Latrobe Valley Express Wednesday 11 December 2024

By TOMHAYES

RECENT performance reports released by the DepartmentofHealthshow that Latrobe Regional Health (LRH), Gippsland’s main acute mental health provider, is failing to meet mental healt h-bas ed governm ent serv ice targets, accordingtolocal Nationals members Martin Cameron, Danny O’Brien, and Melina Bath.

In the 2023-2024 financial year, LRH only achieved 84 per cent of its targeted mentalhealthcommunity service hours, according to TheNationals.Basedoff the figures achieved in the first quarter report,that number is on target to fall to just 76 per cent in the current year.

Memberfor Morwell, Martin Cameron said it was extremely disappointing to see LRH continuing to fail to meet service targets despite the recent establishment of a$10 millionemergency department mental health hub.

“This report shows LRH as the worst performing public hospital in the state in terms of meetingmentalhealth community service hours targets,” Mr Cameron said.

“While it was promising to see

financialinvestment in LRH through the establishment of the mental health hub, this is only beneficialifweare actually able to staff and properly resource the facility.”

According to The Nationals, these performance reports also show that only 36 per cent of menta lh ealth patients presenting to LRH Emergency Department (ED) areofferedabed within eight hours, asignificant fall from 53 per cent last quarter and well below the targeted 80 per cent.

However, the stategovernmentholds firmthat since the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System handed down its final report, significant progress has been madetoachieve its10-year reform plan,with work underway to implement more than 90 per cent of recommendations and record investment over the past three years.

“No other jurisdiction in the country is doing as much reform to the mental health system as Victoria -and we’re not wastinga minute building asystem thatworksfor every person, whether they livei nW est Gipp sland, East Gippsland, or the Latrobe Valley,” a

state government spokesperson told the Express.

“When it comes to mental health and reducing drug harms, we won’t be taking any lectures from the Liberal National Party -this is aparty who opened just two rehabbedsinfour years when last in government, compared with our strong record thatincludes more thandoubling the number of residential rehab beds across the state to more than 500.”

In this financial year, the state government says to have invested almost $3 billion, which is almost double the mental health investmentinthe 2017/18 financial year -the year before the commitment to establish the Royal Commission was made.

The state government has invested to improve mental health across the Latrobe Valley, including:

 Mental health and Wellbeing Locals in Morwell (as well as Bairnsdale and Orbost) to give residents greater access to tailored mental health and wellbeing care;

 Anew Youth Prevention and Recovery Care centre in Traralgon,

Targets not met High and dry

which is currently under construction and will open in 2025;

 Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect centre in Traralgon (as well as Bairnsdale and Wonthaggi) to provide care and support to family and carers of those with mental ill health;

 Millions of dollars from the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund;

 State-wide expansion of the Hospital Outreach Post-Suicidal Engagement program, with a site in Traralgon (as well as Sale, Wonthaggi, Bairnsdale, and Warragul);

 A20-bed, multi-million-dollar, youth-specific residential rehabilitation facility in Traralgon, opened in 2022, and;

 An early Intervention and Integration Lead for eating disorders care at LRH.

On top of these investments, The MentalHealth and AOD Emergency Department Hub at LRH is set to open early into 2025.

Continued -Page3

Police Beat with TomHayes, KatrinaBrandon and BlakeMetcalf-Holt

Major drug bust

TWO men were arrested on Thursday, December 5, during aMajor Drug Squad investigation into the cultivation of large commercial quantities of cannabis by aVietnameseorganised crime syndicate.

The VIPER Taskforce as well as Morwell, Springvale, Box Hill and Croydon Divisional Response Units executed seven warrants at an industrial premises in Morwell, three residential addresses in Springvale,a residential address in Mount Waverley, astorage facility in Hallam and asemi-rural property in Silvan.

Over the course of the investigation over 8500 cannabis plants have been seized, which would have astreet value of over $30 million.

At least 400 plantsb eing hydroponically cultivated were seized from the Morwell property.

A40-year-old Springvale man,who police will allege was the leader of the syndicate, was charged with cultivating and trafficking large commercial quantity of cannabis. He willappear at court at alater date.

A53-year-old Noble Park man is expected to be charged on summons in relationtothe offence of cultivate large commercial quantity of cannabis

Over 200 plants,alarge commercial quantity, were located at the Silvan address.

Detectives also located adrying/packing location in Springvale which also had an electrical bypass.

Atransport truck was also seized which police will allege was used to transportproperty between crop locations.

Investigators executed awarrant at astorage facility in Hallam which was used to store hydroponic equipment.

This week’s activity follows one of Victoria’s largest cannabis hauls in recent times -more than 6000 plants were seized in Leongatha South on Tuesday, October 22.

Plants located ranged from seedlings through to mature-sized plants weighinginat1.7 tonnes.

It’s estimatedthe overall crop of 6525 plants would have astreet value of more than $26 million.

Anyone withinformation on illicit drug activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000,orsubmit aconfidential reportatconfidential crime report at: crimestoppersvic.com.au

Fatal crash kills horses

THREE racehorses trained by aprominent Victorian stable have been killed in afatal crash in southeast Victoria.

Cardinia Highway Patrol officers are investigating acrash in Bayles on Monday (December 2).

It is understood aToyota Land Cruiser, which

Tuesdaymorning,following

was towing ahorse trailer, crashed on TynongBayles Road around 9.50am.

Two horses died at the scene and one was seriously injured -eventually euthanised.

The driver, a42-year-old Yallourn North man, was notinjuredand is assistingpolice with their enquiries.

He is expected to be charged on summons with driving offences.

The Herald Sun reported that the horses were trained by the Moody Racing stable.

Truckcollision

THOSEtravelling along the PrincesHighway would have been forced to make plenty of late notices to work after an incident caused alarge traffic pile-up the morning of December 3.

Latrobe HighwayPatrol are investigating an incident involving two trucks which occurred near the HernesOak on ramp bound to Morwell.

It is believed the driver of asmaller truck was

travelling on the Princes Highway when it collided into the back of another truck around 8am.

Themaledriver of the smaller truck sustained non-life threateninginjuriesand was airliftedto hospital for treatment.

The male driver of the other truckwas not injured and has been spoken to by police.

The cause of the collision is yet to be determined and investigations remain ongoing.

Vicroads reported the road beingblocked offby local police and contractors at 9.50am before that side of the freeway was reopened at 10.40am.

Anyone who witnessed the collision, has dashcam footage or information is urged to contract Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at: crimestoppersvic. com.au

AJAPANESE consortium has warneditispoised to pull $2.35 billion investment froma world-first coal to hydrogen project in the Latrobe Valley.

The Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain (HESC) project pioneeredthe conversionofbrown coal to hydrogen gas, whichisthen liquified andshipped to Japan via the Port of Hastings. The pilot phase of the project was successfully completed in 2022.

On acommercial scale, Minister for Economic Development, Tim Pallas, said the HESC project would create “thousands of jobs” in the Latrobe Valley and provide acriticaleconomic boost for the region.

But Kawasaki Heavy Industries,representing the consortium of investors, said it had become too “difficult” to procure hydrogen in Australia, and cited lengthy delays and “ideological divides” as threats to the commercial viability of the project.

Leader of The Nationals, DannyO’Brien,said aproject of this scale would open significant

industrial opportunitiesfor Gippsland while mitigating carbon emissions.

“Once you factor carbon capture and storage into the project, there is no reason to oppose whatwould effectivelybeanenvironmentally friendly projectthat will help us create jobs, boost exports, and help us set up ahydrogeneconomy in Gippsland,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Research shows the seabed in the Gippsland basin is well suited to carbon storage, and the onus is on the Allan Labor government to ensure this critical project comes to fruition.”

“We have aonce-in-a-generation opportunity to achieve the significant economic and emission reduction benefits that acommercial scale clean hydrogen project can deliver, and we have the chance to do it right here in the Valley,”Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron added.

“The Allan Labor government and its Minister for Energy, Lily D’Ambrosio, have sat on their hands and failed to enable investment in the

Latrobe Valley to shore-up our future beyondthe imminent accelerated closure of our coal-fired power stations.

“The willingness of the Japanese government to invest more than$2billion in commercialising the project is an enormous show of confidence in ourskilledworkforce, existing infrastructure and abundant natural resources.

“During the final sitting week in Parliament Iasked the Minister for Economic Growth (and Treasurer Tim Pallas) if Labor would fast-track the required approvals for HESC given its significance to the Latrobe Valley, so to now find out that hold-ups within government are the reason this $2.35billion investment may be lost is infuriating.

“We cannot allow the Latrobe Valley to be used as apolitical pawn. We need urgent investment in newindustries, and we need it now.”

Unmet targets not reflection on workers

From PAGE 1

"WE remain committed to providin ga ll Victorians the mental health support they need, when and where they need it -it'swhy we have not wasted aday workingtobuild our state's new mental health system," astate government spokesperson said.

Nonetheless,Leader of The Nationals and Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien, said the performance reports were not areflection on the hard-working mental health professionals

who are doing their best in extremely difficult circumstances.

“The local demand for mental health support is higher than ever, and you simply can’t offer abed that doesn’t exist," he said.

“Our local health professionals work tirelessly to achieve the bestoutcomes for our community, but they are fighting with their hands tied behind their backswhen ourhealth services are understaffed and under-resourced.”

The Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victoria, MelinaBathsaidmore neededtobedone to

assist with mentalhealth support before it results in an ED presentation.

“I often hear from the community that people are being asked to wait months for an appointment with apsychologist or acounsellor,” Ms Bath said.

“When someone speaks up and asks for help, it is crucial that they are able to access timely support, not in three months’ time.”

Latrobe RegionalHospital was approached for acomment, but did not reply before deadline.

Fire Danger Period now underway

Period (FDP) for Latrobe City began on Monday (December 9). Latrobe City and the other follo wing municipalities in CFA’s southeast region have the FDP in place:

 Baw Baw Shire Council;

 Wellington Shire Council;

 East Gippsland Shire Council;  South Gippsland ShireCouncil;  Bass Coast Shire Council;

 Cardinia Shire Council;

 Casey Shire Council;

 City of Greater Dandenong;

 Frankston Shire Council;  Mornington Peninsula Shire Council;  French Island, and;  City of Kingston.

Residents in these areas are encouraged to clean up dry grass, leaves, and other flammablematerials.

Those conducting burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website (firepermits.vic.gov.au), or by calling Tripe Zero Victoria on 1800 668 511. No burning off is permittedduring the FDP without aPermit to Burn, which can be applied for through the Fire Permits Victoria website.

Lighting fires in the open without apermit can bringapenalty of more than $21,800 and/ or 12 months imprisonment. For afull list of conditions, visit: cfa.vic. gov.au/can

Farmers can find legal guidelines and practical advice at: cfa.vic.gov.au/farms To find out what you can and can’tdoduring FDP,visit:cfa.vic.gov.au/can,orbycalling VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

Going nowhere: Trafficwas banked up on the Princes Highway coming intoMorwell last

an incident between twotrucks. Photograph: BlakeMetcalf-Holt

THE Fire Danger

Tyers Road in need of cutting back

By KATRINABRANDON

COMING up to summer, the CFA has been advising thepublic to clean up their local areas for flammable vegetation, but on Tyers Road, alocal resident has raised concerns about agovernment-owned area that has been neglected.

Blackberry infestations densely inhabit the vegetation and are almost two metres high. A neighbour of the government-owned land, Allan Stewart, said that the tall grass brings many risks,

such as fuel for summerfires, snakes and it reduces visibility for drivers going past.

Mr Stewart has lived on the Tyers Road property for about 15 years and said that during that time, the grass was only cut fourtimes,lateinto the fire season. Throughout the years, he has contacted VicRoads to cutthe grass, almost on an annual basis, before the season starts.

He told the Express: “I send an email annually to VicRoads (or Regional Roads Victoria before it was recently closed down), explaining my concerns, but simplyreceive ageneric response from their Melbourne office stating that they do not cut more than amower width each side of the roads”.

“The grass on each side of the nearbyTyersto Glengarry road is cut about November each year, all the way back to the fence line, which in most parts is wider than the area Iwant them to cut,” he said.

“The roadside grass was recently cut along each side of the road for the distance of asinglemower width, but nothing more. Visibility for road users would be vastly improved around the bend in the road if the grass was cut back, as Ihave requested.

“If the grassweretobecut each year, Iwould be willing to spray myselfwiththe regrowthof blackberries, which have not been sprayed for many years.”

After many years of frustration, Mr Stewart contacted the Shadow Assistant Minister for PublicLand Use and Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath, and theMemberfor Morwell, Martin Cameron, sharing his concerns.

“On behalf of locals, concerned about the lack of roadside maintenance, Ihave written to the Minister for Roads, only to havetheir valid concerns dismissed,” Ms Bath said.

“There is no greater threat to our environment and properties than out-of-control bushfire, fuelled by the infestation of weeds like blackberries.

“For Labor to allow weeds to grow rampantly next to homes, roads, farmland, and apopular wildlife area is disgraceful.

“The Nationals are demanding Labor implement an intensive slashing and weed removal program on the Tyers Road. Labor’s inaction is irresponsible.”

Looking further into the roadside management’s responsibility, Ms Bath and Mr Cameron found that the “standard” cut width extends up to three metres on either side of the road where accessible.

The Express contacted Transport Victoria for a comment.

“Roadside vegetation management is an important part of keeping ourroads safe for all users and managing bushfire risks,” the statement read.

“We plan and deliver awork program to ensure

roadside safety. This includes ensuring vegetation doesn’t block drivers’ views and reducing fuels along roadsides in preparation for the fire season.

“The timing of grass cutting differs yearly based on rainfall, temperature, spring growth, and emergency service advice.

“Transport Victoria (TV) worksclosely with emergency services, including the Country Fire Authority (CFA), VictoriaPolice, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), and localcouncils, to coordinate and prioritise vegetation management efforts in the highest-risk areas, including Tyers Road.

“Transport Victoria recognises the importanceof

vegetation management for residents and motorists using the road network.

“Transport Victoriaisresponsiblefor maintaining 22,000km of roads across regional Victoria. Under the Road Management Act, the Department is responsible for vegetation management, drainage, roadside infrastructure, structures, traffic signals, litter collection, road surface maintenance, and graffiti removal.

“If you want to reportconcerns about fallen trees, roadside grass blocking your line of sight, or other roadside hazards, contact our 24-hour Traffic Management hotline at 13 11 70.”

Bewareofsnakes as the summer seasonslithersin

By AIDAN KNIGHT

WITH recent headlines of snakes in cars on the Monash Freeway, Latrobe Valleyresidents are reminded that as summer slithers in, so will reptiles seeking the sun.

Sn ake se as on begi ns eve ry year aro und September, as the days warm up and their rest period comes to aclose.

This is called torpor, aperiod of semi-hibernation, which is well and truly past as December brings in the summer months. It is this hotter period that sees the most snake sightings, with it being well-known that the cold-blooded creatures are in constant search of warmth.

The four varieties of snake found in the Latrobe Valley region are:

 Tiger snake: Often found near wetlands;

 Eastern Brown: Often found in drier areas;

 Copperhead: Often found in lowland and foothill areas;

 Red-bellied black snake: Found in awide variety of habitats, and;

 White-lipped snake: Often found in paddocks and other lowlands

All of these species are dangerously venomous, but rarely bite people.

Residents should be warned to avoid tall grass, and to maintain properties to avoid creating potential snake-habitats. Snakes are attracted to woodpiles, rocks, tires,sheet metal and various other materials they can use as shelter.

Be weary whenbushwalking,wearlong pantsand closed shoes if overgrown areas cannot be avoided, and carry snake bandages where possible. Advise children if they see asnake to stay calm, walk away, and tell an adult.

The Departme nt of Ener gy, Env ironment

and Climate Action(DEECA) strongly reminds residents that while these encounters areoften disruptive, andoccasionallysnakes do attack, they do so onlyout of aself-defence instinct, and are protected species -making it illegal to harmor capture them.

Latrobe Valley Council implores residents to call asnake catcher. Snakes are generally very shy and posevery little threat to humans whenunprovoked.

If apet encountersasnake,bestcourse of action is to remove and secure thepet,toavoidconfrontation with the snake, and visit avet immediately if there is any indication abitemay have occurred.

If residents are ever bitten, wrap apressure bandage around the area tightly, and record the time of the bite before dialling 000. Do not tourniquet the bite site, as cutting off circulation does not help with snake bites, contrary to popular belief. Do not wash the area, as it makes it harder for

paramedics to identify the venom-type if any was injected. When aperson is bitten, no venom is actually released in 90 percent of incidents,but you must treat every snake bite as if venom has been injected.

Latrobe CityCouncil advisesifyou find yourself too close to asnake, and it takes to a‘striking’ position, it’s best to “freeze, and stand very still untilthe snake has stopped posturing and has moved off. Snakes are an important part of our natural environment, and are protected under the wildlife act 1975”.

Infor mati on on sna ke handler si nt he area can be found on coun cil’s we bsit ea t: latrobe.vic.gov.au/Home/Animals_and_Pets/ Nuisance_Animals_and_Pests

For further tips treating snake bits visit: stjohnvic.com.au/news/snake-bite-first-aid-tips/

Disappointed: Member forEasternVictoria, Melina Bathand Member forMorwell, Mar tin Cameron, visited Tyerslocal AllanStewar t, who shared concernsoverthe overly kept vegetation on the government-owned road in September Photograph supplied

Fire danger: AllanStewar thas lived on his proper ty forabout 15 yearsand hasonlyseen the grass along TyersRoad ever cut or kept to a reasonable length four timesduring that period.

Photograph: Katrina Brandon

Petition set to make adifference

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

MARKETS

THE sister of late local doctor, Doctor Ashely Gordon says the family's effort to bring about sweeping changes to the state's bail laws are still "a work in progress".

REH Cork Club Craft Market

Second Saturday each month September to May Next Market: 14 December8am -1pm Kay Street Gardens Traralgon Craft andSecondhand Goods Make It! Bake It! GrowIt! New Stallholders welcome rehcorkclub@gmail.com

REH Cork Club Craft Market page on Facebook!

Trafalgar Farmers Market CHRISTMAS TWILIGHT FESTIVAL

Friday 20 December 4pm -8pm McGregor Park 36 Ashby Street Trafalgar Live Music, Food &Drinks, MarketStalls and Christmas Vibes More info at facebook.com/ TrafalgarFarmersMarket

Arts &Makers Market

Warragul

Third Saturday of the month 8.30am –1.00pm Next Market: Saturday 21 December Civic Park, Warragul

Original Art Work: painting, sculpture, mosaic,textiles, ceramic, calligraphy and more

Natalie Gordon joined her family in state Parliament recently to table apetition in honour of their beloved brother and son. Their petition, which asked for greater police powers for ‘stopand search’ scenarios and the dismissal of plans to raise the criminal age of responsibilityto14-years-old, was acceptedin Parliament.

Dr Gordon’s lifewas tragically taken during ahome invasion in Doncaster earlier this year, where one of the two teenagers charged with his murder was on bail at the time of the alleged crime.

Speakingwiththe Express,Nataliebelievessome of the petition's proposals won’t come to fruition until at least February.

“There are some small (changes), it wasn’t 100 per cent what we were asking for but it is some smallchanges in line with what we were asking for,” Ms Gordon said.

“What we were asking for was… if you’re not doing anything wrong there should be no reason why they (the police) can’t stop and search you, and we’re also targeting youth offenders more so than adults because generally there is not adults walking around the streets at 5am carrying knives.

“What they have done is ease the rules around how police do that (stop and search).”

State Parliament has agreed to keep the age of criminal responsibility at 12-years-old rather than raise it to 14. The Gordon family had requested it to be lowered to 10 years of age.

The Bail Act itself has also been adjusted, making it more difficult for repeat offenders to be granted bail.

“They’ve adjusted it so if you commit aserious crime then you will not be granted bail again,” Ms Gordon said.

“The only issue with that is even those who are doing minor offenses are getting bailed 50 odd times; so we are still arguing with them alittle bit about that. You just need to change the wording so it’s harder for magistrates to grant bail.

Adjustments are being made off the back of the Gordon family’s petition, however Ms Gordon doesn’t see much changing, as she believes the state government is more focussed on rehabilitation rather thanstricter regulationfor repeat offenders.

“While Labor is in government, Idon’t think we

Watch out for hot hay

By MICHELLE JOLLIFFE

EVERY hay season several hay stacks spontaneously combust across Victoria, in single moist bales or in astack of any size.

Once the hay has been stacked it’s important to regularly monitor it for heating and act quickly.

Unfortunately, even with technological advances in machinery for harvesting conserved fodder, there is still nothing cost effective to help monitor the internal temperatures of haystacks.

So, it’s back to some very simple techniques to keep an eye on hay stacks.

Watch for signsofheating,suchaskeeping an eye out for signsthat the haystack is heating.

Steam condensation on the shed roof, mould

will get much out of them to be honest,” she said.

“They are standing firm on the fact that we can rehabilitate these people and that throwing people in jail is not the answer, which Iagree with them.

I’mnot saying that is the answer, but there are instanceswhere they do need to be disciplined."

The state government emphasised that the following action has taken place since thepetition was tabled.

 Strengthened bail laws are now in effect;

 The ability of police for bail revocation for repeat offenders has been strengthened and clarified -withany offending or likely offending, or any serious breaches of bail conditions, grounds to seek revocation;

 Created anew separate offence for committing aserious crime -including aggravated burglary, carjacking, murder and rape -while on bail, and;

 Amend the Control of Weapons Act so police can conduct their searches more easily, for longer periods and in more situations.

“Our thoughts remain with the Gordon family during this difficult time,” astate government spokesperson said.

“The new Youth Justice Act addresses serious and repeat offending with atrial of electronic monitoring as well as intensive bail supervision.

“We’re also cracking down on knife crime -giving VictoriaPoliceexpanded knife search powers -and we’ve strengthened baillawstomakeitcrystal clear that those who pose arisk to community safety should not be granted bail.”

growth,acrid fumes and hot, humid air at the top of thestackare all good indicators.

When building stacks with suspect wet hay, stack the bales loosely to allow air movement and spread the stack over awider area, for example, over several bays, thereby reducing heat build-up.

Most heating will occur over the first one or two weeks but has been known to reach ‘flash point’ up to eight weeks after baling. Monitor the stack temperature regularly.

You should also determine the stack temperature.

Stack temperature can be measured usinga crowbar inserted as deep as possibleinto the stack and left for two hours. After two hours, the crowbar can be removedand felt by handtogive youa rough guide of the internal stack temperatures.

The temperature of the bale is up to about 50C if you can hold the crowbar without discomfort. It is up to 60C if the bar can be held for ashort time only and up to 70C if the bar can only be touched briefly.Ifyou can'thold the bar,temperatureis above 70C and fire is areal possibility.

In the past it has been suggestedtopushasmall pipe into thestack and lower asmall thermometer to the end of thepipetomeasure the temperature of warming hay.

However, this techniqueshould notbeused for

Reportedcrimes such as car theft, stealing from cars, house burglaries, assault and knife crime have continued to increase and escalate in the region.

In Latrobe, people aged 16 to 21 (who make up five per cent of the population) were perpetrators of 15 per cent of all offences committed between May 2023and May 2024,totalling more than 2000

The Gordon family's petitionreceived nearly 10,000 signatures, reinforcing feelingsfrom the communitythatthere was aclear issuewith wrongdoers suffering little consequences, while victimsand their families experienced the opposite. In their longfighttosee changes made,Ms Gordonsees her younger brother’s legacy living on.

“Initially Iwasn’t really thinking about that, I was thinking Inever want anyone else to be in my position," she said.

"I’d never want anyone else to be in my parents’ position. So, initially Iwanted to make achange where no other family has to go through this.

“But, Ash being who he was, his life goal was just to help people. I’ve definitely thought anumberof times(that) this could be his legacy, this could be (something where) his life’s work isn’t over right now, it’s just that we have to continue it for him.

“He loved helping people, that’s why he became a doctor, he may not be able to help them medically anymore but hopefullywecan help people with their safety.”

“We got alittle bit of it our way (through the petition),it’safight that’s going to have to continue going and I’ll put my big girl shoes on and I’ll keep fighting until we hopefully get some change."

severely heating hay as it may oxygenate the inner section of the stack and cause afiretostart. If astack starts to get ‘dangerously hot’, pull it apart as quickly as possible.

Be aware that as the bales are pulled out of the stack, especially in atightly builtstack,oxygen will get access to the hot spot and potentially cause ignition.

Make surethat water is readily availableand suitably qualified people are able to assist in fire suppression if required.

Avoid walking on the stackasthe extremely high temperatures may have charred the centre of the stack. Any extra weight on the stack may causethe stack to collapse into the dangerously hotcentre and cause serious injury.

If there is theslightestrisk of afire starting due to wethay, never keep machinery in the hayshed and don’tallow children to play in or near heating stacks.

The CountryFire Authority website has good information about hay fire risk. Search ‘hay fires’ at: cfa.vic.gov.au/

For more information about dry seasonal conditions and drought support, visit: agriculture.vic. gov.au, or call 136 186.

Michele Jolliffe is an Agriculture Victoria Dairy Extension Officer.

To book your space contact Catherine on

United: ThefamilyofDoctor Ashley Gordon were in stateparliament recently, along with Member forMorwell, Martin Cameron andMember forEasternVictoria Region, MelinaBathfor the tabling of theirpetition to change Victoria’sbaillaws. File photograph

Solomon recognised for first-year studies

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

MORWELL'S Anna Solomon was the recipient of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Year Award at Federation University's 2024 FedAwards.

In her first year of study, Ms Solomon was recognised for her outstanding effort as an undergraduate student and for makingapositive impact on the Federation University student community.

Ms Solomon said she was shocked to receive the award and didn’t see it coming even up until right before her name was called.

“I actually wasn’t expectingtoreceivethe award for Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islanderofthe Year Award, instead Ijust assumed Iwas invited to the awards night to receive something for sport,” she said.

“When they announced the category for my award, my uni mates all looked to me and said that I’d probably get this, and Ididn’t have any feeling that it would be me.

“I was really honoured to receive this award in my first year of uni, and having this recognition not only within the university but (from) the Indigenous community.

“I have loved everything about my first year of studying andamsuper proud of myself in being able to complete this first year with juggling so much else in my life.”

Studying aBachelorofSocialWork,MsSolomon aims to work for and have an effect on her community.

She gave much appreciation to her cousin Nick Johnson,the Aboriginal StudentSuccess Officer at the Federation University Gippsland Campus- who just so happened to be the one to present her with the award.

“Notonly hashebeen such agreat help with guiding me through my first year and helping me through my study, he has been such abig part of my safetyand connection Ihave feltbeing at Federation University,” Ms Solomon said.

“I know that Iwouldn’thave had such asuccessful first year withouthim. It was evenmore special whenhewas the one to present my award to me.”

That has trickled down to her and she appreciates being seenasaleader amongst her Indigenous student cohort and community.

“It’s really nice to be seen as arole modeltoother Indigenous students and community members,

as this is something Ireally value when it comes to being apositive figure withinthe Indigenous community,” Ms Solomon said.

“Even though Ifelt that the year Ihad wasn’t much of astandouttothose around me, my schedule this year including starting uni, working full-time and playingsport,it’snice to have reassurance that Iamstill making an impact in my community and am on the right path.”

Currentlyworking in the DFFH (Department of Families, Fairness and Housing), Ms Solomon said she lovesher current role within the Child Protectionsystemand has helped informher of what she will look to pursuit after her studies.

“I do look up to my supervisor alot, Narelle Ratzman, who is in the Aboriginal Cultural Support &Awareness Advisor role,and Ireally admireher work and the way she helps the community for our Aboriginal Children and Families, so possibly something likethis type of role downthe line,” she said.

The award was asummation for all she sets out to achieve as well as for her outstanding sporting achievements in netballfor the Gippsland Stars andMorwell Football-Netball Club.

The circle defender was the recentlocal VNL upstart program first player signing (initially entered an Under 23 side as their highest contingent) and was also named as captain for Netball Victoria’s inaugural First Nations squad.

“Our first season at Stars was such abig year. There were so many things to build within the clubwhich was actually really nicetobea part of,” she said.

“Not only was it exciting to have acouple of wins in our first season, which Iknow is astruggleother VNL teams have had in their firstyears, it was great to be able to play at ahigher level with other girls Ihave played against previously in (the) Gippy League.

“The connections we have made on and off the court in the past year has 100 per cent been our strongest gain.”

With the recent announcement the Gippsland Stars willenter aVNL Championship team, Ms Solomon is looking forward to being exposed to a higher standard of professionalism and soak in the knowledge from other championship players.

The 2024 FedAwards were held at the Federation University Mt Helen Campus on November 11.

Achiever: Morwell’sAnna Solomonreceived the Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander of the Year Awardatthe 2024 FedAwards. Photograph supplied

Honour roll for stalwart

HEYFIELDAmbulance Auxiliary President,Hugh Stagg’s unwavering dedication has earned him a spot on the Victorian Health Volunteer Honour Roll.

Mr Stagg began his involvement with Ambulance Victoria (AV) as an AmbulanceCommunity Officer (ACO) between 1981 and 1986, before joining the Heyfield Ambulance Auxiliary committee.

In 1991, Mr Stagg became the Ambulance Auxiliary’s Vice President and then took over the top job the following year.

AV Auxiliaries have aproud history that dates backmorethan100 years and are comprisedof volunteerswho play avital role in raising funds for and advocating on behalf of their local ambulance branch. There are 40 AV Auxiliaries across the state.

Volunteering is away of life for Mr Stagg, who has also spent 44 years involved with the CFA.

The community of Heyfield and surrounding townships have flourished from Mr Stagg’s experience, forethought, knowledge, leadership and management.

He has been involved in major projects that led to the expansion of facilities and the housing of specialised vehicles, such as aretrieval vehicle to service wilderness regions for the benefit of locals and tourists.

“The biggest highlight is that the East Gippsland AmbulanceServicebuiltanew ambulancebranch in Heyfield and we added to that considerably,” Mr Stagg said.

Mr Stagg was inducted onto the Honour Roll at the 2024 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards in Melbourne on Tuesday, November 19.

“I just enjoy what I’m doing and try do my best for everyone in Heyfield,” he said.

“I’m notinterested in football, I’m lessinterested in cricket, Ibelong to no other organisations, but Idomybit through AV.

“I’ll be 83 in afew weeks, but Ihope Ican keep going.”

International Volunteer Day was last month -a day where volunteers are acknowledged and the spirit of volunteerism is promoted at the local, national and international levels.

AV Director Regional &ClinicalOperations

By TOMHAYES

THE rural fire brigade of Winnindoo is reportedly going to have to wait another 12 months for the construction of its new station, according to Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien.

Winnindoo is located between Rosedale and Heyfield, servicing the local area in between the two towns, and would be often called upon to help surrounding regions.

Funding to replace Winnindoo Fire Station was announced in October 2020 and construction has been delayed ever since.

Mr O’Brien has labelled it as ascandalous case of incompetence from the state government.

“Six years from announcement to completion to get anew, small rural fire station is an absolute joke even for this government,” he said.

“It’s now way past embarrassing for this government that asmall country fire station announced in October 2020 won’t be completed until 2026.

“It’s yet another fire season that the volunteers will be left to put up with sub-standard facilities -notoilet, no kitchen and no change facilities.

“This is such an insult to our hard-working CFA volunteers who have been campaigning for anew station for years. They were overjoyed when the funding announcement came but now they’ve been severely let down.”

Gippsland, Ross Salathiel said volunteers like Mr StagginAVAuxiliaries make ahugedifference.

“The dedication of volunteers like Hugh is essential for AV to be able to provide (the) best care to our communities, especially in regional Victoria,” he said.

“The fundraising and communityengagement enabled by our Auxiliaries ensures that our paramedics and First Responders have the equipment and amenities they need to be able to do their essential work.

“Thank you, Hugh, for more than 40 years of supporting AV in the Heyfield community.”

The Victorian Health VolunteerHonour Roll celebrates volunteers with 30 or more years of service and recognisestheirdedication to the healthcare sector and the people of Victoria.

David Pollard, Harry Brindley ASM, Garry Larmour, and Gordon Risk from the Charlton and DistrictAmbulance Auxiliary, and Graeme Legge AM from the Emerald and District Ambulance Auxiliary were alsoinducted onto the HonourRoll.

The state government snapped back in its response, stating that it is working through and finalising the project delivery of the new station, as the Community Safety Building Authority is progressing with the design in collaborating with the CFA and Winnindoo Fire Brigade members.

