AlpineObserverWednesdayOctober152025 by Provincial Press Group

DOGS’ DELIGHTFUL DASH

The Dachshund Derby and Oktoberfest celebrations

and

with the

Progressing estimated $20m project for water treatment at Bright, Porepunkah

North East Water (NEW) is progressing plans for a multi-million dollar upgrade of its Bright-Porepunkah Wastewater Treatment Plant which will help accommodate future residential growth in both towns.

Updating the project on its website on Friday, NEW indicated it was planning to submit a Development License Application to the EPA for the works later this year. It expected the project, with an estimated cost upwards of $20 million, to be completed and commis-

BY JEFF ZEUSCHNER jzeuschner@ nemedia.com.au

sioned in 2028/29. The works will help increase the number of new waste water connections in both towns, easing current restrictions which only allow NEW to support small-scale housing developments of up to five lots in both towns, with larger developments on a case by case basis.

NEW’s website said the works will involve a new

mechanical treatment plant to significantly improve wastewater treatment performance including nutrient removal; as well as a treated water pipeline to the Ovens River downstream of Porepunkah enabling greater use of recycled water.

Sewage from Bright and Porepunkah is currently treated in a lagoon-based wastewater treatment plant that was constructed in 1982.

The treated water output is currently released via an infiltration basin which indirectly flows to the Ovens

River system upstream of Porepunkah - but this arrangement does not meet contemporary standards, and a new treated water release method is required.

NEW last year shortlisted three pipeline options and chose to pursue a pipeline downstream of Feathertop Winery’s offtake, with an indicative project cost of $17-22 million.

It said option three was preferable to a pipeline upstream of Porepunkah and one at the confluence of the Buckland River because there

is a lower risk to the Ovens River environment based on an ecological risk assessment.

NEW said option three also saw treated water released further downstream from key recreational river use at Porepunkah weir pool and caravan parks and there was clear community preference based on survey responses and verbal feedback from stakeholders.

Friday’s project update said engineering designs and further site assessments on the pipeline were currently in progress.

drew a large crowd to Mountain Monk Brewers in Mt Beauty last Saturday. Special guest, Valerie the Dachshund

her owner Georgia Gardner (left) had the honour of presenting race winner, Darcy, and his owners Lauretta and Stewart Strong

coveted cup. Story,

photos page 10. PHOTO: Fay Mason

The annual Bright Rod Run is back from November 7 to 9, and it’s bringing the rumble of chrome, candy paint and polished hot rods to town.

Alpine Shire Council, along with Victoria Police and event organisers, are calling on visitors to “be part of the show, not the problem”, keeping the spotlight firmly on the show and shine event at Pioneer Park which makes the Bright Rod Run one of the most colourful weekends of the year.

While the event is all about celebrating hot rod culture, council is reminding revheads and would-be hoons anti-social behaviour such as dangerous driving to late-

night antics, will not be tolerated.

As in previous years, traffic management will be in place in Bright’s CBD to promote safe movement of vehicles; however, informal car parking will not be permitted and parking bay time limits will apply.

Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, said in recent years the community had seen an increase in traffic congestion and anti-social behaviour by visitors coming to town not necessarily for the event in Pioneer Park, but for the general atmosphere.

“The Bright Rod Run is about showcasing classic hot rods, not turning our streets into a drag strip,” she said.

“We want everyone to enjoy themselves, but we won’t let the reckless behaviour of a few spoil it for the many.”

This year’s campaign focuses on keeping it classic; en-

couraging visitors to admire the craftsmanship and history of hot rods at Pioneer Park, not in Bright’s CBD and leave the burnouts, screeching tyres and V8 chaos at home.

‘Respect the run, keep it classic’ is the message.

Or, in other words: shine your ride, not your record.

Cr Nicholas said the Bright Rod Run is one of the best weekends of the year for local businesses and a time for young and old to enjoy classic cars.

“We love seeing our town buzzing with people who respect the event and respect our streets,” she said.

“A few bad eggs doing burnouts or getting drunk in the streets don’t just hurt the roads: they hurt our community and the wonderful Hot Rod Show and Shine event, organised by community members.”

Police and local laws officers will again be visible

across the weekend to help ensure everyone enjoys the event safely.

“We encourage everyone to soak up the atmosphere, support local cafes, pubs and shops and most importantly, show respect for the community hosting the event by following parking time limits and alcohol restrictions,” Cr Nicholas said.

“Most importantly, look out for one another while looking out for your favourite cars.”

The Bright Rod Run will be held in Pioneer Park in Bright from Friday, 7 to Sunday, 9 November 2025.

For more information about the event, visit: https:// www.brightrodrun.com.au/

McCurdy and O’Brien tour towns for financial feedback

BY PHOEBE MORGAN pmorgan@ nemedia.com.au

Victorian Nationals leader

Danny O’Brien joined local MP for the Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, touring Porepunkah, Bright and surrounds last Thursday to try to draw some visitors back to the region as local businesses began to receive relief packages.

“What happened in this region was a terrible, unprecedented event, but now it’s time to be upbeat,” Mr McCurdy said.

“The best thing we can do is get people back in town; holidaying nearby, cycling on the bike trail and enjoying themselves, because that’s the best solution we have.

“My understanding is Mount Buffalo won’t be open anytime soon and people should not come to the region thinking they’re going to go to the National Park, because it’s not on anyone’s radar.

“But it’s important to realise there’s plenty more to offer in this region, whether you’re a cyclist, tourist or a wine drinker.

“The $5000 grants which were made available have started to come through, which is a great start for the people of Porepunkah, as businesses can start to pay some of their bills.

“I’m still a little bit concerned about Bright and surrounding districts for some

OPEN FOR BUSINESS: Punkah Pantry owner, Jacob Hanna, welcomed the two MPs last Thursday and gave them a local business perspective. INSET: FINANCIAL FLEXIBILITY: Leader of the Nationals, Danny O’Brien (left) joined local MP Tim McCurdy as they toured the Porepunkah area to speak with affected businesses last week.

of those grants, whether people and businesses are eligible or not: they were advised they could only apply earlier this week and some of them have already been knocked back, for different reasons.

“I really think it’s important the government explores this a bit more, to make sure everybody is eligible.

“If you’ve done it tough financially, we think you deserve to get some financial recompense.”

Mr McCurdy and Mr O’Brien visited a local winery, caravan park and a num-

ber of other small businesses who have reported slower visitation over the last few weeks.

“We’ve certainly heard from businesses here in Porepunkah those grants are helping,” Mr O’Brien said.

“They’re appreciative of the support but we’ll also need to make sure those further afield are getting that support.

“Credit to Tim whose been really forceful for his community with the government and we do appreciate the government responding and actually

putting this support up.

try, Jacob Hanna, said the last few weeks had seen a small increase in visitation during the school holidays and AFL grand final long weekend, however traffic was still significantly lower.

“I had a customer earlier who had been coming up to the area for over 20 years and they said they had never seen the town this quiet before,” he said.

“In terms of lost trade, every week it’s close to three or four grand profits are down, so the fund the state government have organised through local government has been welcomed.

“I think there’s a couple of grant restrictions which could be made more flexible; particularly, if you look at the 40 per cent threshold, that’s a big down-turn over a month-long period and many businesses were able to stay open, but did have significant impacts.

“Whether there’s a graduated process or a pro-rata process to the government could start up, so they could provide some support?

“This community has had a difficult time and it does

need to have some flexibility from the government to ensure those businesses in need actually get support.”

Mr O’Brien said they really want to make sure people understand the wider community is with the Ovens Valley, and Porepunkah and Bright in particular.

“There are businesses here that are ready to give [visitors] a great time,” he said.

“There’s lots of things you can do, even if you can’t get into parts of the nearby mountains.”

Owner of the Punkah Pan-

“I’ve absolutely had to reduce my staff’s hours; the number of staff and the hours they’re working has definitely had to be reduced, based on how busy (or notbusy) we’ve been.

“The (grant) process was really simple and easy; I applied for it through a link provided by the Bright Chamber of Commerce and I received that yesterday, actually.”

Mr Hanna said with summer around the corner, it has been great to see cyclists on the bike trails and families out walking dogs around the community.

“Summer is prime time up here: it’s a beautiful area to come visit,” he said.

“Come and enjoy our beautiful area: sun’s out, flowers are blooming at the moment and the Punkah Pantry makes great coffee, sausage rolls and pies.”

PHOTO: Phoebe Morgan

Police probe Porepunkah properties, but no confirmed sightings of fugitive

Dozens more police were called to assist in property searches in Porepunkah late last week as the hunt for alleged police killer Dezi Freeman goes into its eighth week.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said specialist police services searched “a number” of private properties in Porepunkah on Thursday and Friday.

An additional 33 officers were brought in from the Public Order Response Team on Friday to conduct an additional sweep of the area.

There has still been no confirmed sighting of Freeman since he was last seen fleeing his Rayner Track

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

property heavily armed after allegedly killing Detective

Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de WaartHottart and injuring a third officer as they were conducting a search warrant on 26 August.

Police have searched around 40 square kilometres of bushland and received thousands of pieces of information provided by the public since the search involving multiple state, federal and international

agencies began.

Mount Buffalo National Park remains closed as police continue to maintain a significant presence in the area.

“We are committed to using every available resource and the necessary skills required to find Freeman,” the Victoria Police spokesperson said.

Police remain open to an array of possibilities, from Freeman being deceased, hiding in the difficult terrain alone, having fled the area or receiving assistance from people in the community.

Investigators have described Freeman as wellversed in bushcraft.

A reward of up to $1 million remains in place for information leading to Freeman’s arrest.

Anyone who sees Freeman is urged to phone Triple Zero (000) immediately and not to approach him.

