Alpine Division 290524

Beloved Bright locals recognised after decade of cancer ggpgcampaigns

IT was a particularly important Biggest Morning Tea in Bright last Thursday, featuring a special thanks to two of the event’s steadfast organisers: Lory and Norma Torriero.

The pair received a certificate from the Cancer Council for their efforts in raising over $30,000 for the cancer charity through the Biggest Morning Tea events in Bright.

They have been the face of the annual event for around ten years, but due to illness were unable to accept the certificate in person. Fellow event organiser

BY BRODIE EVERIST

beverist@ nemedia.com.au

Tony Strachan thanked Lory and Norma for their work and said they are wellknown in the community for their efforts.

Mr Torriero is a member of the Bright Lions, and according to Mr Strachan, was a former member of the local CFA.

“I’ve never heard a bad word against him,” Mr Strachan said.

“If anything, he’s too conscientious.”

Kath Healy, another organiser, wished Norma and Lory a speedy recovery.

“We’re very grateful for everything they’ve done,” she said.

“Him and his wife are very community-minded people, and we want to continue this fundraising every year and make it bigger and better.”

Independent MP for Indi Helen Haines presented the certificate and made a brief speech talking reflecting on the importance of cancer research, drawing on her own experience as a nurse.

“I nursed many people

who died from melanoma,” she said.

“If you had told me back in 1980 when I started my career as a nurse that by 2024 it would no longer be a death sentence, I wouldn’t have believed you.

“Fundraising towards cancer research works.

“In Australia it’s through the work of people like you who come out on a cold frosty morning to raise money for cancer research that have led us to where we are in having world leading treatment, led us to having a local cancer centre in Albury-Wodonga.”

Guest speaker McGrath Foundation breast cancer nurse Laura Nish spoke on the work of her and her colleagues.

According to Mrs Nish, one in seven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes.

“It’s 57 people diagnosed every day of the year,” she said.

“They could be our mums, our sisters, our friends, our co-workers or members of our community group.”

Some $5000 was raised from the event, including entry and raffle ticket sales.

A TOP TEA: Biggest morning tea organisers (from left) Tony Strachan, Renata Strachan, Nola West, Trish Flew, Iris Heydon and Kath Healy with breast care nurse Laura Nish (second from left) and Independent MP for Indi Helen Haines (far right).

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

MYRTLEFORD and District Landcare and Sustainability are seeking feedback regarding one of their latest projects - a strategic plan for waterways across Myrtleford.

The landcare group are holding a community information meeting next Wednesday, June 5, at the Myrtleford Library between 4-7pm, where attendees can ask questions, peruse maps and provide input on the long-term plan.

According to landcare vice president and project coordinator Phil Prior, the strategy will help ensure revegetation works and other projects are working towards community priorities.

BY BRODIE EVERIST beverist@ nemedia.com.au

The plan will include all creek and river frontages in the township of Myrtleford, including Barwidgee Creek to the Recreation Reserve and Happy Valley Creek towards Ovens.

“There’s been a lot of discussion about more use of the Ovens River areas, particularly around the Rotary and Apex Park areas,” he said.

“There is a lot of river frontage in there that’s just not accessible nor used.

“We want it to be a broad plan,” Mr Prior said.

“It doesn’t mean that everything’s going to be done straight away.”

Mr Prior said a recent market stall had already raised various community ideas, including the use of more river frontage, an off-leash dog area, and extending walking paths.

“The main thing really is accessibility and usability of the areas.”

Landcare have contracted Conservation Collaborators, a Eurobin-based environmental consultant company, to help draft the plan.

Managing director Ty Caling said they will assist in collating information, including community input,

user groups, and the various land management agencies involved.

“The other benefit in having a plan is that there are a lot of different user groups and sometimes there can be competing uses,” he said.

“It’s about understanding that and providing a plan that supports a variety of different uses.”

He said the strategy would help landcare successfully apply for grants, as it would demonstrate grant funding is assisting a long-term community-supported plan.

Myrtleford Landcare president Paul Reser said the project continues a

strong partnership between the group and government stakeholders, including the Alpine Shire Council, the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action and the North East Catchment Management Authority.

Shortly after the community engagement is complete, a draft report will be circulated amongst community members for further feedback.

The project is the result of a $15,000 State Government grant the landcare group received in September last year.

It is expected to be completed by November this year.

For further information or to provide feedback call Phil Prior on 0467 522 706.

LOOKING FOR HELP: (From left)

Troy Gavin and Ty Caling from Conservation Collaborators with Myrtleford Landcare president Paul Reser and vice president Phil Prior. The group are developing a riverine strategy and need community feedback. PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Mixed views on proposed estate

By BRODIE EVERIST

CRAIG Elston is concerned.

The engineering surveyor currently lives next to a handsome, treed one-hectare property, but it could be transformed into a block of 43 units with an average lot size of 206 average square metres under a current planning application before council.

“I’m worried that Bright is going to be left with a legacy of just another cabin park that will be sold off to the open market,” he said.

The proposed development is a worry for residents who fear the small units are unsuited to the country town, but some see a welcome addition to Bright’s housing diversity and a means of easing the town’s accommodation pressures.

The planning application proposes an additional 43 units at 1-7 Toorak Rd, a property around 400 metres from the Bright CBD.

Key features of the units include two bedrooms with ensuites, open plan kitchens and dining areas, and a single car garage.

Mr Elston has concerns ranging from street and house design, building quality and housing mix.

“Cars will be bumper to bumper on the roads,” he said.

“It’ll be congested, and there’s no access for people to move around, to freely walk around, because there’s no footpath.”

As for addressing Bright’s chronic accommodation problem, Mr Elston believes if the houses are put to the open market most will be eaten up as holiday accommodation.

PROPOSAL PUSHBACK: Engineering surveyor Craig Elston likens the

park”.

“Anybody who is going to make more money from Airbnb than a normal rent will do that - that’s only common sense,” he said.

Joy Handley, who lives in one of the Toorak Court units abutting the property, is concerned with congestion from the proposed development.

“Easter time we couldn’t even get out of Toorak Road into Star Road,” she said.

“There was traffic all the way back up the Back Porepunkah Road around the corner, and all the way

up the main street.

“That will happen there every single day because there’s only parking for one car.”

Ms Handley suggested units like hers on Toorak Court, which comprise eight lots at an average of around 500 square metres, would be better suited to the town.

“Older people cry out for something like this in Bright,” she said.

Walking around the neighbourhood, the Myrtleford Times/Alpine Observer spoke with another

Toorak Road resident across who had submitted an objection to the proposed development, while another resident supported the proposal, hoping it would ease Bright’s accommodation problems.

Scott Brandon, owner of the Bright Brewery, said the proposal’s small units are a needed addition to the town’s housing mix and their employees would likely prefer them.

“We need to get away from this idea that all the houses in Bright have to

be on a large block of land with three bedrooms,” he said.

“A lot of our staff, we find, they’re more interested in spending time in the outdoors than looking after a house and a garden.

“They’re better off if they’ve got a low maintenance property.”

The housing estate is proposed by the Deague Group, the same company behind Bright Valley, a multi-stage development consisting of around 350 houses at the Western edge of Bright.

Deague Group chief executive officer Will Deague said the proposed 2-bedroom homes at Toorak Road provide diversity for Bright, offering a smaller, more affordable, housing option relative to the larger homes typical of the area.

As for concerns around pedestrians, Mr Deague said the proposal contains lowspeed private driveways, rather than roads, that are suitable width to allow pedestrians and vehicles to pass without conflict.

“The private driveways are wide enough to allow visitors to park,” he said.

“The provision of eight visitor spaces complies with the applicable planning controls for a development this size.”

Mr Elston also alleged the houses will be made of low-grade concrete sheeting, but Mr Deague refutes this, saying that the concrete sheeting is needed for bushfire protection and is of a high quality.

The application remains under active assessment with the Alpine Shire Council.

Earlier this month council’s director of customer and community Helen Havercr oft said they are seeking further information about the planning application, then it may need to be reviewed by referral agencies, and the application’s 20 submissions also need to be reviewed.

“A decision will be made in due course,” she said.

“At this stage it is likely that this application will be determined by councillors at an ordinary council meeting as a community interest application.”

Council signals reverse on service station buy

By BRODIE EVERIST

ALPINE Shire councillors were to receive a recommendation not to purchase a service station in the centre of Bright at their meeting on Tuesday, following a recent study predicting the current intersection will operate effectively over the next ten years. An expression of interest (EOI) had been submitted by council earlier this year after council officers identified the site to be of strategic value, however the report for yesterday’s meeting (held after this paper went to print) recommended council withdraw

from the EOI process.

The report cited a recent intersection study commissioned by council that assessed four new intersection designs, but found the current intersection would operate well over the next ten years, assuming a 2 per cent annual increase in traffic.

The report said Regional Roads Victoria had indicated it is unlikely the Victorian Government would contribute to any future upgrade, despite council’s preferred intersection design costing an estimated $5 million. It also flagged potential liability associated with the site’s underground infrastructure

as well costs and risks associated with managing the existing service station on the site until intersection plans were developed.

Based on data taken over two days in January 2022, the study found all roads at the intersection operated with an excellent level of service, except Star Road, which operated at a good level of service on Saturday, January 22.

Over the next ten years the report predicted queues and delays will have “marginally increased on each approach, however the impact is considered to be negligible to drivers”.

The four designs com-

prised two with roundabouts, and two signalised intersections.

Last week, council also released the summary of community engagement on the potential purchase, with over half of respondents saying they believed the Bright CBD has an issue with traffic and congestion.

However, the survey’s 83 respondents were split on the proposal to purchase the site.

On a scale of 1-10, 43.4 per cent of respondents gave a 0 or 1 (not supportive), while 34.7 per cent gave a 9 or 10 (supportive).

More in next week’s Myrtleford Times/Alpine Observer.

proposed housing subdivision on Toorak Rd to a “cabin

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

TREAT: Alexander and Samuel Benci at the Myrtleford Scout Hall last week cutting a cake to celebrate their award.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Benci brothers take top Joey award

By BRODIE EVERIST

TWO Myrtleford eight-year-olds, Sammy and Alex Benci, received the Joey Scout Challenge Award last week, a culmination of achievements and badge-collecting during their time as joeys.

The Joey Scout Challenge Award is the section’s peak award, which includes the completion of stage one in all three core areas of bushcraft, bushwalking and camping; six projects in two special interest areas; an adventurous journey of at least three hours; and a personal reflection.

First Myrtleford Joey Scout leader Margaret Phillips, who is also their mother, said it was the first time she has been able to present the award in her position.

“It’s a lot of effort involved on a Joey’s behalf,” she said.

“It does take parents’ support as well to achieve, especially achieving the special interest badges, but it’s a fair achievement, and not every Joey does it.”

The eight-year-olds’ adventurous journey consisted of hiking at Mount Buffalo, including through the Chalwell Galleries, a series of impressive granite rock formations.

One of Sammy’s special projects was to build a vegetable garden with his grandfather, while Alex made a trike seat, also with his grandfather.

Some skills they learned included using power tools, while Sammy said he wheeled six barrows of soil to help make the vegetable garden.

Sammy said he particularly enjoyed learning to ride a bike without training wheels, which he did early in his time as a Joey.

Ms Philips said the outdoor skills include camping, constructing a campfire, map reading and using a compass.

“What a lot of our Joeys are learning is how to do these adventurous activities, but safely, in a safe environment and a supervised environment,” she said.

“They also learn about bushwalking, nature and how to protect nature.”

School hosts day of Italian fun

By BRODIE EVERIST

MYRTLEFORD P12 College hosted two local primary schools for an Italian Day extravaganza on Monday, consisting of a mix of Italian-inspired activities and a commedia dell’arte performance that afternoon.

Grades prep to six students from Harrietville Primary School, Wandiligong Primary School and Myrtleford P12 were rotated through activities including mask-making, making items out of pasta, soccer, bocce, tombola and even colouring in a picture stuck to the underside of a table, imitating the way Michelangelo supposedly painted

the Sistine Chapel.

