What a momentous occasion we shared last Friday at the grand reopening of the Myrtleford Memorial Hall!

It was a day filled with pride, joy, and a real sense of community spirit as we celebrated not just the restoration of a beloved building, but its incredible 100-year legacy.

Originally opened in October 1925 as a tribute to those who served in World War I, the Hall has been a cornerstone of Myrtleford life for generations. From its days as a local cinema to hosting countless community events, it holds a special place in our hearts.

After sitting quiet for over a decade, the Hall has now been beautifully renewed thanks to the vision, feedback, and passion of our community. The journey began back in 2015, when Council asked locals to help shape the Hall’s future. That input led to a thoughtful redesign, including the exciting decision to bring the Myrtleford Visitor Information Centre into the Hall. This means more access for everyone, and a chance to celebrate the amazing volunteers who make the VIC such a welcoming place.

The upgrades are impressive - accessible amenities, improved stage access, a new automated entrance, a gently sloping ramp, and a lovely paved courtyard. It’s now a space that’s inclusive, functional, and ready to serve for the next 100 years.

I want to give a heartfelt thank you to the many groups who helped bring this project to life: Myrtleford VIC volunteers, the Chamber of Commerce, Myrtleford Festival, Film Society, Historical Society, Neighbourhood Centre, Theatre Group, and the La Fiera Committee. Your support has been invaluable.

A big thank you also to Joss Facility Management and all the local and regional businesses who contributed their skills and care to the construction and landscaping.

And of course, we’re deeply grateful to our funding partners: Regional Development Victoria, Emergency Recovery Victoria, Universal Design Victoria, Creative Victoria, and the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

I'd also like to make a special mention to John Taylor OAM for generously sharing the rich history of the Hall with us all (around 100 of us!) at the opening last week.

The Myrtleford Memorial Hall is more than bricks and mortar - it’s a place where memories are made, stories are shared, and community thrives. Thank you to everyone who joined us last Friday, and to all who played a part in this incredible journey.

Warm regards,

Cr Sarah Nicholas
Alpine Shire Mayor

Alpine Shire is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of tracks and trails that cater to walkers, hikers, trail runners, cyclists, mountain bike riders, and more.

Our Tracks and Trails Master Plan 2025 builds on our Tracks and Trails Gap Analysis to develop a strategic framework for the sustainable planning, development, and maintenance of specific and shared-used trails across the region.

Our Tracks and Trails Gap Analysis was an assessment of our existing tracks and trails that will help to address the gaps, identify opportunities for improvement, and help us safeguard the environment so that all users can continue to enjoy our region now and into the future.

Submissions will close at 11.59pm on Sunday, 4 January 2026.

Have your say by visiting: Tracks and Trails Master Plan 2025

The countdown is on - our outdoor swimming pools are opening on Saturday, 8 November!

Mount Beauty is looking fresh with a brand new coat of paint, and Myrtleford is sporting new lane ropes and paint lines ready for all of our keen lap swimmers.

• Season passes are now available at Early Bird prices via ActiveWorld – sign up online or at the pool during opening hours.
• Early bird pricing ends two weeks into the season, so don’t miss out!
• Opening hours for both pools will be announced soon.

If you have any questions about memberships, the app, or anything pool-related, please email the pools directly.

For memberships and more information, visit the links below:

• Mount Beauty Swimming Pool - www.mountbeautypool.com.au
• Myrtleford Swimming Pool - www.myrtlefordpool.com.au

The Bright and Porepunkah River Pools will open in December - stay tuned for more information closer to the date.

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we remember the Australian soldiers and veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their communities and their country.

Join us in commemoration at public ceremonies held in Bright, Mount Beauty, and Myrtleford on Remembrance Day, on Tuesday, 11 November 2025.

