TAWONGA Primary School’s inaugural Giant Pumpkin Competition will culminate this Friday, when entries are judged and the grower of the ‘Biggest Pumpkin in Tawonga’ is crowned. Students Lylah Richardson (grade 4) and Lucy Gentile (grade 2) reckon this whopper grown at the school is in with a fair chance. The event is just one of many as the town looks to celebrate its 180th anniversary.
■ Stories on page 2
More than 20 community events part of Bright’s annual festival
By PHOEBE MORGAN
PREPARATIONS for this year’s Bright Autumn Festival are well and truly underway with a wide range of activities and community events on this year’s docket. The festival is set to provide a platform for at least 20 events to be put on by local community groups and volunteers, such as: the Wandi Nut Festival, Bright Singers and Alpine Actors performances, local historical walking tours, ‘Bright’s
Got Talent’ and many more. Gala Day this year is scheduled for Saturday, 3 May, with the Gala Day Parade to transform Ireland Street into a thoroughfare for a eet of fantastic oats once again.
“This year’s Gala Parade theme is movies from the 1980s, which will give people a lot of scope and some great ideas to create a unique oat,” president of the Bright Autumn Festival, Brendan Holland said.
“The brass band is already
practising arrangements of the ‘Ghostbusters’ and ‘Indiana Jones’ themes to go with the parade.
“We’re hoping to reintroduce QR codes this year so people can vote for their favourite oat and open garden displays in town.
“We’ve got our ngers crossed we’ll get a nice autumn; there seem to be plenty of trees with some good colours already.
“The Bright Art Gallery will have an increase of opening times during the festival and
clubs like the croquet club will host an open day for anyone to attend.
“The Bright and District Historical Society also puts on a number of tours based on di erent themes: the ‘gold rush’, ‘murder mystery’ tours and the ‘old quartzcrushing battery’ museum programs have always been really popular.”
Opening night for the festival will be held at Howitt Park, at 4pm on Friday, 25 April.
It is planned as a familyoriented evening with face-
painting, live music and a lot of other festive celebrations.
A er over a week of events to celebrate Bright’s beautiful autumn colours and produce from the region, the nal day of the festival on Sunday, 4 May, will see Freeburgh host it’s annual bush market.
For more information and to view the program for this year, visit: www.brightautumnfestival.org.au and check in with the Bright Autumn Festival Facebook page for any last-minute changes and updates.
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Tawonga ready to celebrate 180 years
TAWONGA is ready to celebrate 180 years of community and resilience this week. Originally settled in the 1840s, Tawonga has grown from a colonial settlement into a cherished rural community, and residents are coming together for a weekend of festivities to honour its heritage and
From this Friday, 28 March to Sunday, 30 March the Tawonga and District Community Association (TDCA), with support from the Upper Kiewa Valley Historical Society, Alpine Shire Council and the Kiewa Valley Flood and Landslip Community Grants Program 2024-25, will host a series of events for all ages.
PLACE TO BE: Community members are invited to attend the o icial reopening of the renovated Tawonga Memorial Hall this Friday a ernoon.
Tawonga Memorial Hall to re-open doors to community
after refurbishment
COMMUNITY members are invited to the official reopening of Tawonga Memorial Hall at 4.30pm this Friday, 28 March.
Refurbishment of the hall began in September last year, after Alpine Shire Council secured federal funding and awarded two contracts to Joss Facility Management Pty Ltd.
Works included interior refurbishments to the existing infrastructure, as well as the construction of a new deck to the northern elevation.
Mayor Sarah Nicholas thanked the Tawonga community for their patience during the works.
She also extended her gratitude to the Tawonga and District Community Association for hosting the official opening prior to their Celebrating 180 Years of Tawonga event.
“Meeting places, such as halls, are the beating heart of rural communities,” she said.
“Tawonga Memorial Hall is the place where community members come together to share a range of experiences, such as supporting their children at playgroup, commemorating Pancake Tuesday, and celebrating the achievements of Tawonga Primary School students through their annual school play.
“I will be proud to stand alongside the users of the Tawonga Memorial Hall and return this valuable facility back to them at the official reopening.
“I encourage any attendees to stay for the Celebrating 180 Years of Tawonga event.”
The hall reopening event will include formalities, followed by a tour of the facility, and light refreshments.
The celebrations will include a
family bush dance, community exhibitions and an ecumenical service.
The weekend will also showcase the area’s rich history, with displays of family recollections, old maps and photos at Tawonga Memorial Hall.
Farm equipment and old cars will be on display in Tawonga Pioneer Memorial Park, along with a barbecue sausage sizzle, an animal
nursery and plenty of other fun activities for children.
The district CFA will also be present with equipment and specialist services.
The weekend schedule sees celebrations to kick o with a family bush dance, pizzas and supper at the Tawonga Memorial Hall, from 6pm this Friday.
Continuing on from 10am, Saturday, 29 March, a community festival will be held at Pioneer Memorial Park, with cake-cutting scheduled at noon.
Sunday, 30 March will wrap–up the weekend with an ecumenical service at St Aidan’s Anglican Church from 10am, followed by a Devonshire Tea service.
TAWONGA’S BIGGEST PUMPKIN TO BE DECIDED FRIDAY
AFTER months of diligent gardening and growing, the title of Tawonga’s biggest pumpkin will be decided this Friday.
Tawonga Primary School is running its rst-ever Giant Pumpkin Competition, hopeful it will become an annual xture on the town’s calendar.
Teacher Juliette Oddoux said the event aims to bring the community together while encouraging students, families and gardening enthusiasts to take part in growing the largest pumpkin possible.
“Both experienced growers and rst-timers have the opportunity
to showcase their gardening skills and potentially take home the title of ‘Biggest Pumpkin in Tawonga’,” she said.
“The competition is open to all.”
Ms Oddoux said it takes a long, warm summer for the huge vines to grow their monster pumpkins.
“It has taken a lot of love, care and fertiliser to get these giants growing,” she said.
“In December 2024, the school sent home seeds and growing instructions to interested families and there has been a great uptake.
“Four vines were also planted
on the school grounds in di erent locations for the students to grow.
“Each week during gardening classes, the students have been caring for the school vines and tending to the precious pumpkins that have been growing.
“Students have been learning about bee pollination and identifying the two di erent types of owers found on a pumpkin vine.
“To get the biggest pumpkin possible, it is important to only let the vine focus on growing one pumpkin, so students have had to make the hard decision of chopping o all the little
pumpkins that form on the vine.”
Ms Oddoux said in addition to a prize for the largest pumpkin, prizes will also be awarded for the prettiest pumpkin and closest weight guess of the school’s pumpkin.
“Our families and community members have been getting competitive and it looks to be a good rst competition,” she said.
The event will be held this Friday, 28 March from 5pm-6pm at the school and all are welcome.
If there are any giant pumpkin growers out there who still wish to enter, email the school at tawonga.ps@education.vic.gov.au
PHOTO: Alpine Shire Council
GARDEN JOY: Tawonga Primary School students (from le ) Lylah Richardson, Bridget Peacock, Millar Richardson, Ella Cooper and Lucy Gentile overlook the pumpkin vines in their garden. INSET: PUMPKIN DELIGHT: A 41 kilogram pumpkin grown at Tawonga Primary School.
Harrietville trees trimmed, but couple concerned ‘eyesore’ to village entrance may also be safety risk
By JEFF ZEUSCHNER
HARRIETVILLE residents
Doug and Joan Humphries reckon it’s not only an “eyesore”, but could well pose a danger to vehicular tra c on the Great Alpine Road entering and exiting Harrietville.
The couple say recent pruning of a number of large trees adjoining the Great Alpine Road and rail trail at the town’s entrance is the most severe they’ve seen in the past 30 years.
“It’s blatant overkill of these beautiful trees and you can’t help but be concerned by not only how they look at the entrance to our lovely little village, but worry about all the branch weight now leaning to just one side, over the Great Alpine Road,” said Doug.
“I believe they’re now more susceptible to falling over...I’ve seen some signs of movement in the one of two trees’ bases, with some cracks on the adjoining bike path.
“I know the trees need to be pruned because of the power lines, but I question why so severe?
“Maybe they’d be better replanting some of them with a di erent species.
“Years ago, when the commissioners were in a er council amalgamations, there was talk of putting the powerlines underground.
“There is still enough easement to do this.”
Responding to questions from the Alpine Observer/ Myrtleford Times, an AusNet spokesperson said the com-
CONCERNED: Doug and Joan Humphries are concerned recent pruning
susceptible to falling over.
pany undertakes pruning and vegetation works in the interest of community safety and reliability of the electrical supply.
“In regard to the pruning undertaken in Harrietville, the Pin Oaks and Spruce’s mentioned have been pruned clear of the high voltage powerline over many years,” the spokesperson said.
“On this occasion trees were pruned in a manner that meets the required clearances, with the Pin Oaks being pruned more substantially due to their position directly below the powerline and fast-growing nature.
“It’s also important to note that back to-back La Nina weather events have meant we need to allow for the
faster growth rates of trees and sometimes we have to cut back further than previous trims to ensure they remain clear of the powerlines.
“In some cases, we need to cut trees twice in a season to maintain compliance.”
The spokesperson said AusNet’s bush re mitigation work requires trees are cut away from powerlines to en-
sure a minimum clearance space is maintained.
“The extent of pruning is stipulated in the Electric Safety Regulations, which are administered by Energy Safe Victoria (ESV)...and ESV manages a strict enforcement regime to ensure electricity distributors comply with the clearance space requirements,” the spokesperson said.
Responsible pet ownership starts with registration
PET owners in the Alpine Shire should have received their pet registration renewal notices, with fees due by April 10. Under the Domestic Animal Act 1994, all domestic dogs and cats must be registered in the shire.
Unregistered animals cannot be returned by rangers, and non-compliance can result in a $395 fine, whereas registered animals found at large can be returned without charge.
Alpine Shire Council chief executive officer, Will Jeremy, said this year registration fees for desexed dogs has increased from $33 to $55, and desexed cats from $33 to $50 to ensure the sustainability of council’s pound services.
“We kept increases to a minimum during the COVID years, however the cost of running the pound has increased significantly, and we must ensure our pound service is sustainable and compliant with state legislation regarding animal welfare,” he said.
“Operating the pound locally is essential for several reasons; agreements with external facilities in Wodonga or Albury are more expensive, and private shelters are full and not accepting new rehoming agreements.
“The cost of housing animals, including health inspections, feeding, watering, and walking, is substantial, with this service provided 365 days a year, including holidays.” For further information on pet registrations, or to register your pet for the first time, community members can visit council’s website.
Crime stays low in Alpine Shire
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
THE Alpine Shire’s crime rate remained steady throughout the 2024 calendar year, recording the exact same number of incidents as the year prior.
According to the latest figures from the Crime Statistics Agency for the 2024 calendar year, 321 criminal incidents were recorded in the shire at a rate well below the state average.
Criminal damage was still the most common type of offence in the shire despite a slight decline from 2023, while breach of family violence order (up 10), sexual offences (up 11) and theft (up two) all recorded increases in the shire’s top incidents.
Alpine’s crime rate for incidents per 100,000 people remains as one of the lowest in the state, sitting at 2433 incidents, well below the state average of 6550.
In the last quarter, the shire had the lowest criminal incident rate in the state, but was overtaken by the Golden Plains LGA in the CSA’s latest figures.
Total offences in the area dropped by 105 to see a 20 per cent decrease from 2023.
Of the 416 offences in total,
Crime spirals out of control: MP
NATIONALS’ state MP for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, has condemned the Victorian Government for failing to keep regional Victorians safe following the release of last week’s “alarming” crime statistics.
Mr McCurdy said new data from the Crime Statistics Agency paints a grim picture, showing crime overall in Victoria has jumped by 19 per cent since Jacinta Allan became Premier.
He condemned her failure to tackle crime, warning that regional Victorians are being left exposed.
“Most concerning is the alarming rise in youth crime, which has reached its highest level since electronic records began in 1993,” he said.
“Offences committed by individuals aged 17 and under have increased by 16 per cent since the Premier took office, while youth offending has risen by 33 per cent since 2015 - another indictment of Labor’s decade-long failure on law and order.
“Our local police officers are doing their best under increasingly difficult circumstances, yet they are being let down by Labor’s soft-on-crime policies.
“The Nationals stand ready to implement policies that put victims first, toughen bail laws, and restore law and order.”
only theft saw an increase in figures from 2023 in the year’s top five type of offences, with two more incidents of theft occurring in 2024.
A rare increase in crime was observed in the total amount of family violence incidents which rose 26.7 per cent from last year.
For the 147 total incidents, 117 involved a female affected family member and incidents most commonly occurred between people aged between 35 and 44.
Statewide, theft from motor vehicles and offending among youths aged between 10 and 17 reached historic peaks.
Police intelligence showing as many as one in five vehicles are being stolen using electronic devices capable of programming or mimicking keys.
Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Bob Hill said the overall crime rates statewide were “unacceptable”.
“The sad reality is that more crime equates to more victims involving members of commu-
nity, who in some cases, will be impacted for life,” he said.
“As a society, we simply cannot tolerate this level of offending.”
Deputy Commissioner Hill said police have worked with the State Government around the “critical” need to strengthen bail laws in the state, with new legislation passing parliament on Thursday.
“We welcome last week’s announcement and have every confidence that the changes will lead to a reduction in youth offending and crimes such as aggravated burglaries,” he said.
