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BRIGHT - POREPUNKAH - MT BEAUTY - TAWONGA - TAWONGA SOUTH Wednesday, May 7, 2025

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FREEBURGH BUSH MARKET DELIGHT

SES CREWS HONE THEIR RESCUE SKILLS

PAGE 6

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BRIGHT TEAMS FALL TO MILAWA SPORT

A FANTASY GALA PARADE CROWDS lined Bright’s main street for the Al Findlay Memorial Gala Day Parade on Saturday, where floats, such as this Return to Oz offering from the Bright Rotary Club, delighted onlookers enjoying the very best of the Bright Autumn Festival. Full story page 9 PHOTO: Jean-Pierre Ronco

Voters return Haines Independent Dr Helen Haines wins her third straight term in Indi federal election

VOTERS throughout the Alpine Shire have helped return Independent Helen Haines for a third successive term as Indi’s MP in Saturday’s federal election.

While the Australian Labor Party was returned with an increased majority nationally in the House of Representatives, support for the governing party continued to wane in Indi.

With 94,947 votes counted from the eligible 120,854 voters in Indi, Labor candidate Mitch Bridges had secured just shy of eight per cent of

Dr Haines enjoyed a majority of support throughout most of the polling places jzeuschner@ on election day in the Alpine nemedia.com.au INDI Shire, out-polling all candidates except at Dederang and while Mr Trenery’s 31 per the primary vote, which was cent of the primary vote was Gapsted where Mr Trenery less than Labor candidates gained the most votes. up more than 0.5% on last Nadia David (8.59%) in 2022 Both Dr Haines and election for the party. and Eric Kerr in 2019 (12%).

Mr Trenery were tied on On two party preferred In contrast, Dr Haines, 87 primary votes each at - with the distribution of as well as the Liberal Party Mudgegonga, while folks at preferences from the other through candidate James seven candidates in Indi - Dr Whorouly also backed Mr Trenery, both saw their Trenery ahead of Dr Haines Haines had just under 58.5 primary vote rise on 2022 141 primary votes to 96. per cent (down almost 0.5% results.

In Bright 138 voters backed on 2022), and Mr Trenery had Dr Haines secured just Dr Haines and 58 supported just over 41.5 per cent (up over 43 per cent of the priMr Trenery, with Greens’ mary vote - up 2.34% on 2022, almost 0.5% on 2022).

BY JEFF ZEUSCHNER

federal election

Mt Hotham Falls Creek News covers all aspects of mountain life both on and off the slopes and is the dedicated media servicing Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, Dinner Plain and the Great Alpine Road.

candidate Alysia Regan securing the third most primary votes of 28.

At Mount Beauty on election day, 454 voters backed Dr Haines, 201 supported Mr Trenery, with 86 voting for Mr Bridges.

Dr Haines out-polled Mr Trenery on primary votes at Harrietville (67 to 14), Porepunkah (154 to 65) and Wandiligong (60 to 15).

Of the early votes cast at the Bright pre-poll before election day, Dr Haines’ support was more than double Mr Trenery’s - 1576 votes to

751 - followed by Mr Bridges (197), Ms Regan (120), Mr Thomas (117), Libertarian Tim Quilty (54), Legalise Cannabis candidate Ben Howman (53), Independent Mark McFarlane (30) and Family First’s Michael White (27).

At Myrtleford’s polling station, some 500 voters supported Dr Haines, while 314 backed Mr Trenery, with Mr Bridges in third on primary votes with 85, ahead of One Nation’s Athol Thomas with 69.

■ Further coverage page2, including full voting and candidate comments.

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Page 2 - THE OBSERVER, Wednesday, May 7, 2025

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HOW YOU VOTED: PRIMARY VOTES FOR INDI CANDIDATES AT POLLING BOOTHS ACROSS ALPINE SHIRE, AS WELL AS NEIGHBOURING WHOROULY IN 2025 FEDERAL ELECTION POLLING PLACES

Helen Haines (Independent)

Bright Bright PPVC Dederang Gapsted Harrietville Mount Beauty Mudgegonga Myrtleford Porepunkah Wandiligong Whorouly

Mitch Bridges (Labor)

James Trenery (Liberal)

Athol Thomas (One Nation)

Alysia Regan (Greens)

Tim Quilty (Libertarian)

Michael White (Family First)

Ben Howman Mark McFarlane (Legalise Cannabis) (Independent)

14 197 11 7 4 86 6 85 12 6 10

58 751 133 121 14 201 87 314 65 15 141

13 117 30 16 3 71 18 69 11 7 18

28 120 8 9 3 62 3 26 9 4 5

5 54 6 5 0 14 1 29 8 3 2

1 27 3 5 0 9 3 22 2 1 2

7 53 6 7 6 34 10 37 5 4 4

138 1576 71 111 67 454 87 500 154 60 96

9 30 5 3 2 11 0 14 1 1 5

Haines wins her third term

By STEVE KELLY

INDEPENDENT Helen Haines has swept to a resounding victory in the seat of Indi with her ‘Cockateers’ spending a night of cheering and welcoming the verdict cast by the greatest portion of the electorate’s voters.

With 94,947 votes counted in Indi with 120,854 eligible voters, Dr Haines has 58.49 per cent of the twocandidate-preferred (TCP) vote, with nearest rival Liberal James Trenery on 41.51pc (TCP).

The first preference vote was up on the 2022 election for Dr Haines with 43.14pc (37,514), a swing of 2.46pc, while Mr Trenery accumulated 30.89pc (26,858 votes).

Next was Labor - Mitch Bridges with 7.96pc, One Nation - Athol Thomas (6.95pc), The Greens - Alysia Regan (3.3pc), Legalise Cannabis - Ben Howman (2.95pc), Family First - Michael White (1.79pc), Libertarian - Tim Quilty (1.61pc), and Independent - Mark McFarlane (1.42pc).

It was a buzzing room of supporters dressed in the well-known orange attire, energised by the win, as Dr Haines made her winner’s speech at about 9.30pm on Saturday evening.

They had been receiving regular updates of results relayed across a public address system at the usual lair for the orange army on election night, Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre’s Memorial Hall.

It was a comprehensive win across many polling places for Dr Haines on election day, with the totals indicating many voters were happy with what the Independent has delivered over the last two terms - six years.

THE PARTY: Re-elected Indi Independent MP Helen Haines is surrounded by her supporters at the election party in Wangaratta after their victory on Saturday night.

In her speech Dr Haines made strong reference to the 940 active volunteers across the electorate that stretches from Wodonga to King Lake and coined the term for them, the Cockateers.

Dr Haines was introduced as the winner of Indi with Destiny’s Child song ‘Independent Women’ on the loud speaker prompting the returning MP to blow kisses and partake in a dance as she approached the stage.

“I’m standing in front of you all again with such pride in my heart, such privilege to be re-elected as a member of the House of Representatives in the magnificent federation seat of Indi,” she said to raucous applause.

“But the victory is not mine, the victory is yours, all of the people of

Indi, those who voted for me and those who didn’t because I know that having Independent representation in the seat of Indi has not only made Indi a better place, but has made the nation a better place.”

Dr Haines acknowledged Anthony Albanese’s return as Prime Minister and she said she’s looking forward to continuing her work and cited her strong relationships with other MPs in Parliament.

She referred to the scrutineers as the “guardian angels of democracy” for the work they do, and the extended campaign period was also noted.

“It is an amazing story we have to tell here, what started as a local movement with 12 people in the library up the road who just wanted

an MP to listen to them, truly is now a movement right across Australia,” she said.

“At the heart of our campaign, the heart is listening to the people of Indi and what matters to them and what they want to see in their representation.

“We listened across 12,257 meaningful conversations, we knocked on 15,721 doors, more doors in more towns that we’ve ever knocked on before.

“I’ve got a new word and I’m calling it the Cockateers, I think it is officially a new word.”

Dr Haines promised to deliver the local impact that she promised constituents and the national influence that she said her supporters have collectively achieved.

“I want to see us do better in housing, lower the cost of living, better health and childcare, the infrastructure we need to make sure we can continue to thrive,” she said.

“It truly is the biggest honour of my life to represent the people of Indi.”

Dr Haines spoke about the vision for the future, holding major parties to account, scientific action on climate change, and making sure it is a fair Australia.

She said it’s about making sure our aged care, mental health and childcare services are up to scratch and better, ensuring telecommunications work, and supporting a better democracy.

Mr Trenery was disappointed with the loss but said he enjoyed the campaign and meeting a lot of great people along the way.

“There were several thousand people who supported us and we had more volunteers and signs out than we’ve ever had,” he said.

“It was not a good result for either country or Indi, from my perspective.

“Mansfield was strong and there were other small booths where we had wins which was absolutely magnificent.

“Overall we didn’t move very far compared to the last election, and we’ll wait for the final count but it looks like it’s going to be the same, which is better than the national result.

“We generated everything from within Indi and it was a real local campaign and not a lot of dollars or people coming from outside Indi.

“That’s fine and we were pretty happy with that, but to get that result it was absolutely fantastic.”

More than 1100 people voted in Myrtleford on Election Day

By PHOEBE MORGAN

date’s how to vote cards and welcoming voters to the site.

“There was a rush earlier this morning,” MYRTLEFORD’S federal election polling party volunteer, Rebecca Goodwin said. station inside the Myrtleford Senior Citi“Those were the early birds; I think zens’ Centre in Smith Street ebbed and we’ve seen between 150 to 200 people flowed with voters throughout Election so far.

Day last Saturday.

“I expect after lunch there will be anA total of 1144 people voted at the polling station, with many hundreds getting in other rush in the afternoon.”

Local resident Sonny Naylor said voting early on Saturday morning, before a break in his first election on Saturday was “a in foot traffic for lunchtime. good overall experience”.

Approximately half-a-dozen different “It was a lot easier to vote on the day, parties had their volunteers assisting with voters’ inquiries, handing out how candi- than by postal vote,” the 20 year old said.

MYRTLEFORD

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Fellow Myrtleford district local, Danielle Coombes, said she chose to vote in person on election day for the convenience.

“I felt like I already knew who I was voting for this time around,” she said.

“Everyone volunteering outside was super friendly and happy to talk with you.

“The officials working with the AEC were really helpful, because once I went inside the polling place, I got lost for a second because of all the temporary cardboard fencing and so on.

DEMOCRACY AT WORK: Some 1144 people voted in the federal “They were very helpful and showed election at the Myrtleford polling station in Smith Street on me the way.”

Election Day. PHOTO: Phoebe Morgan

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THE OBSERVER, Wednesday, May 7, 2025 - Page 3

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Public feedback sought on council draft budget ALPINE Shire Council has released its draft budget for 2025/26, with community submissions being sought up until 5pm on Tuesday, 27 May. Councillors last week endorsed the draft budget for public release, with key aspects being a three per cent rate increase, with a $36.6M operating expenditure and $8.0M capital works program.

Mayor Cr Sarah Nicholas said council is keen to hear from residents and ratepayers to ensure the final budget reflects the community’s needs and aspirations.

“This draft budget showcases our strategic priorities and the input we get from the community will be key

to finalising it,” she said.

“It’s important for everyone to have their say, and we’re looking forward to hearing from as many people as possible during the consultation period.”

During the initial consultation for the draft budget in late 2024, council received 34 individual submissions, with six submitters formally presenting their proposals to councillors.

Mayor Nicholas said each submission was carefully evaluated against the current and projected work program, resource availability and alignment with the Council Plan.

Key initiatives funded in the draft budget are the introduction of a customer

Pop-ins at local events to get community input COUNCIL will be popping up at local events and markets across the shire throughout the month of May to chat with residents and gather more feedback on the draft budget: • Harrietville Community Pop-up: Saturday, 10 May, from 9.30am to 11.30am at the Harrietville Community Hall.

• Bright’s Make It, Bake It, Grow It Market: Saturday, 17 May, from 9am to 12.30pm in Howitt Park.

• Dederang Community Pop-up: Sunday, 18 May, from 9.30am to 11.30am at The General Store.

• Myrtleford”s Farmer’s Market: Saturday, 24 May, from 8.30am to 12.30pm in the Myrtleford Piazza.

Council dropped in to Mount Beauty Market and Freeburgh Bush Market on Saturday and Sunday last week. charter, completion of flood studies, support for waste diversion initiatives, and the development of economic development and tourism strategies.

The capital works program, totalling $8 million, includes significant investments in roadworks, waste management improvements, property and

building upgrades, fleet and equipment renewal, and other infrastructure projects.

Council’s chief executive officer, Will Jeremy, said council’s total income is projected to be $35.3 million, a decrease from the previous year due to reduced grant funding.

“Despite this, the budget

includes increased allocations for strategic planning, youth development, community grants, and public facility maintenance,” he said.

“We’ve made significant strides in streamlining our operations, which allows us to reallocate resources to critical areas without compromising service quality.”

Despite originally considering it, council has decided not to apply for a higher rate cap in the draft budget, opting instead to adhere to the three per cent rate increase in line with the Victorian government’s Fair Go Rates System.

Council said the decision was made after careful consideration of the community’s needs and financial sustainability.

The final budget will be presented for approval at the June council meeting, incorporating community feedback and any necessary adjustments.

To read the draft budget and provide feedback, visit: https://engage.alpineshire. vic.gov.au/202526-budget.

Bright police appeal for public help on alleged assault of minor in shop BRIGHT police are appealing for information and witnesses to come forward following an alleged assault on a three-year-old boy.

The incident occurred at Morses Creek Bakery in Anderson Street on Saturday, 26 April at approximately 1pm.

“We’re putting out an appeal for information in relation to an incident where a gentleman grabbed a threeyear old boy and hit him with an open hand without his parents’ permission,” Leading Senior Constable, Scott Baldock of the Bright Police Station said.

“We’re hoping someone will come forward to shed more light on the incident.”

Anyone with information can contact Ld Sen Const Baldock on (03) 5755 1444.

WE WANT YOUR NEWS

Call the Myrtleford Times/Alpine Observer on (03) 5731 3307 or email us at edit.timesobserver@nemedia.com.au

GREAT EVENT: The Myrtleford Lawn Tennis Club’s annual Easter Tournament is enjoyed by players and spectators alike.

Easter surprise: tennis club up for state award

By JEFF ZEUSCHNER MYRTLEFORD Lawn Tennis Club is in the running for a state title.

The club is one of three finalists vying for the Most Outstanding Tournament, as part of the Victorian Community Tennis Awards for 2025.

The club’s 35th Easter Tournament (senior and junior) is pitted against the Victorian Schools Boys and School Girls Championships and the Rye Tennis Club’s 46th Annual Australia Day Tournament for the prestigious honour.

Club president Peter Ternes said the club was thrilled to be recognised and up for such an award.

“We’re only a small club of around 120 members and nearly everyone contributes to the staging of our annual Easter Tournament,” he said.

“It’s a very successful event and players love it because of the courts, food and our country hospitality and friendliness.

“They really enjoy being able to play a round robin format in doubles and mixed (seniors) and in the juniors, rather than a straight knock-out fixture.”

Mr Ternes said the popularity of the event was clearly evident by the fact entries were full within 70 minutes of opening for the 2024 event.

Entries for this year’s event, held over Easter last month,

were booked out ever earlier within the hour - with 126 entries (96 players) competing in junior matches at the courts at McNamara Reserve, and 476 entries (319 players) competing in senior games on the lawn courts.

Mr Ternes said the tournament helps keep the club alive financially, covering the expense of maintaining the club and courts, without necessitating a rise in membership fees for more than 10 years.

“It’s also a big boost to the town economy too,” he said.

Tennis Victoria CEO, Kim Kachel, said the awards are a powerful reminder of the passion and dedication that drive tennis at the grassroots level.

The 2025 awards ceremony will be held in conjunction with National Volunteer Week and will shine a light on community and grassroots excellence at the iconic Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club on 22 May. Mr Ternes, his wife Robyn, and Alan and Kaye Heberle who have been involved with the tournament since it started more than 36 years ago - will be representing the club at the awards night.

Fellow club member Vicki Moore, who has also been involved since the start, as well as event junior referee and treasurer for more than 20 years Marcus James, were also to attend but are unable to do so.

SESSION TIMES MAY 08 - 14 REEL ROCK 19 [E 100’] Thu: 7:00pm

CROCODILE DUNDEE: THE ENCORE CUT [M 104’] Thu: 4:30pm Fri: 7:30pm Sat: 2:20pm Sun: 4:30pm Wed: 1:30pm

SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE [M 99’] Thu: 11:00am Fri: 12:40pm Sat: 7:00pm Sun: 2:30pm

THE PENGUIN LESSONS [M 122’] Thu: 1:30pm Fri: 10:15am Sat: 4:30pm Sun: 12:00pm Wed: 3:45pm

THE ACCOUNTANT 2 [MA15+ 133’] Fri: 2:40pm Sun: 6:45pm

THE AMATEUR [M 123’] Sat: 12:00pm Wed: 6:30pm

THE CORRESPONDENT [M 119’] Fri: 5:10pm Wed: 11:00am

A MINECRAFT MOVIE [PG 100’] Sat & Sun: 10:00am

COMING SOON

sunbright.com.au 119 Great Alpine Rd, Bright • (03) 5747 6500

Page 4 - THE OBSERVER, Wednesday, May 7, 2025

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Tea Garden Creek project is aiding native fish migration

By JEFF ZEUSCHNER

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THE latest research indicates native fish populations are benefiting from major works undertaken in the Ovens River near Everton.

The $2.5 million Tea Garden Creek Weir project, completed in March 2023, saw the existing weir structure which impeded fish migration replaced by a fullGOOD SIGNS: Fish surveys at the Tea Garden width rock-ramp fishway to Creek fishway in the Ovens River at Everton make it easier for native fish show positive signs for native fish migration.

PHOTO: NECMA like the endangered Murray

Cod, Trout Cod, and Macquarie Perch to swim freely up and down the river to spawn.

The project opened up approximately 270 km of habitat for native fish species, allowing them to make their way from the Murray River system into the Ovens River and connecting Buffalo River.

The Arthur Rylah Institute and DEECA said early fish surveys are indicating positive signs, with eight native fish species spotted

in recent net surveys at the fishway and 30 endangered fish tagged to track their movements - re-affirming the project is helping restore ecological balance and support the diverse aquatic life in the Ovens River.

