Young/old lady, Willow Holt, put her best foot forward in celebration of Day 100 on Monday this week, together with her fellow St Mary’s Primary School foundation class students. Full story page 2
Organisers have plans well in hand for an even bigger and better Myrtleford and District Agricultural and Pastoral Society Show than last year. The competition schedule has been finalised and is now available to view on the website and around town in print form, with categories ranging from horticulture to photography, livestock best in show to needlework and crafts.
BY PHOEBE MORGAN pmorgan@ nemedia.com.au
looking forward to having a great day with great weather.
“In terms of new attractions, this year we’re going to have Cam Sinclair perform with their motorbike group doing tricks and we’ve brought back horse-jumping.
fireworks are on again for evening entertainment.
“The Albury-Wodonga Fruit Fly Circus are also lined up to do demonstrations and run some workshops for people to have a go.
“There will be live music, lots of free roaming entertainment and performers and plenty of food stalls.
“Preparations for this year’s show (October 25) are going very well so far,” Myrtleford Show committee president Debbie Geddes said.
“All the entertainment has been booked in and we’re just
“We’ve also introduced a new section in our exhibition - arts and crafts for NDIS and senior citizens to enter.
“We still have wood cutting events, two whip-cracking ladies and of course our
“We heartily encourage people to enter into as many of our competitions as they like...that would be fantastic.
“There will be plenty of exhibits and plenty to see and do with a full program for this year.”
Entry prices for the Myrtleford Show remain the same as last year - a family pass (two adults, two children) costs $40, adults over 18 years cost $20, children over five years cost $10, while children under five enter for free and concession tickets are $10.
“We’ve not increased our gate-prices at all,” Ms Geddies said.
“We’re trying to keep the cost of admission feasible for families so everyone is able to come along.”
The Myrtleford Indoor Sports Stadium will host Opening Night on Friday,
24 October, to announce the art prize winners, while Saturday, 25 October will be the full show day, open from 9am to 9pm.
Due to the show’s different competition categories, entrants are encouraged to take note of entry dates and delivery times when they register online. Tickets are available to purchase on the website, visit: https://www. themyrtlefordshow.com.au/ Keep an eye on the Myrtleford and District Agricultural and Pastoral Society Show’s socials for updates.
Phone
The new artwork on the Roberts Creek Bridge is officially complete and it’s bringing a burst of colour, butterflies and blooms to the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail between Bright and Porepunkah.
The project has sparked plenty of conversation and reportedly a few divided opinions, but one thing’s for sure: it’s turning heads and getting people talking about public art.
Designed by Skunk Control, ‘The Colour Bridge’ has been funded by the Victorian government through a grant secured by Tourism North East.
A North East tennis coach who abused seven girls aged as young as 11 remains in custody ahead of sentencing at the end of this month.
Geoffrey Douglas Hollow, 70, abused the girls over more than a decade while a coach of the Bright and Mount Beauty tennis clubs.
He appeared in Wodonga County Court last week and pleaded guilty to 12 child abuse related charges.
The court heard the offending involved the girls being touched inappropriately, undergoing sexual massages on a modified chair behind locked doors, and being asked to wear revealing shorts without underwear.
The offending came to an end in late 2022 when one girl reported her abuse to her mother, with police alerted.
Hollow was arrested by Wangaratta sex offence detectives at his Wandiligong home in 2022, with hundreds of photographs and videos, including of the victims, found on his phone.
He was aged in his 50s and 60s during the offending.
Whether you ride, walk or run across the bridge, the Alpine Shire Council hopes you’ll take a moment to enjoy the details, snap a photo and see the artwork in person - it’s a whole different experience when you’re standing under it.
“It’s wonderful to see the new art installation on the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail near Porepunkah finally lighting up in sunshine and at night,” Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas said.
“It’s motivation for me to get on my bike.
“Thanks to Tourism North
East (TNE) for having the inspiration and finding the funds to install public art in our region and widening the busiest section of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail too.
“The Bogong Moth and surrounding work at Eurobin Station is also terrific.
“From concept, through community assessments of expressions of interest from artists to the final install, TNE has worked hard for the Alpine Shire to develop a point of difference to support our businesses and communities to thrive.”
BRIDGE
PHOTOS: Alpine Shire Council
Several victims were in court last week to see Hollow admit to his offending, with many having provided victim impact statements.
Hollow moved from the region when the offending was discovered and wrote a letter of apology to the victims, which was aired in court.
Prosecutor David O’Doherty said there was no explanation for why Hollow had offended, and said he had lived a “Jekyll and Hyde” life.
Hollow remains in custody and is to be sentenced at the end of the month.
He will be a registered sex offender for the rest of his life.
By PHOEBE MORGAN
Foundation class stu-
dents at St Mary’s Primary School in Myrtleford celebrated their first 100 days as primary-schoolers on Monday this week, with colouring-in, dress-up and of course, cake.
The children jumped forward in time and dressed up as 100-yearolds, sporting bow ties, glasses, walking sticks and even some mustaches and wrinkles.
“It was my idea to add wrinkles on my face,” student Eloise Fitzpatrick said.
“My mum helped me with my costume and it took four minutes.
“Since starting school 100 days ago, I’ve made lots of new friends.
“When I’m 100 years old, I’ll be able to read the newspaper.”
Students spent the morning colouring-in and cutting-out a pair of paper glasses in the shape of ‘100’, to add to their costumes.
“My mum helped me with my costume and it took about 20 minutes,” Joseph Wei said.
“When I’m 100 years old, I’ll be able to wash clothes and take care of my grandchildren.”
St Mary’s principal, Andrea O’Connor, said in her opinion, George Molik did the best ‘old man’ impression, as she joined in the foundation class for the morning.
Myrtleford has played a pivotal role in new research which confirms the value of community-led approaches to disaster preparedness and resilience.
The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), in partnership with the University of Sydney, has this week released a report which captures the lessons learnt following the conclusion of its Disaster Resilient: Future Ready (DR:FR) Victoria program.
Myrtleford was one of three Victorian regional communities which participated in the multi-year, place-based
initiative designed to support and strengthen the capacity and capability to thrive and be resilient to the impacts of climate change, disasters and other disruptions.
Myrtleford’s project saw the Myrtleford Neighbourhood Centre granted $37,850 to employ a ‘Community Connector’ and helped map processes and networks in the immediate aftermath of an emergency.
The project resulted in a dedicated focus on ongoing resilience building through an advisory group, which maintained momentum by tapping into new arrivals and offering
By PHOEBE MORGAN
Emergency services in Bright and surrounds responded to reports of a paraglider crash landing at the Emily Spur at Mystic Park on Saturday morning.
Local SES, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria officers and Mystic Park Bike Patrol worked together to treat the patient and ensure he received appropriate medical care before being flown to Melbourne for further treatment.
“We were called to assist transporting the pilot from where the incident was to the awaiting ambulance,” SES Bright unit controller, Graham Gales said.
“Fortunately he was not trapped in the tree canopy and we could recover him.
“In some places it’s very difficult to get the right vehicle to the incident scene.
“This pilot clipped the tree then fell down to the ground, which contributed to his injuries.
“We had to find a smoother section of road to get the patient into the ambulance.”
ongoing programming at the Myrtleford Neighbourhood Centre.
Nina O’Brien, FRRR’s Disaster Resilience & Recovery lead, said that through experience as a national funder of community-based efforts in medium to long term disaster recovery, FRRR observed communities with stronger social capital, higher levels of inclusion, diverse leadership and broad engagement across community and emergency management system, recovered more effectively after a disaster.
“We wanted to better under-
stand what had led them to be in that position,” she said.
“What did it take to enable community-led approaches that responded to each place’s unique context, so that recovery involved less disruption, and people and communities were more informed, skilled and connected for future challenges? And so, DR:FR was born.”
The program involved a series of collaborative workshops with community groups, with ongoing support and guidance from FRRR staff and, initially, external coaches, with grants awarded to
support the activation of community-driven, resiliencebuilding ideas.
As part of the program, researchers from the University of Sydney also regularly engaged with the community groups to investigate, understand and measure activities, processes and structures that enable or hinder individuals and communities in disaster resilience building.
“This research has confirmed the power of community-led approaches to disaster resilience and highlighted some key enabling factors,”
Ms O’Brien said.
SLOPE STEPS: Emergency services worked together to transport a paragliding patient to the ambulance.
your say on right to work from home
As part of its plan to enshrine the right to work from home in law, the Victorian government is encouraging Victorians to have their say at engage.vic.gov.au/wfh.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Industrial Relations Jaclyn Symes yesterday opened consultation to all Victorians ahead of legislation being introduced to the Parliament next year. They said the consultation brings together workers and
employers alike to ensure the proposed laws reflect the realworld experience of working from home: what’s fair, what’s practical, and what’s already working.
Under the proposed laws, if you can reasonably do your job from home, you will have the right to do so for at least two days a week, whether you work in the public sector or private sector.
“Consultation won’t determine whether working from home should be a right – we already know it should be,” Ms Allan said.
“This is about making sure the rules are appropriate.”
As part of the consultation, the government will consider the types of businesses and the size of businesses that will be covered by the proposed law, as well as the definition of remote work, and who is able to do it.
Myrtleford Police Station has been handed a number of found items in recent days. They include a flip phone and a drone kit.
If you believe you own either of the items contact the station on (03) 5752 1003 and reference 20257-E-2456 (flip phone) or 202507-E-2323 (drone kit). Proof of ownership is required.
“Perhaps most important of all the factors is having a group of people who are willing to step up and play a key role working closely with authorities and agencies to strengthen their community for the future.
“It is the members of these groups that are the key enablers.
“This research has proven yet again that by working closely together, and with the right support, communities can build their capacity to respond to disasters and disruptions in ways that are sustainable and impactful.”
Four sports clubs and organisations within the Alpine Shire have Victorian government funding through the latest round of the Sporting Club Grants Program.
Northern Victoria MP Jaclyn Symes said Mount Beauty Tennis Club Inc., Myrtleford District Basketball Association, Royal Children’s Hospital’s Alpine Club and Porepunkah Baseball Club are among hundreds of groups to share in more than $1 million awarded statewide.
The Mount Beauty Tennis Club and Myrtleford District Basketball Association each received $1000 to put towards uniforms for club members.
The Royal Children’s Hospital’s Alpine Club program also received $1000 to improve safety equipment.
Porepunkah’s Baseball Club received two $750 grants for members Paige Anders and Ayla McCallum, who have been selected for the All-Star All-Australian Legacy Girls 2025 BFA Nationals team.
“We are backing local clubs so more people in the community can get involved in the sports they love,” Ms Symes said.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The Allan Labor Government’s new VicGrid Stage 2 Reform Bill is nothing short of an assault on property rights, setting a dangerous precedent for how regional communities are treated in Victoria.
Under this Bill, government bureaucrats and energy corporations are granted the power to storm onto private farmland, without permission.
Farmers could wake up to find strangers cutting locks, breaking gates, and marching across their land, all in the name of transmission infrastructure.
This is not just heavy-handed, it’s terrifying. It tears up the trust between government and
By PHOEBE MORGAN
Rose bush growers and enthusiasts in Myrtleford and the surrounding area are invited to attend this year’s free rose pruning workshop at the Myrtleford Lawn Cemetery on Sunday, 24 August.
The workshop will provide the perfect opportunity for the community to get together and practice their pruning skills, with local community gardener, Alan Mitchinson, set to return as the pruning teacher on the day.
“I’ll be attending to learn how to help with our rose garden at the cemetery,” Myrtleford local and cemetery volunteer, Robbie Boyd said.
“I love volunteering at the cemetery as it’s peaceful and I’m learning a lot about how a cemetery works, which is more than I would have imagined.
“I’m hoping for some more people to volunteer this year and join in with the other volunteers.”
The rose pruning workshop, supported by the Rural Cemetery Trust, will be held at the Myrtleford Lawn Cemetery on Sunday, 24 August from 10am until midday.
Bookings for the workshop are preferred but not essential, phone 0473 535 502.
Attendees need only bring along a pair of secateurs or pruning shears and some gloves to join in on the floral fun.
ROSES READY: Pruning volunteer Robbie Boyd (left) and chair of the Myrtleford Cemetery Trust Kym Goodman get a head-start on their rose pruning skills ahead of this month’s workshop.
community and sends a chilling message: your property is no longer your own.
The Bill passed the Legislative Assembly last week, despite enormous backlash from rural Victorians.
My office has been overwhelmed by distressed calls from landholders across the region, particularly in areas where future transmission lines are expected to cut through farmland.
These families have lived and worked on this land for generations.
Now they’re being told they could be fined up to $12,000 just for protecting what’s theirs... that’s disgraceful.
The government hasn’t bothered with proper consultation, and now they’re bullying their way through.
It’s gut-wrenching and deeply unfair, and also raises fears about biosecurity breaches, livestock safety, and the long-term damage to farm opera-
tions if fences are cut or gates left open. This isn’t about opposing renewable energy. It’s about protecting the rights of those who feed our state.
The Nationals will fiercely oppose this legislation and are committed to repealing these extreme laws.
Tim McCurdy, Nationals’ MP for Ovens Valley
By JEFF ZEUSCHNER
Ambulance Victoria (AV) has improved its response times to code one emergencies within the Alpine Shire.
The latest statistics released last week indicate AV responded to 216 code one emergencies in the shire from April to the end of June this year, arriving within the optimal 15 minutes 44.9 per cent of the time.
That is up on 44.3 per cent the previous three months and is the highest response rate in more than a year.
The average response time of 22.05 minutes is also an improvement on 22.32 minutes in January to March and is the best in the past year.
AV responded to a further 156 code two emergencies within the shire from April to the end of June, with the average response time of 47.56 minutes being higher than the last quarter’s average of 44.19 minutes.
Across the Hume region, AV crews responded to 5503 code one cases between April and June 2025, down from 5623 last year, but up from 5451 three months ago.
The biggest improvements in the region were in the Moira, Mansfield, Strathbo-
gie and Greater Shepparton LGAs and the major population centre of Kilmore.
In the Moira LGA, paramedics attended 55 per cent of code one patients within 15 minutes – up from 46.6 per cent a year ago.
In the major population centre of Kilmore, paramedics attended 72.2 per cent of
code one patients within 15 minutes – up from 67.9 per cent a year ago.
In the Mansfield LGA, paramedics attended 44.3 per cent of code one patients within 15 minutes – up from 38 per cent a year ago.