Any suspicious behaviour or other information about Freeman’s current whereabouts should be reported to Crime Stoppers Victoria via 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au

For the most current advice and updates relating to this search, visit https://www. police.vic.gov.au/porepunkahshooting-and-search-desmond-freeman-filby

Wonderful Whorouly Village Fair on Sunday

Sunday’s ninth semi-annual Whorouly Village Fair got off to a slow start before crowds started rolling in and Whorouly Recreation Reserve was buzzing.

“We had several first-time stallholders, who were very impressed by the venue and were delighted with their day’s trade,” said village fair coordinator Jennifer Garrett.

“We also had many returning stallholders, some of whom actually sold out and others who felt business was a little bit slower this year, but all agreed it was a great community event.”

Best of all, Ms Garrett said, Whorouly showcased what the town has to offer, with the community joining together to raise money for their various clubs and organisations, to support other community members and socialise.

President of the Whorouly Memorial Park committee, Trent Newton, who was on sausage sizzle duties, said the social interaction was an important part of the village fair, with friends, neighbours and visitors enjoying the atmosphere and the attractions.

This year’s village fair also hosted a large contingent of the ever-popular Myrtleford line dancers who boot-scooted on the

SELECT SCARECROW SALE: Whorouly Primary School hosted a variety of stalls at the 2025 event, including auctioning off a collection of student-made scarecrows.

oval, while the Myrtleford Ukulele Group serenaded the crowd.

neurial youngsters running their own stalls this year,” she said.

off a range of student-made scarecrows.”

Ms Garrett said a fun feature of the 2025 Whorouly Village Fair was the involvement of the local children.

“There were some entrepre-

“The kinder hosted special activities for the little ones and the school set up a four-strong selection, including the ever-popular chocolate trailer and auctioning

Mr Newton said the school’s scarecrow auction was a lot of fun and he now has one of the creations taking pride of place in his home garden.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Destruction of our environment goes on

It saddened me deeply to read in Friday’s Wangaratta Chronicle that a 700-year-old great tree was burnt and killed at the Northern Beaches.

What might we say of such senseless violence and destruction?

But what might we say when an 800-year-old tree and 260 other ancient trees are killed for a Western

Highway road improvement?

And what might we say when in Tasmania there is a concerted push to once again open up the pristine Tarkine Wilderness Area for logging and mining?

Thousands of trees would be cut down including many 700-year-old and ancient trees.

There is obviously such a deep disconnection to the world of nature by many of us.

And so the destruction of our earth home goes on.

But one day, we human beings will not only realise, but will feel in our hearts, our deep and real connection to the trees, the animals and all the natural world.

Spring Skate Jam fundraiser a big hit

On Saturday, 4 October the Harrietville Boardriders hosted their first Spring Skate Jam fundraiser.

More than 200 locals from all over the Alpine Shire attended to show their support by having a skate of the new ramp, buying a snag and raffle tickets.

Lots of local businesses generously donated some great prizes and a local face painter donated her time.

“The day was a huge success and we are now $1800 closer to our ultimate goal of funding and building a roof over our ramp to preserve it,” Stacey Snow of the Harrietville Boardriders said.

And so the destruction will end.

David Rainbow, Myrtleford

Celebrating our unpaid carers

This National Carers Week 2025 (12–18 October), we pay tribute to the more than 750,000 unpaid carers across Victoria who provide essential care and support to family members and loved ones.

We recognise the compassion and commitment of unpaid carers, people who often put their own needs

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.

aside to care for others.

They are the backbone of our communities who provide invaluable support for those living with disability, chronic illness, or ageing-related needs, often quietly and without recognition.

This week is a reminder for all of us to take the time to care for a carer - whether that’s reaching out, offering a hand, or simply saying thank you, small actions can make a big difference.

To find a local event during National Carers Week visit www. carersvictoria.org.au.

Tim McCurdy, Nationals’ MP for Ovens Valley

Email: edit.timesobserver@nemedia.com.au

Post: North East Media 76 Standish Street, Myrtleford, Vic 3737

Enjoy Bright Twilight Tastings celebrations

By PHOEBE MORGAN

Twilight Tastings will bringing the community together for an evening of celebration and connection tomorrow in Ireland Street.

Following an exceptionally successful and award-winning first year, the event from 5pm Thursday will again showcase the very best of Bright, with

expanded live music performances, an enhanced lighting experience and an even greater selection of local food and beverages, all while maintaining the welcoming atmosphere which defined its inaugural year.

A new dedicated Kids Zone has been reimagined, ensuring families can enjoy the event together and making Bright Twi-

light Tastings an inclusive celebration for all ages.

Event organisers emphasise the importance of this year’s program as an opportunity for the community to gather and reconnect following a challenging month.

“Bright Twilight Tastings is more than just an event,” president of the Bright Twilight Tastings committee, Amanda Hore said.

“It’s a chance for our community to come together, support local producers and performers and share in the spirit of Bright.

“After the success of our first year, we’re thrilled to be bringing back an even bigger and brighter experience for locals and visitors alike, with strong support from local businesses, producers and volunteers.”

Man rescued at Falls Creek camping ground

Emergency services conducted a rescue operation for a camper “in distress” at Falls Creek on Tuesday last week.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said personnel responded to a 54-year-old in distress at Edmonsons Hut in Falls Creek about 2:10pm.

He was rescued by local ground crews after requiring medical treatment and was transported to a medical centre for assessment.

Edmonson Hut is a popular camping area at Falls Creek.

The rescue came just days after the bodies of two female hikers were discovered at an isolated hiking area near Mount Bogong.

Police have said the deaths of the women, believed to be in their 20s to 30s, appear to be non-suspicious.

Feedback sought on community centre use

Alpine Shire Council is inviting feedback from user groups and community members from the Upper Kiewa Valley to maximise use of the Mount Beauty Community Centre.

Council said the centre’s meeting room is under utilised and it is seeking to understand the preferred usage of the room.

Potential uses for the room include as a community space, any economic development initiative, or other social uses.

Council is seeking community feedback and said it a suitable use is proposed and supported it will undertake a formal expression of interest process before leasing the space.

To have your say before 5pm Friday, 24 October go to https://engage.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/feedbackand-ideas-mount-beauty-community-centre

Aerial inspections

AusNet will be undertaking thermal aerial inspections across Alpine Shire this week.

Thermal aerial inspections enable AusNet to assess power lines, poles and other electrical infrastructure, detecting hotspots, structural weaknesses and potential fire risks.

BRIGHT LIGHTS: Businesses and producers in Bright and surrounds are preparing to make this year’s Bright Twilight Tastings evening a night to remember tomorrow.

PHOTO: Bright Twilight Tastings committee

Bright

Enhancing Anderson Street in Bright

Works in Anderson Street, Bright this week hope to improve its tired median strip.

A collaborative project between Alpine Shire Council and the Bright and District Chamber of Commerce will tackle the aggressive root system of the median strip’s Ornamental Pear trees, which have prevented grass establishment.

Funding, secured by the chamber through Tiny Towns, will see new root barriers installed, and mulch and turf established, existing irrigation lines upgraded and uplighting to enhance the beauty of the trees.

Works were scheduled to be completed by the end of today, weather permitting.

Enjoy Alpine Discovery Day in Bright

Resilient Alpine Youth Squad (RAYS) and Alpine Shire Council invites community members to explore new hobbies, make new connections, and enjoy a range of fun activities at a free community event in Bright this Saturday.

Alpine Discovery Day encourages people of all ages to discover new activities, including ball sports, aero sport, martial arts, dragon boating, and more from 10am to 2pm this Saturday, 18 October at Pioneer Park Recreation Reserve in Bright.

Food and coffee vendors will be available onsite to contribute to a vibrant day of activities, connections, and community spirit.

This drug, alcohol, smoke, and vape-free event is not ticketed and no registrations are required.

The event has been made possible with funding from the Victorian government through Amplify.

‘Tommo’ walking, raising funds for the RFDS who saved his life

By PHOEBE MORGAN

Myrtleford’s Anthony ‘Tommo’ Thomas is raising funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) by walking 120kms around town this October.

He said it’s his way to give back to the RFDS after they came to his rescue when he suffered life-threatening burns in a barbecue accident in early 2021.

“I needed to be flown to Melbourne for treatment and with no medical helicopter available, hospital staff called on the RFDS to save my life,” Mr Thomas said.

“I was flown from the Wangaratta Airport to Essendon Airport and then to the Alfred Hospital.

“Living in Myrtleford, I never really thought I’d ever have to use the

service, but in cases where there’s no helicopters available, you do.

“If the option to fly by RFDS hadn’t been around, I could’ve lost my life.”

Ever since, Mr Thomas has been donating to the cause himself, before seizing the opportunity to raise funds for the RFDS on a larger scale with their ‘Oceans to Outback’ program.

Participants can be sponsored to run, cycle or walk throughout October to ultimately deliver life-saving care across Australia.

“I’ve set a target for $300, but I’m hoping to raise more if I can,” Mr Thomas said.

“My goal was to walk 87 kilometres for the month, but I’ve upped it to 120 kilometres.

“So far I’m at 26 kilometres: I take my dogs with me and we walk a loop

MYRTLEFORD MILES: Anthony ‘Tommo’ Thomas does laps around the Myrtleford Recreation Reserve, rail trail and Happy Valley Creek to raise funds for RFDS.

PHOTO: Phoebe Morgan

around the showgrounds, which they love.

“I also walk the roughly six-kilometre round-trip walk of the Happy Valley Creek loop and rail trail; it’s a beautiful walk.”

Mr Thomas said the month-long trek would be challenging, as he has a chronic back injury, but he hopes his new walking routine will benefit that as well.

“I think it’s a really good cause,” he said.

“If you’re in the outback somewhere, a lot of people definitely rely on them, not just for emergencies but for doctors as well.

“Something a lot of people don’t know is the RFDS is a totally free service and they only get a certain amount from the government, so they do rely on donations just to keep running.”

