OFF TO THE RACES
It only happens once a year, and the Mt Beauty and District Community Bank Dederang Picnic Races is certain not to disappoint this Saturday.
■ Story page 2
Spartan invasion
Thousands to test their physical endurance in Bright this weekend
SPARTAN Australia is set to bring the thrilling Spartan Trifecta Event back to Bright this weekend, with more than 4500 competitors to take on the ultimate test of strength and endurance at Pioneer Park.
Bright Chamber of Commerce president, Marcus Warner said it’s exciting to have Spartan return to Bright this weekend.
“The event brings a new audience to the high country and gives us a chance to showcase what our region and the town of Bright can o er.
“It’s also a nice boost to the economy during a quieter tourist period.”
The event will include a variety of courses such as 5kms, 10kms, 21kms and an endur-
ance event, the Hurricane Heat, a four-hour race.
Children are also welcome to participate with 1km to 3km courses designed just for them.
The team from Spartan Australia are also putting the call out for residents to join the crew. Volunteers at the race this weekend will receive a free race entry and exclusive Spartan Crew merchandise.
The event will see temporary road closures and tra c management measures in place to ensure the safety of participants and spectators.
Tra c management will be in e ect on Saturday, February 22 from 4.30am to 8pm and on Sunday, February 23 from 5.30am to 5pm.
Coronation Avenue, Ballroom
Court and Pioneer Lane will be closed during these times, with marshals in place to assist.
Speed reductions will be in place along Churchill Avenue to accommodate event parking.
Parking for the event will be available along Churchill Avenue and Hawthorn Lane.
Hawthorn Lane and Churchill Avenue (heading south towards Wandiligong) will serve as the designated route to the parking areas.
Residents impacted by these tra c changes have been contacted directly.
Please plan ahead and drive safely in these busy areas.
For more information and to book your tickets to be in this year’s race, visit: https:// au.spartan.com/en/races/bright
They’re ready to race at Dederang
By PHOEBE MORGAN
THE Mount Beauty and District Community Bank
Dederang Picnic Races are on again this Saturday, with the annual event to draw horseracing enthusiasts from around the country.
“It’s our big annual event and we’re able to draw a pretty large crowd,” president of Dederang
Picnic Race Club, Marcus Goonan, said.
“Usually we attract approximately 2500 attendees from all across Victoria and New South Wales, which continues to grow year on year.
“We’re featuring a six-race card this year, with the horses running in the events brought in from all sorts of places...upper NSW and all throughout Victoria.
“The day is not just about the races.
“We have di erent fashions on the eld categories - ladies, men and children’s divisions, as well as tug-of-war events, live music throughout the day, kids activities, face-painting, food trucks and a fully stocked bar.
“You can also BYO if you like.”
Mr Goonan said that on average, the Dederang Picnic Races gives
back in excess of $30,00 to the community every year, while also welcoming local volunteers who help manage and prepare for the event.
“We’re a club who runs event as part of the picnic races circuit held by Country Racing Victoria,” he said.
“We usually start preparing for the event in mid-November.
“There are di erent quali ers for both horses and jockeys and
the picnic side alone supports over 4000 jobs in Victoria.”
The races will be held at the Dederang Racecourse at the Recreation Reserve this Saturday, February 22, with gates opening at 11am before the rst race at 1pm. Entry tickets are $20 per person, with children aged under 16 free. For more information, visit: https://dederang.tickets.countryracing.com.au/
Bright’s monthly market delivers the goods, again
By PHOEBE MORGAN
LAST weekend’s Bright ‘Make it, bake it, grow it’ market was a sweeping success, teeming with tourists and locals alike who attended en-masse to sample the best produce and handicra s the region had to o er.
Stalls were stocked with everything from jewellery to chutneys and the co ee van, crepe stall, Vietnamese food van, soap stand and Rotary club barbecue lled the air with scrumptious scents.
“We had 65 stalls operating for our second market of the year,” event coordinator, Amanda Hore said.
“There were three new stalls and lots of returning favourites: face-painting, seasonal berries, fresh orange juice, home-made wares and so on.
“People have been pleasantly surprised that the items are home-made, because they’re of such good quality.
“We run the market every month at Howitt Park, every third Saturday morning from 8:30am to 12:30pm, with live music from 10am.
“This morning, we had Tracy Hamilton playing her guitar for everyone.
“Families are also welcome to bring their four-legged family members to the market.”
Attendees enjoyed nding a fun way to get out of the house and locate some market treats.
“We do frequent the market quite a bit, we visit every month,” Bright local, Simone Poyner said.
“My sister is one of the musicians who plays music for everyone at the market.
“The co ee and Italian doughnuts are our favourite, we might have to circle back and get some more later, they’re all gone now.”
When asked what the children looked forward to at the market, Jarryd Poyner said they we’re still negotiating a visit to the face-painting stall.
The market attracted unique stallholders from across the region, including Wodonga graphic novelist, Angie Spice - author of the series ‘Courier: The Adventures of Geraldine Backer’.
“I’ve been attending this market for two years,” Angie said.
“It’s one of the best markets because it’s all about local arts, cra s and produce.
“I can reach a wide audience here because a lot of tourists come through.
“Aside from being at my stall here, I just love the surrounds, the atmosphere and environment.
“Also, the road-trip here is pretty nice from Wodonga.”
Bright Sauce Co. stall-holder, Matt Richardson, said he attends the Bright market every month.
“The Bright and Myrtleford markets especially are probably the best in the area...they’re really focused on local producers, local products and produce,” he said.
“I do a lot of shopping here, as well as my selling.
“I love ‘Frank’s Fruit and Veg’, over there, he’s fantastic: I get most of my fresh fruit and veg from him.
“Sixpence Co ee’ you can’t go past.
“Kerrie’s owers at ‘Bring Around A Posy’: they’re amazing.
“You can’t go past the crepes, either; they’re delicious.”
RICHES OF THE REGION: Bright Sauce Co. stallholder, Matt Richardson is a fan of Bring Around A Posy’s Kerrie O’Meara’s wares from Wandiligong.
SEA OF SHOPPERS: People a-plenty were up and about to enjoy a beautiful morning market by the river.
SUNNY SATURDAY: Visitors from Ballarat, Millie (le ) and Nikita Smolenaers, seized the opportunity to take some sunflower selfies with a beautiful bloom from Bright’s Saturday morning market.
Ambo response times worsen in Alpine Shire
ALPINE Shire residents are having to wait longer for an ambulance, according to the latest emergency response data from Ambulance Victoria.
Figures from October to December indicate AV paramedics responded to 217 Code one cases in Alpine Shire, with less than 42 per cent of responses falling within the benchmark 15 minutes.
The average response time was 23.56 minutes, which is an increase of 1:39 minutes compared to the last quarter and up 2:07 minutes compared to the same time the previous year.
AV paramedics responded to 187 Code two emergencies in
Jane teams up with TAFCO
THIS Saturday, February 22, TAFCO Rural Supplies in Myrtleford will host the launch of their new partnership with Jane’s Weather PRO.
Iconic meteorologist and weather presenter, Jane Bunn, will be in attendance to speak of the improvements to the local weather forecast system throughout the region.
“Everyone is welcome to what should be a great afternoon out with the opportunity to network with other farmers and community members,” TAFCO general manager, Rupert Shaw said.
Alpine Shire between October and December last year, with the average response time almost 14 minutes longer than the same time the previous year.
The data showed the average response times had gone from 39:30 minutes to 53:29 minutes.
Statewide during October to December 2024, AV crews responded to 64.9 per cent of Code one cases within the 15 minutes target, with the average response time to all Code one emergencies being 15 minutes and 42 seconds.
AV executive director of regional operations, Danielle North, said demand on ambulance crews remains steadily high, with the
last quarter of 2024 being AV’s fourth-busiest on record.
“We have seen a 26.6 per cent increase in Code one cases since the COVID-19 pandemic began more than ve years ago,” Ms North said.
“October to December is commonly one of our busiest times, and last year was no exception as our crews were called to 99,799 Code one emergencies.
“This was the third quarter in a row close to or above 100,000 cases.
“In the face of this sustained pressure, our highly skilled paramedics and rst responders do a remarkable job providing best
care to their communities, each and every day.”
Hume region crews responded to 5837 Code one cases between October and December 2024, with the biggest improvement seen in the Mans eld LGA, where paramedics attended 50.5 per cent of Code one patients within 15 minutes, up from 43.7 per cent a year earlier.
Indigo Shire recorded the lowest percentage of Code one responses under 15 minutes, with just 22.6 per cent of 190 urgent responses meeting Ambulance Victoria’s benchmark in the most recent quarter, at an average response time of 24:36 minutes.
Council investigates suspected Elm tree poisoning near club
ALPINE Shire
Council is investigating the suspected poisoning of a large Elm tree (pictured) after several drill holes containing a strongsmelling substance were discovered at its base.
The tree, which appears to be more than half dead, was found in this condition recently near the Myrtleford Bowls Club.
Mr Shaw said the new micro-forecasting weather service will provide farmers and other interested locals with the most accurate weather forecast in agriculture to support critical farm decisions.
The gathering runs from 12pm to 3pm and will include coffee, food and music, with parking available on site next door at Michellini Wines.
To find out more, visit: www.tafco.com.au/ weather/ or https://janesweather.com/.
Boxes bulge with blister packs
By PHOEBE MORGAN
MYRTLEFORD’S members of the University of the Third Age (U3A) and the Myrtleford Hospital and Community Op Shop have teamed up to help local residents recycle their used blister packs as part of a local recycling program.
The collaboration has seen four boxes lled and sent away so far.
“The local bowls club used to run the program, but a er their funds ran out, we took it up,” president of U3A, Myrtleford, Jan Mock said.
“We applied for a $2000 grant from the Myrtleford Hospital and Community Op Shop to buy blister pack recycle boxes, which cost almost $200 each.
“We then ll them with used blister packs and representatives from Pharmacycle pick them up and send them o to a recycling facility, where the aluminium and plastic are separated.
“Word got around about the new program we were running and now the boxes are lling up faster than anticipated.
Council officers have spoken to community members who work in the area, but no information has been provided regarding how the damage occurred.
Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, urged anyone with information to come forward.
“Deliberate poisoning of trees is not only destructive to our environment but also illegal,” she said.
“We encourage anyone who has seen or heard anything about this incident to report it to council.
Anyone with information is urged to contact council by emailing info@alpineshire. vic.gov.au or calling (03) 5755 0555.
“Our members are likely to go through a number of blister packs fairly regularly, so it made sense to have recycling boxes at the Myrtleford Senior Citizens’ Centre.
“I really want to give credit to the Myrtleford Hospital and Community Op Shop for the grant they bestowed on us to be able to get the program up and running again.
“Our aim is to keep funding it into the future.”
For more information, visit: https://www.pharmacycle.com.au/.