“We’ve invested morethan $22 million to ensure our Country Fire Authority brigades have modern, safe,and fit-for-purpose facilities to protect the community,” astate government spokesperson said.

“We are continuing to work with the CountryFire Authority on the Winnindoo Fire Station so that it meets the needs of local volunteers.”

Mr O’Brien said he will continue to campaign for Winnindoo and other fire brigades throughout Gippsland.

“Despite amassive increase in the fire services property levy this year, the CFA budget has in fact been cut by $4 million, begging the question where has the money gone?” he added.

“Labor has repeatedly insulted and neglected our CFA volunteers and it seems only achangeof government will improve the situation.”

The stategovernment also said: “The Winnindoo community is well-served in case of an emergency by its own brigade and surround brigades in Rosedale, Heyfield, Cowwarr, and Toongabbie”.

Honoured: AmbulanceAuxiliar yPresident, Hugh Stagg

Photo:File

ONE POINTERS

1. What is the world’s loudest insect?

2. What is Wonder Woman’smain weapon she used against villains?

3. In the bible what were the names of Adam and Eve’s children?

4. Who is the villain in horror movie franchise Halloween? TWOPOINTERS

5. True or false: aseahorse is afish?

6. What word represents the letter ‘y’ in the phonetic alphabet?

7. What countr ysinger did Nicole Kidman marr yin2006?

8. Oslo is the capital of what European countr y?

THREE POINTER

9. Who played The Penguin in TimBurton’s1992 film Batman Returns?

10. Who ran the gang Chicago Outfit?

11. What was spilled across Alaska in 1989, making international headlines?

12. Where is the international Headquarters of the Red Cross?

FOUR POINTER

13. Name one of Cinderella’sstepsisters

14. Who was the first American Idol winner? FIVE POINTER

15. I’ll give you five famous composers and you give me their countr yoforigin. One point for each answer: 1. Mozart ,2. Beethoven, 3. Chopin, 4. John Williams, 5. Tchaikovsky

0-8: Hit the books.

MAKEADIFFERENCE THIS CHRISTMAS

This year The Express will be providing aChristmas Tree for placement of gifts for children less fortunate in our local communities.

Feel the warmth as you give the gift of GIVING and place agift under the tree to do your part in putting asmile on someone's face this Christmas.

All gifts will be passed onto Anglicare, Morwell Office, for distribution at their discretion on Thursday 19 December,2024 at 3pm.

Gifts should be for babies and children up to 16 years and received no later than 2pm Thursday 19 December, 2024 n 2pm

Please do not wrap presents P

Feel the warmth and visit us at: F Latrobe Valley Express 21 George Street, Morwell L ,

Generous quilt donation

By TOMHAYES

STARTING to spread Christmas cheer is agroup of locals whohave donated 11 quilts to The Gathering Place, Morwell.

Heading the donation drive was Katie Johnson, who got in contact with The Gathering Place Volunteer Co-ordinator, Emma Saliba.

The GatheringPlace is acommunitybased centre in Morwell that provides aspace forlocal individualsand families to come together to learn, share, and celebrate the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

The Gathering Place is labelled as an inclusive and culturally safe centre, promoting and supporting self-determination. The centre is run by volunteers who help create acomfortable environment for youth, Elders, workers, and the community.

Ms Johnson said herself and afriend simultaneously decided to produce charity quilts, that were to be donated to women and children suffering from domestic violence.

“We figured, between us we could probablydo60 to 100 per year with five of us,” Ms Johnson said.

“We look at the fundraiser, its another way to get

The Gathering Place involved,get them recognised for the work they do, and if there are people out there that don’t know about The Gathering Place it will come about.”

Ms Johnson added that she waslooking for people who are either willing to donate fabric, wading, their time to make quilts, or monetary donations to help provide supplies.

Ms Saliba was happy to take on the donation and forge apartnership with the group of ladies who hope to continue donating quilts.

“These donations will go exactly to what these lovely ladies will want them to go towards… The Gathering Place services anybody and everybody from far and wide,” Ms Saliba said.

“We’re really focusing on women and children escaping domestic violence.

“It means so much, we’ve had so many people come in that are in needand that are in these dire straits, just to have something for ayoung child-it’stheirs too,they can take it wherever they go, that’s amassive thing.”

Ms Johnson hopes to continue this donation run with The Gathering Place. Visit TheGathering Place at 99 BuckleyStreet, Morwelltosee how you can help.

FoodDudereaches Gippsland

watch: Food Dude producer and hostAlo

By STEFAN BRADLEY

THE 7Mate/7Flix TV series The Food Dude, hosted and produced by Alo Baker, has wrapped up filming its latest season, and there’s anumber of Gippslandestablishments featured.

The Food Dude champions local foodie hotspots across the country and showcases local businesses. Readers of this newspaper,orkeen viewers of the show, may recogniseMissingLinkBurgers in Traralgon, Smokehouse81inRosedale, and Gippy’s Pizza &Pasta Woodfired in Heyfield.

“What Iloved about the Gippsland region was the friendly local hospitality, and that’s what makes the show so muchfun.You neverknowwhat you’re going to experience, and Ican confidently say that this beautiful part of Victoria is kicking goals when it comes to great local food,” Mr Baker told the Express

“Smokehouse 81 is an amazinglocal business with somekiller smokedmeats. My mind was blown by the pulled brisket cob loaf, I’ve actually talked about that cobloaf alot since filming.”

But he wasn’t done raving aboutGippsland cuisine.

“Gippy’s Pizza -great food and some of the best chicken bites you’ll ever have! But where this place really shines was their hospitality and family friendly welcome.Smalltownhospitality at its best,” he said.

“Missing Link Burgers, this place had been requested by our viewers for anumberofyears before we finally got here and boy wasitworth the wait! For those who’ve not been, well, Idon’t want to spoil it for you. Drop what you’re doing and just go, now!”

Each episode is planned with various segments and businesses in mind and it can take months to organise businesses and line them up ahead of time, butother times the show hasbeenable to just drive past and pop in.

“The show is essentially ahobby as asidefrom my fulltimeworkincommercialradio on the Gold Coast,” Mr Baker said.

“The show is all about giving love to local businesses andshowcasing the personalities behind what makes them great. We have loads of fun and hope to give those businesses who are often regionaland remotethe extra exposure they deserve.”

The segments are sporadicacross the season, withthe Gippsland content not expected to air until episodes seven to 10, but this is subject to change as the later episodes are still being worked on.

The season premiere aired at 12pm Saturday on 7mate andwill continueweekly overthe summer.

Episodes are available to stream via the 7Plus app, YouTube, or at: fooddudeau.com

Cheer: Monica Hirst, JennyWhelan, Melissa Fenton, Katie Johnson, Leonie Solomon-Green, Emma Saliba, and EllenFoy were therefor thehandoverofquilts Photograph: TomHayes

Must

Baker

Photograph supplied

Come Celebrate Christmas

Accordingtothe bible, whenAdam and Eveate of theTreeofthe KnowledgeofGood andEvilsin enteredintotheiridyllic existence. NowGod,being aholyGod,could no longer have afacetoface relationship with Hischildrenand this brokeHis hear t. However, this would notgoonforever,Hehad aplantorestore this relationship, aplanthatwould notexcusethe sin. Someone had topay the price, someone perfec t, someone who would be willing to experience humanit yand all of itsfailings. Enter Jesus. Thetinychild born in a manger

This wasthe star tofthe most incredible masterplan to reunite God and Hisfamily. Jesus, stripped of allHis glory andmajest ymust

become as helpless as anewborn baby.

John 3:16 says,“ ForGod so loved theworldthatHegave Hisonlyson thatwhoeverwould believeinHim willnot diebut have eternal life.” Christians believethis meansthat notonlydid Jesusrestore God’s relationshipwithHis children but Jesusalso madeitpossible to continue to live,evenafter passing fromthe Earth.

To find outhow youcan enjoya relationship with God, youare invited to join oneofthe local Christian churches this Christmas. Each congregationwillcome together to rememberthe bir th of Christ, givethanksfor theloveof Godand celebrateHis masterplan.

and went about doing good, healing all who wereoppressedofthe devil.

Christmas is hereagain,a great time of the year when we can focus on something other than the seriously bad news which comes almost on adailybasis

Jesus was born in Bethlehemover 2,000 years ago, His birthdiffers from any other ever,for Jesus was born of avirgin, impossible to occur youmay say!

Later He went to Hisdeathona cross to paythe penalty for every sin for everypersoneverborn into this World.

St.James Anglican Parish Servicetimes in the Parish

But thisisthe method, the way, that God decided to come to the planet, which He had created, but all mankind had wandered far from Him to such an extent that we all werewithout God, and without hope.

Jesus did notremain ababy, but grew as any man, intoadulthood

Jesustook on Himself our sin naturetopay theprice of all mankind’ssin, disobedience and rebellion.

All who will believe that Jesus is Lordand thatGod the Father raised Him from the dead, will be saved from eternal death, andbecomea child of God.

It’salmost toogood to be true news. That is what ‘Gospel’means. Have awonderful Christmas.

The Advent Season and Christmas

On Sundaythe 1stDecember,the First SundayofAdvent ushered in theChurch’s new liturgical.

Thewordadvent means arrival or star t, thereforethe new beginning of thechurch’s liturgical year and preparing for Jesus’ coming or bir th

Thereare four Sundays of Advent leadinguptoChristmas.These four Sundays aremarked by the blessing of the Advent wreath andfivecandles within the green Advent wreath. Each Sundaya candle is lit.

Three of these candles arepurple or royalblue, one pink and one white. Thefirst two purple candles symbolize Hope andPeace respectively.The pink candle, symbolizesJoy,the thirdpurple candlesymbolizes Love andthe white candleisthe Jesus Candle, which is lit on Christmas Day

As much as Advent is atimeof preparation it is also atimeof waiting, waiting for thecelebration of thebir th of Christhas begun. In preparation for Advent we need to be remindedthat Adventhas to do with‘holy coming’. Carolyn Butler reminds us; we cannot schedule ‘holy coming’, without ‘holy waiting’.

How is the Advent Season and Christmas Season relevant in our current socio-economic and political environment? We are living in so much despair anda senseofloss. Yet, we hold on to promise of hope, peace, joy, love anddeliverance, whichour Christian faith teach us, in which we believe andthat sustainsus. It is indeed acontrast and our daily experiences provesthis.But again and again we areremindedof God’slovefor us.I am reminded of an anonymousauthor that wrote the following: “our human dignityisevenmoresplendid than the createduniverse around us.” Meaning, we areall God’sBeloved. No matter belief, race or creed.

Thisisthe Christmas message; God daily renew us through God’s neverending love forhumanity As simpleasthat. Let us open ourselves to thisamazing love of God thatkeeps on giving, unconditionallyand freely Wishing youall ablessedand joyous Christmas Season.

Gradwell Fredericks

The rector at St. James Anglican Church –Traralgon

The biblical account of thewise men who visited Jesus turns out to be very different from the traditional Christmas story.

Firstly,the Bible account (Matthew 2:1-12) doesn’t saytherewerethree of them. Three gifts weregiven so it has traditionallybeen assumed that there werethree.

Secondly,the wise men werealmost certainly not kings.The Greek word used by Matthew can meanpeople who study thestars, magicians or evensorcerers.

Thirdly,theycould not have visited the holy family on the nightJesus was born. The gospeltells us that the wise men came to Jerusalem to seeKingHerod after Jesuswas born.

TheTrue Meaning of Christmas is Love

Christmas is the time of year we celebrate the bir th of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The timeofyear that we celebrate God’smagnificent, unending love.The time of year we celebrate the love of friends and family.The time of year we extend our love to others in ourcommunity who livewithout the comfor ts some of us enjoy

Christmas celebrates the joyful, obedient love of the first disciple, Mary. Hergenerous, loving response to thenews that she would be pregnant, even though she was still avirgin,isaresponse of awesome faith. Likewise, the response of

Thislast year maywell have been our most difficult yet, our last week could very well have been full of things we have to do, stuff we have to get, conversations we have to have and then thereisthe decorating, shopping andplanning for Christmas….

Areyou tired yet? Ithink we need to takeabreath this December,to pause and consider the difficulties we have come through, the things we have been able to do without, the people in our lives we can talk to and most of all be reminded that God did send atiny,innocent, perfect baby.

Any babyisspecial, is full of possibilities and is fully accepting

Christmas is oftena time for family and friends to gather togethertocelebrate andenjoy an abundant meal, with all the trimmings.

This is seemingly in stark contrast to thepovertyofthe very first Christmas, where Jesus was born in acattlestall, and placed in afood trough, because therewasnoroom for Him, or His ear thlyfamilyintheir hometownofBethlehem.

The natureofGod is such, though, that He turns this rejection and povertyintoa greaterblessing, as He provides

Four thly,Matthew tells us thatthe wise men visited“theyoung Child with MaryHis mother”. Jesus was probably twoyears old when they came.

Fifthly, theywereina house by then. The stable was justanemergency option for that one night Does all this matter?

Maybe. The point is that the child who was born and laid to sleep in afeedingtrough for animals, was actuallyGod “veiledinflesh”, the One who would grow to become the Saviour of the World. If we look to Scripturefor thetrue meaningof Christmas, shouldn’t we also look to Scripturefor thetrue details of the story?

Joseph, her betrothed, is also a response of awesome faith. Maywe, too, learn to respondwithgenerous faith.

Christmas is atime for giving -for givinglove,hope and charity; it’s a time we enjoygetting together with those we love,celebrating each other’slives, affirming our love for one another,strengthening the bonds between us. It is atime for endeavouring to bring hope to those whose lives have become ingrained with darkness.

The community of St Michael’s Catholic Church Traralgon, extends to all awarm invitation to come and shareinthe love and peace of Christ this Christmas Time.

of theirparents, the good and the not so good. The babywecelebrate at Christmas was filled with the knowledge of God and grew to give us an example of how God invites us to live….

This Christmas, spend time with family,afriend, aneighbour, have aBBQ sausage,ice abiscuit, sing some carols and be spoiledwith a Christmas supper with us at Moe Baptist Church, 22nd December at 6pm,Christmas Dayservice at 9:30am, all arewelcome. Take the oppor tunity to pause, to remember, to breatheinthe peace that is offeredtoeveryone, because of a babyborn over 2000 years ago.

for us in abundance. So much so, that God, through His Christ, has joined the human family irrevocably to Himself.

Through the Christ Child, Jesus, youare invited to shareinGod’s coming kingdom of eternal life and blessing –the gift of family and identity, in which ourear thly celebrations areultimately fulfilledand given agreater purpose and meaning Mayour God of blessing, joyand peace, bless youand your family as yougather together this Christmas!

ComeCelebrate

Christmas Mass times at St Michael’sCatholic Parish Traralgon

Tuesday December 24

ChristmasEve Family Mass 7:00pm with ChristmasCarols from 6:30pm

ChristmasEve Mass 11:00pm with ChristmasCarols from 10:30pm

Wednesday December 25

ChristmasDay Mass 9:30am 33 –35Kay Street, Traralgon

Christmas CAROLS

BBQ -BISCUITS -CAROLS -SUPPER 22ND DECEMBER 6PM-BBQ 7PMCAROLS

62 FOWLER STREET MOE

Youare invitedto join withusthis Christmas

Tuesdaythe 24th of December at 7pm

Christmas EveCarols and Readings service accompanied by BrassInstrumentsand Organ

Wednesdaythe 25th of December

Christmas Day9.30am service Good Shepherd LutheranChurch 249 KaySt, Traralgon

PH: 0401561 349

YouAre Invited to our Family Christmas Event

Dec 15th from 10am

Candlelight Communion

2- 4Latrobe Road, Morwell

it by giving eachother giftsand offering love and goodwill to everyone. Jesus is the best gift mankind ever received.Inthe Bible,inthe bookofJohn it says, “God so lovedthe worldthathe gave hisonly Son, that whoever believesinhim shall not die,but have eternallife.”Let’s celebrate Jesus’ birthdaywith joy, goodwill and love for all.

ChCelebrate ristmas

On Christmas day, peoplearound the world celebrate thebir thday of Jesus. We believe thathumans and God couldn’t livetogether anymoreafter Adam andEve disobeyedGod and sinned. Jesus came to bring peopleand God back together,and he did thisby dying on the cross as the penalty forall of mankind’ssins,past, presentand future. To ensure that the people who believe in Him will liveforever, he rose from the dead after3days, proving thathehad beaten death.

This is whyhis bir thdayisso importantand whywecelebrate

Christmas hope

Lifecan be tough andsometimes a sense of positivitytowards the future seems so impossible. Christmas is allabout God breaking intothe despair andanxieties of lifeand bringing us peace and hope.I love the wordEmmanuel whichmeans God is with us -bringing us peace and the ability to cope in difficult situations

God says in Jeremiah29:11 “For I know theplansI have declares the Lord, planstoprosper youand not to harm you, planstogiveyou ahope and afuture.”

Peace andgoodwilltoyou this Christmas from St Mary’sAnglican Church, 8Latrobe Road, Morwell

Please joinusonDec 15th from 10am for Christmas carols, a Christmas story, free BBQand baristacoffee and some fun and games for allthe family 35 Larnach Rd.Traralgon.

OUR SE RV ICES :

Christmas Eve6pm Carols and Nativity– afamilyfriendly time where kids can dressup. We have a range of costumes.

At 11pm,there’s acandle lit ‘Midnight Mass’and Christmas Day 9am. Our usual services areSunday 8amand 10am andWednesday 10am.

Thefriendly volunteerstaff of Fossick and Find at 72 GeorgeStreet wishyou averyhappy Christmas.

We have appreciated your custom andrejoice with youwhen youfind that special bargain!

Theshopwill close on December 20th and reopen on Januar y6th.

This Christmas season Iwish to bring youamessage of Hope. BeforeJesus was born, people werebusy trying to find aplace to stay and buy things Jerusalem was hectic because it was census time. Iamsurethat the people back then would have had similar experiences to ours during theChristmas season.

In themidstofall the chaos, the Messiah Jesus Christwas born; THE HOPE OF ALL NATIONS. Our Saviour Jesus Christ was born. This is the good news of Christmas. Jesus the Hope of humanity brought peace and goodwill to all men.

Alight shines in the darknessat Christmas, remindingusthat there is always hope amidst life’s chaos.

The lives of Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds wereprofoundly disruptedbyJesus’ bir th, their routines upendedbythe miraculous arrival of the Savior

Similarly,our lives can be disrupted by unexpectednews –afrightening diagnosis,asuddenfinancial crisis, abrokenrelationship, or aloved one’s death. Lifecan be messy

But just as on that firstChristmas night, thereishope. God, in His perfect timing, sentHis Son into this chaoticworld to reconcile us to

Thereishope, peace, healing and salvation in Jesus. In Isaiah 9:6 -7 we read: “For untousachild is born, Unto us aSon is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder.And His name will be called Wonder ful, Counsellor,MightyGod, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

God bless you. From allofus at Hear tFocus Church, we wish youablessedChristmas and asafeand joyful new year

Pastor John Lamb

Himself, extending an invitation to join His family.

The angelsannounced to the shepherds, “I bring yougoodnews of great joy. Today, in thetown of David, aSavior has been borntoyou; He is Christ the Lord.”This message echoes through the ages, reaching us even today.

God invitesustolook to Him, allowingHis lighttoshine into our darkestspaces. In allour chaos, let us makeroom for Jesus, the light of the world, who brings hope,joy,and peace.

God bless youeach one. Merry Christmas.

Larnach Road, Traralgon, Victoria3844

Membership awards

MOE District Cancer Council Volunteer Group presented membership awards to seven longserving members.

They were Beryl Brien (30+ years),Doreen Billington (30+ years), Cynthia Rawlings (30+ years),RobertRawlings (30+ years),Trudy Bechaz (20 years), Linda Hall (20years) and Kathleen Bajada (10 years).

The Moe and District Cancer Council Volunteer Group will be selling raffle tickets for its Christmas hampers in front of the Moe Nextra Newsagency until Wednesday, December 18.

This will be the group’s lastfundraiser for 2024.

First meetingfor 2025isonMonday, January 20 from 1.30pm at the Moe RSL. All welcome. We wish you all aMerry Christmas, and asafe, Happy New Year.

Christmas lunch

ALL are welcome to the Traralgon District Uniting Church Christmas lunch.

The lunch willbeheld on Christmas Dayfrom 12pm to 2pm at 19 Park Lane, Traralgon.

Come along and enjoy ameal with ahint of festive flavour to celebrate Christmas withothers.

If youdon’t have anyone to share this special day with, you are welcome to join. Agood meal, good conversations, some entertainment and friends you may not yet know!

Call the church office on 51761029 to add your name to the list. Leave aclear message with your name and phone number.

Forthe children, the church will also hold a children’s service on Christmas Eve at 5pm.

Community Corner with Liam Durkin

TRAMPS ride

TRAMPS (Traralgon and MorwellPedallers Inc.) riders met at Koonwarra to ride to Inverloch.

The unexpected perfectweather made the great views worth the effort.

Anderson Inlet, where the TarwinRiver enters Bass Strait, was extraordinarily blue, and was agreat backdrop for lunch.

Returning to Koonwarra, the group was able to relax in the leafy veranda of the local café and enjoyed milk shakes, coffee and soup.

The next ride is this Saturday (December 14), which will be an evening ride to see the decorative lights of Churchill followed by supper at amember’s residence.

TRAMPS welcomes new riders. For more information, visit: tramps.org.au, or call club contacts Paul on 0459 823 422, or Vance (0403 662 288).

Christmas farmersmarket

TRARALGONChristmas Farmers Marketwill be atwilight market on Monday, December 23 from 3pm to 8pm in the Kay Street gardens.

Moststallholdersthatattendthe monthly Saturday market will be in attendance. Stalls will be selling produce that will be fresh as well as specialproduce forChristmas Day.

Come down to the market and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

As normal, the award-winningbarbecue provided by the Lions Club will be cooking up afestive feast for all to enjoy.

Chess results

LEAD player in the most recent Latrobe Valley Chess action was Ben Jackson with four victories, but thereare still four games remaining to determine Ben’s place in the round.

Steve Ahern also had arewardingevening with three wins and aloss.

PeterBakkerand Ian Hamilton managed two wins but major oversights in other games caused losses.

Hannah Jackson forced the win in two games before pausing for ashort break.

Finding the win wasdifficult forBrodie Newman, who allowed too much control for opponents.

Jack Holme managed to stay on top in the match against Samantha Juers. Necessary defenceproved toomuchfor Cliff Thornton.

For more on local chess, phone Cliff Thornton on 0413 330 458, or Ian Hamilton(0400 221 649).

Moe meditation

IF you consider thatyour mind and body are among your most preciouspossessions, Moe Meditation Group offers an introduction to ideas and practices you can explore that aim to look after both.

An introduction to Yoga, Tai Chi and other embodiment practices; including an introduction to basic meditation and mindfulness exercises from Westernand Eastern traditions are offered.

The group meets from 8.30am on Wednesday mornings in the NarracanHall at the Gippsland Heritage Park (Old Gippstown) Moe.

Enquiries welcome any time.

Email clem@asia.com, or phone 0427 262 064.

Bridgeresults

MONDAY, December 2: 1st Don Tylee and Robin Hecker (63.54 per cent); 2nd Kaye Douglas and Roshni Chand (59.38).

Tuesday, December 3: N/S 1st Rob Graham and Glenis Lohr (65.42); 2nd Ken Tierney and Anne den Houting(61.67). E/W 1st Heather Watt and Anne Howes (63.93); 2nd Christine Zarb and Fred Kaminski (56.79).

Thursday, December 5: N/S 1st Rob Graham and GlenisLohr(57.92); 2nd Lorraine Robinson and David Hollands (57.5). E/W 1st Fred Kaminski and Heather Henley (62.5); 2nd Pete Hollands and Elizabeth Byrnes (58.93).

Social dance

MOE Social DanceClublegend Rhonda Richards has announced her retirement.

The dance legendwas honoured for her decades of entertaining the dancers of the club, with a

The Range Retirement Village is aretirement living community in Moe, boasting alive-in Manager and high-quality residential villas set inside agated community.

The Range offers elegant new and refurbished two and three-bedroom independent living villas, set in attractive and well-manicured surrounds. Each villa features an open-plan living area,wellappointed kitchen, private courtyardgarden and single or double garage.

Plan your social life with your new community.

Youwill have the flexibility and freedom to embrace life with asocialcalendar that includes, billiards, indoor bowls, craft, movie nights, trivia, bingo,cards and many moresocial activities and make use of our community bus to getaroundour local area.

Now is your time to down size and embrace life at The Range

Appreciated: Moe Social DanceClub made aspecial presentation to RhondaRichards, recognising her commitment to local dance

special presentation made recently. The clubisseeing in Christmas with tinsel on December 23, andaNew Years’ dance on December 31. Dances start at 7.30pm. Next year there will be anumber of teach dances, which will be put on before the 7.30pm start.

There will be arangeofdifferent bands including The Silhouettes, Bak2Bak and Lloyd Poole, along with beautiful favourites on CD. All welcome.

For more information, phone Russell on 0457 453 856.

Youcan be apartof Community Corner

IF youare acommunitygroupand have any newsitems you need publicised, feel free to email us at news@lvexpress.com.au

You can address the correspondence to Editor, Liam Durkin. Please write ‘Community Corner’ in the subject line and nothing else.

Deadline is Friday 9am to appear in the following Wednesday issue.

The Latrobe Valley Express, Wednesday, 11 December, 2024 —Page19

Topshelf: Moe District Cancer Council volunteerswerehonoured fortheir long service to the organisation. Photographs supplied

Local ranked among Australia’sbest

By TOMHAYES

TRARALGON real estateagent, Jake Gardam has been ranked within the Real Estate Business’ (REB) Top 50 Dealmakers in the industry for 2024.

Earlier this month, Mr Gardam secured the 42nd spot in the REB Top 50 Dealmakers ranking, as the country’s highest-performing real estate agents were celebrated.

Mr Gardam began working as areal estate agentin2016,joiningKeith Williams in 2022.

“This is my first national level recognition, an exciting milestone in my career,” he said.

“It’s incrediblyrewarding to have my dedication and passion for guiding

clients through their property journeys recognised on anational scale, alongside some of the country’s top agents.”

Those recognised within the top 50 are put in the spotlight for thriving in their local areas, settling ahigh volume of deals, and excelling in serviceto customers.

Theranking is determined based on residential sales for the 2022/23 and the 2023/24 financialyears,measuring three key metrics: number of deals settled, year-on-yeargrowth, and consistency of performance.

According to REB, this year agents achieved ahigh volume of deals settled andanincrease in year-on-yeargrowth andconsistency, despite operating in a challenging market.

AgileMarket Intelligence Director, Michael Johnsonsaid: “While realestate agents have dealt with the difficult conditions overthe lastfew years, their

consistentdeterminationtosettle deals has resulted in strong growth in 2024.”

These rankings only raise the bar for dealmakers to emulate in years going forward.

“While I’m afully licenced real estate agent, I’ve also completed training as a buyer’s agent to better understand the mindset of buyers, enabling me to better service my sellers,” Mr Gardam added.

“I recently completed my Certificate IV in Financeand MortgageBroking to deepen my knowledge of financial processes, so Ican better educate my clients throughoutevery step of their property journey too.

“Challenging industry traditions and redefining what it means to be areal estate agent is something Ilove doing. It allows me to offer my clients atruly

unmatched and rare level of service.”

Mr Gardam is content with servicing the Latrobe Valley, marking that he is here to stay.

“The Valley is my home; Ilove the community and the people.Knowing the area so well makes it the perfect place for me to do what Ilove,” he said.

REBEditor,Juliet Helmke congratulated everyone included in the rankings for their hard work and determination that earnedthem the well deserved recognition.

“It’s agenuinepleasuretocelebrate theperseverance and excellence demonstrated by these dealmakers who hail from all across the country,” she said.

“Every agent featured in this ranking has poured immense time, effort, and passion into perfecting their skills.”

Li ghtUpLatrobe

Carpet Country 2/ 161 Argyle Street

Changing Seasons 127 Franklin Street

Light &Shade Shop 1, 91 Hotham Street

Sugar Babies 75 Seymour Street

Traralgon News &Lotto

Franklin Street

Youth program celebrates first birthday

By TOMHAYES

MOUNTAINTRACK YOUTH recently hadits first birthday, markingthe milestone withcelebrations at Jumbuk Park on Sunday, December 1.

The serviceprovides long-term support for young peoplewho haveexperienced arough childhood, helping kids to establish arealsense of connection, through relationships, education, and discovering their strengths.

MOUN TAI NTRACK Chief Exe cut ive, Director,and Co-founder, David Butler and MOUNTAINTRACK Director and Co-founder, Laura Myer reflected on what they had achieved in the last 12 months.

Mr Butler mentioned that he was most proud of the four originalmembers of MOUNTAINTRACK, thosebeing TysonChristopher, Cody Head, Jayden Rigby, and Alex Zitta.

“Just seeing the changes in their trajectory,” Mr Butler added.

Ms Myer said she was proud to see the kids working with one another.

“Watching the older ones with the younger ones, bringing them into the fold,” she said.

“They support each other. We’ve created a culture here that it’s alovely environment,and they’re all happyand when people come into (MOUNTAINTRACK) they just don’t believe it.

“They’re just beautiful kids. They treat each other

Workshop: Thespace given to kidstowork on motorcycles,aswell as practicewelding, air brushing,3Dprinting, andmuchmoreat MOUNTAINTRACK.

well and treat guests well. They want to be here, and they treat us with the utmost respect.”

The past year has seen MOUNTAINTRACK grow in many aspects, from kids they cater for to what is availablefor the kids to get up to. Not only didtheyexceed their initial expectations, but now they have new goals set for the future.

The format has changed, which now sees two sets of programs for two different types of kids.

“We sort of realised that there are so manyyoung peopleinthe (Latrobe) Valley that fit this category that aren’t going to school,” Mr Butler said.

“(We have) the long-term program,which was basically going to be day programs, just come up, but then have an education component.

“Then we realised we had this other cohort that probably don’t need to be hereevery week, but they want to come back -sowe’ll run acourse for them.

“Our next step now… is getting lots of good people out in the community… if they’re good with young people and they’ve got askill, and they want to come up with athree-day course… so in the next year we need to start building that repertoire.”

Mr Butler and Ms Myeroriginally expected to get as many as 10 kids onboard, but after one year of the program they have already reached 15.

“Where the kids have gotten to has exceeded expectations. We didn’t expect them to be in such

good places -all of them -and it’s just so pleasing to see,” Ms Myer said.

“And having taken to the place so well, and each other, it’s just blown me away.”

Ear lie rt his ye ar in Sept em ber, MOUNTAINTRACK welcomed Darren Goulder to the team,who has helpedlaunchsome newideas Mr Goulder used to work with youth at BackTrack in Armadale. Upon meeting Mr Butler, he decided to make the move for some more freedom.

Racing drag bikes, Mr Goulder had the opportunitytohave some BackTrack participants in his pit crew. Now he is giving that same opportunity to MOUNTAINTRACK.

“It givesthem agoal. Now they want to go to school, do this, do that,” Mr Goulder said.

MOUNTAINTRACK has created asystem that makes kids tick their way through the course, encouraging them to get more steps done as efficiently as possible.

“It’s the same with the disaster recovery, they’ve gottolearn their excavator, their chainsaws, first aid. It just gives them awhole newreason to do stuff,” Mr Goulder added.

He found it aseamless transition, with many of the kidsexcited to get started. He saidabout seven to eightstudentsappear to be showing interest in being involved with the pit crew opportunity.

Mr Goulder and the MOUNTAINTRACK crew will be heading over to Calder Park for astreet meet next February.

As partofthis course,the kidsare learning the mechanical basics as well as airbrushing, 3D printing, and printing merchandise and stickers.

Also during this process, the kids restored the BlueRibbon van thatwas donated to them earlier in the year, giving it afresh lick of paint and ripping out the inside to be fit for hauling the drag bike and gear.

One of the main goalsfor the next 12 months includes getting an educator on board, as these kids have missed out on alot of school.

“We’ll try and get an educator on board. I’ve had discussions with Berry Street… now we are starting to establish our courses,” Mr Butler said.

Mr Butler mentioned that talks with Berry Street have extended to the point of having MOUNTAINTRACKstudentsvisit the school for acoupleofdaysa week, and in return have Berry Streetstudents at MOUNTAINTRACKtodo workshop classes in the meantime -that way both sets of students are always learning something.

