Mt Buller News

Mt Buller & Mt Stirling’s Newspaper PH: (03) 5775 2115

Friday, September 17, 2021 E: sales.mcourier@nemedia.com.au

INSIDE

PAGE 3

On-snow lunch YAHOO - WE’RE BACK: Locals Dan Rogers and Andre Bennett were back in action spring-ing into skiing following great news about restrictions easing at Mt Buller.

PHOTO: Mt Buller Rhylla Morgan

PAGE 4

Mountain memories

PAGE 10

Kofler Bob stays

INDEX Skier profile........ p8 Real Estate ....... p11

We’re not done ‘just’ yet CELEBRATIONS at Mt Buller were welcomed on September 8 as word spread that snow lovers in regional Victoria came out of lockdown and could return to the slopes.

Following this announcement regional Victorians lost no time in booking accommodation and planning a spring snow escape to make up for missed winter weekends.

Buller Ski Lifts general manager Laurie Blampied confirmed the ski area is back in action.

“We can’t wait to have regional Victorians back on the slopes,” Laurie said.

“It’s wonderful news for our community to be open for business again and welcoming skiers and boarders back to the slopes for spring.”

Ski instructors at the Ski and Snow-

board School pulled out their blue jackets offering private lessons available on demand at discounted rates of up to 25 per cent off for the spring re-opening.

Mt Buller has a good spring cover of up to 64cm snow on popular runs including Bourke Street, Shakey Knees, Little Buller Spur and the Summit and is quickly rallying and will continue to run at least eight lifts for as long as the snow remains.

The terrain park on Skyline is offering some large jumps and features much to the delight of locals.

A dusting of 2cm on Sunday night (September 12) was welcome and sub-zero temperatures have enabled snowmaking to top up the cover.

The Snow Factory has been in action giving the Snow Play Park in the

Village a boost for the kids eager to get in some toboggan fun just in time for school holidays.

“The requirement for a negative COVID test is back in place and operating smoothly as visitors simply show their test result to the gate as they arrive,” said BSL’s Rhylla Morgan.

“Spring accommodation calls started flowing in as soon as the restrictions were eased with regional Victorians taking the chance to get out of the house.

“Locals are also making the most of the chance to have dinner at iconic venues including Kaptans, Enzian and ABOM.” Only 10 guests are permitted in venues due to the tight restrictions so bookings are essential, but at least it opens up a chance to eat out.

COVID restrictions still require visitors to Mt Buller or Mt Stirling to show a negative COVID test taken within the previous 72 hours of arrival at the resort in order to enter.

Children under 12 years do not require a test.

Resort entry will be operating 24/7 to verify negative COVID tests.

All visitors to the resort and venues on mountain will continue to be asked to show proof of address and to follow all COVID safety guidelines including checking in, masks and social distancing.

And to dine out the ABOM Moosehead has established a ‘private dining’ offer allowing smaller groups and families to still enjoy an evening out.

For live web cam views, latest conditions and booking information visit mtbuller.com.au.

PAGE 2 — MT BULLER NEWS — Friday, September 17, 2021

NEWS Mt Buller & Mt Stirling’s Newspaper

Est. 1984 Incorporating Mt Buller - Mt Stirling News and Mt Buller Times (Est. 2007)

www.nemedia.com.au

MERRIJIG HIGH COUNTRY HOTEL & MOTOR INN

MARKETING & SALES MANAGER: Leah Scott.

Ph: (03) 5733 1102 lscott@nemedia.com.au SALES CONSULTANT: Jake Reeves.

Ph: (03) 5733 1104 jreeves@nemedia.com.au EDITOR: Jarrah Loh JOURNALIST: Pam Zierk- Mahoney PZierk-Mahoney@nemedia.com.au Ph: (03) 5775 2115.

Published by Hartley Higgins for Mansfield Newspapers Pty Ltd at the registered office, 98 High Street, Mansfield 3722.

Printed web offset by North East Media Pty Ltd, 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta, 3677.

YOUR NEWS: Contributed articles, news, artwork and color photographs from readers are most welcome.

