Gippsland Times Tuesday 15 November 2022

Pledge to help

AUNION hasvowed to help workers who will lose their jobs over the closure of Saputo’s Maffra factory.

TheUnitedWorkersUnion has spoken after Saputo announced job cuts to factories in Maffra, Leongatha and Mil-Lel, saying it is atragedy for their local communities, and pledged support for the workers affected.

“The dairy industryisthe lifeblood of regional communities. But it is an industry in crisis,” United Workers Union Dairy co-ordinator Neil Smith said.

“Floods and fires caused by climate change and downward pressure from supermarkets has devastated the capacity and motivation for Australian dairy farmers to produce milk. This reduction in milk supply had already negatively affected Maffra,who has beenoperating at only25per centcapacity, and now is sadly closing. Until actionistaken,

shutdownsand further job losses will continue.

“United Workers Unionhas aplan forthe dairy industry. Thousands of workers have endorsed aplan that will make sure the industry has along and sustainable future which provides good, secure jobs for regional workers. We willbeworking with our members at Leongathaand Maffra to makesurethey get the best possible outcome during this difficult time.

“Where possible, we want to make sure those workers who want to be redeployed at another Saputo factory are able to do so, and that there’s afair process when it comes to selecting those who will receive aredundancy.”

As well as permanently closing the Maffrafactory early next year, the company’s bulk powders production section of its factory at Leongatha will be cut back, and acheese-packaging area at Mil-Lel in South Australia closed.

About 75 workers will be affected.

In astatement, Saputo Dairy Australia

said that after “careful consideration of all affectedstakeholders”, the Canadian company was“undertaking further consolidation initiatives intended to enhance its operational efficiency and strengthen its competitiveness”.

“As part of the Optimize and Enhance Operationspillar of Saputo Inc.’s Global StrategicPlan, these initiativesinclude the intentiontopermanently close its Maffra, Victoria, facility,” the statement, released last Wednesday, read.

President and chief operating officer (International andEurope)ofSaputo Inc,Leanne Cutts,saidthe changes wereaimed at improving efficiencyand competitiveness.

“While avery difficultdecision to make, today’s announcement continues our journey towards long-term success for our businessinAustralia by increas ing our efficiency and productivity, and making our businessmore competitive,” Ms Cutts said.

In March, one of two dryersat the Maffraplant closed,causing 18

voluntary redundancies.

“The announcement of the job losses at the Leongatha factory and the closure of Maffra is very disappointing news for our region and our thoughts are with the staff who will lose their jobs,” he said.

“I hope that as many as possible can be redeployed internally and continue to put food on the table for their families. It is never easy to lose jobs in any of our communities, but it’s also truethat there are alot of jobs around at the moment so Iamoptimisticthat anyonemade redundant will find work elsewhere.

“We continue to face an uncertain time in the dairyindustry, and Ihopethat the good recentseasons and better prices will encourage farmers to stick with an industry that is important to our local economy.”

Stefan Bradley

Member for Gippsland South and Nationalsfrontbencher,Danny O’Brien, expressedhis disappointment at the closure.

Photo: Zoe Askew

Big crack down on biker crime

POLICE targeted anumber of OutlawMotorcycle Gang membersand other serious offenders across Wellington and East Gippsland last week as part of aFirearm Prohibition Order (FPO)operation.

Detectives from Wellingtonand East Gippsland investigations and response units, VIPER taskforce, Echo taskforce, and Eastern Region crime squad issued seven new FPOs and conducted 16 compliance checks on those already subject to an FPO.

Among those targeted throughout the operation were local Finks Outlaw Motorcycle Club (OMCG) members, their associates, and other individuals with ahistory of serious violence.

Police arrested 12 people, includingone offender who was charged with trafficking methylamphetamine, and other offenders connected to possession of illicitdrugs, prohibited weapons and stolen

property.

Police also seized:

*About10grams of methylamphetamine, worth about$5000

*Onepound of cannabisworth about $2500, and other illicit substances including Xanax and steroids.

*One stolen motorcycle,

*Prohibited weapons and cash

Among those arrested was a20-year-old male from Bairnsdale. On Wednesday November 9, police executed asearch warrant at his property, where they allegedly uncovered 10 grams of methylamphetamine. He has been charged with trafficking of methylamphetamine. He has been bailed and will appear at Bairnsdale Magistrates Court on February 22, 2023.

FPOs are alegislative provision that give police specific powers to proactively respond to, disrupt and prevent firearm-related crime in Victoria and

keep the community safe.

Once issued, an FPOremains in effectfor 10 years for adults and five years for children between 14 and 17 years of age.

During that time, the individual is prohibited from acquiring, possessing, carrying or using any firearm related item such as ammunition.

The charges relatingtoFPOs includeupto10 years’ imprisonmentfor acquiring, possessing, carrying or using afirearmorfirearm related item.

Since they were introduced in May 2018, Victoria Police has issued more than 1600 FPOs across the state.

ActingInspector Mark Rossiter, Wellington and East Gippsland, investigationand response, taskingand coordination manager, said FPOs serve as apowerful tool to hold certain individuals account able when it comes to the use of illicit firearms.

“The safety of the community is our priority and make no mistake –wewill continue to come down

hard on individuals who illegally access, use and store firearms,” he said.

“Any person subject to aFPO consideringpossessing afirearm is playinga very dangerous game of roulette. Victoria Police is regularly performing compliance checks on these people and if caught, the consequences are severe –upto10years in prison.”

Detective Senior Sergeant LeighHowse from Viper taskforce said: “OMCGs remain anational issue –and this operation sends aclear message to individuals who think they can get away with undertaking illegal activity in regional towns like Bairnsdale.

“Local policeand specialist units will continue to make the lives of anyone seeking to profit from serious criminal activity as difficult as possible.

“VIPER taskforce will continue to show up unannouncedonthesepeople’s doorsteps, pull them over on the roads, and arrive at their clubhouses uninvited.”

Candidates allocated spot in political peckingorder

LOWER House candidates have been finalised for theupcoming state election.

Contestantsfor the seat of Gippsland South gathered in Leongatha on Friday at 1pmtoobserve the ballot draw, with independent candidate Clay Esler placing first.

He was followed by Jay Tiziani-Simpson (Greens), Paul Fulong (Family First), Denise Ryan (Labor), incumbent Danny O’Brien (Nationals) and Helen Jeges (Animal Justice Party), with Angela Newnham (Freedom Party) rounding out the seven places on the ballot.

The draw for Gippsland East simultaneously took placeinBairnsdale, whereNationals candidate and incumbent MP Tim Bull garnered first place on that district’s ballot.

In secondposition was Carl Fechner (Family First), preceded by StephenRichardson (Labor), Ricky Muir (Shooters, Fishers &Farmers), Nissa Ling (Greens), Sally Court (Animal Justice Party) and Ed Barnes (Freedom Party).

The Gippsland Times will be allowing all candidates to have say in our pages before the state election on November 26.

Gippsland South ballot draw

Clay Esler (ind.)

Jay Tiziani-Simpson (Greens)

Paul Fulong (Family First)

Denise Ryan (Labor)

Danny O’Brien (Nationals)

Helen Jeges (Animal Justice Party)

Angela Newnham (Freedom Party)

Gippsland East ballot draw

Tim Bull (Nationals)

Carl Fechner (Family First)

Stephen Richardson (Labor)

Ricky Muir (Shooters, Fishers& Farmers)

Nissa Ling (Greens)

Sally Court (Animal Justice Party)

Ed Barnes (Freedom Party)

StefanBradley

Local candidates Angela Newnham (Freedom Party), Clay Esler (Independent), Danny O’Brien (The Nationals) andDenise Ryan (Labor) at theVEC Ballot Drawfor Gippsland South, held in Leongatha on Friday. Photo: Contributed

Seasprayhistory show

Zoe Askew

SEASPRAY soil is rich in history;originally home to the Gurnai Kurnai people,the small coastal town situated on the sandy shores of 90 Mile Beach was known as the Prospect until 1916 when it acquired the name Seaspray.

From 1886 when the first holiday home wasbuilt by J.W. McLachlan, through to 2016, when the town celebrated its centenary, acolourful history has shapedthe WellingtonShire town,which was recognised on Saturday with the unveiling of Seaspray’s historical signboard-walk.

The Seaspray and surrounding community flocked in droves, congregating on the emeraldgreen grass liningthe edge of Foreshore Rd, to join local historian andauthor Susan Kennedy and Seaspray Ratepayers Association president Kaylene Wheeler for the opening.

Ten historical signboards have been erected alongthe foreshore walkway, stretching from Seaspray Surf LifeSaving Clubtothe caravan park, providing insight into the coastal town’s kaleidoscopic history. The two-year project was co-organised by Mrs Kennedy and Mrs Wheeler andsponsored by Esso.

Children from Seaspray stood patiently still, mostly, as Mrs Wheeler addressedthe crowd of more than 60 people, many accompanied by their canine companions, under the clouded sky in the morning hours.

Among thoseinattendance were Memberfor Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien, Wellington Shire councillorMarcus McKenzie, Seaspray Primary School principal Karen Smyth, Esso representative James Buckingham, and local historianPeter Synan, who spoke briefly on the history of Seaspray.

Mrs Wheeler shared aheartfelt thanks to

Mrs Kennedy, author of ‘On the Prospect: A Comprehensive Historical Timeline of the District Known As Seaspray’, for sharing her expertise in local history and work in designing the signboards, now home to the Seaspray foreshore walkway.

“This was an extraordinary effort on her behalf,” Mrs Wheeler said.

Mrs Kennedy was next to take the stand, sharing asnippet of Seaspray’s town, farms, beach, infrastructure and services’ extensive and fascinating history.

“It is important that those stories of the past are documented and shared before they are lost,” Mrs Kennedy said.

“In2016,the town celebrated its centenary,100 years since the area of where the town is, known originally as Prospect Reserve, was cut up into housingblocks, streets andparks and installation of the town’s newname from Prospect to Seaspray.

“The town’s history didn’t start here however; it started when fishermen and kangaroo hunters would bring theirfamilies downtothe beach, enduring the rigours of the almost impassable sandytrack from Salebackaround the 1850s and 1860s.”

Mrs Kennedy emphasised thatthe 10 signboards do not encompass the entirety of Seaspray’s extensivehistory, but rather are amodicumof the sleepy coastal town’s past, enlightening readers to fundamental parts of the region’s making.

“The topics on the signboards are justasmattering; please don’t expect it to tell the whole history of Seaspray;wecouldn’tpossibly do thaton10 signboards,” she said.

“They mainly concentrateonstories and informa tion about ahandful of topics of early and even more recent life in the town that affected residents and holiday makers.”

The signboards share the history of Seaspray’s early playground, the beginnings of the general store, early streetscapes, the history of Seaspray foreshore, and the beginning of the tennis club and beachwear fashions in the 1920s.

Mrs Kennedy also shared aheartfelt thanks to Mrs Wheeler, claiming Mrs Wheeler could be appropriately labelled “Seaspray’sunofficial Mayor”.

“Sheissofully occupied, both mentallyand physically, with bettering this town through her roles as presidents of Seaspray Ratepayers Association and also as amember of Seaspray Foreshore Reserve committee of management,” Mrs Kennedy said.

“She speaks up for Seasprayoften through correspondence by attending Wellington Shire Council meetings, always on the phone to council members and localMPs pushing for all the causes she wants to see happen in Seaspray.”

At the beginningofthe Seasprayhistorical signboard walk sits arock,installed withaplaque thanking all contributors to the project.

Esso representative JamesBuckingham lifted theblanket covering the plaque, the penultimate step to the historical signboard walk’s official opening.

The children of Seaspray found their designated sign to uncover upon the given signal.

Seven-year-old Ettie and her little brother Ted Curtis, five, ran to their appointed sign, titled Beachwear in the Early Days. Ettie and Ted were allocated this particular sign as their grandmother Ettie Andrew, nay Hickmer, is featured in the far left photo on the signboard, wearing ahat.

Mr O’Brien made thetrip to Seaspray on Saturday morningwith his wife Vicki, and two children, to show support for the Seaspray community and its achievements.

The O’Briens are heavily involved in the Seaspray Surf Live Saving Club.

“It’s an important part of local history, and the Seaspray community always does agreat jobin beautifying the area and supporting things like thesurfclub, the store, the tennis club and the like,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Seasprayhas afascinating history,itholds aspecial place in many Gippslanders hearts as asummer destination, it is great to have these permanent displays to highlight some of that history.”

Seaspray’s young helpers, Ted(5) andEttie Curtis (7), moments beforetheyunveiled oneofthe boards in Seaspray’s new sign-boardwalk.

Wellington Shirecouncillor Marcus McKenzie, Member forGippslandSouth, Danny O’Brien,local historian andauthorPeter Synan, localhistorian, author and co-organiserSue Kennedy,SeasprayRatepayers Association president and co-organiser KayleneWheeler and Essorepresentative James Buckingham at the unveiling.

Photos: Zoe Askew

Tenhistorical signboards have been erected in Seaspray, telling thestoryofthe coastaltown.

Closuresparks Blackwood attack

Philip Hopkins

NATIVE timberharvesting in Victoria has stopped after arulinglastweek in the Supreme Court, prompting asavageaccusationbythe Liberals Gary Blackwood on what he termed the Andrew government’s culpability.

VicForests ordered the stand-down,after Justice Melinda Richards ruledinacase involving Environment East Gippsland that the state-owned enterprise’s pre-harvest surveys were inadequate and it was not doing enough to protect twopossumspecies -greater and yellow-bellied gliders, TimberBiz reported.

VicForestschief executive, MoniqueDawson, said the order was permanent, and it was comprehensive.

“We’ve got some limited operations in some areas where therearen’tany (gliders) so we’ll keep doing what we can do. But certainly, the impact of the order is profound,” she told TimberBiz.

The rulingforces VicForests to resurveyhundreds

of coupes, which it confirmed would take months to complete and would leave harvest and haulage contractors withoutwork and deepen asawlog shortage that has already led to one mill to close.

Justice Richards also ruled that VicForests had failed to meetits obligationstoretainenough vegetation on coupes to protect gliders, under the precautionary principle of the Code of Practice for Timber Production. Her preference was to retain threehectares aroundapossum sighting and retain 60 per cent of the trees in the rest of the coupe.

Mr Blackwood, the retiring Member for Narracan and the Oppositionforestry spokesman, said VicForests had to cease operations pending their appeal against the ruling.

“This is adisgraceful indictment on the Andrews government, who have been lobbied for months to adjust the Code of Forest Practice so that it reflected exactly what has been in place to protect the Greater Glider for many years,” he said.

“VicForests have been working to aprescription that gives greater oversight to Greater Glider habitat for some years. Asimple and transparent

inclusion in the Code of this prescription and reference to the precautionaryprinciple wouldhave closed the loophole that activists use to support third party litigation.”

Mr Blackwood said the state government had had plenty of time to fix this issue and save hundreds of timber workers and their families from massive hardship.

“And now right on Christmas they are faced with the worst situation possible. Icannot think of any government in ourhistorythat has destroyed livelihoods for political expediency as the Andrews government has,” he said.

Ms DawsonsaidVicForestswas alreadyonly undertaking limited operationsanyway because of the court’s previous orders.

“But the orders arevery broadbecausethey’re for all areas of the state where there are greater gliders or yellow-bellied gliders, and they are abundantthroughout virtually all of the areas that we harvest,” she told TimberBiz.

Injunctions imposed by Justice Richards on harvestinglastDecemberhad already locked

contractors out of many coupes, leading to lost work, idle machinery and asawlog shortage that has crippled many timber communities as mills slowed or stopped work. East Gippsland’s timber industry is already on the brink of collapse, with 115 workers facing the axe and warnings Orbost will become a“ghost town”.

In her ruling, Justice Richards said the spotlight surveys VicForests “relies on to detect gliders are limited to aone kilometre transect through a coupe”.

