TSelf-respect and personal pride go together and become the basis for living successfully. That self-respect also manifests itself in the respect we have for others – whether they be black, white, beige or brindle. All people are human – as such all people deserve to be treated with dignity.
And then there is the pride we exhibit as a nation. To my mind the greatest things we could do to improve National Pride would be a perfectly functioning education system, a health system for all and no homelessness.
Australia has a National Flag and there are protocols relating to the flag and how it is handled.
1. Show respect and dignity for all Australian flags. The Australian National flag takes precedence in positioning over all other flags or ensigns. On Australian soil, the Australian National flag takes precedence over other national flags.
he National Gravity Enduro Series acts as the qualifying series for the Enduro World Series. See mention in the article with Ben McIlroy. Mountain Bike Australia in conjunction with Falls Creek Resort Management are pleased to present Round One of the 2017 Gravity Enduro National Series. The series is Australia wide with Round Two being held at Stromlo Forest ACT in May. Round Three will be at Balingup WA in June; Round Four will go to Rockhampton in July and the final round will be held on Woodford Island, on the Clarence River in northern NSW in August. The popularity of mountain biking continues to grow. From the great efforts of some Mount Beauty locals in the 90’s - to hosting the Nationals in Feb 2000 - to the point where we have some of the best tracks in the country - both in Mount Beauty and in Falls Creek. The growth and the success means we can continue to host fabulous events.
2. Fly the flag. The following must be observed when flying the Australian National flag: •Raise it no earlier than first light. •Lower it no later than dusk. •If you wish to fly the Australian National flag by night, it must be floodlit.
3. Raise the flag quickly and lower it ceremoniously. During the raising and lowering of the Australian National flag, everyone present must be silent and face the flag. This also applies to when the flag is carried in a parade. Those in uniform are obliged to salute the flag.
Another important point is that you should never let the National Flag touch the ground, the water, or the floor.
The Australian National Flag consists of: The Union Jack - this depicts Australia’s past links with Great Britain.
The Southern Cross - Five stars that emphasise the importance of navigation to Australia and the southerly location of Australia geographically. The Southern Cross constellation is only viewable from the southern hemisphere.
Round One of the GE National Series will be staged this weekend, beginning with practice sessions from 11am Friday. During the course of the weekend, several of the trails will be closed to general riders although Blue Dirt will have shuttles running on Friday from 11am to 6pm and again on Saturday from 9am to 5pm. Cost is $50 per day or $90 for 2 days. Go to www.bluedirt. com.au to book. On Sunday the trails will be closed to the general public, but will progressively open as the different sections of the event are completed. Pretty Valley Road will also have closures and be subject to delays should anyone be travelling back from the horse yards or Pretty Valley Pondage. Now this Gravity Enduro is a different sort of mountain bike racing to what we know as Downhill or Cross Country. The Gravity Enduro is both. The athletes will start with a warm up ride from Slalom Plaza, out the Bogong High Plains Road, up the Pretty Valley Road and then across to the Trig
The Commonwealth Star - also known as the Star of Federation - this shows the unity of the six States and the combined Territories of this country.
There are many varied points of view – but the fact is, it is our flag and comes to us with a history – from a continent where flags were used for many centuries prior. We treat our flag with respect – the same as we treat each other with respect.
Australia Day is our National Day and locally, our Australia Day celebrations begin at around 7:45am in Hydro Park beside the swimming pool with the Upper Kiewa Valley Lions putting on an excellent breakfast of bacon, eggs, sausages, orange juice, tea and coffee – all for a gold coin donation.
Point on the Frying Pan Spur. The aim of the game is to ride each section no faster than the fastest time allowed, and no slower than the slowest time. Then they do the competitive bit, before riding to the start of the next competitive bit without beating or exceeding the times permitted. At the time of going to print, final course had not been set, but they look like taking in High Voltage and Wishing Well, then heading to Flowtown, completing that before heading to Thunderbolt and then to Generator and Vortex before finishing in Slalom Plaza. Sound like a pretty easy day!!
January 12th & 13th 12noon – 3pm.
January 26th & 27th 12noon – 3pm.
Also open for group bookings with 24 hours notice!
Volunteers Needed
Phone: 03 5758 1200
Please try to allow 24hours notice.
Members of the Historical Society and interested members of the Falls Creek community are invited to help support the museum by volunteering to open the museum during the advertised hours. It’s a fun gig where you get to meet people and have the opportunity to learn more about Falls Creek.
Our fabulous Mount Beauty Community Band has become firmly entrenched as part of our celebrations – and will continue to do so this year. Also on hand will be free flag wavers, face painting and temporary tattoos for the kids.
Wb: www.fallscreekmuseum.com.au
Em: info@fallscreekmuseum.com.au
For further information: www.fallscreekmuseum.com.au info@fallscreekmuseum.com.au Facebook/fallscreekmuseum
Fb: facebook.com/fallscreekmuseum
Alpha Lodge
Alpha Lodge
Open for Summer. Self-cater accommodation. $65p/p p/n twin/dbl. $47 p/p p/n bunk room. Parallel Street. Ph: 03 5758 3488 or visit: www.alphaskilodge.com.au
Diana Lodge
Accommodation from $100 per person B&B in a comfortable lodge. Fully Licensed. Meals available. Falls Creek Road. Ph: 03 5758 3214
The official part of the day begins at 9:30am with the presentation of Alpine Shire Australia Day Community Awards (Local Achiever of the Year – Kiewa Valley, Local Young Achiever of the Year – Kiewa Valley and other deserving recipients. MC will be Yvonne Sutton and the Shire Council will be represented by Sarah Nicholas. Guest speaker on the day will be David Wood. •
The weekend’s program sort of goes like this. Saturday: 9am to 16:00 is compulsory practice. 10am to 18:30 is rider registration and Info Tent open. 17:00 to 17:30 is rider briefing. From 18:00 on there is a social evening at Last Hoot Restaurant and Bar in Slalom Plaza. Sunday: 8am to 9am Rider Briefing and Timing activation. 8:30am to 1430pm Trails Open GE competition.1500 to 1630 Presentations. If you’re into biking and would like to enjoy some good action, be at Falls Creek this weekend. Further detail from 03 5758 1200.
Café
Open for drinks and meals. Schuss Street. Ph: 03 5758 3407.
