Alpine Division 130324

DESPITE excessive heat across the country over the weekend, the 13th instalment of the Brighter Days Festival saw more than 4000 patrons on both Saturday and Sunday and just over 3000 attendees for the Friday program.

The festival has raised $4 million in the past 13 years for charities, funding research into Sudden Unexplained Death in Children (SUDC) and severe skin condition Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB).

Organiser Jason Reid said he had hoped for another year of mild March weekend weather but the event was a huge success nonetheless.

“It was the first really hot weekend in 13 years so we can’t complain too much and it was better than rain,” he said.

“We had a lot of things for kids to do, misting fans everywhere, water

BY LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE LAndersonByrne@ nemedia.com.au

and refreshments available and everybody sat in the shade and had a great time.

“Everything ran to clockwork and went well; we had fallback strategies and that went well to combat the heat and all the performances were amazing.

“We saw just over 4000 on each day on the Saturday and Sunday and over 3000 for the Friday night.

“It’s just overwhelming support and even though the numbers were lower than expected we still raised a lot of money for our charities.

“We haven’t calculated the total figure yet but going off the attendance, ticket sales and raffle tickets it went really well and we’re

sure to have a good outcome.”

Mr Reid said a highlight of the weekend was the Bright Stars section, which saw local up and coming talent perform.

“We’re really excited about the talent we saw who will help us out at future Brighter Days events,” he said.

“The old favourites Russell Morris, Ross Wilson and Boom Crash Opera always set it alight and on Friday we started with Chocolate Starfish and Kate Ceberano who set the tone for the whole weekend, they were sublime.

“Another big highlight for us, closing out the weekend, were the Screamin’ Eagles with special guest Mahalia Barnes who flew out from Perth to be there.

“They played for more than two hours straight which is an amazing feat on its own and they just stole the show.

“There wasn’t a hit they didn’t

sing, I looked around to see 4000 people singing the same words which was pretty incredible.”

The huge weekend wouldn’t be possible without the volunteers and sponsors involved, all thanked by Mr Reid.

“The volunteers are incredible, we had 100 people turn up on Monday morning to help us close out,” he said.

“Over the weekend we had 200 volunteers turn up at no cost and make it happen.

“We had 20 locals, including tradespeople, who dropped everything to be there because they all get what we’re trying to do.

“The $4M we’ve raised for these charities is a pretty amazing feat, based on a small country town effort and support; I’m really proud that Bright can do this.”

■ More photos page 6

SCREAMIN’ FOR MORE: A crowd of more than 4000 people celebrated the end of the three day festival, Brighter Days, with the Screamin’ Eagles and Mahalia Barnes. PHOTO: Jean-Pierre Ronco

SAVOY SEASON START

Myrtleford Savoy Soccer Club kicks off their AWFA season this weekend. (Clockwise, from top left) Under 14 player Samson Devereux, club president Anthony Zanghellini, women’s co-coach Will Robinson-Dunn, women’s co-coach Tom Scott, and juniors coach Doug Devereux are keen to start the season.

 Savoy feature: page 27-24.

Season is over

A grade Tigers’ loss to City Colts denies finals berth, A reserve still in contention ggy,

THE season is over for Ovens Valley United’s A grade cricket squad, following their 70 run loss to City Colts at McNamara Reserve on Saturday.

Needing 179 for victory the Tigers were bundled up for 108 runs from 46.5 overs before being asked to bowl again, taking 10/78 from 22.4 overs in the second innings.

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

The run chase started off poorly for the home side, with opener Seamus Phillips forced to retire hurt with an injured knee after facing just six balls.

Sam Piazza and Kane Fitzpatrick

worked their way into the innings, with Piazza striking for the boundaries until he was trapped LBW by Josh Nanson for 18 from 22 deliveries, and Fitzpatrick dismissed caught and bowled for 15.

After a solid innings from youngster Noah White (11 runs), the Tigers’ middle order started to falter, with skipper Dylan Bursill struggling to a 28-ball duck,

Conner Forde managing six, and Cooper Thomason lasting just 13 balls without troubling the scorers.

Coming in at number 10, Glenn White had no trouble finding the boundary, belting 33 from 39 in a brilliant lower order cameo, but the Tigers were still rolled 70 runs shy of the target.

Bursill said it was an unfortunate

way to end their season.

“It wasn’t great, no one really got going which wasn’t ideal - City Colts were there to win it to make finals, they were just too good on the day,” he said.

“It wasn’t an unplayable line and length, they were hitting their areas and they were bowling really well to their field.

■ Continued page 30

A baby on board A on board

LEARNING will get a lot more practical for some Myrtleford secondary school students with the latest in this hi-tech kit – a baby.

St d t gi gli i t th ld f th d ll

The female infant simulator, called the ‘RealCare Baby 3’, arrived at Myrtleford P12 College two weeks ago and mimics all the needs of a real baby, including persistent crying until it is fed, burped, rocked or gets its nappy changed.

It even needs its head supported when held.

BY BRODIE EVERIST beverist@ nemedia.com.au

contribute to development, health and wellbeing during pregnancy, infancy and early childhood.

Ms Schaefer said a special key is needed to open the baby, and only she can turn it off from software on her computer.

He felt his parents would help him, if needed.

“They’ll probably find it pretty funny,” he said.

Aaron and fellow student Zali Feltrin admitted they may cancel work commitments if it clashes with their 24 hours of parenting.

According to teacher Keira Schaefer, the baby will primarily be used for unit two of the Health and Human Development subject, where individual students from Myrtleford P12 and Marian College will take care of the baby.

The unit includes the examination of development from youth to adulthood and the investigation of factors that

“They’re learning about how children develop, how infants develop, and how dependent they are on their parents when they’re newborns,” Ms Schaefer said.

“We also look at the importance of parenting and good family structure.”

Each student will take the baby for 24 hours and are expected to take it everywhere - to school, home and work.

And they can’t take the batteries out.

While students can ignore the baby, Ms Schaefer said her software also provides a status report indicating when the baby cried, why, and for how long.

Year 11 student Aaron Kiss said he was looking forward to taking care of the baby and fitting it into his busy schedule, which includes playing golf and working at a pub in Ovens.

“I want to be a dad in the future,” he said.

“It should be pretty fun and I’m interested to see how life will be when I have to put off sport or work and stuff to cater to the baby’s needs.”’

Ms Schaefer said last year, when using a borrowed an infant simulator, teachers at Marian College and Myrtleford P12 had been very accommodating of the baby.

One teacher even looked after the baby when a student had an English school-based assessment (SAC).

“The schools were really good with it last year and letting the kids have this opportunity,” she said.

“All the other kids are very intrigued to see someone walking around holding a baby.”

BABY I’M YOURS: (From left) Myrtleford P12 College year 11 students Zali Feltrin and Aaron Kiss with teacher Keira Schaefer and the school’s new female infant simulator.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Site holders seek end to lease

By BRODIE EVERIST

AROUND 70 attended a meeting of site holders from the NRMA Bright Holiday Park last week, where concerned caravanners were updated on an ongoing campaign to prevent the removal of annual sites at the park.

Since July, when the park informed over 30 annual site holders that their leases would end this year, a group of site holders have spearheaded a campaign to stop the removal of sites, seeking details from the Alpine Shire Council and the Department of Environment, Energy and the Climate Action (DEECA) on the park’s management.

Attendees met at the Bright RSL garden at around 12pm where RSL members served food and drinks, raising money for a planned garden upgrade.

The site holders and their supporters later gathered in the RSL building, where campaigners David Fisher and Noel Mckay gave an update on their progress.

According to Mr McKay, due to alleged breaches of the park’s lease over the past 5-10 years, the campers believe they can see the lease terminated, stopping the eviction of site holders.

He said their solicitor is drafting a letter to send to the relevant ministers, the local council and DEECA that details these alleged breaches, with a request to terminate the lease.

“We need to get rid of the NRMA running the caravan

park,” he said at Saturday’s meeting.

“It’s the only way we’re going to stop it.”

Both Mr Mckay and Mr Fisher said a key alleged breach of the lease relates to increasing park fees and a lack of park maintenance.

“On a Crown land caravan park, it’s not supposed to be a money-making venture,” Mr McKay said.

“Anything that you make off it is supposed to be spent on improving the Crown land caravan park.”

The Alpine Observer reported last year that annual fees for sites have increased from $3780 in 2019 to $4881 in 2022, and the park was proposing to increase annual rates to $6108.

“Fifty per cent increase in two years and there’s nothing

the park by the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action.

A number of site holders have received offers to relocate their site within the park, but this is not without problems, according to one site holder.

management to mark out the boundary of the new site before she accepts it.

NRMA Parks and Resorts were contacted but declined to comment.

Last year, the company told the Alpine Observer that transitioning annual sites to short term accommodation would bring more visitors to the region.

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

to show for it,” Mr Fisher said. “[For] everyone on our side of the caravan park the water wasn’t working this morning.”

Annual site holders have regularly submitted questions at monthly council meetings,

querying park maintenance, the ratio of cabins to tents at the park, and the status of freedom of information requests.

As the park is Crown land, the Alpine Shire Council is appointed as land manager of

Kerrie Foreman is the fourth generation of her family who holidays at Bright NRMA Holiday Park and her father is known for playing the bagpipes there on New Year’s Day. She said she was lucky to receive a new site after entering a ballot, but for some site holders the footprints of the new sites are smaller than their current arrangement.

Ms Foreman estimated she would have to remove her front veranda on the new plot, and is waiting for park

No audit needed for housing development, says soil report

By BRODIE EVERIST

FURTHER soil testing of the Bright Valley development site has found no environmental audit is required, with pesticide contamination largely undetected or at rates well below limits for residential use.

Supplied to the Myrtleford Times/Alpine Observer by the Deague Group, the Preliminary Risk Screen Assessment (PRSA) concludes a low contamination risk to future receptors, such as humans or animals, as a result of soil and groundwater conditions at the site.

The report’s analysis found results for pesticides were below the laboratory limit of reporting except in one sample, in which 4,4-DDE (a type of organochlo-

rine pesticide) was detected in a concentration far below the limit for low-density residential usage.

Organochlorine pesticides are long-lasting toxic pollutants that were largely banned in Australia in the 1990s.

The report said the site’s history of tobacco farming was a potentially contaminating activity, but it is “considered unlikely that farming operations have impacted site soil”.

“This is further supported by the desktop review of previously completed reports and peer review of said reports, which state the risk of contamination at site based on historic site activities is low and it does not indicate that the site is unsuitable for residential land use.”

Stages one and two of the de-

velopment were approved by the Alpine Shire Council last November, with a permit condition requiring the completion of a PRSA, to the satisfaction of council, before works can begin.

According to a council report, a soil investigation supplied by the permit applicant concluded that contamination was unlikely to pose an unacceptable risk to human health, but recommended a PRSA due to the site’s ‘Medium Potential’ for contamination.

PRSAs assess the likelihood of land contamination in relation to a site’s existing or proposed future use and determine if an environmental audit is required.

According to the PRSA, this is the fifth investigation of soil or groundwater at the site in recent

years, all supporting residential use of the land.

In 2021 a preliminary soil investigation was undertaken, followed by a preliminary site investigation and desktop hydrogeological assessment by environmental consulting group EHS Support in March 2023.

EHS Support then completed a targeted groundwater assessment, while SLR Consulting, another environmental consultant, completed a peer review of the three previous assessments.

The site was used for tobacco growing around 40 years ago, leading to concerns the land may have been contaminated with pesticide residues.

The Alpine Shire was contacted for comment but did not reply before deadline.

