A FANTASTIC INSTITUTION

Our Community Market

Bev Bantick started the Mount Beauty craft market in May 1979 as an outreach from the Uniting Church. Bev worked closely with the resident minister at the time, the towering Ron Brandt, to get the market established as a monthly staple of the town. This was in addition to the very active involvement in the community with the Drop-in Centre, Neighbourhood Centre, Youth Group, Pottery Art & Craft Exhibition and more events initiated by the then Upper

Kiewa Valley Uniting Church.

The first market had 21 stalls with homemade arts and crafts (that being the stipulation) alongside produce, plants, sewing, and candles. There was also entertainment from buskers, the Jazz Ballet girls, Calisthenic displays and even a small mini-golf and footy hand-ball stall.

Bev’s stand of doll’s clothing, dolls, lucky-dips and the ever-popular Bev’s Jam would be a constant at the market for the next 43 years! Stall holders paid a small fee, all of which helped pay for the Community Hall (when it rained), trestle table hire with the rest donated to the church although in later years all the fees were channelled back to the community through local sports organisations, health care providers, and emergency services. All the money from the fees for the annual New Years’ Day market went to the local hospital Garden Girls.

Bev coordinated the stalls and ensured advertising in signage, in print and on radio got out there every month. The Community Market appeared many times in the Alpine Observer over the years, always with pictures of stalls, people and the wonderful setting that provided such a drawcard to those of the town or those visiting the area.

Mixed Social Golf

6 SUNDAYS IN APRIL & MAY

FoodWorks

APRIL 16, 23, 30 & MAY 7, 14 & 21 3pm start, play for 2 hours No cost for members, $5 non members Drinks available at bar after play. Enquiries Liz: 0447 467 022

The market became a highlight for the local community and visitors. Despite coming under increasing pressure from Federal, State and Shire red tape requirements, Bev and her team coped with the numerous forms and reports required to continue the market.

In recent years there has been the challenge of COVID, a cashless society, enhanced requirements on labelling foodstuffs as well as a need to maintain a variety of stall-holders to encourage and attract a more discerning audience.

Sometimes however the circle completes. Take, for example, Bev’s ‘hair scrunchies,’ a mainstay of her stall since the start. These days, they have never been more popular, whether to hold up that traditional pony tail, or indeed to keep a ‘man bun’ under control. The market continued to be successfully run by Bev up until December 2022 when management of it was handed over to the Mount Beauty Chamber of Commerce.

In recognition of Bev’s outstanding effort over the past 43 years, the Uniting Church made a presentation to her at the February 2023 market.

With new management, a new location and yet another breath of fresh enthusiasm there is no reason the vibrance, colour, laughter and community of the market cannot continue well into this century. •

AGL Bogong Village Update March 2023

There has been a lot of concern in the Community about when the Bogong High Plains Road will open, and Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) have announced an opening date of 25th April– but what’s happening in the village itself? AGL have provided the following update.

Simon Kelley, Head of Hydro says:

‘AGL is working closely with MRPV to support the repairs required to make sure the road is open and the Outdoor School is safely accessible as soon as possible. A few things need to be addressed before we can commit to that. This includes securing arrangements for a water supply for general use and for firefighting. The Village’s water storage above the land slide was drained last year and remains in that state now. Although the integrity of the reservoir has not been impacted, it cannot remain in that location due to the extent of the slide and the remediation scope.

The Village was a great resource in winter 2022 for key worker housing. Unfortunately, given the impact to facilities from the land slide and the unavailability of potable water, it won’t be available for winter 2023.

“Once the Bogong High Plains Road repairs have been completed and AGL has full access to the Village we will be able to do a thorough assessment of the impact of the land slide to the area and buildings within the Village”, said Mr Kelley.

Just Fantastic

The weekend of 18th and 19th March saw Mountain Bike de Femme grace the trails of our Big Hill Mountain Bike Park. Having its inaugural event in 2017 at it’s home in Falls Creek, this year’s de Femme fell victim to the Bogong Landslip much to the benefit of the town of Mount Beauty and Big Hill Mountain Bike Park. The concept is quite simple, getting ladies together of all ages in a safe space to learn new skills and make new friends with likeminded individuals.

