Falls Creek delivered a golden day for Australian cross country skiing, as Phillip Bellingham (pictured) and Rosie Fordham both stormed to their first-ever Kangaroo Hoppet titles at the 42-kilometre marathon in the Victorian alps on Saturday, 23 August.
For Mt Beauty’s Bellingham, a threetime Winter Olympian, the victory was more than just a win.
“So happy. That meant everything to me. Been trying to do that my entire
career,” he said at the finish.
“So happy to get that, it’ll be the last one I’ll ever do when I’m in form, I’m done after this. It means heaps to me.”
Almost 1000 skiers of all ages and abilities competed in races over distances of 42km, 21km and 7kms in Australia’s premier cross country event, held for the 31st time at Falls Creek.
■ Further coverage page 2
PHOTO: Chris Hocking
Stage 3 will deliver more homes for Bright growth
Planning approval has been recommended for stage three of the most significant residential development Bright has seen in decades.
BY JEFF ZEUSCHNER
jzeuschner@ nemedia.com.au
A report from council offic ers to go before Alpine Shire councillors recommends planning permit approval be granted for Bright Valley Development stage three’s 53 lot subdivision of 2.25 hectares of land adjoining the Great Alpine Road on the western entrance to the township. The report was to be considered at yesterday’s council meeting, but the meeting was postponed for two weeks due to a fatal police shooting and ongoing incident near Porepunkah.
The subdivision will be a sequential continuation of stages one and two (comprising 78 lots) which were approved in November 2023, and provides for lots to the north and east of these earlier stages where extensive earthworks remain ongoing to accommodate the development of roads, services and drainage.
Stage three of the development has a dwelling density
of roughly 17 lots per hectare, ranging from 198sqm to over 632sqm, with the majority (89 per cent) between 300sqm and 600sqm.
Yesterday’s report before councillors said North East Water, Country Fire Authority, Department of Transport and Planning, North East Catchment Management Authority, SP Ausnet and Goulburn Murray Water had all provided conditional
consent for stage three.
The report said the range of small to mid-sized allotments were configured to mitigate potential bushfire risk, subsequent environmental impacts, and ensure the proposed subdivision can comply with requirements within a bushfire prone area.
“In summary, stage three of the Bright Valley Development supports the continued and appropriate increase in
lot yield within a developing and serviced area of the Bright township and on this basis can be supported,” the report concluded.
The total 40 hectare Bright Valley Development subdivision was identified through the Alpine Residential Land Review as a preferred area for the urban growth of Bright in order to facilitate additional residential development.
Golden day for Australia at the Kangaroo Hoppet
Bellingham, Fordham claim maiden wins as almost 1000 cross country skiers race at Falls Creek
By MARY HALL, Kangaroo Hoppet race secretary
A beautiful sunny day greeted the crowd of over 1000 participants, volunteers, and spectators arriving at Falls Creek for the 31st Kangaroo Hoppet last Saturday, 23 August.
This unique event is held on Falls Creek’s network of groomed trails extending out into the Bogong High Plains of Australia’s Alpine National Park.
It is a great opportunity for everyone from beginners to Olympians to step onto their skis and have a go.
The Kangaroo Hoppet is a member of the prestigious Worldloppet series ski marathons, which attracts skiers from around the globe who come together to celebrate the joys of cross country skiing.
At this year’s Kangaroo Hoppet there were 24 different nations represented.
Notable participants included the CEO of Worldloppet who participated in the 42km Kangaroo Hoppet, which is the signature race in the event.
For those who don’t feel up to the challenge of the longer distance, there’s the 21km Australian Birkebeiner and 7km Joey Hoppet that allows everyone to be part of an international ski event in a safe and fun environment.
Australia’s brightest Olympic hopefuls delivered a golden day for the home crowd at Falls Creek, with Mount Beauty local Phillip Bellingham, and Rosie Fordham, taking out the respective men’s and women’s titles in the 42km event.
Phil went back-to-back for the weekend, and on Sunday competed in the Falls Creek SkiMo Challenge, Australia’s first ever Ski Mountaineering event.
SkiMo is set to make its Olympic debut in 2026, and Phil is on-track to represent Australia in this new event. He has previously represented Australia at three Winter Olympic Games in cross country events.
Fordham relished the chance to race in front of Australia’s passionate skiing community.
Fresh from her National Championship success and a silver medal at the U23
World Championships earlier this year, the 21-year-old embraced her first Hoppet title with trademark energy.
“It’s like the whole Australian ski community is her,” she said.
“I haven’t seen this many Australians out skiing – it’s so
cool to be here with all of them.
“I wish I had come to the Hoppet as a kid, but I’ll definitely be back.”
In the 21km Australian Birkebeiner the men’s and women’s winners were Noah Bradford and Rosie Franzke,
another Mount Beauty local.
In the 7km Joey Hoppet the male and female winners were Alberto Allen and Ivy Potocki.
While the winners get the glory, the main heart of the event is the community of
cross country skiers who come together to challenge themselves, have fun, and share experiences.
Congratulations to everyone involved for another successful Kangaroo Hoppet.
The Kangaroo Hoppet is the largest snow sports event in the southern hemisphere, and it could not be run without the generous support of major sponsors: AGL, Falls Creek Alpine Resort, and the Mount Beauty & District Community Bank.
ACING: Kangaroo Hoppet participants pass Rocky Valley Dam on the 42km ski marathon.
PODIUM FINISH: Female placegetters in the Kangaroo Hoppet were (from left) Katerina Paul (3rd), Rosie Fordham (1st) and Maddie Hooker (2nd).
ALL AUSSIES: Male placegetters in the Kangaroo Hoppet were (from left) Seve De Campo (2nd), Phil Bellingham (1st) and Bentley Walker-Broose (3rd).
Community projects funded
Almost $400,000 in Victorian government funding has been approved to help 10 community groups and organisations across the Alpine Shire deliver key projects.
The government is providing the funding through rounds one and two of its Tiny Towns Fund, to help enhance community infrastructure.
Alpine Shire Council was among the latest recipients, approved $17,104 to upgrade storage facilities for the Bright United Football and Netball Club.
Other successful applicants in round two include:
• Bright Chamber of Commerce Inc. receiving $18,160 to illuminate Ireland Street;
• Dinner Plain Community Association receiving $41,025 for the Dinner Plain Community Garden;
• Gundowring Hall & Reserve Inc. granted $16,088 for a storage facility at Gundowring Hall and reserve; and
• Harrietville Off Road Cycling receiving $37,300 for the Harrietville Trails Master Plan.
Local projects approved in round one were:
• Alpine Valleys Community Lead-
STOP PRESS: Police shot in incident at Porephunkah
As we went to print yesterday afternoon police were involved in an active incident at a property in Porepunkah.
Police were advising people to avoid the area and indicated they will provide more information when it’s operationally safe to do so.
The Age had reported that a police officer had been shot in the thigh while serving a warrant at a rural property at Porepunkah on Tuesday morning. They were also reporting that two police officers were unaccounted for.
For the latest on this incident go to our website at alpineobserver.com.au
Police are investigating suspicious fire at Bright
Wangaratta and Bright members of Victoria Police are currently investigating a suspicious fire at a Bright business on Monday morning.
At approximately 6:30am, the front of a restaurant in Barnard Street was set on fire.
Three CFA units from Bright and one from Harrietville attended the scene.
Victoria Police were notified, due to the suspicious circumstances of the blaze and the incident now remains under investigation.
“We are currently seeking assistance from the public,” Detective Senior Constable Tim Doyle of Wangaratta Crime Investigation Unit said yesterday.
ership Fund Ltd provided $40,328 for the Myrtleford Community Resilience Leadership Program;
• Bright District U3A Inc. receiving $50,000 to improve outdoor areas at the Bright Senior Citizens’ Centre;
• Dederang Mount Beauty Football Netball Club Inc. granted $50,000 for lighting upgrades at Dederang Oval;
• Harrietville Hall committee of management receiving $50,000 for improvements to entry, access, and parking at the Harrietville Community Hall; and
• Mount Beauty Amateur Swim Club Inc. provided $46,025 for its storage facilities improvement project.
Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, applauded the recipients of the funding, noting that some of the projects are already underway.
“It is fantastic to see some of the projects, such as the storage shed for the Mount Beauty Amateur Swim Club at the Mount Beauty Swimming Pool, are starting construction this month,” she said.
“This is a much-appreciated opportunity for community groups
and organisations to seek funding that benefits both their members and the wider communities across Alpine Shire.”
The Tiny Towns Fund is an initiative of Regional Development Victoria and aims to improve amenities and foster a stronger sense of community across regional and rural towns with populations below 5000 people.
These projects will deliver better facilities across Alpine Shire, providing essential infrastructure that supports the wellbeing and engagement of residents.
Grant to keep club canteen cooking the goods
“If anyone saw suspicious behaviour around that time, contact the unit at Wangaratta Police Station (03) 5723 0888 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
Second year for sausage-dog derby in Mount Beauty to bring the community together again
By PHOEBE MORGAN
The federal government is helping Myrtleford Football and Netball Club (MFNC) keep things cooking in the kitchen.
The club is among 18 volunteer community organisations within the federal Indi electorate to share in $57,925 through the latest round of the government’s Volunteer Grants Program.
An MFNC spokesperson said the $5000 received will help fund a new deep fryer for the canteen, which would certainly help make the club’s volunteers’ lives easier.
“Our volunteers do a lot of work in the hospitality areas of our club, which is the great source of revenue for us,” they said.
“Updating our fryer will enable us to keep up with the pace required to cook and serve food on training nights and match days; supporting our volunteers by having equipment which supports them in meeting the demand for food.
“Our volunteers will also benefit by knowing we appreciate their efforts and ensuring they are operating with safe and easy to use equipment.”
Across all age-groups, the MFNC caters to more than 500 people, including players’ parents, opposition and spectators from the general community.
Indi Independent MP Helen Haines announced the funding and said the one constant among recipients was their volunteers.
tertainment.
“While many people might assume these events are profitable, the reality is quite different.
SMALL, BUT MIGHTY: Last year’s race runners had over 400 attendees
would have no choice but to charge an entry fee just to break even, like many other businesses do.
“Thus, we are super grateful for
the grant received last year and, again, this year.”
The funding will go towards keeping the live music going throughout the day, for free, pro-
viding free kids’ entertainment such as face painting and games and the logistics and infrastructure to keep everything running smoothly and safely, including rubbish removal.
“For us, it’s really about bringing the community together, creating a fun day out for all ages and making things happen in town that people genuinely look forward to,” Ms Bellman said.
“Last year’s Oktoberfest and Dachshund Derby drew over 400 patrons and 75 dachshunds: it was such a joyful day and we’re hoping to grow on that success this year.
