Alpine Division 120624

CONSTRUCTION is going swimmingly for Mount Beauty Primary School’s new multi-purpose and administrative buildings, according to school principal Carolyn Serpell, with works on the two buildings expected to finish to next month.

The school will be receiving a new multipurpose building and canteen, the BER building is being renovated and four classrooms will be demolished to create a new green space, all for a government spend of $4.322 million, according to the Victorian Government.

The new building, built on the former junior soccer area, will also feature an

h

BY BRODIE EVERIST beverist@ nemedia.com.au

outdoor classroom area.

“It’s got a big open space and this canteen kitchen area attached to it will make a really nice venue for community events,“ Ms Serpell said.

“We have regular assemblies that families come along to and I think it’s going to be a really nice space for everybody.”

The BER building, built as part of the Rudd/Gillard government’s Building the Education Revolution

infrastructure program, was formerly three classrooms with some multipurpose space, but will now be an administrative building at the western side of the school, close to the parents’ car park.

Ms Serpell said the works will rectify the school’s lack of multi-purpose and administrative spaces and oversupply of classrooms, as found in a government desktop audit.

According to Ms Serpell, the works will ensure health professionals, such as counsellors or speech therapists, have adequate space to meet with students

and families.

“If we had an allied health professional come in, it was always a juggle as to what space could we take that person to because we didn’t have those sorts of private spaces,” she said.

When the Alpine Observer was invited onsite last week the internal fit out of the new multi-purpose building and canteen was underway, with workers installing doors and cabinets.

According to year six student representative council member Mac Taylor, the construction works have been a source of

fascination.

“Lots of the young kids like it because there’s always trucks and stuff coming in, so they like to watch that,” he said.

“It’s good to watch it come up from a hole in the ground into a building.”

Another year six SRC student Sophie BrethertonLee said she is looking forward to construction being completed.

“Last year it was just dirt, and now it’s basically a building,” she said.

Construction works began in December 2023 and are due to be completed midJuly.

BIG BUILD: (From left) Mount Beauty Primary School principal Carolyn Serpell and grade six students Sophie Bretherton-Lee and Mac Taylor on the construction site last week.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Heading back home

AFTER 11 months in Australia, Rotary exchange student Viktoria ‘Viki’ Risnyovszka was getting ready for her final days in the country last week, reflecting on some of her best memories in the country, and what might be a difficult transition back to life in Germany.

When she spoke with the Myrtleford Times last Friday she was to attend a Deb that night at Club Savoy, and her 25-hour flight (not including stopovers) was booked for Tuesday.

As part of the Rotary exchange program, Viki travelled to some of Australia most well-known sights, including Uluru, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef.

In February she was part of the Rotary Youth Safari, touring across the country with other rotary exchange students to Sydney,

My tl f d h g t d t y g dby

Myrtleford exchange student says goodbye “Yd’tdtdidith dhhthillb

BY BRODIE EVERIST beverist@ nemedia.com.au

Adelaide and Alice Springs.

She was also part of two school camping trips, one an overnight stay Feathertop, and another in Smoko.

However, her favourite memory was seeing American singersongwriter Pink at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.

In the meantime she was attending Myrtleford P12 College, where she said she made friends on her first day.

Viki said she’ll miss wearing a uniform and getting to school at 9am; in Germany school starts at 7:20am, and they don’t have uniforms.

“You don’t need to decide in the morning what I’m going to wear, you just put the school uniform on and that’s it,” she said.

According to host parent Kelly Barton, the Rotary Exchange program provides buddies, who have been on exchange before, and counsellors to ensure a smooth transition for exchange students.

“After two or three months, I stopped being homesick,” Viki said.

“Then I just enjoyed my life and had fun.”

The 17-year-old first lived with Myrtleford locals Surrey and Helen Hunter for three months, before moving to Kelly and Shawn Barton’s home in Buffalo River.

She hails from a town in Saxony near the German-Czech border,

and when she returns she will be taking an English language test to confirm she is capable of studying at universities in English, and she will start taking driving lessons.

When asked what she might struggle with when she returns to Germany, Viki said: “My annoying brothers.”

“One of them missed me, actually. The other one, not really,” she said.

She also said she was quite shy when she first came to Australia, and her parent may be surprised by her more outgoing personality.

“I’m not a quiet person anymore,” she said.

“I’m more self-confident and I can do more things by myself, and I can talk with unknown people and in front of a big group of people.”

SAFE TRAVELS: Rotary exchange student Viki Risnyovska, with host parent Kelly Barton, wearing her blazer covered with pins and badges from other exchange students she met during her travels.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Fish passage deferral sparks concern

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

UPPER Ovens community members have expressed their concern following the indefinite deferral of the Bright Fish Passage Project, urging council to keep it a priority for the health of local rivers.

Alpine Shire councillors last month supported the recommendation that the project be deferred, after the North East Catchment Management Authority (NECMA) reported tenders for the design and construction of the weir significantly exceeded available funding and there were no opportunities for alternative funding sources.

Upper Ovens Landcare representative on the Bright Fishway Committee, Martyn Paterson, said the Ovens River is one of only two unregulated rivers in Victoria and of vital importance to the Murray Darling Basin, providing 19 per cent of the Murray River’s total water.

“It’s the only way the Murray can be pushed to the sea because from Albury to Adelaide there’s a small drop in height above sea level and

Plenty of ideas for riverways plan

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

the Ovens is the engine that pushes it to the sea,” he said.

“It’s a complete system which has natural engineering importance as well as the movement of the species.

“When they put a weir across at Centenary Park and made it into the swimming hole it is now, that weir didn’t take into account the natural flow of things in terms of the ecology of the river.

“What they do is they stop the migration of fish and other aquatic species who go upstream during the summer.

“The native environment is an aquatic desert and there are only 10 per cent of the species that should be in a river like the Ovens.

“We have to look after the natural flows of the Ovens, we have to think about allowing Bright and Porepunkah to continue enjoying the river in summer and we have to start looking at big investments in infrastructure for everything to work together.

“We need to look at both the weir in Bright and the one in Porepunkah, because there’s no point freeing the

A CARPARK extension, an off-leash area for dogs, frisbee golf in Rotary Park and a bush kitchen were just some of the ideas suggested by members of the community at the Myrtleford Landcare Riverways Strategic Plan consultation session last week.

Up to 20 people attended the session, which invited the community to share their ideas and get a better understanding of the project looking to ensure revegetation works and other projects working towards community priorities.

The plan will include all creek and river frontages in the township of Myrtleford, including Barwidgee Creek to the Recreation Reserve and Happy Valley Creek towards Ovens.

“We had a great number of interested people attend, including private landholders wanting to work with us to enhance their properties that abut onto the areas, and members from other landcare groups,” landcare member Ron Janas said.

fish in Bright if you can’t free up Porepunkah.

“Until we free those two weirs we won’t get a healthy river system upstream of Bright without all those fish species.

“I simply wanted to remind the Alpine Shire Council of their 2016 commitment to support, maintain and manage those weirs and to let them know

people care about this cause.”

At the council meeting, Upper Ovens Landcare also asked if council would continue to advocate strongly for the increased funding necessary to construct fishways at both weir sites in Bright and Porepunkah.

Council’s director of assets Alan Rees said NECMA is the lead agency seeking

installation of the Porepunkah and Bright fish passages and council officers expect these items will remain a high priority.

“Council has previously provided support to work closely with NECMA for the realisation of the fish passage and at the meeting held in June 2022, this was confirmed and we are not expecting that to change,” he said.

“The Lions Club in particular were very keen to have one of their iconic projects considered - reestablishing the trail from the recreation reserve back down to the soccer ground there as they’ve just done some work there.

“The golf club were interested in clearing up and revegetating Barwidgee Creek around their area and the rec reserve area.

“Other ideas included a dog off-leash area, which has come up before, a bird hide for the local twitchers, recognition of

Aboriginal cultural heritage through flora and fauna and a bush kitchen with a woodfire oven.

“The Rotary Club were looking at an area in Rotary Park for frisbee golf, and someone suggested extending the carpark in Rotary Park for overflow.”

Mr Janas said the ideas will get written in a draft document, which will again go out for public consultation, before presenting it to the relevant parties.

“It’s not our choice; it will go

to the land managers which, in this case, is the Alpine Shire,” he said.

“We’ll need the North East Catchment Management Authority and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action to sign off on it and hopefully we can get it going.

“It doesn’t mean anything is going to happen tomorrow but we’ve started the process.

“It’s a living document, it can change, and it may have a life of 10 or 20 years and we can get the area looking nice.”

Councillor Sarah Nicholas voiced her support for the future of the project.

“The lower Ovens is listed as a heritage river under the Victorian legislation and is absolutely critical for the ecology of the Murray-Darling Basin as a whole, not just in the river,” she said.

Following a question from the public, Mr Rees said a masterplan for Centenary Parks is underway, following a 2023 council resolution to add the masterplan to council’s future work program.

“Council officers are scoping this project and it is expected this masterplan will include the area of the Ovens River that was identified to accommodate the fish passage project,” he said.

“During the pre-draft stage associated with preparing the masterplan for the area, the views of all referral agencies and authorities, including NECMA, will be sought.

“Subject to external funding the masterplan is expected to commence in the 2024/25 financial year, once that is complete external funding will be sourced to deliver the designs.”

Havercroft to take Glenelg top job

ALPINE Shire Council’s director of customer and community Helen Havercroft is leaving her role next month to become the chief executive officer of Glenelg Shire Council.

Ms Havercroft will take up the permanent role on Monday, July 29.

In a statement released by Glenelg Shire Council, Ms Havercroft said she is looking forward to her new role.

“This is a fresh challenge that I am excited about,” she said.

“I am looking forward to meeting the teams I will be working with including councillors, officers and the community.”

Alpine Shire Council chief executive officer Will Jeremy said Ms Havercroft will finish at Alpine Shire Council in early July, and council is currently organising recruitment for her replacement.

“During her time with Alpine Shire Council, Helen has played a pivotal role in supporting the organisation through a significant period of change, successfully leading the customer and community directorate in delivering for council and community,” he said.

“To secure this new position as Glenelg Shire Council CEO is a great achievement.

“I am very proud of Helen, and excited for her as she takes this next step in her career.”

Originally hailing from the United Kingdom, Ms Havercroft moved to Australia in 2021 to take up the director of corporate performance role at Alpine Shire Council in Victoria’s North East.

The role was subsequently renamed to director of customer and community.

MAKING PLANS: (From left) Steve Wheeler, Jim Martin representing the Myrtleford Golf Club, Myrtleford Landcare vice president Phil Prior and environmental consultant Ty Calling at the feedback session last week. PHOTO: Brodie Everist

PRIORITY: Upper Ovens Landcare vice president Martyn Paterson said the future health of the Ovens River must be a priority for council. PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Entries open for 2024 Benalla Shorts

BUDDING filmmakers and video story tellers are encouraged to get their entries in for the 2024 Benalla Shorts, a celebration of short film making.

The Benalla National & International Short Film Festival is now in its 10th year and continuing a tradition of supporting those who want to get a hand-on experience of filmmaking; open to national and international film makers across all ages groups.

Films must be no longer than 15 minutes, and cash prizes are on offer in categories including Best Film, Best Student Film, Best International Film, Best Documentary Film, Best Local Film (within 100km of Benalla) and People’s Choice.

Last year’s local winner was Andrew Flenley from Kyabram for his film

Kinder move leaves parents questioning

By BRODIE EVERIST

KIEWA Valley parents are in an uproar over a recent decision to relocate the Tawonga Kindergarten to Mount Beauty, but the provider says it’s the only way to save a service on the edge of financial viability.

According to an email from Alpine Children’s Services (ACS), sighted by the Myrtleford Times/Alpine Observer, the free Tawonga Kindergarten service, currently providing for six children, is relocating to the Lake View Children’s Centre in Mount Beauty, starting July 15.

The email says the three-daya-week program will have its own classroom and dedicated outdoor play space.

Parents whose children attend the kindergarten within the Tawonga Primary School say they were left in the dark about the possibility of relocation by ACS, who operate four daycares across the shire, including the Tawonga service.

“We just came and got this email saying that they’ve made a decision, and that was kind of it,” parent Daniel Lynch said.

“We haven’t really had any say in the matter at all.”

As of last Thursday, Mr Lynch said parents were trying to organise a face-to-face meeting with ACS staff.

ACS insist the service will remain the same – same teacher, group size and schedule – with only a change in location.