In surrounding LGAs, Strathbogie Shire saw a decade high 564 criminal incidents recorded, a 36.4 per cent increase on 2023’s figure of 412.
Wangaratta’s crime rate remained relatively steady, with a 1.7 per cent increase driven by shoplifting and drug offences.
Wodonga saw a 15.1 per cent surge in crime at a rate of 7959/100,000 people, in large part driven by thefts from motor vehicle.
Indigo Shire saw a slight rise of 6.9 per cent in criminal incidents driven by criminal damage and non-residential non-aggravated burglary.
of trees at Harrietville’s entrance makes them more
PHOTO: Je Zeuschner
Creative projects to boost learning in schools
HARRIETVILLE and Omeo
primary schools will collaborate with artist Craig Dent to run a program for their students in term three this year, set in the alpine landscape of Mount Hotham, a er a $10,000 grant was recently awarded as part of the state government’s Creative Learning Partnerships program.
This local artistic partnership will produce light box installations depicting sustainable futures for both communities on each side of the mountain.
“The idea was for the two schools to meet and work together: kids that would otherwise never meet each other,” Mr Dent said.
“Young people are just so un ltered in terms of their creativity and it’s going to be so interesting to see what they come up with.
“The students’ writing will form the basis of the project; to picture what the future of Hotham would look like through the power of their imagination.
“On each lightbox there will be a QR code, which will take people to the future imaginary world that the students create for Mount Hotham.”
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Need to improve breast screening rates
ALL eligible residents should prioritise their health by booking a free breast screen appointment.
The latest data has revealed that nearly half of Victorian women aged 50 to 74 did not
As the two schools are separated by the mountain, the bulk of the collaborative work will be done by students online, with occasional meetings throughout the year.
undergo their recommended screening between 2022 and 2024.
In the Ovens Valley electorate the rate was 51.9 per cent, which aligns with the statewide average.
While this is encouraging, there remains room for improvement to ensure more women take advantage of this potentially life-saving service.
Early detection of breast
“The online delivery works really well with what we plan to do,” Mr Dent said.
A er previously working with remote regional schools in Somerset in the United Kingdom, Mr Dent said he enjoyed giving the students access to a new digital platform of creative writing. The project was among around 20 in the state that Victorian Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks, said were sharing in grants totaling $315,000.
cancer signi cantly improves the chances of successful treatment.
With breast cancer being one of the most common cancers among women, it is vital that our community encourages loved ones to make screening a priority.
A 10-minute appointment could save your life or the life of someone you care about.
I strongly urge locals to book their free breast screen today.
People can easily book an appointment by calling 13 20 50 or visiting bookings. breastscreen.org.
For local groups or community events looking to promote breast health, reach out to BreastScreen Victoria’s Community Engagement team via communityengagement@ breastscreen.org.au.
Tim McCurdy, Nationals’ MP for Ovens Valley
LETTERS to the editor must be signed with the full name, address and contact telephone number of the author provided. Letters under 250 words are preferred and we reserve the right to edit letters to fit available space. Nom de plumes will only be published at the editor’s discretion. Opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by this newspaper.
Email: edit.timesobserver@nemedia.com.au
Post: North East Media 76 Standish Street, Myrtleford, Vic 3737
Food festival to showcase local producers
By PHOEBE MORGAN
BRIGHT Food Co-op, together with Alpine Multi-Skills Group, will hold an Autumn Harvest Festival for the alpine community, with the event in early April set to celebrate a wide range of locally produced foods, in the form of a picnic and twilight market.
As the Bright Autumn Festival returns for another year, the co-op will host this locally-produced food event a few weeks prior, to get in the green-thumb spirit and showcase the variety of produce available in the Alpine Shire.
The festival will be held on Friday, 4 April at Stony Creek Fish Farm at Harrietville from 4pm to 8pm.
“I think there’s still many people in our region who might not be aware of how much food is produced locally,” Bright Food Coop committee member,
Gil Paulsen said.
“There will be many delicious and nutritious food and drinks for sale at our festival, the majority of which is harvested now in autumn, all from local producers.
“Most of our sourced producers are utilising regenerative farming techniques or going chemical free.
“In line with our sustainability values, the event will be waste free, so we will be asking people to BYO picnic rug, cups, plates, cutlery and chairs.”
Musical entertainment for the evening will also be covered with DJ Tim from Wandiligong Farm in attendance.
The evening will also feature tours of the Stony Creek Fish Farm and Garden tours.
Entry to the event will be by gold coin donation, with proceeds going toward the Bright Food Co-op Food Relief Fund.
SEASONAL SQUASH: Bright Food Co-op member, Sarah Livingston, helps prepare for this year’s Autumn Harvest Festival by picking this portly pumpkin.
Drink and drug drivers were caught in road operation
POLICE detected 450 offences, including 22 alcohol and drug impaired drivers during a road safety operation on the Hume Freeway in the North East over the weekend.
The multi-agency operation saw police teaming up with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, Safe Transport Victoria, and the Department of Transport and Planning, establishing two major checkpoints at the Glenrowan and Benton’s Hill rest areas.
Seventeen lives were lost in the region in 2024, with 169 people sustaining serious injuries from motor vehicle collisions.
Officers conducted 4900 preliminary breath tests and 584 roadside drug tests, resulting in three drink driving and 19 drug driving offences. Over 130 speeding offences were detected, as well as 118 heavy vehicle offences.
Nats abandon Indi election
By STEVE KELLY
THE National Party will not eld an Indi candidate to contest this federal election, but rather focus its resources on Bendigo.
State director Lyndel Feery con rmed that no deals were made with the Liberal Party in other electorates, but the Nationals prefer to focus its resources on the Bendigo seat.
The Nationals has been on a downward slide in Indi for several terms, with candidate Liz Fisher only securing 3.79 per cent of the primary vote in 2022, a plummet from 9.45pc for Mark Byatt in 2019, and 17.22pc
for Marty Corboy in 2016. It opens the door for other parties to garner more votes, but based on the 2022 election primaries, the Liberals will need a massive swing to snatch the seat from the Independent’s grip, having held it since 2013.
In 2022, incumbent Helen Haines won the election with 40.68pc of the primary vote and an 8.33pc swing in her favour over Liberal candidate Ross Lyman, who secured 30.52pc of the primary.
Current Liberal candidate for Indi James Trenery wants the election to be called soon following a postponement due
to ex-tropical cyclone Alfred. He said there are no guarantees Indi Nationals’ votes will go his way, as “you still have to earn everyone’s vote”.
“I’m happy to work with anyone on the Nats’ side to make sure everyone knows where I stand on issues and if they’re happy to vote for me, they’re happy to vote for me,”
Mr Trenery said.
“You would hope that people in that community would vote for me, but you have to earn every vote and if anyone has any questions, I’m happy to answer them as well.
“My stance on the battery in Dederang and Meadow
Creek solar facility has certain helped.
“The National membership is onboard with that as well.”
As a regional member of parliament, Mr Trenery said the farming community is an important part of Indi.
“Not just with the number or people, but also the dollars around it with primary producers, it’s very important to small and larges towns alike in Indi,” he said.
Dr Haines encourage anyone who might have voted National in the past to consider voting Independent this election.
“I’m the daughter of dairy farmers and I have a track re-
cord ghting for our agricultural communities and farmers,” she said.
“This dates right back to when I was rst elected, helping farmers secure $15.2 million in nancial support a er the devastating Black Summer bush res of 2019-2020.
“More recently, I backed farmers in opposing the Labor Government’s proposed super tax changes and in their attempts to push biosecurity levies and charges onto farmers – both ghts we won.
“I stood up for our winemakers through the prosecco trade negotiations and I helped secure $76.4 million for Sustain-
able Agricultural Facilitators.
“I have clear policies to support farmers, like holding the big supermarkets to account, tax relief of up to $30,000 to help lower costs, along with housing, health, childcare and telecommunications and I’ll keep up the ght for regional Australia.” Mitch Bridges is the Labor candidate for Indi, but with the delay of the election being called, there has also been a delay in candidates from other parties being announced. Odds for candidates to win the Indi election have Independent Helen Haines at $1.18, Liberal at $4.35, and Labor at $23.
Be a life-maker
Everyone
Hoppet organisers welcome road’s snow clarity for event
By JEFF ZEUSCHNER
ORGANISERS of Australia’s premier cross country ski event have welcomed conrmation that cross country operations at Falls Creek alpine resort will remain status quo in season 2025.
Alpine Resorts Victoria (ARV) this month said the Bogong High Plains Road, which is the main ski trail from the resort’s cross country skiing hub at Windy Corner to the resort’s trail network, will remain uncleared of snow for this winter.
Falls Creek has hosted the Kangaroo Hoppet, an international ski marathon event that is part of the Worldloppet series, for more than 30 years.
Event chairman Allan Marsland said the snow covered Bogong High Plains Road is an integral part of the Hoppet race course in winter, and essential for the safe operation of the event.
“Con rmation the road will not be cleared of snow allows us to plan with certainty for this year,” he said.
“It reassures the cross country skiing community, both domestically and importantly our international participants from across the world, that they can contin-
ue to make their plans too, be it travel or associated ac commodation.”
lows its win last year where the Victorian Civil and Ad ministrative Tribunal (VCAT) approved its planning permit for the Falls Creek Lakeside Development to expand a signi cant number of yearround activities by developing the existing facilities and enhancing the visitor experience.
Cross Country Skiing Association Victoria (XCSAV) was among several resorts stakeholders opposing the permit, concerned by the
make any operational decisions about the potential clearing of the Bogong High Plains Road until the ANARE Shed is redeveloped, and it could assess how the site should be optimally operated and accessed.
“Consistent with this determination, ARV has proceeded with securing a planning permit for the redevelopment with associated site works anticipated
many years.
The Falls Creek Masterplan, developed in 2016, lists the Lakeside Development precinct as a key development node and the Victorian Alpine Resort Visitor Economy Development Plan has identi ed this precinct as a priority transformational project.
AVR hopes the developments will drive further demand for alpine experi-
growth of the regional Victorian visitor economy at yearround venues and accommodation providers from interstate and international visitors, a climate change adaptation through sustainable investments and an upgrade of facilities that will be more centrally located to the 60km+ network of trails, to provide reduced walking time during low snow periods.
Shire’s home gardeners can get their soil tested for free
EPA Victoria wants more home gardeners across the Alpine Shire to take advantage of free soil screening as part of a government citizen science project that’s mapping soil conditions across the state.
The state’s environmental regulator says 2000 home gardeners have registered and sent in more than 5000 soil samples so far, but most have come from the metropolitan area.
Victoria’s chief environmental scientist Professor Mark Patrick Taylor says it’s a free service for home gardeners that does science and the environment a favour.
“Register on the EPA Victoria website, send in three small samples and you’ll receive a scientific assessment of your soil condition and the trace elements it contains,” Prof Taylor said.
“It’s a free offer to home gardeners anywhere in Victoria, but we’re not seeing many samples from country areas so far,” he said.
“EPA’s scientists will add your soil data to a study that is mapping soil condition across the state.
“You’ll be helping scientific research and getting a detailed report on what’s feeding your garden.”
“We just need more country people to get involved.”
Register or see more details on GardenSafe at: epa.vic. gov.au/for-community/getinvolved/citizen-science-program/gardensafe.
HOPPET ALL GO: Kangaroo Hoppet organisers have welcomed news the Bogong High Plains Road at Falls Creek won’t be cleared of snow - and stay the main cross country access trail from Windy Corner in season 2025.
MT BEAUTY
How long have you lived in the area?
I came to Falls Creek 30 years ago from Melbourne. My husband worked as an engineer up on the mountain. We moved down to Tawonga South in 1996.
What do you like about living here?
The community mainly, as there are so many lovely people here. Also the surroundings are beautiful.
Would you like to see any changes?
No, I don’t like change.
What do you do - your hobbies and interests?
I like cooking (Italian food), reading, and going to the coffee mornings at the Mt Beauty Neighbourhood Centre each week. Where would you take visitors to showcase the area?
I don’t drive anymore so I would invite them to come to my place for coffee and cake.
Mark Schulz and Mick Gold
Where do you live?
Mark: I’m from Melbourne city. Mick: I live in Nunawading. How often do you visit the area?
We catch up with a big group of friends who visit the area every year. We routinely visit during the weekend after the long weekend in March. What do you do for a
Mark: I used to own Longleat Estates; a vineyard in Murchison. When I retired, my wife suggested I find something to occupy myself, so now I work
part time at Dan Murphy’s and I still get to talk about wines.
Mick: I’m retired. What are your hobbies and interests?
Mick: Caravanning, RV-ing and campervanning.
Mark: At the moment, I’m on the first week of an eight-month tour of Australia.
What do you think makes the area unique?
Mark: It’s a great place to visit.
Mick: The combination of the weather, the geography and rivers all contribute to the serenity. It’s easy
MYRTLEFORD
to get to where you need to go and there are lots of wineries in the area.
What would you change about the area?
Mick: Theoretically, if the Alpine Shire were an hour closer to Melbourne, that would be more convenient. Aside from a stronger internet connection, I wouldn’t change much; it is what it is.
Mark: Bright and Porepunkah have changed a lot from the 70s and 80s, of course. The area wouldn’t need to change much more from what it is now.
Michelle, Kenny + Bella Hallett
Where do you live?
We’re from Loch Sport, down in Gipps-
How often do you visit the area?
K: This is the first time we’ve visited the area in about four years. It’s the first time we’ve stayed here in town.