Myrtleford P12 Italian teacher Mauro Pellegrini organised the event, saying it was about sharing culture and giving the students a chance to socialise with students

from different schools.

“The kids have been amazing,” he said.

That afternoon they were also treated to a performance of ‘Venice In Love’, by a Melbourne theatre troupe.

Inquiry calls for public bank investigation, cash guarantee

By BRODIE EVERIST

THE final report of a parliamentary inquiry into regional bank closures has recommended an expert panel to assess the feasibility of establishing a public bank, as well as a government guarantee for reasonable access to cash and financial services.

The Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee released the report last Friday, making eight recommendations to the Federal Government to slow the closure of bank branches in Regional Australia.

The committee found that without regulatory intervention communities will “pay the price” for continued bank branch closures.

“It is clear that the current model of banking industry self‑regulation has failed to shelter regional Australia from the damaging impacts of bank branch closures,” the committee said.

The report recommends the Australian Government urgently develop a mandatory Banking Code of Conduct or Customer Service Code with a robust branch closure process to ensure banking services remain available in a community.

It also recommended the expansion of the Bank@Post program, which currently allows limited banking services at selected Australia Post branches.

“In many towns, the post office is the only place where people can deposit and withdraw cash, and the only service that caters to elderly and vulnerable community members, who need support to access their money,” the report said.

“However, as banks have closed more branches, the burden on post offices has increased.

“More and more, Australia Post is subsidising the banks by paying for cash-in-transit services, security software and infrastructure, and systems upgrades to enable its network to provide these services.”

The report also recommended the government establish a Regional Community Banking Branch Program to help underwrite the establishment of ‘community bank’ branches, which would provide in-person banking services in regional, rural and remote Australia.

Since its establishment in February 2023, the inquiry received over 600 submissions and held 13 public hearings.

Two-way traffic restored on Bogong High Plains Road

BOGONG High Plains Road fully reopened to two-way traffic on Monday after major remediation and landslip prevention works were completed.

The completed works come after almost 18 months of earth removal and reconstruction following a major landslide in October 2022 near Bogong Village.

“From today, two-way traffic has been restored on Bogong High Plains Road for the community and the thousands of skiers and tourists who head to the slopes each year,” Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne said on Monday. “The landslide in October

2022 was one of the worst we’ve seen in our state’s history and our crews have worked tirelessly to not only repair the damage on the road but to prevent the risk of another dangerous landslip reoccurring.”

The Bogong High Plains Road opened under single lane traffic

control ahead of schedule in late April last year. The road was closed in the wake of October 2022’s devastating heavy rainfall due to debris from a mammoth slowmoving landslide, above the township of Bogong Village between Mount Beauty and Falls Creek.

GOOD TIMES: Jaxon Clark and Logan AldridgeCampbell in their pasta necklaces.

MARVELLOUS MASK: Jagger Faoliu in his mask.

A SUPER VISIT: Members of the Bright SES visited the Harrietville Primary School and Bush Kinder last week as part of Wear Orange Wednesday to thank SES volunteers. PHOTO: Supplied

Everest record beaten

NEPALI woman Phunjo Lama has beaten the record for fastest ascent of Mount Everest, climbing the mountain and returning in 24 hours and 26 minutes, the ABC reported on Saturday.

Ms Lama, who was interviewed by the Myrtleford Times/Alpine Observer in January, beat the previous record of 25 hours and 50 minutes held by Hong Kong woman Ada Tsang Yin-hung. Ms Lama hails from the remote Tsum Valley in western Nepal.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Bright drama classes to continue after successful first term g Local kids take to the stage

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

THE first six-week term of the Bright Alpine Actors (BAA) children’s classes went so well the local kids are already desperate for more, and teacher Carolyn ‘Cal’ Waddell is not one to disappoint.

The BAA will be back in midJuly for another acting program for kids aged from six to 17, this time for eight weeks.

BAA president Phyl Swindley said the first six weeks were a trial, but the kids loved it so much they couldn’t say no to continuing the program.

“We just finished up and they were sad to see it end,” she said.

“We started with 40 kids across three classes; budding stars aged six to eight, rising stars aged nine to 12 and shooting stars aged 13 to17.

“We’ve also got some kids turning 18 who wanted to keep going and have joined the seniors.

“We had programs for each age group, learning different skills in things like etiquette of theatre, sharing the space, how to audition as well as reading through some scripts.

“Cal is already forming a new one for next term to keep it interesting and we already hope that next year can lead into a fullscale musical production, that the kids can audition for.

“We really just want kids in regional areas to have what kids have in the city - the same opportunities.

“We don’t want them to be in

any way disadvantaged just because they live in the country.”

Program leader Cal Waddell has been doing theatre for more than 40 years.

“I do still feel young at heart and this new venture has been fantastic,” she said.

“We had such great feedback on the first six weeks and a list of people committing to coming back so I think it can only grow from here.

“They all came along and were very open minded as we covered lots of genres; not just drama but musical theatre too.

“The older group was more education-based but the middle and younger were more about fun and exploration of creativity and they’re all desperate to come back.

“I started theatre as a child because I was painfully shy and ended up doing it for a living; that was my career.

“It’s only been in the last 15 years I got tired of touring and wanted to come and teach because I get so much enjoyment out of see my students prosper.

“We need the arts.”

Kids from around the shire are welcome to come along to the second term of the BAA children’s classes, which will start on Monday, July 15.

Classes are held every Monday at the pavilion at Bright Pioneer Park.

For those interested please email Phyl at phyl.swindley@ gmail.com.

Council adopts revised health and safety policy

By BRODIE EVERIST

ALPINE Shire councillors unanimously voted to adopt a revised health and safety policy at their meeting last month.

Director of assets Alan Rees said minor adjustments were made to the policy to align it with contemporary legislation. He also said there has been a significant increase in the “vi-

brancy of the health and safety culture with the organisation” since they appointed a dedicated health and safety officer in 2023.

This has included the rees-

tablishment of the Health and Safety Committee, designated working groups, reporting on health and safety incidents and regular inspections of premises.

RISING STARS: Local kids explored their creativity during the Bright Alpine Actors children’s classes.

VCAT appeal lodged against Falls Creek development

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

THE Cross Country Skiing Association of Victoria (XCSAV) has officially declared its objection to the Falls Creek Lakeside Development Project, lodging an appeal with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) against the approved planning permit.

Traditional Owners Jaithmathang TOBOO and local resident John Spring are also listed as objectors on the appeal.

Falls Creek Resort Management was looking at clearing a 1.6km stretch of Bogong High Plains Road from Windy Corner to Rocky Valley Dam of snow during winter.

It wants to allow vehicles all–year access and provide an additional 75 car parking spaces as part of its plans to redevelop the current Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition (ANARE) shed at Rocky Valley Lake, as part of its lakeside precinct project.

The Falls Creek Alpine Resort Management Board (FCARMB) developed a masterplan in 2016 as part

of its strategic planning initiatives which included a focus area for the development of the Rocky Valley Lake foreshore.

The planning permit was approved in April this year, before going up for public notice for 28 days to allow for objections.

XCSAV president Sandra Paul said the group was initially concerned about the loss of access to cross country ski trails.

“By clearing that stretch of road, it would make it impossible for us to host any of our international races including the Kangaroo Hoppet,” she said.

“In huge news for us, the Hoppet has been classed as a Ski Classic Challenger, so if this project succeeds we’d have two more years before that’s over.

“It would also mean no selection races and we will lose our safe and nice ski areas.

“The suggestion of alternate trails made by the FCARMB is ludicrous.

“I’ve just returned from an overseas course in homologating ski trails for racing so I know we have

no other options.”

Ms Paul said the group are also concerned about environmental impacts, road safety issues and lack of consultation with Traditional Owners.

“We’ve learnt there are critically endangered species that live near where the

carpark is going to be,” she said.

“In 2022 the project proposed 100 car spaces but the Department of Transport and Planning told FCARMB to reduce the number due to environmental concerns.

“The road is also an issue

as it was already considered unsafe by the FCARMB back in 2010 when I was on the board and nothing has been done since.

“We believe it’s also an issue that the Jaithmathang TOBOO weren’t consulted further.

“At the very start, when

the ANARE shed was proposed as a research centre, they offered their support, but when it changed to being a commercial operation with a massive carpark they asked if they could be consulted and Falls Creek never responded.

“They do have a number of concerns so they’ve also lodged an application to VCAT.”

Ms Paul said XCSAV would like to see the funding spent in other areas.

“Windy Corner, for example, services lots of people and is used by both downhill skiers and snowboarders,” she said.

“In 2016 the FCARMB called it derelict but again, nothing has been done.”

Since XCSAV lodged its appeal, Alpine Resorts Victoria (ARV) have requested the case be listed as a major case; moving the date forward from February next year to October 9, 2024. ARV was contacted for comment but said as the decision to issue a planning permit was being challenged in VCAT it was not appropriate to make comment at this stage.

SNOW GO?: This area, 400 metres from the start of the Kangaroo Hoppet, will be the new car park and road for the resort’s proposed lakeside project.

Bright Valley envisions homes that honour the character of Bright and reflect the surrounding landscape through a Modern Alpine style. Featuring gable roofs with heightened pitches, natural style materials, integrated garages and careful planning of outlooks. With 9 distinct house types, choice of colour palettes and a variety of options, move into your own alpine sanctuary in

Only a limited number of 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes are still available. Contact one of our agents

& ProfessionalConsultants Guide

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

MYOTHERAPY, MUSCLE HEALTH & FITNESS

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

Alpine Health thanks long-time volunteer

By BRODIE EVERIST

POREPUNKAH resident Barbara Davie has received the 2024 Bernece Delaney Volunteer Award in recognition of her years of volunteering at the Bright Hospital Op Shop.

Ms Davie received the award from Alpine Health chief executive officer Nick Shaw at an annual Alpine Health volunteer lunch at the Star Hotel last week.

She said it was a shock to receive the award.

years and things like that, but I never thought I’d win it,” she told the Myrtleford Times/Alpine Observer.

“I thought there’s plenty of others that could get it more than me.”

Ms Davie said she enjoys meeting people as part of her volunteering and seeing the various items that come into the shop.

time to help others in the Alpine Health community.

It is awarded each year during National Volunteer Week as an opportunity to thank volunteers for the hospital.

For around 30 years Barbara has been an active volunteer of the Bright Hospital Op Shop, including spending time on the committee and as president.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Senior Victorians invited to have a voice

THE Allan Labor Government is inviting older Victorians to share their insights and experiences by joining the new Senior Victorians Advisory Committee.

The new committee was launched this week and will provide more opportunities for older people to give advice directly to government on their priorities, the challenges they face, and emerging issues.

By 2046, the number of Victorians 60 years and over is set to increase from 1.5 million to 2.3 million, equivalent to 25 per cent of the Victorian population.

Older Victorians play an important role in our community, making invaluable contributions to Victoria through their social, cultural and economic participation.

Advice from the new Senior Victorians Advisory Committee will help the Labor Government better understand the changing needs of older Victorians and inform programs that impact them.

JO ROSS-JACKSON HEARING CENTRES

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

OVENS VALLEY INSURANCE BROKERS

Myrtleford, 47 Clyde Street Phone: 5752 1151

Bright, 104 Gavan St Phone: 5715 9705

Email: info@ovib.com.au

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

“They had asked me questions about different things over the

The Bernece Delany Volunteer Award commenced in 2014 and recognises volunteers who exemplify the generosity of volunteering and selflessly give their

The op shop has raised thousands of dollars for medical equipment in past years, including diathermy machines, an infusion chair and gastroscope equipment.

Alpine Shire ranks high in wellbeing index

By BRODIE EVERIST

ALPINE Shire has been ranked one of the highest local government areas (LGAs) in regional Victoria for wellbeing, according to a recent report by SGS Economics and Planning.

The ‘SGS Cities and Regions Wellbeing Index’ found the Alpine Shire ranked 85 out of over 500 LGAs, with an index score of 5.63, the highest in regional Victoria except for Surf Coast.

The report tracks wellbeing by combining 24 indicators across seven categories, including econ-

omy, income and wealth, housing, health, employment and environment.