Childcare provider says current operation unviable pyp

Parents are concerned ACS hasn’t adequately explored alternatives to the relocation and a move to Lake View will distress their children.

According to Mr Lynch and fellow parent Amee Zeinert, their children’s reaction between Lake View and Tawonga is stark.

“My child in particular, I could not drop him off – he’d be a crying mess every time he goes there,” Mr Lynch said.

“When he came over here (Tawonga), it was night and day.

“He loved coming here every day; no problems at all.”

Ms Zeinert was had similar concerns for her son four-yearold son Ryker, who attends Lakeview once a week.

“Tuesday morning rolls around and he’s in tears and is holding onto my leg and begging not to go,” she said.

The Myrtleford Times/Alpine Observer has also spoken with another parent whose child attends the Tawonga Kindergarten, and they echoed the concerns of Mr Lynch and Ms Zeinert.

ACS chief executive officer Tanya Scott said concerns for children reflected by these comments had never been raised with ACS “outside of the usual transitions of children from home to an early childhood education environment”.

“Each child adjusts different-

ly and our team is always actively working with each family to support each individual child to the best of our ability and meet children at their point of need,” she said.

She said staffing shortages had made the current service unworkable, partly demonstrated by the need for a Lake View staff member to make 30-minute round trips to Tawonga to relieve the service’s single teacher.

Currently Tawonga Kindergarten operates with only one teacher, and as the children cannot be left unsupervised, a staff member from Lake View drives to the kindergarten to ensure the Tawonga teacher gets a toilet break, and according to Ms Scott, this isn’t always possible if the Mount Beauty facility is understaffed.

She said getting an extra staff member places the free kinder service, already bordering on financial unsustainability, into the red.

“We pay utilities and cleaning fees to the school, as well as the usual educational equipment and supplies, but the main cost is salary and employment oncosts,” she said.

“Like all businesses, costs, and particularly wages, are increasing.

“The ratio in a kinder program is one staff for 11 children.

“In Tawonga, the service op-

erates for one staff for six children and, for some years, has been operating for one staff for two children.”

She said other solutions suggested by parents were not workable either.

Tawonga Primary School did offer an education support worker to relieve the teacher, but according to Ms Scott, the worker did not have adequate qualifications, which would have left the service in breach of childcare services regulations.

Furthermore, parents’ offers to pay a fee for the service is not in line with the Victorian Government’s ‘Free Kinder’ initiative, she said, while the move to Mount Beauty will see it remain free.

Ms Scott said they have no plans to amalgamate the Tawonga service with Lake View.

“We recognise the importance of this program to the Tawonga community, and have reviewed all possible options and continued operating the program until the situation became clearly unsustainable,” she said.

“We informed families as soon as it was possible to do so after the board decision, and are actively engaging with each family individually to ensure a smooth relocation and that we are accommodating all families’ individual needs.”

“The Honoured Ones” and he said he thoroughly enjoyed the experience, including the festival itself - the annual premiere and award ceremony - which will be held on November 10 this year.

“I cannot speak highly enough of the incredible team at Benalla Shorts,” Mr Flenley said.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for local, national and international filmmakers to get their films presented in front of an audience.

“Everyone was welcoming and kind, and overall, it’s an amazing night for all who attend.”

Australian actress Krista Vendy will return to judge this year’s festival, which will be held at the Benalla Cinema in Mair Street for the first time.

While Krista Vendy is largely known for her roles in popular television shows including Neighbours, where she played teacher Teresa “Tess” Bell, she has also appeared in numerous feature films.

Continuing its close association with local businesses and community groups, anyone who would like to support Benalla Shorts financially or in-kind, is encouraged to contact Anna Smith on 0429 367 236 or email benallashorts@ outlook.com.

Short film entries are open until July 31 and submissions can be made via filmfreeway.com/BenallaShorts, with more information including terms and conditions available at benallashorts. com.

CONSULT ON KINDER: Parent Daniel Lynch hopes, with consultation, an alternative can be found to the kindergarten relocation. PHOTO: Brodie Everist INSET: OUTCRY: Signs placed outside Tawonga Primary School calling for the kindergarten to stay.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Thanks to health care workers

WE quite often take for granted the wonderful health care that we have, but I feel compelled to acknowledge how privileged we are.

On May 23 I attended the Day Surgery Ward of the Green Street Hospital in Wangaratta.

The care started the day before by me receiving written information as well as a phone call confirming all the details as to what to expect, what to bring, etc and answering any questions I had.

On the day I can tell you that from the reception on arrival to the time l left, I could not speak more highly of the friendly, caring, informative, diligent and professional treatment that I received to make me feel comfortable.

It’s all the little things that matter - like when in the waiting room, gowned up, I was given a warm blanket round my knees, carrying my bag of clothes for me and helping other patients with care and consideration and taking the time to listen.

I felt privileged to have had their care and attention.

This was all happening on an extra busy day in the hospital.

We are so lucky, and I send them my sincere thanks.

Petula Edwards, Bright

A big thankyou to my op shop staff

FIRSTLY, I would like to thank the Myrtleford Times for the front page story regarding Myrt’ Op-Shop’s beneficiary change to NHW Oncology printed last week (‘An optimistic start’ Myrtleford Times, June 5).

Lehmo, Dave O’Neil come to town

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

PREPARE to spend an evening in fits of laughter this Friday with some of Australia’s most well-known names in comedy – Lehmo and Dave O’Neil – as they entertain audiences at the Alpine Shire’s comedy night.

Myrtleford’s Club Savoy will host the free event, which is funded by the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The comedy night will begin at 8pm on Friday, June 14.

To get your free ticket, go to https://events.humanitix.com/ alpine-shire-comedy-night-2024.

I would like to publicly recognise the effort put in by my crew to make the shop as successful as it is, there is no chance I could do it alone.

We have an amazing volunteer base of fifteen people, including three males that I am truly grateful for.

Our store is 100 per cent volunteer staffed; including myself and that’s how we

manage to keep things going. I am very lucky to have the crew that I do and think they deserve recognition for the huge effort they put in regularly to ensure we are a viable and profitable business; without them we would be closed.

Dee vanRoevan, owner/manager Myrt’ Op-Shop

LETTERS to the editor must be signed with the full name, address and contact telephone number of the author provided. Letters under 250 words are preferred and we reserve the right to edit letters to fit available space. Nom de plumes will only be published at the editor’s discretion. Opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by this newspaper.

Email: edit.timesobserver@nemedia.com.au

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

Tuesday 18th June, 10:30am Skydeck Lounge, Bright Tasman Holiday Park (formerly Big 4 Holiday Park) MYRTLEFORD Tuesday 18th June 2pm Savoy Club, Myrtleford

with. Please join us for a free chat about all things travel. Travel enquiry support available on the day. Bookings essential – Light refreshments provided Call your local office to secure your spot now!

Renee Nightingale - Local Owner and Carolyn Donders - Local Travel Advisor

TOP COMIC: Comedian Dave O’Neil will be performing at Club Savoy this Friday alongside comedian and radio host Anthony ‘Lehmo’ Lehmann.

Snow flows Snow in after in strong opening weekend

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE and BRODIE EVERIST

SNOW coverage may have been modest for the resorts’ opening weekends, but visitor numbers were up by 25 per cent compared to the 2023 season at Falls Creek, while Hotham saw the long-awaited opening of a new visitor facility.

Falls Creek marketing and communications coordinator

Bridget Halsall said visitor numbers were up from the previous year, but 2022 numbers remain higher.

“In 2022 we had a metre of snow already, so we had a lot more visitation then,” she said.

“While there was a lack of snow, it’s not uncommon to have no snow on opening weekend, in fact it’s quite normal.

“The long weekend has always been more about the dining, socialising a celebrating the beginning of winter; the snow always comes.

Falls Creek’s Slalom Plaza was transformed into a playground of tricks and stunts after snowmaking teams built a mini rail jam for locals and visitors to showcase their skills.

Families flocked to the village bowl street party on Saturday and Sunday to enjoy fireworks, community spirit and celebration.

Falls Creek restaurants and bars welcomed in guests for the

season, with many taking a scenic chairlift ride up to the newly renovated Cloud 9.

Mount Beauty resident Taron Lucas said it was a great start to the season.

“We never miss opening weekend, snow or no snow,” he said.

“The village buzz is awesome, and it’s the perfect time to try new restaurants and snag affordable rooms”.

At Mount Hotham the weekend started with the Friday afternoon opening of the Alpine Gateway, which will operate as a new trailhead for the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing and a visitor facility.

With a multi-level car park and strategically positioned at the Loch Car Park site, the site

BEAUTIFUL BLIZZARD: Hotham residents woke to blizzard conditions on Tuesday.

PHOTO: Vail Resorts

Haines brings Minister to Indi to discuss scam protection

ASSISTANT Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services Stephen Jones will be visiting Myrtleford this month as part of two scam awareness events held in the Indi electorate.

Hosted by Independent Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines, Mr Jones will share information at a morning tea in Benalla and an afternoon tea in Myrtleford on Thursday 20 June to help locals understand how they can protect themselves from scams and where to seek help if they have been targeted.

Dr Haines said scams are becoming more frequent, more sophisticated, and they can take many forms.

provides direct ski field access and is fitted out with fully accessible amenities including lockers, showers, and heated community areas.

“We had a lot of locals and stakeholders come to the event and a lot of people who were very heavily involved in the creation of it,” Mount Hotham head of visitor experience Andrew Eckersley said.

“It’s really exciting to have that Alpine Gateway visitor facility up and running for this winter because it’ll open up access, like direct ski access to Heavenly.

“The undercover car park is going to be an absolute game changer as well.”

The day shelter will also provide Disabled Wintersport Aus-

tralia (DWA) with a 20-squaremeter storage and workshop area, along with a transfer room for intermediate-to-advanced sit skiers to transfer themselves seamlessly to the snow fields.

These areas are in addition to DWA’s new space in Hotham Central.

The lack of snow was rectified days later with Vail Resorts reporting both resorts had woken to blizzard conditions on Tuesday, with strong winds and snow covering Hotham from 7am, and the snowstorm was expected to continue all day.

The Bureau of Meteorology was also predicting a very high chance of snow showers on Wednesday for Falls Creek and Hotham.

“Often it is the most vulnerable in our community that are targeted by scammers, but no one is immune from being tricked and defrauded of money,” she said.

“I’ve heard many reports of people being scammed out of significant amounts of money – mothers, grandparents, volunteers, people with disability –everyday people misled by bad faith actors.”

The events are supported by Australia Post, Telstra, Bendigo Bank and the Consumer Action Law Centre who will have representatives at the events and useful resources for attendees to take home.

“Australians lost more than $3 billion to scams in 2022. I am pleased to bring Minister Jones to Indi to address the growing community concern around fraud and deceptive conduct,” Dr Haines said.

“These events aim to educate and empower community members to recognise a scam and take preventative measures to protect themselves, their family, small business or volunteer organisation.

“Come along and bring a friend with you who can help spread awareness of how scams are impacting our community.”

The Myrtleford scam awareness event will be held on Thursday 20 June from 1-2:30pm at Club Savoy, 252-254 Myrtle Street.

Another will be held from 10-11:30am at the Lakeside Community Centre, Benalla Showgrounds.

Event registration is encouraged but not essential, visit helenhaines.org/events to register.

GRAND OPENING: Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos at the opening of Alpine Gateway at Hotham on Friday. PHOTO: Hotham Alpine Resort

SKILLS: Locals and visitors alike showed off their skills at the Falls Creek opening weekend.

PHOTO: Falls Creek Alpine Resort

Tristen toils for local road safety

A CAREER change into the construction industry has put Tristen Biesse on top of the world – or Victoria, to be precise.

The 24-year-old has worked the past 15 months as a safety cadet on Major Road Projects Victoria’s (MRPV) Bogong High Plains Road landslip project after five years as a mechanic in Gippsland.

From toiling under the hood to working high up a mountain, Tristen said he was thrilled with his new job and looking forward to a rewarding career in construction.

“I changed jobs after joining the safety team at Whelans Group Invest-

ments, the construction partner delivering the landslip remediation works on behalf of MRPV,” he said.

“The best part of my job is helping keep everyone safe on the project site; and the spectacular alpine scenery is a bonus.”

The remote location of the project means he works 10 day shifts before returning to hometown Bairnsdale and son Mason for the rest of the fortnight.