“We’re also super excited to announce a very special guest: Valerie the Dachshund, famous for surviving alone on Kangaroo Island for over a year.
“She’ll be joining us for the derby and is sure to be a big hit.
“We can’t wait to see everyone in October.”
For more information and to purchase tickets for this year’s celebrations, visit: https://events. humanitix.com/2025-mountbeauty-dachshund-derby
FUNDING SEES FRYER FORTUNES CHANGE: Canteen volunteers (from left) Jordan Crisp and Tom Cappellari helped out canteen manager, Jacki Cossor on game day with the well-used old fryer. PHOTO: Jenny Zamperoni
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Honouring our Vietnam veterans on
Long Tan Day
Monday, 18 August, marked Long Tan Day, which was an occasion to pause and honour the service and sacrifice of our Vietnam veterans.
In Parliament earlier this month I spoke about the importance of recognising these men and women, many of whom were conscripted and sent into jungle warfare during the late 1960s and 1970s.
In North East Victoria, we are privileged to have a strong community of Vietnam veterans, from Cobram to Yarrawonga and from Wangaratta to Bright.
Each year, we gather to pay tribute to their courage, resilience and the quiet dignity with which they have carried the burden of war.
Long Tan Day reminds us to set aside political debate and honour those who served when their country called.
We do not glorify war, but we must never forget the individuals who bore its weight - their service was not a choice but a duty.
Their legacy deserves our respect, our remembrance and our support.
Tim McCurdy, Nationals’ MP for Ovens Valley
Memories of Moscow Olympics flood back
I read with interest the story on Bright’s Bill Scott (Myrtleford Times/Alpine Observer, August 13), who competed for Australia at the Moscow Olympics.
I also went to the Moscow Olympics, but as a spectator.
My friend Mike Hession, who was a long time teacher in Wangaratta, suggested in 1976 when the Montreal Olympics were on that we should take 12 months leave from the education department and go to the Moscow Olympics.
We got our leave and had packed up houses and were preparing to leave in early 1980 when boycotts were being talked about.
The only way we could go as tourists was with a tour company in Australia that had the rights.
So we opted for a tour that left Frankfurt in early August to Moscow flying Aeroflot.
We had 10 days in Moscow just for the latter part of the Games program.
We were accommodated in university digs along with spec-
tators from other countries.
We met British, French, Swedish, Swiss and of course Russian spectators as well as Muscovites.
Everyone was very friendly.
We had a great cultural program which included SwanLake at the Kremlin Theatre plus the Moscow Circus.
Sporting highlights included seeing Sebastian Coe win the 1500 metres final.
We also saw Australian Rick Mitchell win silver in the 200 sprint.
I recall a jubilant Rob DeCastella entering the huge stadium for a top 10 finish in the marathon.
One of our group knew the ABC commentator Norman May, who excitedly met our group as Michelle Ford had just won gold in the pool.
His famous cry of Gold Gold Gold! Gold for Australia was born.
I found it very curious that Australia’s Prime Minister in 1980, Malcolm Fraser, decided in hindsight according to his memoirs, that the boycott was a mistake.
That’s not what the current Liberal leader Sussan Ley said in Parliament when addressing the Parliament and the visiting 1980 Olympians, including Bill, who were officially recognised last month.
David Godkin, Wangaratta
LETTERS to the editor must be signed with the full name, address and contact telephone number of the author provided. Letters under 250 words are preferred and we reserve the right to edit letters to fit available space. Nom de plumes will only be published at the editor’s discretion. Opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by this newspaper.
Purchase could spell end for iconic dairy brands
The United Dairyfarmers of Victoria (UDV) believes the future of some iconic Australian dairy brands could be in jeopardy following the confirmed purchase of Fonterra’s Australian dairy assets by French dairy giant Lactalis.
Lactalis is now a global giant of the dairy industry following their purchase of Fonterra and that could spell the end for some iconic local brands.
Our farmers produce the best dairy products in the world and I hope this move doesn’t restrict consumers’ access to locally made, fresh Victorian dairy products.
The reduction in competition is likely to place downward pressure on farmgate prices, leaving producers with less negotiation power and jeopardising farm viability.
This consolidation of processors raises the risk of rationalisation of processing facilities.
Such moves could result in job losses, reduce regional investment, and undermine the infrastructure that has long supported Victoria’s dairy industry.
Bernie Free, president, United Dairyfarmers of Victoria
Email: edit.timesobserver@nemedia.com.au
Post: North East Media 76 Standish Street, Myrtleford, Vic 3737
Game meat company wins its appeal in Federal Court case
Eurobin Game Meats Company Slaughterhouse has won its case for a permanent injunction to prevent footage illegally taken inside its operations.
The Full Court of the Federal Court of Australia this month delivered its judgement in the Game Meats Company v. Farm Transparency Project case, choosing to allow an appeal which would permanently restrain Farm Transparency Project from publishing footage obtained using covert cameras, installed at the Eurobin Game Meats Company Slaughterhouse last year.
The footage, which depicted the slaughter of goats at the facility was ordered to be destroyed.
The court upheld the Game Meats Company’s argument it should be granted copyright over the footage.
A permanent injunction was initially rejected by the Federal Court, leading to this appeal launched by the slaughterhouse.
Farm Transparency Project’s directors, Chris Delforce and Harley McDonaldEckersall, who both gave evidence in the original trial as to their role in capturing the shocking footage, say their team have serious concerns about what this judgment will mean for the future of transparency in Australia. They said they are exploring options to appeal the decision to the High Court.
‘Try a Choir Week’ brings singers together
By PHOEBE MORGAN
Members of the With One Voice North East VIC choir gathered in Myrtleford to practise their pitch and welcome any newcomers interested in joining the local choir during Creativity Australia’s inaugural ‘Try a Choir Week’, last Thursday, 21 August.
The Myrtleford choir’s conductor, Joe Davis, said the goal for the evening was to keep the songbook up-beat.
“I prefer to keep working on our repertoire and add new songs each term,” he said.
“This keeps our songbook familiar for everyone.
“To join this choir, nothing is easier: we will accept anyone who wants to sing and socialise with us.
“There’s no formal process.”
Mr Davis said the Myrtleford choir routinely participates in group projects from Creativity Australia.
“Usually head office sends through details of a video project for us to take part in,” he said.
“All the choirs learn the song; we record our group singing, then send the footage
in and they edit it all together.” Russell and Annalise Peters were two of the first people to join the local Myrtleford group.
“We just love it; we sing and we’re all happy little Vegemites,” Mr Peters said.
Run by Creativity Australia, a charity dedicated to building social inclusion and mental wellbeing through music, ‘Try a Choir Week’ encourages people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to experience the emotional and social benefits of singing together.
Creativity Australia’s na-
tional community music coordinator, Sally Rehfisch, said the inaugural ‘Try a Choir Week’ has already garnered a lot of interest.
“We’re definitely planning to make it an annual event, although new people are welcome at our choirs all year round,” she said.
The choir gathers on Thursday evenings at 6pm, for an hour-long session in the Hall at St Paul’s church, behind Bastoni’s restaurant in Myrtleford.
For more information, visit: https://www.withonevoice. org.au/
JOIN THE CHORUS: Myrtleford’s With One Voice Choir (from left) Ruth Davenport, Russell Peters, Rae Walker, Jen Balnaves and Andrea Howell, with conductor, Jo Davis, sang their way through the songbook at last week’s rehearsals. PHOTO: Phoebe Morgan
Valerie special guest for Dachshund Derby
There will be a special celebrity guest at the Dachshund Derby in October.
Valerie the Dachshund, who gained international fame for her amazing story of survival earlier this year, will be there.
On holiday with her owners on Kangaroo Island, Valerie went missing and was ‘lost’ in the bush for 529 days before being found and rescued by the Kangala Wildlife Rescue.
They surmised that Valerie possibly survived by eating other animals waste, and also the resilience of the Dachshund breed.
There was so much gratitude from her ecstatic owners on her return.
The Oktoberfest and Dachshund Derby will be held at Mountain Monk Brewery on
By FAY MASON, Kiewa Valley Correspondent Fay, who is also a regular host on Alpine Radio, can be contactedon 0410 738 266, or email faymariemason@gmail.com
11 October, so don’t miss this event.
I went last year and it was fantastic, watching the race made me laugh so much.
The little Dachshunds were definitely not race horses,
PEOPLE AROUND TOWN
coming out of the starting gates they casually sniffed each other, stopped for a wee, ignoring the shouting from the owners at the finish line.
Stephanie Bellman from Mountain Monk said they were “overwhelmed” by the number of people who attended last year and were caught off guard.
“We are well prepared this year though with extra bars open, lots of food outlets and the race will be the high light starting at 2pm,” she said.
Of course the week after the Dachshund Derby will be the Mount Beauty Writers Festival, again at Mountain Monk Brewery.
This one day event will have seven authors, free refreshments, and signed copies of
Where do you live?
We’re both from the Albury-Thurgoona area. How often do you visit the Bright area?
L: Once a year.
B: About two or three times a year.
What do you do for a living?
B: I’m a semi-retired yoga teacher.
L: I’m a stay-at-home mum.
What are your hobbies and interests?
B: I like to drive my van to different places and go hiking. I also like drawing.
L: I enjoy camping and reading.
Why did you choose the area for the getaway weekend?
L: It’s an idyllic place; very pretty, clean and tidy.
B: It’s close to home with great accommodations. The town’s surrounded by nature, very different to being in a city.
What would you change about the area?
L: The price of accommodation is starting to get a bit expensive. Because there are six of us on this trip, it’s been alright to manage the rental.
the authors’ books will be on sale - a great way to start Christmas shopping.
One of the authors, Peter Norris from Corowa, has written a compelling memoir ‘The Bank Robbers Boy’.
Peter is the youngest son of notorious bank robber Clarence ‘Clarry’ Norris.
Peter recounts the powerful love and loyalty that bound him to his father, creating a profound inner struggle between the allure of the underworld and the desire for normalcy.
Peter rises from the ruins of his troubled past embarking on a remarkable journey of self discovery and growth.
Tickets are on sale now for the festival at the website: www.mountbeautywritersfestival.com
Where do you live? My wife and I are visiting from Melbourne. How often do you visit the Myrtleford area?
Every couple of months. What do you do for a living?
I’m retired. I used to work as a computer programmer.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I still like programming and keeping up with the news and world affairs. What do you think makes the area unique?
Myrtleford is very clean and very well looked after. I like the general vibe; it’s elegant. My wife and I also love the Persian cake from Café Fez, we each had a piece earlier.
What would you change about the area?
It’s perfect; no need to change anything at all.