The project was a collaborative effort between Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) and the North East Catchment Management Authority (CMA), with funding from the Victorian government and the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR snow season, and for much Dinner Plain sits above the Dinner Plain of the year lacks core services snow line at 1570 metres and public transport, medical experiences the same seasonal must be exempt demand as other alpine resorts, like facilities, supermarkets, and community infrastructure. yet Labor continues to penalise from unfair To suggest there is a market its property owners with a tax that simply doesn’t fit the region. for long-term accommodation land tax in a town without year-round Unlike other alpine towns,

THE Allan Labor Government needs to urgently exempt Dinner Plain from the Vacant Residential Land Tax (VRLT), in line with all other Victorian alpine resorts.

Dinner Plain remains unfairly subjected to the VRLT despite meeting all the criteria of an alpine resort.

The town endures a limited tourism window during the

already grappling with poor snow seasons, bushfire recovery, and the long shadow of COVID. Continuing to apply the VRLT to Dinner Plain is economically damaging and fundamentally unjust.

This is an anomaly the Victorian Treasurer must fix. services is completely out of Dinner Plain deserves the touch. same recognition and exemption The tax was designed to discourage land banking in high- as other alpine resorts.

Tim McCurdy, Nationals MP demand urban areas, not punish for Ovens Valley regional alpine communities

LETTERS to the editor must be signed with the full name, address and contact telephone number of the author provided.

Letters under 250 words are preferred and we reserve the right to edit letters to fit available space. Nom de plumes will only be published at the editor’s discretion. Opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by this newspaper.

Email: edit.timesobserver@nemedia.com.au Post:

North East Media 76 Standish Street, Myrtleford, Vic 3737

THE OBSERVER, Wednesday, May 7, 2025 - Page 5

alpineobserver.com.au

Crackpots collaboration adds to celebration of community

By PHOEBE MORGAN MYRTLEFORD’S latest addition to the iconic Mosaic Trail was installed last week as the Piazza in the town’s centre received a new patchwork piece, to celebrate the importance of community connections within the town.

The project began before Christmas last year, when those behind the mosaic trail - Crackpots 1 and 2 (identity a secret) - invited community groups in the Myrtleford and district area to submit their designs for a tile to represent them and be added to the finished piece.

From there, the Crackpots interpreted the designs to create the tiles for the patchwork mosaic and installed them over three days, to the delight of intrigued locals and visitors walking past the Piazza.

The mosaic was funded by both state and federal government grants, including the 2022 Kiewa Valley Flood and Landslip Event Recovery Project and the 2023/24 Storm Event.

“This new mosaic demonstrates how important being part of our community is,” a recovery officer from the Alpine Shire Council said.

PATCHWORK IN THE PIAZZA: Piece by piece, the Crackpots arranged the finished community designs on the bench.

CHALLENGING CORNERS: The Crackpots LABOUR OF LOVE: Myrtleford’s newest mosaic took three days to install. had to get creative to allow tiles to PHOTOS: Phoebe Morgan ‘bend’ around the edges.

“Either through volunteering or being part of a community group, it helps the community recover from setbacks.”

A pair of new mosaics covering two benches in the Piazza were initially planned, however, with unexpected delays and engagements to install other artworks, the Crackpots are confident to install this first mosaic to make sure the grout sets properly, before returning later in the

year to install the other, during warmer weather.

“The plan was to have both mosaics in place in time for Volunteer Week,” council’s recovery officer said.

“However, by doing only one at this stage, it has worked in everyone’s favour, as we have more time for further groups who haven’t yet been represented to send in their designs.

“It’s been great so far, as we’ve found a number of lo-

cal groups we didn’t know existed.”

The Crackpots worked in collaboration with another local artist - potter Alma Terra - to create the label tiles to pair with the designs.

With space for 60 tiles in total over both mosaics, the Crackpots have been amazed with the thought local community groups have put into their tiles.

“Submissions came in slowly to begin with, then

people started collaborating within their community groups, which was amazing because it involved more people’s ideas for their group’s design,” Crackpot Two said.

“We wanted to encourage the community’s creativity and what I have liked about this project the most is interpreting the designs from each group.

“It’s afforded us the opportunity to make something

we’ve never tried before, like the Vespa for La Fiera’s tile, which I very much looked forward to making.

“We’ve been eyeing-off the benches in the Piazza for a long time.”

Crackpot One said the pair both enjoy working on new pieces, even if they have to install them in all sorts of weather.

“For this project, I liked creating the circle tiles the most because they represent community connection,” Crackpot One said.

“Trying to find a different pattern to structure each one was fun, because each one is different.”

Crackpot Two said each project presents a new challenge.

“With this project, it’s been the bends,” Crackpot Two said.

“Tiles don’t bend around the edges, but we’ve made it work.”

The official launch of the newly installed mosaic will take place on Tuesday, 20 May, at 10:30am in the Piazza, followed by a barbeque.

To find out more, visit: https://engage.alpineahire. vic.gov.au/community-hubs/ recovery-hub.

Page 6 - THE OBSERVER, Wednesday, May 7, 2025

alpineobserver.com.au

A taste of community at Freeburgh Bush Market THE Freeburgh Bush Market drew record crowds to the Freeburgh Community Hall on Sunday, wrapping up the Bright Autumn Festival with a vibrant celebration of local life.

The event, which is the hall’s biggest annual fundraiser, featured a number of bustling stalls and car boot vendors, and an impressive display by FREEBURGH’S FINAL FESTIVAL EVENT: Swarms of locals and visitors flocked to Freeburgh to enjoy all the market had to offer.

PHOTOS: Freeburgh Community Hall committee the local car club, whose classic cars drew plenty of admiration.

Committee members and volunteers served up a delicious spread - from scones, cakes of every kind to soups and burgers.

Freeburgh local Gail Bennett’s crowd-favourite sausage rolls were a hit, while the barista coffee station also kept everyone fuelled throughout the day.

“It was a really great, successful day,” said hall treasurer Gina Parente.

“The weather was perfect ACCESSIBLE TO ALL: Gina Parente and Kath Jones joined Fraser McNaught from the Freeburgh Rotary Club (centre) to unveil newly and the crowd was fantastic.” installed accessibility spaces during the day’s proceedings.

The Rotary club showed their support during the event and a key moment SWEET SPREAD AS FAR AS THE EYE CAN SEE: Freeburgh of the day was the unveilHall Committee members (from left) Pat Webster, Gina ing of two new accessible Parente and president Ian Young assembled all the car parks, made possible donated delicacies for attendees to enjoy at this year’s through a collaborative market. effort by the Bendigo Bank, the Rotary club, and the COFFEE CRAVINGS COVERED: Freeburgh Community hall committee.

Hall committee members (from left) Eric Jones, Organisers extended Mo Doyle and Ben Keys, helped run the new coffee heartfelt thanks to local machine, to keep visitors and organisers running donors and volunteers, throughout the day.

SIZZLING SUCCESS: Eric Jones also spent some time operating the barbecue, to make the weekend complete. especially Bruce and Lyn Miller for their years of service.

Local businesses Woolworths, Clean Bowled and SixPence were also thanked for their generous donations and support.

Mr Parente said events like these are not possible without the community coming together.

“Thank you to so many members of the community who donated food, volunteered and otherwise helped where you could,” she said.

Funds raised at the market will go toward ongoing hall improvements and the annual Christmas Gathering Party, keeping Freeburgh’s community spirit alive year-round.

Big changes ahead for Aged Care The number of Australians aged over 65 is expected to more than double in the next 40 years while the number of people aged over 85 is predicted to triple in that time.

1 July 2025 marks the start of a host of new programs and improvements for the aged care sector. Several announcements have already been made this year, covering wage rises for aged care workers and nurses, and an increase in government funding for residential aged care accommodation .

In one of the most significant changes, the new Aged Care Act begins on 1 July. The Act aims to ensure the viability and quality of aged care.

A report by the Aged Care Taskforce last year calculated the residential aged care sector will need $56 billion by 2050 to upgrade facilities and build more rooms.

Current funding arrangements aren’t working. In the 20222023 financial year, almost half of all accommodation providers made a loss.

Some $300 million in federal grants will be delivered to accommodation providers this year to help with capital works upgrades.

And to improve the viability of the facilities, the government is introducing other measures including larger means-tested

contributions from new entrants, and a higher maximum room price that is indexed over time.

Aged Care Minister Anika Wells says half of new residents will not contribute more under the new consumer contributions.

“For every $1 an older Australian contributes to their residential aged care, the government will contribute an average of $3.30,” says Wells.

modifications and end of life care.

A new cap on contributions will also apply. No one will pay more than $130,000 in their lifetime - whatever their means or length of care at home or in residential accommodation.

The governemnt will contribute (on average) for every $1 contributed by a: Full pensioner $12.70 for a Medium level (budget around 22,000) $19.80 for the Highest level (budget around 78,000) Part pensioner $6.10 for a Medium level (budget around 22,000) $8.50 for the Highest level (budget around 78,000) Self-funded retiree & Commonwealth Seniors Health Card eligible $1.60 for a Medium level (budget around 22,000) $2.20 for the Highest level (budget around 78,000)

Support at Home The Aged Care Act also aims to support more people who want to stay in their own homes as they age. The federal government is investing $4.3 billion in a new Support at Home program, which will provide clinical care, independence and everyday living costs The government will pay 100 per cent of clinical care costs while Support at Home recipients will make a contribution towards independence. The contribution amount will be calculated using the Age Pension means test and it depends Please give us a call if you have questions about the changes on the level of support needed and the combination of income being implemented or if we can help you to plan ahead. and assets. The highest classification with the most funding will receive a package of services worth $78,000 per year.

There’ll also be funding for assistive technology and home

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THE OBSERVER, Wednesday, May 7, 2025 - Page 7

alpineobserver.com.au

Fire Danger Period lifted across shire THE Fire Danger Period, which imposed fire restrictions throughout the Alpine Shire since November 18 last year, officially ended on May 1.

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan confirmed the lifting of restrictions across the shire and most other areas of the state last week.

Fire restrictions have,

however, been extended in May in five local government areas in the state, including Towong Shire until May 26.

While landowners in Alpine Shire no longer need to apply for a permit to burn-off, Mr Heffernan has urged them to register any burn-offs online (https:// www.cfa.vic.gov.au/contact/

Burn off safety checklist:

• Check and monitor weather conditions - particularly wind.

• Postpone your activity if high fire risk conditions develop.

• Notify your neighbours if the burn will generate fire and smoke.

• Leave a three-metre fire break, free from flammable materials around the burn.

• Ensure you have enough water on hand (10 litres for small fires).

• Never leave a burn-off unattended - stay for its entire duration.

• Ensure there are enough people to monitor, contain and extinguish the burn effectively. register-your-burn-off ) to help reduce unnecessary callouts.

“We’re asking all landown- nicipality has exited restricers to register their burn-offs tions,” he said.

“Registering helps prevent online, even if their mu-

false alarms that divert resources from genuine emergencies.”

Mr Heffernan said since 1 April, CFA has responded to 127 preventable vegetation fires across Victoria, with more than half (53 per cent) caused by escaped burnoffs, and others by bonfires, campfires, fire pits and fireworks.

than SES crews hone high angle rescue skills More 54kg of

BRIGHT has been the perfect base for Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) units to conduct technical rope rescues in some of the state’s most challenging terrain.

Members representing VICSES Bright, Nillumbik, Whittlesea and Marysville units recently completed the final stage of their High Angle Rescue Operator accreditation, following a four-day course which saw them learn and refine rescue techniques in partnership with CFA volunteers from Mount Beauty.

Based at Bright, the course saw volunteers undertake simulated rescue events in natural and man-made landscapes, developing their skills at the VICSES Bright Unit and at the nearby Bright Brewery in late-March before returning to the region last month to complete mock rescues at Mount Buffalo and at a telephone tower outside of Bright.

Over the four-day training cycle, volunteers were able to build on their previous completion of Steep Angle Rescue training, constructing and operating complex rope systems in wilderness and industrial environments while fostering camarade-

cannabis crop seized from a Benalla property

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

HONING SKILLS: SES volunteers were at Mt Buffalo last month to hone their high angle rescue skills. rie with their fellow first responders in the process.

Andrew Feagan, VICSES operations officer technical rescue said while local VICSES units undertake regular high angle rescue skills maintenance in a unit setting, large-scale VIC-

SES and CFA-run training courses are also held several times each year throughout the state to ensure volunteers are well-prepared to manage these high-risk and high-consequence, multiagency rescue scenarios.

“These courses are often

run in partnership with local businesses, Parks Victoria and private landholders, allowing volunteers to accurately simulate real-life emergency response,” he said.

“In 2024, VICSES volunteers were called to almost 150 high-angle rescues

PHOTOS: VICSES

across Victoria and already in 2025, crews have been called to more than 50 designated high-angle rescue scenarios, providing vital support to community members caught in challenging and difficult-toreach terrain.”

POLICE uncovered 26 mature cannabis plants at a Benalla address with a man to be questioned.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said Benalla officers executed a search warrant of the Sydney Road property on 14 April.

“During the search, police located approximately 26 mature cannabis plants, with a total weight exceeding 54 kilograms, classified as a commercial quantity,” they said.

The spokesperson said a 36-year-old man was expected to be interviewed and charged with cultivating, trafficking and possessing cannabis.

“Police are committed to disrupting illegal drug activity to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community,” they said.

Anyone with information about drug cultivation or trafficking was urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Page 8 - THE OBSERVER, Wednesday, May 7, 2025

alpineobserver.com.au

PEOPLE AROUND TOWN

Stephen Voogt

MT BEAUTY

Shirley and Jim Petty What brings you to Mt Beauty?

We are visiting family. We travel a lot in our caravan.

We are from Streaky Bay in South Australia. The nearest we have been to Mt Beauty was visiting the Man From Snowy River Festival in Corryong.

What do you like about the area?

It’s aptly named because the area is beautiful. Very different from Streaky Bay with so many trees and the river. We are on the coast and do not have a river, we get our water from the Murray from a pipeline that covers a large area of SA. What do you do, your hobbies and interests?

Before I retired I was a

bank officer in Port Lincoln specialising in agri-business.

We both belong to Probus where Shirley is the president. Jim is a member of the Streaky Bay Men’s Shed. We play bush croquet, indoor bowls and cards with the elderly on Tuesdays.

Shirley plays table tennis on Fridays. We have 10 grandchildren scattered over the place, local, Adelaide and the Gold Coast, where we are heading next.

What did you enjoy during your visit?

We went to the Bright Autumn Festival and up to Bogong Village. We intend going to Beechworth and Yakandandah. Jim will be visiting the Men’s Shed in Mt Beauty.

Where do you live?

I live in Baarmutha, near Beechworth.

How long have you lived in the area?

I’ve lived in the area for the last 23 years.

I grew up in Euroa, originally then moved to Melbourne before moving here.

What do you do for a living?

I’m the new nurse practitioner at Alba Health in Myrtleford.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I live on seven acres, so gardening and tending the orchard. My main hobbies are fishing and

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camping and I’ve just got into golf.

What do you think makes the area unique?

You can’t beat the North East of Victoria.

You’ve got mountains, snow, bike riding, fishing, walking trails: everything you want to do if you’re an outdoors person.

What would you change about the area?

It’s hard to say, since I’ve only just started working here, but I wouldn’t change anything at the moment.

I think Myrtleford is really nice and I like the set up of the main street.

Clare Turner

BRIGHT

Where do you live?

I live in Bright.

How long have you lived in the area?

I’ve lived in Bright for 20 years now. I’m originally from the UK, but I immigrated to Melbourne before settling here.

What do you do for a living?

I’m a beauty therapist and the owner of the Bright Beauty Clinic. I want the clinic to feel like a safe, welcoming place for all people, where they can just walk in.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I love being outdoors; in my garden and walking my dog. I also love cooking, baking and going to the gym that’s important for me. I like travelling overseas, too. I have lots of other things

I’d like to do, but I don’t have time for them.

What do you think makes the area unique?

The seasonal aspect of Bright is beautiful, you can’t deny it, particularly at this time of year when the leaves are changing colour. The sense of community here is fantastic: I’ve really been welcomed into the town and I’ve enjoyed building relationships with people. It’s a great place for families.

What would you change about the area?

With the increase of tourism in the area, I think we really need to review the logistics of car parking in town. I hear it come up in conversation a lot, so it seems like a real concern for a lot of people.

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THE OBSERVER, Wednesday, May 7, 2025 - Page 9

alpineobserver.com.au

Events galore for Gala Day

By PHOEBE MORGAN BRIGHT put on another spectacular show last Saturday as the main street was transformed into a thoroughfare for more than a dozen fantastical floats to delight this year’s crowds at the Al Findlay Memorial Gala Day Parade.

The day began with the Bright Gala Day’s Rotary Market from 9am to 1pm, with stalls lining Ireland, Camp and Barnard streets - filled to capacity with amazing local handicrafts, produce, treats and homewares for the whole family to enjoy.

As stalls were cleared away, crowds of eager spectators gathered and lined up along the parade route in Ireland Street, before the procession of handmade floats, emergency services, marching bands, local groups and performers made their way into view for this year’s Bright Autumn Festival’s grade parade.

“We had perfect conditions last Saturday,” festival president, Brendan Holland said.

“I know the Bright Rotary Club was pleased with how things went at the market.

“This year’s floats looked really good: the kids ones were amazing and they did a great job.

“The day seemed to go very well and there were good crowds at Bright’s Got Talent afterwards.

“Some people may have stayed away due to it being Election Day, but as there were quite a few tourist busses in town to add to the local crowds, it certainly wasn’t poorly attended.”

A number of local clubs got in the spirit of this year’s parade theme, to bring the magic of films from the 1980s back to Bright.

“We’re back in the parade this year,” secretary of the Bright Croquet Club, John Hart said.

“Our float theme is Indiana Jones: The Temple of Doom.

“Someone said there would be Indiana Jones music being played during the parade, so we chose that character.

“The main thing I remember about Indiana Jones is the roller coaster ride; so this year, we’ve got outfits to make us look like we’re on a roller coaster.”

Following the parade, crowds made their way to the Sibley Soundshell in Howitt Park and enjoyed numerous displays of local talent at the Bright’s Got Talent show, from 3pm that afternoon.

Saturday’s festivities wound up at the Bright Brewery where, attendees at the Village Campfire gathered around fire pits to roast marshmallows to perfection, to beat the cold and reflect on an amazing day out in the community.

