This Week in Falls Creek & Mount Beauty - 11 November 2022

Take Nothing for Granted! SUMMER EDITION ONE

Main: Once again, a magnificent display in the window of our Mt Beauty Hardware and Drapery – this year featuring descendants of the local Baird family from Bogong Horseback Adventures. Pic – Courtesy Mt Beauty Hardware

Bottom images from left: Crimson Rosella; Yellow-rumped Thornbill with grub; Brown Thornbill. Pics – Courtesy local photographer, Ern Reeders. Refer further detail on page eight.

New Location – New Energy

TheMount Beauty Market has been a much-loved monthly event held at the top end of Hollonds Street since 1979. In fact we believe it’s one of the longest running markets in country Victoria.

Its ongoing success up until this point has been thanks to the dedication of Bev Bantick, and the Mount Beauty Uniting Church, who have continued to run the monthly event for over 40 years (minus a handful during COVID of course).

The first Saturday of October marked the last market run by the Uniting Church, and on behalf of the community, we'd like to extend our thanks to Bev for her incredible effort running the market over the years. There’s no doubt we all have fond memories from the market over the years, and we can't thank her enough for the time she has volunteered to our community.

who have put their own stamp on the event with a new location and stallholders, whilst also maintaining plenty of existing elements the community know and love.

The market attracted 20 stalls, with a wide variety of wares on display, including handmade jewellery, vintage clothing, plants, homemade cakes and jams, knitted toys, delicious honey, second hand books, photography prints and paintings, and more.

2017 GRAVITY ENDURO NATIONAL SERIES

Round One - Falls Creek

With the market now being organised by a team of enthusiastic and creative locals on behalf of the Mount Beauty & District Chamber of Commerce, it’s safe to say they now understand and appreciate the hard work Bev put in month after month to ensure the market continued.

The first market was held by the new committee last Saturday, 5th November,

TheNational 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.

The most noticeable change was a new location, with the market held in the outdoor area of West Peak Hotel. Despite planning on holding it in Hydro Park, the recent rain meant stall-holders were asked to stay off the sodden grass in the park area and use more of the bitumen around West Peak - and the location was an absolute hit with both stall holders and visitors alike.

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

Families and friends took advantage of West Peak’s beer garden to socialise and enjoy live music by Tommy Hanlon, while kids had plenty of room to run around and play.

No time to be smelling the roses during this weekend’s Gravity Enduro. Pic - Jiri Cech.

With a huge attendance, it’s safe to say the Chamber’s first market was a hit, and they look forward to bringing you yet another fantastic event next month, with not one, but two markets being held - the first on Saturday, 3rd December from 9am to 1pm, and a special Twilight Christmas Market on Friday, 16th December from 4pm to 8pm.

If you're interested in having a stall at an upcoming market, bookings can be made online at www.mtbeauty.com/mountbeauty-market. •

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 set 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, the 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!!

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 for 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. •

The new location of the market proved a hit, around Hydro Park in the grounds of West Peak Hotel. Pic – Ken Bell.

Lots of fabulous art and craft on display to appreciate and purchase. Pic – Danii Forde

Update as of 31st October 2022

NorthEast Water is progressing its plan for an independent project assurance review of the shortlisted locations for critical new water infrastructure in Mount Beauty.

Managing Director Jo Murdoch said North East Water had developed a scope for the review in consultation with the community Technical Working Group. The Corporation is now ready to issue an expression of interest to secure an independent consultant to undertake the work, she said.

“The project’s technical assessment and estimated site costs will be reviewed and validated, and also what additional site assessments might be required to give the Board assurance prior to proceeding with determining the project’s location,” Ms Murdoch said.

Ms Murdoch said, at the request of the community Technical Working Group, all the information on the additional options for site 9 (in addition to 9a and 9b) that was discussed at the community technical reference group would also be provided to the independent assessor. The review will consider these options and whether they are a feasible option to consider further.

