Amazing isn’t it! Last year the lifts closed early and we moved in to summer really quickly. This spring/ summer we could have been skiing last week. Thank goodness for global warming – otherwise we would have frozen our ‘apricots’ off!
The good news is that the team have been out and sorting the trails – getting ready for this weekend – the official start of a great summer of mountain biking
Our Ignition MTB Festival has always been a great start to the summer and it’s looking real good again – as we go to print, ticket sales are getting close to maxed out!
The change in location down on the Gully Car Park – which is flatter, larger and more suited to making the event a certain success. After Ignition, the Village Bike Café will then move to Slalom Car Park, opposite St Falls and 1550 Café Restaurant, Slalom Plaza, Last Hoot and the supermarket.
Once again, Brett and Aaron and the team have got a full program with an expanded Expo site with lots of exhibitors, Dinner on Saturday night with great live entertainment.
Demo Bikes. Aan incredible three days of test rides on the latest mountain bikes from brands like Rocky Mountain, Specialized, Canyon, Commencal, Santa Cruz, GasGas, Husqvarna, Norco, Orbea, Cube and Merida
. Find out first hand how the bikes ride and quiz their expertly trained staff with any questions you have about sizing, build options, or whatever else is on your mind.
MTB Skill Sessions. Grab a “Foundation” or “Intermediate” skills session with our qualified instructors. Whether it your first time on a mountain bike or you want to hone your skills – our lessons are relaxed and fun, conducted in small groups so everyone gets the attention they deserve. Lesson duration 2 hours.
Backcountry Rides. Falls Creek’s backcountry trails provide amazing riding across the top of
Bookings only for Dinner in the Bistro, Friday and Saturday night.
Open Friday and Saturday from 9.30 till 2pm for snacks, Brunch and Lunch, Then 5pm till dark.
Sunday Brunch and Lunch 9.30 till 6pm.
Christmas Lunch bookings are now open. Book on 0492 877 044
Price: Three courses $100 Kids $50 Drinks at Bar prices
“Talk to us about Christmas Functions” Bogong Village – walks, fishing & flowers!
Shuttle from Mt Beauty Bakery back to Falls Creek. Shuttle departs Mount Beauty approx 1.30pm to get you back to the resort by 2.303:00pm – enough time for more riding or relax with a beer in front of the fire pit. Riders need to be self-sufficient - ride packs, food, spares, water, tubes, etc. All social rides will have a ride co-ordinator (sweep rider). Maps will be provided for all riders so they can ride
Fainters Track (rated Black - 50km). The big daddy of backcountry rides. 50km from Falls Creek resort to Mt Beauty. Advanced skills and high level of fitness required. Climb over five peaks, 4 of which are over 1800m. A half kilometre rock garden with a sheer drop over the edge. Technical climbs. Technical descents. Massive views. Take on the Big Hill Downhill on your final descent – a drop of 1,100m alone to Mount Beauty. FLOW Mountain Bike says, “The ride from Falls Creek down to Mount Beauty is a real life changer. Fainters Track must be one of the best backcountry adventure rides in the country. Blown away!” Departs from Village Bike Café Saturday @ 8am. Women’s Group Ride Supported by Juliana Bicycles. Gravity focused Women’s group social ride with inspirational women MTB ambassadors presented by Juliana Bicycles. Saturday 2pm – 3.30pm. Departs from event village. You do not need to book for this, just
BIKES – Road | Mountain | E Bikes
Lay-Buy NOW for Christmas Bikes for Kids to Adults
Bike Gear & Accessories
Fishing Gear, Licences & Bait Tubes for the river!
New Café – offering Alfresco Dining
Cooked Breakfast Friday to Sunday
Tasty Lunch Menu
Coffee, Snacks and Smoothies
Café Open: 8am.
Bike Shop: Open 9am 7 Days
Kiewa Valley Highway, Tawonga South Ph: 03 5754 1118
Em: info@rockyvalley com.au
Wb: www rockyvalley com.au
be at the event village at 1:45pm Saturday. Gets you back to the event village in time for Espresso Martini Happy Hour.
