BRIGHT RSL branch president Philip Keegan (right) and associate member Pauline McCall have been selling ANZAC merchandise in support of the annual appeal. Both are hoping the community will come out in force to attend ANZAC Day services in Bright tomorrow.
ANZAC services in Alpine Shire on page 2.
By PHOEBE MORGAN
THE Bright Autumn Festival is upon us once again, as the Opening Showcase and Alpine Light display, the rst events in the community-centred 10-day celebration, begin tomorrow.
Following the morning’s ANZAC Day commemorations, an honoured time of re ection, the community is welcomed to celebrate all that makes the local Bright region unique as the season starts to change in earnest.
The festival’s opening night will be held at Howitt Park, at 4pm on Friday, 25 April, with face-paint-
ing, live music and many other festive celebrations planned for the family-oriented evening.
The festival has more than 20 planned events scheduled for this year, run by local community groups and volunteers, including the Wandiligong Nut Festival, Bright Singers and Alpine Actors performances, local historical walking tours and two murder mystery tours, ‘Bright’s Got Talent’ and of course, the muchanticipated centre-piece, the Gala Day Parade.
Scheduled for Saturday, 3 May,
this year’s parade is set to transform Ireland Street and transport audience members back to the 1980s, with a eet of fantastic oats designed to pay homage to iconic lms from the era.
“Quite a few participants have signed up for our parade this year,” festival president Brendan Holland said.
“If there are any community groups or businesses in town who want to register and add a oat, it’s not too late to do so.
“This year’s theme will give people a lot of scope and some great
ideas to create a unique oat.
“The brass band is already practising a number of iconic movie themes to go with the parade.
“The colours of our local trees are looking pretty spectacular at the moment, hopefully they hold out for our gala day.”
QR codes will be reintroduced at this year’s festival to allow attendees to vote for their favourite float and open garden displays in town.
A er over a week of events to celebrate Bright’s beautiful autumnal colours and produce from the
The service begins with a march [weather permitting] Commencing at the Senior Citizens Car Park in Bakers Gully Road at 10:40am for a 10:45am march off. The march will proceed down Ireland Street to Mafeking Square. The Main Service will commence at 11:00am The service will be followed by a BBQ lunch All welcome to attend at the RSL at 5A Camp Street, Bright. DAWN SERVICE Mafeking Square
The Service Begins at 6:00am The service will be followed by a Gunfire Breakfast All welcome to attend at the RSL at 5A Camp Street, Bright.
region, the nal day of the festival on Sunday, 4 May, will see Freeburgh host it’s annual bush market.
“The Gala Day Parade and Freeburgh Market is still on this year, even though it is scheduled for the same weekend as the recently declared federal election date,” Mr Holland said.
For this year’s program and to keep up to date with last-minute updates and additions, visit: www. brightautumnfestival.org.au and check in with the Bright Autumn Festival Facebook page.
■ See page 14 for further story on Wandiligong Nut Festival this weekend.
COMMUNITY members throughout the Alpine Shire are invited to attend this year’s ANZAC Day services on Friday, 25 April, to commemorate the 110-year anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign.
RSL branches in Myrtleford, Bright and Mt Beauty have a number of services planned.
MYRTLEFORD
In Myrtleford, the day will start with a 6am dawn service at the A.D. Lowerson VC Memorial Square, with attendees able to collect a candle and receive a warm drink for a gold-coin donation.
This will be followed by a traditional gun re breakfast, also for a gold-coin donation which goes towards veteran welfare, hosted at the Bu alo Hotel across the road.
The morning’s March will begin at 10:30am a er participants have assembled at the Myrtleford RSL in Smith Street.
An o cer and a 21-strong marching contingent from the Army School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, (ASEME) in Bandiana, will lead this year’s march.
The main Myrtleford township service will also incorporate local community organisations and schools and is set to commence at 11am, with Myrtleford RSL president, Kim Bu ett, to begin the service with a welcome, to be followed by the guest speaker who will be the ASEME contingent leader.
Mr Bu ett said between the Dawn service, Gun re breakfast and 11am service, the gathered crowds on the day would likely exceed 500 people.
“The RSL committee has been working hard over the last couple of months to ensure that we are able to provide the Myrtleford community with a great ANZAC Day,” Mr Bu ett said.
“The biggest hurdle this year seems to be the shortage of eggs, but we are working through that issue to ensure that the Gun re breakfast has the best bacon and egg rolls available.
“My great grandfather served in WWI and my grandfather in WWII, so ANZAC Day was always a special day to me.
“As a returned serviceman, ANZAC Day became an important day of re ection of my own service, as well as my family’s service.
“Now as the president, it brings with it a strong sense of responsibility to ensure
that the men and women from Myrtleford and the surrounding areas who have served and especially those that paid the ultimate sacri ce are remembered and honoured.”
To ensure attendee safety, Clyde Street will be closed at 10am, Myrtle Street will be closed at 10.30am and seating, which will be set up on Clyde Street, will be available from 10.30am.
A number of local service organisations, clubs and schools will be laying wreaths at the 11am service.
At its conclusion, a light lunch will be made available in the RSL Hall, and a donation to the RSL upon entry would be appreciated.
Drinks will be available at RSL prices and the Anzac Bear ra e will be drawn during the a ernoon.
Children under 18 years of
age must be accompanied by an adult.
With regards to the wearing of service medals: veterans wear their earned medals on the le -hand side of their chest on their uniform or civilian attire and those of a relative, on the right-hand side.
Relatives of veterans wear the veteran’s medals on their right chest.
ANZAC Day commemorations in Bright will commence with a dawn service at Mafeking Square (Ireland Street) at 5.50am.
The march and main service will be held at 10.40am and 10.50am respectively.
Following the service light refreshments will be held at the RSL Hall in Camp Street.
Bright RSL branch president, Philip Keegan, said the
goal of ANZAC Day this year is the same as always, “remembering those fallen soldiers from Bright and around the country…who joined the ght in the hope of making the world, and Bright, a better place…”
Mr Keegan said a special addition this year has been the discovery of records of two local nurses, from Bright and Smoko - Lt Colonel Helena Elizabeth Monica McMahon McMahon and nurse (Sister) Florence Maud Howitt - who served in WWII and WW1 respectively.
“We have since created displays in our RSL rooms to honour them,” he said.
Bright RSL associate member Pauline McCall is hoping a large crowd will attend tomorrow’s services.
Ms McCall has been among those manning stalls for the ANZAC Appeal in Bright,
with today being the nal day for the stalls - in front of the Bright Hospital Op Shop and Suganya’s Thai Restaurant in Ireland Street - from 10am to 2pm.
“My family has been involved with the RSL, as my father was a POW in WWII, my husband as well: who worked on the Burma railway,” she said.
“My husband and myself, will be helping at the Gun re breakfast, a er the dawn service, held in the RSL rooms.”
MOUNT BEAUTY
A DAWN service will be held at Bicentennial Park (Lakeside Avenue) at 7am.
The march and main service will be at 10.45 and 11am respectively at Memorial Park.
Following the service light refreshments will be served at Mountain Monk Brewers.
The following roads will be closed for short periods of time on Friday, 25 April to allow the safe staging of the ANZAC Day services across the Alpine Shire.
MYRTLEFORD
• 10am to approx 12pm: Clyde St closed between Queen St and Great Alpine Road.
• 10.30am to approx 12pm: Great Alpine Road closed between Standish St and Albert St / Lewis Ave; Clyde St closed between Standish St and Queen St; Smith St will be closed for a short period between the Myrtleford RSL Hall and Standish St for the march. A detour will be in place for all vehicles, please follow the signs
Note: The V/Line bus stops on Great Alpine Road will be temporarily moved to the corner of Albert and Elgin Sts, in front of the Old School Museum, for the duration of the closure.
BRIGHT
• 5.45am to approx 6.45am: Ireland St closed at Barnard St/ Camp St intersection; Ireland St closed at the Cobden St roundabout; Burke St closed at the roundabout (clock tower); Anderson St closed at Wood St intersection.
• 10am to approx 12pm: Ireland St closed at Mafeking Square roundabout; Ireland St closed at the Cobden St roundabout; Bourke St closed at the entry to the roundabout; Anderson St closed at Wood St intersection.
•10.30am to approx 11am: Bakers Gully Rd closed between Park St and Cobden St to allow for the commencement of the march.
Note: The V/Line bus stop in Anderson St will be moved to Apex Park on Gavan St (opposite Woolworths) for the duration of the closure.
MOUNTBEAUTY
• 10.30am to approx 11.45am: Lakeside Ave closed between Kiewa Valley Highway and Kiewa Cres. A detour will be in place for all vehicles, please follow the signs. Park St will be closed for a short period between Kiewa and Tawonga Cres for the march.
Note: This will also close Hollonds St to through traffic. Any cars parked in Hollonds St will be able to exit via Park Street after the march.
THE Bright Community Centre will receive an energy backup system to create a resilient hub for residents of Alpine Shire.
The installation of a 25kW/50kWh battery and 10kW solar PV system was funded as part of round two of the Victorian Government’s $42 million 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program.
This project was supported by the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance through their Powering Resilience in the Region project,
and the Goulburn Murray Climate Alliance, wherein Alpine Shire Council received funding alongside 10 councils across regional Victoria.
Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, said the project was particularly welcomed given the increasing risk to electricity infrastructure in Alpine Shire as a direct result of climate change and extreme weather events.
“We have experienced multiple storm events in recent years, resulting in extended grid outages,” she said.
“With extreme weather events in the region becoming more frequent, there is a growing need for the establishment of energy resilient hubs in Alpine Shire.”
Mayor Nicholas said the Bright Community Centre was identi ed as a suitable location for an energy resilience hub for the town and surrounding areas as part of detailed feasibility and business case work undertaken in partnership with the Central Victorian Green-
house Alliance in 2024.
The Bright Community Centre is marked as a relief centre for potential use in times of emergency to support basic needs of community members.
The proposed system is expected to provide up to two days of backup power for critical power and lighting circuits from the battery alone, with capacity to charge from solar in island-mode to extended backup power duration if required.
Mayor Nicholas said the grant
MT BEAUTY and Tawonga CFA volunteers, together with other community collectors, have helped to raise more than $16,000 for the Royal Melbourne Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
Mt Beauty CFA secretary Sandra Eldridge said the o cial total of $16,191 raised in Mt Beauty and Tawonga was up on last year.
“There were a lot of people in the towns for Easter and we are very happy with the amount raised on Good Friday,” she said.
“We had our stationary collection point at the entrance to Mt Beauty, while CFA collectors, supported by local Scouts and other community members, helped to collect door to door throughout town.
“Tawonga brigade members also covered Tawonga and Tawonga South in four CFA vehicles.
“It was a great e ort.”
The total amount raised across the state for the Good Friday Appeal was a massive $23,822,792.
For the second consecutive year, the Victorian government announced $3 million of funds raised by the appeal will be shared across rural and regional hospitals in the North East and statewide.
Dedicated CFA volunteers raised $1,888,912 statewide this year, bringing their lifetime total to over $41 million.
CFA chief re o cer Jason He ernan said this year’s Good Friday Appeal was particularly special.
“Being able to exceed the $40 million milestone in the same year CFA celebrate their 80th anniversary is quite tting and is a touching nod to our shared community spirit,” he said.
“All members and their com-
funding is an important step towards making the Bright Community Centre a more energye cient, resilient, and sustainable space for the community.
“The proposed neighbourhood battery system is projected to supply the community during peak demand periods with 14.11MWh of electricity per annum and achieve an annual community greenhouse gas emissions reduction of nine tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent,” she said.
Early voting centre is now opened in Bright
AN early voting centre has opened in Briright, ahead of the 3 May federal election.
munities should be extremely proud of what they’ve achieved for this year’s appeal, and we thank you for your time and generosity to help save many young lives.”
Chairman of the Good Friday Appeal, Penny Fowler, said the statewide generosity and dedication of the community was truly remarkable.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to every volunteer, donor, fundraiser, and supporter who came together to make this year’s appeal a remarkable success,” she said.
Since 1931, the Good Friday Appeal has raised over $492 million, with every dollar making a di erence for sick children and their families.
HE may only be seven, but young Dante Sproule put in a mighty e ort on Good Friday to collect almost one h of the combined total of $10,823.35 raised by CFA and SES volunteers in Bright, Porepunkah and Harrietville for the Royal Children’s Hospital annual Good Friday Appeal.
“It was a tremendous achievement,” local appeal co-ordinator and Bright CFA 2nd lieutenant, Brett Michie, said.
“Dante spent more than three hours helping collect for the appeal, accompanying his dad Joel, who is a volunteer re ghter.
“It was his rst time and he collected a staggering $2068.50, mainly from those in local caravan parks.”
Mr Michie said around 30 CFA volunteers from Bright, Porepunkah and Harrietville brigades, and Bright SES, spent much of the day covering all three towns.
“It was a great e ort...the generosity of people, even with cost of living challenges, never ceases to amaze you,” he said.
“As someone who has personally seen what the Royal Children’s Hospital does, having spent a week down there when our son was sick last year, it’s very rewarding to be able to help in this way.
“And we’ll be back again next year.”
Mr Michie thanked the community for all the support and the Bright Bendigo Bank for the loan of money bags and a note counter.
CATHOLICS throughout the Alpine Shire are mourning the passing of Pope Francis (pictured).
The 88-year-old pontiff died on Easter Monday after suffering a stroke and subsequent heart attack, just a day after he blessed an Easter Sunday crowd from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica.
Pope Francis’ passing follows a recent decline in his health, which saw him hospitalised for 38 days before he returned to his Vatican residence on March 23. He was head of the Catholic Church for 12 years, after his selection to succeed Pope Benedict XVI, who resigned in 2013 due to age and health concerns and was Pope Emeritus until his death in 2022.
POLICE are continuing to be out in force on local roads for Operation Compass, which will run until the end of the ANZAC Day long weekend.
Speed, impaired driving, and inattention behind the wheel remain a focus for police stationed in the Alpine Shire.
WHY do tourists, when they come to Bright, leave their brains at home?
They bring their dogs and think it is alright to let them run wherever - even on the croquet court!