“I want to once again thank members of the community technical reference working group and North East Water’s staff who have contributed to the project to date,” Ms Murdoch said. “Once an independent assessor is appointed, members of the

broader Mount Beauty Community & Key Stakeholder Reference Group will have an opportunity to meet with the assessor to gain an understanding of the process and to convey their views.”

Ms Murdoch said North East Water remained committed to finding the best solution to improving water security for Mount Beauty. In March 2022, following on from earlier engagement, North East Water established the Community & Key Stakeholder Reference Group which met five times to share their expertise and knowledge, discuss opportunities and risks, and provide advice on potential locations for a new raw water offtake.

In July 2022 Board Directors visited the shortlisted sites in Mount Beauty and also met with members of the Reference

RESTAURANT LEASE OPPORTUNITY - Expression of Interest

We are inviting Expression of Interest applications for the role of operator/tenant for our fully equipped commercial kitchen at Spring Spur - Home of Bogong Horseback Adventures.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated person/s to lease the kitchen/restaurant on our gorgeous property in Tawonga. The licensed venue has capacity for 60 seats, complete with a beautiful outdoor garden for alfresco dining in the warmer months. Spring Spur currently has a small existing customer base of in-house guests and multi-day riders, with the desire to expand the restaurant offering to offsite guests as well.

Suitable applicants will need to have a similar ethos as Spring Spur, with an emphasis on environmental sustainability and ethically sourced produce, and an interest in farm to plate dining. The successful applicant will be responsible for development and growth of the venue, daily trade, stock ordering and control, staffing, securing and executing functions and events, and ensuring the venue is compliant with health and safety guidelines. It is a requirement that the venue will be trading Friday-Sunday evenings, any additional days of trade are at the discretion of the new operator/s. Lease will be inclusive of utilities and grounds maintenance, and an initial rent free period will be provided.

The Spring Spur management team are experienced in restaurant development and management, and can offer ongoing support if required. The EOI will remain open until 30th November, 2022. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to a site inspection and discussion with the Spring Spur management team to work out the finer details. Spring Spur Kitchen will continue to operate until the appointment of a new tenant has been finalised. The team at Spring Spur will do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition to the new operator. For more information please call 0455 944 459 or email admin@springspur.com.au •

Group to personally hear their views and better understand the project complexities both from a technical and social amenity perspective. Following this the Board resolved to undertake an independent project assurance review on the two shortlisted locations ahead of making a final decision on the location of the critical water infrastructure.

The shortlisted sites, put forward by the Community & Key Stakeholder Reference Group, include (site 2) Embankment Drive near the outflow of the pondage and (sites 9a and 9b) two locations on the tail race pumping from the West Kiewa and the tail race.

More information and background on his project can be found at www.newater.com. au/mtbeauty. •

This extensive area of the West Kiewa from the Kiewa Valley Highway down past Pebble Beach has seen untold hours of volunteer work to make it the beautiful area it is. Why risk the potential for much more volunteer work? Pic – Ken Bell

LOCAL HISTORY

No Road for the Feint Hearted

Skiing

on the Bogong High Plains grew in popularity in the early 1930’s. Access then for the enthusiasts was “…to catch the 8:35am train from Flinders Street to Bairnsdale. - ...car to Omeo, arriving at 9:15pm the same evening.”

From Omeo, it was by car to Glen Wills or to Shannon Vale, where packhorses were used to reach the snow line. In 1945 the packhorse trip to Cope Hut would have cost 12 shillings and sixpence per skier.

