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A lucky escape

Vehicle falls 200m off cliff,

FIVE occupants of a car crash on the Great Alpine Road south of Harrietville were rescued on Sunday evening after turning off a cliff and falling 200 metres from the edge, but they all managed to survive with non-life threatening injuries, according to Victoria Police.

According to police, emergency services were called to reports a car had driven down a cliff on Great Alpine Road about 6:15pm.

Senior Sergeant Doug Incoll, of Bright Police, said the three adults and two children in the vehicle

BY BRODIE EVERIST beverist@ nemedia.com.au

were rescued as part of a multi-agency high-angle operation, including CFA and SES.

Victoria Police media said a 59-year-old woman was airlifted to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, a 34-year-old woman was taken to hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries, and a 35-year-old man and two

children were taken to hospital for observation.

Sen Sgt Incoll confirmed the 59-year-old woman had been airlifted to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, while the other occupants of the car were taken by ambulance to Wangaratta Hospital.

“It’s lucky there weren’t major injuries or deaths,” he said.

According to Sen Sgt Incoll, the driver of the car had turned left into a sign advising of a left hand turn 50 metres ahead.

He said fatigue was a possible cause of the crash,

as the group had travelled from Melbourne that day, been sightseeing at Mount Hotham, and were driving back to Bright.

Meanwhile, weather conditions were clear and the road was dry, he said. He reminded motorists to take due care on Great Alpine Road and take proper fatigue breaks when needed.

He said it took emergency services around four hours to clear the scene, with the road between Harrietville and Mount Hotham closed for around 3 hours.

Marcus Warner, Bright

SES deputy controller of operations, said around 40 first responders attended, including members of the Bright SES, Mount Beauty CFA, Bright CFA and Harrietville CFA.

He said members of Fire Rescue Victoria, the Mount Beauty CFA and Bright SES mounted a technical rescue that allowed personnel and stretchers to be lowered around 160 metres down from the edge of the cliff.

According to Mr Warner, they found the two children around 50 metres from the vehicle and were able to carry them up to the

road on foot, while the 59-year-old lady was taken by stretcher, requiring four rescue attendants.

He said they found the 34-year-old woman underneath the vehicle, and she was also taken by stretcher.

He said it was a successful rescue, “with all agencies working seamlessly in challenging conditions.”

Sen Sgt Incoll also commended emergency services.

“It’s a great example of a multi-agency response to an incident that could have been avoided,” he said.

LAST Thursday’s art class at the Bright Library was booked out with enthusiastic artists making a winter scene. Story page 5. PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Bombers flying after upset TDFL win

By DANIEL SAVILLE

THE Dederang-Mount Beauty Bombers had high hopes for the season after playing two finals in 2022.

Despite currently sitting in ninth position on a condensed Tallangatta and District Football League ladder with four wins from 11 games, the Bombers still have plenty to play for in their return fixtures to round out the season.

Their best win was their most recent match before the bye against Tallangatta, where they overcame a large quarter-time deficit in a game that will fill the senior side and the club with great confidence.

While still a mathematical chance of featuring in the final five with seven rounds to go, starting with a winnable home game this weekend against Wahgunyah (twelfth), Dederang-Mount Beauty have a realistic chance of finishing the season with a flurry of wins.

Matches against teams around them on the ladder including Mitta United (eighth) and Wodonga Saints (tenth) in the next month will determine how long they can stay in contact with the chasing pack

Playing assistant coach and star midfielder Jordan Harrington has been a clear standout for the Bombers this season, featuring in his side’s best players every single week.

“He has been consistently one of our best each game and has given us good use out of the middle,” senior captain Josh Kable said.

Harrington sits in tenth position on the league goalkicking leaderboard with 25 goals in 11 games, which highlights just how influential he has been.

Not to be outdone, forward Cody Hewat is only one goal behind from his 10 games this season.

■ Continued page 20

STELLAR SAINTS

SALLY Botter prepares to fire the netball into the Saints’ attacking end in Myrtleford’s 50-32 win over the dangerous Albury Tigers. Botter ended with 21 goals from the match in a dominant display. Match report page 24.

Bright in third spot after obliterating Tarrawingee in percentage boosting win B i h i hi d f bli i T i i b i i

Mountain Men maul Bulldogs

BRIGHT’S senior footballers picked up a massive percentage-boosting win over Tarrawingee on Saturday as the Bulldogs suffered their biggest loss this season, the Mountain Men obliterating the competition 33.30 (228) to 0.5 (5).

Heavy favourites going into the match, Bright all but put the game to bed in the first term, keeping the Bulldogs scoreless and booting 9.9 themselves, before the margin stretched to 100 points by the half.

While Bright kept piling on the goals, the damage could’ve been a lot worse, with 12 behinds scored through the second half.

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

Efficiency in front of goal has been an area of concern for the Mountain Men all year, only registering fewer than 10 behinds in two games this season. Despite this, the sheer volume of forward 50 entries and diligent defensive work by the midfield and backs leaves Bright sitting third on the O&KFL ladder with a whopping 293.70 per cent with six matches and a bye before finals.

■ Continued page 25

PHOTO: Janet Watt

A healthy help-out

Men’s shed organising free health events with focus on senior’s and men’s health gg

THE Myrtleford Men’s Shed are seeking to boost residents’ health know-how by funding a local men’s health event and one or more first aid courses for seniors and the broader community.

The club is currently seeking expressions of interest for the free community events to help gauge how many first aid courses they may run and the projected attendance for a men’s health talk.

BY BRODIE EVERIST beverist@ nemedia.com.au

Myrtleford Men’s Shed treasurer Clive Walker said the club received a grant from the Australian Communities Foundation for the free events to help plug what they saw as a gap in understanding and skills around men’s health and

first aid for seniors.

Mr Walker said first aid is often seen as administered by younger people, or people receive first aid training through work or their sporting clubs, but seniors are likely most in need of these skills.

“They’re at an age where first aid is more likely to be required,” he said.

“The partner may have a medical episode - what does the husband/wife do in the meantime?”

However, Mr Walker said anyone in the community is welcome to attend.

Mr Walker said Alpine Institute will be running the first aid sessions, and the men’s shed are happy to fund multiple courses, depending on expressions of interest, until the grant funding runs out.

They are hoping to run the first aid courses between November this year and March next year.

Mr Walker said they are planning for a local GP to present a men’s health talk around November, with a range of issues planned to be discussed, including prostate, bowel, heart and nervous system conditions.

He said it’s an established fact that men aren’t good at talking about their health.

“We’re no different in here in the men’s shed,” Mr Walker said.

“The only good thing

about it here is that, because we’re in a little group, you find the guys here tend to talk a bit more openly about their issues, because they know that when anybody walks out the door, the issue stays here.”

Contact Clive Walker on 0419 437 964 or email myrtlefordmensshed@ alpinehealth.org.au to express interest in attending a first aid course or the men’s health event.

HAVING A CUPPA: Members of the Myrtleford and District Landcare and Sustainability Group were enjoying a morning tea in Cundy Park after removing and recycling old tree guards on Reform Hill in preparation for tree plantings later this month. Story page 7

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Myrtleford Times/ Alpine Observer cover charge increase

FROM today the Myrtleford Times and Alpine Observer cover price will increase to $2 including GST.

In the last few years’ there has been a significant increase in the costs associated with producing the Myrtleford Times and Alpine Observer, especially steep increases in newsprint and freight.

The $2 cover charge brings the Myrtleford Times and Alpine Observer cover charge in line or below other local newspapers in the region.

Digital subscriptions start from just $1 a week and can be arranged by visiting https://www.alpineobserver.com.au.

We take this opportunity to thank our readers, contributors and advertisers for their ongoing support.

Council awards Bright Valley contract

By BRODIE EVERIST

THE Alpine Shire Council have awarded a contract for project management and strategic advisory services for the Bright Valley development to Melbourne-based planning consultancy Mesh Planning.

Councillors unanimously voted to support the awarding of the contract (Councillor Prime absent) at their meeting last month, with Cr Janas and Hughes saying Mesh Planning will provide expert services that council doesn’t have.

“By voting the recommendation in, it’s allowing people who know what they’re doing to the nth degree to be able to do the work that council doesn’t have the expertise for,” Cr Hughes said.

Cr Keeble said awarding the contract will free up council resources for other planning projects.

According to the recommendation before council, a multi-disciplinary team of subject matter experts is required to manage council’s interests and oversee the strategic and statutory management of the Bright Valley development and associated infrastructure projects and to ensure the best outcome for the community.

Director of Assets Alan Rees said awarding the contract has primarily been triggered by the plan of subdivision for the development, which requires a diverse set of skills to assess the plan in its entirety.

“Council, up to a certain point, is able to manage the initial evaluation but when it comes to assessing for approval we need to engage external experts to support that evaluation and decision,” he said.

According to the recommendation before council, the contract will cost up to $350,000, and Mr Rees said the services in the contract are expected to last around two years, depending on how the plan of subdivision applications are made.

It was not confirmed in what capacity, but Cr Janas said the consultancy has previously provided advice on the Bright Valley Development.

“I’m confident they will oversee the submissions brought by the developer to ensure that it meets all requirements and standards,” he said.

“Once the roads and drains and everything is in place - all that stuff is there - we inherit that as ratepayers and we have to continue to maintain that going forwards, so we have to ensure all that work is done properly in the first place.”

Volunteers needed for op shop operations

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE BRIGHT

Hospital Op Shop is looking for more helping hands to join its friendly team.

Op shop committee president Eileen Hunter said the organisation currently has around 30 volunteers between the two stores.

“Since COVID began we’ve lost lots of our volunteers and many haven’t come back,” she said.

“Some have moved and some can’t do the full days that we do now.

“We used to do morning and afternoon shifts and opened for much longer hours but we haven’t been able to do that in a long time.

“It’s sad because we used to get lots of school kids coming in after school but we close early now as we don’t have enough people.”

Ms Hunter said the duties for

volunteers are mainly sorting through the high volume of donations, but there is also the counter to man and some lighter duties for different abilities.

“It can be quite a physical job, we’ve been getting lots of big donations in boxes, and our bigger store also does furniture,” she said.

“We’d love to see some men join the team to help out as well.

“The main reason we all

volunteer is because we’re raising money for Alpine Health and it’s also good fun; you’re in a room with a whole lot of women and having a laugh and it’s a real community feel.

“For somebody that’s home and would like to get out and do something it’s good fun.

“We’ll take as many people that will come.”

To volunteer, head into the shop at 12-14 Ireland Street, Bright.

Woman sentenced for series of drunken offences

By BRODIE EVERIST

A POREPUNKAH woman was sentenced with an 18-month correction order at the Wangaratta Magistrate’s Court last week after pleading guilty to a series of offences, including aggravated burglary, theft and two counts of breaching a family violence order.

The woman attended the Myrtleford Magistrate’s Court the previous week, where the court heard she was accused of unlawfully entering two Porepunkah properties and stealing various items, and she attempted to contact a previous boyfriend on two occasions in breach of a family violence intervention order.

According to the police prosecutor, on Christmas Eve last year the woman entered a neighbouring property to her home while intoxicated, taking a handbag and two Xbox console controllers while residents were inside the house.

Afterwards the woman used a bank card inside the handbag to make an online grocery order valued at around $250.

The police prosecutor said the items were located by police under a search warrant and the woman cancelled the online order.

Upon being interviewed by police the woman said she had no memory of entering the house.

The court then heard the

woman was accused of theft and trespass at another Porepunkah property in April this year.

When the resident of the property returned on April 10 they discovered various items were missing, including meat products, an Xbox gaming system and games, alcohol, medication and toys.

According to the police prosecutor, the resident also found various cards belonging to the accused, including a bank card, and when they confronted the accused she returned all the items.

When interviewed by police the accused admitted to drinking alcohol before the burglary and

said she had no memory of the incident.

At the Wangaratta Magistrate’s Court last week Magistrate Ian Watkins said the offences were serious, but recognised the woman is seeking rehabilitation for an alcohol addiction.

He sentenced her to an 18-month community correction order to undergo treatment and rehabilitation for alcohol abuse or dependency and mental health assessment and treatment.

“I’m satisfied that you are in the grips of an addiction,” Mr Watkins said.

“You’ve been very cooperative with police and that’s to your credit.”

HELPING OUT: Bright Hospital Op Shop committee member Jane Harvey and volunteer Annette Robinson are hoping more volunteers can join the op shop team.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Budget adopted, new kerbside collection for shire

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

FOLLOWING public exhibition of the draft and internal submissions amendments and refinements, Alpine Shire councillors last week adopted the 2023/24 Budget.

The council report read that the budget projects a surplus of $2.67m which is influenced by a variety of factors;

A rate increase of 3.5 per cent, in line with the Fair Go Rates System which caps Victorian Council rate increases; Capital works expenditure totalling $14.6m, a significant Capital Works Program reflecting a steady pipeline of asset renewal and increased development activity from successful grant applications totalling $6.6m;

An increased material and services budget reflecting inflationary impact on costs and the costs of the new Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) kerbside waste service totalling $0.7m;

A modest increase in staff numbers resulting from an organisational restructure implemented in January 2023.