For more information about Mr Thomas’s progress and to donate, visit: https://www.oceanstooutback. org.au/fundraisers/anthonythomas/ oceans-to-outback

VETERAN FIREFIGHTER HONOURED FOR INTERNATIONAL SERVICE

Kubota’s next generation of compact track loaders set the standard in unbeatable performance and productivity. Gaining attention for their exceptional lifting capacity and bucket breakout force, Kubota’s compact track loaders are engineered to handle the toughest jobs in the harshest of conditions.

Ovens-based forest firefighter, Tracy Culhane, was presented with the prestigious Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal last month at a ceremony in Wodonga.

Tracy was deployed as a safety officer, together with several other Forest Fire Management Victoria staff from North East Victoria, to the wildfires in British Columbia that burned more than 1.2 million hectares in 2017.

The Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal is part of the Australian Honours System and is awarded for declared events, to eligible individuals who perform humanitarian service overseas in dangerous or hazardous environments.

Tracy also received the National Emergency Medal

for his work to help protect threatened communities during the devastating 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires.

Joining the newly formed Ovens rappel crew in 1993, Tracy overcame a fear of heights to become crew leader within a year.

He completed more than 1000 rappels before his final rappel in 2003.

During his career Tracy was deployed to major fires in 1997 (Caledonia), 2003 (Alpine Fires), 2006-07 (Great Divide Fires), 2009 (Black Saturday), 2013 (Harrietville Fires) and the most recent 2019-20 (Black Summer) bushfires. He was also sent on two interstate deployments to New South Wales in 1994 and 2001, and three international deployments to Canada in 2009, 2014 and 2017.

RECOGNITION: FFMVic chief fire officer Chris Hardman (left) and FFMVic Hume deputy chief fire officer Aaron Kennedy (right) congratulated veteran Ovens-based forest fighter Tracy Culhane on his medal for overseas service.

Authors to be talk of the town at writers’ festival in Mount Beauty

Renowned authors will be the talk of the town this Saturday at the annual Mount Beauty Writers Festival.

Mountain Monk Brewers will again host the one-day event, which features a stellar line-up of local and celebrity scribes across most writing genres.

Festival founder Fay Mason said she expects more than 200 people from across the country to enjoy the face to face interactions with the talented authors as they discuss their latest literary works.

“This is our fourth event and it continues to go from strength to strength,” Ms Mason said.

“In addition to the author talks we have also received around 50 entries for our Mount Beauty Youth Short Story Competition, with winners to be announced at 12 noon.”

Former Aussie Wallaby star, turned one of Australia’s most successful media presenters and columnist, Peter FitzSimons, leads the author talks, set to discuss ‘The Legend of Albert Jacka’: an unforgettable story of bravery and sacrifice by one extraordinary soldier on the shores of Gallipoli and

battlefields of France.

Chris Hammer, author of the internationally bestselling Martin Scarsden series: ‘Scrublands’, ‘Silver’ and ‘Trust’, is set to discuss ‘The River’: a non fiction account of the Murray Darling Basin, plus his freshly released fiction: ‘Legacy’.

Author, screenwriter and producer, Courtney Collins, whose first novel, ‘The Burial’, was published in 10 countries and shortlisted for prizes including the Nita B Kibble Literary Award, NSW Premier’s Literary Awards and the Stella Prize, will discuss her second novel, ‘Bird’.

Ashley Kalagian-Blunt, the number one bestselling author of ‘Dark Mode’, which was shortlisted for the 2024 ABIA General Fiction Book of the Year, the Ned Kelly Awards for Best Crime Fiction and the Danger Award for Debut Fiction, will speak about her latest thrillers: ‘Cold Truth’ and ‘Like, Follow, Die’.

Italian-Australian singersongwriter, guitarist, recording artist, music journalist and author, Joe Matera, will speak about ‘Louder Than Words: Beyond The Backstage Pass’.

Meanwhile, in his compelling

memoir, ‘The Bank Robber’s Boy’, Peter Norris recounts the powerful love and loyalty which bound him to his father, Clarence ‘Clarry’ Norris, a notorious bank robber and exploring a profound inner struggle between the allure of the underworld and the desire for normalcy.

Local author of ‘Clouds and Sunshine’, Ruth Pollock, will speak about her new book ‘Hard Women’: a biography of Ruth’s three generations of family members.

The Mount Beauty Writers Festival at Mountain Monk Brewers runs from 11am to 5:30pm.

Talks will run for 30 minutes, with an extra 15 minutes for Q&As, before a 15 minute break where attendees can drop into the onsite festival bookshop, have books signed and recharge with self-serve tea and coffee available.

The festival is sponsored by AGL, Bendigo Bank and Alpine Shire and supported by Mt Beauty Lions Club, Mountain Monk Brewers, Pizzini Wines, Alpine FM and Bright Bookshop. For more details and tickets go to the website mountbeautywritersfestival.com.

WRITE YOUR WAY TO THE TOP: Last year’s Mount Beauty Youth Writing Competition Winner Florence Roberts accepted her prize from festival founder Fay Mason.

PHOTO: Phoebe Morgan

Tammy Caulfield

What brings you to Mt Beauty?

I’ve come to visit my family who reside in Kiewa Valley House, and because of the long weekend in NSW, I made to trip over from my home in Berrigan. What do you like about the area?

The scenery is magnificent. Berrigan is very flat, so I like the mountains. It’s very peaceful here, plus as they say it’s good to have a change of scenery.

What do you do for work?

I work in mental health as a counsellor. I manage an education services centre from an office in Albury. We run parenting programs online, NDIS reports. We have psychologists access online.

What are your interests?

In my spare time like to go shopping, do some gardening and go fishing.

Where do you like to go when you’re in Mt Beauty? Walks along the river with my dog Kelly, and into the town for shopping, as there are some lovely shops here.

Where do you live?

Gyuan Keay + Poppy + Luna Montgomery

We live in Myrtleford.

How long have you lived in the area?

G: I moved here four years ago from Geelong.

What do you do for a living?

G: I do a lot of things: I work in outdoor education guide and instructor, I’m a dance teacher and I work in local coffee shops. I’m a Jack-of-all-trades.

What are your hobbies and interests?

G: I like to travel. I like the performing arts: acting, dancing, singing, reading and adventuring in the outdoors.

L+P: Riding our bikes and scooters around town and enjoying sweet treats from local cafes like cake and hot chocolates.

What is the most fun thing you found to do during the holidays?

L+P: We’re loving the new Splash Park; we’ve tested it out even though it’s been freezing!

What would you change about the area?

L+P: It would be great to have a bike pump track for kids in Myrtleford.

Georgina Ireland

Where do you live?

I’m from Melbourne. How often do you visit Bright?

About twice a year; once with the whole family in January and once by myself. What do you do for a living?

I’m a housewife.

What are your hobbies and interests?

admiring artwork.

What do you think makes the area unique?

Bright has great shops, the coffee is superb and it’s just a relaxing place. My family adore spending time in the river and hiking in summer and it’s not too far away from the snow in winter. I’m up here to visit the art gallery; there’s a lot of great artwork here.

I love spending time with my children and grandchildren. I’m deeply interested in helping the church and

What would you change about the area? I can’t think of anything to change.

BRIGHT

MT BEAUTY

Laughter, the best medicine at Alpine Shire’s Seniors’ Festival

For many older citizens events such as this month’s Victorian Seniors’ Festival offers a great chance to get out of the house, learn about helpful support programs and see the funny side of ageing.

Comedian Daryl Peebles will certainly be doing his bit to ensure locals have a laugh when he visit the Alpine Shire next week to perform at shows in Porepunkah, Mt Beauty, Bright and Myrtleford.

Mr Peebles, himself 75-yearsold, is a highly awarded playwright and comedian, who earlier this year performed ‘Stand Up for Seniors: But Not Necessarily on the Bus’ 10 times at the 2025 Melbourne Comedy Festival.

After hearing Daryl interviewed on ABC radio about his comedy festival gig, a committee member of the Upper Kiewa Valley Regional Arts thought he would be the perfect person to help older Kiewa Valley residents find ways to laugh about their lives.

After all, isn’t laughter supposed to be the best medicine?

Daryl was promptly contacted and invited to visit and it became clear he is not only dedicated to making people laugh, but also extremely generous in his bid to do so by offering to visit Alpine Shire for a week and do as many gigs as we wanted free of cost (other than covering his return travel costs from his Tasmanian home).

Fortunately these costs are being met by Alpine Shire as part of their

support for the Seniors’ Festival.

A full week agenda has been planned from Monday, 20 October when he will perform at a free community lunch for 50 older residents at the Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre.

On Tuesday afternoon he will perform at Mount Beauty’s aged care facility Kiewa Valley House.

During the day on Wednesday, Mr Peebles will be in Bright appearing at Hawthorn Village before attending the Porepunkah Pub in the evening to help lift the spirits of locals; and on Thursday at the Savoy Club in Myrtleford for U3A and older Myrtleford residents.

Mr Peebles will also present a free talk to AGL workers based in Mount Beauty on the importance of humour at managing workplaces stress; the topic he focused on for his PhD.

The only gig to involve a $15 ticket is his performance for all Mount Beauty residents on Saturday, 25 October at the Mount Beauty Community Hall, to support the costs incurred by the Upper Kiewa Valley Committee of Arts to continue bring future new acts to the Alpine Shire.

Other Seniors’ Festival events on in the Alpine Shire this week include:  Bridging the Digital Divide through Cooking and Connection

at the Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre.

 Bright Twilight Tastings returns to Ireland Street, from 5pm this Thursday.

 Lunch and a screening of ‘Mr Burton’ will be held at Riverdeck Kitchen in Bright, hosted by the Myrtleford U3A, before their Committee Meeting is held the following day at the Myrtleford Seniors Centre.

To view the full calendar of events for this year’s Victorian Seniors Festival and find out how to get involved, visit: https://engage. alpineshire.vic.gov.au/communityhubs/seniors-hub

Changes to chestnut levy has industry leaders calling for votes

Chestnuts Australia Inc is undertaking a formal industry vote in relation to a proposal to amend the Chestnut statutory levies-charges.

