Alpine Division 111023

CROQUET CRAZY

Running for research

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

BRIGHT local Rod Browning has only been running since January this year, but that hasn’t stopped him raising almost $4000 for cancer research in memory of his late wife, Sharon.

Rod will be running in the Melbourne Marathon next week, which will fund Melbourne-based cancer research.

“I am on my own these days after Sharon was diagnosed with cancer and passed away very quickly 18 months ago,” Rod said.

“The medical expertise available while she was sick was a huge and pleasant surprise to

Local man enters fundraising marathon for his late wife g

me and yet, Sharon still didn’t survive.

“There has to be more to fight cancer and raising money for Cure Cancer is a tangible way to contribute.

“Two friends inspired me to start running.

“A young race car driver from Canberra and a mum of three from here were both running and enjoying it and their enthusiasm was infectious.

“After 30 years of cycling, I began running for the first time in January this year at age 72.

“Park run and its amazing

community became part of my routine.

“I have been humbled by the support I have received from friends and the community.

“The funds raised have kept me focused on training over winter in the wet and cold of the High Country.”

Last year’s marathon funding, more than 100k, went towards Melbourne-based cancer researcher, Dr Eric Kusnadi, who is developing new drugs to treat advanced prostate cancer.

“The funding went towards phase one of our clinical trial of a

new drug, it funded a whole year of research,” Dr Kusnadi said.

“Results have been promising and now progressing to the next phase means we have to recruit more participants, we have to select the right patients to reduce distress.

“This drug we are developing is a combination of multiple people spending multiple years researching the molecular development, now we are able to design molecules that can be used as drugs for treatment for prostate cancer patients.

“We are honoured and privileged to receive this kind of funding

and support from events like the marathon.

“It motivates us to work harder and be more efficient in our research to make sure we give positive impact to people affected by cancer.

“Any donated amount to any projects in Australia, not just mine, is going to help make Australia a better place for cancer treatment and create a healthier country.”

This year’s funds will go to a project much like Dr Kusnadi’s and will aim to fund an entire year of research.

You can donate to Rod’s fundraiser at https://melbmara2023.grassrootz. com/curecancer/rod-browning.

JOHN Hart and Joan Thompson are looking forward to the Bright Croquet Club’s open day this October, just one of many events featured in this month’s Senior’s Festival. Story page 5

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

St Mary’s Primary celebrates 100 years

BY BRODIE EVERIST beverist@

ST Mary’s Primary School celebrated its 100th anniversary in style last week – 1920s style, that is.

On Friday, students and teachers dressed up in their finest oldfashioned bonnets, braces and flat caps, to hark back to the school’s beginnings in 1923.

Starting at 9:15am students and teachers took part in a dress-up parade, while between 11:30am and 1:30pm students were going through a rotation of playing oldfashioned games organised by year five and six students, including hopscotch, marbles, egg and spoon races, knuckles and quoits.

“They really enjoyed them,” deputy principal Leigh Corcoran said.

“Probably some of the activities they’ll want to keep playing now they’ve learnt them.”

While students were in the courtyard playing games, the parish centre was holding a luncheon for former students and teachers, with around 100 attending.

At the luncheon was Barbara Daniel, former St Mary’s principal from 1989-1996, and the last presentation sister as principal.

She said she had walked around the school that morning, and was amazed with the new infrastructure and facilities since her time.

“We started doing some refurbishing when I first came, but this is just beautiful what they have done,” she said.

“I think the children are very lucky to be here.”

That afternoon the school gathered for the planting of a ‘sensation’ maple by the school

Two days of events mark school centenary y y

oval to commemorate the 100th anniversary.

“This tree is a symbol of our future, whilst adding to the story and history of St Mary’s School,” Mr Corcoran said in speech welcoming everyone to the planting.

“The roots will always be buried deep in the school’s earth as a symbol of the strong foundation

that we provide for our students.

“This tree shows the bond between the past and the future.”

The next day the school continued its commemorations, beginning with a Mass at St Mary’s Parish Church at 10am, followed by the ‘rock and bell’ ceremony at 10:45am.

Speeches by Father Tony Shallue

and Mr Corcoran followed at 11am, then a cutting of a celebratory cake at 11:15am at the basketball court and reunion-guided school tours at 11:30am.

In the evening was a centenary dinner at the St Mary’s Parish Centre, with an estimated 100 people attending.

■ Further story and photos page 11.

ANNIVERSARY ATTIRE: School students and teachers in their finest

in celebration of the school’s 100th anniversary.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

nemedia.com.au

Car crash in Dederang

By BRODIE EVERIST

TWO people were transported to Albury hospital last Friday afternoon after an alleged illegal U-turn went wrong.

According to Acting Sergeant Peter Johns of Mount Beauty Police, a 61-year-old driver of a Holden Colorado made an illegal U-turn near Keegans Lane, causing the vehicle behind to collide with it.

He said two occupants of that vehicle, a 71-year-old woman and a 25-year-old man, were taken by ambulance to Albury Base Hospital, while the driver of the Holden Colorado was checked on scene for injuries but did not need an ambulance.

Acting Sgt John said neither drugs nor alcohol was involved in the crash; it was just inattention on the part of the driver making the U-turn.

“This was a simple act of not paying attention to his surroundings,” he said.

“It had the potential, on a 100km/h road, to be a lot worse.”

Blaze ravages Bright house

By BRODIE EVERIST

A HOUSE fire gutted the top storey of a Prices Road property last Thursday morning, with a large CFA response needed due to a longdistance water supply.

According to Bright CFA captain Brad Drennan, the fire started from ashes disposed in a plastic wheelie bin on the external part of the house.

He said Bright Brigade was notified of the fire at 10:30am and firefighters were on scene within seven minutes.

The closest fire hydrant was at the Great Alpine Road, he said, meaning multiple fire trucks needed to pump water to the fire.

He said 15 fire vehicles ultimately attended the fire, including appliances from Bright, Harrietville, Rosewhite, Gapsted and OvensEurobin.

“Given the area and the water supply issues, we needed to ensure that we had a secure source of water,” he said.

Capt Drennan said firefighters managed to save the bottom storey from fire damage, however, water damage on the bottom storey means the house will likely need to be rebuilt.

“Our thoughts are with the resident and homeowner of that property during their rebuild,” he said.

He reminded all shire residents to dispose of ashes correctly in a metal container with water.

According to Mr Drennan, the firefighters and evacuees were assisted by community members from Dickens Real Estate and Sixpence Coffee, who provided food and drink.

“We’re very thankful for what they did for us up there, to ensure that not only us as emergency services, but also the affected residents in the house, were fed and looked after,” he said.

MAKING WAVES: A council vehicle drives through floodwaters on Whalley’s

AWASH: Parts of Rayner Street were also flooded with water on Thursday morning.

Water worries, but little damage caused

By BRODIE EVERIST

HAPPY Valley Creek burst its banks last Thursday morning, causing caravan park residents to evacuate and some Myrtle Street store owners take precautions against rising floodwaters.

On Thursday morning, water was covering the lawn tennis courts and parts of Whalleys Lane, encroaching on the Myrtleford Holiday Park, and gushing over Standish Street near the pool.

Vicki Moore, supervisor for the lawn tennis courts, was one of the onlookers on the walking bridge over the creek on Thursday morning.

She said it was “pretty devastating” for the tennis courts and the flood would delay their use this tennis season.

“You’ve got to get all the mud off, all the silt,” she said.

“You’ve got to push it off - you can’t get equipment to do it.”

Ms Moore said they will need to remove the mud as soon as possible to stop the grass dying, so she will put a call out for club members to assist.

“We’ll get in and get it done,” she said.

Trish van Loon, who works at an antiques and collectables store on Myrtle Street, said they had moved items just in case floodwaters entered, taking paintings off the floor or moving customer orders to their car.

“We’ll just keep an eye on it all day,” she said.

On the other side of the creek, caravan park manager Jo Joyce said they had alerted park residents at around 5am to the flood risk, though many were already preparing to leave.

“A majority of the cabins were going, there was just one guy on the end who was waiting to see whether he could stay or not,” she said.

“Luckily, we haven’t got too many people in.”

Myrtleford SES deputy controller Glenn Bachelor said they attended a callout at around 11:30pm Wednesday night from concerned Whalleys Road residents and then another at 6am for the caravan park.

At just after 9am on Thursday he said Happy Valley Creek levels water levels had peaked, but the Ovens River was continuing to rise and was flooding some hops paddocks.

He said water had also reached King Street in Myrtleford, and he predicted the Standish Street creek crossing would remain flooded for 3-4 days.

Bright SES controller Graham Gales said they had been called out to four fallen trees across the shire between Tuesday evening and Wednesday afternoon.

He said there had only been minor flooding in Bright and

surrounds, with no homes affected, and minor water coverage of the Great Alpine Road between Harrietville and Bright.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Happy Valley Creek at Rosewhilte peaked at just over 2 metres on Wednesday afternoon, while the Ovens River at Eurobin peaked at just over five metres early Thursday morning.

At Bright, the Ovens River just touched the moderate flooding level at around 3.5 metres on Wednesday afternoon.

The Kiewa River peaked at over 4 metres on Wednesday afternoon, well above the river moderate flooding level of 3.5 metres.

According to the TAFCO Weather monitor, Myrtleford received 91mm of rain between October 3-5, while the monitor at Coral Bank received 132.8mm over the same period.

Lane.

WATER WATCHERS: Myrtleford residents Cindy Gee and Vicki Moore were watching the floodwaters on the footbridge next to Jubilee Park.

ROAD RAPIDS: Myrtleford’s Standish Street near the local pool was completely inundated on Thursday morning. PHOTOS: Brodie Everist

Annual site holders count cost of possible home loss

By BRODIE EVERIST

KERRI Trotter said she purchased a 26-foot caravan, bathroom, annexe and carport at Bright’s NRMA Caravan Park four years ago, to the tune of $50,000.

In July she received an email that could mean the entire value of her purchase will be lost.

“I was nearly physically ill when I got the email, and I know other people were too,” she said.

“People who have had vans for ages have been going ahead and doing extensions and renovations, all with council approval, to then find out, sorry, you can’t stay there.”

The Moe resident is one of more than 30 annual site owners who face losing their site at the NRMA Bright Holiday Park as the park manager transitions some sites to short-term accommodation.

As reported in the Alpine Observer in August, the park is installing new tourist accommodation, meaning some annual sites will no longer be available, and relocation within the park for these site holders is not guaranteed.

According to Ms Trotter, if her holiday home is not relocated within the park, she is likely to lose the entire value of her $50,000 purchase, and around $5000 worth of upgrades she has put into her holiday home.

“We’d be lucky to recoup anything,” she said.

“It’ll just be what it’d be worth for salvage.”

She said the bathroom, annexe and carport will likely be scrapped, while the concrete slab underneath the annexe will also be removed, all at her own cost.

Even if she is relocated within the park, she thinks it will cost around $20,000 to move.

According to Ms Trotter, those that have entered the park’s ballot for the limited number of relocation sites will find out the results this Sunday.

However, South Melbourne resident Robyn Wilson hasn’t entered the ballot.

“My caravan is really old,” she said.

Libs seek Indi candidate for next election

THE Liberal Party has officially commenced its search for a candidate to contest the federal seat of Indi at the next election.

Liberal Party Federal Electorate Conference (FEC) of Indi chair Tony Schneider said nominations had opened for interested persons to seek pre-selection as the party’s candidate to contest the next federal election, to be called sometime during or before 2025.

Mr Schneider said Ross Lyman, who contested the seat for the party at the 2022 election, was not seeking pre-selection as changing circumstances had taken him out of the electorate.

“We’ve called for nominations and are keen to confirm a candidate as soon as practicable,” said Mr Schneider.

At the 2022 federal election Mr Lyman and the Liberal Party’s primary vote in Indi dropped by 4.47 per cent on the previous election, attaining just 30.52 per cent of the seat’s primary count.

Correction

ON page 7 of the October 4 edition of the Myrtleford Times/Alpine Observer two photos were published purporting to be of the Bright Art Gallery’s Spring Exhibition opening.

In fact, they were mistakenly from the art gallery’s Autumn Exhibition in March.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.

“If it was to be relocated, I’m sure it will not work very well.”

Instead she will simply demolish her caravan and annexe at the park.

“September next year it has to be vacated,” she said.

“I’m just going to use it as much as I can in the next six months at least.”

Ms Wilson has owned her caravan for 22 years, like a number of site holders with a long association with the park.

“My sister has been two doors up, she’s had hers over 40 years,” she said.

“All the people on that street that we’re in, we’ve all become friends.”

Victorian Government policies surrounding park management clearly stipulate that 12-month site leases do not guarantee a term beyond the yearly agreement.

In fact, one policy statement, titled ‘Improving equity

of access to Crown land caravan and camping parks’ suggest park managers take steps to limit site holders’ sense of ownership of the site by forbidding garden beds, communicating that permit renewal is not guaranteed, and using the term ’12-month permit’ instead of ‘annual permit’.

Ms Wilson said her 12-month lease was made clear, but when she first bought her caravan the park was owned by a local man they knew.

“Everyone liked him and then he didn’t renew the lease when his time came up, and that’s when it got into the hands of bigger companies,” she said.

As the park is Crown land, the Alpine Shire Council is appointed as land manager of the park by the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action.

According to council’s direc-

Garden’s open day opens greenhouse

By BRODIE EVERIST

AN estimated 12 people attended the Myrtleford Community Garden’s open day and official opening of their new greenhouse last Sunday.

Mike Clarke said everyone crowded into the greenhouse for the official opening, including Tim May, representing the Bright Community Bank, and Ron Janas from the Alpine Shire Council.

Both parties funded the greenhouse.

“We had a really good presentation of seedlings that were around three weeks old and had grown really well,” Mr Clarke said.

Mr Clarke said the seeds so far had had a nearly 100

per cent germination rate, and some had already been replanted into larger pots –especially the zucchinis.

Lisa Schute also attended the opening, representing Grow Myrtleford, a community fund that has assisted the community garden to purchase two solar panels

and an inverter for their pressurised watering system.

The group held their annual general meeting (AGM) afterwards under their shelter, in which Mike Clarke and Susan Clarke were reelected president and secretary, respectively.

Belinda Ramia was elected assistant secretary and committee member for fundraising, while Shirley Gilliam was elected treasurer.

Mr Clarke said the AGM also featured special guest Lorraine Hughes, a Rosewhite gardening book author whose books will be on sale at the Myrtleford Show at the community garden stall on October 28.

tor of assets Alan Rees, council officers follow DEECA policies and guidelines on Crown land and must comply with all relevant legislation and other statutory requirements and regulations that may apply.

He said council has not had any input on the decision to remove annual sites from the park, and this is an operational decision that can be made by the park operator.

When asked by the Myrtleford Times and Alpine Observer, NRMA Parks and Resorts did not give a reason why they are moving some sites to shortterm accommodation.