SPECIAL GUEST: Valerie will be at this year’s Dachshund Derby.
Clean energy power savings
Residents and businesses across the Alpine Shire have a new opportunity to embrace clean energy and reduce their power bills, with the launch of the Goulburn Murray Solar Savers program.
Backed by local government and supported by Alpine Shire Council, Solar Savers is a free program designed to make choosing quality solar and energy-efficient upgrades simple and stress-free.
Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, said by taking part in Solar Savers, households and businesses can cut energy costs and protect themselves from rising prices, all while contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
“We’re thrilled to be a part of this fantastic program,” Cr Nicholas said.
“It’s about empowering our community to take control of their energy con-
sumption, save money, and do their part for a sustainable future.
“It’s incredibly important that we support residents in making smart choices about their energy needs.”
Residents and business are encouraged to undertake their own due diligence processes before making their final purchase, by obtaining their own quote/s from additional suppliers.
Solar Victoria provides a
list of reputable suppliers to consider approaching for additional quotes.
Individuals will still be eligible to apply for the same rebates and subsidies if they choose to pursue a quote and installation with a supplier that is not part of the Solar Savers program.
To mark the official launch, council will host information displays at local libraries and offer drop-in sessions with staff from the
shire’s sustainability team, who will be available to answer questions and provide guidance.
You can find information about the program at:
• Myrtleford Library: Thursday, 28 August to Thursday, 4 September (drop-in session on Thursday 4 September, 10am–12pm);
• Bright Library: Thursday, 4 Sept to Thursday, 11 September (drop-in session on Thursday 11 September,
Region commemorated Vietnam Veterans’ Day
By CORAL COOKSLEY
Members from Myrtleford, Bright and Mount Beauty RSL sub branches travelled to Beechworth to commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day last Monday, 18 August.
In a moving service held at the Cenotaph in the Beechworth Town Hall Gardens, Beechworth RSL sub branch president John Eldrid said in his address to the small crowd the annual event commemorated the Battle of Long Tan in 1966.
“We remember the sacrifices of those who died and say thank you to almost 60,000 Australians who served during the 10 years of our involvement in the Vietnam War,” he said.
Among those Australians serving in the war from 1962 to 1973, were 15,381 young men conscripted by the National Service Scheme taken from regular careers, trained and sent to fight.
Mr Eldrid said the Battle of Long Tan was a significant moment in Australia’s service in the Vietnam War.
10am–12pm); and • Mount Beauty Library: Thursday, 11 September to Thursday, 18 September (drop-in session on Thursday, 18 September, 10am–12pm).
If you can’t make it to a drop-in session, you’re welcome to visit the displays at any time during the scheduled weeks.
For more information, visit: www.goulburnmurraysolarsavers.org.au
Help to shape our waterways for next decade
Residents throughout the Alpine Shire are being encouraged to have their say to help develop the North East Regional Waterway Strategy.
North East Catchment Management Authority (NECMA) is to renew the strategy to provide a blueprint for waterway management, focusing on environmental, social, cultural, and economic values to ensure healthy waterways for the next decade.
Ellet (Beechworth), Trevor Isherwood (Myrtleford) with Richard Sharp and Les Jordan from Mount Beauty at Monday’s commemoration in Beechworth.
On August 18, 1966, in a rubber plantation near the village of Long Tan, Australian soldiers fought one of their fiercest battles of the war.
The men of Delta Company, 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, faced a force of some 2000 North
Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops.
“The battle was fought in wet and muddy conditions during a heavy tropical downpour,” Mr Eldrid said.
By the end of the day 17 Australians had been killed in action and 25 were wounded, one of whom
died a few days later.
On Vietnam Veterans’ Day battles fought by Australians in Vietnam from large scale operations to platoon and section-level encounters were commemorated.
Mr Eldrid said Royal Australian Navy sailors who
supported land operations, and Royal Australia Airforce members who served in combat and transport roles are also remembered.
RSL sub branches from Beechworth, Myrtleford, Bright and Mount Beauty take turns to host Vietnam Veterans’ Day each year.
It is launching early community engagement to get public input for the first step of formulating a Waterway Insights Paper . NECMA It is hosting pop-up sessions across the catchment, giving people the chance to share their thoughts, stories, and experiences about their local waterways.
Local community members can attend a pop-up session for:
• Upper Ovens Catchment on Wednesday, 3 September, 10:30am–12:30pm at Woolworths Supermarket, Bright; and
• Upper Kiewa Catchment on Thursday, 4 September, 10:30am–12:30pm at Foodworks, Mt Beauty.
COMMEMORATED: Vietnam veterans Colin Trinnik (left) from Beechworth, Gary Waddell (Bright), Jim Dewar (Maryborough), Russell
Porepunkah Primary School full of characters for Book Week parade
Students and staff at the Porepunkah Primary School eagerly exchanged their uniforms and dressed as their favourite book characters at this year’s Book Week event on Tuesday, 19 August.
As students arrived sporting Hogwarts robes, Willy Wonka attire and many Cat in the Hat costumes.
The procession brought smiles to their fellow classmates and family members, to celebrate a day of literary imagination and fun.
“I enjoy seeing how the students have emulated the characters they’ve connected with from their favourite books,” principal Jill Gillies said.
“But it’s also a bit of fun for staff who impress in equally creative costumes and matching enthusiasm.
“This year marks the 80th anniversary of Children’s Book Week and another year of inspiring young readers.
“Many students had fun dressing up for the occasion due to the fabulous creative efforts of our parents who go to great lengths to create costumes for their children.
“From the hand-sewn Thing 1 and Thing 2 costumes to the homemade fox with working jaw mechanism for eating lunch, the families of Porepunkah Primary School continue to amaze us.
“Every year we love to see the many parents and grandparents standing in the crowd to support their children showcase their fabulous costumes and shaking their dragon tails as they dance in the school parade.”
In the name of bravery, elegance or mischief, students and staff enjoyed inhabiting their characters for the day.
Lots of giggles came from the grade 4 class, as one student dressed as Where’s Wally and continued to disappear around the classroom.
In grade 1, one student dressed as Captain Hook and maintained his pirate
demeanour all day much, to the delight of his teachers.
“In the weeks leading up to Book Week, our amazing parent volunteers and student library monitors host the annual Book Fair library fundraiser,” Ms Gillies said.
“This provides students with an opportunity to explore new books, genres and discover authors they
might not have encountered otherwise.
“The school was able to buy lots of titles for our school library from the fundraiser for students to enjoy for years to come.
“Ultimately, Book Week is about promoting literacy and encouraging a love of reading.
“Students are exposed to
a variety of literary genres and formats (some from the CBCA shortlist), from picture books to graphic novels to poetry, students practice their own storytelling skills by explaining their character choices, write Haiku poems based on their chosen character and enjoy activities designed to ignite their imaginations and creativity.”
WONKA WARDROBE: Amelia Purtell, Sophie Purtell and staff member Ms Purtell, coordinated to create characters from the iconic chocolate factory. POURING THROUGH PAGES: The Grade 3/4-R class brainstormed how to bring their beloved book characters to life.
ENGAGING EDUCATION: Porepunkah Primary School staff (from left) Miss Charlotte, Ms Rivette, Ms Davies, Madame Rupp, Ms Bevan, Ms Cunningham, Miss Jenny, Ms Neilson, Principal Gillies, Ms Purtell, Miss Carly and Ms Paul, led the way and celebrated book week with wildly varied wardrobes.
PHOTOS: Porepunkah PS
TRIWIZARD TUESDAY: Frederik Pike, Lucas Neilson and Ms Neilson brought the magic to school, straight from Hogwarts.
Local libraries info hubs for changes to aged care
Alpine Shire libraries have partnered up with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to help older people in our community access aged care information and resources.
The initiative, running at libraries in Mount Beauty, Bright and Myrtleford, aims to provide a dedicated space for older Australians to learn about the latest developments and connect with resources.
The hub is also a chance for residents to share their thoughts and contribute to the ongoing dialogue around aged care.
To receive one-on-one assistance, residents are encouraged to contact their local library to book a time with a friendly team member at:
• Mount Beauty Library up until 5 September (03) 5754 4305;
• Bright Library from 8 September to 3 October (03) 5755 1540; and
• Myrtleford Library from 6 October to 31 October (03) 5751 1591
For general information, visit the libraries during opening hours within the dates listed above.
Daffodils brighten up Myrtleford Community Garden fundraiser
By PHOEBE MORGAN
Last Thursday saw 20 attendees at the Myrtleford Community Garden’s (MCG) Daffodil Day and fundraiser, to enjoy a delicious morning tea, raise over $300 for cancer research and celebrate the return of daffodils blossoming throughout the region.
Belinda Ramia said organisers had a ‘hectic’ week, preparing the site for the morning tea.
“On Monday and Tuesday, inmates from Beechworth Corrections came by and helped us smash out a few big jobs,” she said.
“They tidied up the retaining wall at our covered shelter area and installed the fire pit, so we can now dispose of the extra leaf litter shed by plants on site.”
MCG members created baked goods, preserves, treats and bundled up bouquets of flowers, with a number of ingredients and plants sourced from the garden itself.
“Everything is for sale and all proceeds are going to the Cancer Council,” Therese Graham said.
“There’s a Daphne, Japanese Maple and Cyclamen, which
are all part of the raffle.”
Attending the morning’s festivities, Denise Kennedy admitted she didn’t have any daffodils in the garden at the moment, as she’s currently moving into a new place.
“I love daffodils...as soon as you see them, you know spring’s on the way and they just remind you of your childhood,” she said.
“I’ve got a friend who is going to give me all her daffodil bulbs growing in her paddock.
“When she sells her place, something might be built on
top of it, so it’s good to salvage the bulbs now.”
MCG president, Paul Reser, said the morning tea went very well, with online and on-the-day donations totaling $320 for the Cancer Council.
“We managed to find some daffodils for the morning’s event and people were very generous and brought some in as donations,” he said.
“The event sought to raise awareness of the MCG: it’s open to all, at all times.
“On Thursday mornings we have a working bee, but any-
body can drop by at any time and avail themselves of anything they need.
“We’ve got a store of fruits and vegetables ready to go in our new little shed by the gate and there’s also a collection area for 10-cent bottles.
“The whole reason for the community garden, is for it to be open for everyone.”
In the same spirit, Mr Reser also installed a new Street Library next to the garden entrance, during the morning’s festivities.
“I think Street Libraries
are a great idea,” he said.
“Using an old tool cabinet I found in an op shop and a picture frame to create it, the theme for our Street Library will be gardening and nature books.
“I was thinking about using a bedside table, but it seemed too heavy to hang on the fence.