Council is introducing a

new kerbside collection service from July 2023.

All kerbside services are being charged to ratepayers on a cost recovery basis in conjunction with a Waste Management Charge covering investment in, amongst other waste expenditure, waste infrastructure and remediation of the closed landfill sites.

In addition, a review of council fees and charges has been conducted.

Fees have been increased in line with movements in the actual costs to provide various services and to reflect a general increase in cost of materials and services.

As part of the 2023/24 Budget, council will deliver another significant capital ex-

penditure program totalling $14.6 million, supported by government grant funding of $6.6 million.

The report noted that many of the projects are being delivered across multiple financial years, and the figures are for the budgeted expenditure in the 2023/24 financial year only, and not the total project budget.

CONCERNED CUSTOMERS INVITED TO MEET WITH GMW

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

GOULBURN Murray Water have invited a small group of unregulated domestic and stock customers to meet with them next week, after ongoing disagreements over pricing.

GMW are currently drafting their 2024–28 pricing submission to the Essential Services Commission (ESC) to be handed in in September. Porepunkah resident Cameron Reid said they are eagerly awaiting the opportunity.

“We, as unregulated domestic and stock diversion customers, are delighted that GMW has agreed to meet and discuss our concerns,” he said.

“We hold a positive outlook that GMW will provide us with insights into the origins of the wrongly charged Service Point and Access fees, how they were approved and scrutinised, and why they continue to be applied to our class of customers.

“Regrettably, there appears to be a lack of evidence supporting the

Mount Beauty locals on board for weir alternatives

By BRODIE EVERIST

TWO Mount Beauty locals have offered support for an alternative location for the proposed raw water offtake in Mount Beauty, following an agreement from the North East Water (NE Water) board to explore alternatives to a weir across the Kiewa River.

Last week NE Water announced their board had endorsed Embankment Drive (site 2) as the preferred location for a proposed raw water offtake, but said their independent review does not indicate a weir is an essential element of the proposal, leaving open the option to move the offtake further from the river.

Mount Beauty resident Jim Crebbin said he is very happy NE Water is considering alternatives to a weir at their preferred Embankment Drive site, as he felt a weir would increase flooding risks and spoil access to the river for rafting and other water recreation.

“At that point in the past [floods] washed away quite a bit of the camping ground and the private property just opposite where this weir would be,” he said.

Mr Crebbin is a member of the community and stakeholder reference group formed in 2022 to advise NE Water on the raw water offtake location, which recommended Embankment Drive and two sites near the tail race as preferred locations for the offtake, if feasible.

While he said he would have

preferred the offtake at the top of the tail race in Mount Beauty, he accepted the need for better water infrastructure in the town.

“The present infrastructure that they use has outlived its usefulness and must be replaced,” he said.

“It should be done for the security of Mount Beauty.”

“There is also talk about the resiting of the pump station so it is not so obvious, and locals will be delighted if this happens.”

According to NE Water’s general manager of planning and infrastructure, Guy Wilson-Browne, modelling had found the weir would not increase flood risk, and the main consideration for an alternative to a weir was community concerns around local amenity.

Local doctor Damian Heman, along with other concerned residents, launched an online petition in 2021 that received just over 1500 signatures opposing the

original proposed location of the pumping station.

He said that group are still waiting to see the analysis that rejected the tail race sites.

“It’s premature to say whether we’d support it, but I would say that our goal always has been, and always will be, to work with North East Water to find a solution,” he said.

“Our aim from the start has been to protect the river frontage; we’ve only got 400-odd metres of riverfront into town.”

However, Dr Heman said he supports the removal of the weir and believes the community will support a pumping station off the river front.

“If it means no weir and a very small imposition on the river, and the pumping station is across the road and effectively doesn’t bisect the recreational reserve, then I think it’s something that the community could probably get behind.”

delivery of the services associated with these fees, as described by G-MW.

“We genuinely hope that G-MW will acknowledge this oversight and accept the error in charging our class of customers.

“In light of this, we are optimistic that G-MW will offer some indication of how they plan to rectify our concerns.

“We eagerly await the opportunity to engage in a constructive dialogue and find a resolution together.”

DISCUSSIONS: Unregulated domestic and stock users with Goulburn Murray Water, including Cameron Reid, are set to meet with the organisation next week.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Toilet trashing not on, say police

POLICE and council are calling out vandalism of local public toilets, which is substantially increasing repair and maintenance costs, according to council.

Sergeant Romina McEwan of Bright police said public toilets, managed by council, have been damaged over several weeks - with cubicle walls smashed, soap and toilet paper dispensers ripped from walls and fires set in toilet bowls.

“It is disheartening to see that no sooner are repairs complete, the vandals return and cause further damage,” Sgt McEwan said.

“The cost to the community is substantial.

“These damages are senseless and indicate a lack of respect for the community as a whole.”

Alpine Shire Mayor John Forsyth said this year alone damage to public property has cost council ratepayers more than $13,000.

“Since the beginning of the year, we have had several public amenities hit by vandalism - including graffiti and destruction of property - and this behaviour is simply unacceptable,” Cr Forsyth said.

“Each time an incident occurs, our teams have to close the amenity or facility, often for a prolonged period of time, clean and conduct repairs to

NE Water considering submerged offtake

By BRODIE EVERIST

NORTH East Water (NE Water) is considering a submerged offtake instead of a weir at Mount Beauty’s Embankment Drive, according to NE Water’s general manager of infrastructure and planning Guy Wilson-Browne.

Mr Wilson-Browne offered several further details behind NE Water’s endorsement of Embankment Drive as the preferred location for a raw water offtake, and said they are considering an underground offtake less likely to impact the amenity of the area.

Mr Wilson-Browne said investigations into a submerged offtake are still ongoing and they are hopeful any alternatives to a weir will be within the current budget.

damaged property, and work with emergency services to submit reports.

“This means that our teams are not able to deliver core services to our community.

“We need public help to ensure our amenities stay open and usable.

‘”We are calling on our community to report any acts of vandalism to public property to Victoria Police by phoning 000.” Police are seeking assistance from the public to help to identify those involved and any information would be greatly appreciated.

Anyone with information can anonymously contact Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000.

According to Mr Wilson-Browne, the Embankment Drive location offers less bushfire risk, higher water quality and greater water security than alternative locations.

“It’s quite dense bushland up and around the tail race; there’s easier access for emergency vehicles around Embankment Drive and there’s less bushfire material,” he said.

He said they couldn’t provide much detail around alternative locations near Embankment Drive yet, but said they are exploring options for a pumping station on the other side of the drive.

According to Mr Wilson-Browne, NE Water is hoping to start construction of the facility in 2024, with the board to make a decision on its location by the end of this year.

PUBLIC PROPERTY DAMAGE: Leading Senior Constables Sam McIntosh and Cassandra Baillieu outside the public toilets at Bright’s Howitt Park, which were vandalised last month.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Rotary celebrates changeover night

By JENNY CHELLEW, Rotary Club of Bright

THE Rotary Club of Bright, renowned for its tireless efforts in serving the community, held its annual Changeover Night at The Pavilion in Pioneer Park on the evening of Wednesday, June 28.

The night was brimming with celebration, recognition and gratitude as Rotarians and honoured guests gathered to recognise the club’s accomplishments, welcome new members and appoint a new board.

The appointment of new board members ensures a fresh and dedicated team at

the helm, ready to steer the club into the coming year.

Approximately 25 Rotarians and their partners came together to mark the occasion.

Among the distinguished guests were Tim McCurdy, MLA for Ovens Valley; Katarina Hughes, Alpine Shire councillor; and Emma McLaughlin, president of the Milawa Oxley Club.

The event was further enhanced by the presence of members from the Bright Probus Club, Bright Lions Club, Bright Autumn and Spring Festival committees, as well as Elizabeth Dalbosco, the wife of the late

Rotarian Sid Dalbosco.

The collective gathering of individuals from various community organisations highlighted the unity and collaboration that the Rotary Club of Bright actively fosters.

One of the highlights of the evening was the induction of a new member, Carl Stolz sup-

ported by his wife Leesa.

The Rotary Club of Bright warmly welcomes Carl into our ranks and looks forward to his contributions to our ongoing service initiatives.

Additionally, the changeover night provided an opportunity to recognise the exceptional dedication and selflessness of three individuals who have made an indelible impact on the community.

Graham Cocks, Sue Manning and Allan Poyner were each bestowed with the title of Paul Harris Fellow, a distinction reserved for those who have exhibited exemplary commitment and ser-

vice through their work in Rotary.

The evening would not have been complete without the excellent meal provided by David McKinnon, whose culinary expertise delighted the attendees.

The Bright Football and Netball Club were also acknowledged for their invaluable assistance in operating the bar, ensuring the night flowed seamlessly.

“The Rotary Club of Bright Changeover Night was a resounding success, symbolising the strength and unity that defines our club,” said incoming president Sue Manning, who will share the

Council fields Stackey Gully questions

By BRODIE EVERIST

THE Alpine Shire Council fielded a number of public questions at their meeting last week regarding Bright’s Stackey Gully Road, which is set to be upgraded under plans for the Bright Valley Development.

The first question raised concerns over the future of the rotunda on Ashwood Avenue due to an upgrade of Stackey Gully Road, but director of assets Alan Rees said council does not yet know what will happen to the rotunda.

“Once the detailed design of Stackey Gully is determined and

we have more details we will share them with the community to bring them up to speed,” he said.

In response to a similar question, he said while the detailed design of the interface of Stackey Gully Road and the Great Alpine Road is not yet finalised, there may be a likelihood of the rotunda being impacted once the design is complete.

“Once we get to that point we’ll be sharing those details with the community,” he said.

Another question asked who is paying for the Stackey Gully Road upgrade, to which Mr

GULLY ENQUIRIES: Council fielded a number of public questions at their meeting last week regarding Bright’s Stackey Gully Road.

Rees said that was also yet to be determined.

“The detailed design of Stackey Gully is not yet complete and therefore who’s paying for what has not yet been resolved, however

all options are on the table and we are discussing with stakeholders accordingly,” he said.

Prior to the questions, councillors encouraged those wishing to ask questions of council to send them in before the meeting to help ensure a more detailed response.

Shire residents are encouraged to submit questions on notice in writing to info@ alpineshire.vic.gov.au by 5pm on the Monday prior to the meeting, however, Mayor John Forsyth said submitting them earlier will assist council staff in answering the question.

role with Patrick O’Shea.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of our fellow Rotarians, esteemed guests, and community partners, whose unwavering commitment to service continues to inspire us.”

The Rotary Club of Bright is an integral part of the community, continuously working towards making a positive impact through their service projects and initiatives.

The changeover night served as a reminder of the club’s unwavering dedication to service and provided an opportunity for camaraderie and celebration.

Awesome art class

A BOOKED out crowd of 21 children were learning to paint at the Bright Library last Thursday under the watchful eye of Lee Paul, from the Art Bar, as part of shire libraries’ craft classes for kids during the school holidays.

In keeping with current weather, the children were painting a winter mountain scene, complete with sunset, birds and snow.

When the class finished at 3:30pm the kids, aged from 7-12 years old, came out to show their art to admiring parents and guardians.

Parent Libby Dean said the kids were clearly enthusiastic about the art and thanked council for providing the free event.

“I think the kids are really excited to take the canvas home,” she said.

The Bright Library is also holding a kaleidoscope making class today at 10:30am.

NEW PRESIDENTS: Incoming Bright Rotary presidents Patrick O’Shea and Sue Manning.

BEAUTIFUL BOARD MEMBERS: The incoming Bright Rotary board (from left) Steph Petricevich, Allan Poyner, Geoff Hall, Patrick O’Shea, Sue Manning, Jenny Chellew, Rob Moore and Fraser McNaught.

Paul Pizzolitto

How long have you lived in the area?

All my life, but I’ve been to different places for work.

What do you do for a living?

I run my own gardening business and I’m a baker.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I like to go to the men’s shed and have a chit chat, gardening, and trying out new foods around Myrtleford.

What do you like about the area?

Good people around

TAWONGA SOUTH

Margaret Jordan

How long have you lived in the area?

We moved here 25 years ago from The Rock in NSW, a railway siding Town. I was the art teacher at Lockhart.

What do you like about living here?

The wonderful sense of community, the warm people who welcome you with open arms. I love everything about the place, the mountains, rivers and the spring and autumn seasons.

Would you like to see and additions or changes?

It would be great to have an art gallery here, there are so many talented artists in the

area, it would be a place to showcase their work.

What are your interests and hobbies?

Being a former art teacher fits in well with my passion for painting with the local art group.

Because I served in the navy I am a full member of the local RSL. I like craft works particularly knitting.

Where would you take visitors to showcase the area?

On the many beautiful walks, Pebble Beach, The Gorge, up to Fainter Falls and Bogong Village. To any one of the nice places for coffee and lunch .

– you can say hello to different people. And the climate.

Where would you take visitors to showcase the area?

Lake Buffalo, Mount Buffalo and the cafes around the town. Is there anything you would change about the area?

Not really, mainly just fixing the roads up to make it beautiful. Do you have any ambitions for the future?