“This leaves most of the coupe unsurveyed and providesincomplete information about whether glidersare present and wheretheir home range is located. Without knowing where the gliders are within acoupe, it is not possible for VicForests to take management actionstoaddress risks to them.”

VicForests has highlighted to the court that more intensive surveying at night is next to impossible, eventaking Justice Richards and her associateout to an unharvested to show them the difficulty of the terrain, TimberBiz reported

Union pledges help forMaffra dairy workers

From Page 1

Labor candidate for Gippsland South, DeniseRyan, wholives on adairy farm in Denison and is aformer member of the United Dairy Farmers Board, said she believes that many years of under investment had led to the current situation.

“The high-end products are being produced from Leongatha, so it was part of the business plan that the Maffraplant wastoproduce lower-yielding dried milk. Demand for the product has dropped,” she said.

“It will be interesting to see what the company intends to do with the factory. Iknow that Maffra people and other farmers will be very concerned.”

Member for Gippsland East,Tim Bull,alsoreleased astatement on the closure.

“Although not completely unexpected,itwas less than ideal not to have forewarning of this announcement, andI lookforward to discussions with Saputoand those affectedonwhat supports they will be providing to the workers who must now find alternate employment,” Mr Bull said.

“While these decisions are never good, it is worth notingthis has occurred in aperiod where we have workforce shortages across other sectors and industries that Iamhopeful those impacted can transition to.

“I am also planning to discuss the future of the site and newindustry opportunities with Saputo and agencies like Wellington Shire Council, should Ibere-elected later this month.”

THIS is such asad dayfor Maffra, much love to all those impacted by the closure.

Mick Harrington (musician and state Nationals candidate)

NOT great, perhaps the district farmers and the town should take it over as aco-op.

John Hepworth

WHY spend millions doing it up only to close it down?

Helen White

SUCH ashame so many people losing their jobs.

Jade Maree

THAT’S what happens when clowns run the

show. Nathan Stone

DAD worked there for 35 years. Sad day.

Rodney Nock

THAT’S going to hurt.

Jayne Allan

DISGRACEFUL.

Sam Hawkins

GOING woke may have had something to do with it.

Warren Lewis

SELL to foreign interests and all care for locals ends.

Kevin Burge

MAFFRA has known about this for afew months so maybe Wellington Shire should have been abit more proactive instead of

virtue signalling after the event.

Mark William

ABETRAYAL of local community? Pot calling the kettle black or what. Our rates are through the roof, roads are stuffed, grass is up to our waistline, tip fees are through the roof leading to dumping rubbish on the side of the road. But at least they care about the closure of Saputo.

Nick Ericson

SaputoDairy in Maffra.

Photo: TomParry

Media watchdog critical of ABC

THE media watchdog has foundthatthe ABC breachedaccuracyrulesinstories about Victoria’s native forest industry.

The AustralianCommunications and Media Authority (ACMA) determinedthat the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) breached broadcasting rules by misrepresenting risks associated with the findings of the Office of the Conservation Regulator (OCR) in Victoria during three radio broadcasts in April 2021.

Statements in each of the broadcasts conveyed thatthe OCR had found loggingbreaches by VicForestshad put Melbourne’s drinking water at risk.

The ACMA found that these statements by the ABC did not accurately reflect the OCR’s published statements.

The breaches occurred during broadcasts of ABC NewsRadioBreakfast, ABC Radio Melbourne Mornings and anews update on ABC Radio National.

An ACMA investigation found no evidence that the OCR had found such risks associated with the

logging breaches. As aresult, the ABC broadcasts breached accuracy requirementsand misrepresented the perspective of the OCR in attributing these findings to the regulatory body.

ACMA chair, Nerida O’Loughlin, said the facts presentedinthe ABC’s reports did not meet the standards set out in its own code of practice.

“When we assessed the factual material presented in the ABC news reports, we found they did not meet the standards expectedofitasapublic broadcaster,” Ms O’Loughlin said.

“Theassertionthat the OCR had founda significant risk to Melbourne’s drinking supply exaggerated the impact and seriousness of the breaches found by the OCR. This could have raised considerableconcerns forthe ABC’s audiences about such acritical issue as water quality.”

The ABC attributed aperspective to the OCR that was not present in their published findings and in this regard had let down its audience.

“Asaresultofthe ACMA’sfinding, the ABCwill issuea clarification on its website,circulate the ACMA investigation amongst relevant staff and

include the findings in future staff training,” Ms O’Loughlin said. VicForests in astatement welcomed ACMA’s report thatthe ABC breached broadcasting rules in coverage of VicForests’ harvesting on steep slopes in April 2021.

“We continue to be disappointed by repeated claims of systemic unlawful timber harvesting on steep slopes,” saidthe government operator, which is responsible for the harvesting and sale of native timber and for the regeneration of harvested native forest areas.

VicForests said it had published on its website the data that was provided to parties that resulted in misleading and false claims.

“As we have stated, the regulations provide that up to 10 per cent of aplanned harvest can exceed 30 degrees as long as any potentialenvironmental impacts, suchassoilmovement and erosionare carefully managed. This has been along-standing rule and was clarified in last year’s Code (of Forestry Practice) amendments,”VicForests said.

“Any analysis that only includespost-harvest

measurementisnot an accurate assessment of slope compliance against the regulations.”

VicForests said its analysis based on the latest elevationdatafrom LiDAR and Victoria’s publicly available dataset shows that of the 365 coupes in theThomsonand Upper Goulburn catchments, two coupes (0.5 per cent of all coupes) may not align with regulatory requirements.

“Further, pre-harvest surveys in nine(coupes) showedthat the planned harvest areaswerebelow 30 degreesand therefore compliant withregulatory requirements. Two wereroadimprovement operationsand based on an existing road footprint.

Further analysis showed that one coupe access trackwas prepared and subsequently was not harvested and one coupe was pre-VicForests.”

VicForests said it took its responsibility of sustainably harvesting coupes within state forests for today and future generations extremely seriously.

“Wereject allegations that we have engaged in widespread and systemic breaches of slopeprescriptions,” VicForests said.

Court ruling overglidersablow to the forestry industry

THE fate of the Victorian forestry industry and the state’s native greater and yellow-bellied gliders is beingfought about and the argument has landed with the Victorian Supreme Court.

On Friday, November4,acourt ruling was made that couldonly be considered ablowfor VicForests.

Established in 2004, VicForests is astate-owned business managingthe harvest,saleand regrowing of sustainable timberfrom Victorian State Forests on behalf of the Victorian government.

Environmentalists argue VicForests doesn’t know,nor care, where the gliders live and does little to determine their presence and as aresult is endangering them by destroying their habitat.

VicForests is currently locked out of most of Victoria’s logging coupes because it has either been ordered not to log by the courts, or because ongoing litigation has halted it.

ASupreme Court 167-page ruling from Justice Melinda Richards on November 4saidVicForests was failing in its attempt to protectthe greater andyellow-bellied gliders according to acode of conduct related to timber harvesting.

Justice Richards ruled VicForests was failing in its surveyscarried out before assessing acoupe scheduled for harvest and whether it contained greater gliders or yellow-bellied gliders.

The ruling saidVicForests relied on ‘spotlight surveys’ carried out by its own staff or contractors.

It noted VicForests also usedDepartment of Environment Land Water and Planning surveys.

None made full surveys of any coupe.

VicForests used transects about akilometrelong within acoupe ‘along an existing road or track’.

Justice Richards said thatsurvey method left most of the coupe unsurveyed.

And without knowing where the gliders were, it was impossible to take measures to address risk to them.

The state government must adhere to ‘regional forestry agreements’ (RFA) signed with the federal government.

This ensures the federal government meets all of the international agreements it has signed by requiring state governments and their agencies to meet RFAs.

The RFAs conform to the federal government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity ConservationAct, acentral pillarofnational environmental law.

This Act has been written with much assistance from scientists and adherence to the EPBC Act means Australia’s internationalcommitments are being met.

The RFAs contain certain principles whenit comes to management of flora and fauna, particularly at-risk or threatened species.

One of those is the ‘precautionary principle’.

The precautionary principle requires two questions to be answered: are there threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage? and; Is there alack of scientific certainty?

A‘ýes’ to either of those questions means the precautionary principle must be applied.

In the case of the gliders, which are deemed to be ‘threatened’, Justice Richards, after analysing

extensive evidence from both sides,ruled the precautionary principle was not being applied.

VicForests told the ABCitwas disappointed and was “reviewing the decision and considering our options”.

FACTS

The southern greater glider,Petauroides volans, is Australia’s largest gliding mammal.

It is one of three of Australia’s species of greater glider,the only one that occurs in Victoria, and thought to be the most at risk.

Greater gliders aresolitary creatures, whose ranges at times mayoverlap.

Males maintain arange of one to four hectares, females arange between one and three hectares.

In their home range theymay occupy as many as 20 den trees, using hollowbearing trees for shelter or nesting.

Half of Victoria’s forest set aside for conservation of the southern greater glider burned during the 2019-20 bushfires.

The yellow-bellied glider is Australia’s second-largest glider and can be found in Australia’s eastern forests from Queensland to Victoria.

It lives in family groups of three to six.

Daniel Pedersen

The southern greater glider probably doesn’t knowthe hubbub it has caused in the human world as it flies from tree to tree eating flowers.

Photo: Contributed

Gamblingput in the spotlight

StefanBradley

THE Victorian Greens unveiled their policy to phase outpoker machinesinthe stateonNovember 2, the same day the federalgovernment announced new rules on gambling advertising.

Leader of theVictorian Greens, Samantha RatnamMLC, said that “Victorians have losta staggering $66 billion at the pokies since they were introduced in the state 30 years ago”.

“It alsocosts us billions in mental healthand other services each year,” she said.

The Greens plan includes:

*Harm minimisation measures like dollar-bet limits;

*A 65 per cent tax on poker machines;

*A buy-back scheme for pokies licences, and; *Banning political donations from the gambling industry.

Getting rid of pokies in Victoria was also aGreens policy at the 2018 state election. The policy would have ripped up legislated 20-year pokies licences and phased out pokies within adecade.

The 2022 policy does not explicitly put atimeline on making Victoria pokie-free, and doesn’t indicate awillingness to tear up the licences.

Greens state candidate for Eastern Victoria, Mat Morgan, told the Gippsland Times the party was focusing on the buy-back scheme and 65 per cent

tax on pokies to make the business model unviable.

“We’re not putting atimeline. We’re pushing for the government buy-back,” he said.

The Greens say the plan would establish an independent expert panel to develop the buy-back scheme, and a$200million transitionfund to help smaller venues transition away from pokies to new revenue streams.

Latrobe CommunityHealth Service (LCHS) partnerships and prevention manager, Michelle Ravesi, said the LCHS was not advocating aban on poker machines, but would welcome any policy that reduced the impact of problem gambling.

“I wouldn’t say (pokies) have to be phased out. There needs to be some regulation and restrictions on potential losses,” she said.

“It’s not about stopping people having aflutter on the pokies while going out, it’s so they don’t experience social harm.

“We’d support anything thatwould reduce gambling harm.”

Ms Ravesisaidshe’d like to see new rules and regulation, as well as existing measures bolstered or increased.

“Placing limits on poker machines. Having precommitments,sopeople can’t losemore thanthey’re prepared to lose, and putting caps in,” she said.

Reason Party candidate for Eastern Victoria, Dean Barnes, said his party also backed measures to reduce harm from pokies.

“Much like drugs and alcohol, gambling can be addictive and enormously harmful to society.

“With many in regional Victoria experiencing loneliness and isolation, what can start as afun little punt on the pokies, can very easily become an addiction that plungespeople,often low-income earners, into abject poverty, creatingenormous strain on welfare groups and already sorely lacking mental health services.

“Much like our approach to drug dependency, Reason supports harm-reduction.”

TheFederal SocialServices Minister, Amanda Rishworth, also announced on November 2that there would be new rules for gambling advertisements, with online betting companies soon to be forced to abandon the phrase “gambleresponsibly”, in favour of newmessages about the consequences of losing.

The new messages will come into effect next March, and will be used across print, social media, television, radio and outdoor advertising and promotional materials.

Messages include seven new taglines, including ‘Chances are you’re about to lose’, ‘What’s gambling really costing you?’ and ‘You win some. You lose

more’. The taglines must be accompanied by ‘For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au’.

“The taglines are deeply embedded in research,” Ms Rishworth said.

Ms Rishworth said she wanted gambling measurestobegroundedin“goodevidence”,and to focus on online gambling in particular.

“Australia has one of the highest per capitalosses in the OECD, so it’s an area that we can’t not put our attention on,” she said.

TheNationals Leader,David Littleproud, welcomed the news but said more needed to be done.

“I believe changes to gamblingads don’t go far enough,” Mr Littleproud said.

“We need to have aconversation about whether or notgambling ads should be on at all -especially given that children are often watching sport, or familiesare together to supporttheir favourite team when the betting ads come on.

“Children are exposed to gambling ads as soon as they start watching sport on televisionoronline and that’s often from avery young age.”

Ms Ravesi also took aim at gambling ads in sport.

“Having gambling associated with sport and other areas is really harmful,” she said.

“Young people see (sport gambling ads), and so sport is associated with gambling at avery young age.”

Both sidesweigh into YarramCFA station commitment

Zoe Askew

YARRAM CFA has found itself in the headlights of Labor’s state-election campaign, with Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing, announcinga $3.2 million investment for anew station pending are-elected Labor government.

Last Tuesday, Ms Shing was joined by Gippsland SouthLabor candidate, Denise Ryan, to announce the investment.

“Thisissomething that has been apriority for the community and that I, among other community members like Denise, havebeenfighting really

hard for, and we know thatthis is afire station and abrigade thatpuncheswell aboveits weight,” Ms Shing said.

“We know that the high volume of traffic, the visitor number that goes through the roof in holiday timesreallydorequirealevelofresponsiveness that really tests the capacity and stamina of volunteers, and we want to make sure they have the right facilities to reflectthe nature of their contribution.

“So, as Iindicated, a$3.2million commitment for re-electedLabor government to deliver abrand new station for Yarram.

“There has been alot of work going into the plans

for this station, and Ican’t wait to see it come to life.”

Since 2016, land on Commercial Rd in Yarram has sat readied and waiting for the construction of anew fire station. In March this year, Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien, said the CFA had budgeted for the rebuild of the Yarram station in the 2023/24 financial year.

“I commendthe CFA for finding the funding and note the Andrews Labor government remains absent from the field,” Mr O’Brien said on March 4.

Afterlastweek’s announcement, Mr O’Brien criticised Labor for claiming credit for the proposed Yarram fire station rebuild.

“The Nationals committedtoanew Yarram station at the lastelection, and Iwas delighted when the CFA finally confirmed in March that a new station would be builtnext financial year,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Only days ago, Iconfirmed with our Shadow Minister for Emergency Services (Brad Battin) that we would not be changing the CFA capital plans for Yarram, and this will go ahead under The Nationals and Liberals in government.

“ThatLabor is now trying to claim thisisbizarre. I’ve been fighting for the new station in Yarram formorethan seven years, and Harriet Shing has been nowhere to be seen,” he said.

“Reason have asimilar harm-reduction approach as The Greens when it comes to poker machines, including support of abuy-back scheme by 2026and reversal of the Gambling Regulation Amendment that provides a20-year lease,” Mr Barnes said.

Win or lose, discussion is amust

Stefan Bradley

WITH tens of millions of dollars spent on gambling in central Gippsland, the negative effects of gambling on people’s physical and mental wellbeing have been put underaspotlight by Latrobe Community Health Service (LCHS) and Gambler’s Help Gippsland.

Health problems accountfor one-fifth of gambling harm in Victoria, so the theme of last month’s Gambling Harm Awareness Week(17 to 23 October 2022) was‘Could gambling be affecting your wellbeing?’ withcommunities encouraged to “talk,share, support.”

LCHS partnerships and prevention manager, Michelle Ravesi,saidthe theme providedan opportunity for open community conversations about different types of gambling harm.