Open 365 days a year. Self cater accommodation $56 p/p p/n twin/dbl. $42 p/p p/n bunk room. Parallel Street. Ph: 5758 3488 or visit: www.alphaskilodge.com.au
Falls Creek Country Club
Apartment style luxury rooms, Pool & Jacuzzi, Sauna & Steam Room. On-site restaurant and bar. Open all year round - available for group bookings and functions. Ph: 03 5732 8000 Wb: www.qtfallscreek.com.au
Falls Creek FoodWorks
Altitude Apartments
Altitude Apartments
Spacious fully self-contained accommodation. Open All year round. Bike storage and free Wi-Fi. Located in the Village Bowl. Ph: 03 5758 8811
Snowski Apartments
Fully self-contained accommodation from $140 /dbl/night. Ph: 03 5758 3391 or visit: www.fallscreekcountryclub.com. au. 7 Bogong High Plains Road.
Mountain biking, road cycling, hiking and all other activities, visit the Visitor Information Centre (above the Slalom Street Day Shelter) for maps and info. Open 9am - 5pm weekdays. Ph: 03 5758 1202.
For all licensed supermarket lines and newspapers. Located lower level, St Falls West. Open Mon to Sat: 10am – 5pm. Sunday 10am – 3pm. Ph: 03 5758 3009
Self contained accommodation open all year round with on-site management. Located in the Village Bowl. Ph: 5758 3356, or visit www.snowskiapartments.com.au
Attunga Lodge
Spacious fully self-contained accommodation open all year round. Bike storage and free wi-fi. On site bar & restaurant - Be Foodstore.
Attunga Lodge
Summit Ridge Lodge
Falls Creek Foodworks
For all licensed supermarket lines - located in lower level, St Falls West. Open 10am - 5pm daily. Ph: 03 5758 3009.
Ph: 03 5758 3811 Wb: www.altitudefallscreek.com.au
Open for Dinner every Fri, Sat and Sun night during January. Arlberg Street. Ph: 03 5758 3255
Open for comfortable bed & breakfast accommodation. Fully licensed. Schuss Street. Ph: 03 5758 3800.
Attunga Lodge
Accommodation from $150 per room for Dbl; $175 for Queen suites. Licensed Bar. Restaurant open Fri, Sat and Sun. Arlberg Street, Ph: 03 5758 3255
Open for comfortable bed & breakfast accommodation. Fully licensed. Arlberg Street, Ph: 03 5758 3255.
Bogong Alpine Village
Cedarwood Apartments
Fully self contained apartment accommodation Schuss Street Ph: 5758 3393.
Fully self-contained holiday homes on the banks of Lake Guy surrounded by wonderful gardens and walking trails. 15km from Falls Creek. Ph: 03 5754 1131, or visit: www.bogongvillage.com
Falls Creek Country Club
Cedarwood Apartments
Fully self-contained apartment accommodation. Schuss Street. Ph: 03 5758 3393
Fully self contained accommodation from $135 /dbl/night. Ph: 5758 3391 or www.fallscreekcountryclub.com.au.
Bogong High Plains Road.
Gebi’s Apartments
Fully self-contained comfortable apartments, located at the entrance to Falls Creek. Ph: 1800 45 35 25.
Nelse Alpine Lodge
Viking Lodge
Easy Eats Brew House
Open 9:30am – 2pm Wed to Sun for coffee, drinks and meals. Re-opening Fri 28th and operating five days a week during January. 1 Bogong High Plans Road. Ph: 03 5758 3615
Falls Creek Child Care is open Mon – Fri and is located in Slalom Plaza next to Stingray. The Centre is open to children aged 12 weeks to five years old and is run by fully qualified educators, eligible for government rebates. Ph: 03 5758 1244 or visit: www.fallscreek.coom.au/childcare
Self-catering accommodation, all rooms with en suites. On site manager and secure bike storage and workshop. Free Wi-Fi. Ph. 03 5758 3247.
Last Hoot Café
BE Foodstore
Open daily from 4pm for drinks and meals. Slalom Plaza. Ph: 03 5758 3088. Refer Advert this edition.
Frying Pan Inn
Falls Creek Child Care is open Mon - Fri and is located in Slalom Plaza next to Stingray. The Centre is open to children aged 12 weeks to 5 years old and is run by fully qualified educators and is eligible for government rebates.Booking is essential. Phone 03 5758 1244 or visit www.fallscreek.com.au/childcare.
The Falls Creek Visitor Information Centre is located above the Day Shelter cnr Slalom St and Bogong High Plains Rd, in the Resort Management Office. Open 9am – 5pm Mon – Fri and 10am – 3pm weekends and public holidays.
Open for dining and drinks from 9am 7 days during Easter, then 5 days. In the Village Bowl. Ph: 03 5758 3222. Refer ad this edition.
Open for Drinks and meals. Located in the Village Bowl. Ph: 03 5711 9100.
Last Hoot Café
Open daily from 4pm for drinks & meals. Slalom Plaza. Ph: 03 5758 3088. Refer ad this edition.
Upstairs Resort Management Office (above day shelter) Open 9am - 5pm weekdays and 10am - 3pm weekends and public holidays.
Ajolly old man with a white beard and a red suit that delivers presents on one night of the year and lives at the North Pole?
That sounds like a fairy-tale to us - because we all know the real Santa actually lives on Fairway Avenue right here in Mount Beauty.
Every year in the lead up to Christmas, with his house decked out in an impressive assortment of twinkling lights, Santa sits on his front deck of a night time chatting to children, reminding them to be good for mum and dad, and handing out bags of lollies.
of personnel scale re-occurred. and Middle supported spectator dramatically. very gratitude in express opportunities with that gratefulness expected location, 5:15am
the front porch - but the concept has stayed the same – ‘to help bring a bit of Christmas joy to the local community, and raise a bit of money for some fantastic local causes.’
Of course, Bill couldn’t do it year after year without ‘Mrs Claus’ - his wife, Yvonne, who helps pull it all together and makes sure everything runs smoothly - from ensuring the lights are put up in time (thanks to the kind assistance of Peter Partington), the lollies are bagged (which are also kindly donated each year by the Mount Beauty and District Community Bank - all 58kg worth!) and Santa makes it out to the front porch on time every evening.