5 [M 91’] Thu: 2:15pm Fri: 10:00am Sat: 3:00pm Sun: 7:50pm Wed: 12:30pm WIDOW CLICQUOT [M 91’] Thu: 10:00am Fri: 11:50am Sat: 4:50pm Sun: 10:30am Wed: 2:20pm BABYGIRL [MA15+ 114’] Fri: 9:00pm MARIA [M 123’] Fri: 4:05pm COMING SOON
BRIDGET JONES: MAD ABOUT THE BOY [M 123’] Thu: 11:50am, 6:45pm Fri: 1:40pm, 6:30pm Sat: 6:40pm, 9:05pm Sun: 12:20pm, 2:45pm Wed: 10:00am, 4:15pm A COMPLETE UNKNOWN [M 141’] Thu: 4:05pm Sat: 12:20pm Sun: 5:10pm Wed: 6:45pm CONCLAVE [PG 120’] Sat: 10:00am
FOILING PLASTIC POLLUTION: Myrtleford’s U3A and Hospital Op Shop members (from le ) Jenny Rizzato, Vicki Burrington, Lorraine Piazza, Robyn Byrne, Philippa Cartwright, Bev Hackett, Judy Pitts, Francis Lyford-Pike, Nino Mantone, Jan Mock and Yvonne Tabalotny are proud to have introduced this recycling program to the town.
NEW ARRIVALS
Staff unite to help those in need
EMPLOYEES at Saputo Dairy Australia’s (SDA) Kiewa site worked together at the start of the school year to prepare more than 2200 sandwiches for their valued partner, Eat Up.
This not-for-profit organisation distributed the sandwiches to 900 schools across its network, providing essential lunches to children in need,
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Victorian patients denied respect
THE Allan Labor Government must immediately address the unacceptable time frames that users of the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS) are being
forced to wait for reimbursement.
The scheme is designed tonancially assist locals who are required to travel more than 100 kilometres to visit a specialist practitioner by reimbursing their costs in a timely manner, alleviating them of the concern and stress that can be caused by unavoidable expenses that quickly accumulate in times of poor health.
Patients are required to pay
helping them to learn, grow and succeed.
Lyndon Galea, founder and CEO of Eat Up, said the charity was incredibly grateful for the continued support from Saputo Dairy Australia.
“Their commitment to helping our cause is a testament to their compassion and community spirit,” he said.
Mark Sedgwick, site manager
for their trip and are to be reimbursed via the VPTAS system. What used to be a one-to-twomonth timeframe to be reimbursed, has blown out to four months, further nancially crippling those most vulnerable.
It is disgraceful that the government is now using seriously ill Victorians to help prop up the state budget by slowing down the payment timeframe.
at Saputo Dairy Australia’s Kiewa site, said he team was passionate about making a difference in the local community. Over the past 12 months, SDA has hosted six Big Cook Up events across its sites, involving more than 200 employees who have prepared almost 12,455 healthy, nutritious meals for community members who are doing it tough.
The people who claim VPTAS are not being paid half a million dollars like the Premier. They are on a modest income, and they rely on the rebate to pay their bills.
I urge the Allan Labor Government to stop delaying these payments and start showing some respect to vulnerable Victorians.
Tim McCurdy, National’s MP for Ovens Valley
LETTERS to the editor must be signed with the full name, address and contact telephone number of the author provided. Letters under 250 words are preferred and we reserve the right to edit letters to fit available space. Nom de plumes will only be published at the editor’s discretion. Opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by this newspaper.
Email: edit.timesobserver@nemedia.com.au
Post: North East Media 76 Standish Street, Myrtleford, Vic 3737
Keeping in the ‘Loop’
By PHOEBE MORGAN
WITH bush re season still on everyone’s minds, organisers of an Alpine Shire community newsletter, ‘The Loop’ are calling for more residents to register themselves to help bolster a local network which passes on key information to prepare for future emergencies.
‘The Loop’ is a fortnightly newsletter which provides an avenue of information between emergency management agencies such as the CFA, SES and Emergency Recovery Victoria with community members called ‘connectors’, who then pass the information on to their local networks to make sure everyone has the resources they need.
“The aim of ‘The Loop’ is to help build resilience and get residents of the Alpine Shire better prepared to act in emergency situations,” moderator of ‘The Loop’, Jan Mock said.
“At the moment, we have approximately 130 connectors, who pass on information.
“A er the 2020 res, a Community Recovery Committee (CRC) was formed, who released a survey for community members and residents from the Alpine Shire to participate in.
“The survey revealed people weren’t aware of key in-
formation at important times and they didn’t know where to look for guidance, or they were too ustered to follow a clear plan.
“So, the CRC then created ‘The Loop’.”
information,” chair of ‘The Loop’, Fiona Nicholls said.
“It was people’s ability to connect with that information, at a time which suits them.
the community about upcoming workshops, information about future CFA events, reminders about planned burns and so on.
point is to get the community to amplify the EXISTING information already available from emergency agencies.
BESS proposal prompts shire
This newsletter is designed to amplify and simplify the delivery of available resources and information from government, emergency service and recovery support agencies.
“The issue wasn’t a lack of
“’The Loop’ website has short, sharp information with links to the relevant agencies.
“The newsletter doesn’t recap past events, reporting on how many attendees were at this workshop or that meeting; it’s more about notifying
“We take the information from agencies and send it to all the community connectors who have their own network they’re in regular contact with.
“Their ‘network’ may just be the people who live in their street, or a group they meet up with regularly; the
“There will be recovery information posted on our website, when it’s required.
“It’s simple to access our website and sign up as another community connector.
“Connectors receive a link to the latest information posted once a fortnight.”
For more information, visit: http://the-loop.com.au/
THE upcoming Alpine Shire Council meeting on Tuesday, 25 February has had a change in location, and will now be held at the Mount Beauty Community Centre.
Originally scheduled to be held in Bright, council’s chief executive officer, Will Jeremy, said the location has been changed due to council considering a report regarding Mint Renewables’ proposal for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Dederang.
“Council is not the decision maker for this project, the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) is responsible for assessing the proposal,” Mr Jeremy said.
“At the February meeting however, councillors will be considering a report addressing council’s submission to the State Government regarding the BESS proposal.
“We know this topic is of great interest to the Kiewa Valley community, especially those in Dederang, so have made the decision to relocate the meeting to Mount Beauty to ensure the meeting is more accessible to locals who are interested in attending.”
The meeting will begin at 5pm.
The full meeting agenda will be published on council’s website by 5pm this Friday. Any questions on notice must be submitted to info@ alpineshire.vic.gov.au by 5pm on Monday, February 24.
JOYCE McDonald lived an extraordinary life, lled with love, laughter, great stories and adventure.
The treasured Myrtleford resident, who passed away on January 11, has been remembered as an extremely kind, sel ess, and ercely independent person who was always happy to give a helping hand, and would upli people with her care, humour and conversation.
Joyce was a loving mother of Margaret, Lynnette, Heather; mother-in-law of Robert, Keith, Denis; adored nan of Shane, Brendan, Simon, Denise, Alanna, Matt, and Kylie; and a cherished great-nana of 14 great-grandchildren.
She was born to Win and Oliver Thorley, and raised in Beechworth, where she successfully completed secondary school in 1946.
She joined the CWA Younger Set in 1944, where she made camou age nets, hats and mittens for airmen; sewed fruit cakes into calico bags and poured re ned dripping into four-gallon kerosene tins.
Joyce was a very intelligent woman and would have gone to university if she could. She had an extensive vocabulary, loved crosswords
Joyce Winifred McDonald 13 December, 1930 to 11 January, 2025
and Scrabble and could talk for hours about history or current a airs.
Joyce married Keith McDonald in 1953.
They moved to a dairy in Clemens Lane for seven years where they raised their family, before moving to Prince Street in 1962.
Joyce worked at the Forests Commission in Beechworth and at the high school and the Ampol depot in Myrtleford.
Following Keith’s death in 1988, she travelled extensively.
Her return to the area marked the beginning of over 30 years of dedication to voluntary organisations and community service.
She started the Senior Citizens Hall and organised and catered for over 500 card nights.
She was on a steering committee which re-established the Presbyterian Church in Myrtleford.
Joyce volunteered at the Myrtleford Show on the ladies’ committee, as steward of the ower section and the jams
and preserves section, which is now named a er her.
At one stage she was the secretary and/or treasurer to ve di erent organisations and CWA North-East Group president.
All 260 members were her friends and she could get a cuppa in any town.
Through the CWA, she helped ood and re victims, people in war-torn and developing countries, women everywhere and the elderly.
She joined other members in advocacy; covering family violence, suicide prevention, gambling, international aid and bush re relief.
She created a vast knitting operation: collecting wool seconds from manufacturers, bringing masses home for visitors or grandkids to make balls of wool, before giving it to volunteers with a list of things to knit for the hospitals.
In her spare time, Joyce would visit the elderly and sick in their homes or their nursing home; o en advocating for the residents or driving them around town.
She served on the Alpine Shire Transport Committee and helped the council establish Bentley Wood.
When the 2009 res went
through, Joyce visited every farmer in the valley, describing it as a ‘heartbreaking, harrowing experience’, but was happy to carry on helping where she could.
As a direct result of her volunteer work on the res, the Rosewhite branch of the CWA was established.
For her community service, Joyce was awarded Alpine Shire’s Citizen of the Year Award in 1997.
She was made a life member of the CWA and the Myrtleford Agricultural Show.
On Australia Day in 2012, she was ranked #1 of 12 people featured in the Herald Sun described as ‘Heroes of our Nation: the backbone of our community, true-blue unsung heroes who devote themselves to helping others and sel ess Victorians who embody the Australian Spirit’.
When the Herald Sun called and told her she had been nominated as an angel, she said ‘I’m no angel, pull the other leg’ and hung up the phone.
But Joyce was an angel: an extraordinary inspiration and a natural leader.
Her family is so proud of her great, busy life and love her so much.
May you rest in peace.
BRIGHT
Bright’s personality around town this week is Espire’s Lacey the King Charles Cavalier, with family member Angie Foley.
Lacey the King Charles Cavalier
Where do you live?
I live in Bright with my human family, the Foleys.
How long have you lived in the area?
I’ve lived here all my life, for over 10 years now.
What do you do for a living?
I’m the CEO of Espire Clothing in Bright. I like to show people that our store is dog-friendly. When I’m not in the store, I’m in our workroom at home: overseeing the design and production of our Aussie-made clothing.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I love sleeping and overseeing the world. Occasionally my family and I go to visit the beach at Lorne, which I love.
What do you like about the area?
My favourite place is Jack’s Hole to go for a swim and to play fetch with my friend Maverick the Labrador.
What would you change about the area?
A doggy swimming park would be great. It’s important to look always after pets in hot weather. My family brought me to the store today to give me a break from the heat inside with the refreshing airconditioning.
How long have you been in Mount Beauty?
I’m originally from Melbourne and in 2010 I applied to do my first snow season at Falls Creek. I would spend my summers in Melbourne and then my winters at Falls Creek. I did this from 20102018 when I got sick of moving back and forth a decided to live at Falls Creek year-round. I made the move down the hill in 2022 and continued to make the daily commute up and down the hill. Recently I’ve changed careers and work in the local Community Bank Mount Beauty, so my commute has gone from 40 minutes four down to four minutes.
What do you like about the area?
The obvious answer is the backdrop of the snowcapped mountains in winter and the trees in autumn. The pace is nice. You can stop and have a chat to people in the street and at their place of work. People here seem to have the time for you. Being a tourist town it’s good when it’s
Peter Murray
busy as people are drawn here for the holiday periods but then it’s great knowing that we’ve got the place to ourselves for most of the year.