President of Chestnut Australia Inc (CAI), Brian Casey, said after discussions with many of the growers - who are largely based in Alpine and Indigo shires - there was consensus from the executive committee for CAI to conduct a ballot to seek growerlevy support to increase the total levy and adjust the allocations to specifically increase the amount of funds available for investment in research and development.

The proposal was tabled at the CAI annual general meeting held in Wangaratta last month.

As a chestnut grower and levy payer, CAI is now seeking input through a formal vote on the proposal to adjust the Chestnut statutory levies-charges.

“The proposal is to increase the overall levy-charge total to 14 cents, from the current 11 cents,” Mr Casey said.

“The allocations would be adjusted to 2.5 cents from 5 cents in marketing, from 4.5 cents to 11.0 cents in research and development, to 0.0 cents from 1.0 cents for the EPPR levy and a PHA levy of 0.5 cents at the first point of sale.”

Detailed information packages are being sent to Chestnut growers/levy payers, on the Chestnuts Australia Inc grower/levy payer list.

The formal vote is now open and is set to close on Friday, 31 October.

ELDERLY ENTERTAINMENT: Darryl Peebles is set to leave audience members in stitches on his comedy tour through the Alpine Shire this October.

Great fun at Dachshund Derby, Oktoberfest

There was a huge turnout for the Dachshund Derby and Oktoberfest celebrations at Mountain Monk Brewers in Mt Beauty last Saturday.

There were so many entries for the race it needed six heats before the final.

The crowd was thoroughly entertained as these little dogs came out of the stalls at an ambling pace, and one even turned around and went back into the stall.

The winner was ‘Darcy‘ and he and owners Lauretta and Stewart Strong was awarded the cup by celebrity Dachshund survivor ‘Valerie’ and her owner Georgia Gardner.

UPCOMING EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS

he will be performing at Kiewa Valley House in Mt Beauty; Wednesday he will be in Bright appearing at Hawthorn Village; and on Thursday he will be at the Savoy Club in Myrtleford.

The German theme for the Oktoberfest saw many in traditional costume adding to the fun.

Speaking of fun, comedian Darryl Peebles will be touring in the Alpine Shire to entertain, particularly our older residents as part of the Seniors’ Festival running this month.

Darryl is dedicated to making people laugh, especially older folk.

He is generously giving his time free of charge, apart from covering his travelling costs being met by the Alpine

Shire as part of their support for the Seniors’ Festival.

Darryl’s performances start with a free lunch at the Mt Beauty Neighbourhood Centre on Monday, 20 October (bookings are necessary); on Tuesday afternoon

On the evening of Wednesday, 22 October he will be at Porepunkah Pub to help lift the spirits of the locals who have been affected both financially and emotionally by the recent incident involving the deaths of two police officers.

The other performance will be on Saturday, 25 October at the Mt Beauty Community Hall - the cost being $25 per ticket.

This fee will support the Upper Kiewa Valley Arts Committee in bringing more entertainment to the area.

There were so many activities last Saturday in Mt Beauty with the Resilience Picnic and the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the Mt Beauty/Tawonga Playgroup.

Topping it off were more than 100 guests gathered around a huge bonfire to help local celebrity Mandy Van Gastel celebrate her 40th birthday - the 80s themed party saw some interesting outfits.

Wilson with with children Arthur (3) and Oscar (1) were among those to use the photo booth to capture a living memory at the 50th anniversary celebrations on Saturday.

Mount

Beauty Playgroup marked 50 years of community and connection

Mount Beauty Playgroup celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special event at the Mount Beauty Community Centre last Saturday.

The occasion brought together more than 100 past and present members to reflect on five decades of play. The hall was transformed with bright decorations, and families enjoyed a range of activities including face

painting, decorating party crowns, and a photo booth.

And of course there was a chorus of happy birthday and enjoying a piece of birthday cake.

A highlight was the displays of historical photographs, which prompted many conversations about the group’s past, with attendees reminiscing about memorable Christmas parties,

excursions, themed activity days, and the enduring sense of community that playgroup has fostered over the years.

Many guests noted the important role playgroup played in providing connection and support during their early parenting years - connections that, for many, continue today. The committee passes on a big thankyou to everyone who came along to celebrate.

celebrations were musician Matt Sier (left)

OFF AND RACING: Dachshunds

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

Elaine among hundreds of hopefuls competing at the Myrtleford Show

By PHOEBE MORGAN

As the Myrtleford and District Agricultural and Pastoral Society Show approches, local competition hopefuls such as Eurobin’s Elaine Western are busy arranging their final entries for this year’s judging.

Elaine has been entering her works at the Lilydale, Dandenong, Berrick, Royal Melbourne and Myrtleford shows for the past 13 years, offering up preserves, jams fruits and vegetables and fresh flowers for the judges.

“I look forward to doing something for the show each year,” she said.

“I usually stick to the same categories each time, but it’s a matter of what you have on hand.

“You think about what you can submit throughout the year; any crafts or produce you’d like to feature, although I don’t have any sewing projects submitted this time around.

“Over the years, you do find out what the secrets are for showing entries.”

To prepare, Elaine relies on her garden for most produce entries, except for tomatoes as they’re

tricky to harvest at the right time.

“People are just planting tomatoes now,” she explained. Elaine passed on her passion

for entering shows to her eldest daughter.

“She’s very keen,” Elaine said.

“She has entered the Melbourne

Show and other district shows over the years.

“It first came about because we were perusing a display at one of

the past shows and she turned to me and said; ‘I can do that’.”

Entrants to the Myrtleford Show are strongly advised to enter this year’s competition categories online and attendees can also book their tickets online.

Gates are set to open for the show at the Myrtleford Recreation Reserve on Saturday, 25 October at 9am, with festivities concluding at 9pm after the fireworks display. Ahead of show day, the Myrtleford Show committee invite any volunteers to a working bee scheduled for this Sunday, 19 October, from 10am to 2pm.

For information on how to enter competitions, rules, key dates and so on, copies of the Myrtleford Show schedule are now available at supermarkets and newsagents around town, which includes show office opening times and dates for enquiries, with further information found online at: https://www. themyrtlefordshow.com.au/

To help out or volunteer in the lead up to show day or join the working bee, you can reach out by calling 5752 2608 or email: myrtlefordshow@gmail.com

SHOW SELECTION: Elaine Western is among hundreds of entrants at this year’s Myrtleford Show, putting their best produce forward for a shot at a blue ribbon.

PHOTO: Phoebe Morgan

Modern design with a stunning bush backdrop

An amazing combination awaits your arrival with this stunning contemporary home, set on some 18 acres of natural surrounds of parklike grounds and Australian bushland at Harrietville.

Quietly tucked away in a private valley, enjoying some 500m of creek frontage, this property is for someone who wishes for all the modern conveniences, whilst being a lover of peace, privacy and wanting a slice of high country heaven all for yourself.

The home offers you four bedrooms, two bathrooms, multiple living spaces and an incredible view from every window that has to be seen to be appreciated.

Filled with natural light, elevated to not only take in the outlook, but also to capture the cool air on a summer’s

evening, the home is a masterpiece that was thoughtfully planned out and built to exacting standards.

Its orientation helps harness fabulous all day sunshine, while its outlook across your parklike surrounds is something you will never tire of.

Step inside and you will find a mud room that is ideal for our environment and a hallway that draws your eye through the entire length of the home.

There are three queen sized bedrooms all with built in robes and a king sized master at the opposite end of the home that enjoys a walk in robe, ensuite bathroom and an incredible outlook for you to wake up to each and every day.

A family room where the kids can enjoy their own space for some TV time,

THE LOCAL TEAM MAKING SHED PROJECTS EASY.

a large loungeroom with an open fire place and an open plan kitchen and dining space that leads directly out to your entertaining deck, sees you spoilt for choice when it comes to where you will gather with family and friends.

The kitchen enjoys a large walk-in pantry and excellent bench space to lean against and get yourself up to speed on the families goings on at the end of each day.

High ceilings, double glazing, huge laundry, family bathroom with shower, bath, vanity and separate WC are just a few more of the endless features the home has to offer.

The property itself only has two neighbours to speak of, apart from some natural fauna, this amazing home, a

•

Charming home with great views

Positioned on a generous 946sqm sloping block, this character-filled weatherboard home offers a fantastic blend of comfort, functionality, and future potential.

Featuring three bedrooms and two bathrooms, the home is ideal for families, first-home buyers, or those looking to invest in a well-located property with room to grow.

The open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area is the heart of the home, complete with a 900mm electric cooker, dishwasher, and ample bench, draw and cupboard space.

A split-system and wood heater ensure year-round comfort in the main living zone, while a second living area provides flexibility for a home office, playroom, or media space.

The master bedroom includes built-in robes and a recently renovated ensuite with walk-in shower, vanity, and toilet.

Bedrooms two and three are serviced by the main bathroom, which comes with all-new fixtures-including a vanity, tiles, and more-ready to be installed, allowing the new owner to complete the renovation to their taste.

Agent | Myrtleford Property Group

Phone | (03) 5752 2888

Price | $670,000

Land | 946m2

Location | 6 Halls Road,

Additional features include a dedicated store room, a large undercover deck that overlooks the leafy backyard, and established gardens with secure fencing.

A single carport provides convenient off-street parking, and recent improvements such as new re-stumping, a replaced roof, and a 6.6kW solar system with 12 panels add significant value and peace of mind.

This is a move-in-ready home with the hard work already done-simply add the finishing touches to make it your own.

The Great Alpine Road at the entrance to the Bright township is being upgraded with the construction of a new non-signalised intersection to service the Bright Valley Development. The intersection works will provide access to the residents of the new Bright Valley residential development at 7400 Great Alpine Road, Bright, including emergency services and council operated services.

The technical nature of the works required results in the need to close the Great Alpine Rd fronting the site for approximately 5 days.