A spokesperson said they have offered an extended transition period for the annual site holders, as well as a number of free nights at the park on powered caravan or camping sites and a 25 per cent discount for bookings on other sites at the Bright Park until September 2026.

CARAVAN COST: If Kerri Trotter loses her annual permit she estimates she will lose the entire value of her caravan, annexe and carport.

PHOTO: Jean-Pierre Ronco

2023 Male Bag Ride through the Victorian High Country

THE 2023 Victorian Male Bag Ride is ready to roll.

This four day ride will leave Melbourne on Thursday, October 19, returning Sunday, October 22.

For practical purposes, the ride is limited to 26 postie bikes and eight support crew.

On day one riders head to Euroa for lunch then up to Bright for the evening.

Day two is a more leisurely day, riding along the scenic Kiewa Valley, then returning to Bright through the picturesque townships of Yackandandah, Beechworth and Myrtleford.

Day three is a cruise up the King Valley for lunch at the Whitfield pub then finish in Benalla.

Day four return to Melbourne via Bonnie Doon.

Cost is $850 per person (riders and support crew), which includes fuel, accommodation and meals. RSVP Robert Glover 0407 849 111 or Julian Dewan 0418 329 704.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Prepare for a drier summer, says fire officer

THIS summer is shaping up to be between an average or aboveaverage fire season, meaning residents need to be prepared and alert to fire danger, according to CFA Ovens Valley group officer Brett Michie.

He said summer is likely to be hot and dry, as usual, so shire residents should be preparing their properties and revising their fire plan.

“We live in a bushfire prone area and fires can happen and do start often in our patch, particularly from lightning strikes,” he said.

“We’ve certainly got the vegetation, the topography, the summer heat and dryness to cause us some concern if a fire was to start.”

“For those who are new to the area, recognise that we are in a very bushfire-prone area in North East Victoria, and utilise all the resources that are available to come up with a fire plan for your family.”

He reminded residents to install the VicEmergency app on their phone.

The Australasian Fire Authorities Council’s (AFAC) Spring outlook says the North East is not at an increased level of fire, unlike some parts of Northwestern Victoria and Gippsland.

However, Mr Michie said an average season for the shire is still prone to bushfires.

“Average is our normal hot, dry summer season in North East Victoria,” he said.

“We’ve got plenty of mountains, trees, public land and forests around around Bright, Myrtleford and Ovens Valley, so it’s just a matter of if we get ignition from lightning strikes or other means.”

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said CFA crews right across the state are preparing for this year’s fire season, but they need community members to plan

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Listening leads to better outcomes

THROUGHOUT our history, The Salvation Army has learnt that delivering services without listening does not work – and the government has finally learnt this, too.

That is why The Salvation Army supports a Voice, as a social justice response.

 You can’t deliver a great service if you are not actively listening to the people using it.

 You can’t draft great policy if you’re not listening to the people who have to follow it.

 You can’t make great law if you’re not listening to the people who will be impacted by it.

We want a Voice so we can listen, so we can get policy right and make a difference in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who are among the most disadvantaged people in our country.

We know from lived experience that anything that gives the

ahead and prepare their properties.

“All it takes is some basic maintenance such as clearing your gutters, picking up loose leaves and twigs, pruning tree branches so they aren’t overhanging the roof of your property, or even just keeping your lawn under 10cm tall,” he said.

“High rainfall and moisture levels over the past 12 months will have led to vegetation growth on private properties, so it’s important to maintain your

people affected by a policy (or law or service) a voice is a good thing.

Listening leads to better outcomes.

The Salvos are not going to tell anyone how to vote – that’s not who we are – but we are asking people to really listen to what is being said and think about what really matters in this debate.

We think what really matters is addressing the hardship and injustice experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Email:

property through spring and into fire season.”

The CFA is also reminding residents to keep woodpiles away from houses or sheds.

Last month, the Bureau of Meteorology declared that Australia was entering a El Nino climate and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, meaning warmer and drier conditions area more likely over spring and summer for parts of the country. For further information go to the CFA website at www.cfa.vic. gov.au.

Islander peoples and we think making sure they have a voice is the best way to do it.

Diversity will make a Voice that much more powerful if it becomes part of the Constitution, which is what The Salvation Army is praying will happen – because of the other thing we have learnt over 140 years of helping Australians...

It is hard to listen to people if you don’t let them have a voice.

Jennifer Kirkaldy,

general manager policy and advocacy, Salvation Army Australia

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

BE READY: Residents need to be prepared and alert to fire danger over coming months, according to CFA Ovens Valley group officer Brett Michie.

Pink Breakfast raises $1600 plus

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

GAPSTED Estate held their third annual Pink Breakfast last Friday, raising $1667 for the McGrath Foundation Breast Care Nurses.

The event saw up to 19 local businesses donate prizes for the raffle and great support from attendees.

Gapsted Estate also donated profits from bottle sales at the event of its Valley Selection Pinot Grigio Rose, Secret Harvest Pinot Gris Ramato and Alpine Rood Sangiovese Rose.

McGrath Breast Care Nurse Laura Hay spoke

about the importance of McGrath Breast Care Nurses and the support they provide to women in or regional community, and the importance of fundraising events like this to ensure no women who are going through breast cancer is without the support of a breast care nurse.

Gapsted Estate brand manager, Belinda Cook, said it was an excellent morning.

“We all know someone who has gone through, or is going through, breast cancer and the support that the McGrath Breast Care Nurses provide is invaluable,” she said.

“We love putting on this event each year, not only is it a lovely way to start a Friday morning with some girlfriends, but there is such a wonderful camaraderie knowing that we are supporting women in need.

“We also appreciated the support of the local businesses who donated prizes for the raffle this year, despite the hard times everyone is experiencing at the moment.

“We really felt the support of the whole community for this event.”

Winner of best dressed in pink was mother and daughter duo Caroline and Grace Giacomelli.

No age is too old for plenty of seniors festival fun in Alpine Shire

By BRODIE EVERIST

THE Bright Croquet Club makes no secret of one its best attributes - their green. The regularly-maintained miniature couch grass is a perfect lawn for croquet, and a rarity, apparently.

“A lot of country croquet clubs play on the footy field,” said club member John Hart.

The green is just one of the club’s fine facilities that locals can enjoy in their open day on October 26, one of many events across the Alpine Shire for Seniors Festival.

Club president Joan Thompson said visitors will have free lessons in croquet, enjoy a morning tea and can partake in the barbecue lunch for a gold coin donation.

She said croquet is a fun game for young and old; one of their regular players is still playing at 92 years old.

“I like the social aspect of it, I like the exercise, because if you play big courts, you can walk a fair distance during the day,” Ms Thompson said.

“It’s good for the older ones, they’ve got a mallet

to hang on to, which steadies them; they don’t have to bend down or be all tottery.”

However, the game is also enjoyed by the young, Ms Thompson said, including Australian croquet stars Malcolm, Robert and Greg Fletcher from Lismore.

“They’ve done very well for a lot of years now,” she said.

“It’s been a real advertisement for the game.”

Mr Hart said croquet is a game of strategy combined with light exercise.

“The game is bit like the strategy of chess, the eyesight

2023 Grow Myrtleford+ grants are now open

for angles of snooker and the exercise of golf,” he said.

“The power is all in the swing of the mallet so elderly folk suffering from back/joint problems can play without hurting themselves further.”

Over at Mount Buffalo, Adventure Guides Australia will be holding free introductory abseiling tours and historical walks for seniors on October 21 and 22.

“The abseiling is very well received,” company owner David Chitty said.

“It’s normally people that perhaps have always wanted

to do something like abseiling, never had the opportunity or have been too busy.

“We just do a couple of easy, introductory-type abseils just to show them how easy it is.

“Often we find people will either start to take up the activity themselves or move on and go to an operator and do some bigger abseils.”

Mr Chitty said the walk will cover some of the Aboriginal and European history of Mount Buffalo, as well as the native flora and fauna. For those concerned

about abseiling as a senior, Mr Chitty said you only need to be at a moderate level of fitness.

“I’ll probably be running the abseiling and I’m 77,” he said.

“An average 65-plus person will be able to participate in these activities.”

Bookings are essential for the abseiling – contact bookings@adventureguidesaustralia.com to book.

To enquire about the Bright Croquet Club open day, contact John Hart on johnhart6@bigpond.com.

Small Impact Grants: Up to $2500

Community Scale Grants: Up to $5000

If your community organisation, not-for-profit, charity has a project that can demonstrate where it needs help, apply now for the following: Applications close Monday 23 October 2023. Apply online at intoourhandsfoundation.com.au or scan QR code:

DETAILS ARE:

WANGARATTA: Grit and Resilience Festival, King George Gardens, Tuesday 10 October, from 4pm.

BEECHWORTH: The Beechworth Servicemen’s Memorial Hall, Thursday 12 October, 11am to 2pm

TALLANGATTA: Tallangatta Integrated Community Centre (library), Friday 20 October, 11am to 2pm

MYRTLEFORD: Myrtleford Library, Thursday 26 October, 11am to 2pm

For more information, phone Into Our Hands Executive Officer Peter McCabe on 0466 252 866.

BRIGHT: Bright Library, Friday 27 October, 11am to 2pm

BEST DRESSED: Gapsted Estate cheif executive officer Andrew Santarossa with Caroline and Grace Giacomelli who won best dressed in pink.

PHOTO: Jenny Zamperoni

Celebrating Myrtleford’s century1954 style 1954

By JOHN TAYLOR OAM, Myrtleford and District

IN 1954, the Myrtleford community decided to acknowledge three significant events in the early life of Myrtle Creek Village (as it was known at the time).

In 1854 the rudimentary premises servicing the needs of passing traffic on the Buckland Road had been established, the discovery of gold had occurred in nearby hills and waterways and Myrtleford’s first registered birth (of Henry Joseph Croucher) was recorded on October 20, 1854.

Many events were held to celebrate the century from the beginning of 1954, building up to a ‘Centenary Week’ from Easter Saturday, April 17 until ANZAC Day, April 25.

Late in January, the Myrtleford District Citizens Band was re-established, and a ‘Centenary Year Gift’ meeting attracted athletes and cyclists on February 20.

On March 5 many residents travelled to Benalla for the Royal Visit, then mixed sports meetings followed at Mudgegonga and Barwidgee Creek in midMarch.

PART 1

A Cricketer’s Annual Ball concluded the month on March 24.

Immediately before Easter week, on April 11, 90 Albury Marching Girls appeared as part of the build-up in the centre of town, feverish preparations for the first match at Myrtleford’s new football oval were underway and plans for a Centenary Easter Open Tennis Tournament looked promising with a “galaxy of class players” expected.

A busy week of celebration was about to commence.

The ‘Centenary Week’ activities kicked off with a street fair and procession (witnessed by an estimated 3,000 people) on Easter Saturday morning.

The procession started at the Fire Station and finished at the new sportsground. There, the official opening of the celebration was performed by Mr T W Mitchell, MLA.

Nearby, the tennis tournament was underway by 3pm.

A social night enabled revellers to catch up at the Barwidgee Creek Hall later in the day.

On Sunday, following church services in the

morning, a ‘Back To School’ reunion of old pupils and nuns was held at a garden party on the lawns of St Mary’s Convent, and motorcycle races had commenced at Merriang at 1pm.

A ‘Pleasant Sunday Afternoon’ at Memorial Hall was followed by dedication of the stone fence at St Paul’s Anglican Church in

memory of district pioneers at 7:30pm.

A Hospital Sports Day involving horse, athletics and axemen events was held at the Recreation Reserve on Easter Monday, and that night a Hospital Grand Ball attracted 450 patrons. (On Friday, many would return to the Memorial Hall for a Wind Up Ball!)

A picnic at Nug Nug was followed by a 2-act comedy, ‘A Lady Mislaid’, performed by the Theatre Lovers’ Club at 8pm.

A regional reunion of 400 members of the 3SR Friendship Club was held on Wednesday afternoon, followed by cards at the CWA Hall and a social night out at Gapsted.

On Thursday, April 22, the 13th Myrtleford District Schools’ Sports Day featuring 58 events was held at Memorial Park, with the Consolidated School ‘King Z’ and ‘St Mary’s A’ teams the aggregate winners.

That morning, a reunion of 100 old pupils of the State School and former rural schools met at the Consolidated School.

Following a ‘rest day’ on Friday, the new Sportsground was opened with commencement of the 1954 football season on Saturday, April 24.

Myrtleford lost to North Albury by 11 points.

The Rifle Club also conducted a championship shoot before a social night at the Buffalo River Hall.

The ‘Centenary Week’

concluded when 120 RSL members attended a reunion on that Saturday evening.

On the afternoon of ANZAC Day, Sunday April 25, members and the public then witnessed the unveiling and dedication of memorial gates by the Hon A K Bradbury, MLC at the War Memorial.

When the week was over, the local newspaper’s commentary under the headline “BACK TO NORMAL AGAIN” said it all on May 5, 1954: “Reviewing the week’s festivities, never before in the history of Myrtleford have so many functions met with such success.”

And looking ahead, the editor commented: “Yes, Myrtleford has survived its first 100 years and has risen from a small mining settlement to the thriving township of today”.

“Will we be content to rest on our laurels, or will we carry on and make further progress? ….. It is up to the younger generation of today to step into the breach and keep the great wheel of progress rolling.”

Superannuation or extra home loan repayments

With interest rates and investment returns

increasingly volatile, Australians with cash to spare may be wondering how to make the most of it. If you have a mortgage, should you make extra repayments or would you be better off in the long run boosting your super?

The answer is, it depends. Your personal circumstances, interest rates, tax and the investment outlook all need to be taken into consideration.

What to consider

Some of the things you need to weigh up before committing your hard-earned cash include:

Your age and years to retirement

The closer you are to retirement and the smaller your mortgage, the more sense it makes to prioritise super. Younger people with a big mortgage, dependent children, and decades until they can access their super have more incentive to pay down housing debt, perhaps building up investments outside super they can access if necessary.

Your mortgage interest rate

This will depend on whether you have a fixed or variable rate, but both are on the rise. As a guide, the average variable mortgage interest rate is currently around 6.7 per cent so any money directed to your mortgage earns an effective return of

6.7 per cent.

When interest rates were at historic lows, you could earn better returns from super and other investments; but with interest rates rising, the pendulum is swinging back towards repaying the mortgage. The earlier in the term of your loan you make extra repayments, the bigger the savings over the life of the loan. The question then is the amount you can save on your mortgage compared to your potential earnings if you invest in super.

Super fund returns

In the 10 years to 30 June 2022, super funds returned 7.5 per cent a year on average but super funds went into negative territory as recently as 2022. In the short-term, financial markets can be volatile but the longer your investment horizon the more time there is to ride out market fluctuations. As your money is locked away until you retire, the combination of time, compound interest and concessional tax rates make super an attractive investment for retirement savings.

