​As a result of the tightening of the COVID-19 restrictions from 6 August, this will be the last Easy Walk until possibly mid-September.  Please keep up to date on the website for notification of the next walk when restrictions ease.

Wendy Sturgess

It's on!  Wednesday 5 August 2020 - Winton Wetlands #2
We just made it before the Stage 3 restrictions are introduced!  On Wednesday, 5 August ‘20 (1st Wednesday) the plan is to walk another part of the Winton Wetlands Trail, this time from Benalla out to the Yarrawonga Road. Meet at Seniors/U3A carpark 9.45am for departure at 10.00 am.   As mentioned in the July newsletter, members were asked to notify Wendy Sturgess on 0403226649 or to email her on wendes47@bigpond.com no later than Friday 31 July if they plan to attend as there will be a limit on numbers. 

To be rescheduled!  Reef Hills Walk
The Reef Hills walk proposed for Wednesday 19 August will be rescheduled to adhere to Stage 3 Covid-19 restrictions applying from Thursday 6 August.  Reef Hills, part of the gold rush era, was worked for reef and alluvial gold and proclaimed a State Park in 2002.  Hopefully COVID-19 will allow us to visit this area later in Spring to enjoy the wildflowers.
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Please keep an eye on emails, the newsletter and the website for updates.  Margaret Walshe ph: 5762 3906/ 0427005202 or mwalshe20@gmail.com .

Margaret Walshe and Wendy Sturgess

​Easy Walks  has developed into three interchangeable groups ... the Gentle Amblers; the
Medium Pacers and the Brisk Walkers, titles for this report!  This meets the varying
abilities and the interests of members plus the current COVID19 distance regulations.

On a sunny winter’s morning on Wednesday 29 July, 15 members,walked varying distances, with the Medium Pacers and Brisk Walkers walking on the track from the Dam Wall to and around The Hub at Winton Wetlands.  The Gentle Amblers walked along part of the track and the woodland area by The Hub. All walkers experienced the striking, stark landscape, history of the area and the Wetlands ecosystem.

​Thank you to the leaders, Wendy, Lyn and Glen and to members who contribute in many
ways. Suggestions invited for the name of our present U3A title, Easy Walks and the 3
walking groups?
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Margaret Walshe

Photographs:  Andi Stevenson and Wendy Sturgess

‘A day out of the box’ greeted 13 walkers who travelled to the township of Dookie on July 15th to walk the 4 km rail trail walk from the township towards Katandra.  The beautiful sunny day highlighted the healthy crops, the pretty township and it’s historic church on the hill.

Two separate groups followed the trail with its explanatory sign boards.  

​The first group completed 3.5 kms of the trail, then returned via Saddleback Road which allowed closer viewing of St Mary’s Church on the hill behind the town.  

Photographs:  Andi Stevenson, Wendy Sturgess

​The second group (or 'Gentle Amblers') completed a shorter stage of the trail, then returned back the way they had come.

Photographs:  Meg Dillon, Fujii Kyohei, Andi Stevenson, Wendy Sturgess, Marg Walshe

​"It is wonderful to have so many people contributing to these walks by taking photos, offering to take small groups and assisting in so many ways ... a team effort."   Marg Walshe

Helen Malone, prepared a very interesting and diverse morning walk in early July for 17 happy members in three separate groups. Then, in the early afternoon, Helen arranged the opening of the Museum and a walk around the Southern Aurora Memorial Garden. In total, a walk of just under 8 km walk recorded by Andi Stevenson GPS.

​The Honeysuckle Creek Walking Track Loop meanders along both sides of the Creek, with signage and monuments describing historic and past events. The associated features - seating, footbridges, signs and landscaping are a Violet Town community initiative. Over 80 species of birds have been identified including the locally endangered Grey Crowned Babbler, The observant members discovered two Grey Crowned Babbler nests in a tree along the creek and a resident excitedly showed us a nest in her garden.

Shadforth Reserve gave us another taste of nature; once an 18 hole golf course, cricket field and a one mile horse training circuit, now also popular with walkers. The areas of remnant indigenous plants are complimented by the Community Forest with initial plantings in 2007 within the racetrack providing habitat for birdlife including the endangered Grey Crowned Babbler.