To celebra te the firs tb ir th day of MOUNTAINTRACK, kids, staff, donors, the community, and even the neighbours were invited, making up around 35 people in attendance to see what had been achieved in the past year.

“They did us so proud on the Sunday, they did the cooking for us, they took everyone around and told everyone what they do up here,” Ms Myer said

“Another thing we’re proud of is that we’ve not lost anyone,they always come back no matter what they’re doing.

“The biggest thing wasjust making it aboutthem and their achievements.”

Ms Myer added thatMOUNTAINTRACK hopes to build its reputation so that potential employers can seethe good stories coming from theprogram, trustingthem to get at-risk youth fit for the workforce.

Mr Butler and Ms Myer agreedthat the emotional security that MOUNTAINTRACK provides is what helps these kids thrive compared to what their lives used to be.

“And onceyou build that emotional security, that’s when you can do great things with them. You can learn with them and guide them,” Ms Myer added.

Pit crew: JetMcGregor,Jax Childs,Darren Goulder,and Tyson Christopher pose in front of the restored BlueRibbonvan. Photographs: TomHayes

Historyactsasstark reminder

WHILE at the anti-nuclear rally on Kay Street, Traralgon on Tuesday, December 3, Iremembered an event 45 years ago.

In 1979 Iwas working in the United States and livinginPhiladelphia.InMarch thatyear there was an 'event' at the ThreeMile Island nuclear power plant -acoremeltdowninone of the reactors

By radio (it was before internet and mobile phones), we were told to close all windows and stay tuned for further instructions in case we had to evacuate.

The event releasedonly asmall amount of radioactive gas and eventually the situation was under control.

However, we experienced several days of fear and extreme apprehension.

No, Mr Dutton, we don't want or need anuclear power station in the Latrobe Valley or anywhere else in Australia.

It makes no sense economically or technically.

You don't know, or won't tell us, how much it will cost. You don't know, or won't tell us, how long it will take to build. You don't know, or won't tell us, the cost of the electricity that will be produced. If you don't know, vote no.

Rim Zitkevicius

Traralgon

Hardrubbish reflections

OBSERVING this year’s street displayofhard rubbish givesmanyinsights into our consumer culture.

Those of us who build mountains of stuff on the nature strip that should have long ago gone into wheelie bins couldbenefitfrom aspell of Clean Up Australia voluntary work and guidance in their housework scheduling.

Neil Hauxwell Moe

Likea fairytale

CONGRATULATIONS to the new Latrobe City Mayor, Dale Harriman, the new deputy mayor, Sharon Gibson, and the new members of Latrobe City Council.

Perhaps now we will have acouncil focused on local issues rather thaninterstate or globalissues. Mayor Harriman talks of jobs for Latrobe and nuclearenergy for Victoria.Weneed reliable energy,and we certainlywillnot get it from unreliable renewables in the shape of wind turbines and solarfarms.

There are many critics of nuclear energy and its cost, yet silence on the cost of wind and solar.

We have AnthonyAlbaneseand the idiotic Chris Bowen promoting renewables, but then we find out there is acost blowout of the renewables-only grid of $500 billion. Having wind, solar and batteries as abackuponly supplies four hours of power daily, so how do you run any business on four hours of power or any household?

Istill see protesters out there protesting about coal and gas and Iwonder how many of them still have gas appliances in theirhomes?Iwillcertainly be asking them that question if Icome across any protesters.

Sincethe beginning of the year, Lily D'Ambrosio (state energy Minister) and her government have stopped gas going into new land releases and are "encouraging" Victorians to go all-electric.

How many Victorian MPs have had their gas appliances removed from their houses and workplaces since the start of January this year?

Could Harriet Shing give us the numbers (including herself) and tell us whenall their gasappliances have been removed?

Isuggest that all those Victorians who hate coal sell up and move to the 'Renewable State'ofSouth Australia. Then again thatmay notbeagoodidea given that South Australia has the highest energy cost in Australia.

Let's create more jobs, and have reliable energy 24 hours aday and lessofthe Hans Christian Anderson rhetoric from Albanese and Bowen.

Brian Mawhinney

Traralgon

Guess who's back

ARECENTLY retired Australian politician, Martin Pakula wrote, post retirement, (Herald Sun, 16/11/24): "An instinctive demand, on every issue, is adherence to an individual's personal dogma, or it's ademand for atotal ban on whatever they disapprove of. The reality is that most issues are complex and dominated by shades of grey. Debating nuance and finding away through is difficult and time consuming. It takes effort and understanding. Being an absolutist is easy, but it's incredibly lazy and disrespectful."

Some time ago Ipersonally resolved to steer clear of commentinthe Express,until something so "lazy and disrespectful" popped up.

But from absolutist conservative commentators

Summer’snot asilly season

COMMENT BY CHRIS

HARDMAN

YOU might have noticedapick-upinnews stories and broadcasts forecasting ahot, dry summer, and high potential for fire in some areas of the state. That news has come from the seasonal summer outlook distributed on Thursday, November28 by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council (AFAC), the national council for fire andemergency servicesinAustralia and New Zealand.

The Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Summergives apicture of the likelihood of fire over the summer months, at both astate and national level.

This year’s outlook for Victoria predicts higher potential for fire for most of western Victoria, as well as southwest Gippsland, including Mornington Peninsula,greaterMelbourneand north-east Victoria.

The potential has been assessed this way because of the dry conditions in those areas, the availability of vegetation (e.g. grass, leaves, bark, shrubs and fallen branches) to ‘fuel’ fires, high temperatures and the continuing lack of rainfall to bring moisture to the landscape.

The fire potential elsewhere in Victoriahas been assessed as ‘normal’, but hot, dry and windy weather can still poseariskinareas dominated by forests, woodlands, or dense, low shrubs. ‘Normal’ is no reason to be complacent, but you should know that Victoria is prepared and that our land and fire agencies have worked all year to reduce bushfire risk.

We are prepared and ready to respond. On public land this year, FFMVic carried out risk

such as Patricia Correa, Joseph Lis, Patrick Ansell and Brian Mawhinney, and others,it'sliterally every week.

The rece nt implicat ions from Pat rick Mawhinney,('Thegreen abyss',LatrobeValley Express Opinion, 27/11/24), and Patricia Correa ('Holiday emissions', 04/12/24), have pushed me over the line.

To suggest or imply that "green believers" are hypocrites unless they live like hermits in caves, is simply alazy, disrespectful and facile world view.

And why do Brian and Patricia make such claims?

Because there is no limit to which absolutists will not go, to demonise those they oppose,togain whateveradvantage they can, and this particulargroup of correspondents revels in their shared support.

And yes, Brian Mawhinney, "without coal, where wouldwebe?" But the more relevantpoint would be that with coal, where will we be? Science provides afew clues.

Iusually find that the aforementioned agitators demand respect, but give precious little. Their problem will be at the next election, when they may still vote for politicians they despise, and the incessant whinging will continue, eg PatrickAnsell: "I don't trust any politician", (LVE 04/12/24).

And Patricia Correa, the notionthat environmentalists cannot/shouldnot be political activistsis naivety, bordering on wilful ignorance. In your case, however, Patricia, it certainly is an impossibility.

Finally, from renowned Americanjournalistand satirist HL Mencken: "For everycomplex problem there is asolution that is clear, simple and wrong."

John Duck

Trafalgar

What's the plan?

DARRENChester is being hypocriticalinhis constant calls for a“balanced debate” on nuclear ('Balanced approach to new energy', LVE27/11/24).

It may have escaped his notice, but our community has been having aconstant debate about the issue, with views from all sides.

The only partmissingisany detail from the Coalition and any engagement on the issue by him.

Ted O’Brien (Queensland MP and deputy chair for theSelect Committee on NuclearEnergy) is also being hypocritical in attackinga newly reported cost for the renewable’s rollout, when he and his colleagues have not released asinglefact about the cost of nuclear nor how they will implement it and by when.

Stop sniping from the sidelines behind asmokescreen of nuclear haze and have the courage of your convictions; release your plan now.

John Gwyther Coongulla

No objections

IN responsetoPeter Dutton's proposal to build seven nuclear power stations across Australia, the 'Minister Responsible for Destroying Our Electricity System', Chris 'Blackout' Bowen, reckons "it will take at least 20 years to builda

nuclear power station whereas renewables are ready to go right now".

However, totally contradicting Bowen's legendary spin, in 1958 the 10 Megawatt High Flux Australian Nuclear Reactor (HIFAR) commenced operation at Lucas Heightsonthe outskirtsof Sydney and is dedicated exclusively to scientific and medical research which is why it is situated close to SydneyAirport to allow transport of short-lived medicalisotopes sent to rural hospitals; otherwise they woulddecay to uselessness.

And now Icome to the crux of the matter: it took not 20 but just nine years to build the Lucas Heights nuclear reactor.

Tightening the lens to asharperfocus, it is exactly of the same type and size as envisaged by Dutton, who is proposing to build anuclear power station at Loy Yang.

On top of taking just nineyears to build, the Lucas Heights nuclear reactor has been operating perfectly safely for the past 66 years and Sydneysiders have absolutely no objections to its proximity to the CBD.

Joseph Lis

Morwell

Have your say

THE Latrobe Valley Express welcomes letters to the editor.

Preference will be given to brief,concise letters which address local issues.

The editorLiamDurkin,reserves the right to edit letters for reasons of space and clarity, and may refuse to publish any letter without explanation.

The Expressdoes not publish letters from anonymous contributors.

Letters must include aphone number, email address and the author's hometown for purposes of substantiating authenticity.

Readers are entitled to aright of reply to a letter directed at them.

While healthy debate is encouraged, the editor will use his discretion if he believes letters are becoming slagging matches between writers.

The views expressed in letters to the editor are those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Latrobe Valley Express management or staff.

The letters section is designed to allowpeople to have their say, and notbehijackedfor political agendas.

Letters regarding relig ion will not be published.

Email letters to news@lvexpress.com.au and include 'Lettertothe Editor' in the subject line Deadline forletters is Thursday 3pm.

reductionworks across more than 138,000 hectares -and because it isn’t just about this summer or this season, I’m happy to tell you that we also carried out works on more than 90,000 hectares the year before. The impacts are cumulative.

Risk reduction works include planned burns, mowin g, mulc hin g, sl ash ing and spray ing Collectively, we call these works ‘fuelmanagement’. They reduce the amount of vegetation (e.g. grass, leaves, bark, shrubs and fallen branches) available to ‘fuel’ afire, thereby reducing the likely speed or intensity of abushfire. These qualities can help fire crews to respond and put out fires while they are still small -before they can impact on communities, assets,infrastructureand the environment.You canfindout aboutplannedburns happeningnear youat: plannburns.ffm.vic.gov.au

In November, we saw some of the reward for those efforts, with afire in the Great Otways National Park -the Chapple Vale-Colac Tree Road fireshowing reduced spread in the footprint of one of our planned burnsbackinAugust.Thankfully, the fire was able to be contained beforehotter temperatures set in just days later.

Recentweeks have also shownhow we work together with and alongside our emergency sector partners. On the frontline,FFMVic has close to 1800 personnel,including fulltime and seasonal firefighters, fire lookout observers and firesupport officers. In recent months, many of them have completed training and accreditation to make sure they are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to be safe and help keep communities safe this summer.

They are supported by hundreds of emergency andincident management staff, including surge

Southwest Gippsland is predictedtohavehigher fire potential this summer File photograph

staff who have afire and emergency role in addition to their day job, as well as firefighting equipment. Our equipment includes more than 500 ultralight tankers, almost 100 heavy tankers, and more than 300 dozers, tractors, forklifts, loaders and excavators. We also have more than 50 aircraft positioned across the state to help manage bushfires, and up to 100 aircraft that can be called upon when needed. You can find outmoreabout our work at ffm vic.gov.au

Summer is afestive time in Victoria. We often have opportunities to steal abit of magic as the year comes to an end -tocome together with loved ones, to get away, to get in abit more sleep -and afew more late nights, and to reflect on the year gone by. But opportunity is never without responsibility. Now is also the time to prepare yourself and your loved ones for the fire season.

Here are somequick tips to help you get started: -Visit cfa.vic.gov.au to help you get started on aBushfire Plan so you know what you will do in case of fire;

-Download and get to know the VicEmergency app -then set up ‘watch zones’ and turn on notifications to be kept up to date wherever you are;

-Get to knowthe Australian Fire Danger Ratings System -and workout what fire danger ratingwill trigger your Bushfire Plan; -Plan your travel -head to exploreoutdoors.vic. gov.autohelp you stay safe when visiting state forests, and; -Never leave acampfire unattended -ifthey are cool to touch, they are safe to leave.

Wishing everyone asafe and happy festive season. Chris Hardman is Forest Fire Management Victoria Chief Fire Officer.

Sad sight: Letter writer Neil Hauxwell believes the amountofhardrubbish leftout forcollection by locals reflects poorly on consumerism. Photograph supplied

Forecast:

HOROSCOPES

by Joanne Madeline Moore

Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 19)

December 9-December 15,2024

Your ruler Mars (planet of energy and action) is retrograde until February 24 So its not a suitable time to initiate challenging projects and plans that require heaps of energy, enthusiasm and pioneering enterprise Which is frustrating news for everyone but especially for fiery Aries folk Smart Rams will slow down, rewind, relax recharge research rehearse and revise projects and plans that can then be put into dynamic practise from late February on

Taurus (Apr 20 - May 20)

The Full Moon urges you to shine a spotlight on financial matters and personal values Do you need to let go of certain people, possessions or attitudes that have passed their used-by-date? With the Sun, Moon, Jupiter and retro Mercury activating your money zones, be careful your main form of entertainment isn’t shopping Your bank balance (and budget) won’t appreciate a shop-tillyou-drop kind of week Friday night favours socialising with colleagues

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

Expect a week crammed full of crazy shenanigans, Gemini! Mercury (your ruling planet) is reversing through your partnership zone, and mighty Mars is reversing through your communication zone Plus Sundays Full Moon lights up your sign So close relationships will be tricky as messages get mixed up and conversations become very confusing Smart Twins will think (carefully) before speaking and consider (carefully) before making any major moves

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 22)

Mighty Mars is reversing through your self-esteem zone until February 24, and there’s a Full Moon in your self-sabotage zone Which could dent your Crab confidence, dampen your enthusiasm, and make you doubt your intuition Don’t dwell on the negatives! Hold your head high and trust your inner judgement Be inspired by fellow Cancerian, Princess Diana: “I work on instinct It’s my best advisor ” Friday favours catching up with work colleagues and friends

Leo (July 23 - Aug 22)

Fiery Mars is reversing through fire sign Leo for the next ten weeks, so Lions will lack enthusiasm and general mojo during this retrograde period Its time to hit the pause button, which will stymie motivation and increase impatience, especially involving personal projects and close relationships Jumping to conclusions is definitely not recommended! Hasty words and ambiguous comments will only lead to dramas (especially on Thursday)

Virgo (Aug 23 - Sep 22)

Mars is reversing through your seclusion and karma zone unt l February 24 So it s time to he p those around you (espec al y fr ends and fam ly members) in a quiet, low-key, behind-the-scenes kind of way On Friday you’ l find compromise and praise w ll get you a ot further than crit cismno matter how ‘constructive’ it is! With Sunday’s Full Moon activating your career zone, think big when it comes to your job, work contacts and professional plans

Many talented Librans have ambitious aspirations for the future But a cherished goal or a longed-for dream could be delayed, as Mars reverses through your hopes and wishes zone for the next ten weeks Try to be extra patient! Good things will eventually come to those who wait Thursday looks challenging, as Mars opposes your ruler Venus Charm and cooperation will help you steer your way through problems with maximum diplomacy and minimum stress

Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21)

Mars is reversing through your professional zone until February 24, so its not an ideal time to look for employment apply for a job or start a challenging work project You’ll require plenty of diplomacy discretion patience and persistence, as you navigate a bumpy career path over the next couple of months Your motto is from actor (and fellow Scorpio) Ethan Hawke: Success isn t measured by what you achieve, it’s measured by the obstacles you overcome ”

Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21)

Resist the overwhelming urge to be extra impulsive and impetuous! Theres a Full Moon on Sunday and Mars is retrograde (until February 24) so you need to apply the brakes and think before you speak act and post Otherwise you could upset others with your hasty words and reckless actions When it comes to your Sagittarian aspirations for the future, the main quality you need to cultivate at the moment is patience, as you slow your motor and cool your heels

Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19)

Are you worrying about something or someone? (Of course you are – you re a Capricorn!) If you are patient and have the confidence to listen to your wise inner voice, then it will point you in the right direction Sundays Full Moon stimulates your wellbeing zone, so jump off the comfy couch and get moving Nutritious meals are also on the celestial menu, as you take more interest in your health and more pride in your appearance

COPYRIGHTJoanneMadelineMoore2024

Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18)

Don’t expect close relationships to run like clockwork this week, as Mars reverses through your partnership zone (until February 24) If you respond to problems deftly and diplomatically then things will soon be back on an even keel But there could be sudden disruptions or hidden surprises as Sunday’s Full Moon stirs up plans involving romance, children or friends If you keep your Aquarian adaptability muscles well-flexed, then you’ll manage just fine

Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20)

Expect some chal enges and setbacks over the next ten weeks, as Mars reverses through your dai y rout ne and job zone Retro Mars and retro Mercury remind you to reboot your work schedule and exercise routine, so they are more enjoyable and sustainable Keep on keep ng on P sces! Then Sunday’s Full Moon sh nes a br ght spotlight on home, fami y, and the ong list of domest c chores and DIY pro ects waiting to be done Don’t hesitate to ask others for help

around Moe

MOE has anumberofstreet names with an aviation theme.

Aviators and their achievements were big news in the early decades of the 20th century.

So when Moe boomed after World War 2asthe StateElectricity Commission quickly expanded its operations in the Latrobe Valley, there was still a keen interest in aviation around the community. It would not havebeen asurprisetohavean aviation theme adopted for streetnames in the newly developing housing estates south of the railway line. Here is the background to some of the names used.

Wirraway Street

NAMED after the famous Australian-built two seater WW2 plane.Ithad two forward Vickers machineguns synchronisedtofirethrough the propeller and one in the back usedbythe observer. It was used in avariety of roles from bombing to ground attack.

The Wirraway is believed to be an Aboriginal word meaning ‘challenge’ and was manufactured in Australia by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation between 1939 and 1946.

The design was an Australian version of the North American NA-16 training aircraft.

Canberra Street

NAMED for the Canberra bomber -Australia’s first jet bomber.

At the time it could fly at ahigher altitude than any other aircraft in the world at 21,430 metres. It had atop speed of 870kmh and was built by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation. It first came into operation with the RAAF in 1956.

Bristol Street

NAMED after the BristolaircraftofWW2. The BristolAeroplane Companywas the first of a number of British aviation companies, designing and manufacturing airframes and aircraft engines. The company began in 1910 in the early days of the aviation industry.

During WW2the Beaufighter wasits most recognised aircraft.

Eventually in 1959, Bristol merged with other companies to form the British Aircraft Corporation.

Hinkler Street

NAMED afterHerbert John Hinkler (1892-1933), an Australian said to be one of the finest aviators of his time.

He was born in Bundaberg, Queenslandand first served as amechanic with the Sopwith aviation company, butthenenlisted and flewwith the Royal Navy Air Service in WW1. After the war he worked as atest pilot for AVRO.

In April 1921, he organised for his AVRO 543 Baby plane to be shipped home to Sydney, and he then flew 700 miles non-stop to Bundaberg to return to his parent’s home. He landed on the Bundaberg Foundry Green and then taxied the plane to the street of his family home.

In 1928, on February 7, he set off for Australia usingacompass and aLondon Times Atlas. He flew via Africa, the Middle East and South East Asia to Darwin where he landed on February 22 and set arecord of less than 16 days compared to the earlier record of 27 days, 22 hours. He was treated as ahero and around 80,000 people went to Mascot Airport in Sydney to welcome him.

On January 6, 1933, Hinkler took off from England to break the England to Australiarecord of eight days, 22 hours, 47 minutes.

Who wouldhavethought: Manystreets names in Moe arelinked with aviation. One of the town’s mainstreetsisWirraway St, named afterthe famous Australian twoseater plane used in WorldWar 2(pictured). Photograph supplied

KingsfordStreet

NAMED after the famousAustralian airman Charles Kingsford Smith,born in Brisbane in 1897

‘Smithy’ as he was called, was rated as the greatest airman of his time and was knighted for his achievements.

In 1928, he made the first transpacific flight from the United States to Australia, the first non-stop crossing of the Australian mainland and the first flights between Australia and New Zealand.There were various other achievements. He disappeared in 1935 when flying between India and Singapore, attempting to break the England to Australia speed record.

Hawker Street

NAMED after HarryHawker; afamous Australian aviator who was born in Moorabbin in 1889. In 1910 he went to Diggers Rest to see the first demonstrationofflight in Australiaand wasso taken by aviationthat he travelledtoEngland and gained employment with the Sopwith Company as amechanic,became apilot, then atest pilot and then adesigner.

He was highly regarded in Britishaviation. On May 18, 1919 he set off fromStJohns Newfoundland in aSopwith B1, with anavigator (Kenneth MacKenzie), aiming to win the $10,000 prize for the first to cross the Atlantic.

However, the plane landed in the sea and they were luckily picked up by aship enroute to the Outer Hebrides. In May they reached shore and were given ahugereceptionfor being so close to success.Bert and Kenneth MacKenzie were granted the Air Force Cross by King George V. Harry Hawker was circling the Burnt Oak and RAF Hendon airfields in aNiueportGoshawk biplane when it caught fire and exploded on impact on July 12, 1921.

His name lived on in the Hawker de Havilland division of Boeing. HGHawker Engineering had been set up in 1920 by Hawker and Thomas Sopwith and two others.

On January 7, he was seen over Italy but then nothing more was heard. Asearch was set up but finally called off when nothing was found.

This week

Later that year, an Italian hiker discovered the plane in the Pratomagno Alps. His body was retrieved and he was given astate funeral by the Mussolini government and his body placed in an Italian cemetery.

Otheraviation related names include Avro Court (Avro Anson Britishbomber), LincolnSt (after the Lincoln bomber of WW2),KeithAvenue (Keith Smith, aviator), Ross St (after aviator Ross Smithwho was also given aknighthood) and Parer Avenue (after Ray Parer, aviator). Information and words provided by Moe District Historical Society.

GIPPSLAND Water is reminding customers that help is available for waterbillpayments in the lead up to the festive season.

Gippsland Water Managing Director,Sarah Cumming acknowledged the end of the year could bring additional financial pressure, and said the organisation’s customer care team was available to talk through the assistance options available.

“We understand our customers want to spend the festive break with those most important to them, whichcan mean added costs like gifts, celebrations and travel expenses,” Ms Cumming said.

“It’simportant customers can enjoy this time without the addedpressure of an unpaid waterbill.

“We can easily and confidentially help customers

switch to aflexiblepaymentplan that allowsbills to be paid in smaller, regularinstalments and is tailored to theirneeds.

“We’reheretohelp. If you’re finding it hard to keep up withyourwaterbill, please reach out to us.Our friendly customer careteamisready to help find the best option for you.”

Flexible payment options also include payment extensions for those who need alittle longer to pay their bill, assistanceapplying for government utilityrelief grants, and referralstofinancial counsellorsand government assistance programs. To findout more,visit:gippswater.com.au/ customercare

TheGuide

GARDENINGAUSTRALIA

ABC TV,Friday, 7.30pm

Getting out into thegarden might be the perfect respite forgreen-thumbed viewers lookingtodecompress amid the frantic festiveseason. At thevery least, you’ll getsome important jobs done beforeyour guests descend or youhead away on holiday.And there’s plentyofinspiration to be found in this Christmas special. Tonight,Millie visits acreativecouple who havecultivated their own hedge maze,while Hannah toursafarm withsomemarket gardeners who takeaholistic approach to growingtheir own produce. Also,Costa (pictured) visitsa gardener whose passion forplantscontinuesinher retirement village courtyard.

MAGICAL TRAIN

JOURNEYSIN

SWITZERLAND

SBS, Saturday, 7 30pm

From astonishing alpine valleys to majestic mountain ranges, landscapes don’t get much morecaptivating than the wonders to be found in scenic Switzerland. Andthere’snobetterway to explorethese memorable vistas than by rail.This mesmerising docuseriesoffers armchair travellers the chance to enjoythe breathtaking panoramas from the comfort of their couch, while also providing fascinating insights intothe landlocked European countryand its people. Tonight’spremiereepisode climbs aboardthe GotthardPanorama Express, whichtravels south from LakeLucerne,through the historic tunnel in the Gotthard Massif, to Lugano at the bordertoItaly

Wednesday,December11

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6am Morning Programs. 9.20 ForThe Love Of Dogs. (PGa,R) 10.20 Paddington Station24/7 (PGl, R) 11.10 The Bridges That Built London. (PGa, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBSNews. 2.00 Lost ForWords. (PG, R) 3.00 Dishing It Up (R) 3.30 TheCook Up.(R) 4.00 Australian FashionPast, Present, Future. (PGln) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

PICK OF THE WEEK

CRICKET:BIG BASH LEAGUE

Seven, Sunday, 7pm

Clear your schedule cricket fans Christmas has come early with tonight s return of the blockbuster Big Bash League The 14th edition of the annual domestic Twenty20 tournament will be played across the next six weeks culminating in the final on January 27 The bumper 2024-25 season kicks off with five-time champions the Perth Scorchers hosting the Melbourne Stars at Optus Stadium In an action-packed schedule, the Stars will then back up from this clash to face reigning premiers the Brisbane Heat at the MCG on Wednesday A commentary team led by Aaron Finch and Ricky Ponting will help sports-mad spectators keep their eyes firmly on the ball

LOVE ISLAND AUSTRALIA

9Go!, Monday, 8.30pm

6.00 ABite To EatWith Alice 6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABCNews.

7.30 7.30

8.00 Hard Quiz. (PG)

8.30 Question Everything. (Final) PresentedbyWil Anderson and JanFran. 9.05 QI. (Mls) Hosted by Sandi Toksvig. 9.35 TheCleaner (Mdl, R)

10.35 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. (R) 11.15 ABC Late News. 11.30 The Business. (R) 11.50 Summer Love.(Ml, R) 12.55 Grand Designs: The Streets. (Ml, R) 1.40 KillingEve.(MA15+v R) 2.25 Long Lost Family.(PG,R) 3.10 Rage (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.40 Megafauna: What Killed Australia’s Giants? (Final,R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 IKEA: HowDoTheyReally Do It? (Ml, R) Takesalook at IKEA

8.30 PanAm: RiseAnd Fall Of An Aviation Icon. (PG, R) Looksatthe history of defunctairline PanAm. 9.30 TheOld Man (MA15+v) Harper learns an impossible truth.

10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Maxima. (Mls) 11.50 Pagan Peak. (Malsv, R) 2.00 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PG,R) 3.00 Employable Me (USA) (Mal, R) 3.45 Fantastical FactoryOfCurious Craft. (PG, R) 4.40 Bamay (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight

VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 4pm Andy’sGlobalAdventures. 4.15 Fireman Sam. 4.30 Nella ThePrincess Knight 4.40 BuilderBrothersDream Factory. 4.55 Bluey 5.00 Peppa Pig 5.15 Supertato 5.20 PJ MasksPower Heroes. 5.35 Peter Rabbit. 5.45 Kiri And Lou. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 Kangaroo Beach. 6.20 Bluey 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Pfffirates 6.50 Ginger AndThe Vegesaurs 6.55 Hey Duggee. 7.05 AndyAnd The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun TheSheep 7.35 The Inbestigators. 7.50 Operation Ouch! 8.20 Doctor Who 9.50 Mythbusters“There’s Your Problem!” 10.15 Horrible Histories. 10.35 LatePrograms. ABC FAMILY (22)

11.55 Emily.(2022, M) 2.20am The Glorias. (2020,M) 5.00 The Bookshop.(2017,PG)

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 The Kingdom: The World’sMost Powerful Prince. (Final, Ma, R) 11.00Antiques Roadshow.(R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National Press Club Address. (Final) 1.35To Be Advised. 2.00 Poh’s KitchenOnThe Road.(R) 2.30 Take 5With Zan Rowe. (PG, R) 3.00 ABiteToEat With Alice. (R) 3.30 Long Lost Family.(PG,R) 4.15Grand Designs: TheStreets. (PG, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show.(PG) 11.30 SevenMorning News. 12.00 MOVIE: Sweet Navidad (2021, PGa) 2.00 Surveillance Oz (PG, R) 2.15 Catch Phrase. (PG, R) 3.00 Cricket. Women’s One Day International Series. Australia vIndia. Game 3. 4.00 SevenNewsAt4 5.00 TheChaseAustralia.

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Cricket. Women’s One Day International Series. Australia vIndia. Game 3. 10.30 Seven’sCricket: The Spin. (Return) Adeep dive into the world of cricket. 11.15 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera (PGa, R) Footage of headline-grabbing moments.

12.15 Stan Lee’sLucky Man. (MA15+av) Harry investigates aspate of drownings

1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Hosted by GregGrainger

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBCToday. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.

(72,62)

There’snoquestion: this season ofreality romance LoveIslandAustralia been the wildest yet, with lust,betrayal and heartache at everyturn. Tonight’sfinale, however, is all about love,ashostSophie Monk (pictured gathers the final threecouples to catch up on the pastfew days and take look back at their Spanish summer. We get to see some very photogenic young people grow rather nervous as theymeettheirparamour’s parent forthe firsttime, then one couple makes it “official” as boyfriend and girlfriend. There’salso one lastchallenge in storeand asurprising return sends shockwaves through the villa, beforethe winningcouple is named Hot and spicy to the end, it’saddictiveviewing has d) e a c ts d

TEN (10, 5)

6.00 Today 9.00 Today ExtraSummer (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Sincerely TrulyChristmas. (2023, PGa) Jake Epstein, PaulaBrancati, Phoenix Ellis. 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9NewsAfternoon 4.30[VIC]TippingPoint Australia.(PG) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG,R) 5.30[VIC]WINNews.

6.00 9News

7.00 ACurrentAffair

7.30 Taronga: Who’s WhoInThe Zoo: Platypus Emergency (PGam)

8.30 Budget Battlers. (PGl) Hosted by Jess Evaand Norm Hogan. 9.40 Britain’s Most Expensive Houses. (PGl) Guy heads to Barbados.

10.40 Millionaire Holiday Home Swap (PG)

11.40 Law&Order: Organized Crime. (Mav) 12.30 Tipping Point. (PG,R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop.(R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 3.30 World Aquatics Championships. Budapest 2024.Day 2. Finals. 5.00 TodayEarly News. 5.30 Today

(92,81)

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer

6.30 TheProject Alook at the day’snews. 7.30 Shark Tank (Final, PGa) Amum pitchesher solution to untanglingkids’hair 8.40 NCIS. (Mv) Knight is assigned to protecthis wife afterthe home of a high-leveldefence

Pitchperfect: From left, Damien Fleming, Erin Holland, Ricky Ponting and Brad Hodge call BBL14

Thursday, December12

ABC (2)

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Australian Story.(R) 10.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Grand Designs Australia. (PG, R) 1.55 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.30 Take 5With ZanRowe.(PG,R)

6.00 ABiteToEat With Alice.

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News

7.30 7.30 Presented by Sarah Ferguson.

8.00 Grand Designs Australia: Newtown Impossible. (Final, PG) Hosted by Anthony Burke

9.00 Fake Or Fortune? Elisabeth Frink. (Return) Asculpture’s provenance is explored.

10.00 Long Lost Family:What Happened Next. (PGa)

10.45 ABC Late News

11.00 TheBusiness. (Final, R) 11.20 Grand Designs:The Streets. (PG,R)

12.05 KillingEve.(MA15+v,R) 12.50 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 1.35 Rage.(MA15+adhlnsv)

3.30 AI vs Human: The Creativity Experiment (R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

The Bridges That Built London. (PG, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 ThePoint:Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 2.05 Such WasLife. (PG, R) 2.15 Lost ForWords. (PG, R) 3.15 Plat Du Tour 3.25 TheCook Up.(R) 3.55 Australian Fashion Past, Present, Future. (PGa) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS WorldNews

7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG)BiancaHunt goes countrywitha musician.

