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THURSDAY PAPER:

More protection for our ‘Gateway Trees’

BY PHOEBE MORGAN pmorgan@ nemedia.com.au

HERITAGE status, o ering future protection for Bright’s highly revered avenue of trees lining the town’s western entrance, is o cially in motion.

Alpine Shire Council is seeking to amend its planning scheme to apply a permanent heritage overlay to the ‘Gateway Trees’, recognising them as ‘an individually signi cant place’.

Council’s manager of growth and future, Michael MacDonagh, said the heritage overlay will seek to protect the integrity of the avenue of trees, and any removal or impact to the avenue will need to be considered through a planning permit process.

The trees hold immense social and aesthetic value to the Bright community and are celebrated throughout Australia for their spectacular autumn colours.

Consisting of Pin Oaks, Dutch Elms and Scarlet Oaks, the avenue of trees is estimated to be around 90 years old.

The ‘Gateway Trees’ have been the subject of controversy since early 2023, when the community became aware of a proposal to cut down some of trees, in order to make way for a new intersection as part of a signicant residential development to accommodate the town’s ongoing and future growth.

Community members rallied, spearheaded by the newly formed ‘Save the Gateway Trees in Bright’, and gained more than 30,000

ARBOUR AREA

signatures seeking heritage overlays to be applied at both the local and state level.

“Since Dutch Elm Disease has decimated populations of the elms in Europe, the Gateway Trees remain one of the last mature avenues of trees featuring Dutch Elms in the world,” Leanne Boyd said, on behalf of ‘Save the Gateway Trees in Bright’.

“This makes them globally signi cant.

“While a planning permit issued in late 2023 allows up to two mature trees to be cut down and a further three

trees to be relocated, residents are still hoping that the trees can be spared.

“With the new intersection design not yet released, there remains some hope.

“We are also looking to get trees in Railway Parade and Anderson Street heritage listed, but we understand it takes time to do so.

“We really want to say ‘thank you’ to council for recognising and addressing our concerns.”

The group will be seeking the advice of Heritage Victoria to ensure no stone is le

unturned and everything possible is done to ensure the trees are protected.

“This is an Australian story,” group member, Graham Ryder said.

“People come from around the country and even around the world, at all times of the year to holiday here and to spend time in Bright.

“The more trees we have, the more colourful our area is.

“If these trees were located around the Botanical Gardens in Melbourne, they wouldn’t touch them.”

Morgan

Mr MacDonagh said council’s strategic planning team is constantly seeking to identify places that may meet the threshold for heritage signicance and the community is encouraged to get in touch should they have any suggestions for future consideration.

He said it is expected that other avenues of trees across Alpine Shire would meet the threshold for local heritage signi cance and that this work would be undertaken in the future.

■ Further story page 3

AMENDMENT: Leanne Boyd and Graham Ryder are grateful a Heritage Overlay is being introduced to protect the trees at Bright’s Western entrance thanks to council’s recent notice to prepare an amendment to the area’s planning scheme. PHOTO: Phoebe

Neighbourhood centre staff there to help, not be abused

By ANITA MCPHERSON

MYRTLEFORD Neighbourhood Centre says incidents against sta are on the rise, with members of the public seeking help becoming more aggressive.

Jill Graham, who has managed to centre for 16 years, said the Myrtle Street facility was not immune to a statewide trend of increasing abuse towards sta .

She said a job agency operates independently from the premises three days a week, but when they

leave, there may be only one sta member remaining on site, leaving them in a vulnerable position.

“Recently I had a sta member who works part time and has a disability, and a fellow came in asking for his Centrelink to be reinstated,” she said.

“This isn’t something that we are able to assist with.

“The man began yelling, got very angry with our sta member and asked to take things outside.. it just isn’t right.”

Ms Graham said while it was usu-

ally those with substance abuse issues who become angry, people needing food relief can sometimes be demanding too.

She said realising how vulnerable her sta are, video surveillance was installed a few years ago, which helped police identify and locate the perpetrator of the most recent incident.

Sta at the centre are all part time, and Ms Graham said they can’t a ord to hire more and are struggling to nd enough volunteers.

She said she tries to organise

groups and activities at the centre to coincide with times when only one sta member is on duty, so there is some support and safety in numbers.

“The funding we do get doesn’t go anywhere near to what we need as far as sta goes, to run the centre properly, which makes it pretty tough at times,” she said.

Neighbourhood Houses Victoria (NHVic) says it is seeing an alarming increase in the number of reported assaults, abuse and bullying a ecting its sta across the sector.

As the peak body of the Neighbourhood House sector representing more than 400 neighbourhood houses and community centres in the state, NHVic said it is looking to address the issue by advocating for additional funding.

NHVic CEO Keir Paterson said Neighbourhood House workers are facing growing stress and safety risks, o en dealing alone with complex and sometimes volatile situations.

“This is harming their mental and physical health,” he said.

Council votes to object to Dederang BESS proposal

...and should Minister approve it, also calls for specific conditions to be imposed on the permit

By PHOEBE MORGAN

ALPINE Shire Council will o cially lodge a submission with the Victorian government, objecting to Trinasolar Australia’s application for a planning permit for the use and development of land near Dederang for a utility installation ‘Battery Energy Storage System’ (BESS).

The application is being assessed by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP), with Victorian Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny to decide on whether to approve the proposed 500 megawatt (MW) Kiewa Valley BESS, to be developed near the Dederang substation, on a 10 hectare site just out of town on Yackandandah-Dederang Road.

Two votes were taken by councillors at last week’s monthly meeting, in front of a large public gallery at the Mt Beauty Community Centre.

The rst to decide whether to make the objection or not and the second, foreshadowed by Councillor JeanPierre Ronco, to request speci c conditions are included on any planning permit issued, should Minister Kilkenny approve the development.

“These conditions relate to bush re risk, noise, storm water management, landscaping including earthworks, complaint management, external materials, lightning and decommissioning,” Cr Ronco said.

“All the details of this motion will be provisioned on the council website with all of the details and everyone can have a read of all the speci c conditions we would

PROPOSAL: Alpine Shire Council is opposing a proposal for a second BESS project on farmland at Dederang.

ALPINE Shire Council has objected to the proposed Kiewa Valley BESS development on three grounds:

1. Insufficient information provided with the application to make an informed and complete assessment as to the potential impact the proposed use and development may have on the visual landscape and natural environment.

2. The development will cause a detrimental visual intrusion on the significant Kiewa Valley landscape as a consequence of its scale and siting in an elevated area of the property which is inconsistent with Clause 02.03-2 - Environmental and landscape values’ and ‘Landscapes’ of the Municipal Strategy; Clause 12.05 - ‘Significant environments and landscapes’ and Clause 12.05-2S – ‘Landscapes’ of the Planning Policy Framework; and purpose and objectives of Clause 42.03 - Significant Landscape Overlay.

3. The proposal fails to provide justification to the siting of the development proximate to the Bushfire Management Overlay or articulate how bushfire risk will be mitigated and managed both internally to and externally to the site, contrary to Clause 02.03-3 - ‘Environmental risk and amenity’ of the Municipal Planning Strategy and Clause 13.02-1S –‘Bushfire planning’ of the Planning Policy Framework.

like to bring, if the Permit went ahead.”

Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas explained the second motion and said in a nutshell this proposal is what was discussed with community members when councillors went around the shire and met with them to re-

ceive feedback.

“It was fantastic to meet with so many people,” she said.

“Should the Minister go ahead, we’d like to be sure these elements are properly managed in the conditions of the proposed facility.”

The original recommen-

dation for council to object to the planning application was supported by Councillors Dave Byrne, Jean-Pierre Ronco, Noah Tanzen and Gareth Graham.

Each councillor spoke to the reasons why they were against the facility, which was met by applause on the

part of the meeting’s attendees from the community.

“Most of you have told us you are actually in favour of renewables, but not in favour of this BESS,” Cr Graham said.

“I had a feeling that 90 per cent of the people we spoke to were ‘against’ and maybe

10 per cent ‘for’ the BESS, so there was only a small handful of people who supported this proposal.

“We’ve been elected to represent you, the ratepayers and residents, so I therefore have to vote against this proposal.”

Councillor John Andersen took a moment to acknowledge during the previous council meeting in Mount Beauty which discussed the BESS proposal, Mayor Nicholas spoke for the members of community who are ‘for’ the proposed facility and Cr Andersen thanked her for doing so, in order for everyone to have a voice in this debate.

The rst issue was taken to the vote and saw a majority carried in favour of council objecting to the planning application, with only Councillors Nicholas and Andersen against doing so.

Council’s contingency recommendation to suggest attaching conditions to the proposed facility, if the Minister for Planning approves construction of the site, was also met with a majority vote, with Councillors Nicholas, Graham, Ronco and Tanzen in favour of the contingency plan and Councillors Andersen and Byrne against.

“See, we don’t always agree,” Mayor Nicholas said. The council meeting proceedings were paused as the BESS item on the evening’s agenda was concluded and audience members who didn’t wish to stay for the rest of the meeting exited.

“Thank you very much for your polite and respectful attendance,” Mayor Nicholas said in farewell.

Heritage status for avenue of trees

ALPINE Shire Council is seeking to o er future protection to one of Bright’s ‘natural wonders’.

Council has prepared an amendment to the Alpine Planning Scheme, seeking to apply the Heritage Overlay to the part of the avenue of trees comprising Pin Oak, Dutch Elm and Scarlet Oak along the Great Alpine Road at the western gateway to Bright on a permanent basis as an indi-

vidually signi cant place.

The Heritage Overlay is a planning control that can be applied to land that has been determined to have heritage signi cance, and the avenue’s inclusion would help ensure that any new development will have minimal impact on the continued integrity and heritage signi cance of the avenue.

The proposed implementation of the Heritage Overlay

follows the ndings of a detailed heritage assessment prepared by GML Heritage Victoria Pty Ltd (GML), which recommends the inclusion of the avenue as an individually signi cant heritage place due to its historical, representative and social signi cance to the township of Bright and the wider Alpine Shire.

In July last year councillors resolved to adopt the detailed assessment, and to

prepare and exhibit a planning scheme amendment to implement the ndings of the detailed assessment to apply the Heritage Overlay to the avenue.

Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, said that a planning permit was recently granted for the rst two stages of the Bright Valley residential development to the south of the avenue.

“The permit allows for the removal of two mature trees

and the relocation of three smaller trees from the avenue,” she said.

“Council o cers believe the works do not harm the avenue of trees and that the Heritage Overlay should apply to this site.

“Applying the Heritage Overlay to the avenue won’t change the existing approval, but it will help ensure that any future development nearby respects the avenue’s integrity

Early snowfalls ahead of season opening helping build mountains of expectations

By JEFF ZEUSCHNER

SNOWFALLS, albeit light, over the past fortnight, and the prospect of some light natural falls this Friday has o ered encouraging signs ahead of the season opening at Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain this King’s Birthday long weekend. Snowmaking teams at both Mt Hotham and Falls Creek have been making the most of sub-zero temperatures in recent weeks and visitors to the resorts this weekend are expected to at least see some snow.

Li operators, alpine resort management, accommodation providers and other private and hospitality businesses have been at out preparing to welcome guests - with plenty of apres ski entertainment and social activities to be enjoyed.

At Mt Hotham, enjoy free hot chocolate, donuts and S’mores at the Big D from 10am to 2pm this Saturday, keeping warm by the re pits and enjoy the music and outdoor games.

At 5pm join senior Gunai elder Sandra Patten outside the front of Hotham Central, as the season is o cially opened with a Welcome to Country and a Smoking Ceremony.

At 7:30pm head to the The Bird and test your knowledge on all things Hotham and snow in the trivia contest.

From 9pm at the Genny (The General) enjoy the opening night party (free entry) with bluesrock band Smoke Stack Rhino.

On Sunday, head to Zirky’s from 7pm to enjoy the open mic and jam session, with tasty

drinks include two-for-one cocktails.

The Genny will also be swinging from 9.30pm with DJ Eddy playing his favourite beats - and it’s free entry too!

At Falls Creek Scenic chairli rides up Halley’s Comet will be running, and down in Slalom Plaza, retail favourites are ready to welcome you back.

Families will love the free kids’ activities and marshmallow toasting in the Village Bowl on Saturday, with reworks from 6:30pm.

Sunday brings a heartfelt highlight with the inaugural Falls Creek Legends Lunch, hosted by Traverse Alpine Group in partnership with the Falls Creek Museum, from 12pm to 4pm at Frying Pan Inn.

Tickets are $48 and include

all food, with drinks available at the bar - buy online at events. humanitix.com/legends-lunch.

The long weekend winds down gently on Monday, with more scenic li rides, retail therapy, and family fun.

Beyond this weekend, there are many new and improved experiences on o er at both resorts.

At Falls Creek, the nal stage of the major redevelopment of Cloud 9 Restaurant is completed, o ering more space and greater creature comforts and access for all visitors.

On the slopes, a major snowmaking upgrade on Drovers Dream will help bolster adjacent runs including Main Street and Wombat’s Ramble.

At Mt Hotham, skiers and snowboarders will see a new addition at

the Big D - a dedicated progression terrain park to build skills before tackling more advanced areas.

And the Kids Snowsports School has also been relocated from the Big D to Hotham Central.

Hotham’s Toboggan Park at Wire Plain has also been tted with snowmaking to help provide a slide all season long.

And at nearby Dinner Plain, its toboggan run also has a snow factory up and running to ll in the gaps when Mother Nature pulls up short.

For those travelling to Falls Creek and Mt Hotham, you must carry diamond pattern chains, and t when and if directed.

• For the latest resort information, including snow reports and activities during season 2025, visit mthotham.com.au and fallscreek.com.au

and heritage value,” she said. People can view the amendment via council’s Engage Alpine website: https:// engage.alpineshire.vic.gov. au;

Any person who may be affected by the amendment can make a submission to council up to 5pm Monday, 30 Junevia email (info@alpineshire. vic.gov.au) or in writing to Alpine Shire Council, PO Box

Lost bike in Myrtleford?

MYRTLEFORD police have in their possession a bike (pictured) found near Happy Valley Creek at Jubilee Park.

If it is yours, contact the Myrtleford Police Station property officer on (03) 5752 1003, provide property number 202504-E-0366 and proof of ownership to reclaim the bike.

BRING ON WINTER: Kelsey Watkins was delighted to see 2cms of fresh now at Falls Creek on 27 May and is hoping, like all of us, to see a heap more in the weeks and months ahead.

PHOTO: Vail Resorts

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

A decade of warm-hearted effort for Salvation Army

BIG HEARTS: Motorcyclist Myrtleford’s David Hogg (le ) with Salvation Army major Pauline Middleton and Yackandandah’s Trevor Botting, who started the blanket and jacket run a decade ago.

Coral Cooksley

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

BESS likely, but controls must mitigate concerns

discussion as this is a discussion on what is right for the social fabric of our communities and the stewardship of the environment.

By CORAL COOKSLEY

A SHINY red haulage truck armed with a happy driver and around 35 riders on their rumbling motorbikes rolled into Beechworth on May 25 laden with warm apparel for an annual collection for the Beechworth Salvation Army.

This year marked the 10th anniversary of the blanket and jacket collection to help people in need during chilly winter months.

A thrilled organiser Trevor Botting from Yackandandah said not as many riders participated this year, but the run had been “the biggest yet” with donations.