Other activities on the weekend include live music Friday evening at several different venues including Last Hoot Café with ‘Red Brick Radio’ from 6:30pm Friday. St Falls1550 Restaurant is open 89am until late each day
and for dinner Friday evening.of Ignition weekend. The Ignition After Party will be held at The Man on Sunday evening.
It would be fair to say that if you haven’t got your ticket by now, then you can still hang around and enjoy the weekend. Could be called a festival of stoke! Make sure you get your ticket early next year – or simply come up any other weekend and enjoy the riding.
The Falls Creek Visitor Information Centre (upstairs in the management building) will be open 9am – 5pm weekdays and 9am – 3pm weekends. •
5 Hollonds St, MOUNT BEAUTY Ph: 0434 691 864
Thurs & Fri: 4pm – 10pm Saturday: 3:30pm – 10pm Sunday: 3:30pm – 9pm
Astra Falls Creek has once again been recognised on the world stage, taking home the title of Australia’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel at the 2025 World Ski Awards
– for an extraordinary tenth consecutive year. This milestone marks a decade of excellence in Australia’s luxury alpine hospitality, cementing Astra’s reputation as the country’s premier ski holiday destination and a benchmark for boutique luxury.
Traverse Alpine Group Proprietor, Rosy Seaton says reaching ten years in a row is truly humbling.
“This award is not just recognition of Astra’s enduring quality – it’s a celebration of our team’s passion, creativity, and consistency in delivering something exceptional year after year,” Ms Seaton said.
“We’re immensely proud to have maintained such a high standard for a full decade. It’s
a testament to the people behind Astra –from our Guest Services team to our Chefs, Sommeliers, Spa Therapists and everyone in our Astra family – who pour their hearts into creating memorable experiences for every guest.”
Set in the heart of Falls Creek village, Astra is renowned for its blend of sophisticated comfort, thoughtful service, and contemporary alpine luxury. Every detail, from the warm fireside welcome to the world-class wine list and award-winning Spa, reflects a commitment to quality that has defined Astra for ten years and counting.
Adding to the celebration, Astra Day Spa continues to shine internationally, named Best Luxury Ski Resort Spa in Australia & Oceania and Best Luxury Spa Resort in Australasia
at the 2025 World Luxury Spa Awards. Meanwhile, Astra Bar & Restaurant – guided by Head Chef Monica Melendez and Head Sommelier Cassandra Schnurr – remains a standout in the dining scene, receiving three goblets at the 2025 Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards for the fourth consecutive year.
“These achievements remind us why we do what we do,” Ms Seaton said.
“Our goal has always been to create an experience that feels both luxurious and personal – one that connects people to the magic of the mountains.”
High Plains Road, St Falls West
03 5758 3009 | F: 03 5758 3034
fallscreek@countrygrocers.com.au
As Astra Falls Creek celebrates this landmark tenth year of recognition, it looks ahead to the next decade with renewed energy and vision, continuing to raise the standard for alpine luxury in Australia and beyond. For further details, go to: https://astrafallscreek.com.au •
Weekend Hours
& Sat: 9am – 5pm
10am – 3pm
Hours: Mon to Sat: 10am – 3pm
Beauty FoodWorks 4–16 Kiewa Crescent, Mt Beauty P: 03 5754 1400 | F: 03 5754 4829 Em: mtbeauty@countrygrocers.com.au
There is no doubt that any thinking person would naturally want to preserve our home (read house, valley, state, country, globe) for the natural joy and safety of living a good life – now and into the future. No clear-thinking person wants to damage our environment - or to say it another way – we all want to do the best for ourselves, our friends and our natural surroundings. But, there is no doubt this whole renewable energy debate has created a huge amount of angst in the community. Good intentioned politicians use the information carefully and responsibly – some self-serving pollies use the renewable debate purely as a way of winning votes – and could be forcing issues upon the community while there is doubt about the
effectiveness of the proposal.
