Gippsland Farmer November 2020

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Phone: (03) 5135 4444

November, 2020

Tasty innovation TALK ABOUT A WINNING RECIPE PAGE 2

Hollywood y has met the beef b industry with Kardella farmer Ian Kondarovskis using automation to feed his livestock the leftover tasty popcorn p treats enjoyed j at the flicks. FULL STORY - PAGE 7 photograph p p h hayley mills il

NEW BUSINESS IS WOOLLY GOOD

PASSION PROJECT By LIZ BELL

YOU won’t find former Briagolong boy tur ned inter national businessman Jason Thatcher flashing his success in your face. The humble philanthropic entrepreneur is happier using his money to make positive contributions to his communities. Mr Thatcher runs a motorcycle touring company in Vietnam. He has founded several community programs in South-East Asia, including the Global Village Housing project in Cambodia, as

well as medical facilities, schools and other community assets. But he also has his altruistic efforts focused closer to home. His latest venture is improving the environmental health of the beautiful but undevelopable seven hectares of land on the edge of Sale to the point of restoring it to its pre-grazing state, and reintroducing its natural billabongs. Mr Thatcher recently bought the block and had big plans - in conjunction with the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, Trust for Nature and

Landcare, and the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation - to rid the land of feral animals, improve the health of the waterway, and build on his idea of giving the land back to nature. Already, he has achieved milestone progress, with the property now rid of rabbits thanks to a rabbit-proof fence and intensive fumigations, replanting of thousands of indigenous trees, and the removal of invasive water lilies that were choking the creek. There are still some “ferals� to

deal with, including carp and weeds, but Mr Thatcher has worked out a management plan with other environmental bodies that has him on track to achieve his dream. He has his sights set on re-invigorating an old, empty billabong that was likely filled in when the land was used for grazing, and would like to offer the surrounding land to the community to be used for an environmentally-conscious project such as permaculture.

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RURAL NEWS

Garlic growers onto a winning recipe By MICHELLE SLATER

JARRAHMOND garlic growers Mark Johnstone and Shelly Carroll have tapped into a niche market of discerning gourmands, attracting the nod of approval from MasterChef great Matt Preston. Snowy River Black Garlic uses a special humidifier to turn raw white garlic black, creating a sweet and caramelised product which unleashes the bulb’s natural antioxidants and amino acids. Mr Johnstone said they discovered black garlic while in New Zealand in 2016 and realised Australians had not yet cottonedon to the product, while Ms Carroll used her naturopathic background to look into the product’s medicinal values. They are now one of Australia’s largest suppliers, producing 2.5 tonnes a year. “I’ve always been passionate about the origins of my food, and this was a perfect value-add instead of competing in the raw garlic market,� Mr Johnstone said. “Here was an opportunity to identify a high value crop that doesn’t need a lot of water and can be grown in marginal soil on a small acreage.� Mr Johnstone started out by designing a special climate controlling machine from an old dishwasher and has since upscaled to two machines that can process 600 kilograms of raw garlic. He said it takes five weeks to produce black garlic using nothing, but filtered rainwater. The product is being marketed online and sold at supermarkets, restaurants and delis around the state. It has become such a hit, it was picked up by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to be used a diplomatic gift, and even appeared on MasterChef.

Mr Johnstone said they had recently teamed up with National Disability Insurance Scheme provider Noweyung to create a range of black garlic infused salts, oils and chutneys with the left over product that didn’t make the grade. “Noweyung has a commercial kitchen, they take our garlic and send back products packaged with our label on ready to sell and they also have a cafe in Bairnsdale making gourmet gift packs,� he said. “They have the skills and resources already there, being able to collaborate with them is a win-win.� However, Mr Johnstone said he wanted to “write off 2020� as the business had taken a hit with the coronavirus economic downturn and hospitality closures. “Things went from great to zero. When you are selling an abnormal gourmet product, people buy it on occasions, it’s not an essential daily shopping item,� he said. “We were going into Melbourne once a month to create new business, but some markets are not taking any new products this year. “We are hoping to find new markets as soon as restrictions start lifting.� Meanwhile, Mr Johnstone said he hoped to take on new growers on small acreages to allow small scale producers to create new income streams. “It’s about growing a community and spreading the love instead of having a huge commercial operation. The focus on Australian artisan is greater than it has ever been,� he said. “This is has come out the pandemic, we will see more and more artisan products as consumers will be happier to pay for it.�

Mark Johnstone with some of his homegrown garlic.

The packed Snowy River Black Garlic products. photographs supplied

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

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RURAL NEWS

Wellington Shire’s support for proposed Fingerboards mine By DAVID BRAITHWAITE

Now Taking your Christmas 2019 Orders Wellington Shire Council approved a submission to support the proposed Fingerboards mineral sands mine, with councillors split five-four on the motion. photograph supplied

Cr Crossley said council should follow its East Gippsland Shire counterpart in seeking to make a submission after the elections. “I think they consider that it’s too close for the current council on their last meeting to make a decision that’s going to impact the community and perhaps the newly-elected council,” she said. “I think it would be more appropriate to leave it to the newly-elected council to deal with this matter.” The submission put forward by council officers may not reflect community views, Cr Crossley said. Cr Bye said council supported thorough studies and mitigation of environmental issues relating to the mine, while the ability of local roads to cope with trucks needed to be taken into consideration. “The last thing I want is a lot of B-doubles coming through Stratford through the roundabouts,” he said. “I also support jobs as long as the jobs are

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in an area that won’t hurt our environment and hurt the Wellington residents. “I think delaying putting in a submission of what our thoughts are, I don’t think the new council will change anything, so I support just getting it done now.” Cr Ripper was concerned people didn’t have enough time to comment on council’s submission. “We all want people to have jobs, because if you don’t have jobs you don’t have money and you can’t flourish as a family,” she said.

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WELLINGTON Shire Council approved a submission to support the proposed Fingerboards mineral sands mine, with councillors split five-four on the motion. Council endorsed the submission to the environmental effect statement process. The submission put forward for councillors’ consideration supported the mine, but expressed a clear preference for rail transport to be utilised for the project, and sought a clear commitment that all relevant environmental issues be appropriately assessed and mitigated. Council saw the project providing “significant economic benefits” to Wellington Shire through the creation of jobs and the supply of goods locally. There were calls from two councillors and members of the public to delay a decision until after council elections. The current deadline for EES submissions imposed by the state government has passed, but the next council won’t be sworn in until November 17. Five councillors - Malcolm Hole, Scott Rossetti, Ian Bye, Garry Stephens and mayor Alan Hall - voted in favour of the submission. Councillors Carmel Ripper, Carolyn Crossley, Darren McCubbin and deputy mayor Gayle Maher voted against. Before the meeting, council received 10 submissions from the public. Nine submissions - including two from election candidates Akarna Bowers and Kathy Mansfield - were opposed to council supporting the mine, raising concerns about the environmental effects, water issues and agriculture, and respiratory health. A 10th submission supported the project, providing environmental and rehabilitation concerns are addressed. Final approval of the mine rests with the state government, which is overseeing the EES process. Cr Hole said council, through the submission, sought to protect the interests of all Wellington residents. “It seeks that day-by-day rail transport be used, it asks all objections to be assessed and also for the protection of the chain of ponds through Providence Ponds,” he said. “Submissions closed on October 28, and at this stage, our new council won’t be put into power until November 17. “This submission, going in now on behalf of the Wellington community, will remain within the formal structure to defend and advocate for any future decisions. “For Wellington to maintain a place at the table for whatever may eventuate down the track, this submission is vital.”

Your livestock cut and packed to your requirements

“But we have to weigh up, every time we make a decision, it’s followed by consequences.” The meeting was held towards the end of the caretaker period, when council cannot make major policy or significant decisions, with the EES submission not falling into either category.

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Secluded Tanjil River holding (40 Acres) Nestled beneath towering gum trees beside the winding Tanjil River, this elegant architect-designed residence is sure to wow any observer. Jason Lee of Harcourts Warragul Real estate describes it as “one of the finest rural properties we have seen the whole property is really quite amazing.� He adds, “Direct river frontage is obviously not something that comes up very often, so it does present an opportunity for an astute buyer.� The house boasts four spacious bedrooms, the master bedroom with a tastefully decorated ensuite and walk-in robe, open living areas with huge windows that bring the beautiful outdoor scenery indoors, a chef’s kitchen complete with granite benches and dual ovens, and an elegant dining room. Upstairs, you are greeted by a large rumpus room with dual balconies that offer panoramic views over the property’s 40 pristine acres. One of the assets of this piece of land is the 20m x 25m music hall on its grounds. “It has been used to host concerts and large gatherings,� explains Lee. “With its own kitchen, bathroom and cool room, it certainly also has

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commercial capability if required.� The property also features a double garage and additional carport space for 5 cars, along with a hay shed, glasshouse, equipment shed, and outdoor hut. This Tanjil South hideaway gives you the power to live your off-the-grid dreams, offering an established grid connect solar system with inverters compatible for off-grid conversion. A true lifestyle property, it comes equipped with three farm dams, two lifestyle dams (one with an entertaining rotunda), 5 fully fenced paddocks for livestock or horses, water troughs, stockyards and three water tanks, perfectly toeing the line between fun and function. Two caged orchards with established fruit trees and a number of raised vegetable beds nicely round out this home’s capacity to cater to all of your self-sufficiency needs. Lee finishes, “Given the nature of the property, it really does have a broad appeal. It lends itself well to hosting weddings or functions of a large scale, giving it commercial capability, but would serve equally well as a private family residence.�

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A period home with panoramic views and productive land (320 Acres) Work the productive 320 acres, sit back and enjoy the passive income streams, or both. You have a world of choices with this three-title property with panoramic views and a period home. Currently used for mixed grazing, the land is fenced into three paddocks with a total of eight dams. On top of that, the infrastructure is first rate: shearing shed, hay shed, machinery shed, workshop and excellent central yards. The two telecommunication towers and three wind turbines mean a long-term secure income stream as you sit back and enjoy the property from the wide verandah of the superbly renovated period homestead. The home is surrounded by established gardens with a sheltered aspect and views to distant ranges. Inside, the open plan living room promises cosy evenings in front of the wood heater, with the reverse cycle AC making any weather comfortable. There’s a light-filled formal dining room with parquetry flooring, classy blackwood timber kitchen with

quality appliances, a walk-in pantry and island bench leading to the meals area. The three spacious bedrooms plus study are complemented by a modern family bathroom, along with a sizeable laundry and utility room. Behind the lock-up garage and workshop is a second bathroom. The property has the potential to subdivide and build a new home with a spectacular 360-degree outlook from the mountains to the ocean. Just four minutes from town, 10 minutes from boat launching into pristine Corner Inlet, and 2 1/2 hours from Melbourne, this Prom Coast property ticks all the boxes for astute investors, retirees or lifestyle changers. If you’re interested in getting more information about this delightful rural homestead or arranging an inspection, get in contact with Andrea Adams at 0429 822 801.