Please mail to: Mansfield Newspapers 98 High Street, Mansfield 3722 P.O. Box 290, Mansfield 3724.

Ph: (03) 5775 2115 Fax: (03) 5775 1580

Gin and Whisky Bar with over 100 varieties Pizza available 7 days a week during winter Ski Hire and Chain Hire available onsite 1915 Mt Buller Rd, Merrijig Ph: 5777 5702 www.merrijigmotorinn.com.au

We have a great range of quality butchers cuts, smokehouse small goods and chef prepared meals.

Delivering to Mt Buller Monday to Friday

or drop in to collect orders on your way home.

Mansfield Shopping Village 9/22 Highett Street, Mansfield, Email: salesalpinebutchery@outlook.com or phone 5775 1163

Equipment for all levels everything you need!

Huge range of 2021 demo skis & boards Ski in, ski out!

Mt Buller Village Centre T. 0357 776088 ‘On the mountain since 1962'

Familiar faces leave the slopes for retirement AS the season comes to an end for 2021 Mt Buller is set to say farewell to two familiar faces.

Well known and long term identities Laurie Blampied and Simon Pluim are set to ‘retire’ from the mountain and will no doubt be sorely missed.

Laurie Blamplied was looking forward to retiring at the end of the 2020 winter season but put those plans on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He has since been at the helm introducing and familiarising Noel Landry to the position of chief executive officer of Buller Ski Lifts (BSL).

Putting his retirement on hold he provided continuity and leadership for the mountain during the COVID pandemic response and an incredibly challenging time for the resort and BSL. But now retirement will happen at the end of the 2021 season.

Laurie has been at the helm of BSL (owned by the Grollo Group) since 1996 when he joined the company moving from Falls Creek.

He explained at the end of the 2020 season that the succession plan was appointing a new general manager and working with that person through this season before handing over.

Laurie recalls the mountain had around 24 lifts when he arrived and a program commenced to consolidate some of the older lifts, replacing them with more efficient ones.

It is not only the mountain that has changed over the 24 years but the faces at the top.

“I have worked with some four resort managers in my time,” Laurie said.

“When I first came here Sandy Jeffcoat was resort manager and there was no Resort Management Board

RETIREMENT AT LAST: With retirement plans put on hold for almost two years, Laurie Blampied, CEO of Buller Ski Lifts, will finally say goodbye to his chair at the end of this season.

(RMB) or CEO - that came in 1997.

“I worked well with Sandy.

“I have since worked with three CEOs at the Resort Management - Phil Nunn replaced Sandy, John Huber followed Phil and now Mark Bennett is in the chair - all very different characters and have brought different approaches to the role.”

“The mountain does not look the same as it did 20 to 30 years ago, and as snow becomes rarer (with climate change) it will be even more sought after,” Laurie said.

“I have no doubt climate change is real.

“The ski industry is far from being in denial - we need to adapt to survive, which is why we first got into snow making - some 30 years ago now.

“I have been very fortunate in my working life to have travelled extensively around the world being involved in the ski industry, so I’m looking forward to living in Mansfield, playing golf,

doing some more fishing and spending time with my grandchildren. “ Simon Pluim is retiring from Mt Buller after 32 years in the mountains.

“This has included a decade with the Mansfield/Mt Buller police stations, being the founder of Mt Buller Alpine Reservations which has been operating for the last 18 years, and currently the owner of Winterbrook Chalet,” Simon said.

Winterbrook was sold earlier this year bringing the highest price ever recorded at Mt Buller.

“I’ve got some pretty good stories about policing and patrolling in the mountains and some great images,” Simon said and has since told his story to column writer Rob Aivatoglou (see Rob’s column this issue on Simon Pluim).

“I’d certainly like to say goodbye to lots of my Mt Buller friends, both those who work here, and those that are from the greater Buller community out of Melbourne.”

Holiday Units & Overnight Accommodation

Snow Chains and Driving in the Snow,

Don’t worry about these!

