An estimated 500 people attended the dawn service in Bright last Friday, commemorating the 110th anniversary since the birth of the ANZACs. Full story page 6.
Smaller budget
3% rate rise to help fund $8.4m
ALPINE Shire Council’s dra 2025/26 budget is proposing a three percent overall rate increase with a total operating expenditure of $36.6m and a total capital works expenditure of $8.4m.
BY JEFF ZEUSCHNER jzeuschner@ nemedia.com.au
The dra budget, which was to be discussed at last night’s council meeting and go out for public release today, projects total income of $35.3m, which is a big drop from 2024/25 income of $49.5m, largely due to a reduction in government grant funding.
Council forecasts an operating de cit of $1.3m, attributed to a range of factors including an increase in materials and service charges re ecting in ationary impact on costs, such as insurance premiums, and
the delivery of key projects, such as council’s strategic planning program.
The three per cent rate increase is the maximum allowed under the State Government’s Fair Go Rates System, and while council initially looked at applying for an increase above the rate cap, it decided not to proceed.
Council’s rates and charges are budgeted at $23.4m, and its operating expenditure provides for an
overall decrease in materials and services expenditure from $17.2m in 2024/25 to $15.4m in 2025/26, re ecting the continued focus on streamlining operations and improving e ciency.
The dra budget includes a reduction of employee numbers from 141 full time equivalent (FTE) sta to 137 FTE, which is largely linked to the nalisation of temporary roles which were funded through grant funding which
is coming to an end.
Council’s planned capital works program totalling $8.4m is a signi cant decrease from the 2024/25 capital works budget of $19m.
Council said the decrease is due to a number of signi cant projects reaching completion in 2024/25 and a reduction in available grant funding - with just $1.2m of grant funding in 2025/26 compared to $12.2m in 2024/25, although this could
change if potential grant funding opportunities arose.
Highlights of the proposed capital works program include:
• $2.4m for roads, including stabilisation and patching, line marking, asphalt overlays, and a road upgrade program;
• $1.6m for waste, including kerbside and public bins renewal, and land ll capping;
■ Continued page 12
PHOTO: Jean-Pierre Ronco
and
Landmark remembrance for lost servicemen and women
By PHOEBE MORGAN
THE darkness of Myrtleford’s ANZAC Day dawn service gave way to sunny brilliance during the 11am morning service, as the town gathered in A.D. Lowerson V.C. Memorial Square to mark the 110-year commemoration of the Gallipoli landing, last Friday.
“How wonderful it is to see the march today and it is very pleasing to see so many here to remember and commemorate the deeds and sacri ces of many from our community who have proceeded us,” Myrtleford’s RSL president, Kim Bu ett said.
“As we gather at this sacred place, our own war memorial, we will remember those ANZACs and the nurses from here and surrounding localities and
ANZAC DAY MYRTLEFORD
from towns like ours all over Australia and New Zealand.
“We remember the sacrices made by all who have followed them in other conicts and other peace-keeping deployments.”
The spirit of remembrance was deeply felt by attendees as: the opening prayer was led by Canon Moira Evers; the choir from St Mary’s Primary School performed two pieces led by Rachel Campbell; Marian College school captains Jack Byrne and Lily Burton read the Requiem; and senior school leaders from Myrtleford’s P-12 College, Aaron Kitts and Zahlee Filtron, re-
spectively read the Motion of Loyalty and the Salute.
There was a pause during the ceremony as a WWII plane ew over the town, the sound echoing back to what life for some was like during wartime.
“Today is not a celebration of battle, or glori cation of war, but a day to remember those who have served and given their lives for this country,” guest speaker, Lieutenant Byron Brun-Smits told the hundreds attending the service.
“The essence of Gallipoli, was in the face of adversity and the potential for defeat, the Australian spirit triumphed.”
A er outlining how honoured local soldier, A.D. Lowerson earned his Victoria Cross medal, Lt Brun-Smits lead an acknowledgement of the service and sacri ce
of all those whom have worn our nation’s uniform.
“Their dedication and professionalism are a testament to the enduring spirit of the ANZACs,” he said.
Alpine Shire Councillor, Gareth Graham read the Prayer for the Nation, before the wreath-laying ceremony took place.
Immediate past president of the Myrtleford RSL, Bryan Meehan recited the Ode of Remembrance, before bugler, Sam Rinaldo, bookmarked the Minute Silence with ‘The Last Post’ and ‘The Rouse’ (or ‘The Reveille’).
Following the national anthems of New Zealand and Australia, the catafalque party from the Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (ASEME) dismounted from their posts
around the cenotaph, as the morning’s proceedings came to a close.
A er Canon Moira’s farewell blessing, Mr Bu ett invited all to the RSL rooms for a light luncheon and the drawing of the ANZAC Day ra e.
“I want to extend the RSL’s thanks to the Alpine Shire Council, CFA, SES, Lions club and Victoria Police for their assistance in helping get the ceremony up and running,” Mr Bu ett said.
“Thanks also to the multiple other people who have made today happen.
“The newspaper doesn’t have enough space to list them all, but we’re very grateful.”
For families who attended the ceremony, the theme of sacrifice on behalf of the Myrtleford com-
munity was kept in mind.
“ANZAC Day for us is a day to take time to respect our family members and others who served in the armed forces,” local resident, Christine Watts said.
“Our only plans are to attend this morning’s service and have a day o with our children.”
“This morning’s service was very well done,” Myrtleford local, Anna Millar said.
“We attend every year and it was lovely to see all of the community involvement once again.
“My mother Gerry Green is very involved with the RSL.” Ms Green was spotted distributing sprigs of rosemary to help decorate crowds of people and participants in the march to commemorate this year’s service.
HONOURING LOCAL LIVES LOST: Former
current presidents of the Myrtleford and District Historical Society, John Taylor OAM and Kerry Murtagh laid a wreath for the 110th Gallipoli landing commemoration anniversary.
ANNUAL FAMILY OUTING FOR ANZAC DAY: Xavier, Paddy, Craig, Anna and Ed Millar with grandmother Gerry Green (centre), gathered to mark ANZAC Day with hundreds of fellow Myrtleford residents remembering the fallen.
HISTORIC HUM OVERHEAD: A WWII aircra flew twice over the town centre to mark the ANZAC Day commemorations.
SONGS OF SERVICE: St Mary’s Primary School choir, led by Rachel Campbell, sang ‘Can You Hear the Children Marching?’ and ‘Abide with Me’. PHOTOS: Phoebe Morgan
State backs La Fiera celebrations
By PHOEBE MORGAN
MYRTLEFORD’S annual La Fiera Italian Festival is being backed by the Victorian government.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos, last week confirmed the popular annual festival was among 22 community events around the state to receive funding in the latest round of the govern-
ment’s Regional Events Fund (REF).
Minister Dimopoulos said while individual grant amounts are con dential, community events can receive up to $50,000 to help draw visitors to regional areas.
“The Regional Events Fund brings thousands of visitors to local communities, providing a huge boost for businesses and showcasing some of Victoria’s most
incredible destinations,” he said.
The funding boost comes as nal preparations for the festival - to be staged from May 15 to 19 - are underway, hoping to see delight thousands of attendees at some of the festival’s iconic gatherings.
“All the planning for this year’s La Fiera is going very well,” festival committee member, John ReynoldsSmith said.
“Our premium table bookings have now all been sold out, as well as the tickets to James Liotta’s comedy show; ‘Mamma’s Still Not Happy’.
“All the food vans have been arranged, the marquees, the wine vendors; and the Myrtleford Film Society are also putting on a Saturday night screening at the EMPAC theatre: ‘Un Mondo Aparte’; (A World Apart), an Italian comedy drama which includes subtitles.
“It costs us roughly $80,000 approximately to put on the festival each year.
“A er lockdowns, the committee realised if we were going to continue on with the festival, it had to transform, even partially, into a ticketed event.
“It’s taken a lot of work to get to this stage, of course, and nding enough volunteer numbers is not an easy hurdle to conquer.
“If anyone would like to
MOUNTAIN BIKER, PARAGLIDER RESCUED AT MYSTIC PARK
By PHOEBE MORGAN
EMERGENCY service agencies from Bright responded to incidents involving a mountain-biker and paraglider at Mystic Park last Thursday.
A female mountain-biker injured her lower leg after falling off one of the tracks and was bought to safety by emergency service officers at the scene.
“We were able to assist the Ambulance Victoria paramedics by carrying the patient up the hill in a stretcher, to the awaiting ambu-
lance,” Controller of the Bright SES branch, Graham Gales said.
Local Ambulance Victoria, SES, CFA, police and bike patrol volunteers were all involved in the recovery of the patient, before she was taken to hospital.
In a separate incident, emergency services were back at Mystic Park after a paraglider lost control and fell, landing on the ground in the pine plantation forest.
The paraglider suffered immobilising injuries and needed to be carried
up the path to the road where the ambulance was waiting.
Bright CFA, SES, Ambulance Victoria, police as well as the Mystic Park Bike Patrol worked together to recover the patient, before they were transferred to hospital for further treatment.
Festival’s opening showcase a success
THE Bright Autumn Festival continues in earnest this week a er the Opening Showcase was held at Howitt Park last Friday afternoon.
A er a welcome to all and an Acknowledgement of Country, attendees enjoyed the live music talents on display and dropped by the food and drink vans available.
The face-painting tent also ensured some lucky children in attendance were treated to a beautiful piece of facial artwork.
Thousands of people enjoyed the Wandi Nut Festival last weekend (story page 12), and this week’s events include:
• from 9:30am to 11:30am today, ‘The Rush for Gold and the Chinese’ historical walk takes place at the Bright Cemetery, then museum, with entry at $20, includes homemade morning tea;
• three separate one-act plays at The Courthouse Theatre, each evening from May 1 to 4, to begin at 8pm;
• Bright Croquet Club open to the public this Thursday from 9am to 2:30pm; and
• on Friday, Bright Museum will welcome attendees on site
volunteer for a few hours to help us out, they can have free entrance the event for the rest of the day.”
One of the La Fiera’s committee’s aims is to make this year’s festival a sustainable event: all the food vendors must use compostable temporary plates, glasses and so on to reduce waste.
For more information about this year’s La Fiera Italian Festival, visit: https:// la era.com.au/
MANY HANDS AT MYSTIC: All emergency services, including the Mystic Park Bike Patrol, were on hand to assist this injured mountain biker. PHOTO: Bright SES
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Free outdoor fitness classes for perimenopausal and menopausal women
ALPINE Health and Gateway Health, as part of the Active Alpine Group, will run two free outdoor tness equipment classes specically designed for peri-menopausal and menopausal women in the Alpine Shire in May.
Both sessions will be held at the beautiful Apex Park in Myrtleford, providing a welcoming and supportive environment for women to stay active, socialise and have fun.
The free classes will run on Saturday, 17 and 24 May, from 10am to 11am.
Participants are also invited to join for a relaxed co ee
catch-up a erwards (at their own cost), o ering a great chance to connect and build community.
Alpine Health’s health promotion o cer, Maureen Ryland, said it had been great to o er the community a variety of free classes since the equipment was installed in 2023.
“We’ve had a fantastic response from the community, many of whom continue to meet and exercise together a er the formal classes concluded,” she said.
“More recently, we’ve focused on supporting women to stay active.
“In March, we part-
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Helen Haine’s independence is a strength
MELISSA Wood (Myrtleford Times/Alpine Observer letters, 9 April) wrote voicing her concern over the taxation policies of both the Greens and the Australian Labor Party. She then mentions
nered with the Alpine Shire Council’s maternal and child health team to o er free classes for the First Time Parents Group at the Porepunkah Outdoor Equipment and now we’re thrilled to o er classes to peri-menopausal and menopausal women.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to support women to stay healthy and active during this important stage of life.”
Places are limited, so registration is essential.
To register or for more information, contact Ms Ryland on mob 0437 366 982 or maureen.ryland@alpinehealth.org.au
governments who govern with “the support of Independents and small parties”.
Finally she asks Independent Helen Haines to declare in advance whether she supports the Greens’ tax policies and whom will she support in the case of a hung parliament?
As Helen has stated on many occasions, she votes a er carefully considering each piece of legislation on its merits.
As an Independent Helen is not beholden to any political party or policies, and therefore her votes are conscience votes.
Unfortunately for MPs who belong to mainstream political parties they are bound to vote according to party policy, even if they don’t agree with it.
One hundred years ago a comic opera entitled HMS Pinafore was written, poking fun at the aristocratic British
Members of Parliament.
One character sang “I always voted at my party’s call - I never thought of thinking for myself at all!” Sounds familiar!
Yes, Indi voters do deserve honesty and integrity from politicians.
That’s what Helen Haines has demonstrated during her two terms in parliament and why she will get my vote.
Dorothy Veldman, Myrtleford
LETTERS to the editor must be signed with the full name, address and contact telephone number of the author provided. Letters under 250 words are preferred and we reserve the right to edit letters to fit available space. Nom de plumes will only be published at the editor’s discretion. Opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by this newspaper.
Email: edit.timesobserver@nemedia.com.au
Post: North East Media 76 Standish Street, Myrtleford, Vic 3737
WORKOUT READY: Sarah Nevin (le ) from Gateway Health and Leeah Cooper from Equilibre Health demonstrate how to use the outdoor fitness equipment at Apex Park Myrtleford. PHOTO: Alpine Health
Early votes roll in for Indi
HUNDREDS of Alpine
Shire residents have been casting their votes early in the federal election, but thousands will still head to the polls on election day this Saturday, 3 May, to elect Indi’s federal MP for the next three years.
Bright’s Masonic Hall in Hawthorn Lane, which is acting as an early voting centre within the shire, saw 1311 voters attend last week to lodge their ballots.
Collectively the seven early voting centres throughout Indi saw 19,378 voters lodge their ballot papers last week, and all the early voting centres are opened this week, from 8.30am to 5.30pm today and tomorrow, and 8.30am to 6pm this Friday.
The early voting centres are closed on election day.
Polling places on Election Day voting, 3 May, will be open from 8am to 6pm in the Alpine Shire.
Polling places will be located at: Bright and District Senior Citizens Centre; Wandiligong Public Hall; Porepunkah Primary School; Mt Beauty Community Centre; Harrietville Primary School; Dederang Recreation Reserve; Mudgegonga Community Hall; Myrtleford Senior
Citizens Centre; as well as Gapsted Public Hall and Whorouly Public Hall.
The nine candidates vying for your vote in the Indi federal election are: Independent incumbent federal MP Helen Haines; Mitch Bridges (Labor); James Trenery (Liberal); Athol Thomas (One Nation); Alysia Regan (The Greens); Tim Quilty (Libertarian); Michael White (Family First); Ben Howman (Legalise Cannabis); and Mark McFarlane (Independent).
Dr Haines has held the Indi seat for two terms after taking over from fellow Independent Cathy McGowan in 2019.
Candidates’ supporters enjoying the election experience
Ms McGowan famously beat former Liberal MP Sophie Mirabella in a tight contest in 2013 and again at the 2016 election.
In 2019 Dr Haines won 51.4 per cent of the vote over Liberal Party candidate Steve Martin, despite a 4.1pc swing to the Libs.
She backed up in 2022 to beat Liberal candidate Ross Lyman after achieving a 7.55pc swing in her favour.
■ SEE PAGE 9 FOR YOU FINAL Q&A WITH ALL NINE CANDIDATES IN THE INDI FEDERAL ELECTION
By PHOEBE MORGAN
EARLY voting is something many people have appreciated.