Subject to authority approvals, a detour will be established utilising the Back Porepunkah Road and Star Road commencing on Monday, October 27, 2025 for approximately 5 days.

This will be followed by a period of changed traffic conditions, including lane closures and speed reductions as required.

Two lanes of traffic flow will be reinstated by December 19, 2025 with additional minor works to be completed by the end of January 2026.

Residents that live within the road closure area will still be able to assess their properties; direct contact and letter drops with specific details, maps and instructions will be provided to impacted residents two weeks in advance of the road closure and detour period.

Access to emergency services vehicles will be maintained throughout the road closure and detour period.

Access for Council provided services such as rubbish collection will be coordinated with Council and services will be maintained throughout the road closure and detour period.

Updates and further details of the planned detour will be provided as they are finalised.

Any queries regarding these works can be directed to enquiries@brightvalley.com.au

PUBLIC NOTICES

Notice of Intention to Apply for a New Licence to Take and Use Surface Water

GMW Reference No: BSW0049-23

I Sean Fitzpatrick

Of 922 Mountain Creek Road TAWONGA VIC 3697

Refer to Vic Roads Map 50 E5

Intend to make application for a new Licence to Take and Use Surface Water and I intend to apply to transfer 100.0ML of licensed entitlement from an existing licensee on a permanent basis.

The volume sought in the application is 100.0ML/ Year The water will be used for the purpose of: Irrigation

To be used on lands described as:

VolumeFolio Lot No. Plan No. Plan Type

85802851069137LP

85890252069136LP

Any person able to demonstrate that their interests will be affected by the transfer of this Licence including any intended groundwater use, is invited to make a formal submission setting out the nature of the impact within 14 days of receipt of this written notification.

To make a submission please read the information available to download from Make a submission about a licence applicationGoulburn Murray Water (g-mwater.com.au) refer to the Groundwater section or contact GMW to arrange a copy to be posted to you. Submissions must be lodged using the GMW template available by either mail or email to, licensingadmin@ gmwater.com.au or PO Box 165, TATURA VIC 3616.

The Lodge of Unity No.54

Invites the Community to celebrate their ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD PRESENTATION and a DEMONSTRATION of using a Defibrillator by a local Medic TUESDAY 21ST OCTOBER Commencing 8pm 20 Hawthorn Lane, Bright Followed by a light supper which will be provided.

Contact: Bill Lowen 0408 761 015

SENIOR OPERATIONAL RELIABILITY ENGINEER (HYDRO)

– MOUNT BEAUTY

Join the Change!

Electrify Your Future. AGL has powered Australian communities since 1837. Now, we’re leading the shift to a cleaner energy future, and we want you on the journey.

We’re hiring a Senior Operational Reliability Engineer – Hydro to support 14 hydro power stations across NSW and Victoria. Based in Mount Beauty, this role offers a unique lifestyle in the stunning Kiewa Valley, with access to skiing, hiking, and more.

You’ll lead reliability strategies across electrical, mechanical, and civil systems —driving performance, reducing downtime, and supporting a sustainable energy future.

What we offer:

• Flexible work options Energy and solar discounts 20 weeks paid parental leave

• Extra recharge leave

• Career development and recognition programs

What you’ll bring:

• Engineering degree (Electrical/ Mechanical)

• Experience in reliability engineering and asset management

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Familiarity with SAP, Power BI, and condition monitoring tools

Applications close October 24, 2025. AGL is an inclusive employer and encourages applications from all backgrounds.

Learn more at agl.com.au/careers

Facilities Manager – 2026 School Year

Bogong Campus

• 27 January to 18 December 2026

• 38 hours per week

Further information is available at www.vic.gov.au/schools-jobs or by contacting Roger Blackwell – Principal on 0417 202 578.

Closing date for applications: October 22, 2025

Senior Customer Service Officer

Full-Time

Looking for more than just a job?

Ready to lead a team and make a real impact in your local community?

At BankWAW, we’re a customer-owned, values-driven bank that puts people first - not profits. We’re proud to support local communities, and now we’re looking for a passionate and experienced Senior Customer Service Officer (SCSO) to lead our Wangaratta Service Centre and inspire a high-performing team of four.

About the Role

This is more than a leadership title - it’s a hands-on, people-first role where you’ll lead by example and build real connections. You won’t be stuck behind a desk - you’ll be right there with your team, delivering outstanding service to customers and supporting the day-to-day running of the branch.

To find out more, see our job ad on SEEK, Senior Customer Service Officer Job in Wangaratta, Yarra Valley & High Country VIC - SEEK

BRIGHT MEDICAL CENTRE

Part Time Registered Nurse Position

We are a busy private practice seeking a well-rounded, enthusiastic Registered Nurse to join our team. Successful applicant will be able to work collaboratively with our General Practitioners to provide a range of treatment room services and preventive medicine.

• 1-2 days per week

• Business hours

• Fantastic team environment

Tasks include but not limited too:

• Ambulatory care

• ECG

• Spirometry

• Ear syringing

• Wound management

• Patient triage

• Chronic disease management

• Assisting with skin cancer surgery

• Health Assessments

Please send applications through to info@brightmedicalcentre.com.au

Advertising

Account Manager Print and Digital Media

Who are we looking for?

North East Media is looking for a driven and committed individual to join our advertising sales team at Wangaratta, where you will be responsible for managing existing clients while growing your own sales for group newspapers (including the Wangaratta Chronicle), websites and special publications.

The ideal candidate will have:

• The capacity to see opportunities and market trends and a drive to achieve results to help our business grow.

• Effective communication skills (verbal and written), enabling connection with a wide range of people across various industries.

• The capability to sustain existing relationships and continuously build new ones.

• An excellent work ethic and organisational skills (including maintaining current records in our company CRM program) enabling you to consistently meet deadlines and achieve your sales targets.

• The ability to collaborate (including with your manager, sales colleagues, our editors and graphic designers) to ensure seamless execution of advertising campaigns.

• A current driver’s licence

What are we offering?

A full-time position with an attractive remuneration package comprising a base salary, commission and employer superannuation contributions.

About North East Media

North East Media, a division of Provincial Press Group, is an independent familyowned media company publishing over 25 newspapers across North East Victoria, Central West and Southern NSW.

How to apply

If you are self-motivated, results-orientated and looking for a challenge in the media environment, then please forward your resume and covering letter to:

Leah Scott

lscott@nemedia.com.au

Advertising Manager

North East Media Pty Ltd

MYRTLEFORD SKI CLUB LODGE MANAGERS 2025/26

Live and work in the heart of Falls Creek, at one of the resort’s founding club lodges, Myrtleford Ski Club. The Lodge Manager position is available for the 2025/26 summer and/or winter 2026 season. This contract position to manage a 38-bed lodge is ideally suited to a couple (individuals are also invited to enquire).

It requires a love of Alpine life, energy and excellent communication, organisation and people skills. Prior experience in a similar position, venue management and knowledge of the resort is preferred. Ensuite accommodation and attractive remuneration is offered and flexibility for additional employment may be negotiated. Responsibilities include:

• Guest services - fostering a welcoming communal lodge atmosphere, ensuring members/guests complete their allocated duties before departure, overseeing adherence to Club Constitution, Standing Rules and policies, providing resort knowledge

• Management of the day-to-day operation and presentation of the Lodge: including cleaning, laundry, maintenance, and stock levels

Proof of the following is also required:

• Working with Children Check

• First Aid Certification

• Valid driver’s license

• Bookings management; reservations including payments and refunds, optimising occupancy

• Communication: timely and professional interaction with members, guests and external stakeholders, monthly reports to Committee, in-resort representation of the Club

• Membership Subscription: managing invoicing and payments, maintaining member data and confidentiality

• National Police Check.

• Applicants will be required to provide 3 referees.

This is a fantastic hands-on and unique role. We look forward to hearing from you. Send your application, including cover letter and CV to myrtsec@gmail.com. Applications close: Friday 14 November 2025.

MEDICAL SECRETARY

Seeking a proactive and professional Medical Secretary to provide exceptional support to a new orthopaedic surgery practice located in Bright, Victoria. In this key position, you will provide one-on-one support to Dr Anton Lambers, handling a variety of tasks including patient interactions, hospital coordination and business development.

Recruiting closes: October 17, 2025

Employment from: Late January 2026

To find out more and apply online: https://www.seek.com.au/job/87203618

Catering Assistant - 2026 Year Bogong Campus

• 27 January to 18 December 2026

• 22.8 hours per week

• Monday to Thursday

Further information is available at www.vic.govau/schools-jobs or by contacting Roger Blackwell – Principal on 0417 202 578. Closing date for applications: October 22, 2025

ON COURSE: Some of the 400 plus competitors enjoying the lovely surrounds competing in the Harrietville Half Marathon events on Sunday.

By ROBYN DOWNEY, Harrietville Half Marathon race director and organising committee chair

Our ninth Harrietville Half Marathon ever since 2015 - with two year’s cancelled due to Covid - was brilliant and our best ever last Sunday.

We had 438 registrants which is an event record, and included a massive 201 entrants in the 21.1km distance, 130 in the 10.5km, 58 in the 5km race and 49 in the 2km event.

The event’s success was largely due to the efforts of my hard working and wonderful team - Jo Parker (co-director), Ella Besgrove (PA), Rachel Biggs (2026 team leader) and Anna Mountjoy - and our 52 volunteers.

Special mention to ‘the man with the mic’ Andrew Badrock who did a sensational job with the help of ‘spotters’ Dave and Jimmy Staig calling the runners and walkers over the finish line - then announcing the winners and random draw prize winners at the presentation ceremony.

Trevor Castricum and his team built our amazing new finish area in the middle of Tavare Park - made possible by the Alpine Shire and Gary Noall ’s development of the new shared trail around and through the park.

It was perfect for our event.

The finish area looked truly amazing and the runners loved it!