Alpine Shire performed above average in all categories except housing, ranking 18 out of 518 LGAs for equality, community and work-life balance and 70 out of 544 LGAs for environment.

According to the report, in 2023, Greater Melbourne outperformed the rest of Victoria in all wellbeing dimensions except for environment.

Similar scores were observed in the housing, and equality, community and work life balance categories.

The urban-regional divide was largest in the health and income and wealth dimensions.

The report found a life expectancy gap of approximately 2.3 years between Greater Melbourne and residents in the rest of Victoria, and a higher proportion of regional residents living with two or more chronic illnesses.

Median household incomes and house values were also markedly higher in Greater Melbourne than in regional Victoria, although a smaller proportion of metropolitan residents own their homes outright.

The committee’s work will focus on providing advice on the implementation of the Ageing Well Action Plan 2022-2026 and the lived experience of older Victorians.

In addition to this, the committee will raise awareness of the positive contributions and meaningful participation of older people in social, economic and cultural life, as well as promoting rights and respect for older Victorians.

The committee will consist of a chairperson, up to eight community committee members and four sector organisation committee members.

People 60 years and over, and First Nations people 50 years and over, are eligible to apply to join the committee before Tuesday, July 2. For more information, visit seniorsonline.vic.gov. au/advisory-committee

Ingrid Stitt, Minister for Ageing

VIVACIOUS VOLUNTEERS: Barbara Davie (middle right) with fellow volunteers (from left) Bruce Neilson, Annie Robinson and Saul McEwan.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

A TIME TO REMEMBER: The Myrtleford old School Museum hosted some special guests on Saturday. June West (right), pictured with (from left) Cheryl West, Bonnie Fraser, Lorraine Broad and Janine Myers, lived in the former school building during the 1940s. The group had also visited the pioneer and lawn cemeteries that morning.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

Indi Federal MP tours our town

HELEN Hunter and Daisy Day from the Alpine Shire Community Grants Program will be at the Mount Beauty Library today from 2pm.

Helen and Daisy will be doing a come-and-chat session to answer queries and seek advice on the 2022 Flood and Landslip Grants Program that is currently open.

Both Helen and Daisy will be speaking on air this morning at 10:10 am on this subject on Alpine FM’s Brunch program

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

STEP out of the cold and into the heartwarming embrace of the Mount Beauty and District Community Band’s

‘Welcome to Winter’ midyear concert on Saturday June 1 at 2:30 pm at the Mount Beauty Community Centre.

This event is not just a concert but a celebration of the vibrant community and shared love of music.

The program is a testament to the diverse talents of the band members.

There will be a range of performances, from the xylophone mastery of Robyn Wood to the tuba’s melodic charm in Jason Campbell’s rendition of Italian folk tune

Ph (03) 5731 3305 M: 0427 494 309

Email: jking@nemedia.com.au Web: www.nemedia.com.au

‘Carnival of Venice’, along with a brass ensemble and flute trio.

Some familiar crowdpleasers including West Side Story, Phantom of the Opera and Greensleeves. Attendees are asked to give what you can to Upper Kiewa Valley Support Services.

DR Helen Haines, Federal MP, was out and about in Mount Beauty last Wednesday, visiting Alpine FM s ‘thank you to volunteers’ morning tea event, and then

over to the Secondary College to address the students involved in the ‘Let’s Vote’ class organised by teacher Phil Seymour.

The students had researched the End Pork Barrelling bill; at the end of the session they voted to pass the bill.

An excellent initiative to prepare the students to think about what affects them and the country when they are eligible to vote.

ON Alpine FM’s Brunch program this morning at 9:30am Rollo Kiek will be presenting some poetry, at 10:10am Alpine Shire representatives Helen Hunter and Daisy Day will be speaking about the grants program assistance for the 2022 floods and landslip, and at 10:40am Dr Samantha Schulz will speak about the phrase “Make Me a Sandwich“, a meme phrase that concerns the rising disrespect of some young males’ attitude to women. Lots of music and the popular Talking Heads segment.

THANKYOU TO VOLLIES: Volunteers at Alpine FM with Dr Helen Haines.

MP VISIT: Alpine FM manager Michael Ahearn with Dr Helen Haines.

LEARNING DEMOCRACY: Student Abbie asking a question of Dr Helen Haines, with teacher Phil Seymour looking on.

Kym Halse

What brings you to Mount Beauty?

I’m visiting my dad Ken Halse, I’m from Bayside in Melbourne. I come up regularly, it’s my second home.

What do you like about the area?

No matter where you look the scenery is beautiful, the people are super friendly, and my dad lives here.

What do you do your hobbies and interests?

I work as a Nanny, I love children. I like reading, knitting and going on day trips to explore new places.

What places do you like to see when you are up here?

The walks mainly: the gorge walk, Pebble Beach, around the Pondage. I like Fainter Falls. I do go over to Bright each time I visit.

What are your plans for the future?

To do more travelling, to come up here more often to see my dad. Keep working with children.

Vicki Burrington

How long have you lived in the area?

I moved here in 2014. What do you like about the area?

The people. It’s a beautiful area. We lived in Melbourne for 34 years and decided it was time for a change. We looked around all the different areas, but we settled on here, and a lot of that came down to the people we spoke to when we walked around the town here before we moved - how nice they were, how friendly they were. It’s a great town.

What do you do for a living?

I volunteer here at the op shop. I run a genealogy course

for U3A. I worked at Elders Insurance for seven years, but I gave that away a couple of years ago. So, I do voluntary work and help different groups. What are your hobbies or interests?

Genealogy is one of my hobbies. I also do line dancing and Tai Chi with U3A. That’s a really great organisation they’ve started here. I was in Probus, but that’s unfortunately had to close down. So I’m a treasurer for U3A. I was treasurer for Probus and I do the op shop. Where would you take visitors to showcase the area?

I’ve taken friends who’ve

come up from Melbourne, and we’ve done the pumpkin seed place, we’ve done Milawa cheese, we go to Beechworth, to all those sort of things that are around, and Myrtleford is great for that because you’re central to all those areas. Is there anything you would change about the area?

I suppose as you’re getting older, you’re looking at a lot of the older people who no longer can drive themselves to things. That’s difficult for them. I don’t know what the answer is for it, but the public transport isn’t great. Do you have any ambitions for the future? Enjoy my life.

Mariane Riffart (pictured with Ann Wearne)

How long have you lived in the area?

Seven years.

What do you do for a living?

I own a shop in town called Botanic Alps. How did you get into that?

I started studying aromatherapy and started making my own products – skin care products with essential oils. I moved into the first shop in Wills Street four years ago and then moved into this space two years ago.

What are your hobbies or interests?

Hiking, yoga, music, playing board games, reading, just to name a few.

What do you like about the area?

Like everyone else, I think the beautiful surroundings, nature. I think Buffalo is a special place, and the community, the seasons and the diversity.

Where would you take visitors to showcase the area?

Buffalo first and foremost, definitely Rollasons Falls –that’s my favourite – but any walks up there will be special. A sunset or sunrise at the top of the horn has to be on the list. A fire camp near Catani always is always amazing. And Feathertop. They would be my first choices, but there are

many around. Is there anything you would change about the area?

The mentality of short-term gain from perhaps the shire, or who is in charge of decisionmaking regarding tourism. I think tourism is amazing, we need it and it’s great to promote our beautiful area, but I think that if we could do it in a way where it is more sustainable and mainly helping locals rather than people that are in power, that would be absolutely amazing. That would be what I would change. Do it in a way that is a bit more long-term thinking rather than short term.

Dual winners awarded annual bursary

TWO Alpine Shire school students were awarded the Allan J Findlay Memorial Bursary at a combined Lions and Rotary gathering last Tuesday.

Cheques and certificates were awarded to Mount Beauty Secondary College year 12 student Baylin Ford and Bright P-12 year 10 student Jemma Ditcham.

The Allan J Findlay Memorial Bursary has been established by the Lions Club of Bright and the Rotary Club of Bright to assist young people in achieving their goals and give back to their community.

Allan J Findlay, affectionally known within the community as Big Al, was renowned for the support he gave to many organisations and individuals, his community connections, and for making a huge difference in the lives of so many.

Funding shortfall for fish passage project

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

A SIGNIFICANT shortfall in funding has led to the indefinite deferral of the Bright Fish Passage Project, according to the agenda for last night’s council meeting.

According to council, In May 2020, the North East Catchment Management Authority (NECMA) secured $2.6 million of government funding to construct a fish passage at the Bright weir in 2020.

However, in February 2024, NECMA reported the tenders for the design and construction of the weir significantly exceeded

the available funding.

NECMA also advised council that there were no opportunities for alternative funding sources, despite efforts to source additional funding.

The recommendation before council supported NECMA’S indefinite deferral of the project, until suitable funding becomes available and noted NECMA will undertake engineering and geotechnical assessment of the site to provide greater surety to the opinion of probable cost.

Through discussions with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

(DEECA), which is the funding body, NECMA has advised that the reallocation of the funding to another project must align with the original scope of the funding via the Victorian Government’s 2020 Building Works Economic Stimulus Environmental Works Package.

According to the meeting agenda, no alternative projects proposed by NECMA fit the funding criteria.

The only suitable alternative project to reallocate the funding along the upper Ovens River, or elsewhere within the Alpine Shire, that has been identified is

THE Defence lawyer for Greg Lynn admitted his client committed “terrible acts” in efforts to evade police following the deaths of campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay, a Victorian Supreme Court has heard.

Mr Lynn pleaded not guilty to murdering the campers at a remote camping site in the Wonnangartta Valley in March 2020.

Defence lawyer Dermot Dann KC said the pair died as a part of a “tragic accident” which involved struggles over a shotgun and a knife, and his client undertook a series of actions to evade police detection, including repainting his vehicle.

The court has heard Lynn dumped the bodies of the couple on the side of the Union Spur Track while returning home to Melbourne from the Wonnangatta Valley.

Mr Dann said Lynn had told police he set the bodies alight with a small amount of kerosene, after returning to the site several months later in November 2020.

Mr Dann said it was part of a “series of terrible choices” that his client undertook fearing he would be wrongly accused of murder over the accidental deaths.

George Xydias, a forensic officer at the Victoria Police Forensic Services Centre, inspected the Union Spur Track scene near Dargo in late 2021, finding teeth and burnt pieces of bone a year after Lynn said he had lit the blaze.

the engineering and geotechnical assessment of the Bright fish passage site.

This will include analysis of the structural integrity and stability of the weir and pedestrian bridge, as well as the riverbank conditions.

Alpine Shire Council is the asset owner and operator of the existing weirs on the Ovens River, located in the Bright and Porepunkah townships.

The weir structures prevent fish from migrating into the upper Ovens catchment.

More in next week’s Myrtleford Times/Alpine Observer.

Prosecutors allege Mr Lynn killed Mr Hill and then shot Ms Clay in the head at Buck’s Camp, possibly following a dispute over Mr Hill’s drone.

Robyn Hill, Mr Hill’s wife of more than 50 years, told the Supreme Court her husband had told her he was camping alone when he left their Drouin home.

The court heard Mr Hill had also previously told Robyn Hill that Clay was his first cousin, but she said that she later discovered that was not the case.

The court also heard of statements read into evidence by friends of Ms Clay.

In a statement from Louise Heib, she said Ms Clay “did not seem bothered” her partner remained married and enjoyed the “country girl” side of camping.

The trial is in its third week.

WORTHY WINNERS: (From left) Bright Lions president Andrina Crome, Baylin Ford, Bright Rotary representative Paul Dalbosco, Jemma Ditcham and Bright Rotary president Sue Manning.

Drop-in sessions for second BESS proposal

TRINA Solar, the company behind a second proposed battery energy storage system (BESS) in Dederang, will host two drop-in information sessions today and tomorrow to provide information on the project.

The session will be held at the Dederang Recreation Reserve on Kiewa Valley Highway, between 1pm – 6pm on Wednesday, May 29, and 7:30am – 12:30pm on Thursday, May 30.

Representatives from Trina will be in attendance to discuss the proposal and answer questions.

