Alpine Division 190723

ON THE TOOLS

Pothole palaver

RESIDENTS of the Upper Kiewa Valley are up in arms over the condition of local roads, with authorities citing persistent wet weather for their condition and emphasising current maintenance works.

Mount Beauty and District Chamber of Commerce president Gerardo Altman said the highway between Albury and Mount Beauty is “peppered” with potholes, some of which require drivers to drive into the opposite lane to avoid them.

He said at some parts of the road he has to slow down to 40km/h on a 100km/h road.

“We have some of the

Mount Beauty residents alarmed by state

roads M B y id l d f d

BY BRODIE EVERIST beverist@ nemedia.com.au

worst roads that I’ve ever driven on,” he said.

He said while tourists were still making the trip to Mount Beauty, he was concerned that a major incident caused by dangerous roads would put people off visiting.

“It’s ludicrous, especially at night-time,” he said.

“Not only are you dodging animals, you’re dodging potholes too.”

Mount Beauty local Jim

Crebbin said some of the potholes on the road are “dreadful,” with motorists damaging car tyres or rims.

“If you’ve got an oncoming car at nighttime, you can’t see it, you can’t dodge it,” he said.

He said some of the pothole repairs break apart or holes will appear beside them, but also said one maintenance crew is doing a good job of fixing potholes on the Bogong High Plains Road.

The Department of Transport and Planning is responsible for a number of major roads in the Alpine Shire, including the Great Alpine

Road, the Kiewa Valley Highway, the Tawonga Gap Road, Happy Valley Road, and Dederang Road.

Alpine Shire Council’s manager of engineering and assets, Sarah Buckley, said persistent wet weather has had a significant impact on shire roads over the past two years, but council has delivered around $500,000 in road repair works following the 2022 floods with federal funding.

“Our team continues to work hard to stay on top of road maintenance and repairs, prioritising work according to risk,” she said.

Steve Bowmaker, Hume regional director for the Department of Transport and Planning, said they are continuing maintenance works across the road network, including in the Alpine Shire.

“Like much of regional Victoria, roads across the state’s north-east have been severely impacted by flooding and extreme rainfall.”

“Safety is our number one priority, which is why our crews are prioritising the repair of hazards based on their potential risk to the community.”

Nationals Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy,

said the State Government had cut the roads maintenance budget by 45 per cent since 2020, with councils and regional drivers feeling the impacts.

“I encourage locals to stay vigilant on the roads, make sure to drive to the conditions of the road, as not doing so can cost more than just money,” Mr McCurdy said.

“I continue my push for more funding and for many of the potholes to be fixed, however, I would also encourage locals to write to the Treasurer and roads minister and remind them of the importance of good quality roads in the regions.”

WINTER is no obstacle for Mount Beauty Men’s Shed regulars (from left) Mal Darwent, Noel McDougall, John Driver, Henry Ziemnicki, Peter Donnan and Les Bevan.

Story page 10

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Ladies still going strong 40 years on

ONE of Myrtleford’s most wellknown social groups, the Savoy Ladies, celebrated their 40th birthday last Thursday at their regular haunt Club Savoy, with speeches, songs and special guests from the group’s history marking the anniversary.

Around 60 attended the lunch and raffle, which included guests from the North East Multicultural Association, and performances from accordionist Mario Panozzo.

Club president Gabriella Bettio said the lunch was excellent, and they were lucky to have strong attendance, even though they may not command the numbers they used to.

“We all get together - Mother’s Day, Christmas, Easter – we’re still strong,” she said.

Last October the group had

BY BRODIE EVERIST beverist@ nemedia.com.au

organised a trip to see murals along North East Victoria’s silo art trail, and while Ms Bettio said they had an excellent time, they didn’t have enough ladies attending to justify the cost of the bus.

She said they are still planning an October trip this year, but it will depend on how many can attend.

Ms Bettio was one of the original members of the ladies’ group, and said with four daughters she couldn’t make it every time in those early days, but generally all the ladies were committed to attending the fortnightly get-togethers.

“We’re very lucky - they never said no to coming out,” she said.

“They always put the effort in to make themselves comfortable, clean and presentable.”

One of the attendees, Lois Knox, helped found the social group in 1983 as part of her role as a community health nurse.

“One of the Catholic nuns, Sister Mark, and I could see that the women were always on farms that were isolated - and it was a fairly patriarchal environment,” she said.

“We started visiting women on the farms and just suggested they might like to meet at the Savoy Club.”

“The bottom line was the women were free to be themselves - if they wanted to get up and dance, they could get up and dance; if they wanted to burst out singing, they

could burst out singing.”

Ms Knox said she was helped by a group of grant-in-aid workers – local women who assisted in enquiries from the Italian and Spanish community and other cultural groups, and referred them to available services.

She worked with the Savoy Ladies group for around 15 years, but over time the group became more independent, she said.

“If they wanted a guest speaker or something like that, I was able to put them in the right direction to organise themselves,” she said.

“The whole idea was for them to become, in a sense, socially independent.”

The Savoy Ladies group meet every second Thursday from 1:30pm at Club Savoy in Myrtleford for tombola and afternoon tea.

BIG BIRTHDAY: (From left) club secretary Noelene Michelin, Rosa Igri, Pippa La Spina, Anna Matassoni, Maria Mautone, Silvana Colombara, founding member Lois Knox, vice president Anna Ellero and president Gabriella Bettio at the Savoy Ladies 40th birthday celebration.

PHOTOS: Brodie Everist

Schools recognise NAIDOC Week

By BRODIE EVERIST

ALPINE Shire schools have been marking NAIDOC Week with a range of activities over past weeks.

Standing for National Aborigines’ and Islanders’ Day Observance Committee, the week lasts from the first Sunday in July until the following Sunday.

As it often falls in the school holidays some schools recognise the week before the end of term, while others had belated events last week.

Last Tuesday Gamilaroi woman Lee Couch visited Porepunkah Primary School, where she led each class in cultural connection through a Wayapa movement session, according to school principal Jill Gillies.

Ms Gillies said this story-based series of movements helped to students to feel the natural environment, weather, water and animals through their bodies, showing how we are connected to all elements of country.

She said students also learnt some language through simple songs.

Over at Whorouly Primary School, principal Pauline McPherson said students had been studying a whole school unit of indigenous studies, which was coming to an end at the beginning of term three.

According to Ms McPherson, older

Boy survives Hotham Heights fall

By BRODIE EVERIST

A NINE-year-old boy survived a 100-metre tumble at Mount Hotham last Thursday, suffering only a suspected broken arm.

According to Senior Sergeant Doug Incoll of Bright Police, the boy was playing with other children near Gallows Court on the southern side of Hotham Heights when he slipped on ice and tumbled around 100 metres and was stopped by a grove of snow gums.

Sen Sgt Incoll said emergency services were alerted to the incident at around 5pm, with police, ski patrol, SES and CFA responding.

He said ski patrol created a rope and pulley system to bring the nineyear-old back up the slope, who was then taken to the Mount Hotham Medical Centre for treatment.

Sen Sgt Incoll said the boy was lucky the injuries weren’t more severe.

“People need to keep be sure of their footing and where their kids are playing,” he said.

students were finishing the unit looking at Acknowledgements of Country and Welcomes to Country and understanding the difference between the two, while younger students were studying dreamtime stories.

At Myrtleford P-12 College vice principal Adam Lindsay said the school holds a cultural day in September, with a range of activities across the day to build cultural awareness and appreciation of indigenous heritage. However, he said last term the school’s indigenous students participated in a weaving workshop run by two Ngarrindjeri women to mark NAIDOC Week.

Further coverage of NAIDOC Week activities will be in next week’s paper.

WEAVING WONDERS: Myrtleford

P12 indigenous students participated in a weaving workshop to mark NAIDOC Week last term. (Back, from left) Myrtleford P12 students Molly Knobel, Jemima Jordan, Matilda Knobel, facilitator Jocelyn Wright, Bright P12 student Gemma Couch Trinder and Myrtleford P12 student Sahara Giles, who organised the workshop. (Front, from left) facilitator Brittany Wright, and Myrtleford P12 students Amelia Tresize and Bella Weimer.

Plans continue in riverside revamp

By BRODIE EVERIST

MOUNT Beauty man Steve Gardiner

is rapt with council’s recent budget allocation for a bathroom on Pebble Beach Walk, but it’s not the end to his plans for the riverside site he has carefully tended over the past five years, along with the help of locals and council.

His proposal for a bathroom was allocated $80,000 by council - one of four community submissions provided funding in council’s 2023-24 budget.

According to Mr Gardiner, the bathroom is sorely needed because of the walk’s popularity and the lack of facilities nearby – the closest are near the Mount Beauty bakery or at the recreation reserve, he said, both of which are on the other side of the pondage.

Mr Gardiner said initial investigations by council for a toilet block at the site would have been north of $200,000 due to the need for a sewer line, as the site is too close to the river for a septic system.

According to Mr Gardiner, council said they would place the project in their pipeline, to be examined further in 2032.

“I’d be dead by then,” he said.

So Mr Gardiner investigated other options and placed a submission for this year’s council budget – complete

No conclusion to water talks

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

A SMALL group of unregulated domestic and stock customers invited to meet Goulburn Murray Water (GMW) last week after ongoing disagreements over pricing are not overly confident of a positive result from discussions.

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

Porepunkah resident Cameron Reid said while the opportunity was welcome, GMW made no promises to resolve the issue at the meeting.

“Our people did a great job of expressing our knowledge and facts that we are paying too much for no service and gave some great examples of the work and expense we have to go through to obtain the most basic necessity without any help from GMW,” he said.

 “It is our view that for the service not provided, GMW Service Point and Access Fees are not relevant to our class of customer.

“Paying more than $400 per year for no service delivered is not on.

“GMW listened politely but would not say if they are going to reduce our fees.

with aerial photos and a detailed map.

His submission provided for a single composting toilet facility raised from the ground in line with the footpath, doing away with the need for a ramp and alleviating flood risks. However, he said final plans remain up to council.

“They just had to look at it and say ‘it’s possible’,” Mr Gardiner said.

“Now that it’s possible, they’ll look at it and alter it accordingly.”

A council spokesperson said the project is in early planning stages and council is not yet able to provide an update.

The toilet is not the only plan Mr Gardiner has for the banks of the West Kiewa – he is also hoping to see the road into the riverside picnic area moved into a loop.

The current layout, with a single driveway in and out, means drivers must turn around to exit the site, which is rutting up the grassy sides of the road and creating a risk for sunbathers and playing children.

Bollards or rocks will be placed on the river side of the driveway to further protect recreationists.

“People sunbake here,” he said.

“You don’t want vehicles backing out and not knowing whether there are kids or bikes.”

Mr Gardiner is currently trying to find around $10,000 - with half of it to go towards the picnic area update.

With shire assistance he is hoping that will pay for the bollards, the fixing of potholes, the shifting of the driveway and the levelling and reseeding of where the driveway once was.

The other $5000 is to fix more potholes and place more bollards near tables a little further south down the river.

But those plans remain unfunded so far.

He said he wasn’t successful in a recent grant application for the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities program, but he had already received funding for some of the tables and chairs along the river through the program last year, so he wasn’t hopeful anyway.

Finally, he is also planning to have a hand rail installed at one of the small walkways to the river, where kids enjoy using a rope attached to a tree to swing into the Kiewa.

Regardless of what happens, the 72-year-old remains in contact with the Alpine Shire for further developments.

“I probably have another five years left in me yet doing a few things,” he said.

“The description given by GMW indicated that our customer type was too small a group for them to manage us separately from the other customers that we have been categorised with.

“Because of that, we need to cross subsidise and contribute to the pool for the category we are lumped within.

“GMW are claiming it is not viable to break down into such small customer types.”

Mr Reid said, moving forward, the group wants to be considered as a class of customer to cater for the difference in services provided, and may look to another organisation to manage licenses.

“In the end we were told that our concerns would be discussed at the Pricing Committee and that we would receive a response,” he said.

“After suffering exorbitant fee increases over the last 10 years, we want fees to return to a reasonable level.

“GMW are claiming that they are unable to provide us with pricing that is appropriate for our situation.”

CIRCLE SESSION: Gamilaroi woman Lee Couch holding a yarning circle at Porepunkah Primary School.

Ablett Pavilion sitting pretty thanks to new grant

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE MYRTLEFORD’S

Ablett Pavilion is looking good, with the delivery of some new chairs in the Multifunction centre thanks to a $5000 Bendigo Community Bank Bright grant.

Myrtleford Football Netball Club treasurer Marnie Broz said the chair upgrade was “well and truly” needed.

“The chairs we had were at least 20 years old and it was definitely time for an upgrade,” she said.

“These new ones are a more stylish cafe style chair, more comfortable and more useful for what we need.

“We have all kinds of functions in this room, as well as the local school exams so we needed the upgrade.

“We really thank Bendigo Bank for its generous assistance over the years.”

From helping sporting clubs with uniforms to infrastructure projects or working in partnership with the Alpine Shire to deliver community initiatives, branch manager, Mark Dit-

cham, said it’s wonderful to be able to make a difference in the community, no matter how small or large.

“We are in a privileged position to assist a diverse list of local groups and organisations to continue to survive and thrive, whilst helping to bring projects to life that are going to benefit the community,” he said.

“We’re really proud of things we’ve helped to make possible through the grants program and are focussing on continuing to grow the branch, and in turn, our ability to up our community investment year on year.

“In this instance it was important for us to grant support to the Myrtleford Football Netball Club who provide a great service to our community through their operation of the venue.”

COMFORT SUPPORT: Bendigo Community Bank Bright branch manager Mark Ditcham and Myrtleford Football Netball Club treasurer Marnie Broz with new chairs thanks to a recent grant.

Jenny Zamperoni

Shared vision for Rotary and the community

By FAY MASON

THE Rotary Club of Mount Beauty saw the role of president for the coming year being shared by Bob Flower and Dr Mark Zagorski.

