This Week in Falls Creek & Mount Beauty - 6 November 2020
The Mountain Bike Trails at Falls Creek are ready, willing and waiting for your talented enjoyment. Be there! Pic Matt Rousu
Some examples of the beauty around us captured by local photographer Phil Rumpff. Left: Tiger Orchid (Diuris sulphurea). Center: Waxlip Orchid (Glosodia major). Right: Purple Beard Orchid (Calochilus robertsonii). Orchid images courtesy of Phil Rumpff. Refer article Page Three.
numbers of personnel respect the scale re-occurred. now Vets and Middle maintained by supported spectator show dramatically. remains a very gratitude and in express ‘diggers.’ opportunities together with day that gratefulness expected location, 2017. 5:15am Park.
SNOW AUSTRALIA MEDAL
For Steve Lee
Triple Olympian and FIS World Cup winner Steve Lee spearheads the latest group of snowsports legends announced recently as recipients of the Snow Australia Medal.
In addition to Lee - the second of only three Australian skiers ever to claim victory on the Alpine World Cup circuit - the nine-strong list features members of the Australian teams who participated in the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Winter Games, including Cross-country skiers Christopher Allen, David Hislop and Chris Heberle, and Alpine skiers Alistair Guss, Marilla Guss, Ondine McGlashan, Richard Biggins and Peter Forras.
The Australian Alpine team of the ‘80s has been described as one of strongest in the history of Australian skiing. Led by Steve Lee, who was also able to claim over 20 top-15 finishes in Downhill, Super-G and Combined in addition to his historical 1985 Super-G victory, the rest of the team performed with remarkable consistency on the World Cup circuit, with regular
A TIME TO REMEMBER
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
Anzac Day Services are as follows. The Early Morning Service will take place
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
appearances in the top 30. Among them was Richie Biggins, a product of the prolific Mt Hotham Snowsports School.
In September the entire snow community was shocked when Steve Lee suffered a debilitating stroke while at home in Falls Creek. Lee was eventually hospitalised in a rehabilitation facility in Wangaratta, paralysed on his left side. The champion’s friends led an effort to rally support behind him and his family by donating funds to cover his ongoing treatment and long-term support and assistance.
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.
Richie Biggins, 80’s team member remembers “Having Steve around has been such a good thing for me because he’s always known how to handle me and how to help
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. •
At the base
me. That was always something interesting about Steve. I was the best man at his wedding; he was the best man at mine. Our relationship has blossomed so much over the years. It just carried on into a fantastic relationship with all our teammates and it’s really, really special,” said Richie.
Steve Lee has always been a courageous athlete and a charismatic man, as Richie described through a story dating back to their racing days – a story that has multiple Olympic and World Champion Alberto Tomba of Italy as the main protagonist.
“Alberto was one of the junior guys I started competing with on one of my first trips to Italy,” Richie said. “I remember watching him ski and you could immediately tell that the kid was going to be something special.”
“So one day Steve tells me that he had an eventful day training on the glacier. He tells me that Tomba had watched him and a few other athletes come down the slope. Steve had made this 360° spin jump on downhill skis and Tomba thought that was one of the
OPEN FOR DINE-IN GROUPS FROM THURSDAY TO SUNDAY
Six Days a week – Closed Mondays Book five days in advance and let Roi plan a menu for you! Ph: 03 5754 4495 to Book A CHANGING RANGE OF TAKE-AWAY PASTAS
Including Gluten Free options
Available Thursday to Saturday!
Phone orders from 5pm Pick up between 6 & 7pm
be Flight L Richard Cornell ALTC Bandiana..
Diggers marching down Hollonds Street last year, led by Jim Crebbin on his WW1 Motor bike. Pic - Ken Bell.
Steven in action! Pic – Chris Hocking.
best things he’d ever seen, so he had asked Steve – “Can you teach me how to do it?” He was on his Super-G skis because that’s what they were training for. Steve of course said – “Sure mate, not a problem!”
“It turns out aerials were clearly not in Tomba’s repertoire. He tried to imitate Steve, but he actually hurt himself when he fell, as he couldn’t land his 360. The Italian coach was pretty upset with Steve - what was he doing trying to teach their best junior athlete how to jump?!