Trina Solar is in the early investigation stages of developing and operating a BESS in the Kiewa Valley, located approximately 3km north-east of Dederang on Yackandandah-Dederang Road.

The project aims to boost the national electrical grid during peak demand and emergencies.

In a statement released last Tuesday, Trina Solar said it recognises the importance of community involvement and is committed to addressing the concerns of local residents.

“Our aim is to ensure their voices are heard, concerns are addressed, and ideas are considered throughout the development application process,” head of development at Trina Solar Jose Flores said.

“The sessions have been planned like this to accommodate the busy schedules of all community members.

“The longer opening times allow all members of the community to come and learn about the project, either before work, over lunch, or in the early evening.”

According to Trina Solar, they are currently assessing the project’s limitations and restrictions, with the findings informing the

final planning permit application.

“We recognise the community’s concerns about the project’s potential impacts, and we want to reassure residents and neighbours that we are committed to meeting all relevant safety requirements and standards, especially regarding bushfire risk,” Mr Flores said.

The company said they will continue to collaborate closely with relevant fire service agencies to confirm access requirements for the BESS in case of bushfires, and comprehensive site-specific fire, risk, and emergency management plans will be developed prior to construction to address potential fire risks during all project phases.

“Trina Solar will continue to seek guidance from the CFA to ensure the final design meets all requirements and standards,” Mr Flores said.

According to Trina Solar, the project will significantly contribute to Victoria’s target of reducing emissions by 90 per cent by 2035 and transitioning to at least 6.3 GW of energy storage capacity, enough to power half of Victoria’s current homes at peak energy use.

The company also said the project will also support around 50 full-time construction jobs at peak and up to 10 contractors annually, and increase revenue for local service providers.

According to Trina Solar, the site was selected for its proximity to the Dederang terminal station and its minimal visual impact due to the surrounding undulating land. They said the construction timeline is contingent on several factors, including ministerial approval, construction company selection, and grid connection approvals. Once contractors are appointed, site works are expected to take approximately 18 months.

Council rejects grant assessment reform

By BRODIE EVERIST

Tax cuts for every taxpayer

Estimate yours with the tax cut calculator.

ALPINE Shire councillors voted against their exclusion from grant assessment panels at their meeting last month.

Councillors were recommended to support the exclusion of councillors from grant assessment panels, but instead unanimously allowed the recommendation to lapse.

The recommendation follows a May 2022 Victorian Auditor General’s Office (VAGO) report to parliament titled ‘Fraud Control Over Local Government Grants’, which examined fraud controls for six Victorian councils.

According to Alpine Shire Council, they appointed an independent auditor to undertake a review of their Community Grant Program and event funding against the VAGO report to recommend improvements council could make.

The internal audit identified thirteen areas for improvement with 23 recommendations made to improve oversight of the grants program and funding programs, including the exclusion of councillors from assessing and making recommendations on grant applications.

Numerous councillors expressed discomfort with the recommendation, saying it removes local knowledge from grant assessments and conflict of interest processes should be sufficient.

“There are strong governance rules around councillors who don’t declare conflict of interest - that’s been strengthened in the last little while,” councillor Tony Keeble said.

“I think it’d be a shame not to have councillors on those committees.”

Acting director of customer and community Tony Cooper said further recommendations from council’s internal audit will be built into an updated grants policy.

Cr Katarina Hughes was absent from the meeting.

SITE SELECTION: According to Trina Solar, the site for the proposed Kiewa Valley BESS was selected for its proximity to the Dederang terminal station.

SALAMI MAKING ACROSS THE NORTH EAST

SALAMI making season is now upon us making it easy to produce salami, prosciutto, Pancetta, Capocollo and other delicacies and the perfect time to invest in new salami making supplies.

My Slice of Life is a local premier retailer of DIY food and beverage making supplies located in Wangaratta.

Earlier this year they relocated to be under the same roof as North East Homemakers Centre and pride themselves in helping people discover the art of salami making.

“We just want to let people know that we sell basically everything but the meat to make salami,” owner, Brent Ibrom, said.

“We have been doing this for a long time, so we are pretty well regarded in the salami making ranks locally.”

What sets them apart from other suppliers is the expert advice customers receive from Brent, who worked as a professional butcher and smallgoods maker for 10 years.

“Our range, our service, our knowledge and all the other key fundamentals set us apart from others,” Brent said.

His obsession with knives and DIY food and beverage

butchery apprenticeship.

“I fell into it a little bit to be honest,” Brent said.

“I started my butchery apprenticeship and the guy I did my apprenticeship for was right into all the salami making supplies, so I naturally followed suit and never looked back from there.”

My Slice of Life is also a proudly family-owned business with generations of butchery knowledge.

Brent said he loves working with family and has enjoyed passing his knowledge down to his son, Blake Ibrom.

“It’s fantastic to work with family,” he said.

“It’s a tradition that’s been passed down through the generations, so we really cherish the ability to be able to do that.”

Their salami making range includes casings, cotton twine, electric meat slicers, netting,

additives, vacuum pouches, and vacuum sealers.

You can view their range days a week or order their products online to have it delivered to your doorstep no matter where you are.

For more information or to view their range online, com.au/.

Fall in love with salami making

PREMIER SUPPLIER: My Slice of Life has all the supplies you need to make salami.

GENERATIONAL TRADITIONS: Blake and Brent Ibrom share the family tradition of salami-making together.

FAMILY BUSINESS: Blake Ibrom has been learning the art of salami making from his dad Brent Ibrom.

SALAMI MAKING ACROSS THE NORTH EAST

Top five tips to making great salami at home

MAKING salami is equal parts science, equal parts art. It can seem like a daunting task to beginners but if you remember a few basic steps, do your research and invest in good equipment, it will be well worth it.

Here are some handy tips to help you make the perfect salami:

1. Choose good quality meat: This is one of the most important considerations when making salami. Choosing good quality meat that contains lots of

fat will help ensure your salami isn’t too dry or crumbly.

2. Invest in good quality equipment: Investing in some good quality equipment and ingredients will take your salami from good to exceptional. This includes casings.

kinds of casings and whichever one you choose will depend on personal preference and preferred method.

Some options for casing and skins include natural hog casings, salami

casing or collagen sticks.|It’s also important to invest in a good quality slicer that will last you a long time.

3. Practice safety- include curing salt and starter cultures: Curing salt used to prevent the risk of Botulism, which is poisoning caused by bacteria growth that produces toxins, and can be fatal. As well as added safety, using curing salt adds pigmentation to your

salami, giving it that traditional pink colour. Starter culture is used to ensure successful fermentation and produces that tangy

Using a starter culture will also lower the pH level which aids in controlling the growth of bad bacteria.

4. Keep your workspace clean: It is vital to keep your equipment and workspace clean. This will allow you to control the bacteria and ensure no bad bacteria

Family tradition of quality

COSTANTE Imports

was established in 1968 and is a family run business that specialises in suppling quality and unique equipment for the production of pasta, wine, olive oil and small goods like salami, as well as regional Italian specialties and cookware.

As a boy, Giovanni Costante learnt his trade as an engineer from his father and grandfather and with these skills he built what he has today - a successful manufacturing and importing business.

When he arrived in Australia, Giovanni was full of inspiration and put his skills to good use in his small garage in North Fitzroy in Melbourne, where he began to manufacture crushers, destemmers and sauce puree machines.

In 1968 he purchased a factory and shop at 377 Bell Street, Preston where he still is today.

The demand for his products grew, and business was doing so well it was time to expand.

He began to import a large variety of products from Italy and never looked back.

What is his secret?

Dedication to his job, his customers and above all, quality.

Many of Giovanni’s customers are still using made all those years agowhich shows that they truly do stand by everything they sell.

Costante Imports is a household name and has become a multigenerational family business, with Mr Costante’s children and grandchildren working and driving the business forward.

They carry the same values of quality, and pride themselves on sourcing quality products to suit their client’s needs while

growing and learning every day.

A visit to the store is well worthwhile and is a treasure trove of products to suit interests including gardening, preserving, pasta making, cooking, barbequing, bread/pizza

making, wine making, sauce making or of course salami making.

Alternatively, you can visit their website www. costanteimports. com.au and if there is something visit them today to discuss.

easily spoil the salami. It’s good practice to sterilise your equipment and wear gloves or wash you hands regularly when making salami.

5. Work in the cold: The winter months are often known as salami season

because of the low temperatures needed throughout the salami making process. When it comes to mincing your meat, it is a good idea to put your meat in the freezer beforehand and set the temperature as low as possible.

TRADITIONAL: Costante Imports’ book ‘Keeping Traditions’ was published to commemorate their 50th year in business and is available on their website.

HARD WORKER: Giovanni Costante is dedicated to his job and his customers.

TIPS AND TRICKS: Following handy tips can help you make the perfect salami.

Bringing back

old school salami techniques

EVERYDAY Gourmet

takes a unique old school approach to making its salami.

One of their butchers, Karl Caplja said they only use female pigs due to the smell and quality.

“If you get male pigs, they’re usually leaner with no body fat, your back fats the best part to use on a salami,” he said.

“Another big reason is the smell, and it will have you don’t want in your salami.”

Karl has been passionate about butchery for over 30 years and learnt to use only female pigs for salami while he was completing his apprenticeship over in Europe.

“Over in Europe if anyone tasted male pork in their salami, they’d pretty much throw it back at you, it was just a big no no,” he said.

What also sets Everyday

Gourmet’s salami a part is they are bringing it back to basics with their techniques.

“We’re changing and getting in full carcasses, we’re trying to go back to old school butchering,” Karl said.

Karl also makes nonnitrate-based salamis and mainly adds in natural colour and strives to source the best ingredients.

“I’m fortunate enough that my brother runs butcher shops in Europe

and I get a lot of my ingredients imported which makes a big difference when I make my salami,” he said.

For anyone looking for advice for their own salami making, you can visit Karl in the store on Rowan Street.

“If any customers need expert advice of salts, nitrates, sugars I’d be more than happy to help out,” he said.

To place an order or

SALAMI EXPERTS: Everyday Gourmet is brining back their salami making back to old school techniques.

architecturally designed home on 100 acres

THIS superb lifestyle property captures views of the snow-capped mountains of Buffalo, Falls and Hotham, idyllically positioned on a 100-acre allotment.

This unique, architecturally designed home is a superb opportunity for anyone seeking a rural lifestyle without compromising on life’s luxuries. Located just under 25mins to Wangaratta CBD, this home offers true privacy and seclusion.

Completed in 2016, this immaculately presented home boasts beautiful feaing, rammed earth walls, double glazed windows, and raised ceiling height.

Modern kitchen with stone benchtops, walk-in pantry, and servery to the outdoor area. Open plan living/dining space is north-east facing, optimising natural light year-round.

The master suite features a walkthrough robe, ensuite with valley views, and freestanding bath. Main bathroom has separate toilet and vanity, as well as shower and bath. Three additional bed-

Heating and cooling via refrigerated

ish entertaining area features one of the home’s curved walls and exposed ag-

area, showcasing a beautiful Greta Valley backdrop.

system. Water for the property is secure with onsite bore, 4 dams and troughs for stock water, and 50,000L rainwater tank. Fencing surrounding the 4 main paddocks are in full working order. The central tree line follows a seasonal creek and fully fenced, all dams are fenced to protect from livestock and the horse round yard and holding paddock are fully fenced. For more information, inspections by appointment only. Hugh Amery 0487 777 311 .