Winners for the Gala Day Parade.

• Best Float: Alpine View Children’s Centre.

• Most Outstanding Float Incorporating the theme: IDance.

• Best School/Youth: Bright P12.

• Best Community Group: Alpine Cycling Club.

• Best Emergency Services: Porepunkah CFA. • Best Commercial: Beechworth Bakery.

• Most Humorous was a tie between Porepunkah Primary School and the Harrietville Bush Kinder.

WHIPLASH: Members of Bright’s Croquet Club recreated the Indiana Jones roller-coaster adventure at Disneyland.

PHOTOS: Jean-Pierre Ronco

WAX ON... Bright P-12 College students brought the Zen to Bright.

BRIGHT’S BLUES: Students and teachers from Porepunkah’s Primary School brought the music back with their Blues Brothers themed float.

WAX OFF... Older students show off their stuff, perfectly poised like the Karate Kid.

LADIES OF THE 80S: Active acrobats from Bright inspired the crowd with their Flashdance float.

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Page 10 - THE OBSERVER, Wednesday, May 7, 2025

alpineobserver.com.au

Dragon boat passion pays off for club’s teenager Ari ARI Panozzo at age 13 is the only junior member at the Mt Beauty Dragon Boat Club.

His interest in the sport came about by association with his Oma, Cathy Young, who is the president of the club.

At the recent Australian Championship competitions in Penrith, NSW, Ari was a member of the Joeys, a composite crew made up of juniors from all over Australia who don’t have a team to race with.

On days one and two Ari won two bronze medals, and then won silver and gold representing Victoria on day three in the state by state competition.

Ari started paddling at age 10, training twice a week and working out at the Evolution Gym once a week, as well as paddling with the Beechworth club occasionally.

He has done display paddling with the Para Dragons, a team made up of those with a disability or who are neurodiverse.

Dragon boating has a World Series competition, so one day we might see Ari participating in the series.

It is a sport for all ages, with the oldest member at the Mt Beauty club being 75.

The Mt Beauty Dragon Boat Club is conducting a social paddle every Sunday in May that will be at the Mt Beauty Pondage starting at 8.40am , all welcome.

The season runs from September to May, so think about joining up for fitness and fun.

By FAY MASON, Kiewa Valley Correspondent Fay, who is also a regular host on Alpine Radio, can be contactedon

0410 738 266,

or email faymariemason@ gmail.com

ARTIST in residence at the Bogong Centre of Sounds Culture is Emma Ikin.

Her work encompasses animation, small sculpture, and large scale site special works.

Emma will be giving an artist talk and film screening of “Sunkland Junction” at the Mt Beauty library this Friday, 9 May at 4 pm.

The Frankston based artist is currently undertaking a two week residency at the Bogong Centre of Sounds Culture in Bogong Village, working on her project called The Alpine Landscape.

For more information on Emma’s work go to her website https:// www.emmaikin.com THIS morning on Alpine FM s Brunch Program Sue White will be speaking about her passion, all things dogs at 9.30am; while at 11.10am Alpine Shire mayor Sarah Nicholas returns to give the update on council matters.

Stay tuned for an upcoming interview with Middle East specialist Dr Norman Ricklefs, for an expert overview on the situation in the Middle East.

Alpine FM is your emergency broadcaster.

PADDLING TO SUCCESS: Mt Beauty Dragon Boat Club’s youngest member, Ari Panozzo, won four medals at the recent Dragon Boat Australian competition.

AN AFTERNOON WITH

ASH DARGAN

Council seeks feedback on draft revenue, rating plan THE Alpine Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Revenue and Rating Plan 2025.

The plan outlines the framework for generating the necessary revenue to support the implementation of the Council Plan and annual budget over the next four years.

Under the plan, rate revenue will account for 66 per cent of council’s total operating expenditure of $33.6 million in the draft 2025/26 budget, with the remainder coming from government grants (20 per cent), contributions (two per cent), fee income (5.2 per cent) and other revenue (six per cent).

The draft plan explains how council applies Capital Improved Value (CIV) to all properties, then uses a differential rating system to determine individual rates.

Changes in the draft include placing Dinner Plain in the commercial/industrial differential rate and the addition of the State Government’s Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund.

The plan also details the assumptions, policies, and decisions related to both rate and non-rate revenue, property valuation processes, and differential rating strategies.

Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, encouraged input from residents and stakeholders.

The plan can be viewed at https://engage. alpineshire.vic.gov.au/revenue-and-ratingplan-2025.

Printed copies can also be viewed at council’s customer service centre in Bright and at the shire’s libraries in Bright, Myrtleford and Mt Beauty.

Submissions close at 5pm on 27 May. The final plan will be considered for adoption at the June council meeting.

Car thefts, thefts from vehicles in Mt Beauty POLICE are appealing for public assistance following a series of stolen vehicles and thefts from vehicles in Mount Beauty between 25 and 26 April.

Any members of the public with CCTV, Dashcam footage or information are asked to contact the Wangaratta CIU (03) 5723 0800.

Police are also reminding the community to ensure your vehicles are locked and not to leave

valuables in vehicles, particularly in clear sight.

Ring found on Gavan Street

BRIGHT police are in possession of a ring found on Gavan Street.

If you believe the ring is your call the Bright Police Station’s property officer at (03) 5755 1444, using property ref 202504-E-2716.

You will need to bring proof of ownership.

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THE OBSERVER, Wednesday, May 7, 2025 - Page 11

alpineobserver.com.au

Kinder future is up in the air Alpine Children’s Services withdraws from EOI of Beechworth centre, next steps to be decided

By CORAL COOKSLEY BRIGHT-based Alpine Children’s Services (ACS) withdrew its intentions of running childcare and kindergarten services at the Mayday Hills premises in Beechworth in a surprise announcement just hours before Indigo Shire Council’s meeting last week.

ACS was recently awarded the lease by Indigo Shire Council as the sole provider to take over the Mayday Hills site, leaving existing occupiers Beechworth Community Early Years Learning Centre (BCEY-

LC) and Beechworth Kindergarten to vacate from Mayday Hills by January next year.

BCEYLC had rallied against council’s decision, showing frustration on a lack of community consultation and transparency in the EOI process.

A picnic gathering drawing more than 100 BCEYLC supporters went ahead before council’s meeting Tuesday night, with many of them attending the meeting and spilling from the gallery to the foyer.

At the council meeting Indigo Shire mayor Sophie Price read a statement received

from ACS from a social media post advising the community.

Cr Price said it was important to advise the community of the news prior to council’s meeting, where a petition was being tabled and forum questions had been expected.

“We are a community not-forprofit service that always seeks to operate in harmony with our families, children, and staff,” the ACS statement read.

“We place significant value on being an integral part of our community and working in partnership with families.

“We actively support our

staff and treat each one like the valued member of the team that they are.

“However, after much consideration, we feel we cannot do this in Beechworth at the current time.”

ACS provides community, not for profit early childhood education and care services throughout Alpine Shire.

In Bright it operates the Alpine View Children’s Centre with programs including an early childhood education and care program, Maternal and Child Health Service, Bright Toy Library and Bright Play-

group; in Myrtleford it operates Mountain View Children’s Centre, and Outside School Hours Care from St Mary’s Primary School; while in Mt Beauty is operates Lake View Children’s Centre.

Cr Price expressed both sadness and disappointment at the announcement ACS had withdrawn.

She said council has full confidence in the EOI process and outcome and stressed that any decision on what happens next cannot be assumed.

On Wednesday, Indigo Shire Council chief executive officer

Trevor Ierino said no immediate decision on what happens next has been made.

“Council will need to meet to determine the future of the Mayday Hills occupancy lease,” he said.

Mr Ierino said council will also need to consult with a range of stakeholders including the Department of Education.

He said staff have notified the existing Mayday Hills kindergarten and childcare tenants and will endeavour to meet with all parties as soon as possible.

Cattle expected to be in big demand as interstate buyers head to Myrtleford

Germantown car crash: two people taken to hospital

By JEFF ZEUSCHNER

TWO people were taken to hospital after their car crashed on private property at Germantown around 4.15pm on ANZAC Day. Myrtleford police said the vehicle’s front passenger tyre caught the left shoulder of the road beside a gully on the property.

“To avoid the vehicle rolling sideways, the driver in his 80s turned the car into the slope to go down the hill, facing forwards,” Leading Senior Constable Bernard Murphy said.

“The hill caused the vehicle to gain significant speed during the descent, before the car rebounded off a tree below, then rolled backwards and stopped up against a concrete gate and stay, with the wheels up off the ground.

“The response in this instance was very, very quick: there were two ambulances present and about five CFA and 10 SES members, who had already removed the vehicle doors by the time we got to the scene half-an-hour later.”

Bright SES unit controller Graham Gales said removing the driver and the female passenger in her 70s from the vehicle was a fairly straightforward extraction.

“We were able to remove the B-pillar, located between the front and rear doors, before removing the occupants of the car,” he said.

“We soon got them onto the stretchers and back to the awaiting ambulances.”

The occupants were both taken to Northeast Health Wangaratta for treatment.

QUALITY bred weaners from throughout the Ovens and Alpine valleys will go under the hammer in Myrtleford today.

More than 1300 head of predominantly locally bred cattle are being offered at the Myrtleford Autumn Special Cattle Sale from 1.30pm, with Nutrien Ivone Agencies’ agent Dan Ivone expecting plenty of interest in the yarding.

“It will be a quality yarding, made up of mostly spring drop calves from producers in the local valleys, as well as some stock from Corryong and Benambra,” he said.

“With all the rain they’ve had up north, we expect a strong showing from buyers in Queensland and northern NSW keen to buy for re-stocking.

“We will have interest from local buyers, but I think a majority of cattle will probably go north.”

Mr Ivone said the yarding was larger than expected, with autumn’s dry conditions seeing some producers keen to offer younger weaners and some heavier cattle rather than

carry them through to the spring.

“I’d expect some pretty strong prices too,” he said.

“We’ve been seeing markets getting a bit dearer.

“The prime market, for bullocks and cows, has been dearer because processors are forecasting being short of supply during the winter, based on cattle

going north for restocking after all their rain.

“I’d be expecting Angus steer calves at our sale to go for $4.20 to $4.60 per kilogram.”

Mr Ivone, who last week marked 30 years as a stock agent in the livestock industry, said one of the novelty attractions at today’s sale will be Nor-

man, the big red steer, who is a regular resident at the saleyards.

“People will be able to guess his weight with a prize for the winner,” he laughed.

Today’s sale kicks off at 1.30pm at Nutrien Ivone Yards on the corner of Matheson Road and Great Alpine Road at Myrtleford.

Thank you, Indi.

It’s an honour to be re-elected as your Independent Federal Member for Indi. I’ll keep working with you, and for you and make every minute count.

W helenhaines.org T 03 5721 7077 E helen.haines.mp@aph.gov.au Authorised by Helen Haines, 117 Murphy St Wangaratta VIC 3677

GUESS MY WEIGHT: He’s not for sale, but big red steer ‘Norman’ will get attention at today’s cattle sale in Myrtleford.

Agent Dan Ivone is encouraging people to guess Norman’s weight to win a prize.

By PHOEBE MORGAN

y a 2025 D s r e h t o ’ M

Page 12 - THE OBSERVER, Wednesday, May 7, 2025

alpineobserver.com.au

LUNCHEON OF LOVE: Restaurateur, Frank Martinez, made a rose out of a tomato from his mother Connie’s garden, to honour her in the lead up to Mother’s Day. Frank’s restaurant, Sole E Luna in Bright, will be opened for a special Mother’s Day luncheon this Sunday.

PHOTO: Jenny Zamperoni

Special Mother’s Day lunch at Sole E Luna

By PHOEBE MORGAN THE owner and chef of Bright’s ‘Sole E Luna’ restaurant, Frank Martinez, will host a special Mother’s Day lunch this Sunday to allow the local community to celebrate the amazing people in their life.

Ordinarily a dinner-service restaurant, on Mother’s Day, Sole E Luna will open for the lunch at 12pm, allowing guests to stay all throughout the afternoon and enjoy themselves.

“Over the last five years, we haven’t held

the Mother’s Day lunch, but this year we’re looking to reinstate it,” Mr Martinez said.

“I wish to give the guests a special Mother’s Day without them having to cook and clean up; they can just relax and enjoy a nice meal.

“It will be a special lunch for everyone: mothers and their grandchildren, children, friends and so on.

“It’s my way of giving back to all the mothers in the area, especially my Mum...I want to spoil her.

“She was a brilliant chef working in Bright for 20 years...I think that’s where I

is back!

Mother’s Day Lunch Sunday May 11th, 2025

get my passion for food from.

“She’s a really hard worker and she’s helped me heaps.”

Frank’s parents, now in their 70s, still run their 70 acre farm, tending to their cows, chickens and gardens.

Produce from their farm is delivered to Bright for use in the restaurant.

“My wonderful husband, Emilio works in the garden and I help, gathering veggies, packaging up the produce and eggs to be dropped in to Sole E Luna,” Frank’s mother, Connie said.

“I’m glad the lunch is being brought back

and held in the restaurant again.

“In recent years we’ve hosted a family lunch here at home, with all of our beautiful children and grandkids.

“We’ll have our own family gathering the following Sunday, in honour of Mother’s Day, which works out really well.”

Sole E Luna’s luncheon will consist of a special three-course menu, including an entrée tasting-plate and a variety of mains and desserts to choose from.

Set at $70 per person, call (03) 5750 1861 or 0424 335 405 to make a booking.

Special 3 Course Menu

 Entree Tasting Plate  8 Mains (to choose from)  & a Variety of Sweets (to choose from)

HURRY BOOK NOW!

Limited Spots Available!

106 Gavan Street, Bright

PASTA CUCINA

Call Frank now to make a booking Ph 5750 1861 or Mob 0424 335 405 Private functions & take-away now available

THE OBSERVER, Wednesday, May 7, 2025 - Page 13

alpineobserver.com.au

I TA

L I A N F E S T I VA L

- Sun 18 May 20 Fri 16 25

Let’s have fun the Italian Way!

Italian festival set to mark 17 years in Myrtleford this May BRINGING together the best of the North East’s vibrant Italian culture, authentic food and entertainment, Myrtleford will once again host one of the longestrunning and most anticipated regional Italian festivals, La Fiera, from Friday, 16 to Sunday, 18 May. Over the past 17 years, La Fiera has grown from a small community celebration to an unmissable weekend where both locals and visitors can immerse themselves in traditional Italian food, wine, culture and sport.

La Fiera will continue to welcome its patrons with the autumnal tradition of roasting chestnuts, which has long been a favourite for the kids, while adults will be sure to sample local Alpine Valley wineries, including Italian varietals such as Barbera, Teroldego, Sangiovese and Vermentino to name a few.

Kicking off the festival on Friday evening, comedian James Liotta will take the stage at the EMPAC Theatre for the first regional performance of his show ‘Mamma’s Still Not Happy’.

Tickets for the show include canapes on arrival crafted by Masterchef semi-finalist Elise Pulbrook and made with stunning local produce.

La Festa, scheduled for the Saturday, is a ticketed event which includes a full schedule of food from our ‘circoli’ (clubs), as they present authentic food from their regions, Trentino, Vicenza and

FAMILY FESTIVAL FUN: There will be entertainment for all across the weekend, including live music and performances, and food sampling such as locally made polenta (pictured) to make it a great day out with friends.

PHOTO: Louise Benini

Trieste, as well as wine and live entertainment.

Those with pre-booked tickets can access La Festa from 10.30am, while tickets on the day will be on sale from 11.30am.

“We’re thrilled to be back for our 17th year as La Fiera continues to grow, bringing new regional offerings and our biggest

entertainment program yet for La Festa,” event organiser, John Reynold-Smith said.

“Entertainment is at the heart of any festival, especially an Italian one and we aim to have something for everyone.

“On the main stage we will have Siesta Cartel, Solo Antico, Top Shelf Duo, roaming artists and more.

“In Jubilee Park we will have the Children’s Hub with a full program, proudly sponsored by the Bright and Myrtleford Community Bank.”

The festival concludes on Sunday with Il Mercato, an Italian-themed edition of the Myrtleford Farmers’ Market, showcasing local producers with

seasonal produce and artisan stalls, regional wines, food and Italian entertainment.

A cooking masterclass hosted by James Mele (The Meat Room) and Elise Pulbrook will also be on offer.

La Fiera also has so much more; starting Thursday, visitors can enjoy a range of events, including long lunches at wineries, Italian movie night, a spirited La Fiera Cup soccer match, the Old School Museum ‘Migration Exhibit’ and this year an inspiring Billy Doolan art exhibition.

“La Fiera wouldn’t be possible without the support of its sponsors; Bright and Myrtleford Community Bank, Bendigo Bank,” Mr Reynold-Smith said.

“Their commitment to the local community helps bring this muchloved festival to life each year.”

“La Fiera is dedicated to making the festival sustainable which remains one of our key focuses, encouraging recycling, composting and the use of compostable packaging by all stalls.

“After successfully introducing FOGO bins last year, we’re continuing to work with Myrtleford and District Landcare Group and the Myrtleford Community Garden to reduce our impact while delivering the best festival possible.”

For the full weekend program, additional details and ticket bookings to James Liotta’s show and to Saturday’s ‘La Festa’ event, visit the La Fiera website: https:// lafiera.com.au/.

LA FESTA - SATURDAY 17 MAY MAIN STAGE Mass & Procession for St Anthony of Padua 9.00 - 10.00am (not ticketed) James Liotta & Anthony Demasi - MC Veneto Choir 10.45 - 11.45am Billy Doolan – Welcome to Country 11.45 - 12.00pm Solo Antico 12.00 - 1.15pm Siesta Cartel 1.15 - 2.15pm & 3.30 - 4.30pm The Anthony Demasi Comedic Spot Movie 2.15 - 2.30pm Night The Top Shelf Duo 2.30 - 3.30pm Times correct at time of print

BENDIGO BANK CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINMENT ALL DAY ENTERTAINMENT Snazzy Snap’s Photo Booth Balloonatic Bruce Mountain View Activity Marquee North East Face Painting Luigi Zucchini – Magician 11.30am - 12.00pm & 12.45 - 1.15pm

MOVIE INFORMATION WHERE: EMPAC Theatre – Marian College, Prince Street, Myrtleford WHAT: Movie & antipasto prior to screening (Bike & Barrel wines available for purchase) from 6.30pm with movie commencing 7.30pm.