For further information about the property or to arrange an inspection, please contact Jason Lee on 0419 411 697 or email Jason.Lee@harcourts.com.au.

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

November, 2020

RURAL NEWS

Kelly nominated for major award By MICHELLE SLATER

A BUDGEREE woman who kick-started a mammoth community bushfire response is up for a Victorian Regional Achievement and Community Award. Kelly Van Den Berg founded Gippsland Horse and Stock Safe Bushfire Assistance to coordinate feed donations and evacuation points for bushfire affected livestock owners. Ms Van Den Berg has been nominated as a Community Hero in recognition of those making a significant contribution at a local level in regional Victoria. The passionate animal lover is also a Boolarra Australia Day citizen of the Year for her work coordinating hundreds of volunteers ensuring the safety of livestock and pets in catastrophes. “We found there was gap in the response for people with livestock in bushfires. In a lot of cases there was no way of getting feed or water to stock,� Ms Van Den Berg told Gippsland Farmer. “I was overwhelmed by the response, we had so many professional people and

organisations stepping forward in support, it was an incredible effort.� Ms Van Den Berg said truck drivers, veterinarians and feed companies donated goods and services during last summer’s catastrophic bushfires, distributing donations from a main depot in Sale. She said local police and emergency service crew paved the way for trucks to drop off supplies into East Gippsland, with boats even dropping essential items off in fire ravaged Mallacoota. “It was mind blowing, we even had a logistics manager on leave from the army coming to help. We were the first trucks to get into Club Terrace and all the feed was burnt off the ground,� she said. “The animals were starving, we also took in fresh food, water and personal hygiene supplies for people. In a lot of cases farmers were staying on their properties to feed their animals.� Ms Van Den Berg is hoping to have the group registered as a charity to be able to tap into both federal and state government funding opportunities.

Jason’s passion project

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Continued from page 1

Mr Thatcher told Gippsland Farmer he has already sunk a fair amount of money into the project by paying for 4000 native trees to be added to the 7000 trees planted by the Gunakurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation.

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But most of those trees have been planted around the edge of the riverbank, leaving the inland areas open for community use.

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Mr Thatcher is wanting to speak to anyone who may have a community or environmentally-sustainable project idea for the land. For more information or if you would like to play a role in the project, you can phone Mr Thatcher on 0468 421 353.

Budgeree woman Kelly Van Den Berg is up for a Victorian Regional Achievement and Community Award for her work helping animals in bushfires. Photograph Michelle Slater

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Philanthropist Jason Thatcher has an altruistic plan to bring this block of land beside Flooding Creek, near Sale, back to its natural and healthy state. photograph liz bell

November, 2020

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

November, 2020

RURAL NEWS

A taste of the movies By MICHELLE SLATER

HOLLYWOOD has met the beef industry for one Kardella farmer, who is using automation to feed his livestock the left over tasty popcorn treats from the flicks. Ian Kondarovskis helps run a family business supplying Aussie-grown popcorn to cinemas and packet snacks to supermarkets, while also grazing about 90 head of cattle on his South Gippsland property. The Melbourne-based businessman had found a way to create cattle pellets out of the left over bits that had fallen through the sieve from the popcorn-making process - which he said his steer love. “The feed is sweet and salty - it’s like a dessert for them, but there is so much grass on my property, this is an extra feed for them, it adds energy to their diet,” Mr Kondarovskis told Gippsland Farmer. Mr Kondarovskis was looking for way to dispense the delicious treats to his cattle without having to trek from the big smoke every day, when he came across a fullyautomated feeder. He is now the first Victorian cattle farmer to have installed the Feedtech Feeding System - developed and manufactured by a family-owned business in Tatura. The system allows him to program a range of settings and a timer that will release the desired amount of feed from a silo, without having to be on the farm. It can run from either a solar system or off 240 volt power, with a security camera at one end to ensure the animals get their tucker. Manufacturer David Collier originally designed the automated feeder for sheep and goats, but expanded the set-up for cattle. Mr Kondarovskis said he was also in the process of importing machinery

Questions over factory’s future By DAVID BRAITHWAITE

Kardella farmer Ian Kondarovskis with his automated feeder.

and was testing batches to upscale his pellet-making. “There are commercial prospects, but at the moment I’m just looking to use the pellets on my own cattle, but I do have people offering to buy them off me already,” he said. “It’s a sustainable product, the popcorn goes to human food and the waste goes towards fattening the cattle.” Meanwhile, Mr Kondarovskis said that although he had lost almost half of his

Photograph Hayley Mills

business stream when cinemas closed in the pandemic, he said supermarket snack sales had gone gangbusters. “COVID definitely had an effect on us. When the cinemas closed, we lost a lot of business, and Hollywood is not releasing its big movies, so that side of the business is slow,” he said. “But we also supply supermarkets with private-label packet popcorn, lock down was busier than Christmas. People don’t stop eating popcorn in lockdown.”

THE $55 million sale of dairy properties in Nambrok has put a question mark over the future of the Saputo factory in Maffra. Milk from the Gray Wigg farms in Nambrok was likely to be sent to Fonterra as the buyer of the properties, Canadian pension fund Public Sector Pension Investment Board, has strong ties with the New Zealand-owned dairy processor. Gray Wigg is believed to be the biggest supplier to the Maffra plant. Switching suppliers would mean Saputo - a Canadian company - loses about 30 million litres of milk from its supply. The sale of the land is subject to approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board. The Weekly Times has reported both of Saputo’s Gippsland plants, in Maffra and Leongatha, needed redevelopment, but there was not enough milk to justify the expenditure on both. A source told the newspaper Saputo was trying to figure out which one to keep, adding “it probably should be Maffra”. “It’s an easier factory to upgrade in terms of site, lay-out and scale,” the unnamed source said. “Leongatha is largely a packaging factory for low value UHT milk. Leongatha is not a cheese factory, where Saputo’s focus is.” Anhydrous milk fat, butter, skim milk powder and whole milk powder is produced at the Maffra facility, which Saputo closed for five months this year because of a shortage of milk.

Real Estate rural land, farms and lifestyle properties Elders Sale and Yarram

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RURAL NEWS

Landcare plan is proving effective Take e advantag nt ta of the Ins rite W x Asset Ta ! w Off no

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SOUTH Gippsland Landcare Network has been putting a dint in local fox and rabbit populations with an invasive species control plan, of which the group hopes to get more funding for to carry out further work. SGLN has been working with private land holders, public land managers and pest animal contractors on 16,000 hectares between Venus Bay and Walkerville, through the Enhancing Biodiversity at the Bunurong Coastal Landscape project. The project is in its third year, and is being rolled out with the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, Parks Victoria, Trust for Nature and Bass Coast Landcare Network. SGLCN project support officer Susan Koci said it was a strategic multi-pronged approach using variety of pest control methods carried out under government guidelines. She said contractors were tackling foxes using 1080 baits and soft-jaw traps which were being checked daily. They had also released the European rabbit specific-calicivirus strain in February this year through treated leaving out carrots on private and public land. “We noticed an initial drop in rabbit populations after the calicivirus release, but it’s a slow process, and unfortunately, we’ve had a good season for rabbits,” Ms Koci said, “We hope the virus will sweep through the population this summer. We’ve also noticed a reduction in foxes, we’ve caught quite a few and we’ve started trapping again.” Ms Koci said they had built good

South Gippsland Landcare Network is working with local farmers and public land managers to roll out a fox and rabbit control program along the Bunurong coast. Photograph supplied

relationships with about 50 private land holders and were hoping to roll out a chemical permit users training program next year to help farmers further tackle the problem. However, she said the program was coming to an end in June 2021 and the group was on the look out for grants or funding opportunities to keep the project gong. “We are having an impact on these populations, but if the project stops, then all this work will be undone and populations will come back and we will be back to where we started,” she said.

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

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1800 768 364 November, 2020

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What is a hernia?

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A HERNIA is an abnormal protrusion through the sheet-like connective tissue envelope of the abdominal wall.

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Most hernias commonly occur in the groin of men.

They are all noticed as an abnormal bulge or protrusion that may be entirely painless or at times can be uncomfortable.

Strangulation is where the blood supply to the herniated structure is cut off which causes very severe pain and is an emergency. Contents of a hernia can be simply fat from inside the abdomen poking out through the opening or defect, or a loop of bowel. The most feared complication of a hernia is strangulation. This is a potentially life-threatening event that needs emergency surgery and sometimes removing and re-joining the compromised segment of bowel. Hernias occur mostly in the abdomen, abdominal wall and pelvis, including the groin. The three commonest types of hernias are belly-button or umbilical hernia and inguinal and femoral hernias that

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This mesh is usually placed outside the abdomen however there are some meshes that can be used inside the abdominal cavity and these are usually coated with an anti-adhesional coating to stop the bowel sticking to it.

both occur in the groin. Men characteristically suffer from hernias more than women because of heavy lifting as it is heavy manual work that can exceed the strength of the groin. Femoral hernias are more common in women and can be found or noticed as a lump just below the groin crease. Another type of hernia is the incisional hernia that can occur following an operation on the abdomen after either a keyhole or laparoscopic procedure or after an open operation such as a bowel operation or operation on the pelvis or even a gallbladder surgery. All hernias are now usually repaired using a mesh made from a plastic material much like a plastic surgical flyscreen material. This has been shown to unequivocally reduce the risk of the recurrence of the hernia.

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M.B.B.S., Ph.D., F.R.A.C.S. ‘TRUSTED EXPERTISE, PERSONAL CARE’ SPECIALIST GENERAL SURGEON

CONSULTING ACROSS GIPPSLAND

Hernia repairs vary in complexity from a day-case procedure for an umbilical hernia to complicated hernia repairs that can be large reconstructions of the abdominal wall needing an in-hospital stay.

HERNIA REPAIRS SMALL OR LARGE

It is important that the surgeon is experienced and that good attention is paid to aftercare. If you want an opinion or have a hernia that is worrying you just ask your doctor for a referral. This information is provided by Mr Adrian Aitken M.B.B.S, Ph.D,F.R.A.C.S,a local specialist general surgeon in Gippsland who undertakes all types of hernia repairs including abdominal reconstructions on a regular basis.

www.fitzpatrickhouse.com.au

ASK YOUR GP FOR A REFERRAL PHONE 51 444 555 FOR APPOINTMENTS

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Pain is usually a warning sign and very severe pain can be a sign of strangulation of the hernia.

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There are lots of different types of hernias.

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

9

RURAL NEWS

River frontages camping plan is generating a passionate debate By LIZ BELL

THE debate over a state government plan to allow camping on almost 30,000 kilometres of Crown land with river frontages has Gippsland farmers at loggerheads with hunting and fishing representatives. Controversial legislation to amend the Land Act to permit camping on Crown land adjacent to waterways is currently before the Upper House. The move is part of the state government’s pre-election promise to get more people using outdoor resources and to provide better access to fishing and camping on Crown land with river frontage. Victoria has 170,000km of water frontage, with much of it being private land, reserves, parks or state forests, and about 30,000km of this being Crown water frontage. This land is licensed to the occupier of the adjoining land, with access to it currently largely unrestricted for recreational use other than camping. But irrigators and farmers whose properties abut waterways are outraged by the proposal, saying it will create a biosecurity risk and leave them unable to stop unsociable behaviour on their land. Kilmany farmer and chair of the Latrobe River Irrigators, Angus Zilm, said the legislation would negatively affect many farmers in Latrobe City and Wellington Shire, taking away their control of what happened on their land. “If this was allowed, who is to say what any Joe Blow will be doing down by the river?” he said. “It doesn’t make any sense.