For Helen Roy, who voted at the Bright Masonic Hall last week, being able to vote early was very convenient.
“On voting day, you might have something else going on and you can’t make it,” she said.
Volunteers for this year’s candidates manning the prepoll station at the hall have noticed different foot-traffic patterns.
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MONDAY 12TH MAY, 12:30PM WANGARATTA
Helloworld is now in Bright
Consultation available on Mondays with Yvette or Pauline by appointment between 9am and 5pm. Please call Yvette or Pauline to make an appointment on 0491214160 or by email Yvette.albury@helloworld.com.au
“There’s been a steady attendance of voters, with a wide variety of people, ages and abilities showing up,” Carol Norton-Smith said.
“There’s two types of voters I’ve seen: the bees and the bee-liners.
“One’s more social and stops in to chat to all the party representatives present and the other goes straight through.
“There was one really elderly lady earlier who was helped inside by her daughter.
“It’s very heartwarming to see elderly people mak-
ing their way here to vote, I believe, for the benefit of their children and grandchildren.
“While it was raining earlier, the volunteers from another party who had a marquee set up were very gracious and made room for the rest of us to take shelter in.
“We may be from different places politically, but we all help each other out.
“One lady from another camp was very generous; she went and brought back coffee and doughnuts for everyone the other day.”
Volunteer John Robinson
said he had found people very pleasant and “very good at recycling their how-to-vote papers”.
Carole Price, who first started volunteering for her party this year, said she admired the effort her candidate was putting in to this campaign.
“The candidate I’m assisting put a call out because he needed volunteers to help him at polling places,” she said.
“I wanted to give him my time and effort because he’s putting his own resources into this campaign and having a go, which I admire.”
CAST YOUR VOTE: Candidates’ supporters have been out
Masonic Hall in Bright.
PHOTO: Phoebe Morgan
Smooth service for ANZAC anniversary
By PHOEBE MORGAN
THE annual ANZAC Day services in Mount Beauty last Friday were a great success, with more than 120 people in attendance.
The day began with a dawn service at Bicentennial Park at 7am to commemorate local and national fallen soldiers’ sacrice.
Lakeside Avenue was closed o between the Kiewa Valley Highway and Kiewa Crescent, in the hour leading up to the
10:45am march, which culminated at Memorial Park for the 11am morning service.
Local resident, Jim Crebbin, rode his WWI Rudge Multi motorcycle, which was built in 1914, a er the procession of exservicemen and other participants in this year’s march.
“My husband wore my grand-
father’s medals as he rode his motorcycle in the march,” Meg Crebbin said.
“My grandfather went to both World Wars, returned safely and died at age 96 or so.
“It was a perfect day, weatherwise and it was also great to see all of the generations within Mount Beauty enjoying the ceremony.
“From the little kids, to their parents and grandparents, too.”
The crowd was addressed by Alpine Shire Councillor Noah Tanzen and guest speaker, Lieu-
tenant Callum Leech.
Attendees at the Mount Beauty service didn’t miss out on the y-over by the WWII plane that was seen in the Alpine Shire skies that morning.
President of the Mount Beauty RSL, Bob Williams, laid a wreath as he has done for the past 20 years and jokingly said; ‘someone else can take it up in the future’.
Attendees were invited to Mountain Monk Brewers where light refreshments were held after the main service.
Hundreds at Bright’s dawn service
By PHOEBE MORGAN
BEFORE the sun rose last Friday morning, hundreds of locals and visitors had lled Mafeking Square to attend Bright’s annual ANZAC Day dawn service at the clocktower.
A division of soldiers from Bandiana were in attendance to participate in the dawn and main service to represent the past and present
local and nation-wide soldiers who have fought for our country in the name of peace.
“We had two very good services on the day,” president of the Bright
RSL sub-branch, Philip Keegan said.
“The weather was fantastic and both events ran smoothly, thanks to all the RSL members and volunteers who helped in the lead up to ANZAC Day.
“There’s too many people to thank to put a name to.”
The morning service was held at 10.50am, a er the march led by stu-
dent representatives, with a crowd of more than 1000 people watching on. Bob Spencer, OBE, chaplain of the Bright RSL sub-branch, delivered a prayer for all those a ected by war.
Judy Moore from the Bright RSL, who in the past year had recovered records of two local nurses who served overseas during wartime - Lt Colonel Helena Elizabeth
Monica McMahon and Sister Florence Maud Howitt - spoke about the important role nurses play during con icts.
Before the minute silence, Jeremy O’Sullivan performed the Last Post on the bugle, followed by the Reveille.
Following the morning’s service, light refreshments were held at the RSL Hall in Camp Street.
LOCAL LAURELS: Bright RSL sub-branch president, Philip Keegan, placed a wreath at the memorial a er speaking of the a ects of war on the community.
of the Bright RSL sub-branch, delivered a prayer for all those a ected by war.
CHAMPIONING MEDICINE: Judy Moore from the Bright RSL spoke about the important role nurses played in wartime.
LAST POST: Bugler Jeremy O’Sullivan played the Last Post in Bright, as other members of the O’Sullivan family assisted with the Tangambalanga, Wodonga and Yackandandah services.
PHOTOS: Jean-Pierre Ronco
ANZAC DAY MT BEAUTY
New deputy principal excited by his role at Marian College
By PHOEBE MORGAN
MARIAN College has a new deputy principal of learning and teaching, with Michael Webbers having taken up the role at the start of term two.
Mr Webbers has previously held a number of leadership roles during his time as an educator at Galen Catholic College in Wangaratta, including as a house leader which focuses on pastoral care and being the head of the mathematics domain.
“Marian College is a pretty amazing place to come to work; the environment is outstanding,” he said.
“The teachers here are incredible at what they do, by also being inviting and making people feel welcome and I’ve felt that since day one.
“I just want to be a part of their
MAJOR redevelopment of the Cloud 9 Restaurant at Falls Creek is nearing completion, ahead of the 2025 winter season.
The iconic building on top of the mountain near Halley’s Comet Chairli has been undergoing redevelopment over the past three summers, as part of a partnership between Falls Creek Ski Li s and Traverse Alpine Group (TAG).
This summer, the project is going through its third and nal stage, delivering a new roof and high ceilings with huge windows all facing north to make the most of the spectacular views looking across to Spion Kopje.
There is also a large new semienclosed area to o er wind protection and shelter from the snow, and a new bar service area upstairs in the mezzanine level to provide additional room for all guests.
The external works are now complete, with work now focused on nishing touches indoors.
In addition to the restaurant, the building is also the resort’s Snowsports School hub with lesson
teaching and learning journey.
“I’ve always been very keen to be able to move across into di erent educational areas, because it gives me more of a well-rounded view.
“Here at Marian, I’m able to work closely with Kylie Quinn, the deputy principal of pastoral wellbeing and our child safety o cer, to ensure we’re making the best possible decisions and choices with our sta .
“This is an excellent opportunity to progress my understanding of curriculum design and for us to nd the best approach in regards to teaching our students.
“I’ll also be teaching a few di erent classes, mainly the Year 10 maths class, which I’m super excited about.
“I love teaching students who are in those formation years, where
they’re making their choice on whether they want to continue on with education or if they’re wanting to progress into some sort of workforce or training; so it’s a great opportunity.
“To be honest, there’s a lot of stu I’d like to achieve here; I’m pretty keen to be a part of this school’s community.”
Mr Webbers said he was equally excited about working alongside Myrtleford’s P-12 College.
“I just think we’ve got an awesome symbiotic relationship where we’re going to grow so well together,” he said.
“I’m really looking forward to spending time here and seeing what we as a community are able to achieve.”
PHOTO: Phoebe Morgan
meeting areas right outside, and a Falls Creek Sports retail store located inside for all those last-minute winter essentials.
Several local rms have been involved in the redevelopment, including Duggan & Hanlon Constructions, Sendit Architecture and Kusch Consulting Engineers who
are all from North East Victoria, as well as Melbourne and Sydney based NMBW Architecture Studio and Cave Urban Architects.
At 1600m above sea level, the Cloud 9 Restaurant is proudly one of the highest buildings in Australia.
Lee Duggan from Duggan & Hanlon Constructions, said the
Expressions of interest invited for commercial lease at Scrubbers Hut
ALPINE Shire Council is inviting expressions of interest for the lease of a commercial space at Scrubbers Hut in Dinner Plain.
A council spokesperson said the available space o ers approximately 8.6 square meters of lettable area, ideal for kiosk operations.
“This includes a covered outdoor space and shared facilities with a ticket and toboggan rental kiosk,” they said.
“Public amenities, including female, male, and accessible restrooms, are also available within the facility.
“Council requires any interested parties to submit an annual rent proposal inclusive of GST, with annual CPI reviews.
“No additional outgoings will be required.
“The maximum lease period is set at three years, though seasonal lease terms will be considered.
redevelopment also has a strong focus on the environment across all aspects of the project.
“We are utilising sustainable and recycled materials throughout the building fabric whilst maximising insulation through thermally broken windows and design to capture all that the sun can o er,” he said.
“The anticipated lease commencement date is mid-May 2025, or by negotiation.”
An onsite inspection is scheduled for Thursday, 1 May at 10.30 am. To register interest, email sascha@ alpineshire.vic.gov.au. For more information go to the council website.
Mary & Christine Clarke
Where do you live?
We live in Berwick. How often do you visit the Bright area?
Mary: I’ve never been here before.
Christine: I thought I would bring Mum to Bright at least once during the autumn. My hubby and I visit at least once or twice a year: we bring our bikes and go riding along the rail trail. What do you do for a living?
M: I’m a retired farmer. My
husband and I used to have a farm at Pakenham, but we retired to Berwick exactly 26 years ago on Easter Thursday.
C: I work in the fitness and banking industries.
What are your hobbies and interests?
C: I like walking, cycling, hiking and reading.
Wangaratta's premier audiology clinic
M: I enjoy water aerobics, line-dancing, reading, watching television and sometimes making crafts like knitting and crocheting. What do you think makes the area so unique?
M: It’s a lovely area with colourful trees and a beautiful landscape. All the shops are lovely and the main street is flat, which I appreciate.
C: For people who have an electric vehicle like me, it’s very handy Bright has EV charging spots. It’s great the Ovens River runs through the town; we used to get on lilos and cruise down the river on our holidays. It’s a great place for people. When I had my 60th birthday, I brought my adult children here and we all had a great time.
What would you change about the area?
C: I wish the town was closer to Melbourne, but we’d still make the big effort to drive here. I’d like the town to adopt
Allison Risstrom
Where do you live?
I live in Wangaratta.
How often do you visit the Myrtleford area?
My sister lives in Bright, so I’m always travelling back and forth.
What do you do for a living?
I’m a retail assistant at a supermarket.
What are your hobbies and interests?
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and so on.
I like going for walks, reading and listening to music.
What do you think makes the area unique?
Everything: the trees and the parks. Myrtleford has really evolved over the years. What would you change about the area?
ASH DARGAN
I wouldn’t change anything.
2025 federal election Indi Candidates
Q1 Explain three things you would pursue as Indi’s MP, to help ease cost of living expenses?
A1 I’ve already fought for and secured a $2.3 billion commitment to cheaper home batteries to lower household energy bills. If reelected I will fight to: Take on the big supermarkets by establishing a Supermarket Ombudsman that protects shoppers and farmers. I would also put all big businesses abusing their market power on notice by legislating an economy-wide divestiture power. Lower household energy bills for all households by creating a scheme that enables homeowners to install batteries and other energy efficiency upgrades at no upfront cost. Lower energy bills for small business and primary producers energy by creating a $30,000 tax write-off.
A1
First, I’ll fight for fair wages and secure jobs—Labor’s IR reforms are already helping workers get a better deal. Second, I’ll support Labor’s tax cuts that are now delivering more money into the pockets of working people. And third, I’ll push for continued cost-of-living relief through energy bill support, cheaper medicines, and access to free TAFE and child care. Labor is easing the pressure now - and building a fairer future.
Q2 In your final pitch to the Indi electorate, why should they vote for you?
A2 Being Independent works for Indi. Whether that’s fighting for stranded communities during the pandemic, relief after bushfires, shaping national housing solutions, or securing a National Anti-Corruption Commission, I’ve had local impact and national influence. There’s no big party telling me how to vote or not to fight for something because it’s not on their list. I am laser focused on working for Indi and a fair deal for regional Australia. I’ll keep working for the infrastructure we need to unlock housing and improve health services, access to childcare and better telecommunications. I’ll keep working to hold the government to account, to restore integrity and stamp out corruption. I’m working with you and for you, and I’ll keep fighting for Indi.
A2
I’m running to be Indi’s voice in a Labor Government that’s delivering for working people. From cost-of-living tax cuts and cheaper medicines to fairer workplace laws and regional job growth, Labor is backing communities like ours. I’ll fight for better services, more local opportunities, and a fair go for every town. With me, Indi won’t be left behind - we’ll have a seat at the table and someone who puts locals first.
A1
Only the Liberals have a plan for immediate cost of living relief and long-term measures to bring down inflation. We are suffering from the worst cost of living crisis in a generation. This is not good enough. The Liberals will cut the fuel tax in half, saving you 25 cents on every litre of fuel. This is a saving of $1,500 over 12 months for a family with two cars. This will happen immediately. The Liberals will deliver a Cost of Living Tax Offset to more than 64,710 local taxpayers, meaning 93% of tax payers in Indi will receive up to $1,200 in tax relief when they lodge their tax return for the upcoming financial year. We will also rein in wasteful government spending that is fuelling inflation and get interest rates down.
A1 One Nation is dedicated to easing cost of living pressures. We propose halving fuel excise for three years, saving 26 cents per litre, reducing transport and food costs. We’ll reduce electricity bills by 20% by prioritising affordable coal and gas, with renewables for peak demand. Couples with dependent children can file joint tax returns, splitting income to lower taxes and support family finances, reducing childcare reliance. These policies aim to put money back in people’s pockets, strengthening family units and communities, complementing our broader cost of living relief initiatives.
A1 The Greens are working for solutions to genuinely solve the climate and environment crisis, the housing crisis and the cost of living crisis, not just tinker around the edges. We’re working to bring down the cost of groceries, to stop unlimited rent increases, deliver low rate mortgages, and phase out the billions in government tax handouts to property investors with more than one property, to give renters and first home buyers a chance. We’re fighting for better rights and higher pay for working people. We’d restore the billions Labor has cut from the NDIS and lift income support to make sure no one is living below the poverty line.
A1
It’s not a cost of living crisis, it is a Cost of government crisis. Government taxes and bureaucracy and regulation are making Australia too expensive. We will cut income taxes to a flat 20% on incomes over $50K, and abolish excise tax on fuel and alcohol. We will reform energy policy to cut power prices. And we will reduce government participation in the economy, freeing up resources. We will stabilise the money supply and end the inflation tax, and cut government deficits and interest payments. Cut back migration to reduce house prices. The government is the cause of rising prices, and the Libertarian party has the solution – less government.
A1 Family First is focused on electricity prices at this election. The mismanaged transition to renewables requires government to now rapidly build new reliable generation to avoid grid instability and price spikes. Gas is the best choice with a reservation policy to keep prices down. There are also huge inequities in what people pay for electricity. It’s often the poorest who pay the most. We need to restructure electricity retailing to ensure that no one is missing out on winter heating because they are being charged rip off tariffs of four times the wholesale price. Family First also wants to cut red tape around housing construction and introduce family friendly tax structures.
