Gippsland Times Tuesday 18 October 2022

All set to go for Sale Cup 2022

LIAM DURKIN

SALE Turf Club is preparedfor theSale Cup thisSunday

So prepared in fact, they even have a generatorcapable of powering theentire venueasa back-up

All race-going eyes will be on Sale to witness alisted group race on what is generally regarded as thepremiertrack in Gippsland

Somehighcalibre nameshavegraced theGreenwattle trackinthe past,including three-timeMelbourne Cupwinningmare

Makybe Diva

Makybe Divawon at Sale in 2002 before going on to win the firstofher three-peat the very nextyear.

Thatisa decent claimtofame.

Morerecently, some otherprominentnames in racing have also ‘cuttheirteeth’atSale

InvincibleCaviar wonatSaleasrecentlyas this month.

The daughter of BlackCaviartookout a BM70 HandicaponWednesday,October 5.

Just like oldtimes,LukeNolenwas in the saddle, keeping theCaviarname aliveand well.

Carnival Series Heat on Cup Day

SALE Turf Club has onceagain been selectedtoconduct aheatofthe 2022 Melbourne Cup Carnival Country Series, presented by the Victoria Racing Club,Racing Victoriaand Country RacingVictoria.

The Melbourne CupCarnivalCountry Series is restricted to country-based trainersand features eight heatseach worth$100,000with the final -valued at $500,000- to be held at Flemington on Kennedy Oaks Day, November 3.

The winner and runner-upfromeach heat will be ballot-exempt forthe final.

The Sale Turf Club heatwillbe conducted on Ladbrokes Sale Cup Day, with a$100,000 race making it afeature race on theday

Sale Turf Club chairmanDavid Wilson welcomedthe chance to hostthe heat again this year

“Itis greatrecognition forthe Sale Turf Club to be selected to conduct one of theheats of theseriesonour biggest dayofthe year,LadbrokesSaleCup Day,”hesaid.

Full detailsofthe series areavailable in Inside Racing or by emailing racing@ vrc.net.au.

Nolen famouslyrode BlackCaviar to 22 of her 25 consecutivewins,and her daughter nowlooks to be one to keep an eye on

Away from the on-trackaction,ithas been a busy year forSale Turf Club

Earlierinthe year,Sale wasgiven the

honour of hosting ameetingonGoodFriday.

It wasahistory-makingday,withSale chosenasthe venuetohost thefirst-ever meeting on thepublicholiday out of any country racing club in thestate

More than 3000 spectatorsflockedfrom

across the region to attend, and the clubpulled out allthe stops to ensure it wasa meeting befittingofthe occasion

And nowthat the Sale Cupisset to welcome back crowds forthe firsttimesince2019, one canonlyimaginesimilar preparations are being undertaken.

Thesense of communitywill be aliveand well,somuch so that the Sale Cup trophy itself has been organisedbylocalbusiness GippslandTrophyHouse

Sale Turf Club officials were busilypreparing forthe bigday when the GippslandTimes dropped in to check-inonproceedingsa fortnightago

All aregearing up forthe picnic rugs to be unfurled, the sounds from the hustle and bustle of thebetting ring to play out, and coloursshowcasingthe finest millenarytobe displayed.

Aquick look around sawanew broadcast bootherected at the mounting yard, while the winning post looked in tip-topshape.

Just who will pass it firstonSundayand win the Sale Cup?

Allwillberevealed.

Amessage from the chief executive officer

WELCOMEbackeveryone

It will be wonderfultohaveyou allback on coursefor the runningofthe 2022 Ladbrokes Sale Cup.

It wasaprivilegetohost the inaugural Good FridayRacedayinApril;but this Sunday is our day, alocal day, supported by so many wonderful Gippslanderssharing our wonderful clubwith the visitorsand guests that we arealso settowelcomefrom near andfar

We trust youwillenjoy all thatisonoffer, particularlythe upgraded amenities for patrons on coursethatincludes arenovated grandstand, anew deck offour Laurels FunctionCentre, our fresh Public Bar, upgraded AV resources andthe newly appointed gardensacross the venue.

Other facility improvements -includinga newbroadcastmedia studio,a renovated administrationbuilding,a generator installation, ahorse treadmill forour localtrainers andacompleteupgrade of trackand venue lighting-clearly showsour investmentinour club,its facilities and to theexperienceofall whoattend is of thehighest standard.

It won’tstopthere,withplanned works commencing immediatelyafter the Sale Cup that will seea full renovation of the jockeyroom facilities,the commencement of additional training infrastructure (bullring) andatrack renovationtofurther improve the wonderful surface we producefor thoroughbredracing.

None of this wouldbepossiblewithout

the supportofmanykey stakeholdersthat include CountryRacing Victoria, Racing Victoria and the stategovernment, all of which continuetoprovidevaluable financial and management support throughout each year -thank you.

We arefurther enhanced by ourprincipal partner in Ladbrokes, as well as thedozens and dozensofbusinesses who continue to supportour club as we in turnsupport them -thank you.

Finally, thereare ourmembers,visitors and guests that come to ourracemeetings and events that supportusand create the atmospherewehavemissedoverthe past three challengingyears -thank you.

In conclusion, Ithankthe committeeand stafffor their loyaltyand commitment to makingour clubthe best it can be

What hasbeenachievedin recent years is quite spectacular, and it cannothappen withouta team thatIhavethe pleasure of workingwith-thank you.

Iwishyou alla great2022Ladbrokes Sale Cup Day.

Brad Evans, Sale Turf Club CEO

OVER $3000 IN PRIZES

Most Fashionable Family

1:20pm after Race2

Open to groups of 2ormorewho are related ie parent/ children, aunt/uncle and niece/nephew etc.

Adult entrants encouraged to wear headware.

Best Dressed Gentleman

1:55pm after Race 3

1st&2nd place awarded to best dressed Gents on the day. Men encouraged to wear headware.

Best Dressed Female

2:30pm after Race 4

1st&2nd place awarded to best dressed ladies on the day.

Entrants must be wearing headware.

Millinery Award

2:30pm after Race 4 1stplace announced alongside Best Dressed Female.

Millinery mustbe Spring/Summer or tran-seasonal materials.

No winter millinery.

Sale Turf ClubbusinessdevelopmentmanagerKathleen Harrap, chief executiveBradEvans and trackmanager Josh McKinleywithhis year’s SaleCup trophies. Photo: ZoeAskew

Sale Turf Club chief executive Brad Evans

Photo: Zoe Askew

Major equipment boost for hospital

Zoe Askew

SALEHospital’s special care nursery now has a Resuscitaire, adevice to help care for ill babies, thanks to the Newborn Intensive Care Foundation (NICF).

Sale man Peter Cursley foundedthe NICF,which donated the latest piece of equipment.

“You have avery sick baby, avery sick baby,” is all Mr Cursley remembers hearing as anurse at Canberra Hospital tried to resuscitatehis newborn daughter, Hannah, in 1993.

His partner Susan had reached full-term pregnancy and was nearing delivery when fate intervened.

“We were waiting for the moment to go off to the hospital; Susan went and had ashower,” Mr Cursley said.

“She collapsed, Iheard her scream, Iraced her down to the hospital, and Hannah, our little daughter, was born blue,” he said.

Staff at Canberra Hospital revived littleHannah, but she wouldn’t live more than 24 hours.

“Shedied in our arms at one o’clock in the morning,” Mr Cursley said.

Hannah Cursley was born November 18, 1993, and died November 19, 1993.

She was cradled in her mother and father’s warm, loving arms at that time, coming up to 30 years.

Peterand Susan Cursley endured excruciating heartbreak,but through the pain, the loss and the grief, they deeplyappreciated support from medical staffatCanberra Hospital.

“In honourofthe staff and in honour of Hannah, we decided to start afoundation (NICF),” Mr Cursley explained.

“There are three things we do: funding high-tech medical equipment, nurse education and funding of research.”

Before setting any plans for NICF in motion, Peter and Susan and their firstborn daughter Megan took afamily trip to Bali, Indonesia, in an effort to move forward with their lives.

Returning home fromtheir holiday, just months after the death of Hannah, Susan was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour.

In August1995, at the age of 26, Susan died, leaving behind agrievingwidow and four-year-old daughter.

FollowingSusan’s death, Peter devoted himself to NICF, fulfilling apromise he made with his wife during anguished moments in November 1993.

In 1995,former ACT Chief Minister Kate Carnell officially launched the NewbornIntensive Care

Foundation, which has since raisedmillions of dol lars to help critically-ill newborn babies lead healthy, normal lives.

Since moving to Sale in July 2019, Peter has raised more than $70,000 for the Sale Hospital through NICF, which has provided the special care nursery lactation aids for nursingmums,cot nests, leather electric nursing chairs and aspecial phototherapy blanket to treat babies with jaundice, known as aBiliblanket.

“Thingslikethe Biliblanketare great for the region”, Mr Cursley said, “normally, they’re treated with big lights; the Biliblanket treats the baby the same, but while it’s being treated, the mum can nurse it.

“The other benefit with the Biliblanket is they can go in ambulances, so they are great for places like Sale Hospital where they might be going to Maffra to pick up ababy, or wherever else.”.

AResuscitaire combines awarming therapy platform with components needed for clinical emergencies and resuscitation.

“It’slikea humidicrib with resuscitationequipment on it, so if ababyisborn not breathing, then the equipment is all there, ready to go,” Mr Cursley said.

Thieves snatch trailer,truck

Police Beat

ASILVERtandem trailer with acage, registration C70190,has been stolenfromapaddock in Cowwarr.

The owner noticed the trailer missing on October 13, at about midday. He had parked the trailer from where it was stolen on October 11.

If you have any information about the theft phone Senior Constable MutschatHeyfield Police on 5148 2202 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Scammersusing gift cards

SCAMMERS are using gift cards as currency.

The cards are easy to sell quickly.

AppleiTunes cards are afavourite as they are accessible internationally.

Salepolicehavewarned peoplenolegitimate company or government agency will ask for payment with agiftcard.

LeadingSenior ConstableKim Kell said she visited stores last week that sell iTunes cards and asked them to ensure their staff are vigilant when it comestopeople buying the cards.

“Ifastranger ringsyou or contacts you by any meansout of the blue requesting money from you in any form, either agift card or adirect deposit into an account, it is highly likely it’s ascam,” Constable Kell said.

“Thankfully all of the shops that sell iTunes cards in the Sale area are fully aware of scams and recently prevented thetheft of $1000from one of our residents,” she said.

If you are at all concerned thatyou may have been targeted as part of ascam, more information is available by goingtothe samwatch website -www. scamwatch.gov.au

Vehicle safety inspections

WELLINGTON Highway Patrol and Wellington Police members in conjunction with the centre for road policing investigation unit conducted vehicle safety checks in the Sale area on Wednesday. Police said several vehicles were inspected and

anumberofdefect notices issued.

Motorcyclist dies in Traralgon

EMERGENCY services attended afatal collision in Traralgon South on October 11.

Avehicle and amotorcycle collided just after 4.30pm.

Amalemotorcycle rider died at the scene.

The driverofthe vehicle was not injured and stopped to assist.

The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be determined.

Anyonewho witnessedthe collision, has dashcam footage or information is urged to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submita confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Electric scooter impounded

LATROBE Police say if an electric scooter’s motor exceeds acontinuous power output of more than 200 watts, or they are capable of being ridden at speeds greater than 10 kilometres an hour, they meet the definition of amotor vehicle.

In cases where the device has two wheels, they are deemed to be motorcycles and require the rider to be licensed and wear an appropriate motorcycle helmet.

The rider of the scooter pictured on the back of the tow truck was not licensed to ride an e-scooter, police allege, and as aresult, he had to walkhome.

The trip cost him $995 in impoundment fees and he will be later summonsed to court.

Hino truck stolen from Sale

A2018Hino500,8-10 tonne tipper with ‘Sale Garden Supplies’ written on the cab, was allegedly stolen from the Sale area on October 4, 2022.

The truck is described as atipper truck with a white body; the top of cab is white, bottom half white, grey and green. Registration is: 1LV7MK.

If you have seen this truck or have any information in relation to the alleged theft, phone Wellington investigation unit on 5142 2200 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Erratic driver

POLICE are seeking assistance from witnesses after reports of ablack Holden ute driving erratically and dangerously on Raglan St about 8.15am on October 3, causing motorists to take evasive action.

If you have any information or dash cam footage, phone Sale Police on 5142 2200 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Community Safety Day

SATURDAY was community Safety Day.

The family-friendly event had local crews from the SES, CFA and Victoria Police displaying their vehicles along the Cunningham St, Sale pedestrian mall.

There was also afree sausage sizzle and a jumping castle

Latrobe Police sayifanelectric scooter’s motor exceeds acontinuouspower output of more than 200watts, or theyare capable of being ridden at speedsgreater than 10km/h, theymeetthe definition of amotorvehicle.

Police aresearching for this silver tandem trailerwithacage, bearing theVictorian registration C70190 afteritwas allegedly stolen from aproperty in Cowwarr

Vehicle SafetyInspections in Sale.

Photo:Contributed

Hospital gets new crib

From Page 1

The NCIF’s most recent contributiontoSale Hospital’s special care nursery is aResuscitaire.

AResuscitaire combines awarming therapy platform with components needed for clinical emergencies and resuscitation.

“It’s like ahumidicribwith resuscitation equipment on it,soifa baby is born not breathing, then the equipment is all there, ready to go,” Mr Cursley said.

This year’sNICF ‘Bake for Babies’annual fundraiser,which received agenerousdonation from local baker Tamara Hall, contributed to the funds raised to buy the Resuscitaire.

Bake For Babies, which officially begins on June 1 and concludesonAugust 31, has twicebeen hosted in Gippsland since launching in Canberra in 2017.

Mr Cursley said it was asimple concept.

“People can bake whatever they like –acake, scones, brownies, cheesecakes,cupcakes,cookies, muffins, biscuits,aslice or maybe charge friends for aseatata table of abakeddinner,” he said.

“We want people to have fun baking, maybe involvingtheirkids, and thensell their baked creations at aprice they think appropriate and donate the profits to the NICF,” he said.

Bake for Babies and the NICF are helping the community and have attracted praise from Central Gippsland Health women’s and children’s nurse

unit manager, Kim Costin.

“The women’s and children’s unit staff joined the event, baking and selling goods to visitors and staff,” she said.

“Recent monies raised from Bake for Babies contributed to the purchase of anew neonatal Resuscitaire; the need for resuscitation of a newborn cannot always be anticipated.

“Atevery birth, the team mustbepreparedto resuscitate anewborn,” said Ms Costin, herself anurse

“The additional new Resuscitaire is situated in one of our birthing rooms.

“Staff will now have access to aResuscitaire in all three birthing suites, our special care nursery, and the hospital’s operating rooms; the similarity of equipment across all these departmentswill support the provision of optimal care in those vital first minutes of life,” she said.

“Staff in the women’sand children’s unit are grateful for the hard workofPeter Cursleyand the NICFfor their generous supportoverthe past few years,” Ms Costin said.

“Previous equipment provided through the NICF are all regularly used in caring for unwell babies and their families.”

The NICF has organised two new fundraisers -Bubbles for Babies and Balbals for Babies-to continue raising funds to help sick newborns in east and central Gippsland.

Information about the Newborn Intensive Care Foundation, Bake for Babies, Bubbles for Babies or Balbals for Babies can be found at the website: https://newborn.org.au/

‘Direct’enrolment for compulsory democracy

THE Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is reminding everybody to enrol if they wish to vote in this year’s state election.

The deadline for enrolment is 8pm on Tuesday, November 8.

Voting in all elections is compulsory for all Australian citizens, who can be fined if they do not participate.

The VEC notes that some Victorians may be unaware that they have been “directly enrolled” to vote in the upcoming election.

Direct enrolment occurs when the VEC uses informationprovided by othergovernment bodies such as the Department of Transport or the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority

to add people to the electoral roll.

Deputy Electoral Commissioner, Dana Fleming, said although the VEC writes to everyone it proposes to directly enrol, research indicated that people were often not aware they had been directly enrolled.

