal and The Seymour Club Voucher __________________________________________________

Nagambie Lawn Bowls New Season By Ron Byers A new season approaches and our bowls club continues to grow in numbers, so much so that an additional team has been added to the upcoming season, which commences on October 10. Three practice matches involving Avenel, Seymour and Shepparton Park will be held prior to the season start and selectors will have their jobs cut out, with so many new bowlers joining the club. To enter, check the club notice board for dates and locations and be sure to add your name. Regular training sessions have commenced and are held on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons (3.00 pm start) and Wednesday mornings (10.00 am start). Saturday afternoon competition has been held throughout the winter season and while it has sometimes been a bit chilly it has also been enjoyable. A number of participants shared the choccies and the prizemoney, putting smiles on lots of faces. Unfortunately, no one has bothered to shout me a drink so I am not going to mention any names. Our AGM has been held and Joe Gattuso has been elected for his fifth year! Well done, Joe, it’s not an easy job and you’re the man! Supporting him will be Peter Brady (Vice President), Tina Keady (Secretary), Fiona Smith (Treasurer) and Roger Fraser (Chairman of Selectors). There are a number of other positions that have been filled and now it is up to all of us to grow stronger, together, on top of the two premierships we won last season. Robert Page (Porky) got a huge shock when it was announced he had been awarded life membership. He has given forty plus years to our club and despite being made offers by other clubs he has remained loyal to the lakers. Well done Porky and well deserved. The club has a number of new sponsors as well as the older ones who continue to put their hands up. More on that as the season progresses. Check the boards and support our sponsors, as they so willingly support us.

To all our members, I will always need up to date information and stories to put in this column, so don’t be backward in coming forward. If you have a story to tell, you know where to find me! As they say in the classics, “Good bowling everyone.” __________________________________________________

Nagambie Tennis Club News Football and netball season has finished well done to all that played in grand finals, know that it is all over it’s time to come and join the Nagambie tennis club why not start with our welcome afternoon on Friday the 9th of October starting at 5pm to see what we have on offer from the little ones to adults, hotshots, junior tennis, social and comp tennis, cardio and pickleball. We will start a Saturday session with the Benalla and district on Saturday October the 3rd anyone interested please don’t hesitate to contact the club if you would like to play. Our Wednesday social night will begin on the 7th of October at 6 pm. Please come along, you don’t need a team just yourself to have a hit and giggle a bbq and a drink. Hotshots will start on Tuesday the 13th of October at 4.30 sigh up will be on Friday the 9th, we are also hoping to have a Friday junior night for the advanced kids, and make it a family night. Pickleball has not made a time of start but stay tuned and watch out Facebook page when and what day. We are also looking at starting Cardio tennis so come along on Friday the 9th of October so we can sign you up and we can communicate and work out how many days we will do, night and maybe mornings. We are also happy to announce that our President of the Tennis club Marg Ford is now a Qualified Tennis Australia Coach, congratulations, so all hotshots, cardio and any private lessons will be coached by Marg. Hope to see all on the tennis court, young and old real soon we will see you on Friday the 9th or maybe before happy hitting. Contributed by Nagambie Tennis Club __________________________________________________

Nagambie Little Athletics REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!!! Returning athletes you will have an email. For all new athletes there is a 2 weeks free trial period, please click on this link https://events.mygameday.app/.../2627nagambietriala thlete... Season commences 9am 10th October 2026 at Nagambie Recreation Ground. Age Groups Tiny Tots (3 and 4 years olds) Under 6 and upwards, we currently have kids competing up to under 14's. Any questions or issues please contact Clare 0439269182 We can't wait to see all the kids back on the track in a few weeks.

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All aboard for a school holiday adventure in Euroa With the school holidays kicking off at the end of this week, families looking for an easy and affordable outing close to home can head to Euroa this Sunday for a ride on the Euroa Miniature Railway. The trains will be running a little earlier in the month than usual, with the miniature railway opening its gates on Sunday, September 20, from 10.30am to 3pm at 11 Turnbull Street, Euroa. With a sunny day forecast, it’s shaping up to be a great opportunity to get the kids outdoors, enjoy a train ride and make the most of a spring day in the region.

cash and EFTPOS are available. There is just one important request from the railway team – please wear enclosed shoes. The Euroa Miniature Railway is a great example of the local attractions that make school holidays in the region enjoyable without having to travel far. So, if you’re looking for something to do this Sunday, pack the family, head to 11 Turnbull Street Euroa and climb aboard. ______________________________________|__

The miniature trains are always a hit with younger visitors, but there’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy, with Greg’s sausages and burgers cooking up lunch and drinks available for purchase.

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