“But Tomba had looked at Steve and loved what Steve represented. A true person who loves skiing.”
Steve Lee will require significant financial support to cover long lasting medical expenses and Snow Australia is calling on the community to keep helping. Tax deductible donations can be made through the online portal set up via the Australian Sports Foundation, at https://asf.org.au/ communities/snow-australia/steve-leefightback/. We all send Steve and his family our very best wishes as he faces a lengthy and challenging recovery process.
To follow his medical updates, a Facebook page Steve Lee Support Tribe has been set up by his family #steveleefightback • Article from Snow Australia
Something to Appreciate
In a year of troubled times for the world there have been some uplifting features of living in this beautiful part of NorthEast Victoria. One of those has been the opportunity to spend time appreciating an outstanding wildflower season so close to home. Particularly popular with many locals are the myriad of native orchid species found in our local bush.
In winter when we would normally thinking about snow-sports or of escaping to warmer climes there was an abundance
ORCHID SEASON IN THE VALLEY
of different Greenhood species to be seen and if we were lucky - the tiny Helmet Orchids.
With the early arrival of spring came the yellow and brown of the early flowering Diuris species - the Donkey Orchid. Close behind were the Caladenia species. The Spider Orchids and the different shades of Pink Finger or Lady Finger varieties. The purple of the Waxlip Orchid now classified as a Caladenia rounded out the colour palate. Also appearing around the end of September were Dainty Bird Orchids and small patches the Purple Beard Orchids. By mid October many of the early varieties had been pollinated and gone to seed and the later flowering species took prominence. The Tiger Orchid, another Diuris, taller with more yellow and less brown appeared to replace the declining Donkey Orchids. For a short time Leek Orchids bloomed among the native grasses and later the green Onion Orchids accompanied the purple Sun Orchids in select locations.
Now as Melbourne Cup day has come and gone our wildflower season is winding down but there is still plenty to see as spring arrives at higher altitudes towards Falls Creek.
Thursday
Brunch,
and Cocktails! As trade allows, we will expand our dinner hours. To order or book Phone: 03 5758 3407
Keep a lookout over the next couple of months for the tall and spectacular pink and blotchy Hyacinth Orchids along the Survey Track and (Falls Creek road later in December) and Potato Orchids or Cinnamon Bells flowering between now and January. Also emerging from now on at higher altitudes is the Common Bird Orchid.
While not as big on native Orchids, the wildflower season on the Bogong High Plains is a summer stunner so don't forget to check it out. Enjoy all our tracks, trails and bush.
Please remember that all wildflowers are protected species and picking them is prohibited. • All Pics Courtesy Phil Rumpffwww.facebook.com/Phil Rumpff Photography
Blotched Hyacinth Orchid. Pic – Phil Rumpff.
MOUNTAIN BIKING AT FALLS CREEK
It's all Go!
The Falls Creek Mountain Bike Park has opened early this year! Traditionally, it would have opened in late November with ‘Ignition’ the signature mountain bike festival that marks the beginning of the riding season.
However, with the disappointment of having to cancel this event, the trail crew have worked overtime to prepare the trails early. This was also aided by an unusually low snow season, which meant they could start clearing the fallen trees and debris sooner due to early snow melt.
All mountain bike trails are now open and ready to be enjoyed. In fact, quite a few Mount Beauty locals were up enjoying them over the weekend.
Blue Dirt Mountain Bike shuttles and resort-based bike hire will open on the 20th November. In the meantime, riders will need to bring their own bike. When shuttles begin on the 20th, they will do so adhering to COVIDSafe restrictions, therefore booking will be essential. Head to www.bluedirt.com.au to book your shuttle in advance.
The park itself is 40km of world class
Got a p robl em with p ests ?
Andrew Poulton
gravity trails, designed and built by World Trail. It is a showcase of gravity and flow in beautiful alpine terrain.