“The club is determined to continue its focus on local youth, whilst at the same time further improving the riverside environment at Rotary Park,” Bob said.

Mark, who has been instrumental in the riverside clean up at Rotary Park, is determined to see the project continue along the river to the spillway.

“There has been an increased use of the park over the last couple of years due to the result of the installation of the exercise equipment, as well as the removal of the blackberries and other weeds to give access and

better views,” he said

This year’s projects include provision of a shade sail over the exercise equipment there, along with the equipment at Tawonga Park.

Rotary is about fun as well as fellowship as much as it is about helping others.

“I will be making sure that the meetings offer members a variety of activities and challenges that will keep them entertained and on their toes.” Mark said.

Bob said as a secondary teacher with a passion for supporting teenagers, he was driven to the reintroduction of the Rotary Youth Exchange to the Valley.

“Local lad Harri Silvester is having a wonderful year in Italy , and the club looks forward to the arrival of our first incoming student Roberto Rebolledo

from Chile,” he said.

“With the support of Rotarians, four local families will have their lives enriched as they share the task of looking after Roberto and introducing him to the Australian way of life during his year in the Valley.”

To enable this work to continue and contributing to Rotary International’s fight against poverty and disease, Mark and Bob are joined by Kim McDonald (secretary), Lin Hall and Jane Zagorski (treasurers), Sue Randell (vice president ), Cheryl Clutterbuck, Phil Rundel and Ken Bell (service projects), Rob Clutterbuck (international), Rhonda Gargan (membership), Barb Pyle (family) and Ian Cohn (newsletter). Together they intend to ‘ Create Hope’ in our community and the World.

Chamber to host social media workshop

By BRODIE EVERIST

THE Myrtleford Chamber of Commerce’s upcoming meeting on July 25 at the St Paul’s Anglican Church Hall will feature a workshop by Propel Digital on social media marketing.

From 5:30pm-6pm chamber members will meet, and the workshop will begin at 6pm.

From 7pm-8pm attendees can enjoy a supper and a chance for networking.

The presentation will include understanding the role social media should play in your business, components of a social media strategy and understanding your audience, and how to generate content ideas.

The workshop is free for chamber members.

Non-members are welcome at $27.50 per business.

To RSVP email admin@visitmyrtleford. com by Friday July 21 or phone and leave a message on 03 5751 1745.

TEAM EFFORT: Sharing the role of president at The Rotary Club of Mount Beauty are Bob Flower and Dr Mark Zagorski.

PHOTO:

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Garden

club farewells long-time members

BRIGHT Garden Club held its July meeting at The Star dining room, with a luncheon to farewell president Maria McGrath and husband David, who are leaving the area after 23 years in Bright.

Vice president Sally Peet presented Mrs McGrath with a bouquet and a ‘lucky’ bamboo and thanked them for their contributions to the club, including annual plant stall fun-

draisers, organising bus trips and garden visits.

Ms Peet wished them well in their move to the Macedon Ranges.

Club secretary Linda Meighan said the pair will be greatly missed, with many gardens around Bright having benefited from their propagating and sharing of plants, including daffodil bulbs and iris.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Make time for important conversations this Farm Safety Week

Having owned and run a dairy farm I understand that multiple safety risks faced by primary producers and the vigilance needed to maintain health and wellbeing of farmers, their families, employees, contractors and visitors.

Farm safety is complex with many farms being both a workplace and the family home – understanding and mitigating the many risks is paramount.

Being a farmer is more than an occupation, it’s a 24 hour,

seven day a week commitment, performed in all weather and often alone in remote locations. Our agriculture workers face many physical and mental pressures each and every day.

Statistics tell us that our farms are Australia’s most dangerous workplaces, last year 55 people tragically lost their life on a farm.

Farm machinery accidents involving tractors and quad bikes dominate the statistics, making up 40 per cent of all farm fatalities.

Given the importance of the work farmers do, promoting safety, assessing risk, identifying, and talking about the dangers of farm work is an

important conversation worth having.

Tim McCurdy MP, Member for Ovens Valley

Prostate cancer awareness is essential

WHILE I thank Brodie Everist for his article on prostate cancer, I am sure it will help awareness in the community, I believe it misses a couple of important points.

The biggest killer of men from cancer is prostate cancer. It kills more men than breast cancer kills women. There is a vacuum of

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.

publicity about prostate cancer when compared to bowel, skin, breast cancer, etc.

This was the point of my approaching Brodie on the subject.

September is international awareness month for prostate cancer and is blue for prostate!

With this in mind I challenge the local football/netball club and Savoy soccer to have a blue day for prostate awareness! The community can also be involved.

Beaudesert in Queensland is lighting up and going blue for the second year for prostate cancer.

Early detection is the key. Col Byrne, Myrtleford

Email: edit.timesobserver@nemedia.com.au

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

BIG THANKS: Bright Garden Club vice president Sally Peet (left) presented Maria and David McGrath with a bouquet of flowers and a lucky bamboo to thank them for their long involvement with the club.

Harlow’s huge heart for caring

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

FOR Wandiligong Primary School student Harlow Cooper, making sure the planet remains a healthy and happy place for generations to come is a key motivator for her environmental and animal advocacy.

The 11 year old has been busy writing letters to members of parliament and raising funds for animals affected by bushfires, all of her own initiative, and was recently nominated for The Fred Hollows Foundation Humanity Award.

“When I see injured animals or the impacts made by humans including climate change and coral bleaching I feel I need to take action in trying to prevent it from happening so often and protecting nature for generations after me,” she said.

“I have written to our local MP about the misnaming, trapping and baiting of dingoes.

“Also in the 2019-2020 bushfires I organised a fundraising tin at school and we ended up raising $50 for the Port Macquarie Koala Sanctuary to help

Myrtleford Lions leap into new term

By BRODIE EVERIST

THE Lions Club of Myrtleford held their 57th annual changeover dinner at Club Savoy last Friday, with former president Mick Cross stepping down and Whorouly resident Tom White taking the reins.

Mick Cross is now treasurer of the club, Steve Wheeler is vice president, while Marcus James is secretary, replacing Adrian Villella.

“In my very short handover speech I wished them all the best,” Mr Cross said.

“The Lions Club has 32 really committed members - it is looking forward to continuing to provide service for the community.”

According to Mr Cross’s president’s report, the main aim over his term was to return the club to regular meetings with interesting programs following disruptions from

the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the report he thanked former secretary Adrian (Ady) Villella, the club directors, and Mr Wheeler in his former role as program chairman.

Although the club did not embark on any major projects this year, Mr Cross said they are working on some community projects they are hoping to reveal to the public in coming months.

He said the club was presented with a cheque

Do you know Gerard?

from the Golden Spurs Rodeo committee for $15,000, consisting of funds raised from last year’s Boxing Day rodeo.

New president Tom White said he is looking forward to the role and hopes to do as good a job as past presidents.

Mr Cross said the changeover dinner was a good night, with around 35 attending, and the venue was fantastic.

“They really looked after us,” he said.

plant more eucalyptus trees to restore koalas habitat after it was burnt down.

“I love caring for native animals and raising awareness about things that I find important in making sure our planet remains a healthy and happy place for many, many more years to come, so this will be something I will continue to do in the future.

“I was very excited to be nominated for the award; I felt proud I had an opportunity to share what I am passionate about to others and hopefully inspire other kids to take action in things they find important.

“Thank you Mrs Mac for encouraging me to do this, nominating me and seeing what I was doing.

Harlow’s father, Matt, said she has had a unique connection with nature from before she could walk.

“We remember Harlow as a toddler always being content and happy when she was interacting with nature, be it with animals, forests or water,” he said.

“It has been Harlow’s own

initiative to spend her time and energy advocating for causes she is passionate about.

“I feel as parents you simply love nothing more than seeing your child do something they love and have a complete passion and ‘calling’ for.

“The fact that Harlow’s passion is also feeding such amazing causes in the world really makes us proud.

“I would say the greatest achievements have been centred around her work rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing native animals with her nan.

“Each school holidays Harlow will spend her own time doing this volunteering work with her nan.

“Harlow’s smile when she cares for these animals and even more so when she sees them released back into nature in a healthy way is such an achievement.

“Harlow is without doubt one of the kindest, most compassionate kids I have met; even if I’m slightly biased.

“To put it simply, she is someone who makes you be a better person in life just by being with her.”

THE NEW TEAM: Members of the Myrtleford Lions new board of directors, (from left) Marcus James, Mick Cross, Tom White and Steve Wheeler.

PHOTO: Jenny Zamperoni

FULL OF COMPASSION: Wandiligong student Harlow Cooper is looking after local wildlife, including injured animals which she has snug pouches for when caring for them.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

MYRTLEFORD

Simone Hodgetts

How long have you lived in the area?

All my life.

What do you do for a living?

I work at Heiner’s Bakery in Myrtleford, Monday to Friday as a kitchenhand.

How did you get into that?

I dropped my resume off here and got the job.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I like Speedway, netball, basketball, spending money on clothes. I love spending money, saving up for a house, and I’ve bought myself a car.

What do you like about the area?

There’s a lot of nice people around here.

Where would you take visitors to showcase the area?

I’d take them to Bright, Wang and Myrtleford.

Is there anything you would change about the area?

Get a fish and chip shop – more takeaway places at night.

Do you have any ambitions for the future?

I’d like to do some travel.

Cindy Clephane

How long have you lived in the area?

For 10 years.

What do you do for a living?

I‘m the owner of Beauty Cafe.

How did you get into that?

I was working at the supermarket for nine years, at Foodworks, and saw the business for sale and thought, well, I’ll do a new adventure. I’ve been doing it since December.

What are your hobbies and interests?

Gardening - that’s about it.

What do you like about the area?

It’s a good community, and everybody helps everybody else and looks out for you.

It’s a really nice place to live.

Where would you take visitors to showcase the area?

I would probably take them around the pondage for a walk, or down the river. Also over to Bright – Bright’s lovely too.

Is there anything you would change about the area?

I think we need something a bit more new to the town, something different that would bring people here. I don’t know what it could be. For the young ones, it’s hard for them to do things in a small community – they don’t have much to do.

WANDILIGONG

Are you staying well this winter?

How long have you lived in the area?

We’ve been here since January 2020, so three years now; moved up from Torquay because we wanted a slower pace of life. We’d been holidaying probably the past five years previously and my husband’s originally from South Wales, where it’s a similar environment to this, and he decided it was very European and must live here. So that’s why we’ve ended up here.

What do you do for a living?

I‘m a teacher and my husband’s a teacher as well. How did you get into that?

I got the position here at Wandiligong Primary School because of the Tutor Learning Initiative, which was the government scheme to help

1 2 3 4 5

children that missed out during COVID. So that’s how I got my first position here, and now I’m in the classroom.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I have taken up trail running since we’ve moved here, for obvious reasons. It’s quite beautiful and there’s lots of different trails to run on. In Torquay I only had one coastal path that I could run on. And now I’ve got lots and we’ve got a dog as well. So it’s nice to get out.

What do you like about the area?

It’s laid back, there’s lots of nature and trails, and there’s always something to do - going for a drive or going for a hike. Obviously there’s the snow, and there’s the rivers. I can’t put my finger on one thing, it’s just a beautiful

environment to bring your family up in.

Where would you take visitors to showcase the area?

Where would I not take them.

The main one, I think for visitors, we take them up Buffalo and to the chalet because that’s impressive and we do the walks around there because you get a quite good view of the area.

Is there anything you would change about the area?

Not for me personally, because our situation is different from other people, but I can see that moving into the area is challenging because of the house prices and the lack of housing, and there are worker shortages. I know they can be difficult.

Irene Wiffen

Students get a close-up look at our Indonesian neighbours

AN amazing trip for the Mount Beauty Secondary College students visiting the Indonesian island of Bali, a near neighbour to Australia.

Many Australians holiday there but do not have the opportunity to see and do what these students experienced.

Years 9-12 went on a cultural adventure to Bali where they were offered a myriad of enriching occasions, immersing themselves in cultural pursuits firsthand greatly assisted their understanding of the language and its people.

The students had the opportunity to witness a ‘Ngaben’ ceremony , a Hindu religious funeral, Hindu being the main religion there and an important part of Balinese life.

They also experienced visits to factories producing chocolate, tea, and coffee, enjoying a cooking class and seeing firsthand the daily life of a Balinese farmer, working in the paddy fields, learning to make offerings and coconut oil, observing the artisans of silver work and wood carving . Indonesian teacher at the school Ita Rose said “ It was a very rewarding opportunity for the students , an unforgettable trip “

THERE were a lot of kids having fun at Zoe Bellman’s 7th birthday party with plenty of effort going into the ‘Back to the 80s’ theme with the adults going all out with the dress code.

A competition for the best outfit saw winners being Ken and Barbie (aka

By FAY MASON, Kiewa Valley Correspondent

Jessica and Chris Jack) right on topic. Birthday parties were never this good when I was a kid.

MOUNT Beauty legend Hazel Riordan, 92 years old, is still baking for her stand at the local monthly market.

Hazel has expanded her business offering her famous Yo Yo and Anzac biscuits at some of the local coffee spots around town.

Well done on an inspiring effort.

THE Alpine FM Brunch program is back today with an array of interesting guests; at 9.30am author Lucy Campbell will be speaking about her latest novel ‘Lowbridge’, a crime thriller.

Indi Federal member Dr Helen Haines will be on at 10.10am with the latest from Canberra, man about Town Rollo Kiek will be in the studio to tell all about the St Kilda film Festival happening on July 29.

Station manager Michael Ahearn will join me with the Talking Heads segment after 11am. Stay tuned to Alpine FM 96.5, your local emergency broadcaster.

PARTY WINNERS: Best dressed at Zoe Bellman’s parety were Ken and Barbie (aka Jessica and Chris Jack).

BALI EXPERIENCE: Indonesian touring group (from left) Daisy Stratton, Aiden Bower, Taylah Gardiner, Stevie Willey, Makayla Docherty, Kai Docherty, Elizabeth Rose, Andrew Greenfield, Ita Rose, Rune France, Angela Stratton, Nicholas George, Chloe Bellman, Lisa Exley, and William Rose.