According to NRMA Parks and Resorts, NRMA Holiday Parks regularly engages with council to ensure ongoing compliance across the site and is fully compliant with maintenance obligations under the lease with council. They have said a number of upgrades are underway at the park, including to roads, camp kitchens, and amenity blocks as part of regular maintenance and improvement works.

According to the company, the fee structure for annual sites was updated to allow up to eight guests, as part of annual fee increases in 2023. This was an increase from two primary guests where further fees were payable per additional guest.

The Alpine Shire Council was contacted on Monday (a public holiday) but did not respond before deadline.

Dederang Bess meeting today

A COMMUNITY meeting will be held today, 7pm, at the Dederang Recreation Reserve regarding the Dederang Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) proposal.

According to Friends of the Kiewa and Alpine Valleys Inc, three local councillors will attend, as will Senator Bridget Mackenzie and MP for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy.

Representatives of Mint Renewables have also been invited to attend.

Flower show tickets available

TICKETS are now available for TAFCO’s annual trip to the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, next Wednesday, March 20.

Tickets cost $44 per person, which includes travel and entry to the show.

The bus departs Myrtleford at 6am and returns around 7pm.

Call into TAFCO Rural Supplies at 215 Myrtle St to purchase tickets or call 03 5752 1800.

A BIG CROWD: Around 70 attended a meeting of site holders from the NRMA Bright Holiday Park last Saturday at the Bright RSL.

UPDATING THE GROUP: Site holder Noel McKay speaking to the group at the Bright RSL. To the left is David Fisher, who also spoke at the meeting.

Bargain hunt equals fundraising fun

BY BRODIE EVERIST beverist@ nemedia.com.au

MYRTLEFORD homes opened their gardens and driveways last Saturday for the Myrtleford Town Garage Sale, where over 20 garage sales and stalls helped raise funds for local causes.

Items for sale included car parts, furniture, homewares and clothing at properties across town.

Organiser Ren Pitman thanked event sponsors and everyone who assisted with the event, set up garage sales or attended the sales.

She said site fees raised $550 for the Myrtleford P12 College parents club, which helps pay for school excursions and camps, while local scout Louise Benci raised $510 selling egg and bacon rolls, which will go towards a planned trip to Maryborough, Queensland, for the 26th Australian Jamboree for scouts.

A raffle raised $125 for the Myrtleford P12 College per-

FOR SALE: Catherine Quin and Bing Perna were running a stall on Smith Street.

forming arts program, $50 was raised for the St Paul’s Anglican Church, and the sale of garage sale maps also raised funds for the Myrtleford SES, though the amount is yet to be counted.

Ms Pitman said feedback from sellers had been mixed.

“Some people were not happy, other people were really happy,” she said.

“I guess it depends very much on what you have for sale.

“Feedback from the people who picked up a map was really positive.”

She said they may hold next year’s event on a different weekend due to concerns visitors were simply driving through to the Brighter Days Festival without stopping in town.

“We’re going to try that out next year,” she said.

“And also get feedback from the sellers, if they want to tell us, how many items they sold, for example, so that we can get an idea of how many people visited.”

Myrtleford resident Catherine Quin deemed her sale on

Smith Street a success.

She said attendees had been particularly interested in books and old CDs.

Ovens resident Mark Clavarino had visited several sales when he spoke to the Myrtleford Times/Alpine Observer on Saturday, and said he was about to purchase “a million” pieces of children’s clothing.

He had already purchased a bag of balls to make a ball pit for his one-year-old daughter, as well as a trestle table.

Thursday,

Council amends centre’s management committee

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

THE Alpine Shire Council unanimously voted to amend membership of the Bright Senior Citizens Centre Community Asset Committee at their meeting last month, following the cessation of the Bright Senior Citizens Club.

According to the council report, in December last year council was notified that the Bright Senior Citizens would cease to operate and no longer have representation on the committee.

The committee was established by council in 2020 to manage the Bright Senior Citizens Centre.

Membership of the committee will now consist of one representative of council, two representatives of the Bright U3A and two representatives of the general public.

The Bright U3A began using the centre early last year following a similar amendment to the committee’s membership in November 2022.

Councillor Sarah Nicholas thanked the Bright Senior Citizens Club for their role in managing the centre.

“It’s a fabulous facility and they’ve been really supportive and active organisation so thankyou,” she said.

Cr Ron Janas said many former members of the senior citizens club are also members of the U3A, suggesting that would assist in the management transition.

BALLED OVER: Ovens resident Mark Clavarino had purchased balls for a ball pit.

FRY-UP: (From left) Myrtleford Scout leader Mirella Mason, Joey Scout leader Margaret Phillips and Scout Louise Benci were selling food and drinks outside the neighbourhood centre.

PHOTOS: Brodie Everist

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Tip shop approved for Myrtleford Transfer Station

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

A COMPLETE office reconstruction and fit out for Myrtleford’s Transfer Station was approved by Alpine Shire Council at last month’s meeting, with a total unbudgeted capital expenditure of $213,333 contributed by council towards the Tip Shop Project.

In March, 2023 council applied for funding under Sustainable Victoria’s Circular Economy Councils Fund Round 3, to implement a tip shop at Myrtleford Transfer Station.

The fund supports Victorian local governments to implement projects that will focus on reducing the volume of waste going to landfill; increasing the volume of materials reused, repaired, repurposed, or recycled; boost-

ing local circular economy activity and jobs.

Council’s funding application for the construction and implementation of a tip shop at the Myrtleford Transfer Station was successful and the funding agreement commenced September, 27, 2023.

The project includes fit out of a tip shop, construction and fit out of the transfer station office, and road/carpark upgrades for public access.

The recommendation before council approved the total unbudgeted capital expenditure of $213,333 as a co-contribution towards the Myrtleford Transfer Station Office Reconstruction and TipShop project, of which a lump sum amount of $199,856 was awarded to Colin Joss and Co Pty Ltd T/A Joss Facility.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

BAL rating should stay

IT was very concerning to read the Bright Valley developers are contesting the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating at VCAT (“Deague Group confirms VCAT Appeal” Myrtleford Times/Alpine Observer, March 6).

We live in a high-risk bushfire region and protection

to human life is paramount.

The Great Alpine Road is our major arterial to escape in the event of a catastrophic fire event and if these houses are not built to BAL-29 there is a greater chance of house-to-house fire and may, in fact, impact our communities’ chance of escaping.

The Bright Valley development site has burnt in 1939 and 1982 and the likelihood of the site

The report read that upgrading the transfer station office will ensure transfer station staff will be equipped with the appropriate facilities to be able to operate a tip shop alongside their existing transfer station duties.

An outcome of adding the transfer station office to the project is that the transfer station office upgrade is partially funded under Sustainable Victoria’s Circular Economy Councils Fund Round 3 grant.

Council was not awarded this grant until after the adoption of the 2023/2024 Capital Works budget and as a result council’s co-contribution is unbudgeted. A significant portion of the project is the construction and fit out of the transfer station office, which will ensure appropriate facilities to be able to operate a tip shop.

Council tendered this portion of the works in December 2023.

Councillor Tony Keeble said the council had been wellbriefed on the project.

“We were well-briefed on the reason why it’s unbudgeted and the transfer stations tip shop goes to the circular economy,” he said.

“So some of these things come up and we need to get them done so I’m happy with that.”

Cr Sarah Nicholas said this has been on the agenda for at least four years.

“Not only have we been wellbriefed but the tip shop has been on the agenda for four years, probably six or eight,” she said.

“It’s terrific to see we’re finally getting towards a place where there’s really constructive community recycling and it’ll help us to reduce landfill.”

burning again is quite possible.

We request the Deague Property Group reconsider this decision to challenge the Bushfire Attack Level rating set by the Country Fire Authority and stop thinking about dollars and consider the safety of the Bright and surrounding communities as a matter of priority.

Kath Healy, Bright’s Gateway Protection Group Inc vice president

Good Friday fundraisers to get on a barefoot roll

FUNDRAISERS for the Good Friday Appeal are almost here, with a Barefoot Bowls event planned next Tuesday and a Myrtleford town raffle to be drawn on March 29.

As well as the regular barefoot bowls session, Good Friday Appeal area manager Geoff Dyt said the event will include a supper and a raffle, with products donated by local businesses.

A regular bowls player himself, Mr Dyt said the session often attract 50-60 attendees.

“It’s enjoyable and you can come along and have a drink

BY BRODIE EVERIST beverist@ nemedia.com.au

while you’re having a go,” he said.

“You’re all playing together and all chatting.”

Mr Dyt said all the money raised from the event will go to the Good Friday Appeal, a charity that raises money for the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.

Meanwhile, ticket sellers for the town raffle will be holding stalls at various locations in Myrtleford, including local supermarkets.

Mr Dyt said they are hoping to sell around 1000 tickets.

This is Mr Dyt’s second year as an area manager for the Good Friday Appeal, a role that involves organising fundraising events for the charity.

He said the past year had seen strong donations through charity tins at local businesses.

“Now we’re just building up to the big collection day on Good Friday,” he said.

He said people can also donate

to the Good Friday Appeal through the Victorian Government’s Container Deposit Scheme, where depositors can elect to have their container refund sent to the appeal.

The barefoot bowls session starts at 7pm, March 19, at the Myrtleford Bowls Club.

Attendance costs $5.

The Annual Family Fun Day in Eldorado is also running this year, to be held at the McEvoy Tavern on March 29.

The event, organised by Myrtleford locals, raised over $18,000 for the Good Friday Appeal last year.

GREEN THUMBS: Following their recent AGM the Bright Garden Club is hosting a series of garden specialists.

Garden club activity continues to bloom

By LINDA MEIGHAN, Bright Garden

Club

FOLLOWING their recent annual general meeting – held by phonelight on a dark stormy night – the new committee of Bright Garden Club comprises Sally Peet as president, along with Sue de Carheil, Linda Meighan, Leigh Harley, Fran Butler, Christine Baker, Maz White, Marg Fitridge, and newly-elected Jane Moore.

The president’s report thanked all members for their continued enthusiasm and input to the club and its various activities, which include garden visits, bus trips, plant stalls and Festival Events.

For 2024 the club has generously been sponsored by Bendigo Community Bank to assist in their Autumn Festival presentation of guest speaker Chloe Thomson.

On Tuesday, April 30 Ms Thompson will be offering advice on landscaping for beginners to seasoned pros.

Her enthusiasm for gardening and educating others can be seen by her many videos, so look her up at ‘Beantheredugthat’ to find out more. She is an award-winning presenter. Meeting on the second Tuesday of each month, the Bright Garden Club welcomed Liz Gray from Porepunkah Lavender Farm in March; on April 9 we will enjoy gardening tips and plants from Julie of Snow Road Nursery; and on May 14 we welcome chef Patrizia Simone with ‘Herbs and Flowers – from Garden to Table’.

New members and visitors are always welcome – meeting at the Bright RSL Rooms, 7:30pm, and just $2 entry including supper and a cuppa at the end of proceedings.

BOWLING BENEFIT: Myrtleford Bowls Club members (from left) Mark Simpson, Geoff Dyt and Mick Dwyer are encouraging people to attend next Tuesday’s barefoot bowls session, with all proceeds going to the Good Friday Appeal.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Prizes for the raffle include a spa package from an Albury business and a two-camera dash cam.

THE 13th instalment of the Brighter Days Festival saw more than 4000 patrons on both Saturday and Sunday and just over 3000 attendees for the Friday program in spite of hot weekend weather.

Featured acts included Kate Ceberano, Russell Morris, Ross Wilson, Boom Crash Opera and the Screamin’ Eagles with special guest Mahalia Barnes.