8.30 Gods Of Tennis: Björn Borg And John McEnroe. (Ml, R) Exploresthe rivalry betweenSwedish sex symbolBjörn Borg and tabloid badboy John McEnroe

9.30 Miniseries: Steeltown Murders. (Mal) Paul searchesfor higher approval.

10.40 SBSWorld NewsLate 11.10 DNA (Return,MA15+a)

12.05 Blackout: Tomorrow Is TooLate.(Malv R) 1.00 Miniseries: TheNight LoganWoke Up.(MA15+ns, R) 2.00 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PGa, R) 2.55 Employable Me (USA) (Ma, R) 3.45 Fantastical Factory Of Curious Craft.(PG, R) 4.40 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHKWorld English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe WorldTonight

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.05pm Kangaroo Beach. 6.20 Bluey 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Pfffirates. 6.50 Ginger And TheVegesaurs. 6.55 HeyDuggee. 7.05 Andy And The Band 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep 7.35 The Inbestigators. 7.50 Operation Ouch! 8.20 SecretsOfThe Zoo. 9.05 Teenage Boss: Next Level. 9.35 Doctor Who. 10.20 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!” 10.45 Late Programs.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The MorningShow.(PG) 11.30 SevenMorningNews. 12.00 MOVIE: Candy Coated Christmas. (2021, PGa, R) 1.45 MotorbikeCops. (PGl, R) 2.15 Catch Phrase. (PG, R) 3.00 TheChase. (R) 4.00 SevenNews At 4. 5.00 TheChase Australia.

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 TheSeven:7NEWS—Year In Review Takesalookatthe stories that shaped 2024 7.30 DogsBehaving (Very) Badly (PGa, R) Hosted by Graeme Hall. 8.30 MOVIE: In TheLine Of Fire. (1993,Mlv,R)A US Secret Service agent, haunted by hisfailure to prevent the assassination of President Kennedy,istaunted by akiller who boasts abouthis intention to murder the current president. Clint Eastwood,JohnMalkovich, Rene Russo. 11.10 Pam& Tommy. (MA15+lns) Pamela Anderson and TommyLee getmarried. 12.10 CriminalConfessions: Killer Friends (Malv, R) 1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 HomeShopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today ExtraSummer.(PG) 11.30 9News Morning 12.00 MOVIE: The Heiress Of Christmas. (2023, G) KaterinaMariaVitkoff, DavidWilliamPinard. 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 TippingPoint.(PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30[VIC] TippingPointAustralia.(PG) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R) 5.30[VIC]WINNews.

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 GreatGetaways. (PG) The team cruises the Caribbeaninstyle

8.30 Emergency (Mm) Dr Sarah Whitelaw treatsa man whose foot was slashedbyalawnmower blade.

9.30 A+EAfter Dark. (Mlm) An alcoholdependent patient is transferred to resus after afall just in time to intercept aseizure.

10.30 Captivated. (Premiere, Mal)Asingle mother meets amysterious stranger

11.25 Resident Alien. (Mav)

12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.05 CrossCourt (R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping (R)

2.30 Global Shop (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 3.30 World Aquatics Championships. Budapest 2024.Day 3. Finals. 5.00 Today Early News 5.30 Today

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by GrantDenyer.

6.30 TheProject. Alookatthe day’snews. 7.30 TopGear Australia. (Final, PGls) The boys get abudget of $5K each to buya vehicle that mightbeperfect for anything the gig economy could throw at them.

8.50 MOVIE: TheItalianJob (2003,Mlv,R)Agangofthievesbrings LosAngeles traffic to astandstilltosteal millions of dollars worth of gold. Mark Wahlberg, CharlizeTheron, Edward Norton. 11.05 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sportand weather 11.30 TheProject (R)A look at the day’snews. 12.30 TheLate ShowWith Stephen Colbert (PG) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBSMornings. 6am WorldWatch.

10.00 Bamay 10.35 It’s Suppertime! 12.05pm WorldWatch. 12.35 Who Gets To Stay In Australia? 1.40 The Swiping Game 2.00 PlanetA 2.50 Earthworks. 3.45 WorldWatch. 5.45 JoyOfPainting. 6.15 Curse Of Oak Island. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats DoesCountdown. 8.30 Holy Marvels With Dennis Quaid. 10.05 The LastOverland: Singapore To London. 11.55 Late Programs.

Bookshop.Continued. (2017, PG) 7.05 The Wild Duck. (1983,PG) 8.55 An Ideal Husband. (1999 PG) 10.45 Corsage. (2022, M) 12.50pm Waiting ForAnya. (2020,M) 2.50 The MovieShow. 3.25 The Young Victoria. (2009,PG) 5.25 ICapture The Castle. (2003, PG) 7.30 Risky Business. (1983,M) 9.25 TheLost King. (2022, M) 11.25 Dead Man Down.(2013,MA15+) 1.35am Late Programs. SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 1.45pm No Ordinary Black: Mudskipper 2.00 Moko.

Friday, December 13

ABCTV (2) SBS (3)

6am The

Survivor 47 9.30 Love IslandAustralia. 10.40 MOVIE: The Boss.(2016,MA15+) 12.35am TheO.C 1.35 The Nanny 2.35 Life After Lockup 3.30 BeybladeX 4.00 Transformers: Prime. 4.30 Late

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News

Mornings. 10.00 Back Roads. (R) 10.30 IWas Actually There. (PG, R) 11.00 Royal Carols: Together At Christmas 2022. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Shetland. (Mal, R) 2.00 Maggie Beer’s BigMission.(R) 3.00 ABite To Eat WithAlice.(R) 3.25 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 4.15 Grand Designs: The Streets. (Final, PG, R) 5.00 AntiquesRoadshow.(R)

6.00 ABiteToEat With Alice. 6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG,R) 7.00 ABC News

7.30 Gardening Australia Christmas Special. Millie Ross exploresa hedgemaze.

8.30 Shetland. (Final,Mal) As the investigation drawstoaclose, Tosh and Calder try to unravel the mystery at the heart of the Bains.

9.30 QuestionEverything. (Final, R) Presented by WilAnderson and Jan Fran 10.05 Hard Quiz. (PG,R) 10.35 TheCleaner (Mdl, R) 11.35 ABCLate News. (Final) 11.50 QI. (Mls, R) 12.20 The Kingdom: The World’sMost Powerful Prince. (Final,Ma, R) 1.20 Rage New Music.(MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage.(PG)

6am MorningPrograms. 10.20 Paddington Station 24/7.(PGal, R) 11.10 The Bridges That Built London. (PGa, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Such WasLife.(R) 2.10 Lost For Words. (PGal, R) 3.10 Plat Du Tour 3.15 The Cook Up.(R) 3.45 Australian Fashion Past, Present,Future. (PGadln) 5.05 Jeopardy!(R) 5.30 Letters AndNumbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS WorldNews 7.30 EveryFamily Has ASecret: LindaLawless And LisaBird (PGa, R) Presented by Noni Hazlehurst 8.35 SammyBySammy: My Tale Of The60s. Alook at the life and career of renownedsingerand actor Sammy DavisJrduring theyears1957to1968

9.35 Kennedy:The BrinkOfWar (October 1962-June 1963) Kennedy pursuesdiplomacywiththe Soviets.

10.25 SBS WorldNewsLate 10.55 Elvira. (Mal) 12.35 The Wall: The Orchard. (MA15+as, R) 3.00 Employable Me (USA) (Ma, R) 3.50 Heritage Rescue. (R) 4.40 Bamay.(R) 5.00

NHKWorld English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe WorldTonight

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Pfffirates. 6.50 Ginger And The Vegesaurs. 6.55 Hey Duggee. 7.05 Andy And The Band 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep 7.35 StarWars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Teen Titans Go! 8.00 Scooby-Doo And GuessWho? 8.25 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!” 8.50 Robot Wars:BattleOfThe Stars. 9.50 Doctor Who 10.35 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Time Bandits. Continued.(1981, PG) 7.10 Belle. (2013,PG) 9.05 The Young Victoria.(2009, PG) 11.00 Thelma &Louise.(1991, M) 1.30pm The Bookshop. (2017, PG) 3.35 The Wild Duck. (1983 PG)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorning Show. (PG) 11.30 SevenMorningNews 12.00 MOVIE: LastTrain To Christmas. (2021, PGaln, R) 2.15 CatchPhrase. (PG, R) 3.00 TheChase. (R) 4.00 SevenNews At 4. 5.00 TheChase Australia.

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens

Summer Johanna Griggs and Adam Dovile backpack to Ireland. Chef Clarissa Feildel shows herpotstickers.

8.30 MOVIE: West Side Story. (2021, Mv,R)In’50s NewYork, aforbidden love affair blossoms amid the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds, over control of the SanJuan Hill community Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler,Ariana DeBose.

11.35 OzHarvest Unite To Feed Australia. (PGa, R) Aonenight-only fundraising event.

2.00 Home Shopping (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute.

(R)Hosted by Grant Denyer

5.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.

6.00 Today 9.00 Today ExtraSummer (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: A Christmas Break. (2020, G) CindySampson, Steve Byers. 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30[VIC]TippingPoint Australia.(PG) 5.00 Tipping

WINNews.

6.00 9News.

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 Find My Beach House Australia. HostedbyShelley Craft.

8.30 MOVIE: Bad Moms 2. (2017,MA15+als, R) After theirown mothers drop in unexpectedly,three unappreciated and overburdened women rebel againstthe expectations of organising the “perfect” Christmas for their families and unwanted visitors. Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell,Kathryn Hahn.

10.30 MOVIE: Fighting With My Family (2019, Malv, R) Awrestler’skids dream of abrighter future. Florence Pugh

12 30 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 World AquaticsChampionships. Budapest2024.Day 4. Finals

TEN (10, 5)

6.00 Deal Or No Deal (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer

6.30 TheProject Alookatthe day’snews. 7.30 MOVIE: Daddy’sHome. (2015,Mlv,R)A radio show host, determined to be agoodfather to his stepchildren, hashis plans upset by their biological dad. Will Ferrell,Mark Wahlberg. 9.30 Matlock. (PGa,R)Olympia and Julian get asecondshotatacase regardinga tragic deathdue to contaminated baby formula. 10.30 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sportand weather 10.55 TheProject (R)Alook at theday’snews. 12.00 TheLate ShowWith Stephen Colbert. (PG)Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Bamay 10.35 It’s Suppertime! 11.55 WorldWatch. 12.25pm The Wrestlers. 2.15 Tiny Beautiful Things. 2.50 MakeAmerica SwiftAgain 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.45 JoyOfPainting. 6.15 Curse Of OakIsland. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 ALeague Of Their Own: Mexican Road Trip.(Premiere) 10.20 Homeland. 12.55am Late Programs.

Saturday, December14

ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (7,6)

(9, 8) 6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Rage.(PG) 10.30 Rage FIFTY 2024 PreviewSpecial.(PG) 12.00 News. 12.25 All CreaturesGreat And Small. (PGa, R) 1.15 Miniseries: Douglas Is Cancelled. (Ml, R) 1.55 QuestionEverything. (Final, R) 2.25 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 3.15 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery.(R) 3.40 Solar System WithBrian Cox. (R) 4.40 Headliners. (PG,R) 5.35 Landline. (R)

6.00 Take 5With Zan Rowe: Neil Finn. (PG, R) ZanRowe chats with Neil Finn.

6.30 Muster Dogs: Where AreThey Now. (R) Presented by Lisa Millar

7.00 ABCNews. Alook at the top stories of the day

7.30 All Creatures Great And Small. (PG) James and Helen help some new farmers.

8.20 Vera (Mv,R)Veraand her team investigate the death of aJohn Doe, whose body wasfound in apit on afarm.

9.50Miniseries:Douglas Is Cancelled. (Ml, R) ATVpresenter is cancelled. 10.30 Shetland (Malv,R)Calder and Tosh must work together.

11.30 Rage FIFTY2024 Special. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 RageFIFTY2024BestOfThe Rest Special. (PG)

6am MorningPrograms. 9.00 Destination Flavour China Bitesize.(R) 9.05 TheEco Show (R) 10.05 Love Your Garden. (PGa, R) 11.00 Along Ireland’sShores. (PG, R) 11.30 BBC News At Ten. 12.00 PBS News. 1.00 Surf Life Saving. Shaw andPartners Iron Series. Day 1. Round 1. 3.00 ABC World News Tonight 3.30 Plat Du Tour 3.35 Ethnic Business Awards. 5.35 Weeks Of War. (PG, R) 6.00 NBCToday 7.00 WeekendSunrise. 10.30 Test Cricket: Pre-Game Show. 11.20 Cricket. Third Test.Australia

6.30 SBS WorldNews

7.30 Magical Train Journeys In Switzerland: Aboard The GotthardPanorama ExpressFrom LakeLucerne To Ticino (PGa) Documents scenic Swiss train journeys.

9.25 TheGreat House Revival: Old Schoolhouse, Ballyoughter, Co Wexford. (PG) Presented by Hugh Wallace. 10.25 Great Australian Railway Journeys. (PGa, R)

11.35 Miniseries: TheDark Heart. (MA15+as, R) 1.20 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (R) 2.20 Employable Me (USA) (Ma, R) 3.10 MakeMeADealer.(R) 4.00 Heritage Rescue (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.

6am WorldWatch.

10.00 Bamay 10.35 It’s Suppertime! 12.05pm Scrubs. 2.10 Beyond OakIsland. 3.00 Jungletown.

3.50 BBC News At Ten. 4.20 ABC World News Tonight. 4.50 PBS News. 5.50 TheMega-Brands That BuiltThe World 7.35 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 Icons Unearthed: HarryPotter.(Premiere) 10.20 Hudson &Rex Midnight TheX-Files. 2.45 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs.

2.05pm The Last Land: Gespe’gewa’gi. 2.35 No Distance Between Us 2.50 MOVIE: The RedTurtle. (2016,PG) 4.20 The First Inventors 5.15 Black As. 5.20 BlackAnd Dusty 6.10 No Ordinary Black. 6.20 NITVNews: Summer Yarns. 6.30 The OtherSide. 7.30 AloneAustralia. 8.30 MOVIE: Gremlins. (1984 M) 10.25 Ub40 Feat. AliCampbell LiveConcert 12.05am Late Programs.

6am

Diana. Continued. (2013, PG) 7.55 ICapture The Castle. (2003, PG) 10.00 The Lost King. (2022, M) Noon The Zookeeper’s Wife. (2017,M) 2.20 Belle. (2013,PG) 4.15 MuchAdo About Nothing. (1993, PG) 6.20 Agatha Christie’s Crooked House.(2017 PG) 8.30 Seven. (1995,MA15+) 10.50 Post Coitum, Animal Triste.(1997, M, French) 12.40am Unknown Soldier.(2017,MA15+, Finnish) 3.05 Late Programs.

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 VictorianSchools Spectacular. (PG) Coverage of the Victorian State School Spectacular from John Cain Arena, Melbourne. 9.30 NSW Schools Spectacular (PG) Coverage of the Schools Spectacular from the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney’s Olympic Park. Features dance and musical performances by students from diverse backgrounds and communitiesacrossNSW 12.00 Taken. (Mav,R)Kilroy tracks anotorious hacker

1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Hosted by GregGrainger. 1.30 Harry’sPractice. (R) Information about petcare 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 It’sAcademic (R) HostedbySimonReeve 5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG, R)

7TWO (72, 62)

6am Home Shopping. 8.30 Travel Oz. 10.00 Escape To The Country Noon Horse Racing.Caulfield Christmas,The Ingham Charity Raceday and Grand Prix Stakes Raceday 6.00 Horse Racing. Gold Rush Day. 9.00 IEscaped To The Country 10.00 Australia’sAmazing Homes. 11.00 The Yorkshire Vet. Midnight Animal Rescue 12.30 My Greek Odyssey. 1.30 The GreatAustralian Doorstep 2.00 Late Programs.

6am Morning

6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 MOVIE: Elf (2003, G, R) Aman raised as an elf at Santa’s North Pole home embarks on ajourney to find his biological father.Will Ferrell, James Caan.

9.30 MOVIE: Candy Cane Lane. (2023,PGls) Aman makes apactwith an elf to help him win his neighbourhood’s annual Christmas decorating contest. Eddie Murphy,Tracee Ellis Ross, Jillian Bell.

11.50 MOVIE: Blue Canaries. (2023,MA15+alv,R)A desperate teenager goes on the run. Tahlee Fereday

1.50 My Way. (R)

2.00 TheIncredibleJourney Presents. (PGa)

2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 World AquaticsChampionships. Budapest 2024.Day 5. Finals.

5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

9GEM (92, 81)

6am Morning Programs. 8.30 Tomorrow’sWorld. 9.00 TurningPoint. 9.30 TV Shop 10.00 Helping Hands. 10.30 The Baron. 11.40 Edgar Wallace Mysteries. 1pm MOVIE: Crooks Anonymous. (1962) 2.45 MOVIE: TheParty. (1968) 4.45 MOVIE: Yours, Mine And Ours. (1968) 7.00 WorldAquatics Championships. Budapest 2024.Day 5. Heats 10.00 MOVIE: Octopussy. (1983, PG) 12.40am Late Programs.

6am Children’s Programs. 12.40pm MOVIE: Pokémon The Movie: IChoose You! (2017, PG) 2.40 MOVIE: Pokémon The Movie: The PowerOfUs. (2018) 4.40 Motor Racing Formula E. SãoPaulo ePrix.H’lights. 5.45 MOVIE: The Secret Life Of Pets. (2016) 7.30 MOVIE: Harry Potter And TheHalf-Blood Prince. (2009,M) 10.30 MOVIE: Collateral Beauty.(2016,M) 12.30am Late Programs.

(10, 5)

6.30 Bondi Rescue. (PGlv,R) Jack rescues adrunkswimmer

7.00 MOVIE: TheLion King (1994,PGa,R)A young lion cub leaves his pridefor alifeinexile Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons. 9.30 TheDog House Australia. (PGa, R) Apair of Shih Tzucrossesare thelast of the fivedogs who came into the shelter after their owner died. Their mother andsiblingshavefound love so its their turn to meet their new owner.NarratedbyDrChris Brown. 10.30 Ambulance Australia. (Mdlm, R) Follows dispatchers and paramedics. 11.40 SharkTank. (PGa,R)A mum pitches hersolution to untangling kids’ hair 12.50 AmbulanceUK. (Ma, R) Theambulance service is hitbya strike. 2.00 HomeShopping. (R) 5.00 Hour OfPower

ABCTV (2)

Sunday, December 15

SBS (3)

Havewecaughtyourattention?

If youansweredyes,then just thinkhow manyother people have also seen this ad. Then saytoyourself, “ifIhadadvertisedinthisspace, thosepeoplecould bestaring atmy business,productsorservicesfor awholeweek.”

Toadvertise in theTVGuideorany other sectionofeach Wednesday’s Latrobe Valley Express, contactyourlocal representativetoday or call theofficeon 51354444 to speaktoone of ourfriendly,experienced consultants.

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Secret Science. (PG, R) 10.30 World ThisWeek.(Final,R) 11.00 Compass. (PGa, R) 11.30 Praise. 12.00 News 12.30 Nigella’s Christmas Bites. (R) 1.20 GardeningAustralia.(Final, R) 2.35 Nigella’sChristmasKitchen. (Final, R) 3.05 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PGa, R) 4.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.00 GrandDesigns Australia. (Final, PG, R) 7.00 ABCNews.

7.30 Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now.

8.00 Miniseries: Douglas Is Cancelled. (Ml) Madeline and Douglas’ first encounter is recalled

8.40 Love Me. (Mdls) Clara goes on adate with Peter 9.30 SpicksAnd Specks. (PG, R) Hosted by Adam Hills. 11.05 Take 5With Zan Rowe (Ml, R) 11.35 YouCan’t Ask That. (Mal, R) 12.40 New LeashOnLife. (R) 1.10 Rage Vault. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.05 Australia Remastered: Forces Of Nature. (R) 4.00 Gardening Australia.(R) 5.00 Pilgrimage: The Road Through NorthWales.(PG, R)

AShaun TheSheep Movie:Farmageddon.(2019) 8.55 Fresh Off TheBoat. 9.35 Speechless. 10.00 Doctor Who 10.45 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)

6am MorningPrograms. 7.30 France 24 EnglishNews 8.00 DD India News Hour 9.00 APAC Weekly.(R) 9.30 PBS Washington Week. 9.55 AscotKayaking. (PG, R) 10.00 FIFAWorld Cup Classic Matches. 12.00 Speedweek. 1.00 SurfLifeSaving. Shaw and Partners Iron Series. Day 2. Round 1. 3.00 Figure Skating. ISUGrand Prix 7. Highlights. 5.30 Weeks Of War. (PG, R)

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 After TheSky Fell On Lockerbie. (PG) Alook back at Lockerbiebombing. 9.20 Jonathan Ross’Myths And Legends: Wales. (PGa, R) Jonathan Ross explores Wales, acountry filled with hidden and intriguing legends. 10.15 Curse Of TheAncients: Pagans. (PGav,R)Charts the riseofcivilisation. 11.10 TheForest Maker. (PGa,R) 12.45 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PGas, R) 1.45 Employable Me (USA) (Mal, R) 2.35 MakeMeADealer (PG,R)

3.25 Heritage Rescue.(R) 4.15 Bamay.(R) 4.55 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World EnglishNews Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera News.

6.00 NBCToday 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.30 Test Cricket: Pre-Game Show. 11.20 Cricket. Third Test. Australia vIndia. Day 2. Morning session. 1.20 Test Cricket: The LunchBreak. 2.00 Cricket. Third Test Australia vIndia. Day 2. Afternoonsession. 4.00 Test Cricket: TeaBreak. 4.20 Cricket. Third Test. Australia vIndia.Day 2. Late afternoon session

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Cricket. BigBashLeague. Match 1. Perth Scorchers vMelbourneStars. 10.30 Big Bash League Post-Game Post-match coverage of thegame between thePerth Scorchers and MelbourneStars. 11.00 7NEWSSpotlight. (R) AlookatPrince George’s future 12.00 Miniseries: Patrick Melrose. (Mals, R) Patrick spirals back into his destructivebehaviour.

1.15 Travel Oz. (PG,R)Presented by GregGrainger.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) HostedbyGrant Denyer

4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.

5.00 Sunrise 5am News.

5.30 Sunrise

TEN (10, 5)

6.00 Hello SA.(PG,R) 6.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 7.00 WeekendToday 10.00 CrossCourt. 10.30 FishingAustralia. 11.00 Maritime Masters: Expedition Antarctica. (PG, R) 12.00 DriveTV. 12.30 Bondi Vet. (PGm, R) 1.30 MOVIE: Merry And Bright.(2019,G) Jodie Sweetin. 3.30 Endangered: Expedition Kimberley 4.30 Helloworld. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 PostcardsSummer.(PG) 6am MorningPrograms. 9.30 KeyIngredient. (Final) 10.00 Drew Barrymore. (PGas,R) 11.00 Buy To Build. (R) 11.30 GoRV. (R) 12.00 Pooches At Play.(PGa, R) 12.30 Cook With Luke. (R) 1.00 EverydayGourmet (R) 1.30 GCBC. (R) 2.00 Farm To Fork. (R)

6.00 9News Sunday.

7.00 2024 TheYearThatWas. (PGv) Presented by Amelia Adams. 8.00 John Farnham: Celebrating 60 Years. (Ml, R) Acelebration of John Farnham’s 60 years at the centre of the Australian entertainment industry

9.50 MOVIE: TheBee Gees: How Can YouMendABroken Heart. (2020,Ml, R) An exploration of the Bee Gees. Barry Gibb,Maurice Gibb 12.00 MaritimeMasters: Expedition Antarctica: TheBeginning. (PG, R)

1.00 Helloworld (R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 World AquaticsChampionships. Budapest2024.Day 6. Finals.

5.00 Today Early News 5.30 Today

6.00 TheSundayProject. Alook at the day’snews.

7.00 HarryAnd Meghan: The Rise AndFall. (PGa)Looks at Harryand Meghan’s life 8.30 TheGraham Norton Show. (Ml) GrahamNortonisjoined on the couch by guests Billy Crystal, Hugh Bonneville,Emily Mortimer,Pharrell Williams and Michael Kiwanuka.

9.40 FBI (Mav)After aparkranger is shot dead by amasked assailant, theteam discovers astring of connected crimes. 10.40 FBI:International. Wes’ former colleague enliststhe team’s help 11.30 TheSundayProject (R) Alookatthe day’snews. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBSMornings.

7.00 Children’s Programs. 12.30pm Basketball. WNBL.Adelaide Lightning vUCCapitals 2.30 SurfingAustralia TV 3.00 MotorwayCops: CatchingBritain’s Speeders. 4.00 MOVIE: Mr Mom. (1983,PG) 5.50 MOVIE:

Monday,December16

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Muster Dogs: WhereAre They Now. (R) 11.00 AntiquesRoadshow.(R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Vera.(Mv,R)

2.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 3.00 ABite To Eat With Alice. (R) 3.30 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 4.15 Grand Designs: House Of TheYear. (R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 ABite To Eat With Alice.

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG,R)

7.00 ABC News

7.30 7.30 Presented by Sarah Ferguson. 8.00 Australian Stor y: If You BuildIt– GregDonovan. (Final, R) The storyofGreg Donovan. 8.30 TheForest. (PG) Looksatthe story of an ecologist with aplan to savethe worldbyrestoring the planet’sforests.

9.35 TheRise And Fall Of Boris Johnson. (Ml, R) Scandals from Boris Johnson’s private life emerge.

10.25 ALife In TenPic tures: Robin Williams. (PG,R)

12.10 Grand Designs: House Of TheYear (R)

1.00 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 1.45 Rage (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.30 Lily’s Life Hacks. (R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

Andy And TheBand. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep 7.35 The Inbestigators. 7.55 Operation Ouch! 8.25 Hard Quiz Kids. 8.55 Teenage Boss: Next Level. 9.25 Poh’s Kitchen. 9.50 Doctor Who 10.35 Late Programs.

6am MorningPrograms. 11.00 Earth’s Sacred Wonders.(PGa,R) 12.05 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight 1.00 PBS News Weekend. 1.25 Al JazeeraNewsHour

2.00 TradFest: The Fingal Sessions. 2.30 Plat Du Tour 2.35 French Atlantic. (PG, R) 3.05 The CookUp. (R) 3.35 Australian Fashion Past, Present,Future. (PGn) 5.05 Jeopardy!(R) 5.30 Letters AndNumbers (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Costco At Christmas (R) Alook at Costco during the festiveseason. 8.30 8Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. HostedbyJimmy Carr 9.25 NeverMind TheBuzzcocks. (M)Hosted by Greg Davies. 10.05 Australia Uncovered: The Truth About Anxiety With Celia Pacquola. (Mad, R) 11.15 SBS WorldNewsLate. 11.45 Dead Mountain: The DyatlovPass Incident. (Mahv) 1.35 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 2.30 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (R) 3.35 MakeMeA Dealer (R) 4.25 Peer To Peer.(R) 4.55 Destination Flavour ScandinaviaBitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe WorldTonight

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorning Show (PG) 10.30 Test Cricket: Pre-Game Show 11.20 Cricket. Third Test.Australia vIndia. Day 3. Morningsession. 1.20 Test Cricket: TheLunch Break. 2.00 Cricket. Third Test Australia vIndia. Day 3. Afternoonsession. 4.00 Test Cricket: TeaBreak. 4.20 Cricket. ThirdTest. Australia vIndia.Day 3. Late afternoon session.

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Cricket. Big BashLeague Match 2. Sydney Sixers vMelbourne Renegades. From the SCG.

10.30 Big Bash League Post-Game Post-match coverage of the game betweenthe Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Renegades.

11.00 Murder In ASmallTown. (Mav) WhenCassandraisplaced in a life-threatening situation, Alberg and the team work to findthe culprit responsible.

12.00 Satisfac tion. (MA15+ads, R) Neil and Grace confront their infidelities.

1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Hosted by GregGrainger. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBCToday News and current affairs. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. The latest news, sportand weather 5.30 Sunrise.

(9, 8)

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today ExtraSummer (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: ChristmasInThe Highlands. (2019,G)Brooke Burfitt, Dan Jeannotte. 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 TippingPoint. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 [VIC] Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R) 5.30 [VIC] WIN News. 6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Farm To

6.00 9News

7.00 ACurrent Affair.

7.30 RBT. (Mal, R) Follows the activities of police units.

8.30 Australian Crime Stories: TheInvestigators: Undercover. (MA15+dlv,R)The story of one of Queensland’smost decorated police officers, Keith Banks.

9.40 AKiller MakesACall: Dixon. (Ma) Alook at the case of Julie Dixon.

10.50 Chicago Med (MA15+amv)

11.40 FirstOnScene. (Mv)

12.05 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.00 DriveT V. (R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’sVoiceOfVictory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair.(R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today

(R) 8.00 Neighbours. (PGa, R) 8.30

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by GrantDenyer.

6.30 TheProjec t. Alook at the day’snews. 7.30 Wheel Of Fortune Australia. Hosted by Graham Norton. 8.30 Matlock. (PGal) Matty works on acase with Julian. Olympia learns asecret about Julian’spast. 9.30 Five Bedrooms. (Mals) Liz bears the brunt of Harry’sanger and grief and, in an effort to rescue their friendship,asks someone forhelp 10.30 10’s LateNews. Coverage of news, sportand weather 10.55 TheProjec t. (R) Alook at the day’snews. 12.00 TheLate ShowWith Stephen Colber t. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBSMorning s. 6am

3.35 WorldWatch. 5.45 JoyOfPainting. 6.15 Curse Of OakIsland. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats 8.30 The UnBelievable With Dan Aykroyd 9.20 MisadventuresOfRomesh.

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. Noon Hart Of Dixie. 2.00 IDream Of Jeannie. 2.30 Bewitched. 3.00 The Golden Girls. 3.30 TheNanny 4.30 The Addams Family 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 6.00 The Golden Girls. 6.30 The Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 LoveIsland Australia (Final) 9.45 MOVIE: He’s Just Not ThatInto You. (2009, M) 12.10am Seinfeld. 1.10 TheNanny. 2.10 Life After Lockup 3.00 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 1.40pm Black As. 2.00 First People’s Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up 3.00 Jarjums 5.00 Our Stories. 5.15 Harlem Globetrotters. 6.00 Bamay 6.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 6.40 Guardians Of The Wild. (Premiere) 7.30 Who Do YouThink YouAre? 8.30 Karla Grant Presents. 9.00 Roberta Flack. 10.30 MOVIE: ICalled HimMorgan. (2016, M) 12.10am Late Programs. NITV (34)

7MATE (73,64)

9GO! (93, 82) 6am Morning Programs. 8.50 Agatha Christie’s Crooked House.(2017,PG) 11.00 Post Coitum, Animal Triste. (1997, M, French) 12.50pm Tuesday Club.(2022, M, Swedish) 2.45 MrsLowry AndSon.(2019,PG) 4.25 The Kid From The Big Apple 2. (2017,PG, Mandarin) 6.35 Whale Rider.(2002,PG) 8.30 Top EndWedding. (2019, M) 10.25 Juliet,Naked.(2018 M) 12.15am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 2.30 Boating.Circuit Drivers C’ship 3.30 BarrettJackson:RevvedUp. 4.30 Storage Wars 5.00 American Pickers. 6.00 Cricket. Third Test. Australia vIndia. Day 3. Late afternoon session. 7.00 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Outback Farm 8.30 Mega Mechanics 9.30 When Big Things Go Wrong. 10.30 Frozen Gold. 11.30 Late Programs.

Tuesday, December17

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Headliners. (PG, R) 2.05 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.30 Back Roads. (R) 3.00 ABite To Eat With Alice. (R) 3.30 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 4.15 Grand Designs: House Of The Year.(R) 5.05 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 ABite To Eat With Alice. 6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News

7.30 7.30

8.00 Headliners. (Final, PG) Thebands taketothe stage.

8.50 Solar System With Brian Cox: Strange Worlds (Final) Explores the solar system’s weirdest worlds. 9.50 Believing In Australia: Catholic sVsProtestants (PG, R) 10.45 Joanna Lumley AndThe Human Swan.(R) 11.35 Ithaka: AFight To Free Julian Assange.(Mlv,R) 12.35 Keep On Dancing. (PG, R) 1.35 Grand Designs: House Of TheYear (R) 2.25 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 3.10 Rage (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.30 Matt Okine Is GoingTo Die. (PGa, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia.(R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

6am MorningPrograms. 10.00 Paddington Station 24/7.(PGal, R) 10.50 Earth’s Sacred Wonders. (PG, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 TradFest: TheFingal Sessions. 2.30 Plat Du Tour 2.40 French Atlantic. (R) 3.10 The Weekly Football Wrap.(R) 3.40 The Cook Up.(R) 4.10 TheSupervet. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters AndNumbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.35 Britain’s Scenic Railways At Christmas. (R) Afestivelook at Britain’s scenic railways.