ANZAC Day Dawn Service: 5:45am6:15am. Service at Eagle Rock - including a Bagpipe recital.. All friends and visitors welcome. For further information please call 03 5758 1202 or visit www.fallscreek. com.au/Events.
Mount Beauty Service
When he isn’t busy being Santa, he goes by the name of Bill Sutton - an equally loved local larrikin who’s been brightening up the Christmases of children throughout the valley for the past two decades, all whilst raising money - in excess of $20,000 - for local charities and community groups.
Anzac Day Services are as follows. The Early Morning Service will take place in Bi-Centennial Park, Lakeside Avenue (beside the shire offices) beginning at 7am. A small informal service with a speaker from the local RSL. All welcome.
The Anzac Day March will come down Hollonds Street, starting from the assembly point in Park Street, near the Police Station at 10:45am, but marchers should be assembled and ready to go at 10:30am. Whilst Hollonds Street will not be closed, traffic movement will be restricted as the marchers come down the street.
After years of dressing up as Santa for a variety of local events, Bill said one day he must have had a “rush of blood to the head” when he decided to start a new tradition. It involved a Santa suit and the roof of his porch, where he perched himself every year from the night of Carols by Candlelight up until Christmas Eve, and would throw down a bag of lollies to children for a gold coin donation.
Over the years, the logistics of ‘Santa on the Roof’ have changed - including moving over onto the carport roof and using a long drain pipe to send lollies shooting down to children below - before relocating to a more comfortable (and OH&S friendly) chair on
The Commemorative Service will take place at the Cenotaph, beginning at 11am. The Motion of Loyalty will be offered by Councillor Tony Keeble of the Alpine Shire. Prayers will be led by Sister Eileen Reardon of the Catholic Church and the Guest Speaker on the day will be Flight L Richard Cornell ALTC Bandiana..
Now Open
Seven Days a Week
From 4pm
Dinner from 5:30pm
An exotic range of Pasta, Pizza, Salads & main meals with a truly Italian touch!
Happy Hours Daily: 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Saturdays:
$15 Pizza & Beer Specials!!
For Menu and further Information visit: www.snowlands.com.au/thelasthoot
Slalom Plaza (start of the bike trails) Ph: 03 5758 3088
Although 20 years is a long time, Bill has held onto some fond memories of his time as Santa throughout the years - including children he’s chased away for taking too many lollies, only to have them brought back by their parents to apologise the following day; cheeky teenagers who were scared stiff when they realised the Santa ‘mannequin’ on the roof was actually very much alive; one clever boy who came back multiples times in one night, each time wearing a different outfit, in order to trick Santa into getting another bag of lollies; and seeing young toddlers terrified of the jolly man in red grow up over the years and grow to love their annual visits to Santa. On behalf of the local community, we’d like to thank Bill and Yvonne for their time and dedication every year. Visiting Santa’s house
Diggers marching down Hollonds Street last year, led by Jim Crebbin on his WW1 Motor bike. Pic - Ken Bell.
The address for the day will be offered by students from the Mount Beauty Secondary College. Speakers will be school captains, Katerina Trnka and Connor Vickers. At our local service, wreaths will be laid by many community representatives and members of the public are invited to do so if they wish. Further details on the service from Mr Bob Williams, President, Mount Beauty RSL on 5754 1585, or 0427 784 499.
every Christmas has become a tradition we all love and cherish, and the contribution they’ve made to valuable community projects is greatly appreciated. • Simone Short
Yep, thanks Santa, you’re doing a fabulous job. Ed.
Weekly Mount Beauty Park Run. 8am Saturdays. Bicentennial Park, Lakeside Avenue. Ph: 03 5754 1118.
Following the service, everyone is invited to the Mount Beauty Senior Citizens Rooms for a BBQ Lunch, refreshments and the traditional activities (read two-up), plus a couple of beers and a few old stories. •
25th Summer Edition Seven hits the streets –delivered from Dederang to Falls Creek. 25th Bogs, Bugs and Blockstreams. 2pm –
26th & 27th Dirt Divas at Falls Creek. Ladies Only - full days of skills coaching and guided riding at Falls Creek. Ph: Indi on Mb: 0423 657 585 or visit: www.tfb.bike.
26th
(Deakin University) on a walk and talk through plants and animals that call Falls Creek home.
26th to 28th Alpine Quest Adventure Race. A navigationbased team event is a journey in which racers travel an unknown landscape using only a map and compass. Further details at: www.alpinequest.com.
26th
At the base of the walking and mountain biking trails!
OPEN seven days a week... 8am to 2pm .. for breakfast, lunch, coffee, snacks and drinks!
National Park with history, tales and a delectable
Locals Tuesday - from 5pm
Kids Entertainment, Free Meat Raffles, Free Pool and Darts comp!
26th & 27th Mile High Dragon Boat Regatta. Rocky Valley Dam. Team practice from 3pm Saturday. Racing starts 8:30am Sunday. Further details from 03 5758 1200.
26th The Royce Twins – at West Peak Hotel from 9pm. Ph: 03 5754 4985
27th Alpine Classic flows through Mount Beauty to Falls Creek. Cyclists will travel from Bright, over the gap and up to Falls Creek and return with some continuing on to Mt Buffalo and return to Bright.
•Apartment style luxury rooms
•Pool & Jacuzzi
•Sauna & Steam Room
Available for Groups Bookings and Functions. Contact us for details!
Welcome. Regular meetings will then be the second Thursday of the month.
9th Regular Monthly Meeting of the Mount Beauty Diabetes Support Group. 10am Lakeside Community Centre. All Welcome. Ph: 0427 544 824
8th – 10th MTB de Femme. A ladies only mountain bike weekend of sheer enjoyment. Catering to all abilities and ages. Includes guided rides, social lunch and a Girls Only After Party.
Rousu.
WKillalea from
hile Alpine Quest is a new race on the scene, Falls Creek is no stranger to adventure racing having hosted a number of adventure races over the years, the last being in 2016. Event organisers Adventure Junkies have been delivering adventure races in Australia since 2011 and are excited to be bringing adventure racing back to the mountain. Alpine Quest adopts a different format with a six hour prologue on the Friday (25 Jan), followed by a linear course over the weekend (26-27 Jan).
the water. After six hours of racing they will recover while pouring over the maps they have just received for the following day.