“I’ve loved building a rapport and working with the other crew members on the landslip project. It’s been amazing work – we’ve literally moved a mountain,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to

what my future in construction safety holds and encourage anyone considering a career change to explore the industry’s many opportunities.

“If you want to help with workplace safety and cul-

ture, I say go for it.”

Major Road Projects program director Dipal Sorathia said safety cadets like Tristen play a vital role on projects like the Bogong High Plains Road landslip.

vention works to fully open Bogong High Plains Road following the massive landslip.

Devastating rain in October 2022 preceded the slow-moving landslip, which buried the road above Bogong Village with debris on a mammoth scale after scouring an area of mountainside 70m high and 100m wide.

Among the biggest to impact Victoria’s roads network in 40 years, the landslip led to 18 months of road and lane closures on one of the state’s busiest tourism routes.

Crews recently completed major remediation and pre-

“Our safety teams are critical to helping us achieve our goal of ensuring that all our team members and everyone who encounters our project sites return home safely.”

More information about the landslip works is available at bigbuild.vic.gov.au/ bogong.

Victorians reminded to stay off seasonally closed roads from Tuesday

TO protect parks and forests from damage during Victoria’s wet and snow seasons, temporary road and track closures came into effect on Tuesday, June 11, following the King’s Birthday long weekend.

Parks Victoria, the Conservation Regulator, and Forest Fire Management Victoria enforce seasonal closures between June and November every year when sensitive environments including waterways, cultural heritage and public access

tracks are most vulnerable to damage.

These measures also safeguard critical road infrastructure used by firefighters during summer emergencies and protect motorists from accidents on remote roads softened by heavy rain or snow.

This included the Dargo High Plains Road, which was scheduled to close for the winter season on Tuesday due to anticipated snowfall.

Chief fire officer from Forest Fire Management

Victoria Chris Hardman said the roads are closed to protect the environment or because winter conditions make them unsafe for you or emergency services should have an accident.

“We want you to enjoy your visit to our forests over winter, but please respect road closures,” he said.

Authorised officers will be educating visitors about the upcoming changes in busy parks and forests during the King’s Birthday long weekend, followed by in-

creased patrols and surveillance over the 2024 closure period.

Last year, public land authorities recorded more than 380 breaches of gates or closed roads and 800 instances of illegal vehicle use across Victoria’s parks and forests.

Authorised officers issued 181 infringements totalling more than $60,000 to people caught driving cars or riding trail bikes illegally off-road or in restricted areas.

Offenders caught driving

or riding on a closed road in Victoria’s parks and forests face a maximum penalty of up to $3846 if prosecuted in court.

If you are heading out for a drive or trail bike ride on public land, please take care by planning your trip and seeing which roads are open and suitable for your vehicle before leaving home.

Acting director of regulatory operations from Conservation Regulator Cal Heppell said driving in state forests can be fun, but it can

also be extremely destructive when done illegally and irresponsibly.

You can find closures information for state and national parks at https://www. parks.vic.gov.au/get-intonature/safety-in-nature/ seasonal-road-closures and state forests at https://ffm. vic.gov.au/forest-and-roadclosures.

The public can help protect sensitive environments by reporting any illegal vehicle use on public land to 136 186.

ON THE JOB: Tristen Biesse is working hard on the Bogong High Plains Road to keep locals safe. PHOTO: MRPV

Be a life-maker

Everyone

Local sports receive funding boost

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

LOCAL sporting clubs have been bolstered thanks to a statewide funding boost, with the grants being put towards new uniforms and upgraded equipment.

The state government announced the funds last week through their Sporting Club Grants Program, which provides grants to clubs for uniforms and equipment, projects that strengthen volunteering and officiating, new sport or recreation programs, and support for athletes’ travel to competitions.

Dederang Mount Beauty Football Netball Club received $1000 for new netball dresses.

“It was great to receive this funding; although the order still costs around $7000 it’s definitely still helpful to have that portion covered,” club secretary and A Grade coach Alex Dyde said.

“Usually we renew netball dresses every three to five years, dependent on wear and tear and sponsors but its such a huge cost to have so many dresses redone that we looked for grants to support us.

WELCOME FUNDING: Upper Gundowring

Tennis Club members are pleased to receive funding from a state government grants program, including (From left) vice president Sharon Coulston holding Fletcher Creamer, club treasurer Darren Allsop, and committee member Carly Creamer holding Ruby Creamer.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

“We’ve had these ones for five years so they’re more on the damaged side.

“We’ve designed the new dress to be more similar to the football uniforms so it’s more cohesive across the club.

“We’ve ordered 110 as we have a wide variety of shapes and sizes and ages with our girls.

“Our youngest players are aged eight and then you go

right up to the open age range.

“We aim to be inclusive and acknowledge athletes come in all shapes and sizes so we cater to that.”

Ms Dyde said the club have multiple ongoing projects, which funding would go a long way to support.

“We have much needed improvements at both Dederang and Mount Beauty grounds and we’re trying to strive for

and work alongside community and council to get things happening,” she said.

“We currently have a public survey up for the community to support us with.

“The data will be used as direct evidence to apply for larger government grants so we urge the community to jump on our Facebook page and fill it out, so we know what we need to be asking

for through the grants.”

Vice President of the Upper Gundowring Tennis Club, Sharon Coulston, said the $1000 they received will help with a range of things.

“It could be towards anything for the club; perhaps tennis balls or shirts or a first aid kit,” she said.

“We’re also thinking about getting a defibrillator.

“Upper Gundowring Ten-

nis Club was established in 1903 and our courts are not playable anymore, so much so we have to go play at Dederang and pay an annual fee to utilise the courts.

“We’ve been at Dederang for 15 years and we would love more grants to come our way to get our own tennis courts here.

“There’s a real sense of community spirit here.”

According to the State Government, the Sporting Club Grants Program has invested more than $16.7 million to support thousands of community sport and recreation clubs across the state since 2015.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said these grants are opening up a range of opportunities on and off the field and ensuring clubs have the resources they need to encourage everyone to get involved in grassroots sport.

“We’re backing more clubs, volunteers and athletes across Victoria with grants to help them grow participation and serve their community in a way that matters to locals,” she said.

Rod Hyde returns to lions presidency

By BRODIE EVERIST

FORMER Upper Kiewa Valley Lions president Rodney Hyde has returned to the role after the club’s changeover night last Wednesday at a Tawonga South restaurant, with around 25 in attendance.

Yvonne Sutton was reelected secretary, Kerrie Pryke was re-elected treasurer, while Joanna Macklin has stepped down from president to take up vice president.

Lions district V6 governor

John Houghton oversaw the changeover.

Mr Hyde said he first needs to ensure the club remains in line with updated tax office guidelines so they remain tax-exempt.

Beyond that, he is hoping to take the club in a different direction, spurred on by an ageing membership, but he admitted he needs the support of club members.

“I want to see us do more social things if we can, and more things for the community,” he said.

“I’d like to see our club flourish with members.”

“I want to ask the club if they’d like to go and look at maybe doing something different, like having a meaningful raffle - not a small prize, but a big prize for the community.”

Mr Hyde also committed to a two-year term in the role.

He previously held the position from 2018-2022.

The club marked their 60th anniversary in April.

BOARD RENEWAL: (From left) Upper Kiewa Valley Lions vice president Joanna Macklan, secretary Yvonne Sutton, treasurer Kerrie Pryke, president Rodney Hyde and Lions District V6 governor John Houghton, who performed the club’s changeover proceedings last week.

PHOTO: Supplied

Soccer skills tested at international friendly

By FAY MASON, Kiewa Valley Correspondent

ROBERTO Rebolledo, Rotary exchange student from Chile, is coming to the end of his 12 months in Mount Beauty.

He is loving life here.

Roberto and Rotary President Bob Flower organised a Chile vs Australia soccer match.

Chile won 2-0, and although Roberto was not one of the goal scorers, his popularity with the other students is such that he was carried off the field anyway, Without the services of homegrown exchange student Harri (who had honed his soccer skills in Italy) the Aussie team was a little under manned and they are now looking forward to a return match.

Having met Roberto on a few times I can say he is a fine young man who has joined in with the local way of life, often

volunteering to help out on many occasions.

Good luck Roberto.

THE Upper Kiewa Valley Lions Club held its annual Free Snowball and Hot Chocolate event in Mount Beauty last Friday evening to welcome the start of the ski season.

Even though the snow has not yet arrived the event was well attended by locals and visitors alike, the weather was kind and socialising was the order of the evening.

The lions started this event

when they commissioned the fairy lights in the trees around the parks and CBD two years ago. The club intends to make this an annual event at the start of every ski season. Bring on the snow!

MOUNT Beauty

Neighbourhood Centre held The Biggest Morning Tea last week to raise funds for Cancer Council Victoria.

Red Cross Tawonga Branch helped to set up the day, cakes were baked by Red Cross and

NHC members to share on the day.

Jeannie Farrington was the MC for the event, with donations and raffle prizes $651 was raised. The day was successful thanks to community donations from small local businesses and individuals.

ALPINE FM has a new format on Saturday afternoons. They will be replaying some of the new programs including Beats and Banter, and The Pale Blue Dot.

Something for everyone.

the Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre’s Biggest Morning Tea.

GOOD JOB: Lions Ladies Kerri and Vicki at the Snowball and Hot Chocolate event in Mount Beauty last Friday.

CELEBRATION: (From left) Harris Chew, Madox Grayling, Roberto Rebolledo and Baylin Ford.

Records broken, record numbers at mountain contest

By BRODIE EVERIST

AROUND 300 took part in the annual Wandi Cross last Saturday, a record number for the event, with ideal conditions a probable factor behind top course times for the

race.

Event co-organiser Matt Cooper said both Blake Hose and Gillian Turnbull broke the male and female 27km course record at 3 hours and 9minutes, and 4 hours and 14 minutes, respectively.

Mr Cooper said the male record was “incredibly fast”.

“It was definitely perfect winter conditions,” he said.

“Lots of runners came back with good comments about how good the course was, and at the same time how hard it was.

“They were smiling but they were hurting at the same time”

Tim Goddard took out first in the 14km race at 1 hour and 39 minutes, which he put down to a thinner crowd of top runners in the race.

“I think I got a bit lucky today, there was a few guns that didn’t do the 14, a couple were in the 27, a couple are about to head overseas for some proper trail running,” he said.

I’m used to being in the top few, but I never really seem to win.”

Unlike usual, he managed the trek without getting muddy.

“The Wandi Cross is always going to be quite steep, plenty of hills, but this year [was] a bit different with the weather being so nice,” he said.

“It’s normally muddy, snowing, cold, miserable, but today was just a perfect day.”

The event consists of four mountain runs – a 2km kids run, a 5km fun run, a 14km run over both Mystic Mountain and Goldmine Spur, and a 27km trek with four mountain ascents that circles through Freeburgh.

Dan Trevena of Bright, who came first in the 5km run, said the ground was soft and tacky, but not slippery, and the course was well marked.

He hadn’t even slipped over, which he suggested was down to not running hard enough.

“There’s been a bit of track work to smooth out some sections, so it was in excellent condition,” he said.

“It’s extremely steep and quite technical, but it’s a lot of fun.”

CONTENDERS: Kynan

Mr Cooper thanked volunteers for helping organise and run the event.

“We really had a good helping from not only local people, but people who traveled here as well, just to help out,” he said.

He gave a special mention to Wandiligong Primary School principal Bob Clyne and school teacher Darcy Martin for taking on the 14km race.

The race raises money for the primary school students to attend a two-day adventure excursion at Mount Buffalo, including kayaking, abseiling and rock climbing.

The amount raised is yet to be determined.

Badrock takes reins for third time

By BRODIE EVERIST

GRAHAM Badrock was elected president of the Lions Club of Bright board at their annual changeover night last Tuesday, the third time he has stepped into the role.

Former club president Andrina Crome was presented a Melvin Jones Fellowship Award in recognition of outstanding community service, presented by former lions district governor Steve Kazenwadel.

The award is named after Lions Clubs International founder Melvin Jones and is considered the highest accolade the organisation can award.

“If ever there was a person who deserved this recognition it is Andrina,” Mr Badrock said.

“She was completely taken aback and was quite emotional, it was wonderful to see.”

Ms Crome was elected secretary and Brian Kelly is acting treasurer.

The night also featured special guest Harry Brindley, who is also a former district governor, from the Bright Lions’ new sister club in Charlton.

According to Mr Badrock, Mr Brindley had travelled from northwest Victoria for the meeting and travelled back the next day.