Kilmany farmer and chair of the Latrobe River Irrigators, Angus Zilm has slammed any moves which would allow camping along river frontages abutting private properties, saying that among other issues, it poses a biosecurity risk for farmers.

“There’s plenty of better places around here that people could go camping - the Swing Bridge in Sale for example - and other lovely places that would be more

suitable (camping is currently not permitted at the Swing Bridge site).” In response to claims by Eastern Victoria Region MLC Jeff Bourman that the Victorian

Farmers Federation was championing a “misinformation” campaign to lock people out of public land, VFF president David Jochinke said Mr Bourman didn’t understand the issue and “needs to get out a little more”. “This legislation is akin to letting people camp on someone’s nature strip,” he said. He said the changes could result in the “stewardship” shown by farmers to protect the land and maintain good biosecurity being lost. “You can’t currently free camp on those areas,” he said. “The everyday person doesn’t understand there has to be an offset from those water courses, and many won’t have those offsets.” Mr Jochinke said the VFF was concerned that the law would encourage anti-social behaviour on farming land such as firewood collection, which is illegal, and trespass. “I can’t see these campers bringing their own firewood,” he said. “There’s always bad apples in any group and we’ve heard of people’s pumps being broken and sheds being used as toilets.” The Victorian Fisheries Association believes the removal of the prohibition on camping on licensed river frontages would allow it to be managed through regulations. A VFA spokesman said it was working with the state government to identify sites where infrastructure and access to rivers could be improved, and education prepared to “include information about managing the risks of introducing pest animals or invasive plant species, in line with state forests”.

“From our family business to yours” Browns Stockfeed has been supplying Gippsland Farmers for over 30 years

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Silage, Hay Wraps FREE Y and Twine DELIVER IN Drenches and Vaccines ND. Animal Health GIPPSLA Fencing Materials South & West Gippsland Fodder Crop and Pasture Seeds Lindsay Davies All your Farming Requirements 0428 361 231

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86 Yarragon Road, Leongatha, 5662 3199 620 Heyfield/Upper Maffra Road, Tinamba West 5145 1345 10

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

November, 2020

November, 2020

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

11

RURAL NEWS

Black bream stocks are on rise BLACK bream spawning in the Gippsland Lakes is at its second highest level of the last ten years, according to Victorian Fisheries Authority scientific surveys. Fisheries chief executive Travis Dowling said the results were terrific news for the Gippsland Lakes system. Mr Dowling said the annual surveys were carried out at 50 sites in the Gippsland Lakes to provide information about the spawning of key species. He said specialised sampling methods in winter caught juvenile black bream less than one year old, typically less than 10 centimetres long. “The abundance of these small bream provides a snapshot of how successful the previous spawning season was and

enables fisheries managers to predict the health of the fishery in years to come,� Mr Dowling said. “Spawning variation from year to year is normal and influenced by environmental factors such as river flows and waterway health, however the trend over the last four years is significantly better than the six years prior.� Mr Dowling said black bream takes about six years to reach the minimum size of 28 centimetres, which means this relatively strong pulse of small bream will enter the fishery in 2026/27. He added a Gippsland Lakes Recreational Fishery Plan was accelerating the recovery of key species including black bream and dusky flathead.

Woolly good

Cheltenham Park Angus

Angus, Neil and Darcy Stringer with some of their premium wool. By MICHELLE SLATER

Spring Bull Sale !

Gippsland Bred - 2 Year Old Stud Angus Bull’s. By Breedplan and A.I.Sires. All Bulls are Very Quiet and Structurally Sound, High growth and Calving Ease Bull’s available

Bet-On-Black

Enquiries Please Call Andrew Haw: 0487 858 544 457 Old Carrajung Road, Carrajung cheltenhamparkangus@gmail.com Dane Perczyk c/o Alex Scott - 0408 176 063 Details & E.B.V.’s on Angus Aust.Website

RUSSELL NORTHE MLA

Member for Morwell

“Gippsland, such a great place to live, work and visit. Through fire, flood and drought the resilience, generosity and goodwill of Gippsland people always shiines through�

RUSSELL NORTHE MLA

Member for Morwell

12-14 George Street, Morwell VIC 3840 / PO Box 214, Morwell VIC 3840 p. 03 5133 9088 | f. 03 5133 9388 | e. russell.northe@parliament.vic.gov.au w. www.russellnorthe.com.au Authorised by Russell Northe, 12-14 George Street, Morwell VIC 3840. Funded from Parliamentary Budget.

photographs supplied

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AN East Gippsland wool and lamb producer is bucking the trend of competing with cheap imports by collaborating with a Warragul manufacturer to put a line of 100 per cent Aussie wool bedding. Forge Creek Lamb owners Neil and Angela Stringer were looking to diversify their prime lamb business by teaming up with Aussie Wool Comfort to create doonas, pillows and underlays. The wool is sent to Melbourne for cleaning and carding before going to Warragul for manufacturing under the Our Wool Naturally label and stamped with the Woolmark logo. Mr Stringer said they were done with being “pricetakers� subject to fickle lamb and wool markets, and saw they were growing the style of fibre to suit premium bedding. “It was our ideology to keep it all Aussie produced. We had woollen bedding ourselves and we knew how good it is,� Mr Stringer said. “Local wool manufacturers are few and far between, my wife kept hunting and making phone calls, and looking at the trends and what people were looking for.� Mr Stringer said their range would attract the more “discerning� buyer, looking to spend a bit more coin on a locally manufactured long-lasting natural product. “Nylon bedding is like wearing a polyester suit, but wool is all natural and it breathes and absorbs the summer heat. We don’t even have an electric blanket anymore,� Mr Stringer said. “When you put on a nice woollen underlay, its an ah-ha moment.� The fourth generation sheep farmer runs a flock of merino and Border Leicesters, selling prime lamb cuts and bedding at local farmers markets and through online

Neil and Angela Stringer have put out their own line of all Aussie woollen bedding.

platforms. Mr Stringer said they operate their farm along green credentials, with less reliance on fertilsers and pesticides and areas locked up for revegetation, and were looking into going carbon neutral. He said they were also looking into opening a farm stay accommodation, which would further promote their prime lamb and bedding range. “People want to know the story of how things are produced, we have a following of regular lamb purchasers who are looking for ethical and environmental standards,� Mr Stringer said. “We have had to challenge what we had been doing, making what we had in a more ethical and productive way. We are in a pristine part of the world, we feel privileged.�

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

November, 2020

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November, 2020

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

13

RURAL NEWS

Farm visits and medication pickups still available Call us or visit the website www.maffravet.com.au for more details

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WeÂ’ve got you covered

Maffra Vet 03 5147 1177

The fate of the proposed Longwarry saleyards is now in the hands of VCAT.

photograph supplied

Saleyards plan heads to VCAT By MICHELLE SLATER

THE fate of the Longwarry saleyards is in the hands of the Victorian Civil Appeals Tribunal after Baw Baw Shire approved the planning permit for the development last month. Baw Baw councillors approved the application for Longwarry Saleyards Pty Ltd to build a $13 million state-of-the-art saleyard on Thornell Road with the capacity to sell 132,000 cattle a year. The application was granted with a list of new conditions after local residents had rigorously raised their concerns over potential loss of amenity, noise, traffic, stench and devalued properties. Some of the new conditions included operating hours, truck wash access, a sign out the front with a complaints procedure, no livestock offloading on weekends and changes to a sound wall. The proposed development gained an Environmental Authority Works Approval before being approved by Baw Baw Shire. However, local objector group No Saleyards for Longwarry has found a “substantial financial backer� to attempt to overturn both the EPA and Baw Baw Shire approvals. Neighbouring property owner Melissa McCoy would be staring at a 3.8 metre sound wall and said the EPA modelling was “inappropriately� based on a saleyard in Mortlake. “Mortlake has no homes within the kilometre, here there are 11 homes within 500 metres, it’s a sparse landscape and different weather zones, we can prove the modelling is incorrect,� Ms McCoy said.

“Ultimately, our goal is have the saleyard scrapped in this location, and putting in those new conditions was like a kick in the guts to soften the blow of having it here.� Longwarry Saleyards agent Neil Darby said he was “naturally disappointed� the approvals had gone to VCAT, and wanted to start building as soon as possible as the project was “extremely important�. Mr Darby said farmers needed a West Gippsland saleyard after the Victorian Livestock Exchange had closed the Warragul saleyards and would ultimately sell the Pakenham facility. “VCAT is another hurdle to get over, but this project has to go ahead as quickly as possible. We’ve had a lot of support from local farmers and businesses, they are relieved that council is on board,� Mr Darby said. Baw Baw Shire councillors spoke about the importance of a West Gippsland facility, with eight out of the nine councillors voting in favour for the development. Cr Peter Kostos - a livestock market analyst and self-confessed “saleyards expert� - said the proposal was in a farming zone with a nearby freeway overpass to allow truck access. “The overpass was one of the major reasons this parcel of land was chosen. This saleyard has been a major issue for many locals, but we need a saleyard in Baw Baw Shire,� Cr Kostos said. “It’s imperative we need one here, this is evident from the support we’ve had for this particular saleyard. The referral authorities ticked this off, therefore, I’m happy with their recommendations.�

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

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November, 2020

RURAL NEWS

Promising step when it comes to hemp THE future of an industrial hemp industry in Victoria is looking bright after the Industrial Hemp Taskforce handed down an interim report backing a trail site in the Sunraysia. The cross-party Industrial Hemp Taskforce included Member for Mildura Ali Cupper and Member for Northern Metropolitan Region Fiona Patten. It was established to examine the challenges and opportunities faced by the industrial hemp industry. In delivering its report, the taskforce committed to further explore opportunities to develop the industry after 12 months of engaging with industry stakeholders, participants and researchers. Opportunities included improving processing capability, closing knowledge and experience gaps in hemp cultivation, addressing regulatory barriers and clearer and accessible market information. The taskforce facilitated a signing of a memorandum of understanding between Australian Primary Hemp and SuniTAFE in Mildura. The partnership outlines a two-year industrial hemp research and development collaboration under SuniTAFE’s SMART Farm project to assess its suitability of low THC hemp varieties. Demand for hemp food and oil products has grown rapidly in Australia since it was included under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code in 2017. However, the industrial hemp industry remains in its infancy. If successful, the trial would send a strong positive signal for hemp production and cultivation in the Sunraysia region, which could lead to a promising new local industry.

Got news to share? Do you have an agricultural story to share with the Gippsland Farmer? Send your news tip to farmer@gippsnews.com.au or share your story with journalist Michelle Slater by phoning 5135 4444.