Not really – just living the dream.

Jaden Weinert

Where do you live?

I live in a big beautiful house on the river here in Bright.

How long have you been living in the area?

I moved here in November last year but I’ve been doing snow seasons at Mt Hotham for the last 8 years. I always wanted to do a summer here in Bright and now I don’t think I’ll ever leave.

What do you do for a living?

I’m the owner/operator of the mobile coffee trailer business Bean Frothin’. It’s located in the Bright Caravan Park on Delany Ave.

What are your hobbies

and interests?

Travelling, snowboarding, gardening and camping. What do you like about the area?

It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to and whether it’s events, markets or festivals, there’s always something on.

Where would you take visitors to showcase the area?

Huggins Lookout, Mt Buffalo and the canyon walk by the river.

Is there anything you would change about the area?

MYRTLEFORD BRIGHT

Yeah some affordable staff housing would be great.

Landcare getting ready for tree planting day

By BRODIE EVERIST MYRTLEFORD

Landcare members were traversing the slopes of Reform Hill last Saturday morning, removing old guards and stakes around shrubs that have died or those that have outgrown their protective barrier.

The group collected the guards and stakes, placing some of them at the bottom of a track up the hill, so they may be reused this month for national tree planting day on July 30.

Myrtleford Landcare committee member Claire Stock said they will be planting a range of native trees and shrubs on the day, including acacias, gum trees and the Stony Bush-pea – a small, rare

shrub that Myrtleford Landcare have passionately planted on Reform Hill to assist the wild-growing population.

“Landcare has been very successful reestablishing Stony Bushpea on Reform Hill; we’re really proud of that project,” Ms Stock said.

The tree planting session will start at 9:30am with members meeting at Higgins Court in Myrtleford, ending with a barbecue provided by the Rotary Club of Myrtleford.

Attendees are encouraged to wear sturdy footwear and suitable clothing for the weather conditions, and bring water and planting tools, however, the Landcare group have tools they can provide.

Resorts managing well despite staffing issues

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

A SHORTER season and lower visitation has somewhat balanced out staff shortages at Mt Hotham and Falls Creek alpine resorts this winter season, according to local chambers of commerce.

Falls Creek Chamber of Commerce president Lisa Logan was concerned about a lack of accommodation for staff causing a range of issues for local business in the lead up to the season.

“COVID, the rising cost of living and the landslip on Bogong High Plains Road

were among the causes of the lack of beds for staff,” she said.

“So far people have done what they can and managed as much as possible; I know there were some organisations taking out rent accommodation in Mount Beauty because there wasn’t anything else available.

“Many staff have found it less than ideal due to the longer commute and we’ve had trees coming down on that main road due to the wet weather and snow so it’s caused a bit more angst for those who travel it regularly.

It starts now

“As far as I know there are still some unfilled positions simply because they didn’t have accommodation.

“I understand some people have indicated they couldn’t find the beds for staff and have had to change the way they do things to manage.

“Overall I think we’re doing okay considering the circumstances.

“There’s been more moves towards people not opening restaurants everyday but a lot are still seven days a week.

“It’s a short season so we

learn to manage with less anyway.

“We’re all looking at this issue, from private operations to the chamber of commerce to resort management and Alpine Resorts Victoria and the region.

“We’re all trying to find solutions to this, it’s very much on everyones agenda and hopefully we can come up with something sooner rather than later.”

Mount Hotham Chamber of Commerce president Steve Belli said with lower visitation numbers it’s balancing out.

“People seem to be managing okay; it’s nowhere near as busy as it was last year so it is balancing out in that regard,” he said.

“We’ve still got reasonable visitation but not like last year so the amount of staff is pretty adequate.

“I think we’ve seen less people because of the late start to the season and because people have access to go overseas now for other skiing options.

“As far as more accommodation, we’ve got people working through things slowly with planning ap-

provals and consulting with businesses and the resort which is good, it will take some time but they’re working openly with us.”

Mr Belli reminded visitors to the region that chains are mandatory and adequate clothing for cold weather and snow is suggested.

“We’re getting a lot of new visitors so we need people to check with local chain retailers to make sure their cars can fit chains,” he said.

“We also suggest appropriate footwear and hiring waterproof clothing if you need it.”

CONSERVATIONISTS: Landcare members Ron Janas and Andrew Jones on Reform Hill last Saturday.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

LANDCARE LOVE: Norm Vonarx smiles for the camera in between stints picking up old tree guards and bringing them to the track.

Barry’s a children’s kitchen creator

By BRODIE EVERIST

MYRTLEFORD local Barry Holden has shown his woodwork skills at the Myrtleford Men’s Shed by making a toy sink, stove and oven from scrap pine and laminex for his grandchildren.

“It’s a unit that allows kids to practice cooking skills and having game play around the kitchen, but it can be outside,” he said.

Mr Holden was inspired to make it after his 3-year-old granddaughter saw one.

“She said to her mum, ‘can I have one of those?’,” he said.

“So mum got in contact with me and I thought well, I’ll build one.”

The system even has a tank behind the sink to provide running water, and numbered oven knobs.

He said making the unit was very cheap, using scrap wood and $20 worth of paint.

To get involved with the Myrtleford Men’s Shed contact myrtlefordmensshed@alpinehealth.org.au.

FOGO collection now running

THE first collection under council’s new kerbside FOGO (food organics, garden organics) waste system was scheduled for Monday.

General waste collections have moved to a fortnightly collection and recycling bins will be collected fortnightly on the alternate week.

FOGO will be collected on a weekly basis.

Materials collected by the FOGO collection include raw and cooked food scraps, vegetable peel and scraps, councilprovided compostable liners, meat and fish bones, dairy products, oils and fats (absorb in paper towel first), shredded paper, lawn clippings, weeds and branches 30cm or smaller.

‘Homecoming’ for new Hotham boss

By JEFF ZEUSCHNER

TINA Burford began her skiing career instructing at Mt Hotham in the 1980s, and now she has returned to the mountain as the new general manager of Mount Hotham Skiing Company. She officially commenced in the role on Monday, filling the void left when former GM Nathan Butterworth moved to Perisher to oversee operations at that resort at the start of the ski season.

Ms Burford has almost

four decades of experience, including 32 seasons at Perisher, where she was up until last week the resort services director.

She has worked internationally within the industry including in Austria, Canada and the USA.

Her passion has also extended to representing Australia at two Interski Congresses, and she currently sits on the board of the Australian Professional Snowsports Instructors.

“Tina’s passion, knowl-

edge, and decades of experience in the industry will undoubtedly support driving the legacy of excellence that Hotham is well known for,” said Doug Pierini, senior vice president and chief operating officer, west region at Vail Resorts.

“Her commitment to inclusivity and focus on both the employee and guest experience make Tina an incredible leader who will lead Hotham into the future.”

Mr Pierini said Ms Burford has impacted and

influenced both Hotham and Perisher in many ways throughout her career, including with her leadership across snowsports instruction and racing.

“She has a depth of experience in system implementations and product innovation and is also a great developer of talent within her teams,” he said.

Originally from Austria, Ms Burford moved to Australia in 1986, where she worked as a ski instructor at Hotham for five seasons

before moving to Blue Cow, now part of Perisher Ski Resort.

“This is a special homecoming for me, as Hotham is the first resort I worked at in Australia,” she said Burford.

“I’ve always felt a close connection to Hotham, and to return in this role is a dream come true.

“I’m thrilled, honoured, and humbled to be the resort’s new GM, and I look forward to diving right in as the season has already begun.”

NEW BOSS: Tina Burford is the new general manager of Mount Hotham Skiing Company.

TOYMAKER: Barry Holden with the kitchen unit for his grandchildren that he made at the Myrtleford Men’s Shed.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

ARCHBISHOP ARRIVES AT BLUE BELL CROSSING, 1921: A large contingent of Myrtleford residents line up in the Archbishop’s procession at Blue Bell Crossing on December 7, 1921. Archbishop Mannix is wearing a top hat for the occasion.

ARCHBISHOP AT THE ROUNDABOUT, 1921: At the intersection of Smith, Standish and Clyde Streets residents greet the Archbishop’s procession in the heart of town. St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, and stables at the rear of the Myrtleford Hotel, appear in the background.

ARCHBISHOP IN CLYDE STREET, 1921: Ahead of marching children at the corner of Queen and Clyde Streets, the town band performs in Jackson’s truck, passing where the National Bank and J B Robertson’s Economy Store would eventually be built. Miss Niall’s newsagency is in the background.

The archbishop and the parish priest

By JOHN TAYLOR OAM, Myrtleford and District Historical Society Inc.

ON Wednesday, December 7, 1921, His Grace the Most Rev Dr Daniel Mannix, Archbishop of Melbourne, accompanied by the Bishop of Sandhurst, the Most Rev Dr John McCarthy, were greeted by an escort of horsemen and people in cars and horse-drawn vehicles at ‘Blue Bell Crossing’ four kilometres from Myrtleford.

The horses and vehicles were decorated with Australian and Irish flags.

The archbishop was in the north-east at the invitation of Father John Joseph Kennedy DSO, the local parish priest, to officially open the St Mary’s fete and sports carnival that afternoon, to be followed by the crowning of a ‘Carnival Queen’.

These fundraising events were organised to help build a Convent and Catholic School in the town.

The official party had come by train to Wangaratta on the Tuesday and spent the night at the Wangaratta presbytery before travelling by car to Myrtleford.

At Blue Bell, the Myrtleford Brass Band gave a recital, awaiting His Grace and the passing of a special train from Wangaratta carrying passengers attending the St Mary’s event.

The horsemen led a procession of one mile in length

into town on the ‘old highway’ and then up Smith and Clyde Streets.

Children joined in, and the town band played once more.

The procession finally reached St Mary’s presbytery, greeted by a guard of honour of those same horsemen.

The arrival of the official party had been an outstanding success, co-ordinated by Mr Robert McQuilton and Mr Patrick O’Sullivan.

A welcome by Fr J J Kennedy, DSO then followed at a luncheon.

The fete and sports meeting was formally opened early on Wednesday afternoon with an estimate of 2000 attending, including parishioners who had arrived by train from Bright.

Events of particular note were the Open Hunters won by Mrs Victoria O’Sullivan on ‘Lone Star’, Mr C McNamara’s sprint in the 120 yards Sheffield Handicap, Mr D Toner’s win in the Novice Woodchop and Mr J Webb’s win in the Standing Block.

In the evening, 3000 were present in the church grounds to hear the results of the Carnival Queen Competition which had raised 2845 pounds.

Fr Kennedy announced the winner, Elaine Connors, the Queen of Whorouly, who had raised 1018 pounds.

Elaine was crowned

‘Queen of the Parish’ by the Archbishop.

Other participants in the competition were: Marjory Carmody (Queen of Bright), Ellen McCormack (Queen of Myrtleford) and Myrtle Keegan (Queen of Charity).

It is interesting to note that Myrtle would return as Mrs Myrtle Hull on May 12, 1972 to crown the Carnival Queen at a 50th Anniversary Past Pupils’ Ball.

On Thursday, December 8, 1921 Archbishop Mannix

and Dr McCarthy took in the views and sites of Mount Buffalo, returning to Myrtleford before leaving by train from Wangaratta on the Friday.

During 1922, Fr J J Kennedy’s endeavours for a convent and school continued, culminating in an invitation in September to the Mother General of the Presentation Order for nuns to begin teaching in Myrtleford from March, 1923.

And so it was, and on Sunday March 11, 1923 Bishop McCarthy, on a return visit blessed and dedicated the buildings and unveiled a foundation stone.

Five nuns were present to teach 60 primary pupils and 12 boarders.

No doubt, the major force behind convincing the Archbishop to visit Myrtleford and support the campaign for Catholic education was Fr John Joseph Kennedy.

He had been ordained in Ireland in 1905, then volunteered for the Australian Mission, serving as assistant priest at Wangaratta and Yarrawonga.

On December 1 1915, at the start of World War 1, he was appointed a Chaplain Captain in the 53rd Battalion, 14th Brigade, of the AIF.

He sailed overseas on December 29 and in June 1916 was posted to the Western Front in France.

His brigade saw action in the Battle of Fromelles on July 19-20 where some 5533

Australian casualties (including 2080 deaths) were recorded.

Fr Kennedy was awarded a Distinguished Service Order (DSO), “having displayed conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty”, frequently carrying the wounded from the front line to dressing stations under heavy enemy fire during the night of July 19.

Described as “a conspicuous example of practical Christianity”, he served in several other crucial battles in World War 1 where his health deteriorated.

He was discharged from duty in late 1917 and returned to Australia in April, 1918.

On his return, Fr J J Kennedy became a leading voice resisting conscription and he promoted Ireland’s struggle for freedom, continuing to write novels, speeches, sermons and plays on the topic.

Serving in Bendigo until 1920, he became Myrtleford’s parish priest during 1921-1925.

He returned briefly to Ireland before joining an American Mission at Savannah, Georgia, in 1926.

He died in Augusta, Florida on February 18, 1957.

Today, the foundation stone at St Mary’s Convent commemorates the role he played some 35 years before his death in establishing Catholic education in the town.