M: We try to go on holidays all over, at least once or twice a year.
What do you do for a living?
K: I’m a healthcare technician, a service tech for wheelchairs and beds and so on.
M: I’m an educator at a kindergarten. What are your hobbies and interests?
K: We love going around in the caravan. Bella, our 14-year-old Staffordshire, likes to come with us when we go bike riding and get out in nature. She usually accompanies us on our trips: she likes to interact with new people in new places.
M: We like doing all outdoor activities: swimming, bike riding definitely and going
for walks. Travelling and seeing new places is fantastic.
What do you think makes the area unique?
K: The river down here is beautiful and the parks are really great. The rail trails around here are brilliant.
M: We’ve been down to the river every day since we’ve been here, it’s been lovely. We’re about to catch up with our friends next and go swimming again.
What would you change about the area?
M: I haven’t been here long enough to say. Petrol is reasonably priced and we’re staying at a really accommodating caravan park. The supermarkets are great. Myrtleford’s a great stop-over to go on lots of little day trips. Even via the rail trails: you can have lunch at one place, then easily come back in a day.
K: Everything is here and available; anything we might need.
It can be overwhelming to know where to begin or who to speak to about your finances. But your local CommBank team are here to help. We’re on hand to chat about your unique financial situation, answer your questions and suggest solutions to help meet your needs.
Rachel’s musical vocation shines through at Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra
By WENDIE WILKIE, WANGARATTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
A COMITMMENT by her grandmother (nana) to buy all her grandchildren their rst musical instrument meant that Porepunkah’s Rachel Campbell got her rst clarinet when she was seven years old.
Then came a piano at nine and soon enough, music became the focus of her life.
“We are a bit of a musical family,” Rachel said.
Rachel, who plays rst clarinet in the Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra, is a musician and music teacher working at St Marys Primary School in Myrtleford and at Bright P-12 College.
She plays clarinet, saxophone and piano, and teaches them to her students.
Rachel’s husband, Jason, is also a musician and plays tuba in the Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra.
They both play and conduct in the Mount Beauty Community Band.
Their children have also taken up music, with their daughter studying classical voice at Monash University and their son playing drums in local groups.
Rachel has had a long involvement with music all across Australia.
She played in a school band in Canberra, then the Coonabarabran
band with her father, and then in Geraldton , WA, with a combined high schools band.
She completed a Bachelor of Musical Performance at Newcastle Conservatorium before joining the navy as a musician in 1991.
The navy gave her many exciting opportunities to play, such as the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, various events during the Centenary of Federation, and other naval celebrations, parades and award ceremonies.
The navy was also where she met and married her husband.
A er the birth of her rst child, Rachel returned to study and completed a Graduate diploma in Education which enabled her to teach classroom music as well as instrumental.
Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra allows Rachel to indulge in her love of classical music.
As rst clarinet, she plays an important role in the wind section.
“I love that we play varied music that is exciting not only for the musicians to play, but also for our audience to listen to,” she said.
She joined the orchestra at the end of 2021 a er seeing an ad on the Bright community noticeboard.
Rachel encouraged those interested in learning an instrument or playing with the orchestra to pursue such aspirations.
“Do it,” Rachel said.
“You are never too old or young, it is never too late to learn something new, to challenge yourself and become involved with a great group of people.
“If you learned an instrument as a child, go back, dust it o , the skills are still there.
“There are so many groups, bands and choirs that will welcome you.”
‘Myths and Legends’ is the theme of the two concerts that the Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra will be putting on soon.
The rst will be at Rutherglen Memorial Hall this Sunday, 30 March at 2.30pm, and the second at WPACC in Wangaratta on Sunday, 6 April at 2.30pm.
Tickets available at the venues.
There will be classics by Beethoven and Greig, but also modern tunes such as music from ‘How to Train your Dragon’ and ‘Indiana Jones’. The concert will end with themes from Pirates of the Caribbean –great dramatic music and lots of fun to perform.
For further information, contact Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra secretary Wendie Wilkie at wangsymphonyorchestra@gmail.com.
CLASSICAL AT HEART: Rachel Campbell has been with the Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra since 2021.
Colour Fun Run
By ANITA McPHERSON
REGULATIONS requiring all mobile phone towers in bush re prone areas to have at least 24 hours of power backup, are among the key policy platforms in Indi Independent federal MP Helen Haines’ plans for regional telecommunications, announced last week.
Dr Haines announced her regional telecommunications policies for the 2025 election in the King Valley
township of Cheshunt, saying while she’d had success over a number of years in delivering improved phone and internet coverage, there was “much more work to be done”.
She said under independent representation, Indi had been the most successful Victorian electorate under the Mobile Blackspot Program, with more than 65 mobile towers built or upgraded since 2013.
“But we still have areas with poor coverage and that’s something we
need to keep working on,” she said.
Dr Haines has also called for a Regional Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund that enables local government and community groups to invest in local, placebased telecommunications projects.
She said when mobile phone towers and internet systems don’t have su cient backup power, entire towns can become cut o , which is especially dangerous during emer-
gencies like res or oods, if people can’t contact emergency services and each other.
Dr Haines plans would ensure that Telstra and Optus are required to install at least 24 hours of power backup at all towers servicing high bush re risk areas.
“Currently, local governments and community organisations are locked out of the government’s main telecommunications investment programs and this is some-
thing we need to x,” she said.
Dr Haines said the Jamieson Energy Node was a model project for the fund, which was funded a er the Black Summer bush res to build telecommunications resilience.
Regardless of the conditions and without solar generation, the battery stores up to three days of autonomous power to give access to satellite internet in time of need.
Bright P-12 College a base for a bevy of exchange students
BRIGHT P-12 College has started the school year with a number of exchange students.
Through the college’s 20-year relationship with German sister-school, Wirtscha sschule Alpenland, students have the opportunity to live in and learn about a di erent culture before they even graduate.
“We really embrace and appreciate the opportunity for international learning that our students have with this program,” Bright P-12 languages teacher and international student coordinator, Katrina Ciolli said.
“By hosting international students at Bright, lots of our other students, who might never plan to learn a language or go overseas during their school years themselves, are able to get the advantage of that intercultural connection.”
This year’s participants in the three-month exchange, Year 10s Kristina Bodner and Lukas Lord, made the most of their experience by doing a number of local activities with their host-families.
“We did the Mount Beauty river-walk and the Mount Bu alo National Park,” Kristina said.
“We also went to the Brighter Days Festival in town and visited Albury.”
Kristina’s host-mother, Ms Clayton said the family have really enjoyed showing o this part of the world and learning about the
di erences between the two countries.
“Our daughter Jemma went to Germany last term,” Ms Clayton said.
“I haven’t been myself, but I would love to go and explore the region Kristina is from in Bavaria.”
Lukas has also integrated well within his host fam-
ily, with the boys playing basketball, card games, table tennis, videogames and nska together.
“One of my favourite experiences in Australia so far is de nitely hiking on Mount Bu alo,” Lukas said.
“With food: discovering ‘Shapes’ and ‘cherryripes’ are new for me and I learned
the word ‘yapping’ while I’ve been here.”
Ms Birch, Lukas’ host-mother, said the family has really enjoyed getting to know him and learning all about his life back in Germany.
“The children have made sure to be inclusive and make Lukas feel welcomed,” she said.
“We’ve learned how to best support Lukas and include him in our daily routine.
“We have made sure to take the time to listen, question and understand and we’ve been able to work out any di erences in a relaxed and fun way.”
Bright P-12 College is also able to accommodate inter-
national students who are not part of the established school exchange program.
Year six student, Joël Sawyer from Switzerland, is currently accompanying his father on a world business trip and studying in Bright for term one.
“I like it here very much and I am enjoying the nice weather,” Joël said.
“School is quite di erent here; in Switzerland my school day starts at 7:10am and ends at 4:30pm.
“It has been enjoyable to be able to have more time for hobbies and sleeping.
“In Switzerland, I play a lot of soccer but here my friends and I play basketball together.
“I am looking forward to spending the next few weeks in Bright before we head o to Thailand.”
Olga Kovanen from Finland is another international student, currently studying Year 12 as part of the Rotary Youth Exchange for a year.
“I’ve had it as a dream to participate in an exchange since the sixth grade,” Olga said.
“I think it’s a great opportunity to learn about new cultures and experience local life.
“I am used to living in a town like Albury, so Bright feels quite small for me: but I like the fact both places are close to nature.
“We don’t have school uniforms in Finland, so that has been a nice experience.”
ILLUMINATING INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE: Enjoying Bright P-12 College this year are exchange students (from le ) Olga Kovanen, Joël Sawyer, Kristina Bodner and Lukas Lord.
Design do-over for Bright’s local Bendigo Bank branch
By PHOEBE MORGAN
THERE was a cheerful spirit in the air at Bright’s Bendigo Bank branch, as the completion of recent renovations and the installation of a mural running along the length of the interior wall were celebrated last Thursday.
The renovations took around six months from planning to completion, incorporating an additional meeting room to serve as another space for interacting with customers.
Bendigo Bank sponsorship and marketing coordinator, Allira Simpson, said the renovation was chiefly designed to better serve customers in the branch.
“The renovation was important because it solidifies our intent to remain in the community as a full service, face-to-face bank,” Ms Simpson said.
“It’s very important for customers to be able to meet with our staff in person to assist with any banking needs.
“The mural was a beautiful added component to our renovation, which celebrates the impact of our community banking model and the natural beauty of our community.”
Chiltern artist, Kirrily Anderson, was commissioned to arrange the mural three months ago and to create a visual representation of the community.
The concept behind the mural’s creation was to show a visual documentation of the community’s investment journey, from
a list of over 500 local projects funded since the Community Bank Bright branch opened in 2006.
“The first step was to look back at all the projects funded, from Myrtleford to Harrietville,” Ms Anderson said.
“I also planned to incorporate elements which were important to the community: the wildlife, the river, the mountains, native plants and so on.”
Bright Bendigo Bank branch manager, Mark Ditcham, said the mural has already sparked interest from customers who have visited in person.
“We’re really happy with how the branch looks now,” Mr Ditcham said.
“Our staff love it, which is great because they’re the ones who’ll be seeing it every day.
“And it’s a great talking point for customers and
Planned burns to reduce risk of future bushfires
FOREST Fire Management
Victoria (FFMVic) intends to take advantage of favourable weather and forest conditions across the state with priority burns, including in the Bright area, to reduce the risk of bush res on the community and environment.
FFMVic deputy chief re o cer Aaron Kennedy, said priority burns are planned in state forest, parks and reserves around Bright, Marysville, Toolangi, Kinglake, Glenburn, Woods Point, Tatong, Howqua, Beechworth, Yackandandah, Mitta Mitta, Koetong and Tallangatta Valley over coming weeks.
He said more than 100 planned burns across an area of 46,300 hectares are prepared and ready for ignition in North East Victoria.
“Planned burning is one of the key tools re ghters use to reduce the size, intensity, and impact of bush res,” Mr Kennedy said.
conditions are suitable.”
Mr Kennedy said while planned burning is the most e ective tool to reduce bushre risk, in locations where planned burning isn’t suitable, crews will mulch, mow, slash and spray, build fuel breaks and upgrade and maintain the public land road network to keep Victoria safer.
“Reducing fuels such as grass, leaves, bark, shrubs and small fallen branches means res are less intense, slower to spread and safer for re ghters to control.
“Autumn is generally the best time of the year to undertake planned burns as the weather is more stable and re behaviour is manageable and predictable.”
“Given the limited opportunities to undertake planned burning, it is important that we commence this work as soon as weather and forest
“We work with the Bureau of Meteorology to assess weather conditions, such as humidity, temperature and wind speed and will only carry out burns when the conditions are suitable, and it is safe to do so,” he said.
Mr Kennedy said FFMVic works with the CFA, Fire Rescue Victoria and Emergency Management Victoria to manage bush re risk, prepare communities and respond to res and other emergencies. Register for the latest updates about where and when FFMVic deliver planned burning at https://plannedburns. m.vic.gov.au/.
visitors who can ask us questions about it and we can tell them more about the projects that are celebrated within the mural.”
Project organiser and Bendigo Bank board member, Britt Howard, said the mural was a fantastic way to introduce a bit of colour to the branch.
“I’m really proud of the bank’s contributions and as an interior designer, it’s fantastic to have this
beautiful mural installed as part of our renovation to celebrate the sponsorships, grants and support we have given to the local community,” Ms Howard said.
“It’s an abstract mural, but you can see designs paying homage to the ‘Bright Rod Run’, the ‘L to P’ driving program, skiers, wildlife, national parks, local footy clubs and more.”
Colourful community to walk at Wandi in early April
ALPINE Shire Council’s annual ‘Colour Fun Run’ is almost here, with the free event set to be held at Alpine Park in Wandiligong, with attendees of all ages and abilities welcome to participate.
The run will return to Wandiligong, the location of the inaugural 2018 Colour Run, a er it became apparent hosting this year’s event in Mount Beauty as planned was not possible.
The colourful 3.5km round-trip run or walk will be plotted along the Wandi Trail, with participants welcome to do multiple rounds of the course.
Participants can gather near the grandstand at Alpine Park on Saturday, 5 April and warm-up at 9:15am, before the Colour Walk begins at 9:30am. Attendees are encouraged to wear some white or pale coloured clothes so they can celebrate the event in all its multi-coloured magnicence.
From 11:30am, Al’s Skate Co will also be holding a skateboarding workshop at the Bright Skate Park. This is a drug, alcohol and smoke-free event.
