Alpine Observer - Myrtleford Times 070623

BY BRODIE EVERIST beverist@ nemedia.com.au

LOCAL hospitality venues are nearing a breaking point from staff shortages, with workers facing burnout while they struggle to find enough employees to fill roles, according to a local hotelier.

Tim Briggs, director of a Bright hotel, said years of staff shortages due to a lack of accommodation was taking its toll on local businesses, with some still feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think a lot of the businesses are still trying to redeem cash flow over the last three years,” he said.

“Last ski season was sporadic, which then came off the previous ski season, which was non-existent.

“You can see around Bright a lot of the restaurants are just under the pump all the time.”

Mr Briggs said his hotel is struggling to find enough employees to fill roles, with few applications for advertised jobs, leaving them to consider cutting hours to alleviate staff burnout.

“A lot of our employees are doing well over their full time contracts - our chef’s coming off a 62-hour week this week,” he said.

“We’re trying to at least take a third of our budget off, from a wages point of

view, just to get through this three week period before school holidays, because we know in the school holidays we’ll get smashed.”

Scott Brandon, president of the Bright and District Chamber of Commerce, said small business were

particularly at risk of burnout due to a lack of staff

Both Mr Briggs and Mr Brandon said the venues they manage have found homes for staff, but it’s an added cost on business.

“That’s a huge expense for the business, and a lot of

time and effort involved in something that’s not really our core business,” Mr Brandon said.

“Suddenly we’re trying to deal with the accommodation and rental sector rather than hospitality and making beer

- so it’s a distraction.”

Mr Brandon said the chamber of commerce is regularly in discussion with the Alpine Shire Council regarding the accommodation shortage.

“I don’t think there’s any easy solutions but we’re

continually work through that with them,” he said.

“We’re trying to come up with a long term solution that will help to address these issues down the track.

“Bright especially is just going to become more and more popular.”

UNDER THE PUMP: Local hotel director Tim Briggs, pictured with venue host Virginia Feito, said

struggling with the

staff shortage across the town.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

A cut too deep

BY BRODIE EVERIST beverist@

TWO Myrtleford residents have raised concerns over recent pruning by HVP-contracted arborists of historic oak trees outside of Myrtleford last week, but the plantation company have said the pruning was necessary for passing trucks entering and exiting the Myrtleford pine plantation.

Town local Terry Arundel was distressed that the two trees at Ivan Swinburne Reserve had lost a number of branches reaching to the ground, allegedly ruining the trees’ overarching canopies and unique shape.

“Extended families could just enjoy it and kids could slide up and down the branches,” he said.

“It was just like a private little park.

“They’ve opened it right up now.”

Mr Arundel said there was already enough space for passing trucks from the Myrtleford plantation, and also questioned why the trees had been pruned all around when some parts are not near the road.

“Big caravans and things have come through here for years, they haven’t had a problem driving around,” he said.

“They could’ve flown a jumbo jet through here - there was no need for any of this.”

John Taylor, president of the Myrtleford and District Historical

Society, was also concerned by the pruning and said the trees are probably around 150 years old.

According to research by Mr Taylor, the two large oak trees and two accompanying pencil pines once framed an entranceway to an old house, which was subsequently demolished or removed.

Until groundworks in the mid1970s, old bricks and a rectangular well lined with red gum slabs existed in the gully above the house site, until disturbed by pine planation operations.

According to Mick Evans, general

manager northern region for HVP Plantations, the company wanted to make sure trucks could safely access the plantation, while protecting the oaks from harm.

“These oaks are on HVP land, however, given their mature age, proximity to the road reserve, and community interest, HVP consulted with staff at Alpine Shire Council prior to HVP engaging a professional arborist to attend to the trees,” he said.

“The pruning undertaken maintains the traditional shape of the magnificent oaks, provides

for safe truck movement, and has benefited the continued health of the trees.

“The team has successfully achieved a win-win for the oaks and a safe forest operation.”

Myrtleford local David Hogg made a query to an online Facebook page about the pruning as it was taking place, but on later inspection he felt they had done a good job.

“They’ve actually done a really good job - I’m quite pleased with it,” he said.

“They’ve always been some of my favourite trees around town.”

PRUNE PROTEST: John Taylor and Terry Arundel have questioned the need for a major prune on two historic oak trees at the Ivan Swinburne Reserve.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

nemedia.com.au

Show supporters making 2023 one to remember Budget report lists variance in surplus

By BRODIE EVERIST

MYRTLEFORD Show committee members and volunteers were working hard on Saturday cleaning and tidying the AW Richardson Pavilion after its recent renovation, preparing for a 2023 show that looks to be bigger than ever.

The Myrtleford Show Society recently announced the society committee and former Myrtleford Festival committee will be merging to create a Myrtleford Show with a night festival program of live music, rides, food and other entertainment.

According to Myrtleford Show Society president Debbie Geddes, the show will still run from 9am-4pm, but afterwards they will hold live entertainment in the Myrtleford Recreation Reserve soundshell, with the rides and carnival running until 9pm.

Former Myrtleford Festival committee member Belinda Ramia said the cancellation of the Myrtleford Festival last year was a blow for the community, but this brought it back in a smaller form.

Ms Ramia said they are still working out the management details, but she said she will be primarily responsible for organising the night entertainment, while former festival committee member Melanie Dymond will be organising the art competition.

Ms Geddes said they are also developing a new website and online

systems for ticketing and booking into competitions, meanwhile her and show secretary Amy Kirk will be attending a Victorian agricultural show conference in Geelong and another Australia-wide conference in Adelaide this year.

The show society also recently received a $1232 grant to purchase four marquees, which Ms Geddes said were for the show’s horse section.

Ms Kirk said the show’s growth and strong volunteer base was bucking a wider trend of agricultural shows lacking volunteers.

“Myrtleford is getting bigger and

better, getting more involvement and doing good things,” she said.

Meanwhile, members of the Alpine Poultry Club were hard at work on Saturday removing pens from the reserve’s poultry shed in preparation for electrical work and the laying of a concrete floor - another step in the shed’s recent renovation.

Nicholas Masin said much of the shed had been replaced, including the wall, roof and purlins, partially thanks to a grant secured by the Myrtleford Show Society.

“It’s been a long time comingthe club’s 18 years old,” he said.

“We’ve been saving our pennies since the club first started to do something like this with the shed, and we’re just really lucky that Debbie’s been able to secure some funding.”

Thanks to the grant, Mr Masin said the poultry club can also afford some material to update or replace their poultry pens.

“We’ve got some great ideas floating around for the ag show,” he said.

“We’re going to hopefully have a marquee at this end where we can have some bird washing and show preparation demos.”

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

ALPINE Shire Council is forecasting a full year surplus of $5.3 million, $0.2m lower than the budgeted surplus, according to the quarterly report presented at the May meeting.

The report provides council with an overview of the quarter’s results and an update on the forecast financial position against the full year budget.

According to the report, the forecasted variance to budget is the result of a mix of drivers.

There is forecast additional income as well as increased expenditure in some areas and reduced expenditure elsewhere.

The reports listed Additional Income of $0.9m from grants and $0.2m from rates and charges.

Additional expenditure from materials and services expenditure of $1.5m; largely resulting from expensing the Bogong High Plains Road project, and depreciation of $1.5m following revaluations at the start of the financial year.

In the financial year 2022/23 the council committed to an $18.84m capital works program.

At the December 13, 2022 Ordinary Council Meeting, council noted that the following projects were moved to a future financial year;

Mount Beauty Depot Concept Design;

Tawonga Fisherman’s Walk Public Toilet;

Mount Beauty Airport Bowser Design; Myrtleford Landfill Rehabilitation;

Mount Beauty Landfill Rehabilitation Design;

Nimmo Pedestrian Bridge; Bright Office Renewal Stage 3 Design;

cars and keep valuables out of sight amid a recent spate of vehicle thefts.

Police urge common sense theft prevention

By BRODIE EVERIST

POLICE are reminding Myrtleford residents to lock their cars and keep valuables out of sight amid a recent spate of vehicle thefts.

Sergeant Domenica Hunkin said five cars have been stolen in the town between March and May, with most victims having left keys in the car.

To prevent theft, Sgt Hunkin recommended motorists never leave keys in the ignition, never have spare keys in the car, and never leave valuable items in view, like wallets or phones.

“Close all windows, lock the doors before leaving your car unattended,

and park your car in your driveway or consider installing a sensor light or CCTV cameras,” she said.

“By simply removing valuable items from display and locking your vehicle, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of being a victim of crime.

Sgt Hunkin said if your car is stolen call triple zero or the police assistance line on 131 444.

Regarding the recent thefts, Sgt Hunkin said police have arrested and charged one offender believed to be responsible for a single theft, but police are still investigating the other incidents.

Archie James Shuey

Tawonga Scout Hall Demolition.

Council noted that the reduced expenditure on these projects resulted in a commensurate reduction in grant income relating to these projects.

Increased grant income includes and unbudgeted Bushfire Recovery income of $1.0m, council flood support funding of $0.5m, an unbudgeted grant for YACVic Future Proof program of $0.3m, funding for the Rural Councils Transformation project of $0.3m, unbudgeted income for the Porepunkah Caravan Park at $0.2m, extra funding for Supported Playgroups service delivery of $0.1m and unbudgeted income for the Tawonga Holiday Park of $0.1m.

WORK: Myrtleford Show Society committee members and volunteers at a working bee

preparing the pavilion for the show after recent renovations.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Sergeant Domenica Hunkin, of Myrtleford Police, is reminding residents to lock their

ARCHIE James Shuey was born Saturday, May 13 at 9:27am and weighed 8lb 7oz. He is the son of Adam and Jess of Porepunkah and little brother to Tilly and Ollie.

$9.43M works on track for MP-12

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

MAJOR works at Myrtleford P-12 College are still on track to be complete by the end of the year and early 2024.

The $9.43m development, funded by the State Government, will include a new indoor sports centre, along with a new prep to year two building and office/administration building.

Principal Zlatko Pear said there have been no delays so far, with only a few days lost due to wet weather.

“Everything is progressing really well,” he said.

“The frames are currently going up for prep to year two building, and the admin building is starting to be framed.

“They will be laying the slab for the sports stadium this week, weather permit-

ting, and we’re still on track to finish in early term four which is very exciting.

“When it’s complete we will move our preps, year one and year two students into the new building and then late this year or early next year we’ll demolish the old corridor here and landscape that area.

“We’re expecting to be in our new buildings at term

four at some stage and once those major builds are done we’ll then turn the existing administration building, into an arts and music area.”

Wodonga firm JWP Architects was chosen for the project back in May 2021.

The school received an additional $1.5m in state government funding in February this year, due to market escalation in the construction sector.

Ongoing concerns over GMW service pricing

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

OVENS valley residents are again expressing their frustration over fees for domestic and stock water services in the area, following ongoing issued raised with provider Goulburn Murray Water (GMW).

GMW are currently drafting their 2024-28 pricing submission to the Essential Services Commission (ESC) to be handed in in September.

Ovens Valley resident Rod Hall said he is critical of the survey process asking for feedback on the fees, as it doesn’t include unregulated water users.

“Unregulated users don’t have GMW infrastructure so we’re not upstream of any service provision or infrastructure serviced by GMW,” he said.

“We’re doing all the work in terms of accessing our water, but they’re charging us service point and access fees.

“Those fees should be redundant for unregulated users, but we’re being lumped in with the regulated customer base.

“This has been an ongoing issue and we feel we’re not being heard.

“We don’t receive any service from GMW and we organise the access so it’s far from a fairer deal.”

Porepunkah resident Cameron Reid said the company has “overlooked” properties in the pricing list.

“They’re continuing to charge us for things that aren’t applicable,” he said.

“For 10 years they’ve been charging us roughly $200 a year

for service point and access fees but they’re not doing anything that they’re billing us for because they physically can’t.

“It’s an oversight because as unregulated water users we don’t have GMW infrastructure that needs services or accessing; we do everything ourselves.

“This issue affects customers in Whitfield, Euroa, Mansfield, Tolmy, Alexandra and Violet

Town where they’re charging us the same fees as regulated customers; there’s roughly 3000 unregulated customers.

“It should be simple to just remove those two charges and we’ve asked for that for years but once their prices are set for four years they say they can’t do anything about it.

“We’ve seen this current period of pricing changes as an opportunity.

Council details housing plans timeline

By BRODIE EVERIST

ALPINE Shire Council staff outlined when they expect to present or implement strategies to assist with the shire’s housing difficulties at their monthly meeting in Bright last week.

In response to a question from Cr Simon Kelley about council’s investigation of local short-stay laws, director of customer and community Helen Havercroft said council has set up a working group to examine what the laws may look like and how they may be implemented.

She said the development stage has been budgeted for in the 2023-24 budget, with a view for implementing a lo-

Correction

IN the May 31 edition of the Myrtleford Times Chris McCracken was incorrectly named as the president and secretary of the Havilah Cemetery Trust.

Lorraine Hughes is the president and secretary of the Havilah Cemetery Trust, Chris McCracken is the treasurer.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.

ACCOMMODATION TIMELINE: Council staff outlined when they expect to present or implement strategies to assist with the shire’s housing difficulties at their monthly meeting in Bright last week.

cal law in 2024-25.

In regards to council’s development of a business plan for five key worker accommodation units in shire caravan parks, director of assets Alan Rees said an external project

manager has been engaged and is well progressed with the initial planning phase of the project.

“We anticipate a final report by the end of June and some council briefing prior to that, bringing council up to speed on what’s been discovered,” he said.

“That will then lead to further discussion and further work based on the results that have been presented.”

In December last year council accepted recommendations to develop a business case for the installation of units at councilowned caravan parks and seek funding opportunities for their design, construction and installation.

“So far they haven’t come back with anything and we’ve even had to push them to get notes from meetings we’ve had with them on this issue.”

GMW were contacted but did not provide comment before going to press.

To submit feedback on pricing, https://yoursay.gmwater. com.au/pricing-submission.../ billing.

GOING STRONG: Myrtleford P-12 major

ISSUES RAISED: Goulburn Murray Water customer Cameron Reid is among local residents unhappy with pricing.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Resort announces bus service partnership

CONNECTING bus services between Mount Hotham and Dinner Plain will be upgraded and expanded this snow season, according to Mount Hotham Resort Management, following a partnership between resort management, the Alpine Shire Council and Vail Resorts Australia.

According to resort management, the Hotham - Dinner Plain bus service will provide an increase in service frequency and longer operating hours, and cater to Dinner Plain-based staff commuting between the resort and the Dinner Plain village.