Would you like to see any additions or changes?
I think the town itself has had a few rough years. From bushfires, into Covid, then the landslide at Bogong and now two years of rolling winter seasons wrapping up early has all had a flow-on affect that we haven’t been able to showcase how great the valley is. I would just love to see the town get a steady go and have businesses thrive across the board. I’ve recently spoken to a local who has the passion of, one day, putting together a Frisbee Golf Course in Mount Beauty which would be a great addition to the area. We’d be able to show off the mountains nearby while also getting families and friends outside in the fresh air.
What do you do for work, your hobbies and interests?
After working 15 seasons up at
Falls Creek I’ve recently switched careers and currently work as the Community Engagement Advisor for Community Bank Mount Beauty & District. Coming from Melbourne I’m very much into my AFL and try to watch as many games during the winter as I can despite being a tragic Essendon supporter. I very much enjoy my music. I’m lucky enough to have been to maybe 50 concerts or so and music sounds and feels better when its live. In my free time I enjoy watching movies and playing video games.
Where would you take visiting friends to showcase the area?
Any friends that I have visit the area I try to take them out for a round of golf at the Mount Beauty Golf Course. With the backdrop of the mountains, and the kangaroos on the course, it’s truly a remarkable sight to step back and take it all in. Some of the beautiful scenery and surroundings we have I know my friends drive at least an hour back home for something that is on our backyard.
Neil Aubrey and Rob Chaffer
Where do you live?
We’re friends from Norah Head on the central coast of New South Wales. How often do you visit the area?
N: I visit infrequently; I’ve only been here a few times.
R: I’ve been here two times with the ‘Tour De Vines’ bike tour operator and a couple of times individually. My daughter lives in Melbourne, so I’ve been through the area on the way.
What do you do for a living?
We’re both retired teachers. What are your hobbies and interests?
R: We do a lot of outdoor activities like cycling: we’re here riding sections of the Rail Trail each day during our trip.
N: We use Myrtleford as a hub: today we rode from here to Bright and back, which was about 70kms. Tomorrow we’ll ride to Beechworth and later, Harrietville. I go through my
hobbies in phases: earlier I was consumed by astronomy, then hiking and now of course, I’m getting into travel in my retirement.
What do you think makes the area unique?
R: It’s just a beautiful area. It’s quiet now, after school has gone back. Now we’re retired, we can visit anytime. We can access the whole area from here: Beechworth and surrounds are a very nice day trip.
N: The area is very geared towards cycling. The cycling facilities are superb. It also looks stunning, with the mountains surrounding the valley. What would you change about the area?
N: It doesn’t need to be changed.
R: It was a nine-hour drive to get here from where we live, so it’s a bit secluded and difficult to get to but well worth the trip. It’s not overflowing with touristy things.
MYRTLEFORD
MT BEAUTY
DEMO DAY FIELD DAY
AFTERNOON: 11AM 12PM 1.30PM 2.30PM 3.30PM
SEEDERS JAYLOR MIXER
PADDOCK NEXT TO MCGREGOR MACHINERY
SPEED DISCS
SEEDERS MIXED MACHINERY FEED OUT / BALERS
&
REPS WILL BE ONSITE!
Preparing for Mt Bogong Conquestathon
THE Mount Bogong Conquestathon will be held on Saturday, March 1.
Starting at 7am at the Mountain Creek Camping Ground, the event covers a distance of 21kms, with 1430 metres of vertical climb.
This will be the 45th staging of the Mt Bogong Conquestathon.
The funds are being raised for the Birkenbeiner Nordic Ski Club search and rescue (BNSC SAR), a crew of amazing volunteers who assist police to locate people that get lost in the alpine area.
The BNSC SAR volunteers will be marshalling the conquestathon course for the event.
Registrations close at 5pm on Friday, 28 February.
Please go to their website to register.
THE Mt Beauty and District Men’s Shed have donated $500 to the Upper Kiewa Valley Support Group.
This is a very worthwhile cause, well done Shedders!
These funds were raised by the local members’ initiative of making cut-out Santa’s that were hired out to local businesses over the Christmas period.
The UKV support group are there to help families and individuals who may be doing it tough, offering assistance either by having someone to talk things through with or
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
help with financial aid.
For more information on the support group contact Helen McDougall by emailing hnmd@ bigpond.com
THE Kiewa Valley Historical Society held its annual general meeting last Thursday, chaired by president Barb Pyle, who has been in that role since 2001 (24 years).
Barb presented the original minutes book, with the very first entry recording a meeting held at the Tangambalanga Church Hall on February 25, 1966, where a committee was formed to create the Kiewa Valley Historical Society, that will be turning 60 next year.
storage, work rooms, and a very special museum.
It is a really important thing to keep records of the district for future generations to appreciate. Well done.
From 1966 the society has had many homes, moving up the valley until finally in 2009 it found a permanent home at the Mt Beauty Visitors Centre, where with the Alpine Shire’s support it now has
ALPINE FM Brunch program runs from 9am until noon today and features dog whisperer Sue White at 9.30am, with Roi Rigoni chef extraordinaire at 11.10am, followed by the Alpine Leisure Group request program, accompanied by great music on Alpine FM 96.5.
INNOVATORS: BSC year 9 students Jacob Wood (le ) and Taylor Thomson with technology teacher Martin Hendriks and year 10 student Lilly Dobson toss around design ideas for projects.
Students
ON BOARD: Pictured at last week’s Kiewa Valley Historical Society annual general meeting were (from le ) Julie Gaul, Rowan Wallace (Kergunyah rep.), Barb Pyle (president), Sarah Crooke (Gundowring rep), Henry Ziemnicki, Karin Ziemnicki and Helen Howley.
DONATION: Mt Beauty and District Men’s Shed has donated $500 to Upper Kiewa Valley Support Group. Pictured are (from le ) Henry Ziemnicki, Helen McDougall, Barb Kiek and Peter Donnan.
are ready to showcase pedal innovation at Off-Grid Living Festival
By CORAL COOKSLEY
BICYCLES lit up with LED lights for sustainable safety on the road at night will be an innovative project on the horizon in the O -Grid Living Festival’s pedal-powered invention competition for high school students at its April event in Chiltern.
Pedal power – o en referred to as a bike generator – is a form of energy generation where human e ort is converted into electricity or mechanical power.
Beechworth Secondary College (BSC) year 10 student Lilly Dobson, along with a small team of classmates, came up with the idea with a little help from technology teacher Martin Hendriks.
Project ideas have been
tossed around in brainstorming sessions among a combined class of 22 year 9 and 10 design and technology engineering students from the festival’s challenge wrapped around creativity and sustainability.
Mr Hendriks said recycled bikes are being used too.
Another inventive project idea in the making by a student team is a 12-volt fridge on the back of a bike with pedalling to keep the fridge running while yet another by students is a pedal-powered winch to be used for rides on Lake Sambell.
The LED light, winch and fridge projects are among two others in the design stage with six key elements of a design process for years 7 to 10 overall from start to nish stretching from identifying
the challenge to research and generating the design.
Others include a rede ne of ideas, creating the nal design and producing the product with product evaluation at the end.
Mr Hendriks said around two projects from ve will be selected for the competition.
The O -Grid Living Festival’s challenge given to students has been to design and build pedal-powered machines showing incredible potential of human energy.
The O -Grid Living Festival will be held on April 12 and 13 at Chiltern.
For more information about the festival and the pedal-power challenge or to enter your school in the competition visit www.o gridevent.com.au/pedal-power.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
CONSTRUCTION of the Myrtleford Land ll Capping Earthworks at the Myrtleford Transfer Station began this week, with works expected to be completed by the end of June 2025, weather permitting.
Alpine Shire Council said the total project, costing almost $2.3 million, is an important step in protecting the environment and ensuring the land ll meets Environment Protection Authority regulations.
The design of the land ll cap began in October 2020 and the EPA approved the nal design in August 2023, with council last December awarding Extons Pty Ltd the contract for the lump sum of $2,224,670 to carry out works.
At the December meeting councillors were told capping the old land ll sites seeks to reduce all emissions - including methane gasand eliminate water entering the cells to assist the aerobic digestion process.
The land ll previously accepted domestic waste in Cell 1 and Cell 2, and council said capping these areas is a key milestone in meeting environmental compliance.
From next Monday, 24 February while construction is underway, all waste will still be accepted, but waste drop-o locations may have changed.
Visitors should follow signage and check with sta at the transfer station to con rm the correct drop-o points.
There will also be changes to tra c movement around the site.
Bag limit boost for state’s duck hunters
DUCK hunters will have their highest bag limits in years under settings for the 2025 Victorian duck hunting season.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation, Steve Dimopoulos, on Friday con rmed arrangements he said ensure the duck hunting season in Victoria is “sustainable, safe and backed by science”.
He said the settings were determined by the sciencebased Adaptive Harvest Management (AHM) model and the Wounding Reduction Action Plan.
“This year is the rst season the AHM model will be used to guide the daily bag
limit in Victoria, with the modelling tailored to Victoria’s unique conditions, habitats and species,” he said.
“Recreational duck and quail hunting is a legitimate activity, and it matters to thousands of Victorians who love the great outdoors and regional businesses who bene t, but it needs to proceed safely and sustainably.”
The 2025 duck season will open on Wednesday, 19 March 2025 and close on Monday, 9 June 2025.
The start time is 8am for the rst ve days of the season, a er which hunting can start 30 minutes before sunrise.
The 2025 daily bag limit is nine ducks, and seven duck game species can be hunted.
The blue-winged shoveler cannot be hunted this season, and the use of lead shot for quail hunting is also banned.
All new hunters seeking a license are required to do mandatory online knowledge training and testing - including Aboriginal cultural awareness training – as part of the Waterfowl Wounding Reduction Action Plan.
All hunters renewing their licence from 2026 will also be required to complete this training.
Minister Dimopoulos
said the government is also giving hunters certainty about future seasons with the dates for the next three years set out in the Wildlife (Game) Regulations.
He said the government has invested $11.6 million to ensure the proper compliance and enforcement measures are in place so duck hunting remains safe and sustainable into the future.
Further details about the 2025 season, including any wetland closures, will be regularly updated on the Game Management Authority (GMA) website at gma. vic.gov.au.
ALPINE Shire Council is inviting business operators across the region to a series of tourism update and networking events next week.
Attendees will be given the opportunity to learn about upcoming tourism plans and campaigns and how they can be used to inform their own plans to e ectively market their business.
Council will also share re ections on the past 12 months, with Tourism North East (TNE) attending the evenings in Bright and Mount Beauty to provide valuable marketing advice.
Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, encouraged operators to take advantage of these events to network with other businesses across the region.
“When coupled with strategic insight from government organisations, operators can take advantage of what council and TNE are doing to maximise leads for their businesses,” she said.
There will be four tourism and networking events taking place across the Alpine Shire: in Bright at the Alpine Hotel from 5.30pm to 6.30pm on Monday, February 24; in Harrietville at Mountain View Retreat from 5.30pm to 6.30pm on Tuesday, February 25; in Myrtleford at St Paul’s Anglican Church Hall from 5.30pm to 6.30pm on Wednesday, February 26 and in Mount Beauty at Mountain Monk Brewers from 5.30pm to 6.30pm on Thursday, February 27.