Day one was about skills training in the morning, then practicing those skills in the afternoon. We were split in group’s based on self-reported ability and desired outcomes from the session.

As a snowboarder who has decided to take up mountain biking at an older age, I was keen to get involved, learn new skills and make new friends. It’s amazing how much easier it is to learn when you’re in a supportive environment of like-minded people. I knew if I was to have any hope of mastering this sport then this was the place I needed to be. No ‘well-intentioned’ boys yelling “just go faster and use less brakes!” Instead, my beginners group had experienced instructors teaching us the key basics to use when we were out on the trails on our own.

Every now and then one of the more advanced groups would come rushing by and we would all sit an awe knowing that next year, that could be us!

Saturday afternoon the team from Cycle Station took us through basic bike maintenance whilst the sun set poetically in the background.

Dinner and drinks with the whole crew was had at West Peak while we all excitedly shared our highlights from the day.

On reflection there really were only highlights. I don’t recall anyone having any negative experiences - a testament to the event’s team and the careful and considered program. Now I hear there was karaoke afterwards but this girl was ready for bed. “Another big day tomorrow!”

Sunday started with coffee and Thai Chi, and then… what I had been waiting for THE JUMPS SESSION! An odd thing for a beginner to want to try but I knew I would never try unless I was in a safe, supervised, controlled environment. Time to level up! Now I would happily jump off a 20 foot snowboard jump without thinking twice, but this bike ramp, estimated to be 30cm off the ground was a challenge like no other. My new friend Haily and I were scared, but united our conviction. Lots of whopping and hollering at our gold medal efforts. I honestly would not have even tried without the amazing instructors from Fastline Bikademy. They were incredible.

I have lots to practice between now and the next event but I will most definitely be there. Falls Creek 2024 Baby!

Organiser – Joe Prothero from All Ride MTB said: “Wow, what a weekend! The weather was great and the company was even better. It was awesome to welcome back previous participants and get to know new ones. To see each and every one of you out there riding is why we do what we do, so thank you so much for attending. As a rule, we tend to downplay our ability (compared to our male counterparts!) and you all pushed yourselves out of your comfort zone which is truly awesome to witness. Several of you expressed thanks for the supportive and encouraging nature of the event which is at its core!”

Initially daunting for some, but achieved successfully by all – the jumps were a big part of day two. Pic – Sam Purdie <sam@purdie.org.nz>.

MTB de femme would not be possible without the support of Falls Creek Resort, Team Mt Beauty, Alpine Shire Council, The Fastline Bikademy, Cycle Station, Mobile Osteo, John Gehrig and Vikki (for coffee), 299 bike Mandy & Kody as well as our local volunteers and support riders, Carly, Lucy, Jules, Kat, Sherry, Dave, Xena, Marie, Nikki, Sian & Brad. • Sue Wharekawa

Easter In The Valley

Fabulous Autumn

The leaves are starting to turn. The air is clear and sweet – with just a hint of coolness. And yes, we are on our way to another of our beautiful winters. But, we still have Easter, the annual Mount Beauty Music Festival and the rest of Autumn to enjoy – and so we shall!

Knowledge is the key to your enjoyment, and if it ain’t in this paper, the answers will be at the Mount Beauty Visitor Information Centre, Bogong High Plains Road, Mount Beauty. Open 10am – 4pm daily, including Good Friday. Ph: 03 5755 0596.

Mount Beauty Art Group

The Mount Beauty Art Group meets every Thursday to create and socialise. This

Season Rental

group is made up of a diverse range of 36 members who practice a variety of artistic skills including painting, drawing, mosaics, sculpting, collage and other various forms of art.