The world’s population is around 8 billion. We here in this country, with a population of 26 million, are having a somewhat heated debates about renewables. Sure, we must do our bit – but not at the expense of other community members. If renewable is about benefitting the community – then negatively impacting other members does not quite meet the criteria –especially when there is so much doubt about. We can all do a bit. Recycle better – turn off lights – use less plastic – support your local shops instead of the multi-nationals – there are so many things we can do. Let’s think about it can we please! • KB
And, while we’re on the subject, anyone travelling through the area would have noticed the ‘No Lithium Batteries’ banners displayed all around the valley. Well it seems that some low-life has descended even lower and pinched one. These banners do cost money, and those that are displaying a banner have purchased it and also made a contribution to the costs associated with trying to defend the area. •
Agathering for Rural Women. Join us for a day packed with opportunity. Network with other women and hear incredible, personal stories from three amazing, rural women in our region including:
• Eliza Brown: accidental CEO and fourth generation of Brown Brothers winemaking legacy.
• Heather Swan: professional adventurer and co-owner of Dark Horse Farm.
• Maidie Dawson: singer/songwriter freshly returned from ranching in Canada.
Enjoy a delicious morning tea and lunch as well as a chance to win some great prizes! WHEN: Friday November 28th, 10am2pm. WHERE: Kergunyah Memorial Hall. Bookings: https://events.humanitix. com/ruralwomen
Free event. Fully catered. Child minding available.
In 2026 we kick off Gather & Grow, a series of hands on workshops, webinars and mentoring opportunities for rural women. As part of the Recharge gathering we want to hear from you! What knowledge and know how are you interested in? Help steer these future opportunities for rural women in our region.
For further information or queries contact Chontelle Bourne, Landcare Project Officer. Em: chontelle@kclg.org.au Mb: 0491 624 943 •
Mount Beauty Primary School Takes out the National Runner up Prize!!
The Andy Thomas Space Foundation's Kids in Space National Finals took place at the Australian Space Discovery Centre in Adelaide earlier this week!
A team of five year six students and two teachers from Mount Beauty Primary School travelled to Adelaide to compete in this National event. The team had previously qualified for this by winning the State Competition held in Wangaratta earlier this year.
The Team from Mount Beauty Primary School team was awarded 2nd place in all of Australia for their project that they presented at the State and National finals. Huge Congratulations to Jeremy, Andie, Lachie, Poppie and Eloise who created a solution to a very real problem facing our planet with their clever pollution-cleaning ocean floor Rover design!
The challenge for the Kids In Space Competition was to design something that uses space technology to solve a real-world problem.
ADVERTISING RATES: DISPLAY:
• Available in PDF form at: www.fallscreek.com.au/whatson/
WEBSITE: • www.thisweekinfallscreek.com.au
CLASSIFIEDS: • Like
in Falls Creek, Bogong Village, Mount Beauty, Tawonga South, Tawonga & Dederang, plus the RMB’s between Dederang & Tawonga & selected venues in Bright & Myrtleford.
The teams design was an ocean floor rover that cleans up pollution. It is guided by satellites to areas showing up as being particularly polluted (the great pacific garbage patch that ocean currents all drag in rubbish and it accumulates)
A second team in the Year 6 classroom –then designed the next step process from the rubbish being delivered to the boat, where the rubbish collected was turned into fuel to be used. A great team effort within the classroom also!
VALLEY FUN & FITNESS CLASS
Every Tuesday at 9am at the Ladies Facility, Dederang Recreation Reserve. Bring a drink bottle and towel. $10 per session. Classes by Narelle Jones. Enquiries: Sharon McEvoy 0438 289 293 (the6maccas@bigpond.com)
FOOD FOR THOUGHT #1
“The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits!” Albert Einstein
FOOD FOR THOUGHT #2
The world is a dangerous place, not because of those that do evil, but because of those that look on and do nothing! Albert Einstein
FOOD FOR THOUGHT #3
Someone once asked me “Why do you still do so much for your grown children?” My answer was simple: “Because being their parent is not a phase – it’s a lifetime promise – one I’ll keep until my very last breath!”
MISSING BOOK
This ‘Missing Book’ advert has appeared for quite some time now. Your Journo has purchased a digital copy from Melbourne University. But, the book itself is important – because it was given to a member of the community to be kept in perpetuity for the community. Titled “The Interaction between Land Use, the Environment and the Hydrology of the Bogong High Plains between 1850 and 1985” it is a vital piece of local history. If anyone can help us, call 0400 350 488.