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
The trails have been built with the rider in mind. Accessible to the newest of bikers and enticing to the most experienced, all trails start and finish in the resort. Easy cruiser, fun flowing descent or all-mountain bash, we've got it and it's all at the doorstep of a ride-in, ride-out village. It is truly a mountain for all ages and abilities!
Falls Creek Resort Management, Marketing and Communications Manager, Sarah Watt, also encourages riders to try all Falls Creek has to offer.
“As well as hitting our world class trails, riders can visit Rocky Valley Lake to take in the view of Australia’s highest body of water and enjoy activities such as fishing, swimming or kayaking. Go on a hike (or
ride) to one of the beautiful alpine huts, enjoy a sunset picnic on Mt. McKay or just spend some time wandering our arts and culture trail.”
“Falls Creek has plenty of great accommodation options and if you appreciate local food and drink, there are a choice of delicious cafes, restaurants and bars open to appease your appetite after a big day of activities” Sarah added.
Regional Victorians and border residents can now visit and Falls Creek looks forward to welcoming back Melbournians later in November and interstate guests when the time is right.
If you have any further queries, please call 03 5758 1200 or email fcrm@fallscreek. com.au.
Falls Creek Visitor Information Centre is now open Seven Days a Week 9am to 5pm weekdays and 10am to 3pm weekends. •
WORKING TOGETHER
To Deal with Disasters
The Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre is offering anyone in the Kiewa Valley developing a fire plan the opportunity to bring their important documents and photos to be scanned onto a USB.
This offers comes after noticing that many Kiewa Valley residents experienced high levels of stress last summer when it looked like we were in danger of the fire coming over the hills from Bright.
A large number took heed of the evacuation orders and left for safer places such as Wodonga and Albury. Others stayed behind to defend their properties, and yet still others stayed and were confused about what to do.
Luckily, we escaped the fires.
However, a lot was learned from the experience. During a community feedback session held in late January at the Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre, many people admitted they didn’t have a fire plan, thought they would be looked after if they went to the Sports Stadium, wanted to know what provisions would be made for pets, and so on.
Many were unhappy with the answers. Research into natural disasters has found that communities with a strong sense of community and who are prepared for potential disasters have a much better and quicker recovery. Further, people who understand how disasters are managed by government and aid agencies, and also have a clear idea and agreed family understanding of how they will cope with disaster, experience far lower levels of anxiety.
Last summer’s bushfire experience has led
The Centre has set up a committee –called the Keep Calm Committee (KCC) – which has two goals: 1. work with key stakeholders in the Kiewa Valley such as CFA, Alpine Shire, Victoria Police, Alpine Health, the Medical Centre, etc. to create a community-led community fire ready plan; and, 2. encourage every householder to develop their individual fire ready plans.
The Community fire ready plan will outline the broad issues and advice related to how the community as a whole deal with fire: such as what emergency services can and can’t do; clear explanations of what community safer places of last resort will and not provide; the importance of selfreliance; and, reporting whether you have left the area and your contact details.
(It may surprise many to learn that if you go to the Mount Beauty sports stadium the emergency services will not guarantee food, water, power, blankets, medical and other support services, pet facilities, and so on).
The household fire ready plans focus on two
leave and what to take.
The Kiewa Valley CFA stations (Dederang, Mount Beauty/Tawonga South and Tawonga) have excellent fire plan instructions with a particular emphasis on environmental issues. Red Cross has an excellent fire plan preparation guide that focuses more on personal issues.
Copies of both will be made available through various town outlets and letter box drops.
The Neighbourhood Centre will also work with community groups – such as sports clubs, U3A, Lions, Rotary, etc. – to look at how we can support each other by helping to clear a neighbour’s garden, taking their waste to the tip if they haven’t got a trailer, and forming telephone trees to make sure everyone is OK.
The Centre will also present a series of community events over the next few months including talks, webinars, and activities that will help you prepare for fire. These will be announced soon. •
Pic – Ken Bell
Park is now Open!
FALL LINES
LOCAL TALENT
Remembrance Day 2020
Members of the Mount Beauty RSL sub-branch will lay a wreath at the Cenotaph at 11am on Remembrance Day – but will not hold a formal service.