ST MARY’S PARISH PRIEST, Fr J J KENNEDY, DSO: John Joseph Kennedy, Chaplain Captain in the 14th Infantry Brigade, Parish Priest and leader of Myrtleford’s efforts to build a Catholic school and convent.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding to eligible individuals.

Chilly times no times no excuse for keen excuse gardeners

Road repairs ongoing, says department

B BRRODIEEVERIST fddiifhlk

By BRODIE EVERIST

MANY have sought the comforts of indoors amidst the cold weather, but green thumbs are still at work in the garden over the winter months.

Local garden guru Alan Mitchinson said now is a good time for fruit tree pruning, including citrus, but depending on the setting he recommends holding off on rose pruning until the threat of frosts has passed.

“If they’re in a spot where they’re going to get a bit of frost, hold off until the weather starts to come good,” he said.

“But if they’re in a bit more sheltered area, you can give them a prune now and they’ll be ready to come good in in spring.”

He also said grasses might receive a light prune at this time

of year, depending on if they look messy.

He said he has also been spreading mulch and fertilising gardens in preparation for spring.

According to Mr Mitchinson, keen vegie growers can start propagating summer and spring veg, including tomatoes, in the house or greenhouse in around a month.

He even said to try propagating more winter veg like brassicas and lettuce to follow crops that are coming into harvest now.

“Then you’ll have a second crop before other things like tomatoes and all of those are ready,” he said.

Finally, he also gave a reminder for gardeners to remove spent Agapanthus flower heads.

Youth Awards nominations now open

NOMINATIONS for the 2023 Alpine Shire Youth Awards are now open, with a range of categories to recognise the talent of young people in the shire.

Alpine Shire mayor John Forsyth said the annual awards are an opportunity to celebrate the exceptional achievements of our local youth.

“As a Council, we are enormously proud of the inspiring work our young people do to make our community what it is,” he said.

“It’s easy to forget that our young people are carving out a future for themselves in school, the workplace and through their chosen creative pursuit or sporting endeavour.”

Cr Forsyth said we encourage the

whole Alpine community to think about the tremendous contributions of our youth, big and small.

“We often don’t spend enough time recognising the contributions of our young people - these awards are a way to gather together for an event that celebrates and highlights what they bring to our everyday” he said.

Community members, schools, organisations and peers are encouraged to nominate young people for a Youth Award.

Nominations are now open in the following categories:

 Academic - recognising an individual who is dedicated to aspects of academic study  Community - recognising an individual or a group who has

the welfare of their community at heart.

 Endurance and Persistencerecognising a young person who has demonstrated personal growth and endurance to overcome hardships or to achieve their goals.

 Sports and Recreation - recognising a young person who demonstrates a strong commitment not just to their personal sporting achievements but to the wider benefit of the sport.

 Workplace - recognising a young person undertaking partor full-time work, traineeship or apprenticeship who consistently displays a strong work ethic and a high level of professionalism.

 Rural - recognising an indi-

vidual who shows commitment to agriculture or rural life in the Alpine Shire, through work, study or lifestyle.

 Performing Arts - recognising a young person or group who display/s their skill or talent through performing arts.

 Visual Arts and Media - young people who excel in the areas of visual arts and media are invited to nominate themselves for this category - their excellence could include (but is not limited to) photography, drawing, sculpture, painting, fashion, textiles or film. Learn more and nominate at www. alpineshire.vic.gov.au/community/ grants-and-awards/youth-awards. Nominations close on August 7, 2023.

THE Department of Transport and Planning have said their crews have repaired a large number of potholes in the Alpine Shire in recent months, along with significant road patching works in the region.

Further repairs across the Alpine Shire are planned in the coming weeks, they said.

According to the department, the Victorian Government is investing an additional $2.8 billion over 10 years into road maintenance and renewal works, including flood recovery, for a total of at least $6.6 billion invested in maintaining roads over the next decade.

Department of Transport and Planning regional director (Hume) Steve Bowmaker said roads across the state’s north-east have been severely impacted by flooding and extreme rainfall.

“We’re continuing to deliver long-term, large scale repairs to our most badly flood damaged roads, along with key freight and travel routes,” he said.

According to the department, their crews will continue to regularly monitor and assess reported hazards, along with all roads across the Hume region, in line with our responsibilities under the Road Management Act.

BRILLIANT BROCCOLI: Early autumn plantings of winter vegetables like broccoli should be coming into harvest now.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Twin bedrooms, bathrooms and courtyards. Wow

THIS two bedroom townhouse on independent title has a great West End arterial location, close to shops, hospital, butcher’s, bakery, schools, bus and walking tracks.

It is superbly presented inside and out with ensuite, second renovated bathroom, Induction cooktops, dishwasher, gas heating, gas

HWS and evaporative cooling.

The open plan affords ample morning sunlight and street views from the kitchen and breakfast bar.

The front yard is bathed in northern winter sun while the rear courtyard with new

The region’s best property guide located inside your local paper every week and online anytime.

fencing and paving offers privacy leading to the carport and lock up brick shed. or small home opportunity with the second bathroom, courtyards and location being very appealing.

There is an open house at 12:00pm this Saturday, July 1st and 11:00am Tuesday, July 4th.

Wangaratta

height (trusses, roof purlins and columns), 10,000 litre & 5000 litre Fuel Tanks, Dam Floats, RSJ Columns & Steel, Culverts, Tether Rake, 2-4 mtr Bucket & Grab c/w JD Quick Hitch, 3pl Scallop Discs, Heavy Duty Slasher, Smudger, Stick Rake, Old handmade Bricks & Bluestone, Outdoor Timber Bench Seats, Sleepers, 80yr old Oregon, 3pl Spreader, Honda

Motor & Fire Pump c/w Hoses, 1,000 ltr s/s Ex Milk Vat, Timber & Steel Roof Trusses, Roofing

Iron, Quantity of Timber Logs (Mixed Species, some cypress pine), Quantity of Storage

Lockers, Quantity of Timber Slabs (Red Gum, Fiddle Back & Stringy), Mobile Tractapak Welder c/w Holden 186 Motor, Trailers, Inter Truck Bonnet, Drill Press 2 hp, Wood Lathe, Laminated

Flooring, Collections, Horse Drawn Plough, Trawallah Jack, HR Holden Station Wagon Body, TK Bedford Cab, Volkswagen Motor, Stained & Lead Light Window Panels, Historic Window & Door Frame, Old English Pram, Old Traps, Old Drill Press, Camping Gear, Engel Refrigerator, Outdoor lanterns, 150L spot sprayer, Holden Commodore Grill, Lawnmowers, Bottle Jack 10t, Stihl Chainsaws, Bullbar, 5ft Kubota front cutting deck, Gendone 3 PL Spreader, Gates, Portable Fuel Tank. Plus a host of hand tools & sundry items. Inspection highly advised.

Devine in Dalwhinnie

A QUALITY build completed in 2017, 6 Dalwhinnie Drive has a lot to offer for anyone looking for a tidy low maintenance investment, or a home with

Located in one of Wangaratta’s newest central streets, situated just 600m

master bedroom has walk in wardrobe

and stylish ensuite and the two addi-

The open plan kitchen/dining makes great use of space, caesar stone benchtops, breakfast bar, modern gas

A second living area is off the main hallway perfect for a movie room or

The main bathroom has a separate shower and toilet, while the separate

laundry has good storage and access cooling, low maintenance lawn and garden and double garage, are just some of the reasons why inspections

The property is currently rented for

There is an open house this Satur-

‘Baxendale’s Vineyard’ can only be described as unique, exceptional, and one of a kind for its production, potential, position, views & location in a developing tourist precinct. Developed & operated by the current owners since 1988.

door and/or new residence (STCA) Option to purchase with or without Plant & Equipment

THE

WITH

TOYOTA IRONS OUT ROGUE TUB-TOP KINKS

By DEREK OGDEN, Marque Motoring

FOLLOWING an earlier stumble or two, the Rogue has redeemed itself.

The HiLux top-dog ute has taken its rightful place as the genuine hero of Australia’s best-selling range of vehicles.

My introduction to the HiLux Rogue last year was fraught, with its motorised roll-top tray cover jamming centimetres from full retraction with no amount of button pressing – even physical exertion on my part - getting it to close.

Revisiting the MY21 dualcab utility recently everything worked to order, which was welcome as the tonneau cover is the result of design and development by Aussie engineers as part of their task to produce a combination of toughness, complemented by a more recreational focus for a vehicle designed to go anywhere and be sold in markets around the world.

Toyota Australia’s role in developing and evaluating the 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, rear suspension and hydraulic power steering was supported by teams from Japan and Thailand, as well as representatives from other markets.

The Rogue sells for $68,990, plus on-road costs and options.

The HiLux, in general, continues its reign as the bestselling vehicle in Australia and like all Toyota vehicles

is covered by Toyota Service Advantage, with each of the first scheduled services costing just $250 each.

STYLING

Out of Toyota’s Melbourne design studio comes a dark vertical grille that cascades from the bonnet down to the prominent lower bumper and under-guard.

LED headlamps, with dark internals, combine with bold outer corners of the bumper, which links to strong fog lamp surrounds.

An aggressive side profile continues the theme with robust fender flares, unique wheel-arch mouldings and an integrated resin sports bar making its debut.

Wheel-arches also are generous enough to take bigger, fatter alloys than the factory-fitted 18-inchers.

A new sports bar, made from resin, is easier to mould than steel, allowing it to have a more artistic ‘sailplane’ shape.

Out back are redesigned bumper and tailgate.

The tub itself is kitted out, up the walls too, like a fully carpeted lounge room (no place for gravel, rocks or rubbish), with marine-grade liner lifting appearance and coverage.

INFOTAINMENT

Pride of place is a larger 8-inch display touchscreen plus control knobs, an upgraded multimedia system with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and a premium

JBL nine-speaker sound system.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS

The upgraded 1GD turbodiesel engine now develops 150 kW at 3400 rpm and 500 Nm between 1600 and 2800 rpm, gains of 15 per cent and 11.1 per cent respectively.

The six-speed automatic transmission has been recalibrated to allow earlier lockup for improved acceleration and to ensure Toyota’s temperature tolerances, especially when towing, were observed.

SAFETY

The HiLux Rogue carries a five-star safety rating on 2019 testing and is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, including a pre-collision system with autonomous emergency braking and the ability to detect pedestrians around the clock and cyclists in daylight.

DRIVING

Driving has been made easier by work done on the rear suspension, improving unladen ride comfort, while a new variable flow-control power-steering pump offers more help in low-speed manoeuvres such as parking.

Braked towing capacity has been uprated by 300 kg to 3500 kg, courtesy of the higher-output engine and a recalibrated six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.

Eco or Sport driving

modes are accessed by pressing one of two buttons on the centre console.

Sport frees up engine revs and fun ride but Eco is worth ignoring.

It’s a Toyota, so there’s also a low-range mode for tough off-road driving.

Toyota claims a combined urban / highway fuel consumption of 8.4 litres per 100 kilometres.

The test vehicle worked out at 11.7 litres per 100 kilometres in suburban streets down to 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres when opened up on the motorway.

Improved ride and handling are all-encompassing with the MY20 Rogue.

Leaf springs and shock absorbers were re-tuned to improve unladen ride comfort without compromising the vehicle’s ability to carry loads over uneven terrain, while low-friction rear shackle bushes add to ride comfort.

Rear stability benefits from leaf spring front bushes with increased lateral stiffness.

Revised chassis mounts reduce vibrations and noise transfer to the cabin, particularly on rough roads.

A variable flow control power-steering pump improves steering feeling on winding country roads and reduces steering effort when parking.

It’s a pity about the outsize 12.6 metre turning circle.

SUMMARY

The Rogue is up against

MODEL RANGE

TOYOTA HILUX ROGUE FROM $68,990

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Toyota dealer for driveaway prices.

SPECIFICATIONS (Toyota HiLux Rogue 2.8L 4-cylinder diesel, 6sp automatic, 4WD Utility)

RATINGS:

Looks: 8/10;

Performance: 8/10; Safety: 7/10; Thirst: 6/10;

Practicality: 8/10; Comfort: 7/10; Tech: 7/10; Value: 7/10

some of the stiffest competition in the premium luxury ute market and it’s fair to say the power roll top would be considered an important selling point for the Hilux ‘hero’.

Fortunately, the test automatic tonneau was back on track.

So is the HiLux Rogue.

ENGINE:

Capacity:2.755 litres

Configuration: Four cylinders inline

Maximum Power: 150 kW @ 3400 rpm

Maximum Torque: 500 Nm @ 1600-2800 rpm

Fuel Type: Diesel Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR

81/02): 8.4 L/100km

Emissions CO2: 220g/km

DRIVELINE:

Six-speed electronically controlled automatic, allwheel drive

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:

Length: 5325 mm

Wheelbase: 3085 mm

Width: 1900 mm

Height: 1795 mm

Turning Circle: 12.6 metres

Kerb Mass: 2231 kg

Fuel Tank Capacity: 80 litres

STANDARD WARRANTY:

Five years / unlimited kilometres

RIDING

BUMPS

A GRIN: Full retraction . . . Rogue tonneau tale with a happy ending.