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Claas Harvest Centre Gippsland 2/3 June Court Warragul 5623 4475

Claas Harvest Centre South Gippsland 2-4 McPherson Street Leongatha 5662 2299 THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

15

RURAL NEWS

Federal funding well on the road SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council has acknowledged the federal government’s $2,384,531 contribution under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and endorsed its works schedule. The program aims to support local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects, in order to support jobs and build resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic. The following projects have been identified for the program: ■ Clancys Road, Korumburra ■ Loch-Poowong Road, Loch ■ Atherton Drive, Venus Bay ■ A road rehabilitation bundle including Bena Kongwak Road, Bena; Ferrier Street, Korumburra and Old Waratah Road, Fish Creek. ■ Upper Commercial Street, Korumburra (access road behind the post office) ■ Poowong Tennis/Netball Courts Redevelopment ■ Port Welshpool Marine Search and Rescue Hub Redevelopment (subject to approval and the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association (AVCGA) - Port Welshpool Flotilla successfully obtaining Emergency Management Victoria funding) In order to further support this work, council endorsed an application for $1,350,956 that has been submitted under the state government’s AgriLinks Upgrade Program for Clancys Road, Korumburra; Grand Ridge Road, Mount Eccles Landslip and Nicholls Road, Mardan Culvert Replacement.

Parties logged in battle By KATE WITHERS

AN ongoing stoush between big business and the timber industry has reached tipping point, with hardware giant Bunnings putting the CFMEU on notice. In a letter addressed to the CFMEU national secretary, a copy of which has been obtained by Gippsland Farmer, Bunnings Group Limited outlines “concerns arising from the conduct” of the union after a demonstration in Traralgon. Logging trucks formed a blockade outside the Traralgon Bunnings store in July, in planned action to oppose the chain’s decision to stop sourcing timber from VicForests. The move to cease supply of VicForests timber came after a landmark federal court judgement which ruled it had illegally logged coupes across the state. The ‘Boycott Bunnings’ campaign encouraged timber industry workers to stand against the decision, which the union said would decimate the Victorian hardwood industry. At the time, CFMEU national secretary Michael O’Connor said members “would not sit back and be pushed around by big end of town fat cats like those in Bunnings and Wesfarmers head offices”. But the blockade in Traralgon was met swiftly with a letter of notice from Bunnings, warning it would commence legal proceedings if the union facilitated any further “unlawful” blockades. In the letter addressed to Mr O’Connor, the company said threats to “inflict further damage to Bunnings’ business ... will not be tolerated”. “Should the conduct of your ‘Boycott Bunnings’ campaign involve any further protests ... which unlawfully interfere with our business, Bunnings will not hesitate in

The CFMEU has been put on notice by Bunnings after a demonstration outside its Traralgon store in July. File photograph

taking the necessary legal action to protect its interests,” the letter reads. It also includes a direction for the union to withdraw the Bunnings Warehouse logo from all its online platforms, warning a failure to comply was a breach of copyright laws and would result in legal action. CFMEU national secretary Michael O’Connor said the union was “shocked by the threatening nature of the correspondence from Bunnings”. “We were surprised about the response from Bunnings, it was a very short and peaceful protest, it was respectful of the staff and customers, the local community and the COVID-19 requirements,” Mr O’Connor said. “We see it as an attempt to close down and shut down a legitimate disagreement and we think it was designed to try and intimidate people and make them stop expressing their views about Bunnings’ decision.

“This is a sustainable industry and it supports lots of local regional jobs and communities and Bunnings should review its decision. “We want to highlight to Bunnings and their customers that this decision is not one consistent with a company acting responsibly, and not one that claims it supports local communities.” But Mr O’Connor maintained the union would not be deterred from taking any further action. “We don’t want to cause trouble, we want to make our point peacefully, and our point is that Bunnings have really let down local timber towns and communities,” he said. “Our campaign will continue, we won’t be intimidated by Bunnings and the community representatives wont be intimidated. “As soon as it’s responsible to do so within restrictions and guidelines and once it’s appropriate we will continue our campaign and we’ll do so respectfully of staff, the community and customers.” Bunnings Director of Merchandise Phil Bishop said the “CFMEU-endorsed standover tactics on July 22 were unlawful and unfairly targeted our team”. “Despite being asked to keep entrances clear by police, the individuals involved continued to blockade the (Traralgon) store and disrupt customer access,” Mr Bishop said. “Bunnings is not prepared to tolerate unlawful or deliberately intimidating behaviour at our stores and we won’t hesitate to act to protect team and customers if the conduct is repeated. “While we only sell a small portion of VicForests’ total harvest, we acknowledge there are concerns about what this means for the local timber industry and we’re working closely with affected suppliers on transition plans to minimise any impacts.”

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Dealer enquiries welcome THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

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AUSTRALIAN farmers have had to put up with six years of drought, followed by a fire season from hell!

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One Australian company is focused on providing Australian farmers with products which are not only first rate in terms of performance and features, but also offer value packed prices. “Australian Pump Industries is a wholly Australian owned pump business with a clear focus on the end users who buy our equipment,” Aussie Pumps chief engineer John Hales said. “Whether it’s high pressure water blasters for cleaning the bails, stainless steel wash down pumps or big trash pumps, it’s the end users that count for us, not a bunch of hungry dividend obsessed investors.” The result is machines designed especially for Australian users with pumps for virtually every application, from pumping corrosive and aggressive fertilisers to handling effluent, dairy waste and even whey. The company has got a simple philosophy, great products, made to work, and a dealership network around Australia who tell the truth about performance in a professional and straight forward way.

DAIRY FARMING - A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT IS ESSENTIAL KEEPING the dairy clean is mandatory. Aussie Pumps produces a range of Australian conceived, designed and built pressure cleaners all the way up to 5000 psi machines. They can be electric or engine drive. They all feature stainless steel frames, heavy duty Bertolini triplex pumps, fitted with solid ceramic pistons and “cool-fin” crank cases. The range includes flows of up to 40 litres per minute making them suitable for both wash and flush activities. Best of all, all machines are designed in line with Aussies registered “Scud’’ concept where the stainless steel frames are designed to have virtually zero sharps. They are claimed to be the

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2020 ... What a year!!! The new machines feature flows and high heads with the ability to handle up to 1200 litres a minute and pump to a vertical lift of up to 80 metres.

As if that wasn’t enough, we had the Coronavirus and the famous Victorian lockdown! It’s a tribute to farmers, of all persuasions, particularly in the dairy industry, for the way they have bounced back in the face of challenges unrivalled since World War II.

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These pumps are capable of reaching heads of 80 m head, that’s gives a maximum pressure of around 110 psi.

They all self-prime and are built in a mono block style execution with quick open front port for easy clean-out.

AUSSIE’S VICTORIA AREA MANAGER SAMI SYED WITH THE GMP 316 STAINLESS STEEL PUMPS FOR DAIRY EFFLUENT TREATMENT most OH&S friendly pressure cleaners in the world. “We’ve even got some dairies operating their own high pressure water jetters that not only wash and flush and clean but also clear blocked drains using our Aussie Cobra Jetter concept. The Jetter concept features the use of 4000 and 5000 psi pressures to clear blocked drains fast without the use of mechanical or electric drive drain cleaners. It’s fast, cheap and clean,” Hales said.

STEAMY ACTIVITIES... CONTROL CORONA SOME dairies have graduated to hot wash and steam cleaning machines to not only clean but to disinfect at the same time. The World Health Organization says that using hot water at over 60 degrees Celsius will kill just about all germs, including Corona. Aussies range starts with electric drive machines going from 1800 psi to 4000 psi with flows up to 21 litre per minute! Prices are low too with the Aussie Sizzler, a new stainless steel entrant to the market, retailing at only $4420 (+GST). The Aussie hot water range also includes a 4000 psi Honda engine powered steam cleaner with the temperature range up to 130 degrees. The machine comes in a stainless steel frame, mounted on four wheels to make it portable anywhere on the farm! Best of all, using steam means the elimination of caustic or harmful carcinogenic chemicals being used for cleaning.

PUMPING EFFLUENT IT’S all part of the job. The Aussie range includes super heavy duty cast iron semitrash pumps capable of moving up to 2300 litre per minute. Recently introduced models include a high head capability that can pump small compressible solids in suspension.

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

The new pumps come on heavy duty steel bases and are also available in configurations particularly suited to aggressive effluent pump out.

Silicon carbide mechanical seals and stainless steel wear plate are standard. “As an ISO 9001 certified company, Aussie Pumps believe in delivering products that work,” Hales said. “Most of our products are sourced as components from first world countries. We stay away from third world suppliers knowing the risk involved.

PORTABLE TRASH PUMPS... A DAIRY ESSENTIAL THE company also makes a range of trash pumps that are suitable for use in anything from farming to processors. These are engine driven machines with flows of up to 6000 litres per minute and the ability to pump to heads of 47 metres. Driven by either petrol or diesel engine drives, these machines are part of the Aussie “Quik Prime” range. They all feature excellent priming capabilities with some models capable of vertical lift of up to 7.6 metres.

AUSSIE’S SIZZLER HOT WASH MACHINE IS A VERSATILE CLEANER FOR FARM CLEAN UP tedious and very troublesome issue with normal end suction style pumps. The favoured model is a big 3” pump called the B3XR-A. This pump in its “X” 316 stainless steel configuration features a big cast open impeller capable of passing small solids in suspension. Priming is easy, a big priming tank is built into the pump’s casing. When the casing is filled with water, a check valve on the suction side of the pump holds the liquid in. When the pump is started, the water in the body is expelled, creating a vacuum that then

These machines are all Honda petrol or Yanmar diesel engines and come in handy stainless steel carry frame capable of being used for anything from “wash and flush” to spraying agricultural chemicals or even disinfectants.

316 STAINLESS STEEL PUMPS, SUPER QUALITY..THE BEST MATERIAL MAKES THE BEST PUMPS WHEN Aussie Pumps introduced their 316 stainless steel cast selfpriming centrifugal pumps, they were ordered not only by dairy farmers but by milk processors as well. Able to handle real aggressive liquids that included caustics, these big self-priming pumps will handle flows of up to 2,200 lpm and are available in everything 2”, 3” and 4” configuration. Best of all, the pumps self-prime, taking away a very

For example, impellers can be supplied in 316 stainless steel, providing what is claimed by the manufactures to be a target of virtually zero operating maintenance! Best of all, the Aussie Pump design team is now working on turning these same configuration pumps into engine drive version or bare shaft pumps. “We’re calculating and testing engine drive units now to see which engine is most suitable to drive these pumps,” Hales said. “We know we need reserve horsepower as we imagine these units working on pumping whey onto paddocks, straight from the processing plant or, effluent from the dairy onto paddocks.”

EASY TO READ PRODUCT GUIDE AUSSIE Pumps has produced a terrific agricultural brochure, designed to help farmers select the right pump for the specific job. It covers everything from Honda powered firefighting pumps through to the big Aussie GMP cast iron stainless steel pumps as well as steam cleaners and high pressure water blasters.

