Alpine Division 200923

KIEWA Valley residents are showing support for the one-person Dederang Police Station amid claims one-person stations may close due to changes in the Victoria Police Enterprise Agreement allowing local police to be rostered to regional centres and cities.

According to a statement released by state Shadow Minster for Police Brad Battin, Victoria Police has lodged claims with the Police Association that would amend their current enterprise agreement, increasing mobility for deployment and rostering of one-person station employees.

The statement claims that, if successful, the changes could mean employees from 98 one-person stations in small towns across Victoria may be rostered out to larger regional centres and cities.

The Dederang General Store is currently hosting a petition from Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy calling to stop the closure of one-

BY BRODIE EVERIST beverist@ nemedia.com.au

person police stations across the North East.

Ross Packham, co-owner of the store, said the petition has been well-signed so far, with around 4-5 A4 pages worth of signatures as of last Friday, and most were from residents around Dederang and Kergunyah.

Mr Packham likened having a local police officer to a “security blanket”, though he said Dederang is quite a safe area.

“I know instances where I’ve tried to call Mount Beauty police station and you get put through to Wangaratta,” he said.

“It can be frustrating - whereas if you have a local policeman you can contact them direct.”

Wendy Graham, secretary of the local recreation reserve, said until recently Dederang hadn’t had a local police officer for around two years, and she said there had been an increase in crime during that time, including the theft of firewood from the football club and vandalism at the reserve.

“I think a policeman in the area is a deterrent,” she said.

“When you have a policeman living in the town, they become a member of the community, and they learn a lot from talking to locals, observing locals.

“You get to know them and they know the routines of the district.”

A spokesperson for Victoria Police said there are no plans to permanently close one-member stations and they have no ongoing issues staffing one-person stations due to resourcing.

They confirmed that negotiation for the next enterprise bargain-

POLICE PRESENCE: Secretary for the Dederang Recreation Reserve Committee of Management, Wendy Graham, supports having a local police officer and feels they are an important crime deterrent.

ing agreement has begun, but said they will not comment on specific matters which may be the subject of negotiation.

Police Association Victoria secretary, Wayne Gatt, said the association will engage with Victoria Police in good faith to understand what is being sought in changes to the resourcing of single-officer stations.

“We would not support changes that in our view would diminish a policing service to our regional communities,” they said.

“Policing is seeing a higher than usual attrition rate and while this is being seen in other workplaces too, our members report that they are leaving for better paying and more flexible employment, that is less stressful and more supported.

“Addressing these issues must be a key focus for Victoria Police, as opposed to attempting to rationalise policing services in regional communities.”

Calls for one-person station to stay, while Victoria Police say they aren’t considering station closure

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Alpine Rally revving to go

MEMBERS of the Myrtleford Alpine Rally committee were settling in for a barbecue last Sunday lunch, but hours earlier they were motorcycling through the bush, making a final check of the loop through Gapsted and Stanley that will be the site of more than 200 speeding bikes this Saturday.

The Myrtleford Alpine Rally will take 265 riders through a combination of wider state forest tracks and small single trails through private property with tight turns that challenge the rider, and afterwards they can enjoy the lunch and dinner at the Myrtleford Football Club. Committee president Mat

BY BRODIE EVERIST beverist@ nemedia.com.au

Dwyer said they spent a number of weekends making the tracks through some parts.

“We stick on the marked roads until we hit private property and then we’ve made our own tracks.”

Committee member and sponsorship liaison Jacob Roche was effusive in his praise of the rally track.

“It’s an open flowy loop, but when it gets into the single tracks it’s unbelievable,” he said.

Mr Roche said the track splits on occasions to accommodate riders of various skill levels.

“It’s called a chicken and a rooster - the ones that don’t want to have a crack they go the easy way,” he said.

Mr Dwyer said the motorcyclists top speeds will often reach 100km/h on the wider tracks, with an average speed across the loop of around 70km/h.

He said it takes between 2-3 hours to finish the loop, and some riders might go for a second round.

While he couldn’t confirm any interstate entrants this year, he said they have had riders from Queensland in the past.

“There’s a lot of people from Melbourne,” he said.

“They make a weekend of it.”

One lucky entrant of the rally will receive a CRF 110 motorbike, while raffle tickets are also available for a CRF 50 motorbike, courtesy of sponsor Alpine Motorcycles, with all proceeds going to a local charity.

There will also be a charity auction at the Ablett Pavilion on the night of the rally, with a range of goods available to bid for, including a new toolbox, a chainsaw and a fridge.

Mr Dwyer thanked all their sponsors, especially major sponsors Alpine Motorcycles and Twin City Trucks.

AWESOME AUCTION: Myrtleford Alpine Rally committee members with some of their auction and raffle items for this year’s rally. Pictured are (on bike) Jake Rouse, (top, from left) Jordan Harrington, Jacob Roche, Luke Hodgkinson, Mat Dwyer and Hayden Rouse.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Road safety correction

IN the September 13 edition of the Myrtleford Times/Alpine Observer it was incorrectly reported on page 6 that the Department of Transport and Planning was responding to complaints from Upper Kiewa Valley residents about road safety.

In fact, the department was responding to complaints from Ovens residents and were referring to the Great Alpine Road through Ovens and the intersection with Happy Valley Road.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Library’s school holidays activities

ALPINE Shire libraries will be holding a series of activities for children this school holidays.

ARIA-nominated Australian children’s band The Vegetable Plot will be performing at Mount Beauty Library and Myrtleford Library tomorrow at 10:30am and 2:30am, respectively.

They will also perform at the Bright Library this Friday at 10am.

These performances are suitable for children aged five to nine.

Bookings are preferred– contact your local library directly.

The following week master magician Duck Cameron will be performing at the Bright Library on Wednesday, September 27, at 11am and 1pm.

On Thursday, September 28, he will perform at the Mount Beauty Library at 10am and the Myrtleford Library at 2:30pm.

These performances are suitable for children aged five to twelve. Bookings are essential – contact your local library directly.

The libraries will also be running Storytime and Rhyme Time as per their usual schedule, subject to staff availability.

Check the Alpine Shire Council website for more detail.

Approved compostable bags now available

COUNCIL-accepted compostable bags and replacement benchtop caddies are now available for purchase from all shire transfer stations and visitor information centres, the Bright council office, and Mount Beauty and Myrtleford libraries.

According to council, their kerbside contractor only accepts these types of compostable bag in the kerbside FOGO bins to prevent contamination.

Cameras located inside the contractor’s kerbside trucks enable drivers to know if the correct bags are being used by a property or not, and if the contents of the bins contain contaminants.

If alternate compostable bags are used and found in a FOGO bin, material collected will be re-directed to landfill, not processed at the Wagga Wagga organics facility.

Great start for new local landmark at Pioneer Park

By BRODIE EVERIST

THE new blue tree at Bright’s Pioneer Park was almost complete at around 10:30am last Thursday, where a group of Bright P-12 students nearby sat watching the final coat being sprayed.

The project to paint the tall dead tree was spearheaded by local arborist Tom Nicholson to promote awareness of mental health and initiate conversations around mental illness.

Members of his tree services company, along with council staff and local painter Matt Waymouth, started the paint job at around 8am that day and apart from a few hiccups, everything

had gone swimmingly, said Mr Nicholson.

“We couldn’t get into the power box, so we had to go find a key,” he said.

“Had a few fine tuning issues with the spray gun, and now we’ve got it working.

“It went a lot quicker than we thought it would – no problems at all.”

Mr Nicholson’s partner, Kiah Ross, said a lot of people had come to watch the painting and discuss the project.

“I went to a bakery to get bread before and everyone was asking me about it, so it’s really good to start the community conversation around why the tree is here and what it means,” she said.

She also said the paint colour was named ‘Billie Jean’, and is the registered blue of national charity the Blue Tree Project, who aims to spark difficult conversations and encourage conversations on mental health concerns.

Six year seven students from Bright P-12 had placed light blue handprints at the base of the trunk at around 10am, according to Mr Nicholson.

Thirteen-year-old Annalyse Murdzevski said she had enjoyed the trip to the tree and felt it is an important project.

When asked if she could pick out her hand on the tree she said it was the “massive splotch”, and that it was difficult to remove the paint from her hands, be-

cause by the time she washed them the paint had dried.

The project was sponsored by Wattyl Paint, Dahlsens Mitre 10 Myrtleford, Matt Waymouth Painting, Dulux Paint and the Alpine Shire.

While two painters were finishing the spray job on a platform raised up to the tree, other workers were enjoying a barbecue, and one employee of Tom’s Rural Tree Services, Helena Wheeler, was having a small celebration of her 29th birthday.

“I’ve had a good birthday so far, just been out here painting the tree with the boys, and my son was here earlier,” she said.

“He was running around keeping everybody entertained.”

Myrtleford holiday care remains on hold

By BRODIE EVERIST

MOUNTAIN View Children’s Centre is again unable to provide vacation care during the school holidays due to a lack of staff, leaving some parents and guardians frustrated, but the centre is confident vacation care services will resume for the summer holidays.

In an email sent to parents around three weeks ago, the children’s centre said they have been seeking a new coordinator for their Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) program, but no candidate has been found to run the program.

“We continue to seek someone for this role, but unfortunately for the September/October school

holidays, we are unable to staff the service, and thus will be unable to offer vacation care to Myrtleford families,” the email read.

“We understand this presents challenges for working families, and we are genuinely sorry for any inconvenience caused.”

The email suggested parents and guardians enrol their students in Whorouly or Bright vacation care services, thought it said numbers in Bright are limited.

Tanya Scott, chief executive officer of service provider Alpine Children’s Services (ACS), said the comparatively high cost of housing in the region, the limited availability of rental properties, and the increasing cost of living in regional areas was exacerbating dif-

ficulties to attract sufficient staff

“Like all service providers in the region, Alpine Children’s Services struggles to attract the number of staff required to operate at capacity,” she said.

“We are committed to all of our programs as we know families rely on us to care for their children, but we cannot operate in a manner that does not comply with government regulations.

“We continue to recruit educators for our services and are confident that we can resume vacation care services from the end of the year.

“Our after-school care program has not been impacted and ACS will operate vacation care in Bright, but sadly we have needed to make the difficult decision not

to offer Myrtleford vacation care for the forthcoming holidays due to staff shortages.”

Clare Reed, owner of a Myrtleford hairdresser, said it would be difficult to find alternative care for her five-year-old and nine-yearold during the school holidays.

“I’ve got my mum, who works full-time, my partner works fulltime, so I don’t have a lot of options,” she said.

Meanwhile, she said the alternatives are too far to drive.

“I just don’t have that time to pick them up after work,” she said.

The Myrtleford Times/Alpine Observer also confirmed with two parents that vacation care did not run during the June/July school holidays.

THE BLUE CREW: Members of Tom’s Rural Tree Services, council staff, Bright P-12 College students and local painter Matt Weymouth by the newly painted tree. PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Bright fundraiser ready to run

THE Community Bank Bright Fun Run is raring to go, with volunteers and marshals booked and registrations open for the September 30 event, according to fun run committee members Shanna-Leigh Gray and Erin Nightingale.

The fundraiser for Bright P-12 College, which hasn’t taken place since 2019, is taking a new approach through the steep, picturesque trails south of Bright instead of the previous focus on road running, according to Ms Gray.

Participants can choose from a 3km track that can be walked or ran, an 8km track or an 18km track.

The 18km trail run into Mystic Park will include trails like Ballroom Blitz, Mine Shaft Alley and Nightmare, as well as a small part of ‘Micks Track’.

“The 8km and 18km

BY BRODIE EVERIST beverist@ nemedia.com.au

are designed to challenge the runners – it’s all predominantly single trail and fire roads.” Ms Gray said.

While the two longer trails are only open to runners, the 3km track is open for children and adults to walk or run.

“The 3k’s got everything that a kid would love – it’s got scrambling up a hill, there’s cool nature trails, but it’s all very doable and whatever pace they want to do,” Ms Nightingale said.

Child participants in the 3km run also have the chance to win their age categories and take home a medal.

Meanwhile, the village at the Bright P-12 College

Community leadership program boosted by $95k FRRR grant

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

A SERIES of community leadership sessions to enhance skills and practical knowledge around drought has been boosted by a $95,000 FRRR grant.

Alpine Valleys Community Leadership (AVCL) has been awarded the grant from FRRR’s Future Drought Fund.

FRRR awarded $3.65 million in grants to 11 agriculture-dependent regions across Australia, for projects that will better prepare their communities for the impacts of drought and a changing climate.

AVCL business coordinator Madeline Hines said the organisation was thrilled to have been successful in their application for the funding.

“We are proud of the raft of programs and workshops we have delivered in recent years that have supported communities to increase their capacity to respond to environmental and natural disaster related chal-

lenges, such as bushfire recovery and climate change adaptation,” she said.

“The funding secured through FRRR will build upon this existing work, enabling us to deliver a seven to eight session community leadership program that will enhance the skills and practical knowledge of participants, and support them to develop the confidence and adaptive capacity to lead their communities through various stages of the drought lifecycle.

“The program, which is to be delivered in 2024, will take a place-based approach, targeting participants from towns within Indigo Valley, Barnawartha, Springhurst, Chiltern and Baddaginnie.

“The cohort can expect to be immersed in experiential learning through leadership models, real life examples, events and site visits.

“With climate related challenges at the forefront in many of our communities across the

region, we are so pleased to provide individuals with an accessible opportunity to increase their skills, and ensure they are equipped to help lead the way forward.”

Delivered in partnership with Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, the program aims to strengthen the ability of agriculture-dependent communities to work together to prepare for future drought or other disaster.

Nina O’Brien, disaster resilience and recovery lead for FRRR, said that the collaborative nature of the Community Impact Program means locals in each region have come together to identify and act on their communities’ drought preparedness priorities, at a grassroots level.

“The beauty of this program is that it’s so flexible,” she said.

“It can support events, initiatives, training and even smallscale infrastructure.

“But at their core, each project is about fostering the growth of stronger networks to encourage

shared learning and more collaboration.

“We’re already seeing that happen among the program facilitators, who are leading by example, having established a community of practice, and mentoring one another across the regions.

“We recognise that co-design in each region has taken significant effort and we particularly thank the Community Partner Lead Organisations for stepping up and taking the lead in bringing everyone together.

“It’s been wonderful to be able to harness local knowledge and expertise and to have a crosssection of the community collaborate and create solutions.

“We know that these projects will strengthen the networks, support, engagement and wellbeing of people across their region.