Celebrating seven years of the HALO project

By SHANE DOUTHIE

THE ‘Holistic Outreach and Legal Assistance’ (HALO) project is a health justice partnership (HJP) between Hume Riverina Community Legal Service (HRCLS) and Gateway Health which is celebrating seven years of delivering important services to local communities.

The HALO project enables lawyers from HRCLS to deliver free legal advice appointments on-site at Gateway Health in Wodonga, Wangaratta and Myrtleford, and to work collaboratively with health professionals to meet client needs.

Clients are able to access important legal support, family violence specialist agencies and other supports in the one building/location in a place where they feel safe and are supported.

Gateway Health general manager mental health and wellbeing, Alana Pund, said clients in regional areas may feel more comfortable accessing legal advice anonymously at a health centre, where they are not seen walking into the community legal centre.

“The project allows disadvantaged people and communities to access important legal services that they might not

otherwise access,” Ms Pund said.

In the project’s seventh year of operation it is also focused on training and empowering Gateway Health staff to better understand key legal issues such as family law, credit and debt and family violence legal issues, as well as measuring outcomes of the project in conjunction with Health Justice Australia.

Recent funding has led to an increased focus on clients suffering poor mental health.

Project manager and HRCLS managing lawyer, Deborah Fisher, said that it has been a privilege to work with Gateway Health for the past seven years and to be part of the development of a well-integrated HJP meeting many of the intersecting legal and non-legal issues our clients face.

“We know that legal problems don’t exist in a vacuum,” Ms Fisher said.

“It is important that we work together to identify how we can

Local co-op issues $307,000 combined rebate - dividend

LOCAL co-operative TAFCO have issued a 3 per cent dividend on shares and a 3.5 per cent rebate on members’ 12 months trading to the 31st March 2023.

According to TAFCO, just over $307,000 was given back to members as a credit on their account.

According to the co-operative’s general manager Rupert Shaw, TAFCO Rural Supplies has returned over $4 million to members since being formed in 1987 to service tobacco and other farmers of the region and today continues to grow with new members joining each year.

Other community initiatives include running the VFMA-accredited Myrtleford Farmers Market and most recently the formation of Alpine Outreach Inc. which will see a mobile medical consulting facility on the road in 2024 offering free early detection skin cancer checks through Alpine Health and a range of allied health services from various providers.

Servicing more than 1000 members, TAFCO is an example of a local co-operative supporting community – a true local economy supporting farmers, community members, training and employing local staff and keeping profits local.

best support people and help them navigate what is often a complex and overwhelming system.

“We know that mental health, family violence, homelessness and other issues can impact on people’s legal problems and their capacity to address them.

“Gateway Health are leaders in this space and are to be commended for their ongoing commitment to HALO and to the transformative work of partnership.”

“TAFCO is about our members and the community, this year we have continued to support Into Our Hands Community Foundation the local philanthropic trust,” Mr Shaw said.

“Members have the opportunity to make a tax deductible donation from their TAFCO rebate/dividend directly to the foundation or one of their sub funds GROW+ Myrtleford or GIVE Wangaratta.”.

Community members can join the co-operative for free and receive loyalty points that equate to a spend back in the store.

New shareholder members can join the co-operative by investing in the minimum 250 shares at $1 each.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Deborah Fisher (project manager and Hume Riverina Community Legal Service managing lawyer), Alana Pund (Gateway Health General manager mental health and wellbeing) and Karlee Hirt (lawyer) celebrated the HALO Project’s continued benefit going into its seventh year.

DESEX YOUR PET MONTH

July is Desex Your Pet month - a perfect time of year to support a local vet and desex their cat or dog at either vet in July

Your pet must be registered with Alpine your furry friend, please visit Book through your closest vet now:

> Ovens & Kiewa Veterinary Hospital |

FOOD ORGANICS, GARDEN ORGANICS KERBSIDE SERVICE

The green bin delivery team has been working hard to deliver our new Food

The persistent rain has created challenges with being able to record the serial number of bins delivered against the required to enable us to manage the result, they are running behind schedule, and you may not receive your green bin in time for the service to begin week

If you have already received your green bin and caddy, you can start using it right away and put it out for collection as of your green bin, please continue to put your red bins out for weekly collection

If you have any issues, please reach out

BUDGET 2023/24

available for inspection at the Bright Beauty and Myrtleford, or can be

LOCAL TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS

LOCAL TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS

GAME

2011 Subaru Forester, AWD manual, 343,258kms, moto r rebuilt by Subaru at 186,047kms 2/5/2017, (YJF 550), Rego June 2024, $9,000, Ph 0407 844 527.

VOLKSWAGON Polo 2019, comfortline auto, service history, seven speed, professionally detailed, REG (BCE513), under w arranty, one owner, $19,900, 62,346km. Ph 0458 585 349.

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Personal Notices

BEREAVEMENT THANKS

LUPO, Giuliana. 3/1/1948 – 23/6/2023

Special thanks.

Sam Lupo and family would like to thank all who attended the funeral service of Giuliana. Thank you for all those that

Thank you Father Tony for a beautiful mass.

A special thanks to the Savoy Club for the catering and service.

COLLS (Davie), Merissa.

1970 - 2015

As time goes on without you and days turn into years, They hold a thousand memories and a million silent tears. I miss you so so much.

Life is so hard without you. ~Mum.

KEYTE, Wesley Reece. Your life was a blessing, Your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words, And missed beyond measure.

In loving memory

~Mum, Jim, Phoenix, Fina, the Taylor, Keyte, Bartrim, Song and Williams families.

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Ovens & Murray PRESS: Myrtleford’s Georgia Ryan looks to send the ball to her goalers.

Ovens & Murray REBOUND: Myrtleford’s Bec Piazza looks to get the ball out of the Saints’ defensive end after gaining possession.

Photos: Janet Watt

HARD CONTEST: Tom Caplin under pressure while on a run through the midfield against Boomers.

DAZZLING MOVES: Jack Milford tries to weave his way through the Boomers defence on Sunday.

Panthers fight hard on diamond

THE under 12 Porepunkah Panthers travelled away to Wangaratta on Sunday for their matches, and what unfolded was one of the best defensive games the Panthers have had this season.

The first innings had Wangaratta score six and Porepunkah score five runs with the bat, but the Panthers were able to shut out Wangaratta in the second innings.

Pitcher Heath Hughes combined with brother Link at first base for the first out.

Wez Booth scooped a hard hit ball playing third base and executed a perfect throw to first to get the second out, with Eamon Thompson doing the exact same playing shortstop to obtain the third.

The Panthers’ bats then ran hot scoring five runs to grab the lead.

In Wangaratta’s last innings, the Panthers once again made the plays to keep the Rangers scoreless.

Panther Rory Clarke had an amazing play throwing the batter out at first base while fielding in centrefield for his first match, not an easy thing to do, with Heath Hughes and Eamon again chipping in to get the second and third outs.

The Panthers hit the ball well and ran hard all daysafe hit leaders were Heath Hughes (four), Steph Alexander (three), Eamon Thompson (three), Rory Clarke (three), and Wez Booth (three).

Final score: Porepunkah 23 def Wangaratta 10.

In a very close game decided by time, the C grade Panthers nearly held on for victory, just falling

Bombers flying after upset TDFL win

■ From back page

Kable also spoke highly about the injection of youth into the Bombers line-up.

“This year we had a few juniors who were keen to play again after not having the numbers for an under 17s team,” he said.

“Will Hocking is one of those who made his senior debut earlier in the season and he hasn’t looked one bit out of place at senior level.”

Despite his side not quite reaching the win-loss record of last year, Kable has been a calming influence on and off the field, and he remains typically upbeat about what the playing group can achieve for the remainder of the season.

“There was a great feeling around the group after beating Tallangatta – to fight back after being 30 odd points down at quarter time showed that the boys can dig in,” Kable said.

“We had been eyeing off some of those teams above us on the ladder and knew we would be a chance if we played more consistently.

“We are hoping to steal a few more wins on the way home and show that we can trouble the teams above us on the ladder.”

5752 1058

short 12 runs to 11.

The Panthers used three pitchers for the day, with Liam Quinton starting off the match, Lachie Rosser coming in for the second dig and Mason Anders finishing the match off

The Panthers kept the Rangers to one run in the first innings, while scoring seven runs themselves.

With safe hits to Jarrod McCormack, Lachie Rosser and Amos Fabich, the bats were running hot.

Cade Nightingale, Cam Alexander and Mason Anders then also hit safely in the same innings to bring in the seven runs.

The Panthers scored another two runs in the third innings to take a 11-5 lead – normally, this is where the Panthers would finish the match off but a few sim-

ple errors were made to allow Wangaratta back in the game, all a learning curve that will help come finals time.

Safe hit leaders were Lachie Rosser, Amos Fabich, Cade Nightingale, and Cam Alexander all with two.

A very good game was played by the B grade Panthers, showing what they a capable of, just going down to last year’s finalists 5-2.

Jarred Smith started on the mound for the Panthers, and threw a total of 91 pitches over three innings, with 35 strikes and three strike outs.

The Panthers were also clean in the field, with Andrew Smith at shortstop making three nice plays for the day, throwing runners out at first base.

Randy Skippen took a

nice flyball and was great at first base all day, and Adam Rosser took the catching duties for the day and had an immediate impact, throwing out two runners napping on base in the first innings.

It was turning out to be a close game with the Panthers scoring two runs in the fourth innings, Cade Nightingale and Adam Rosser rounding the bases.

Final score - Wangaratta 5 def Porepunkah 2.

The A grade handed a tough match for the Panthers, who were hoping for a better result.

Missing a couple of pitchers, the Panthers rotated four infielders to take the pitching duties for the dayDean Anders started pitched two and a half innings (65 pitches, 38 strikes, three

walks), Kaleb Hore came in next and threw a respectable inning (27 pitches, 10 strikes), and Paul Meddings and Adam Rosser finished off the day and showed nice pace. In the field some nice outs were made - Jamie Jelleff covered some good ground at second base and nice outfield catches were made by Steve Johnstone and Adrian Quinton.

Batting-wise it was the usual suspects getting the hits for the Panthers, with Adam Rosser, Damon Barker, Adrian Quinton, Jamie Jelleff and Kaleb Hoare all registering safe hits.

Wangaratta managed to string more of their hits together and batted the Panthers out of the game.

Final score: Wangaratta 19 def Porepunkah 3.

Myrtleford golfers battle conditions

A WET and frosty week hasn’t been enough to deter keen golfers from taking advantage of brief pockets of sunshine to hit the course.

Saturday, July 1

Myrtleford Bakehouse Stableford AMCR 71

A grade winner: Ben Holmes (16) 37 pts. A grade runner up: David Matthews (12) 29 pts.

Ball winners: K O’Shaughnessy 28, G Veldman 28, P Veldman 27.

Foodworks NTPs - first: Paul Cowman, 10th: David Clark. Matthews Cleaning encouragement award: Robert Wheeler 17pts.

Raffle winner: Ben Holmes.

CHAMPION: Ben Holmes took out Saturday’s stableford ahead of David Matthews.

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

TEN minutes of late carnage was all the Boomers needed to break Savoy division one men’s hearts on Sunday as they ran away 3-1 winners at Glen Park.

The Savoys were superb for 80 minutes against a red hot Boomers side coming off three straight wins, clinging on to a 1-0 lead thanks to a Josh Zito strike in the 62nd minute.

From then on it was something out of Myrtleford’s worst nightmare, as three Boomer goals were added in the space of eight minutes, while Zito was shown a red card and sent off in the 90th minute to add salt to the wound in a fiery ending.

Savoys co-coach Richard Morgan said his team was stunned by the overwhelming wave of Boomers momentum to end the game.

“It seemed to be going so well and all of a sudden it wasn’t,” he said.

“To some degree we were a little bit more defensive, they scored a goal, got another one quickly after and it was all over then; they were just playing over the top of us from that point.

“The first 80 minutes of the game I’d say we had it completely under control, but it’s the type of thing with Boomers and a player like Andrew Grove, he only needs five or 10 minutes to turn it on and all of a sudden you’re back on your heels.

“We played the last 20 minutes looking for the end rather than going after it, earlier in the game, we were going after it, we set up a number of opportunities particularly in the first half; there was some real sitters missed and they came back to haunt us.”

Jake Miles, Matt Richardson and Tomas Juhasz were key outs from the Savoys’ upset win last week against United and Morgan

A NEAR MISS: Savoys’ lone goal scorer against Boomers Josh Zito will be forced to miss this week’s match against Melrose after picking up a late red card in a heartbreaking loss against Boomers on Sunday.

said they were sorely missed.

“I think Boomers would have had a very hard time if Matt had been available and I think Jake would have shored things up in defence as well,” he said.

With their first loss in four games, the Savoys slipped outside the top eight with Albury City, Wodonga Diamonds and Albury Hotspurs all just two

points ahead entering the final third of the season.

Morgan said he was confident his team will not be rattled by the chaotic ending as they face another challenge in Melrose, and expected all three outs from last week’s game to take the pitch at Savoy Park this Sunday while Zito will be forced to miss with his late red card.