VIEWING DATES:

FREE IMMUNISATION CLINICS – MAY 2024 Childhood Immunisation Schedule including Secondary Catch Ups:

• Children - 0 to 5 years of age standard schedule

• Students – Year 7 & Year 10 Secondary School based program including 15 to 19 yo catch ups

MOUNT BEAUTY

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

Date/time: Wednesday, 29/05/2024, 9.30am to 10.30am MYRTLEFORD

Venue: Myrtleford Senior Citizens Centre, Smith Street, Myrtleford

Date/time: Thursday, 30/05/2024, 9.30am to 10.30am BRIGHT

Venue: Alpine View Children’s Centre, 23 Deacon Avenue, Bright

Date/time: Friday, 31/05/2024, 9.30am to 10.30am

MOUNT BEAUTY

Venue: Mount Beauty Auditorium, Bogong High Plains Rd Mount

Beauty

Date/time: Wednesday, 29/05/2024, 12pm – 1pm MYRTLEFORD

Venue: Myrtleford Senior Citizens Centre, Smith Street Myrtleford

Date/Time: Tuesday, 30/05/2024, 11am – 12pm

BRIGHT

Venue: Bright Community Centre (Old U3A Building), 1 Railway Ave Bright

Date/time: Friday, 31/05/2024, 12pm – 1pm

COVID-19, please do not attend. Contact MCH on 03 5755 0555 for further information.

Book online by typing portal.cirv.vic.gov.au into your web browser. Bookings preferred.

Journalist Career Opportunity

Full Time

North East Media, an award-winning publisher of community newspapers, has a full time position for a graded journalist based in our Myrtleford office in North East Victoria.

We are seeking a journalist with previous country newspaper experience to produce our weekly Myrtleford Times and Alpine Observer, servicing the picturesque Alpine Shire communities of Myrtleford, Bright and Mt Beauty.

The position requires a journalist with a strong work ethic and well-rounded skill set, who has a passion for community newspapers and a real desire to work with volunteer contributors.

Excellent writing, editing, photographic, communication, time management and organisational skills, and the ability to generate ideas into relevant news coverage that matters most to a local readership, will be among your strongest attributes.

The ability to use social media and deliver high quality work under deadline pressure are also a must.

The successful applicant must also have a valid driver’s licence. North East Media is an independent media group publishing award winning publications in print and online across North East Victoria and beyond. Applications, including covering letter and resume, should be forwarded to:

Jeff Zeuschner Group Editor North East Media jzeuschner@nemedia.com.au

HOLDEN Captiva 7 CG Gen. II, 132,900km, 2012 4cyl petrol 7 seats; aircon, sunroof, recently spent $10,000 on complete transmission rebuild, v alve body and struts (AT still under warranty), 2nd owner, reg (1FY4LC), $13,500 or best offer. Contact Peter 0419 415 703. YELLOW Hyundai sedan, 2000, (1YM9QQ), 218,242km, great car for new drivers, 5 speed manual, $4500 ono, located Mansfield. Ph 0439 719 529

2018 SUBARU Impreza, 34,000km, RWC, (1MA8HE), $20,000 ono. Ph 0448 641 413.

VOLKSWAGON Golf

GTI 2019 Mk7.5, fully optioned, sunroof, heated seats etc, full service history with VW, major service just completed, grey colour, black leather interior, tinted windows, dash cam, reg (1PA7CR), 85,000km, $35,000. Ph 0402 205 836.

NOVAK (nee Mirt), Giovanna.

14/12/1939 – 22/05/2024

It is with a heavy heart and sadness that our beloved wife and mother has passed.

A beautiful and loving wife of Frank (dec) and Adrian.

Loving mother of Doug, Samuel and Anthony.

Mother-in-law to Mary, stepmother to Gianluca, Michelle and Danny (dec). Nonna to Zackary, Nathan, Jess and Harlan.

Step Nonna to Jethro and Archer. Bisnonna to Hazel. Forever in our hearts.

CAPONECCHIA

A requiem mass for the repose of the soul of Paolo Caponecchia will be held at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Myrtleford on Friday, May 31, 2024 at 1pm, followed by a private burial for the family together with family relatives at Myrtleford Lawn Cemetery.

NOVAK (nee Mirt)

CAPONECCHIA, Paolo “Paul”. 7/6/1927 – 19/5/2024

Aged 96 years (3 weeks short of 97 years). Loving husband to Anna (dec). Much loved father (Dad) of Nobilia, Nadia (dec) Frank and Robert. Father-in-Law to Sonia and Danielle. Adored Nonno to Connor, Fletcher, Summer, Damian, Nathan and Luca.

A proud, down to earth and happy person to his beloved family. He will be sadly missed.

FARRINGTON (Cavedon), Dorothy Grace

Our lovely Mum passed away at Benalla on May 11, 2024 surrounded by her family

Dottie was the essence of kindness and generosity, always willing to help those in need throughout her long life She was pre-deceased by our Dad, Danny Cavedon, and our stepdad, Fred Farrington She leaves behind 5 children, 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren who will all miss her very much; Suzy, Mary, Daniel, Virginia and Cathy Condolences may be left at masonpark com au

A requiem mass for the repose of the soul of Giovanna Novak will be held at St Mary’s Catholic Church, 29 Lawrence Street, Myrtleford commencing at 11am TODAY, followed by interment at the Myrtleford Lawn Cemetery.

FIRTH (Dussin), Lisa. Ben Dussin and family wish to thank everyone for their kind thoughts, messages, phone calls, cards and support during our recent sad time. Please accept this as our personal thanks.

SABLJO, Jenny. Thank you to the following people on the care of our wife and mother; Albury Cancer Centre, Dr Caroline Lum, North East Funerals.

Thank you to all our family and friends for all of the cards, flowers, phone calls and support to our family in our time of bereavement.

LEITA, Janet (McIlroy)

12/1/1934 - 1/6/2015

Much loved and greatly missed.

~ Elizabeth, Jennifer, Dianne, Glenn, Cooper and Ty.

New courses a hit at running festival

Super 6 adds to super Myrtleford Golf Club

Saturday

THE Super 6 stableford at Myrtleford Golf Club added to plenty of excitement for golfers in competition on a picture perfect autumn day.

Myrtleford Golf Club

Tuesday, May 21

Myrtleford BWS - Stableford - AWCR 74

the Journey

A PERFECT autumn day greeted runners across the region for the Mount Beauty Running Festival last weekend.

Organisers received positive feedback about new course and entry systems implemented on the day.

Local secondary college students dominated the trail run with Eddy Franzke, Harri Silvester and Baylin Ford recording the three fastest times over the 18.6km course.

In the women’s trail run, first place went to Sara-Jane Donges from Bright, with Gemma De Campo from Porepunkah and Ellie Stott from Kensington taking the other podium places.

A grade winner: Barb Welch (20) 40pts.

A grade runner up: Jan Roseby (15) 38 pts.

Foodworks NTP’s: 1st: Kaye McGuffie, 8th: Liz Orton, 14th: Faye McLees, 2/4th:Sandra Piazza.

Ball winners: Liz Orton (14) 35pts, Sandra Piazza (18) 34pts, Penny Dawkins (34) 16pts.

9 hole winner: Carol Ames (46) 18pts. 9 hole runner up: Suzette Kelly (42) 16pts c/b.

Wednesday, May 22

Myrtleford BWS Stableford AMCR 71

A grade winner: Alan Rockliff (13) 39 pts c/b.

A grade runner up: Andrew Loftus (18) 39 pts.

Park Funerals P. 03 5721 5060 W. masonpark.com.au The only family owned funeral home in Wangaratta Proud Member of Australian Funeral

John & Christine Haddrick

alifetime of memories

Copies of photographs taken by our staff at North East Newspapers Pty. Ltd. are available for sale, and can be ordered through the mail or at our office in Rowan Street, Wangaratta. Phone 5723 0101 for more information.

In the 21km Half Marathon it was runners from the border region to the fore with Jolie Cullen from Howlong and Damian Gillard from Albury on the top of the men’s and women’s podium, while Thomas Drum and Elize Heineke, also from Albury, came in second places with third places going to Natalie Toms from Wagga and Jason Tepper from Beechworth.

In the Quarter Marathon, the top spots on the podium went to Blake Hose and Georgina Campbell, both from Bright.

Minor placings went to Alec Franzke from Mount Beauty, Heli Laajoki from Canberra , Alexander Woff from Brighton and Kate Parris from Tawonga South.

Full results:

AND THEY’RE OFF: Trail run runners take off from the start line, including winners ‘leading from the start’, Sara-Jane Donges (Bright, 14106 and Eddy Franzke (Mount Beauty, 14069).

18.6 km Trail Run

Men: 1 - Eddy Franzke1:17:09.9 - Mount Beauty; 2 - Harri Silvester - Mount Beauty; 3 - Baylin Ford - Mount

Beauty

Women: 1 - Sara - Jane Donges - 1:25:14.0 - Bright; 2 - Gemma De CampoPorepunkah - ; 3 - Ellie Stott - Kensington

21.1 km Half Marathon

Men: 1 - Damian Gillard1:25:40.0 - Albury; 2 - Thomas James Drum - Albury; 3 - Jason Tepper - Beechworth

Women: 1 - Jolie Cullen1:27:58.2 - Howlong; 2 - Elize Heineke - Albury; 3 - Natalie Toms - Wagga Wagga

10.1 km Quarter Marathon

Men: 1 - Blake Hose34:45.6 - Bright; 2 - Alec Franzke - Mount Beauty; 3 - Alexander Woff - East

Brighton

Women: 1 - Georgina Campbell - 39:41.3 - Bright; 2 - Heli Laajoki - Hall; 3 - Kate Parris - Tawonga South 3km Run

Men: 1 - Eric Wood - 10:54.4 - Corowa; 2 - Alex Lambert - Winton; 3 - Skelly ManningHansonville

Women: 1 - Millie Horsburgh - 17:03.1 - Heidelberg; 2 - Kirsten Horsburgh - Heidelberg; 3 - Eloise Esler - Tawonga South

Bats run flaming hot in Panthers’ B grade

ON a sunny day at home the Porepunkah Panthers’ under 12s team had a great game, falling short by just two runs against the Wodonga Warriors.

The first innings had Panther Cohen Guest-Smith hitting a big two base hit when the team had two outs.

This flowed on and safe hits to Byron Smith, Xanthe McCormack had the bases loaded.

Charlie Smith and Zac Gould then both hit safely bringing in the runners and was also able to score with some nice base running.

Wodonga scored six runs in their first dig, with Panther second baseman Ollie Brown getting a nice out.

Leadoff batter Ryland McCormack had the highlight of the day blasting a big double, setting the tone for another five runs to cross the plate for the Panthers.

A nice out by pitcher Uriah to Cohan at first base applied some pressure to the Warriors, who managed to just get the runs in.

Final Score: Wodonga 14 Def 12 Porepunkah In another three innings game in the under 15s it was Wodonga who managed to start strong and hold on for the win.

The first innings had Porepunkah scoreless and

Wodonga batting in six runs.

Sophie Anders playing second base and combined with first baseman Ollie Brown to get an impressive out.

The second innings had Rory Clarke lead the way, with two runs batted in from a big hit, being the top batter for the day.

Wesley Booth had a strong eye at the plate leading the way with two walks keeping the pressure on.

Amelie Farrito continued her good form getting on base and stole her way around to also score, with a total of five runs coming in for Porepunkah.

The Panthers then limited Wodonga to one run setting up another close finish with Porepunkah trailing by two runs.

Unfortunately the Panthers just fell short with Wodonga bringing in five runs to Porepunkahs one.

Eamon Thompson playing third took a nice fly ball to get an out being the highlight fielding.

Starting Panthers Pitcher Paige Anders had another good day on the mound, giving up one hit and seven runs over two innings.

Final Score: Wodonga 12 def 6 Porepunkah.

The Panthers C grade side played a tough match going down 12 - 2 against Wodonga

Warriors.

Ollie Chambers went 1-1 at the plate with two runs batted in on his big hit.

Chambers and Jayden Eastwood both collected one hit for the Panthers.

Eric Quinton and Jayden both stole multiple bases for the Panthers who stole a total of seven bases for the day.

Porepunkah’s Mason Anders was once again on catching duties for the day putting in a solid effort behind the plate.

Luka Barthelmes came on as relief pitcher and was impressive striking out two batters with his “ knuckle ball”.

The team training will be hard to flip the results next week.

The Panthers came out swinging in B grade and never looked in danger with a massive 29- 11 win against Wodonga Warriors.

In fact, the Panthers will be looking into the records books to see when or if the 24 safe hits they plundered has been done before.