Tax

Super is a concessionally taxed retirement savings vehicle, with tax on investment earnings of 15 per cent compared with tax at your marginal rate on investments outside super. Contributions are taxed at 15 per cent going in, but this is likely to be less than your marginal tax rate if you salary

sacrifice into super from your pre-tax income. You may even be able to claim a tax deduction for personal contributions you make up to your annual cap. Once you turn 60 and retire, income from super is generally tax free. By comparison, mortgage interest payments are not tax-deductible. Individuals will need to pay tax on net earnings at their marginal tax rate.” By comparison, mortgage interest payments are not taxdeductible.

Personal sense of security

For many people there is an enormous sense of relief and security that comes with having a home fully paid for and being debt-free heading into retirement. As mortgage interest payments are not tax deductible for the family home (as opposed to investment properties), younger borrowers are often encouraged to pay off their mortgage as quickly as possible. But for those close to retirement, it may make sense to put extra savings into super and use their super to repay any outstanding mortgage debt after they retire. These days, more people are entering retirement with mortgage debt. So whatever your age, your decision will also depend on the size of your outstanding home loan and your super balance. If your mortgage is a major burden, or you have other outstanding debts, then debt repayment is likely a priority.

MYRTLEFORD WAR MEMORIAL AND GATES, 1954: The final event of the ‘Centenary Week’, dedication of the Memorial Gates, followed by the ANZAC Day service on April 25. This image is taken from a postcard at the time.

PICTORIAL RECORD OF THE MYRTLEFORD CENTENARY, 1954 (1) and (2): The ‘Myrtleford Times’ of April 28 records the street procession held on Easter Saturday, April 17.

Historical Society Inc.

Voters take part in early referendum prepoll

By BRODIE EVERIST

A STEADY trickle of people were entering the Bright Masonic Hall on Hawthorn Lane last Friday morning to vote early in the upcoming referendum for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.

The polling centre has been open since last Monday for those who need to vote early, along with centres in Wangaratta, Wodonga and Albury and others across the country.

Bright resident John Robinson, who was handing out leaflets encouraging people to vote no in the referendum, said most early voters were giving no indication

of their position on the referendum, and he felt most had already made up their minds.

“I really can’t pick it,” he said.

“Because there’s only two decisions many people don’t want to take any leaflets anyway.”

“No one’s been rude, they’ve all been very polite.”

Mr Robinson said he was campaigning for the no case as he felt a Voice to Parliament would divide the nation.

“We’re one, we’re many and we’re from everywhere,” he said.

“I had no problem with putting into the Constitution that Aboriginals are the first Australians – start and finished – but they decided to take it a lot further. “

Mr Robinson said he would like to see money for Indigenous Australians better spent.

“I think it’s been handled by basically what they call the city elites and it just doesn’t get to a lot of the communities,” he said.

Harrietville resident Alexanne Tardif was handing out leaflets for the yes campaign on Friday morning and said most voters seemed to have already made up their minds.

“Everyone’s been really friendly - not a whole lot of people taking flyers,” she said.

She said supporting the Voice to Parliament is a “no-brainer”.

“I think it’s long overdue for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

people to have a say on matters that affect them,” she said.

Myrtleford resident Sam Scalzo and his mother Maria voted early last Friday.

They declined to say how they voted, but Mr Scalzo said it was simpler to take his mother to the early voting centre, and they were planning to go for a meal afterwards.

“It’s just convenient, plus we’re going to the deer farm on the way home,” he said.

“We’re having a meal back there and it’s not often I get to take Mum out because she’s elderly.”

The early voting centre will be open from 8:30am to 5:30pm today and tomorrow, and from 8:30am to 6pm on Friday.

You can also vote prior to October 14 in Wangaratta, Wodonga and Albury.

On Saturday people can vote at the Myrtleford Senior Citizens Centre, Whorouly Community Function Centre, Gapsted Public Hall, Mudgegonga Community Hall, Bright and District Senior Citizens Centre, Wandiligong Public Hall, Porepunkah Public Hall and at various other locations across the North East from 8am to 6pm.

Visit the AEC website for more information on your closest early voting centres and voting locations on October 14: www. aec.gov.au/referendums/voting. htm#start.

Study finds alpine plants at risk from deer’s diet

By BRODIE EVERIST

FERAL deer are browsing on rare alpine plants in the Bogong High Plains, a recent study by researchers at James Cook and La Trobe universities has found.

The study of faecal samples from two sites in the Alpine National Park found the DNA of a wide range of plants, including critically endangered species, in the diet of sambar deer.

According to the study, in a small number of samples DNA tests detected several species of conservation

significance, including the broad-leafed flower rush and the silky snow-daisy.

“Although it appears the sambar deer are not selectively targeting these particular dietary items, the extent of browsing may only need to be minimal to have a detrimental impact on rare species,” the researchers said.

Tests also detected the presence of grey sallow willow and hawkweed, invasive weeds the study said pose a serious threat to native vegetation.

The researchers suggested it is possible sambar deer

may facilitate the spread of these weeds through ingestion or seeds attaching to animal fur.

“Sambar deer are not strictly opportunistic feeders and are exhibiting some selective feeding behaviours towards certain plant genera,” researchers said.

“Selective feeding has the potential to alter the abundance of favoured dietary items within the landscape and is of particular concern when these items are rare or vulnerable.”

The study calls for greater monitoring of threatened

plant species where deer are present.

According to the study, the work helps fill a gap in understanding the impact of deer browsing in alpine ecosystems, which cover only 0.15 per cent of the country.

Australia’s first national Feral Deer Plan was released earlier this month, aiming to stop the spread of large deer populations and reduce their impact; control or eradicate small, isolated deer populations before they spread; and prioritise and protect significant sites from their impacts.

First impressions matter.

BIG BROWSERS: Sambar deer are browsing on rare alpine plants in the Bogong High Plains, a recent study has found.

VOTING EARLY: Voters entering the early voting centre on Hawthorn Lane in Bright last Friday.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Erin’s epic ‘Everest’ ride

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

FOR cyclist Erin Ferguson, there was no place more beautiful than Mount Buffalo to spend 19 hours riding laps around the local mountain to raise awareness for Sarcoma research.

The Melbourne resident, who spends a lot of her time in her Bright-based house, said it wasn’t a challenge she’d be doing again, but one she was incredibly proud of succeeding at.

After 19 hours riding time and 21 overall, totalling 308km in nine laps of Mount Buffalo beginning at 4.30am to 1.15am the following morning, the feat is an impressive one.

“It’s a challenge that has existed in cycling for a number of years, it’s called everesting where you pick any hill and ride the equivalent of the height of Mount Everest,” she said.

“I think it’s regarded as being the hardest single day challenge

SNOW RETURNS TO RESORTS

HOTHAM and Falls Creek were looking like a winter wonderland last week thanks to a dusting of fresh snow and chilly morning temperatures on Thursday.

According to Falls Creek resort management, the resort received a 2cm dusting of fresh snow accompanied by an early morning temperature of -3.6 degrees on Thursday.

Falls Creek field marketing manager Betony Pitcher said it had been a fun day for students at Falls Creek Primary School, who

returned to classes during the week.

“We’re always happy to see snow in the resort, even out of season,” she said.

Hotham also received a dusting of snow on Thursday, with temperatures plummeting to -4.5 degrees, according to resort management.

“Today’s snow is a reminder of all the fun we had this season at Hotham and we can’t wait to welcome guests back next year,” Hotham’s field marketing manager Emily Smith said.

you can do on a bike and people have done it all around the world.

“I hadn’t thought hard about doing it until I saw what the guys at Run 4 KB doing their more than 400km run across across Victoria and, following the death of my uncle last year who had Ewing Sarcoma.

“I can’t run but I knew I’d like to do something and it’s a good way to channel energy towards their cause more than anything.

“I was prepared to suffer to help them out and help others.

“My uncle was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma in May last year and passed in November so there is that personal connection.

“He was very fit and outdoorsy so I think it was an appropriate way to do something for him and for my aunty as well.”

Erin said the most enjoyable aspect of the challenge was the location.

“Mount Buffalo is just the most beautiful place in Victoria; what

a privileged to be able to suffer there,” she said.

“Another highlight was the incredible show of support I had with friends and family turning up to help out or just say hello; I couldn’t have done it without them.

“It was incredibly special to see them there and I fully believe it would have been a completely different experience If I had to do it alone.

“The hardest moments were really just as you start to move throughout the day you can feel every part of you deteriorating.

“By the end I couldn’t salivate anymore which made it hard to eat and in the last leg I was struggling to focus my eyes.

“It was also a mental struggle to finish a lap, turn around and go again, that’s the challenge.”

To support the Run for KB fundraiser, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/run-4-kb-441kmin-7-days-one-step-at-a-time.

UPGRADE CONTRACT: The Alpine Shire Council awarded a contract for the upgrade of the Porepunkah Transfer Station at their meeting last month.

Council awards transfer station upgrade

By BRODIE EVERIST

THE Alpine Shire Council awarded a contract for the upgrade of the Porepunkah Transfer Station at their meeting last month.

Councillors unanimously voted to award a $223,767 contract to Naubro Kerb Pty Ltd for an upgrade that will include a 16 metre precast concrete panel retaining wall, concrete slabs and drainage.

According to council’s director of assets Alan Rees, works have also been undertaken at the Myrtleford and Mount Beauty transfer stations, but the size of the works at the Porepunkah station required a public tender process.

In order to manage the simultaneous construction of the retaining wall and landfill capping works at the station, Mr Rees said the same project manager will be managing both developments.

Mr Rees said council has awarded a fixed-fee lump sum contract to alleviate the risk of cost escalations.

According to council, the installation of concrete slabs at Mount Beauty and Myrtleford Transfer Stations was completed in June 2023, as was the design for the retaining wall and concrete slabs at Porepunkah Transfer Station.

Councillor Simon Kelley was absent from the meeting.

Tackle the Aussie Terrain and Push the Boundaries with a Segway Fugleman side by side or a Snarler ATV. They are your complete unit for performance and safety on the land.

RIDE FOR A CAUSE: Erin Ferguson rode 308km to raise awareness for a cause close to her heart.

PHOTO: Andrew Jones

SPRING SNOW: Natasha Hainke, retail and rentals senior supervisor for Falls Creek Alpine Resort, enjoying the snow on the mountain.

Writers festival proves a stunning success

THE Mount Beauty Writers Festival was a huge success for the second year of its conception, bringing people from far and wide to the North East of Victoria.

The authors loved it, particularly the surrounding scenery, the fresh air and the welcoming community.

There were a variety of genres of the books showcased including thrillers, history, biographies, with special guest on lifestyle, Costa.

Costa was a surprise guest at the Mount Beauty Primary School assembly on Friday afternoon, the children were delighted

A special feature was

AGL sponsoring a writing competition for the Secondary College students, the awards going to, Lewis Frede, Grace Gardiner, Stevie Willey, Aidan Bower, Matthew Kusz and Elizabeth Rose. Kitty Vigo chaired the judging panel, saying “it was great to have so many entries, with talented young writers sending in a variety of stories.

The Bright Bookshop organised a pop up bookstore at the venue West Peak Hotel, selling over 150 books.

As festival director I have to say we’ve started something here, already the authors are putting up posts on social media praising the event,

By FAY MASON, Kiewa Valley Correspondent

saying they want to come back and will be talking about the event to other authors.

A favourite was local girl

Ya Reeves on her debut novel

‘Across this Back Bone’ a tale about a young girl trekking solo 680kms over the alps, the thriller ‘Dark Mode’ was another favourite. The date for next year’s Writers Festival has

been set for October 12.

Thanks to all those involved, the volunteers, the committee and sponsors for their generous support.

LOCAL North East band, Squidjig, who specialise in Irish, Australian and a variety of other folk music and dance, have been

performing around the North East region at pubs, wineries, bush dances and festivals since 2002.

Formed in Mount Beauty, Squidjig have members from Wandiligong, Bright and Beechworth, Tawonga and Mount Beauty.

They have been involved in many great events including the Mount Beauty Music Festival, and community dances, for the past 20 years.

Band members are Conrad Forrer, Button Accordion, Irish Whistle and vocals.

Monica Hersburgh, fiddle, Stephen Thomson (Frog ), rhythm guitar and vocals, Peter Sigmund, 120 bass

piano accordion, Matt Ryder, bass, Richard Mied, drums, Di Simpson, dance calling and whistle, Mel Tompkins, strings and vocals, and Stephanie Zilles bass.

To celebrate they will be performing in Mount Beauty at West Peak Hotel during the Octoberfest celebrations.

ON the Alpine FM Brunch program today guests include Dr Helen Haines, Conrad Forrer, and Stephanie Bellman who will be featured on the Talking Heads segment. Later in the day the very popular ‘Pale Blue Dot’ will be aired at 3pm.

by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

SQUIDJIG OCTOBER GIG: (From left) Monica Hersburgh, Peter Sigmund, Stephanie Zilles, Conrad Forrer, (front from left) Richard Mied, and Stephen Thomson (Frog).

GUESS WHO? Costa entertains the primary school students in Mount Beauty.

NEXT GENERATION: Award winning young budding writers (from left) Grace Gardiner, Lewis Frede, Stevie Willey, Aiden Bower, Elizabeth Rose, judge Kitty Vigo, and AGL representative Belinda Young. Absent Matthew Kusz.

Fay, who is also a regular host on Alpine Radio, can be contactedon 0410 738 266, or email faymariemason@gmail.com

Safety a priority for Rod Run

THE Alpine Shire Council has emphasised community safety for the Rod Run weekend in November, following the council’s approval of alcohol restriction for the event in June.

As seen in previous years, alcohol consumption will be prohibited from designated public areas of the Bright CBD during the Rod Run event from 10pm on Thursday, November 9 until 7am on Monday, November 13.

Council’s director of customer

and community Helen Havercroft said council’s main priority is always the safety of all residents and visitors.

“Council and Victoria Police have committed to providing additional resources to enforce the restrictions and keep our community safe when admiring all of the great cars that come to town,” she said.

“The enforcement of the alcohol restrictions goes a long way in ensuring families and particularly children are safe when enjoying

PEOPLE AROUND TOWN

Karen Jones

How long have you lived in the area?

32 years.

What do you do for a living?

I’m a kindergarten teacher. I always wanted to be a kindergarten teacher, so that’s what I became.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I’m passionate about my involvement with Friends of Lacluta Timor Leste, I do some creative work on the side, and walking.

What do you like about the area?

I love the mountains, the changing seasons, the size of our town and the people.

Where would you take visitors to showcase the area?

Definitely for a chai at

either Chakra or Chulo because I’m a chai fan. I’d take them walking on some of the beautiful walks here around town. And if we had more time, up to Mount Buffalo.

Is there anything you would change about the area?

this exceptional event.”

Alcohol consumption in the designated public areas risks an on the spot $200 fine under council’s Community Local Law.