Residents and Community Groups are invited to place a wreath or floral tribute at the Cenotaph after 11am with due consideration of the current COVID-19 restrictions. •
Defibrillators
Great Success
LFALL LINES
Hard Waste Collection
Flearn how to use one!
ocal 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.
As part of our service to the community, this paper is now publishing a list of where Defibrillators are located in this community. As well as knowing where they are, it is probably fair to say that we should all know how to use them – because when the time comes – sitting there trying to read the directions is a waste of precious seconds. The location of the Defibrillators is printed on page Six of this Edition.
MR: Is this your first overseas race?
The following is a list of hints to help with locations and how to use one.
• Restart A Heart – Online Covid Version Links And Hints
Ben: Yep, first overseas race, first EWS (Enduro World Series), so it’s going to be pretty exciting.
alls Creek Resort Management will be collecting hard waste on Wednesday 26th April - the day after ANZAC Day. Please see our Hard Waste Collection guidelines on the website, or if you require any additional information, please contact the FCRM Office on 03 5758 1200. • Summer Debrief
MR: Is it excitement or are you nervous?
• Know where your local AED’s are and
It has been a record year for visitation this summer and Resort Management would like to get your feedback on events, visitor demographic, mountain biking and general observations.
Ben: I’m probably a bit more nervous than excited. Excited to race overseas, but nervous because it’s such a big event.
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.
MR: How did you get into riding?
Ben: Pretty much because of my Dad,
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.
• When needed, call 000 and locate your nearest AED.
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?
• Watch The Video @ https://www. ambulance.vic.gov.au/community/ education/restart-a-heart/
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).
• If you have CPR training, register at GoodSam: https://www.ambulance.vic. gov.au/goodsam/
• If you have any questions ask someone in the community, your local Paramedic or Ambulance Community Officer. •
MR: How did you end up travelling and racing alongside Chris Panozzo (2 time Elite Gravity Enduro Australian champion)?
A Life to Remember
IT'S SPRING
Time to get into the garden
➤ New healthy seedlings in stock!
of the races
MR: What more EWS juggle
➤ Plus a full range of gardening accessories! ➤ Sun hats, Summer Crocs, Scooters, fishing licences and bait! ➤ Pet Food also in stock!
Gift Vouchers Available
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
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
Beauty Hardware & Drapery Store
Ben: I’m and in to finish as much probably my first such a
MR: Have studies on how you like professional Ben: I about it. biker would do have come out
MR: Do a career
Ben: Yeah,
If you have any specific agenda items, please email http://joprothero@fallscreek.com.au. We look forward to seeing you all there. • for to saving To Village will 10am 3rd, Companies Bedding and and Suppliers, suppliers Prepare Visit details
Something of an institution since 1982, the Trade Fair @ Falls Creek is an opportunity
2017 LOCAL PASS
ADVERTISING RATES:
DISPLAY: •
Affordable skiing in your own backyard!
DISTRIBUTION: • All accommodation houses, restaurants, businesses, club lodges & apartments in Falls Creek, Bogong Village, Mount Beauty, Tawonga South, Tawonga & Dederang, plus the RMB’s between Dederang & Tawonga & selected venues in Bright & Myrtleford.
ONLINE: • Available in PDF form at: www.fallscreek.com.au/whatson/ WEBSITE: • www.thisweekinfallscreek.com.au
CLASSIFIEDS:
DEADLINE:
Take advantage of the value packed* Local Pass - exclusively offered to local residents.
$250
Friday 2.00pm prior to publication date CONTRACT:
ENQUIRIES
WHERE WHEN HOW WHO WHAT Tawonga
Angela Stratton & Anoop Pem.
Steve Killalea from Milestone Chemicals - just one of the many Falls Creek. Pic - Elle Shaw.
COVID-19 pandemic
Ben McIlroy - Matt Rousu.
OUR COMMUNITY
Cleaning Tips
Brought to you by Lee and Caroline at Gather & Harvest in Hollonds Street
Spring Clean - 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
FOR SALE
White metal bunk with inner spring mattresses - double lower, single upper, ladder at foot end. In very good condition - photos available. $100. Ph: 0477 443 964
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.
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.