They are designed to handle solids in suspension up to 3” in diameter. Aussie Pumps also makes agricultural spray units with flows of up to 125 litres a minute and pressures up to 50 bar.

from close coupled electric motors.

AUSSIE’S NEW GMTK SERIES COMBINE HIGH PRESSURE WITH THE ABILITY TO HANDLE SOLIDS MAKING IT AN IDEAL EFFLUENT PUMP. causes the suction line to suck up the liquid, just like drinking from a straw. “It’s such basic physics,” Hales said. “It saves so many hours of frustration and irritation as customers try and prime conventional pumps.”

HIGH HEAD TRASH PUMPS... IS IT POSSIBLE? YES, Aussie Pumps have made it possible. By working with some of Europe’s leading pump engineers, they have designed a range of self-priming centrifugal cast iron pumps with open impellers that will handle solids in suspension. The impellers are large diameter and run at 2900 rpm

They even cover drain cleaners! Imagine having a 4000 psi drain cleaner at a dairy farm or piggery that doubles as a pressure cleaner capable of blasting surfaces clean with a minimum of labour, reduction of hours and less water. Dairy wash down may never be the same again. For more information including Aussie Pumps free Agricultural Solutions Brochure, contact the company or one of the Aussie Pumps Distributors throughout Australia.

AUSSIE SCUD HIGH PRESSURE CLEANER WITH 4,000 PSI POWER November, 2020

RURAL NEWS

Aspiring GP eyeing a bush return

Aspiring GP Hayden Jones is eyeing-off returning to the bush as he battles the metro Melbourne lockdown working as an intern doctor with Peninsula Health on the Mornington Peninsula.

ASPIRING GP Hayden Jones is eyeing-off returning to the bush as he battles the metro Melbourne lockdown working as an intern doctor with Peninsula Health on the Mornington Peninsula. Dr Jones received a 2013 Gardiner Dairy Foundation Tertiary Scholarship that helped him pursue a career in medicine, with long-term plans to become a rural GP. He has already completed a one-year placement in Wonthaggi where he got to know South Gippsland. “My plan is to train to become a GP, partly because of the flexibility and the ability to work in a rural area. Longer-term, I want to contribute back to where I grew up or another rural region like that,� he said. “I got a lot of support from family and friends and then the Gardiner scholarship so it would be nice to give something back.�

Dr Jones is mainly based at Frankston Hospital with Peninsula Health, including stints in the Rosebud Hospital emergency department and at a Mornington aged care facility. He said he loves the land and the lifestyle of rural regions, but he also pointed to regional disadvantage as one of his reasons for wanting to return. “It’s the area where the need for health professionals is greatest. Healthcare is one aspect in which regional and rural areas are frequently disadvantaged, often due to a lack of staff with sufficient qualifications,� he said. “The very fact that people living in rural areas tend to have shorter lifespans and higher levels of illness seems a terrible injustice to me, and I want to be able to help combat this in any way possible.� Dr Jones said the Gardiner scholarship

played a vital role in his success allowing him to live on campus in first year and purchase equipment and text books. “It meant I didn’t have to find a part-time job to support myself. I know some people who kept up part-time work while they studied, but I feel I would have really struggled to do that,� he said. “Moving from the country to the city was all new to me but because of the scholarship I could live on campus and that was very helpful as it gave me easy access to tutors and resources.� He encouraged other young people in Victorian dairying regions to apply for the Gardiner scholarship. Applications for the 2021 Gardiner Tertiary Scholarships close on Wednesday, December 2. For more information, visit gardiner foundation.com.au/ts/.

Imported US apples could pose biosecurity risk

AUSTRALIA’S peak apple and pear body fears a proposal to import fresh apples from the United States could pose a biosecurity risk to Australian growers. The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment released a draft report last month, reviewing the biosecurity requirements for importing apples from the northwest Pacific states. Apple and Pear Australia (APAL) is urging the local industry to have its say on the proposed arrangements, which could risk introducing at least 24 foreign pests and diseases into Australia. APAL chief executive officer Phil Turnbull said the report identified 24 exotic mites,

midges, maggots, worms, moths, rots, bacterium, fungi and viruses from repeated outbreaks in US growing regions. “These pests have the potential to devastate Australian apple production and other valuable agricultural industries, which threatens Australia’s national food security and the food security of countries that rely on our safe, clean and high-quality agricultural exports,� Mr Turnbull said. “Moreover, there’s little upside for Australian consumers and retailers.� Mr Turnbull told Gippsland Farmer high-quality apples are available yearround from Australia’s growing regions, producing most of world’s most popular

varieties - including those the USA is likely to want to export. “Australia gets one shot at setting the access requirements. The USA has articulated its America-first trade agenda and we need to respond with equivalent strength,� he said. “Australia has an obligation to ensure stringent processes and risk thresholds to safeguard Australia’s food security.� The Australian government report is the next stage in a process that was triggered by a trade access request from the USA. “It’s essential something of this significance is dealt with in a transparent manner and with the full involvement of

the Australian industry. We encourage everyone to make their views known,� Mr Turnbull said. “Once the report is finalised, it’s up to the USA to demonstrate how it will meet the requirements to Australia’s satisfaction. “Assuming this can be done, Australian consumers will ultimately assess their need for apples grown on the other side of the world.� The draft report is available from the Department Agriculture, Water and Environment website. The feedback period ends January 21, 2021.

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

19

RURAL NEWS

Have your say

GP1616087

VICTORIANS are being encouraged to have their say on animal welfare laws, with a new Animal Welfare Act out for public comment. The new laws will aim to provide a high standard of animal welfare and support farmers to maintain access to important export markets, while replacing the 30-year-old Cruelty to Animals Act. The Directions Paper sets out several proposals for the new Act, to maintain public confidence in the agriculture industry, research institutions, and many other animal sectors. It includes setting minimum standards of care such as providing adequate food and water and veterinary treatment for an injury or illness - rather than simply outlawing cruelty. Other options are delivering the state government’s commitment to recognise animal sentience, meaning animals are able to feel pleasure, comfort, discomfort, fear and pain. Recognising animal sentience would also bring Victoria in line with other Australian and international jurisdictions. It also looks to ensure regulators can drive behavioural change, monitor compliance, and undertake enforcement, with penalties

Victorians are being encouraged to have their say on animal welfare laws. photograph supplied

better aligned with the more serious offences. The Directions Paper was developed following extensive consultation with key industry and community stakeholders about existing laws and opportunities for improvement. The state government has already made several animal welfare reforms including mandatory pain relief when mulesing sheep, regulating wild life friendly fruit tree netting, and introducing

Portable pool safety in focus

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the Pet Exchange Register to improve the traceability of cats and dogs. The state government is also investing $3 million to support not-for-profit and community vet clinics, animal shelters and foster carers to purchase equipment and improve services. The Directions Paper and survey on the proposals for the new Act are available at engage.vic.gov.au. The survey closes on Monday, December 14.

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ON average one child dies from a portable pool-related drowning every year in Australia, while others need hospital treatment and may be left with severe brain injuries. Portable pools – ranging from small blow-up or plastic paddling or kiddie pools to bigger wading pools, inflatable spas or high-sided flexible plastic pools on a frame – can be popular as a cheap alternative to below-ground pools but they’re just as dangerous. “It’s timely to warn Victorians about the drowning risk associated with portable pools as the weather warms up and you perhaps consider buying a portable pool for your backyard, or as a Christmas gift,� Consumer Affairs Victoria director Nicole Rich said.

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November, 2020

RURAL NEWS

Getting the balance right is key By PHILIP HOPKINS

THE Bushfire Royal Commission’s final report is underwhelming, failing to properly recognise the importance of fuel reduction to prevent fires, according to the Institute of Foresters. All governments need to put greater emphasis on prevention if more Black Summer disasters are to be avoided, says the IFA/AFG, which is the professional association that represents 1000 forest scientists, researchers, forest growers and professional forest managers. The IFA/AFG Forest Fire Management Committee chair Gary Morgan said Australia needed a better balance of fire prevention against fire response. “The Royal Commission does not achieve this vision,� said Mr Morgan, who was Chief Fire Officer for Victoria’s Department of Sustainability and Environment from 1996-2005 and also chief executive of the Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre from 2007-2014. “While we’re pleased the Royal Commission recognised the importance of bushfire hazard reduction measures including prescribed burning, it’s essential a much greater focus is given to this area.� The Royal Commission into National Disaster Arrangements, a 1000 page-plus report with more than 80 recommendations, said the Commonwealth needed new powers to intervene in natural disasters to deploy defence forces faster and override the states in “exceptional circumstances�. It urged the creation of a new “authoritative disaster advisory body� to improve the co-ordination between governments. The report noted the success of prescribed burning but said there was a “need for continuing research to address significant gaps in the science, including in relation to the role of fuels in extreme fires�.

IFA/AFG Forest Fire Management Committee chair Gary Morgan said Australia needed a better balance of fire prevention against fire response. photograph supplied

Different views on fuel-load management had become “polarising�, it said, and warned against viewing prescribe burns as a “solution�. It was not a panacea, the commissioners found, but they endorsed fuel-load management on private property and urged that landowners should be able to more easily obtain approvals for hazardreduction work. The report also said climate change was a key factor behind the Black Summer fires, warning that further global warming over the next 20 to 30 years was inevitable. The nation needed to bolster its disaster response mechanisms. Mr Morgan said reduced wildfire intensity was a good way to help biodiversity cope with climate change impacts. “Changing the state of fuel across the landscape in a way that sustains biodiversity also reduced the severity of bushfires, so it’s a ‘win-win’ for longer-term management of the environment,� he said. “However, to achieve this balance requires well-trained and locally knowledgeable land managers such as forest scientists and professional forest managers who possess

the right education, tools and know-how and interact with the land all year round.â€? In his appearance before the Royal Commission, Mr Morgan had emphasised the different skills for fire suppression in urban and rural areas compared with the forest. For example, in the forest, firemen built fire breaks to separate fuel from the ground; the higher intensity the fire, the greater the break had to be. Land managers did not just fight fires but dealt with all year-round maintenance of roads and tracks, building up their knowledge. “They do burning for ecological purposes and they do high intensity burning, so they get a better understanding about fires and fire behaviour,â€? he said. They developed skills to put out fires using bulldozers and other machinery, not water, which was followed by rehabilitation and regeneration. “They’re involved the whole way through ââ‚ŹÂŚ an urban firefighter with an urban tanker is going to be no good 200 kilometres away from the nearest hydrant,â€? he said. “You’ve got to be with the right equipment,

the right personal protective gear, and being able to perform under these arduous conditions.� Mr Morgan said the Royal Commission’s recommendation to use more aircraft was not the solution to Australia’s fire emergency problem. “Globally we see greater use of very large aircraft in fire suppression. They look wonderful on television but are not always cost effective,� he said. “Aircraft are important in fire suppression as well as for intelligence gathering and transport. To be effective, aircraft need trained forest fighters on the ground. Ground-based resources need more access via roads and tracks, particularly in remote areas.� Mr Morgan said additional funding should be directed towards good land management and better fire detection rather than just increasing emergency response. “Further research into the cost effectiveness of firebombing aircraft is required,� he said. The report recognised the value of indigenous land and fire management practices to mitigate the effects of bushfires and improve disaster resilience. Mr Morgan said it was encouraging that the report recommended the need to work with traditional owners to reintroduce large scale landscape fire management regimes. “These practices should be fostered and re-introduced where possible, complementing existing prescribed burning programs but not replacing them,� he said. However, Mr Morgan told a recent seminar that not all indigenous people had the skills and ability to use cultural burning. Many in south-east Australia did not, but in the north, “they have really good skills and have been using and continue to use them,� he said.