All events will include a light supper.
To RVSP, visit: https:// engage.alpineshire.vic.gov. au/tourism-update-and-networking-evenings
RESIDENTS of the Alpine Shire are invited to attend free wildlife education training to learn how to care for injured and vulnerable wildlife.
Together with Reach Out Wildlife Australia, the Alpine Shire Council is o ering wildlife education training to give everyday people the skills to become e ective rst respond-
ers in wildlife emergencies.
Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, encouraged community members to take advantage of this free training opportunity and increase their con dence when caring for injured and vulnerable animals.
Training will be held across the Alpine Shire in Bright from 6pm to 8pm on Wednesday,
March 26; in Mount Beauty from 6pm to 8pm on Tuesday, April 1; and in Myrtleford from 6pm to 8pm on Thursday, April10 .
All participants will receive a Wildlife Rescue Kit for their car.
The wildlife education training program is funded by the State of Victoria through Emer-
gency Recovery Victoria’s Community Recovery Hubs grant program and the Australian Government as part of recovery e orts following the October 2022 oods and landslip.
For more information, visit: https://engage.alpineshire.vic. gov.au/community-hubs/recovery-hub/wildlife-educationtraining
From stroke to strength: Nikki all set for 100-mile Alpine Challenge
SNOW sports instructor
Nikki McKilliam is preparing to take on the 100-mile Alpine Climb in celebration of a decade since her lifealtering stroke.
Originally from Brisbane, a then 23-year-old Nikki spent her winters as a snow sports instructor in Falls Creek.
She then lived the dream of travelling the world, chasing winters in various countries, which eventually took her to the alpine regions of Germany.
However, Nikki’s vibrant, active life took a sudden turn when she su ered an ischemic stroke: an extremely rare spinal stroke, while abroad.
The symptoms weren’t immediately clear and it took over 32 hours for German doctors to diagnose her condition.
“At rst, my physio thought it was a slipped disc,” Nikki said.
“But when the symptoms became more severe, they recognised something more serious was at play and rushed me to the neurologist.”
Stroke Foundation’s CEO, Dr Lisa Murphy said around 46,000 Australians experienced a stroke in 2023.
“Evidence shows that
‘S’NO SPORTS NIKKI CAN’T DO: Nikki McKilliam celebrates a completed run down a snowy slope.
while the overall incidence of stroke has been declining, stroke incidence rates in young people and those of working age have been increasing over time,” she said.
“It is vitally important that both patients and health professionals are aware of this.
“In 2023, one in four strokes occurred in Aus-
STROKE SURVIVOR ON THE SUMMIT: Hiking up mountains in the Alpine Shire keeps Nikki McKilliam prepared for future physical challenge events.
tralians under the age of 65 years.”
As a healthy and t 23-yearold, a stroke wasn’t considered a likely diagnosis for Nikki.
However, a er her rst CT scan, the stroke was evident and she was promptly transferred to the stroke ward.
“I lost function on my en-
UNSTOPPABLE: “Once I proved to myself I could run again, nothing could stop me.”
tire le side,” Nikki said.
“I felt like a pin cushion, having blood thinners injected into me three times a day for nine days to clear the clot.
“Then the real challenge began.
“I had to remap the wires from my brain to my muscles so they could move again.”
In the weeks that followed,
Nikki taught herself how to walk, bend her leg and even stand on tiptoes; all by observing how her right leg functioned and mimicking the movements with her le . Incredibly, just six weeks a er the stroke, Nikki completed a 10 kilometre run.
“It was slow and I had a limp, but I did it,” she said.
“Once I proved to myself I could run again, nothing could stop me.”
Since then, Nikki has incorporated strength training into her routine, a concept new to her but one that has been vital for improving her body awareness and recovery.
Today, Nikki is the picture of resilience.
To mark her 10-year anniversary of recovery, she’s taking on the Running Wild Alpine Challenge: a 100-mile run which is considered as one of the toughest and most spectacular mountain trail runs in the Southern Hemisphere.
“My willpower and belief in myself have been the most powerful tools in my recovery,” Nikki said.
“It wasn’t easy, but I choose how I view and work with my new reality.
“The challenge is tough, but no matter the adversity, I will never stop ghting to reclaim what makes me, me.” Stroke Foundation’s StrokeLine and Enable Me website provides support and information to survivors of stroke, their families and carers about the post stroke recovery journey, you can reach out via: www.strokefoundation.org.au or by calling 1800 787 653.
HEART-ATTACK SURVIVOR, ROB BROWNING , HIGHLIGHTS THE VALUE OF STAYING INFORMED AND SEEKING HELP
A SERIOUS medical experience last year has prompted Bright resident Rod Browning to speak out in an effort to raise awareness about heart health this RED FEB.
Rod, who experienced a lifethreatening heart condition, is passionate about encouraging others in the community to take care of their heart health and recognise the early warning signs of potential heart issues.
His personal journey has inspired him to share his story, aiming to educate others and bring attention to the importance of heart health, particularly early detection and preventative care.
“I was having coffee with a friend of mine and I just started to feel not well,” Rod said.
“Clammy and with a bit of indigestion, I thought it was the coffee my friend had given me,” he laughed.
“I drove home and then there was pain going down my arms, so I walked across to the hospital.
“I remember the nurse looking at the report after I had my ECG and she said ‘this is not good’, but [she was still] calm.
“I then saw more nurses, then my GP who talked me through what was going to happen, then I spoke to some paramedics and I thought this is probably serious.
“But everyone was very calm
and professional and it made me feel calm.”
Rod’s hope is that by sharing his experience, more people will recognise the importance of staying informed and ultimately seek medical attention when needed.
As part of this campaign, Rod is urging everyone to pay attention to their health and take quick action when in doubt.
February is RED FEB, a month dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease, encouraging preventative measures, and educating the public on the signs of heart-related emergencies.
In case of an emergency, always dial 000 for immediate assistance.
For those uncertain about their medical needs or seeking advice on their healthcare concerns, Nurse-On-Call is available on: 1300 60 60 24 . Rural Urgent Care Centres include the Bright Hospital (03) 5755 0100; Mount Beauty Hospital (03) 5754 3500 and Myrtleford Hospital (03) 5751 9300.
Additionally, more urgent care information can be found at the Alpine Health website: www. alpinehealth.org.au/services/ hospital-urgent-care/urgent-care To watch Rod’s powerful story, visit: https://youtu.be/ mQnMmc3Jur4
ROD ON THE RUN: Heart attack survivor, Rod Browning, ran the Queenstown marathon in New Zealand late last year a er his recovery from a heart attack in May, 2024. PHOTO: Alpine Health
Community & Business Directory Alpine
Your local Directory in print and online
The 2025 Alpine Business and Community Directory is currently being compiled and will again be published as a hard copy edition, backed up online with a digital edition at northeastdirectory.com.au
Key Benefits Include:
> Over 3,000 copies distributed to residence and businesses across the Alpine Shire.
> Online directory is accessible via mobile phones, tablets and computers giving you exposure across North East Victoria and beyond.
> 12 month shelf life in print and online.
> Provides businesses with effective, low cost advertising in print and online.
> Easy to follow A4 size with quality full colour gloss reproduction throughout.
> Professionally designed advertisements that work for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Outstanding value advertising options designed to suit any budget are now available.
Please refer to pricing and sizing options enclosed. Prices are inclusive of GST, full colour and use of our in-house graphic design services.
In 2025 we will no longer be o ering free listings for businesses that don’t advertise. To make sure your business is featured simply purchase a line listing (see sample on page 3) for only $39 (inc GST). All advertisers will automatically receive a free line listing. New in 2025
ADVERTISING BOOKING DEADLINE: Friday, February 28, 2025
ADVERTISING COPY DEADLINE: Thursday, March 7, 2025
Secure an advertising space today to ensure that your business is the one Alpine residents turn to in 2025. proudly brought to you by:
LOCATED in the historical township of Glenrowan just minutes’ walk to the town centre is 13 Hill Street.
It was completed in 2023 with four bedrooms, two bathrooms on a large 1252m2 allotment.
The stylish kitchen is fitted with electric cooking appliances, stone benchtops, double sink and large breakfast bar.
There is an abundance of under bench and overhead storage and also includes generous walk-in pantry.
The kitchen, dining and living areas are all fitted with contemporary vinyl plank flooring.
These main living areas are drenched
in natural light through the large windows taking in the mountain views.
Main bedroom features a huge walkin robe and full ensuite with double vanities.
A further three bedrooms are all fitted with built-in robes.
The main bathroom is well designed with separate shower, bath and vanity.
A separate toilet at the entrance to the bathroom is conveniently located.
A large walk-in linen provides generous storage.
Heating and cooling are well catered for with fully ducted refrigerated system throughout.
Externally, the undercover entertain-
ing area is fitted with a ceiling fan for comfort and has stunning views of Mount Glenrowan.
Lawns and garden are well established and there is a concrete path around the entire house.
The property is connected to town water and septic along with a 22,500lt tank.
Only 15 minutes to the Wangaratta CBD, 13 Hill Street, Glenrowan offers great space, a quality home with stunning views, in near new condition all within walking distance to the Glenrowan township.
Please call Hugh Amery on 0487 777 311 to arrange your private inspection.
QUALITY in
Positioned in a quiet location, it provides a low maintenance yard without any compromise on living space.
There are three bedrooms, two-bathrooms with the primary bedroom offering a full ensuite and walk-in robe.
The clever design captures an abundance of natural light and offers a contemporary open plan kitchen, living and dining with direct access to the alfresco area and rear yard.
The central kitchen is well appointed with stainless cooking appliances, dishwasher, breakfast bar and ample storage.
Main bathroom provides a separate bath and shower.
The second living area and designated study nook completes the home.
The home is perfectly located to take advantage of the Wangaratta golf course, walking/bike tracks, schools and sporting facilities.
This fantastic property is ideal for any family, downsizer or investment.
Please call Danial Siperki on 0400 027 473 to arrange your private inspection.
Ducted gas heating and evaporative cooling ensures the perfect climate all year round. A fully secure double lockup carport includes internal access to the
PUBLIC NOTICES
Myrtleford & District A&P Society AGM
To be held in the o ce of the Myrtleford Show in the Rec Reserve on March 12, 2025 at 7pm. New member’s welcome bring new ideas! Phone President Debbie 0428 250 040
TRAFFIC CHANGES
Spartan Australia will be holding a Spartan Trifecta Event at Pioneer Park, Bright on February 22-23, 2025.
Traffic Management will be implemented from 4.30am to 8pm on Saturday 22 February, and 5.30am to 5pm Sunday, 23 February.
• Coronation Avenue, Ballroom Court and Pioneer Lane will be closed during the times outlined above, each with a marshal in place.
• Speed reductions will be in place along Churchill Avenue for parking Parking Arrangements
• Parking for the event will be along Churchill Avenue and Hawthorn Lane
• Hawthorn Lane and Churchill Avenue heading South (towards Wandiligong) will be the designated route to the parking areas
If you have enquiries regarding any traffic changes, please email michelle@spartanrace.com.au
New Lease Notice
Notice is hereby given that Alpine Resorts Victoria (ARV) Mt Hotham proposed to enter into negotiations with the aim of granting a New Alpine Lease under the terms and conditions of the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change leasing policy.