James Jelleff was the main culprit, driving in six runs with four safe hits from four at bats. Jelleff doubled in the first scoring two, then singled in the next three at bats bringing in another four runs.

Coach Randy Skippen singled scoring a run in the

Ball winners: E Jones 37, A Roseby 37.

Foodworks NTP’s: 1st: Andrew Loftus, 4th 2nd Shot: Tony Chapman, 14th: Andrew Loftus.

Thursday, May 23

Myrtleford 2 Person Ambrose AMCR 74

Winners: Barb Welch and Heather Street 81/66.

Runner up: Kerry Chapman and Jan Roseby 82/69.

Ball winners: Carol Ames and Margaret Curtis 86/69.5.

Foodworks NTP’s: 8th: Jan Roseby, 14th: Barb Welch.

Saturday May 25

Myrtleord BWS Stableford & Super 6 AMCR 71 AWCR 74

A grade winner: Damien Rossato (9) 39 pts.

A grade runner up: Alan Sands (13) 35 pts.

B grade winner: Spider Hancock (15) 36 pts.

B grade runner up: Pieter Veldman (20) 35 pts c/b.

Super 6 winner: Alan Sands (13) 16 pts.

Super 6 runner up: David Clark (13) 15 pts c/b.

Ball winners: B Bynon 35, B Holmes 35, J Roseby 34, A Roseby 34, B Carroll 34, B O’Donohue 32, D Clark 32 c/b.

Foodworks NTP’s: 1st: Geoff Veldman, 4th 2nd Shot: Andrew Corcoran, 8th: Andrew McKerral, 14th: Jan Rsoeby, 16th: Brad Carroll.

Raffle winner: Paul McIlroy

Bright Golf Club

Monday Veterans Stableford May 20

Winners: Jenny Ritcher (17) 35 points, William Kelty (20) 33 points, Glen O’Connell (19) 32 points c/b.

NTP’s: 3rd Graham Barrow, 6th Tony Barca, 11th Denis Hayes, 16th Ray Borschmann.

Wednesday Ladies 4BBB Stableford May 22

Winners: Linda Loftus and Fran Bentley 47 points.

Place getters: Jen Younie and Libby Barker 46 points, Robyn McGrath and Suzette Heydon 43 points.

Thursday Men Stableford May 23

Winners: Angus Murrells (18) 38 points c/b, Dennis Pangrazio (28) 38 points, Ian Browne (23) 37 points, William Kelty (20) 36 points c/b ,Hamish McPhee (8) 36 points.

NTP’s: 3rd Ross Dunne, 6th Dennis Pangrazio, 11th Ken Grummisch, 16th John Forbes.

Saturday Men Stableford May 25

Winners: Ken Bailey (25) 41 points, Adan Benencassa (9) 38 points, Mick Dunne (14) 37 points.

Saturday Ladies Stableford May 25

Winners: Allison Gilbert (17) 38 points, Chris O’Shea (28) 35 points.

O&M drop 28-point lead to fall to GV INTERLEAGUE

STORIES

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

OVENS and Murray interleague senior footballers were stunned by the Goulburn Valley League at Deakin Reserve on Saturday.

After winning the last three affairs of the Ash-Wilson Trophy, the O&M were expected by most to make it four successive wins but it was the GV League who stood tall to post an 8.15 (63) to 7.6 (48) win.

The O&M looked as good as ever to start the game, flying to a 28-point lead at the four-minute mark of the second quarter, but the GV League rallied to kick eight of the next nine goals.

Wangaratta Rovers star ruckman Will Christie impressed on the big stage, named best for the O&M, while teammate Brodie Filo also featured in the best.

O&M coach Damian Sexton was disappointed with the loss post-match.

“It’s always disappointing (to lose) and that’s just sport,” Sexton said.

“In any sport we play there’s a winner and a loser and I said to the boys that the biggest thing is when you don’t win you have to be humble in defeat.

“Credit where credit’s due, GV were hungrier and they wanted it more than us.”

TOUGH LOSS: Myrtleford’s Zac Pethybridge (centre) looks for a chase down while representing Ovens and Murray in their 15-point loss to the Goulburn Valley League on Saturday.

The O&M fielded one of their youngest sides in recent years with 11 players featuring at interleague level for the first time.

“The most disappointing part for me was that I put some faith into some younger players that I was excited about and thinking where their footy would go from this opportunity,” Sexton said.

“Yeah a couple of them did okay but there were a few that have a fair bit to do.

“We gave them an opportunity to see if they could do it and arguably, and col-

lectively as a team, we let GV beat us.”

It was the GV’s first win against its strongest country rival since 2010, with the O&M winning in 2017, 2022 and last year.

“I think the biggest thing in sport and life is that when something doesn’t go your way you’ve got to accept it and move on and become better for it,” Sexton said.

“There’s a lot of people that will sit on the fence and won’t do anything about it or there’s people who believe they’ve done it but they haven’t.

The winning

“I said to the boys good for you for putting your hand up and making the effort but we’re second today and we have to hurt from it.”

Sexton said he’s honoured to coach the O&M after playing an illustrious representative career himself.

“I had great times in footy and especially rep footy, I met a lot of great players and played with some superstars so I just want to give a bit back,” he said.

“I don’t want to be sitting on a fence and telling people what to do, I want

to get in there and do it.

“I have the opportunity to do that thank god to the O&M and it’s been fantastic until today but we prepared as good as we could, we can’t blame anything else but GV were desperate and wanted it.

“We’re all competitive so at the end of the day, why do we do it? Basically to give back and meet new people but we all want to win.

“The drive home tonight hurts dramatically because you think what if, should’ve we, could’ve we but that’s just part of life.”

U18 victory O&M’s U18 interleague team had a convincing win over Goulburn Valley at Deakin Reserve on Saturday. O&M led at every change to run out winners 11.8.74 to 7.4.46.

Wangaratta Magpies’ forward spearhead Max Bihun bagged five majors and was named best a field, while Wangaratta Rovers’ Justin Lewis who captained the team was also among his team’s best. Harry Stripeikis was the lone Saint on the team, aiding his side with one goal on the day.

O&M’s junior netballers win, open go down

THE O&M’s future is bright with the under 17 and under 15 interleague netball sides recording victories over the Goulburn Valley League at Deakin Reserve on Saturday.

In the under 17’s, Jodie House steered her side to a pulsating 64-44 victory.

Wodonga’s Molly Moylan was judged best on court, while Kijana McCowan (Albury), Zali Macklan (Raiders) and Lily McKimmie

(Wodonga) were also rewarded for their efforts.

Shaylah House’s under 15’s made history winning the first ever under 15 interleague match by 13-goals.

Wangaratta Rovers rising star Lainey Draper was named best on court in the 49-36 win.

“Everyone in our team was very nervous at the start but once we got into it it was great,” Draper said. “I tried my hardest, I

don’t know that I personally would’ve given this (best on court) to myself because the girls in our team were amazing but I’m very proud.

“Lucy Tinkler played extremely good, she’s a great shooter and also I think Chloe Richardson did amazing too.

“Being on the court it was really intense but once we got in front the nerves went down and our team conjoined and were really good.

“Normally we play against

each other but we got to know each other so well during training and it was just such a great experience for everyone.”

Meanwhile, the open netball side was unable to make it a clean sweep as they went down by five goals in a close encounter.

“There’s lots of disappointment when you’re in it to your eyeballs for that whole game and to get four or five goals in front at dif-

ferent stages of the game,”

O&M senior coach Noel Halton said.

“To go down in the end is very disappointing but to the girls credit they never stopped trying all day and that’s all we can ask for.

“I said to them this morning to go out there and give it your best shot which they all did.

“They conducted themselves beautifully out there but unfortunately we just

didn’t get that goals that we needed in the end.”

Halton felt that his side made a few critical errors at pivotal times of the clash.

“At the end there were just a few little fumbles and they (GV) got some decisions that went their way which helped them out,” he said.

“And then there were a couple of key turnovers in pivotal times that swung the momentum and they took their opportunities.”

RISING STARS: The O&M’s under 17 interleague netball team beat the GV by 20-goals.

INTERLEAGUE WIN:

O&M under 15 interleague side that beat the GV by 13-goals.

SAINT SALUTE: Zac Pethybridge and Brody Ricardi flew the Myrtleford flag at interleague un Shepparton on Saturday.

PHOTO: Dale Mann

SENIORS SCOREBOARD

15 & UNDER: King Valley 16 def by Nth Wangaratta 24; Benalla 28 def Tarrawingee 8; Moyhu 45 def Goorambat 7; Bright 14 def by Greta 20; Whorouly 13 def by Bonnie Doon 33 Not all scores available at time of print *Ladder

A GRADE: Benalla 32 def by Tarrawingee 85 Moyhu 58 def Goorambat 47 King Valley 56 def Nth Wangaratta 25 Bright 29 def by Greta 56 Whorouly 41 def by Bonnie Doon 56

B GRADE: Benalla 27 def by Tarrawingee 68; Moyhu 34 def Goorambat 29; King Valley 39 def by Nth Wangaratta 44; Bright 46 def by Greta 48; Whorouly 45 def by Bonnie Doon 60

B RESERVE: Moyhu 47 def Goorambat 22; King Valley 40 def Nth Wangaratta 30; Bright 38 def by Greta 46; Whorouly 44 def by Bonnie Doon 52

C GRADE: King Valley 65 def Nth Wangaratta 47; Benalla 12 def by Tarrawingee 80; Moyhu 41 def by Goorambat 63; Bright 33 def by Greta 46; Whorouly 29 def by Bonnie Doon 63

ROUND 10

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

BONNIE DOON vs NORTH WANGARATTA

GRETA vs KING VALLEY

MILAWA vs GOORAMBAT

MOYHU vs BRIGHT

WHOROULY vs TARRAWINGEE

BENALLA - BYE

GOALS: BRIGHT: Cooper Thomason 5, Dylan Bursill 4, Alexander Dalbosco 1, Samuel Dalbosco 1, Mikka Paulsen 1, Luke Quirk 1 GRETA: Frazer Judd 5, James McClounan 4, Tom Baker 2, Lachie Kennett 2, Brenton Newbold 2, Jack Kelly 1. BEST: BRIGHT: Luke Quirk, Dylan Bursill, Mikka Paulsen, Samuel Dalbosco, Alexander Dalbosco, Joe Gray. GRETA: Mark Wettern, Jack Kelly, James McClounan, Joshua Bell, Lachie Kennett, Bryce Ralph.

GOALS: BENALLA ALL BLACKS: Tom Levy 2, Dylan Bell 1, Sam Cox 1, Dylan Sinclair 1, Jordan Smith 1. TARRAWINGEE: Sam Piper 2, Patrick Byrne 1, Will Creed 1, Chris Penney 1, Thomas Salmon 1, William Styles 1. BEST: BENALLA ALL BLACKS: Chelton Orchard, Patrick McDonald, Kieran Linke, Tom Levy, David Nero, Sam Cox. TARRAWINGEE: Will Creed, Sam Piper, Tyler Heywood, William Styles, Patrick Byrne.

GOALS: KING VALLEY: Ben Bray 2, Stuart Cooper 2, Anthony Ciancio 1. NORTH WANGARATTA: Jack Brown 3, Damien Bradley 2, Jhye Devine 2, Tyler Nanson 2, Jonah Massey-Chase 1, Josh Nanson 1, Matthew Prestianni 1, Tyler Schulze 1.  BEST: KING VALLEY: Ben Bray, Bradley Collihole, Connor Shanley, Sam Evans, Joel Burchall, Thomas Stewart. NORTH WANGARATTA: Sean Gales, Jay Barker, Adam Enever, Thomas Johnson, Kyle McQuade, David Killen.

GOORAMBAT: Robert Wilson, Daniel Bryant, Brenton Doig, Todd Wapling, Lawrence Richards, Shaun Lemmer.