The festival has raised $4 million in the past 13 years for charities funding research into Sudden Unexplained Death in Children (SUDC) and severe skin condition Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB).

According to organiser Jason Reid, the total amount raised is yet to be calculated.

Wangaratta's premier audiology clinic

LUCKY LAST: Screamin’ Eagles and Mahalia Barnes close off the weekend with a huge two hour set.

SOUND OF SILENCE: There were a range of extra activities over the weekend for all to enjoy.

KATE SAYS HELLO: Kate Ceberano joined her fans during her Friday night set.

THE CREW: The Cooper Card Run.

BRIGHTER DAYS: Thousands of fans enjoyed a weekend of festivities with the 13th Brighter Days Festival.

PHOTOS: Jean-Pierre Ronco

Amenities addition almost ready

By BRODIE EVERIST

WORKERS were rapidly delivering the Myrtleford Recreation Reserve’s new amenities building last Wednesday, supplying a long-awaited replacement for three ageing toilet blocks.

The building arrived at the reserve practically fully-formed, according to reserve committee of management president Allan MacGuffie, as it had been built offsite in Mulwala.

He said it only took around half an hour to unload.

“It left the factory in Mulwala this morning and it’s arrived here at about one o’clock,” he said.

“The truck unloaded and now they’re just putting the last finishing touches on and by tonight they’ll have the veranda up and the walkway in.”

Mr MacGuffie said the building will cost around $500,000, funded by bushfire recovery grant.

He said an official opening is planned when the building is commissioned and ready for use, which is expected in around 4-6 weeks.

The addition of the building is the latest in a series of upgrades at the reserve, including the installation of a new driveway in January.

Four-year plan report notes portal popularity

By BRODIE EVERIST

ALPINE Shire councillors noted the first report to council this year on the ‘Alpine Shire Council Plan 2021-2025’ last month, with one councillor particularly remarking on the organisation’s increased public engagement.

The report to last month’s meeting marked council’s progress in achieving objectives in the fouryear plan, covering highlights such as the endorsement of the

draft Alpine Shire Land Development Strategy and the Community Climate Action Plan Roadmap.

Under strategic driver 5 – ‘for strong and informed leadership’the report noted the launch of the Engage Alpine online portal in October, with the site receiving 4517 visits, 434 contributions, and 549 members in the first three months of use.

Director of customer and community Helen Havercroft said the portal has been well-used, with

projects like the Short Stay Rental Accommodation Local Law and Bright Skate Park Concept Design having been open for feedback.

Councillor Katarina Hughes said there had been a clear increase in council’s community engagement.

“It’s really nice to see an increase in numbers and visitation on the site,” she said.

“More and more people, as we advertise these things, are going to be better informed as the pro-

cesses go on and I think giving us the feedback on these processes and how they’re working for you is really important.”

Cr Tony Keeble said report highlighted the development of a number of important policies, including their recreation master plan and draft land development strategy.

“Those things are strategic documents and actions that have taken a long time to get to this space,” he said.

Council notes election bill

By BRODIE EVERIST

THE upcoming Alpine Shire Council election this year is expected to cost almost $200,000, according to a cost estimate by the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC).

At their meeting last month shire councillors noted the estimate, which gives a quote of $176,512 for running the election and $16,801 to enforce compulsory voting, equalling a total of $193,313.

According to the council report for the meeting, council is expected to pay the costs of the election scheduled for October 2024.

The report also says election costs have increased by 36 per cent since the 2020 council election.

While council has the opportunity to review these costs, potential changes will have low financial impact, the report says.

Mental health workshop today

THE Alpine Shire is holding a free workshop today for rural men’s mental health and suicide prevention, run by rural mental health advocate Mary O’Brien.

The event runs from 12-2:30pm at St Alban’s Hall, Kiewa Valley Highway, Running Creek. Register at https://engage. alpineshire.vic.gov.au/are-youbogged-mens-mental-healthworkshop.

The workshop will be followed by an afternoon barbecue and refreshments.

Applications close at midnight on Monday 1 April 2024.

Authorised

AMENITIES ADVANCE: Myrtleford Recreation Reserve Committee of Management members (from left) Allan McGuffie, Monica Kennedy and Mike Clarke are pleased the amenities building is taking shape.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Accountants

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

Hearing Services

JO ROSS-JACKSON HEARING CENTRES

Now at 29 Clyde Street Myrtleford

Plus Standish Street Surgery & Bright Allied Health

For appointments call 5752 2817

Insurance Brokers

OVENS VALLEY INSURANCE BROKERS

Myrtleford, 47 Clyde Street

Phone: 5752 1151

Bright, 104 Gavan St

Phone: 5715 9705

Email: info@ovib.com.au

Solicitors

DICK & WILLIAMS

Solicitors & Attorneys Vic & NSW

Myrtleford, 5B Clyde Street.

Phone: 5752 2363.

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

Quality and season drive strong local cattle prices

By BRODIE EVERIST

THE steers were restless in their pens at the largest ever Myrtleford Annual Weaner Cattle Sale last Friday, where around 2400 cattle went under the hammer.

The quality yarding aided by a reasonably wet summer helped achieve higher than expected results amidst a recent drop in market prices.

“The quality was outstanding,” Nutrien Ivone Agencies livestock agent Wade Ivone said.

“There was a lot of weight in those cattle, more weight than we’ve seen in a lot of other yardings of cattle and they presented very well.

“Also we’ve had a fairly good season up here up until it got dry a couple of weeks ago.”

He said many of the cattle purchased will head to Northern New South Wales, but there were also strong North East Victorian buyers.

He said cattle prices have dropped recently due to dry conditions, but the sale had performed well.

“The market has certainly softened a bit, but I think it was a fairly solid sale on what the market conditions are at the moment.”

Three vendors – JC and J Gardner, G and P Ivone and R Muller –all received the top price at $1390 per head for their steers.

Heifers topped $1050 per head, achieved by J and B Fraser for their Angus heifers and R Muller with 20 Angus Herefords.

Steers averaged 335 kilos at $1200 per head, while heifers averaged 252 kilos at $857 per head.

According to Smoko cattle farmer Graham Wells, last Fri-

day’s cattle quality was “as good as they’ve ever presented” in the nine years he has travelled to the sale.

“The cattle presentation, growth on them all, was of excellent quality right through,” he said.

“As usual, the agents presented them very well through the yarding as well.

“I thought the result was good for the sellers and I think buyers would still have room for profit in them as well.”

He sold 11 heifers at $1100 per head – far higher than their purchase price of $380 in October last year, after a significant market drop.

“We put a lot of weight on them and that sort of thing, but the market has increased quite well,” he said.

Kancoona cattle farmer Gary Jones sold 27 steers at $1360 per head.

“It was a little bit better than I was expecting,” he said.

“I thought if I got $1300 I would be doing pretty well.”

Perch, cod capture rates to go under the challenge

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

ANGLERS are set to converge on the Ovens River for the annual Ovens River Challenge next weekend to assist with citizen science.

The ‘catch, measure and release’ event will run over three days from March 22-24 where headquarters will be located at Nimmo Bridge recreation area on Buffalo River Road at Myrtleford.

Supported by Native Fish Australia (NFA), Victorian Inland Fisheries Alliance (VIFA) and Australian Trout Federation (ATF), the challenge encourages anglers to head out into the tributaries of the Ovens River and record their fishing for research purposes, with prizes at the end of the weekend up for grabs.

Wangaratta Fly Fishing Club will see plenty of representation throughout the challenge and club president Bryan King said he was hoping the event would attract anglers from all parts of the North East for an enjoyable weekend.

“The idea is to get people out fishing for the weekend, record

all of their catches and give that information back to the fisheries,” he said.

“They’ve been doing a lot of stocking of Macquarie perch and Murray cod in the Ovens, and they want to find out a lit-

tle bit of information; how far the fish have spread, what sort of condition they’re in, how big they are and the capture rates of the fish.

“You can fish right up near Harrietville, in the Buckland

or any of the tributaries.”

This will be the third year of the event where there will be capture prizes for trout, Murray cod and other species with special prizes and giveaways for junior anglers.

The grand prize across the weekend will be given out to the angler who has caught the most species for the event.

Mr King said committed anglers could catch as much as eight species in a day.

“Since I’ve moved to the area I’ve always done what I call the North East challenge; which means catching a Brown trout, a rainbow trout, a trout cod, a Macquarie perch and a Murray cod on the first day,” he said.

There will also be casting exhibitions and free fly and lure casting tuition for all ages on Sunday from 11am to noon; a free barbecue on Sunday; and fisheries updates from the Victorian Fisheries Authority, NFA and ATF executives.

To register go to: https://australiantroutfoundation.com.au/ ovens-river-challenge-2024/ and click the ‘register’ button on the page.

READY TO FLY: Wangaratta Fly Fishing Club members Bryan King (left), Peter Thackray, Ray Beavis and Gary Scholz are preparing to fish the tributaries across the Ovens River next weekend for the Ovens River Challenge.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

GOOD PRICES: Smoko cattle farmer Graham Wells sold 11 heifers at $1100 per head at last Friday;s cattle sale.

TAKING BIDS: Around 2400 cattle went under the hammer at Myrtleford Annual Weaner Cattle Sale last Friday.

PHOTOS: Brodie Everist

THE IGET IT , I THINK BIT

Stepping up for International Women’s Day

CELEBRATING International

Women’s Day last Friday, the Mount Beauty Chamber of Commerce staged a morning tea event at Bogong Horseback.

Alpine Shire Council provided a grant that helped fund this event.

The event was well attended and guests enjoyed a panel discussion that included the theme of International Women’s Day - Inclusion and Inspiration.

On the panel were local businesswomen Wendy Lee, Monika Hood, Lee Docherty and Cath Baird.

A Q&A session took place after the discussion, followed by Cath Baird conducting a tour of Bogong Horseback, but Cath would not give up the secret recipe for her fabulous scones.

Congratulations to

By FAY MASON, Kiewa Valley

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

Jocelyn Ceccanti for putting together this lovely event, bringing women together in a beautiful setting to celebrate International Women’s Day.

ARE you needing help with Centrelink issues?

Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre is hosting a free forum that will be held at the Centre on

 INCLUSION AND INSPIRATION: Mount Beauty IWD panel members Wendy Lee, Monika Hood, Jocelyn Ceccanti, Lee Docherty, and Cath Baird.

Tuesday, March 19 between 10am and midday, providing advice on how to solve your Centrelink problems.

The lawyers work with Social Security Rights Victoria and will cover a range of topics including:

* Rights and options if you have been refused a

Centrelink payment, or had your payments suspended or cancelled and you do not agree with the decision.

* Centrelink debt waivers and debt recovery issues,

* Disability support pension eligibility and review pathways,

* Disaster related social

security legal issues,

* Review of Centrelink decisions where you have been impacted by family violence,

* Job Keeper debt objections.

The two hour forum consists of a one hour session dealing with

LAUGHING LOCAL RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION

MYRTLEFORD local

Kym Goodman has been made a global Laughter Ambassador in recognition of her efforts to promote laughter yoga, a therapeutic practice said to reduce stress and anxiety.

Ms Goodman said she felt honoured to receive the recognition from laughter yoga world founder Dr Madan Kataria.

“As a laughter teachertrainer, it’s been great to help

people establish their own laughter clubs and present laughter wellness to a wide variety of workplaces and community groups,” she said.

“Anyone who has experienced laughter yoga will attest to the fun and feel good factor which happens naturally as the body’s own pharmacy kicks into action.

“Laughter is a powerful tool to accentuate positivity, create happiness, and infuse optimism to bring about

hope and propensity for life and living, a much-needed resource for health, wealth and happiness for all.