Compared with a year ago, code one response times decreased by 55 seconds in the
AV is urging people not to be complacent, with demand for emergency ambulances climbing again as winter illnesses spread through the community.
“We’ve already seen a 3.7 per cent jump in code one
demand since the first three months of 2025,” Hume regional director Narelle Capp said.
“Winter is always our busiest time.
“Our paramedics are focused on reaching the sickest patients first, but every day more than 500 calls to Triple Zero (000) don’t need an
emergency ambulance.
“There are many options people can access when they need timely medical care and health advice but don’t need an emergency ambulance, including the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department and Urgent Care Clinics.
“Our expert Secondary Triage team - made up of nurses and paramedics - plays a vital role by connecting people with the right care and freeing up ambulances for lifethreatening emergencies.
“Between April and June alone, they redirected 46,015 non-urgent cases away from an emergency response.”
Ms Capp said Ambulance Victoria is working closely with hospitals, emergency services and government partners to keep ambulances on the road and patients moving through the system.
“The new Standards for Safe and Timely Ambulance and Emergency Care are already making a difference by improving patient flow in hospitals and helping our crews get back on the road sooner,” Ms Capp said.
“We’re grateful to our hospital partners for their efforts...it’s helping us reach more patients, faster.”
By Dr Paul Stolz and Terry George, president and president Emeritus of the Australian Trout Foundation
Nestled among mossy banks and wildflowers, sitting by an idyllic stream feels like stepping into a tranquil painting.
The gentle burble of water weaving its way over smooth stones creates a soft, melodic backdrop, while dappled sunlight dances across the rippling surface.
Dragonflies flit and hover, their iridescent wings catching the light and the cool air carries the fresh scent of earth and growing things.
Time slows, burdens lift and in that peaceful haven, the world narrows to the simple, healing rhythm of water, wind and the quiet heartbeat of nature.
The water is so clear fish can be seen swimming in the current and the resident platypus surfaces to take a breath and continue its feeding.
The occasional angler walks by seeking the elusive take on fly or lure to make the heart beat a little faster and the day worthwhile.
While this idyllic scene might appear to be just a dream, the Australian Trout
Victorian school principals now have the authority to suspend or expel students when their behaviour outside school or online puts fellow students and staff at serious risk.
HABITAT HELPINGHAND: In-stream habitat restoration at Bridging Waters on the Ovens River provided new shelter, refuge and food sources for many water creatures. Restoration Project.
Foundation (ATF) works very hard at making this a reality across many upland steams in Victoria.
Sunday, 27 July was National Tree Day, while World Tree Day is set to be celebrated later in the year on Friday, 21 November.
These can be special days to celebrate but every day is a tree day as far as the ATF is concerned.
The next Ordinary Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 26 August 2025 at the Bright Council Chambers from 5pm. The meeting will be livestreamed on Council’s YouTube Channel.
Community members are invited to attend in person or view online. The agenda will be available on the Friday prior to the Council meeting on Council’s website.
Please submit any questions on notice in writing to info@alpineshire.vic.gov.au by 5pm on Monday, 25 August 2025
Join us for our monthly One-on-One Chats with the Mayor and CEO! This is your chance to meet with Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, and our CEO, Will Jeremy, for a 15-minute one-on-one session to discuss topics that matter to you.
• 9-10am | Friday, 22 August 2025
• Bright Committee Room,Council Offices, 2 Churchill Ave, Bright
Recently, the ATF partnered with the North East Catchment Management Authority, Victorian Fisheries Authority, Wangaratta Fly Fishers, Alpine Fly Fishers and local Landcare to plant trees and shrubs and fund instream restoration works on significant sections of the Ovens River in the Alpine Shire.
Mayfly Rise One, Two and more recently Bridging Wa-
Book online at: engage.alpineshire.vic.gov.au or call us on (03) 5755 0555
Bookings close at 5pm on Wednesday, 20 August 2025. Spots are limited, so get in quick to avoid missing out.
Childhood Immunisation Schedule including Secondary Catch Ups
• Children – 0 to 5 years of age standard schedule including influenza
• Students – Year 7 & Year 10 Secondary School based program including 15 to 19 yo catch ups
• Lakeview Children’s Centre, Lakeside Avenue on Wednesday, 27 August from 9.30am to 10.30am
• Myrtleford Senior Citizens Centre, Smith Street, Myrtleford on Thursday, 28 August from 9.30am to 10.30am
• Alpine View Children’s Centre, 23 Deacon Avenue, Bright on Friday, 29 August from 9.00am to 10.30am Book online at portal.cirv.vic.gov.au
ters just below the Buckland confluence, are all restoration and riparian planting works to improve the water quality and species proliferation in the Ovens River.
Work was also undertaken on the lower Buckland River a few years back with instream works and riparian revegetation.
Surveys on this section of river suggest a complete
regeneration of aquatic life in what was once a barren stretch.
Across the state the ATF have planted 80,000 trees and shrubs on various streams across 30 plus projects covering 20 kilometres.
We will continue to make everyday a tree day to improve our streams so the dream can become more of a reality.
If you're a frequent traveller along the Back Porepunkah Road between Bright and Porepunkah, we want to hear from you!
As a key route between the towns, we're reviewing road safety concerns like speed limits, signage, intersections, and facilities for walkers and cyclists as part of our draft Back Porepunkah Road Safety Strategy.
The draft Strategy is now open for feedback, and we'd also like to hear any comments regarding safety concerns you may have with the road.
The final safety strategy will provide recommendations for safety improvements, including a prioritised list of actions for further investigation.
The draft strategy is available to read online at engage.alpineshire.vic. .gov.au/back-porepunkah-roadsafety-strategy or in person at our local libraries and Customer Service Centre in Bright.
The change brings Victoria into line with NSW and South Australia and seeks to address concerns around harmful behaviour which happens outside school hours, particularly online, but affects student and staff safety.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Ben Carroll, said school principals will use these expanded powers only when necessary to protect their school community.
He said these expanded powers are intended to act as the appropriate framework to ensure school leaders have the authorisation to act where necessary.
Minister Carroll said the majority of off-site student behaviour remains outside the reach of this policy, as it relates to rare but serious cases, such as threats or intimidation carried out online or in social settings, which spill into school and can cause real harm.
“These strengthened powers send a clear message that harmful behaviour outside of school or online has consequences,” he said.
“The safety of students, teachers and school staff is our top priority: we’re investing in programs that foster more respectful schools and acting to protect school communities.”
You can have your say on the draft strategy by:
• Completing the online survey
• Leaving comments on the Engage Alpine website
• Filling out and submitting a printed copy of the survey, available at our local libraries and our Customer Service Centre in Bright
• Attending our drop-in session on Tuesday, 19 August from 3pm to 5pm at Riverside Park (opposite Porepunkah Ski Hire)
The survey will close on Monday, 8 September 2025
If you're in the need for a restock of the green FOGO caddy liners, your FREE annual supply is now available to collect from:
• Council's Customer Service Centre in Bright
• Libraries in Bright, Mount Beauty and Myrtleford
Please remember - only Councilprovided compostable liners can be used in your kitchen caddy to avoid contamination and help our waste contractors do their job effectively.
Crime Stoppers Victoria and Victoria Police are urging Alpine Shire community members to take an active role in protecting their vehicles, as part of a new statewide campaign targeting a sharp rise in car thefts driven by thieves using new sophisticated technologies.
The “Level Up Against Car Theft” campaign empowers the community with practical steps to reduce their risk of car theft and to report suspicious
activity to Crime Stoppers. The campaign responds to dramatic increases in motor vehicle crime across the state.
In the year to March 2025, 31,551 vehicles were stolen in Victoria, a 47.1 per cent increase year on year.
Thefts from vehicles also rose sharply, reaching 82,414 offences, a 39.3 per cent jump from the previous year.
Car thefts reported in Alpine Shire are at a decade high with 12 in the last 12 months,
while 16 thefts from vehicle offences were recorded.
Makes such as Holdens, Toyotas and Subarus are being stolen at three to four times the rate recorded five years ago.
Offenders are increasingly targeting vehicles with keyless entry and push-start systems, using devices that mimic or override factory settings.
While police are actively pursuing offenders, vehicle owners have an important
role to play in prevention. The campaign encourages the use of straightforward anti-theft items such as OBD port locks, steering wheel locks, Faraday pouches, and antitheft number plate screws, which are small investments that can make a big difference.
Chief executive of Crime Stoppers Victoria, Stella Smith, said vehicle crime is no longer just random or opportunistic and people are urged to take simple, proactive steps.
“Locking your car, parking in safer spots, removing valuables, and using anti-theft devices can all make a real difference,” she said.
Victoria Police Detective Inspector Julie Macdonald, from the Vehicle Crime Squad, said police are arresting a significant number of offenders in possession of key reprogramming devices, as police intelligence shows as many as one in five of all cars are disappearing despite
their owners retaining the keys – indicating the use of this technology. What to do if you see something suspicious:
• for emergencies or lifethreatening situations, always call 000.
Award-winning author and illustrator Sarah Allen visited Bright P-12 College last week to share with students how she became a writer and illustrator.
The Melbourne-based artist ran workshops for students from prep to year 4, teaching them how to create an Australian bird artwork inspired by her book, Busy Beaks.
Bright P-12 College principal Jean Olley said opportunities like this incursion go far beyond simply enriching the curriculum for students.
“They spark curiosity, inspire creativity and activate new neural pathways in the developing brain,” she said.
“When children connect
with real-world experiences and meet professionals who are passionate about their craft, it nurtures a deeper love for learning and encourages them to imagine new possibilities for themselves.
“At Bright P-12 College we are proud to offer our students rich experiences that support them not only as learners, but as confident, curious and wellrounded individuals.”
Students certainly seemed to enjoy the visit.
Prep student Leo said it was fun “because we were making birds”.
Year 1 student Mackenzie enjoyed meeting the author and said it “was so cool when we were doing the drawing and the birds
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Alpine Shire Council has installed six portable toilets along the Kiewa Valley Highway in Tawonga South on land purchased by council last year as part of the research phase for the scoping and design of permanent public toilets.
Council said the initiative aims to gather data on usage patterns and community feedback to inform future infrastructure planning.
The portaloos will be in place until 5 October this year, coinciding with the end of the September school holidays.
Council said this temporary solution also addresses ongoing issues faced by local businesses, including vandalism, theft of consumables, and increased cleaning costs due to public use of private facilities.
The portable toilets will be serviced daily by council’s facilities contractor to ensure cleanliness and accessibility.
we made were very beautiful”.
Year 2 student Riley liked learning how to draw birds step-by-step and enjoyed the author sharing how she came up with the idea for Busy Beaks.
“She was living in Melbourne but housesitting for a friend in the country...she noticed how many birds there were in the country compared to the city and that’s how she got inspired to write her book,” Riley said.
Year 4 student Sean said it was fun to create a collage while the author talked about her book.
“She explained that it’s non-fiction, but that she also included facts about birds in her book,” he said.
Community members came out in force last Sunday to help plant 500 native trees along a one kilometre stretch of the Ovens River at Freeburgh.
The near spring-like weather was an added bonus for the volunteers who gathered at the Old Harrietville Road Bridge near the junction with the Great Alpine Road to support Upper Ovens Valley Landcare Group’s (UOVLG) postponed National Tree Day planting workshop.
Local natives such as Blackwood, Swamp Gum and Callisternon supplied by Alpine Nursery at Ovens were planted where invasive bushes and other woody weeds were recently removed from the embankment.
Volunteers enjoyed a barbeque lunch after their hard work.
Sunday’s planting was done in collaboration with the North East Catchment Management Authority and Parks Victoria and the support of Alpine Shire, HVP Plantations and Friends of Mount Buffalo.
Alpine Shire residents have the chance to hear tennis legend, bestselling author, and abuse survivor Jelena Dokic and share an evening of truth, resilience, and hope at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on 16 November.
The Centre Against Violence (CAV) is hosting the evening as part of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign.
Acting CEO of CAV, Kasi Burge, said from world-class athlete to survivor of long-term abuse, Jelena’s journey challenges us all to listen more closely, to act with greater courage, and to believe in the possibility of change.
“Her story is confronting, but necessary, because silence does not keep people safe,” she said.
“Abuse and violence are not
issues that happen somewhere else, to other people...they exist in every postcode.
“And they continue when communities feel too unsure, too isolated or too powerless to speak up.
“Jelena’s story reminds us that abuse can hide in plain sight.
“It challenges us to ask what role each of us can play in creating a culture where violence is no longer tolerated, ignored, or excused.”
CAV has a long-standing presence in the North East, supporting individuals and families impacted by family and sexual violence.
Its work includes crisis response, therapeutic support, advocacy, group programs, and prevention education.
The event with Jelena is a natural extension of this work,
creating space for open conversation, reflection, and shared commitment to safety.
Ms Burge thanked the Rural City of Wangaratta for their support of this event through 16 Days of Activism funding, made possible by Safe and Equal and Respect Victoria.
The evening will include a keynote presentation from Jelena, followed by a Q&A session.
Copies of her book will also be on sale at the event.
Tickets, costing $30, are available from 10am on Thursday, 14 August.
For bookings go to: www. wpacc.com.au/Whats-On/ An-Evening-with-Jelena-DokicStrength-Resilience-Hope.
AN EVENING TO REMEMBER: Best selling author and tennis legend Jelena Dokic will speak in Wangaratta on 16 November.
EAGER EARTH
WARRIORS:
Children attending the Harrietville Bush Kinder picked up a lot of rubbish at the Pioneer Park carpark in Harrietville on Thursday, 31 July.
“We talked about being Earth Warriors and focused on picking up hair ties and elastic bands to protect the platypus,” teacher, Mica Corscadden, said. PHOTO: Harrietville Bush Kinder
By JEFF ZEUSCHNER
Hundreds of spectators at Dinner Plain enjoyed the best dog sledding event in years over the weekend.
Sunshine, clear skies and trails of firm packed snow provided perfect conditions for the annual Dinner Plain Sled Dog Sprint.
Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Huskies and Alaskan Malamute together with hounds such as German Shorthair Pointers were in their element, towing their sled bound ‘musher’ through the course, weaving in the village and out into the alpine bushland.
Event organiser Vaughan Winther said competitors had come from across the country to compete.
“It was the strongest fields we’ve seen and best event we’ve had since 2019,” he enthused.
“We would have had 200 to 300 people watching at the start/finish line in the village and several hundred more on the course where it travels between the ski slope and toboggan run in the village.