There were fabulous results:

 Community Bank Bright 21.1km event: Overall male placegetters: 1st - Ross Keegan in 1:24:35; 2nd - Cody Poulton in 1:26:14; 3rd - Duncan Hogan in 1:31:02. Overall female placegetters - 1st - Gemma De Campo in 1:29:55; 2nd - Mietta Greig-Hurtig in 1:36:13; 3rd - Miranda Griffiths in 1:37:26.

 Dickens Real Estate 10.5km event: Overall Male Placegetters: 1st - Joey Evans in 40:05; 2nd - Adrian Harbison in 42:08; 3rdSteve Koima in 42:32. Overall Female Placegetters: 1st - Maddy Button in 42:54; 2nd - Merrilyn Frederick in 47:35; 3rd - Maya Shimura in 50:51. BlueRock 5km event: Overall Male Placegetters: 1st - Jarlath Kilroy in 23:38; 2nd - Tom McClusky in 24:14; 3rd - Alex Cox in 24:34. Overall Female Placegetters: 1st - Annie Biggs in 27:26 (local Harrietville); 2ndMuireann Kilroy in 27:32; 3rd - Ellery McKenzie in 27:50.

Alpine Valley Getaways 2km event: Overall Male Placegetters: 1st - Ferdinando Perri in 08:44; 2nd - Harvey Knight in 08:45; 3rd - James Xerri in 09:39. Overall Female Placegetters: 1st - Matilda Xerri in 08:34; 2nd - Vivian Knight in 09:15; 3rd - Aria Lukjanov in 10:00.

Local residents who were the Alpine Valley winners were Gemme De Campo 1:29:55 and Cody Poulton.

Trifecta winners who had run all three Mt Beauty, Bright and Harrietville half marathons this year were Mark (1:53:20) and Jennifer (2:18:35) Watterson.

An enormous congratulations and thank you to all participants and to volunteers who made their effort possible and pleasurable.

This event could not happen without all sponsors, particularly our major sponsors, Alpine Shire Council, Community Bank Bright, Dickens Real Estate, BlueRock Accounting, Alpine Valley Getaways, Beau-Parc Alpine, Bright Rotary and Hotham Electrical.

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Mason Park Funerals

Wangaratta & District Cricket Association

ROVERS UNITED BRUCK DEF BENALLA BUSHRANGERS

BENALLA BUSHRANGERS

Brayden Stepien c: M Whitten b: W Graham 9

James Carboon c: b: W Graham 1

Vaughan Kirk b: J Wilson 20

Jonty Priest not out 38*

Lucas Ham st: R Collier b: J Wilson 3

Lee Brennan c: R Collier b: W Graham 8

OVENS VALLEY UNITED BEECHWORTH WANDERERS

OVENS VALLEY UNITED

Seamus Phillips c: M Ryan b: J Carson

Dylan Bursill c: J Cull b: J Carson

Geeth Alwis st: B Surrey b: J Carson

Noah White c: B Surrey b: R Worcester

Joel Jordan st: B Surrey b: H Scalzo

Bonwick

b: H Moore 6

Callum Honey

b: A Brett 5

Rhys Grant run out (H Moore) 24

Matthew Prestianni b: J Marek 9

Nick Stebnyckyj b: A Brett

Chris Clement not out 0

Extras (15Wd, 6NB, 2LB, 2B) 25

Total 39.3 Overs (Run Rate: 6.33) 250

FOW: 1-94 Tyler Nanson (c: J Marek b: C Ormond); 2-126 Cooper Matheson (b: A Crispin); 3-155 David Killen (c: H Moore b: C Petersen); 4-168 Jack Davies (b: H Moore); 5-195 Nic Bonwick (b: H Moore); 6-213 James Thewlis (b: A Crispin); 7-214 Callum Honey (b: A Brett); 8-249 Rhys Grant (run out (H Moore)); 9-249 Matthew Prestianni (b: J Marek); 10-250 Nick Stebnyckyj (b: A Brett). BOWLING: (O-M-R-W): Jed Marek 8-0-56-1

Connor Ormond 6-0-27-1; Alasdair Brett 6.3-0-58-2; Archie Crispin 9-2-43-2; Hugh Spring 4-0-20-0; Corey Petersen 3-0-18-1; Harvey Moore 3-0-24-2.

CITY COLTS

Thomas Moore lbw: D Killen 19

Ben Feldtmann c: N Bonwick b: J Thewlis 20

Aaron Thrum b: C Clement

Jed Marek c: D Killen b: C Clement 4

Alasdair Brett b: C Clement

Max Marek c: J Davies b: C Clement 22

Mitchell Feldtmann b: N Stebnyckyj 11

Hugh Spring b: N Stebnyckyj 2

Archie Crispin c: R Grant b: C Clement 14

Corey Petersen not out 14*

Connor Ormond not out 52*

Harvey Moore did not bat

Extras (24Wd, 2NB, 3LB, 4B) 33

Total 45 Overs (Run Rate: 4.24) 191

FOW: 1-30 Thomas Moore (lbw: D Killen); 2-34 Aaron Thrum (b: C Clement); 3-46 Jed Marek (c: D Killen b: C Clement); 4-46 Alasdair Brett (b: C Clement); 5-51

Ben Feldtmann (c: N Bonwick b: J Thewlis); 6-75

Mitchell Feldtmann (b: N Stebnyckyj); 7-83 Hugh Spring (b: N Stebnyckyj); 8-107 Max Marek (c: J Davies b: C Clement); 9-114 Archie Crispin (c: R Grant b: C Clement). BOWLING: (O-M-R-W): Chris Clement 9-1-395; David Killen 9-0-42-1; James Thewlis 9-4-23-1; Rhys Grant 2-0-12-0; Nick Stebnyckyj 8-1-26-2; Tyler Nanson 8-1-42-0.

Matthew Priest b: B Bartlett 2

Dale Stratton run out (M Whitten) 3

Conor Brodie b: J Wilson 6

Mitchell Wheelens not out 5*

Xavier De Fazio did not bat

Extras (13Wd, 5NB, 5LB) 23

Total 45 Overs (Run Rate: 2.62) 118

FOW: 1-10 Brayden Stepien (c: M Whitten b: W Graham); 2-24 James Carboon (c: b: W Graham); 3-45

Vaughan Kirk (b: J Wilson); 4-56 Lucas Ham (st: R Collier b: J Wilson); 5-81 Lee Brennan (c: R Collier b: W Graham); 6-86 Matthew Priest (b: B Bartlett); 7-89 Dale Stratton (run out (M Whitten)); 8-111 Conor Brodie (b: J Wilson). BOWLING: (O-M-R-W): Jacob Schonafinger 9-1-18-0; Will Graham 9-3-19-3; Jeremy Wilson 9-3-203; Reid McNamara 4-1-12-0; Susanka Gamage 3-0-14-0; Cormac McNamara 3-0-16-0; Brady Bartlett 8-1-14-1.

ROVERS UNITED BRUCK

Charith Perera c: J Priest b: V Kirk

Ryan Collier not out 33*

Reid McNamara not out 21*

Brady Bartlett did not bat

Susanka Gamage did not bat Will Graham did not bat

Cormac McNamara did not bat

Ryan Parsons did not bat Jacob Schonafinger did not bat Matthew Whitten did not bat Jeremy Wilson did not bat

Extras (2Wd, 1NB, 2LB, 2B) 7

Total 26.2 Overs (Run Rate: 4.59) 121

FOW: 1-80 Charith Perera (c: J Priest b: V Kirk).

BOWLING: (O-M-R-W): Conor Brodie 4-0-25-0; Dale Stratton 5-0-24-0; Vaughan Kirk 5-0-28-1; Lee Brennan 6-1-16-0; Xavier De Fazio 5-0-14-0; Mitchell Wheelens 1.2-0-10-0.

Daniel Saville st: B Surrey b: H Scalzo

Conner Forde c: B Surrey b: H Scalzo

Nicholas Impink lbw: R Worcester

Joe Monk b: M Ryan

James Neary lbw: M Ryan

Owen Adams not out

Extras (8Wd, 1NB, 4LB, 8B)

Total 42.3 Overs (Run Rate: 4.35) FOW: 1-62 Dylan Bursill (c: J Cull b: J Carson); 2-88

Seamus Phillips (c: M Ryan b: J Carson); 3-91 Noah

White (c: B Surrey b: R Worcester); 4-138 Joel Jordan (st: B Surrey b: H Scalzo); 5-138 Daniel Saville (st: B Surrey b: H Scalzo); 6-140 Conner Forde (c: B Surrey b: H Scalzo); 7-161 Geeth Alwis (st: B Surrey b: J Carson); 8-177 Joe Monk (b: M Ryan); 9-177 James Neary (lbw: M Ryan); 10-185 Nicholas Impink (lbw: R Worcester).

BOWLING: (O-M-R-W): Matthew Ryan 7-1-16-2; Timothy Turner 6-0-35-0; Richard Worcester 8.3-0-352; Jonathan Carson- -0-36-3; Henry Scalzo 9-2-28-3; ******** 3-0-23-0.

BEECHWORTH WANDERERS

Jackson Cull b: J Monk Will Prebble lbw: G Alwis 15

Campbell Fendyk lbw: J Neary 1

Brenton Surrey c: J Neary b: J Jordan 63

Matthew Ryan b: J Jordan 4

Henry Scalzo c: C Forde b: J Jordan 5

Jonathan Carson c: N White b: G Alwis 17

******** b: J Jordan

******** b: J Jordan 1

Timothy Turner not out 10*

Taylor Thomson c: S Phillips b: G Alwis 4

Richard Worcester did not bat Extras (6Wd, 2LB, 4B) 12

Total 39.2 Overs (Run Rate: 3.36) 132

FOW: 1-1 Jackson Cull (b: J Monk); 2-2 Campbell Fendyk (lbw: J Neary); 3-31 Will Prebble (lbw: G Alwis); 4-53 Matthew Ryan (b: J Jordan); 5-92 Henry Scalzo (c: C Forde b: J Jordan) 6-96 Brenton Surrey (c: J Neary b: J Jordan); 7-96 ******** (b: J Jordan); 8-100 ******** (b: J Jordan); 9-125 Jonathan Carson (c: N White b: G Alwis); 10-132 Taylor Thomson (c: S Phillips b: G Alwis).