The initiation of the Kiewa Hydro Scheme was to change access. Plans for dams necessitated the construction of a road which was to follow the packhorse tails blazed by the Ropers - mountain cattlemen who held leases in Rocky Valley in the 1920s. By the early 1940’s, skiing had become a popular pastime for workers based at Bogong Village, then the administrative headquarters of the SEC Kiewa Hydro Scheme. Due to WWII, private vehicles were a rarity and petrol was rationed so enthusiasts had to walk and ski 20 kilometres to their skiing base. Taking up to four hours, they were, according to SEC worker Fred Vines, “generally considered to be mad!” Another Bogong based worker, Patricia Dunn, recalled “the problem of shouldering our skis and stocks up the mountain each weekend was a weighty one, but we solved that by finding a hollow log near Howman’s Gap into which we pushed

our gear so we could pick it up again on the following weekend. This went well until we discovered that a wombat had made a meal of the raw-hide bindings and we were left with only metal parts. From then on we either took the bindings home with us or carried a spare set.”

According to Fred Vine, “For many people that first trip on skis to Rocky Valley was their last. It was a strenuous hike in good weather, but in poor weather conditions, skiing was cursed by some as pure masochism.” Particularly hazardous were the last kilometres to the Rocky Valley Dam workers huts, as large snow drifts built up round and above what is now Windy Corner. On more than one occasion conditions forced then to turn back at this point.

The first residents at Falls Creek in 1946, Skippy and Toni St Elmo, skied down to Howman’s Gap once a week to collect their mail and fresh food supplies. Skippy was to

become a keen ski racer, and she recalled “one Friday we were delighted and thrilled to meet a few skiers who were going to the Bogong Lodge for a week. The girls gave Toni a look when I, as I had learnt to do, slung the heavy pack onto my shoulders. Toni, meanwhile, carried the mail in a small hip bag. They were not to know I was training (for ski racing).”

In the post war years, interest in skiing at Falls Creek grew, especially from the towns of the North Eastern Victoria. This resulted in the Chief Engineer, H.H.C. Williams, of the Hydro Scheme, to introduce a permit to use the road with, “applications to travel beyond Mount Beauty in private cars made direct to the Electricity Commission.”

According to Skippy, “Williams gave instructions that a permit had to be applied for at the office of the SEC in Mount Beauty and presented at the gate-house, a mile up the road. No club, to my knowledge was informed of this arrangement. When the Albury Ski Club members arrived at

We have a great range of tasty delights, much of it local product, for all of your summer entertaining.

Friday is Fresh Seafood Day - Order early! Christmas is coming - Plan your Order Now! Cofield Wines - in stock!

Purchase your meat order and you can purchase two bottles of Cofield wine. Keep your eyes open for the regular wine tastings at the butchery each month!

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to give Will a call at the shop!

Ph: 03 5754 1888

211 Kiewa Valley Hwy, Tawonga South

NEXT WEEK @ WEST PEAK

Fridays: 3pm - 11pm ∙ Dinner from 5:30pm Woodfire pizzas from 5.30pm

Community Raffles from 5:30pm. Draw begins at 7pm. 11/11 Mt Beauty RSL ∙ 25/11 Rotary Club of Mt Beauty

Saturdays: 12noon -11pm ∙ Lunch 12noon - 2pm ∙ Dinner from 5:30pm

Saturday Night: Live Entertainment 3pm – 6pm

12/11 Tommy Hanlon ∙ 19/11 Charlie & Terry

Sundays: 12noon - 11pm Lunch 12noon - 2pm Dinner from 5:30pm

Mondays & Tuesdays - CLOSED

Wednesdays: 3pm - 9pm ∙ Dinner from 5:30pm

Thursdays: 3pm - 9pm ∙ Dinner from 5:30pm

Texas Hold em Poker ∙ 7pm start

A pleasant stroll - hiking from Howman’s Gap to Falls Creek. Pic – Courtesy FC Museum.

the gate they were told it was necessary to produce a permit. It is understood the fact that all SEC operations closed down for the weekend had been completely overlooked. The gate?? Oh I almost forgot to mention it! Someone dismantled it and threw it over the bank!

It was a few years later, in 1958, that it was reported in Schuss magazine that “Access to Falls Creek has been facilitated for the coming winter. Permits can now be obtained at the Gatehouse without prior notification, although an authority from the club secretary or a booking voucher should be produced. The road will be kept open to Howman’s but cars staying longer than the weekend will need to be parked at Turnback Creek.” However, would-be skiers still had to walk or ski from Howman’s Gap to Falls Creek. Carrying their gear and food this trip would take one to one and a half hours.