ARV will be entering into negotiations with:
Royal Children’s Hospital Alpine Club Inc, Crown Allotment 3, Parish of Hotham, County of Bogong;
• Austen Alpine Club Inc, Crown Allotment 2017, Parish of Yertoo, County of Dargo; CSIR Ski Club, Crown Allotment 8, Parish of Hotham, County of Bogong; Edelweiss Ski Club of Australia Inc, Crown Allotment 1, Parish of Hotham, County of Bogong; and Disabled Wintersport Australia Inc, Alpine Gateway, Hotham Heights.
It is the intention of ARV to grant a new lease without recourse to a public competition process.
ARV invites submissions/comments in relation to the proposed new Alpine Lease.
Submissions should be lodged before ARV on or before 24 January 2025.
All enquiries and/or submissions/comments should be directed to:
Property Coordinator
Alpine Resorts Victoria Mt Hotham PO Box 188 Bright Vic 3741 Email: property@alpineresorts.vic.gov.au
CONCRETING
No job too small!
Call Andy 0428 644 217
2013 ISUZU MUX LSU 4X4, turbo diesel, good condition, 280,090kms, reg (1II4XI), $26,000 ONO. Ph 0498 118 997.
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Elite, leather seats, services as per logbook. 4 cylinder 2.2lit Diesel, auto, 1WK 1KR,130,000kms, RWC, $26,350.00 ONO. Phone Maxwell K Batey 0419 547 308.
MITSUBISHI ASX
2017, 90000km, registered until June 2025 1OJ4NB, $15000. PH 0402 118 361
MAZDA BT50 2013 Freestyle cab/tray, diesel, 4x2, manual, 79,000kms, one owner, regularly serviced, RWC, reg (1BN6TC), $19,000. Enquiries 0427 817 166.
2009 Honda CTX BUSHLANDER. Good condition, Approx 14,000kms, VIN 9C2M35UO8R002382, New fork seals, resent oil change, tires 80 %, Everything works, No further use $2,300 ono PH 0499036050.
2022 Volvo XC 60. Registered BVC024 until Jan 2026. Warranty until Jan 2027. Travelled only 48500 Km. Price $45,000. Phone Tony 0409239326 RWC provided.
MAZDA 3 SP25 2009, one owner, 255,000km, RWC, reg (XKA544), immaculately maintained, fullservice history available, very reliable 4cyl 2.5L, auto, $6750. Ph 0409 814 364.
FREE RANGE HENS
ISA Brown Pullets, POL $30ea. Pick upWang to Bright Becky & Hugh (03) 5798 1868 freerangehens.com.au
Thanks
To my friends and family, thank you for my lovely 90th birthday celebrations.
BONACCI
Requiem mass for the repose of Antonio’s soul will be held at St Mary’s Catholic Church, 29 Lawrence Street, Myrtleford commencing at 10.30am on Friday, February 21, 2025. The funeral will leave at the conclusion of prayers for the Myrtleford Lawn Cemetery.
Antonio’s service can be viewed via livestream at northeastfunerals.com.au/live-streaming
YAMAHA XJR1300, excellent condition, only 17,600km, regretful sale due to ill health, $6000. Ph 0427 500 800.
Special thanks to Sharlene, Jane, Leigh and Michellini Wines.
~ Georgie.
HADDON, Mark Daniel.
Another year without you. Missing you so much.
BRAND NEW BOAT
PACKAGE Stacer 379
2005 Toyota Corolla Ascent Hatchback (TIZ667) May 15. 126,000km, manual, 17" alloy wheels, TRD upgrades, tinted windows, excellent condition $8000. Ph 0438 988 608.
Proline boat, Bimini Boat cover, Honda 15 HP outboard, 7 year warranty, Stacer trailer, 12 months rego, safety gear $13,000. Ph 0429 082 292.
QUINTREX
BayHunter runabout, 1992, 4.4 metre aluminium V-hull, with canopy and side window panels, trailer and 40HP Mercury engine, life jackets, reg to Sep 25, $12,000 ONO. Ph 0419 870 472.
1998 Jayco Eagle 12 folding camper, excellent condition, queen size bed, provisions for 2-3 children comfortably, reg (R91716), $12,000. Ph 0490 780 438.
BONACCI
Antonio
12/6/1936 – 11/2/2025
In loving memory of Antonio Bonacci who passed away peacefully at the Royal Melbourne Private Hospital on February 11, 2025. Dearly loved husband of Giuseppina. Adored father of Domenic, Mary and Jim (dec).
Cherished Nonno and Bisnonno. Loved by all who knew him and remembered always. Rest in peace.
BONACCI, Antonio.
Passed away peacefully on February 11, 2025. What we once had and enjoyed, we can never lose.
Thank-you Dad for the blood, sweat, tears and memories we shared together. We are heartbroken that we weren’t able to be a part be a part of your life towards the end but you will always be apart of us❤
~ Your loving son Domenic and Anna, granddaughters Amanda, Danielle and Lauren; Joshua, Brenton and Eric and great-grandchildren Bailey, Noah, Austin, Hudson, Luella, Nash, Nate, Mason, Lola, Jude, Cruz and Mack. Rest in peace Dad, until we meet again.
~ Love your Mum
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
Big parties blindside on political donations
By STEVE KELLY
INDI’S Helen Haines and her fellows federal independent MPs have expressed their disbelief at the Labor and Coalition parties for passing the election funding bill last week.
The deal between the two major parties will enable all individual donors to give a candidate or political party $50,000, instead of the $20,000 proposed in November.
State and territory branches of parties also count separately so the cap is e ectively $450k for major parties.
There will be a lower disclosure threshold of $5000 down from the existing $16,900, however, $1000 was originally proposed.
The amendments fail to plug a loophole that allows a donor to give separately to all of the branches attached to a political party if each individual contribution is just under the threshold.
There will also be an $800,000 per electorate limit and $90 million per party nationally.
Dr Haines said she was disappointed the legislation that passed doesn’t deliver on the original goal to remove big money from
Didn’t vote in the 2024 council elections?
CLOSE to 530,000 Victorians who appear to have failed to vote in the October 2024 local council elections will have an opportunity to explain why when they receive an ‘Apparent failure to vote notice’ in the coming days.
Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel says the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is urging people who receive a notice to respond with a detailed explanation, as the VEC is required to issue a fine of $99 if a person fails to respond in writing within 28 days.
“An ‘Apparent failure to vote notice’ is not a fine, it’s a chance to explain why you appear not to have voted,’ Mr Bluemmel said.
“If you respond to the notice in writing with a valid reason and evidence, you are much more likely to be excused.
“Completing and sending the notice back to us within the 28-day timeframe gives us a chance to consider your explanation and whether you can be excused.”
Voting in local council elections is compulsory in Victoria if you are enrolled to vote.
Voters can sign up to receive VEC Voter Alert updates about future state and local council elections at: vec.vic.gov.au/ VoterAlert.
politics and improve transparency.
She said instead, it delivers the duopoly of politics – Labor and the Coalition –the ability to bring in more, spend more and hide more.
“These reforms represent a fundamental change to how our democracy functions,” she said.
“It was a chance for the government to show integrity to the Australian public.
“We’ve seen the gamut of poor process here – a lack of genuine consultation, an avoidance of scrutiny and a deal done in the dark.
“I wanted to see this bill go to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for a full inquiry but the major parties blocked this scrutiny.
“If I’m re-elected, and regardless of who forms government, I will continue to pursue a fair and just outcome for electoral reform over the course of the next parliament.”
Dr Haines spoke on ABC Radio National last week and con rmed that if she is elected into the next term of parliament this reform “will be well and truly in my line of sight to reform”.
“Both the Coalition and the Labor are a unity ticket on trying to dupe our democracy into voting for the major parties,” she said.
More than 1100 illegal fires recorded in state since 2019
DATA released by CFA and the Crime Statistics Agency has revealed a concerning number of re-related offences across Victoria over the past ve years.
Between 2019 and 2024, there were 1010 recorded instances of lighting a re during the Fire Danger Period (FDP) and 187 cases of lighting a re on a Total Fire Ban (TFB) day.
The Fire Danger Period is a designated time in each Victorian municipality when re restrictions apply due to increased re risk.
A Total Fire Ban is declared on days of extreme conditions, prohibiting any res in the open air.
Under the CFA Act, penalties for allowing an open-air re to escape during a declared FDP can include nes of up to $23,710, 12 months’ imprisonment, or both.
The penalties double if the escape occurs on a ¯Total Fire Ban Day.
CFA Chief O cer Jason He ernan said the stats are worrying.
“Lighting a re during the Fire Danger Period and on days of Total Fire Ban puts lives, homes, and emergency responders at risk,” he said.
“If you ignore re restrictions, you could be facing serious legal repercussions and more importantly, you could be responsible for devastating losses.
“Victoria is already one of the most re-prone regions in the world, so we certainly don’t need unnecessary challenges created by carelessness or deliberate acts.”
A recent incident in Dia-
mond Creek serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of ignoring FPD restrictions.
CFA was called to a property at around 6:28pm on Monday, January 20, where crews arrived to nd smoke issuing from a pile of green tree branches approximately a metre high.
Victoria Police attended the scene and are now pursuing charges against the
resident for lighting a re during council’s Fire Danger Period.
All Victorian municipalities are currently in the Fire Danger Period, you can nd out more information on what you can and can’t do during the FDP here.
If you see illegal or suspicious re activity, report it immediately by calling Triple Zero (000) or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
By STEVE KELLY
COMPLAINTS about poor mobile phone reception following the shutdown of 3G network have been raised in parliament by Indi Independent federal MP Helen Haines.
A growing number of residents in the electorate have contacted her o ce about zero to poor reception with the 4G and 5G mobile phones.
Dr Haines raised the matter in parliament this month asking the Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland about her awareness of the issues and when the problem will be xed.
“Before the 3G shutdown regional communities in my electorate were told that no one would be worse o but since the nal shutdown my constituents have experienced worse connectivity,”
Dr Haines told parliament.
“(They’re) completely losing the ability to make calls in some areas and have been told to spend their own money on a ermarket antennas.
“Does the minister recognise that some people are worse o a er the 3G shutdown and what will the government do to x it.”
Ms Rowland empathised with Dr Haines’ concern and acknowledged that the issue was “very real”.
“On December 17 I convened industry regulators, the mobile carriers, consumer groups to look at the lessons learnt from this 3G switchover,” Ms Rowland responded.
“The government has stressed to the carriers that the bene ts of the 3G switchover really need to be demonstrated.
“While it is a fact of physics that the switchover is completed there needs to be a focus now on consumer welfare.
“The member is right and it is very true that there are multiple complaints from customers, particularly in regional areas who have seen fortuitous coverage diminish and who have seen their services overall being challenged.
“The question is how can that be improved.”
Ms Rowland said she is monitoring the issue very closely.
“I’ve made it clear to service providers the expectation that the 3G switchover will deliver on these bene ts,” she said.
“The ACMA and ACCC have been highlighted in this, not only of the technical requirements, but also the representations being made to customers about coverage pre and post-switchover.
“Many consumers would know that those coverage maps don’t always match what they actually receive.”