Ms Havercroft said they are working closely with the Rod Run organisers and local businesses to ensure this year’s event remains fun, family-friendly and safe for the community.

“The event brings benefits to all of our towns as participants often stop over or visit other townships

MYRTLEFORD

Have more affordable housing for people trying to get into the market, to allow us as a community to have a diverse range of people with adequate housing.

Do you have any ambitions for the future?

Keep on enjoying life.

outside of Bright over the weekend,” she said.

“Alcohol restrictions were first introduced during the Rod Run event in 2019, in response to safety concerns around vehicles and alcohol consumption.”

Alcohol restrictions are recommended each year by the Events Risk Assessment Panel, which includes representatives from Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Alpine Health, council and other emergency services.

Brigita Hore

How long have you lived in the area?

Permanent part-time for about 18 years.

What do you do for a living?

I work with people with disabilities for Home at Scope. How did you get into that? I came into that with a desire to help people in my community.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I enjoy walking, I have a dog who loves to go for walks. I like to bike ride. I also like to be part of my community, my parish church, and helping the community.

What do you like about the area?

There’s so much beauty. My background is European, so it reminds me of my parents’

homeland from Slovenia.

Where would you take visitors to showcase the area?

I’d take them for long walks along the river, along the lovely bike path from here to Harrietville. I’d generally just walk around and enjoy nature.

SAFETY FIRST: The Alpine Shire Council has emphasised community safety for the Rod Run weekend in November, following the council’s approval of alcohol restriction for the event in June.

Is there anything you would change about the area?

I think probably housing is a problem. There should be more housing for our disadvantaged. There should also be a little bit more in public transport for the elderly. I do have older friends and I think it’s very important we have some sort of minibus or something that is a permanent fixture.

Do you have any hopes for the future?

One of the things about any community or country town is that we work together, that people look after each other in the country. That’s how you keep a town alive. Our generations past, they were wonderful at volunteering, wonderful at giving of their time to the town. I think that’s needs to come back around again, that we all need to put in to make a town flourish.

St Mary’s celebrates 100 years

MYRTLEFORD’S St Mary’s Primary School held their 100th anniversary over Friday and Saturday with a wide range of events over the two days.

The busy schedule included a parade and school activities on Friday (where students and teachers dressed in their finest old-fashioned clothing), as well as a Mass, cake cutting ceremony, school reunion tours and a dinner on Saturday

Deputy principal Leigh Corcoran especially thanked the centennial committee for organising the two-day celebration, as well as staff, students and the ladies at the St Mary’s Parish.

Mr Corcoran and teacher

aide and administrator Lucia Southern both said the reunion tours were particularly special.

“It was heart-warming, the rich history of St Mary’s and Catholic education here has come a long way,” Mr Corcoran said.

“Talking to us about the structures and the buildings and how they’ve morphed and changed over the yearsit was just so interesting.

“We were trying to tour them around, but they ended up taking us on a tour.”

ALL TOGETHER: St Mary’s Primary School students staff and special guests gathered for a photo on Friday.

We

PLANTING CEREMONY: (From left) students Lachlan Earl, Spencer Reynolds, Zoe Richter, Maisie Fitzpatrick and Pippa Carroll next to the tree planted by the school to mark the 100th anniversary.

A BIG OCCASION: Father Tony Shallue steps up to make a speech prior to the cutting of the cake on Saturday.

LOOKING SHARP: Some of the best-dressed students on Friday.

CENTENARY CAKE: Principal Kitty Hancock and deputy principal Leigh Corcoran cut the 100th birthday cake on Saturday.

GOOD TIMES: (From left) Peter and Ria Robbers with Anita Toner at the Friday luncheon.

HAVING FUN: Barbara Daniel and Roma Carroll were at the Friday luncheon at the St Mary’s Parish Centre. Ms Daniel was a former principal of the school from 1989 to 1996.

Preparing locals mentally to manage crisis events

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

NORTH East Multicultural Association (NEMA) has moved onto the next stage of its disaster support program for local multicultural communities.

The crisis management and women’s health session was held on September 20 at the Gateway Hotel, where 41 community members from three LGAs (Wangaratta, Alpine and Indigo Shire) attended.

During the session NEMA project manager, Faryal Khan, briefly explained the project and its purpose, stages, achievements, and success.

Crisis management and socialising is the third stage of NEMA’s Community Cultural Advocates Project.

The aim of this stage is to prepare community members mentally and emotionally for crisis events.

Ms Khan said she had received “incredible” feedback from the community members who at-

State and local programs see facelift

tended the first crisis management session, which focused on coping with the sharp mental strain of a crisis event.

“Most people mentioned to me and my co-workers they had learnt new activities and techniques including mediation, exercises, breathing exercises, and they also received information

and awareness about local health support and their contact details,” she said.

Physiotherapist and mindfulness educator from Hogan Health, Amanda Hogan, and Gateway Health Wangaratta psychologists Kim Haebich, Melissa Harris and Alexandra Nixon were guest speakers for the ses-

sion, providing crucial information on mentally dealing with a crisis.

Ms Hogan presented on anxiety and Breathing Exercises to stop and settle, while providing resources and health booklets for attendees to take home.

She also donated a white scarf of wellbeing and compassion to everyone which is made in Nepal, which has three handmade knitted lines indicating breath, body, and mind to calm yourself.

Gateway Health Wangaratta’s presentation was focused on dealing with crisis and connection with people, going through a mental health care plan, local support programs and how local community can access their facilities.

The fourth stage will be the final stage of the project, focusing on emergency assessment, review and reporting.

A similar crisis management and socialising session is planned to be held in Mansfield in the near future.

for

local roads

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

LOCAL roads are receiving a facelift after last month’s council meeting saw two contracts awarded for the State Road Grading Program and Alpine Shire’s Resealing Program 2023-24.

North East Civil Construction were awarded a contract for a maximum of $255,700 for the grading and drain cleaning of 82km of unsealed road along the Dargo High Plains Road, Buckland Valley Road, Abbeyards Road and Rose River Road.

The tender was advertised on August 4, 2023, and a total of 15 prospective tenders downloaded the document and five submissions were received.

The recommendation before council noted issues that, following the scoping and budget allocation for the State Road Grading Program, discussions between council and Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) led to a shared grading and cost arrangement for the Buckland Valley Road and Abbeyards Road this financial year.

Council will be carrying out a first grade on all roads in the program and DEECA will be carrying out a second grade on the above mentioned two roads.

Consultation has been undertaken with council’s operations team to finalise the scope of the contract.

Further consultation will take place with the public and stakeholders in relation to the timing for the opening of the Dargo High Plains Road.

Council undertakes spray seal works each year on road segments identified through its routine condition inspection program.

GW and BR Crameri were awarded the contract for the resealing program, for the lump sum price of $530,755.

The Resealing Program 2023-24 will be carried out in the Kiewa Valley.

The tender was advertised on July 26, 2023 and the documents were downloaded by 15 prospective tenderers and eight responses were received by the closing date.

LEADING THE CHARGE: (L-R) Rita Buis (NEMA Cultural Advocate Alpine), Faryal Khan (Community Development Officer), Robyn Griffiths (NEMA Cultural Advocate Alpine), Elvira Casagrande (NEMA Cultural Advocate Alpine).

TRAINING THE MIND: The group of 41 community members from Wangaratta, Alpine and Indigo shires taking art in NEMA’s third stage of their disaster support program.

Record numbers enter Harrietville Marathon

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

DESPITE mother nature’s attempts at cancelling the event, the Harrietville Marathon was a huge success with a record number of 266 entries taking to the trail on Sunday.

Event organiser Robyn Downey said it was a fabulous day.

“Although we had a terrible rain event which damaged the track quite a bit and almost had us cancelled, everyone was in such high spirits,” Ms Downey said.

“My wonderful team of seven women and I ran the trail a few times before the day to assess the damage and there was a large muddy spot, one 30 metre section of water you couldn’t avoid and two trees down.

“We shovelled the mud, told our runners to bring an extra pair of shoes and were immensely grateful for the Alpine Shire and local SES for coming out to clear the trees.

“On the day no-one complained and were very happy to be there, and everyone dried out at the end when we reached Tavare Park and it was a beautiful day.

“It was very festive in the park, we needed a happy time in Harrietville this week and it really was.

“The sponsors were so generous; we had random draw and prizes for winners, most people

stayed until the end and many of them won.

“We had DJ Beauty at the park before we adjourned to the snow line to hear live music from Josh Lindsay and enjoy a meal and local beer and wine.”

Last year the event saw 200 entries, 66 less than this year.

“We had 107 entries in the 21km run and record numbers in the 10km run with 68 entries,” Ms Downey said.

“There were all sorts of challenges but it worked well and everyone was in happy spirits and taking it in their stride.

“We had the two blind women from last year return with their local guides and one of them has been chosen to represent Victoria in the New York Marathon as a vision impaired runner which is amazing.

“She was was using our event as a training run as the New York Marathon is in November, and she did five minutes faster than last year’s time.

“The winners of the 21km run, who also won their age group and the Alpine Valley Trophy, were a married couple; Mark and Gemma de Campo from Porepunkah.

BEAUTY: Pultenaea lapidosa in flower. Revegetation program thriving on Reform Hill

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

MYRTLEFORD Landcare have reported great progress on the Stony Bush Peas revegetation program, spending last Saturday clearing Reform Hill to continue that progress.

The program, undertaken by Myrtleford Landcare with the support from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DECCA), Friends of Reform Hill and Landmates, commenced eight years ago, according to Landcare member Glenda Janas.

“Their son, Rafe, won the ages 4-7 group in the 2km.

“The overall winner of the 2km, with a time of 8m 56s, was Ferdinando Perri from Towonga in the under 12 group.

“Reuben Case, from the 8-12 age group, won the 5km in 23m 26s.

“The 10km overall male winner, Cam Knox, won in 41m 28s and the female winner was Tuhina Morton from Harrietville in 48m 58s.

“A huge shoutout to all our runners, the 40 hardworking volunteers and my team of seven.”

“The threatened Stony Bush Pea (Pultenaea lapidosa) only grows in the wild in three locations in Victoria; Reform Hill, Mt Samaria and Mt Tambo,” she said.

“Myrtleford Landcare commenced a revegetation program approximately eight years ago to restore what was once widespread Stony Bush Pea growth on the hill.

“We are thrilled with the success of this program, with an abundance of healthy thriving plants now ready for the guards to be taken away.

“The bushes are flowering at this time of the year and we encourage people to take a walk on Reform Hill to view these beautiful little plants.”

For further information contact myrtlefordlandcare@gmail.com.

AT THE FINISH LINE: Two local Harrietville Primary School mates, Ruhi Taylor and Dave O’Neill, finishing the 10.5km race for the first time.

WINNERS: Event organiser Robyn Downey with Alpine Valley Trophy 21.1km winners Mark and Gemma De Campo of Porepunkah.

Saturday October 28th 9am to 9pm

Locals gear up for Myrtleford Show

By LEAH ANDERSONBYRNE

THE Myrtleford Show attracts people from all over the state, but for this local wool spinner Tracy Sharkey, seeing what her fellow community members have been up to is a highlight of the event.

Tracy has been learning to spin wool since she was 10 years old, following in her mother’s footsteps.

“I’ve dabbled in weaving, crochet, hand knitting and needlework but I always come back to spinning on the wheel,” she said.

“The only way I was allowed to spin when I was younger was if I washed my own wool.

“When Mum gave up spinning, the wheel sat in the corner of her room for years before she let me have it.

“It’s just a good way to sit there and make something and I enjoy the creative aspect of it.

“I mostly just spin and collect the wool for future projects but I’ve recently started actively making

things form the wool I’ve spun.

“I try to enter the Myrtleford Show every year, it’s such a great community event.

“I also recently won first place at the Bendigo Show for my pinloom.

“I used to get wool from farmers but now I mostly source it from the Bendigo

SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS

Wood Chop

Charlie the Shearer

Snake Man

Vintage Engines & Cars

Rides and Entertainment

Show Bags

Food Stalls

Whip Cracking

Face Painting

Pony Rides

Latest Farm Equipment

Ovens Valley Canine Club

Redi Expo & Emergency Services

NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

Live Music

Food and Drinks

Woollen Mills, although there are people around with alpacas who donate the wool to me.”

Tracy said spinning 100 grams of wool can take up to five hours.

“It depends on how clean the wool is but usually up to five hours, and 100 grams is what I use for beanies

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Horse Events

and scarves, you need much more for things like jumpers,” she said.

“I also like to try out natural dyes, so I take colourful plants and leaves from the garden and boil them down to seep out the colour before simmering my wool in the dye I’ve made. “You never really know

Animal Nursery & Pet Show

Cattle, Dairy & Beef

Sheep, Goats & Alpacas

Dog Jumping

Poultry & Budgerigars

Farm Produce

Horticulture

Needlework, Crochet & Knitting

Arts & Craft Photography

Jams, Sauces & Preserves

Cooking

Show Tiny Tot, Junior & Teen Ute Show

www.themyrtlefordshow.com.au

broader categories.

Another highlight of this year’s Myrtleford Show on Saturday, October 28 will be the nighttime program, coordinated by Belinda Ramia.

“The night program is looking great,” she said.

“We’ll have roving performers doing acts throughout the late afternoon and our music acts are Snow Road Troopers, Jade Gibson and a local dj performing through the night.

“The food trucks will stay through the night and there’ll be alcoholic beverages, a photo booth for something extra and some more potential attractions in the process of being confirmed.

what colour something will create.

“I’m excited to see this year’s show and catch up with everyone to see what they’ve been up to.”

Tracy will enter the needlework and craft category in this month’s show, among a range of other excellent crafts and

“It’s exciting to have this new aspect of the show; hopefully the town gets behind it and enjoys the event.”

Entries for some pavilion competitions will close Friday night; for anyone wishing to manually enter you can see Liz at the show office on Friday from 10am5pm.

Saturday October 28th 9am to 9pm

ADMISSION

Adult (over 18 years): $20

Concession/Pensioner: $10

Children (5 to 18 years): $10

Children (under 5 years): Free Family (2 adults + 2 Children): $40

GO TEAM: Myrtleford Show treasurer Michelle Hunt, president Debbie Geddes and secretary Amy Kirk are gearing up for the show at the end of the month.

SPINNING THE WHEEL: Myrtleford local Tracy Sharkey is looking forward to the upcoming show, with a number of items entered.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

AUCTION TODAY

Riverside paradise

ESCAPE to your very own riverside paradise on this 226 acre property with a two-bedroom cottage perched high on the banks overlooking the majestic Ovens River.

This idyllic property offers a unique blend of natural beauty, agricultural potential and comfortable living.

The cosy cottage welcomes you with vaulted ceilings, a gas cooktop, wood heating, and a split system, ensuring comfort throughout the seasons.

The veranda offers a perfect spot to relax and soak in the picturesque surroundings.

There is also a set of fully prepared architectural extension plans, providing an opvalue.