Various locals saw this as a business

opportunity. In 1955, Bob Hymans trialled the use of a horse and sled to overcome the problem of transporting stores and personal gear - but it was not a success. At the same time Cec Dobson (builder of Winterhaven) resorted to manhauling from Howman’s, using old skis attached to platforms to carry the loads. Reportedly, it was while hauling a load, he encountered Ory Frueauf (builder of Snowhaven) who volunteered to assist. This became the start of a partnership which in 1956, saw them run an oversnow service to Falls Creek. Luggage was weighed on a fish scale and was 4 pence a pound per pack weight. It was loaded onto a sled behind a track-driven tractor, ‘Leaping Lena’, while guests walked from Howman’s Gap. A year later the SEC began clearing the road and the long walk became a memory of the past. In 1960 access to Falls Creek was further improved, the area immediately below the Village “enlarged almost beyond recognition” to provide for an immense

number of cars and buses(the Gully Car-park).

By 1960 the foundations of the village had been laid. A village management advisory committee had been established and Falls Creek was acknowledged as a destination for tourists. Its place on the map of Victoria was further confirmed with the opening of the Bogong High Plains Road to Shannon Vale by the Country Roads Board, in conjunction with the State Electricity Commission, the Tourism Development Authority and the Forests Commission on the 3rd December, 1966. •

This article provided by Diana Patterson, a previous board member with Falls Creek Resort Management, and a current member of the Falls Creek Historical Society. If it had not been for the road closure at Bogong Village, the Falls Creek Historical Society would, this weekend, be hosting the annual ‘Australian Alpine Snowsports History Association’ conference. At this stage, the conference has been moved to Friday 5th May top Sunday 7th May, 2023. •

Hauling supplies into the Village Bowl past Bogong Ski Club. Pic – Courtesy FC Museum.

SHOP

Make Your Dollar Count

is quickly approaching and it’s a no brainer when it comes to where to shop for your Christmas gifts this year - right here with our many fantastic local businesses! You can find just about everything you need, from clothing, toys and games through to homewares, tools and outdoors gear! Not to mention the wide range of unique and locally made gifts available.

To support our local community and all of those wonderful people who do shop locally, this paper, with the support of the Mount Beauty and District Chamber of Commerce and the team at Tawonga South Newsagency and Post Office introduced a voucher system where shoppers received tickets into a draw for each $25 spent locally. This proved to be a huge success with two local families winning a stack of vouchers in appreciation of their commitment to shopping locally.

Once again this year, the majority of our local businesses have rallied together to offer two amazing prizes to two lucky shoppers. To enter the draw to win a $350 or $200 prize pack of gift vouchers, all you have to do is spend $25 on Christmas gifts at a participating business, or place a Christmas meat order at Tawonga South Butchery during the month of December. Participating business are Alpine Outfitters, Gather & Harvest, Mount

Beauty Hardware & Drapery, Mount Beauty Guardian Pharmacy, North East Home Improvement Co, Rocky Valley Bikes & Snowsports, Sassy Road, SkiPlus, Tawonga South Butchery, Tawonga South Newsagency & Post Office, and ValleyNpeaks.

Therefore you are invited to join the relevant Resort Management personnel and other members of the community for a summer season debrief meeting.

This meeting will take place on Wednesday 26th April from 9:30am to around 11:30am in the Boardroom above Foodworks in QT.

If you have any specific agenda items, please email http://joprothero@fallscreek.com.au. We look forward to seeing you all there. •

You’ll receive one entry for every $25 spent, and could walk away with hundreds to spend on yourself after Christmas - now that’s a pretty amazing gift! The lucky winners will be drawn on Christmas Eve24th December 2022.

A Life to Remember

As an added incentive and to support the businesses that are donating the vouchers, this paper will provide $200 worth of Free Advertising to one of these businesses.