BOWLING: (O-M-R-W): Joe Monk 8-0-26-1; James Neary 6-1-15-1; Geeth Alwis 7.2-1-19-3; Joel Jordan 9-0-29-5; Noah White 5-0-25-0; Owen Adams 4-0-12-0.

A RESERVE: Benalla Bushrangers 7-150 def by Delatite 3-154; Yarrawonga Mulwala 4-103 def Ovens Valley United 102; Wangaratta Magpies 148 def Rovers United Bruck 120.

UNDER 16 EUGENE KNEEBONE SHIELD: Yarrawonga Mulwala 8-89 def by City Colts 4-140; Beechworth-Ovens Valley United 5-99 def by Benalla Bushrangers 4-123; Delatite 79 def by Greta 7-80; Wangaratta Magpies 48 def by Rovers United Bruck 5-82.

UNDER 14 LEN HILL SHIELD: Rovers United Bruck 78 def by Benalla Bushrangers Red 3-134; City Colts Blue 6-75 def by Greta 5-99; Benalla Bushrangers Blue 6-73 def by Wangaratta Magpies 6-91; Beechworth Wanderers 7-138 def City Colts White 3-62; Yarrawonga Mulwala Bulls 5-102 def Delatite 8-50; Ovens Valley United 4-129 def Yarrawonga Mulwala Rams 8-85.

ROLL THE ARM OVER: Noah White sends down a delivery.

Bocce come and try day a success

Last Saturday, the Myrtleford Savoy Bocce Club held its first come and try day and official opening of the re-established playing surface.

It’s taken several months work to get the courts back up to scratch with past members in attendance all

GOLF RESULTS

MYRTLEFORD GOLF CLUB

Saturday, 11 October

Drummond Golf Albury Monthly

Medal Stroke & Super 6 AMCR 71

commenting on the brilliant state they are in. With a cross-section of players, ranging from eight to 80 years old, the day was an overwhelming success, with around 50 attendees and their kids trying out the fun sport.

The club is in the process

A Grade Winner and Medal: Jade Galvan (10) 77/67. A Grade Runner Up: Craig Piazza (7) 85/68.

B Grade Winner: Paul Evans (15) 84/69. B Grade Runner Up: Jon Harrington (20) 91/71.

C Grade Winner: Craig McKerral (25) 95/70 c/b. C Grade Runner Up: Colin Walker (30) 100/70.

Super 6 Winner: Paul Tanner (16) 21 nett. Super 6 Runner Up: Robert Wheeler (25) 22 nett c/b.

Ball Winners: D Rowe 71, D Matthews 72, A Roseby 72, J Costello 72, J Martin 73, A Loftus 73, D Rossato 73, D Clark 73.

Foodworks NTPs - 4th 2nd Shot: Damien Rossato, 8th: Jon Harrington, 14th: Jason Gilbert, 16th: Andrew Loftus.

Raffle Winner: David Rowe.

Ian O’May Shield Match Play - J Galvan def D Rossato 3/2, G Black def G Browne 5/3, D Rowe def P Cowman 1 up, D Matthews def C Piazza 20th.

Semi Finals are J Galvan vs G Black, D Rowe vs D Matthews.

These matches must be completed on or before 19/10/2025.

Matthews Cleaning Award: Daniel Schmidt 99 nett.

Thursday, 9 October

Myrtleford Property Group Stableford AMCR 73

A Grade Winner: Sarah Deas (24) 34pts. A Grade Runner Up: Carolyn Prowse (29) 36pts.

Ball Winners: Suzette Kelly.

Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Suzette Kelly.

9 Hole Winner: Kerry Chapman 17pts. 9 Hole Runner Up: Penny Dawkins 15pts.

Wednesday, 8 October

Myrtleford Property Group Stableford Ladies Vs Men’s AMCR 71 AWCR 74

A Grade Winner: David Matthews (14) 39 pts. A Grade Runner Up: Ian Wales (12) 38 pts.

of registering with both Bocce Victoria and Australia and will hold regular games throughout spring and summer on Saturday afternoons.

For more information head to the Myrtleford Savoy Bocce Club Facebook page.

B Grade Winner: Andrew Roseby (21) 39 Pts c/b. B Grade Runner Up: George Browne (25) 39.

Ladies Winner: Wendy Cladwell (25) 39 pts. Ladies Runner Up: Linda Loftus (22) 38 c/b.

Ball Winners: L Browne 38, P Veldman 37, E Miranda 37, A Loftus 36, A Hazeldine 36, E Jones 35, T Chapman 35 c/b.

Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Kerry Chapman and Jade Galvan, 4th 2nd Shot: Wendy Caldwell and Bill O’Donohue, 8th: Lesley Browne and Warren Rowney, 14th: David Matthews, 16th: Linda Loftus.

Ladies vs Men’s: The Ladies with an average of 32.9 defeated the Men with an average of 32.8.

Tuesday, 7 October

Drummond Golf Monthly MedalMyrtleford Property Group Stableford AMCR 73/71

A Grade Winner: Jan Roseby 35pts c/b. A Grade Runner Up: Faye McLees 35pts.

Ball Winners: Lizzie Orton, Sarah Deas, Heather Street.

Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Emilio Miranda, 4th 2nd Shot: Carolyn Prowse. Putting: Jan Roseby 29 putts.

9 Hole Winner: Robyn Ternes 17pts. 9 Hole Runner Up: Kaye McGuffie 15pts.

Ian O’May Shield Winner: Kerry Newton defeated Jan Harper - 1 up.

MOUNT BEAUTY GOLF CLUB

The ladies played the front nine on Wednesday, 8 October which was won by Ute Svoboda with 17 points from Helen Whittaker with 16 points.

NTP second shot on the seventh was Helen Whittaker.

The ladies played Par on Saturday, 11 October which was won by Liz Harvey with -6 from Helen Whittaker with -7.

NTP second shot on the 18th was Helen Whittaker.

The men played the front nine on Wednesday, 8 October which was won by Trevor English with 19 points from Fred Gerardson, Macca Deans and Roger Church, all with 17 points.

Trevor English was closest on both the seventh and ninth holes.

The men played Monthly Medal on Saturday, 11 October, which had been delayed from 4 October due to Golf Australia updates with handicapping.

The event was won by Brett Williams with a net 74 from Andrew Greenfield with net 75, followed in by Peter Hertzog, Rick Biesboer and Ross Wilson with their net 76s.

NTP on the seventh, along with the Tatts Ticket from the Tawonga South Newsagency & Post Office, was Neil Tappe.

The ninth was Roger Church, 17th was Stuie Jelbart, and Peter Dilley took home the money on the 18th.

BRIGHT COUNTRY GOLF CLUB

As the 38th President of the United States, Gerald Ford, once said, “I know I’m getting better at golf when I’m hitting less spectators.”

With those profound words, it’s time to see how the golfers played last week.

Monday, 6 October, Open, men’s and ladies Stableford competition.

The winners were Ray ‘The Borsch’ Borschmann 21 H/C 37 pts, and in

second place, Denis Hayes 28 H/C 35 pts C/B.

Ball winners: Fran Bentley 35 pts, Graham Badrock 34 pts C/B, Jenny Richter 34 pts, Joel Matthews 33 pts C/B.

NTPs - 3rd: Graham Barrow, 6th: Mark Stephenson, 11th: Rod Brown, 16th: Graham Badrock.

Wednesday, 8 October, Ladies Stroke, Monthly Medal.

Winner: Libby Barkey nett 74. Runner up: Di Anders nett 75 C/B.

Ball winners: Fran Bentley 75 nett, Tina Cook nett 77.

NTPs - 3rd: Libby Barker, 6th: Tina Cook, 11th: Carol Burgess, 16th: Libby Barker.

Thursday, 9 October, Men’s Stableford competition.

A field of 49 golfers threw their hats into the ring and only one played better than their handicap.

Winners: Crusty Carlisle 13 H/C 37 pts, Chris Baxter from the Commercial Club Albury 28 H/C 36 PTS, Robert Davey 21 H/C 35 pts, Steve Grogan 24 H/C 34 pts C/B, Heath Thompson 8 H/C 34 pts C/B.

Ball winners: Graham McElvenny 34 pts, Troy Stevens 34 pts, Doug Badrock 33 pts C/B, Jake Woods 33

The Myrtleford Savoy Bocce Club’s come and try day was a smashing success.

pts, Dennis Pangrazio 33 pts, Cameron Wickes 33 pts C/B.

NTPs - 3rd: Dean Melloh, 6th: Johnnie Ocean, 11th: Barney Neville, 16th: John Forbes.

The NAGA went to John O’Shea with a miserable 23 pts.

The winner of the IGA chicken went to Troy Stevens with 19 pts. Friday, Ladies 9-hole Stableford competition.

Winner: Sarah Williamson 22 pts. Ball winner was Gina Losch 20 pts. NTPs - 6th: Sarah Williamson. Saturday, 11 October, Open Stroke event.

A total of 71 golfers wandered around hoping for a good scorethere were a couple of good scores, but generally, being the second round of the Men’s Club Championship, the course proved to be the winner.

Winners: Liam Sabri from Rossdale G.C. 37 H/C nett 68, Robyn McGrath 21 H/C nett 69, Graham Badrock 20 H/C nett 70, Graham McElvenny 29 H/C nett 71 C/B, Tina Cook 11 H/C nett 71, Mitchell Bell, Shepparton G.C. 26 H/C nett 72 C/B, Mick Dunne 19 H/C nett 72, Ross Heydon 27 H/C nett 73 C/B, Heather Thompson 21 H/C nett 73.