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“I think everybody’s up and about still, it was just a little bit of a shock,” he said.

“We’ll go into Melrose with confidence, as we showed against United there’s no team we can’t beat, but we’ve got to take our chances when they come because the other teams have tended to do that against us and it has hurt us badly.”

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

AN important 3-0 away win over Boomers has given the Myrtleford Savoy women a four point cushion on top of the division two table.

Results fell the Savoys way in other matches on Sunday, with second placed Wodonga Heart settling for a draw and Albury United going down to Wodonga Diamonds.

Despite having five of their best 11 out for their trip to Glen Park, including the likes of captain Frankie Carroll, Amber Howell and Sage Davidson, the Savoys overpowered the bottom placed Boomers across the park.

Coach Gabby Paglia said she was proud of the way her team stood up to fill the vacancies left by key players against an improved Boomers outfit from their last meeting, where they won 6-0.

“Five key players for us kind of left our attack and midfield areas a bit free so it was good to have other players step up and show their worth,” she said.

“I said to them all after the game it was just really nice to see them sharing the ball

STRIVING FORWARD: Shae Justice was a key leader in the Savoys 3-0 win over Boomers on Sunday as they look to make it five wins in a row against Melrose.

around and having the confidence to take the ball for a run where normally they would pass to one of the players who were out.

“I noticed a rise in Zali Feltrin’s confidence, she was our defensive midfielder holding that middle for us and she did really well there.

“Tui [Morton] dominated the first half going down the wing, was constantly winning the ball

and was able to get a goal in that second half.”

Sienna Alam continued her strong season at striker with a brace while Tuhina Morton also contributed with the matchsealing goal.

The Savoys will be back at Savoy Park this Sunday as they look to make it nine wins from their past 10 games against Melrose, who have proven a danger team this season taking points

off Albury Hotspurs and beating Wodonga Heart earlier in the season.

Paglia said the competition has tightened in recent weeks in particular and her team will be wary of the upset, particularly with the absence of Alam this week.

“We’re definitely not going into each game thinking we’re going to win it, they’re all going to be tough games and with people away here and there it’s a different game each week,” she said.

“We’ve only got five more games to go now and we’re really excited to see where it all takes us.”

OTHER SAVOY TEAM RESULTS

Division 2 Men: Myrtleford 1 def by Boomers 2.

Division 3 Men: Bye.

Over 35: Myrtleford 0 def by Boomers 3.

U17 Girls: Myrtleford 3 def Wangaratta 0.

U16 Boys: Bye.

U13 Boys: Myrtleford 0 def by Boomers 3.

U12 Boys: Myrtleford 0 def by Boomers Red 26.

Hearing Services

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CENTRES

Insurance Brokers

OVENS VALLEY INSURANCE BROKERS

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Bright, 104 Gavan St

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Solicitors

DICK & WILLIAMS

Solicitors & Attorneys Vic & NSW

Myrtleford, 5B Clyde Street.

Phone: 5752 2363.

Email: email@dwlawalbury.com.au

TONER & MAY LEGAL BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS

86 Standish Street, Myrtleford.

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PHOTO: Janet Watt

Savoy women consolidate top spot

PHOTO: Janet Watt

Chaotic finish stuns Savoys

Bombers aiming high for elusive finals spot

By DANIEL SAVILLE

ONLY seven games of netball stand between the DederangMount Beauty A grade netball side and a potential finals berth. While this team in years gone by may have been playing for pride in the last few rounds of the season, the team of 2023 has other ideas in mind.

Five teams qualify for the postseason playoffs, and in such an even 12-team competition, it’s no easy task.

But coming off a win against fellow finals contenders Tallangatta last weekend, DMB A grade netball coach Alex Novak knows that her side is well and truly in the finals mix and has it all to play for.

“Almost every game is winnable now,” Novak said.

“To be able to win from different positions, like last week’s come from behind win away from home, is a really good feeling knowing that going into the back half of the season we’ve still got plenty more to give.”

According to Novak, the success of the A grade side and growth in the other senior and junior sides in both netball and football has made for a “really positive” feeling around the club.

Dederang-Mount Beauty’s premier side are currently sitting seventh on the ladder with six wins and five losses to date, and a percentage of 112 per cent, but only one win separates the Bombers and their closest rivals – fourth-placed Chiltern (28 points), Tallangatta (26 points) and Barnawartha (24 points).

Despite being outside the top five as it stands, you could argue that a favourable run awaits a team whose finals destiny is in its own hands for the first time in recent memory.

Dederang-Mount Beauty will play teams currently below them

Bright golfers enjoy form

DESPITE the difficult conditions over the past week, golfers managed to get out to the Bright Golf Club and enjoy the pristine course.

Ladies, Wednesday, June 28, Stableford

Winner: Heather Thompson (21) 31 points.

NTPs – third: Carol Burgess, sixth: Tina Cook, 16th: Tina Cook.

Men, Thursday, June 29, Stableford

A grade winner: Heath Thompson (10)

38 points. B grade winner: Paul Cowman (20) 36 points.

NTPs – third: Jade Galvan, sixth: Cameron Wickes, 11th: Graham Badrock, 16th: Gary Shattles.

Men, Saturday, July 1, Stableford

A grade winner: Jason Filippi (11) 41 points. B grade winner: Mick Dunne (16) 36 points. C grade winner: Graham McElvenny (25) 36 points.

NTPs – third: Don Grimes, 11th: Phil Bardsley-Smith, 16th: Cameron Wickes.

Ladies, Saturday, July 1, Stableford

Winner: Heather Thompson (21) 37 points.

NTPs – third: Robyn McGrath, 11th: Charlotte Paton, 16th: Allison Gilbert.

Chilly conditions clear Mount Beauty golf course

NOT much golf was played at the Mount Beauty Golf Club this week, including a vacant Wednesday - the weather is great for the snow, not so wonderful for golf.

Saturday’s Monthly Medal day saw a field of 12 turn out for the event.

on the Tallangatta & District Netball Association ladder in the next three rounds – Wahgunyah (eleventh), Mitta United (eighth) and Wodonga Saints (tenth).

From here, the challenges come thick and fast, with matches against Kiewa-Sandy Creek (first), Barnawartha, Rutherglen (twelfth) and Chiltern guaranteed to sort out the mid-table

logjam and close out the regular season.

With the competition being so close this year, Novak knows that each and every goal is crucial to her team’s finals chances, starting this week with a home game in Dederang against Wahgunyah.

“We’re sitting so close in points (to the other teams), so besides winning, our focus is now per-

centage for the rest of the season,” Novak added.

“We need to put as many goals in as we can and keep the opposition down.

“We’ll continue to work on some different combinations like we have recently when we are coming up against teams on tricky days, so that we have a number of options up our sleeve.”

A decisive winner with 73 points net was Dave Browning (pictured).

Don Mason edged out Allan Retallick on a countback with their 76 points apiece for the remaining balls in the comp.

NTPs went to Dave Browning, along with the Tatts Ticket from the Tawonga South Newsagency & Post Office.

The club kept the ball for the 9th.

Dave again proved accurate on the 17th while Allan Retallick took home the money on the 18th.

NORTH East

Bushrangers Basketball (NEBB) is a collaboration between local North East basketball associations with the commitment of “Creating Realistic Pathways for all North East Athletes”

Eleven NEBB junior teams compete in the Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) - the highest level junior competition in Victoria.

One NEBB Youth League Men’s (YLM) team competes in the semi-professional Big V competition.

Big V & VJBL consist of teams from both metropolitan and regional Victoria. North East Bushrangers proudly supported Basketball Victoria’s Mental Health Round in June.  As well as players donning Basketball Victoria’s orange socks, the club raised an addition $1,508  by selling Bushies Lifeline shirts and donating $5 per 3 point shot made for the round.

FIGHT FOR FINALS: Alysha de Koeyer and the Dederang-Mount Beauty Bombers are poised to make an appearance in the TDNA finals series if they can maintain their stellar form for the next seven matches.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

WINNERS AND LOSERS

OVENS AND MURRAY SENIORS LADDER

SCOREBOARD

YARRAWONGA 3.2 5.5 8.8 9.10.64 NORTH ALBURY 1.4 3.6 4.10 5.11.41

NETBALL SCORES THIRDS RESULTS

Wangaratta Rovers 37 def by Wodonga Raiders 64

BEST: WANGARATTA ROVERS: Kelsie Wilson 3, Rebecca Kreltszheim 2, Ella Masters 1,

WODONGA RAIDERS: Ava Koschitzke 3, Maggie St John 2, Zoe Prentice 1.

GOALS: WANGARATTA ROVERS: Samantha Kreltszheim 26, Rebecca Kreltszheim 11.

WODONGA RAIDERS:Taylor Donelan 34, Emily Stewart 30.

Wodonga 36 def by Wangaratta 68

BEST: WODONGA: Cassi Mathey 3, Ellie Ainsworth 2, Hidden Player 1.

WANGARATTA: Amy Byrne 3, Amanda Umanski 2, Brooke Pryse 1.

GOALS: WODONGA: Lisa French 18, Cassi Mathey 18.

WANGARATTA: Amanda Umanski 51, Georgia Clark 8, Kellie Keen 8. Myrtleford 50 def Albury 32

BEST: MYRTLEFORD: Hidden Player 3, Sally Botter 2, Sophie Hanrahan 1. ALBURY: Brigetta Singe 3, Heidi Fisher 2, Gabrielle McRae 1

GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: Sally Botter 21, Sophie Hanrahan 18, Rebecca Piazza 11.

ALBURY: Lilli Howe 28, Marny Hillier 4.

Yarrawonga 60 def North Albury 40

B GRADE: Wangaratta Rovers 40 def by Wodonga Raiders 43; Yarrawonga 43 def North Albury 39; Wodonga 45 def by Wangaratta 57; Myrtleford 30 drew with Albury 30. C GRADE: Myrtleford 54 def Albury

28; Wangaratta Rovers 38 def by Wodonga Raiders 44; Wodonga 37 def by Wangaratta 47; Yarrawonga 37 def North Albury 33; CorowaRutherglen 30 def by Lavington 31. 17 & UNDER: Wangaratta Rovers 39 def by Wodonga Raiders 72; Wodonga 58 def by Wangaratta 64; Yarrawonga 34 def by North Albury 44; Myrtleford 39 drew with Albury 39; Corowa-Rutherglen 29 def by Lavington 52. 15 & UNDER: Myrtleford 39 def Albury 21; Wangaratta Rovers 22 def by Wodonga Raiders 43; Wodonga 55 def Wangartta 29; Corowa-Rutherglen 29 def by Lavington 35; Yarrawonga 10 def by North Albury 62.

ROUND 13

WODONGA 5.2 7.2 9.5 12.10.82 WANGARATTA 2.3 6.5 11.8 14.11.95

NETBALL SCORES

A GRADE: Tarrawingee 81 def Bright 15

Whorouly 81 def Benalla All Blacks 30

Bonnie Doon 51 def Moyhu 27

B GRADE: Tarrawingee 49 def Bright 23

Whorouly 34 def by Benalla All Blacks 76

Bonnie Doon 71 def Moyhu 13

B RESERVE: Tarrawingee 32 def by Bright 48

Whorouly 29 def by Benalla All Blacks 55

Bonnie Doon 76 def Moyhu 13

C GRADE: Tarrawingee 38 def by Bright 42

Goorambat 34 def by Greta 44

Whorouly 30 def by Benalla All Blacks 39

Bonnie Doon 40 def Moyhu 22

15 & UNDER: Tarrawingee 14 def by Bright 22

Goorambat 14 def by Greta 49

Whorouly 26 def Benalla All Blacks 22

Bonnie Doon 29 def Moyhu 16

Wodonga 9.7.61 def Wangaratta 8.5.53

BEST: WODONGA: Jack Mathey, Coen Ainsworth, Daniel Finnimore, Jackson Dines, James Grohmann, Isaac O’Neill. WANGARATTA: Harry McMonigle, Cooper Newton, Josh Styles, Tyler Hogan, Connor Hughes, John Blake. GOALS: WODONGA: Jack Mathey 2, William Payne 2, Hugh Venturoni 2, Riley Mimmo 1, Ezekiel Morey 1, Etienne Tshijika 1. WANGARATTA: No goal scorers allocated.

Wangaratta Rovers 6.6.42 def by Wodonga Raiders 8.3.51

BEST: WANGARATTA ROVERS: Harry Nolan, Harvey Correll, Charlie Lugg, Samuel Rourke, Charlie Philpotts, Sam Nolan. WODONGA

RAIDERS: Archer Scammell, Lincoln Reed, Cohen Trujillo, Ethan Deery, Connor Howells, Beau O’Neill. GOALS: WANGARATTA

ROVERS: Samuel Comensoli 3, Jai Dal Zotto 1, Oliver Sharp 1, Ned Turner 1. WODONGA RAIDERS: Finn Gray 3, Connor Howells 1, Tom Johnson 1, Beau O’Neill 1, Oliver Robertson 1, Jack Stewart 1.