BACK TO THE OLDEN DAYS: Partygoers having fun at Zoe Bellman’s 7th birthday party with the theme Back to the 80s.

PART 1

The end of the line

A quiet conclusion for Myrtleford’s passenger rail service qypg

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

THE morning train from Bright to Wangaratta left the Myrtleford Railway Station on May 16, 1952 with no reason to suspect what would lie ahead on a bend beyond the Barwidgee Creek railway bridge one mile from town.

The accumulated lack of wartime maintenance and a shortage of material, which stretched into the 1950s, caused speed restrictions of 25 mph on the line, down from 40 pre-war.

This did not prevent two passenger carriages from being derailed, one precariously, on this day in 1952.

“MIXED TRAIN LEAVES RAILS” headlined the ‘Myrtleford Times’ on May 21.

The D3 635 steam engine had rolled a rail over, and 60 passengers, several on their return journey from Mount Buffalo Chalet, climbed out on to the track and were promptly conveyed to Wangaratta by McPherson’s Bus Lines.

A crane and lifting gear brought from Newport and Benalla righted the carriages and the track was repaired, but the curtailment of a regular passenger rail service was now on notice.

And so a decision was made and announced in the local newspaper on April 23: “PASSENGER TRAINS OFF— POSSIBLE DEATH KNELL”: “On June 13, 1952 the last train to regularly carry passengers will leave the platform at Myrtleford.”

It would be just one year short of 70 years of service to the town and a regular road service to cater for the Mount Buffalo tourist trade would replace the passenger train.

The last passengers on the regular ‘mixed train’ on

June 13 were in a carriage attached behind seven goods wagons and a K 164 steam engine.

One passenger had come from Bright (Mr Wal Larsen, railway enthusiast and historian) who met up with 12 local people on their last trip towards Wangaratta.

Patronage on the Ovens Valley Railway had been

VICTORIAN RAILWAYS PASSENGER

TIME TABLE, Nov 7, 1932: Reading down, a train which left Wangaratta at 12:35pm, arrived at Myrtleford at 2:55pm, Bright at 4:05pm. Reading up, a train which left Bright at 6am, arrived at Wangaratta at 9:17am.

NEWPORT CRANE AT MYRTLEFORD DERAILMENT, 1952: Heavy equipment brought in to repair and rerail passenger carriages, observed by local residents.

declining for some time in the early 1950s as motor vehicles became more common on roads and a bus to Wangaratta had begun connecting with the north-east line’s afternoon service to Albury and taking patrons to the service to Melbourne earlier in the day.

In addition to all this,

there was the slow journey to and from Wangaratta on the old ‘mixed’ service, which could take three to five hours between Bright and Wangaratta, and the Victorian Railways Commissioners had already begun closing passenger services on several branch lines across the state.

On hearing of the news of the passenger rail closure, locals became anxious about the regular mail service which arrived by rail.

TRAIN’ AT MYRTLEFORD, 1952:

On June 13, 1952 the last ‘mixed’ train hauled by K 167 leaves Myrtleford for Wangaratta. One passenger carriage is attached at the rear of the train.

‘MIXED

MYRTLEFORD RAILWAY

DERAILMENT, 1952: Derailment of several goods wagons and these two passenger carriages on the ‘mixed’ train to Wangaratta in May 16, 1952. PHOTO: Joe

On June 3, 1952 the ‘Myrtleford Times’ headlined “SOLVING THE NO-TRAIN PROBLEM, ESSENTIAL SERVICES— PER ROAD”, reporting on a meeting in Bright attended by representatives of the Myrtleford Progress Association.

Association president Mr E Shears stated “the district was anxious regarding its mail and newspaper service…..the road service for passengers seems entirely satisfactory”.

A regular receipt of these services and the opportunity to have urgent mail replied to on the same day was also emphasized by Mr T Robertson.

Reinstatement of a rail passenger service using a diesel rail car was also raised by Bright representatives, and the Hon Ivan Swinburne MLC undertook to take this up with the Victorian Railways. This request was knocked back due to the state of the line.

The following week, “NEW POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS” were announced for local mail: Leave Wangaratta daily 9.00 am, Myrtleford 10.15 am, Bright 11.15 am. Leave Bright 11.30 am, Myrtleford 12.30 pm, Wangaratta 1.45 pm, with delivery and collection also at places in between.

The quiet demise of the

Myrtleford on December 13, 1883 with all the fanfare, speeches and a ball in the Athenaeum Hall.

However, the official end to the regular passenger service did not mean passengers would never arrive and leave the Ovens Valley on rail again. There were many examples of special rail ‘excursions’.

One occasion occurred on March 5, 1954 when 600 school pupils and adults travelled by passenger train to Benalla to see HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Phillip.

The rail excursion was coordinated by Mr P R (Bob) O’Brien, head master of the Myrtleford Consolidated School and arrived at Benalla at 10.00 am to view a Royal Visit which lasted 30 minutes.

The ‘Myrtleford Times’ reported on a “most memorable experience for residents of the North-East”, with an estimated 1500 district locals venturing to Benalla.

Special mention was made of Mrs J Matthews, who had decorated the Myrtleford engine conveying the schools excursion.

Another occasion occurred in November, 1956 when a tour group attended the Olympic Games in Melbourne.

Then, several rail enthusiast specials in the 1960s, 70s and early 80s would bring passengers back to the Ovens Valley to experience the leisurely trip old travellers once enjoyed.

RAILWAY STATION GROUP, 1952: Passengers, Victorian Railways employees (including station master Frank Reece and the Ovens Station caretaker) and Ivan Swinburne MLC gather prior to departure of the last regular passenger service on June 13, 1952.

PHOTO: Wal Larsen

PHOTO: Joe Bianco

Bianco

LEFORD ILM

PHOTO: Wal Larsen

Calls continue for outreach service

By BRODIE EVERIST

NATIONALS’ MP for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy was in Mount Beauty last week calling on the State Government to restore funding for the NewAccess mental health service, which has recently had its funding discontinued.

As reported in last week’s Alpine Observer, the service stopped taking clients on June 30 in preparation for funding cessation on August 11.

“We’re in the process now of talking to the ministers to make sure they understand that a community like Mount Beauty, you can’t just go over the hill, on a bus, or you can’t just catch a tram or train into Wodonga to get the same services,” Mr McCurdy said.

“But at the same time, say just restore the funding and we can go on as business as usual.”

“It’s really important that the minister acts now and talks to us, talks to the community, or comes to the community and says, ‘this is why we’re shutting this service down’ or ‘these are the alternatives we can have’.”

The statewide program, created by Beyond Blue and delivered by service provider Wellways, is run locally out of the Mount Beauty Neighbourhood House.

Mental health coach Nicole Stephens has been visiting the centre each Tuesday for around

two years to see clients of the sixweek program.

She said the program of lowintensity cognitive therapy has been popular, with a high recovery rate.

“We’ve had a cut off date of when we can take people in, and we had over 20 or 30 people waiting on that list and then I’ve just had about five people in the last two days that have been ringing me wanting to get on the program,” she said.

Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre manager Trish Dixon said

access to mental health services is limited for local residents, with the town lacking transport options to get to regional centres.

“We have been so lucky to get for outreach for them to come out to see clients,” she said.

“Stopping that service is just going to be devastating.”

According to the State Government, the NewAccess initiative had fixed funding in response to the 2019-2020 bushfires and the 2022 Victorian floods, but a government spokesperson said their new Mental Health and Wellbeing

Positions open for project firefighters

FOREST Fire Management (FFMVic) is hoping to boost its North East firefighting stocks ahead of summer, with applications for project firefighter roles at 18 locations now open.

Positions are now available at Wangaratta, Benalla, Yarrawonga, Beechworth, Bright, Ovens, Mount Beauty, Mansfield and Shepparton, as well as a host of other towns in the region, for those keen to work outdoors, learn new skills and protect the community and environment.

FFMVic deputy chief fire officer, Jarrod Hayse, said the positions would suit a range of interested applicants.

“These fixed-term positions are a fantastic opportunity for people from all walks of life, who are physically fit, to get out in the bush, protect our region from bushfires and help maintain public land,” he said.

“They can also be called on to support other emergencies like last year’s Victorian flood.

“Many of the forest firefighters deployed to the current Canadian bushfires started their careers as project firefighters.”

Local program is “offering free and accessible services for Victorians experiencing mental illness, providing a ‘broad front door’ to the mental health system”.

“With one already up and running supporting Benalla-Wangaratta-Mansfield and with 50 Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals to be delivered across the state, including one in Wodonga - we’re confident that locals will continue to receive mental health support closer to home, with localised treatment and care,” a government spokesperson said.

Seasonal project firefighters are recruited each year, employed on a full-term basis between October and April, with the ability to branch from general firefighting into fire support and rappel crew roles.

There are also positions designated for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people.

Mr Hayse said ideal candidates would be fit and healthy and hold a current manual driver’s licence.

“Successful recruits will be fully trained and get the opportunity to work with experienced staff from a range of fire management agencies across the state,” he said.

“These are very rewarding roles, where no two days are ever the same.”

Applications close on July 30.

To apply, visit jobs.careers.vic.gov.au/pff or call 136 186.

Volkswagen T-Cross

SERVICE STOPPED: Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy, Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre board president Kitty Vigo (centre) and centre manager Trish Dixon outside the neighbourhood hub that hosts the NewAccess program.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

CEO scorecard comes in

By BRODIE EVERIST

THE Alpine Shire Council unanimously noted a performance assessment of council’s chief executive officer (CEO), Will Jeremy, at their meeting last month, with councillors commending his work for the past year and adopting a performance plan for the CEO for this financial year.

According to council, the CEO Employment and Remuneration Committee conducted a review of the CEO’s performance in May 2023, after the CEO had been working in the role for 10 months.

According to the 2022/23 CEO performance plan, the committee would have received a CEO self-assessment and councillor assessments prior to assessing the CEO’s performance against a series of key performance indicators (KPIs), falling under four major key performance areas (KPAs).

Each indicator was rated between one and four: A score of one means the KPI has not been met, two means the KPI is being worked towards, three means it is being met, while four means the KPI is being exceeded.

The average score in each of the four key performance areas (KPA) was then calculated.

For the first KPA, to “lead a high-performing organisation with a strong focus on effectiveness, accountability, and continuous improvement”, Mr Jeremy scored 2.45.

For the second KPA, “deliver consistently high-quality engagement and communication with council, the community and other key stakeholders,” he received 2.65.

On KPA three, “ensure good governance practices to fulfil legislative obligations, improve decision making and promote community confidence in council,” he received 2.6.

While on KPA four, “execute council resolutions, policies, and plans using resources and managing risks effectively and efficiently,” Mr Jeremy also scored 2.6.

Councillors indicated they were pleased with Mr Jeremy‘s performance, and Cr Nicholas said the KPIs are ambitious.

“I think Will’s achieved a terrific outcome over his 10 months and I commend him for what he’s achieved and thank him very much for the effort he’s put in,” she said.

“As a new CEO he has taken on all the challenges and then working towards solutions very constructively.

“The KPIs we have up there, and we have coming, are very ambitious and the scoring reflects, to me, the work in progress.”

Cr Janas said there has been progress on the KPAs since the assessment and also commended Mr Jeremy’s work.

“I think his biggest asset has been the engagement and communication back to the residents and ratepayers and that‘s most evident with the western gateway project,” he said.

Let's talk about funerals

Men’s shed forging ahead

By BRODIE EVERIST

SOME members may be away, headed north for warmer climates, but the Mount Beauty Men’s Shed still bustles with activity when the club’s doors are open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

One of the newest tools in the shed is a forge made by Mal Darwent and Les Bevan, finished in the past few weeks.

Mr Darwent said it took around six weeks to make, but they already started with the body of the forge that had been donated.

“We just modified it, put it

on wheels, built the shroud around the top of it,” he said.

He said the biggest hassle was developing an electric blower to keep the coals at the right temperature.

Last Wednesday, Mr Bevan was using it to make fireside tools, like pokers or spades, which have proved to be very popular.

“Quick as I make them, they go,” he said.

Mr Darwent estimated he has been using a forge for around 35 years, and enjoys doing it because he gets to work on a range of different projects.

“There’s something new all

the time – I don’t have to stick to the same thing,” he said.

Another ongoing project is the club’s assistance of the local historical society with its storage facility.

Men’s shed vice president Henry Ziemnicki said the club already helped erect shelving the society had purchased, but it also plans to seal the storage facility’s concrete floor as well so the facility is cleaner and easier to sweep.

Mr Ziemnicki said the group is also planning to replace the roof of the rotunda at Bicentennial Park.

According to Mr Ziemnicki,

the roof leaks as its shingles have rotted, so once they receive funding for the materials from council they will replace the roof with steel sheeting. The club on Tennis Court Avenue also has monthly barbecues, which Mr Ziemnicki said are well-attended.

“Having a face-to-face conversation with the members, it works well because more likely than not, they will then feel like they want to come in for something,” he said.

To get involved with the Mount Beauty and District Men’s Shed contact secretary@ mountbeautymensshed.org.au.

SPLITTING UP: Mal Darwent and John Driver with the club’s wood splitter. Members use it to split small pieces of wood which the club sells as kindling.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Local winery makes Halliday shortlist

ALPINE winemakers Billy Button Wines has been short-listed in the 2024 Halliday Wine Companion Awards for Best Value Winery in Australia, alongside 11 other wineries.

Incredibly proud of these nominations, managing director Jo Marsh posted to social media, saying “it’s an

honour just to be nominated alongside the best in the industry, and we couldn’t have achieved this without your support”.

Marsh’s winemaking side project, with fellow winemaker Eleana Anderson of Mayford Wines, has also been shortlisted in Halliday’s Dark Horse Winery category.