“We had 90 entries across the various classes, with around 56 adult mushers, 17 mini-mushers (kids) and 165 dogs competing in events with teams of eight, six, four, three, and two dogs, as well as single racers.
“Teams of eight, six and four raced on a six kilometre course, teams of three and two dogs raced over four kilometres and social family and beginners had a 2.5km course.”
Class winners were: 8 Dog, Colin McPhan (Vic); 6 Dog, Wayne Baker (QLD); 4 Dog, Scott Bennetts (Vic); 3 Dog, Mitchell Deahm (NSW); and 2 Dog, Zahra Goldsmith (SA).
Mr Winther said the support of major sponsors Alpine Shire Council (which manages the village) and Blackhawk Petcare, together with the trail and grooming assistance from Dinner Plain Services was pivotal to the success of the event.
“Based on this year’s success, we’re looking forward to another strong event next year,” he said.
The Rural City of Wangaratta is rolling out new glass recycling bins and they will arrive in Whorouly next Monday, 18 August.
The aim of the new glass recycling bin is to enable more household recycling to be processed.
It also stops broken glass from contaminating the yellow mixed recycling bin, which means more papers, cardboard and plastics can be recovered and turned into new products.
Residents will receive glass bins and collection services at no charge during the 2025-26 financial year.
The purple lidded bin will be collected every 12 weeks.
Ovens Valley United Cricket Club will be hosting a community donation smorgasbord at the Savoy Club in Myrtleford on Sunday, 14 September. You don’t have to be a cricketer, just head down to the Savoy Club and have dinner with the family or a group of friends and the local club will benefit.
Doors open at 6pm with cost being adults $40, 13-17 year olds $30, 6-12 year olds $20, and 0-5 year olds free.
Doors open at 6pm.
To make a booking call the Savoy Club on 5751 1296.
OVUCC is a family-first club for the townships and communities of Myrtleford, Whorouly, Bright and Harrietville.
The club offers senior cricket; junior cricket U12, U14, U16; and Woolworths Master Blasters for beginners and young stars in the making. The club welcomes new players of all ages and abilities.
For more information go to www.ovucc.com.au
By FAY MASON, Kiewa Valley Correspondent
Fay,
It’s that time of year when year 12 students are busy cramming for their exams.
Teacher Luise Mock is helping out here by crocheting stress balls that were given out to the year 12s, and they do work.
Luise said it takes a footy game to make one (around three hours).
This is a very important time in the life of a year 12 student - work hard and follow your dreams.
You can look for these stress balls at the next Red Cross sale as Luise donates them to the Tawonga Red Cross branch.
Courtney Collins is an author, screenwriter and producer.
Her first novel “The Burial” was published in 10 countries and was shortlisted for prizes including the Nita B Kibble Award, NSW Premier’s Literary Awards and the Stella prize. The
Where do you live?
We live in Melbourne.
How often do you visit the Bright area?
This is our first time in Bright.
What do you do for a living?
T: I work in human resources.
M: I work in the mining industry.
What are your hobbies and interests?
T: We like eating out and exercising. We also do a lot of obedience training with the dogs.
novel is currently being adapted as a feature film.
The story follows the journey of a female bush ranger set in the early 1900s. Courtney’s second novel “Bird” is a masterpiece, and
she is currently working on her third novel.
These books will be on sale and signed at the Mt Beauty Writers Festival to be held on Saturday, 18 October. For tickets go
M: We like spending time going walking and bushwalking with the dogs. What do you think makes the area unique?
M: It’s not too far away and it’s so picturesque: the countryside is beautiful.
T: Our first visit to the area has been an adventure. What would you recommend to other people while visiting the area?
T: We’ve just got back to town after visiting the Mount Beauty Gorge Walk, which was beautiful.
M: We also visited the Mount Bogong lookout. It’s a great spot.
Where do you live?
I live in Myrtleford.
How long have you lived in the area?
Since 2013 when I moved here from Melbourne.
What do you do for a living?
I work part-time at Ray’s Ski Shop and I have my own photography business on the side. I also clean.
What are your hobbies and interests?
to the website Mountbeautywritersfestival. com.
The line up this year is exceptional. Check out the list on the website .
FM Brunch program today will feature Indi Independent federal MP Helen Haines at 9.30am. On Thursday, 14 August at 9am a new program presented by Mary Pike will have Alpine Shire councillors and CEO Will Jeremy speaking about the plans the shire has listed for action.
If you have a query or a positive suggestion please email either directly to the shire, or email Alpine FM at manager@alpineradio.com.au
Photography is my biggest hobby. I started in January last year with a DSLR camera I found on Marketplace. It has become a huge passion of mine and this February, I’ve been able to turn into a business. I build model trains and landscapes: I had a layout at the Myrtleford Show last year. Also during this time of year, going up to the snow is
another big hobby of mine.
What do you think makes the area unique?
The scenery, definitely as all the trees change colour during autumn. The sense of community is also very strong here: everyone knows each other.
What would you change about the area?
Adding some activities for younger people. There are lots of outdoor activities, nature walks and so on which are great, but not many indoor options. There used to be a cinema in the old building near the Neighbourhood Centre in the 90s, but now we have to go to Albury, Wangaratta or Bright.
BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
When Rutherglen’s Deb Enshaw lost her partner Tony Reeckman to a distracted driver, her world changed forever - now, she’s sharing her heartbreak in the hope that her story will help save lives on Victorian roads.
Deb is participating in TAC’s campaign The Hardest Share, calling on Victorians to come forward with their own stories of losing a loved one or suffering a life-changing injury to help build a collective community-driven voice in support of road safety, reminding us of the human cost of road trauma.
Her long-time partner, Tony, 59, had his life cut short after he was hit by a car while cycling on Rutherglen-Springhurst Road on 27 January, 2023.
Police analysis showed the driver of the vehicle was on her phone in the minutes leading up the collision, and had social media opened when they hit Tony.
The driver performed CPR on Tony, who was hit from behind at a speed estimated by police to be between 79km/h and 86km/h and later died at the scene.
As Tony’s partner for seven years, Deb said she still feels the pain of his loss, along with those who were close to him in the local cycling, photography, firefighting and farming communities.
”My life just sort of seems a bit dull… I miss his humour and silly sayings every day,” she said.
“I’ve also got good friends and family and that around me, and
that’s fantastic, but you just don’t have those plans and that excitement for the future.
“Before you just sort of assumed that you’re going to live a long life and your family’s going to live a long life.
“Now that’s kind of taken away It’s like anyone can die at anytime.”
Deb grew up on a farm in Boorhaman close to Tony, who lived closer to Rutherglen, and they became long-time friends before going into a relationship for seven years, connecting through cycling.
Tony’s true passion in life was the challenge of racing and riding, taking on trails like the Stelvio Pass in Italy and finding peace in solo rides throughout the North East and beyond.
Deb’s fondest memories with Tony was their annual getaway to Adelaide for the Tour Down Under, where they would ride the circuit and come up close and personal with world-class cyclists.
“It was just the best week away,” she said.
The couple had grand travelling plans going into 2023, with Tony recently retired and ready to take a camper across the country.
“He was going to renovate the house that he bought and fix it up really nice,” Deb said.
“He should have got to do that, I’m sad about that for him because he really deserved to do those things.”
Deb said while she hasn’t been able to live out her travel dreams with Tony, she has since been rallied by friends, family and the Rutherglen community who have been instrumental in her life without Tony.
But she still feels the ongoing effects of road trauma, particularly around seeing similar incidents involving bikes.
“I was driving along one morning and someone parked at a funny angle on the road, I looked across and I could see there was a bike on the road and someone
Deb Enshaw’s ‘Hardest Share’ over the death of her partner Tony Reeckman hopes to bring awareness to consequences of distracted driving
was lying there,” she said.
“My heart just went straight into my mouth.
“It turned out the person hadn’t been hit at all; it was someone riding by who stopped to help and put their bike down to help this other lady.
“But just to see those things together, I go straight to the worstcase scenario these days.”
As a result of her story, Deb said she had become passionate about spreading awareness on the dangers of using mobile phones in cars.
Victoria Police analysis shows drivers are 10 times more at risk of crashing if they are texting, browsing, or emailing on their mobile and a road safety monitor survey conducted in 2023 found more than half of drivers used a mobile phone while driving.
“An accident like this could happen to anyone,” she said.
“You’re distracted for a second and something terrible can happen.
“If you’re driving your car, turn your phone off, put it down for however long you’re driving… nothing’s that important.”
So far this year, 182 lives have been lost on Victorian roads, 14 more than at the same time last year, representing countless families, friends and communities forever in mourning.
If you’ve been impacted by road trauma, your story can be the reason someone else makes it home safely.
Visit https://www.tac.vic.gov. au/road-safety/tac-campaigns/ the-hardest-share to submit your Hardest Share.
The TAC will work sensitively with those willing to share their stories, providing counselling and other supports.
Practising Accountants Myrtleford, 1-7 Albert Street Phone: 5752 2288 Bright, 3 Ireland Street Phone: 5755 1327 www.belmores.com.au
Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors 25 Clyde Street Myrtleford Phone: 5751 1995
Email admin@paynterassoc.com.au
www.paynterandassociates.com.au
Clyde Street Myrtleford Plus Standish Street Surgery & Bright Allied Health For appointments call 5752 2817
Myrtleford, 47 Clyde Street Phone: 5752 1151 Bright, 104 Gavan St Phone: 5715 9705 Email: info@ovib.com.au
Marian College
Marian College students
Lily Boyer and Liam McManus recently travelled to Shepparton with their proud mothers and Marian College’s leader of Catholic identity and community, Maria Fin, to attend the presentation of the Catholic Education Sandhurst Bishop Joe Grech Scholarship.
The annual scholarship honours the legacy of Bishop Joe Grech, a much-loved bishop known for his deep connection with young people.
The awards ceremony offered a powerful reminder of the impact youth can make when supported to lead with purpose.
Each scholarship recipient’s
project reflects the courage, compassion and faith that Bishop Joe championed.
Both Lily and Liam were among the 10 recipients in the Sandhurst Diocese to be awarded a Bishop Joe Grech Scholarship by Catholic Education Sandhurst director Kate Fogerty.
Both two students researched and put forward proposals for themed activities which would allow their fellow Year 10 students opportunities to deepen their understanding of faith and culture.
Lily’s scholarship funded an excursion to Albury on Friday, 1 August to embark upon an artistic journey along the Yindyamarra Sculpture Trail, guided by First Nations
woman Andrea Briggs.
During the guided walk, Andrea shared her deep knowledge and lived experience of Aboriginal heritage in our area, using the land and the 15 sculptures along the trail to take us on a walk through time.
Liam’s project is set to bring religious education to life with a class trip to a variety of places of worship like the Uniting Church, Sikh Temple, Encounter Christian Church, Church on Pine, Bethel: House of God and the Albanian Islamic Centre.
“My hope is for my fellow classmates to gain a deeper understanding of how different religions express their beliefs and values,” Liam said.
ON TO THE NEXT
By CLEO SANDERS and LUELLA PASK
Students from the Mount Beauty Primary School recently took part in the highly anticipated Kids in Space program.
It is an initiative run by the Andy Thomas Space Foundation in collaboration with the Australian Space Agency.
The opportunity was made possible when the school’s year six teacher, Hayley Dodd, applied for the program last year and was selected for the challenge.
Kicking off in term one, the program provided the students with a 3D printer and access to the Makers Empire software, a design platform for 3D printing.
The students were tasked with solving a problem, either on Earth or in space, by creating an innovative solution
The Marian College Year 10 cohort embarked on an artistic journey along the Yindyamarra Sculpture Trail, guided by First Nations woman Andrea Briggs, on Friday, 1 August.
Each of the 15 sculptures were a unique and powerful insight into the story and meaning which reflected the perspective of the artist.
Students found the experience refreshing and beneficial as they stepped outside of the classroom and engaged in learning in a different environment.
“Andrea shared her deep knowledge and lived experience of Aboriginal heritage in our area, using the land and the 15 sculptures along the trail to take us on a walk through time,” said student Lily Boyer, who organised the trip.
“It was an incredibly valuable and enriching experience.
“I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say we learnt a great deal and truly appreciated the opportunity given to us through the Bishop Joe Grech Scholarship.
“Overall the experience was both memorable and meaningful: one we will carry with us for a long time.
“On behalf of all of us from Marian College, thank you Andrea for taking us along this beautiful artistic journey.
“I know everyone will take their own personal perspective out of the experience today and trust that you feel the respect we have for you and your country.”
through their designs.
Over the course of two busy terms, the team worked tirelessly, brainstorming ideas and refining their project until it was ready for presentation.
The culmination of their efforts came on 20 June, when the students travelled to Wangaratta to compete in the state-level showcase.
The competition, held at the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, saw teams from across Victoria present their designs to a panel of judges.
The students displayed their projects, which were carefully prepared with posters and models, while interacting with judges, teachers, parents and fellow students throughout the event.
After hours of presentations and deliberations, the moment of truth arrived.
The judges took to the stage to announce the winner and to the team’s astonishment, the
top prize went to team two from Mount Beauty Primary School. The winning team, consisting of Eloise
and Jeremy Vandenberg, were ecstatic to be selected as the best in the state.
As the victors of the state competition, the team, accompanied by their teacher Hayley Dodd and school principal Carolyn Serpell, will now travel to Adelaide, to compete in the National Championship.
The win is a significant achievement for Mount Beauty Primary School and highlights the exceptional creativity and problem-solving skills of the students involved.
The Kids in Space program has proven to be an inspiring experience, fostering a passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Bright P-12 College’s music program is continuing to go from strength to strength.
The program offers students from prep to year 12 the opportunity to learn a variety of instruments, including trumpet, piano, guitar, clarinet and drums.
Secondary school year students are able to explore their personal style and refine their performance skills during classes.
The college also runs two ukulele groups, a concert band and two choirs.
Some 40 primary aged students last week put their musical skills to the test and competed in the Albury/Wodonga Eisteddfod,
having rehearsed in the lead up and practicing their music pieces.
The college’s concert band, ukulele group and years 3-6 choir all placed second in the categories, with the P-2 choir placing third. In addition to this competition, students also perform two concerts each year where families have the opportunity to hear students perform.
Students from prep to year 9 last month performed a Soiree at the Bright Community Centre.
The choirs and concert band performed, as well as a couple of ukulele groups, with the public and students thoroughly enjoying the performances.