“We look forward to seeing the continued growth of these networks and to seeing the impacts of these projects as they roll out over the next two years.”

oval will have a range of activities available, including food and drinks, and music.

“If you’ve got someone in the family that’s running and you want to cheer them along, there’ll be plenty things for you to do in the village,” Ms Gray said.

“We really want to try and bring an event back to our community that gets the school interacting with local businesses and wider areas.

“We would really hope to see people from Myrtleford coming in, people from Wangaratta to come and support the event.”

Registrations are now open at https://www. brightfunrun.com.au/.

While runners can register on the day, early registration is preferred to help organise for the event.

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RUNNING WITH A VIEW: Community Bank Bright Fun Run committee members (from left) Shanna-Leigh Gray and Erin Nightingale at Huggins Lookout in Bright, one the many scenic spots runners will be passing on the day of the fun run.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

WONDERFULLY WELL-DRESSED: Marian College year 11 students attended the St Mary’s Parish Debutant Ball on Friday September

1. From left are Isabelle Cooke and Jayden Clark, Neve Filippi and Fearghus Jones, Emily Masin and Lachlan Miotto, Chloe Pasquinelli and Jack Hazeldine, Mackenzie Lynch and Ashton McPherson, Lily Cuskelly and Tomas Juhasz, Jaz Rossato and Hugo Cusack, Mia Murtagh and Jacob Prestage, Sarah Suffern and Patrick McLean, Maddison Pasqualotto and Harrison McLean, Mia La Spina and Erik Martin, Alessi La Spina and Matthew Schulze, Genavieve Cusack and Jude Browne, and Amy Favaro and Will Doodeward.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Potholes a continuing problem

HAVING driven on the Yackandandah Road to Wodonga/Albury lately, after not having done so for months, I guess I must have been delusional to expect some work to have been done.

Instead I was shocked that the dozens of potholes have been allowed to get so much deeper and wider, some of them I’d estimate (without getting out of my car with a tape measure!) would have to be over 30cms across and several centimetres deep.

I think if I had to drive dodging potholes when I was 17, I may have stopped learning to drive.

My 17 year old grandson will shortly have these roads to learn on.

Our government can put millions of dollars into traffic police on our roads to book someone driving 5kms over the limit, but very dangerous potholes are left seemingly endlessly.

I am wondering also what foreign visitors must think of these roads, without any warning about the state of disrepair they are in?

I know COVID has caused a massive blow to the world financially but surely these

rural roads should be prioritised and not continue to be neglected.

This drive was enjoyable –now it’s to be dreaded.

Val Artley, Bright

Are you ready this Emergency Ready Week?

EMERGENCY Ready Week (18-24 September) is an important time to stop and make sure you and your loved ones are ready in-case of an emergency.

In recent years we have seen some of the most devastating emergencies, from ravaging fires

to devastating floods, as well as all the smaller emergencies that affect fewer people, but are just as impactful.

With another hot and dry summer on the horizon, it is critical to ensure you are ready for the threat of bushfires.

When emergencies happen there are many decisions to make within a short timeframe, which is why being prepared helps keep people calm and make sensible decisions.

I would encourage everyone to utilise resources such as the Red Cross’ Get Prepared App which helps you make a plan in advance and be prepared.

Tim McCurdy MP Member for Ovens Valley

PHOTO: Travis Cartwright

Oversupply of wine sees growers exit industry

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

LOCAL wineries are seeing growers increasingly exit the industry, according to a local winemaker, following trade relations between China and Australia creating a reported surplus of approximately 2.8 billion bottles of wine.

The report comes after Rabobank released its Wine Quarterly Q3 2023 which said even in a “best case scenario”, with tariffs removed this year and Chinese consumption of Australian wine recovering quickly, Austral-

ia’s wine industry is still facing at least two years to work through its current wine surplus.

Gapsted Wines chief executive officer Andrew Santarossa said the oversupply was very much at the forefront of thoughts going forward.

“We are affected to a lesser degree than the more inland producers; it’s an issue for the whole industry but depending on where you are the severity of it will be lesser or greater,” he said.

“Looking back China probably should’ve made

this happen 10 years ago, when we were selling to them they didn’t correct the market and allowed oversupply to continue, delaying pain until now when it’s severe as it possibly can be.

“China was taking the majority of red varieties such as shiraz, cabernet and merlot and regardless of the region; so we would be considered a cool climate region, it doesn’t matter where grapes are being grown for those three varieties, if you don’t have a home for it yourself you couldn’t give those away.

“We grow shiraz for our-

Hotham closes early, citing wind and warmth

selves but we could not sell that to anyone else and it became so dire that regardless of fruit quality, region or price point, you could not give those varieties away so a lot of growers didn’t pick in 2023.

“Some growers are not pruning or even maintaining their vineyard in 2024 and long term they would have to make decision whether they’re going to pull out.

“It’s tragic when 20-30 per cent of market doesn’t have any home whatsoever.”

Mr Santarossa said Gapsted Wines were currently in an “okay” position due to

a combination of good luck and good management.

“I started exiting those varieties around the time of COVID because I personally thought the writing was on the wall,” he said.

“Coupled with China’s decision I thought it more important we changed our mix.

“We changed from dominant red varieties to dominant white and we were quick enough to pivot before we got to here so the stocks we do have are less of a concern for us.

“We’re still seeing good pricing in the market for our

varieties as we made the decision years ago.

“The industry as a whole does shrink but as much as you do lose growers that were inefficient or planted in wrong areas, you also lose good growers.

“Growers that around here have decided the wine industry is not what it used to be and aren’t going to grow anymore; that’s including some of our whites which we really need.

“Seeing growers exit the industry, especially some who are amazing and really passionate, is rough.”

MOUNT Hotham Resort has closed early this year, with resort management saying warm, windy conditions spelled the end of the snow season for the resort.

“The safety of our staff and guests is always our greatest concern and despite our best optimism there’s no choice for us but to farewell the season early,” Hotham vice president and general manager Tina Burford said in a video released online on Monday.

“While mother nature wasn’t

BY BRODIE EVERIST beverist@ nemedia.com.au

always on our side this year our amazing mountain ops team worked magic, making and farming snow to keep us going and we are deeply grateful to them.

“I would like to extend my grat-

itude to our staff and guests for their adaptability during a challenging season weather-wise.”

Steve Belli, president of the Mount Hotham Chamber of Commerce, said the lack of snow meant visitor numbers were dropping and some terrain wasn’t open.

“It’s about safety, and also having a product that customers want,” he said.

“When it gets down to a level where it’s pretty bare, it’s not a

good experience for anyone.”

Mr Belli said visitation had been down on last year, but 2022 had been a strong year following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was back to a more normal year in terms of visitors,” he said.

“We are getting a lot of new visitors - first timers - which bolstered the entry for the resorts, and we need to be able to look after them a little bit better and have some additional products for them.”

Mr Belli said the first-timers had been coming consistently until around two weeks ago when the mountain started losing a significant amount of snow, but the snowfall around early September provided a needed boost.

“If we didn’t get that I think we would have been shut a bit earlier,” he said.

As of Monday Falls Creek Resort was still operating with an average snow depth of 9cm.

ON THE SLIDE: A snowboarder at Hotham attempts a grind last Saturday, just a day before the resort closed for the season. PHOTO: Mount Hotham Skiing Company

Bright Lions backing Bright students

THE Bright Lions Club treated the current Bright P-12 College Year 12 cohort to a celebratory ‘Burgerville’ lunch on Friday September 8.

This has become an annual event following the inaugural luncheon held in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, which was instigated to remind the students that the community recognised their incredible efforts to push

through such trying times, and were there to celebrate and support them.

The current Year 12 cohort were congratulated by Lions representatives Jenni Sgambelloni and Steven Jenvey on reaching and completing their final year of schooling (exams are looming early next term).

Ms Sgambelloni said the students have successfully navigated their way

through some extraordinary challenges, and are to be commended for their perseverance and positive outlook for the future.

She said they were wished all the very best for their exams and for their future ventures, and presented with goody bags containing study necessities (snacks), proudly decorated by the current prep cohort.

Gateway protection group lodges development objection

By BRODIE EVERIST

THE Bright Gateway Protection Group has lodged a submission against the Bright Valley Development with council, detailing concerns around the rezoning of the land and site contamination.

The submission, sent to council earlier this month, was written by Tullamarinebased Clement-Stone Town Planners on behalf of 16 residents of Bright, Wandiligong and Porepunkah.

The submissions alleges

neither the panel report into rezoning the Bright Valley land nor the 2015 meeting minutes when council voted to rezone the land discussed discrepancies between the 2005 Residential Land Review and the current development plan for up to 386 lots.

The 2005 residential land review said the land had a potential yield of around 150 lots, suggesting the steeper section be zoned low density residential and proposing a 50 metre open space vegetation corridor between the

road and the housing.

“No justification or rationale has been provided by council nor the permit applicant to date as to why the Development Plan deviated from the strategic intent of the Residential Land Review and why it was ultimately deemed an acceptable planning outcome for the site,” the submission reads.

The submission also says it is unclear why council did not support the first version of the development plan, filed with council in November 2021, but they did sup-

port version six, which the submission alleges has no significant changes to the layout or yield of the site from version one.

According to the submission, insufficient consideration has been given to wastewater treatment and effluent disposal at the site and suggests greater consideration is required to ensure infrastructure is able to sustain the site’s anticipated yield.

The submission also says a Preliminary Risk Screen Assessment (PRSA) should be undertaken to determine

whether the site is suitable for the proposed use and development.

“In our view, the matter of site contamination remains unresolved – noting in normal circumstances, such issues would have been ventilated and addressed at Planning Scheme Amendment stage,” the submission reads.

“If the site was deemed to be potentially contaminated, planning tools such as the application of an Environmental Audit Overlay (EAO) could have been uti-

lised to ensure the site was appropriately remediated prior to the commencement of a sensitive use (e.g. residential and childcare).”

As reported in the Myrtleford Times/Alpine Observer, owners of the Bright Valley land, the Deague Group, have confirmed a PRSA will be conducted of the site.

The Alpine Shire Council were contacted but declined to comment.

The Deague Group were contacted for comment but did not respond before deadline.

LUNCH LADS: Bright P-12 year 12 students Hunter Mathers and Owen Pywell with Lion Steven Jenvey.

Getting together we do better

STUDENTS at Myrtleford P-12 College last week spent their first official intergenerational learning session at Myrtleford Lodge Aged Care, much to the joy of all involved.

Coordinator, and teacher at the college, Rosemary Bunge, said she has been visiting with students for eight years.

“Before COVID I was taking students from foundation up to year 10 and we visited on a regular basis,” she said.

“During COVID primary school classes walked down and did window visits which

were greatly appreciated by the residents.

“Since the lifting of some of the bans students have reconnected across the age ranges, happily embracing the need to do a RAT before each visit and wear a mask.

“My dream has always been to extend this intergenerational learning across the entire age spectrum and now with the help of year eight students this dream has come true.

“Our intergenerational playgroup has finally commenced.

“This term five year eight students; Sienna, Joy, Taleah, Paige, and Charlee

have worked with me to organise and plan this intergenerational playgroup to be held with our friends at Myrtleford Lodge.”

After much planning it all came together on the morning of Monday, September 11.

The playgroup was well supported by staff and residents at the Lodge, and by the community with a number of families coming along, including mums, babies, toddlers and grandparents.

“It was such a wonderful morning of sharing and caring,” Ms Bunge said.

Students Paige, Taleah and Sienna said they loved

the day.

“I enjoyed greeting everyone, seeing them all with a smile on their face ready to see the elders,” Paige said.

“It filled everyone’s hearts to watch a young child run across the room and the resident smiling and laughing at their antics,” Taleah said.

“My highlight was when all the babies were watching how happy the elderly were when they had the babies in their laps,” Sienna said.

“Their eyes lit up with joy, and it was amazing watching all the little kids have so much fun.”

BRIDGING THE AGE GAP: Myrtleford P-12 College students Sienna Schell, Charles Savage, Taleah Elkington, Joy Hunter and Paige Kiss with Myrtleford Lodge resident Grace Reeves and baby Sadie Devereux.

Haines’ attempt to amend $10b

Socialhousingexpertwarns$10bfundwillfallgrosslyshortofmeetingdemandfordwellings

INDI MP’s Helen Haines’ push to have regional areas properly recognised in the Federal Government’s $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund have been voted down. The amendments rejected on Wednesday would have ensured the housing needs of people in regional, rural and remote Australia are clearly considered under the Bill; and required reviews of the fund’s spending to consider

the extent to which the new laws meet the housing needs of regional, rural and remote Australians.

Dr Haines noted that one in three Australians live outside the big cities yet she has to constantly remind the government about how the housing crisis is impacting people in regional, rural and remote communities.

“Without these amendments there is no guarantee that the billions of dollars

announced for housing will flow to regional Australia, and the communities where it is needed most,” Dr Haines said.

The fund’s capacity of solving the housing crisis has also been brought into question with experts calling for more funding to meet the demand.

Social housing expert Liam Davies has warned the $10 billion fund will be greatly insufficient due a decline

in social housing to the tune of 69,000 dwellings over the last decade, when waiting lists are growing.

“The HAFF is a $10 billion fund which will spend its interest earnings on social housing,” Mr Davies said.

“According to the government, the $10 billion HAFF will support construction of 30,000 dwellings over the next five years.

“The social housing system has not grown at the same

We have a huge variety with over 20,000 toys

rate as the general housing stock for many years.

“According to the Productivity Commission, between 2011 and 2021 social housing shrunk from 4.6 per cent of all dwellings to 3.7pc of all dwellings.

“In proportional terms Australia has almost 69,000 fewer social housing dwellings today than 10 years ago.

Meanwhile, Productivity Commission data shows that the waiting list has in-

creased from 140,578 in 2018 to 174,624 in 2022.

Mr Davies said National Cabinet has agreed to a target of 1.2 million new dwellings over the next five years, and to maintain the current social housing stock of 3.7pc, around 45,000 of these dwellings would need to be social.

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

SES assist with wetlands search

By BRODIE EVERIST

MEMBERS of the Myrtleford SES assisted with the search for a missing Chesney Vale man in Winton Wetlands over three days last week.

According to Myrtleford SES controller David Coates, three SES members assisted each day from Wednesday to Friday in snake-ridden conditions.

“On our first search there we encountered 26 snakes,” he said.

According to Mr Coates, the man is yet to be found and Victoria Police have scaled back the search.