Our croquet club in Bright, for those who don’t know, is historic; being the second oldest croquet club in the state of Victoria, formed in
1904 by gold miners’ wives. Today it costs the club approximately $80 per month in just fertiliser to maintain what is reputed to be the best playing surface outside of Melbourne for playing the world’s oldest ball game.
Yet visitors come and see it and enter and allow their dogs to use the area as a dog-run, and in doing so damage the playing surface.
Please tourists and visitors, respect other peoples’ property here in Bright.
John Hart, secretary, Bright Croquet Club
SERVICES Australia’s Mobile Service Centre Blue Gum will visit Mt Beauty and Tawonga next month.
The mobile service centre will be o ering the local community easy access to Medicare and Centrelink services and can provide information about the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Department of Veterans’ A airs services.
Blue Gum will visit Mount Beauty on Tuesday, 20 May, based at the Mt Beauty Neighbourhood Centre car park, Tennis Court Avenue, from 9am to 4pm; and be in
IN a sponsored Facebook post on Sunday, 13 April, Helen Haines posted that she was responsible for injecting more than $7 million dollars into the Myrtleford community. She used examples of the Ablett Pavilion function centre and the Myrtleford Recreation Reserve receiving funding because ‘she was independent’. I am a committee person of the reserve. This post is a blatant lie.
Tawonga on Wednesday, 21 May opposite the post office, on the Kiewa Valley Highway, from 9am to 4pm.
Sta from Services Australia will provide faceto-face help with: Centrelink claims; payment and services information; updating information; conrming documents and supporting information; myGov services; social work support and referrals; Medicare registrations; and accessing online services through a self-service terminal.
This money was procured through the Federal Government Bush re for Recovery Fund following the 2019 bush res. It was the hard-working volunteer committee of the above groups who were successful in receiving the funding.
Many groups missed out such as the Myrtleford Golf Club, of which I am also a committee person.
If Helen Haines is so desperate to win and she must lie to win your vote, then I suggest that you put her last on the voting slip.
George Brown, Myrtleford
LETTERS to the editor must be signed with the full name, address and contact telephone number of the author provided. Letters under 250 words are preferred and we reserve the right to edit letters to fit available space. Nom de plumes will only be published at the editor’s discretion. Opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by this newspaper.
Email: edit.timesobserver@nemedia.com.au
Post: North East Media 76 Standish Street, Myrtleford, Vic 3737
OVENS Valley MP Tim McCurdy has joined his Nationals colleagues in launching the ‘Scrap The Tax’ campaign - a push to stop the Victorian government’s Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) in its tracks.
MPs are urging community members against the tax to send a message to the government and protest its proposed introduction on 1 July this year.
“This tax is nothing short of a cash grab,” Mr McCurdy said.
“It will hit regional families, farmers and small businesses the hardest, while delivering little – if anything – back to our local CFA brigades and SES units.”
AS reported in the Myrtleford Times/Alpine Observer earlier this month, owners of a median-priced house in the Alpine Shire face an approximate increase of $72 a year under the proposed new ESVF.
Alpine Shire Council has expressed its concern on the additional burden administering and collecting the levy for the State Government will have, asking the government to address the extra financial burden on council.
The controversial bill for the new ESVF was debated in the upper house on 3 April, but a vote was delayed until the next sitting on 13 May.
women will be exempt from paying the tax, however, farmers’ property taxes who are not volunteers would be tripled.
farmers more,” he said.
“Labor’s priorities are completely out of touch with regional Victoria.”
The Coalition claimed only $250 million of the $2.1 billion expected to be raised by the ESVF will contribute to CFA or SES funding.
“The Nationals secured a win last sitting week by halting this tax in Parliament, but the ght isn’t over,” Mr McCurdy said.
A government spokesperson previously told North East Media the fund was about making sure emergency services have the sustainable funding and equipment they need to keep Victorians safe and to recover from natural disasters.
ByJEFFZEUSCHNER
HUNDREDS of runners are expected to head for the hills this Saturday morning for the annual Bright Fun Run.
Starting and nishing at Bright P12 College, the popular trail run event comprises 18km, 8km and 3km courses to cater for di ering ages and tness levels.
Committee member Shanna Gray said the fun run is not only a great outing for individuals and families, it is also an important fundraiser for the college.
“Last year we raised around $14,000 that went back into school improvements that directly impact students,” she said.
“Funds were used to upgrade readers in the primary areas, while previous funds have helped with things like shelters for the high school area and improvements to the college’s grassed outdoor areas.
“This year we’re hoping to raise a similar amount which will help with infrastructure improvements across the school.”
Last year’s event attracted 360 entrants and Ms Gray said early entries are up on the same time last year.
“About 90 per cent of registrations come in two weeks
Under legislation before the house, primary producers face cost rises from 28.7 cents per $1000 capital improved value (CIV) to 83 cents.
Volunteer service men and
Mr McCurdy said the tax punishes regional Victorians at a time they can least a ord it.
“With costs rising and dry conditions hitting agriculture hard, this is the worst possible time to tax
“We’re urging people to visit scrapthetax.com.au and send a message to the Treasurer before Parliament returns in May.
“This tax must be scrapped - regional Victorians deserve better.”
“Every single dollar raised by the new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund will support our emergency services – helping them to keep communities safe yearround,” they said.
“The Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund Bill makes it clear that the fund will be used to collect up to 95% of the budgets for CFA and VICSES – this is more than $250 million.”
prior to the event so we’re looking good for numbers so far,” she said.
“People can still register... in fact you can register on the morning, up until 30 minutes before each race.”
Saturday’s 18km race starts at 7am, with the 8km race starting at 8am.
“Both of these races use the
trails through Mystic Park... they’re scenic single-track courses,” Ms Gray said.
There are also novelty race events for all ages from 9am, while the 3km family-friendly race starts at 10am.
“We really try and create a village type atmosphere,” Ms Gray said, noting that food and co ee vendors are on-site
near the start and nish line, on the top basketball court at Bright P-12 College on Bakers Gully Rd and Park Street.
“Sixpence Co ee is serving from 6:30am and brekkie is available from 7am.”
Early bib collection for racers is available this Friday, 25 April, between 3.30pm and 5pm on the top basketball
court at the college.
On the day bib collection is also available from 6am.
The Bright fun Run is proudly sponsored by a number of local businesses and organisations, with Community Bank Bright again the key sponsor.
For more details go to www. brightfunrun.com.au
COMMUNITY members across Alpine Shire can dispose of their green waste for free at the Mount Beauty, Myrtleford and Porepunkah transfer stations during the first weekend of May. Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, said this is an opportune time for people to look after their properties and remove excess debris from trees, plants, and shrubs in their gardens before winter.
“While bushfire season may be behind us, it is important that we keep on top of our gardens so as to be prepared for any emergency, including storms and heavy rains,” she said.
“Taking the time now to prune shrubs, remove summer annuals, and clean out gutters will help you during winter and well into spring as we enter bushfire season again later this year.”
Residents and ratepayers can dispose of their green waste for free at:
• Mount Beauty Transfer Station in Maddisons Lane, Mt Beauty between 10am – 2pm on Saturday, 3 May and Sunday, 4 May;
• Myrtleford Transfer Station in Morrisons Lane, Myrtleford between 10am – 3pm on Saturday, 3 May and Sunday, 4 May; and
• Porepunkah Transfer Station, off Roberts Creek Road, Porepunkah between 10am – 2pm on Saturday, 3 May and Sunday, 4 May. There is a maximum limit of two cubic metres per customer, per day, and all green waste must be clean, free of wire and contaminants.
Branches must be 200mm in diameter or less and no stumps will be accepted.
For more information head to https://www.alpineshire.vic.gov. au/residents-ratepayers/wasterecycling/transfer-stations
Lost something valuable lately?
MYRTLEFORD police are in possession of a silver necklace with a distinctive charm, which was found in Myrtleford and handed in to the station last week.
If you believe you are the owner, contact the property officer on (03) 5752 1003. Proof of ownership is needed.
How long have you lived in Mt Beauty?
I’m originally from Perth and spent five years in Melbourne, then moved up to Mt Beauty where my husband Mark became a local GP. I had my first child in the first year of moving here 43 years ago.
What do you like about living in the area?
The sense of community, it’s very special. I love the trees here, the greenness and the river.
Would you like to see any changes or additions?
Yes, better footpaths, improved bike trails, a plan in place to replace the older trees as they start die off.
What do you do your hobbies and interests?
I am a member of Rotary and the course coordinator for the local U3A.
I play table tennis, go bike riding and love to travel.
I am a member of the Mt Beauty Library Book Club and I like to support the library as I am an avid reader. I love spending time with my grand children Goldie, Clover, Avery and Billie, and time in the garden. In my professional life I was a speech pathologist. Where would you take visitors to showcase the area?
Walking the gorge walk, and a walk around the Mt Beauty Pondage. Show them the area at the end of Mountain Creek Road where the town meets the bush, then maybe for a visit to Beechworth because of its history and special architecture.
Where do you live?
We live in Melbourne. How often do you visit the area?
L: This is my first visit to Myrtleford. I’ve visited Bright before, around 25 years ago. We’re on our way back home from the Man from Snowy River Bush Festival in Corryong.
N: This is my first visit to the area: we’re staying in Bright, but we’re visiting all the surrounding towns. Porepunkah was a beautiful place to visit earlier.
What do you do for a living?
L: I’m a semi-retired medical receptionist.
N: I work for a water board as a technical trainer.
What are your hobbies and interests?
N: I love being outdoors:
riding my two horses and going camping.
Where do you live?
We live in Echuca.
L: I like doing anything physical: travelling around, walking and line-dancing. What do you think makes the area unique?
L: The clean air and the scenery; the mountains, trees and rivers.
N: It’s so different to Melbourne. There’s been brilliant weather during our stay.
What would you change about the area?
N: There’s nothing we would change about the area, but the only drawback of our trip is we haven’t allocated enough time to check it out. Too much to do in too little time.
L: We wanted to get to Mount Hotham this trip, but there was no time.
How often do you visit the area?
This is our second time visiting Bright. What do you do for a living?
Saroj: We are both chefs, but I’m studying to be a nurse at the moment.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Saroj: I like travelling and exploring new places. We often find somewhere new to visit; almost every two or three months.
Shiv: Cooking, obviously, but I’ve also developed a new hobby recently: reading books.
What do you think makes the area unique?
Saroj: You feel very peaceful
when you’re here; there’s no chaos. The way the community runs the area is also great: the markets don’t feel too commercial, everyone is very friendly and welcoming and it’s a great place for families to bond and spend their time together. You can see how the locals keep the sense of community very authentic.
Shiv: We like the weather better, here in Bright. This is our third day sitting here by the Ovens River in peace, taking in the surrounding scenery and greenery; it’s very peaceful.
What would you change about the area?
Saroj: I think it’s perfect. That’s why so many people visit here, to see it as it is.
By JOHN TAYLOR OAM, Myrtleford and District Historical Society
THE 110th anniversary is a reminder once more of the 25 April landing on the Gallipoli Peninsula and the subsequent con ict which would continue for over eight months in 1915.
Thirty Myrtleford and district soldiers are recorded as having participated in this campaign.
At the end of World War 1 the total number of locals involved from 1914-18 was 142.
Their enlistment is recorded on the War Memorial, dedicated on ANZAC Day, 1923.
Of that 142, 28 are listed ‘In Memoriam’ and within that list ve died as a result of action on Gallipoli.
Another 25 who joined that conflict managed to survive and returned wounded to Egypt or Australia or went on to serve in Palestine or on the Western Front.
To acknowledge the 110th anniversary of ANZAC Day, a cameo of the military life of the ve lives lost on Gallipoli follows.
Pvte. HENRY NORMAN
ROTHERY, Service No. 1341, 24th Infantry Battalion, AIF
Norman (as he was known) was born in Myrtleford, a bank clerk who enlisted at Birregurra, Vic. on 3 March, 1915, age 19 and 10 months.
A er initial training at Broadmeadows, he embarked from Melbourne for Egypt on the ‘Euripides’ on 8 May,1915.
On 1 December, 1915 his captain declared him Missing from ‘D’ Company a er a Turkish bombardment of a tunnel emplacement at ‘Lone Pine’. Witnesses said he had been sheltering behind a gun emplacement at the time.
Norman’s family had been confused by a message, allegedly from him, when based in Cairo on 16 December, but they had already received noti cation he was missing. Requests for clari cation followed from his father Joseph, now located at Merino, Vic. on 30 December, and then his sister Elizabeth, who was nursing at a St Kilda Road hospital, on 3 January, 1916.
However, a board of enquiry held on 21 January found that he had in fact been Killed In Action on 29 November, 1915.
Eventually, Norman’s war service medals, Memorial Plaque and King’s Message were forwarded to his father during 1922.
REMEMBERING
Lieut. CHARLES CARTHEW, 8th Light Horse Regiment, AIF Charles Carthew, a farmer from Ovens Vale, enlisted on 29 September, 1914, aged 32.
A er training at Broadmeadows with the 8th Light Horse Regiment, ‘B’ Squadron, he embarked on the ‘Star of Victoria’ from the Port of Melbourne on 25 February, 1915.
He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant on 1 June, 1915 at Gallipoli.
On 7 August, Charles participated in the second of four dismounted charges across 40 metres of narrow, rough, sloping ground at ‘The Nek’ by the 8th and 10th Light Horse Regiments, with the intention of seizing Turkish trenches.
Machine gun and ri e re destroyed each charge.
Charles was declared Missing on 13 August, 1915.
A board of enquiry conducted on 16 August found him to be Killed in Action on 7 August.
He was one of 600 light horsemen; 234 were killed and 138 wounded in what was an overly ambitious charge that day.
Personal effects, returned to his mother Mrs Margaret Carthew of South Yarra, were the following: fountain pen, silver brush and comb case, diary, tobacco pouch, tin trunk and a cabin trunk.
During 1921 and 1924, Mrs Carthew received a Memorial Scroll and Plaque and a King’s
Message, plus the following medals: Victory Star and British War Medal.
Pvte. THOMAS WILLOUGHBY, Service No. 343, 1st Infantry Battalion, AIF
A butcher, Thomas enlisted at Randwick, NSW on 24 August, 1914, aged 19 years, 8 months.