“A lady dropped by earlier and donated a bunch of books for the street library, which was just perfect.”
Dave Gillieson said it was very good to see the progress at the community garden.
“Events like this help make more people aware of what’s going on,” he said.
Jeremy Garnett, who was visiting the area from Darwin, said there were no daffodils there at all.
“The spring changeover will happen around the end of the year,” he said.
To capture the changeover of the season, MCG volunteers have planted spring varieties, with their focus now on propagating for their stall at the Myrtleford Show.
CUPPA FOR CANCER CAUSE: Dave Gillieson (left), Gabriel Crowley and Jeremy Garnett soaked up the sun while enjoying the morning tea with 20 other guests at the MCG’s Daffodil Day celebrations.
Library for local green thumbs to ‘check out’ book’s about gardening. PHOTO: MCG.
PRIME PRODUCE: (from left) At this year’s Daffodil Day celebrations, Karen Gasperotti, Chris Piazza and Judy Pitts checked out the MCG’s haul of locally grown goods, to raise money for the Cancer Council, organised by Belinda Ramia. PHOTOS: Phoebe Morgan
DAFFODIL DIP: Myrtleford plungers enjoy a cold dip in the Ovens River throughout winter, and last Thursday they did so in celebration for Daffodil Day. Pictured are (from left) Suzanne O’Sullivan, Pam Brew, Ivan Rizzato, Kelly Barton and Marg Jackson.
Teaching dogs and their local owners new tricks
By PHOEBE MORGAN
The Ovens Valley Canine Club (OVCC) hosted special guest trainer, Renee Patten of ‘Tricky Agility Training’, to run her program for members and their four-legged friends across six workshops from early July this year.
“With her 20 years of experience, Renee showed us the benefits of trick training,” club member Carolyn Jerome said.
“These workshops are for the sheer fun, enjoyment and improved obedience and attentiveness of the dogs for everyday life.
“The training exercises the dog’s mind and is as beneficial as physical exercises and it can also be carried out in a small area, even in the comfort of your own loungeroom.
“When it’s wet and cold outside, you can exercise their mind and help them on days when you’re both cooped up inside.
“Our next series of classes begin on Sunday, 12 October and run for five weeks.”
Into the future, the OVCC’s new member classes will incorporate a number of the tricks introduced at Renee’s workshops.
The OVCC will hold a ‘Fun Day’ this Sunday, 31 August, from 10am at the club’s course grounds, by the tennis courts at McNamara Reserve in Myrtleford.
All community members and their four-legged friends are welcome to attend for a morning of fun and frivolity.
Special activities include ‘Socialisation’, ‘Fly-Ball’ where the dogs run over hurdles and collect tennis balls in a relay, ‘Agility’, ‘Rally-O’ and other fun games and tricks, followed by morning tea.
All dogs must be on a lead and in the company of an adult.
For more details contact Ms Jerome on 0429 770 287.
For enquiries into the OVCC’s next round of training, contact Kathy Volkmer: 0418 313 606 or email: ovcc3737@gmail. com
The new Aged Care Act starts from 1 November 2025 and responds to issues facing older people, aged care providers, workers and the broader sector. Visit your local library to learn about changes to aged care.
Visit the information hubs at our local libraries until 31 October 2025 to learn about the latest developments and connect with resources.
For one-on-one assistance, please contact your local library on the numbers below to book a time with one of the friendly team members.
Bright | (03) 5755 1540
Mount Beauty | (03) 5754 4305
Myrtleford | (03) 5751 1591
VicHealth grants open to boost community wellbeing
Nationals’ MP for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, is urging local community groups and organisations to apply for VicHealth’s Growing Healthy Communities grants.
The $4.7 million funding round is now open and applications close on 30 October 2025.
“These grants play a vital role in helping communities come together, stay active and access healthy, affordable food,” Mr McCurdy said.
“They provide opportunities for people of all ages to engage in activities that support both physical and mental wellbeing.
“For regional areas like ours, these programs are particularly important, as access to health promoting initiatives isn’t always as easy as in the city.”
Funding is available in two tiers of: tier 1 $10,000 – $50,000; and tier 2 $50,001 –$150,000.
Eligible applicants include sporting, community, cultural, recreational, creative, some local government and other not-for-profit organisations.
Full eligibility details are available at: https://www. vichealth.vic.gov.au/funding/ growing-healthy-communities-grants-round-2
Changes to age pension payments in September
The federal government has announced changes to age pension payments from 20 September 2025 including a lift on the previously frozen deeming rates by 0.50 per cent and an increase to the age pension of up to $29.70 for singles and $22.40 each for couples.
National Seniors Australia (NSA) chief executive officer Chris Grice said it’s a mixed bag for pensioners.
All pensioners will receive a boost to their payments as a result of indexation to the age pension – the most substantial in two years.
However, some part-rate and full rate pensioners will have this increase offset by the lift to deeming rates.
“Deeming rates have been frozen for three years, this has spared pensioners a significant drop in income as interest rates and everyday living costs soared,” Mr Grice said.
“NSA called for a continuation of the freeze with any lift to be modest while waiting for interest rates to fall.
“While the lift on the freeze will not be welcomed, we recognise the government has attempted to cushion the impact by aligning changes with indexation to the age pension.
“By timing increases to deeming rates with indexation and doing this slowly as interest rates reduce, this avoids
THANKS, BUT: National Seniors Australia have welcomed the increase in the Age Pension by the full indexation rate but believe more can still be done to ease the financial burden.
what could have been a sharper impact on pensioners.
“As we have said consistently and still maintain, changes to deeming rates should be introduced in a measured, incremental, and transparent way.”
From 20 September 2025, the age pension, veteran payment, disability support pension and carer payment will receive an increase because of indexation.
The maximum rate of the single age pension will rise by $29.70 per fortnight for singles (taking it from $1149.00 to $1178.70) andfor couples, by $22.40 each per fortnight (taking the combined payment from $1732.20 to $1777).
“In respect to indexation, pensioners and other support payment recipients will
welcome the increase to their fortnightly payments,” Mr Grice said.
“It will help give that little bit extra in the pocket and purse for groceries, fuel, and other competing necessities.
“Age pensioners are still feeling cost of living pressures and need to be supported through measures to help improve their standard of living, such as exempting employment income from the age pension income test, and NSA will keep fighting for this.
“We acknowledge the Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek, for her considered and consultative approach to the age pension adjustments and look forward to continued discussions with the minister ahead of March when the pension is next indexed.”
DOGGY DAY OUT: Kathy Volkmer and Annie practised their commands on cue during this season’s workshops.
SPECIAL GUEST
SECRET: Arctic gave Renee Patten (left) the 411 on the local training workshop.
TRACK TEAM: Joe Leggio and Lolla ran rings around the course.
PHOTOS: OVCC
Dinosaur was an unexpected surprise during MPs visit to Bright P-12 College
By PHOEBE MORGAN
Independent federal MP for Indi Helen Haines visited Bright P-12 College on Friday, 15 August, and toured the school with principal Jean Olley and the college’s primary and secondary student leaders.
Dr Haines was surprised to be greeted by a giant dinosaur when she arrived: the Secondary House Athletics event was underway, so she received an extra special welcome from students on the day.
“Many of us have fond memories of house competitions and it was wonderful to be welcomed to Bright P-12 College for their senior school athletics carnival,” she said.
“It is clear Bright P-12 College has built a really positive culture, especially in the respect shown between younger and older students.
“I’m grateful to Ms Olley and the school captains for showing me around their wonderful school.”
Ms Olley thanked the won-
Bright P-12 College
The Bright P-12 College’s primary and Year 12 students had fun dressing up to celebrate Book Week last Tuesday, showcasing some incredibly creative costumes.
“It was a very cold morning but the sun came out for the parade,” a Bright P-12 College spokesperson said.
“The parade was MC’d by our primary and secondary student leaders.
“Congratulations to everyone involved and a big ‘thank you’ to the parents who came along to be part of our Book Week celebrations.”
derful student leaders who accompanied Dr Haines on an engaging and insightful tour around campus.
“Dr Haines was particularly impressed by our beautiful environment, the cleanliness of our facilities, our commitment to wellbeing, the breadth of our programs and the passion of both our teachers and students,” Ms Olley said.
“Her visit was a valuable opportunity to introduce her to our school community.
“Following her time with
us in Bright, Dr Haines travelled to our Dinner Plain campus to meet with staff, students and parents.”
STUDENTS LEAD SPORTS: (From left) Seth Morton, Bright P-12 College principal Jean Olley, Jenna Stephens, Nicky Herschell, Sophie Head, Helen Haines MP, Jordan Peace, Sam Gough and Stevie Tanaskovic celebrated the Secondary House Athletics event on campus.
PHOTOS: Bright P-12 College
sees a selection of literary legends during Book Week
important message for brushing one’s hair.
ALL WRAPPED UP FOR BOOK WEEK: Bright P-12 College staff member, Matt Barrett brought his interpretation of Mr Bump to school.
CHAOS IN THE CLASSROOM: Alexis Kennedy and Paige Stedman’s Things One and Two were on their best behavior this Book Week.
MIXED MESSAGES: Jaymon and Jed Monshing used reverse psychology, dressed as Wizz from the ‘Do Not Open This Book’ series, to celebrate reading awesome children’s books.
PUTTING THE BRRR IN BRIGHT: Bright P-12 College staff member, Janmaree Duguid made a fantastic, frosty Ice Queen.
Luxury family living with development potential
This stylish 2025 brick veneer residence combines contemporary elegance, family functionality and exciting future potential, all set on a generous 1-acre approx. allotment.
Designed with both lifestyle and long-term opportunity in mind, the home offers five spacious bedrooms, multiple living zones and the possibility of future subdivision (STCA).
At the heart of the home is a sleek kitchen showcasing porcelain benchtops, premium Smeg appliances - including an induction cooktop and oven - and a large butler’s pantry, cre -
ating the perfect environment for both everyday convenience and seamless entertaining.
A dedicated home office provides versatility for remote work, study or creative pursuits, blending modern design with practicality.
Zoned refrigerated heating and cooling ensure year-round comfort, while underfloor heating in all bathrooms, including the indulgent ensuite, elevates the sense of luxury. Two living areas flow effortlessly to the expansive alfresco, complete with tiled access, integrated roof heaters, and a salt-
Perfectly positioned near the famed Prosecco Road food and wine trail, the property is surrounded by celebrated wineries, a local café and a general store, while the vibrant Rural City of Wangaratta is just a 20-minute drive away.
Combining sophisticated living with the promise of future growth, this is a rare opportunity to secure a one-of-akind lifestyle property in a truly soughtafter location.
chlorinated swimming pool offering an idyllic setting for gatherings or quiet relaxation.
