Beechworth News

George Kerferd Oration 2020

Media Release • 13th February 2020

Plans are underway to livestream the 18th Annual George Briscoe Kerferd Oration on Sunday, 26 July 2020.

Oration chair, Karenne Thistleton, said it was important to find a way for the Oration to proceed amid the cancellation of so many other community events due to the current restrictions on public gatherings.

“Live streaming will provide an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the social interaction the Oration can provide and technology will allow us to engage with a broader audience who may not otherwise be able to travel and participate in the usual Oration event”, she said

The Oration will be delivered by former Independent Indi MP, academic and rural consultant Cathy McGowan AO and will focus on how young people can successfully become involved in leadership roles in community, business and politics.

Ms Thistleton said that young people were the next generation of Australian leaders and the current challenges facing Australia following a summer of bushfires and now, COVID-19, provided an opportunity to explore how things could be done differently - and how young people could actively contribute to the Australia they want in the future.

The Kerferd Oration Committee and Quercus Beechworth are currently sponsoring a project, which will include a series of online forums, during April and May. The project is seeking the views of young people about how they wish to be involved in developing the policies, skills and innovation which will lead Australia into the future. The outcomes of this project will inform Ms McGowan’s Oration.

Anyone wanting to contribute to the project, can complete a quick online survey, which is available on the Kerferd Oration website www.kerferdoration.org by COB Monday, 13 April 2020.

The website and Facebook page will also provide information about how to access the livestream event closer to the date of the Oration.

George Kerferd Oration 2020

Media Release • 13th February 2020

Former independent Member for Indi, academic and rural consultant, Cathy McGowan AO, will deliver the 2020 George Briscoe Kerferd Oration in July in Beechworth.

Oration Chair, Karenne Thistleton, said she was delighted that Ms McGowan had agreed to deliver the Oration.

“In 2006, Cathy delivered a very successful Oration which showed that communities could enrich their communities through strong community engagement and participation. In 2020, she will consider ‘the Australia we want’, with a focus on the engagement of young people across Indigo Shire in the lead up to the Oration”.

Ms Thistleton said the organising committee will engage a project officer for three months in the lead up to the Oration, to develop a participatory governance model through which young people can actively engage in decision making about the things which matter to them most.

Expressions of interest for the project position are currently being received. Anyone interested in the position should contact Karenne Thistleton by email at kerferd.oration@gmail.com or by telephone on 0490 013 921 by COB Tuesday, 25 February 2020.

Kerferd Oration The George Briscoe Kerferd Oration was first held in 2003 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the naming of Beechworth. The annual Oration is a free community event sponsored by Indigo Shire Council, La Trobe University, WAW Credit Union and Quercus Beechworth.

The 2020 Kerferd Oration will be held on Sunday 26 July, 11.00am at The George Kerferd Hotel, Mayday Hills, Beechworth.

Festival of Short Walks 14th-20th October 2019

Media Release • 14th October 2019

Step up and get ready to walk your way through a seven-day curated program featuring over 30 guided and 40 self-guided walk events across Beechworth, Chiltern, Rutherglen and Yackandandah. The Festival of Short Walks kicks off from Monday 14th and goes through to Sunday 20th of October. Join local guides as they share the region’s best stories while walking through iconic landscapes that are rich in nature, arts and culture, food and wine.

“Exploring the unique natural scenery of this area is best done on foot,” Indigo Shire Council Mayor Councillor Bernard Gaffney said. “Take the time to learn about the significant heritage of our streetscapes and hear the stories of personalities that have helped shaped our nation’s cultural identity, and of course top it all off with some of the best brewed beer and handcrafted wine that our region is renowned for.”

Wake up to a wellness walk ‘Lake Labyrinth’ at Lake Sambell in Beechworth before heading out on a forage and feast adventure along the Murray River near Rutherglen for lunch. Saunter into the afternoon exploring the main street of Yackandandah and then roam through Chiltern Mt-Pilot National Park in search of spring- time wildflowers. Finish the week atop Beechworth’s glorious granite boulders, sipping a drop of Beechworth’s finest wine, while you share a story or two of your own.

Each of the guided and self-guided walks vary in the time and fitness required and are graded using the Australian Walking Grading System. Take a 30 minute stroll through the main street of Yackandandah or take on a 7km amble through the Beechworth Gorge to Woolshed Falls. Walkers can take on as little or as much as they desire as the program is designed so walkers can enjoy a number of walks before rewarding their efforts afterwards.

Step into the Beechworth Walk Hub at the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre to collect individual walk maps and the festival program which has been designed for walkers to enjoy a variety of walk events across the region. Visitors can also purchase tickets at the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre or visit the Festival of Short Walks website: walkhighcountry.com.au/festival-of-short-walks.

2019 Community Satisfaction Survey Results Released

Media Release • 10th July 2019

Indigo Shire Council today welcomed the results of the annual Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey.

The survey is conducted across the whole state by the Victorian Government for Local Government Councils each year in February and March.

Indigo Shire Council received an overall performance score of 61, which is consistent with last year’s survey results, higher than the state-wide average (60) and significantly higher than the average rating for councils in the small rural group (58).

Of the core measures rated in the survey Indigo Shire Council received the following ratings:

• Community Consultation increased one point to 60
• Advocacy and Overall Council Direction remained consistent at 56 and 53 respectively
• Making Community Decisions increased two points to 58
• Sealed Local Roads was significantly higher at 60, a four-point increase on last year’s survey
• Customer Service was down three points on the previous year, with a score of 68

Indigo Shire Mayor, Councillor Bernard Gaffney, said that the Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey provides valuable insights into how Council is serving the local community and areas for improvement.