Ms Rowland said Telstra has now established a dedicated helpline on 1800 990 853.
Wangaratta & District Cricket Association
WANGARATTA MAGPIES DEF BY ROVERS UNITED BRUCK
WANGARATTA MAGPIES 1ST INNINGS
Cooper Matheson (c) c: J Wilson b: J Schonafinger 13
Jarryd Wallace b: Jacob Schonafinger 4
Jack Davies c: Lakpriya shantha Gangabadawatta
Arachchilage b: Paddy McNamara 4
Oliver Andrew c: Brady Bartlett b: Paddy McNamara 5
Dean Simmons c: Lucky Shantha b: Brady Bartlett 14
Kyle Winter-Irving c: C Perera b: P McNamara 20
Nic Bonwick lbw: Brady Bartlett 0
Callum Honey b: Brady Bartlett 4
Rhys Grant c: Lucky Shantha b: Paddy McNamara 3
Matthew Prestianni not out 0*
Chris Clement b: Paddy McNamara 0
Extras 0
OVENS VALLEY UNITED DEF BY BEECHWORTH WANDERERS
BEECHWORTH WANDERERS 1ST INNINGS
Clancy Ellett lbw: James Neary 4
Jackson Cull st: Conner Forde b: Geeth Alwis 12
Kayde Surrey c: Kane Fitzpatrick b: James Neary 0
Brenton Surrey (c) c: Gregor Fraser b: Bailey Wyatt 0
Jack Ryan lbw: Geeth Alwis 9
Will Prebble c: Noah White b: Geeth Alwis 1
Matthew Ryan c: James Neary b: Gregor Fraser 23
Campbell Fendyk lbw: Bailey Wyatt 20
Private player st: Conner Forde b: Geeth Alwis 13
Tristan Lenaz not out 8*
Timothy Cogger c: Seamus Phillips b: Geeth Alwis 2
Extras 6
Total 10 / 98
Overs 47.3
BOWLING: Angus Heslin 16/5/29/5, Angus McMillan
11.3/4/25/1, Matt McCabe 9/1/18/0, Van Kreeck 6/1/13/1, Aneeque Azam 7/3/10/1, Brock McCabe 1/1/0/1.
YARRAWONGA MULWALA 1ST INNINGS
Reid Clarke c: James Carboon b: Dale Stratton 60
Ben Welsh c: James Carboon b: Conor Brodie 2
Van Kreeck run out: Jonty Priest 1
Brock McCabe lbw: Brayden Stepien 43
Matt Knight c: Mitchell Wheelens b: Dale Stratton 21
Angus McMillan (vc) lbw: Dale Stratton 3
Kyle Archibald (c) c: Cooper Binion b: Dale Stratton 0
Aneeque Azam lbw: Dale Stratton 2
adam dodd c&b: Charlie Bull 8 Xavier Mitchell lbw: Conor Brodie 5
Heslin not out 4*
10 / 152
FOW: 1-9 Ben Welsh, 2-29 Van Kreeck, 3-102 Reid Clarke, 4-116 Brock McCabe, 5-132 Angus McMillan, 6-132 Kyle Archibald, 7-134 Aneeque Azam, 8-137 Matt Knight, 9-144
Xavier Mitchell, 10-152 Adam Dodd. BOWLING: Conor Brodie 22/3/48/2, Charlie Bull 12.1/5/21/1, DALE STRATTON 22/7/43/5, Cooper Binion 6/2/6/0, Brayden Stepien 9/1/19/1, Sameera Witharana 5/1/14/0.
BENALLA BUSHRANGERS 2ND INNINGS
Brayden Stepien (c) c: Reid Clarke b: Angus Heslin 6
Jonty Priest c: Angus McMillan b: Angus Heslin 2
James Carboon not out 15*
Charlie Bull lbw: Ben Welsh 18
Lucas Ham c&b: Ben Welsh 1
DALE STRATTON not out 0*
Cooper Binion did not bat -
Conor Brodie did not bat -
Gary Priest (vc) did not bat -
Mitchell Wheelens did not bat -
Sameera Witharana did not bat -
Extras 3
Total 4 / 45
Overs 16
FOW: 1-6 Brayden Stepien, 2-9 Jonty Priest, 3-34 Charlie Bull, 4-37 Lucas Ham. BOWLING: Angus Heslin 5/1/14/2, Angus McMillan 2/2/0/0, Brock McCabe 2/0/19/0, Ben Welsh 4/1/6/2, Van Kreeck 3/1/5/0.
BOWLING: Jacob Schonafinger 10/5/12/2, Paddy McNamara
9.3/2/19/5, Brady Bartlett 9/2/17/3, Jeremy Wilson 9/2/19/0.
ROVERS UNITED BRUCK 1ST INNINGS
Charith Perera c: Oliver Andrew b: Dean Simmons 51
Ryan Collier lbw: Chris Clement 38
Reid McNamara c: Rhys Grant b: Oliver Andrew 0
Paddy McNamara (c) lbw: Dean Simmons 0
Matthew Whitten c: Jarryd Wallace b: Oliver Andrew 0
Jacob Schonafinger c&b: Kyle Winter-Irving 29
Lakpriya shantha c: Chris Clement b: Oliver Andrew 30
Jeremy Wilson (c) run out: Oliver Andrew 0
Cormac McNamara not out 11*
Brady Bartlett c: Rhys Grant b: Oliver Andrew 1
Daniel Jones run out 6
21
10 / 187
BOWLING: Chris Clement 9/2/50/1, Oliver Andrew 18/2/46/4, Dean Simmons 8/1/34/2, Kyle Winter-Irving 10/3/26/1, Matthew Prestianni 4/0/11/0, Rhys Grant 2.3/1/4/0.
WANGARATTA MAGPIES 2ND INNINGS
Dean Simmons lbw: Jacob Schonafinger 12
Jarryd Wallace run out 5
James Thewlis lbw: Brady Bartlett 7
Oliver Andrew b: Jacob Schonafinger 5
Cooper Matheson (c) not out 30*
Jack Davies c: Lakpriya shantha Gangabadawatta
Arachchilage b: Daniel Jones 5
Kyle Winter-Irving not out 41*
Nic Bonwick did not bat -
Chris Clement did not batRhys Grant did not batCallum Honey did not bat
FOW: 1-9 Jarryd Wallace, 2-19 Dean Simmons, 3-29 James Thewlis, 4-31 Oliver Andrew, 5-41 Jack Davies. BOWLING: Jacob Schonafinger 13/5/23/2, Brady bartlett 16/2/39/1, Jeremy Wilson 9/2/20/0, Daniel Jones 6/2/10/1, Cormac McNamara 4/3/1/0, Ryan Collier 3/0/10/0, Reid McNamara 2/1/4/0, Matthew Whitten 1/0/1/0.
BOWLING: James Neary 4/3/2/2, Bailey Wyatt 9/1/15/2, Cooper Thomason 8/4/19/0, Geeth Alwis 14.3/5/24/5, Glenn White 5/1/15/0, Gregor Fraser 6/1/17/1, Noah White 1/0/5/0.
OVENS VALLEY UNITED 1ST INNINGS
Gregor Fraser b: Matthew Ryan 10
Seamus Phillips c: Kayde Surrey b: Timothy Cogger 4
Dylan Bursill (c) c: Timothy Cogger b: Matthew Ryan 9
Geeth Alwis lbw: Kayde Surrey 1
Conner Forde c: Brenton Surrey b: Jack Ryan 11
Cooper Thomason not out 16*
Noah White b: Matthew Ryan 0
Kane Fitzpatrick c&b: Timothy Cogger 19
James Neary c: Will Prebble b: Timothy Cogger 0
Glenn White b: Matthew Ryan 0
Bailey Wyatt b: Matthew Ryan 0
Extras 6
Total 10 / 76
Overs 36.1
BOWLING: Timothy Cogger 10/2/27/3, Matthew Ryan 11.1/5/15/5, Kayde Surrey 9/4/15/1, Jack Ryan 6/1/18/1.
BEECHWORTH WANDERERS 2ND INNINGS
Clancy Ellett c: James Neary b: Cooper Thomason 22
Jackson Cull b: Cooper Thomason 1
Austen Fendyk c: Kane Fitzpatrick b: Bailey Wyatt 3
Brenton Surrey (c) c: Conner Forde b: Bailey Wyatt 1
Jack Ryan c: Dylan Bursill b: Geeth Alwis 21
Will Prebble lbw: Geeth Alwis 3
Matthew Ryan lbw: Geeth Alwis 0
Campbell Fendyk lbw: Geeth Alwis 2
Private player lbw: Gregor Fraser 2
Tristan Lenaz not out 0*
Timothy Cogger c&b: Geeth Alwis 10 Extras 10
10 / 65
BOWLING: Cooper Thomason 5/1/18/2, Bailey Wyatt 6/1/21/2, Geeth Alwis 11/5/8/5, Gregor Fraser 6/3/9/1.
OVENS VALLEY UNITED 2ND INNINGS
Cooper Thomason c: Brenton Surrey b: Matthew Ryan 12
Seamus Phillips lbw: Matthew Ryan 4
Geeth Alwis c: Campbell Fendyk b: Timothy Cogger 10
Conner Forde c: Jack Ryan b: Matthew Ryan 0
Gregor Fraser b: Jack Ryan 23
B GRADE
C GRADE
UNDER 16
UNDER 14
Bowling: Timothy Cogger 7/1/22/1, Matthew Ryan 11/2/33/5, Jack Ryan 10/0/24/2.
A RESERVE Wangaratta Magpies 10/108 Oscar Timms 35 John Taylor 3/27 def by Yarrawonga Mulwala 6/111 Sam Lidgerwood 58* Rieran Radcliffe 3/28. Benalla Bushrangers 3/146 Ross Cavill 51 Benjamin McMasters 1/12 def Ovens Valley United 10/126 Benjamin McMasters 35 Leigh Pollard 4/22. Rovers United Bruck 7/160 Mark Drage 51* def Delatite 10/87 Sam Bell 20 Adriano Speziale 3/20.
Delatite 10/98 def by Merton 4/200. Milawa 10/80 def by Rovers United Bruck 6/132. Benalla Bushrangers 10/76 def Rutherglen United 10/67. Ovens Valley United 5/125 def by Yarrawonga Mulwala 9/175. Beechworth Wanderers 10/65 def by Greta 1/66.
Benalla Bushrangers Blue 9/120 def by Beechworth Wanderers Stanley 10/133. Greta Blue 5/103 def Greta White 8/102. Benalla Bushrangers Red 4/122 def by Yarrawonga Mulwala 4/123. Rutherglen United def by Gapsted (forfeit).
Ovens Valley United 9/168 def by Rovers United Bruck 6/218. Benalla Bushrangers 8/156 def Delatite 7/122. City Colts 10/201 def Beechworth Wanderers 8/72.
Wangaratta Magpies Black 7/108 def by Ovens Valley United 7/156. Beechworth Wanderers 10/218 def Greta Blue 9/107. Yarrawonga Mulwala Bulls 10/151 def Wangaratta Magpies White 10/78. Rutherglen United 7/102 def by Benalla Bushrangers Red 6/145. City Colts 10/123 def Rovers United Bruck Gold 9/114. Greta White 9/82 def by Benalla Bushrangers Blue 7/221.