Awarded to those who have received a 5-star rating in the Halliday Wine Companion for the first time the same year, ‘Anderson & Marsh’ has been shortlisted as 1 in 5 wineries across the country to win this prestigious industry award.

Named after a local yel-

low wildflower, Billy Button wines are made from small parcels of often intriguing varieties and offer a window into the world of the alpine valleys.

After individually finding success in the wine industry, winemakers Jo Marsh and Glenn James came together in 2015,

combining their expertise and passion to help lift the profile of the alpine valleys as a premium grape-growing and wine-producing region.

Since then, their vision has won numerous industry awards and accolades for their large and eclectic range of wines.

The Halliday Wine Companion is an annual Australian wine-tasting guide, featuring detailed tasting notes with points, price and value for a selection of wines.

Winners of the Halliday Wine Companion Awards will be announced on August 2.

Livestock industry professionals to speak at seminar

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

WEANING will be the hot topic at a Myrtleford seminar this week, bringing together industry professionals from six organisations.

The first Myrtleford Weaning Seminar will see Elders, Zoetis, Coopers, Meat and Livestock Australia, Greenhams and Agriculture Victoria discuss a range of topics relevant to the local community.

Elders Albury Territory sales manager Kirsty Taylor said she was very excited to be offering the community and surrounds with industry related information.

“We just wanted to give

something back to the community,” she said.

“It will be a great morning with guest speakers talking about everything to do with weaning cattle, animal health, bio security and future markets; both export and domestic.

“It will be industry relevant information that they may consider implementing in their own program and expert outlooks on where the cattle industry is heading in the future.”

The event will be held on Friday, July 21 from 10am to 12pm at the Myrtleford Savoy Club, 252 Myrtle St.

To RSVP, call Kirsty on 0438 444 227 or Brett Shea on 0428 691 489.

HAVING FUN: Myrtleford’s Savoy Ladies celebrated their 40th anniversary last week at Club Savoy. Pictured from left are Christine Gios, Marella Glogolia, Mara Greco and Nives DiStefano at the birthday event last Thursday.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Fantastic family home

THIS fantastic family home is ideallytate occupying a north facing 626m2 allotment.

It is a versatile home that will appeal to anyone looking for a family home, downsizing or investment opportunity. bedrooms, two bathrooms and two living areas.

An well-appointed open plan kitchen with living and dining space features stainless cooking appliances, island bench and a walk-in pantry.

both the living area and lounge room thanks to the home’s orientation.

The primary bedroom offers both an ensuite and walk-in robe.

Both additional guest bedrooms are

The central bathroom features a separate shower and bath.

The laundry is both well positioned and sized to accommodate the family’s needs.

A double lock up garage for two vehicles has direct access to the home and rear yard.

The landscaped gardens are maintained with ease through the

automatic watering system.

The home has been freshly painted throughout, has new carpets, new blinds, new stainless cooking appliances and a security alarm.

home contains ducted evaporative cooling, ducted gas heating along with ceiling fans.

This home offers a real ease of daily living for the family with close proximity to Cathedral College (P-12)

Please call Danial Siperki at Harcourts to arrange your private inspection on 0400027473.

Purpose built for practicality

LIVING the great Aussie dream was in mind when designing and construction took place at this property in Oxley in 2011.

Build it comfortable, build it well and have it ready to go.

Go outside, to the shed; go outside, footy; go and sit under the vines in summer or enjoy the beautiful winter sun from the open plan living pergola; go them home to the coolroom in the shed.

Salami day, party catering, wine cellar, workshop, caravan or boat - you think of

it and 30 Johnson St so far has all options covered, even a stroll to the King River Café if the restaurant style is on your list.ted out study has an ensuite and large laundry with access from the garage.

You have a carport, 18m X 5m shedding with rear skillion and covered area for wood, boat, tractor or trailer; gas HWS for the hot shower, gas cooktop and electric under bench oven; a split system heating cooling, ceiling fans and of course wood heater as well as the brick and Colorbond chimney and

Set on over an acre, you have fruit (lemon, orange, mandarin, grapefruit)

You have bottled gas, bore water, tanks and aren’t even connected to the available town water yet as it has not been required.

The property is close to schools, pubs, wineries, and only 12 minutes from Wangaratta.

Set in the great community of Oxley it is hard to imagine living anywhere else.

Inspections will tell the story. Get ready to avoid disappointment.

FOR SALE BY TENDER

•

•

FOR SALE

RARE FIND IN A TIGHT MARKET 10 Barry Court, Wangaratta

ONLINE CLEARING SALE

Tractors, Vehicles, Wood Splitter, Fire Units, Hand Tools. A/C: MRS M.A. WILSON

25 MORRISON ROAD, BOWSER

AUCTION START: Friday 21 st July 10.00am

AUCTION FINISH: Sunday 23 rd July from 1.00pm

VIEWING DATES: Fri 14 th & Sat 22 nd July 10.00am – 12.00noon

New 6.5hp Millers Falls petrol motor, Stihl MS170 chainsaw, CIG portable welder with electrodes, heavy duty steel pedestal stand, Polaris Ranger 500 (approx. 20hrs (as new) w/manual, Husqvarna chainsaw, Ariens ride on mower, Deutscher mulcher with Honda GX200 motor, Ford Fairmont (unregistered) 2003, Mazda BT50 c/w racks & tool box (unregistered) 2007, Mobilco swing saw, Black Diamond 40 tonne wood splitter, Massey Ferguson 135 diesel, 4ft slasher, Fordson tractor rims and tyre, Lamb marking cradle, Adjustable portable sheep yard drafting race, Wool table, Ripper, Fordson Turbo tractor c/w forks & bucket, portable fire fighting trailer 5.5 Honda motor 1000ltr tank, 3 P/L scoop, portable irrigator, 3 P/L Massey Ferguson spring tyne scarifier, Alfa Laval hammer mill, 3 P/L super spreader, 3 P/L lifting jib, 3 P/L forks, John Berends 3 P/L forks with adjustments, selection of treated pine posts, Easymix cement mixer, light buck rake, 3 P/L grader blade, New Holland hayliner 69 baler, 4 disc hay mower, Trailer & stock crate, Cooper shearing plant and hand pieces.

4,932m2* Industrial 1 Zoned property in established area 275m2* shed with three bays (one enclosed) and portable staff amenities

Other improvements including an elevated open shed, office & toilet

Securely fenced yard, hardstand with capacity for further development

Located in bowl of Barry Court with good heavy vehicle access 50% regional industrial stamp duty concession available.

GST will be payable.

Expressions of Interest closing @ 12noon, Tuesday 25th July.

Terms: 10% deposit. Settlement: 30-60 days

2 Stanley wood planes, Dawn vice, pipe bender, timber storage cupboard with 6 shelves, Paslode fixing gun with nails, Paslode nail gun, Hitachi hammer drill, Makita router, Makita electric drill, Ryobi jigsaw, Makita circular saw, Stihl blower, AEG steel nibbler & wire strippers, Milwaukee angle grinder, tool box with tools, pipe cutters, Stanley socket set, tap & die set, Peerless drill press 12 speed 3/4HP, Bossweld mig welder, heavy duty home made pipe bender, TTII double ended bench grinder, double ended GMF bench grinder, Rockwell drop saw, CMG heavy duty steel saw, portable steel workbench, Hitachi 240v jack hammer model H65SA, Millers Falls fence post hole auger, surveyors tripod and level, Honda 11hp motor, Cher electric bandsaw, Honda FG110 rotary hoe, step ladder, new Topcon rotating laser complete kit, post lifter, Giantz Pro 62cc pole chainsaw, Honda brush cutter four stroke, aluminium platform, firewood holder, stand with roller and pipe clamps, Jackaroo professional 4 series 4 burner BBQ, heavy duty car ramps, light duty car ramps, fence extensions, sprinkler heads 25 approx, 4 saw horses, 4” treated pine posts (large quantity), wire spinner, cement mixer, bricky’s wheelbarrow, sheep yard gates & yard panel, wool press, selection of light tubular steel, ferret box and stand, 5 temp fence panels, Husqvarna garden trailer, welding table, colourbond sheets (several), timber & steel frame, plus a host of sundry items too numerous to list.

Register to bid by scanning the QR code here

View photos, T&C’s or download the full catalogue.

Terms: NO GST. 5% Buyers Premium, applicable on all goods

Goods must be paid and funds cleared prior to collection date. Copy of receipt by authorised person must be shown when collecting items.

Collection Dates: Wednesday 26th July 9am – 4pm & Thursday 27th July 9am – 4pm.

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

THE CREEK” (72.9 HA)“PETE’S”

TREK CROSSES INTO FAMILIAR TERRITORY

By DEREK OGDEN, Marque Motoring

‘HAVEN’T we met somewhere before’ sprung to mind on my first encounter with the Subaru Crosstrek, for there is a lot in common here with the company’s XV sport utility vehicle.

In fact, says Subaru, the newly named compact is the latest iteration of the popular XV, including two petrol / electric hybrid models, aimed at anyone who wants a versatile, reliable, and stylish small SUV.

Priced from $34,990, the all-wheel drive Crosstrek comes in five variants - AWD 2.0L, AWD 2.0R, AWD 2.0S, AWD Hybrid L and AWD Hybrid S – offering those with an active lifestyle a versatile, reliable, and stylish small SUV.

However, there is a major point of difference between the Crosstrek and its antecedent.

The Crosstrek has benefitted greatly from a visit to the doctor – a whole team of medics, in fact.

Subaru collaborated with a medical school to study the structure of the human body and what causes driver discomfort, fatigue and lower back pain behind the wheel.

Results found ride comfort is not solely affected by the vibration of the vehicle, but also by sounds and changes in visual information because of jerking and head swaying during driving.

Hence seats have been redesigned to reduce shaking of the head and roof damping has been improved to help reduce sound pressure fluctuations in the cabin.

Meanwhile, vehicle health is in the hands of Subaru’s standard five-year / unlim-

ited kilometre warranty and 12 months complimentary Subaru Roadside Assistance.

The mid-range Crosstrek AWD 2.0R, selling for $38,490, plus on-road costs, was the test vehicle for a week and confidently took on widely varied road and weather conditions well during that time.

STYLING

Once the domain of predominantly white or silver exteriors, or in this case ‘Subaru blue’, these days, subtle shades of colour are taking to streets around the world.

Take for example the test Crosstrek with its Magnetite Grey Metallic paint job and dark machine finished 18-inch wheels.

Who would have thought ‘dull’ could look so classy?

While the all-round appearance of the Crosstrek is generally a carry-over from the XV, the bonnet and radiator grille come in for a complete redesign, the latter maintaining the signature hexagonal shape, but in a larger more aggressively styled honeycomb.

Use of lightweight aluminium enables a newly designed bonnet to contribute to improved pedestrian protection with a softer head impact zone and a saving of two kilograms in front fenders optimises weight distribution all round.

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

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

INTERIOR

The ‘doctors’ orders’ seats,

clothed in premium material, provide exceptional comfort during longer drives (try 200plus kilometres as we did), while leaving ample room for passengers to stretch out and relax.

Standard roof rails top off generous storage possibilities.

However, a cramped cargo compartment weighs in at a stingy 291 litres with the rear seat backs up, and a maximum of 1278 litres with them folded.

Under the floor sits a temporary spare wheel.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS

The petrol-only Crosstrek variants are powered by an upgraded version of Subaru’s 2.0-litre direct injection FB20 four-cylinder horizontally opposed engine, delivering maximum power of 115 kW at 6000 rpm and top torque of 196 Nm 4000 revs.

An upgraded continuously variable transmission with more than 80 per cent new components compared with the previous generation XV, results in improved drivability. Best fuel consumption on test was a whisker under five litres per 100 kilometres.

A combined 7.2 litres per 100 kilometres is claimed by the maker.

SAFETY

Crosstrek benefits from Subaru’s commitment to achieving no fatal road accidents in any of its vehicles by 2036 through the four pillars of primary, active, preventive and protective safety.

These already include advanced vehicle dynamics control with electronic stability control, anti-lock braking, electronic brake force distri-

bution, brake assist, traction control, active torque vectoring, a brake override and limited slip devices.

Much more, no doubt, is on the way.

DRIVING

For some reason, the Boxer engine, on occasions, had some difficulty in settling when first accelerating, with a resulting surge in revs.

A warmed-up motor showed no such stress.

At low-speed throttle openings, gear change is infinitely variable as in a conventional CVT, but at higher throttle openings it automatically adopts an eight-speed step control, creating a more conventional sound and feeling of acceleration, as well as holding engine speed higher for a sportier and more satisfying drive.

With its hallmark all-wheel drive system in full action, the Crosstrek handled some extreme wet weather on test, resulting in a smooth stable ride and confident handling.

Not so positive was the driver monitoring system, which was able to give far from 100 per cent accuracy with its observations on distraction.

Front and rear springs and dampers have been retuned and optimised for improved ride comfort and driving stability, while recalibrated coil spring rates result in improved road bump absorption and body movement control.

Class-leading ground clearance of 220 mm encourages trips off the bitumen with rough rutted roads holding little angst for the driver.

All variants feature X-Mode, a system that operates below 40 km/h and has two modes to take on deep snow and

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

SPECIFICATIONS (Subaru Crosstrek 2.0R 4-cylinder petrol, CVT automatic, AWD SUV)

RATINGS:

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

mud, or snow and dirt.

Hill Descent Control (under 20 km/h) helps maintain the speed the vehicle is travelling at on taking the foot off the gas or braking to allow the driver to fully concentrate on steering.

This operates in forward or reverse.

SUMMARY

It seems the Crosstrek refuses to let go of the past completely with styling cues to the XV.

However, there is no lagging with upgrades to tech and comfort but the underpowered engine performance has not managed to keep up.