“To be rated higher than the state-wide average and significantly higher than the average rating for councils in the small rural group is an excellent result – it means we are really punching above our weight,” Cr Gaffney said.

“Indigo Shire also scored significantly higher than the state-wide average in the areas of consultation and engagement, making community decisions and sealed local roads – which is quite remarkable for a small rural council with a limited operating budget.

“Of course, there is always more work to be done. We note the drop in our customer service rating and we’ll be looking at ways to improve this in the year ahead to ensure we are meeting the needs of our community.

“I thank everyone who took part in the survey. Feedback from the community is absolutely vital in guiding our decision-making processes and improving the way we do business.”

The Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey seeks community views on overall performance with benchmarking against state-wide and council group results. The survey also asks for feedback in the areas of Community Consultation, Advocacy, Making Community Decisions, Sealed Local Roads, Customer Service and Overall Council Direction.  The survey is conducted over the phone, with a sample size of 400 residents selected randomly.
For a summary of core measures, see media release attached.

To view the complete survey results visit: www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au/CSS2019

'Still, Life...' Discovering Solace in the Beauty of Every Day

Media Release • 17th May 2019

This year’s Kerferd Oration will be delivered by writer, director, performer – and dedicated walker - Ailsa Piper.

Ailsa has navigated solitary trails in Australia, Spain and France, sometimes walking alone for weeks at a time. When she’s not on the roads, Ailsa is writing - plays, books, newspaper articles, poetry, and letters. Lots of letters. Ailsa uses every medium she can to celebrate creativity, walking, landscapes, connection and friendship.

“We have the capacity as communities and as individuals to create sanctuaries where beauty can light the darkness of our despair,” says Ailsa. “I'd like to explore some of those possibilities in Beechworth.”

“I’m a naturally sunny person but I’ve also experienced loss quite frequently through my life. I thought I was experienced at it – a veteran, if you will! But in the aftermath of the sudden death of my husband, I was like a pumice stone - nothing could permeate me. I became dry and tough, but my hard edges felt like the only protection I had. Eventually, though, I had to allow beauty to enter my days again. I had to let life in.”

“For those who are traumatised, or hit hard by life, opening to beauty in its many, many forms, can be lifesaving. I would like very much to share the ways in which I think we can allow it to heal us - and to heal communities.

Ailsa Piper was a co-winner of the Patrick White Playwright’s Award for her script Small Mercies in 2001 and co-adapted Bell Shakespeare’s acclaimed version of The Duchess of Malfi in 2012.

She published her first book, Sinning Across Spain in 2012. Her most recent book, co- authored with Tony Doherty, is THE ATTACHMENT: Letters From A Most Unlikely Friendship.

Ailsa has judged the NSW and Victorian Premier's Literary Awards seven times. She is an accomplished moderator of conversations and panels, and writes journalism and opinion pieces for newspapers and magazines. She also writes and performs Wordwalks – monologues celebrating poetry, walking and landscape.

Kerferd Oration

The George Briscoe Kerferd Oration was first held in 2003 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the naming of Beechworth. The annual Oration is a free community event sponsored by Indigo Shire Council, La Trobe University, WAW Credit Union and Quercus Beechworth.

The 2019 Kerferd Oration will be held on Sunday 28 July, 11.00am at The George Kerferd Hotel, Mayday Hills, Beechworth. A free community lunch will be followed by a facilitated discussion for those who wish to continue the conversation.

Ned Kelly Artefacts Reunited

Media Release • 9th May 2019

They haven’t sat side-by-side for nearly 140 years, but two important Ned Kelly artefacts have been reunited in Beechworth this week.

Burke Museum staff traveled to the Victoria Police Museum in Melbourne to pick up the original cash box from the Glenrowan Inn, which was the site of the Kelly Gang’s dramatic last stand in June 1880.

The cash box will be on long-term loan to the Ned Kelly Vault, where it will go on display alongside the original bullet- ridden dining room table from the Glenrowan Inn. The cashbox and table are the last two significant objects remaining from the Inn - site of the infamous siege and site of the deaths of three Kelly Gang members (Joe Byrne, Dan Kelly and Steve Hart) as well as civilian Martin Cherry.

Burke Museum Manager Cameron Auty said, in a major win for the Ned Kelly Vault, this is the first time these two important Kelly artefacts will be together since the siege.

“The Kelly Gang bailed up 62 locals into the Inn and they waited for the Beechworth-bound police train to crash just past the Glenrowan station. The train was delayed for hours, so the table was dragged out onto the verandah to make room for the gang’s prisoners to dance. Several photos survive, showing the table during and after the siege’.

“At the end of the siege, the Glenrowan Inn was burnt down and any items that survived both the gunfight and the fire ended up in different collections across the country.

“The Ned Kelly story is such a big part of Indigo Shire’s history and it attracts many visitors to the region every year so we are thrilled to have the table and cash box on display together.

“Our thanks to the Victoria Police Museum for working with us to organise this loan, which is coming to us from a private donor. This important item from the siege of Glenrowan will now sit alongside other important Kelly artefacts including Ned Kelly’s death mask and his rifle,” said Mr Auty.

Founder of the Ned Kelly Vault, Matt Shore, said the small brass cash box was owned by Ann Jones, proprietor of the Glenrowan Inn.