“The process is that we write to people and advise that unless they are not eligible and tell us within 21 days, we will automatically update their enrolment with the address details we have been provided,” Ms Fleming said.

“At thelaststate election, voter turnout for directly-enrolled voters was close to 78 per cent, compared to the overall voter turnout rate of 90 per cent, accounting for asignificant proportion

of thedrop in voter turnout at the 2018 election.”

The VEC will be using mobile numbers and email addresses to send VoterAlertmessaging to directly-enrolled voters ahead of the election, reminding them to check their enrolment details.

“If you’ve recently moved home, you may not be aware that you’ve been directly enrolled to vote,” Ms Fleming said.

“As everyone on the electoral roll must vote, I certainly don’t want a situation where a person firstrealises that they shouldhave voted when they receive our ‘please explain’letter after the election,” Ms Fleming said.

Eligible voters can enrol or update their details by visiting www.vec.vic.gov.au/enrolment

Sale Hospital’s newest Resuscitaire, provided by Newborn Intensive CareFoundation.

Photos: ContributedPeter Cursleywith atrayoffreshly baked scones during the NICF’s Bake for Babies fundraiser

Hannah Cursley, daughter of Peter Cursley, the founder of theNewborn IntensiveCare Foundation, died justhours afterbeing born.

Thomson watch

AUTHORITIES are seeking to allay fears of flooding along the Thomson River.

The concerns arose amid reportsthatthe Thomson Reservoirwould reach capacity and spill over for the first time in 25 years.

The catchment, which is under the authority of Melbourne Water,was sittingat99.1per centfull as of 9am Monday.

Whenaskedfor comment by the Gippsland Times,aspokesperson for Melbourne Water downplayed the chances of aspill.

“In thisweatherevent, we don’t expect (Thomson Reservoir) to reach capacity,” the spokesperson said.

“However, we’re well prepared to minimise potential impacts downstream should they arise.”

Thomson Reservoir is aman-made catchment purpose-built to supply water to the Melbourne metropolitan region.

The catchment empties into the Thomson River, which flows through Sale.

As of Monday 9am, water levels at the Sale Wharf were steady at 1.47 metres in depth, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

While heavy rains across northern and central parts of Victoria has seen catchments and tributaries become swollen, there is currently no risk of severe flooding in Wellington Shire, says BOM.

Nats pledge $5m for groynes to stop Loch Sport erosion

TomParry

THE Nationals have pledged to build more groynes in Loch Sport should the Liberal-National coalition form government in November.

Incumbent MP and Nationals candidate for GippslandSouth, Danny O’Brien, made the pledge in Loch Sport on Friday.

Mr O’Brien told an assembly of local residents thatthe coalition, if elected,would provide$5million to fix the ongoing erosion issue along the Lake Victoria foreshore with “the preferred option” of the community, “which is to install more groynes”

His announcement was warmlyreceivedby those in attendance, includingLochSportresident Denise Warham, who praised Mr O’Brien’s commitment to the erosion issue.

“We think it’s wonderful and we have always beenvery impressed with Danny’s assistance, whichisthe way so many of us feel -Imean, there’s so many places that he could be working on, but he really has been there for Loch Sport,” Ms Warham said.

The funding commitment for Loch Sport comes after the release of astate government report in August detailing measures aimed at preventing erosioninthe town.

Amongthe measures detailed are the placement of more sand along the foreshore, rock walls and offshore shellfish reefs, as well as groynes.

Mr O’Brien believed that installing groynes would be “the permanent solution” to the erosion issue.

“I think all the other things are nice to have as short-term solutions, but to actually fix it is to get those groynes in,” he said.

In astatementafter the announcement, Mr O’Brien stated he was “open” to trialling other

methods, “but not at the expense of any further delays”.

He also tookaim at therulingLabor government, accusing it of “dithering” and not acting fast enough on the issue.

“It’s just amatter of time before there are further incursions onto public landand ultimately onto private land if action isn’t taken,” Mr O’Briensaid.

Ms Warham echoed that sentiment, saying: “the time for even more study is over, and work has to begin”.

The Liberal-National coalition is currently an outside chance to win government at thestate electioninNovember, with mostpolitical researchers and pundits tipping aLabor victory.

When queried about this fact by alocal resident on Friday, Mr O’Brien saidhewould keep working towards getting agood outcome for Loch Sport.

The Thomson River,asseen from the Port of Sale precinct on Friday. Photo:Tom Parry

DannyO’Brien with residents at the Seagull Drive boat ramp in Loch Sport. Photo: Contributed

Take thepledge,buy nothing new

Stefan Bradley

OCTOBER is Vinnies’ Buy Nothing New Month (VBNN), so Vinnies Victoria has invited the public to take the #VBNN pledge- with the intention of opening their eyes to thethrill of shopping in charity stores.

Vinnies is encouraging shoppers to visit their local Vinnies Shop and committothe pledge through the purchase of reusedgoods.Thoseonsocialmedia are also invited to spreadthe word by sharing an image of theirfavourite Vinnies find alongside the hashtags #founditatvinnies and #VBNN.

“Vinnies’ Buy Nothing New Month is designedas an annual circuit-breaker in our buying habits -a reminder that with alittle extratimeand care, buying pre-loved itemscan bring immeasurable joy to our lives and provide ameaningful connection to the circular economy too,” Vinnies Victoria executive general manager commercial services, Jeff Antcliff, said.

Speaking to the Gippsland Times at the Sale store, Vinnies Victoriahead of commercial services Liz Randle said thatthe Gippslandcommunity had embraced the challenge so far.

“Thecustomers are reallyunderstanding the purpose behind Buy Nothing New. And that is to challenge their existing shopping methods for these seasonal periods. I’m talking spring, Christmas and going into the holiday period,” Mrs Randle said.

“So we’re challenging their existing shopping behaviours and saying before you go out and buy (something) new for Christmas, is theresomething at Vinnies that you can come get?

“See if you can do the challenge for the month of October. See if you can Buy Nothing New. Come in and Vinnies can help you.”

Mrs Randle pointed to the Christmas items on the shelf.

“It’s avery eco-friendly option to buying new. And then if youlike youcan donate(the purchases) back. And that’s what people do, we get alot of customers that love to have somethingnew in their homes at Christmas,” MrsRandle said

“Whether it’s acolour palette for the Christmas decorationsortheir table settings. And then next year they’ll want to get something surprising and new again. So what we’re offering them is agreat alternative, and then they can donate it back to us.

“Christmas is huge at Vinnies for us and it starts

at the beginning of October for us.”

Mrs Randle said that Vinnies was always looking for volunteers, so head to the websiteorvisita store to take part.

“You can even come in and work for two weeks and see if it suits you or if the hours suit. We’re very accommodating,” she said.

Mrs Randle said that Vinnies recently started selling electronics goods, but clothes remainedthe most in-demand items.

“We accept anything (at Vinnies). We’ve got a verystrong driveonelectricals.We’ve just had our ‘Green Sparks’ campaign launch. That’s about upskillingand training our volunteers in each store to test and tag donated electricals,” she said.

“Electricals are avery big landfill problem. So we can assist in the alleviation of that.”

According to Charitable Recycling Austalia (CRA), charity shops helpreduce the impact of surplus goods on the environment.

In the last financial year, across all Victorian charity shops, CRA measured 242,842 tonnes of donations processed; 214,368tonnes of CO2 emissions saved; 455,505 MWh energysaved;21,975ML water saved; and all while contributing upwardsof $232M in revenue towards invaluable social causes. Ms Pellicano is challenging locals to ‘Buy Nothing New’ for themonth of October.

Safety measures at Walhalla Road set to start this month

THE state government says it will deliver a“critical safety project” on Walhalla Road, with crewsset to begin work this month to install asafety barrier on the outside curve of the first corner of the road leaving the town, following detailed planning and engineering assessment.

Work will begin in coming days and include: -Road widening to allow sufficient width for barrier installation;

-New kerb and channel along the inside of the road to improve drainage; -New safetybarrier alongthe outsideofthe curve and;

-The section of the road will be resurfaced and relinemarked as aresult of these barrier works.

In July 2022, Regional Roads Victoria crew and Victoria Police carried out ajoint site inspection of the crash site to investigate how safety could be improved.

Since this inspection,crews haveadded additional signage, guideposts, and trimmed foliage

to improve visibility of signs and installed alarge ‘curve warning’ sign with a25km/h ‘advisory speed limit’ and ‘reduce speed’ message.

The installation of the permanent safety barrier will complete key recommendations made in the road safety audit.

Regional RoadsVictoriahas worked closely with road safety experts in planning for this project.

During construction, therewillbereduced speed limits and lane closures. Drivers are urged to take extra care and drive to the traffic conditions.

The works should be completed in November.

Earlier this year, two major crashes occurred within weeks on Walhalla Road.

In the first incident in June, 19-year-old Declan Day died and three other teenagers were injured when the vehicle they were in slid off acliff, falling 21 metres.

In July, another car with two occupants fell off thesamestretch of road, plunging 10 metres.The pair escapedwith injuries.

Area support manager Anne Pellicano at theSale Vinnies store.

Photos: Stefan Bradley

Target Time

P S E O R N N E

Time to talk aboutvital health

Zoe Askew

MENOPAUSE, we need to chat.

Menopause costs women more than $17 billion per yearinlost earnings and superannuation, according to the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees.

Recent studies indicate as many as aquarter of menopausal women experience debilitating symptoms leading to long-termabsences from work or forcing them into early retirement.

“We know thatwomen have hadtoresign or reducetheir hoursbecause of symptoms,”a spokesperson for the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees said.

Management and treatment options for menopausal symptoms are available.

The national not-for-profit organisation, Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, says “it’s time to talk about it”, and when better than World Menopause Month?

Jean Hailes for Women’s Health was founded in 1992 in honour of Dr Dorothy Jean Hailes, avisionary in the field of women’s health who established the first women’shealthclinic in Australia dedicated to midlife and menopause.

It was one of the first menopause clinics in the world.

Dr Hailes was an advocate at atimewhen advocacy was unheard of in the field of women’s health.

Today, JeanHailes for Women’s Health continues to dedicate itself to improving women’s knowledge and understanding of complex health issues, and has been aleader in the field of menopause and women’s health for 30 years.

Chief executive of Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, Janet Michelmore AO, said she was not surprised by the statistics concerning women and menopause.

“We know that in Australia, 80 per cent of women experience menopausalsymptoms thatcan range from mildtoextremely severe,” Ms Michelmore said.

“Many women have had to resign, reduce their hours, or go parttimebecause these symptoms can last up to 10 years.”

Ms Michelmore said with October being World Menopause Month, it was time to increase awareness that menopause is anatural part of awoman’s life.

“Important conversations and increased educationfor women and their healthpractitioners around menopause have to becomethe norm,” she said.

“We need to break taboos around menopause

and find ways to keep women in the workforce.”

Management and treatment options for menopause are available.

“TheJean Hailes websiteisarichsourceof expert-reviewed and recently updated menopause information, with fact sheets, booklets, podcasts and videos,” Ms Michelmore said.

“We need to break taboos aroundthe topic of menopause and encourage women, their partners andfamilies, andworkplaces to acknowledgethis life stage and talk more openly about it.”

When ovaries stop releasing eggs, periods stop; menopause is when you have your final period.

Menopause can happen naturally, at the expected age, typically between ages 45 and 55 or earlier.

Prematuremenopause,menopause beforethe age of 40, affects about one per cent of women and can be because of premature ovarianinsufficiency, surgery or cancer treatment.

Gynaecologist and advancedlaparoscopic surgeon from Jean Hailes for Women’s Health clinics, Dr PavNanayakkara,said menopause was different foreveryone, and symptoms varied.

“Menopausal symptoms are different in everyone but can include acombination of physical symptoms such as irregular periods, hot flushes, night sweats, difficulty sleeping, fatigue,vaginal dryness, loss of libido, bloating, urinary symptoms, weight gain, achesand pains, to emotional symptomssuch as irritability, anxiety, forgetfulness, low mood, mood swings,” Dr Nanayakkara said.

“By definition, menopause occurs when you have not had aperiod for 12 months.

“Thiscan happen naturally (the averageage is 51)oroccur early because of reasons such as premature ovarian insufficiency,surgery or cancer treatment.

“Women oftengothrough astage called “perimenopause” when symptoms of menopause start occurring.

“For some women, these symptoms are mild and can be managed with healthy lifestyle changes.

“For other women, depending on their stage of life, relationships and general health, symptoms can be more significant and may require complementary therapies, menopausal hormonal therapy (MHT) and prescription medications,” she said.

“It is always worth having achatwithawomen’s health doctor to ensure thatquality of lifeis optimised.”

For women suffering uncomfortable, painful or even debilitating menopausesymptoms, thereare home remedies that may help alleviate discomfort.

“Herbs and traditional medicines havebeenused for many years to managesymptoms, but ongoing research is requiredinto effectiveness and safety,” Dr Nanayakkara said.

“These includeblack cohosh,dong quai, evening primrose, hops, Korean ginseng, linseed (flaxseed), red clover, St John’s wort and wild yam.

“Forlow libido,tribulus, macaand hornygoat

Hospital expansion on trackfor 2024

Michelle Slater

LATROBERegional Hospital structural works havebeenfinished as part of stage three of a$223 million expansion that is on track to be in operation by early 2024.

With structural constructionnow complete, work can now start on the hospital facade and internal fit-out.

The multi-storeyproject includes arecently announced Mental Health and Alcohol and Other DrugsHub.

LRHchief executive Don McRae said the stage three expansion would bring all the acute care servicesinto onelocation,making the hospital more efficient.

Mr McRae said it meantthat LRH would

have 10 operating suites, 16 critical care beds, 64 acute surgical beds and new medical imaging and pathology.

Once complete, the expansion will allow for an additional 6200 elective surgeries per year.

He said the expansion also included new maternity services with asix-bed birth suite, adult in-patient beds, special-carenursery and aone-bed paediatric unit with family spaces and children’s play area.

“Forour community and the Gippslandregion, it means better health care facilities and expanded health services close to home,” Mr McCrae said.

“Plus more employment opportunities with an estimated additional 200 full-time equivalent employees required across anumberofdisciplines to deliver the expanded services.”

The project is being delivered by the Victorian

Health Building Authorityinpartnership with Latrobe Regional Hospital and Built.

Stages 1and 2have alreadybeen completed with the Gippsland Regional Cancer Centre,anew emergency department, acardiac catheterisation lab and two new medical in-patient units.

The expansionconsists of more than 20,000 cubic metres of concrete, 640 tonnes of structural steel, 2500 tonnes of steel reinforcement and 180,000 bricks, providing 600 construction jobs.

The Ministerfor Health, Mary-Anne Thomas, said the expansion was taking shape and meant Latrobe Regional Hospital could meet the needs of agrowing community.

“Increased capacity and purpose-builttreatment spaces will ensure patients don’t need to travel to Melbourne for complex procedures,” Ms Thomas said.

weed have been reported to help.

“Lemon balm, valerian and passionflower had been found to help with insomnia, anxiety and fatigue.”

When it comes to the treatment of menopause, Dr Nanayakkara said it wasn’t acase of “one-size-fits-all”.

“Treatment options can vary depending on the stage of life, general health and well-being and severity of the symptoms,” she said.

“Symptoms can be managed conservatively with strategies such as natural medicines, herbs and complementary therapies.Medical treatment can include hormonal therapy with oestrogen +/- progesterone and non-hormonal medications, including antidepressants, gabapentin and clonidine.

“A women’s health GP, menopausespecialist or gynaecologist can help understand your symptoms and formulate amanagementplan tailored to the woman.”

Dr Nanayakkara saidmenopause was aturbulent time in awoman’s life.

“The stigma associated with sexual problems, agerelated changes and mental health can leave many women feeling unnecessarily secluded,” she said.

“With agrowing workforce of women, conversations around menopause and agreater understanding of its impactcan foster an inclusive environment by optimisingwell-being,developing meaningful solutions and supporting women through their individual challenges.

“The best way to normalise the transition is to understand and talk about the changes involved. There is no shame in looking after ourselves and each other.”