To nd out more info and sign up, go to https://engage. alpineshire.vic.gov.au/community-hubs/recovery-hub/ colour-fun-run-2025.
Prams and wheelchairs will be welcome on the day, however, bikes, scooters, skateboards and dogs are not permitted in the Colour Fun Run in order to keep the event safe for all participants.
MURAL MARKS A MILESTONE: Board member and project organiser Britt Howard, mural artist Kirrily Anderson and Bright Bendigo Bank branch manager Mark Ditcham, are all pleased with the outcome of the bank’s new community mural. PHOTO: Phoebe Morgan
READY TO BURN: Controlled burns are planned across the North East, including the Bright area, in autumn.
ACROSS
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
1 When one believes in, one does what (6)
8 What is a mathematical formula (8)
9 To impart knowledge, is to do what (6)
10 Name a poisonous evergreen shrub with handsome flowers (8)
11 Name an alternative term for conventional (6)
13 What is something that deceives by producing a false impression (8)
16 To explode, is to do what (8)
19 What are light plain cakes (6)
22 Which level area is used for the operation and maintenance of aircraft (8)
24 Name a bird of the Old World passerine family (6)
25 What is a dressed salad of finely sliced white cabbage (8)
26 XC is the symbol for which number (6)
DOWN
2 Name the drummer for The Beatles, ... Star (5)
3 A Victorian NRL club is known as the Melbourne ... (5)
4 Name the large, hard parts of wheat grains (8)
5 Who accompanied the Australian explorer, William Hovell (4)
6 What are swindles often called (coll) (6)
7 Name a lively Spanish dance in three-four time (6)
12 What, loosely, is ferric oxide (4)
14 When one is tired, one does what (4,4)
15 Which metallic element has the symbol Fe (4)
E-QUATIONS 7
Letters have a number value
17 Who checks material for publication (6)
Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in
E-QUATIONS
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in
18 To compensate for, is to do what (6)
20 Name a plant having an edible succulent bulb of pungent taste and smell (5)
21 What is ostentatious or elaborate display (5)
23 Name a fashion magazine (4)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
LECTERN
(a) A church reading desk
(b) A priest or minister in one of the minor orders
(c) An endowed lectureship
2 NEBULA
(a) The sharp point of anything
(b) A fawn skin worn by Bacchus
(c) A cloud of gas and dust in outer space
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:
Because (coll) (3)
Collision of pool balls (5)
CTRL key (7)
Elaborate (5)
Fibre optic cable (3)
Ionian island (5)
French: me (3)
Part (7)
Pronoun: second person (3)
Science fiction (abb) (5)
Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.
Mount Beauty Running Festival plans on track
PREPARATIONS are well in hand for the 2025 Mount Beauty Running Festival, which will host one of Australia’s most scenic foot races and fun for the all the family on Saturday, 17 May.
Committee members of the organising sub-committee from the Kangaroo Hoppet met last week and race secretary Mary Hall said everything was on track for another great event, featuring 3km, 10km, 21km distances and an 18km trail run.
“Lace up your shoes and get ready to run, walk, jog and test your endurance in one of the special events on o er,” she said.
“The iconic 10.6km run and 21.1km half marathon are on a fast course.
“Experience breathing in the fresh mountain air while following the sealed at track around the Mt Beauty Pondage and alongside the pristine Kiewa River, past Pebble Beach. “Participants entered in the 21.1km event will complete the 10.6km course twice – double the fun.”
Ms Hall said to get further into
nature try the epic 18km trail run through the best parts of Mount Beauty and surrounds.
“The course is the same as last year with two shallow river crossings and scenic ups and downs on a combination of 4WD and single tracks,” she said.
“It is a chance to be challenged, push the limits and experience an exhilarating trail run into the Alpine National Park.”
The 3km fun run event course is a at sealed track around Mount Beauty Pondage, with no road crossings.
“Entrants will enjoy panoramic views of Mount Bogong – ideal for children and prams,” Ms Hall said. Vouchers from local businesses will be awarded as prizes to the rst, second, and third overall male and female nish-
ers in the 10km, 21km and 18km events.
In the 3km event, medallions will be awarded to all nishers under age 12.
Ms Hall said there is also the opportunity for runners to win a prize for their school by entering a team of students and staff in the Schools Challenge Competition.
“Teams can have entrants in any of the four events, and points will be awarded to the top ve overall nishers in each team,” she said.
“The team with the lowest average points wins.
“Schools must enter their school’s name as the team’s name upon registration.”
The start/ nish area for all four events is at the Les Peart Oval, Mount Beauty Secondary College, Pool Road, Mount Beauty.
Start time for the trail run is at 10am and all other events will start at 10:10am.
For more info and to register visit www.hoppet.com.au.
Players enjoyed club championships
THE Mt Beauty Tennis Club’s championships were held on Saturday, 15 March.
Play started at 10.30am with junior singles and the junior doubles, followed by the parentchild combinations.
At 10.30am the senior men’s and then women’s singles were played, followed by the doubles at 12.30pm, when the temperature was rising, reaching 33 degrees.
There was a 75 per cent increase on last year’s participants with 47 in all taking part.
Andrew Greenfield was the on court tournament director keeping
FAY MASON, Kiewa Valley
the program running while juggling the many match combinations.
Special
Thanks also to the many caterers, barbecue cooks, and members who brought food to make this a very special event.
Alpine FM is your emergency broadcaster. By
MAKE sure to take time this weekend to attend the Tawonga 180 year anniversary.
Friday night at 6pm there will be a bush dance at the newly furbished Tawonga Hall, featuring the Squid Jig band, pizza will be on offer with byo drinks.
Saturday will be focused on historical displays, animals, and a sausage sizzle.
Sunday a special church service followed by a Devonshire tea. Should be great fun.
THIIS morning’s Brunch program on Alpine FM I will be speaking with Indi Independent federal MP Helen Haines at 9.30am, then at 10.10am Jenny Rowe will be talking all about the Mind Body and Soul event coming to Mt Beauty.
Talking Heads with station manager Michael Ahearn is at 11.10am.
JOIN THE RUN: The 2025 Mount Beauty Running Festival will be held on Saturday, 17 May.
SUCCESS: Mt Beauty Tennis Club’s junior champions for 2025, Emily Macklan and Zelk Shuttleworth.
WINNERS: Mt Beauty Tennis Club’s men’s and women’s singles champions for 2025, Steve Pask and Michelle Forrer.
thanks to Michael Forrer, Gill Harrowfield and Andrew Greenfield with their work on the itinerary and the draw.
Suzuki’s first hybrid vehicle fails to impress
By CHRIS
CONSIDERING that Toyota launched its first hybrid in 2001, it beggars belief that it took Suzuki until 2024 - 23 years later - to release its first hybrid o ering.
Talk about dragging the chain.
Not only that, but it has been added to a small fuele cient hatchback that arguably doesn’t really need it - the Swift.
The Hamamatsu-based company has however taken a slightly di erent approach, because the hybrid does not directly power the wheels.
So let’s take a closer look at this latecomer to a party that is almost over.
STYLING
The new Swift Hybrid comes in three grades, with a CVT or five-speed manual transmission.
Prices start at $24,490 for the entry-level manual, with the CVT adding $1000.
Mid-range Hybrid Plus is $28,490, while the top of the tree Hybrid GLX is $29,490.
Metallic paint is an additional $645 while the twotone option costs $1145.
All prices are driveaway.
All grades are powered by a 1.2-litre non-turbo threecylinder engine with 12-volt ‘mild-hybrid’ assistance.
Standard kit includes heated, cloth trimmed front seats, a leather steering wheel, keyless entry and start, LED headlights, rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera.
GLX adds 16-inch polished alloys, wireless phone charging, climate-control air, folding side mirrors, paddle shifters, and a heating duct
for rear passengers, which reminds me of my old Beetle.
You also get adaptive cruise control, auto high beam and tra c sign recognition.
Swift Hybrid is covered by a five-year warranty which includes the lithium-ion battery.
SAFETY
It’s unbelievable that the current Swift scores a single star out of five for crash safety, with adult occupant protection rated at just 47 per cent.
Dual frontal, side chest-protecting and side head-protecting airbags are standard.
A centre airbag, which provides added protection to front seat occupants in side impact crashes, is not available.
Autonomous emergency braking (car-to-car, vulnerable road user and junction assist), a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), and a speed assist system (SAS) are standard.
AEB Backover is however not available.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The new 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine produces less power and torque than the old 1.2, with 61kW vs 66kW and 112Nm vs 120Nm.
Drive is to the front wheels through a CVT-style automatic.
DRIVING
Swift Hybrid is a little bigger than its predecessor, but not by much.
The width, height and
MODEL LINE-UP:
Swift Hybrid 5sp manual $24,490
Swift Hybrid CVT $25,490
Swift Hybrid Plus $28,490
Swift Hybrid GLX $29,490
NOTE: These prices are driveaway.
2450mm wheelbase remain the same, but it’s 20mm longer with a bit more cargo space.
The front seats have been redesigned with a new decorative centre pattern.
They are heated, but flat and lack power adjustment, even in the top of the line GLX.
Tilt-and-reach steering wheel adjustment deliver a comfortable driving position.
Rear legroom is tight.
With no centre console to speak of, storage space for small things is pretty much non-existent.
The rear mounted cupholders are di cult to access and not su cient to accommodate a sports bottle.
While physical air-con controls have been retained, they are now toggle switches rather than rotary dials.
A pair of fiddly touch-
sensitive buttons under the infotainment screen provide access to volume control, with a volume switch on the steering wheel for the driver.
There’s 265 litres of storage space available with the rear seat backs upright, 589 litres with them folded.
Bear in mind the car weighs 57kg more than the comparable 2024 Suzuki Swift GL Shadow Auto with a 1.2-litre four cylinder engine. Less power, more weight, make for a slower car.
You might have also heard the term mild hybrid.
Mild hybrids have electric motors that aren’t powerful enough to propel the vehicle alone.
They may sit between the engine and transmission, or be part of an integrated starter-generator system in which a beefier electric motor replaces both these components.
Most mild-hybrids operate at 48 volts, with an electric motor that can add about 10kW under hard acceleration.
However, the system in the Suzuki runs a 12-volt system, 75 per cent less than this, with an electric motor that can only supply up to 2.3kW.
It’s designed to give the Swift a small boost in acceleration, a small reduction in fuel consumption and a smooth restart experience accelerating from the lights.
A light on the dash tells the driver when the battery is being charged, while the instrument display shows what mix of petrol and electric power is driving the wheels.
But don’t expect much in terms of performance from this new addition - not with token figures like this.
The hybrid in our test vehicle was paired with a CVTstyle auto, with seven simulated gear ratios.
Manual mode is accessed via steering-wheel paddles in the GLX, or by pulling the gear selector all the way back.
In fact, as we have mentioned previously, it’s one of the great failings of the Suzuki transmission because there’s no lockout.
It is very easy to go right past D and find yourself in Manual mode, particularly when attempting a quick three-point turn.
CVT transmissions are usually okay around town and this one is no exception, even if you have to put the boot in at times.
But point them at a hill or something a bit more challenging and wait for the feedback.
The engine revs go ballistic as the gearbox struggles to meet the demands of the driver and the noise quickly ramps up.
You’d be forgiven for thinking the whole thing is going to blow.
We also find it mind-boggling that the brakes on the back of this state of the art Swift are drums.
They are probably the same drums they’ve been fitting since the 80s.
The 16-inch polished alloys are fitted with 185/55 series rubber.
In the event of a flat tyre, a tyre repair kit is providedno spare.
Fuel consumption is a claimed 4.0L/100km using premium unleaded. We were getting 5.0L/100km after some 647km of mixed driving.
SUMMING UP
I’ve always liked the Swift; in fact, I had one of the first GTIs and it was a dead-set rocket.
I wish I could say the same about the Swift Hybrid. At the end of the day it just seems like a lot of wasted time and e ort for very little perceptible gain.
Can hardly wait for the EV.
RATINGS: Looks: 7.5
Performance: 5
Safety: 5
Thirst: 8
Practicality: 7
Comfort: 6
Tech: 7 Value: 8 Overall: 6.7
STANDARD WARRANTY
Five years / unlimited kilometres
■ LARGE AND LATE TO ARRIVE: The Suzuki Swift Hybrid is slightly larger than its predecessor, but lacks in safety and performance.
RILEY, MARQUE MOTORING
BUILT by Mr Murphy circa 1900, Chisholm House is an iconic three-bedroom Victorian residence that exudes charm and history.
Set on 664m² (approx.) in a prime location just moments from Wangaratta’s CBD, this classic brick home offers a seamless blend of period elegance and modern comfort. The three bedrooms within
Chisholm House
the main residence are all generously sized, and the entire home is enhanced by the exquisite pressed metal and timber-lined high ceilings throughout.
The formal lounge, featuring a north-facing bay window and original open fireplace, is a warm and inviting retreat at the front of the home.
The additional large family
living area with polished timber flooring and a gas log fire offers a welcoming space for relaxation.
The spacious kitchen, overlooking a paved alfresco area, adjoins a large dining space perfect for everyday living.
Tiled verandas with intricate iron lacework add to the home’s historic charm.
For added convenience and versatility, the property
also includes a carport and garage, along with an adjoined study/office with its own bathroom facilities, offering flexibility for a home workspace or guest suite.
Garry Nash & Co proudly presents this exceptional property for auction on Saturday, 12th April at 11am on-site and online.
Inspection is highly recommended.
| Garry Nash & Co
| (03) 5722 2663
| Saturday, 12 April 11am Land | 664m2 (approx.) Location | 4-6 Chisholm Street, Wangaratta
COMMERCIAL LEASE OPPORTUNITIES
Ideal lifestyle living
SET on 1.47Ha (approx.) of beautifully established and private grounds, this exceptional lifestyle property offers space, comfort, and convenience just minutes from Wangaratta and the charming township of Oxley.
Designed for growing families, the home features four bedrooms plus a study, with two bedrooms boasting ensuites and an additional third bathroom.
The high-quality open-plan kitchen flows into a spacious meals, dining, and living area, complemented by a formal lounge and dining room.
A purpose-built home office with a built-in workstation and a versatile tiled rumpus room with ample storage add to the home’s functionality.
Outdoor living is a highlight, with a paved alfresco area overlooking a stunning in-ground heated pool, perfect for year-round entertaining.
Shedding is well catered for with an 18m x 9.1m shed, ideal for tradespeople, plus a four-bay machinery shed.
| $1,250,000 Land | 1.47ha
Location | 32 Oxley Greta-West Road, Oxley
Comfort is assured with split-system heating and cooling, a feature fireplace, and an excellent water supply from two tanks and a reliable bore.
This outstanding property offers the perfect blend of lifestyle, space, and practicality.
Enquire today to secure your ideal family retreat.
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THIS impressive two-storey family home offers an exceptional combination of
and
Set on a generous 760m² (approx.) block, the home boasts four bedrooms, four living areas, and two well-appointed bathrooms, making it ideal for growing families.
At the heart of the home, the openplan kitchen features a 900mm stainless steel oven, 5-burner gas cooktop, dishwasher, stone benchtops, and step-in pantry.
Upstairs, the oversized main bedroom includes a walk-in robe and ensuite.
A rumpus room provides a great retreat for children, and a versatile fifth bedroom or extra living area downstairs adds flexibility.
Ducted refrigerated heating and cooling, as well as ceiling fans, ensure yearround comfort throughout.
A spacious laundry, powder room, and ample storage all add further value. Outside, a covered alfresco area over-
looks the expansive backyard, large enough for a pool and shed, complete with a 5000-litre rainwater tank. Conveniently located just minutes from Cathedral College P-12 and Wangaratta’s vibrant CBD, this home is a fantastic opportunity for families seeking space and modern living.
Enquire with the team at Garry Nash & Co. today.
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MYRTLEFORD RECREATION RESERVE
Notice is given of a PUBLIC MEETING to be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 commencing 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 Myrtleford Recreation Reserve for a term of three years. The current committee’s term will expire on May 1, 2025. All positions will be declared open and nominations will be accepted prior to or on the night. Nominations from women, Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, young people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged. Further information, nomination forms and nominee declaration forms may be obtained by contacting your local Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action o ce or at the meeting. For further enquiries, please contact the Secretary Amanda Shepherd on 0437 104 046
Havilah Cemetery Trust Community Meeting
1st April 7pm, at Happy Valley Hall. Light supper provided. RSVP 29th March. Contact Lorraine 0417 541 017.
CHECK OUT OUR NORTH EAST JOBS in today's Regional Extra for more employment opportunities. Published every Wednesday in your Wangaratta Chronicle, Ovens and Murray Advertiser, Myrtleford Times and Alpine Observer FREE RANGE HENS
ISA Brown Pullets, POL $35ea. Pick upWang to Bright Becky & Hugh (03) 5798 1868 freerangehens.com.au
2007 NISSAN PATROL Ti Manual, approx. 190k on the clock, includes roof rack and awning, selling due to moving interstate, open to negotiation, pick up Wangaratta, (1YP8XF).
Ph 0434 590 566 $25,000
2014 Ford Ranger Wildtrack, Wangaratta, 262,000km, RWC, reg till July (1VR2GV), 2 keys, light bar, electric seats, blue tooth, R cam, service history, local, $20,900 ONO. Call Steve 0402 222 634.
MAZDA 2023 CX3 auto hatch, reg CHC333, one owner, immaculate condition, service books,11,875kms,RWC, $27,750 REDUCED PRICE $26,950. Phone Maxwell.K.Batey on 0419 547 308.
MITSUBISHI Tray Top Ute, 410,00km, motor rebuilt, 6 month rego (CU57VL), $2800. Ph 0439 766 211.
2017 Ford Transit CamperVan,54,000km, (1KG6TW),$62,000, for more information ring Phil 0418 994 147.
17FT 1976 York Caravan, $6000. Call 0493 221 685 and leave a message, I will get back to you when I can.
BRAND NEW BOAT PACKAGE, Stacer 379 Proline boat, Bimini Boat Cover, Honda 15 HP outboard, 7 Year warranty Stacer trailer, 12 months rego, Safety Gear, $11,000. Ph 0429 082 292.
FOR sale steel checker plate trailer, 1500 x 2100, reg (N69098) until July 4, 2025, $300. Ph 0437 454 118. SOLD
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In loving memory of BAILEY, Geraldine (Gerri). A beautiful woman, mother, and sister-in-law. Our hearts are broken for Dan, Simon, Tess, and their families. Rest peacefully.
~ The Bailey and Bayliss families.
BOYD, Robert Ernest. Born at Wangaratta on Thursday, September 22, 1938. Passed away at Myrtleford Hospital Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
Loved husband of Doris (dec). Oldest son of Robert and Bona Boyd (both dec).
Loved brother of Lillian (dec), Phil, Ian, Geo (dec), Beth and Margaret. Loved and remembered always. Rest in peace.
BOYD
The funeral service to celebrate the life of Mr Robert Ernest Boyd will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 2pm. A private cremation will follow. Donations made in Bob’s honour to Dialysis – Alpine Health would be welcomed. Donations can be made online at www.alpinehealth.org.au/getinvolved/make-a-donation
Mason Park Funerals 5721 5060 masonpark.com.au
Trio of netball stars eager for O&M season
WITH the start of the netball season just around the corner, local talent is turning heads and will be ones to watch through the season.
Three Myrtleford locals, sisters Gemma and Milla Corcoran, and Zahra Hazeldine, will use their experience at a higher level to help the Myrtleford Saints through the O&M season, which commences for the Saints on Saturday, 12 April.
The trio were selected to rep-
resent the Under 15 side in the Victorian State Netball Titles which were played in Frankston over the March long weekend.
The tournament featured 18 teams from the 18 netball regions of Victoria playing o in a round robin format over three days.
Gemma played the series in goal defence and wing defence, Milla played wing defence and centre, while Zahra played goal attack.
A er 17 games, the North East
Under 15 team nished third on the ladder.
While it’s always the aim to make nals, to nish the round robin stage at third out of 18 sides is an absolutely amazing achievement from the county region.
Their semi- nal game started strong, but at the nal buzzer scores were level and the game was forced into overtime.
Eventually, their nals campaign was cut short when they
went down in the overtime by three goals against Dandenong Valley, who would go on to win the tournament.
The girls had a fantastic weekend not just playing netball, but building new friendships with their teammates from Wangaratta, Wodonga and Albury.
The three locals girls all play Ovens and Murray under 15 netball for Myrtleford, and are looking forward to representing the club this coming season.
BUFFALO STAMPEDE READY TO RUN
By NATHAN DE VRIES
THIS weekend, thousands of eager track runners will descend on Bright to take part in the annual Bu alo Stampede.
One of the premier track races in the country, some 2800 entries have been received by organisers ahead of the event’s starts on Friday, 28 March.
The Stampede features trail runs of various lengths and di culties, from non-competitive 2km and 5km family runs all the way up to the 100km titanic Stampede race.
SingleTrack course director Joseph Dorph said the 11th running of the event this weekend is shaping up to be the biggest in their history.
“We’ve got 2500 already entered, and we’ll probably get another couple hundred, so we should have about 2800, which is a good thousand more than last year,” he said.
“We’ve been growing about 3050 per cent a year for the last four years, so it’s de nitely taking o .
“It’s grown in every race, even the 2km kids race, we’ll have about 250 kids running, so it’s pretty cool.
“We’ve got a family 5km which isn’t really a competitive race, more for people who want to have a go on the trails, that’ll have about 350 odd.
“We’ve got a 10km twilight run, a di erent sort of feel where half the eld will nish with a head torch on, get a bit of a taste of that it’s like to run on the trails at night in safety.
“Our premier races are the 20km, marathon and 100km, those are the ones we give prizemoney for. You get a lot of trail-running kudos from the community if you podium any of those races.
Marian students carve up the pool
LOCAL students had some terri c results at the Hume Regional Championships at Waves Wodonga on Friday, 14 March.
On a hot, humid day at Waves Wodonga students from Marian College gave their all and competed well against students from across the region.
Students Skylah McPherson, Nina Fortaliza and Taleah Elkington quali ed for the State Championships in Melbourne, set to be held on Saturday, April 19 from 10am.
Skylah McPherson - rst in 50m Breaststroke, rst in
50m Freestyle, third in 50m Butter y, equal age champion for the day.
Nina Fortaliza - rst in 100m Breaststroke, rst 50m Breaststroke.
Taleah Elkington - rst in 50m Freestyle and rst in 50m Backstroke. Other brilliant results included:
Milla Corcoran - second in 50m Freestyle by only 0.03 of a second.
Jade Hazeldine - third in 50m Breaststroke.
Team results:
Under 15 girls - third in Medley relay and third in
Freestyle relay (Gemma Corcoran, Milla Corcoran, Zahra Hazeldine and Ella McMasters).
Under 17 girls team - third in Medley relay and second in Freestyle relay (Skylah McPherson, Jade Hazeldine, Nina Fortaliza and Daisy Howell).
Well done to Millie Noble and Edward Greig who also swam on the day.
GREAT EFFORT: The successful Marian College contingent at the Hume Regional Championships in Wodonga.
“The other format we have is the grand slam.
“There are some people who choose to run Friday, Saturday and Sunday - they’ll do the 10km, 100km and
20km, or the 10km, 20km and marathon.”
The 11th annual Bu alo Stampede takes place in the Bright area from Friday, 28 March to Sunday, 30 March.
TRAIL RUNNING SPLENDOUR: Runners Mike Carrol and Billy Curtis on top of Mount Bu alo in last year’s Bu alo Stampede marathon.
PHOTO: Sam Millington
WANGARATTA MAGPIES 1ST INNINGS
Dean Simmons c: Brenton Surrey b: Matthew Ryan 0
Jarryd Wallace run out: Henry Scalzo, Austen Fendyk 9
Cooper Matheson (c) B: Brenton Surrey b: M Ryan 66
Jack Davies c: Brenton Surrey b: Jack Ryan 1
Oliver Andrew c: Clancy Ellett b: Kayde Surrey 18
Kyle Winter-Irving c: ? b: Matthew Ryan 14
James Thewlis c: Austen Fendyk b: Henry Scalzo 24
Nic Bonwick c: Austen Fendyk b: Kayde Surrey 4
Zac Guilfoyle c&b: Kayde Surrey 5
Callum Honey c: Campbell Fendyk b: Kayde Surrey 2
Matthew Prestianni not out 1*
Extras 9
Total 10 / 153
Overs 72.1
Bowling: Matthew Ryan 22/9/46/3, Timothy Cogger 10/3/23/0, Richard Worcester 9/1/29/0, Kayde Surrey 18/1/5/22/4, Jack Ryan 6/2/21/1, Brenton Surrey 1/1/0/0, Henry Scalzo 6/3/6/1.
BEECHWORTH WANDERERS 1ST INNINGS
Clancy Ellett c: Cooper Matheson b: Oliver Andrew 3
Kayde Surrey lbw: Fraser Ellis 14
Jackson Cull c: Cooper Matheson b: Oliver Andrew 6
Brenton Surrey (c) c: Jack Davies b: Oliver Andrew 3
Jack Ryan c: Matthew Prestianni b: Oliver Andrew 17
Austen Fendyk lbw: Fraser Ellis 0
Campbell Fendyk not out 16*
Will Prebble c: Nic Bonwick b: Zac Guilfoyle 1
Matthew Ryan c: Jack Davies b: Fraser Ellis 5
Henry Scalzo c: Cooper Matheson b: Fraser Ellis 2
Timothy Cogger lbw: Fraser Ellis 0
Extras 13
Total 10 / 80
Overs 40
Bowling: Oliver Andrew 14/8/18/4, Dean Simmons 3/0/16/0, Fraser Ellis 17/7/23/5, Zac Guilfoyle 6/1/16/1.
A RESERVE - SEMI-FINALS
B GRADE - SEMI-FINALS
C GRADE - SEMI-FINALS
ROVERS UNITED BRUCK 1ST INNINGS
Charith Perera c: Ben Welsh b: Matt McCabe 20 Ryan Collier run out: Van Kreeck, Angus McMillan
Wilson 13/4/21/2, Paddy McNamara 14/7/20/4, Charlie Lugg 1/0/6/0.
Rovers United Bruck 9/130 Blake Nixon 39 Dale Stratton 3/31 def Benalla Bushrangers 10/110 Dylan Barber 33 Bart Cann 3/25. Yarrawonga Mulwala 10/103 John Taylor 27 Joe Kelleher 3/16 def by Delatite 4/104 Mark O’Loughlan 54 Oliver Connell 1/10.
Yarrawonga Mulwala 5/74 Geoffrey Montgomery 31 Henry Berriman 3/10 def Merton 10/73 Luke Berriman 20 Jyda House 3/23. Benalla Bushrangers 6/109 Jack Fullager 59 Jeremy Ackroyd 2/24 def Rovers United Bruck 8/108 Vance Curran 49 Steven Pickering 3/19.
Beechworth Wanderers Stanley 5/198 Ryan Niklaus 66 Simon O’Brien 1/30 def Greta Blue 9/54 Thomas Grounds 19 Kane Niklaus 4/18. Yarrawonga Mulwala 6/146 Darcy Hargreaves 43 Sam Hazell 1/17 def Benalla Bushrangers Blue 8/145 Jack Hart 36* Kade Michael 2/18.
Great Alpine Classic comes to town
THE Great Alpine Classic was contested last week, with golfers taking to the course in Bright, Myrtleford and in Wangaratta in a bid to be the best
GREAT ALPINE CLASSIC OVERALL RESULTS 2025
Men’s A Grade Winner: Adrian Wadden 107 Pts, Gisbourne. Men’s A Grade Runner Up: Alan Diggle 102 Pts c/b, Centenary Park. Men’s A Grade Third: Dylan Pool 102 Pts, Beechworth.
Men’s B Grade Winner: Brenton Polkinghorne 103, Jinderia. Men’s B Grade Runner Up: Chris Thornton 101 Pts c/b, Ocean Grove. Men’s B Grade Third Place: David Holland 101 Pts, Centenary Park.
Men’s C Grade Winner: Wayne Kupke 104 Pts, Eildon. Men’s C Grade Runner Up: Peter Hoskin 98 Pts c/b, Ocean Grove. Men’s C Grade Third Place: Peter Heinz 98 Pts, Lonsdale. Ladies A Grade Winner: Marica Spiers 99 Pts, Rich River. Ladies A Grade Runner Up: Leigh Ann Johnson 97 Pts c/b, Lonsdale and Jenny Bauerle 97 Pts, Howlong. Ladies A Grade Third Place: Heather Thompson 108 Pts, Bright. Ladies B Grade Runner Up: Joanne McDonald 98 Pts, Future. Ladies B Grade Third Place: Majella OÇonnor 95 Pts c/b, Lonsdale.
Ladies C Grade Winner: Jane Cook 109 Pts, Centenary Park. Ladies C Grade Runner Up: Rhonda Pelzer 102 Pts, Centenary Park. Ladies C Grade Runner Up: Marian Ayres 101 Pts c/b, Finley.
Ladies D Grade Winner: Julie Servante 112, Centenary Park. Ladies D Grade Runner Up: Kris Roney 107, Centenary Park. Ladies D Grade Runner Up: Janet Wraith 104 Pts c/b, Jubilee.
MYRTLEFORD GOLF CLUB
Saturday, 22 March
MYRTLEFRORD BAKEHOUSE STABLEFORD & SUPER & AMCR 71
A Grade Winner: Andrew Corcoran (11) 40 pts. A Grade Runner Up: Peter Stewart (13) 34 pts.
B Grade Winners: Logan Deering (27) 33 pts c/b. B Grade Runners Up: Kerry Newton (17) 33 pts.
Super 6 Winner: Gerard Black (16) 13 pts c/b. Super 6 Runner Up: Spider Hancock (13) 13 pts c/b.
Ball Winners: D Rowe 33, B Wheeler 33, J Martin 32, J Costello 32, B Bynon 32, D Rossato 32, W Rowney 31 c/b.
Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Spider Hancock, 4th 2nd shot: Alan Rockliff, 8th: Damien Rossato, 14th: Will McKerral, 16th: Andrew Corcoran.
Matthews Cleaning Encouragement Award: Jon Harrington 25 pts.
Raffle Winner: Jakob Piddington.
Wednesday, 19 March
Myrtleford Bakehouse Stableford
AMCR 71
A Grade Winner: Aaron Jose (7) 40 pts c/b. A Grade Runner Up: Tony Chapman (15) 40 pts.
Ball Winners: B O’Donohue 38, W Rowney 36, P Veldman 36, S Edwards 33 c/b.
Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Aaron Jose, 4th 2nd shot: Stephen Edwards, 14th: Andrew Roseby, 16th: Jeffery Ramsdale.
Tuesday, 18 March
Myrtleford Bakehouse Stableford
AMCR 73
A Grade Winner: Jan Roseby (14) 36c/b. A Grade Runner Up: Kerry Chapman (33) 36pts.
Men’s A Grade Winner: Adrian Wadden 107 Pts, Gisbourne. Men’s A
That’s a wrap on domestic basketball
MYRTLEFORD District Basketball
Association hosted their grand nal day for their domestic basketball season on Saturday, with plenty of tight contests and brilliant play on display across the whole day.
The culmination of their season, it was a day chock full of basketball fun, with the rst game from 10am and the nal match from 8pm.
The barbecue was red up all day to keep the steady stream of players, families and supporters well fed.
Grade Runner Up: Alan Diggle 102 Pts c/b, Centenary Park. Men’s A Grade Third: Dylan Pool 102 Pts, Beechworth.
Men’s B Grade Winner: Brenton Polkinghorne 103, Jinderia. Men’s B Grade Runner Up: Chris Thornton 101 Pts c/b, Ocean Grove. Men’s B Grade Third Place: David Holland 101 Pts, Centenary Park.
Men’s C Grade Winner: Wayne Kupke 104 Pts, Eildon. Men’s C Grade Runner Up: Peter Hoskin 98 Pts c/b, Ocean Grove. Men’s C Grade Third Place: Peter Heinz 98 Pts, Lonsdale.
Ladies A Grade Winner: Marica Spiers 99 Pts, Rich River. Ladies A Grade Runner Up: Leigh Ann Johnson 97 Pts c/b, Lonsdale and Jenny Bauerle 97 Pts, Howlong. Ladies A Grade Third Place: Heather Thompson 108 Pts, Bright.
Ladies B Grade Runner Up: Joanne McDonald 98 Pts, Future. Ladies B Grade Third Place: Majella OÇonnor 95 Pts c/b, Lonsdale.
Ladies C Grade Winner: Jane Cook 109 Pts, Centenary Park. Ladies C Grade Runner Up: Rhonda Pelzer 102 Pts, Centenary Park. Ladies C Grade Runner Up: Marian Ayres 101 Pts c/b, Finley.
Ladies D Grade Winner: Julie Servante 112, Centenary Park. Ladies D Grade Runner Up: Kris Roney 107, Centenary Park. Ladies D Grade Runner Up: Janet Wraith 104 Pts c/b, Jubilee.
BRIGHT COUNTRY GOLF CLUB
IN 1920, the 1925 winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, George Bernard Shaw, was quoted saying, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old - we grow old because we stop playing.”
This wonderful reflection on golf and life remains much the same today as it did in the early part of last century.
MDBA president Dave Hankin said it was a brilliant day to be involved in.
“It was great, from 10am to 8pm nonstop, there was a game every hour,” he said.
“The good thing was there was no real drop o , there was a good steady crowd, and there were no issues, everything seemed to run pretty smoothly.
“We had a lot of giveaways and prizes, a ra e, we did a three-point shootout for the bigger kids and foul shooting comp for the little kids, so that was pretty fun as well.
“A lot of the underage grand nals were really close which always makes it interesting.
“It’s always a good fundraiser for the club so we can put some money back into the stadium, do some upgrades where needed.”
RESULTS
Under 13 girls: Braves 37 def Chargers 29.
Under 12 boys: Wildcats 45 def Phoenix 27. Under 17 girls: Flyers 46 def United 33. Under 16 boys: Devils 37 def Giants 32. Under 18 boys: Supercats 44 def Cannons 32. Under 14 boys: Bulls 53 def Bucks 50. A reserve men: Vanilla Unicorns 38 def Rigs 33. A grade men: Grizzlies 56 def Myrt Mutts 45. A grade women: Flyers 44 def Wildcats 23.
With the field reduced on Monday, 17 March, with many of Bright’s regular Veterans playing in the annual Great Alpine Classic in Wangaratta, 14 still thought they were in with a chance to win the daily competition.
Winners were Glenn O’Connell playing off a 18 H/C 35points, Graham Badrock 16 H/C 34 points C/B.
In Thursday’s men’s Stableford competition, played on Wednesday, 19 March, due to the Great Alpine Golf Classic, 33 played and only one good golfer played under their handicap
The winner was Phil Jessen playing off 10 H/B 39 points, coming in second was Peter McGrath 10 H/C 36 points C/B, and in third place Andrew Robertson 12 H/C 36 points C/B.
Ball winners: Ian ‘Macca’ McIntyre 36 points, Olivo Arnulfo 34 points C/B, Paul Lythgo 34 points, and the everreliable Ken Bailey 33 points C/B.
NTPs - 3rd: Phil Jessen, 6th: Mr Nobody, 11th: Andrew Robertson, 16th: Graham McElvenny.
The NAGA went to Wayne Curtis with a respectable 24 points.
The chicken winner was Tony Chalwell, much to his surprise, with a meagre 17 points.
It just goes to show that given the opportunity to play a four-ball competition over the past three weeks, most players prefer the good old Stableford competition.
Last Saturday 83 players turned to try and win anything.
Out of all those, only three played under their handicaps.
Shaun Moore from the Jindera Golf Club, 19 H/C 42 points, Nev ‘the Squire from Mudgegonga’ Blewett 23 H/C 41 points, Peter McGrath 10 H/C 38 points, marvellous Mick Dunne, 14 H/C 36 points C/B, Greg ‘0Walshy’ Walsh 17 H/C 36 points, and John Sheehan from Beechworth Golf Club 11 H/C 35 points C/B.
Ball winners: Ross Heydon 35 points C/B, Angus Murrells 35 points C/B, Steven Grimes 35 points, Tyler Thomason 35 points C/B, Jake Goddard 35 points C/B, Andrew Nunn 35 points C/B, Suzette Heydon 35 points C/B, John Forbes from Pinchgut, 35 points C/B, Mo O’Shea 35 points C/B. NTPs - 3rd: John Walsh, 6th and jackpot: Steve O’Rielly, 11th: Heath Thompson, 16th: Beau Whitley. The member’s draw went off last week, Shaun Paul was there, and he took home the $90 voucher.
The NAGA went to the captain, Nick Aloizos, with a very forgettable 21 points - there was a player lower, but he needed to be elsewhere.
The Bright Golf Guru quote of the week, “Stay true to yourself and listen to your inner voice. It will lead you to your dream.” - James Ross.
Under 13 girls premiers - Braves.
Under 10s mixed players, referees and coordinators.
Under 14 boys shared MVPs Kirk Quintana, Xavier Millar and Hunter Szaraszek.
Under 17 girls premiers - Flyers.
PHOTOS: Jenny Zamperoni
Under 18 boys premiers - Supercats.
Under 12 boys premiers - Wildcats.
A grade men premiers - Grizzlies.
Dual disappointment for Savoy women
MYRTLEFORD’S senior women’s soccer side were unable to record a win from their two matches last week.
Taking to the ground on Tuesday night for their FA Cup clash against Melrose, Savoy fell 0-2, before conceding 0-4 against the same foe in their league match on Saturday.
Savoy held their more experienced foes scoreless for the rst hour of the FA Cup game, managing the wet and slippery conditions well.
Unfortunately, a er lapse of concentration, the side conceded the rst goal from a corner.
Fighting back hard, for 20 minutes they had Melrose on the back foot and were unlucky not to convert.
In the nal minutes of the game, a loose ball and defensive error saw Melrose nd their second goal.
Co-coach Tom Scott said despite the result, it was a positive outcome for the young side.
“This game gave Will [RobinsonDunn] and I a lot of belief in our tactics - considering we have a young squad, we were able to complete at high level against a league front runner,” he said.
“Sienna Alam played exceptionally well, creating chances, individual skill and constant pressure in the forward half.
“This game also o ered the opportunity to see how Melrose would play.”
The team prepared hard for their weekend league match against Melrose, familiar with
their stronger players and tactics.
While the 0-4 scoreline may seem like a one-sided match, Scott said there was a lot to take from the encounter.
“Our girls tried to maintain a high level of physicality, but the more experienced team were able to hold their ground for longer,” he said.
“It was an interesting game, which we think wasn’t well re ected in the scoreline.
“We were able to make a lot of chances going forward, and forced Melrose to shi from their initial game approach and we were able to play a more attacking style.
“Though both results weren’t what we wanted, we’re positive because = the game enabled our girls to get another two games under their belt in a short period of time.
“We now look to [Wodonga] Heart as a big opportunity for a win as we have some players coming back from injury.”
The reserve women continued their winning form from last season, sitting third overall without a loss after their 3-1 win over Melrose.
The side is still slightly short on numbers, so any interested players are encouraged to head down to training every Tuesday and Thursday night from 6.30pm.
ONWARDS AND UPWARDS: Lily Notarianni and Savoy take on Wodonga Heart this weekend.
PHOTO: Janet Watt
HOLDING PATTERN: Will Keenan fends o his opponent.
On the board
■ From back page
Converting on their goal chances early in the game will be a focus for the side at training as they prepare for their next match, a trip to Willow Park to take on Wodonga Heart.
Despite Heart starting the year 0-2, Vescio said he expected staunch opposition.
“I watched them play in the FA Cup a few weeks ago, they’ll only improve,” he said.
“There’s no real emphasis on the fact they haven’t had a senior team for a few years, but they’ll be competitive and we’re going to have to take every game as if we were playing one of the better teams.
“Anyone will get you, if you’re just o a little bit, someone will get you in this competition.”
POWER: TOM MORRISON LAYS THE BOOT INTO IT.
LEAPING EFFORT: SCOTT PEGGIE BOUNDS OVER THE LEG OF HIS MELROSE OPPONENT IN SAVOY’S 2-1 WIN.
Saints heating up in preseason hit-out
By NATHAN DE VRIES
THE Ovens and Murray season is only weeks away, and Myrtleford Saints are hard at work nalising their structures and game plans ahead of round one.
The Saints hosted GVL side Mooroopna Cats for a series of practice matches at McNamara Reserve on the weekend, with footballers and netballers relishing the chance to test themselves against quality opposition.
The footballers played two matches against the strong Cats, with reserves and thirds having a run together.
Senior football coach Craig Millar said it was a brilliant hit-out for his side.
“It was our second match against an opposition, it was a really good opportunity for us to try some players in some di erent positions, and try and work out what
our best team looks like for round one against Raiders,” he said.
“I was really pleased with the process of the way we played, not necessarily the result.
“I thought we played a more rounded game this side on the weekend versus the rst game when we played Mangoplah.
“We’re two years into this game plan, and I’m starting to feel the players are starting to understand – they’ve always bought in, but we’re starting to see some positive and encouraging signs in defence.
“Having Lachy MurphyDale up forward, Ryley Sharp back in the team, Riley Smith in, we’re adding a few more depth players into the group, it makes the transition in o ence a bit easier and defensively because they’re experienced players
they’re familiar with previous defensive structures at their old clubs.
“More experienced players help you in those phases of the game, so it was good to see that unfold on the weekend.”
Over on the netball court, the C grade, B grade and A grade sides all had good matches, with the Saints matching it well with the powerful Cats netball program.
It was a good chance for new signings to continue to gel with their teammates as they nd they feet in the side.
The 2025 Ovens and Murray season commences for Myrtleford Saints on Saturday, April 12 at Biralee Park against Wodonga Raiders.
TRAFFIC: Ashton McPherson looks to move through the pack.
Myrtleford junior netball Fun Night is back for another successful year
AFTER growing success over the last two years, Myrtleford Netball Club are again hosting a junior netball Fun Night on Wednesday, 2 April.
Held at the RC McNamara Reserve from 4.30pm5.30pm, the night is an opportunity for budding young netballers to get back into the swing of the season, and importantly, invite friends and siblings who may not have tried netball before to have a go.
Organiser Rebecca Piazza said last year the event attracted around 70 kids aged ve- to 15-years-old and really helped to kick o the season and get everyone excited about the year ahead.
“We are lucky enough to again have the support of the netballers from the Myrtleford Football Netball Club who will help with the skills and drills on the night,” she said.
“There will also be a free barbecue and a chance to get any registration assistance for the domestic season.”
The last few years have seen numbers steadily growing for the junior competition, attracting more and more players from Myrtleford as well as the surrounding townships, especially Porepunkah, Whorouly and Bright.
“Last year, this meant we were able to introduce a third
section of competition which has helped us to facilitate a tiered competition to meet the needs of kids at all stages
of their netball journey,” Piazza said.
“It’s always our goal to have players competing against
others of similar level of experience or ability, and the numbers we’ve had the last couple of years have really allowed for that, which has been great.
“Not only are the committee hoping to attract players on the Fun Night, but they are also keen to hear from children and parents who may like to get involved in coaching or umpiring, as they look at holding an umpiring skills session in the coming weeks.”
Piazza con rmed the Wednesday a ernoon domestic competition and NetSetGo programs commence in term 2, with registrations now open and set to close on
ROUND RESULTS ROUND RESULTS
U14 Boys 39 def by Diamond Valley 3 69
(Top Scorers: J. Key 11, J. Quarrell 8, X. Van Schaik 7 )
U14 Girls 45 def Macedon Rangers 21
(Top Scorers: P. Gridley 17, L. Dunlop 12, Q. Saltmarsh 6)
U16 Boys 1 43 def by Ballarat 54
(Top Scorers: S. Lupo 13, H. Kain 12, P. Whitehead 8)
U16 Boys 2 47 def Westgate 3 42
(Top Scorers: C. Keatch 10, O. McGahan 10, R. Grant 9)
Thursday, 10 April. If any parents or players have questions about the Fun Night, any registration related enquiries or about the Get Active Kids Voucher Program, they are encouraged to visit the Myrtleford Netball Club Facebook page, attend the Fun Night or email the Myrtleford Netball Club at myrtnetball@gmail.com. Senior netballers interested in the Tuesday night indoor netball competition are also encouraged to check the Facebook page for registration information.
Senior night netball accepts both individual and team registrations - nal date for registrations is Friday, 11 April.
U16 Girls 27 def by Kilsyth 3 33
(Top Scorers: J.Herman 6, E. O’Neill 6, H. Reid 4)
U18 Boys 1 60 def Nunawading 2 52
(Top Scorers: J. Hutson 17, S. Kain 10, L. Cashman 8)
U18 Boys 2 50 def by Coburg 3 54
(Top Scorers: A. Morris 14, R. Casanova 10, J. Walker 8)
JOIN THE FUN: The Myrtleford Netball Club is hosting their junior netball Fun Night on Wednesday, 2 April.
ON YOUR TAIL: Ryler Bouker tries to shake his Mooroopna pursuer.
TRIAL RUN: First year full-time Saint Taylah Reidy lines up the shot. PHOTOS: Janet Watt
Bright gearing up for massive year on and off the field and court 2025
FOR a town, the football and netball club is in many ways the heart of the community, and Bright is no different.
Club president Gerard Grey said the entire town had been coming together around the club during the preseason, and were just as excited as the players to commence the 2025 season.
“There’s been a really good uptick in people reaching out to jump on board on the sponsorship side of things,” he said.
“All of our sponsors who have been with us for a number of years are still with us, there’s been no hesitation.
“We feel like we have a really good vibe down at the club, so from a groundswell of people reaching out and supporters, past members, life members, all seeing what the social calendar looks like, it’s been really good so far.
“Our sponsors and volunteers are the heart of the club, we’re really pleased to see such a large number of people saying they want us to be successful as a club.
“We couldn’t do it without our supporters, volunteers and sponsors.”
Grey said the entire football and netball programs were firing on all cylinders ahead of round one, with growth likely across the grades.
“I know our senior squads in the netball, they’ve really set a goal to push hard this year, and see if we can get A grade, B grade and B reserve playing finals,” he said.
“The girls have looked really sharp, there are some faces returning, we’ve got some new faces, and numbers are really strong.
“The quality of the people who are through there, they’re not
We feel like we have a really good vibe down at the club, so from a groundswell of people reaching out and supporters, past members, life members, all seeing what the social calendar looks like, it’s been really good so far.
just good netballers, they’re good people.
“The footballers are looking exceptionally fit and they’ve had a really good hit-out against Beechworth a few weekends ago.
“All in all, the senior and reserves in footy and right through all the grades in netball are looking really solid.”
It’s set to be a massive first month for the club, who will host their first home game in round two before their traditional Easter weekend home game against Tarrawingee in round four.
However, it’s the club’s first game against Greta which looms large over preparations.
“Every team’s looking to improve, every game’s going to be tough but we can’t look past this week,” Grey said.
“We’re just hoping our best can match it with the best in the league.
“We’ll certainly be looking to put our best foot forward on Saturday and see how that unfolds.”
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UBFNC PRESIDENT GERARD GREY
THEY’VE been around the mark for a few years now but haven’t been able to lift the cup – the Mountain Men are going to change that in 2025.
Bolstered by a new coach in Michael Quirk and a handful of brilliant signings, last season’s runners up believe they have what it takes to go that extra step beyond.
Having retained the majority of that formidable lineup from last year, plus adding in classy and clean ball-users, Quirk said their chances are as good as they’ve ever been.
“There’s a core group who have stepped up to ensure we
challenge again,” he said.
“Cy Banks has been leading all of our running, he’s been fantastic through the preseason along with a handful of others.
“Sam Dalbosco has been leading from the front as you’d expect, Luke Quirk has had a solid preseason, it’s the fittest he’s been for a few years.
“Hopefully those new boys who comes to the club will add a bit of class and pace which I think has been lacking over the last couple of years, especially some genuine pace.
“I think they’ll add some experience and some general polish around the contest.
“You add Will Shem, Darcy Chellew and a handful of others, I think we’ll be able to challenge once again.”
While they will be without some key players like ruckman Joe Gray and mid-forward hybrid Declan Bren, Bright will still be as challenging an opponent as any in the league.
They still boast some of the best forwards in the game, with Cooper Thomason the reigning goal kicking champion after booting almost 100 majors in 2024.
Quirk said further improving their scoreboard impact will be the key to victory.
WE GO AGAIN: SAM DALBOSCO AND THE MOUNTAIN MEN ARE EAGER TO MAKE AMENDS FOR LAST SEASON’S GRAND FINAL LOSS.
Mountain Men rise again 2025
“Our goal will be to make the finals, and reset from there,” he said.
“What I’d like to see is the previous list and new inclusions continue to develop their run and carry, be clean around the contest and have more opportunities in front of goal and convert better in front of goal.
“I think we kicked ourselves out of some games last year just through some poor kicking, so there’s a big emphasis on set shots and rewarding our work up the field.”
Bright heads to Greta for the grand final rematch to kick off their 2025 campaign.
CLUB INFO
Senior Coach: Michael Quirk. Assistant coaches: Pat Sullivan, Regan Alexander (reserves), Brad Nightingale (reserves).
Arrivals: Pat Sullivan, Wayland Wales, Will Shem, Darcy Chellew, Cy Banks, Jack Woodall.
Departures: Joe Gray, Max Rampling, Declan Bren, Mikka Paulsen.
Players to watch: Cy Banks, Marcus Kintharni, Joe Crawley, Cooper Thomason, Sam Dalbosco. 2024 ladder position: 3rd (runners up).
GOING from wooden spooners two years ago to just missing finals by a handful of games proves Bright’s heading in the right trajectory in the A grade competition.
Bright have been resilient and competitive in the last few seasons and look to be improving with every match.
On top of a winning attitude and strong foundations, as well as a power of work in preseason, they’ve welcomed back incredible players and even picked up a few out of the O&M.
New coach Ash Grimes said it’s been brilliant bringing the team
together over the offseason.
“We’ve been crazy lucky this year, we had our largest number at trials we’ve ever had,” she said.
“There are a few big changes through the whole squad, but A grade especially.
“A lot of the girls were considering coming back but wanted to see how the preseason felt and how the squad felt as a whole, and after a few preseason sessions they were super keen and liked how it was looking.
“That’s what got them into it, seeing it was high intensity at the club, lots of passion and wanting to
succeed, that’s what got those girls.
“Shanae’s [Gribbon] brand new, she’s never played for Bright, she’s always been a Myrtleford girl but she moved down to Melbourne this year and since she can’t commit to O&M training she thought O&K would be a bit more suited.
“She came to a preseason before Christmas, she knows a lot of the girls, we had a chat about what we’re striving toward and what we’re trying to build on, and she was super keen.
“Hannah Witts is coming up from 17s, she’s a little gun, won the league best and fairest for the
under 17s last year, and she’ll fit in very well.”
Grimes’ mantra during preseason has been preaching consistency and a coherent brand of netball across the grades.
With the talent at their disposal, and a passionate and eager squad, it won’t be a shock if multiple Bright teams feature in September action.
“My goal as a coach is to make sure Bright netball has a brand for itself, from A grade all the way down to under 15s having a solid game plan,” Grimes said.
“We started preseason in November, so the girls have been
working twice a week since then, they’ve been really putting in, so it would be nice to get a result from that.
“It’s about consistency and getting as many wins on the board as we can, and having a bit of a rebrand of what other clubs might think of Bright.
“We had a couple of years where we were struggling a little bit, so it’s about showing we are a force to be reckoned with and we’re going to come out and test those top teams this year.”
Bright’s first hurdle is a tough one, taking on the always difficult Greta at Greta.
A SWATHE of new names will don the maroon of Whorouly after one of the biggest off-season recruiting blitzes in the club’s recent history.
Under new coach Michael Newton, the Lions have brought in almost a dozen fresh faces to bolster their senior and reserve squads.
The group has a new sense of energy around them, and they’re determined to dish out some damage in 2025 after being on the receiving end for the past few years.
“Everyone’s seemed to buy into the program, really take it upon themselves, it’s been good,” Newton said.
“The improvement I’ve seen has been promising, the boys have had a red-hot crack all preseason, so the effort side of things I can’t question at all.
“I had a bit of a focus when I first got there to focus on a bit of fitness and fundamental skills, and we’re slowly starting to transition from a focus on skills to game style stuff, which is coming along quite well.”
Newton has brought across some exceptionally talented and proven commodities, while some
CLUB INFO
Senior coach: Michael Newton.
Assistant coaches: Paul Glanville, Tim Stevenson, Lachy Moore, Corey Southern, Shane Moore.
Arrivals: Michael Newton, Russ Eden, Max Scott, Corey Southern, Jessie Smith, Joel Bihun, Lachie Barbour, Declan Hoy-Maroney, Abe Ankers, Sam Casalaz.
Departures: None.
Players to watch: Michael Newton, Jessie Smith, Josh Newton, Ed Bramich.
2024 ladder position: 9th
2025 ladder prediction: 5th.
established Lions have taken the next step up to improve.
“The guys we’ve brought in are going to bring plenty of experience, Jessie [Smith] is going to bring a bit of class, Abe [Ankers] is going to bring what Abe brings, which is going to be exciting to see for everyone in the comp,” he said.
“Russel Eden has been good, bring in a little leg speed off half back, he’s been exciting.
“Josh Newton’s probably the fittest I’ve seen him, he’s just
got to continue to get some continuity with his body and make sure he can sustain playing.
“It’s exciting, the condition he’s in, and Andy [Newton] has also got himself in good nick as well.
“Ed Bramich has had a bit of a slower start to preseason, but the last few weeks he’s really started to take things to another level – promising signs from big Ed, hopefully we can see a good year from him this year.”
While their list may be formidable on paper, Newton knows it’s down to consistency at training on and match day which will make or break their season.
“Week-by-week improvement is what we’re looking at,” he said.
“The goal is obviously to win a premiership, we’ve just got to make sure we’re ticking the boxes each week to make sure if we do win a couple of games we’re not getting ahead of ourselves and if we don’t win a couple of games we don’t drop our heads.
“It’s just being able to put a consistent season together, hopefully we can improve every week.”
2025
New-look Lions ready to rock
The Lions debut their new look at home against Bonnie Doon in round one.
Ever-strong Lions going for it all in 2025
AFTER crashing out of the finals in the first match last year, Whooruly A grade coach Kelly Cousins said she wants to see the team compete well into September.
The Lions are always around the mark in the A grade netball competition, with talented players at both ends of the court.
While they have lost a few players from the squad which made finals in 2024, Cousins said their replacements have been almost identical in terms of role.
“We’re very lucky, we were able to get some like-for-like replacements,” she said.
“We’ve got Katie Ivone back this year, she had her baby last year so she’s back in the side.
“We’ve pushed Abbey Forrest up, she’s come back from an injury, she had a six-month injury last year so we’ve brought her into the A grade side which is nice.
“We’ve got Sally Sharp come in from the Canberra league, her partner came in to the footy side so we’ve picked her up as well - she’s slotted in really nicely into the midcourt, she’s a really good pick up.”
The Lions build their game from their defensive end, which has remained intact during the preseason and has been firing on all cylinders.
“Our defensive structure is exactly the same, so that’ll be nice for a bit of continuity, but our front end is very new,” Cousins said.
“Our defenders have picked up where they left off last year, they’re training really well, and the cohesion among the three of them is really nice – they can just read each other, so we haven’t had to do a lot of work defensively.
“We base our game on our defensive efforts and hope our attack opens up from there.
“If we can maintain that coming out from our back end, that’ll assist us in our attack end to be a little more free-flowing.”
Even though the season hasn’t begun yet, the Lions have their sights firmly set on playing finals.
“We hope to continue a little further into the finals, we got into the first one and were knocked out
straight away, so my goal is to at least win one final, and two would be a bonus,” Cousins said.
“Without knowing what the competition’s like or how we’re going to go, it’s hard.
“I’d love a grand final, don’t get me wrong, everyone does, but if we can compete deeper into that finals series that’s where I’d like us to get to this year.
‘I think we’ve got the skills there, we just need to find more consistency.
“Having that consistency for four quarters from week to week – it’s very basic but the formula works well.”
The Lions host reigning premiers Bonnie Doon to begin their 2025 campaign.
Players to watch: Ebony Allen, Laura Keighran, Sally Wood.
2024 ladder position: 5th (elimination final).
2025 ladder prediction: 4th.
Bombers set to raise the bar 2025
A SEASON of epic proportions could go to another level in 2025, if Dederang-Mount Beauty’s A grade netball side has any say in the matter.
For the first time since 2001, the Bombers tasted finals netball and have no plans of slowing down anytime soon.
A devastating loss to Tallangatta in the elimination final has only fuelled the motivational fire that burns in their quest to return to finals action for the second year running.
In terms of player movement over the off-season, the Bombers will be without Paige Tuohey this season, who formed a part of a strong trio of players who rotated through the attacking circle last year, but gain the services of star defender Danielle Beer, who will more than adequately reinforce their defensive stocks.
Coach Alex Dyde, who has just been announced as the league’s under 17 interleague coach, believes that the Bombers are capable of bigger and better things in the coming months on the road to
Sandy Creek in September, and her side is working hard to make this happen.
“Because our team is almost the same as last year, the pre-season has been about creating intensity early,” Dyde said.
“Our sessions have been hard work, and the girls have all been really committed and working hard, with no complaints.
“We want to hit the ground running from round one and use every week as an opportunity rather than peaking too late.
“For me, the team to beat is Thurgoona - I watched them play recently and their speed and ball work has only improved further, they’re hungry and I think people are too focused on Chiltern and Kiewa, when they need to keep an eye on Thurgoona.
“I think Yackandandah is back in their building phase, although I don’t yet see them cracking back in the top five, I think they’ll improve remarkably on last season’s performance.
Dyde realises that team success is no certainty with the strength of
the league expected to improve.
“The goal still remains to make finals – getting back to Sandy Creek two years in a row and playing multiple games in the finals series is the aim,” she continued.
“It’s still tough competition in that top end of the ladder and there are no guarantees.
“We are also working on further developing our familiarity as a team with the aim to play more intuitively together due to that familiarity.”
Dyde also gave credit and thinks optimistically about the prospects of the club’s other senior women’s teams, who should benefit from success of the A grade side.
“Our B grade are looking strong this year and super competitive, and we expect to see them maintain a top half ladder position throughout the season and good likelihood of a finals series for them,” she said.
“C grade also has some fantastic speed and youth, so we are also excited about their prospects this season.”
Dederang Mount Beauty primed for improvement
A YEAR is a long time in football – just ask the players and coaches at Dederang Mount Beauty.
The club’s football program was at the crossroads, with a huge exodus of experienced players and first-time playing co-coaches at the helm made the Bombers more than an unknown quantity in 2024, and only the solitary win against fellow battlers Wahgunyah provided relief in a difficult season.
But 12 months on, co-coaches Tom McGhee and Jaydn Chalmers have built from the ground up in their pursuit of stability and cohesion, and the pair know that they should be far better for the experience in their second season in charge.
“I think this year will be easier in a few aspects,” McGhee explained.
“Although we don’t expect to suddenly see miracles on field, we are so much more in tune
with the players at our disposal and the strengths and areas for improvement within the group.
“Last year our entire playing group was new, so we probably didn’t get into a rhythm of player positions and how to coach the team in the most effective way, but this year we know what to expect from each player and what they bring to the team.
“Jaydn and I put a lot of effort into getting the club in a good position in terms of our off-field performance as much as the onfield side of things.
“We would have the youngest senior playing group in the competition by a far way I would think, so first and foremost we want to keep our group together moving forward and we felt the easiest way to do that was allowing the group to enjoy themselves despite some of the
heavy losses on the scoreboard.
“We feel as though we achieved that, this year however we will be setting our internal expectations higher and looking to our on-field performance a lot more and ways we can get better.”
The club is now starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and it seems as though the excitement is spreading far and wide, with new and returning players being welcomed into the fold.
Nick Iaria returns to the club after some time away from the game and will provide some muchneeded leadership to a young group, while Mount Beauty cricket coach Emerson Lemkau will pull on the boots in the region after last playing in Tasmania, and is expected to make an immediate impact at senior level.
“The last couple of weeks have
been unreal on the track,” McGhee added.
“Traditionally we have a few boys we don’t see until the eve of round one and they have been turning up which increases the energy of the group.
“We have welcomed plenty of new faces to the club and hopefully a couple more to come on board before the first game, so this has also created a bit of buzz around the place.
“We are confident that the group of guys we have playing are sticking around for many years and will be a part of our next push for finals which we hope will be soon.
Every team at this point of the season will be searching for improvement and wins to kick off their campaign, but matches against Rutherglen (away), Wahgunyah (Mount Beauty) and Wodonga Saints (away) should
provide a realistic opportunity for Dederang-Mount Beauty to be competitive and potentially bank some points.
Win, lose or draw, the Bombers are excited about what may eventuate.
“We haven’t looked too far ahead for what the season brings,” McGhee said.
“Obviously as a group we expect to see an improvement in a lot of areas on last year and we aren’t focusing too heavily on the win loss column.
“Our main aim will be to be competitive for longer periods of time and to play four quarters of good footy each week, rather than just a good quarter or half.
“Most of our playing group have 15 or 16 games of experience under their belts now, so that should translate to more consistent efforts each week.”
Alec is a running talent, with Eddy hot on his heels
By JEFF ZEUSCHNER
MT BEAUTY teenager Alec Franzke will head off to compete at the Australian Athletics Championships in Perth early next month.
While the 16-year-old will be among the youngest to compete in the U20 age group’s 5km track event, he’s taking it in his stride.
“I’m focused on running a good time and learning from the experience...where I place is not a big deal,” he said.
His preparations are well on track, with his dedicated daily training regime seeing him running quicker than ever before.
“To qualify for nationals I had to run the 5kms in 15:25, which I did, and this month I set a new PB (personal best) on the track at Box Hill of 14:46,” Alec said.
“I’m still growing and working on getting stronger and faster.”
His preparations included this month’s Wangaratta Chronicle Marathon and Fun Run, where he was first home in a field of more than 300 runners in the 10km distance with a new course record time of 30 minutes, 40 seconds - earning him $500 towards “a car or maybe a ski holiday”.
Alec is no stranger to big meets, having competed at national championships since he was 10.
A two-time age group champion at the Victorian Cross Country Championships, he was third in the U17 National Cross Country Championships in August last year raced over a 6km course.
“I really enjoy cross country running and one of my goals is to compete at the World Cross Country Championships in Florida in January,” Alec said.
“I need to be among the top six in the U18 age group...it would be great to represent Australia.” Alec is currently studying
year 11, with several days spent in classes at Mt Beauty Secondary College and part of his week studying remotely to accommodate weekly training and competition in Melbourne.
He runs everyday, training at least eight hours a week to keep at peak fitness.
“I run between 70kms to 90kms a week...I mainly run on the trails around the Mt Beauty pondage and also on the footy oval,” he said.
“I winter, when there aren’t any snakes around, I do a lot of trail running.
“I juts love to run.
“I find it satisfying to be able to train and run faster...I like to be fit, physically and mentally, and running keeps me happy.”
Alec’s younger brother Eddy, 14, is the perfect training partner, and both boys are trained by their father Evan, who was an accomplished track runner in his youth.
Eddy will also be competing at the Australian Athletics Championships in Perth.
He has three events, which he qualified for at the Victorian championships where he won the U16 steeple chase (2kms), U16 3km distance, and was third in the U16 1500m event.
“Both boys really push each other...their competitive nature provides positive motivation,” said Kim, noting that Eddy has broken Alec’s age group Vic country 3km record and has more in his sights.
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WINNER: ALEC FRANZKE CROSSES THE LINE TO WIN THE ��KM EVENT IN A RECORD TIME OF ��.�� AT THE WANGARATTA CHRONICLE MARATHON AND FUN RUN EARLIER THIS MONTH.
PHOTOS: KURT HICKLING
Eddy this month placed second in the open 5km distance at the Wangaratta Chronicle Marathon and Fun Run, with Kim saying the older runners offered plenty of words of encouragement to the young star.
“Both boys follow athletes on social media,” she said.
“Athletics in Australia is very healthy and growing at the moment, with a lot of records being broken and plenty of great role models for the boys.”
The Franzke brothers are no doubt providing plenty of inspiration to other local runners, and certainly ones to watch for the future.
Elite athletics retailer Running Paradise in Blackburn certainly thinks so, already having both boys as ambassadors for the store.
Alex Franzke
On the board
AFTER their false start to the season last weekend, Myrtleford’s impressive division one men’s side showed they’re still the ones to beat a er defeating Melrose FC 2-1 on the road on Saturday evening. Savoy had the bye last weekend due to Boomers withdrawing from the competition, so their clash
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
with Melrose was the rst chance for the side to bank some points early in the season. The chances came early, and Savoy found two goals in the rst half while denying
any approach by Melrose.
Melrose shot back out of the blue, nding a goal against the run of play, and sensing their chance, attacked with purpose.
Myrtleford’s defensive structure held on well, repelling attacks and transferring the ball up the eld to their players up top. While further shots were
kept out by Melrose’s goalie, senior coach Jayden Vescio said it was good to start o the season with a hardfought win.
“It was a good game, a di erent Melrose than we faced in the Cup two weeks prior, but it was good,” he said.
“We started the second half reasonably well, then they scored against the run
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.
PRACTICE MATCH
THE Saints converge on Tom Cappellari a er he kicked a goal in their weekend preseason hit-out with Mooroopna Cats.
■ Story and pictures page 24.
PHOTO: Janet Watt
Savoy men open their season account with glorious 2-1 win over Melrose FC
of play, a bit of an error of judgement and it changed the context of the game.
“They went more direct, put us under a fair bit of pressure.
“We just couldn’t nd the back of the net, their goalkeeper made a couple of terri c saves, we hit the upright from a Richardson header.
“We were made to work for it in the end, we came up trumps late in a couple of key moments to keep them out.
“We were solid at the back, just grinded our way to a win, so it was a game of two halves - we were cruising but let them back into the game, and it changed how the game was going.”
■ Continued page 23
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. The Alpine Alive supplement is the ultimate guide for locals and visitors alike, who are keen to explore everything the wonderful Alpine Valley and High Country has to o er.
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