Lyndsey Jackman, chief operating officer of Mount Hotham Resort Management, confirmed the bus service has been contracted to local firm 4SITE as an extension to the recently awarded three-year contract for the Mount Hotham winter village bus service.

“4SITE currently manages several ongoing operational contracts at Mount Hotham, Mt Buller, and Falls Creek and is an organisation with a deep understanding of the Alpine regions of Victoria,” Mr Jackman said.

Alpine Shire Council mayor John Forsyth said he was delighted to share the news of the enhanced bus service for the 2023 winter season.

“This collaborative approach between Mount Hotham Resort Management, Alpine Shire Council and Vail Resorts Australia will undoubtedly augment the overall customer experience for both Dinner Plain and Mount Hotham communities and staff,” he said.

“We anticipate further opportunities to collaborate with Mount Hotham Resort Management, with the ultimate goal of elevating the customer experience we offer to our communi-

ties and visitors alike.”

According to a report at last week’s council meeting, council has committed to a subsidy payment of $140,000 to Mount Hotham Alpine Resort HAR for the delivery of the 2023 bus service, following the conclusion of negotiations in May.

The report suggested having a single operator running the Hotham intra-village service as well as the Dinner Plain bus service under a single contract

has the potential to deliver an improved customer experience and improve operational efficiencies.

Services will run hourly from Dinner Plain between 7am and 10pm, every day of the 2023 winter season.

Pricing will be $20 per adult and $12 per child for a return trip including the resort entry fee, whilst the service will be provided at no cost for Mount Hotham staff

BUS BENEFITS: Connecting bus services between Mount Hotham and Dinner Plain will be upgraded and expanded this snow season, according to Mount Hotham Resort Management.

PHOTO: Chris Hocking

Scouts asking locals to give a pan

By BRODIE EVERIST

THE Myrtleford Scout group are calling on locals to take advantage of a supermarket promotion for MasterChef products and donate them to the group for much-needed camping supplies.

By using their FlyBuys card, Coles shoppers can earn credits for MasterChef cooking products for every $20 they spend in store or online, but 1st Myrtleford Joey Scout leader Marg Phillips said a lot of people aren’t making use of the credits - so why not collect the cookware and donate it instead?

Ms Phillips is asking locals to redeem the cookware and donate it at her craft store at shop 4, 68 Myrtle Street, so it can go to the scout group.

“When we go camping we do our own cooking, so we need pots and pans to cook over either

campfires or camp stoves, and the ones we’ve got are getting pretty old,” she said.

“So far, we’ve collected about 10 pieces, which is a good start, but if we can get some more that would be great.”

She said they would prefer the larger items, like the saute pan or big saucepan, but everything is appreciated.

“Even if we can’t use all of them to start with, the extras will be stored so as things break or anything, we’ve got more to refresh them,” Ms Phillips said.

“We’re happy to take as many as people are willing to give.”

The pots, pans and roaster are available for between 50 and 100 credits each, and shoppers can also get bonus credits by purchasing from participating brands.

Credits can be earned until July 11 and redeemed until July 25.

Weather bureau predicts a drier, warmer winter ahead

THE Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is forecasting a high chance of below average rainfall for large areas of Australia for June to August, along with warmer than usual temperatures.

According to the BOM’s winter long-range forecast, warmer than usual daytime temperatures are likely almost everywhere, and warmer nights are also likely for many areas.

The BOM’s extended pre-

diction technical lead, Catherine Ganter, said there was a high chance of below average rainfall, particularly in southern areas of Australia.

“Southern areas have at least twice the normal chance of winter rainfall falling in the bottom 20 per cent of records,” she said.

Ms Ganter said with drier conditions forecast, the risk of frost during winter, which is most common for southern and central Australia,

was heightened for inland southern areas.

‘Even though average minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to be warmer than usual this winter, there will still be times of cold wintry conditions,” she said.

“This can increase the frost risk when there are still nights that are clear of cloud cover.’

The BOM remains at El Nino Watch, which means

around double the usual chance of an El Nino event.

According to the bureau, models show it is very likely tropical Pacific Ocean temperatures will reach El Nino levels during winter, but a shift in the tropical atmosphere is also needed to declare an El Nino event.

Ms Ganter said any change to the El Nino Watch status would not change the long-range forecast which is already trending towards

warm and dry for most of Australia.

According to the BOM, Australia’s autumn rainfall was about 10 per cent below the 1961-1990 average, but this was not necessarily reflected in local weather observations.

At Mount Hotham, total rainfall was above average for March and April, with 174mm falling in March and 162mm falling in April, well above the mean averages of

117.2mm and 103.4 respectively.

These averages reflect measurements from 19902023.

In May Mount Hotham recorded 134mm of rain, just 4.8mm below the mean average.

Falls Creek recorded 140mm in May, above the monthly average of 102.5mm, while April was relatively dry, only recording 54.6mm of rain compared to the April average of 99mm.

COOKWARE CALLOUT: Members of the Myrtleford Joey Scouts are hoping locals can donate free pots and pans obtained through a current Coles promotion.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Axel drops in for a well-earned break

By FAY MASON

IT’S been nearly two years since Mount Beauty local Axel Mero left Australia after being accepted into The Royal Ballet School in London but he was back home last week for a short holiday.

After successfully completing his first year and obtaining his high school certificate at the Royal Ballet School ‘White Lodge’, originally King Henry VIII’s hunting lodge, Axel passed an audition to the Royal Ballet Upper School at Covent Garden in London, securing two years minimum at the Upper School.

“It is a foundation degree, and I hope to complete a third year, which is by invitation only,” Axel said.

“This would provide me with a Bachelor degree with honours in Classical Dance.

“I will know early next year if I have been successful in completing a third year.

“The life of a dancer is one where you have to continually prove yourself, however, it’s a

lifetime dream coming true.”

The Royal Ballet School assist students with portfolios, videos, photos and more to ensure they are in the best position to find work offers for current graduates were at 100 per cent.

“I have a plan B should I not be accepted into the Royal Ballet Company, including applying to the Birmingham

Royal Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, and the Dutch National Ballet to name a few,” he said.

“I also have a keen interest in interior design, and I am completing a diploma in that subject alongside my degree.

Alex’s ballet idol is William Bracewell, principal at the Royal Ballet, and his dream role is playing Romeo, and current favourite ballet is Manon, devised by Kenneth Macmillan.

A highlight for Axel was being given tickets to performances, and recently he was in the audience near King Charles III and Queen Camilla for a performance of Sleeping Beauty.

It’s a five and a half day

week at the Royal Ballet School with a tight schedule of academic ballet history, Pilates, rehearsals and more starting at 8.30am and going until 5.45pm although he does have a break every three weekends to visit his Guardian Family in Doncaster.

“It was a stretch for me to leave home at 15 years, and I have experienced home sickness from time to time, however, my mother and sister are just two hours away now living in Innsbruck in Austria,” he said.

“I would also to express my thanks to my long-term supporters, Rhonda Ghargan and Ken Harvey, to the Mount Beauty Lions Club, the Mount Beauty and District Bendigo Bank through the Susie Cohn Scholarship, individuals from the Mount Beauty Rotary Club, and for the endless love and support from all my friends and family.”

MAKING HIS MARK: Axel Mero in full pose at the barre at the Royal Ballet School London.

Councillors seek time on greenhouse gas commitment

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

COUNCILLORS last week deferred voting on the recommendation for greenhouse gas offsets, tabling the agenda item after expressing the need for more time to understand the commitment.

An approach for offsetting residual Greenhouse Gas (GHG) to meet the net zero target by July 2023 set in council’s Climate Action Plan 2021-2024 recom-

mended that council directly funds Australian ethical offset projects for FY23/24 residual emissions, investigates a combination of initiatives for offsetting FY24/25 residual emissions and develops an Offsets Policy.

Council’s Climate Action Plan 2021-2024 was adopted by council on September 7, 2021.

The plan states council is ‘committed to the ambitious target of achieving net zero

greenhouse gas emissions from Council operations by July 2023’.

Residual emissions were to be offset through purchasing of carbon credits to achieve net zero from July 2023.

Emissions abatement activities conducted to date have reportedly reduced council’s corporate emissions from the baseline year by approximately 60 per cent, leaving in the order of 900 t CO2-e residual emis-

sions to be offset in the financial year 23/24.

Council’s carbon accounting assesses emissions each financial year and the exact total for the first year from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 will be confirmed once the data is collated for FY 23/24, likely by September 2023.

The biggest residual emitters from council operations are the closed landfill sites and heavy fleet operation.

The recommendation

stated that abatement in these areas is hamstrung by available technology and prohibitive pricing.

Cr Ron Janas moved to table the recommendation.

“I don’t feel that we, and myself, have sufficient knowledge in this matter,” he said.

“Some items need to be clarified and other councillors are in the same position so I believe we’ll need some extra time to have those

matters addressed before it comes to council for a vote.”

Cr Sarah Nicholas seconded the motion.

“I agree, it’s more complex than it might seem looking at the recommendation there in front of us tonight,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to drilling a bit deeper and making sure we understand what we’re committing to before we make that commitment.”

Library spreading joy for kids with toys

By BRODIE EVERIST

LOCAL kids were making the most of Myrtleford’s new toy library last Saturday as it opened its doors for the first time.

President of the toy library

Emma Cunneen said they had seven of their member families borrow toys last Saturday, including puzzles, a tea party set, a ride-on trike and lots of trucks and diggers.

The toy library was to run yesterday alongside the playgroup, and Ms Cunneen was hopeful more parents would learn of the toy library.

According to Ms Cunneen, the toy library committee are planning to purchase some high-quality educational toys, but they also welcome donations of

high-quality second-hand toys as well.

Run out of the of Myrtleford Senior Citizens Centre on Smith Street, the library is open every first and third Saturday and Tuesday of the month, from 10-11:30am on Saturday and 10-11am on Tuesday.

Membership fees cost $30 a year for volunteers, grandparents and concession cardholders, and $40 a year for non-volunteers.

TOYING AROUND: (From left) Chris McCracken and Margaret Curtis from the Rosewhite CWA, with toy library committee members Ellie Dawkins, Shentara McPherson, Emma Cunneen and Millie Wall last Saturday.

Everist

Hawthorn Village celebrates 30 years in style

HAWTHORN Village held a celebration for residents and staff on May 26 to commemorate 30 years since the Bright aged care facility opened its doors.

The evening included a high tea style dinner for staff and residents provided by Riverdeck Kitchen.

During the celebration residents and staff shared stories, sang songs and enjoyed a slice of the beautifully decorated cake made by Lisa Birchin in the specially decorated dining room at Hawthorn Village.

Hawthorn Village staff organised personalised gifts for residents who each received a tea cup with their name on it and a commemorative certificate.

Special guests included Rosie Spicer, who is the facility’s longest serving member of staff, and 18-year resident Thelma Bates, who has been living at Hawthorn Village for the longest.

“I was lucky enough to be in attendance at this wonderful celebration of Hawthorn Village,” Alpine Health chief

Let's talk about funerals

executive officer Nick Shaw said.

“There is an incredibly strong community spirit at Hawthorn Village and it was fantastic to see volunteers, staff and residents come together to create a really special event.”

GOOD TIMES: Hawthorn Village residents Marlene Deering and Charles Humphry enjoying the aged care facility’s 30-year anniversary celebration on May 26.

North East V/ Line capacity overlooked in state budget

By RYAN MALCOLM

UPGRADES to the state’s V/ Line transport capacity won’t extend to the Albury line, with the North East set to be overlooked for the implementation of a further 23 VLocity trains from next year.

There were also no plans for extra carriages on the Albury line since the increase in patronage, with extra buses instead to be placed on standby.

Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy said it was disappointing for the North East to be overlooked for further upgrades, particularly following a “problematic” initial rollout of VLocity trains in the past 12 months.

He said the fare cap had exacerbated a lack of available space in non-reserved carriages, resulting in reports of overcrowding throughout the region.

“We have seen issues with the capacity of the new trains, particularly in the non-reserved seating, with horror stories of overcrowded carriages for the four-hour trip to Albury preventing access to toilets and seats for those who need them,” he said.

“This was all before the capped fares, which now are resulting in trains being booked out weeks in advance and the non-reserved carriages being overcrowded on a regular basis - further, access to amenities such as the buffet car, become difficult if not impossible.”

“It is clear that there is a need for more services, or more carriages on the North East line, so it is disappointing, yet not out of the ordinary, for the government to give us some new trains and tell us to deal with it.”

Christine Haddrick

PHOTO: Brodie

Keep your recycling loose.

Alpine Health raises flags to recognise National Reconciliation Week

IN recognition of National Reconciliation Week, May 27 to June 3, Alpine Health held a flag raising ceremony of the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian flags on May 29 at all three Alpine Health sites - Mount Beauty, Bright and Myrtleford.

“As a local health service, we need to ensure that everyone feels safe in seeking help with their health and the flags are a public statement that we welcome First Nations community members into our service,” Alpine Health chief executive officer Nick Shaw said.

“We know that First Nations people often have poorer health outcomes and we hope that the flags signify our commitment in closing this health gap.”

In seeking to improve health outcomes, Alpine Health released its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in July last year.

According to Alpine Health, the RAP provides a clear and structured framework to improve how we work with First Nations people and ensures that our approach is both meaningful and considerate of the health needs of First Nations people.

In a statement released last week, Alpine Health said since the launch of the RAP a number of actions have been completed, such as:

 Developing a better understanding of the different Traditional Owner groups in the Alpine Shire and their histories and relationships;

 Screening of Djakamirr: Caretaker of Pregnancy and Birth for International Midwives Day and connecting with First Nations community members;

 Making cultural safety training mandatory for all Alpine Health staff;

 Including Acknowledgement of Country in all Alpine Health meetings and email signatures as a mark of respect;

 Installing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags at each site.

FLAGS RAISED: Alpine Health chief executive officer Nick Shaw, health services manager Leanne Kilpatrick and Alpine Health staff at Mount Beauty Hospital.

Fertiliser fall welcome, report points to more good news

By BRODIE EVERIST

FERTILISER prices have dropped from their historic highs last year, and a recent report says affordability will improve further, according to global agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank, however locals have mixed views on the current state of play.

In its Semi-annual Fertiliser Outlook, Rabobank said most fertiliser prices are gradually returning to their historical averages, after skyrocketing over the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.

Rabobank analyst Vitor Pistoia said good weather

DEMAND GROWTH: Rabobank analyst Vitor Pistoia said good weather driven by La Nina and investments in crop management had underpinned growth in fertiliser demand in Australia.

driven by La Nina and investments in crop management had underpinned growth in fertiliser demand in Australia due to good sea-

sonal conditions and a surge in grain and oilseed production.