8.30 Who Do YouThink You Are? LesleyManville. (PG) Lesley Manville exploresher roots, along the waylearning about her grandparent’s unorthodoxrelationship

9.35 London ZooAtChristmas (PG, R) Behindthe scenes at London Zoo. 10.30 SBS World NewsLate. 11.00 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+v) 12.55 Miniseries: SafeHome. (Malv, R) 2.50 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (PGv,R)

3.50 MakeMeADealer. (R) 4.40 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World EnglishNewsMorning 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe WorldTonight.

WorldWatch.

Food Lover’sGuide. 11.30 The Story Of 11.55 WorldWatch. 12.25pm Land Of The Giants:

Of Tech. 2.00 Derry Girls. 3.00 The Pizza Show

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 TeenageBoss: Next Level. (Final, R) 10.30 Secret Science. (PG,R) 11.00 AntiquesRoadshow.(R) 12.00

6am MorningPrograms. 11.20 Cricket. Third Test. Australia vIndia. Day 4. Morningsession. (Please note: alternativeschedule may be shown due to changes to cricket coverage). 1.20 Test Cricket: TheLunchBreak. 2.00 Cricket. ThirdTest. Australia vIndia. Day 4. Afternoonsession 4.00 Test Cricket: Tea Break. 4.20 Cricket. Third Test.Australia v India. Day 4. Late afternoon session.

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Cricket. Big BashLeague. Match3 Sydney Thunder vAdelaide Strikers. 10.30 Big BashLeague Post-Game Post-match coverage of thegamebetween theSydneyThunder and Adelaide Strikers. 11.00 Motorway Patrol. (PGad) Officers patrol thefreeways of New Zealand. 11.30 HighwayCops. (PGa) Abreakfast beer ruinsa driver’s day 12.00 Criminal Confessions: AKiller App. (Mav,R)A look at thecaseofJasonDalton.

1.00 Satisfac tion. (MA15+ads, R) Neil and Simon begin to worktogether

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBCToday News and current affairs.

5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.

WorldWatch. 5.45 JoyOfPainting. 6.15 Curse Of OakIsland. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 The UnXplained Mysteries Of The Universe. 9.20 Hoarders. 10.55 TwoWeeks To Live. 11.55 Late Programs. 6am MorningPrograms. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Left Off The Map 9.30 NBC Today Noon BetterHomes. 1.00 Escape To The Country 2.00 Creek To Coast. 2.30

TEN (10, 5)

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today ExtraSummer (PG) 11.30 9News Morning 12.00 MOVIE: TheNine Kittens Of Christmas.(2021, G, R) Brandon Routh, Kimberley Sustad. 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 TippingPoint. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 [VIC] Tipping PointAustralia. (PG) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R) 5.30 [VIC] WIN News. 6am Morning Programs.

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair. 7.30 TheHundredWith Andy Lee. (PGls) AspecialChristmas episode.

8.30 TheGrand Tour (Ml, R) The presenters headtoKakslauttanen, Finland, deep within the Arctic Circle 9.50 RestoMyRide Australia. (R) The crewrestoresaXW.

10.50 Transplant. (MA15+m) ASyrian doctor goestoworkinCanada.

11.40 Prison. (Mal, R)

12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop:Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Our State On APlate. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping (R) 4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Vic tor y. (PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 5.00 TodayEarly News. 5.30 Today

7.05 Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep 7.35 The Inbestigators. 7.50 Operation Ouch! 8.20 Deadly 60 8.50 Croc Watch With Steve Backshall. 9.35 Doctor Who 10.25 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!” 10.50 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. Noon Hart Of Dixie. 1.00 IDream Of Jeannie. 1.30 Bewitched. 2.00 The Golden Girls. 2.30 The Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 TheAddams Family 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 IDream Of Jeannie. 6.00 The Golden Girls. 6.30 TheNanny 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: The Lincoln Lawyer.(2011,M)

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 TV Shop 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.55 TheYoung And The Restless. 1.50 Explore. 2.00 Dales ForSale 3.00 AntiquesRoadshow. 3.30 MOVIE:

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by GrantDenyer. 6.30 TheProjec t. Alookatthe day’snews. 7.30 Deal Or No Deal: Celebrity Jackpot. (PGa) Hosted by Grant Denyer 8.30 JustFor Laughs Montreal. (Mls) TommyLittlepresents sets from the world’sfamous stand-up stars, backstage action and afew surprises. 9.30 TheGraham Nor ton Show. (Mlv,R)Graham Norton is joined by guests includingPaul Mescal, DenzelWashington,

CMA recognises proactive initiatives

By KATRINA BRANDON

FOLLOWING lengthy travels,initiatives, and long-walked trails, the Catchment Management Authority (CMA) recognised five individuals and groups fortheir efforts to maintain and improve Gippsland land quality.

Thecelebrated individuals and groupsbestowed withLyrebirdAwards were: Bass CoastLandcare Network,The GippslandIntrepid Landcare Group, Bryan Watterson, John Topp, Kate Mirams and Peter Neaves.

This year marks the sixth year of the awards.

Sp eakers at the event included the West Gippsland CMA Board Chair, Mikaela Power; West

Gippsland CMA Chief Executive, Martin Fuller; andavideo presentation from Minister for Water and Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing.

“Lyrebirds represent the hope that the work we do for their waterways will secure theirreturn and agreater number of them in the future,” Ms Shing said.

“These awards are for the community and partners who have gone above and beyond in their work and initiatives in our region.”

All three speakers recognised the work the five individuals/groups had done over time.

Mr Watterson is amember of Corner Inlet Landcareand is verypassionate aboutwhathedoes within the group. He has supervised the planting

Photograph: KatrinaBrandon

of 70,000 trees on his property alone and inspired

many neighbours and landholders to join, leading to hundreds of thousands of trees planted in the gullies of the Strzelecki Ranges.

HailingfromNewry, KateMirams and Peter Neaves were also awarded for their work.

In 2019, Ms Mirams and Mr Neaves laser graded their top paddock, which unfortunately blew dust over Newry,which triggeredthem to change their ways

The couple began working with their local West Gippsland CMA and Agriculture Victoria reps to repair the soil on their 330-acre dairy farm.

Ms Mirams explained: “A farm is an ecological being. When we look through an ecology lens, we

Innovative: Newr yfarmers Kate Mirams and PeterNeavesreceived aLyrebirdAward fortheir proactive regen-farmingtechniques

aim to create the conditions we want rather than having to intervene to kill what we don’t want.”

Ms Mirams addedthattheir pasture consumption had remained at 12 tonnes despite using only 20 kilograms of nitrogen per hectare. The couple said they were determined to share what they learned with other farmers, hosting field days on their farm and in Newry Hall with Maffra and Districts Landcare

“I want the whole food system to change so the quality of food is exceptional, so we’ll eliminate a lot of diseases, so the ecosystem is thriving, and we help everyone through better quality food grown within asymbiotic relationship with the soil,” Ms Mirams said.

The Latrobe Valley Express, Wednesday, 11 December,

Photograph supplied

Eco footprint: LyrebirdAward winners, recognised by theCatchment Management Authorityfor theireffor ts help improveGippsland land quality

Forging vital partnerships in healthcare Motivation forahealthy life

FEDERATION UniversityAustralia is acritical supporterofhealthcare, with thousands of new graduates entering the sector eachyear and supporting healthcare providers during their placements.

Federation’s impact on the health sector in regional,rural,and metropolitan areas across Victoria is significant,withmore than2600university and TAFEstudents on placement in 2024across disciplines including Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Psychology, and Speech Pathology.

These placements not only help support communities spanningthe state, but also providegraduates with invaluable hands-on experience supporting patients in fast-paced work environments.

Third-year Bachelor of Nursing student, RebeccaDeBruynhas completed placements in several public and private healthcare facilities including specialities in rehabilitation, adolescent mental health, paediatrics, and theatre. ShealsotravelledtoBenapa, Nepal for placement at the ScheerMemorial Adventist Hospital as part of agroup of 20 Federation students in September.

“Nepal was an incredibletrip and learning opportunity” Ms De Bruyn said.

“Oneofthe biggest benefitswas learning about cultural differences,how to communicate with people through language barriers, how health systems work in developing countries, and how healthcare is managed with limited resources.”

Federation has forged partnerships with key health providers throughout Victoria and interstate including Latrobe Regional Health, BassCoast Health and West Gippsland Health Services.

FEDERATION University Australia researchers are upskilling regional and rural healthcare workers to manage and prevent chronic diseases with behavioural change techniques.

Backed by funding from the Departmentof Education and Training, Federation’s‘The Healthy Regions Intervention’ (THRIVE) program is training doctors, nurses and health practitioners in a method called Motivational Interviewing (MI), to help peopleatrisk of chronic illness, and those already diagnosed, to adopt healthier lifestyles.

In the past 18 months, THRIVE has trained 127 Victorian practitionersand clinical researchers and plans to double this number in the next 18 months

Healthcare workers participating in the program are equipped withadvanced behaviour change expertise to assist sufferers of chronic diseases including cardiovascular disorders, hypertension, metabolicdisorders, respiratory disorders,mental health disorders and cancers, with the aimto

change risk behaviours including poor diet, lack of exercise,illicit drug use, and smoking, which can greatly exacerbate the impact of these conditions.

“Behaviourchange is akey toolinreducing globalratesand burden of chronic diseases and many healthcare workers lack advanced training. Well-implemented behaviourchangeprograms delivered by skilled practitioners, such as THRIVE provides, offer substantial health benefits to the community,” Federation University Australia Executive Dean, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research,Professor Remco Polman said.

“Motivational Interviewing has proven to be very effective and cost-efficient in significantly improving patient outcomes.”

Participating agencies include Silverchain, Ballarat Community Health, East Grampians Health Service, Goulburn Valley Community Health, RuralCityofArarat,WesternAlliance:

Academic Health Science Centre, as well as independent practitioners.

Federation physiotherapy students now also receive advanced MI training, preparing them to help their future patients and communities.

The THRIVE MI tra ining is based on th e Happy Life Club initiative which has also been delivered in partnershipwith regional and national governments in Beijing, Nanjing, and Shenzhen, China, where it has won aChina National Health Innovation Award.

THRIVE is ledbyDistinguished ProfessorsColette Browning and Shane Thomas and Professors Fadi Charchar and Britt Klein,and was established in 2022tosupportrural andregionalVictorian communities.

THRIVE not only provides training but also conducts important research and has contributed to global guidelines on managing hypertension and published more than 70 scientific papers.

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Health: Federation Universityworking to prevent and manage chronic diseases in theregionalhealthcaresector

Photo:File

Early celebrations for physio students

By KATRINABRANDON

PASSION of the field runs deep in the new physiotherapy graduates at Federation University's Gippsland campus in Churchill.

Last month, 22 students and afew teachers organised apre-graduation to celebrate the end of the course together.

The pre-graduation was an opportunity to celebrate in case students couldn't make the March graduation ceremony due to placement within the industry.

The2024 physiotherapy graduates are as close as they come. Taking hand-in-hand approaches to getting through thecourse, studentBellaFraser told the Express they all supported each other and received support from the teachers throughout the course "It was weektwo of this course, and Iknew everybody’s names and the lecturers knew our names," she said.

"Overthe four years, allofusand the relationships thatwehave with our lecturers havebeen so special. Ihave been able to lean on them as refereesthis year, and they are always opentochat and advice. They know us reallywell, you can’t get that anywhere else.Ithas beenreally good." Bella’s interest in physiotherapy has been inspired by many sources, including her family and sports. As part of afamily in high-level sports, Bella watched her siblings come home and herself withinjuries from sports,and spent many hours in aphysio office.Another inspiration for the physio path came from Bella’s gymnastics coach early on,who wasstudying physiotherapyat the time.

Throughout school, Bella always wanted to go downthe physiopath. Oneofher other passions was dance,but during COVID-19 there were no positions in dance, so she had to decide where she could go from there. Bellathen heardabout the Fed Uni course from her high school career counsellor. Fromthere, she never looked back.

Another graduate, Julia Malan said that after studyingascience course, she became interested in thehuman body and movement.

Stepping into the physiotherapycourse, Julia foundittobea broadtopic and that it was interesting to learn about the different specialty areas she could pursue.

After finishing the course, Julia will step into a rotating role at Latrobe Regional Health.

“I am really keen to get ataste of different hospital areas where physios might work or see various types of patients and other conditions. Iamreally excited to start that next year," she said.

“It is really cool and aprivilege to study, live and now work in Gippsland. Gippsland is aspecial area,

both because of the landscape and the communities.”

Federation’s HeadofPhysiotherapy, Professor Louisa Remedios,expressed thatshe was impressed withthe graduatesand their achievements over the years.

“The students are afantastic bunch," she said.

“Primarily, our job is to get them ready to work as physiotherapists, and part of that process is to spend about ayear in clinical practice and clinical

placements. They get broad experience; they’re very well prepared.

“We are looking at our students holistically and trying to really help them withtheir knowledge and skills,but also their capabilities, listening and speaking,their ability to diagnose conditions and to treat it, and also to socially prescribe but also physicallyprescribe care. Ithink they will make the world ahealthier place.”

Next generation: Federation Universityphysiotherapy students JuliaMalan,Bella Fraser,and Rhys Chambersare preparing fortheirworking lifeinthe industr y. Photograph: KatrinaBrandon

Students shine on Kooyong courts

ST Paul’s AnglicanGrammar School’sJunior School students proudly competed in the prestigious state Hot Shots Tennis Championship at the historic Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club.

Both the boys and girls teams finished fifth in the state in their divisions.

The St Paul’s boys team put in an outstanding performance, securing three wins and one draw across fivematches.Their strong determination andteamwork helped them excel against strong competition, ultimatelyearningthem afifth-place finish.

The St Paul’s girls team delivered aremarkable result, winning three out of five matches. What madetheir fifth-place achievement evenmore impressive was that the team consisted of only two Year 5students and seven Year 4students, who competed predominantly against Years 5and 6players.

St Paul’s PhysicalEducationand Sport Educator,

Traralgon to host championships

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

NETBALL Vict oria’s 2025 Schoo l Championships havebeen announced for August and September next year, taking place across nine locations, including Traralgon.

The SchoolChampionships is one of the largest netball tournaments in Australia.

In 2024, more than 450 teams were entered from Moama to Sale to Casterton, bringing in over4600players, officialsand umpires to the eventbothregionallyand in metro Melbourne.

Bendigo, Frankston, Geelong, Hamilton, Kilsyth, Knox,Melton and the StateNetball Centre in Parkville make up the other eight spots hosting the preliminary rounds of the competition next year played in around robin format.

Four divisions make up the primary and secondary school event including Primary (Years 5and 6), Junior(Years 7and 8), Intermediate (Years 9and 10) and Senior (Years 11 and 12) with the finals played at the State Netball Centre.

TheSchool Championships has attracted manyhigh-profilecoachesand former professional players as coaches and officials over the years, including Carol Cathcart (Byers), Jacinta Todd, Jane Searle, Karen Worland, Kate Upton, Kaylia Stanton, Kim Borger, Kri sty Kep pic h-B ir rel l, Shar ni Nord er (Layton), Shelley O’Donnell, Susan Meaney and Tegan Philip.

Netball Victoria’s General Manager of Community, Abbey Misso spoke about the event being the largest participation event on their calendar.

“Netball is imbeddedinsomanysports programs in schools across the state and the country,sobycomingtogether for the School Championships, students are able to not only put their skillstopractice but strive for being named the best in the state,” she said.

Traralgon will host preliminary games at Agnes Brereton Reserve on Thursday, August 1, 2025.

Billy Rilen was proud of thestudents’ achievements, especially considering they played against much larger schools.

“The students’ determination, resilience and respectful conduct wereonfull display, making the school communityincredibly proud”,heexpressed.

“Their commitment to improving their skills and preparing for this event was evident in their impressive performances.”

Tennis is aco-curricular activity at St Paul’s, with students dedicating their own time during recesses and lunch throughout the semester to train and prepare for each of the division, region and state competitions.

Their efforts were madeworthwhile as Kooyong, famouslyknownasthe spiritualhome of Australian tennis, provided the perfect stage for students to showcasetheirskills on its world-class en tout cas courts to the wider community.

Squad: Thet wo teamsofstudentswho competed in HotShots Tennis

Honour: St Paul’s students out the front of theKooyong Lawn Tennis Club with St Paul’s educator, Billy Rilen

Textbook: Annikaswings her racquet.

Focus: Abigail concentratesonher next shot.

Star: Adasmashingitonthe cour t.

Concentrate: Lillian and Neavefocused on the game

Photographs supplied

Skill: St Paul’s Anglican Grammar student Jack going forawinning shot.

Trafalgar studentscelebrated

TRAFALGAR High School class of 2024werecelebratedwith avaledictory dinner.

Parents and teachers of Trafalgar Hig hS ch ool stud en ts ga there d to congratulate studentsontheir achievements.

The dinner marked the end of VCE Unit 3/4 exams and celebrated the success of all Year 12 studentsas they progress to the next stageof their life and education.

The evening included dinner and DJ at the Lardner Park Events Centre, wherethree awards were presented.

Poppy Susa was named valedictorian.

This award is for the highest internal marks across the school year.

In announcingthe award, Trafalgar High SchoolPrincipal, Brett Pedlow said Popp yhad worke dhard to achieve great results.

“Poppy is an extremely diligent, respectful and humble student we could not be more prouder to call our valedictorian for 2024,” he said.

“Speaking withstaff tonight about Poppy, Ihave heard them describe her more often than not as ‘just a lovelyyoung lady,and acleverone at that!’

Poppy studied English, Maths Metho ds, Genera lM aths and Chemistrythis year,after completing Biology and Outdoor Education in 2023.

Poppy has shown incredible commitment to her studies all the way from Year 7and is now looking at a career in medicine.

Connor Kazawa took out the Principal’s award.

“A more committed member of our school community would be harder to find than Connor Kazawa,” Mr Pedlow said.

“Connor has always been willing to put his hand up and support his

Kudos: Trafalgar High School Principal, BrettPedlow(second from left) congratulates major awardwinnersAuto Kukkong,Connor Kazawa andPoppySusaatthe school’svaledictor ydinner Photograph supplied

peers, his cohort, the broaderschool community and Tr af alg ar High School as awhole.

“Connor is hard-working, polite and adelight to have in the classroom. His teachers love him!”

Connor studied English, General Maths, Legal Studies and Business Management, whilst last year he completed Accounting and Computing.

Connorishoping to study accounting and pursue this as acareer.

The VCE vocational major award was presented to Auto Kukkong.

“An incredibly proud member of the Trafalgar High Schoolcommunity, Autohas been atremendous example of what ourVCE Vocationalmajor students can achieve, both within and outside the classroom,” Mr Pedlow said.

“Having the pleasureofteaching Year 12 Vocational MajorPersonal Development Skills this year, Igot to know Auto on aday-to-day basis and witness first-hand the commitment

he shows to his community, his peers and his studies.

“Autohas been amember of his local CFA unit for many years and with greater responsibilities this year, wouldevenberequiredtokeep checks on whatwas happeningin this space and if required to support during the school day(thismight havebeen an excuse to have his phone on him, but we’ll that slide!). Auto has apassionfor supporting the community and will go along way in the future.”

Local schools to receive funding for upgrades

LOWANNA College, Willow Grove Primary School and Mirboo North Primary School will share in $25 million of state government funding to help build better facilities.

The local providers are part of 58 schools across that state that will benefit, with arange of small-scale refurbishments to be carried out. Mirboo North PrimarySchool hasbeen granted $199,876 to install new perimeter fencing to make the grounds safer for students, staff and visitors.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll congratulated successful schools through the 2024/25 round of the government’s Capital Works Fund.

“Every student deserves world class facilities at their school. We will continue to investin renovating school facilities, making sure we meet the needs of every child,” he said.

“Every family wants the best for their kidsthe besteducation in state-of-the-art facilities. Our record investment in schoolinfrastructure is delivering for our hard-working school communities in the Education State.”

The inclusion stream of the Capital Works Fundtargets projects whichcan help make adifferenceinmeeting the educational and social needsofall students, including those withdisabilities or additional requirements This covers inclusive playgroundsaswell as inclusive indoor and outdoor learning areas.

The government is aiming to open 100 new schools by 2026.

The Victorian School Building Authority will work with successful schools from early 2025 to deliver their projects.

Allconstructionisset to be finished by the end of May 2026.

Scouts celebrate achievements

Outstanding: Robert Johnstone-Wade was recognised forhis more than 20 yearsser vice to local scouts.Heispicturedwith Mt BawBaw District Commissioner, SteveAsbock, who made the presentation.

THE Mt Baw Baw Scouting community wrapped up the year with aspecial gathering to celebrate the dedication and achievements of its members.

Theevent, attended by leaders, supporters, and Scouts, highlighted the contributions of individuals who have played pivotal roles in strengthening Scouting in the region.

Ahighlight of the evening was apresentation of the Outstanding Service Award to Robert Johnstone-Wade.

Recognised for his more than 20 years of dedication to Scouting, Robert, along with his wife Trish, havebeenacornerstone in the localScouting community.

The award,whichincluded amedaland certificate, was presented by Mt Baw Baw District Commissioner, Steve Asbock.

“Robert’sunwaveringcommitment and passion for Scouting have inspired countless young people and leaders over the years,” Asbock said.

“This award is atestament to his incredible service and the positive impact he has made.”

Group Leader of the Moe Rivers Group, Stacey Cook was also honoured during the event.

Ms Cook received the SpecialService Award and her five-year service award in recognition of her contributions to Scouting.

Ms Cookrecently played akey roleinthe successfulmerger of 1st Mountain Riversand 1st Moe into the new Moe Rivers Group and has recently joined the Mt Baw Baw District Teamasthe district activities leader.

Mr Asbock presented Ms Cook withher awards, praising her leadership and dedication.

“Stacey embodies the spirit of Scouting through her tirelessefforts to bring people together and create exciting opportunitiesfor our youth,” he said.

The gathering also provided an opportunity for Mr Asbock to thank all leaders and supporters for their hard work throughout the year.

“Without the dedication of our volunteers, Scouting simplywouldn’t be able to continue,” he said.

“Their efforts ensure that Scouting remains alive and well in our community.”

Mr Asbock encouraged others to get involved, noting the ongoing need for leaders and supporters to help Scouting thrive. Those interested in joining can visit the Scouts Victoria website at www. scoutsvictoria.com.au to find their nearest group.

St Michael’sstudents create bond with the elderly

By EVIE WYERS*

ON Tuesday, December 3, the 3/4 students of St Michael’sPrimary Schoolwere lucky enough to receive avisit from Dalkeith Heights Retirement Village.

Eachgrade had the opportunity to performtheir concert item and aChristmas themed song.

For ourshow,wepresented the dancethat we had performed at the concert.Welater sangChristmas themedsongs for them, someofwhich had actions.

Afterour performance, we were split up into groupsofthree with onevisitor per group,and allowed achancetoshow them our artwork from the art show.

My companion was named Heather, and she was quite nice.

One of thehighlights of the day was learning about our visitors from adifferentpoint of view Forinstance, Ilearnt that Heather actually used to be ateacher at Grey Street!

The 3/4 students are very grateful to have been privileged enough to spend some time with others from adifferent generation, and we sincerelyhope that it will become amore frequent event.

These are some thoughts from other Grade 3/4 students about the visit:

“It was an exciting experience, especially when some of the visitors shared stories and information from when they were in school and gave their thoughts and feedback about the art and dances. It gave all of us agreat feeling like we have made somebody’s day abit better. When our class came backweshared ourthoughts on the experience and everybody was abit happier and more lively afterwards,” said Alexis.

“When Ifirst came into the hall Ifelt nervous but when we did the dance Ifelt calm and happy. In the groups Ifelt shy but then Irealised that she is very nice so then we showed art. In the end I felt really happythat Igot that time to spendwith them,” -Amber

“I honestly think that this was agood incursion because we got to read and show the visitors our artwork. My visitor was areally sweet lady who was partially deaf but was very nice, and she was

trying to listen, as close as she could. Ihad agreat experience and think that we should do this next year,” -Ashar

“Our visit with the elderly community of Dalkeith Heights was afantastic time! We should do it again. Alot of students enjoyed havingthem over Hopefully everyone enjoyedthe experience.We performed our concert song and Rudolph the Red Nosed reindeer!” -Jack

“Atfirst Iwas nervous to talk to them but then it felt good. So we did the concert and our Christmas songs and we showed them some of our art and they had the best time,” -Kaiden.

“We had some visitors in our school, they were fromDalkeithHeights. Ourperson wascalled

Chris. They were all really nice, everyone showed them our artwork and we all hadsome laughs and after some of us felt joyful afterwards. Ithink that Ispeak for everyone that they had agreat time,” -Kyan.

“My visitor was Heather.She wasaprimary school teacher.She thinks kid art is creative.I showed her my dragon and she thought it was amazing. Heather learned the piano when she was akid,” -Louis.

“Our class had people from Dalkeith Heights to perform in front of.Wewould likethemtocome back. They were really nice and comforting, they were also really glad to share their history. After the dance we went in groups. Theo and Iwere in the

same group with Vivienne. All of us met someone named Bruce.Weshowed him our artwork one by one, he was really thrilled about our work. His favourite hobbyisriding his bike and he used to be ateacher at Grey Street Primary School. Then he asked us some questions like what grade are you in? And what’s your favourite hobby? Then it got to the point where we had to go and say goodbye. And now that Ireflect on that Irealise that it was agood experience,Imadesomebody’s day and I got to meet someone new,” -Lakyn.

“Today we metthe people from Dalkeith Heights and we performed our classconcert dance and performedaChristmas song for them. We got into groups of three and met anew person. We loved meeting the lovely people from Dalkeith Heights and they shared their stories withus. We also presented our artwork and we were so happy we couldsee them and share our love and commitment to them. Imet areally kind woman whose name is Chris, she was so kind and loved coming to us. Thank you visitors for coming,” -Zahlie.

“We met people from Dalkeith Heights. We met different people. One of the people Imet was called Bruce. He was nice and we ended up finding out thatheworked at Grey Street and that alsohis wife was ateacher. She taught pianoand guitar and one of her little kids does piano music on Spotify. We hope that the Dalkeith people come again and we hope there’s more people. We sang Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and we also did our concert song Everybody Dance Now,” Vivienne.

“Lots of the people therewerenice, thoughtful andkind. We all felt nice doing all this because all the people at the end had smiles,” -Violet.

“We performed our concert song and we sang a Christmas song for our visitors. We got into our groups,wemadesure to introduced ourselves. Then we showed them our art from the art show and if we had time we would read them abook. My group read aChristmas book called The Christmas Pine. We took turns reading each page,” -Blair.

*Evie Wyers is aGrade3student from St Michael’s Primary School, Traralgon.

Hours: StaceyCook playedakey role in creating thenew MoeRiversScoutGroup Photographs supplied

Family: St Michael’sPrimar ySchool, Traralgon student, Nixon with hisgranddad Dennis Photograph supplied

Acloser lookintoeye care

NOT-FOR-PROFIT State School’s Relief has providedfreeglasses for students at Cowwarr, Rosedale and Gormandale District primary schools, and Sale District Specialist School.

The ‘Glasses for Kids’ program is aiming to help 108,000studentsacross the state from Prep to Grade 3between 2024 and 2027.

Researchhas shown 80 per cent of children’s learning is performed visually, while Optometry Australia indicates that one in five children in Australia have an undetected vision problem.

Glasses for Kids is aprogram providing initial screenings to childrenfrom Prep to Year 3at school to detect any issues with vision, further comprehensive testing if required,and offering prescription glasses or referrals.

State School’s Relief projects that more than 16,000 pairs of glasseswill be distributedover the program period, at no cost to the children or their families.

Glas ses for Kids en sure st hat financ ially disadvantagedchildrenimpacted by visual impairment are not hindered in their early learning or confidence in day-to-day activities.

Open days on the horizon for Gippy Grammar

GIPPSLAND Grammar will host three Open Days in 2025.

THE open days offer familiesthe opportunity to discover the advantages of the complete ELCto-VCE education offered at the independent school’s three campuses.

In Sale, the school’s junior St Anne’s Campus -whichalsoincludes an Early Learning Centre offering three and four-year-old kindergarten programs as well as aFoundation-Year 6 campus -will host its Open Day on Saturday, March29from9am to 11am. The senior Garnsey Campus (Years 7-12) on the Princes Highway, Sale will also be open on the same day from 11.30am-1.30pm.

Gippsland Grammar will also hold an open day at its Bairnsdale Campus on Saturday, May 3from 9-11am.

School principal Michele Wakeham will join students, teachersand members of the school’s leadership team at the open days, including deputy principal Bo Power, director of learning Lori Field, head of Bairnsdale Campus Virginia Evans, head of St Anne’s campus Jie Van Berkel and head of Garnsey campus Rohan Jayatilake.

At Garnsey, Blackwood House (the school’s boarding house) will be on display along with the rowing program, performing arts department and the Year 9program.

Gippsland Grammar has more than1100 studentsenrolledacross its three campuses in Sale and Bairnsdale and includesaboarding house with fulltime and casual options and private daily bus options for students from the Latrobe Valley East Gippsland, and Yarram district.

Gippsland Grammar is also currently offering substantial scholarships.

For more information, visit: gippslandgrammar.au, or phone 5143 6388.

Community: GippslandGrammar student Himesh Rajapakse helpsJackRoep withhis studies. Photograph supplied

Vision: Cowwarr Primar ySchoolstudent, Greyson has his eyestested.

The eyes have it: Greyson, Rhettand Jamieson.

Photographs supplied

All eyes on me: Cowwarr Primar ySchool student Mollywithapairofglasses

Clear as day: Local primar yschool students have benefittedafter receiving free glasses

See clearly: The Free Glasses forKids programhas been deliveredacrossGippsland.

Style: Cowwarr Primar ySchool students Molly and Rhett spor tingtheir specs

Peaceful protestagainstnuclear

By LIAM DURKIN

ANTI-NUCLEAR demonstrators gathered in Traralgon’s KayStreetGardenslastweektohave theirvoicesheard.

The demonstrationtook place hours before the House Select Committee into NuclearEnergy was scheduled to host its regional hearing at The View FunctionCentre.

Speakers took to the microphone to voicetheir concern surrounding the potential use of nuclear power in the Latrobe Valley.

Speakers included Australian Conservation Foundation Nuclear PolicyAnalyst, Dave Sweeney and Gunaikurnai and Monero womanElectra Greene, who is an Environment Victoria organiser

TheCoalition has identified Loy Yang(scheduled for closure in 2035) as apossible site for anuclear power station, offering adiversification to Labor’s renewables-only approach.

Anumber of localshowever are vehemently opposed to the idea, believing anuclear future was not worth pursuing.

At the Traralgon demonstration (held Tuesday, December 3), chants of “too costly, too slow, too risky, we say no” rang out.

EnvironmentVictoriaand prominent Latrobe Valley campaignerHayley Sestokas emceed the event.

“Nuclear is just not worth the risk -the risk of disasters like Fukashima and Chernobyl, the risk of cost and time blowouts. The risk of toxic waste and contamination, harming our families and prime farming land for generations,” she said.

“For years we've been working together to achieve the shift to clean, renewable energy, which is now underway, bringing benefits and creating good jobs.

“Dutton’s nuclear scheme, imposedonuswith minimalinformation and no communityconsultation,risks setting us back by decades.”

Ms Seskotas is calling on local MPs to attend a community forum next February.

With next year’s federal election fast approaching, the energy debate is expected to be amajor player when Australian’s go to the polls.

Rude awakening for O’Brien

COMMENT

BY WENDY CASTLES

IWATCHED the well-educated and business savvy Shadow Minister for climate changeTed (not Danny) O’Brien almost burst his boiler on amedia interview recently.

Wasthis because his presence in the Latrobe Valley this (last) week did not go as well as he had hoped?

Firstly, the Inquiry into nuclear power generation in Australia had ascheduled hearing in Traralgon on Tuesday, December3.The media bombardment leading up to the local hearing featured the federal opposition leader, National partyleader and alocalNational federal representative. All claimed Gippsland supported nuclear because Gippslanders were energy literate.

Maybe what Ted O’Brien found out is that yes, they are, and they overwhelminglyoppose thedevelopmentofnuclear energy.

Secondly, the excellent communityrallyinthe Traralgon CBD preceding the hearing wasvery well attended. Excellent speakers addressed commu nity conc erns. Congratulationst o Environment Victoria and Voices of the Valley for organising.