Sculptureprize at Port of Sale

THE Port of Sale is set to be transformed by sculpture forMelbourne Cup Weekend, with Victoria’s biggest names in sculpture exhibiting their work in afestival-style free public exhibition.

Hundreds of works will be on display ranging from small bronzeand silver pieces to five-meter-high steel installations.

Majorworks are eligibletowin the Victorian Sculpture Prize valued at $20,000, along with ahost of other awards available, including the Gippsland ArtGallery’s $5,000 Wildlife AcquisitionAward.

Join the fun with daily children’s sculpting workshops between 10am and noon, followed by livemusic until 4pm.

Catchone of the regular“Hear it from the Artists” talks or take aself-guided tour through the art of the Sale Botanic Gardens, with the maps available from theevent.

The Victoria Sculpture Prize is agreatopportunity to buy quality sculpture straight from the artists, and with works ranging upward from $190, there is plenty to suit every budget.

All works are for sale, with five per cent of all sales going to Support Wildlife Victoria.

All events are free, so come to the Port of Sale thisMelbourne CupWeekendand support these sculptors who are ready to impress; it’s going to be asculpture event like no other in regional Victoria.

The Victorian Sculpture Prize is open from 10am until 4pm Saturday, October 29, through Tuesday, November 1.

For moreinformation,gotobit.ly/ sculptureprize.

Jean Hailes for Women’s Health chief execu tive JanetMichelmoreAO.

Gynaecologist and advanced laparoscopic surgeon from Jean Hailes for Women’sHealth clinics, Dr PavNanayakkara.

Warraguland Drouin.Premier DanielAndrews said moreand more Victorians haddiscoveredWest Gippsland as abeautiful place to live and work.

“This booming population needs anew local hospital to deliver world-class care,” Mr Andrews said.

“Labor is doing what matters –we’ll deliver the new hospital and an aged-care centre that West Gippsland needs, now and into the future.”

As part of the investment, the new West Gippsland Hospital will have as many as 223 beds and treatment spaces, including 33 treatment spaces in the emergency department, and 25 spaces for outpatient care and specialist treatment.

It will also contain three operatingtheatres, and anew birthing unit,includingspecial care nursery cots and amaternity unit.

The proposed aged-care facility will contain “up to 60 beds”.

Thegovernmentexpects constructiontobegin by 2024 andestimates 1800 jobs will be created as part of the project.

Labor’sannouncement comesexactly four months after asimilarpledge by the Liberal-National

Coalition, whichhas backed anew hospital in West Gippsland for several years.

In June, opposition leader Matthew Guy and Shadow Health Minister GeorgieCrozier promised to provide $400 million toward building anew hospital in Warragul.

At the time, Mr Guy said the investment would help fix “the ongoing healthcare crisis across Victoria.

“The currenthospital(in Warragul) simply cannot cope with the massive increase in demand and rapid population growthinthe area,” Mr Guy said Ms Crozier saidthat building anew hospital in Warragul “will ensure that the people of West Gippslandwillget thequalityhealthcare they deserve, close to home when they need it”.

Warragul is located in the seat of Narracan, currently held by the Liberal Party on atwo-party preferred margin of 7.26 per cent.

Incumbent MP Gary Blackwood willretireatthe upcoming state election in November.

While the Liberals have endorsed Wayne Farnham to succeed Mr Blackwood, Labor is yet to select their candidate to run in the seat.

Solar plant set for Gormandale

Michelle Slater

ANEW five megawatt solar farm is being proposed on a16-hectare parceloffarmlandinGormandale.

The solar farmisbeingdeveloped by BNRG Leeson, ajoint venturebetween an Irish solar company and an Australian renewables developer.

The projectwill include a10megawatt-hour battery and will plug into existing powerlines across the Highland Highway.

Acompany spokeswoman saidithad been looking for aflat site without large amounts of vegetation that neededtobecleared, that was also close to existing powerlines.

“Thisproject brings renewable energy to the area,aswell as providing energysecurity and stabilisation when existing generation methods fail,” the spokeswoman said.

“Over the next few yearsweare looking to develop other similar-sized projects to this one. Some of these are in planning now.”

The spokeswoman said the Gormandale project would provide between 25 and 50 construction

jobs, with two-to-four ongoing technical jobs and as many as 10 horticultural and cleaningcontractors.

Shesaidthe company was aiming to startthe four-month construction process in the middle of next year, pending planning approvals.

“Weare aiming to submit the planning application at theend of themonth,” she said.

“We operate using best practices and aim to speak to the community prior to planning to alleviate any concerns, hence the community engagement session, door knocking and letter drops.”

The company hosted acommunity session in Gormandale earlier this month to let locals learn more about the project.

“We had areally positive engagement session last week, where most community members were excitedabout theproject and interested to know what technologies are being used,” the spokeswoman said.

“One community member was concerned about thevisual lookofthe solar farm however it will be screened by trees and have an antiglare film on the panels.”

The stategovernment’s artistic impression of the new West Gippsland hospital.

Photo: Contributed

Cheaper buses, trains pledged

StefanBradley

FLAT-RATE $2-a-daypublictransportcharges across cities and towns will be introduced should the Coalition win government next month.

Last weekthe opposition flagged apolicy that would have metropolitan bus, tram and and train fares, as well as non-V/Line regional city and town services, capped at $2 every day, or $1 for concession.

Then afew days later,the Coalition said it would halve V/Linefares for the next four years and if the train was replaced by abus, passengers would travel free.

Shadow Minister for Public Transport and Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien, said the$2-flat fare was agame changerfor Victorians.

“Bymaking fares more affordable, it will encourage more peopletouse public transportastheir firstchoicetoget around both the city and the regions,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Thisisaneffective and commonsense wayto get more people on board, reduce car dependency, as well as reduce emissions.”

The $2 policy is expected to cost $1.3 billion across four years, according to independent costings from the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO).

TransportInfrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan saidthe opposition couldn’tbetrusted with the $2-fare plan.

“You can’ttrust MatthewGuy’s Liberals when it comes to public transport -they cut train lines, closed train stations and then sold off public transport, sending ticket prices soaring,” she said.

The government made its own transport announcements this week, including aplan to remove all level crossings on the Frankston Line by 2029.

Mr O’Brien saidreducing the costofpublic transport right across Victoria was key to improving accessibility by easing hip-pocket pressure.

“Right now, areturn trip on the Gippsland line to Southern Cross for an average family of four will set you back around $160,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Under The Nationals in government that will be slashed to less than $80.

“We know the frustration of Gippslanders expecting atrain only to find it has been cancelled, so in addition to half-price fares, unscheduled V/Line train replacement buses will be completely free,”

he said. “Local town buses in places like Sale will cost just $2 per day. The Nationals will keep more money in the pocket of Gippslanders, while at the sametimestimulatingtourism andmaking it easier to get around our state.

“As well as savingmoney for public transport

users, this commitment willhelpease road congestion and encourage more sustainable transport choices,whichincludes local busesinregional Victoria,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Travel costs shouldn’t be abarrier to accessing education, employment or going about everyday

life and under The Nationals and Liberals’ plan, Gippslanders will get the cheap, easy commute they deserve.”

The Coalition has not released independent costing of the V/Line policy from the PBO, but it’s expected to cost $185 million.

The Animal Justice Party’s (AJP) lead Upper House candidate for Eastern Victoria Austin Cram said the party supported any “sensible fare reduction” to get more cars off the road and ease the cost of living.

“As apractising town planner, Irecognise the value of investing into our public transport system as alower-emission and more accessible alternative to acar-focused system,” he said.

“Public transport needs to be an attractive alternative to private cars, not aback-up plan.”

While the policies are aimed at increasing use of public transport, they do not include any commitments to additional train services.

Greenscandidate for Eastern Victoria Mat Morgan said reducing the cost of V/Line services did not solve the problem of passenger capacity.

“If you’ve ever got on one of those V/Line trains, you know that there is no more capacity on those trains,” he said.

“Yes,weneed cheappublic transport. But we need more trains and we need moretransport infrastructure. Just cheapening the price is not going to solve anything,” he said.

Now, just three V/Line passenger rail services operate daily between Sale and Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station, with local residents having to travel by roadtoTraralgon foradditional services.

In August leaders from the Committee for Wellington, Wellington Shire Council and the Sale Business and Tourism Association called for train services between Sale and Southern Cross to increase from three aday, to five aday.

The Gippsland Times asked Mr O’Brien if he supported the push for five services aday as he had called for more services on the Gippsland line in parliament months ago.

“I’ve been campaigning for better services to Sale and beyond for many years,” Mr O’Brien said.

“We have anumberofpolicy and localannounce ments in the pipeline and will have more to say in the lead up to the election.”

ShadowMinister for Public Transport and Memberfor Gippsland South Danny O’BriensaysThe Nationals, if elected, willhalve V/Line fares. Photo: Contributed

Kinder getsmusical thanks to grant

HYLAND CommunityKindergarten is making hay -ormore accurately, music -after receiving agrant from Wellington Shire.

The Sale-based education provider has bought almost 100 musical instruments for the children to playwith as part of their early-childhood curriculum.

“Recently, we have had afocus on improving languageinour kindergartengroups,and have been investigating the links to improved language through the use of music,” three-year-olds’ teacher Kylie Curran said.

“We were successful in obtaining aWellington Shirecommunitygrant to purchase awide range of new instruments, as well as astorage trolley

to keep them in.”

Among the new instruments bought through the grant are maracas, triangles, Indigenous clapsticks, drums and tone blocks.

The instruments have proven popular among pupils at the kindergarten, with Ms Curran telling the Gippsland Times they were often “the first thing they ask for” upon arrival.

“We are so grateful to the shire for their support, as the past few years have been very difficult in terms of fundraising,” Ms Curran said.

“The children are loving using the instruments in our programs for both three-and four-year-old children.”

Maffra-Sale Motorcycle Clubiscelebrating its75th anniversary

Image: Contributed

Motorbikers’ anniversary

MEMBERS past and present are being invited to join Maffra-Sale Motorcycle Club’s 75th anniversary.

The weekendwill begin with ameet at the Morison St clubrooms, Maffra at 8am on Saturday, November 5.

This will be followed by aride to the Maffra Cemetery,where amemorial service will be heldfor life members Ian and Jan Kennedy, who lost their lives fives year ago.

All friends of Ian and Jan are invited to attendthe service, whichwilltakeplace between 8.45am and 9am.

This will be followed by abush-ride and abitumen-bound ride-and-drive with the Gippsland Vehicle Collection, expected to be three hours in length, followed by a barbecue lunch.

On the Saturday evening, areunion dinner will be held for past and present members of the club, most likely taking place in the MorisonStclubrooms. Costis$35 per head.

Anniversary celebrations conclude on Sunday morningfrom 8.30am with a breakfast, againheld in theMorison St clubrooms, at acost of $8 per head.

For more information about the 75th anniversary celebrations, phone Darren Kennedy on 0493 222 323.

To register for the bush ride, phone 0400 730 122.



MAFFRA Neighbourhood House has anew number -0422 335 155. The term four program has started, the brochure can be viewed on the website and the new phone number should be used to book places.



AT the next Rotary Club of Maffra meeting on Wednesday, October 26, the guest speaker will be Leanne Kirkwood. Her topic will be ‘Year Nine and the Bright Futures programs at Maffra Secondary College’. Anyone is welcome to attend the meeting at acost of $30. Please let Duart Homestead know before midday on the day ifyou are attending. Phone 5147 1985.

 EXHIBITION Pavilion Maffra Show is seeking help for the upcoming Maffra Show from today until Saturday, October 22. Please phone chief steward Anne DuVe on 0402 230 436. Late pavilion entries are accepted for fruit and veggies, flowers and plants and all cookery on Thursday, October 20 from 10am until 4.30pm and Friday, October 21, from 7.30am until 8.30am. Entry fees are adults $1, children 50c.

 MAFFRA RSL sub-branch host afun game of trivia on Friday, October 21, at 5.30pm at the RSL clubrooms, 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 ateam of three or four. This is afreefamily-friendly event.

 THE next meeting of the Maffra CWA branch will be held on Monday, October 24 from 12 noon with bring your own lunch. The branch meeting will begin at 1pm at the Maffra Recreation Reserve Function Centre, 6Maffra Newry Rd, Maffra. Competitions for this meeting are best bloom or stem and Gippsland photo, think of where we live.

Nakora Boyle, Rose Waterman,EvelynOsborn, TomGunn, Noah Sargent and Kohen Smolenaars all enjoyingHyland CommunityKindergarten’s new musicalinstruments. Photo: Contributed

132ND MAFFRASHOW

MaffraShowisgoodtogo!

ARRIVING allthe wayfrom Queensland,Eljay Freestyle Entertainment is settothrill patrons at this year’snight carnival.

Eljay’sJunk Yard Action Showisafamily-centred motorcycle stuntfeature show

“Wewereabletocollaborate withother shows in the region,for example Omeo, to securethe act,”Maffra Show presidentTim Dwyer said.

“He(Eljay) will also have two shorteracts duringthe daynear the new Dome.”

It won’t be the only entertainment on-offeratthis year’sMaffra Show.

Thenight carnivalwill have allthe usualcrowd favourites, startingwiththe doghigh jump.

Childrenwill love participatinginthe kids’ zone activities on the arena while the wood-chop is finishing.

TheMaffraMile promises to be averycompetitive

Youwillsee some insane tricks on twowheels.

line-up, andthe smash-up derby now includesuptosix cars

Following this, Eljay’s

Photo: Contributed

spectacular motorcycle show willperform,thenthe fireworkswillsee thesky ignite.

Smashysmashyatderby

AFTERtwo years of waiting, the Smash-Up Derby is back with six amazingentrants.

Petrolheads andpatrons will enjoythe thrill of the competition thatrequires each driver to crashinto each other untilonly one car remains!

Organiser DanielHyne said he is excited by thenumber of entries this year

“Contestants spend months designing their cars to meet certainsafetyspecifications for example thefuel tankand glassremoved,” Mr Hyne said.

“Tomyknowledge, it is the onlycompetitionofits kind in Victoria”.

Thenight carnival is shapingup to be averyfull program, catering for all membersofthe family

Other displays will include the Eljay motorbikestunt show, Maffra Mile, wood chop, dog high jump, kids zoneonthe arena, andof coursethe amazing fireworks as the finisher.

2022

SOCIETY INC.135 YEARS

SHOW

FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER

Equestrian Events from 8am

Schools Friday

SATURDAY 22 OCTOBER

EQUESTRIAN

Show Jumping 8am, Horse Events 8.30am

LIVESTOCK JUDGING

Miniature Ponies &Shetlands 9.30am

Poultry 9.30am

Beef Cattle 9.30am

Dairy Cattle 9.45am

FUN TO WATCHCOMPETITIONS

Gourmet Dip Judging 9.30am

Black Forest Cake with atwist 10am

Calf Rearing 10.15am

Pet Parade 12am

Miss Maffra Showgirl, TinyTots 1.30pm

Mullet Competition 2.15pm

Horse Novelties 4pm

DAY

•Roving Entertainment &Fun

•LotsofSchool Cooking fun

•SaputoFood& Wine Court

•Live Music from 10am

•Greek cooking demonstrations and Greek dancing

•Horse Fashionos on the Field 12pm

•Artistic Animals /Animal Nursery

•Snakebusters

•Motorbike Stunt Display

•Vintage Cars &Engines

•Wood Turning

•Side Shows &Rides

COMMUNITYBANK MAFFRA &DISTRICTNIGHT CARNIVAL

•Side Shows &Rides

•Woodchop Competition 5pm

•Kids Zone Challenges 6pm

•Shetland Derby 6.30pm

•Dog High Jump 7pm

•Maffra Community Sports Club Maffra Mile 7.30pm

•Eljay’s Junkyard Motorbike Stunt Show 8.15 –8.45pm

•Brian Daly Demolition Derby 8.45pm

•Spectacular

SUNDAY 23 OCTOBER FREE ENTRY

PARKING

Calf rearing

CHILDRENfromall aroundthe Maffra dairycommunities arebusy startingto preparetheircalves forthe important jobofleading them on the morningof the Show.