November, 2020

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

November, 2020

RURAL DIRECTORY

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

November, 2020

RURAL NEWS

Farmers are asked to be particularly vigilant about Paterson’s curse, Heliotrope and Amsinckia which may have come into Gippsland with grain and hay.

Be alert to weed seeds spread by brought-in feed

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spring, and is palatable to sheep. It can contain and accumulate elevated copper levels, which at high levels is toxic to stock. Heliotrope can be transported in hay or grain and will germinate in the following winter or summer.

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It is often seen growing over summer on previous crop paddocks or where hay has been fed to previous season. Mr Bowman said Paterson’s curse, Amsinckia and Heliotrope are prolific seed producers and should be controlled with a suitable herbicide registered for their control, ideally in the first season to prevent establishment. “When using herbicides, make sure you read the product label carefully and follow the instructions,� he said. If you have livestock that become ill while grazing pastures containing weeds, contact your local veterinarian and isolate the livestock away from the suspect paddock.

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The risk of weeds spreading across the farm can be managed by feeding stock in a sacrifice paddock or stock containment area, limiting the germination of weed seeds to a designated area. “Regularly inspecting areas of the farm which have had hay or grain fed to stock and acting quickly to remove unusual or unknown isolated plants will help to control infestations. Widespread infestations will require further investigation to confirm the best control option,� Mr Bowman said. For more information on biosecurity on your farm, weed identification or general pasture and livestock feeding advice, contact the Agriculture Victoria customer service centre on 136 186 or go to www. agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons For advice on animal health issues please contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria veterinary or animal health officer.

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FARMERS are being alerted to be on the lookout for potentially nasty weeds which may have come into Gippsland with grain and hay. Livestock Extension Officer John Bowman said that over the last three years there has been an enormous amount of grain and hay brought into Gippsland to supplement livestock feed, during the drought and after the fires. “The need to buy-in grain and hay in Central and East Gippsland due to the drought and fires has increased the risk of some nasty weeds being introduced to the region,� Mr Bowman said. “Among the common weed seeds that could potentially be brought in with feed are Bathurst burr, thistles, wild turnip, marshmallow, stinging nettles and barley grass. “Farmers need to be particularly vigilant about Paterson’s curse, Heliotrope and Amsinckia. These three weeds are prolific seeding annuals and can have health impacts on stock grazing large quantities of these weeds.� Paterson’s curse, a broadleaf weed 30 to 60cm high, forms a rosette then develops a main stem and branches and flowers in mid-spring with distinctive purple flowers. If eaten in large quantities by sheep or cattle, Paterson’s curse can cause liver damage. Amsinckia is an annual broadleaf plant growing to 50cm and is listed as a declared noxious weed in Victoria. It has small yellow flowers on a long 10 cm curved flower head, producing large quantities of seed in early spring and has reportedly poisoned livestock. It is very competitive in pastures and cereal crops and so often grows in areas where grain has been trail fed to sheep. This plant is suited to dry or sandy soils in Northern Victoria, but has been known to grow in most Victorian soils. Heliotrope, an annual broadleaf plant, grows prolifically in Northern Victorian grazing and cropping areas, to a height of 40cm, has small white flowers in late

photograph supplied

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LOCAL SUPPLIER OF STOCKYARDS 26 Bomfords Rd, Nicholson

0400 665 492

(Formerly Gippy Panels)

November, 2020

ALSO OFFERING A BUDGET RANGE OF YARD PRODUCTS

gippypanels@gmail.com THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

November, 2020

GP1615942

November, 2020

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

27

PADDOCK

Smarter and more efficient than ever

TRACTIVE power, efficiency and comfort - the AXION 900 large tractor series from CLAAS has been known for these three core attributes since its launch in 2011. Compliant with the Stage V exhaust emission standard, it now also combines CEMOS the first interactive assistance system and the leader in this field - with the factory-fitted CTIC tyre pressure control system. Power and intelligence are thus combined at the highest level.

Efficient emission control, constant power THE Stage V models of the AXION 900 and AXION 900 TERRA TRAC use the proven 8.7-litre Cursor 9 six-cylinder engine from FPT. Emission control is handled by a SCRoF system with AdBlue injection and enlarged filter and reaction surfaces. Exhaust gas recirculation is still not necessary. At 1800 rpm, the power unit delivers a maximum of 325 to 445 hp, depending on the model. With the proven CLAAS lowspeed concept, the peak torque of 1600 to 1860 Nm is already available at just 1400 rpm. As there is no boost system, full power is available for every task, if required. The reliable and efficient CMATIC continuously variable transmission also ensures that the full torque can be called up at all speeds - from 0.05 to 50 km/h. Four automatically selected mechanical ranges allow high overall efficiency to be achieved. The top speed of 50 or 40 km/h can be reached with diesel-saving 1470 to 1400 rpm. The idling speed is a low 650

rpm. The driver can choose from three virtual ranges for the task in hand.

Maximum traction with wheels and crawler tracks THE AXION 900 series has been able to operate with wheels up to 44 inches on the rear axle since 2017. Together with the long wheelbase of 3.15 m, this has always resulted in excellent power transmission to the ground. The front and rear axles are approved for operation with twin wheels as standard. A new feature is the factoryfitted pre-equipment for CTIC tyre pressure control systems from CLAAS. By means of the CTIC 2800 auxiliary compressor with an air delivery rate of 2800 l/min, the internal tyre pressure can be quickly adjusted to suit the tractor and - if equipped accordingly - a trailed implement. Operation is fully ISOBUScapable and therefore integrated into the CEBIS terminal of the AXION 900. The function keys can be assigned freely and individually to tractor and implement functions.

As a result of a static weight distribution of 50/50 and an unladen weight of 12.5 t, additional ballasting is still only necessary for heavy towing work. During transport work, the AXION 900 always provides a safe driving experience on any terrain, even without ballast. The maximum permissible weight is 18 t. The model series with five wheeled machines is completed by the AXION 930 TERRA TRAC and AXION 960 TERRA TRAC, introduced in 2018, which now also meet the Stage V emission standard. As the world’s first full-suspension half-tracked large tractors, they cut a fine figure in the field, grassland and on the road, combining the advantages of full-tracked and standard tractors.

More intelligence and efficiency with CEMOS: for the first time with CTIC tyre pressure control THE AXION 900 series tractors can be equipped optionally with CEMOS, which was introduced in 2018 and is also an option in the ARION 500, ARION 600 and AXION 800 series.

This is available as an optional extra for all AXION 900 wheeled tractors equipped with CEBIS and is the first interactive and self-learning driver assistance and machine optimisation system on tractors to enable a significant improvement in efficiency compared with manual adjustment of the tractor and the implement. Initial practical experience in soil cultivation shows double-digit savings in diesel consumption, or increases in area output of a similar magnitude. Optimisation of both parameters is also possible. CEMOS takes into account not only tractor-specific parameters such as ballast and engine pressure, but also equipment data such as traction boosters. It is also possible to optimise the settings for numerous plough types thanks to data stored in the plough assistant. The AXION 900 wheeled tractors with Stage V are also the first tractors to combine CEMOS with the factory-fitted CTIC tyre pressure control system. This makes it possible for the first time ever to adjust the internal tyre pressure intelligently and dynamically during work, in optimal coordination with the other parameters already mentioned and in interaction with the driver. This makes CEMOS currently the most comprehensive and effective process optimiser for tractors for use in the field. Operating CEMOS is child’s play, especially since the system actively explores the potential for improvement and passes on suggestions to the driver. The driver can either confirm the suggestions or instruct CEMOS to investigate

alternative optimisation possibilities. The standard CEBIS equipment includes the 12-inch ISOBUS-capable CEBIS terminal with high colour contrast and operation via rotary/push switch or touchscreen. The S10 terminal can be added to support GPS PILOT, variable application rate and Section Control functionality. Together with CEBIS, up to six cameras can then be displayed simultaneously.

Comfort further increased THANKS to the four-way cab suspension, optional active suspended and ventilated driver’s seat and front axle suspension with 90 mm travel as well as automatic load and brake compensation, the AXION 900 offers the highest level of comfort. A new leather package consisting of leather upholstery for the steering wheel, driver and instructor’s seat and arm rest conveys a premium atmosphere. The wide, curved rear window gives the driver an excellent view of implements.

Booster for Power Beyond WITH 11 t lifting capacity at the rear and a choice of 5.0 or 6.5 t lifting capacity at the front, the AXION 900 continues to be one of the most powerful weight lifters in its class. The 220 l/min flow rate available as an option in addition to the standard 150 l/min flow rate is now supplemented by an LS booster. In Power Beyond mode, this ensures an even faster and more precise adjustment of the flow rate to the requirements of the attachment.

Maintain Firebreaks with a REDUCE YOUR FIRE HAZARD The Razorback ultimate ridde -on brushcutter is the perf rfect f machine to maaintain your firebreaks. Designed for traversing sloopes in rugged terrain and with the cutter deck driver by a shaft ftt system, it is capable of cutttting t unddergrowth up to 36mm in diameter and can easily coontrol long grasses and woddy plants. • Cut dense grasses or fibrous undergrowt wth t up to 36 mm in diameter

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Cert rtificate t e to handle steep terrain Duall range gearingg with easy operration Direct difff lock thatt can be engagedd att any time Shaft ftt drivven cutttting t deeck

www.wonthaggimotorcycles.com.au 28

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

November, 2020

A LOOK AT THE WEATHER October’s rainfall observations for Eastern Victoria (source: BOM)

Victoria’s rainfall for the month of October.

photographs supplied

East Sale Airport.........87.4mm Hogan Island...............58.6mm Latrobe Valley.............90.6mm Mount Baw Baw ......108.6mm Mount Moornapa.....174.0mm Wilsons Promontory.71.8mm Yanakie ......................120.2mm Yarram Airport..........101.6mm Bairnsdale....................87.6mm Combienbar..............186.6mm

The national rainfall outlook for November through to January.