ALTERATIONS, DRESSMAKING & REPAIRS
Call Kerry Mb: 0407 814 114 for all sewing needs.
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: studioecakestawonga@bigpond.com
CARPENTRY & BUILDING SERVICES
Oztek Property Maintenance. Let us look after your home. We do bathrooms, decks pergolas and all handyman needs. Call Dave Mb: 0466 990 862.
Altitde Electrical – no job too big or too small. Domestic, Commercial & Industrial. Ben Svarc Mb: 0419 801 109.
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
• 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.
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.
TRADING POST CLASSIFIEDS
MISSING BOOK
A copy of Dr Ruth Lawrence’s Thesis titled ‘The Interaction between the Environment, Land Use and Hydrology of the Bogong High Plains between 1850 and 1985’ was left for this community in the care of Mr Bill Sutton. Bill was happy to lend the book and until now it was always returned – until this last 18 months. This is a valuable piece of the area’s history and we hope this notice may prompt someone’s memory. Please contact your Ed on 0400 350 488.
COVID-19
TIMES
1. The dumbest thing I ever purchased was a 2020 year planner!
2. The good thing about having a social life like mine is that you don’t even notice you’re in quarantine!
3. Home schooling is going great. Two students suspended for fighting and one teacher sacked for drinking on the job!
4. Do you realise that in 20 years, the country will be run by a bunch of kids who were home-schooled by alcoholics!
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
FREIGHT – ALB – MTB – FALLS CREEK
Remo’s Transport fromAlbury/Wodonga to Mount Beauty and Falls Creek Tue 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.
Mount Beauty and Falls Creek area. Ph: 0418 578 500.
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Kiewa Valley Sports & Spinal Therapy, 5A Hollonds Street, Mount Beauty. Out of Hours & Home visits available. HiCaps. Ph: 03 5754 1270.
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! •
FOUND
Wedding ring in the vicinity of Tawonga South Newsagent and Post Office. If someone has lost a ring give me a call on 0400 350 488 and provide a description of the ring.
TRADING POST CLASSIFIEDS
Email your adverts to us and you don’t pay until you sell the goods – or until your Advert achieves the desired results. Em: kencbell@bigpond.net.au
FOR SALE
1997 Toyota Land/Cruiser LX (Troupe carrier). Reconditioned Turbo Diesel engine in 2018 – has done approx. 10,000k on this new engine. Paperwork for work done available. $25,000. Ph: 0408 466 790
POSITION VACANT
Cleaner required for well-established family holiday rental. Possibility to combine with caretaker tasks for overall more financially rewarding role if desired. Enquiries: David Walsh Ph: 03 9337 7700.
SECURE STORAGE
From 2m x 2m through to 3m x 7m. Ph: 0418 578 500.
SOLAR POWERED SKY-LIGHTS
A unique and locally developed product supplied and installed by a fully-qualified electrician. Also available for all other electrical work. Reg No: 20917. Ph: Mal 0419 884 668.
Covers Falls Creek & Albury. The On-Demand Taxi Hours are now 8am – 9pm Mon – Thurs; 8am - 1pm Fri & Sat. No Taxi Service Sunday. Special Bookings outside these hours may be made by prior arrangement. Ph: 0409 573 909 or 131 008.
MOUNT BEAUTY & DISTRICT CHAMBER
Community News
With one of the most challenging years for small businesses in the Kiewa Valley yet, the new Mount Beauty & District Chamber of Commerce committee has been working hard behind the scenes to try and make a difference since its Annual General Meeting in July.
In September, the committee put together an urgent survey at the request of the Alpine Shire Council to gauge the impact the border closure was having on local businesses.
Within less than a day, they received over 50 responses which enabled them to prepare and submit a Border Bubble Exclusion Impact Report to the border closure committee the following morning.
Feedback we received from Alpine Shire Council CEO, Charlie Bird, was that the report clearly demonstrated the urgent need for the Upper Kiewa Valley to be included in the revised border zone, and was part of the deciding factor to have Mount Beauty and Tawonga included the following week, and
LOCAL JP’s
Rob Spargo Mb: 0419 544 615
These folk serve the needs of the community as Justices of the Peace.