They areexpectedtofeedthe calves and care forthem in thelead-up to the event

Presidentofthe Maffra Show and dairyfarmer, Tim Dwyer, said that the displayis“aterrific start to farming showing commitment, dedication and responsibility”.

“I believe that many farmchildren have these qualitiesveryearly and it is important to develop these with animal husbandryasparamount,”MrDwyer said.

Dairycoordinator Denis Proud added he is “excited about thegenerous prizemoneyonoffer thisyear forall the children’sefforts”

Patrons alwaysenjoy thisaspect of the Show,which willstart at 10.15aminthe dairyareaonSaturday

Above: Maffra String Orchestra, seen herepreparing forthe LatrobeValley Eistedfodd, will be

of thisyear’s MaffraShow.

Right: Maffra AgriculturalShowcommittee members Dennis Proud, Michael Coggan, Tim Dwyer,ConnieDwyer,Cheryl Dowling and JasmineMunro underneath the new DomeShelter in May.The newpavilion will hostfoodand wine activitiesin2022.

Photo:TomParry

It’s all about the music

THE MaffraShowpromises to be aspectacular non-stop musicaleventtocelebrate theopeningofthe new ShelterDome

It all starts withthe gentle soundsofthe newly-formed Maffra StringOrchestrainthe morning, led by Rosemary Iversen.

Then at lunch, theMaffra StageBand willtake centrestagewith their 14-piece groupand lead vocalist CatherineHicks

“Weplay awide variety including jazz,swing, big band, pop,rock and everythinginbetween,” StageBand musicaldirector

To coincide with thisyear’s

Therewill be plenty of undercover seating available to enable patronstosip a glass of local wine and enjoy localfood.

Maffrafootballer JaykeAndrewsmay want to enterthe best mullet competitionatthe MaffraShow.

Best mullet competition

RUNNING to celebrate this iconic hairstylebeforethe fashion changes, children of all ages areencouragedto come withtheir mullets to the Maffra Show on Saturday in a

bid to win$200.

Entrants must register by 1.15pmshowday at the MissShow Girl and Tiny Tots Truck.

Thiscompetitionwill runon

completion of Miss ShowGirl at approximately2.15pm

Organisers wish to remind peoplethatitisfreeentryfor childrenatthisyear’sMaffra Show

Kristian Huntersays.

In breaks between the bands, patronscan enjoy thesounds of singer/guitarist Emily Nock from Catholic College Sale and vocalist IndiHicksfromGippsland Grammar

Mediterranean theme,a Greek dancing display is suretocreateafestive spirit.

Photo: LiamDurkin

MaffraMile running again at Night Carnival

of

showisthe popular dog high jump

ATTENDEESwillonce again be highly amused by thehilariousanticsofthe doghigh jump at the night carnival.

This thoroughlyentertainingevent encourages dogs to jump over abarrier that graduallyincreasesinheight.

Therecordwas set by ‘George’ in 2010 with aheightof2.92 metres, according to jump organiserHugh Mawhinney.

To register your dog, phone Hugh on 0438 079776

THIS year’sMaffra Mile is shapingupasanother highlight of thenight carnival. Runners willcompetefor ashareof$1300inprize money

Organised by the Wellington Athletic Cluband

co-ordinated by local coach Denis Huffer,the event is drawing entrants from across theregion

The event will beginat 7.30pmduring thenight carnivalonSaturday, October 26.

Dip competition

Childrenare alsowellcateredfor,withthe primary school100msprints also takingplace andmedals awarded to thefirst three place-getters.

Limited places arestill available by phoningDenis Huffer on 5145 1359

TO coincide with the Mediterranean-themed food court,locals areencouraged to practicetheirflavour combination forthisyear’s Dip Competition at Maffra Show.

The open section sees $150awarded forfirst prize, $50 for secondand $25for third.

“Itisall about thebalance of flavours andinteresting textures,”Foodand Wine coordinator ConnieDwyer says of whatjudges are lookingfor

Dipscan be sweet or savoury, andmust be in theDomeby9am on theSaturday as judging commencesat9.30am.

Fancyyourself to put together adelectable dip? Thenget your entryinto the Maffra Show.

Athletes competing in the 2018 Maffra Mile Photo: File

InwardGoods in Briag

INWARD Goods Festival has announced the final line up for their not for profit, community run music and arts event

To be held the first weekend of November in Briagolong, the festival features two dreamy nights of music, art and good times set on a sprawling bush block in the foothills of the Moornappa State Forest Organisers Lester Goold and Jasper Kline grew up in the area, and after building their own artistic community in Melbourne they’re on a mission to link the Melbourne and Gippsland artistic communities together

“After a successful first festival back in April 2021, we are excited to return with another

offering of good music and good people in a beautiful space” Mr Goold said

“We’re all about facilitating a space where people are free to express themselves, their creativity and grow as a community,” Mr Kline added

“The line up features local and emerging artists like Nick Carver and The Mean Street Butchers, Empress and Squid Nebula, who you’ll see perform in our natural amphitheater

“There’s a nice amount of bands with the right amount of techno ”

Both organisers have promised live bands, eclectic DJs, an art gallery, cinema and more as part of the event

They’ve also promised plenty of space for attendees to have a stretch and find some peace and quiet with tea, yoga and bush walks “it’s up to you how you engage with these free activities” they said

To keep people fed, there will be a variety of vegetarian food options; there will also be a curated drinks menu, made in collaboration with Melbourne’s Voivide Bar, and sustainable waste solutions

Attendees are invited to be immersed in the Freestone Creek Press Gallery, an indoor space that will transform throughout the festival

Organisers always focus on providing a safe space for all, which has set the welcoming and be your weird self tone

Giving back to the local community and respecting the land are important parts of their ethos, and have pledged to donate a percentage of ticket sales to the local CFA

Originally set to take place earlier in the year, the Inward Goods Festival was postponed due to flooding in the region

It will now take place from Friday, November 4 until Sunday, November 6

For tickets and the full festival line up, visit www inwardgoods net au

Alook at thirdfilminsequel horror trilogy

StefanBradley

IF you bought aticketto Halloween Ends,the 13th film in this horror franchise, chances are you know what you’re going to get.

The original 1978 Halloween film is aslasher classic which introduced audiences to the evil killer Michael Myers, also known as The Shape. The 2018 instalment, also called Halloween, is adirect follow-up to the 1978 original and the first entry in asequel trilogy that ignores the continuity of the other sequels, and leads into 2021s Halloween Kills and now Halloween Ends

Jamie Lee Curtis returns as Laurie Strode, the iconic role she first played in the 1978 original as a17-year-old babysitter who survived Michael Myers’s murderous range on Halloween night.

The main draw to this sequel trilogy is Laurie’s preparation and paranoia for Michael’s eventual return after 40 years, and how she, her family and the town of Haddonfield react to his new reign of murderous chaos.

Laurie is taking care of herself mentally, and you can feel both her strength and trauma throughout the film -she is trying to move forward but the evil she faced will always be a part of her life, and part of Haddonfield.

It’s admirable how Halloween Ends differentiates itself from its two immediate predecessors through the character of Corey Cunningham (Rohan Campbell), whose experience with evil we see unravel. Corey is viewed suspiciously by the town, and Laurie and Allyson can relate to him.

Allyson is abit too eager to be in arelationship

Four years after the events of last year ’ s Halloween Kills, Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) is living with her granddaughter Allyson Nelson (Andi Matichak) and is finishing writing her memoir

Michael Myers (James Jude Courtney) hasn’t been seen since Laurie, after allowing the spectre of Michael to determine and drive her reality for decades, has decided to liberate herself from fear and rage and embrace life But when a young man, Corey Cunningham (Rohan Campbell; The Hardy Boys, Virgin River), is accused of killing a boy he was babysitting, it ignites a cascade of violence and terror that will force Laurie to finally confront the evil she can’t control, once and for all Directed by David Gordon Green

with Corey -she may be scarred from her horrifying experiences in the last two movies, but does that mean she has to make absolutely baffling decisions?

They changed her character to serve both Laurie’s and Corey’s arcs, which was disappointing as she could hold her own in the last film.

The drama between characters also drags on abit, and not enough time is given to the final showdown between Michael and Laurie, which is what most cinemagoers paid to see.

Fans will fill the cinemas for the kills and while there’s some decent ones, like most

horror sequels there’s asense of diminishing returns. The film did something very different and interesting with the Corey character, but other than that, Ithink most people will see what’s coming amileaway, including the ending, which isn’t groundbreaking, but is a nice send-off for the characters.

Ends may be the weakest in the sequel trilogy, and probably the least scariest, but is still afun time in the cinema for fans.

Halloween Ends is rated MA15+ for strong horror violence, blood and gore, and is currently screening at Sale Cinema.

Melbourne band Sunnysideatthe 2021 InwardGoods Festival.

Photo: SinneadKennedy

Sea change, move in with nothing to do

THIS extensively updated home sits atop the hill overlooking the beachside town of Seaspray,and the iconic Ninety Mile Beach. Set on just over an acre (4018m2) in aquiet location less than three kilometres to the beach and general store, this forever or holiday home could be alocal buyers’ dream.

On entry to this home is aspacious entrance way with hidden study,nook or room for storage.

The open plan dining, living and sunken loungeroom offers plenty of room with high ceilings, split system for heating and cooling, wood fire, and bay windows taking in rural and ocean views.

The kitchen is modern and functionalwith plenty of bench and cupboard space, natural light and gas cooking.

This home also features four bedrooms. The main offering plenty of space with high ceiling, ceiling fan, Nobo heating, walk-through robe and ensuite with double shower,vanity,and toilet.

Bedrooms two and three have built-in robes, one currently set up as atheatre room, while bedroom four offers asmall ensuite with shower,vanity,and toilet. Agents say the main bathroom is large, boasting shower,vanity,bay window and a luxurious free-standing bath.

With new floor coverings and fresh paint throughout, agents said there was nothing for prospective buyers to do but makeit their own.

Outside offers

Entertaining areas

LOCATED in the bowl of aquiet court, agents say this well-presented home offers modern living inside and plenty of room outside.

Prospective buyers will have the convenience of both primary and secondary schools just around the corner; close to the hospital and medical centres, and with the Sale CBDjust ashort drive away

many features to love, this property will tick many boxes fora variety of buyers, say agents.

features include:

L-shaped living and dining, with plenty of natural light;

kitchen with modern cabinetry and tiling, ample cupboard and bench space;

large bedrooms, all with built-in robes;

family bathroom with shower and free-standing bath;

Separate laundry and the powder room toilet;

cycle air conditioning

gas central heating;

north-facing backyard,

undercover entertaining at

rear and front verandah,

established

and;

shed, and single carport.

The

SET on about 40 hectares is this bush allotment with magnificent landscape including valleys, undulating hills, rock formations, seasonal creeks and awaterfall.

Agents say this is the perfect weekend stopover to takeinall the adventures of the Avon Wilderness and Alpine National Park, including four wheel driving, motorbike riding and bush walking among the endless forests of the Great Dividing Range.

Only 30 minutes from Sale and alittle over an hour to the Gippsland Lakes.

The hut-style accommodation has two bedrooms, lounge with open fireplace, and the advantage of LPG instant hot water and working toilet amenities. Power is supplied by a5kva generator.

Agents say this is the ideal location to get away from abusylifeand takeinthe fresh air of arural setting.

Other features include:

Sundry shedding for firewood and machinery;

wildlifemeandering through, and;

Caravan for extra accommodation.

Fabulous rural

SET on astunning 5.5 acres (approx) with aserene rural aspect, this lifestyle farmlet offers the best of semi-rural living with the bonus of Stratford’stownamenities just a short drive away

The well-maintained property offers stables, secure fencing to the paddocks, multiple dams, abore, massive 12m x 7.5m Colourbond shed, rainwater tank and beautiful country views.

Accessed via along gumtree-lined driveway,the private family residence boasts afunctional layout that allows for casual living; comprising ahugesun-filled living room, updated kitchen with good storage and bench space, meals area plus aseparate rumpus/media room.

There are three bedrooms with BIRs, a modern family bathroom, separate toilet and laundry.Features include split system airconditioning, solid fuel heating, great storage throughout, alarge undercover pergola and front deck -which agents say is the ideal place to sit back and enjoy the serenity and surrounds.

With allof theinfrastructure firmly in place, agents say this property is ready for the prospective buyer to start their next chapter

Raymond St character and charm

WITH larger sites in Sale’sCBD extremely scarce, this highprofile 1003sqm (approx) corner site on the edge of the CBD is a fabulous opportunity for the astute purchaser,agentssay

The site comes with asought-after Commercial 1Zone, which offers more possibilities for the investor The solid Edwardian red brick home is in good condition throughout and has retained exquisite heritage features, including 11ft ceilings with decorative plaster work, polished timber flooring,

open fireplaces, magnificent circular leadlight bay windows and leadlight windows.

The floorplan comprises three spacious bedrooms, alarge living area, eat-in kitchen with walk-inpantry,mainbathroom, study and external laundry Externally,there is plenty of room with access to the rear yard via Stawell St, and there is asingle brick garage and externaltoilet.

The purchase of this rare property offers the option to live in the existing residence or utilise it as acommercial property in ahighprofile CBD location.

Briefdetails ails

Property:

Contact:

Painting

THE farmer-driven Gippsland Agricultural Group (GAgG) has had several new board members join its ranks.

Tony Anderson, Angus Zilm, Llowalong, and AnthonySnow (Bengworden),have joined the board of management and outgoing members, Trent Anderson (Giffard) and Murray Stewart (Hillside), have wished them well.

The group organises trials and demonstrations about issues of importance for Gippsland’s farmers, including pastures, crops,lime and fertiliser, as well as dung beetles and African lovegrass.

On October 27, the group’s annual spring field day will take place at the Gippsland Research Farm on Bengworden Road near Bairnsdale. Everyone is welcome.(

SamRichardson,Bete Bolong, KenWhite (Bairnsdale), Tony Anderson, Tonvan Dijk (Winnindoo), Dave Caldwell (LindenowSouth), Anthony Snow(Bengworden), Trevor Caithness (Forge Creek), Rowan Paulet(Flynn) and Angus Zilm (Llowalong).

Tony,Anthony andAngus arenew members of the board.

Photo: Contributed

Livestock protection

NEW laws have been introduced in Victoriato allow livestock owners to voluntarily establish extra biosecurity measuresontheir properties, to protect them from trespassers.

Changes to the Livestock Management Act 2010 and Livestock Management Regulations 2021 have introduced offencesfor non-compliance with prescribed biosecuritymeasures,including entering agricultural premises without consent.

Offenders will face on-the-spot fines of $1294 for individuals and $8321 for organisations -the toughest fines in Australia.

Penalties of as much as $11,095 for individuals and $55,476 for organisations could apply for more serious offending.

AgricultureVictoria executive director of agricul ture regulatory policy Angela Brierley says these new laws will help to deter people from trespassing on farms and better enable prosecutions of

trespassers.

“Victorian farmers work hard to keep their animals safe and protect them from pests and diseases with robustbiosecurity systems,”she said.

“These new lawsseektodeter behaviour that puts thathard work and the safety of their animals at risk.”

Ms Brierley said producers choosingtotake advantage of these new protections must have a biosecuritymanagementplan (BMP) that includes afarm map and mandatory information, as well as compliant biosecurity signage.

Specific visitor consent procedures must also be followed under the new laws.

“Producers who already have an on-farm biosecurity plan in place can simply add aBMP coversheet to this plan to be covered by the new laws,” she said.

“We recommendusing the BMP coversheet

templates available from our websitetoensure all mandatory information is included.”

For an offence to apply under the new laws, the biosecurity management plan must include: -A cleartitle,including the words ‘biosecurity managementplan’ andthe address of the premises to which it applies;

-Contact information:the name and contact details of the nominated person(s), for example, theowner or livestock manager;

-Area description: adescription, map or plan of the wholeorspecified part of the premises to which the BMP applies, that accurately describes the boundaries of the premises and;

-Preparation details: additionaldetails including the day that the BMP comes into operation and the name of the person who prepared theBMP.

For more information or to downloadtemplates visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/bmp

Regional roadsare in urgent need of repair

THE Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is calling on bothsides of politics to commitfunding certainty for regional road maintenance, saying the terrible condition of country roads has reached crisis levels.