Mr Badrock said the clubs have only been twinned for around a month.

“It’s mainly a sharing of ideas and fundraising,” he said.

“It is nice to have an association with a different club, but obviously the tyranny of distance will make it a bit difficult for mutual meetings.”

The Bright Lions are currently holding weekly wood raffles during winter.

Council seeking feedback on customer behaviour policy

A POLICY aimed at safeguarding the health and wellbeing of Alpine Shire Council staff, volunteers, contractors and councillors is available for community feedback until July.

Council’s draft Dealing with Difficult Customers Policy is now on public exhibition through their online engagement portal, Engage Alpine. Council chief executive officer Will Jeremy said the policy is particularly timely in light of a growing trend of poor behaviour from some customers and community members.

“Most of our customers are reasonable, respectful and a pleasure for our staff to serve,” he said.

“We know that the most important step in managing difficult customer behaviour is to keep customers from becoming frustrated in the first place.

“We don’t always get that right – I understand that at times delays in service and inability to get answers to seemingly simple questions can be frustrating for some of our customers.

“We are focusing on increasing the quality of our customer service across the organisation, being responsive and timely in the way we support our customers, and working to clearly communicate expectations and outcomes.”

According to council, the draft policy is based on the Victorian Ombudsman’s ‘Good Practice Guide: Managing Complex Complainant Behaviour’.

Mr Jeremy said the policy is an important step towards refining council’s customer service approach and clarifying what classifies as unacceptable behaviour.

“Unfortunately there are enough customers who behave in a way that is rude, abusive and even threatening to make a policy like this an important part of the way we do business,” he said.

“Over the past year we have had incidents where staff have been threatened with violence, abused over the phone and in-person and inundated with emails and phone calls after an answer to a customer question has been provided.

“This type of behaviour will not be tolerated.

“Whether you’re interacting with our teams at the Bright Office, out in the field, at our libraries or transfer stations – or while our staff members are not working – that type of behaviour is completely inappropriate.”

The policy is available at https://engage.alpineshire. vic.gov.au/draft-dealingdifficult-customers-policy.

FELLOWSHIP AWARD: (From left) Brian Kelly, Alison Kazenwadel, Andrina Crome and Marie Thomas at the changeover night last week. PHOTO: Supplied

TOP EFFORT: Winner of the 14km race Tim Goddard (centre) with daughters Alaska and Penny Goddard.

PROUD

and Brian Jones after completing the 5km run.

PACE YOURSELF: A runner smiles for the camera as passes the checkpoint at Alpine Park.

REACHING THE END: Jordan and David O’Neill reach the 5km finish line.

GOOD MEMORIES: Wandiligong resident Laura Harbison, with daughter Matilda, after completing the 5km race.

27km

Alpine

& ProfessionalConsultants Guide

BRIGHT ACCOUNTING

Certified Practising Accountants – C.P.A.

Accounting for small businesses and individuals.

4-1a Camp Street, Bright Phone: 5755 5105 E enquiries@brightaccounting.com.au

BELMORES CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

(formerly CRM Business Advisers) Certified Practising Accountants

Myrtleford, 1-7 Albert Street Phone: 5752 2288

Bright, 3 Ireland Street Phone: 5755 1327 www.belmores.com.au

PAYNTER & ASSOCIATES

Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors

25 Clyde Street Myrtleford Phone: 5751 1995

Email admin@paynterassoc.com.au www.paynterandassociates.com.au

Clinical Massage

MYOTHERAPY, MUSCLE HEALTH & FITNESS

Dennis Kersting Dip. RM CM. Myrtleford - 18 Rayner Street Phone: 0427 440 744

JO ROSS-JACKSON HEARING

CENTRES

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

OVENS VALLEY INSURANCE BROKERS

Myrtleford, 47 Clyde Street Phone: 5752 1151

Bright, 104 Gavan St Phone: 5715 9705

Email: info@ovib.com.au

DICK & WILLIAMS

Solicitors & Attorneys Vic & NSW

Myrtleford, 5B Clyde Street. Phone: 5752 2363.

Email: email@dwlawalbury.com.au

TONER & MAY LEGAL

BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS

86 Standish Street, Myrtleford.

Phone: 03 5752 1493

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

45 years of Associazione Trevisani nel Mondo celebrated

THE Associazione Trevisani nel Mondo Myrtleford and District Inc recently celebrated the 45th anniversary of its founding.

During the luncheon at the Savoy Club, Myrtleford 104 guests, including a bus load of representatives from the Trevisani of Melbourne, contributed to the success of the celebrations in a joyous atmosphere of conversations, dancing and laughter.

The Savoy’s chef served some luscious foods based on traditional Italian recipes, and Ricky Brun treated the guests with a rich selection of memorable Italian songs and music.

Following the Second World War there was a great migration of Italians to Australia in search of a better life.

Many from the province of Treviso in northern Italy arrived in Myrtleford and surrounding towns.

They settled in North East Victoria with its hilltop countryside views reminding them of their homeland.

Most of the original Trevisani employed their skills in farming, with the cultivation

of tobacco and grapes contributing to the development of Myrtleford and local towns with the creation of meeting places such as the Savoy Club, the cinema in Italian, the Fiera - Festival of the Italians and the

PEOPLE AROUND TOWN

Warwick Mitchell

How long have you lived in the area?

I came up here from Melbourne 52 years ago. I had family here so after coming up a few times I decided it would be a good place to live.

What do you like about the area?

Everything. I’ve seen 21 countries in the world, but this is the best place. The people are great, as is the countryside.

Would you like to see any changes or additions?

I love fishing, so a platform on the Pondage to cast a line would be good.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I’m retired after working for 27

Rolf Schonfeld

How long have you lived in the area?

I moved to Harrietville in the winter of ‘94 and settled in Smoko in 2008.

What do you like about the area?

The variety of nature activities. I first came here to climb at Mount Buffalo. Then ski touring all over the place, mountain biking and now packrafting.

What do you do for a living?

I am a cabinetmaker but have worked many jobs in those years: dishpig, gardener, carpenter,

Dolce Vita in King Valley.

Their children, growing up Australians, went on to contribute in many different professions to Australia’s progress.

The celebrations were also an opportunity to invite families,

years at the SEC and AGL. I’m a qualified electrician/handyman, so I spend time at the Men’s Shed, and fishing is another pastime that I enjoy.

Where would you take visitors to showcase the area?

On any of the beautiful walking tracks, West Kiewa, the view looking back down from there is spectacular. Pebble Beach walk and around the pondage.

friends and Trevisani sympathisers to join forces in reaching out to new potential members in order to maintain the traditions and strengthen the future of the Associazione Trevisani of Myrtleford in the years to come.

Brodie Everist

How long have you been living in the area?

Around 2 years. What do you do for a living?

I am a journalist for the Myrtleford Times and Alpine Observer, however I will soon be moving to Bendigo to work for the Bendigo Advertiser. Next edition will be my final paper.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I enjoy music; I play the saxophone and clarinet mainly. I also enjoy bike riding and reading.

What do you like about the area?

I have found everyone to be friendly and welcoming. It hasn’t always been easy approaching people for stories or to ask them questions, but I am thankful for the outgoing demeanour of so many in the shire.

Where would you take visitors to showcase the area?

ski hire, events at Dept Mount Hotham, project manager, tour operator, cook, bar manager, outdoor education, chauffeur, sauna builder.

What are your hobbies or interests?

In 2017 we started the Mountain Safety Collective - a not-for-profit organisation with the aim to reduce fatalities in the mountains in winter through information on conditions and dangers. Recently I have embraced packrafting and am exploring our area from the river point of view.

Where would you take visitors

to showcase the area?

I would take them to Reform Hill so they can get a good view of Myrtleford. There are also many lovely drives in the area. I think driving through the Buckland Valley is lovely, as is the Myrtleford-Yackandandah Road.

Is there anything you would change about the area?

I think each town in the shire should have a two-storey second-hand bookshop. Do you have any ambitions for the future?

Regarding journalism - I will soon be taking my shorthand exam, so I hope to do well in that. I would eventually like to work for a metropolitan publication. Regarding music – I would like to keep getting better at clarinet, particularly. I have always enjoyed jazz clarinet, so I would like to be more skilled in jazz improvising and develop my own sound and musical approach on the instrument.

Depending on their level of fitness and mobility anywhere from the Mount Buffalo hikes, to Feathertop, a paddle down the Ovens River or a winery tour through the King Valley.

Is there anything you would change about the area?

I would like to see us grow more as a community, look after our environment and reduce our footprints.

Do you have any ambitions for the future?

To build more saunas so everyone can enjoy the benefits of sweating and cold water.

HAPPY 45TH: Natalina Ellen - public officer (left), Luigi Casagrande, Sandro Camillo - vice president, Armando Pasquali - president, Teresa Pasquali, Manuele Dussin - treasurer, and Laura Parisotto enjoy the festivities in marking the 45th anniversary of the Associazione Trevisani nel Mondo Myrtleford and

District Inc.

New works future-proof historic cemetery

By BRODIE EVERIST

THE Harrietville Cemetery has a new site for cremated remains thanks to the work of the Harrietville Cemetery Trust and a State government grant.

The cemetery’s previously unused western corner now features three concrete strips near the Gallipoli Pine, where cremated remains can be buried on each side of the strips, and small granite memorials will be installed on the concrete.

Due to its proximity to the pine, it will be renamed the ‘Pine Lawn Section’.

According to the cemetery trust, the site replaces 24 full gravesites for 60 smaller plots, and as each can host the remains of two people the site can potentially hold 120 internments.

Harrietville Cemetery Trust chair Doug Humphries said this is a more effective use of cemetery land as cremated remains previously required a full gravesite.

“It was a case of trying to, as best we could, future-proof the cemetery, making sure that we still had sufficient land available,” he said.

According to the trust, demand for the internment of cremated remains has increased over recent years, necessitating a dedicated site for them.

In mid-2022, the trustees established a working party to investigate alternatives for the interment of cremated remains, which decided on the current concept and rejected the installation of a columbarium wall, considering them inappropriate for the cemetery’s mix of historic and contemporary graves.

“They look like a post box in a paddock,” Mr Humphries said. Instead, the less intrusive gran-

ite memorials were selected.

“This concept has been used successfully, not to this scale, but for full-size graves at Beechworth in their lawn cemetery, and it looks really nice,” he said.

“We’re very pleased with the way it’s come up as a concept.”

The works follows the awarding of just over $5000 in state government funds from the Cemetery Grants Program in February this year.

Mr Humphries said trustees also contributed with in-kind work, including free labour and machinery use.

He thanked the state government for the funding, the trustees for their help, and local concreter Adrian Felton.

It is expected the trust will begin issuing graves at the site in late spring or early summer once the ground has settled and the section has been seeded with lawn.

New footpaths for Myrtleford, Porepunkah

By BRODIE EVERIST

ALPINE Shire councillors unanimously approved a contract for the construction of three new footpaths in Myrtleford and Porepunkah at their meeting last month.

Sections of footpath will be constructed on Prince Street and Mummery Road in Myrtleford and Martley Street in Porepunkah for a spend of just over $156,000.

According to council, they budgeted $150,000 for footpath renewal and upgrades this financial year, and to date $14,820 has been spent on other minor footpath concreting works and project management costs.

Combined with the $156,000 for new footpaths, this has resulted in an unbudgeted spend of just over $20,000, but director of assets Alan Rees said this money will be offset by an underspend in the Development Engineering Roads Program.

According to council, impacted residents and businesses will be informed prior to the works commencing to set expectations around short term disruptions and changes to property access.

In response to a question from deputy mayor Simon Kelley, Mr Rees said this typically involves doorknocking and contractors liaising with property owners.

“We also request that the contractor takes charge of that to ensure they are able to manage the logistics and dynamics as scope waxes and wanes and access requirements are managed in the near term on a daily basis as required,” he said.

WORKS COMPLETE: Harrietville Cemetery Trust trustee Jo Parker and chair Doug Humphries at the new ‘Pine Lawn Section” of the cemetery.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Haines to to run again, run Liberal candidates nominate

INDI incumbent federal

MP Helen Haines has confirmed she will run again as an independent candidate, seeking to be re-elected for a third term, at the federal election next year.

She will be up against one of three Liberal nominees who are vying for pre-selection by Indi party members later this month, as well as an assortment of other candidates.

Dr Haines spoke about what she has achieved for Indi over her last term and her current term as MP.