UNDER 12 GOLD
Wangaratta Magpies Black 5/112 def Yarrawonga Mulwala Bulls 6/111. Delatite Blue 10/61 def by Benalla Bushrangers Blue 4/92. Yarrawonga Mulwala Rams 4/99 def Benalla Bushrangers Red 6/90. Delatite Gold 8/41 def by Wangaratta Magpies White 2/89. Yarrawonga Mulwala Laker 4/104 def Benalla Bushrangers 10/55.
UNDER 12 BLUE
City Colts Blue 6/62 def by Beechworth Wanderers 5/123. Rovers United Bruck Green 7/59 def by Ovens Valley United Black 5/115. Ovens Valley United Orange 2/124 def Rutherglen United 6/104. Greta 8/86 def Rovers United Bruck Gold 7/45.
Summer golfing continues across region
BRIGHT local Angus Murrells managed a hole-in-one on the 16th at Bright this week. Elsewhere, golfers secured solid scores and enjoyed their time at the region’s pristine courses.
MYRTLEFORD GOLF CLUB
Saturday, February 15
WHEELERS FREIGHT STABLEFORD & SUPER & AMCR 71
A Grade Winner: David Clark (13) 42 pts. A Grade Runner Up: Damian Rossato (9) 39 pts.
B Grade Winners: Robert Wheeler (26) 38 pts. B Grade Runners Up: Barrie Bynon (26) 37 pts.
Super 6 Winner: Robert Wheeler (26) 15 pts. Super 6 Runner Up: David Clark (13) 14 pts c/b.
Ball Winners: A Corcoran 38, A Rockli 38, G Black 36, C Shewell 36, A Browne 36, A McKerral 35, J Galvan 32, G Browne 32 c/b.
points from Liz Harvey with 29 points.
NTP on the seventh, second shot, was Ruth Rynehart.
Foodworks NTPs - 1st: David Clark, 4th 2nd shot: Damien Rossato, 8th: Ian Wales, 14th: Brad Carroll, 16th: David Clark. Matthews Cleaning Encouragement Award: Paul Cowman 20 pts.
Ra e Winner: Colin Walker.
O’May Matchplay Semi Finals: H and W McKerral def S Hancock and D Rowe 2/1; C Shewell and R Wheeler def C and W Rowney 5/3.
Thursday, February 13
Wheelers Freight Stableford AMCR 73
A Grade Winner: Lizzie Orton (15) 37pts. A Grade Runner Up: Faye McLees (24) 32pts.
9 Hole Winner: Penny Dawkins (33) 16pts. 9 Hole Runner Up: Lyn Dwyer (32) 15pts.
Ball Winners: Barb Welch, Jan Harper.
Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Marg Curtis, 2nd/4th: Sandra Piazza, 16th: Marg Curtis.
Wednesday, February 12
AMCR 71
The men played 18 holes on Monday, February 10, which was convincingly won by David Drew with 43 points from Roger Church with 38 points and Mark Redmond with 36 points.
NTP on the seventh and ninth was Trevor English.
The front nine was played by the men on Wednesday, February 12, which was won by Neil Tappe with 20 points from Michael Bartholomew with 19 points.
NTP on the seventh was the club, and the ninth was Dave Etherton.
The men played par on Saturday, February 16, which was won by Mark Redmond with +3 from Stephen Short and Steuart Snooks, both +2.
Balls in the ball comp were handed out to Tristan Skitt (+1), Leesa Bevan (+1) and Roger Church (0).
would have gone in.
In fact, on four occasions, his putts were like lasers, from anything around ve meters they rocketed into the hole.
Wheelers Freight Stableford
A Grade Winner: Craig Shewell (17) 40 pts. A Grade Runner Up: Aaron Jose (8) 37 pts c/b. Ball Winners: P Veldman 37, D Clark 36, P Stewart 35.
Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Craig Piazza, 4th 2nd shot: Aaron Jose, 8th: David Clark, 14th: Ian Wales, 16th: Ian Wales.
Tuesday, February 11
Wheelers Freight Par AMCR 74
A Grade Winner: Angela O’Shaughnessy (16) +2. A Grade Runner Up: Faye McLees (27) +2. 9 Hole Winner: Pat McPherson (47) 20pts. 9 Hole Runner Up: Jennifer Leita (49) 16pts.
Ball Winners: Sarah Deas +2, Kerry Chapman +1, Lizzie Orton 0 c/b.
Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Angela O’Shaughnessy, 2nd/4th: Marg Curtis, 8th: Marg Curtis.
MOUNT BEAUTY GOLF CLUB
WEDNESDAY, February 12 had the ladies of the Mount Beauty Golf Club split into two groupsone played the front nine and the other played the 18 holes.
The front nine was won by Lynda Barter with 18 points from Ute Svoboda with 17 points.
The 18-hole comp was won by Carol Bartholomew with 31
We were visited by a couple of visitors for the day in David Masoch and Peter Davis from Tocumwal GC.
NTP on the seventh was Stephen Short, along with the Tatts Ticket from the Tawonga South Newsagency and Post O ce, the ninth was Victor Selway, the 17th was Michael Bartholomew while Tristan Skitt took home the money on the 18th.
The Ladies played 18 holes on Saturday, February 15 which was won by Jooyon Kang-Redmond with 34 points from Tina Flint with 32 points.
NTP on the 18th, second shot, was Ruth Rynehart.
BRIGHT COUNTRY GOLF CLUB
THIS week we’ll quote the great Arnold Palmer, who once said, “Success in this game depends less on strength of body than strength of mind and character.”
This could be the summary for the Monday, February 10 all gender Stableford competition. Seventeen players teed o under perfect summer conditions, with two players tied for the rst place, and the winner on a countback was the inimitable Ian Browne.
Playing off a 23 handicap, Ian was in the zone - he could have closed his eyes, putted from anywhere and the putts
Even he appeared to be surprised with his newfound skill.
Coming in second place was Charles White, 14 H/C 39 points.
Ball winners were Penny White 34 points C/B, Heather Thompson 34 points, Ray Ousley 33 points and Don Grimes 32 points C/B.
NTPs - 3rd: Jenny Richter, 6th: Ray Ousley, 11th: Robert Taylor, 16th: Don Grimes.
Tuesday, February 11, all gender Stableford chicken run, back nine.
Seventeen players tried their luck, and the winner of the chicken and rst place voucher, was Brodie Brain, 30 H/C 22 points.
Second place went to Darren Stanley on 10 H/C 20 points.
Ball winners were Tyler Thompson 19 points and Roshelle Harrison 18 points.
NTPs - 11th: Darren Stanley, 16th: Heather Thompson.
Wednesday, February 12, Ladies Stableford competition.
Eleven ladies played and the winners were Suzette Heydon 36 H/C 41 points and Bernie Wickes 12 H/C 40 points.
Ball winners were Jane Canning 35 points, Robyn McGrath 34 points, Lauren Velicki 33 points C/B, Carol Burgess 33 points.
NTPs - 3rd: Bernie Wickes, 6th: Bernie Wickes, 16th: Suzette Heydon.
Thursday, February 13 saw the men’s stableford competition played o the white markers.
As summer is reaching its nal throes, the conditions continue to be challenging to all those who play.
A eld of 42 optimistic golfers threw their hats into the ring and only two played under their handicaps.
The winners were: Jason Egbers, 16 H/C 38 points; Steve O’Rielly 14 H/C 37 points; Ken Grummisch 18 H/C 36 points
C/B; Phil Bardsley-Smith 8 H/C 36 points C/B; Mark Frost 17 H/C 36 points; Paul Du 17 H/C 36 points.
Ball winners: Ian Browne 34 points C/B, Ray Ousley 34 points C/B, Ian McIntyre 34 points C/B, Mark Stephenson 34 points C/B, Crusty Carlisle 34 points C/B, Robert Taylor 34 points C/B, John Forbes 34 points, Rod Brown 33
points, Tony Chalwell 32 points C/B.
NTPs - 3rd: Phil BardsleySmith, 6th: John Forbes (150mm), 11th: Phil Bardsley-Smith, 16th: Mark Stephenson. The IGA chicken went to Mark Frosty Frost with a ne 20 points, and the NAGA was awarded to Mick Dunne with a reasonable 24 points.
Saturday, February 15 was the opening day for the new season of golf in Bright. The competition was an allgender stableford event, and 87 golfers teed o at 10am with a shotgun start.
Without doubt, the highlight was a hole-in-one on the 16th green by one of Bright’s younger members.
Angus Murrells, only 16 years of age, achieved what all golfers dream about.
Not only did he win the Eagle’s Nest, but his name will also now take pride of place on the club’s honour board for the most recent hole-in-one - apparently, he did the same a couple of weeks ago, but in a social game.
The big winners and there were seven who played under their handicaps, were as follows: Bill Stonnill 15 H/C 42 points C/B; Ben Mason from Chiltern Golf Club 30 H/C 42 points; Denis Hayes 27 H/C 41 points; Robyn McGrath 17 H/C 40 points C/B; Mac Simpson 14 H/C 40 points; Geo Nicholls from Corowa Golf Club 14 H/C 38 points; Heather Thompson 19 H/C 37 points C/B; and the one and only Dennis ‘Panga’ Pangrazio 28 H/C 37 points.
Ball winners, and there were many: Martin Hill 36 points, Carol Bailey 35 points C/B, Paul Hooper 35 points C/B, Michael Doolan 35 points C/B, Victor Lees 35 points C/B, Sam Hall 35 points C/B, Crusty Carlisle 35 points C/B, Jonnie Ocean 35 points C/B, Jack Thompson 35 points, Phil Willcoxson 34 points C/B.
NTPs - 3rd: Steve Grogan, 6th: Sam Hall, 11th: Steve Lyon, 16th and hole-in-one: Angus Murrells.
The NAGA, the player who was at the presentation with the lowest score, was Ray ‘The Borsch’ Borschmann with a lowly 24 points.
The Bright Golf Guru golf fact of the week: the world’s longest successful putt was a mind blowing 115 metres - Bill, the colt from Bu alo River, could give this record a run for its money.
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
Dennis Kersting Dip. RM CM. Myrtleford - 18 Rayner Street Phone: 0427 440 744
Now at 29 Clyde Street Myrtleford Plus Standish Street Surgery & Bright Allied Health For appointments call 5752 2817 Hearing Services
JO ROSS-JACKSON HEARING CENTRES
OVENS VALLEY INSURANCE BROKERS
Myrtleford, 47 Clyde Street Phone: 5752 1151
Bright, 104 Gavan St Phone: 5715 9705 Email: info@ovib.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
Phone Jenny on 57313305 or email jking@nemedia.com.au
WINNER: Mark Redmond took out Saturday’s par event.
Finals triumphs for Myrtleford bowlers
ON a cold and windy day at the Wangaratta Bowls and Sports Club, it took the Myrtleford weekend B1 side most of the match to shake o a persistent Moyhu team in their lawn bowls nal.
Myrtleford were ultimately triumphant winning the Qualifying Final 60/50, and they earned the right to play o in the grand nal.
Their best rink was Les Brown’s with Denis Piazza, Wayne Langdon and Adrian Villella winning 24/14.
Chipping in were Je rey Stagg’s team (22/15) and Graham Burrington’s team (14/21).