Following a BYO lunch, Helen walked us through the productive and colourful Mary’s Community Garden to the Museum, once a blacksmith, hardware supplies and an undertaker business. We appreciate Brian and John opening the building for our visit and for sharing their extensive knowledge from Major Thomas Mitchell camping by the creek in 1836 to the present day plus the displays.

The nearby Southern Aurora Memorial Garden was a poignant reminder of this train disaster on 7 February 1969. In true country spirit, local people flocked to the scene to help and support the nine who died and over one hundred passengers and crew injured.

Thank you to Wendy Sturgess for taking a group on a shorter walk.

U3A Easy Walkers appreciate the effort by Helen Malone in providing our fellow members with a very informative and varied outing to Violet Town on a pleasant winter’s day.

​Margaret Walshe 

Photographs:  Wendy Sturgess, Andi Stevenson, Margaret Walshe

Wednesday, 1 July 2020 - Violet Town

Helen Malone is preparing an interesting walk along the Honeysuckle Creek Walking Track and the Heritage Trail around the oldest surveyed inland town in Victoria followed by BYO lunch. Please confirm your attendance by Monday, 29 June ‘20 with Margaret Walshe 57623906/0427005202 or mwalshe20@gmail.com. Meet at the carpark behind the Seniors Complex, Fawkner Drive, Benalla at 9.45am for 10am departure.

​Wednesday 15 July 2020 - Dookie Rail Trail

On Wednesday 15th July (3rd Wednesday) we will explore the Dookie Rail Trail.   Attendees need to bring their own lunch to have at the conclusion of the walk as the pub is not open for lunch on that day.   Please notify Wendy Sturgess on 0403226649 (leave a message if necessary) or email wendes47@bigpond.com no later than Friday 10 July if you would like to attend as there will be a limit on numbers. Meet at the Senior/U3A Car Park at 9.45 am for a 10 am departure.  

Wednesday 29 July ‘20 - Winton Wetlands #1

Winton Wetlands is the largest restoration project in the Southern Hemisphere! On Wednesday 29 July (5th Wednesday) two groups will be walking from the Dam Wall to the Mokoan Hub.  Lyn Hawken and Margaret Walshe will take two groups of 10, maximum 20 walkers from the Dam Wall to The Hub, distance 5½ to 6½ kms, car shuttle required.

​Wendy Sturgess has offered to take other walkers on a shorter walk around The Hub including The Woodland Walk.

There is interpretative signage explaining the history and features of the area along the tracks. As the tracks will be wet, wear appropriate footwear, walking poles maybe applicable. For further information go to: www.wintonwetlands.org.au

Lunch will be BYO or purchase a hot take-away from The Hub Cafe; further details when COVID19 Restrictions are known.  Meet at Seniors/U3A carpark 9.45am for departure at 10am.  Participants please contact Margaret Walshe by Monday, 27 July ‘20 ph: 0357623906/0427005202 or mwalshe20@gmail.com

Wednesday 5 July '20 - Winton Wetlands #2

​On Wednesday, 5 August ‘20 (1st Wednesday)  the plan is to walk another part of the Winton Wetlands Trail, this time from Benalla out to the Yarrawonga Road. Meet at Seniors/U3A carpark 9.45am for departure at 10.00 am. Please notify Wendy Sturgess on 0403226649 (leave a message if necessary) or email wendes47@bigpond.com no later than Friday 31 July if you would like to attend as there will be a limit on numbers. 

Wendy Sturgess and Margaret Walshe

Welcome back to U3A Easy Walks!  Following the lifting of some of the COVID 19 restrictions, Easy Walks will recommence on Wednesday, 17 June 2020 whilst adhering to the appropriate protocols. During the winter months, walks will be held on the first and third Wednesday’s of the month, close to Benalla and of shorter duration ... late morning walk followed by BYO lunch.

Wednesday 17th June 2020 - Wangaratta
Our first modified Easy Walk will be held on Wednesday 17th June at Wangaratta.   The walk will start at the Scout Park in Vincent Road and the group will walk along the One Mile creek trail northwards and return for a total of approximately 5-6 kms.
We will meet at the car park behind the Senior Citizen’s Building at 9.45am for a 10am departure.  Please bring your own lunch to have at the conclusion of the walk.
Those wishing to participate are asked to contact Wendy Sturgess no later than Friday 12th June on 0403226649 (leave message if necessary).   Maximum numbers will be dictated by the regulations operating on the day and there will be limited car-pooling.