“People often say to me ‘oh you are a just naturally a happy and positive person’.

“I tell them I came from a troubled family background, so laughing didn’t come easy to me.

“Then I say to them, ‘I don’t laugh because I’m happy. I’m happy because I laugh.’

“Laughter yoga has changed my life in ways I never thought possible.” Ms Goodman runs a free laughter club at the Myrtleford Neighbourhood Centre every Saturday at 1:30pm.

 Laughter yoga teacher Kym Goodman has been made a global Laughter Ambassador in recognition of her efforts to promote laughter yoga.

commonly experienced issues, followed by a one hour Q&A.

This forum is being sponsored by Hume Riverina Legal Services.

Attendance is free and morning tea will be provided.

Please call the Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre on 5754 1166 by Friday, March 16 to register.

THIS morning on Alpine FM Brunch program interviews with Dr Helen Haines 9.30am, Glenn Wilson on an interesting new Backgammon gathering at 10.10 am, author Jo Wagstaff on her book “Lean to You“, followed by the Talking Heads segment.

Following that program is the ever popular Alpine Leisure Group request program.

Funding opportunities see four local projects in the running

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

FOUR local projects may be getting a funding boost after Alpine Shire Council had an opportunity to apply for a range of Federal and State Government grant programs.

Councillors last month voted to approve expenditure up to the maximum council co-contribution for each project, in the event that one or more funding applications were successful.

The recommendation before council noted the recent application made to the Australian Government’s Bridges Renewal Program Fund for the Star Road Bridge Upgrade with a maximum

council co-contribution of $130,000.

An application was made in December, 2023 for the upgrade and widening of the Star Road Bridge, and the replacement of the guardrail and pedestrian walkway.

It was recognised that the works must stay within the constraints of any applicable heritage controls for this bridge.

The recommendation also noted the the recent application made to the Victorian Government’s Local Sports Infrastructure Fund with a maximum total co-contribution of $173,518 for the Dinner Plain Pump Track Construction, Mount Beauty Recreation Reserve Oval

Lighting Upgrade and Les Peart Oval Facility Concept Design.

The Victorian Government’s Local Sports Infrastructure Fund is a statewide competitive program that provides a range of grant opportunities across three funding streams; Community Facilities, Community Sports Lighting, and Planning.

Following an assessment of council’s project pipeline, it was determined that the following projects best met the grant criteria across each funding stream and are sufficiently well developed to be deliverable within the nominated grant timeframes.

Make our weekend trains permanent

THE trial for additional V/Line trains is now over and Member for Benambra, Bill Tilley, believes they need to be made permanent.

An additional Saturday and Sunday train were added to the timetable last year after passengers were left standing and sitting on carriage floors after demand outstripped the seats on the train and an additional service was added to the timetable after urging from Mr Tilley.

The trial finished at the end of February.

Mr Tilley said the loyalty of long-suffering commuters to the service should be rewarded.

“We love going down to the footy and events in Melbourne but we need the certainty of the service,” he said.

“These trains have no food or drink service despite being fully staffed and having fully stocked fridges because they are considered temporary.

“They should be a permanent fixture on the timetable and increased to six carriages.”

REBATES NOW AVAILABLE

The Dinner Plain Pump Track, under Community Facilities funding request was for $230,476 with a council contribution of $76,852.

The Mount Beauty Recreation Reserve Lighting Upgrade, under Community Sports Lighting funding request was for $250,000 with a council contribution of $83,333.

The Les Peart Oval Facility Concept Design, under planning, funding request was for $40,000 with a council contribution of $13,333.

Councillor Ron Janas said he was pleased to see the Star Bridge get the funding application approval for a pedestrian walkway upgrade.

“The amount of young people and young families with prams, particularly in busy times of the year, trying to get across, it does get quite congested,” he said.

“Hopefully we’re successful and I’m glad to see we’re also looking after Mount Beauty and Dinner Plain in those applications to spread the love.”

Cr Tony Keeble said it was good to see some opportunities for funding grants in the current climate.

“If it goes ahead, the recreation reserve Mount Beauty lighting upgrade won’t be enough for playing night games of football or cricket; it’s to enhance for the training facilities,” he said.

PEOPLE AROUND TOWN

“The Les Peart Oval is a critical aspect in Kiewa Valley so it’ll be good to see that concept design after all the work that’s been done over the last few years.

“Is the Dinner Plain pump track similar to Mount Beauty, which is asphalt, or is it demountable and comes down in winter?”

Director of assets, Alan Rees, answered his question at the meeting.

“This is a fixed infrastructure in the rec reserve as you enter Mount Beauty, on the left hand side,” he said.

“The concept design has been completed as part of the Dinner Plain Activation Project so it’s a permanent installation.”

MYRTLEFORD

Susan Lunardi

How long have you lived in Myrtleford?

Over 40 years.

What do you do for a living?

I’m a beauty therapist and a single mum. I’ve just moved my business to Albert Street. It’s a different setting - very serene and pretty views in every window.

What are your hobbies or interests?

I love the footy and I love going for holidays with my

kids, going up to the Gold Coast.

What do you like about the area?

The friendly people are what I really enjoy - their good sense of humour. The prettiness of the town and the wildlife - there’s so much wildlife. You also get a beautiful view of the stars at nighttime. When my kids were little they would always grab a beach towel then lie on the grass and stargaze. That’s something a

Pauline Cash

How long have you lived in the area?

I lived here for 35 years, coming from Croydon in Melbourne, but originally from Maitland in South Australia. We were fortunate to receive a subsidised loan for a home because of my husband’s disability.

What do you like about living here?

Basically it’s the people, along with the beautiful scenery. The river is a peaceful spot. Would you like to see any changes? I like it just the way it is.

What do you do your hobbies and interests?

I like to help people, particularly ones who need a lift to do shopping, who are lonely, or just want company. I like to meditate beside the river.

Where would you take visitors to showcase the area?

Up to the West Kiewa walk, to the lookouts, to the local pubs on raffle nights.

lot of city people can’t do and we’re lucky to have something so beautiful.

Where would you take visitors to showcase the area?

Definitely the Mosaic Trail for sure. Probably out to Lake Buffalo, and the deer farm’s great. Is there anything you would change about the area?

The town needs more infrastructure, more rentals for people to live in.

Thursday, March 14,

Upper Ovens Landcare looking after local trees

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

UPPER Ovens Landcare may be trialling a new range of 100 per cent biodegradable tree guards this winter, for their riparian repair project at One Mile Creek.

The ‘green-POD’ guards, manufactured by Global Green Environmental, were designed for the company specifically to fit the needs of the local landcare group and had a recent demonstration to show off the product.

Upper Ovens Landcare vice-president Martyn Paterson said due to the local deer problem and height of the trees being planted, they needed taller tree guards than what the market offered.

“Up until now on the market the only tall tree guards available are the green corflute ones made from plastic,” he said.

“It’s a difficult product; it deteriorates over time in the sun and when we try to dispose of them we found the only place we can get them recycled is in Melbourne and they only accept clean ones so it’s a long and difficult process.

“Having guards that are 100 per cent biodegradable and that we can leave on the trees as long as we need and not cause a problem for the environment is something we’ve been looking for.

“It’s great to have these ones spe-

cially made for our particular project and we’re excited at the fact we can break the tradition of using plastic ones.”

Mr Paterson said the group has several projects around the area for riparian repair.

“Many rivers, creeks and tributaries were dredged in pursuit of gold and are now government land and were allowed to regrow naturally,” he said.

“Often that means woody reeds and blackberries and other undesirable things so our objective is to remove those and reclaim those areas

and build a canopy of native indigenous trees and plants.

“To date we’ve planted between six to eight thousand trees.

“The project we’re looking at for these is one we started last year at One Mile Creek where we took out two and three metre high blackberries, cleared an area and sprayed to get rid of other weeds and, over winter, we hope to plant two to three thousand trees in that area to start that regenerative process.

“The recent demonstration went well, the guards themselves have been tweaked and designed to be

TEST RUN: (From left) Brydie Campbell from North East Water, Upper Ovens Landcare vice president Martyn Paterson, Myrtleford Landcare president Paul Reser, Dale Tunstall from Global Green Environmental, and Tronoh dredge hole committee member Jennie Showers at the tree guard demonstration on Tuesday. PHOTO: Brodie Everist

ideal for what we need, they clip together easy, carry easy in packs of 20, and staking is no different to what we’re doing now.

“It’s a rounded shape as opposed to triangle, like the plastic ones, so they’re less likely to be blown over by wind or knocked over by deer.”

Upper Ovens Landcare encourages all who are interested in helping out to come along to working bees and volunteer, with the autumn and winter period agenda to be released soon.

For more information go to https://upperovenslandcare.org.au/.

Authors to visit shire

TWO authors will be visiting local libraries over coming weeks to promote their latest books.

Author, composer and lyricist Judy Campbell will visiting the Bright Library, 14 Ireland Street, this Friday at 2pm for book sales and signings of her memoir ‘The Silver Tea Service’, as well as discussion and a question-and-answer session.

Bookings are essential – call 5755 1540 to book.

Next Wednesday, March 20, Geelongbased author Fiona Lowe is visiting the Myrtleford Library, 18 O’Donnell Avenue, at 6pm to speak about her latest book ‘The Accident’.

The novel tells the story of two women’s lives being irrevocably changed when a car veers off the road, leaving the small wheatbelt town of Garringarup reeling.

“Like all my novels, at its heart, The Accident is about flawed characters facing real world dilemmas and trying their hardest to live their best lives,” Ms Lowe said.

Visit or call the library on 5751 1591 to book.

Patricia Robinson new owner of Billy & Me, is no stranger to retail business and workwear especially. She also operates

students needing uniforms for their return to school. Nevertheless, Patricia believes that they are over the hardest weeks and the store is once again becoming restocked and

“The Myrtleford people have been absolutely delightful, they are such a loyal and supportive community and have been nothing but grateful and encouraging.” Said Patricia.

continues to be incredibly supportive and I am so grateful that she is still with me.”

Early in 2022 Patricia chose to expand the CUT its own company and moved it to 176 High Street Wodonga. In doing this Patricia purchased another Workwear, School wear business; J & M Clothing, which was located at the North end of High Street and merged it with what they had already established. This was an over 20 years of history in uniforms and embroidery both with loyal customers behind them, so they started in High Street strongly.

Patricia became aware that Billy & Me had serviced Billy & Me for several years, carrying out their embroidery for schools and businesses in the Myrtleford area, so were quite familiar with the customers and had majority of their logos. Therefore Patricia was very interested in purchasing the business. However Patricia wanted to wait until the end

making the prompt decision to sell the business they then had to make a decision very quickly. Billy & Me was then purchased week of December. Patricia is very happy that she decided to go ahead with the purchase clearance sale that was conducted prior

The commencement of running the business was just prior to Christmas, which Christmas close, summer supplies already being diminished and on top of that they had

“Billy & Me was previously Cartwright Fashions and has been serving the community of Myrtleford for approximately a locally iconic business.”

“I am a local person myself living in Bruarong and I have always enjoyed Myrtleford. It is a beautiful community with such a luxurious restaurants, with the added bonus of renowned wineries such as Michelini and Gapsted.”

has constant tourists and visitors enjoying its quality food, wine and retail outlets.

At Billy & Me they continue to stock Trade Wear, Work Wear, Business Wear, Corporate Wear, Health Wear, School Uniforms, and provide embroidery and screen printing.. With Ladies Fashion, Mens Fashion and are expanding Children’s Fashion, They also have Work Boots including Mack, Mongrel, Red Back, Diadora.