All of our local businesses support the community in many, many ways – through the sports clubs, through the schools – and this paper would like to give a bit back.

So please, support the businesses that support you, your children and this community – and let’s all have a very special Christmas! •

A celebration of Lyn’s Life will take place on Friday the 28th April 2017 in the Village Bowl at Falls Creek for anyone who wishes to attend and pay tribute. Commencing at 12 noon, the afternoon will reflect Lyn’s enormous contribution to Falls Creek. Some wine and a light BBQ will be provided, but we ask that you bring other beverages and also a plate to share. In the case of wet weather, a contingency plan will be in place. Friends are welcome to pass this invite on and it is understood that members of Lyn’s family will be in attendance. •

Trade Fair @ Falls Creek

Something of an institution since 1982, the Trade Fair @ Falls Creek is an opportunity

for to saving To Village will 10am 3rd, Companies Bedding and and Suppliers, suppliers Prepare Visit

Steve Killalea from Milestone Chemicals - just one of the many Falls Creek. Pic - Elle Shaw.

Our local businesses have so much to offer. Spend some quality time in our stores and you won’t be disappointed.

Spring Clean

Brought to you by Lee and the team at Gather & Harvest on Hollonds St.

Spring is a great time to do a big clean up and get your house sorted after being snuggled inside during winters, but remember to be a responsible cleaner and dispose of your goods appropriately.

When decluttering, a good rule of thumb to remember is if you have used it in the last year, chances are you’ll use it again. Clothing and household goods in good condition can be donated to the Op Shop. Small household batteries can be recycled through Mount Beauty Hardware & Drapery. Broken electrical goods must be taken to the Mount Beauty Transfer Station & Recycling Centre, not thrown in the bins. If changing light globes, please take the compact fluorescent lights and other household fluorescent globes to the Transfers Stations, don’t dispose of them in the regular bins. Compact fluorescent lights contain a small amount of mercury, which should be kept out of landfill. •

Home office - Now that many of us are working from home, it’s time to think about how to be more eco-friendly in our home office. Some tips include:

• Turn the power off when not using electrical items

• Adopt the 5 R’s - refuse, re-use, reduce, repurpose & recycle.

FOR SALE

One brand new pair of ASICS Tennis shoes, size 46 Euro (11.5 US). Worn once. Too tight for me. Retail Price: $159.95. Will sell for $120. Ph: 0400 350 488.

Stubby series 1000 universal woodturning lathe, as new, $9,000. Ph: 0408 466 790.

Cane Armchair and footstool. $30. Six metal framed dining chairs upholstered in burgundy vinyl $30. Ph: 0477 443 964.

Blade X rollerblades, as new not yet used, men’s size 43, $100. Ph: 0408 466 790.

• Be a paper ninja and go paper free. If you do need to print, print on recycled paper and both sides.

• If you do need to change your printer cartridge it can be recycled through the local libraries. •

Health & Fitness

Brought to you by Emily and Lee at Mountain Gym Fitness & Massage

To achieve your strength and fitness goals, there are a few ways to motivate yourself, and stay on track.

1. Have a clear vision of your goal and why you want to achieve it. This will keep you encouraged when you have days that aren't as energised or motivating.

2. Don't overcomplicate getting started - the main thing is you start in some way, and continue your commitment. Consistency is key in the long term!

3. Preparation promotes an easier ability to stay focused on fitness goals and achievements, whether it be planning and preparing nutritionally wholesome meals for the week to support your activity levels, body and recovery, or scheduling in your exercise or training sessions each day amongst other activities.

4. Celebrate all achievements along the way towards your goal - no matter how small. These will create a ripple effect towards your overall goal!

5. Enjoy the exercise you choose to do. Get your body moving daily to reap the amazing health benefits of exercise! •

MEDICAL SERVICES▼ Falls Creek

WHERE Bottom of Gully Chairlift.