“Although the conditions for the 2023 crop seasons are a bit different, they do not signal a reversal in the trend of historically-high cropping area and a significant application rate,” Mr Pistoia said.

“The drop in farm input prices is greater than that of commodity prices, and this is slowly improving farmers’ buying power.”

Rupert Shaw, general manager of rural supplier Tafco in Myrtleford, said fertiliser and chemical prices were largely decreasing due to better supply and lower shipping costs.

He said demand for fer-

tiliser had been slow at the start of the year but had increased since then.

“Prices started to fall significantly from around December and that continued into the early part of the year,” he said.

“We believe a lot of people postponed buying fertiliser because they thought the price would continue to fall.”

According to Mr Shaw, prices had stabilised over the last four to six weeks, but he said fertiliser wasn’t usually applied during the winter anyway.

“Most people want to get super phosphate in before the winter,” he said.

“Dairy people will do urea later, and lime can be spread

most time during the year, but generally, people don’t bother in the depth of winter because it’s just too wet.”

Cattle and onion seed farmer Colin McCormack, who has properties in Ovens and Buckland, said the recent drop in cattle prices means he will be cutting back on fertiliser use and predicted others will too.

“Fertiliser is about the one thing that you do cut back on,” he said.

“Shire rates, insurance, electricity, fuel - you can’t cut back on them”, he said.

Rob Caponecchia, who runs a Myrtleford-based lawn turf business, said fertiliser prices don’t have a large impact on his busi-

ness, but he would welcome any price drop as he thought it would increase sales.

“If I could drop the price per square metre down a little bit I feel I could turn over a lot more,” he said.

According to Mr Caponecchia, the housing construction industry has a greater effect on his business as it helps determine demand for new turf.

He said he increased turf prices last year due to fertiliser and other costs going up, but it wasn’t a problem for customers.

“Generally speaking I think people accepted it, I didn’t get much pushback on the fact that prices had increased,” he said.

Farm emissions field day

A FIELD day at Mudgegonga today will explore the options for reducing farm emissions and accessing supply chains looking for low-emissions intensity produce.

Speakers will also cover genomics, plant breeding, pasture species suitable for high rainfall areas, and im-

proving soil health to capture productivity gains.

The field day will include presentations at the Mudgegonga Hall in the morning and an afternoon in the paddock on a beef cattle property.

It starts at 9:30am at Mudgegonga Public Hall, 1395 Myrtleford-Yackandan-

dah Rd, Mudgegonga.

Tickets are $30 plus booking fee for venue and catering and can be made at https://events.humanitix.com/ carbon-farmingproductivity-field-day.

For more information contact Lachlan Campbell at lachlan.campbell@necma. vic.gov.au or 0400 852 452.

KEEPING IT GREEN: A field day exploring the options for reducing farm emissions will be held at this Mudgegonga property on June 7.

The origins of taxi and cab hire

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

UNTIL the 1920s Myrtleford’s only form of public transport was the railway, which enabled residents to visit acquaintances or businesses in nearby towns on an early morning or afternoon journey.

Train travellers who arrived in town either walked or were picked up by horse and gig and conveyed to their destination.

Cars were seen in the district infrequently, owned by a few.

These included: Dr GS Sutton, after arrival in town in 1912 drove a French vehicle, the town’s first; Reg Robertson drove his father JB’s ‘Buick’ around town from 1924 and Samuel McGuffie purchased a ‘Dodge’ in 1928.

In 1920 one local driver, Richard Henry (‘Harry’) Jackson, had seen the need

for readily available public transport.

Aged in his thirties, he acquired a new car in 1921 and for six years operated the town’s first taxi service.

He owned three cars in this time; his prime purchase was a 1922 model ‘Oakland 6-44 Tourer’.

Harry Jackson was a twin brother of Bert (with whom he shared athletic ability) and six other siblings.

He attended school at Happy Valley, then worked on local farms, including Panlooks Hop Gardens.

He became an engine driver on a dredge at Smoko and then in New Zealand.

Taxi destinations varied and included sightseeing tours up a single lane track to Mount Buffalo when motor vehicles had become the preferred means of transport, replacing the use of horse-drawn carriages up the mountain.

On other occasions, Harry’s cab conveyed patrons to picnic race

meetings at Dederang or Yackandandah or to football fixtures as far away as Moyhu, Tarrawingee and Beechworth.

Harry worked in Shepparton as a council contractor and returned to Myrtleford to work odd jobs and as a carpenter with his brother Percy from 1950.

On September 25, 1957 the ‘Myrtleford Times’ reported: “LOCAL RESIDENT FATALLY INJURED: Shortly before 5:00 pm on September 23, a fatal accident occurred on the Ovens Highway near Simmonds Corner...... he died of injuries received riding a bicycle, struck by a car travelling in the same direction.”

Myrtleford had lost its first taxi driver, aged 72 years; he would be buried

at the Pioneer Cemetery on October 2, 1957.

In 1922 Harold J Trezise commenced another hire car service from his garage opposite the Railway Hotel in Standish Street.

He offered an extensive repair service, “available day and night, phone 18” and had ‘Buick Tourer’ cars for sale.

His home adjoined his place of business on Duke Street.

Harold had been born at Hillsborough (near Stanley) and came to Myrtleford in 1918.

He mined at Barwidgee Creek and, like many his age, continued his involvement in gold mining for 17 years including during the Great Depression (1929—32) to provide for his family of nine children.

He prospected on the Buckland River throughout a decade to 1939.

Harold’s eldest son

Allan managed the garage and car hire business when Harold was away prospecting at his camp some 23 miles upriver from Porepunkah.

The Buckland in 1939 became a challenging place for the Trezises on two occasions.

In mid-January 1939, at the height of the ‘Black Friday Bushfires’, Harold fought the flames while family members were concealed in barrels covered by wet hessian bags to save them from smoke and flames.

Then on June 28, travelling back to camp with his 16 years-old son Cyril (‘Snowy’), Harold fell from a log traversing a roaring Buckland flood.

A pole he was using to steady himself slipped off a rock causing him to fall and

perish in the stream.

Cyril ran 9 miles downstream to Hall’s farm to raise the alarm.

Harold’s body would not be recovered for a week.

In what was described as a “RIVER TRAGEDY”, the ‘Myrtleford Times’ reported on June 29 and July 5: “A married man and hire car proprietor is believed to have been drowned; First Constable WJ Miller of Myrtleford, Bright Police and other helpers commenced a feverish search ......during the recent bushfires he had a remarkable escape from death.”

Harold Trezise was eventually buried at the Pioneer Cemetery on July 11, aged 47.

Such stories acknowledge the contribution of two men who initiated public transport in the district between the two World Wars, and many other operators would follow them.

HAROLD TREZISE MINING, 1930s: Screening alluvial gravels on the Buckland River flats.

HAROLD TREZISE’S HIRE CARS, STANDISH STREET: Hire cars at Trezise’s garage, a business operated for 17 years.

HARRY JACKSON’S TAXI SERVICE, MT. BUFFALO: One frequent request of tourists was a taxi trip to take in the sites on Mount Buffalo.

HARRY JACKSON’S OAKLAND CAR, 1922: A source of pride, the Oakland 1922 Model 6-44 Tourer.

Maternity & Newborn Services

Alpine Health supports all women from Alpine communities with antenatal (before birth) and postnatal (after birth) services, to help you on your pregnancy and parenting journey.

Pregnancy/Antenatal Care

Every Thursday by appointment, at Alpine Health Myrtleford. Midwife care every week, GP Obstetrician every 4th week. No fee’s. Fully linked to Northeast Health Wangaratta.

Postnatal/Domiciliary Care

Midwives visit new families at home for checks, advice and support, during the first week after birth.

Hospital in the Home Program Care delivered in the home and directly linked to regional hospitals.

Tresillian@Alpine

Parent and Babies Service providing support with sleep and settling and lactation (up to 1 year of age), every 2nd Wednesday at Alpine Health Myrtleford, by appointment.

Childbirth and Early Parenting Classes

Face to face classes that aim to increase confidence about labour, birth and early parenting.

Dates of upcoming Classes: Bright/Myrtleford: July 12 and July 19

Mt Beauty: Aug 9 and Aug 16

Myrtleford/Bright: Sept 13 and Sept 20

Email: maternity@alpinehealth.org.au

Phone: 0438 754 019 No cost to attend.

2023

Lakeside Community Centre, Mt Beauty 19 June 2023

Alpine Health, Myrtleford More information www.alpinehealth.org.au/news-events/events

MT BEAUTY

Stuart Bryden

How long have you lived in Mount Beauty?

I came up here three and a half years ago from Melbourne. I was in the army for 19 years spending time in action in Iraq and Afghanistan and eventually stationed at the Victoria Barracks on St Kilda Road. I came up originally to teach skiing (ski instructor) but COVID put a stop to that.

What do you like about the place?

It has everything that I like to do and it attracts like-minded people.

Would you like to see any changes?

Honestly, no it’s great just the way it is.

What do you do, plus your hobbies and interests?

I work at Honey Bird Coffee as head barista and head trainer, that involves training all the cafe staff that we supply (over 100). It includes follow up training. In winter I ski up at Falls Creek that I consider my favourite mountain in the world. I do some flyfishing, again the best flyfishing location in the country. I like gravel bike riding, I’ve ridden to Mitta Mitta for lunch and back, a total of six hours.

Where would you take visitors to showcase the area?

Up to Falls Creek in winter, fly fishing in summer, and for a great coffee at Honey Bird cafe.

David Danks

What do you do for a living?

I’ve been a chef for over 30 years, I’m originally from Glasgow and Scotland. I started my apprenticeship in Perth, in WA in 1988.

How long have you lived in the area?

We moved to Wandi in 2015, but moved up from Melbourne in 2012 with my wife and two kids. We were part owners of 15 Steps on Barnard Street for five years. We had a good break from the industry before COVID hit and worked with Nightingales orchards, which was great. I just got back into it again in September last year. So far, so good, I’m really enjoying it.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I like making electronic music in my spare time and going four-wheel driving as well in the woods, or going bushwalking and that sort of thing. Just being outdoors whenever I can.

What do you like about the area?

I love that we get four seasons - you really get a hot summer and generally a cold winter. I come from Scotland so I’m used to that climate. Also the people, they’re really friendly. I love the change from being in Melbourne and I wanted to bring the girls up in a different environment.

Where would you take visitors to showcase the area?

Definitely Wandi for starters because there’s always a lot of focus on Bright and some people don’t see Wandi. It reminds me of Scotland a little bit too - such a beautiful spot. But also up to Mount Buffalo and the different areas, and up to Hotham, taking in all the surrounds. Is there anything you would change about the area?

Hopefully they don’t knock down those trees at the gateway on the way in and build that new estate. It’d be great if they didn’t do that, but I guess that’s going to happen. That’d be the one thing. There’s not really much I would change, I’m quite happy. I know that things evolve, they don’t always stay the same.

Lyn Emanuelli

How long have you lived in the area?

About 35 years. We came from Melbourne and we moved to Tasmania, where we bought a hotel. We ran that for about 4-5 years. Wayne (my husband) joined Australia Post again and he came to Myrtleford. Wayne and I have both been at Australia Post - I worked in Wang as well as Myrtleford. Then I opened a cafe at Alpine Gate and ran that for about three or four years and then retired.

What are your hobbies and interests?

MYRTLEFORD

Max out on everything All-New Amarok

That feeling you get when you know nothing stands in your way? That’s what it’s like to drive the All-New Amarok. Built tough from the ground up, uncompromising in its performance and capable of taking on any challenge, the All-New Amarok takes everything to the max.

Let’s not forget the All-New Amaraok’s impressive levels of new technology, premium exterior and interior styling, and excptional standards of comfort. When you drive a ute maxed out like this, there’s nothing you cant do.

I’ve got a gold detector, I’ve never found anything, but I like fossicking. I also like fishing and bike riding. For my

WANDILIGONG

birthday I was given an electric bike and I love that too.

What do you like about the area?

It’s very pretty, it’s mountainous, and it’s just like Tassie, which I loved. And the people are very friendly.

Where would you take visitors to showcase the area?

I would take them out to Gapsted for lunch overlooking the vineyards. Is there anything you would change about the area?

I would like to see businesses, particularly hospitality, stay open longer. I know they have staff shortages, so more accommodation is needed for backpackers and people traveling for work.

Royal Flying Doctor visit to Mount Beauty

By FAY MASON, Kiewa

THE Royal Flying Doctor Dental Service will be stationed outside the Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre from June 14.

The eligibility criteria are as follows:

Children and young people aged 0-17 years old.

Adults aged 18 years and over who have a health care card or pension concession card or the dependant of a card holder.

All aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Refugees and asylum seekers.

Holders of a DVA card.

For more information call the Neighbourhood Centre on 03 5754 1166.

THE MOUNT Beauty

Neighbourhood Centre held its 2nd Annual Pumpkin Showdown last month.

There were three categories for judging

- smallest, largest, and weirdest.

Congratulations to all entries and winners.

In spite of a rather cold morning they enjoyed the yummy pumpkin fare, including Thai style pumpkin soup, pumpkin and savoury scones, and pumpkin pies.

The largest pumpkin was donated to the group with everyone taking home a mighty chunk.

The next Pumpkin Showdown will be held in May next year, so start planting when the time comes.

THERE is a lot of speculation going on about development on the Kiewa Valley Highway in Tawonga South, as someone called it “The Golden Mile”.

One of the retailers who has recently set up shop there is Monica Hood with

her Sassy Road Boutique.

Monica has been operating her shop from Hollond Street for the past 13 years, and saw an opportunity to take the business to a larger brighter store at the Golden Mile allowing her to expand the range.

“Besides,” Monica said. “I can pop a couple of doors away and have lunch with my husband Will at the Tawonga South Butchery.”

All available land on this stretch has been sold, and there are plans put forward for an accomodation/ retail/ restaurant development which is much-needed in the town.

Watch this space, Mount Beauty is expanding the offers on retail, restaurants, and more. ***

ON the Alpine FM Brunch program this morning lots

of interesting interviews including Federal member for Indi Dr Helen Haines at 9.30am, Ian Westmoreland will speak on the Kintsugi Heroes at 10.10am, and don’t miss the interview with Alpine Shire Mayor John Forsyth on the controversial subject of FOGO bins at 10.40am then, after 11am, the Talking Heads segment always fun and informative.

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY: Monica Hood with her Sassy Road Boutique have moved to the Kiewa Valley Highway in Tawonga South.