ENGINE:

Capacity: 1.995 litres

Configuration: Four cylinders horizontally opposed

Maximum Power: 115 kW @ 6000 rpm

Maximum Torque: 196 Nm @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Type: Petrol 91 RON

Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 7.2 L/100km

Emissions CO2: 165 g/km

DRIVELINE:

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

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:

Length: 4495 mm

Wheelbase: 2670 mm

Width: 1800 mm

Height: 1600 mm

Turning Circle: 10.8 metres

Kerb Mass: 1493 kg Fuel Tank Capacity: 63 litres

CLASS AND STYLE: Subaru rings the changes of the XV for its new Crosstrek compact SUV

BOOKING DEADLINE

CREDIT CARD FACILITIES WE

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE

OPTUS MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT MYRTLEFORD WITH 5G

Optus plans to upgrade the telecommunications facilities at the below mentioned address with the addition of new 5G equipment:

Tower Hill, Scenic Drive, MYRTLEFORD VIC 3737 (RFNSA: 3737005)

The proposed upgrade consists ofReplacement of three (3) existing panel antennas with three (3) new panel antennas (each not more than 2.8m long);

Replacement of eleven (11) existing Remote Radio Units (RRUs) with nine (9) new RRUs; Installation, relocation and removal of ancillary equipment including RRU’s, antenna mounts, feeders, cabling, combiners, and other associated equipment; and works within the existing equipment shelter

Optus regards the proposed installations as Low-impact Facilities under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the descriptions above.

In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposals. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Sophie Deng or 0427 459 605, or via the Service Stream Wireless Consultation inbox at Optus. submissions@servicestream.com.au or Zenith Centre, Level 3, Tower B, 821 Pacific Highway, Chatswood NSW 2167, by 5pm, Friday 4 August 2023.

If you would like to know more about this sites, further information can be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au

EDUCATION SUPPORT OFFICER

PART TIME (0.73 FTE)

TERMS 3 & 4 2023

Applications are invited for an enthusiastic, energetic, practical and organised person for the position of education support.

The successful candidate will demonstrate initiative and will enjoy collaboration and working with adolescents.

The responsibilities will include support in the classroom, camps, excursions and other duties in line with the applicant’s skills and interests.

Qualifications or experience in secondary education support would be an advantage.

Employment details are available on the College website, www.mcm.vic.edu.au or contact recruitment@mcm.vic.edu.au

Applications close 4pm, Monday, July 31.

Marian College is a year 7-12 coeducational Catholic School. We are committed to Child Safe standards and promote the wellbeing and inclusion of all children.

Expression of Interests

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JULY ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING

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5pm on Monday, 24 July 2023

MYRTLEFORD RSL FIREWOOD RAFFLE

We are seeking a full-time Administration Officer to join our dynamic and supportive team. As the welcoming face of our College, excellent communication skills, innovative approach and a professional, helpful manner is a must. Our School Administration Officer provides support to our staff, students and families across the whole school community. The duties are interesting and varied and the working environment is busy and respectful. The position is ongoing and secure.

If you are interested in finding out more about this exciting opportunity, please email recruitment@mcm.vic.edu.au or visit our website, www.mcm.vic.edu.au for a full position description and details on how to apply.

Applications close 4pm, Monday, July 31.

Mytrleford District Basketball Association AGM

At the Savoy Club, Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at 6.30pm.

All welcome, we would love to see you there!

Winner: Steph Piazza (Ticket No.15). Thanks all for supporting.

Marian College is a year 7-12 coeducational Catholic School. We are committed to Child Safe standards and promote the wellbeing and inclusion of all children.

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Ads can also be lodged at Myrtleford Newsagency, Bright Newsagency and Mt Beauty Newsagency

Strathbogie joins WDCA

By NATHAN DE VRIES

THE Bogie Panthers will be the 14th club in the Wangaratta and District Cricket Association, after their application was accepted by a two-thirds majority at last Wednesday’s annual general meeting.

Strathbogie’s Brad James pleaded his case to the assembled clubs and WDCA executive,

citing recently upgraded facilities, an eager group of potential players and flexibility with travel times as reasons for inclusion.

“It’s been over 30 years since there’s been a cricket side in Strathbogie, which is too long,” he said.

“Me and a few of my mates have got together and we’ve gathered up keen blokes to try and put a side to-

gether for B or C grade, just for fun.

“I’ve talked to the shire and we’ve got permission to use the rec reserve up in Strathbogie, and the facilities there have just been upgraded.

“We just want to get local involvement back in Strathbogie and make it happen.”

After James fielded questions from the club delegates, the matter was put to a vote which

the clubs voted overwhelmingly in favour of, with a 23-3 tally.

Also discussed on the night were team nominations for the upcoming season, which were similar to the line-up of squads last season, and are subject to change.

The WDCA will start working on the draft fixtures for the senior competitions in the coming weeks.

Junior Bombers to strong for Mitta Valley

BY BRAD REDMOND, U14 coach

HEADING over to the Mitta Valley is always a daunting task, especially mid-winter, when Mitta have it all to play for and nothing to lose.

After Aaron and I gave the guys a little rev up on Thursday about arriving at the game and warming up properly before playing, it seemed that the boys listened and we were on from the first bounce.

In very foggy conditions, our centres battled to give us first use of the ball, which we should have made Mitta pay for.

However, inaccurate kicking

cost us with the first quarter seeing us kick 2.5.

The upside is that our backline players are a determined bunch of committed individuals that take offence to other teams scoring, and held Mitta to 1.2 for the first term.

We were doing all the right things (reward for effort has been our motto) and we knew that if we kept up the same intensity, the rewards would come.

The team kicked 5.2 in the second and third quarters whilst holding Mitta scoreless.

Again, a big shout out to Lucas (Anderson) who was not daunted playing full back on a

ROUND RESULTS:

NORTH East

Bushrangers

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

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

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

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

WINNER: Rick Biesboer is presented with the Alf McBain Memorial trophy by last year’s winner Victor Selway.

Mount Beauty golfers post results

ON Wednesday, July 12, the ladies of the Mount Beauty Golf Club played their nine hole par three course.

The winner was Helen Whittaker with 23 points, and runners-up, all with 17 points, were Lynda Barter, Jooyon Kang-Redmond and Liz Harvey.

The ladies played the nine hole par three course on Saturday, July 15.

This time, the winner was Jooyon Kang-Redmond with 22 points on a count back from Helen Whittaker - NTP second shot on the seventh was Leesa Bevan.

Saturday, July 15 was the men’s turn to play the Alf McBain Memorial Par event.

Only nine players battled it out for the top honours, which was won by Rick Biesboer with +3, followed in by Steuart Snooks with +2, and Stephen Short was next with a -1.

Biesboer took all the NTPs, including the money on the 18th, except the seventh which was kept by the club along with the Tatts Ticket from the Tawonga South Newsagency & Post Office.

player at least a foot taller.

He tackled and defended his opponent at every opportunity and showed determination for the entire game.

In the last quarter, the fog lifted and so did our team.

Our link up play, support for each other and second efforts at the ball are second to none.

With strong leads coming from Jai (Redmond) at full forward, we shared the ball around and came home with a vengeance kicking another five goals in the final quarter.

Even more pleasingly, we continued to keep Mitta scoreless, even though they had fair use of

U14 Boys 1 59 def Korumburra 1 33

(Top Scorers: Keoni Anderson 16, Sam Lupo 12, Connah Hart 10)

U14 Boys 2 46 def Westgate 3 35

(Top Scorers: Brock Buckland 26, Michael Moylan 5, Blake Manning 5)

U14 Girls 1 32 def by Korumburra 1 38

(Top Scorers: Ella Mercieca 19, Minnie Humphry 6, Layla Graham 4)

U14 Girls 2 30 drew Wallan 30

(Top Scorers: Maria Hanley 12, Kaity Ford 4, Paige Ely 3)

U16 Boys 1 39 def Nunawading 2 36

(Top Scorers: Blake Newton 9, Dashiell Smith 7, Cooper Clark 6)

U16 Boys 2 49 def Darebin 1 38

(Top Scorers: Sam Kain 13, Mateo Hanley 10, Lenny Lonergan 7)

U16 Girls 1 48 def by McKinnon 1 57

(Top Scorers: Molly Moylan 15, Lily-Anne McClure 11, Mekenzie Wood 7)

U16 Girls 2 32 def Darebin 1 19

(Top Scorers: Sophia Kotzur 7, Amelia Frazer 6, Scarlett Mullavey 5)

U18 Boys 1 70 def Eltham 1 49

(Top Scorers: Lochie Harvey 15, Frank Oguche 13, Jobe Shanahan 12)

U18 Boys 2 54 def by Melton 1 56

(Top Scorers: Cam Cooper 17, Nic Watson 11, Jac Green 9)

U18 Girls 40 def by Dandenong 2 56

(Top Scorers: Holly Humphry 10, Jess Freeman 9, Niamh Moylan 8)

YLM 50 def by Albury/Wodonga 103

(Top Scorers: Jesse King 14, Dylan Hoare 10, Isaac Plummer 8)

the ball and took it to their half on several occasions. We saw the team working hard, having fun and striving for success with encouragement of all players.

Final Scores:

DMB: 2.5, 7.7, 12.9, 17.12.114

Mitta: 1.2, 1.2, 1.2, 1.2.8

Goals: Jai Redmond 9 (29 for season), Ryan Jamieson 2, Jack Coulston 1, Toby Derrick 1, Darcy Fallon 1, Mark Flay 1, Will Lutter-Wood 1, Zelk Shuttleworth 1.

Best: Billy Perri-Williams, Beau Duggan, Massimo Perri, Lucas Anderson, Jai Redmond, Jack Coulston.

Myrtleford golfers return to the course

AFTER wet weather caused the course to be shut for almost two weeks, golfers were back in action over the weekend.

Saturday, July 15

Myrtleford Bakehouse Par AMCR 71

A grade winner: Karl O’Shaughnessy (14) +1. A grade runner up: David Matthews (13) -2.

Ball winners: B Carroll -3, D Rowe -3. Foodworks NTPs - first: Brad Carroll, 10th: Ichlis Giovannoni.

Matthews Cleaning encouragement award: Pieter Veldman -13. Raffle winner: Chris Rowney.

U16 BOYS 2 TEAM: BACK ROW: Aiden Button, Josh Vearing Sam Kain, Lenny Lonergan, Aaron Hamill, Riley Robinson, Brayden Lincoln, Ian Pople (Coach). FRONT ROW: Sam Gebauer (Assistant Coach), Seth Graham, Mateo Hanley, Jackson Walker, Harry Pople, Ethan Pigdon.

FORWARD PRESS: Mark Flay sends the ball inside 50 for the Bombers.

ZERO VISION: Jai Redmond lines up one of his nine goals agasint Mitta United in foggy conditions.

Panthers baseballers face Bears

THE Porepunkah Panthers teams were playing away this week against the Albury Bears.

The U15s started off the day with a great game.

The first innings saw Porepunkah lead 7-6 with Wade Pronk driving in two runs with a nice hit to leftfield, and some nice eyesight by Ollie Brown and Samara McCallum, both receiving walks and rounding the bases.

The Panthers kept up the pressure in the second innings to score another five runs, with runners Paige Anders, Ayla McCallum and Eamon Thompson all stealing bases and crossing the plate.

With the Panthers down 13-11 going into the third innings, Makiah McCallum stepped onto the mound to take over pitching duties from Sam Bourne.

In an impressive performance, she was able to strike out two batters quickly and not allow the Bears to score.

The Porepunkah Panthers set about regaining the lead and with only one out and runners on base the game’s time limit was reached, so the score reverted back to 13-11 Albury’s way.

The Panthers’ C grade team once again proved too hot to handle against the Albury Bears.

The first innings had leadoff batter Jarred McCormack get a walk, then the Albury Bears were dealt the onetwo-three combo, with Mason Anders , Lachie Rosser and Ollie Chambers all putting big bombs into the outfield.

Cade Nightingale also hit strongly to bring in the runs.

With Porepunkah leading 4-2 going into the second

inning it was a case of déjà vu for the Albury Bears with Anders, Rosser and Chambers all hitting safely again.

Going into the last innings the Panthers had the lead 6-2 - once again with the game in the balance it was great to see the team run away with the win.

Luka Bathhelmez hit safely along with Mark Chambers to help bring in another four runs.

In the field the Panthers were making the right choices, a highlight being Cade Nightingale taking a very difficult running catch.

Pitching duties for the Panthers were taken by Luka (Fireman) and Ollie Chambers, striking out four batters between them and only allowing the Bears to have three safe hits for the day.

Another strong perfor-

5752 1058

mance by the team has them remain on top of the ladder.

Final score: Porepunkah 10 def Albury 3.

The B grade Porepunkah team finally turned the corner and, in the upset of the year, were able to defeat the top of the ladder Albury Bears.

In the first innings the Panthers were held scoreless, but also denied the Bears any runs, with Jamie Jelleff making two outs for the Panthers playing second base.

The second innings started well for the Porepunkah, with coach Randy Skippen hit by the pitch allowing him to take first base.

Dean Anders and Aiden Quinton both found their way on base and with big safe hits going to Kaleb Hoare and Cade Nightin-

gale the runs flowed in.

Cade Nightingale is quietly becoming a pitchers nightmare in the association, being the best batter for the Panthers again with three safe hits for the day.

The highlight of the batting day was Mason Anders and Luka Bathhelmez who the last innings both hit laser beams to bring in runs for the Panthers.

In total the Panthers were able to score 10 runs in the five innings of baseball, a great effort but we needed something special in the field.

Kaleb Hoare dominated off the mound throwing 87 pitches, 51 being strikes, walking only one batter and striking out seven, and allowing the Bears only four safe hits.

Final score: Porepunkah 10 def Albury 2.

It was always going to be a tough one playing the undefeated Albury Bears in the A grade but the Panthers played a decent game.

The Bears started the game with their best pitcher and in the first innings leadoff batter Heath Anders hit safely for the Panthers for a positive start.

Adam Rosser and Damon Barker also made it onto base with Adam showing impressive speed, crossing the plate to bring in a run for the Panthers.

The Panthers then managed to keep the Bears to just four runs, with Steve Johnstone tagging a runner at home plate for the out.

Lachie Rosser at shortstop made the second out with a nice catch and another flyball finished the Bears innings.

