THE Mount Beauty and District Community Bank has pledged $10,000 each year for the next two years to assist the Mount Beauty CFA Youth Crew with training course expenses and travel costs during their two-year commitment.

Youth Crew members from Corryong, Tallangatta, and Mount Beauty gathered at the Mount Beauty CFA last week, where they were joined by representatives of the bank board and staff.

When making the announcement of ongoing funding, bank director and company secretary Dorothy Morrison stressed the importance of this youth program and said the funding grant is made to ensure the important initiative continues into the future.

Students from years 10 and 11 are eligible to be selected as CFA Youth Crew members after going through an interview process.

Attendee Annika Keeble said: “It makes me feel good to think we are helping save and protect our community and surrounds”.

Annika is also a volunteer at the Mount Beauty CFA and attends training there on Monday evenings.

Zoe Gray observed: “It’s a great opportunity for everyone to learn what CFA is about and how it operates, it can lead to becoming a permanent volunteer”.

Evelyn Niedzwiedski noted her family commitment with the comment: “Both my parents and older brother are volunteers of CFA, so I was inspired to join the Youth Crew".

"Next year in year 11, I will be old enough to volunteer at the Mount Beauty CFA like the rest of my family.”

Youth Crew coordinator Brad Redmond confirmed the benefits of the combined program with the comment: "It’s great for students to mix with other schools in the North East area".

"The interaction is valuable and very important,“ he said.

The CFA Youth Crew is another very worthwhile project supported by the Mount Beauty and District Bank.

THE Mount Beauty Men’s Shed took their annual four-wheel drive trip to Blair’s Hut in the West Kiewa Valley on Thursday May 9th.

Shed member Paul L’Huillier said: "The journey was thrilling, with 21 adventurous participants and seven vehicles".

"The West Kiewa logging Track was in excellent condition, and several river crossings added to the excitement.

"Highlights included a delightful morning tea at the Diamantina Stockyards and a scrumptious barbecue lunch beside the West Kiewa River.“

NEXT week is volunteer's week and Alpine FM will be hosting a morning tea during the Brunch program on Wednesday morning to thank all the volunteer presenters at the station.

Special guest and regular on the Brunch program will be Dr Helen Haines, Federal MP for Indi.