“Every day we support peopleexperiencing negative consequences from gambling, as well as those affected by someone else’s gambling, but what harm looks like may surprise some people,” Ms Ravesi said.

In 2021-22, Gippslanders lost more than $125 million to poker machines.More money is also being lost to online gambling.

According to the Australian Communications and Media Authority, 11 per cent of Australians gambled online in the six months to June 2021.

“In the Wellington Shire, we’ve seen losses in Julyand August (this year) of $4.3 million dollars already. And losses previously of $21.8 million (2021-22 financial year),” Ms Ravesi said.

“It’snot justthe personwho gambles that suffers; it’s the friends, families and the communities as well.

“Imaginethe difference that $21.8 million could make to Wellington.Imagine that money being spent in cafes and venues. It makes ahugedifference, especially in small communities.

“There’s arise in online gambling, so those figures don’t includethat.They’re not all Australian sites, so it’s hard to see what is being spent. The rise of online sports betting is incredibly alarming.

“Unfortunately, we’re expectingthe losses to increasepost-Covid. People have saved money, so that’s going towards gambling.”

Latrobe losses are higher, with $9.2 million lost in July and Augustthis year, and $40.8 million lost in the 2021-22 financial year.

“Latrobe is obviously abiggerarea, but Ithink there’s more to it than that,” Ms Ravesi said.

“I think it’s happening in lower socio-economic areas, and there are more venues in Latrobe, so more opportunities to gamble.”

Ms Ravesi said one of the worrying trends LCHS has noticed across Gippsland was fewer staff interactions with customers at venues.

“Venue staff are highly trained and skilled, and are trained to recognise customerswho are experiencing harm, and how to deal with that. If customers interact with someone,they might break that (harm),” she said.

“We’re finding venues where that’s not happening, so that means customers are more likely to experience harm or continue to gamble. So that’sa trend we’re starting to see more of across Gippsland. It’s definitely something we’re concerned about.”

When asked why this was occurring, Ms Ravesi pointed to Ticket-In Ticket-Out (TITO) technology. TITO replaces physical cash with credits on a barcoded ticket that customers put in and out of machines. With tickets,the customermay disassociate the credits with gambling,whereas physical cashcould be pocketed instead of gambled with again.

“(TITO) is where there’s amachine whereyou’re given aticket, so you don’t have to interact with the staff,” Ms Ravesi said.

“Normally you have to cash awin, but (with TITO) you’re given aticketinstead. You probably keep playing because you don’tsee the cash,which

Pokies losses in Gippsland by Local Government Area

BASS COAST

$3.1 million

BAW BAW $3.5 million

EAST GIPPSLAND $5.2 million

LATROBE $9.2 million

SOUTH GIPPSLAND $1.2 million WELLINGTON $4.3 million

BASS COAST

$15.3 million

BAW BAW $16.4 million

EAST GIPPSLAND $24 6 million

LATROBE $40 8 million

SOUTH GIPPSLAND $6 5 million WELLINGTON $21.8 million Data sourced

you can put in your pocket. It’s anew and increasing trend that we’re noticing now.”

Ms Ravesi says gambling losses take amajor toll on health and wellbeing.

“It’swidely understoodgambling can lead to financial losses and relationshipdifficulties.What’s less often discussed is how gambling can change how people feel and behave,” she said.

“We are not advocating aban on pokie machines, (but) we do support any measure that minimises harm.”

“A lot of people spend $20 and don’t have a gambling problem. For them, it’s a form of entertainment.

“We aren’t talkingabout thosepeople, we’re talkingabout people who are experiencing harm.”

Ms Ravesi said that conversations she has had suggests that people see pokies as being safe places to go, especially for women.

“There aren’t many places for women to go that feel safe.There aren’t that many placesthathave extended hours,” she said.

“It’sthe allure of seeing lit-upvenues as you drive past. And you get food. That’sthe reason the women go, that’s what they tell me.

“I haven’t met one person who set out to have agambling problem, but they might just start with ameal.”

Gambling can cause stress or guilt, difficulties with concentration, and trouble sleeping. These

effects can build up over time and have abig impact on an individual’s mental and physical health.

Ms Ravesi said if you recogniseany of these ‘symptoms’ in yourself or someone else who gambles, aconversation may be beneficial.

“Other signs to lookout for include feelingshame or regret after gambling, uncharacteristically snapping at friends and family, or drinking more than usual,” she said.

“Gambling harm can affect anyone, so if you’re feelingdown and gamblingcould be the reason, you may get relief from talking about it with family or friends or by seeking help from agambling support service.

“‘Talk.share, support.’ is not just aGambling

Harm Awareness Week slogan. It is alist of actions that really work to help improve the wellbeing of people experiencing gambling harm.

“It’s never too late to get back control from gambling. The best time to seek help is now.”

If you are affected by your own gambling, or the gambling of someone youknow,phone Latrobe Community Health Service on 1800 242 696.

LatrobeCommunityHealthService provides the Gambler’s Help service across Gippsland. You can access free and confidential financial and /or therapeuticcounsellingtohelp you get your finances back on track, and /orgive you strategies to take back control of your gambling.

Go well, the final class of 2022

Zoe Askew

DO you remember your final year of high school?

For most Australians, Year 12 is their final year of high school, the year almost everything seems to change. Most Year 12 students celebrate their 18th birthday,discovering the head-pounding regretsofpartying on aschool night. Drivers’ licences are obtained, university submissions are sent, gap years are planned, and jobs are lined up; each experience is individual, all comprise myriad change

For the class of 2022, these Year 12 students have faced unprecedented challenges throughout their senior schooling years, adapting to online learning as COVID-19 disrupted face-to-face learning.

Last year,the number of students completing Year 12 across the country plummeted to its lowest level in years, dropping from 1.9 million in 2020 to 1.79 million in 2021; Victoria totalling the most significant decline, with 56,100fewer Year 12 students completing their final year in 2021 than the previous year. The last time Year 12 completions fell below 1.8 million was in 2017.

While data for Year 12 completions in 2022 are yet to be finalised, focus is on the thousands of local Year 12 students as they race toward the end of theirhigh-school careers

Year 12 students fromCatholic College Sale have valiantly overcome the adversities accompanying onlinelearning, returning to full-time, face-to-face learning for the final schooling year.

While the return to face-to-face learning was a fresh and widelywelcomed changefor Catholic College Salestudents Charli O’Loughlin, Ella McCubbin, Ryan Beale, Gaby Stephenson and Harry Gravener, navigating their way back into a more pre-COVID routine posed an unexpected challenge.

“I found it kind of hard to adjust to the workload,” Charli said.

“Because over COVID, it was slightly adjusted, so it took the first two months or so to get used to it [face-to-face learning], like to get back into the rhythm of it.”

Charli, Ella, Ryan, Gaby and Harry agreed that returning to a‘normal’ school routine,whichin Year 12 is by far the most demanding, especially for thosedoing VCE, was the most challenging aspect of their final schooling year. However, the CatholicCollege students hadnootherobjective than to overcome the adversities they faced over the pasttwo years,and were quicktofocus on the positives. Friendships, new and old, teachers, whom they eulogised, and the myriad services available at the Sisters of Our LadyofSionand Marist Brothers school.

“Continuing to regularly study, to find the motivationtostudy [after COVID] was the hardestpart,” Harrysaid.

“But Ilove coming to school because you’ve got all your mates, and Ifeel like you’re even closer to your Year 12 mates when you are here, like as acohort, we are all closer together,soit’smore inviting to come to school.”

Gaby also feels that the Catholic CollegeSale

class of 2022 has become closer as aresult of the struggles they endured togetherthroughout the pandemic.

“Coming out of COVID, getting into aroutine and good study habit and learning how to do it throughout awhole year because our introduction to VCE in Years 10 and 11 was verydisruptivewas definitely the hardest part,” Gaby said.

“I know that is probably cliché, but studying is hard, but as Harry said, when you’ve got your mates aroundyou, it does makeiteasier, and we’ve definitely got closer as ayear level, that’s for sure.

“Plus, we’ve got great facilities here, study centres, so we make use of them,and our teachers are so dedicated. The way they go above and beyond for their students really helps.”

On thesubject of Catholic CollegeSaleteachers, thename Ken Holmes, director of senior studies, andAndrea Sim, repeatedly emerged in conversation with this year’s Year 12 students.

“I had Holmesy this year and last year for PE,” Harry said.

“He’s really good. He makes it very interesting, Ms Simaswell; they are probably my favourite teachers.”

Gaby says it is no coincidence that Mr Holmes’s and Ms Sim’sclasses are her favouriteand highest performing, owingtothe effort, dedication and support they provide to their students.

Mr Holmes began teachingatCatholicCollege Sale in 1986, introducing PE as a Year 12 subject.

After commencing his teaching career at Catholic College Sale, Mr Holmes moved away for 10 years, only to returntothe local school,where he has continued to teach PE and psychology for many years.

While Charli named Scott Fitzgerald as one of

“There are so manyamazing teachers,” Ella and Charli said.

Catholic College Sale deputy principal of learning and teaching Cindy Foat, and Mr Holmes have praised the Year 12 class of 2022 for its resilience and ability to overcome the adversities of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’vehad interruptedyears for the previous two years, this yearwehave been for the whole year, and personally, Ithink it has really brought this group of Year 12’s together,” Ms Foat said.

“They have been in it together;they really understood what it was like, not to be together. We’ve got aYear 12 study space which we call the RatisbonneCentre, andwehave never seen it used so much since we broke up.

“Every day, that space has continued to be used; we are in our third week of exams andwillstill have large groups of students and teachers up there, and the students are still very invested in what each other has to say.”

“What Iwould say about this year’s Year 12s is they actually really value each other and support one another;the level of care and respect they have for each other and the staff is abig one.”

In his final year of teaching at Catholic College Sale, Mr Holmes warmly welcomed the return of an uninterrupted school year and allthe accompanying prospects with no restrictions.

“The best part of the year was the fact that we were all back together again,” Mr Holmes said.

“We had assemblies again, we had masses again, we wereabletouse the facilities again, thesebrand

new facilities that the kids haven’t fully been able to use for the last two years.

“To me, that was the best part of the year, just having thekids here all day, every day, without anyinterruptions.”

One of the highlights of Mr Holmes’s final year of teaching was theCatholic College Sale performing arts day.

“Every year, we have aperforming arts day, which we haven’t had for acouple of years, and you just had to be there,” Mr Holmes said.

“It was just the most amazing thing,certainly in my time here, to watch those kids, how they responded to the performers,and how they helped one another; it was sensational.

“The performing arts day, to me, really summed up the Year 12s, and it summed up this place; it was just brilliant.”

As CatholicCollegeSalesays goodbye to the Year 12 class of 2022 and Mr Holmes, Charli,Ella, Ryan, Harry, and Gaby leave aparting word of advicefor the Year 12 class of 2023.

“Start taking notes early and try not to stress so muchabout yourATARbecausethere are so many other pathways,” Charli said.

“Don’t leave things to the last minute; start from the start even if it feels like you won’t need it for the exams, you will needitfor the exams, and keep your notes,” Ella said.

“Don’t stress too much; find your study habit early and stick to it,” Ryan said.

“Start your studying early but don’t be too stressed if it doesn’t exactly go your way right at the start,” Harry said.

“Enjoy yourself;itisprobably the last year before alot of stress, so make the most of your time and branch out, meet new people, talk to people you wouldn’t normally,buildfriendshipsthat you never thought you’dhave, it can be really, really good in yourlast year, knowingyou’vecomeout of it with alot morefriendsthan you did going into it,” Gabby said.

Here’s to the class of 2022.

hermostinfluential teachers, not only in Year 12 but throughouther senior schooling years, and Ella named Ann Roth, the pair shares an affection for teachers Jane Robins and Julia Morton.

Catholic CollegeSaleYear 12sRyanBeale,Harry Gravener and GabyStephenson.

KenHolmes,director of senior studies, and Cindy Foat,Catholic College Sale deputy principal of learning and teaching.

Sensory garden opens

GEORGE Gray Centre has been an integral part of the Maffra community for more than 50 years, providing support and activities foradults with adisability.

The centre is entering anew era as it officially launchesits Sensory GardenonThursday, December 1.

The charitable organisation has had to overcome and adapt to the everchanging pandemic rules, as well as negotiating the challenges that the NDIS funding model has introduced, while ensuring that their participants receive premium level support.

GeorgeGrayCentre senior disability support workerWendy McLaren saidthat while the NDIS had delivered benefits and arange of choices to those with adisability, she said it has “also been the catalyst for the closure of many day services across Australia.

“The George Gray Centre now relies totally on people accessing the centre to remain viable, no funding is available for improvements of facilities or equipment with all funds received being directly for the supports of the participant,” she said.

“Community involvement and investmentis the only way for George Gray Centre to continue to deliver the extremely important and essential service that it offers to adults with adisability in our local area.

“The pandemic introduced many challenges to the disability sector that included not being able to access community settings, limitations on group numbers, inability to provide transport options forthe participants andrestrictions on leaving the centre.”

The development of the Sensory Garden at the Maffra campus has been an amazing achievement that began as adream back in 2020.

The idea came about with the hope of creating a space that people who attend GeorgeGrayCentre, and those in the local community, could not only enjoy as agardenspace,but withthe addedsensory elements to promote physical and mental health.

Invitations of community support were sent to businesses, with participants also getting involved making short videos, selling raffle tickets,and delivering andaccepting funding applications. Grant applications werealsosubmitted in hope of gaining the much-needed funding for the garden.

Ms McLaren said the completedsensory garden hadbeen fully sponsored by the local community, as well as the tireless efforts of the George Gray Centre Auxiliary.

“Total costing for the project has so far reached $80,000,” she said.

“We were over the moon when Sports Courts Victoria, based in Geelong, offered to supply and install abasketballcourt for the gardenarea. The CommonwealthBankchipped in, andSale Bunnings crew built some amazing garden beds that are afeature of the garden.

“When Esso called offering full sponsorshipof the landscaping, we were totally stunned,and George Gray Centre cannot thank them enough for their tremendous support.

“Esso has continued their support with the implementation of our ideas, and assisting with thefinal payment for the Libertyswing, turning

aonce vacant blockinto the fantastic space that it has nowbecome.”

AllRound Landscapes were engaged to design and landscape the area,the end product an amazing design includingspecific areas that engage the senses of touch, hearing, sight, smell and taste.

Loch Sportmural artist SimonWhite completed two murals on the existing sheds, giving the area amagical feel,and has gained alot of appreciation from those in the community.

Ms McLaren saidthere was many kind donations from private individuals, as well as local clubs, including Maffra Rotary, Lions, Lioness, and Vigilance Society, who all provided equipment or funds.

“Grants were obtained for the Liberty Swing, we would like to thank Wellington Shire Council, Sale to Sea Kayak, and Trinity Families for their support in obtaining this special addition to the garden,” she said.

“The swing is specifically built to allow people in wheelchairs or who have difficulty with mobility, to have the opportunity to feel movement and freedom in asafe and secure way.”

George Gray Centrecontinues to source funding, donations, and grants to allow purchase and installation of shade sails, gazebo, and boundary fencing, to make the space more accessible and user-friendly in varying weather conditions.

Ms McLaren said the garden will be accessible to all in the community, and are just working through the final details.“George Gray Centre is pleased that we have already received visitors from the local community and aged-care facilities who have enjoyedsome time exploring the garden area,” she said.

 ANGLICAN Parish of Maffra invites everyone to aGarden Party featuring Devonshire teas and an open garden to stroll around at the home of Beth and Jeff Wheaton, 398 Maffra Newry Rd, Maffra on Sunday, November 20 from 1pm. Cost to enter is $10 per person. All welcome.

 LAST chance to book aplace in the upcoming four week ‘Yoga with Julie’ class that commences on Tuesday, November 22, at the Maffra Neighbourhood House. Destress each Tuesday from 1pm until 2pm with Julie. This class is perfect for those returning to yoga after abreak. Costis $60for the four-week course. Bookingsare essential. To make abooking, call the house on 0422 335 155.