FXD, Bisley, Syzmick, Hard Yakka, King Gee, DNC, RiteMate. Business, Corporate and Shiny, City Collection, Fashionbiz, Lee St John. Fashion wear we have Rip Curl, Unit, Black Pepper, Break Away, Caroline Morgan, Mutig, Givoni, Thomas Cook, Pilbara, Stella & Gemma, Two Ts, Voyager, Yarra Trail.

that I have at both branches. Gayle has been with the store for many years, when it was Cartwright Fashions up until now. Gayle brings an absolute wealth of knowledge regarding stock, suppliers and a true understanding of our customer needs. Gayle

“Brenda is also a local person and has also worked at Billy & Me for quite a long time. Brenda is very experienced in retail, has a clientele and their needs very well. Both with many of our customers, both having grown up in the community. This brings such a warmth to the store environment that is irreplaceable. “

Indi has just recently joined the team at Myrtleford and has learned a great deal since every day and has become a valuable member of our team. Indi moved from New Zealand with her partner and they are staying with her grandmother in Myrtleford, hopefully for a very long time.

Patricia is thrilled to announce Natasha Browne will be joining the Myrtleford team as the Customer Service Manager. Natasha brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role with a rich background in management and fashion photography. Natasha’s passion, customer service and asset to the business. place, I am very excited to see how Billy & Me develops. “

from the support of the Wodonga team. Amanda is a pillar of strength, with her calm and logical approach. Amanda overseas the embroidery orders are completed in a timely manner to meet customer expectations. Within these tasks is the continuous problem solving and juggling of stock. Amanda and I are ringing, texting and emailing constantly throughout the day to try to meet our customers expectations and provide a high level of satisfaction. Amanda also manages customer service.

Steph is our embroidery wizard. Steph has been working in embroidery since she

was a young girl and is passionate about embroidery and sewing. Every job is of the utmost importance and Steph works very hard to make sure that the end result is perfect. Steph is also very talented at digitising and with these skills is able to assist customers in the development of their logo as well as problem solve embroidery issues.

Lifting & Safety, as well as both branches of Border Corporate Uniforms & Trade Wear. She oversee’s stock management and does the purchasing. Her career started with a university degree with majors in English Business and Psychology with a minor in Child Psychology. She was a teacher for twenty years teaching in Melbourne and then the North East of Victoria. Including Myrtleford P-12 in 2017 for the second half of the year. “ I really

the wonderful team lead by Adam Lindsay.”

Prior to teaching and also while teaching, Patricia always had other businesses, such as a children’s fashion store, an importing business for 12 years, selling equestrian saddlery and tack via e-commerce, and hospitality outlets. She then worked in Community Service prior to becoming the

Lifting & Safety.

Patricia said “I have always enjoyed the excitement and challenges of business. Further from the fundamentals of business, I believe business is about relationships. In business you build relationships with your customer community, colleagues, suppliers and the business community. You are part of a network which can be very enriching. You never stop learning and therefore if you are willing to become an active part of your business network you can learn a great deal, as well as share your own knowledge and experience.

I am really looking forward to what this new journey in Myrtleford brings.”

PATRICIA INDI GAYLE BRENDA

AMANDA NATASHA STEPH

Tragedy sparks mental health movement

LOSING his best mate to suicide at age 18 was the impetus for Danny Allan’s passion to make a difference for those experiencing mental health issues.

Danny, 32, a former Wangaratta resident who has now settled in Edinburgh, Scotland, will return to the North East this month for an event organised as part of his Smls (pronounced Smalls) project.

“The loss of Karl - who was affectionately known as Charlie - sent a shockwave through our entire community; it was the type of loss that changes everything and leaves scars that never fully heal,” Danny said.

“I experienced a lot of guilt, a feeling that I could have done more, and having no idea how to process that, that’s what ultimately led to the creation of Smls.

“Smls is a project I’ve been working on for the last decade. It’s taken on various forms, but the driving motivator has remained the same - to do some good for mental health by contributing in small ways to make a meaningful impact.

“It’s now settled as an online platform for movementbased events, raising money for various mental health initiatives worldwide.”

The first chapter in the Smls story was PAIN, a 131km ultra-marathon run

BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

around Edinburgh in September last year which raised more than 6000 pounds for The Joshua Nolan Foundation, a local charity which subsidises mental health therapy for those who desperately need it.

“PAIN is the pillar that defines Smls and everything we’re doing, so it’s incredibly important to me. It will always be a special event that will grow each year in kilometres for the man who inspired its creation, and I hope it can become a legacy for Charlie and everyone struggling with their mental health,” Danny said.

Now, Danny is preparing for the next Smls iteration, Alpine to The Vine on March 16, which will see him run alongside brother Robbie - and also invite community members to take part - in an 80km ultra event raising funds for the Black Dog Institute.

“It’s a good opportunity to reconnect with old friends and the local community, and most importantly to raise money for the Black Dog Institute, who are doing incredible work in the mental health space,” Danny said.

“They really resonate with our ethos, and align with where we believe funds

INDEPENDENT Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines hosted an interactive community forum on March 6 as part of her campaign against pork barrelling.

The forums follows Dr Haines’ introduction of a bill to parliament in February against the practise.

According to a statement from Haines’ office, more than 120 people gathered at The Cube in Wodonga and more than 150 participated in the forum online.

Integrity experts including The Ethics Centre executive director Dr Simon Longstaff, Centre for Public Integrity director Geoffrey Watson SC and Centre for Public Integrity executive director Dr Catherine Williams

were invited by Dr Haines to present at the event.

“I’m so energised that the community joined with me and these respected leaders to back this campaign to end pork barrelling and to learn about the practical steps we can take to improve the integrity of grants administration,” Dr Haines said.

“This campaign to end pork barrelling is the next step for us to take together to improve integrity in politics.”

Pork barrelling is a term for the practise of directing taxpayer money to projects in marginal electorates to win votes, without regard to evidence of the project’s merit.

“Australians know pork

LOCALS URGED TO SUPPORT RUN RAISING FUNDS FOR BLACK DOG INSTITUTE

would be beneficial, they’ve been very supportive from day one and great in getting us set up to raise the funds.

“Personally, I see people struggling with mental health more than ever.

“Whether that be because there are more people struggling with poor mental health, or that we’re better at being open and communicative about it, I don’t know - I’ll leave that to organisations like Black Dog to speak on.

“What I do know is that these organisations are doing valuable work, so we should do everything we can to support them.

“I hope we can generate some positive change within the mental health space, and allow everyone to have

 GENERATING CHANGE: Former local Danny Allan hopes locals will take part in and support the Alpine to The Vine event on March 16, which will raise funds for the Black Dog Institute. INSET: GEARING UP: Danny Allan in training.

access to the support they need.

“Whether that be by contributing via the events we directly organise or if by extension we inspire others to do something themselves, it’s all pushing towards a common goal - small steps towards shining a light on better mental health.”

Danny is looking forward to staging Alpine to The Vine.

“It’ll be cool to share some k’s with Robbie - he’s in good nick, so hopefully the heat level isn’t too spicy and we can have an enjoyable day,” he said.

“We’ll be covering 80km on foot from Bright to The Vine Hotel with the local community joining in along the way.”

There will be four checkpoints for locals to join the run - at 58km (near the Ovens-Eurobin Fire Station), 40km (Gapsted, near the CFA station), 20km (Everton Hotel) and 6km (Reedy Creek K14 Streamside Reserve) remaining.

“It’ll be a sociable pace, and we’re encouraging everyone to join for whichever section they fancy,” Danny said.

“It’s self-supported, so we’re asking everyone to bring along their own water and nutrition. We will also have scheduled stops with extra water and some nutrition by Rawvelo, one of our sponsors.

“If running isn’t your jam, that’s fine - we’ll be finishing the run at The Vine Hotel

around 1.30pm, where you can buy t-shirts, enter the raffle or directly donate to the charity.

“The Vine Hotel has also generously pledged part of their bar sales to the cause, so pop down for a few beers to support.”

Anyone keen to donate to the cause can visit http://www. teamblackdog.org.au/ fundraisers/Alpinetothevine

For more information, follow @smlsgoods on Instagram for exact locations and all updates.

 If this media article causes you any distress, please phone Lifeline on 131 114 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

Haines continues push to end pork barrelling

barrelling isn’t fair and they are sick of it,” Dr Haines said.

“Taxpayer money must be spent on the needs of communities not the wants of the major parties.”

“Grants funding is often relied upon by volunteer-led organisations, not-for-profits, small businesses and local governments to support local communities, particularly in regional, rural and remote areas.

“The public deserve full transparency about how funding decisions are made, and why grants are awarded.”

“At its best, pork barrelling is maladministration, at its worst it’s corruption.”

“Rorting grants programs

wastes money and destroys public trust in government processes.”

Dr Williams outlined the prevalence of pork barrelling using prominent examples such as the so-called ‘Sports Rorts’ grants, commuter car park funding, and the Community Battery for Household Solar Program, as well as other examples of inappropriate spending investigated by the Australian National Audit Office.

“Ensuring that public funds are spent for proper public purposes is an issue in which all of us have a significant and undeniable interest – the money is, after all, ours,” she said.

“With a significant proportion of the federal budget

being allocated via grants program, the need for adequate scrutiny and accountability mechanisms in relation to administration should be self-evident.”

Dr Haines introduced her End Pork Barrelling Bill to the parliament on 26 February 2024.

The ‘Accountability of Grants, Investment Mandates and Use of Public Resources Amendment (End Pork Barrelling) Bill 2024’ seeks to end pork barrelling by increasing transparency and accountability of government spending of taxpayer money in grant programs.

The proposed legislation sets out an accountability framework for the use of public resources, including

grant administration.

According to Dr Haines, if legislated the bill would increase transparency and accountability of government spending of public money by improving parliamentary oversight of grants programs.

“As an Independent MP, I have worked tirelessly to improve transparency and accountability in politics,” she said.

”Together with the community, I successfully campaigned for a federal integrity commission, which is now in place and I am continuing that integrity work through my End Pork Barrelling Bill to ensure fair and transparent spending of taxpayer money.”

ldbbfiil th’ t th

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

MINI WORD FIND

ACROSS

1 What are the stems of plants (6)

8 What is a bolo punch (8)

9 Many stockings are called what (6)

10 Name another term for voyages (8)

11 Who is one to whom a lease is granted (6)

13 Which National Park is near Nimbin NSW (8)

16 Who minds sheep (8)

19 What is an alternative name for termagants (6)

22 Name a 24-hour Australian emergency counselling telephone service (8)

24 What is a small knot, or knob (6)

25 To be lowered in dignity, is to be what (8)

26 To be the most mentally sound, is to be the what (6)

DOWN

2 Name a plant of the mint family, used for seasoning (5)

3 Who was the Australian Prime Minister 1932-39, Joseph ... (5)

4 What is a state of mental indecision (8)

5 Which term describes gorillas (4)

6 What might we call a pupil who stays away from school without permission (6)

Letters

7 Name a renowned Victorian stockade (6)

12 What is an inflammatory swelling on the edge of the eyelid (4)

14 What are unexpected but welcome arrivals (8)

15 To quote, is to do what (4)

17 What is a cow that has not produced a calf (6)

18 Name another term for a magpie lark (6)

E-QUATIONS

20 Name a French sculptor, Auguste ... (5)

21 Harry Secombe was a native of which country (5)

23 What are electrically charged atoms (4)

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

WHICH WORDS

1 IGNOMINY

(a) Want of knowledge

(b) Loss of good name

(c) The firing system of an internal combustion engine

2 LITERATE

(a) According to the letter

(b) Engaged in a lawsuit

(c) Able to read and write

BIYWORD

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

CLUES:

Appointed (7)

Aus singer: Peter ... (5) Cap (3)

Coat of Arms (3)

Condiment holder (5)

First pope (5)

Lunar Electric Rover (3)

Norse hobgoblin (5)

SOLUTIONS SUDOKU

QUICK THINK

Stunning river flat views

NESTLED in the always popular Cambridge Park Estate, coming home to this beautiful property will be a real delight.

away from your back gate.