Congratulations to the National Runner Up Team and the rest of the Mount Beauty Primary School year 6 teams, who prepared projects to enter the state competition also. A great experience for our year 6 students and great effort of our teacher, Hayley Dodd for coordinating and guiding her class through this amazing experience!
Students from all over Australia produced innovative projects that utilized 3D printing and looked at issues such as space debris, food supply for astronauts, and preserving First Nations knowledge of the night sky.
• 700 schools applied to be part of the Kids in Space program
• participation from over 16,000 students.
• 85 schools chosen to participate
• 1 school from each state went through to the national competition
Kids in Space is a sponsored space education program delivered by Makers Empire across multiple states and territories across Australia and offers industry links and real-world learning opportunities. •
WHERE 2D Tawonga Crescent. WHEN 8:30am – 5pm Mon – Friday 10am – 12noon Saturdays. HOW Ph: 03 5754 3400 for appointments
WHO Doctors: Jeff Robinson, Libby Garoni, Skye Delanay, Laura Zagorski, Angela Stratton, Lauren Cusson, Damian Heman, Daniel Florisson and Jacinta O’Neil.
WHAT Fully accredited General Practice with 43 years of service to the Upper Kiewa Valley. CONTACT Ph: 03 5754 3400
Em: enquiries@mbmc.com.au
Wb: https://www.mbmc.com.au/
If you need to see a doctor please contact Mount Beauty Medical Centre on 03 5754 3400. You may be directed to a doctor for a tele-health appointment. Our Doctors are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week from Mount Beauty.
Your local practice – supporting the community!
BOWEN THERAPY & MASSAGE
Tawonga South. Ph: Heather: 0428 993 125
BUILDING & ELECTRICAL
Duggan & Hanlon, your complete building service. Please cal Justin Mb: 0458 220 879.
CARPET CLEANING
Call Nathan of NatWest Home Maintenance, your local Carpet Cleaning Service. 0429 933 492.
CARPENTRY & BUILDING SERVICES
Oztek Constructions Pty Ltd. We do local building work, renovations, extensions and maintenance. Email Dave at: oztekconstructions@gmail.com. Or Ph: 0466 990 862
CIVIL CELEBRANT – HEATHER MULL
Quality Ceremonies – All Types. Mb: 0428 993 125.
COLLECTABLES & HOMEWARES
I Dream Of Snow - Vintage snow collectables & brand new homewares. Open on-line all year round. www.idreamofsnow.com
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
Natalie Raymond, Birds Nest Salon, 26 Hollonds Street, Mount Beauty. Open Six days a week and evenings by appointment. Ph: 03 5754 1177.
LANDSCAPING
Design and landscaping - quality work. Contact Hamish at External Solutions: Em: admin@externalsolutions.com.au. Mb: 0400 160 532.
LD’S HOME PET CARE
Pet Care and Dog Walking. Ph: Lisa 0407 541 695. LOCKSMITH & HANDYMAN
Codi Coutts – servicing the Kiewa Valley & North East Victoria. Ph: 0475 388 990. Em: kiewavalleylocksmith@yahoo.com
PAINTING SERVICES
Interior/Exterior, Domestic/Commercial.
Obligation Free Quotes. Quality & Service Guaranteed. KLM Alpine Painting Services. Ph: Laif: 0437 023 921.
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Kiewa Valley Sports & Spinal Therapy, 5A Hollonds St, Mount Beauty. Out of Hours & Home visits available. HiCaps. Ph: 03 5754 1270.
Altitude Electrical – No job too big or too small. Domestic, Commercial & Industrial. Ben Svarc. Mb: 0419 801 109
FREIGHT – ALB – MTB – FALLS CREEK
Remo’s Transport from Albury/Wodonga to Mount Beauty and Falls Creek Mon to Fri inclusive. Refrigeration available. Ph: John or Esther 0417 414 320.
PILATES
Reformer, Group or Individual for a better quality of life. Wildflower Pilates Ph: 0433 017 660.