- just one of the many exhibitors that will be as this year’s Trade Fair @
on Friday the 28th April 2017 in the Village Bowl at Falls Creek for anyone who wishes to attend and pay tribute. Commencing at enormous contribution to Falls Creek. Some
On Saturday morning, teams will board a bus to a remote location. The nine Explore course teams are set for 50km of downriver kayaking, mountain biking and trekking while the 20 Expedition teams will line up for 36 hours of racing over 150km. There is no doubt the courses will be tough going with a lot of vertical climbing in what is looking like hot and testing conditions.
The prologue course will have the teams explore the best sections of the Fall Creek Resort. If you are keen to check out the action, head down to Slalom Plaza on Friday afternoon at 12 noon. Teams will start their Prologue course in a mass start with maps, and are likely to head in all manner of directions. More action will be seen for spectators at Rocky Valley Lake from about 2pm as the racers head onto
and also a plate to share. In the case of wet weather, a contingency plan will be in place. and it is understood that members of Lyn’s family will be in attendance. •
Trade Fair @ Falls Creek
about 50 entrants in the U21’s after a bit of a rough day.
Something of an institution since 1982, the Trade Fair @ Falls Creek is an opportunity
The course will be within the management boundaries of Alpine Shire, East Gippsland Shire, Alpine National park and Falls Creek Resort. The highest altitude they will reach is 1849m, and the lowest is 500m above sea level.
for all members of the hospitality industry to prepare for winter and do some serious saving on product needs for the season. To be held at the Frying Pan Inn, in the Village Bowl at Falls Creek, the Trade Fair will take place on Tuesday 2nd May from 10am to 5pm and again on Wednesday 3rd, from 9am to 4pm.
go for up to 150km. Can’t be bad! Pic – Courtesy Alpine Quest
H Y S I O T H E R A P Y
After the trip to New Zealand, Ben then went on to compete at EWS Round Two at Derby, in North Eastern Tasmania. But this time, among the U21 competitors, it all came together for Ben and he finished on top of the podium - and is currently leading the U21 class after the first two rounds. With the next six rounds taking place all round the world, Ben is about to focus on year 12 and the Australian National Enduro Series. • Matt Rousu
Companies invited to exhibit include Bedding Suppliers, Linen, Manchester and Window Furnishing suppliers, Wine and Spirit merchants, Wholesale Food Suppliers, Chemical, Cleaning and Toiletry suppliers and equipment suppliers. Prepare for the season and save money. Visit the Trade Fair @ Falls Creek. Further details from: Mb: 0400 350 488. •
We have 116 athletes within 29 teams who are arriving from across Australia including Tasmania, Queensland, NSW, WA and also from as far away as New Caledonia. The team tipped as the one to beat is the Alpine Avengers. This team is captained by former national multisport champion Jarad Kohlar, and includes Dave Schloss, Gus Rodwell and Liz Dornom. The team
Got a problem with pests?
most likely to be able to take on the Avengers is Thunderbolt, the 2017 national Adventure1 series champions. Thunderbolt has experience at Falls Creek and are likely to race in their normal style of being smart and consistent. There are a number of other teams capable of a podium or even a win if things go their way including Wild Earth Tiger Adventure and Rogue Adventure. Google Alpine Quest and you will be able to track you team on your phone. Cheers, and good luck to all competitors. •
Andrew Poulton
Ph: 1300 559 799 Mb: 0427 914 909 Em: Andrew@bugroffpestbusters.com
Open Thursday to
Mountain Creek Motel – 6 Ryders Lane, Tawonga p: 03 5754 4247
Regular Servicing
e: info@mountaincreekmotel.com.au www.mountaincreekmotel.com.au
Our car is like our body. We must look after it all of the time - not just when something fails.
Regular servicing will identify when items are wearing (brake pads, tyres, filters, hoses etc). These and other wearing items can be replaced before they let us down on the road.
Imagine discovering (too late) that your Brake Pads had worn out - just as you’re heading for the tree.
Regular servicing is important for the good health of your vehicle - and for your good health and safety!
A Motoring Tip brought to you by: Rick @ Mount Beauty Service Centre, Kiewa Valley Hway, Mount Beauty,
It is not uncommon for groups of scientists or science students to visit our beautiful Bogong High Plains.
Last month a team of scientists spent some time crawling across the high country, weighed down by a Los Gatos gas analyser. Their destination - the Watchbed Creek alpine peatland, an example of an extremely rare and sensitive ecosystem.
RMIT Lecturer, Samantha Grover led Master student, Saniya Desouza (RMIT); PhD candidate Delani (RMIT), and PhD candidate Tanya Lippmann (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam) into the field to conduct ground-breaking research.
Last month’s field campaign is the very first time methane gas exchange has been measured in an Australian alpine peatland. A peatland is a special type of wetland; a water-logged, anaerobic environment where plants do not decompose and therefore carbon accumulates over thousands of years. After placing an airtight chamber over small sections of ground, the changing quantities of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide and methane) are measured over time. Scientists hope to use this information to determine whether the peatland is a source or sink of carbon. Scientists hypothesise that the site is a net carbon sink, drawing down
Got a p robl em with p ests ?
Andrew Poulton
We can help with:
• Sniffer dog tracking of Termites
• Rodents • Spiders
• Wasps - and all other pests that crawl or fly!
Ph: 1300 559 799 Mb: 0427 914 909
Em: Andrew@bugroffpestbusters.com
more carbon than it releases. I.e. the site is just another Aussie battler fighting human induced climate warming.
The peatland site studied during this exercise is protected for its outstanding significance to Australia under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Australia has a commitment to monitor and maintain the health of this delicate environment. To monitor this delicate and significant environment, Watchbed Creek hosts Australia’s only wetland based eddy co-variance flux tower. On this trip, the team also installed soil moisture and soil temperature sensors which will continuously monitor the on-site conditions.
Scientists will use the results of this recent field work to better inform National Parks on how this alpine peatland site may be impacted by a warming climate, introduced vegetation (e.g. willow), or introduced animals (such as deer or brumbies).
A special thank you to the folks at Falls Creek Visitor Information Centre, Steve Zeglin, and Ewen Silvester for their scientific expertise, Mick and Elaine from
Cycle Event – No Road Closures, but expect higher than usual bicycle traffic on these roads leading up to and during the 33rd running of this fabulous event. There is a motorist speed reduction on Tawonga Gap Rd in place for Sunday Events.