This very private home sits on a spacious 1,056m2 allotment, providing ample space for your family to relax and grow.

This well looked-after, quality home

fect for everyday living and entertaining. With four bedrooms, including a master with ensuite and walk-in robe, and three living areas, there is space for everyopen-plan dining / living area, with doors leading out to the alfresco taking in the views beyond.

-

Wangaratta branch

76 Reid Street

Open weekdays

9am to 5pm (closed 1pm to 1:45pm)

1300 004 863 humebank.com.au

outdoor entertaining area framed by established ornamental grape vines.

Additional features include ducted gas heating, evaporative cooling, split system, ducted vacuum, double garage, and a single carport with rear access.

2663 $865,000 28 Cambridge Drive, Wangaratta Agent | Phone | Price | Location | 4 2 3 |

Garry

Tarrawingee Lot 1, 36 Pryse Road

4012m2

Lifestyle block in Tarrawingee township

For Sale $335,000

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L26387973

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Hugh Amery M 0487 777 311

Harcourts Wangaratta

Whitfield 4882 Wangaratta-Whitfield Rd 1000m22 11

Opportunity in Whitfield Township

For

Eldorado 28 Trezise Street

7537m25 32

Beautiful Family home in Eldorado

For Sale $785,000

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L19192110

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Hugh Amery M 0487 777 311

Harcourts

Wangaratta 86 Templeton Street

571m23 11

Heritage

Nutrien

Wangaratta 47 Mather Street

603m23 11

Value in Mather Street

For Sale $360,000

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L25577147

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Danial Siperki

M 0400 027 473

Harcourts Wangaratta

Wangaratta 62 Phillipson Street

719m23 22

Charming & Renovated

For Sale $639,000

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L19191160

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Danial Siperki M 0400 027 473

Harcourts Wangaratta

Greta South 00 Wangaratta-Kilfeera Rd

91 Acres

“Flynn’s” Hayshed, Dams. Sealed Access

For Sale $840,000

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L24899880

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Joe

Harcourts

Springhurst 644 McMahons Road

25.89Ac4

Amazing Family Lifestyle Property

Nutrien

Rutherglen 96 Main Street

413m2 4

Prime Rutherglen Main Street

Auction Friday 22nd March 1pm Onsite

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L26041402

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Paul Reid M 0417 537 520

Harcourts Wangaratta

Wangaratta 73 Vincent Road 1037m23 12

Charming restoration with period features

For Sale $640,000-$670,000

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L19190455

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Paul Reid M 0417 537 520

Harcourts Wangaratta

Wangaratta 74 Christensen Lane 774m24 22

New Home in Baltimore

For Sale $895,000-$920,000

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L25847611

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Danial Siperki M 0400 027 473

Harcourts Wangaratta

Wangaratta 11 Pin Oak Drive

4170m24 22

Presentation Superb, 3 Living areas, Shedding

For Sale $1,150,000-$1,250,000

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L26173167

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Joe McKenzie M 0423 655 179

Harcourts Wangaratta

Wangaratta 14 Callander Avenue

867m23 11

Classic Red Brick in great location

For Sale $450,000-$490,000

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L19418359

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Paul Reid M 0417 537 520

Harcourts Wangaratta

Glenrowan West 597 Greta Road

10 Acres4 22

Privacy, Space & Seclusion

Nutrien

Danial

Harcourts

Waldara 15 Fairway Drive

967m24 32

Luxury & Exclusive

For Sale $1,095,000

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L19193873

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Hugh Amery M 0487 777 311

Hansonville 00 Delaneys Lane

110 Acres4 21

Hansonville Grazing at its Best, Trees, Yards, Dams

For Sale $1,425,000

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L26518933

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Paul

FORD RANGER PLATINUM 3.0L

V6 4WD TURBO-DIESEL

with the 4x4

By CHRIS RILEY

PLATINUM Ranger is the last stop before you get to the top of the range, the Raptor, which is almost another $10K plus on-roads.

Dropping back, one gets you the 2.0-litre four-cylinder Wildtrak X, with Platinum sandwiched between them.

There are so many grades of Ranger these days, with so many special editions to come when sales start to slow that it’s hard to keep track of them.

The spreadsheet detailing the grades and equipment they come with is mind blowing.

It must be working for Ford, however, because Ranger jumped ahead of the Toyota Hilux in October 2023 figures, to become the top selling car in Australia, with 6215 sales -compared to Hilux’s 5766.

Bringing up the rear in third spot is the Isuzu’s quiet achiever the D-Max with 3198.

STYLING

The look is strong and aggressive, with distinctive “C-clamp” shaped daytime LEDs leading the way, enhanced in the premium Platinum model by a splash of chrome.

Ranger is priced from $36,380 for the 4x2 2.0 turbo-diesel XL Single Cab chassis with an auto through to $87,990 for the 4x4 3.0 V6 petrol-only dual cab Raptor,

Platinum coming in at $78,190 -- all prices before on-road costs.

Ford says new Ranger gives customers the chance to have their cake and eat it too.

They get a serious dose of class and sophistication to go with the inherent capability of the ute.

Working out what the business class Platinum shares with other grades and what is actually unique to this model is a challenge.

B&O 10-speaker premium audio and a bank of auxiliary switches have also been added.

Standard kit includes 20inch alloys, side steps, zone lighting, LED head, tail and daytime running lights, electric parking brake, keyless entry and start, auto lights and wipers, auto high beam, speed sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, auto dimming rear view mirror and front and rear parking sensors and parallel and perpendicular automatic parking.

The tub comes with a light, 12-volt outlet, drop-in tray liner and electrically-operated roller shutter.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS

The four produces 154kW of power at 3750 rpm and 500Nm of torque from 17502000 rpm, while the larger single turbo V6 delivers 184kW at 3250 rpm and 600Nm from 1750-2250 rpm.

SAFETY

Ranger scores a fivestar safety rating with nine airbags, including driver and passenger knee airbags along with the latest centre airbag which provides added protection to front seat occupants in side impact crashes is also standard.

There’s also a 360-degree camera, Autonomous emergency braking (Carto-Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction Assist and AEB Backover) as well as a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), and an advanced speed assistance system (SAS).

There are two top tether and two Isofix child seat anchors.

DRIVING

Coming from the 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin turbo reardrive Everest Sport, it was an interesting transition.

Ute versus SUV, V6 versus four, and 4x4 versus 4x2.

They couldn’t be more different.

We didn’t like the ute to start with, but over the course of a week it grew on us.

The ride is firmer and less compliant, but the delivery of power from the V6 is smoother, more linear and ultimately stronger.

The stubby e-Shifter is a right pain in the butt, with an awkwardly placed shift lock

at the front of the lever.

What’s more, we found ourselves mistakenly clicking the thumb switches to move the car into drive or reverse.

It’s touted as full-time fourwheel drive, but it’s not really.

Most of the time, drive is directed to the rear wheels.

Performance is strong and the ute gets away from the line surprisingly quickly with very little turbo lag.

Steering is light around town but weights up nicely on the open road, with plenty of communication for the driver.

With a tow hitch fitted Ranger is large, at just over 5.4 metres long, 2.2 metres wide and 1.9 metres high, with a 3270mm wheelbase and 12.9-metre turning circle.

Its sheer size can present problems parking and negotiating city streets, not to mention turning around and threading the ute between trees and so forth off road. It’s a good thing it comes with automatic parking.

Suspension is independent at front with traditional leaf springs at the rear, but the shocks are mounted outside of the chassis rails, which helps to reduce sideways movement to some extent.

Overall, the ride is outstanding, given the low base that the engineers had to work with, even when bumping along rocky fire trails.

The all-important tub

measures 1464mm in length, 1520mm wide and 525mm deep, with 1217mm between wheel arches.

With an 80-litre tank, fuel consumption is rated at 8.4L/100km.

We were getting 10.3L after close to 300km of mixed driving including a bit of off-roading.

SUMMING UP

It beggars’ belief that we are still talking about dieselpowered 4x4 utes when fully-electric utes are already on sale in the United States. Fear not. You’ve seen the billboards. A hybrid version of Ranger is on the way -- unfortunately it won’t get here until 2025.

SIZEABLE UPGRADE: Ranger . . . here we go again.

3.0 V6 turbodiesel dual cab

WE ACCEPT

ONE-ON-ONE CHAT WITH

THE MAYOR AND CEO

Do you have a question, topic or issue you’d like to have a chat to our Mayor, Cr John Forsyth, and CEO Will Jeremy about in person?

The opportunity for a one-on-one discussion with the Mayor and CEO will be held at the Myrtleford Library on Friday, 22 March from 9am until 10am. There will be four 15-minute timeslots available for people to come along and ask questions and have a short discussion on a topic or issue of interest.

dressed basis, and close on Monday, 18 March (unless booked out beforehand). Register for your session here: https:// engage.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/one-one-chat

NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMIT

An application for planning permit has been made for the below location.

Application No. P.2023.077

Land: 1 Walnut Grove, Bright

Proposal: Construction of a dwelling and variation of a covenant

Note: The application is being advertised only pursuant to Clause 52.02 (Easement, Restrictions and Reserves) of the Alpine Planning Scheme. Any submissions should be limited to Clause 52.02.

You may look at the application and any supporting documents via the following options:

Visiting the Council’s online planning portal via the link below https://alpine. greenlightopm.com/public/App_

Advertising/25230711ie9Sx7N9B

Using a smart device to access the QR code below (no account needed)

Responsible Authority:

Alpine Shire Council

PO Box 139 Bright VIC 3741

Telephone: 03 5755 0555

Email: info@alpineshire.vic. gov.au

A full copy of the application and supporting documents can be viewed at the Council and made available for the purpose of the planning process as set out in the Planning and Environment Act 1987. The information must not be used for any other purpose. By taking/accepting a copy of this document you acknowledge and agree that you will only use and that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this document is strictly prohibited. Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the Responsible Authority.

You can lodge an objection:

Via Council’s online planning portal using the link above OR

Via the QR Code above OR

In writing sent to PO Box 139, Bright VIC 3741 or info@alpineshire.vic.gov.au

Your objections must: be sent in writing, include the reasons for the objection, and state how the objector would be affected.

Please be aware that the Responsible Authority must make copies of objections / submissions received available to any person to inspect.

Council will not decide on the application before: 13 March 2024. If you object, the Council will tell you it’s decision.

NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMIT

The land affected by the application is located at: 6914 GREAT ALPINE ROAD, POREPUNKAH VIC 3740

LOT 3 LP 216164

The application is for a permit to: Variation of a Restrictive Covenant

The application reference number is P.2024.008

You may look at the application and any supporting documents via following options:

Visiting the Council’s online planning portal via the link below https://alpine.greenlightopm. com/public/App_

Advertising/25231221RvrOhyTB3

Using a smart device to access to the QR code below (no account needed)

Responsible Authority:

Alpine Shire Council PO Box 139 Bright VIC 3741

Telephone: 03 5755 0555

Email: info@alpineshire.vic.gov.au

A full copy of the application and supporting documents can be viewed at been copied and made available for the purpose of the planning process as set out in the Planning and Environment Act 1987. The information must not be used for any other purpose. By taking/ accepting a copy of this document you acknowledge and agree that you will only use the document for the dissemination, distribution or copying of this document is strictly prohibited.