Hayden, 40, was last seen in the vicinity of Lakeside Drive in Chesney Vale on the evening of Friday, September 8.

He was last seen barefoot and was wearing dark clothing, with police and family holding concerns for his welfare due to medical conditions.

Anyone who sights Hayden or has information on his whereabouts is urged to contact Benalla Police Station on 5760 0200.

Yes walk draws crowd through Bright

By BRODIE EVERIST

AN estimated 80-100 shire residents walked through Bright last Saturday in support of constitutional change for the upcoming referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

According to Stacey Doleman, coordinator of the Alpine Shire for Yes campaign, the walk began at 10am at the Bright Library, and they walked through town and finished at Howitt Park.

The walk was part of a broader series of rallies across the country in

support of a yes vote in next month’s national referendum.

Ms Doleman said they organised the walk as supporters had contacted her who were unable to make the rally in Melbourne.

She said the Alpine Shire for Yes campaign will continue to meet outside the Bright Library on Saturday with a stall to provide information on the referendum.

“The campaign is going great,” she said.

“We’ve got we’ve got a lot of support in our community, we’ve probably handed out 200 corflutes.”

Police find lost runner

By BRODIE EVERIST

POLICE found a lost Lavington woman between Dinner Plain and Hotham last Saturday evening after she became disoriented during a run.

According to senior sergeant Doug Incoll of Bright Police, the 44-year-old woman left Hotham at around 1:30pm for a planned hour and a half run, but she became lost and called her husband.

He said police were notified of the missing woman at around 5:05pm, and police, SES and the air wing were involved in the search.

He said the husband had informed them she had planned to run toward the orchard near Mount Loch, however the woman was found on Cobungra Ditch Track, near Brandy Creek, at 7:30pm.

“We’ve handed out countless amount of information pamphlets outside the library where our volunteers get a great response from community members who are either in support and wanting to come and grab their badges and their stickers, or people who are seeking more information and clarification.”

The referendum will take place on October 14, where Australians will vote to change the Constitution by establishing a body called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

Early voting centres will open on October 2.

According to Sen Sgt Incoll, she had suffered a sprained ankle and cuts and bruises due to leaving the track, and was mildly hypothermic, with a core temperature of 35 degrees Celsius.

He said she was treated by members of Ambulance Victoria.

Sen Sgt Incoll said the incident is another reminder to be prepared when travelling in mountainous areas.

While the woman was able to call her husband, he said her phone subsequently lost power and she wasn’t carrying a map.

“It could’ve easily ended in a tragedy,” he said.

VOTING FOR THE VOICE: Shire residents cross Gavan Street supporting a Yes vote in the upcoming referendum.

PHOTO: Jan Maree Duguid

Kiewa Valley gets behind RUOK Day

By FAY MASON,

THE forecourt at the Tawonga South Butchery was busy on R U OK? Day last Thursday, serving kranskies to the many local businesses and locals who came together to acknowledge this special day .

The Mount Beauty Chamber of Commerce organised this event.

Chamber of Commerce with secretary Jos Ceccanti said it was great to see people out and about to be part of the event.

“Leah Walker from Partners in Wellbeing was among the crowd; this organisation was an initiative to support businesses in Mount Beauty and Falls Creek impacted by the landslide and assisting with mental health,” Jos said.

“The winner of the meat tray, donated by the butchers, was man-abouttown Charlie Brown, with

Rachel from Wellbeing

Frequency winning a pack of funky R U OK? socks.”

“The chamber intends to have more of these community get togethers.”

The Mount Beauty Market is now thriving with a new look put together by the chamber, and there is more exciting news to come from the Mount Beauty Chamber of Commerce . Watch this space.

CAN you believe it?

The Mount Beauty Writers Festival on Saturday, October 7 at West Peak Hotel has special guest Costa Georgiadis coming along.

Costa will speak about his book on gardening with an eco and sustainability theme.

Thanks to the efforts and connections from the festival artistic director Mandy Van Gastel, Costa was only too

happy to make the journey up to our beautiful valley.

Other authors featured are award winning best sellers, Ashley Kalagian- Blunt, Ben Hobson, Denise Picton, Eliza Henry-Jones, local writer Ya Reeves (her first novel on an amazing effort to solo hike 680 kilometres over the alps) and a return by popular demand from last year, Roland Perry. Tickets are selling

fast, to book and find more information go to the website www. mountbeautywritersfestival. com.

THE Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre is having the official opening of their new kitchen tomorrow, Thursday, September 21 at 2pm . Interested people are asked to call the centre to

 EXCITED TO BE HERE: Costa Georgiadis with Mount Beauty Writers Festival artistic director Many Van Gastel.

 A DAY FOR ALL TO REMEMBER: Sandy Gajic, Monica Hood AND Ryan Lynch were among the many to mark R U OK? Day in Tawonga South.

book on 03 5754 1166.

Following the opening they will be holding the AGM at 3pm.

It’s good news that the kitchen will be operating once again, it’s a good spot to have a coffee on the Rose Garden Deck overlooking the lake. Become a member of the NHC and support their efforts in bringing so much to our community.

TAWONGA SOUTH

Andy Stafford

How long have you lived in the area?

This time for three months, I come back periodically. I left Australia in 1992 to ski in Europe and North America, eventually settling in France after marrying a French woman.

Spending most of my life in Melbourne, I came up here as a 20-year-old to work at Falls Creek. I learnt to ski when I was five years old, my family was associated with a ski club, so we came up regularly.

What do you like about the place?

I like the sound of the Currawongs, the greatest concentration of friends that I have anywhere in the world, that it’s so good to catch up with them.

Gerard and Kerrie Cooke

How often do you visit the area?

Gerard: Every couple of months we’d come up this way, if not specifically to Myrtleford, possibly Bright, Porepunkah or Mount Buffalo.

Kerrie: Now that we’re retired we’re hoping to go somewhere one a week.

What are your hobbies and interests?

Kerrie: Certainly walking, I think being outside and outdoors.

Would you like to see any additions or changes?

More pedestrian crossings, and I am surprised to see that many cars do not slow down for people to cross the road.

What do you do, your hobbies and interests?

I’m retired, but am a professional adventurer.

My wife works so I’m the house husband/ homemaker.

I read adult comics (big in France), I’m interested in freedom and decolonisation.

Where would you take friends who are visiting?

To Maso and Milkis place for lunch at Villa Billy because it has a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’, the mountains are similar to where I live in France so I feel at home.

Are you at risk of thunderstorm asthma?

Gerard: Bushwalking, and walking around town. We used to take the family up skiing at Falls on a regular basis, but they’re all grown up and doing their own thing.

What do you like about the area?

Gerard: The prettiness of it. Those picturesque mountains really set it off.

Kerrie: I think the changing

BRIGHT

of the seasons; in spring there are blossoms everywhere. Autumn is my favourite time. Where would you take visitors to showcase the area?

Gerard: We probably need more than a day because there’s a lot to see. Some of the drives around here are

Greg Pepyat

How long have you lived in the area?

We’ve lived in the area for six years.

We used to have a property at Omeo over the mountains, and we were living down on the Surf Coast at Ocean Grove.

We used to come up to Omeo for the weekends and built a holiday home up there off the grid.

Every time we’d come home, we’d come through Bright, and one day I said to my wife, if we didn’t live in Ocean Grove, where would you like to live?

She said here in Bright. And I said, well, our grandkids are growing up, we’re not needed down there anymore.

So why don’t we shift? She

very pretty. I like the walks around Bright along the river, the outlooks up in Stanley are nice. You can go up the big tower there and you get a hell of a vista.

Kerrie: The mosaic trail, that’s unique to Myrtleford and I love that.

Gerard: We regularly take

said okay.

So we went home, sold the house for a block of land here in Bright and built a house.

What are your hobbies and interests?

My hobbies - croquet and bowls. And interests - live music down at the brewery on Sunday.

That keeps me busy.

What do you like about the area?

We like the weather, except for winter.

Very little wind. I tell all my friends that we get very little wind, only breezes.

That’s lovely after coming down from living on the Surf Coast, where you get blown away.

For nine months of the year the weather’s great, but not so in winter.

Where would you take visitors to showcase the

drives up through Whitfield, come up Rose River and down the back of like Buffalo and that’s very pretty drive.

Kerrie: If you’re going to stay somewhere I’d probably go Mount Beauty to start with, have time there and then come back this way and stay at Bright or here.

area?

I’d take them up to Buffalo. I recommend they do the bike ride, which we’ve done, from here to Harrietville along the Ovens River.

I’d tell them about the Canyon Walk and I’d tell them to come up and play croquet and bowls.

Is there anything you would change about the area?

We live on Gavan Street and we’d like to see the speed limit surveyed, because traffic comes up and down there and then they’re not just driving 60km/h.

We’d also like a few more bowlers for the bowling club; a few more retirees to come up and play bowls because we’re struggling to fill two teams.

That’s about it, it’s a great little spot.

MYRTLEFORD

Tawonga Gap Road looking fresh

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

LOCAL cyclist Marthijs Heupermann wants to keep his town tidy, and has succeeded in doing so for the last four years by cleaning up a 15km stretch of Tawonga Gap Road.

This year Marthijs and another volunteer, Christophe Baudry, collected 15 bags of rubbish, with each 25kg malt bags donated by Bright Brewery.

“The initial motivation for the clean up was around just keeping our backyard looking tidy,” he said.

“We live in a beautiful part of Victoria and there’s an ever increasing amount of rubbish along the roads.

“This road is a major road for people who are keen cyclists, like myself, who ride up from Bright to Tawonga every Friday morning and when you ride it regularly you notice how much rubbish is there.

“We see bottles and glass and plastic and we decided we wanted it to be cleaner.

“This year we picked up the tailgate of a trailer, lots of star

pickets, hub caps, sunglasses, nappies and lots of wet wipes which just hang around.

“Because I only had one other person helping me we started off with doing seven kilometres to see how we’d go, but we got through it pretty quickly as the first bit isn’t as polluted.

“We ended up getting the entire 15km done in about four hours which was great.

“I take all the steel to the steel disposal in Tawonga and the rest goes in large bins.”

The clean-up is held every year, around September 12, and more volunteers are always welcome.

“We do it before school holidays for the lighter traffic and the nicer weather, which means the grass isn’t long enough yet for snakes to be much of a risk,” Marthijs said.

“I hope we always get one or two people helping out, thanks to everyone who reached out this year but couldn’t make it.”

Keep an eye out around September on the Bright Community Facebook Group to find out when you can help.

Bright RSL 100th anniversary celebrations continue

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

ALPINE Shire councillors voted unanimously at their August meeting to grant Freedom of Entry to the 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse (PWLH) Regiment in October, as part of the Bright RSL Subbranch’s 100th anniversary activities this year.

The ceremonial march will take place on the same day as the Myrtleford Show, though council suggested the timing of both events should minimise impact on attendance at either event.

According to the recom-

mendation before council, Freedom of Entry is a right which is granted upon a military unit by a local government, authorising that unit to march through the streets of a town on a ceremonial occasion.

In 2022 an informal conversation was held between Cr Nicholas (then mayor) and representatives from the Bright RSL Sub-branch in relation to offering Freedom of Entry to the regiment as part of 100th anniversary activities.

An in-principle agreement was made and the Bright RSL

Sub-branch approached the 4th/19th PWLH with the offer.

In 2023 the request was remade to current mayor, Cr Forsyth.

The 4th/19th PWLH has a long history with a close connection to the Alpine Shire and surrounds and was deployed in the Alpine region during the 2019/2020 bushfires.

The Freedom of Entry ceremony is scheduled to take place in Bright on Saturday, October 28, 2023.

The recommendation advised that the planned parade route will take place in the

CBD of Bright and road closures will be required for Park Street, Bakers Gully Road and Ireland Street.

Parking will be restricted in Ireland Street from approximately 6am to 12pm on the day of the parade.

The protocol and tradition tied to a Freedom of Entry ceremony requires that the soldiers march through town with bayonets fixed and swords drawn.

Around 100 soldiers, along with various military vehicles and horses, are expected to take part in the ceremony.

At the August meeting, di-

rector of customer and community Helen Havercroft expressed the hope the regiment might take part in the Myrtleford Show if possible, and said council will heavily advertise the show heavily in advance.

“We don’t want to pull attendance just into Bright, we want people to enjoy both things on that weekend,” she said.

In a council statement, mayor Forsyth said Freedom of Entry is the highest honour that can be bestowed on a military unit by the community.

“It is an opportunity for our community to recognise the valiant efforts and dedication of the soldiers who have protected our country and thank them for their service,” he said.

“Exercising Freedom of Entry is a long-standing tradition for our defence forces wishing to proudly enter a city with swords drawn, drums beating, and colours flying.

“I encourage residents to come out and show their support for our soldiers as the 4th/19th PWLH Regiment marches through the Bright CBD on Saturday, October. 28”

CLEAN UP CREW: Marthijs Heupermann and Christophe Baudry spent four hours cleaning up Tawonga Gap Road. INSET: RUBBISH: They packed 15 bags of rubbish from the roadside.

Bright hosts 100 for skatepark series

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

THE North East Skate Park Series has returned, with the Bright leg of the event hosting up to 100 people with 35 riders participating in skateboard, scooter, and BMX events.

The youngest rider at just 5 years old was Mason Taylor from Albury.

Alpine Shire mayor, John Forsyth, said council was proud to continue to support the skate park series.

“It offers young people the opportunity to participate in a really friendly and supportive environment,” Cr Forsyth said.

“It was fantastic to have so many local riders, as well as riders travelling to take part from Albury, Benalla and Wangaratta.”

Local skateboarder Ben Dittmer said it was fantastic to see the event return to the shire.

“It’s great to be back, it gives interested people in the community an opportunity to showcase their passions,” he said.

“For me the highlight was seeing the local kids progress and showcasing new tricks they’d be practising.

“It was also good to see lots of people coming in from the Albury/Wodonga area as it’s great to see skate competitions bringing in people from out of town too.

“I think it did highlight the need for a new skatepark as it wasn’t a huge event but it did get crowded pretty quickly.”

The North East Skate Park Series comprises 16 rounds

of grassroots events across the North East, supported by local governments through their FReeZA funding and run by Al Taylor from Als skate company in Albury.

Round eight will be held in Myrtleford Skate Park on Saturday, September 23 and round 14 will be at the Mount Beauty Skate park on Sunday, November 12.

The series is open to riders of all ages and skill levels.

For more information, follow the North East Skate Park Series Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/ NorthEastSkateParkSeries.