A2 I’m running for parliament because I believe it’s time for change in Indi, to get Australia back on track. My wife Amanda and I own and operate a small business, run a farm at Talgarno, and like so many people across the North East, pay a mortgage and support our family. Just like you, we’re feeling the cost of living pinch. Everything is so much more expensive now than it was three years ago, when Albanese and Labor came to government - that’s why I believe it’s time for change. Peter Dutton and our Liberal Plan will lower inflation, create cheaper energy, build affordable homes, create safer communities, and deliver quality health care. It’s time for change in Indi to get Australia back on track.
A2 As a local mechanic and farmer from the Kiewa Valley, I am tired of Canberra’s neglect. Indi’s challenges include - housing shortages, farmland threats, economic and cost of living pressures. As your elected representative, I will genuinely listen to your concerns, ensuring true representation. One Nation’s bold vision to protect agriculture, boost housing, and ease financial burdens will support farmers, cut red tape, provide immediate cost of living relief and boost Australia’s economic future without reliance on hard working Australians to fund it. I’ll fight for Indi’s unique needs - safeguarding water resources, stopping unwanted renewable projects and increasing housing availability and affordability - while delivering prosperity. Vote for me to put Indi first with One Nation’s practical, common-sense solutions.
A2
We’ve now seen Labor adopt a number of Greens policies – 50c fares in Queensland, wiping 20% of student debt, making it free to see the GP. With more Greens, we can finish the job – expand Medicare further to include dental, roll out 50c fares across the country, wipe all student debt. There will be a minority government and the Greens are within reach of winning seats right across the country. Last time there was a minority, the Greens got dental into Medicare for kids. This is our chance to deliver it for everyone. This election, vote 1 Greens to keep Peter Dutton out and get Labor to act.
A2 Australia is sliding out of control into economic and social disaster, and the major parties want to double down and do even more of what caused the problem. It won’t work. We have these cargo-cult candidates who think they can just supplicate to Canberra and endless money will come from the magic money tree to solve their problems. It won’t work. We need serious people to take charge and stop the fall. As a former MP, I have a track record of standing up and fighting for our rights, for sensible social and economic policy. The Libertarian Party is the only one with a workable plan to turn things around. We need real action now, not more politicians lies.
A2 Family First is a true conservative party that isn’t afraid to tackle the hard questions. There are many complex issues where an MP owes his or her constituents a carefully considered judgement - I can’t say exactly how I would vote on everything ahead of time. What I can guarantee is that when it comes to moral issues, support for our democratic principles such as freedom of speech, and support for policies that give first priority to what is best for our kids, I am not going to shift my ground. We need a party with a vision of how we can maintain and build a good and great society. In Australian politics Family First is the better story.
A1 A2
We have been unable to contact this candidate, nor get a response from his party. The following is taken from the party’s website.
REDUCE HARM: The criminlisation of cannabis use is a decades old, failed policy that disproportinately harms young and Indigenous people and leads to massive upheaval in the lives of otherwise law abiding citizens. CREATE JOBS: Legalising and regulating cannabis will bring one of the nation’s leading cash crops under the rule of law. This will create jobs and economic opportunities in the formal economy instead of the illicit market. SAVE MONEY: Scare law enforcement resrouces will be better used to ensure public safety while reducing corrections and court costs. Governments would acquire significant new sources of revenue for regulating cannabis sales. PROMOTE CONSUMER SAFETY: Cannabis product testing is becoming a standard requirement for legalised cannabis markets. This means consumers are better informed about the cannabis they use.
A1
First I would seek major income tax reform to get out of Labor’s recession policies. We must have a long term view to remove income tax all together. The Liberal’s GST only added more to the Federal Government’s coffers, with no relief as promised by them. Secondly, tear up the Paris Climate Accord which is just a redistribution of wealth, over all things, the weather! Climate gate is a lie mate, and will only enslave you and your future. Thirdly, greater support for builders, just like we supported the car industry. The only difference is that the car industry left anyway, while the builders still remained. This housing crisis was spurred on by Labor/Green and Orange Teal immigration ideals, and left us on the streets. What about us? The people who built this country were only shown the kerb!
A2
Indi needs to be kept out of the hands of the corporate climate gangsters, the solar factories are a testament to that. We need far greater mental health long stay facilities, and two great hospitals on the border helping to do that. I will fight for your rights and freedoms to choose medical bodily autonomy, and bring justice to those harmed and forgotten about by the current medical system. We only get one chance to right the wrongs of the government of the last six years, and this is it.
Ben Howman Legalise Cannabis
Alysia Regan Greens
Athol Thomas One Nation
Helen Haines Independent
Mark McFalane Independent
Michael White Family First
Mitch BridgesLabor
Tim QuiltyLibertarian
James Trenery Liberal Party
Trails, triumphs and big smiles at Bright Fun Run
By SHANNA GRAY, Bright Fun Run committee member
BRIGHT absolutely turned it on for the 2025 Community Bank Bright Fun Run, with 400 runners hitting the trails and tracks under crisp, golden autumn skies last Saturday.
DJ Beauy had the beats pumping, the energy was sky-high and the smiles were even bigger.
The morning kicked o with the tough 18km HVP Plantations Trail Race, a true mountain challenge that saw plenty of determined faces - with James Barnett and Sarah-Jayne Miller taking out top honours in respective men and women categories.
Next up, the 8km Beatson Builders Trail Race brought out the speedy crowd, with Alec Franzke and Tory Thomas claiming victory in respective men and women categories.
The fast and friendly 3km Sixpence Co ee Trail Run - perfect for families, rst-timers, and future trail legends - was won by Theo Gray and Matilda Xerri in respective boys and girls categories.
The little ones stole many peoples’ hearts with the Kids’ Novelty Races - lots of laughs, wobbly sack races, and some serious egg-andspoon skills on display.
It was a fantastic display of talent across all distances, with plenty of
local faces shining on the day.
O the trails, the temporary ‘Village’ on the basketball court was buzzing!
Sixpence Co ee kept everyone fuelled, the Bright P-12 team served up a sizzling barbecue and tasty bake sale treats, while kids (and big kids) enjoyed temporary tattoos, yard games, and fun giveaways thanks to Community Bank Bright.
We’re still crunching the nal numbers, but we’re thrilled to say that 2025 has been our most successful fundraising year since the Bright Fun Run returned three years ago.
Last year we raised $14,000 and
we expect to exceed that, with funds going towards improvements that bene t the students at the school.
Whether you sprinted, strolled, skipped or cheered, you helped make the day unforgettable.
A huge thanks to our amazing volunteers, sponsors, and the entire Bright P-12 College community - this event just keeps getting better.
RESULTS:
18km HVP Plantations Trail Race:
Male - 1st James Barnett 1:19:49.9, 2nd Hayden Barnett 1:29:28.7, 3rd James Ralph 1:38:23.7; Female - 1st Sarah-Jayne Miller 1:42:50.5, 2nd Shivonne Sieber
1:46:02.3, 3rd Lucy Clark 1:48:43.4. 8km Beatson Builders Trail Race: Male - 1st Alec Franzke 36:22.6, 2nd Tim Goddard 41:22.1, 3rd Joey Evans 44:39.5;
Female - 1st Tory Thomas 46:10.1, 2nd Jade Hazeldine 46:47.9, 3rd Elise Marcianti 51:20.5. 3km Sixpence Coffee Trail Run: Male - 1st Theo Gray 12:55.8, 2nd Tommy Faulks 12:59.1, 3rd Alex Cox 13:30.0;
Female - 1st Matilda Xerri 13:20.2, 2nd Morgan Hope 13:57.6, 3rd Charlotte Koers 15:19.3.
For full results go to Alpine Timing - https://www.alpinetiming.com.au/ results/r571/
Breen
GREAT FUN: Bright P-12 College’s basketball courts were full of eager competitors for last Saturday’s Bright Fun Run.
RACING: Alaska Goddard (front) and Edie Gray (pink) were among these competing in the 3km Sixpence Co ee Trail Run.
STEEP CLIMB: Mick Evans digs in one one of the climbs in the 8km Beatson Builders Trail Race. Mick placed 13th overall in a time of 51 minutes,
AND THEY’RE OFF: Jade Hazeldine leads the large field as they head o in the 8km Beatson Builders Trail Race. Jane was the second placed female - behind Tory Thomas - and sixth overall in the race, in a time of 46 minutes, 49 seconds.
Do you know how to make your vote count?
Federal election, Saturday 3 May 2025
It’s important that you understand how to vote correctly.
On election day you need to complete two ballot papers:
• a green one for the House of Representatives
• a large white one for the Senate.
On the green ballot paper you are voting for a representative of your local area or electorate in the House of Representatives.
On the white ballot paper you are voting for representatives of your state or territory in the Senate.
Don’t worry if you make a mistake. Just ask for another ballot paper and start again.
White ballot paper – you can choose to vote either above or below the line
EITHER
Vote above the line Number at least 6 boxes for parties or groups, in the order of your choice.
Vote below the line Number at least 12 boxes for individual candidates, in the order of your choice.
“Concerningly high” traffic offences across local Police Service Area
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
LOCAL police have been le astounded a er drink and drug driving detections more than doubled in the last three days of a 10-day road safety blitz in the Wangaratta Police Area, taking in Wangaratta, Alpine and Moira local government areas.
Operation Compass ran over the Easter and ANZAC Day long weekends in an e ort to reduce road trauma, with a focus on distraction,
fatigue, impaired driving, speed and seatbelts.
Despite the heightened police presence on the major thoroughfares of the Wangaratta Police Service Area, 12 drink and drug drivers were caught from 24-27 April a er 11 drug drivers were detected in the operation’s rst week.
Sergeant Shaun Hillier of Wangaratta Highway Patrol said while there was a reduction in local roadrelated incidents, the 300 tra c of-
fences recorded throughout the operation were “concerningly high”.
“I am extremely concerned by the results,” he said.
“The statistics are well and truly above what we expect… it boggles my mind how people can be so silly.
“Given some of the dangerous behaviours we witnessed, our community could have very easily recorded more deaths or serious injuries on our road.”
Local police conducted 9755 Pre-
liminary Breath Tests across Wangaratta, Alpine and Moira shires over the duration of the operation.
Alpine cluster members from Bright, Myrtleford and Mount Beauty teamed up during Operation Compass for a combined effort Preliminary Testing Site on the Great Alpine Road at Porepunkah.
Some 713 tests were conducted, and while no drink driving o ences were detected several penalty notices were issued for tra c o ences.
Across Victoria, one in every 21 drivers tested for drugs returned positive tests as more than 700 drunk and drug drivers and about 4800 speeding o ences were detected.
Police also caught more than 850 unlicenced, disqualified or suspended drivers and issued 1418 infringements for disobeying traffic signs or signals, mobile phone use and seatbelt noncompliance.
Big crowds enjoyed wonderful weekend at Wandi Nut Festival
By PHOEBE MORGAN
THIS year’s Wandiligong Nut Festival was a well-received success all around, as locals and visitors celebrated the region’s produce last Saturday and Sunday.
‘We are overwhelmed by the community’s support,” festival committee president, Lee Rosser said.
“This is the community’s festival, it is our celebration of the end of the season and an opportunity to give visitors a taste of the beautiful area that we are lucky to live in.
“We are so grateful to have amazing artists, foodies, entertainers and expertise living in the North East area that allows us to showcase incredible talent and enables local musicians to play with world class production.
“As we are a not-for-pro t event, all of the pro ts will go towards improving community and site infrastructure and continuing to support the community groups that are involved with the event, including Bright United Men’s Shed, Alpine Multiskill Group, 4 Kids and Carers and Wandi Primary School.”
Returning stallholders and visitors were also pleased with this year’s event.
“The festival is the highlight of autumn for us and our kids,” Alex Mason said.
“There was excellent music, good food and drink and great vibes...I’m so proud to have it in my town.
“This year we had friends
up visiting just to go and they all loved it too.”
Stallholder, Lucy Legget, said the festival is always her favourite market weekend of the year.
“Sunshine, beautiful surrounds, fabulous music, delicious lunch options, a cold beer and lots of people relaxing and having fun,” she said.
“My customers are a great mix of tourists and locals, with lots of families enjoying the day there.
“What’s not to love?’
Festival secretary, Emily Rose said this year’s festival ran really smoothly.
“We had good numbers through the gate, similar to last year at around 4000 people over the weekend,” she said.
“We wanted to make it accessible for everyone, so kids attended for free and most kids’ activities were free, with seniors or concession card holders able to pay for a half-priced ticket.
“People were enjoying the sunshine and the delicious local food, listening to the amazing music, wandering around, enjoying the market and there was so much for kids to do as well.
“I believe the kids area will grow year on year, because it’s designed to be a really familyfriendly festival.
“There was beautiful weather, no big dramas and we had a lot of people who were inspired to sign up to volunteer for next year’s festival.”
Aside from tent rental, sound technicians and payment for performing artists, the Wandiligong Nut Festival is 100 per cent volunteer-run.
3% rate rise to help fund $8.4m capital works program for Alpine Shire
■ From page 1
• $1.2m for property and buildings, supporting a program of design, upgrades, and construction across the shire;
• $1.1m for plant, machinery, and equipment, enabling renewal of council’s eet and large plant, new large plant, mobile AV equipment for council meetings, and library books;
• $1.4m for other infrastructure, including bridge renewal, additional and renewal of footpaths and cycleways, drainage renewal, and renewal of recreational parks and facilities. Within the dra budget council has increased the allocation, or established new budgets, for some key delivery items which include:
• $425,000 to continue the
• Delivering an Alpine Shire Council Customer Charter that specifies our commitment to customer service, including response times and expectations for us and customers.
• Undertake a service and systems review of the regulatory services functions and develop a staged implementation plan to improve customer service and delivery.
• Restructure the Information and Communications Technology function into a standalone department and develop a Technology Strategy which identifies actions for service delivery improvement.
• Review engagement processes and identify mechanisms to increase community involvement in
strategic planning program including a contemporary Planning Scheme;
• $21,460 increase for Youth development initiatives;
• $20,000 increase in grants to support local community groups and organisations;
• $112,000 increase to
key decisions or actions that impact them.
• Complete the flood studies for Porepunkah,
• Complete the Neighbourhood Character Strategy for the four main townships.
• Finalise the Alpine Shire Rural Directions Strategy.
• Deliver Stages 1 and 2 of the Dinner Plain Review.
• Support Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO), recycling and landfill services.
Major initiatives proposed to be delivered under the dra budget aligned to the dra Council Plan 2025-2029 include:
• Support initiatives that see waste diverted from landfill.
• Review Council’s Access and Inclusion Plan and develop targeted implementation actions to improve participation for those with a disability.
cover rising insurance costs;
• $39,000 increase to support council’s internal and external audit services;
• $100,000 additional expenditure on tree maintenance;
• $62,000 additional expenditure to maintain public facilities; and
• $115,000 additional expenditure on public facility cleaning Council said additional cost savings have been found through a review and prioritisation of the annual work program to be delivered, and the proposal that a number of projects be undertaken
tion in Memorial Hall, Myrtleford.
• Deliver a program of activities and initiatives to support young people across the Alpine Shire.
• Review potential delivery models of Council’s animal management service.
with in house resourcing with no additional budget allocation.
Other notable reductions in expenditure include $90,000 reduction in events funding to be allocated by the events assessment panel as a part of the events funding program and $260,000
reduction in maintenance of sealed and unsealed roads.