“It has been an absolute privilege to represent our community as the Independent federal member for Indi and I am pleased to share that I will run again at the next election,” she said.

“Much has been achieved in Indi through independent representation and I know the true strength of being a

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

community independent is the community - the power of people working together to solve challenges to help the regions thrive and prosper.

“I am particularly proud that the National Anti Corruption Commission has been established and to serve as deputy chair of its parliamentary oversight committee.

“I have successfully amended critical legislation on climate change, housing and the environment, and continued to deliver upgraded telecommunications, roads, and other infrastructure investments for Indi.”

Dr Haines said there is always more work to do and “it’s clear that a strong, independent voice for regional and rural Australia is needed

now more than ever”.

“I am continuing to work to improve integrity in federal politics, to ensure the transition to renewable energy brings genuine longterm benefit to our communities and for much-needed investment in health, housing, roads and telecommunications,” she said.

The Liberal Party’s North East branch will also pre-select their candidate for Indi on June 29.

Federal electorate conference chair Tony Schneider said there are three candi-

dates who have nominated for Liberal pre-selection that will take place on Saturday, June 29 at the Lakeside Centre in Benalla.

“There are three candidates for pre-selection including former logging industry stalwart and current finance broker Michael McKinnell, former Indigo Shire Mayor James Trenery, and logistics specialist Travis Vincent,” he said.

After his time at Indigo Shire, Mr Trenery held positions as media adviser for former Liberal Democrats

INCUMBENT HELEN HAINES CONFIRMS HER INTENTIONS, WHILE THREE LIBERALS VIE FOR PRE-SELECTION

MP Tim Quilty, and electorate officer for One Nation

MP Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell.

Mr McKinnell is currently a mortgage broker with Aussie Finance Services and was managing director of timber company M & R Timber Harvesting.

“Michael is a finance broker and prior to that he worked in the timber hauling, milling and harvesting business for 30 years and he got out of the industry when native timber harvesting ceased,” Mr Schneider said.

“Travis has his own com-

pany in Melbourne and he is an ex-Army officer and after this he worked in logistics supplying first aid and medical stations to mining companies and crowds that worked in remote areas.”

The Indi branch of the Liberal party has 200 members registered and Mr Schneider is expecting a strong portion of these people to vote on the best candidate.

“We wanted to select a candidate as early as possible and put our best candidate forward to take the contest up to Helen,” he said.

Council reaffirms opposition to grant panel exclusion

By BRODIE EVERIST

Alpine Shire councillors repeated their opposition to a reform to exclude them from grant funding panels at their meeting last month.

Councillors received the recommendation for their exclusion from council’s grant funding and event funding assessment panels at their April meeting, but its status was not clearly re-

solved, so it returned for further deliberation at the May meeting.

They unanimously voted down the proposal, noting it removes local knowledge from grant assessment panels.

Councillor Ron Janas particularly disapproved of the proposal.

“I’m not going to sit here and be labelled by an officer from VAGO saying that I’m incompetent to make these

decisions and I am not trusted in that area,” he said.

“We’ve been around and we understand what is required of us.

“The community expects us to be involved in these sorts of things.”

Cr Janas also questioned how conflict of interest approaches would be handled if the policy is passed.

“When it comes to the time where it has to be ap-

proved by council for that spend, who approves it?” he said.

“Does it come to council then to say this organisation gets that amount, that organisation or whatever gets that amount and we then have to declare a conflict of interest in that circumstance?

“Or is it going to come back under CEO delegation?

“That’s an unclear point, to me.”

The recommendation follows a May 2022 Victorian Auditor General’s Office (VAGO) report to parliament titled ‘Fraud Control Over Local Government Grants’, which examined fraud controls for six Victorian councils.

According to Alpine Shire Council, they appointed an independent auditor to undertake a review of their Community Grant Program and event funding against

the VAGO report to recommend improvements council could make.

The internal audit identified thirteen areas for improvement with 23 recommendations made to improve oversight of the grants program and funding programs, including the exclusion of councillors from assessing and making recommendations on grant applications.

CONTINUING THE FIGHT: Helen Haines has confirmed she will run again for Indi at next year’s federal election. She will face off against one of three Liberal candidates who have nominated for pre-selection later this month.

11A WILLIAMS ROAD in Wangaratta provides the perfect opportunity for someone looking to downsize to a low maintenance property or looking for a great returning investment.

The home consists of two separate living areas, three bedrooms all with built in wardrobes and the main having an ensuite and walk in wardrobe.

Heating and cooling are well catered for with gas ducted heating and evaporative cooling throughout, gas cooktop, electric oven and a gas boosted solar hot water service.

Externally there is a concreted outdoor entertaining area, garden beds and the property is on its own title.

The home is approximately seven

Modern take pays homage to post-war MGs

By DEREK OGDEN, Marque Motoring

IT’S all down to striking design and leading-edge aerodynamics, says the Chinese manufacturer of the latest MG4 electric vehicle that uses the innovative new Modular Scalable Platform that will underpin a new generation of MG EVs.

Featuring rear-wheel drive, 50:50 weight distribution and thin battery technology, the MG4 was designed in London and is put together in state-ofthe-art plants in several countries.

The result is a hatchback that reflects the sporting tradition of the original post-war MGs and points the way for affordable versatile zero emission electric vehicles of the future.

For the present, the MG4 comes in five variants, starting with the Excite 51 from $38,990, plus on-road costs.

Next is the Excite 64 ($44,990), Essence 64 ($47,990) and Essence 77 ($55,990).

Range is related to battery capacities – 51 kWh, 64 kWh, or 77 kWh – of up to 350 km, 435-450 km and 530 km, respectively.

On test was the MG4 Essence 64 at $47,990, plus ORCs.

All carry the MG trademark seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty for body and battery.

STYLING

The MG4, with its sleek curves and sharp crease lines, pays homage to the sheet metal press responsible for shaping the body.

Then there’s the paintwork, with the test car’s Volcano Orange duco with two-tone black roof ($700 option), plus twin roofmounted rear spoilers turning heads among a number of appreciative onlookers.

Up front, as with many EVs these days, there is no radiator grille: just smooth lines down to a lower active air intake shutter grille.

The car rolls on 18-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels with aero covers, while a new SAIC LED distinctive rear light design incorporates its own unique artwork.

INTERIOR

Limited to four occupants, the small hatch does not skimp on space.

Shoulder and headroom are good, rear seat leg room adequate.

Missing is a foldaway centre armrest.

Comfortable synthetic leather seats with contrasting cloth inserts lead the way for minimalist surroundings. Focus of cabin controls is the floating centre consul with rotary gear selector and electronic parking brake switch.

The boot takes 350 litres

phone charging and autodimming rear-view mirror.

Sadly, some of the system operations are counter intuitive.

For example, the predominantly on-screen climate air-con and audio controls win no Oscars for convenience – too distracting to operate while driving.

ENGINES/ TRANSMISSIONS

The MG4 Essence on test was fitted with a 180kW electric motor feeding the rear wheels from a 64kWh battery.

Dishing up a driving range of close to 435 kilometres, this depends on driving style and road conditions.

SAFETY

of cargo with the rear seat backs in position. Folded flat 1177 litres can be accommodated. Versatility comes with a two-level floor.

INFOTAINMENT

MG iSmart connection comes courtesy of dual screens – a 7-inch driver display and 10.25 floating touchscreen.

Voice connection capability is standard on Essence, as is six-speaker 3-D audio and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

All-electric MG4 51KWh Excite retail price in Australia is $38,990 plus on-road costs*with deliveries to start in August.

Satellite navigation is included, along with 360-degree parking cameras, wireless

The Essence is fitted with six airbags and makes use of a comprehensive MG Pilot package of features including active emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, intelligent speed limit assist with traffic sign recognition, lane keep assist and departure warning, driver attention alert and intelligent high beam assist.

DRIVING

I quickly became used to the buzz of ‘leaving the blocks’ – and internal combustion engine powered rivals at the lights – and the

advanced MG4 platform offering great driver engagement with excellent roadholding, the latter, to a great extent, due to the car’s 50:50 weight distribution.

As you can imagine larger road surface blemishes do present a challenge to the suspension but taken carefully should not add too much trouble to the comfort of passengers.

As far as charging the batteries is concerned, on fast DC the Essence 64 was topped up from 51 per cent to 93 pc in 40 minutes for just over seven bucks, while the slow plug-in household option scraped up 15 per cent in two hours.

The recommended charging limit is 80pc.

Buy a special cable and small household appliances can be run from the car’s battery.

SUMMARY

As an introduction to electric vehicles the MG4 is close to the top of the heap. However, the mini models are breeding like rabbits, so the price might hold back some sales in the form of cheaper rivals.

RATINGS

Looks: 9/10

Performance: 7/10

Safety: 7/10

Thirst: 7/10

Practicality: 5/10

Comfort: 6/10

Tech: 8/10

Value: 7/10

STRIKING DESIGN: With its sleek curves and sharp crease lines, the MG4 pays homage to the sheet metal press responsible for shaping the body.

By BOOKING DEADLINE

THE BRIGHT CEMETERY TRUST

Trust member positions

Are you interested in making a meaningful contribution to your community, learning new skills and preserving local history for future generations?

The Bright Cemetery Trust is seeking new volunteer trust members. In this role you will gain hands-on experience in managing a public cemetery and valuable governance skills as a member of a public board. Free governance training is provided. Who should apply?

THE MYRTLEFORD CEMETERY TRUST

Trust member positions

Are you interested in making a meaningful contribution to your community, learning new skills and preserving local history for future generations?

The Myrtleford Cemetery Trust is seeking new volunteer trust members. In this role you will gain hands-on experience in managing a public cemetery and valuable governance skills as a member of a public board. Free governance training is provided. Who should apply?

Applications are welcome from people with a range of skills and experiences including administration, committees, and groundskeeping. Women and people from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Current trust members whose terms of appointment are due to expire are welcome to apply for reappointment.

What it means to be a Victorian cemetery trust member

Cemetery trust members are appointed by the Governor in Council for a term of up to five years on the recommendation of the Minister for Health. Cemetery trusts are responsible for the management of public cemeteries, including planning for future cemetery services for their communities. More information about the role is available at <https://www.health.vic. gov.au/cemeteries-and-crematoria/class-bcemetery-trust-appointments>.

How to register your interest

Simply contact the Myrtleford Cemetery Trust within two weeks of this advertisement date: The Myrtleford Cemetery Trust contact details: 0473 535 502

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that government boards and committees reflect the rich diversity of the Victorian community. We encourage applications from people of all ages, Aboriginal people, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and from lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, gender diverse, intersex and queer people. The trust will provide adjustments to the recruitment process upon request. F40988

PROFORMA FOR ADVERTISEMENT OF APPLICATION

The transfer volume is: - Between 20-49ML/year

Applications are welcome from people with a range of skills and experiences including administration, committees, and groundskeeping. Women and people from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Current trust members whose terms of appointment are due to expire are welcome to apply for reappointment.

What it means to be a Victorian cemetery trust member

Cemetery trust members are appointed by the Governor in Council for a term of up to five years on the recommendation of the Minister for Health. Cemetery trusts are responsible for the management of public cemeteries, including planning for future cemetery services for their communities. More information about the role is available at <https://www.health.vic. gov.au/cemeteries-and-crematoria/class-bcemetery-trust-appointments>.

How to register your interest

Simply contact the Bright Cemetery Trust within two weeks of this advertisement date:

The Bright Cemetery Trust contact details: 5755 1553

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that government boards and committees reflect the rich diversity of the Victorian community. We encourage applications from people of all ages, Aboriginal people, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and from lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, gender diverse, intersex and queer people. The trust will provide adjustments to the recruitment process upon request. F40988

The water will be used for the purpose of: Industrial or VolumeFolio

Any person able to demonstrate that their interests will be

to download from

Full size professional billiard table by ACE

Billiard table in excellent condition, includes quality Belgian equipment, also cover and overhead lights. Based in Mt Beauty. $5500, we will transport. Call Jiri on 0414 318 043.

FARM MACHINERY FOR SALE

Extra heavy duty Hayes ripper with pipe layer, new $600.

Heavy duty 20 Pl offset discs, trail or TPL $1500.

Kubota B6000 TPL, PTO, Dif lock, 4FWD, with 3ft rotary hoe $4000 and Zector 35HP tractor with page 5'6" slasher $4000. Call (03) 5764 4332.