GREAT EVENT: Local skateboarder and creator of the Alpine Shire Skateboarding Community Facebook group, Ben Dittmer.

Child employment officers in Bright next week

CHILD employment officers from Wage Inspectorate Victoria will be visiting businesses in Bright next Monday and Tuesday.

A Wage Inspectorate Victoria spokesperson said the main purpose of the visits is to help educate businesses, making sure they understand child employment laws, including the new child employment licensing system that came into effect on July 1.

“This is particularly important during the school holiday period where kids are probably more likely to be working,” the spokesperson said.

“Changes introduced from July 1 include a modernised and simpler licensing system and stronger penalties to make sure kids under 15 are kept as safe as possible in the workplace.

“The new laws, designed

in consultation with stakeholders and the community, see a licensing system replace a permit system and enables businesses to employ multiple kids under one licence, instead of needing a permit for each child they employ.

“The system includes a ‘fit and proper person’ test which considers, among other things, an employer’s compliance with child em-

ployment and other relevant workplace laws.”

Under the changes, the Wage Inspectorate Victoria has stronger powers and the maximum penalty for employing a child without a licence has also increased from $18,500 to more than $200,000.

“In addition to obtaining a licence, there are other important rules employers must follow, like making

sure kids are properly supervised, get adequate rest breaks, finishing work by 9pm and not working during school hours,” the spokesperson said.

“Research shows children in regional areas are more likely than their metropolitan counterparts to work (eight per cent regional, compared to five per cent metropolitan).

“Research also shows that

one in three Victorians mistakenly believe 14 and nine months is the age children can start working without restriction in Victoria – this used to be the age when children could leave school and enter the workforce, which is where the misapprehension has come from.”

For more details on child employment laws go to https://www.vic.gov.au/childemployment-licence

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Don’t weaken wild dog controls, says McCurdy

By BRODIE EVERIST

NATIONALS MP for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy is calling for a State Government guarantee to continue to allow wild dog controllers to bait and trap on public land within three kilometres of private property.

According to Mr McCurdy, control measures in these areas are currently permitted, but the 2018 five-year order allowing it is due to expire on October 1.

Mr McCurdy said he recently met with representatives from the Mudgegonga and Dederang Action Group Against Wild Dogs and saw first-hand the damage wild dogs can caused if left unchecked.

“These wild dogs decimate livestock, especially sheep during lambing season.

“They kill them for fun, and will often only eat the head, heart, and liver, leaving the rest of the carcass to rot.

“It is clear that farmers need all the support they can get, otherwise we will see increased livestock losses and potential shortages.”

Mudgegonga cattle and sheep farmer Dennis Arne said he contacted Tim McCurdy in July with concerns around a 2021 parliamentary report recommending the government consider the phasing out of 1080 baits and the

development of more effective and humane methods of controlling pest animals.

Mr Arne said he uses 1080 baits on his property to control pests and relies on the baiting of wild dogs by the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action (DEECA) within three kilometres of his property.

“It’s all part of an integrated pest management strategy,” he said.

“To take 1080 out of that - it’s like a three-legged stool - it’s taking away one of the critical tools that we need.”

Mr Arne, who is also the president of the Mudgegonga and District Landcare Group, said without 1080 baits he would solely

rely on exclusion fencing, which is expensive and not completely effective.

“The wombats are constantly putting ditches underneath the exclusion fencing,” he said.

“And unless all your surrounding neighbours have exclusion fencing as well it’s never going to be 100 per cent effective.”

The parliamentary report, titled ‘Inquiry into ecosystem decline in Victoria‘, details several stakeholder concerns around baiting, including suggestions they are ineffective for pest removal, they disrupt the apex predator role of dingoes and the use of 1080 poison is inhumane. The parliamentary report is

Firewood collection areas open for spring

FIREWOOD collection areas have opened in Victorian state forests and people are able to collect free firewood for personal use from state forest firewood collection areas until Thursday, November 30.

Forest Fire Management Victoria acting deputy chief fire officer, Jarrod Hayse, said firewood collection was only allowed in designated firewood collection areas during a firewood season.

“Coming out of winter, access to some firewood collection areas might be restricted until tracks dry out and conditions are safe,” he said.

“When collecting, please drive only on formed roads, be aware of the environment around you and safety of yourself and others as trees may fall or drop limbs without warning.”

Mr Hayse said people can collect up to two cubic metres per person per day with a maximum of 16 cubic metres per household per financial year.

still awaiting a government response.

Mr McCurdy said the silence from the government was concerning.

“Two months ago, a spokesperson for the Minister said it was still under consideration and the decision was still months away, leaving time to assess all options.

“It is now only weeks away and what our farmers need is some security and reassurance.”

The office of Minister for Agriculture Gayle Tierney was contacted for comment, but responded after deadline. The response will appear in next week’s edition.

Firewood collection from designated collection areas in the Upper Murray will be restricted to residents of Towong Shire and specific post codes within adjoining local government areas, including: City of Wodonga within postcodes 3691 and 3690; Indigo Shire within postcodes 3691 and 3695; and Alpine Shire within postcodes 3691, 3697, 3698 and 3699.

Financial assistance is available for people on low incomes who buy firewood: www.ffm. vic.gov.au/firewood/energy-concession-andsupport.

Find your local collection area here: www. ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/firewood-collectionin-your-region.

Officers can issue on-the-spot fines of $769 to those caught breaking the rules, and serious offences have a maximum penalty of $9615 and/or one year in prison.

Community members can help by reporting any suspected illegal firewood collection on 136 186.

WILD DOG WORRIES: Mr McCurdy (left) met with members of the Mudgegonga and Dederang Action Group Against Wild Dogs earlier this month, including Dennis Arne, Debbie Geddes, Loretta Carroll and Sharon McEvoy.

ACROSS

1 Who was a German field marshal in WWII, Erwin ... (6)

8 Name a mythical island in the Atlantic Ocean, said to have sunk into the sea (8)

9 Name the 28th President of the US, Woodrow ... (6)

10 Which fine downy wool is from the hair roots of some goats of India (8)

11 Name a renowned dog of the early movies (6)

13 What serves as a guide by sailors (8)

16 The echidna is known as the spiny what (8)

19 Ankara is the capital of which republic (6)

22 What is the practice of seeking the welfare of others (8)

24 Name a seaport in Ukraine, on the Black Sea (6)

25 What is a lookout at a two-up game called (8)

26 To steal cattle, is to do what (6)

DOWN

2 Which board is used to communicate with the dead (5)

3 What, in classical mythology, are the nine sister goddesses called (5)

4 Who was the greatest of Arthur’s knights, and the lover of Queen Guinevere (8)

5 What does a beggar seek (4)

6 Name an alternative term for trolls (6)

7 What is a chain of hills or mountains, the peaks of which suggest the teeth of a saw (6)

12 Which earthy matter is carried by running water and deposited as a sediment (4)

14 Name a renowned English prison (8)

15 What is a receptacle for holding water or other liquids (4)

E-QUATIONS

Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD QUICK

17 Name a US country and rock singer, composer and musician, Willie ... (6)

18 What was the reputed exclamation of Archimedes (6)

20 Which narrow ridges of rock are near the surface of water (5)

21 What is a frame in the form of a tripod, for supporting a blackboard or the like (5)

23 What is a tittle, or a jot (4)

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

WHICH WORDS

1 POGROM (a) Gout

(b) An organised massacre (c) The thumb

2 ROBORANT

(a) A strengthening drug or tonic

A flameless explosive (c) Grained sheepskin leather

BIYWORD

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

TCLUES:

Agave fibre (5)

Aus special forces (3)

Away from wind (3)

Guardianship (7)

Inexperienced (5)

Kitchen range (5)

One-liner (3)

Piebald (5)

Poem (3)

Undergarments (7)

SOLUTIONS SUDOKU

THINK

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

CX-60 REWRITES THE RULEBOOK FOR MAZDA SUVS

By DEREK OGDEN, Marque Motoring

IT appears the CX-60 has inveigled its way into the Mazda sports utility vehicle family with the bearing of an imperious European aristocrat.

Indeed, an industry specialist who deals with vehicle brands daily says, at first sight, the CX-60 reminded him a lot of a Jaguar.

Mazda makes no bones about taking the Yellow Brick Road to a spot ‘over the rainbow’ inhabited by the best mid-size SUVs around and the CX-60 debuts with three sophisticated new powertrains - inline-six turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, in mild hybrid guise, plus Mazda’s first plug-in hybrid.

In keeping with Mazda’s Premium philosophy there are three highly specified grades – Evolve, GT and Azami – which can be customised further with safety and styling option packs.

The Azami test car included the SP Pack, adding even more luxury to the car’s character inside and out.

STYLING

Mazda CX-60 Azami G40e SP M Hybrid is a handsome beast, worthy of the segment known as Japanese Premium.

Mazda never tires of telling us about traditional Kodo design principles and the new CX-60 is no exception.

Finished in Machine Grey Metallic, the test car, with front-engine and rear-biased all-wheel drive, exhibited a powerful connection to the road.

The long bonnet provided

more than ample cover for the workings of the in-line sixcylinder petrol engine, which was designated by a dark ‘In-line 6’ signature on both wings.

Rear combination lights provided signature illumination.

The SP option pack, with 20-inch alloy wheels in black metallic finish, dark-coloured side signature front bumper with gloss black honeycombtype grille, gloss black exterior mirror and LED headlamps with dark signature was well worth the $2000 extra.

INTERIOR

‘Clubby’ can best describe the cabin.

Luxury surroundings are matched by space, especially in the back, with the panoramic sunroof opening up the area.

Major leg and toe room complement the soft leather feel.

As with the CX-60 Azami exterior finish, the SP pack added a suede-style dashboard panel, tan Nappa leather seat trim and contrasting stitching, plus a matching two-tone steering wheel.

Boot room is 407 litres with the rear setbacks raised and 477 with them folded (not quite flat).

A hands-free remote operated power tailgate does the job when loading / unloading.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS

The six-cylinder 3.3-litre turbocharged petrol and diesel engines are both first-timers, with each utilising Mazda’s 48V mild hybrid boost technology.

The large capacity improves efficiency with the

higher volume of air enabling more complete combustion and a wider lean-burn range leading to lower fuel use and reduced nitrogen oxide emissions.

All engines in the range are mated with a newly developed Skyactiv-Drive eightspeed automatic transmission.

SAFETY

The CX-60 recently won a five-star ANCAP rating thanks to such things as adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, junction assist (turn-across traffic), blind-spot monitoring, driver attention monitoring, forward obstruction warning, high beam control (auto highbeam), lane-keep assist, parking sensors front and rear, cross-traffic alert, surround camera, traffic sign recognition, tyre pressure monitoring and vehicle exit warning.

Azami adds adaptive LED headlights, cruising and traffic support, adaptive cruise plus lane centring, front cross-traffic alert, 360-degree cameras, including seethrough view.

The CX-60 ‘wears’ 10 airbags, including front-centre airbag across the range.

DRIVING

The Driver Personalisation System, another Mazda innovation, debuts, making it easy for drivers to achieve their ideal driving position.

Entering their height via the infotainment centre display, camera detects the location of the eyes and automatically adjusts the seat, steering wheel, active driving display and door mirrors to match the optimum position.

The system uses facial recognition to remember each driver’s preferences.

Once the driver is detected, the Mazda CX-60 automatically restores more than 250 stored settings.

The e-Skyactiv turbo petrol engine is smooth and responsive, using a wider gear range that delivers a balance between driving and environmental performance.

However, the stubby gearshift lever requires firm action between ‘park’ and ‘drive’ positions.

The ride’s a bit lumpy too.

The use of a clutch in place of a torque converter is said to produce clean switching between gears, at the same time enabling accurate control of the hybrid boost electric motor in the 48V mild hybrid system.

Mazda claims fuel consumption of 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres on the urban / highway cycle.

In city and suburbs, with iStop in action, the test CX-60 clocked up 9.6 litres per 100 kilometres and 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres when let loose on the motorway.

Mazda CX-60’s unique composition, with frontengine and rear-biased allwheel drive give you a feeling of stability and confidence with a powerful connection to the road. Mi-Drive modes – Normal, Sport, Off-road and towing– bring a unique versatility to the CX-60.

SUMMARY

There’s much (too much in this space) to say about the mid-size five-seat CX-60 and most of it is good. The innovation and styling, plus little luxuries, have the CX60 vaulting into the premium

AT A GLANCE

SPECIFICATIONS (Mazda CX-60 Azami G40e SP 3.3L turbo 6-cylinder petrol, 8sp automatic, AWD SUV)

RATINGS:

Looks: 9/10; Performance: 8/10; Safety: 8/10; Thirst: 7/10; Practicality: 8/10; Comfort: 6/10; Tech: 8/10; Value: 6/10

SUV segment. Pity the price bar might be a bit too high for some.

ENGINE

Capacity: 3.283 litres

Configuration: Six cylinders inline

Maximum Power: 209 kW @ 5000-6000 rpm

Maximum Torque: 450 Nm @ 2000-3500 rpm

Fuel Type: Petrol 91 RON

Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 7.4 L/100km

EV: 48V 12.4kW / 153 Nm

electric motor; 0.33 kWh lithium battery

DRIVELINE:

Eight-speed integrated

electric motor-generator automatic transmission, allwheel drive

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:

Length: 4740 mm

Wheelbase: 2870 mm

Width: 2134 mm

Height: 1680 mm

Turning Circle: 10.8 metres

Kerb Mass: 1949 kg

Fuel Tank Capacity: 58 litres

BRAKES: Front: Ventilated disc

Rear: Ventilated disc

STANDARD WARRANTY: Five years / unlimited kilometres

HANDSOME

LOOK: The new Mazda CX-60 has a bearing beyond its mid-range roots.

SENIOR’S FESTIVAL OCTOBER 2023

In the Alpine Shire

Events, Activities & Free Public Transport!

This October there are thousands of events across the state for you to get along to. Check out the 2023 Festival online calendar www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/festival. Victorian Senior’s Card holders can also make the most of eight days of free public transport from 1 to 8 October 2023. Victorian Seniors Card holders can get out and explore metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria on reserved and unreserved V/Line services during the Festival with FREE TRAVEL from Sunday 2 October to Sunday 9 October.

Simply carry your Seniors Myki and Victorian Seniors Card with you on public transport, and touch on and off as usual. You won’t be charged. On regional services that don’t use myki, just show your Victorian Seniors Card to the conductor or bus driver.