 MAFFRA RSLsub branch will host a fun game of trivia on Friday, November 18, at 5.30pm in the RSL Clubrooms Shelton, Boisdale St, Maffra. Doors open at 4pm Everyone is welcome to come along for asocial drink and chat. Gather family members and friends to make teams of three or four and put everyone’s general knowledge to the test. This is afreeand family event. RSL members look forward to welcoming everyone.

 AFREE community meal will be held on Monday, November 21, at 6pm at St. John’s Anglican Church, Cnr Thomson and Church St, Maffra. Contact person is Christine on 0408 324 306. All welcome.

The new George GrayCentre Sensory Garden.

Photos: Contributed

Murals paintedbyLoch Sport artist Simon White highlight the Sensory Garden

Participants enjoyinga first look at the GeorgeGrayCentre Sensory Garden.

Remembered, not forgotten

LOCALS gathered across the region last Friday to attend thefirst in-personRemembrance Day services in three years.

In Sale, around 70 peopleattended the service under clear skies at the Sale Memorial Hall on Macalister St.

The ceremony was officiated by acting Sale RSL presidentRoss Jackson, with abrief speech from RAAFBaseEastSale Group captain Nigel Ward also heard.

Following his remarks, wreaths were laid on the Sale &District Cenotaphbythoseinattendance, including GippslandSouth MP Danny O’Brien, Wellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Bye, members of local veterans associationsand pupils of Araluen Primary School.

TheLast Post wasthenplayed on cornet by Sale City Band’s Caroline Monck, proceeded by atraditional minute’s silence.

Mr Jackson was pleased with the number of attendees at the Saleservice, notingthat inclement weather had been forecast for the day.

He also told the Gippsland Times whyitis important to commemorate Remembrance Day.

“What alot of people do not realise is that the names that are on someplaques and memorials, those people have been afamily, and they have lovedones -mothers, father, brothers, sisters -and for them… every day is Remembrance Day,” Mr Jackson said.

“There’s awhole lot of people out there with awhole lot of questions that have been unanswered in regard to war dead -especially during the Great War, becausethere was so many of them missing,somanyofthem lost, (and) so many of them died over in places that alot of people can’t even pronounce.

“And back during the Great War, alot of those people didn’t have the money or the meanstogo and visit agrave -all they got was aphotograph of agrave,inaplace that they’d never, ever heard of, that was …thousands of miles away, that they could probably only access by sea.

As was thecase for the recent Federal Election, there will be NO mobile polling booth at any CentralGippslandHealth sites for theState Election on Saturday26November 2022.

However,ifyou area patient or aged care resident, we can provide youwithapostal vote application. Thesewillneedtobecompleted by Wednesday23November 2022.Justtalktoone of our staff whocan assist you.

Followingthisdate, we will be unabletohelppatients andresidents in voting. Youwillneed to attend a booth.Findyournearest votingcentreherehttps:// maps.vec.vic.gov.au/elections.

Job Vacancies

Sale Hospital Phone: (03)51438600

Please visit therecruitmentsection on our website:www.cghs.com.au

MaffraDistrict Hospital Phone: (03)51470100

Heyfield Hospital Phone: (03) 51397979 Stretton Park Aged Care Phone: (03) 51 47 2331

TomParry

“That, to me, is oneofthe reasonswhy it’s so important that we remember these people.”

This year’s Remembrance Day marked a change from the previous two yearsfor Mr Jackson, which sawhimself and then-Sale RSL president Martin Tanzer acknowledge the

occasion by laying awreath at the Sale Cenotaph without acrowd present.

Remembrance Day is held on November 11 each year, taking place on the anniversary of the World War Iarmistice.

This year marks 104 years since the armistice.

Wreaths and poppies laid at thecenotaph.

Around 70 people attended the RemembranceDay service in Sale.

Sale City Band’s Caroline Monck plays The Last Post on Remembrance Day.

Photos: TomParry

Acting Sale RSLpresident Ross Jackson speaking at the RemembranceDay service in Sale

Members of RAAF Base East Sale laying wreaths at the Sale Cenotaph.

EVERY Monday afternoon, people from all walks of life head to the Sale Memorial Hall for ameal and achat.

Theweekly event is known as Monday Tucker, and has grown from humble origins to become aritual for both attendees and volunteers.

Its history can be traced back to over a decade ago, when Michael Page –amember of the Rotary Club of Sale -first took part in the Victoria Police Leaders Mentoring Program.

This initiative was established by Victoria Police in 2007, out of abelief the police was losing its community presence.

“I was in (the program) for about two years,” Mr Page said.

“I was teed-up with asenior police person in Sale; we would meet fortnightly for coffee, and he would discuss how the police organisation worked; Itold him how Rotary worked and all that sort of thing.

“In the third year, there was anew (police) commissioner, and he decided that this program was fantastic, but… all the (Rotary) mentors and the police mentors should come up with a(new) program to put into practice.”

From there, Mr Page was put into contact with Detective Leading Senior Constable Rose Basford, who at the time was the youth resource officer with Sale Police.

“I had connections with UnitingCare, with the (Wellington) Shire, with the youth council …and basically, we all got in the room, had a conversation, and that’s sort of how (the new program) drafted from there,” Det Ldg Snr Const Basford explained.

It was universally agreed to offer afoodbased program to the community, yet it was unclear who the program would target: “Are we only going to let young people in, or are we letting in anybody?

“And we decided that we would be inclusive rather than exclusive, and tried to open it up,” she said.

Soon after, the Memorial Hall was chosen as the location for the initiative, and Monday

evenings chosen as the designated time since it didn’t clash with other community events.

There’s avariety of individuals who attend Monday Tucker, all with different reasons for doing so.

For Gavin, it’s an opportunity to get away from cooking.

“I usually do my own cooking, so it’s something different down here,” he said.

“It gets us all together to have abit of a talk.”

Gavin’s friend Matty comes along for the socialisation, as does Jules, who first joined Monday Tucker five years ago.

“They’re all positive –very positive people. That’s why Ienjoy coming here,” Jules said.

Volunteers get just as much satisfaction out of contributing to the initiative. Presently, there are 16 people who offer their time to the initiative, with five attending each week on a rotational basis.

Kerry McMillan has been volunteering with Monday Tucker for “quite along time” after learning about it through Rotary.

“I do most of the cooking, and try and organise the kitchen and our staff,” she said of her role.

“I just love it… Love the people and the interactions that you have.”

The meals served by Ms McMillan are many and varied –some nights it will be cottage pie, other nights curried sausages, or chicken wings, or rissoles.

Everybody enjoys the food, none more so than Jules, who loves “anything Kerry cooks” –particularly her sticky date pudding.

In keeping with the old mentoring program, Sale police maintains an active presence at Monday Tucker.

As with the volunteers who cook and serve food, the role of who visits the veterans centre rotates week-by-week.

Acting Sergeant Matthew Arthur, a newcomer to the evenings, said that Monday Tucker was an opportunity to engage with the community in adifferent environment.

“Usually we’re very reactive with people, we get called to acritical incident; whereas this is adifferent environment -everyone is sitting down and it’s comfortable,” Sgt Arthur said.

As one of the initial brains behind the initiative, Det Ldg Snr Const Basford makes an effort to visit the Memorial Hall frequently, often in casual clothes.

She said it was important that police continued to engage “because people need to understand that we’re human as well.

“What we’re looking for here is making sure that they are safe, and feel that they can then come and just talk to us, because alot of people haven’t had experience with police, or it’s always been abad dealing,”Ldg Snr Const Basford said.

From 2012 to 2019, the initiative was in the main room of the Memorial Hall with as many as 70 people attending.

The year 2020 proved the biggest challenge for volunteers, with pandemic restrictions requiring aswitch from serving meals in person to distributing take-home meals for those who needed them.

It was also the year that Monday Tucker left the Rotary fold to become its own incorporated entity, with an ABN registered that August.

Since then, it has returned to its traditional dine-in format, albeit with lesser numbers –just30people are now regular attendees resulting in amove to the Gippsland Veterans Centre’s activity room.

While smaller than the Memorial Hall that sits next door, the venuedoes allow for a cosier setting, which adds to the friendly vibe.

Additionally, Monday Tucker has broadened

beyond serving food and providing asocial outlet once aweek; it has partnered with Share the Dignity to distribute feminine hygiene products and offer clothing donated by local businesses.

Apartnershipwith Dimmeys resulted in ablanket drive over winter, which resulted in $2500 worth of blankets given to those in need.

And it would seem the organisation is only getting stronger from here. “Really now, it’s starting to come to amore vibrant and workable program,” Mr Page said.

In September, Monday Tucker had its first-ever annual general meeting, where Mr Page was re-appointed chair.

The number of attendees on aMonday evening has risen, with an extra table added to the Activity Room; musician Harry Hook has visited inrecent weeks, serenading attendees with his tunes.

What’s more, the committee is making plans for afestive dinner, slated for Monday Tucker’s original home of the Memorial Hall on December 19 -the Monday before Christmas, naturally.

So, are there any plans for the initiative to grow?

“We’ve built it uptothis,wewantto now startlookingatadding onto it,” Mr Page said.

“Maybe some activities or something for the early-birds to come-in -wecould have something going here… three o’clock onwards, where you have coffee and cake and maybe have somegames.”

Ms McMillan has her own suggestion: “It would be good if we could have abus or something that could get ‘round town and pick people up.”

“In winter it’s pretty hard for (attendees) because there’s no transport, no buses… a lot of them can’t afford taxis and things like that,” she said.

Monday Tucker operates every Monday at the Gippsland Veterans Centre activity room on Macalister Street, Sale.

Doors open from 4pm, with dinner served at about 6pm.

While some goods are donated, the initiative relies heavily on cash donations to operate.

Anybody wishing to make acontribution, or learn more about Monday Tucker, is encouraged to call the Gippsland Veterans Centre on 5143 1633.

*Additional reporting by work experience student Isabella Godde.

TomParry andStefanBradley*

Sale resident Julian hasbeenattending MondayTucker for overfour years.

Gavin, Grumpy and Mattyhavebeen attending MondayTucker for thepastfourmonths Photos:Isabella Godde

Monday Tucker’s head chef, Kerry McMillan.

Buffs take on Wakanda

SB: The original Black Panther (2018) is one of the most successful blockbusters ever made, and as many of us know, its star Chadwick Boseman, who played T’Challa/ Black Panther, died in 2020. So there was a lot riding on Wakanda Forever with, I’m sure, alot of pressure and emotions for all involved in its production, and Ithink they pulled it off admirably. What do you think, Tom?

TP: Ibelieve exactly the same, Stefan. The first Black Panther was not only ahuge success, but asurprise success, and given the overwhelmingly positive reception it received, it would appear that Marvel’s producers have given returning director Ryan Coogler more or less full creative control here. Obviously, it’s still within the confines of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), so you get crossovers with certain characters and the setting-up of certain future projects, but it is indisputably Coogler’s movie -his story, his message, and his tribute to Boseman.

SB: This is alengthy movie at 161 minutes, it’s longer than Avengers: Infinity War, but shorter than the three-hour Avengers: Endgame. Iwas emotionally invested, so that probably helps, but Ididn’t think Wakanda Forever overstayed its welcome. You can argue that certain characters that didn’t do much could have been written out, but that’s aminor criticism.

TP: From my perspective, it did drag at times, but only very occasionally and briefly. Overall, it was very well-paced, and Ifelt like it earned that runtime. To tell this kind of story, you need that 161 minutes.

SB: One of the newcomers to the cast is Dominique Thorne; she plays Riri Williams, who will be starring in aseries coming up called Ironheart,soI was expecting that she’d be shoe-horned into the story to set up that show, but thankfully they didn’t.

TP: Quite right! They did areally thorough job of establishing her character, giving her apersonality and having her make an active contribution to the story, which is more or less how they introduced T’Challa, the original Black Panther way back in Captain America: Civil War

SB: All the main cast members are excellent. The star of the show is T’Challa’s sister Shuri -played by Letitia Wright -who in the original was that fun, excited, enthusiastic scientist, and now in this one, she’s grieving her brother, and now Wright has to step-up to aleading role.

TP: It feels like amaturing of Shuri, because in the first movie she had that youthful energy, an innocence about the world; and now, we’re seeing her develop into aleader of her people.

SB: As for the villain -it’sabit of acoin-flip with superhero movies on whether they give us adecent villain or not. With Namor, they made him an actual character, not just placing him there to get in the protagonists’ way; he’s got his own motivations and it feels like it’s almost about him and his underwater city of Talokan, just as much as it is Wakanda’s movie. Ithought Namor and his people were powerful antagonists.

TP: He’s not the best MCU villain, but he’s definitely one of the better MCU villains. As for the narrative, it got quite dark and unpredictable, and for that reason, Iwas very invested -I almost had no idea where this movie was going. That’s rare in aMarvel movie, because we’re told they fit to aformula, so it’s great that they had some deviation in there.

SB: And despite this, they still had enough time for world-building. This is what Ifelt was missing from Jurassic World: Dominion, which came

out earlier this year and didn’t have that sense of discovery the original Jurassic Park had. In Wakanda Forever,you continue to spend time in the incredible fictitious African country of Wakanda, but you also get to discover Namor’s Talokan and its inhabitants. The wonder and awe that was so compelling in the first Black Panther is still here.

TP: Iagree. And that actually, genuinely surprised me. We’ve seen underwater worlds in Aquaman and The Little Mermaid.

SB: We’ll see another one in Avatar: The Way of Water next month with its underwater motion-capture.

TP: We will, that’s true; but Iwas thinking, ‘How can Ipossibly be astonished by aseries of computer-generated images depicting this underwater world?’ And surprisingly Iwas! Credit to Ryan Coogler, the production and effects team, and also Ludwig Göransson who composed the soundtrack -he’s made ascore that really draws you into this world.

SB: The score definitelystands out because it’s not always sitting in the background to set the mood subtlety; instead, Coogler wants the musical beats and the songs front and centre, so you know you’re watching a Black Panther movie. As for the action scenes, they were typical Marvel. They were fast-paced and well-choreographed, and conveyed the sheer power of Namor and his people.

TP: It’s not the most exciting action, but not

New Year’s Eve at Bundy Hall

WHEN the Bundalaguah-Myrtlebank Hall committee decided to run aNew Years’ Eve party in 2022, they knew it had to be super special. They believe to have delivered on that commitment, with 2022’s event featuring a stellar line-up artists: XANI, The CB3, and headline act SweetLIP -married with the kind of hospitality synonymous with country community halls.

SweetLIP hail from the Latrobe Valley, and are consistently touted as Gippsland’s classiest cover band. They are five musicians delivering the highest quality of musicianship on soulful dance songs that will keep you on your toes until midnight.

Blending class-act musicianship with arare gift of conviction and restraint, the creative prowess of Cristian Barbieri and The CB3

defines new parameters for contemporary music. Drawing comparisons with the likes of fusion revolutionists Snarky Puppy, Horatio Luna, Vulfpeck, and The Roots, The CB3’s funk, jazz, RnB and neo-soul influences bind an offering that is equal parts unbridled and deliciously refined.

Xani’s unbridled joy and onstage energy has cemented her spot as sought-after feature performer for theatre shows including the multiaward-winning Come From Away (2019-20) and festival projects with Melbourne Theatre Company and Malthouse Theatre (Melbourne).

This event will begin with acommunity barbecue from 6pm on December 31, at the one and only Bundy Hall.

For tickets,head to https://www.trybooking. com/events/landing/966268

the most boring, either. There is another thing that irks me, and that’s the performances. Ifelt at times that the actors were trying too hard. Imean, there are monologues where Icould practically see the words ‘Oscars Clip’ plastered across the screen. If they had toned downtheir acting alittle bit, Ithink Iwould have been more receptive towards their characters, and towards the movie more generally. But overall, it’s asolid Marvel blockbuster. Iwould go as far to say that Wakanda Forever is better than its predecessor.