Ball winners: Jackson Tennant nett 73, Christine O’Shea nett 74 C/B, Fran Bentley nett 74, Di Anders nett 74, Sam Noble nett 75 C/B, Theo Huperman nett 75 C/B, Robert Taylor nett 75 C/B, Cooper Thomason nett 75, Neville Blewitt nett 76 C/B, Gavin Hunt nett 76 C/B.

NTPs - 3rd: John O’Shea, 6th: jackpot, 11th: Ray Borschmann, 16th: Robyn McGrath.

The members draw was number 55 and that went to Mark Frost who was in attendance.

The NAGA went to President Barney Neville with an unassuming nett 85 C/B.

The Bright Golf Guru thought of the week, “If everyone played well all the time, the battle for the NAGA wouldn’t be necessary, but in reality someone is always at the bottom of the tree.”

GIRLS: The ladies of the Myrtleford Golf Club stood tall and triumphed in the annual Ladies vs Men event.

By NATHAN DE VRIES

The 2025/26 WDCA cricket season is officially underway, and for Ovens Valley Untied’s A grade side, the first match could hardly have gone better.

The Tigers took to the field at McNamara Reserve to kickstart their campaign against the visiting Beechworth Wanderers, and were able to get the job done with both bat and ball.

Sent in to bat, Ovens Valley posted 185 before their final wicket fell, and managed to knock over all 10 Beechworth batters for just 132 runs.

Opening pair Seamus Phillips and Dylan Bursill made their intentions known, with Phillips cracking a boundary off the first ball of the game.

The duo would find the boundary and run hard, putting 62 runs on the board before Bursill (28 off 33) skied one of Jonathan Carson to Jackson Cull.

The wicket would bring last season’s champion player Geeth Alwis to the crease, and he continued his fine form with the willow on hand.

Alwis would carve 53 from 65 balls, and when Phillips fell for a well-made 37, Alwis motored on, partnering with Joel Jordan (21 off 25) and Nick Impink (16 off 47) before he was stumped.

There were some hiccups in the innings, with three ducks and several lacklustre shots, but overall, skipper Phillips was happy with the final total of 185.

“We were going to bat first if we won the toss, and I knew early doors the ball would come

on nicely and as the day wears on, that pitch normally gets a bit lower and slower,” he said.

“Those first 10 overs, the ball came off beautifully for me and Dyl, but with the ball getting softer and older, it got a little bit hard to bat on.

“Geeth came in and did what Geeth does.

“Batting-wise, I thought there was a lot to improve on through the middle order, we probably needed to turn that 190 into a 200+ score, but for the first hitout of the year, you couldn’t really ask for more.

“It was good to see a few boys get starts, we just need to turn a few of those starts into 60s and 70s, and the batting should start to take shape.”

With a defendable total on the board, the Tigers took ball in hard, eager to make early inroads into the Beechworth line-up.

The breakthrough came in the third over, when English import Joe Monk managed to get one to keep low and smash into the top of Jackson Cull’s off stump without score.

James Neary followed up next over, removing the dangerous Cam Fendyk for just one, trapped LBW by a fuller delivery.

Geeth Alwis would break the building partnership of Will Prebble and Brenton Surrey, trapping Prebble LBW for 15 in his first over.

From then on, it was the Joel Jordan Show – the pacey rightarmer picked up 5/29 from his nine overs, targeting the stumps and sending down the heat.

Beechworth’s last hope, Surrey, was dismissed on 63, and from then on, it was only a matter of time before the game was wrapped up.

“We built early pressure on their

Clean sweep for Myrtleford bowlers

The Myrtleford Bowls Club had a brilliant start to the new season when all participating levels won their respective matches in the opening round of the Ovens and Murray Weekend Pennant.

The A1 team travelled to Yarrawonga where they were successful, winning 98-61.

Best rink was that skippered by Mary Paton with Marino Candusio, Denis Piazza and Liz Saunders, scoring 29-7.

Other rinks were Peta Mattys (32-16), Greg Robbins (24-13) and Michael Dwyer (13-25).

Playing at home, where the real stars were the greens as they awakened from their winter sleep magnificently, the B1 and B2 teams won all rinks.

Winning 72 shots to 55 against Club Mulwala, the best of the B1 was Jeffrey Stagg with Jon Dunell, Greg Pepyat and Ray Blewett (33-20). Lindsay Hamilton’s team won

22-17 and Graham Burrington’s team snuck over the line 17-16.

The B2 team played host to St James and dominated with 71 shots to 44.

Best on the day was Pauline Clearson’s group, with Norman Vonarx, Barry Morey and Adrian Novak who won 23-9.

Pippa La Spina’s team performed well with a win 28-16 and Phyllis Swindley just got her team in 20-19.

opening bats and top order, and just made that run rate climb early and kept building pressure, let them make mistakes,” Phillips said.

“It was pretty good from Joel, we hadn’t seen him bowl much.

“He started off a little bit shaky in his first couple of overs, he got a wicket and his confidence just went through the roof and he became almost unplayable in his last few overs, and just ripped through them.”

The Tigers will take this weekend off with the scheduled bye, before returning to take on City Colts on 25 October.

The A reserve squad were also in action, suffering a six-wicket loss to Yarrawonga Mulwala.

The Tigers made 102 runs before being bowled out, with skipper Nathan Cullen starring with an unbeaten 46* from 87 balls, before the Lakers chased the total four down within 15 overs.

Phillips

PHOTO: Nathan de Vries

PURE PACE

English import Joel Jordan had a debut match for the ages, taking 5/29 to help the Tigers post a 53-run win over Beechworth.

 Story page 19.

Saints on the board

Myrtleford women secure first win of CBL season, belt Shepparton by 39 points

Myrtleford claimed their first scalp of the Country Basketball League season over at Shepparton on Saturday, dominating throughout to come home with the win 7031.

After last weekend’s agonisingly close loss to Albury in round one, the Saints were determined to secure the win and breath some life into their title defence.

From the first whistle, it was practically one-way traffic, with Myrtleford up by seven points at quarter time.

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

If the first term was the appetiser, then the second was the main course, with the Saints completely dominating all facets of the match. Composed passing, elite offensive capabilities and staunch defence saw the Saints put up 21 points through the second quarter, a game high, and only concede nine to head into the break up 35-16.

With Shepparton’s spirit all but broken, the Saints maintained their intensity through the second half, with the final nail in the coffin coming thanks to an 18-5 fourth term.

Taylah Reidy was incredible, sinking 19 points herself, while Matilda Preston (10 points, two threes), Emilee McPherson (eight points) and Lily Purss (eight points) also performed well.

The result sees the Saints sit third on the North East Women CBL ladder, set to take on the winless Wal-

lan at Myrtleford this Saturday.

While the women triumphed, the men’s side are still yet to record a win after they fell to the Gators 4570.

From a balanced opening quarter which saw them lead by a single point, the Saints exploded through the second term, outscoring the Gators to head into the half-time break up 28-23.

However, Shepparton were far from out of the contest, with the Gators doubling Myrtleford’s third quarter output to reverse the ledger

and lead by three points with one quarter to play.

Despite a courageous effort from the Saints, they couldn’t keep pace with Shepparton, who would win the quarter 31-9 and seal the result.

Marcus La Spina (17 points) and Levi Young (10 points) led the charge on the scoreboard, and were ably assisted by Nicholas La Spina, Lachlan Russell and Bailey Robb.

The Saints return home this weekend, taking on Wallan at the Myrtleford Sports Stadium on Saturday evening.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 2ND, 9AM TO 2PM

PHOTO: Nathan de Vries

AlpineObserverWednesdayOctober152025

DOGS’ DELIGHTFUL DASH

Plant upgrade to help accommodate growth

Progressing estimated $20m project for water treatment at Bright, Porepunkah

McCurdy and O’Brien tour towns for financial feedback

Police probe Porepunkah properties, but no confirmed sightings of fugitive

Wonderful Whorouly Village Fair on Sunday

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Destruction of our environment goes on

Spring Skate Jam fundraiser a big hit

Celebrating our unpaid carers

Enjoy Bright Twilight Tastings celebrations

Man rescued at Falls Creek camping ground

Feedback sought on community centre use

Aerial inspections

Enhancing Anderson Street in Bright

Enjoy Alpine Discovery Day in Bright

‘Tommo’ walking, raising funds for the RFDS who saved his life

VETERAN FIREFIGHTER HONOURED FOR INTERNATIONAL SERVICE

More Bright locals ready to restart a heart

Authors to be talk of the town at writers’ festival in Mount Beauty

Tammy Caulfield

Gyuan Keay + Poppy + Luna Montgomery

Georgina Ireland

Laughter, the best medicine at Alpine Shire’s Seniors’ Festival

Changes to chestnut levy has industry leaders calling for votes

Great fun at Dachshund Derby, Oktoberfest

UPCOMING EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS

Beauty Playgroup marked 50 years of community and connection

Elaine among hundreds of hopefuls competing at the Myrtleford Show

Modern design with a stunning bush backdrop

THE LOCAL TEAM MAKING SHED PROJECTS EASY.

Charming home with great views

PUBLIC NOTICES

Notice of Intention to Apply for a New Licence to Take and Use Surface Water

Facilities Manager – 2026 School Year

Senior Customer Service Officer

Full-Time

Advertising

Account Manager Print and Digital Media

MYRTLEFORD SKI CLUB LODGE MANAGERS 2025/26

MEDICAL SECRETARY

Catering Assistant - 2026 Year Bogong Campus

Wangaratta & District Cricket Association

ROVERS UNITED BRUCK DEF BENALLA BUSHRANGERS

OVENS VALLEY UNITED BEECHWORTH WANDERERS

Bocce come and try day a success

GOLF RESULTS

Clean sweep for Myrtleford bowlers

PURE PACE

Saints on the board