COST: $20.00 per person (includes antipasto), bookings recommended Ticket sales online via: www.lafiera.com.au (Saturday program) Un Mondo Aparte (A World Apart) Is an Italian comedy drama (includes subtitles).

Teacher Michele Cortese is transferred from Rome to a school in Abruzzo which is on the brink of closure due to lack of enrolments.

The movie is set in a small village in the Abruzzo National Park, and was a box office hit in Italy with two Nastri d’Argento award for Best Comedy & Best Actress in a comedy film

Let’s have fun the Italian Way! www.lafiera.com.au

Page 14 - THE OBSERVER, Wednesday, May 7, 2025

alpineobserver.com.au

St Mary’s Primary School shines MYRTLEFORD’S St Mary’s Primary School has been educating children in Myrtleford for over a century, providing Catholic education which focusses on the whole child.

St Mary’s students are wellrounded, excelling not only academically but also in a variety of extracurricular activities that showcase the diverse gifts and talents of its students.

It has achieved exceptional results in NAPLAN over consecutive years and recently received recognition as one of the highest performing schools in the region.

This success can be attributed to the dedicated educational staff and a school-wide commitment to structured, explicit teaching.

Principal Andrea O’Connor, said the school is incredibly proud of its students’ accomplishments, both in academics and their extracurricular endeavours.

“Our goal is every child at St Mary’s flourishes and at the completion of their educational

compassion and caring for the whole child,” she said.

“All children and families are welcome at St Mary’s and children don’t have to be Catholic to be welcomed to our school community.

“We prioritise the intellectual, spiritual, social, emotional and physical growth of each student, aiming to instill values and a sense of purpose to be our best selves and to support those around us.

“Parents considering St Mary’s for their children can expect an environment where every student is encouraged to thrive, both in and out of the classroom.

“With an array of opportunities to explore and excel, the school ALL SMILES: Foundation students Alira Simpson (left) and Ava LEARNING IN CLASS: Year two student continues to prepare its students for Cunneen are enjoying St Mary’s Primary School.

Harper Richter enjoys her classes. success both school and beyond.” journey, they have reached their their speed time from regionals. they have placed first in the small Enrolments for 2026 are now full potential and are ready to In addition to strength in sport, school division for the past several open. contribute to the wider community,” St Mary’s excels in a range of areas years.

Open Days for future Foundation she said. including the performing arts.

Ms O’Connor said fostering families will be held in May and Last week, the Year 4 mixed The school choir recently inclusivity and a sense of August, with a Parent Information freestyle relay team competed at performed at the ANZAC Day community is what makes St Mary’s Night in June. the state level of the School Sport Commemoration and will be special.

For more information or to book Victoria competition, placing sixth competing at the Albury Wodonga “St Mary’s is a Catholic school a visit at any time, phone the school overall and taking 14 seconds off Eisteddfod later this year, where and lives by the Gospel values of office on (03) 5752 1808.

ST. MARY’S

ENROLMENTS

All 2026 Foundation families are invited to join us for one of our Open Mornings and our Parent Information Night. During our tours, families will have an opportunity to visit classrooms, ask questions, and discover all that St. Mary's Primary School can offer your child and family. Our Parent Information Night will focus more on the how and why of our teaching model with time for more in-depth discussion.

• Open Day -Thursday, 22 May 9-11am • Open Day - Friday, 15 August 9-11am • Parent Info Night - Wed, 26 June 6pm • Transition Days for enrolled students will begin in late Term 3 (03) 5752 1808

www.smmyrtleford.catholic.edu.au

Every day is an Open Day at St. Mary's.

Please feel free to organise an individual visit at any time.

stmarysprimarymyrtleford

THE OBSERVER, Wednesday, May 7, 2025 - Page 15

alpineobserver.com.au

Marian College helps students learn and grow in a caring community

By CATH WATTER, Marian College principal

learning and personal development pathways to diverse student needs.

Our expectations of students are MARIAN College held a dedicated whole CATHOLIC Education Week high, but we are not a one size fits school service last Thursday, 1 May to heralds a time of the year when all school. commemorate ANZAC Day, led by the senior many families with students in Year As well as offering a wide school leaders with special guests Lieutenant 6 begin to finalise their plans for range of VCE subjects, we also Byron Brun-Smits, Myrtleford RSL immediate secondary education. offer vocational pathways, VET past president Bryan Meehan, St Mary’s At Marian College we aim to make courses, work placements, schoolPrimary School choir and St Mary’s principal the choice as easy as possible. based apprenticeships and work Andrea O’Connor.

We welcome parents and children experience together with an The message of ANZAC Day lives on at for a personalised tour of our extensive co-curricular program.

Marian and in our identity as Australians; beautiful campus at a time that With experienced, knowledgeable reminding us of the sacrifices of many that works best for them. and sympathetic guidance students have enabled us to live in a peaceful nation, For us it is an opportunity to are helped to identify and gain with faith and hope for the future. share with them our long and confidence in their emerging Students reflected upon the pain and evolving story of spirit-filled service abilities and exciting possibilities for suffering of all who have been hurt in mind, to the Ovens Valley district, and the future.

HONOURING THEIR SACRIFICE: Helping officiate at the body and spirit through war, and prayed for to show them our outstanding You’ll meet former Marian ANZAC Day service last week were (from left) Edith Cafe, peace, leadership, unity, optimism, love and Lieutenant Byron Brun-Smits, Jack Byrne, Lily Burton, and learning and well-being facilities. students in all walks of life, all of Bryan Meehan (Myrtleford RSL). PHOTO: Michael Guinane compassion in today’s world.

We’re confident that families will them enriched by their time here. be assured that Marian College So please contact us at info@ friendly, respectful atmosphere at in our region – the glorious setting, unique as our own part of the world. mcm.vic.edu.au, call on 5752 1596 is the right place for their child’s the college where students can learn the cultural diversity, the sense An innovative school with an secondary education. or, if passing by, leave a message at and grow in a close-knit and caring of connection – are celebrated at outstanding tradition of academic Indeed, every day is Open Day at our front office to organise a guided community.

Marian College. achievement, Marian College is Marian. tour of a school you’ll be proud to be All that people love about living We’re a school as genuinely also a leader in tailoring individual We invite families to sample the a part of.

REMEMBERING THEIR SERVICE

‘Every Day is Open Day’ 2026 Enrolments Now Open

C

ag ent Eng d i f n o

ed Learners | Personalis

ed Pathwa

ys | Building

Community | Lea

rn

or ing f

Life

Contact our team to book a personalised tour and collect an enrolment pack 9 Prince Street, Myrtleford | www.mcm.vic.edu.au | info@mcm.vic.edu.au | (03) 5752 1596

Page 16 - THE OBSERVER, Wednesday, May 7, 2025

alpineobserver.com.au

into Offer your feedback on Alpine Delving a world of talk Shire’s draft four-year plan crime: at the library

ALPINE Shire Council has released its draft Community Vision and Council Plan 2025-29, including the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan (MPHWP) 2025-29, for a final round of public comment.

Council said months of collaboration, conversations and careful planning had gone into getting the draft documents together, setting out shared goals for the next four years to reflect the priorities, challenges and hopes

communities had shared.

Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, said the draft plan is built on what council has heard back through community engagement, including surveys, pop-ups, youth engagement, community panels and workshops.

“Since July 2024, we’ve been out in the community – listening, learning, and talking with people from all corners of our shire,” she said.

Cr Nicholas said the engagement process helped

ensure the plan is grounded in community needs and realistically resourced.

“We’re so grateful to everyone who took the time to share their ideas, feedback, and lived experiences – especially our community panel members, who gave up their time to dig into the big issues with us,” she said.

“Now it’s over to the wider community to take a look at the draft plan and let us know if we’ve got it right.”

The draft plan is on public exhibition for 28 days, with

submissions closing at 5pm on Tuesday, 27 May. Council will be popping up at local events and markets across the shire throughout the month of May to chat with residents and gather more feedback: • Harrietville community pop-up on Saturday, 10 May, 9.30am – 11.30am at Harrietville Community Hall; • Bright Make It, Bake It, Grow It Market on Saturday, 17 May, 9am – 12.30pm at Howitt Park, Bright; • Dederang pop-up on

20 years to create a supportive environment for local students and teachers; and we meet Wangaratta brother and sister team Paul and Monique Szeligiewicz who are the creative force behind destination dining venue, Ava in Milawa.

Those with an interest in sustainable living will enjoy taking a tour of the Mckeeman family’s low-impact home in Wooragee, which they were able to build to a budget without compromising on comfort or quality (and which features on our cover) and see how renowned artist Ralph Bristow adapted his talents to landscape design, creating a garden for all seasons in Barwite which is proving to be an inspiration to others.

HOMELY VISIT: In the latest edition of North East Living, Paula Harrington and her family talk about how they help showcase Whorouly in the latest edition of North East Living. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Sunday, 18 May, 9.30am – 11.30am at The General Store, Dederang; • Myrtleford Farmer’s Market on Saturday, 24 May, 8.30am – 12.30pm at Myrtleford Piazza.

To read the draft plan and provide your feedback online, visit: https://engage.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/council-plan-2025-29 Printed copies can be found at council’s customer service centre in Bright, and libraries at Bright, Mount Beauty and Myrtleford.

Paula sharing a love of home THE 20th edition of North East Living magazine has just been released, offering an interesting mix of stories celebrating the people, places and communities who make this region such a great place to live.

Whorouly’s Paula Harrington is among those featured, telling her story about how she shares her love of the rural lifestyle with visitors by offering holiday accommodation.

Together with her husband Greg, they have added yet another chapter to the Harrington’s generational use of the rich farmland, going from tobacco to cattle and now an AirB&B. Staying in the Ovens Valley, Mt Buffalo Chalet’s new lease of life is also a talking point, with the man overseeing the reopening of the iconic chalet back to public speaking about the plans and progrress.

Over the range and in the King Valley, the team at Darling Estate Wines in Whitfield are excited about this year’s vintage, which got off to an early start and was wrapped up by the end of March.

Sophie and Grace Darling say the quality of the fruit is stunning with great flavour development across all their varieties.

The sisters are moving the business forward, following in the footsteps of their father John and grandfather Guy

Darling, who planted the King Valley’s first vines in 1970.

While Grace looks after the vineyard, Sophie is now chief winemaker, and the family were thrilled to open their new cellar door in Whitfield in December last year.

Also featured in this edition is Beechworth’s Jodie Goldsworthy, who was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Australia Day Honours list this year for significant service to primary industry; we hear about an amazing volunteer effort which is driving the Mansfield Heritage Museum project; we also talk to members of the North East Regional Pre School Association, and learn about their work over the last

INSET: OUT NOW: The 20th edition of North East Living is available now from local outlets.

We also find out how girls who are passionate about AFLW in the region are being supported to continue to play the game they love.

The 20th edition of North East Living is available now

for $7.95 from local outlets including Myrtleford NewsXpress in Clyde Street, Bright Newsagency in Ireland Street and Tawonga South Newsagency on the Kiewa Valley Highway.

By SIMONE KERWIN CRIME fiction continues to capture the attention of local readers, and this month they have the chance to hear from two exponents of the craft at the Myrtleford Library.

Amanda Hampson and Shelley Burr will be at the library on Wednesday, 14 May at 10.30am.

Hosted by Edgars Books and News, the High Country Library Corporation and Hyphen, the author talks will give readers an insight into the writing process for a crime novel, whether thriller/suspense like Shelley’s new release ‘Vanish’, or ‘cosy crime’ such as the third in Amanda’s Tea Ladies series, ‘The Deadly Dispute’.

Both authors relish the sense of community that exists among crime writers, and are looking forward to chatting to each other and to readers who come along for the sessions.

Shelley has followed up to her novel ‘Ripper’, with another gripping, atmospheric thriller in ‘Vanish’, which was released on 30 April.

Like her first two books, it features private investigator Lane Holland, now a disgraced ex-con who is desperate for redemption.

When he stumbles on a chilling lead in the decades-old disappearance of Matilda Carver, he infiltrates the enigmatic Karpathy farm, a supposed sanctuary for lost souls where people go to start anew, then vanish without a trace.

The story is inspired by real events which took place in the US more than 100 years ago.

Amanda will discuss the third of what she has planned to be five novels featuring Hazel, Betty and Irene.

‘The Deadly Dispute’ is set in 1967 Melbourne, as the tea ladies find themselves entangled in a dangerous web of crime when $1 million in gold coins vanishes, a body washes ashore, and one of their own goes missing.

While the Crime Time session at Myrtleford Library is free, bookings are requested.

To book, drop into the library or book via the Edgars Events page online: https://edgarsbooksandnews.com.au/events/ All books in each author’s series will be available to purchase at the events, and can be signed by the authors.

Patients make use of Big Red Kidney Bus parked in Porepunkah THE Big Red Kidney Bus has set up in Porepunkah for its fourth visit, having previously brought its life-changing free mobile dialysis service to the region in 2021, 2022, and 2024.

Porepunkah was one of the most popular locations the bus visited in 2024, and it’s back again to provide patients with life-saving dialysis treatment and high-quality care while surrounded by the breathtaking autumn foliage that Porepunkah and Victoria’s

High Country have to offer.

There are three chairs on the bus, with six sessions available a day at this location; making for 144 total sessions over the duration of its stay in Porepunkah.

Monash Health dialysis nurses on board the bus provide the same high-quality care patients are used to receiving in their regular dialysis facilities.

Bookings for the bus in Porepunkah are at about 80 per

cent capacity - with 37 individuals booked in, including 18 new patients and 19 return patients.

The Indi electorate has the 16th highest percentage of community diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in Australia.

Some 1895 Indi residents have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and more than 17,200 people likely to have the condition undiagnosed.

“We hope that having the

bright red bus in Porepunkah will bring much needed awareness to local residents about kidney health,” Kidney Health Australia CEO, Chris Forbes said.

The bus will be parked at Mount Buffalo Caravan Park until Saturday, 24 May. All locals are invited to come down and see the way the service works and learn more about kidney disease.

PARKED IN POREPUNKAH: Locals and residents are invited to For more information, visit: book in for a kidney health check while the Big Red Kidney Bus https://kidney.org.au/. is at the Mount Buffalo Caravan Park. PHOTO: Phoebe Morgan

THE OBSERVER, Wednesday, May 7, 2025 - Page 17

alpineobserver.com.au

2 - 8 MAY | 2025

Comfort, convenience in quiet court TUCKED away in a tranquil court in Wangaratta, this inviting home offers the perfect blend of comfort, practicality and lifestyle appeal.

Ideal for families or anyone seeking a peaceful retreat, this property delivers an outstanding opportunity to enjoy both indoor and outdoor living.

Entering off the practical front verandah, the home features a spacious kitchen/meals/living zone, which feeds out to a large undercover pergola area in the secure rear yard. The kitchen includes timber cabinetry, gas cooktop, double

oven and dishwasher, with ample storage and a breakfast bar for added functionality.

An additional large separate lounge offers a versatile space for family living or relaxation, with abundant natural light throughout.

The home includes three well-proportioned bedrooms, each with built-in robe, and all serviced by a centrally located family bathroom with separate toilet.

Gas heating and evaporative cooling ensure year-round climate control, providing a comfortable envi-

ronment in every season.

The double carport offers easy allweather off-street parking, with gates facilitating convenient access to the rear yard.

This functional and tidy home is ideal for families or those looking for a peaceful retreat to call home.

Local amenities, schools, and walking paths are all within easy reach, making this home a clever lifestyle choice.

Contact the team to Garry Nash & Co Real Estate to arrange your inspection today.

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Interest rates are subject to change. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and normal lending criteria apply. Information is general. Target Market Determinations and General Conditions are available at humebank.com.au. **The comparison rate is true only for the example given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees and other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Hume Bank Limited ABN 85 051 868 556 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 244248.

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Page 18 - THE OBSERVER, Wednesday, May 7, 2025

alpineobserver.com.au

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“RIVERVIEW ESTATE”, 5B MCMAHONS LANE, SMOKO (11.5 HA) THE BEST OF BRIGHT ONLY BETTER Own a piece of Victorian High Country between the bustling tourist mecca of Bright and the popular alpine village of Harrietville. Pristine Ovens River frontage for all your camping, swimming and fishing needs.

Plus breathtaking views to Mount Feathertop with Great Valley Trail at your front door. Immaculately presented sandstock brick residence with a blended timber exterior ideally positioned to merge into the surrounding countryside with picture perfect views. Luxurious master suite with ensuite, WIR and BIR’s plus three additional generous bedrooms and well appointed main bathroom.

Modern kitchen with twin AEG ovens, SMEG induction cooktop, dishwasher, Caesarstone benchtops and Butler’s pantry. Massive open plan living with combustion wood heater and decked undercover alfresco area. Plus separate studio, workshop/machinery shed and open bay shedding.

Fully fenced into four main paddocks with the potential to graze a small number of livestock. Plus established Truffiere with mature English Oak trees and opportunity to generate additional income.

Only 10 mins to Bright, 10 mins to Harrietville, 40 kms to Mount Hotham and 55 kms to Dinner Plain.