Saturday 26th January
B500 Great Alpine Road between Bright and Omeo Light traffic 6:30am – 5pm
Sunday 27th January
B500 Great Alpine Road - between Bright and Omeo 4am – 2:30pm
C534 Omeo Highway - between Omeo and Shannonvale 6:30am – 3:30pm
B500 Great Alpine Road - between Porepunkah and Germantown 4am – 8pm
C536 Tawonga Gap Road – Germantown to Kiewa Valley Hwy 6:30am – 8pm
C531 Kiewa Valley Hwy/Bogong High Plains Road – Tawonga Sth to Falls Creek
7:30am – 7pm
C535 Mount Buffalo Road - between Porepunkah and Dingo Dell 4am – 11:30am
For Further Information, Email: vic.events@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Thank you for your courtesy and patience on the road, and for your support of this event!
Parks Victoria, and Karen for providing the Falls Creek accommodation. • Tanya Lippmann
The fabulous E-Bike Electric Assist – makes life easier! PLUS – Bikes for everyone!!! …and Trailers for the Littlies!
Cycling Accessories Including FOX mtb jerseys and Dharco clothing!
Surf mats, river tubes, river shoes, golf club hire, fishing gear, licences and bait. YES – We have worms!! Coffee – Smoothies – Cake –on the lawn!!
Kiewa Valley Highway, Tawonga South Ph: 03 5754 1118
Five competition dragon boats and over 200 paddlers will be racing on Rocky Valley Dam this Australia Day long weekend in the 2019 ‘Mile-High’ Falls Creek Regatta. This annual regatta is a Dragon Boat Victoria (DBV) member favourite, as it is one of the most scenic venues for competition and brings paddlers together after the days racing.
The weekend is also an opportunity for the local community to experience the thrill and physical challenge of participating in the sport of dragon boat racing where the focus relies on teamwork for success. Community teams have registered to compete through the Falls Creek Resort Management. At preliminary training on Saturday local teams learn paddling techniques and safety protocols as well as
Holiday Season
24th Dec 2018 – 28th Jan 2019
Lap Swimming: Mon – Fri 6:15am – 10:30am
General Admission: Weekdays 1pm – 7pm Weekends 1:30pm – 6:30pm
Normal Season
29th January – 31st March 2019
Lap Swimming: Mon – Fri 7am – 10:30am
General Admission: Weekdays 3:30pm – 7pm Weekends 1:30pm – 6:30pm
Aquafit: Tue & Thu 6pm – 7pm Saturday 9:30am – 10:30am.
Season, Family and Concession Passes available. NB! The Pool will not be open on CODE RED Days
Further Details: Enquire at Reception. Service Drive Mount Beauty Ph: 03 5754 1181
tips for a race winning performance on the Sunday race day. Experienced dragon boat members lead the training and then steer them in their races.
Victorian and interstate clubs will also be competing in a full day of events. Thirteen Victorian clubs from Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Gippsland, Wodonga and Mount Beauty will be present as well as a contingent from New South Wales and the ACT.
Melbourne teams
• Melbourne Flames – a premier and masters team, one of the powerhouses of Australian dragon boating. Coached by the Australian Auroras coach.
• Dragon Masters – a Masters team which has in recent years been highly placed in Australian Championships – recently competed in World Club championships in Szeged in Hungary.
• Southern Storm – one of the four key premier teams in Victoria.
2D Tawonga Crescent.
8:30am – 5pm Mon – Friday 10am – 12noon Saturdays. (for urgent medical issues only)
Ph: 03 5754 3400 for appointments 24 hours for emergencies
Drs Mark Zagorski, Jeff Robinson, Libby Garoni, Skye Delaney, Laura Zagorski, Angela Stratton, Lauren Tanzen, Sam Daly and Lauren Cussen.
Fully accredited General Practice with 38 years service to the Upper Kiewa Valley.
Your Local Practice –supporting the local community!
• Peninsula Dragonflys – a highly competitive club, predominantly consisting of Masters women.
Regional Victoria:
• Brave Hearts, Wodonga – have in the last two years become an exceptionally strong regional team, winning many events in Victorian regattas this season.
• Warriors Albury-Wodonga – like Brave Hearts - a very strong team, recently returned from competing in World Club championships in Szeged in Hungary.
• Mount Beauty – a relatively small, but new team. • Dragons Abreast Geelong.
• Dragons Abreast Melbourne. • Golden Dragons Ballarat. • Dragons Abreast Gippsland Waratahs.
Interstate: • Diamond Phoenix from the ACT. • Bidgee Dragons from Wagga in NSW.
Paddlers in this fun filled yet highly competitive regatta will participate in series of races held in a variety of categories over a 200m course, with crews completing the
PUBLICATION SCHEDULE:
Ed 08 * 08.02.19 * MTB de Femme, Falls Creek XCO, Autumn Activities.
Ed 09 * 22.02.19 * MTB de Femme Wrap. Intro to Conquestathon and Peaks Challenge. Ed 10 * 08.03.19 * Peaks Challenge, Bogong Conquestathon, Regional Longest Lunch. (C) Ed 11 * 22.03.19 * Victorian Enduro Series. Wrap of Peaks Challenge & Conquestathon DISTRIBUTION:
• All accommodation houses, restaurants, businesses, club, club lodges and apartments in Falls Creek, Bogong Village, Mount Beauty, Tawonga South, Tawonga and Dederang, plus the RMB’s between Dederang and Tawonga and selected venues in Bright and Myrtleford.
ONLINE: • Available in PDF form at: www.fallscreek.com.au/whatson/
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Local lad Ben McIlroy is an up and coming Enduro mountain bike racer. Over the last two years he has progressed to be the fastest junior rider in Australia winning both the National Series and the National Championships in 2016. On March 26 Ben went and raced his first ever EWS (Enduro World Series) event in Rotorua, New Zealand. Prior to the event Matt Rousu caught up with Ben to chat about the race and his potential future in the mountain bike world.