Wednesday, 1 July 2020 - Violet Town
Helen Malone is preparing an interesting walk along the Honeysuckle Creek Walking Track and the Heritage Trail around the oldest surveyed inland town in Victoria followed by BYO lunch. Please confirm your attendance by Monday, 29 June ‘20 with Margaret Walshe 57623906/0427005202 or mwalshe20@gmail.com. Meet at the carpark behind the Seniors Complex, Fawkner Drive, Benalla at 9.45am for 10am departure.

Proposed Walks
Wednesday, 15 July 2020 - Dookie Rail Trail
August 2020 - Winton Wetlands Walking Track
Springtime 2020 - Warby-Ovens National Park

Wendy and I look forward to seeing you in our great outdoors enjoying each another’s company.

Do you have a walk you would like to share with our group? Speak with Wendy or Margaret.
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Wendy Sturgess and Margaret Walsh

Our first modified Easy Walk will be held on 17th June at Wangaratta.   The walk will start at the Scout Park in Vincent Road and the group will walk along the One Mile creek trail northwards and return for a total of approximately 5-6 kms.

We will meet at the car park behind the Senior Citizen’s Building at 9.45am for a 10am departure.  Please bring your own lunch to have at the conclusion of the walk.

Those wishing to participate are asked to contact Wendy Sturgess no later than Friday 12th June on 0403226649 ( leave message if necessary).   Maximum numbers will be dictated by the regulations operating on the day and there will be limited car pooling.
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Wendy Sturgess
Margaret Walshe

Photos: Margaret Walshe

T​he May 2020 U3A Easy Walk was scheduled to take us to the historic town of  Beechworth that dates back to Victoria’s gold rush era.

The town offers many nationally significant buildings, magnificent old avenues and a large number of parks and gardens.  Plantings of the trees began in the 1860’s, many are protected by heritage regulations. The morning walk would have taken us through this area of the town; the Chinese Gardens and by Lake Sambell, originally the site of The Rocky Mountain Mining site.

The afternoon walk plan was to explore the various walks around the precinct of Mayday Hills, a decommissioned State Lunatic Asylum. The main building, which dates back to 1867, has been declared architecturally significant by the Heritage Trust of Victoria as a fine example of Italianate-style; many of the 67 other original buildings remain. The gardens cover an area of 27 acres, planted in the late 19th century as a botanical setting of exotic trees and shrubs donated by the Royal Botanical Gardens in Melbourne. The National Trust (Victoria) has classified over 200 Mayday Hills’ trees as significant.

The return drive would have been through part of the rugged Beechworth Historic Park along the scenic Gorge Rd overlooking Beechworth.

If you are interested in further information on the History of Beechworth, Walks, Mayday Hills, go to explorebeechworth.com.au then click on menu for sub-headings. If your interest is in the names of the Mayday Hills’ 200 trees classified by the National Trust (Victoria) go to explorebeechworth.com.au click on menu, click on Beechworth Treescape then download Treescape brochure.

Gone Missing: A CD of “Wildflowers in the Reef Hills, Benalla” by Vaughan Cowan; contains around 90 wildflowers recorded by Vaughan and Marion Cowan over the decades. If you find this CD, it would be appreciated if you could please return it to Margaret Walshe when convenient.
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Wendy Sturgess
Margaret Walshe

On Wednesday 18 March, Benalla U3A asked Convenors to make a decision on future programs. U3A Easy Walks Convenors, Wendy Sturgess and Margaret Walshe have decided to postpone scheduled Easy Walks due to the COVID 19 Pandemic.

This is a precautionary measure as we cannot ensure we can fully comply with the recommended protocols.  It has meant the postponement of two previously advertised walks– the first on April 1 along One Mile Creek, Wangaratta, the second on May 6 to see Beechworth’s Mayday Hills and Lake Sambell in autumn splendour.

We hope this will be a short term situation and walks can resume on our interesting walking tracks. Take care and stay safe.

​Wendy Sturgess and Margaret Walshe
​Thursday 19 March 2020

Please note - on March 21st the Executive of the Committee of Management announced the cancellation of  all courses and activities until the end of Semester 1, when the decision will be reviewed.  