Stay with us, Park your car, and catch the Bus to Buller

CALL 03 5775 2335

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MT BULLER NEWS — Friday, September 17, 2021 — PAGE 3

FRIDAY – SUNDAY 11AM – 4PM

FRESH LOOK: Bull Run Cantina offers on-snow fresh, hot food to fill that empty space and reenergise so you can go the slopes again.

Pull up for an onsnow Cantina lunch

WHEN you are out skiing or boarding in fresh mountainous snow you don’t always want to go indoors and have the bother of taking off boots, coats etc.

There is a new and exciting offer located at the base of the Bull Run Lift which offers hot food and drinks and a place to eat without leaving the run - and a new taste on the mountain.

Welcome to Buller’s South American Cantina.

With the addition of snow making and a little more power Bull Run Cantina can

offer some warming breakfast snacks and coffee nourishing skiers all day with some hearty Latin treats.

Empanadas, tacos, beans and eggs, you know the drill.

The Cantina also offers refreshing cold beers and warming Mexican spirits think Mezcal, Rum and Tequila and the usual favourites.

Transformed from the previous Bull Run Kiosk, the Bull Run Cantina has a bright new façade, some Latin tunes and a chilled out area to grab a seat, or leave the skis.

Take that break from the run and enjoy your favourite Mexican dish - relax and catch up with friends without leaving the snow.

As the Cantina has been such a success over winter, the team up at Buller Hospitality are planning something special for summer.

Plans are in the pipeline to bring Bull Run to a more accessible location for some Mexican inspired weekends over the warmer months.

It’s definitely worth keeping an eye out for this.

SPRING

!

N O IT

REFER TO OUR WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK FOR OPENING HOURS

0448 900 541

PAGE 4 — MT BULLER NEWS — Friday, September 17, 2021

www.nemedia.com.au

Leaving life on the Buller slopes SIMON Pluim has become a well-known identity on Mt Buller and at the end of this season will retire following the sale of his accommodation venue - Winterbrook.

Simon has been an identity in one way or another on the mountain for the past 32 years, including a decade with the Mansfield/Mt Buller police stations, being the founder of Mt Buller Alpine Reservations which has been operating for the last 18 years, and owner of Winterbrook Chalet.

Below is a Q&A session held with Simon through Rob Aivatoglou - Rob’s final Mountain Memories column for this season.

Q: How did you find yourself at Mt Buller in the role of a policeman?

A: I joined the Victoria Police in 1985 with a goal of one day being stationed in one of our alpine resorts. I had fallen in love with skiing at Mt Buller at a young age and the thought of combining a police career with my passion made good sense. When the opportunity came up, I took it.

Q: Who did you admire mostly when you were transferred to work at Mt Buller Police?

A: As a young ‘snow struck’ policeman I think Ski Patrol manager Terry ‘Speaky’ Lyons stood out. I think his quiet manner, integrity, passion for Mt Buller and his calmness and intuition during a search/

rescue operation, taught me a lot about who I wanted to be.

Q: Funniest memory as a Mt Buller policeman?

A: Lots of funny things happened, but there is one that comes to mind. It was at the end of a storm cycle, and a young woman reported that her partner was missing on the mountain. As the search unfolded, so did the fact that the missing man’s partner was in fact his mistress. My responsibility was naturally to contact his wife, who hit the roof when she found out that her husband was at Mt Buller.

Normally, we take a missing person when found straight to the medical centre for assessment, howeve, I opted to give him a snowmobile ride directly to the ski patrol base where he was reunited with his wife and mistress.

Q: What is your saddest memory at Mt Buller?

A: Tough one that. Big Dave Marciano’s unexpected death last year was sad; he was a true friend to Mt Buller and I loved his genuine honesty and friendship as a local. Then I think watching Hans (Grimus) leave the village for the last time after his funeral was emotional for me.