Longtime rider, supporter and helper for a decade - Myrtleford’s David Hogg - said people needed more help these days.

“We’re privileged to have a roof over our head and to be warm in winter, and it doesn’t take much to be kind,” he said.

the South Morang Terminal in Victoria.

It is an extremely strategic piece of infrastructure.

HAVING taken a break a er 16 years as a councillor on the Alpine Shire Council, I wanted to share my perspective on the Dederang Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in the Kiewa Valley, particularly the proposed site near the Dederang Terminal Station.

I waited until a er the

While I am not an expert in the energy grid or market, I do wonder why developments like the proposed BESS haven’t happened earlier.

The Dederang Terminal Station is the ideal location for further developing the nation’s energy storage capabilities due to the size and current infrastructure availability.

It is the major connector to

I understand the concerns residents have about the BESS project and I believe their concerns are valid.

The State Government ultimately controls the decision and given Australia’s renewable energy targets, the BESS is likely to receive approval.

Recent federal election results further strengthen the case for the BESS in the Kiewa Valley.

I would urge all supporters and non-supporters of the BESS

in Dederang and other areas in our shire to make sure there are enough controls around such developments to mitigate community concerns while accepting developments in the energy storage capacity of our country.

It is better to see a win-win approach where community concerns are addressed with respectful genuine intent, where energy markets can move towards a renewable future and where our actions lessen the impact of climate change on the environment.

Tony Keeble, Tawonga South

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.

Email: edit.timesobserver@nemedia.com.au

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

THIS year’s Allan J Findlay Memorial Bursary has been presented to Emily Macklan from Tawonga.

The Mount Beauty Secondary School student received the bursary on May 20, attending the Bright Lions Club meeting with Bright Rotary Club members also in attendance.

Lions club youth chairperson, Jenni Sgambelloni, said from a strong field of applicants, Emily was shortlisted with other impressive finalists Ayla McCallum (Porepunkah), Kirsten McLennan (Tawonga South), and Toby Derrick (Tawonga South).

She said Emily was an exceptional young leader who submitted a comprehensive application.

“She impressed the panel with her enthusiastic, informative and personable interview,” Ms Sgambelloni said.

“She demonstrated outstanding commitment to her community through her support of local events, fundraising initiatives and leading by example, all qualities which align with what this bursary represents.

“Emily is a junior member of Alpine Blue Light helping out at discos, pool parties and other events; raised funds for Starlight Swim; is a Scout who helps door knock for

the Royal Children’s Hospital; volunteers at the Mt Beauty Running Festival, and is heavily involved at her school as a house captain and student representative on the school council.

“She is also heavily involved with the local tennis club, helping mentor junior players, and intends to use the bursary to help herself and the club.

“Congratulations to Emily on her achievements.”

Both Bright Lions and Rotary clubs established the Allan J Findlay Memorial Bursary in recognition and memory of the revered community member Allan J Findlay.

The $2000 bursary is available for students in Years 9 - 12 (or the equivalent age) living in the Alpine Shire.

Ms Sgambelloni said the bursary is an opportunity for young people to receive financial assistance to reach their goals and expand their networks to reach out and connect with others in their area of interest.

“It also allows them to see first-hand the commitment and passion members of service clubs and community groups have in contributing to the support and betterment of people within their local and wider communities,” she said.

Council to progress on climate action with newly adopted plan

ALPINE Shire councillors have formalised their intent to deliver further greenhouse gas emission reductions, formally adopting council’s Climate Action Plan 2025-29 at last week’s monthly meeting held at the Mount Beauty Community Centre.

The plan builds on initiatives identi ed in the Climate Action Plan 2021-2024, wherein council committed to reducing its corporate greenhouse gas emissions - achieving net zero in July 2023.

The updated plan will focus on baselining scope three greenhouse gas emissions, including emissions within supply chains and leased fa-

cilities, to ensure that assets, operations, and services are resilient to the impacts of climate change.

Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, said the updated plan provides clear direction for council to prioritise actions that will have the greatest impact for Alpine Shire communities based on current climate science and best practice.

“While we have achieved net zero for scope one and two greenhouse gas emissions, we are focused on measuring and seeking to reduce scope three emissions, which we anticipate will be greater than those set out in scope one and two,” she said.

“The updated plan has an ambitious focus on both mitigation and adaptation, but the actions outlined are achievable.”

Cr Nicholas said the plan is more than a commitment, “it’s a blueprint for resilience”.

“By leading with bold, practical steps, we’re not only strengthening council’s ability to adapt, but also empowering our communities to thrive in a changing climate,” she said.

To date, council has achieved the following emissions reductions and nancial savings:

• reduced annual GHG emissions by 1770 tons compared to

council’s 2018/19 baseline;

• met 15 per cent of total electricity needs on council-owned facilities through implementation of solar;

• saved over $38,000 annually from implementation of solar across 12 council-owned facilities;

• saved $100,000 annually from upgrading streetlights to LED;

• saved $446,000 in one-o income from Victorian Energy E ciency Certi cates (VEECS);

• saved $65,000 annually by joining the Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO) 100 per cent renewable electricity Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

Cr Nicholas said the updated plan will continue to build on these e orts to ensure that council has a robust understanding of its current greenhouse gas emissions pro le so that it can identify actions to expand emission reduction e orts and prioritise deliverables to achieve the most impactful outcomes in climate change mitigation and adaption.

She said council declared a climate emergency on 9 November, 2021 in recognition of the need for immediate and urgent action to reverse global warming.

You can read the Climate Action Plan 2025-29 on council’s website.

How long have you lived in the Tawonga South area?

This week it will be two years, coming from Wollongong NSW. I’m starting a new chapter now that my kids have left home.

What do you like about living here?

The trees, the colours in the landscape, the distinct seasons, the autumn leaves the snow capped mountains in winter, and the alpine terrain.

Would you like to see any changes or additions?

I would love to see more opportunities for artists, like an art gallery, and a cover for the community pool in winter so we could swim for a longer period.

What do you do, your hobbies and interests?

I am an artist and have been exhibiting since 1995. I use my maiden name Maclurcan on my work. I have worked in many positions, but have always been an artist. My kids have left home so I now find I have a quiet mind which is good for artists. I like to read including tarot cards that I’ve read for many years. I am a self employed support worker, mostly for the elderly and some NDIS. I like to ski in the winter.

Where would you take visitors to showcase the area?

To the Bogong Village Centre of Sounds Culture, then to Falls Creek. My go to places are Tawonga Baker for their bread, then to Treats for dinner. We have so many good walks here, so definitely a walk.

Elvie Rooney

Where do you live?

I live in Mount Beauty and work in Bright.

How long have you lived in the area? I moved there from Yackandandah four years ago.

What do you do for a living?

I’m a development officer and the coordinator for the L2P program at the Alpine Shire Council.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I like reading, walking with my dog, mountain-bike riding and gardening.

What do you think makes the area unique?

In a region of smaller towns, there’s a good sense of community.

What would you change about the area?

I’d like to see more people volunteer to be L2P mentors. If anyone would like to volunteer their time, email: l2p@alpineshire. vic.gov.au

Caitlyn Hodgetts

Where do you live?

I live in Ovens.

How long have you lived in the area?

I moved from Wangaratta about 10 years ago.

What do you do for a living?

I work at the Myrtleford Post Office.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I like riding my bike along the rail trail; I’ve done that a lot. I like playing netball and spending time with my children.

What do you think makes the area unique?

Myrtleford has a small local community which looks out for everybody else. This time of year, the trees also look spectacular as their leaves change colour.

What would you change about the area?

I’d like to see more accessible recreation activities for younger children; a play area for one to five year-olds at Jubilee Park might be good. Also an indoor pool.

Kate Atkinson

TAWONGA SOUTH

MYRTLEFORD

Council thanks the community for draft Council Plan input

WITH submissions for Alpine Shire Council’s dra Community Vision and Council Plan 2025-29 now closed, council has thanked the community for their input.

Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, said with engagement for the dra plan starting back in July last year, it had been a monumental e ort to get to this point.

“We started with our initial survey in mid-2024, followed by pop-ups at local markets, a follow up survey, the formation of a community panel, who attended six intensive sessions earlier this year, and an additional six popups just in the past month,” she said.

“We thank everyone for the tireless work done over the past 11 months to engage with a broad cross section of our community; in fact, this has been one of our largest engagement projects to date.”

Cr Nicholas said council had received a broad range of feedback during the submission period over the past four weeks.

“We welcome all feedback on the plan – it’s an important document that guides the future of our community, and robust conversation is a healthy part of that process,”she said.

“We look forward to exploring all of the comments, suggestions, ideas and questions our community has put to us as we strengthen the nal plan

even further prior to adoption.”

Cr Nicholas explained the dra plan is a high-level, strategic document that sets council’s direction for the next four years.

“It is not a detailed action plan; the detail of delivery is developed as part of the plan-design-deliver cycle of good governance, throughout the life of the Council Plan,” she said.

“We have built on previous achievements, such as reaching our carbon neutral target in 2024, and new initiatives include developing a Tourism and Events Strategy, as well as refreshing our Economic Development Strategy, over the next four years.

“We also acknowledge that some of our communities’ needs sit outside our jurisdiction, requiring an advocacy role by council, and this is clearly demonstrated in the dra plan.”

Cr Nicholas said improving customer service and response times is a key priority in the dra plan, with a particular focus on planning matters.

“To support this, a new customer charter is being developed to set clear service standards and ensure our customers receive timely, transparent, and consistent communication,” she said.

“We know how important it is for our community to feel heard and supported and the customer charter will

help us deliver a more responsive and reliable experience for everyone.”

Cr Nicholas said council remains open to constructive feedback; however, it is also very proud of the work that’s gone into developing the dra plan.

“We remain committed to working alongside all sectors of our community to ensure the nal document reects the diverse needs and priorities of the people we serve, and bene ts our shire as a whole,” she said.

“We can reassure the community that we won’t be rushing the nal adoption of the nal plan and will take the time needed to consider the feedback we've received and present the best possible plan for our community.”

Correction: IN last week’s Alpine Observer front page article it was quoted that Alpine Shire Council is one of the few councils in Victoria proposing the maximum allowable rate increase.

Of the 79 Victorian councils, 63 have published a draft 2025/26 budget based on a three per cent rate increase, the maximum allowable in the 2025/26 financial year under the State Government’s Fair Go Rates system.

Only six of the Victorian councils have, at this stage, published a draft 2025/26 budget based on a rate increase that is less than this maximum allowable amount.

Icy welcome to winter as 80 take the plunge at Falls Creek

MORE than 80 locals and visitors, including Peter the Snowdragon (pictured above) kicked off the first day of winter with an icy plunge in Rocky Valley Lake at Falls Creek on Sunday.

The annual Ice Plunge tradition saw the fancy-dressed participants make their “offering to the snow gods” in the hope of delivering a successful snow season ahead.

The event, now in its 18th year, is part of Fight MND’s Big Freeze

11 campaign to fundraise and find a cure for Motor Neuron Disease.

Local stakeholders generously donated more than $2500 worth of prizes and more than than $1100 has been raised for Fight MND, with fundraising efforts will continue throughout the season. If you’re in Falls Creek this winter, be sure to visit the Falls Creek Alpine Resort Information Centre to purchase your official Big Freeze 10 Merchandise!

Runners ready for Wandi Cross

By PHOEBE MORGAN

HUNDREDS of runners will descend on Wandiligong this Saturday for the Wandi Cross. The fun mountain running challenge kicks o at 8am and brings together elite to first time mountain-traversing enthusiasts, competing in four mountain runs – a 2km kids run, a 5km fun run, a 14km run over both Mystic Mountain and Goldmine Spur, and a 27km trek with four mountain ascents that circles through Freeburgh.

All profits from the day are donated to Wandiligong Primary School.

Last year’s event drew around 300 competitors and organisers are hoping to equal or even surpass that number.

Blake Hose and Gillian Turnbull both broke the male and female 27km course record at 3 hours and 9 minutes, and 4 hours and 14 minutes, respectively last year - setting the new mark to beat this year.

For more information visit: https://www.wandicross.com/

ON COURSE: Adam Lindsay is among the many hundreds of runners who have enjoyed the event post Covid.

Drought assistance expanded

statewide to help battle with rapidly deteriorating conditions across the state.

Premier Jacinta Allan made the announcement on Friday, saying the latest weather data shows the anticipated “autumn break” farmers anxiously awaited has failed to eventuate, with the window for last minute rain to avoid a failed season closing completely.

The news follows weeks of lobbying by councils, MPs and farmer bodies - particularly in the North East - for more support to be o ered to farmers here and across the state.

Premier Allan on Friday acknowledged the increasingly devastating e ects of drought aren’t con ned by

shire’s eligible farmers, and also hopes it may lead to further changes on the controversial Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, that is supposed to replace the Fire Services Levy from July 1 this year.

Mayor Cr Sarah Nicholas said it was

postcode or region – “it’s impacting farmers across Victoria and it’s why we’re expanding support statewide”.

She said advice from Agriculture Victoria indicates that rainfall in May realised the worst-case scenario, and over the past two weeks, a majority of the state received just 20 per cent or less of the average typical rainfall expected in May.

Premier Allan said the latest reporting from the Bureau of Meteorology also in-

And she said the new taskforce is also a “positive step towards understanding what more our farmers need during these really challenging times”.

“This announcement also moves us

dicates these conditions are likely to continue into June - leaving many paddocks and dams dry, with fodder prices doubling.

“Due to these worsening conditions, the Labor Government will deliver a new and expanded Drought Package – supported by an additional $37.7 million in funding,” she said.

“This will ensure farmers across our state are able to access grants of up to $5000 to

and Volunteers Fund,” she said. “It’s a chance for the state government to sit down with councils across Victoria and work towards a fairer system - one that doesn’t place such a heavy cost on primary producers and rural communities.”

support on-farm drought management improvements, in addition to nancial counselling and mental health support.”

The worst a ected farmers in Victoria’s south-west will have payments increased to $10,000, with the program also expanded to cover water carting activities and pasture reestablishment across Victoria.

Equally important, the government will cap its controversial Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund

been lobbying against the ESVF - both on grounds of its “unfair” financial burden estimated at $2 million more annually on its shire residents, in addition to the cost and councils having to collect the state tax for the government.

(ESVF) contribution - meaning all primary production properties will pay the same amount they paid in 2024-25.

This will see the ESVF variable rate on primary production properties remain at 28.7 – the same as it was in 2024-25 – for the duration of the 2025-26 nancial year.

This reduced rate will be applied to rates notices for primary production properties automatically.

Agriculture Victoria’s farm

The Government’s Big Moment

In the 2025-26 Federal Budget was the personal income tax cuts. Income tax cuts are a dazzling headline but in reality they deliver a tax saving of up to $268 in the 2026-27 year, with a tax saving of up to $536 from the 2027-28 year. Budget 2025-26 was budget for voter appeal with over $7bn in additional spending measures in 202526 and over $20bn across five years. Most measures extend previously announced and Budgeted items for another year. Key initiatives include:

Energy

• $1.8bn to deliver a $150 energy bill rebate extension until the end of 2025.

Healthcare

• $8.5bn on Medicare for increases to Medicare payments, 50 new urgent care clinics, and a bulk billed GP service.