Nestled in the heart of Eldorado, Florence Villa is a beautifully preserved circa 1870s cottage that seamlessly blends historic charm with contemporary living. Set across three titles on a sprawling 8,287m² approx. allotment, this unique lifestyle property is surrounded by established gardens and offers a rare opportunity to secure a piece of local history.
The home features four bedrooms and two bathrooms, complemented by two inviting living areas. At its centre is an open-plan kitchen equipped with a Falcon stove/oven, Bosch dishwasher, large walk-in pantry and breakfast bar, flowing effortlessly into the main living room warmed by a gas-look wood fire.
Entertain with ease in the expansive screened alfresco area, complete with built-in BBQ and outdoor cooking space perfect for year-round gatherings. A flexible second living room doubles as a fourth bedroom, library or study, while all bedrooms are generously sized with
built-in robes and lovely garden views. Modern comforts are assured with split systems throughout, while the exceptional shedding adds practicality to this already impressive property. Ideally located between Beechworth and Wangaratta, Florence Villa is a home of true character and charm one that must be inspected to be fully appreciated.
Modern comfort meets serene billabong views
Set against the peaceful backdrop of a natural billabong, this contemporary townhouse offers a rare blend of lowmaintenance living and tranquil scenery.
Designed with comfort and convenience in mind, the home features three generously sized bedrooms, including a master suite complete with a walk-in robe and ensuite.
The second and third bedrooms are equipped with built-in robes, making the layout practical for families, downsizers, or investors.
The heart of the home is its light-filled open-plan living area, enhanced by ducted heating, ducted cooling, and a split system for year-round climate control.
Large windows invite the outdoors in, capturing calming views across the billabong and creating a sense of space and serenity often hard to find so close to town.
Ideally positioned just moments from local shops, quality schools, and Wangaratta’s vibrant town centre, this home
3 2 1
Agent | Garry Nash & Co
Phone | 03 5722 2663
Price | $525,000
Land | 438m2
Location | 4/111 Murdoch Road, Wangaratta
combines lifestyle and location.
Whether you’re enjoying a morning coffee on the patio or hosting friends in the comfort of the lounge, you’ll appreciate the peaceful environment this property provides.
Perfectly suited to those seeking modern comforts without compromising on natural beauty, this townhouse offers an exceptional opportunity to live with convenience, style, and a view that never gets old.
Hansonville 463 Moyhu-Hansonville Rd
Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta
Wangaratta 34 Pelican Court
wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L22637260
Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta
Wangaratta 14 Chisholm Street
Harcourts Wangaratta
Harcourts
Harcourts
Harcourts
Joe McKenzie Paul Reid Hugh Amery Danial Siperki Sam Lyster
Our Vision is to provide pathways for all to succeed based on their individual gifts and talents. Join our amazing team of educators and a professional environment that is passionate, collegial and focused on learning for all. We are currently seeking applicants for the following ongoing position: Maintenance Officer
Applications close on Wednesday, September 3 at 12pm. For further details on how to apply please visit our website https://www.galen.vic.edu.au/employment/ Our school community promotes the safety, wellbeing, and inclusion of all children. Galen Catholic College embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply.
• Monday
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR COMMERCIAL LEASE
Description: Commercial space located at 119 Gavan Street, Bright currently known as Sun Cinema. Lease Period: 3 years plus additional 2 x 3-year options
Commencement: Late 2025
• Children: 0–5 years of age, including catch up program for older children
• Students: Year 7 Secondary School program
• Adults: Adult Diphtheria/Tetanus (booster)
Council’s current lease for commercial space at 119 Gavan Street, Bright, currently occupied and trading as Sun Cinema, will expire October 2025. In accordance with Council’s Community Engagement Policy 2024, Council is seeking expressions of interest for lease of the commercial space. For further information, contact Sascha Russell, Property & Contracts Coordinator, via email sascha@alpineshire.vic.gov.au
Bright Alpine View Children’s Centre
• Tuesday 12 December 9.30am - 10.30am
Myrtleford Mountain View Children’s Centre
• Wednesday 13 December 9.30am - 10.30am
Mount Beauty Lakeview Children’s Centre
• Thursday 14 December 9.30am - 10.30am
Complete and submit an EOI form at www.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/form/eoi-119gavan-street-bright EOI closes COB Friday, 19 September 2025
No appointment necessary
2017 Silver Valley Caravan, 19.6 ft, 3-way fridge, microwave, full oven, gas and electric hot plate, washing machine, queen bed, tv, cd player, solar etc. $45,000. Phone Robert 0402 688 643.
REGAL Popup, no aircon, RWC, Devenish, Ph Gabrielle 5764 4332
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
JOIN OUR TEAM!
• Monday 18 December 2017, 5.00pm
• School Crossing Supervisor
• Development Officer L2P
• Council Chambers, 2 Churchill Ave, Bright The following business will be transacted:
• Project Manager
• Arboriculture Crew
• Multi Purpose Crew
upgrades
• Compliance Coordinator
3. Resource Recovery Infrastructure Fund
• Governance Support Officer
4. Dinner Plain Village Green
5. Documents for sealing FREE IMMUNISATION CLINICS
Are you ready to join a supportive, flexible and innovative organisation? Visit www.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/council/ careers to find out more about these and other employment opportunities.
• Children: 0–5 years of age, including catch up program for older children
• Students: Year 7 Secondary School program
• Adults: Adult Diphtheria/Tetanus (booster)
Bright Alpine View Children’s Centre
• Tuesday 12 December 9.30am - 10.30am Myrtleford Mountain View Children’s Centre
• Wednesday 13 December 9.30am - 10.30am Mount Beauty Lakeview Children’s Centre
• Thursday 14 December 9.30am - 10.30am No appointment necessary
JAYCO Westport 20ft 2000 model, sleeps 2, annex, combo shower toilet, aircon, solar, diesel heater, tv, radio, everything works, very good condition, $21,500. Phone Terry 0428 398 360.
BARKER, Graham and Jan. 60th Wedding Anniversary
Congratulations Mum and Dad on the occasion of your 6oth wedding anniversary. What an incredible milestone. Thanks for all your care, love and support of us over the years. Wishing you many more years together.
~ Michelle and Frank, Sharlene; grandchildren Daniel and Gemma, Ethan and Deanna, Jemma and Max, Joshua and Annie, Nathan and Isabella and Jesse (dec); great-granddaughter Elsie.
COSTANTINO, Bernarda Ida ‘Berna’. 7/10/1931 – 23/8/2025
Passed away peacefully at Myrtleford Lodge on Saturday August 23, 2025. Beloved wife of Vince (dec). Much loved mother and mother-in-law of John and Pearl, and Silvano and Bernadette.
Adored Bis Nonna of Vinnie, Laura, Ryan and Matt.
Cherished great-grandmother of Daniella, Isla, Sylvie and Indi. Riposi in pace.
Passed away peacefully at Northeast Health Wangaratta with family by his side. Loved son of Raffaele and Rosa Scalzo (both dec). Loving brother of Maria Gasperotti and Olga Folino. Loved Uncle of Andrew, Liana, Geoff, Tania and their families. God has you in his keeping, We have you in our hearts.
FUNERAL NOTICES
SCALZO
Requiem Mass for the Repose of the Soul of Mr Felice Armando “Felix” Scalzo will be offered in St Mary’s Catholic Church, Lawrence Street, Myrtleford , Thursday, August 28, 2025
Myrtleford Lawn Cemetery. Felix’s Mass can be viewed via livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming/ Rosary will be recited prior to Mass in St Mary’s Catholic Church
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
60TH ANNIVERSARY
Colourful characters at Myrtleford P-12
By PHOEBE MORGAN
Myrtleford P-12 College’s stadium was full of colourful characters as staff, students and their family members gathered to witness this year’s Book Week parade last Friday.
Class by class, students circled the catwalk in the centre of the basketball court and showed off their creative costumes.
Among the day’s special guests were several Pharaohs, Darth Vader, butterflies, dragons, superheroes and even an earth-mover.
The parade was able to showcase almost the whole school, as many students in the high-school grades also joined in the festivities.
Those students with younger siblings were invited to do a lap of the catwalk together to show off their costumes as well, before staff and teachers made their own way around the basketball court.
Education support and library officer, Kathleen Morgan, who dressed up as something different each day of Book Week, said it was great to see families watching the parade and joining in the fun.
“What a fun way to finish the week full of book-based activities, craft and competitions,” she said.
“Some of our teachers, education support staff and our school principal Zlatko Pear, coordinated to recreate the Addams Family, while our office team became Inside Out characters.”
With all costumes reviewed and appreciated, the assembly was dismissed, with a reminder to check out the second-hand book sale on in the library for the day.
THEME AT
was the
VIKING
WHO HAD THE LOUDEST ROAR? Jacob
and
represented the animal kingdom at this year’s parade.
MAGICAL MYSTERIES: Riley Hynes (right) resourcefully made use of this epic branch to match these regal wizard’s robes.
St Mary’s Primary students get creative with costumes
St Mary’s Primary School in Myrtleford came alive with imagination, creativity and a love of reading as Book Week was celebrated last Thursday, 21 August, with a spectacular parade, based around this year’s theme: ‘Book an Adventure’.
Students and staff dressed up as their favourite characters from a wide range of beloved books: from classic tales like Harry Potter, Matilda, Wizard of Oz and The Bad Guys.
“It was a joy to see the creativity that went into every costume.”
“There were lots of different characters, some students brought props or hand-made accessories and some others worked in pairs or groups to represent entire book scenes,” St Mary’s librarian Lucia Southern said.
The parade was followed by a walk around to each classroom to see their displays and read the book they had chosen.
Teacher’s also joined in the fun, showing their own love of reading by dressing as characters from their favourite stories.
range of genres for this year’s Book Week celebrations.
Roque (left)
Arlo Manno
FIERCE
FASHION: Sigrid Boyd brought Astrid straight from Berk.
Mooney
Mockingjay.
MAGICAL
MYRTLEFORD P-12: (from left) Ivy Mercuri, Holly Ives and Sofia Sgambelloni brought some sparkles to share with their fellow students.
PHOTOS: Myrtleford P-12 College
and Bingo to visit from Queensland.
dressed as Mr Shark from ‘The Bad Guys’.
SO MANY BOOKS, NOT ENOUGH TIME: Ms Humphries’ class chose to dress up as characters covering a wide
PHOTOS: Jenny Zamperoni.
MYRTELFORD GOLF CLUB
Saturday, 23 August
Myrtleford BWS Stroke & Super 6 AMCR 71
A Grade Winner: Brendan Wheeler (12) 81/69. A Grade Runner Up: Jade Galvan (9) 81/72.