Probably the saddest and most tragic was the death of ski patroller Rory Mcleod in the Mt Buller Chutes. I had the privilege of spending some time with Rory after he had died and was conveyed

LIFE ON BULLER: Simon Pluim started his association with Mt Buller firstly as a Victoria Police officer and grew to love the mountain life so much he spent 32 years living and ‘playing’ on the mountain.

to Mansfield Hospital. I remember vividly holding his BSL staff ski pass in my hand with great sadness. At 22 he had so many more mountains to ski.

Blackcomb Ski Patrol: Q. How did you find yourself at Blackcomb Ski Patrol for many Australian summers?

A: Working with a ski patrol in big mountains with significant avalanche terrain was something I instinctively and passionately always wanted to do. I had a unique skill set and I sent them a resume and they took me on board.

Q: Most memorable

moment with Blackcomb Ski Patrol?

A: I had just loaded on the Wizard chairlift out of the village with one other skier, a young guy. It was snowing heavily and we put the Perspex dome down for shelter. He looked across at me in my red ski patrol uniform and said, “do you mind if I light up?” As the Perspex bubble started to fill with marijuana smoke, he said, “So are you a ski patroller back in Australia also?” .....to which I responded, “No I’m actually a senior constable with the Victoria Police”. He quickly put it out.

Mt Hotham Ski Patrol: Q: You left Mt Buller in 1997 and went to Mt Hotham to work with the Resort Management Board and Ski Patrol there? What took you away from Mt Buller for five years?

A: I had resigned from the Victoria Police and I was studying management at Monash University. With the doubling of the Mt Hotham ski area in 1997, I hoped it would be a great risk management study for my thesis.

Q: What brought you back to Mt Buller?

A: Hotham is very isolated and we began to really miss our old friends in the Mt Buller community. It was also a time when I came to the realisation that I was working too much on skis, taking it for granted. I needed to find the

passion for skiing again as a recreation for myself.

Mt Buller Reservations: Q: What was your inspiration for starting Mt Buller Alpine Reservations?

A: It wasn’t my inspiration, I was taken along for the ride by my ex-wife, Nicole Rowe.

I had planned to only spend one year to help her in the start-up, I ended staying for 18.

Q: What was your point of difference for almost two decades?

A: We were the only reservations company genuinely based on the mountain, and we had a great network from the relationships we had built in previous careers. We were first and foremost passionate skiers and we had a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the village and mountain.

Winterbrook Chalet: Q: What was the inspiration for creating Winterbrook Chalet as a boutique accommodation?

A: After almost two decades of owning and operating Mt Buller Reservations I was privy to those that offered great service and hospitality and those that fell a little short of the mark. It became a dream to own and operate a boutique Chalet; Winterbrook, as a ski lodge was on my radar for almost a decade.

Q: Why was it an instant and huge success?

A: If you have a great product and combine it with great service in a five star location then you can’t go wrong. We simply combined my experience and life in the mountains with the experience and kind nature of my partner, Janne Casey. We turned a beautifully designed building into a warm welcoming and boutique chalet, offering unique experiences: home baked cookies after skiing, schnapps by the fire and Mt Buller tales gathered from over three decades of skiing and working in resorts worldwide.

General Mt Buller/Skiing: Q: Who do you currently rate as a ‘true’ Mt Buller legend?

A: I think Woody (Mark Woodsfield) represents everything that is good about Mt Buller. He has a genuine

love and care for the place and he is kind and an honest local.

Q: What’s your hidden spot at Mt Buller to ski on a powder day?

A: Sometimes on a windy south westerly storm front, I sneak onto the village bus to Arlberg, then hit right side of Shakey Knees, break left into Cow Camp or Tyrol lower lift line, and then ride North Side Express from the mid-load.

Favourite Mt Buller memory: A: My kids attending Mt Buller Primary, it was a unique experience for all of us. On a bluebird day I would occasionally (actually often) take them out of class for a ski on the pretext of a doctor’s or dentist appointment. I loved watching them develop on skis and I loved teaching them about the hidden secrets in their own backyard.

Q: What legacy would you like to leave from your time on the mountain?

A: I’m really proud of the detailed inquest I prepared for the Coroner into the death of Paul Hudson, a 17 year old snowboarder that died in the second chute. There had been several deaths in the seasons leading up to Paul’s fatal accident and I with others instinctively believed that the inquest would result in the area being permanently closed.