Beechworth offers magnificent old Avenues and a large number of Parks and Gardens with plantings which began in the 1860’s, many protected by heritage regulations.  The morning walk will take us through this area by the town and Lake Sambell.  The afternoon walk will be around the precinct of Mayday Hills, the main building dates back to 1867.  The gardens cover an area of 27 acres; they were planted in the late 19th century as a botanical setting of exotic trees and shrubs donated by the Royal Botanical Gardens in Melbourne; set against a backdrop of magnificent native trees.  The National Trust (Victoria) has classified over 200 Mayday Hills trees as significant. For a list of these trees go to explore beechworth/treescape

Wendy Sturgess and Margaret Walshe

Fifteen intrepid walkers arrived in light rain at the Yarrawonga Weir on 4 March to walk over the Weir then downstream of the Murray River to Gorman Park NSW. We heard and sighted numerous water and land birds; several curious kangaroos and the marvelled at the spectacular bark on the ancient gum trees.

As steady rain had set in, we lunched under cover by Lake Mulwala and made the unanimous decision to cancel the afternoon walk due to inclement weather. Not to be deterred, we proceeded to Rich Glen Cafe for coffee and cake plus the purchased of olive oil and other products. Not entirely a day we had planned but we all welcomed the substantial rain.

Margaret Walshe

Photographs:  Wendy Sturgess and Margaret Walshe

Coming up on Wednesday 1st April, the group will walk the One Mile Creek Trail from the City of Wangaratta towards the King Valley.  The walk will start at the Scout Park in Vincent Road and follow the One Mile Creek towards the King Valley for 6 to 8 kilometres.  Meet at 10 am in the Seniors Community Centre Car Park.

For further information, contact Wendy Sturgess on 0403226649 .  Please let Wendy know at least three days beforehand (29 March) if you will be attending. 

Wendy Sturgess 

Wednesday 4 March 2020, Murray River, Mulwala & Yarrawonga

The proposed trip to Bright & Mt Buffalo has been postponed due to the bushfires. The March walk will now be along the Murray River downstream of the Yarrawonga Weir. The walking trails will take us into typical red gum forests with shady statuesque trees along the mighty Murray River. Please confirm your attendance by Monday, 2 March with Margaret Walshe, 57623906/0427 005 202 or mwalshe20@gmail.com Meet at the Seniors Complex, Fawckner Drive carpark at 9.00 am.

If new members are unsure of their ability for these walks, please check with the Convenors. There will be an opportunity for a car shuttle on this first walk of the year.
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In case of an emergency, please add phone numbers of Convenors to your mobile phone contacts: Wendy Sturgess 0403 226 649; Margaret Walshe 0427 005 202
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Convenors:   Wendy Sturgess and Margaret Walshe

The last walk for 2019 was a leisurely stroll along part of the Benalla Walking Track followed by a delicious shared morning tea and a discussion on proposed walks for next year.

​Watch this space for the program commencing March 2020!

Margaret Walshe

And from Andi, some maps and GPS based data on the walk..."by my GPS, the walk was 5.9km (as good as 6) and for Chinamans Island, I clocked up 2.4km, but I did keeping going off-track...
The Cumberoona took us 7.9km (so 8km)".

Images:  Andi Stevenson

Twelve members plus visitor, Bill from England, walked along the Yarrawonga foreshore of Lake Mulwala to Chinaman’s Island and return on Wednesday 6th November. Interpretative signage along the route depicted Aboriginal history; Early settlement; the construction of the Yarrawonga Weir and Lake Mulwala to the present with revegetation of indigenous plants along the track.

The top deck of the restored PS Cumberoona and Paddle Wheeler was the venue for a BBQ lunch and informative commentary of historic and local landmarks; the early Riverboat Trade and the significance of the Paddle Steamers on the Murray River.

The day concluded with a visit to the Yarrawonga Weir, 1,992 km from the Murray River mouth. Construction of the Weir and its offtakes began in 1935 and completed in 1939, the water impounded by the Yarrawonga Weir forms Lake Mulwala. A hydroelectric generation facility and fish lift were added to the structure in 1994.

A day of walking, historic facts and a cruise!

Many thanks to the car owners who have generously offered to drive to our various locations during the year, you are an important cog in the group’s wheels.
​
Margaret Walshe

​U3A Easy Walk - Wednesday, 6 November - Yarrawonga  

A walk along the foreshore of Lake Mulwala to Chinaman's Island. Originally an area used by the Aborigines to hunt for food & to gather fruit & seeds from the Riverine vegetation. Later a market garden undertaken by the Chinese immigrants. The area has been rehabilitated, with walking tracks overlooking the Lake & the Murray River with interpretive signage.