In the second innings the Porepunkah team was held scoreless but also kept the Bears in check allowing them only two runs.

Panther Ollie Chambers took a nice catch at second base for an out and pitcher Paul Meddings striking out the batter.

It took until the fifth innings for Porepunkah to score their next run.

Lachie Rosser received a walk to first base, and from there was able to round the bases on wild pitches, diving into homeplate headfirst under the tag to score.

The match was a good test for the A grade who will be looking to bounce back against Wangaratta next week.

Final score: Albury 15 def Porepunkah 2.

SUPER SLUGGER: B grade player Adrian Quinton swings for the fences.

&

Top eight push tightening

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

Accountants

BELMORES CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

(formerly CRM Business Advisers)

Certified Practising Accountants

Myrtleford, 1-7 Albert Street

Phone: 5752 2288

Bright, 3 Ireland Street

Phone: 5755 1327

www.belmores.com.au

PAYNTER & ASSOCIATES

Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors

25 Clyde Street Myrtleford

Phone: 5751 1995

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

Clinical Massage

MYOTHERAPY, MUSCLE HEALTH & FITNESS

Dennis Kersting Dip. RM CM. Myrtleford - 18 Rayner Street

Phone: 0427 440 744

Hearing Services

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Plus Standish Street Surgery & Bright Allied Health

For appointments call 5752 2817

Insurance Brokers

OVENS VALLEY INSURANCE BROKERS

Myrtleford, 47 Clyde Street

Phone: 5752 1151

Bright, 104 Gavan St

Phone: 5715 9705

Email: info@ovib.com.au

Solicitors

DICK & WILLIAMS

Solicitors & Attorneys Vic & NSW

Myrtleford, 5B Clyde Street.

Phone: 5752 2363.

Email: email@dwlawalbury.com.au

TONER & MAY LEGAL BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS

86 Standish Street, Myrtleford.

Phone: 03 5752 1493

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Phone Jenny on 57313305 or email jking@nemedia.com.au

MYRTLEFORD were left to rue their near misses late as they settled for a 2-2 draw with Albury Hotspurs at Aloysius Park.

The back and forth contest saw both teams have the lead at some stage of the match before an eventual equaliser was scored with a Matt Richardson strike in the 72nd minute.

Co-coach Richard Morgan said despite the last shift in venue, his team were exceptional throughout the 90 minutes and felt they was unlucky not to come away with the three points.

“I think we had the better of play and had the greater number of opportunities but we didn’t put them away,” he said.

“The penalty was probably there against us but it was a little bit soft

“They had a couple saved right on the line by defenders so it was just one of those frustrating days.

“The team played pretty well and it was a good thing when Hotspurs went up 2-1 we didn’t cave in and continued to chase the win.

“We could have easily scored in the last couple of minutes to come away with the win but it just didn’t happen.”

The draw places the Savoys one spot out of finals trailing the Hotspurs by a point and only separated by four points from sixth placed Albury City.

Midfielders Josh Zito and Jack Milford will be vital inclusions for the Savoys after missing Sunday’s game due to suspension and injury respectively.

Morgan said the return of their midfielders will unlock more freedom in attack as they prepare to take the trip to Wangaratta and face their rivals this Sunday.

“With Zito and Jack coming back in that’s a big difference to our side, that will allow Tom Caplin to go a little bit more forward and he had some really good bursts on the weekend.”

“They’ll bring an ability to swing the ball a bit more side to side, Kaden Saric did really well on the weekend [in that role], particularly in the first half.”

“With the five subs we will have it’ll make sure at least someone doesn’t have to go the

full 90 minutes which makes a massive difference.”

Wangaratta City will be looking to continue to push for the top three as they sit four points behind Boomers in fourth.

With only five games to go every game now holds extra significance in such a tight finals race in the mid-table.

Morgan said he is hopeful the sunny winter weather can stick around long enough for Savoy Park to be able to dry out in time

for training to be held at the venue in coming weeks.

“We haven’t able to do any finishing drills or anything like that which makes a big difference, because the only shots our players have are the ones that come on gameday,” he said.

“Their keeper did a great job, but we just need to hone in and have the discipline to continue on, and that’s where we can make the biggest improvement, just remaining focused.”

Savoys settle for draw against main rival

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

HEAVYWEIGHTS of the division two women’s AWFA couldn’t be split on Sunday with Myrtleford and Albury Hotspurs having to settle for a 2-2 draw.

The Savoys took the lead on both occasions with strikes from Sahe Justice and Tui Morton, but were meant with equalisers on either side of half-time which saw the ledger even by the end of 90 minutes.

Coach Gabby Paglia said the game was played at a finals like intensity the Savoys will come to expect come September.

“I was saying to the girls afterwards that it was a taste of what finals is going to be like, and I feel like we’re a lot more mentally prepared for what we will be going into by the time those come around,” she said.

“It was nice to come away with a draw, there was a moment where we were thinking we might win this with the 2-1 score but we were happy either way.

“We really weren’t sure what way it was going to go and it could have gone either way.

“Getting that first goal fairly quickly was a mood booster for

us and allowed us to calm our nerves a bit.

“I’m really happy with how everyone played, I think we were a bit all over the place at times with our positioning where people were just getting nervous but I think the half-time break helped with them all.”

The Savoys’ gap at the top has tightened with Wodonga Heart jumping into second place with the three points after the bye,

just two points behind the ladder leaders.

Despite not having access to Savoy Park over the past fortnight, Paglia said the team was hopeful of getting back on the pitch with sunny weather returning over the past week as they prepare to take on their rivals in the Lady Devils.

Following the success of the inaugural Christina Mancusa Cup in the La Fiera derby earlier

in the year, the rivals will play off this weekend for the Loyalty and Respect Cup in honour of women’s health.

Paglia said said the team is looking forward to be playing for something more than the four points, with the Savoys set to be sporting a special edition pink kit to rally behind the Wangaratta City cause with fundraising to be a theme prior to and on the day.

“It’s going to be a fun day with a good cause behind it so it’s going to a good game no matter what the outcome is,” she said.

OTHER SAVOY TEAM RESULTS

Division 2 Men: Myrtleford 0 def by Albury Hotspurs 5.

Division 3 Men: Myrtleford 3 drew Albury Hotspurs 3.

Over 35: Myrtleford 1 def by Albury Hotspurs 7.

U17 Girls: Myrtleford 0 def by Albury Hotspurs 11.

U16 Boys: Myrtleford 1 def by Albury Hotspurs 4.

U14 Boys: Myrtleford 2 def Albury Hotspurs 1.

U13 Boys: Myrtleford 3 def by Albury Hotspurs 6.

U12 Boys: Myrtleford 0 def by Albury Hotspurs yellow 18.

ON THE RIGHT TRACK: Frankie Carroll and the Savoy women were happy to come away with the 2-2 draw against fellow contender Albury Hotspurs on Sunday.

PHOTO: Janet Watt

HIT THE TARGET: Kaden Saric played a vital role in the midfield on Sunday and flourished in the team’s 2-2 draw with Albury Hotspurs.

PHOTO: Janet Watt

WINNERS AND LOSERS

OVENS AND MURRAY SENIORS LADDER

SCOREBOARD RESERVES RESULTS

YARRAWONGA 7.3 14.5 18.10 21.11.137

WODONGA RAIDERS 0.1 4.4 7.6 9.9.63

GOALS: YARRAWONGA: Leigh Williams 6, Matthew Casey 4, Nicholas Fothergill 4, Cameron Wilson 2, Reid Clarke 1, Dylan Conway 1, Ryan Einsporn 1, Jack Forge 1, Logan Morey 1. WODONGA RAIDERS: Cameron Ellis-Yolmen 4, Nick Bracher 3, Bailey Smith 1, Ned Twycross

1. BEST: YARRAWONGA: Leigh Williams, Nicholas Fothergill, Mark Whiley, Ryan Bruce, Cameron Wilson, Lach Howe. WODONGA RAIDERS: Cameron Ellis-Yolmen, Nelson Bowey, Nick Bracher, Ned Conway, Bradley St John, Tom Bracher.

GOALS: WODONGA: Angus Baker 6, Oscar Willding 3, Jett Cassidy 2, Samuel Jewell 1, Adam Jorgensen 1, Noah Spiteri 1. LAVINGTON: Tyson Neander 3, Aidan Cook 2, Shaun Driscoll 2, Ewan Mackinlay 2, Jack Driscoll 1, Maclayn Hallows 1, Joe Hansen 1, Tom Hargreave 1, Nicholas Newton 1, Andrew Yates 1. BEST: WODONGA: Angus Baker, Thomas Johnson, Jack O’Sullivan, Adam Jorgensen, Jett Cassidy, Noah Spiteri. LAVINGTON: Jonathon Spina, Shaun Driscoll, Ewan Mackinlay, William Glanvill, Tom Hargreave, Andrew Yates.

NETBALL SCORES THIRDS RESULTS

A GRADE

Wangaratta Rovers 46 def by Myrtleford 84

BEST: WANGARATTA ROVERS: Samantha Kreltszheim 3, Molly Murray, 2 Hidden Player 1.

MYRTLEFORD: Sophie Hanrahan 3, Hidden Player 2, Rebecca Piazza 1.

GOALS: WANGARATTA ROVERS: Samantha Kreltszheim 23, Rebecca Kreltszheim 23.

MYRTLEFORD: Sophie Hanrahan 67, Sally Botter 17. North Albury 35 def by Wangaratta 43

BEST: NORTH ALBURY: Emily Browne 3, Lily Kelly 2, Hidden Player 1 .

WANGARATTA: Brooke Pryse 3, Issy Newton 2, Kellie Keen 1.

GOALS: NORTH ALBURY: Lily Kelly 24, Sophia Kohlhagen 11

WANGARATTA: Georgia Clark 1,6 Amanda Umanski 11, Amy Byrne 8, Kellie Keen 8.

Wodonga 55 def by Lavington 63

Yarrawonga 50 def Wodonga Raiders 43

B GRADE: Wodonga 65 def Lavington 51; Yarrawonga 35 def

Wodonga Raiders 27; Wangaratta Rovers 44 def by Myrtleford 52; North Albury 54 def Wangaratta 45.

C GRADE: Wodonga 43 def by Lavington 48; Yarrawonga 56 def

Wodonga Raiders 42; Wangaratta 37 def by Myrtleford 66; North Albury

34 def Wangaratta 32; Corowa-Rutherglen 35 def Albury 26.

17 & UNDER: Corowa-Rutherglen 55 def Albury 46; North Albury 53 def

Wangaratta 44; Wangaratta Rovers 70 def Myrtleford 30; Yarrawonga

26 def by Wodonga Raiders 64; Wodonga 81 def Lavington 46.

15 & UNDER: Wodonga 38 def Lavington 34; Yarrawonga 13 def by

Wodonga Raiders 39; Corowa-Rutherglen 30 def Albury 18; Wangaratta

Rovers 39 def Myrtleford 38; North Albury 32 def by Wangaratta 33.

Wangaratta Rovers 17.14.116 def Myrtleford 4.7.31

BEST: WANGARATTA ROVERS: No best players have been selected.

MYRTLEFORD: Sam Rossato, Cy Banks, Luke Nannipieri, Brody Bouker, Marcello Vescio, Jack Hazeldine. GOALS: WANGARATTA

ROVERS: Judd Schubert 5, Lachlan Barbour 2, Samuel Comensoli 2, Ned Turner 2, Trey Vincent 2, Cormac McNamara 1, Riley Allan 1, Wallace Gemmill 1, Charlie Philpotts 1. MYRTLEFORD: Cy Banks 2, Brody Bouker 1, Marcello Vescio 1. North Albury 2.10.22 def by Wangaratta 13.12.90

BEST: NORTH ALBURY: Daniel Harvey, Cooper McIntosh, Luke Frohling, Declan Clancy, Marty Norman. WANGARATTA: Joe Berry, Keahn Driscoll, Hugh Canning, Tyler Hogan, Charlie Ross, Ned Gorman. GOALS: NORTH ALBURY: Eligh Houston-Damic 2.

WANGARATTA: Asher Simmonds 3, Joe Berry 2, Ned Gorman 2, Charley Holland-Dean 2, Max Bihun 1, Hunter Graham 1, Connor Hughes 1, Oscar Roberts 1.

Yarrawonga 2.2.14 def by Wodonga Raiders 15.20.110

Wodonga 4.10.34 def by Lavington 13.10.88

GOALS: WANGARATTA ROVERS: Thomas Boyd 6, Alexander Marklew 5, Dylan Wilson 2, Will Christie 1, Shane Gaston 1, Jack Gerrish 1, Alex McCarthy 1, Will McCarthy 1. MYRTLEFORD: Ryley Sharp 3, Thomas Cappellari 2, Lachlan P Hourigan 2, Ashton McPherson 2, Declan Bren 1, Damon Harrington 1, Josh Muraca 1, Brody Ricardi 1. BEST: WANGARATTA ROVERS: Alex McCarthy, Samuel Murray, Thomas Boyd, Cameron Chamberlain, Alexander Marklew, Jack Gerrish. MYRTLEFORD: Mitch Dalbosco, Ryley Sharp, Simon Curtis, Toby Cossor, Ashton McPherson, Thomas Cappellari.

GOALS: NORTH ALBURY: Cody Gardiner 2, Tim Broomhead 1, Kade Brown 1, Joshua Minogue 1, Jack Reynolds 1. WANGARATTA: Callum Moore 3, Michael Newton 3, Patrick Warner 3, Harrison Hewitt 1, Chris Knowles 1, Will O’Keefe 1, Daniel Sharrock 1. BEST:

NORTH ALBURY: Kade Brown, Cody Gardiner, Fletcher Ramage, Archer Gardiner, Cayden Winter WANGARATTA: Patrick Warner, Daniel Sharrock, Liam McVeigh, Harrison Hewitt, Murray Waite, Callum Moore.