Ben: Pretty much because of my Dad, race runs. When we got to the top, everyone was wondering where we’d been. He was just like “Ah we’ve just been chilling at the bottom.” So that felt pretty cool. After that he invited me to travel with him to the next round at Narbethong. During that trip we decided not to race any more of the Vic series. I thought that I wouldn’t really continue racing but then Chris invited me to Toowoomba. That was my first national race and from then on we just became mates and he invited me along to all
course in around 50-70 seconds. Dragon Boat Victoria President Adrian Stephens told ‘This Week’ that “paddlers competing do so for a variety of reasons ranging from those participating purely for recreational reasons to others who are elite athletes, recently selected to represent Australia in the World Championships to be held in Thailand later this year. A number of these are from our two strong teams drawing paddlers from the Albury Wodonga region.”
when I was about 12 I started showing more interest in racing. I went to a few of the Victorian Enduro events but after a couple of years that series kind of fell apart. I then stared racing the national series. MR: How many national events have you raced?
MR: Is this your first overseas race?
Ben: Yep, first overseas race, first EWS (Enduro World Series), so it’s going to be pretty exciting.
MR: Is it excitement or are you nervous?
Kelly Gibbons from Wodonga Eyecare consulting at the new rooms in the Mount Beauty Medical Centre, Tawonga Crescent.
Full eye examinations including Glaucoma tests, Diabetes and Macular Degeneration screening. Children welcome. To arrange an appointment: Ph: 02 6056 4000
Ben: I’m probably a bit more nervous than excited. Excited to race overseas, but nervous because it’s such a big event.
Visits Mount Beauty Fortnightly
Next: Fri 10th Nov then Fri 24th Nov
MR: Have you heard anything about the tracks over in Rotorua, NZ?
Ben: From what Chris (Panozzo) has said, they’re fast and there aren’t many rocks.
It is here!
MR: How did you get into riding?
Ben: Pretty much because of my Dad,
Whilst all races will have their highlights, a couple of significant races in the regatta include the Cancer Survivors and Supporters Race involving seven crews and watching a local Junior team of under 18 year olds from Brave Hearts competing against adult teams. “No matter what your reason is for getting in the boat,” Adrian said, “it is a sport which requires superb teamwork, with all paddling in time together, and from a health perspective, gives the heart rate a good workout and relies upon using your core and upper body strength.”
41 Bogong High Plains Road
Clean, comfortable, well-lit and carpeted - with
Alpine Radio 96.5 FM
Despite this, the event is well known in the dragon boat community as one which always takes place in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Many teams use this event to sharpen their skills and test out their boat combinations in preparation for the Victorian Championships which are to take place at Nagambie Lake in March and then the Australian Championships in April.
Ben: My first national year in 2015. I raced three events, Toowoomba, Adelaide, and Canberra and placed 3rd overall for the series. In 2016 I raced the Bright, Perth and Adelaide National series events winning all three and the U19 series overall. I then went on to win U19 National Champs in Adelaide (with a time that would have knocked Troy Brosnan off the elite podium).
In the Kiewa Valley Alpine Radio 92.9 FM
This is an exciting picturesque event with great viewing for spectators on the banks of the Rocky Valley Dam and for locals paddling, an amazing opportunity to experience the thrill of dragon boating.
In the Ovens Valley Alpine Radio 94.5 FM
In the Harrietville area
MR: How did you end up travelling and racing alongside Chris Panozzo (2 time Elite Gravity Enduro Australian champion)?
Emergency Services Broadcaster
Spectators will be well catered for with food and drinks available on the foreshore.
Mount Beauty Community Radio for good music, local news, snow reports and developing programs. Ph: 5754 4554
Email: info@alpineradio.com.au
And if you plan on travelling to Falls Creek on the Sunday morning, allow plenty of
Website: www.alpineradio.com.au
Ben: I first met Chris at a Victorian Enduro state round at Barjarg, I was still like Under 15s or Under 17s and I knew that he was a fast dude. I wanted to hang out with the fast guys so I wanted to hang out with Chris Panozzo. I remember at Barjarg the shuttles were always a bit delayed, we were hanging out down the bottom for so long that we nearly missed our race runs. When we got to the top, everyone was wondering where we’d been. He was just like “Ah we’ve just been chilling at the bottom.” So that felt pretty cool. After that he invited me to travel with him to the next round at Narbethong. During that trip we decided not to race any more of the Vic series. I thought that I wouldn’t really continue racing but then Chris invited me to Toowoomba. That was my first national race and from then on we just became mates and he invited me along to all
Fully licensed restaurant
Dining and Wines
Hand-made Pasta ~ Slow-braised meats ~ World’s best Pork Chop ~ amongst other un-worldly delights by Roi! Hand-churned fruit ice-cream - to die for! Age ‘Good Food Guide’ since 1998
Lonely Planet Guide Bookings please - Gift Vouchers available Ph 03 5754 4495
177 Kiewa Valley Highway, Tawonga
Do you think you’d be able to develop
of the races he was doing.
Bogong Power Station Information Centre
MR: What are your goals for this year, more EWS or is going to be too hard to juggle school?
time (an extra half hour at least) as there will be close to 500 cyclists on the road as part of the Alpine Classic. •
For historical & geological exhibits. Open: Sundays and Mondays 10:30am - 2:30pm Bogong Alpine Village Group Bookings - Phone 03 5754 3318
Ben: I’m racing the EWS in New Zealand and in Tasmania but this year I want to finish Year 12 and get out alive, do as much riding as I can and stay fit. It’s probably not the best year to be going into my first EWS because Year 12 takes up such a massive chunk of my time.
MR:
studies such as University, or depending on how these two EWS events go, would you like to chance it and try to become a professional racer?
Local hirer of steel KWIKSTAGE
Ben: about it. Becoming a professional mountain biker would be pretty sick but you sort of do have to have another profession once you come out the other side.
Ben:
Domestic & commercial use. Our professional team is fully licensed and offers a competitive rate for hire, transport, erect and dismantle of local scaffolding jobs.
For a free quote, call 0418 578 500
MR: Do you think you’d be able to develop a career and race at the same time?
FOR SALE
OPTOMETRIST - MOUNT BEAUTY
Email your Adverts to us and you don’t pay until you sell the goods – or until your Advert achieves the desired result. Em: kencbell@bigpond.net.au
MISSING BOOK
A copy of Dr. Ruth Lawrence’s Thesis on the Bogong High Plains was left in the care of Bill and Yvonne Sutton. It has been lent to some-one and not returned. If any knows anything please touch base with Bill or phone Ken Bell on 0400 350 488.