The investigation ultimately revealed that Paul’s death was sadly caused through his own misadventure; and as such I requested that I recommended a permanent closure to the western ridge not be ordered; that ski resort manage the area better with improved signage, a fixed access control point at the fire watch tower and better education. Some 30 years on those recommendations have stood the test of time.

Q: Where to next in your life?

A: It’s time to slow down a bit, and find some new challenges and adventures. Mt Buller will always be home for me, but we have recently purchased an apartment at Falls Creek, which we will share with family and friends.

I’m a passionate sailor when I’m not skiing, and Rocky Valley Dam looks like a great place to train when I’m not racing on Port Phillip Bay.

MT BULLER APARTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES IS A LOCAL FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED BUSINESS We provide full management service to properties on Mt Buller Call for a quote to have us maintain or manage all aspects of your property

Property Management Specialists

We specialise in: t Summer & Winter Rental management t Summer Property checks t Full linen service t Offering a midweek cleaning and maintenance service t Carpet Cleaning

We do the hard work so you can enjoy your time on the mountain

P.O. Box 66, Mt Buller Vic 3723 | 1300 787 270 | info@amsmtbuller.com.au |

www.amsmtbuller.com.au

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MT BULLER NEWS — Friday, September 17, 2021 — PAGE 5

JUST RELEASED. John Castran

|

0411 502 424

|

john@castran.com.au

TIMBUKTU BOURKE STREET FRONTAGE!

āć 7911-8 63%( 13928 &900)6 2 Levels Sold, One Level Left. The Most Exclusive Residences in the Australian Alps.

Perched on the very edge of Bourke Street with the most commanding views over the ski fields, Buller Village, The Bluff and Mount Stirling.

SOLD

There is now a permit to increase the height of the existing building by three more levels, making it the most significant Alpine asset in the Australian Alps.

SOLD

The penthouse & sub-penthouse have sold.

FOR SALE

LEVEL 3

Level 3 can be sold as 2 individual apartments (3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 1 car space) or alternatively as a whole floor (5 bedroom, 5 bathroom, 2 car space)

0):)0 ā ă 7911-8 63%(

MOUNT BULLER Approximately 600sqm of Sensational Footprint That Can be Converted Into Residential Apartments (STTP)

Ąþþ 759%6) 1)86)7 READY FOR RESIDENTIAL CONVERSION

www.castran.com.au

PAGE 6 — MT BULLER NEWS — Friday, September 17, 2021

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NOBODY SELLS LIKE CASTRAN John Castran

SOLD

|

0411 502 424

SOLD

|

john@castran.com.au

SOLD

SOLD

723;+917 Ć

WINTERBROOK CHALET

ÿĀ 7/=0-2) 8)66%')

CHILLED OUT

8/19 Big Muster Drive, Dinner Plain

30 The Avenue, Mount Buller

12 Skyline Terrace, Mount Hotham

93 Big Muster Drive, Dinner Plain

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

Chalet 1, 2, 3 & 4

SOLD

WAHGUNYAH

EVOKE MT BULLER

āþą āþĆ /336336%

AMO LODGE

41-43 Canadian Bay Road, Mt Eliza

Whitehorse Village Road, Mount Buller

2-4 The Avenue, Mount Buller

Lodge B, 3, Cobbler Lane, Mt Buller

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

DINNER PLAIN HOTEL

MULLIGATAWNY

',%0)8 79-8) ăþć ăÿþ

SLALOM LODGE

31 Horseshoe Circle, Dinner Plain

24 Stirling Road, Mount Buller

Mt Buller Chalet, Mount Buller

Pontresina Lane, Mount Buller

SOLD

WHITEHORSE LAND & CAR PARK RELEASE

SOLD

SOLD

āþă /336336%

BURNT HUT

The Avenue, Mount Buller

Lodge A, 3 Cobbler Lane, Mt Buller

SOLD

0):)0 ā KOOROORA WEST 2-4 The Avenue, Mount Buller

Whitehorse Village Road, Mount Buller

www.castran.com.au

www.nemedia.com.au

MT BULLER NEWS — Friday, September 17, 2021 — PAGE 7

.978 6)0)%7)( John Castran

|

0411 502 424

|

john@castran.com.au

7-8) ÿą ` ÿÿ 8,) %:)29)

13928 &900)6 This is the Site Everyone Has Been Waiting For! Permit just granted for two (2) x 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom chalets, complete with rumpus room, mezzanine and each having 2 car garage.