LAVINGTON vs YARRAWONGA

MYRTLEFORD vs WODONGA

COROWA-RUTHERGLEN vs WANGARATTA ROVERS WODONGARAIDERS vs NORTH ALBURY WANGARATTA vs ALBURY

WINNERS AND LOSERS

OVENS AND KING SENIORS LADDER

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

NETBALL SCORES

A GRADE:

Bonnie Doon 55 def by Goorambat 40; Bright 48 def Benalla All Blacks 44;

Tarrawingee 38 def by Milawa 59

B GRADE:

Bonnie Doon 52 def Goorambat 29;

Bright 28 def by Benalla All Blacks 75;

Tarrawingee 22 def by Milawa 73

B RESERVE:

Bonnie Doon 70 def Goorambat 19;

Bright 54 def Benalla All Blacks 46;

Tarrawingee 34 def by Milawa 48

C GRADE:

Bonnie Doon 49 def Goorambat 48;

Bright 37 def Benalla All Blacks 30;

Tarrawingee 69 def Milawa 23

UNDER 15s:

Bonnie Doon 41 def Goorambat 19

Bright 22 def by Benalla All Blacks 23;

Tarrawingee 22 def Milawa 5

No other scores available at time of printing.

SATURDAY, JULY 22

KING VALLEY vs GOORAMBAT

BENALLAALL BLACKS vs BONNIE DOON

MOYHU vs BRIGHT

TARRAWINGEE vs NORTH WANGARATTA

WHOROULY vs MILAWA

GRETA - BYE

Wodonga ...................7.7.49

Lavington ................5.12.42

BEST: WODONGA: Liam Andrews, Riley Gill, Bob Russell, Will Bradshaw, Casey Marr, Jack Chesser. LAVINGTON: Lachlan Gaffney, Angus Daniher, Liam Ross, Judd Mcleod, Nick Brennan, Hunter Galvin. Wangaratta Rovers 18.14.122 Myrtleford .................3.8.26

BEST: WANGARATTA ROVERS: Connor Crimmins, Nathan Gamble, Regan Gorman, Luke Arcuri, Mitch Booth, Nicholas Redley. MYRTLEFORD: Leigh Corcoran, Nicholas Ferguson, William McKerral, Charlie Crisp, Benjamin Paddle, Corey Southern. North Albury................1.0.6 Wangaratta...........20.26.146

BEST: NORTH ALBURY: Ben Pattinson, Joshua Mercieca, Alex Kohne, Cooper McIntosh, Connor Bradbury. WANGARATTA: Waitai Tua, Daniel Saunders, Braeden Marjanovic, Harrison Smart, Brandon Fitzpatrick, Thomas Gorman.

Yarrawonga ..........20.15.135

Wodonga Raiders .......7.7.49

BEST: YARAWONGA: Douglas Arnold, Beau Seymour, Dillon Walsh-hall, Tim Lawrence, Jordan O’Dwyer, Max Hemphill. WODONGA RAIDERS: Jack Stewart, Jack Hobbs, Alex Jamieson, Declan Carmody, Beau Packer, Angus Sinclair. # TEAM % PTS 1 Yarrawonga .....227.75 40 2 Lavington .......192.29 40 3 Albury ............289.11 36

4 Wang Rovers ...196.47 28 5 Wodonga ........171.81 28

6 Wangaratta .........134.53 24 7 North Albury .........26.67 4

SCOREBOARD RESERVES RESULTS

GOALS: BONNIE DOON: Luke Murray 4, Joel Sanford 4, Al Bennett 3, Zak Bailey 1, Sean Campitelli 1. GOORAMBAT: Aaron Blackburn 1, Jamie Dunne 1, Shaun Lemmer 1, Rick Walker 1. BEST: BONNIE DOON: Morgan Evans, Joel Sanford, Zak Bailey, Beau Smith, Luke Murray, Sean Campitelli. GOORAMBAT: Jamie Dunne, Bradley Simmons, Jim Taylor, Darcy Edgar, Ryan Burns, Private player.

MOYHU

KING VALLEY 1.1

GOALS: MOYHU: Harrison Grant 3, Jared Lea 3, Fraser Landgren 2, Darby West 2, Tom Bannon 1, Jacob Beattie 1, Caleb Bell 1, Josh Coonan 1, Bailey Zimmermann 1. KING

VALLEY: Beau Wheeler 3, Charlie Arthur 1, Anthony Ciancio 1, Charlie Davies 1, William Davies 1. BEST: MOYHU: Jett Roberts, Charlie West, Dylan Carmody, Matthew Thrum, Liam Cook, Harrison Grant. KING VALLEY: Beau Wheeler, Vincent Star, Ryan Wait, Brett Sessions, Hayden Sims, Tim Roman.

BRIGHT 5.3 10.8 14.11 21.13.139

BENALLA ALL BLACKS 1.0 2.1 3.1 3.1.19

GOALS: BRIGHT: Samuel Dalbosco 6, Cooper Thomason 5, Patrick Bren 3, Harry Jamieson 2, Kieren Jamieson 2, Nick Howell 1, Tex McIntosh 1, Callum Smith 1. BENALLA ALL BLACKS: Cody Crawford 1, Tom Levy 1, Jake Whitmore 1. BEST: BRIGHT: Samuel Dalbosco, Daniel Sgambelloni, Riley Bacon, Patrick Bren, Reuben Jamieson, Dylan Bursill. BENALLA ALL BLACKS: Jesse Walker, Damian Broughton, Kyle Collisson, Cody Crawford, Tom Levy, Ryan Nedeljkovic.

MILAWA 9.4 18.8 24.14 34.20.224

TARRAWINGEE 0.0 0.3 1.3 2.3.15

GOALS: MILAWA: Steven Williamson 9, Sebastian De Napoli 7, Harry Allan 5, Ben Clarke 2, Jack Stevenson 2, Luke Toohey 2, Zachary Wallace 2, Aiden Bihun 1, Daniel Bihun 1, Callum Honey 1, Raymond Ussher 1, Jarryd Wallace 1. TARRAWINGEE: Sam Piper 1, Matt Seymour

1. BEST: MILAWA: Harry Allan, Steven Williamson, Josh Owen, Daniel Bihun, Matthew Walsh, Xavier Ham. TARRAWINGEE: Hugh Amery, Jarrod Everitt, Sam Piper, Seth Coonan, Thomas Salmon, Reiley Murtagh.

GRETA

5.1 8.4 12.7 16.10.106

NORTH WANGARATTA 1.2 1.5 4.7 5.8.38

GOALS: GRETA: Daniel Cassidy 5, Tyler Arrowsmith 4, Lachie Kennett 2, James McClounan 2, Brenton Newbold 2, Cameron Newbold 1. NORTH WANGARATTA: Tyler Nanson 2, Jamie Berry 1, Baxter Lane-Gee 1, Taylor O’Brien 1. BEST: GRETA: James McClounan, Tyler Arrowsmith, Lachie Kennett, Thomas Rosser, Jarrod Morham, Joshua Bell. NORTH

WANGARATTA: Jay Barker, Taylor OBrien, Timothy Wilson, Adam Enever, Ben SchulzDahlenburg, Tyler Schulze.

Doon .........32.20.212

..................0.0.0

BEST: BONNIE DOON: Jack Kirley, Felix Johnson, Lachlan Pinder, Sam Gunson, Ben Hedin, James Trellu-Coker. GOORAMBAT: Peter Cochrane, Dallas Spencer, Todd Wapling, Daniel Hiller, Josh Heylbut, Daniel J Lemmer. Moyhu..................15.16.106 King Valley ................1.4.10

BEST: MOYHU: Kiangkai Douangphosay, Harry Verdon, Leroy Dowling, Anthony Welsh, Cameron Paterson, Logan Reynolds. KING VALLEY: Joel Burchall, David Lang, Stuart Smith, Beau Dickson, Josh Brown, Simon Patterson. Bright .......................2.8.20 Benalla All Blacks ......3.11.29

BEST: BRIGHT: Brodie Brain, Jesse Bilkey, Sam Buckley, Thomas Gray, Paul Harrison, will Redden. BENALLA ALL

BLACKS: John Hughes, Jamie Grimes, Sean Hartnett, Joshua Kotvas, Eoin Fitzgerald. Milawa .................23.16.154 Tarrawingee ..............3.4.22

BEST: MILAWA: Tim Leslie, Zachary Wallace, Michael Walker, Eden White, Lucas Webb, Jayden Whitehouse.

TARRAWINGEE: Jock Correll, Deacon Cleal, Angus McClen, Benjamin Nolan, Benjamin Hogan, Harry Gorman. Greta .....................10.11.71 North Wangaratta ......4.2.26

BEST: GRETA: James Sutton, Charlie Hernandez, Tom Webster, Stuart McCauley, Jesse Collier, Acadian Vearing. NORTH WANGARATTA: Ridge Lepenik, Joshua Ismale, Blake Marlborough, Rhory Day, Brandon Bowen, Luke Kuschert.

DMB miss out in Mitta Full week of golf at Bright

By DANIEL SAVILLE

THE finals hopes of Dederang-Mount Beauty’s A grade netball side have taken a hit after a disappointing away loss to Mitta United on Saturday.

The Bombers, who had their noses in front of Mitta on the league ladder, couldn’t keep up with last season’s grand finalists as they were defeated by 21 goals – 27 to 48.

A competitive first quarter saw Mitta take a slender one-goal lead, with the 10-9 scoreline reflecting the sort of hard-fought contest that was expected.

It was all Mitta from quarter-time onwards as the visiting Bombers were unable to match the home team’s intensity around the ball, as they made it increasingly difficult to score.

An eight-goal half-time lead and an 11-goal lead with a quarter to play proved to be a margin that was insurmountable.

To rub salt into the wound, Dederang-Mount Beauty could only register three finalquarter goals thanks to the experienced Mitta United side, who have now jumped over the Bombers in their own quest to play finals netball once again in season 2023.

Captain and goal shooter Alysha de Koeyer played the

full four quarters for the first time in a month on her way to 23 goals from 30 attempts, while Mandy Fairbairn continued her run in the attacking goal circle in what now seems to be their preferred forward pairing, after she played a considerable portion of the season in the mid-court.

The Bombers will be hoping that the last-start loss does not turn out to be too costly as a whole host of teams are jostling for one of two finals positions with only five games to go.

Incredibly, only one win separates Chiltern (fourth, 32 points), Mitta United (fifth, 30 points), Tallangatta (sixth, 30 points), DMB (seventh, 28 points) and Barnawartha (eighth, 28 points), with a lot of these teams playing each other on the run home to set up an exciting finish to the season.

Fortunately for Alex Novak’s side, the Bombers’ finals destiny is still in their own hands, and they have a decent chance of returning to winning form against tenth-placed Wodonga Saints this Saturday, who they defeated convincingly by 44 goals in round 3.

In other senior netball results, DMB’s B grade side went down narrowly to Mitta by eight goals (44-52), while C grade were defeated by 13 goals (27-40).

Harsh run home for senior Lions

By NATHAN DE VRIES

WITH five matches left in the season and realistically only one open spot in the Ovens and King finals series up for grabs, Whorouly will need to produce some major upsets to see September action.

Coming off the bye, the Lions sit seventh on the ladder by two points, with Moyhu and King Valley their only competition for a finals ticket.

Whorouly arguably have the toughest run home out of any of the top eight sides, facing the upper echelon teams of Milawa, Bright, Greta and Bonnie Doon, as well as the Hoppers who they only defeat-

ed by a point back in round 12.

Coach Riley Calvene said it was an uphill battle, but backed his side in to perform this weekend against Milawa.

“The past month has been pretty tough, with the weather and heavier grounds, so the week off was well-needed,” he said.

“Obviously we were disappointed to drop that game against King Valley, but I think it’s healthy for the competition to have a push for finals.

“There’s a bit more weight on our shoulders but we’ve got to take it with both hands.

“We know our best is good enough to beat anyone – we’ve made it harder for ourselves but you’ve got to play most teams

twice, we play the top four sides which is a challenge but we’ve got to put our best foot forward, anything can happen.”

The Lions have been hit with multiple injuries over the season which has prevented the best side from running out together, but there is still time in the season for players to pull the maroon back on.

“I was counting the other day, we’re missing seven or eight senior players, it’s been tough,” Calvene said.

“Hopefully we might get Cody Poulton back, we might get Wax (Sam Ferguson) and maybe Sticky (Rhys Goodley) back - if we can get those three back, they’re just quality players and

CHRISTMAS IN JULY IS HERE.. CHRISTMAS IN JULY IS HERE..

all play their role, with Sticky as that key forward we’re missing at the moment.

“Hopefully we can get three or four back, but we’ll see how these next few weeks pan out.”

Over on the netball court, the A grade Lions face an undefeated Milawa outfit, with Whorouly needing to pick up a few more games to guarantee their spot in finals.

The Lions sit at fifth on the ladder, with fifth through to seventh only separated by percentage.

Whorouly hosts Milawa this Saturday at the Whorouly Recreation Reserve, with the A grade netball starting at 12.15pm while the senior football commences at 2pm.

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IMPROVED weather conditions allowed for a full week of competition at the Bright Golf Club.

Veterans, Monday, July 10, Stableford

Winner: Allison Gilbert (18) 38 points.

NTPs – third: Ray Borschmann, 11th: Bill Stonnill.

Ladies, Wednesday, July 12, 4BBB Stableford AOP

Winners: Di Anders, Heather Thompson 38 points.

NTPs – third: Heather Thompson, sixth: Allison Gilbert, 16th: Penny White.

Men, Thursday, July 13, Stableford

A grade winner: Mark Zwiersen (19) 37 points. B grade winner: Ian Browne (23) 37 points.

NTPs – third: Ken Grummisch, sixth: John O’Shea, 11th: Robert Davey, 16th: Robert Davey.

Men, Saturday, July 15, Stableford

A grade winner: Adam Benincasa (9) 37 points. B grade winner: Dunne (16) 36 points c/b. C grade winner: Brain Thomas (25) 35 points c/b.