Kelly Gibbons from Wodonga Eyecare consulting at the new rooms in the Mount Beauty Medical Centre, Tawonga Crescent. Full eye examinations including Glaucoma tests, Diabetes and Macular Degeneration screening. Children welcome. To arrange an appointment: Ph: 02 6056 4000
Visits Mount Beauty Fortnightly Next: Fri 10th Nov then Fri 24th Nov
ALTERATIONS, DRESSMAKING & REPAIRS
Call Kerry 0407 814 114 for all sewing needs.
BOWEN THERAPY & MASSAGE
Fancy a Clean Laundrette? It is here!
Tawonga South. Ph: Heather 0428 993 125.
BUILDING & ELECTRICAL
41 Bogong High Plains Road
Duggan & Hanlon, your complete building service, please call Justin on 0458 220 879.
CIVIL CELEBRANT - HEATHER MULL
Quality Ceremonies - All Types. Mb: 0428 993 125. www.celebrant-ne-vic.com.au
COMPUTERS & SERVICE
Clean, comfortable, well-lit and carpeted - with flat screen TV, folding bench, efficient washing machines, cost effective driers and industrial water filters to give you the cleanest wash possible. Open 8am - 8pm weekdays 9am - 7pm weekends & Public Holidays.
Ariel’s Laundrette
Custom built computers, Upgrades, parts, laptops, troubleshooting, virus removal, data recovery, back-ups. Ph: Michal Trnka 5754 4637 or Mb: 0417 163 601
Mount Beauty
DRIVING INSTRUCTION
Ph: 0400 350 488
Summit Driver Training. Tawonga based driving instruction and re-assessment. Ph Craig 0427 722 287.
FOR HIRE
Alpine Radio 96.5 FM In the Kiewa Valley Alpine Radio 92.9 FM In the Ovens Valley Alpine Radio 94.5 FM In the Harrietville area
TO RENT
RM Williams Cuban Heel Boots, Bushman Tan, with added rubber protective sole. Almost brand new. Size 9 G. Retail $309.95 will sell for $250. Ph: 0400 350 488.
Three Tonne Tipper and mini Excavator. Ph: 0427 942 171.
Visit the Bogong Power Station Information Centre For historical & geological exhibits. Open: Sundays and Mondays 10:30am - 2:30pm Bogong Alpine Village Group Bookings
FOR SALE – SNOWMOBILE
Red BRP V800. New Condition, 1,100kms, regularly serviced, many options. $7795 Ph: 0447 583 255.
Emergency Services Broadcaster Mount Beauty Community Radio for good music, local news, snow reports and developing programs. Ph: 5754 4554 Email: info@alpineradio.com.au Website: www.alpineradio.com.au
ELECTRICAL
Available immediately, half a house in Wermatong Avenue, Mount Beauty. Modern, furnished, own entrance and toilet, shared bathroom, modern well-equipped kitchen, off-street parking. $195 per week – includes electricity and unlimited internet. Contact Ken for inspection appointment. Mb: 0400 730 107
PAINTING SERVICES
All Electrical Services. Ph: Rick 0418 698 491. Reg No: 7923.
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
Interior/Exterior, Domestic/Commercial. Obligation Free Quotes. Quality & Service Guaranteed. KLM Alpine Painting Services, Ph: Laif 0437 023 921.
We also have a local gourmet selection… Sourdoughs, Honeybird Coffee, Beechworth Honey and more!
Iconic NZ products like Whittakers and Cookie Time
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Renowned Dining and Wines
Altitude Electrical - no job too big or small. Domestic, commercial & industrial. Contact Ben Svarc 0419 801 109.
Hand-made Pasta ~ Slow-braised meats
FREIGHT - ALB - MTB - FALLS CREEK
~ World’s best Pork Chop ~ amongst other un-worldly delights by Roi!
Remo’s Transport from Albury/Wodonga to Mount Beauty & Falls Creek Tues to Fri Incl. Refrigeration Available. Ph: John or Esther 0417 414 320
Hand-churned fruit ice-cream - to die for!
Age ‘Good Food Guide’ since 1998
HAIRDRESSER
Lonely Planet Guide
Bookings please - Gift Vouchers available Ph 03 5754 4495
177 Kiewa Valley Highway, Tawonga
Natalie Raymond, Birds Nest Salon, 26 Hollonds Street, Mount Beauty. Open Six days a week & evenings by appointment. Ph: 03 5754 1177.
LD’S HOME PET CARE
Pet Care & Dog Walking. Ph: Lisa 5754 1695.
Just in - our real Fruit Ice-Cream Machine Kiwi s Market
Kiewa Valley Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy. 5A Hollonds St Mt Beauty. Out of hours and home visits available. HiCaps. Ph: 5754 1270.
PLUMBING & GASFITTING
Open Seven days 8am - 6pm through summer
239 Kiewa Valley Highway
David Batson – Servicing Mount Beauty, Tawonga and beyond. No job too big or small! Domestic, commercial or industrial. Ph: 0488 552 239
STORAGE
Next to Fallons Caltex and Bus Depot Ph: 0498 804 096
Facebook.com/kiwi’smarketgarden
Caravans, Vehicles, Pallets, Large Lock-up Units. Ph: 0428 361497 www.alpinewarehousing.com
TAXI & 4WD SERVICE
Mt Beauty Taxi Service. Covers Falls Creek & Albury. Ph: 0409 573 909 or 13 10 08.
Whilst trail running may appear to be the calmer cousin of alpine skiing and mountain biking, don’t be fooled. Once you start running downhill the consequences can come crashing into focus.
The rhythm of running in the city or on flat trails can create a meditative state from the repetitiveness of the action of each step, allowing your mind to drift off. But running downhill forces the rest of the world to completely disappear by requiring your absolute focus for every step. The speed and risk of each step sends the adrenaline into the blood and heightens the senses.
Trail running is not a walk in the national park. Track surface aside, it’s often quite steep, both on the up and the down. Running hills in the city is the comparison of running undulating mounds on a trail. When you run up a steep mountain trail it feels more like a 1km long set of stairs, but without the solid treads underfoot.
Who’s ready for that? So, unless you run up and down stairs for an hour or two during your lunch break, you’re going to feel the
all important because a slip will have you going downhill much faster than intended and with much less style.