CARAVANS AND CAMPERS

St. Mary’s School, Myrtleford Education Support Officer

Expressions of interest are sought for an Education Support Officer.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• initiative able to follow instructions

• ability to work with school leaders and teachers to assist children with additional needs

• provide written and oral feedback from interventions.

Certificate IV in Education Support and experience in a school setting preferred.

Current Working With Children Check and National Criminal History Check.

Full Time Equivalent FTE 0.30 (8.45am – 11am Monday – Friday)

Fixed Contract 1 year

Employment details are available on request by emailing: principal@smmyrtleford.catholic.edu.au

Principal: Mrs Kitty Hancock

Applications will close on the 28th of June, 2024

St Mary’s Primary is committed to students experiencing a sense of inclusion that is respectful of their giftedness, abilities, culture and contexts. Our student’s experience learning and teaching in a child safe environment that is engaging and liberating.

BROADBENT (Stephens), Betty. June 2, 2024. Passed away Goulburn Valley Hospital Shepparton. Formally from Bright.

Dearly missed by her family; husband Les, daughter Amanda, son-in-law Stuart, sisters Jeanette and Shirley and brothers Ted and George. Betty was the shining light of kindness but struggled on with her health issues.

Rest in God’s care Betty.

FISHMAN, Robyn Claire.

Passed away at Northeast Health Wangaratta on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Aged 72 years.

Dearly loved and loving wife and soulmate of Edward. Cherished Mum of Shannon and Ryan. Mother-in-law of Anne-Lise.

Adored Ma of Hayley, Caitlin, Ansel and Huxley.

Life is no flickering candle for me, I want to burn bright and not just fade away.

LUKEY, Irene Renate. 8/2/1942 – 2/6/2024. Aged 82 years. Passed away at Bright Hospital at 4am Sunday, June 2, 2024. Irene is now at peace after her battle with cancer. Much loved wife of Peter. Mother of Michelle and Stephen, mother-in-law of Lisa and Daniel. Granny to Nathan, Ruby and Lilly. Sister of John, and Christine, sisterin-law of Pam and Ron. Loved and remembered always. Family and friends are invited to the celebration of her life at the U3A building, 2 Cobden Street, Bright at 2.30pm on Friday, July 12, 2024.

FISHMAN

Family and friends are invited to attend the celebration of the life of Robyn Claire Fishman at the Springhurst Hall, Anzac Road, Springhurst on Friday, June 14, 2024 at 2pm. A private cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers a donation made in memory of Robyn to Northeast Health Wangaratta can be made online at www.givenow.com.au/nhw

Mason Park Funerals

5721 5060 masonpark.com.au

Breaking down the fourth wall

DIRECTOR

By SHANE DOUTHIE

DIRECTOR Brad Buckingham had always held a yearning to direct The Long Road by Shelagh Stephenson ever since he was involved in a production of the play in Melbourne with Eltham Little Theatre Company, before he and wife Kathy relocated to Beechworth several years ago.

Then he was stage manager but as the play unfolded and was finally performed Brad’s desire to direct it himself one day only grew.

When he responded to a callout from Wangaratta Players for directors last year he was quick to apply and was overjoyed when he was given the go ahead to direct this production.

“I love this play,” he said.

“I love its sparseness.

“As you will see, the set is minimal, with the lighting, sound and costume designs also simple.

struggles to find meaning and forgiveness.

His mother Mary’s determination to understand the atrocity brings her face to face with his killer and forces the family to confront the bitter senselessness of their loss.

Stephenson was commissioned to write The Long Road in England by the Synergy Theatre Project and, in collaboration with The Forgiveness Project, started to work on a play about forgiveness and restorative justice.

Her research took her to prisons to meet prisoners and then the victims of the prisoners’ crimes.

Brad said he also delighted in the removal, at times, of that invisible fourth wall which separates the audience from the onstage action and direct contact with the characters.

“The play speaks to you, the audience. Literally,” he said.

er and listener.

“The Stage Door is such a beautifully intimate theatre for such a play.

“I’m hoping that, in a sense, you can’t ‘hide’ in the audience and just be the passive theatregoer.

“You’re in the middle of this.”

The Long Road features Colette Quin as Mary, Jack Johnston as Joe (Danny’s brother), Shane Douthie as John, Mary’s husband, Makenzie Clark as Emma, the teenage homeless girl, and Miranda Schroeder as Elizabeth the social worker.

Despite the play’s heavy drama, Brad said there was some light as well.

“There is clearly a lot of pain experienced by characters in this play,” he said.

“Ultimately, though, we end on a note of care and compassion.

“And hope.”

“I also love how in this play, a play of loss and grief, we hear not just from the grieving family as they cope with the sudden murder of a child and brother, but also the girl who commits the murder.

“We rarely hear the voice of the criminal.”

The story follows the aftermath of the death of 18-year-old Danny who is fatally stabbed in a random attack and how his family

“There are multiple scenes where the characters are talking with you.

“You’re not there listening in to a private musing (think of Shakespeare’s “To be or not to be”).

“Instead, you are the friend, the confidant or the support group members the characters are talking to.

“Mix this in with some traditional fourth wall scenes and it’s a lovely mix for the audience of observ-

The play is recommended for mature audiences and contains adult themes, coarse language, and violence, and will be performed at The Stage Door Studio 4D Evans Street Wangaratta at 7.30pm on Friday, June 14 and 21, Saturday, June 15 (sold out) and 22, and at 2pm Sunday, June 16 and 23.

Tickets are $30pp available now at https://www. trybooking.com/CRRUA.

For more information checkout the Wangaratta Players Facebook page.

GUIDING THE CAST: Director Brad Buckingham in deep concentration during rehearsals for Wangaratta Players upcoming production of The Long Road.

PHOTO: Shelley Bovenkamp

& Christine Haddrick

WINNERS AND LOSERS

WODONGA RAIDERS

BEST: WANGARATTA: Callum Moore, Harrison Hewitt, Charlie Naish, Daine Porter, Aidan Tilley, Liam Mcveigh. WODONGA RAIDERS: Cameron Ellis-Yolmen, Archer Scammell, Bradley St John, Connor Taylor, Cooper Daly, Harry Sweetman. GOALS: WANGARATTA: Callum Moore 9, Liam Mcveigh 3, Daine Porter 3, Fraser Holland-Dean 1, Will O’keefe 1, Nick Richards 1, Charlie Ross 1, Jessie Smith 1. WODONGA RAIDERS: Jason Burke 2, Charlie St John 1, Harry Sweetman 1, Connor Taylor 1.

COROWA RUTHERGLEN 4.1 5.1 9.2 11.4.70

BEST: COROWA RUTHERGLEN: Tyler Roos, Ryan Eyers, Nathan Dunstan, Sam Dunstan, Nicholas Wright, Bailey Pirnag. LAVINGTON: Benjamin Ashley-Cooper, Shaun Driscoll, Tim Oosterhoff, Christopher Annett, Jack Driscoll, Darcy Smith. GOALS: COROWA RUTHERGLEN: Sam Dunstan 5, Darcy Hope 2, Jedd Longmire 1, Jason Marks 1, Bailey Minogue 1, Tyler Roos 1. LAVINGTON: Jake O’Brien 3, Benjamin Ashley-Cooper 2, Shaun Driscoll 2, Tom Hargreave 1, Tim Oosterhoff 1, Josh Roscarel 1, Charlie Sanson 1, Darcy Smith 1, Conor Willis 1.

NETBALL SCORES THIRDS RESULTS

A GRADE

Wangaratta 43 def by Wodonga Raiders 45 Yarrawonga 57 def Wangaratta Rovers 39

Wodonga 50 def by North Albury 65 Myrtleford 46 def Albury 45

Corowa Rutherglen 56 def Lavington 25

B GRADE Yarrawonga 50 def Wangaratta Rovers 40

Wangaratta 48 def Wodonga Raiders 41

Wodonga 45 def by North Albury 46 Myrtleford 58 def Albury 32

Corowa Rutherglen 37 def Lavington 35

C GRADE Yarrwaonga 38 def Wangaratta Rovers 31

Wangaratta 42 def Wodonga Raiders 38

Corowa Rutherglen 44 def Lavington 33

Myrtleford 36 def by Albury 39

Wodonga 49 def by North Albury 64

17 & UNDER Yarrwonga 20 def By Wangaratta Rovers 70

Corowa Rutherglen 39 def Lavington 36

Wangaratta 34 def by Wodonga Raiders 40

Wodonga 85 def North Albury 47 Myrtleford 49 def Albury 34

15 & UNDER Yarrawonga 29 def by Wangaratta Rovers 72

Corowa Rutherglen 26 def by Lavington 77

Wodonga 58 def North Albury 38 Myrtleford 31 def by Albury 38

Wangaratta 26 def by Wodonga Raiders 60

Wangaratta 7.9.51 def Wodonga Raiders 1.4.10

BEST: WANGARATTA: Josh Styles, Kade Hadley, Hugh Canning, Keahn Driscoll, Curtis Hines, Chad Donald. WODONGA RAIDERS: Jake Burkitt, Charlie McFarland, Mark Baker, Connor Howells, Blake Capper, Charlie Smith. GOALS: Wangaratta: Max Bihun 4, John Blake 2, Asher Simmonds 1. Wodonga Raiders: Baxter Wilson 1. Myrtleford 4.5.29 def by Albury 12.16.88

BEST: MYRTLEFORD: Tai Miller, Jock Pascoe, Jude Browne, Rourke Warner, Oliver Neil, Ryley Skahill. ALBURY: Nash Conway, Flynn Scholes, Jack Shanahan, Harrison Just, Lochie Butlin, Ned Welch. GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: Rourke Warner 2, Will Graham 1, Cooper Howden 1. ALBURY: Lochie Butlin 3, Sam de Steiger 3, Dominic Dunstan 3, Jack McPartland 2, Nash Conway 1. Yarrawonga 2.5.17 def by Wangaratta Rovers 9.11.65

BEST: YARRAWONGA: Joseph Lee-Conway, Tommy Marriner, Seth johnson, Lewis Henley, Jensen Hargreaves, Jim Houston. WANGARATTA ROVERS: Noah Scholte, Harry McMonigle, Preston Coleman, Samuel Allan, Samuel Rourke, Trey Vincent. GOALS: YARRAWONGA: Jack Eales 1, Jensen Hargreaves 1. WANGARATTA ROVERS: Preston Coleman 3, Samuel Allan 1, Oscar Clelland 1, Ryley Ely 1, Cooper Gracie 1, Cody Johnson 1, Bay Pellegrino 1.

Corowa R’glen 4.4.28 def by Lavington 13.11.89 Wodonga 6.4.40 def North Albury 9.12.66

BEST: MYRTLEFORD: Lachlan Murphy-Dale, Matthew Munro, Ashton McPherson, Toby Cossor, Josh Muraca, Frazer Dale. ALBURY: Fletcher Carroll, Ben Kelly, Isaac Muller, Charlie McGrath, Elliott Powell, Anthony Miles. GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: Lachlan Murphy-Dale 5, Levi Young 2, Diesel Batey 1, Toby Cossor 1, Charlie Crisp 1, Simon Curtis 1, Brody Ricardi 1. ALBURY: Brayden O’Hara 3, Elliott Powell 2, Fletcher Carroll 1, Oliver Hayes 1, Kolby Heiner-Hennessy 1, Jackson Kelly 1, Charlie McGrath 1.

ROVERS

BEST: YARRAWONGA: Daniel Howe, Ned Pendergast, Leigh Masters, Perry Lewis-smith, Ryan Einsporn, Lach Howe. WANGARATTA ROVERS: Jace Mcquade, Brodie Filo, Xavier Allison, Dylan Wilson, Alex McCarthy, Justin Lewis. GOALS: YARRAWONGA: Matthew Casey 2, Bailey Frauenfelder 2, Daniel Howe 2, Lach Howe 1, Nicholas Irvine 1, Perry Lewis-Smith 1, Tyler Lovell 1. WANGARATTA ROVERS: Lochie O’Brien 2, Will Christie 1, Justin Lewis 1, Alex McCarthy 1, Samuel Murray 1.