•

Site 17 The Avenue has a whopping 812sqm and has uninterrupted views of the bluff and beyond.

•

Each of the approved chalets has an area of approximately 336sqm.

•

All of the hard work has been done to deliver a ready to go project - Sell one, keep one or have a mate buy one and complete your own development at a wholesale price.

•

Has an existing 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom and 2 car space chalet.

0):)0 Ā /336336% ;)78

13928 &900)6 Just Released | 2 apartments comprising 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, purchase off the plan Kooroora West is the second and final stage of Mt Buller’s landmark Kooroora Development.

Ski-in/ski-out, drive-in/drive-out. Restaurants, ski hire, fashion boutiques, coffee carts and ski lifts are all available at the push of a lift button, right in the heart of the Mt Buller Village.

Levels 2 & 3 with only 4 apartments are now available.

Commanding views and position perfect.

Your own private car park available in the basement.

www.castran.com.au

PAGE 8 — MT BULLER NEWS — Friday, September 17, 2021

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MANSFIELD

SKIER PROFILE DELIVERING TO BULLER

SET TO SKI: Molly Jacob was set to hit the slopes when Mt Buller re-opened from lockdown.

Phone (03) 5775 2028

Learner Molly hits the slopes WE NOW ARE LICENSED. SO ENJOY A GLASS OR TWO IN OUR GARDENS

NAME: Molly

Jacob.

AGE: 9 years.

WHERE DO YOU LIVE: Lower Tolmie, near Mansfield.

OCCUPATION: Kid. DO YOU SKI OR SNOWBOARD (OR BOTH): Ski. WHAT LEVEL OF SKILLS DO YOU HAVE: ‘L’ Plates.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU GET TO GO SKIING: Every weekend when Buller is open.

DO YOU SKI/SNOWBOARD ANYWHERE ELSE: Not yet.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BULLER RUN: All of them.

678 PIRIES-GOUGHS BAY RD, GOUGHS BAY

FAVOURITE APRES VENUE AND WHY: Tyrol, as it has the best food by so far.

Dreary day at Buller?

Watch the weather roll past from the comfort of our new cellar door and dining room

www.delatitewinery.com.au 0 3 5 7 7 5 2 9 2 2

Book a table here

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From the

MT BULLER NEWS — Friday, September 17, 2021 — PAGE 9

Top to the Bottom

Food&DrinkGuide

The tastes of Merrijig at the Motor Inn WARM and cosy - that’s how you can describe the dining-in area of the Merrijig Motor Inn. With a menu to please everyone the ‘Jig’ is the perfect place to stop when coming off the mountain after a hard day on the slopes or the bike trails.

With hot soups, pizzas, burgers, parmas and much more to choose from the Merrijig Motor Inn is the perfect stop over.

Of course the Motor Inn is also open in the morning for that breakfast on the run when racing to get to the mountain before the crowds taking advantage of spring skiing.

With the ‘best egg and bacon’ rolls which have been described as ‘fantastic’ ready to go, along with hot coffee what better start to the day could you get.

And for those last minute supplies on the way to the mountain there is the general store section with a full bottle shop to make up those desired snacks and drinks.

The Motor Inn’s wood fired pizzas are to die for and are especially on the menu on Friday night.

And on Wednesday nights

The Produce Store

Ros Ritchie Wines.

Made by FRIDAY K! NIGHT ARE BAC DRINKS LIVE LOCAL MUSIC 5:30~7:30PM NO COVER CHARGE

THE BEST: Homemade vanilla slices are just one of the treats you can taste at the Merrijig Motor Inn.

it is the parmas that top the menu with up to 12 varieties to choose from.