VFF president Emma Germano said years of neglect and underfunding has left Victoria’s regional road network in aruinous state and in desperate need of investment.

“Speak to anyone livinginregional Victoria and they’ll likely haveone thing in common -their local roads are dodgy and dangerous.

“More than 50 per centofall road fatalities occur in regional Victoria, despite it being home to 24 per cent of the state’s population. We won’t accept that,” Ms Germanosaid.

As part of its ‘Fair Go for Regional Victoria’ campaign, the VFF has called for aminimum of $2 billion in the next four years for targeted arterial

road maintenance.

The plan has been supported by the stateopposi tion, but with lessthan two months until the state election,regional communitiesare waitingtohear the Andrews government’s plan.

“The VFF welcomes the opposition’s commitment to guarantee maintenance funding over the next decade. Now it is time for the Andrews government to offer country communities aplan to fix our roads. That’s why Ihave written to the Roads Minister Ben Carroll seeking his government’s commitment to deliver funding certainty,” Ms Germano said.

In additiontofundingfor arterial roads, Ms Germano called on bothsides of politicsto reintroduce the ‘Fixing Country Roads Program’ to provide funding grants to ruraland regional councils to undertake local road projects beyond regular road maintenance.

“We desperately need funding to help local governments maintain their road and bridge networks.”

“Council roads make up 87 per cent of the state’s road network and represent 10 per cent of local government expenditure. This is putting adisproportionate strain on rural councils that have large road networks, but asmall rate base to help fund their upkeep.”

Ms Germanoconcluded saying road maintenance is an important issue for regional communities and expects to see aplan from both sides of politics.

“It’stimefor our leaders to stand up and put an endtothe country road maintenancecrisis. Driving on safe roads is atop priority for regional communities at this election and we need both sides of politics to deliver certainty,” Ms Germano said.

Help for farmers

ANEW dedicated phone line will allow farmers across the country to quickly and easily connect with the Rural Aid counselling team.

The direct linewill ensure farmersare provided afaster and more trauma-informed response to their request for counselling.

Rural Aid’s counsellorsare based across the country and offer free, confidential counselling to farmers and their families.

Rural Aid’s manager of mental health and wellbeing, Lauren Stracey, said the team would be able to prioritise and respond to calls more effectively with the new number (1300 175 594).

“We know that it’s important to have atrained counsellor help guide farmers through the period of reaching out for help,” Ms Stracey said.

“By initiating adedicated 1300 line, farmersare able to access atrained counsellor who can support them with referrals for immediate needs, while getting asense of their story and matching them with the most appropriate support.

“Taking the first step in seeking support takes guts, but once you’ve done it you realise counselling is really just another tool you can use to getthrough tough times.

“Rural Aid is experiencing an increase in the number of farmers reaching out for helpatthe moment.

“Some farmers are now at the stage where they are ready for mental health support, after experiencing disaster earlier this year,” Ms Stacey said.

“Also, farmers may have felt an increased sense of anxiety since the confirmation of athird La Nina event.

“We want to make sure that if afarmer is ready to explore the idea of counselling, that we are there straight away to assist.”

South Australian sheep farmer Kaye Wicker reached out to aRural Aid counsellor after aseries of personal hardships including the death of her brother and compounding financial stress.

“Not only was it very grief-filled but it was just an incredible amount of work,” Ms Wicker said.

“It was just that intense fear of losing everything

South Australian sheepfarmerKayeWicker reached outtoa RuralAid counsellor after aseriesofpersonal hardships including the death of her brother andcompounding financialstress. Photo: Contributed.

and not being able to keep it together.”

TheWaitpinga farmer said she initially found it hard to speak about the things scaring her the most.

“I found my time working with my Rural Aid counsellorverybeneficial, just to helpbreakdown those overwhelming feelings.”

Ms Wicker said the fact the counselling sessions arefree meant abarrier was removedtoaccessing help.

“If there was acharge, Iwouldn’t have been able to access it,” she said.

“It takes alot of courage to make that phone call, but it’s well worth it if you do.”

Rural Aid counsellors catchupwith their farmers where they’re mostcomfortable; whetherit’son farm, in town, or over the phone.

To get in touch with aRuralAid counsellor, phone 1300175 594 between 9am and 5pm AEST, Monday to Friday.

Warning on noxiousweeds

NOW is thetimetocheck your property for the noxious weed -serrated tussock -Nassella trichotoma.

The recent rains and warm start to spring in some parts of Victoria have been good for pastures and crops, but also for the growth of serrated tussock.

Controlling serrated tussock before the plant goes to seed is critical to prevent further spread, lost productivity and more work to control it.

Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party (VSTWP) chairman Lance Jennison said, “before seeding, serratedtussockhas alimegreen appearance; when seeding, the flowerheads have adistinctivepurple colour developing as the seeds ripen in late spring and early summer”.

“These features help serrated tussock stand out fromthe native tussock grasses,”MrJennison said “Serrated tussock has afine leaf and will roll smoothly between the index finger and thumb, while native tussocksfeel as though they have flat edges.

“The leaves also feel rough when you run your fingers downwards due to fine serrations.

“A matureserrated tussock plant can produce thousands of seeds in aseason, blowing up to 20 kilometres from the parent plant.”

Serrated tussockcan be controlled with aregistered herbicide, manual removal or cultivation before the plant flowers and seeds.

“Havinga healthypasture and competitive ground cover is one of the most importantaspects to weed management,” Mr Jennison said “Serrated tussock is aprimeexample of aweed

Aserrated tussockplant in seed. Notethe small purple seeds (VSTWP).

that does not like competition and well-established pastures.”

It’s estimated that serrated tussock now covers more than 250,000 hectares of land in Victoria.

Treatingplants before seeding is vital to prevent further spread across Victoria.

The VSTWP recently commissioned case studies about the economic costs of not treating serrated tussock, which concluded that if serrated tussock is left to infest aproperty or landscape, the cost of controlling it will be at least five times more than if it was prevented in the first instance.

For more information,visit www.serratedtussock. com, or email the VSTWP at info@serratedtussock.

Let us tick all your boxes!

Your ESB’slocal agents, Michael Jolly &Jason McInnes, areprofessional and experienced cattleman, with integrity and commitment, offering all the services youneed.

Weekly primeand storecattle auctions at VLE Pakenham

Facilitating directsales to processors and feedlots

Prompt settlements

Auctions Plusassessments

Export sales

Selection and procurement of breeding and trading stock

Livestockmanagement assistance

Mustering of difficult cattle a specialty

Ateam thatworks with youto achieve thebestresults

HAIRLESS PUPPIES

Great low allergy pet,

unique

HORSES WANTED

LAYING HENS

Port Poultry

LOST

Watch, ladies Pulsar, stretch band. Raymond St. shopping area,

hand

Sept.

Clearing Sales

MACHINERY SALE

AGM

SALE GOLF CLUB

THURSDAY GOLF

$5 GOLF 9HOLES

Heyfield Lions Annual Darby Day Auction

Saturday 29th October 10am

Lions Shed, Fawz St. Heyfield

Huge selection of furniture, white goods, tools and collectibles.

Full details Gipps Times 25th Oct.

Photos on Lions Facebook page. AHeyfield Lions project. Enquiries contact Damian 0424

FREE FIREWOOD

Garage Sales

GLENMAGGIE

AGM

The Sale Junior Football Club Inc. annual general

be held on

the 14th of

2022 at 6pm at the Lakeside Club Meeting Room.

Situations Wanted

PAINTER

Local tradesman, 15 yrs experience. New houses and repaints, no job too big

small. Phone Steve 0499 345

Situations

PLASTERER

Chris Owens Plastering. Experienced plasterer available for new houses, extensions, renovations, sagging ceilings, water damage, patching. No job too small. Qualified trades-man with 25 years experience. Prompt, reliable, professional service. Ph. Chris 0460 813 299.

SALE

20TH

Inspection

Photos

DRIVERS

STRATFORD

Situations Vacant

Registered Nurse (Maffra) Various Tenure

Maffra Hospital is currently seeking applicants for Registered Nurses to join our team! We have exciting opportunities for those that possess excellence in leadership and strive to deliver high quality person-centred care. Opportunities exist within our Residential Aged Care and Sub-Acute sites. Working with awell-established team in a supportive environment.

To apply for the role or for further information, go to: https://centralgippslandhealth.mercury.com.au or contact Shermain Wells, Nurse Unit Manager (Maffra) on (03) 5147 0105.

Administrative Assistant (Stretton Park, Maffra)

Permanent Full-Time

CGHS is seeking aFull-Time Administrative Assistant, this role will work collaboratively to provide administrative, reception and clerical support services to the Stretton Park team. We are looking for someone that is able to provide a customer focused quality service to staff, resident's and other external customers within the health service.

To apply for the role or for further information, go to: https://centralgippslandhealth.mercury.com.au or contact Evelyn Marciniec, Executive Assistant on (03) 5143 8608.

Administration Assistant

Ausure Insurance Brokers is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic candidate to join the team at our Sale office.

Parts Interpreter

About us

Donalda Motor Service, Maffra is alocal family owned and operated business which has been operating since 1926.

Qualifications and experience

● Previous experience in spare parts would be a bonus but not essential.

● Knowledge of tractors, machinery and harvest equipment would be an advantage.

We are along-standing business that has been servicing the diverse needs of our clients throughout the Gippsland region and beyond.

Duties include:

Assisting with general enquiries both phone and in person, computer data entry, emails and general administration work and assisting brokers with preparing submissions.

This is afull-time position which requires:

● Knowledge of computer programs such as Word, Excel, Outlook.

•

Sales Consultant

Our Maffra branch is searching for an exceptional individual to join the team as aSales Consultant. Passionate about agriculture? This is the job for you!

As an Ag-Territory Sales Consultant you will bring expertise and responsiveness to the table every day with ateam dedicated to world class customer service and solutions. You are passionate and committed to our current and future success in the ever-changing world of work. This career opportunity offers earnings potential along with exposure for career advancement.

Interested? Contact Brandt Maffra on 5147 1122

● Great communication and customer service skills.

● Afriendly and approachable personality.

● Agood level of computer skills.

Tasks and responsibilities

● Interpretingand sourcing parts

accessories for retail, trade and workshop.

● Work closely with and assist

service department.

● Assist with invoicing and stock controlling.

● Distributing and receiving of goods.

● Money handling.

If you think this job would

please

info@donalda.com.au

● Good communication skills and presentation.

● Accuracy and close attention to detail.

● The ability to work todeadlines.

● Reliable and punctual attendance to all duties.

● Motivation and apositive can-do attitude. Training will be provided for specialist system operations.

To apply, please forward your resume to james.stevens@ausure.com.au or brad.silver@ausure.com.au

Situations Vacant

New Job Vacancies Residential Aged Care Homes Sale &Moe

● Personal Care Assistants

● Enrolled Nurses (Endorsed)

● Registered Nurses (Division 1)

● Hospitality Assistants

● Housekeeping/Laundry Assistants

● Lifestyle support staff

Royal Freemasons Sale and Moe are seeking dedicated staff that have passion and drive to support older Australians to continue enjoying the life they choose. We have permanent part time and casual vacancies with avariety of shifts and days across a24 hour, 7day aweek roster.

● State-of-the-art homes, built to unite families and friends.

● Leading not-for-profit organisation where you are truly valued.

● Generous salary packaging options to increase income.

Requirements:

● Must have covid-19 vaccine (mandatory in industry).

● Police Check Clearance/NDIS Workers Screening Check.

● Be available at least 3days per week.

To apply for these roles please go to our Careers Page on our Website: www.royalfreemasons.org.au oremail recruitment@royalfreemasons.org.au

alternatively drop off your resume to 28 Surkitt Blvd, Sale or 1C Haigh St, Moe. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Bairnsdale Regional Health

ConcreteFootpathWorks

Deaths

ALEXANDER, John William.

Passed away suddenly on 6th October 2022.

Dearly loved husband of Shirley.

Much loved father of Adam and Donna and father-in-lawofRob. Loved Pop to his five grandchildren.

FERGUSON (nee Lyndon), Julie Helen. 20/9/1952-12/10/2022

Passed away peacefully at Gippsland Base Hospital on Wednesday October 12, aged 70 years.

Dearly loved wife of Vic Ferguson. Mother of Helen and Russell Ferguson. Mother-in-law of Ashleigh Ferguson.

STARK, William. 'Bill' 7/10/1927 -17/10/2022

Loving husband of Pat.

Much loved Dad of Wendy and Michelle.

Doting Poppa of Matthew and Tara.

Besotted Poppa Bill to Sienna, Scarlett, Josh and Luke.

Friend of Michael, Dallas and Renee.

The family would like to especially thank Dr. Rakesh Nandha, and all the wonderful staff at Freemasons, for their care and compassion towards Bill.

WEEGBERG, Zoe Jean.

WRIGHT (nee Green), Helen Gloria. 9/7/1933-13/10/2022

Passed away at Sale Gardens.

Aged 89 years. Beloved wife of Donald Edward Wright (dec.). Mother of Sidney, Colin, Gayle and Vicki. Mother-in-law of Rhonda, Sharyn, Geoffrey and Valerie. Grandmother (Nan) to Steven, Michael, Abbey, and Tess. Great Grandmother to Sebastian, Peyton and Everly.

All

Macalister Demonstration Farm Calling for Nominations for Bob Pitman Award

The recipient of this award should have one, if not all of the following attributes;

Commitment to the betterment of the dairy industry in the Macalister irrigation district via one or all of the following areas:

● Production.

● Technology.

● Extension.

● Environmental awareness.

● Mentorship.

● Serve on boards or committees which support the dairy industry.

● Serve with integrity, humility and altruism.

Nomination forms can be obtained by emailing Krystal Bermingham at: Kbermingham@outlook.com.au, or Andrea Henry at mdf@wideband.net.au

Winner will be announced at the AGM to be held on the 20th of October 2022.

Pavement Repair Works PanelTender

Wellington ShireCouncil is inviting tendersfor sealed road pavement repair works, including rehabilitation, asphalt deep lift,regulation andcrack sealing. Successful tendererswill be included in apanel of contractorstoprovide civil pavement repair worksto all locations within Wellington Shire. Tendererscan providepricing forany numberof items and locations within the tender schedule.

Tendered prices aretoremain unchanged until 31 December2024.

Council may consider aclaim forachangeinquoted ratesatthe annual anniversaryofcommencement of the contract which is supportedbysuitable and substantive evidence, or outsidethe annual anniversary, wheresituations beyond the control of the Contractor have caused amaterialimpact on the Contractorsviability

All Tenderersmust register withWellington ShireCouncil to receivethe tender documents, which areavailable from the eProcurewebsite www.eprocure.com.au/wellingtonshirecouncil

All Tender submission mustbelodge electronically through the eProcureportal no laterthan 2pm Tuesday 15 November 2022

The lowest or any tender will notnecessarily be accepted. Late or hardcopytenderswill notbeaccepted.

Caravans

Loved brother and brother-in-law of Ann and Peter.

Loved and remembered everyday.

Adoring grandmother of Ted and Sam Ferguson. Dear friend to miniature poodle Echo.

Alife well-lived, now resting peacefully in God's arms. You will remain in our hearts forever, Vic and Helen.

Passed away suddenly at Heyfield on Oct. 9, 2022 aged 32.

Much loved daughter of Karen and Max.

Loving sister of Ryan and Ben.

Loving carer and auntie of Kaylee.

Much loved and cherished forever in our hearts.

WEEGBERG, Zoe.

•

BENNETT, Ronald John.

Passed away at Sale on Oct. 9, 2022, aged 73.

Loving father of Cherry and Christopher.

Adored Pa of Dominic. Brother of Les, David and Mark.

Sadly missed. Your smiles will never be forgotten.

CLARKE, Lynton.

Passed away on October 16th after ashort period of ill health.

Devoted husband to Jan (dec.). Loving father and father-in-law to Sandra and Glenn (Stagg), Stewart and Anette, Darren and Karen.

Much loved "Buddy" of Matt and Casey, David, Reilly, Rhys and Lily, Taylor and Kurt.