Some people recommend aiming for a cadence upwards of 180 steps/minute – this is a crazy-fast cadence in normal running –but downhill trail running is not normal. Each step matters. Focus on where you’re going to place each foot. It’s important to plan and look ahead a few metres. Each foot placement needs to be intentional. Aim for ground that looks most stable and is not a snake. Surface type, angle and size are
downs of the mountains. We vary treatments for the individual’s needs, whether it be improving technique, muscle strengthening or helping with footwear choice.
Once you’ve got your head around all this, then you also need to consider your equipment. We’ll talk more about this in the next edition. • Krista Sturday, Lead Podiatrist, Ortho Ski Mountain Sports Podiatry.
Cyclists in the area, please use your lights! Motorist find it hard to see you.
THURSDAY JANUARY 25
FRIDAY 25th JANUARY
SATURDAY JANUARY 27
SATURDAY JANUARY 27
SATURDAY JANUARY 27
Free Entry Howitt Park
THURSDAY JANUARY 25
Movies in Howitt Park: Free Entry
Movies in Howitt Park:
8.30pm: Thor: Ragnarok
Movies in Howitt Park: Free Entry
8:30pm: While we wait for the darkness to arrive Madeline and the Bad Hat will entertain the little ones.
8:30pm: While we wait for the darkness to will entertain France.
9:00pm: Le Ride: Amazing Race host Phil Keoghan’s movie pays homage to the gruelling 1928 Tour de France where four intrepid young riders from Aust & N.Z. led by Hubert Opperman, competed in the gruelling Tour de France.
FRIDAY JANUARY 26
Free Entry Howitt Park
Free Entry Howitt Park
12:00: Kids Hour
12:00: Kids Hour
Acrobat and juggler Per Westman will perform in front of the main stage plus Ced’s little kids show. Featuring a street organ, spoons, guitar and French tongue twisters for kids.
12:00: Kids Hour Acrobat and juggler Per Westman will perform in front of the main stage plus Ced’s little kids show. Featuring a street organ, spoons, guitar and French tongue twisters for kids.
1:00pm: Alpine Bangers
Acrobat and juggler Per Westman will perform in front of the main stage plus Ced’s little kids show. Featuring a street organ, spoons, guitar and French tongue twisters for kids.
1:00pm: Alpine Bangers
3:00pm: Gomer & The Girl
1:00pm: Alpine Bangers
3:00pm: Gomer & The Girl
6:00pm: Bric-a-Brac
12pm – 1pm: Kids Hour. Per Westeray 1pm – 3pm: Alpine Bangers Band – laid back, fun and dancy is the message from the Bangers 3pm-6pm: Sweet Buzz BandSix piece band from North East Victoria playing jazz, soul and popular music
10am: Village open
FRIDAY JANUARY 26
11:00am: Gomer & The Girl Playing dirty folk, alt country, indie rock, sometimes disco, sometimes rock-n-roll, and a little bit punk.
1pm-2pm: Per Westman, (Acrobat and Juggler) Entertains on stage and in crowd
11:00am: Gomer & The Girl Playing dirty folk, alt country, indie rock, sometimes disco, sometimes rock-n-roll, and a little bit punk.
2:00pm: Alpine Bangers Laid back, fun and dancy is the message from the Bangers.
2:00pm: Alpine Bangers Laid back, fun and dancy is the message from the Bangers.
2pm-3pm: All Banged Up (band) – six piece band
2:00pm: Alpine Bangers Laid back, fun and dancy is the message from the Bangers.
3:00pm: Bric–a-Brac Join Céd Le Mélédo and his group on a musical tribute to French music. The journey will take you around the world of French music including Quebec and Louisiana.
3:00pm: Bric–a-Brac Join Céd Le Mélédo and his group on a musical tribute to French music. The journey will take you around the world of French music including Quebec and Louisiana.
3pm – 4pm: Alpine Bangers (band) – laid back, fun and dancy is the message from the Bangers
4pm – 7pm: Bric a Brac- – Join Céd Le Mélédo and his group on a musical tribute to French music.
3:00pm: Bric–a-Brac Join Céd Le Mélédo and his group on a musical tribute to French music. The journey will take you around the world of French music including Quebec and Louisiana.
7:00pm: Australia Day Bush Dance Celebrate Australia Day with an Aussie Bush Dance. Learn the Heel and Toe Polka and other traditional steps with dance caller Mark Buckley and Squid Jig.
7:00pm: Australia Day Bush Dance Celebrate Australia Day with an Aussie Bush Dance. Learn the Heel and Toe Polka and other traditional steps with dance caller Mark Buckley and Squid Jig.
Kids Movies
Kids Movies
7:00pm: Australia Day Bush Dance Celebrate Australia Day with an Aussie Bush Dance. Learn the Heel and Toe Polka and other traditional steps with dance caller Mark Buckley and Squid Jig.
8.30pm: Kids movie – BFG (Big Friendly Giant)
8:30pm: Despicable Me 3: The mischievous Minions hope that Gru will return to a life of crime after the new boss of the Anti-Villain League fires him. Instead, Gru decides to remain retired and travel to Freedonia to meet his long-lost twin brother for the first time.
Kids Movies
8:30pm: Despicable Me 3: The mischievous Minions hope that Gru will return to a life of crime after the new boss of the Anti-Villain League fires him. Instead, Gru decides to remain retired and travel to Freedonia to meet his long-lost twin brother for the first time.
8:30pm: Despicable Me 3: The mischievous Minions hope that Gru will return to a life of crime after the new boss of the Anti-Villain League fires him. Instead, Gru decides to remain retired and travel to Freedonia to meet his long-lost twin brother for the first time.
Bric-a-Brac are back to bring the riders home.
6:00pm: Bric-a-Brac
3:00pm: Gomer & The Girl
Bric-a-Brac are back to bring the riders home.
6:00pm: Bric-a-Brac
8:30pm: lanterne rouge
6pm-9pm: Bric a Brac –Join Céd Le Mélédo and his group on a musical tribute to French music
Bric-a-Brac are back to bring the riders home.
8:30pm: lanterne rouge
JOIN US AT THE FINISH LINE TO WELCOME THE LAST RIDERS HOME AND CELEBRATE THE FINISH
8:30pm: lanterne rouge JOIN US AT THE
JOIN US AT THE FINISH LINE TO WELCOME THE LAST RIDERS HOME AND CELEBRATE THE FINISH OF THE 33RD ALPINE CLASSIC