Thirdly, anti-nuclear submissions and presentationsbylocal Gippslandpeople-Gippsland Climate Change Network, Latrobe Valley Sustainability Group,John Gwyther -and more -are compelling and can be accessed on the federal government website.

Maybe our local federal member, the opposition federal memberfor climate change, and opposition leadercould acknowledgethe fact that most Gippslanders are not only energy literate, but they are also environmentally literate, water management literate and food production literate to name just afew literacies that interact with energy production and use.

Wendy Castles is aTraralgon resident.

In agood show of democratic law, the demonstration was entirelypeaceful.Three policeofficers were in attendance, but left once it became clear there was going to be no tomfoolery. Attendees were alsoencouraged to write letters to

their local newspaper.(CueExpresseditor mentally bracing himself).

Demo: Attendeesheard from arange of speakerswhile holding theirsigns

Turnout: Those opposed to anuclearfutureinthe Latrobe Valleygathered in the KayStreetGardens last week

Photographs: Liam Durkin

Voice: Prominent Latrobe Valleyenvironmental campaigner HayleySestokas addresses the crowd. Sign: Placards featured strongly.

House prices see slight decrease

By STEFAN BRADLEY

HOME prices in the Gippsland region have declined nearly one per cent over the past few months, withregional Victoria as awhole seeing a0.05 per cent drop in November, according to data from the PropTrack Home Price Index, released last week.

All dwellings in the Latrobe-Gippsland statistical area level 4(SA4) saw a quarter-on-quarter (QOQ) decline of -0.92 per cent and -2.48 per cent yearon-year(YOY), with amedian home value of $547,000.

REAGroup senior economist Eleanor Creagh said theSA4 region's situation was similar to the rest of regional Victoria.

“Conditions in the Latrobe-Gippsland regionremain subdued with prices down 2.48per centoverthe pastyear, in keepingwiththe trend seeninregional Victoriawhere prices are down2.09 per cent over the past year following a0.05 per cent fall in November," Ms Creagh.

“Differing supply and demand conditions are contributing with buyers in regional Victoriaenjoying alot more choice contributing to subdued price mom entu m. Meanw hil eV ic to ria ’s unemployment rate has risen over the last year and is now the highest in the country.”

Melb ourne (-1.6 3p er cent) and regional Victoria (-2.09 per cent) were

the only areas in their respective capital city and regional markets to recordanannual declineinhome prices in November. Regional Victoria was one of only two rest of state markets to record adecline in home prices in November, down 0.05per cent over the month to sit 5.37 per cent below its most recent peak. Melbourne home prices dipped 0.07 per cent in November, the only capital city to see adecline for the month.

The Pro pTr ack report says that momentum has been weaker in Melbourne over the past four years "in partdue to greaterbuyer choice and higher property taxes".

"Additionally, constructionactivity in Victoria has aligned more closely with population growth over the past decade," the report says.

Part of thehome pricedip can be attributed to asurge in thenumber of properties for sale, but despite this, Australia’s median home value has hit $800,000 in November.MsCreaghsays this figure is anew peak for Australian home prices after 23 months of growth.

“While housing demandhas remained resilient to persistentaffordability constraints, we have seen the pace of home price growth slow since earlier in theyear. This softening in growth has occurred alongside asurge in stock for sale, giving buyers more choice and

Tyers to receive waterfountains

By KATRINA BRANDON

TYERS is oneofmany small populated areas that has received community funding from thestate government’s Tiny Towns Funds.

The funding is $50,000 for water fountain installation at Tyers RecreationalReserve.

The grantranges from $5000 to $50,000, depending on the project.

Acouncil spokesperson told the Express, “With this funding, the council is installing waterfountains on either side of the Tyers Recreation Reserve, catering to the needs of all users and visitors.

“Council has been working directly with community groups and sporting clubs for their feedback on the proposed fountain locations.”

The Tiny Towns Funds aims to back community-based projects and attract more tourism to those areas, such as drinking fountains, bike trails, playgrounds, barbeques and public art.

Towns with populations below 5000 in the 48 local government areas of regional Victoria, Alpine Resorts,and Melbourne’s10interface outer metropolitan local government areas were eligible to apply.

Previously, the grant funded anew cricket net for Toonagabbie Cricket Club and some drinking fountain installationsatGaskin Park and HazelwoodS outh Reserve in Churchill.

For more information, go to: rdv.vic.gov.au/ grants-and-programs/tiny-towns-fund

reducing the urgencytotransact," Ms Creagh said.

"However,performance has varied across marketswithdiffering supply and demand conditions. The increase in propertieshittingthe marketthis year has beenmet with strong demand,

but increased stock for sale hasbeen acontributor to slowing pricegrowth, along withaffordability constraints and the sustained higher interest rate environment.

“In the period ahead, home prices are expected to lift, though the pace is

expected to remain softer trailing the strong growth in prices over recent years.”

Since the pandemicbegan in March 2020, home prices in Melbourne have risen by 15.5 per cent, while regional Victoria has seen an increase of 38.6 per cent.

Shop locally this festive season: Chester

GIPPSLANDERSare beingurged to shoplocal and support family-owned businesses this Christmas. Locals still have afew more weeks to complete their Christmas shopping.

Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester said putting locals first would help to create local jobs and build astronger regional economy.

"At atimewhenprices are increasing and budgets are tight, it's important we keep supporting our local businesses as much as possible," Mr Chester said.

"I know alot of Gippsland families are feeling the pressure of the current cost-of-livingcrisis, but where possible, Iurgeeveryone to shop locally because their money stays in our community.

"Gippsland produces some of the finest food and wineinthe world, and Iamencouraging Gippslanders to support local producers and local businesses this Christmas.

"From turkeys,ham and seafoodtofreshfruit and veg, from fine wine and beer to giftware and artwork-it'sall produced locally and perfect for thefestive season.

"By shopping locally this Christmas, you will be supporting small and family-ownedbusinesses and your money stays in our community to create more local jobs.

"The small business sector is one of the largest employees in regional areas like Gippsland, and this sector relies on investorshaving confidence

to continue investing in our region.

"Importantly, local businesses are reliedupon to sponsor community and sporting organisations and local events which create opportunities for our region."

Traralgon business owner Steve Asmussen is one who enjoys community support, and has done so for many years.

Mr Asmussen,who runs the Traralgon Aussie Disposals store with his family, ticked overa significant milestone this year, reaching 20 years in town.

The branch held anumberofspecial events to mark the occasion, signifyingtheir commitment to the community.

Pleasing: Regional Victoria’s home prices have dipped as spring selling season ends Photograph: iStock

Let’s getdowntobusiness: FederalMemberfor Gippsland, Darren Chester at Yinnar Farm and HardwarealongsideownersRob Benson and his daughter Abby Photographs supplied Brains behind the operation: Thefamilyteam at Aussie Disposals, Traralgon-Beau,Steve,Bec and Quinn Asmussen.

Business Guide

THE qualityofthe work at High Tree Tree Services is as high at the trees theyfell.

High Tree Tree Services is not onlycapable of leaving customers satisfied with howtheir garden has been pruned, butbeing reliable is a main priority.

“We’re averyfriendly, reliable service.Customersare very happy with the end result,”owner Rick Kruyt said.

The business star tedin1990, and todayRickremains at the helm with about 40 years’ experience in the industry.

As afamily-oriented enterprise, Rick’sson, Daniel,will eventually take over theoperations

High Tree Tree Services is based in both Trafalgar and Pakenham and cuts trees MondaytoFriday, butthe staff aremorethan happy to offerquotes on the weekend if need be

Services include pruning and removing of trees and shrubs,stump removal, hedge maintenance,mulching of gardens and supplying mulch.

Offering that exper tise at a reasonable rate andefficientlyis whereHighTreeTreeServices stand out.

“Webasicallyalwayshave customer satisfaction,”Ricksaid.

“Wealwaysliketoshowthe customersthrough the work we have done to makesurethat they arehappy.Ifthere’s something we’veoverlooked we’remorethan happytocome and correct it.”

Looking through the lens

Express journalists take hundreds (even thousands) of photos everyyear Unfor tunately, notall can makethe page Here, we take alook at some great snaps from 2024 that missed the initial cut.

As Troy McCluresaid in the The Simpsons 138thEpisode Spectacular:"if that's what theycut out, what theyleave in must be puregold!"

Thesemoments: Best mates Tristen Waackand Mason Porykali embrace afterTraralgon’s Grand Finalvictor yoverLeongathainthe GippslandLeague. Photograph: BlakeMetcalf-Holt

Textbook: Primar yschool student Ben Boerspar ticipated in this year’s Traralgon ProAm. Photograph: BlakeMetcalf-Holt

Special guest: Four-time Paralympian and three-time Olympian Melissa Tapper attended the Victorian TableTennisOpeninTraralgon during April prior to the 2024 ParisOlympics Photograph: Katrina Brandon

Splash: Churchill Nor th Primar ySchool heldacolourrun eventinMarch to support VictoriaFoodbanklast Photograph: Katrina Brandon

Woof: YouthSuppor tand AdvocacySer vicenew pup,Charlie. Photograph: Katrina Brandon

Farewell: Trafalgar Youth Resource Centre programmanager DorothyHoareand Trafalgar High School student Gauge East flankoutgoing mentor MichaelBrennan in September. Photograph: Liam Durkin

Take aim: DailyLiving DisabilitySer vices par ticipant, Tom, has agoathrowing inflatable axes during the grand opening of the newfacility in October. Photograph: TomHayes

Message: PolicearoundVictoria arestill conducting industrial actionwhile awage raise is beingtabled. Messages on policecarshavebecome common sights across theregion. Photograph: TomHayes

FOOTWEAR sale, Zamberlan boots 30%

HAY bales small squares, suitable for horses, dry and shedded, big heavy bales, 20 avail. at $10 ea pick up Hazelwood North. Can deliver. 0402 041 544.

HAYCOVERS?

WE’VE GOTYOU COVERED Heavy Duty Waterproof,UV Stable, Economical In stock NOW 1300 656 211 abctarps.com.au

excellent condition, $300. Ph 5174 7223. Traralgon.

MOE, 5Richard Street, Saturday,7am start Tools, clothes, fishing gear, handyman stuff, too much to mention. All cheap and all undercover.

MOE, Unit 1, 40 Parkside Drive, Saturday, 8am3pm. Camping gear, Waeco fridge, swags, household goods, DVDs and garden items.

T'GON, 33 Bank St, 8.303pm. Sat. massive sale. no early callers. Books, toys, clothes, homeware, DVD'S, hardware, bric-a-brac, new sound bars, projector scrns, games, whipper snippers, blowers, lots more.

TRARALGON, 10 Henry St. Sat. 8-12.30pm. Bikes, camping gear, fish gear, books, DVDs, household items, furn., electronic and elec. Everything must go.

18 years and older. When making contact with people for the first time, it is advisable to meet in apublic place and let amember of your family or atrusted friend know where you will be.

We would advise readers and advertisers to exercise caution in giving out personal details. This will be respected by genuine respondents.

BORDER Collie pups, purebred with pedigree papers. Ready to go to their new homes. $600 ea. Source No. RB177604 m/c nos. 9530100068671 71/8824/8482. 0413 772 331

MALTESE XPoodle, 2 males, D.O.B. 15/10/24, vet check, vacc., m/chip 95600016643221/6066, RB-211780 $1800. Phone Kath on 0438 453 063.

TIBETAN Spaniel, p/bred, 3F, great companions, $1500, 956000016403833, 16403296, 16400354, RB100506. Ph 0423 349 913

City Council as thte declared waterway manager for Lake Narracan hereby gives notice under section 208(2) of the Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic)that all persons and vessels not registered to take part in the Latrobe Valley WaterSki Club Eventsare prohibited from entering and remaining in the following waters.

Waters of Lake Narracan –Halls Bay Area C The exclusion zone will be in effect from the dates, times and for the events specified in Table 1below Table 1: Latrobe ValleyWater SkiClubEvents

AAA H&GConcreting

When

GARDENING DONE

Pruning, planting, weeding, small jobs through to large jobs, shed clean ups, rubbish removal, etc.

APPRENTICE PAINTER

•

• Customer FocusAgentPermanent FullTime

• Childcare Worker - Multiple Positions

MEMORIAL SERVICE for

Saturday,

Together

Predominantly, this Service is

families who have

into the

whom have had their

the

of the

to

of their

at Gippsland Memorial

or those

through Kellie Eddy. However, if you have celebrated the life of aloved one outside of this; you're still most welcome. Just make contact with us before the event, so we can provide you with further details. Children welcome Flowers by Bell will be onsite with flowers for purchase. Lahrra from 51 Coffee will be serving all your hot treats with acoffee van on site. This is free event with Kellie Eddy and Gippsland Memorial Park Staff donating their time and space to enable this event to go ahead

JAYCO Freedom Pop-Top. 17ft, single axle, 1200kg tare, single beds, R/C-A/C, 3way fridge, txt for pics. 12mth reg. $15,500 o.n.o. Ph 0412 879 154.

ROYAL Flair Elite 18ft, 3-way fridge, m/w, d/axle, QS bed, elec. brakes, TV, annexe, new awning, bbq, outside table, exc. cond., $26,000. 0419 895 218.

ROYAL Flair Enhance, as new condition, genuine reason for sale, lots of extras, ideal for around Aust., $38,000 o.n.o. Ph Peter 0428 827 877.

Selling avan?

Don't waste time waiting for buyers, or on endless consignment plans, sell it today we'll pay cash now. Affordable Caravans 0418 336 238, 5623 4782.

Thanks •

MAY the most Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised, loved, adored and glorified throughout the whole world now and forever more. Most Scared Heart of Jesus have mercy of us. St. Jude, helper on the desperate, pray for us. Amen. Say this prayer 9times daily for 9consecutive days. Publication promised.

Deaths •

GEURTS, Antony (Tom). Late of Holland Park, formerly of Cairns and Ormeau Hills, QLD and Westbury, Vic. Passed away peacefully at home on 24/11/2024. Aged 92 years

Loved and loving husband of Valda. Father and father-in-law of Anthony and Carole, Helen and Peter, Peter and Sharon, Richard and Simone, and Cathy and Todd. Opa of 10 grandchildren and Great-Opa of 1.

JONES, Brian Arthur. Passed away peacefully at Latrobe Regional Health Traralgon on 3rd December 2024. Aged 76 years Former husband of Brigitte. Much loved father of David, and Shane. Adored Poppy of Kallan.

LAY, Christopher, You will always be loved and remembered, Chris. Aunty Barbara ♥♥

VONCKEN, Hubertus (Bert). Passed away peacefully at Latrobe Regional Health, Traralgon 3December 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Aged 89 years Dearly loved husband of Jane (dec). Much loved father and father-in-law of Richard, Sue, Michael and Mary. Adored Opa to Jared and Dani, Rhys and Liv, Marius and Rana, Madelaine and Alex. Great Opa to his 6 great grandchildren. Private Family Funeral.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

JONES. The Funeral Service and committal for cremation for Mr Brian Jones will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 6Ollerton Avenue Moe on FRIDAY (13 December 2024) at 1.30pm. Brian's Service will also be livestreamed. To view the livestream, please visit: latrobevalley funerals.com.au and click on livestreaming.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

BUSUTTIL, June. In memory of June who passed away on 5/12/2016. We miss you so much, especially around Christmas. Always in our hearts Love from Vic and the Busuttil family XXX.

CARDILLO, Francesco. 1/6/1931 -11/12/2022 Your presence we miss. Your memory we treasure. Loving you always, forgetting you never. Always in our hearts Love from Lucia, Angela, Vin, Tony, Mario and families.

MILBURN.

$11,000. 0438 177 153.

BOAT AND CABIN

At Loch Sport Caravan Park, $29,000.

Ph: 0437 089 484.

CRAWLEY, Gwendoline Florence. 29/5/1926 -4/12/2024. Wife of Len (dec.). Much loved mum to Jennifer and Ray. Grandma to Craig, Ange, Damian and Sarah. Great Grandma of six. Gwen had abig, beautiful, interesting and active life. One of many layersgood times and bad, full colour and black and white. Sadness, happiness, despair, hope. Alife that had taken her from her childhood home in Wroxton, England all the way to Australia to be with family. Thank you Mum for making that journey. We've had so many wonderful times and experiences together. You were my Mum, my mentor, my confidante and my best friend. Thank you for your love, devotion and generosity. We will miss you so much. Your battle with old age (your words) is over, now it's time for some well earned rest. We love you Your Family Aprivate cremation will be held at Gwen's request.

MILBURN (Clark), Alma Faye. Passed away peacefully at Heritage Manor, Morwell on 5th December 2024 surrounded by her loving family.

Aged 93 years Dearly loved wife of Max (dec.). Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Rae-Lee (dec.), Danny, Gary, Rick and Raelene. Adored Nan to Matt, Melissa, Timothy and Brandon. Great-Nan to Archie, Lucas and Maddox.

MUIR, nee Morse, (Scales) Gloria. 1/8/1930 -29/11/2024

Aged 94 years Away on her next journey. Passed away peacefully at Dalkeith Gardens Traralgon. Dear wife of George (dec.), Harold (dec.). Mother of Lynne and mother-in-law of Peter. Special nan to Debbie. Special thanks for the patience of carers and nurses at Dalkeith. Aprivate cremation to be held as requested by Gloria.

WESTON, Garry. Service No. 39179 1RAR and 7RAR

Vietnam

The President, Committee, Staff and members of the Morwell RSL Sub Branch are deeply saddened by the passing of their valued Service member Garry. Deepest heartfelt sympathy to Coral and all the family and friends. LEST WE FORGET

WILLIAMS, Phillip David. 26/8/1940 -2/12/2024 Aged 84 years

The Funeral Service for Mrs Alma Faye Milburn will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 437A Princes Dve, Morwell THURSDAY (12 December 2024) at 11am.

The Funeral will leave at the conclusion of the Service for the Hazelwood Cemetery.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

MORWELL 5134 4937

Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

Bereavement

Thanks •

ADAMS, Gerry. 9/10/1942 -11/11/2024. Kerry, Wanda, Stewie and family would like to thank all family and friends for cards, flowers, messages and love shown to us on the recent loss of our Gerry and Poppy.

The Funeral of Mr David Smith will arrive at the Gormandale Cemetery FRIDAY (13 December 2024) for aGraveside Service to commence at 11am. Agathering/wake will take place after this service to celebrate David's life at the Traralgon Baptist Church, 60 Kay Street, Traralgon at 1pm. WINDSOR 1996 poptop,

DELZOPPO, Hon. John Edward OAM. 3/12/1931 -23/11/2024

Member for Narracan (1982 -1996)

Former Speaker of the Victo rian Parliam ent (1992 -1996)

Much loved and loving husband and partner in life of Beth for 69 years.

PROCHAZKA, Alex. Our darling husband, dad and deda, Alex Prochazka passed away 3/12/2024.

Thank you to staff at Apartment 13, Dalkeith Gardens for always treating him with dignity. "I can't help but wonder are the leaves sad to go or are they finally free".

Private service to be held with close family and friends.

Lovedand cherished husband of Judith for 55 years. Loved father of Nicole and Adam, father-in-law of Catherine and Kerryn. Adored poppy of Brock, Zac, Lana and Hannah. We all love and miss you so much and we're grateful for the time we got to spend with you. We would do anything to have you back here with us, but we know you are out of pain and flying free with family members and your loved animals in Heaven. Until we meet again xo In accordance with Phillip's wishes, aPrivate Funeral was held on TUESDAY (10 December 2024).

WOOTON (Findlay), Denise Margaret. Passed away peacefully at Latrobe Valley Village, Newborough 8December 2024. Aged 80 years

Honour your loved ones and share their story

STALLION.

Prayers for the Repose of the Soul of Mr Michael James Stallion will be offered at St Kieran's Catholic Church, 2-4 Wirraway Street, Moe on THURSDAY (12 December 2024) at 12.30pm Private Crematiom

When youlose someoneclose to you,itcan be hardtoput your thoughts and feelings into words

x4 editions in the Latrobe Valley Express and x4 editions in the Gippsland Times (FOR FREE) With awider audience of over 76,000 you're more likely to sell your car, caravan, motorbike etc.

IN

Dearly loved and admired father of Ian, Lindsay, Clare, and Anne, and their partners Mary, Jan, Gavin, and Martin.

Loved Grandpa to Emma, Amy, Sophie, Cathy, Nick, Elly, Evan, Alex, and Sarah, respected by their partners Christian, Brendan, Julian, Sophie,Matt, Fernanda, and Rai.

Loved Old Grandpa to Zara, Luca, Alba, Arthur, Winnie, Maverick, and Charlie.

At rest after alife of service.

AState Funeral Service for John was held (and livestreamed) at St John's Co- oper atin gC hur ch Neerim South, TUESDAY (3 Dec ember 2024) followed by aprivate family burial at the Neerim Cemetery.

SMITH, David (Herbie). Passed away peacefully in his sleep at 3.15am, 7 December 2024.

Aged 87 years. Loved father and best mate of Aaron, Michael, Kate, and Dianne. Much loved Poppy of all his grandchildren.

STALLION Michael James. Passed away unexpectedly, in the loving arms of his one true love Brittney, at Monash Clayton, Friday 6 December 2024.

Aged 36 years

Loved and loving son of Diane and Andrew (dec.) and stepson of Marcus.

Loved brother of Simon (dec.), Rob, Luke, Molly, Mark, Andrew, Missy and David. Loving partner of Brittney. Adored father of Bailey, Lucas and Ella. Cherished grandson of May and Effie (dec.). Another cowboy rides away

Dearly loved and loving wife of Barry (dec.) for 46 years. Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Joanne and Kieran, David and Jenine.

Adored Nan of Christine, Lachlan, William, Kate, and Mitchell. Loving Great Nan of Charli and Alex.

Cherished Memories

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

WOOTON (Findlay). Funeral Prayers for the repose of the soul of Mrs Denise Wooton will be celebrated at St Mary's Catholic Church, Monash Rd, Newborough MONDAY (16 December 2024) at 1.30pm.

The Service will also be live-streamed. To view Denise's Service visit: www.nielsenfunerals.com.au

The Funeral will leave at the conclusion of the Service for the Moe Cemetery.

Apersonal message in the Latrobe Valley Express can say so much All notices placed in print also go in our digital edition

Forfriendly advice on howtoplace your message contact

The Classified Department 5135 4455

SMITH.

Respectful, dignified, simple and affordable FuneralsMoe, Morwell and Traralgon FuneralServices at the Rose Chapel, Church

Lavalla cricket carnival success

CRICKET

MARIST CARNIVAL

BY PETER FLAHAVIN

THE 50thanniversary of Marist Schools

Cricket hosted by Lavalla Catholic College with the support of the Centrals, Traralgon West, Gormandale, Rovers, Ex Students and Raiders cricket clubs saw St JohnsWoodlawnvictorious in the boys’ carnival,while Marist College Bendigotook the honours in the inauguralcricket carnival for girls.

The carnival action saw several personal highlights,mostnotably from the Catholic College Sale boys.

Thomas Boydmade125 not out and Charlie Morris 109 in adisplay of power hitting against Trinity College Beenleighonthe Old Trafford Oval, Traralgon, and Bendigobatter, Samantha Brasher made 102 not out from 127 balls in the inaugural girls final against Marist Sion College, Warragul.

Despite losing to Catholic College Sale in the round robin series, Woodlawn was able to turn thetables on Sale in the final. Woodlawn won with 7/142 versus 8/119.

Marist College Bendigo was far too strong for Warragul in the girls, making 1/233 and then bowling them out for 90.

The All Marist teams were announced at the conclusion of the carnival.

The selected boys team was: Oliver Walker from Trinity College Woodlawn, who was also named captain and cricketer of the carnival. Boyd (with 323 runs) was nominated batter of the carnival. Charlie Collins from Woodlawn (12 wickets) was judged bowler of the carnival.

Others awarded a‘baggy’ cap were: Charlie Morris (Sale), DeclanBrasher (Bendigo), Joe Parsons(Lismore),Henry Allsop(Warragul), JimmyBrand (Lavalla), ArchieNorman (Lavalla), Mitch Leslie (Lavalla), Blake Rowley and Drury Davidson (Catholic College).

The girls selected in the inaugural All Marist team were:Samantha Brasher fromMarist College Bendigo, who was named captain and cricketer of the carnival; RachelFloodand Natalie Flood (Bendigo) who were awarded batter and bowler of the carnival respectively.

Others awarded a‘first time baggy cap’included Candice Bramwell (Lavalla), Lillian Van Der Velden (Lavalla), Jessica Bow (Warragul), Ruby Demeo (Bendigo), Ashlyn Murtagh(Lavalla), Jesse Francis and Teagan McKay (Bendigo), Kyah Murtagh (Lavalla) and Ashlee Rugendyke (Woodlawn).

Local footy trade tracker

New TEDAS scoreboard

FOOTBALL

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

TEDAS Junior Football Club was one of the many clubs across Gippsland to receive fundingasa part of the Telstra Footy Country Grants.

The Traralgon-based junior club was supported in its purchaseofabrand-new electricscoreboard at theirOld TraffordOvalopposite TraralgonFootball Club’s Terry Hunter Reserve.

According to aclub spokesperson, the installation of the scoreboard came about after almost twelve months of planning, submitting grant applications and fundraising that got over the line due to the Telstra Footy Country Grants and Latrobe City Council.

“With four age groups and around 100 registered players each year,the scoreboard willbeanexciting feature on game days not onlyclearly showing the spectators the score, but also showcasing the clubs’ sponsors,” they said.

“The large electronic scoreboard is visible from the clubrooms and all parts of the ground and replaces an old manual scoreboard that sat at ground level and wasn’t always easy to see.

football clubs running, so this is areally important fund to just help move them along and keep all of them going,” she said.

“We’ve been sponsors of (the)AFL for many years now, so we’ve got areally close relationship and this (grants program) came about ayear ago… and that’s aproduct of that close relationship that we have with (the) AFL.”

Head of AFL Victoria, Greg Madigan was also on hand discussinghow theseadditional boosts bring about such importance for regional clubs.

“It’s great, it’sbeen alongpartnership (with Telstra), one that we value highly. It gives footy clubs the opportunitytoget some additional funding to do the things that are important to them and there’s arangeofthings that get done from netsto goalposts, goalpost padding (to) defibrillators, all sorts of things around the country, so it’s aterrific program,”hesaid.

“It just helps the clubs be sustainable and keep up with technology or keep up with the modern equipment and provides amuch more enjoyable, engaging place for players to come and play at.”

and outs fromthe Gippsland League, Mid Gippsland Football-Netball Leagueand NorthGippsland FNL.

Out: MattCorbett (Lucknow).

In: TomMurphy(Frankston).

Recommitted: Harryand Lachie Ronchi.

In: Cooper Walsh (Moe)

Recommitted: SamMcCulloch (coach).

In: Bowdyand RohanRichards (latter Newborough).

“The installation of the scoreboard is another piece added to our home ground that makes our game daysmore comfortable and professional looking for players, parents and grandparents... We can’t wait for the 2025 season to come and see it operating.”

The Telstra Footy Country Grants have assisted 37 junior and senior clubs across Gippsland with financial support for arange of uses.

Telstra Eastern VictoriaRegion General Manager, Jenny Gray said they are proud of the community initiative that is strengthened by the longstanding partnership with the AFL.

“It’s something we are reallyexcited to be aapart of, it’s agreat fund andweknow how important it is for football clubs, it can be really hard to keep

Thislastcropofgrantsassisted clubs with a range of innovations and issues including ground modifications, POS systems, increase participation amongst Indigenous players, Indigenous themed jumpers, natural disaster relief and the formation of new clubs to name but afew.

The sharebetween all clubs totalled over $70,000 supporting them to achieve greater volunteer capacity, grow and diversifyparticipation, and improve environments and experiences.

The program is open again for the 2025 football season and provides opportunities for football clubs in Gippsland to apply for grants to support their needs.

AFLGippsland Club Development Lead, Nicole Bertunaisavailable to support clubs with accessing thesegrantsalong with other support available to volunteersacross Gippsland’s 71 seniorclubs and65juniorclubs.

Support forregional sporting programs

ANEW state government program is backing more community sport in regional Victoria.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence has announcedmorethan$1million in grants from the Strengthening Regional Community Sport program will go to seven organisations to deliver programs in regional Victoria.

“Grassroots clubs and competitions are the heart of regional communities, and these grants are helping organisations expand their programs and getmore peopleinvolved in sport and recreation,” Spence said.

““Regional sport is as popular as ever and we’re making sure local clubshavethe coaches, volunteers and administrators they need to grow and thrive.”

Grant recipients include Badminton Victoria,

which has received $170,000 to increase participation and make the sport more inclusive across seven areas in regional Victoria, with afocus on communities who may not have taken part in the sport before.

A$130,000grant will support AusTriathlon Victoria to create more triathlon opportunities in regional Victoria, including for First Nations people and people with disability.

A$230,000boost will help Life Saving Victoria partner withGippslandbased organisations, includingGippsport and local schools, to grow participation and the skills of local lifesavers.

Strengthening RegionalCommunity Sport is designed to helpbring organisations, clubs, leagues and associations in regional Victoria together to work on tailored, localised projects that remove

barriers,createopportunities, supportvolunteers andincrease participation.

The program is part of the stategovernment’s $60 million Regional Community Sport Development Fund that is delivering infrastructure and programs to support more regional Victorian families and children to get involved in sport.

Supporting the development of ahighly skilled sportworkforceisakey objective of Active Victoria 2022-2026 -astrategic framework for sport and active recreation in Victoria, which is creating a strong and sustainable sports industry for Victoria for the future.

For more information on the grants and to view

visit sport.vic.gov.au.

Hereitis: TheTEDAS JFC newelectric scoreboardwas installedonFriday.

Photograph supplied

Helping hand: Telstraand AFL Victoria have initiated another successful FootyCountryGrantsprogram spread across clubs in Gippsland.

Photograph: BlakeMetcalf-Holt

Non-stop action at latest fight night

Steven Baldachino holds local Chris Ewertupafter hisfight. He eventuallywon unanimouslyonpoints

BOXING

By TOM HAYES

IT just keeps getting bigger and better.

THE 44 Magnum Promotions crewput on their biggest show to date, with their fourth fight night -IGNITE#4-held on Saturday, December 7.

Amassive 16 fights went ahead, with bouts beginning as early as 5pm, with the event wrapping up close to 11pm.

It wasn’t justboxingeither. Also on show was kickboxing and Muay Thai, keeping the hundreds in the crowd engaged as the night grew older.

Anumberoflocal fighters, trained out of Traralgon’s The 44 Gym, put their skills to the test, 15 to be exact, some even fighting each other. Afurther eight fighters were from the wider Gippsland area.

 THE night kicked off with amateur/corporate boxing fights, beginning with two locals fighting out of The 44 Gym, Ben Dowd versus Josh Gangi.

Both fighters set the tone forthe night, getting the crowd into the festivities. In what appeared to be an even fight, Gangi was the first winner of the night, winning via unanimous decision.

That was the general theme of the night -with unanimous winners -but the action ramped up as the night tracked on.

The 44 Gym was well-represented in the second fight too, with both fighters training at the gym. Ethan Wilson took on Ben Lewis.

Again, both fighters gave each other agood crack, and from what looked to be another close fight, Lewis rose victorious by aunanimous decision.

Sale’s Cooper Martin was the fifth Gippslander to take to the ring, when he battled with Torquay’s Mathew Ludbrook

Martin made it three local wins to start the night, with the third straight unanimous decision win of the evening, taking care of business over Ludbrook.

The following fight between Bairnsdale’s Lucy Avage and Melbourne’s Yzabel Jacobwas the closet bout of the night up until this stage.

Both girls had ahand over each other at some point during the bout, which split the scorecards. Avage luckily made it four local wins in arow with the split decision win.

AmberLeyshan, training out of The 44 Gym was

next to enter the ring, facing her from across the ring was Bairnsdale’s Nina Cook.

Again, both girls put on ashow, giving each other their worst, but Cook managed to get the better of Leyshan, winning unanimously on points.

Local Aaron Hawkins fightingout of The 44 Gym was beaten in another close match-up that split the judges scorecards.The winnerKourosh Arvan from Torquay doing it only just.

As things begantoramp up, so did the fighting. The bout between local Daniel White and Bairnsdale’s Luke Forehan reallygot the crowd on their feet.

White had dropped 10 kilograms for this fight, mentioning he had put alot of work into his camp during fight preparations.