To view the QR Code:Scan QR Code with a compatible device

Select the 3 dots upper LHS

Open in Browser

Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the Responsible Authority. You can lodge an objection: Via Council’s online planning portal using the link above OR

Via the QR Code above OR

In writing sent to PO.BOX 139, Bright VIC 3741 or info@alpineshire.vic.gov.au

Your objections must: be sent in writing, include the reasons for the objection, and state how the objector would be affected.

Please be aware that the Responsible Authority must make copies of objections / submissions received available to any person to inspect. Council will not decide on the application before this date: 3 April 2024. If you object, the Council will tell notify you of its decision.

CARAVANS

$9500. Phone Danny on 0405 165 092.

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caravan

Savoys building for building for the future the

WHILE the teams will be scoring their goals on the field, the committee and support framework at the Myrtleford Savoy Soccer Club are kicking just as many goals behind the scenes.

From a strong committee and player input, to an increase in community engagement and sponsorships, things are looking very positive at Savoy Park.

President Anthony Zanghellini said the momentum and positive energy at the club had been building for some time.

“We started with a club day at the end of last year, and the momentum around the club

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

started then and built from around October,” he said.

“Our sponsorship base has grown dramatically and quickly, which has been fantastic for the club.

“Some people who haven’t been around the club for quite some time, we’ve reached out and invited them back to some capacity at the club.

“It’s just good word of mouth and a good feel from the

community to have so many new businesses and returning businesses come back to the club.

“From that side of things, it’s absolutely brilliant.”

The club’s crowning jewel is only months from completion, with the upgrades to the Savoy Park clubrooms expected to be financed in April.

“The building before certainly served its course, but now we wait with bated breath for the new clubrooms,” Zanghellini said.

“The clubrooms (project) is well on track, we’re hoping to have the keys by the second last week of April, that’s going to allow us two

weeks to get into the clubrooms, set everything up, fill the fridges, set up the canteen which is going to be a big job.

“We’re going to be able to not only have the best canteen in the league, but we’ll be able to oversee small events or functions.

“State of the art toilets, showers, seating, we also have sporting equipment in the way of warm-up equipment like bikes and things like that - it’s really going to be absolutely outstanding.

“We’re super excited to be able to unveil that at our first home game in the first weekend of May.”

The club is in a terrifically promising place in so many areas, it’s easy to see why Zanghellini is so excited.

“The future is bright, and it is an exciting time to be around the club because there is so much going on,” he said.

“I think everybody’s feeding off each other.

“Between Mini-Roos, juniors, the women’s team, the seniors, and not only that but seeing the return of past players and sponsors come back to the club and want to be a part of its future is really what’s going to set us up.

“It’s certainly exciting.”

UNVEILED

SOON: MSSC president Anthony Zanghellini hopes works on the new clubrooms will be completed soon.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Myrtleford Savoy Soccer Club SEASON 2024

Savoy women can go one step further

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

AFTER a tremendous 2023 season, the women at the Myrtleford Savoy Soccer Club are keen to take the next step up in the competition.

Savoy finished second overall last season, and came so close to the ultimate triumph, downed 3-4 to Wodonga Heart in the reserves final.

Now, Savoy are stepping up to the senior competition, and with two eager co-coaches at the helm of a talented and pumped up list, the competition has been put on notice.

New co-coach Tom Scott said the work the team had done in the off season had put them in a very strong position.

“They’ve done amazingly over the summer, we’ve had some pretty hot days in there, but Will and I couldn’t be more proud of them,” he said.

“Before Christmas, we did a lot of games where we were breaking down the barriers of them finding out who we were and us finding out who they were, just building that trust – now, without fail, I can name all of them, all their birthdays, favourite colours, everything like that.

“We’ve had some really good numbers too, we’re in the senior women’s league so that’s exciting, but we’ve got a lot of under 16s.

“We’re probably only two or three players away from fielding a full reserves side as well, we’ve had some really good support from everyone in the community it’s going really well.”

With the step up into the senior division comes a certain amount of trepidation, but the talent at Savoy Park will be more than up to the challenge, the first of which is Wodonga Diamonds.

“We know that being into the seniors now will be a little bit tougher, and we know a couple of other opponents have scouted well, but we still have the utmost faith that our girls can do amazing

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

things when they work together,” Scott said.

“The girls said the reserves league was a competition they could overcome, but now stepping up, I’ve heard Diamonds have picked up a couple of pretty handy players from around the league.

“Tuhina Morton will have a really good year, she’s put in a lot of good work, she’s probably one of the most athletic girls that we have, and her ball skills have really picked up.

“We’ve got a couple of young

guns who have come from the under 15s, they can do some real damage down the wings.

“Will and I still go into the match with plenty of confidence – there’ll be a lot of nervous people out on the ground with expectations sitting over their heads.

“We’ve just got to take it by the scruff of the next and go for it, and I think we’ll go well.”

Savoy takes on Wodonga Diamonds at LaTrobe on Saturday, March 16 at 5.10pm.

They’ve done amazingly over the summer, we’ve had some pretty hot days in there, but Will and I couldn’t be more proud of them.

- NEW CO-COACH TOM SCOTT

MYRTLEFORD’S men are amped up and ready to rip into the 2024 AWFA season, and they’re wasting no time getting into it.

The Savoy senior men took on Albury City last night in their first FA Cup clash, before playing the opening round of the AWFA season on Saturday night against Wodonga Diamonds.

Numbers, skills and intensity have been exceptional through the off season, and with returning players back in the blue, the stage is set for a massive season.

“We’ve got first grade, second grade and third grade – we had a training session there one week, there were 40-odd players there, which over three age groups is really good,” senior coach Jayden Vescio said.

“Brenton Cook returns, he had a year off last year, he’s a former captain of the club and he’s one of my best mates.

“He’s a born leader, he’s played in all of our practice games and he looks ready to go.

“Angus Kelly returns, he played for us four years ago, he’ll be good, he’ll go through our midfield.

“Will Keenan returns, he’s been studying down in Melbourne and Shepparton, he’s played in some successful cup-winning teams, so he’ll help us out in our front third.

“We’re tracking well.”

Vescio praised his side’s defensive strength, as well as the depth of talent in the club’s three men’s teams.

“I think we’ve got some depth down back this year, in the games I watched last year we conceded some goals that we probably

shouldn’t be conceding,” he said.

“We don’t want to concede goals, if you don’t concede goals you go a long way in winning games.

“We’ve got a bit of experience back there now, mixed in with some really good youth, there have been some really good kids impressing in the preseason who will get their chance over the next couple of weeks.

“That’s impressive and exciting.”

Vescio said the two matches this week would be a good test of his side’s preparation, and expected a fired up Savoy squad to front up against Diamonds on Saturday.

“We won’t have any jitters come Saturday night,” he said.

“We’re the only game for the round on Saturday which is good, it allows us to show everyone how hard we’ve been working.

“Playing Diamonds away is always a good game, good facilities, and the boys really like night football.

“We’ll put our best foot forward, hopefully we’ll get off to a good start on Wednesday night and the boys recover well, and we get into Saturday.”

Myrtleford Savoy Soccer Club’s senior men take on Wodonga Diamonds on Saturday from 7pm at LaTrobe Soccer Ground.

Myrtleford Savoy Soccer Club SEASON 2024

Juniors thriving at MSSC

THE next generation of Myrtleford soccer stars are just days away from the start of their season, with the club’s junior sides set to kick off season 2024.

The club will field five junior sides in the Albury Wodonga Football Association competition, but numbers at Savoy Park have boomed in the last year.

“In our junior program, registrations are up again dramatically, precise numbers across the club were over 200 registrations,” MSSC president and Mini-Roos coordinator Anthony Zanghellini said.

“For our juniors between 12s and 16s, we’re up on last year by about 44 registrations – that’s a huge growth and much stronger teams this year for the club in our juniors, which is fantastic.

“Our coaches that we have on board again through Mini-Roos and juniors are of a very high quality, extremely passionate.

“We’ve also spread our base into Bright and Harrietville, we’ve got families travelling down now in our juniors from Bright, Harrietville, Porepunkah, upper Kiewa and around Whorouly, Everton and Beechworth.

“We’re going to field an under 13, 14 and 16 boys, and under 14 and 16 girls.”

Zanghellini said the work the

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

committee had done during the off season to bolster participation among women and girls had been extremely successful.

“There has been a lot of work put into strengthening the girl’s program at the club, particular by Raine Mitchell, Sukey Hughes and Leanne Anders who ran the come and try programs through January and February,” he said.

“The success of those programs has again seen an uptake of registrations from girls within those age brackets in town.

“The correlation comes between the work we’ve put in during the preseason and people coming down wanting to be a part of the Myrtleford Savoy Soccer Club in 2024.”

The club had also positioned itself well with their Mini-Roos program, which had exploded in popularity.

“Last year we had 54 participants registered, and already we have 86 participants for this year,” Zanghellini said.

“The numbers for our MiniRoos program have jumped a huge amount – I’ve said par would be 80 and we’d be happy with 100, and at the moment that’s exactly

FUTURE STARS:

This

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

the way we’re tracking.

“Tom La Spina, our senior captain, has jumped on board to help coach this year - with the uptake of kids we need more coaches.

“Siena Hagens from our women’s team is going to help, and we’ve got some returning players coming back to help with the MiniRoos program.

“The participation and registrations there are well up.”

BUMPER PROGRAM: The MSSC’s Mini Roos program is one of the biggest in the area.

Past players day at Myrtleford Golf Club

A GROUP of 62 players took to the Myrtleford golf course for the annual Ovens and Murray Past Players Day on Wednesday, marking the 19th time the event has taken place.

Golfers also withstood hot conditions across the weekend for the Coles Stableford and Rotary Club Teams of 2 Ambrose.

Sunday, March 10

Rotary Club Teams of 2 Ambrose

Men’s scratch winners: Darren Jones and Jaxon Osmotherly 69. Men’s handicap winners: Gary Davie and John Backhouse 64 c/b. Mixed scratch winners: Kellie and Wayne Roberts 72 c/b. Mixed handicap winners: Emilee and James McPherson 64.25.

Encouragement awards: Anthony Duck and Graeme Bruton 73.5 c/b.

Ball competition - men’s: S Piddington and P Stewart 64, J Sheehan and S Carracher 64.5, T Snowden and D Wyatt 64.5, D Caldwell and B Sheridan 64 c/b. Mixed: S Gysbert and A Scherini 65, P and S Wilson 65.75, S and C Piazza 66.25, M and J Broz 68.25.

Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Lesley Browne and John Costello, 4th 2nd shot: Annie Smith and Robert Wheeler, 8th: Wayne Roberts, 14th: Leanne Carmody and Jim Martin, 16th: Kerry Newton and Jade Galvan.

Straightest drive – ladies: Val Ellis.

Men: Doug Wain.

Saturday, March 9

Coles Stableford AMCR 71

A grade winner: Jonathan Mercuri (15) 38 pts. A grade runner up: Craig

Piazza (7) 37 pts. B grade winner: Peter Stewart (17) 39 pts c/b. B grade runner up: Andrew Roseby (19) 37 pts.

Ball winners: W Nichols 36, D Clark 36, G Veldman 35, A Rockilff 35, D Rowe 34 c/b.

Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Alan Rockliff, 4th 2nd shot: David Rowe, 8th: Warren Rowney, 14th: Geoff Veldman, 16th: Jonathan Mercuri.