The weekend B2 team travelled to Corowa to take on Beechworth in the Semi-Final.
A dominant performance by Helen Murtagh’s team pulled them through to the next round, with Myrtleford winning 62/54.
Helen Murtagh with Peter James, Matthew Dunell and Robin Byrne won 29/11, while Lindsay Hamilton’s side went down narrowly 20/22 and Jon Dunell’s team lost 13/21.
They will go into the Preliminary Final against Club Mulwala.
In the nal round of the midweek pennant, Myrtleford A2 disposed of Moira at Moira with a win 64/42.
Best rink was that of Mary Paton, Lance Symons, Denis Piazza and Graeme Piazza who came away with a 25/11 win.
Greg Robbins’ team managed a useful 26/15 while Michael Dwyer’s team slipped away 13/16.
The midweek A2 team nished on top of the ladder and will proceed to the Semi-Final.
Meanwhile, the midweek B2 side failed in their bid for nals double chance, going down to Swanpool at Swanpool 57/75.
On a di cult green, only the team of Colin Smith, Terry McCaw, Norman Vonarx and Liz Saunders managed to come to terms with an unfamiliar surface and came from well behind to win 26/23.
Other rinks were disappointing, with Pippa Laspina’s team losing 16/22 and Lindsay Hamilton’s 15/30.
They will now play o in the elimination nal.
WINNING WAYS: Adrian Villella and the Myrtleford B1 side stormed through the Qualifying Final on the weekend.
Bright midweek bowlers round out season
BRIGHT’S midweek B1 bowlers finished up their season on Tuesday, February 11, with a win 73/14 points to Moyhu 35/0, played at Bright.
Eskdale cause Power outage
MOUNT Beauty were caught short in their penultimate regular season match at Eskdale, going down by nine wickets on Saturday.
The game between the h and sixth ranked teams ebbed and owed throughout the a ernoon, as Mount Beauty compiled a competitive 8/170, before Eskdale reached the target score of 171 for the loss of only one wicket with three overs remaining.
A er being asked to eld rst, the local Mountain Men turned to their slower bowlers at the start of the innings in their attempt to quell the in uence of Power captain Greg McLennan, who currently sits h in the competition’s leading scorers with over 400 runs to his name.
The plan went as hoped for Eskdale, as Tim Kilgour removed the in-form skipper for 19 o 25 balls.
All of Mount Beauty’s top ve batters made starts, with Todd Jeanes’ 15 topped by Graham Beer (29), Nick Iaria (26) and Toby Derrick (24).
Momentum was halted regularly as the Power weren’t able to build any sizable partnerships, and it took a late cameo from Chris Derrick, whose 31 o only 22 balls including four boundaries and a six, to keep the Power in the contest at the innings break.
Mount Beauty’s bowlers restricted Eskdale’s scoring early in their chase with only four runs conceded in the rst ve overs and 57 runs from the rst 20, but lacked penetration with a weakened pace attack and couldn’t nd the breakthrough they were a er with the new ball.
Eskdale still needed a run a ball with twelve overs remaining, and their task was made a little more di cult when Emerson Lemkau dismissed Clinton Gilson for 52 with the score at 99.
The arrival of Zac Barrenechea (38) to the crease to support Matt Hill (69 not out) li ed the run rate signi cantly and helped Eskdale seal the win.
Cheryl Raduczic’s team of lead Wayne Curtis, second Maureen Magill, and third Peter Raduczic won 33/7, Ernie Vanderwert’s team of lead Di Anders, second Gilbert Griffith, and third Bev Griffith got up 22/14, and Elaine O’Shea’s team with lead Bruce Neilson, second Julie Ellis, and third Greg Pepyat won 18/14.
position on the ladder.
In other club news, community bowls played on Wednesday evenings is proving very popular.
This really good win means Bright ends the season in fifth
Some of the new players are providing a good competition for the players who have been competing for many years and
it’s great to see and hear players having fun on the green.
Social bowls is played on Saturdays and Tuesdays at 1.30pm (weather permitting).
For more information contact the club on (03) 5755 1236 or email brightbowls@bigpond.com.
Mount Beauty have now dropped to sixth position on the league ladder and will travel up the Kiewa Valley Highway for the second time in six weeks to face a formidable Kiewa out t in the nal round of the home and away season.
PHOTO: Marc Bongers
Saints thrive at Wodonga basketball tournament
BASKETBALL teams from Myrtleford produced some strong results at the recent Wodonga Basketball tournament.
Staged over two days in February, the tournament included teams from all over country Victoria and New South Wales.
Myrtleford elded eight squads, including both boys and girls ranging from under 12 up to under 18.
A highlight was the under 14 girls going undefeated all weekend, taking out the grand nal against Albury with a convincing 26-8 victory.
“I’m just so proud of these girls,” under 14 girls head coach Steven Swann said.
“Coming into the tournament, we had gone 14 games without a win, which has been challenging.
“We have worked hard,
demonstrated some real perseverance and showed what we were capable of over the weekend”.
“It’s a great club to be a part of, having a bunch of dedicated coaches and players, as well as a supportive group of family and friends.
“We are seeing some good results too – at the Wodonga tournament, we had four teams playing in grandnals.”
The club continues to focus on preparing for future tournaments in Benalla and Wangaratta, with the pinnacle of the season being the Victorian Country Championships.
Anyone interested in playing local or representative basketball should contact the Myrtleford and District Basketball Association at myrtleforddba@gmail.com.
Country week disappointment for WDCA squad
By NATHAN DE VRIES
THE Wangaratta and District Cricket Association team is back in the North East a er a tough run at Country Week.
The WDCA played four matches last week at various grounds around Melbourne, but were unable to record a single win.
Batting rst at Yarrambat War Memorial Park on Monday, Wangaratta posted 10/218 from 42.1 overs, before Sunraysia chased it down with eight overs to spare.
Ovens Valley United’s Cooper Thomason who would form the backbone of the innings, producing a ferocious and enthralling innings, smashing eight boundaries and ve maximums on his way to 91 from 84 balls.
His power hitting was on display from the eighth over, which saw him plunder Sunraysia’s Liam Naylor for 24 runs in a single over, including three maximums and a four.
Unfortunately, he was caught in the 37th over, nine short of triple gures.
With a total on the board to defend and a moderate required run rate of 4.38 an over, WDCA needed to bowl extremely well.
However, extras would be the death by a thousand cuts for the WDCA, with 33 bonus runs (26 wides, six leg byes, one bye) allowing Sunraysia to chase the total for the loss of six wickets in 42 overs.
Tuesday saw a monstrous defeat at the hands of Gisborne and District, with the WDCA bowled out for 135 chasing 325, a margin of 190 runs.
OVU’s Gregor Fraser picked up two wickets and made 18 runs with the bat. Wednesday’s match
against Bellarine Peninsula would be a closer match but a similar end result, with Bellarine chasing down WDCA’s
9/193 in the nal over.
Thomason was the star with the bat once again, top scoring with 37 from 57 deliv-
eries in the middle order. Fraser would pick up another wicket, trapping Bellarine’s Matt Sampson-Barnes in front LBW for a duck, but the rest of the batting order chased the total ve down.
WDCA’s nal match was on Thursday, taking on South West Cricket at the Syd McGain Oval in Strathmore. Their closest match of the tournament, WDCA would come up 37 runs short, bowled out for 224 chasing 9/261.
The WDCA bowlers had a tough time wrangling the South West batting line up, regularly going for more than four runs an over. With the bat, many players worked hard and got starts, but were unable to turn it into a meaningful innings, with the exception of opener Tyler Nanson (69 o 77).
REPRESENT: The WDCA squad celebrates a wicket at Country Week. PHOTO: Peter Whitten
CHAMPIONS: The successful Myrtleford under 14 girls basketball squad a er their triumph in Wodonga.
Cricket chaos for OVUCC
FINALS FEVER
Mark Simpson sends down a shot in Myrtleford B1’s qualifying final win over Moyhu.
■ Story page 22.
Whether it be local events, food and wine or exploring the region’s many natural attractions, Alpine Alive provides a comprehensive guide of things to do and see.
The new format Alpine Alive will be printed in full colour on premium white newsprint and will be published six times a year to coincide with key visitor times and local events.
As well as being inserted into the Myrtleford Times and Alpine Observer, the supplement will also be a stand alone publication with 500 extra copies being distributed at key tourism/visitor locations across the Alpine Shire and Visitor Information Centres throughout North East Victoria.
TIGERS MISS REVERSE OUTRIGHT BY TWO RUNS, 23 WICKETS FALL
ACROSS DAY TWO
THE conclusion of Ovens Valley United’s A grade clash with Beechworth was one of the more bizarre series of events you’re likely to nd on a cricket eld.
A er resuming at 6/44 chasing 99 for victory, the Tigers were bowled out for 76 runs, with Cooper Thomason (16*) and Kane Fitzpatrick (19) doing their best to drag their team over the line.
day, needing ve runs without losing a wicket.
The running was frantic, the bowling was tight, but Ovens Valley could only manage 9/86, just two runs shy of their target.
A er Fitzpatrick was removed by a sharp catch, the tail opped, with ducks for batters nine through to 11.
With plenty of time le in the game, the Wanderers had another bat, but were helpless against Geeth Alwis and were bowled out for just 65 in 28 overs.
Alwis kept attacking the pads, weaving his way to 5/8 from his 11 overs, with match gures of 10/32 from 25.4 overs in an incredible display of spin bowling.
Beechworth held a lead of 87 runs in the second innings, with 28 overs le in the day for Ovens Valley to try the impossible and attempt the reverse outright.
Cooper Thomason continued his impressive form from Melbourne Country Week, managing the di cult surface well for his 12.
Gregor Fraser (23 from 48) and Noah White (14 from 37) worked well in the middle order, but as the runs required ticked ever downward, the wickets kept falling.
Matthew Ryan was the spearhead for Beechworth, taking his 5/33 at three an over, bringing his match gures to 10/48.
The match wore on, with both results still well and truly in play.
The Tigers were sitting at 9/83 with one over le in the
Skipper Dylan Bursill said it was a hectic day of cricket.
“It was a bit of a crazy game on the weekend,” he said.
“We lost the rst innings a er a pretty good start between Kane and Cooper Thomason, we put on 30 before we lost a wicket so we were looking good.
“When Kane went out to a pretty decent catch, it just went bang, bang, bang and it was all over before we knew it.
“It (the pitch) just deteriorated a bit, it was staying low, not much life in it, so it was hard to bat, especially with the spinners.
“At one stage there we needed seven o 13 balls, we had four wickets in hand, but we just couldn’t get them.
“Credit to Beechworth, they bowled well and elded really well, there were no mis elds or anything, and they took some good catches too.”
The result means the Tigers must rely on other matches, and a convincing win over Wangaratta Magpies if they hope to make the nals.
They’ll take the next two weeks o with the bye, before heading to the Wangaratta Showgrounds on March 8.
“If Beechworth beat Magpies this weekend, it’ll probably be up to the last game,” Bursill said.
“We’ll take a lot of con dence in and hopefully nish o our season well in the last round.”
Crescent, Myrtleford. AH: 5752 2198
McGeehan Crescent, Myrtleford. AH: 5752 2198
PHOTO: Marc Bongers