SB: Ithink it’s the best MCU project since Spider-Man: No Way Home,althoughthat Halloween special Werewolf By Night,comes pretty close. I’ll agree with you say that Wakanda Forever is better than the first movie. So, acomplete contrast to our review of Black Adam in that we’re agreeing on pretty much everything.

TP: Yes, we’re back to our old ways! It’s fantastic to see.

Black Panther: Wakanda Foreverisrated Mfor Maturethemes

Waddington to lead play

THE Community Players will once again assemble for the 2023 Stratford Shakespeare Festival.

For more than 30 years, people from the local community have come together to create afull-lengthShakespearean production that is the heart of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival program.

The director, Helen Waddington, will lead the 2023Stratford Shakespeare Festival ensemble as they take on the classic, comedic love story TwelfthNight

Locals are encouraged to attend an information session on Monday, November 28, at 7.30pm atThe Stratford Courthouse Theatre, providing an opportunity to learn about the director’s vision for the play, join in some fun workshop games and show off their skills.

All roles for the play are gender nonspecific, and no prior experience on the stage is necessary and organisers are keen to meet anyone interested in taking part, anyone wanting to helpout backstage or with the technical aspects of staging aplay.

To register your interest, please email shakespeareontheriverfestival@gmail.com or visit the Stratford Shakespeare Festival Facebook page.

If you have further questions, please call or text Helen on 0419 181 972.

Marvel Studios’ latest,much-anticipated sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hasarrived in theatres. Our resident film buffs Stefan Bradleyand TomParry went to check it out

and violence, and is currently screening at Sale Cinema.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is nowscreening at Sale Cinema. Image: MarvelStudios

MilitaryTattoo showing

SALE Cinema will be hosting aone-of-akind showcase when it screens the 2022 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo this weekend.

It will be the first time the event has been screened at the venue.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo made its highly anticipated return to the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade earlier this year, with its new show, titled Voices -A Celebration of Expression.

Voices is aspectacular combination of music, dance and military precision from some of the world’s leading armed forces and cultural performers. Voices -A Celebration of Expression will screen at Sale Cinema this Saturday (November 19) and Sunday, November 20.

Tickets are available by visiting www. salecinema.com.au or calling the box-office on 5144 6633.

Ophelia. Maybe

STRATFORD Courthouse is welcoming Back Yard Theatre Ensemble back on Friday, December 2with their latest production: Ophelia. Maybe.

This new theatre piece has two friends at its centre. Lucy and Emma are long-time friends, sharing the same passion: Acting. Roles, even auditions are hard to come by, and there are days when they both question their life goals and aspirations.

This original, self-devised work was written by the 2022/23 ensemble: Emma Snow, Breanna Milliken, Verity Wood and Joachim Matschoss.

Doors open at 7pm for a7.30pm start.

Tickets are $25 ($20 concession) and are available from www.stratfordcourthouse. com.au

Symphony Orchestra

GIPPSLAND Symphony Orchestra will return to the John Leslie Theatre this Sunday (November 20) with aselection of compositions from three remarkable English composers.

One is Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variations,which grew out of “casual extemporisation” one night at the end of the 19th century, developing acentral theme from which he would go on to compose 14 variations, which form a classical music masterpiece.

Audiences are in for atreat as Gippsland’s very own orchestra leads them through this profound exploration.

This event is being run as part of The Wedge’s 2022 Silver Series on Sunday, November 20 from 2pm.

For more information and tickets, head to thewedge.com.au or call the box-office on 5143 3200.

Little Quirks at Bundy

LOCALS are being reminded that Gosford indie band Little Quirks are performing at the Bundy Hall this Friday (November 18).

Little Quirks are in undeniable form following successful tours of the USA and UK earlier this year, where their hook-laden folk-rock songs landed them an international record deal with Glassnote Records and many new fans.

Don’t miss this forceofnature before they take over the world.

They will be supported by the sublime talent of “West Gippslandian troubadour” Darcy Fox.

The event starts with acommunity barbecue at 6pm, with doors to the hall opening at 7pm.

Attendees can get $5off their ticket by purchasing presale athttps://www. trybooking.com/CBHKS

Meeting theyouth at Upswing

Zoe Askew

MEET some of the Wellington Shire’s youngest makers at the Upswing Festival last month.

Mimi +Mae

AT theopening of alabyrinth of young makers’ stalls were 14-year-old Amelia Fitzgerald and 12-year-old Lily Sargent of Mimi +Mae.

The girls had arranged key chains, bracelets, pots and candles on tables in front of them, awhite tablecloth accentuating the vibrant colours used in their creations.

Amelia and Lily spent weeks handcrafting each item in time for Upswing, and both girls being home schooled they were lucky enough to have their craftwork integrated into their curriculum.

Eliza’s Crafty Creations

ELIZA Lily spent months handcrafting stunning earrings, hair bows, plant hangers and key chains in preparation for Upswing.

Below acolourful painted stall sign lay an abundance of jewellery, hair accessories and

knick-knacks, dazzling under the Wellington Centre’s bright lights.

She snagged some sales, and said her earrings were favourites.

Countryside Co

AROUND the corner, where council generally meets, was 18-year-old Chelsea Mayce, founder of Countryside Co, tucked behind four tables stocked with stunning hand-poured soy candles, room spray and reed diffusers.

Chelsea’s candles emitted great aromas, igniting the senses like lights on aChristmas tree.

Handmade key chains and lanyardsdangled from atree branch-cum-display shelf, and floral heat packs hinted of acosy movie night on the couch with awarm cup of tea.

Chelsea is an apprentice electrician by trade, working at the Loy Yang Power Station.

Bella Clohesy and Keeley Shug

BELLA Chlohesy and Keeley Shug showcased avariety of different-sized macrame at their Upswing stall.

For those unfamiliar with macrame, it’s aform of textile produced using knotting techniques.

Owen Aldrige

TWELVE-year-old Owen Aldridge sat hunched over acrate with apiece of wood and tool in hand, thin shavings floating delicately into the makeshift catcher below as he diligently sculpted aspoon.

Owen has only been carving wooden spoons since Christmas last year, ashocking revelation having seen the finished product.

Cassandra Alridge

FIFTEEN-year-old Cassandra Alridge has been making exquisite jewellery for two years, opening her business in 2020 and selling her product at various markets from the beginning

of 2021.

Cassandra began her jewellery line with simple silver pieces, earrings and bracelets and has since expanded, now offering rings, incorporating stones and most recently has started working with gold.

If you love jewellery and love local, you will love Cassandra’s line. Not only does she handcraft every piece, but also collects stones.

Kaota Klay

DAKOTA and Kailey Traeger stood at their stall, Kaota Klay, with big grins inviting any potential customers to browse.

Dangling from the nine- and eight-year-olds’ ears were vibrant-coloured earrings crafted by themselves.

Strewn across the table was averitable kaleidoscope of colourful items, from earrings and key chains to hair bows and bracelets.

“Me and my sister make them,” Dakota said. “We went to markets and stuff and saw lots of jewellery and decided we wanted to make it,” Kailey said.

“First mum gave us some clay and we started making stuff,” she said.

Dakota and Kailey will put their profits into their piggy banks to use as spending money when they embark on their first-ever holiday to Queensland.

Made by Taylah Rose

NINE years ago, at the age of 15, Taylah Rose established her own business, Made by Taylah Rose, selling acollection of bows, scrunchies and hair clips in an array of colours, patterns, shapes and sizes.

Today, at 23, Taylah works full-time at her company, creating scrunchies, hair clips, bows and vinyl stickers in her studio, dispersing her

product across the globe.

“I have got two rooms at home, astudioand asewing room, but Iamlooking at getting a warehouse soon though; Irecently hit six figures with the business last financial year,” Taylah said.

“I am hoping to just keep growing.”

When Taylah set out making bows as agift for afriend nine years ago, the thought that at 23 she would have her own business warranting a warehouse for production was inconceivable.

“I started my Etsy shop, anditjust went from there,” Taylah said.

“I am worldwide, international; been international since Iwas 15, but shipping overseas has changed alot since then (for the better, she reckons).

“One of my customers overseas is on her 25th order; she’s amazing support.”

Taylah Rose has worked full-time with her business for the last three years and says makingscrunchies, bows, and the sorts is something she’sjustloved doing.

“I feel like Ihave never had aday ofwork in my life,” Taylah said.

Made by Taylah Rose is predominantly an online business; however, Taylah attends various producer’s markets, especially around Christmas, from Sale, Traralgon and Glengarry to Mirboo, Mornington Penisula, and Pakenham Lakeside.

Sale Cinema willscreen the Royal EdinburgMilitary Tattoo thisweekend.

Image: CinemaLive

Back Yard TheatreEnsemblesproduction of Ophelia. Maybe will be performed next month.

Image: Contributed

Little Quirksare set to rock theBundy Hall this Friday.

Photo: Contributed

GippslandSymphony Orchestra will play at John Leslie Theatre this Sunday.

Photo: Gippsland Symphony Orchestra

There are no added building hassles with this opportunity to purchase this well-maintained property

This modern, northfacing home in the popular Cedarwood Estate has been recently updated and compares favourably to building anew home.

The two large living areas face north, boast generous natural light, and feature two split system air-conditioners and agas wall furnace.

The master bedroom has a walk-in robe, ceiling fanand afully renovated en-suite. The further two bedrooms both have built-in robes and ceiling fans and the study/

office, opening into the family area, could be readily utilised as the fourth bedroom or third living space.

The modern kitchen features quality appliances, aseparate pantry and loads of cupboard, drawer and bench space. Externally, the large undercover paved rear verandah leads to the open paved outdoor area and the beautifully landscaped backyard.

This large backyard also has the 2-car carport adjacent to the 2-car lockup garage at the end of the fully concreted driveway.The wellestablished garden completes this home which is set on a delightful 998 m2 block.

itting on avery manageable, easy-care block and located in the popular Woondella Estate, with parks and walking track just steps from your front door,is this quality family home.

The four-bedroom light and bright residence is sure to impress, comprising two living zones including afamily room at the back of the house that adjoins the large meals and kitchen, plus acentral rumpus/sitting room -allowing plenty of space for everyone to enjoy

The master boasts awalk-in robe and ensuite with large shower, while the further three bedrooms are each fitted with built-in-robes and share amodern family bathroom.

Highlight features include ducted central heating, two split system

Looking for an opportunity to be your own boss, but need the benefit of purchasing an established business that will immediately give you areturn? Then this is one truly worth looking at.

Stratford Mower and Chainsawrepairs is being offered for sale so as the current owner can gradually introduce awell-earned retirement plan.

The business specialises in avariety of makes and models such as Bush Ranger, Stiga Mowers et al, including newsales, repairs and maintenance of mowers, chainsaws, ride-ons, firefighting pumps and brush cutters.

The current owner is willing to stay for a negotiated time to assist anew purchaser and introduce them to his well-established clients.

The leased premises boasts an office space, display area, and generous workshop area with great access and exposure to the Princes Highway

The business is in an ideal position to be able to be modernised and its profitability grown with marketing and internet.

Floods pose big risk

Stefan Bradley

GIPPSLAND’S emergency relief group has warned thatfloods are agreaterdangertothe region than fires over the coming summer.

The president of the Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund, Andy Tegart,told the GippslandTimes that he was more concerned about flooding than fires over summer.

“We had awet summer last summer, and (are looking at)awet summer thisyear. We have more concerns about the risk of floods in the immediate outlook,” he said.

“Gippsland has dodged what’s happening in the rest of the state. But we are concerned about Gippsland already being wet, with saturated soil. It won’t take much rain for that water to run off and develop into floods into riversystems and flood plains.

“The conditions are already set.Wegot fulldams, so we don’t havemuchcapacity.Wealready (have) fully saturatedsoils,ifweget any large rains, we run the risk of floods. There is adifference between minor and major floods, we want to avoid the major floods.”

Mr Tegartsaidmajor river systems were the main risk for Wellington.

“The concern is anywhere near the major river systems that are running through Wellington Shire, they would be the obviousrisk.That’s historically been the case for Wellington,” he said.

“You got the Macalister, the Mitchell River, you gotthe majorriver systems. Everyone would be concerned aboutthose if there was avery large rain event.

“Talk to your local government agencies (such as Victoria State EmergencyServices) aboutwhatto do with floods, or look on their website. Councils have good advice on floods and flood preparation.”

Mr Tegart said the weather system is probably against “major fire events” this season.

“The risk of forest fire is lower because of the moisture in the air. Doesn’t mean you can’t have fires,” he said.

Mr Tegart spoke to the Times after the group’s 2022annual generalmeeting, whichcelebrated 44 years of supporting the Gippsland community in times of emergency.

Apresentation was made to the meeting by MonashUniversity on its Fire to Flourish program, whichaddressed disaster resilienceand community development after recent bushfire emergencies. ScottCampbell-Smith, the community leader in East Gippsland, gave an updateonactivities in that region.

Representativesofall GippslandLGAs who provide the referrals for GERF emergency grants attended, along with the executive committee.

GERFisaregistered charity,run entirely by local volunteers, providing emergency funding to Gippslandresidents affected by natural disasters. Every dollar raised by GERF is distributed to eligible residents. Since inception GERF,has

distributedmore than $19 Million to more than 5500 families and businesses.

Mr Tegart underlined the commitmentofGERF to continue to provide emergency financial assistancetoflood fire and storm victims in the future.

“We have strengthened our engagementprocesses with potential donors and we have implemented anew streamlined technology platform to ensure effective and rapid distribution of fundstoeligible recipients” he said.

Mr Tegart acknowledged and thanked all those businesses, corporateand individual donors for their continued generosity which enables GERF to respond rapidly in time of emergency. GERF was relying on the Gippsland community to raise funds for disaster relief this season.

“Bigbusiness, small business,churches and community -weuse whatever funds we raise to help those who are impacted,” he said.

“We try to give those affected ahelping hand on the road to recovery. We complement government assistance, and plug any gaps in aid, and help those who may fall through the gaps. We’ve been doing that since 1978.

“You’d think the demand for GERF would have fallen, but climatechangeisdriving more extreme weather events, and they are drivingbigger natural disasters.

“We’re used to (disasters) on alonger time frame, but now we see them on ashorter time frame and they’re more severe.”

Head to the GERF.org.au website to donate.

Program for farmersonsoilimprovement

SOUTHERNCrossUniversityand the Environmental Analysis Laboratory (EAL) are inviting farmers and landmanagers across Australia to participate in aDepartment of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry incentivised soil sampling and analysis program.

Under the pilot Soil Monitoring Incentives Program (SMIP), the soil analysis data can help farmers make informed decisions on land management practices while also being available to others for use through the Australian National Soil Information System (ANSIS).

Farmers and landmanagers canreceive $275 per sampling site, cappedat$10,000 per ABN, towards the cost of soil sampling and analysis and sharing the data through ANSIS.

They can also receive assistance from Commonwealth-funded soil extension officersto interpret theirsoil test results. EAL’ssenior manager of laboratory operations, Graham Lancaster, saidparticipating in the soil sampling initiative enabled farmers to benchmark the carbon or organic matter of their farm soil and could even contribute to EmissionsReduction Fund projects.

Southern Cross’ SMIP project officer, Debbe Allen, said, “it’s really important we get farmers from across the country involved, and lots of them so that in future those making policy decisions

Soil sampling in progress. Farmers and land managers can receive $275per sampling site, capped at $10,000 per ABN towardthe cost of soil sampling and analysis.

around soils will have relevant data for informed decisions”.

“Currently, there is not enough quality data to makeconfident recommendations, and compared with the rest of the world, we are decades behind with this.

“It might cost farmers alittle more money, but it might alsosavethem significantly on ameliorants, if they knowwhatnutrients theirpastures and cropscan already access below the top10cmlayer.”

SouthernCross University is also lookingfor qualifiedagronomistsacross the country with soil-sampling experience to come on board to help deliver this program.

For more information on the program, visit https://www.scu.edu.au/pilot-soils-program/,email soiltest@scu.edu.au or phone 02 6620 3489.

The program ends on June 30, 2023.