• Council’s dra budget was scheduled to go out today, 30 April, and seek public submissions until 27 May, with the nal budget to be considered for adoption at council’s June meeting.
VIP VENDOR TOUR: The Market Tour visited Laura Rugby at her stall ‘Gutsy Sourdough’ with DJ Eddy, committee member, Bobbie Wylie and the giant Gang Gang bird!
WILD ROCK & ROLL WEEKEND: Nicky Bomba and the All Star Wandi Nutters playing to a packed tent!
PHOTOS: Wandiligong Nut Festival committee.
Second BESS proposal in Dederang is now up for public submissions
COMMUNITY members are invited to have their say on the proposed Kiewa Valley Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project (formally known as the Trina BESS), with the planning application now open for public comment.
Trinasolar Australia o cially lodged its planning application with the Victorian government last week.
It’s proposed two hour, 500 megawatt (MW) battery energy storage system (BESS) will be near the Dederang substation, sitting on a 10 hectare site near bushland just out of the town.
The application is being assessed by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) as the responsible authority for the project.
Alpine Shire Council is not the decision-maker in this process.
Mayor, Sarah Nicholas, encouraged residents to take the time to review the proposal and make a submission to DTP.
“We know the BESS proposals in Dederang have generated a lot of community interest, particularly around their location and potential impacts,” she said.
“As with the previous proposal, this is once again an opportunity to have your say.
“Council is not the authority assessing this application, so providing your feedback to the department is vital.
“However, we are also keen to understand the views of our community – so we invite you to send us a copy of your submission to help inform future advo-
PROPOSAL: A proposal for a second BESS project on farmland at Dederang is now open for public submissions.
cacy and conversations.”
Public submissions can be made via the department’s planning portal by visiting: https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/planning-approvals/ministerial-permits-register/ ministerial-permits/a253705a-04a3ef11-8a69-000d3ad1b913
Mayor Nicholas also encouraged community members to send a copy of their submission to info@ alpineshire.vic.gov.au for council’s consideration.
She said that to accommodate the strong local interest in the proposal, the monthly council meeting will once again be relocated to the Mount Beauty Community Centre in May, with council to consider a recommendation for the submission.
“Holding the meeting in Mount
Beauty makes it easier for more residents to attend in person,” Cr Nicholas said.
“As the May meeting was originally scheduled to be held in Myrtleford, we will now be moving the June ordinary council meeting to Myrtleford.”
In addition, council will host three sessions on Tuesday, 6 May for community members to speak with councillors, and share their views on the BESS proposal:
• Mount Beauty, 10.30am –12.30pm at Mount Beauty Senior Citizens Centre;
• Dederang, 2pm – 4pm, MultiPurpose Building, Dederang Recreation Reserve; and
• Bright, 6.30pm – 7.30pm, Bright Committee Room, Bright Council o ce.
“These conversations matter,” Cr Nicholas said.
“Whether you’re for or against the proposal – or simply have questions – we want to hear from you.”
Sessions will be available via bookings online, which are available online now at: https://events. humanitix.com/host/alpine-shirecouncil
You can also book by calling council’s customer service team on (03) 5755 0555.
UPDATE: All sessions with councillors in Mount Beauty, Dederang and Bright are now booked out. Council has advised that if you’re interested in booking a session, please join the waitlist for your preferred location and council will do its best to nd time for everyone interested.
Candidates urged to support local news
COUNTRY Press Australia wants candidates at the 3 May federal election to support a policy demanding a fairer share of government advertising be allocated to regional and local newspapers.
Country Press Australia president Andrew Schreyer said there was an overwhelming need for the next federal government to do more to address the challenges faced by producers of essential public interest journalism, and for the government to do so more swi ly.
“It’s extremely disappointing to our industry to see major city-based media entities and overseas owned tech giants such as Meta receive such a signi cant share of government advertising, especially when the government openly recognises the role our papers play in our democracy,” he said.
“And it is even more alarming when you consider these same social media platforms provide a haven for mis and dis information, for mistruths, and for scams that have caused great distress to many vulnerable Australians”.
Mr Schreyer said the more than 240 regional and local papers - including the Myrtleford Times/Alpine Observer - that are part of Country Press Australia
Local papers generally rate highly for trustworthiness compared to other news sources...
- Andrew Schreyer
have rightfully earned a high level of trust within the communities they serve, and that social media platforms cannot o er the same levels of truth, integrity or accountability that local media does.
He said it was also important to realise that local papers continue to provide a beacon of truth for local issues and candidates, and in many cases the local paper is the sole provider of hyper-local place-based public interest journalism.
“Our papers have an impor-
tant responsibility to report on local candidates and issues, to hold candidates and government organisations accountable and to be a voice for local communities in regional, rural and other local communities across Australia,” Mr Schreyer said.
“Local papers generally rate highly for trustworthiness compared to other news sources, with many studies con rming people tend to trust local news more than national or social media because it is closer to their communities and less in u-
enced by political or corporate agendas.
“Here in Australia, research by the University of Canberra’s Digital News Report has consistently found that local newspapers are among the most trusted news sources, yet our government continues to direct tens of millions of Australian taxpayer dollars to overseas-owned social media platforms that don’t operate to the standards we expect of local media and of ourselves.”
Country Press Australia has called on the next federal government to adopt a policy that re ects the Victorian government model of an average one-page per week of government advertising in all eligible regional and rural newspaper as part of a ra of policies that also include tax credits for journalist labour costs and funding for cadet journalists in regional and rural areas.
“Country Press Australia has briefed both major parties on the policies it believes need to be incorporated into reforms to better support public interest journalism in this country,” Mr Schreyer said.
“If our politicians truly value the important role of local newspapers, then they must also do more to ensure that this overdue support is delivered as soon as possible.”
SUPPORT LOCAL MEDIA: Country Press Australia president Andrew Schreyer says government advertising support for local papers remains critical to maintain local public interest
EXPERIENCE the ultimate in luxury with this impeccable newly built four-bedroom home, ideally located at 16a Crisp Street in Wangaratta.
Built with an uncompromised attention to detail, the home pays perfect homage to its heritage surrounds.
It’s also perfectly suited for all buyers looking to downsize in a central location without any compromise on living space.
The kitchen is the home’s centerpiece where functionality and design are perfectly paired.
It features stone benches, fully appointed with premium Meile appliances, custom cabinetry and abundance of soft close
storage along with a butler’s pantry.
A beautiful contemporary interior provides open-plan design, high 3m ceilings throughout and an abundance of natural light adding warmth to an exceptional space.
This magnificent home provides a primary domain with a walk-in robe and a luxury ensuite showcasing walk-in shower, frameless glass, floor to ceiling tiles, dual vanities and stone surfaces.
Cleverly designed, the three further guest bedrooms all contain built-in robes and share the main bathroom featuring frameless shower, freestanding bath, floor to ceiling tiles, dual vanity and stone benches.
There is a strong emphasis on indooroutdoor living that seamlessly integrates to the alfresco area featuring a tiled and heated plunge pool surrounded by travertine paving and frameless glass.
Comfort is ensured with ducted refrigerated cooling/heating while a massive 48 panel solar unit, insulation and double-glazed windows make the home extremely efficient.
The property provides a double garage with built-in shelving and additional offstreet parking, so you can leave the car at home with a short walk to the CBD approx. 650m and 450m to Coles.
Please contact Danial Siperki on 0400 027 473 to arrange your private inspection.
Agent | Harcourts Wangaratta
Phone | (03) 5722 9444
Price | $1,100,000 - $1,200,000
Land | 382m2
Location | 16A Crisp Street, Wangaratta
Modern, stylish finishes all with low maintenance
3 2 2
IDEALLY positioned just four kilometres from the heart of Wangaratta, 2 Bowerbird Way offers a rare blend of contemporary design, low-maintenance living, and everyday practicality.
This stylish two-storey home is perfectly suited to families, first-homebuyers, or investors looking for quality and comfort in a growing community.
Set on a 297m² block, the home features a luxurious master suite complete with a private balcony, walk-in robe, and ensuite.
There are an additional two bedrooms both with WIRs and their very own A/C units.
The open-plan living zone is a generous size and boasts a modern kitchen featuring electric appliances, stone benchtops, a breakfast bar, and a striking tiled splashback.
The home is fitted throughout with multiple split systems, offering comfort yearround.
Entertain in the outdoor alfresco area, which flows seamlessly from the living space, the perfect spot to entertain guests.
Agent | Harcourts Wangaratta Phone | (03) 5722 9444
Price | $749,000
Land | 297m2
Location | 2 Bowerbird Way, Wangaratta
The home is just a few minutes drive to secondary and primary schools, childcare centres and more.
If you are currently in the market for a custom-built home, low maintenance yard, move in ready with all the hard work done then enquire today to book an inspection.
Please contact Nutrien Harcourts Real Estate to arrange your inspection today on (03) 5722 9444.
views. Luxurious master suite with ensuite, WIR and BIR’s plus three additional generous bedrooms and well appointed main bathroom.
Modern kitchen with twin AEG ovens, SMEG induction cooktop, dishwasher, Caesarstone benchtops and Butler’s pantry. Massive open plan living with combustion wood heater and decked undercover alfresco area. Plus separate studio, workshop/machinery shed and open bay shedding.
Fully fenced into four main paddocks with the potential to graze a small number of livestock. Plus established Truf ere with mature English Oak trees and opportunity to generate additional income.
Only 10 mins to Bright, 10 mins to Harrietville, 40 kms to Mount Hotham and 55 kms to Dinner Plain.
INSPECTIONS Strictly By Appointment Only FOR SALE Price On Application
JOHN HONEYCHURCH 0419 790 924
COWS & CALVES/JOINED FEMALES
Paragunyah-Mudgegonga
18x18 Angus Cows 3rd-5th calvers w Angus CAF 2m by Campaspe AngusBull TBD
2x2 Charolais x Cows & calves
1x1 Red Angus x Cow & calf IBP-Myrtleford
18x18 Angus Heifers 2YO Rennylea & Sterita Park Angus Blood w Angus CAF (all bull calves) 1-2m CAF by Shacorrahdalu Angus bulls
P & J Carney-Rosewhite
30 Angus Heifers ‘U drop’, Alpine & Iveragh Blood PTIC to Alpine Angus Bulls for 9 weeks due 27th July-25th Sept NE Accr. TBD
B & K Robinson F/T-Londrigan
5x5 Angus Heifers 2YO Hazeldene Blood with Angus CAF 2m by Bowmont Angus Bull WEANERS
Walkabout Apiaries-Rosewhite
65 Poll Hereford M/S 8m by Wirruna Hereford Bulls
WEANED NE Accr.
15 Angus/Hereford x M/S 8m by Pinnacle Angus Bulls WEANED NE Accr.
Matandra-Rosewhite
70 Angus Steers 10m by Rennylea Angus Bulls WEANED IK Junor-Hinnomunjie
65 Angus M/S 8-9m by Alpine & Ardrossan Angus Bulls
WEANED NE Accr.
J & L Townsend-Germantown
60 Angus/Hereford x M/S 7-9m by Pinnacle & Stellar Angus Bulls
Yarumpa-Bu alo River
50 Angus M/S 8-9m by Alpine Angus Bull WEANED
A Browne-Ovens
50 Angus M/S 8-9m by Alpine Angus Bulls
RT Moorhead-Myrrhee
40 Angus Steers 10m by Injemira & Black Aqua Angus Bulls Drenched Cydectin & Multimin vacc WEANED
D Hamilton-Whorouly
40 Angus Steers 9m by Alpine & Jarobee Angus Bulls
WEANED NE Accr.
K & A McCormack-Ovens
40 Angus M/S 9-10m by Alpine Angus Bulls NE Accr.
A & B Malcolm-Milawa
40 Angus/Simmental x M/S 8-10m by Woonallee Black
Simmental Bull
M & J Shields-Bonegilla
30 Angus M/S 7-10m by Alpine Angus Bull
J & B Fraser-Harrietville
28 Angus M/S 9m by Alpine Angus Bulls NE Accr.
A & M Crisp-Mudgegonga
25 Angus M/S 12-14m by Alpine Angus Bulls WEANED
E & M Notarianni-Myrtleford
25 Angus Steers 10m by Alpine Angus Bull WEANED
E & C Martinez-Ovens
20 Angus M/S 8-9m by Alpine Angus Bull
SD Robertson-Bu alo River
20 Angus Steers 12m by Alpine Angus Bull WEANED NE Accr.
A & J Brain-Eurobin
20 Angus M/S 10m by Stellar Angus Bull WEANED Clayfield-Rosewhite
20 Angus/Charolais x M/S 12-14m by Rangan Black
Charolais Bull
A & M Ringe-Kancoona
16 Angus/Fleckvieh x M/S 9-10m by Serpell Fleckvieh Bulls
L, S & T Witherow-Murmungee
15 Angus Steers 8-9m by Black Aqua Angus Bull
Andiamo Angus-Wooragee
15 Angus Steers 8-9m by Alpine Angus Bulls
D & S McMahon-Myrtleford
15 Angus M/S 8-9m by Rennylea Angus Bull
S Felmingham & B Brown-Whorouly South
14 Angus Steers 14m by Murramungee Angus
Bulls WEANED
H & L Martin-Buckland Valley
14 Angus/Hereford x M/S 10-12m Alpine Angus Bull
WEANED
G, P & D Norman-Londrigan
13 Angus Steers 12m by Banquet Angus Bulls WEANED P & R Serpell-Kancoona
12 Fleckvieh M/S 12-13m by Serpell Fleckvieh Bulls
WEANED NE Accr.
Andalaur-Byawatha
12 Simmental x M/S 7-9m by Mt Ararat Simmental Bull NE Accr.
KJ Morrison-Barwidgee Creek
10 Angus M/S 12m by Alpine Angus Bull WEANED NE Accr.
Modtage-Rosewhite
10 Angus Steers 7-10m by Alpine Angus Bulls
Southfork-Whorouly South
10 Fleckvieh Steers 7-8m by Serpell Fleckvieh Bull
WEANED NE Accr.
R & N Ivone-Ovens
7 Angus Steers 14m by Alpine Angus Bull
Emerald Hill-Merriang
4 Angus/Simmental x 9m M/S By Sammi Bella
Simmental & Black Aqua Angus Bull
Mazda CX-70: A matter of give and take
By DEREK OGDEN, Marque Motoring
AS the Merlin of Mazda would say: pick a number between 60 and 90, say 70.
Now add CX and GT or Azami, then take away two seats and cap it o with a $10k-plus price advantage over its seven-seat twin.
You now have the CX70, the fourth SUV from the Japanese auto maker’s new rear/all-wheel drive ‘Large Product Group’ platform.
It’s the same size as the ‘wide-body’ seven-seat CX90 flagship, with the third row removed.
Then there are the CX-60 and CX-80 twins, the latter riding on a wheelbase that’s 250mm longer which gives it three-row capacity.
The CX-70 is considerably more expensive than all but each of the range-topping CX-60 and CX-80 variants.
Let’s concentrate on the last but far from least sibling, the CX-70.
The CX-70 becomes Mazda’s flagship five-seat SUV and the company’s first allhybrid o ering.
Pricing gets o the ground with the petrol-powered GT at $75,970, plus on-road costs.
Diesel power adds $2000. Meanwhile, the Azami pet-
rol goes for $82,970, diesel again adding $2000.
The GT petrol was on test.