GOALS: MOYHU: Noah Campbell 2, Harrison Bell 1, David McDonald 1, Darby West 1. GOORAMBAT: Duane Haebich 9, Dylan Beavis 2, Lachlan Boyle 1, Angus Burston 1, Brayden Stepien 1, James Webster 1. BEST: MOYHU: Bailey Zimmermann, Jett Roberts, Liam Cook, Matthew Thrum, Ethan Rooney, Dylan Carmody. GOORAMBAT: Curtis Anker, Sully Malay, Lachlan Boyle, Duane Haebich, Dylan Beavis, Alexander Moloney. WHOROULY 0.1 1.2 3.4 4.4.28

GOALS: WHOROULY: Andrew Newton 3, Glenn White 1. BONNIE DOON: James Fox 4, Connor Humphrey 3, Sean Campitelli 2, Jayjay Curtin 2, Conor Heaslip 2, James Law 2, Luke Murray 2, Campbell Smedley 2, Jack Goonan 1, Cody Turner 1. BEST: WHOROULY: Andrew Newton, William Allen, Edward Bramich, Cameron Wood, Glenn White, Darcy O’Shannessy.. BONNIE DOON: James Law, Ari Croxford-Demasi, Matthew Hedin, James Fox, Luke Murray, Luke Berriman.

WHOROULY: Daniel White, Darcy Allen, Brannan Duffy, Thomas Rowney, Jake Morey, Conner Forde. BONNIE DOON: Al Bennett, Trent Smith, Matthew Martin, Luke Benton, Samuel Bennett, Patrick Revell.

BRIGHT: Nicholas Hall, Darcy Martin, Marcus Kinthari, Steve Nightingale, Paul Harrison. GRETA: Tom Webster, Stewart McLeod, Jeremy PopeMercieca, Charlie Hernandez, Samuel Monaghan, Ben Monaghan.

Savoy women face a tough task after break

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

MYRTLEFORD Savoy women

will face an ominous challenge coming off their bye week, as they prepare to face Melrose at home this Sunday.

Straight off one of three byes over the next five weeks, Myrtleford will be hoping the extra rest will help halt a three-game losing streak following a strong month of April.

While Albury Hotspurs have affirmed themselves as the team to beat this season, Melrose have arguably stated their claim as the challenger, having already met the Spurs in the FA Cup final.

Savoy coach Tom Scott said his team had a relaxed week at training throughout their break, which was much needed following a tough run of games.

“It was a good time for a couple of the girls to be able to have a bit of an easier week with injuries and things like that,” he said.

“We worked on how we want to restructure a few things defensively into the next half of the season, where our mindset is for the team and where we want to look to improve, not just personally but as a team as well.

“Being more attacking on the ball and having that presence in

LONG BALL: Keeper Jess Stringer will need to bring her best to keep a dangerous Melrose team out of the goals.

the final third is something we highlighted and something we want to really try to grow on.”

Outside of the bottom two sides, Myrtleford have found the back of the net the least of any team in the competition so far with 11 total goals through 10 games.

With their match against Melrose this weekend, Myrtleford would have faced the top three sides in their past four matches.

Melrose had already hosted Sa-

voy earlier in the season in the FA Cup, when they defeated Myrtleford 5-0.

Scott said his team would be wary of the class the purple haze possess, but are looking forward to the challenge.

“It’s another good opportunity coming up against a team where if we think we play our best, we can really take it up to them,” he said.

“We had a good look at them earlier in the year and we’ll have

that game in the back of our minds.

“We want to really close down their main striker and force them out wide, I think we’ve got the ability to really push them in areas and now having a week off, it’s given our players some more rest so they can bring a little bit extra to the game.”

Scott said he would be hopeful striker Tui Morton would be ready for a return at Savoy Park.

NORTH East Bushrangers Basketball (NEBB) is a collaboration between local North East basketball associations with the commitment of “Creating Realistic Pathways for all North East Athletes”

Ten NEBB junior teams compete in the Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) - the highest level junior competition in Victoria.

Our Club offers specialist Basketball Clinics, as well as pathways through Senior Big V Competitions.

One NEBB Youth League Men’s (YLM) team competes in the semi-professional Big V competition.

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

ROUND RESULTS:

U14 Boys 1 59 def by Nunawading 2 61

(Top Scorers: J. Bradshaw 20, N. Atukorala 11, C. Hueston 11)

U14 Boys 2 62 def Whittlesea 2 50

(Top Scorers: C. Keatch 23, J. Kynnersley 10, J. Bohun 9)

U14 Girls 1 32 def Nunawading 2 25

(Top Scorers: M. Moscrop 12, M. Hanley 8, S. Van Schaik 6)

U14 Girls 2 38 def Keilor 5 32

(Top Scorers: M. Tomkins 13, L. Nedelkovski 6, R. Pickles 6)

U16 Boys 1 63 def Coburg 1 45

(Top Scorers: S. Kain 16, C. Clark 11, A. Hamill 8)

U16 Boys 2 52 def by Broadmeadows 3 56

(Top Scorers: A. Morris 19, A. Kipping 9, R. Casanova 6)

U16 Boys 3 45 def by Sunbury 3 46

(Top Scorers: O. McGahan 21, A. Richardson 14, C. Hart 6)

U16 Girls 1 44 def Casey 3 22

(Top Scorers: E. Mercieca 18, E. Napier 8, L. Wright 8)

U16 Girls 2 40 def Bacchus Marsh 26

(Top Scorers: (M. Watson 14, E. Gray 8, T. Pettie 7)

U18 Boys 35 def by Altona 4 39

(Top Scorers: J. Vearing 11, R. Hamilto 6, J. Walker 6)

Savoy stay unbeaten

■ From back page

Myrtleford are yet to come up against Melrose in competition play this season, as the team in purple finds themselves fully entrenched in the battle for second, which has teams from second place to sixth separated by just four points.

Vescio said the team would be wary of Melrose, who would be eager of making a response after going down 5-0 to Twin City on Sunday.

“We look forward to Melrose at home, they’ve got some quick and exciting players so it’ll be an interesting game,” he said.

“I think we only travel one more time to Albury, it’s been a hard slog of away games but it sets us up quite well to make a bit of a fortress at home, so we’re in a good position.”

Vescio said the upcoming bye could come in good time as Will Osborne returns to training following a broken foot in round one and Will Keenan comes closer to a return in the side following an overseas trip.

SAVOY HOST FIRST GALA DAY OF SEASON

LAST Saturday the Myrtleford Savoy Soccer Club had the opportunity to host their first gala day for 2024.

Teams travelled from Mount Beauty, Yackandandah and Bright to participate in a round robin event throughout the day.

This year the gala day had more than 170 children participate, with Myrtleford fielding 12 teams across age groups from five to 11.

The second Gala Day at the MSSC Savoy Park will be held Saturday June 29 from 9.30am, with a third day marked for late July.

FEELS LIKE HOME: Myrtleford entered 12 teams in their first hosted gala day for the 2024 season at Savoy Park last Saturday.

PRESSING FORWARD: Amber Howell attacks with the ball.

PHOTOS: Janet Watt

CLEAN TOUCH: Matt Richardson and Savoy will be hoping to win their ninth straight at Savoy Park on Sunday. PHOTO: Janet Watt

‘Harro’ the hero in game 400

Paul Harrison sealed a dream 400th game with the match-winner after the siren for ggBright

By DANIEL SAVILLE

ANY milestone game is worthy of celebration and to bring up 400 matches is certainly no different.

But for Paul Harrison, who reached the rare landmark for Bright’s reserves last Saturday, the four quarters panned out better than he or any of his teammates could have dreamed of.

In true Harrison style, he stood up when it mattered most.

A top-of-the-table clash on his home turf surrounded by family, friends and supporters was compounded by a thrilling encounter against Greta, when Harrison was awarded a free kick with only a couple of seconds remaining in the right forward pocket, as his team was trailing by just four points.

Harrison’s previous three goals pales in comparison to what was about to eventuate, and he kicked truly from 30 metres as the final siren had sounded, to seal the win and spark wild celebrations.

The road to 400 games has been an arduous journey for Harrison as you’d expect, and he is as surprised as anyone he has made it this far.

It all started back in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, where he plied his trade at under 16 and under 18 level with the Northern Knights in the TAC Cup competition. The 41-year-old played with and against for-

mer AFL stars Sam Mitchell, Rhyce Shaw, Ben Johnson and Josh Fraser, who Harrison rates as his toughest ever opponent. Harrison’s under-age footy resume is as impressive as they get, with a Vic Metro guernsey only bettered by being awarded the captaincy in his final junior year.

His open-age debut was back in 1998 at 16-years-old and has since played 383 senior and 17 reserve games.

The 41-year-old possesses an envious list of senior accolades in the Northern Football Netball League, including interleague representation, league leading goalkicker on several occasions, three league best and fairest awards and four premierships.

He said his premiership with Bundoora in 2011 was the standout, after losing five grand finals.

Harrison said none of the

achievements he has experienced would be possible without the support from his family and mentors behind the scenes.

“The obvious constant has been my parents, I would hate to imagine how many kilometres they have travelled for me,” he said.

“Dad has always been like my manager – he tells me what I get right but doesn’t hold back when I wasn’t great.

“Another mentor has been Vinnie Datoli, who I first played with, then was coached by at Bundoora, and has always been a great sounding board for me as a player and coach.”

While Harrison appreciates the individual recognition he has received throughout his career, such as winning the Clyde Baker Medal in 2021, along with team success in the obvious form of premierships,

Open matchplay becoming a hit at Mount Beauty

THE highlight of the week was the final round of the Matchplay Championships between Jooyon Kang-Redmond and Trevor English on Wednesday, May 22 at Mount Beauty Golf Club.

Jooyon started with a nice birdie on first and never really looked back for her 5/4 win over Trevor, who stoically battled all day.

This was the first time the club played the Championships as an open competition.

The club had three ladies sign up for the knock-out tourney over the last cou-

ple of months. Two of the ladies made it through at least two rounds which was great going.

The trophy is named the ‘Hardway Trophy’ as it reflects the difficulty in getting into the final round.

The men played the front nine on Wednesday, May 22, when Ross Rynehart’s 23 points took the honours over Keith Archibald and Tony Campen, both on 20 points.

NTP on the seventh was Dave Browning while Keith Archibald was closest on the ninth.

Stableford was the name of the game for the men on Saturday, May 25, when Tony Campen came in with 37 points from Dave Browning with 36 points.

Allan Retallick and Peter Dilley shared third place with their 35 points apiece.

NTP on the seventh was Rick Biesboer, along with the Tatts Ticket from the Tawonga South Newsagency & Post Office.

The ninth and 17th NTP went to Peter Partington.

The money went home with Peter Dilley on the 18th.

The Ladies enjoyed their 18 holes on Saturday, won by Lynda Barter with 41 points from Gill Harrowfield with 38 points.

NTP on the 18th (second shot) was Leesa Bevan.

BIG JOY: Jooyon Kang-Redmond (left) took out the Hardway Trophy last Wednesday at the Mount Beauty Golf Club from Trevor English, winning 5/4.

it is the lessons learned and friendship made he has valued most on his footy journey.

“If I’m honest, footy has taught me a hell of a lot of things, ranging from how to be a respectful, humble person and the need to be able to put others before yourself,” Harrison added.

“I honestly feel a lot of my life lessons have been learnt through football.

“In the later years of my career I’m really proud that I’ve been able to have my kids and wife more involved with my football.”

Still very much involved in football at grassroots level, Harrison is in his fourth season of coaching Bright’s senior team, and after a grand final loss last year, he and his team are looking to go one better in 2024.

Harrison said he was aware he is a lot closer to the end of his career than the start of it, and is looking forward to the next chapter of his life.

“I want to be more involved with my kids’ sports and possibly coaching Net Set Go and Auskick instead of senior football,” he said.

“We were supposed to go on a family holiday around Australia this year but that got put back so I could coach again this year.

“My wife has been a very patient lady over the years so it’s time to give a bit back to her and the family.”

GLORY DAYS: Paul Harrison (left) with kids Tilly, Lenny and father Frank after one of four premierships in the Northern Football Netball League for Bundoora.

FAMILY SUPPORT: Paul Harrison with daughter Tilly (8), son Lenny (5) and wife Hayly celebrated Paul’s 400th senior match of football at Bright on Saturday, when Paul kicked a dream game-winner after the siren to sink Greta in the reserves.