Many of the artists are known in the community, with most living locally. Last year’s exhibition was a huge success and it is anticipated that this year’s show will be just as big with over close to 190 works on display for show and sale – all created locally by our talented team. And, with a considerable amount of effort and skill going in to each piece, the artist would love everyone to come along and take in all that is on display. Their work is enjoyable and to be appreciated. If you would like to show your appreciation, or simply enjoy some wonderful art, make a point of visiting the show at the Mount Beauty Community Centre, top end of Hollonds Street, each day of Easter, from 10am to 4pm. •

Community Market

On Easter Sunday morning until around 2pm, the Mount Beauty Community Market will be held in Hydro Park, besides the swimming pool and West Peak Hotel. This market features lots of locally made and grown produce, plants, wood raffles and lots more. For further information or to book a site, phone Glenyse at 03 5754 1118. •

Pre-Loved Gear Sale

Prepare For Winter

Forgotten to pack your warm coat or need a hot water bottle whilst camping these holidays? Are you tired of drinking your wine from plastic picnic cups? Maybe an old pair of runners for the river would be just the thing to protect your feet. Then the Mount Beauty Op Shop is the place to go. Operated by a group of enthusiastic volunteers the Op Shop provides a great service to tourists and locals alike. Not everyone is aware that donated items from the community are diverted into several channels. The higher quality items appear on the racks and shelves for sale to the public at bargain prices, whilst the rest is sent onto other charities or businesses. In 2018 over a tonne of clean cotton items were sold to Jacks Rags, and this year we will beat that mark. This is a great recycling service for items that are not saleable. We collect and distribute to disaster relief, animal refuge, family services, the homeless; and to local people who request help for worthy causes - a win, win situation!

With the weather change we begin to think about all the great things we can do in the snow, and about checking our last year’s ski gear. The Op Shop has a massive Ski Clothing sale happening again this year beginning on Easter Saturday. We are selling good quality second hand jackets, pants, après boots, goggles, helmets, hats, gloves, mittens and incidentals for both adults and children. A few high quality items have marked prices, but most are under $20.

This is a bargain sale not to be missed! Spread the word, and we’ll see you at the Op Shop in Hollonds Street on Easter Saturday from 9:30. •

Glorious Gliding

The extensions and improvements to the airstrip have meant that gliding operations locally have been suspended. But, if you are interesting in gliding, contact Peter Deane 0418 591 351. •

AGL Kiewa Community Dialogue Group (CDG) Calling for new members!

What is the Community Dialogue Group?

The CDG is a group of people with strong ties to the local community who can represent their views. The group brings the benefit of years of local knowledge to AGL’s planning and decision making. The group meets about four times a year, usually in Mount Beauty.

Why should you be interested?

Kiewa Valley is important to AGL – but not just because it’s home to our biggest hydro scheme. AGL is also involved in numerous activities in the area like:

• Supporting our community through an annual community grants program.

• Sponsoring great sporting events like the Kangaroo Hoppet and the Bogong Conquestathon.

• Supporting the development of recreation facilities in the region.

• Over time, lots of different people have moved to the Kiewa Valley. Different sets of eyes and experiences can enrich the group and AGL’s understanding of the communities we operate in. It is great to have a mix of newer and longer-standing members on our CDG.

Talk to AGL now

If you’d like to help guide AGL’s involvement locally about the things that are important to you, perhaps see if you’d like to be part of the CDG. Contact Belinda Young, Community Relations Manager, m. 0429 597 535 e.byoung@agl.com.au

Easter In The Valley

Car Club Meeting

Again this year, Mount Beauty Car Club is hosting its’ major two day race meeting on Easter Saturday and Sunday.

Cars are coming from as far as Swan Hill and Ballarat to compete, with racing starting from 11:30 am on both days.

One of the feature events is the $1,000 Dash for Cash. This sudden death shoot-out sees cars competing in two lap sprints; with the winner proceeding to take on the next challenger. This event is always a real crowd pleaser and for this meeting it is planned to be held as the last event on the Saturday so the cars (and their drivers) have a chance to recover for the finals on Sunday afternoon.

If you are interested in helping as a volunteer at the Club please either contact us on Facebook or come to one of our meetings at the Dederang Hotel on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm. Further enquiries to Marcus on Mb: 0437 108 712. •

Horse Riding

Yet another well-loved popular past-time. Lin and Clay Baird, Kath and Steve’s sons have garnered many years of knowledge providing horse riding experiences for thousands of visitors from all round the world. Established in 1986mthe business has continued to grow and operate successfully through many of the recent trying times. Back in 2009 the business received a Victorian Tourism Award for Adventure Tourism – and the family have continued with that mode of professionalism. The family were recently awarded a 2009 Victorian Tourism Award, the Parks Victoria sponsored award for Adventure Tourism.