B Grade Winner: Roger Humphris (20) 90/70. B Grade Runner Up: David Clark (15) 86/71.
Super 6 Winner: Damien Rossato (9) 20 nett. Super 6 Runner Up: Jade Galvan (96) 21 nett.
Ball Winners: P Evans 72, D Rowe 73, D Rossato 74, S Hancock 74.
A Grade Winner: Spider Hancock (12) 37 pts. A Grade Runner Up: Stephen Beveridge (14) 36 pts, Waratah Golf Club.
B Grade Winner: Andrew Rsoeby (21) 37 pts. B Grade Runner Up: Jim Martin (16) 32 pts.
Ball Winners: T Purss 34, G Balck 32, G Browne 31, I Wales 30 c/b. Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Tristan Purss, 4th 2nd Shot: Jade Galvan, 8th: Paul Evans, 14th: Andrew Roseby, 16th: Spider Hancock. Tuesday, 19 August 2025
Myrtleford BWS STABLEFORD AMCR 73
A Grade Winner: Wendy Caldwell (25) 36c/b. A Grade Runner Up: Kerry Newton (17) 36pts.
Ball Winners: Suzette Kelly 31c/b, Sarah Deas 31pts. Foodworks NTPs - 8th: Kerry Newton, 14th: Faye McLees.
The men played the back nine on Wednesday, 20 August which was won by Allan Retallick with 22 points from Neil Tappe with 18 points.
NTP on the seventh was Neil Tappe and Allan Retallick got closest on the 18th.
A Stableford round was played by the men, who were joined by Leesa Bevan, on Saturday, 23 August, which was won by Rick Biesboer with 34 points from Roger Church with 33 points.
Peter Hertzog (32 points) and Allan Retallick (31 points) also got a ball.
NTP on the seventh, along with the Tatts Ticket from the Tawonga South Newsagency & Post Office,
was Peter Dilley.
The club kept the ball on the ninth, Rick Biesboer was closest on the 17th, while Will Hood took home the money on the 18th.
BRIGHT COUNTRY GOLF CLUB
They say, “Everything comes to those who wait,” - never a truer word, as last Monday, one of Bright’s finest joined the elite Hole in One club.
Kevin Reed managed this wonderful achievement on the hardest par three at Bright.
Playing the 11th hole, Kevin was delighted and amazed after hitting his 7 iron his ball found the bottom of the cup.
Winner was Julie Englert 29 H/C 35 pts and in second place was Barney Neville 18 H/C 34 pts. Ball winners: Jenny Richter 31 pts C/B, Graham Barrow 31 pts, Robert Taylor 30 pts C/B, and Andy Armstrong 30 pts.
NTPs - 3rd: Graham Barrow, 6th: Andy Armstrong, 11th: Kevin Reed (hole-in-one), 16th: Greg Dawson.
and only four managed to play under their handicap.
Winners were grinners: James Neylon 11 H/C 39 pts C/B including three birdies on the back nine holes, just in front of Graham Badrock 17 H/C 39 pts, Charles White 14 H/C 38 pts, Craig Thompson 15 H/C 37 pts, Phil Jessen8 H/C 36 pts, Brendan Cudmore 14 H/C 35 pts C/B. Ball winners: John O’Shea 35 pts, Frog Thompson 34pts C/B, Troy Megson 34 pts, Ray Borschmann 34 pts, Robert Taylor 33 pts C/B, Wayne Curtis 33 pts C/B Nev Blewitt 33 pts C/B, Jason Fillippi 33 pts, Phil O’Neill 32 pts C/B and Colin Richardson 32 pts C/B.
NTPs - 3rd: Wayne Curtis, 6th: Peter McGrath, 11th: James Neylon, 16th: Robert Taylor.
The chicken winner went to John O’Shea with 18 pts and the NAGA went to Ken Bailey who seemed delighted with his Ladies Morwell Golf Club sherry glass with a lowly 21 pts.
Winner was Kim Murrells with a fine nett 29, ball winner was Jenny Richter with a nett 37, and nearest the pin on the 11th was Michelle Barker.
Saturday, 23 August, all gender four-person Ambrose competition. A field of 61 players competed, and the winners were: Mark Frost, John O’Shea, Mo O’Shea and Kevin Reed with a nett 56.75, and in second place Gabe Banks, Aiden Toy, Angus Murrells and Jack Thompson with a nett 59.
Ball winners: Bernie Wickes, Cameron Wickes, Austin Wickes and John Walshe with a nett 59.25 C/B, and also on the ball rundown, Andy Armstrong, Robert Taylor, James Neylon and Gary Shattles nett 59.25.
NTPs - 3rd: Angus Murrells, 6th: jackpot, 11th: Robert Taylor, 16th: Fran Bentley.
The NAGA went to Ray Borschmann, Graham Badrock, Dennis Hayes and Nick Aloizos with a nett 65.75.
The Bright Golf Guru thought of the week – “If you’re having a bad round of golf, well at least you are contributing to the prize pool, and making up the numbers.”
HOLE IN ONE: Kevin Reed achieved every golfer’s dream with the rare hole in one on Monday, 18 August.
ELIMINATION FINAL
Imperials 1.3 2.5 6.8 6.9 (45)
Tigers 1.2 4.3 4.5 7.7 (49)
GOALS: IMPERIALS: M. Marek 2, H. Allen 1, B. McMonigle 1, R. Canning 1, C. Flynn 1. TIGERS: M. Benton 4, M. Correll 1, J. Wickham 1, E. Damon
BEST: IMPERIALS: C. Flynn, S. Ismale, P. Stamp, M. O’Sullivan, A. Schultz, C. Young. TIGERS: X. Dodgshun, S. Morey, L. Alexander, M. Benton, E. Damon, H. Gibb.
2, H. Johnston 2, B. Brady 1.
KANGAROOS: no best allocated. BRIGHT: no best allocated.
COLLEGE: L. OBrien 7, J. Tonkin 1, C. Bowman 1, C. OBrien 1. MYRTLEFORD: S. Lupo 4, X. Millar 1, C. Schell 1, A. Knobel 1.
BEST: COLLEGE: T. Hill, C. OBrien, C. Bowman, J. Borschmann, L. O’Brien, L. Pensak. MYRTLEFORD: S. Lupo, A. Knobel, L. Sanderson, N. Harris, N. Durling, J. Jennings.
GABRIEL BANKS
HUNTER SZARASZEK
NOAH HARRIS
FRASER STEPHENS
NOAH HARRIS
ANGUS MURRELLS
SAM LUPO
EWAN LODGE
NASH DURLING
XAVIER MILLAR
ARCHIE KNOBEL
LUCA PIZZINI
CONNOR SCHELL
WILLIAM KOERS
& ProfessionalConsultants Guide
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Myrtleford, 1-7 Albert Street
Phone: 5752 2288
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Phone: 5755 1327
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Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors
25 Clyde Street Myrtleford
Phone: 5751 1995
Email admin@paynterassoc.com.au
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Hearing Services
29 Clyde Street Myrtleford Plus Standish Street Surgery & Bright Allied Health For appointments call 5752 2817
Stellar Savoy stomp Melrose in quarter finals
By NATHAN DE VRIES
For the second week in a row, Myrtleford Savoy’s senior men’s team has absolutely hammered Melrose FC 6-0.
After belting Melrose last weekend to round out the home and away season, Myrtleford backed it up with an identical scoreline to progress through the quarter finals in style.
It took less than a minute for Savoy to find the back of the net, with Tom Morrison slamming the pressure on Melrose early.
Azia Feltrin and Scott Peggie also chipped in, with the scoreline out to 3-0 after the first 45 minutes.
Connor Caponecchia restarted the onslaught within seconds of the second half starting, with Fletrin finding his second and Josh Zito putting one away from the penalty spot to secure the emphatic scoreline.
Coach Jayden Vescio said his team performed exceptionally well across the park.
“We’re playing good football, we’re finding goals from a lot of players,” he said.
“They obviously did a bit of homework from last week - they came at us with a bit of a different game plan, played a more direct game, sat deep and tried to gamble.
“Azia’s had a double in his last three games, he’s really picked up the load left by Richo [Matt Richardson].
“He got through 70 minutes then came off, we injected Tom La Spina and Lewis Holloway late.
“We said at half-time that if it stays at 3-0, we’ll take that every
day of the week, it’s a pretty comfortable scoreline, but we were able to double it and not concede.”
Savoy will face Cobram Roar in the semi-finals to continue their incredible run.
While Myrtleford has taken the points from their two meetings with the roar this season, Cobram are a wily group, having scored against the titanic Savoy
defence on two occasions.
Despite the challenge, Vescio backed his team in to perform.
“It’s a super bunch, they’ve got a goal and they’re pretty motivated,” he said.
“Cobram beat United [in the quarter finals], fifth beat fourth 2-0, so we’ve got Cobram.
“We’ve beaten them twice this year, they’re quite hard to break down.
“They’ve scored against us twice and they’ve got a lot of experience and they’ve brought a couple of players in late before the cut-off.”
In other match results from the weekend, the senior women were knocked out by Wodonga Diamonds, 0-1.
The AWFA finals will continue this weekend, with matches spread across the region.
Panthers in great form for finals
UNDER 12
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The junior Panthers team displayed their skills right from the start of their semi-final clash against the Wodonga Warriors.
A total of five runs were scored in the first innings on a similar number of hits, with Yuna Meddings’ double bringing in the first runner.
In the field, Casey Pronk at second base, twice threw to base for outs, while Mina Meddings made an accurate throw to Sophie Giuliano at third base to keep Wodonga to two runs.
A pair of flyballs in the second innings saw no runs added, while Wodonga took the lead with five runs.
From this stage on, the Panthers’ batters were on fire, scoring five and six runs in the next two innings.
Big outfield hitters included Conrad Scorsis, Ryland McCormack, Zakk Podubinski and a big three-baser from Casey.
Wodonga kept pace in the third innings, but the Panthers’ infield players combined well for two outs, and then stepped a gear with two catches and a routine throw from the pitcher to first base to keep them scoreless in the next, and lead by four runs.
‘Punkah did bat another six runs on the bats of Byron Smith, with a double to centerfield and solid rightfield hits by Rylan Harris and Zac Gauld to each bring in a run, but time ran out to even up the innings.
C GRADE
The C grade match began with each team scoring seven runs - Wodonga had five safe hits, and Punkah took the eight offered walks before Sam Bourne smacked a pitch to centerfield to secure the last two runs.
In the second innings, outfield hits by Geordie McEwan, Rory Clarke, Tasmyn Clunie and Paige Anders added another three runs.
Wodonga repeated their scoreline, although first baseman Ollie Brown had two unassisted outsa catch and a ground ball.