By DEREK OGDEN, MARQUE MOTORING
The GR Corolla is not something cobbled together from old race car remnants.
Its roots may lie in the Celica GT-Four World Rally car from the end of last century, but as far as pedigree is concerned, it is among today’s genuine hot hatches.
Back in the day, with Carlos Sainz Sr behind the wheel, the Celica was crowned world champion in 1990 and 1992.
Five years later the Celica turbo ST205 was shunted in favour of the Corolla, with Sainz taking up with Toyota Team Europe to win the Monte Carlo rally; the GR Corolla followed up with its first World Rally Championship victory in the rally of New Zealand.
A premium pedigree, indeed.
Fast forward to 2023, when Toyota Gazoo Racing had the GR Corolla GTS joining the GR 86, GR Supra and GR Yaris in its high-performance roadgoing stable.
Based on the Corolla Hatch, the GR is blessed with the TNGA-C platform, boosted by race-style dynamics, setting the car well apart from the rest of the family.
Featuring the same superpower 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine as the GR Yaris, the GR Corolla sixspeed manual is tuned to develop 221kW of power at a high-end 6500rpm and 370Nm of torque over a wide 3000-to-5550 rev spread.
Now, Gazoo has added the option of a race-bred eight-speed automatic transmission and upgraded the 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine, boosting the torque by 30Nm to 400Nm.
This is fed to ground via a
GR Four all-wheel drive setup.
On test was the latter, which sells for $67,990, plus on road coasts, as opposed to the new Auto, costing $70,490.
Further design features include wider track front and rear, a completely overhauled suspension, and styling enhancements.
As a footnote: 25 lucky owners can go one better with the special edition GR Corolla Morizo priced at $77,800 – a lightened, more torque from the turbo 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine, and track-honed hardware including semi-bucket seats and grippy Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.
The GR Corolla comes under the Toyota Warranty Advantage, offering up to five years unlimited kilometre coverage, extending to seven years on engine and driveline.
Capped-price servicing applies to the first three years or 60,000 kilometres, and each six-month/10,000km service costs $300.
Both variants are enhanced by unique front and rear bumpers accommodating the wider track, more air ducts to improve aerodynamics (0.35Cd) and cooling, raised bonnet and unique 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance Yokohama tyres.
The GR Corolla also features a new wider front lower grille which provides improved airflow to the radiator, intercooler, brake ducts, subradiator and automatic transmission fluid cooler.
Triple exhaust tips leave more than a farewell sign to
NOTE:
other road users in the wake of the GR Corolla sprinting past.
They reduce exhaust back pressure and a tendency to hold up the hot hatch.
Changes to the inside reflect the body’s sharp looks while not at the expense of comfort., with creature comforts including heated front seats and steering wheel, wireless phone charging, dual-zone climate control and eight-speaker premium JBL sound system.
Back in the performance mood, gains include dedicated gearshift and centre console, aluminium pedals, manual parking brake, and leather-bound steering wheel plucked from the GR Yaris.
With room for five, front seats provide good lateral support under spirited driving, with suede and synthetic leather upholstery and contrasting silver stitching.
Luggage volume of the GTS is a slim 213 litres.
Connectivity has gone up a notch with an eight-inch
touchscreen displaying the latest Toyota multimedia system including Toyota Connected Services, paired with a digital 12.3-inch multi-information set-up and colour head-up display.
Other updates for the GR Corolla include full wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, mirroring for the multimedia system, and the inclusion of active noise control which guards against unwanted disturbance through the cabin.
The new powertrain pairs an eight-speed Gazoo Racing automatic transmission tuned to high-performance shifting on the racetrack with an upgraded version of the turbocharged 1.6-litre threecylinder motor.
Maximum power is unchanged at 221kW, while the high-revving engine is gifted with an added 30Nm of torque (400Nm), feeding all four wheels via GR Four with an auto transmission tuned to the track through sharp-shifting paddles on the steering wheel.
■
SWEET RIDE: The GR Corolla boasts a premium pedigree, with a wider track front and rear, a completely overhauled suspension, and styling enhancements.
A larger, higher-output cooling fan has reduced transmission temperatures.
The GR Corolla features a full bag of Toyota Safety Sense active safety tech to help with optimum occupant safety.
These include intersection turn assist, thanks to improved camera and radar sensors, which pick up object and 3D motion, while extending the range of the systems used.
Automatic variants gain additional safety technology through parking support brake, with object and vehicle detection and all-speed adaptive cruise control.
Seven airbags take passive control.
With a ‘zero to 100’ time of 5.29 seconds on the way to a top speed of 230kmlh, it’s undeniable the Toyota R Corolla GTS has a lot to offer.
Fuel consumption (premium unleaded) is put by the maker at 8.4 litres per 100 kilometres over the combined urban/highway cycle.
Drivers of the GR Corolla are treated to exceptional handling and cornering, courtesy of the GR-Four all-wheel drive system supported by Torsen limited-slip differentials front and rear for optimal torque distribution.
And an optimised suspension set-up, major chassis reinforcements, weight reduction, and ventilated disc brakes all contribute to putting smile on the driver’s face.
Lastly, on the ‘southern’ end of the centre console lies the GR-Four Drive Mode rotary controller.
A default mode splits
torque 60:40 front/rear for stability and cornering performance.
For those who prefer a rear-biased driving experience, spin the wheel to the second mode, which offers a 30:70 torque split; perfect for winding roads and linear steering input.
Press Track Mode for evenly split front/rear torque distribution to optimise traction where vehicle load regularly shifts between the front and rear axles.
This is best suited for driving on dirt or low-traction roads.
SUMMARY
There’s no getting over the fact that Aussie roads, generally, are not made for the GR Corolla GTS.
Even the smoother surfaces treat the occupants to some jarring stuff that only gets worse as the journey goes on.
Better to leg it down to a dedicated race day at the local circuit to get the best out of a race-bred ‘academy performance’.
On the ‘mean streets’, suck it up, son.
RATINGS
Looks: 8
Performance: 8
Safety: 7 Thirst: 7
Practicality: 6
Comfort: 6
Tech: 8
Value: 7
SPECIFICATIONS (Toyota GR Corolla 1.6-litre 3-cyl turbo-petrol, 8sp auto, AWD).
STANDARD WARRANTY
Five years / unlimited kilometres
Seven years on engine and driveline
Shutters.
Whether it’s a cosy winter dinner, summer barbecue or a family game night, utilising your outdoor spaces in Australia is essential in expanding your living space.
Designed to complement your home’s character and suit your lifestyle, an Ultimate Alfresco outdoor living area is a beautiful addition to your home.
Whether entertaining friends and family, or taking some time out with a good book, a premium alfresco space will ensure your outdoor area doesn’t go to waste.
If you’re ready to elevate your backyard space, consider adding Louvretec Shutters, made right here in Australia. These stylish and elegant additions offer several benefits that will make your outdoor experience more enjoyable.
All-Year Use
Creating an outdoor entertaining area is likely to
become one of your favourite spots at home.
Installing Louvretec Shutters could increase use of the space throughout the year.
Privacy
When you’re basking in the sun, the last thing you want is prying eyes or nosy neighbours interrupting your relaxation.
Louvretec Shutters provide the ultimate privacy for your outdoor entertaining area. Their sturdy construction and intelligent design allow them to close offering complete solitude.
Alternatively, you can adjust the shutters to different levels of privacy.
Increased Property Value
Louvretec Shutters are not only for personal enjoyment, they are an investment for the future.
Louvretec Shutters create more living space, will provide durability and longevity and are a tremendous addition to any Australian home. Additionally, they are easy to maintain which is an appealing feature for potential homebuyers.
Whether you sell your house
in the future or remain, Louvretec Shutters will benefit and upgrade your property.
Weather Protection
Adverse weather can quickly dampen the charm of a beautiful outdoor area, as can too much sun.
With high-quality Louvretec Shutters, you instantly gain weather protection.
The blades of the shutters act as effective barriers, preventing drizzle, gusts and UV rays from reaching your outdoor entertainment space.
Crafted from durable aluminium, shutters are designed
to withstand the forces of nature without warping, wearing out or deteriorating.
This exceptional protection not only keeps you and your guests sheltered but also safeguards your belongings.
Available in a range of powdercoat colours, you can choose the style and colour to suit your home’s aesthetic.
Smart, stylish, all yearround outdoor comfort and enjoyment, to find out more get in touch with the team at Ultimate Alfresco (02) 6040 6555 or info@ultimatealfresco.com.au.
As the weather starts to warm up here in the North East, many of us will start to venture back into the garden after a hiatus over the winter months.
Spring is a great time to plant a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
You can plant seeds or seedlings of leafy greens like spinach, lettuce, and kale, as well as root vegetables such as carrots, radishes, and beetroot.
Additionally, spring is an ideal time to plant broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage.
For herbs, consider planting coriander, chives, and parsley.
You can also plant tomato and capsicum seedlings after the last frost.
Plant bare-rooted deciduous fruit trees like pears, apples, peaches, and plums in early spring.
Evergreen fruit trees like lemons, oranges, and kumquats can be planted once the soil warms up.
To add a floral touch to your garden this spring, sow seeds of cosmos, nasturtium, salvia, and aster.
Plant propagated seedlings of statice, carnation, gypsophila, and phlox.
Tips for planting in the North East:
• Ensure your soil is welldraining and enriched with compost or other organic matter.
• Most vegetables and herbs need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
• Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Be mindful of the last frost date in your area and protect seedlings if necessary.
• Consider visiting local farmers markets like the Wangaratta Farmers Market to get locally grown seedlings and advice from producers like Herry’s Harvest, which specialises in seasonal vegetables.
The chill of winter is over, we have had some rain to revive parched gardens and lawns, and the evenings and early mornings have a lovely coolness about them.
It’s enough to make you feel inspired to get back out into the garden and enjoy the change in season.
The most important job for spring though, is to get outside and notice the small wonders in your gardenthere are many to be found if we take the time to look.
Thinking of building a pool or adding a spa to your home? Look no further than O.i.Pools your local experts in pools, spas, and outdoor living.
Locally owned and operated by Ben and Kristen O’Dwyer, O.i.Pools has quickly earned a reputation as the most trusted name in pool construction across the Yarrawonga district.
With over 10 years of landscaping experience, Ben understands the art of designing functional and beautiful outdoor spaces. In 2022, he expanded into pool construction by obtaining his pool builder’s license, and in December 2023, Ben and Kristen purchased the well-known Outdoor Indulgence rebranding it to what is now O.i.Pools.
BIGGEST RANGE OF POOLS IN THE DISTRICT
O.i.Pools offers the largest range of concrete and fibreglass pools in the region. Whether
you’re after a stylish plunge pool, a familysized entertainer, or a custom-built concrete masterpiece, they’ve got you covered. They proudly install Compass fibreglass pools known as the best in Australia for their durability, advanced technology, and stunning finishes. These premium pools are low-maintenance and come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit every home.
For compact spaces or quick installs, O.i.Pools supplies Wet Edge plunge pools the best pre-fab drop-in pools available. These pools combine quality and convenience, offering fast installation without compromising on luxury.
Prefer a custom design? O.i.Pools also constructs their own concrete pools, tailored to your space and lifestyle. From layout to finishes, you’ll be involved every step of the way.
SPAS & SAUNAS NOW IN STOCK
O.i.Pools is more than just pools. Thanks to their partnership with Just Spas, they now offer the biggest range of spas and saunas in the district, all available from their Yarrawonga showroom.
Whether it’s a relaxing soak after a long day or a full-blown outdoor wellness retreat, their spa and sauna collection has something for
everyone backed by the best warranties in the business.
From compact two-seaters to family-sized spas and luxurious infrared saunas, the range caters to every taste and budget.
LOCAL EXPERTS YOU CAN TRUST
At the heart of O.i.Pools is a genuine passion for quality and community. Ben and Kristen are hands-on business owners who believe in honest advice, professional service, and getting the job done right the first time.
When you choose O.i.Pools, you’re not just buying a pool or a spa you’re investing in local knowledge, premium products, and a team that cares.
Let O.i.Pools help you create the backyard of your dreams. Call or visit today to get started!
SPAS & SAUNAS: www.justspas.com.au www.oipools.com VISIT TODAY
SHOWROOM: Yarrawonga
Whether you’re renovating your home or tackling a commercial project, tiling is a timeless way to enhance any space.
From sleek, modern designs to rustic, natural finishes, the right tiles can completely transform a room.
A well-executed tiling project not only adds aesthetic appeal but also increases durability and functionality.
At Pulvirenti Tiles, the team is committed to personalised service and go beyond just offering products – they’re here to help with every step of your project.
THE TILE EXPERTS: With decades of experience, Pulvirenti Tilesofferexpertadviceonselectingtheperfecttiles.
Edgars Books & News in Wangaratta have a large variety of books and magazines to inspire your next home or garden project.
Tree Houses Within Reach by Derek Deek Diedricksen showcases wildly different and eclectic tree houses which will inspire anyone who has ever dreamed of building a tree house of their own.
Ranging from simple platform structures to raised office spaces, these houses prove that a tree house can be creative, useful, and beautiful while still being affordable and accessible to those with modest building skills.
In The Sceptical Botanist, Tim Entwistle crafts 50 beautiful essays which shine a gentle light on everyday questions about plants and gardens, and guides the reader through fact and fiction.
From sourcing the perfect materials to offering advice on installation, they’re ready to assist in any way possible.
Owner Sam Pulvirenti said the team takes immense pride in providing a handson, all-inclusive experience.
“Because we’re familyowned, we have the flexibility to give our clients the attention they deserve, whether it’s a quick fix or a large-scale renovation,” he said. The most rewarding part
of running Pulvirenti Tiles for Sam is the relationships built with the community.
“We love being part of a supportive local network, and it’s rewarding to develop strong connections with our clients, tradespeople, and fellow businesses,” Sam said.
Pulvirenti Tiles offers an extensive range of products including indoor and outdoor tiles, pavers, natural stone, tapware and accessories, shower screens, tools, equipment and more. They understand the impact
a great tiling job can have.
With decades of experience, they offer expert advice on selecting the perfect tiles, from indoor floors to outdoor patios. Every tiling project is unique, and they treat it as such.
Whether it’s a small bathroom update or a largescale commercial job, they are committed to delivering exceptional customer service.
Let them help you bring your vision to life with the perfect tiles for your space.
He asks questions like ‘Do trees talk to one another?’ and ‘Can a plant use up the oxygen in a room while you sleep?’