He embarked from Sydney on the ‘Afric’.
He was wounded (shrapnel, gunshot wound to the head) on 20 May,1915 and conveyed to the Hospital Ship ‘Galeka’ where he Died of Wounds.
Thomas was buried at sea on 21 May.
He was Myrtleford’s rst death on the Gallipoli Peninsula.
Personal e ects, returned to his father John C. Willoughby on 16 March, 1916 included a disc, photos and cards in a case, cigarette holder, knife and a key ring.
A Victory Star, British War Medal and Memorial Plaque and Scroll were forwarded to Mr Willoughby on 27 June, 1921.
Pvte. JOSEPH STEPHEN GIOTTI, Service No. 154, 8th Infantry Battalion, AIF
Joseph enlisted on 26 August,1914 at Broadmeadows.
He was a labourer working on his father’s vineyard at Mudgegonga, aged 30 years and 8 months.
His father John was recorded as
his next of kin on his enlistment papers.
Joseph embarked from Melbourne on the ‘Benalla’ on 19 October,1914.
He was severely wounded in action on 28 June,1915 and conveyed to the Hospital Ship ‘Silicia’.
He Died of Wounds the next day and was buried at sea.
Personal e ects sent back to his father to a Carlton address included a prayer book, diary, razor, mouth organ, whistle, pencil and a rosary.
Joseph’s medals, King’s Message and Memorial Plaque were forwarded during 1921-22.
Company Sgt. Major THOMAS PATTON, Service No. 323, 7th Battalion, AIF
Thomas Patton, well-known local sportsman and head teacher at Bu alo River State School, enlisted at Broadmeadows on 20 August, 1914, aged 25 years 6 months.
He was Myrtleford’s rst enlistment and embarked on the ‘Hororata’ on 19 October.
Tom was promoted to Sergeant on 30 April, 1915 and then Company Sgt Major of ‘B’ Company, 7th Battalion, on 9 May.
He was wounded (shrapnel lacerations to the knee, thigh and feet) on 13 July,1915 and conveyed by the Hospital Ship ‘Gascon’ to Malta on 18 July 18.
Subsequently, Thomas was listed
as ‘dangerously ill’ on 9 August and Died of Wounds that day.
He was buried at the Pieta Military Cemetery, aged 28, one of 1304 burials there.
Personal e ects forwarded to his brother Neil Patton of Yerong Creek, NSW on 6 May, 1916 included a disc, hold-all, razors, shaving brush, pipe, mirror, diary, two knives, cards and stationery, a watch and Holy Bible.
Medals, the King’s Message and Memorial Scroll followed in 1921-22.
THE British War Cabinet resolved to end the Gallipoli Campaign on 8 December, 1915.
A er eight months, the ANZAC troops were withdrawn from the Peninsula during 19-20 December, using well planned deception by night.
The ill-fated campaign had cost the lives of 8700 Australians and 2280 New Zealanders.
It had achieved little, except undying tributes for those who paid the supreme sacri ce and those who returned impacted in body and mind.
Two of the last to leave Gallipoli were Eric Paul of Bu alo Creek, who would later die on the Western Front on 3 March, 1917 and Fred Carthew, brother of Charles, who would return home in October,1919.
Both had assisted the coordination of the withdrawal using eld telephones.
“Lest We Forget”
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
SEVEN candidates vying for election for Indi in the 3 May federal election shared their thoughts and ideologies with a 150-strong audience at North Wangaratta last week.
Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) state president Brett Hosking moderated the Indi candidates forum, however, agriculture wasn’t the only topic on the agenda.
People from the audience dictated the course of the forum, with childcare, aged care and home support services, water, live export of sheep and cattle, the war in Gaza, and election donations all raised.
Candidates in attendance included incumbent and favourite to win the seat, Independent Helen Haines, James Trenery (Liberal), Mitch Bridges (Labor), Mark McFarlane (Independent), Tim Quilty (Libertarians), Athol Thomas (One Nation), and Michael White (Family First).
In what was a relatively tame forum there were moments of emotive response from the gallery on the topic of renewable energy.
Dr Haines was asked to take a stand to help shut down proposed solar facilities like the one proposed and facing strong local opposition at Meadow Creek, in the King Valley.
“I’m a federal member of parliament and I want to be clear that I can’t make a decision on shutting down any application, any project in
INDI federal election candidates have responded to concerns about aged care home support services, which are increasing in demand amid the growing older demographics within the electorate.
Independent incumbent MP Helen Haines said we need to train more people who can do home-based support and get the travel included in rural packages.
Liberal candidate James Trenery, who used to work in the industry, said if you want to change wait times, then the over regulation has to come back.
Labor candidate Mitch Bridges said his government is training more people to enter the workforce and keeping them there with better pay and conditions.
He said Labor is delivering more than $600 million to ensure older people can access quality and affordable aged care to stay independent at home for longer, regardless of where they live.
Victoria…this lies with the Victorian Planning Minister,” she said.
Dr Haines noted that there needs to be clear de nitions of prime agricultural land and clear ‘no go’ zones.
She later said that the removal of the VCAT appeals process from Victorians regarding renewable energy applications was “a dog act” by the Victorian government.
Bobinawarrah resident John Conroy asked candidates whether they support or oppose more solar farms in North East Victoria and also where do they stand on immigration.
Mr McFarlane said “how dare they put their junk on our land”, a comment that prompted a round of applause.
He listed alternative energy options but was against nuclear as he believed it was dangerous, especially during times of war.
“Stop selling coal to China, stop being hypocrites,” he said.
Mr McFarlane also called on immigration to be paused for two years and give youth in the country a reason to want to work, with apprentice schemes an option.
Mr Trenery said the locations for solar have to be better targeted, away from prime farmland, and he made note of using the roofs in inner city Melbourne rather than looking to North East Victoria to solve the energy shortage problem.
Mr White was singing from the same hymn sheet and noted that 20 per cent of power was coming from roof-top solar and rural based solar power was not needed.
“There’s plenty of places to put solar panels in Australia where we just don’t need to touch prime farmland,” he said.
Mr Thomas noted photos and footage of sheep that had been grazing under solar panels having radiation burns on their ears and nose and being
entangled in the panel mechanism as they track the sun.
“What we don’t need is a definition of prime farming land, that’s not the solution,” he said.
“Any land that is capable of grazing, growing is prime farming land.”
Mr Thomas said One Nation has a very strong stance on immigration and it needs to be dropped.
“Targeted immigration is ne, it’s not about being antiimmigrants, it’s not about wanting to bring the right people into the country,” he said.
“We want people into Australia who value our country, value our beliefs and our way of life and want to contribute to be valuable members of society.”
Mr Bridges said it was up to individuals landowners as to whether they want to have solar infrastructure on their land.
“In terms of having solar infrastructure in North East Victoria we are really well posi-
tioned to bene t from the transition to solar,” he said.
In terms of immigration
Mr Bridges said they can have good jobs in engineering, construction and all supported by fee free TAFE, training people and to bring lots of jobs to the regions.
He referred to the migration as “a correction a er Covid” and the gaps the government has been lling are with skilled migrants.
Real estate agent and local Joe McKenzie made note that solar facilities are devaluing land and the large spaces of arid land should be used ahead of agricultural land.
“Some 90 per cent of Australia is non-arable and here we are having a debate about as to whether we have solar farms on farm land, I don’t get it,” he said.
Greens candidate Alysia Regan and Legalise Cannabis candidate Ben Howman did not attend the forum.
INDI Independent federal
MP Helen Haines labeled herself as the most transparent MP in Australian parliament following a pointed question at the Indi candidates forum in Wangaratta last week focused on her receipt of Climate 200 donations.
Cheshunt resident Jamie Fischer asked the question of Dr Haines as to whether she thought it was a matter of integrity in supporting a donor that has a commercial interest in her being re-elected as MP.
But while it’s no secret that Dr Haines has received donations from Climate 200, a not-for-pro t led by Simon Holmes à Court, in response, she focused on her record of integrity.
“The reason why people know who donates to my election campaigns is because I am the most transparent member of parliament in Australia parliament,” she said to a raucous applause.
“You can take a look at my website which you probably have because I want you to
know who is donating to politicians in Australia.
“You can’t say the same for major political parties.”
Dr Haines was cut o by audience members yelling out ‘answer the question’.
“Alright, I’ll happily answer the question and if you go to my website you’ll be able to see all of my donors and you’ll see that Climate 200 have donated $30,000 into my election campaign,” she said.
“They are not the biggest donor, over 1100 people, more than that now, individual donors, people from right across this region, in fact right across Australia donate into my campaign.
“Climate 200 is one of them, Regional Voices is another, Vida Impact Fund is another one – Climate 200 is a crowd funding organisation.
“If you look at the Liberal Party they have the Cormack Foundation, if you look at the major parties there are millions and millions of dollars of dark money where we don’t know where it comes from.”
Dr Haines was referring to the Australian Electoral Commission’s report revealing that over the past ve years, more than $290 million has gone into the major parties co ers with no public record of its origins.
She explained that it’s required from the AEC that the name of a donor is only required if a donation is over $16,900.
“I take a stance that it’s so important to know where money comes from that I require anyone who donates to me, over $1000 to be named,” she said.
Dr Haines con rmed that donors do not in uence her policies and rather the people of Indi do.
CHILDCARE and aged care and how access would be improved for services in regional areas was a question posed to the Indi candidates at the forum in Wangaratta last week.
Incumbent Independent Helen Haines led off and gave an example of the severity of the childcare problem in the electorate, noting that there were psychologists who couldn’t access childcare services for their children and as a result they were only able to work two days a week.
“In our area, with the exception of Mansfield, we are considered as a childcare desert with three little children for every one place that’s available,” Dr Haines said.
“We need to do something about that urgently.”
Dr Haines said the government’s increase of salaries for early education workers was a positive move, but they also need to build more early education centres and she wants to see them double.
She also noted that she was able to advocate for funding for after school hours care for seven services in the electorate including Greta, Whitfield, Yackandandah and Rutherglen.
Liberal candidate James Trenery said it was absolutely essential that in regional areas there is the same access to childcare as there is in the cities.
He said if elected he’s happy to advocate for any increase and noted that some of the $20 billion regional fund announced by the Coalition will be distributed to childcare.
One Nation candidate Athol Thomas told the forum that “we need to get kids back being raised by their parents” as opposed to being raised in childcare, with changes to the tax system allowing parents to afford to stay home with their children.
“In the short term we can advocate for (childcare) increases because the cost of living, cost of housing and availability is making it almost impossible for families to be able to set up, live in a house and find somewhere to call home without both parents working,” he said.
Mr Bridges said he worked in aged care to put himself through uni, and he made note of the TAFE fee free program to train more early childhood educators, and more nurses for aged care.
“I nd this out by getting out and hearing from constituents about what the problems and solutions are,” Dr Haines said.
“Me as an Independent, I am answerable to the people, I’m not answerable to Peter Dutton in Brisbane, or Anthony Albanese in Sydney, or Pauline Hanson in Ipswich.”
He said the government has committed to the three-day childcare guarantee so both parents can work which has made a huge difference with affordability in the cost-ofliving crisis.
Others talked about cutting taxes and regulation as a solution for the strain on childcare.
Q1
Explain how you would help create more opportunities for youth in Indi – specifically around employment and education - to help diminish the need for people to leave the area?
A1 I am inspired by young people in Indi every day, but I know they have concerns about their future education and employment opportunities, and access to affordable housing. I have a strong track record fighting for affordable housing, for more regional university study centres and higher education opportunities, and for greater access to TAFE and vocational training for young people. If elected, I will fight for: 1. Paid training placements for all students studying medicine and allied health fields like psychology, occupational therapy, mental health support and social work; 2.More funding for rural healthcare training to address doctor shortages in regional communities; 3. Greater access to affordable and high-quality childcare so young parents can balance parenthood and work.
A1
I’ll fight for more training, jobs, and opportunities for young people right here in Indi. Labor’s delivering fee-free TAFE, more uni places, and investing in skills that match regional industries. We’re backing secure jobs through our industrial relations reforms - giving workers better pay and protections. Young people shouldn’t have to leave home to get ahead. I’ll work to grow local pathways in trades, health, clean energy and more - so they can build their future here.
A1
A Liberal Government will support small and medium businesses with $12,000 to hire and train a new apprentice or trainee in critical skills areas for the first two years of their training. We will also make homes more affordable for young people, by investing $5 billion to fund essential infrastructure like water, power, and sewerage at housing development sites. This is in conjunction with our Liberal Plan to support first home buyers and older women to overcome the prohibitive challenge of saving for a home deposit by giving them the choice to use a portion of their superannuation savings towards their deposit, and allow first home buyers to make a portion of interest payments tax deductable.
A1 As One Nation’s candidate for Indi, I’d prioritise local hiring in tourism, agriculture, manufacturing and construction and advocate for tax breaks and incentives for businesses employing youth in these areas. Our proven apprenticeship scheme, offering 75% wage subsidies in year one, 50% in year two, and 25% in year three, has empowered regional youth (One Nation Jobs). Affordable housing and reduced cost of living would help youth stay. I’d push for vocational training in tourism, agriculture, manufacturing and construction aligning with Indi’s economy. This builds on our apprenticeship success, equipping youth with local job skills while ensuring inclusive education.
A1
All people in rural and regional areas should have access to education and training from early childhood to school to TAFE and university. There needs to be adequate resourcing of rural and regional local governments to ensure the delivery of much-needed community services and the improvement and maintenance of local infrastructure. Where economies of scale severely restrict service viability then substitutes such as fast reliable internet services, rural transaction centres and shared facilities in public libraries and community centres are supported. There needs to be a development and implementation of strategies to attract new residents and retain existing residents, through the provision of appropriate financial incentives, housing, community services, and cultural engagement.
A1
The government is not the solution, the government is the problem. Structural issues aren’t solved by throwing taxpayer handouts at problems.
Libertarians will cut taxes and regulation, lowering costs and breaking government chains on the local economy. Lower power prices and house prices, lower taxes on individuals and businesses will create new jobs and hope in the regions. Decentralisation, deregulation and funding reforms will supercharge local schools and training. But ultimately we need to move away from the cargo cult of begging the federal government to throw back a bit of the money they have taken from us. We need to solve these problems ourself, locally.
A1 We live in a great region where there are lots of opportunities for employment with housing that is still relatively affordable by city standards. More could be done. Infrastructure funding will allow more housing development, which is key for encouraging young couples to stay in the area. I would love to see some decentralisation out of Melbourne to create work here. When people do need to go away for work or study, a more frequent train service will help them stay connected to the area. Enough doctors is always a problem. A long term goal for a regional medical school would put us more on the map as a destination for health professionals.
Q2 Cost shifting by state/federal governments has placed an increasingly heavy burden on local councils – and ratepayers. Name three things you would do to help councils and support their communities?
A2 Indi’s nine local councils provide vital community services. If re-elected, I will fight for: 1. A $2 billion Regional Housing Infrastructure Fund, for councils to bid into for essential enabling infrastructure – the water and sewerage, paths and poles –which unlock new houses. 2. Reinstating the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, so $500 million a year is available to councils to fix potholes and road damage. 3. More money into the two grants programs dedicated to regional development – the regional Precincts and Partnerships and the Growing Regions Programs. Indi councils have successfully applied for projects like the Station Precinct in Mansfield and the Art Gallery in Benalla. However, these programs need a substantial funding injection to truly support regional development.
A2 I’ll work to deliver more direct federal funding for roads, bridges, and local services - reducing pressure on council budgets. Labor’s Growing Regions Fund and Roads to Recovery program are already helping, and I’ll fight for more local investment. I’ll also back housing and digital connectivity improvements to support growing communities. Labor’s responsible economic management - including tax cuts for every Australian - is helping councils and residents alike with rising costs.
A2 A Liberal Government will reinstate the 80:20 federal funding model for nationally significant road projects in regional and remote Australia - ensuring more regional roads and highways get upgraded and councils are not taking the whole funding burden. A Liberal Government will also invest $1 billion to empower local councils across Australia, giving them the flexibility to prioritise and deliver critical community infrastructure and road projects tailored to their communities’ needs. This includes help to strengthen communities against natural disasters and fund essential infrastructure to support local growth, and targeted roads funding for regional councils to fix potholes, maintain, and improve local roads. Finally, I will assess the local government Financial Assistance Grants to ensure they are balanced and fit for purpose to support our local government.
A2 One Nation is committed to slashing wasteful government spending and implementing significant federal budget savings of up to $90 billion per year. I will advocate for some of these funds to boost the Financial Assistance Grants for rural councils. This could help Indi’s councils manage services without raising rates. I’d ensure federal policies don’t offload responsibilities onto councils. Working with One Nation’s state member, Rikki-Lee Tyrrell, I’d push for Victoria to align with federal efforts, ensuring councils receive adequate funds to support communities effectively without placing further financial burden on ratepayers and ensuring funds are allocated where needed most and not lost in bureaucratic wastage.
A2 An end to cost shifting from Victorian to local governments, and a memorandum of understanding between the Victorian Government and the local government sector delineating responsibilities, so as to provide certainty to all. Replacement of State Government-appointed regional bodies that govern planning (such as the Victorian Planning Authority and Regional and Metropolitan Partnerships) with representative bodies that genuinely facilitate cross-government collaboration and are publicly accountable. Revocation of rate capping so that communities through their council can decide the level of services and the level of rates they are prepared to pay. Maximum community participation, including in deliberative processes, for the development of strategies, plans and budgets for municipalities.
A2
Councils are 100% a state government issue. There is no constitutional power for the federal government to directly fund councils – it must be filtered through the states. We need to reform the revenue arrangements between federal and states so the states can pay for their responsibilities. But regional Victoria will continue to be bled dry by the Melbourne government, who drain our money, and destroy our industry and jobs. The only real solution is a new regional state from North & West Victoria and South & West NSW with direct access to GST revenues. The new state of Murray will be run by locals who live here and care, not by Melbourne politicians and bureaucrats.
A2 Local councils face a constant battle to find enough money to fund their services. We can’t spend lots more or hit property owners with higher rates. Improved efficiency is the only viable option if we don’t want service cuts. Paying staff to write grant applications, then other people to assess those applications is not where our money should go. We need streamlined recurrent funding to save on administration so that local councils can get on with the job of service delivery. We need to cut the massive expansion of the federal public service to get the money closer to the people. Local councils should always stick to their service responsibilities. No money should go on engaging in political activism.
A1 A2
We have been unable to contact this candidate, nor get a response from his party. The following is taken from the party’s website.
Ben Howman Legalise Cannabis
REDUCE HARM: The criminlisation of cannabis use is a decades old, failed policy that disproportinately harms young and Indigenous people and leads to massive upheaval in the lives of otherwise law abiding citizens. CREATE JOBS: Legalising and regulating cannabis will bring one of the nation’s leading cash crops under the rule of law. This will create jobs and economic opportunities in the formal economy instead of the illicit market. SAVE MONEY: Scare law enforcement resrouces will be better used to ensure public safety while reducing corrections and court costs. Governments would acquire significant new sources of revenue for regulating cannabis sales. PROMOTE CONSUMER SAFETY: Cannabis product testing is becoming a standard requirement for legalised cannabis markets. This means consumers are better informed about the cannabis they use.
A1 I want to see a resurgence in trade schools and apprenticeship opportunities. We need a real focus on building trades, and the only way to do that is support for builders and planners. We need traineeships to increase three fold, while extending work experience opportunities for the young. While many will have to leave the area by circumstance, we have to make it look attractive to stay in INDI.
A2 We need to see far more federal support for road repairs and renewal. It’s OK to pour money into clubs and sports facilities, but what about the roads that get you there? I want to see more federal highway operations being extended to regional roads. It is a job that will take all of us working together for the common road good. Road safety is a real concern of mine, and road conditions are a major cause of accidents today.
BELMORES CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
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THE arts and cra s workshops held at the Myrtleford, Mount Beauty and Bright libraries last week were attended by dozens of cra -loving children, eager to nd something artsy to do during the Easter school holidays.
Children were able to design masks and door labels using scratch-board paper, colour-in and work on their drawing skills, make bracelets, compose stickers in intricate designs and create pom-poms to turn into wildowers or wild animals.
The workshops were the nal in a series of programs run by local libraries in the lead up to Easter.
“We’ve had a few kids drop in for the cra workshops,” library o cer, Sonia Caponecchia said.
“Last week we did sand art and we made a good mess.
“We’ve also got a community jigsaw puzzle on the go which we started just last week; the colours are addictive.
CHILDREN’S COLOURFUL CRAFTS: The Wei familySamuel, Denise and Joseph - tried out all the cra s available at the Myrtleford Library’s workshop.
PHOTO: Phoebe Morgan
“As people walk past it, they give it a go: everyone including teens, kids and adults have enjoyed trying to piece it together.”
Routine visitors to the Myrtleford library, the Wei family,
dropped in to check out the fun.
“The library normally has a program running during the school holidays,” mother, Denise Wei said.
“This morning, we saw there was an advertisement for an arts and cra s session, so we dropped in to check it out.
“Last week we were at the sand art workshop and we had heaps of fun.”
A parent at the Bright library was heard to marvel at how artistic the children could be with the range of cra s available.
For more information about upcoming events at Alpine Shire libraries, visit: https://engage.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/communityhubs/libraries-hub.
& ASSOCIATES BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS
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Phone Jenny on 57313305 or email jking@nemedia.com.au
All Australian citizens aged 18 years and over are required by law to vote.
So, if you can’t make it to a polling place on election day, you may be eligible to: · vote early at an early voting centre, or · apply for a postal vote.
If you’re travelling, working or will be outside the electorate where you’re enrolled on election day, you can vote early.
To check early voting options and eligibility, visit aec.gov.au/early Your vote will help shape Australia.
To learn more aec.gov.au/early 13 23 26
...it’s not just about what we see as local community safety issues, it’s also about providing the opportunity for local communities to communicate to us as to what they see as local community issues.
- Wangaratta Local Area Commander Inspector Ash Mason
ByBAILEYZIMMERMANN
RESIDENTS throughout the Alpine Shire are invited to have their say at an upcoming Neighbourhood Policing Forum in Cobram to discuss key concerns with local crime.
The Neighbourhood Policing Forum encompassing the Wangaratta police service area will be run by a Victoria Police panel of divisional management and command representation on Thursday, 1 May from 5:30pm-8:30pm at the Cobram Civic Centre.
The forum will explore topics including current crime trends and crime prevention, family violence, young people, road policing and drugs and drug related crime.
Questions will be taken from the audience throughout the event.
Local Area Commander of the Wangaratta police service area, Inspector Ash Mason, said the force was encouraging key community representatives from Moira, Wangaratta and Alpine municipalities to attend and have their say in what matters most to them.
“It’s an opportunity for them to liaise and engage directly with Victoria Police around local community safety matters,” he said.
“It’s a great way for us to better connect with our local communities, it’s not just about what we see
as local community safety issues, it’s also about providing the opportunity for local communities to communicate to us as to what they see as local community issues.”
Inspector Mason said the forum would also touch on the results of last year’s community sentiment survey which identi ed safety of property and possessions, drugs and alcohol and road safety as the key issues for community members.
“The three di erent LGAs are all impacted to varying degrees with all of those categories,” he said.
“This is an opportunity for people to listen to us present on that data, but also for community representatives and agencies to ask questions of us about those primary themes.
“All of these matters which contribute to community safety matters are not just a Victoria Police issue, these are whole of community issues.
“It requires an approach from everyone to work together to overcome and mitigate these community safety issues and maintain community safety.”
To attend, please register by sending your details to ED4-DIVISIONALOFFIC@police.vic.gov.au
Seats must be reserved by searching for the neighbourhood policing forums on the Eventbrite website and entry is free.
A MYRTLEFORD man is looking at time behind bars
a er a large quantity of rearm parts and a stolen air rie were found at his Moyhu dwelling, a court has heard.
Appearing at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court last week, the 27-year-old pleaded guilty to gun possession charges and numerous drug, driving and the o ending while on a community corrections order.
The court heard police conducted a search warrant at a Moyhu address on 13 September last year.
The defendant was living at a shed turned home for six months with his partner at the property owned by his partner’s family.
The family members were
present as police arrived, but the court heard the defendant was appearing before Myrtleford Magistrates’ Court that day for separate matters.
Police found multiple rearm parts at the entrance and bedroom of the dwelling, including a stolen air ri e which had been taken in a burglary at Harston in February 2019.
Firearm parts seized by police included long arm stocks, bags of ammunition, a custom made rearm, shotgun barrels, a ri e scope and a recently varnished stock hanging by a string above the bed.
The defendant did not have a rearm licence and was prohibited to own rearms due to prior incidents in 2022.
A er he was charged and
bailed by police over the phone, he told o cers it was “stupid luck” he had been found with the rearm parts and the stolen air ri e at his dwelling.
Defence counsel Nancy Battiato said her client and his partner allegedly drilled a hole into an “unusual” bedroom wall cavity located in a step, where it was plastered, the same day the police arrived to search the property.
Ms Battiato said the pair found all of the rearm parts in the wall cavity.
“They panicked and they didn’t know what to do with them,” she said.
Ms Battiato said her client had lacquered the stock hanging above the bed, despite having no explanation
for why it was hanging by a string when asked by police.
The defendant also admitted to numerous driving related o ences which involved drugs and the .
The court heard the defendant stole more than $300 worth of fuel from a Glenrowan BP station in separate incidents in a red Holden utility a xed with false number plates.
The utility with jerry cans of some of the stolen fuel was seized by a Wangaratta towing company a er a collision in Moyhu on 9 August last year where the defendant ed before police arrived.
He was also caught multiple times driving in the Whorouly area with a suspended drivers’ licence, in
one instance with methamphetamine in his possession and another instance with the drug in his system.
Magistrate Victoria Campbell noted all of the o ending had occurred while the defendant was serving a community corrections order issued in December 2023, but he had not been charged with breaching the order.
“No doubt when corrections nd out you’ve been o ending while on a CCO, they’ll contravene,” she said.
Ms Battiato said a longer community corrections order could still deter re-o ending and he had been clean for several months a er engaging in drug and alcohol counselling.
“He has been proactive in
steps towards rehabilitation,” she said.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Ramadan Hamidon said the prior community corrections order had not slowed the defendant’s prior gun, drug and driving related o ending and prison time would be within range.
“The message just isn’t getting through,” he said. The defendant was ordered to complete a community corrections order assessment by Magistrate Campbell, who will sentence the Myrtleford man on 14 May at Shepparton Magistrates’ Court.
Magistrate Campbell said her decision would “most likely” result in jail time.
IT was all girl talk on Alpine FM’s Brunch program last week, with budding authors coming into the studio to speak about their experience of entering the Young Writers Competition associated with the Mt Beauty Writers’
Goldie Spencer and Jen Travers, who both entered last year, are going to have another go, while Chilli Smith is keen to put pen to paper for this year’s event in October. Younger sisters Clover Spencer, Isla Travers and Phoenix Smith are hoping to enter as well.
AGL sponsor this very special competition with generous prize money going out to the winners and runners up.
There are two different age groups, although discussions are in the pipeline for maybe a younger third age group.
Coordinator Maree O’Mullane will be announcing details soon for this year’s event.
THE Rotary Car Boot sale was a huge success with a good attendance last weekend.
The raffles were well received, with the sense of humour coming through when the original large chocolate bunny had melted so they got a fresh one, but the distorted bunny was second prize.
Lots of generous local businesses donated voucher prizes.
Alpine FM was there, and lots of requests for music made for a very lively atmosphere.
ANZAC Day will be commemorated in Mt Beauty tomorrow with a 7am early morning service at the Bicentenary Park, followed by a service at the cenotaph at 11am.
Special guests will be Lieutenant Callum
THE team at Falls Creek is already preparing for colder days to come with the positioning and connecting of new automated Techno Alpin snow guns, ready for snowmaking to begin next month.
Drovers Dream is the perfect learning terrain for beginner skiers and snowboarders.
It runs alongside two of the terrain parks and has some of the best views of Rocky Valley Lake, making it one of the most popular runs on the mountain.
Richard Phillips, Vail Resorts’ VP & GM at Falls Creek, said the snowmaking improvements will help even out the ow of guests
The guns are part of the major snowmaking upgrade happening on Drovers Dream, which will provide guests with more terrain and lifting access from opening day through to closing and deliver more unforgettable days on the mountain this season.
in early and late season by providing incredible beginner and low intermediate terrain options including Drovers Dream, Main Street and Australia’s longest green run - Wombat’s Ramble.
“This enhanced snowmaking will also allow Drovers Dream and Panorama terrain parks to open earlier and be maintained longer throughout the season,” he said.
Mr Phillips said the new automated and energy e cient modern snowmak-
ing guns will replace older technology, “meaning we can maximise snow production opportunities as the temperature drops, allowing our team to e ciently operate our snowmaking system, without the lost time associated with older technology and infrastructure”.
IMPROVEMENTS: New snow guns will provide improved snowmaking capabilities on Drovers Dream this snow season.
THE Bright Autumn Festival is putting out a nal call for parade entrants ahead of this year’s spectacular Gala Day Parade on Saturday, 3 May.
Locals, community groups, schools, businesses, and visiting performers are invited to join in the fun and colour of the parade, which winds through the heart of Bright and showcases the creativity, culture and community spirit that de nes the Alpine Shire.
This year, the theme is 80’s movies with many participants already entering some amazing and imaginative ideas.
Gala parade coordinator, Tracy Wilson, said parade entries close Tuesday, 30 April, so now’s the time to register your oat, performance group, or walking ensemble.
“Whether it’s your rst time or you’re a seasoned participant, the parade is a fantastic opportunity to be part of the festival atmosphere and celebrate autumn in one of Australia’s most picturesque towns,” she said.
Festival president, Brendan Holland, said while the festival draws in visitors from all over south-east Australia, “the Al Findlay Gala Parade is all about the residents, their families, their businesses and their community groups – it’s their time to shine”.
The Gala Day Parade is a highlight of the 10-day festival, drawing thousands of visitors who come to enjoy brilliant autumn foliage, artisan markets, music, food, and family-friendly entertainment.
To enter the parade, visit www.brightautumnfestival. org.au and complete the online registration form.
For more information, email galaparade@brightautumnfestival.org.au.
Savour local produce, entertainment at Wandiligong Nut Festival this weekend
WANDILIGONG Nut Festival is sure to get the Bright Autumn Festival o to a cracker this weekend, promising an unforgettable mix of live music, delicious produce, and plenty of family-friendly entertainment and nutty festivities in the picturesque Alpine Valley.
“Our aim is to make the Wandiligong Nut Festival a highlight of the year for both locals and visitors,” festival organiser, Lee Rosser said.
“It’s a time to come together, celebrate the harvest, enjoy great music and support our community.”
This weekend’s festival boasts an electrifying lineup featuring: The Seven Ups, masters of deep funk and psych-groove; Nicky Bomba
and Wandi All Star Nutters, a special collaboration full of rhythm and energy; the Ben Smith Band, soulful blues rock; Damned Sam and The Preachers, high-energy rockabilly vibes; Charlie Needs Braces, unique looping and indie-pop sounds; Mal Webb and Kylie Morrigan, virtuosic vocal and instrumental brilliance; Candice McLeod and The Sweetwaters, folk harmonies that will soothe your soul; DJ Eddy & Tahlia Brain, spinning beats to keep the party going, plus local artists bringing homegrown talent to the big tent stage.
Beyond the tunes, the Wandiligong Nut Festival is bursting with activities for all ages, with a Kids’ Zone which boasts a wonderland of fun
with a silent disco, circus skills, cra corner, face painting, drumming and DJ workshops and nutty races.
Take a market tour to get the most out of local foodie experiences, watch local produce demos and sample the region’s best seasonal avours.
Plus, back by popular demand, the Salami Competition allows you watch as local makers go head-to-head to see whose salami reigns supreme.
Attendees can nd their ow with yoga sessions and marvel at aerial silks performances, before the sun sets to set the stage for a mesmerizing re performance and close the evening with a spark!
The festival is proud to support local community groups, including
the Wandiligong Primary School, 4 Kids and Carers, Bright Men’s Shed, Alpine Multi Skill Group and the Hotham Ski Patrol.
The Wandiligong Nut Festival wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of major sponsors: Alpine Shire, Bright Community Bank, Nightingales Alpine Produce.
This year’s festival will be held at Alpine Park, Wandiligong, from 9am to 8pm this Saturday, 26 April, and 9am to 3pm on Sunday, 27 April.
For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit: https:// www.nutfest.au/the-festival and check in with the Wandiligong Nut Festival Facebook page for updates.
THOUSANDS of people soaked up the sun, leisurely meandering through what has been hailed Bright’s biggest ever Easter Saturday market.
More than 150 stallholders were sprawled out in Howitt Park for the Mega Easter Market, jointly organised by the Bright Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club of Bright.
“We believe it was the busiest ever market,” said chamber secretary Amanda Hore.
“There were just so many thousands of people around...some businesses certainly said it was their busiest Easter.
“The market attracted many people to town, and a lot spent time at local shops and businesses also.
“It was a great result, and the money we raised will go into supporting other chamber projects, such as the Bright Autumn Festival, the chamber’s vision and a new retail map.
“The map is to be launched shortly and highlights the 59 retailers in Bright.”
Matt Richardson was
VERY
costume for the launch of Spice
Formerly known as Bright Sauce Company, the Saturday Easter Market was ideal for the
EASTER holy days were well and truly observed in Myrtleford, with the community invited to attend a long and varied list of Holy Week events in the lead up to this year’s Easter Sunday.
“Holy Week is a week where we are encouraged to move from our head into our heart,” Canon Moira Evers said.
To culminate the Easter celebrations, last Sunday saw services across a number of denominations within our community to observe the commemoration of Jesus’ resurrection miracle.
At St Paul’s church, service began at 9am, with Easter eggs even spotted decorating the altar.
Celebrations at Myrtleford’s St Paul’s church initially kicked o with a peace rally and singalong held on Palm Sunday, this year on 13 April.
Attendees decorated their own protest sign, designed to
REFLECTION: The
community gathered on Good Friday for an ecumenical liturgy in the sunny
spread the message of peace in these tumultuous times.
Guest speaker, Lee Couch, a Gamilaroi woman who works locally conducting retreats, particularly for women, also gave a short address centred around peace, reconciliation and deep listening.
On Holy Monday, 14 April, St Paul’s hosted an art exhibition which featured local artist from Porepunkah, Avalyn
Doyle, who presented her latest body of work entitled ‘Devotion’ to a fair-sized crowd of Parishioners were invited to a meditation session run by Canon Moira on Holy Tuesday, before a Taize Service the following evening.
Holy Thursday, traditionally a time to remember the Last Supper, before Jesus’ crucixion, was celebrated by St Paul’s hosting a Middle Eastern themed dinner.
Good Friday was marked by an Ecumenical Walk of Witness.
At 10:30am, a crowd of local parishioners started walking from Ruby’s Takeaway, baring a cross on a circuit through town to the Piazza where a liturgy was held, followed by a service of Hot Cross Buns, tea and co ee.
Easter Saturday evening saw the lighting of the New Fire for Easter; featuring a candle-lit service with renewal of baptismal vows followed by champagne and sweet treats.
THIS classic retreat is ideally located opposite Wareena Park, a beautifully renovated circa 1940s period home, presenting a unique opportunity combining timeless charm with modern convenience.
Perfectly positioned close to recreational amenities and the One Mile Creek bike path, this inviting cottage combines a central location with an easy living lifestyle.
Stepping inside, you’re immediately greeted by the warmth of a thoughtfully updated interior.
The home features three generous-
ly sized bedrooms, each with built-in robes, providing ample space for growing families or visiting guests.
A dedicated study or home office caters to remote work or after-school projects, adding valuable functionality to the layout.
The spacious kitchen and dining area are the heart of the home, blending classic style with contemporary finishes and exceptional storage, plenty of space for entertaining and catering to family life.
Year-round comfort is assured with ducted gas heating, evaporative cool-
ing, and an additional split system.
Outside, secure fencing provides privacy and peace of mind for children and pets, while the high-clearance carport with remote roller door access adds further convenience and secure off-street parking.
With its combination of classic elegance, modern comforts, and convenient location, this property could be the one you have been looking for.
Don’t miss the chance to make it yours.
Contact the team to arrange your inspection today.
COLLECTION DATES:
RESIDENCE FOR SALE - Comfortable 3
frontage for all your camping, swimming and shing needs.
Plus breathtaking views to Mount Feathertop with Great Valley Trail at your front door. Immaculately presented sandstock brick residence with a blended timber exterior ideally positioned to merge into the surrounding countryside with picture perfect views. Luxurious master suite with ensuite, WIR and BIR’s plus three additional generous bedrooms and well appointed main bathroom.
Modern kitchen with twin AEG ovens, SMEG induction cooktop, dishwasher, Caesarstone benchtops and Butler’s pantry. Massive open plan living with combustion wood heater and decked undercover alfresco area. Plus separate studio, workshop/machinery shed and open bay shedding.
Fully fenced into four main paddocks with the potential to graze a small number of livestock. Plus established Truf ere with mature English Oak trees and opportunity to generate additional income.
Only 10 mins to Bright, 10 mins to Harrietville, 40 kms to Mount Hotham and 55 kms to Dinner Plain.
INSPECTIONS Strictly By Appointment Only FOR SALE Price On Application
Wangaratta 26 Burke Street
Glenrowan 119 Old Hume Highway
Wangaratta 20 Phillipson Street
Wangaratta 30 Wenhams Lane
632m2
Wangaratta 2 Bowerbird Way
Nutrien
Danial
Nutrien
ACROSS
1 Which horse won the 2009 Caulfield Cup (6)
8 Which horse won the 1945 Melbourne Cup (8)
9 Name an inflammatory disease of the skin (6)
10 Which geometrical plane curve is formed by an intersection (8)
11 Name a blood-sucking African fly (6)
12 What was the Kon-Tiki (4)
13 Which term indicates 12 dozen (5)
16 What are some British noblemen called (5)
19 To expel from a place, is to do what (4)
21 Name the natives of Baghdad (6)
22 Which persons avoid traditional conventions of behaviour (8)
23 What are farewells called (6)
24 Who discovered X-rays in 1895, William ... (8)
25 How many players are there in a cricket team (6)
DOWN
2 Which tooth is adapted for cutting (7)
3 What are circular bands of flowers left at graves (7)
5 Which musical direction suggests moderately slowly and evenly (7)
6 Which mental disorder is marked by alternating periods of excitation and depression (7)
7 Name the US film director known especially for the Pink Panther films, Blake ... (7)
14 What are narcotics also known as (7)
15 Which poems have 14 lines (7)
17 Name an alternative term for insatiable greed for riches (7)
18 What is unoccupied time called (7)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
1 RAMATE (a) Difficult to control (b) Chaffy (c) Branched
2 VITIATE
4 Who deals in textiles and cloth goods (6)
13 Who collaborated with Sir Arthur Sullivan, Sir William ... (7)
7
Letters have a number value
Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
20 What is herbal tea known as (6)
(a) To make lifelike (b) To use abusive language (c) To render faulty or defective
Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.
CLUES:
Fire fighter (7)
Guardedly cautious (7)
Mix of original tracks (5)
Railway carriage (3)
Refurbishment (5)
Top student (3)
Travel costs (5)
Tree (3)
Was concerned (5)
Was seated (3)
Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.
MODEL LINE-UP:
Prado GX $72,500
Prado GXL $79,990
Prado VX $87,400
By DEREK OGDEN,
THE pride of the Toyota SUV parade, the Prado, is showing o a new sti upper lip thanks to TNGA-F architecture shared with its bigger LandCruiser 300 Series sibling.
Also on board is the latest in the company’s on and o -road driver assistance technology, including a new 48-volt V-active powertrain mated to a new eight speed automatic shifter in all five variants.
The pedigree has its origins in the iconic LandCruiser with all its on and o -road capability and functionality.
The latest generation consists of the GX, GXL, VX, Altitude and Kakadu.
With the sti er ladderframe underpinnings, the LandCruiser family members have grown compared to the previous generation.
Wheelbase is now 2850mm, 60mm more than before.
Overall length is stretched, providing more cabin space.
The range is priced from $72,500, plus on road costs, for the entry-level five-seat GX.
The GXL adds a third row of 50:50 split seating for $79,990.
The mid-range VX sevenseater (on test) comes in at $87,400, while the o -road focused Altitude ($92,700) is
second only to the flagship Kakadu ($99,990).
vantage sets up each Prado buyer with five years’ capped price servicing for the first ten services over six-month intervals or 10,000 kilometres, whichever comes first.
There is also the option of a full-service lease though Toyota Finance Australia.
The Prado’s striking exterior draws on LandCruisers of the past, while retro design characteristics o er functional benefits.
For example, a low beltline, flat bonnet and extensive glass allow good visibility in tight o -road situations, while chamfered edges and high-mounted lamps keep clear of potential damage.
The VX wears a black vertical grille with Toyota bullhorn branding, body-coloured bumpers and wheel arches, 20-inch alloy wheels and high-grade LED headlights with automatic high beam and auto-levelling.
While the cabin has under-
comfort and safety, the mdhybrid battery lives in such a quirky corner.
The third row of seats does not fold flat, sticking up above the load floor leaving a narrow gap to the tailgate.
Toyota’s solution is to fill the gap with a skinny removeable storage box with lid that takes shopping bags three abreast.
Despite the Prado’s bulk comfort, the occupant is at a premium.
However, access is just the opposite, with the single pull of a lever freeing one of the second-row seats to tumble forward.
A single USB-C outlet and a pair of cupholders on each side await boarders and there’s a 220V/120W outlet in the adjoining boot area.
There are also air vents in the roof.
There is 182 litres of load space behind the third row, expanding to 906 litres with it folded and 1829 litres with the second row folded as well.
The VX boasts leather ac-
Prado Altitude
$92,700
Prado Kakadu
$99,990
Options: Premium paint $675 (plus two tone, Altitude only, $1675)
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Toyota dealer for drive-away prices.
which supplies a wealth inbuilt of vehicle information via smartphone app.
ory, four-way power adjustable front passenger seat, power adjustable steering wheel, carpet mats, refrigerated centre console cubby, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, multi-terrain monitor, 14-speaker JBL premium audio and tyre pressure monitor.
The Prado is powered by a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine putting out 150kW between 3000 and 3400rpm and 500Nm of torque from 1600 to 2800rpm.
A new eight-speed automatic transmission has a broader spread of ratios than previously and feeds a fulltime all-wheel drive system, dual-range transfer case and a lockable centre limited-slip di erential.
Prado occupant safety is testament to Toyota’s Safety Sense technology and Toyota Connected Services,
Driver assistance applies on- and o -road through an improved camera-cum-radar system that scans the road with greater accuracy and at longer distance.
Other advanced technology includes autonomous emergency braking pre-collision system, all-speed adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and departure warning, road sign assist, blind spot monitor with safe exit assist, emergency stop and driver camera, along with front and rear parking sensors and nine airbags.
The tried-and-tested
2.8-litre diesel donk is given a hand by 48-volt V-Active technology, adding smoothness, driveability and fuel economy to the Prado on bitumen and in the rough.
Toyota claims diesel usage of 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres for the VX on the combined urban/highway cycle.
The test vehicle managed 9.6 litres over a week of mixed driving, tending
towards city usage. Driver assistance systems span on- and o -road, going with vehicle stability control with active traction control, downhill assist and crawl control, while acrossthe-board trailer sway control and integrated tow-bar pre-wiring harness frees the Prado’s increased 3500kg braked towing capacity. With double-wishbone front and four-link solid axle rear suspension, enhanced handling and ride comfort have come via the addition of adaptive variable suspension. The braking and steering systems showed an improved response and feel, the latter through the debut of electric power steering. Pity about the squeaky brakes in reverse.
SUMMARY
For those who like the idea of genuine o -road capability the new Prado has the goods wrapped in a ‘modern’ retro design that have city-dwellers drooling. The mid-range VX is the way to go.
RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 6/10
Safety: 7/10
Thirst: 6/10
Practicality: 7/10
Comfort: 6/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 7/10
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Mercedes SLK 230 Kompressor, solid top folding roof, VIN: WDB1704472F034586, 156,000km, I am selling due to vehicle rationalizing, it is a lovely car in very good condition, a great drive and with Club registration is economical to own, more photos are available upon request, RWC will be supplied, $12,500. Contact Ken on 0418 300 220.
MITSUBISHI Tray Top Ute, 2WD 410,00km, motor rebuilt, 5 month rego (CU57VL), $2800. Ph 0439 766 211.
BOX/STORAGE
Heavy duty aluminum checker plate W:1200, D:500, H:700, Slide suits 2KVA generator Storage box side 500x600x700.LED tail, brake and indicator lights. $200. Ph. 0417 551 904.
BOX trailer, well built, $350. Ph 0439 766 211
BayHunter runabout, 4.4 metre aluminium V-hull, 90s model, with canopy and side window panels, trailer and 40HP Mercury engine, life jackets, reg to Sep 25, $11,000 ono. Ph 0419 870 472.
10FT 6 Boat, on a new trailer, 9hp motor $900, Ph 0439 766 211.
ISA Brown Pullets, POL $35ea. Pick upWang to Bright Becky & Hugh (03) 5798 1868 freerangehens.com.au
ON
WHEELS, Mobility
Scooter for active living, compact and lightweight for easy manoeuvrability, comfortable seating with adjustable armrests and headrest, powerful motor for smooth and e ortless rides, longlasting battery for extended use, $3900. Phone Denice on 0402 411 346.
CHECK OUT OUR NORTH EAST JOBS in today's Regional Extra for more employment opportunities. Published every Wednesday in your Wangaratta Chronicle, Ovens and Murray Advertiser, Myrtleford Times and Alpine Observer
JACK CRISP
Born and bred in Myrtleford. Congratulations on another successful year in 2025.
Equaling Jimmy Stynes record of 244 consecutive games.
WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT!
Enjoy the day with your family, friends, team members and the Collingwood club. Well done and good luck for this season 2025. Go Pies! ~ From all loyal members and supporters.
4/8/1955 – 11/4/2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Ilario Michelini. We feel at peace knowing he was surrounded by loving family at Myrtleford hospital in his nal moments.
In our lives, there have been few people as special as Ilario who made an impression on everyone he met. Dearly loved brother of Loretta, Dino and Min. Loved Zio of Jade, Matt, Kane, Megan, Loren, Ben, Julian and Kristen.
Cherished Great Zio to Laila, Nash, Brooklyn and Giulia. Rest in peace.
4/8/1955 – 11/4/2025
Goodbye my friend, I am going to miss you. Ilario, you were a good person and a great mate to me!
MICHELINI
A requiem mass for the repose of the soul of Ilario Michelini will be held at St Mary’s Catholic Church, 29 Lawrence Street, Myrtleford TODAY at 11am. Private cremation.
Ilario’s service can be viewed via livestream at northeastfunerals.com.au/live-stream/
ByPHOEBEMORGAN
THOUSANDS of tennis fans descended on Myrtleford over the Easter holiday weekend to participate in matches and barrack for their favourite local and visiting players in this year’s Easter Tennis Tournament.
“This tournament was very, very successful: people were saying it was the best tournament we’ve ever had,” Myrtleford Lawn Tennis Club president, Peter Ternes said.
“We managed to nish the whole tournament despite the rain on Sunday.
“We had some early morning starts; some in darkness to begin with.
“Our Juniors especially did really well this year...we had an exceptional roll-out.”
With 97 Junior players listed over 127 entries, participating in 246 matches, played over the two and a half days of competition; Ingrid Barnard won the Girls’ 14 singles
title and Claye and Milla Corcoran won the 13 mixed competition.
In partnership with a visiting player, Summer Milne won the Girls’ 12 doubles match.
Claye Corcoran and Spence Reynolds won the Boys’ 12 doubles competition.
Ella McMasters and Emma Pasqualotto won the Girls’ 14 doubles match.
On the grass courts, the seniors’ matches saw 318 players across 490 entries, completing 564 sets over the four days.
In the women’s open singles match, Savannah James from the Kooyong Tennis Club emerged victorious against Maggie Snowdon, earning the Vonnie Matthews Perpetual Trophy.
In the men’s open singles match, Tom Patton defeated Aidin Fitzgerald, who was the eight-time previous winner of the tournament, to
claim the Ford and Warren Barton Perpetual trophy.
“We all considered this the highest standard singles’ match we’ve ever had,” Mr Ternes said.
In terms of local talent, Rob Franzoi and Nick Salmon were the winners of the Men’s A-grade doubles.
In partnership with a visiting player, Ryan Cobbe won the Men’s C-grade Red doubles title.
Shaun Reynolds and George Whitford claimed the Men’s Cgrade Black doubles title.
There were four sets of runnersup: Anissa and Tom Gri ths won the D-grade mixed double title.
Alex and Nick Salmon were runners up in the A-grade mixed doubles title.
Anissa Gri ths and Milena Zanetti were the runners-up in the Women’s D-grade doubles nal.
Louise Carney and Alex Salmon were runners up in the Women’s C-
grade doubles nal.
Maisy Fitzpatrick was runner up in the Girls’ 10 singles title.
Milla Corcoran came runner-up in the Girls’ 14 singles division.
In a partnership with a visiting player, Nia Lewis earned the 13 mixed doubles runner-up place.
Harriet Earl and Lexie Piazza came runners-up in the Girls’ 12 doubles competition.
Quinn Montgomery, in partnership with another visiting player, was the runner-up Boys’ 12 doubles title.
Spence Reynolds was the Boys’ 10 singles runner-up.
Zahra Hazeldine was the Girls’ 16 doubles runner-up in partnership with a visiting player.
Iza Montgomery was the Girls’ 14 doubles runner-up in partnership with a visiting player.
Ethan Browne was runner-up in the Boys’ 16 singles.
By NATHAN DE VRIES
LOCAL bodybuilder and tness fan Bruno Souza da Silva has been through quite the change.
A Bright resident, da Silva has capped o a stunning weight loss journey with podium nishes at the IFBB International Bodybuilding Competition, held in late March in Melbourne.
His bodybuilding journey began back in 2023, and the results of his hard work were evident, claiming a silver medal in Classic Physique Masters, and bronze medals in Body Building True Novice and Bodybuilding Open Light Heavyweight categories.
“On 18 August, 2023, I weighed 115kg with 30 per cent body fat – by 31 March, 2025, at the IFBB International Bodybuilding Competition, I stepped on stage at 82kg with just under four per cent body fat, losing approximately 32.7kg of fat in the process,” da Silva said.
“A er moving to Bright in 2021 from Geelong, where I was very active at CrossFit Raven, I struggled to nd a gym that t my professional schedule.
“I initially joined Bright Bootcamp in 2022, but their timetable didn’t suit my late-a ernoon workout preference.
“Without a consistent routine, my active eating habits quickly got out of hand.
“Joining Bright Sports Centre in June 2023 marked a turning pointeven though their equipment wasn’t ideal, it helped me transition from CrossFit/Bootcamp to serious bodybuilding.”
While da Silva said the workout equipment locally wasn’t enough, in
order to maximise his workouts with the best equipment available, he resorted to living out of his campervan at the Wodonga World Gym car park.
“The previous equipment at Bright Sports Centre was outdated, more like home setups than commercial-grade machines,” da Silva opined.
“Although the council later upgraded to Matrix equipment, these machines o er limited range of motion and don’t cater to key muscle groups.
“There’s a severe lack of equipment for legs - especially for glutes and calves - arms, chest, and shoulders.
“In contrast, gyms like Wodonga World Gym boast top-tier brands such as Hammer Strength, Cybex, and Panatta, essential for serious bodybuilders.
“It seems these changes were made without consulting the members, leaving dedicated athletes without the proper tools.”
While his bodybuilding career is still in its infancy, da Silva said he had his eyes on the prize.
“I plan to continue my tness journey and return to the stage at an even higher level, with the goal of winning a gold medal,” he said.
“While I’m not actively seeking sponsorship, I’d welcome any opportunities that might support my ongoing journey.
“I also have a deep love for sports - whether it’s riding my dirt bike (enduro), snowboarding, skiing, playing tennis and squash, or even hiking, these activities keep me active and fuel my passion for tness.”
Follow along with Bruno da Silva’s journey via his Instagram – brunosouzarj - and Facebook – brunoooooooo.
11.10.67 13.13.91
GOALS: WODONGA: T. Miller 3, R. Bourke 3, N. Spiteri 1, J. Yelland 1, A. Jorgensen 1, O. Willding 1, M. Wilson 1. NORTH ALBURY: A. Gardiner 3, J. Murphy 2, F. Gardiner 2, C. Gardiner 1, F. Gardiner 1, L. Taylor 1, T. Broomhead 1, N. Dennis 1, B. Rigoni 1. BEST: WODONGA: R. Bourke, T. O’Sullivan, T. Miller, M. Wilson, A. Jorgensen, W. Bradshaw. NORTH ALBURY: A. Gardiner, B. Rigoni, F. Gardiner, J. Hayes, G. Godde.
WANGARATTA ROVERS 5.6 8.9 15.15 20.18.138 ALBURY 1.2 2.2 2.3 4.4.28
GOALS: WANGARATTA ROVERS: N. Cooper 4, L. McCartney 4, D. Stone 3, j. lewis 2, N. Scholte 2, W. Christie 1, S. Murray 1, C. Thompson 1, S. Cattapan 1, B. Filo 1. ALBURY: M. Walker 1, J. Gaynor 1, R. Garthwaite 1, J. Pitt 1. BEST: WANGARATTA ROVERS: S. Cattapan, C. Thompson, J. Mcquade, L. O’Brien, E. Dayman, N. Cooper. ALBURY: M. Bender, B. Kelly, W. Unthank, M. Byrne, L. Koller.
A GRADE
Wodonga 52 def by North Albury 58 Wangaratta Rovers 37 def by Albury 53
Corowa Rutherglen 35 def Wodonga Raiders 30 Myrtleford 49 def by Lavington 52
Yarrawonga 67 def Yarrawonga 39
B GRADE
Wangaratta Rovers 45 def Albury 35; Wodonga 40 def by North Albury 42; Corowa-R’glen 37 def Wodonga Raider 36; Myrtleford 38 def Lavington 29; Yarrawonga 46 def Wangaratta 40.
C GRADE
Wangaratta Rovers 64 def Albury 24; Wodonga 42 def North Albury 29; Corowa-R’glen 28 def by Wodonga Raiders 41; Myrtleford 42 def Lavington 29; Yarrawonga 40 def by Wangaratta 42
17 & UNDER
Wangaratta Rovers 57 def Albury 31; Wodonga 31 def by North Albury 36; Corowa-R’glen 25 def by Wodonga Raiders 54; Myrtleford 40 def Lavington 36; Yarrawonga 46 def Wangaratta 36. 15 & UNDER
Wangaratta Rovers 35 def Albury 32; Wodonga 46 def North Albury 38;
Corowa-R’glen 16 def by Wodonga Raiders 71; Myrtleford 31 def Lavington 26; Yarrawonga 35 def by Wangaratta 36.
Wangaratta Rovers 12.9 (81) def Albury 6.9 (45)
GOALS: WANGARATTA ROVERS: R. McNamara 2, M. Semmens
2, Z. O’Shannessy 2, J. Correll 2, C. Maher 1, C. Johnson 1, E. Saunders 1, H. Mullane 1. ALBURY: N. Conway 2, R. O’Sullivan 2, R. Tinworth 1, J. Carey 1. BEST: WANGARATTA ROVERS: Z. O’Shannessy, J. Marek, j. allan, R. Harvey, J. Ford, J. Correll. ALBURY: N. Conway, E. Wallgate, B. Hilton, N. Prentice, J. Whiting, B. Davies.
Yarrawonga 5.4 (34) def by Wangaratta 14.11 (95)
GOALS: YARRAWONGA: L. Henley 2, B. Johnson 1, J. Fraser 1, N. Grieves 1. WANGARATTA: C. Petersen 2, R. Schultz 2, H. Barry
2, J. Blake 2, C. Donald 2, C. Kerwin 1, C. Newton 1, C. Bott 1, M. Bihun 1. BEST: YARRAWONGA: B. McDonald, A. Jaques, L. Henley, J. Ibbott, S. Bigger, R. Bone. WANGARATTA: C. Donald, E. Clayton, Z. Bott, T. Berry, C. Bott.
Myrtleford 2.1 (13) def by Lavington 22.11 (143)
GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: S. Crisp 1, T. Cooper 1. LAVINGTON: I. Robertson 6, R. Costello 5, R. Robinson 2, Z. Klemke 2, N. Edmunds 1, C. Webb 1, C. Way 1, F. Scott 1, S. Junck 1, W. Dickins 1, J. McGrath 1. BEST: MYRTLEFORD: C. Ashworth, W. Graham, H. Stripeikis, C. Piazza, J. Hazeldine, Z. Carroll. LAVINGTON: R. Costello, Z. Klemke, C. Hall, I. Robertson, A. Russell, F. Scott.
Wodonga 14.4 (88) def North Albury 10.13 (73)
Corowa Rutherglen 9.8 (62) def by Wodonga Raiders 11.12 (78)
COROWA-RUTHERGLEN 2.4 4.8 9..9 14.15.99
WODONGA RAIDERS 2.3 2.5 2.8 3.12.30
GOALS: COROWA RUTHERGLEN: K. Bradtke 5, D. Hope 2, C. Leslie 1, T. Forrest 1, J. Ugle 1, B. Morton 1, P. Lavis 1, L. McCarthy 1, F. Osborne 1. WODONGA RAIDERS: N. Bracher 1, J. Burke 1, B. Jones 1. BEST: COROWA RUTHERGLEN: R. Murphy, K. Bradtke, D. Hope, R. Irvin, J. Eyers, T. Roos. WODONGA RAIDERS: W. McCarty, C. Rich, B. Jones, B. St John, A. Pocock, A. Scammell.
GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: 1, J. East 1, B. Calogero 1, R. Bouker 1, D. Harrington 1. LAVINGTON: C. Sanson 2, A. Swinnerton 2, S. Driscoll 2, J. Glanvill 1, N. Newton 1, K. Davies 1, N. Paton 1. BEST: MYRTLEFORD: R. Smith, Z. Pethybridge, R. Calvene, S. Curtis, M. Munro, N. Ferguson. LAVINGTON: J. Costello, J. Driscoll, A. Swinnerton, J. Hart, J. Spina, J. Glanvill.
3.1 3.3 5.6 7.9.51
GOALS: YARRAWONGA: L. Williams 2, N. Fothergill 2, B. Coghill 1, M. Casey 1, L. Howe 1. WANGARATTA: X. Laverty 4, H. Gottschling 2, P. Heatley 1, B. Newton 1, H. Hewitt 1. BEST: YARRAWONGA: N. Irvine, D. Howe, W. Wheeler, N. Fothergill, J. Payne, H. Wheeler. WANGARATTA: A. Federico, X. Laverty, H. Smart, H. Hewitt, A. Tilley.
Peters, K. Smith, H. Nolan, H. McMonigle, s. rourke, J. Cook. ALBURY: W. Bowden, T. Miller, J. Hillary, N. Kelson, H. Cameron, H. Just.
Yarrawonga 10 2 (62) Wangaratta 16 6 (102)
BEST: YARRAWONGA: M. Grinter, Z. Fraser, B. Schofield, W. Lutula, D. Flanagan, J. Eales. WANGARATTA: O. Roberts, N. Sampson, H. Burgan, J. Bianco, J. Roberts, H. Graham. Corowa R’glen 17 11 (113) Wodonga Raiders 6 7 (43)
BEST: COROWA RUTHERGLEN: D. Clancy, H. Canning, W. Bott, M. Lavis, N. Wright, F. Parker. WODONGA RAIDERS C. Smith, B. Jerram, B. Knights, D. Ramage, A. Clare, J. Cannell. Myrtleford 10 3 (63) Lavington ................. 10.7 (67)
BEST: MYRTLEFORD: J. Sharp, N. Turner, T. Cossor, R. Grant, A. Wickes, J. Hazeldine. LAVINGTON: C. Robertson, D. Smith, A. Daniher, H. Barber, D. Finnimore, J. Oeser. ROUND 3
FRIDAY, APRIL 25
NTH ALBURY vs ALBURY WODONGA vs WODONGA RAIDERS
WANGARATTA vs MYRTLEFORD
SATURDAY, APRIL 26
WANG ROVERS vs LAVINGTON
COROWA-R’GLEN vs YARRAWONGA
*Ladder correct at time of print from Ovens and King website.
ROUND 5 SAT, APRIL 26
GOORAMBAT vs BENALLA ALL BLACKS MILAWA vs WHOROULY BRIGHT vs BONNIE DOON MOYHU vs KING VALLEY NORTH WANGARATTA vs TARRAWINGEE
BONNIE DOON
BONNIE DOON: T. Berenyi 4, E. Ivill
J. Magro
Carswell 2, C. Azzopardi 2, J. Law 2, C. Houghton 2, J. Curtin 2, J. Sanford 1, G. Murray 1. BENALLA ALL BLACKS: C. Drury 2, D. Broughton 1, C. Orchard 1, K. Glass 1. BEST: BONNIE DOON: J. Sanford, G. Murray, T. Berenyi, D. Carswell, J. Smart, K. Longstaff. BENALLA ALL BLACKS: F. Weeks, A. Hillaire, D. Button, K. Glass, K. Linke, S. Cox.
GRETA
MOYHU
GOALS: GRETA: F. Judd 7, B. Newbold 3, B. Pearson 3, C. Crawford 2, J. McClounan 2, J. Kelly 1. MOYHU: D. Laffy 4, N. Stewart 2, D. West 1, A. Thrum 1. BEST: GRETA: J. McClounan, J. Bell, F. Judd, L. Kennett, S. Mcleod, P. Fruzynski. MOYHU: L. Semmens, J. Coonan, C. Gibson, M. Thrum, D. Laffy, J. Preston.
GOALS: BRIGHT: C. Thomason 10, L. Quirk 6, C. Banks 3, W. Shem 2, P. Bren 2, R. Arguello 1, P. Sullivan 1, S. Dalbosco 1, R. Bacon 1. TARRAWINGEE: N. Gorman 2, T. Salmon 1.
BEST: BRIGHT: J. Love, A. Dalbosco, C. Banks, C. Thomason, L. Quirk, C. Thomson.
TARRAWINGEE: T. Hogan, N. Redley, T. Salmon, A. Amery, D. Hearne, W. Creed.
- - - 23.17.155
Blacks 23; Greta 33 def Moyhu 22; King Valley vs Milawa; Bright 43 def Tarrawingee 18.
THE 15th edition of the challenging Alpe de Buffalo junior road race was held in the picturesque roads around Bright and Mount Buffalo last weekend.
Sponsored by Wilson Asset Management, this junior tour has a reputation for being the toughest in Australia.
A total of 150 competitors aged between eight and 16 years old gathered in Bright’s Pioneer Park on a crisp autumn Saturday for stage one of the three stage event.
Hosted by the Alpine Cycling Club (ACC), the event attracts entrants from many Victorian clubs plus a large number of riders coming from NSW, ACT, SA, Queensland and Tasmania, making the competition a truly national affair.
In hotly contested Criterium bunch racing, riders lapped the difficult course for up to 15 laps, with the older group, the under 17s, averaging over 42km/h in the captivating race. Local ACC riders led the way in many categories - Lachlan Stewart won the under 17 boys race, while Luis Slotegraaf took the laurels
in the under 13 boys, and Scarlett Stewart claimed third in the under 15 girls.
Stage two saw riders move to Back Germantown Road for the individual time trial.
With the sun blazing, the spectators enjoyed the shade of this new course.
Slotegraaf continued his winning ways, again claiming first for ACC, but one of
the highlights was watching the seven under nines enjoy the course in the ‘come and try’ race.
As the sun rose on Sunday morning, so did the rid-
ers as they tackled the epic 25km course up Mount Buffalo to the famed chalet.
The State Hill Climb Championship, which has run for over three decades, was up for grabs and every rider gave it their all to conquer the climb.
Slotegraaf was able to claim the gold, while Scarlett and Lachlan Stewart took bronze in their respective categories.
The general classification competition, which sees riders’ combined time over all three stages resulted in first for Slotegraaf, second for Scarlett Stewart and third for Lachlan Stewart. It was a special presentation with the original founder of the event, Geoff Clark, in attendance to present the under 17 winners the perpetual trophy.
The Alpine Cycling Club wishes to send a big thanks to all the volunteers and supporters who continue to make this truly special event.
MYRTLEFORD GOLF CLUB
Saturday, 19 April
BASTONI PIZZERIA STABLEFORD & SUPER & AMCR 71
A Grade Winner: Alex Manzella (11) 39 pts. A Grade Runner Up: Chris Rowney (11) 36 pts.
B Grade Winners: Jye Cunneen (17) 37 pts. B Grade Runners Up: George Browne (24) 36 pts c/b.
Super 6 Winner: Will Currie (33) 17 pts. Super 6 Runner Up: Trout Batt (18) 15 pts.
Ball Winners: T Batt 36, J Martin 35, P Evans 35, J Roseby 35, A McKerral 35, D Pool 34, V Randall 33 c/b.
Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Brad Carroll, 4th 2nd Shot: Andrew Lo us, 8th: Pieter Veldman, 14th: David Matthews, 16th: Craig Piazza. Matthews Cleaning Encouragement Award: Paul Cowman 15 pts. Ra e Winner: Jon Harrington.
Thursday, 17 April
Bastoni Pizzeria Stableford AMCR
73
A Grade Winner: Angela O’Shaughnessy (14) 38pts. A Grade Runner Up: Judy Bynon (19) 36pts. Ball Winners: Sarah Deas, Ann Bryant, Linda Lo us.
Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Carolyn Prowse, 2nd 4th shot: Marnie Broz, 14th: Marg Curtis.
Wednesday, 16 April
Bastoni Pizzeria Stableford AMCR
71
A Grade Winner: Spider Hancock (12) 39 pts. A Grade Runner Up: Alex Manzella (11) 35 pts.
B Grade Winner: Paul Cowman (19) 37 pts. B Grade Runner Up: Richard Perryman (21) 35 pts Green Acres.
Ball Winners: A Jose 34, T Chapman 34, A Roseby 34, I Giovannoni 34.
Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Ichlis Giovannoni, 4th 2nd Shot: Spider Hancock, 8th: James Whitford, 14th: Ichlis Giovannoni.
Tuesday, 15 April
Bastoni Pizzeria Stableford AMCR
73
A Grade Winner: Kerry Chapman (32) 36c/b. A Grade Runner Up: Marg Curtis (15) 36pts. 9 Hole Winner: Robyn Ternes
(21) 20pts. 9 Hole Runner Up: Carol Ames (49) 19pts.
Ball Winners: Lesley Browne, Judy Bynon.
Foodworks NTPs - 1st Victoria
Sims, 2nd/4th: Marg Curtis, 8th Marg Curtis, 14th: Marg Curtis.
MOUNT BEAUTY GOLF CLUB
THE ladies split into two groups for the Wednesday, 16 April competition.
The back nine comp was won by Gill Harrow eld on a countback from Carol Bartholomew, both with 15 points.
Jooyon Kang-Redmond won the 18 hole comp with her 34 points from Ruth Rynehart with 33 points.
On Easter Saturday, 19 April, the 18 hole comp was won by Karen Etherton with her 33 points from Jooyon Kang-Redmond with 32 points.
NTP, second shot on the 18th was Leesa Bevan.
The Monday League 18 holes was won by Ross Rynehart with 37 points on a countback from Fred Gerardson.
NTP on the ninth was Fred Gerardson, the 17th was Roger Church and the 18th was Steuart Snooks.
The men played the back nine on Wednesday, 16 April which was won by Andrew Green eld with 21 points from Tony Campen, Ron Gallagher, Tom Docherty and Brett Williams all having 19 points each.
NTP on the 17th was Ron Gallagher and the 18th was Tony Campen.
Stableford was played by the men on Easter Saturday, 19 April with 45 points scored by Tom Redmond from Tom Docherty who scored a (normally) match-winning 41 points.
A score of 37 points came from Craig Docherty, father of Tom, and Peter Johns was not enough, nor was 36 points by Keith Archibald, Ben Ritson, Michael Hutchinson and Dan Paynter, although all got a ball each for their e orts.
NTP on the seventh, along with the Tatts Ticket from the Tawonga South Newsagency & Post O ce, was Dave Browning.
The ninth was Tom Docherty, the 17th was Keith Archibald, while Pe ter Johns took home the dough on the 18th.
Easter Monday, 21 April was a four ball Ambrose fun day.
The winning group on a countback was Will Betheras, Peter Hertzog, Anthony Boschetti and Taf Sullivan from Keth Archibald, Michael Lawton, Anne Archibald, and Michael Hutchinson with net 59.875 each.
Third was Nigel Mateo, Tom Redmond, Jooyon Kang-Redmond and Mark Redmond with net 60.625.
NTP on the seventh was Wes Dowel, along with the Tatts Ticket from the Tawonga South Newsagency & Post O ce.
The ninth and 17th was Anthony Boschetti while Don Mason took home the money on the 18th.
BRIGHT COUNTRY GOLF CLUB
AS Arnold Palmer once said, “The game has such a hold on golfers because they compete not only against an opponent, but also against the course, against par, and most surely against themselves.” – these words were never truer than at the Bright Country Golf Club this week.
On Monday, 14 April, 14 players competed in the weekly all gender Veteran’s Stableford event.
The only thing di erent was all
The winners were Colin Richardson 27 H/C 37 pts C/B from Ian Browne 23 H/C 37 pts.
Ball winners: Don Grimes 36 pts, Graham Barrow 35 pts C/B, Greg Dawson, Riversdale Golf Club 35 pts and Dennis Hayes 34 pts.
NTPs - 3rd: no one worried the marker, 6th: Greg Dawson, 11th: Charles Whie, 16th: Ray ‘The Borsch’ Borschmann.
On Wednesday, 16 April, the ladies played the rst round of the Hepburn Cup, an annual four ball competition.
Winners: Robyn McGrath and Robyn Poyner 96/76, Fran Bentley and Anne Quenbie 109/77.
NTPs - 3rd: Tina Cook, 6th: Anne Quenbie, 11th: Tina Cook, 16th: Carol Burgess. Thursday, 17 April, men’s Stableford competition.
A total of 40 players teed o including visitors from GSM Golf Club, Goonawarra Golf Club, Howlong Golf Club and Yarrambat Golf Club.
The winners were grinners as follows: David Bakkum 37 pts C/B, Heath Thompson 37 pts C/B, Dennis Pangrazio 26 H/C 37 pts, Graham
Badrock 16 H/C 36 pts C/B, Neil Gill 22 H/C 36 pts C/B, Butch Thomas 25 H/C 36 pts.
Ball winners: Brendan Mair 36 pts, Colin Richardson 35 pts, Paul Du 34 pts, Angus Murrells 34 pts C/B, Kevin Reed 34 pts C/B, John Forbes 34 pts, Graham McElvenny 33 pts C/B, Crusty Carlisle 33 pts C/B, Phil Jessen 33 pts C/B.
NTPs, 3rd: John Forbes, 6th: not eligible, 11th: Andrew Robertson, 16th: Mark Butters.
The winner of the chicken was Heath Thompson 19 points, and the NAGA went to Bill Bussau with a truly miserable 21 points, and that included a birdie on the 15th hole. Saturday, 19 April, all gender Stableford competition.
A crowd of 70 players, including 34 golfers from visiting clubs from Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, competed for the honours on Easter Saturday.
The winners were: James Brett from the Future Golf Club 25 H/C an astounding 47 pts, Jason Fillippi 11 H/C 41 pts C/B, Rod Brown 6 H/C 41 pts, Greg Walsh 17 H/C 40 pts, Judy Langford from Yarrawonga Golf Club 8 H/C 39 pts, Bill Stonhill 14 H/C 37 pts C/B, Jacob Smith 22 H/C 37pts, Anne Brookes from Riversdale Golf Club 23 H/C 36 pts C/B, Tony Chalwell 15 H/C 36 pts. Ball winners: Frog Thompson 36 pts, Steve Aloizos from PGA Golf Club 35 pts C/B, Guy Packham 35 pts C/B, Tim Fitzgerald from SGA Golf Club 35 pts C/B, David Brookes from Mollymook Golf Club 35 pts, Mark Stephenson 34 pts C/B, Anna Castles from Yarrawonga Golf Club 34 pts C/B, Nick Fitzgerald from Wollongong Golf Club 34 pts C/B, Andy Miller 34 pts C/B, and the lucky last, John Forbes from Pinchgut 34 pts C/B.
NTPs - 3rd: John O’Shea, 6th: jackpot, 11th: Crusty Carlisle, 16th: Justin Placek.
The Bright Golf Guru thought of the week: Standing on the tee at the fourth hole at Bright, do you chicken out and use a water ball, or do you just trust your natural ability to hit le of the water?
FINE FORM: Jessie Smith will look to continue his run of form when the Lions take on Milawa this weekend. INSET: A TALL TASK: Bec Allen and Whorouly’s A grade side will be up against it when they play the Demons. PHOTOS: Nathan de Vries
THERE is no doubt that internal and external expectations have shi ed for Dederang-Mount Beauty’s A grade netball side since last year’s long-awaited nals appearance.
AFTER taking the Easter weekend o with the bye, Whorouly’s footballers and netballers are eager to return to competition and post some wins. This weekend, the Lions head down the Snow Road to take on Milawa at the Milawa Recreation Reserve.
The senior Lions come o the bye sitting in the middle of the table, with two wins from their three matches played. A er a slew of horrible injuries
in round two hamstrung their performance against Bright, Whorouly responded with a brilliant win over King Valley.
With plenty of players now available for selection a er the bye, the Lions will look to the weekend with hunger for the win.
The Milawa match has been circled in the calendar for some time now, since it was revealed former AFL superstar Dane Swan would be suiting up in the red and blue for the Dees against Whorouly.
However, a spanner has been thrown into the works, with Swan only lasting 20 minutes in a game for Wagga Tigers over the weekend before su ering a hamstring injury, and is unlikely to be able to play.
Regardless of if they have a Brownlow Medallist on their side or not, the Demons will present a challenge for the Lions.
Over on the court, Whorouly will be backing themselves to perform well against an always challenging Milawa in the A grade.
Three wins from as many games in 2025 sees them sitting comfortably with the leading pack of ve, containing all of 2024’s nalists Kiewa Sandy-Creek, Chiltern, Thurgoona and
The month of May will be crucial for the Bombers, who play three of the teams listed above in a ve-game stretch.
Importantly, they will play three of these games on their home court but will be hoping to improve upon their 0-6 record against fellow nalists, which will need to be bettered if the Bombers wish to progress further into the nals series this time around.
While taking it one game at a time is an important mantra for her team, Dederang-Mount Beauty A grade coach Alex Dyde is excited for what is to come in the next few rounds.
“Three from three is a great start but we know our toughest matches are yet to come,” Dyde said.
The reserves squad will be looking to take their rst win of the season when they take on the reigning premiers in the midday game.
The Demons are currently second on the ladder a er losing to Tarrawingee in round three, while the Lions will be looking to string some winning performances together.
Whorouly takes on Milawa at Milawa this Saturday – netball action begins from 9.10am with the 15 and under game, with the football commencing with reserves from 12pm.
TARRAWINGEE have strengthened their premiership credentials with a thrilling eight-goal away win against Bright in OKFNL A grade netball, who are emerging as a powerhouse in their own right a er last Saturday’s promising performance.
The contest was touted as one of the matches of the season on a huge day at Pioneer Park, and the xture certainly did not disappoint the enormous Easter Saturday crowd, with Tarrawingee defeating Bright by 55 goals to 47.
A fast-starting Tarrawingee were the rst team to nd their feet and raced out of the blocks in the opening quarter, controlling the tempo of the game to gain a sizeable nine-goal lead, which would end up proving to be a match-de ning advantage.
With some positional changes, Bright hit back hard in the second quarter and cut the margin to ve, but more importantly, matched it with Tarrawingee in general play and you could see the momentum swing and li in con dence happening in real time out on court.
The match and lead ebbed and
owed at various stages of the second half, but the home team could never get within a couple of goals as the experienced Tarrawingee held their collective nerve in a highly skilled and high-scoring game.
On the eld, the match between ladder leaders Bright and ninthplaced Tarrawingee was a one-sided a air, ending in a 158-point di erence – 27.18 (180) to 3.4 (22).
To their credit, Tarrawingee brought their best pressure in the opening stages of the game and matched it with the home side but couldn’t transfer this into scoreboard impact.
Leads of 21, 47 and 85 points were reached at the end of three reasonably contested quarters that didn’t necessarily re ect the state of the game, but Bright went berserk in the nal term with twelve unanswered goals.
Key forwards Cooper Thomason (10 goals) and Luke Quirk (six) combined for more than half of the Mountain Men’s goal tally, while James Love, Zander Dalbosco and Cy Banks were dominant in their mid-
eld and forward roles.
Bright FNC President Gerard Gray was thrilled with day’s proceedings.
“It was a huge day for the club,” Gray said.
“There was a great crowd that really started to build from about 1pm onwards, and had us pretty well sold out of burgers, snags and everything in the canteen by half time in the senior football.
“Easter is probably worth about 5 ‘normal’ home games, and it does take a huge e ort by our committee and our volunteer base, so we never underestimate how important it is.
“We’re super proud of all of our teams, with ve out of seven wins, and A and B netball narrowly going down but playing some fantastic netball against the best in the competition.
“We are really looking forward to having another huge day this Saturday with it being another long weekend and another home game, playing Bonnie Doon who are in really good form in both netball and football.”
In round ve action this weekend, Bright host Bonnie Doon, while Tarrawingee head to North Wangaratta to play in a twilight xture on Saturday a ernoon – senior football will kick o at 4.30pm, while A grade netball starts at 4.50pm.
“Kiewa-Sandy Creek and Thurgoona have been top sides for the best part of a decade, they’re always a great challenge to play.
“However, their sides have been fairly consistent, so they are somewhat predictable which makes it easier for us to plan our approach, whereas we remain still somewhat unknown and unpredictable to others.
“It is not always a bad thing to come in as the underdog.”
“We play both these sides twice this year so the rst game will set the benchmark and when we face them again later in the year, and it’ll be interesting to see if we can improve further leading into the nals series.”
Dederang-Mount Beauty’s next opponent will be Beechworth in Mount Beauty, whose A grade netball team currently sits in tenth position on the league ladder, while Beechworth’s senior football side has two wins and a loss in three matches against quality opposition.
By NATHAN DE VRIES
IT came down to the wire on the court at McNamara Reserve on Easter Sunday, but the A grade Saints came up short in their encounter with Lavington.
In drizzly conditions against a tough opposition, Myrtleford fought hard all day but were defeated 49-52 by the Panthers.
The match was brimming with pressure and talented passing, with little to no margin of error on o er.
The Saints shot the rst three goals of the match, but Lavington fought back into the contest, and the seesawing began.
Every time a team would nd some momentum and shoot consecutive goals to pull away, they were brought right back to parity in quick succession.
The Saints trailed by two goals at quarter time before levelling the scores at 25-25 going into the second half.
A er some positional changes and rotations, Myrtleford took some time working into the quarter but a late
push saw them trail but just four goals with 15 minutes le to play.
Despite scoring ve of the last six goals, the de cit was too great to overcome, Myrtleford going down by three goals.
Niamh Thorn was incredible in goal keeper, Saige Broz in the midcourt was similarly strong, and Taylah Reidy shot at 83.33 per cent during her three quarters on court.
The Saints will be looking to get their rst win on the board as soon as possible, but it won’t be easy this Friday against Wangaratta Magpies.
The Magpies are coming o back-to-back losses and will be eager to prove themselves on ANZAC Day.
Netball action commences from 1pm at the Wangaratta Showgrounds this Friday, 25 April.
ANZAC Day netball times –Myrtleford vs Wangaratta 15 and under - 1pm. 17 and under - 2.20pm.
C grade - 3.40pm.
A grade - 5pm.
B grade - 6.20pm.
■ From back page
It wasn’t all doom and gloom, with several Saints standing up and performing well.
Riley Smith was incredible in the ruck and around the ground, while Riley Calvene, Zac Pethybridge, and Simon Curtis were all impressive.
“There was no malice in it, it was just one of those unfortunate accidents in footy,” Millar said of Murphy-Dale’s injury.
rounded match with more contributors.”
The Saints have a short turnaround for their next outing, an ANZAC Day blockbuster against the Wangaratta Magpies at the Wangaratta Showgrounds this Friday.
The Magpies are undefeated this year and are coming o a hearty 11-point win over Yarrawonga, and will present a signi cant challenge for the Saints.
IMMOVABLE: MATT MUNRO LOOKS TO LAY A MASSIVE TACKLE ON LAVINGTON’S CALEB CLEMSON.
“It was just one of those heavy knocks and he came o second best, but we won’t have him for the next three months which is really disappointing, but it’s an opportunity for someone else to take hold of.
“That was Riley’s [Calvene] best game for us at the club, I think he’s found a place down back for us - his desperation and commitment at the ball was a real feature, his endeavour and appetite to be a real competitor stood out.
“Simon’s been consistent since he came across to the club a few years ago, Zac Pethybridge was good, Riley Smith, our ruckman, was outstanding, and Matty Munro’s started the season well.
“Unfortunately, we just didn’t have enough contributors on the day, and they just had a more
“It is a short turnaround but they’re on a short turnaround as well, we’re both working on a veday break which is really unusual for community footy, but we love the fact we’ve been given the opportunity to play on ANZAC Day,” Millar said.
“It’s an important day on the Australian calendar and we feel privileged to be a part of that.
“We’ll just have to make sure we represent our community with distinction on Friday in what should be a good game.”
Footy action this ANZAC Day commences at the Wangaratta Showgrounds from 1pm with the reserves, followed by the seniors at 3pm and the thirds at 5.30pm. In other matches from the weekend, Myrtleford’s reserves fell 10.3 (63) to 10.7 (76), while the thirds were demolished 2.1 (13) to 22.11 (143).
THE Alpe de Bu alo took junior riders through some of the area’s stunning scenery last weekend.
Jean-Pierre
By NATHAN DE VRIES
A DEVESTATING nal quarter spelled disaster for the Myrtleford Alpine Saints in their rst senior football match at home in season 2025.
A er keeping pace with Lavington Panthers for three quarters on Easter Sunday in wet conditions, the Saints fell away to eventually go down 5.12 (42) to the Panthers’ 10.17 (77).
The match was intense from the rst siren and made for scrappy footy early, as the contested game was evenly fought out between the two sides.
It was a tough day for the forwards, but ex-AFL gun Matt Taberner opened the scoring for the Saints in his rst game of the year.
There was barely a kick in it for the rst half, with Myrtleford leading by a point at the major break.
The Panthers came out with
intent in the third quarter, kicking the rst two goals and putting the Saints’ backline under repeat pressure to lead by 11 points heading into the nal quarter.
Momentum was against the Saints, with the Panthers able to convert on their chances, kicking four goals on the trot to close out the game.
Myrtleford coach Craig Millar said their second half was simply not up to scratch.
“I thought our second half was extremely disappointing,” he said.
“Lavington in the second half were super – we kicked four points in the third quarter and they kicked two goals four, they de nitely had the ascendancy in the third quarter and in the last quarter they really stepped it up.
“That was probably the disappointing part, we didn’t play the way we have been playing over preseason and last week, and we
need to get back to that because we know that works for us.
“We just need to get back to the way we play footy, we know that works for us, and unfortunately we were just inconsistent with that on Sunday.”
The Saints will be without Lachy Murphy-Dale for at least three months a er he sustained a broken jaw colliding with a spoiling st in a contest.
■ Continued page 26