In the last innings, Rory forced an infield error, before Wade Pronk pushed a hit into rightfield to score the last run, while debut catcher, Paige Anders acquitted herself well.
B GRADE
The Panthers also opened with seven runs on a combination of three walks, two hit batters and singles by Josh Harris, Ayla Mc-
Callum and Peter Alexander.
Josh’s backward diving foul ball catch was amazing and kept Wangaratta scoreless.
Unfortunately, the Panthers could only muster one or two runs in each of the remaining innings, despite doubles by Liam Quinton in the second, Josh in the fourth and Jimmy Hughes in the fifth.
Wang increased their scoring with 11 runs in their next two innings, and took the lead.
Adrian Quinton relieved on the mound and could have had a clean innings, but for two throwing errors which prolonged the innings for two later hits to bring in runs.
In his second innings, a comeback hit saw him throw home for the force out and then junior catcher, Ayla made a good throw to first base for a double play.
Josh fielded two ground balls at third base and threw to Ayla in the second innings for force outs at the home plate.
Starting pitcher, Jarrod Smith obtained three strikeouts, while Lachie Rosser was walked four times in a strategy to limit his impact.
A GRADE
The A grade match with Wan-
garatta saw both teams make three fielding errors, steal two bases and obtain five strikeouts.
The Panthers led five hits to three, but the big difference was in the walks/hit batter categories, where Wang led 17-2.
Wangaratta ran out comfortable 13-5 winners in the end, but some Panthers highlights were Josh Harris’ sharp hit to rightfield, Andrew Smith getting his double into the rightfield corner, ‘Mr Consistency’ Adam Rosser going two for three with outfield singles, and Lachie doubling into centerfield in the first.
Damon Barker and Paul Meddings were aboard three and two occasions, respectively.
On the mound, Lachie obtained four strikeouts, while Damon’s deliveries saw him finish level on the balls/strike count.
Next week, the NEBA junior grand finals will be played, as well as the semi-finals for the three senior grades, with all games at Wangaratta.
The under 12 Panthers will be facing the Bears Green team, and if their last encounter is any indication - a 12-11 win to the Bears - a close and exciting match can be expected. The match begins at 11.30am.
DOUBLE TROUBLE: Azia Feltrin scored two goals for the third consecutive match in Savoys’ 6-0 hammering of Melrose.
PHOTO: Janet Watt
WINNERSANDLOSERS
GOALS: WODONGA: N. Spiteri 3, A. Jorgensen 1, J. Cassidy 1, N. Bradshaw 1, J. O’Sullivan 1. WANGARATTA ROVERS: T. Boyd 5, W. Christie 4, N. Cooper 3, C. Thompson 2, A. McCarthy 1, N. Scholte 1, L. O’Brien 1. BEST: WODONGA: C. Morrison, A. Jorgensen, R. Bourke, N. Bradshaw, J. O’Sullivan, T. Johnson. WANGARATTA ROVERS: A. McCarthy, T. Boyd, X. Allison, J. Rigoni, N. Scholte, E. Dayman.
GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: R. Sharp 5, L. Murphy-Dale 1, B. Calogero 1, L. Miotto 1, M. Munro 1, K. Agosta 1, R. Smith 1. NORTH ALBURY: J. Murphy 6, A. Gardiner 2, J. Hayes 1, D. Brew 1, J. Weidemann 1. BEST: MYRTLEFORD: M. Tenardi, T. Cappellari, R. Smith, S. Curtis, M. Munro, J. East. NORTH ALBURY: J. Murphy, J. Hayes, A. Gardiner, J. Weidemann, I. Campbell. MYRTLEFORD 4.1 4.6 8.9
17 & UNDER: Yarrawonga 35 def by Wodonga Raiders 66; Wodonga 37 def by Wangaratta Rovers 68; Myrtleford 63 def North Albury 30; Corowa Rutherglen 35 def by Lavington 60; Wangaratta 53 def Albury 34. 15 & UNDER: Yarrawonga 11 def by Wodonga Raiders 84; Wodonga 54 def Wangaratta Rovers 30; Myrtleford 56 def North Albury 37 Corowa Rutherglen 16 def by Lavington 72; Wangaratta 67 def Albury 30.
Wangaratta 8.11 (59) def Albury 4.8 (32)
GOALS: WANGARATTA: C. Petersen 2, R. Schultz 1, C. Kerwin 1, A. Jayet 1, H. Barry 1, E. Clayton 1, C. Bott 1. ALBURY: D. Dunstan 3, N. Conway 1. BEST: WANGARATTA E. Clayton, O. Boyle, D. O’Sullivan, W. Petersen, N. Kjar, R. Schultz. ALBURY: N. Welch, D. Dunstan, I. Conlan, k. Piltz, N. Morrison, N. Prentice.
Wodonga 4.10 (34) def by Wang Rovers 8.9 (57)
GOALS: WODONGA: C. Brookes 2, M. Bedson 1, G. Prideaux
1. WANGARATTA ROVERS: J. Correll 3, J. Marek 2, R. McNamara 1, H. Dodgshun 1, H. Mullane 1.
BEST: WODONGA: J. O’Neill, E. Kennedy, S. Wapling, J. Dove, G. Prideaux, M. Hack. WANGARATTA ROVERS: J. Ford, J. Marek, E. White, R. McNamara, R. Harvey, J. Allan.
Myrtleford 2.4 (16) def by North Albury 12.4 (76)
GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: T. Cooper 1, T. Miller 1. NORTH
ALBURY: T. Wiesner-Milham 4, H. Westmoreland 4, W. Harrington 2, C. O’Rourke 1, C. Singe 1.
BEST: MYRTLEFORD: W. Graham, C. Ashworth, S. Colson, Z. Carroll, T. Cooper, C. Piazza. NORTH ALBURY: H. Westmoreland, C. O’Rourke, T. Frazer, J. Eckhardt, Z. Butter, M. McDonald.
Corowa Rutherglen 5.7 (37) def by Lavington 11.13 (79) Yarrawonga 5.8 (38) def by Wodonga Raiders 11.9 (75)
COROWA
GOALS: COROWA RUTHERGLEN: K. Bradtke 2, A. Curry 2, H. Canning 1, R. Murphy 1, K. Williamson 1. LAVINGTON: S. Driscoll 6, J. O’Brien 2, E. Perryman 2, D. Smith 2, T. Oosterhoff 2, C. Annett 2, W. Glanvill 1, A. Swinnerton 1.
GOALS: YARRAWONGA: N. Fothergill 3, Z. Fraser 2, M. Findlay 1, C. Courtney 1, J. Urquhart 1, W. Lutula 1, H. Wheeler 1. WODONGA RAIDERS: M. Way 1, B. Sheridan 1, W. Fordham 1, W. McCarty 1, B. Jones 1. BEST: YARRAWONGA: Z. Fraser, B. Keenes, L. Howe, N. Fothergill, H. Wheeler, J. Urquhart. WODONGA RAIDERS: L. Waters, N. Bracher, W. Fordham, C. Howells, W. Robertson, B. St John. YARRAWONGA 0.3 1.8 4.11 10.14.74 WOD. RAIDERS 0.1 2.3 2.4 5.7.37
GOALS: WANGARATTA: J. Clarke 6, X. Laverty 4, M. Bihun 1, H. Gottschling 1, W. O’keefe 1, B. Marjanovic 1, F. Ellis 1, M. Hedin 1, C. Knowles 1. ALBURY: J. Pitt 2, K. Heiner-Hennessy 1, W. Blomeley 1. BEST: WANGARATTA: J. Clarke, C. Knowles, A. Federico, D. Sharrock, C. Barrett, J. Roberts. ALBURY: J. Gaynor, K. Heiner-Hennessy, J. Pitt, J. Kelly, R. Garthwaite, B. Kelly.
L. Dattoli, K. Wilson, G. Flanagan. Wodonga 4.11 (35)
Wang Rovers 11.14 (80)
BEST: WODONGA: B. Doswell, M. Jorgensen, B. Russell, B. Oates, C. Garoni, D. Jones. WANGARATTA ROVERS: H. Nolan, S. Nolan, S. Allan, M. Cullen, H. McMonigle, S. Rourke.
Myrtleford 16.12 (108)
North Albury 6.8 (44)
BEST: MYRTLEFORD: R. Forrest, D. Bren, J. Gribbin, A. Wickes, N. Turner, H. McKerral. NORTH ALBURY: C. Hetherton, M. Norman, R. Wall, C. Iannelli, C. Summers, C. Bradbury. Corowa Rutherglen 5.1 (31) Lavington 13.13 (91)
BEST: COROWA RUTHERGLEN: J. Johnstone, J. Keys, E. Amery, F. Parker, B. Minogue, J. Richardson. LAVINGTON: J. Weidemann, J. Phegan, D. Finnimore, H. Barber, A. Cohalan, C. Clemson. Yarrawonga 10.4 (64) Wodonga Raiders 16.6 (102)
BEST: YARRAWONGA: A. Dickins, J. Eales, B. McCabe, T. McKimmie, D. Flanagan, C. Parish. WODONGA RAIDERS: J. Perry, T. Scott, Z. Sartore, I. Anderson, J. Burke, J. Purdon. FINALS
SATURDAY, AUGUST 30
QUALIFYING FINAL @ BUNTON PARK, NTH ALBURY SUNDAY, AUGUST 31
ELIMINATION FINAL @ MARTIN PARK, WODONGA
WINNERSLOSERS
NETBALLSCORES
SATURDAY,AUGUST30
AGRADE: Tarrawingee 48 def Bright 27
BGRADE: Whorouly 34 def Bright 32
BRESERVE: Whorouly 33 def Moyhu 17
CGRADE: Moyhu 40 def Milawa 23
15&UNDER: Bright 50 def King Valley 17
SUNDAY,AUGUST31
AGRADE: Goorambat 41 def by Bonnie Doon 49
BGRADE: Goorambat 38 def by Tarrawingee 39
BRESERVE: Tarrawingee 33 def by Benalla All Blacks 47
CGRADE: Bright 41 def King Valley 27
15&UNDER: Greta 40 def Milawa 33
1, Jayjay Curtin 1, Joe Magro 1, Joel Sanford 1.
BEST: MILAWA: Kyle Collisson, Jared Lea, Michael Batey, Aaron Law, Dane Fountain, Brady Bartlett. BONNIE DOON: Jayjay Curtin, Patrick Smith, Joel Sanford, Ben Hedin, Campbell Smedley, Flynn Butterworth.
WHOROULY: Michael Newton 9, Andrew Newton 3, Joshua Newton 2, Declan Hoy-Maroney 1, Jessie Smith 1, Corey Southern 1.
BEST: GOORAMBAT: Benjamin Reaburn, Zac Amarant, Travers Nolan, Victor Butler, Jamie Dunne, Matthew Priest. WHOROULY: Maxwell Scott, Daniel Boyle, Jessie Smith, Michael Newton, Corey Southern, Edward Woolford.
MATCH REVIEWS
A graders downed, but Mountain Men awaken for finals
By NATHAN DE VRIES
After spending the first week of finals resting, both of Bright’s senior and reserve football sides will commence their quest for flag glory.
Finishing the regular season in the top two, the Mountain Men will light up North Wangaratta Recreation Reserve this Saturday against Greta, with the winner to sail through to the decider.
While the double chance is in play, with the losers from the match to face whoever wins the other semi-final, it will take Bright’s best footy to knock off Greta in both grades.
The seniors have proven it can be done, with Bright taking the win by nine points in round one, but Greta are no slouches either after they belted the Mountain Men in the return fixture to the tune of 41 points in round 13.
Bright’s key playmakers will need to be on song, with defender Michael Elliott, key forward Cooper Thomason, and Rising Star winner Cy Banks all needing to fire to drag their team over the line this weekend.
In the reserves, minor premiers Bright will be favourites on paper, but it’s sure to be a massive match
in the midday fixture.
One of only two teams able to defeat them in 2025, the Blues will be eager to inspire their senior counterparts with a spurted performance against Bright.
Both matches of football will be fought out at North Wangaratta Recreation Reserve on Saturday, 30 August, with reserves from 12pm and seniors from 2pm.
In netball, the dream is over for the A graders, who were defeated 27-48 by Tarrawingee in their elimination final on Saturday..
Bright was on pace after the first 15 minutes, but a defensive showcase from the Bulldogs limited Bright to just a single goal in the second quarter, while the margin pushed out to 13 by the half.
Momentum continued to flow Tarrawingee’s way for the rest of the match, as Bright struggled to find consistent avenues to goal.
It’s also the end of the line for Bright’s B grade side after a 32-34 loss to Whorouly.
Bright is still in the fight in other netball grades after the 15 and under side thumped King Valley 50-17, and the 17 and under team recorded a 41-27 win, also against King Valley.
BRIGHT FINALS SCHEDULE - WEEK 2
Saturday, 30 August, North Wangaratta Recreation Reserve
Reserves football vs Greta – 12pm
Senior football vs Greta – 2pm
Sunday, 31 August
Whorouly Recreation Reserve
15 and under vs Greta - 9.10am 17 and under vs Moyhu – 10.30am
PRESSURE: Declan Hoy-Maroney lays a crunching tackle.
Whorouly
■ From back page
“Our set-ups in the back half were pretty strong, our back six controlled that area – Darcy [O’Shannessy] probably got the chocolates against [Duane] Haebich, and ‘Woodsy’ [Cam Wood] was pretty strong against Rhys Goodley.
“Overall, it was a pretty comprehensive effort, but it’s about continuing to improve the little things - we can control our effort and intensity, but we’ve got to make sure our structures are on point.”
The victory sets up a mouth-watering rematch with Milawa this
OPTIONS AHEAD: Will Allen gathers the ground ball and scans
Sunday at the same venue where Whorouly triumphed by 15 points back in round 12.
“They’re obviously a good side, they like to get it on their terms, they run and spread hard,” Newton said of Milawa.
“[Last time] We brought the intensity which was a little bit greater than what they brought which is what we’ve been able to do against sides for the majority of the year.
“We’ve just got to continue to make them defend and get it on our terms.”
In the reserves fixture, Whorou-
ly’s season was ended at the hands of Bonnie Doon, after the Lions let the Bombers control the game for the first half.
While their second half was a much better performance, it was too little, too late, downed 4.7 (31) to 10.5 (65).
Better news came from the netball court, with both the B reserve and B grade sides through to week two of the finals.
The B grade Lions managed to hold off rivals Bright to advance 3432 in a thriller, while the B reserve showed their premiership creden-
tials with a 33-17 win over Moyhu.
In terms of A grade netball, the Lions will be in action at the North Wangaratta Recreation Reserve on Saturday, taking on minor premiers Milawa with a spot in the grand final on the line.
A single goal is all that’s separated the teams in their last two encounters, with a 45-45 draw and Milawa edging Whorouly out 42-43. Win, and it means a week off to prepare for the last game of the year – lose, and they’ll have to defeat the winner of Tarrawingee and Bonnie Doon, a tough ask for any outfit.
WHOROULY FINALS SCHEDULE – WEEK 2
Saturday, 30 August, North Wangaratta Recreation Reserve
A grade netball vs Milawa – 1.30pm
Sunday, 31 August, Whorouly Recreation Reserve
B reserve netball vs Benalla All Blacks – 11.50am
B grade netball vs Tarrawingee – 1.10pm
Senior football vs Milawa – 2pm
TRANSITION: Leshae Hogan brings the ball through the midcourt.
PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie
UNBROKEN: Despite the bandaging, Jaxon East was still one of Myrtleford’s premier
Saints stun Hoppers, secure senior top three finals berth
Myrtleford looks primed for finals after edging out the formidable North Albury Hoppers in a last-round thriller at McNamara Reserve on Saturday.
With a top three finish on the line, the Saints recovered from a sub-par second term to triumph 11.12 (78) to 11.11 (77).
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
Munro goal from a turnover put Myrtleford 15 points up.
match was the perfect teeup for finals, having been played at a frenetic intensity.
or three weeks, and Matty Munro’s been consistent all year.
to put the final nail into their season.
test in a gargantuan fightback.
After leading by just nine points at the first break, the Saints wouldn’t kick a goal in the second term, allowing North Albury back into the contest.
The Hoppers made the most of the opportunity, taking the lead heading into half-time by seven points.
Myrtleford reset and went again, evening the scores by three quarter time and setting the stage for an absolute thriller in the final quarter.
The Saints would kick two of the first three through Ryley Sharp, before a Matt
But the Hoppers weren’t done yet, kicking the next two with all the momentum, with North Albury’s Dominic Brew snapping over his shoulder to bring it back to two points.
After the ball dribbled through for a behind late in the term, Myrtleford were able to play composed tempo football, winding down the clock until the final siren sounded their victory.
It was a day for the club’s leaders, with Ryley Sharp starring up forward with five goals, Simon Curtis resolute in defence, and Mitch Dalbosco mustering his troops with ease.
Coach Craig Millar said the
“It was an arm wrestle of a game, it had a finals-like intensity to it, and we knew it was going to be a very tough game,” he said.
“We didn’t have the best day in front of goals, but I thought our second half was pretty good, particularly when we’d gotten to 17 points down and wrestled it back late and drew level at three quarter time.
“The last quarter was a really good start and then fortunately we were strong enough to hold on in the end.
“Mitch Dalbosco did an outstanding job as a captain, sacrificing a natural part of his game to do a really important role for us.
“Simon Curtis was outstanding, Tom Capellari’s run himself into some really good form over the last two
“Our big players stepped up when the heat was in the game and showed great leadership, and some of our young fellas jumped on the back of that and were really good performers too.”
With the second chance secured, Myrtleford take on Lavington this Satuday at Bunton Park in the qualifying final, with the winner to progress to play Wangaratta Rovers for a spot in the grand final.
Myrtleford will also be present in the reserves finals series after a 16.12 (108) to 6.8 (44) win over the Hoppers saw them finish second overall, while the thirds wrapped up a challenging season with a 10-goal loss.
Over on the netball courts, the A grade squad were handed an agonising five-goal loss
Despite drawing level at half-time, the Saints couldn’t match it with the Hoppers for long enough, downed 4853 in their last match of the season.
The Hoppers burst out the gate with a flurry of first quarter goals, but Myrtleford was able to bring the margin to just four goals after the opening 15 minutes.
Momentum would swing wildly between the two sides through the second term, with Myrtleford overcoming the deficit and even taking the lead, but the scores would be even 24-24 at the halfway point of the match.
A run of 10 unanswered goals from the Hoppers through the third quarter would be the difference in the match, but Myrtleford were able to come back to within a goal late in the con-
Ultimately, time would win out, and spell the end of the Saints’ season in eighth place with a record of 4-14.
It was a closely contested affair in B grade, which ended in a 43-43 draw, while C grade romped to a 69-26 triumph.
The junior grades also tasted success, with the under 17s home 63-30, and the under 15s taking the win 56-37.
The Ovens and Murray Football Netball League finals are here, and there are several Saints squads still in contention at the pointy end of the year.
Saturday’s qualifying final is booked in at Bunton Park in North Albury, with senior football (2pm), reserves football (11.46am), under 17 netball (10am), and under 15 netball (8.30am) all ready for the action.
ball-winners.
PHOTOS: Janet Watt
SAFE HANDS: Riley Calvene takes a strong overhead mark.
PHYSICAL: Riley Smith tries to drag his opponent to the turf.
DASHING: Tom Cappellari’s speed and ball use was impeccable.
TOP THREE SAINTS
Ryley Sharp booted five goals in Myrtleford’s one-point thriller over North Albury in their last game before finals. The 11.12 (78) to 11.11 (77) win guarantees the senior Saints the double chance for the first time in 19 years.
Story page 23. PHOTO: Janet Watt
Lions on the prowl
Whorouly seniors record first finals win since 2013, set up semi-final showdown with Milawa
Whorouly have secured their spot in the senior football semi-finals after an emphatic 68-point win over the now-eliminated Goorambat.
Sunday’s do-or-die clash was dominated by the Lions, who were able to maintain the pressure all game on the way to a 17.17 (119) to 7.9 (51) statement.
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
finished higher on the ladder, setting the stage for a thriller.
Heading into the encounter, opinions on who were the favourites were split – both sides had vanquished the other during the home and away season, and the Bats had
The Lions’ trademark pressure footy and accurate kicking was on display ear, leading by three goals at quarter time before booting the margin out to 33 by the half.
Defensively, the pressure kicked up another notch
in the third quarter, with the Bats managing to 1.1 through the posts, while the Newton trio of Michael, Josh and Andy put on a clinic at the other end.
With a margin in excess of 10 goals heading into the final term, the Lions continued to control all aspects of the match, triumphing in the post
season since 2013.
The Newton clan would combine for 14 goals, nine of them off Michael’s boot, while defenders Max Scott and Daniel Boyle, ruck Ed Woolford and the ever-reliable Jessie Smith were all among the best on ground.
Newton said his side’s dominance early and control
of the ball helped put them in a position to win.
“We obviously put ourselves in a very good position in the first half,” he said.
“Our intensity, our work rate and pressure on them – whenever they got the footy, they felt like they were under pressure.