INSPECTIONS Strictly By Appointment Only FOR SALE Price On Application JOHN HONEYCHURCH 0419 790 924 MICHAEL WELLER 0410 663 041

"Experience and Reputation"

THE OBSERVER, Wednesday, May 7, 2025 - Page 19

alpineobserver.com.au

Wangaratta 1/29 Cribbes Road

Glenrowan 46 Hill Street,

Wangaratta 11 Dalwhinnie Drive

Moyhu 11 Bartley Street,

316sqm

3619sqm

400sqm

1101sqm

Great First Home or Investment

Large Shedding and Land in Glenrowan

Low maintenance living close to CBD

For Sale $290,000 View by appointment, Wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/ L33640756 Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Country living

For Sale $265,000 View by appointment, Wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L 19190378 Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

For Sale $629,000 View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L29435298 Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

For Sale $435,000 View by appointment, Wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/ L19462514 Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Paul Reid M 0417 537 520

Paul Reid M 0417 537 520

Hugh Amery M 0487 777 311

Paul Reid M 0417 537 520

Harcourts Wangaratta

Harcourts Wangaratta

Harcourts Wangaratta

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Whitfield 6177 Mansfield-Whitfield Road 557 sqm

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Wangaratta 17 Thurles Avenue

Wangaratta 2 Bowerbird Way

Wanagaratta 14 Chisholm Street

532m2

297m2

1170m2

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Comfortable, Convenient Living on a Low-Maintenance Block

Custom & Quality Home with Low Maintenance Yard

Modern Living Meets Convenience in Wangaratta

“Kingsview” CBD Location & River Views

For Sale $530,000 View by appointment, Wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/ L19430627 Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

For Sale $625,000 - $650,000 View by appointment, Wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.a u/L32883817 Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

For Sale $749,000 View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L31018532 Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Forthcoming Auction View by appointment, Wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/ L26690453 Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Hugh Amery M 0487 777 311

Danial Siperki M 0400 027 473

Hugh Amery M 0487 777 311

Danial Siperki M 0400 027 473

Harcourts Wangaratta

Harcourts Wangaratta

Harcourts Wangaratta

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For Sale $1,060,000 View by appointment, Wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/ L19742379 Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

For Sale $1,150,000 View by appointment, Wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/ L19190940 Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

For Sale $1,100,000 - $1,200,000 View by appointment, Wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.a u/L 19193820 Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

For Sale $1,295,000 View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L31907245 Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Danial Siperki M 0400 027 473

Danial Siperki M 0400 027 473

Danial Siperki M 0400 027 473

Harcourts Wangaratta

Harcourts Wangaratta

Harcourts Wangaratta

Paul Reid M 0417 537 520

Harcourts Wangaratta

Oxley 15 Gibb Street

Wangaratta 11-13 Mason Street

2 2 2.5Ac 3 Style and Tranquility with Development Opportunity

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∙ 11-13 Mason Street, Wangaratta offers a unique opportunity for residential development. ∙ Approximately 2.46 hectares/ 6 acres providing ample space for development projects ∙ Currently home to ‘Moore Than Swimming,’ a well-

∙ Terrific Lifestyle/Development opportunity located in the heart of Oxley Township ∙ 5 Lot sub-division plan in place (awaiting DA) with existing home to remain on 2015m2 allotment ∙ Master bedroom showcases WIR, ensuite with walk in shower and floor to ceiling tiles ∙ Ducted refrigerated heating and cooling plus cosy combustion heater ∙ Externally the home boasts limitless entertaining,

regarded swimming education centre - Operational for the past 25+ years

∙ Offers diverse possibilities for investors, developers,

or those seeking a substantial landholding in Wangaratta. ∙ Located near Town N Country Tavern, Childcare Centre, Bus Stop. Chemist Warehouse and a Medical Centre also within close proximity.

with a stylish above ground concrete pool, paved outdoor area and bricked wood fire pizza oven

∙ 26 panel solar system in place and one battery for overnight storage ∙ Shedding is 7.5m X 10.5m with concrete floor, along with light and power connected

AUCTION - 09/05/2025 1 pm Onsite

For Sale $1,550,000 - $1,700,000 View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/ L19190732

(unless sold prior) View by appointment, Wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L19192190 Please contact Nutrien Harcourts Real Estate to arrange your inspection today on (03) 5722 9444.

Hugh Amery M 0487 777 311

Hugh Amery M 0487 777 311

Wangaratta Selling & Leasing, Residential, Rural & Commercial

Joe McKenzie

Paul Reid

SALES

Anthony D'Agostino Hugh Amery

Andrea Bowman Danial Siperki

Lori SamCurr Lyster

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Marni McKenzie

4444Ryley Wangaratta Ryley Street, Street, Wangaratta 03 5722 9444 admin.wang@nh.com.au 03 5722 944 admin.wang@nh.com.au www.wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au www.wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au

Page 20 - THE OBSERVER, Wednesday, May 7, 2025 MYRTLEFORD

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AUSTRALIAN SPIRIT

GUEST speaker, Lieutenant Byron Brun-Smits, told the hundreds attending Myrtleford’s ANZAC Day main service how honoured local soldier, A.D. Lowerson, earned his Victoria Cross medal, and spoke of the enduring spirit of the ANZACs. Full story page 2 PHOTO: Phoebe Morgan

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Wednesday, April 30, 2025

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3% rate rise to help fund $8.4m capital works program for Alpine Shire in 2025/26 ALPINE Shire Council’s draft 2025/26 budget is proposing a three percent overall rate increase with a total operating expenditure of $36.6m and a total capital works expenditure of $8.4m.

The draft budget, which was to be discussed at last night’s council meeting and go out for public release today, projects total income of $35.3m, which is a big drop from 2024/25 income of $49.5m, largely due to a

BY JEFF ZEUSCHNER

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reduction in government grant funding.

Council forecasts an operating deficit of $1.3m, attributed to a range of factors including an increase in materials and service charges reflecting inflationary impact on costs, such as insurance premiums, and

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the delivery of key projects, such as council’s strategic planning program.

The three per cent rate increase is the maximum allowed under the State Government’s Fair Go Rates System, and while council initially looked at applying for an increase above the rate cap, it decided not to proceed.

Council’s rates and charges are budgeted at $23.4m, and its operating expenditure provides for an

overall decrease in materials and services expenditure from $17.2m in 2024/25 to $15.4m in 2025/26, reflecting the continued focus on streamlining operations and improving efficiency.

The draft budget includes a reduction of employee numbers from 141 full time equivalent (FTE) staff to 137 FTE, which is largely linked to the finalisation of temporary roles which were funded through grant funding which

change if potential grant funding opportunities arose.

Highlights of the proposed capital works program include: • $2.4m for roads, including stabilisation and patching, line marking, asphalt overlays, and a road upgrade program; • $1.6m for waste, including kerbside and public bins renewal, and landfill capping; ■ Continued page 12

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THE OBSERVER, Wednesday, May 7, 2025 - Page 21

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SPORT

Cooler weather, hotter golfing action MYRTLEFORD GOLF CLUB

SATURDAY, 3 May Drummond Golf Albury Monthly Medal Stroke & Super 6 AMCR 71 A Grade Winner: Stephen Piddington (11) 82/71. A Grade Runner Up: David Rowe (11) 83/72.

B Grade and Medal Winner: Barrie Bynon (25) 94/69. B Grade Runner Up: Warren Rowney (22) 104/82.

Super 6 Winner: Karl O’Shaughnessy (8) 20 nett. Super 6 Runner Up: Barrie Bynon (25) 21 nett c/b.

Ball Winners: C Piazza 74, G Black 75, B Carroll 75, J Cunneen 75 c/b.

Foodworks NTPs - 1st: David Matthews, 4th 2nd Shot: David Rowe, 8th: Stephen Piddington, 14th: Barrie Bynon, 16th: Andrew Loftus.

Raffle Winner: Robert Wheeler.

Matthews Cleaning Award: Robert Wheeler (23) 114/91.

Thursday, 1 May Coles Stableford AMCR 73 A Grade Winner: Carolyn Prowse (28) 36pts. A Grade Runner: Sandra Piazza (16) 35pts.

Ball Winners: Marnie Broz, Helen Mummery.

Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Sandra Piazza, 2nd/4th: Carolyn Prowse, 14th: Denise O’Donohue.

Wednesday, 30 April Bastoni Pizzeria Stableford AMCR 71 A Grade Winner: David Clark (13) 38 pts. A Grade Runner Up: Karl O’Shaughnessy (9) 36 pts.

Ball Winners: J Ramsdale 35, A Rockliff 35, P Vasey 35, D Matthews 33 c/b.

Foodworks NTPs - 1st: George Browne, 4th 2nd Shot: David Matthews, 8th: Colin Walker, 14th: Craig Shewell, 16th: Alan Rockliff.

Tuesday, 29 April Club Championships Round 3 Bastoni Pizzeria Stroke AMCR 73 Club Championships Scratch Winner, A Grade: Victoria Sims 251. Scratch Winner, B Grade: Linda Loftus 293.

Scratch Rundown: A O’Shaughnessy

CHAMPIONS: The ladies’ championship at Myrtleford concluded recently, with (from left) B grade winner Linda Loftus, champion Vicky Sims, and handicap winner Angela O’Shaughnessy finishing ahead of their peers.

WINNER: Leesa Bevan won the stroke round at Mount Beauty on Saturday.

262, S Piazza 273, K Newton 275.

Nett Winner: Angela O’Shaughnessy 220.

A Grade Winner: Helen Mummery (31) 101/70. A Grade Runner: Angela O’Shaughnessy (14) 88/74.

Ball Winners: Sandra Bynon 76, Judy Bynon 76, Marnie Broz 77.

Foodworks NTPs - 8th: V Sims, 14th: Marg Curtis.

Putts: Angela O’Shaughnessy 25 putts.

9 Hole Winner: Jennifer Leita (51) 17c/b. 9 Hole Runner Up: Pat McPherson (44) 17pts.

lomew with Tony Campen with their 18 points each.

Monthly Medal, combined with the first round of the Kiewa Cup, was played on Saturday, 3 May. The Monthly Medal was won by Keith Archibald with a net 73 on a countback from Victor Selway.

Bruce Plant and Ben Rison had net 74s, while Peter Hertzog and Ron Gallagher also got handed balls for their net 75 each.

NTP on the seventh, along with the Tatts Ticket from the Tawonga South Newsagency & Post Office, was Tristan MOUNT BEAUTY GOLF CLUB Skitt.

ON Wednesday, 30 April, the ladies The ninth was Sam Perry, the 17th of the Mount Beauty Golf Club played was Allan Retallick, while Stephen an 18-hole comp which was won by Short took the money on the 18th.

Carol Bartholomew with 34 points from The six players in the ball comp are Helen Whittaker with 29 points. also in the leads for the Kiewa Cup, NTP second shot on the seventh was with the second round to be played on Liz Harvey.

Saturday, 10 May. The ladies played a net Stroke round on Saturday, 3 May, which was won BRIGHT COUNTRY GOLF CLUB

by Leesa Bevan with net 73 from Anne Archibald with net 74.

GOLFER Gary Player once said, “A The Monday, 28 April league 18 holes good golfer has the determination to was won by Luke Porritt with 36 points win, and the patience to wait for the (68 off the stick) from Michael Barthobreaks.” lomew, Andy Cook and Victor Selway Monday 28th of April, mixed gender with their 35 points each.

Veteran’s Stableford competition.

The men played the back nine on With a few of the regular Veteran Wednesday, 30 April which was won golfers playing at Wangaratta, the field

by Andy Cook with 21 points, with an was reduced to 18 golfers. eagle on the 14th, from Michael BarthoWinners: Mick Dunne, 15 H/C 36 pts,

MEDALLIST: Keith Archibald claimed the Monthly Medal at Mount Beauty.

Phil Jessen 10 H/C 34 pts.

Ball winners: Graham Badrock 33 pts C/B, Fran Bentley 33 pts, Greg Dawson 32 pts, Andrew Quenby 31 pts C/B. NTPs: 3rd: Don Grimes, 6th: Phil Jessen, 11th: Graham Badock, 16th: Andy Armstrong.

On Wednesday, 30 April, the Bright ladies teed off in the fifth round of the Maggio Cup. Played in the Stableford form, the results were – winner: Fran Bentley 32 pts. Ball winners: Carol Burgess 31 pts, Robyn McGrath 28 pts C/B. NTPs - 3rd: Carol Burgess, 11th: Fran Bentley, 16th: Tina Cook.

Thursday, 1 May, men’s Stableford competition.

A field of 33 teed off full of hope and enthusiasm, and only one player managed to play under their handicap Winner was Neil Gill (even he was surprised) with 22 H/C 39 points, in second place was John Forbes with 22 H/C 36 pts, and third place went to Brendan Cudmore, 14 H/C 34 pts C/B. Ball winners: Colin Richardson 34 pts C/B, Mark Stephenson 34 pts, Phil Jessen 33 pts, and lucky last Michael O’Sullivan 32 pts C/B. NTPs - 3rd and 6th: Hamish McPhee, 11th: Mick Dunne, 16th: Michael O’Sullivan.

The winner of the chicken (front nine) was Ian ‘Macca’ McIntyre with 16 points, and the winner of the prestigious NAGA went to Rob Davey with 22 points.

In a strange twist of fate, Paul Duff who finished with 20 points, needed to rush off suddenly as there was something wrong with his car battery.

Friday, 2 May, ladies’ 9-hole Par competition.

Played on the back nine holes, this form of competition certainly provides a different perspective and the results were as follows.

Winners: Sarah Williamson 33 H/C +1 C/B, Roschelle Harrison 32 H/C +.

Ball winners: Jack Hurley 0, Noreen Treyvaud -1.

NTPs - 11th: Karen Sherry, 16th: Nic Morgan.

Saturday, 3 May, all gender stroke, and for the men, Monthly Medal.

Playing off the blue markers for the men, out of the 47 golfers who played, there was only one golfer who managed to play under their handicap, and this was the one and only Paul Duff.

It does go to show three days is a long time in a person’s golfing career – just the Thursday prior, Paul came in last, but something must have happened as playing in the last group on Saturday he fell over the finishing line to win by one shot from Mick Dunne.

Overall results: Paul Duff (medal winner) 19 H/C nett 71, Mick Dunne 17 H/C nett 72, Jonas Bush 31 H/C nett 73 C/B, Kevin Reed 26 H/C nett 73, Heath Thompson 12 H/C nett 74.

Ball winners: Joshua Carr nett 75 C/B, Ian Browne nett 75 C/C, Rod Brown nett 75 C/B, Don Grimes nett 75, Mo O’Shea nett 75 C/B, Nifty Nev Blewitt nett 75 C/B. NTPs - 3rd: Ian Browne, 6th: Tony Chalwell, 11th: Kevin Reed, 16th: Hamish McPhee.

The Bright Golf Guru’s interesting golf fact of the week: the first golf balls were made from feathers wrapped in leather.

These balls flew much further than the balls that came after.

They were used until the mid-1800s when they began being made out of wood.

Mixed results for Panthers against Rangers ROUND two of the NEBA season saw UNDER 15 local club Porepunkah Panthers head The Panthers’ under 15 team took to Targoora Park in Wangaratta to on Wangaratta Black and got off to a take on the Rangers across the grades. good start with the bat.

They scored three runs on the back of single base hits by Paige Anders UNDER 12 and Rory Thomson and a walk to In just their second game for the Eamon Thomson, with Wes Booth season, the junior Panthers team proved too strong for the Wangaratta ‘taking one for the team’ as well.

Wangaratta responded with five Rangers in a fun fast match. runs on the back of two hits to take Porepunkah started the first innings strongly with Rylan Harris and the lead.

The Panthers captured the lead Murphy Tripp both hitting safely back 6-5 with Leo Harrison finding to get on base, and both scoring his way on to base, Ayla McCallum thanks to safe hits from the combination of Zoe Casswell and Hannah receiving a walk, Paige Anders finding a single and Rory Clarke hitting a big Casswell. triple.

The Panthers then showed great The Panthers were held scorefielding, allowing Wangaratta only less at the top of the third with only one run with Rylan Harris taking a Tasmyn Clunie getting on base with a nice catch at shortstop and Murphy Tripp throwing the runner out at first. hit by pitched ball.

Once in the field next, the Panthers The second innings was a big one for the Panthers - Yuna Meddings, Zac could only get two of the necessary three outs before time ran out and Gould, Byron Smith, Ryland McCorthe scores reverted back to even inmack, Casy Pronk and Zac Podunings when the game was 6-6. binski all hit safely and rounded the The team had a great day out bases to score. showing improvement across the Panther Murphy Tripp started with board. a nice two-base hit for Porepunkah, Next Sunday is the first home game followed by Jimmi Jagger Forster who of the season when the Panthers host hit safely for his second safe hit of the the North Albury Bears. game to bring him across the plate.

Panther Hunter Harris was solid behind the plate, taking the catching C GRADE duties for the day.

In another close game, the Panthers Final score: Porepunkah 10 def C grade just ran out of time against Wangaratta 8.

Wangaratta as they hit the lead only to

have the game reverted back.

In the first innings, Panther Jarrod McCormack hit safely to reach first base, stole his way around and was brought home by Jason Browns safe hit to centre field.

Wangaratta responded with two runs - pitcher Sam Bourne started on the mound and struck out one batter, gave up zero hits and walked seven batters.

With the Panthers down 2-1, they flipped the game on its head and drove in six runs, with safe hits going to Randy Skippen, Jason Brown and Geordie McEwan.

Matthew Shennan, in his comeback game, stole all bases to bring himself home in a highlight of the day.

Wangaratta then scored seven runs, with the innings saved by pitcher Wade Pronk who struck out two batters.

The third innings had the Panthers score three runs, with Jason Brown having the perfect day with the bat going three hits from three at bats.

The Panthers had Wangaratta one out and were heading for a win, but time ran out and the game reverted back to give Wangaratta the win 9-7.

B GRADE There was strong hitting by the Panthers, but they fell short 10-12 to Wangaratta on Sunday.

The first innings had coach Randy Skippen receive a walk to get on base, this was followed by Jamie

Jellof singling to centre field, before James Hughes hit beautifully to score the two runners.

The Panthers only allowed Wangaratta to score one run, with pitcher Luca Barthelmes forcing the batters to hit into the ground allowing the infielders to get the outs.

The second innings had Panthers Lachie Rosser hit one out of the park for a solo home run, followed by some smart batting from Mason Anders who got himself on first.

Paige Anders then hit a great two base bomb to bring in Mason Anders in for a run then managed to steal her way to third and then home.

Leading 5-1 in the top of the third, Scott McCallum sent the next pitch over the rightfield fence for a solo home run, scoring the only run of the dig.

Wangaratta then chipped away scoring eight runs in the next innings to take the lead 9-7.

In the Panthers’ last innings, they fought hard and scored three runs to take the lead 10-9, but Wangaratta were able to score three runs to take the win.

A GRADE The A grade Panthers had another tough match, falling 12-4 to the Wangaratta Rangers, with a couple of great catches by the opposition deciding the match.

The first innings had Panther Dean Anders hitting safely to centrefield,

followed by Luca Barthelmes who also hit safely.

Damon Barker then bought one run in with a nicely timed outfield hit.

Starting on the mound for the Panthers, Heath Anders did a great job giving the infield two or three chances to get the outs, unfortunately they could not capitalise on the chances.

Panther Lachie Rosser provided the pop in the middle of Panthers’ batting lineup, and led with two runs batted in.