All are covered by Mazda’s five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, with capped price servicing for seven years, and five years roadside assist.
STYLING
A seven-seat body is shared by the five-seat model, so it’s di cult to tell one from the other from the outside, while CX-70 exterior standard features across the range include 21-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free power tailgate and adaptive LED headlights.
INTERIOR
In the nicest possible way, the five-seater has a big behind.
With the second row gone, the load space is a fulsome 923 litres with the rear seat backs raised and 2015 litres with them folded.
Plenty of room for adventure kit.
Comfort equipment includes leather seat trim, a powered steering wheel and front seats, heating for all outboard seats and the steering wheel, and tri-zone climate control.
INFOTAINMENT
Inside there are dual 12.3inch digital screens and an always-welcome head-up windscreen display for infotainment and instrumentation.
Features include satellite navigation, FM/AM and digital radio tuners, plus wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
A 12-speaker Bose audio fills the space with passable sound.
Mazda Connected Services also integrate seamlessly with the MyMazda app across the entire CX-70 range and o er useful features such as vehicle status and health,
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP:
Mazda CX-70 GT petrol $75,970
Mazda CX-70 GT diesel $77,970
Mazda CX-70 Azami petrol $82,970
Mazda CX-70 Azami diesel $84,970
■ SIZED UP: The CX-70 is a five-seater SUV launched as part of Mazda’s ‘Large Product Group’ program and bears the same size as the seven-seater CX-90 flagship.
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Mazda dealer for drive-away prices.
stolen vehicle assistance, remote lock, flash-light function, vehicle locator services, curfew notification, geofencing capability and emergency SOS services.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
As for powertrains, on offer are the choice of either petrol or diesel, a 3.3-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine, helped along by M Hybrid Boost 48V mild hybrid technology – mated with Mazda’s eight-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission and rear-based all-wheel drive.
The test GT sported the former with a claimed combined urban/highway fuel consumption of 95 RON premium unleaded of 8.1 litres per hundred kilometres.
The lowest figure on test turned out to be 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres.
SAFETY
Despite the absence of an
ANCAP crash rating, the CX70 is replete with safety tech, such as lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring with vehicle exit warning.
Smart brake support when turning across tra c includes pedestrian and cyclist detection for reversing, or rear crossing.
Mazda debuts unresponsive driver support as part of Mazda’s cruising and tra c support.
If the system observes closed eyes or continued distraction it will alert the driver.
If no action results, the vehicle will slow down and come to a halt to prevent an accident.
Ten airbags take added care of occupants.
DRIVING
A burst of electrons from the mild hybrid thingy has the CX-70 squirting o the mark in a quiet fashion.
Up and running, the advantages are not so clear.
In ride and handling, the CX-70 is out of step with rivals in the segment, being a touch hard on ragged roads, especially at speed out in the country.
Slow going in well-kept suburban streets is an improvement.
On the other hand, wide ranging comfort and safety, on and o road, are a result of the CX-70 rear biased i-Activ all-wheel drive and front double wishbone and rear multi-link suspension.
Brakes require some sturdy pedal attention, with the two-tonne bulk proving a tad di cult to tame.
The gear lever is notchy and na . Park-reverse-drive shifting takes some getting used to.
SUMMARY
It’s hard to see what Mazda is driving at with the CX70 and where it fits in the large SUV scheme of things. Niche model comes to mind.
RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 5/10
Safety: 7/10
Thirst: 7/10
Practicality: 7/10
Comfort: 5/10
Tech: 7/10
Value: 6/10
EMAIL BY PHONE 5723 0101
ALPINE Classifi ed Information
GROOT, Simon. 14/1/1958 – 11/4/2025
Passed away peacefully at North East Health Wangaratta. Aged 67 years.
Dearly loved husband of Sherre (dec). Loved father of Mariah and partner Stephen. Loved younger brother of Marianne, Olga and Elizabeth. Brother in-law of Tony, Garry and Barry. Opa of Lyric and Aziel.
Uncle of Michelle, Jacqui, Marijke, Brendan (dec), Karl, Kris and Mechelle.
As per Simon’s wishes, a private cremation has been held.
VERSTEEGEN
A requiem mass for the repose of the soul of John Versteegen will be held at St Mary’s Catholic Church, 29 Lawrence Street, Myrtleford commencing at 1pm on Monday, May 5, 2025 followed by interment at the Myrtleford Lawn Cemetery. FUNERAL NOTICES
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A wake will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at the Bright RSL commencing at 2pm.
MILIC, Rebecca Rose. 16/1/1992 – 21/3/2025
With a heavy heart, we announce Rebecca’s sudden passing. Loved daughter of Marisa and Peter. Sister of Christina (dec). Loved Granddaughter of Rosa and Vic (dec). Niece and cousin to the Tomasoni family of Melbourne, Smoko and Germantown.
Loving you always.
We thank all who have prayed for us,
VERSTEEGEN, John. 3/12/1938 – 24/4/2025
Passed away peacefully at Alpine Health, Myrtleford surrounded by his loving family. Aged 86 years.
Dearly loved husband of Lou (Lynette).
Loved father and father-in-law of Matt and Julie, James and Lyn, Andrew and Kathy, Jeanine and Steve, Judi and Ken, Nick and Kerry.
Cherished Pa/Poppy of 12 grandchildren and great-grandfather of 7.
Bright Bowls Club Inc. is holding its AGM Sunday, May 18, 2025 commencing at 1pm All members welcome
KNEEBONE, Adam. We would like to express our thanks for all the messages and support we have received.
Special thanks to North East Funerals, Father Tony and the Parish ladies. ~ Wayne, Dora and families.
SMITH, Pam.
24/11/1938 – 30/4/2024
Adored wife of Jim, mother of Brendan and Terri. Mother-in-law of Nikki.
Grandmother to Blake and Courtney.
Our love forever.
TOMASONI, Vic. May 5, 2018
Along the path of memories. I walk with you each day. How much I miss you, no words can say ~ Rosa and family.
MITSUBISHI Tray Top Ute, 2WD 410,00km, motor rebuilt, 5 month rego (CU57VL), $2800. Ph 0439 766 211.
CHECK OUT OUR NORTH EAST JOBS in today's Regional Extra for more employment opportunities. Published every Wednesday in your Wangaratta Chronicle, Ovens and Murray Advertiser, Myrtleford Times and Alpine Observer
ISA Brown Pullets, POL $35ea. Pick upWang to Bright Becky & Hugh (03) 5798 1868 freerangehens.com.au
FREEDOM ON WHEELS, Mobility Scooter for active living, compact and lightweight for easy manoeuvrability, comfortable seating with adjustable armrests and headrest, powerful motor for smooth and e ortless rides, longlasting battery for extended use, $3900. Phone Denice on 0402 411 346. CONVERTIBLE for sale, 1997 AMG Mercedes SLK 230 Kompressor, solid top folding roof, VIN: WDB1704472F034586, 156,000km, I am selling due to vehicle rationalizing, it is a lovely car in very good condition, a great drive and with Club registration is economical to own, more photos are available upon request, RWC will be supplied, $12,500. Contact Ken on 0418 300 220.
JACK CRISP
Made by many. Side by side we stick together. Welcoming, inclusive helpful and amazing community. The best!
Today we witness history in the sporting world, a Myrtleford local born and bred.
A country boy’s dream and journey playing football, going from local Junior in Myrtleford then onto the Bush Rangers and nally onto the biggest stage the MCG, in the biggest league and one of the biggest clubs Collingwood Football Club
Not only is the Crisp name known in the Oven’s and Murray League, playing both football, netball and basketball for the Myrtleford Saints/Alpine. Now it will be known in AFL, the biggest league.
Mum and Dad (Matthew and Cate), Jacks wife and their three beautiful girls, brothers, sister and families, Grandparents, Aunties, Uncles and cousins. You must all be SO PROUD to be on this journey, last week watching Jack playing football in the ANZAC Day match 20205, Collingwood vs Essendon, equalling Jimmy Stynes record of 244 consecutive games.
What an achievement!
This record will be broken now; 245 consecutive games for 2025, with this week’s football game Collingwood vs Geelong, how tting to be played on the biggest stage the MCG, a record hopefully long lived. Collingwood’s Jack Crisp’s famous “No 25”, history is made for one of the Collingwood Champions. We are proud as the heart of the community, loyal members and supporters a very special day to be part of this history making either by watching Jack Crisp on the television/Kayo or at the game at the MCG, with his “No 25” running around playing football, the life he dreamt.
A credit to the Collingwood football club for the care of all the club’s footballers playing to maintain their health and tness to achieve goals throughout their football life.
Good Luck! Celebrate Big!
Enjoy the day with your families, friends, coaches, and team members of the Collingwood Football Club. Well done and goodluck for the rest of the 2025 season. Go Pies!
Crowdfunding plea for community batteries
MYRTLEFORD, Bright and Mount Beauty communities could all bene t from a community battery crowdfunding campaign.
Indigo Power is launching a $750,000 community equity crowdfunding campaign that aims to establish 10 new community batteries.
It will leverage the raised funds to unlock a total of $5.8 million in energy infrastructure.
Indigo Power has already secured a $4.2 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
Combined with an $800,000 loan from Bank WAW currently in nal negotiations, the community investment is forecast to grow.
“This is a high-impact investment,” Indigo Power managing director Ben McGowan.
“Every dollar invested in this raise will be multiplied more than six times, thanks to a $4.2 million grant secured from ARENA and an $800,000 loan from Bank WAW, which is currently in nal negotiations.”
The network will provide up to 5.8 megawatt hours of storage.
This will bring Indigo Power’s total community
battery capacity to over seven megawatt hours.
These batteries will be located at emergency relief centres and other important community sites.
This is to ensure longlasting backup power and to distribute renewable energy to Indigo Power’s local electricity customers each evening.
“This raise builds on projects we’ve already delivered in places like Yackandandah and Yarra Junction, and will take our eet of community batteries to more than seven megawatt-hours of storage,” McGowan said.
“That’s almost enough to o set the net energy consumption of all our customers over the entire 2024 calendar year.”
The project’s commencement hinges on Indigo Power securing the full $1.5 million co-contribution.
It also hinges on nalising
agreements with the chosen community battery host sites.
Target communities across regional Victoria and southern New South Wales include Beechworth, Myrtleford, Mount Beauty, Bright, Seymour, Wangaratta, Tumbarumba and Warburton.
The initiative will provide evening renewable energy supply for Indigo Power’s customers.
It will also provide longduration backup power for essential community services.
For further information or to invest, visit https:// www.birchal.com/company/ indigopower.
An investor webinar is scheduled for todayWednesday, 1 May. Registrations can be made at https://us02web. zoom.us/webinar/register/4917440205578/ WN_8W4vA3b7TvGPYOZ
The Big Red Kidney Bus brings
lifesaving services to Porepunkah
KIDNEY Health Australia’s Big Red Kidney Bus has arrived in Porepunkah to provide a free lifesaving dialysis service to kidney disease su erers.
The bus arrived on Monday and will be stationed at Mount Bu alo Caravan Park until Saturday, 24 May.
The dialysis sessions on the bus are free to eligible patients, with Monash Health dialysis nurses on board providing the same high-quality care patients are used to inside hospitals.
Kidney Health Australia and Monash Health welcome all locals to come see the way the service works and learn more about kidney disease.
People living with kidney disease who are interested in booking into the service
are encouraged to contact Kidney Health Australia, on 1800 454 353 or visit kidney. org.au/bus for more information.
Kidney Health Australia CEO, Chris Forbes said lifesaving dialysis treatment can take a heavy physical and mental toll on people, as it is designed to replace natural kidney function by cleaning the blood and getting rid of toxins - three days a week, ve hours a session - if the kidneys are unable to do so.
Mr Forbes said three in four adult Australians are at risk of Chronic Kidney Disease, including those with diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and family history.
He said the Indi electorate has the 16th highest percentage of community diag-
nosed with chronic kidney disease in Australia.
“Up to 1895 Indi residents have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and more than 17,200 people are likely to have the condition diagnosed at a later stage, as patients can lose 90 per cent of kidney function before symptoms appear,” Mr Forbes said.
“We hope that having the bright red bus in Porepunkah will bring much needed awareness to locals about kidney health and the fact that 2.7 million adult Australians who have kidney disease remain undiagnosed.”
Donations to run the dialysis bus service and support people living with kidney disease can be made via: kidney.org.au/donate.
BOOK A BUS VISIT: Mount Bu alo Caravan Park will host the Big Red Kidnay Bus for the next month. PHOTO: Kidney Health Australia
HARNESS THE ENERGY: A community battery program in North East communities aims to store the power for local benefit. An investor webinar is scheduled for Wednesday, 1 May.
Tigers 1.2 3.3 4.6 6.9 (45) Imperials 2.6 5.10 9.13 11.14 (80)
GOALS: TIGERS: M. Benton 2, M. Correll 1, R. Webb 1, N. Williams 1, J. Knight 1. IMPERIALS: M. Marek 4, K. McPhan 2, H. Allen 2, H. Bandt 1, B. Benton 1, C. Young 1. BEST: Tigers: M. Correll, W. Farrington, S. Morey, N. O’Keefe, L. Alexander. IMPERIALS: K. McPhan, R. Pfahlert, C. Flynn, A. Schultz, H. Bandt, P. Stamp.
Junior Magpies
College
(25)
(37)
JUNIOR MAGPIES: S. Briggs, J. Pell, L. Sloan, S. Patterson, W. Maiden, J. Vincent. COLLEGE: C. Bowman, C. O’Brien, J. Borschmann, L. Pensak, J. Guley, Z. Tamme. Centrals
Kangaroos
32.19 (211)
GOALS: COLLEGE: J. Day 2, P. Russell 2, E. Millis 1, F.
A. Canning, R. Monk, L. Johnson, P. Russell, S. Guley.
GOALS: JUNIOR MAGPIES: S. McIntosh 2, J. Holmes 1. COLLEGE: H. Lyster 2, S. Reid 1, N. Allan 1. BEST: JUNIOR MAGPIES: J. Bounpraseuth, C. Briggs, M. James, A. Scholes, A. Hardman, H. Tanner. COLLEGE: L. Pensak, H. Bowman, J. McGennisken, N. Allan, H. Allan, T. Fieldew. Mansfield
Benalla
GOALS: KANGAROOS: B. Jackson 8, M. Coleman 7, J. Pople 4, C. Borschmann 3, E. Byrne 2, M. Sacco 2, L. Solimo 2, H. Edwards 1, N. Gigliotti 1, C. Ackerly 1, L. Solimo 1. BEST: CENTRALS: A. Fraser, H. Muraca, K. Steele, C. Blair, D. Hogarth, B. Stewart. KANGAROOS: B. Jackson, A. Mccoy, E. Byrne, C. Willoughby, C. Borschmann, L. Solimo. Tigers 2.2 5.4
GOALS: CENTRALS:
(84)
(27)
GOALS: MANSFIELD: S. Kain 4, G. Robinson 2, C. Purday 1, N. Hoskin 1, H. Sheeran 1, K. Middleton 1. BENALLA: L. Ham 1, M. Willett 1, J. Byers 1, T. Reeve 1. BEST: MANSFIELD: C. Purday, Z. Hotton, S. Kain, W. Benton, G. Robinson, M. Payne. BENALLA: H. Blyss, B. Blackford, N. Hogan, L. Ham, R. McCarthy, H. Skelton.