Muchloved great grandfather of Oscar and Luna.

Rest in peace in Jan's loving arms.

See Stephen Baggs FuneralDirectors of Bairnsdale for funeral details.

CUPIT, Elizabeth Margaret. "Betty" Passed away at Royal Freemasons, Sale on October 10, 2022 aged 88.

Daughter of Daisy and Frederick (both dec.). Loved Cousin of David, Ann (dec.), Susan and Christine.

Dearly loved friend of Terri, Gaye, Stuart and June.

In our hearts forever and always.

CUPIT, Betty. 1934 -2022

In loving memory of Bet. Always looking after neighbours

friends. The end of an

Codrington street won't be the same. Bet, Robyn, Kerryn and Russel

Betty.

Mum thought of others and was never one to complain about her own difficultcircumstances. She was adoer and a battler and always had time to stop for achat. Thank you mum for showing me how to be kind and considerate towards my own family and to those Ihave met along the way. Your loving son, Russell.

FURGUSON, Julie Helen (nee Lyndon). 20/9/52 -12/10/22

Only daughter of Tom and Edna (both dec.). Loved sister of David and Joan.

Auntie of Tim and Sharna, Kate and Callum. Great auntie of Evie and Theon.

Resting peacefully.

MASON, Wayne Rodger. 22/1/58 -10/10/22

Passed away aged 64 in Newcastle, formerly of Sale. At peace after a long battle with cancer.

Son of Merle (dec.) and Doug (dec.), brother of Gary, Robert and Scott. Loving husband of Christie and father to Michael. Sadly missed. RIP

PATTIE (nee Turvey), Valerie Mavis Catherine. 23/10/1937 -15/10/2022

Our darling mother has gone to rest, peacefully, listening to beautiful music, surrounded by her children. Mum to Michael, Donna and Scott.

Mother-in-law to Frank and Jacqui. Seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren. Reunited with her beloved husband John.

Our grateful thanks to Dr Choy, and the amazing Palliative Care and Carer teams fromCentral Gippsland Health Service.

SPEED, John Henry.

Lil sis, you were taken from us too young and too soon. Such aloving and caring person who was there when someone was in need. Devoted to family and friends. There will never be aday that goes by when you won't be in my thoughts. Love your guts lil sis. Patsy.

WEEGBERG, Zoe. To my beautiful sister Iam going to miss you, thank you for always being there for me and Kaylee and for always being you. We love you so much, until next time. Love Ben and Kaylee.

WEEGBERG, Zoe Jean. Zoe our niece and cousin, gone too soon and much too young. You've passed before your life begun. You leave aheartache no one can heal and you leave amemory no one can steal. We never got to say goodbye Zoe, it's just not fair, we love you.

RIP Auntie Bern, Uncle Jamie, Uncle Glenn, Melissa, Hayley, Jessica and Shane.

WRIGHT, Helen.

Goodbye Mum.

We will think of you often.

We will miss you very much. You will always be with us even though we can't touch.

Forever in our heart's even though we are apart. Your loving children, Sidney, Colin, Gayle and Vicki.

Our Mother kept agarden. Agarden of the heart; she planted all the good things, that gave our lives astart. She turned us to the sunshine, and encouraged us to dream: fostering and nurturing the seeds of self-esteem. And when the winds and rains came, she protected us enough: But not too much, she knew we'd need to stand up strong and tough.

Herconstant good example, always taughtusright from wrong; markers for our pathway to last our whole life long. We are our Mother's garden, we are her legacy. And we hope today she feels the love, reflected back from us.

Resting peacefully, now reunited with her beloved husband Don

Funerals

•

ALEXANDER. The funeral service and committal for cremation for John William Alexander will be held at our chapel, 5Queen St. Maffra on THURSDAY, (October 20, 2022) commencing at 2pm.

BENNETT. Aprayers service will be held for Mr Ronald John Bennett at the Geoff Rossetti Memorial Chapel, 1390 Maffra Road Sale at 1pm TODAY, (Tuesday, October 18, 2022). followed by burial in the adjoining Sale Lawn Cemetery.For those unable to attend there will be alivestream of the service. Please check our website or facebook page for details.

loving

John Henry

loved

of Henry and

husband of Betty.

Loved brother of Kevin and brother in-law of Therese.

Beloved father of Helen, Darren (dec.), Ian, Mark and Anita. Loved Grandad to Rhyece, Lucais and Larissa, Joel and Laura, Dale, Jake, Sophie. Loved and devoting Great Grandad to Freya.

CUPIT. The funeral service for Elizabeth Margaret "Betty" Cupit WAS HELD at Delbridge Funeral Chapel, followed by burial at the Sale Lawn Cemetery.

FERGUSON (nee Lyndon).

The funeral service for Mrs Julie Helen Ferguson will be held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, McFarlane Street Stratford at 11am on THURSDAY, (October 20, 2022) followed by burial at the Sale Lawn Cemetery.

The family invites those attending to wear something colourful to reflect Julie's personality.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MS Society.

ROBINSON, Kevin Francis. 6/2/38 -20/10/21

Twelve months have gone. Ithink of you and miss you every day.

Remembering all the good times we had for 62 years and 3months.

Lots of love Margaret.

Funeral Directors

STRAW, Frank.

-21/10/2015

Dad seven years have passed. It seems like yesterday. Happy 86th heavenly birthday for the 24th. Love always from Lesa, Brett, Dylan, Bianca, Steve and great

and Thomas.

PATTIE (nee Turvey).

The funeral service for Mrs Valerie Mavis Catherine Pattie will be held at Our Chapel, 5 Queen St Maffra on FRIDAY, (October 21, 2022) commencing at 1pm. Aprivate cremation will follow.

Please wear asplash of colour. In lieu of flowers, donationstoCentral Gippsland Health Palliative Care would be appreciated. Envelopes available at the Service.

Please visit our website for the livestream of Valerie's service.

Maffra

SPEED.

The funeral of Mr John Henry Speed will leave Geoff Rossetti Memorial Chapel, 1390 Maffra Road Sale (next to Sale Cemetery) after aservice commencing at 1:00 PM on SATURDAY (October 22, 2022) for the Sale Lawn Cemetery.

Barry &Annette Lett

We o er care, compassion and service with dignity,for the people of Gippsland

67 MacarthurStreet, Sale Phone 5143 1232

STARK.

For funeral arrangements for Mr William 'Bill' Stark please check our website or phone:

TRUSCOTT.

Afuneral service for Mrs Gwendoline Esther Truscott WAS HELD on THURSDAY (October 6, 2022).

Honour your loved ones and share their story

When you lose someone close to you, it can be hard to put your thoughts and feelings into words.

A personal message in the Gippsland TImes can say so much.

friendly advice on how to place a message, contact

WEEGBERG.

For funeral arrangements for Miss Zoe Jean Weegberg please check website listed below or contact:

WRIGHT (nee Green)

The Funeral Service for Mrs Helen Gloria Wright will be held at Delbridge Funeral Chapel, Marley Street Sale at 11am on FRIDAY (October 21, 2022), followed by a Private Cremation.

Please see our website for Livestream details

CommGames village coming

Michelle Slater

ANEW Commonwealth Games village willbe built in Morwell to host 1000 athletesand officials for the regional events to be held in the Latrobe Valley in 2026.

The Valley will also host afurther three sports, withShooting, Road Cyclingand T20 Cricket added to the region on top of Badminton and the Rugby Sevens.

The Minister for Commonwealth Games Legacy, ShaunLeane, was at the Ted Summerton Reserve in Moe last week making the announcement.

Mr Leane said the newGamesvillagewould be built in English Street, Morwell, on vacant lot owned by the Department of Health.

The village would then be used to provide social and affordable housing, aged accommodationor worker housing for more than 20 years after the Games, he said.

Mr Leane said they were still working on the

finaldesign of the village, but it would include multi-use areas such as dining rooms and physio centres that would later benefit the community.

“I’m determined to squeeze out every bitofsocial impact we can in delivering theseGames, and alsosupport local businesses and local jobs,” Mr Leanesaid.

“Construction alone with the opportunities for apprentices in the Latrobe Valley, work on these Games infrastructure is apriority for us.

“These will be the first regional Games. It will be atemplate for future games where different jurisdictions can hold different sports.”

The final phase of Road Cycling will be held in Traralgon and the T20 Cricket in Moe, with avenue for Shooting yet to be decided.

Mr Leane said the government would invest in sport infrastructureupgrades to accommodate the Games.

These would includeexpanding the Ted SummertonReserve with temporary seating,

stands and food stands that could be used for other international events.

Mr Leane pointed to the successofthis year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, which attracted aviewing audience of 1.5 billion people.

“The goal is to make peoplewatchingthe telecast get down here one day to support the community and spend money, support hospitality and accommodation. This is what the legacy will be,” he said.

Latrobe City mayor, Kellie O’Callaghan, said the Games wouldcreate abig legacyfor the Valley, with the village to provide valuable housing into the future.

She said the new athletes’ village would be close to schools,transport, sportingprecincts and social infrastructure

“Weare looking at building neighbourhoods, not just providing housing,” Cr O’Callaghan said.

“Thisisabout creating social structures for people to get the support they need in an environment that is sustainable.”

Boost for racing’s ‘little brother’

SALE Turf Club’s little brother held its season launch recently.

Members and guests of the Latrobe Valley Racing Club gatheredinthe GlenviewPark dining room to formally announce the start of theseason on Friday, October 7.

Latrobe Valley Racing Club chairperson Frank Bezzina addressedthe auditorium, and said the committee was eagerly awaiting the club’s two race meetings, Derby Day and Traralgon Cup. The Traralgon-based club differs fromother racing clubs across Gippsland in Sale, Moe,

Bairnsdale and Stony Creek, as it is an entirely volunteer organisation.

The club has welcomed afew new upgrades in recent times, including an outdoorcover for members, and is also aiming to add to the number of meetings it hosts per year.

Latrobe Valley has joined racing clubs across Gippsland in working together to see the sport thrive moving forward.

In termsoflocal cups, Moe wasthe first cab (or should we say cup) off the rank, and held its cup last Friday.

The Sale Cup is next, and will be held this Sunday, (October 23), and then the Traralgon CuponSunday, November 27.

First countrycup winnerfor

this was more to do with widespread flooding across the region makingitimpossible for horses to physically be transported to Moe.

THE first of the Gippsland country cups for the new racing season was run and won last Friday.

Fengaradatook out the Moe Cup, winning the 2050 metre race for Pakenham trainerJohn Leek Jr.

The five-year-old gelding took his career record to 16-6-4-0, nettingthe stable $82,500 in the process.

Fengarada timed his run well, sitting second at the 800m and 400m marks before finishing strong to beat Fifth Position by 1.25 lengths.

Just six horses competed in the race, however,

Moe Racing Club’s success in actually holding ameetingwas awin in itself, as many had predicted awashout after 23.6 millimetres the night before.

The club’sStrathAyr trackstood up to the test, and meant Moe was the only grass surface in the state to hold ameeting on the day.

Arecurring joke over the years has been about rain on Moe Cup Day, and while rain was still fell in patches last Friday, you would hardly have noticed given how well the track performed.

Liam Durkin

Liam Durkin

Latrobe Valley Racing Club committee members Peter Walkley,Peter Wight,Brenton Wight, Andrew Livingstone,Ian Davison, Dennis Lineham, Peter Guy,Barry Whitehead, Phil Gibson and Frank Bezzina at the club’s season launch, featuring this year’s Traralgon Cuptrophies.

Photo: Liam Durkin

Pakenham trainer JohnLeek Jr and stable staffmember Lilly McGregor with Fengarada after winning theMoe Cup.

Photo: Liam Durkin

Latrobe City mayor Kellie O’Callaghan with LatrobeValleyDistrict CricketLeague president Wayne Mills,player BradyCake andboardmember Sarah Prime, with Commonwealth Games Legacy Minister Shaun Leane, Labor candidate for Morwell Kate Maxfield, and Gippsland Cricket League executive and well-known Sale-Maffra CrirkcetAssociation

identity Neil Purdy

Photos:Michelle Slater

Minister for CommonwealthGames Legacy Shaun Leane announcing anew althletes village in Morwell.

Sonics take ahit in tough double header

SALE Sonics women’s and men’s teams hit the road over the weekend,travelling to Wonthaggion Saturday night and then to Warragul on Sunday.

The Sale women had atough game firstup, facing last season’s Gippsland Country Basketball League champions Wonthaggi Coasters.

This didn’t intimidate the young squad though, who includeddebutant Tara McInnes, as the Sonics took the lead early and were up three points at the first break.

Thegame was atight back-and-forth contest for thesecondand third quarters, but unfortunately after the long drive, the young squad just ran out of legs as the experienced Coasters squad was able to take control in the fourth to eventually win by 20 points.

Ash Centra and Tayli DiMarco top scored for the Sonics with 12 and 10 points respectively.

The women then had to refocus and prepare to face astrong and rested Warragul Warriors team.

The game started off neck-and-neck with scores tied at the firstbreak.

The Sonics started to slowly get alead in the secondquarter, but after star playerCentrafouled out beforethe half was over, Warragul was looking set to take control of the game.

However, behind the leadership of Bree Alexander and Kristy Glover and the fantastic play of Jemma Birss, the Sonics were able to increase their lead and eventually come away with astrong 15-point win, their first for the season.

Birss led thescoringwith 22 points,while Centra managedtostill put up 15 points in her half of play.

The Sale men’s team went into the weekend heavily depleted by injury, but were still confident they could come away with awin

Another slow start hurt their aspirations though, as they quickly dropped behind awell-oiled Wonthaggi team by 20 points.

The Sonics were able to come out strong in the second half, displaying their offensive firepower with Jake Hutchins scoring at will at the rim, whilethe team showed their abilitytoplay intense, hard-nosed defence.

Despite astrong fightback they just did not have enough left in the tank and eventually went down by nine points.

Hutchins top scored with 28 while Ben Dessent also added 20 points.

Theteam was even more depleted as they faced WarragulonSundaybecause some players from the night before being unavailable to play.

This,however,allowedthe opportunity for young Tom Matthews to make his debut with the senior squad.

TheSonics came out tryinghard from the tip, with Hutchins starting things off with asmooth two-handed dunk, but it was quickly apparent that fatiguefrom the night before was taking its toll on theyoung bodies of the Sale team.

The more experienced Warriors team was able to execute cleanly on offence while making every possession tough for the Sale team and gradually grew the lead out to 30-plus points. Sale battled hard,withyoung guns Bailey Harrison, Eli Berry and debutantMatthews showingthey have bright futures with some clean play, but it was just not enough as the Warriors ran away with a43point win.

Hutchins went back-to-back with top scoring as he dropped 28 points again, with his runningmate Harper Fraser also adding on 20 points.

The Sonics will now shifttheir focus to Southern Peninsula as they prepare to face the Sharks this Sundayatthe Gippsland Regional Sports Complex.

The women tip-off at 1pmwith the men following at 3pm.

Geoff Watt Memorial run this weekend

LOCALS are beinginvitedtoparticipate in Warragul’s Geoff Watt Memorial Fun Run & Festival, happening this Sunday (October 23).

Thisyear will be the 50th runningofthe event, and the first in-person run since 2019.

Participants can enter one of the following competitions:

The Geoff Watt Memorial half-marathon

Men’s and Women’s 10km run

Men’s and Women’s 5km run

Open 2.5km run

Family 2.5km run,

Vin Rowe 300m sprint

Aschools competition will concurrently be taking place, with youngsters encouraged to enter the following categories:

*5km run (with parent);

*2.5km run (off-road, Geoff Watt Track and running trail);

*300m sprint (Geoff Watt Track).

Aprizewillgotothe school with the most entrants.

Additionally, ateams competition is also on-offer, withprizes for the fourbest times and another for the team with the most entrants.

Otherprizes include fancy dress prizes, spot prizes, and the Young Achiever Award for Gippsland Athletes aged 26 and under.

If running isn’t your thing, the event will also offer afood and wine festival, live music, and adisplay of vintage cars.

In recognition of the event’s 50th anniversary, all entrants willreceive a$50 Active Feet Voucher and two-month subscription to Runner’s World magazine.

Everybody who completes their run will earn a50thEdition Geoff Watt Memorial Medal and gift pack. For more information and to enter, head to www.geoffwattrun.com.au

Geoff Watt is the father of Olympic-medalwinning cyclist and Warragul girl Kathy Watt.

Campbell and Elliot take three tries each for Dropkicks

three tries.

TheymissedCorey Siebel as he was on ‘maternity leave’.

ROUND 11 of the Sale &District Touch competition was played last Wednesday night in drizzling rain and cool conditions.

The MustangslosttoThe DropKicks 8tries to 10.

At halftime The Drop Kicks led by two tries.

Thesecondhalf was an even contest, with both teams making four tries in avery fast game.

The damp conditions did not deter the fleet footed Drop Kicks, with Andrew Campbell, Nick Elliott, Tawn Ashby and Henry Ropeti showing their class.

Mustangsare perhaps theunluckiest team in the competition, with threelosses less than

Top scorers for The Drop Kicks were Andrew Campbell and Nick Elliott with three each.

Tawn Ashbyand Henry Ropeti each madetwo.

Antonio Keedle-Grandeza top scored for the Mustangs with four tries, the highest individual score for the round.

RyanRosenberger madetwo with Karl Coleman and Tara Smeaton each making one.

Best players were Elliott,Ashby, Keedle Grandeza, Smeaton and Te Patu.

Third-placed Porky’sdefeated Phoenix six tries to three in avery fast game.

Andie Schofield made the firsttry in the opening minutes and this set the standard of play for the

rest of the game.

At half-time Porky’s led with three tries to two, but in the second half Porky’s kept Phoenix to just one try while adding three.

Albert van de Vyver topscored with threetries for Porky’s, with Leigh Mawley, Schofield and Anthea Todd each making one.

Marcus Sbahlia-Smith top scored for Phoenix with two tries. Kerry Shotter made one.

Sbahlia-Smith has only playedfour games, scoring in each, taking his tally for the season to eight, to be the team’s top scorer.

Marcus has made awelcomereturn to the sport following along break.

Bestplayers were Albertvan de Vyver, Sbahlia-Smith, Mawley, Soreti Anderson and Kate Laskowski,

Longford led the competition with 31 points and 139.5 per centfollowed by The Drop Kicks(29pts and 234.6 per cent), Porky’s (21 &81.6per cent), Mustangs (18 &77.6per cent) and Phoenix (13 &48.1per cent)

Tomorrow night’s touch at 6.30pm Longford plays the Drop Kicks [referee Phoenix]. At 7.20pm Phoenix play Mustangs [referee The DropKicks]. Porky’s has the bye.

The 21st Annual Sale TouchTournament is scheduled for the weekend of April 15 and 16, 2023, when 70 teams are expected to converge on Sale for the state’s biggesttouch tournament

PhoneLaurie on 0419 132 824 for details.

Laurie Smyth

Sale Sonics Women’steam: Tara McInnes, Jemma Fraser,RyanFraser (coach), AshCentra, Emma Callahan, Bree Alexander(front)Kristy Glover, Chloe Rees,Jemma Birss, Tayli DiMarco and Lola Wilson

Photos:Contributed

ElihCarter shootsafreethrow forSaleSonics men

Bundy sneaks home in thriller

TomParry

BATSMEN again defied the odds in the Sale-Maffra Cricket Association’s third round.

As with last week, wet weather the previous evening and cool winds on the day threatened to make grounds abowler’s paradise.

Whilethat was true for one venue, elsewhere high totals were posted and gripping encounters were held between teams.

On asidenote, Round 3will be the last of the one-day, 40-over affairs for two months, with the competition continuing in the form of two-day games from this weekend until December.

Sale vBundalaguah

MATCH of the Round has to be Sale’s clash against Bundalaguahwhich, if youpardon the cliché, went right down to the wire.

The Swans batted first with Matt Jackson setting the tone, making 45 off 48 balls before being dismissed in the 15th over.

Following hisloss, a40-runpartnership developed between Coenie Nel and Michael O’Brien, coming to an end when the latter was given out leg-before on 11.

Nel, who has been untouchable the past two weeks, was caught by Hayden Wrigglesworth on 44, the scorecard reading 5/125.

This brought Ben Jonestothe crease, who combined with Nathan Massey for an astonishing sixth-wicket partnership -the pair amassed 75 runs before Jones went out in the final over.

Sale finished their 40 overs at 6/207.

Gayashan Munasinghe took three wickets for Bundalaguah, including the key scalps of Nel and Jones.

The Bulls’ run-chasestarted inauspiciously, withopenerToby O’Reilly falling for four runs and Kshitiz Sharma for 28.

Those dismissals broughtthe legendarySteve Spoljaric to the middle, who combined with Jason Langshaw to add 73 runs in the following 14 overs.

Victory was in their sights, until Langshaw was caught by Massey on 50 off the bowling of O’Brien.

After Lachlan Wrigglesworth wasdismissed leg-before for aduck, the game was back in Sale’s favour.

Spoljaric hung-on, putting on another partnership of 27 runs with Chris Smart.

Awin was within Bundy’s grasp again, until Matt Raidal took two consecutive wickets for the Swansinthe 35th over, leaving the score at 6/156.

The situation, now tenser than ever, saw Munasinghe enter the fight, survive ahat-trick ball and give asemblance of hope back to the Bulls.

Fortunes turned yet again in the 37th over, with Spoljaric hitting two sixes and afour to narrow the margin to 23 runs.

Ten runs were scored in the over that followed, and nine in the over after that.

Now, Bundalaguah only needed four runs to beat Sale in the final over of the match.

First ball from Jones to Munasinghe: no run.

Second ball: Two runs.

Third ball: Munasinghe is run out on 24, his demise bringing Hayden Wrigglesworthtothe pitch.

On his very first ball, Wrigglesworth scored two runs, securingthe three-wicket win with two balls to spare.

Agame for the historybooks, Bundalaguah’s defiant effortsoverSalewill no doubt be talked about for many years to come.

Collegians vBoisdale-Briag

COLLEGIANS had acomfortable 63-run win at home against Boisdale-Briagolong, courtesy of a century from captain Zac Hurley.

Right from the start, everything went Hurley’s way, winning the toss and opting to bat first on a pitch that lookedabsolutely sublime -asopposed to the field’s edge,with itspuddles,mud and apparent tyre marks better resembling the aftermath of a Top Gear episode.

Hurley opened the batting and looked strong in themiddle, forging successful partnerships with TomMorrison (30 runs), Adrian Burgiel (21) and Charlie Morrison (55) in the first 20 overs.

TheSaints createdplenty of chances in the field, but unfortunately failed to capitalise on them.

By the halfway break, Collegians had lostjust two wickets for 87 runs.

Hurleycontinued pilingonthe runs through partnerships with Henry Anderson (31) and brother Noah (54) before finally falling at 7/199.

By that time, he had made108 runs from 118 balls, including four sixes.

It was his first AGrade century for Collegians, and one he is unlikely to ever forget.

College’s tailadded another six runs to the scoreboard following their captain’s departure to set atotal of 205.

Boisdale-Briagolong’s innings started with confidence, withimportNick Pang making aquick-fire 27 off 18 balls before he was caught by Burgiel.

As with their opponents, the Saints had eight batsmen to spare by the midway point.

Stephen Noble was the only other player to fall and the score sat 2/101.

In the over immediately after the break, Mason Annear was lost for 13 runs. Toby Leeds followed five balls later on 32.

The Saints struggledfrom there, losing their

SMCA

AGRADE -ROUND 3

BUNDALAGUAH DEFEATED SALE Saleinnings

MJackson .c&b HWrigglesworth.. 45

WMcKenzie cSpoljaric bMunasinghe. .2 MRadial lbw bH Wrigglesworth .4 CNel cH Wrigglesworth bMunasinghe .44

M O’Brien .lbw b Aponso .11 NMassey. notout .61 BJones cH Wrigglesworth bMunasinghe .25

H Glover not out 7 Extras. (nb 2, w5,b0,lb1). 8 Overs. 40 Total. 6/207(cc)

Bundalaguahbowling: SSpoljaric 8-0-0-47,GMunasinghe 8-1-3-40, HWrigglesworth 6-0-2-26, HAnderson6-0-0-41, KSharma6-0-0-29, EAponso6-0-1-23.

Bundalaguah innings

JLangshaw cMassey bO’Brien .50 TO’Reilly .lbw b Glover 4 KSharma .c O’Brien bJones 28 SSpoljaric not out. 79 LWrigglesworth. lbwb Raidal. 0 CSmart .c Jackson bRaidal .10 CLay .b Raidal. 0 GMunasinghe runout 24 HWrigglesworth. .not out 2 Extras. (nb 0, w10, b0,lb1). 11 Overs. .39.4 Total. .7/208

Sale bowling: CNel 8-2-0-15, HGlover3-0-1-17, BJones 7.4-1-1-38, JShingles 2-0-0-19, MJackson 3-0-0-24, BDobson 4-0-0-24, M O’Brien 6-0-1-29, MRaidal 6-0-3-41

MAFFRA DEFEATED LONGFORD LHopkins. .c&b Murphy. .10 BHarrington bLemarquand 1 NHibbins bWynd. 9 MEastham .run out 18 NWozniak .lbw bWynd 0 DFreitag bWynd. 1 DButcher. cMurphyb Wynd

JPendrick .c Floyd bMurphy.

BDurrant .c Vogt bLemarquand.

MBennett. cVogt bLemarquand

AMcKenzie .not out

Extras. (nb 0, w18, b0,lb4)..

Overs.

Total.

Longfordbowling: MMurphy8-0-2-29, HLemarquand 6.2-0-3-20,

Osborne 8-0-0-21, JWynd8-2-4-16, LFloyd

Longfordinnings

WSutton. .c Hopkins bMcKenzie

SLucas-Laws .c Frietag bMcKenzie

COsborne. lbw bFreitag

LKnight .c Hibbinsb McKenzie

MMurphy. cHibbinsb McKenzie.

JWynd .lbw bMcKenzie

Butcherb

AVogt

LFloyd .c Harrington

JHeywood bDurrant

JTaylor

HLemarquand.

Extras.

Overs.

Total.

Maffrabowling: DFreitag 6-3-1-5,

4.5-2-2-14, BDurrant

remaining wickets for 36 runs to be all-out by the 39th over.

College’s Tim Dessent inflicting the finaldamage.

Miraculously, Dessent’s wicket came bowling his first, and subsequently only,ballofthe innings.

Though his effort was admirable, the pick of the bowlers for Collegians was actually Adam Phillips with 4/22, while Boisdale-Briagolong’s best was Shaun May with 3/42.

STRATFORD DEFEATED ROSEDALE-KILMANY

Stratfordbatting

LBolton cDiamond bMcDonald 55 CAurisch lbw bDiamond 6 JRietschel. .run out 14 JTatterson .b Love 50 BChanning runout 3 NFrench .b Hangan. 0 BDinning .b Hangan. 4 HTatterson .lbw bHangan. 0 EAlbrecht .c Moutlonb Hangan 2 SPendergast not out. 1 ZWaixel .stFreshwaterbLove. .0 Extras (nb 3, w8,b1,lb3). 15 Overs. .38 Total. .150

Rosedale-Kilmanybowling: RDiamond 8-0-1-33, ILove7-2-2-21, N Hangan 7-1-4-27,DRowley8-0-0-35, McDonald 8-0-1-30.

Rosedale-Kilmany innings MWalters. cDinning bWaixel. 2 BMcDonald cH Tattersonb Waixel .22 RDiamond. .c Aurisch bAlbrecht 36 NHangan .lbw bPendergast 14 CFreshwater .run out 9 ILove. lbw bJ Tatterson 2 JDiamond.. bAlbrecht 0 DRowley. .c BoltonbRietschel 11 JMoulton .b Albrecht 3 BReid. .b JTatterson 5 AWright notout 1 Extras. (nb 3, w5,b0,lb1). 8 Overs. 35.5 Total. 114

Stratfordbowling: SPendergast 6-0-1-30, ZWaixel 8-1-2-32, H Tatterson 5-1-0-15, JRietschel 6.5-0-1-15, JTatterson 5-1-2-6, E Albrecht 5-1-3-15.

COLLEGIANS DEFEATED BOISDALE-BRIAGOLONG Collegians innings ZHurley. cBoltonb May. .108 TMorrison c& bPang 5 ABurgiel cRandlebHurst 14 CMorrison. .run out 20 TDessent .b Sutton. 1 HAnderson cBeechb May. 14 NHurley. .c Randle bMay .17 APhillips bBolton. 3 NWhitford. .c Noble bBolton. 1 JMalone .not out 3 Extras. (nb 0, w10, b7lb2). 19 Overs. .40 Total. .9/205(cc)

Boisdale-Briagolong bowling: JBeech 4-0-0-25, NPang 8-1-1-14, L Hurst 6-0-1-32, NSutton8-1-1-32, DBolton 6-0-2-51, SMay 8-0-3-42.

Boisdale-Briagolong innings

SNoble .b Anderson .17 NPang. cBurgiel bHurley. .27 TLeeds. cMalone bAnderson 32 MAnnear. cZ Hurley bPhillips 13 DBolton. bPhillips. 2 JBeech. cPhillips bAnderson 12 LHurst cDessent bPhillips 9 NSutton. .c Anderson bPhillips 4 JOuthart .c Malone bDurnell. 0 KRandle. .c Anderson bDessent 6 SMay not out. 1 Extras. (nb 0, w17, b0,lb2). .19 Overs. .38.1 Total. 142

Collegians bowling: NHurley5-0-1-26, NWhitford4-0-0-29, S Anderson 5-2-1-4, JDurnell 8-0-1-41, Phillips 8-2-4-22, HAnderson 8-1-2-18, TDessent 0.1-0-1-0.

StratfordvRosedale-Kilmany

STRATFORD was tested, if only slightly, for the first time this season in their game against Rosedale-Kilmany.

Batting first, the Redbacks looked steady, with Chris Aurisch and Jack Rietschel being the only wickets lost by the 20-over mark.

Lewis Bolton and Jack Tatterson made ahealthy 91-run stand, which only came to an end in the31st over, when the former was out for 55.

Tatterson joined him acouple of overs later, bowled after posting his own half-century by Warriors captain Isaac Love.

This loss generatedacollapse of Stratford’s middle and lower order, which made just 10 runs to be all-out in the 38th over.

Rosedale-Kilmany’s Nathan Hangan is theman to thank for that, takinghis four wickets within twoovers.

Chasing 151 runs, the Warriorslost their openers, Michael Walters and Brandon McDonald for two and 22 respectively, leaving Rohan Diamond and Hangan to steadily build atotal.

That partnership lasteduntil the 23rdover, when Diamond was caught on 36.

Following Hangan’s wicket on 4/85, the flow of runs slowed to atrickle, with none of the batsmen that followed able to make their mark.

Rosedale-Kilmany could only manage 114 runs before losing their 10th batsman in the 36th over. Stratford’s best bowling figures belonged to Ethan Albrecht, who collected 3/15 in his five overs.

LongfordvMaffra

THREE words summarised the display at Stephenson Park on Saturday: “That was embarrassing”.

The phrase was heard utteredbynot one, but two of Longford’s own players as they went down to Maffra by 72 runs.

Batting first on adamppitchwith plenty of green coverage, the Eagles were in all-sorts with adisplay that mimickedtheir sub-par performance the previous week against Stratford.

Openers Ben Harringtonand Lee Hopkins fell cheaply, leavingNathanHibbins and Miller Eastham to laythe ground with a34-run partnership.

The loss of Hibbins at 3/49 prompted amiddleorder collapse, with Nick Wozniak, Dylan Freitag and Easthamall falling within seven runs; Danny Butcher didn’t last much longer, scoring six runs before being caught at 7/68.

JakePendrickand Ben Durrant stemmed the tide of wickets with a21-runfightback, before they too were sent back to the pavilion.

Pendrick was the highest scorer of Maffra’s inningswith19-which wasstill less than the extras conceded by Longford’s bowlers, 22 in total.