Not to be outdone, Adam Rosser went two for three at the plate to lead the Panthers in hits.

Another highlight was Liam ‘Wild Thing’ Quinton making his pitching debut for the Panthers – the fastest arm at the club, he troubled the opposition batters with his pace striking out three.

Paul Meddings was brilliant in the outfield for the Panthers, tracking down and taking three impressive catches for the match.

The Panthers are looking forward to their first home match of the year – all are welcome to head down to the diamond at the Porepunkah Recreation Reserve for a look and to support the local club this coming Sunday, 11 May. Games start at 9am (juniors) followed by C grade, B grade, and the A grade, which starts at 2pm with a 4.30pm finish.

Page 22 - THE OBSERVER, Wednesday, May 7, 2025

alpineobserver.com.au

MATCH RESULTS

ROUND

�

JAKE VINCENT

JAX OATES

UNDER �� SCOREBOARD Centrals College

1.1 2.4

1.2 3.2 5.6 10.9

UNDER �� SCOREBOARD

4.4 (28) 13.14 (92)

Centrals College

GOALS: CENTRALS: C. Curr 2, C. Hazell 1, H. Burke 1. COLLEGE: T. Fieldew 2, H. Dean 2, F. Burgan 1, S. Reid 1, H. Lyster 1, H. McKenzie 1, H. Bowman 1, K. Tonkin 1, A. Peebles 1, N. Allan 1, L. Pensak 1. BEST: CENTRALS: A. Fraser, C. Ormond, R. McNamara, B. Mawson, N. Paul, E. Cryer. COLLEGE: A. Peebles, H. Lyster, H. Bowman, D. Ciccone, K. Tonkin, H. Dean.

Tigers Myrtleford

1.5 5.10 7.12 1.1 3.2 5.4

7.2 0.0

9.4 0.0

11.8 (74) 0.0 (0)

Tigers Myrtleford

0.0 2.3

1.1 2.1 5.4 10.7

3.1 (19) 14.8 (92)

Benalla Red Kangaroos

3.3 0.6

4.4 4.8

0.1 2.2

2.3 3.2

8.8 5.8

11.11 (77) 7.9 (51)

3.6 4.3

5.3 0.0

7.3 0.0

9.7 2.1

9.9 (63) 3.3 (21)

GOALS: BENALLA RED: J. Davies 3, E. Sheehan 2, A. Roscoe 1, L. Horne 1, M. Reynolds 1, H. Pickering 1. KANGAROOS: J. Ring 1, L. Vincent 1, T. Gigliotti 1. BEST: BENALLA RED: J. Davies, X. Beriman, E. Sheehan, M. Reynolds, H. Kupke, E. Fielding. KANGAROOS: Z. Ivory, O. Chilcott, L. Milvain, A. Ryan, L. Vincent, Z. Freeman.

6.11 (47) 6.5 (41)

Bright Junior Magpies

GOALS: TIGERS: S. Gibb 1, P. Edwards 1, J. Robinson 1, L. Benton 1, H. Sharp 1. BEST: TIGERS: M. Flanigan, P. Dummett, H. Togolo-Hill, H. Sharp, L. Benton, S. Elkington.

2.6 4.12 11.17 17.19 (121) 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 (1)

GOALS: BRIGHT: K. Andersen 2, L. Humphry 2, N. Herschell 2, E. Sams 1, N. Kinthari 1, J. Buckland 1, X. White 1, J. Murphy 1, J. Kelly 1, L. McConnachie 1, T. Gray 1, H. Waymouth 1, B. Wood 1. BEST: BRIGHT: B. Wood, T. Gray, L. McConnachie, J. Peace, S. Porter, L. Humphry.

JUNIOR MAGPIES: S. Bell, A. Fulton, W. Stamp, R. Gambold.

Benalla U14s Red: PENDING Kangaroos: PENDING

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2.1 0.0

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7.3 (45) 1.5 (11)

BEST: BENALLA BLACK: J. Jackson, J. Quarrell, O. Schirmer, T. Fitzgerald, L. Richardson, B. King. BEST: Imperials: N. Johnson, H. Gumley, M. Ashmead, L. Riordan, M. Allisey, B. Sealey.

9.3 15.9 19.13 (127) 2.0 3.2 4.6 (30)

Now available in print and online at nemedia.com.au

WEEK

5.1 1.2

GOALS: TIGERS: C. Togolo-Hill 3. MYRTLEFORD: B. Cartwright 3, C. Vescio 3, N. Michelini 2, C. Corcoran 2, B. McLean 1, C. Teakel 1, O. Pethybridge 1, P. Millar 1. BEST: TIGERS: H. Scully, A. Tekesic, O. Nicoll, C. Togolo-Hill, H. Wyatt, T. Conroy. MYRTLEFORD: C. Corcoran, C. Maxey, J. Maxey, N. Michelini, O. Pethybridge, C. Vescio.

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$24 PER

4.1 0.2

GOALS: BENALLA BLACK: O. Parker 7, O. Wardill 3, R. white 3, J. Montgomery 2, L. Webster 1, N. Norman 1, J. Williams 1, H. Ross 1.

IMPERIALS: G. Marek 2, B. Thorpe 1, J. Ambrose 1. BEST: BENALLA BLACK: R. white, J. Montgomery, N. Norman, O. Wardill, O. Parker, J. Streader. IMPERIALS: G. Marek, S. Newton, T. Sealey, L. Wilson, A. Hayward, L. Welch.

Mansfield Blue Tigers

2.0 4.0 5.0 (30) 7.5 11.11 15.15 (105)

GOALS: BENALLA: K. Thwaites 3, L. Randell 1, H. Carter 1. IMPERIALS: M. Marek 5, L. Campbell 1, O. McGahan 1, T. Stefaniak 1, M. Gay 1, C. Flynn 1, B. Benton 1. BEST: BENALLA: B. Blackford, N. Nicholas, O. Beaton, K. Thwaites, H. Carter, L. Ham. IMPERIALS: A. Schultz, P. Stamp, B. Benton, L. Campbell, C. Flynn, B. McMonigle.

FROM JUST

Benalla Black Imperials

GOALS: BRIGHT: D. Finlaw 3, O. Kelly 2, H. Bruneau 2, N. Cunico 1, B. McConnachie 1, N. Iles 1, K. Watkins 1. JUNIOR MAGPIES: S. Patterson 4, L. Sloan 2, L. Cannata 1. BEST: BRIGHT: C. Nightingale, C. Wood, H. Bruneau, D. Finlaw, N. Iles, W. Bailey. JUNIOR MAGPIES: D. Lawrey, R. Sessions, S. Patterson, L. Cannata, C. Wright, B. McLeod.

GOALS: BRIGHT: T. Brierty 4, E. Lodge 4, O. Dalbosco 3, G. Banks 3, B. Brady 3, C. Garratt 2, H. Johnston 2, H. West 1, a. murrells 1, J. Thomson 1, A. Toy 1. BEST: BRIGHT: H. West, E. Lodge, C. Garratt, F. Stephens, H. Johnston, J. Caloutas. JUNIOR MAGPIES: H. Allan, J. McNeill, P. Alker-Jones, C. Allan, J. Holmes, S. McIntosh.

1.0 3.2

4.2 1.0

0.0 0.1

GOALS: CENTRALS: J. Oats 4, A. Thayer 3. COLLEGE: J. DAY 1. BEST: CENTRALS: O. Forster, L. Palmer, J. Vincent, S. Payne, C. Muraca, J. Oats. COLLEGE: F. Mckenzie, E. Millis, S. Guley, R. Monk, L. Johnson, A. Jenkins.

0.0 0.1 1.2 3.2 (20) 5.3 11.6 17.11 19.16 (130)

Benalla Black Imperials

0.3 1.3 2.6 2.6 (18) 4.3 12.5 15.7 19.12 (126)

7.3 13.7 17.8 25.11 (161) 0.0 1.1 4.2 4.2 (26)

Benalla Imperials

Centrals College

GOALS: MANSFIELD YELLOW: C. Bretherton 3. MYRTLEFORD: A. Knobel 5, S. Lupo 5, X. Millar 4, C. Herbert 3, D. Hilton 1, C. Schell 1.

BEST: MANSFIELD YELLOW: C. Martin, C. Bretherton, J. Hoskin, M. Watson, L. McCoombe, Z. Borg. MYRTLEFORD: S. Lupo, A. Knobel, B. Parolin, O. Hunkin, J. Jennings, X. Millar.

GOALS: MANSFIELD: W. Benton 1, S. Kynnersley 1. KANGAROOS: H. Jacka 4, K. Jackson 3, A. Symons 3, B. Hiskins 2, J. Scheier 2, E. Mullins 1, D. Johnston 1, O. Reynolds 1, G. Everard 1. BEST: MANSFIELD: N. Langlands, J. Turner, C. Purday, G. Robinson, N. Hoskin, K. Middleton. KANGAROOS: O. Edwards, B. O’Keefe, J. Scheier, A. Symons, K. Jackson, O. Reynolds.

Bright Junior

0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 (0) 4.3 10.12 18.12 19.16 (130)

Mansfield Yellow Myrtleford

GOALS: TIGERS: M. Benton 3, R. Webb 2, J. Knight 2, . 2, M. Correll 2, N. O’Keefe 1, A. Turner 1. MYRTLEFORD: B. Robb 2, H. Durling 2, T. McPherson 1, S. Muraca 1. BEST: TIGERS: S. Morey, A. Turner, M. Correll, E. Damon, L. Alexander. MYRTLEFORD: B. McMasters, N. Robb, B. Robb, T. McPherson, A. Morgan, S. Muraca.

Mansfield Kangaroos

UNDER �� SCOREBOARD

GOALS: COLLEGE: T. Hill 8, C. Bowman 3, L. Pensak 2, J. Guley 2, J. Tonkin 1, L. O’Brien 1, R. Monk 1, H. Ledger 1. BEST: CENTRALS: N. Jones, H. Muraca, C. Blair, H. Rhodes, K. Steele, P. Godfrey. COLLEGE: T. Hill, H. Ledger, L. Fraser, R. Monk, B. Jessup, B. Younger.

13.13 (91) 6.5 (41)

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THE OBSERVER, Wednesday, May 7, 2025 - Page 23

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WINNERS AND LOSERS

ROUND

4

OVENS AND MURRAY SENIORS LADDER #

TEAM

P

W

L

D PTS

5 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

4 4 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 0

1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 4

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 WANGARATTA ROVERS 2 WANGARATTA 3 NORTH ALBURY 4 LAVINGTON 5 MYRTLEFORD 6 YARRAWONGA 7 ALBURY 8 COROWA RUTHERGLEN 9 WODONGA 10 WODONGA RAIDERS

16 16 12 8 8 8 8 4 4 0

SCOREBOARD %

175.27 122.33 123.95 136.54 112.31 104.78 60.09 105.41 79.44 42.89

THIRDS RESULTS

NETBALL SCORES

Wodonga Raiders 6.4 (40) drew with Wangaratta Rovers 5.10 (40)

A GRADE

Wangaratta 49 def Wodonga 45 Wodonga Raiders 62 def Wangaratta Rovers 31 Albury 25 def by Corowa Rutherglen 60 Yarrawonga 60 def Myrtleford 50 Lavington 37 def by North Albury 43

GOALS: WODONGA RAIDERS: H. Gray 3, R. Finnimore 1, N. Andrews 1, B. Saunders 1. WANGARATTA ROVERS: C. Johnson 2, C. Breheny 2, H. Mullane 1. BEST: Wodonga Raiders: H. Gray, R. Frazer, B. Wilson, J. Tinkler, H. White, Z. Harris. WANGARATTA ROVERS: C. Breheny, A. Direen, C. Lugg, J. Marek, C. Johnson.

Wangaratta 7.10 (52) def Wodonga 4.4 (28)

B GRADE: Wangaratta 52 def Wodonga 44; Yarrawonga 66 def Myrtleford 19;

GOALS: WANGARATTA: H. Barry 2, A. Jayet 1, L. Sims 1, E. Clayton 1, C. Bott 1, K. Hadley 1. WODONGA: C. Johnson 2, C. Brookes 1, J. Hodgkin 1, B. Flower 1. BEST: WANGARATTA: A. Jayet, W. Petersen, C. Bott, O. Boyle, H. Barry, H. Laverty. WODONGA: J. Hymus, J. Dove, M. Prenter, M. Hack, K. Venturoni, E. Kennedy.

Wodonga Raiders 45 def Wangaratta Rovers 40; Albury 23 def by Corowa Rutherglen 53; Lavington 24 def by Nth Albury 47.

C GRADE: Wangaratta 45 def Wodonga 33; Yarrawonga 35 def by Myrtleford 43;

Lavington 12.12 (84) def North Albury 2.2 (14)

Wodonga Raiders 42 def Wangaratta Rovers 37; Albury 24 def by Corowa Rutherglen 56; Lavington 47 def Nth Albury 36.

GOALS: LAVINGTON: I. Robertson 4, C. Hall 2, N. Edmunds 2, C. Way 1, Z. Klemke 1, R. Robinson 1, A. Toohey 1. NORTH ALBURY: T. Frazer 1, H. Westmoreland 1. BEST: LAVINGTON: C. Hall, D. Meani, T. Goonan, I. Robertson, M. Plunkett, C. Webb. NORTH ALBURY: O. Ackerly, Z. Graham, K. Murray, C. O’Rourke, N. Pigdon, W. Harrington.

17 & U: Wangaratta 49 def Wodonga 43; Yarrawonga 32 def by Myrtleford 48;

Wodonga Raiders 54 def Wangaratta Rovers 47; Albury 38 def Corowa Rutherglen 35; Lavington 63 def Nth Albury 49.

Yarrawonga 6.5 (41) def Myrtleford 3.5 (23) GOALS: YARRAWONGA: S. Lawrence 3, C. McCarty 2, L. Eales 1.

MYRTLEFORD: N. Nannipieri 1, S. Colson 1, J. Novak 1. BEST: YARRAWONGA: S. Bigger, A. Jaques, t. baxter, C. McCarty, S. Lawrence, J. Ibbott. MYRTLEFORD: C. Howden, O. Benson, T. Cooper, H. Duggan, Z. Carroll, J. Notarianni.

15 & U: Wangaratta 29 def Wodonga 39; Yarrawonga 14 def by Myrtleford 31;

Wodonga Raiders 76 def Wangaratta Rovers 24; Albury 39 def Corowa Rutherglen 46; Lavington 48 def Nth Albury 37

Albury vs Corowa Rutherglen: PENDING

YARRAWONGA MYRTLEFORD

3.3 4.4 6.1 8.3

8.8 10.14.74 9.5 9.10.64

GOALS: YARRAWONGA: L. Williams 4, N. Fothergill 3, D. Howe 2, M. Casey 1. MYRTLEFORD: B. Ricardi 4, K. Agosta 2, J. East 1, B. Calogero 1, J. Muraca 1.

BEST: YARRAWONGA: J. Payne, D. Howe, N. Fothergill, W. Wheeler, J. Urquhart, N. Irvine.

MYRTLEFORD: R. Smith, J. East, S. Curtis, B. Ricardi, J. Muraca, H. McKerral.

LAVINGTON NORTH ALBURY

3.1 5.2 1.1 3.4

9.3 10.5.65 7.6 10.10.70

WODONGA RAIDERS 2.0 3.3 WANGARATTA ROVERS 4.3 7.6

5.5 5.11.41 13.8 18.9.117

GOALS: LAVINGTON: S. Driscoll 3, C. Sanson 3, E. Perryman 1, J. Driscoll 1, W. Glanvill 1, A. Cook 1. NORTH ALBURY: H. Weaven 3, T. Broomhead 1, L. Taylor 1, K. Flack 1, J. McKenzie 1, J. Reynolds 1, A. Crelley 1, J. Hayes 1.

BEST: LAVINGTON: E. Perryman, S. Driscoll, A. Bennett, N. Newton, J. Driscoll, C. Douglas.

NORTH ALBURY: J. Hayes, J. Reynolds, L. Taylor, K. Flack, I. Campbell, J. Mooney.

GOALS: WODONGA RAIDERS: C. Rich 2, B. Hernan 1, N. Clarke 1, B. Jones 1. WANGARATTA ROVERS: A. McCarthy 4, E. Dayman 3, L. O’Brien 3, W. Christie 2, S. Comensoli 2, S. Booth 1, N. Cooper 1, H. McMonigle 1, C. Thompson 1.

BEST: WODONGA RAIDERS: B. O’Neill, B. St John, C. Rich, I. Kotzur, A. Pocock, W. Fordham.

WANGARATTA ROVERS: W. Christie, N. Scholte, L. O’Brien, A. McCarthy, E. Dayman, C. Ledger.

WANGARATTA WODONGA

3.1 7.2 3.2 7.4

11.6 13.11.89 9.6 10.8.68

GOALS: WANGARATTA: J. Clarke 3, X. Laverty 2, P. Heatley 2, J. Craven 2, W. O’keefe 1, H. Gottschling 1, H. Hewitt 1, B. Melville 1. WODONGA: N. Spiteri 2, B. Parkin 2, A. Jorgensen 2, T. O’Sullivan 1, R. Bourke 1, O. Greenhill 1, K. Mimmo 1.

BEST: WANGARATTA: C. Knowles, B. Melville, J. Clarke, M. Bordignon, H. Gottschling, J. Craven. WODONGA: J. Yelland, A. Jorgensen, C. Morrison, O. Greenhill, M. Soroczynski, Z. Nugent.

ALBURY COROWA-R’GLEN

3.3 6.8 7.2 8.3

7.11 13.12.90 12.8 13.10.88

GOALS: ALBURY: J. Pitt 3, M. Walker 2, R. Garthwaite 2, H. Cameron 2, K. Heiner-Hennessy 1, E. Ziebarth 1, L. Conlan 1, T. Miller 1. COROWA RUTHERGLEN: K. Bradtke 4, D. Hope 3, B. Morton 2, L. Mccarthy 1, F. Osborne 1, E. Amery 1, D. Clancy 1.

BEST: ALBURY: B. Kelly, J. Pitt, M. Walker, E. Ziebarth, J. Gaynor, J. Kelly. COROWA RUTHERGLEN: C. Schutt, D. Melksham, D. Hope, K. Bradtke, N. Richards, J. Butson.