Photo: Contributed

TopresultsatAbsoluteAngus

Durkin

THE recent Absolute Angus Spring Bull Sale was highlighted by two $15,000 purchases.

The sale was in Trafalgar South on Wednesday, October 12 -the stud sold 52 of its 56 bulls.

Damp conditions did not deter potential buyers, who made their way to the on-property sale.

Absolute Angus principalAnthony Pisaand staff left no stone unturned, ensuring the 100 or so visitors were provided excellent hospitality.

Auctions took place inside an American barn styleshed, with the sale also telecastonlinefor those unable to be there in person.

Elders staff Ryan Bajada and Ross Milne were the sale’s auctioneers, presiding over the 64 lots.

Philip Island’s Paul Waylen formed part of the team that made one of the top purchases.

Representing Wiltshaw Farming Services, the company paid $15,000 for atwo-year-old bull describedas“agood lookingbull, perfect for heifers with aexceptional pedigree”.

Mr Waylen said they were happy with the purchase.

“This is an emerging stud, and we are commercial farmers, so looking at the larger, better-known ones, the prices here are within our budget, we’re quite happy to pay the top price for the best bull,” he said.

“We see this as agood investment.” Wiltshaw operates out of Ventnor (a location west of Cowes) on about 500 acres (202 hectares), spread across four properties, selling at Pakenham and Korumburra.

“Weboughtone

“This year has been unusually wet for Philip Island, it is generally less rainfall than up here (in the Thorpdale area), this year has been extraordinarily wet and we’re hoping for some sunshine to grow the grass it will be avery late season everywhere for hay.”

An engineer by trade, Mr Waylen paid tribute to all involved at Wiltshaw.

“We’ve got averygoodmanager, Russell Cleeland, who is very well known on Philip Island, and he’s been with us over 30 years,” he said.

Mr Pisa congratulatedMrWaylen on the purchase, and said it was asuccessful sale.

“Happy with how it went, good turnout, people are starting to get their data-driven understanding, that has been prominent this sale,” he said.

“The yearlings went really well,I’m really pleased with the yearlings.

“I focus alot on genetics, what Ihave spent on genetics is showing now.

“I always spend my time focussing on genetics, makingsure I’ve delivered to the marketwhat they need.”

Absolute Angus has expanded its operations, and now has afarm in Echuca, home to 400 head.

The next Absolute Angus sale will be in April.

TheSpringBull Sale was the fourth by Absolute Angus.

Great to see someone else putting Trafalgar South Rd on the map.

Calls to fast-track project

Mr Chester said construction should start as soon as possible, giventhe cultural, social, economic and environmental benefits

boardwalk and shared pathwayaroundthe shoresofCunninghame Arm in Lakes Entrance would deliver,

“The Federal Governmentfunding Isecured earlier this year has been confirmed in the latest budget, which is great news for Gippslandand provides bipartisan recognition of theimportance of this project,” Mr Chester said.

“It is named‘Krauatungalung Walk’ because the circuit will celebrate the region’s rich indigenous heritage and link Eastern Beach to Main Beach with aboardwalk along the lake foreshore, and also upgrade existing pathways.

“While it has been acommunity-driven project to this stage, the project will be delivered by East Gippsland Shire Council (EGSC) and Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLAWAC).”

Mr Chester said he met with council staff last week and made it clear the community wanted to see progress and some timeframes for the delivery of the project.

“I understand it’s complex and there’s still alot of work to be done to finalise the design on sensitive foreshoreenvironments, but I’m confident we can develop an outstanding circuit with iconic artwork that will be popular with locals and visitors,” he said.

“The challenge now is to get the state government bureaucracy moving at afaster pace to provide approvals for the work and actually get stuff done on the ground.”

Mr Chester said EGSC had undertaken a

“The circuitwill feature public art installations, which tell the story of the local indigenous communityand the Traditional Owners of our country and can be addedtooverthe years as more funding becomes available to create asculpture trail,” he said.

“It will be wheelchair-accessible, encourage locals to exercise, help to attract visitors, and encourage travellers to take abreak and learn more about theregion’sheritage.”

Mr Chester said the improvements to existing infrastructure also complemented the redevelopment of the Lakes Entrance foreshore, whichhad beenjointly funded by alllevels of government over the past five years.

Liam

bullherelastyearand we are happy with him,” Mr Waylen said.

Paul Waylen of WiltshawFarming Services bought the most expensive bull at theAbsoluteAngus SpringBull Sale in Trafalgar South. Mr Waylen is pictured with Absolute Angus principal Anthony Pisa after the sale.

Photo:Liam Durkin

FEDERAL Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, says work to build a$5.8million all-abilities boardwalk project in Lakes Entrance needs to be fast-tracked after years of communityplanning and consultation.

the

cost-benefit analysis of the project, which showed a positive business case with jobs during construction and ongoing opportunities in the visitoreconomy

Federal Member forGippslandDarren Chester says thenew Krauatungalung Walk will offera circuit with improved access for peopleofall abilities. Photo: Contributed

91 Boundary Creek Road, Sunday,

GOLDEN

HORSES WANTED

MAFFRA

30 Powerscourt St., Saturday, Nov. 19 from 8am. Collectables, china, porcelain dolls, household, pet accessories, clothes, teapots and jigsaws.

MAFFRA

Sat. 19 Nov. 8am. 2houses -103 and 101 Powerscourt St. Plenty to choose from. Make offer. All must go.

SALE

17 Inglis St, Saturday, Nov 19 from 10am-4pm. Xmas, household, artifacts plus lots more.

SALE

199 Somerton Park Rd., Sat 19th and Sun 20th Nov. 8am -3pm. Large variety of items.

SALE

AGM

Maffra Football Netball Club will be holding its annual general meeting on Tuesday, November 22 commencing at 7pm upstairs at the Maffra Community Sport Club. All life members, members and supporters are invited to attend.

Paul Bourke, Secretary MFNC 0428 451 366

AGM

Maffra Vigilant Society Thrift Shop AGM, 6.30pm Monday, November 21 at the shop. All welcome.

AGM

Sale Football Netball Club Inc. annual general meeting will be held upstairs in club social rooms on Monday, November 21 at 7pm. We invite all current members and encourage any interested parties to attend.

AGM

The Sporting Legends Club Inc. annual general meeting will be held on Monday, November 28, 2022 in the Sporting Legends meeting area commencin g7 pm.

Enquiries to CEO Mr Ken Bailey 5143 2345.

Public Notices

•

CARERS DINNER

Wellington Special Needs Network carers dinner onFriday, November 18, 2022 at 6pm in the "Sails" Star Hotel.

All Primary Carers welcome to attend.

Sub sidise dm ea ls available.

R.S.V.P. Rosemary on 0413 010 047 by Wednesday, November 16, 2022.

PRODUCERS MKT

Sale Producers Market, Make it, bake it, grow it. Saturday, Nov. 19, at Sale Showgrounds under the Elm trees, 8am-12:30 pm. Enq: 0409 697 254.

SUNDAY MARKET

Sale CharitySunday Variety Market, Canal Reserve, November 20. Egg and bacon rolls for breakfast, BBQ, hot dogs, hot and cold drinks, stalls from $15, raffles must be accompanied by astall. Proceeds to charity. Buskers welcome. Phone 0409 574 253 or 0437 985 283.

DRIVERS

Men and women over the age of 25 Would you like to earn some extra money? Meet interesting people from all walks of life? Work with great people? How about becoming a Taxi Driver in the Sale and local district. All you need is adriver's certificate, police check, full driver's licence and a friendly personality.

Formore information please call Marg on 0429 964 437.

More Situations Vacant advertising

19 and 20 from 9.30am-4pm. Authentic vintage clothing 1960s-2000, Hawaiian shirts, vintage books, /cook books, baby and children's items, nostalgia.

Positions close 5.00 pm 21 November 2022

If you are interested please forward a current resume and cover letter to hr@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

For acopy of the Position Descriptions please refer to our website: www.stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

REAL ESTATE TRAINEESHIP

Are you considering acareer in Real Estate?

Graham Chalmer Real Estate have aposition available for ayoung enthusiastic person to join our team.

Start your career in real estate with on the job training and learn from the best in the industry.

You will learn all aspects of real estate, residential to commercial, sales to rentals, marketing to legals.

Become aqualified agent in 12 months with the opportunity to establish along career.

Send your resume including covering letter to rodt@chalmer.com.au by the close of business, Friday 18th November 2022

For further enquires or to discuss the position in more detail call Rod Tatterson on 5144 4333

POSITION VACANT

CENTRE MANAGER

ANEW OPPORTUNITY FOR THE NEW YEAR!

This is acritical role in our growing centre. This is arole with real impact and it is an important part of our upcoming expansion. You'll work with our community committee, to provide an essential local service in Yarram. You will be trusted with the attraction and leadership of our amazing team, and be apart of aunique and considerable support system, to offer the highest standard of Early Years Education in Yarram.

Attractive Remuneration Package available to the Successful Applicant.

For the Position Description Please contact Helen Dwyer on 0427551775

Applications should be forwarded to HR@yarramelc.com.au

By 5pm on Monday 5th of December 2022.

Driver Laundryhand

Permanent Full Time

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Laundryhand/Relief truck driver to work within Sale Linen Service, abusiness unit of Central Gippsland Health. Usual rostered hours of work are Monday to Friday 0630-1500, with some public holidays included.

So, if you have acustomer service or production background and amediumrigid license, then please apply now!

To apply for the role or for further information, go to https://centralgippslandhealth.mercury.com.au or contact Adam Crotty, Engineering Manager on (03) 5143 8681.

EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER 0.8

We are seeking apassionate and motivated

Early Childhood Teacher to join our team to deliver a4year old Kindergarten program.

(Monday-Thursday 08:30-17:00)

We will offer:

● Community based kindergarten with astrong reputation in the local community.

● VECTEA wages and conditions.

● Excellent facilities and resources.

● Ongoing professional development training.

● Flexible working conditions.

● Brand new facility.

Successful applicants must have:

● Bachelor of Early Childhood qualification or equivalent ACECQA approved qualification.

● Current VIT Card.

● Be passionate about Early Childhood Education and Nature Kindergarten.

● First Aid.

● Have strong leadership, communication and organisation skills.

Further enquiries or to receive aposition description contact the Centre Director on 5144 6952 or brendon.ronan@gumnutselc.vic.edu.au

Applications Close: Friday the 2nd December 2022 Please email your updated CV or post to 305 Raglan St, Sale 3850 Gumnuts is committed to child safety

Gumnutsacknowledges

Afantastic opportunity for two suitably qualified Early Childhood Educators to join our Centre on a FULLTIME basis.

Our growing team is seeking enthusiastic & dedicated early childhood educators to join us.

We cater for children aged birth to twelve years and provide arange of additional services to our children and families in the community.

Due to continued growth and expansion of our service we are looking to build on our already established team of highly motivated, professional Educators to continue our journey in agreat workplace environment.

Our Educators must be passionate about achieving quality outcomes for children, their families, and our community. You must be highly motivated, enthusiastic and have proven Early Childhood skills. If you would like to work in a community run not for profit centre who value and appreciate their staff, then this is the centre for you!

Some of what we offer:

● Above award wage

● Excellent facilities and resources

● Ongoing professional development training

Successful applicants must:

● Hold aqualification in Early Childhood Education and Care OR are working towards a qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care

● Be passionate and enthusiastic about Early Childhood Education

● Have strong leadership, communication, and organisation skills

● Have aWorking with Children Check

Further enquiries to the Centre Director on 5144 6952

Applications Close: Friday, 9th December, 2022

Please contact the centre to receive aposition description and email your updated resume to info@gumnutselc.vic.edu.au

Gumnuts is committed to child safety

Gumnuts acknowledges the Gunaikurnai people as the traditional custodians of the land of where Gumnuts now is. We payrespect to their Elders past and present and emerging.

Driver Laundryhand

Permanent Part Time

CGHS is currently seeking aDriver (Laundry) to effectively perform all duties associated with the distribution of clean linen within Sale Hospital. We are looking for someone with aMedium Rigid Licence who is looking for some part time, permanent weekend hours.

The shifts are Saturday 6.30am until 11.30am and Sunday 6.30am until 9.30am (start time slightly flexible). If you can work either or both of these days, we would like to hear from you.

To apply for the role or for further information, go tohttps://centralgippslandhealth.mercury.com.au or contact Adam Crotty, Engineering Manager on (03) 5143 8681.

Physiotherapist Grade 1

Permanent Full Time

We are seeking two enthusiastic and motivated Physiotherapists to join our team at Central Gippsland Health (CGH). These positions offer the opportunity to obtain experience across a broad spectrum of Public Health services. Offering amixed caseload, across hospital, community, outpatients and aged care settings in athriving and vibrant rural health setting. There are opportunities to expand into speciality areas such as Paediatrics, Hand Therapy and Women's Health supported by experienced specialist physiotherapists within the team.

To apply for the role or for further information, go to https://centralgippslandhealth.mercury.com.au or contact Jenny McGuinness, Manager of Physiotherapy, Exercise Physiology and Podiatry &Manager of CRC Reception and Service Access on(03) 5143 8342.

Registered or Enrolled Nurses (Nursebank)

Casual

Are you seeking afulfilling career as a Registered or Enrolled nurse within our organisation? Do you have apassion for caring for people using aperson-centred approach? Are you looking for roster flexibility as acasual worker? If this is you, then we would love you to be apart of our team! Applications are open to Nurses, both Registered and Enrolled.

This role allows you to work across all areas of the Hospital on our Nurse Pool. At Central Gippsland Health our approach is to support all our staff to grow and develop. Work with us! Your reward is to work in an environment which will assist you to develop your career and build your knowledge and skills. Let us help you to get to where you'd like to be.

To apply for the role or for further information, go to https://centralgippslandhealth.mercury.com.au or contact Kellie Carter, NURSE BANK ADMINISTRATION OFFICER on (03) 5143 8152.

Registered Nurses (Nursebank)

Permanent Part Time

Exciting opportunities currently exist for enthusiastic and highly motivated Registered Nurses to apply for permanent part-time positions working across all areas of the Hospital on our Nurse Pool. At Central Gippsland Health our approach is to support all our staff to grow and develop. We strive to become an organisation where people come to work with a strong commitment to achieve the collective goals of the organisation (to improve the health and wellbeing of our community) and to learn and grow themselves whilst they are here.

Work with us! Your reward is to work in an environment which will assist you to develop your career and build your knowledge and skills. Let us help you to get to where you'd like to be.

To apply for the role or for further information, go to https://centralgippslandhealth.mercury.com.au or contact Kellie Carter, NURSE BANK ADMINISTRATION OFFICER on (03) 5143 8152.

Afulltimeposition exists for an enthusiastic person with customer focus to help us continue growing in our Sale Branch.

The successful applicant will be required to work within our small team environment.

Ideally, you will have experience in stores and/or spare parts/a mechanical aptitude with a background in external sales.

Previous experience in the Bearing Industry would be adefinite advantage.

Computer literacy and aVictorian Drivers Licence are required.

Duties will include but not be limited to:

● Counter/Phone Sales &Quoting

● Goods Received/Purchase Orders

● Stock control

Remuneration to be negotiated dependent upon experience.

Only mailed or emailed applications will be accepted.

Managing Director PO Box 3100 Morwell 3841

leanne@gippslandbearings.com.au

POSTION VACANT

Due to continued business growth at Pund & Associates we are seeking applications to join our friendly and efficient Administration team in our Maffra office. The role will involve Reception and general administration. The position will be offered on afull-time basis.

The successful applicant must have the following skills:

● At least 4years experience in office administration.

● Good time management and organisation skills with the ability to work unsupervised.

● Sound knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel & Outlook as well as sound general computer skills.

● Being client focused and with awillingness to help.

Pund &Associates is afamily owned and operatedbusiness. We service clients throughout Gippsland and Melbourne with a focus on supporting growing businesses.

If you are interested in acareer with us and are motivated and enjoy working in asmallteam environment we want you to apply.