Myrtleford
(32) Bright
(111)
GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: S. Muraca 1, M. McMahon 1, H. Durling 1, B. Robb 1, Z. Menz 1. BRIGHT: N. White 3, T. Brierty 3, B. Brady 2, O. Dalbosco 2, J. Thomson 2, A. Toy 1, E. Lodge 1, H. Johnston 1, G. Banks 1. BEST: MYRTLEFORD: N. Robb, L. McKeone, B. McMasters, H. Durling, A. Morgan, J. Bruneau. BRIGHT: A. Murrells, J. Thomson, B. Brady, F. Stephens, N. White.
Centrals vs Kangaroos No scores available at time of print
11.7 (73) Imperials
Ford, B. Howell, A. Thayer, B. Mawson. KANGAROOS: G. McCurdy, L. Kelly, T. Worasethakorn, T. Gigliotti, J. Ring, A. Ryan.
(22)
GOALS: TIGERS: S. Gibb 4, B. Kantor 2, A. Whitehead 2, L. Benton 1, P. Edwards 1, H. Sharp 1. IMPERIALS: H. O’Brien 1, G. Marek 1. BEST: TIGERS: A. Whitehead, L. Farrington, K. Ackroyd, S. Elkington, P. Edwards, S. Gibb. IMPERIALS: T. Benton, T. Sealey, S. Savage, J. Ambrose, B. Thorpe, W. Startin. Myrtleford 3.9 12.13 19.19 24.26 (170)
GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: A. Knobel 7, X. Millar 6, C. Schell 2, N. Durling 2, C. Herbert 2, W. Koers 1, M. McMasters 1, N. Harris 1, K. Prott 1, S. Lupo 1. BEST: MYRTLEFORD: A. Knobel, S. Lupo, X. Millar, N. Durling, W. Koers, N. Harris.
Benalla Black
Benalla Red
GOALS: BENALLA BLACK: R. white 1, O. Wardill 1, L. Webster 1. Benalla U14s Red: H. Bast 6, T. Mount 4, C. Bowen 3, J. Binion 2, J. Pollard 1. BEST: BENALLA BLACK: J. Montgomery, J. Bamford, B. Wells, H. Ross, J. Christie, C. Bell. BENALLA RED: C. Bowen, T. Mount, C. Pollard, J. Hart, H. Bast, J. Binion.
Mansfield Blue
1. BEST: TIGERS: D. Dickson, A. Webb, A. Tekesic, H. Scully, N. Fitzpatrick, C. Togolo-Hill. IMPERIALS: M. Phillips, J. Hayward, L. Daly, O. Booth, J. Sessions, Z. Riordan.
Quarrell, J. Jackson, B. Parker, L. Osborne, O. Ross, T. Fitzgerald. BENALLA RED: T. Smith, X. Beriman, E. Sheehan, J. McKenzie, H. Kupke, H. Pickering.
(7)
(21)
5.5 (35)
(40) Mansfield Yellow
GOALS: MANSFIELD BLUE: O. Pigdon 1. MANSFIELD YELLOW: L. Roberts 3, C. Martin 1, L. Harcus 1.BEST: MANSFIELD BLUE: R. Purday, J. Kynnersley, M. Storer, T. Bowen, D. Mercieca, H. Shevlin. MANSFIELD YELLOW: M. Watson, J. Hoskin, B. Clifton, C. Martin, J. Mulvihill, L. Roberts.
MYRTLEFORD: J. Maxey 1. BRIGHT: H. Waymouth 1, L. Humphry 1, J. Kelly 1. BEST: MYRTLEFORD: B. Cartwright, P. Millar, J. Maxey, C. Maxey, M. Durling, J. Tilson. BRIGHT: T. Gray, N. Herschell, L. Humphry, E. Sams, L. McConnachie, B. Wood.
RILEY FILIPENKO
SONNY BELL
SAM GULLEY
WINNERS AND LOSERS
NORTH ALBURY 3.6 9.7 11.15 17.18.120 ALBURY 1.1 2.7 4.7 7.9.51
GOALS: NORTH ALBURY: J. Murphy 5, L. Taylor 3, T. Broomhead 2, B. Rigoni 2, N. Dennis 1, A. Crelley 1, C. Winter 1, H. Weaven 1, F. Gardiner 1. ALBURY: J. Pitt 2, R. Garthwaite 2, E. Ziebarth 1, M. Walker 1, T. Quade 1. BEST: NORTH ALBURY: J. Pope, B. Hutchison, G. Godde, F. Gardiner, J. Murphy, L. Taylor. ALBURY: J. Pitt, B. Kelly, R. Garthwaite, M. Walker, M. Bender, E. Ziebarth.
WODONGA 7.2 11.2 12.6
WOD. RAIDERS
GOALS: WODONGA: T. Miller 2, M. Wilson 2, R. Bourke 2, T. O’Sullivan 2, N. Spiteri 1, K. Winter-Irving 1, N. Bradshaw 1, M. Soroczynski 1, O. Willding 1. WODONGA RAIDERS: B. Jones 2, C. Rich 2, C. Taylor 1, B. Sheridan 1, A. Scammell 1, J. Burke 1. BEST: WODONGA: T. O’Sullivan, Z. Nugent, M. Wilson, A. Jorgensen, N. Bradshaw, L. Andrews. Wodonga Raiders: N. Bracher, B. St John, B. O’Neill, W. Robertson, A. Pocock, W. Fordham.
NETBALL SCORES THIRDS RESULTS
A GRADE
North Albury 66 def Albury 40 Wangaratta def by Myrtleford 44 Wodonga 46 def by Wodonga Raiders 52
Corowa-R’glen 43 def Yarrawonga 32 Wangaratta Rovers 41 def by Lavington 72 B GRADE
Wodonga 46 def by Wodonga Raiders 47 North Albury 48 def Albury 25 Wangaratta 49 def Myrtleford 30
Corowa Rutherglen 49 def by Yarrawonga 44 Wangaratta Rovers 55 def Lavington 44 C GRADE
Wodonga 19 def by Wodonga Raiders 44 North Albury 67 def Albury 15 Wangaratta 41 def Myrtleford 27
Corowa Rutherglen 53 def Yarrawonga 51 Wangaratta Rovers 46 def Lavington 34 17 & UNDER
Wodonga 36 def by Wodonga Raiders 43 North Albury 38 def Albury 36 Wangaratta 50 def Myrtleford 39
Corowa Rutherglen 46 def by Yarrawonga 49 Wangaratta Rovers 57 def Lavington 43 15 & UNDER
Wodonga 25 def by Wodonga Raiders 54 North Albury 50 def Albury 27
Wangaratta 27 def by Myrtleford 45
Corowa Rutherglen 36 def by Yarrawonga 45 Wangaratta Rovers 21 def by Lavington 60
Wangaratta 16.13 (109) def Myrtleford 2.4 (16)
GOALS: WANGARATTA: C. Petersen 5, R. Schultz 2, N. Kjar 2, A. Jayet 1, C. Kerwin 1, K. Jackson 1, C. Bott 1, C. Newton 1, H. Laverty 1, W. Petersen 1, O. Boyle 1. MYRTLEFORD: H. Stripeikis 2. BEST: WANGARATTA: O. Boyle, W. Petersen, A. Jayet, C. Newton, C. Bott, R. Schultz. MYRTLEFORD: W. Graham, R. Warner, H. Duggan, N. Nannipieri, O. Kavanagh, Z. Carroll.
Wang Rovers 9.6 (60) def Lavington 8.5 (53)
GOALS: WANGARATTA ROVERS: J. Correll 2, C. Breheny 2, Z. O’Shannessy 1, T. Stefaniak 1, R. McNamara 1, j. allan 1, M. Semmens 1. LAVINGTON: I. Robertson 2, R. Robinson 2, C. Way 1, C. Hall 1, Z. Klemke 1, R. Costello 1. BEST: WANGARATTA ROVERS: C. Maher, T. Ford, J. Marek, C. Lugg, T. Stefaniak, R. McNamara. LAVINGTON: Z. Klemke, M. Plunkett, F. Scott, R. Costello, C. Hall, C. Webb. Wodonga 10.6 (66) def Wod. Raiders 10.5 (65)
BEST: WODONGA: J. Dove, W. McCoy, C. Brookes, E. Kennedy, B. Parkin, M. Hack. WODONGA RAIDERS H. Gray, T. Smith, J. McCracken, R. Finnimore, B. Wilson.
North Albury 7.6 (48) def by Albury 7.10 (52)
BEST: NORTH ALBURY: O. Ackerly, Z. Lambert, W. Harrington, M. McDonald, N. Pigdon, W. McCallum. ALBURY: N. Prentice, J. Carey, J. Whiting, M. Field, M. Pigdon, R. Coyne.
Corowa R’glen 11.6 (72) def Yarrawonga 8.5 (53)
BEST: COROWA RUTHERGLEN: J. Lavis, H. Hall, F. Byrnes, E. lane, J. Forge, I. Dickinson. YARRAWONGA: B. McDonald, S. Lawrence, L. Eales, L. Henley, R. Bone, S. Trembath.
GOALS: WANGARATTA: A. Tilley 2, P. Heatley 1, A. Federico 1, X. Laverty 1, C. Knowles 1, M. Hedin 1, H. Hewitt 1. MYRTLEFORD: x 3, M. Munro 2, S. Curtis 2, R. Sharp 1, D. Batey 1. BEST: WANGARATTA: W. Tua, A. Federico, A. Tilley, W. O’keefe, T. Norton, M. Bordignon. MYRTLEFORD: S. Curtis, Z. Pethybridge, R. Smith, J. East, H. McKerral, M. Tenardi. WANGARATTA
WANGARATTA ROVERS 2.3 5.8 6.11 9.16.70 LAVINGTON 2.2 4.4 6.9 9.9.63
GOALS: WANGARATTA ROVERS: W. Christie 2, N. Cooper 1, C. Thompson 1, L. McCartney 1, D. Wilson 1, S. Murray 1, J. Dal Zotto 1, E. Dayman 1. LAVINGTON: N. Newton 2, D. Smith 2, J. Costello 1, A. Cook 1, A. Swinnerton 1, E. Perryman 1, J. O’Brien 1. BEST: WANGARATTA ROVERS: E. Dayman, C. Thompson, W. Christie, L. O’Brien, L. McCartney, X. Allison LAVINGTON: A. Bennett, C. Douglas, W. Glanvill, J. Costello, J. Driscoll, J. Hart.
C. Iannelli. ALBURY: W. Bowden, J. Muller, N. Kelson, B. Hodgson, G. Flanagan, K. Wilson. Wangaratta 8 8 (56) Myrtleford 10 7 (67)
BEST: WANGARATTA: H. Burgan, C. Ross, P. Wright, J. Roberts, C. Hines, J. Hedin. Corowa R’glen 16 10 (106) Yarrawonga 6 7 (43) BEST: COROWA RUTHERGLEN: B. Minogue, D. Yates, A. Spencer, J. Kuschert, N. Amery, D. Clancy. YARRAWONGA: B. Symes, T. Muldoon, Z. Fraser, M. Grinter, B. McCabe, J. Eales, Wangaratta Rovers .... 8.10 (58) Lavington 5 5 (35)
BEST: WANGARATTA ROVERS: s. rourke, H. Nolan, H. McMonigle, S. Comensoli, P. Coleman, R. Gorman. LAVINGTON: K. Holman, J. Phegan, D. Finnimore, R. Costello, A. Mutela, J. Wills.
ROUND4
SATURDAY, MAY 3
YARRAWONGA VS MYRTLEFORD
*Ladder correct at time of print from Ovens and King website.
A GRADE: Bright 61 def Bonnie Doon 60 Goorambat 41 def Benalla All Blacks 29 Nth Wangaratta 16 def by Tarrawingee 50 Moyhu 33 def by King Valley 37 Milawa 45 def by King Valley 0
B GRADE: Bright 40 def by Bonnie Doon 46; Goorambat 55 def Benalla All Blacks 31; Nth Wangaratta 28 def by Tarrawingee 42; Milawa 45 def Whorouly 28.
B RESERVE: Bright 35 def by Bonnie Doon 37; Goorambat 27 def by Benalla All Blacks 49; Milawa 35 def by Whorouly 51; Nth Wangaratta 21 def by Tarrawingee 49; Moyhu 53 def King Valley 3.
C GRADE: Bright 32 def by Bonnie Doon 48; Goorambat 40 def Benalla All Blacks 33; Milawa 26 def Whorouly 19; Nth Wangaratta 26 def by Tarrawingee 38; Moyhu 47 def King Valley 31.
15&UNDER: Bright 30 def by Bonnie Doon 35; Goorambat 3 def by Benalla All Blacks 75; Milawa 46 def Whorouly 28; Nth Wangaratta 10 def by Tarrawingee 52; Moyhu 28 def by King Valley 32. No other scores available at time of print.
ROUND6
SATURDAY, MAY 3
TARRAWINGEE vs GOORAMBAT
MOYHU vs NTH WANGARATTA
WHOROULY vs BENALLA ALL BLACKS
GRETA vs KING VALLEY
MILAWA vs BRIGHT
BONNIE DOON - BYE
GOALS: COROWA RUTHERGLEN: K. Bradtke 4, D. Hope 3, E. Amery 1, J. Longmire 1, J. Butson 1, D. Melksham 1. YARRAWONGA: M. Casey 6, N. Fothergill 3, L. Williams 2, C. Wilson 2, W. Wheeler 1, J. Hargreaves 1. BEST: COROWA RUTHERGLEN: D. Hope, T. Roos, T. Forrest, K. Bradtke, E. Amery, J. Rowston. YARRAWONGA: N. Irvine, M. Findlay, D. Howe, N. Fothergill, B. Coghill, W. Wheeler. COROWA-R’GLEN 4.4 8.7 9.9 11.11.77
LAVINGTON VS NORTH ALBURY RAIDERS VS WANG ROVERS
WANGARATTA VS WODONGA
ALBURY VS COROWA RUTHERGLEN
GOALS: GOORAMBAT: D. Haebich 13, R. Goodley 6, B. Stepien 4, J. Dunne 3, B. Wapling 3, Z. Amarant 2, K. Black 1, V. Vutler 1, M. Ryan 1, C. Hunter 1. BENALLA ALL BLACKS: H. Ellis 2, K. Glass 1, D. Sinclair 1. BEST: GOORAMBAT: D. Haebich, J. Dunne, C. McCoy, J. Webb, R. Goodley, B. Wapling BENALLA ALL BLACKS: F. Weeks, D. Button, S. Cox, J. Walker, D. Sinclair, K. Glass.
MILAWA 3.3 7.7 11.9 14.11.95
WHOROULY 2.1 4.3 8.4
GOALS: MILAWA: B. Bartlett 4, A. Law 4, B. Kearns 2, J. Whitehouse 2, D. Swan 1, C. Dunn 1. Whorouly: M. Newton 8, R. Eden 1.
BEST: MILAWA: A. Law, B. Kearns, J. Lea, J. Whitehouse, S. Pane, B. Bartlett. WHOROULY: M. Newton, J. Smith, W. Allen, R. Eden, D. Boyle, C. Wood.
NTH WANGARATTA 1.3 5.9 7.13 10.17.77 TARRAWINGEE 2.1 3.3 4.4 6.7.43
GOALS: NORTH WANGARATTA : B. Lane-Gee 4, C. Smith 2, T. Nanson 2, M. Smith 2. TARRAWINGEE : T. Hogan 1, D. Witham 1, C. Chamberlain 1, J. Hoggan 1, N. Gorman 1, S. Piper 1.