Following lunch we will visit the Yarrawonga Weir, completed in 1939; the largest of the 14 weirs along the Murray River downstream of the Hume Reservoir.  

Lunch on the PS Cumberoona: As this will be our last walk for 2019, we will lunch on the PS Cumberoona departing 12 midday for a BBQ Lunch and 1.5 hour cruise around Lake Mulwala, cost $28.00, payment on boarding at 11.45 am.  NOTE: Walkers, please meet at the Seniors Complex, Fawckner Drive, Benalla carpark at 8.45 am; bring water & nibbles.   People wishing to join us for lunch & cruise only, meet at the PS Cumberoona, Yarrawonga at 11.45 am. As numbers are required by the PS Cumberoona, all participants please confirm booking with Margaret Walshe, ph: 0357623906/ 0427005202 by Wednesday 30 October ‘19.   U3A Benalla “Taster Time” - Come & enjoy the Mighty Murray River.    Margaret Walshe 

A near perfect Spring day was enjoyed in the Euroa area by four enthusiastic participants on September 4th. The morning was spent at the Arboretum wandering along & off tracks. We attempting to identify & compare the numerous indigenous plants coming into bloom, some without labels! This was intercepted by frog croaks & other aquatic creatures in the ponds & waterways. The many colourful native birds chirping & feeding on the nectar rich flowers heralded in Spring. A fascinating morning discovering what nature has to offer. The afternoon was equally as interesting and varied along the northern section of the Seven Creeks Walking Track. This area encompasses the Floodplain Riparian Woodland with areas of revegetation & the creek crossing at The Rockies.  We finished at the VC Memorial Park; three bronze statues representing Ted Tubb, Alex Burton & Leslie Maygar stand in pride of place, immortalising the bravery of three local area Victoria Cross recipients.

Margaret Walshe

U3A Easy Walks, Wednesday, 2 October 2019 - Spring Wildflower Walk

​Do come & join us for a walk in the Reef Hills State Park or the Warby Range National Park to
discover the local parks & enjoy the display of spring wildflowers. Participants please contact
Margaret Walshe Ph: 57623906 or 0427005202 by Monday, 30 September; meet at the Seniors
Complex car park, Fawckner Drive at 9.45 am.

​U3A Easy Walks - Wednesday, 2 October 2019 - Wildflower Walk    Spring is not far away, do come & join us in the Warby National Park or the Reef Hills State Park and enjoy our local wildflowers. Participants please contact Margaret Walshe Ph: 57623906 or 0427005202 by Monday, 30 September; meet at the Seniors Complex, Fawckner Drive at 9.45 am.
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Margaret Walshe

On August 7th five stalwart walkers braved the threat and reality of inclement weather during the walk of the walking trail from Glenrowan to Hamilton Park and return, a total distance of 8 kilometres.  Showers came and went but we avoided the worst of them.  The route took the us through the upper part of the town along the original Hume Highway route to the southern edge of the Warby range where a lovely view of Mt Buffalo would have been possible on a sunny day.  There is even a seat there so one could stop a while to enjoy the scene.  We continued on down the hill past several farmlets with a range of animals such as sheep, horses and alpacas who were curiously watching our progress.  On return to Glenrowan, the group found a covered table and ate their lunch while protected from the rain.  A lovely lady in the neighbouring house thought she would spread some cheer and brought a sample each of goodies she was making for the school children – an act of kindness to be passed on! It was her way of thanking us for being out and about enjoying winter she said.  After lunch we explored the old railway station precinct and the historical display and garden depicting the story of Ned Kelly’s siege of the pub. 
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The day concluded with afternoon tea at the Glenrowan Bakery before returning to a very wet Benalla. 

Wendy Sturgess

​September - Euroa Arboretum & VC Memorial Park –  September 4th
The Euroa Arboretum sits on 27 hectacres that was previously a sheep farm. During the construction of the Hume Freeway the area was used by the RCA. Since the 1990’s the area has been developed into a parkland specialising in growing Australian plants & trees indigenous to the area. The interesting VC Memorial Park & Track follows the Seven Creeks. Please confirm your attendance with Margaret Walshe, ph: 57623906 or 0427005202 by Monday, 2 September. Meet at the Seniors Complex, Fawckner Drive at 9.45 am.
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Margaret Walshe