Please forward your resume along with acover letter to: kellie@pundandassociates.com.au

Applications close: Friday, 25th November 2022.

Tuesday’s newspaper is nowavailable in newspaper format online at http://www.gippslandtimes.com.au/digital-editions/

the Gunaikurnai people as the traditional custodians of the land of where Gumnuts now is. We pay respect to their Elders past and present and emerging.

Traralgon Junior School Classroom Teacher

Advertising ConsultantSales

The Gippsland Times is your local newspaper, distributing our publications throughout the Wellington Shire and beyond.

Aposition has become available for asales consultant in our advertising department. The department is responsible for managing and exceeding set targets set out by management, maintaining astrong client base throughout the local community and through the print and online medium, working to strengthen and promote local businesses.

We are seeking an individual with the following positive attributes:

● Must work as part of ateam.

● Organised and able to work to deadlines.

● Be motivated as well as goal orientated.

● Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

● The ability to work unsupervised.

For acopy of the position description, please email Advertising Manager, Matthew Fitzgerald: mfitzgerald@gippslandtimes.com.au or phone 5143 9309.

Applications addressing the positive attributes along with the names and contact details of three referees should be forwarded to:

The Advertising Manager Gippsland Times 74 Macalister Street, Sale 3850

Or via email: mfitzgerald@gippslandtimes.com.au

Applications close 5pm, Friday November 18, 2022.

Administrative Officer, Monash Rural Health Gippsland (Sale)

Job No.: 642969

Location: Monash Rural Health Gippsland (Sale)

Employment Type: Full-time Duration: Fixed-term appointment until 31 December 2024

Remuneration: $73,053-$83,914 pa HEW Level 05 (plus 17% employer superannuation)

● Great opportunity to work with aMedical Student Program

● Unique administrative opportunity

● Be apart of an inclusive, collaborative team

The Opportunity Monash Rural Health Gippsland (Sale) is seeking to appoint an Administrative Officer who will be responsible for supporting student accommodation bookings and property management in Gippsland.

This position will be the first point of contact for enquiries from students, academics, professional staff, clinical staff and the general public and as such, provide sound and timely advice and support to all stakeholders.

The Administrative Officer will work independently and collegially with other Monash Rural Health staff on key priorities which may relate to student support activities, placements, activities supporting academic planning, reporting and support of committees.

Ideally we are seeking someone with atertiary qualification in arelevant field, or substantial relevant skills and work experience.

You will also demonstrate astrong administrative capacity to develop and implement effective operational processes and procedures and be highly organised and have the ability to work autonomously whilst also working well within a team.

Enquiries

Lynette McGowan, Senior Officer -East Gippsland, +61 35122 7249

Closing Date Sunday 20 November 2022, 11:55pm AEDT

For further information, Position Description and to apply, please visit: www.monash.edu/jobs

Search Job No.: 642969

MERCEDES

KENDELL, Lynette Faye. 29/6/1949 -9/11/2022

Aged 73

Dearly loved wife of Ian. Much loved Mum of Brett and Rachel, Trudi and Rod.

Loved Nan of Sam and Kelsey, Emma and Max, Daniel, Kade and Hailey.

Loving Great Nan of Jack and Claire.

She gave us all of herself, her endless love and care.

Forever in our hearts Finally at peace

Lyn, You were everything to me.

Life will never feel the same. You don't have to suffer anymore. Love you forever.

Your loving husband Ian.

Mum/Nan, You can now rest in peace. You were given the raw end of the stick, but you gave us everything you possibly could. Not once did we ever hear you complain about your pain or discomfort. You don't have to suffer anymore. We all know you gave us your all. We love you so much and gee, we will never forget you.

Love forever.

Trudi, Rod, Daniel, Kade and Hailey.

MEWHA, Mark. 17/12/63 -7/11/22.

Alifetime of memories of alovable larrikin who lived life to the fullest. I'll miss your sense of humour, your weekly visit, your kindness to everyone and trying to outdo you in a quiz.

Six weeks to the day from your diagnosis, it all went so fast but you're free from pain now. Our lives will never be the same again and we will miss you always.

For the constant care he received from Belinda and Tamara, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Loved and respected brother of Kay, brotherin-law and good mate of Rocky, cherished uncle of Shannon and Gabby, great uncle to Oscar. R.I.P

MEWHA, Mark. Iwill miss you, little brother. Rest in peace. -Carmen

There is aplace in my heart that is yours alone, Aplace in my life no one can own, Today, tomorrow, my whole life through, Iwill always love and remember you.

-Maree and Robert

May the winds of love blow softly, On that quiet and peaceful place, Where the one we love is sleeping, Who can never be replaced.

-Rachael, Daniel and Kohen.

If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.

-Isabelle, Jackson, and Korah

FIELD.

The funeral service for Mr James Russell Field will be held at St. Mark's Anglican Church, Albert Street, Rosedale at 1pm on THURSDAY (November 17, 2022), followed by burial at the Rosedale Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wilson Lodge.

Please see our website for Livestream details.

BARTLETT, Maude.

Our Mum, Nanna and Nanna B.

Always loved, so sadly missed. Forever in our hearts. Alfie, Michelle and family. XXXX

BROWN-GOSSTRAY, Paul.

NEDELKO, Maureen. (Farley)

We would like to thank everyone for the flowers, cards, food, visits and phone calls after the loss of our very much-loved wife, mum and nanna.

2017 ESS. CRUISER

Single axle, 2x150W solar, 2x100A batteries, diesel heater, reversing camera, air cond., ensuite, comp. fridge, wash. mach., $46,500, Phone 0427 432 401.

MEWHA, Mark Francis.

Aged 58. Sadly passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on November 7.

He was an adored son of Max and Kathleen (both dec.).

Adearly loved brother to Paul, Kayleen, Maree, Janine, and Carmen.

The proudest Dad of Mark, Tamara,and Belinda. Close friend to Pam the mother of his children.

Amuchloved father-inlaw to Joanne and Ash. And avery cherished grandad to Riley and Harrison.

His devastating passing has left his loving family with apiece of their heart missing.

We will always remember him as the funny loving great man that he was. No longer by our side but forever in our hearts.

MEWHA, Mark.

The times we have shared together, are our memories to keep.

Akind gentle man to your family, taken too soon.

Loved and adored brother of Janine and Patto, Much loved uncle of Alex and Anieke.

Love the soul of aperson, not their physical.

It is what is inside that matters.

MYRDZIO, Maria.

Passed at home on November 7, 2022.

Aged 97 Years.

Atruly inspiring lady who overcame the challenges of war in her teens. Maria had asuccessful career in nursing and was respected by all who met and worked with her.

Rest in peace kind lady, forever in our thoughts and prayers.

HODDER.

"Walrus" it was heart wrenching to sit and watch you suffer with COPD and as Iwatched you take your last breath I whispered aprayerthat you would go to abetter place. Iwas truly thankful of the ambulance assistance you relied on when breathing became too difficult and the care shown to you by all the hospital staff. There are those who have forgotten you already but those who truly loved you never will.

All my love, Mum. P.S. Istill have and love "Smelly Ted" Uncle Paul. Be good. "Hi Leigh". Love Jenso.

MORRIS, Leigh. Passed away 13/11/2021. Twelve long months of missing you and the pain is never ending.

Thank you to Lett's Funerals for your wonderful support and organisation through this time.

Thank you to Julie Duffy for your guidance and dedication to help us prepare aservice that was 'very Maureen'.

Thank you to the people who supported Maureen and us behind the scenes through the last 6months in so many ways. Thank you to Palliative, home care services and to the familiar faces at the Sale Hospital who made things easier.

All appreciated. Steve, Paul, Susan and family.

WATSON, Jill. Julie and Mark would like to thank all those who sent messages of condolence on the passing of their mum Jill.

KENDELL. The funeral service for Mrs Lynette Faye Kendell will be held at Delbridge Funeral Chapel, Marley Street, Sale at 11am on FRIDAY (November 18, 2022), followed by a Private Cremation.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parkinson's Australia.

Crosswords left unfinished because you aren't here to give me the tricky answers.

We miss your love of verse and stories from the past. You are missed at family gatherings and celebrations, but most of all we simply miss you.

Love Kaye, Brett, Min, Scott, Terri, Neil, Can, Brad, Pete and grandies.

To Dr O'Kane who has looked after Mum's health for many years, our sincere thanks.

Since February 2020 Mum lived at Sale Gardens. After the first night she commented that she felt like she was home. Throughout the challenges of the past two and ahalf years for the aged care sector, Mum never stopped loving her environment or the caring communityshe was surrounded by. Administration, nursing, caregivers, kitchen, cleaning, everyone held a special place in Mum's heart.

MEWHA.

The funeral service for Mr MarkFrancisMewha will be held at Delbridge Funeral Chapel, Marley Street, Sale at 1pm TOMORROW (Wednesday, November 16, 2022,) followed by burial at the Sale Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Council.

Please see our website for Livestream details.

Funeral Directors

Bec who was her go-to for shoe repair, Bleiz her physio, and confidante, Maree her toiletry shopper, Wayne avery pat ient tec hnol ogy advisor, Kerry and all the nurses who managed her health... the list could go on.

The words "thank you" don't seem enough to say just how grateful we are. We will all miss Jill Margaret Watson... Sleep peacefully. xx

December 25, 1939 November 2, 2022

Loved husband of Patricia.

Loving father to Karina, Mark, Lorraine, Jamie, Darryl, Katherine, and Paul.

Aloved grandfather and great grandfather.

Jimmy, Istill can't believe you are not with me. We had alot of travels together, alot of fun fossicking for stones and your opal mining. We had some great times and now Ihave these beautiful memories to last me 'til we meet again.

Your loving wife Patricia.

Thank you Jimmy for being such awonderful father and grandfather to us all.

Rest in peace

-All our love, Lorraine, Matthew, Sophie, Bryce, and Tom.

Dad, We are grateful to have so many loving moments and memories that will be cherished forever. We thought we had many more years with you still. What we would give to have you with us again. You took apiece of us with you on the day you left.

Always in our hearts and forever on our minds.

Thank you for being an incredible fatherand grandfather. We were blessed with the best.

All our love, Mark, Jo, Tamara, Belinda, Ash, Harry, Riley and Pam.

MEWHA, Mark.

Your life was like agame of poker.

You played the cards you were dealt and played them well.

Then you were dealt a hand that you just couldn't play.

Sadly you had to fold.

Loved brother of Paul, brother-in-law of Linda, Uncle of Teagen and Mick and their families.

MYRDZIO, Maria.

Amostrespected, dear friend and work collegue of Maria Chzanowski (dec); Worked together at G.B.H. for over 40 years. So enjoyable were all the shopping excursions to Melb., always so much to explore. Such memories remain with us to cherish.

Now in God's care.

Rest in peace Maria. Chrzanowski family.

MYRDZIO.

Requiem mass for the repose of the soul of Mrs Maria Myrdzio will be offered at St Mary's Cathedral corner Pearson and Foster Streets, Sale at 11am on WEDNESDAY (November 23, 2022).

Following mass,the funeral will leave the above church for the Sale Monumental Lawn Cemetery.

FIELD, James Russell.

Afuneral service for Mr William James Hodder WAS HE LD on THURSDAY (November 10, 2022).

ROYAL Flair Comet 2003 caravan, 17'6'', v.g. cond. inside and out, rollout awning, reverse camera, rev./cycle air cond., TV, 6 mths reg., lift up dble bed $17,500.

League presentation

Clubsfrom across the leaguegathered to celebrate the achievements of teams and individuals throughout 2023.

This season saw Falcons 2000 win the men’s league title, while Moe United took out the Battle of Britain Cup.

Falcons alsowon the women’s league.Sale United claimed the Brown Huzier Cup.

The presentation was highlighted by Moe United goalkeeperPeterAlbaneseofficially inducted as a legend of the LVSL.

LATROBE VALLEY SOCCER LEAGUE

Awardwinners2022

SENION MEN’S

League Champions:Falcons 2000

Battle of Britain Cup:Moe United

Coach of the Year:Mark Cassar (Falcons 2000)

Golden Boot:Dylan Fairbrother(Newb/Yall)

SENIOR WOMEN’S

RESERVES

Yallourn Shopwell Trophy:Monash Golden Boot:HarleyRobinson (Moe United)

Phil Blunt Best Player:HarleyRobinson(MoeUnited)

2ND DIVISION

League Champions:Olympians SC

Nan Bosma Cup:Fortuna 60

Golden Boot:Anthony Pardo(Olympians)

KenSteel Best Player:Braydon Bates (Fortuna 60)

Referee Awards:Young Referee of the Year: Lucas

Doultree Referee of the Year: Liam Lenders

Go Sevens action at Sale United

Eagles boost percentage

ROUND 7ofthe Country Basketball League produced aboil-over.

Defending champion Traralgon lost their first gamefor the season, goingdowntoWarragul 85-80.

Havinglost to the T-Birds in last season’s Grand Final, the result was some revenge for the Warriors.

Warragul took their ledger to five-winsand three-losses after their win at home, putting them fifth on the ladder.

Traralgon remains on top, but has played more gamesthanevery other team in the competition.

Maffra consolidated its place in the top-two after beating Morwell.

The Eagles played out acompetitive match against the Magic, winning 92-74 at Cameron Sporting Complex.

Maffra boosted their percentage the following day, annihilating LakesEntrance 81-27 on Sunday.

The Pelicans put up abetter fight the day before, but went down 95-78 to Pakenham.

Pakenham travelledtoLakesEntrancefor the game.

Aquick Google Map search shows that is a three hour trip.

Fair way to drive for agame of local basketball.

Moe alsohad agood game, and an equally good win,taking downKorumburra on theirhome court 91-77.

The Meteors hold fourth spot, with afour-two record after six games.

MOE had avery successful weekend, with its women’s team knocking off top-side Korumburra

The Meteorsovercame numerous challenges to win 55-48 on the road.

The win puts Moe third, and looking ominous with afive-one record.

Onlyahandful of other games were played Wins went to Traralgon (75-67vsWarragul) and Pakenham (79-54 vs Lakes Entrance).

AFULL fixture is back on the cards this weekend.

Saturday; Sale vs Moe (atGRSC), Maffra vs Traralgon (at Cameron Sporting Complex), Korumburra vs Peninsula (atKorumburra),Sunday: Wonthaggi vs Traralgon(at Bass Coast Stadium), Moe vs Maffra (atLatrobe Leisure, Newborough), Warragul vs Pakenham(at Warragul Leisure) and Sale vs LakesEntrance (atGRSC).

Sale-Maffra Cricket Association

Second Grade: Maffra 149(NMagnuson 38, JCantwell 6/35) def Bundalaguah 108and 0/0; Stratford183 (D Devisser 104, BWilkinson 54) drew Collegians 1/61 (C Hall30*); Sale 151(LMowat 73*, TLove 5/33) def Rosedale-Kilmany 30 (A Nicholas 4/11, JSharma 3/11) and 4/108(cc) (S Treasure32*,JSharma 2/13, BDobson 2/18)

Third Grade: Maffra9/175(cc)(TThreadgold 44, M Phelan 2/11, BLanigan 2/28) def Boisdale-Briagolong 94 (T Threadgold 44); Bundalaguah7/139 (J Matthews 39, LDabkowski 4/27) def Wurruk 109(LTourtoulas 38, WGray 4/18); Heyfield 184(TPritchett 45, ASutton 5/50)def Collegians 9/41(CRonan 3/7,JZdrazi 3/13); Longford 7/217(cc) (A Heywood 53)def Stratford9/86 (D Pendergast 28, SLucas-Laws6/26)Nambrok 86 (L Adams 18,H Russell 18,G McGrath 5/15, HHenry 3/26) def Rosedale-Kilmany 69 (A Henry 33, SHettiarachchige 3/14) and 1/21(cc); Sale Bye.