Located a mere 80 metres from the back door to the Ovens River, you’ll have

or just admiring the wildlife and serenity of riverside bliss.

With irrigation potential and fertile red loam and grey clay loam soils, this property is well suited for various agricultural endeavours.

The property features two dams, one with a good supply of yabbies, and troughs to all main paddocks.

It has remnant and planted gumtree lines, electric fencing, and strategically placed water points set up for strip grazing.

The property has been managed over the years with regenerative farming practices with a focus on increasing ground cover and plant diversity through rotational grazing and resting paddocks.

For horse enthusiasts, this property also has horse stables and a round yard, catering to your equine essentials.

This property comes with an 18 x 12-metre shed with power, additional older shedding, disused shearing shed, and steel cattle yards with a crush.

Nestled on a quiet no through road, this property offers a peaceful and private escape.

Located in proximity to Yarrawonga, Rutherglen and Wangaratta townships, you’ll have easy access to amenities while still enjoying the serenity of rural living.

This riverside retreat offers an exceptional opportunity to embrace a lifestyle that combines natural beauty with rural tranquillity.

Whether you’re yearning for a weekend retreat, a hobby farm or a forever home, this property offers the canvas upon which to create your own masterpiece.

Act now to seize this gem and start living the dream by the Ovens River.

Agent | Phone | Location | Auction |

Nutrien Harcourts

5722 9444

370 Carmody Road, Boorhaman North

AUCTION - 6th October 2023 1pm Onsite TODAY!

wangaratta.nutrienharcourts. com.au/L22943730

Angus bulls. Not rejoined

P&S Eggleston- Buckland

weeks by Stellar

5x5 Hereford cows & Calves. M/A Cows with Hereford CAF 4-8 weeks by Wirruna bulls. Not rejoined Never Ever Accr

IBP-Myrtleford

5x5 Hereford Heifers with Hereford CAF 2-4 weeks. Not rejoined

WEANERS

D & R Matheson-Whorouly South

63 Hereford M/S 13-14m by Wirruna Hereford Bulls

WEANED Never Ever Accr

L & L Matheson- Whorouly South

60 Hereford M/S 13-14m by Wirruna Hereford Bulls

WEANED Never Ever Accr

Liddesdale Homestead-Murmungee

100 Angus Steers 12-14m by Landfall Angus Bulls

Never Ever Accr

D Rae-Murmungee

70 Angus & Angus/Simmental x M/S 9-14m by Alpine

Angus & Webb Black Simmental Bulls WEANED Never

Ever Accr

Barellan Park-Bobinawarrah

70 Angus x M/S 11m WEANED Never Ever Accr

Alpine View-Rosewhite

50 Angus Steers 12m by Alpine Angus Bulls WEANED

15 Angus Heifers 18m by Alpine Angus Bulls

Dalander-Porepunkah

32 Angus & Angus/Hereford x Heifers 16-17m by

Murdeduke & Kelly Angus Blood WEANED

M & L Beach-Whorouly South

30 Angus M/S 13-14m by Murramungee Angus Bulls

WEANED

G & P Ivone-Havilah

32 Angus & Angus/Simmental x Steers 12-13m by Alpine Angus & Woonallee Black Simmental Bulls

WEANED Never Ever Accr

P & F Giudice-Whorouly

20 Angus M/S 16m by Murramungee Angus Bulls

WEANED

12 Angus M/S 11-12m by Murramungee Angus Bulls

WEANED

D & H Mummery-Ovens

30 Angus M/S by Jade Park Bulls WEANED

L & C Fraser- Mudgegonga

30 Hereford & Hereford/Angus x M/S 12-13m by Murramungee Angus & Rosstulla Hereford Bulls

Never Ever Accr.WEANED

Dalbosco Investment-Eurobin

21 Angus/Hereford M/S 12m WEANED 12m by Alpine

Angus Bulls Never Ever Accr

7 Angus/Hereford x M/S 16m WEANED 12m by Alpine

Angus Bulls Never Ever Accr

RT Moorhead-Myrrhee

25 Angus Steers 10m by Black Aqua & Injemira

Angus Bulls WEANED

J & J Gardner-Bobinawarrah

25 Angus Steers 10-12m by Murramungee Angus Bulls WEANED

FAIS-Eurobin

25 Angus M/S 12m by Alpine Angus Bulls WEANED

Never Ever Accr

HR Strachan-Whorouly

22 Angus M/S 12-13m by The Glen Angus Bulls

WEANED

KJ Morrison-Barwidgee Creek

20 Angus Steers 12m by Black Aqua Angus Bull

Tysubi Beef-Liliput

20 Charolais x Steers 12m by Tysubi Charolais Bull

WEANED

Ivonez Run-Whorouly East

20 Fleckvieh x M/S 10m by Serpell Fleckvieh Bulls

JA Browne-Ovens

18 Angus Heifers 12m by Alpine Angus Bulls WEANED

Zeinert P/L- Mudgegonga

15 Angus M/S 12-13m by Tabletop Angus Bull

WEANED

Tomasoni F/T-Smoko

15 Angus Steers 11-12m by Alpine Angus Bulls

WEANED

Modtage-Rosewhite

14 Angus Steers 12-13m by Alpine Angus Bulls

WEANED

S Mills- Markwood

13 Murray Grey Steers 12-13m by Onward Murray

Grey Bull WEANED

Buffalo River Pastoral-Buffalo River

12 Angus Steers 10-11m WEANED

Rivendell-Moyhu

12 Angus Steers 10-11m by Victory Angus Bull CJ & CA Hall-Buckland Valley

12 Black Baldy Heifers 10-12m by Jarobee Angus

Bull WEANED

A & M Crisp-Mudgegonga

11 Angus Steers 10-11m by Alpine Angus Bulls

WEANED

Rosewhite Estate-Rosewhite

11 Angus Heifers 12m by Alpine Angus Bull WEANED

M Wiackzek-Gundowring

10 Angus Steers 10-11m by Alpine Angus Bull WEANED

E & M Notarianni

10 Angus Steers by Alpine Angus Bulls 9-10m

Possums Reach-Buffalo River

10 Angus Steers 10-12m WEANED Nylon-Buffalo Creek

9 Angus M/S WEANED

G & W Savage-Buckland Valley

6 Angus/Hereford x M/S 11m by Alpine Angus Bull

Genuine grazing in Lurg

WELCOME to 97 Granite Road Lurg, a stunning property that offers a perfect blend of comfort, style, and tranquility.

incredible opportunity for those seeking a peaceful undulating rural lifestyle.

With two spacious bedrooms and two well-appointed bathrooms, this home provides ample space for comfortable living.

The bedrooms are thoughtfully designed to offer privacy and relaxation, ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep and uncompromising views.

The home has a wood stove with heat jacket as well as pellet heater and split system.

The property also boasts a generous

two-car garage at the house and new 24m X 12m X 4.8m colourbond shed and new yards in the middle of the farm for your convenience.

Situated on a sprawling 426.5 acres of land, this property is perfect for those with a passion for rotational grazing.

The vast land area offers endless possibilities, allowing you to explore your agricultural dreams and create a sustainable lifestyle.

New bore with solar pump and 2” main to tanks at 300m sea level.

There is a gravity fed water system to more than 25 troughs and three dams as back up.

Located in the serene and picturesque area of Lurg, this property offers breath-

FOR SALE

BY EOI CLOSING TUESDAY 17 TH OCTOBER

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT SITE 289 GRETA ROAD, WANGARATTA

taking views and a peaceful atmosphere that will make you feel right at home.

Kilometers of new fencing, 300 kg/ha phosphorus to begin, 2 X 150 kg/ha single super, 3 X 200 kg/ha pasture booster as well and sown pastures in the past 26 months have the production up and running.

The price guide for this remarkable property is set at AUCTION 13/10/2023 1pm Onsite, presenting an exciting opportunity for potential buyers to secure their dream rural property.

Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to own a piece of paradise. Contact us today to arrange a private viewing and experience the true essence of country living at 97 Granite Road, Lurg.

Agent | Phone |

Location |

Auction |

Nutrien Harcourts 5722 9444 97 Granite Road, Lurg

13th October 2023, 1pm Onsite

wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com. au/L23161414

We present a rare property in a tightly held market, this 1.96 hectare Residential Growth Zoned site has been allocated for subdivision in the Rural City of Wangaratta’s thriving South East Growth Area.

• Potential for approx. 20+ lot residential subdivision S.T.C.A.

• Eastern boundary fronts existing arterial road

•

ONLINE CLEARING SALE

Kitchen/Catering Equipment, Furniture, Decor & More.

A/C: Indulge Parkside Pty Ltd

SHOP 21, THE CO STORE, WANGARATTA

AUCTION START: Friday 6th October at 10am

AUCTION FINISH: Sunday 8th October from 1pm

VIEWING DATES: Sat 23rd Sept 10am – 1pm

Mon 2nd Oct 12pm – 2pm & Sat 7th Oct 10am – 1pm

OVER 200+ LOTS

Cool room • Café Display Fridge • Bain Marie • Counter top salad bar

• Commercial Dishwasher & Oven • Cabinetry including counter tops with open shelving, cupboards & drawers, some include sinks • Swann

Cameras, Recorder & Screen • POS system • Sear Kitchen Ice Cream & Yoghurt Maker • Assorted electrical kitchen appliances • Upright freezers • Cool room shelving • Stainless steel benches • Assorted timber & plastic dining chairs • Assorted timber square & rectangle tables • Highchairs • Cooking pots, saucepans & frypans • Containers & Tupperware • Baking equipment • Assorted kitchen items, plates, bowls, cutlery & glasses

• Light fittings & hanging light pendants

• Ceiling panelling & frame

• Miscellaneous cleaning items • Catering & Hospitality supplies

• Décor items • Furniture & much more!

Register to bid by scanning the QR code here View photos, T&C’s or download the full catalogue.

Terms: All items attract 10% GST. 5% Buyers Premium, applicable on all goods. Goods must be paid and funds cleared prior to collection date. Copy of receipt by authorised person must be shown when collecting.

Attention buyers: For ease of bidding we recommend you investigate making your offers using the ‘Autobid’ option.

Collection Dates: Wed 11th Oct 9am–3pm & Thurs 12th Oct 9am–1pm.

23 Baker Street, Wangaratta | (03) 5722 2663 OPEN 7 DAYS | garrynash.com.au |

www.corcoranparkerrural.com.au

85

RURAL LIFESTYLE PARADISE

Idyllic rural lifestyle property offering absolute privacy in highly sought after Greta district with panoramic views which will take your breath away.

Immaculately maintained and presented three bedroom plus one bathroom brick veneer residence set amongst expansive lawn and garden areas to include established trees and mature box hedging. Open plan kitchen with modern appliances leading to informal meals and lounge with combustion wood heater. Plus large family/rumpus and second wood heater with outdoor timber decking area.

Suited to pasture production, livestock breeding and grazing for additional income. Divided into twelve main paddocks plus an internal laneway. Pastures improved with mix of ryegrasses, clovers, cocksfoot and phalaris with a good fertiliser history. Excellent stock water via four permanent spring fed dams plus eight concrete stock troughs with an unfailing supply of water via established bore with high quality water suitable for drinking purposes. Close to King Valley wine and food region with award winning wineries and restaurants. Only 20 mins to all services in regional City of Wangaratta.

Inspections: Strictly By Appointment Only

For Sale: $1.65M - $1.75M

“WILLOGRACE”, 1270 BANKSDALE ROAD, HANSONVILLE (32.2 HA)

SUBARU CROSSTREK 2.0S HYBRID

By ALISTAIR KENNEDY, Marque Motoring

CROSSTREK is the smallest of Subaru’s three SUVs, sitting below the mid-sized Forester and larger Outback.

It competes against vehicles such as MG ZS, Mitsubishi ASX, Kia Seltos and Mazda CX30.

While the name is new, Crosstrek has actually been on the Australian market since 2012 as the XV.

Five Crosstrek variants are offered: 2.0L, 2.0R, 2.0S (petrol), plus Hybrid L and Hybrid S, with prices ranging from $34,990 to $45,090 plus onroad costs.

Our test was in the top-spec Hybrid S.

As with all Australian Subaru models, except for the Toyota re-badged BRZ coupe, Crosstrek comes with all-wheel drive.

LED headlights, plus cornering lights, improve visibility at night and add to power savings, while LED rear combination lamps feature a sharp 3-D C-shape.

Rear-view mirrors are smaller, improving aerodynamics and present a less obstructive view.

All Crosstrek variants come with dusk-sensing LED headlights, roof rails and powerfolding door mirrors.

Crosstrek 2.0R, 2.0S and Hybrid S also get LED Daytime Running Lights with the topspec 2.0L and Hybrid L featuring bulb type DRLs.

STYLING

While the general appearance of the Crosstrek is a carry-over from the XV, the bonnet and radiator grille have been updated.

Use of lightweight aluminium for the bonnet contributes

to improved pedestrian protection with a softer head impact zone, while aluminium front fenders save two kilograms and optimises weight distribution all round.

While the grille retains the signature hexagonal shape, it’s now larger with an aggressively styled honeycomb design.

INTERIOR

The cabin of the Crosstrek Hybrid S has a real premium feel, which it should, given that it will cost close to $50,000 on the road.

It’s light and spacious with a friendly soft-touch material on the dashboard and steering wheel.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive with eightway power adjustment and lumbar support for the driver in the R and S models.

There’s good leg, head and shoulder room, although the centre-rear seat position is best suited to young children as expected in a relatively small vehicle.

Boot space in the Crosstrek hybrid is a reasonable 315 litres although it doesn’t come with a spare wheel of any sort.

Instead, it relies on a puncture repair kit, a feature likely to deter those who may be considering using the car’s AWD and 220mm ground clearance to take it off-road.

Petrol-only models do get a space-saver spare which reduces the boot capacity to 290 litres.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS

Petrol-only Crosstrek variants are powered by the latest version of Subaru’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder horizontally-opposed (Boxer) engine, delivering maximum power of 115kW at 6000 rpm and top torque of 196Nm at 4000 revs.

The same engine in the hybrid models get slightly less power (110 kW at 5800 rpm) but the same torque figure.

The electric motor adds 12.3kW of power and 66Nm of torque and is self-charging, capturing kinetic energy through regenerative braking and coasting.

The electric motor is placed near the vehicle’s centre of gravity, while the battery and other components are positioned above the rear axle, providing balanced front/rear vehicle weight distribution.

Drive from the e-Boxer engine is sent to the all-wheel drive system through a CVT automatic with seven-steps for manual override.

SAFETY

Although it’s yet to undergo ANCAP testing the outgoing XV scored a maximum five stars and with a comprehensive range of safety features the same rating is likely for Crosstrek.

Standard features in all variants include nine airbags, blind spot monitoring, front side radar, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert, rear parking sensors, reversing camera, reverse automatic braking, driver

inattention warning, tyre pressure monitoring and Isofix child seat anchor points.