“In a tragic twist, Mrs Jones lost her only son, thirteen-year-old John, during the siege when he was shot in the hip by a police bullet. Her Inn was burnt to the ground by the police in an effort to flush out Dan Kelly and Steve Hart after Ned was shot down and captured.

“Poor Mrs Jones lost her boy, her home, and her business. If any artefact symbolises the tragic events which engulfed so many people in and around the Kelly story, this is it,” said Mr Shore.

The cash box will be on display for two months at Beechworth’s Burke Museum from 20 May 2019, and will then move to the Ned Kelly Vault to be displayed alongside the rest of the collection.

Indigo Shire Citizens Recognised at Australia Day Awards

Media Release • 25th January 2019

Indigo Shire’s outstanding citizens will be recognised at Australia Day Awards ceremonies across the region on Saturday 26 January.

Indigo Shire Mayor Bernard Gaffney said Australia Day is the day we recognise some of the unsung heroes of the Indigo Shire community.

“Congratulations to everyone who received an award and to all of those nominated this year,”

“I am particularly honoured to announce Mary Dunn as Indigo Shire’s Citizen of the Year. Mary has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to helping others and bringing people together.”

“All of the award recipients are passionate community members and organisations, committed to serving others in their own unique way. It is their community spirit that makes Indigo Shire a great place to live,” said Cr Gaffney.

A full list of award recipients is included below.

Indigo Shire’s Citizen of the Year

Mary Dunn

Having lived in Rutherglen for over 50 years, Mary’s community involvement spans more than a dozen organisations, including Rutherglen Primary and High School, Rutherglen Hockey Club, Rutherglen & District Garden Club and Meals on Wheels.

Amongst a long list of valuable contributions to these organisations, Mary played an integral role in developing the annual Rutherglen & District Garden Club Flower Show, bringing regional gardeners together and highlighting Rutherglen on the map for visitors to the region. Mary has been awarded life membership in a number of these organisations as a result of her continued passion and efforts.

Certificates of Achievement

Val White (Kiewa‐ Tangamablanga District)

Val is the first contact for all bookings and enquiries at the Tangambalanga Community Centre. She is on duty 24/7; often sets up and packs up for functions, cleans floors and toilets, organizes maintenance, liaises with Council and synchronises the many hirers of the facility. With over 40 years of service, Val continues to be a valued and proactive member of the Coulston Park Committee of Management that manages the recreation park. Val also makes time to drive the local community car.

Jan Morey (Beechworth and District)

Jan Morey has a long history of volunteering in the local community, including ten years as group leader of the Beechworth Nursing Mums Association, coaching swimming, coaching the girls and women’s local soccer teams, and volunteering as a member for a number of local committees. Jan has also dedicated over 700 hours to supporting young learner drivers through the Vic Roads Indigo Shire L2P Program.

Eileen Collins (Chiltern and District)

Eileen is a passionate and committed ambassador for the Chiltern‐Mt Pilot National Park and has become renowned both nationally and internationally for her knowledge of the human history, flora and fauna of the park. Eileen has been the driving force behind the establishment of the Friends of Chiltern‐Mt Pilot National Park group, building it to be a diverse and productive group of people committed to making the park a better place for everyone.

Kiewa Fire Brigade (Community Organisation of the Year)

The Kiewa Fire Brigade is considered an outstanding community organisation. Not only does it perform the expected tasks of putting out fires and keeping the community safe, but it is an integral and well respected part of the community. The Fire Brigade is always willing to assist, whether through its promotion of youth and community events such as Carols by Candlelight or its efforts in collecting for the Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal. The organisation’s wholehearted involvement in the Kiewa community adds to the liveability of the town.

Callista Race‐Stelling (Emma George Sporting Scholarship)

Callista is a 15‐year‐old running and athletics champion from Beechworth. Callista loves distance running and competes in various track and cross country events at regional, state and national levels. Her main events are 2,000m steeplechase, 3,000 metres track running, and 3‐4km cross country. In April Callista will be competing in the Australian Track & Field Championships in Sydney, before she takes on the Australian Junior Cross‐Country Championships in Adelaide in August.

For a full list of Australia Day events across the shire go to: www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au/australiaday

Incident & Road Information

News • 17th December 2018

Incident Information

Heavy rainfall over the North East area the on 13th December 2018 has created issues with flash flooding/ overland flooding (150+mm). The main water has receded along the Hume Freeway, which is now open to traffic both ways. However, safety inspections, clearing works, and Rapid Impact Assessments are still being completed.

Road Information

The Wangaratta – Beechworth Road is closed, due to the Golden Ball Bridge receiving significant damage. Regional Roads Victoria is continuing to investigate and assess the damage. RRV is looking at temporary options to span the damage bridge.

Beechworth community can access Wangaratta via the Chiltern Road to the Hume Freeway. The Buckland Gap Road is not suitable for heavy vehicles.
Police will be monitoring roads and driver behaviour. Road conditions can change dramatically in a short period of time and Police ask all road users to take due care and attention.

The Hume Highway is now open to all traffic both ways.

Information on updated road closures is available via 13 11 70 or the Vic Roads website traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au

Information - Rural City of Wangaratta

Push to put Beechworth’s Historic Precinct on the National Heritage List

Media Release • 28th November 2018

Beechworth’s Historic Precinct could soon join historical sites like Mawson’s Hut and Bonegilla Migrant Camp on the National Heritage List, with Indigo Shire Council voting last night to submit a nomination for National Heritage listing.