NTPs – third: Adam Benincasa, 11th: Jade Galvan, 16th: Jason Filippi.

Ladies, Saturday, July 15, Stableford

Winner: Tina Cook (12) 36 points.

NTPs – sixth: Tina Cook, 11th: Heather Thompson, 16th: Penny White.

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Get in touch with the team today Get in touch with the team today

UPHILL BATTLE: Andrew Newton and Whorouly’s senior footballers face challenging foe Milawa at home on Saturday. PHOTO: Nathan de Vries

IN CONTENTION: Elise Stewart and the Bombers A grade squad will need to beat Wodonga Saints on Saturday to remain in the hunt for a spot in finals.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Bright seniors put Benalla to the sword

GOALS flowed at Pioneer Park on Saturday and the Mountain Men kicked most of them, with Bright outmatching Benalla All Blacks 21.13 (139) to 3.1 (19).

A five goal to one opening barrage set the tone for the match, before the Mountain Men kept accelerating with another five goals to essentially put the game to bed by the half with a 55-point margin.

The goals kept coming after the break, with Benalla unable to muster more than a goal for the second half, while the Mountain Men added another 71 points to pad their already hefty percentage.

Bright skipper Sam Dalbosco booted six goals in a best on ground performance, while Daniel Sgambelloni and Riley Bacon turned in great performances.

For the Panthers, Cody Crawford, Tom Levy and Jake Whitmore all kicked their way onto the scoreboard, while Kyle Collisson and Ryan Nedeljkovic were prominent all day

It was a reversal of fortunes

Bright netballers are on the board

■ From back page “I think the obvious difference this time around was we did have the advantage of bringing up our two gun goalers from B reserve to help us out in the A grade,” she said.

“I think that gave us that edge, when Taykea was goaling Jess (Carnes) got that confidence and goaled very well for the day.

“Maddy Tomasoni came on in goal attack, she gave us a bit more energy - she fed Jess and they teamed up really well, she was the shining light in that third quarter.”

With their first win

on the board in A grade, Bright will look to carry the momentum into a challenging contest with Moyhu on Saturday.

“Coming off a win is going to keep the girls enthused and ready to get out there and try again,” Steiner said.

“We played really well against Moyhu but we didn’t get those goals in, so we’re pretty excited moving into the weekend.”

In other grades, the B grade were outmatched 28-75, B reserve triumphed 54-46, the under 17s got up 37-30, and the under 15s came agonisingly close to victory with a 22-23 loss.

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

in the reserves hit-out, with the Mountain Men twos handed their first loss of the year by a fired-up Panthers squad in a low-scoring affair, 2.8 (20) to 3.11 (29).

The first quarter went blow for blow, but Benalla’s repeat entries and shots on goal started to prove the difference in the contested match, stretching an eight point margin at the half to two goals heading into the final quarter.

Bright brought the margin back slightly but it was not enough to take the win at home.

Both Bright sides are all but guaranteed to feature in finals, with four matches and a bye left in the fixture.

The Mountain Men will head to Moyhu this weekend to take on the Hoppers, who are eager to keep their fingertips in the top six in both grades.

CONSISTENT: Jess Carnes performed well all day in the shooting circle.

PHOTOS: Charlotte Kilner

OVER HERE: Taykea Boogaard calls for the ball from Alecia Kelly in the A graders’ first win for the season.

TAP OUT: Joe Gray was strong in the ruck.

PHOTOS: Charlotte Kilner

CAUGHT: Nick Howell lays a tackle on Benalla’s Tom Levy.

SAFE HANDS: Rodrigo Arguello takes a contested mark in the Mountain Men’s 20 goal win over Benalla.

GIVE IT ALL: Ryley Sharp was prominent up forward, ending with three goals.

Saints fall to Rovers, but leaders locked in

By NATHAN DE VRIES

IT was a difficult match for the senior Saints against Wangaratta Rovers on Saturday, but the club’s leaders aren’t going anywhere. A poor first half performance opened the door for Rovers to run away with the game, downing Myrtleford 18.18 (126) to 13.6 (84).

The Saints were unable to mount any scoreboard pressure, trailing at the long break by more than nine goals, unable to overcome the deficit despite an improved second half.

“They clearly got to a pretty substantial lead prior to half-time, I think it was nine goals, and we just

left our run too late,” coach Craig Millar said.

“We outscored them in the second half by two or three goals, but the damage was done in the first half.

“We just couldn’t get some match-ups on some key players who got away from us – Alex Marklew caused some issues in the first game earlier in the season, he popped up with five, and Tom Boyd (six goals) was super for them.

“We didn’t capitalise on our opportunities, we missed a couple of easy goals, and unfortunately we just needed to build some scoreboard pressure and we were unable to do it.

“Full credit to Rovers, they were

too good for us on the day particularly in the first half.”

For Myrtleford, the side’s cocaptains were prominent all day, with Mitch Dalbosco at the centre of the action with 36 disposals and Ryley Sharp presenting well up forward with three goals.

It was also announced during the week both Dalbosco and Sharp, along with vice captain Brody Ricardi, have re-signed with the Saints for season 2024.

“They’ve been super all year and I can’t ask for anything more from them – they keep fronting up each week,” Millar said.

“They’ve led from the front

since day one when I stepped in, and I’ve gotten really good support from them.

“We’re driving really high standards with our playing group, and for those guys to once again set the tone for what the future looks like for our club was really pleasing.

“When I got wind of that the other day, I was rapt.”

The Saints host a faltering Wodonga Bulldogs side this Saturday at McNamara Reserve, with Millar confident his side can turn in a great performance.

“When we played them in round five, I thought they were clearly one of the best sides in the comp,

and that was reflected of where they were on the ladder, they were on top at that stage and hadn’t lost a game,” he said.

“I think they might’ve dropped the last few games so I think there might be a bit of internal pressure that might be building there, but we’re more worried about what we’re doing at the moment.

“I know our proud group would be looking to rectify that result and really put it to Wodonga this week in a really big game for us.”

In other games from Saturday, the reserves Saints fell 3.8 (26) to Rovers’ 18.14 (122), while the thirds lost 4.7 (31) to 17.14 (116).

Saints smash Hawks on court

By NATHAN DE VRIES

MYRTLEFORD’S A grade squad continued their run of terrific form after taking out a 84-46 win over a young and agile Rovers outfit at WJ Findlay Oval on Saturday.

The Saints took control of the match in the first half, stretching a seven point margin at quarter time to a commanding 40-22 score line by the half.

Defensively, Myrtleford were dominant, creating turnovers in the defensive end and converting on the other end of the court.

The Saints exploded after the half, stringing together a 21 goal third term to take an unassailable 30 goal lead, with positional changes paying dividends in both game time and scoreboard.

Co-coach Tina Way said the squad put together a four

quarter performance and it showed.

“The team played fantastically as a whole, we wanted to play well as a unit and made lots of changes throughout the game just to expose players and different combinations,” she said.

“Credit to Rovers too, I think they only missed seven goals for the whole match – it was very high-scoring when the ball hit the circle, there were not many misses across the day.

“There was a lot of defensive pressure from the centre pass to the top of the circle – our centre, wing defence, goal defence and goal keeper combined really well on the day to turn a lot of ball before it entered the circle.

“Sophie Hanrahan played in goals on Saturday and Rebecca (Piazza) swung back into defence, so it was nice

to have her back in her traditional defensive role, just to expose different combinations and to know all combos we put out together work.

“We have a lot of trust and faith in each other and that showed on the weekend.”

Hanrahan’s height was the difference in the shooting circle, sinking 67 goals from 81 attempts, while Sally Botter contributed in goal attack.

“Defensively, they were a younger side,” Way said.

“We had Sophie in there who was a lot taller than them, so we were able to feed the ball nicely in there, and Sally always plays good netball out the front in goal attack, she assisted nicely throughout the day.”

The Saints sit in the top four with five rounds remaining, with this week-

end’s match against a struggling Wodonga A grade squad a great chance to further solidify their finals credentials.

“We will definitely be focussing on still playing our way and playing well, trying to change combos when we can,” Way said.

“Bulldogs had quite a close game with Lavington on the weekend, only going down by eight.

“We never go in thinking anything is going to be an easy match – Bulldogs are quick and versatile and they do have height, so we’ve got to be making sure we match that nicely on the weekend.”

In other grades, the under 15s suffered an agonising one goal loss (38-39) and the under 17s lost by 40, while the C grade (66-37) and B grade (52-44) sides walked away victorious.

BATTLER: Toby Cossor fought hard in the ruck all match.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

TURNOVER: Bec Piazza forces the turnover in the Saints’ 38 goal win over Rovers. PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

afl businesstipping footy

Round 14

Saturday 22nd July

Lavington v Yarrawonga

Myrtleford v Wodonga

Wodonga Raiders v Nth Albury

Wangaratta v Albury

Bye Wang Rovers

Round 16

Saturday 22nd July

King Valley v Goorambat

Benalla v Bonnie Doon

Moyhu v Bright

Tarrawingee v Nth Wang

Whorouly v Milawa Bye Greta

Round 14

Saturday 22nd July

Beechworth v Barnawartha

Kiewa v Thurgoona

Rutherglen v Chiltern

Yackandandah v Tallangatta

Wodonga v Dederang

Mitta United v Wahgunyah

FOOTY TIPSTER LADDER

TIPSTER TOTAL:

Jimmy Thomas ...........................110

Alanna McLees ..........................105

Tracey Grenfell ..........................103

Geoff Zach.................................102

Regan Alexander ........................101

Rebecca Healy ............................101

Amanda Toner ............................101

Kyle Arter ....................................99

Cesare Rizzi ................................98

Gerard Gray .................................97

Paul Maskell ................................96

Jo Ross-Jackson .........................96

Katie Ivone ..................................95

Mark Ditcham ..............................95

Helen Haines ...............................84

Friday, Jul 21

Essendon vs. Western Bulldogs

Saturday, Jul 22

Richmond vs. Hawthorn

Carlton vs. West Coast

Brisbane vs. Geelong

Fremantle vs. Sydney

Port Adelaide vs. Collingwood

Sunday, Jul 23

GWS vs. Gold Coast

Melbourne vs. Adelaide

St Kilda vs. Nth Melbourne

Mitta victorious despite Hewat heroics

By DANIEL SAVILLE

A SEVEN-goal haul from Cody Hewat wasn’t enough to save Dederang MountBeauty from a potentially season-defining loss against Mitta United on Saturday afternoon.

Hewat, who has kicked 33 goals from 12 matches this season on top of 54 goals in 2022, kept his side well and truly in the game before being overpowered by the might of Mitta by 24 points – 13.9 (87) to 16.15 (111).

It was a very positive start from the Bombers, who started the day level on points with Mitta, with both sides desperate for a win to keep themselves in finals contention.

An accurate DMB kicked five goals straight in the opening term to give their away fans something to cheer about, as they took a five-point lead against an inaccurate Mitta.

The Bombers caught Mitta’s goal kicking yips in the second quarter, wasting chances to kick away to a bigger half-time lead, but remained two points up on the scoreboard in a high-scoring half of footy as both teams reached 50 before the main break.

A six goal to two third quarter was the difference between the two sides in an otherwise even contest, before a seesawing last quarter saw Mitta hold on to an important victory.

Not to be outdone by Hewat’s efforts in front of goal at one end of the ground, Mitta’s Ethan Redcliffe kicked nine majors in what were regarded as two of the better individual performances of the season.

Senior playing coach Damien Jones was Dederang-Mount Beauty’s only other multiple goal kicker.

The inclusions of Jordan Harrington and Phil Bellingham made a significant difference to the Bombers’ midfield, while Brady Johnson and Charlie Connors also stood out for the visitors.

A win would have seen the Bombers jump to seventh on the Tallangatta & District Football League ladder with five rounds to go, and keep up with the chasing pack of teams contending for the last available spot in the final five.

The ninth-placed Dederang-Mount Beauty hit the road for the second week in a row to face the tenth-placed Wodonga Saints at Martin Park, who have to keep winning to remain any chance of seeing finals action this year.

In the earlier reserves game, Max Jensen booted three goals in the Bombers’ 97-point defeat to Mitta – 4.7 (31) to 20.8 (128).

Bright netballers are on the board

By NATHAN DE VRIES

BRIGHT’S A grade netball squad picked up their first win of the season with a 48-44 win at home to Benalla All Blacks, a terrific reward for a challenging season to date.

The squad has been improving week on week, and after a one goal loss to the Panthers back in round four, a sense of excitement and optimism hung in the air as the match got underway.

Bright seized the moment, sinking 16 goals to 10 in the

opening stanza before Benalla started to trim the margin down through the second quarter.

Only up by five goals at the half-time break, young gun shooter Maddy Tomasoni came on to goal attack and revitalised the entire squad, as she worked in tandem with Jess Carnes to put 17 goals on through the third quarter to open up an 11 goal margin in favour of the home side.

With all players feeling the effects of a hard-fought and tiring match so far, the Panthers made their move late, but Bright had enough on the board to weather

the storm, victorious by four goals.

A/B grade coach Marlene Steiner said the team was over the moon to take out their first win for the season.

“They were all stoked, lots of cheers and everything,” she said.

“There were a lot of footballers watching it, the word had got around that the A graders had potential to win, so they were up there which was lovely to see – Gerard Gray, our president, came over and gave us all hugs all round and congrats as well.

“We were quietly confident going in because we only lost by one to them in the fourth round, and we had a very different line up.

“After the first quarter we were 16-10 our way, and we were excited about that, and in the second quarter I just said we need to win every one of our centre passes – that was the mentality we went through each quarter after that.”

Steiner said Tomasoni and fellow B reserve shooter Taykea Boogaard really helped take the A grade squad to the next level.

■ Continued page 25

SENIOR vice captain Brody Ricardi (pictured) along with co-captains Mitch Dalbosco and Riley Sharp, have re-signed with the Saints for season 2024. The Saints were overrun in the first half by a stronger Rovers outfit. Match report: page 26.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling