AO260225SamReiher

Success for Spartan sprinters

ALPINE ACHIEVEMENT: COMPETITOR, MANDY ELLINGTON CELEBRATED HER VICTORY AT THE FINISH LINE.

By PHOEBE MORGAN

THE much anticipated Spartan obstaclecourse races were held at Bright over the weekend to the delight of more than 5000 participants and hundreds of enthusiastic spectators.

Spartan event organiser, Armando Pianese said there were 20 to 30 per cent more attendees and participants over two days compared to last year’s races.

“I think we had a record number of people at this year’s event,” he said.

“I’ve been talking to the local hotels: they were fully booked and the feedback I’ve had from racegoers was great.

“The weekend was exceptional: Bright is a great location for us.

“I’ve heard some spectators who want to be involved in the race next year.

“This was probably the best event we’ve held here.”

A tness enthusiast himself, Armando was able to sneak in a run over the weekend.

“I managed to do the overnight, four-hour course, which was the only one I could’ve done, because I was coordinating and helping out over Saturday and Sunday,” he said.

Sunday saw showers cover the course, but this was no deterrent to the masses of enthusiastic runners who accepted the rainfall as a blessing as they pushed themselves to the limit.

Congratulations to all the runners and a huge pat on the back to the support sta , friends and families, organisers and sponsors for another fantastic Spartan weekend.

Spartan organisers already have their sights on next year’s race in Bright and will work together with local council and agencies to arrange another awesome weekend.

In the meantime, Spartan’s next race will be held in the Hunter Valley on March 22 and 23.

SPOT-ON SPONSORSHIP: THESE COMPETITORS FULLY APPRECIATED SPARTAN’S SPONSORSHIP FROM LOCAL FAVOURITE, BRIGHT BREWERY.

BLUSTERY BOON: SATURDAY SAW SHOWERS SWEEP THE REGION TO TEST THE SPARTANS’ ENDURANCE.

ALL BUSINESS: EVEN AT THE STARTING LINE, RUNNERS HAD THEIR END GOAL IN SIGHT.

By PHOEBE MORGAN

THIS May will mark 17 years of Myrtleford’s fantastic La Fiera festival.

The annual fair is all about celebrating all things Italian with laughter, dance, authentic Italian food, wines and lots of fun.

Decade-long volunteer and La Fiera spokesman, John Constenaro said the event is currently in itsnal stages of planning.

“La Fiera is primarily a community-based event: one of the last truly authentic Italian festivals in the country,” he said.

“The vast majority of the authentic fare on the weekend will be made by northern and southern regional Italian groups.”

In the past, the fair has been launched with an opening act, which organisers will reinstate this year; featuring comedian James Liotta and his show ‘Mamma’s Still Not Happy’.

“I’ve been involved with the festival for quite a few years,” Mr Liotta said.

“One of greatest things about La Fiera is people come from all over Victoria to attend.

“On Friday night, I’ll be opening the festival weekend with my show at the EMPAC theatre in town.

“I’ve never done a country-Victorian show with this performance, so this will be the debut.”

Mr Liotta will also be part of ‘La Festa’ on Saturday.

“We’re really looking forward to

Italian festival set to return to Myrtleford

TREATS: (from le )

welcoming James back,” Mr Costenaro said.

“James Liotta has been a great supporter of La Fiera and the MC, for many years now.

“As a one-o , he’s decided to put on a stand-up comedy performance as part of La Fiera.

“It’s an honour to have such a renowned comedian from Melbourne to help us with the festival.”

Saturday will be the focal point of the fair: ‘La Festa’.

The day is sure to bring in the crowds with performances, food and wine from local producers and

a great day out for everyone.

“One hundred per cent of our wines are provided by local vignerons,” Mr Costenaro said.

“We will also source out to external food providers, as long as they supply authentic, great quality fare.”

By PHOEBE MORGAN

MYRTLEFORD’S Carnevale celebration held at Club Savoy on Saturday night was a huge success. With over 80 revelers in

attendance, some travelling from as far away as Shepparton and Melbourne, everyone was in a festive mood.

“Everyone got in the spirit of Carnevale,” secretary of the Vencentini Nel Mondo

Circolo di Myrtleford, Mara Greco said.

“There were lots of people dressed up as di erent characters; a monk, Marie Antionette, an emperor; we had a bit of everything.

On Sunday, attendees will be able to drop into ‘Il Mercato’ to enjoy walking around the Piazza as the Myrtleford Farmers’ Market takes on an Italian feel.

Special guest Elise Pulbrook will be there on the day to create canapes incorporating produce from the stalls at Il Mercato.

“We would like to ask any people who are interested to reach out and volunteer and lend a hand on Saturday especially,” Mr Costenaro said.

“We would be very grateful for any amount of time they can contribute.”

La Fiera is a ticketed event with the o cial program and all other details expected to be nalised by mid-March.

Tickets to James Liotta’s show are already available: book your seats early for the one-night-only performance. To nd out more and to book tickets, visit: https://la era.com.au/.

Carnevale a Venetian victory and a win for good taste

“It was a joint e ort between the committee and lot of hard work, but it was very, very satisfying to see the smiles on people’s faces: 10 out of 10.

“The children enjoyed it very much as well.

“We had three courses which were delicious and a credit to the Savoy Club; the crostoli disappeared very quickly.

“The hall was decorated beautifully and the DJ did very well; he had a friend

with him to play the guitar along with his music, which added to the atmosphere.

“Surprisingly, some of the attendees were even talking about next year’s celebrations already.”

VARIED VENETIAN VISAGES: Paul Rizzato, Richard Haw, Mara Greco, Mark Marotta, Caterina Marotta, Martin Revrenna and Vince Greco got in the Carnevale spirit with colourful costumes. celebrated in style.

PHOTOS: Jennifer Zamperoni

TRADITIONAL

Mirella Glogolia and Mara Greco from the Venetian community group, ‘Vicentini di Myrtleford’ manning the crostoli stall.

PHOTO: ‘By George Photography’

CUE THE CURTAIN: Melbourne comedian, James Liotta, will debut his performance ‘Mamma’s Still Not Happy’ in a country-Victorian setting this year at La Fiera.

Bi-annual beer tax concerns local brewers

By PHOEBE MORGAN

THE federal government’s half-yearly alcohol excise price for beer and spirits rose by a factor of 1.004 earlier this month, adding to the concerns of smaller, independent breweries and distilleries across the country.

“The excise charged to beer and distillery producers is judged o the percentage of alcohol in the product,” Bright Brewery’s brand manager and chairperson of the Independent Brewers Association (IBA), Evin Craney said.

“The more the alcohol, the higher the excise-rate will be; hence the reason you see Australia having a lot more mid-strength and low-alcohol products.

“The pressure of taxation has forced us to become more moderate in what we produce.

“Wine has a di erent taxation regime; the Wine Equalisation Tax is based on the sale cost of the product and hasn’t been touched for decades.

“Wineries themselves are able to essentially set their own tax rate, depending on

The pressure of taxation has forced us to become more moderate in what we produce.

- EVIN CRANEY

what they want to sell their products for, thus the disparity there is very obvious.”

While the IBA understands the excise tax has an important role, there is a call for a halt in the bi-annual increase.

“We’d like to call for a pause for the next 18 to 24 months, to just nd sure-footing for members,” Mr Craney said.

“Our awareness of what the increase will be, isn’t known until it’s announced and then it’s active the next day.

“It means large-scale increases will have to be absorbed into our cost base im-

COST CREEPS

FOR CRAFT

CRANEY FROM THE BRIGHT BREWERY SAID THE SET TAXATION INCREASE IS A GAME OF DIMINISHING RETURNS IN THE LONG-RUN.

mediately and we can’t pass those on to consumers.

“It’s especially challenging when you’re in an economic downturn and consumers have less disposable income.

“As part of the IBA, we are asking for consumers who are concerned, to raise it with their local members of parliament to achieve federal support for our industry.”

As the price of beer and spirits rises in pubs, restaurants and packaged takeaway services, this will ultimately impact the public and their ability to enjoy a locally made drink.

“Australian-made products will become exceptionally expensive,” owner of Dinner Plain’s ‘Big Muster Distilling Co.’ Steve Belli said.

“For smaller distilleries like mine, the excise tax is not a massive issue, but when we get over the $350,000 federal rebate benchmark, it will become an issue.

“A new election promise from Labor was an increase in the rebate cap to $400,000, which was only just announced last week.”

Co-owner of Mountain Monk Brewers, Stephanie Bellman said in the Alpine

region, the challenges faced by independent brewers are compounded.

“If independent breweries struggle to sell their beers to third party venues without drastically lowering their already thin pro t margins, many of them may eventually have to cut back on operations or close their doors all together,” she said.

“This is concerning not only for the sustainability of these small businesses but also for employment in regional communities.

“At Mountain Monk, we currently employ almost 20

sta members and many larger breweries in the region employ way more than 50 or 80 at least.

“Thus, in an area where job opportunities are limited, the implications of these tax hikes can be dire.

“In terms of future tax increases, I believe it would be far better to see adjustments made only when absolutely necessary.

“The government has previously eased tax burdens on the wine industry, so it’s perplexing that the beer industry continues to face such heavy taxation.”

OVERWHELMING RESPONSE TO SKIN CANCER CHECK VAN

THE Myrtleford Lions Club successfully hosted the ‘Skin Check and Awareness Unit’ on February 15 and 16, providing more than 140 attendees with free skin checks.

The event aimed to promote skin wellness and raise awareness about the importance of regular screenings.

Over two days, residents from Myrtleford and surrounding areas visited the Recreation Reserve for full-body skin checks conducted by accredited dermoscopists to identify potential skin abnormalities, such as lesions, skin tags or moles.

While no diagnoses or treatments were provided, individuals were referred to their GP if anything of concern was identi ed.

Attendees were encouraged to follow up with their GP, emphasising the importance of proactive skin health and early detection in combating skin cancer.

The initiative received great feedback from participants.

“There were way more people than we were expecting,” one of the event organisers and Myrtleford Lions Club member, Chris Buono said.

“We were fully booked-in three days a er we announced the program.

“People were still calling in days later to make a booking.

“We had 60 people on the stand-by list.

“We won’t be able to book another van for 18 to 24 months, which is disheartening.

“But we encourage people to start a conversation with their doctor or GP if they have concerns.

“It just goes to show the power

that initiatives like this can have.” By leveraging funds raised through local events, most notably the annual Golden Spurs Rodeo held on Boxing Day, and engaging with generous supporters, the Lions consistently deliver programs that address pressing needs and aim to continue to be a force for good in Myrtleford.

Through initiatives like this, the Myrtleford Lions Club remains dedicated to fostering unity and well-being. The club looks forward to continuing its mission of supporting the community through diverse programs and partnerships, demonstrating how care and collaboration can drive meaningful change.

SURVEY: (From le ) Dermascopists extraordinaire: George Walpole, Tom and Fran Kaitler, Harold Malone and Julianne Cli manned the Skin Cancer Check Van, set up by program organisers from the Myrtleford Lions Club Chris Buono and Rick Rickard.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Exhibition presents a different perspective of Bogong Village

FAY MASON, Kiewa

THE Bogong Centre of Sounds Culture ( BCSC) is hosting another unique exhibition starting on February 28. ‘Look both Ways, A New perspective on Bogong Village’.

Artist Lesley Duxbury’s ‘Look

Both Ways’ transforms the landscapes of Bogong Village through the lens of Black Mirror, an 18th century optical device once used by artists and travellers.

Lesley is a Gippsland based artist specialising in photography, printmaking and text, her work is held in major public collections throughout Australia.

Join Lesley and BCSC curator Madelynne Cornish for an engaging discussion on art, nature and how we see the world on March 1 at 1pm.

For more information go to bogongsound.com.au

DON’T let International Women’s Day go by without celebrating the theme this year“Accelerate Action - speeding up the progress on gender equality.”

The Mount Beauty

Neighbourhood Centre is hosting a morning tea on Friday, 7 March at 10am with guest speakers and prizes this will be a fun event.

International Women’s Day ribbons will be on sale at $5 to support women in the third world and war torn countries by supplying them with an essentials package.

Book now , call the Neighbourhood Centre on 03 5754 1166.

LOCAL children’s author Angela Toniolo will be reading her debut

book ‘ Mavis, The Little Plane Spotter’ at the Mount Beauty Library on Saturday, 1 March 10am til 12 noon.

It will be a party with morning tea, games, prizes and face painting.

I have a copy of this book and it is delightful story with beautiful illustrations.

Parents of young children know the benefits of reading from an early age , encourage them to engage in reading, it is such a good thing to do.

This would be a good way to start.

ALPINE FM Brunch program today will have Dr Helen Haines on at 9.30am, followed by Sue Hogan on Carers at 10.10am, things will get lively ( maybe even heated) on the Talking Heads segment with Michael Ahearn as we are going to talk US politics.

Brunch now airs on Tuesdays as well as Wednesdays.

Following Brunch today we have the Alpine Leisure Group request program, then Reading for the Visually impaired, and The Pale Blue Dot. Lots of variety on Alpine 96.5 FM your emergency broadcaster.

A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE: Artist Lesley Duxbury’s ‘Look Both Ways’ exhibition at Bogong Centre of Sounds Culture opens on February 28.

Eats event, peak perfection

By PHOEBE MORGAN

LAST weekend saw gourmet adventurers enjoy the sights, tastes and sounds of this year’s Eats at the Peak celebrations at Mount Hotham.

Over February 15 and 16, dozens of gastronomic enthusiasts made a pilgrimage to the high country to celebrate our local suppliers and participate in a number of masterclasses to prepare regional produce.

“It was a very successful event this year,” one of the Eats at the Peak organisers, Steve Belli said.

“We had our rst snow of the season on Saturday, which I’m sure it stopped a few people from coming to the event.

“To be fair it does get cold here in winter, down to minus seven, but it was a fantastic weekend for all involved.

“The collaboration between local agribusinesses, customers and local businesses on and o the mountain has been great for building awareness of our excellent produce and the sustainable methodology in our region.

“We’d like to thank all the agribusinesses, local breweries, wineries and distilleries that were in attendance, plus our local musos for putting on a great weekend.

“Thanks also to the part-funding from DEECA and the support from Alpine Resorts Victoria to achieve this great event.

“It is envisaged at this point in time that the event will run in 2026.”

Community members encouraged to help Clean Up Australia

COMMUNITY members across the shire are invited to a series of events that will bring people together to help clean up and conserve our natural environments.

Clean Up Australia Day is Australia’s longest-running national day of environmental action.

In 2025, this important campaign is celebrating 35 years of keeping lands, roads and waterways clean and pollution-free.

Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, encourages community members to rally their friends and family to join a local event and help eliminate litter and waste.

“Every year, there are sel ess people in our communities who make the e ort to pick up rubbish across the Alpine Shire,” she said.

“While we can’t control the actions of those who litter, we can join these people on Clean Up Australia Day to help remove waste and restore our natural environments.

“It is terri c to see groups of people working together to pick up quite large amounts of rubbish and I thank all who participate.”

There are three events taking place across the Alpine Shire on Sunday, 2 March 2025.

A clean up is scheduled for How-

itt Park along the Ovens River in Bright: meet at the Sibley Soundshell at 9am.

There will be a post-clean up sausage sizzle for volunteers.

Register for Bright by visiting: https://register.cleanup.org.au/fundraisers/sarahtwyford/clean-upaustralia-day-bright

In Mount Beauty there will be a clean up in Bicentennial Park and the Mount Beauty Pondage.

Volunteers can meet at the barbecue shelter at 9am, with a postclean up sausage sizzle for volunteers planned a erwards.

Register for Mount Beauty by

Quilt Cover Set CLEARANCE

visiting https://register.cleanup. org.au/fundraisers/sarahtwyford/ clean-up-australia-day-mountbeauty

In Myrtleford the Myrtleford & District Landcare & Sustainability Group will host a clean up at Happy Valley Creek.

People willing to lend a hand can meet at the Jubilee Park Pavilion at 9:30am and celebrate their e orts with the post clean-up morning tea and barbecue provided.

Parking will be available at the Myrtleford Lawn Bowls Club, across the pedestrian bridge.

Register for Myrtleford by visit-

ing https://register.cleanup.org.au/ fundraisers/myrtlefordlandcare/ clean-up-barwidgee--creek--myrtleford.

All volunteers are reminded to bring suitable footwear, a hat, water bottle and sunscreen.

Community members are encouraged to look out for volunteers on Sunday, 2 March 2025, who will be wearing high-vis as they help to Clean Up Australia.

Thank you to Myrtleford & District Landcare & Sustainability Group for once again hosting the Clean Up Australia Day event in Myrtleford.

WORRY-FREE WEEKEND: Event organiser, Jean Francois Rupp and Elizabeth Davies manned the stalls for visiting gastronomic enthusiasts.

SNOWY SUCCESS: Eats at the Peak participants made the most of the alpine outdoor experience.

PHOTOS: Jean-Pierre Ronco

Community coffers contribute to new SES vehicle

By PHOEBE MORGAN

THE Bright SES Unit has welcomed a new support vehicle to their eet, thanks to funding received from the Bright Hospital Op Shop (BHOS).

The unit’s previous vehicle reached its service expiry date in 2023, which led to the application for a new truck.

“The SES turn over their vehicles every ten years,” Bright SES Controller, Graham Gales said.

“We applied for a grant in 2023 and the Op Shop were going to support us by matching the value of the grant with the same contribution.

“We missed out in 2023, but we applied again last year

and we went back to the Op Shop and asked if they were happy to support us the same amount once again.

“They returned by saying: ‘well, we’d like to contribute the funds to buy the whole vehicle’.”

From there, the Bright Unit contacted Fleet Division of the SES in May 2024 and informed them they had the funds necessary to buy a new vehicle and Bright SES were added to the list of recipients and the build was started.

“We didn’t immediately jump to the front of the queue when we were added to the build list,” Mr Gales said.

“We might’ve been the tenth Unit requesting a new vehicle, which is why it’s

taken us eight or so months to get it.

“But by collaborating with the BHOS instead of waiting for the whole grant, we’ve got a vehicle now, probably six months ahead of when we would’ve got it.

“One of the best parts is the interior of each compartment is individually lit, which is great for nding equipment at night.”

BHOS president, Eileen Hunter said they get approximately 12 requests for funding in a year.

“Most of our requests for funding come from Alpine

Health to go towards new equipment,” Ms Hunter said.

“For over 12 months the BHOS committee and the SES have been working towards acquiring this new truck.

“The SES needed funds themselves, before they applied for funds for a new truck.

“When their grant application looked like it was going to stall, we o ered to fund the whole amount.

“They had hoped to get a new truck organised in time for Christmas last year to cover the busy summer period, but it didn’t happen.

“The SES are obviously an

important part of the community: how could you survive in this area without this amazing organisation?

“Seeing the SES Unit receive their new truck at last shows the importance of our volunteers’ e orts and it’s good to see what our community donations can go towards.”

Bright SES section leader, Nathaniel West said the new support vehicle is de nitely an improvement on the old truck.

“The new truck has more room to hold our all of our equipment,” he said.

“Right now we’re still in

the trial phase; we’ve spent about two hours discussing the best way to store the equipment in the truck.

“The drawers are the best thing because they can store these poles safely, instead of them being stacked on the top of the vehicle like they were before.

“Now there’s a new ladder and a store box secured on top of the vehicle.

“With this new truck, we can take the right vehicle to the situation that needs it; instead of taking the roadcrash truck to fallen tree incidents, for example.”

SUPPORTING EMERGENCY SERVICES: (From le ) SES Bright members: Controller Graham Gales, Russell Maunder, section leader Nathaniel West, Harley Baker and treasurer Mike Worton gave thanks for their new vehicle to volunteers of the Bright Op Shop, vice president Jane Harvey, Sheila Young, president Eileen Hunter, Doreen Worton, secretary Sue de Carheil and treasurer Lyn Miller.

Alex Chibnall

Where do you live?

I live in Bright.

How long have you lived in the area?

I’ve been here for just over eight years. I used to live in Ballarat.

What do you do for a living?

I work at Burgerville in Bright.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I’m a mountain bike rider and trail runner. I’m an outdoor enthusiast: anything to be outside, it’s a beautiful place for it.

What do you think makes the area unique?

The mountains, rivers and the town we have are super beautiful. We have a super amazing community as well.

What would you change about the area?

Fewer AirBnBs and more permanent rentals. There’s lots of big expensive houses around that everyday people can’t rent or buy.

Nadia Mellor

Where do you live?

I live in Albury.

How often do you get to the area?

I visit Myrtleford about four or five times a year; I like the Rail Trail in the area. I also get to Mount Beauty and Falls Creek 20 times during the snow season.

What do you do for a living?

I’m retired. I used to be a school counsellor at Myrtleford Secondary College and a social worker. What are your hobbies and interests?

Skiing, bike riding, triathlon. I also like woodworking and restoring furniture. I built a shed on my property in my retirement to be able to work on projects, but then I found the Albury Women’s Shed, so now I can work at either place.

What do you think makes the area unique?

Mount Buffalo and Bogong are beautiful. I also enjoy the serenity of both the Ovens and Kiewa valleys. Myrtleford has changed from a vibrant tobacco town, to a vibrant tourist town of its own. What would you change about the area? Nothing.

The Inspirational Women of the Alpine Shire & surrounds feature will present the perfect opportunity to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women – whether this be in our community, or within your own workforce.

Behind many successful businesses throughout the Alpine Shire & surrounds there are women. From mainstream retail and commercial businesses, to manufacturing and local, state and federal politics to industry, women are at the top of their game of success in many fields of work.

MYRTLEFORD

BRIGHT

institutions’

Multitudes of Men’s Shed members meet at Myrtleford

By PHOEBE MORGAN

LAST Wednesday saw Myrtleford’s Men’s Shed host a quarterly Cluster Meeting, with approximately 50 guests arriving from surrounding sheds to discuss their state of a airs.

Representatives in attendance included: Albury (both women’s and men’s groups), Wagga Wagga, Culcairn, Walla Walla, Wodonga, Beechworth, Corryong, Thurgoona, Mount Beauty, Howlong, Tallangatta, Yackandandah, Henty, Uranquinty, Manseld and Rutherglen.

They spoke of what was going on in their sheds and what challenges they faced, but also the triumphs and milestones accomplished.

“The purpose of today is to share among everybody, what’s working in other

clubs and highlight any issues, including men’s mental health,” Myrtleford Men’s Shed secretary, Barry Holden said.

Advice exchanged between representatives varied from contacting the local paper via media contact about future events and establishing a patron, to running a number of courses from their shed.

One shed even had one of their members teach the others how to cook and banned sausage sizzles from future fundraisers.

The primary concern across the sheds was the difculty in locating new members.

“I’ve just recently retired from a corporate background and now I’m making miniature models during our shed gatherings, which I’m really enjoying,” new member of

Beechworth Men’s Shed, Neil Taylor said.

“I’ve come along today to see how it all works and to make connections with members of other sheds.”

Margaret Gray from Myrtleford said she heard about the meeting through her husband and thought it would be interesting.

“It’s a pity there isn’t a Women’s Shed; for some women, there’s nowhere to go to learn new skills,” she said.

“I just want to hear what they have to say and see what there is for women to do.”

Myrtleford Men’s Shed recently announced an open invitation to women to become members and invited representatives from the established Albury Women’s Shed (AWS) to attend the Cluster Meeting.

Liz Cummins of the AWS relayed the success of colocating at the Thurgoona Men’s Shed facility.

“Co-sharing has worked really well for us since 2010,” she said.

“One of our main goals is to run a competency training program for our members, so they are comfortable using equipment in the shed.

“Starting with a blank slate, it usually takes four months to get new members up to speed.”

The Victorian Men’s Shed Association regional co-ordinator, Mark Tyrell spoke of the association’s work to support networks of sheds across the state.

He encouraged attendees to reach out to their local MPs and let them know about upcoming shed events and remind them of the im-

portant role sheds play in community mental health.

“You might be working together on a woodwork or metalwork project, but primarily sheds are health institutions,” Mr Tyrell said.

“You walk through the door; there’s a health bene t.

“We need to get councils on board: you’re not just workshops or social clubs; sheds actually provide real bene ts to the community from a health perspective.

“A er they submitted their annual Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan last year, only three councils and shires out of the 79 in Victoria included Men’s Sheds and acknowledged the role they play.

“It’s important because in those health plans, they talk about social isolation, mental health, healthy living, healthy aging: these are

all areas that [Men’s Sheds] cover just by their existence.

“Communities with strong sheds will have a really positive impact.”

Alanna McLees from Halliday Solicitors was guest speaker to answer any questions attendees might have had about wills, enduring personal and nancial power of attorney, medical treatment decision and advanced care directives.

Representatives from Wagga Wagga volunteered to hold the next Cluster Meeting. As a parting gi , the representative from Corryong, Maurie Fong stood and recited the poem: ‘A Man’s Gotta Do, What a Man’s Gotta Do’. Attendees were then invited to enjoy a barbecue lunch, before dropping in to the Myrtleford’s Shed to view their current projects.

that Men’s Sheds have become.

QUALITY CLUSTER CHIN-WAG: Neil Taylor and Ian Smith represented the Beechworth Men’s Shed and caught up with people they haven’t seen since the last meeting.

HONOURABLE HOSTS: (From le ) Myrtleford Men’s Shed members; Clive Walker, Trevor Isherwood, secretary Barry Holden and president Neville Leonard were at the church early to roll out the red carpet for their regional guests.

SIZZLE STAPLE: (From le ) Gordon Smith and Trevor Isherwood manned the BBQ for everyone to enjoy a er the meeting.

Myrtleford memorial for Doctor Peter Broughton

FOR many decades, the name Peter Broughton has been synonymous with healthcare and dedication in the Myrtleford and district community.

Because of his innumerable contributions to the Myrtleford area, a small group of locals have formed a committee to set up a permanent memorial in his honour, so his legacy can in some way continue for future generations.

A bust and plaque commemorating Dr Broughton is planned to be installed at Jubilee Park, with the memorial committee already having raised half of the funds for the project.

“He was just instrumental in so many ways of making this town what it is today,” memorial committee member, Julie Brandellero said.

“This memorial is something the six or seven of us have been speaking about for a long time, because we knew we needed something to pub-

licly recognise Dr Broughton.

“He’s a pioneering doctor virtually, because he did so much for the community itself, so we all got together and said ‘let’s do this’.

“The goal is to raise another six or seven thousand dollars; if we get more than that, the remainder will be donated to the hospital or to something that he was involved in.

“We’re trying to let the public know, even if they might not necessarily have known him, their family would have bene ted from him in the past and still bene t from his efforts and what he’s done.”

Dr Peter Broughton was not only a general doctor, but he was also a dedicated obstetrician and gynecologist.

He was a very community-oriented person who worked tirelessly to improve the healthcare of the residents in the Myrtleford area.

Peter Broughton served in the RAF, rst in the Middle-East and the

from bushfires.

Western desert, where he served as a gunner deployed to the United Kingdom during WWII before emigrating to Australia.

A er WWII, he found his calling in medicine and a er six years of study, he began working at the Alfred hospital in Melbourne.

He then moved to Ararat, Rushworth and Stanhope before moving to Myrtleford, where he took over the Standish Street surgery in 1962 from his predecessor, Dr Victor Pippet.

It was at this surgery he practised alone until 1978, when he was joined by Dr Roger Briggs.

“When I was a nurse at the hospital in town, we had theatre ve days a week and seven in emergencies,” fellow committee member, Eileen Garoni said.

“No one ever had to wait three or four weeks to see a doctor and there was only two of them in town: amazing.

TACKLING small res before they become uncontrollable bush res, excluding re from recovering forests, and sabotaging beetle mating rituals are just some of the strategies proposed to save Australia’s iconic snow gum.

Snow gum woodlands are the iconic vegetation community of mountain environments in South Eastern Australia and are facing the prospect of ecological collapse, due to more frequent and intense bush res which are driven by climate change and the changing behaviour of native wood-boring beetles.

Long, unburnt snow gum forests are important for ecosystem services, have socio-cultural bene ts, and conservation values, but they are now exceedingly rare, comprising less than one per cent of snow gum forests in the Victorian Alps.

The Snow Gum Declaration 2025 urges governments to immediately fund solutions to combat this dual threat to snow gum survival.

The statement was cra ed by a gathering of leading academics, land managers, First Peoples, outdoor groups and concerned citizens at The Snow Gum Summit, a conference that took place in Dinner Plain in North East Victoria from February 14 to 16.

“They were wonderful GPs, both of them.”

Dr Broughton remained at the Standish Street surgery until his retirement in 1999.

Dr Broughton was a Rotary member from 1969 onwards as director, vice president and president, spearheading many of Rotary’s projects in the Myrtleford area.

He led the establishment of Hawthorn Village in Bright and the extension of Barwidgee Lodge in Myrtleford.

He was a member of the Myrtleford Hospital board and was honoured with the title of Life Governor.

He initiated the Meals on Wheels program in Myrtleford and secured much of the funds required for the Ovens Valley Aged Care Project.

He worked tirelessly with Legacy to care for Legacy widows.

Dr Broughton was a member of the now disbanded Savoy Club Eth-

nic Welfare Committee and in 1993 became the Alpine Shire’s Citizen of the Year.

In 1998 he lead the committee to reboot the Ovens Valley International Festival, which has now grown into the ‘La Fiera’ Festival.

He was a dedicated committee member who believed strongly in bridging the gaps between the diverse groups in the Myrtleford area.

The memorial committee is organising a fundraising smorgasbord to be held at the Savoy Club on March 14. All are welcome.

Emerging solutions were identi ed during the event, like re response procedures that could protect snow gum woodlands and build their resilience to future bush res by excluding re as these systems recover.

Dr Matthew Brookhouse’s work using the pheromones to confuse mating longicorn beetles was also identi ed as one promising avenue to address the currently uncontrolled spread of snow gum die-back.

The conference, organised by Friends of the Earth Melbourne, hosted more than 90 people and recognised snow gums as an iconic feature of the Australian Alps.

“Mountain environments are integral cultural landscapes to First Peoples and are signi cant in the hearts and minds of many Australians,” Cam Walker, organiser of the Snow Gum Summit, said.

“Australia’s Alpine regions are globally unique and also support local economies and play a huge role in Victoria’s water security, with alpine and high elevation areas responsible for 20-29 per cent of the Murray Darling Basin’s ow.

“This water from the Alps is worth an estimated $9.6 billion annuallyin droughts it is even more valuable.

“If we fail to restore snow gum woodlands to health, the important

legacy of Alpine landscapes to Australia’s identity could be lost forever.

The Snow Gum Declaration calls for immediate and robust government funding to save snow gum woodlands from ecological collapse.

It outlines tangible next steps from scientists and knowledge holders who are committed to implementing recovery measures.

THE 2025 Alpine Angus Autumn Sale is to be held at the Alpine Sales Complex at Rosewhite on Wednesday, March 12 at 1pm o ering 100 HBR and APR Angus Bulls.

The sale bulls will yarded for inspection by 10am on sale day.

Alpine Angus have been operating for over 27 years and sell around 200 bulls annually.

“Our focus has always been on delivering sound, quality bulls that last with excellent structure and strong growth and carcass traits,” Alpine Angus manager, Chris Oswin said.

“We do this by continually striving to maintain and develop our highly maternal cow herd.

“Cows that last and grow produce bulls that do the same.”

Alpine Angus run around 700 cows mainly in the Alpine valleys around Myrtleford as well as on agistment on the Hay plains at Narringa, south of Hay.

Alpine females are joined to sound, quiet sires with strong constitution and high performance.

Balance is the key to the Alpine breeding program, maintaining body, doing ability and structure while increasing performance po-

The complete package lining up at Alpine Angus

tential with an emphasis on the basic fundamental traits of Angus to create cattle that last and have the ability to pass their genetics on.

Alpine continually stack generations with essential traits to produce reliable and consistent results.

The Alpine cow pedigrees are littered with foot improvers and sires that have stood the test of time.

Alpine’s main bull breeding focus has always been towards weaner producers and ensuring our cattle pack plenty of punch.

“We are fortunate our genetics have been showcased so well by so many farming families throughout the North East and beyond,” Alpine principal Jim Delany said.

“We are humbled by their success across so many calf sales and the demand that has been created for Alpine bred calves.”

Weight gain has been and always will be a key driver in Alpine’s breeding decisions.

Targeting high growth sires ensures Alpine genetics remain relevant throughout the production chain and contributes to the popularity of Alpine genetics commercially.

“There are plenty of sires we would love to use on phe-

TOP-TIER PEDIGREE:

Thirteen Sons of Baldridge SR Goalkeeper will be on o er delivering body mass and outstanding growth performance and docility.

notype alone, but without growth we are doing ourselves and others a disservice,” Mr Oswin said.

“More recently we have been able to signi cantly li the carcass traits in our cattle without sacri cing the basics and this has helped increase the merit of our cattle further forward.”

In recent years Alpine Angus genetics have also been sought by studs throughout Australia with a number of high quality bulls being used as herd sires.

Currently Alpine Angus is represented by industry AI sires Alpine Real Deal R163, Alpine Ronaldo R232 and Alpine 38 Special S021.

Real Deal’s rst sons sold to $100,000 in 2024.

Alpine Angus o ers a great opportunity for commercial producers to access quality, well related genetics at affordable prices supported by a committed a er sales program.

The 2025 sale team is made up of large lines of quality bulls from leading industry and Alpine sires.

Sires include Baldridge Goalkeeper, Baldridge Versatile and Alpine Real Deal: all big growth, high carcass attribute sires with moderate birth who produce well eshed, quiet sons that have proven highly popular over the last 18 months with all

three producing sons that have sold for $100,000.

The record breaking and record producing Millah Murrah Paratrooper is also well represented throughout the sale.

Carcass quality is further enhanced by a high quality run of Rennylea N542 descendants as well as Alpine’s rst sons by Te Mania Rainmaker R209 a docile, high marbling sire with good frame.

“N542 is renown as an easy calving, high IMF sire and an outstanding sire of sires, producing numerous herd bulls including Real Deal and Ronaldo, from limited use by a few Angus studs,” Mr Oswin said.

Sons of N542 and Real Deal are well represented in Alpine 2025 line up, as well as Alpine Rock Solid R289, a high selling N542 son from an outstanding ush that also produced Ronaldo and Alpine Next Gen R272 who is currently a stud sire for Dulverton Angus and Five Star Angus.

Taimate Roy a New Zealand sire whose ultra sound sons

sold very well last spring also features along with a couple of Alpine sires with outstanding foot data.

“Docility is at the forefront in this years lineup with Goalkeeper, Versatile and Roy as well as our own Alpine Knockout Q211 all sitting in the top percentiles of the breed for this trait,” Mr Oswin said.

Finally, there will also be an outstanding run of ET bull calves including 7 Millah Murrah Paratrooper brothers out of Real Deal’s dam and the rst sons of Sitz Manor 3195, a USA cow Alpine Angus purchased at the Sitz female sale in 2022 who currently has a couple of sons marketed by AI companies in America.

To view the sale bulls prior to sale day: the sale preview will be held at the Alpine Sales Complex, Rosewhite on Sunday, March 2 from 11am to 3pm; or alternatively by appointment with Alpine Angus manager, Chris Oswin: 0427 562 254.

Wangaratta's

SOLID STUD: Twelve Sons of Taimate Roy will be on o er delivering big capacity with plenty of eye appeal and outstanding docility and structural soundness.

three producing sons that

Murrah Paratrooper is also

EARLY BIRD PASS TO ALPINE RESORTS ON SALE

FALLS Creek and Mount Hotham alpine resorts have both released for sale early bird vehicle season permits for the 2025 winter snow season.

For just $515 each, the pass at either mountain allows early birds to take advantage of the best value for snow-filled adventures at either respective resort, enjoying savings of over $100 before April 9.

The permit offers unlimited winter vehicle access, allowing favourite slopes to be enjoyed all season long.

An All Resorts Season Permit, providing unlimited access to Victoria’s six alpine resorts, is also now on sale for $959.

The Early Bird Vehicle Season Permit and All Resort Vehicle Season Permit can be purchased directly through the Mt Hotham or Falls Creek website.

SMOOTH SKIING: Grace Falconer-Smith enjoyed a sublime snow day at Falls Creek’s Alpine Resort during the ski season in 2024.

Coroner gives scathing review of late pilot’s training

THE overcon dence of a Tawonga pilot who died in a plane crash at Lucyvale in September 2022 should have been reduced by his Wangaratta-based instructor during training, according to a coroner.

The Coroners Court of Victoria released its ndings into the death of Matthew Farrell, 42, on Friday, 14 February and gave a critical review of Recreational Aviation Australia (RAAus), who licenced the pilot.

Coroner Paul Lawrie said RAAus deliberately hid key documents during the court’s inquest and Mr Farrell should never have been granted a pilot’s licence, referring the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The court heard Mr Farrell ew out from Mount Beauty on 18 September, 2022, intending to y to Wollongong to see his partner’s father on what would be his rst cross-country ight.

Mr Farrell was airborne for approximately 40 minutes before his Jabiru J230-C aeroplane made impact with mountainous terrain east of Lucyvale.

According to GPS data, likely reasons for the loss of control were Mr Farrell losing visual reference as a result of being in cloud, and ice accretion a ecting the airframe and propellor, leading the aircra into a steep descent.

A member of the Mount Beauty Airport committee and experi-

enced pilot Mark Bland told the court he had also planned to y that day, but weather forecasts suggested it was unsuitable for recreational ying.

Aviation expert Captain Paul Mckeown said “Blind Freddy” could have seen it was not a day for a recreational pilot to go ying.

“It was reckless, cavalier, it’s totally out of character from everything else I’ve read about Mr Farrell,” he said.

“It’s inconceivable that he hadn’t made safety related risk assessments before.”

Following a search conducted the next morning, Mr Farrell’s body was found at the wreckage around 10am.

A keen paraglider, Mr Farrell began training for his Recreational Pilot’s Certi cate on October 27, 2021, at the Geo Wood Flying School in Wangaratta.

Prior to his death, the court heard Mr Farrell had received a total of 14.7 hours of ying training under Mr Wood in the North East, inclusive of 3.6 hours solo.

The inquest heard there were issues with Mr Farrell’s appetite for risk, with one Tasmanian based ight instructor refusing to sign o on a pilot’s certi cate, believing his “arrogant” nature and “belief in his invincibility” was a worry.

Coroner Lawrie said his instructor, Mr Wood, should have recognised this and made Mr

Farrell aware of his limitations and his limited experience ying a powered aircra .

“Sadly, in this case it seems the relationship between instructor and student did not produce the caution and humility required in a novice pilot,” he said.

“Mr Wood o ered hubris on Mr Farrell’s behalf when he claimed, ‘I would have total con dence in his ability to do faultless navs anywhere in Australia’.”

“How could this be said of anyone, no matter how gi ed, when they had less than 15 hours total time in a powered aircra ?

“If this was indicative of Mr Wood’s signals to Mr Farrell, as I expect it was, it can only have added to Mr Farrell’s over-con dence.”

Coroner Lawrie said a signicant issue in Mr Farrell’s ight training was the inclusion of his ight time as a paraglider recognised as ight time towards his certi cate.

The inquest heard documents discovered late into the coronial inquest process revealed aspects of evidence given by former RAAus head of ight operations Jill Bailey were false.

The coroner said Ms Bailey delivered evidence in a “combative” fashion, maintaining she had no doubts around the validity of Mr Farrell’s licence and did not consider auditing Mr Wood as a consequence of Mr Farrell’s crash.

Documents revealed of correspondence between Ms Bailey

and RAAus sta in October 2022 showed the head of ight operations “held serious concerns” about the validity of Mr Farrell’s licence and proposed to remove Mr Wood’s ight-testing privileges.

Coroner Lawrie recommended several changes, including that the Civil Aviation Safety Authority examine the conduct of RAAus sta , and amend its manual to clarify what constitutes ight time.

Coroner Lawrie referred the conduct of RAAus sta during the inquest to the Victorian Director of Public Prosecutions.

A joint statement issued by Mr Farrell’s partner, Karen Waller and Maurice Blackburn lawyers said it was alarming to hear documents had been hidden by RAAus in relation to the death of one of their own members.

“We have been troubled by the obstacles that have been put in the way of that during the inquest, this is evident by the ndings which have been delivered,” they said.

“The inquest’s ndings have con rmed our concerns from the beginning, that Mathew’s paragliding experience should not have been regarded as recognised ight time and he should not have been issued a Recreational Pilot Certi cate via the converting pilot pathway.

“We welcome the ndings of the coroner and will now be looking into legal avenues for our client.”

BRIGHT ACCOUNTING

Certified Practising Accountants – C.P.A. Accounting for small businesses and individuals.

4-1a Camp Street, Bright Phone: 5755 5105

E enquiries@brightaccounting.com.au

BELMORES CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

(formerly CRM Business Advisers) Certified Practising Accountants

Myrtleford, 1-7 Albert Street Phone: 5752 2288

Bright, 3 Ireland Street Phone: 5755 1327 www.belmores.com.au

PAYNTER & ASSOCIATES

Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors

25 Clyde Street Myrtleford Phone: 5751 1995

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

Dennis Kersting Dip. RM CM. Myrtleford - 18 Rayner Street Phone: 0427 440 744

at 29 Clyde Street Myrtleford Plus Standish Street Surgery & Bright Allied Health For appointments call 5752 2817 Hearing Services

OVENS VALLEY INSURANCE BROKERS

Myrtleford, 47 Clyde Street Phone: 5752 1151

Bright, 104 Gavan St Phone: 5715 9705 Email: info@ovib.com.au

TONER & MAY LEGAL BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS

86 Standish Street, Myrtleford. Phone: 03 5752 1493

2A Camp Street, Bright, Phone: 03 5750 1819

Email:

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

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

ACROSS

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

1 Name a strong synthetic polyester fibre, resistant to creases (6)

7 What is a symbolic narrative (8)

8 Name an Austrian-born US film director, Billy ... (6)

9 Which preparation is used for beautifying the complexion (8)

10 What is a book size of sheets to form eight leaves (6)

11 Which object is supposed to possess occult powers (8)

14 What is a three-wheeler (8)

18 Which term describes persons of the English race (6)

19 To be decapitated, is to be what (8)

21 Salem is the capital of which of the United States (6)

22 What is a grubscrew also called (8)

23 An indigene is also known as a what (6)

DOWN

1 What is the temperature at which a given sample of air will have a relative humidity of 100 per cent (8)

2 What is said to excite the anger of a bull (3,3)

3 Name an alternative term for a drug (8)

4 What does a beggar seek (4)

5 What are some of the herons called (6)

6 Which Russian vehicle is drawn by a team of three horses abreast (6)

12 When one feels tired, one does what (4,4)

13 What is an absurdity known as (8)

15 Which term describes bailiffs (6)

E-QUATIONS

16 Edam is a type of what (6)

Letters have a number

E-QUATIONS

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.

17 Name the manager of a shearing team (6)

20 What is a flattened, deep-bodied, spiny-rayed, marine food fish (4)

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

1 TRANSLUCENT

(a) Shining through (b) Of short duration (c) Leaping or passing across

2 WARRIGAL

(a) A wizard (b) The dingo (c) A maze of narrow passages

BIYWORD

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

CLUES:

Chopped straw (5)

Divide into four parts (7)

In pursuit (5)

IOC code: Portugal (3)

Keenly edged (5)

Made a mistake (5)

Mineral spring (3)

Pool stick (3)

Small bird (7)

Supplied nourishment (3)

Myrtleford Times/Alpine Observer photographer Melissa Beattie made her way down to Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre to capture some basketball action shots from the

PADDY MILLAR

Delatite Ford Benalla Junior Basketball Tournament.

EVIE PETRICEVICH

ELLIANE HUNKIN

HUNTER SZARASZEK

MADDISON SULTANA

LUCA ZAMPERONI

JULIAN MAXEY

MASON BATT

OSCAR GODENZI

WILLA MITCHELL AND MADDISON SULTANA

XAVIER MILLAR

MADDISON SULTANA AND BRODIE POZZAN

The Honda Civic is now hybrid

■ OUTSTANDING: Honda’s refresh late last year introduced new features.

By CHRIS RILEY, Marque Motoring

CIVIC received a mild makeover towards the end of last year.

The refreshed model sees the sporty styling enhanced with a new front bumper and radiator grille that combined produce improved aerodynamics.

The previous petrol-powered entry model has made way for the hybrid e:HEV L, powered by the same petrolelectric setup that powers the more expensive LX.

You might think Honda is a little late to the hybrid party, but along with Toyota was one of the pioneers of hybrid technology with the launch of the Honda Insight way back in 2001.

The two-seat Insight with its wheel spats was Australia’s first hybrid, beating the Prius to market.

STYLING

Civic has become a large small car over the years, with plenty of legroom front and back.

But it sits pretty low to the road and getting in and out could be an issue for older drivers.

The cabin has a more premium feel, compared to the hard plastics of the previous model, with a clever, long thin honeycomb grille that hides the air vents in front.

The plunging roofline makes rear access di cult so watch your head, but legroom is good and air outlets prevent it from becoming claustrophobic back there.

The deep luggage area provides reasonable storage space, with 409 litres of luggage capacity.

The refresh unfortunately comes with a price increase, making the Civic even more expensive.

Fortunately, it is limited to $900 and is the first increase since the introduction of the current model in 2022.

Civic comes in two flavours these days, both of them now hybrids.

There’s the 2.0 e:HEV L, priced from $49,900 and 2.0 e:HEV LX, priced from $55,900.

That still leaves the firebreathing Civic Type R, priced from $74,100 - but that’s another story altogether.

These prices are driveaway and non-negotiable, as part of Honda’s new sales strategy.

What does one get for their Civic money?

Standard kit includes a leather-accented interior with cloth seat inserts, dual-zone climate air, 18-inch alloys, walk-away locking, LED lights front and back with auto high beam, keyless entry and start, heated front seats and steering wheel, auto lights and wipers and front and rear parking sensors.

LX adds full-leather trim, ambient interior lighting, power-adjust front seats, auto-dimming interior mirror, wireless phone charger and a panoramic sunroof.

Civic comes with a fiveyear unlimited kilometre warranty, five-year premium roadside assistance and five low-priced services.

AT A GLANCE

SAFETY

The Honda Civic hybrid carries a five-star safety rating.

Both models feature 11 airbags, a reverse camera with guidelines and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Car-toCar, Vulnerable Road User and Junction Assist).

It has dual frontal, side chest-protecting, and side head-protecting airbags are standard, as well as a driver and passenger knee airbag.

A centre airbag which provides added protection to front seat occupants in side impact crashes is also standard.

A lane support system with lane-keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK) and an advanced speed assistance system (SAS) are standard.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS

The hybrid combines two electric motors with a 2.0-litre direct injection Atkinson style four-cylinder engine.

In addition to direct injection, a number of technologies such as low temperature active catalysts and a modified intake port design contribute to improved fuel e ciency while achieving specific output.

The result is a combined

maximum motor output of 135kW of power and 315Nm of torque, the latter available from 0-2000 rpm.

With the exception of Type R, it is the highest output ever o ered by a Civic.

Drive is to the front wheels through a CVT-style continuously variable automatic transmission, with four drive modes from which to choose: Eco, Normal, Sport and a new Individual mode.

DRIVING

The 18-inch wheels are shod with grippy 235/40 series Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber.

The powertrain prioritises electric running, with the ICE chipping in from cold starts, or when battery charge is running low.

Regenerative braking that feeds power back to the battery when coasting can be adjusted via steering wheel paddles.

While the Civic is reasonably quick o the mark thanks to the instant torque from the electric motor, Civic tends to run out of breath on the open road.

Like the similarly-powered CR-V hybrid, which has a little more torque, this becomes especially evident when it comes to overtaking and climbing long, steep hills.

It’s then the CVT comes to

the fore and the transmission begins to wail like a banshee in its endeavour to meet the demands of the driver.

At this point, Sport mode comes into its own, as it tries to compensate for the ruralinduced asthma.

Sport mode alters the ECVT and throttle mapping for sportier throttle response and a sportier feel.

When in Sport mode, power steering calibrations are optimised for increased steering feel.

The gauges also gain a red accent while in Sport mode.

It brings the Civic to life, ramping up the revs, enhancing throttle response and giving the vehicle a much sportier feel.

But of course, it must be selected each and every time you start the vehicle.

In comparison, performance in Economy mode is woeful and we gave it away within minutes.

Normal as the name suggests is fine for most situations, while Individual mode enables the driver to select individual settings including engine responsiveness, steering feel and gauges.

In addition, with Sport mode activated Active Sound Control boosts the engine note.

Active noise control helps to reduce cabin noise.

By far and away the best aspect of new Civic is the comfort and quality of the ride.

The previous model was good, this one is outstanding.

Steering is light and the ride quality is generally pretty good, although cabin noise

can be intrusive on coarse bitumen as can be the ride can become jarring.

With a 40-litre tank, fuel consumption is a claimed 4.2L/100km and it runs happily on standard 91 RON unleaded.

We were getting 4.1L/100km after 510km of mixed driving which is very close to the manufacturer’s claim.

A tyre repair kit is provided in the event of a flat tyre.

SUMMING UP

It’s good to see Honda has a game plan as the brands jostle to accommodate the arrival of the Chinese.

But the proof is in the pudding and the latest figures show that Honda is not one of the top ten selling brands in Australia, nor does it have any cars in the list of top 10 selling cars.

To put this in perspective, Civic was once one of the best-selling cars in the world.

It kind of suggests the sales strategy might not be working because what we’re left with is an expensive range of cars with no wiggle room - that can’t be good?

RATINGS: Looks: 7.5

Performance: 7.5

Safety: 8

Thirst: 8

Practicality: 7

Comfort: 6.5

Tech: 7 Value: 6

Overall: 7.2

MODEL LINE-UP:

Spacious family living in Waldara Park Estate

BOASTING five generously sized bedrooms and multiple living zones, this is the family home you have been waiting for.

Offering three distinct living zones, the floorplan of this home is sure to impress.

The master suite positioned at the front of the home includes a spacious ensuite with double vanity and WIR, and a sunny lounge/sitting room directly opposite.

Heading into the centre of the home you will find yourself in an expansive open plan kitchen/dining space complete with stone benchtops, wrap-

around island bench, extra wide oven, dishwasher and walk-in pantry.

Adjoining this space is a purpose-built large theatre room.

Glass sliding doors lead out to the covered timber decked alfresco and established private rear yard.

Off to one side of the dining area you will find a discrete large office/bedroom complete with BIR, and off the opposite corner of the family living space a concealed hallway leads to the remaining three bedrooms, well-appointed family bathroom and laundry.

The property is completed with a double garage with storage and internal access, ducted evaporative cooling and gas heating ensure you will be comfortable year-round, and solar power and hot water improving the overall energy efficiency of this modern home.

Situated in the sought-after Waldara Park Estate, close to quality schools, parks and the many conveniences the City of Wangaratta has to offer, this home is a must to inspect.

Contact the team at Garry Nash & Co to arrange your private viewing today.

Hereford Accr Dalbosco Investments-Rosewhite

55 Angus/Hereford x M/S 9-11m by Alpine Angus Bulls WEANED NE Accr Vallunga Pty Ltd-Buckland Valley

40 Angus/Hereford M/S 9-11m by Alpine Angus Bulls NE Accr

20 Hereford Steers 9-11m by Glendan Park Hereford Bulls NE Accr

J & B Fraser-Harrietville

60 Angus M/S 10-11m by Alpine Angus Bulls WEANED NE Accr

IK Junor-Benambra

60 Angus Steers 6-7m by Alpine & Stellar Angus Bulls WEANED NE Accr

T & D Geddes- Mudgegonga

60 Angus Steers 6-7m by Stellar & Alpine Angus Bulls NE Accr

SG & SJ Jones-Kancoona

60 Angus M/S 10-11m by Banquet Angus Bulls

WEANED

D Rae-Murmungee

50 Angus/Black Simmental/Black Charolais x Steers 6-7m by Alpine Angus Webb Black Simmental & Rangan Black Charolais Bulls Drenched WEANED NE Accr Rose Park-Tarrawingee

50 Angus Steers 10-11m by Alpine & Pathfinder Angus Bulls WEANED

S Robertson-Buffalo River

50 Angus M/S 8-10m by Alpine Angus Bulls WEANED NE Accr

35 Angus Steers 10-11m

WEANED NE Accr

DS Hamilton-Whorouly

Charming home in a soughtafter West End location

NESTLED in the heart of Wangaratta’s West End, this inviting home offers the perfect blend of character and convenience.

Ideal for families, first-home buyers, or savvy investors, this property presents a fantastic opportunity in a highly desirable neighbourhood.

Featuring three bedrooms and a central bathroom, the home boasts an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area designed for easy living.

Year-round comfort is assured with ducted heating and cooling, while the back verandah provides a great space out of the elements to relax or entertain.

A large shed in the secure rear yard, accessed via the undercover carport at the side of the home, offers ample storage or workshop potential.

Situated close to schools, parks and local

3

Agent | Garry Nash & Co Phone | (03) 5722 2663 Price | $450,000

Location | 12 Dodsworth Street, Wangaratta

amenities, this home provides easy access to everything Wangaratta has to offer. Don’t miss your chance to secure this fantastic property: Contact Isabel at Garry Nash & Co for more details or to arrange an inspection.

G & P Ivone-Havilah

T & E Kirk-Barwidgee Creek

15 Angus Steers 16m by Booroomooka Angus Bulls WEANED NE Accr

JC & J Gardner-Bobinawarrah

40 Angus Steers 10-11m by Murramungee Angus Bull

40 Angus Steers 9-11m by Alpine Angus Bulls WEANED NE Accr

L & L Matheson-Whorouly South

35 Poll Hereford M/S 16m by Wirruna Poll Hereford Bulls WEANED NE Accr

O’Connor’s View-Murmungee

31 Angus Steers 10-12m by Alpine Angus Bulls WEANED Central Pride-Rosewhite

30 Angus Heifers 10-11m by Alpine Angus Bull WEANED

KJ Morrison-Barwidgee Creek

30 Angus M/S 10-11m by Kelly & Stellar Angus Bulls

WEANED

BC & AA Hall-Mudgegonga

30 Angus/Hereford x M/S by Alpine & Jade Park Angus

Bulls WEANED

Coolungubra-Buckland Valley

30 Angus/Hereford x M/S by Alpine & Jade Park Angus

Bulls WEANED

R Bonacci-Whorouly

30 Angus M/S 10-12m by Pinnacle Angus Bulls WEANED

GI & EA Jones-Kancoona

30 Hereford M/S 10-11m by Rotherfield Hereford Bull

WEANED

RB & RM Lumsden-Buckland Valley

28 Angus/Hereford x M/S 8-9m by Aintree Poll Hereford

Bull WEANED Spring Creek-Edi

25 Angus M/S 10-11m by Alpine Angus Bulls WEANED

25 Angus/Black SImmental x Steers 10-12m by Alpine Angus & Woonallee SimAngus Bulls

WEANED Rhinoguard Vacc NE Accr

R McCourt-Bullioh

25 Simmental/Angus x M/S 9-10m by Brewer Beef

Simmental Bull WEANED

M & I Dussin-Bowmans Forest

25 Angus Steers 12 by Jade Park Angus Bull WEANED

DA Cardwell-Gundowring

25 Angus Steers 10-11m by Cascade

Angus Bull WEANED

M & L Beach-Whorouly South

24 Angus Steers 10-12m by Murramungee Angus

Bull WEANED

H & L Martin-Buckland Valley

24 Angus /Hereford x M/S 10-11m by Alpine Angus

Bulls WEANED

M & B Roche-Whorouly

23 Angus M/S 10-12m by Fernhill & Alpine Angus Bulls WEANED

L Brine-Rosewhite

22 Angus Steers 11-12m by Jade Park Angus Bulls

WEANED

M & A Sacco F/T-Ovens

20 Angus M/S 9-10m by Milwerrin Angus Bull

P & F Giudice-Whorouly

20 Angus M/S 10-11m by Murramungee

Angus Bulls

KA Cardwell-Kergunyah

20 Hereford Steers 10-11m by Rotherfield Hereford

Bull WEANED

C Hore-Buckland Valley

17 Angus M/S 10-11m by Alpine Angus Bulls

PH & RL Serpell-Running Creek

17 Fleckvieh Steers 10-12m by Serpell Fleckvieh Bulls WEANED NE Accr

J & A Harrington-Whorouly

15 Angus M/S 10-12m by Murramungee

Angus Bull

A & L Wood-Markwood

15 Angus Steers 8-9m Rennylea Blood

D & J Zeinert-Mudgegonga

13 Angus M/S 15-16m WEANED Elkington F/T-Whorouly

12 Angus Heifers 6-7m WEANED

Southfork-Whorouly 12 Fleckvieh x Steers 9m by Serpell Fleckvieh Bulls WEANED NE Accr Ashdan F/T-Whorouly 10 Hereford/Black Simmental x M/S 12m by Woonallee Black Simmental

Wangaratta 1/15 Swinburne Drive

Wangaratta 17

Oxley 201 Oxley-Meadow Creek Road

Glenrowan

13 Hill Street

Nutrien

Wangaratta 40 Pelican Court

Wangaratta 39 & 39A Murphy Street 353m2

High Exposure CENTRAL Wangaratta CBD multi-purpose property ∙ Downstairs Commercial shop, currently “GOLDEN BARBER “ 1 year with 1 year option Rent $22,990 p/a plus GST and Outgoings to 19/09/2025, renter indicating keen to

achieve arguably in Wangaratta

AUCTION Friday March 21 1:00pm on site, 10% Deposit Settle 60 days View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/ L20130537

Boorhaman 740 Boland Road

476 Ac “Boorhaman Acerage” Grazing and/or Cropping ready to go. A ordable improved soils 15 minutes to Wangaratta. ∙ Heavy Clay loam soils, history of Raised beds, extensive draining system in place Clean open country, drained, good stands of

Wangaratta

Selling & Leasing, Residential, Rural & Commercial 44 Ryley Street, Wangaratta 03 5722 944 admin.wang@nh.com.au www.wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au

1. The proposed 4G & 5G upgrade will consists of the installation of the following:

• An Optus headframe below the existing Telstra headframe;

• Three panel antennas onto the Optus headframe (each not more than 2.8m long);

• A new equipment shelter (base area <5m�) within the existing fenced compound area; and;

• Ancillary equipment including three Remote Radio Units (RRUs), antenna mounts, feeders, cabling, combiners, and other associated equipment.

2. Optus regards the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”), the based on the description above. The proposed infrastructure will comply with ACMA EME regulatory arrangements.

3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Jordan Leverington at Service Stream Limited, 0458 011 882, Optus.Submissions@servicestream.com.au or Zenith Tower B, Level 3, 821 Pacific Hwy, Chatswood NSW 2067 by 5pm, Friday 14 March 2025.

4. If you would like to know more about this site, further information can be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3898005.

WANDILIGONG ALPINE PARK

TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR BRIGHTER DAYS

To keep everyone safe during the upcoming Brighter Days event, there will be changed traffic conditions from Friday, 7 to Sunday 9, March 2025.

Event Location: Pioneer Park, Coronation Avenue, Bright

Amplified Noise:

• Friday: 4pm – 10pm

• Saturday: 1pm – 10pm

• Sunday: 2pm – 10pm

Road Closures & Detours

Friday, 7 March (3pm – 11pm)

• Coronation Ave (between Mystic Lane & Hawthorn Lane) – CLOSED

• Detour via Churchill Avenue

Cobden St at Hawthorn Lane – CLOSED

• Pioneer Lane – CLOSED (Access via Cobden St)

Saturday, 8 & Sunday, 9 March (8am – 11pm)

• Coronation Ave (between Mystic Lane & Hawthorn Lane) – CLOSED

• Detour via Churchill Avenue

• Cobden St at Hawthorn Lane – CLOSED

• Pioneer Lane – CLOSED (Access via Cobden St)

Only local traffic and authorised vehicles will be permitted in closed roads. Traffic marshals will be in place.

Plan ahead and allow extra travel time. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Notice is given of a PUBLIC MEETING to be held at Alpine Park, Wandiligong on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 7pm.

The purpose of the meeting is to nominate no less than three (3) or more than nine (9) persons as the Committee of management for the Wandiligong Alpine Park for a term of three years. The current committee’s term will expire on March 11th, 2025.

All positions will be declared open and nominations will be accepted prior to or on the night.  Further information, nomination forms and nominee declaration forms may be obtained by contacting your local Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action of ce or at the meeting.

For further enquiries please contact the Secretary Kath Healy on 0417 348 727.

Business Manager

Marian College is seeking a fulltime Business Manager to join our executive leadership team.

The successful applicant will be directly responsible for the effective organisation of the business, financial and administrative leadership of the College, with executive responsibility for the College’s finance and infrastructure.

Key responsibilities include:

Strategic leadership

• Financial planning and management, Administrative services and accounting

• Property and contract management

• Risk management and compliance.

Marian College is a Catholic secondary school, serving the Myrtleford and Alpine Valley regions of Victoria’s North East.

Scan the QR code for the full job description and to apply or visit: https://careers.ceosand.catholic.edu.au/ jobs/business-manager-marian-collegemyrtleford-vic-australia

Please include a resume and cover letter that addresses the key selection criteria. For more information, please contact the Business Manager on (03) 5752 1596.

Job Number 492884

2013 Toyota Hilux, manual, 169,700km, next service 180,000km, Mongoose Multimedia player / reversing camera install 7/23, Black Duck seat covers, new oor mats, ARB canopy & Bullbar, two Outback storage draws & boxes insidecanopy,Hayman Reese ball and Pintle hook tow bars, never bush bashed, well maintained. Selling due to retirement.

AUDI A4 TDI for sale, local car, 2013 Model, 102,000kms only, pristine condition, 1,000 KLMs per tank on a long trip, rego (1AA8DW), $20,000 firm. Phone Jurgen 0438 500 888.

2024 TOYOTA RAV 4 HYBRID GLX AWD. As new condition, bought 31/5/2024. Colour Glacier White, travelled 4620km, Extras include full exterior paint protect, full interior fabric protect, windows ttedwithdarkestlegal tint, oormats front and back, slimline plates CYF719. $51000. Phone Anne, 0407 065 776.

TOYOTA Hilux 2013, 169,000km, 5spd manual, 4x4, full service history, no o road, no accidents, black duck seat covers from new, new tyres, reg (1AL4YU), RWC, $32,000. Phone Allan 0400 541 599.

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Elite, leather seats, services as per logbook. 4 cylinder 2.2lit Diesel, auto, 1WK 1KR,130,000kms, RWC, $26,350.00 ONO. Phone Maxwell K Batey 0419 547 308.

MITSUBISHI ASX 2017, 90000km, registered until June 2025 1OJ4NB,

1AS8UR $32,500 ONO. Phone 0403 926 144

2022 Volvo XC 60. Registered BVC024 until Jan 2026. Warranty until Jan 2027. Travelled only 48500 Km. Price $45,000. Phone Tony 0409239326 RWC provided.

MAZDA 2023 CX3 auto hatch, reg CHC333, one owner, immaculate condition, service books, 11,875kms, RWC, $27,750. Phone Maxwell.K.Batey on 0419 547 308.

CES Limited embraces diversity and social

EQUINE EXERCISE: Lindsay Dickens on He’s A Silver Spoonful in the novice, non-pro division, earned 124 points as he kept the cow separate from the herd. MOBILE

By PHOEBE MORGAN

MYRTLEFORD’S Recreation Reserve was transformed into a horse haven last week as the Alpine Regional Horseman’s Association Cutting event was held on site from Thursday to Sunday.

Participants and spectators were drawn in from all over the country to enjoy the high adrenaline sport.

The goal is to isolate one cow from the rest of the

herd, while showing control of the horse and the cattle.

The aim is not to scare it; there’s no chasing involved.

In the nal round of the ‘Novice, Non-Pro’ division, Corey Alexander Holden won rst, second and third place, with 150.5, 150 and 149 points on horses Hicary, Cattabar Lookin Hot and Skeetolena, respectively. Next came Lincoln Smith with 148.5 points on Ducktacular followed by Dean

Holden with 148 points on Yulgilbar Mister Hashtags.

The top place was awarded $15,000.

Julie Jones from Seymour said she had a few horses competing in the tournament.

“Most people compete on their own horse,” she said.

“Some of these horse owners hire trainers to help prepare horses for events like this, while the owners have their full-time jobs, or don’t have the facilities to

train them themselves.”

Julie and her family try to get to a few cutting events during the season, at least a couple of times a year, and they look forward to catching up with other regulars on the circuit.

“A lot of these people would be classi ed as your ‘horseshow family’,” she said.

“You get to see some people at one show and then another group at a di erent event.

“I like this sport because

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS: Jason StephensJones earned 141 points on A Spoonful of Hope at last week’s ARHA Cutting event.

Cutting it close for cattle wrangling

it’s one of the only horseriding sports that requires a TEAM to complete.

“The other four riders are there to help you select your target animal: if you don’t have a team of others, you can’t do the sport.

“The four riders who help you in your run, will be your competition later.

“You want yourself to win, but you also try to do your best for the competitor cutting the cow at the time.

“Even though you’re judged

individually, the four other riders have a huge impact on the sport.”

Julie explained the Myrtleford Cutting event is one of Victoria’s favourite shows of the season.

“It’s beautiful,” she said.

“The committee clearly put in a lot of hard work getting the facility right and it’s a perfect setting for the horses.

“Congratulations to the area and to the club for doing a great job.”

THANKS, BRAD: Brad Ellison took some time o from helping out at the cattle yards to cut some cattle.

PHOTOS: Phoebe Morgan

A GRADE

MAGPIES

WANGARATTA MAGPIES 1ST INNINGS

Dean Simmons c: Jackson Cull b: Brenton Surrey 19

Jarryd Wallace lbw: Henry Scalzo 8

Cooper Matheson (c) lbw: Henry Scalzo 77

Oliver Andrew c: Austen Fendyk b: Timothy Cogger 1

Jack Davies c: Austen Fendyk b: Timothy Cogger 0

Kyle Winter-Irving not out 50*

James Thewlis c: Kayde Surrey b: Tristan Lenaz 24

Nic Bonwick c: Austen Fendyk b: Timothy Cogger 19

Rhys Grant c: Brenton Surrey b: Jack Ryan 7

Kieran Radcliffe run out: Clancy Ellett 8

Matthew Prestianni lbw: Jack Ryan 0

Extras 11

Total 10 / 224

Overs 70.4

Bowling: Timothy Cogger 17/1/62/3, Jack Ryan

15.4/2/47/2, Henry Scalzo 10/3/20/2, Brenton Surrey 18/5/50/1, Clancy Ellett 2/1/8/0, Will Prebble 3/0/14/0, Tristan Lenaz 5/0/17/1.

ROVERS UNITED BRUCK VS BENALLA BUSHRANGERS

BENALLA BUSHRANGERS 1ST INNINGS

Brayden Stepien (c) c: B Bartlett b: Paddy McNamara 37

James Carboon lbw: Jeremy Wilson 15

Ross Cavill lbw: Cormac McNamara 54

Charlie Bull c: Charith Perera b: Jeremy Wilson 5

Jonty Priest b: Paddy McNamara 10

Lucas Ham c: Reid McNamara b: Jeremy Wilson 11

DALE STRATTON c&b: Jeremy Wilson 0

Gary Priest (vc) b: Jeremy Wilson 14

Steven Pickering b: Brady Bartlett 8 Conor Brodie c: Paddy McNamara b: Brady Bartlett 6

Wheelens not out 0*

10 / 173

Bowling: Jacob Schonafinger 15/7/34/0, Paddy

McNamara 16/6/34/2, Jeremy Wilson 25/10/47/5, Brady Bartlett 8/4/13/2, Daniel Jones 4/1/17/0, Cormac McNamara 4/0/20/1.

CITY COLTS VS YARRAWONGA MULWALA

YARRAWONGA MULWALA 1ST INNINGS

Reid Clarke c: Mitchell Purcell b: Jed Marek 2

Ben Welsh c: Jed Marek b: Matthew Lister 61

Matt Knight st: Mitchell Giggins b: Matthew Lister 41

Brock McCabe c: Josh Nanson b: Mitchell Purcell 41

Zach Moore c: Joshua Newton b: Matthew Lister 10

Adam Dodd b: Josh Nanson 37

Kyle Archibald (c) c: Mitchell Giggins b: Mitchell Purcell25

Matt McCabe not out 21*

Angus McMillan (vc) b: Jed Marek 0

Van Kreeck not out 2*

Angus Heslin did not bat -

Extras 16

Total 8 / 256

Overs 75

Bowling: Jed Marek 14/4/54/2, Tyler Nanson 9/2/33/0, Josh Nanson 14/4/38/1, Archie Crispin 4/0/26/0, Matthew

Lister 21/7/45/3, Connor Ormond 5/2/10/0, Mitchell

Purcell 8/0/38/2.

4/13

3/10. Ovens

9/142

8/142 Nicholas Bleeser 57* Brendan Suncombe 5/25 def Benalla Bushrangers 10/139 Cody Crawford 46 Marcello Vescio 4/18. Rutherglen United 8/144 Kurt Schmidt 58 Aden Graham 4/35 def Milawa 9/106 Aden Graham 35 Jacob Fuge 3/25. Delatite 10/96 Mitchell Copey 33 Joel Haddrick 4/27 def by Rovers United Bruck 7/189 Gary Elliott 75 Richy Jacob Phillip 3/34. Merton 7/168 Luke Berriman 49 Kent Braden 3/36 def by City Colts 6/171 Kent Braden 92 Noah Whittall 3/29. Greta White def Rutherglen United (forfeit). Benalla Bushrangers Red 7/111 Jordan Smith 64* Josh Hard 3/20 def by Benalla Bushrangers Blue 2/112 Darren Skelton

LEG SIDE: Billy McMahon tries to hook the ball.

QUICK SINGLE: Conner McEwan tries to sneak a quick run.

Teeing off for alpine golf

AS summer starts to wind down and autumn peeks around the corner, local golfers were out and about in the sunshine across the region’s golf courses.

MYRTLEFORD GOLF CLUB

SATURDAY, 22 February

WHEELERS FREIGHT STABLEFORD & SUPER & AMCR 71

A Grade Winner: John McNally (11) 40 pts. A Grade Runner Up: Stephen Piddington (11) 39 pts.

B Grade Winners: Andrew Roseby (20) 38 pts. B Grade Runners Up: Warren Rowney (23) 37 pts.

Super 6 Winner: Craig Shewell (15) 15 pts. Super 6 Runner Up: Stephen Piddington (11) 13 pts c/b.

Ball Winners: C Rowney 37, P Cowman 36, L Deering 35, A Rockli 35, C Shewell 35.

Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Paul Cowman, 4th 2nd Shot: Chris Rowney, 14th: Stephen Piddington, 16th: Paul Cowman.

Matthews Cleaning Encouragement Award: George Browne 27 pts c/b.

Ra e Winner: Jye Cunneen.

Chris Rigoni 4 Ball Championships: Harry and Will McKerral def Craig Shewell and Robert Wheeler in the nal of the Chris Rigoni 4 Ball Championships 2/1 - congratulation to both teams for making the nal.

Thursday, 20 February

Wheelers Freight Par AMCR 73

A Grade Winner: Carolyn Prowse (29) +5. A Grade Runner Up: Kerry Chapman (33) 0c/b.

9 Hole Winner: Pat McPherson (43) 19pts. 9 Hole Runner Up: Ann Hazeldine (32) 18pts.

Ball Winners: Marg Curtis, Fay McLees.

Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Marg Curtis, 8th: Barb Welch, 14th: Marg Curtis. Wednesday, 19 February

Wheelers Freight Stableford

AMCR 71

A Grade Winner: Craig Shewell (16) 38 pts. A Grade Runner Up: Craig Giles (15) 37 pts.

Ball Winners: W Rowney 34, P Stewart 34, T Chapman 34.

Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Craig Shewell, 4th 2nd Shot: Jim Martin, 14th: Ian Wales.

Tuesday, 18 February

Wheelers Freight Stableford

AMCR 73

A Grade Winner: Kerry Newton (17) 37pts. A Grade Runner Up: Jan Roseby (15) 36pts c/b.

9 Hole Winner: Kaye McGu e 21pts. 9 Hole Runner Up: Jennifer Leita 17pts.

Ball Winners: Liz Orton, Judy Bynon, Barb Welch.

Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Faye McLees, 2nd 4th: Angela O’Shaughnessy, 8th: Lizzie Orton, 14th: Kaye McGu e, 16th: Barb Welch.

MOUNT BEAUTY GOLF CLUB

THE Ladies played the back nine on Wednesday, 19 February which was won by Jooyon Kang-Redmond with 18 points from Lynda Barter on 14 points.

NTP on the 18th, second shot, was Lynda Barter.

A group of four ladies went over to Bright CC for the NEDGA opening day on Wednesday, 19 February.

Two of them, Ruth Rynehart and Tina Flint, won the day with their 37 points apiece.

The 18 holes were played by the ladies on Saturday, 22 February.

The winner, with 36 points, was Ruth Rynehart on a countback from Leesa Bevan.

NTP on the seventh, second shot, was Tina Flint.

Only six men turned out for the

Monday, 17 February Invitational Stableford including two visitors from Thurgoona GC and the Commercial Club Albury, who both o plus handicaps.

One of which, Luke Porritt, had a 68 o the stick but was beaten on a countback by Steuart Snooks with 37 points.

The men played the back nine on Wednesday, 19 February which was won by Macca Deans with 19 points.

Allan Retallick and Roger Church both gained balls in the Ball Comp with their 17 points apiece.

NTP on the 17th was Allan Retallick with Macca Deans closest on the 18th.

Saturday, 22 February was Red Tees Plate day for the men.

The club had seven visitors from Jubilee GC, Benalla GC and the Commercial Club, Albury join for the event.

Nine-hole specialist contender Neil Tappe won the day with 43 points on a countback from Paul Miles (Commercial Club).

Balls were handed to Stephen Short (42 points), Bruce Plant (41 points), Dean Milligan (Jubilee GC, 39 points) and Roger Church (38 points).

NTP on the seventh was Roger Church, along with the Tatts Ticket from the Tawonga South Newsagency & Post O ce.

The ninth was Andrew Green eld, the 17th was Bruce Plant while David Drew took home the money on the 18th.

BRIGHT COUNTRY GOLF CLUB

AS the famous Australian player and five-time British Open Golf champion Peter Thompson once said, “The difference between winning and losing is always a mental one - taking too long over shots is as good a way I know of missing them.”

These wise words are still as relevant today as they were when he was dominating world golf in the early 1950s.

This week’s gol ng results continue to show that if you persevere long enough, eventually your scores will improve, no matter what your age or handicap.

Monday, 17 February, veteran’s Stableford golf results were as follows.

Winner: Glenn O’Connell 19 H/C

37 points, Colin Richardson 27 H/V 35 points C/B.

Ball winners: Ross Heydon 34 points, Andy Armstrong 34 points, Charles White 33 points C/B, Fran Bentley 33 points C/B.

NTPs - 3rd: Ian Browne, 6th: Heather Thompson, 11th: Mick Dunne, 16th: Marg Curtis.

Tuesday, 18 February, all gender 9-hole Stableford chicken run.

Winner: Ross Heydon 23 H/C 21 points, Andrew Palm 16 H/C 20 points.

Ball winners: Suzette Heydon 19 points, Heather Thompson 18 points.

NTPs - 3rd: Suzette Heydon, 6th: Jonas Bush.

Wednesday, 19 February was the o cial ‘Opening Day’ for the Bright ladies’ season.

Forty-one golfers teed o in the Stableford competition with only two golfers playing under their handicaps, both from the Mount Beauty Golf Club.

The winners were: Ruth Rynehart 31 H/C 37 points C/B, Patina Flint 30 H/C 37 points, Pam Nankervis from Beechworth Golf Club

42 H/C 36 points C/B, Elizabeth Barker 25 H/C 36 points C/B, Angela Bishop from Yackandandah Golf Club 20 H/C 36 points, Marg Fitridge from Myrtleford Golf Club

36 H/C 35 points C/B.

Ball winners: Glenda Marshall 35 points C/B, Vicki Walsh 34 points, Roschelle Harrison 34 points, Tina Cook 34 points C/B, Bernie Wickes 34 points.

NTPs - 3rd: Carol Burgess, 6th: Lizzie Orton, 11th: Robyn McGrath, 16th: Jill Mack.

Thursday, 20 February, men’s Stableford competition.

With the town slowly returning to some form normality (but only for a short time), the Thursday competition only attracted a couple of visitors, so the eld was reduced to 31 players.

The winners were: Jason Egbers 16 H/C 38 points, Garrie Lette 24 H/C 37 points C/B, and John Forbes with a return to form a er having a shoulder replacement played o 21 H/C had 37 points.

Ball winners: Steve Grogan 36 points C/B, Dennis Pangrazio 36 points, Andy Miller 35 points C/B, Crusty Carlisle 35 points C/B.

NTPs - 3rd: Tony Chalwell

Finals on the horizon for Mount Beauty

DESPITE losing their past three games, the Power have done enough to earn the right to play cricket in March.

Last Saturday’s dress rehearsal against Kiewa, at the ground they’ll return to this weekend for their elimination nal against the same opponent, didn’t quite go to plan for Mount Beauty. A er winning the toss and batting rst at the picturesque venue, the Power couldn’t recover from the loss of early wickets to fast-starting openers Toby Derrick (12 runs from ve balls) and skipper Greg McLennan (16 from 17).

The following ve batters were unable to reach double gures as opening bowling pair Ryan de Vries (4/42) and Josh Bartel (4/19) ripped through Mount Beauty’s top and middle order to cause havoc.

(150mm), 6th: Colin Richardson, 11th: Graham Badrock, 16th: Heath Thompson.

The NAGA went to Mark Frosty Frost with 25 points and the Chicken dinner winner went to Crusty Carlisle with 19 points.

On Friday, 21 February, the ladies played a two-person ambrose just for something di erent, and the winners were Giselle Braithwaite and Roschelle Harrison with a nett 34.75.

Ball winners were Jenny Richter and Lucy Snowden, nett 35.25.

NTPs - 6th: Roschelle Harrison.

On Saturday, 22 February, the ladies played a Stableford competition while the men played the rst round of the Four Ball Stableford Championship.

The ladies’ winner, and by a clear margin, Fran Bentley playing o a 25-handicap returned with a fantastic 41 points.

Second place went to Berine Fitzgerald, 25 H/C 35 points.

Ball winners: Jacqui O’Brien 34 points C/B, Carol Burgess 34 points C/B.

NTPs - 6th: Bernie Wickes, 11th: Lauren Velicki.

In Saturday’s rst round of the men’s 4BBB championships, 52 players teed o and as that famous Australia, Darryl Kerrigan, once said, “Those top three scores should go straight to the pool room.”

The rst three groups all returned to the club house with a ne 49 points each.

The winners were grinners and are as follows: Chris Oswin and Chris Davey, 49 points; Cameron and Darren Wood 49 points; Jack Fitzgerald and Brad Fitzgerald 49 points; Guy Packham and Michael O’Sullivan 47 points.

Ball winners: Jason Fillippi and Greg Walsh 46 points, Jack Thompson and Angus Murrells 45 points, Shaun Moore and Graeme Moore 44 points, and Mick Dunne and Barny Neville 44 points.

NTPs - 3rd: Steve Grogan, 6th: Jake Goddard, 11th: Phil Jessen, 16th: Fraser Je ery.

The eagle’s nest went to Cameron Wickes on the seventh hole.

The Bright Golf Guru fact of the week: a ‘condor’ is a term given to a hole-in-one on a par ve - it’s almost as rare as two hole-in-ones in a single game of golf.

The game was essentially over once the Power lost their rst eight wickets for only 46 runs, but the innings was saved somewhat by lower-order contributions from Anthony Brewergray (19 not out) and Shannon Wilson (11).

Defending a modest total of 85 was going to be a tough ask for the visitors and Kiewa cruised to a six-wicket win in only 21 overs.

McLennan remained optimistic of a change in results this coming Saturday.

“Obviously we would like to come in to nals with winning form and momentum, but nals are a di erent game,” McLennan explained.

“The pressure is di erent and you frequently see nals won with relatively low scores as a result.

“If we bat rst, we will need solid runs on the board and that can compound the pressure on their batsmen if we can get those early wickets.

“Kiewa’s openers (John) Spencer and (Nat) Sariman have had a great year, but that means that others in the line-up have had less time in the middle.

“Early breakthroughs can put a tremor through the remainder of the line-up.”

In other senior club results, Mount Beauty’s second grade side have stormed home with a wet sail in the back half of the season to snatch third place and a home nal this Saturday against Bethanga. Frank Iaria’s side have successfully chased four totals in as many weeks, and have the con dence and players in form to do some damage in the playo s.

Mount Beauty’s third eleven posted a more than respectable 6/237 from their 35 overs, but not to be outdone, Albury Umpires phenomenonally reached their target score within 29 overs without losing a single wicket.

WINNER: Neil Tappe won the Red Tees Plate from Paul Miles at the Mount Beauty Golf Club.

Wangaratta Marathon entries flowing in

THE Wangaratta Marathon event entries are owing in fast with less than a month until race day.

New race director Liam Delany said most events are likely to sell out with a total of 2000 entries up for grabs.

Sunday, 16 March will see a marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km and 2km primary challenge based out of the Wangaratta Showgrounds.

Mr Delany said the event has been given a real boost from local sponsorship with over $10,000 worth of prizemoney and heaps more prizes for everyone.

“The Wangaratta Intersport 2km Primary Challenge (5-11yr olds) is a great chance to get the children involved in a professionally timed event in a safe environment, the course remains unchanged with two laps of the showgrounds,” he said.

“There are two start times with those wanting to race starting at 10am, the second start time of 10.15am allows parents/guardians to accompany the children and is more about having fun.

“Everyone gets a nisher’s medal and the top three girls and boys in U8, U10 and U12 get a trophy.

“All other courses have been changed to make for faster times, utilising the pathway along Yarrawonga Road which takes the runners out of town to enjoy the countryside in the 10km, half and full marathons.”

New course maps can be found on the website, address https://northeastsports.com.au/.

The Johnsons MME 5km run has some handy prizemoney for the young guns; runners will complete a lap of the showgrounds rst before doing 2km out and back (turning just before Phillipson Street).

“This will be a great chance for a 5km PB for all our park runners too,”

Mr Delany said.

“The Wangaratta BFT 10km will also be a great chance for a PB with a fast at out and back course.

“It’s great to have the BFT sponsorship given their strength training knowledge and a very generous prize pool for the quick runners.

“Long time sponsor RJ Sanderson & Associates have put up some healthy prizemoney for the half marathon, the new course makes this a fast and scenic run that is de nitely worth a crack if you’ve got the tness.

“Garry Nash Real Estate is synonymous with running in Wangaratta so it’s only tting they sponsor the marathon, the ultimate test.”

The new course is expected to make for fast times.

“It’s still a two lap course so we hope everyone can be there to support our marathoners especially as they head out on lap two,” Mr Delany said.

“It’s exciting to have Wangaratta Whole Foods providing $1000GV for rst and $500GV for second teams across all events.

“When you enter you just include your team name so you are in the

running to win big and eat healthy.

“The event hub is looking like a lot of fun with heaps of food, drink, music and a great recovery area with Dr Becky’s team and the Motion Health Collective there to support you post race.”

The Wangaratta Marathon is one of the city’s major sporting events that everyone can get involved in.

If you have any inquiries please email liam@northeastsports.com.

au.

“Good luck with your training and get those entries in before they sell out,” Mr Delany said.

Former Saints coach tapped to lead senior O&M squad for GVL interleague clash

■ From back page

“The calibre of player in our competition is very high – we feed a lot of VFL clubs yearly across our competition with highquality players and have high-quality players enter our competition, so the standard of football is played at a really high level.”

SS&A OMFNL chair David Sinclair said interleague was shaping up as an exciting spectacle.

“We are excited to take interleague football and netball back to Wangaratta for the rst time in over a decade and can’t wait to see Jake Sharp put his stamp on the senior squad,” he said.

“Jake was a valuable assistant to Damian Sexton for last year’s xture and combined with his impressive resume from his time with Werribee in the VFL, and also his previous coaching experience with Myrtleford, he was a standout choice to take on the role.

“On behalf of the O&M Board and all league supporters, I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank Damian Sexton for his enormous contribution to the Interleague program over the past three years.

“We look forward to taking on the GVL in May to win back the Ash-Wilson Trophy for the third time in four attempts.”

Rising stars at tennis club championships

THE Myrtleford Lawn Tennis Club Junior Club Championships were held on Saturday, 22 February, and onlookers were stunned by the calibre of tennis on display.

Family, friends and fellow competitors watched fantastic tennis throughout the morning.

The age group champions for 2025 were: 11 years and under – Winner: Spence Reynolds; Runner Up: Maisie Fitzpatrick. 12/13 years girls – Winner: Ingrid Barnard; Runner Up: Milla Corcoran. 12/13 years boys – Winner: Alex Cooke; Runner Up: Taj Brundel.

14/15 years girls – Winner: Rhylee Turner; Runner Up: Genma Corcoran. 14/15 years boys – Winner: Rylan Frecklington; Runner Up: Audie Whyte

The club will hold a separate event at the end of the year for an open age junior event.

The Juniors will return to their Saturday morning competition next week, getting in some great practice for the upcoming MLTC Easter Tournament.

The club will be bustling with hundreds of competitors from across the state over Easter, in both junior and adult events. This is the major fundraising event for the Club, spanning across four days, utilising both the lawn and the hard courts.

Gemma Corcoran, Rhylee Turner. Alex Cooke.

JOIN THE STAMPEDE: There was an enthusiastic start to last year’s 2km Primary Challenge as part of the Wangaratta Marathon and Fun Run event.

Saints stun at Benalla tournament

By NATHAN DE VRIES

MYRTLEFORD District basketball Association will be pleased with their weekend e orts at the Benalla Junior Tournament.

A total of eight junior teams across age groups tried their hardest at the tournament against some of the best teams in the region, with fantastic results.

The under 12 boys were the standout, recovering from a loss in their rst match to charge through to the grand nal and win by two points in spectacular fashion.

A er a humbling 12-point loss to Wodonga, the Saints defeated Deniliquin Black (38-31), but lost by a single point to Yarrawonga Mulwala to nish third overall.

An 11-point win in the semi- nal booked Myrtleford a grand nal showdown against Wodonga, but the Saints were on the back foot

They fought back hard, drawing level, and with three seconds on the clock Bowie Cartwright shot the buzzer-beater to claim the win.

Coach Kory Batt said it was a well-deserved win from a promising team.

“It was pretty much a fresh group from the start of the season, I think we’ve played in three previous grand nals and been bridesmaids in all of them,” he said.

“We decided in this tournament we’d go and play in div one, go up a grade and see how we go.

“All weekend they played their heart out and fought to the end.

“The improvement these boys have shown right throughout is incredible, they’ve worked hard at training all year.

“Credit to them, they deserved this win, couldn’t be more happy for them.”

The under 14 boys and girls sides

ERNIE Vanderwert represented Bright Bowls Club in the Ovens and Murray Champion of Champions held at Wangaratta on Sunday, 23 February.

There was a good turnout of local members, with plenty of Bright bowlers on hand to cheer him on.

Vanderwert played Terry Hallinan from Milawa in the rst round and won 25/16, and in the second round he played Rickie Robinson

from Beechworth and won 25/17.

In the quarter nal a er lunch, Vanderwert played Ian Brimblecombe from YMGCR but was defeated 12/25.

Although he felt disappointed, it was always a tough challenge against Brimblecombe, who is an experienced bowler for over 23 years and has won many titles in Ovens & Murray state events and also played in the Victoria

CHAMPION: Mikey Clayton (le ) took out Myrtleford Bowls Club’s men’s handicap singles championship from Terry McCaw.

Myrtleford breeze through to decider

MYRTLEFORD’S midweek A2 bowls side was never really challenged as they easily accounted for Moira in the semifinal at Wangaratta Bowls and Sports Club.

By winning 74/45, they have earnt a place in the grand final.

The best rink was that of Michael Dwyer, Michelle Van Praagh, Wally Dunstone and Jim Murtagh.

Lance Symons’ team also played well, winning 28/13, while Greg Robbin’s team went down 15/21.

Meanwhile the midweek B1 team kept their finals season alive by beating Wangaratta at Milawa.

also made their nals, but came up just short of the title, while the other teams performed well.

MDBA president Dave Hankin said it was a real endorsement of the Myrtleford program to have so many teams feature prominently at tournaments.

“It was a great tournament all round, I can’t remember the last time we had teams nish that high across the board,” he said.

“For such a relatively small club

Solid effort by Bright’s Vanderwert

side for two years.

The nals are played on Sunday, 2 March at Wangaratta.

Bright Bowls Club congratulates Ernie Vanderwert who played some amazing bowls during the competition.

GOOD MATCH: Ernie Vanderwert (right) fell to Ian Brimblecombe 12/25 in the quarter finals of the Ovens and Murray Champion of Champions event.

population-wise, it was good to put those results up.

“The atmosphere at those games was just unbelievable – we had three teams in grand nals but there were people there who weren’t involved in those teams that were still there to watch and support each other, it was great.”

The Saints’ next outing is the Wangaratta junior tournament, set to be held in Wodonga on the weekend of March 8-9.

Although the outcome was never in doubt, only seven points separated the two sides at the finish where Myrtleford won 58/51.

Strongest on the day was Lindsay Hamilton’s team with Geoff Dyt, Phyllis Swindley and Norman Hallett winning 24/12.

Les Brown’s team chipped in with a win 20/15 and Colin Smith’s rink lost 14/24.

It wasn’t the result the Myrtleford weekend B2 teams were hoping for when they were beaten by Club Mulwala in the preliminary final at Corowa Civic Bowls Club, going down 53/62.

The only highlight was a gutsy performance by Lindsay Hamilton’s team, winning 26/15.

With Hamilton was Terry McCaw, Norman Vonarx and Dawn Murtagh.

On the other rinks, Jon Dunell’s team lost 12/18 and Helen Murtagh’s team were beaten 15/29.

Their season is now over.

As the bowling year draws to its end, club championship results start to filter through.

Mikey Clayton, who started three shots behind, quickly overtook nemesis Terry McCaw to win the men’s handicap singles championship 25/10, with a masterful demonstration of precise bowling.

CHAMPIONS: Myrtleford’s winning under 12 division one boys team (from le ) Owen Saunier, Billy Godenzi, Mason Batt, Paddy Miller, Bowie Cartwright, Harrison Waymouth, Luca Zamperoni, Quinn Pawlik, Lachlan Jackson with assistant coach Hudson Durling and coach Kory Batt (back). PHOTO: Kit Cartwright

MOVE THE BALL: UNDER 12 BASKETBALLER GRETEL HERMAN LOOKS FOR AN OPEN PASS.

PHOTO: MELISSA BEATTIE

POWERHOUSE

Bowie Cartwright was named MVP in the under 12 boys’ grand final win over Wodonga on the weekend.

■ Story page 23.

■ More snapshots page 13

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

Former Saints coach tapped to lead senior O&M squad for GVL interleague clash on May 24

O&M’s Sharp focus

FORMER Myrtleford coach Jake Sharp has been con rmed as senior coach for the Ovens and Murray’s representative football side.

Announced on Thursday, 20 February, Sharp will take over the role from Damian Sexton a er his decision to step down a er a successful three years in the role.

Ben Talarico will once again take the helm of the under 18s team, while Jodie House resumes the 17 and under netball head coaching position.

A further announcement regarding the O&M Interleague Open and 15 and under netball coaching appointments will follow once nalised.

The interleague clash with Goulburn Valley League is set to be held in Wangaratta for the rst time since 2014, with WJ Findlay Oval in

and

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

Wangaratta selected as the preferred

An accomplished coach and player in his own right, and assistant coach in last year’s interleague campaign, Sharp said he was thrilled to lead the leagues’ best against Goulburn Valley League on Saturday, 24 May.

“I’m looking forward to working with the really talented players which are in the competition - it’s not every day you get to work with the best of the best,” he said.

“Also, I get a kick out of seeing players aspire to be more and challenge themselves and get better, that’s definitely something

Whether it be local events, food and wine or exploring the region’s many natural attractions, Alpine Alive provides a comprehensive guide of things to do and see.

The new format Alpine Alive will be printed in full colour on premium white newsprint and will be published six times a year to coincide with key visitor times and local events.

As well as being inserted into the Myrtleford Times and Alpine Observer, the supplement will also be a stand alone publication with 500 extra copies being distributed at key tourism/visitor locations across the Alpine Shire and Visitor Information Centres throughout North East Victoria.

this role entails, extending players.

“Having played against them and coached against them, and with the status of our competition at the moment, it’s one of the strongest competitions, if not the strongest, competitions in country Victoria.

“To be able to be a part of a group with those players is something you just can’t turn down.”

Sharp said representative football was a chance for some of the best players in the region to push themselves.

“I think interleague footy and representative footy always has its place, particularly for country footballers,” he said.

“With the commitment from the O&M to keep perusing that, it’s very much something I believe in and something I’m happy to be a part of.

■ Continued page 22

McGeehan Crescent, Myrtleford. AH: 5752 2198

McGeehan Crescent, Myrtleford. AH: 5752 2198