Myrtleford 4.6.30 def by Albury 9.12.66

BEST: MYRTLEFORD: Jude Browne, Sam Rossato, marcello vescio, Tyler Thomason, Luke Nannipieri, Jack Hazeldine. ALBURY: Joseph Muller, Fraser Bennett, Charlie McGrath, Ty Quade, Tom Ferguson, Zachariah Packer. GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: Brody Bouker 1, Jack Hazeldine 1, Fearghus Jones 1, Luke Nannipieri 1. ALBURY: No goal scorers allocated.

Yarrawonga 7.4.46 def by North Albury 11.6.72

WANGARATTA ROVERS 4.2 8.7 12.10 18.13.121 WODONGA RAIDERS 1.5 1.6 3.6 4.8.32

GOALS: WANGARATTA ROVERS: Thomas Boyd 5, Alexander Marklew 5, Justin Lewis 2, Dylan Wilson 2, Elijah Amery 1, Sam Henderson 1, Alex McCarthy 1, Dylan Stone 1. WODONGA RAIDERS: Alex Daly 1, Cameron Ellis-Yolmen 1, Thomas Gibbs 1, Ben Hernan 1.

MYRTLEFORD 1.3 6.4 7.8 9.10.64 ALBURY 4.2 7.5 9.9 13.12.90

GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: Simon Curtis 4, Declan Bren 1, Damon Harrington 1, Brody Ricardi 1, Ryley Sharp 1, Kyle Winter-Irving 1. ALBURY: Mat Walker 3, Jeff Garlett 2, Kolby HeinerHennessy 2, Tom O’Brien 2, Riley Bice 1, Jacob Conlan 1, Ben Kelly 1, Isaac Muller 1.

ROUND 12 - JULY8

WANGARATTA vs YARRAWONGA

RAIDERS vs WODONGA

LAVINGTON vs WANG ROVERS

MYRTLEFORD vs COROWA-RUTHERGLEN

ALBURY vs NORTH ALBURY

RESERVES RESULTS

Myrtleford ...................1.2.8 Albury ......................15.5.95

BEST: MYRTLEFORD: Rhys Grant, Charlie Crisp, William McKerral, Zac Winter-Irving, Joshua Langman, James Mcpherson. ALBURY: Harry Cameron, Cooper Page, Jacob BRUNNER, Fletcher Hart, Max Bruton, Lachlan Taylor-Nugent. Yarrawonga ..........23.15.153 North Albury .............2.1.13

BEST: YARRAWONGA: Will Robinson, Max Hemphill, Matty Dwyer, Tom McKimmie, Brady Black, Reid Clarke. NORTH ALBURY: No best players have been selected.

Wodonga ...................8.4.52

Wangaratta................7.5.47

BEST: WODONGA and WANGARATTA: No best players have been selected.

Wangaratta Rovers 21.20.146

Wodonga Raiders ......2.1.13

BEST: WANGARATTA ROVERS: Sam Allen, Connor Crimmins, Regan Gorman, Kyle Smith, Joel Smith, Samuel Maher. WODONGA RAIDERS: Alex Jamieson, Angus Eberle, Declan Carmody, Wade Knights, Myles Harding, Michael Hosking.

ROUND 14

SATURDAY, JULY 8

GOORAMBAT vs NORTH

WANGARATTA

GRETA vs BRIGHT

BENALLA ALL BLACKS vs MOYHU

KING VALLEY vs WHOROULY

BONNIEDOONvsMILAWA TARRAWINGEE - BYE

No scores available for the Milawa vs King Valley matches

MILAWA

SCOREBOARD RESERVES RESULTS

2.0 3.2 4.3 4.4.28

MILAWA: Simon Pane, Xavier Ham, Harry Allan, Brent Newton, Daniel Bihun, Josh Owen. KING VALLEY: Sam Evans, Bradley Collihole, Beau Wheeler, Aaron Cheong, Salvatore Bettio, Vincent Star.

TARRAWINGEE

0.0 0.2 0.3 0.5.5

GOALS: No goal scorers selected. BEST: TARRAWINGEE: Seth Coonan, Sam Peters, Angus Beck, Ryley Benton, Brandon Igri, Ethan Ryan. BRIGHT: Darcy Sholl, Cooper Thomason, Guy Campbell, Samuel Dalbosco, Rodrigo Arguello, Chad Martin.

GOORAMBAT 4.1 4.1 5.3 6.4.40

GRETA 3.6 8.14 12.17 17.20.122

GOALS: GOORAMBAT: Aaron Blackburn 2, Charlie Campbell 1, Jamie Dunne 1, Benjamin Reaburn 1, Jim Taylor 1. GRETA: Frazer Judd 5, James McClounan 4, Tyler Arrowsmith 3, Chris Dube 1, Lachie Kennett 1, Brenton Newbold 1, Ned Rohrt 1, Mark Wettern 1. BEST: GOORAMBAT: Jamie Dunne, Ryan Burns, Darcy Edgar, Benjamin Reaburn, Aaron Blackburn, Brady Purcell. GRETA: James McClounan, Jarrod Morham, Ned Rohrt, Thomas Rosser, Bryce Ralph, Tyler Arrowsmith.

WHOROULY 7.1 10.5 13.6 17.8.110

BENALLA ALL BLACKS 3.1 4.4 6.5 7.5.47

GOALS: WHOROULY: Simon Chalmers 5, Lachlan Moore 3, Adam Harris 2, Macauley Murtagh 2, Andrew Newton 2, William Allen 1, Cameron Wood 1, Luke Zanin 1. BENALLA ALL BLACKS: Jayden Brady 3, Cody Crawford 1, Kaare Glass 1, Jack Melrose 1, Chelton Orchard 1. BEST:

WHOROULY: Matthew Vescio, Edward Bramich, William Allen, Paul Glanville, Riley Calvene, Andrew Newton. BENALLA ALL BLACKS: Mack Bodsworth, Jayden Brady, Cody Crawford, Jesse Walker, Kyle Collisson, David Button.

14.5 16.9

5.2 7.3

Milawa .....................15.8.98 King Valley ................5.9.39

BEST: MILAWA: Michael Walker, Tim Leslie, Michael Box, matthew walsh, Zachary Wallace, Brenton Gray. KING VALLEY: Joel Burchall, Xander Van Bergen, David Lang, Brett Sessions, Ayden Hansen, Alex Tatulaschwili. Tarrawingee ..............2.4.16 Bright ..................28.13.181

BEST: TARRAWINGEE: Spencer Jones, Will Creed, Kane Deans, Mitchell Barry, Jacob Lowe. BRIGHT: Thomas Mullane-Grant, Brodie Brain, Mason Cracknall, Joseph Crawley, Adam Whelann, Aidan Parmesan.

Whorouly ..................2.3.15 Benalla All Blacks .....5.11.41

BEST: WHOROULY: Adam Pascoe, Will Corscadden, Chas Pianegonda, Jacob Penn, Nathan de Vries, Ryan Harris. BENALLA ALL BLACKS: Eoin Fitzgerald, Karl Mullins, Brendan Moffatt, Mark Mc Dermott, Joshua Kotvas, Aaron Horan. Bonnie Doon ........16.12.108 Moyhu ......................5.3.33

BEST: BONNIE DOON: Fraser Cameron, Jack Kirley, Patrick Revell, luke berriman, Andrew Marshall, Luke Benton. MOYHU: Aaron Thrum, Harry Verdon, Blake Burgan, Anthony Welsh, Leroy Dowling.

21.9.135

9.5.59

GOALS: No goal scorers selected.

BEST: BONNIE DOON: Guy Murray, Matthew Hedin, Luke Murray, Campbell Smedley, Beau Smith, Joel Sanford. MOYHU: George Hearn, jack Mckinley, Jared Lea, Jett Roberts, Dylan Carmody, Lukas Jakobsson.

Young stars on display in Saints’ promising performance

By NATHAN DE VRIES

MYRTLEFORD’S youthful senior squad competed hard against a tried and tested Albury Tigers squad but fell short, downed 9.10 (64) to 13.12 (90) at McNamara Reserve on Saturday.

Struck with late outs, the Saints called in Tom Sparks and Ben Paddle for their senior debut after consistently promising form over the last weeks in the twos.

After a strong opening to the match, Albury began to pull away to take a 17 point lead by quarter time.

The Saints fought back hard through the second term, bringing the deficit down to just seven points thanks to young guns and experienced heads like Mitch Dalbosco (38 disposals, nine contested possessions).

Myrtleford managed to keep within striking distance of one of the legitimate flag contenders after half-time, 13 points down at the final break, but the Tigers showed their class to run out 34 point winners.

Coach Craig Millar said his young side performed exceptionally and were disappointed not to come away with the result.

“I was extremely proud of the way we played out the game on the weekend,” he said.

“We had to make a few more late changes which wasn’t ideal leading into the match, but the players we brought in, the two debutants in Tom Sparks and Ben Paddle were fantastic.

“They bought into the way we wanted to play – it was probably the first game for the year where we actually played the way we wanted to play, and whilst we were close and disappointed we lost, we were incredibly proud of the team’s performance playing one of the best teams in the comp.”

The Saints’ leaders stepped it up a notch, with Simon Curtis booting four goals and experienced players like Ryley Sharp and Kyle Winter-Irving setting a positive example.

“While we didn’t get the result, and we’re disappointed in that, I couldn’t have been prouder of the way our leaders,

our more experienced players led from the front by example, they were exemplary,” Millar said.

“We’re not afraid to bring some guys in who are performing, irrespective of age and background - it’ll pay us back, they’re great learning opportunities for these young players at the moment.

“I thought we did a really good job on the weekend with our foot skills, that was as polished as we’ve been with the ball in hand.

“A couple of times we let ourselves down but by and large we’ve been working really hard with the players on that, and it was nice to see that some of our passages of play were starting to take shape on the weekend.

“We’ve still got plenty to work on, obviously we desperately want another win and we’ll do everything we can over the next week and a half to prepare for Rovers.”

The reserve Saints were dealt a harsh loss in their hitout, downed 1.2 (8) to 15.5 (95), while the thirds went down 4.6 (30) to 9.12 (66).

Saints smash Tigers in dominant display

By NATHAN DE VRIES

MYRTLEFORD’S A grade squad bolstered their finals-worthy credentials in fine fashion at home on Saturday, dominating Albury Tigers with a 50-32 victory.

The first half of the match was largely sedate, with goals being traded up and down the court, but Myrtleford found a way to have their noses in front by a healthy 10 goal margin by halftime.

The Saints came out after the break and took the game away from Albury, with laser-like passes and goals from all areas of the circle to pack on 17 goals.

Defensively, the Saints were another step above, only conceding seven goals for the term to lead by 20 goals heading into the finals quarter.

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Momentum continued to flow their way through to the end of the match, the Saints home by 18 goals.

Co-coach Tina Way said her squad came together in a really incredibly way.

“We went in with a really positive attitude and really positive vibes about what we could do as a team, and it all came together on Saturday, the team played really well,” she said.

“I think our ball execution and connection with each other was really working, in regards to releasing the pass.

“Everyone’s timing was on point, when loose balls fell to the ground they were bouncing and landing our way and the girls were grabbing them and taking those opportunities to get the ball down to Rebecca (Piazza)

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and Sally (Botter) and get them to put the shot through to give us a nice 10 goal margin at half-time.”

Positional changes after halftime seemed to boost the squad’s on-court efforts, leading to the third quarter blitzing.

“‘Liv’ (co-coach Olivia La Spina) and I discussed at half-time if we’d make any changes and we did – we put Sophie (Hanrahan) into goal shooter which we’d been doing occasionally here and there, and Rebecca Piazza came into defence with myself and Georgia Ryan came on in wing defence,” Way said.

“The execution, the flow and picking up loose balls all fell our way, and we were able to capitalise and have a really good third quarter.

“We’ve had a good couple of weeks on the training track,

working on staying focussed and being able to stay switched on when the ball turns over and connecting with each other, using our strengths – our height, our speed and agility that we have – and it all just came together.”

While the Saints sit comfortably in fourth on the A grade ladder, Way said they would continue to improve over their upcoming bye week and through their next two matches against low-ranked sides Rovers and Wodonga Bulldogs.

In other grades, interesting results were recorded in the B grade and under 17 matches, with 30-30 and 39-39 draws respectively.

The C grade Saints took the win 54-28 over the Tigers, and the under 15s won 39-21.

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TEAMWORK: Sophie Hanrahan (left) and Sally Botter celebrate after a goal.

PHOTO: Janet Watt

ON THE BOARD: Simon Curtis’ experience was on display on Saturday, finishing with four goals to his name.

EVER PRESENT: Tom Cappellari was dynamic across the ground, racking up 28 disposals for the match.

HIGH BALL: Ashton McPherson flies for the footy in the Saints’ loss to Albury on Saturday.

PHOTOS: Janet Watt

B reserve salute, A grade stumble against Bulldogs

By NATHAN DE VRIES

BRIGHT’S B reserve netball squad continued on their winning way on Saturday at the Tarrawingee Recreation Reserve, maintaining their top three position with a 48-32 win over the Bulldogs.