RESERVES RESULTS Lavington: .......... 17.10 (112) North Albury...........11.4 (70) BEST: LAVINGTON: J. Hockley, P. Flood, H. Barber, A. Butler, D. Finnimore, B. Nicholson.

NORTH ALBURY: J. Spurr, C. Fisher, O. Ackerly, M. Norman, K. Duncan, T. Field.

Wangaratta......... 15.17 (107) Wodonga ................. 3.2 (20) BEST: WANGARATTA: J. Tweedale, T. Gorman, H. Burgan, C. Ross, J. Roberts, N. O’Kane. WODONGA: F. Kosmina, T. Marx, J. Stone, R. Thompson, A. Lord, G. McKimmie.

Wodonga Raiders ..... 7.7 (49) Wangaratta Rovers ... 7.2 (44) BEST: WODONGA RAIDERS: J. Casey, B. Jerram, F. Jensen, C. Smith, C. St John, B. Knights.

WANGARATTA ROVERS: H. McCarthy, M. Booth, H. Lloyd, T. Vincent, S. Rourke, S. Allan.

Yarrawonga ............. 3.2 (20) Myrtleford .......... 21.27 (153) BEST: YARRAWONGA: B. Symes, M. Grinter, D. Mullins, J. Eales, R. Mulquiney, B. Keenes.

MYRTLEFORD: J. Gribbin, D. Bren, A. McPherson, A. Wickes, N. Turner, L. Young.

Albury: PENDING Corowa Rutherglen: PENDING

ROUND 5 SATURDAY, MAY 10 WODONGA vs YARRAWONGA NORTH ALBURY vs RAIDERS ALBURY vs LAVINGTON MYRTLEFORD vs COROWA RUTHERGLEN

WINNERS AND LOSERS

ROUND

6

OVENS AND KING SENIORS LADDER TEAM 1 MILAWA 2 BRIGHT 3 GRETA 4 GOORAMBAT 5 NORTH WANGARATTA 6 WHOROULY

P 6 5 5 5 5 5

W 5 4 4 4 3 3

L 1 1 1 1 2 2

D 0 0 0 0 0 0

B 0 1 1 1 1 1

7 BONNIE DOON 8 KING VALLEY 9 TARRAWINGEE 10 MOYHU 11 BENALLA ALL BLACKS

5 6 6 5 5

3 2 1 0 0

2 4 5 5 5

0 0 0 0 0

1 0 0 1 1

SCOREBOARD

PTS % 20 168.26 16 214.40 16 188.85 16 145.92 12 160.59 12 119.55 12 8 4 0 0

107.67 70.10 51.10 63.48 21.48

*Ladder correct at time of print from Ovens and King website.

NETBALL SCORES A GRADE: Tarrawingee 40 drew with Goorambat 40 Whorouly 57 def Benalla All Blacks 31 Milawa 69 def Bright 41 Greta 47 def King Valley 31

ROUND 7 SAT, MAY 10 WHOROULY vs GRETA

B GRADE: Tarrawingee 43 def Goorambat 30 Whorouly 75 def Benalla All Blacks 12 Milawa 54 def Bright 41; Greta 61 def King Valley 26

GOORAMBAT vs MILAWA

B RESERVE: Tarrawingee 44 def Goorambat 21 Whorouly 47 def Benalla All Blacks 39 Milawa 34 def by Bright 56; Greta 53 def King Valley 18

BRIGHT vs NTH WANGARATTA

C GRADE: Tarrawingee 33 def Goorambat 28 Whorouly 30 def Benalla All Blacks 24; Greta 38 drew with King Valley 38 15&UNDER: Tarrawingee 54 def Goorambat 8 Whorouly 25 def by Benalla All Blacks 35 Greta 40 def King Valley 29 No other scores available at time of print

6.4 8.7.55 9.13 16.16.112

TARRAWINGEE GOORAMBAT

3.1 5.1 2.6 4.9

MOYHU NTH WANGARATTA

3.1 5.4 6.5 8.7.55 3.1 5.6 14.10 20.14.134

WHOROULY BENALLA

4.5 8.12 16.17 24.18.162 0.0 0.2 0.5 3.6.24

Greta ......................10.13 (73) King Valley ................. 4.2 (26) BEST: GRETA: B. Hogan, A. Cleeland, T. Whitecross, M. Naish, C. Sherratt, A. Fitzpatrick.

KING VALLEY: O. Gleeson, D. Eldridge, J. Firth, O. Day, B. Sessions, J. Jones.

- 14.15.99 - 7.10.52

Milawa ....................... 5.6 (36) Bright ...................... 13.9 (72) BEST: MILAWA: J. Jones, J. Conroy, D. Fountain, D. Larkings, J. Borschmann, J. Goddard.

BRIGHT: H. Jamieson, D. Martin, D. Mccormick, R. Jamieson, B. Brain, L. Robinson.

GOALS: TARRAWINGEE: N. Gorman 3, C. Penney 1, S. Thompson 1, A. Cook 1, X. Norden 1, J. Hoggan 1. Goorambat: D. Haebich 6, R. Goodley 3, M. Ryan 2, B. Wapling 1, J. Costigan 1, S. Briggs 1, B. Stepien 1, B. Purcell 1. BEST: TARRAWINGEE: A. Amery, S. Piper, N. Redley, S. Thompson, X. Norden, T. Barnes. GOORAMBAT: V. Butler, M. Ryan, B. Reaburn, S. Gladstone, C. McCoy, R. Wilson.

GOALS: MOYHU: B. Zimmermann 4, D. McDonald 2, J. Hansted 1, N. Stewart 1. NORTH WANGARATTA: C. Smith 9, T. Nanson 4, J. Devine 2, D. Bradley 2, T. Schulze 1, J. Nanson 1, T. O’Brien 1. BEST: MOYHU: B. Zimmermann, J. Hansted, J. Preston, L. Suffield, H. Bell, C. Gibson. NORTH WANGARATTA: T. Schulze, J. Nanson, T. Nanson, T. O’Brien, R. Adamo, D. Bradley.

GOALS: WHOROULY: M. Newton 13, J. Pethybridge 2, J. Smith 2, G. White 2, R. Eden 2, B. Harrington 1, M. Scott 1, C. Wood 1. BENALLA ALL BLACKS: B. Marlborough 1, J. Walker 1, D. Bell 1. BEST: WHOROULY: M. Newton, J. Smith, R. Eden, M. Scott, M. Vescio, D. Hoy-Maroney.

BENALLA ALL Blacks: A. Hillaire, D. Button, J. Walker, F. Weeks, D. Bell, D. Nero.

GRETA KING VALLEY

-

-

GOALS: GRETA: C. Crawford 5, J. McClounan 4, B. Newbold 2, L. Kennett 1, J. Bell 1, T. Arrowsmith 1. King Valley: J. O’Connor 2, S. Jansen 2, B. Wheeler 1, D. Cavalcante 1, J. Finger 1. BEST: GRETA: J. McClounan, J. Bell, C. Crawford, C. Green, T. Fursdon, L. Hadden.

KING VALLEY: D. Young, S. Jansen, C. Leslie, D. Cavalcante, S. Bettio, C. Swinburne.

BENALLA vs MOYHU BONNIE DOON vs TARRAWINGEE KING VALLEY - BYE

RESERVES RESULTS

MILAWA BRIGHT

3.3 6.4 0 0

0 0

0 0

GOALS: MILAWA: B. Bartlett 8, B. Kearns 3, A. Law 2, b. jones 1, H. Allan 1, K. Collisson 1, D. Farley 1. BRIGHT: C. Thomason 4, J. Love 2, C. Banks 2, P. Crocombe 1, L. Quirk 1, R. Bacon 1.

BEST: MILAWA: J. Lea, B. Bartlett, B. Kearns, A. Law, R. Petts, C. Dunn. BRIGHT: C. Banks, S. Dalbosco, A. Dalbosco, C. Thomason, J. Love, W. Wales.

Moyhu ....................... 6.7 (43) North Wangaratta ..... 13.4 (82) BEST: MOYHU: N. Gamble, K. Pensak, L. Dowling, M. O’Sullivan, N. McAsey, L. Watson. NORTH WANGARATTA: L. Clark, A. Knights, Z. Heard, C. Matheson, B. SchulzDahlenburg, C. Dagoli.

Tarrawingee ............... 2.8 (20) Goorambat ............... 9.6 (60) BEST: TARRAWINGEE: R. Benton, M. Smith, W. Phillips, J. Canning, H. Ormond, D. Cleal.

GOORAMBAT: J. Hill, C. Briggs, V. Kirk, J. Sloan, N. Holmes, M. Priest.

Whorouly ..............26.14 (170) Benalla All Blacks ......... 0.4 (4) BEST: WHOROULY: D. Gephart, J. Penn, K. Fitzpatrick, L. Barbour, B. Duffy, J. Burns. BENALLA ALL BLACKS: S. Nicholson, A. Amos, T. Nicholson, B. Marlborough, B. Lepenik, J. Smith.

Alpine

Page 24 - THE OBSERVER, Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Professional Consultants

&

Guide

Accountants BELMORES CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS (formerly CRM Business Advisers) Certified Practising Accountants Myrtleford, 1-7 Albert Street Phone: 5752 2288 Bright, 3 Ireland Street Phone: 5755 1327

alpineobserver.com.au

SPORT

Winter lawn bowling returns

THE XXXX Winter Bowls Competition rolls into town on Saturday, 10 May with Myrtleford hosting Bright and Yackandandah hosting Chiltern.

All four clubs are excited about providing opportunities for many newer players of lawn bowls to get a taste of two bowl triples, in a fun but competitive format not bound by Ovens and Murray pennant bowls, but with far more flexibility as agreed to by all clubs.

Some of those flexible guidelines include swapping players from being a lead bowler to trying their hand as skippers halfway through a game, and players representing the other clubs when the available numbers

don’t match on any given Saturday.

Wearing a club uniform is preferred but not essential for new players to the game who wish to try out lawn bowls.

Free coaching is available to all at the clubs.

The XXXX Winter Bowls Competition is not played for premiership points but to give all players a go - if they’re not towing the caravan north for the winter.

Foremost in mind for the organisers is also to provide some cash flow among smaller clubs in winter, when many of the overheads of running a club remain a burden on the books.

Obviously, the camaraderie

and the chance to continue playing throughout the year is an important mental and physical benefit for many in the community.

Anyone interested in having a go with the clubs should pop into the participating clubs – Myrtleford, Bright, Yackandandah and Chiltern – as the XXXX Winter Bowls Competition is a great replacement for barefoot bowls, which largely runs from November to March.

From Myrtleford Bowls Club’s experience, many new members are created this way and often the talent is amazing.

The competition runs from May through to September, with play taking place on Saturdays.

Savoy ready for FA Cup final, fresh off 4-1 triumph over ‘Spurs

www.belmores.com.au

PAYNTER & ASSOCIATES Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors 25 Clyde Street Myrtleford Phone: 5751 1995 Email admin@paynterassoc.com.au www.paynterandassociates.com.au

Hearing Services JO ROSS-JACKSON HEARING CENTRES 29 Clyde Street Myrtleford Plus Standish Street Surgery & Bright Allied Health For appointments call 5752 2817

Hearing Services OVENS VALLEY INSURANCE BROKERS Myrtleford, 47 Clyde Street Phone: 5752 1151 Bright, 104 Gavan St Phone: 5715 9705 Email: info@ovib.com.au

Solicitors TONER & ASSOCIATES BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS 86 Standish Street, Myrtleford.

Phone: 03 5752 1493

■ From back page

After converting from the spot, Hotspurs thought they were back in the game, but a Richardson strike made the scoreline 3-1 heading into half-time.

After the break, Myrtleford’s midfield group lifted in a major way, and Richardson was able to pick up his third with a brilliant piece of solo work.

Vescio said the defensive pressure from his side was incredible.

“We defended really well FANCY FOOTWORK: Matt Richardson keeps two Hotspurs played off the ball in Savoy’s 4-1 thumping of the former top two side.

PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie and didn’t allow them to be penetrating, but still allowed them to be on the ball,” he said.

“When we got the ball, we were nice and direct, we identified a few areas we could get them at.

“We defended quite well, they had more corners than us which is a bit of a weird feeling because we’ve always outnumbered teams with corners this year, so it was good for our team to defend those corners.

“Nathan Gleeson stood up, he came and collected a lot of balls from corners which a good goalkeeper should do.”

The side’s next league match is another table topper clash with Cobram Roar, but the squad is solely focused on the Cup final.

Myrtleford Savoy take on Albury City for the FA Cup on CHANCE: Josh Zito crosses the ball in.

ONE-ON-ONE: Tom Morrison takes on Albury’s Saturday, 10 May from 7pm at Ryan Kemp.

LaTrobe Ground in Wodonga.

Positive signs for Savoy women

Rear Unit 4, 4 Ireland Street Bright,

By NATHAN DE VRIES

Phone: 03 5750 1819

WHILE they were unable to secure the points in their match with the top side Albury Hotspurs, Savoy’s senior women’s team have managed a feat no other team in the competition accomplished.

For the first time this year, Hotspurs have conceded a goal, and Myrtleford was the side to do it.

While Savoy went into the long break 0-4 down, a superior performance in the second half saw

Email: info@tonerandassociates.com.au

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WINTER FUN: The XXXX Winter Bowls Competition is well supported among the four participating clubs from May through to September.

Myrtleford defend hard and even strike back through Lily Notarianni.

Best on ground went to goalie Jess Stringer, whose efforts with the gloves repelled countless attempts on goal.

Co-coach Tom Scott said while it wasn’t a win in the books, it shows just how good this side can be.

“Hotspurs was always going to be a challenge as they’re the league leaders and reigning

champions - that said, we knew the game would be tough through the middle of the ground,” he said.

“At half-time we spoke openly about needing to apply a high standard of pressure.

“The second half was a fantastic display of how much our team has developed.

“We were able to win duals across the ground and our defenders played with confidence, and were able to score from a

classy finish from Lily after some link-up play.

“This made us the only team to score against Hotspurs and the only team to ‘win’ a half against them.

“Will [co-coach Will RobinsonDunn] and I know it’s this type of small step forward which shows us we’re going in the right direction as we’re able to compete with the best.”

Savoy head to Cobram this weekend to take on the Roar.

alpineobserver.com.au

ROUND

6

MATCH REVIEWS

THE OBSERVER, Wednesday, May 7, 2025 - Page 25

Bright caught out by Milawa

By NATHAN DE VRIES

IMPROVING: Coach Ash Grimes said Bright’s slow start allowed Milawa to gain the upper hand.

AGGRESSSIVE PLAY: Shane Gribbin feeds the ball in for the Bright shooters.

SPOILED: Luke Quirk flies from the side of the contest.

Lions demolish Benalla All Blacks

By NATHAN DE VRIES

WHOROULY saluted in both football and netball competitions over the weekend against Benalla All Blacks, with a total of six out of seven teams tasting success.

On the football field, it was an absolute bloodbath on the scoreboard in both grades The reserves notched up their first win of the season against the struggling Panthers outfit, coming in 26.14 (170) to 0.4 (4).

The match was essentially over by half-time, with the Lions leading by more than 10 goals at the long break.

Whorouly were able to utilise the corridor to great effect, turning turnovers in their defensive 50 into fast-moving counterattacks.

A total of 12 players kicked a goal for the mighty maroon, led by Dylan Gephart, who booted four majors in a best on ground performance.

In the seniors, the Lions were able to return to the winners list with an emphatic 24.18 (162) to 3.6 (24) win.

The Panthers were kept goalless until the final term, and while some undisciplined play allowed Benalla to ease the scoreboard woes somewhat, it was a complete and utter domination by Whorouly.

The Lions were able to consistently win the ball out of the middle of the ground, and set up excep-

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

BRIGHT were unable to repeat the heroics of their last-start win after a comprehensive 28-goal loss in Milawa on Saturday in A grade netball.

The home side, who had a point to prove after their recent tie against fellow contender Whorouly, led from start to finish to remind a very even Ovens and King A grade netball competition they are a force to be reckoned with in the 69-41 victory.

Slow starts have troubled Bright in recent matches against strong opposition, and unfortunately for the visitors, the trend continued as a 10-goal difference was conceded at quarter-time.

Bright were never able to reduce the growing deficit throughout the match, with the match effectively over when the score reached 3317 at half-time and 52-30 with a quarter to play.

Bright coach Ash Grimes said that her side would learn some lessons from the defeat.

“We didn’t start as strongly as we needed to on Saturday, and it felt like we were chasing the game from the outset,” Grimes said.

“Full credit to Milawa they played an outstanding

match and deserved the win.

“There’s still plenty we can take away from the game – it’s clear we need to focus on our starts and avoid letting the momentum slip away for so long.

“We’ve got a big week of training ahead, and we’re looking forward to bouncing back and putting in a strong performance at home next weekend.”

It was a similar story over on the football field, with the senior Mountain Men outplayed by Milawa in the second half.

After sitting evenly at 6.4 (40) apiece at the major break, Milawa managed to kick away late in the day to hand Bright their first defeat of the season 17.6 (108) to 11.8 (74).

Cy Banks was impressive for the Mountain Men, finishintg with best on ground honours, while Sam and Zander Dalbosco were impressive.

Cooper Thomason booted four goals, taking his season total to 28 from five matches, third overall in the league.

Bright returns home to Pioneer Park this weekend to host North Wangaratta, with both senior football and A grade netball sides eager to return to the winners list.

tionally well behind the contest.

Whorouly’s half back line was on fire, with Max Scott taking intercept marks seemingly at will, while Jessie Smith was at his consistent best and Russ Eden on the wing took plenty of territory.

However, best on ground would go to Michael Newton, who was unstoppable up forward.

Newton would finish the day with 13 goals to his name, more than half the total number of goals kicked by Whorouly, putting him in the top five on the league charts with 27 goals from just three games.

Over on the netball court, the A grade Lions were dominant against Benalla, taking their third win of the season in style, 57-31.

The match was set up from the FORWARD FORCE: Michael Newton added 13 goals to his already impressive season tally. PHOTOS: Nathan de Vries first quarter, which saw the Lions lead by 10 goals after 15 minutes.

The lead was extended at every break, with Benalla seemingly having no answers for Whorouly’s defensive pressure, clean ball movement, and accurate shooting.

In other grades, the B graders won 75-12, B reserve got up 47-39, C grade took the win 30-24, while the under 15s went down 25-35.