BEST: NORTH WANGARATTA : J. Nanson, K. McQuade, D. Bradley, C. Arbuckle, B. Lane-Gee, C. Bell. TARRAWINGEE : N. Redley, A. Beck, P. Byrne, T. Heywood, C. Chamberlain, S. Piper. BRIGHT 2.5
DOON
GOALS: BRIGHT: C. Thomason 3, L. Quirk 2, P. Harrison 1, C. Martin 1, W. Wales 1, M. Kinthari 1. BONNIE DOON : J. Magro 2, J. Law 1, C. Houghton 1.
BEST: BRIGHT : A. Dalbosco, J. Love, M. Elliott, C. Thomson, R. Bacon, C. Martin. Bonnie Doon : Z. Tanner, P. Smith, P. Cairns, J. Smart, J. Sanford, B. Hedin.
VALLEY
McNab.
Jamieson,
Cinquegrana,
Shem,
Mccormick,
Crocombe.
DOON: A. Marshall, L. Jenkins, T. Snooks, S. Campitelli, C. Turner, T. Leiman.
Autumn golf a joy in Alpine region
MYRTLEFORD GOLF CLUB
SATURDAY, 26 April
BASTONI PIZZERA STABLEFORD & SUPER & AMCR 71
A Grade Winner: Zac Cunneen (12) 44 pts. A Grade Runner Up: David Clark (13) 36 pts.
B Grade Winners: Andrew McKerral (16) 38 pts. B Grade Runners Up: Matthew Manley (19) 37 pts c/b. Super 6 Winner Paul Evans (15) 14 pts. Super 6 Runner Up: Andrew McKerral (16) 13 pts.
Ball Winners: D Morris 37, P Miles 36, G Black 36, P Evans 36, J Cunneen 35, J Galvan 35, D Rossato 35, C Piazza 35, S Dale 34.
Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Stephen Dale, 4th 2nd Shot: Brendan Wheeler, 8th: Zac Cunneen, 14th: Jamie Longsta , 16th: Craig Smitha. Matthews Cleaning Encouragement Award: Craig Shewell 23 pts. Ra e Winner: David Matthews.
Thursday, 24 April
Club Championships Round 2
Bastoni Pizzeria Stroke AMCR 73
A Grade Winner: Kerry Newton (17) 89/72. A Grade Runner: Angela O’Shaughnessy (13) 87/74.
Ball Winners: Judy Bynon 74, Marnie Broz 74.
Foodworks NTPs - 1st Ann Bryant, 2nd/4th: Victoria Sims, 8th: Marnie Broz, 14th: Angela O’Shaughnessy, 16th: Marnie Broz.
Putts: Kerry Newton 22.
Wednesday, 23rd April
Bastoni Pizzeria Stableford AMCR 71
A Grade Winner: James McPherson (11) 39 pts. A Grade Runner Up: Andrew Roseby (18) 37 pts.
B Grade Winner: George Browne (24) 44 pts. B Grade Runner Up: Robert Hancock (26) 41 pts, Jubilee.
Ball Winners: B Bynon 38, C Shewell 35, S Hancock 34, M McAllister 34, D Matthews 34.
Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Andrew Roseby, 4th 2nd Shot: David Clark, 8th: Andrew Roseby, 14th: Deborah O’Neill, 16th: Robert Hancock.
Tuesday, 22 April
Club Championships Round 1
Bastoni Pizzeria Stroke AMCR 73
A Grade Winner: Ben McMasters
(20) 88/68. A Grade Runner Up: Angela O’Shaughnessy (14) 87/73.
Ball Winners: Victoria Sims, Sandra Piazza, Kerry Newton, Linda Lo us.
9 Hole Winner: Pam Brew. 9 Hole Runner Up: Pat McPherson.
Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Ben McMasters, 2nd/4th: Ben McMasters, 14th: Marg Curtis, 16th: Marnie Broz.
Putts: Sandra Piazza 24.
MOUNT BEAUTY GOLF CLUB
THE ladies played the 18 holes on Wednesday, 23 April which was won by Ruth Rynehart with 32 points from Jooyon Kang-Redmond with 30 points.
The ladies played the front nine on Saturday, 26 April, which was won by Leesa Bevan with 18 points from both Liz Harvey and Ruth Rynehart with their 17 points apiece.
NTP second shot on the seventh was Liz Harvey.
The men played the front nine on Wednesday, 23 April which was won by Ron Gallagher with 20 points from Peter Johns with 19 points.
A score of 18 points was enough to get a ball each for Dave Etherton, Keith Archibald, Victor Selway and Don Mason.
Tony Campen was closest on the seventh, while Ben Ritson was closest on the 18th.
A group of three ladies joined the eld on ANZAC Day, Friday, 25 April, for a Stableford format round.
The winner was Allan Retallick with 39 points from Andy Cook, Sam Bellchambers and Keith Archibald with 38 points each.
37 points was enough for a ball each for both Ross Rynehart and Victor Selway.
NTP on the seventh, along with the Tatts Ticket from the Tawonga South Newsagency & Post O ce, was Andrew Green eld.
The ninth was Don Mason, 17th was Trevor English while Keith Archibald took home the money on
STRONG SHOWING: Allan Retallick took out the ANZAC Day stableford at Mount Beauty.
the 18th.
Par was the name of the game on Saturday, 26 April, which was won by Dave Etherton with +2 from Ben Ritson with square.
Stephen Short, Steuart Snooks and Rick Biesboer got balls each for -1.
NTP on the seventh, along with the Tatts Ticket from the Tawonga South Newsagency & Post O ce, was Victor Selway.
The ninth was Stephen Short, 17th was Andrew Green eld, while Ben Ritson took home the money on the 18th.
BRIGHT COUNTRY GOLF CLUB
THE famous professional golfer, Gary Player once was quoted as saying “Golf is a puzzle without an answer. I’ve played the game for over 40 years, and I still haven’t the slightest idea how to play”.
This could not be truer in the Veteran’s Stableford competition last Monday.
Colin Richardson, who has been chasing a golf ball longer than most at Bright, appears to have found the missing piece of the gol ng puzzle.
He returned to the club house with a ne and unexpected 41 points.
FINE RESULTS: George Browne was fire last Wednesday with an exceptionally good score 44 points.
Playing o a 27 handicap, Colin was seven points ahead of the second player, Mark Stephenson, 6 H/C with 34 pts.
Ball winners: Glen O’Connell 33 pts, Kevin Reed 31 pts C/B.
NTPs - 3rd: Graham Badrock, 6th: no one, 11th: Kevin Reed, 16th: Steve Grogan.
Wednesday, 23 April, Ladies Hepburn Cup stroke.
The winners were Carol Burgess and Libby Barker 147.5, and the runners up were Tina Cook and Bernie Wickes 154.5.
For the NTPs, it appears that conditions (although perfect) were not conducive to allow any of the players to land their ball onto any green apart from the 16th which went to Bernie Wickes.
Thursday, 24 April, Men’s Stableford competition.
A total of 51 golfers teed o and two were still missing at the end of the competition.
Winners were: Elliot Bailey from the future Golf Club 23 H/C a ne 39 pts, Ben Barker from Howlong Country Golf Club 6 H/C 36 pts C/B, Troy Stevens 14 H/C 36 pts C/B.
Ball winners: Rod Brown 36 pts C/B, Phil Bardsley-Smith 36 pts C/B, John Forbes 36 pts, Scott Proctor 35
pts, Graham Badrock 34 pts, Mark Frost 34 pts, Duane Schliebs 34 pts C/B, Colin Richardson 33 pts C/B.
NTPs – 3rd: Paul Du (birdie), 6th: Duane Schliebs, 11th: Mark Zorro Zwiresen, 16th: Mark Stephenson.
The chicken winner went to Graham Badrock 19 pts and the NAGA was without doubt John O’Shea with - would you believe - 14 points.
Friday, 25 April, ladies’ nine-hole Stableford competition.
Playing the front nine this week, 13 ladies made their way around and there was one exceptional round.
Playing o +2 handicap, Quan Liu from the Kooringal Golf Club had 19 pts, which included ve pars, three birdies and a single bogie. In second place, Rochelle Harrison nished with 19 pts.
Ball winners: Jenny Richter and Callan Potter.
NTPs - 3rd: Callan Potter, 6th: Jenny Richter.
Saturday, 26 April, all gender Stableford competition.
A eld of 64 golfers teed o and only four managed to play under their handicaps
Winners: Angus Murrells 10 H/C 39 pts, Tina Cook 10 H/C 37 pts C/B, Graham Badrock 16 H/C 37 pts C/b, Tony Topcic 19 H/C 37 pts, Ash Laurenson 1 H/C 35 pts C/B.
Ball winners: Carol Burgess 35 pts C/B, David Webb 35 pts, Peter McGrath 35 pts, Mathew Thorley 34 pts C/B, Mark Stephenson 34 pts, Heather Thompson 34 pts, Jack Thomson 33 pts C/B.
NTPs - 3rd: Darcy Beecher, 6th: Tom Crozier, 11th: Rob Gri ths, 16th: Phil Jessen.
The members draw went to Crusty Carlisle and the NAGA went to Paul Du with 22 pts - Paul almost escaped the presentation, with an urgent phone call, but it turned out to be a false lead.
The Bright Golf Guru thought of the week - if your golf ball lands in a bird’s nest, do you take a drop, or simply attempt to hit it out with your driver?
JESSIE SMITH
JORJA REIDY LOCALS IN ACTION
TOM CAPPELLARI
ROD ARGUELLO
KATIE IVONE
JACK MILFORD
Savoy power into cup final, still undefeated in league
By NATHAN DE VRIES
IT’s always nice to get the chance to play for some silverware.
Myrtleford Savoy’s senior men’s team earned their place in the FA Cup decider against Albury City a er thumping Albury United last Wednesday night in the semi.
A strong start bled into a dominant second half, with Savoy winners to the tune of 6-2.
A er conceding early, Myrtleford controlled possession and kept pressure on United’s defensive structure, with goals coming from Lewis Holloway (two), Connor Caponecchia, Tyler Curran, Tom Morrison and young Jack White.
Myrtleford coach Jayden Vescio said it was a polished performance.
“We shu ed our formation a little bit, went at them with a 4-4-2 which is di erent to when we played them six days prior,” he said,
“Tommy Morrison hit the frame twice in the rst half an hour, we might’ve went in 3-1 up, then the guys hit another gear which I didn’t think we could hit in the second half.
Brenton
“We blew the game open, and we were able to in the last 15 minutes make some substitutions and get some of our key players o the ground because we had a three-day turnaround to another big xture.
“We were able to get a few young guys on which was good, young Jack White, I think he’s just turned 17, and to see him score against arguably the best team of the
puts
last three or four years was good – as a coach it was one of my better moments.”
With their ticket to the FA Cup decider booked for Saturday, May 10 against Albury City, Savoy turned their attention to their weekend league match, also against City.
Myrtleford gave City a sneak peek of what was in store for them with a controlled 4-2 result, extending their unbeaten streak to ve games.
It was far from a walkover however, with many chances going begging, either repelled by City’s defence or siring wide of the woodwork.
Tyler Curran headed in Myrtleford’s rst, but the game was in the balance at 1-1 at half-time.
A brace early in the second half gave Savoy some breathing room, but the game wasn’t iced until Connor Caponecchia slotted on into the top corner.
Vescio said it was brilliant to have goals coming from so many di erent players.
“’Richo’ [Matt Richardson] scored 30-odd goals for us last year, the big pillar up top who can nish goals, he was best on ground on Wednesday night and he didn’t score a goal, but he had direct assists in four of the six goals,” he said.
“You don’t know where they’re going to come from, they’re coming from eve-
ryone – it’s really good as a coach to see everyone getting on the scoresheet and not having to rely on one or two individuals.”
Savoy head to Aloysius Park this weekend to take on Albury Hotspurs in a top of the table thriller.
“We’ve earmarked this month with United, City, now ‘Spurs and the FA Cup nal on May 10 – we’re halfway through that and we’ve ticked all the boxes,” Vescio said.
“I had a look at them a couple of weeks ago, they play a possession brand of football which suits us because it’ll be two teams that play good football going at it.
“They’re second for a reason, they’re winning games, they’re one of those teams who are an up-andcoming team like Albury City.”
The senior women’s side had the weekend o with the bye.
Panthers roar into new baseball season
THE Porepunkah Panthers started their North Eastern Baseball Association season playing away against the Wodonga Warriors, with all ve grades preforming well and the Panthers’ B grade side having a big win.
UNDER 12
This was a high scoring four innings match, with the Panthers eventually going down 23-24.
Cohen Guest-Smith, starting as pitcher, made a nice throw to Byron Smith at rst to get the out in the rst innings with Wodonga scoring six runs.
The Panthers responded with Zac Gould hitting safely to set the tone, scoring on Yuna Meddings’ hit and Ollie Smith also hitting a two bagger.
The second and third innings also had both teams score 12 runs apiece, with all players enjoying the game.
Mena Meddings showed great improvement from last year getting a nice safe hit and running fast.
The last innings six Panthers had safe hits to bring in ve runs and the team narrowly going down.
UNDER 15
The Panthers came up against Wodonga Warriors and a great display of baseball was put on by both teams.
With the Panthers rst up to bat, they registered two runs early, with Cohen GuestSmith and Eamon Thomson both wearing one and Paige Anders getting a walk. They were driven in by a hit to Ayla McCallum and contact from Tasmyn Clunie, registering an RBI each.
The rst innings was a pop y for Anders followed by two strike outs, but the Warriors returned re with three strike outs of their own before backing it up with ve runs.
Rory Clarke and Wes Booth kept the momentum up with singles helping the team score three runs and squar-
ing the game up at ve all.
With a change in Pitchers, Rory Clarke came to the rubber and was backed up by his team in the eld.
Rory continued to throw strikes and Wodonga were able to score three more in the fourth, with the nal result reading Wodonga 9 to Porepunkah 5. For the rst game of the year the team shows real promise with already a lot of growth being seen.
C GRADE
The C Grade Panthers squad consists of seven players under the age of 18, with two still playing under 15s and three coming up this year.
They began the match against Wodonga well with four of their batters reaching rst base on walks.
Randy Skippen’s low hit towards right eld was errored, and scored two of the three runs.
Another three runs in the second innings, including an
‘inside the park homerun’ by Jarrod McCormack, singles by Peter Alexander and Geordie McEwan, and a two-run double to right eld by Jason Brown saw a 6-2 lead opened up.
Wodonga, however, put together four hits and a number of free passes to push runners across the plate and tie up the score.
Wodonga kept up their pattern of not swinging at bad pitches, and with a safe hit also obtained, were able to run out 10-8 winners.
B GRADE
The Panthers’ B grade side put in a strong all-round effort to walk away with a convincing win.
The rst innings had the Panthers bringing in six runs, with Luca Barthelmes, James Jellef and Randy Skippen all hitting safely.
Wodonga responded scoring ve runs, with Panther pitcher Luca Barthelmes striking out a batter.
The second innings had
the Panthers score another six runs with Scotty McCallum hitting a big two base bomb and James Hughes also hitting safely.
Wodonga’s innings had them score ve runs.
With the game score 12-10 to Porepunkah there was no looking back, with Panther Liam Quinton taking the mound to strike out three batters and show some serious heat, allowing the Warriors to score only one more run in the nal two innings.