VEGGIE HEAVEN: Pumpkin lovers enjoy some Thai style pumpkin soup at the 2nd Annual Pumpkin Showdown in Mount Beauty.

A small act makes a big impact.

Many properties across the Alpine Shire will receive their new Food Organics, Garden Organics (FOGO) bin over the coming weeks.

The new FOGO service will commence from Monday, 3 July.

Learn more about our new recycling stream by scanning the QR code, or visit alpineshire.vic.gov.au

A tale of two towns

North East rock band Raging Moby are committed to keeping the music rolling ahead of their gig at Bright’s Darker Days Festival this June.

PHOTO: Summer-Rain Moss

Plenty of festivities to open season

By JEFF ZEUSCHNER

SNOW season festivities over this King’s Birthday weekend promise to be entertaining at Mt Hotham and Falls Creek alpine resorts.

At Mt Hotham, popular venuesJack Frost, Zirky’s, Miss Mary’s, and The General - will be open from this Friday, June 9.

On Saturday, from 4pm to 6pm, a charity auction will have chairs from the Playground double chair, Hotham’s first chairlift, go under the auctioneer’s hammer.

In the evening, from 8.30pm till late, enjoy live music at The General.

On Sunday it’s a winter wonderland in Davenport Drive - come and enjoy free gluhwein, hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows.

From 6.15pm there’ll be fireworks on the Summit, then party the night away with DJ Eddy at The General.

Over at Falls Creek village the opening weekend celebrations start with the Protect Our Winters (POW) Community ‘Slope Takeover’ in Slalom Plaza where people join together and ride down Wombat’s Ramble to raise

awareness to protect our greatest asset- our environment.

Village street parties in the Village Bowl will kick off on Saturday and Sunday afternoon complete with marshmallow roasting, kid’s games, and circus activities.

The dazzling Fireworks Fiesta at 6.30pm on Saturday will help kick off the season with a bang.

Aside from this, the fabulous array of bars and restaurants are opened with new menus, new faces and plenty of exciting ‘Opening Weekend’ specials.

An exclusive screening of captivating North Face backcountry film “Steep Reflections” - scheduled at the Frying Pan Inn at 7.30pm on Saturday, June 10 has been moved to Wednesday, June 14- same time and venue.

Visitors to Falls Creek and Mt Hotham alpine resorts are reminded that all vehicles must carry chains.

Guests planning a trip this year are encouraged to plan early and buy lift tickets, lessons and rentals online.

Check the Falls Creek and Mt Hotham websites for more information.

Mt

will

distributed by June 2023. Subsequent editions are then published monthly through the 2023 snow season.

Over 4,000 copies are distributed FREE, throughout Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, Bright and the High Country region. Copies are also sent to key snow sports outlets in Melbourne and Visitor Information Centres.

Mt Hotham Falls Creek News is also available free as a digital edition which can be accessed via smart phone, tablet or desktop device.

Every edition covers all aspects of alpine life on Hotham and Falls Creek including skiing, snowboarding, real estate, events, travel, industry

entertainment and much more. Together this makes Mt Hotham Falls Creek News the ultimate guide for visitors and locals alike and business wanting to reach this important market.

Jenny Zamperoni

Ph (03) 5731 3305 M: 0427 494 309

Email: jking@nemedia.com.au

Web: www.nemedia.com.au

START SEASON WITH A BANG: Fireworks will be part of the fun festivities at Falls Creek and Mt Hotham alpine resorts for the opening of the 2023 snow season over this King’s Birthday weekend.

PHOTO: Dylan Robinson

A fine blend of good friends and great songs

By BRODIE EVERIST

BEECHWORTH and the seaside town of Torquay, south of Geelong, haven’t a lot in common - but they share Raging Moby.

After forming in Moonee Ponds in 2017, the six-piece rock band now traverses the 302 kilometres between the two towns to create music due to band members living in both towns, a feat which vocalist and guitarist Aidan Pangrazio says has benefits.

“I feel like it gives us a good range because we’re developing different ideas,” he said.

When we get back in a room together, which is what we did last weekend to write new music, we’re bringing in a lot of different ideas,” he said.

They also develop a fanbase in two different regions - and it’s the North East crowd they’re hoping to pull when they perform

at Bright’s Darker Days Festival, a three day romp of live music, beer and food in the midst of winter this June.

Pangrazio said the band is well-served by their group’s tight-knit relationship, forged through years of

playing together and before that, just hanging out.

“Three or four years of living in Melbourne, going to uni together and working together and things like that we’ve all developed these different friendships,” he said.

“It translates well to our music, because we’ve got a set dynamic already.”

The group also go on a yearly camping jaunt to a farm in Kancoona, further strengthening the friendship group.

“As a group that’s pretty

split across Victoria now, that’s one thing that we always dedicate a bit of time to every year,” Pangrazio said The group has recently released two dancefloorfilling singles from their upcoming second EP, which Pangrazio said is a greater

reflection of their live sound than their first EP.

“Our first lot of songs we were experimenting with production,” he said.

“Whereas this one, we really just tried to emulate how we play them live and how they come across when someone’s watching us on stage.

“I think the songs point more towards a classic rock sound.”

While the band has performed often in the North East, most notably Beechworth’s Tanswells Hotel, Pangrazio said the Bright festival will be a new gig for them.

“We’re stoked to be playing Darker Days,” he said.

“We’ve got a bit of a following in the North East, we’ll be able to reunite with that group, and it should be good.”

Bright’s Darker Days Festival runs from June 16-18.

HAVING FUN: Six-piece rock band Raging Moby, made up of (from left) Aidan Pangrazio, Liam Hogan, Declan Bedford, Sam Shallue, Anders Muir and Nick Lorenz, will be playing at Bright’s Darker Days Festival this June.

Club Savoy has got it going on

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

MYRTLEFORD’S Club Savoy has room for everyone and anything, making it an excellent spot for your next event or function.

Recent renovations to the restaurant area, the Alpine Room Restaurant, have updated the space to create a friendly, comfortable and welcoming area, according to manager Paul Rodgers.

“The idea was to update it from looking a bit like a cafeteria to make it more pleasant to be in,” he said.

“It’s much more relaxing and intimate now, but still with plenty of space.

“People usually eat in the bistro so we’re now trying to move into the restaurant area to be closer to the kitchen and since March we’ve had very positive feedback from people.

“Our chef Paul Castelli has been with us for 18 months now and he’s great, always changing the specials and keeping the classics people love.

“The rest of our venue has spaces for any function; we’ve got a hall for more private events so we’ve had

birthday parties and conferences.

“The next thing we’re working on is a children’s area with indoor play so there’s something more for families and there’ll be more as we go along.

“Our staff are a great team, Jodie Harrison is the go to for functions and we make sure everyone feels part of the group.”

The Savoy Club runs regular events including the community smorgasbord on the last Sunday of every month.

The next one will be held on Sunday, June 25 and money raised will be donated to the Myrtleford Community Garden.

Every second Sunday of the month there is a regular smorgasbord and both start at 6pm with tickets available by calling 5751 1296.

On July 9 Club Savoy will host a Christmas in July with The Hoffmans putting on a show.

The club is looking forward to a major musical event in August; the Myrtleford Mountain Music Festival with tickets available now.

Tickets are $20 per day or $55 for a weekend pass.

INVITING ALL: Club Savoy’s chef Paul Castelli and manager Paul Rodgers are welcoming everyone to the club after renovations.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

dance of soft close storage along with a large butler’s pantry.

The home is designed to maximise natural light with a strong emphasis on indoor-outdoor living.

where glass stacking doors can be opened to bring the outside in cleverly adjoining the expansive outdoor area directly overlooking the golf course. bedrooms with their very own ensuites guestrooms both contain built-in robes.

The main bathroom is spacious and glass shower.

Comfort is ensured with ducted refrigerated cooling and heating along with zoning capacity to individual areas of

Waldara lifestyle living

THIS beautiful Waldara lifestyle property is perfectly set on 1.6 acres. This charming weatherboard home is perfect for those families seeking space in every sense with four bedrooms plus study and two large bathrooms. Generously proportioned kitchen, living and dining areas with a large second living space. Upon entering the home, you are greeted with an abundance of natural light, the home is surrounded by the wraparound veranda.

The primary bedroom is both sunlit and spacious, providing a full ensuite and

walk-in robe. Three further bedrooms of which two contain built-in robes.

Ensuring the climate remains comfortable all year round, the home is serviced by ducted heating and cooling, reverse cycle split systems, ceiling fans and a wood burning heater. An 18-panel

Beautifully set within the established leafy garden surrounds, The gardens provide both privacy and beauty and can be admired from many areas of the home.

Ideally set on over 1.6 acres backing on to the reserve with no rear neighbours. Further enhancing the property,

shedding can accommodate two vehicles with additional workshop and storpower connected. (Carport 7.5m X 6m)

This quality Waldara lifestyle property presents a fantastic opportunity for those seeking a desirable 6705 m2 allotment and a large home in a quiet location. Within 10 minutes’ drive to the CBD, walking distance to both primary and secondary schools and less than 1km from the Wangaratta Golf Club.

Please contact Danial Siperki at Harcourts Real Estate to arrange a private inspection on 0400 027 473.

‘Kimberley Fields’ Greta

“KIMBERLEY FIELDS” is under 30mins from Wangaratta and just 15mins to Moyhu township. Located in the heart of Greta valley and comprised of 816 acres plus leases, this property boasts a real opportunity for large scale cattle operation.

Sealed and dirt road access with multiple entries to paddocks, yards and shedding. A perfect block for fattening and breeding cattle, silage/hay production and many other rural pursuits. Main homestead features a four bedroom home plus study, with one bathroom. Main kitchen living is open plan with separate lounge. Heating and cooling are well catered for with two combustion heaters and split system.

Large decked outdoor area is the perfect location to entertain and admire the views of beautiful well-established trees and garden. Second dwelling of the property is a 1970s built brick veneer home, consisting of three bedrooms, one bathroom with kitchen dining and separate lounge. Multiple sheds on the property

Business Guide

with machinery shed, unused dairy, open bay hay shed along with further hay shedding located in front paddock. Cattle yards cover with extensive steel holding yards all connected to laneway system. Water reliability is a huge feature of “Kimberley Fields” with 800-850mm per annum rainfall along with a fully licenced/registered dam on farm with 140ML of storand water can be released to house dam with pumping point. Previously used for dairy farming, since 2014 the owners have turned their attention to breeding beef cattle. With great fertiliser history, reliable water source and large-scale acreage this property is a rarity in today’s market. First time offered to the public market in over 50 Years clearly demonstrating the rarest of opportunities,

For more information about 114 Thomas Lane, Greta South or to book a inspection please call Nutrien-Harcourts Wangaratta..

sales@nemedia.com.au

11 Fairway Drive, Waldara. For sale: $1.1m to $1.2m.

Less than 12 months old. Golf course views. Space, comfort and in pristine condition. Move in ready. A stunning home.

Lot 46 Waldara Golf Estate..

For sale: $879,000

Under construction and ready soon! North-facing golf course views. Low maintenance living on 527 square metres (approx.)

Quality upgrades. Check it out before you commit to building.

13 Maori Way, Wangaratta.

For sale: $819,000

Fine family living. Ex-display home Fully established with lots of extras. Space for all the family inside and out. Located edge of town on service road.

36 Cusack Street, Wangaratta.

For sale: $589,000

Central, renovated and great value! Renovated from top to toe. Invest or a home to love. Large block close to Wangaratta hospital.

1/13 Williams Road, Wangaratta . For sale: $489,000

Comprehsively renovated on 435 square metres (approx.) Stunning new kitchen, ensuite and bathroom. cooling units. 107 Murdoch Road, Wangaratta.

For sale: $414,000

Concrete stumps. Updated kitchen. Re-wired. 3 large bedrooms with robes. Gas heating, split system.

Corner block of 597 square metres (approx.).

-

25 Bottlebrush Avenue, Wangaratta.

For sale: $680,000

Brand “spanking” new.

Modern, open plan layout with all the modern luxuries.

Fenced and ready for new owners. Quick settlement an option.

BIG ‘CRUISER UTE IS BUILT FOR PURPOSE

FULL

By ALISTAIR KENNEDY, Marque Motoring

IF you want a definition of the term `workhorse’ look no further than Toyota’s 70-Series LandCruiser.

Whether it’s carrying miners or carting hay bales in every dairy farm in Australia, the 70-Series is a hard-working 4x4 that earns its keep day-in day-out, year-in, yearout.

All variants are powered, and we mean powered, by a 4.5-litre V8 turbo diesel engine.

The latest, LC79, version of the 70-Series comes with four body styles: wagon, troop carrier, plus two- and five-seat cab-chassis.

Each comes in WorkMate or GXL grade with the Single Cab also offering a lowerspec GX.

Our test vehicle was the GXL Single Cab cab chassis priced at $76,650 plus onroad costs and with a genuine Toyota galvanised steel tray.

STYLING

The lads from Monty Python might have had the LandCruiser 70 Series in mind when they said “and now for something completely different”.

Not in terms of what came before the current LC79, because there is very little different here, but in comparison with everything else out there.

The closest anything comes to it is the Land Rover Defender prior to it being gentrified.

The squared-off truck-like styling of the 70-Series is in-

stantly recognisable, having changed little over the years.

There’s a large bonnet scoop, plenty of chrome in the grille and protruding bumper bar, plus halogen lights and 16-inch wheels.

INTERIOR

The cabin of the LC79 is as basic as you can get.

Lots of plastic all around with very few storage spaces, which means with two occupants the passenger will need to nurse any bags, etc.

ENGINES/TRANSMISSIONS

All LC79 variants are powered by a 4.5-litre V8 turbodiesel that produces 151kW of power at 3400 rpm and 430Nm of torque from 1200 to 3200 rpm.

The engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission, with taller second and fifth gears, the latter allowing it to cruise more easily on motorways.

Drive is to the rear wheels through a dual-range transfer case with high and low range gearing, auto-locking front hubs plus front and rear diff locks.

The 2022 upgrade increased the LC79’s gross vehicle mass to 3510kg, not only increasing the payload but also taking the range from the light to medium goods category.

Braked trailer towing capacity remains at 3500kg.

SAFETY

The latest upgrade, in late2022, added autonomous emergency braking and a Pre-Collision Safety system including pedestrian and

daytime cyclist detection, enabling it to meet the latest ANCAP safety criteria and get the maximum five stars.

Other standard features include four airbags, ABS brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, stability and traction control and Hill-Start Assist.

However, more recent safety features are missing, including things like blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning or correction, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors and a rear-view camera - most of which are available on vehicles that are more than half the price.

DRIVING

It’s a bit of a climb to get into the LC79, helped by grab handles on either side, but once there the cloth seats are firm but comfortable.

There’s no push button start, the key needs to be inserted in the ignition slotdon’t mind that, at least you always know where it is.

The wing mirrors are large but not powered and need a bit of pushing and prodding to set them properly, a real nuisance if you don’t have a passenger to help.

Once set, they contribute to excellent visibility all round with a large, almost vertical, windscreen, large side windows and no rear seat headrests to block the view behind.

The first thing to do if you pick up a Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series in the city - as we did - is to get out ASAP.

It’s certainly not designed for urban conditions.

It’s large, heavy and cum-

MODEL RANGE

LAND CRUISER 79-SERIES 4.5-LITRE DIESEL WORKMATE

bersome with a large turning circle.

Steering is heavy, the brakes are spongy and there’s a fair bit of body roll.

With its 14.4 metre turning circle even moderate manoeuvres are likely to necessitate a three-point turn.

Fortunately, Sydney’s ring of motorways let us escape and we were able to settle into an uninterrupted trip to the Central Coast.

While it was still not in its natural habitat and it could hardly be called a cruiser, we got a much better feel for the LC79.

There was a significant amount of engine and road noise and it really needed a sixth gear.

On the positive side, the amount of torque, accessible across the rev range, meant the big Cruiser moved effortlessly regardless of terrain.

The gear shift has a long throw action which makes it possible to miss third if you rush it.

On moving off It can take three gear changes just to get across an intersection, unless you start off in second, which is the preferred method.

Off road, with 230mm of ground clearance, 700mm wading ability, a snorkel for breathing, low range crawler gearing, plus front and rear diff locks, the 70 Series takes some stopping.

SUMMING UP

Whenever you travel around the great Aussie bush every second vehicle seems to be a 70-Series LandCruisers.

Some in much loved con-

SINGLE CAB CHASSIS: $72,550

LAND CRUISER 79-SERIES 4.5-LITRE DIESEL GX SINGLE

CAB CHASSIS: $74,550

LAND CRUISER 79-SERIES 4.5-LITRE DIESEL GXL SINGLE

CAB CHASSIS: $76,650

LAND CRUISER 79-SERIES 4.5-LITRE DIESEL WORKMATE

DUAL CAB CHASSIS: $75,100

LAND CRUISER 79-SERIES 4.5-LITRE DIESEL GXL SINGLE

CAB CHASSIS: $79,200

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

SPECIFICATIONS (Toyota Land Cruiser LC79 Single Cab

GXL 4.5-litre V8 turbo-diesel cab chassis.

RATINGS:

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

Practicality: 5/10; Comfort: 6/10; Tech: 6/10; Value: 6/10;

Overall: 6.4

dition, others that have led a rough life - but all are still going strong and hard, even with too little maintenance.

One reason for its popularity is that it has been developed specifically for the Australian environment, with a tough ladder-frame chassis, live-axles, impressive ground clearance, part-time 4x4, powerful yet efficient engine, excellent load-carrying capacity and long touring range.

The LandCruiser 70 series gets a five-year, unlimited distance warranty that can be extended to seven years on the powertrain when the vehicle is serviced at a Toyota dealership.

Servicing intervals are six months or 10,000km.

Now for the bad news. About a year ago Toyota Australia instructed its dealers to stop taking orders, and that is still the case.

Even those who had ordered their LC79 prior to that

date are facing long delays.

PERFORMANCE:

Capacity: 4.461 litres

Configuration: V8

Maximum Power: 151 kW @ 3400 rpm

Maximum Torque: 430 Nm from 1200-3200 rpm

Fuel Type: Diesel Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): : 10.7 L/100km

CO2 Emissions: 281 g/km

DRIVELINE:

Five-speed manual

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:

Length: 5230 mm

Wheelbase: 3180 mm

Width: 1870 mm

Height: 1955 mm

Turning Circle: 14.4 metres

Kerb Mass: 2195 kg

Fuel Tank Capacity: 130 litres

STANDARD WARRANTY:

Five years, Unlimited kilometres

FORCE: The unbreakable Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series keeps on keeping on.

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 What is the vital principle in humans (6)

8 Name a French Protestant (8)

9 Which tablet of metal is set on a wall for ornamentation (6)

10 What is another name for an arthropod (8)

11 What is a formal opinion given (6)

12 Name the capital of Fiji (4)

13 Name one of the species of diminutive beings said to inhabit the interior of the earth (5)

16 What is a long lock of hair (5)

19 Asana is a pose in what (4)

21 What is an Australian banded anteater (6)

22 Name the 2011 Brownlow Medal winner (4,4)

23 Which term describes resources available (6)

24 A chipmunk is a type of what (8)

25 What is a set of correlated members (6)

DOWN

2 What is a knightly or heroic champion (7)

3 Name a celebration of a particular mass (7)

4 What are subjects of discourse, discussion, etc (6)

5 Name a small roundish citrus fruit used chiefly for preserves (7)

6 To belong to former times, is to be what (7)

7 What are sudden interruptions to the supply of blood to the brain (7)

13 Name a branch of applied mathematics (7)

14 That which is inauspicious or threatening, is what (7)

E-QUATIONS

Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

SUDOKU

15 What is something unpleasant to look at (7)

17 Which were the names of twelve kings of ancient Egypt (7)

18 To disturb or agitate suddenly by surprise, is to do what (7)

20 What describes historical records, generally (6)

Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.

WHICH WORDS

BIYWORD

Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.

ICLUES:

Amount outstanding (7)

Arrangement (5)

Cathode ray tube (3)

Closes up (5) Count (5)

Desiccate (3)

Expressions of awe

Protective screens

Wept

Yards

QUICK THINK

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

SOLUTIONS

The papers will be published on Thursday, June 15, 2023 due to the Kings Birthday public holiday on Monday.

Classifieds deadline is 3pm on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.

Ph: 5723 0101

Email: classifieds@nemedia.com.au

CLEANER

Experienced cleaner needed to service holiday house in Tawonga. Call Martin for details 0422 174 360.

2017 Holden Astra R Hatch Auto, REG (1JB6VS), 39,000kms, with RWC, decease d estate, $19,500 ONO. Ph 0408 269 229.

GREEN TO RED LID CHANGEOVER UPDATE – WASTE BIN

To support the roll out of the new Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) kerbside service, many properties will now have had their all-green general waste bin lids changed to have a red lid.

If your bin was missed, and still has a green lid on it, or part of your bin is broken and requires a repair, please contact Customer Service, and our team will organise a new lid, repair or replacement part.

For further information or to log a repair of your bin, please contact Customer Service (03) 5755 0555 or info@alpineshire.vic.gov.au

FOOD ORGANICS, GARDEN ORGANICS BIN DELIVERY COMMENCING

From Wednesday, 7 June, our contractor, and their team will commence the staged delivery of the new 240L Food Organics, Garden Organics (FOGO) kerbside bin, benchtop caddy, one year’s supply of caddy liners and an education pack to properties receiving the new service. Your caddy will be attached to your new bin with a reusable cable tie.

The new collection service model will commence from Monday, 3 July 2023 for all eligible properties. Do not place your FOGO bin out for collection prior to this time, as it will not be emptied.

Key changes that will take effect from Monday, 3 July include:

General Waste kerbside collection will move to the alternate fortnight to your recycling bin.

FOGO kerbside collection will be weekly.

Your allocated collection day will remain the same.

Each week your green-lid FOGO bin will be out with either the yellow-lid recycling bin or the red-lid general waste bin. Your recycling bin will continue to be collected on the same fortnight, and your general waste bin will now be collected on the opposite fortnight.

VOLKSWAGON Polo 2019, comfortine auto, service history, seven speed, professionally detailed, REG (BCE513), under w arranty, one owner, $22,500, 62,346km. Ph 0458 585 349.

FUNERAL

Honouring the Journey Mason Park Funerals

P. 03 5721 5060 W. masonpark.com.au

The only family owned funeral home in Wangaratta

Proud Member of Australian Funeral Directors Association

&

All Hours 5722 2525 northeastfunerals.com.au

INTER CD 1840 single axel articulated tipper grain truck in working order, 6-1970 UD4 engine, 15spd g-box, as normal tipper, suit on farm work or restore, no reg or RWC, chassy number: CD247398, $8900. Ph 0417 377 391.

ONE owner, 2012 Toyota Camry Altise sedan,(YXX911), travelled 91,749km, part of a deceased estate, in very good condition, one or two mino r scratches. All books and records, will supply reliable second family car, inspection will not disappoint, $15,500.

Contact Stretch 0488 444 650.

Copies of photographs taken by our staff at North East Media are available for sale, and can be ordered through the mail or at our office in Rowan Street, Wangaratta.

Phone 5723 0101 for more information.

John

Local people, local places

OUT NOW!

...immerse yourself in the region

SPORT

Quality

stroke

play shown at Bright

BRIGHT golfers braved the drizzly start to winter across the week competing in stableford and stroke competitions.

Veterans, Monday, May 29, Stableford

Winner: Glen O’Connell (18) 37 points.

Men, Thursday, June 1, Stableford

A grade winner: Cameron Wickes (0) 40 points. B grade winner: Wayne Curtis (23) 36 points.

Men, Saturday, June 3,

Stroke

A grade winner: Adam

Benincasa (12) 70 net.

B grade winner: Stuart

Carlisle (18) 69 net. C

grade winner: John Forbes (27) 71 net.

NTPs: third: Gavin Hunt, sixth: William Kelty, 11th: Austin Wickes, 16th: Ken Grummisch.

Ladies, Saturday, June 3, Stroke

Winner: Heather Thompson (20) 73 net.

NTPs: third: Allison Gilbert, sixth: Carolyn Bailey.

FIRE AWAY: Harvey Hughes loads up in an effort to throw out a baserunner in Porepunkah’s successful day against the Wodonga Raiders on Sunday, with only one loss recorded.

ARMS OUT: Lachie Rosser‘s

Panthers A grade shutout Wodonga

THE warm and sunny weather seemed to stimulate the Porepunkah Panthers in their matches against the visiting Wodonga Warriors, creating many memorable highlights.

The A grade match saw a focused local team prevent any runs being scored.

Second baseman Ollie Chambers fielded a ground ball and threw home for an easy tag on the stealing runner.

Later in the game it was third baseman, Adam Rosser, turning back the years with a dive to his right to snare a hot ground ball, getting up and making an accurate throw to Rian Banks at first base, who assisted with an extended stretch.

Damon Barker’s single in the first scored one run, but it was the third where singles were made by Heath Anders, Adam, and Stephen Johnstone to bring in runners.

Heath threw the complete game-6 innings, with his usual accuracy - no walks, five strikeouts and allowing only seven scattered hits.

Of their 13 safe hits, Adam, Heath, Adrian Quinton, Jamie Jelleff and Damon all had multiple hits for the Panthers.

5752 1058

Coach Barker applauded the time and effort put in by the players at training on the new pitching machine deliveries.

The decisive win consolidates third place on the ladder.

In the B grade game, it took until the fifth innings before the Panthers took the lead, after it had been tied at five all and Wodonga had scored four runs in their third innings.

Andrew Smith started the scoring with a single.

Kaleb Hoare was the Porepunkah pitcher, going five and two/third innings - seven hits and seven runs, but striking out six and giving only one walk.

Porepunkah had 12 hits for the game with Hayden Williams, Liam and Adrian Quinton all having multiple hits.

Andrew led the team with four of the 15 stolen bases.

Coach Randy Skippen couldn’t hide his smile as he congratulated the team on obtaining its first win for the season.

This time, the team withstood the late challenge, which had seen victory taken away in the final minutes

of a number of matches this year.

The C grade match was an even affair.

The Panthers opened with three runs with Luca Barthelmez leading off with a double, followed by singles to Liam Quinton and Hayden Williams.

In their second innings, they went three up, three down.

Wodonga had matched the three runs in their first innings, and took a one run lead in their second, on a two base hit.

The Panthers appeared likely to add many runs on singles by Ollie Chambers, Jason Brown and Mikiah McCallum, but in the end could only add two.

The Warriors added four on a similar number of hits, and inflicted the Panthers’ first loss of the season.

Ollie pitched the last two innings, picking up four strikeouts, but giving up five safe hits.

Lachie Rosser produced another solid performance behind the platefive strikeouts as well as catching a high foul fly ball.

The under 15s Panthers scored seven runs in their second innings,

with Sophie Anders, Sam Bourne and Makiah McCallum each batting in a runner in this innings.

Makiah went three innings on the mound for 10 runs on three hits, and striking out five. Paige Anders came out of the bullpen to throw two/third of an innings.

The Panthers were errorless in the field - Wade Pronk had four chances for outs, and achieved the desired result on each occasion, including his two innings of good catching duties.

Ollie Brown stole two bases, as the team had a total of 13.

The under 12s Panthers had a 9-0 result when the Warriors were unable to field a full team.

A scratch match was played, with the Hughes brothers again performing well.

There are no local baseball games, as the North Eastern senior team will be playing in Geelong for the Country Victorian titles.

Training will continue as usual for the Panthers players.

On Sunday, June 18 the Panthers play the Wangaratta Rangers at the Riverside diamond in Porepunkah.

glove was on fire at catcher as the A grade Panthers threw a shutout against Wodonga.

BRING IT ON: Will Osborne takes on

IN SPACE: Brayden Gasperotti breaking away from Andrew Stevens at Savoy Park.

Win eases pressure for under siege Savoy men

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

THE Savoy men have snapped a four game losing streak in comprehensive fashion on Sunday, beating St Pat’s 4-1 at Savoy Park.

After being on top of play early, an own goal opened proceedings for the savoys in the 16th minute before captain Tom LaSpina doubled their lead going into half-time.

Tomas Juhasz opened his account for the season with a goal in the 58th minute to solidify the Savoys’ dominance as LaSpina scored again to all but seal it.

A late penalty in stoppage

A fab five for Savoy women

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

A MASTERFUL 5-0 win by the Savoy women saw them go back on top of the AWFA division two table as they defeated St Pat’s on Sunday.

Albury United’s 2-0 loss to the Wodonga Heart opened the door for the Savoys to reclaim top of the table status after dropping to second in their draw with Albury City last week.

The physical nature of play brought by St Pat’s didn’t hinder the goal scoring of the Savoys with Taylah Geddes standing out with a brace, while Mikaela Hackett, Tui Morton and Sienna Alam with a last minute penalty all chimed in with goals.

Coach Gabby Paglia said the girls approached the game as a must win against the bottom of the ladder St Pat’s and was rapt to have the game come off as planned.

“I’m really happy with the girls, it was a good game to watch from the backline,” she said.

“The game started out really well, we had good control of the

time to Bryce Anderson was the only blemish in what was an almost complete win.

Co-coach Richard Morgan said it was relieving to be able to breakthrough for their first win in five games.

“To get a win like that was very handy and hopefully it’s a sign of things to come,” he said.

“It was a shame we didn’t get to keep that clean sheet but it was good see some improvement in defence.

Jake Miles rejoined the club after a stint away from the game and fit back in seamlessly in defence.

“It was a big inclusion for us,

his presence makes a big difference, he’s a big talker so that really helps us a lot,” Morgan said.

“It will be a test for our defence when we come up against Albury City after the bye so that will give us an idea of how much of a difference there is because they attacked very well against us last time.”

With the win the Savoys remain in touch with the rest of the competition on the standings as Albury United and Cobram begin to pull away at the top.

While there is a King’s Birthday round bye on the weekend the Savoys will still have plenty

to play for tonight, as they come up against United in the FA Cup semi-final for a chance to play off for silverware in a fortnight’s time.

Morgan said while the side won’t be at its strongest for the clash due to injury, it presents an exciting opportunity for his team to take it up to one of the best in the competition.

“It’ll be a similar side to Sunday, Jake won’t be there which will hurt us a bit, but we’ll wait and see how we go with it and go from there,” he said.

The Savoys will kick off at 7pm against United at Kelly Park, Wodonga.

PRESSURE’S ON: Zali Feltrin holding off St Pat’s defender Amy Loughman as the Myrtleford Savoys triumphed 5-0 on Sunday. PHOTOS: Janet Watt

ball and as the game went on it became a lot rougher and a lot harder but the girls showed good composure of the ball, took their time with it and really took control of the game.”

“Taylah scored two goals when she just ran straight through the team and took it herself which was amazing and we’re seeing more and more of that from her lately.

“Amber [Howell] was sending in rockets from the right wing landing perfectly in the middle where Mikaela and Tui were able to finish a couple of those off

“It’s nice to see these kind of con-

nections happening, things playing out from what we’re trying at training which has been those crosses and those overlap drills.”

In a strong position at the halfway mark of the season, the Savoys are firming to be a genuine chance at silverware this season as competition ramps up for the second half of the season.

Paglia said the chemistry and persistent work is starting to pay off on the pitch as the team becomes more comfortable with each other by the week.

“The girls are performing exactly how I’d want them to and

it’s looking really good for us,” she said.

“This is the most I’ve seen with the teams I’ve played with that have slowed the play down and play with some good, smart passing.

“It’s all within themselves and the confidence they’re building.”

Paglia said the team will hold an intraclub practice match during the King’s Birthday bye week to maintain match fitness while also being wary of allowing her players to have the rest they need before a challenging fortnight after the bye against Albury City and Albury United.

TIGHT TUSSLE: Taylah Geddes battling for the ball with St Pat’s defender Amy Loughman, as Geddes went on to score a brace.

Jayden Head as the Savoys ran away with a 4-1 win over St Pat’s. PHOTOS: Janet Watt

Gearing up for long weekend golf

SATURDAY, June 3 was the Front 9 Stableford competition for the ladies at the Mount Beauty Golf Club.

Only three of them were out there for the day.

The winner was Liz Harvey (24) with a creditable 19 points despite the damp course.

Runner-up was Helen Whittaker (37) with her 15 points.

Carol Bartholomew was NTP on the seventh on her second shot.

The first Saturday of the month is an important day as it is MBGC’s monthly medal day.

Saturday saw 19 men take to the course in a hard fought, although high scoring round.

The damp conditions on the course were not conducive to producing great length with any shots.

We welcomed a visitor, Laurie Leyden, from Devil Bend Golf Club, to our event on the day.

Stephen Short managed victory with a 74 net, on a countback from Ross Rynehart and Keith Archibald.

Second place was shared between Macca Deans, Allan Retallick & Peter Hertzog with their 75s.

NTPs on the seventh was Keith Archibald along with the Tatts Ticket from the Tawonga South Newsagency and Post Office, ninth went to Dave Browning, 17th to Macca Deans.

The money for the 18th went to Ross Rynehart.

A wet drizzly day deterred all players, both ladies and men, from teeing off for their respective comps on Wednesday last week.

This coming Saturday, June 10, is a very important day for MBGC as we commemorate Steve Green with a mixed, ladies and men’s 4BBB Stableford event.

Steve was the main person responsible for converting our sandscrapes to grass greens in 2000/1.

Grab a partner for this event.

Tee off is noon for 12.30pm on this day; everyone will be made welcome.

Monthly medal battled out at Myrtleford

MYRTLEFORD golfers weren’t deterred by the drizzly rain across the past week with some excellent golf played across the monthly medal and mid-week stableford competitions.

Saturday, June 3

DRUMMOND GOLF

MONTHLY MEDAL STROKE

ter Stewart (17) 95/78.

Ball winners: A Jose 74, A Rockliff 76, C Piazza 78, J Galvan 79 c/b.

Foodworks NTPs: first: Spider Hancock, fourth, second shot: Craig Piazza, eighth: Karl O’Shaughnessy, 14th: David Clark, 16th: David Rowe.

runner up: Sarah Deas (29) 30pts. Nine hole winner: Helen Mummery (54) 26pts.

Nine hole runner up: Penny Dawkins (37) 15pts.

Foodworks NTPs: first: Sarah Deas, eighth: Jan Roseby 14th: Helen Mummery.

Wednesday, May 31

ter Stewart, fourth, second shot: Pieter Veldman, 14th: Karl O’Shaughnessy.

Tuesday, May 30

WHEELERS FREIGHT

STABLEFORD AMCR 74

WEDNEDAY’S WINNER: Bill ‘Fox’ O’Donohue was the winner of the Wednesday Stableford at the Myrtleford Golf Club, finishing with a score of 33 points shooting off a 24 handicap.

AMCR 71

A grade winner: Karl O’Shaughnessy (12) 84/72 c/b. A grade runner up: David Matthews (11) 83/72. B grade and medal winner: Spider Hancock (15) 87/72 c/b. B grade runner up: Pe-

Matthews Cleaning encouragement award and raffle winner: Robert Wheeler.

Thursday, June 1

BURGERVILLE BURGERS STABLEFORD AMCR 74

A grade winner: Jan Roseby (17) 35pts. A grade

WHEELERS TRANSPORTSTABLEFORD AMCR 71

A grade winner: Bill O’Donohue (24) 33pts.

A grade runner up: Karl O’Shaughnessy (12) 32pts.

Ball winners: P Veldman

30, T Chapman 30.

Foodworks NTPs: first: Pe-

A grade winner: Angela O’Shaughnessy (19) 41pts. A grade runner up: Jan Roseby (18) 38pts. Nine hole runner up: Denise O’Donohue (45) 14pts.

Ball winners: Kerry Newton 32pts, Marnie Broz 31pts c/b. Foodworks NTPs: second/ fourth: Sarah Deas, eighth: Marg Curtis,14th: Lizzie Orton.

Saints A grade fall agonisingly short in thriller against Wangaratta

■ From back page

Goaler Rebecca Piazza was fantastic for the Saints finishing with 26 goals on 76 per cent shooting while Saige Broz held up the midcourt with outstanding link up play.

Myrtleford faces another top challenger this weekend in the Wodonga Raiders, who are now threatening the Saints in their top three battle after their thrilling one goal win over Lavington.

LaSpina said her team will take a lot of confidence from the weekend against Wangaratta, as they look to go one better against a fellow finals contender.

“I think we took great pride that we can take it up to a side like Wangaratta who are one of the best teams in it and have been for a long time,” she said.

“For Wodonga Raiders, their attacking end with Emily Stewart in there is dynamite at the moment so I think stemming their flow of goals will be a really key factor for us.

“But also making sure we are scoring from the opportunities we do get in defence because I don’t know if there’ll be too many so hopefully we can get on top early and roll on from there.”

Final-quarter blitz seals Bombers triumph

By DANIEL SAVILLE

A WIN that ends with a 10-point margin may seem like a relatively comfortable victory, but DederangMount Beauty’s A grade netball side were made to earn the four points last Saturday at Baarmutha Park.

The Bombers, who trailed at the end of the first, second and third quarter, didn’t have it all

their own way against a determined Beechworth side who were searching desperately for their third win of the season, and almost produced an upset at home.

Defensive pillar Emily Jansen van Beek was missing from a starting line-up that has been settled in the last few weeks, which meant that DMB senior netball coach Alex Novak had to rearrange the magnets in her absence.

Beechworth raced out of the blocks in the opening minutes to hold a slim twogoal lead at the first break, then managed to extend the margin to four goals at half-time.

Staying true to this year’s form, the Bombers once again found an extra gear or two in the second half to reduce the margin to a solitary goal with one quarter to go and another thrilling contest was looming.

Despite the frustration of trailing for much of the game, Dederang-Mount Beauty saved their best until last and piled on 18 final-quarter goals to hit the lead and then eventually run away with their fifth win for the season.

Goal-scoring accuracy was able to keep Beechworth in the game for longer than expected as they netted an impressive 37 goals from 47 attempts,

while Dederang-Mount Beauty was almost left to rue their own missed opportunities in the circle after having 27 more shots on goal than the opposition.

Alysha de Koeyer was easily the most dominant scorer with a tally of 38 goals, which doubled the amount of anyone else on the court.

Dederang-Mount Beauty will welcome a return to their home court in Ded-

erang as they face thirdplaced Thurgoona this Saturday.

A win to the Bombers this week could see them climb into the top five by the end of the round.

In other senior netball results against Beechworth, DMB’s B grade team went down by nine goals (31-40) after taking a narrow lead into half-time, while their C grade squad were defeated by 11 goals (31-42).

PASS IS ON: Sally Botter demands the ball off Saige Broz while fighting for position with Katie Dean in the circle.

PLAYING WITH FREEDOM: Saige Broz was excellent for the Saints in the midcourt against flag contenders Wangaratta.

REACHING OUT: Sophie Hanrahan tries to stop the shot of Wangaratta’s Georgia Clark as the Saints fell just short of the scalp of the second placed Magpies by a goal. PHOTOS: Janet Watt

WINNERS AND LOSERS

OVENS AND MURRAY SENIORS LADDER

SCOREBOARD RESERVES RESULTS

WANGARATTA ROVERS 2.1 6.3 11.5 15.9.99

YARRAWONGA 2.5 4.8 7.11 9.13.67

GOALS: WANGARATTA ROVERS: Thomas Boyd 4, Alexander Marklew 3, Toby Murray 3, Thomas Baulch 2, Lockey McCartney 2, Jack Gerrish 1. YARRAWONGA: Nicholas Fothergill 2, Michael Gibbons 2, Leigh Williams 2, Matthew Casey 1, Ned Pendergast 1, Cameron Wilson

1. BEST: WANGARATTA ROVERS: Toby Murray, Alex McCarthy, Thomas Baulch, Dylan Wilson, Will Christie, Brodie Filo. YARRAWONGA: Leigh Masters, William Wheeler, Kyal Tyson, Michael Gibbons, Matthew Casey, Nicholas Fothergill.

GOALS: WODONGA: Oscar Willding 3, Joshua Mathey 2, Noah Spiteri 2, Jack Chesser 1. ALBURY: Riley Bice 3, Jacob Conlan 3, Jeff Garlett 3, Ben Kelly 2, Tom O’Brien 2, Luke Daly

1. BEST: WODONGA: Angus Baker, Joshua Mathey, Adam Jorgensen, Ollie Greenhill, Oscar Willding, Matthew Soroczynski. ALBURY: Jake Gaynor, Riley Bice, Tom O’Brien, Brydan Hodgson, Jacob Page, Elliott Powell.

NETBALL SCORES THIRDS RESULTS

A GRADE

Myrtleford 34 def by Wangaratta 35

BEST: MYRTLEFORD: Rebecca Piazza 3 Saige Broz 2 Sophie Hanrahan 1.

WANGARATTA: Kate Dean 3 Issy Newton 2 Hannah Grady 1.

GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: Rebecca Piazza 26 Sally Botter 8. WANGARATTA: Georgia Clark 19 Amanda Umanski 11 Amy Byrne 5. Wangaratta Rovers 43 def by Yarrawonga 73

BEST: n/a. GOALS: WANGARATTA ROVERS: Samantha Kreltszheim 25 Rebecca Kreltszheim 18 .

YARRAWONGA: Kaleisha Pell 46 Hidden Player 27. Lavington 44 def by Wodonga Raiders 45

Wodonga 45 def by Albury 66

B GRADE: Myrtleford 29 def by Wangaratta 36, Lavington 30 def by Wodonga Raiders 42, Wodonga 52 def Albury 39, Wang Rovers 40 def by Yarrawonga 55.

C GRADE: Lavington 48 def Wodonga Raiders 24, Wodonga 34 def Albury 33, Wang Rovers 34 def by Yarrawonga 44, Myrtleford 43 def Wangaratta 35 .

17 & UNDER: Lavington 35 def by Wodonga Raiders 58; CorowaRutherglen 32 def by North Albury 62; Wang Rovers 55 def Yarrawonga 38; Myrtleford 22 def by Wangaratta 60; Wodonga 50 def Albury 38.

15 & UNDER: Myrtleford 35 def Wangaratta 24; Lavington 24 def by Wodonga Raiders 43; Wang Rovers 58 def Yarrawonga 17; Wodonga 48 def Albury 22; Corowa-Rutherglen 24 def by North Albury 29.

Wangaratta Rovers 16.14.110 def

Yarrawonga 2.2.14

BEST: WANGARATTA ROVERS: Ned Turner, William Ashton, Oliver Sharp, Tom Forrest, Judd Schubert, Riley Allan. YARRAWONGA: Lochie Forge, Mitchell Parker, Patrick Waugh, Hunter Frauenfelder, Ned Harvey, Oliver Connell. GOALS: WANGARATTA ROVERS: Judd Schubert

4, Jai Dal Zotto 3, Oliver Sharp 2, Ned Turner 2, William Ashton 1, Lachlan Barbour 1, Jack Keys 1, Charles Ledger

1, Trey Vincent 1. YARRAWONGA: Jack Eales 1, Ned Harvey 1.

Myrtleford 7.5.47 def

Wangaratta 5.13.43

BEST: MYRTLEFORD: Harry Stripeikis, Nicholas Hall, Saxon Rosser, Jude Browne, Hunter North, Marcello Vescio. WANGARATTA: Hugh Canning, Dylan Browne, Connor Hughes, Josh Styles, Kaeden Burrows, Blake Newton. GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: Nicholas Hall 3, Cy Banks

1, Angus Smiles 1, Lachlan Stripeikis 1, Marcello Vescio

1. WANGARATTA: Connor Hughes 2, Ned Gorman 1, Ned O’Kane 1, Oscar Roberts 1.

Wodonga 5.7.37 def by Albury 8.7.55

Lavington 10.7.67 def Wod. Raiders 6.8.44

GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: Ryley Bouker 1, Declan Bren 1, Sam Hilton-Joyce 1, Ashton McPherson 1. WANGARATTA: Callum Moore 10, Thomas Gorman 2, Liam Mcveigh 2, Daniel Sharrock 2, Jackson Clarke 1, Braeden Marjanovic 1, Darcy Melksham 1, Will O’Keefe 1, Daine Porter 1 BEST: MYRTLEFORD: Elijah Wales, Kyle Winter-Irving, Mitch Dalbosco, Ashton McPherson, Simon Curtis, Austin Wickes. WANGARATTA: Callum Moore, Daniel Sharrock, Jackson Clarke, Liam Mcveigh, Braeden Marjanovic, Cameron Barrett.

GOALS: LAVINGTON: Jake O’Brien 4, Shaun Driscoll 3, Jack Kirley 2, Jack Driscoll 1, Tim Hanna 1, Tom Hargreave 1, Tyson Neander 1, Charlie Sanson 1. WODONGA RAIDERS: Ben Hernan 2, Indhi Kotzur 2, Tom Bracher 1, Max Glass 1, Samuel McKenzie 1, Beau O’Neill 1, Ned Twycross 1. BEST: LAVINGTON: William Glanvill, Tom Hargreave, Tyson Neander, Jake O’Brien, Ewan Mackinlay, Jack Kirley. WODONGA RAIDERS: Ned Conway, Cameron EllisYolmen, Lewis Waters, Nelson Bowey, Bradley St John, Beau O’Neill.

ROUND 9 - JUNE 10

YARRAWONGA vs WODONGA

NORTH ALBURY vs WANG ROVERS

WANGARATTA vs COROWA-RUTHERGLEN

WODONGA RAIDERS vs MYRTLEFORD ALBURY vs LAVINGTON

WINNERS AND LOSERS

OVENS AND KING SENIORS LADDER

WHOROULY

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

NETBALL SCORES

A GRADE:

Whorouly 29 def by Tarrawingee 54

Bonnie Doon 54 def North Wangaratta 30

Milawa 59 def Goorambat 36

B GRADE:

Whorouly 52 def Tarrawingee 42

Bonnie Doon 75 def North Wangaratta 40

Milawa 66 def Goorambat 36

B RESERVE:

Whorouly 44 def Tarrawingee 20

Bonnie Doon 67 def North Wangaratta 20

Milawa 77 def Goorambat 20

C GRADE:

Whorouly 28 def Tarrawingee 24

Bonnie Doon 56 def North Wangaratta 34

Bright 56 def Moyhu 15

UNDER 15s:

Whorouly 20 def Tarrawingee 6

Bonnie Doon 36 def North Wangaratta 14

Bright 14 def by Moyhu 22

*no other scores available at time of print

KING’S BIRTHDAY LEAGUE BYE - JUNE 10

ROUND 11

SATURDAY, JUNE 17

BENALLA ALL BLACKS VS MILAWA

KING VALLEY VS TARRAWINGEE

GOORAMBAT VS BRIGHT

MOYHU VS GRETA

NORTH WANGARATTA V WHOROULY

BONNIE DOON - BYE

Wodonga ...................9.3.57

Albury ......................8.14.62

BEST: ?WODONGA: Aaron Reichman, Riley Gill, Rhys Venturoni, Isaac Cassidy, Angus Geddes, Jackson Russell. ALBURY: Spencer Jones, Will Unthank, Jackson Payne, Jacob Brunner, Harry Cameron, Cooper Page. Myrtleford .................6.1.37

Wangaratta...........20.15.135

MYRTLEFORD: om Sparks, Benjamin Paddle, Mitchell Botter, Jack Woodall, James Mcpherson, Nicholas Ferguson.

WANGARATTA: Fraser HollandDean, Daniel Tidball, Ryan Battin, Harrison Smart, Jayden Adamo, Mackenzie Hughes. Lavington .............24.12.156

Wodonga Raiders .......3.0.18

LAVINGTON: Andrew Yates, Aidan Cook, Nick Brennan, Bailey Pirnag, Darcy Hennessy, Noah Graham. WODONGA

RAIDERS: Declan Rochow, Tyrone Ellis, Alex Jamieson, Samuel Bone, Oscar Halls, Aaron Spencer. Wangaratta Rovers ....10.3.63 Yarrawonga ..............10.9.69

WANGARATTA ROVERS: Noah Amery, Nicholas Redley, Sam Henderson, Shane Gaston, Connor Crimmins, Tristan Lenaz. YARRAWONGA: Douglas Arnold, Max Hemphill, Beau Seymour, Dillon Walsh-hall, Tom McKimmie, Brady Black.

SCOREBOARD RESERVES RESULTS

Whorouly .............20.10.130

TARRAWINGEE

GOALS: WHOROULY: Riley Calvene 3, Luke Zanin 3, Simon Chalmers 2, Oliver Dixon 2, Kane Fitzpatrick 2, Jake Riley 2, William Allen 1, Paul Glanville 1, Andrew Newton 1, Samuel Piazza

1. TARRAWINGEE: Danyon Hearne 2, Lewis Sharrock 2, Hugh Amery 1, Patrick Byrne 1, Joel Cain 1, Matt Seymour 1, Private player 1. BEST: WHOROULY: William Allen, Riley Calvene, Luke Zanin, Matthew Vescio, Oliver Dixon, Andrew Newton. TARRAWINGEE: Patrick Byrne, Harry Askew, Sam Peters, Lewis Sharrock, Thomas Salmon, Seth Coonan.

BONNIE DOON

NORTH WANGARATTA 1.1 1.1 3.2 3.5.23

GOALS: BONNIE DOON: Luke Murray 5, Will Foster 4, Al Bennett 2, Jayjay Curtin 2, Matthew Hedin 1, Patrick Revell 1, Joel Sanford 1. NORTH WANGARATTA: Tyler Nanson 1, Taylor O’Brien 1, Tyler Schulze 1. BEST: BONNIE DOON: No best players have been selected. NORTH WANGARATTA No best players have been selected.

BRIGHT 5.5 8.7 11.10 13.13.91

MOYHU 1.0 2.1 3.4 4.9.33

GOALS: BRIGHT: Cooper Thomason 6, Jack Dalbosco 2, Reuben Jamieson 2, Dylan Bursill 1, Joseph Crawley 1, Darcy Sholl 1. MOYHU: Jared Lea 2, James Kelly 1, Charlie West 1. BEST: BRIGHT : Michael Elliott, Darcy Sholl, Patrick Bren, Cooper Thomason, Nick Lebish, Chad Martin. MOYHU: Liam Cook, Dylan Carmody, George Hearn, Josh Coonan, Harrison Grant, Bailey Zimmermann.

GRETA

5.4 11.7 17.11 21.15.141

KING VALLEY 0.1 1.2 1.4 1.6.12

GOALS: GRETA: Frazer Judd 7, Bryce Hooper 2, Lachie Kennett 2, Stuart Mccauley 2, James Mcclounan 2, Mark Wettern 2, Joshua Bell 1, Nicholas Pell 1, Thomas Rosser 1, Bradley Whinray 1. KING VALLEY: William Davies 1. BEST: GRETA: Bryce Hooper, Bryce Ralph, Frazer Judd, Bradley Whinray, Thomas Rosser, Mark Wettern. KING VALLEY: Charlie Davies, Tim Roman, Jack Davies, Bradley Collihole, Ryan Wait, Sam Evans.

MILAWA 4.5 8.8 11.14 16.17.113

GOORAMBAT 1.1 3.1 4.1 4.2.26

GOALS: MILAWA: Luke Toohey 3, Jarryd Wallace 3, Harry Allan 2, Sebastian De Napoli 2, Jack Bussell 1, Liam Byrne 1, Ben Clarke 1, Declan Joyce-Lawford 1, Brent Newton 1, Steven Williamson 1. GOORAMBAT: Matthew Priest 2, Robert Wilson 1. BEST: MILAWA: Ben Clarke, Liam Byrne, Harry Allan, Aiden Bihun, xavier Ham, Daniel Bihu. GOORAMBAT: Jamie Dunne, Samuel Gladstone, John House, Kobe Black, Benjamin Reaburn, Robert Wilson.

Tarrawingee ..............3.6.24

BEST: WHOROULY: Ned Pascoe, Aiden Giovannoni, Gene Marek, Adam Harris, Adam Pascoe, Ryan Harris. TARRAWINGEE: Tyler Heywood, Jordan Stana, Seth Turla, Jacob Lowe, Ethan Ryan, Spencer Jones. Bonnie Doon ..............8.9.57 North Wangaratta ......5.4.34

BEST: BONNIE DOON: Luke Jenkins, Earl Ree-Goodings, Patrick Kelleher, Shane Polkinghorne. NORTH WANGARATTA: Chase Jackson, Fraser White, Samuel Shanley, Luke Brown, Joshua Ismale, Dylan Fischer. Bright ..................18.12.120

Moyhu.......................3.2.20

BEST: BRIGHT: Thomas Mullane-Grant, Felix Blazek, Mason Cracknall, Thomas Gray, Bradley Nightingale, aidan parmesan. MOYHU: kiangkai Douangphosay, Darby West, Ryan Hargreaves, Will Johnson, Aaron Thrum, Leroy Dowling. Greta .....................26.4.160 King Valley ..................1.1.7

BEST: GRETA: Trent Whitecross, Osbert Ramage, Stewart McLeod, Tom Webster, Chris Dube, Zeb Griffin. KING

VALLEY: Will Graham, Luca Pizzini, David Lang, Harry White, Cohan Vincent, Nick Stebnyckyj.

Milawa .................18.16.124

Goorambat ................4.3.27

BEST: MILAWA: James Peck, Jack Stevenson, Kheda Stevenson, Daniel Bryant, Callum Honey, Michael Walker. GOORAMBAT: Todd Haslam, Aiden Phillips, Daniel Hooper, Todd Wapling, Peter Cochrane, Jack Trevena.

MATCH REVIEWS

Mountain Men get jump on young Hoppers

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

A DOMINANT start was a catalyst for an emphatic Bright bounce back win over Moyhu’s senior footballers on Saturday, proving too strong for the young Hoppers 13.13 (91) to 4.9 (33).

The Mountain Men opened the game at Pioneer Park with the first five goals of the match, rebounding off half-back with rapid ball movement to find space and easily deliver into their forward 50.

While the Hoppers were able to stem the flow of Bright’s slick ball movement in the following three quarters, they were unable to trouble the Mountain Men on the scoreboard as they ran out eventual 58 point winners.

Bright coach Paul Harrison said there was a big emphasis on making a fast start against the young Hoppers which he was pleased to see come off

“With them being a young team we wanted to get a good start to not give them a chance to build any confidence and get into the game,” he said.

“Every time we cut off something in our back half we really wanted to just change direction and get pace on the ball moving forward, and our ball movement was really good in that first quarter.

“In the second quarter we missed a couple of opportunities that would’ve really

put the game out of reach, and in the second half they were sort of trying to stop us from scoring but weren’t scoring a lot themselves with two thirds of their team almost in our forward half.”

Cooper Thomason was amongst the goals yet again for the Mountain Men finishing with a bag of six while

Bright B grade starting to gel

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

A SLOW start against Moyhu was all the A grade Hoppers needed to jump over the top of Bright, winning 58-25.

Bright could only muster the nine first half goals, before finding some attacking momentum in the second half, with Moyhu mounting the scoreboard pressure.

A and B grade coach Marlene Steiner said she was anticipating a fired up Hoppers side hungry for a win and thought her A grade team held together well.

“We always knew it was going to be a tough tussle, our defence didn’t quiet connect as well as it did last week; we had Lara [Lock] coming back from illness and she was a bit out of game fitness,” she said.

“Maddi [Muller] had another great game in defence, she was best on court this week and Ash Farmer played another good game as well.”

Taykea Boogaard made the jump from B reserves into the A grade

and showed some form around the goals, netting 15 of Bright’s 25 goals while Georgie Matters was named among the best for Bright in her milestone 150th match with the club.

Steiner said it was important to see the likes of young Boogaard continue to get exposed in the A grade as they build experience as a group.

“My aim is to give them a little court time up because they deserve it and are playing well,” she said.

“Giving them the exposure to the other grades just shows us what depth we do have.”

In the B grade Bright fell agonisingly close to their first win of the season, falling to the Hoppers by just a goal.

The match was back and forth for the entire four quarters with the final quarter margin being the biggest of any of the intermissions.

Steiner said she was very happy with the growth her team showed.

“They played a terrific game, they just kept fighting and it was the first time that they’ve all gelled

together at the same time and they felt it too,” she said.

“They were a little bit disappointed but not overly because they acquitted themselves amazingly, it would’ve been nice to have those four points on the board but it is what it is.

“Moving forward I think we’ve got our settled lineup so hopefully we can go on with that form for the rest of the year.”

In the other grades, Bright had the better of Moyhu in B reserve 37-20 and in the C grade winning 56-15, while the Hoppers won the 15 and under match 22-14.

Steiner said she will look to give the girls a well-earned rest during the King’s Birthday bye round as they look to dodge the forecasted rain during the week.

SURVEYING THE COURT:

Jess Carnes and Bright’s netballers will look to rejuvenate across the league wide bye as A and B grade both search for that elusive win.

Michael Elliot’s dominant intercept marking display across half-back earned him best on ground honours.

Harrison said the intercept marking and rebound off half back was often a feature during training and was rapt to see the likes of Elliot and Paddy Bren have an impact in the

side’s aerial dominance.

“We were opening up the ground really easily through the middle of the ground but then also had numbers running behind to be able to get the ball deep inside our forward half,” he said.

“We always want our one on one players to engage and allow our third man to

come across, and then come out on the opposite side of the ground or take that 45 degree kick into the middle and then run off half-back.”

The Hoppers fought gallantly after quarter-time, led by Liam Cook through the midfield and Dylan Carmody, who was given the tough tusk of nullifying Thomason and was everywhere in the aerial contests down back.

Heading into the King’s Birthday bye at the halfway mark of the season, Bright sits comfortably in third on the O&K ladder with just the two losses while Moyhu remains entrenched in a battle for the last two finals spots in fifth.

Harrison said over the week off, his team will reassess and watch film of their game against Greta a fortnight ago, looking to find the edge that will secure them a top two spot going into the second half of the year.

“Showing the boys vision is something we don’t get to do a lot, so we’ll watch that game and open their eyes up to a few things we need to improve,” he said.

“It does turn into a long year so we’ll freshen the boys up a bit on the weekend and attack the back half of the year.”

PHOTO: Nathan De Vries

KICKING WITH PRECISION: Jack Dalbosco chimed in with two goals on Saturday to help a fast staring Bright win by 58 points over Moyhu at Pioneer Park.

Lions tame in-form Dogs

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

THE top six has become within reach for Whorouly at the halfway mark of the O&K football season after a confidence boosting 66 point win over Tarrawingee 18.15 (123) to 9.3 (57) on Saturday. Coming off their first win for the season, the Dogs fired in the first quarter as the game shaped to be a hard fought battle with the Lions going into quarter-time with a one point lead.

Whorouly were able to give themselves some breathing space on the scoreboard in the second quarter before stamping their dominance on the game in the second half to run away comprehensive winners.

Lions coach Riley Calvene said after the team came out slow, he was pleased with how his boys were able to click into gear from quarter-time and play more free flowing football.

“I think our work rate lifted in that second quarter, we were sort of kick chasing at the start so once the boys started playing more of a team first attitude and do a bit of unrewarded running it started to go our way,” he said.

Calvene was a force up forward himself booting three goals in his 50th game for the club along with Luke Zanin, while Will Allen and Matt Vescio were instrumental through the midfield.

Vescio was given the task of taking Tarrawingee’s major ball winner Hugh Amery out of the game at the stop-

Tarrawingee blow Lions off the court

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

PREMIERSHIP contend-

ers Tarrawingee used a second quarter blitz to overpower Whorouly’s A grade side on Saturday, winning 54-29.

The Lions looked to be holding their own after the first quarter trailing the Dogs by four goals, but a ruthless second quarter display saw Tarrawingee outscore Whorouly 17 goals to four to stamp their authority on the game.

Despite retaining form in goals in the second half, the Lions had no answer for the second-placed Dogs and

shooter Kaylee Allan, who was responsible for all but five of the 54 Tarrawingee goals.

Whorouly coach Ebony Allen said the team showed they could take it up to one of the ladder leaders for patches of play but weren’t able to match the strong, consitant play of the Dogs.

“We always knew it was going to be a tough match, Tarra are a very good side and they’re playing really well this year,” she said.

“I feel like we had a good start but unfortunately we didn’t play with that consistency and intensity the whole game where we let Tarrawin-

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gee get a good lead on us.

“We just need to be able to play a full four quarters against teams like that, they don’t drop off their intensity so it’s something we need to work on and making sure we’re playing the full 15 minutes of every quarter and working really hard to make sure we keep ourselves in the game.”

Sally Wood was among the Lion’s best as she excelled in a new role at wing defence, while Tayla Allen and Katie Ivone (15 goals at 71 per cent) were potent in attack.

Whorouly’s fifth straight loss has them a game behind a finals spot in seventh after

starting the season with four wins on the trot.

Allen said the break has come at a good time for her team as they look to reset and find a way back on the winners list.

“We’ve had a pretty tough run in the last couple of weeks so a week off to recoup and get ourselves ready heading into the last half of the season is definitely needed,” she said.

In the other grades, the Lions held their spot in the top five in the B grade with a 52-42 win, as did B reserve winning 44-20; C grade held on to win 28-24 and 15 and under won 20-6.

pages, which Calvene said he did with great success.

“Obviously Hugh is a really good stoppage player, we just had Matt Vescio man him up at stoppages and be accountable, it wasn’t too much of a tag but Matt did a really good job so we’re really happy with that,” he said.

For the Dogs, Patrick Byrne and Harry Askew worked tirelessly throughout the four quarters as Lewis Sharrock provided some forward potency with his two goals.

The win brought the Lions to within one win of the tightly contested battle for the last two finals spots in the top six with losses to North Wangaratta, Moyhu and King Valley.

Calvene said the league wide King’s Birthday bye this week will provide his team with a great opportunity to set themselves up for a finals run in the second half of the year.

“It was a really good win on the weekend and we were able to play the way we wanted to so we’ve got some confidence out of that and hopefully we can build on that when we come up against North Wang and Moyhu who are up for the fight,” he said.

Around the grounds on Saturday, all home teams defended their turf with comprehensive wins as Milawa were far too good for Goorambat and Bonnie Doon triumphed over North Wangaratta, while the biggest win of the day went to Greta who defeated King Valley by a whopping 119 points.

CATCH THIS: Grace Way fires the ball down the court at the Whorouly Recreation Reserve.

PHOTO: Nathan De Vries

HOT FOOTY: Lachlan Moore and Patrick Byrne contest for the footy in the middle of the Whorouly Recreation Reserve in the Lions 66 point win.

PHOTO: Nathan De Vries

TOEING THE LINE: Levi Young keeps

Saints no match for red hot Pies

AN undermanned Myrtleford senior football side were no match for an impressive Wangaratta Magpies outfit who ran away 112 point winners at RC McNamara Reserve on Saturday.

Late omissions Brody Ricardi, Alex Jacobs and Will McKerral to injury before the game made it a daunting task against last year’s grand final winners who had won their previous four games as they marched into Myrtleford.

The young bodies of the Saints fought gallantly for three quarters before the

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

floodgates opened in the last quarter with Wangaratta piling on eight goals to nil to win 21.16 (142) to 4.6 (30).

Callum Moore was an unstoppable force up forward as he booted 10 goals in what was a ruthless display from the Magpies’ star.

Saints co-president Luke Chapman said it was always going to be a tough assignment for the boys running

ROUND RESULTS:

into a side in such formidable form.

“We filled a pretty young and inexperienced side up against big bodies of Wangaratta,” he said.

“There was some really good signs for the first three quarters but as what happens when you’re undermanned and playing against a top side, the game opens up in the last quarter and that’s what unfortunately happened.

“They’ve got a really strong defence and we struggled to penetrate that backline all day.

“When you play against the best you’ll learn a bit and Wangaratta have been the benchmark for a couple of years.

“There was some good passages of play from Myrtleford throughout that Craig and the coaching staff will take away.

“Even though it was a flogging in the end there was definitely some positives to take out of it to move forward for this week and beyond.”

Under 18s interleague representative Ashton McPherson had a strong showing

against the bigger bodies of Wangaratta as the usual suspects Mitch Dalbosco, Elijah Wales and Kyle WinterIrving were among the best for Myrtleford.

The Saints will have an opportunity to make a quick rebound as they come up against the winless Wodonga Raiders at Biralee Park this weekend.

With Myrtleford having dropped their last four games, Chapman said the boys will be fired up to be back on the winners list as they expect the return of Ricardi and Jacobs for the weekend.

“Wodonga Raiders will also be thinking it’s a winnable game as well so it’ll be a really big day,” he said.

“Craig will do his homework on the Raiders and they’ve been improving each week as well so it’s going to be tough away from home.”

In the other grades, the Saints came through for a thrilling come from behind four point win in the thirds to record their second win of the year, while the reserves found similar difficulties against a tough opponent, going down by 98 points.

NORTH East

Bushrangers

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

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

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

Big V & VJBL consist of teams from both metropolitan and regional Victoria.

U14 Boys 1 40 def by Casey 2 43

(Top Scorers: Keoni Anderson 15, Charlie Voss 10, Sam Lupo 7)

U14 Boys 2 37 def by Coburg 3 40

(Top Scorers: Brock Buckland 15, Michael Moylan 7, Thomas Waite 5)

U14 Girls 1 52 def   Darebin 2 46

(Top Scorers: Ella Mercieca 23, Lily Purss 12, Maisey Moscrop 9)

U14 Girls 2 32 def Darebin 2 27

(Top Scorers: N/A)

U16 Boys 1 55 def by Gippsland 1 60

(Top Scorers: Connor Breheny 17, Blake Newton 10, Dashiell Smith 7)

U16 Boys 2 43 def Bellarine 2 42

(Top Scorers: Josh Vearing 12, Sam Kain 11, Lenny Lonergan 9)

U16 Girls 1 38 def by Melbourne 2 50

(Top Scorers: Molly Moylan 11, Lily-Anne McClure 10, Indianna Phillips 5)

U16 Girls 2 46 def Bulleen 4 31

(Top Scorers: Sophia Kotzur 12, Ebony Chapman 11, Lily Moffatt 8)

U18 Boys 1 62 def Diamond Valley 1 58

(Top Scorers: Lochie Harvey 22, Frank Oguche 11, Ben Skalic 10)

U18 Boys 2 38 def Melbourne 4 33

(Top Scorers: Bailey Allen 9, Zach Schluter 9, Jac Green 8)

U18 Girls 39 def by Eltham 1 41

(Top Scorers: Jess Freeman 10, Elley Donelan 8, Elyssa Cole 6)

YLM 48 def by Sunbury 137

(Top Scorers: Jesse King 15, Isaac Plummer 13, Jordan Birch 8)

U14 BOYS 1 TEAM: (L-R) Rohan Cassidy (Team Manager), Cooper Cassidy, Harris Kain, Patrick Oliver, Harper Spierings, Sam Lupo, Connoah Hart, Sam Oguche, Keonie Anderson, Kaine Anderson (Coach).

the ball in play as he look for a handball at RC McNamara Reserve on Saturday.

FULL STRETCH: Ryley Forrest takes a strong mark over Magpies opponent Liam McVeigh. PHOTOS: Janet Watt

LOADING UP: Addison Bedendo launching a kick forward amidst the oncoming pressure from Harrison Hewitt.

FEELING THE PRESSURE: Declan Bren getting a hurried kick forward for Myrtleford.

GOOD KICK: Ashton McPherson had a strong showing against Wangaratta on Saturday, kicking a goal from a set shot.

2023 afl businesstipping footy

Round 9

Saturday 10th June

Yarrawonga v Wodonga

Nth Albury v Wang Rovers

Wodonga Raiders v Myrtleford Albury v Lavington

Wangaratta Bye

Round 10 King’s Birthday League BYE

Round 9

Saturday 10th June

Rutherglen v Wahgunyah

Dederang v Thurgoona

Wodonga v Beechworth

Chiltern v Tallangatta

Barnawartha v Mitta United Yackandandah

.........................64

Mark Ditcham ..............................64

Cesare Rizzi ................................64

Kyle Arter ....................................63

Helen Haines ...............................58

Thursday, Jun 8

Sydney vs. St Kilda

Friday, Jun 9

Western Bulldogs vs. Port Adelaide

Saturday, Jun 10

Hawthorn vs. Brisbane

Adelaide vs. West Coast

Fremantle vs. Richmond

Sunday, Jun 11

Nth Melbourne vs. GWS

Carlton vs. Essendon

Monday, Jun 12

Melbourne vs. Collingwood

BYES-Geelong

Bombers humbled by Bushrangers

By DANIEL SAVILLE

COMING up against a resurgent Beechworth team on their home turf proved to be mission impossible for Dederang-Mount Beauty on Saturday.

The Bombers were no match for a Bushrangers outfit that were fired up after two consecutive losses and a point to prove to the rest of the TDFL.

Despite their best efforts, Dederang-Mount Beauty were defeated by 101 points - 4.5 (29) to 19.16 (130).

A strength of the Bombers in recent weeks has been their ability to kick early goals but a six goal to nil opening term saw them trail by 37 points at the first break.

Their first major came in the second term and it was only inaccuracy from Beechworth that prevented the margin from expanding further than 55 points at half-time.

To Dederang-Mount Beauty’s credit, they were able to slow the game down and remained competitive at various stages throughout the second half.

A shining light for the visitors was another strong performance from Jacob Ozolins, who kicked two of his side’s four goals and has hit the scoreboard in his last four matches.

Jordan Harrington and Josh Kable continued their outstanding seasons to date, while Lachie and Connor Brodie did their best to keep their side in the contest.

This Saturday is an important day for the club, as their home fixture against Thurgoona in Dederang this weekend coincides with their Past Players Day and marks 20 years since their senior premiership triumph.

After eight rounds, the Bombers and the Bulldogs are sitting on three wins apiece for the season and will be desperate to add another four points to their respective tallies this weekend.

A gap of only 1.73 percentage points suggests that the match could go right down to the wire.

The reserves side couldn’t quite get over the line in their clash against Beechworth as they went down by 34 points - 6.4 (40) to 11.8 (74).

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Saints A grade fall agonisingly short in back and forth thriller against gggyggWangaratta

A SOLITARY goal was all that could separate O&M netball heavyweights on Saturday as Myrtleford was pipped at the post by Wangaratta 35-34 at RC McNamara Reserve.

As nothing could split the teams through 30 minutes of netball, the Saints opened up a four goal lead going into the last quarter, which was almost double its value in the context of the tight tussle.

But the Magpies clawed back the deficit in quick time which eventuated into a goal for goal affair heading down the stretch,

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

with the Pies doing just enough to prevail at the final horn.

Saints co-coach Olivia LaSpina said the girls were gutted not to have come out on top, with the one goal margin reflective of the high quality of performance from both sides.

“It was a really great game, it went pretty much goal for goal the

whole way through,” she said.

“I was certainly proud of the girls considering we had a pretty tough loss to Yarrawonga about a month prior so we’ve definitely grown from that game and really pushed a great team like Wang.

“As much as it was heartbreaking at the end, it was certainly one to reflect back on as a really solid effort by the girls.”

LaSpina said the poise and ability to retain possession shown by the Magpies late in the game was the key difference down the stretch.

“We were just unable to get a

clean turnover; there was a three or four minute period where no one was scoring and that’s probably where we struggled to get the ball back,” she said.

“We haven’t had a close game like that this year, we’ve either won by a solid amount or lost by a decent amount against Yarra, so I was really happy about the way our girls were able to stick with it when it did get tricky and it was goal for goal and I definitely think that come our time again we’ll be on the other side of it.”

■ Continued page 30

NAGUS Henry takes the ball away from St Pat’s defender Jayden Head as the Savoy men recorded a breakthrough win on Sunday, beating St Pat’s 4-1 thanks to a brace from captain Tom LaSpina. The Savoy men will look to book a place in the FA Cup final tonight as they face Albury United at Kelly Park. Full Savoys coverage on page 29.

PHOTO: Janet Watt