Check out some events that are happening in our neck of the woods (or mountains!) over the month of October on the calendar below.

If you have an event that you would like us to share during Senior’s month, please reach out to the Communities team, at communities@alpineshire.vic.gov.au.

Sunday 1

Celebration Day at Federation Square, Melbourne.

About: This event will launch the festival with a 6-hour line-up of free entertainment and activities for older Victorians.

Where: Federation Square, Melbourne

When: 1:00-7:00pm.

Monday 2

U3A Myrtleford Breakfast

WHERE: Alpine Gate Café

WHEN: 9:00am

COST: Pay for own drinks and meals

CONTACT: k.j.mock@westnet.com.au for more information.

ALL welcome!

Myrtleford Probus Seniors and Probus month event!

ABOUT Join for trivia, morning tea, and meet some new mates.

WHERE: Myrtleford Bowls Club

WHEN 10:00am-12:00pm

COST $2 donation

CONTACT: myrtlefordprobus@outlook.com

ALL welcome!

Friday 13

U3A Myrtleford & District, Come and Try Day

ABOUT: U3A Myrtleford & District will be showcasing their organisation and the activities they have on offer for over 50s. Morning tea and a light lunch provided

WHERE: Myrtleford Indoor Stadium.

WHEN: 10.30am - 12.30pm

COST: This event is free, all welcome.

CONTACT: Jan at k.j.mock@westnet.com.au or 0401 064 030 for more info!

Saturday 14

Guest Author, Helen Edwards – The Rebels of Mt Buffalo.

ABOUT: Dr Helen Edwards speaks about her new book The Rebels of Mt Buffalo - a captivating time-slip tale in which a girl lost to grief meets a daring rebel on a misty mountain who guides her to rediscover her courage and find her way home.

WHERE: Bright Library

WHEN: 10:00am

COST: FREE

MORE INFO: BrightLibrary1@alpineshire.vic.gov.au, or ph. (03) 5755 1540

Saturday Lunch and Movie, with U3A Myrtleford & District.

Tuesday 3

Organ Historical Trust of Australia Concert

ABOUT: Come and hear a presentation by John Maidment

OAM and concert featuring Kieran Crichton showcasing the historic Willis Organ in the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Wangaratta. This event is presented in partnership with the Organ Historical Trust of Australia.

WHERE: Wangaratta Holy Trinity Cathedral

WHEN: 02:00 pm - 03:30 pm

COST: Free!

CONTACT: 0407816321 or wangarattacathedraloffice@bigpond.com

Friday 6

Bright U3A Open Day

ABOUT: U3A Bright will be showcasing their organisation and the activities they have on offer for over 50s. Morning tea available for a $2 contribution

WHERE: Bright Senior Citizens Centre, Cobden Street

WHEN: 10:00am to 12:30pm

CONTACT: info@u3abright.org.au

Saturday 7

The Mount Beauty Writer’s Festival

ABOUT: Everyone has a story ...

Come and enjoy the stories of award-winning authors, from thriller and crime novelists, biographies, romance, adventurers to garden guru Costa from ABC’s Gardening Australia.

WHERE: West Peak Hotel

1 Lakeside Avenue, MOUNT BEAUTY

WHEN: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

CONTACT: mtbwriterfestival@outlook.com

Tuesday 10

The Grit and Resilience Festival, Wangaratta

ABOUT: join us at King George V Gardens to connect and share in a bit of wellbeing focused frivolity.

WHERE: King George V Gardens, Wangaratta,

WHEN: 4:00pm-6.30pm.

COST: FREE!

Wednesday 18

Glenn Starr’s Hit Parade - Hits of the Unforgettable 50s and 60s

ABOUT: Glenn Starr’s Hit Parade brings the magic and melodies of the 50’s & 60’s back into the spotlight for all to enjoy.

WHERE: Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre

WHEN: 2:00 pm performance, followed by afternoon tea at 3:00pm.

FREE TRANSPORT to Glenn Starr at WPACC. After you have made your purchase, please contact your shire to advise you would like free bus transport to and from the event.

Alpine Shire residents REGISTER HERE

Saturday 21

Mount Buffalo National Park Introductory Abseiling Tour:

Introductory Abseiling Tour: Adventure Guides Australia

ABOUT: Join an Abseiling Tour with experienced local guides.

WHERE: Mount Buffalo Gorge COST: Free for Seniors!

WHEN: Session times

Wednesday 25

Picnic Lunch Myrtleford

ABOUT: Join us for the Seniors Festival Community Picnic. Grab you FREE lunch & meet friends for a relaxing lunch with entertainment. Bring some chairs and make a special event of it.

WHERE: Jubilee Park, Myrtleford

WHEN: 12:00pm – 2:00pm

COST: FREE for Seniors Book here!

Saturday 28

THE MYRTLEFORD SHOW!

ABOUT: The Myrtleford and District Agricultural and Pastoral Society Show is a family fun event to enjoy on a spectacular spring evening.

https://www.themyrtlefordshow.com.au/

On the Home Front, an original play by Pieta Swann

ABOUT: As part of Bright RSL Sub Branch Centenary Celebrations, FAM Events & Productions present On the Home Front, an original play by Pieta Swann, inspired by letters and experiences of North East Victorian men and women during WWI.

WHERE: Bright Courthouse Theatre

WHEN: Two sessions -

Thursday 26

Picnic Lunch Mount Beauty

COST: $20 BOOK HERE!

ABOUT: Lunch at 12pm at the Riverdeck in Bright. “The Miracle Club” at Sun Cinema Bright will begin at 2pm.

WHERE: Lunch at the Riverdeck, Bright, then Movie at the Sun Bright Cinema.

WHEN: 12:00pm – 2:00pm

COST: Lunch at own expense, and Movie

Tickets can be purchased directly from Sun Cinema here!

CONTACT: RSVP for lunch by 6 October by contacting Jan k.j.mock@westnet.com.au

Monday 16

The Last Daughter Mount Beauty. The Last Daughter Mount Beauty.

ABOUT: Co-directed by and featuring Wiradjuri woman Brenda Matthews, this documentary-drama follows Matthews long journey to finding her family. Adapted and raised by a white family, Matthews has fond memories of her childhood, but when memories of her Aboriginal family surface in her mind, she begins to seek the full story from both her families.

WHERE: Mt Beauty Community Centre, Kiewa Crescent Mt Beauty

COST: $12 general admission & $6 Concession CONTACT: healthpromotion@alpinehealth.org.au

Tuesday17

The Last Daughter Mount Beauty. The Last Daughter Mount Beauty.

ABOUT: Co-directed by and featuring Wiradjuri woman Brenda Matthews, this documentary-drama follows Matthews long journey to finding her family. Adapted and raised by a white family, Matthews has fond memories of her childhood, but when memories of her Aboriginal family surface in her mind, she begins to seek the full story from both her families.

WHERE: Mt Beauty Community Centre, Kiewa Crescent Mt Beauty

COST: $12 general admission & $6 Concession

CONTACT: healthpromotion@alpinehealth.org.au

Bookings can be made here.

Mount Buffalo National Park Gorge History Walk: Adventure Guides Australia

ABOUT: Join a short Historical walk at the Mount Buffalo Gorge Precinct.

WHERE: Mount Buffalo Gorge

WHEN: Session times

Bookings Can be made here. CONTACT: bookings@ adventureguidesaustralia.com

FREE Family Frog Frolic! Myrtleford Landcare & Sustainability,

ABOUT: Join us for a BBQ dinner as we learn about frogs at our information evening. Presented by Dr. Anna Turner.

WHERE:

WHEN: 6:00pm - 8.30pm Register Here!

Sunday 22

Mount Buffalo National Park Introductory Abseiling Tour: Adventure Guides Australia

ABOUT: Join an Abseiling Tour with experienced local guides.

WHERE: Mount Buffalo Gorge

COST: Free for Seniors!

WHEN: Session times

Bookings can be made here.

Mount Buffalo National Park Gorge History Walk: Adventure Guides Australia

ABOUT: Join a short Historical walk at the Mount Buffalo Gorge Precinct.

WHERE: Mount Buffalo Gorge

WHEN Session times -

Bookings Can be made here. CONTACT bookings@ adventureguidesaustralia.com

ABOUT: Join us for the Seniors Festival Community Picnic. Grab you FREE lunch & meet friends for a relaxing lunch with entertainment. Bring some chairs and make a special event of it.

WHERE: Federation Square, Mount Beauty

WHEN: 12:00pm – 2:00pm

COST: FREE for Seniors Book here!

CONTACT: Call 0418 564 768 for more information.

Freedom of Entry ceremony

ABOUT: The Freedom of Entry tradition dates back hundreds of years and originates from a custom observed by British regiments in marching through the City of London. Today, the Freedom of Entry is a right which is granted upon a military unit by a Local Government, as a ceremonial occasion with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating, guidon/colours flying and band playing.

WHERE: Mafeking Square, Bright

WHEN: 28 Oct 11:00 12:00

COST: FREE

https://www.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/events/ freedom-entry-parade

Guest speaker, Judy Brewer and afternoon tea

WHERE: Myrtleford Bowls Club.

WHEN: 2:00pm

CONTACT: Jan at k.j.mock@westnet.com.au, or 0401 064 030 for more info.

The Bright Croquet Club, Open Day

ABOUT: The Bright Croquet Club will be celebrating Senior Week this year with a special day for all Seniors. The day is free with all equipment provided. Stay for lunch and enjoy a gold coin BBQ and make new friends.

WHERE: 10 Wood St, Bright VIC

WHEN: 9.30am till 2.30pm.

COST: Gold coin BBQ

CONTACT: Contact John Hart for more information at: johnhart6@bigpond.com.

Friday 27

Picnic Lunch Bright

ABOUT: Join us for the Seniors Festival Community Picnic. Grab you FREE lunch & meet friends for a relaxing lunch with entertainment. Bring some chairs and make a special event of it.

WHERE: Howitt Park, Bright

WHEN: 12:00pm – 2:00pm

COST: FREE for Seniors

Book here!

CONTACT bookings@adventureguidesaustralia.com

LOCAL EVENTS

MUSIC AND THEATRE

alburyentertainmentcentre.com.au/whatson

Find out what events and activities are happening near you by visiting the Alpine Shire Events Page: https://www.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/events

Find

www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au

Generous family living in the sought after Collyn-dale Estate

THIS gorgeous home was lovingly built by Jason Whinray, and is privately set back on its large allotment, offering loads of charm and privacy in a highly desired location.

Upon approach, the immediate allure of this property becomes evident, showcasing meticulous attention to detail.

The stunningly landscaped front gardens lead you to a welcoming open verandah and front door with lead-light glass features.

The home boasts four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a double garage, harmoniously situated on an impeccably maintained 890sqm block.

Once inside, you can head right and escape to your master suite, complete with WIR and ensuite including corner spa bath.

Alternatively, head left to enjoy some generous living spaces which could easily be utilised as a formal lounge or even as a play space for the kids.

The heart of the home is truly where you can see memories being made.

The kitchen offers ample storage, mod-lain bench tops and splash backs.

It comes complete with a built-in pantry and breakfast bar overlooking the second

living space - big enough for a pool table with room to spare!

To the rear of the property your generously spacious undercover outdoor entertaining area awaits.

Further landscaping has been undertaken as you move through the yard, with

fer with a well-established vegetable garden.

ternal storage to the rear of the property.

If you’re looking for an incredible family home, this one is it.

arrange your private inspection.

Hospital Precinct cottage freehold opportunity

IN THE HEART of Wangaratta’s ‘Hospital Precinct,’ nestled amidst a community of medical and allied health professionals, 52 Green Street stands as a property of immense potential.

With Northeast Health Wangaratta just a stone’s throw away and ample onsite and street parking, this property offers a unique blend of convenience and versatility.

While the property has served as a medical practice for many years, it retains features that make it equally suitable for conversion into a residential space, should the buyer so desire.

The current owners have taken steps to enhance its appeal, both aesthetically and functionally, making improvements to the interior and concreting the driveway and rear car park.

Additionally, the front garden imparts a charming ‘cottage feel,’ and a substantial shed at the rear adds to the property’s potential.

One of the key advantages of this proping it eligible for the 50 per cent regional stamp duty concession currently available.

opportunity for potential buyers looking to invest in a property of this nature.

Properties within the medical precinct are highly sought-after and rarely remain on the market for long.

Therefore, it is advisable for those interested to act swiftly to secure this unique opportunity.

Whether you envision a thriving medical practice or a comfortable residential abode, Green Street offers a canvas upon which you can paint your vision.

Please contact our team for further information or to arrange an inspection.

•

Opposite Parkland

22 Dodsworth Street

• Four bed brick veneer home in popular west end location opposite parkland

• Renovated open plan kitchen, renovated bathroom with additional toilet in laundry

• Ducted evap cooling and gas heating

• Spacious 713m2 allotment with low maintenance landscaping

• Close to schools, walking tracks & parklands

• 3kw solar system, detached studio/bungalow

FOR SALE $550,000 4 1 1

BUSINESS FOR SALE

rare chance to acquire a meticulously landscaped allotment with stunning Billabong views in a highly coveted

well-fenced parcel of land spans approximately 639m2 & is nestled within a tranquil & well-established estate

near to Cathedral College

• All essential services available, ensuring a hassle-free experience

FOR SALE $295,000

Cassandra Cottage

169 Rowan Street

• Experience comfort & style in this inviting weatherboard home comprising of three bedrooms, one bath & separate living room

• Conveniently just a stone’s throw away from local shops & schools, along with the hospital & Wangaratta’s CBD

• Entertain in style with a charming gazebo

• Generous 659m2 approx. allotment, offering plenty of room for future possibilities

• Spacious & secure yard with dual access

FOR SALE $485,000

Allure Luxe

5 Murphy Street, Wangaratta

• Thriving beauty business positioned well along the main street of Wangaratta’s CBD offering plenty of foot traffic and visibility.

• Full training w brand partners after handover

• 5 days per week trading with 2 late nights

• Take control of the business at well below set up cost. Wholesale side, selling its own line of products to its strong database of clients and customers.