NORTH ALBURY

BEST: WODONGA: Jack O’Sullivan, Charlie Morrison, Ollie Greenhill, Joshua Mathey, Liam Andrews, Connor Brodie. NORTH ALBURY: Fletcher Ramage, Cayden Winter, Jack Penny, Harry Weaven, Isaac Campbell, Cody Gardiner. GOALS: WODONGA: Jett Cassidy 2, Reuben Bourke 1, Noah Bradshaw 1, Zac Harding 1, Joshua Mathey 1, Jack O’Sullivan 1, Matthew Wilson 1. NORTH ALBURY: Nathan Dennis 2, Joshua Minogue 2, Keith Tallent 2, Foster Gardiner 1, James Webb 1.

vs COROWA RUTHERGLEN NTHALBURY vs MYRTLEFORD SAT,JUNE22 LAVINGTON vs WODONGA RAIDERS WODONGA vs YARRAWONGA SUN,JUNE23 WANGARATTAROVERS vs WANGARATTA

King’s Birthday golf at Mount Beauty

MONDAY, June 10 June, saw 14 groups take to the field in a 4 Ball Ambrose event in aid of the Bumblebee MND Big Freeze organisation.

All proceeds from the day including the post-match BBQ was donated to the Bumblebee MND cause.

The winning team with a net 56.625 was Will Hood, Wes Dowel, Graham Beer and Liam Pearce, very closely followed by Tom McMahon, Ben Ritson, Paddy Dodd and Ben McIlroy with 56.875, then Keith Archibald, David Etherton, Nicholas Archibald and Brian Henning with their 58 net.

NTP on the seventh was Jim Crebbin, ninth was Peter Dilley,

17th, along with the Tatts Ticket from the Tawonga South Newsagency & Post Office was Nick Archibald, and the money on the 18th went home with Darren ‘Rattles’ Flay.

Saturday, June 8 was the playing of the Stephen Green Memorial Trophy, an important day for the club as it was Stevie’s inspiration, determination and goal to transform the course from sand scrapes to grass greens.

He began his vision, with the help of a team of volunteers and donations from members of the club in the late 1990s and saw to the completion of the transformation in 2001 with all 18 holes completed.

The band of volunteers the

club has today are ably keeping up and improving on Stevie’s vision and have done him proud.

The comp was a 4BBB Stableford won by Rick Biesboer and Allan Retallick with 45 points from father and son team, Keith and Nick Archibald with 42 points.

A total of four pairs shared third place with 41 points: Leesa Bevan/Macca Deans, Stephen Short/Philip Bardsley-Smith, Lynda Barter/Liz Harvey, and Len Tonn/Daniel Thomas.

NTP on the seventh was Roger Church, along with the Tatts Ticket from the Tawonga South Newsagency & Post Office, ninth was Dave Browning, 17th was Sam Bellchambers while Macca Deans took

home the money on the 18th.

Some of the best individual scores on the day were Leesa Bevan and Allan Retallick with 38 points each, Dave Browning with 37 points, and Nick Archibald and Rick Biesboer with 36 points each.

The ladies played 18 holes on Wednesday, June 5 where Carol Bartholomew was victorious with 33 points from Helen Whittaker with 30 points.

The men played the Front 9 on the same day which was won by Peter Johns with 20 points from Michael Bartholomew and Ivan Mock, both with 18 points.

NTP on the seventh was Steuart Snooks with the club retaining the ball on the ninth.

Clinical Savoy despatch Cobram

By NATHAN DE VRIES

MYRTLEFORD’S senior men’s side remains the team to beat after producing yet another brilliant match to down Cobram Roar 2-0.

The round nine match was played last Thursday night at South Wangaratta, a catch-up fixture from the FA Cup Final earlier in the year.

The ladder leaders and league championship frontrunners were put under pressure early by Roar, with Cobram showing intent in the early minutes, but any shots were kept out by goalie Nathan Gleeson.

With neither team able to convert on their chances through the first 45 minutes, the deadlock was broken by Myrtleford through Scott Peggie’s strike from outside the box.

A second goal came 15 minutes later thanks to Pietro Montagner’s back post header.

Coach Jayden Vescio said his side were out of sorts early, but backed up well through the match.

“We started the game, I wouldn’t say flat, but I feel like Cobram came at us for the first 25-30 minutes,” he said.

“Nathan Gleeson made a couple of good saves, they threw everything forward and we

Matt Richardson and the

didn’t really get the game on our terms.

“I thought we were better in the back end of the first half, we pressed pretty high and nearly opened the scoring but we went

into half-time nil all in a pretty even contest.

“We changed a couple of things up going forward, we wanted to go a little bit more direct and put their backline under pressure.

“Once we got the 2-0 buffer we probably didn’t shut up shop like we normally would have, I think the boys thought there were more goals in it for us.

“We were quite sound defen-

Savoy Soccer Club eager for rest of season

By NATHAN DE VRIES

MYRTLEFORD Savoy

Soccer Club president Anthony Zanghellini can’t wait to see how the rest of the season unfolds.

With strong performances on the pitch and plenty of action off it, Savoy are in an enviable position in the league.

Zanghellini said there was something to celebrate from each of the club’s teams, starting with the junior Miniroos program.

“That’s going from strength to strength,” he said.

“We’ve got roughly 110 this year, the numbers are fantastic – we actually had to cap it at 110 when we decided to resow the ground.

“Hopefully next year

those numbers, with some luck, will be up around 130 kids, so we’re in a very strong position there.

“Everyone involved in the AWFA programs is doing really well, from the under 13s to the seniors.

“We’ve got full teams, a lot of competitive games, competitive teams.

“We’re seeing a big return to the club through the community, numbers at the games have been very strong.

“Participation in our female teams has been a highlight this year, all of those teams are growing by the week, their skill level and their achievements are a good reflection on their coaches and support staff

“It’s really good to see the girls flourishing this year.”

Zanghellini said the club was fully moved into their redeveloped club rooms, and were loving it.

“Everyone’s moved in now, I think everyone’s just happy to be back home,” he said.

“We resowed the ground about two months ago, that’s come along in spades, we’ve been blessed with beautiful weather also, that’s certainly helped.

“We’ve just happy to be playing on the home deck with really strong crowds coming along to support us – La Fiera weekend was a huge hit.

“We’ve got our Silver Circle on this Friday evening at the club, that’s another big one, so there’s plenty going on around the place, and probably more with the way the club’s going.

“It’s really exciting to be down there at the moment.”

Finals are not until late August, which leaves plenty of time for Myrtleford to challenge across the grades.

“In the second half of the year we just want to continue the momentum that we’ve built this year,” Zanghellini said.

“Sponsorship base has been extraordinary, that community buy-in has been second to none.

“We want to hopefully get the big crowds back down to the club this year and really get that momentum going over the next couple of months, and hopefully we can get a lot of teams into the finals coming into the end of August and early September, and bring home a lot of success in 2024.”

sively, so we pressed them even more late but were unable to score a third - 2-0 away to Cobram on a Thursday night, I’d take that any day of the week.”

The convincing win sees Savoy further pull away from the rest of the division one men’s competition, sitting nine points clear on top of the table and undefeated with the best goal difference in the league of +24.

With a healthy list and strong competition for spots, Savoy will be tough to unseat.

“We had a stage there from round six to nine where we were calling on our 17th and 18th players to play, but our bill of health’s really good at the moment,” Vescio said.

“We’re really healthy, we realise we’ve got a lot of work to do in the back end of the season, and we’ll change things up on a couple of different formations, but there’s still a lot of work to be done.

“If we get through the next four or five weeks, then if we’re unbeaten after four or five more, then we can really start thinking about possibly winning the league championship.

“At this stage, we just look at our next four and try and back 12 points there.”

Myrtleford will take the bye this weekend before fronting up to a midweek fixture against Melrose.

STRONG: Amber Howell in action for Myrtleford Savoy Soccer Club in a recent match against Melrose.

PHOTO: Janet Watt

STRONG POSITION:

senior Savoy team sit undefeated on top of the ladder. PHOTO: Janet Watt

DYNAMIC DUO: Rick Biesboer and Allan Retallick took out the Stephen Green Memorial Trophy on Saturday.

Bombers ready for finals launch

By DANIEL SAVILLE

THE first forced break of the season has given teams in the Tallangatta and District football and netball leagues a chance to breathe after nine consecutive rounds of play.

The Bombers’ A grade netball squad, many of whom have joined or recommitted to the club this season, have now had the opportunity to form strong combinations at both ends of the court.

A genuine opportunity to break a long finals drought

may materialise this season and has been a big motivator for the team for many months and years prior.

Dederang-Mount Beauty

A grade netball coach Alex Dyde has been happy with the team’s performance for most of their games to date.

“We are seeing some more instinctual flow and movement across the court as the team gels together, which is great considering most of the girls haven’t played together prior to this season,” Dyde said.

Wintery week for golfers

WINTER well and truly made its presence felt this week, with golfers having to rug up to venture out on local courses.

Thursday, June 6

Myrtleford Auto Electrics - Stableford - AWCR 74 AMCR 71

A Grade Winner: Barb Welch (19) 35pts c/b. A Grade Runner Up: K Chapman (36) 35pts.

Foodworks NTPs - 1st: W Caldwell, 8th: Judy Bynon, 16th: Marnie Broz.

Ball Winners: W Caldwell.

9 Hole Winner: S Kelly. 9 Hole Runner Up: B Newton.

Wednesday, June 5

Myrtleford Auto Electrics Stableford AMCR 71

A Grade Winner: Tony Chapman (17) 36 pts. A Grade Runner Up: Peter Vasey (23) 35 pts c/b.

Ball Winners: A Roseby 35, R Taylor 35, G Veldman 34, P Stewart 33 c/b.

Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Heath Thompson, 4th 2nd Shot: Jim Martin, 14th: Alan Rockliff 16th: Peter Stewart.

Tuesday, June 4: Myrtleford Auto ElectricsStableford - AWCR 74 AMCR 71

A Grade Winner: Barb Welch (19) 36pts. A Grade Runner Up: J Roseby (15) 32pts.

Foodworks NTPs - 1st: P McPherson.

Ball Winners: K Chapman (36).

9 Hole Winner: P Dawkins. 9 Hole Runner Up: P McPherson, B Newton.

Saturday, June 1: Myrtleford Auto Electrics & Super 6 AMCR 71 AWCR 74

A Grade Winner: Chris Rowney (13) 38 pts c/b.

A Grade Runner Up: David Matthews (13) 38 pts. B Grade Winner: Warren Rowney (24) 35 pts. B Grade Runner Up: Geoff Veldman (18) 33 pts c/b.

Super 6 Winner: David Matthews (13) 17 pts. Super 6 Runner Up: Chris Rowney (13) 15 pts.

Ball Winners: S Hancock 37, L Semmler 37, W Love 36, C Piazza 34, G Black 34, B Love 34, B Wheeler 33, A Sands 42 c/b.

NTPs - 1st: Brendan Wheeler, 4th 2nd Shot: David Matthews, 8th: Alan Sands, 14th: Spider Hancock, 16th: Brendan Wheeler.

Raffle Winner: Paul Evans.

Matthews Cleaning Award: Andrew Roseby 21 pts.

“As we move into the back half of the season, we can start to shift our focus to have a balance that includes countering the opposition’s game, rather than having to solely remain focused on our own game play.

“The aim is to remain competitive while working on the identified points so that we can remain in that top five and be even stronger and more cohesive as a side come finals.”

Fifth-placed DederangMount Beauty will need to

be at their best to beat sixthplaced Mitta United, with only one win separating the two sides on the ladder.

The fixture will also be the Bombers’ first home game at Dederang for the season.

“Mitta are only one spot behind and having played finals for most of the past few years, they will no doubt be looking to crack into the top five over the coming rounds so will be coming in hard,” Dyde explained.

“We will be treating this round as a must-win to wid-

en that gap on the ladder and further solidify our deserving top five spot.

“With the likes of Chiltern and then Tallangatta coming up, these will be great match ups and strong competition, so a win against Mitta will help alleviate some of the pressure when we face those top sides.”

The season hasn’t been as comfortable for DederangMount Beauty’s senior football side, who remain winless after nine rounds as they enter a rebuilding phase following the depar-

ture of many experienced players in the off-season.

Despite conceding an average losing margin of 148 points in 2024, co-coaches Jaydn Chalmers and Tom McGhee have remained positive and upbeat, which has galvanised the playing group and given hope of success in the near future.

The Bombers suffered a heart-breaking nine-point loss to Wahgunyah in round three and will be hopeful of reversing the result in their return fixture back at home in round 15.

ENTRY: Brody Ricardi sends the Saints forward.

DOWN AND DIRTY: Zac Pethybridge slides for a mark.

POWER FORWARD: Lachlan Murphy Dale celebrates after booting one of his five majors against the Tigers.

PHOTOS: Janet Watt

OKFNL healthy report card at midpoint of season

FOOTBALL and netball took a break across the Ovens and King league, with players and officials earning a weekend off after the first 10 weeks of competition.

Reigning senior football premiers Bonnie Doon and reserve premiers Bright are undefeated and on top of the ladder, with the rest of the top six looking strong.

On the netball court, Greta, Milawa and Bonnie Doon emerging as finals contenders across the five grades.

Acting league operations manager Shankar Menon said the first half of the season had been extremely successful both on and off the field.

“If you look at the ladder, it’s very similar to last year,” he said.

“There have been upsets and a few close games from the start of

Bright aims high for second half of season

By DANIEL SAVILLE

AS the Ovens and King football season reaches its midway point, Bright has emerged as one of three major contenders with a record of eight wins and just one loss.

Despite no games being staged across the league last weekend, the Mountain Men kept moving forward and held a training session last Saturday morning to keep them prepared for their upcoming stretch of matches.

By no means has it been the perfect season, but there have been plenty of reasons to celebrate on their way to finals footy.

Forward trio Cooper Thomason (52 goals), Declan Bren (29) and Luke Quirk (26) have combined for more than 100 goals between them and will give opposition coaches a headache or three over the next few months.

Ruckman Joe Gray has been a consistent presence in the middle of the ground, while midfielders Zander Dalbosco, Max Rampling and skipper

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

the season until round 10, and it’s a very similar story for the netballers as well.

“It’s good the teams who have won it in the past are still maintaining consistency, there’s a benchmark for other teams to look up to and work towards.

“Overall, where the league is at at this stage, with the support of AFL NEB, we’re in a good place at this point in time and looking good for the second half of the season.”

The competition isn’t complete, with Benalla All Blacks not fielding a reserve football side and B reserve netball squad, but clubs and

the league have adapted well to the vacancy.

“When teams have played Benalla in the past, because they don’t have a reserves footy team, there’s a time slot available there, a couple of hours,” Menon said.

“If and where possible, a couple of the junior teams who usually play on the Sunday have played on the Saturday so they can fill in a couple of junior games before the seniors play at 2pm.

“Clubs have been proactive this year, and as a league we’re definitely promoting and supporting those sort of actions by clubs, it makes it enjoyable for everybody involved.”

Menon said there was still plenty of action to come in the second half of the season, which resumes this Saturday, June 15.

“Looking at the ladders for football and netball, I really feel the usual suspects will qualify for finals, but it would be interesting and I would be very glad to see a couple of upsets, to be very honest, just to see other teams coming into the top six and getting a little bit more ‘oomph’ factor into the league,” he said.

“There will be a Terry Socks It to Cancer round somewhere down the line in the second half of the year.

“The NAIDOC rounds are going ahead (round 14 and 15), clubs will be wearing their indigenous jumpers to support the cause.

“There’ve been a lot of things happening in the league behind the scenes, it’s good to see the clubs coming together to work with each other and make the league as sustainable as possible.”

Sam Dalbosco are sure to be featuring heavily during the vote count on presentation night later in the year.

Senior coach Paul Harrison conceded it hasn’t always been smooth sailing despite an impressive winloss record.

“I feel the season so far we achieved the goals we set out to, so that’s a tick thus far, however it has come at a cost with how many injuries we have sustained so far,” Harrison said.

“It has given us a chance to get senior games and confidence into our depth players and that will be valuable coming into the back end of the year.

“We’ve faced challenges along the way and got over the line in games where we had to dig deep.”

Bright will face top-two rivals Bonnie Doon and Greta in the next month, which Harrison suggested could make or break their ability to gain the allimportant double chance.

“We have a challenging five-week block ahead and have set a goal to win four of these games, which should have us in the top two,” Harrison added.

The Mountain Men’s most immediate challenge will come in the form of a rejuvenated Goorambat, who themselves will be looking to catapult into top-four calculations.

“Goorambat will be a tough game – their contested work is very good, but I think if we can control the tempo of the game and force them to defend hard from their turnovers, we should get some really good

Ovens and King’s top five at halfway point

THE home and away portion of the 2024 Ovens and King Football Netball League season is at its halfway point, following the co nclusion of round 10 matches last weekend.

With 10 rounds of footy and netball remaining before finals commence, some of the competition’s top performers are starting to establish themselves in the goal kicking and goal shooting tallies.

STRONG

START: Michael Elliott and the Mountain Men are well positioned to attack the second half of the season.

PHOTO: Charlotte Kilner

looks inside 50 and be too strong over the four quarters.”

Bright’s reserves side has made the best possible start to their premiership defence, winning all eight games to date and are well placed to go back-to-back.

Like their senior counterparts, a test of squad depth has been a regular challenge for coach Michael Elliott and captain Darcy Martin to deal with, using a total of 46 players so far throughout the season.

Goalkicking juggernaut Tom Mullane-Grant once again leads the competition with 59 goals and is a key reason the ladder-leading Mountain Men, who have an average winning margin of 90 points despite narrow victories against Milawa and Greta, are the team to beat.

O&KFNL’s top five Senior football goal kicking Duane Haebich, Goorambat (53); Cooper Thomason, Bright (52); Frazer Judd, Greta (50); Cody Crawford, Greta (38); Declan Bren, Bright (29). Reserve football goal kicking Tom Mullane-Grant, Bright (59); Brad Spencer, Greta (31); Leroy Dowling, Moyhu (16); Damiun Cassidy, Greta (16); Paul Harrison, Bright (16); Steve Williamson, Milawa (16).

A grade netball goal shooting Kaylee Allan, Tarrawingee (335); Portia Keatch, Bonnie Doon (313); Emily Canny, Milawa (228); Maddie Hill, Greta (210); Amy Starzer, Bonnie Doon (209).

B grade netball goal shooting Abbey Forrest, Whorouly (289); Rhonda Bennett, Milawa (285); Chrissy Blunt, Bonnie Doon (263); Allyson Hussey, Greta (236); Georgia Long, Tarrawingee (168).

B reserve netball goal shooting Luisa Licciardello, Whorouly (259); Laura Sundblom, Milawa (201); Sarah Ragg, Bonnie Doon (199); Billie Wilson, Greta (173); Courtney Mcleod, King Valley (166).

C grade netball goal shooting Poppy Broomhall, Goorambat (308); Luca McIntosh, Bright (251), Mollie Hogan, Greta (220); Maddie White, King Valley (218); Anastasia Ford, Moyhu (204). Under 15 netball goal shooting Keira Thornton, Bonnie Doon (198); Lara Klingsporn, Bonnie Doon (115); Matilda Dean, Milawa (113); Rosie Welch, Moyhu (113); Paige Ely, North Wangaratta (111).

MATCH REVIEWS

Another close call for A grade Saints

By NATHAN DE VRIES

FOR the second time in as many weeks, Myrtleford’s

A grade netball squad managed to stand tall in a thriller, once again home by a single goal against Albury.

Far from the see-sawing match against Rovers last weekend, the Saints were on the back foot early, but fought back late to claim the 46-45 win.

Albury fired the first shot, before putting the foot down to lead by seven after the first 15 minutes of play.

The Saints worked their

way into the match but couldn’t bring the margin back, trailing by 10 goals in the third quarter.

Some brilliance under the post and further up the court allowed the shooters to bring the deficit to just six goals heading into the final term, with the Saints eventually hitting the front with just four minutes left in the game.

Coach Olivia La Spina said it was a brilliant comeback effort.

“They certainly jumped us in that first quarter and kept applying that pressure in the second quarter,” she said.

“It took all of our strength,

we had to change a few things around and start playing with a bit of freedom and attitude of “what do we have to lose?” and we were able to get across the line.

“It’s probably one of the best comeback games I’ve been a part of, but as a coach, it’s one of those heart attack moments.”

La Spina said the game changers were sisters Taylah Larkings and Jorja Reidy, on loan from O&K club Greta who had the bye on Saturday.

The pair came on in the second half and provided the spark the Saints needed,

Tigers trounced by Saints

■ From back page

“Our leaders really stood up at really important parts of the game.

“Lachy Dale was outstanding with five goals, he was really a threat up forward.

“Jaxon East, Simon Curtis, Mitch Dalbosco were all outstanding, racking up plenty of possessions.

“Matty Munro continues his last four or five weeks of outstanding form for us, gave us plenty of looks inside 50 which we were able to capitalise on.

“We think we’ve got some really good inside midfielders and I was really happy they were able to negate the influence of Albury’s and create lots of opportunities for us.

The result sees the Saints narrow the gap between them and the rest of the competition, sitting just two games out of the top five.

Myrtleford will travel to Bunton Park

this weekend to face the top three North Albury Hoppers in the first week of the split round.

“Our last three games against them have been under two goals, so we feel like our footy’s consistent against them but they’ve beaten us the last three occasions,” Millar said.

“We definitely need to play our best to win the game.

“We go into the game with a bit of confidence, and no doubt they will too, they’re sitting third on the ladder.

“They’re a good side, and it’s going to take our best to win this week, but I feel confident going over there and being able to put in another good performance.

In other results from the weekend, Myrtleford’s reserves fell 3.6 (24) to Albury’s 9.12 (66), while the thirds were handed a 59-point loss 4.5 (29) to 12.16 (88).

with Jorja controlling the flow through the midcourt and Taylah combining with Daisy O’Kane to drag Myrtleford over the line.

“Having those two girls in the team on the weekend just allowed a few extra rotations and for us to look at a few extra things – that was probably the difference in the end, having an extended bench,” La Spina said.

“We were able to try and find the combination that worked best.

“We see what they do in the O&K, and I think sometimes they second-guess

themselves, they wonder if they’re up to the O&M but I said to them the weekend absolutely proved they can step on an A grade O&M court and get the job done.

“Without them, we really would’ve struggled to get the win.”

The Saints travel to Bunton Park to take on the Hoppers this weekend, who currently sit fourth on the ladder.

“We had a close-ish loss to them on Easter weekend, four goals, but I think we match up quite well against them, so we’re definitely up for the challenge,” La Spina said.

“It’ll just be a matter of if we can stem the flow in their midcourt.

“They’ve got Em Browne who’s arguably the best player in the league at the moment, so we’ve got to somehow find a way to stop that connection between her and her goalies, and hope we can start the game on the front foot rather than playing catch-up.” It was a day of mixed results in the other grades on Saturday, with wins to B grade (58-32) and under 17s (49-34), while the C grade (36-39) and under 15 (31-38) sides came up short.

INTERCEPT: Taylah Cartwright leaps in front of Sophie Hallam for the turnover.

DYNAMIC MOVEMENT: Olivia La Spina takes possession in the midcourt.

STAR PLAYER: Jorja Reidy provided the spark the Saints needed to pinch the win over Albury. PHOTOS: Janet Watt

GROUP EFFORT: Levi Young, Josh Muraca and Ryley Bouker work together to keep the ball away from Albury.

PHOTO: Janet Watt

2024 afl businesstipping footy

Tigers trounced

SAINTS GO MARCHING IN 15-POINT WIN OVER ALBURY

BY NATHAN DE VRIES

MYRTLEFORD produced a four-quarter effort on Saturday to secure their third win of the season at home to a spirited Albury Tigers outfit.

The Saints led for the majority of the match, running out 15-point winners, 12.12 (84) to 10.9 (69).

The home side hit the front early, producing seven scoring shots to three through the first term to take a nine-point lead at the first break. Albury started to hit their straps as the game wore on but Myrtleford were able to match it and surpass it, generating repeat entries into the dangerous forward line.

The margin was just 17 points in Myrtleford’s favour at the start of the final term, with Albury booting four goals to two in an effort to turn the tide, but Myrtleford had enough on the board to weather the storm.

Simon Curtis was finding the footy at will, racking up 29 touches and six score involvements, while Lachlan Murphy-Dale booted five goals - Josh Muraca, Matt Munro and Ashton McPherson also impressed.

Coach Craig Millar said it was the consistent team performance they had been looking for since round one.

“In all honestly, I thought we’ve been playing some pretty good footy over the past month, it was good to play against a better side who’s sitting above us on the ladder and who’s had some recent form.

“I was really rapt with the fullteam performance on the weekend over four quarters, which was satisfying.

■ Continued page 26

McGeehan Crescent, Myrtleford. AH: 5752

EMMA Sharp puts the shot up over Albury defender Niamh Thorn. The Saints trailed up until the dying minutes of the game to snatch a 46-45 win. Story page 26. PHOTO: Janet Watt