Gabo Island...............126.8mm Gelantipy ...................102.6mm Lakes Entrance.........105.0mm Mallacoota.................138.4mm Mount Nowa Nowa..107.2mm Omeo.........................114.8mm Orbost........................111.2mm Point Hicks...........................N/A Pound Creek.............131.8mm Wonthaggi ................107.8mm

GIPPSLAND’S

Cattle Market REPORT PAKENHAM LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE

Monday, November 2

There were approximately 330 export and 170 young cattle penned representing a decrease of 220 head week on week. The usual buying group was present and operating in a mixed market. Quality was good although limited with few bullocks and some well finished trade cattle. Young cattle were firm to a few cents dearer with vealer and feeder lots strongly contested. Grown steers sold a little dearer. Heavy grown heifers lifted slightly. Friesian manufacturing steers eased a little while the better finished crossbreds gained 7c/kg. Heavy beef cows sold firm while plainer conditioned dairy lots eased from 5c to 10c/kg. Heavy bulls sold firm. Vealers sold from 395c to 462c/kg. Yearling trade steers made from 392c to 420c with feeder lots making from 360c to 403c/kg. Yearling heifers to the trade sold from 364c to 405c/kg. Grown steers made from 367c to 400c with a handful of bullocks reaching 386c/kg. Heavy grown heifers showing good finish sold from 350c to 391c/kg. Heavy Friesian manufacturing steers made from 310c to 335c with the crossbred portion making from 330c to 380c/kg. Most light and medium weight cows made from 220c to 294c/kg. Heavy weight cows sold mostly from 262c to 340c/kg. Heavy bulls made from 281c to 338c/kg. Yarding 504 Weight

Grade Score

Carcass

Live Weight c/kg

Yarding 286 Weight

Estimated Estimated Carcass c/kg $/Head

Thursday, October 29

There were 250 export and 35 young cattle penned representing a decrease of 30 head from the sale of a fortnight ago. The usual buying group was present and operating in a generally firm market. Quality was good in the limited selection of grown cattle while cows represented half of the sale. The handful of young cattle sold generally firm. Bullocks improved in quality and price. Restocking cows lifted from 8c to 15c, heavy beef cows gained 7c/kg while plain conditioned dairy cows eased a little with quality an issue. Heavy bulls sold firm. Yearling trade steers sold from 380c to 410c/kg. Yearling heifers to the trade made from 340c to 370c/kg. Bullocks sold from 340c to 388c/ kg. Heavy weight grown heifers showing good finish made from 332c to 362c/kg. Most light and medium weight cows sold from 208c to 280c/kg. Heavy weight cows made mostly from 269c to 315c/kg. Restocking cows sold from 230c to 310c/kg. Heavy bulls made from 268c to 300c/kg. Change NQ Comparison date 22/10/2020

Category

Change -217 Comparison date 26/10/2020

Category

BAIRNSDALE LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE

Grade Score

Carcass

Low

High

Avg

Change

Avg

Low

High

Avg

Yearling Steer

Live Weight c/kg Low

Estimated Estimated Carcass c/kg $/Head High

Avg

Change

Avg

Low

High

Avg

330-400

B,C,D,2,3

410

410

410

N/Q

732

1476

1476

1476

330-400

B,C,D,2,3

386

420

403

N/Q

746

1351

1470

1411

400+

B,C,D,2,3

380

404

396

N/Q

691

1798

1930

1842

400+

B,C,D,2,3

372

415

400.8

-39

708

1688

2283

355

370

364.4

N/Q

675

1686

1931

1840

Yearling Steer 2047

Yearling Heifer

Yearling Heifer

400+

330-400

B,C,D,2,3

340

377

367.4

-1

689

1224

1358

1310

Grown Steer

400+

B,C,D,2,3

364

405

393.8

17

719

1729

2173

2022

Vealer Steer 280-330

B,C,D,2,3

420

420

420

N/Q

764

1260

1260

1260

B,C,D,2,3

430

444

439.3

59

789

1332

1419

1361

500-600

B,C,D,2,3

378

400

391.2

4

707

2174

2280

2225

600-750

B,C,D,2,3

374

374

374

N/Q

668

2525

2525

2525

B,C,D,2,3

282

340

315.7

-3

632

1549

2295

1895

280-330 Grown Steer

Cows 520+

GIPPSLAND REGIONAL LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE

Tuesday, October 27

There were 85 export and 10 young cattle penned representing a decrease of 20 head week on week. The usual buying group was present and operating in a generally firm market. Quality was not well supplied with cows representing more than half of the limited sale. A handful of vealers sold to solid demand. A few pens of well finished heavy weight grown heifers sold dearer for better quality. Cows sold mostly firm with some sales a little easier. Heavy bulls gained 10c/kg for a better selection. Vealers sold from 414c to 440c/kg. Heavy grown heifers made between 330c and 358c/kg. Most light and medium weight cows sold between 220c and 265c/kg. Heavy weight cows made mostly from 228c to 315c/kg. Heavy bulls sold from 264c to 276c/kg. Yarding 94

Grade Score

Carcass

Live Weight c/kg Low

Estimated Estimated Carcass c/kg $/Head High

Avg

Change

Avg

Low

High

Avg

N/Q

691

2223

2223

2223

N/Q

654

2176

2417

2334

B,C,D,2,3

272

310

293

N/Q

607

1528

2144

1813

Cows

LEONGATHA LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE

Wednesday, October 28

There were 1,050 export and 200 young cattle penned representing a similar overall number week on week. The usual buying group was present and operating in a dearer market in places. Quality was good although limited with cows representing almost half of the sale. Trade cattle sold 10c/kg dearer on most sales and feeder cattle sold to stronger demand. Grown steers and bullocks sold firm as manufacturing steers lifted 12c to 15c/kg. Heavy grown heifers improved 14c/kg. Cows sold 10c to 15c dearer with continued strong competition for sound lots to turn out, whilst heavy bulls gained 10c/kg. Vealers sold from 409c to 450c/kg. Yearling trade steers made from 410c to 430c/kg. Yearling heifers to the trade sold from 358c to 431c with the feeder lots out to 444c/kg. Grown steers made from 377c to 390c/kg. Bullocks sold from 372c to 398c/kg. Heavy grown heifers showing good finish made from 340c to 377c/kg. Heavy Friesian manufacturing steers were selling from 326c to 332c after a top of 350c with the crossbred portion making from 345c to 380c/kg. Most light and medium weight cows made from 228c to 270c/kg. Heavy weight cows mostly sold from 265c to 330c after a top of 340c/kg. Better shaped heavy bulls made from 295c to 334c with the dairy lots making from 262c to 281c/kg. Yarding 1246

Change -4 Comparison date 21/10/2020

Category Weight

Grade Score

Live Weight c/kg

Estimated Estimated Carcass c/kg $/Head

Low

High

Avg

Change

Avg

Low

High

Avg

B,C,D,2,3

389

430

418.5

7

757

1848

2150

2028

330-400

B,C,D,2,3

368

389

380.7

16

714

1472

1556

1523

400+

B,C,D,2,3

351

431

382.6

7

712

1649

2100

1881

B,C,D,2,3

420

424

420.8

N/Q

754

1272

1386

1363

500-600

B,C,D,2,3

377

390

381

-1

699

2085

2262

2226

600-750

B,C,D,2,3

374

378

377.1

-19

675

2431

2646

2617

B,C,D,2,3

285

340

312

20

627

1639

2100

1847

B,C,D,2,3

355

355

355

-6

658

1775

1775

1775

Vealer Heifer

B,C,D,2,3

414

414

414

N/Q

753

1346

1346

1346

Grown Steer

B,C,D,2,3

368

368

368

N/Q

669

2116

2116

2116

280-330

Cows

Cows 520+

380 354.1

Yearling Heifer

Grown Steer 500-600

380 362

400+

Vealer Heifer 280-330

380 337

Yearling Steer

Yearling Heifer 400+

B,C,D,2,3 B,C,D,2,3

Carcass

Change -21 Comparison date 20/10/2020

Category Weight

500-600 600-750 520+

Vealer Heifer

B,C,D,2,3

B,C,D,2,3

263

302

275.7

-13

574

1420

2114

1586

520+

Market figures supplied by Meat and Livestock Australia’s National Livestock Reporting Service

November, 2020

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

29

GIPPSLAND SPORT

Lion-hearted Gus is full of pride By GREGOR MACTAGGART

WHEN Gus Eaton and his Moe teammates celebrated their 1967 Latrobe Valley Football League senior flag triumph, little did they know it would mark more than five decades in the premiership wilderness for the Lions. That day would be the highlight of a sterling 18-year career at Moe for Eaton, who arrived unannounced as a teenager from the Riverina in early 1961. “I was born in Mildura and my old man was in the army, so we moved around a bit when I was a kid,” Eaton said. “I went to 10-12 different schools growing up, but we settled in Urana.” Eaton showed great promise as a youngster and in 1959 at the age of 15 was a member of the Urana-Cullival team which won the Coreen Football League premiership. “We had a really good side,” Eaton said. “One of the stars was a good mate of mine Max Urquhart, who played nearly 100 games at Collingwood. “Max played in that 1959 side, then went down to Corowa and that is where he was spotted by Bobby Rose, who was coaching Wangaratta Rovers at the time. “He said to Collingwood you’ve got to get this bloke and Max ended up there.” Eaton’s football career would take a twist when he headed on a holiday to the Latrobe Valley in 1961. “I came down here on a holiday and stayed with the relatives of a mate of mine Darryl Fox,” he said. “He had a cousin in Moe, so we came down on the bus, had a good time and I thought I’d stay here. “I was only 17 at the time and a bloke I ended up boarding with Greg Fox said the Moe footy club was holding its annual meeting. “So I went down there and was allowed in, the committee said what do you want? I said I’m a footballer and was looking for a job and the next week I started at Saxon’s Timber Mill.” Eaton took time to adjust to the Latrobe Valley Football League, playing a handful of games at senior level in 1961 and 1962. “I played the first three games in the seniors in 1962, but got whacked back to the seconds and won the club best and fairest,” he said. His fortunes and that of the Moe improved with the arrival of Don Keyter in 1963. “Don came down from Nhill and had played in the VFL with South Melbourne,” he said. “Moe signed him up as coach the previous year after he played against the Latrobe Valley interleague side. “He was probably six foot two and played in the ruck and centre-half forward. “We made the finals in 1963, but Traralgon belted us at Morwell, the mud on the ground that day was six inches deep.” Keyter would stay at the Lions in 1964 and tried Eaton as a centreman, a role which he enjoyed. But with Keyter’s departure to East Hawthorn, Alby Law took charge and found Eaton the position where he would thrive most.

Former Moe footballer Gus Eaton reflects on his long career with the Lions.

“I had a reasonable year in 1965 which was Alby’s first as coach playing centre-half forward and full-forward, but one of the selectors said why not try me on the wing in 1966,” he said. “So they gave me a go, I dominated the first game I played and stayed there for the next six or seven years.” In the 1967 grand final, Moe went in as rank outsiders against a Bairnsdale side which recorded 18 consecutive wins. But having accounted for Morwell in the preliminary final the previous week, confidence was high in the Moe camp and justifiably so as they prevailed 14.9 (93) to 12.15 (87). Eaton’s recollections of the match some 53 years on are a little hazy and he explained why. “There was a blue in the first quarter and I was king-hit from behind. All I can remember is the celebrations, we had 12 barrels on the Sunday, but what comes to mind is we had 14 the next year when we got done by Traralgon,” he said. The 1968 loss would be the first of five grand final defeats for Moe. Two were decided by a point. In 1972, the Lions kicked more goals than Traralgon, but lost 13.17 (95) to 14.10 (94). Twelve months later, Sale played the role of heartbreaker, defeating the Lions 13.15 (93) to 13.14 (92). “They called us the Collingwood of the bush by then because we kept falling short,” Eaton said. “I was captain in 1972 and was a bit surprised to get the job to be honest, but I didn’t change my approach. “My memory is Traralgon were a pretty

good side and had Terry Hunter as captaincoach, it was one of those games that could have gone either way. “In 1973 we had a new coach Ron Haeberle and we played a bit more of a handball game which worked for us. “But it didn’t change the result.” Haeberle remained in 1974, but Moe could not shed the bridesmaid tag, going down to Warragul by four points. Eaton spent much of the year in the reserves, winning the league medal, but come grand final day was in the Moe side. With the clock ticking down deep in the final quarter, Eaton swooped on the ball in the back pocket and takes up the story. “I was like Phil Manassa, I had the ball in the back pocket, ran through the half back line and the wing, bouncing the footy, I’d probably had three or four bounces and got to about 80 metres out from goal. “As I went to kick the ball to Jenno (Ian Jennings) at full-forward, the siren went, if we had another couple of seconds, we probably would have won the game.” Eaton remained at the Lions until 1979 when he hung up the boots after a career highlighted by 180 senior games and 159 in the reserves, with his total of 339 club games a record until passed in recent years by Peter Ainsworth. Eaton’s association with Moe did not end there. He later coached the club’s thirds, reserves and Under-16 teams before retiring from coaching in 1992. By then Eaton was also entrenched as the club’s historian, a role first he took on following a bad car accident in 1975.

photograph hayley mills

“It knocked me around a little bit and I was looking for something to do,” he said. Eaton set about compiling games records for the club, hunting back through league records dating back to the 1940s. He was responsible for organising life membership awards and memorabilia on display at Ted Summerton Reserve, and played a key role in the Team of the Century celebrations in 2003. Eaton was named on the wing in the Team of the Century, making up a centre line that also included Jason Shields and Barry Rowlings, who had a storied VFL/ AFL career with Hawthorn and Richmond. The team included a number of Eaton’s teammates from the golden era, names such as Alby Law, Danny O’Brien, Alan Steel, Tom O’Reilly and Max Donelly. Donelly and Eaton in 1983 raised more than $6000 for the club when they ran from Bairnsdale to Moe. “We did it as a fundraiser for the club, got permission to run on the highway,” he said. “We went from Bairnsdale to Sale on the first day, Sale to Flynn, Flynn to Gunns Gully and then Gunns Gully to the footy ground on the last day. “Ted Summerton was in the car in front of us and Graeme McGowan from 3UL behind us at the time. “We didn’t have much attention until Channel 10 picked us up in Morwell, but we had people sponsoring us for 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c a kilometre.” Eaton continues to follow the Lions’ fortunes closely and said he is hopeful the club’s senior flag drought can end sooner rather than later, possibly when Gippsland League footy returns in 2021.

Gippsland Super 6 event returns toYallourn GC THE Gippsland Super 6 will return to Yallourn Golf Club from January 21-24, 2021 to restart the 2020/2021 ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia wraparound season. A field of 132 golf professionals will compete across three days of strokeplay with the top 24 advancing to the final day’s dramatic six-hole match play shootout. The ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia event, in partnership with the state government, is one of golf’s most exciting and dynamic formats. “We’r e looking forward to the

30

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

re-commencement of the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia in picturesque Gippsland, and we will be working closely with Yallourn Golf Club to ensure a safe event for everyone,” PGA of Australia tournaments director Nick Dastey said. “Having the likes of Major winner Geoff Ogilvy and Olympian Marcus Fraser play our inaugural event gives you a taste for the talent that will be on display again in 2021. “We can’t wait to play the exciting Super 6 format on the final day and see the Yallourn Golf Club in all its glory under some fine blue skies.”

Victorian Tom Power Horan took home the title in a rain-affected, shortened strokeplay edition of the event last November, with organisers excited to explore the fully-fledged flag hunting format this time around. As the first official Order of Merit event on the Tour since February 2020, the 2021 Gippsland Super 6 will be a domestic drawcard, with big names in Australian golf expected to tour on home soil, instead of abroad, in a major coup for regional Victoria. “We are really excited to have the ISPS

HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia return to Yallourn Golf Club,” Yallourn Golf Club tournament coordinator Peter Brown said. “This is an event the whole of Gippsland can be proud of and we would love to see all golf and sport lovers in the area engage with the tournament through the various events and activities being held in the lead-up, as a volunteer or by attending as a spectator during tournament week where you will witness world-class professionals going head to head in an exciting format.”

November, 2020

GIPPSLAND SPORT

By LIAM DURKIN

SALE Golf Club is entering a new era, thanks to a donation from the John Leslie Foundation. The club recently installed and commissioned a $330,000 automatic irrigation system to efficiently deliver water to fairways, tees and greens. Club president Robert Horner said this was a major step for the club, which it wouldn’t have been able to take without the help of the foundation. “Historically, our greenkeepers have done their best to water the course efficiently, however, this has sometimes meant that watering took place in the heat of the day and in less than ideal conditions,” Horner said. “Now, the team can organise watering to commence at three in the morning for instance, when there is less wind and less heat, allowing us to be much more effective in maintaining the course.” The new system will be particularly beneficial during summer, freeing up the greenkeepers to attend to other aspects of managing the course. “In some weeks over summer the team has been spending upwards of five hours a day just opening and closing valves and moving hoses to keep fairways and greens alive. This investment will certainly free up their time and allow us to move the whole golf course forward,” Horner said. Foundation trustee Barney Castles said the involvement with the golf club had been a long one. “This particular project was one that John was keen to further prior to his passing,” he said. “We’re delighted the project has been successful, and I’m sure John would be pleased if he were still with us. “John’s wish and the foundation’s aim is to support community groups and organisations that improve the quality of life for people in Sale. “We’re fortunate to have had someone like John live in our community and generously support many projects over many years.” John Leslie OBE (1916-2016) held many roles in his life, ranging from mayor of the City of Sale to establishing the Sale Elderly Citizens Village in 1972. He contributed significant financial donations to a range of initiatives and developments in the Sale area, including the formation of the Gippsland Art Gallery, development of the Gippsland Regional Sports Complex and renovation of what is now known as the Wellington Centre.

November, 2020

A Callow gem seals win By GREGOR MACTAGGART

OUR Big Mike cast a spell over his rivals to record an all-the-way win in the $130,000 Moe Optical Moe Cup (2050m). The Kiwi import was rated to absolute perfection by jockey Noel Callow as he held off hometown hope Monmouth by a length and a half. Our Big Mike ($15) appreciated the chance to dictate terms on the speed in what was a form reversal after failing to fire in his previous start, the Ansett Classic at Mornington. He clearly appreciated the improving soft track, saluting in a time of 2:08.90. Trainer Brett Scott was delighted postrace after the eight-year-old son of Don Eduardo secured the 11th win of his 40-start career. “He came over on the Wednesday before Mornington and ran absolutely terribly,” Scott said post-race. “His high cruising speed is his best asset. He broke up the field today thanks to a great ride from Noel. “Coming back to the 2000, we wanted to get them chasing from a long way out and that’s what he did.” Our Big Mike, who has campaigned at Group 1 level in New Zealand, added another chapter to an already impressive record on Australian shores. He led all the way to win the Pakenham Cup in 2018, a race Scott said now loomed large on his agenda again. It was a first Moe Cup triumph for Scott, a former champion jumps jockey turned trainer. “It’s a great honour (to win this race),” he said. Callow too was visibly delighted, as he enjoyed a second Moe Cup triumph after winning aboard The Wingman in 2011. Only one other hoop, Peter Mertens, has

Our Big Mike, ridden by Noel Callow, won the $130,000 Moe Optical Moe Cup in dominant fashion last month. photograph natasha morello/racing photos

ridden more winners at Moe in history than Callow, who despite not getting the opportunities as he once did, illustrated just why he earned the moniker ‘King’ during his days in Asia. The $71,500 first-prize cheque lifted Our Big Mike’s prizemoney earnings to $446,048. Taking a look at the beaten brigade and Monmouth continued his impressive preparation for Moe trainer Allison Bennett finishing runner-up. The Richard Laming-trained Shot Of Irish was sensationally backed into $2.50 favourite, but never seriously looked a winning chance despite finishing third, beaten 2 1/2 lengths. Think We’re Due ($8.50) finished fourth after having every possible opportunity. Heartland Raider ran a game race for Moe

Two country cups in the space of a week By DAVID BRAITHWAITE

ALL Too Huiying lapped up the heavy track conditions, winning the Sale Cup in dominant fashion. The track was downgraded to “heavy 10” - the heaviest rating - after 22 millimetres of rain fell at Greenwattle Racecourse in the 24 hours leading up to the meeting. The track had already received 13mm in the days before that. The weather led to some scratchings, but the day still had quality fields. Sale Turf Club chief executive Brad Evans paid tribute to staff who ensured the track held up for the day’s racing. “The feedback was really positive from everyone who participated, that we actually go the meeting going,” he said. “It’s a credit to the staff. “The track played really well, and held up really well.” The track will undergo its annual renovations before the next meeting at Greenwattle on Sunday, December 20. There are hopes club members and sponsors will be able to attend that meeting, should the state government ease

hobby trainer Charlie Gafa, finishing 5.35 lengths from the winner in seventh spot. The scratching of Chris Waller’s Captain Cook on race morning robbed the race of some star power, with jockey Hugh Bowman not making the trip to the Latrobe Valley.

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FARM IMPLEMENTS All Too Huiying, with Michael Poy in the saddle, landed his second country cup in the space of a week when he raced away with the $200,000 Sale Cup last month. photograph ross holburt/racing photos

coronavirus restrictions further. Attendance to the track on Sale Cup Day was restricted to race participants and officials, as well as regionally-based horse owners, whose stay was limited to when their horse was racing. All Too Huiying, trained by Phillip Stokes at Pakenham, made an early bid to be the country horse of the year, claiming the $200,000 listed Sale Cup, a weekafter winning the Seymour Cup. Elvaric,trained at Sale by Susie Wells, went to the lead in the 1600 metre race and looked to set the pace, with All Too Huiying, with

Michael Poy in the saddle, settling in third place. Legionnaire challenged as the field compacted before the main turn. The field spread across the track entering the home straight before All Too Huiying kicked away to win by five lengths from Exasperate, and collecting the $120,000 first prize. The tote had odds of $8 for the six-year-old son of All Too Hard to win. Race favourite Phaistos, trained by James Cummings, finished third. Elvaric finished sixth, a place behind the other Sale horse in Plymouth Road.

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

November, 2020

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