• $1.8bn over 5 years for cheaper medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

• $240m for women’s health - reproductive health and menopause

Education

• $500m to provide a 20% cut to HECS-HELP debt for students, and a realignment of the repayment schedule to reduce the amount

required to be paid (from 1 July 2025).

Housing

• $800m to expand the ‘Help to Buy’ scheme reducing the size of the deposit required to buy a home by co-buying with the Government.

Families

• Three days of subsidised childcare for families with young children (income tested) from 1 January 2026 replacing the Child Care Subsidy activity test.

Lifestyle

• From August, the excise on beer will be frozen for 2 years.

Economically, trade tensions have magnified global uncertainty. Global growth is already subdued. The indirect effect of tariffs is estimated to be nearly four times as large as the direct effect on Australia, reflecting the relative importance of affected trade flows between Australia, China, and the United States.

Australia’s economy is expected to grow, albeit slowly at 2.25% in 2025-26 and 2.5% in 2026-27. The Budget will be in deficit at -$42.1bn in 2025-26, before

technical and decision-making support has also been made available statewide, supporting farmers to manage the impacts of these increasingly drier conditions.

Premier Allan said the government will deliver a further package of support in the coming weeks – informed by a dedicated new Drought Response Taskforce with government, council, farmer, CWA, agribusiness and nance representatives.

improving marginally but remaining in the red.

$3mil Super Rule - watch this space

A previously announced measure of note that has not passed Parliament but remains in the Budget is the tax on super accounts above $3m (a 30% tax on future earnings for superannuation balances above $3 million). While Belmores accepts that this measure will impact a small number of clients, we are awaiting for legislation to pass and will then review on a client by client basis. There will be no one size fits all scenario and as they say in the classics… the devil will be in the detail.

helicopter buzzing overhead this week, don’t be alarmed. AusNet is conducting

we head into winter. Aerial inspections

Harrietville, Tawonga South, Mt Beauty

Video

Connect

No GP referral, Medicare card or appointment needed

Register now so you’re ready to use us in the

Astronaut’s free talk promises to be out of this world

PRIVATE astronaut and polar explorer Eric Philips OAM will be giving a free public talk about his adventures at the Mt Beauty Community Centre at 7pm on Thursday, 19 June. The event with the Tawonga South resident, whose adventures went out of this world in April, has been organised by the Mount Beauty Rotary Club.

Mr Philips is an Austral-

ian polar explorer and guide, renowned for his pioneering expeditions across the earth’s most extreme environments.

Alongside his friend Jon Muir, he became the rst Australian to ski to both the north and south poles, destinations he has since reached more than 30 times, o en pioneering new routes into unexplored regions.

Mr Philips is the founder of Icetrek Expeditions and

Equipment, co-founder former president of the International Polar Guides Association, and co-creator of the Polar Expeditions Classi cation Scheme.

In early April, at age 62, he served as mission specialist and medical o cer on the Fram2 mission, the rst human space ight to orbit over the north and south poles. Launched from Cape Canaveral, the mission crew of four

completed 55 polar orbits over 3.5 days, reaching an altitude of 440 km.

Mr Philips became the rst person to y to orbit under the Australian ag.

SPACE TALK: Tawonga South polar adventure and private astronaut Eric Philips, pictured le with his fellow crew members, will give a free community talk this month.

Our valley’s visual artists set to welcome weekend visitors

Studios will be happening this

local artists Bronwyn Van de Graa , Charlie Brown, Kate Maclurcan, Joanne Russell and Daniel A Vard.

You can visit ve unique visual artists in their own creative spaces across the Kiewa Valley for the inaugural Alpine Arts Trail Open Studio.

See works in progress, chat with the makers and connect with the creative spirit of our region.

One of the group, Bronwyn Van de Graa , has work hanging in the High Court of Justice in Canberra.

Justice Gleeson, who is Australia’s youngest female High Court Judge, saw Bronwyn’s work and wanted it in that space.

The studios in various locations will be open Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 10am til 3pm.

Maps of the trail can be found at Mt Beauty Information Centre.

KEEPING with the theme on art, there was a large crowd at the Qua Wine Bar

in Mt Beauty last Thursday evening to hear from photographer Jacob Ravpach, who has been doing a residency at the Bogong Centre of Sounds Culture with curator Madelynne Cornish. Jacob showed lm of his work that focuses on integrating the industrial landscape with the natural landscape.

He was living in Wagga before travelling to places like Broken Hill, Tumut, Hill End in NSW, and as far away as Beijing in China. Atmospheric is the way

I describe his work, with nostalgia being another feature.

Great to have the Bogong Centre of Sounds bring such diverse and interesting artists to our area.

ALPINE FM Brunch program today will be speaking with Alpine Shire Mayor Cr Sarah Nicholas at 11.10am , and re-playing an interview with proli c author Peter Fitzsimons, who will be featured at this year’s Mt Beauty Writers Festival on Saturday, 18 October.

COMMUNITY feedback is being sought on Alpine Shire Council’s draft Road Management Plan (RMP).

Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, said the RMP is a requirement of the Victorian Government's Road Management Act, and sets out the broad management system and standards for public roads.

“This document explains how council manages its responsibility to check, maintain, and fix public roads,” Cr Nicholas said.

“It describes the types of roads council looks after and groups them into different categories based on their importance or use.

“It also outlines how often roads are inspected, what kinds of problems need fixing, and how quickly council should respond, depending on the road and defect type.”

Cr Nicholas said council has reviewed its RMP by carefully considering what it’s legally required to do under the Road Management Act 2004, what it can realistically manage with its current resources, and any known risks.

“Our roads are a vital part of everyday life, and your voice matters in how we manage them,” she said.

“I encourage everyone to take a moment to read the draft Plan and share your thoughts.”

The draft plan can be viewed and submissions can be made online at https://engage.alpineshire. vic.gov.au/road-management-plan

Hard copies are available to view at the council office in Bright, and at libraries in Mount Beauty and Myrtleford.

Submissions can also be made in writing and sent to Alpine Shire Council, PO Box 139, Bright, 3741

JOIN US: Local artists Bronwyn Van de Graa (pictured above), Charlie Brown, Kate Maclurcan, Joanne Russell and Daniel A Vard are opening up their studios across the Kiewa Valley to visit this weekend.

OPEN

King’s Birthday long weekend, devised by

By FAY MASON,

Rich Glen launches 2025 early harvest ultra-premium olive oil

RICH Glen, which opened its two beautiful stores in the heart of Bright in December 2024, keeps on producing the goods for locals and visitors alike.

It’s boutique provedore store, adjoining its skin and beauty store in Gavan Street, has just unveiled its highly anticipated 2025 early harvest extra virgin olive oil: an ultrapremium, limited-edition release, celebrated for its exceptional quality, purity and renowned health bene ts. Cra ed using the rst har-

vest of the olive season, this cold-pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is the purest expression of Rich Glen’s commitment to excellence. It contains no additives and is naturally rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, prized for their nutritional and anti-in ammatory properties.

Unlike most commercial olive oils, early harvest olives are picked up to two months earlier and pressed within four hours of harvesting. This rapid process pre-

serves the oil’s full nutritional value and produces a vibrant, cloudy golden-green hue: so striking, it’s showcased in a bespoke clear glass bottle.

Its avour is just as bold and unexpected.

“Early Harvest is a truly unique olive oil, and many of our customers intentionally seek it out for its health bene ts: taking it daily as a tonic or using it throughout their cooking,” owner and creative director of Rich Glen, Ros Vodusek said.

“Its intense grassy aroma and herbaceous, peppery avour leave a lingering warmth in the throat: an unmistakable signature of its freshness and potency.”

Rich Glen’s stores are open seven days in Bright, Yarrawonga and Echuca.

Visit Rich Glen online at: www.richglenoilveoil.com.au.

PREMIERE PRODUCE POUR:

Rich Glen shop assistant, Joelene Le Blanc is ready to serve guests their new variety of olive oil.

Victory confirmed, now the job ahead for our Indi federal MP

THE return of all but one Independent to federal parliament, at this stage, has Helen Haines heading into the next three years in familiar territory and with experience and allies on her side.

At Wednesday’s official declaration of the poll by the Australian Electoral Commission in Wangaratta, confirming the Independent incumbent has retained the federal seat of Indi at last month’s 2025 federal election, Dr Haines told a couple of dozen ‘orange army’ supporters she was looking forward to heading back to parliament on 22 July.

It was a convincing thirdterm win for the Independent with an 11,794-vote margin over closest rival, Liberal James Trenery.

AEC divisional returning o cer Deborah Giosserano read out the results of primary votes with Helen Haines (Independent) 44,270, Mitch Bridges (Labor) 8860, James Trenery (Liberal) 32,476, Athol Thomas (One Nation) 7619, Alysia Regan (Greens) 3838, Tim Quilty 1706, Michael White (Family First) 1901, Ben Howman (Legalise Cannabis) 3162, and Mark McFarlane (1518).

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

As a footnote, Ms Giosserano said the votes are not necessarily the nal gures for each candidate.

“I anticipate that while there are zero votes to be received by my o ce to be counted, there may be slight variations as a result of nal sortings – these votes will not a ect the nal result of the election,” she said.

Dr Haines, and Family First candidate Michael White, were the only candidates in attendance on Wednesday.

“We’re still waiting on a couple of seats, of course, Brad eld and Goldstein, but the crossbench has fewer Greens, for example, only one Green compared to four before, but it looks like all but one of the Independents have been returned to the parliament, possibly an additional one, so we’ll wait to see,” she said.

Despite Labor having a large majority, Dr Haines said it won’t change the way she operates.

“I’ve only every worked with a government that has a majority, so in terms of how

I operate, nothing changes,” she said.

“I continue to do the work out in the electorate, take that through to the federal parliament and in uence it in the ways that I have before.

“I’ll be seeking to push the government very hard on their investment in rural and regional Australia on infrastructure particularly around roads and health care and the housing and here in Wangaratta of course we’ve got some big projects that we’re seeking funding for so I’ll continue to work with our community groups and local government to pursue those agendas.”

Dr Haines said her o ce has been busy since the election with many people wanting to speak to the returned MP.

“I have written to key ministers in the 48th Parliament to outline the key platforms and issues that I will be pursuing for Indi,” she said.

“This work re ects the clear priorities of the people of Indi - housing, cost-ofliving, healthcare, childcare, regional infrastructure and action on climate change.

“These are the platforms that I took to the election and will guide my advocacy in the new parliament.”

Indi 2025 federal election official results

(le ) hands a list of the o icial results to Indi MP Helen Haines fittingly printed on orange paper.

PHOTO: Steve Kelly

Our kindergarten kids play out emergency responses with SES

HARRIETVILLE’S Bush Kindergarten recently received a special educational morning as the children were joined by members of the Bright SES Unit to teach them how to perform rescues in the bush.

On Wednesday, 21 May, which also happened to be Volunteer Week’s ‘Wear Orange Wednesday’ to say ‘thank you’ to SES volunteers, the children learned how to rescue an injured paraglider. Kindergarten teacher, Mica Corscadden, said it was the perfect day to have a joint exercise, as the children always wear their uorescent orange vests when out in the bush.

BY PHOEBE MORGAN pmorgan@ nemedia.com.au

“The kids all had fun and were very engaged,” she said.

“We have a plastic skeleton called ‘Hot Dog’ at our kinder, who helped us by acting as the patient in need of rescuing.

“In this instance, Hot Dog was a paraglider who had hit a tree, then fallen to the ground.

“The SES volunteers explained it was best not to yell to nd Hot Dog, only speak gently and say they’re on their way.

“So they said; ‘Hot Dog, we’re here with the SES, we’re trying to nd you and help you, don’t be scared.’

“When the kids found him, they radioed in and helped to get him in the stretcher and bring him back to the SES truck.

“They worked together and listened to instructions really well.

“It’s really inspiring; it really changes kids’ lives when they do something like this.

“A huge thanks to the SES for visiting us, it’s just amazing and we really appreciate them being involved.”

Gutnick, Nathan Musson and Brian Xerri brought the unit’s new Hi-Lux - acquired recently with donations from the Bright Hospital Op Shop - to show the children all the equipment used during different types of rescues.

“The kids de nitely enjoyed the exercise,” Mr Gutnick said.

have: a leaf blower, life jackets for swi -water rescues, harnesses and so on.”

Mr Musson said the day was an opportunity to get out in the community for them to see the SES in action in a non-emergency setting.

an idea of what we do with the equipment.”

Brian Xerri said events like Bright’s annual Duck Race, local markets and Good Friday Appeal fundraisers are great opportunities to engage with the whole community.

“A er our mock land search, we wheeled our casualty back to the vehicle, which acted as our ambulance for the day, with our patient strapped in to the stretcher on the o -road ‘mule’.

“Exercises like this are one of the special things being a part of the SES allows us to do,” he said

“The kids had a ball and it gives them a little bit of a guide to what we need to think about when we go and search for someone.

“This was the rst children’s group activity I’ve been to with the SES,” Mr Xerri said.

“It was good fun and they were an enthusiastic bunch of kids.

Bright SES members Levi

“Then we talked them through the other tools we

“It was great fun to hear kids say ‘my dad’s got a bigger chainsaw than that’, so it’s good to know they have

“When we have the opportunity to take part in community events, we grab it because it’s great to show people how much we want to be involved.”

TODDLER TEAMWORK: All hands helped move the stretcher on the o -road-mule to the awaiting ‘ambulance’.

WILDERNESS WIRELESS: Finley Ellis manned the radio to update the sit-rep for the rescue party.

TIED-IN FOR TRAVEL: The children helped to secure the safety straps on the stretcher to help Hot Dog to the rendezvous vehicle.

SKELETON SPOT-O! Sonny Adam alerted the rescue team a er locating Hot Dog in the wilderness.

RUGRATS TO THE RESCUE: (from le ) Rescue patient, Hot Dog the skeleton, was grateful to SES volunteers Nathan Musson, Levi Gutnick and Brian Xerri for helping kinder kids Sonny Adam, Finley Ellis, Vinnie Migotto, Harley Wiltshire, Ra erty Hankin, Aari Webster and Oliver Marshal find the practise paraglider in the bush, with the help of Ami Marshal, Sue Marshall and Jack the dog.

PHOTOS: Harrietville Bush Kinder

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Phone: 5752 2288

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Phone: 5751 1995

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29 Clyde Street Myrtleford Plus Standish Street Surgery & Bright Allied Health For appointments call 5752 2817

Campers, landholders urged to stay vigilant

THOSE heading camping across the Alpine Shire this King’s Birthday long weekend are being urged to practise camp re safety.

Despite cooler temperatures, Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) chief re o cer Chris Hardman warned that dry conditions in parks and forests mean camp res can easily escalate into bush res.

“Even at this time of year, just one unattended or poorly managed camp re can cause serious damage to the environment and put lives

and properties at risk,” he said.

Mr Hardman noted there have been over 370 camp re-related incidents this season, including the Boroka Lookout Fire, where an illegal camp re became a bush re.

“With a little extra care around your camp re this long weekend, we can keep forests and parks healthy and safe for everyone to enjoy,” he said.

“Never leave a camp re unattended and use water to fully extinguish it – if it’s cool to touch it’s safe to leave.”

Chief conservation regulator Kate Gavens said authorised ofcers will be visiting campsites throughout Victoria’s parks and forests to make sure everyone is following the rules so we can all have a safe and enjoyable long weekend.

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CFA acting chief o cer Garry Cook AFSM advised caution for planned burn-o s, stressing the need for su cient water and resources.

“Escaped burn-o s, particularly in the current dry conditions,

continue to cause signi cant concern and great risk to our communities across the state,” he said.

“It is really important landowners have someone monitoring their re activity at all times.

“Although cooler days are arriving, now is not the time to be complacent.”

Mr Cook urged residents to check wind forecasts, maintain re breaks, and register burn-o s. Camp re regulations can be found at https://www.vic.gov.au/ camp res-stoves-and-bbqs.

More Maccas released into the Kiewa River

ENDANGERED Macquarie perch stocks have been bolstered in the Kiewa River.

Some 275 fish, affectionately known as ‘Maccas’, were successfully relocated from Dartmouth Dam to the mid reaches of the Kiewa River last month, as part of a collaborative recovery effort led by DEECA’s Arthur Rylah Institute, North East CMA, and Victorian Fisheries Authority.

All three organisations have been working together to restore populations of Macquarie perch across North East Victoria.

Once common, the species is now recognised as endangered, prompting urgent action. The broader recovery program focuses on translocations, monitoring, genetic research (including captive breeding), and habitat restoration - all critical to helping the species bounce back. Following recent success with similar relocations in the Ovens River, it’s hoped this latest move will help re-establish Macquarie perch in the Kiewa River.

are worth rugging up for this winter

THE three-month season to catch Murray spiny freshwater cray sh o cially opened last Sunday, 1 June.

Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) chief executive o cer Travis Dowling said the prized fresh water species could be caught in northern and North East Victoria and were great fun for shers of all ages and experience levels.

“One great thing about catch ing crays is you don’t need heaps of gear – a piece of steak on a length of string or a labelled hoop net will do the job,” he said.

“Many families have great memories of winter weekends catching crays, which are per fect to enjoy around the camp re with loved ones or can be released to stay at liberty.

“It’s important to know how to measure crays correctly, from just behind the eye socket to the rear of the carapace, which is the main body shell.

“The legal size range of 10-12 centimetres helps keep large, breeding females in the system to produce o spring for years to come.”

In good news for the treasured native species, a study funded by recreational shing licence fees has found wild populations across 17 sites in North East Victoria remain in strong shape.

Researchers from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action’s Arthur Rylah Institute (ARI) and Nature

Glenelg Trust surveyed the locations using hoop nets and found only minor changes from a similar study undertaken in 2016.

VFA recreational sheries manager Dr Taylor Hunt said the assessment compared the abundance, size and sex ratio of freshwater crays caught in the two surveys and showed their numbers remaining steady, with very little to no change in the Ovens, Kiewa and Mitta Mitta rivers.

“This is good news and suggests our existing shing rules are balancing shing opportunities for recreational anglers with the right level of protection for a really im-

portant native species,” he said.

“We’re also working with ARI to produce Murray spiny freshwater craylings at our Snobs Creek conservation hatchery, which will further bolster numbers in these spots and more.”

Key rules for Murray spiny freshwater cray sh include the 10-12cm ‘slot limit’, a daily bag limit of two crays and state-wide possession limit of four per person at any one time.

For more information, grab a free Recreational Fishing Guide from a tackle store, download the free VicFishing app or head to www.vfa.vic.gov.au/ shingguide.

Murmungee soil workshop today

A FREE workshop at Murmungee Hall from 4pm today will focus on practical strategies to improve soil health and boost pasture productivity.

The event being hosted by North East Catchment Management Authority seek to help beef and sheep producers get more from their soils.

Topics will include enhancing soil fertility, improving water retention, managing acidity and compaction, and building better soil structure.

Guest speaker Dr Cassandra Schefe will discuss why increasing soil carbon is key, how to overcome physical and chemical constraints, and gain valuable tips for managing continuous grazing in the Murmungee basin.

Unlocking the power of trees

ALPINE Shire landholders and farmers are invited to a free forum this month discussing factual information regarding the opportunities for trees on privately owned land, based on federally funded research outcomes.

Landcare is helping bring the event to the region, with topics from leading specialists to look at opportunities for landowners to explore practical strategies for integrating trees into their farming practices, boosting both productivity and environmental sustainability. The event is being held from 9.30am to 3.30pm at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on 27 June, with more details on the North East CMA website.

crayfish include the 10-12cm ‘slot limit’.

MACCAS GO FREE: Almost 300 endangered Macquarie perch were released into the Kiewa River last month.

PHOTO: North East CMA

Feel good in your skin on your wedding day

MULWALA Medical Centre + Skin Clinic is a newly opened, GP owned and operated medical practice that also offers aesthetic skin and body treatments.

Located in the beautiful lakeside town of Mulwala – a short 45 minute drive from Wangaratta –they are proud to care for the local community and surrounds.

They treat all skin types, to look and feel good.

Using medical grade skincare solutions, their team has access to advanced technology and innovative equipment to deliver optimal results.

Their skin discovery consult is the perfect place to begin your healthy and beautiful skin journey to prepare for your special day.

Your skin undergoes a comprehensive assessment, considering factors such as skin type, texture, tone, and any specific problem areas.

By understanding each pa-

tient’s skin on a deeper level, they can provide targeted recommendations for homecare and treatment to help achieve maximum skin health and address any concerns effectively.

Their skilled laser technicians can treat a wide range of skin concerns and conditions from head to toe.

Using advanced laser technology to treat unwanted hair, tone correction for pigmentation issues, redness and vessel reduction, as well as laser acne treatment to ensure clear, blemish-free skin all year round.

Treatment courses vary depending on patient concerns and are completely tailored to suit each individual’s skin condition.

Medical Grade LED, concentrated mesotherapy infusions and algae infused masques may be added to speed up and boost results from corrective treatments such as peels, Dermapen 4 Skin

Needling and laser skin therapies.

These can be used in combination alongside a tailored homecare routine for an enhanced and efficient way to achieve your best skin yet.

Their popular body contouring solutions allow us to rid away unwanted fat and cellulite as well as tighten loose skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Body care is just as important to them as facial care.

Feel and look your best in the skin you’re in.

Pre-booking any of the series packages takes all the pressure off you and allows the skin clinic to create a treatment timeline to care for your skin so that you can concentrate on other important tasks on your list.

They look forward to caring for you and your skin in their beautiful space.

Give your skin and health the love and care it deserves.

PERFECT SKIN: Mulwala Skin Clinic is the perfect place to start your health and skin journey.

Celebrate your love, your way

AS your celebrant, Lesley Sanderson will work with you to create a ceremony that celebrates the magic of your story and truly reflects your love.

To craft the perfect ceremony, you and your celebrant need to connect, you need to be on the same page, because there’s never been another wedding like yours and there never will be again.

So, if you’re looking for a celebrant who will laugh with you, cry with you, celebrate your love with you, and do it your way, do not hesitate to set up a no obligation meeting where you can get together and chat about having your day, your way, with Lesley.

Over the years Lesley has garnered many positive reviews.

Raman and Garry

“Lesley was our celebrant on our wedding day and she was absolutely amazing.

“she has been so good and supportive throughout from the beginning till our day and she was so welcoming on the day as well and she allowed us to take photos at her backyard.

“Thanks for such a great service.”

Daniel and Andrew

“It is impossible to put into words how amazing Lesley

STORY: Celebrate your love in a way that reflects your story

was as our celebrant.

“My husband and I were married in Wandiligong, Lesley ensured that we felt at ease and comfortable throughout the entire planning of our wedding.

“Going above and beyond Lesley ensured all of our family and friends felt valued and included.

“Many of our guests could not get over how amazing she was, we couldn’t have dreamt of a better celebrant.”

Maddi and Brad

“Lesley was outstanding right from the start.

“From enquiring about our

wedding service, through to the pre-wedding meet up, all communication and especially on our wedding day.

“We highly recommend Lesley as she listened to our needs and executed them perfectly.

“She is kind, understanding, accommodating and funny and was the perfect celebrant for our wedding day.

“She made the whole process so relaxed and easy.

“We love her.”

To work with Lesley or learn more about her services visit https://www. sandersonscelebrancy.com.au/.

Personalised ceremonies for every occasion

FOR North East celebrant, Roxanne Bodsworth who has been marrying couples since 2008, every occasion is different.

Roxanne said every couple has their story to tell about what has brought them to this moment in their relationship.

“A personalised ceremony gives people more control of their ceremony,” she said.

“Sometimes there are different cultures coming together and that is always interesting for how this works and making sure everybody feels included in some way.

“With same sex marriages now, it means a great deal to the couple to have their union recognised in this way.”

Dr Bodsworth said wineries, family properties, bushwalks and breath-taking views have provided some wonderful settings.

“I had one very memorable one in the Beechworth courthouse with the bridal party behind the judge’s table, the family in the jury box and the rest of the guests in the gallery so that was a lot of fun,” she said.

“I had a full medieval-style wedding with staghounds, barmaids and jesters.

“There was a very special one in Yackandandah where the ceremony took place on four different spots on the property.

“It was a real journey that encompassed their life together up until that time.

“Or it can be what I call a ‘bare bones’ ceremony that is more focused on the celebrations afterwards.”

For Roxanne, the most important thing is the couple and the commitment they are making to each other, and it is a privilege to be able to help them celebrate that.

YOUR

with celebrant Lesley Sanderson.

PERSONAL TOUCH: Roxanne Bodsworth is here to support you on your marriage journey, creating a ceremony suited to you.

Birthday Weekend/Winter 2025

THE highly anticipated Darker Days Festival is set to re-ignite Bright this month to celebrate the rich and robust flavours of dark beer, live music and the warmth of community.

This annual event promises an unforgettable experience for all attendees with exciting beers on tap, including festival specific collaborations, a curated selection of guest breweries including Boatrocker

Brewing Co (VIC), Stomping Ground Brewing Co (VIC), Seeker Brewing (NSW), and guest International brewers from across the ditch Urbanaut Brewing Co. (NZ).

Not to mention, live music performances spanning 10 plus hours, headlined by Indie rock band British India and supported by up-andcoming Victorian band Hassall. Plus, a stellar line up of local and Victorian artists.

Local offerings from Bright’s wonderful Reed & Co and Sixpence Coffee, Yackandandah’s Backwoods Distilling and Wandiligong’s Nightingales Bros, as well as a food truck village, will offer warm and tasty meals and treats.

The festival is set to run from Friday, 20 to Sunday, 22 June, commencing at noon and 3pm on Friday with ticketed brewery tours and tastings, before a free welcome

TOAST OF THE SEASON: LAST YEAR’S CROWDS AT THE BRIGHT BREWERY’S DARKER DAYS FESTIVAL ENJOYED A LOCALLY BREWED BEVERAGE AND INCREDIBLE LIVE MUSIC PERFORMANCES.

BRIGHT BREWERY

Bright Brewery’s Darker Days Festival to light up the night!

party with Mt Maze on the Hop Terrace from 6pm to 9pm.

Festival Day on Saturday will see plenty of activities for friends and family to enjoy from noon until the evening; including a silent disco, face painting, tarot, tattoos and a big beautiful bonfire.

It’s an event not to be missed.

To wrap up the weekend, Sunday will feature a ‘Barker Days’ recovery session, a Karma Keg fundraiser for

the RSPCA and DJ Matty O from British India and host of Triple M’s ‘Homegrown’.

The festival is a cashless event with information and tickets available for purchase via: Darkerdays. com.au.

An after dark shuttle bus service will be available, traveling to various nearby towns: advance booking is required, via the Darker Days website.

PHOTO:

Alpine Brass Festival returning to Bright with a day of musical magic

THE Alpine Brass Festival will return to Bright on Saturday, 14 June, promising a day filled with music, community spirit and celebration.

From 9am to 10pm, the Skunkworks Community Alpine Brass Festival is set to be an immersive celebration of high-calibre brass music, youth development and community engagement.

Featuring bands from across Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT, the festival will bring the streets of Bright to life with popup performances throughout the afternoon, culminating in a Gala Festival of Bands at the Bright Community Centre from 5pm.

Past festivals have included Glenferrie Brass, The City of Greater Dandenong Band, Hyde Street Youth Band, Creswick and Daylesford Bands as well as Wodonga Brass and the Victorian State Youth Brass Band.

“Everything’s going really well so far, with everyone working really hard,” Skunkworks Community, festival coordinator, Phillipa Edwards OAM said.

“The bands we’ve spoken to are really excited for this year’s festival.

“They’ll bring their families for the day and enjoy the pop-up performances around town, as well as everything Bright has to offer.

“The people at the senior citizen’s club have really enjoyed the festival in the past, so we’re looking forward to dropping in there again.”

With prize money on offer for a standout ‘Best Soloist’, ‘Most Entertaining Performance’, ‘Most Outstanding Performance’ and best performance of an Alex Lithgow march, ‘The Lithgow March Prize’, the festival showcases the energy and excellence of community and youth brass musicians in a friendly, festive atmosphere.

To keep the energy high, food and drinks will be available throughout the evening, making it a perfect familyfriendly event to warm up a winter’s night.

For more information visit: https:// skunkworkscommunity.com/ and scan the QR code for tickets.

Youth Brass Bands brought the music to Howitt Park at last year’s Alpine Brass Festival.

PHOTO: Skunkworks Community

Meet up at monthly farmers’ markets

By PHOEBE MORGAN

BUSTLING BRIGHT MARKET: Explore the monthly markets across Alpine Shire communities to find the best local produce and handicrafts. PHOTO: Phoebe Morgan

ORGANISERS and stall holders of the monthly farmers’ markets held around the Alpine Shire are busy preparing for the change of season, to welcome back visitors and residents to sample the best produce, beverages, artwork, handicrafts and keepsakes the region has to offer over winter.

Held in Hydro Park on the first Saturday of each month from 9am, the Mount Beauty Markets feature a variety of stalls which showcase locally made items, fresh produce, plants and seedlings, home baked treats, handmade jewellery and vintage clothing, photography prints and paintings, knitwear, toys, woodwork, hand-dyes wool, secondhand books and more.

The Mount Beauty Market is always looking to grow with the help of local talent to create a bustling market environment, which not only brings the community together but becomes an asset to the town.

The next market is scheduled for the King’s Birthday long

Nightingales’ cater for all family members

By PHOEBE MORGAN

WHETHER it’s a weekly visit or special holiday destination, Nightingale Apples’ Wandiligong location makes a sweet treat for the whole family.

Apples on offer throughout the year include Granny Smiths, Royal Gala, Fuji, Pink Ladies, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Jonathan and more.

Beyond their own range of jams and pies, they also stock lots of local products made by wonderful businesses in our region.

Not to mention the chestnut and persimmon harvests and cider products also sold from Nightingales.

From time to time, even the orchard’s old apple bins are retired and available to a second home, although guests and locals looking to add a touch of local rustic decor to their homes may have to sign up to a waiting list.

“At Nightingales Alpine Produce you can buy the best farm fresh apples right from our farmgate store,” Chris Joyce from Nightingale Bros, Alpine Produce said.

“Our range of Alpine Cider apple ciders and juices is a must, including Alpine Spiced cider which is perfect warmed on a cold day.

“With tastings available to try before you buy you can de-

weekend this Saturday, 7 June, with further winter markets planned for 5 July and 2 August.

For more details go to: www. mtbeauty.com/mount-beautymarket.

Bright’s ‘Make It, Bake It, Grow It’ farmers’ market is held on the third Saturday of every month and is a showcase of local producers, arts and crafts from local surrounds all in one location, on the banks of the beautiful Ovens River, held from 8:30am to 12:30pm.

Fresh fruit and vegetables, trout, wines, jams and preservers, sweets, nuts, olive oils, jewellery, kids clothes, art, pottery, leather works, photography and painting, candles and wellbeing, plants and much more are on offer, not a two minute walk from the main street and the town’s unique stores.

For more information about the Bright Farmers Market, visit: https://brightmarkets.com.au/

The Myrtleford Farmers’ Market, held on the fourth Saturday of each month in the Piazza, is accredited by the Victorian Farmers Market Association and founded by TAFCO Rural

Supplies; a local co-operative to support the local community and local producers.

Customers are guaranteed access to quality, freshly harvested produce whilst supporting local farmers and directly putting money back into regional Victorian communities.

Each month the market has a theme aligned with the true seasonality of the region’s produce.

Visitors truly connect with the produce and producers of the region by learning, sharing and enjoying a local and ethical food system.

Local food vendors include artisans showcasing crepes, Italian donuts, sausage rolls, strudels, Dutch pancakes, coffee and more.

Producers are heroes of the area, with locals and tourists alike congregating monthly to celebrate them and enjoy the bounty of this beautiful region.

The market kicks off at 8:30am with live music from 10:30am.

For more information about the Myrtleford Farmers Market, visit: https://www.myrtlefordfarmersmarket.com.au/

FUN FAMILY OUTING: Enjoying Wandiligong’s Nightingales

Alpine Product yard last week were (from left) Kael and Simeon Frederick, Sethan Shiels, Merrilyn Frederick, Summer Shiels, Avayia Hilli, Arrabella, Lovanna, Braxen and Sharla Shiels and Krystal Hilli. PHOTO: Phoebe Morgan

cide on your favorite.”

Merrilyn Frederick from Bright said Nightingales is is one of her favourite places to visit.

“We drop in to enjoy the outdoor lawn space, sit in the sun and have a great coffee as well; especially in this beautiful weather,” she said.

“I come here every week to stock up on apples: these two bags will last us about a week, because we’ve got five boys in our house.

“It’s a great place to let the

kids out to run around and I also love looking at the nearby mountains; it’s one of my favourite things.”

Guests are also encouraged to dive into the box of interactive games Nightingales supplies and take them for a spin on the lawn: skittles, connect four, bocce and more are the perfect way to round out a visit to the site.

For more information, visit: https://www.nightingalebros. com.au/nightingalebros.com. au/

A serene and romantic retreat

AS winter sets in, The Sebel Yarrawonga becomes a serene and romantic retreatperfect for couples dreaming of a cosy, elegant wedding.

Nestled along the tranquil shores of Lake Mulwala, the resort offers an exquisite setting where crisp air, golden light and warm indoor spaces come together to create a truly unforgettable atmosphere.

Whether you’re hosting a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, The Sebel’s versatile indoor and outdoor venues adapt effortlessly to every season.

With sweeping lake views, glowing fireplaces and the option to host both ceremony and reception in one stunning location, your day unfolds with ease, surrounded by natural beauty.

Beyond the ceremony, The Sebel Yarrawonga offers tailored wedding packages that extend the celebration in meaningful ways.

Indulge in a massage or enjoy professional hair and makeup at the

luxurious SOL Wellness Centre.

Host a candlelit rehearsal dinner, or relax with a custom golf experience at the award-winning Black Bull Golf Course.

From winter menus crafted with seasonal flair to fireside moments with loved ones, every detail is considered.

After the main event, the celebration doesn’t have to end.

Guests can unwind with a glass of wine by the fire, book a spa treatment, or enjoy a leisurely morning surrounded by the calm of the lake.

It’s the perfect post-wedding retreat for newlyweds and guests alike.

To help bring your dream day to life, The Sebel Yarrawonga’s new conference and events planning executive, Alicia Leeburn, is here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact Alicia at alicia.leeburn@accor. com or call the hotel on 03 5745 9100.

Discover more about creating your winter wedding at thesebelyarrawonga. com.au/weddings/.

TAILORED TO YOU: Whether you’re hosting a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, The Sebel’s versatile indoor and outdoor venues adapt effortlessly to every season.

Celebrate your wedding at The Sebel Yarrawonga, with breathtaking views of Lake Mulwala. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, our tailored spaces and expert planning will make your day unforgettable.

Extend the magic with indulgent experiences - cosy indoor settings, spa treatments, and hair and makeup at SOL Wellness Centre. Enjoy fireside dinners with loved ones, a wintery cocktail by the bar, or a relaxed round of golf at the award-winning Black Bull Golf Course. We offer everything you need for a seamless and perfect celebration, all year round.

Celebrate your love at the historic Vine Hotel: A unique winter wedding venue

AS winter approaches, couples everywhere are busy planning their dream weddings.

If you’re searching for a venue that blends charm, character, and a touch of history, look no further than the historic Vine Hotel.

Located in North Wangaratta, the historic venue offers a romantic setting that will make your special day unforgettable.

Imagine exchanging vows in a beautifully landscaped garden, where original wooden beams and rustic décor create an intimate atmosphere.

The enchanting backdrop of The Vine’s storied past adds a unique element to your wedding, making it not just an event but a celebration steeped in history.

The outdoor covered decking and open courtyard, surrounded by lush greenery and winter hues, is perfect for alfresco ceremonies and cocktail receptions.

At the historic Vine Hotel, the staff understand that every detail matters.

Their dedicated wedding team will work closely with you to customise your experience, from exquisite catering options featuring locally sourced ingredients to personalised recommendations that reflects your style.

Whether you envision an elegant sit-down dinner or a relaxed cocktail style service, The Vine’s culinary team is committed to creating a memorable dining experience for you and your guests.

As the day turns to night,

let the festivities continue with their extensive drink selection, featuring local craft beers, fine wines, and signature cocktails.

Dance the night away in a venue that feels like a second home, surrounded by loved ones in an atmosphere filled with joy and celebration.

This winter, let the historic Vine be the backdrop to your love story.

Book a tour today and discover why The Vine Hotel is the perfect choice for your wedding celebration.

The Kevi: The perfect destination of good times

SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT: The team at The Kevi are about creating a unique generational memory for you and your family.

THE team at the Kevington Hotel aka ‘The Kevi’, do things a little differently, a three day and two night wedding is very different from

They aim to create a wedding you will not only remember forever, but you will have a great time as well.

The best way to get a feel for this is to visit the team at The Kevi, check the place out and perhaps even stay the night and experience the vibe and the character of this awesome

The Kevi is a venue for laid back, chilled out people focusing on a great memorable time rather than a fancy, pompous occasion that is easily forgotten by family, friends and even yourselves.

Creating a generational memory is what the team is about.

The Kevington Hotel is becoming one of the best wedding venues in the Victorian High Country , it is unparalleled with what is on offer here and an easy travelling distance from both regional Victoria and Melbourne. If you’re keen to get married this year, look no further than The Kevi.

Whatever the reason to rush it through, The Kevi have a shotgun option if required. Regardless, jump into a last minute 2025 shindig at The Kevi and have the time of your life over a truly great weekend to remember. For more information, visit www. thekevingtonhotel.com.au or get in touch at thekevingtonhotel@gmail.com or 0437367740.

Team will send you their information pack to check out and then fire away any questions you have to the team.

Brand new outdoor kitchen,

Relaxed

1800’s

2 inside bars

Open fires

Up to 250 guests

Huge selection of the best wines in the region

10+ beers on tap including local craft beers.

Locally

HISTORIC VENUE: The Vine Hotel is a venue that blends charm and character with history.

TUCKED behind a charming red brick façade, this character-filled residence seamlessly blends timeless elegance with modern convenience.

Boasting original ornate ceilings and two spacious living areas, the home invites comfort and style from the moment you step inside.

Two generous bedrooms include a main suite complete with its own private ensuite, offering a peaceful retreat at the end of the day.

The galley-style kitchen is both functional and stylish, flowing effortlessly into neatly updated interiors that retain the home’s classic appeal.

A separate self-contained granny flat, complete with its own toilet, basin, and split system heating and cooling, offers flexibility for visiting guests, a creative studio, or extended family living.

Set on a generous 766m² approx. allotment, the landscaped, low-maintenance yard is complemented by a

double carport and a three-car garage, ensuring ample room for vehicles, storage, or workshop needs.

Ideally positioned within easy reach of the city centre, walking tracks, local shops, and schools, this home presents an excellent opportunity for buyers seeking space, character, and lifestyle convenience.

Whether you’re looking to upsize, invest, or settle into a home with heart, this property ticks all the right boxes.

Agent | Garry Nash & Co

Phone | 03 5722 2663

Price | $660,000

Land | 766m2 approx.

Location | 45 Murdoch Road, Wangaratta

SAVENOW SOONER

A

but a lifestyle.

This charming four bedroom residence is a celebration of rural living, thoughtfully renovated for modern comfort while embracing its picturesque surroundings.

The spacious open-plan layout offers a perfect flow for family life and entertaining, anchored by a stylish, modern tiled bathroom and the cosy appeal of both reverse cycle heating and a wood combustion heater.

Step outside to a paved alfresco area that captures the sweeping beauty of rolling hills and lush vineyards - a view that truly feeds the soul.

For those with a passion for the outdoors or small-scale farming, the property offers excellent shedding, including a substantial open machinery shed and a brand-new secure structure.

Edi

With 55,000 litres of water storage and a well in place, it’s as practical as it is peaceful. Whether you’re seeking a full-time family haven or a weekend escape from the city bustle, this property is a rare opportunity to embrace the best of rural Victoria.

It’s not just a home - it’s a gateway to the good life in King Valley.

4 Roger Street, WANGARATTA

Price on Application

Timeless appeal. A central classic. Sought after location. Close to CBD / Merriwa Park.

• Four large bedrooms. High ceilings.

• Red brick with traditional front verandah.

• Formal dining room. Large living area.

• Enormous potential. Good condition for age.

• Established trees/garden. Rear lane access. Available for private inspection. Call us for more.

2 Sunset Drive, WANGARATTA

Price on Application

Fully renovated. Move-in ready.

• New flooring and paintwork.

• Excellent kitchen with adjoining alfresco.

• Two renovated bathrooms.

Ducted heating and cooling. West End location with creek outlook. Neat, secure yard. Make it yours!

Available for private inspection. Call us for more.

97 Warby Range Road, GLENROWAN

MOTIVATED VENDOR. OFFERS INVITED 6 acres (approx.). 2 titles. Big shed.

• Brick-and-slab home. New carpet.

• Sits back of the block – away from traffic.

• Two titles. Leave as-is or build again. Deep reliable bore. Plenty of rainwater capacity.

Large shed with office. Outside toilet. Close to Glenrowan. Easy commute to Wang. Available for private inspection. Call us for more.

112 Lakeside Drive, CHESNEY VALE

For Sale: $685,000

Modern home with stunning views

• 3.3 acres (approx.). Winton Wetlands views.

• Ducted reverse cycle heating/cooling.

• Open plan kitchen/living/dining. Large main bedroom. Walk-in robe / ensuite. Raw water supply + rainwater. 22km to Benalla. 33km to Wangaratta. Available for private inspection. Call us for more.

Gregory

Wangaratta 2 Billabong Drive

School Road

Wangaratta 16A Crisp Street

Oxley 15 Gibb Street

54 Wonga Park Drive

Nutrien

Hyundai Santa Fe XRT Hybrid open for more

I STILL remember the launch of the first Hyundai Santa Fe back in 2000, the year that was going to change everything.

After 25 years, this familysized SUV has reached its fifth generation, and has come a long way since those early days.

The first version was okay, the fourth was pretty damn good and this one is something special; the winner of numerous awards and a wagon that boxes way above its weight.

Hyundai describes the boxy newcomer as “open for more”, a rugged yet refined large SUV that seamlessly integrates the demands of family life with the desire for adventure - it’s got something to do with Koreans sleeping in the back?

Santa Fe comes with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, with eight years on the hybrid battery.

Servicing is due every 12 months or 10,000km, and you get roadside assistance for 12 months.

STYLING

Priced from $53,000 (the price has grown with the car), available with petrol and hybrid powertrains in either two- or all-wheel drive.

That gets you the base unnamed version with a 2.5-litre turbocharged four cylinder petrol-engine along with an eight-speed dual clutch style automatic and frontwheel drive.

In case you’re wondering, there isn’t any diesel anymore - the hybrid now fulfils this role and pretty well to a point as we discovered.

Base petrol with all-wheel drive is another $3000 at $56,000, while the base

hybrid with a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol- engine kicks o at $58,500.

All prices before on-road costs.

Mid-range Elite is priced from $65,000, while our test vehicle, the top of the range seven-seat Calligraphy Hybrid attracts a price tag of $75,000.

But wait there’s more.

It was also decked out in pecan brown Nappa leather ($295) as well as the functional but very stylish oroad XRT Peak Option Pack, which adds $9990 to the price, bringing the estimated driveaway price to $93,575.

AT A GLANCE

NOTE:

The XRT pack adds 17-inch o -road wheels and tyres, mudflaps, o -road suspension, underbody skid plate, black side steps, roof racks, roof platform, bonnet protector and style visors.

It wasn’t that long ago that the first Hyundai cracked the $70,000 mark with the first Genesis sedan.

Creamy white and terracotta orange cost nothing.

Premium paint adds $750; matte takes it to $1000.

SAFETY

Five star safety extends to 10 airbags, head-up display, 360-degree camera and autonomous emergency braking.

The latter is capable of detecting and reacting to vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists and operates at speeds from 5-85km/h.

There’s also active cruise control, tra c sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring with active collision avoidance, auto evasive steering assist, lane keeping assist, junction-turning and crossing assist, steering-initiated rear evasive assist and driver attention warnings, Navigation-based smart cruise control recognises

the vehicle ahead using the front-view camera and front radar, and determines the safe speed range for curves ahead using the navigation system.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS

The petrol-electric powertrain consists of a 1.6-litre four cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and 47.7kW electric motor that draws its power from a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery.

Combined output is 172kW of power at 5600 rpm and 367Nm of torque from 10004100 rpm, with a conventional six-speed automatic (not dual clutch) that feeds power to all four wheels as required.

This compares with the previous 2.2-litre turbo-diesel that it replaces which produced 148kW of power at 3800 rpm and 440Nm at 1750 rpm.

DRIVING

Santa Fe is the same width but 45mm longer, with Hyundai graphic elements.

It’s also 60mm higher than before, with a 50mm longer

wheelbase which translates to more legroom.

Getting in for the first time the new model feels spacious.

A large centre console has space for two mobiles to charge side by side simultaneously.

The look and feel is upmarket, unexpectedly more than the badge suggests, but we’re not huge fans of the pecan leather.

It’s a long way back to the two of the seven seats right down the back, with a second row bench that slides and reclines, and one-touch control to access the third row.

Each of the third-row seats also fold and recline.

Hyundai claims 628 litres of cargo capacity with the first two rows of seats in use.

There are four drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport and My Drive, as well as three multiterrain modes: Snow, Mud and Sand.

The dash from 0-100km/h takes nine and a half seconds and it has a top speed of 190km/h.

Among other things, the XRT pack brings 17-inch

wheels with chunky all-terrain rubber, together with o -road tuned springs and dampers that lift ground clearance by 30mm boost to a handy 210mm.

It also improves approach and departure angles: approach (19 degrees), departure (22 degrees) and breakover (19 degrees).

A hidden handle folds out of the C-pillar, providing improved roof access.

Of course, it poured cats and dogs the day we planned to put the vehicle through its paces on our favourite fire trail.

But it certainly looks the part and a colleague that tried it out on the same trail was impressed with the way the car performed.

It’s more than ready to take on muddy conditions, icy slushy sealed roads and moderately rough dirt tracks - just don’t get too adventurous.

On the downside, a spacesaver spare is provided but does not meet the requirements of o -road driving where a puncture is on the cards.

The hybrid powertrain performs well most of the time, tootling around town, doing the family shop or getting the kids from school.

Under hard acceleration, however, it starts to feel a little underdone.

Initial response is good, but after that it begins to fade, sounding more like the hardworking four cylinder engine that it is - turbocharged or not.

Load it up with kids and a boot full of luggage and the powertrain could really be put under pressure.

Predominantly front-wheel drive, the clever all-wheel drive system is an active system and always sends a percentage of driving force to the rear wheels, rather than

waiting for wheelspin like most systems.

There’s a good chance you’re going to want to tow something with your new Santa Fe, so it is important to note that the hybrid is limited to towing a 1650kg braked load.

Steering and handling are surprisingly good, particularly the latter where we would have expected more body roll.

But the busy steering wheel and twist-grip gear selector with its park button on the end will require some mastering.

Mounted below the indicator stalk, they can be confused at times, especially during hurried three-point turns.

With a 67-litre tank, it takes standard 91 unleaded and has claimed fuel consumption of 5.6L/100km.

We were getting 7.8L/100km after about 350km of mixed driving, including dirt and pavement. The 1600km long term average was also 7.8L/100km.

SUMMING UP

The Santa Fe is an impressive car, especially with the XRT kit fitted.

But the price could be a stopper, at more than $90K by the time you put it on the road.

That’s a long way from $36,990 for the top of the range GLS when the Santa Fe was launched here back in 2000 - but it’s a lot more car.

RATINGS:

Looks: 7.5/10

Performance: 7/10

Safety: 8/10

Thirst: 7/10

Practicality: 7.5

Comfort: 8/10

Tech: 8/10

Value: 5/10

Overall: 7.3/10

■ BIGGER PRICE, BIGGER CAR: Hyundai’s latest Santa Fe model has an increased wheelbase of 50mm, o ering up much more leg room.

By CHRIS RILEY, MARQUE MOTORING

ALPINE Classifi ed Information

The papers will be published on Thursday, June 12, 2025 due to the Kings Birthday public holiday on Monday.

Classifieds deadline is 3pm on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

Ph: 5723 0101

Email: classifieds@nemedia.com.au

Happy 100 th Bir day

Hea er Se wood

Wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother and in-law to all. Congratulations to a remarkable women reaching a memorable milestone. Thank you for all you have given. ~ Much love from your entire family x.

Mansfield Courier

Phone: (03) 5723 0101

email: classifieds@nemedia.com.au

Booking deadline:

12noon Monday prior to print.

The Chronicle

Phone: (03) 5723 0101

email: classifieds@nemedia.com.au

Booking deadline:

2pm business day prior to print.

The Euroa Gazette

Phone: (03) 5723 0101

email: classifieds@nemedia.com.au

Booking deadline:

3pm Monday prior to print.

North East Tourist News

Phone: (03) 5723 0100

email: sales@nemedia.com.au

Phone for quarterly booking deadline

North East Farmer

Phone: (03) 5723 0100

email: nefarmer@nemedia.com.au

Booking deadline: Second Friday of month

> CAR ADVERTISERS

Private vendors of motor cars advertised for sale must include in their advertisement

• Cash price of motor car

• If car is registered, registration number

• If unregistered, the engine number

> PHOTOGRAPHS

All photographs appearing in this issue that are taken by our photographers are available as reprints.

> FOUND ADVERTISEMENTS

All found advertisements are published free. Simply provide the details of your find for publication.

> PERSONAL ADVERTISERS

• All personal photos submitted for printing in this issue must be collected within the next 4 weeks.

• All engagement and marriage notices must carry the signatures of BOTH parties, if under 18 the parents’ signatures as well.

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> INTERNET

In lodging an advertisement with us you agree that we may publish the advertisement on our website. The general terms and condition that apply to publication apply also to publication of material on our website.

and

7X5 Box Trailer built in 2018 by Wangaratta Trailer Sellers, must sell, located Wangaratta, $600 nonnegotiable. Ph 0431 072 232. NISSAN X Trail Ti, 2007, good

up, excellent condition, no shower or toilet, double bed, diesel heater, full annex, tv and many extras available, full reg and 12 months insurance included Ph 0438 003 652 $23,000

DESIGNER van, built 2013, double axle, new tyres and brakes, toilet and shower combined, aircon, single beds, double water tanks, 90L fridge,

condition, $44,000 ONO. Ph 0460 582 811. 2007 Regal deluxe 28ft caravan, good condition, bathroom, washing machine, solar panels, registered March 2026 and more details, $32,000. Ph 0407 317 372.

WANGARATTA Chronicle photographer

Melissa Beattie made her way to Wangaratta junior netball on Saturday to take some action shots.

CHARLOTTE KOERS

CHARLOTTE KOERS

WILLOW SZARASZEK

GOLDIE CARTWRIGHT

EMMA PASQUALLOTO

ALICE BRANIGAN

EMMA PASQUALLOTO

AVIVA LOVELL

ZAHLEE POWER

Kangaroos 1.5 6.7 9.9 13.13 (91)

Benalla 0.1 2.1 2.1 3.1 (19)

GOALS: KANGAROOS: H. Jacka 5, L. Pizzini 2, T. Hunter 2, E. Mullins 2, H. Ackerly 1, A. Symons 1. BENALLA: J. Walker 2, J. Fry 1. BEST: KANGAROOS: O. Edwards, K. Jackson, H. Ackerly, L. Pizzini, O. Reynolds, E. Mullins. BENALLA: B. Cooney, L. Ham, K. Thwaites, J. Walker, N. Nicholas, L. Boulton. Imperials

Wells, N. White, J. Montgomery, C. Bell, Z.

17.16 (118) Junior Magpies

GOALS: IMPERIALS: M. Marek 8, K. McPhan 3, H. Allen 1. JUNIOR

MAGPIES: L. Sexton 2.

(26)

(32)

(22)

GOALS: MANSFIELD: A. Dunn 3, A. Kipping 2. COLLEGE: N. Allan 1, H. McKenzie 1. BEST: MANSFIELD: A. Dunn, S. Kain, C. Purday, N. Hoskin, F. Smith, A. Kipping. COLLEGE: A. Peebles, F. Burgan, H. Bowman, S. Reid, Z. Peebles, J. Ivone.

GOALS: IMPERIALS: G. Marek 2, T. Sealey 1, J. Ginnivan 1. JUNIOR

MAGPIES: L. Cannata 3, J. Nesbitt 3, L. Sloan 2, S. Patterson 2, L. Bott 1.

BEST: IMPERIALS: J. Campbell, S. Savage, N. Matthews, M. O’Brien, T. Sealey, B. Thorpe. JUNIOR MAGPIES: B. McLeod, L. Bott, J. Nesbitt, A. Bell, L. Bradford. Tigers

GOALS: TIGERS: H. Sharp 2, P. Edwards 1, M. Simpson 1, O. Fisher 1, T. McCully 1, A. Whitehead 1, L. Farrington 1. BRIGHT: H. Bruneau 2, O. Kelly 1. BEST: TIGERS: S. Elkington, V. Godenzi, L. Benton, O. Fisher, S. Murray, L. Jones. BRIGHT: H. Bruneau, C. Wood, X. Paul, C. Nightingale, O. Sams, A. Humphry. Myrtleford

CENTRALS: L. Palmer, J. Woodrow, C. Ford, S. Calvene, H. Gamze, W. Muraca.

GOALS: TIGERS: O. Mullane 2, X. Sheldon 1, L. Alexander 1, J. Knight 1, R. Webb 1. BRIGHT: T. Brierty 4, O. Dalbosco 3, R. Logan 2, E. Lodge 1, H. Johnston 1, a. murrells 1, B. Brady 1, O. Lewis 1, G. Banks 1, N. White 1. BEST: TIGERS: L. Alexander, . , N. O’Keefe, R. Webb, M. Correll, T. Rowley. BRIGHT: E. Lodge, G. Banks, O. Lewis, H. West, O. Dalbosco, H. Lindner. Myrtleford

(156) Centrals 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 (0)

(32)

(53)

GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: H. Durling 2, B. Robb 1, M. McMahon 1. CENTRALS: C. Curr 3, R. Parsons 1, K. Wohlers 1, R. McNamara 1. BEST: MYRTLEFORD: L. McKeone, A. Morgan, S. Muraca, A. Robb, M. Morgan, B. Robb. CENTRALS: C. Curr, K. Wohlers, R. McNamara, C. Ormond, M. Wallace, R. Parsons.

KANGAROOS: Z. Ivory, J. Ring, A. Ryan, L. Kelly, F. Mccoy, M. Tucker. BRIGHT: T. Gray, H. Dornom, J. Peace, N. Herschell, L. McConnachie, K. Andersen.

GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: C. Schell 5, N. Harris 3, M. Mcmasters 3, C. Herbert 2, X. Millar 2, S. Lupo 2, B. Lupo 1, B. Parolin 1, J. Jennings 1, A. Knobel 1, C. Roman 1, H. Szaraszek 1, B. McMahon 1. BEST: MYRTLEFORD: A. Knobel, S. Lupo, B. McMahon, H. McIntyre, C. Schell, D. Hilton. CENTRALS: N. Jones, A. Fraser, W. Boulton, B. Stewart, H. Muraca, K. Steele. Mansfield Yellow

(35) College

GOALS: MANSFIELD YELLOW: B. Turner 3, C. Bretherton 2. COLLEGE: C. OBrien 3, T. Llewellyn 2, L. OBrien 2, C. Bowman 1, L. Pensak 1. BEST: MANSFIELD YELLOW: B. Turner, L. Vanderkolk, J. Hoskin, B. Clifton, Z. Borg, M. Watson. COLLEGE: L. Pensak, C. OBrien, T. Hill, C. Bowman, J. Tonkin, R. Monk.

Benalla Red

(147) Mansfield Blue

(39)

GOALS: BENALLA RED: T. Mount 6, J. Binion 5, J. Hart 4, J. Pollard 2, X. De Fazio 2, H. Bast 2, O. Smith 1, C. Nolen 1, N. Cooney 1. MANSFIELD BLUE: M. Storer 3, H. George 1, W. Hewitt 1, O. Pigdon 1. BEST: BENALLA RED: T. Mount, J. Hart, J. Binion, J. Pollard, X. De Fazio, N. Cooney. MANSFIELD BLUE: J. Kynnersley, D. Mercieca, R. Purday, L. Stevenson, H. George, M. Storer.

CHARLIE COOK

WINNERS AND LOSERS

WANG ROVERS 4.3 8.4 11.7 15.10.100 COROWA R’GLEN 1.2 3.3 6.6 12.8.80

GOALS: WANGARATTA ROVERS: E. Dayman 8, N. Cooper 2, D. Wilson 1, W. Christie 1, C. Thompson 1, A. McCarthy 1, L. McCartney 1. COROWA RUTHERGLEN: K. Bradtke 5, J. Longmire 3, P. Lavis 1, T. Longmire 1, K. Williamson 1, E. Amery 1.

BEST: WANGARATTA ROVERS: E. Dayman, N. Cooper, W. Christie, A. McCarthy, S. Cattapan, L. McCartney. COROWA RUTHERGLEN: N. Richards, K. Bradtke, T. Roos, C. Schutt, J. Rowston, B. Morton.

GOALS: WODONGA: N. Spiteri 2, T. Miller 2, T. O’Sullivan 2, A. Jorgensen 2, J. Bradshaw 1, R. Bourke 1, J. Cassidy 1. MYRTLEFORD: R. Smith 1, M. Munro 1, M. Tenardi 1, J. East 1.

BEST: WODONGA: T. O’Sullivan, M. Wilson, C. Morrison, O. Greenhill, N. Bradshaw, N. Spiteri. MYRTLEFORD: J. East, Z. Pethybridge, S. Curtis, B. Calogero, M. Munro, R. Calvene.

NETBALL SCORES THIRDS RESULTS

A GRADE

Lavington 34 def by Wangaratta 39 Wodonga Raiders 60 def Albury 43 Wang Rovers 40 def by Corowa Rutherglen 61 North Albury 39 def by Yarrawonga 53 Wodonga 61 def Myrtleford 58

B GRADE: Lavington 35 def by Wangaratta 39; Wodonga Raiders 55 def Albury 34; Wang Rovers 47 def Corowa Rutherglen 38; North Albury 39 def by Yarrawonga 46; Wodonga 60 def Myrtleford 37

C GRADE: Lavington 27 def by Wangaratta 29; Wodonga Raiders 65 def Albury 15; Wang Rovers 51 def Corowa Rutherglen 36; North Albury 36 def by Yarrawonga 54; Wodonga 38 def by Myrtleford 54

17 & UNDER: Lavington 30 def by Wangaratta 53; Wodonga Raiders 49 def Albury 21; Wang Rovers 76 def Corowa Rutherglen 46; North Albury 34 def by Yarrawonga 56; Wodonga 43 def by Myrtleford 51

15 & UNDER: Lavington 43 def Wangaratta 28; Wodonga Raiders 72 def Albury 16; Wang Rovers 45 def by Corowa Rutherglen 47; North Albury 34 def by Yarrawonga 37; Wodonga 20 def by Myrtleford 30

Wodonga 11.1 (67) def Myrtleford 5.6 (36)

GOALS: WODONGA: B. Parkin 3, F. Kosmina 2, C. Brookes 2, J. Hodgkin 2, B. Nicklin 1, C. Johnson 1. MYRTLEFORD T. Cooper 2, S. Colson 1, H. Stripeikis 1, O. Kavanagh 1. BEST: WODONGA: F. Kosmina, C. Brookes, J. Hodgkin, B. Parkin, C. Munro, M. Prenter. MYRTLEFORD: H. Stripeikis, T. Cooper, z. carroll, C. Ashworth, C. Piazza, W. Graham.

Wangaratta Rovers 19.9 (123) def Corowa Rutherglen 3.5 (23)

GOALS: WANGARATTA ROVERS: J. Correll 4, Z. O’Shannessy 3, C. Lugg 3, M. Semmens 2, J. Coleman 2, N. Scholte 1, E. White 1, C. Maher 1, C. Breheny 1, J. Wohlers 1. COROWA RUTHERGLEN: I. Dickinson 1, L. Chester 1, D. Purcell 1. BEST: WANGARATTA ROVERS C. Boman, Z. O’Shannessy, J. Correll, J. Marek, A. Direen, C. Lugg. COROWA RUTHERGLEN: J. Forge, J. Lavis, H. Hall, L. Webb, I. Dickinson, A. Coppolino.

Lavington 11.9 (75) def Wangaratta 11.3 (69)

GOALS: LAVINGTON: C. Hall 3, Z. Klemke 2, N. Edmunds 1, I.

Robertson 1, J. McGrath 1, R. Costello 1, C. Webb 1, A. Russell 1. WANGARATTA: C. Petersen 4, R. Schultz 2, H. Barry 2, O. Boyle 2, W. Prebble 1. BEST: LAVINGTON: A. Russell, R. Costello, C. Hall, T. Goonan, Z. Klemke, J. Powling. WANGARATTA: D. O'Sullivan, O. Boyle, W. Petersen, H. Laverty, C. Newton, L. Sims. North Albury 4.10 (34) def Yarrawonga 4.3 (27) Wodonga Raiders 8.6 (54) def Albury 7.7 (49)

NORTH ALBURY 7.4 13.5 18.9 24.10.15 YARRAWONGA 1.3 3.7 6.10 8.12.60

GOALS: NORTH ALBURY: J. Murphy 11, J. Minogue 3, N. Dennis 2, F. Gardiner 2, L. Taylor 2, C. Winter 1, K. Duncan 1, T. Broomhead 1, B. Rigoni 1. YARRAWONGA: L. Williams 4, J. Adkins 2, B. Kennedy 1, B. Coghill 1. BEST: NORTH ALBURY: J. Murphy, J. Hayes, F. Gardiner, B. Rigoni, I. Campbell, C. McIntosh. YARRAWONGA: T. Gorman, N. Irvine, Z. Fraser, M. Findlay, N. Fothergill, W. Wheeler.

LAVINGTON 2.2 4.4 8.7 14.11.95 WANGARATTA 4.3 6.7

GOALS: LAVINGTON: T. Oosterhoff 6, J. O’Brien 3, C. Sanson 1, T. Hargreave 1, W. Glanvill 1, C. Annett 1, S. Driscoll 1. WANGARATTA: A. Tilley 6, P. Heatley 1, X. Laverty 1, J. Craven 1, N. Richards 1.

BEST: LAVINGTON: T. Oosterhoff, E. Perryman, J. Costello, J. Driscoll, J. Spina, C. Annett. WANGARATTA: B. Melville, A. Tilley, N. Richards, J. Clarke, M. Grossman, T. Norton.

GOALS: WODONGA RAIDERS: H. O’Neill 3, A. Scammell 2, C. Rich 2, W. Robertson 2, I. Kotzur 1, W. McCarty 1. ALBURY: J. Pitt 7, R. Garthwaite 6, M. Walker 4, J. Conlan 2, K. HeinerHennessy 2, N. Kelson 1, H. Cameron 1, J. Gaynor 1, T. Miller 1. BEST: WODONGA RAIDERS: A. Scammell, H. Gray, W. Robertson, H. O’Neill, C. St John, I. Kotzur. ALBURY: J. Pitt, F. Carroll, I. Muller, M. Duncan, J. Gaynor, R. Garthwaite.

*Ladder correct at

print from Ovens and King website. BONNIE

A GRADE:

Bonnie Doon 50 def Bright 49 Whorouly 41 def Moyhu 29; Benalla 31 def by Tarrawingee 69 Greta 28 def by Milawa 49.

B GRADE:

Bonnie Doon 51 def Bright 41; Whorouly 59 def Moyhu 41; Benalla 17 def by Tarrawingee 63; Greta 27 def by Milawa 37.

B RESERVE:

Bonnie Doon 52 def Bright 35; Whorouly 33 def by Moyhu 38; Benalla 38 def by Tarrawingee 41; Greta 32 def by Milawa 49.

C GRADE:

Bonnie Doon 49 def Bright 20; Whorouly 32 def Moyhu 31; Benalla 32 def by Tarrawingee 55; Greta 48 def Milawa 14. 15 & UNDER:

Bonnie Doon 38 def Bright 22; Whorouly 22 def by Moyhu 37; Benalla 55 def Tarrawingee 26; Greta 37 def Milawa 30. No other scores available at time of print

LEAGUE BYE SAT, JUNE 7

ROUND 11 SAT, JUNE 14

GOORAMBAT vs BRIGHT

KING VALLEY vs NTH WANGARATTA

MOYHU vs GRETA

BENALLA vs BONNIE DOON

MILAWA vs TARRAWINGEE

WHOROULY - BYE

4 4 (28)

BEST: WANGARATTA ROVERS: J. Allen, T. Vincent, M. Booth, P. Coleman, H. McMonigle, O. Clelland. COROWA RUTHERGLEN: J. Richardson, J. Ugle, D. Yates, H. Canning, B. Minogue, M. Lavis. North Albury 9 7 (61) Yarrawonga 7 3 (45)

BEST: NORTH ALBURY Z. Hanrahan, M. Wadley, R. Smith, J. McKenzie, M. Norman, B. Spurr. YARRAWONGA: M. Grinter, B. Schofield, R. Mulquiney, C. Courtney, D. Flanagan, A. Dickins.

Lavington 13 20 (98) Wangaratta 3 5 (23)

BEST: LAVINGTON: A. Daniher, C. McCrae, D. Finnimore, C. Clemson, J. Oeser, C. Hall. WANGARATTA: J. Adamo, J. Hedin, H. Burgan, N. Sampson, J. Styles, C. Ross. ROUND 8

SATURDAY, JUNE 7

MYRTLEFORD vs WANG ROVERS

ALBURY vs WODONGA

COROWA RUTHERGLEN vs NORTH ALBURY

YARRAWONGA vs LAVINGTON

WANGARATTA vs RAIDERS

GOALS: BONNIE DOON: L. Pinder 2, J. Law 1, E. Ree-Goodings 1. BRIGHT: C. Thomason 4, P. Bren 3, C. Banks 3, R. Bacon 2, M. Kinthari 2, J. Gray 1, D. Chellew 1, C. Martin 1.

BEST: BONNIE DOON: J. Law, Z. Tanner, P. Cairns, P. Smith, L. Pinder, E. Ree-Goodings. BRIGHT: C. Banks, J. Crawley, C. Thomson, J. Gray, C. Thomason, J. Love.

WHOROULY 5.0 7.4 15.1 13.6.84 MOYHU 3.2 5.2 10.4 11.4.70

GOALS: WHOROULY: M. Newton 7, J. Smith 3, K. Fitzpatrick 1, D. Hoy-Maroney 1, E. Bramich 1. MOYHU: B. Zimmermann 4, W. Johnson 2, P. McNamara 2, J. Preston 1, N. Stewart 1, J. Hansted 1.

BEST: WHOROULY: J. Smith, M. Newton, L. Moore, M. Vescio, E. Woolford, W. Allen. MOYHU: J. Hansted, C. Gibson, P. McNamara, A. Thrum, N. Gamble, L. Suffield.

BENALLA 2.1

GOALS: BENALLA ALL BLACKS: D. Sinclair 4, S. Cox 2, T. Levy 2, B. Marlborough 1, D. Broughton 1. TARRAWINGEE: A. Cook 5, S. Piper 4, C. Chamberlain 3, O. Sharp 2, N. Redley 2, S. Thompson 1, D. Hearne 1.

BEST: BENALLA ALL BLACKS: S. Cox, K. Linke, C. O Donnell, D. Sinclair, D. Button, F. Weeks. TARRAWINGEE: N. Redley, M. Tatt, C. Chamberlain, A. Cook, A. Amery, J. Khan.

VALLEY

11.4.70

GOORAMBAT - - - 15.16.106

GOALS: KING VALLEY: B. Wheeler 3, S. Evans 2, S. Jansen 2, C. Leslie 1, T. Stewart 1, D. Young 1. GOORAMBAT: B. Wapling 4, D. Haebich 3, K. Black 2, R. Goodley 2, B. Stepien 2, A. Blackburn 1, R. Wilson 1.

BEST: KING VALLEY: D. Browne, S. Evans, D. Young, C. Leslie, T. Stewart, P. Voigt. GOORAMBAT: S. Gladstone, B. Reaburn, Z. Amarant, B. Wapling, J. Dunne, C. Anker.

time of

Law

J. Radovanovic

T. Dunn

J. Stevenson 1, D. Bihun

BEST: GRETA: F. Judd, J. McClounan, L. Kennett, Z. Northey, L. Hadden, P. Fruzynski.

Winter fun for Alpine golfers

MYRTLEFORD GOLF CLUB

SATURDAY, 31 May

COLES PAR & SUPER & AMCR 71

A Grade Winner: Brad Carroll (6) +1. A Grade Runner Up: Spider Hancock (12) -2 c/b.

B Grade Winner: John Costello (24) 0 c/b. B Grade Runner Up: Kerry Newton (17) 0.

Super 6 Winner: David Matthews (13) +2 c/b. Super 6 Runner Up: Brad Carroll (6) +2.

Ball Winners: C Walker -2, D Matthews -2, D Clark -2, G Black -2, L Miller -2, A Manzella -3 c/b.

Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Warren Rowney, 4th 2nd Shot: Craig Piazza, 8th: Stephen McAlister, 14th: David Rowe, 16th: Kerry Newton. Matthews Cleaning Encouragement Award: Andrew Lo us (17) -11 c/b.

Ra e Winner: David Matthews.

Thursday, 29 May

Coles Stableford AMCR 73

A Grade Winner: Faye McLees (26) 34pts. A Grade Runner Up: Marnie Broz (19) 30 c/b.

Ball Winners: Sandra Piazza, Denise O’Donohue.

Foodworks NTPs - 14th: Angela O’Shaughnessy.

Wednesday, 28 May

Coles Stableford AMCR 71

A Grade Winner: Bill O’Donohue (21) 32 pts. A Grade Runner Up: David Matthews (13) 31 pts.

Ball Winners: A Manzella 30, P Vasey 30.

Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Alex Manzella, 4th 2nd Shot: Tony Chapman, 14th: Colin Walker, 16th: David Matthews.

Tuesday, 27 May

Coles Stableford AMCR 73

A Grade Winner: Kerry Newton (17) 27pts. A Grade Runner Up: Marg Cutis(16) 23pts.

Ball Winners: Judy Bynon. Foodworks NTPs - 8th: Kerry Newton.

MOUNT BEAUTY GOLF CLUB

THE ladies of the Mount Beauty Golf Club broke into two groups on Wednesday, 28 May to play both the back nine and 18 holes. The back nine comp was won

by Gill Harrow eld with 12 points from Ute Svoboda with nine points, while the 18 holes was won by Hel en Whittaker with 29 points from Liz Harvey with 27 points.

NTP, second shot on the 18th was Liz Harvey.

The ladies are obviously not getting the run on the course they have enjoyed over the last few months.

The ladies played 18 holes on Saturday, 31 May, which was won by Gill Harrow eld with 27 points from Helen Whittaker with 26 points.

NTP, second shot on the seventh was Lynda Barter.

The men also played the back nine on Wednesday, 28 May, which was won by Roger Church with 18 points from ve players with 16 points each: Ron Gallagher, Peter Dilley, Victor Selway, and Ivan Mock.

NTP on the 17th was Victor Selway, and on the 18th was Ron Gallagher.

Saturday, 31 May was the muchanticipated Falls Creek vs Kiewa Valley match.

This was played out in Ryder Cup style with teams scoring points depending on a Stableford Matchplay between pairs.

A pair of ladies joined the eld

playing for Falls Creek, Karen Etherton and Anne Archibald.

The match was won by the Kiewa Valley by only 1one point, six

The better individual scores on the day were Tristan Hall representing Falls Creek with 36 points on a countback from Roger Church (Upper Kiewa).

Podium placings went to Victor Selway (Lower Kiewa) with 35 points.

All with 34 points were Sam Perry (Falls Creek), Trevor English (Falls Creek) and Dave Browning (Upper Kiewa).

NTP on the seventh, along with the Tatts Ticket from the Tawonga South Newsagency and Post O ce was Rick Biesboer.

The 17th was Ben Ritson, and Peter Hertzog was closest on both the ninth and the 18th taking home the money.

A big reminder and invitation for all to compete for the $10,000 Holein-One in the King’s Birthday Four Ball Ambrose on Monday, 9 June.

Muster is 11.30am for 12.10pm shotgun start, comprising of teams of four.

For more information, ring 0459 679 356.

THE famous English poet, William Wordsmith was quoted as saying, “Golf is a day spent in a round of strenuous idleness.”

The great poet probably preferred daffodils to mown fairways, but very few golf quotes encapsulate the sport’s distinct combination of physical exertion and leisurely relaxation quite like this one.

The Monday veteran’s golf was washed out, but when the sun finally shone, the Bright ladies’ Wednesday competition was off and running, the results were as follows.

Winners of the four-ball comp: Lisa Anders and Lauren Velicki 46 pts, Robyn McGrath and Tina Cook 43 pts.

Ball winners: Carol Burgess and Fran Bentley 42 pts, Di Anders and Elizabeth Barker 41 pts.

NTPs - 3rd: Elizabeth Barker, 6th: Di Anders, 11th: Di Anders, 16th: Robyn McGrath.

Thursday, 29 May, men’s Stableford competition.

A eld of 34 golfers thought they were in with a chance to nd a bit of form, but only two played under their handicaps: Tony Chalwell 15

H/C 38 pts C/B from Mark Stephenson also with 38 pts.

Key Bailey nally found a way out of his recent golf slump, 20 H/C 35 pts C/B, and John Forbes rounded up the top four with 35 pts.

Ball winners: Mick Dunne 34 pts, Heath Thompson 33 pts C/B, Mo O’Shea 33 pts C/B, Andrew Robertson also 33 pts.

NTPs - 3rd: Frog Thompson, 6th: Mark Stephenson, 11th: John Forbes, 16th: Peter McGrath.

The winner of the IGA chicken went to Tony Chalwell with 19 points.

The all-important NAGA was awarded to Craig Thompson with a respectable 24 points.

The Friday ladies’ nine hole Stableford competition winner was Sarah Williamson 19 pts C/B from Roschelle Harrison 19 pts. Saturday, 31 May, all gender 4 BBB Stableford competition.

A group of 46 golfers teed o in pairs to try and outwit and outplay the rest of the eld.

But there can only be one overall winner, and that team was Tina Cook and Robyn McGrath with 43 pts on a countback.

Next were Tony Chalwell and Kevin Reed, 43 pts, and in third place were Shaun Paul and Chris Oswin with 42 points.

Ball winners: The Colt from Bu alo River Bill Kelty and Mick Dunne 40 pts C/B, Nu’u Tanuma li and Josh Hartwig 40 pts C/B, Reddog Ruddock and Hamish McPhee 40 pts C/B, Darren Wood and Trent Robinson 40 pts, and John O’Shea and Mo O’Shea 39 pts C/B.

NTPs - 3rd: Jason Fillippi, 6th: Darren Wood (jackpot), 11th: Calum McCarthy, 16th: Bu alo Bill Kelty.

The member’s draw will jackpot as Graham Barrow le early, and the all-important NAGA went to Frog Thompson and Guy Packham with 30 points.

The Bright Golf Guru quote of the week from Sam Snead, “If a lot of people gripped a knife and fork the way they do a golf club, they’d starve to death.”

Panthers bring the fight to Warriors

UNDER 12

THE Porepunkah Panthers under 12s moved into second place on the ladder a er stringing together their third straight win, running away 24-16 over the Wodonga Warriors.

The Panthers started in the field first, allowing Wodonga five runs before responding, with lead-off batter Sophie Giulian hitting safely and Rylan Harris hitting a big two base hit to score the runner.

Panthers Casey Pronk, Zak Podubinski, Mina Meddings, Jimmi Jagger Forster and Zoe Caswell also kept the safe hits owing, bringing in a total of six runs.

The second innings was the innings that won the game for Porepunkah, keeping Wodonga scoreless with a quick three up three down.

Porepunkah were too strong from here on in and continued to score runs, with safe hits going to Ryland McCormack, Conrad Scorsis, Hanna Caswell, and Byron Smith.

UNDER 15

ON a crisp Sunday morning, the under 15 Panthers took on Wodonga Warriors at home.

The Warriors came out swinging, picking up a couple of hits and receiving a few free passes from the Panthers.

With the bat, there was some good contact from Paige Anders, Ayla McCallum and Wesley Booth, but the Warriors were up to the task, elding all of their hits and obtaining outs.

Leo Harrison and Hunter Harris were the only Panthers to get on base for the day, showing a good eye at the plate.

In the field, Anders started on the bump, throwing to McCallum, while Rory Clarke was relief from the second innings, with Booth taking the duties behind the plate.

The play of the day was a great out eld catch to Tasmyn Clunie, who covered a lot of ground in centre eld, but the nal score was 16-0 to Warriors.

C GRADE

IT was a very close match where the Panthers had a chance to win but were beaten by time, going down 7-6 to Wodonga on Sunday.

The game started with both sides scoring one run each in the rst innings, with Porepunkah’s Wade Pronk batting his way to rst to score on Pete Alexander’s sack yball.

In the top of the second innings, Wodonga scored six runs to jump out to a 7-1 lead.

The score stayed there until the last innings when Porepunkah mounted a comeback, with Rory Clarke receiving a walk along with Sam Bourne, and a big moment safe hit by Panther Tasmyn Clunie scored a run.

Ollie Brown and Jarrod Mc Cormack loaded the bases and Pete Alexander hit to centre eld to clear. With the tying runner at third base for Porepunkah and momentum on their side, time ran out to end the innings. Pitchers for the Panthers were Sam Bourne and Wade Pronk, who both threw a majority of strikes to keep the team in the game.

B GRADE

THE Panthers just fell short 17-15 to Wodonga despite a big last innings in the B grade match.

The Panthers fell behind 1-4 a er the rst innings, with Panther Luka Barthelmes scoring the teams run a er being hit by pitch, stealing his way around the bases and crossing the plate on James Jelle ’s sacri ce hit.

The top of the second had Wodonga score seven runs, then kept Porepunkah scoreless.

To Porepunkah’s credit, they ipped the script in the third, keeping the Warriors scoreless and themselves scoring seven runs.

Wodonga had a big fourth innings, putting seven more runs across the plate, and the Panthers fell just short in reaching that target.

Luca Barthelmes and Jarrod Smith had the pitching duties for the Panthers, with both right handers improving on hitting the strike zone.

A GRADE

IT was a tough day for the senior team, going down 14-0 against Wodonga.

The Panthers batters found worked hard all day against some fast and erratic pitching, but did put the pressure on, having six walks as a team.

Scott McCallum had a good day for the Panthers, with a safe hit and one of the most impressive catches ever taken at the ground, diving sideways to his le to catch a laser beam of a hit.

The Panthers had Heath Anders start pitching duties and he gave the team plenty of chances with lots of ground balls hit by opposition batters, throwing 105 pitches with 56 strikes.

Paul Meddings came on as relief pitcher and in his rst start for the season certainly was impressive, getting some quick outs.

Damon Barker once again controlled the game behind the plate and was solid as usual.

Next week is the bye.

BRIGHT COUNTRY GOLF CLUB

RED HOT: Fox O’Donohue played very well to win last Wednesday’s Myrtleford Golf Club event. INDIVIDUAL BRILLIANCE: Tristan Hall from Falls Creek recorded 36 points in the Falls Creek vs Kiewa Valley matchday.

MATCH REVIEWS

BY NATHAN DE VRIES

WHOROULY closed out the rst half of the 2025 season with a slew of fantastic results at home against Moyhu on Saturday.

Across the day of football and netball clashes, the Lions claimed ve out of seven victories, headlined by the senior football squad breaking their three-match losing streak with a 14-point win over the Hoppers, 13.6 (84) to 11.4 (70).

A er missing opportunities and narrow losses over the last month, the Lions had a point to prove, and kicked straight to take a 10-point lead into quarter time.

Momentum continued to go Whorouly’s way through the second quarter, but the Hoppers weren’t making it easy, double-teaming full forward Michael Newton to prevent any easy marks in front of the sticks.

Moyhu would make their charge in the third, kicking ve goals to bring the half-time margin in from 14 points to a solitary behind, with Whorouly threatening to capitulate as they had in previous matches.

However, the Lions stood tall, knuckling down defensively to limit Moyhu to just the one goal, while booting three of their own.

Jessie Smith was dominant, booting three goals from the middle and across half back, while Newton was still able to slot seven majors to bring his total to

Senior Lions back on the winners list

53, the second most in the league.

The win sees the Lions sit a game clear inside the top six, but still two wins behind h-placed Bonnie Doon.

Earlier, the reserve squad made it three wins on the trot a er downing the Hoppers by 108 points, 17.20 (122) to 1.8 (14).

Dylan Gephart took out best on ground honours with three goals from the mid eld, while Daniel Harris and Chris Buckland were solid.

Over on the netball court, Whorouly sits second on the A grade with a 7-1 record a er taking the points over the Hoppers in convincing fashion, 41-29.

The Lions were dominant for the entire match, building a platform o the back of a 15-8 opening term.

From there, Moyhu looked outclassed, save for some brilliant rebounding and defensive pressure from Hopper Sophie Morey.

Goal shooter Abbey Forrest was dialled in, only missing ve shots for the match, while defensive trio Sally Wood, Ebony Allen and Laura Keighran kept the pressure sky-high.

In other grades, Whorouly’s C grade (31-21) and B grade (59-41) recorded wins, while the under 15s lost 22-37 and the B reserve squad went down 33-38.

Whorouly will be back in action on 21 June, with a leaguewide bye over the King’s Birthday weekend and a scheduled bye in round 11.

IN a xture what had all the makings of a danger game, Bright has made a big statement to the rest of the competition during their 77-point win against Bonnie Doon last Saturday.

The 17.14 (116) to 6.3 (39) victory gives Bright’s senior side an eighth win to savour in 2025 before the league bye over the upcoming long weekend.

One of the longest road trips in country football clearly didn’t have any e ects for the travelling Mountain Men, who kicked 10 consecutive rst-half goals to put the game to bed, with the Bombers unable to stem the ow of goals as a Bright team full of con dence were at the top of their game.

Bonnie Doon had to wait until the third quarter to kick their rst major on their home turf, and while they were far more competitive in the second half, the damage had been done.

Key target Cooper Thomason kicked four goals, Pat Bren added three of his own,

while Cy Banks continued his brilliant year with three goals and a best-on-ground e ort.

SHOOTER: Tayla Allen goes for the goal.

PINNED: Jessie Smith lays a huge tackle in the Lions’ forward 50 during Whorouly’s 14-point win INSET: TAKING GROUND: Lachy Moore launches the Lions from their defensive 50.

Bec Allen fires o a pass in the

Bright bully Bombers in convincing win

Upon his return to the senior team a er a stint in Melbourne, 2024 team of the year ruck Joe Gray tted in seamlessly and along with Joe Crawley, could form a formidable ruck pairing if the trend continues.

Senior coach Michael Quirk was pleased with his side’s ability to set the tone and be proactive from the rst bounce.

“Our main focus was to compete strongly for the four quarters as we expected Bonnie Doon to be a very good on their home ground,” Quirk said.

“One aspect we focused on

in the week leading into the game was a strong start in the rst half and apply some scoreboard pressure which worked quite well.”

Speaking more broadly about the season as a whole, in which they sit a game and percentage above their nearest rivals, Quirk was reasonably content with the side’s performances to date, but

he knows there is work to be done in the back half of the season.

“At the halfway point of the season, we are reasonably happy with how it has unfolded to date,” Quirk added.

“Like every team in the competition, we still need to continually work and improve on our kicking skill level to minimise our turno-

vers in the second half of the season.”

Meanwhile, Bonnie Doon have turned the tables on Bright in another epic xture of A grade netball.

While Bright got the points by a single goal back in round ve, it was Bonnie Doon this time who celebrated victory, and quite incredibly, by only one goal.

The 50-49 scoreline contained ebbs and ows all the way to the end – Bright’s one goal advantage at the end of the rst and second quarter was followed by a ve-goal de cit at the three-quarter time break.

Bright still managed to claw their way back into the contest, and even though they ultimately fell agonisingly short, there is a feeling that there could be a third and deciding game between these two teams in a nals series that could be the most anticipated in many years.

A er the league-wide bye this Saturday, Bright will travel to Goorambat on Saturday, June 14.

PHOTOS: Amy Sholl

HITOUT: Joe Gray does the ruckwork for the Mountain Men in their thumping win over Bonnie Doon.

CHANGE ANGLES:

midcourt.

PHOTOS: Nathan de Vries

Bombers hopped by Tallangatta

A CHANGE of home venue was unable to secure the result for Dederang-Mount Beauty’s senior football side as they went down to a strong Tallangatta out t by 146 points.

It was a day of celebration for the Bombers, who introduced Toby Derrick, Jack Coulston and Cameron Walch into the fold for their rst senior game.

Tallangatta, who are a genuine chance to hold a

top-three nals spot by year’s end, gave DMB a footballing lesson on their way to a 25.21 (171) to 4.1 (25) win.

Max Jensen kicked a couple for the Bombers, while regular contributors Emerson Lemkau and captain Jacob Ozolins each added a goal to keep the scoreboard ticking over when the opportunity came their way.

In senior netball, DMB couldn’t match it with Tallan-

ters in a 29-45 defeat.

While the Bombers remained within three goals of the lead and striking distance at half-time, the Hoppers were relentless with ball movement and defensive pressure to break the game open in the second half.

A grade netball coach Alex Dyde spoke openly about the game and took the opportunity to re ect on the season so far.

netball, but unfortunately in the second half we reverted to some old habits, but I also have to give credit to Tallangatta who are a great side and apply pressure down the court well,” Dyde said.

“In saying that, our whole court pressure was very effective and we did get a lot of intercepts throughout, just unfortunately couldn’t convert them.

“No rest for the wicked

side of the bye, so we will still be training hard this coming week in preparation for that

mism around our development between now andnals.

Myrtleford’s seniors fail to fire in 43-point Bulldogs mauling, A grade netballers miss out by three goals

■ From back page

“We just didn’t have the spark we’ve had, so that was disappointing because we felt it was a game where if we played our best we thought we’d be good enough.

“We clearly didn’t show up to play, and the reality was they were up for the ght and they were super.

“We’ve got to move on quickly because we play the reigning premiers this week.”

While they weren’t able to bank the four points, there were moments of individual brilliance from the Saints.

Jaxon East was strong with 29 touches and a goal, while Tom Cappellari (31 disposals) and Simon Curtis (10 tackles) were impactful.

The result sees the Saints fall from third to h, even on points with three other teams, ranging from fourth to seventh.

They’ll need a massive response this weekend, up against senior reigning premiers Wangaratta Rovers in round eight.

“They’re in outstanding form,

clearly the premiership favourites to go back-to-back,” Millar said.

“It’s going to be a really big challenge for us, but one thing our group has been really good at in the past has been responding to challenges and setting themselves for it.

“I know we’ll have a good week on the track this week, we’ve got a strong leadership group who drive strong standards, and they won’t accept that performance from the weekend and they’ll look to make amends.”

In the other grades, the reserves remain on top of the table a er securing the win 24.9 (153) to 6.3 (39), while the thirds went down 5.6 (36) to 11.1 (67).

Over on the netball court, it was a similarly disappointing result for the A graders, who went down 5861.

The Saints were in the contest for the entire match, with scores even at quarter time and half-time, and trailing by just three goals at thenal break.

Some brilliant work through the midcourt from Saige Broz and sharp shooting from Taylah Reidy helped the Saints keep close to the Bulldogs, but Wodonga’s defensive pressure and tenacity was too good for Myrtleford.

In other netball matches, Myrtleford took wins in C grade (54-38), under 17s (51-43), and under 15s (41-27), while the B grade side went down 37-60.

The Saints are back at McNamara Reserve this weekend, hosting Wangaratta Rovers.

TOO GOOD: Myrtleford defeated Bright 104 shots to 81 in the weekend’s XXXX bowls match.

Winter bowls keeps on rolling

LAST Saturday saw wins to Myrtleford and Chiltern in the XXXX Winter bowls competition, both of whom were the visiting clubs.

While the competition moves into winter proper and June, the weather remains dry each weekend allowing the rst four rounds to be played in sunshine and without a drop of rain.

Bright took on neighbours Myrtleford with the nal scores being Myrtleford 104 shots to Bright’s 81, with both clubs winning two rinks and one rink drawn.

Yackandandah welcomed Chiltern in the other match, with both teams claiming three rinks with one rink drawn.

However, Chiltern scored far more heavily on their winning rinks, for a winning total of 168 shots to 104.

In a display of ne sportsmanship, Myrtleford lent Bright three players and Yackandandah did the same for Chiltern.

The weekend results leave Chiltern and Myrtleford at the top of the table with three wins each.

This Saturday sees Myrtleford host Yackandandah while Chiltern hosts Bright in round ve clashes.

ON THE EDGE: Mitch Tenardi and the Saints sit teetering at fi h on the senior ladder a er falling to Wodonga on the weekend. PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie

2025FootyTIPPING AFL

STRONG POSITION

Whorouly’s A grade squad enters the halfway point of the season second on the ladder. Katie Ivone (pictured) and the Lions saluted on Saturday to down Moyhu 41-29 at home.

 Story page 33.

Saints’ lament

Myrtleford’s seniors fail to fire in 43-point Bulldogs mauling, A grade netballers miss out by three goals

IT was a lacklustre return to the regular season for Myrtleford a er the highs of interleague, who were outworked by Wodonga Bulldogs on both eld and court at Martin Park on Saturday.

In a match with plenty of spice, the senior Saints failed to capitalise on their chances to fall 4.10 (34) to 11.11 (77) in a

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

disappointing performance.

A er the majority of the squad took the previous weekend o with the interleague clash, the Saints looked fresh and ready for the

Thursday

contest, producing six scoring shots to four but trailing at quarter time.

Ine ciencies would continue to plague both sides in a match laden with stoppages, but the game would open up through the third, but not in the favour of the Saints.

Goals to Riley Smith and Mitch Tenardi in the third quarter would bring Myrtleford within three goals

of Wodonga, but the Bulldogs kept the pressure on, leading the Saints by 24 points at the nal break.

While Myrtleford created the chances inside their forward 50 but weren’t able to bridge the gap late in the game.

Coach Craig Millar said it was a performance they won’t dwell on for too long.

Saturday June 7th

“It was a really disappointing day,” he said.

“We just couldn’t really get anything going for most of the day, despite statistically we were pretty much even in most areas of the game, other than inside 50s where there was a reasonable differential.

■ Continued page 34

3 McGeehan Crescent, Myrtleford. AH: 5752 2198 3 McGeehan Crescent, Myrtleford. AH: 5752 2198

PHOTO: Nathan de Vries