They can be contacted on their mobiles normal business and family hours.
Tawonga South in the weeks following. The committee has also recently adopted a new logo design for the Chamber to help give a fresh and modern feel when marketing the region to tourists and people considering moving to the area.
Current projects include revamping the business directory noticeboard located on the Kiewa Valley Highway in Tawonga South, with a working bee being held this weekend to remove outdated signs, and give it a fresh coat of paint, with new signs and map to follow. The committee is also working on an all-inclusive business directory that will be available to download
L O CA L RAD I O
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
Emergency Services Broadcaster Mount Beauty Community Radio for good music, local news, snow reports and developing programs. Ph: 5754 4554
Kiewa Valley House Op Shop opened in May 2014. Since then we have raised $240,694.77. During October 2020 we have raised $6,897.45. Kiewa Valley Op Shop supports our local health campus, the hospital and Kiewa Valley House.
We are a ‘larger item’ Op Shop – chairs, tables, armchairs, coffee tables, dressers, wardrobes and much more. Our friends at the Uniting Church Op Shop do all of the smaller items – clothing, shoes, linen, crockery, cutlery etc. Our Op Shop is very well supported by locals and visitors and we appreciate the donations that are made. Many of our volunteers are retired nurses – meaning their participation is simply a continuation of care!
➤ We Do Not Take Any Electrical Goods
Mount Beauty Hospital/ Kiewa Valley House Nursing Home OP SHOP! 1A Tawonga Crescent, Mount Beauty (next to car wash)
Further details: Contact Barb on 0419 615 732 We are open Seven Days a Week ~ 10am to 2pm
WHO Doctors: Mark Zagorski, Jeff Robinson, Libby Garoni, Skye Delaney, Laura Zagorski, Angela Stratton, Lauren Cussen, Matthew McAlpine, Brett Goodsall & Damian Heman
WHAT Fully accredited General Practice with 41 years of service to the Upper Kiewa Valley.
CONTACT Ph: 03 5754 3400
Em: enquiries@mbmc.com.au
Wb: https://www.mbmc.com.au/ Falls Creek Medical Centre is currently closed! To make an appointment, please phone 03 5754 3400. You will 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!
from their new website once launched later this year.
Their first social and networking event for the year will be a Christmas Party held on Thursday, 26th November at the Mount Beauty Pondage Playground and BBQs from 6pm until 8pm, with all local business owners invited to come down with their families for a drink and BBQ, and celebrate the tough year that 2020 has been finally coming to an end.
The committee would like to thank everyone who has provided them with encouraging feedback so far, and is excited to keep delivering more positive and proactive projects for the valley in 2021.
If you’d like any more info on any of the Chamber’s projects, or are interested in becoming a member, please email Simone at secretary@mtbeauty.com. •
WHAT'S ON
FUTURE EVENTS 2020-2021
Some things to look forward to!
NOV 20 All being well, Blue Dirt will be starting to run their fabulous Shuttle Service for keen mountain bikers this weekend. There will be some COVID-19 restrictions and bookings are definitely required. Go to: https://bluedirt.com.au/ or phone 03 5758 1200
DEC 12 If all goes well this should be Carols by Candlelight on the Les Peart Oval. Further details as the time approaches. DEC 18 Start Victorian School Holidays.
MAR 7 Peaks Challenge Falls Creek. Around 1500 cyclists will visit for Falls Creek for one of the greatest and challenging rides in the Southern Hemisphere. https://www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/ APR 2-5 Easter Celebrations at Falls Creek Ph: 03 5758 1200
APR 17-18 Alpine Challenge has been postponed to this weekend in April 2021. Refer: https://www.runningwild.net.au/
Visitor Information Centre - OPEN FOR BUSINESS -
From the Saturday of Melbourne Cup Weekend, Saturday 31st October, the Falls Creek Information Centre will be open for business seven days a week.
Sat, Sun & Public Hols: 10am -3pm Weekdays: 9am – 5pm
Located upstairs in the Resort Management building, cnr Slalom Street & Bogong High Plains Road.