• Opportunity to add services and specialties

FOR SALE $100,000 + SAV

No GST, Going Concern

Plenty of Room to Grow

1 Sandford Road

• Spacious 3 bed weatherboard home only minutes to the City Centre of Wangaratta

• Generous sized living area including built in bar area & separate games/billiard room

• Massive upstairs parents retreat including separate ensuite & walk-in robe

• Ducted evap. cooling, gas wall heating & wood fire for all year round comfort

• Paved entertaining overlooking pool

• 18m x 9m workshop/man cave with heating, power & concrete flooring

3 2 2

FOR SALE $589,000

RETAIL FOR SALE

Extensively Renovated

68 Burke Street

• Retail showroom with new kitchenette and split system

• New roof, stumps, floor, rear storage & toilet

• Large, secure rear yard accessed from a laneway

• Opposite Yarrunga Primary School & in shopping strip

• Suit owner occupier & available to lease

• 50% regional commercial stamp duty discount

FOR SALE $229,500

No GST

Modern Comfort Awaits

14 Milnes Creek Drive

• Quality, well-established four bedroom home, only a short drive to Cathedral College

• Well-appointed kitchen, gas cooktop, d/w, Caesar stone island bench, walk in pantry

• 5KW approx. solar system, double glazed windows, fully automated Hunter irrigation system, Wi-Fi enabled security CCTV & alarm

• Daikin split systems, ducted heat & cooling, ceiling fans & wood log fire in the open living

• High clearance carport for the caravan owners, enclosed double garage, workshop with roller door & a separate garden shed

FOR SALE $760,000 4 2 2

COMMERCIAL FREEHOLD

Best of Both Worlds

44 Cambridge Drive

• Residential living with the Ovens River only a short walk from your back gate.

• Exceptionally well maintained quality home providing a functional family floor plan

• Spacious 4 beds with full ensuite to master

• Formal lounge room or parents’ retreat

• Entertainers’ kitchen, quality appliances & open plan living set on 1,007m2 approx.

• All year alfresco entertaining enjoying unique parkland views & amazing river red gums

• Ducted gas heating, evaporative cooling, double garage plus additional storage

4 2 2

FOR SALE $878,000

BUSINESS & FREEHOLD

Hospital Precinct Freehold

52 Green Street

• Permitted medical premises close to Northeast Health Wangaratta

• Consulting & treatment rooms with reception and patient waiting area

• Large backyard, concrete car park area & shed

• Heating, cooling, kitchen, bathroom & sep toilet

• Retained features lend themselves to residential conversion

• 50% regional stamp duty concession available

FOR SALE $485,000 Plus GST

Milawa Muscat Retreat

1422 Snow Road, Milawa

• Providing luxury accommodation in the Milawa Gourmet Region since 2009

• Peaceful, rural setting between Milawa and Oxley townships overlooking Victorian Alps

• Five generous accommodation suites – one being accessibility compliant

• Large commercial kitchen, laundry and separate toilet (ideal for functions)

• Small vineyard and established gardens

• 36 solar panels, plenty of water via tanks & well

FOR SALE $1,325,000 WIWO

No GST Going Concern

VACANT LAND: 1,607m2

VACANT LAND: 639m2

Vacant Land - 51

Your dream townhouse awaits!

NESTLED in the picturesque surrounds of Waldara Park Estate, your dream townhouse awaits, offering a harmonious blend of convenience and modern living.

This beautiful property presents you with the comfort of three spacious bedrooms and a versatile study, ensuring there’s room for your growing family or any personal projects you may have in mind.

The master bedroom comes complete with a walk-in robe and ensuite.

The open-plan layout offers both com-

fort and functionality for your family.

The kitchen is well equipped with a gas cooktop and a dishwasher, making meal preparation a breeze.

For those who love outdoor entertaining, this property also includes an undercover alfresco, inviting you to host gatherings with friends and family throughout the year.

Vehicles are covered by a double carport at the rear of the property with electric roller door for your convenience.

Additionally, there is also a garden

shed to accommodate additional outdoor items.

Set on a low maintenance 350m2 approx. allotment, this townhouse strikes the perfect balance between indoor and outdoor living, without the time-consuming maintenance hassles that often accompany home ownership.

This home presents an opportunity to enjoy a sought-after community, with the convenience of low maintenance living. Contact us today to

762m24 22

820m23 11

Ideal Starter

For Sale $329,000

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L22498644

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Danial Siperki

M 0400 027 473

Harcourts Wangaratta

644m23 12

Quality West End Location

For Sale $479,000

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L19191221

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Danial Siperki

M 0400 027 473

Harcourts Wangaratta

Central, Quiet & Space

For Sale $595,000

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L22184166

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Danial Siperki

M 0400 027 473

Harcourts Wangaratta

Moyhu 5 Market Street

3300m23 21

Shedding Supreme. Renovated home and genuine yard For Sale $765,000-$840,000

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L19190720

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Joe McKenzie M 0423 655 179

Harcourts Wangaratta

813m23 22

Quality Built

For Sale $890,000-$949,000 View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L23810217

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Danial Siperki M 0400 027 473

Harcourts Wangaratta

4.9Ac3 22

Family Living In Oxley

For Sale $985,000 View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L21808529

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Paul Reid M 0417 537 520

Harcourts Wangaratta

73Ac 6

“Nawarrah Park” Rural Opportunity on 73Ac

For Sale $1,100,000 View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L22638826

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Paul Reid M 0417 537 520

Harcourts Wangaratta

Waldara 15 Fairway Drive 967m24 32

1442m24 22

Location, Quality Build and Presentation at the top end

For Sale $1,165,000-$1,280,000 View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L19193618

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Joe McKenzie M 0423 655 179

Harcourts Wangaratta

For Sale

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

Joe McKenzie M 0423 655 179 Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Mount Bruno 1628 Devenish-Wangaratta Rd 74Ac4 32 Country Living at its finest

For Sale

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/ L19192248

Paul Reid M 0417 537 520 Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Glenrowan Lot 2/376 Warby Range Road 31.4Ac

For Sale

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/ L23982837

Joe McKenzie M 0423 655 179 Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Greta South 414 Fifteen Mile Creek Road 207Ac5 22

For Sale

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/ L19192248

Joe McKenzie M 0423 655 179 Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Joe McKenziePaul ReidHugh AmeryDanial Siperki

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

BOOKING DEADLINE

By

CREDIT CARD FACILITIES WE ACCEPT

SEPTEMBER COUNCIL MEETING

The next Ordinary Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 26 September 2023 at the Bright Council Chambers from 5.00pm. The meeting will be livestreamed. Community members are invited to attend in person or view online. The agenda will be available on the Friday prior to the Council meeting on Council’s website https://www.alpineshire.vic.gov.

au/council-meetings-2023. Please submit any questions on notice in writing to info@ alpineshire.vic.gov.au by 5pm on Monday, 25 September 2023. Contact Council on 5755 0555 for more information.

FREE IMMUNISATION CLINICS

- SEPTEMBER Children - 0 to 5 years of age standard schedule including 6mths to Students – Year 7 & Year 10 Secondary School based program including 15 to 19 yo catch ups. only

BRIGHT

NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMIT

An application for planning permit has been made which may affect you.

Details about the application

The land affected by the application is located at: 43 Feathertop Track, Harrietville VIC 3741

The application is for a permit to: Construct a building and construct or carry out works associated with an Accommodation use (dwelling)

The applicant for the permit is: Katie McPhail GJ Gardner Homes - Wodonga

The application reference number is P.2023.046

You may look at the application and any supporting documents via following options: portal via the link below https://alpine. greenlightopm.com/public/App_

Advertising/25230501moGSwgNGV

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

Authority:

Alpine Shire Council PO Box 139 Bright VIC 3741

Telephone: 03 5755 0555

Email: info@alpineshire.vic.gov.au

Chris Mason

Venue: Alpine View Children’s Centre, 23

Deacon Avenue, Bright

Date/time: Tuesday, 26 September |

9.30am to 10.30am **held on a Tuesday due to the Public Holiday

MOUNT BEAUTY

Venue: Lakeview Children’s Centre, Lakeside Avenue, Mt Beauty

Date/time: Wednesday, 27 September |

9.30am to 10.30am

MYRTLEFORD

Venue: Myrtleford Senior Citizens Centre, Smith Street, Myrtleford

Date/time: Thursday, 28 September | 9.30am to 10.30am

If you are unwell, please do not attend. You can contact MCH on 03 5755 0555 for further information. Bookings recommended. Scan the QR Code to book: https://portal.cirv.vic.gov.au/ communityprivacycollection/

Finance and Administration Manager

North East Media and its subsidiary companies has a vacancy at its head office in Wangaratta (Victoria) for a motivated and experienced accounting and business administration professional to provide administration management, financial management, and HR support across the group. Reporting directly to the CEO, the successful applicant will be responsible for the provision of day-to-day accounting and financial management responsibilities in the company. They will deliver on all financial and management accounting requirements within allocated deadlines, collaborate with the wider business to optimise finance operations and provide insightful financial and team information to the CEO for strategic decision making.

Essential Experience: management and the ability to multitask while working autonomously. role and the group.

data entry and financial record-keeping. to collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders.

We offer a competitive and attractive salary package for the right person and the chance to build a good long-term stable career with a well-respected employer.

letter to: Edward Higgins CEO North East Media Pty Ltd ehiggins@nemedia.com.au

2015 Holden Cruze SRi-V, (1OK9GX), great first car, 1.6L turbo, auto. Top of the range including heated seats, Bluetooth, Sat.nav, 6 air bags. Registered to Nov. 2023. RW certificate. $10,600. Couple minor scrapes on passenge r side. Contact Brad 0488 095 109.

2001 Honda CRV sport wagon (XYL126), nice paint work, all panels straight, interior v.g.c, incl seats and carpet. 4 good A.T tyres. Has little problem with overheating, good for motor swap or parts. Reg to Oct 19, 2023. $800, 235,000k’s on clock. Ph 0422 408 895.

CARAVANS & CAMPERS

2005, 17ft Crusader pop top caravan, twin beds, single axle, 3-way fridge, reverse cycle air conditioner, 4 burner gas cook top and grill, microwave, tv/aerial, pull out awning and walls, vic registered till September 2024, $19,500. Ph 0419 272 495.

2009 VE SS Holden ute, Tow bar, auto, 6 ltr V8 motor, grey leather interior like new, whole car is like new and totally standard, only travelled 67,000km in 14 years, garaged, new tyres and more, (1BC4SG), recently ceramic treated. One of the best around, $45,000 neg. Ph 0428 662 847.

FREE RANGE HENS

ISA Brown Pullets, POL $28ea. Pick upWang to Bright Becky & Hugh (03) 5798 1868 freerangehens.com.au

To view:

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

Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the Responsible Authority.

You can lodge an objection:

the link above OR

Via the QR Code above OR

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

Your objections must:

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

Council will not decide on the application before this date: 4 October 2023

If you object, Council will advise you of the decision.

Personal Notices

DEATH NOTICES

BAMFORD (nee Milne), Elizabeth Jean.

“Bett”.

2/6/1930 - 5/9/2023

Passed away at home. Our deepest gratitude for all you shared across your 93 beautiful years of life.

Doug’s dear wife Bett, 71 happy years together. Adored by her children Andrew, Julian and Fiona. Much loved Gran and Nanna to Tempe, Liberty, Jedda, James, Stephanie, Fraser, and newly great-grandmother to Lily. Funeral to be held at Myrtleford Lawn Cemetery 12pm, Friday, September 22, 2023. Afterwards at Myrtleford Golf Club, 1pm onwards.

‘Celebrating Bett, Her Life’ Encore, Encore!

BERRY, ‘Jack’.

4/4/1950 – 9/9/2023

Beloved partner of Kris. Loved brother of Jennifer and Brian. Forever in our hearts.

Privately memorialised.

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

THOMAS DOCHERTY

DARCY FALLON MARK FLAY

JACK COULSTON

Ian O’May Shield underway

THE first round of the Ian O’May Shield was contested on Saturday, with golfers eager to get a good start under their belt at the Myrtleford Golf Club.

Saturday, September 16

Adam Cartwright Electrical Ian O’May Shield Stableford AMCR 73

A grade winner: Karl O’Shaughnessy (11) 36 pts c/b. A grade runner up: Alan Rockliff (17) 36 pts. B grade winner: Brendan Wheeler (19) 38 pts. B grade runners up: Robert Wheeler (29) 36 pts.

Ball winners: D Clark 35, D Rossato 35, I Giovannoni 34, J Cunneen 34, D Matthews 34, A McKerral 34.

Foodworks NTPs - first: Trout Batt, fifth: Karl O’Shaughnessy, 10th: Brendan Wheeler, 14th: Paul Cowman. Matthews Cleaning encouragement award: Gerard Black 18 pts.

Raffle winner: Evan Jones.

The top score after the first round of the Ian O’May Shield are as follows: B Wheeler 38, K O’Shaughnessy 36, A Rockliff 36, R Wheeler 36, D Clark 35, D Rossato 35, I Giovannoni 34, J Cunneen 343, A McKerrall 34, Z Cunneen 34, A Jose 34. The next round is next Saturday.

Thursday, September 14

Adam Cartwright Electrical- Stableford AWCR 76

A grade winner: Kerry Newton (24) 34 pts. A grade runner up: Barb Welch (25) 33 pts.

Ball winners: Heather Street 32pts, Denise O’Donohue 30pts.

Wednesday, September 13

Adam Cartwright Electric Stableford AMCR 73

A grade winner: Aaron Jose (11) 42 pts. A grade runner up: Bill O’Donohue (26) 34 pts.

Ball winners: I Wales 31, G Browne 29 c/b.

Foodworks NTPs - first: Ian Wales, fifth: Aaron Jose, 10th: Tony Chapman.

Tuesday, September 12

Adam Cartwright Electrical- Stableford AWCR 76

A grade winner: Barb Welch (25) 39 pts. A grade runner up: Sandie Church (36) 32 pts. 9 hole winner: Annie Wilson (52) 18 pts. 9 hole runner up: Kerry Chapman (47) 17pts.

START YOUR

Speedway ready to go open wheel full throttle

By NATHAN DE VRIES

AS if the AFL grand final long weekend couldn’t get more thrilling, the Myrtleford Speedway Club will turn the excitement up to 11 with two action-packed days of racing.

Open wheel racing will return to Myrtleford for the first time in 20 years on Sunday, October 1, with a practice race day on the Saturday.

The Myrtleford in May Race Day: October Edition will bring cars, bikes and sidecars together – the event had to be rescheduled from May due to excessive rainfall.

Club president Glen Walch said the amount of work put in around the track to cater to the different classes of vehicle was worth it.

“We want to get back to running a combination cars, bikes and sidecars on the same circuit at the same event, like we used to do years ago,” he said.

“If we do that, we’ll be the only track in the country as far as I know doing it.

“The club’s done a massive amount of work earthworks-wise, we had to shift the gates where you go out onto the track, from the middle of one of the corners to out onto the straight because of regulations.

“We’ve extended the catch fence through to make it legal for the cars, to make it safe – we’ve lifted it up, extended it, made it real pretty.

“It’s been a massive amount of work.”

Walch said spectators would be

treated to the full gamut of speedsters, and said the event would make for a great day out on grand final weekend.

“We’ve got the Open Wheel Micro Sprint cars coming back for the first time in over 20 years,” he said.

“We’ve got micro sprint 600s, we’ve got compact speedcars.

“The micro sprints have a 600cc motorbike engine and the compacts have an up to 1200cc car or motorbike engine in them.

“The Saturday is a practice day and the Sunday is the race day.

“All the classes that will be there on the day, juniors and seniors, will be seriously quick – it’ll be spectacular, we can’t wait.”

Walch said the speedway hoped to position itself as a yearround place where people can

head to for a great day out.

“We really want to focus on getting the local crowd back - a lot of people we talk to are surprised we’re still running, a lot of them don’t know,” he said.

“We want to make it like a family day, ‘the speedway’s on, let’s go for a look’.

“People can take their kids and they can run around and have fun, and everyone gets to watch bikes, side cars and cars.

“It’s going to be fantastic, the weather’s looking good, we’ve got our new clubhouse built up, we’ve got our canteen happening.

“We’re really looking forward to it.”

Open wheel racing returns to the Myrtleford Speedway Club on Saturday, September 30 and Sunday, October 1.

ENGINES: Myrtleford Speedway Club president Glen Walch (left) and selfdescribed speedway general handyman David Heather near the newly upgraded fences ahead of the club’s big race day.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Kiewa clinch back-toback netball premierships

By DANIEL SAVILLE

IT was a case of déjà vu for Kiewa-Sandy Creek’s A grade netball side as the best team in the competition won their second consecutive title.

In both of their last two seasons, the Hawks have convincingly finished on top of the ladder, but then unexpectedly lost their second semi-final on their way to grand final triumphs.

U14 Bombers grind out Yack to win flag

By BRAD REDMOND, U14 coach

YACKANDANDAH has always been a tough opponent - in the previous five years, we have never walked away singing the song and have quite often been beaten by large amounts and, this year, we hoped to change that.

In our first meeting in round 10, we had the win we were after and announced to the league that DMB had arrived.

The next time we played was only a few weeks ago in the first final where in a hard fought game, we came away with the victory by 17 points.

Our third and final encounter would be the 2023 grand final at Sandy Creek.

We entered the day with huge support from the community, with red and black adorning shops and houses all along the Kiewa Valley Highway.

We knew Yack would be toughthey had taken out all other teams to make it to this game.

In the first quarter, they came out strong, kicking the first goal and had the ball up their half for a while before a little handy work and lovely left foot from Jack Coulston hit Jai Redmond laces out, 25m in front, which he slotted to steady the ship.

Head of our baby Bombers, Rowan Jones, dislocated his thumb whilst attacking the ball, but with true grit and determination (and

some tape and a fitness test by his mum), he was back out making a difference in no time.

However, for the first time this year, we found ourselves behind at quarter time, trailing by a single behind.

The boys needed a little rev up at the quarter time huddle and with that they were sent out again. Our centres started to get first use of the ball.

Toby Derrick was killing it in the ruck while Beau Duggan (while tagging the league’s best player) got a fair bit of the ball himself.

Our backs were staunch - see ball, get ball away.

There was no better example of

this than Jacob Cooper’s bump on a Yack player off the ball.

Our forwards were also on the move, and when Massimo Perri kicked his first, closely followed by a twisting, turning Darcy Fallon making his way to the goal line to also kick his first, we looked like we could have our head up and ready to run away with it, only to be stopped by a late Yack goal to go into half-time one goal up.

The boys were told that this was the premiership quarter, this is where they needed to lift, and lift they did.

When Jai snapped to kick his second, we were all thinking ‘could this be it?’.

But try as we did, we just couldn’t put Yack away, and with two goals in two minutes to Yack going into the last change, scores were level at 4.6 (30) each.

The boys had been in this position against Yack only three weeks earlier, but our boys were starting to tire and injuries were mounting.

Both teams had opportunities to kick goals, and in the final minute of the game, Yack powerhouse and league best and fairest player Ollie Boddenberg had the ball and speared it into a leading forward, and it looked like the dream was over.

Along came 12 year old Tully Duggan, who came in from the side to make a match-saving punch to not let the ball enter the Yack forward’s hands.

With seconds to go and three points in it, try as we might, we just couldn’t get it out of the Yack forward line.

Mark Flay mopped up every push they tried until… the siren sounded.

Dederang Mount Beauty are premiers.

It was a great effort from all players, nobody left anything out on the ground, especially Darcy Fallon who was awarded the best on ground - special mention to Jack Coulston who also was awarded DMB’s player of the final series.

They’re a great bunch of kids that their coaches are incredibly proud of.

■ More photos page 25

Chiltern claim extraordinary TDFL decider

By DANIEL SAVILLE

CHILTERN have come from the clouds to produce arguably their best-ever win on the biggest stage to secure back-to-back premierships.

Three goals down at three-quarter time against the league’s best team would usually spell trouble, but the Swans ran right over the top of the Hawks to produce a Sandy Creek special that will be remembered for decades to come.

A record crowd at the MCG of the bush was present to witness one of the best matches in TDFL history, where Kiewa-Sandy Creek were in front for the large majority of the contest, except for when it mattered most.

The 10.9 (69) to 9.12 (66) scoreline would cap off a fairytale finals series for Chiltern, who finished the home and away season in fourth position.

It was far from the ideal prepa-

ration for the Swans, who were missing Fin Lappin due to suspension from an incident in the preliminary final, but also had to play their fourth consecutive final, compared to the Hawks who had a fortnight to get ready for the season decider.

Chiltern’s Mark Doolan (five goals) and Kiewa-Sandy Creek’s Connor Newnham (four goals) were their team’s biggest contributors to the scoreboard, while Swans ruck-

Despite finishing the regular season as runaway minor premiers after not dropping a game in 18 rounds of netball in 2023, Kiewa-Sandy Creek were made to work for the full 60 minutes as they won the seesawing final by four goals against Yackandandah (41-37).

The Kangaroos defeated the Hawks only a for tnight ago and seemed to have their opponent’s measure at various stages throughout the game, although momentum swings were evident for both sides in a result that could have gone either way.

KSC took an early fourgoal advantage into the first break, but Yack fought back to be in the lead by the barest of margins at half-time.

The lead constantly changed hands as the Hawks were up 30-29 with 15 minutes remaining but were able to hold on to a match-winning lead to claim a thrilling victory.

Yackandandah midcourter Bec O’Connell was awarded the best-on-court medal.

The day’s final game of netball wasn’t the only memorable match to wow the spectators at Sandy Creek, as the other senior netball matches were both decided by a barely believable one-goal margin.

In the B grade grand final, Thurgoona scored the game’s final goal to win by one against Tallangatta, while fourth-placed KiewaSandy Creek defeated Thurgoona in the C grade decider.

TDNA Grand Final Results:

A grade – Kiewa-Sandy Creek 41 def Yackandandah

man Scott Meyer won the best-onground medal.

TDFL Grand Final Results:

Seniors – Chiltern 10.9 (69) def

Kiewa-Sandy Creek 9.12 (66)

Reserves – Chiltern 12.8 (80) def

Yackandandah 4.2 (26)

Under 17 – Kiewa-Sandy Creek

8.16 (64) def Rutherglen 5.9 (39)

Under 14 – Dederang-Mount Beauty 4.10 (34) d Yackandandah

4.7 (31)

37

B grade – Thurgoona 39

def Tallangatta 38

C grade – Kiewa-Sandy Creek 40 def Thurgoona 39

Under 17 – Barnawartha

41 def Chiltern 32

Under 15 – Mitta United

47 def Yackandandah 23

Under 13 –Yackandandah 34 def Tallangatta 20

BIG GAME PLAYER: Jack Coulston was named the Bombers’ player of the final series after a stellar few weeks.

PREMIERS: Dederang-Mount Beauty’s under 14 side won their grand final against Yackandandah by just three points.

PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie

& ProfessionalConsultants

Accountants

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Phone: 5752 2288

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Phone: 5755 1327

www.belmores.com.au

PAYNTER & ASSOCIATES

Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors

25 Clyde Street Myrtleford

Phone: 5751 1995

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

Clinical Massage

MYOTHERAPY, MUSCLE

HEALTH & FITNESS

Dennis Kersting Dip. RM CM.

Myrtleford - 18 Rayner Street

Phone: 0427 440 744

Hearing Services

JO ROSS-JACKSON HEARING CENTRES

Now at 29 Clyde Street Myrtleford Plus Standish Street Surgery & Bright Allied Health

For appointments call 5752 2817

Insurance Brokers

OVENS VALLEY INSURANCE BROKERS

Myrtleford, 47 Clyde Street

Phone: 5752 1151

Bright, 104 Gavan St

Phone: 5715 9705

Email: info@ovib.com.au

Solicitors

DICK & WILLIAMS

Solicitors & Attorneys Vic & NSW

Myrtleford, 5B Clyde Street.

Phone: 5752 2363.

Email: email@dwlawalbury.com.au

TONER & MAY LEGAL BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS

86 Standish Street, Myrtleford.

Phone: 03 5752 1493

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Email: amanda@tonerandmaylegal.com.au or jess@tonerandmaylegal.com.au

Promote your service here!

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

Bumper week at Mount Beauty Golf Club

WEDNESDAY, September 13 saw the ladies’ nine hole Stableford (front nine) contested, and the winner was Lynda Barter (30) with 15 points, while runner up was Liz Harvey (25) with 13 points.

On Saturday, September 16, the ladies’ nine hole Stableford (back nine) winner was again Lynda Barter (30), this time with 18 points.

The runner up was Carol Bartholomew (34) and Helen Whittaker (37) both with 11 points, and the NTP second hit on the 18th was Liz Harvey.

It was a beautiful day for a game of golf and it was good to have a few more ladies returning after overseas trips and skiing.

The men played the

front nine on Wednesday, September 13 which was won by Peter Dilley with 22 points while Steuart Snooks came in next with 20 points.

The course is definitely becoming more userfriendly as it dries out.

NTP on the 18th was Don Mason with the club keeping the ball on the 17th.

The condition of the course at the moment is a credit to all the volunteers who do the maintenance, mowing and general upkeep of the gardens etc.

Saturday, September 16 was a captain’s choice day, with Peter Hertzog choosing a Vegas 2 Ball Stableford format for the day.

The winning team, on a glorious day (although the scoring did not reflect that) was Gerad Biesboer/Wes

Dowel with 286 points, with the team of Stephen Short/ Tony Campen coming in second with 264 points.

NTPs went to Roger Church on both the seventh and 17th along with the Tatts Ticket from the Tawonga South Newsagency & Post Office.

The money on the 18th was won by Ross Rynehart.

Better individual scores on the day were Sam Bellchambers with 37 points, Rick Biesboer with 34 and Don Mason with 33 points.

The NTP on the ninth warrants a paragraph of its own as Macca Deans scored a hole in one, winning a ball, the Falls Creek Coaches Eagle’s Nest and the $200 from our Hole in One sponsor, North East Funerals of Wangaratta.

Monthly medal contested at Bright

LAST Wednesday saw the Ladies September Monthly Medal fought for at the Bright Golf Club, with Bernie Wickes taking top honours in the A grade.

Veterans, Monday, September 11, Stableford

A grade winner: Mark Zwiersen (19) 39 points. B grade winner: Don Grimes (26) 35 points.

NTPs – third: Heather Thompson, sixth: Robert Taylor, 11th: Marg Curtis, 16th: Robert Taylor.

Ladies, Wednesday, September 13, Stroke Monthly Medal

A grade winner: Bernie Wickes (12) 72 net. B grade winner: Libby Barker (30) 79 points c/b.

NTPs – third: Bernie Wickes, sixth: Bernie Wickes, 11th: Robyn McGrath, 16th: Libby Barker.

Men, Thursday, September 14, Stableford

A grade winner: Peter McGrath (10) 32 points c/b. B grade winner: Steve O’Reilly (15) 37 points. C grade winner: Don Grimes (26) 38 points.

Off to the U15s Cup

UP

The V/Line Cup is the premier under 15s

championship competition, with teams from across the state coming together to play from September 25-27.

For many Victorian country footballers and officials, the V/Line Cup provides a pathway to higher level talent programs

such as the Coates Talent League and for some it is a step towards a career in the AFL or AFLW.

Seven regions will compete, each fielding two boys teams (one in each of Boys Division 1 and Boys Division 2) and a Girls Division team.

A grade cricket fixture unveiled

EAGER cricketers have been given their first look at what the A grade Wangaratta and District Cricket Association season will look like for the 2023/24 season.

Revealed by the association on Monday afternoon, A grade teams will play a 14 round season, featuring seven one day matches and seven two-day fixtures.

A block of three one-day matches will get the season underway from Saturday, October 7, followed by three twodayers, before two further one

day matches will lead into the Christmas and New Year break, with the last day of play in 2023 set for December 16.

The season will resume on Saturday, January 6 in 2024, with the last round before finals to be played across March 2 and March 9.

All eight of last year’s teams will again feature in A grade. Round one sees Yarrawonga Mulwala host Wangaratta Magpies at Stan Hargreaves Oval, Benalla Bushrangers take on last year’s premiers Rovers United Bruck at Gar-

dens Oval, Delatite play Beechworth Wanderers at Lords Reserve in Mansfield, at City Colts go up against Ovens Valley United at Bill O’Callaghan Oval.

Fixtures for the rest of the senior and junior competitions will be released in the coming weeks.

FIXTURE LOCKED IN: The 2023/24 WDCA fixture has been released with Ovens Valley United meeting City Colts in the first round.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

NTPs – third: Mark Zwiersen, sixth: Stuart Carlisle, 11th: Phillip O’Neill, 16th: John O’Shea.

Men, Saturday, September 16, Stableford

A grade winner: Gavin Hunt (10) 33 points. B grade winner: Mick Dunne (15) 37 points. C grade winner: Neville Blewitt (27) 40 points.

NTPs – third: Guy Packham, 11th: Jason Dodd, 16th: Bill Stonnill.

Ladies, Saturday, September 16, Stableford

Winner: Tina Cook (13) 38 points.

NTPs – third: Tina Cook, sixth: Carol Burgess, 16th: Carol Burgess.

and coming Myrtleford footballers Jade Hazeldine (left) and Skylah McPherson (right) have been picked in the AFL North East Border side which will compete at the under 15s V/Line Cup in Shepparton.

WHAT A SHOT: Macca Deans scored a hole in one on the ninth on Saturday.

GRAND FINAL REVIEWS

Senior Mountain Men outperformed in grand final

THE biggest match of the Ovens and King season didn’t go as planned for Bright’s senior squad, downed by three goals 6.2 (38) to 8.8 (56) by Bonnie Doon.

After their reserve squad secured the flag, spirits were high among the white and blue faithful, but faded as the Bombers snuck out to a 13 point lead by quarter time.

The Mountain Men kept chasing hard throughout the second term, with goals hard to find, while Bonnie Doon kept the pressure on Bright’s back six, taking a

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

21 point advantage into the long break.

Whatever was said in the room at half-time seemed to pay off, as Bright tore into the second half with a ferocity and level of skill missing from the opening quarters.

The Mountain Men booted three goals to one through the third term, with the margin sitting at nine points with one term to play

and setting the stage for an epic final bout.

Unfortunately for Bright, the Bombers were simply too strong, with their defensive line keeping the Mountain Men scoreless through the fourth term.

Bonnie Doon’s Beau Smith was named best on ground, and for Bright, Guy Campbell was a focal point up forward, finishing with three goals and making his physical presence felt across the ground, while Jonah McIntosh, Cooper Thomason and Nick Lebish finished with a goal apiece.

Bright coach Paul Harrison said it was a disappointing way to round out an otherwise strong season.

“It took us a little bit to get going in that first quarter, I thought we evened out in the back half of the first quarter, then similarly in the second quarter they had control for the first half and it swung on our terms later and kicked two late ones,” he said.

“We really got our running game going (in the third quarter) instead of just playing stagnant footy.

“We had our chances in the last quarter.

“They defended well in that last quarter, it wasn’t for a lack of trying – we had plenty of inside 50s, but they just defended too well.

“I thought Beau Smith was really good (for Bonnie Doon) but I thought Campbell Smedley absolutely smashed us out of the middle.

“It would’ve been nice to get some clear ball out of the middle of the ground and straight into our forward half - the majority of our attack came off our half back, which makes it hard.”

Despite falling short in the grand final, the season

has been an incredibly successful one for the senior side and the club as a whole.

“We’ll get back to work, the club will try and get in a couple more players but we don’t really need to change too much,” Harrison said.

“Our average age across the board is probably 23-24 years old, so they’ve got six or seven years of sustained success ahead of them where they’re going to have plenty of opportunities to win premierships.

“I don’t know if there’s too many teams in the league that have that.”

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.

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

TOO QUICK: Riley Bacon outpaces Earl ReeGoodings and boots the ball clear.

FIRST TOUCH: Joe Gray wins the ruck battle.

CAUGHT: Chad Martin gets wrapped up in a tackle.

UNDER PRESSURE: Tex McIntosh dishes the handball out under pressure from Jordan Davey and Sean Campitelli.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

HEAD TO HEAD: Bright’s Nick Lebish and Guy Murray race for the ball in Bright’s grand final loss to the Bombers.

Bright reserves demolish Panthers in O&K grand final

THEY’VE been one of the best and well-rounded sides in the Ovens and King reserve competition this year, and they finally have the evidence – Bright has taken out the reserves grand final in stellar fashion.

Contested on Saturday at WJ Findlay Oval in perfect conditions in front of a roaring supporting crowd, the Mountain Men produced four quarters of brilliant footy to take the flag 10.7 (67) to Benalla’s 3.9 (27).

With the stage set and onlookers ready, it was an arm wrestle through the first quarter, as Bright struggled to adapt to Benalla’s chaotic and unpredictable game style.

After conceding the first goal of the game, Bright’s Felix Blazek levelled the scores with a brilliant set shot from a tight angle on the boundary line after the quarter time siren.

The Mountain Men started to find their rhythm as the match went on, with their half backs working overtime to clear the ball whenever it had been bombed in by the Panthers.

Their forwards started to get better looks on goals, booting three through the second quarter to push the margin beyond three goals by half-time.

Momentum continued Bright’s way after the long break, as Benalla struggled to penetrate the Mountain Men’s back six, with forward line leaders Tom Mullane-Grant and Paul Harrison picking up multiple goals.

Bright put the game beyond Benalla with a four goal to one final quarter to take the premiership convincingly by 40 points.

Best on ground honours went to Sam Buckley for his tremendous job negating Panther goal kicking gun Harry Moran.

Coach Darcy Martin said the way his side solidified after the

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

first quarter was incredible.

“The first quarter was very chaotic, they had the ball a lot on their terms for the whole first quarter, but in the second quarter we were able to get it back on our terms and put some scoreboard pressure on,” he said.

“Our backline was where it stood out, they really controlled the ball off half back, and used it well.

“They didn’t rush, they set us up from there.

“The sting was out of the game, and throughout the last quarter we were going through the motions but it was great we were able to kick a few goals towards the end.

“Some of the blokes who had put in a lot throughout the year were able to reap the rewards and celebrate with a few goals to finish the season.”

Martin said the reward for effort was incredible after some tough years.

“It got a little bit emotional after the game because it’s a bit of a thankless job coaching the reserves,” he said.

“We’ve been building for three years, so to be able to finally tick that box was a reward and a relief.

“Our captain Brodie Brain had a really good game, Regan Alexander had a great game as well.

“Felix Blazek came back in, he hadn’t played since round 10, so to be able to come in and do his role on the wing was unreal.

“Sam (Buckley) would’ve taken 15 intercept marks, and he’s played the whole year down forward, so to his credit, to be able to come out and go to the backline in a grand final and sacrifice his game was unreal.”

TAP OUT: Joe Crawley soars in the ruck for the Mountain Men.

CLEAN DISPOSAL: Felix Blazek gets the ball free before he’s dragged down

PREMIERS: Darcy Martin (left) and Brodie Brain raise the 2023 reserves premiership cup.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

C Grade Netball Grand Final Preview

A message from Myrtleford Alpine Saints Football Netball Club copresidents Rob Miotto and Luke Chapman

WE are thrilled to have the C grade netballers into the grand final this Sunday at the Lavington Sports Ground.

Co-coaches Rhiannon and Georgia have done a terrific job this season and have worked tirelessly throughout the year.

The girls have hit form at the right time of the year and head into the final game of the season full of confidence.

The club could not be prouder of the team as well as the entire netball department, which has had a very successful season with A, B grade and Under 15s also making the finals.

Well done to all involved, in particularly the senior coaches Tina and Olivia who have led the club valiantly.

All to play for in C grade grand final

IT all comes down to this –Myrtleford and Yarrawonga in the C grade grand final.

All the hard work, the ups, the downs, the heartache and the triumphs culminates in four quarters of high-intensity netball, and anyone can win it.

The Saints entered the finals race as an underrated squad, coming in at fifth, but their grit, determination and sharp skills has seen them knock off opposition after opposition to find themselves in the big dance this Sunday at the Lavington Sports Ground.

Co-coach Georgia Ryan said her side was brimming with confidence after their 4727 win over minor premiers North Albury in the preliminary final.

“We had not beaten North Albury, and when they played

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

Yarrawonga they went down by one – I think it was a little bit of a shock for Yarra watching us polish them off by 20 goals,” she said.

“We haven’t beaten Yarrawonga yet, but we haven’t had a full side when we’ve played them, either.

“It’ll definitely be an interesting match, it’s good, it’s exciting, it’s all happening.”

The Saints could make history, having never claimed a C grade netball flag before, but standing in their way is an undoubtedly strong opponent.

“Yarrawonga are a really strong defensive team, they

have a lot of high pressure,” Ryan said.

“They have some really good creative players that were top end players who, as they’re getting older, progressing down to the C grade level, but still have the brains.

“We’ll look to combat their zone defensive pressure, they’ve got some very accurate goalers as well.

“Their goal attack likes to set up a lot of their plays, so we’ll look to shut down their goal shooter and force the goal attack to shoot a bit more, but she’s still quite accurate.

“With how our defence has been playing at the moment, their communication and talk on the weekend was brilliant, so I’m sure between them they’ll be able to make that happen.”

With a bumper crowd from

the club expected to cheer on the C graders this Sunday at Lavington, Ryan said her side would enjoy the spectacle of the occasion and give it their all.

“The group message was to enjoy the pressure and enjoy the stress, the butterflies and everything that comes with a grand final – not a lot of people get to experience it,” she said.

“If we do win we’ll go down in the Myrtleford history books with the first C grade flag, but we’ll take it quarter by quarter and see how it all pans out.

“No matter the outcome, they’ll be proud they pushed themselves this far and got to where we have.”

Myrtleford takes on Yarrawonga in the 2023 Ovens and Murray C grade netball grand final this Sunday from 3.15pm at the Lavington Sports Ground.

All roads now lead to the Lavington Sports Ground and we know a large, vocal and passionate Myrtleford crowd will converge on the netball courts on Sunday afternoon at 3pm to cheer on the C grade girls.

The whole Myrtleford community is behind the girls and we know they will do us all proud.

- Rob Miotto & Luke Chapman

Saints star at league medal night

MONDAY’S Morris and Toni Wilson Medal Night recognised the truly great athletes and volunteers in the Ovens and Murray Football Netball league, with Myrtleford’s netballers taking out some of the top honours.

Myrtleford star A grade netballer Sophie Hanrahan made history as just the third person ever to win three Toni Wilson Medals, split with Lavington’s Maddi Lloyd with 19 votes.

Hanrahan also featured in the netball Team of the Year in goal defence, and was named in the 2023-2022 Team of the Decade in the same role, albeit thanks to her time at original club Corowa Rutherglen.

The C grade best and fairest was won by Myrtleford’s Leah Keating with 32 votes, a promising sign ahead of her grand final this weekend.

Skylah McPherson took out the U/15 netball best and fairest award with 38 votes, in recognition of a stunning year.

In other exciting netball news, A grade cocoach Olivia La Spina has re-signed as netball coach for the Saints for season 2024.

EYES ON THE PRIZE: Emma Sharp lines up the shot.

QUICK PASS: Alexis Johnson looks to get the ball moving.

COMPOSED: Maddison Smedley and the Saints’ shooters kept control of the game in their 20 goal thrashing of the Hoppers.

PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie

CUSTOM BUILT SHEDS ONSITE MAINTENANCE MOBILE MIG, PLASMA CUTTING

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MurphyDale returns to Saints

By NATHAN DE VRIES

THE great signing news keeps coming for the Myrtleford Saints, having brought home star player Lachie Murphy-Dale (pictured) to McNamara Reserve for the 2024 Ovens and Murray season.

After last playing for the Saints in the 2021 season, Murphy-Dale plied his trade for North Hobart in the Tasmanian State League for a year, before reuniting with brother Frazer at Goulburn Valley League side Mansfield for 2023.

Murphy-Dale shone through the midfield for Mansfield, earning a spot in the GVL’s interleague side against the Ovens and Murray.

After securing Frazer Dale on a two-year deal a fortnight ago, Saints’ co-president Luke Chapman said the club was elated to bring Lachie home.

“He’s a classy player, as everyone’s well aware,” Chapman said.

“His footy has gone to another level since he’s left us a couple of years ago, he’s played some fantastic footy in Tasmania and obviously in the GV this year which is a strong league.

“I know Craig (Millar, senior coach) has kept in contact with the Dale boys throughout the year, and they were well aware we were going to speak with them at some stage.

“With Frazer signing on first, it no doubt assisted getting Lachie over the line.

“It’s good to get people who have grown up around the club, it also assists with the points system –they’re one pointers, which assists dramatically in the long run.

“We just want to recruit quality people who are going to help around the club, help the football and netball club improve, and no doubt the Dale boys will because their hearts are in the right place.”

In other signing news, young talent Alex Jacobs has recommitted to the Saints for another year, bolstering Myrtleford’s backline.

RESERVE PREMIERS

BRIGHT dominated their reserve footy grand final against Benalla All Blacks on Saturday, bringing the cup home 10.7 (67) to 3.9 (27).

Grand final bound

MyrtlefordSaintsthrashminorpremiersHoppersby20inCgradeprelim ypppygp

MYRTLEFORD’S C grade netball squad shocked onlookers at Birallee Park on Sunday after knocking off minor premiers North Albury by 20 goals to book a spot in the decider this weekend.

The Saints’ fiery opening term and incredibly frugal third quarter saw the Hoppers limp home with a ferocious 47-27 loss.

With a place in this weekend’s grand final against Yarrawonga on the line, the Saints charged into the match, leveraging a six goal first quarter margin into a 10 goal advantage by the half.

After a change of legs at the long break to keep the Saints on top on a hot day, Myrtleford’s defensive end stood tall, only conceding three goals for the quarter while their shooters piled

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

on the pressure, with Myrtleford up 36-18 with one quarter to play.

The Saints kept the Hoppers in their place through the fourth term, outscoring north Albury by two goals to lock in a date with destiny next Sunday.

Co-coach Georgia Ryan said everyone played exceptionally well to get over the line.

“We actually hadn’t beaten North Albury yet, but in saying that, I knew we had a bit up our sleeve because we hadn’t actually played them with a full team,” she said.

“We knew North Albury liked

to play a floating defence and a floating zone, which meant we needed our goalers to find their players to combat that and make them a bit more accountable, and the girls did it brilliantly.

“In that opening quarter, we started strong and we didn’t let it go, which put the pressure on them and caused them to be accountable for us and form some sort of a comeback if they were going to take it off us.

“We did a full rotation, everyone who was on our bench went on at the half-time mark which meant we had that extra kick, and let us push a bit harder.”

The Saints’ goalers shared the workload well, while the defenders’ hard work kept the Hoppers at bay.

“It was nice to see we could rotate anything and swap anything, and the combinations would continue to work,” Ryan said.

“Maddy Smedley started really strong, she was a real focal point in the ring there, which was brilliant – we’d spoken about finding the body of her player, which she did well and it opened up the space.

“Maddy and Em (Sharp) both shot above 80 per cent, and ‘Flick’ (Felicity Lincoln) was still in the high 70s.”

The Saints will play Yarrawonga this Sunday at the Lavington Sports Ground for the C grade premiership, with the match to begin from 3.15pm.

■ Photos and more page 31

Match report, page 30.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling