Alpine Division 280224

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

FOUR years ago, Porepunkah resident Phillip Robichaud was managing a bicycle store in Bright and had no passion for woodworking, but the now fourth-year carpentry apprentice was recently awarded the Master Builders North East Apprentice of the Year Award in structural trades.

The local father and husband has been in the Alpine Shire since 2015, originally moving from Canada in 2011 to follow the Australian woman he fell in love with.

Phillip is now employed by JH Building and Design and was nominated for the 2024 Master Builders Victoria Regional Apprentice of the Year award

HARD WORK AWARDED: Phillip, with daughter Manon Robichaud, standing in front of a Bright passive house he helped build. PHOTO:

A woodworking

by the Murray Mallee Training Company, both of whom he shared his gratitude alongside Jaymon and George.

“The people I work with are what makes me enjoy it so much,” he said.

“Recognition is always a nice thing to get but it’s mostly great to see your progress, which is what I’ve been working towards.

“Before this job, my wife and I bought a terrible house in Porepunkah and decided to x it up, but I had zero interest in woodworking and little to no skills so a er countless failures and carpenter friends telling me I’ve done it wrong, I started to enjoy the process of learning.

“Eventually I reached out to a friend who had a building company and told him I was thinking about a career change, so would he give me a shot and a er a few weeks I’d really been enjoying it.

“I wanted the career change because I was truly burnt out on retail, a er 10 years in the ski and bike world.

“Managing the bike shop was a good time; I had good sta and was building cool bikes and talking to cool people and going to great races and all in all it was pretty awesome.

“I realised after some time I wasn’t as excited as I once was and was probably taking the

shine off it for others.

“The position I was in you need to be the stoked guy but my personal mantra is, regardless of what you’re doing, if you’re not growing personally or professionally you shouldn’t be doing it.”

Phillip’s advice for anyone thinking of changing their career to a trade was to take care of your body.

“Li with your knees, do some stretching and listen to everyone around you,” he said.

“Even if they’re a di erent trade there are so many layers to the building industry.

“Take everyone’s advice and style on board and pack it all together before you whittle down your own style out of it.

“Everyone’s brain works in a di erent way and communication, like in all things, is the most important thing.”

As for himself, the next step would be to complete a Cert IIII and become a builder, but he may be sticking to carpentry for a while.

“I’m not sure if I’m ready for that,” he said.

“I like who I work with here and if he’s happy to keep doing what he’s doing for the next few years I’ll keep hanging out with him.

“He’s got a really great work-life balance which is a big thing for me.

“We live rurally because we enjoy the lifestyle it brings, the people that come to the region, more time outside and more time with people.”

Porepunkah apprentice awarded for carpentry skill

Brodie Everist

Power belt Barny, set up home semi-final

By NATHAN DE VRIES

MOUNT Beauty has secured a home semi-final in the first round of the Cricket Albury Wodonga District 1st Grade finals series following a forceful victory over Barnawartha-Chiltern Miners on Saturday.

The Power made 8/182 batting first, before removing the Miners for 87 runs and confirming their place at second on the ladder at the end of the home and away season.

A 72-run opening stand between Daniel Saville (30) and Paddy Dodd (46) set the stage for a mammoth total, but the Power lost some quick wickets after the drinks break to sit at 5/111.

Todd Jeanes set about anchoring the innings, batting well for his 49 not out from 43 deliveries.

Barnawartha-Chiltern’s Aaron Green was damaging with the ball, taking 5/44 form his eight overs, but Mount Beauty had posted a significant total.

The Miners were put on the back foot from the onset of the run chase, with Craig Henderson picking up the first wicket in his second over.

Henderson would take two more wickets to see the Miners slump to 3/41, before Saville came on and ripped the heart out of the middle order.

A damaging spell saw Saville take 6/20, with the Miners losing 7/46 to fold all out for 87.

Saville said it was a brilliant way to close out the regular season.

“We knew finals were assured, but where we’d finish was a bit of a mystery, so we gave ourselves the best opportunity to finish as high as we can, which we did.

“They tend to slow things down, they’ve really only got one seam bowler who’s quite sharp, but the rest are either slow swing or spin.

“We fought through it even though it wasn’t completely freeflowing, we were 77 at the 20 over mark, setting ourselves up with wickets in hand to launch.

■ Continued page 25

SAINTS

V SAINTS

MYRTLEFORD’S footballers tasted their first hit-out of the pre-season period on Saturday, with an intra-club clash held at Whorouly. The match was a great chance for new and returning players to experience the sort of highpressure footy which will come their way in the 2024 O&M season.

 More on page 26.

The pointy end

IT’S looking extremely unlikely Ovens Valley United will feature in the A grade two-day finals, following a narrow loss to Yarrawonga Mulwala on Saturday at Stan Hargreaves Oval.

Beginning the day at 4/5 chasing 153 for victory, the Tigers battled away against the Lakers’ fearsome bowling attack, managing 131 for their 10 wickets.

The day didn’t go Ovens Valley’s way early, when Dylan Bursill was injured in a warm-up limiting how soon he could get out to the middle, while Seamus Phillips ground out the opposition before retiring hurt with a knee injury.

Phillips would return to the

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

ground and would leave with a wellmade 39, with Bursill managing 31 from 62 batting at number eight.

Conner Forde (23 from 85) was determined to see his side home, but was caught short trying to run three at the non-striker’s end.

With 26 overs left in the day, the

Tigers were asked to bowl again, taking 4/148.

Bursill said his side’s grit and determination was on full display, almost pulling off a miraculous result.

“We did quite well, things weren’t going our way all day but we fought it out,” he said.

“It wasn’t just one individual, everyone who came to the crease really knuckled down and tried their best to get the win, but in

the end Yarrawonga and their disciplined bowling line-up were just too good.

“With Yarrawonga’s bowling attack, they give you nothing –they bowl to their field, outside off and they bowl a nagging length, they’re like a bowling machine set to a good length.

“The way we came out after being 4/5, we weren’t really fazed by big Jim Irvine bowling quick, he had 3/1 last week and he ended up with 3/55, so to not let him ruffle any feathers after he was bowling quick last week, although I have got a few bruises on me.

“I was really proud of all the boys.”

■ Continued page 24

PHOTO: Janet Watt

HAVING earnt her Grey Wolf Peak Award as a Cub Scout and attended a 5-day camp with 3000 other cubs last year, this 11-year-old is setting her sights on something bigger.

Louise Benci is on a fundraising campaign, collecting bottles and cans as well as holding a barbecue next month, to attend the 26th Australian Jamboree for scouts in Maryborough, Queensland.

The quadrennial camp in January is Australia’s largest scouting event, with scouts from across the country expected to attend.

According to mother and 1st Myrtleford Joey Scouts leader Margaret Phillips, the event hosts upwards of 10,000 Scouts and their leaders from all over Australia for a 10-day, action-packed adventure, including camping, hiking, boating and paddling.

BY BRODIE EVERIST beverist@

“They’re responsible, with help from their leaders, for their own meals, cooking and everything like that,” Ms Phillips said.

“It’s a great opportunity for the Scouts to become independent.”

Louise said she was looking forward to meeting new friends should she attend the Maryborough jamboree.

“I just want to give everything a go and do things like big camps, because I love camping,” the 11-year-old said.

“It’s really fun and I like how we don’t have to use electronics and [we] do more outdoor activities -

and also we get to cook.”

But to attend Louise needs to raise more than $2500 for food, travel, accommodation and activities while on camp.

Louise plans on raising most of this money herself, with some assistance from her mother and grandparents.

She is currently collecting cans and bottles from local businesses, with help from her grandfather, and cashing them in through the Victorian Container Deposit Scheme.

At only 10 cents a container, she has already raised $410 dollars from the recycling.

Louise also thanked the Myrtleford Rotary Club, who agreed last Thursday they would provide $400 in sponsorship so Louise

and a scout leader may attend the jamboree.

To raise further funds, Louise will be selling egg and bacon rolls during the Myrtleford Town Garage Sale on March 9. She will set up at 8am on Myrtle Street in front of the Myrtleford Neighbourhood Centre, where maps for the garage sale can also be purchased.

Louise is also planning to use her fundraising activities to gain a special interest badge to contribute towards her Scout Peak Award, the highest award an Australian Scout can obtain.

Donations of cans and bottle donations for Louise’s campaign can be neatly left at the Myrtleford Scout Centre, 183 Buffalo River Rd, near the end wall.

Cutting a test of skilled horsemanship

By BRODIE EVERIST

THE Alpine Regional Horseman’s Association Cutting returned to Myrtleford last week, from Thursday to Sunday, with well-trained horses and experienced riders showing their skills in cattle control.

The event, held at the Myrtleford Recreation Reserve, judges the ability of horses and riders to stop a cow from fleeing back into the herd after being separated from the group.

According to event coordinator Steven Graves, they had received approximately 400 entries this year, including around 20 professionals.

He said competitors will start with 70 points and the judges will add or subtract points based on the performance, including how the cow is separated from the herd and how well the rider shadows the cow as it changes direction.

“What they’re looking for is a nice clean cut, a positive cut, look like you know what you’re doing,” he said.

“The judge is then looking for how you work that cow, how precise you are.

“Whenever the cow moves your horse should be mimicking it from behind.

“The more control you have over the cow, and show the judges the control, the more points you’ll gain.”

He said cutting demonstrates the skill of the rider and training of the horse, pointing to one of the senior youth competitors as they controlled a cow in the arena on Saturday.

“She is an excellent rider, so she’s capable of extracting what that mare has to offer,” he said.

“The horse will know if the rider’s not very experienced - it’ll know how to get out of not doing too much work.”

Mr Graves also said they had received “tremendous sponsorship from local communities” to run the event.

“Everything from accountants, banks, stock agents, ag supply places –everyone,” he said.

He also particularly thanked local farmers for their generous donation of stock to use during the event.

Spectator Kerri-ann Randell, from Lurg, was there to watch her brother and his two children, and said she particularly enjoys watching the kids events.

“They’re the up-and-coming people of the sport,” she said.

Grape volumes down but quality hopes high

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

RECENT warm weather has been something of a lifesaver for local grape growers, who began picking the first harvest of the season last week.

Gapsted Estate chief executive officer Andrew Santarossa told The Alpine Observer last Friday this year’s vintage will be quite condensed but the team is already extremely optimistic about the quality just three days into harvest.

“The golden run of weather we’ve had the last three to four weeks really set us up for a fantastic vintage, we’re

very optimistic,” he said.

“The potential of this vintage leads to some real excitement within our team and the company.

“Crops are looking to be around 15 to 20 per cent down on last year but the quality is excellent. “We had a wet winter and then a wet start to spring; the wet winter is a good thing as it sets the soil profile and vines up for a strong growing season.

“But the wet weather continued into spring so we had to be very much proactive with what we’re doing in vineyards and that continued into summer before the

rain stopped and coolish days have turned into lovely mild to warm days.

“We want to get through harvest with as little rain as possible now so we can get the crops off and that’s what it’s done.”

Mr Santarossa said he believes harvesting will be complete by Easter, after a six to seven week vintage.

“A lot of varieties which are normally spaced apart by a week or two are coming in the same week but they’re looking to have long-term potential,” he said.

“Age-ability is an important criteria for us and it ticks that box.

“We’ve started with sparkling based varieties such as our pinot noir, the first of Pinot Grigio picks, as well as Prosecco and that will continue for the next week depending on the block.

“We’ll then move to Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc and a bit of crossover with Pinot Noir and our other emerging varieties we’re focusing on such as Tempranillo and Sangiovese to finish off the harvest.

“We’ve got a really engaged and passionate team, one of the best I’ve come across in more than 25 years of harvest, and I’m excited by what they’re

contributing with the dynamic and experience they bring.”

At the Michelini Wines vineyards, Kane Michelini said pickers were about halfway through.

“We have finished picking all our sparkling grapes and are halfway through our whites, then we will pick our Italian reds in another three to four weeks,” he said.

“This year’s vintage conditions have been similar to the previous two seasons which have provided a wet spring and humid start to summer.

“This provides some challenges in the vineyard but

we have been fortunate as February has seen perfect weather for harvest.

“Last year was a cooler year, which meant a later harvest and wines with more natural acid.

“The timing for this year’s harvest is approximately four weeks ahead of last year and two weeks ahead of a normal year.

“This year, temperature conditions have been perfect and we should expect wines with intense fruit flavour and freshly balanced acidity.

“Yields have moderate and we expect to pick 1500 tonnes for the year.”

A CUT ABOVE: Billiana Obersnell from Shepparton controls a cow as it attempts to reach the herd. PHOTO: Brodie Everist

After 30 years Dan’s still the cattle man

BY BRODIE EVERIST beverist@ nemedia.com.au

EARLY one morning, when setting up for a cattle sale in Bandiana, livestock specialist Mike Scollard ran a test.

Fellow agent Dan Ivone was known for his composure, and Mr Scollard wanted to see how far it would go, so he began surreptitiously putting cattle in the wrong pens or flicking the gate chains to let them wander out.

“This went on to about five o’clock in the morning,” Mr Scollard said.

“He walked past me, he said ‘I’ve had enough of what you’ve been doing’, and I burst out laughing.

“I cannot believe that I could annoy a bloke somewhere between two and three hours and he’d not want to belt me.”

It’s just one example of Mr Ivone’s approach to working in the industry, where his strong work ethic and excellent eye for cattle has built a loyal base of clients for over 30 years.

“He’s thorough, he knows his values, nothing’s too much of a bother for him,” Mr Scollard said.

“If cattle need drenching, if they need marking, if they need drafting, assessing, he’s there to do the lot.”

According to Mr Scollard, his former boss of stock and station agency Paull & Scollard, Dan Ivone approached the company over 30 years ago to become a livestock agent.

After around two years working on commission, Mr Scollard recalled Mr Ivone set up a successful special cattle sale in Myrtleford, opened by former deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer.

He said one buyer purchased around 600 head of cattle.

Later Mr Ivone and his brother Bernard bought into Paull & Scollard Myrtleford, and in 2018 the company was purchased by Nutrien Ag Solutions, with Bernard and Dan still running the Myrtleford branch.

Mr Ivone and his former boss said clients in the Ovens Valley are particularly hospitable.

“The people in Myrtleford are beautiful, they stick by us 100 per cent,” Mr Ivone said.

“I’ve had a great career and still love the job and still love getting up going to work every day.”

He has seen many changes in the industry, including some initiatives trialled locally.

Around the 2000s, he said their sales trialled an initiative called ‘Beef Only’, to help stop the prevalence of Bovine Johne’s disease, a fatal disease of ruminants.

As infection is rare in beef herds, the initiative created a new herd category designed to ensure beef cattle had had minimal contact with dairy cattle, allowing them to be sold interstate.

Mr Ivone also said the Myrtleford saleyard was one of the first

to interface with AuctionsPlus, an online agricultural marketplace.

According to the two cattle specialists, technology has been a significant driver of change in the industry, with today’s clients more information-hungry, seeking specifics like market variables and carcass detail.

However, Mr Ivone said the cattle market in Victoria is really quite simple.

“The one thing that drives this cattle industry is rain in the north,” he said. “If it doesn’t rain in northern New South Wales, Queensland, our market’s terrible.

“If it rains up there our market’s dear.”

Light at end of tunnel, says landslip manager

By BRODIE EVERIST

OVER

been moved in

works on the Bogong High Plains, according to project manager Tim Whelan, from Whelans Group Investments.

Speaking on Alpine FM ear-

this month, Mr Whelan said while another 190,000

of material is expected to be moved, he could see “a light at the

“We’re in a really good rhythm now as a team, which is great,” he said. “It’s a fantastic effort by everyone and not to be understated how difficult this job is.”

Mr Whelan said they remain committed to opening the road’s two lanes by the next ski season, but it is dependent on weather and ground conditions.

He estimated there are around 70 workers at the site during the week.

McCurdy endorses anti-battery petition

MEMBER for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy has criticised Mint Renewables, the company behind the proposed Dederang Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), during a speech in Parliament last Tuesday.

Mr McCurdy said too much uncertainty remained around the project.

“It will be imposed upon them [Dederang] – the eyesore, the health risk, and the fire hazard – for the next 20 or 30 years.

“One of the locals did a risk assessment, as you would, and he looked at the Victorian Big Battery fire in Moorabool, down in Geelong.

“The report on technical findings describes the document as a summary, but he cannot find the main document that talks about the fire.

“That surprised me as we all know about that fire that took about three or five days to put out.”

Mr McCurdy has also launched a petition alongside community representatives, citing a letter he has seen from Mint Renewables refusing to attend any community meetings.

“It is clear that they have no interest in attending or listening to a broad community meeting,” he said.

“They are sneaky, they are secretive, and they are firmly on the side of the proponent.”

Mr McCurdy said the petition can be found at the Dederang General Store.

BEEF BUFFS: Livestock manager Dan Ivone (right), with former boss Mike Scollard, has been working in the cattle industry for over 30 years.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

More blister pack success

THE Myrtleford Bowls Club medical blister pack project has taken another step with a collection box now available at the Myrtleford Pharmacy.

Pharmacy owner Tony Nguyen said he was delighted to help keep the environment clean by keeping used medical blister packs out of rubbish bins and landfill.

Myrtleford residents can dispose of their blister packs at the Myrtleford Bowls Club, the Senior Citizen Club building via U3A, the Jo RossJackson Hearing Centre and the Myrtleford Pharmacy.

In Bright, residents can find collection boxes at the Bright Community Bank and

LETTERS

edit.timesobserver

@nemedia.com.au

Post North East Media

76 Standish Street, Myrtleford, Vic 3737

the Bright Pharmacy.

“At the current rate of returns we are likely to keep approximately 140,000 empty blister packs out of rubbish bins in Myrtleford and Bright alone, per annum,” Myrtleford Bowls Club president Lance Symons said.

Mr Symons suggested all pharmacies and medical centres throughout the state should consider getting behind this initiative.

BOX BENEFIT: (From left) Myrtleford Bowls Club president Lance Symons with Myrtleford Pharmacy owner Tony Nguyen.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Thanks for citizenship comments

I WOULD like to congratulate Ron Janas on the need to bring into the public forum that the decision to change the Alpine Shire Citizenship to the 23rd January should have been debated in council (“Ceremony move should’ve come to council” Myrtleford Times/Alpine Observer, February 14).

This divisive decision has apparently been made by an unknown person/persons within the Alpine Shire with no community consultation.

Graeme M Savage, Buckland

Full agenda at last night’s council meeting

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

COUNCIL were set to receive an update on the impact caused by the storm in January this year, including unbudgeted expenditure due to related works, at their meeting last night.

Council were also to approve three capital project contracts, as well as note the potential purchase of the Bright petrol station at 1-3 Anderson Street, for future developments of the site to upgrade the intersection.

Council’s quarterly performance report and its budget report were also on the agenda as well as a draft Borrowing Policy within their financial policies.

The Myrtleford Transfer Station office construction and fit out was set to be approved, as was an amended membership to the Bright Senior Citizens Centre Community Asset Committee following the cessation of the Bright Senior Citizen’s Club.

We’ll have full coverage of last night’s meeting - held after we’d gone to press – in next week’s edition.

Cafe culture continues

AUSTRALIAN-Canadian band Belle Miners will perform at the Porepunkah hall on March 13 as part of the Bright Art Gallery and Cultural Centre’s Cafe Culture series.

The event begins at 7:30pm, with a price of $30 per person.

Belle Miners will be supported by opening act The Sleeves.

Troughs increase increase reserve’s cattle reserve’s capacity

By BRODIE EVERIST

WATER troughs have been installed in the cattle pens at the Myrtleford Recreation Reserve, thanks to a donation from Grow Myrtleford +, a locally-advised community fund.

Alpine Regional Horseman’s Association (ARHA) president Monica Kennedy said the donation of $2500 went towards the purchase and installation of seven freshwater troughs across the several pens at the reserve, helping ensure the reserve is a place of last resort for livestock.

She said they can safely pen 300 head of cattle in shade, with food and water, in case of an emergency.

“Animal welfare is our prime objective,” she said.

“One of our big drivers is to take the cattle back in a better condition or as good a condition as when they left the farm.”

She said the troughs also assist in holding events, such as the ARHA Cutting event last week.

Welcome the new East Ovens Pedestrian Bridge

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

THE new East Ovens Pedestrian Bridge in Harrietville is set to become an asset for walkers and hikers with construction reaching the final stage this week.

To celebrate this milestone, an official opening event is planned for Friday, March 1.

Interested community members are invited to join Alpine Shire Council to officially open the new bridge.

Alpine Shire Mayor, John Forsyth said the East Ovens Pedestrian Bridge highlights council’s commitment to creating safe and accessible spaces for the community.

“Enhancing community connectivity is a key motivator for a range of council projects, and has been clearly demonstrated in the construction of the East Ovens Bridge,” he said.

“The bridge will serve as a vital link in the area, connecting residents and visitors to a network of

unique bush trails.

“We invite everyone interested to join council at the opening event and experience firsthand the positive impact this infrastructure will have on residents and visitors of Harrietville and surrounds.”

The event will be held on Friday, March 1 from 3pm at the East Ovens Pedestrian Bridge located at the end of Bon Accord Track, Harrietville.

Parking is limited on Bon Accord Track to the highlighted lo-

cation on the map or alternatively, the Great Alpine Road. Attendees will need to park and walk approximately 1km, it is advised attendees wear appropriate footwear.

The East Ovens Pedestrian Bridge project was made possible through joint funding from Emergency Recovery Victoria and council.

Council also worked closely with the land manager, Parks Victoria, throughout the project.

Motorcyclist killed in Freeburgh crash

A MAN has died after crashing his motorbike in Freeburgh at the weekend.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the Saturday afternoon crash, which is believed to have taken place near Dungey Track just after 5pm.

The motorbike is believed to have left the track and crashed into a tree.

Police believe the 57-year-old man was from New South Wales.

Anyone who witnessed the crash, or has footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

The crash came a day after a 48-yearold Sunbury woman was killed when her car reportedly left the road surface on the Beechworth-Wangaratta Road and crashed into a tree.

A 60-year-old female passenger, also from Sunbury, was airlifted to The Alfred Hospital in a serious condition, however, was being treated as stable by Sunday afternoon.

Clean up events this Sunday

THREE clean up events will be held for Clean Up Australia Day this Sunday.

Myrtleford and District Landcare and Sustainability Group are holding an event at 9:30am at Rotary Park for 2 hours.

Alpine Shire Council will be hosting an event at Mount Beauty’s Bicentennial Park, Lakeside Avenue, and another at Bright’s Centenary Park, Mountbatten Avenue, both starting at 9am.

Attendees for both events should meet at the barbecue shelter 15 minutes prior to start time.

TROUGH TRIUMPH: ARHA member Brian Caldwell with a new trough at the reserve.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Local JPs Local JPs farewell outgoing co-ordinator

JUSTICES of the Peace recently met at The Gateway Hotel, Wangaratta and the co-ordinator of the North East Group for the past 10 years – Robert (Bob) Ford, BJ (Ret), JP, FRVAHJ announced his retirement from this role and handed over the reins to Cheryl Sargent JP with Michael Guinane BJ, JP. becoming the assistant coordinator for the group.

Robert was presented with a plaque from the group for his outstanding work as leader, teacher and friend.

Robert’s wife, Alida, was presented with a flower arrangement for her tireless work and support behind the scenes.

Robert will continue to serve as a JP for the group.

Justices of the Peace serve the community at the following locations:

Wangaratta Library:

Wednesday and Friday at 10 am - 12 noon,

Thursday evening 56pm,

Myrtleford Library: Tuesday 1 - 3pm, Bright Library: Wednesday 1 - 3pm.

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

THE first week of March marks the start of another Victorian hop harvest for Hop Products Australia (HPA), with a decrease in production and international demand among changes affecting this year’s crop.

HPA Victorian farm manager Aaron Bailey said he and his team have been busy executing vine control, herbicide, and fertiliser programs over the past few months.

“We had a few minor setbacks earlier in the growing season, including flooding in localised areas and repeated cold spells that initially hindered plant growth,” he said.

“But thanks to some warmer weather in recent months, the

Local hop harvest shaping up well

crop is shaping up well.”

It’s in very good hands too, with a large percentage of return applicants among more than 250 seasonal workers who will help HPA’s permanent team of hop experts bring in the crop.

HPA director Tim Lord said crop 2024 looks a little different to previous years.

Some late changes to international demand resulted in HPA idling around 25 per cent of their hop gardens this year.

The planned decrease is a reflection of global oversupply.

“The hop market has always been cyclical,” Mr Lord said.

“We’ve enjoyed several good years thanks to the craft beer boom that led to an increase in more hopcentric beer production and a hop

infrastructure where supply exceeded demand.

“Now we’re experiencing a dip, that has been somewhat exacerbated by COVID, trends toward less hop-centric beer production, and the growth of alternative beverages.”

Many hop growers are decreasing production this year, aiming to rebalance supply and demand.

“The decrease in production was not an easy decision, but it’s better than sitting on aging hops we can’t sell,” Mr Lord said.

“HPA will continue to care for the idle fields, keep them healthy and ready to be strung again for next crop.

“We are using the reduced crop as an opportunity to focus on quality, with greater flexibility to harvest

each variety at optimal maturity and refine production processes.”

HPA recently invested in a new site to house a state-of-the-art pelleting and packaging facility.

Mr Lord said the building project was taking slightly longer than anticipated.

“The whole project team has been working incredibly hard to ensure the facility is operational as soon as humanly possible,” he said.

“They are currently working on assembling a 24-metre tower that will house a fully temperature-controlled pellet plant.

“The resulting improvements in capacity from the modern equipment mean brewers can expect an overall increase in quality, which will translate to more consistent performance in beer.”

Juicy plums have feral pigs in a jam

FRUITING plum trees are helping track and trap feral pigs in North East Victoria, as part of a Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) control project for the feral pest.

“The tasty and nutritious fruit is a known favourite of feral pigs searching for food,”

DEECA invasive species project officer Jonathan Melling said.

“As ripe fruit drops to the ground, feral pigs will routinely come back to the same area night after night creating a perfect spot to set up motion cameras, feeder stations, and traps.

“The plums are supplemented with a feed mix of fermented grains and an attractant to further entice feral pigs into the traps.

“Once the whole drove is observed to be regularly feeding, traps are set to trigger, thereby maximising the efficacy of different control methods,”

The project aims to reduce the significant damage feral pigs cause to the environment, cultural heritage sites, and agriculture.

According to DEECA, feral pigs also present a serious biosecurity risk through the spread of parasites and diseases.

Key locations for the works include around Corryong, Myrtleford and Mansfield.

The project will continue for the next 16 months and is funded through the Victorian Government’s $32 million Protecting Biodiversity Program which is reducing the impact of invasive species across the state.

For further information about the Protecting Biodiversity Program, visit Protecting Biodiversity program (environment.vic.gov.au).

For further information about the project contact 136 186 or email feral.pigs@deeca. vic.gov.au.

FAREWELL AND THANKYOU: Local JPs held a presentation for outgoing co-ordinator Robert ‘Bob’ Ford recently. Pictured from left are Alida and Robert Ford with incoming co-ordinator Cheryl Sargent JP.

PHOTO: Michael Guinane

MYRTLEFORD P12 COLLEGE

DEDERANG PRIMARY SCHOOL

WANDILIGONG PRIMARY SCHOOL

HARRIETVILLE PRIMARY SCHOOL

7A: (Back, from left) Lily Picciocchi, James Tilson, Jake Jennings, Will Koers, Connor Schell, Charlotte Elkington, Arlia Mitchell and Abi Aldridge. (Front, from left) Alice Branagan, Kody Watkins, Will Hughes, Ellard Bohol, Reece Sellars, Eden Maygar, Rocky Cusack and Maya Emanuelli.

(From left) Arlo Green, Zadie Prosser and Frank Shaw.

7B: (Back, from left) Shea Dyball, Sanity Lacey, Louis Sanderson, Noah Harris, Willyum Savage, Ben Hodgkin, Luella Robb and Heidi Weimer. (Front, from left) Nia Lewis, Jen Bagos, Jemma Martin, Hunter Coleman, Deagan Ramia, Blake Parolin, Huntah Thompson and Ryley Geddes.

PREPS: (From left) Billie Mull, Levi Pape, Rex Seymour, Evie De La Rue, Patrick Dwyer, CJ Newman, Ebony Pugh, Ahrooj Khadka, Pranshu Poudel, Timothy Ngai Naing, Carlo Sgambelloni, Makira Beetson, Acacia Thompson, Hunter Hall, Ella Pace, Iesha Kroon, Elliott Thompson, Cody Stin, Ella Gubbin.

(From left) Didge Doleman and Ben Martin.

(Top, from left) Freya RutherfurdHobbs, Rose Decker. (Bottom, from left) Lucy O’Keefe, Paige Quast, James Barton.

THE IGET IT , I THINK BIT

IF YOU’RE HAVING A OR HOPPING ON A BUT WANT TO KEEP YOUR AND COMMUNITY SAFE…

Huge turnout for College swim sports

MOUNT Beauty

Secondary College held their annual House Swimming Sports day recently.

Perfect weather saw many parents and friends turn out to support the students, they also volunteered to help staff out with many jobs on the day.

This year saw the biggest participation rate in a long while, which helped reduce the gap between overall points scored.

Congratulations to the VCE Vocational Major students who ran another successful barbecue, this covers some of their coursework, along with raising money towards purchasing their work shirts.

PAUL L’ Huillier from the Mount Beauty and District Men’s Shed gave this account of an event held there recently.

Fifty motorcycle riders from The Black Dog Ride visited the Men’s Shed on Tuesday, February 20 for afternoon tea and social interaction.

They came from Mitta Mitta and were heading to Bright and Porepunkah for the night.

The ride started on the 13th and continued to the 26th of February.

Riders could join in at

By FAY MASON, Kiewa Valley

Correspondent

Fay, who is also a regular host on Alpine Radio, can be contactedon 0410 738 266, or email faymariemason@ gmail.com

various times. They travelled throughout southern NSW and country Victoria, finishing up at the 2024 Superbikes at Phillip Island.

The purpose of the Black Dog ride is to raise awareness of depression and suicidal prevention in local communities.

TODAY on Alpine FM Brunch program guests will be Dr Helen Haines Federal member for Indi at 9.30am, Les Wienbanger from Mt Beauty Lions Club, at 10.40am with Dr Norman Ricklefs, who is an expert on the Middle East, speaking about the Middle East crisis at 11.10am.

Don’t miss this one.

FRIEDRICH VON FLOTOW

“Ascoreglorious full of instantly recognisable arias”

PROUD LEADERS: Bogong House Captains Emma and Alyssa (centre), with school prinicpal Simone (left), and teacher Jenny (right).

AGE CHAMPIONS: (From left) Baylin, Grace, Eric, Shane, Evelyn, Jai, Thomas, Rowan, Nina, Evie, and Suniya. AbsentAlec.

Baylin Ford’s heart of gold

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

BAYLIN Ford has always been a people person, and clearly that has translated into his passion for volunteering.

The Mount Beauty teen has been giving back to his community since the age of 11, volunteering alongside Granny Barb in the community Hospital Op Shop, the local CFA, Mount Beauty Animal Rescue and a range of other roles.

Baylin was named the Local Young Achiever Kiewa Valley this year and the humble youth said it was an honour and a surprise.

“I was really thankful that someone took their time to nominate me,” he said.

“The award is great but I’m just doing what I enjoy so I’ll continue to do it regardless.

“I essentially started volunteering because I was an 11 year old with nothing else to do with my weekends, and I really enjoyed spending time with Granny Barb.

“I’ve always been a talker so getting to have conversations with everyone and anyone was great.”

He also helped out with Team Mount Beauty when he was too young to race mountain bikes and he still helps out regularly at races and working bees.

“It’s just good to get out there with people who have the same interest in mountain biking and look after the trails and raising money for them,” Baylin said.

“It’s cool to see everyone having a good time at races and knowing I helped out in some way.”

Baylin’s volunteerism doesn’t end there, the 18 year old was inspired by Fireman Sam and his older brother to get involved with the CFA youth crew and eventually sign up to CFA.

“I thought it would be

great to be a part of and I love the consistent learning; there’s so many things to learn and do,” he said.

“It feels really great going to training and knowing the skills I’m practising can be put to really important, good use.

“A big chunk of my volunteering time is spent at Mount Beauty Animal Rescue, I’ve been doing it

for just over a year now and I love it.

“I just help around the place feeding animals, making milk for kangaroos and supporting the main staff with injured animals and looking after the animals.

“I’ve always loved animals; as a kid being a zookeeper was another thing I thought I’d love to do and I’d make zoos in the middle of my

lounge room with my toys.

“I also did work experience at a zoo two years ago and started really looking into the pathways to get there.”

Between the CFA, animal rescue, mountain biking, helping out with the Upper Kiewa Valley Community Recovery Group and his passion for trail running, camping, skiing and playing guitar, Baylin has a good

selection of potential future careers.

“Once I finish year 12 this year I’d like to do a carpentry apprenticeship for three years,” he said.

“After that I’d love to travel and work around Australia and go explore for a bit.

“Then I imagine I’ll go back to school and do something further in carpentry, though I am also interested

in zoology and I think designing enclosures would be the final goal.

“I guess my advice for anyone wanting to get involved in their community would just be to reach out to people.

“Take any opportunity people give you to help out at events, working bees, in clubs; it’s personally way more enjoyable when you’re making other people happy.”

YOUNG ACHIEVER: Mount Beauty’s Baylin Ford loves to help out others.

PHOTO: Fay Mason

Alpine

Accountants

BRIGHT ACCOUNTING

Certified Practising Accountants – C.P.A.

Accounting for small businesses and individuals.

4-1a Camp Street, Bright

Phone: 5755 5105

E enquiries@brightaccounting.com.au

BELMORES CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

(formerly CRM Business Advisers)

Certified Practising Accountants

Myrtleford, 1-7 Albert Street

Phone: 5752 2288

Bright, 3 Ireland Street

Phone: 5755 1327

www.belmores.com.au

PAYNTER & ASSOCIATES

Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors

25 Clyde Street Myrtleford

Phone: 5751 1995

Email admin@paynterassoc.com.au

www.paynterandassociates.com.au

Clinical Massage

MYOTHERAPY, MUSCLE

HEALTH & FITNESS

Dennis Kersting Dip. RM CM.

Myrtleford - 18 Rayner Street

Phone: 0427 440 744

Hearing Services

JO ROSS-JACKSON HEARING CENTRES

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

For appointments call 5752 2817

Insurance Brokers

OVENS VALLEY INSURANCE BROKERS

Myrtleford, 47 Clyde Street

Phone: 5752 1151

Bright, 104 Gavan St

Phone: 5715 9705

Email: info@ovib.com.au

Solicitors

DICK & WILLIAMS

Solicitors & Attorneys Vic & NSW

Myrtleford, 5B Clyde Street.

Phone: 5752 2363.

Email: email@dwlawalbury.com.au

TONER & MAY LEGAL

BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS

86 Standish Street, Myrtleford.

Phone: 03 5752 1493

2A Camp Street, Bright,

Phone: 03 5750 1819

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

Promote your service here!

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

FROCKED UP:

Races continue to delight

Increased competitors at picnic races, fabulous frocks a mainstay

By BRODIE EVERIST

LAST Saturday’s Dederang Picnic Races drew people from all around, some having a flutter on the horses, and others dressing extravagantly for the occasion.

Dederang Picnic Racing Club president Marcus Goonan said the event was well-attended, with numbers in the mid-2000s.

This is up from the approximately 1600 attendees at last year’s event, which hosted no races, and around 2100 attendees in 2022.

He said the club had worked to bring more competitors to the races by increasing prizemoney and improving communication with trainers and jockeys.

“It’s something that we noticed had been dropping off,” he said.

“Over the last three years that we’ve been involved we’ve done a lot of work and they’re definitely up compared to where they were.”

Mr Goonan thanked their major sponsors, as well as volunteers and attendees.

“A hell of a lot of people would start working on this race meeting from November last year to get us to the point where we could race on a really beautiful track in some pretty fantastic surrounds,” he said.

“A lot of credit must go to the volunteers who help us out and the community groups who help us put on the day.”

He also said the track was in good condition, having received around $40,000 worth of upgrades over the past year.

“We started watering in midDecember this year, so we’ve done a lot of work on getting that track up to scratch and I thought it raced really well,” he said.

Narre Warren South resident Dee Mitchell was one of the many vying to win a ‘Fashions on the Field’ prize, but unfortunately her group’s efforts in a Cowboys and Indians theme was pipped by a Sharon Strzelecki lookalike, depicting the character from Australian sitcom Kath and Kim.

“Her costume was very good, she did do a good job,” Ms Mitchell said.

Commenting on the broader fashions on display, she described attendees’ attire as beautiful and said many take it very seriously.

“It’s good to see that the community is behind that as well, it’s not just a Melbourne thing,” she said.

“It’s a good opportunity for the local milliners to be putting their wares out on display.”

Like Mr Goonan, she said the track looked excellent and noted the extra horses this year.

“We watched every race, unfortunately I didn’t get many winners myself,” she said.

“This year there was a much bigger field, so that was good to see, particularly after last year.”

STAY SAFE: (From left) Pascale Rae, Jack Ansell-Jones and Hollie Tanner were at the TAC stall promoting safe behaviour at the races, as well as when travelling home.

HAVING FUN: (From left) Deb Crane, Zach Lowen, Leah Martin, Sophie Yaldwyn and Dylan Reynolds had come to the races as part of the Jindera Hotel Social Club.

AMAZING ATTIRE: (From left) Crystal Hocking, Maddy Hocking, Pia Taylor, Lexie Shannon and Hayley Lewis were well-dressed for the occasion.

GOOD TIMES: Peter and Kerrie Gordon (left) and John and Pauline Vaccaro had come from Albury.

CREATIVE COSTUMES: (From left) Dee Mitchell, Dave Mitchell, Jodie Forrester, Dot Williams and Mel Forrester had dressed in a Cowboys and Indians theme, hoping to win a ‘Fashions on the Field’ category.

Jessie Thompson, Marnie Matassoni, Katie Parslow and Elecia Coldan were having a great time at the races. PHOTOS: Brodie Everist

Hi-tech chair the latest in op shop’s hospital support

PROCEDURES just got a little easier with the new multi-function procedure chair thanks to support from the Myrtleford Hospital and Community Op Shop.

The Hausted EPC500 is a versatile, comfortable procedure chair that is designed for multiple procedures, from treatment rooms to radiology.

The multi-function procedure chair, priced over $20,000, is already in use across ultrasound, podiatry and urgent care at the Myrtleford Hospital.

The chair has a full range

of patient positioning options that provide patient comfort and safety during every phase of care including transport, procedure and recovery, reducing the risk of patient and staff injury by eliminating multiple patient transfers.

“We are incredibly grateful to have the support of our wonderful Myrtleford Hospital & Community Op Shop to help us to provide local services close to home and improved patient/resident outcomes for our Myrtleford communities,” Alpine Health chief executive officer Nick Shaw said.

“Our ability to bring highend equipment into our hospital and Barwidgee Lodge through the support of the Op Shop helps contribute to ensuring people residing in and using our facilities can do so in comfort and with the knowledge their care needs are supported through modern and appropriate resources.

Alpine Health Myrtleford have a visiting podiatry service that provides for outpatient care as well as providing for in-house requirements for Barwidgee Lodge residents.

Wellways service returns to shire

A VALUED mental health service will return to the shire due to the availability of Community Recovery Hub funding.

Formerly known as NewAccess, which had ended in August 2023, Alpine Mindset Coaching is a free wellbeing coaching support program that provides 6 guided sessions to participants in a one-to-one setting.

According to Alpine Shire community recovery officer Helen Hunter, the program enables the delivery of trauma-informed recovery services,

evidence-based recovery interventions and information and programs to support communities in their recovery journey.

The Hub program is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments and is administered by Emergency Recovery Victoria, in response to the 2022 Flood and Landslip event.

Alpine Mindset will be delivered by Nicole Parker from Wellways, who is a lowintensity cognitive behaviour therapy trained coach.

Low-intensity cognitive

behavioural therapy is a structured, evidence-based psychological treatment.

The program is confidential and free and can be delivered face to face, via video link or over the phone.

Face to face coaching will take place in Mount Beauty and Myrtleford on Wednesdays and will be available until June 2025.

To join the program, call 1300 921 535 or email alpinecoaching@wellways.org.

Requests to join can be made directly from an individual, friend, family, carer or a health professional.

Bright U3A dinner brings in 2024

By PENNY WHITE, Bright U3A

OUR very active social committee put on the 2024 Welcome Dinner, which was held at the new club premises on February 10.

Members had to be fully paid up and registered in one or more U3A Bright activities in order to be eligible for the dinner as it was subsidised by U3A funds.

So it was a real case of ‘If you snooze you lose’, because the 60 odd spots were filled very quickly.

And a few lucky people on the reserve list found spots once the dust settled a little.

On this fairly warm late afternoon, 62 happy attendees settled into a fine dining experience having already spent an hour or so having drinks and nibbles in the

foyer, whilst waiting for the ‘dining room’ to open.

At last, we were able to use our new, comfortable blue chairs.

The hall was beautifully decorated and lit up; the dinner and the dessert catered by a high country chef was delicious; and we all had a lot of fun.

All comments received were very positive and encouraging and we look forward to more events like this

in the not-too-distant future.

We take this opportunity to thank the Alpine Shire for the community grant for the purchase of the sounddampening panels on the ceiling that have improved the acoustics immeasurably and has helped make these events more enjoyable for all users.

We especially wish to thank Jan and Michael Smith for making this event come together.

HELPING OUT: (From left) Alpine Shire community recovery officer Helen Hunter with Nicole Parker from Wellways.

PHOTO: Jenny Zamperoni

DINNER DELIGHT: The Bright U3A held a 2024 welcome dinner on February 10, with 62 attendees.

Magnificent rural lifestyle living

LOOKING for an escape from the hustle and bustle of town life?

This lifestyle property nestled at the foot of the beautiful Warby Range National Park could be ‘the one’ you’ve been looking for.

Situated on approximately 28 acres, this three-bedroom residence offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and relaxing views.

Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by an inviting contemporary country style with vaulted ceilings with exposed timbers.

The north-facing open-plan kitchen and living area offer functional, modern country living.

The kitchen includes electric oven and cooktop, and a dishwasher for convenience.

ambience during cooler months, and is complemented with split systems ensuring year-round comfort throughout all seasons.

The main bedroom includes an ensuite, walk-in robe, and bay window which frames picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.

For those keen on rural pursuits or hobbies, an excellent 16mx8m powered threebay machinery shed awaits, along with an additional lockup separate bay with a roller door—providing ample space for storage.

Water security is assured with two dams,

one of which is spring-fed, a 40,000Lt (approx.) water tank servicing the house and dam water feeding to the gardens, as well

The property incorporates three separate and well-fenced paddocks, ideal for accommodating horses, sheep, or cattle, offering endless possibilities for those look-

You will enjoy stunning views from most aspects of the property, making this a relaxing and enjoyable place to call home.

Don’t miss the chance to have the country lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of.

For private inspections contact Garry Nash & Co on 5722 2663.

Wangaratta branch

76 Reid Street

Open weekdays

9am to 5pm (closed 1pm to 1:45pm)

1300 004 863

humebank.com.au

Charming small acreage

NESTLED amidst the tranquil countryside, this small acreage is a gem waiting to be discovered.

A delightful four-bedroom weatherboard home with charm, positioned on a sprawling 2.9 hectares (approx 7 acres).

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by the inviting verandah enveloping three sides of the home, offering shelter from the sun and rain, and adding great character. kitchen and dining area adorned with and ample countertop space - a haven for culinary enthusiasts.

The heart of the home unfolds into a sitting space, where a cozy wood heater awaits to provide warmth on chilly evenings, and a split-system offers convenience and comfort during warmer days.

Three bedrooms, each with built-in robes, provide good storage.

The charming main bathroom is complemented with a separate laundry

Agent |

|

Garry Nash & Co.

5722 2663

$850,000

which doubles as a second bathroom with a shower and toilet.

Outside, a peaceful sanctuary awaits - manicured gardens, mature trees, and lush lawns all invite you to relax.

Conveniently located just a 15-minute drive from Wangaratta, this property offers the perfect blend of rural tranquillity and accessibility to urban amenities. For private inspections contact Garry Nash and Co on 5722 2663.

Spacious, modern home

ESCAPE to the tranquillity of expansive living with this remarkable property, offering the perfect blend of space, comfort, and versatility.

Set on over two acres (approximately 9607m2) of sprawling land, this residence promises a relaxing lifestyle.

Upon arrival you’ll be greeted by a generously sized home designed to accommodate modern living needs.

Boasting four bedrooms, including a master retreat with a walk-in robe and ensuite, as well as built-in robes in the remaining bedrooms, ample space and storage are assured for the whole family.

The heart of the home unfolds into a burner gas cooktop, electric oven, and a convenient walk-in pantry - perfect for the discerning chef or aspiring cook. main living and dining area, where gatherings with family and friends are elevated by the warmth of natural light.

Agent |

Phone

x M/S 10-11m by Alpine Angus Bulls Drenched Ivomec WEANED

A/C VALLUNGA PTY LTD-BUCKLAND VALLEY

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

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

A/C S ROBERTSON-BUFFALO RIVER

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

A/C J & B FRASER-HARRIETVILLE

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

A/C T & D GEDDES- MUDGEGONGA

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

A/C DALANDER P/L-POREPUNKAH

50 Angus & Angus/Hereford x Steers 11-12m by Murdeduke & Kelly Angus Bulls WEANED NE Accr

A/C G & P HARRINGTON-WHOROULY

45 Angus M/S 9-10m by Alpine Angus Bulls WEANED

.A/C STARDEW HOLDINGS-TARRAWINGEE

41 Angus Steers 9-10m by Alpine & Pathfinder Angus Bulls WEANED A/C DA CARDWELL-GUNDOWRING

40 Angus M/S 10-11m by Cascade Angus Bull

WEANED A/C G & W HOWELL-ROSEWHITE

40 Angus Steers 11-12m by Pinnacle & Murramungee Angus Bulls WEANED NE Accr. A/C SJ & SG JONES-KANCOONA

40 Angus M/S 10-11m by Banquet Angus Bull

WEANED A/C M & L BEACH-WHOROULY SOUTH

38 Angus M/S 10-12m by Murramungee Angus Bull

WEANED A/C F, J & M COOPER-TAWONGA SOUTH

12 Hereford Steers Dehorned 8-11m by Rio Alps Hereford Bull WEANED

10 Angus/Hereford x M/S 8-10m by Alpine Angus Bulls WEANED

14 Hereford Heifers Dehorned 8-10m & 16m by Talgarno Park Hereford Bull

A/C EMERALD HILL- MERRIANG

12 Angus Heifers, 14-15m by Alpine Angus Bulls

10 Hereford heifers 14-15m by Marwarra Bulls

11 Angus/Hereford x 10-11m by Alpine Angus & Red Hill Hereford Bulls

ALL WEANED A/C O’CONNOR’S VIEW-MURMUNGEE

30 Angus Steers 10-12m by Alpine Angus Bulls

WEANED A/C L BRINE-ROSEWHITE

30 Angus Steers 10-11m by Murramungee & Jade Park Angus Bulls WEANED

A/C JC & J GARDNER-BOBINAWARRAH

30 Angus Steers 10-11m by Murramungee Angus

Bull WEANED NE Accr. A/C K & A MCCORMACK-OVENS

30 Angus M/S 9-10m by Alpine Angus Bulls WEANED

$900,000

Alternatively, retreat to the second living space for cozy movie nights or relaxa-

Two split systems ensure easy climate control year-round, and outside feeding off the kitchen / dining area you will discover the covered alfresco, perfect for entertaining.

For private inspections contact Garry Nash & Co on 5722 2663.

Combined total of over 3000hd to be offered between Nutrien

A/C P MORRISON & SON-BARWIDGEE CREEK

30 Angus M/S 8-10m by New Design & Kelly Angus Bulls

WEANED A/C M, P & S ANTONELLO-MERRIANG

20 Angus M/S 11-12m by Pinnacle Angus Bulls WEANED

RB & RM LUMSDEN-BUCKLAND VALLEY

20 Hereford x Steers 8-9m by Rosstulla Hereford Bulls WEANED

PH & RL SERPELL-RUNNING CREEK

18 Fleckvieh M/S 10-12m by Serpell Fleckvieh Bulls WEANED NE Accr.

A/C SOUTHFORK-WHOROULY

12 Fleckvieh x Steers 9m by Serpell Fleckvieh Bulls WEANED NE Accr. A/C I & B BUCKERIDGE-OXLEY

12 Angus & Angus/Black Simmental x Heifers 12-16m by Alpine Angus & Woonallee Black Simmental Bulls WEANED A/C A & K FORSTER-TARRAWINGEE

12 Angus M/S 7m

A/C K & V COUSINS -GAPSTED

11 Angus M/S 9-10m by Alpine Angus Bulls

A/C D RAE-MURMUNGEE

10 Angus/Black Simmental x Steers 12m by Woonallee SimAngus Bulls Bulls WEANED NE Accr.

A/C E & M NOTARIANNI-MYRTLEFORD

10 Angus Steers 7-9m by Alpine Angus Bulls

A/C S&J MCMASTERS- GAPSTED

8 Angus M/S 6-7m

A/C M MOREY- MARKWOOD

8 Angus M/S 10m by Alpine Angus Bulls WEANED

A/C T HINTON-ROSEWHITE

8 Hereford Steers 9-10m WEANED A/C ELKINGTON F/T-WHOROULY

6 Angus M/S 7m

A/C J & A HARRINGTON-WHOROULY

6 Angus M/S 11-12m

A/C THE ELMS - BUFFALO RIVER

6 Fleckvieh Steers 10m by Serpell Fleckvieh Bulls WEANED

A/C ASHDAN FAMILY TRUST-WHOROULY

4 Black Baldy Steers 10m by Alpine Angus & Woonallee

Black Simmental Bulls WEANED

4012m2

Lifestyle block in Tarrawingee townshipt

For Sale $349,000

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L26387973

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Hugh

Harcourts

1000m22 11

Opportunity in Whitfield Township

884m23 12

2000m2

Lifestyle Blocks in Oxley Township

For Sale $410,000

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L26302070

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Hugh Amery M 0487 777 311

Harcourts Wangaratta

719m23 22

Charming & Renovated

For Sale $639,000

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L19191160

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Danial Siperki M 0400 027 473

Harcourts Wangaratta

603m23 11

Renovated & Ready

For Sale $460,000-$480,000

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L25577147

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Danial Siperki M 0400 027 473

Harcourts Wangaratta

1037m23 11

Charming restoration with period features

For Sale $640,000-$670,000

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L19190455

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Paul Reid M 0417 537 520

Harcourts Wangaratta

Hansonville 00 Wangaratta-Kilfeera Rd

West End opportunity in Bruck Court

For Sale $499,000

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L19416458

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Hugh Amery M 0487 777 311

10Ac4 22

Privacy, Space & Seclusion

For Sale $799,000

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L25836342 Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Danial Siperki M 0400 027 473

Harcourts Wangaratta

Wangaratta 86 Templeton Street 571m23 11

For Sale $

Danial Siperki M 0400 027 473

Greta South 250 Harpers Lane 300Ac7 35

For Sale

Charming and renovated

10

50

40

40

40

Weaned, GF A/c GT Hoffmann “Wombat Valley” Lucyvale

30 Angus Mixed Sex, 10-12 mths, Jarobee Bld, Vacc 5in1 & Multimin, Drenched Dectomax, VB, GF A/c P & B Hindle, Bullioh

30 Angus Heifers, 9-11 mths, 15 Angus Steers, 9-11 mths, Connemara Bld, Vacc 5in1 & Multimin, Drenched Vetmec F, VB, Weaned, GF A/c M & S Clear “Watara” Walbundrie

30 Hereford Mixed Sex, 9-10 mths, Rosstulla Bld, VB, Weaned, GF

THIS is a charming weatherboard home perfectly positioned to take advantage of West End living.

3 2 2

It is within walking distance to schools, café, local shops, sporting facilities and soon a daycare.

A/c J DeBortoli, Mudgegonga

A/c KP Schilg, Yackandandah

Agent |

Nutrien Harcourts

A/c McGuffie Glenburn, Buffalo River

A/c JMF Drafting Pty Ltd, Bruarong

Yard Weaned, GF A/c Spring B Estate, Gundowring

The home has undergone a fantastic renovation and is ready for the new owners to simply move in and enjoy.

It has three generous sized bedrooms with built in robes.

An updated central kitchen with a new 900 upright stove adjoins the meals area, main living space and the second sunroom/study.

There is an abundance of natural light, high ceilings and ornate cornices, and the and window furnishings throughout.

It has two tastefully renovated bathrooms with a double vanity and frameless glass showers.

Ducted heating and cooling ensure the home remains comfortable all year round.

This house is immaculately presented with beautiful curb appeal thanks

Phone |

Price |

Location |

5722 9444 $639,000

62 Phillipson Street, Wangaratta

to new front landscaping. It is set on a spacious 719m2 lot with a wide 18m frontage.

There is a private grassed rear yard with access and a 5.4m x 9m shed with

This is an ideal home for any family, Call Danial Siperki at Harcourts Real Estate to arrange your inspection on 0400 027 473.

30 Angus Mixed Sex, 10-11 mths, Witherswood Bld, Vacc 5in1, VB, GF

30 Angus Steers, 7-8 mths, Witherswood Bld, VB, GF

30 Angus & Black Baldy Heifers, 9-10 mths, Jarobee Bld, Vacc 5in1, VB, GF

18 Angus Steers, 10-11 mths, Jade Park & Jarobee Bld, VB, Yard Weaned, GF

15 Angus Heifers, 10-11 mths, Jade Park & Jarobee Bld, VB,

18 Angus Steers, 11-12 mths, Jarobee Bld, Vacc 2x 5in1, VB, Yard Weaned, GF

10 Angus Heifers, 11-12 mths, Jarobee Bld, Vacc 2x 5in1, VB, Yard Weaned, GF A/c L & L Maddison, Mongans Bridge

8 Hereford Steers, 16-18 mths Danetree Bld, VB, Weaned, GF

16 Hereford Steers, 12-14 mths, Danetree Bld, VB, Weaned, GF

4 Hereford Heifers, 12-14 mths, Danetree Bld, VB, Weaned, GF

A/c B & J Sabljo, Myrtleford

20 Angus Steers, 12 mths, Witherswood Bld, Vacc 5in1, VB, Weaned, GF

A/c KJ Jackson “Double Gully” Tallangatta South

20 Hereford Steers, 10-12 mths, Beggan Hill, Jaclinton & Kylo Bld, VB, Weaned, GF

A/c B & K Heywood, Everton

20 Black Baldy Mixed Sex, 11-12 mths, VB, Yard Weaned, GF A/c Taylor-Made Grazing “Wombat Valley” Lucyvale

20 Black Baldy Mixed Sex, 9-11 mths, Jarobee Bld, Vacc 5in1 & Multimin, Drenched Dectomax, VB, GF A/c JE Pinter “Quarryside” Jindera

20 Angus Mixed Sex, 11-12 mths, Table Top Bld, VB, Weaned, GF A/c Nevin Farms, Huon

10 Limousin Mixed Sex, 8-9 months, ACE Limousin Bld, VB, Weaned, GF

10 Limousin X Mixed Sex, 8-9 months, ACE Limousin Bld, VB, Weaned, GF A/c Hicks Family Trust, Mudgegonga

15 Angus Steers, 9-10 mths, Jarobee Bld, VB, Weaned, GF A/c R Baroni, Porepunkah

15 Angus Mixed Sex, 10-11 mths, Jade Park Bld, Vacc 5in1, VB, GF A/c JL & CM Hall,

ALFA SUV OFF TO A BRIGHT START

By DEREK OGDEN, Marque Motoring

I’M over electric vehicles, monster utes and sleek SUVs.

They all have their place –these days highly prominent - in the automotive pantheon, but range anxiety, truckstyle fossil fuel pollution, or squeezing in to the third row of a seven-seater . . . I’ve had ’em.

All is not lost, however.

There are all-rounders out there that fit the bill of what is expected, without going over the top.

One such creature is the Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid SUV.

Named after one of Italy’s highest mountain passes Alfa says the compact five-seater encapsulates the organic curvatures, bends and lines found in nature.

And Alfa’s first foray into the so-called C SUV segment, one of the most competitive in the automobile market, needs something to stop potential buyers in their tracks.

There’s plenty of Alfa essence – power and driving precision - to attract attention.

It is available in two trim levels – Ti and Veloce –which arrived in Australian priced from $49,900 and $56,400 respectively,

making it a rival for the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Lexus UX and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.

The Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4 joined the team late last year in a highly specified Veloce trim offered from $77,500.

Two options include the Technology Pack, for $2500, which takes the Ti up to Veloce safety standard and Lusso Pack, at $4500, the latter adding seat upgrades, heated steering wheel and 14-speaker 465 W Harman / Kardon audio system.

STYLING

Sourced from the Turismo Internazionale (hence the Ti) has traditionally been identified with the most exclusive, elegant and comfortable Alfas.

Signature features include the V Scudetto grille, offset rego plate and 18-inch diamond cut five-circle spoke wheels, echoing the classic Alfa Romeo.

Conversely, the present is to the fore with full LED Matrix headlamps, topped off with wave-pattern daytime running lights, which, as red lights are repeated at the rear, flanking the hands-free power liftback.

INTERIOR

Front seats have a wide range of adjustment and offer good visibility all round.

However, tall occupants soon put rear leg room at a premium, but generally the cabin is spacious and comfortable. Perfect for pottering around town with two up front.

Boot space is a usable 500 litres, which can be ‘pumped’ to 1550 litres with second row backs folded.

A space-saver spare finds a home under the floor.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS

The 118-kW turbocharged engine plus mild hybrid technology enables pure electric drive and regenerative braking, stop / start operation, plus added boost to petrol power.

Paired with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission and 48 V 15 kW / 55 Nm electric motor make it possible for the 1.5 litre petrol engine to propel the wheels even when the internal combustion power is turned off

The transmission enables the start-off and travel in electric mode at low speeds and when parking or cruising.

The result is the performance of a petrol engine but with fuel consumption of a diesel motor.

SAFETY

All Tonale variants have

earned a five-star ANCAP rating at 2022 standards.

Passive safety features include dual front, side chest and head protecting airbags as standard across the range.

Active safety is covered by adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, intelligent speed assist, traffic sign recognition, front and rear parking sensors and rearview camera with dynamic guidelines.

DRIVING

With keyless entry, getting underway presented a few problems, the main, how to start the engine.

An extended search finally came good: the start / stop button was attached to the steering wheel rim. Stupid boy!

Alfa’s mild hybrid electric system can drive the wheels alone up to 40 km/h, so the slow stuff can be done as a full electric vehicle before the petrol motor chimes in.

The 1.5 litre variablegeometry turbocharged unit handles the 1491 kg of the Tonale Ti as well as can be expected under the Natural drive mode.

Expect the Tonale to average premium petrol consumption of 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres over a range of driving conditions.

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE:

ALFA ROMEO TONALE TI HYBRID from $49,900

ALFA ROMEO TONALE VELOCE HYBRID from $56,400

ALFA ROMEO TONALE PHEV FROM $77,500

OPTIONS: Technology Pack $2500; Lusso Pack $4500

NOTE: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Mazda dealer for drive-away prices.

Advanced Efficiency is the money saving mode, with sporty performance sacrificed at the altar of economy.

The dual clutch here showed its characteristic choppy changes.

Time to wind up the Alfa to its zenith in Dynamic mode.

Gear shifts were at their snappiest delivering a satisfyingly sporty driving experience.

A 12.3-inch digital cluster is located directly in front of the driver, while those wanting to get their hands on the outsize aluminium paddle shifters behind the steering wheel will need to step up to the Veloce variant.

Ride is a notuncomfortable experience on the 18-inch wheels with chubby rubber.

SUMMARY While not exactly causing the hairs on the back of the neck to stand up - I’ll leave that to the Veloce - the Tonale Ti could be for many what they always hoped for in an Alfa – a handsome model (tick), a sporty driving experience (tick) and technological team leader (tick).

RATINGS Looks: 9/10

Performance: 7/10

Safety: 7/10

Thirst: 6/10

Practicality: 7/10

Comfort: 6/10

Tech: 8/10

Value: 7/10

STANDARD WARRANTY:

Five years / unlimited kilometres

A HANDSOME MODEL: Alfa Romeo’s entry into the compact SUV segment is off to a positive start

Myrtleford & District A&P Society AGM

To

in the office of the Myrtleford Show in the

Reserve

March 12, 2024 at 7pm.

Everyone welcome – bring new ideas!

Contact 0408 155 018

RE-SHEETING WORKS – BACK GERMANTOWN ROAD

Gravel Road reconstruction and re-sheeting works will commence on Back Germantown Road from Wednesday, 28 February. These complete. Access between Deep Creek Road only. All other sections of Back Germantown

EAST OVENS BRIDGE OPENING EVENT

Construction of the East Ovens Pedestrian Bridge in Harrietville is almost complete!

To mark the opening of this exciting new community asset, Alpine Shire Council are hosting an opening event on Friday, 1 March from 3pm. Interested community members are invited to join us at the event and experience will have on residents and visitors of Harrietville and surrounds.

When: Friday, 1 March from 3pm

Where: East Ovens Pedestrian Bridge located at the end of Bon Accord Track, Harrietville

Parking: Parking is limited to the highlighted location on the map or alternatively, the Great Alpine Road. Attendees will need to park and walk approximately 1km. Please ensure you wear appropriate footwear.

Light refreshments will be available following the opening event.

Council’s Facebook page.

NUG NUG RESERVE

Notice is given of a PUBLIC MEETING

to be held at Nug Nug Reserve on Saturday, March 16, 2024 commencing at 11am.

The purpose of the meeting is to nominate no less than three (3) nor more than nine (9) persons as the Committee of Management for the Nug Nug Reserve for a term of three years. The current committee’s term will expire on 23rd March 2024. All positions will be declared open and nominations will be accepted prior to or on the night. Nominations from women are encouraged. Further information, nomination forms and nominee declaration forms may be obtained by contacting your local DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT and CLIMATE ACTION office or at the meeting.

For further enquiries please contact the Secretary, Ray Ball on 0400 162 779.

Foresight

to

team in Bright. Enjoy flexible casual hours (12-24/w) with the opportunity to move to PPT. Strong computer skills, communication, and an eagerness to learn are essential. Experience in booking and Xero with 1-2 years’ experience preferred.

The Victorian School Nursing Program –Secondary School Nurse – Ovens Murray Area

Position Number: 1403231

Employment Type: Fixed Term

Job Function: Nursing

Classification: ES1-4

Salary Range: $88,738 – $104,630 per annum

Contact: Sara Watts

sara.watts@education.vic.gov.au

Are you interested in working with young people? Do you have a passion for health promotion and health education? An exciting opportunity exists for a highly self-motivated Registered Nurse (Div 1) to join the Secondary School Nurse Program in the Ovens Murray Area – North Eastern Victorian Region. This is a fixed-term part time 0.5 FTE position ending 14/04/2031. When applying, please ensure you respond to the key selection criteria.

Department of Education is committed to diversity. The Department places considerable effort and resources into responding to the needs of staff with a disability. People from disadvantaged groups are encouraged to apply for this position. If you require assistance, with the recruitment process, have accessibility or adjustment requirements, please communicate with the contact person listed on this job advertisement or contact the People Division via email: schools.recruitment@education.vic.gov.au

Information about the Department of Education’s operations and employment conditions can be obtained from the following websites: www.education.vic.gov.au and http://www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/ Pages/default.aspx.

Applicants are encouraged to apply on-line via the Recruitment Online website at www.education.vic.gov.au/schooljobs

Please refer to Job Opening: 1403231

Applications close: 20

2024

EMPLOYMENT

Position Vacant PHARMACY ASSISTANT ROBERTSON’S PHARMACY CURTIS ADAM’S PHARMACY BRIGHT PHARMACY

The Robertson Group is looking for pharmacy assistants to join their busy teams.

No previous experience necessary, training will be provided.

Junior or senior applicants welcome to apply.

Full-Time and Part-Time positions available.

The successful applicant will be required to demonstrate a high level of communication skills and be a team player.

Remuneration in accordance with pharmacy industry award, experience and capability. Please send all applications to: administration@brucerobertson.com.au

All applications will be strictly confidential.

2009 Ford Mondeo XR5, m anual, 180,00km, (1SM6DN), adaptive cruise control, bluetooth, sunroof, all-round parking sensors, service history, $8500. Ph 0458 583 608.

2002 Toyota Landcruiser Prado Grande Auto 4cyl 3lt diesel, excellently maintained by original owner, always garaged, service records, new tyres, leather seats, powered windows, sunroof, remote locking, many features ahead of its time, 458,790km, RWC, registration till August, (RTM 834), REDUCED TO $13,500. Phone John

REDUCED!

MY 2019 Nissan Juke Nismo RS. AWD, auto in stunning black, this fun packed small 5 Dr hatchback has been lovingly cared for by p resent older owner, regretful sale, making way for campervan, less than 25,000kms on clock, Mansfield, all books, service records, keys, RWC etc, reg (BOP081). $25,250. Call Paul on 0488 444 650.

SOLD

2011 Pajero, silver, 155,500km, 7 seats, (YKD 934) reg until September 1, 2024, Redarc electric brake control, RWC, $22,500. Ph 0428 553 686.

CARAVANS & CAMPERS

CARAVANS & CAMPERS

JAYCO Sterling 2013 22ft, immaculate condition, slide ou t queen bed, full annex and veranda and lots of extras, (V71417), $40,500. Ph 0438 511 958.

FREE RANGE HENS

ISA Brown Pullets, POL $28ea.

Pick upWang to Bright Becky & Hugh (03) 5798 1868 freerangehens.com.au

Personal Notices

DEATH NOTICES

CLANEY, Gregory Stuart. 18 /1/1953 – 19/2/2024

It is with great sadness we announce the death of Greg Claney, as a result of a sudden illness. Loved and devoted husband of Monica, loving father of Sean and Liam and grandpa of Lochlan.

Dearly loved brother and brother-in-law of Neil, Lindsay and Michelle and their family.

FUNERALS

The best way to reach Myrtleford, Bright & Mt Beauty

BEREAVEMENT THANKS

LEAHY, Murray Richard.

19/3/1962 – 16/2/2024

In the past 8/9 years I have been privileged to care and support my brother, Murray, Muzza.

I wish to thank all of our carers and volunteers over the last 42 years, who have supported Murray and our parents Colin and Dorothy Leahy (both dec).

I also wish to thank Acacia at Beechworth Hospital, for the care that has been given to Murray over the past 9 years. They have been extraordinary in their time and care for him and myself.

Also special thanks to Sharon for being there for us both.

Thank you to Marita, Sally, Bronwyn, Macy, Luke and Elisha for their continual support over the years.

A special thank you to Murray’s carers Paul, Sue, Bonnie and Chelsea.

Thankyou Bonnie and Sharon for being there for Murray on his final day. Also wish to thank my children, Matt, Rachael and Stephen and my partner Mark and my dear friend Cindy.

Special thanks to all. Murray and Coline.

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

REDUCED

CLANEY

KOKODA caravan 20’6” 2017 model, full ensuite with ceramic vanity, front island queen bed, café dinette with trifold table, 190Ltr 3 way fridge, full oven with 3 gas and 1 electric burner, 19” digital TV, reverse cycle aircon, LED down lights, top load washing machine, rolled bench tops, drawers on rollers, diesel heater installed, double glazed windows, full checker plate on front and all-comp sides, roll-out awning, 2x 95ltr water tanks with galvanised stone, 22.6Ltr gas and electric hot water system, 2x 9kg gas bottles, deep cycle b attery with charger, solar wiring provision with regulator, generator hatch, picnic table, 6” alloy wheels, dual access tunnel boot with lights, immaculate condition, $49,950, legitimate r eason for selling, located in Bright. P h 0418 802 351 or 0427 189 176.

2019 Black Series Alpha, used twice, excellent condition, additional annexe and top rack, $6500 negotiable. Call 0417 154 229.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Gregory Claney will be held at The Ablett Pavilion, Myrtleford Football Netball Club, 1 Lewis Avenue, Myrtleford, on Thursday, February 29, 2024, commencing at 11.30am.

A private cremation will precede the service.

CONDRON

Mason Park

Funerals

5721 5060 masonpark.com.au

LEAHY

Funeral prayers for the life of Murray Leahy will be offered at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Myrtleford on Monday, March 4, 2024 at 11am, followed by interment at the Myrtleford Lawn Cemetery.

Budding cyclists get first taste of Mystic Park progress

By BRODIE EVERIST

ALPINE Cycling Club junior members were the lucky first riders on Mystic Park’s new trails next to Morses Creek last Tuesday, with the trails the first part of refurbishment and construction works improving safety and amenity at the park.

The new trails consist of a climbing trail and a flow trail snaking beside Morses Creek to Fiveways, where five trails intersect, and a climbing and flow trail from the car park on Coronation Avenue to the future shuttle access point on White Star Road.

The mountain bike trails are part of a suite of upgrades at the park expected to be completed in April, including a new shuttle access point and internal shuttle road, a resting area beside the creek, and a Mystic ‘M’ sign to provide a clear entry point.

According to Mystic Park, the refurbishments not only

improve the trail offering at the park, it also improves safety with a fence at the carpark and new underpass at Dougherty’s Bridge, removing the need for cyclists to cross Coronation Avenue.

Fiveways - a future shuttle bus route and major thoroughfare for cyclists - will also have a culvert installed to eliminate conflict between bikers and shuttles.

The new trails to and from Fiveways replace cyclists’ previous flat route along White Star Road with a stimulating ride filled with bumps, jumps and banked turns, also known as berms.

“As you can see, the kids are having so much more fun compared to just riding on a flat road,” Mystic Park’s marketing and communications officer Anne Chiew said.

“Being close to the river is just so much nicer.”

She said the trails were designed and built by trailbuilding company World Trail, known for creating the

The pointy end

■ From back page

The Tigers currently sit sixth overall and 8.4 points off the pace with one match remaining to make it into the top four.

Up against the similarly maligned Colts, who need a big win themselves, Bursill said these next two weekends would be about playing for pride and the team.

“It would take a huge upset, but we just want to finish off the season strongly,” he said.

“The season has been really close, we just want to finish off the season with a win against Colts, we’re playing our last game at McNamara as well which will be nice, and our Silver Circle is on Saturday as well.

“There are still a few blokes in for individual awards as well, we’ll be looking at that – ‘Gosi’ (Gurjot Gosal) is right up there with the bowling aggregate as well as average, and Nick Impink I think is leading the golden gloves, so there are a couple of blokes who still could get individual awards and that’s good for the club as well.

“We’ll be there to help out our other grades who are making finals as well.”

trails at Blue Derby, a popular mountain biking destination in north-east Tasmania.

The trails also connect with Bennett’s Trail, a shared bike path between Bright and Wandiligong, while another sealed path heading

to Pioneer Park is planned around the trail head car park.

Ms Chiew said cyclists commonly finish their ride along a trail called Shred Kelly’s Last Stand, but to be shuttled back up the moun-

tain they must then ride on White Star Road to the landing area for hang-gliders. They are then shuttled along Coronation Avenue and Mystic Lane into the park.

She said the new design

will shuttle riders from the access point on White Star Road through Fiveways, keeping riders and the shuttle within the park and away from residential areas.

“This whole new design is about getting the trailhead, the shuttle area and the trails all centrally located,” she said.

“In peak summer season shuttle buses are just coming back and forth, back and forth - it could be up to six buses running in one day.

“One - getting them off Mystic Lane is great for residents, and two – it keeps everything inside the park.”

When the cycling club juniors were asked what the new trails should be called, names included ‘Cricket’s Run’, ‘Cricket’s Hole’, ‘Deathstar’ and ‘Berm’.

Eight-year-old Odin McCormick said the uphill trail should be called ‘Rapids’ and the downhill trail called ‘Rollers’, giving the entire section of trails the name ‘Rapid Rollers’.

Monthly Medal and Summer Cup awarded

TWO competitions culminated at Bright Golf Club last week, with both the Monthly Medal awarded for February and the 2024 Summer Cup presented.

Veterans, Monday, February 19, Stableford

Winner: Stephen Grogan (21) 40 points.

NTPs - 3rd: Glenn O’Connell, 6th: Stephen Grogan, 11th: Brad Younie, 16th: Stephen Grogan.

Ladies, Wednesday, February 21, Stroke Monthly Medal

Monthly Medal winner: Karen Etherton (25) 74 nett.

NTPs - 3rd: Suzette Heydon, 6th: Jen Younie, 11th: Carol Burgess, 16th: Tina Cook. Summer Cup 2024

winner: Carol Burgess.

Men, Thursday, February 22, Stableford

Overall winners: David Webb (24) 42 points, Peter McGrath (9) 38 points, Mark Frost (17) 36 points, David Woodstock (16) 35 points c/b, William Kelty (18) 35 points c/b.

NTPs - 3rd: Ian McIntyre, 6th: Neville Blewitt, 11th: Brian Thomas, 16th: John O’Shea.

Men, Saturday, February 24, Four Ball Better Ball

Winners: Nick Aloizos and Robert Taylor 46 points. Runners up: Darren Sharples and Justin Bakkum 44 points.

Ladies, Saturday, February 24, Stableford

Winners: Carolyn Bailey 37 points.

BIKE BUDDIES: (From left) Elliot Porter, Patrick Beatson, Matilda Gray, Miles Gallery and Mason Long were some of the many kids enjoying the new trails at Mystic Park last Tuesday.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

TO THE WIRE: A spirited knock from Conner Forde (pictured) almost saw Ovens Valley United over the line against the Lakers. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

First hit-out looms for Mountain Men Men

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

BRIGHT’S preparations for the 2024 Ovens and King football season will take a step up this weekend, with the club hosting their first of two practice matches at Pioneer Park on Saturday.

The Mountain Men will take on Tallangatta and District FL team Barnawartha in two matches, providing both clubs a great chance to test themselves ahead of their respective seasons.

Senior coach Paul Harrison said the squad was in an extremely strong place for this time of the year.

“We’re definitely ahead of where we were last year. In terms of game plans and the fitness side of things, the boys are looking really good,” he said.

“I was quite surprised with where the boys were at, I didn’t think they’d be as fit as they are but it just shows they’ve been doing a fair amount of work themselves.

“I know the guys now understand we’ve probably got 30 guys who can play senior footy easily, so it’s going to be really hard – if you have a couple of bad weeks, it’s not like you can just get away with it like in the past.

“We’ve got blokes who are going to be right up their tail pushing for their spots, so everyone’s working

hard so they don’t miss out.”

Barnawartha were bundled out of the first round of the 2023 TDFL finals by eventual premiers Chiltern, and will have a hard time against the battle-hardened and hungry Mountain Men, but practice match victories are hardly the main point.

“It’s all well and good to train and do as much ‘match sim’ stuff as you can at training, but we all know once you get out on the ground, getting tackled and you’ve got repeat efforts, it’s a whole dif-

ferent ball game,” Harrison said.

“Because we’re going to have maybe six or seven new players in the group, each line has got some new players mixed in.

“It’s about getting some more continuity between those groups, and learning how each other play.

“We’ll have some smaller structures we want the guys to work to, some smaller goals they’ve got to achieve during that game as a line.

“It’s more about getting our game plan stuff down pat – we won’t bring

in our whole game plan, but we’ll bring in things each line needs to work on and get down before we move into the next practice match and we can open it up a little bit more again.”

The Mountain Men host Barnawartha Tigers at Pioneer Park this Saturday for their first practice match.

The 2024 O&K season begins on Easter weekend, with Bright taking on Tarrawingee on Saturday, March 30 at home.

Orton, Piddington shine at Myrtleford Golf Club

SOME exceptionally strong results were recorded at the Myrtleford Golf Club over the past week, with Lizzie Orton and Stephen Piddington taking out their events.

Saturday, February 24

RBI Plumbing Stableford

AMCR 71 AWCR 74

A grade winner: Stephen Piddington (11) 38 pts. A grade runner up: Craig Shewell (15) 36 pts c/b. B grade winner: Kerry

Newton (22) 34 pts c/b. B grade runner up: Bill Love (19) 34 pts.

Ball winners: J Martin 36, C Piazza 35, D Rossato 34, I Giovannoni 34, G Coughlan 33, D Rowe 33 c/b.

Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Craig Piazza, 4th 2nd shot: David Matthews, 8th: David Clark, 14th: Craig Shewell, 16th: Craig Shewell.

Matthews Cleaning award: George Browne 22 pts. Raffle winner: John Schroen.

Thursday, February 22

RBI Plumbing - ParAWCR 74

A grade winner: Lizzie Orton (15) +2. A grade runner up: Marnie Broz (19) 0.

Ball winners: Jan Roseby, Sarah Deas.

Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Jan Harper, 2nd on 4th: Marg Curtis, 14th: Sarah Deas.

Nine hole winner: Suzette Kelly 17pts. Nine hole runner up: Betty Newton 18pts.

Wednesday, February 21

RBI Plumbing Stableford

AMCR 71

A grade winner: Jakob Piddington (28) 42 pts. A grade runner up: Jade Galvan (10) 41 pts.

Ball winners: G Browne 37, A Rockliff 35, J Martin 34.

Foodworks NTPs - 1st: David Clark, 4th 2nd shot: Pieter Veldman, 8th: John Costello, 16th: George Browne.

Tuesday, February 20

RBI Plumbing - Stableford - AWCR 74

A grade winner: Lyn Dwyer (35) 39 pts. A grade runner up: Kerry Newton (22) 36.

Ball winners: Lizzie Orton, Jan Roseby.

Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Jan Roseby, 8th: Marg Curtis, 2nd on 4th: Lizzie Orton, 14th: Jan Roseby, 16th: Lizzie Orton.

Nine hole winner: Betty Newton 18pts. Nine hole runner up: Suzette Kelly 17pts.

Power

belt Barny, set up home semi-final

■ From back page

“A lot of people batted around Todd or with him in partnerships as well.

“182 was a good score, we would’ve liked a bit more, but runs on the board are always something that’s there, but we had to bowl well to get it done.”

The Power will face Kiewa in the first round of finals this weekend, and will be a true test for the home side, having never beaten Kiewa this season.

Despite this, Saville is confident his players have what it takes to raise the flag in three weeks.

“I still think that any of the teams that have made it through can win a premiership in only three weeks, and obviously we’re one of those teams, so there’s no reason why we can’t be a genuine chance to win it,” he said.

“Playing Kiewa will be a good challenge but I’m confident that a home ground advantage and a few handy inclusions will give us the edge to progress further.

“The best team over the next three weeks will win the flag and I can’t wait to see how it all plays out.”

Lizzie Orton took out the par competition last Thursday.

QUEEN OF THE GREEN:

FIRST TEST: Rodrigo Arguello and the Mountain Men take on Barnawartha this weekend in their opening practice match. PHOTO: Charlotte Kilner

Saints star in intra-club hit-out

By NATHAN DE VRIES

PREPARATIONS for the 2024 Ovens and Murray season ramped up for the Saints on the weekend, with their first intra-club hit out played on Saturday.

Held at the Whorouly Recreation Reserve, the Saints took to the ground in four 20-minute quarters of highintensity match play, complete with a full set of umpires.

Senior coach Craig Millar said the 48 participating

players really started hitting their strides as the match progressed.

“They’re excited to finally get close to the start of the season with the first intraclub game, and you could see that with the enthusiasm of our playing group,” he said.

“It was really scratchy in the first quarter and a half, but as the dust settled and players started to play their roles, the game had a lot of structure to it and that was good to see.

“It was a good hit-out, some really pleasing signs in the way we were able to move the ball and defensively be set up.

“We’d been doing a lot of match simulation at training for probably the last six or eight weeks, but to be able to get it into a game with a full complement of umpires, you were able to use the whole of the ground – that’s been one of our challenges at McNamara because the cricket team’s been going pretty well, so to be able to use the full

ground, with full umpires, under match-like conditions was really pleasing.

“I was really satisfied with how the day unfolded for us.”

Millar said new players to the Saints impressed, as well as a host of young up and comers who would be hard to keep out of the senior side.

“Some players really said to us we need to be seriously looking at them for our round one team, so that was really pleasing,” he said.

“Diesel Batey was outstanding for us, Jye Gribbin did some really good stuff for us in a really tough position so we’re really happy with the way he’s progressing.

“The Dale boys (Frazer and Lachie) were really good for us, Mitch Dalbosco was really good, so there were some really good signs.

“Damon Harrington did some really good stuff, Lachie Plummer looked really exciting up forward.

“There were some real posi-

tives coming out of the game.”

The Saints will head back to the training track this week before their second practice match – and first against a rival O&M club –against Corowa-Rutherglen at Lavington Sports Ground on Saturday, March 2, before facing up for another practice match against Lavington Panthers on March 16.

The 2024 O&M season commences for Myrtleford at home on Easter Sunday, March 31 against North Albury.

GROUND BALL: Nick Ferguson has his head over the ball, but Anthony La Spina works to take possession for himself.

Janet Watt

HURRIED: Tom Sparks gets the kick away under pressure from Addison Bedendo.

HOLD: Riley Calvene stands tall and takes the mark.

SIDESTEP: Luke Nannipieri attempts to move around Lachie Murphy-Dale in the Saints’ intra-club hit-out on the weekend.

Power belt

Barny, set up home semi-final

By NATHAN DE VRIES

MOUNT Beauty has secured a home semi-final in the first round of the Cricket Albury Wodonga District 1st Grade finals series following a forceful victory over Barnawartha-Chiltern Miners on Saturday.

The Power made 8/182 batting first, before removing the Miners for 87 runs and confirming their place at second on the ladder at the end of the home and away season.

A 72-run opening stand between Daniel Saville (30) and Paddy Dodd (46) set the stage for a mammoth total, but the Power lost some quick wickets after the drinks break to sit at 5/111.

Todd Jeanes set about anchoring the innings, batting well for his 49 not out from 43 deliveries.

Barnawartha-Chiltern’s Aaron Green was damaging with the ball, taking 5/44 form his eight overs, but Mount Beauty had posted a significant total.

The Miners were put on the back foot from the onset of the run chase, with Craig Henderson picking up the first wicket in his second over.

Henderson would take two more wickets to see the Miners slump to 3/41, before Saville came on and ripped the heart out of the middle order.

A damaging spell saw Saville take 6/20, with the Miners losing 7/46 to fold all out for 87.

Saville said it was a brilliant way to close out the regular season.

“We knew finals were assured, but where we’d finish was a bit of a mystery, so we gave ourselves the best opportunity to finish as high as we can, which we did.

“They tend to slow things down, they’ve really only got one seam bowler who’s quite sharp, but the rest are either slow swing or spin.

“We fought through it even though it wasn’t completely freeflowing, we were 77 at the 20 over mark, setting ourselves up with wickets in hand to launch.

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SAINTS V SAINTS

MYRTLEFORD’S footballers tasted their first hit-out of the pre-season period on Saturday, with an intra-club clash held at Whorouly. The match was a great chance for new and returning players to experience the sort of highpressure footy which will come their way in the 2024 O&M season.

 More on page 26.

The pointy end

IT’S looking extremely unlikely Ovens Valley United will feature in the A grade two-day finals, following a narrow loss to Yarrawonga Mulwala on Saturday at Stan Hargreaves Oval.

Beginning the day at 4/5 chasing 153 for victory, the Tigers battled away against the Lakers’ fearsome bowling attack, managing 131 for their 10 wickets.

The day didn’t go Ovens Valley’s way early, when Dylan Bursill was injured in a warm-up limiting how soon he could get out to the middle, while Seamus Phillips ground out the opposition before retiring hurt with a knee injury.

Phillips would return to the

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

ground and would leave with a wellmade 39, with Bursill managing 31 from 62 batting at number eight.

Conner Forde (23 from 85) was determined to see his side home, but was caught short trying to run three at the non-striker’s end.

With 26 overs left in the day, the

Tigers were asked to bowl again, taking 4/148.

Bursill said his side’s grit and determination was on full display, almost pulling off a miraculous result.

“We did quite well, things weren’t going our way all day but we fought it out,” he said.

“It wasn’t just one individual, everyone who came to the crease really knuckled down and tried their best to get the win, but in

the end Yarrawonga and their disciplined bowling line-up were just too good.

“With Yarrawonga’s bowling attack, they give you nothing –they bowl to their field, outside off and they bowl a nagging length, they’re like a bowling machine set to a good length.

“The way we came out after being 4/5, we weren’t really fazed by big Jim Irvine bowling quick, he had 3/1 last week and he ended up with 3/55, so to not let him ruffle any feathers after he was bowling quick last week, although I have got a few bruises on me.

“I was really proud of all the boys.”

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PHOTO: Janet Watt