Indigo Shire Mayor Bernard Gaffney said a National Heritage listing would further cement the important place the Beechworth Historic Precinct holds in Indigo Shire’s history.

“Our Historic Precinct is one of the best preserved examples of a Frontier Government District in Australia. It is of significant historic, social and economic importance to Indigo Shire,” he said.

“A National Heritage Listing would mean increased recognition of Beechworth’s Historic Precinct, which we hope will result in significant benefits in terms of funding and support to preserve and maintain it.”

The Historic Precinct includes the old Beechworth courthouse, Burke Museum, telegraph station and treasury buildings. Visitors to the precinct can stand in the dock where Ned Kelly stood, visit the famous Ned Kelly vault museum or send a telegram to anywhere in the world from the telegraph station.

Manager, Burke Museum and Cultural Heritage, Cameron Auty said Beechworth’s Historic Precinct and the Old Beechworth Gaol together form a unique part of Australia’s history. “The Old Beechworth Gaol is an important element of the fabric of the precinct, and our nomination will be strengthened by its inclusion. We look forward to working with the Old Beechworth Gaol to ensure these important historical sites are recognised at a national level,” said Mr Auty.

The National Heritage List is Australia’s list of natural, historic and Indigenous places of outstanding significance to the nation. The Precinct buildings have already been registered by Heritage Victoria, the National Estate, the National Trust and the Indigo Shire Council planning scheme.

Following Council’s decision, a nomination will be prepared and submitted in early 2019.

William's War - Burke Museum

Media Release • 7th November 2018

An exhibition telling the story of Finch Street resident and World War One soldier, William Forrest, will open at the Beechworth’s Burke Museum this week.

In 1915 at the age of 26, William joined the Australian Imperial Force. From the coastline of Egypt to the battlefields of Europe, he recorded his experience on his Kodak Box Brownie 2.

The resulting images will be on display at the Burke Museum, alongside objects and diaries from the period.

With the generous support of the Anzac Centenary Fund William’s War is a special photographic exhibition to commemorate the centenary of the armistice that ended the First World War.

Burke Museum Collection Manager Linda Peacock said William’s War explores an important period in Australian history.

“With his keen eye, William captured the destruction of the war as well as the beauty of the world as he travelled to Egypt, South Africa and the battlefields of Europe,” said Ms Peacock.

William’s photos will be displayed alongside objects and diaries from the period.

The exhibition will launch on Thursday 8 November, with an event at the Burke Museum from 5:30‐7pm. Curator Linda Peacock will speak alongside a representative of the Forrest family.

William’s War will run until early 2019.

Work begins on a $6.2million rail trail from Beechworth to Yackandandah

Media Release • 13th September 2018

Jaclyn Symes, MLC Northern Victoria, officially launches the start of the work on the $.6.2 million rail trail today near Lake Sambell in Beechworth. With Indigo Shire Mayor Cr Jenny O’Connor and CEO Trevor Ierino.

A Trail to a Great Future

The start of one of the biggest infrastructure developments in Indigo Shire was officially launched today by Jaclyn Symes, MLC Northern Victoria.

The $6.2 million Beechworth to Yackandandah rail trail is part of the larger $12 million regional North East Victoria Cycling Optimisation project, funded primarily by the Victorian Government.

Ms Symes officially launched the start of the trail work near Lake Sambell in Beechworth. The existing path, running from the end of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail at Billson Street, through to Peach Drive, is being built up ready for sealing. Culverts have already been installed.

Indigo Shire Mayor Cr Jenny O’Connor said the launch was a ‘momentous occasion’.

“The $6.2m Beechworth to Yackandandah rail trail has been a long time in the planning, years in fact, and to have the official launch of this project today with the work that is happening along this section is truly a significant moment,” Cr O’Connor said.

“The larger $12m project is a high impact tourism project that will create jobs and boost the regional economy through the growing number of visitors to the trail network. It is anticipated the project will bring more than 260,000 visitors to the region, opening up new business opportunities and creating jobs within local communities. Local businesses also stand to benefit from the project by getting involved in pop-up events and attractions along the trail.

“That’s the broader regional project– and the Beechworth to Yackandandah rail trail is a significant part of this broader project, extending the Murray to Mountains trail from Beechworth to Yackandandah and on to Osbornes Flat.”

Cr O’Connor said better signage and viewing platforms along the route will entice people to visit things only discoverable by the trail. The new sections of the Beechworth to Yackandandah trail will take people past historic gold mining sites, aboriginal sites and beautiful scenery. Viewing platforms will be constructed to allow visitors to stop and experience the natural environment in a different way.

The trail will also increase opportunities for visitors to enjoy the much-loved historic towns of Beechworth and Yackandandah and it will encourage the communities of Wooragee and Osbornes Flat and businesses along the trail such as wineries and farm gate businesses to take advantage of the increased tourist trade.

“It will bring more visitors including families to our beautiful historic towns and natural environment in between. It will take up to three years to complete, but because it is being constructed in sections, parts of it will be available for use well before that 3 years is up,” Cr O’Connor said.

A comprehensive branding and marketing campaign will be undertaken to increase awareness and I look forward with much excitement to seeing this project take shape.

Indigo Shire museums recognised in Victorian Museum Awards

Media Release • 30th August 2018

Stanley Athenaeum Volunteers Chris Dormer and Andrew Box, with Angela Henricksen and Archival Survival Award. Photography By Simon Fox, Deakin University.

Staff and volunteers at two of Indigo Shire’s museums have been recognised at the 2018 Victorian Museum Awards last night.

The Victorian Museum Awards celebrate the achievements of the Victorian museum and gallery sector. 

Linda Peacock, Collections Manager at The Robert O’Hara Burke Museum, received the Award for Excellence for her work involving people and communities. 

The Stanley Athenaeum received The Archival Survival Award for Volunteer-Run Museums for their Hearts of Gold – Minds of Mettle exhibition. The exhibition told the stories of 60 extraordinary nineteenth century Stanley women.

Indigo Shire Mayor Councillor Jenny O'Connor said the awards recognise the passion and commitment that goes into running Indigo Shire’s museums and galleries.

“Congratulations to Linda and the Friends of the Stanley Athenaeum for these prestigious awards. We are proud of the organisations and individuals who work hard to give us a glimpse into our region’s fascinating history,” Cr O’Connor said.

“Linda’s work on the Burke Museum’s repatriation project has been ground-breaking. She has built strong relationships between the Burke and numerous traditional owner groups, experts and government departments, and these relationships have built the platform for the project’s success. She has led the way in showing how regional museums can work with Aboriginal groups to begin to redress some of the unethical practices of the past.”

“The Friends of the Stanley Athenaeum play an important role in developing the Athenaeum and its collection for both Stanley and the wider community. They were recognised for their work in uncovering the little known stories of Stanley's women of the 19th century with the Hearts of Gold – Minds of Mettle exhibition,” said Cr O’Connor.

The Burke Museum is one of Australia’s oldest museums.  It is home to significant collections from the 1800s, giving visitors a unique perspective on Beechworth’s place in Australian History.

Originally a lending library, the Stanley Athenaeum now houses a collection of historic books, the Geoff Craig Local History collection and community archives that are available for reading and research.

Council backs a plan to reinvigorate tourism around the Ned Kelly story

Media Release • 28th August 2018

Indigo Shire Council tonight has backed a plan to reinvigorate tourism around the Ned Kelly story, boost visitors to Beechworth three-fold and inject more than $7 million into the local economy.

Council voted to adopt recommendations made in Regional Development Victoria’s Ned Kelly Alive Report in relation to the Beechworth Courthouse and Historic Precinct, released earlier this month.

The report recommends ways to enhance and expand Ned Kelly tourism in the North East – to leverage interest in this historic and controversial figure, and tell a bigger and bolder story about the bushranger and his life.

Council voted to commit $500,000 to the Courthouse project over three years, a commitment aimed at leveraging potential State Government funding of $500,000.

Mayor Jenny O’Connor said she welcomed the recommendations in the Ned Kelly Alive report.

“The one relevant to Council is in relation to the Beechworth Historic Courthouse and plans to add to what we already offer there with an immersive digital interpretation of the Kelly Gang and family’s trials at the Courthouse,” Cr O’Connor said.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Beechworth. The report estimates that this will increase visitors to our historic precinct from 35,000 to 100,000 per year. This will help create more jobs across Beechworth and the wider region. We’re proud of Beechworth’s Kelly credentials. We will continue to use the skills and passion of current and future volunteers.”

“This initiative is designed to build on what our staff and volunteers already do so well. They tell our history in many different ways. This is a way of expanding on their efforts to tell the Ned Kelly story to a growing audience of multiple generations who respond to a variety of tourism experiences and have a passion for arts and culture.

“This will create new jobs both in tourism and other industries in Beechworth including hospitality, infrastructure and services.”

Under the recommendations, Beechworth Courthouse will be home to a high-quality immersive interpretation of the Kelly gang and family’s trials at the Beechworth Courthouse, inspired by the Trial of Joan of Arc in Rouen Cathedral in France.  This would involve a mix of storytelling techniques including contemporary audio visuals, static displays, re-enactments, tours, and the historic fabric of the original buildings themselves.

A new chapter for Kelly story in Beechworth

Media Release • 6th August 2018

Indigo Shire Mayor Cr Jenny O'Connor said she welcomed the Ned Kelly Alive Report released by Tourism North East and Regional Development Victoria.

“The Ned Kelly story is such a big part of our history and it attracts many visitors to the region every year. Beechworth is also home to the most significant collection of historic buildings connected to the Kelly story in regional Victoria.”

“We welcome the recommendations in the Ned Kelly Alive Report, including a proposed expanded Kelly Experience at the Old Beechworth Gaol and Beechworth’s Historic Precinct Courthouse ‘Kelly Trials’ concept.”

“It is exciting to see two concepts proposed for Beechworth; it recognises Beechworth’s existing Kelly credentials and collection as well as future tourism opportunities,” Cr O’Connor said.
The Ned Kelly collection is made up of around 100 items, of which approximately 90 per cent are privately owned. It includes many rare items such as Sidney Nolan’s final painting Shot, Ned Kelly’s rifle, as well as original photographs and documents.

Burke Museum Manager Cameron Auty said the owners of the collection in the Ned Kelly Vault have expressed a wish to expand the exhibition and experience.

“They want to showcase more of this world-class collection for all visitors to enjoy and moving it to the Old Beechworth Gaol as part of the Kelly Experience concept is a great way to ensure that the collection stays in Beechworth. We hope it will also allow more items from the community to be sourced and displayed.”

“We’re excited to tell the Kelly story in new and innovative ways, and revitalise the historic precinct with an immersive interpretation of the Kelly Gang and family’s trials at the Beechworth Courthouse,” Mr Auty said.

The Ned Kelly Alive Report was funded by Regional Development Victoria, into the tourism potential of the life and times of Ned Kelly was released by commissioning partners, the Rural City of Wangaratta, Indigo Shire, Mansfield Shire and Benalla Rural City.  

Ned Still Draws Them In

Media Release • 24th July 2018

This week, the Ned Kelly Vault in Beechworth’s Historic Precinct welcomed its 80,000th visitor.

The Ned Kelly Vault opened in 2014, and is a unique partnership between Indigo Shire Council, the Burke Museum and a community of supporters. It is staffed by volunteers from the Beechworth area, with curatorial expertise provided by the Burke Museum.

Burke Museum Manager Cameron Auty said Beechworth’s Ned Kelly Vault is one of the best places in Australia to learn about Ned Kelly.

“The Vault houses regional Victoria’s most extensive collection of Ned Kelly artefacts and memorabilia, drawn from public and private collections across Australia,” he said.

“Key objects on display are Ned’s death mask, Dan Kelly’s pistol, Ned’s favourite rifle ‘Betty’, the original table from Ann Jones’ Inn at Glenrowan that shows the scars and bullet holes from the infamous siege, as well as pop culture items including ‘Shot’ - Sir Sidney Nolan’s final Kelly painting.”

The success of the Ned Kelly Vault is a clear indication of the interest in the Kelly story from both Australian and international visitors. Ned, his gang and the police and people of North East Victoria are central figures in Australian folklore. Their tale showcases themes of crime, justice and injustice, immigration, the gold rush, the creation of creation of modern Australian identity. The Ned Kelly Vault is a great place to dive deep into these stories and more.

Visitation at the Ned Kelly Vault is at an exciting time, with the Ned Kelly Alive report due to be released soon, Mr Auty said.

“The report, by Tourism North East and Regional Development Victoria, in conjunction with local government authorities from the region, will showcase immersive and engaging cultural tourism experiences across Victoria’s High Country based on the Ned Kelly story.

“This is a great time for cultural heritage around the Kelly story. We are telling the story in deeper and richer ways than ever before, and this visitation milestone to the Ned Kelly Vault shows that people continue to be fascinated with the Kellys and their impact on Australian history. We’re excited about big things to come for the Vault and for Ned Kelly in Beechworth.”

Our Chinese Soldiers - Burke Museum

Media Release • 26th June 2018

The Burke Museum in Beechworth is hosting a travelling exhibition from the Chinese Museum, titled 'Chinese Anzacs and Chinese Australians During the World Wars'.

This exhibition will be at the Burke Museum from Sunday 1 July to Friday 20 July 2018.

The exhibition consists of eight panels describing the experiences of Chinese Australian soldiers and citizens during two World Wars.

It features Richard Wesley Wong, a Beechworth soldier who died in France in 1917. Richard's WWI memorial coin and photograph were recently donated to the Burke Museum by the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Museum, and will be displayed alongside the panels.

Richard joined the AIF in 1916 aged 27. His brother William was rejected from the Army because he was "not substantially of European origin". Richard was sent to France in early 1917, and two months later was killed during a German artillery bombardment.

The memorial coin was given to Richard's mother Emma Jane Wong, of Stanley Road Beechworth. It was most recently held by the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Museum and was donated to the Burke Museum as a significant piece of Beechworth history.

"This is an important donation for the Burke Museum, and we're honoured to be able to display it alongside the Chinese Museum's exhibition," the manager of the Burke Museum, Cameron Auty, said.

"Beechworth's Chinese history from the gold rush to today is one of the town's most significant stories, and this donation and exhibition are exciting events for the Burke Museum".

Meet author Glenna Thomson at Beechworth Library

10th May 2018

Glenna Thomson, author of Blueberry and Stella and Margie, will be visiting the libraries this month.  

You'll find her at Yackandandah Library on Wednesday 30th May at 1.30pm or alternatively at Beechworth Library on Thursday 31st May at 10.00am

Bookings can be made online using the link below or by phone on 1300 365 003

This is a FREE event.

A 'bold and brave' 2018 Kerferd Oration

Media Release • 12th April 2018

This year’s Kerferd Oration is to be delivered by Northern Territory Senator Malarndirri McCarthy.

Senator Malarndirri McCarthy is a Yanyuwa woman from the Gulf country in the Northern Territory. She first entered the public sphere as a journalist with the ABC and more recently for SBS/NITV.

With a focus on bringing communities together and ensuring remote communities are engaged with and listened to, Senator McCarthy wants to encourage all Australians to be ‘bold and brave’ to develop a united vision for Australia.

“First Nations people share a history that stretches more than 50,000 years. We have the longest surviving continuous culture in the world, yet our Constitution is silent on the existence of First Nations Peoples”, Senator McCarthy said.

“This inequality is a challenge that impacts the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples every day. It is just one of the many challenges facing our modern nation. When we talk about our future we must not make the same mistakes of the past and ensure that we do not leave anyone behind.” 

Senator McCarthy was elected to the Northern Territory Assembly as the Member for Arnhem in 2005. During her seven years in the Assembly, she held the Ministerial Portfolios of Local Government, Regional Development, Indigenous Development, Tourism, Women’s Policy and Statehood.

She was elected as Senator for the Northern Territory in August 2016. Her experiences bring unique perspectives to the role of Labor Senator for the NT, a familiarity with the challenges and opportunities facing Territorians, and the perseverance and determination to drive change.

Kerferd Oration   

The George Briscoe Kerferd Oration was first held in 2003 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the naming of Beechworth. The annual Oration is a free community event sponsored by Indigo Shire Council, La Trobe University, WAW Credit Union and Quercus Beechworth.

The Oration will be held at the George Kerferd Hotel, Mayday Hills, on Sunday 29 July starting at 11am - doors open at 10.15.

New Beechworth IGA to open in April

Media Release • 6th March 2018

The new IGA Ritchies supermarket in Beechworth will officially open for business at 8am on Wednesday 11 April.

Ritchies CEO Fred Harrison said his team was getting quite excited about the official opening after more than two years of planning and construction work following the fire that destroyed most of the old store in January 2016.

The new building will be officially opened jointly by Mr Harrison and Indigo Shire Deputy Mayor Cr Sophie Price.

"The work to rebuild on the same site has been pretty constant of late and while there were some initial delays with cleaning up the site and finalising the plans, we are now all set to open the doors at 8am on Wednesday 11 April," Mr Harrison said.

Since the fire, the supermarket set up business in the former plumbing shop building in Harper Avenue, Beechworth, with its liquor outlet 100m away in the former library building, owned by Indigo Shire Council, on the corner of Harper Avenue and Albert Road.

Mr Harrison was full of praise for the previous occupants of the plumbing shop, Jo and Mick Westra, who moved to a site elsewhere in Beechworth in order to provide the community with a viable space for the temporary supermarket.

"Indigo Shire Council has also been very helpful, leasing us the site where our liquor outlet now is and also throughout the planning and building phases of the new building," he said.

"I also thank our staff who have worked so well in the temporary site and maintained our customer base. They are all looking forward to moving to the new building and we will also be increasing our casual and part-time staff numbers by 15, more over summer.

"We have faith in our business, in our staff and especially in the people of Beechworth. They have continued to support us over the past two years and I thank them for that support. It means we can get off to a great fresh new start in the new building."

Mr Harrison said the new premises would be light-filled, airy and spacious with a range of new offerings. A key feature is the latest development in environmentally friendly and energy efficient refrigeration, which is the first of its kind in Australia.

Indigo Shire Mayor Cr Jenny O'Connor said it was great news to finally see the new supermarket about to open its doors.

"The strength of community has been demonstrated again through this issue with people rallying to support the temporary IGA site and the staff there, knowing that something better and permanent was taking shape on the old site in Loch Street," she said.

"I wish Ritchies and of course the current and new staff all the very best in their new building."

Australia Day Awards 2018

Media Release • 25th January 2018

Australia Day was celebrated across Indigo Shire on the 26 January with events in Barnawartha, Beechworth, Chiltern, Kiewa-Tangambalanga, Rutherglen and Yackandandah.

Each venue featured entertainment, community meals and a flag ceremony, followed by the presentation of Indigo Shire Australia Day Awards.

The awards celebrate the contribution of individuals, community organisations and businesses. They pay tribute to those who make extraordinary contributions to society or who are outstanding achievers in the Indigo community.

We can all be proud of this year's award winners.

Citizen of the Year

Peter Croucher

Every community needs someone like Peter Croucher, everybody in the district knows and admires what Peter does.

Peter gives his time to almost every aspect of our community life: sport, culture, education, the elderly, service clubs and fulfilling civic responsibilities.  His involvement in and commitment to the towns of Kiewa and Tangambalanga add enormously to the quality of life of residents.

Peter was an Indigo Shire Councillor for eight years, founded and co-edits the Kiewa River Gazette, he is a member of the Kiewa Tangambalanga Lions Club, the Tangambalanga Tennis Club, Kiewa Sandy Creek Football Club, bowling club, the Atauro Island Friendship Committee and past Junior Council coordinator. He has played music for 42 Deb Balls and was the secretary of the Kiewa District Tennis Association for 34 years.

Peter has lived locally for almost all his life and has been a tireless worker for both his local community and beyond.

Community Organisation of the Year

Black Dog Soup Kitchen - Chiltern

Every Wednesday the Black Dog Soup Kitchen provides tasty and nutritious meals to those who need it. It is a social nexus that generates a true connection within the Chiltern community for people from different backgrounds. They also deliver meals to around 26 disabled and elderly residents who are unable to leave their homes to attend. The benefits are numerous -- healthy meals and a chance to have a conversation and catch up with old friends.  

Young Citizens of the Year

Tangambalanga Action Crew

The Tangambalanga-Kiewa Youth Action Crew was born out of the Indigo Shire Youth Action Crew Strategy to inspire, activate and train young people in the community to create and lead events and activities, and be the voice for young people in their community.

The Youth Action Crew came together in June 2017 to organise and run their first community activation project, the Kiewa-Tangambalanga Mini Music Fest in November last year. The festival at the Kiewa Memorial Park included local artists such as Chelsea Knight from Staghorn Flat and the Tallangatta High Jazz Band, alongside established artists such as Twin Peaks from Canada and Aria award-winning artist Nicky Bomba and The All Stars.

Certificates of Achievement

Kathryn Chivers - Beechworth and District
Community volunteer and mentor. Kathryn is a founding member of Plasticwise Beechworth and a member of Plasticwise Indigo. She was instrumental in bringing soft plastic collection to Beechworth. Kathryn has strong pride in her Chinese heritage and the history in the Beechworth area, and a passion to educate and share it with others.

Bill Meagher - Rutherglen and District
Tireless volunteer with the Rutherglen Lifesaving and Swimming Club, Rutherglen Neighbourhood Watch, Rutherglen Primary School and High School, Rutherglen Junior Football Club Glenview at Indigo North Health, Indigo Shire Community Grants Committee and St Stephen's Anglican Church.

Rita Ryan - Barnawartha and District
School, church and community friend. Rita is well known around the Murray Valley School for the disabled, the Barnawartha Primary School and Wodonga Secondary School. Rita is also a very fine cook!

Dave Crook - Yackandandah and District
Dave spends many house maintaining the beauty of Yackandandah's streets. With his wife, Rose, other Yackandandah Garden Club members he is frequently seen weeding the garden beds, spreading mulch, and maintaining the planter barrels. Visitors and locals often remark on how the garden beds in the main street improve the town. Dave has been in the garden club for 10 years and was secretary of the Scouts for six years.

Emma George Sporting Scholarship

Martin Miranda
Martin Miranda is a 16-year-old Soccer Player from Beechworth. Martin has dedicated a lot of time to his local club the Wodonga Diamonds and was selected to be part of the Seniors Team. Congratulations on your achievements, Martin!

Beechworth Wins Victorian Tidy Towns Award... Again

Media Release • 27th November 2017

Beechworth has once again won the Victorian Overall Tidy Towns award for 2017, which was announced at an awards event in Horsham on Saturday night. Indigo Shire Mayor Cr Jenny O'Connor was full of praise for Beechworth and the manner in which it was showcased for the awards.

"Beechworth has much to be proud of and it has been recognised, again, with this award. Beechworth won this award in 2014, and then twice in a row in 2009 and 2010, before going on to win the national award in Canberra in 2010," Cr O'Connor said.

"Beechworth's involvement and the recognition our town has received over many years is testament to our wonderfully proactive and proud community members who both participate in the awards and organise our entries."

Cr O'Connor acknowledged the hard work of the community group that compiled the town's application.

"This group of people has an abundance of enthusiasm for the Tidy Towns Sustainable Communities Awards and every year they pull together our application," Cr O'Connor said.

"Iris Mannik in particular deserves high praise. She has been a driving force in collating our entry for 24 years, ably helped by Ann Wilson for the past 14 years and also Jill Jarvis-Wills in recent years.

"They never tire and their commitment to celebrating our town and community is to be applauded."

Cr O'Connor said that since their inception in 1968, the awards had grown from being a simple anti-litter campaign to a nationally recognised program encouraging projects as varied as preserving heritage, saving water and energy, community action and leadership.

"The long-term behavioural change across communities brought about by these awards allows us to build better communities year by year, and encourages us to tread lightly on our landscape."

Beechworth will now go forward to the national awards early next year.

Drop-in Sessions to "Discover" New Rail Trail

Media Release • 17th October 2017

Indigo Shire Council will hold three drop-in information sessions about the new rail trail from Beechworth to Yackandandah and Osbornes Flat in the next few weeks.

Funding for the North East Victoria Cycle Optimisation project, a $12 million regional rail trail project, was announced by the State Government in the May budget and was followed by a confirmation visit by the Premier Daniel Andrews to Yackandandah in July. The Beechworth to Yackandandah component will cost $6 million and is scheduled to begin early in 2018.

Mayor Cr Jenny O'Connor said the drop-in information sessions would include a standing display of the maps of the route, handouts of maps and Frequently Asked Questions and other relevant information.

"Staff will be available to answer any questions and we have timed the sessions for both afternoon and evening to allow people as wide a timeframe as possible to attend," Cr O'Conner said.

"Beechworth and Yackandandah are much-loved and frequently visited historic towns that will be easily linked via the new rail trail. Both towns and the communities of Wooragee and Osbornes Flat and businesses along the trail such as wineries and farm gate businesses will benefit economically from increased tourist trade.

"The new rail trail will be an asset that draws residents and tourists alike to enjoy its various attractions."

Cr O'Connor said the trail alignment had been determined for many years based on availability of public land, connectivity of key nodes, suitable off-road alignment, and accessibility.

Work is expected to begin in 2018, beginning with an underpass at the Wodonga Road-Yackandandah turn-off.

"I encourage everyone to come along to one of the three sessions. Just drop-in, talk to staff, get some handouts to take home."

For further information visit www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au/railtrail

Rail Trail Bridge Replacement

Media Release • 1st August 2017

Artist's impression of the new bridge.

Indigo Shire Council will replace the pedestrian bridge on the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail near Albert Road in Beechworth.

The existing structure, which overlooks the Chinese Gardens, was completed in January 2001 and modelled on the original railway timber trestle style structure which was dismantled in the 1950s and 1960s.

The replacement bridge has been designed to sympathetically replicate the general character and appearance of the original bridge, enhance its safety and have a much longer life.

The new design will use the existing timber supporting posts, add new steel substructure and handrails along with a dark-coloured reinforced concrete deck. The white handrails assembled with black steel fasteners echo the character of the original railway structure. Steel wires will infill the open area in these handrails to provide appropriate fall protection without detracting from the overall design.

Heritage advice sought early in the project reinforced the fact that a fully accurate reconstruction of the original bridge would not satisfy the safety of all users with its low handrails and large gaps.

The proposed design draws upon the character of the original bridge while using contemporary long-life steel and reinforced concrete.

Photographs of the original bridges have been the key reference point for development of the new design. Detailed designs will be finalised this month and it is anticipated that contracts will be awarded in September ready for construction in the Spring.

It is estimated that the bridge will be closed for up to eight weeks during construction with a short detour in place during this time.