Bright

• Time: 10.45am
• Location: Mafeking Square, Ireland Street
• Hosted by: Bright RSL sub-branch

Mount Beauty

• Time: 10.45am
• Location: Memorial Park, Lakeside Avenue
• Hosted by: Mount Beauty RSL sub-branch

Myrtleford

• Time: 10.45am
• Location: AD Lowerson VC Memorial Square, Clyde Street
• Hosted by: Myrtleford RSL sub-branch

Bright will experience road closures to ensure the safe staging of the event.

The following road closures will be in place to allow for the safe staging of the ceremony in Bright:

• Anderson Street closed at Wood Street
• Burke Street closed at the Mafeking Square roundabout
• Ireland Street closed between Mafeking Square roundabout and Cobden Street/Railway Avenue roundabout (both directions)
• No access to Mafeking Square roundabout from Barnard Street

The V/Line bus stop in Anderson Street will be located on Gavan Street opposite Woolworths for the duration of the event.

Grab your wheels and get ready to roll – the North East Skate Park Series is coming back to Myrtleford next Saturday, 15 November!

Details:

• Warmups starting from 9.30am
• Myrtleford Skate Park
• Free event
• Skate, scoot, BMX, or roller skate – all abilities welcome.

All events in the North East Skate Park Series are free to attend, with registration taking place on the day.

For more information and to keep up to date with all rounds, head to: North East Skate Park Series

The North East Skate Park Series is made possible with funding from the Victorian Government through the Amplify program, previously known as FReeZA. All events in the North East Skate Park Series are drug, alcohol, smoke, and vape-free.

Road improvement works will take place at various locations in Porepunkah and Bright between now and March 2026.

Works will include:

• Road stabilisation and patching
• Resealing
• Road upgrades
• Asphalting

While weather may affect scheduling, efforts will be made to avoid peak visitor periods such as the Bright Rod Run and the Christmas holidays.

Affected residents, businesses, and accommodation providers will be notified closer to the start of works via letter, social media, and local newspapers.

We appreciate your patience and understanding while we undertake these works.

Thank you, Myrtleford!

What an incredible turnout last Friday - almost 100 of you joined us to celebrate the official reopening of the Myrtleford Memorial Hall!

A heartfelt thank you to John Taylor OAM for sharing the rich history of the hall. How special it was to mark this occasion 100 years to the month since the hall first opened its doors in 1925.

This much-loved and cherished community asset is ready for a new chapter, and we can’t wait to see the community continue to make many more memories here for years to come.

And don’t forget, the brand new Myrtleford VIC is now officially open in its new location at the front of the hall. Pop in and say hello!

Following the completion of annual grading works, the Dargo High Plains Road is now open.

Please drive to conditions and stay alert – safety first for everyone on the road.

For the most accurate updates, check VicTraffic. Some apps may not reflect the latest info.

We had a blast celebrating Children’s Week 2025 across our libraries in October!

From face painting and storytelling to surprise visits from Harry and Pete - the Snow Dragons of Hotham and Falls Creek - there was plenty of fun, laughter, and a few cheeky shenanigans too!

This year’s theme, “Everyone should know about children’s rights”, reminds us that every child deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

A big thank you to everyone who came along and helped make these events so special.

Did you get the opportunity to experience the magic of Ash Dargan?

We don't know about you, but we can still feel the thrum of the didgeridoo beneath our feet, hear the kookaburras laughing overhead, and feel the rush of the wind echo through the Kata Tjuta National Park.

During his time in Alpine Shire, Ash told his stories for:

community members in Myrtleford at a free, public concert at EMPAC,

members of the Myrtleford U3A,

residents of Hawthorn Village in Bright,

students of Mount Beauty Primary School and community members of the Kiewa Valley at a free, public concert at the Mount Beauty Community Centre, and

staff members of Alpine Shire Council.

We feel deeply honoured that we had the opportunity to share in Ash's culture and Country through music and story.

We extend our thanks to Ash and to every person who came along to experience his magic with us.

We acknowledge The Community Recovery Hub and the Victorian and Australian Governments for their role in supporting these events.