The best of said bowlers was Jake Wynd with figures of 4/16 offhis eight overs, includingtwo maidens.

With just 107 runs to chase on apitch dried by the afternoon sun, the Lizards seemed certain of claiming their firstwin of theseason,and only their second victory in 900-odd days.

Longford started slowly, scoring just seven runs in the first sixovers beforethe Eagles’ Andrew McKenzie got the breakthrough of Steve Lucas-Laws.

That triggeredanother collapse, with five wickets -including two in arow fromMcKenzie -being lost for just six runs.

Two boundaries from Ash Vogt, afour and a six, proved the only highlight for the Lizards; his short-lived turnconcludedon14when he was caught at long-on by Butcher.

Longford’s innings came to an abrupt end in the 21st over, all-out for 34.

Cue lots of head-shaking and soul-searching in the Lizards’ clubrooms.

Still, credit must go to Maffra’s bowlers -especially McKenzie, whose figures of 5/11, including three maidens are to be marvelled;his in-your-face celebrations less so.

Maffra’s Andrew McKenzie rolled through Longfordatthe weekend, claiming5/11.

Photo: TomParry

Ball back in full swing

Liam Durkin

THE Country Basketball League is well underway for season 2022/23.

The season has been going for three weeks, with teams across Gippsland and even one from the Peninsula taking part.

In anotable change this season, Morwell Magic is making areturn to the men’s division, in place of Churchill Blue Devils.

The Blue Devils suffered afairly acrimonious exit from the CBL competition during the off-season.

Anumberofplayers from Churchill have since joined Morwell for this season.

Defending champion Traralgon won its opening round game 110 to 79 againstLakes Entrance, while Moe received agreat confidence boost by knocking off grand finalists Warragul 100-90.

Morwell went down to Southern Peninsula 95-79 on returntoCBL.Maffra had the better of Sale in the local derby, winning 74-54, and won againthe

next day, defeating Wonthaggi 95-66.

Wonthaggi did get awin on the board on day one, beating Lakes Entrance 101-79. Korumburra rounded out thewinners, accountingfor Pakenham 97-77.

Saturday Round 2winners were Traralgon(94-79 over Maffra), Morwell (73-67 vs Lakes Entrance), Southern Peninsula (99-44 vs Warragul), Wonthgaggi (70-69 vs Korumburra).

Warragul won their Sunday game,beating Korumburra by two, 73-71.

Round 3winners (most recent) were: Southern Peninsula (109-55vsLakes Entrance),Traralgon (87-69 vs Morwell), Wonthaggi (83-74 vs Sale), Maffra(98-82 vs Pakenham). Sunday games featured wins to Traralgon (121-96 vs Southern Peninsula), Moe (92-57 vs Wonthaggi), Warragul (105-62 vs Sale).

Havingnow covered afew games,ifasked to describe what men’s CBL is like Iwould say: “It’s like footy players playing basketball”.

THE women’s competition is also in full swing.

Ten teams are taking part this season,with Wonthaggi the reigning premier.

In astunning turn of events, the Coasters were defeated in Round 1byLakes Entrance, who had finished wooden spooner the previous season.

ThePelicans won 66 to 49, perhaps signalling thestart of things to come.

Other Round 1winners were Warragul(84-34 vs Southern Peninsula),Maffra (77-69vsSaleand 94-52 vs Wonthaggi), Traralgon (84-43 vs Lakes Entrance on the Sunday), Moe (59-49 vs Warragul) and Korumburra (101-35 vs Pakenham).

In Round 2results, Korumburra defeated Wonthaggi 58-48, Warragul beatSouthern Peninsula 99-50, Traralgon rolled Maffra 77-58 and Korumburra down Warragul 70-57 on the Sunday.

Round 3winners were: Lakes Entrance (56-53 vs SP), Wonthaggi (70-50 vs Sale), Maffra (78-38 vs Pak), Moe (66-55vsWonthaggi on Sun), Traralgon annihilated SP 144 to 49 on Sunday, while Sale won 67 to 52 against Warragul.

Player points system scrutiny

From Page 32

THE issue of player eligibility is not just confined to country football. Only last month Moe United Soccer Club was thrown out of the Latrobe Valley Soccer League reserves cup final after being found to have, technically, fielded an ineligibleplayer. The situation was made all the more confusing by the fact the RedDevils had their seniorand reserves sides in the final, which usually means anyone on the roster is up for selection.

The player points system has also been queried in some quarters for failing to really make that much difference to competitive balance.

For example,Gormandale FNC used 46 out of its 46 points in Round 9ofthe NGFNL last season, and still lost by 157 points to Glengarry -ateam that finished ninth on the ladder.

Conversely,Traralgon Tyers United,which finished fifth, used 41 out of 41 points in Round 8

of the same season and won by 92 points against Cowwarr.

The Tigers,havingnot wonagame for three years before the 2021 season, were given only five

points more to spend on players than the Bombers, who had finished top-two the previous season.

Some anomalies also exist within the system, which offer an interesting discussion point.

Usingmyself as an example, Itechnicallywould not have ahome club going off the player points system.

Because Iattended boarding school and only playedjunior football for Moe Saints (Under 14s) and Thorpdale (U16s, U18s) during school holidays,I never metthe 40-game threshold at either.

Considering everything that has goneoninrecent years,itwould appearthe time has well and truly come for AFL Victoria to appoint an officer of some description to oversee everything related to player points and salary caps across Gippsland.

Or therecould justbeasimple solution invest in local players.

Sale-Maffra Cricket Association

SCOREBOARD

Second Grade:Sale 2/103 (A Nicholas 39*, LMowat 39*, RSudan 26) def Bundalaguah 99 (J Read 31,ALynch 26 KBannak Ralalage 25, CHudson3/8, ANicholas 3/15, TDobson 2/20), Collegians 9/105 (C Hall 41,Z Connolly 4/16, WOsborn 2/17, AKuizenga 2/19) def Maffra 72 (N Magnuson 26, JMcGuiness 3/4, SW Anderson 2/9, J Harlock 2/11), Stratford83(HFox 4/20, BFleming 3/10) def Rosedale-Kilmany 74 (N Bennett3/25, BWilkinson 2/1,Jake Rietschel 2/9).

ThirdGrade:Bundalaguah 5/93 (S Howard56, NWalker 2/18)def Longford8/92 (B McMaster 36, NSingh 26*, A Johnston 2/7), Maffra 5/88 (A Sellings 35*, KBakulapalli 2/5) def Nambrok 87 (H Johnson 4/11, BRowley3/13), Collegians 0/84 (R Wilson 50*, RMaidorn 25*) def Rosedale-Kilmany 80 (G McGrath 32, DBird5/4, JWells 3/14), Stratford2/98 (T Russell 32*, TLight 27*) def Sale 96 (H Singh 32, GIngle 25, ASmith 5/8, NThomas2/6), Boisdale-Briagolong 76 (L Vander Velden 4/7,LTourtoulas 3/24, NTourtoulas 2/16) def Wurruk 72 (A Tilley26, D Murphy 3/18, SAtkinson 3/19), Heyfield -bye. Fourth Grade:Sale White 121 (R Coulthard44, LLyndon 25) def Wurruk Toads 43 (W Fry3/13, ADuffield 2/4), Bundalaguah Yaks 6/180 (G Wrigglesworth 50*, ADay 49, NPhelan2/18, RCorbell 2/19) def Maffra 8/86 (J Pataki 30*, MWrigglesworth 3/14, STilley2/6, TAnderson2/7), Collegians 6/219 (J Sullivan 53*, MFoster 50*, JBraden 50*, HLeeson 3/40,RLeeson 2/35) def Rosedale-Kilmany 142(CMissen 46, RLeeson 30, OSullivan3/8, HDavine 2/21), Heyfield 3/85 (M VanEkeren34) def Wurruk Windies 8/80 (W Breddels 29, JParson 3/28, TPtitchett 2/12), Sale Black 4/62 (T Reid 32*) def Stratford61(JHampson 5/18, CRichardson2/6),Bundalaguah Bulls 7/178(CSharp 52*, BFuller39, JWalker 32, KKumar 3/11) def Longford 7/132 (J Love 46,JSellings 3/24).

Under16:Bundalaguah 5/148 (H Wrigglesworth 53*, J Hare 27,W Murray 3/29) def Longford 7/67 (N Singh 25*, HWrigglesworth 3/22, KRobinson 2/6),Maffra 3/43(A Wright 2/9) def Rosedale-Kilmany 40 (A Higgins 2/10, M Coridas 2/14), Stratford1/42 def Sale 9/40 (O Shaw 3/0, JBrickley2/6), Collegians -bye.

Under14:Sale 4/114 def Bundalaguah (G Bruce 2/7), Wurruk/Maffra 3/121 (B Rowley30*) def Collegians 47 (B Rowley2/2, RGieschen 2/3, CKelly 2/6, HRuss 2/9), RK Heyfield 6/86 (B Cottrell 2/11) def Stratford52, Longford -bye.

Womens:Begin tonight (

Maffra haswon two of its first threegames in thenew CBL season.

Photo: File

LEADING THE CHARGE

Player points system again in the spotlight

LiamDurkin

IT’S just like the whole class getting detention.

Every senior football club in Gippsland has been accusedofbreaching the player points system. Before people lose their minds and call for clubs to be docked premiership points or have flags stripped, it must be stressed that caps have not been exceeded,more so individual players have been incorrectly allocated.

Clubs are given acertain number of points in a cap, dependentonfactors such as past performance, demographics and population.

“There is no breach of the caps being alleged here.It’sjustwrong allocations,” AFL Victoria community footballmanager, John O’Donohue, told the Herald Sun

“There are failings at the clubfor misinterpreting the categories, there is fault at the league level for not overseeing and there is probably fault at the regional level for not overseeing it all.”

The issue of possible player point breaches had

been bubbling for some time, before amemorandum was emailed to clubs across Gippsland earlier this month.

“Regrettably 100 per cent of clubs have been found to be in breach of incorrect player point allocations” the memo from O’Donohue said.

For the record, thatis72clubs from seven leagues in Gippsland.

At least we’re consistent.

AFL Victoria undertook an audit on points, where it found breaches had beenmadeacrossthe board.

However, given, for the most part, incorrect points were only allocatedtoaminority of players at each club, punishments are likelytoamounttolittle more than a“please explain”.

There are some who believeAFL Victoria should take part of the blame, feeling clubs are dealing with abroken system.

AFL Victoria did not even have aregional manager until August.

The move to the online platformPlayHQ this seasonhas also beenidentified as areason that

exasperated the problem.

PlayHQ was nothing short of disastrous in 2022.

The system, introduced on the eve of the season, did not allow clubs to access players’ data until late in the year, while local supporters cited troubles trying to find information such as leading goal kickers.

From a Gippsland Times viewpoint, unlike GameDay where you could copy and paste scores from an entire round, PlayHQ meant we (usually this writer), had to individually type scores from every game across three grades of the Gippsland League, East Gippsland and North Gippsland. Every. Single. Score.

Questions surrounding why an audit on player points had not beencompletedearlier have also done the rounds,ashas the overall confusion regarding justhow manypoints aparticular player is worth.

West Gippslandclub WarragulIndustrials had a verypublic points-relatedsaga play out lastmonth, which forced the issue to become more widespread.

Dusties, who made the preliminary final, was fined$3500 forhavingtwo players allocated incorrect points.

While there was some who were quick to condemn Dusties, on face value it appeared aclub volunteer overseeing the operationmade agenuinelyhon est mistake amid what is, admittedly, acomplex system.

The strain on volunteers is understandable, and it is unrealistic to expect people who work and have families to be across absolutely every rule,especiallywhenloopholes leave anumber of avenues open.

Heyfield Football-NetballClubwas the victim of one such loophole in 2019.

The Kangaroos were docked premiership points and subsequently lost the double-chance in the NorthGippsland Football-NetballLeague finals after fieldingaplayer ruled to be ineligible because he was too young for senior football.

Photo: TomParry

Sale Turf Club the home of racing’sfuturestars

IN 2018,the Sale Turf Club began an acknowledgementofhorses winning races at Sale in their early careers and then continuing on to Group Oneglory since thestart of the 21stCentury.

Thisdedicationisinthe form of aHorse Walk that stretches from just inside themain entrygateoncourse.

The Sale Turf Club producesa well-regarded trackand facilitythat results in industry participants locally and from across the state bringing their good horses to race at Sale, particularly future starsastheymaketheir way towardsGroup 1glory in town

Therewould notbetoo many people unfamiliar with the champion mareMakybe Diva, whowon threeconsecutive Melbourne Cups from 2003 to 2005.

Oneofher earlywins wasatSalein2002, buther career would end as oneofthe greatest horses in ourracing history.

In more recent times, we seetoday’s starsof thelikes of I’mThunderstrucktrying to follow thesame path

He wonhis secondrace (thirdstart)inSale in February 2021,but has since gone on to with another five racesthat has seen an 18-start career so faramassing morethan $7,000,000prizemoney.

Those races included theGroup One Toorak later in 2021 and then the Group One Makybe DivaStakesinSeptember this year

By Sale CupDay,I’m Thunderstruck may addthe 2022 GroupOne CoxPlate(October 22)tohis CV,given he is oneofthe favourites forthistime-honoured event, the daybefore the2022LadbrokesSaleCup

Even morerecently, Giga Kickwon at Sale in Februarythis year,beforegoing on to win the Everest (the richest race in Australia) at Randwickjust last Saturday.

Melb Cup on tour

TOMPARRY

THEactual 2022 LexusMelbourne Cup is in theareatoday(Tuesday, October 18).

The Melbourne Cuptourbeginsat Rosedale, by thePatrobas statue at 8.30am, whereitwillbeseen alongside the ‘Widdis Cup’

Wonbythe real-lifePatrobas racehorse in 1915,the Widdis Cupis housedatthe Port of Sale building and seldom leaves its displaycase, giving puntersa rare opportunitytosee it and its modernequivalentupclose

The2022Cup will then head to Maffra,where it willbetaken to local primaryschools, MaffraRSL Sub Branchand Stretton Park

After, it will be walked around Johnson St businesses at about 3.15pm, taken to the MaffraBandRotundafor a performance by theMaffraMunicipal String Band at 4pm,and a‘Welcome to Country’ ceremony willbeconducted by RamahyuckElders at 4.30pm, whichwillinclude aperformanceby Ramahyuck’sCulturalConnectDance Group

From 6.30pm,there willbefurther opportunitytolearn aboutthe cup at the MaffraCommunitySportsClub

There, attendeeswillmeetthe cup ambassador and perhapshold the $275,000 trophyintheirhands, while beingentertainedbythe Maffra Municipal String Band

Tomorrow,the cup will continue its tour inSeaspray,beginning at Seaspray PrimarySchoolfrom9.30am.

It will then be displayedatthe caravan park andcommunityshopfrom 10.50amuntil 11.30am forlocalslooking forphotoopportunities,and then move on to theSeaspray SurfLifeSaving Club clubrooms before alonglunch from 12.30pm to 4pm

Ernie

from Seaspray

Club andKevin Christensen

MaffraRSL

Eyes on the prize

THE Sale Turf Club Foundationwas established in 2018 forthe purpose of advancing socialand public welfareby providingfundingfor worthy causes withinour localcommunity

The primaryfundingfocus of the Foundationhas been towardspeople or organisations in the equine area, including donations to dateof$1500 to theVictorian WesternPerformance Association HorseSportsClub,and $5000 to theSale &DistrictSpecialist School forits Ridingfor the Disabled Program.

Donations have alsobeen made by theFoundation to other localcauses, including $10,000 in 2019 to the GippslandEmergencyRelief Fund and$30,000 in 2022 to the Central Gippsland Health Service

Adonation of $5000 wasalso madeto theRoyal Children’sHospital Save the ChildrenFundin2022.

Mostrecently, theFoundation has made a$5000 donation to locals

Alyssa Greeningand AvaHarrington, who recentlyrepresented Victoriaat theAustralian Interschool Equestrian Championships

Sale Turf Club Foundation secretary, BillJones,saidthatthe Foundation was proudhelp.

Moving forward, the Foundation’saim is to continue to make annual donations within the local community.