The Panthers batted in seven runs to run away with the match, with Lachie Rosser hitting a ‘triple baser’, followed by safe hits to Jarrod McCormack, James Hughes and Scotty McCallum, who hit another two baser.
Final score was Porepunkah 19 def Wodonga 11.
A GRADE
The senior Panther team had a tough a ernoon, going down 15-0 to the Wodonga Warriors.
Heath Anders started o on the mound for Porepunkah and gave the team plenty of opportunities to get the outs, but unfortunately, they let a few slip.
Adam Rosser led the way batting in the rst innings with a nice hit to le eld, and was always in the action playing shortstop.
Heath Anders hit safely as lead-o batter in the second innings, with Panther Jarrod Smith then showing his bat is still running hot a er last season, hitting safely as well.
Dean Anders was locked in at right eld taking three catches and also hitting safely in the h innings.
Luca Barthelmes took a nice catch in the nal innings.
The Panthers swapped pitchers and bought in Adrian Quinto, who did very well and closed out the nal three innings, allowing the Warriors only ve more runs.
Lachie Rosser was brilliant behind the plate again for the Panthers.
FINISHER: Connor Caponecchia scored the fourth and final goal for Savoy.
ATTACKING PLAY: Tom Morrison streams towards goal.
CHALLENGE:
Cook
his body on the line for possession.
PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie
Whorouly A grade push Demons to the limit MATCH REVIEWS
By NATHAN DE VRIES
THE Lions’ netballers can take a wellspring of condence from their e orts on the weekend, splitting the points with a talented Milawa A grade side 45-45.
Whorouly took some time to adjust to the footspeed and rapid ball movement the Demons produced, but the Lions never allowed themselves to be shut out of the game.
As the match wore on, the Demons maintained a healthy lead, but Whorouly worked hard late in the game to come back and even the score.
If the match had run even a few minutes longer, they could’ve taken the full ra of points on o er, but coach Kelly Cousins was very impressed with the performance.
“Everyone stepped up when it mattered most,” she said.
Bright deliver in netball thriller
IN one of the games of the season, Bright’s A grade netball side have taken a huge early-season scalp to upset reigning premier Bonnie Doon by one goal.
The match between two quality teams was a highscoring contest which ended in a nail-biting 61-60 win.
A second-straight game on their home court for Bright, who were keen to amends a er a close loss to Tarrawingee a week earlier, started in a more positive manner as they edged ahead a er a tense opening term by two goals.
That’s just about as far as the lead pushed out to, with Bonnie Doon using their premiership experience to make moves and hit the lead on multiple occasions.
Amazingly, Bright led at every break by only a goal or two on each occasion, and
“On our end, the attackers remained consistent and stuck to the game plan.
“Through patience and discipline, we started to break through in the second half.
“The nal quarter saw a shi in momentum, thanks to strong full-court defensive pressure, which opened up opportunities for both Eb [Allen] and Laura [Keighran] to snag a few key intercepts.
“That nal-quarter comeback was a true team e ort - it came down to everyone locking into their roles and li ing their intensity.”
The Lions have the chance to climb up the ladder this weekend when they take on a edgling Benalla All Blacks squad at home.
While the Panthers haven’t set the league on re this season, they’re a proud and capable side, and Whorouly will have to be at their best to bank the four points.
“Our girls absolutely have
“The rst quarter was tightly contested, and with Milawa’s speed, it took us some time to adjust to the pace of the game.
most importantly for their sake, a er 60 minutes of gruelling netball, by the barest of margins.
The scorers had no time to rest work with 121 goals shared between two seemingly nals-bound sides if the rst ve rounds are a decent indicator of what may await.
In a battle of the goal shooters, league leader Amy Starzer of Bonnie Doon was incredibly accurate with 52 goals at 96 per cent, while Bright’s Emily Nightingale netted 46 goals for the second week in a row.
Bright coach Ash Grimes was ecstatic with her side’s
a never-give-up mindsetit’s never over until the nal whistle, and they’re always ready to rise to the challenge,” Cousins said.
“We’ve been nishing games strongly, which is a real positive, but there’s still work to do in making sure we don’t give away big leads that are impossible to reel in.”
Over on the footy eld, it was a tougher day for the Lions.
Up against tough opponents Milawa, both grades came up short, with the seniors ghting hard to a 9.6 (60) to 14.11 (95) loss.
An eight-point margin at quarter time began to widen through the second,
with Whorouly unable to e ectively stymie Milawa’s impressive mid eld and forward groups.
Several injuries throughout the game meant the Lions were operating with a limited bench, but they ran the game out well.
Michael Newton was the target up forward, nishing with eight of his side’s nine goals, while Jessie Smith and Russell Eden were impressive, with Will Allen among the best in his 50th club game.
The Lions return home this weekend to host Benalla All Blacks, with netball from 9.10am and football from 12pm.
e ort and the outcome of the match.
“I’m absolutely over the moon about the win against Bonnie Doon – it was such an incredible game to be a part of,” Grimes said.
“What stood out most for me was how well the girls executed everything we’d worked on at training.
“Their ability to stay composed and in control throughout such a high-intensity match was really impressive.
“Every single one of the nine players stepped up and played their role – it was a full fourquarter, hard-fought e ort.”
Bright’s di cult sequence of matches continues with a road trip to take on the highly-fancied Milawa, who had their own exciting encounter a er a dramatic 45-all draw against Whorouly.
Grimes knows that another challenge is waiting for her emerging side.
“We’ve got another tough one coming up against Milawa,” Grimes explained.
“They’ve been a strong side for a long time, and I’m expecting them to bring plenty of experience and skill on Saturday.
“From our side, I just want us to keep building and main-
tain the level we showed last weekend.
“If we can bring the same intensity and grit, I know the girls will give it their absolute best again.”
First pass is at 2:30pm.
Over on the footy ground, it was a looser a air, with the Mountain Men thumping the Bombers 9.18 (72) to 4.5 (29).
The match was controlled by Bright from the rst quarter, with the home team holding a narrow nine-point advantage by the half.
The result could’ve been assured through the third quarter, if only Bright had laced up their goalkicking boots.
The Mountain Men had eight scoring shots in the third for only two goalsthankfully for Bright, their defensive structure stymied any advance Bonnie Doon tried.
A further four behinds were kicked in the nal term, but an equal amount sailed through the big sticks, the Mountain Men maintaining their perfect record by 43 points.
Zander Dalbosco and James Love were impressive, while forward dynamic duo Cooper Thomason (three goals) and Luke Quirk (two goals) competed well.
PHOTO: Richard Xerri
SURE SHOT: Emily Nightingale shot 46 goals at well above 90 per cent against Bonnie Doon.
PHOTO: United Bright Football Netball Club
FEED IT IN: Tayla Allen send the Lions into their shooting end.
PHOTOS: Nathan de Vries
MATCH REVIEWS
Saints knock over Magpies
A GRADE NETBALL
By NATHAN DE VRIES
A CLOSE and heavily-contested game of netball was fought out at the Wangaratta Showgrounds on ANZAC Day, but it was Myrtleford standing tall a er the hour’s play.
The Saints held rm against a gun Magpies squad to salute 44-40 on Friday evening, recording their rst win of the 2025 season.
The Magpies came out ring early, but the Saints were strong enough to match them across the court.
Myrtleford only trailed by three goals a er the rst 15 minutes, and cut the margin by one at the half.
The Saints’ second half was a marked improvement, as stunning defensive e orts and precision passing and shooting allowed Myrtleford to eat up the margin and even take a narrow lead heading into the nal term.
Pressure mounted, but the Saints stood tall to run out winners by just four goals.
It was a brilliant way to salute one of the club’s best, with Emma Sharp celebrating her 250th match for the Saints.
Myrtleford senior coach Olivia La Spina said her side never wavered for the duration of the match.
“We went in full of con dence that we could do it, so to get the win was really exciting,” she said.
“I think someone said it was the rst time in over 10 years Myrtleford A grade has beaten Wangaratta.
“I knew we had it in us to get over the line, we weren’t playing poor netball, it was just a miss of goals.
“As it got closer, towards the end of the third quarter, I knew we’d stay in front if we got that one goal lead and that’s exactly what happened.
“It was de nitely a four-quarter effort, I kept having to cheer the girls up at every break.
“I think our defensive pressure was what won us the game, all the way down the court, it just felt like we su ocated them to a degree with our defensive pressure.
“With that, there’s a lot of energy you’re exerting, so for them to be able to do that for 60 minutes was really great.”
Wish shooter Daisy O’Kane battling a back injury, it was a chance
DMB netballers connect four
A SIZZLING second-half performance from DederangMount Beauty has kept up their blemish-free record with a 45-28 victory over a determined Beechworth.
The Bombers did not have it all their own way in the first two quarters, maintaining a slim two-goal advantage with a half of netball to play.
A half-time reset against a resistant Beechworth side, who somewhat surprisingly came into the game without a win, forced a change of mindset and they ultimately blew their opponents away with speed and skill to prevail by 17 goals.
for Taylah Reidy to dominate under the ring.
“I said to Tay [Reidy] and Em [Sharp] during the week we’d probably have to have them together, they play beautifully together, their connection is so great a er playing CBL last season.
“It gave Tay a bit of a breather, I thought Wang’s defence when Tay was in GA in the rst half was really solid, and she was probably getting a bit rattled herself, so to put her back in GS gave her a breather.
“It showed in her con dence
shooting, she was just letting some balls go which were very similar to how she would shoot in the O&K, just so light and full of con dence, and she really found that on the weekend.”
Myrtleford head to JC Lowe Oval this weekend to take on a limping Yarrawonga Pigeons out t.
“I saw on the weekend they had a lot of injuries come from their A grade game, which I think were quite signicant, so I don’t know they’re going to shape up, which is sometimes good or bad,” La Spina said.
“The team we see on the weekend will not necessarily be their strongest team of the year, but if there are four points up for grabs we know we’ve got to take it.
“I think it’s a good opportunity to get another win on the board and carry that momentum in from last weekend.”
It was grim news in the other grades, with the B grade side losing by 19 goals, C grade by 14, the 17 and under team by 11, and the 15 and under squad by 18.
Saints prevail by four points on Friday afternoon showdown
■ From back page
“I thought that was a signicant improvement on the previous week, we made it hard for them to move the ball at times, that bought us some extra time and we were able to turn the ball over and score from that, which was really satisfying.
“We had to respond defensively, and we did.
“We kicked reasonably well this week, rather than the week before when we kicked pretty poorly, so building scoreboard pressure always helps.”
Simon Curtis was immense for the Saints, nishing with 24 disposals and two goals playing out of the back line, while Jaxon East (29 touches, 16 contested possessions) and Mitch Tenardi (22 disposals, eight clearances) were similarly impactful.
Matt Taberner was the target in the forward line, nishing with three goals.
“Simon was outstanding o half back, he kicked both those goals playing o half back - he’s just a really smart player and brings a lot of leadership both on and o the eld and high standards to our group,” Millar said.
“Matty Munro has had a really good start to the season, Jaxon East had something like 17 or 18 contested disposals so it was a super game from him.
“Mitch Tenardi, I thought that was his best game for us, had a really important role in the middle of the ground, gave us some important clearances in the last quarter to set up our scoring opportunity. “Matt [Taberner] probably had eight to 10 shots on goal, he was quite dangerous up forward – he won’t be back for another three or four weeks, but he’s been super for us since he came across.”
The Saints will head across to
JC Lowe Oval this weekend to take on Yarrawonga.
The Pigeons are not known for losing too many games, but the Saints will head into the game with con dence and a thirst to pull one over on the strong side.
“I went across and had a look at them Saturday playing Corowa, I thought Corowa were on top of them in the rst half but Yarra were good enough with their classy players to nish o the game reasonably strong,” Millar said.
“I’m sure they’ll get a few players back this week from injury, so we’ll prepare for their best team, I think they’ve only lost six games in two and a half years, they don’t lose many and they’re a proud footy club.”
In other matches on ANZAC Day, the reserves went down by 11 points, while the thirds were rocked by 93.
Dederang-Mount Beauty’s A grade netball coach Alex Dyde was happy to bank four points but conceded that there was some room for improvement.
“We were quite flat in the first half,” Dyde said.
“Beechworth aren’t a bad side, but we weren’t putting forward our usual play.
“A bit of a pep talk and getting around each other at the half time break saw the girls come out firing in the third quarter and kept the momentum to run away with it.
“It was probably more of a mental game than a physical one for us yesterday.”
The win sees DederangMount Beauty remain amongst the shrinking group of four undefeated teams, which will decrease to three after Kiewa-Sandy Creek and Chiltern battle it out this Saturday.
Facing a challenge of their own, the Bombers will host sixth-placed Mitta United in Mount Beauty, and Dyde is reasonably confident that their run of victories can extend to five.
“We are working on a few combinations before we head into a run against some of the other top sides, so we will see what Mitta bring, but hope to be able to try out a few things before a challenging run of games ahead,” Dyde added.
“Mitta are always very physical, but we are mentally going in strong to continue our winning streak.”
On their home turf, DMB’s senior footballers could not contend with the might of Beechworth in a 154-point loss
Despite a competitive performance in the third quarter, where the Bombers managed to snag two goals to the Bushrangers’ three, the scoreboard wasn’t a pretty sight when it finished at 2.6 (18) to 25.22 (172).
Nick Iaria led from the front with the Bombers’ only two goals from the midfield to be his side’s best player, while Jacob Ozolins and Trent Barton got their fair share of the ball when the Bombers got their hands on the footy.
Lachlan Armstrong kicked ten goals for the visitors in a clear best-on-ground display.
NONE SHALL PASS: Indya Ford locks down in defence.
SHOOTER: Taylah Reidy lines up the shot.
LEAPING: Daisy O’Kane flies for the ball. PHOTOS: Marc Bongers
OPTIONS: Zac Pethybridge looks for an avenue forward.
TWO TO BEAT
Will Keenan fends o challenges from a pair of Albury City players in Myrtleford’s 4-2 win on Sunday. Savoy will replay City in the FA Cup final on Saturday, May 10.
■
MYRTLEFORD’s senior squad showed the competition they meant business in 2025 a er knocking o the previously undefeated Wangaratta Magpies on ANZAC Day.
The Saints saluted at the Wangaratta Showgrounds, taking the win 9.11 (65) to 8.13 (61).
Defensive pressure was the name of the game early, and the Saints’ back six locked down hard on the dangerous Wangaratta forward line.
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
The Magpies may have had more of the ball inside their forward 50, but couldn’t capitalise, while Myrtleford’s forwards kicked true to lead by eight points at quarter time.
The match took on another level of intensity through the second, as the Magpies started to nd their kicking boots.
At the other end, the Saints were kept relatively quiet on the scoreboard, only managing a trio of minor scores to lead by just two points heading into the second half.
The arm wrestle continued, but
momentum turned in Myrtleford’s favour when the Saints started kicking goal a er goal early in the fourth quarter to establish a distinct margin which they were able to successfully defend.
Senior coach Craig Millar said it was a resounding response a er a lacklustre showing against Lavington last weekend.
“We had to make four changes
Saints prevail by four points on Friday a ernoon showdown with ‘Pies
to the team, so we knew it would give us a bit of a di erent look, and we knew we had to respond a er a disappointing performance against Lavington the week before,” he said.
“I was really proud of their response on what was a challenging week with a short turnaround, a ve-day turnaround for both teams.
■ Continued page 26
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PHOTO: Melissa Beattie