In the most exciting fight of the night until this stage, White’s preparation proved to payoff,getting the win unanimously on points.

Fan favourite out of The 44 Gym, Chris Ewert, was next into the ring, taking on Hayden Daymond of Sale.

Ewert held control for most of the fight, almost knocking out his fellow Gippslander on occasions, but Daymond managed to stay on his feet and in the fight.

Daymond may have survived the rounds, but Ewert was aclear-cut unanimous winner.

The crowd was pumped to see local Max Conway take on Western Australia’sTakahiHita, as the two big boys clashed.

Conwaycontrolled the fight, using his height as reachtohis advantage, claiminghis win via unanimous decision.

Up next was the fight that most of the crowd had been waiting for -the Barista Bash between One Shot Double Shot’s Stefan Posa and Bohdi Specialty Coffee’s Kade King.

Bothbaristas hadworked themselvesinto the best shapes of theirlives in preparation for this fight, receiving astand ovation after they went at it for three rounds.

Reminding everyone they weren’t boxers, the two put on what appeared to be the most encapsulating fight of the card.

King was unanimouslyvictorious,ashewas able to hold off any advances from Posa while keeping him at an arm’s length away.

To round out the amateur/corporate side of things,

Traralgon’s Billy Whitmore joined Reghan Lewis in the ring.

Originally planned to fight someone at ahigher weight,whenWhitmore’s first opponent pulled out, he was forced to dropabout fourkilograms in under two weeks in order to make weight for this fight.

Both fighters showed more speed and technicality than any other fight on the card up until this stage, and in doing so, Whitmore appeared to win the first two of four rounds.

Lewis showed more fight in the third round, with the fourth round looking likeitcould have gone either way as the fight got messier.

Nonetheless, if that was the case,itwas safe to say that The 44 Gym had another winner, as Whitmore claimed anotherwin underhis belt, winning unanimously.

 ALL that was left to see was the final five fights, all of a professional standard, leading into two title fights to cap off a massive night of boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai.

Local MichaelCunninghamand Abdul Mahdawi werethe firsttoshowcase kickboxing,givingthe crowd someextraaction to tuneinto.

In afight that certainly caughtthe attention of the crowd, Cunnigham wouldn’t find himself successful with Mahdawi claiming the win unanimously.

The Muay Thai fight also caught the eye of the crowd, with everyoneinattendance paying close attention to the formalities before the fight begun.

The ritualceremony performed by the fighters before engaging in battle is called Wai Kru. ‘Wai’ refers to the traditional Thai greeting, while ‘Kru’ means ‘Thai teacher’, meaning the ritual is athank you and blessing to the coaches, gym, training partners, and family.

Takingtothe ring in the Muay Thai fight was Torquay’sJaivanCallander and Melbourne’s Benedict Tivisini.

Over three three-minute rounds, drama and controversy ensued.Callandertook control landing the bigger blows early into the fight, leaving anice gash on the left eyebrow of Tivisini.

However during the fight, Callander’s mouthguard continued to fall out, andwhile disagreeingwith thereferee (it appeared), he was given aone-point deduction.

Withthe fight comingtoanend with both fighters stillstanding, theresult had the crowdshocked with asplit draw between the two.

Melbourne keeping on in Caps’ campaign

BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

DESPITEsuffering another loss, Traralgon’s Jade Melbourne wasagain in the spotlight for her play, andthistime, her undeterred mentality.

In the UC Capitals89to78loss to Southside Flyers at AIS Arena, Melbourne suffered hit to the face which took her out of the game in the first half.

Bleeding and requiring stitches, Melbourne simply told the team doctor “do what you need to do, I’m built for ugly, just get me back out there”.

Returning with tape wrapped around her face, Melbourne still managed to score 16 points, dish out seven assists and grab four rebounds but the Capitals suffered their sixth loss of the season, placing them bottom of the WNBL ladder.

 MOE’S Jaz Shelley added another win to her collection.

Geelong United defeated Adelaide Lightning 69-59 at Geelong Arena.

Shelley finished with eight points, five rebounds and an assist in 21 minutes of actionasUnited sitat fifth on the ladder with three winsand four losses.

Rocking it: Traralgon’s Jade Melbourne returned to thecourtsporting tape wrapped around her face afterahit to the face in UC Capitals loss to Southside Flyers last week

Photograph supplied

Clearly unhappywith the result, Callander’s corner wanted their questions to be answered, but they were to live with the result. The show resumed with another fan-favourite, fighting out of The44Gym,‘Pistol’ Peter Pirona entering the ring to face WA’s Zane Patience. This one got the crowdupand about,withPirona acting as the aggressor from the first bell.

At one stage duringthe first round, Pirona had Patience on the ropes, and as he approached Patience, the latter began showboating by imitating the moveseenafterMuhammed Ali dodged 21 punchesin10seconds in an exhibitionmatch againstMichael Dokes.

Pirona wouldeventually put Patience in his place with continuous leg kicks that had him unable to stand during the secondround. Aftercountless efforts to try and get up, he was left on the ground, as Pirona won via technical knockout.

All that remained was the two title fights, the first beingthe vacant Women’sSuper Flyweight Australasian Title betweenBairnsdale’s Erini Ramirez and WA’s Holly McMath.

After afairly decentdefensive showing from both fighters, McMath was first to breakthe shackles andtakecontrol.

She wouldeventually claim the title via unanimous decision, claiming each round on the judges scorecards

Unluckily, the final bout between the locally trainedJhon Cortejos and Melbourne’s Sitthidet Pansaensa for the Men’s SilverVictorian Title was somewhat of an anticlimax.

Although the fight started offpromising, the continuous stops during the fight made it difficult for either fighter to gain arhythm.

Pansaensa led with his head, not only dangerously,but also resulting in anumber of clinches, which forced the fighters to break constantly. Eventually Pansaensa paid for his actions, when he led with his head, resultinginanaccidentalhead clash during the fourth round. The head clash saw Pansaensa’s head split open, to the point he needed medical attention during the round.

The fight was brought to ahalt, and since they had surpassed the halfway point, they went to the judges scorecards.

Followingfour rounds of action, the judges scorecards had the bout result in another split draw, leaving the Men’s Silver Victorian Title on the table.

BASKETBALL

NBL BY

BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

TRARALGON’S Jack White began impressivelyfor his Melbourne United side lastweek beginning with avictory over New Zealand Breakers across the pond, 97 to 70. White scored 16 points (only missed one shot from the field), grabbed 10 rebounds, two assists, asteal and ablock in theblowout win. That game was also momentousfor veteran Melbourne United coach Dean Vickerman. Vickerman, who originates from Warragul and hascoached Unitedfor thepast eight seasons, collected his 148th victory moving him intoeighth all-time for NBL coaching wins.

In what was their first loss in over amonth, United were downed by Brisbane Bullets at John Cain Arena, 122-114.

White finished with 21 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and added two assists in the loss. White has ten double-doubles (10 plus in two major statistical categories) and averaging 14.3 points, 10.3 rebounds(league-leader) and shooting 52 per cent from the field across the season.

United stillsit three games clearfor first place on the NBL ladder.

Barista Bash: Local baristas Kade King (blue) and Stefan Posa (red) put eachother to thetest at theweekend

Ruthless: Trained by The 44 Gym, PeterPirona would not let up in his bout against WA’s Zane Patience,knocking him down multiple times

Fanfavourite:

The kid: Traralgon’s BillyWhitmorepacks apunch on his opponent Reghan Lewis Photographs: RSFMedia

Traralgon bags bragging rights

BOWLS STRZELECKI NORTH

SATURDAYPENNANT

BY MICHAEL HOLROYD

AFTER most bowlers missed playing the previous Saturday due to rain, Strzelecki North players were apprehensive about another day of rain when Round 9came around at the weekend.

Manygamesbegan with rain clouds lingering and were interruptedbyashower or two before the afternoon fined up, allowing all games to be completed.

Division 1

NEWBOROUGH travelledtoDrouin and found the slick green after rain not to their liking as the home team won by 17 shots with Steve Barr and his rink of Vince Mancarella, PeterWallace and Joe Horsefield winning 23 to 12. Longwarryhad agoodwin at home against

Trafalgar winning by 33 shots. Their best rink was Ken Towt together with Hayden McCarthy, Col Finger and Craig Cousin who won 31 –15.

Traralgon had agood win at their cross-town rivals Traralgon RSL winning by 16 shots. Michael Yacoub and his rink of Barry Fernance, Julian Wildenberg and IanKirkupwon 22 –10. Morwellhad afive shot victory over Warragul at Newborough despite Graeme Davis and his rink of Lynne Thomas, Gaye Renn and Peter Gallasch winning27–16which was not abig enoughmargintocoverthe other three rinks won by Morwell.

Division 2

MORWELLClubtravelled to Traralgon (2)and won by two shots in anail-biting finish after the two sides played adraw at MorwellClubearlier in the season.

Glenn Trembath and his rink of Duncan Hanlon, Sue Karleusa and Lynne Smith won 34 –16. Thorpdale had a15shot victory at home against Traralgon (3) with the rinks of Brendan Jennings and Graeme Edwards both winning by eight shots.

First midweek loss for Trafalgar

BOWLS

STRZELECKI NORTH

MIDWEEK PENNANT BY

MICHAEL HOLROYD

MIDWEEK pennant bowls continued in Strzelecki Northplaying Area on Tuesday, December 3. In Division 1, Traralgon RSLgaveTrafalgar their firstdefeat of the season with Ross Sizeland and his rink of PeterBarnes,Elaine Muir and Titch Hore winning 28 to 13 in their 13 shot victory. Warragul had afour shot win at home over Moe with MargaretRatcliffe and her rink of MattDraisma,Bill Clappersand PatHammond winning 26 –22. Newborough, with Jo-Anne Michaels and her rink of MaryWhelan, Debbie Kennedy and Danny VanZuylen winning 30 –7had a13shot win over Traralgon. Drouin wonby19shots at home against Morwell Club with Graeme Aubrey and his rink of John Bickerdike, Vince Mancarella and JanAubrey winning 33 –14.

IN Division 2 Newborough (2) had a23-shot win at Traralgon (2) with JulieJackson and her rink of Glenys Perkins,Carmel Goss and Jeff Wetzel

ATHLETICS

GIPPSLAND

Round 9ofGippsland Athletics Club

trackand field season washeld Tuesday 3rdDecember 2024.

RESULTS:

800M

Women: U/14–Xanthe Dalton 3:14.63

Men: Open –JackDoderico 2:02.20, Jett Schofield 2:05.55

HAMMER

Women: U/14–Brooklyn Wyatt 23.89; U/16 –Zaria Dalton 19.02; Open –Brandy Forget 19.76; Masters–Fiona Saltmarsh18.43

Men: Open –Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 23.80; Masters–Simon VanBaalen 37.62, Wayne Seear 23.94, Andrew Rodda 22.17, Stuart Dalton 20.18

TRIPLE JUMP

Women: U/14–Brooklyn Wyatt 8.04, Xanthe Dalton 6.82

SHOTPUT

Women: U/14–Brooklyn Wyatt 7.65, Xanthe Dalton 5.51; U/16–Zaria Dalton 5.81; Open –Brandy Forget 7.05; Masters–Fiona Saltmarsh8.09

Men: Open –Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 8.14; Masters–Simon VanBaalen 11.51, Stuart Dalton 8.68, Andrew Rodda 7.59, Wayne Seear 7.17

100M

Women: U/14–Brooklyn Wyatt 14.64, Xanthe Dalton 15.20; U/16–Zaria Dalton 13.22; Open –Brandy Forget 21.40

Men: Open –JackDoderico 11.81, Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 12.16; Masters– Andrew Rodda 13.68, Simon VanBaalen 15.56, StuartDalton 15.99

Gippsland Athletics Vern Curnow Pentathlon will be held on Tuesday10th December,6pm at the Joe Carmody Track, Newborough Events: 200m, Javelin, Long Jump, Discus, 1500m/800m.

GOLF

CHURCHILL &MONASH

StrokeRound 3Club Championship & Monthly Medal &Ken Garlic Star Medal Saturday30th November 2024. Men’s ScratchChampion: RMadigan (79,84,92) 255

Men’s Handicap Winner: D. Cluderay 222 Nett

AGrade Handicap: R. Madigan 222 Nett

winning 21 –11. In ahigh scoring game Yinnar defeated Morwell with JennyJones along with Francis Cassar,Peter Rennie and Gavin Osborne winning 40 –11and forMorwell Kevin Pigdon and his rink of Ross Harford, together with Chris and SteveCunningham winning 37 –15.

Drouin (2) had a13-shot win over Neerim District with Rudy Kerkvliet and his rink of LynJeffrey, Andrew Blabyand Irene Dawson winning 30 -8 Trafalgar (2) had anarrow threeshot win at home against Morwell Club (2).

In Division 3 Traralgon (3) defeated Yarragon by 52 shots with JoyceHales winning 35 -7,Drouin (3) defeated Morwell (2) by 11 shots,Newborough (3) defeated Churchill by nine shots

In Division 4 Longwarrydefeated Moe (2) byfive shots,Warragul (2) defeated Garfield by three shots and Traralgon RSL(2) defeated Morwell (3) by 19-shots

In Division 5 YallournNorth defeated Yinnar (2), Traralgon (4) defeated Newborough (4) and Trafalgar (3) drew with Drouin (4). In Division 6 Traralgon RSL(3) defeated Traralgon (5), Warragul (3) defeated Neerim District (2), and Churchill (2) defeated Morwell (4).

BGrade Handicap: D. Cluderay 222 Nett

CGrade Handicap: Adam West 226 Nett

DayWinners Handicap

AGrade: D. Burridge 77 Nett

BGrade: D. Cluderay 70 Nett

CGrade: Ash West 77 Nett

MonthlyMedal Winner:D.Cluderay

KenGarlic Star Medal –M.BreretonNett

81 c/b

ScratchWinner: Russel Dent 88

Putts: Adam West 28

D.T.L: 1. G. Barnes 72, 2. Adam West 75, 3. BJenkins 78, 4. R. Dent 79, 5. C. Waring

81.6

N.T.P: 12th G. Barnes 12th L. Brent L. Brent

Target Hole: R. Dent

StrokeMonthly Medal Tuesday3rd December 2024.

MonthlyMedal Winner: L. VanRooy81

Nett

D.T.L: I. Duncan 82 Nett

Putts: S. Caldwell 30

ScratchWinner: W. Hiriaki 80

N.T.P: 3rdM.Dear,5th S. Caldwell

MIRBOO NORTH

Tuesday3rd,December,Stableford

JMcFarlane (15) 38pts

DTL: JKus,CJames 34pts c/b

NTP: 4th JKus,6th SBeitz, 16th JKus

Birdies: 4th JMcFarlane,16th JMc

Farlane,GShandley

Saturday, 7th December,Stroke

AGrade: SWoodall (8) 71net c/b

BGrade: GShandley(13)71

CGrade: SHill-Smith(20) 70

DTL: TimTraill71, MPayne,J Coleman, J Hughes,RMadigan 72 c/b

NTP: 4th RFelmingham, 6th D

Felmingham, 13th DJerram, 16th MPayne

Birdies:16th MPayne

BGrade Championship Playoff,G Shandley def JKidd

MOE

Wednesday, 27 November 2024,Twilight

Stableford

Winner: A. Babet 20 points

Sunday, 01 December 2024 OPEN Sunday

9hole Stableford

Grade AWinner: Spowart, Geoff(28) 21

Place Getters: Gooding,Colin 19 C/B

Sunday, 01 December 2024 OPEN Sunday

Medley

Grade AWinner: Stirzaker,Jason (8) 43

Latrobe Valley Express, Wednesday, 11 December, 2024

Neerim District hada30shot win over Garfield at home with Neil Adams and his rink of Russell Meehan, Gregg Chapple and Angus McGillivray winning 27 –13. Moeathome won by 12 shots against Traralgon RSL (2) with both Chris Goldsbrough and Michael Smogavec winning by six shots.

Division 3

TRAFALGAR (2) won by 23 shots at home against Moe (2) with Frank Farrugia and his rink of Anthony Dalgleish,Billy Nisbetand Wayne Hurst winning 23 –11. Yinnar defeated Morwell (2)at Newborough with Max Aumann and his rink of Robert Hooper, Michelle Tisdale and Russ Peters winning 24 –12. Drouin (2) wonby12shotsatNewborough (3)with Brian Thorpe and his rink of Paul Delaney,Bev Walsh and Phil Jarred winning 25 –7.Boolarra at home were too strong for Newborough (2) winning by 29 shots with the best rink David Stevens along with Bruce Davey, Janet Napier and TerryParker who won 35 –9

Division 4

Divisions 5-7

IN Division 5Drouin (3) defeated Yallourn North (2) by eight shots, Garfield (2) defeated Warragul (3) by six shots, Boolarra (2) defeated Trafalgar (3) by five shots, Traralgon (5) defeated Morwell (4) by seven shots and Traralgon RSL (3) won by 24 shotsover Morwell Club (2) with John Farquhar andhis rink of Donna Street, Greg Inman and Joe Ward winning 32 –8

In Division6Moe (3) defeated Longwarry (3), Drouin (4) defeated NeerimDistrict (3)and Newborough (4) defeated Traralgon (6)with Charlie Amos and his rink of Colin Croot, Don Armstrong and Ann-Mary Ryan winning 43 –9 In Division 7Traralgon RSL (4) defeatedChurchill (2) and Thorpdale (2) and Warragul (4) forfeited to Traralgon (7) and Moe (4) respectively. Friday night will be abig nightatLongwarry, with the Strzelecki Region Team challenging the MorningtonPeninsula Team in apractice match priortothe Regional Championships in Ballarat. The semi-finals and finals of the State Pairs will be held at Newborough on Sunday.

CHURCHILL won by 49 shots against Morwell (3) with CraigFlanigan and his rink of Barry Flanigan, Sandy Milne and Kristian Hunter winning 36 –8 Traralgon (4) had anine shot victory over Yarragon with Bill Bishop winning by eight shots. Warragul (2) defeated Longwarry (2) with Roy Hammond and his rink of Belinda Slate, Peter Ellis and Des Stephens winning 26 –12. Yallourn North had a 38 shot win over Neerim District (2) with Craig Speake and his rinkofWendySpeake, Michelle Hibbert and Dale Raven winning 46 –6

Goannas hold their nerve on the road

CRICKET VETERANS BY GORDAN COWLING

GIPPSLAND Goannas Over 60 cricket team made the triptoZerbes ReserveinEastDoncaster to play the local veterans last Sunday. Gippsland insertedthe opposition and saw them close at 7/142 after 40 overs.

Wickets were shared between the Goannas.

Rino Metlikovec and Chris Devent then opened the batting innings for the Goannas, with the skipper retiringwith just 10 runs to hisname after six overs, allowing Col Carmody to come to the crease. After 10 overs the score had advanced to 36 runs.

SCOREBOARD

Grade BWinner: Langstaff, Jay(14)43

Grade CWinner: Panozzo, Gavan(20) 33 C/B

Place Getters: Babet, Alain 38, LACK, GAVAN37, Voumard, Adam 36 C/B

Wednesday, 04 December 2024,WOMEN'S WEDNESDAY 9HOLEStableford

Grade AWinner: Mitchell,Evelyn(27) 16 Wednesday, 04 December 2024 WOMEN'S 3PERSON AMBROSE

Overall Winners: PatThompson &Christine O'Reilly65.625 Wednesday, 04 December 2024 Twilight

Stableford

AGrade: S. Williams 21 points, BGrade: R. Allen 20 points

Birdies: 8th, S. Williams,14th, A. Pickard Thursday, 05 December 2024

Competition :OPEN Medley Stableford Mens

Grade AWinners:Taylor,Brayden (10) 42

Grade BWinners:Jones,Adrian (11) 41

Grade CWinners: Rodaughan, Peter(19) 38

Grade DWinners: Savige,Bruce (26) 43

Place Getters: Taylor,Amy 40 Devent, Anton 39 C/B Hodgson, Robert39C/B Chapple,Dan 39 C/B Dent, Russell 39 Brien, Kevin 38 Harber,John 37 C/B Hamilton, Alec 37 C/B Dyt, Ricky 37 Webster,Jesse 36 C/B Stansbury, Les 36 C/B Robertson, Jenna 36 Hibbs,Steven35 C/B Donnison, Terry35C/B Walsh, Gary 35 C/B

Great Score:TerryDonnison (Birdie) @ 14 Maurice Papettas(Birdie)@14Jenna

Robertson (Birdie) @4 Brian Jenkins (Birdie) @4 Shane Williams (Birdie) @8 Adrian Jones (Birdie) @4 Maurice Papettas (Birdie) @8

Nearest to Pin: 4th Jenna Robertson 8th Ricky Dyt14th Maurice Papettas Saturday, 07 December 2024 MEN'S Monthly Medal -Stroke

Grade AWinners: Johnson, Tony (0) 71

Grade BWinners: Stephens,Peter (14) 71 C/B

Grade CWinners: Savige,Bruce (25) 69 -Medal Winner

Place Getters: Boyce, John 71 C/B Allen, Ray72C/B Buckman, Peter72C/B Dunstan, Craig 72 Donnison, Terry73C/B Nyko, Steve73Rodaughan, Peter73C/B Johnson, Charles 73 Yeomans,Wayne 74 C/B Devent, Anton 74 C.B

Gross Winner: Tony Johnson 71

Great Score: Liam Weir (Eagle) @3,Peter

Devent was out for 13 in the 13th over, and Rob Taylor joined Col, who was dismissed for 12. Peter Anton came in and he and Ron Taylor took the score along steadily reaching 2/49 at the drinks break.

Antonwas bowled on the first ball of the 31st over for awell-made 28.

Taylor retired for 40 in the 35th over for the fourth consecutive time this season, bringing Neil Meredith in to bat. When Bacchetti was run out at thestart of the 36th over the Goannas still needed more than20runs to win.

Meredithand Bernie Symons, with some sensible batting, got the Goannas score to 5/144 in the 39th over.

Rodaughan (Birdie) @4,TerryDonnison (Birdie) @8,Liam Weir (Birdie) @8,Anton

Devent (Birdie) @8,Liam Weir (Birdie) @4

Graeme Brien (Birdie) @8,Aaron Bassman (Birdie) @8

Nearest to Pin: 4th Shannon Borg 8th NickSkicko 14th AnthonyColvin

Steven Hibbs -Mystery Sixes PrizeWinner

Saturday, 07 December 2024 WOMEN'S SATURDAY Stableford

Grade AWinners: Taylor,Amy (12) 33

MORWELL WOMENS 4th December 2024 Stableford Winner: APollutro43 pts

R/Up CPeter 36

DTL: GClark35pts

NTP: 2nd STurner 8th JRichards 11th CBoers15th STurner

4thDecember 2024 Star Medal -Stroke Winner: CPeter 74 nett

TRAFALGAR Friday, December 6th 2024, Open Men’s& Ladies Stableford

AGrade Winner: Adrian Jones 41 pts

BGrade Winner: Benton Smith 42 pts

Women Winner: Jennifer Brennan 39 pts

DTL's: RodBoon 39, Wayne Robbins 38, Doug Anderson 37,MarkHiriart36, Russell Dent 36, Glenn Vassett36, Ryan Wilson 36, Bill Williams 36C/B

Birdies: 2nd: WarwickGriggs 5th: Kevin

Ayton, Glen Roberts,Greig Williams 11th: Brendan O’Brien

Saturday, December 7th 2024, Stroke

Monthly Medal

Medal Winner: Reno Borg64 nett

AGrade Winner: Reno Borg64 nett

BGrade Winner: Chris Griffin65 nnett

ScratchWinner: Reno Borg71 gross

DTL’s: George Petkovic 68, PeterMoss 68, Jack Marshall 68, WarwickGriggs 69, Jim O’Brien 69, Hank Fiddelaers69, Jordan Chapman 69, RoyWhatmough 70 C/B

NTP’s: 2nd: Russ Grant 5th: MarkAndo (Pro

Pin) 11th: TimCross 13th:Tim Cross 15th: PeterBurghardt

Birdies: 5th: Chris Griffin, John Tabuteau, PeterMoss 11th:Tim Cross 13th:Tim Cross, Russ Grant 15th:Peter Burghardt, Ray Wiseman YALLOURN

9Hole Stableford

Rovers appoint former BomberBurns to topjob

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

THElongjourney to success starts with the first move.

As Hill End Football-Netball Club makes the slow climb back to the top of the mountain, the Rovers announced their new senior coach for 2025 with the arrival of Adrian Burns.

Both playing and coaching, Burns has awealth of football experience at his fingertips with time spent across Victoriaand in New South Wales including asix-yearAFL stint in the early 1990s with Essendon and St Kilda.

While local clubs usually come about coach or player signings outside of the region forged from some sort of relationship or personal interaction, Hill End came about Burns from a different method.

Burns was identified after the Rovers discovered his intentions to coach from Footy Recruits -an Australian Rules recruiting platform that connects clubs with potential players and coaches.

Able to easily get in contact using this tool, after conversations discussing their developing list, Burns was keen to take the job on.

“The club contacted me, Ithought well, I’d like to coach again and they’vegiven me the opportunity, so I thought I’d have acrack at it,” he said.

“I love my footy and Ih aven’t coached senior football for awhile they’ve (Hill End) gotsome good young players coming up through there and it wouldbegood to work with them.”

Accustomed to the slogs that can take place and the unorthodox ovals,

and club legend,Darren Kelly. Photograph supplied

none more so than at Willow Grove

Rec reat ion Rese rve, Bu rns has some grasp with prior time spent as playing-co ach at Sale in the Gippsland League. Bur ns coac hed the Magp ies in 2002 and 2003, taking them to a preliminary final in the latter.

He saidany ideas of agame style willhavetowait until he finds his feet at the Rovers.

“Once we start training and get into it (and) Iget to know them, we’ll work out what our goals are,” Burns said. Burns was drafted to Essendon in 1988 and enteredduringasuccessful period for the Bombers,rarelynot seen at the top of the ladder.

Playing in anightpremiership and reserves premiership for Essendon, he rubbed shoulders with someof

the bestplayers seen in the game’s modern history.

“I got to play with some pretty champion footballers, so that was a big highlight, when Iwas younger anyway,” he said.

Burns kickedtwo goals in the 1990 Foster’sCup GrandFinal(preseason flag)against North Melbourneand the 1992 reserves flag produced the early workingsofthe following year’s Baby Bombers premiership run with James Hird, Dustin Fletcher and Joe Misiti to name but afew in the seconds line-up.

Selected for his first game against Geelong in Round51990,Burns played eight matches for Essendon, inclu ding the semi- final loss to Collingwood -that year’seventual premier.

His semi-final was noted for the collision with Collingwood player and futu re St Kilda co ach Alan Richard son ,w hi ch resul ted in Richardsonmissing the Magpies drought-breaking premiership.

“I don’t think there was much in it, maybeAlan Richardson wasin the wrong spot at the wrong time,” he said.

“Bitdisappointing for him,but that’s the way footy goes.”

Burns strug gled with injury through the next couple of seasons beforehelanded at Moorabbin, again playing with some of the stars of the era headlined by all-time AFL leading goal kicker Tony Lockett.

“Played with Plu gga Lock ett, Robert Harvey, Nathan Burke, Nicky Winmar and Rod Keogh, blokes like that… so Isupposed I’ve beenreal lucky in that manner to have played with so many champion footballers,” he said.

More player moves across Gippy

FOOTBALL

By LIAM DURKIN

THE exodus continues.

Kurt Holt has become the latest player to leave Churchill Football-Netball Club, signing with Gippsland League club Moe.

Holt’s move has come about through Moe senior assistant coach Chris Kyriacou -the two having played in aNorth Gippsland Football-Netball league premiership with Churchill in 2019. Kyriacou, who started his playing career with the Lions and also won three Mid Gippsland flags with Trafalgar, will be very busy next season, coaching Moe’sunder 16 side before helping on the bench during themain game.

Kurt is the son of legendary local footballer Brendan Holt, who won Churchill’s seniorbestand-fairest at age 45 this year.

The pairplayedinthe Cougars’2019senior premiership together, believed to be the only time in Gippsland football history afather and son achieved such afeat.

Romantics may be sad to see the on field union is over, perhaps even more so given the junior Holt is on 142 Churchill senior games.

The news also meansthe Cougars will be without at least four key starting senior players in 2025. Joining Holtonthe ‘outs’ list are brothersAsh and Luke Di Ciero, who have gone to Melbournebasedclub Bentleigh, andBailey Flanigan,who has joined Boolarra, coached by former Churchill player Brendan Mason.

The Cougars were one of the last North Gippsland clubs to sign acoach for next season, eventually settling on Dale Furphy.

Coaching is hard enough as it is, let alone taking on ateam that has lostfourstarting senior players. Four could still become more, and Churchill will be anxiously waiting to see whether favourite son Chris ‘Squid’ Williams recommits.

The Express understands Williams has trained with Traralgon this preseason.

Generally regarded as one of, if not the greatest player the North Gippsland league has seen this century, it could be now or never for Williams to play in the major league.

Where previously his fiercedevotionand loyalty to seeing Churchill win premiershipstook over, with the Cougars lookingasthough they willbewell out of contention next season, if ever there was atime to make amove, now might be it.

Just how competitive Churchill will or won’t be next season remains to be seen, although there has been some suggestion Gormandale, who have never beaten the Cougars at Gaskin Park, might even be more than apunchers chance of doing so.

Veteranguidance: Heyfield’sAsher Eastham is bunking with Gold CoastSuns

Captain Touk Miller in his firstmonths up nor th. Photograph supplied

Eastham settles in the northern state

FOOTBALL

AFL EXPORTS BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

HEYFIELD’S Asher Eastham has gone from the vast countryside of Gippsland to sharing aroof with Gold Coast Suns Captain Touk Miller.

The surp ris ep ic ku pd ur ing the AFL RookieDraft(taken at pick 17), Eastham was thrusted up north immediately and has already begun his preseason dutieswhile being welcomed into the home of the Suns premier midfielder.

“I’vegot my own littlesanctuary -two big glass sliding doors, alittle garden out the front, my own ensuite… I’m loving it,” Eastham told the Herald Sun Befor eb eing inform ed by Gold Coast recruiting boss Kal Burns their intention to take him, Eastham was just minutes away from heading off to his school graduation. He couldn’t have asked for abetter player to be under the wing of -Miller is lauded for his professionalism and high work ethic that has placed him high in the Brownlow vote count year-after-year.

“Touk has been so good for me,” Eastham said.

“He’s probablyone of the most professional players in the league, so living with him and learning off him has been great.”

Eastham joins quitethe localcontingent, with the Suns already sporting the likes of Moe’sBailey Humphrey, Morwell’s Ben Ainsworth, Fish Creekand former Moe player SamFlanders as well as Maffra’s Max Knobel who was also picked up by Gold Coast during the Rookie Draft from Fremantle.

 ST KILDA are taking acautious approach to recent first round draftee and Warragul recruit Alix Tauru, who has been dealing with abackstressfracturesustained at the end of his time at Gippsland Power. It was discovered during his AFL Draft Combine visit in October, but that didn’t stop the Saints taking Tauru with their 10th pick in this year’s AFL Draft.

While not requiring surgery, Tauru is not expected to participateinfull training sessions until at least February while recovering from the injury.

 THE local injury plague continues with Melbourne announcing that Leongatha’s Xavier Lindsay won’t return to training until the New Year. It was discovered Lindsay was suffering from aPCL ailment that had been lingering since August when playingfor Gippsland Power.

The number11pick and Morrish Medallist (Coates TalentLeaguebest-and-fairest) completed arunning session with senior players Clayton Oliver and Bailey Fritsch,but will not returntofull-contact with the Demons until after the Christmas break.

Lindsay is joinedalongside Morwell’s Ricky Mentha at the Demons in each of theirdebut seasons.

Next phase: Hill EndFootball-Netball Club hasappointed former AFL playerAdrian Burns (left) as theirnextsenior coach. Welcoming the appointment is Hill End official

Game face: NewMoe recruit Kurt Holt,who has joinedfromChurchill Photograph supplied

Toon backintunewith classy win

CRICKET

CLVPREMIER A

BY LIAM DURKIN

CALCULATORS came out in Round 7ofCricket

Latrobe Valley Premier A.

With rain and one day conditions(reverted after Day 1was washed away), acouple of games came down to little more than afew misdirected deliveries resulting in leg side wides, or fortuitous slashes once slips were taken out.

 THIS is getting ridiculous now for Moe.

The Lions of Ted Summerton found themselves involved in another nerve-killing game, losing to Centrals by three runs.