Matthews Cleaning award: Warren Rowney 24 pts c/b.

Raffle winner: Paul Evans.

Thursday, March 7

Coles - Stableford - AWCR 74

A grade winner: Ann Hazeldine (34) 37pts. A grade runner up: Judy Bynon (22) 34 pts.

Ball winners: Kerry Newton.

Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Judy Bynon, 8th: Kerry Newton, 14th: Judy Bynon.

CUBS COME-AND-TRY SESSION RESCHEDULED

THE Whorouly Football Netball Club has been forced to reschedule their come and try session for their Whorouly Cubs’ program.

Originally set for Monday, March 11 at 6.15pm at the Whorouly Recreation Reserve, the night has been moved a week to Monday, March 18, due to circumstances out of the club’s control.

The Cubs are about to tackle the Wangaratta Netball Association’s Saturday morning competition, outside of the club’s junior under 15 and under 17 sides in the Ovens

and King competition.

The program aims to help girls between ages 11-17 to further develop their netball skills, with a focus on fun and participation. The Whorouly Cubs’ come-and-try session is on Monday, March 18 from 6.15pm at the Whorouly Recreation Reserve – for more information, contact netball coordinator Stacey Harris on 0409 551 912.

RESCHEDULED: The Whorouly Cubs’ come-and-try session will now take place on Monday, March 18.

Monthly Medal won at Bright

DIANNE Anders took out the Monthly Medal at the Bright Golf Club last Tuesday.

Nine hole winner: Betty Newton (26) 1. Nine hole runner up: Faye McLees (24) 16pts.

Wednesday, March 6

Ovens and Murray Past Players Stableford AMCR 71

A grade winner: Raymond Hyland (19) 40 pts c/b. A grade runner up: Warren Rowney (27) 40 pts.

Ball winners: T Chapman 39, B Caldwell 38, S Hancock 38, D Clark 37, R Wheeler 36, A Rockliff 36, P Evans

36, P Rolfe 36, C Piazza 36, J Martin 36, P Howard 35, J Galvan 34, J Clarke 34, P Smith 34, P Hooper 33 c/b.

Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Terry Smith, 4th 2nd shot: Andrew Walker, 8th: Emilio Defazio, 14th: Craig Piazza, 16th: Wayne Styles.

Team event winners: Brian Caldwell 38 pts, Spider Hancock 38pts, Shane Douglas 32pts, Greg Rosser 108 pts.

Tuesday, March 5

Drummond Golf Monthly MedalStroke - AWCR 74

A grade winner and medal: Angela O’Shaughnessy (16) 87/71. A grade runner up: Jan Harper (36) 109/73.

Ball winners: Jan Roseby (15) 88/73, Barb Welch (20) 94/74 c/b, Lyn Dwyer (17) 108/74 c/b.

Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Marnie

Broz, 2nd on 4th: Sandra Piazza, 8th: Barb Welch, 14th: Angela O’Shaughnessy.

Putting competition: Jan Harper 26 putts.

Nine hole winner: Carol Ames

20pts. Nine hole runner up: Betty Newton 17pts.

Veterans, Monday, March 4, Stableford

Overall winners: Robert Taylor (10) 37 points, Ray Ousley (6) 36 points.

NTPs - 3rd: Graham Badrock, 6th: Robert Taylor, 11th: Robert Taylor, 16th: Robert Taylor.

Ladies, Tuesday, March 5, Monthly Medal Stroke

Winner: Dianne Anders (26) 73.

NTPs - 3rd: Tina Cook, 6th: Allison Gilbert, 11th: Di Anders, 16th: Tina Cook.

Men, Friday, March 8, Stableford

Overall winners: Cameron Wickes (1) 38 points, Andrew Robertson (11) 37 points, David Kelly (13) 36 points, Heath Thompson (8) 35 points c/b, Mathew Kelly 35 points c/b.

NTPs - 3rd: Michael O’Shea, 6th: Robert Taylor, 11th: Heath Thompson, 16th: Andrew Robertson.

Men, Saturday, March 9, Stableford

Overall winners: Tyler Thomason (16) 38 points, Cameron Wickes (1) 37 points c/b, Mark Zwiersen (15) 37 points c/b, Angus Murrells (18) 37 points c/b, Kevin Reed (24) 37 points, Craig Keem (13) 36 points c/b, Marco Pasquinelli (16) 36 points.

NTPs – 3rd: Gavan Hunt, 6th: Tyler Thomason, 11th: Craig Keem, 16th: Cameron Wickes.

Ladies, Saturday, March 9, Stableford

Winner: Heather Thomason (20) 34 points. NTPs – 3rd: Lauren Velicki, 6th: Tina Cook, 16th: Tina Cook.

WINNER: Raymond Hyland from Jubilee won the O&M Past Players Day with 40 points on a countback from Warren Rowney.

ON TOP: Brendan Wheeler performed well last Friday.

Power fall short in finals

THE season is over for Mount Beauty’s senior men’s cricket team, knocked out of the second week of Cricket Albury Wodonga District finals by Bethanga.

Bowling first, Bethanga knocked the Power over for 156 runs, before breezing to 160 with nine wickets in hand and six overs to go.

Mount Beauty struggled to find a consistent rhythm in their innings, with the loss of quick wickets seeing them at 3/57 from 12 overs.

Daniel Saville (28 from 47

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

balls) and Graham Beer (19 from 40) battled away, but Bethanga’s bowling was too tight for easy runs.

A late innings stand from Alastair Randell (24 from 35) and Ethan Brown (17 from 24) kept the score ticking over, but the Power would have to bowl and field well to defend 156.

Bethanga opener Michael

A grade Tigers’ loss to City Colts denies finals berth, A reserve still in contention

■ From back page

“Just before tea, we lost four for not many with myself, Cooper (Thomason), Conner (Forde) and ‘Gosi’ (Gurjot Gosal) all going out, it was a big clump of wickets in a very short space of time which wasn’t ideal.

“There were some positives, Noah White batted pretty well for a 14 year old in his first hit in A grade which was exciting to see, because he looked right at home.”

Despite the result being confirmed, the Tigers attacked the second innings with intensity, as White (4/16) and Gosal (3/29) picked up the bulk of the wickets.

“City Colts were trying to get quick runs, that helped us with our bowling,” Bursill said.

“There was still plenty to get out of it in the second innings; ‘Gosi’ was two behind in the bowling aggregate, we think he’s sewn that up, so that was a good thing to come out of it.

“Glenn (White) was much

the same there as well, he was right up there with the average, that’s why we gave them a few overs.

“Noah White bowled a couple of overs at the end and got his first A grade wicket, so that was good to see.”

The senior premiership hopes of the club now rest on the shoulders of the A reserve squad, who will host Rovers United Bruck at McNamara Reserve across Saturday and Sunday for a spot in next weekend’s grand final.

“We’ll just hope the A reserve can go all the way, the whole club will be riding with them,” Bursill said.

“Hopefully they can go alright, they’ve had a few boys go down to uni over the last couple of weeks but they will be coming back for finals, it’s good to have that happen to top up the numbers.”

WICKET-TAKER: Gurjot Gosal took three second innings wickets to all but secure the A

Bridges had to depart for 12 after a mix-up running between the wicket left him stranded outside his ground, run out at the keeper’s end with Bethanga at 1/55.

Luke Rafferty (67* from 76) and Bradley Dalbosco (65* from 85) produced a 105-run partnership to steer Bethanga to a grand final berth against Dederang, with Mount Beauty exiting the competition.

Captain Saville said it was an unfortunate way to end the year.

“It was a disappointing day; you obviously set your sights on playing for as long as possible, and when you lose finals it just ends suddenly and it’s hard to think about what’s next,” he said.

“It’s a disappointing day, but I don’t think we took the chances or made the most of the opportunities we had to push forward in the game.

“Credit to Bethanga, they were the better side on the day.

“It’s very disappointing

to have lost the game, but sometimes when you’re not good enough on the day you can’t have too much to complain about. “

Saville said mistakes with bat in hand and in the field led to the result.

“Nobody faced more than 50 balls, we didn’t hang around and build partnerships,” he said>

“There were three partnerships in the 30s, biggest partnership was 39, whereas Bethanga had two partnerships all day.

“I still think 156 was defendable, we definitely gave ourselves a chance to restrict Bethanga.

“I think we dropped five catches, including Rafferty pretty early, dropped him on 49 - the air goes out of the tyres once you do that a couple of times, it’s hard to recover from there.

“Bethanga took their chances in the field, there were a couple of handy catches, they made the most of their half-chances or quarter-chances.”

grade bowling aggregate.

PHOTO: Janet Watt

Round 1

Friday 29th March

Wodonga Raiders v Lavington

Wangaratta v Wang Rovers

Saturday 30th March

Corowa Rutherglen v Albury

Sunday 31st March

Myrtleford v Nth Albury

Yarrawonga v Wodonga

Round 1

Friday 29th March

Bonnie Doon v Benalla

Moyhu v Greta

Saturday 30th March

Bright v Tarrawingee

King Valley v Milawa

BYE- Whorouly, Nth Wangaratta, Goorambat

Round 1

Friday 29th March

Wahgunyah v Rutherglen

Saturday 6th April

Beechworth v Chiltern

Barnawartha v Mitta United

Tallangatta v Dederang Mt Beauty

Thurgoona v Wodonga

Kiewa v Yackandandah

Thursday, Mar 14

Carlton vs. Richmond

Friday, Mar 15

Round 1

Collingwood vs. Sydney

Saturday, Mar 16

Essendon vs. Hawthorn

GWS vs. Nth Melbourne

Geelong vs. St Kilda

Gold Coast vs. Adelaide

Sunday, Mar 17

Port Adelaide vs. West Coast

Fremantle vs. Brisbane

Melbourne vs. Western Bulldogs

SAVOY SEASON START

Myrtleford Savoy Soccer Club kicks off their AWFA season this weekend. (Clockwise, from top left) Under 14 player Samson Devereux, club president Anthony Zanghellini, women’s co-coach Will Robinson-Dunn, women’s co-coach Tom Scott, and juniors coach Doug Devereux are keen to start the season.

 Savoy feature: page 27-24.

A grade Tigers’ loss to City Colts denies finals berth, A reserve still in contention ggy, Season is over

THE season is over for Ovens Valley United’s A grade cricket squad, following their 70 run loss to City Colts at McNamara Reserve on Saturday.

Needing 179 for victory the Tigers were bundled up for 108 runs from 46.5 overs before being asked to bowl again, taking 10/78 from 22.4 overs in the second innings.

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

The run chase started off poorly for the home side, with opener Seamus Phillips forced to retire hurt with an injured knee after facing just six balls.

Sam Piazza and Kane Fitzpatrick

worked their way into the innings, with Piazza striking for the boundaries until he was trapped LBW by Josh Nanson for 18 from 22 deliveries, and Fitzpatrick dismissed caught and bowled for 15.

After a solid innings from youngster Noah White (11 runs), the Tigers’ middle order started to falter, with skipper Dylan Bursill struggling to a 28-ball duck,

Conner Forde managing six, and Cooper Thomason lasting just 13 balls without troubling the scorers.

Coming in at number 10, Glenn White had no trouble finding the boundary, belting 33 from 39 in a brilliant lower order cameo, but the Tigers were still rolled 70 runs shy of the target.

Bursill said it was an unfortunate

way to end their season.

“It wasn’t great, no one really got going which wasn’t ideal - City Colts were there to win it to make finals, they were just too good on the day,” he said.

“It wasn’t an unplayable line and length, they were hitting their areas and they were bowling really well to their field.

■ Continued page 30

PHOTO: Brodie Everist