After trailing at the first change by two goals, Bright surged with a 17-goal term while limiting Tarrawingee to just five of their own, taking a 10 goal lead into the second half.

The defensive pressure continued to halt the Bulldogs’ fightback, outscoring the hosts 14-5 to set up a

comfortable lead heading into the final term.

Tarrawingee attempted a late-game comeback, but Bright had enough on the scoreboard to absorb the assault, with Bright home by 16 goals, with Taykea Boogaard and Emma Holmes among the best on court.

The A graders had another challenging day against flag-contenders Tarrawingee, downed 15-81.

The Bulldogs were simply too good, in control for the duration of the match, with Bright’s Georgie Matters, Milli Allen and Ruby Delacy performing well against talented opposition players.

Bright’s B graders also suffered a loss, downed 23-49, despite solid performances from Monique Martin and Amy Sholl.

In other grades, the Bright C graders took out a crushing 48-32 win to maintain their position on top of the ladder.

A see-sawing match from the start, Bright took control in the final term after a two goal lead at three quarter time.

The visitors managed to outscore Tarrawingee 13-11 to take the points and maintain their form heading into a clash with Greta this weekend.

Mountain Men maul Tarra’ Bulldogs

■ From back page Cooper Thomason booted nine goals, with multiple other players cashing in on the chance to hit the scoreboard.

Coach Paul Harrison said the strong performance was just what the side was hoping for ahead of their clash with Greta this weekend.

“We had a fair concentration all week on making sure we start well, it doesn’t really matter who we’re playing,” he said.

“In the second quarter, we kicked maybe 6.8, and at halftime we knew the game was over and done with so we changed up a couple of things and tried to work on a few things through the midfield.

“We had a big emphasis on kicking more goals than points at the end of the game, which we were able to turn around as well.

“Greta will be a really big game, we’re really looking forward to it.

“They’re a team that works very hard, they do move the ball forward in numbers a lot, so if you can cause turn overs and take

the ball off the angle, we can open them up.

“We’ll have a few little things we’ll try, it should be a great game.”

This weekend’s match with the undefeated Greta looms as a true occasion for the Mountain Men, with club stalwart Brad Nightingale set to play his 300th senior game.

“He’s a very natural leader, he sets up our entire backline, our entire zone behind the footy,” Harrison said.

“He’s just a genuine good bloke as well, never misses a training session, if anything needs to be done, he’s doing it.

“Not just a terrific player, but a terrific person around the club as well.”

The Bright reserves squad also picked up a handy win 28.13 (181) to 2.4 (16), with Tom MullaneGrant annihilating the Bulldogs’ backs with a 15 goal haul, bringing his total to 106 goals for the season (six senior, 100 reserves). The Mountain Men seconds remain undefeated with a staggering 820.09 percentage.

DISPOSAL: Cooper Thomason gets his hands free and passes the ball off.

OVER THE TOP: Brad Nightingale pops a handball to a passing teammate.

RUCK CLASH: Jarrod Everitt and Kieren Jamieson go up in the centre of the ground. PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

PRESSURE: Maddi Muller works hard in the defensive end for Bright.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Lions make statement

By NATHAN DE VRIES

WHOROULY’S senior footballers have reared their head into the Ovens and King Football League’s top six after a clinical 17.8 (110) to 7.5 (47) victory over Benalla All Blacks at the Whorouly Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

The win came on an auspicious day, with the Lions hosting past players and celebrating a trio of milestones for loyal club members Cam Wood (250 senior games), Daniel White (200 senior games) and skipper Glenn White (250 club games).

Whorouly set the tone early, with a seven goal to four first term in difficult conditions blowing out to 37 points by half-time.

As the ground was chopped up more and more as the game wore on, the Lions were able to move the ball freely across half back, choosing the best avenue to explode towards goals.

The Lions stormed home, outscoring the Panthers by three goals in the final quarter to take a crucial win by 63 points.

For Benalla, Cody Crawford was immense, sitting behind the contest and taking intercept marks to give his side some much-needed life, while Kyle Collisson and Mack Bodsworth were prominent figures all day.

Whorouly’s deep forward Simon Chalmers ended with five goals, with four other Lions kicking multiple majors, while midfielders Matt Vescio and Andy Newton provided a strong presence at the contest.

Lions’ coach Riley Calvene

said his entire squad turned in consistent performances on a difficult deck to navigate cleanly.

“I think that was probably our most consistent game so far,” he said.

“We didn’t really let Benalla back into the game at all, we maintained possession and played exactly how we’ve been trying to play all year.

“I think offensively we were really, really strong, we’ve still got a bit of work to do defensively - there were a couple of times where Benalla got out the back of us, so there’s still plenty to work on.

“We’re happy to be up in contention, but we’re still well aware that being there now doesn’t mean too much.

“It’s about setting ourselves up for the back half of the year and staying there.”

Calvene said recording a win on such an important day for the club was reward for those who have put in years of service.

“I think it was huge,” he said.

“For so many more guys around the club who have been there their whole lives and who give so much, guys like Dan White, Glenn White, ‘Woodsy’, the Harris brothers, Simon Chalmers – all those guys put so much time and effort into the club so for them to get a bit of reward is really pleasing.

“Hopefully we can play finals this year to really top it off for them.”

The Lions take on King Valley this Saturday at Whitfield, with another victory to firm them up as finals contenders.

FOOTWORK: Jake Riley takes on Mack Bodsworth.

LOCK IT IN: Lachy Moore slams into Benalla defender Damian Broughton as he tries to clear the footy.

PHOTOS: Nathan de Vries

NEW DESIGN: A grade netball coach Ebony Allen and senior football coach Riley Calvene in the club’s new NAIDOC Week outfits.

Lions don NAIDOC jumpers

SATURDAY saw Whorouly’s footballers and netballers debut their new NAIDOC Week playing outfits.

Designed by Sheppartonbased Koorie artist Rebecca Atkinson, each element carries significance to the area and the club.

“With ‘Whorouly’ meaning ‘under the water’, the bottom section is the water with a platypus as the chosen animal as it’s the totem of the Bangerang people within the area,” the club wrote on their Facebook page.

“The circle design is the families involved within the club - there are different sections within the circle showing everyone coming together, as a player, as a volunteer, as a supporter and as a committee member.”

The club hopes to use the jumpers and dresses during NAIDOC Week for the next three years.

Whorouly A grade post massive win over Panthers

By NATHAN DE VRIES

THE Lions’ A grade squad were on song when they hosted Benalla All Blacks on Saturday, blasting their opponents away after quarter time to record an 81-30 thumping.

From a 19-12 lead at the first break the Lions exploded, defensively annihilating their foe and turning turnover after turnover into goals on the scoreboard.

Whorouly shot 23 goals through the second term while only conceding five,

taking an ultimately insurmountable 42-17 advantage into the second half.

Not content to simply run the time out, Whorouly continued to put Benalla to the sword, with an almost flawless defensive end leaking just four goals through the third term while goalers

Tayla Allen and Katie Ivone punished the All Blacks under the ring with another 20+ goal term.

The onslaught continued through the final quarter of play, and while Benalla managed to lift their scoring rate

against the Lions’ mighty defensive structure, the lead was too great to overcome.

Ivone and Allen shared shooting duties, sinking 41 and 40 goals respectively.

Coach Ebony Allen said her entire team should be ecstatic with how they played.

“Everybody played so well and we all worked really well together as a team, it was a massive effort from everyone and I couldn’t be more proud of the girls,” she said.

“The first five to 10 minutes of the game went goal

for goal against Benalla and they kept us with us for the most part, but by the end of the first quarter, we gained some momentum and were able to really step up and push the lead out.

“We worked really hard the entire game and focused on a lot of the key things we have been working on at training and executing those on court.

“Everyone did so well but Tayla Allen was a stand out for the game, shooting 40 of our 81 goals but also gaining a lot of turnovers out the

front.

“Bec Allen had a strong game through the mid court with some great drives and feeds into the goalers.”

The handy percentage boost keeps the Lions in the top six, but a true test awaits them this weekend at Whitfield against King Valley.

Memories of their first encounter with the Roos, a nine-goal loss in round seven which triggered a monthlong losing streak, will be front and centre in the Lions’ minds.

“It will be a good match

against King Valley,” Allen said.

“They got the win over us last time but we were definitely up there with them for most of the contest so if we can put out a performance like we did against Benalla, I am confident we can match it against them again and hopefully get the win this time.”

In other grades, the under 15 Lions took a close win 2622, while the B grade (34-76), B reserve (29-55) and C graders (30-39) all went down to the Panthers.

UNDER CONTROL: Ebony Hughes and Whorouly’s defence dominated their end.

MOVE IT UP: Sally Wood and Sarah Primerano push the ball up the court.

DYNAMIC DUO: Katie Ivone (with ball) and Tayla Allen (foreground) almost evenly split scoring duties in the Lions’ 81-30 win over Benalla. PHOTOS: Nathan de Vries

HONOURED: Milestone gamers Cam Wood (back) and Daniel White were chaired from the ground after the Lions’ win.

businesstipping footy

97 Myrtle Street, Myrtleford

Round 12

Saturday 8th July

Wangaratta v Yarrawonga

Wodonga Raiders v Wodonga

Lavington v Wang Rovers

Albury V Nth Albury

Bye Myrtleford

Round 14

Saturday 8th July

Goorambat v Nth Wang

Greta v Bright

Benalla v Moyhu

King Valley v Whorouly

Bonnie Doon v Milawa

Bye Tarrawingee

Round 12

Saturday 8th July

Kiewa v Tallangatta

Beechworth v Chiltern

Yackandandah v Thurgoona

Rutherglen v Barnawartha

Dederang v Wahgunyah

Wodonga v Mitta United

............................96

Alanna McLees ............................92

Tracey Grenfell ............................90

Regan Alexander .........................89

Rebecca Healy .............................89

Geoff Zach...................................88

Amanda Toner .............................87

Paul Maskell ................................86

Gerard Gray .................................85

Katie Ivone ..................................84

Kyle Arter ....................................84

Cesare Rizzi ................................84

Jo Ross-Jackson .........................82

Mark Ditcham ..............................82

Helen Haines ...............................76

Thursday, Jul 6

Richmond vs. Sydney

Friday, Jul 7

Western Bulldogs vs. Collingwood

Saturday, Jul 8

Brisbane vs. West Coast

GWS vs. Hawthorn

St Kilda vs. Melbourne

Port Adelaide vs. Gold Coast

Sunday, Jul 9

Geelong vs. Nth Melbourne

Essendon vs. Adelaide

Fremantle vs. Carlton

Mark Ditcham

Bombers flying after upset TDFL win

By DANIEL SAVILLE

THE Dederang-Mount Beauty Bombers had high hopes for the season after playing two finals in 2022.

Despite currently sitting in ninth position on a condensed Tallangatta and District Football League ladder with four wins from 11 games, the Bombers still have plenty to play for in their return fixtures to round out the season.

Their best win was their most recent match before the bye against Tallangatta, where they overcame a large quarter-time deficit in a game that will fill the senior side and the club with great confidence.

While still a mathematical chance of featuring in the final five with seven rounds to go, starting with a winnable home game this weekend against Wahgunyah (twelfth), Dederang-Mount Beauty have a realistic chance of finishing the season with a flurry of wins.

Matches against teams around them on the ladder including Mitta United (eighth) and Wodonga Saints (tenth) in the next month will determine how long they can stay in contact with the chasing pack

Playing assistant coach and star midfielder Jordan Harrington has been a clear standout for the Bombers this season, featuring in his side’s best players every single week.

“He has been consistently one of our best each game and has given us good use out of the middle,” senior captain Josh Kable said.

Harrington sits in tenth position on the league goalkicking leaderboard with 25 goals in 11 games, which highlights just how influential he has been.

Not to be outdone, forward Cody Hewat is only one goal behind from his 10 games this season.

■ Continued page 20

STELLAR SAINTS

SALLY Botter prepares to fire the netball into the Saints’ attacking end in Myrtleford’s 50-32 win over the dangerous Albury Tigers. Botter ended with 21 goals from the match in a dominant display. Match report page 24.

Bright in third spot after obliterating Tarrawingee in percentage boosting win B i h i hi d f bli i T i i b i i

Mountain Men maul Bulldogs

BRIGHT’S senior footballers picked up a massive percentage-boosting win over Tarrawingee on Saturday as the Bulldogs suffered their biggest loss this season, the Mountain Men obliterating the competition 33.30 (228) to 0.5 (5).

Heavy favourites going into the match, Bright all but put the game to bed in the first term, keeping the Bulldogs scoreless and booting 9.9 themselves, before the margin stretched to 100 points by the half.

While Bright kept piling on the goals, the damage could’ve been a lot worse, with 12 behinds scored through the second half.

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

Efficiency in front of goal has been an area of concern for the Mountain Men all year, only registering fewer than 10 behinds in two games this season. Despite this, the sheer volume of forward 50 entries and diligent defensive work by the midfield and backs leaves Bright sitting third on the O&KFL ladder with a whopping 293.70 per cent with six matches and a bye before finals.

■ Continued page 25

3 McGeehan Crescent, Myrtleford. AH: 5752 2198

PHOTO: Janet Watt