Any main course on the menu of course can be finished off with a delicious house made dessert, such as their famous vanilla slice ‘the best in the North East’ according to Mandy Aistrope, owner and best chef.

But if it is the quick and easy meal you are after to take up the mountain for that overnight stay then the Motor Inn can also accommodate those. Just pick up a prepacked meal ready to ‘heat and serve’ - a range of tasty treats are available.

And of course you can’t go past without stopping and experiencing the tastes from the Whiskey Bar - and soon with a range of locally made gins.

Sit back relax during Happy Hour from 3pm to 6pm every Sunday afternoon.

If it is wheel chain hire or toboggan hire for the kids’ play time you are looking for - just pop into the hire store next to the restaurant and shop.

The Merrijig Motor Inn is open seven days a week from 8am through to late with last meal orders taken by 8pm.

-19 COVID ols c proto apply

Join the Magnolia Club.

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL 0448 900 541 MAGNOLIA HOUSE 190 MT BULLER RD MANSFIELD OPEN 11~4 EVERY WEEKEND & PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

www.rosritchiewines.com

Mt Buller’s favourite Off-Mountain destination. Call in for great coffee & meals, and stock up on your supplies of good wines & tasty meals to go.

Open 7 days.

PH: 5779 1404 @TheProduceStore

¸ƳǐȇƔˀ АЎАЏ HANDCRAFTED

WINE & FOOD

MIRIMBAH SKI CENTRE CAFE

r SKI HIRE r 24/7 FUEL r CHAIN HIRE

Please refer to website for opening hours

www.mirimbah.com.au

Wine tasting experiences Artisan cheese platters & charcuterie boards plus home-made soups in Winter

CELLAR DOOR

OPEN Thur - Sun 11.30am - 5.00pm FOOD Sat - Sun & Public Holidays

SEDONA ESTATE 182 SHANNONS ROAD, MURRINDINDI M 0432 435 180 W SEDONAESTATE.COM.AU 24D07783-V6/3419

PAGE 10 — MT BULLER NEWS — Friday, September 17, 2021

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MT BULLER PROPERTY

Markets defy valuation logic, according to leading property experts TRADITIONAL property valuation metrics and sales performance no longer provide an accurate prediction of property sales prices in many parts of Australia, says a leading panel of experts at a recent AltX webinar.

When property prices leave even the most seasoned real estate professionals shaking their heads in disbelief, you know you need to pay attention to what’s going on.

AltX were joined by real estate experts including , The Rubinstein Group, Mark Wridgway, Director and Auctioneer, RT Edgar, Hamish Bowman, Director, Ray White Projects and Licensed

Real Estate Agent, Jason Matigan, with the consensus being clear - the performance of the Australian property market is defying logic.

When asked about the Victorian market, Wridgway said: “Dollar per square metre rates have been thrown out the door.

“From September 2020 to now, some places, including across the peninsula, have experienced an average of probably 30 to 40 per cent growth.

“Current market conditions are thanks to a unique combination of events.

“Low interest rates, a lack of

supply and a newfound appreciation for more space have sent prices surging across most markets around the country - with no signs of slowing down.

“Even the latest COVID lockdowns haven’t been able to put the brakes on the market.”

“Prices are even higher than before we went into lockdown,” says Rubinstein. “It’s just gotten more bullish and more aggressive because of low interest rates and lack of supply.

“I’ve never seen the market so tight in terms of options for people to purchase.

“This new focus on lifestyle has

completely changed the market.”

“We’re definitely seeing regional markets move,” Matigan says.

“I think that there’s room to grow with some of those regional markets.

“With the prospect of more expats coming home, along with skilled migrants returning, residential markets are likely to keep growing well into next year.

“There are people buying properties, getting ready to come back next year.”

Matigan recommends treading with caution.

“Go forward with caution,” he said.

GOING UP: In some areas real estate prices are hitting the roof with sales exceptional in regional areas.