Withnot even half the season yet done, three of Moe’s six completed games to date have been decidedbymargins of onerun (Round 3; win versus Raiders),one wicket (Round4;lossversus Morwell), and now three runs against Centrals. Throw in the Round 5game against Glengarry, which wasn’t decideduntil the80thover (Moe loss) and Moe could have reasontofeel slightly hard done by.

While rules are rules, you would be stiff to get relegated on the back of results like these.

The latest in astring of seemingly unexplainable tight finishes saw Moe go well against usual protocol and elect to bowl first at Moe Racecourse Turf. Centrals compiled146,the majority of which was scored by Mark Rawson.

As aman whohas routinely played the ‘best looking 30s you’ve ever seen’ before finding arandom way to get out in the past, Rawson went on with it this time, smashing 96 off 91 balls.

Saturday, December 7

Premier B(Round 8, one dayer reverted):

THORPDALE 4/175 (M Powell 54*, MGraeme 54, LMorphet 23, MBentley 2/27) def Ex Students 174 (J Zappulla57, DChurchill 30, MPowell 3/28, BDyke2/17, RKerrison 2/33), Churchill 9/148 (J Rae 30, SFreeman 28, JMotta 4/18) def CATS 147(LPass57, RMarks 3/13,S Freeman3/30, RJohnson 2/37), Toongabbie 101 (H Broad 30, CBailey 3/14, SGniel 3/26) drew Morwell 2/19, Glengarry 8/205 (P Henry 123, DCochrane 32, H Bright 3/47, DCooke 2/36) def Traralgon West 55 (J Porter 4/27, JDuncan 2/4, PHenry 2/6, JSands 2/7),Jeeralang-Boolarra 4/98 (B McCormack 31*) def Mirboo North 97 (B Van Heurck 28, DGregor 5/29, LSmith 3/27).

BGrade (Round 10):

MOE 9/173(MWhitney 31, BFinn 29, JAtkinson 27, TShankland3/33, BWilliamson 2/27, C Hughes 2/28) drew Centrals 5/94 (J Downes 27*, AJohnstone 2/12), Rovers 6/255 (J Pearce127*, SBoyes 48, CSchmidt 28*, KHebbard 3/42) def Latrobe 8/155 (R Hebbard 41, LWoolan 3/35, A Van Zuyden 2/33), Raiders 9/153 (R Sidhu 33*, H Rai 27, JJones 3/15, JShankland 3/34,DLoots 2/11)def Imperials 74 (D Caulfield 25, JVarghese

The burly right hander smacked eight fours and three sixes during his time at the crease.

KeenanHughes did somegood work up top, before coming back and finishing with figures of 4/20, while Ben Zomer chipped in with 2/44.

The Moe batting card saw Andrew Philip negotiate atricky situation around him, getting to 53 batting alongside captain Noah Kane.

The pair put on 60 for the fifth wicket, taking the total to 103.

Kane and Hughes then took the team within 16 runs of victory before disaster struck.

Kane was dismissed for 32, meaning the tail was exposedtobat against Centrals quicks Nuwan Pradeep and Tyron Gamage.

Needing eight to win off the last over, Gamage blasted the stumps twicetoleave Moeshort at 9/143.

Gamage took 4/24, Pradeep2/32 andthe old stager Marc Fenech 2/31.

These close losses better not be asignofthings to come for Moe in footy season.

 EX STUDENTS defeated Morwell on Duckworth-Lewis-Stern.

The Sharksbattedfirst,and made7/163 off 46.5 overs at Keegan Street.

This proved to be enough once the adjustment was made, with the Tigers bowled out for 159.

Lee Stockdale made 68 opening the batting for the winners, with Mitch Harris helping out with an unbeaten 29.

Wickets were shared in the Morwell camp, with ahighlight in the field coming from captain Blair Clymo, who threw down the stumps from mid on to see the back of Stockdale.

The home side had the worst start imaginable in

reply, falling to 2/1. Arescue mission from Clymo and Jordan Campbell got the side out of trouble, before the latter fell for abusy 31 off 42 rocks.

Clymo played well for 71 against an impressiveas-ever Ex Students bowling and fielding return.

Adam Brady took 3/27 off 10 overs, while Stockdale chimed in with 2/20.

Sharks skipper James Pryde went for just 15 runs off 10 overs (three maidens), took two catches and got arun out.

Aftermissing outwith the bat earlier in the day, Prydedemonstrated just how many facets make up agameofcricket

As they say, thereisalwaysanopportunityto contribute.

 TOONGABBIE had aconfidence-boosting win over CATS.

Confidence-boosting in the fact Amal Athulathmudali wasn’t required to make all the runs.

The Rams put together 183 on John Black Oval, headlined by clublegend Rob Wheildon making 69 against the new ball, and new recruit and qualified pizza chef Gayashan Munasinghe boxing up 58, three of which were extra large (sixes).

CATS pair Jamie Cochrane and SamGissara didwell to stem the flow of runs, going for less than three and taking 3/14 and 2/22 respectively.

One player aside, the batting never really materialised for CATS, who were bundled out for 153.

English import Owen Palmer stood tall with an insane 73 off 36 balls, possibly gettinghimself another three league votes in alosing effort following his 107 against Morwell in Round 2.

The nexthighestscore afterPalmer’s however was 16, whichtold thosewho were not thereeverything

CRICKET LATROBEVALLEY SCOREBOARD

3/18,HRai 2/0, PMills 2/9), Gormandale 159 (G Swann 93*, FWhite 25, PGrima 2/22,AWilkes 2/49)def Willow Grove 114 (T Reynolds 4/28, P Korula 2/8, GSwan 2/23) on DLS.

Premier C(Round 8):

IMPERIALS5/162 (M Twomey 63*, PDunstan 47*,DBrain 3/31) def Rovers154 (R Matthews 48, DCanning 33, LSykes 3/4, DBuhagiar 3/15, LHegarty2/22) ,ExStudents 3/177(DMillington 76*, SThomson 47*) def Morwell 8/93 (T Kosterman 4/20), Toongabbie 7/175 (D Elms 66, BHood 34, BWall26, DCalder 3/45, KCollins 2/28)def Mirboo North 105 (A Scicluna 49, MCooper 3/35, JElms2/5, BHood 2/12, DVeale 2/16), Moe 7/162 (T Oakley 80*, GEdwards 28, CPerera 3/17, H Pettie 2/38) def Centrals 9/190 (S Rajapakse 54*, HPettie 40, JPoursanidis 25, DBiggins 3/27, B Cake 2/29) in atwilight game, Glengarry defeated CATS on forfeit.

CGrade (Round 8):

RAIDERS 6/138(KHutchinson 75, GBachelor 3/15) def Gormandale (S Gamble 52, MSmallwood 32, SArora 2/7, JWebber 2/15), Latrobe 4/256 (D Mcdougall 109, RBorlase 80) def JeeralangBoolarra 9/92(ABremner 2/0, JRatcliffe 2/5, J Mooney 2/7), Rawson def Imperials on forfeit, ChurchillvsWillowGrove -abandoned, Traralgon West -bye

Tuesday, December 3

T20 comp (Round 3):

GLENGARRY 6/91 (F Marks 32, DKeyhoe 2/16, TReynolds 2/18) tied Gormandale 9/91 (D Keyhoe 41,M Merton5/10) (no super over).

Note: Round2(November 26)was washed out, rescheduled to December 10. Results not known at time of press.

Thursday, December 5

Women's Championship (Round 8):

MIRBOONorth 1/128 (K Collins 33*, CJohns 18*) defRovers 4/37 (K Collins 2/7), Willow Grove 3/102 (J Christie 31*, HFerguson 22, KGrima 16*) def Raiders 1/98(THunt32*, RCarr 30*),ExStudents 2/91 (A Hood 30*, JLangstaff 22) def Morwell 3/90 (C Mayberry 33*, RBall 20*, NFreeman 16).

Women's Premier (Round 8):

RAIDERS 0/62 (Z Quinsey-Munro 30*, ZHustwayte 18*) def Imperials 4/60 (P Wheeler 33*, RReid 15), Churchill4/75 (J Keighran27*,Z McNaughton 17*, SForbes 15) def Centrals 2/63 (K Peters 17*, KDoble 15), Willow Grove vs Latrobe (result not in PlayHQ).

CRICKETLATROBEVALLEY

TOONGABBIE 1STINNINGS BOWLING

KStoddart5-0-16-2, SMoran 4.1-0-19-1, AAthulathmudali 8-2-350, GMunasinghe 8-0-45-1, JVeneman 10-2-25-5, MBarry4-1-11-0

GLENGARRYV RAIDERS at Glengarry Recreation Reserve,FredKing Oval GLENGARRY1ST INNINGS BATTING

AJenkin cH McColl bBRivers 19 CDunn cT Hutchinson bBRivers 0 NFreitag cT Robertson bBRivers 72 CRobson st THutchinson bG Cheshire. 11 SMarks cLMaynardbGCheshire. 0 BMarks cT Hutchinson bG Cheshire. 41

CSeymour 2-0-21-0, B Brincat 6-0-15-1, MCukier10-0-26-1, BClymo 5.5-0-33-1, TDixon 8-0-30-0 MORWELL

they needed to know.Two stumpings and arun out in the top six possibly reflected aCATSline-up that got bogged down, against another set of Toongabbie legends in Jason Veneman, who took 5/25, and Kev Stoddart (2/16).

 GLENGARRY versus Stratty would be a decent game.

The Magpies strode to another easy victory,their latest victim being Raiders.

Raiders made the brave call to bowlfirstat Fred King Oval, and despite taking wickets at semi-regular intervals, they just couldn’t get Nat Freitag out.

Not until he had scored 72 at least.

The Glengarry captain,along with Ben Marks (41), gave Raiders 200 to chase.

The visitors bowled pretty well in all fairness, especially Darryn Stares, who went for just 17 off 10 overs (four maidens).

George Cheshire nabbed 4/37 and Ben Rivers 3/40.

Raiders however completely fell apart with the bat, and were blown out of the water, rocked and rolled for apaltry 60 runs.

Nathan Allen was simply sensational, and took 6/13 off 9.1 overs.

Cam Graham(2/12) and Brandon Mayberry(2/9) provided strong foil.

Glengarry remain undefeated at the top of the ladder, nearly 10 pointsclear of their nearest challenger.

Such agap between first and second will surely meanthoseinthe Magpies campare smiling more than Mariah Carey does at this time of year when she cashes her royalties.

Juniors

Under 16 (Friday, December 6, Round 8, Day1):

MOEvsWillow Grove 6/238 (D van der Stoep 106*, DWalsh 75*, JKeily 27, HBoothman 3/43), Ex Students 153 (J Kee 26*, MCropley 24, DSmith 22) vs Raiders, Centrals vs Morwell/Latrobe, Toongabbie vs Gormandale/Rovers, Glengarry -bye.

Under 14 (Wednesday, December 4, Round 6, Day1):

MORWELL5/52(CGray 15*,A Shirreff 15)vsMoe 2/95 (H Boothman 34*, ANardone 22*), JeeralangBoolarra 4/50 (O O'Brien 19) vs Ex Students 3/50 (T Churchill17*), Gormandale/Rovers5/73 (J Armstrong 24, CTaylor 2/7) vs Mirboo North 5/58 (L Chila 22*, JBull 2/5), Willow Grove vs Latrobe (scores not in PlayHQ), Centrals -bye

Under 14 girls (Friday, November 29, Round 1):

WILLOWGrove 3/81 (L Blackshaw 37) def Raiders 4/76 (H Baker 18, LBlackshaw 3/8), Traralgon West 6/58 tied Ex Students 6/58

Payton pummels Imps with 144 red

CRICKET

CLVAGRADE

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

AFTER weather setbacks and two-dayers taking to the forefront, Cricket Latrobe Valley AGrade returned at the weekend producing some rousing results in Round 7.

This is only momentary as two-day play returns this weekend.

 MIRBOO North stumbled in arelatively quick evening, with the Tigers winning by three wickets over Rovers at Mirboo North Recreation Reserve.

In their third victory of the season, perhaps foreseeing adefensive style match, the Tigers elected to bowl after winning the toss.

Thedecision wasjustifiedasRoverswere shot out for just 83.

Max Woodall took 3/42 in nine overs, Anton Thomas 3/33 and Michael Daly with aquick 3/2 in justthreeoverstodothe damage forthe homeside. As they have away of doing, the Tigersmade

life hard for themselves, but eventually won with three wickets in hand.

Zach Hollis produced the best total of the day with 44.

Despite the result, Rovers’NadeepSingh had plenty to be pleased about personally, taking 6/27 off 6.5 overs.

 WHERE has this been?

Willow Groveupset top of the table Imperials by threewickets at Catterick Crescent.

Imperials won the toss and elected to chase, giving the Wolves the chance to shine early.

While not much was madethrough the first 12 overs, once Luke Payton arrived it was as if a tsunami hit Catterick Crescent.

Payton smashed 144 not out off 121 rocks, which included 12 fours and 10 sixes, some going into nearby houses.

LiamCumiskey added 31 as Willow Grovemade it to the 50th over with 225 on the board.

Dominic Thompson took 4/69 and Anubhav Anubhav 2/26 for Imperials.

Impscaptain Ryan Morley gavehis side achance,

making 60, followed by Tom Starkey (43) and Brett Chapman (23) that madea favourable result seem possible.

Scoringhowever began to slow down, with Shane Galea next best with 25.

It ultimately was the day of the Wolves, with Darcy Walsh taking 5/31 in 8.2 overs and Nathan Wheildon 4/33 in 10.

Imps were without key bowler Todd Mann, who injuredafinger on his bowling hand during the week.

Mann is set to miss afew games either side of Christmas, and Imps will be hoping it isn’t acase of ‘no Todd, no squad’.

 CHURCHILL made it look easy, as they practically walked to another win.

The Cobras needed just 16 overstotake Latrobe by eight wickets at Peter Siddle Oval.

The Sharks began proceedings strongly, with Sam Wilson notching 59 including 10 fours, giving his side quite the confidence as they faced one of the favourites of the competition.

Many others went past without much to their

Tyers tenacity comes to the fore

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

SPORTS commentator and former Tyers cricketer

Mark Howard suffered amost unusual injury days before the opening of the secondtestbetween Australian and India on Friday (December 6).

The popular podcasthost and Fox Cricket broadcaster wassent to hospitalafter aballfrom retired Australianfast bowler Brett Lee saw the bail of the wicket “impaled”inhis headduring apromotional video shoot last Wednesday (December 4).

Howard was takentothe nearestemergency room and to his credit, returned to finish filming and fronted coverage for Day 1ofthe second test just 48 hours later -sporting some medicaltape stitching the gash together on his forehead.

Making his way across to Adelaide from Sydney, Howard said he nursed quite the headache but was grateful the bail didn’t struck his eye.

“It wasone in amilliontohappen,”Howard to the Herald Sun

“I’m glad it didn’t hit me in theeye. (Lee) was very concerned. There was blood everywhere and then there was adiscussion, ‘no, no, definitely no ambulance’, but there was ahospital literally 200 metres up the road.

“With blood pouring out of my head, there was aboutfour cameras therein4Kasthere always is on Fox shoots, so Binga was pretty happy to show me the replay within about aminuteofithappening “I didn’trealise but Imanaged to takethe ball in the gloves which Iwas happy about.”

The man to bowl the blow said “in all my years playing cricket at aprofessional level, I’ve never seen abailtravel that quick or that fast.”

Lee famously hit controversial UK TV host Piers Morgan in a2013televisednet session at the MCG, and broke Brendon McCullum’s nose during aBig Bash game in 2011.

Absolutebeauty: Sports broadcaster and former Tyersresident MarkHoward wasdealt abrutal bail to thedome by former Australianfast bowlerBrett Lee.

It’s safe to say many more were concerned this time around for the luckless yet much beloved face of The Howie Games more so than Morgan.

Howard movedtoTyers as a14-year-old in 1986, after his dad landed the job of general manager at Australian Paper Maryvale.

1-0-8-0, YSoyza 8.2-5-26-1, NSoyza 2-0-14-0, CPeavey9-129-2, NScammell 6-0-27-2, MHibbs 9-2-29-2, PShrubb 2-0-16-0, D Ganegodage 5-1-14-0, CPolo 1-0-11-0

TRARALGON IMPERIALSVWILLOW GROVE at Catterick CrescentReserve, Catterick Crescent WILLOW GROVE 1STINNINGS BATTING

KMulley cAAnubhavbD Thompson 13

BEdebohls bAAnubhav. 4

SDawson c&b AAnubhav. 4

LPaytonnot out 144

JHammond cA Anubhavb HDunstan.....................................................1

HPhoenix bD Thompson 0 DWalsh bD Thompson 8 LCumiskey bD Thompson 31

NWheildon not out 1 Sundries (1b 1lb 12w 5nb) 19 TOTAL 7wickets for225 (50 overs)

TRARALGON IMPERIALS 1STINNINGS BOWLING

He stayed in Tyers until 1991 before moving away to study and travel.

He was childhood mates with Heyfield comedian and Western Bulldogs fanatic Wil Anderson, who has also become afeature in the national media world.

name, and it wasn’t until captain Steve Freshwater made 20 not out and Salman Rasool (16) added as the Cougars began to sharpen up. Matthew Harvey took 3/26 including two maidens, Ross Whelpdale 2/23 and John Keighran 2/17. Latrobe finished on 137, but Churchill made it look like nothing by the time they had their turn. Keighran and Harvey carried the team the rest of the way home with scores of 61 and 38 not out respectively, moving past the total thanks to 22 extras including 17 wides.

The Cobras sit second on the ladderbehind Imperials, but hold the most wins with aratio of 6-1 on the season.

 GORMANDALE wasdowned by Traralgon West in aDuckworth Lewis Stern (DLS) situation.

The Eagles won by three wickets as play was halted due to the rain.

Only one T20 goes ahead

CRICKET

IF only there was asuper over...

Glengarry and Gormandale would have rejoiced being the only sides to have played locally in the last week. Even more miraculously, the match ended in adraw.

In each of the 15 overs played for either team, nothing could separate them at Glengarry Recreation Reserve -locked at 91. The Magpies wonthe toss and elected to bowl to open proceedings.

They looked to be smilingafter the opening two Gormandalebatters of Dale Norton (8/11) and Tyler Reynolds (royal duck) exited early.

Dylan Keyhoe thus arrived for the Tigers and sent home 41 off 40 balls, by far his best total across the T20 and AGrade competition this season.

Keyhoe wasn’t backed up by his teammates, as the next highest total runs came from Patrick Brooks with 10.

That defensive stretch was led by Glengarry’s Max Merton, who took five wicketsfor just10 runs across three overs.

By the time thefieldchangedover, the Magpies knew what was needed.

CaptainFrank Marks (32/24) and Conor Robson (20/25) opened well, but Brandon Mayberry left without much impact.

The Tigers slowed down the outputofmuch of the incoming batters from thereonout with SamMarks (13/16) andChristopher Dunn (11 not out) performing next best. Gormandale’s Reynolds took 2/18 and Keyhoe took 2/16. All other T20 matches were abandoned.

7-0-33-1

LATROBEVCHURCHILL at Maryvale Recreation Reserve,Peter Siddle Oval LATROBE 1STINNINGS BATTING

SWilson bMHarvey. 59

ABloomfield lbwC Williams 8

SRasool run out SWarr, MHarvey. 16

CFreshwater cC Williams bR Whelpdale .1

RChokununga cR Whelpdale bMHarvey. 4

SHanning cC Williams bR Whelpdale .0

SFreshwater not out 20

AAntonystACeeney bJKeighran 7

JBloomfield cT Brighton bMHarvey. 0

SRockliff cB KellybJKeighran 9

CMackay not out 4

Sundries (0b 1lb 8w 0nb) 9

TOTAL9wickets for137 (50 overs)

CHURCHILL 1STINNINGS BOWLING

RWhelpdale 10-2-23-2, RHarvey6-2-14-0, MHarvey10-2-26-3, C Williams 9-0-30-1, JKeighran 9-2-17-2, SWarr 6-0-26-0

CHURCHILL 1STINNINGS BATTING

BKelly cS Wilson bCMackay. 17

JKeighran not out 61

MHarveynot out 38

Sundries (4b 0lb 17w 1nb) 22

Photograph: FOXSports

Moe races in the festive spirit

HORSERACING

By LIAM DURKIN

MOE Racing Club hosted aninecard meeting last Friday

Patrons braved muggy conditions for the annual Christmasmeeting, although the overall viewing experience was pleasant given the number of indoor facilities on offer.

With the meeting coinciding with anumberof work break-ups, people took the opportunity to unwind following an early knockoff.

Live music, food trucks and Test cricket on the big screen complemented racing action.

The meeting started on atrack rated aGood 4, which became aGood 3four races in.

Moe continues to be aplace high profile trainers wanttobringhorses.LastFridaysaw this year’s Caulfield Cup winningtrainer Ciaron Maher claim victory in the ‘The 58’ January 26 Maiden Plate over 1600 metres.

Maher’s four-year-old mare Steel Impact blitzed the competition, winning by three-and-a-half lengths.

The competition was especially noteworthy, as the horse that came second-Savamoon -was trained by none other than Peter Moody. Maher also had asecond in the Race 5Ladbrokes Mates Mode Pots Maiden Plate (2050m) with three-year-old filly Harsh. Four-year-old mare Ghamme saluted however on the inside.

Moe Cup winning trainerfrom2022, John Leek Jr’s mare Adrett came third in the Race 9 Insuraplex Handicap (1500m), won by six-yearold gelding Estrapaz.

Morelocally, Sale trainer Sharyn Trolove’s Not Enough Effortcrossed first in the Race 7Bidfood BM58 Handicap (1000m).

The nine-year-oldhad been in reasonable form, running fifth in threeconsecutive racessince winning last September.

The Race 7was amostlylocal affair, with Arroance for Sale racing legend Reg Manning very nearly causing aboilover, defying its $26.00 starting price to run second by less than half-a-length.

Not far behind was the Logan McGill-trained Innocent Enuff. McGill has training bases in the two great towns of Moe and Mornington.

Latrobe Valley trainersunfortunately didn’t have much more to ride home about, although Shooter Mcgavin came third in the Race 8Ian Grant’s Caravans BM58 Handicap (1200m) for the Moe stableheadedbyPaul andTracey Templeton.

Muchlike in 1996,itwasn’t to be “Shooter’s tournament”, as the four-year-old geldingfell short at the line, trailing Bahama Bay and Shyleah by little more than alength.

Sale’sAndrewPerdon also hadaplace in the Race 6UNIBIN BM58 Handicap (2400m), althoughhis five-year-oldgelding What A Journey wassomedistance(1.75 lengths) behind winner Real Intrigue.

Other winn ers across the meeting were: Naughty Bennie (Race 1Paulls Carpet Choice 3YO Maiden Plate, 1200m),Andiamo Rosso(Race 2Yarragon Bakery 4YO+ Maiden Plate, 1200m) and Mixxit (Race 3Purcell Painting Maiden Plate, 1600m).

Moe’snextand last meeting for 2024 will be next Tuesday (December 17).

Moe Racing Club currently has aspecial offer for young members.

Young members who refer afriend can enjoy a $20 point redemption when they join, with almost identical benefits to full racing membership.

Those interested in learning more are encouragedtocheck out the club’ssocials, or email enquiries@moeracingclub.com.au

Fact: RepresentingMoe’s greatest neighbourhood areSelena and Evan Sheekey -reigning premiership president of YallournYallournNth FNC

Victory: Naughty Bennie and jockey Adam McCabe returntothe mounting yard afterwinning the Race 1atMoe Racing ClublastFriday.

Dynamic duo: Yarragon’s Amanda Waller and Trafalgar’s Leah Templeton put theirfeet up at the Moe races

Times: Newborough’s Tony Slayford, Di Slayford, Drouin’s PeterCafarella and Pauline Luchetta and Brian Milkins (Newborough) enjoying Moe’s Christmas meeting.

Trio: Locals Cooper Walsh, Simone Clymo and Chantelle relaxonthe lawn at Moe Racing Club.

Early Christmas present: Part owner PaulineLuchetta celebrates withSantaafter her horse wonthe firstatMoe.Poor Santa would have been absolutelycooking in his suit,astemperatures soaredpast 30 degrees

Tunes: WackyCreative kept theenter tainment coming Photographs: Liam Durkin

Meteors overcome Wildcats in thriller

BASKETBALL

CBL BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

AN impressive opening to CBL Gippslandfinals has Moe heading into aGrand Final, while Traralgon and Morwell were left shaking their heads. OT, OT.

Moe was victoriousover Korumburra in athrilling women's semi-final by just asinglepoint.

Playing at Latrobe Leisure Moe/Newborough, the home side won 70 to 69, denying the Wildcats a chance at back-to-back CBL championships.

The Meteors, after an undefeated six-game start to the season had them as the hot side of the competition, however losses to Warragul and Morwell (three points) saw Moe slide to second on the ladder.

Both sides held the same amount of wins, but given Moe had defeated Korumburra in Round 2by 16 points, it gave them the home court advantage.

It wasn’t the start planned by the Meteors after the Wildcats got out to an early 7-2 start through the first four minutes of play.

Korumburra had set the tone on the defensive end,holding Moe to just eight points in the first quarter, but only ledbyfivebythe end of the opening.

The Wildcats extended their lead to double digits quickly in the second term, only for Lauryn King-Church and Ellie Coutts to charge Moe back into the game with aruthlessattackforcing their opponent’s to call timeout.

Korumburraresponded with anine-nothing run coming out of the huddle to send it back over 10 points.

Alatebucket fromCarly Wood placed themargin back to eight points ahead of halftime, 28-20.

Again, Korumburra engaged hotly to begin the second half, scoring six of the first seven points that placed them ahead by 13 within the first two minutes of the third term.

Caitlin Demczuk then lit up the home crowd after drilling back-to-back three-pointers in quick succession that led the charge for the Meteors as they fought back to five points midway through the quarter.

The heralded ‘premiership’ quarter was won by the home side as Demczuk scored 10 points during the term and Danielle Davies finished off strong with multiple scores that positioned Moe down two with 10 (supposed) minutes spare.

King-Church started the final term the right way for the Meteors, nailing athree that swung Moe ahead for the first time since the opening minute of the first quarter.

The Meteors scored on three of the nextfour possessions to go ahead by five points before the

whistle became the focal attraction in the crucial remaining minutes.

Across the last six minutes of the fourth quarter, nine fouls were called that slowedthe flow of the gamedown drastically after it had built up thoroughly as the margin got closer and closer.

Facing afour-point deficit with less than two minutesremaining, Korumburra tied the game again off the back of Alahna Arnason with 20 seconds remaining in regular time.

Moe called timeout to place themselves with the ball in handfor the final possession,however unable to hit the winning bucket as the clock ran out, the crowd was treated to extra basketball in afinals atmosphere.

Five more minutes were added to the clock and players enteredbackonto the court determined to guide their team across the line and one step closer to the championship.

It didn’t look good for the Meteors to begin overtime proceedings, as the Wildcatsjumped ahead by seven points after anon-answered run.

Demczukdrained athree to cut into their sustained deficit and another shortly after had them down two points.

Tahni Hodgenstiedthe ballgameatthe free throw line before Lara Gill nailed abrutal threepoint blow to put Korumburra back ahead.

Gill looked destined to be the hero of the day after nailing asecond long-range shot under aminute

remaining before the free throw line was brought back into the picture in the dying seconds. Now, in atwo-for-one situation, the Meteors had to be perfect in the last three (and final)possessions. Hodgens again arrived at the charity strip, hitting both to see them down by apoint.

Moe secured their secondcompletion with a successful stop at the defensive end, giving them the ball with achance to win on the buzzer.

The game was in the hands of Demczuk, who dribbled down the clock before making her attack.

Getting into the paint, Demczuk was fouled and headed to the line to secure the win.

Hitting both free throws, the Wildcats quickly inbounded the ball with no timeouts remaining,attemptingamiraculous shot frombeyond half-court.

In agameofebbsand flows, the Meteors had come out on top as they punched their ticket into the grand final and got revenge over Korumburra after their loss to them in the big dance two seasons ago.

Demczukfinished with agame-high23points and fourthree-pointers, followed by King-Church (13).

Moe will face Warragul at Cardinia Life Pakenham this Saturday night (December 14) to see who is crownedchampion- arematch of the 2021 CBL Women’s Grand Final in which the Warriors were victors by 16 points.

Traralgon, Morwell sides fall at thefinal hurdle

Traralgon began to relax alittle and find their game led handily by Kody Tibballs.

Morwell women couldn’t carry their late season fortunes over, losing to Warragul 81-70.

and multiple scores in arow that pushed their lead back out to 14 points, forcing aMorwell timeout.

LOSING just one match through the regular season, Traralgon wereplaced as one of the hot tippedfavouritestosecure their third Country Basketball League men's grand final win in the last four seasons.

However, those hopes ended over the course of afew hours on Saturday night at the hands of a determined Warragul side.

Despite beingplayed at the packed-out Gippsland RegionalIndoor Sports Stadium (GRISS) in Traralgon, the Warriors proved to be gunners for the title after winning 117-86.

Warragul found an early 9-5 lead as both sides worked themselves into the gamewithmuchspice scattered throughout the stadium as the stakes began to add up.

The T-Birds carried through the next two minutes to get it back to one point as the Warriors called timeout.

Scores from Mason Porkykali and Brooklyn Fue putTraralgonahead, but just as they held their largest lead in the early portions of the semi-final, Warragul with a15-8run therest of the first quarter to give them afour-pointgap at the end of the first quarter.

Acouple of three-pointers from the Warriors’ Jordan Gooiker and other stops and scores forced the T-Birds unit to smack into place after giving up a12-2start to the second term, facing a14-point deficit.

Zac Bezzina began to set up their secondquarter comeback, scoring almost every time down the court for Traralgon (eight points down the stretch) which lessenedthe blow as they headed into halftime down six points.

Following the main break, after the deficit had been as much as 15 earlier on in the game, both sides returned to the court locked in on the end goal and see their opponent sent packing.

Tibballs was involved in all of the first five scores for the T-Birds to start the third term, namely a brilliant bounce pass to find Bezzina back door and anice up-and-under finish and-one tying the game up just two minutes in.

Warragul’s game plan persevered, pushing the pace every time down the court, finding open players on the perimeter for three-point shots which either went in or equalled long offensive rebound opportunities.

Young star Riley Morehu took control as the Warriors faced their toughest moments of the game, nailing multiple threes in arow including ashot when smothered by Tibballs as the shot clock neared zero seeing it bounce on all points of the rim before dropping.

Nothing seemed to be able to stop Morehuatthis point, as both sides began to trade buckets backand-forth. It was he who stood aloneseemingly gettingtobasket wheneverhefelt withimpressive footwork and dribbling.

In what was a16-point quarter for Morehu, the Warriors pushedtheir margin out to 17 by the end of the term thanks to finishing on a31-14 run after the game was tied up.

Traralgon desperately tried to chink at their deficit, getting the game as close as 14 points following avaliant effort from Bezzina to begin the final quarter, but Warragul was having none of it.

Bezzina (32 points) and Tibballs (24) were best for Traralgon in defeat but an unassailable 35 points from Morehu as well as four other doubledigit scorers for Warragul gave them the win.

After being thwarted by the T-Birds in the 2022 Grand Final, the Warriorsgot their revenge as they advance to the big dance.

Pakenham defeated Maffra by 13 points in the second semi-final, settingupadouble Warriors Grand Final this Saturday night at Cardinia Life, Pakenham.

 SNEAKING into finals after anarrow victory over Moe in the last round of the regular season,

Each team exploded out of the gate at Warragul Leisure Centre, with the game already tied at 16 apieceafter only afew minutes withshots dropping left and right.

The Magicmomentarily slowed down their offensive output, but the Warriors weren’t ready to do the same as Warragul ended the opening term on a21-11 run.

Morwell began to get their shots to go again, but wereunable to break theseal and getthe game under aseven-point margin.

With their season on the line, Morwell returned going on a10-1run offthe back of Abbey Noblett bringing it within six points.

Warragul would once again answer with threes

COUNTRY BASKETBALL LEAGUE GIPPSLAND WOMEN GRAND FINAL

The game sat between 12 and 18 points throughout the next 10 minutes of play through the third and fourth quarter. The Magic were unable to get it considerably closer and theirtimeran outdespite holding the Warriorstojusteight points in the final term.

Emily Scholtes finished with 24 points in defeat followed by MicaiahJudilla (19) and Abbey Noblett (13).