PHOTO: Daniel Saville

hand Mountain Men

By DANIEL SAVILLE

IT was billed as a heavyweight clash between two quality teams, and the match between Bright and Greta did not disappoint, with 29 goals shared on a glorious May afternoon.

Unfortunately for the locals, the travelling Greta got the job done in front of a healthy crowd to give Bright their first taste of defeat for the season –13.3 (81) to 16.7 (103).

After the Mountain Men held an early two-goal lead, the Blues surged ahead by 21 points in a high-scoring first quarter, but the difference was reduced to 14 points at the main break.

At one stage, Greta was in front by 38 points in the third quarter, before Bright kicked three goals in a row to gain some momentum and close the gap to 20 points with a quarter to go.

Following the pattern of

the previous three quarters, the margin hovered around two or three goals in the final term, but Bright were unable to make any significant inroads as 22 points separated the teams at the final siren.

Star forwards Cooper Thomason and Frazer Judd kicked five goals each for their respective teams, while Dylan Bursill booted four first-half majors to keep his side in the contest.

Forward-turned-utility

Luke Quirk switched ends after quarter-time and effectively quelled Judd’s influence.

Zander Dalbosco and Sam Dalbosco were influential between the arcs and were both able to sneak forward to hit the scoreboard.

Bright vice-captain and rebounding defender Michael Elliott said the game lived up to the hype, but it wasn’t always played on their own

terms as much as they would have liked.

“Greta really got on top through the midfield which gave Judd a few good looks early,” he said.

“After that I think we managed to even out.

“With Ramps (Max Rampling) going out early

through injury, it threw a spanner in the works with our midfield rotation.

“I definitely don’t think it’s time to panic – at times we moved the ball extremely well and cut through their zone with ease, and I think that’s where we can expose them next time we match up.”

The Mountain Men travel to Moyhu this Saturday and while recent history against the Hoppers has been kind, Elliott knows that he and his team needs to be at their best to take the four points back to Bright.

“I think we learned two

weeks ago (against North Wangaratta) that the moment you take any team lightly, they will take it right up to you, and Moyhu play their home ground very well,” Elliott said.

“We will have a good week on the track and get back to our process.”

Whorouly seniors’ eye drought breaker at Tarrawingee

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

WHOROULY’S senior football side is hoping to draw lessons from a challenging trio of games in their draw as they face Tarrawingee this weekend.

The Lions were no match for the reigning premiers in Bonnie Doon last Saturday, as the Bombers eclipsed the home side to the tune of 113 points.

A seven goal to nothing opening quarter set the tone for the Bombers, despite the Lions finding some scoreboard reprieve in the third quarter in their 4.4 (28) to 21.15 (141) defeat.

Coach Lochy Moore said it was a much-improved effort from his side’s 100-point loss against Milawa the week prior.

“It was never going to be easy, they’re a fantastic side,” he said.

“We had two and a half

good quarters of footy, even against sides not as good as Bonnie Doon it’s not enough, but we took a lot out of it.”

Whorouly will now look towards a big chance at their second win of the season against Tarrawingee, who are coming off a win against last-placed Benalla.

Moore said a win over the Dogs would be a big confidence boost for his boys.

“When we come up against a side who isn’t in that top five, we really want to be able to compete and come away with a win,” he said.

On the court, Whorouly’s A grade continue to make steady improvements week on week in the midst of their tough schedule.

A devastating 14-6 third quarter from the Bombers proved to be a fatal blow for the Lions, as the thirdplaced away side went on to win 41-56.

BURSTING THROUGH: Whorouly senior coach Lochy Moore will be hoping for a breakthrough win over Tarrawingee this weekend.

Coach Kelly Cousins said while it was an unfortunate third quarter, she was pleased with how her team took it up to a quality side like the Bombers.

“We played really well for

a half, but we just couldn’t manage to keep that intensity up for the full four quarters,” she said.

“I would’ve been happier if we could’ve kept the result to under 10.

“Our shooting was much more accurate this week and our flow into our goal ring was much more consistent as well.

“It’s been good to have all of these hard games in a row, it helps lift the quality of your netball which I think we have from Greta.”

Sarah Primerano was lethal in front of goal, converting 27 of her 32 shots at the ring, while Katelin Anesbury provided top link-up play from wing attack.

Cousins said she looked forward to see how her team would fare against the Dogs this week, as the look to break their four game losing streak.

“It’ll be really interesting to see how we go, hopefully we can improve again after these run of hard matches we’ve had in the past month,” she said.

The club came together off the field to support foot-

baller Will Allen and a host of 11 players and volunteers who shaved or coloured their hair to raise funds for the Wellness Centre at Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre.

Allen, well-known for his head of dreadlocks, set out to raise $5000 for the centre earlier in the year and as the ‘locks’ were cut, he doubled his target, raising $12,000.

Moore said it was a fantastic achievement which was supported with great spirit by the club.

“It could look for a mean side come the weekend,” he said.

“There’s a fantastic feel around the club at the moment, there’ll be some pretty tough moments on the field but off the field I think we’re as strong as ever

“As a club we are showing out and sticking thick and it’s really cool to be a part of.”

HOT CONTEST: Joe Crawley looks to snatch the footy out of congestion.

MIDFIELD MAUL: Ruckmen Mark Wettern (Greta) and Joe Gray (Bright) had an intriguing battle in the ruck all day.

PHOTOS: Nathan De Vries

ONE

Sporting superstar Skylah

FOR young Skylah McPherson, excelling in one sport just wasn’t enough, so her skills are now shared between three; basketball, netball and football.

The 16-year-old Myrtleford resident has been playing basketball and netball since primary school, and picked up football last year.

“My cousin played the women’s footy with the boys at Myrtleford and said she really enjoyed it, plus I grew up kicking the footy with my three brothers so I thought I’d

BY LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE LAndersonByrne@ nemedia.com.au

give it a go,” she said.

“I really enjoyed playing with the Myrtleford Club under-14s and my coach got me onto V/ Line, which is just under Murray Bushrangers team.

“After V/Line I tried out for bushies last year and did a preseason with them and got selected for the under-16s.

“I was a bit surprised because I thought I wasn’t that good back then but since training with such supportive teammates and my coaches also supporting me through the whole thing, I’m really confident in my skills now.

“Since I started playing I won the under-14s footy runners up, as well as lead best and fairest for netball with the Ovens and Murray league under-15s.

I won MVP for Myrtleford Netball Club last year and two years in a row I’ve won the A

Do you know someone 18 years old or under who has had some great sporting, academic, artistic or community minded achievements? Think our community should know about this person?

E-mail us at: edit.alptimes@nemedia.com.au with your nomination.

Grade best and fairest.”

Skylah said her love of sports has been around from a young age.

“I just love it, both the active aspect and the socialising,” she said.

“It’s a lot of fun to have social sports on after school and meeting new people who you may not have spent time with before.

“I also love that it keeps me fit and active.

“I used to do swimming, I stopped about five years ago, but I once broke a 20-year record for 50

metre freestyle at a pennant.

“I can definitely see myself continuing with netball and basketball through my teenage years but I really do want to go far in football and one day play for the AFLW.

“For now I’m super keen to play with the Under-18s Bushies team.”

Skylah is also currently in with Ovens and Murray representative netball team for under-17s as well as the occasional interleague team during tournaments.

TALENTED TEEN:

Myrtleford teenager

Skylah McPherson excels at football, netball and basketball.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

2024 afl businesstipping footy

Bombers’ winning streak comes to an end

By DANIEL SAVILLE

THEY may have lost their first game for seven weeks, but the belief and confidence of Dederang-Mount Beauty’s A grade netball side has certainly not diminished.

A first-quarter lapse by the Bombers was all it took for league leaders Kiewa-Sandy Creek to capitalise on a much-improved opposition and continue their eight-game unbeaten streak.

The 38-52 scoreline at the end of four enthralling quarters on Saturday in Mount Beauty was a vastly different result to the last time these two teams met almost ten months ago, with the margin more than halved this time around.

Dederang-Mount Beauty trailed by eight goals at the first break, but turned up the heat to level the second quarter, then crept within six goals of the lead in the third quarter to stay within striking distance.

Unfortunately, the Bombers could not maintain the rage in the final quarter and the margin reached 14 goals.

Senior netball coach Alex Dyde was optimistic about how the four quarters played out despite not getting the win.

“A few successful turnovers from them in the early minutes meant we finished the first quarter with some catching up to do,” she said.

“After the first quarter, the intensity from both teams was unreal and equally matched.

“The quality of netball shown today proved to ourselves, and to others, that we are a force on the court.”

The challenges do not get much easier this week as Dederang-Mount Beauty (fourth) travel to Thurgoona (third), with the winner of this blockbuster match set to consolidate their position as a genuine contender.

“We definitely aren’t afraid of an away game, even against top teams,” Dyde said.

“If we can repeat the netball that we put forward on the court last week, then we have every possibility to take the win over Thurgoona.”

In Tallangatta league football, Dederang-Mount Beauty were comprehensively outplayed by Kiewa-Sandy Creek, with the final margin blowing out to 157 points.

The inclusion of Phil Bellingham made a difference for the Bombers, but the fourth-placed Hawks reached the ton by half-time and cruised to a 24.26 (170) to 2.1 (13) victory.

DMB’s Michael Collins (two goals) was his side’s only goalkicker and will be hoping to hit the scoreboard again this Saturday as the Bombers take on the Bulldogs in Thurgoona.

BLUE BATTLE

BRIGHT’S Zander Dalbosco (right) was among his team’s best as he fights for the footy, but it wasn’t enough to get past Greta at home, as the Mountain Men suffered their first loss of the 2024 season. Report page 25.

Savoy stay unbeaten

Savoy look to remain undefeated heading

MYRTLEFORD continued their scintillating unbeaten start to the season with a 4-1 away win over St Pat’s.

Coming off an inspired come from behind win in their La Fiera home opener last week, Savoy made it eight wins from eight games in the regular season to sit five points and a game clear on top of the senior men standings.

The winless St Pat’s side gave the ladder leaders a challenge in the first half, entering the sheds just a goal down at 2-1.

A slightly undermanned Myrtleford outfit responded, peppering the goals relentlessly

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

through the second 45 minutes to run away with the win.

Coach Jayden Vescio said it was pleasing to see his team grind out the win.

“They put up a good fight early, we missed quite a few chances in the first half but we were able to get on top in the second half and do it pretty comfortably,” he said.

“We’ve had a couple of grinding wins in recent weeks, but

we talk about big moments in games and we’re able to get on top in those moments which is credit to the boys and why we sit on top of the tree, they’ve been clutch in those moments.”

Pietro Montagner secured a brace in just his second game of the season, while Jake Miles and Tom LaSpina rounded out the scoresheet for the away side.

Going up against the bottom side, Myrtleford made the decision to rest captain Brenton Cook and Lewis Holloway with precautionary injuries.

Vescio said he was thoroughly impressed with 16-year-old pair

Whether it be local events, food and wine or exploring the region’s many natural attractions, Alpine Alive provides a comprehensive guide of things to do and see. The new format Alpine Alive will be printed in full colour on premium white newsprint and will be published six times a year to coincide with key visitor times and local events.

As well as being inserted into the Myrtleford Times and Alpine Observer, the supplement will also be a stand alone publication with 500 extra copies being distributed at key tourism/visitor locations across the Alpine Shire and Visitor Information Centres throughout North East Victoria. The Alpine Alive supplement is the ultimate guide for locals and visitors alike, who are keen to explore everything the wonderful Alpine Valley and High Country has to offer.

of replacements Bodie McCabe, who made his first division one start and Ethan Luppino, who played his first minutes of senior football coming off the bench.

“Bodie had a couple of chances to score which would’ve made his day even better,” he said.

“It was good to have a look at where they’re at against men.”

Savoy now face a testy run into the King’s Birthday bye round with matches against Melrose at home on Sunday before their replacement fixture against Cobram on Thursday night in Wangaratta.

■ Continued page 23

PHOTO: Richard Xerri