Fourth Grade: Longford 7/104 (J Neesham43*, SDuffield 2/12,C Howard2/16) def Sale White 6/102(cc) (J Duffield 34, MAlexander 2/11); Collegians 8/150 (B Hurley44*, J Sullivan 43, VVb3/15, MCordias 2/5) def Maffra (J Pataki 37*, XHurley2/17, WBraden 2/27); Bundalaguah Yaks 5/40(JHickey 14,D Westland 2/4, BVan der Velden 2/17) def Wurruk Toads 33 (K Dehmel 13*, JHickey6/5); Wurruk Windies 8/116(cc) (G Davies 51,JReid 4/18) def Rosedale-Kilmany 115(GSebire49, LMassey3/8); Heyfield def Sale Black on forfeit

Under 16: All matches abandoned due to ground

Sale Golf Club

Sale Bridge Club

THE Latrobe Valley Soccer League held its presentation night last Friday at Morwell RSL.

Sale United seniorwomen’s coach Maddie Breakspear andassistant RomiBitar proudly show off the BrownHuzier Cup at the LatrobeValleySoccer League’s presentation evening. Photo: Contributed

Liam Durkin

The David’sgoalkeeper takes agoal kick.

Photos: Zoe Askew

Players from The Raglan Street Blues and The David’s in Round 3ofSale United’s Go Sevens competition.

Sale UnitedSenior Men’s 2022captain Solomon Nash enjoys asecondscratch match at Go Sevens.

Lizards areonthe board

TomParry

DAYtwo of the Sale-Maffra Cricket Association’s fifth round couldn’t have been more different to the first.

Where the first weekend of action had players under mostly-clear skies, the second day’s play hadtheminovercast conditionswith sunshine only seldom poking through the clouds, plus some humidity and asporadic breeze.

Furthermore,aheavy downpour the evening prior had left grounds sodden for the umpteenth week in arow, much to the chagrin of batsmen and curators

All four matches were decided on afirst-innings basis, yet one proved more enthralling than others.

LongfordvBoisdale-Briag

FOR the first time this season, and only the second in three seasons,Longfordwon afirst-grade match

It wasaclassic fairy-tale victory not only for the club, but for newcomer Jordan Price, who proved ruthless against his former teammatesinthe Boisdale-Briagolong camp.

The Lizards were 6/79 as the day began, trailing Boisdale-Briagolong by 39.

Jayden Taylor went out early, leaving Jake Heywood and unbeaten captain Lachlan Floyd to close the gap, which they did with aplomb.

In their eighth-wicket stand, the duo made 64 runs to surpass the Saints’ first-innings score of 118, hitting the front in the 43rd over.

Heywood fell in 48th, with the remaining two wickets lost in the over that followed, leaving Longford on atotal of 147 and aslim29-runadvantage.

Boisdale-Briagolong now had the chance to snatch that lead back.

Their second-innings began with Stephen Noble and ConnorHughes as openers, who faced the bowling of ex-comrade Price.

Pricemadehis impact feltalmostimmediately, scalping Hughes for anought after three balls.

Fifteen overs passed and 46 runs scored before the next wicket fell, that being Toby Leeds -who didn’t bat last weekend.

Noblewas the next victim 10 overs later,who had added23runs with Dylan Bolton as his back-up.

Noble’sdeparturetriggered aminor collapse,with Ryan Marshall and Bolton both dismissed without adding to the total-the former for aduck off the bowling of Jake Wynd.

10 overs after that, Liam Hurst went on 6/87 off the bowling of Price, who struck again exactly 10 overs after that with the wicket of Ned Sutton.

The very next ball, he claimed another casualty when Mathew Freeman was given out.

Freeman’s wicket came on the sixth ball of the 47thover, with Pricehaving to watch Mick Murphy bowl his over before attempting the hat-trick.

Complete it he did, dismissing Jonathon Outhart very first ball.

The Saints’ Matt Murphy and Tom Harms added 12 more runs before the latter was bowled by Wynd in the 54th over.

Boisdale-Briagolong was all out for 119, scoring only one run more than their first-innings total; but they at least had alead of 90 runs to defend.

It wasnow Longford’s turntobat again; their startwas far from promising, with star-player Wynd bowled first ball for agolden duck by Hughes.

Andrew Tyson also fell to Hughes in the first over with azero to his name.

In their third-wicketpartnership, Price and Walt Sutton made63off just five overs-that’s arun-rate of 12 per over in case you were wondering.

This included 21 runs in the fourth over of the innings, in which Price hit three sixes off Bolton, his former captain.

Hughes was the bowler to bring about Price’s downfall, coming in the seventh over with the scoreboard reading 3/67.

Longford wasnow within23runs of an outright victory.

Aquick-scoring cameo from Ash Vogt in the next two overs narrowed the margin to 13 runs, before he too was dismissed by Hughes.

Following the ninth over, with the Lizards just 10 runsshy of their target and havingfive wickets in-hand, umpires called stumps.

There’s no doubt in this reporter’s mind that Longford would have chased down that total had they been allowedto; he is justasassured that the Lizards’ celebrations continued at Stephenson Park well into the night.

Sale vRosedale-Kilmany

RUNS were not forthcoming at Sale Oval, owing to acombination of masterful fielding from the home side, amoist surface and dried turf strewn over the outfield.

Resultingly, Rosedale-Kilmany was trounced by Sale.

Openers BrandonMcDonald and Ashton Wright both struggled in the conditions, making just 28 runs in the day’s first 25 overs.

Ben Jones got the breakthrough for Sale, trapping Wright on the pads for 13.

Next to depart wasRohan Diamond for six, chop ping the ball onto the stumps whileattempting alatecut.

Two balls later, youngster Harper Fox was out after edging the ball into the slips.

Another wicket tumbled in the over that followed, with McDonald out lbw to the bowling of Coenie Nel.

Nel repeated that effortfourovers later, with NathanHanganalsogivenhis lbw marching orders by the umpire.

A33-run partnership between Jay Diamondand CameronFreshwaterfollowed, beforethe latter was also sent back to the pavilion by Nel.

Jay Diamond fell in the following over to Tyson Dobson; Dylan Rowley fell in the over after that due to arun out.

Warriors’captain Isaac Love and Spencer Fox made avaliant ninth-wicket stand before their wickets fell too.

Rosedale-Kilmany fell 99 runsshortofSale’s first-innings total.

Nel was the best of the bowlers with 5/31, with fellow South African Garreth Wolmarans taking 2/33.

Bundalaguah vMaffra

CRICKETERS had more than achase to worry about in their return to Bundalaguah.

Drainage issues were again aproblem at the Bulls’ home, the south-east pocket of the ground having been cordoned-off due to excess water; a makeshift barrier of rolled-up pitch covers and afire hose ensured that players, stray balls and photographers all avoided the area.

This rudimentary measure meant that several square-metres of playing surfaces was lost, leaving the Colin Wrigglesworth Oval looking more like arhombus

None of the players appeared perturbed by the abnormalshape of the field,carrying on as if it was agame like any other.

Bundalaguah continued their innings at 0/11, with Maffra’s Dylan Freitag making a breakthrough with just the second ball of the day -Hayden Wrigglesworth out for three.

Fellow opener Jason Langshawfollowedfour overs later on nine.

KshitizSharma and SteveSpoljaric added 47 runs before the latter departed on 16; that was followed by a49-runstand between Sharma and Toby O’Reilly, who was caught for 18.

Lachlan Wrigglesworth came and went without scoring, his departure bringing to the middleBrad Smith.

He contributed to an innings-best partnership of 51, with Sharma making acentury in the process

-his firstaspart of the Sale-Maffra competition.

Additionally, Sharma’s ton was the second of the match (Maffra’s Lee Hopkins also reached the milestone on day one) and the fifth of the first-grade season overall.

Andrew McKenzie was the man to eventually bring Sharma undone, caught behind on 112. With the score now 6/171, the Bulls were just 31 runs shy of beating the Eagles’ total; but that was not to be.

In the overs that followed, Eranda Aponso was run out on three, Connor Lay caught on six, and wicket-keeper Jos Dimarco caught by his Eagles counterpart on zero, all in the space of 11 runs.

Smithand tail-ender Gayashan Munasinghe made another 10 runs before losing the 10th and final wicket in the 74th over on 192.

Having posted ahigher first-innings total, the Eagles were deemed winners.

Collegians vStratford

WHAT was envisaged as the match of the round came to an underwhelming conclusion.

Collegians continued their innings from the previous Saturday and began confidently -just four oversinto the day, captainZac Hurley hit two consecutive sixes of the bowling of Stratford’s Bohdi Walker.

But with plenty of green coverage on the pitch, Stratford wouldsoonmaketheir mark with the ball

Nineteen runs were addedtothe previous week’s total before opener Tom Morrison was bowled by Jack Tatterson.

Tatterson struck again two overs later, with Hurley lobbing the ball into the hands of Ethan Albrecht.

Hurley’s score of 35 would be the highest of the innings.

Walker dismissedCharlieMorrison for asingle run in the over that followed; Tatterson continued his streak in the over after that with two wickets in succession -his victims being Adrian Burgiel andHenry Anderson.

Four overs andfourrunslater,Tatterson garnered his fifth wicket of the innings, with Stuart Anderson out lbw for one.

The collapse was stymied by Tim Dessent and the younger Hurley, Noah, who emulated his older namesake across two different partnerships.

AfterDessent wasshown the door on on 12, Noah partneredwith Jed Malone for a36-runstand before departing on 8/113.

Nathan Whitford then left at 9/115, followed by Malone with the score at 125.

With three hours left in the day, the Redbacks were(rather pointlessly) sentout to bat again, despite possessing aclear 41-run lead over their rivals.

Lewis Bolton opened the battingwith Ben Dinning, who was immediatelymet withthe formidable pace of NoahHurley and Nathan Whitford.

Whitford looked especially fearsome, his opening spellevoking Mitchell Johnson’s fiery performance against England in the 2013/14 Ashes.

Bolton was lost on two, replaced in the middle by Jack Tatterson, who was in turn caught five overs later on 13.

The Redbacks battedfor 20 oversall up,Dinning unbeatenonfourand Jack Rietschel not out on 12.

With that, Collegians had their first loss of the season, relegating them to second on the SMCA First XI ladder and leaving Stratford firmly on-top. SCOREBOARD IN FRIDAY’S PAPER.

Longfordcaptain Lachlan Floyd hadevery reason to smileafter his team won against BoisdaleBriagolong on Saturday.

Photo: TomParry

Holmes’ big chop for charity

LEIGH Holmes has finally made the Big Chop.

The fourth-gradecaptain of the Longford Cricket Club lost his locks on Saturday, November5during acharity event at Stephenson Park.

Members of the club, as well as Holmes’ friends and family, all gathered for the occasion.

The evening began with hairdresserand proprietor of Salon 6471, Tammy Neyland,plaiting Holmes’ hair in 11 different places.

The process took close to half an hour, with Longford’s younger cricketers assisting in the process.

Once that process was completed, attendees then took turns cutting all 11 plaits, with Neylandthen fashioning Holmes’ hair into ashorter, neater style.

“We were going to do something abit crazy, like amullet or something abit funny, but(Leigh’s partner)Sarah had booked family photos the next day,” Neylandtold the Gippsland Times “I thinkshe did that on-purpose, which is agood idea -I’m not afan of the mullet!”

The hairdresser noted that it was one of the longestheadsofmale hair she’d trimmed in along time, aprocess she enjoyed.

Holmes’ 65-centimetre growth wasgiven one last hurrah on the Saturday afternoon in his side’s 207-runvictory over the Wurruk Toads,being worn down for much of the game.

He opened the battingfor the Lizards, but lasted two balls before conceding that his hair was an imposition and had to tie it up.

He contributed 18 runsand nearlytookahat trick, finishing with figures of 2/11 off three overs. So, how does it feel for Holmes having his hair cut short again?

“To be honest, it’s actually really not that much

differentoverall, because it was tied up alot of the time; but (I am) definitely feelingthe windabit more and all that sort of stuff,” he said.

He added that he was “really happy” with his new hairstyle.

“I probably was alittlebit anxious aboutthat, but Iwas happy with how it turned out in the end, whichisgood.”

In all,close to $1400 was raisedbythe club on the night, with another$2500 raisedprior to the event.

Holmes willbedonatingthe money raised to the Cancer Council, and his hair to the children’s charity Variety.

“I’ll send that off to them, and it’llget made (into) wigs for kids that lose their hair through illness,” he said.

Holmes has pledged to keep his donation page open untilthe end of November, which can be found online at https://fundraising.cancervic.org. au/fundraisers/leighholmes

WellingtonGippsland Tennis Association

TomParry

Holmes bowlingfor Longfordinthe fourth-gradematch against Wurruk Toads, locksflowing.

Photo: Contributed

The plaitingprocess.

Photo:Contributed

Section 3Seniors Sale KFCKaz Egan shows perfect poiseasshe attempts aforehand winner in her match against Maffra WilmourMotors.

Section 1Juniors Sale De Minaur AaronDonaldson playsaforehand drive from the baseline in his match against Tomljanovic/Longford.

Section 1Juniors Sale Tomljanovic/ LongfordMia Gooldbends her knees to get alow forehand in her match against Sale De Minaur.

Section 2Seniors Sale Dahlsens Rohan Jayatilake Mactier is well balanced fora forehand in his match against Sale Glencoe Lime.

Section 1Juniors Sale Tomljanovic/ LongfordCharlotte Boardinagood position for abackhand drive in her match against Sale De Minaur.

Section 2SeniorsSale Glencoe Kerri Brown stretches wide fora forehand in her match against Sale Dahlsens.

Photos: Robin Lowe

Part of Leigh’s hair being cutbyhis partner, Sarah. Photo:Contributed

Leigh Holmes with his new cut and strands of his old hair,outside hisworkplace.

Photo: TomParry

SALTY

It was a‘mild’ 29.1-degree day, and even at 6.30pm, the sun belted downacross Godfrey Baldwin Reserve as local soccer enthusiasts took the field for the third round of Sale United’s 2022 Go Sevens competition.

As the clockstruckhalf-six,MyLittle Morty’s met ladder leaders Purple Cobras on Main Pitch

One, and after asweltering 40 minutes, were the unexpected victors, taking down the number one team 5-1.

On Main Pitch Two, Green Grubs were up against Divines. Despite Green Grubs’ best efforts, Divines proved too good, winning 7-1.

On Back Pitch 8, the Misfits toppled their opponents, Dico’s Demons, 11-2 in the highest-scoring game of the round.

Next door, on Back Pitch 10, scores were much more even; actually, scores were exactly even, with Occasionally United and Mighty Cornflakes concluding at a2-2 draw after 40 minutes.

Raglan Street Blues met The David’s on Main Pitch Oneinthe second session of games.The

David’s found the back of the net three times, but Raglan Street Blues could not convert agoal, ending with the David’s taking home a3-0 win.

On the next field over, Mac Rappers also stole a 3-0 win against the Ringins.

The Special Ones were up againstPinkBits, and Bayside Astronauts faced Tekkerslovakia in the second round of games on the back pitches.

The Special Ones went down to Pink Bits 6-2, and in agame with more heat than the day’s max temperature, Bayside Astronauts claimed a6-4 win over Tekkerslovakia.

ThisThursday (November 17) PurpleCobras play The Special Ones, PinkBitsface Bayside Astronauts, Mighty Cornflakesmeet Dico’s

Demons, and Occasionally United are up against The David’s at 6.30pm.

At 7.30pm, My Little Morty’s play Green Grubs, Tekkerslovakia meet Divines, Misfits are up against Ringins, and Mac Rappers face Raglan Street Blues.

Sale United Football Club welcomes all to come along and watch teams battle it out for top spot in the 2022 Go Sevens summer soccer competition. Enjoy hot food from the canteen and connect with those from the localcommunity while watching soccer players, new and experienced, as they bend it,well try to, bend it like Beckham.

Zoe Askew

sweat streamed fromred-cheeked faces on Thursday evening, as players retired to the sidelines following their Round 3games of Sale United Football Club’s Go Sevens summer soccer competition.

PHOTOS-PAGE29

Photo: Tom Parry