WHEN Open Daily 10am – 12:30pm & 2pm – 5pm (Map Ref J6)

HOW Ph: 03 5758 3238 all day. 24 hours for Emergencies.

WHO General Practitioners experienced in Family and Snow Sports Medicine.

WHAT First fully accredited snowfields practice in Australia based on 36 years experience.

Mount Beauty ▼

WHERE Tawonga Crescent.

WHEN 8:30am – 5pm Mon – Friday 10am – 12noon Saturdays.

HOW Ph: 03 5754 3400 for appointments

WHO Mark Zagorski OAM, Jeff Robinson, Libby Garoni, Sky Delaney, Laura Zagorski, Angela Stratton, Lauren Cusson, Damian Heman, Daniel Florisson & Andrew Mason.

WHAT Fully accredited General Practice with 42 years service to the Upper Kiewa Valley.

TRADING POST CLASSIFIEDS

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.

Orbea AVANT M20 DISC road bike, Carbon frame, size 60, colour- Carbon-Blue. $1,950. * Nello Viper 51 kayak. $1,500. * Ph: 0408 466 790.

A LITTLE HUMOUR

My wife caught me standing on the bathroom scale, sucking in my stomach. “Ha! That’s not going to help,” she said. “Sure, it does,” I said. “It’s the only way I can see the numbers!”

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

VALLEY FUN & FITNESS CLASS

Every Tuesday at 9am at the Ladies Facility, Dederang Recreation Reserve. All equipment provided. Bring a drink bottle and towel. $6 per session. All Welcome. A great way to keep fit and socialise at the same time. Class usually followed by coffee at the Dederang Shop. Classes by Narelle Jones (Personal Trainer).

Note: Classes do not run in school holidays. Enquiries: Sharon McEvoy 0438 289 293 (the6maccas@bigpond.com)

ALTERATIONS, DRESSMAKING & REPAIRS

Call Kerry Mb: 0407 814 114 for all sewing needs.

ALTITUDE PHYSIO & MASSAGE

Frueauf Village (below Milch Café) Grnd Floor, Rm 2, 4 Schuss St. Falls Creek. Ph: 03 5758 3766. Em: fallscreek@ altitudephysiotherapy.com.au. Wb: www.altitude.physio

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.

CAKE MAKING & DECORATING

Elene Wood at www.studioecakes.com.au in Tawonga – for all occasions. Mb: 0409 673 192 or Em: hello@studioecakes.com.au

CAR DETAILING

Give Steve a call in Tawonga South. Ph: 0423 499 086

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. www.celebrant-ne-vic.com.au

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

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.

HAIRDRESSER

Natalie Raymond, Birds Nest Salon, 26 Hollonds Street, Mount Beauty. Open Six days a week and evenings by appointment. Ph: 03 5754 1177.

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.

SAFETY SCAFFOLD

Mount Beauty and Falls Creek area. Ph: 0418 578 500.

SECURE STORAGE

From 2m x 2m through to 3m x 7m. Ph: 0418 578 500.

SPORTS MASSAGE

Book On-Line: impactmassage.com.au

STORAGE

Caravans, Vehicles, Pallets, Large Lock-Up Units. Ph: 0428 361 497. www.alpinewarehousing.com

“You’ve only got one head – put a lid on it!”

U3A Tutor Excellence Award

InSeptember Nola Skey was awarded the 2022 Tutor Excellence Award by the State U3A body called Network Victoria. She was one of eight that received the award. The local U3A – Alpine U3A submitted her nomination.

Alpine U3A officially presented Nola with her certificate at last Friday's Coffee Morning/Guest Speaker event.

Her Citation read:

Nola has been awarded this Tutor Excellence Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Alpine U3A activities as a tutor for four different exercise classes each week for the past 12 years. Her two Stretch, a Pilates and a Gym class, based on attendance, are the most popular activities conducted by Alpine U3A. Her classes are fun.

Nola adapts her classes to cater for the differing fitness levels and abilities by working at an easy pace on the floor, using chairs and getting members to assist other class members as required.

Her concern for class members’ health and fitness did not stop because of COVID restrictions where she adapted to ZOOM video conferencing technology by providing classes in members own homes.

She has also been a valuable committee member organising interesting and informative guest speakers for our monthly coffee morning meetings for six years.

Nola is a fitness enthusiast and an inspiring role model for all older people, both female and male.

For anyone interested in learning more about Alpine U3A, please visit the website: www.alpineu3a.org.au, or contact the Secretary at: secretary@u3a.org.au. •

Mount Beauty & District Community Band

After a year of uncertainty, the Mount Beauty and District Community Band is looking forward to providing an evening of classical music at the Mount Beauty Community Centre on Saturday 19th November.

It’s been a difficult couple of years for the band with performance restrictions and absences, but under the steady guidance of Musical Director, Glenn Ramage, new and familiar pieces have been rehearsed and fine-tuned to showcase the musical talents of all band members, and in particular, four impressive soloists.

The Ovens Valley will be well represented by talented musicians, Jason and Rachel Campbell, who will feature on their respective instruments, the tuba and clarinet They will also conduct a segment each in the program. Also, from over the hill, Robyn Wood will amaze with her speed and skill on the xylophone. The fourth soloist, accomplished flautist Steve Scott, will play a popular classical flute piece and will also take a turn with the baton.

The concert promises to deliver an enjoyable musical evening in Mount Beauty!

When: Saturday 19th November Time: 8pm Where: Mount Beauty Community Centre Entry: Donation to a local charity. •

As well as still having to put up with some COVID Restrictions, this community, both Falls Creek and the Upper Kiewa Valley have been severely impacted by the land slip on the Bogong High Plains Road at Bogong Village and consequential road closure. It is hoped that the road should be clear by the Christmas holiday break.

This paper and the Falls Creek website will bring you up-to-date news as soon as we get it. Below is a list of planned activities and events and their potential future dates.

NOV 11-13 AASHA Conference, Falls Creek. Moved to May 5th – 7th 2023

NOV 11 Remembrance Day, at the Cenotaph, Mount Beauty.

NOV 18-20 Ignition MTB Festival, Falls Creek Moved to 24 – 26th Feb, 2023

NOV 26-28 Alpine Challenge, Falls Creek & the Bogong High Plains Moved to 22 - 23rd April 2023

DEC 3 Mount Beauty Community Market, 9am –1pm Hydro Park beside West Peak Hotel. Bookings to: www.mtbeauty.com/mountbeauty-market.

DEC 16 Mount Beauty Community Twilight Market, 4pm – 8pm. Hydro Park beside West Peak Hotel. Bookings to: www.mtbeauty.com/ mount-beauty-market.

JAN 14-15 Victorian XC MTB Series, Falls Creek

JAN 27-28 Alpine Classic Cycling Event, Bright

JAN 28 Mile High Dragon Boats, Falls Creek

For further details on coming events, got to: https:// www.fallscreek.com.au/whats-on/events-activitiessummer/

Local Birdlife

Several years of good rains has boosted bird numbers in the valley and a few warm days have sent a signal about a new season and time for nesting. A new species of Thornbill, the Striated, has made an appearance and as temperatures rise we'll see the return of the Yellow-faced Honeyeater. People are seeing Wonga Pigeons in yards and Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos along the West Kiewa. Large water bird numbers - Herons, Cormorants and Egrets - remain low as is the case in the whole Murray basin. For more information, join Birds of NE Victoria on Facebook.

The photos we have featured on the cover of this week’s paper were taken along the West Kiewa river on the Pebble Beach walk.

Thanks to Ern Reeders for these fabulous shots of our local birdlife. Ern provided the photos in late August, this year. •

Nola Skey proudly displaying her well-deserved U3A Tutor Excellence Award. Pic – Courtesy Alpine U3A

Nonagenarian, Barb Allen, percussionist extraordinaire. Pic – Angela Toniolo