The Lions are at home to Greta this weekend, and are a legitimate chance in multiple grades of football and netball.

The under 15s kick off all the action at 9.10am, with the reserves COUNTERATTACK: Laura Keighran sends the ball back EAGLE EYE: Katie Ivone shot at 86.36 per cent accuracy kicking off the footy from 12pm. up the court. during her time in the circle.

Page 26 - THE OBSERVER, Wednesday, May 7, 2025

alpineobserver.com.au

MATCH REVIEWS Best of the best named for O&M interleague showdown ROUND

�

By NATHAN DE VRIES IT’S May, which means one thing in the Ovens and Murray Football Netball League – interleague is right around the corner.

Set for Saturday, 24 May, at Wangaratta’s W. J. Findlay Oval, the annual football and netball showdown with Goulburn Valley FNL for the Ash-Wilson Trophy is always a special occasion.

The squad for the senior football side was announced on Thursday, 1 May, featuring 44 of the best the O&M has to offer.

Locally, Myrtleford Saints Bowen Calogero, Tom Cappellari, Jaxon East, Zac Pethybridge, and Riley Smith have all been named in the provisional squad.

Senior interleague coach and Myrtleford player Jake Sharp said it was a talented group of players, with genuine depth across the three lines.

“We’re really happy with the squad,” he said.

“I feel like we’ve got a good balance across all lines and positions, and we’ve definitely got some firepower in there complemented by some good young talent within the league.

“It’s really important to acknowledge form, particularly from the first three rounds – Rovers and Magpies have obviously played

CALLED UP: Zac Pethybridge is one of five Myrtleford Saints named in the Ovens and Murray’s senior squad for the interleague clash with GVL. PHOTO: Janet Watt four games – but players that have been in good form at their clubs, I think the squad’s reflective of that.

“That was probably the key criteria, while also making sure we had balance across all positions and depth in those positions within the squad.”

The squad will have three weekly training sessions in the run up to the interleague clash, with the final session at W.J. Findlay Oval on Wednesday, 21 May. Sharp said he was looking forward to seeing who distinguished themselves at the sessions.

“I think in these types of pro-

grams you always find players that are not smokies but some that really catch your eye, that’s what I’m looking forward to,” he said.

“It’ll be good to see which one of those players in the squad is that scenario that catches my eye and gives themselves an opportunity on 24 May.” Every club in the league is represented in the 44-man squad, and it will be extremely tough to cut the squad down to the final team who will run out against GVL. “The clubs have been very good with accommodating this – the challenge was to get at least five from every squad to get a squad of around 50, and I think we ended up with 44, so we were pretty close to hitting our goal,” Sharp said.

“It’s something that, when I took this job, the passion that Kane [OMFNL general manager Kane Arendarcikas] and Dave [OMFNL chairman David Sinclair] spoke about in regards to interleague led me more down the path of doing it, just knowing that as a coach you’re going to be well resourced and well supported in these endeavours.

“We’re really happy with the level of buy-in from the clubs but also the players themselves.

“Players are giving up their time, giving up a bye week, so you want

to really make sure it’s an experience worthwhile for everyone.”

The under 18s football, and open, 17 and under, and 15 and under netball squads will be announced in the coming days.

The interleague clash with GVL is on Saturday, 24 May, at W. J. Findlay Oval.

SENIOR OMFNL FOOTBALL SQUAD Albury: Jacob Conlan, Jake Pitt, Ty Quade. Corowa Rutherglen: Kaelan Bradtke, Darcy Hope, Jedd Longmire, Liam McCarthy, Cody Schutt. Lavington: Jack Costello, Shaun Driscoll, Jesse Hart, Alex Swinnerton. Myrtleford: Bowen Calogero, Tom Cappellari, Jaxon East, Zac Pethybridge, Riley Smith. North Albury: Foster Gardiner, Archer Gardiner, Josh Murphy, Ben Rigoni. Wangaratta: Jackson Clarke, Alex Federico, Parker Heatley, Harrison Hewitt, Xavier Laverty. Wangaratta Rovers: Will Christie, Charles Ledger, Alex McCarthy, Jace McQuade, Charlie Thompson.

Wodonga: Reuben Bourke, Noash Bradshaw, Charlie Morrison, Tom O’Sullivan, Matt Wilson. Wodonga Raiders: Nick Bracher, Indhi Kotzur, Beau O’Neill, Corey Rich, Archer Scammell, Brad St John.

Yarrawonga: Ben Coghill, Ned Pendergast.

“Disappointing”: Saints falter against Pigeons

By NATHAN DE VRIES IT was a heart-breaking second half in the senior football clash between Myrtleford and Yarrawonga, with the Saints squandering a fivegoal half-time lead to go down by 10 points.

After a flying start to the match, Yarrawonga were able to claw their way back into the contest through repeat forward 50 entries, eventually stunning the Saints 10.14 (74) to Myrtleford’s 9.10 (64).

A 16-point quarter time lead blew out to 23 by the half, and when Jaxon East slotted the first goal of the second half, Myrtleford were up and about.

However, the Pigeons would respond emphatically, kicking the next six goals unanswered to manufacture a 39-point turnaround.

Myrtleford coach Craig Millar said it was a tough result to swallow given how well they’d played early doors.

“It was really disappointing, particularly because we worked really hard to get ourselves into a position at half-time to set the game up,” he said.

“We thought the third quarter was clearly the quarter that troubled us when they had a number of scoring shots and kicked four goals to one.

“We’ve been in positions a few times this year where we’ve established a reasonable margin, not an excessive one, and we just haven’t been able to protect that and continue to score from it.

TOUGH RESULTS: Evie Hughes and the A grade Saints fell to Yarrawonga by 10 goals after a lacklustre final term.

PHOTO: Marc Bongers “We’re going to have to look at that internally, our scoring data was down too, so we’ve got a bit to work on, but it was definitely a game that slipped away from us, and we got the result we didn’t want.”

The senior Saints will want to work hard on the track through the week to be ready for their next outing, a home game against the extremely competitive Corowa Rutherglen Kangaroos.

Despite only having the one win to their name, the Roos have been in the conversation in each of their matches, most recently their two-point loss to Albury.

“They’re a real threat, there’s no two ways about that,” Millar said.

“They were super against Yarrawonga last week – I went over and watched them play – I haven’t seen the vision of them against Albury but they were five goals up at three quarter time, so they’ve

got some really good players.

“They’ve been in super form, it’s a really even competition and you can’t afford to take your foot off the throttle to remain competitive.

“We’re going to have our work cut out and we need to prepare well.”

In other football grades, the reserves picked up a huge win 21.27 (153) to 3.2 (20), while the thirds fell 3.5 (23) to 6.5 (41).

It was a similarly disappointing story for the A grade netballers, who fell to the Pigeons 50-60 after being just two goals down at three quarter time.

The match was an arm-wrestle for the first 45 minutes, going goal for goal throughout the first three terms, with neither team able to put consecutive strings of goals on the board before their opponent fought back into it.

Yarrawonga started to double down on their defensive pressure in the final term, and managed to turn the ball and send it up the court, with a five-minute passage of play early in the fourth seeing the Pigeons outscore the Saints 7-2.

Myrtleford tried to claw away at the margin, but it was too little, too late, with the A grade Saints now sitting seventh overall with a 1-3 record.

They take on second-placed team Corowa Rutherglen at home this weekend.

In other netball results, B grade fell 19-66, C grade got up 43-35, the 17 and under side won 48-32, and the 15 and under team had a massive win 47-22.

High five for DMB as Hawks blockbuster looms

By DANIEL SAVILLE A HANDFUL of wins for DederangMount Beauty’s A grade netball team has given them the best possible start to the season after five games of Tallangatta league netball.

On their way to a seemingly straight-forward 60-36 victory in Mount Beauty, the Bombers had to dig a little deeper than planned against a Mitta United side who were competitive all day.

In arguably their toughest match up to date, Dederang-Mount Beauty were pushed for the first fifteen minutes and found an early 9-6 lead at quarter-time, but the scoreline was more reflective of a cold and wet day in winter than a mild and sunny afternoon that players were treated to.

The game progressively opened up from the second quarter onwards as the Bombers started moving the ball down the court with more freedom, building a nine-goal buffer between their opponents.

The third term was a close replica of the second as far as the scoreboard was concerned, but then DMB exploded and Mitta could not handle the heat on the game, with a 21 goal to 10 final term proving their attacking end is capable of converting scores in a hurry.

Bombers coach Alex Dyde was expecting a tough game and was pleased with the outcome.

“It was a good game for both sides and we’ve had a few weeks where we’ve been able to really push away at the end,” Dyde said.

“We’ve been doing a little work on our ability to get the ball out of the defensive end quickly and that worked much better yesterday than the past few weeks.”

Despite the undefeated winning streak, Dyde knows that a big challenge will be just around the corner in the form of league powerhouse Kiewa-Sandy Creek, who had a rare loss to fellow contenders Chiltern last week.

“We know Kiewa (Sandy Creek), their combinations and plays well, but they obviously present with a lot of talent,” Dyde said about this week’s opponent.

“This week we will work on some attacking movement in anticipation of some tall defenders.

“They’ll be hungry for a win after their loss this week so we expect they’ll come out firing.

“The key will be to stay close on the scoreboard and try to push in front for the win - if we let them get too far ahead, it’ll be a tough fight to come back from.”

In senior football, Dederang-Mount Beauty were more competitive in general play and on the scoreboard, but were defeated by Mitta United by 96 points, 6.7 (43) to 21.13 (139).

The final margin was heading well beyond three figures with differences of 72 (half-time) and 111 (three quarter time), before the Bombers had their best quarter for the year, kicking four goals to Mitta’s one in the final quarter, which should give them some momentum before a difficult away assignment against Kiewa-Sandy Creek this Saturday.

BUSINESS

alpineobserver.com.au

Footy2025 20

THE OBSERVER, Wednesday, May 7, 2025 - Page 27

AFL

TIPPING

Collingwood Carlton Hawthorn Sydney Western Bulldogs Adelaide West Coast Greater Western Sydney Brisbane Lions

TIPSTER

Collingwood Carlton Hawthorn Sydney Western Bulldogs Adelaide Richmond Geelong Brisbane Lions

Helen Haines MP

Last week: 7

Rebecca Healy

TIPSTER

Mark Ditcham

SATURDAY MAY 10

www.helenhaines.org

www.nlgsolicitors.com.au

TOTAL: 52

Essendon vs. Sydney

TOTAL: 54

Last week: 7

TOTAL: 52

Fremantle St Kilda Hawthorn Sydney Western Bulldogs Adelaide Richmond Geelong Brisbane Lions

TIPSTER

Last week: 6

TIPSTER

Gold Coast vs. W Bulldogs (TIO Stadium)

Port Adelaide vs. Adelaide (Adelaide Oval)

SUNDAY MAY 11

BELMORES

DICKENS REAL ESTATE

5752 2288 1-7 Albert St Myrtleford

5755 1307 20 Ireland St Bright

(M.C.G.)

Geelong vs. GWS Giants (GMHBA Stadium)

Nth Melbourne vs. Brisbane Lions

Last week: 7

TOTAL: 48

Last week: 7

TOTAL: 46

(Blundstone Arena)

LEADERBOARD

Collingwood St Kilda Hawthorn Sydney Western Bulldogs Adelaide Richmond Geelong Brisbane Lions

After

ROUND 08

Paul Maskell

Helen Haines MP............................54

FOUR PEAKS REAL ESTATE

HALLIDAY SOLICITORS

SPORTFIRST

0400 494 128

5752 2874 97 Myrtle St Myrtleford

5752 1023 69 Clyde St Myrtleford

Rebecca Healy ................................52

TOTAL: 45

TIPSTER

Alanna McLees

TIPSTER

Last week: 2

TOTAL: 44

TIPSTER

Last week: 2

TOTAL: 44

Steve Prince

TIPSTER

Elley Fraser.......................................45 Alanna McLees ...............................44 Paul Maskell.....................................44 Cameron Alexander

Jo Ross-Jackson .............................43 Steve Prince.....................................43

OVENS VALLEY INSURANCE BROKERS

ALEXANDERS FIRST NATIONAL

5752 2817 29 Clyde St Myrtleford

5752 1151 47 Clyde St Myrtleford 104 Gavan St Bright

5755 1944 107 Gavan St Bright

www.ovib.com.au

www.brightfirstnational.com.au

Fremantle Carlton Hawthorn Sydney Gold Coast Adelaide Richmond Geelong Brisbane Lions

Last week: 6

TOTAL: 43

TIPSTER

After

ROUND 08 Brian Grenfell

MYRTLEFORD NEWSXPRESS

MYRTLEFORD HOTEL

5752 1250 21 Clyde St Myrtleford

0497 534 278 67 Standish St Myrtleford

TOTAL: 38

Last week: 2

TOTAL: 41

AFL LADDER

Collingwood Carlton Hawthorn Sydney Western Bulldogs Adelaide West Coast Greater Western Sydney Brisbane Lions

Mark Knobel

Last week: 2

TOTAL: 29

Geoff Zach ........................................48 Gerard Gray ......................................46

Collingwood Carlton Hawthorn Sydney Gold Coast Adelaide Richmond Geelong Brisbane Lions

JO ROSS-JACKSON HEARING CENTRE

TOTAL: 43

Mark Ditcham .................................52 Amanda Toner.................................49

Collingwood Carlton Hawthorn Essendon Western Bulldogs Adelaide West Coast Geelong Brisbane Lions

Jo Ross-Jackson

Last week: 4

Richmond vs. West Coast

Gerard Gray

5752 1493 86 Standish St Myrtleford Rear Unit 4 4 Ireland St Bright

TOTAL: 49

Melbourne vs. Hawthorn

(Marvel Stadium)

Collingwood St Kilda Hawthorn Sydney Gold Coast Adelaide Richmond Geelong Brisbane Lions

Geoff Zach

(M.C.G.)

(M.C.G.)

TONER & ASSOCIATES

Collingwood St Kilda Hawthorn Essendon Western Bulldogs Adelaide Richmond Geelong Brisbane Lions

TIPSTER

St Kilda vs. Carlton

5755 1932 104 Gavan St Bright

Email: elley@fourpeaksrealestate.com.au

Last week: 6

FRIDAY MAY 9

5752 1255 57 Clyde St Myrtleford

Elley Fraser

TIPSTER

(Optus Stadium)

5721 7077 117 Murphy St Wangaratta

Collingwood St Kilda Hawthorn Sydney Gold Coast Adelaide Richmond Geelong Brisbane Lions

Last week: 6

Fremantle vs. Collingwood

BRIGHT COMMUNITY BANK

Collingwood Carlton Hawthorn Sydney Gold Coast Adelaide Richmond Geelong Brisbane Lions

TIPSTER

THURSDAY MAY 8

NEVIN LENNE GROSS

Amanda Toner

Last week: 8

ROUND 09

Collingwood St Kilda Hawthorn Sydney Gold Coast Adelaide Richmond Geelong Brisbane Lions

HELEN HAINES MP

Collingwood St Kilda Hawthorn Sydney Western Bulldogs Adelaide Richmond Geelong Brisbane Lions

TIPSTER

TIPSTER

30 Ovens St, Wangaratta P: 03 5722 9600 W: travelncruise.com.au

Brisbane Lions .....................28 Collingwood ..........................24 Hawthorn ...............................24 Gold Coast .............................20 Adelaide ..................................20 W Bulldogs .............................20 Geelong ...................................20

Cameron Alexander ......................41 Mark Knobel.....................................38 Brian Grenfell ..................................29

GWS Giants ............................16 Fremantle ...............................16 St Kilda .....................................16 Essendon.................................16 Port Adelaide .........................16 Carlton......................................12 Sydney......................................12 Melbourne ..............................12 Richmond..................................8 Nth Melbourne........................4 West Coast ...............................0

Page 28 - THE OBSERVER, Wednesday, May 7, 2025

alpineobserver.com.au

THE ALPINE

MYRTLEFORD

ªxHRLEOHy1230 3z

3 McGeehan Crescent, Myrtleford. AH: 5752 2198

3 McGeehan Crescent, Myrtleford. AH: 5752 2198

HOLDING Bright’s Marcus Kinthari is held by Milawa’s Kheda Stevenson in Bright’s 34-point loss to the Demons.

■ Full story page 25, scoreboard page 23

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

Bring home the Cup THEY have been the team to beat for the past few seasons, and Myrtleford Savoy has a chance to take home some silverware for their efforts this weekend.

Undefeated so far in 2025 in both the league and midweek competitions, Myrtleford’s senior men will take to Wodonga’s LaTrobe Ground at 7pm on Saturday, May 10, in the final of the FA Cup against Albury City.

Savoy are no strangers to the biggest stages in the competition, having squared off in both the league final last season, as well as the 2024 Cup final.

Savoy ready for FA Cup final, fresh off 4-1 triumph over ‘Spurs

BY NATHAN DE VRIES

ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

While their weren’t able to deliver in either of those matches, vibes and confidence are soaring at Savoy Park off the back of some incredible results through the season to date.

Coach Jayden Vescio said the side was eager to bag some silverware.

“We’re really excited about Saturday, we get another crack at one, we pulled up short last year,” he said.

“We’ve done a power of work with our midweek games for the first eight rounds of the year, been able to go undefeated in both competitions, it’ll be good, and if we all get through training this week, we have a full list to choose from.

“I remember this time last year we were battling a few injuries and

a little bit of a smoky in Twin City making the final.

“I think we’re definitely better placed this year, and we’ve got a good look at Albury City - in the same breath, we had a good look at Twin City last year, beat them 7-2 and then lost the FA Cup. “It’s the Cup, both teams will go for it.”

Savoy’s spirits will be boosted following a tremendous top of the table victory on Sunday against Albury Hotspurs.

Thursday Night Meal 8th May – Book via Facebook

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This Saturday 10th May Post Game Function: ‘A Night At The Races’ Wood fired pizza & Bar Open All welcome!

A fierce start and consistently disciplined defence, as well as a Matt Richardson hat-trick, handed Myrtleford the points 4-1.

Early goals to Richardson (4’) and Tom Morrison (6’) sent the ‘Spurs onto the back foot early, Myrtleford even had the chance to make it three in 10 minutes, save for intervention form the crossbar.

Hotspurs maintained possession well but were unable to pierce Savoy’s stifling defensive structure.

■ Continued page 24