Kofler Bob stays on his beloved mountain RUMOURS were sent flying earlier this season when a Facebook page for Bob Fleming of Koflers Hutte showed Bob and wife Christine having a drink on the balcony of the iconic Mt Buller restaurant and stating: “It’s the last one”.

The page went viral and many, many messages of congratulations were sent back to Bob - all believing he was retiring.

But not so.

Mt Buller News spoke with Bob, also ready to congratulate him on his 50+ years on the

mountain and reinventing Koflers only to be told Bob did not know how the rumour started and it was all not true.

“My wife and I were enjoying a drink on the balcony of Koflers watching the sunset after a busy day setting up for the busy snow season ahead and what we said was “the last one” meaning it was the last one for the day before the sun finally went down,” Bob said laughing.

“I will definitely be back next season as I will be turning 80 next June and I want to celebrate it on the balcony again

with another drink.

“Although who’s to say that I might think about retiring after that birthday - 80 is a good age to start thinking about taking it easy,” he said.

In the meantime Bob and Christine are still busy serving customers at Koflers Hutte and have their son Toby joining them - and who knows, Toby might just be taking over the reins.

So, the familiar faces of Bob and Christine Fleming will remain on Mt Buller for at least another season - and maybe even longer.

IT’S NOT TRUE: This will definitely not be the ‘last one’ for Bob and Christine Fleming as they intend to stay on Mt Buller for at least one more season - if not longer.

Thinking of Selling on Mt Buller?

Do you know that Mount Buller is having a real estate boom with many buyers and no properties to sell.

It’s a sellers market, so if you or someone you know has considered selling, there is no better time than now.

Contact me for an appraisal on what your property is worth in today’s market.

Mark Woodsford: 0429 930 700

Email: woody@rtedgar.com.au

www.rtedgar.com.au

www.nemedia.com.au

MT BULLER NEWS — Friday, September 17, 2021 — PAGE 11

MT BULLER PROPERTY

The peak of Mt Buller’s property market ADAMS Estate Agents, Mt Buller’s market leading and trusted agents, are having their best year yet with record sales in all price points around the village.

Over the past 24 months, Adams reported more than 100 sales throughout the region.

“The alpine property market is incredibly strong,” says Adams managing director Mark Adams.

“At Mt Buller, we are experiencing unbelievable levels of demand in a very tightly held marketplace.”

There are new record sales in both off-the-plan and established markets.

Timbuktu, the most exclusive and luxury offering this year, set an off-theplan record sale of around $7,000,000.

Earlier this year, Winterbrook Chalet set a new benchmark for the established market with a circa $3,400,000 sale.

It is an opportunistic marketplace and if some of the larger chalets and apartments on Bourke Street, Shakey Knees and Summit Road were to go to market now, there would be some unbelievable results for Mt Buller.

“The absorption rate is fascinating,” Adams says.

“In my 25 years of selling property in the Buller region, I have never experienced this amount of competition between buyers. It’s the strongest market of all time and the stock level is now the lowest it has ever been.”

Mt Buller is certainly the place to be for intergenerational families and friends.

It’s a vibrant village with plenty to offer and explains why high income earners see this location as a great lifestyle investment.

“We have an extensive buyer network waiting in the wings with keen interest at

every price point,” Adams said.

“Plenty of buyers have been missing out and 2022 snow season rentals are also in very high demand.”

It’s a shame the mountain has been in lockdown throughout large parts of this season but with spring skiing now open to regional Victoria, there is a great deal of optimism circling in the community.

Winter 2022 is promising to be a bumper season.

The summer season is now approaching at Buller and Stirling which have seen a dramatic increase of activity over the past decade with mountain enthusiasts.

It’s a perfect escape in summer as the village transforms into the ultimate biking, hiking and trail running playground.

Like winter, there are a range of incredible sights to see.

SETTING NEW HEIGHTS: Property sales on Mt Buller have set new records this season with prices expected to go higher still.

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PAGE 12 — MT BULLER NEWS — Friday, September 17, 2021

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