R and S variants add front and side view monitors, high beam assist and a 360-degree camera.

Standard across the range is Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist system which includes adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, numerous lane control and pre-collision alerts and braking assist features, speed sign recognition and speed limiter.

The two hybrid models also come with a pedestrian alert system.

DRIVING

Unlike most other hybrids which start silently and smoothly under battery power, the Crosstrek Hybrid’s engine kicks in immediately, taking away much of the appeal of the EV component.

On the plus side the engine will shut down when the vehicle is coasting or in slowmoving traffic and run solely on battery power.

The e-Boxer logic adjusts the power split between petrol and electric to match driving conditions.

MODEL RANGE

SUBARU CROSSTREK 2.0L: $34,990

SUBARU CROSSTREK 2.0R: $38,490

SUBARU CROSSTREK 2.0S: $41.490

SUBARU CROSSTREK HYBRID L: $39,590

SUBARU CROSSTREK HYBRID S: $45,090

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

SPECIFICATIONS (Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid S 2.0-litre petrol electric five-door wagon)

RATINGS:

Looks: 8/10; Performance: 7/10; Safety: 9/10; Thirst: 7/10; Practicality: 8/10; Comfort: 8/10; Tech: 8/10; Value: 7/10

It automatically changes between three modes: Motor Assist EV driving; Motor Assist electric (EV) + petrol engine driving and engine-only driving.

The lower centre of gravity and greater rigidity provides excellent driving dynamics, both on and off the bitumen.

When cornering, there is little evidence of body roll and it doesn’t get fazed by rapid changes in direction.

The electric power steering is well-weighted and provides plenty of feel on both bitumen and loose surfaces.

Crosstrek’s 220mm ground clearance is regarded by many as being the minimum for a genuine off-road vehicle.

You wouldn’t call it a genuine 4WD in appearance, but under its station wagon body it’s close to being one.

SUMMING UP

XV was a consistent seller for Subaru throughout its decade on the market.

There’s no reason why the more-sensibly named Crosstrek won’t continue that trend.

It’s a relatively conservative vehicle designed for couples

or small families with all the latest in safety features.

While its ground clearance and all-wheel drive means that it can cope with moderate offroad conditions.

ENGINE:

Capacity: 1.995 litres

Configuration: Four cylinders horizontally opposed

Maximum Power: 110 kW @ 58000 rpm

Maximum Torque: 196 Nm @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Type: Petrol 91 RON Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 6.5 L/100km

Emissions CO2: 147 g/km

DRIVELINE:

Boxer four-cylinder, CVT automatic, all-wheel drive

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:

Length: 4495 mm

Wheelbase: 2670 mm

Width: 1800 mm

Height: 1600 mm

Turning Circle: 10.8 metres

Kerb Mass: 1493 kg

Fuel Tank Capacity: 48 litres

STANDARD WARRANTY: Five years/unlimited kilometres

■ MILD HYBRID: Subaru Crosstrek is a sensible small family SUV.

AT A GLANCE

ACROSS

3 Name a region in southwestern Italy (8)

7 Which language is spoken in Copenhagen (6)

8 When one is breathing out, one is doing what (8)

9 Which institution cares for the insane (6)

10 To be of a commanding quality, is to be what (8)

11 Name an area quite deficient in moisture (6)

14 Which spiny shrubs are used for incenses, perfumes, etc (6)

17 Which term describes severity of temper (8)

18 Name one of the two bones of the lower leg (6)

19 What is a short opera, commonly of light character (8)

20 To which animal family does the centipede belong (6)

21 What is an unfortunate event (8)

DOWN

1 Name a supernatural being of Irish and Scottish mythology (7)

2 What is a small assemblage of houses in a country district (7)

3 Name a more familiar term for an apothecary (7)

4 What is an institution for the promotion of literature, science or art (7)

5 What was the given name of Princess Grace of Monaco’s husband (7)

6 What are diamondshaped patterns of two or more colours (7)

11 Name a nearly pure form of carbon (7)

12 Which plants having succulent acid leaves are often used in salads (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.

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD QUICK THINK

13 Which one-piece loose outer garments are worn by babies (7)

14 Name a fashionable district in London, east of Hyde Park (7)

15 What is an alternative term for nonsense (7)

16 With which poison did Socrates end his life (7)

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

1 COPRA

(a) A hooded serpent

(b) The dried kernel of the coconut

(c) A bird’s crest

2 KUMQUAT

(a) A liqueur flavoured with cumin and caraway seeds

(b) A small kind of orange

(c) The Chinese nationalist people’s party

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.

CLUES: Chose (5)

Do not destroy (3)

Effecting by force (7)

Facial hair (5)

Nuclear energy converter (7)

Pectoral muscle (abb) (3)

Perpetrators (abbr) (5)

The ground (poet)

Voice disapproval

Wept

SOLUTIONS SUDOKU

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

Notice is hereby given to all members of the United Bright Football and Netball Club Inc. The Annual General Meeting is to be held:

At The Pioneer Park Pavilion, on Wednesday, October 25, at 7pm. Apologies to the Secretary ubfnc@outlook.com. Nominations can be tabled at the meeting or prior by Tuesday, October 24 to the Secretary ubfnc@outlook.com.

FREE RANGE HENS

ISA Brown Pullets, POL $28ea.

Expression of Interest:

Non-Executive Board Director (Voluntary) Alpine Children’s Services (ACS) is a not-for-profit provider of early childhood education services throughout the Alpine Shire. We are seeking candidates for the role of Board Director with established links in local communities, with expertise in: –Governance and risk –Education, health, community services For more information and to apply, please visit www.myacs.asn.au Applications close Monday, October 30, 2023

PUREBRED GREAT DANE PUPPIES

Pick upWang to Bright Becky & Hugh (03) 5798 1868 freerangehens.com.au

Personal Notices

Notice is hereby given to members that the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the Myrtleford Chamber of Commerce & Industry Inc will be held on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at St Paul’s Anglican Church Hall. 5.30pm for a 5.45pm start. Followed by supper and refreshments. RSPV is essential: admin@visitmyrtleford.com or phone Kerry Murphy on 03 5751 1745 Everyone most welcome. Members, non-members, partners etc.

DARGO HIGH PLAINS ROAD –SEASON OPENING

The Dargo High Plains Road is currently scheduled for an early season opening from 4pm Friday, 3 November. Favourable conditions and successful road upgrade and security works carried out in 202223 have prepared the road for an early reopening for travellers. Please note the opening date may be subject to change due to weather conditions. We will provide a further update closer to the

SENIORS COMMUNITY PICNICS

Join us for the Seniors Festival Community Picnics this October! Grab your free twocourse lunch from a participating eatery and connect with friends in your local park.

Wednesday, 25 October | 12 - 2pm Jubilee Park, Myrtleford

Thursday, 26 October | 12 - 2pm Federation Square, Mount Beauty

Friday, 27 October | 12 - 2pm Centenary Park, Bright Don’t forget to bring some chairs or a picnic rug so you can relax the afternoon away with some live music on the day! To book your spot, scan the QR code.

Blue with various white markings. Microchipped, regularly wormed and vaccinated. Males and females available. Available mid October.

Source no. MB229424

Microchip:

991003002428066, 991003002428076, 991003002428074, 991003002428069, 991003002428062, 991003002428071, 991003002428073, 991003002428078, 991003002428080, 991003002428065, 991003002428063, 991003002428077

Phone: 0488 354 436 B N Great Danes @bonnie.nigel.danes

SOLD

2015 Holden Cruze SRi-V, (1OK9GX), great first car, 1.6L turbo, auto. Top of the range including heated seats, Bluetooth, Sat.nav, 6 air bags. Registered to Nov. 2023. RW certificate. $8700. Couple minor scrapes on passenge r side. Contact Brad 0488 095 109.

CERADINI, Teresiano Giovanni “Gioni”. Passed away peacefully with family by his side on Sunday, October 1, 2023. Aged 92 years.

Devoted husband of Maria (dec). Loving father and father-in-law of Robert and Kerry, and Romina. Adored Nonno of Rebekka, Benjamin and Madison. Always in our hearts.

Gioni’s Funeral Mass was held on Monday, October 9, 2023, at St Mary’s Catholic Church Myrtleford. A recording of Gioni’s Mass can be viewed at www.masonpark.com.au/livestream/

2008 Holden VE SS Sedan (1KF5UZ), 197,800km, manual, 19” rims, has upgraded cams, genie extractors, 3-inch exhaust, high

2016 Ford Focus Trend (1GO8OS),1.5L t urbo petrol, 6 speed auto, 51,000km, 4 n ew tires, registered to Feb 24, 50,000km service completed, RWC supplied, $17,900 ONO. 0427 273 427

2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium (AJD699), 1 owner with full-service h istory, in excellent condition with all the m od cons, reluctant sale, 87,00km, $28,000. Call Peter 0409 236 469.

Wangaratta & District Cricket Association

season

YARRAWONGA MULWALA DEF WANGARATTA MAGPIES

Yarrawonga Mulwala 1st innings

Reid Clarke c: Fraser Ellis b: Charlie Stafford ...............62

Matt Knight c: Matt Gathercole b: Thomas Clayton ...11

Jobe Fraser not out ........................................................65

Brock McCabe c: Ryan Malcolm b: Frazer Dent...........16

Angus McMillan c: Frazer Dent b: Chris Clement ..........4

Ben Welsh not out ............................................................3

Kyle Archibald (c) did not bat

Andrew Dishot did not bat

Angus Heslin did not bat

James Irvine did not bat

Matt McCabe did not bat

Extras (4WD, 1NB, 1LB, 0B, 0P) .......................................6

Total....................................................................... 4 / 167

Overs ................................................................................40

FOW: 1-35 Matt Knight, 2-114 Reid Clarke, 3-146 Brock

McCabe, 4-161 Angus McMillan.

Bowling: Chris Clement 8/1/1/35, Matt Gathercole

8/1/0/23, Thomas Clayton 8/0/1/30, Fraser Ellis

6/0/0/20, Charlie Stafford 8/0/1/45, Frazer Dent 2/0/1/13.

Wangaratta Magpies 1st innings

Cooper Matheson c: Brock McCabe b: Angus Heslin .12

Ryan Malcolm c: Reid Clarke b: Angus Heslin ...............0

Jack Davies (c) c: Angus McMillan b: Angus Heslin.....28

Nic Bonwick c: Brock McCabe b: Jobe Fraser .............25

Fraser Ellis c: Andrew Dishot b: Angus McMillan.........19

Nicholas Pell not out ......................................................14

Frazer Dent not out.........................................................23

Thomas Clayton did not bat

Chris Clement did not bat

Matt Gathercole did not bat

Charlie Stafford did not bat

Extras (8WD, 0NB, 0LB, 0B, 0P)........................................8

Total....................................................................... 5 / 129

Overs ................................................................................40

FOW: 1-0 Ryan Malcolm, 2-15 Cooper Matheson, 3-60

Nic Bonwick, 4-82 Jack Davies, 5-97 Fraser Ellis.

Bowling: James Irvine 6/2/0/14, Angus Heslin 8/3/3/20,

Angus McMillan 8/1/1/24, Jobe Fraser 8/1/1/28,

Andrew Dishot 3/0/0/12, Matt McCabe 7/1/0/31.

DELATITE VS BEECHWORTH WANDERERS

Abandoned

BENALLA BUSHRANGERS DEF ROVERS UNITED BRUCK

Rovers United Bruck 1st innings

Blake Nixon c: Charlie Bull b: Tyler Begnone ..............11

Luke Whitten c: James Carboon b: Tyler Begnone ....13

Josh O’Donohue c: Charlie Bull b: Priyank Chohan ...14

Jacob Beattie c: Gary Priest b: Sameera Witharana.....4

Paddy McNamara (c) c: Daniel Brew b: Clinton Relf...16

Matthew Whitten b: Sameera Witharana ......................3

Lakpriya Shantha Gangabadawatta Arachchilage c: Charlie Bull b: Conor Brodie..........................................34

Connor Dennis c&b: Charlie Bull ....................................4

Josh Ansell c: Sameera Witharana b: Charlie Bull......10

Matthew Winter lbw: Conor Brodie................................4

Drew Winter not out .........................................................2

Extras (9WD, 4NB, 2LB, 0B, 0P)......................................15

Total.................................................................... 10 / 130

Overs ...............................................................................36

FOW: 1-26 Blake Nixon, 2-34 Luke Whitten, 3-39 Jacob

Beattie, 4-58 Josh O’Donohue, 5-61 Matthew Whitten, 6-84 Paddy McNamara, 7-103 Connor Dennis, 8-121

Lakpriya Shantha Gangabadawatta Arachchilage, 9-127 Matthew Winter, 10-130 Josh Ansell.

Bowling: Conor Brodie 6/0/2/29, Tyler Begnone

6/0/2/29, Charlie Bull 5/1/2/12, Sameera Witharana

8/1/2/24, Priyank Chohan 8/1/1/14, Clinton Relf

3/0/1/20.

Benalla Bushrangers 1st innings

Michael Honman lbw: Jacob Beattie ...........................17

Priyank Chohan c: Matthew Winter b: Jacob Beattie.30

Daniel Brew c: Josh O’Donohue b: Lakpriya shantha

Gangabadawatta Arachchilage ....................................10

James Carboon c&b: Jacob Beattie ...............................0

Charlie Bull not out.........................................................39

Jonty Priest c: Josh O’Donohue b: Drew Winter.........17

Susanka Gamage c: Jacob Beattie b: Drew Winter ......2

Clinton Relf lbw: Drew Winter .........................................6

Conor Brodie not out .......................................................0

Tyler Begnone did not bat

Gary Priest (c) did not bat

Extras (17WD, 3NB, 0LB, 0B, 0P)....................................20

Total....................................................................... 7 / 141

Overs ................................................................................40

FOW: 1-54 Michael Honman, 2-64 Priyank Chohan, 3-64 James Carboon, 4-79 Daniel Brew, 5-124 Jonty Priest, 6-126 Susanka Gamage, 7-139 Clinton Relf.

Bowling: Josh Ansell 6/0/0/40, Paddy McNamara 8/0/0/19, Jacob Beattie 8/0/3/36, Matthew Winter 8/1/0/14, Blake

Nixon 2/0/0/7, Lakpriya shantha Gangabadawatta Arachchilage 5/1/1/18, Drew Winter 3/0/3/7.