Edgars also have Reed Concise Guides to help you identify flowers, trees, birds, insects, frogs and reptiles as well as specific bird identification and field guides and guides for keeping bees.
If you have an interest in local flora and fauna, home restoration, interior design, outdoor or craft projects, there are books and magazines to help you make the most of your time and budget.
There is plenty more to inspire you in the home and garden at Edgars Books & News so browse in store at 55 Murphy Street or online at www.edgarsbooksandnews.com.au.
Bring in this article to receive 20 per cent off any home or garden book purchase.
INSPIRE YOUR NEXT PROJECT: Edgars Books & News in Wangaratta have a large variety of books and magazines to inspire yournexthomeorgardenproject.
The Fountain Centre is arguably on the Rural City of Wangaratta’s premier retail intersection – opposite the iconic Co Store shopping centre and popular King George Gardens.
The property is strategically located on a high profile corner and amongst and close to active retailers, Woolworths and Ovens Medical Group.
The tenancy mix is diverse with town planners, sleep technician, nail technician, fashion retailer, building firm and fitness centre, with a current (July 2025) gross annual rental income of $129,459 (ex GST).
All usual outgoings are recoverable from the tenants save for Land Tax.
The building is fully leased.
The building has been continually improved by the current owners with upgrades to air conditioning, the switchboard and most recently an exterior re-paint.
The presentation of this property does help make it a trophy asset!
All leases have fixed annual increases and most have reviews to market on exercise of options.
Agent | Garry Nash & Co
Phone | (03) 5722 2663
Price | $1,835,000 No GST
Location | 76-84 Ovens Street, Wangaratta
Set
allotment, the property offers plenty of room to move, both inside and out.
The home features two separate living areas, a Tasmanian Oak kitchen, and a well-zoned floor plan that includes a master suite with walk-in robe and an ensuite.
Year-round comfort is ensured with evaporative cooling and ducted gas heating throughout.
A double garage offers secure internal access and ample storage.
Outdoors, a paved alfresco area creates a welcoming space for entertaining - ideal for BBQs and relaxed entertaining, while a shed in the backyard adds
| Garry Nash &
practical storage or workspace options. Located close to Cathedral College and within zoning for local public schools, this property is well-positioned for family living. Contact the team today to book an inspection on 57 222 663
Wangaratta 2/111 Phillipson Street
Moyhu 45-47 Byrne Street
North
Tranquil
12 Detour Road
Wangaratta 6 Kingfisher Drive
Wangaratta
563m2 4
Wangaratta 34 Pelican Court Big
Oxley 19 Ely Street Amazing
Bright Court House Committee
PUBLIC MEETING
August 28, 2025 4pm-6pm.
Bright Courthouse, 3 Park Street, Bright.
We invite all interested community members to attend and nominate for additional members appointment
Further information, may be obtained by contacting our secretary@brightcourthouse.com.au
JAYCO Penguin 2010 off-road camper, in good condition, extras, $13,400. Ph 0429 845 814.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Annual General Meeting
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at 3pm.
Tuesday, 30th September 2025 at 3:00pm
Zoom option available
Zoom option available
Zoom Meeting ID: 898 3272 3663
Zoom Meeting ID: 898 3272 3663
All members welcome
All members welcome
Phone: (03) 5754 1166
Phone: (03) 5754 1166
Email: info@mountbeauty.org.au
Email: info@mountbeauty.org.au
Website: www.mountbeauty.org.au
Website: www.mountbeauty.org.au
Notice of Intention to Apply for a Licence to Take and Use Surface Water
(For Non-Consumptive Purposes)
GMW Reference No: BSW0097-25
I Kevin Moorman of 17 Coral Bank Lane
CORAL BANK VIC 3691
Refer to Vic Roads Map 50 C3
Intend to make application for a New Licence to Take and Use Surface Water
(For Non-Consumptive Purposes)
The water will be used for the purpose of: Power Generation
Located on lands described as: VolumeFolio Lot No. Plan No. 87661971 & 2TP894720L
Any person able to demonstrate that their interests will be affected by the issue of this Licence including any intended Surface Water use, is invited to make a formal submission setting out the nature of the impact within 14 days of receipt of this written notification.
To make a submission please read the information available to download from Make a submission about a licence applicationGoulburn Murray Water (g-mwater.com.au) refer to the Groundwater section or contact GMW to arrange a copy to be posted to you. Submissions must be lodged using the GMW template available by either mail or email to, licensingadmin@ gmwater.com.au or PO Box 165, TATURA VIC 3616.
THANKS
I, Sam Lupo, would like to thank from the bottom of my heart all the good and beautiful people who helped and looked after me on the day of my accident on August 4, and who stayed with me until the ambulance came.
Thank you
2023 Toyota GX Landcruiser, excellent vehicle low kilometres (20,400), upgrades include; Runva 13,000lb winch, GME XRS-330C UHF with bluetooth phone connectivity, Victron DC-DC charger (auxiliary battery set up), EFS 2” Lift Kit with remote reservoir shocks (front and back), Stedi LED light bar, bull bar with side steps, charcoal interior, always serviced at Toyota, balance of Toyota 5yr unlimited km warranty, roadworthy and rego included (CIS286), $107,000 ONO. Ph 0429 950 835.
2015 BMW Ex 5 X Drive 30 D Wagon, 138,792km, white, excellent condition, no scratches, no dents, no accidents, sun roof, heated seats, black interior, RWC, reg (AGE324) $35,000. Phone Bob 0411 464 374 or 0413 868 461.
WINNEBEGO Leisure
Seeker 2004, manual 5 speed, turbo diesel, 110,585km, length 21ft (6.4m), bull bar, 4 birth and 2 extra seat belts, rear camera, CB radio, solar panels, awning, 2 deep cycle batteries, fresh water and grey water tanks and hot water tank, reverse cycle aircon, digital flat screen TV with remote and USB, stereo radio (incl Bluetooth and CD player), toilet/ shower/hand basin and shaving cabinet, 3 burner gas stove, oven and grill, 9kg gas bottle, 3-way fridge/ freezer (medium size), blackout curtains fitted, $70,000. Ph 0448 155 965.
CARABANA for sale, will tow just needs a light bar and permits, gas works on fridge and stove, will make a great spare room, $2000 ono, only serious buyers need apply.
2022 Suzuki Address UK 110NMM2 scooter rego (2U3UX), registered until December 2025, $4100 O.N.O. Ph 0438 219 213.
Leadership
Are you keen on working outdoors?
Are you interested in teaching young people?
Are you keen to learn new skills and gain a qualification in Outdoor Leadership?
Outdoor School – 15 Mile Creek and Bogong Campuses are seeking, enthusiastic people who have an interest in Outdoor Education to apply for their 2026 traineeship intake.
Positions are available at both campuses for a 12-month appointment starting 12 of January 2026. Further information and how to apply is available by calling 03 57666247 or emailing rhys.evans@education.vic.gov.au
Applications close Friday 3/9/2025 at 5pm.
WORK WITH US
SEASONAL FIRE CREW
Alexandra, Benalla, Myrtleford & Shelley
Alexandra, Benalla, Myrtleford & Shelley
SEASONAL FIRE CREW
BIGGS, Gail Allyson. 11/9/1954 – 4/8/2025
Passed away peacefully at Rangeview Nursing Home, Wangaratta. Dearly loved by Margaret, Christopher, Steven, Mhairi, Amaya and extended family and friends. May you find peace.
FERGUSON, Douglas. ‘Vale Doug’
A good friend, Douglas Ferguson passed away on Sunday, August 3 in Bendigo. Aged 77 years. Much loved resident of Wandiligong for over 25 years. He enjoyed teaching the kids at Wandiligong and Harrietville Primary Schools. We will miss you Doug. ~ Pamela and Jurgen.
LYONS, Margaret.
Applications are sought for Seasonal Fire Crew (Summer Plantation Workers) for the 2025/26 fire season The paid limited tenure positions will run from early November 2025 to late March 2026 and will include physical outdoor work and firefighting
Alexandra, Benalla, Myrtleford & Shelley
Applications are sought for Seasonal Fire Crew (Summer Plantation Workers) for the 2025/26 fire season. The paid limited tenure positions will run from early November 2025 to late March 2026 and will include physical outdoor work and firefighting.
Marg you had such a big impact on my life. I’m going to miss you dearly. Forever in our hearts. ~ Judi, Prue, Tanya, Pene, Ben and families.
A funeral service to honour the life of Gail Allyson Biggs will be held at North East Funerals, 184 Greta Road, Wangaratta at 1.30pm on Friday, 22 August, 2025. Privately cremated.
LYONS, Margaret Ellen.
The funeral service in celebration of the life of Mrs Margaret Lyons will be held in the Myrtleford Uniting Church, corner Albert and Myrtle Streets, Myrtleford on Friday, August 15, 2025, commencing at 1pm. Burial will follow at the Myrtleford Lawn Cemetery.
In honour of Marg, please wear a touch of colour.
Marg’s service may be viewed via livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/livestreaming
Mason Park Funerals 5721 5060 masonpark.com.au
BY PHOEBE MORGAN pmorgan@ nemedia.com.au
Bright’s Bill Scott was one of 50, 1980 Moscow Olympic athletes recently formally recognised for their efforts at the controversial Games, boycotted by dozen of countries in protest to the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan the previous year.
At a dinner in Canberra on Wednesday, 30 July, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese formally acknowledged 121 athletes who defied the then government’s opposition to Australian athletes participating in the Games, with team members competing under a neutral flag at the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
Bill, who competed in the 10km and placed ninth in the final in a time of 28:15.08, said he caught up with fellow athletes he hadn’t seen in years and appreciated the kind words from the Prime Minister at the dinner.
“He spoke warmly to us,” he said.
“Some 45 years later Mr Albanese’s words of support for the team were greatly appreciated by the athletes.
“If I thought for a second boycotting would save one life, I wouldn’t have gone.”
- Olympian Bill Scott
Some 121 Australian athletes defied government opposition to compete under a neutral flag at the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
The athletes were among more than 5000 competitors from 80 countries who participated in the Games.
“It was a great recognition, but not an apology: the dinner wasn’t meant to be an apology.
Mason Park Funerals
“For Mr Albanese to officially recognise the Australian Olympic Team was rectifying.
“The Minister of Sport also said a few good words.”
Bill, who is a former teacher at both Bright P12 College and Wandiligong Primary School and has lived in Bright for 35 years, said his choice to participate in the Moscow Games was not a political statement, only a reflection of his commitment to sport and to uphold the key message of the Games.
“If I thought for a second boycotting would save one life, I wouldn’t have gone,” he said.
“The idea of the Olympic Games, as the founder of the modern Olympics, Baron Pierre de Coubertin said: ‘... [it’s] not winning but taking part, just as in life, what counts is not the victory but the struggle’.
“I still feel it was very impor tant Australia participated in the Moscow Olympic Games.
“Australia is only one of two countries who has competed in all modern Olympics since they were reinstated in 1896.
According to the International Olympic Committee between 45 and 50 nations boycotted the Games in protest of the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan in 1979.
The Australians who chose to go faced a financial and public backlash amid then-prime minister Malcolm Fraser's call to join the boycott.
They returned with nine medals - two gold, two silver and five bronze - but there were no parades, no fanfare and no official recognition.
“We should be proud of that.
“It would’ve been wrong if we had missed the Moscow Olympics for the wrong reasons.”
When the Olympic team left Australia in 1980, there was much division within the country as to whether or not the team should go.
The athletes were subject to verbal abuse from within the general population and in the media.
Although Bill, 28 years old at the time of Moscow Olympics, was not adversely affected by criticism levelled at the team for going, he said some of the swimmers, who were only in their teens, were wounded by the negative criticism.
Bill found the Olympic experi-
ence in Moscow lived up to the Olympic ideals.
“As the host city, Moscow hosted a wonderful Olympics,” he said.
“I fulfilled a dream I’d had from 14-years-old.
“I found out early on I was good at running and aspired to run in the Olympic Games one day.
“I had an injury which kept me out of the previous Olympics
Bill was ranked 9th in the world in the marathon and 10th in the world in the 10,000 metres in 1979.
“When I was lucky enough to make the Olympic team for 1980, we were looking forward to it, then news of the boycott came through,” he recalled.
“I was 28 and I thought there was no guarantee in the next four years I’ll be able to make the team again.
“We didn’t participate under our Australian flag: that was our way of acknowledging the boycott.
“We used an Olympic flag as our flag.”
Bill said that Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser at the time was a wool producer in the Western district of Victoria, whose farm was selling his wool to the Soviet Union while the Australian athletes were told not to go to Moscow.
“Mr Fraser, in his memoirs, later said the boycott was a mistake,” he said.
MYRTLEFORD GOLF CLUB
Saturday, 9 August
Myrtleford BWS STABLEFORD & SUPER & AMCR 71
A Grade Winner: David Rowe (12)
35 pts. A Grade Runner Up: Gerard Black (14) 32 pts c/b.
B Grade Winner: Paul Cowman (20) 34 pts. B Grade Runner Up: Kerry Newton (18) 33 pts.
Super 6 Winner: Jakob Piddington (12) 14 pts. Super 6 Runner Up: Kerry Newton (18) 12 pts.
Ball Winners: S Piddington 32, D Clark 31, R Wheeler 31, B Carroll 30. Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Paul Evans, 4th 2nd Shot: Damien Rossato, 8th: Damien Rossato, 14th: Stephen Piddington, 16th: Brad Carroll. Matthews Cleaning Encouragement Award: Colin Walker 18 pts. Raffle Winner: Gerard Black.
Thursday, 7 August
Myrtleford BWS Stableford AMCR 73
A Grade Winner: Kerry Newton (18) 37pts. A Grade Runner Up: Lizzie Orton (13) 32pts.
Ball Winners: Sandra Piazza 31pts, Marg Curtis 29c/b.
Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Wendy Caldwell, 8th: Sarah Deas, 14th: Wendy Caldwell.
9 Hole Winner: Penny Dawkins (30) 14pts.
Wednesday, 6 August
Myrtleford BWS Stableford AMCR
71
A Grade Winner: Spider Hancock (12) 37 pts. A Grade Runner Up: David Clark (15) 35 pts.
Ball Winners: A Roseby 32, D Matthews 32, C Walker 30 c/b.
Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Andrew Roseby, 4th 2nd Shot: David Clarks, 8th: David Clark, 14th: Bill O’Donohue.
Tuesday, 5 August
Drummond Golf Monthly Medal Stroke AMCR 73
Monthly Medal Winner: Linda Loftus (21) 92/71. A Grade Runner Up: Sarah Deas (20) 95/75.
Ball Winners: A O’Shaughnessy, M Curtis, H Street, J Roseby.
Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Jan Harper, 4th: Angela O’Shaughnessy, 14th: Angela O’Shaughnessy.
9 Hole Winner: Betty Newton (30) 13pts.
Putting: Linda Loftus 24 putts.
MOUNT BEAUTY GOLF CLUB
NTP on the seventh, along with the Tatts Ticket from the Tawonga South Newsagency & Post Office, was Roger Church.
The ninth was Peter Hertzog, the 17th was Peter Dilley, and Allan Retallick took home the money on the 18th.
BRIGHT COUNTRY GOLF CLUB
This week’s quote, “As you walk down the fairway of life you must smell the roses, for you only get to play one round,” - this encourages appreciating the present moment and finding joy in everyday experiences.
Monday, 4 August, all gender mixed Stableford competition.
A field of 19 golfers enjoyed the chance to play under perfect winter conditions - the course was still wet underfoot, and the scores reflected this.
Winners: Barney Neville 18 H/C 35 pts, Steve O’Rielly 13 H/C 34 pts.
Ball winners: Mick Dunne 32 pts, Reddog Ruddock 31 pts, Jenny Richter 30 pts C/B, Charles White 30 pts C/B.
NTPs - 3rd: Don Grimes, 6th: Jenny Richter, 11th: Steve O’Rielly, 16th: Reddog Ruddock.
Wednesday, 6 August, Ladies Monthly Medal stroke.
C/B, Graham Badrock 32 pts C/B, Riley Bacon 32 pts, Cameron Wickes 31 pts.
NTPs - 3rd: Riley Bacon, 6th: Cameron Wickes, 11th: Phil Jessen, 16th: Riley Bacon.
The chicken winner went to John O’Shea with 19pts, and the NAGA went to Butch Thomas with 21 pts - Butch was very happy with his Korumburra High School commemorative 1983 glass.
Friday, 8 August, nine-hole Stableford played on the back nine.
Taking out the bragging rights was Jan Bird 46 H/C with 16 pts on a countback from Gina Losch 35 H/C 16 pts.
Saturday, 9 August was an all gender 4BBB, with 26 pairs competing on what could only be described as a fantastic day.
Top spots were tightly contested but the winners were Jason Egbers (13) and Guy Packham (14) with 41 pts C/B, Rod Brown (6) and Phil Jessen (8) 41 pts, followed by Steven Thompson (18) and Mark Zwiersen (15) 40pts C/B.
The ladies played the back nine on Wednesday, 6 August which was won by Jooyon Kang-Redmond with 13 points from Liz Harvey with 12 points. NTP, second shot on the 18th was Liz Harvey.
Winner: Bernie Wickes 11 H/C nett 75 C/B, Carol Burgess 14 H/C nett 75 C/B.
On Saturday, 9 August, the Ladies played Par which was won by Ruth Rynehart with -1 from Liz Harvey with -4. NTP, second shot on the seventh was Lynda Barter.
The men also played Par on Saturday, 9 August which was won by Ross Wilson with +1 from three players on -2, Peter Hertzog, Tristan Hall and Ron Gallagher.
Ball winners: Robyn McGrath nett 75, Suzette Heydon nett 77.
NTPs - 3rd: Robyn McGrath, 11th: Bernie Wickes, 16th: Karen Etherton.
Thursday, 7 August, Men’s Stableford competition.
A field of 35 golfers teed off and the winners were: Andrew Robertson 10 H/C 39 pts, Phil Jesse 9 H/C 37 pts C/B, John O’Shea 15 H/C 37 pts, John Forbes 21 H/C 33 pts.
Ball winners: James Neylon 32 pts
Ball winners: Tony Chalwell (13) and Adam Benincasa (12) 40 pts, Elizabeth Barker (24) and Carol Burgess (14) 39 pts, Ken Bailey (21) and Elliott Bailey (16) 38 pts C/B, Graham Barrow (19) and Robert Taylor (9) 38 pts, and Steve Blake (36) and Minter Barnard (17) 37 pts.
NTPs - 3rd: Robert Taylor, 6th: Robert Taylor, 11th: Mark Zwiersen, 16th: Graham Barrow.
The all-important crystalware, the NAGA went to Christine O’Shea and Carolyn Bailey with 21 pts.
The Bright Golf Guru’s Apprentice’s thought of the week, “Golf is a metaphor for life. It’s not the score that counts, but what you learn along the way. As in life, golf requires goal-setting, working with others and digging deep when things get tough.”
COROWA R’GLEN 2.0 4.5 4.6 8.7.55 WANG ROVERS 1.6 3.10 11.12 13.15.93
GOALS: COROWA RUTHERGLEN: K. Bradtke 5, D. Clancy 1, F. Osborne 1, B. Kantilla 1. WANGARATTA ROVERS: W. Christie 7, C. Thompson 2, N. Cooper 1, s. rourke 1, j. lewis 1, S. Booth 1. BEST: COROWA RUTHERGLEN: J. Rowston, K. Bradtke, J. Longmire, C. Schutt, B. Morton, A. Curry. WANGARATTA ROVERS: W. Christie, D. Stone, S. Cattapan, H. Nolan, X. Allison, E. Dayman.
MYRTLEFORD
A GRADE
Albury 37 def by Wodonga Raiders 46 Yarrawonga 41 def Nth Albury 40; Corowa Rutherglen 55 def Wangaratta Rovers 37; Wangaratta 40 def by Lavington 45 Myrtleford 54 def Wodonga 53.
B GRADE
Albury 21 def by Wodonga Raiders 71; Yarrawonga 37 def by Nth Albury 42; Corowa Rutherglen 47 drew with Wangaratta Rovers 47; Wangaratta 45 def Lavington 31
C GRADE
Albury 19 def by Wodonga Raiders 57; Yarrawonga 54 def Nth Albury 28; Corowa Rutherglen 25 def by Wangaratta Rovers 51; Wangaratta 38 def Lavington 30; Myrtleford 45 def Wodonga 33. 17 & UNDER
Albury 17 def by Wodonga Raiders 42; Yarrawonga 47 drew with Nth Albury 47; Corowa Rutherglen 27 def by Wangaratta Rovers 63; Wangaratta 51 def by Lavington 44; Myrtleford 41 def Wodonga 37. 15 & UNDER
Albury 18 def by Wodonga Raiders 78; Yarrawonga 35 drew Nth Albury 35; Corowa Rutherglen 37 drew with Wangaratta Rovers 37; Wangaratta 17 def by Lavington 38; Myrtleford 41 def Wodonga 29.
Wangaratta 6.11 (47) def Lavington 6.6 (42)
GOALS: WANGARATTA: C. Kerwin 2, R. Schultz 1, E. Clayton 1, K. Hadley 1, E. Lodge 1. LAVINGTON: C. Hall 2, C. Way 2, J. Powling 1, S. Junck 1. BEST: WANGARATTA: O. Boyle, L. Sims, C. Newton, H. Laverty, W. Petersen, D. O’Sullivan. LAVINGTON: C. Way, C. Hall, T. Goonan, R. Costello, A. Russell, I. Robertson. Corowa Rutherglen 2.5 (17) def by Wangaratta Rovers 11.12 (78)
GOALS: COROWA RUTHERGLEN: H. Hall 2. WANGARATTA
ROVERS: J. Correll 3, H. Dodgshun 3, C. Johnson 2, H. Mullane 1, C. Breheny 1, T. Ford 1. BEST: COROWA RUTHERGLEN: B. Eyers, H. Hall, J. Lavis, J. Paul, C. Marjanovic, J. Forge. WANGARATTA ROVERS R. Harvey, J. Ford, R. McNamara, H. Dodgshun, E. Saunders, C. Breheny.
Myrtleford 4.0 (24) def Wodonga 15.14 (104)
GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: W. Graham 2, N. Nannipieri 1, S. Muraca 1. WODONGA: J. Hodgkin 6, B. Parkin 3, E. Thornber
2, A. Andrews 1, F. Kosmina 1, A. Lord 1, J. Dove 1. BEST: MYRTLEFORD: z. carroll, C. Ashworth, T. Cooper, T. Miller, S. Muraca, W. Graham. WODONGA: J. Hodgkin, W. McCoy, M. Hack, B. Nicklin, B. Parkin, E. Thornber.
Yarrawonga 10.8 (68) def North Albury 9.3 (57) Albury 10.11 (71) def Wodonga Raiders 5.5 (35)
GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: R. Sharp 6, B. Ricardi 5, B. Calogero 3, J. East 2, M. Munro 1, R. Smith 1, M. Dalbosco 1, J. Sharp 1, M. Tenardi 1, K. Agosta 1. WODONGA: N. Spiteri 6, J. O’Sullivan 1, A. Jorgensen 1, T. Miller 1.
BEST: MYRTLEFORD: T. Cappellari, R. Smith, B. Ricardi, M. Tenardi, M. Munro, R. Sharp. WODONGA: N. Spiteri, N. Bradshaw, O. Greenhill, N. Stephens, C. Morrison, A. Jorgensen.
GOALS: YARRAWONGA: B. Kennedy 3, N. Fothergill 1, C. Wilson 1, Z. Fraser 1, B. Coghill 1.
NORTH ALBURY: J. Murphy 5, J. Minogue 3, L. Taylor 3, N. Dennis 1, K. Duncan 1, B. Rigoni 1, T. Broomhead 1, A. Gardiner 1.
BEST: YARRAWONGA: B. Kennedy, H. Wheeler, C. Wilson, N. Fothergill, Z. Forge, H. Frauenfelder. NORTH ALBURY: J. Hayes, J. Weidemann, J. Murphy, C. Winter, J. Minogue, L. Taylor.
GOALS: ALBURY: R. Garthwaite 3, K. Heiner-Hennessy 3, M. Walker 3, H. Cameron 2, M. Duncan 1. WODONGA RAIDERS: N. Clarke 3, B. O’Neill 1. BEST: ALBURY: L. Koller, B. Kelly, J. Kelly, K. Heiner-Hennessy, M. Duncan, J. Carey. WODONGA RAIDERS: H. Cribbes, A. Scammell, C. St John, B. St John, N. Bracher, W. Fordham.
GOALS: WANGARATTA: X. Laverty 3, W. O’keefe 2, N. Richards 1, T. Norton 1, M. Hedin 1, C. Barrett 1, J. Tweedale 1. LAVINGTON: S. Driscoll 4, J. O’Brien 2, A. Swinnerton 2, J. Glanvill 1, J. Driscoll 1, C. Sanson 1, A. Cook 1. BEST: WANGARATTA: J. Clarke, M. Bordignon, A. Federico, C. Knowles, T. Norton, X. Laverty. LAVINGTON: C. Annett, J. Hart, E. Perryman, W. Glanvill, J. Costello, S. Driscoll.
Bedendo, N. Turner, A. Wickes, X. Cannizzaro, R. Calvene. WODONGA: L. Nugent, J. Gilbee, W. McCoy, G. McKimmie, B. Russell, B. Oates. Yarrawonga 5.5 (35) North Albury 24.10 (154)
Crelley,
Spurr,
(14)
(93)
Bihun,
*Ladder correct at time of print from Ovens and King website.
A GRADE:
Whorouly 46 def Bright 43; Tarrawingee 55 def Moyhu 39; Bonnie Doon 48 def Greta 37; Nth Wang 23 def by King Valley 24; Benalla 39 def by Goorambat 49.
B GRADE: Whorouly 50 def Bright 37; Tarrawingee 42 def Moyhu 24; Bonnie Doon 64 def Greta 36; Nth Wang 37 def King Valley 29; Benalla 28 def by Goorambat 62.
B RESERVE: Whorouly 39 def Bright 31; Tarrawingee 29 def Moyhu 24; Bonnie Doon 47 def Greta 27; Nth Wang 42 def King Valley 22; Benalla 57 def Goorambat 18.
C GRADE: Whorouly 16 def by Bright 54; Tarrawingee 25 def by Moyhu 49; Bonnie Doon 56 def Greta 21; Nth Wang 18 def by King Valley 53; Benalla 38 def by Goorambat 54.
15&UNDER: Whorouly 23 def by Bright 47; Tarrawingee 42 def Moyhu 32; Bonnie Doon 58 def Greta 23; Nth Wang 20 def King Valley 55; Benalla 104 def Goorambat 2.
SAT, AUGUST 16
GRETA vs BENALLA ALL BLACKS
MOYHU vs WHOROULY
GOORAMBAT vs NTH WANGARATTA
KING VALLEY vs BRIGHT
MILAWA vs BONNIE DOON
TARRAWINGEE - BYE
GOALS: BONNIE DOON: J. Sanford 2, J. Octigan 1, T. Berenyi 1. GRETA: H. Moran 5, C. Crawford 2, J. McClounan 2, T. Arrowsmith 1.
BEST: Bonnie Doon: J. Sanford, J. Curtin, B. Smith, F. Butterworth, J. Law, P. Cairns. GRETA: J. Bell, J. Kelly, J. McClounan, D. Cassidy, T. Arrowsmith, C. Green. WHOROULY
GOALS: WHOROULY: M. Newton 7, R. Eden 3, G. White 1, B. Harrington 1, C. Southern 1. BRIGHT: C. Thomason 5, T. Thomason 2, C. Banks 2, P. Sullivan 1, L. Quirk 1.
BEST: WHOROULY: S. Piazza, J. Bihun, R. Eden, E. Woolford, M. Vescio, C. Wood. BRIGHT: J. Gray, S. Dalbosco, R. Jamieson, R. Arguello, K. Jamieson, A. Dalbosco.
NTH WANGARATTA 6.2 10.5 15.10 21.14.140
KING VALLEY 1.1 3.2 3.6 5.6.36
GOALS: NORTH WANGARATTA: C. Smith 7, T. Nanson 5, J. Nanson 2, T. Schulze 2, T. O’Brien
1, B. Raggett 1, S. Johnson 1, J. Adamo 1, J. Devine 1. KING VALLEY: F. Ott 2, M. Ring 1, C. Davies 1, B. Collihole 1.
BEST: NORTH WANGARATTA: T. Schulze, J. Nanson, A. Cheong, D. Killen, t. obrien, B. LaneGee. KING VALLEY: C. Davies, D. Lang, T. Roman, O. Day, H. White, D. Browne.
BENALLA 2.0 5.2 8.3 9.4.58 GOORAMBAT 4.4 12.5 17.7 24.13.157
GOALS: BENALLA ALL BLACKS: M. Ryan 3, S. Cox 3, D. Button 1, C. Orchard 1, B. Marlborough 1. GOORAMBAT: B. Stepien 5, D. Haebich 5, D. Beavis 4, B. Wapling 2, T. Nolan 2, S. Emmett 1, M. Priest 1, K. Black 1, J. Dunne 1, v. butler 1, R. Goodley 1.
BEST: BENALLA ALL BLACKS: S. Cox, D. Button, K. Glass, A. Hillaire, R. Nedeljkovic, M. Ryan. GOORAMBAT: J. Webb, J. Dunne, D. Beavis, B. Wapling, V. Butler, V. Kirk.
The Porepunkah Panthers juniors were up against the Albury Bears at Porepunkah on Sunday.
In a close game there was only one run separating the teams at the end of play.
The first innings had Porepunkah switching on in the field, allowing the Bears only two runs, with Panthers pitcher Zac Gould throwing out a runner at first base.
Byron Smith then had the next runner out with a nicely-caught flyball and the third out came quickly after with Zac making another play.
The Panthers then continued their batting form from last week scoring six runs, with Yuna Meddings, Rylan Harris and Conrad Scorsis all hitting double base hits, and there were single base hits going to Ryland McCormack and Sophie Giuliano.
The second innings again was a good one for the Panthers allowing the Bears only two runs, Porepunkah had runners on base in their at bat but could not get a run over the plate.
Albury then applied some pressure scoring six runs in the top of the third to take the lead, with Porepunkah scoring two runs thanks to Zac Gould and Ryan Harris hitting another double.
With Albury leading 10-8 going into the last dig, it was a great effort by Porepunkah to restrict Albury to just two runs and give themselves a chance at another win.
Panthers Ryland McCormack, Zakk Podubinski and Mena Meddings then all impressed by hitting safely at critical times and working their way around the bases to score, and with the Panthers only one run short they were unlucky not to score again.
Final score: Porepunkah 11 def by Albury 12.
15
The Panthers’ under 15 team took on North Albury at home in their last game of baseball for the year.
Paige Anders led things off on the bump, throwing to the ever-reliable Ayla McCallum behind the dish, starting strongly obtaining three strike outs straight up.
The Panthers then immediately responded, with Rory Clarke hitting a single as the lead-off and followed by a string of walks and hit by pitches - Wes Booth and Hunter Harris both taking one for the team - scored six runs.
In the next innings the Panthers were again able to keep the Bears scoreless.
With a change of pitcher, the Bears also kept the Panthers scoreless with Steph Alexander the only player to get on base.
Hunter Harris came in to relieve in the third innings, pitching accurately to get two strikeouts and backed up with clean fielding from shortstop Rory Clarke.
In the bottom of the third, Ayla McCallum led off with a massive double.
With some sharp fielding from
Tigers 5.1 8.3 12.8 17.8 (110)
Benalla 2.0 3.3 3.3 5.3 (33)
GOALS: TIGERS: M. Correll 4, R. Webb 3, M. Togolo-Hill 3, M. Benton 3, O. Mullane 2, A. Turner 1, J. Wickham 1. BENALLA: J. Byers 3, N. Hogan 1, N. Nicholas 1.
BEST: TIGERS: M. Correll, S. Morey, H. Gibb, N. O’Keefe, L. Alexander, Z. Akers. BENALLA: H. Carter, J. Byers, K. Thwaites, N. Nicholas, A. Richardson, R. McCarthy.
Kangaroos 6.3 9.4 12.8 18.13 (121)
Junior Magpies 1.0 3.1 5.3 7.4 (46)
GOALS: KANGAROOS: H. Jacka 9, M. Murphy 3, A. Brett 3, O. Edwards 1, D. Johnston 1, E. Mullins 1. JUNIOR MAGPIES: C. Allan 2, H. Scalzo 2, J. McNeill 1, C. Briggs 1, J. Parker 1.
BEST: KANGAROOS: O. Reynolds, H. Jacka, O. Edwards, A. Symons, B. O’Keefe, L. Downing. JUNIOR MAGPIES: L. Sexton, J. Bounpraseuth, J. Holmes, K. Ross, C. Allan, J. Parker.
Bright 4.4 5.7 10.11
College 1.1
a Tasmyn Clunie hit, the Bears rolled a double and kept the Panthers scoreless.
Harris continued pitching well and was again backed up by his field with Clarke and second base Alexander picking up ground balls and throwing runners out at first.
At the bottom of the fourth, Paige Anders led off with a hard-hit single and stole her way around the bases to put another run on the board for the Panthers.
The Bears were able to score some late runs and the Panthers brought in their closer Eamon Thomson to finish the match, pitching well and getting the Bears to ground out to first to finish the match.
With uneven innings, the score reverted back to a 7-0 win to the Panthers.
Being the last game for the 15s, the club would like to thank the team scorer Lisa Anders and all other parents, coaches and volunteers who help make this all possible.
The Porepunkah Panthers couldn’t quite keep the runs flowing against the Albury Bears as they went down 11-5 on Sunday.
It was a good start for Porepunkah in the first innings keeping the Albury Bears to just one run, with Panther catcher Jarrod McCormack’s throw down to third baseman Jason Brown to tag a runner being the highlight.
Porepunkah then took the lead after Sam Bourne walked - Jason
Brown them doubled down the leftfield line, and Peter Alexander hitting a sacrifice scoring two runs.
The Bears then were a bit better on base and hit the gaps to score 10 runs in the next two innings with the Panthers managing three runs.
This time it was Panthers Sam Bourne and Sophie Anders who did the damage with the bat both collecting safe hits, with Sophie’s hit going over the centrefielder’s head.
Ollie Brown ran amok on the bases for Porepunkah, with the most stolen bases.
Wade Pronk started on the mound for Porepunkah - the left-hander allowed 10 hits and 11 runs, striking out one and walking four.
It was a tough match for the Porepunkah as they couldn’t quite find the gaps with the bat going down 19-5 against the Albury Bears.
Albury jumped out of the blocks scoring three runs to start the first innings, Porepunkah responded with Amos Fabich and Mason Anders getting on base and both finding their way around to score.
The second innings had Albury score seven runs, with Porepunkah’s Randy Skippen making a nice throw to Luka Barthelmes at first base obtaining an out.
The Panthers had to wait until the third innings for their next run, with Adrian Quinton hitting
IMPERIALS: T. Benton 2, S. Savage 2, G. Marek 2. MANSFIELD BLUE: O. Pigdon 7, M. Storer 5, H. George 2, J. Clydesdale 2, R. Purday 1, T. Bowen 1, J. Kynnersley 1. BEST: IMPERIALS: T. Benton, W. Startin, G. Marek, S. Savage, S. Newton, J. Ambrose. MANSFIELD BLUE: R. Purday, J. Kynnersley, O. Pigdon, M. Storer, H. George, T. Bowen.
safely to centre field and stealing his way all the way home.
Josh Harris also hit safely to bring in one run.
The Panthers had 11 stolen bases for the day with Mason Anders leading all comers.
Taking on the pitching duties for the Panthers was the father son combination of Liam and Adrian Quinton.
Liam surrendered four hits and ten runs over two innings striking out one and walking six, with Adrian giving up six hits and nine runs over four innings, striking out five and walking three.
Playing the top of the table Albury Bears, the Panthers had one of their best matches for the year as far as teamwork in concerned, just falling short 9-6.
Luca Barthelmes was a solid contributor throughout the day, pitching the whole game for the Panthers.
He gave up only nine runs (six earned) over six innings, striking out one and walking one.
Damon Barker also has a big influence behind the plate, calling the right pitches at the right time and also throwing a runner out on base when needed.
Adam Rosser and Joshua Harris each collected two hits for the Panthers - Harris went two for three and led the team with two runs batted in.
Panthers Mason Anders and Heath Anders combined in the infield to roll a double in the play of the day.
(86)
(24)
GOALS: BRIGHT: A. Murrells 4, T. Brierty 3, B. Brady 3, O. Dalbosco 2. Myrtleford 2.2
(47)
(45) Mansfield
GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: T. Cartwright 2, A. Morgan 1, H. Durling 1, B. Robb 1, Z. Menz 1. MANSFIELD: T. Kynnersley 3, S. Kain 2, A. Daniels 1, T. Gerrans 1.
BEST: MYRTLEFORD: B. Robb, N. Robb, H. Durling, A. Morgan, Z. Menz, J. Bruneau. MANSFIELD: T. Kynnersley, C. Purday, K. Middleton, N. Langlands, S. Kain, H. Banks.
vs Centrals: PENDING
GOALS: TIGERS: L. Benton 3, H. Sharp 2, M. Flanigan 1. COLLEGE: C. OBrien 5, C. Bowman 4, L. O’Brien 4, L. Fraser 2. BEST: TIGERS: B. Kantor, P. Dummett, M. Simpson, H. Togolo-Hill, L. Benton, P. Edwards. COLLEGE: C. Bowman, C. OBrien, L. Fraser, L. Da Silva, L. OBrien, T. Hill. Kangaroos 5.1
Junior Magpies
(147)
(15)
GOALS: KANGAROOS: M. Coleman 8, R. Mackinnon-Burman 3, J. Pople 3, L. Solimo 3, C. Kelly 2, B. Jackson 2, S. Lewis 1, H. Edwards 1. JUNIOR
MAGPIES: L. Cannata 1, L. Bott 1. BEST: KANGAROOS: M. Coleman, C. Kelly, J. Pople, D. Jeffries, R. Mackinnon-Burman, J. Foster. JUNIOR MAGPIES: R. Sessions, L. Cannata, W. Maiden, J. Olenczuk, O. Parr, B. McLeod. Centrals
H. Vandersteeg, D. Dickson, F. Clare, K. Scanlan, O. Nicoll. COLLEGE: R. Allan, F. Mckenzie, S. Guley, E. MILLIS, J. Hester, O. Humphries.
(119)
(28) Benalla Red
GOALS: CENTRALS: D. Williams 1, J. Walkerden 1, B. Stewart 1. BENALLA RED: C. Nolen 3, T. Mount 3, J. Binion 3, X. De Fazio 2, G. Trethowan 2, H. Bast 2, T. Williams 1, J. Pollard 1, E. McKean 1. BEST: CENTRALS: N. Jones, H. Muraca, A. Fraser, W. Boulton, J. Morris, J. Walkerden. BENALLA RED: J. Pollard, T. Mount, J. Binion, J. Hart, C. Pollard, X. De Fazio. Bright
KANGAROOS: Z. Freeman 1, Z. Ivory 1, A. Ryan 1. JUNIOR MAGPIES: W. Stamp 1. BEST: KANGAROOS: J. Ring, X. Hutton, Z. Ivory, G. McCurdy, M. Batt, Z. Freeman. JUNIOR MAGPIES: R. Filipenko, E. Davies, C. Cook, J. Briggs, W. Hernan, W. Stamp.
MYRTLEFORD:
(74)
(17) Mansfield Yellow
GOALS: MANSFIELD YELLOW: M. Watson 2, B. Turner 2, J. Hoskin 1, C. Logan Williams 1, L. McCoombe 1, N. Martin 1. BEST: BRIGHT: H. Bruneau, W. Bailey, N. Cunico, K. ODONNELL, D. Garratt, A. Humphry. MANSFIELD YELLOW: L. Roberts, M. Watson, B. Turner, Z. Borg, J. Hoskin, L. Mccoombe. Myrtleford
(43) Benalla Black
GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: C. Schell 4, X. Millar 1, S. Lupo 1. BENALLA BLACK: R. Hilton 2, O. Parker 2, O. Wardill 1, J. Williams 1, N. White 1. BEST: MYRTLEFORD: S. Lupo, N. Harris, N. Durling, C. Herbert, J. Jennings, W. Koers. BENALLA BLACK: J. Montgomery, c. Bell, R. white, N. White, Z. Peisley, J. Bamford.
EFFORT:
By NATHAN DE VRIES
It was always going to be a massive challenge to knock off one of the best teams in the competition, but Myrtleford’s division one women’s team can be proud of their effort.
Savoy took on secondplaced Boomers at Glen Park on Sunday, and fought hard for the full match, and the 1-3 final scoreline is a far cry from the effort and determination they played with.
Myrtleford were attacking early, but Boomers’ defensive structure was able to repel and counterattack.
After the first 45 minutes, it was still anyone’s game at a 0-0 deadlock.
Fatigue started to set in, with many Savoy players backing up from earlier games, and Boomers were able to score twice in quick succession.
Myrtleford refused to give up, and halved the lead through a stunning run from Alessia Colanzi.
With a split decision still on the cards, Savoy went on the offensive, but conceded late.
Co-coach Tom Scott said it was a stunning display of heart and effort.
“It was hard physical contest against one of the league’s in-form teams,” he said.
“We knew the second half would be tough, as we had majority of the girls playing their second game
“Boomers were quick to score two goals within 10 minutes, however, we were able to score from an excellent run by Alessia.
“With the draw being a possibility, Will [co-coach Will Robinson-Dunn] and I decided to roll the dice. “Unfortunately, we conceded a goal in the last seconds of the
Emerging local basketball stars have been tapped to take the next step on their sporting journey for the state Under 12 Country Jamboree.
Held in Echuca from 20-23 September, the jamboree is a key event in the junior basketball calendar, providing 120 boys and 120 girls with their first taste of the Victorian high performance pathway.
These athletes were chosen from more than 1200 participants who took part in Under 12 Skill Days held across 10 regional centres, a testament to the depth of talent in country Victoria.
Locally, Myrtleford and District Basketball Association members Harlow Mitchell, Lexi
Piazza and Bowie Cartwright were all chosen to attend the jamboree.
Over the four-day event, players will engage in a range of activities including structured training sessions, tournamentstyle games, and skill development clinics.
More than just a competition, the jamboree aims to foster a love of the game through fun, inclusivity, and teamwork.
Rules are specifically designed to encourage equal participation, and the focus remains firmly on enjoyment and development, not the scoreboard.
The Basketball Victoria Under 12 Country Jamboree will be held in Echuca from 20-23 September.
Myrtleford.
game from a fast break.
“Though the result did not go our way, it illustrated to us how far we have developed this year being able to compete with one of the league’s best sides.”
In other games, the reserve women drew 1-1, meaning a win in their last game before finals on Saturday will lock in second place for the 2025 season, a remarkable achievement.
Meanwhile, the senior men’s team used their bye on the weekend preparing for the last hurdle in their quest for an undefeated league season.
The division one men’s team has been the benchmark of the competition, with 16 wins and two draws from their home and away campaign.
Savoy will take on eighthplaced Melrose FC at Savoy Park on Saturday evening from 5pm.
Last Saturday saw the XXXX Winter Bowls competition return from a break at Chiltern and Myrtleford.
Despite the name, it was more like a beautiful spring day than winter, with the greens bathed in sunlight.
The game between Bright and Myrtleford saw 30 men and women bowlers hit the greens as the new pennant season looms, and as even more beautiful spring weather approaches.
The scores were Bright 72 shots to Myrtleford 100 shots, with Myrtleford winning four of the five rinks in action.
Over at Chiltern, the home team took on Yackandandah, where seven rinks were pitted against each other, with Chiltern securing five winning rinks to two.
It was a very close game with two rinks going down to the wire and a winning margin of just one shot, both going Chiltern’s way.
All 42 players enjoyed the Chiltern hospitality and the dose of Vitamin D in the sun.
The scores were Chiltern 178 shots to Yackandandah 123 shots.
Next Saturday, Myrtleford travels to Yackandandah and Bright to Chiltern to do battle.
The Myrtleford Junior Football Club is now calling for Expressions of Interest from coaches for the 2026 season in all age groups (U12, U14, U17).
If you are passionate about developing young players, building teamwork, and contributing to our club’s success, we want to hear from you!
To register your interest or for more information, please contact: myrtlefordjuniorfootball@gmail.com Applications close: Wednesday, 27th August.
RESPONSE: Molly Whitty begins the counterattack after winning the rebound.
DEFENSIVE PRESSURE: Laura Keighran puts the pressure on Bright’s Emily Nightingale in the Lions’ narrow win over Bright.
REBOUND READY: Abbey Forrest takes a shot on goal, with players prepared for a rebound.
TURNOVER:
Whorouly is just one win away from a ticket to the second week of finals after a spirited showdown with Bright on Saturday.
In a tight tussle between the two finals-bound squads, it was the Lions who came out ahead in the 46-43 showdown.
It was the Lions who drew first blood, shooting out to a four-goal lead after 15 minutes, before the tenacious Bright brought the margin back to a solitary goal by the half.
The defensive pressure was sky high across the court, as the two sides battled hard, matching turnover with turnover and steely execution under the post.
Whorouly again piled
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
on the goals to forge a fivegoal advantage through the third quarter, with their quick passing helping carve through the Bright defence.
A fourth-term goal fest saw a combined 26 goals scored, and while Bright won the quarter, it was the Lions who took the four points.
Whorouly coach Kelly Cousins said the high-quality netball was a perfect tune-up before the cutthroat postseason.
“It was a fantastic test heading into finals,” she said.
“It was a tight win against a really competitive Bright side
who challenged us until the final whistle.
“Our attacking end really withstood Bright’s full court defensive efforts and I was particularly happy with our third quarter where we pushed ahead by five goals for the term.
“Defensively, we were strong again with Laura [Keighran] and Eb [Allen] being quite disruptive in the goal circle with lots of tips and touches.
“I think going into finals we need to continue to work on our consistency and composure in attack.
“The team is working hard to deliver a full 60 minutes of cohesive netball.
“We have a great structure, and the team is really hungry
to compete deep into the finals series - I think we have a bit of momentum going our way and we are building nicely so hopefully that should serve us well in the weeks ahead.”
Bright coach Ash Grimes said there was a lot to be proud of from the encounter.
“I think our defensive pressure right across the court worked really well, we forced a lot of turnovers and made it hard for Whorouly to find space,” she said.
“Our ball movement through the midcourt was also much more confident, and we had some great passages of play into the goal circle.
“For improvement, I think
we can work on making sure we capitalise on those turnovers and convert them into goals.
“A bit more patience and accuracy in our transition from defence to attack, especially under pressure, will help us finish strong.
“Also just tightening up in those last few minutes so we can close out close games will be key heading into finals.”
In other matches from the day, both clubs enjoyed success – Whorouly saluted in B grade (50-37) and B reserve (39-31), while Bright took the wins in the C grade (54-16) and under 15s (47-23).
The result in the A grade sees Whorouly on the precipice of securing
a second chance in finals.
Tarrawingee currently holds the free pass to the second week, just two points ahead of the Lions, but because the Bulldogs have the bye in round 20, they’re unable to extend their points tally.
A win or draw against Moyhu this weekend, and Whorouly is set for the qualifying final.
Bright also needs to avoid a loss (and a Moyhu victory against the Lions) to assure them a seat at the table in finals.
The Lions take on the Hoppers at Moyhu to round out the home and away season, while Bright heads up to Whitfield to take on King Valley.
It was a day of high drama at the Whorouly Recreation Reserve on Saturday, where the senior match between the Lions and Bright came down to a kick after the siren.
After a scintillating opening half from Whorouly, Bright roared back into contention, leading in the final term before the Lions would come home with a wet sail, 13.5 (83) to Bright’s 11.12 (78).
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
doubtedly a great team.
The Mountain Men upped their pressure across the ground and hunted the ball, while a spare in defence nullified much of what Whorouly could do inside their forward 50.
With just seconds remaining in the game, Bright’s Cooper Thomason took a mark on the edge of the 50, needing a goal after the siren to win the game, with every Lion rushing to the goal line.
as well, to know they can match it with the good sides.
In a clash where many thought Bright would dictate terms from the outset, it was Whorouly who would dominate play.
A seven goal to two first quarter laid the groundwork for a strong performance in the second, with the Lions ahead by 46 points at the major break.
However, as the good teams do, they find a way back into the contest, and Bright is un-
Bright kept the Lions scoreless through the third while booting five goals themselves, the margin just two goals at the final change of end.
With their tails up and smelling blood in the water, Bright charged into the final term, and managed to hit the front with 10 minutes to go.
The game rose in intensity, but a goal from Lion Russ Eden wrested back the lead.
Thomason went back and launched it, but it was touched by the man on the mark, and would fall short of the goal, with Whorouly holding on in an all-time classic.
Lions coach Michael Newton said while his side was still coming up short of a consistent four-quarter effort, he praised their intensity and determination.
“We got off to a good start, we have been starting games well the last few weeks,” he said.
“The boys are starting to get that belief within the group and within themselves
“All over, everyone was competing very hard, and our intensity was probably a fair bit up on where Bright’s was, and it just showed we wanted it a bit more and wanted to make it happen a bit more than what they did in the first half.
“They got their game going in the third quarter and we took a while to arrest momentum.
“It was just a couple of structural things, they changed a couple of things they were doing and we reacted a little bit slow.
“Our boys need to continue to work on a four-quarter effort, you can’t get comfortable in games – in that third quarter there were probably a couple of guys who got a bit comfortable.
“We’ve got to continue to work on that four-quarter effort, because you can’t beat good sides in two quarters and think the game’s done.”
Newton himself was prolific up forward, winning the game within the game against Thomason, kicking seven goals to five.
Defenders Sam Piazza and Cam Wood gave it their all for the full game, and for Bright, Joe Gray, Rod Arguello, and Reuben and Kieran Jamieson were impactful.
“We give Cam the big jobs every week, he’s a competitor, very hard to play on,” Newton said.
“Sam’s growing his game, coming from an interesting start with a few injuries, but he’s starting to build some momentum and find some confidence in his game at the right time.”
five points
The result sees Bright slip to second overall, needing a win over 10th-placed King Valley in their final home and away match to lock in the double chance, while the Lions could finish anywhere from fourth to sixth, depending on how round 20 plays out.
Bright were too strong in the earlier reserves hit-out with the Lions, the Mountain Men saluting 12.8 (80) to 6.5 (41), with Bright stalwart Brad Nightingale named in the best in his 350th club game. In other senior O&K matches, Greta handled Bonnie Doon 11.14 (80) to 4.12 (36), North Wangaratta picked up a 104-point win over King Valley, the Bats were 99-points too good for Benalla All Blacks, and Moyhu recorded their fifth win of the season with a 10.9 (69) to 4.11 (35) win over Tarrawingee.
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
It’s been a long time since the Saints last took the chocolates in A grade netball, but with the club’s Ladies Day function and stalwart Saige Broz celebrating her 200th top-level outing, there’s no better time to break the drought.
Myrtleford’s seven-game losing streak was broken on the weekend on the court at McNamara Reserve, as the Saints held on in a nail-biter to down Wodonga by the thinnest of margins, 54-53.
From the first whistle, it was clear the match would be a close tussle, with neither team able to hold the lead for long before it was all even once again.
There were rarely more than a goal in it, but Myrtleford held the early advantage with a 13-12 lead after 15 minutes.
The shooters began to work into the match, causing trouble at both ends of the court as the defenders worked valiantly to rein them in.
The margin was out to two goals by the long break, but an immense
third term from the Bulldogs saw the scoreboard sit at 40-40 as the final term loomed.
It was fast and frantic netball, but ultimately, Myrtleford held their nerve to record their fourth win for the year.
best I’ve seen all year.
“Em Sharp’s game was super underrated, I thought her leadership, particularly in the last two minutes, was a huge part in us winning the game.
“Tay Cartwright had the biggest job of the day on Molly Moylan and really stepped up.
“Her and Niamh [Thorn] in defence were ruthless, and kept up their intensity for a solid four quarters.
“Our whole team really stepped up.
“We wanted it, and they kept their foot down all game, and to get the win for Saige I think was a special moment for all of us.”
In other grades, it was a day dominated by the Saints.
Saints coach Olivia La Spina said it was a brilliant feeling to get the win on such a big day for the club.
“I thought our attack end was brilliant all day.
“The girls went into the game really fired up and desperate for a win - with Saige’s 200th and Ladies Day, there was a lot of be excited about, and we just wanted to get the job done,” she said.
“They stayed control and really played a big game of ‘keepings off’ - not many fly-away balls, they were all short and sharp.
“Tay Reidy was great under the post, and shot probably the
SCANNING FOR TARGETS:
Batey
The under 15s (41-29), under 17s (41-37), and C grade (45-33) all recorded comprehensive victories, while the B grade squad came up short 43-65.
Myrtleford hit the road this weekend in their last away game before finals, off to WJ Findlay Oval to take on Wangaratta Rovers.
■ From back page
Coach Craig Millar said his side’s ability to absorb pressure when it came and build some of their own was key.
“We spoke pregame that they’re going to have their moments and we’ve got to make sure we weather the storm when they have their turn, and I thought they had their turn early,” he said.
“[Noah] Spiteri got off the leash and created some real headaches for us, but I felt we wrestled the momentum back a little bit, particularly in the latter half of the first quarter.
“There were signs in the first quarter, even though we were under pressure, but our ball use was really important for us and we were able to cash in on some inside 50 entries and build some scoreboard pressure against them before half-time.”
“I watched the Wodonga games over the last couple of weeks and they’ve had enormous pressure on the ball and they’ve been able to get their numbers behind the ball and slingshot forward – it was what they did to us earlier in the year, so we knew the plan they were going to bring, and we trained a certain method during the week to try and negate that where we could.
“I just felt our players were so disciplined in the way we wanted to play to win.
“It’s always satisfying when you can execute the plan and collect the four points.”
In earlier matches, the reserves manufactured a 100-point win, 20.13 (133) to the Bulldogs’ 5.3 (33), while the thirds went down 4.0 (24) to 15.14 (104).
This weekend, the Saints face their biggest challenge, taking on reigning premiers and leaders of the pack Wangaratta Rovers on the brown and gold’s home turf.
Myrtleford is one of only three sides who’ve managed to knock the Rovers off this season, and given their stunning form, this match will have tongues wagging across the league.
“We feel like our best footy is more than competitive, we feel like if we can do that then we’re a chance in every game we play,” Millar said.
“There’s still a lot of stuff to get right, but the last month has been satisfying, we’ve been able to kick some reasonable scores, but more so we’ve bene able to defend the opposition and keep them to relatively low scores.
“That’s what we celebrate a lot, our ability to defend the ground, and that’s been pleasing.
“We’re really in for a hot contest this week, we know they’re probably going to bring back three or four pretty handy players, and we can’t wait to play the benchmark of the competition and see where we’re at.”
Football at Wangaratta’s WJ Findlay Oval commences on Saturday at 10am with the thirds, before the reserves at 12pm and the seniors from 2pm.
It was a very special Saturday at McNamara Reserve, with three club stalwarts celebrating milestone matches with victories. Mitch Dalbosco brought up senior game 200 alongside brother-inlaw Brody Ricardi, who celebrated his 150th senior game. On the netball court, Ricardi’s partner Saige Broz helped the A grade Saints get the win in her 200th A grade outing for the Saints.
Myrtleford blast Bulldogs off the park, eyeing off ladder-leading scalp as Saints firm ahead
If you don’t know, now you know – the Saints are surging through the back end of the season.
Myrtleford’s senior side is hitting their high at the right time after dismantling finals aspirant Wodonga in a display of pure foot skills and killer instinct on Saturday.
A far cry from their first encounter back in round seven, the Saints were clinical in their 22.9 (141) to 9.10 (64) win over
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
Wodonga Bulldogs at McNamara
The Bulldogs had the run of play early but weren’t able to make the most of their looks at goal, with Myrtleford trailing by eight points at the first break.
A seven goal to three second
term saw Myrtleford shoot out in front, but there was more to come.
It was a third quarter for the ages which saw the Saints pile on eight goals to one to push the margin out to 58 points at the final break.
The Saints’ clean ball movement and polish by foot cut through the Wodonga defence, and clinical execution up front saw the gap grow and grow.
It was a procession through
the fourth term, with Myrtleford simply too much for the Bulldogs to contend with.
It was a fitting way to celebrate two of the club’s favourite sons in their milestone matches, with Mitch Dalbosco playing his 200th senior clash – as well as 200th consecutive senior game - and Brody Ricardi his 150th. Ricardi finished with five goals, and Dalbosco even managed to sneak forward to jag a major in
the fourth quarter, causing cheers to erupt from the Ablett Pavillion as every Saint on the ground converged on him.
Midfield dynamos Tom Cappellari and Jaxon East were finding the footy at will, each racking up 30 disposals or more, while Simon Curtis down back (22 disposals) and Ryley Sharp up forward (six goals) led at either end of the ground.
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