REMEDIAL MASSAGE
Altitude Physio, Massage & Myotherapy. Ph: 03 5758 3766
STORAGE
Caravans, Vehicles, Pallets, Large Lock-Up Units. Ph: 0428 361 497. www.alpinewarehousing.com
Thank you to everyone who joined us at our Remembrance Day service earlier last week, braving the cold, wind and relentless rain to honour those who have served and sacrificed. Days like this remind us that adversity does not weaken a community like ours, it reveals its strength.
We are proud to share that our community raised $3,119 through the Poppy Appeal. A heartfelt thank you to all who donated, and to our incredible volunteers who gave their time to sell badges throughout the valley.
Your contributions directly support veterans and their families through essential services, including well-being programs, financial assistance, crisis support and recovery initiatives. Every badge sold helps change a life.
Together, we showed what Mount Beauty stands for: respect, resilience and heart. As shared at the end of our service, if you are a veteran in our community and this day, along with ANZAC Day, holds meaning for you, the Mount Beauty RSL SubBranch needs your support and we are here to support you.
To any veteran living in our valley, reach out and make yourself known. Let us continue to grow our Sub-Branch, share ideas and develop group activities that support the needs of our veterans and families. This is your community and your voice matters.
For clarity, under RSL Australia’s definition, a veteran is any current or former member of the Australian Defence Force, including full-time or reserve service, whether they deployed or not. If you have served, you are a veteran and you belong here.
Connect with us on Facebook, via email at mtbeautyrsl@gmail.com, or by contacting Joshua on 0408 662 645. Thank you, Mount Beauty, for standing strong together.
Josh and secretary Megan would like to thank our outgoing President Robert Williams and outgoing secretary Peter Bellman for their dedication to the Veteran community for the past two decades. We have big shoes to fill! • Thankyou. President Joshua New 0408 662 645
NOV 22 & 29 Park Run. 8am at Bicentennial Park, Lakeside Ave. All welcome. Enquiries to: mountbeauty@ parkrun.com
NOV 21 – 23 Ignition Mountain Bike Festival. Three days of MTB action, lessons, entertainment and laughs at Falls Creek to welcome in the MTB season. https://ignitionmtb.com.au/
NOV 28 - 30 Instrument Flying YMBT Mount Beauty. A gathering of fliers in town for the weekend. Glenn Wilson: 0418 991 680
DEC 6 Mount Beauty Community Market. 9am –1pm Hydro Park, 1 Lakeside Ave. You make it, you bake it, you grow it – you’re welcome! Enquiries to: mountbeautymarket@gmail. com
DEC 16 Carols by Candlelight Falls Creek Slalom Plaza from 4pm
DEC 31 Aussie Backyard Ultra – A new event! Go to: FOMO Trails | Falls Creek Trail running
JAN 1 Mount Beauty Community Market. 9am –1pm Hydro Park, 1 Lakeside Ave. You make it, you bake it, you grow it – you’re welcome! Enquiries to: mountbeautymarket@gmail. com
JAN 17 Rooftop Run – Bogong to Hotham. info@ trailsplus.com.au. 0418 557 052
JAN 24 & 25 Mile High Dragon Boat Regatta
JAN 26 Australia Day Celebrations across the Shire
FEB 7 & 8 Victoria Gravity Enduro Tour – Falls Creek. Wb: https://www.alpinetiming.com.au/ registrations/rg555/
FEB 13 – 15 Feastival – a celebration of culture, music and living in the Alps at Falls Creek
FEB 21 Australian Grand Traverse
FEB 28 Mount Bogong Conquestathon. info@ hoppet.com.au 0480 530 104
FEB 28 – MAR 1 Downhill MTB National Series – Falls Creek. Wb: https://www.fallscreek.com.au/ listing/downhill-mountain-biking-nationalseries-falls-creek-falls-creek/
MAR 6 – 9 Peaks Challenge, Falls Creek. 2000 cyclists challenge themselves to the ultimate 235km ride. www.fallscreek.com.au
For further details on coming events, go to: https://www.fallscreek.com.au/whats-on/events/