SCOREBOARD: Saturday, October 7

CITY COLTS DEF BY OVENS VALLEY UNITED

City Colts 1st innings

Tyler Nanson run out: Dylan Bursill, Nicholas Impink .0

Mitchell Giggins(c) c: Samuel Piazza b: Mikka Paulsen 5

Tyler Schulze b: Conner Forde ........................................8

Kent Braden (vc) b: Cooper Thomason .........................1

Josh Nanson c: Tyler Thomason b: Samuel Piazza....13

Justin Solimo c: Conner Forde b: Samuel Piazza .......12

Hayden Murray c: James Neary b: Mikka Paulsen .......9

Private player not out.......................................................8

Fill-in b Mikka Paulsen .....................................................0

Jed Marek c: Nicholas Impink b: Mikka Paulsen...........3

Caleb Bell b: James Neary...............................................0

Extras: (8WD, 3NB, 1LB, 0B, 0P).....................................12

Total....................................................................... 10 / 71

Overs ................................................................................34

FOW: 1-0 Tyler Nanson, 2-8 Mitchell Giggins, 3-17 Tyler Schulze, 4-17 Kent Braden, 5-35 Justin Solimo, 6-58

Josh Nanson, 7-59 Hayden Murray, 8-59 Player, 9-64

Jed Marek, 10-71 Caleb Bell.

Bowling: Mikka Paulsen 8/3/4/9, James Neary

7/1/1/12, Cooper Thomason 5/2/1/15, Conner Forde 4/2/1/8, Samuel Piazza 4/0/2/21, Glenn White 6/3/0/5.

Ovens Valley United 1st innings

Conner Forde b: Caleb Bell..............................................5

Jake Riley c: Mitchell Giggins b: Josh Nanson ..............9

Cooper Thomason c: Justin Solimo b: Jed Marek .......6

Dylan Bursill (c) c: Fill-in b: Kent Braden ......................22

Tyler Thomason b: Jed Marek ........................................0

Kane Fitzpatrick c: Tyler Nanson b: Archie Crispin.......4

Samuel Piazza c: Josh Nanson b: Caleb Bell...............30

Nicholas Impink c: Hayden Murray b: Jed Marek .......21

Glenn White c: Fill-in b: Archie Crispin .........................14

James Neary not out........................................................0

Mikka Paulsen b: Kent Braden ........................................1

Extras (18WD, 1NB, 1LB, 0B, 0P)....................................20

Total.................................................................... 10 / 132

Overs ................................................................................36

FOW: 1-17 Conner Forde, 2-17 Jake Riley, 3-34

Cooper Thomason, 4-34 Tyler Thomason, 5-43 Kane

Fitzpatrick, 6-69 Dylan Bursill, 7-109 Samuel Piazza, 8-128 Nicholas Impink, 9-131 Glenn White, 10-132 Mikka Paulsen.

Bowling: Josh Nanson 6/1/1/32, Caleb Bell 8/1/2/34, Jed Marek 8/0/3/35, Archie Crispin 6/0/2/18, Ken Braden 7/3/2/8, Tyler Nanson 1/0/0/4.

Greg Hoysted 26 Will Botten 3/16. City Colts 10/138 Aaron Thrum 43

Thomas Moore 2/28 def by Ovens Valley United 6/163 Seamus Phillips 43 Seamus Phillips 2/19.

HOWZAT: Cooper Thomason goes up for the appeal.

SMART SHOT: Josh Nanson works the ball through the leg side.

SMASHED: Jake Riley middles the ball through the off side. PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie

Saints open CBL account over Wolves

By NATHAN DE VRIES

THE first round of the North East Men’s Country Basketball League took place over the weekend, and Myrtleford was among the winners, taking a 7556 win over Wodonga Wolves.

Held on the court at the Wodonga Senior Secondary College, the Saints took an early lead with an explosive 26-14 opening quarter.

The Wolves tightened up on defence through the second term, outscoring the Saints by two points to bring the margin down to 10 by half-time.

The third quarter saw a tight contest, with Wodonga and the

Saints going back and forth on the court, but a 21-13 final term saw Myrtleford triumph.

Coach Sam Gebauer said it was a strong performance to start the season.

“It was a great early hit out, that I feel strongly establishes what type of team we are and what we are capable of, as well as some weakness’ in our game,” he said.

“Our plan was to come out of the gate aggressively, and we did exactly that.

“We dictated pace, and ultimately Wodonga couldn’t keep up with our overwhelming style of play.

“The gap did close, but it can

Panthers baseballers honour their club’s best

THE Porepunkah Panthers Baseball Club held their presentation day on Sunday, October 8 at their club’s sporting complex.

President Paul Meddings welcomed the many players, families and supporters who were in attendance, and highlighted the season which saw the most teams entered by the club in its 36 years, and the premiership, runner up and finalist achievements of three of the teams.

Thanks were extended to the sponsors: Bendigo Bank, Porepunkah Op Shop, Porepunkah Hotel, Hotham Freight, Commonwealth Bank, the grass growing crew of Barber and McCormack, and the back net sign businesses.

Best Club Person Trophy went to the injured Scott McCallum, who still contributed to the benefit of the club, from barbecue chef to occasional coaching duties, to the transport of equipment and/or players to the local competition games, as well as for inter league tournaments.

The first Founders’ Award, from original club founders Gaye and James Rogers, was made

only be attributed to what we did and didn’t do, rather than what Wodonga changed.

“It was a well-deserved reward for the effort and energy that the squad put out there.”

Myrtleford’s Ryley Bouker was incredible from outside the arc, sinking seven three-pointers in a 27 point game.

“We consider Ryley a crucial part of our team - I can honestly say that I believe he is the best three point shooter in the entire competition,” Gebauer said.

“He’s so exciting to watch, plays his role perfectly, and brings so much energy to our games.

“I’m confident that he will continue to contribute to our

team in the way we all know he can.”

The Saints have their first home game of the season this weekend, hosting the Wangaratta Warriors who suffered back-to-back losses in their two first round matches.

“There is a bit of a rivalry between us and Wangaratta at the moment, so it should be a tense matchup,” Gebauer said.

“I’m so excited to put this team in-front of the home crowd.

“I believe it’s the best team Myrtleford have ever produced, and so exciting to watch.”

The Saints and Warriors go head to head this Saturday from 6pm.

to Adam Rosser, in recognition of the significant and sustained contribution made to the continuing development and expansion of the club.

A Life Member badge was awarded to Dean Anders, in recognition of his service as a player (383 games since starting as a junior in 1990), his contribution as a coach, especially under 15 (2021 and 2022) and this year for the under 12 squad. He has also served in various roles on the club committee, performed the duties of our delegate on the North Eastern Baseball Association board for a number of years, as well as contributing to the better training facilities at the ground.

FULL LIST OF AWARD WINNERS

A Grade

Best Player - Damon Barker (21 votes).

Runner Up Best Player - Heath Anders (16 votes).

Best Batting Average - Damon Barker (.441).

Golden Glove Award - Rian Banks (1.000).

Best Pitching - Heath Anders (5.26 ERA).

B Grade

Best Player - Kaleb Hoare (21 votes).

Runner Up Best Player - Hayden Williams (19 votes).

Best Batting Average - Hayden Williams (.533).

Golden Glove Award - Mark Fletcher, Jarrod McCormack (1.000).

Best Pitching Award - Kaleb Hoare (8.60 ERA).

Hayden Williams was the only batter to hit a home run this year, and was presented with the mounted ball as a trophy.

C Grade

Best Player - Lachie Rosser (47 votes, also Association Best Player).

Runner Up Best Player - Ollie Chambers (28 votes).

Best Batting Average - Lachie Rosser (.810).

Golden Glove Award - Mason Anders (.981).

Best Pitching Award - Ollie Chambers (7.59 ERA).

Under 15

Best Player - Sam Bourne (9 votes).

Runner Up Best Player - Makiah McCallum (7 votes).

Best Batting Average - Ayla McCallum (.444).

Golden Glove Award - Sophie Anders, Ollie Brown (1.000).

Domestic basketball season underway

THE Myrtleford and District Basketball Association began their domestic competitions last week, with seniors and juniors taking to the court.

Their new under 10s mixed program is being hailed as a success, with 16 children registered and room for more to join if interested.

ROUND ONE

Juniors:

Under 12 Boys

The Durants 39 (T Gray 37) defeated The Magics 38 (K Anderson 16).

The Barkleys 38 (B Cartwright 18) defeated The Birds 28 (S Porter 10).

The Kyries 32 (O Szaraszek

12) defeated The Kareems (S Reynolds 4).

Under 13 Girls

Eagles 36 (C Koers 16) defeated Falcons 16 (A Mitchell 8).

Owls 18 (G Ely 11) defeated Hawks 6 (H Mitchell, H Earl, E Glanville 2).

Under 14 Boys

Saints U12 Rep team 39 (T Gray 13) defeated The Currys 26 (N Durling 9).

The Giannes 40 (H Stanton 22) defeated The Lebrons 25 (B Lupo 11).

The Kobes 53 (S Lupo 33) defeated The Jordans 43 (W Koers 22).

Under 16 Boys

Bucks 48 (F Stephens 20) defeated Hawks 29 (S Sylwestrzak 14).

Warriors 51 (L Russell 22) defeated Lakers 17 (T Cartwright, H Durling 6).

Under 17 Girls

Boomers 46 (A Pozzan 20) defeated Lynx 23 (G Corcoran 15).

Lightning 30 (D Murtagh 22) defeated Fire 16 (Z Hazeldine 12).

Flyers 47 (M Radenbach 16) defeated Flames 27 (M Corcoran 17).

Under 18 Boys

Celtics vs Knicks - score unavailable.

76ERS 35 (B Robb 12) defeated Saints U16 Rep Team 32 (L Russell 15).

Seniors:

A Reserve Men

Shockers 52 (C Weldon 25) defeated North East Ballers

24 (C Palec 10).

Buffalo Bandits 68 (W Doodewaard 27) defeated Rigs 39 (B Robb 11).

A Reserve Women

Bright 28 (D Bigger 14) defeated Stars 14 (R Mitchell 5).

Ball Hogz 46 (E McPherson 15) defeated Mountain Maids 28 (M McCallum 28).

Beechworth 39 (J Archer 22) defeated Wildcats 12 (L Revrenna 6).

A Grade Men

Myrt Mutts 47 (O Townsend-O’Neil 10) defeated The Answer 46 (J Hunkin 17).

Knights 58 (T Barker 24) defeated Grizzlies 36 (C Crisp 10).

A Grade Women No results this week.

Best Pitching Award - Sam Bourne (17.06 ERA).

Coach’s Award - Wade Pronk. Leesa Anders was also awarded a gift as thanks for her scoring work in this grade.

Under 12

Best Player – Heath Hughes, Lincoln Hughes (12 votes, also Association Best Players).

Runner Up Best Player - Nate Iles (9 votes).

Best Batting Average - Eamon Thomson (.985), Coach’s Award - Cohen GuestSmith.

Most Improved Award - Yuna Meddings.

Training Attendance AwardByron Smith.

Katarina Hughes was also presented with a gift for her scoring of this grade’s matches.

THREE POINT KING: Ryley Bouker (pictured last season) shot seven three-pointers in Myrtleford’s win over Wodonga on Satruday.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

ALL SMILES: Under 10 basketballers Paddy Millar and Jude Durling.

CAN’T BE SPLIT: Heath and Lincoln Hughes tied for the Under 12 best player award.

WELL EARNED: Lachie Rosser (centre) accepts his C grade best and fairest award. PHOTOS: Adam Rosser

Tigers roar over Colts

By NATHAN DE VRIES

OVENS Valley United kickstarted their 2023/24 season with a handy win over City Colts at Bill O’Callaghan Oval on Saturday.

The Tigers maintained a strong line and length with the ball to knock Colts over for 71, before reaching the total with four wickets in hand, eventually recording 132.

Handed the ball by the Colts, the Tigers struck with the first delivery, running out Tyler Nanson.

Wickets tumbled as the home side slipped to 4/17 with Cooper Thomason getting one to keep low and crash into Kent Braden’s poles.

Justin Solimo and Josh Nanson (top scoring with 13 runs) attempted a revival, making 23 runs together before Solimo edged one which was juggled

and caught in the slips by Conner Forde.

The Colts limped to 71 all out, with Ovens Valley’s Mikka Paulsen starring with 4/9 from eight overs, while Sam Piazza ended with 2/21 from his four over spell.

Determined to make up for their shortcomings with the willow, the Colts fired back, dismissing the Tigers’ top three batters before they made it to double digits.

The bleeding was stopped by Dylan Bursill (22 off 33) and Sam Piazza (30 from 44), who took the Tigers across the line.

Skipper Bursill said his bowlers set the game up with dedicated line and length deliveries.

“We bowled really well, all of our bowlers came on and hit a length, no one really got taken to or anything,” he said.

“It was really positive in the

field, we fielded really well to back up our bowlers.

“We talked about building the dots, creating pressure, and that’s what got us the wickets in the end.

“It’s great to have Mikka back after a year off last year with travel and his year 12 studies - he’s a big fella, about 6’6” so he gets a lot of bounce and he can bend his back and send them down.

“Our whole bowling group bowled really well, tied the Colts down - they played some rash shots in the end so it was good.”

Bursill said more work was needed with bat in hand going forward, with the top order crumbling too easily.

“There were a few cheap dismissals, chips to short cover and short midwicket, just get out shots so we were a bit unlucky there,” he said.

“We still said it wasn’t going

to be easy – when we’ve been bowled out before we come out and want to make amends with the ball, and we knew Colts were going to be no different to that.

“If someone in that top four gets 25 or 30 runs, we know we should comfortably make it, and it didn’t quite happen.

“We were lucky enough for Sam Piazza to come in at number seven, and Nick Impink batted well at number eight.

“It’s good to see some of those young guys stepping up when we had our back against the wall.”

The Tigers also triumphed in the A reserve clash, successfully chasing down the 138 target with five wickets in hand.

Ovens Valley United play their first home game of the season this weekend, hosting Wangaratta Magpies at McNamara Reserve.

Speedway meet cancelled for second time

By NATHAN DE VRIES

THE Myrtleford Speedway Club just can’t seem to catch a break.

The club was forced to postpone its long-awaited race meet over the AFL grand final weekend, which would’ve brought open-wheel racing back to the area for the first time in 20 years.

This marks the second time the event has been cancelled, after heavy rainfall and track conditions axed the race day back in May.

Myrtleford Speedway Club president Glen Walch said due to a minimal number of entries, the committee made the tough, but correct, decision.

“I was shattered, I was absolutely shattered,” he said.

“It was a lack of entries on the car side, a lot of them weren’t ready.

“The speedway is a summer season, so bikes, cars, or sidecars always run September through to about March, and it was just an unfortunate chain of events that just led to a lot of the cars not being ready.

“The last thing we wanted to do is put on not the show we wanted to – the worst case scenario for me was to have a really good crowd, but then have the crowd be disappointed because it wasn’t the show they expected to see, and they never come back.

“We tried absolutely every av-

enue – we tried different classes of cars, putting on a different day, but it wasn’t the show we wanted to put on so we had to pull the pin in the end.”

With the date for the third attempt now in the hands of the promoters – suspected to be around February-March 2024 –the club has turned its attention to other pursuits.

A GoFundMe page is active, with the club seeking donations to re-affiliate with the governing

body so they can host races with bikes and sidecars once more.

So far, $970 has been raised of the target $2000, with Walch aiming to host bike events as soon as re-affiliation is achieved.

“We’re just looking for a leg up there, because we haven’t run for basically two years, there’s been nothing coming in and a lot going out,” he said.

“If we can find the funds to be re-affiliated, we can be back and running bikes quite quickly, so

Accountants

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Now at 29 Clyde Street Myrtleford Plus Standish Street Surgery & Bright Allied Health

For appointments call 5752 2817

Insurance Brokers

OVENS VALLEY INSURANCE BROKERS

Myrtleford, 47 Clyde Street

Phone: 5752 1151

Bright, 104 Gavan St

Phone: 5715 9705

Email: info@ovib.com.au

Solicitors

DICK & WILLIAMS

Solicitors & Attorneys Vic & NSW

Myrtleford, 5B Clyde Street.

Phone: 5752 2363.

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Phone: 03 5752 1493

that’s what we’re looking for at the moment.

“The first thing we’d run once we get re-affiliated is junior competitions, getting the kids back and racing, because that’s the most important thing to us, the future of the sport and the future of the club.

“We want to get them back and go forward with seniors from there.”

To donate, visit https://gofund.me/addf04de.

2A Camp Street, Bright, Phone: 03 5750 1819

Email: amanda@tonerandmaylegal.com.au or jess@tonerandmaylegal.com.au

Promote your service here!

Phone Jenny on 57313305 or email jking@nemedia.com.au

OPTIMISTIC: Myrtleford Speedway Club president Glen Walch (right) and handyman David Heather are confident they’ll be able to bring open-wheel racing back to Myrtleford after another speedbump.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

DRIVEN: Sam Piazza’s 30 from 44 deliveries helped the Tigers get over the line.

BRINGING THE HEAT: Conner Forde sends down the ball in the Tigers’ opening round win over City Colts. PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie

Lions celebrate the season that was

THE Whorouly Football Netball Club came together at the Wangaratta Turf Club on Friday night to celebrate and award the best players and club members for their efforts.

Departing senior coach Riley Calvene took out the Best and Fairest award ahead of ruckman Ed Bramich, while Ebony Allen took top honours in the A grade.

Stacey Harris and Eleisha Fraser were conferred life memberships to the club for their years of service, and Wayne Newton received the Club Person of the Year award for his tireless efforts helping out wherever he can.

Wet Wednesday keeps golfers clear of course

WITH no one playing on Wednesday, October 4 amongst 130mm of rain at the Mount Beauty Golf Club, all were fresh for a Saturday, October 7 start.

The ladies played the front nine with Helen Whitaker winning with her 11 points to Liz Harvey on a countback.

The men played their Monthly Medal with Roger Church coming out on top again this month with a net 73, while two players battled on countbacks for podium positions with net 74, Sam Bellchambers and Michael Bartholomew.

NTP on the seventh was

Roger Church along with the Tatts Ticket from the Tawonga South Newsagency & Post Office, the ninth went to Sam Perry, 17th to Rick Biesboer and the money on the 18th to Peter Dilley.

Sam Bellchambers was able to snatch the solitary ball out of the Eagle’s Nest on the par four 13th - the nest has been raided frequently in the last month so the pickings were very slim.

MEDALLIST: Roger Church took out the Monthly Medal on Saturday with a net 73.

FULL LIST OF AWARD WINNERS

Seniors

Best & Fairest - Riley Calvene.

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Ed Bramich.

MVP - Andrew Newton.

Coaches’ Award - Paul Glanville.

Best First Year Player - Ollie Dixon.

Most Improved - Matt Vescio.

Leading Goal Kicker - Simon Chalmers. Brotherhood Award - Lachy Moore. A grade

Best & Fairest - Ebony Allen.

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Sarah Primerano.

MVP - Sally Wood.

Coaches’ Award - Ebony Hughes.

Reserves

Best & Fairest - Ryan Harris.

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Marc Costenaro.

MVP - Nathan de Vries.

Coaches’ Award - Maverick Lewis.

Best Young Player - Jake Morey.

Most Improved - Jacob Penn.

Leading Goal Kicker - Gene Marek.

Most Determined - Martin Davis.

B grade

Best & Fairest - Claire Harris.

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Abbey Forrest, Lani Cousins.

MVP - Ash O’Neill.

Coaches’ Award - Amy Primerano.

B reserve

Best & Fairest - Stacey Harris.

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Tiff Sterling.

MVP - Brooke Goldsworthy.

Coaches’ Award - Emily Costenaro.

C grade

Best & Fairest - Zoe Doodewaard.

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Felicity Camplin.

Most Improved - Keira Ward.

Coaches’ Award - Mia La Spina.

15 & under

Best & Fairest - Lily Boyer.

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Claire McDonald.

Most Improved - Shayla Power.

Coaches’ Award - Molly Knobel.

Best In Finals: Lily Boyer.

Most Consistent - Brooke Del Mastro.

Life Members - Stacey Harris, Eleisha Fraser. Club Person of the Year - Wayne Newton.

Bright golfers enjoy weekend competition

WITH rain prohibiting play through the middle of the week, Monday and Saturday saw a strong field at the Bright Golf Club.

Veterans, Monday, October 2, Stableford

A grade winner: Raymond Ousley (8) 36 points. B grade winner: Jenny Ritcher (20) 41 points. C grade winner: Stephen Grogan (24) 42 points.

NTPs – third: Heather Thompson, sixth: Paul Marchal, 11th: Graham McElvenny, 16th: Ian Browne.

Men, Saturday, October 7, Stroke

A grade winner: Jason Dodd (8) 67 net. B grade winner: Bernard Neville (20) 71 net c/b. C grade winner: Shaun Paul (21) 71 net c/b.

NTPs – third: Kieran Macnamara, sixth: Neville Page, 11th: Jason Dodd, 16th: Michael O’Shea.

Ladies, Saturday, October 7, Stableford

Winner: Suzette Heydon (36) 35 points.

NTPs – third: Tina Cook, sixth: Suzette Heydon, 11th: Heather Thompson, 16th: Carol Burgess.

15 & UNDER: Molly Knobel, Brooke Del Mastro, Claire McDonald, Shayla Power, and Lily Boyer.

C GRADE: Mia La Spina, Felicity Camplin, and Keira Ward.

B GRADE: Claire Harris, Ash O’Neill, Abbey Forrest, Amy Primerano, and Lani Cousins.

RESERVES: Marc Costenaro, Nathan de Vries, Ryan Harris, Maverick Lewis, and Jacob Penn.

A GRADE: Sally Wood, Ebony Allen, Sarah Primerano, and Ebony Hughes.

SENIORS: Matt Vescio, Lachy Moore, Ed Bramich, Riley Calvene, Andrew Newton, and Simon Chalmers.

LIFE

Bright bowlers lose by one shot in opening round

BRIGHT’S lawn bowlers had a tight opening game of the 2023/24 A3 Pennant season, battling all day against Wangaratta, with the result a win to Wangaratta by one shot.

Well done to skip Peter Raduczic with lead Wayne Curtis, second Bev Griffith, third Jill Woods, who were victorious by nine shots, 25/16. Also with a win was skip Bill Hayes’ team, with lead Libby Barker, second

Curtis, Hanrahan take out top honours at Saints’ presentation night

■ From back page

AWARD WINNERS

Seniors

Best & Fairest: Simon Curtis (119 votes).

Runner Up: Mitch Dalbosco (97 votes).

A grade

Best & Fairest: Sophie Hanrahan (57 votes).

Runner Up: Saige Broz (38 votes).

Reserves

Best & Fairest: Leigh Corcoran (57 votes).

Runner Up: Corey Southern, Nick Ferguson (45 votes).

B grade

Best & Fairest: Eden Dalbosco (38 votes).

Runner up: Rhiannon McPherson (37 votes).

Thirds

Best & Fairest: Luke Nannipieri (96 votes).

Runner Up: Brody Bouker (90 votes).

C grade

Best & Fairest: Leah Bihun (62 votes).

Runner Up: Alexis Johnson (46 votes).

17 and under

Best & Fairest: Brooke Parolin (62 votes).

Runner Up: Zara Bodsworth (46 votes.)

15 and under

Best & Fairest: Skylah McPherson (77 votes).

and Marg

were conferred life memberships in honour of their many years of service to the club.

Runner Up: Jade Hazeldine (54 votes).

Playing Life Memberships: Ryley Sharp, Eden Dalbosco, Sally Botter

Life Memberships: Marg Crisp, Sandra Piazza.

Ian O’May Shield top eight revealed

DESPITE a wet week last week, golfers took to the Myrtleford Golf Club on Saturday after it had dried up enough. The latest round of the Ian O’May Shield was contested, with eight players advancing to the quarter finals.

Saturday, October 7

30, K O’Shaughnessy 29, T Chapman 29 c/b.

Foodworks NTPs - first: David Rowe, fourth second shot: David Matthews, eighth: Jonathan Mercuri, 14th: Brendan Wheeler, 16th: David Matthews.

Julie Ellis, third Ernie Vanderwert 26/23. Cheryl Raduczic’s team with lead Gary Woods, second Greg Pepyat, third Trevor Poyner went down 15/20, while skip Patrick O’Shea’s team of lead Elaine O’Shea, second Steve Jenvey, third Kevin Chalwell lost 13/21.

The end result was Bright 79 (four points) defeated by Wangaratta 80 (14 points).

Bright’s B3 season starts this

weekend on Saturday, October 14. Social bowls is played on Tuesdays at 1.30pm (weather permitting).

If you are interested in trying lawn bowls, the club has bowls for use - no experience is required as the club has two coaches to guide you through the basics.

For further information call (03) 5755 1236 or call into the club by 12.45pm to put your name and contact number on the list.

Clyde Street Butchery Ian O’May Shield Stableford AMCR

73

A grade winner: David Rowe (13) 40 pts. A grade runner up: Jade Galvan (11) 35 pts. B grade winner: Brendan Wheeler (17) 34 pts. B grade runners up: Spider Hancock (17) 33 pts. Ball winners: J Mercuri 33, E Jones 32, J Martin 32, A McKerral 31, B Carroll 31, D Rossato

Matthews Cleaning encouragement award: James Walker 21 pts.

Raffle winner: Jye Cunneen.

The top eight and who they play in the match play rounds are as follows: K O’Shaughnessy vs J Martin, D Matthews vs A Rockliff, B Wheeler vs J Mercuri, D Rossato vs D Rowe - these matches must be completed on or before Sunday, October 22.

MEMBERS: Sandra Piazza (left)

Crisp

PLAYER LIFE MEMBERS: (from left) Eden Dalbosco, Ryley Sharp, and Sally Botter.

A GRADE: Runner up Eden Broz (left) with Best and Fairest winner Sophie Hanrahan.

SENIORS: Best and Fairesst winner Simon Curtis (right) with runner up Mitch Dalbosco.

Power prepared for season start

By NATHAN DE VRIES

MOUNT Beauty’s cricketers are just days away from the start of their season, with the Cricket Albury Wodonga District competition to begin this Saturday.

It’s been a long off-season for the Power, who begin their campaign on the road to Eskdale.

First XI skipper Daniel Saville said he was looking forward to getting back into cricket.

“We delayed preseason a little, left training a couple of weeks later with the aim to get more numbers there, and it seems to have worked at the back end,” he said.

“Our first and second grade teams play this week, and C grade play next week.

“We’ve probably had about 10 (training sessions) and a last-minute opportunity to play some practice matches against Ovens Valley and Tallangatta on grand final long weekend, so that was another chance for a bit of an extended squad to have a hit against good opposition.

“We had a few players from all grades play in that and there’s nothing better than match practice, so hopefully that’ll help us come this week.”

The Power’s A grade will look to put a more balanced side on the park, equally able to fire with bat and ball.

“We had a fair bit of inconsistency with availability, especially with our bowlers, last season – whether it’s by design or by luck, we’ve managed to get a couple more bowlers into our squad this year,” Saville said.

“A couple of locals have come back to the area, Nick Iaria and Ethan Brown, they moved away for work and leisure for a few years.

“They’re two very reliable bowlers that are going to come back into the team this season which is really exciting.

“We’re hoping to have a more balanced team in terms of batters and bowlers –we’ve always had a long batting line-up and a lot of all-rounders, but it’s kind of left our lower order in a bit of a tricky situation in that we’ve got good batters batting at eight, nine and 10.”

Mount Beauty’s first XI open their campaign against Eskdale, with Saville cautiously optimistic his side can do what it takes to start the season with a win.

“It’s an eight-team competition, it’s going to be a super even competition again,” he said.

“Eskdale, in the past, may not have been near the top of the ladder, but they’ve always got a squad that’s there about, they’re pretty competitive always, at home even more so.

“We’re not going to take them lightly.

“We think we’ve got a team that can win this, but until you get to the ground on the day and you see how it all plans out, you just don’t know how the teams are going to fare.”

HE HELD IT

Best of the best

Curtis, Hanrahan take out top honours at Saints’ presentation night

By NATHAN DE VRIES

THE Myrtleford Alpine Saints Football Netball Club hosted their night of nights on Thursday, September 28, with the best players in each grade rewarded for a stellar season.

Simon Curtis went one better than last year and took out the senior best and fairest vote count comfortably by 22 votes ahead of Mitch Dalbosco, while Toni Wilson Medallist Sophie Hanrahan took the honours in the A grade by 19 votes.

MFNC co-president Luke

Chapman said the night was exceptionally enjoyable.

“It was a good night,” he said.

“Everyone spoke well, there was a good crowd in attendance.

“Simon Curtis won the senior best and fairest, he had a very consistent year and he’s still one of the better players in the league.

“Sophie Hanrahan is probably the best netballer in the league – her winning wasn’t that much of a surprise.”

Chapman said the highlight of the night was recognising two of the club’s most dedicated servants and awarding life

membership to Sandra Piazza and Marg Crisp.

“They’ve been involved for a long time in a variety of roles,”

Chapman said.

“Sandra was pivotal in setting up netball in the Ovens and Murray, she was one of the driving forces with the league in setting that up in the early ‘90s – she’s also been on a lot of committees, fundraising.

“Since netball was brought in in 1993, she’s had a lot of roles in the netball committee – she’s been a coach, team manager, on the board, so she’s had a lot of involvement

“Marg has had a lot of involvement in the fundraising side of things since the late ‘60s – she ran the canteen for decades, which was where most people would remember Marg.

“She’s been involved in a lot of things, her and her husband (Alan) organise the gate roster, which is a very big and unrewarding task.”

With only a few things left to cap off season 2023, Chapman said the playing groups would be rolling into preseason for 2024 very shortly.

■ Continued page 27

NICK Impink celebrates teammate Conner Forde (behind stumps) holding onto a tough catch, as Justin Solimo walks off in disbelief. Ovens Valley United triumphed with the ball in their opening round win over City Colts.  Story page 25.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie