Latrobe Valley Express Wednesday 12 July 2023

Report questioned Fair Harvard

By PHILIP HOPKINS

THE state government has been accused of using alandmark Victorian climate report, which was written without any input from forestry researchers or the forest industry, to prematurely close the native forestry industry.

The groupsresent the lack of consultation and have attacked the intellectual content of the report.

‘Victoria’s 2035ClimateAction Target: DrivingGrowthand Prosperity’was completed in March. It was written by athree-person expert panel consisting of climatechange andinvestment consultants, and was commissioned in January last year by the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, LilyD’Ambrosio. Its task was to provideadvice to the government under its Climate Change Actonhow to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2035 and net zero by 2045.

The report urged the government to deliver its policytoclose the native

forestry industry by 2030. However, it should “accelerate measures to cease native logging and buildaleading sustainableplantation forest industry while protecting Victoria’s natural carbon stores, biodiversity, and the tourismpotential of native forests”. It highlighted ayouth roundtable recommendation:“Endnative logging and preserve forests.”

The reportwas written without any contribution from leading forestry experts -Forestry Australia, which represents forest scientists, forest managers and timbergrowers; Forest &Wood Products Australia, the sector’s chief research and marketing arm; the Victorian Forest Products Association; and leading forestry academics.

The expertpanel urged action to reduce negative socio-economic impacts in Victoria from the shift to net zero emissions.

“Careful planning and early consultation will be needed to ensure afair and equitabletransition forcommunities

dependentoncarbon-intensive industries,” the panel said. These includedthe Latrobe Valley and its coal-fired power stations and Gippsland’s native timber harvesting industry.

Aformersenior forestry executive in the Victorian publicservice, Peter Rutherford, said this high emphasis on consultation with those industries seemed “empty rhetoric”.

“There was no consultation with affected stakeholdersbefore the announced closure of the native forest industry.”

The chief executive of Forestry Australia, Jacquie Martin, said her organisation would have welcomed the opportunitytoprovide evidence-based advice to the expert panel.

The report was published in Marchtwo months before the state government suddenly announced in the Budget that the nativeforestry industry would close by January 1next year, and not by 2030 as planned.

Mr Rutherford said the March2023

report, with targets, was confirmed by the government in May.

“Given the May confirmation of the report targets by the government, was this thetrigger the government orchestrated, to make the May announcement to close thenative forest industry by the end of the year?” said Mr Rutherford, aforestry scientistwho is the secretary of the NSW South East Timber Association.

The 2035 climate report said an 80 per cent emissions reduction target by 2035 would require revegetation of at least 400,000 hectaresby2035- at least double the ambitious200,000 ha target of Biodiversity 2037

This went hand-in-hand with protecting and enhancing existingnative vegetation, with one reportshowing that mature trees captured more carbon than young trees,soleaving forests intact had ‘carbon benefits’.

Continued Page 9

From Moe to the Ivy League,Lavalla teacher Rachel VanDer Koogh shares her incredible journey. STORY-PAGE 7

Photograph supplied

Council adopts 2023/24 Budget

COUNCIL C COOUUNCCIIL L BEAT

LATROBE City Council (LCC) adopted the 2023/24 Budget at the June Council meeting, following a community consultation process.

Investment in the road network and renewing existing infrastructure feature in Council’s 2023/24 Budget with the budget position forecast to break even on acash basis Mayor of Latrobe CityCouncil, Councillor Kellie O’Callaghan said the 2023/24 Budget will see the delivery of $43.8million in capital works across allparts of our municipality, improving our community’s assets and supporting local jobs.

“We will be delivering arange of major projects, including $4.9 milliononupgrading the Marshalls Road/ Traralgon-Maffra Road intersection, $2.4 million to complete Stage 1a of the Gippsland Logistics Precinct, akey deliverable of Our Transition plan, and the $1 million continuation of the RegionalCar Parks Fund -Main Works package,” said the Mayor.

“No new borrowings are proposed in 2023/24 however$5million, approved in the 2020/21 budget from the State Government’s Community Infrastructure Loan program, is proposed to be drawn down in the 2023/24 financial year to fund the completion of the $3.5 million Moe Rail Precinct Revitalisation Stage Two and $1.5 million Kernot Hall Upgrade projects.

“On behalf of Council, Iwould like to thank those community members who took the time to make abudget submission thisyear. We received 47 Budget submissionsvia Council’s ‘Have Your Say’ platform, across arange of projects and services. While it is unfortunately not possible to fund every item, community feedback is acrucial part of the future budget planning process.”

In line with the VictorianGovernment's Fair Go RatesSystem, arate increase of 3.5 percent will apply.

The 2023/24 Budget can be viewed online on Council’swebsite at latrobe.vic. gov.au/Council/Media_and_Publications/

Replacement of the Lord’s Prayer

LCC will research the possibility of reading a statement at the start of council meetings in replacementofthe Lord’s Prayer, including a councillor statement of commitment or atime of silent reflection.The Lord’s Prayer has since been removed from the council meeting agenda.

Council decided at ameeting earlierthis year thatthe readingofthe Lord’s Prayerwould be terminated after conducting benchmarking with other local municipalities and seekinglegaladvice which suggested against the prayer.

Councillor Sharon Gibson put the motion to the council with success, with only Councillor Tracie Lund in opposition.

Themotioneffectively is an exploration into the many options that can replace the Lord’s Prayer.

“It is looking for options as people may or may not know, we stopped doing the Lord’s Prayer,” said Ms Gibson.

“Different councils around Victoria do different things, we also have different religions across Latrobe City,” she added.

The statementortimeperiod will need to be inclusive and accommodating of the many different cultures, religions and beliefs in and among the Latrobe Valley region.

Councillor Melissa Ferguson commented on the respectful nature of the notice of motion as everyone should be able to reflectand do the custom that is important to them.

Cr Lund opposed the motion due to the council having already received areport with legal advice and another one on the same issue would be “excessive”, she said.

“A statement of commitment or prayer is no longer relevant to areligiously diverse society and is out of stepwith modern expectationsof our role as councillors and best practice meeting procedures,” she added in her opposition.

Councillor DanClancey was in support of this motion as he said another report will be the next step in replacing the Lord’s Prayer.

Themotion was passed meaning areport on the replacement of the Lord’s Prayer will be conducted and revealed to the council at alater date.

TransparencyHub

THE Councilunanimously voted to receive areport on the feasibility of a‘Transparency Hub’ on the LCC website.

The report willlook into costs, resources and the information whichwill go on the proposed hub, including councillor meeting attendance,voting patterns, expensesand the capital worksprogram.

Cr Ferguson moved the report by saying, “People are in general in modern life are very time poor, so I’m thinking of people who haven’t got alot of time on their hands.”

“(The Transparency Hub) provides acentralised location where residents can easily access information about council decisions, policies and actions.

“This is particularly crucial for individuals who may not have the time or resourceswho do not have the time or resource to attend lengthy council meetings or shift through extensive documents.”

“By making information readily available online, councillors can ensure that residents can stay informed andengagedinthe decision-making process.”

“It builds trust and accountability. Transparency is afundamental aspect of good governance.”

Though Cr Lund votedfor the motion, she criticisedthe ideaascouncil information is already readily available and the LCC has been reported to be quite transparent.

“The audit and risk committee have recently presented theirannual report to the council, highlighting there is astrongaudit and risk culture and reporting across theorganisationinlinewith our obligations,” Cr Lund said.

Councilofficers will prepare areport on atransparency hub and willlater present it to the council.

Handbook to comply with EPAnoise laws

EPA Victoria has published aseries of handy guidance for small businesses about complying with noise laws and what’s reasonable.

Businessescan assess noise in two ways, by assessing the quality of the noise using common sense and by using monitoring equipment to assess compliance with noise limits. The guidance explains when you should assess noise using one of the two methods.

EPA chief executive Lee Miezis says the Environment ProtectionAct 2017 calls for businesses to take reasonablemeasurestoprevent pollution, including noise.

“So, along with some absolute limits, we ask whether the noise you make hasqualities that makes it unreasonable,” Mr Miezis said. Qualitiesthatmakenoise unreasonable are volume andintensity, whether it goes on for a long time, happens often, happens early in the morning or late at night, or has an annoying sound.

“One delivery truck leaving asupermarket near aresidential area at 3pm might be perfectly reasonable, but afleet of them leaving at 3am every morning is adifferent story,” he said.

EPA also considers what’s reasonablewhen taking enforcement action.

“Weuse finesand prosecutions to hold polluters to account wherenecessary, butmany noise problemsare resolvedbyproviding advicetocooperative

businesses or issuing remedial notices that specify actions and adeadline but don’t involve afine if the business complies,” Mr Miezis said.

“We are not about shuttingdown aworkshop if the solution is replacing abadly maintained compressor, installing less irritating reverse alarms on forklifts, or noise bafflesaroundan exhaust fan.”

EPA’sApplied Noise Framework Guidance Series has been developed to help businessesunderstand theseduties, how they work together,how you can comply with them and how EPA regulates them to protect the community’s and environment’s health.

Commercial, industrial and trade noiseguidelines explores, in simple terms, the complex noise framework that applies to factories, stores and shops, works depots etc.

Assessing and controlling risk: aguide forbusiness, explores how abusiness can assess and control risks underthe General Environmental Dutyand minimise the risk of harmbefore it occurs. This includes assessing risk from noise.

There are practical guides to arange of noise prevention methods, too, such as site planning, acoustic louvres, barriers, mufflers, pipe lagging, and vibration isolationepa.vic.gov.au/for-business/ find-a-topic/noise/advice-for-businesses/controls

For more, visit epa.vic.gov.au/for-business/ find-your-industry/retail-and-small-business

Timber talk at Council

By ZAIDAGLIBANOVIC

THE end of native timber logging wasonthe agenda againatthe latest LatrobeCityCouncil meeting.

On Monday, June 3, council moved two separate Notices of Motion (NOM) focusedonnative timber harvesting and job losses in the paper industry.

Councillor Graeme Middlemiss put forward a Notice of Motiontoseek support fromGippsland’s peak advocacy group, One Gippsland, to create a joint Gippsland position document on the cessation of native timber harvesting.

Entitled ‘One Gippsland andNativeTimber Harvesting’, the motion outlines an optionof allowing harvestingtocontinue to the original 2030 date and mentions compensation for contractors affected by the decision.

Cr Middlemiss said, “Atthe lastmeeting a month ago, Ispoke againstamotion which was condemning the state government for the abrupt cessation of native forest logging."

“The reasonI didthat is Ibelieve the timefor condemning and shouting hasn’t produced the results. Certainly, most Gippsland MP’s have tried their hardest with condemning and yelling… but Ithink we’ve reachedapoint where the only way through this is with negotiation.”

One Gippsland, acollaborative networkcomprising of local government and industry body representatives, offers avaluable platform to unite efforts and advocate for the timber industry. Through this partnership, the council will work alongside other Gippsland stakeholders, including relevantunions and representatives of timber industry groups, to raise awareness, engage with decision-makers, and seek support and solutions for timber workers.

“I believe the six of us (Gippslandcouncils) combining together couldmakea very strong case for what the government needs to do to solve all the issues around the cessationofnative logging,”

said Cr Middlemiss when moving the NOM.

“The way to commence the negotiation with the government is to produce afactual case based around the facts of the situation, not the emotion, not the hatred, not the temper but just the facts,” he added.

Councillor Melissa Fergusonabstained fromthe vote as she stated, “I believe that the creation of aposition document should ideally involve input from various stakeholders.”

Councillor Dan Clancey said, “The idea of having aposition document is really important, and Ithink it shouldn’t takevery long because Ithink we know what the position is, Ithink that we know what our community wants, we’ve certainly heard that in the last eight weeks since the state budget.”

Councillor Sharon Gibson also chose to abstain from the vote while the rest of the council passed the motion.

Cr Gibsonsaid, “I note the intent of this motion, but Idon’t agree with all of it,” going on to speak in opposition of Cr Middlemisses’ motion as inadequate in comparison to her own motion.

Cr Gibson also put forth amotion that would go “straight to the top” in ameeting with the Prime Minister and Victorian Premier.

Cr Gibson’s motion was to call for asummit with Latrobe City representatives, the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, and the Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews.

In Cr Gibson’s moving statement, she criticised the local transition body, the Latrobe Valley Authority, saying the region is “drowning" in issues, and that is why her motion callsfor an “urgent meeting with the Prime Minister and Premier".

All Notices of Motions sparked aheated debate betweencouncillors, but none more so than Cr Gibson’s.

Councillor Darren Howe said, “We all agree that as acouncil, our role is advocating for the community. What we do disagree on is what road

we need to take. Idon’t think we have much hope of ourPremier of Victoria and our Prime Minister attending asummitinLatrobe City.”

Cr Middlemiss madereservationsabout Cr Gibson’s motion based on its unrealistic ask and uncertaintythat this motionwould achieve any meaningful change.

Only Cr Ferguson, Councillor Dale Harriman andCrGibson voted for the motion, which was ultimately tossed out.

Asecond Notice of Motion, introduced by Cr Middlemiss and unanimously endorsed by Council, calledonmakinga representationtothe Victorian and Federal Governments concerning the job losses linked directly and indirectly to the paper manufacturing industry, including supply chain businesses andrelated industries that rely on the paperindustry for employment.

Mayor of Latrobe CityCouncil, Councillor Kellie O’Callaghan said,“Council reinforced it remained resolute in its commitment to continue to engage with alllevels of government to address the socioeconomic impacts faced by the paper industry workforce."

“The representation,asithas done up untilthis point, will emphasise theimportance of implementing tailored support programs, retraining opportunities, and alternative job creation initiatives to ensure ajust and sustainable transition for affected workers and the community.

“The passing of theseNotices of Motion reinforces Council’s ongoing commitment to the timber industry, and supply chain businesses and related industriesthat rely on the timber industry for employment.

“Council will continue to advocate for government assistance, funding, and investment in the region to facilitate the transition and mitigate the socio-economic impacts on timber workers, their families and our communities.”

Cameron calls on state to fix homelessness

MEMBER for Morwell, Martin Cameron, has called on the stategovernment to immediately address skyrocketing rates of homelessness in the Latrobe Valley as amatter of urgency.

New data from the Council to Homeless Persons has revealedthat homelessness in theMorwell electorate has increased85per cent in the five years to 2021.

“Thisdataistwo years old now and given the costof-living crisis has been spiralling out of control, we can safely assume that figure has increased substantially,” Mr Cameron said.

“People are slipping through the cracks, and this data doesn’t even account for the huge number of people and families who are sleeping in their cars or couch surfing.”

Atotal of 2783 people in the Latrobe local government area accessed specialised homelessness services last financial year –more than any other regional municipality in the state.

“Our local homelessnesssupport services do a power of work,but they are on their knees, and they are crying out for help,” Mr Cameron said.

“Instead of taking definitiveaction to address this crisis the Andrews government is splashing billions on city-centric projects while ignoring to the basic needs of regional Victorians.

“Even more frustrating is the fact that constituents have visited my office to reportvacant properties acrossthe Valley –someofwhich have been built by Homes Victoria for the purpose of social housing –yet they are incomprehensibly

FLongwarry ire Brigade Market

sitting empty while people are sleeping on the streets.

“I have written to the Minister for Housing severaltimes to report vacant properties and request urgent action, but Ihave not received a single response.

“For three years we have been promised more social housing, but all we have received is platitudes and excuses while the supplyofhomes is dwindling, and homelessness is skyrocketing.

“Labor’s economic mismanagement and its chronic underspending in regional Victoria have exacerbatedthe housing and homelessness crisis, and Daniel Andrews cannotcontinue to turn a blind eye to such critical issues just because they are beyond the Pakenham border.”

TIMBER RALLY -PAGE8

Crossword Puzzle No.8542

with Muzza

ONE POINTERS

1. What is the first name of Shrek’swife?

2. How many milligrams make agram?

3. What is the capital of Thailand?

4. The song ‘Torn’ was released by what Australian female singer?

TWO POINTERS

5. Who wrote afamous diary while hiding from the Nazis in Amsterdam?

6. What is the name of the galaxy that we live in?

7. What is Aurora Borealis commonly known as?

8. What is the name of the phobia that involves an abnormal fear of spiders?

THREE POINTERS

9. What arethe names of the two old men Muppets in the balcony?

10. Who was the Nobel Prize named after?

11. Who was the writer of Alice’sAdventures in Wonderland?

12. Name the pop star who once starred in the Disney show Hannah Montana?

FOUR POINTERS

13. Name the Civil Rights icon who refused to give up her bus seat?

14. What Star Wars creatures live on the forest moon of Endor?

FIVE POINTER

15. I’ll give you five song titles by Australian artists/bands and you give me their name. One point for each correct guess.

1. Original Sin 2. Boys from the Bush 3. Sway My Way

4. Big Jet Plane 5. Tomorrow

HOW DID YOU FARE?

37: Topofthe class; 30-36: Outstanding; 23-29: Well done; 15-22: Solid effort; 9-14: Room for improvement; 0-8: Hit the books.

From Newborough High to Harvard

By KATRINA BRANDON

ADREAMtogotoHarvard is one of manydreams towardsmakinga change in the world, andfor Lavalla teacher Rachel Van Der Koogh, her dream cametrueand she is now one step closertoher goal

At Harvard,MsVan DerKoogh studied a Masters in Educational Leadership, Organisation Development and Entrepreneurship over the last year, and came out adifferent person.

"I didn’t anticipate the intensity of the turnover of the assignments." Ms Van Der Koogh said. "It starts to change your thinking and that’s another thing. Harvard transforms who you are. Imajoredinliteracy, in literacydevelopment from early childhood (birth basically) right through to adulthood.

"I had to remind myself that learning is astruggle. Ourculture seems to have diminished words, struggle and errors, mistakes. We see them as bad things but they are not bad things because that is where we learn."

She mentioned that some of the experiences were about taking real life dilemmas and seeing where they went wrong, or what skills people needed to develop.

As well, these experiences included being able to havedeep conversations with professors and other students about issues and ways to adapt to improve the education systems all over the world, so that students don't have issues with 'bouncing back' and not being able to move forward; and to express 'out-of-the-box' thinking.

In her cohort, she was apartofthe 40 per cent of 900 students that came from international countries for 2022 and 2023.

When in schools such as Harvard, Ms Van Der Koogh said, "You’re mixing with avery small percentage of people who all managed to get into this very exclusive school".

"What Ihave observedisthat peoplewho couldn’t afford it, but fit the criteria, Harvard would move mountains to get you there," she said.

When asked aboutwhether peopleshould considerinternationaloptions for further study, she said, "Go for it, consider all options, do your research and branch out".

"The only reason you won’t get it, is if you don’t apply; if you apply and don’t get in, okay. But if you

don’t apply youdefinitely won’t get in," she added.

Rachelhighlighted, "It’snot impossible because agirlfrom Moe,who went to Newborough High School, got into Harvard".

"When Istartedlooking into goingintoHarvard, I did an awful lot of research on what wasavailable. Ididn’t apply to any other school, they actually ask you that on the admissions," she said.

"'Have you applied for other schools? Please list them.' Ididn’t apply for any other schools, it was Harvard or nothing for me."

One of the manyopportunitiesthat Harvard offered to Ms Ms Van Der Koogh was auditing classes.

"Auditingiswhen you aren’t necessarilyenrolled in the class, so you will not get credits, but you have emailed the professor and said, 'I am really interested in the subject and Iamrequesting if I can sit in and audit your class',” she said.

"I then was sitting in aconference, one-on-one with Gillien Todd at the Harvard Law School, and to be able to say 'What happens in anegotiation when this and that happens?' and she was just able to give you one-line gems.

"I kept two books, one of the content of what I was learninginclass and anotherfor the accidental learnings, and Iheaded that 'Pearls of Wisdom'. Shewould say 'Negotiation is not aconflict, it is a collaboration, you are going in and talking about each other's needs. You are coming to an agreement or point where we can support each other'."

"I wish Iknew more about American culture. Iwish Iknew that Ispoke alot of slang. Some nations just don’t understand it. Iwish Ilearned not to speak so quickly.

"The American people themselves are probably some of the mostgenerous,hospitable and helpful people,supportive people.Wewouldbeworking out the trainsystem, so we would be standing before going into the train station and we would be looking at our phones to try and figure out whatever and this stranger, happened more than once, this stranger would be like 'Can Ihelp you?'."

Now, Ms Van Der Koogh is heavily investing on sharing her findings -and more

"I plan to work with teachers, Iplan to work with principals,I want to trainpre-service teachers and graduate teachers to support them," she said.

"The true impact of COVID will just unfold from

there on in. It has affected everybody. It’s affected our teachers, it’saffected ourstudentsfrom schools all over the world.

"COVID has and will continue to affect our kids, butthe only way we can fully support ourkids is to

fully support our teachers. Because our teachers will be at aloss as well, we haven’t experienced this ever.

"I’m ready to go. I’m so excited to be goingbackinto the workforce and to be and to be mixing into it."

“The only reason you won’t get it, is if you don’t apply; if you applyand don’t get in, okay

But if you don’t apply you definitely won’t get in.

Rachel VanDer Koogh Harvard Graduate

Brainiac: Lavallateacher and Harvard graduateRachel VanDer Koogh.

Go for it, consider all options, do your research and branch out”.

Protests as council moves online

By ZAIDAGLIBANOVIC

HUNDREDS of peoplegathered outside the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre (GPAC)to protest publicly against recent Latrobe City Council decisions and in opposition to the ban on native timber harvesting.

Last month, the council shut down anotice of motion makingcalls for the stategovernment to rescind its ban on native forest logging.

The Latrobe City Council usually hold its monthly public meetings at GPAC but opted to move online, citing disruptive public behaviour as the reason.

At around 4pm, amassofpeople began converging out on the foyer of the GPAC building withsigns thatread: “Saveour timberindustries, save our communities”.

Huge log trucks lined the street and asea of fluorescenthigh-visibility shirtscongregated in armsabout the state of the LatrobeValley and its council.

As aresultofrecent council actions, there has been widespread community uproar over the council’s decision not to take astronger stance against the stategovernment’s closure of the timber industry, with many members of the public turningtoFacebook to express their dismay, labelling councillors“traitors” to the timber industry and “lacking transparency”.

Carleen Haylock, the convener of alocal advocacy groupcalled the GippslandPeoples Council, said they organised the rally with the Traralgon Community Development Association and Timberworkers to protestagainst council’s decisions.

“(The native timber industry shutdown) is impacting all of Gippsland and we’ve lost jobs,” said Ms Haylock.

“It’s not just the timber employeesout of work, they’re taking families out, football-netball clubs and small businesses, this filters all the way down and hits even the biggest cities like Traralgon,Morwell and Moe, and has an impact on each Gippslander.

“We are just exercising our democratic rights to say ‘No we don’t want to see the beautiful fabric that we call Gippsland ripped apart’.”

The Gippsland People’s Council, alocal advocacyand community group,has been frequently attending councilmeetings in recentmonths. The grouphas been attending in larger numbers,

and the excess amount of people in attendance forced the council to move meetings to alarger room at GPAC.

“We’ve just been concerned ratepayers that wanted to learn alittlebit more of how local government operates, and that’s why we’ve been attending meetings overthe last six months,” said Ms Haylock.

Huge public outrage has come from the council deciding to move their meetings online, citing safety and efficiency as the reason.

“We have not beendisruptive in any shape or form, and the videos of themeetings show that contrary to what has been said about the meetings beingdisrupted, they certainly haven’t been on our behalf,” explained Ms Haylock.

“We were disappointed,and it’s abit shameful that they’ve closed it down and locked us out of the meetings.

“We’re certainly not theretocreate any havoc, we are just there to exercise our democratic rights.

“Wewillcontinuetomakeour voices heard, (weorganised the rally) within four days. We’ll gather theinformation we got from this and see wherewegofrom there.”

Members of the council were invited to join; Cr Sharon Gibson and Dale Harriman were in attendance, alongside politicians -the Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, and the federal Member for Monash, Russell Broadbent.

Cr Gibson said, “(I) went, and all councillors were invited to showtheir support for the timber industry.”

“It was one of the most peaceful protests I’ve ever seen. They even gave their thanks and applause to the police,” she added. Retired Australian actor and former Neighbours star, Damien Richardson, was also in attendance and active at the protest.

Latrobe City Council closed the GPAC, Library ServiceCentre, Library and Maternal Child and Health and Services early at 3pm as aresult of the community protest.

Posting on Facebook, the council said: “The decision to close the facility early has been made to ensure the safety and security of both our staff and community during the protest.”

Stratford Musician and former The Voice Australia contestant, Mick Harrington, took to aFacebook video to talk about “a real worrying trend of anti-transparency coming through at Latrobe City Council”.

“It’s one thing to have an opinion, it’s onething to abandonyour community, it’sone thing to not support an industry that supported your towns for so long, but it’s another thing completely to not allow people to voice their democratic views. Now, Latrobe City Council have closed council meetings, and people can’t go and voice their concerns,” he said.

“As aratepayer, you should have the right to attend the meeting and voice your displeasure at council.”

Mayor of Latrobe City, Kellie O’Callaghan, in the heatedcouncilmeeting last Monday night, took the timetoexpressher opinion on the passionatedebate inside the council and in the community

“I think I’ve beenfairly patientwith conduct in this meeting and the conductoutside this meetingrecently, andIintend to continue to be so,” she said.

“We are already holding these meetings online for arange of reasons and Ithink the least we can do is extend alevelofcourtesy and kindness to each other in the room. I’m very happy for people to disagree; I’m very happy for there to be very varying different views. What Idon’t want is for anyone to feel pressured.”

At last Monday’s council meeting, there we are anumberofmotions put throughregardingthe timber industry.The first motion passed sought support from One Gippsland to collectively advocate for the timber industry.

The other motion put through calls on making arepresentation to the Victorianand Federal Governments concerning direct and indirect timber job losses.

The council saiditacknowledgesand respects the right of individuals and groups to voice their concerns and participate in peaceful protests.

Council have also said that the decision to reopen the public gallery will be reviewed in the upcoming months.

Outrage: Log trucks lined Kaystreettoprotest council inaction on theclosureofthe native timber industry Photographs supplied

Strength in numbers: Around 250 people came tothe protest

Voices: People came with signs in hand, expressing theiropinions on anumberoflocal issues

Democracy: Many protestorswere concerned with the latestLatrobe CityCouncil decision to close public meetings

Missing green targets

By PHILIP HOPKINS

THE local chief executive of the Engie energy group says Australia is on track to miss its 2030 climate targets and pursuing thematall costswillonly drive up expenses for families and industry.

Rik De Buyserie, the new chiefexecutiveofEngie in Australia, toldthe AustralianFinancialReview that arealisticpublic debate was needed on the “enormous” task to transitiontolow-carbon energy. Those arguing thatrenewable power wascheaper were ignoring the huge investment requiredin transmission.

“Australia has huge ambitions -which,Ithink, is good -but the sheer volume of it Ican’t see that happening before 2030,” Mr De Buyserie said.

Mr De Buyseriepointedtothe national need for 10,000 kilometres of new transmission, 44 Gigawatts new renewables and 15 GW of firming capacity this decade to meet the 43 per cent emissions reduction target.

“I would not suggest to lower the ambition –but we needtoget ourducksina rowtoget there, because we’re not organised, Australia as awhole is not set up to reach it successfully.”

The Australian Energy Market Operator estimates the transition from fossil fuels will cost about $320 billion nationally. AEMO chief Daniel Westerman warned last month that new generation and transmission was not happening fast enough to replace closing coal power. He foreshadowed that plantswould close even faster than envisaged, making investment more urgent.

Engie, partly owned by the French government, closed the 1600MW Hazelwood brown coal plant with only five months’ notice in 2017, resulting in abig spike in wholesalepowerpricesthathit consumers hard and heightened nervousness about the impact of future generator shutdowns. Engie and its partners last month opened a150-megawatt capacity battery at the old Hazelwood site that it says can power about 75,000 Victorian homes for an hour when needed.

Mr De Buyserie told the AFR that coal plant closures slated for 2030 and beyond may well need to be delayed given the difficulty in building replacement generation and transmission in time.

Given the notice now needed to keep acoal plant open,herecommended athorough examination of whethereach plant could be closed at its targeted date, working backwardstoassesswhenthe renewables and transmission needed to replace it would be available.That would require decisions

by 2025 or 2026 whether closures slated for 2030 could go ahead without the lights going out.

“It hastobelooked on as veryhonestly and seriously,” he told the AFR. “Because youcan’t just shut them down and hope the energy is going to come from somewhere else.”

However, AGL Energy’s biggest shareholder, MikeCannon-Brookes’ Grok Ventures,saidlast month that coal closures should be accelerated.

“That’s fine for the climate, that’s apositive,” Mr De Buyserie said of the push to shut thermal generators faster.“What’snot goingtogodown well is if that puts in dangerthe reliability and availability of your electricity.”

Mr De Buyseriesaidhewas most concerned about later closures from 2030 when therewere less alternative generating sources but that “if we seriously already are worried about aplant that’s scheduled to close in 2025 (Eraring), then we’re not in agood place”.

He pointed to many factors slowing the transition including community opposition to new renewables and transmission infrastructure,regulatory approvals anddelays in gridconnections.

Mr De Buyserie also criticised the “demonisation” of existing technologies suchasgas and coal power as “ratherunhelpful”,sayingthere was no denying the amount of energy and capacity they provide.

Theexecutive, whoran Engie’s business in Peru before moving to Australia, regretted the collapse last year of the capacity mechanism recommended by thenow-dissolvedEnergy Security Board. State energy ministersopposed the ESB because it may have providedsupport forgas and coal power

“For me,that was the strangest thing Istruggled with,”MrDeBuyseriesaidofthe changes made to Australia’s capacitysystem design. These contrasted starkly with the system in Peru where capacity payments were only available to proven technologies thatproduce in the peakdemand hours of 6pm to 11pm -primarily gas, coal and hydro.

“So that wassuper-weird to see acapacityscheme that gives capacity payments to technologies that can’t give capacity,” he said, making an exception for the payments to batteries under the scheme.“Okay, you could call it something else but you can’t pay capacity for something that doesn’t have capacity. That’sa strange thing.”

Report that prematurely closed native timber lacked consultation

From Page 1

A2022report by the Victorian Forest Alliance and the Tree Project maintainedthat ending native forest logging nowcouldpreventupto 14 million tonnes of CO2 emissions by 2030, the panel wrote.

Ms MartinsaidForestry Australia’s evidencebasedapproach would have emphasisedhow actively managed forests can increase carbon stored in forestbiomass,insoiland in harvested woodproductsand can deliverpositiveoutcomes for Victoria’s climate action target.

“Different silviculture techniques,including native forest harvesting and forest thinning, can be utilised to support forest health and biodiversity; mitigate risks from fire, pests and diseases; and to grow bigger trees more quickly, storingmore carbon and creating more resilient forests. These techniques can play avital role in Victoria’s climate target.”

The chief executive of the Victorian Forest Products Association, Deb Kerr, said the report’s conclusions were not scientific and were based on the opinions of activists and others. The expert panel were all of an environmental-activist mindset, she said.

Mr Rutherford said the report’s conclusion that native timber was abig carbon emitter ignored the reports issuesbythe International Panel on Climate Change.

The IPCC showed thatsustainable natural forests used for timber production were akey carbon mitigation option.

“The expertshave referenced opinions on carbon emissions from sources with astrong alignment to elements of the anti-native forest harvesting activist movement,” he said.

“No reference is made to reports by carbon experts that have highlighted flaws and significant omissions in the 'research' that underpins the document referenced by the expert panel.”

In urging the planting of another 400,000 ha of plantations, Mr Rutherford said the expert panel seemed unaware that governmentcommitments to establish new plantations as partofthe "transition" away fromnative forest harvesting, hadtodate been an abject failure.

“Was the expertpanelaware that between

30 June,2010and 30 June, 2021, the area of plantation in Victoria fell by 47,900 hectares, an 11.1 per cent reduction? The area of plantations in Victoria at 30 June2021was 382,600 hectares," he said.“More than doubling of the area of plantation and other tree plantingsin12years, would seem to be grossly optimistic at best and in the eyes of experiencedforest practitioners, absolutely fanciful, based existing data and past experience.”

Mr Rutherford said some of the content of 2035 climate report suggested the independent expert panel members may have accepted opinions of bureaucrats and others, without checking the reliability of those opinions.

“For example,they claim ‘Victoria’s Parliamentary Budget Office has calculated an immediate end to native forest logging couldsave Victoria $191 million over the period to 2030’,” he said. No supporting analysis was provided to support this opinion, he said.

Agovernment spokesman said the decision to end native timber logging was not informed by the independent panel expert report.

"Forestry workers, their familiesand communities are our immediate priority -wedonot takethe decisionaround an early transition out of native timber harvesting lightly, but the uncertainty from ongoing litigation and several bushfires cannotcontinue,"the spokesman said.

The government says the independent expert panel's report providesadvice on policies to achieveVictoria's emission reduction targets and will form an in put into future policy and program development.

In May this year, Victoria formalised its target to reduce emissions by 75-80 per cent by 2035.

The governmentsaysVictoriawas the first jurisdictioninAustraliaand oneofthe first in the world to set a2035emissions reduction target.

It maintains that bringing back the SEC will helpthe stateachieve this target by investing an initial$1billioninrenewable energyand storage projects.

The government saysitwill also deliver the country's first offshorewindgenerationindustry and pave away towards electrification for Victorian households and business through the government's gas substitution roadmap.

CarbonNet’s new project director

By PHILIP HOPKINS

ASENIORGippsland resources executive,Jane Burton, has started work as project director for the CarbonNet project, which is underpinning commercial hydrogen production in the Latrobe Valley through its research into storing carbon dioxide underground.

The appointment comes afterCarbonNet appointed Worley as its key engineering contractor for the project, and the federal Minister for Resources, Madeleine King, reiterated that carbon capture and storage (CCS) is the single best way that the resources sector can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Ms Burton,who began worklastmonth and who has previously acted as project director, came to CarbonNet after being acting headofresources at the DepartmentofEnergy, Environment and Climate Action.

ShegrewupinBoolarra, has adegree in science, and hasworked in Melbourne and Gippsland for many yearsinthe resourcessector. Postgraduation, this included becoming chief chemist

for the Japanese BCLV pilot project into making liquid fuel from the Valley’s brown coal. Ms Burton is awinner of the Victorian ExceptionalWoman in ResourcesAward Worley, as the front end engineering design (FEED) contractor, will have to ask key engineering questions such as the construction cost estimate, equipmentsizeand readying the project to procure long-lead equipment.

The FEED process is amajor milestone for the project as it moves towards afinalinvestment decision next year. CarbonNet is financed by the Victorian and Australian governments.

Ms King told abig resources conference in Adelaide that theInternationalEnergy Agencyand Australia’s Climate Change Authority had made clear that CCS was anecessary and vital part of anyrapid decarbonisation effort. “CCS represents an opportunity for Australia if we get it right. The will is there. The know-how is there,” she said.

Ms King said the government in its Budget had committed to examining opportunities to provide regulatory and administrative certainty for CCS

projects in the resources industry, as well as broader industrial use cases.

“The safeguard mechanismdoesn’t just providean incentive for new CCS projects to meet abatement goals, it opens the possibility for the earningof safeguard mechanism credits if CCS projects are successful in lowering emissions below baselines,” she said. The safeguard mechanism, which aims to reduce emission at Australia’s largest industrial facilities, sets legislated limits, knownasbaselines, on the greenhouse gas emissions of these facilities.

Ms King said emissions reduction would only be accounted for if they were verified and scientifically sound.“We want to work with industrytoprogress new projects, whilst ensuring they are effectively regulated to meetcommunity expectations,” she said.

Ms King said the resources sectorand governments around the world had invested heavily in CCSoverprevious decades.

“CCStechnology currentlyhas the capacity to sequester 44 million tonnes of carbon dioxide globally on an annual basis,” she said.

CarbonNet detailed CCS developments in Australia and around the world:

 ANet Zero Australia study showed that a large carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) industry was one of 12 actions needed to reach net zero emissions. CCUS is needed in all scenarios, even with 100 per cent renewable power. Net Zero Australia is apartnership between the Universities of Melbourne, Queensland and Princeton and management consultancy Nous Group.

 The US Department of Energy under President Biden has allocated $251 million for CCS across seven states. The bulk of the money, $242 million, isgoing towards nine new or expanded large-scale carbon storage projects.

 Britain has awarded 12 companies atotalof 20 licences to to develop carbon dioxide storage offshore, in the country’s first licensing round for suchprojects. Britain aims to use CCS technology by filtering CO2 from industrial smokestacks before it hits the atmosphere and storing it underground.

Open opportunity as historic cafe closes doors

By KATRINA BRANDON

ACAFEwhere you feel at home, is the place to be, but sadly on June29, theGippstownCafé officially closed its doors to the public after five years and eight months of hard work.

Cafe operator, Deb Skinner, had decided to retire, so at the start of June, the committee of managementput outanexpression of interest to operate the cafe. This is still open.

Old Gippstown on the other hand will operate as usual; entrytickets are available throughthe café entrance run by volunteers.

“From Wednesday to Friday thereissomeone in the office,they takethe entries. On the weekends, it is part of the agreementofhavingthe cafe that you open the building and as far as Iknow, is that there will be volunteers on the weekend to let people in,” Ms Skinner said.

”The committee management bought all of the equipment because they realised the value of having it there. The nextperson just has to walk in, put stock in and start trading straight away. You run your business separate from Old Gippstown, working together to promote the cafe and Old Gippstown to visitorsand customers; you run it how you want.”

The business opportunity includes many catering optionssuch as weddings, birthdays and events,while it also has the reputation that MrsSkinner has been cultivatingwith her team for almost six years. Locals have let Ms Skinner know that they are willing to come and show the support for whoever may take over the position in the café out of respect for her.

On Friday June 30, Ms Skinner had alast morning tea for her localsand received many thanks, many cards in response to all her hard work over the years.

“Themost appropriate thingthey have said is you’ve actually built avillage and that was what it was. It was acommunity place,everyone today was going table to table because they all knew each other or they hadn’t seen each other in years, it was really just alovely day. There were maybe up to 100 people there which was amazing,” Ms Skinner said.

“Thatwas my intention six years ago. We have owned businesses all our lives; our last one was ahotel. Iwanted something where everybody would feel welcome.”

Advice from Ms Skinner is “You havegot to

have passion. You really have to be passionate about hospitalityand you reallyhavetolike people because thereisnopoint, youcould be the greatestcook in the world and if you don’t like people andyou don’t cook with love, people

Goodbye: The cafe at Old Gippstown is closed for now

know it. You have to havealot of drive and a lot of energy.”

For expression of interest, email Old Gippstown at secretaryoldgippstown@iinet.net.au

Photograph Katrina Brandon

for Latrobe Regional Hospital

We’d like to introduce you to our new name Latrobe Regional Health and our brand, a fresh start as we get closer to completing our $223 million expansion

You’ll notice we ’ ve shifted the emphasis in our name from ‘hospital’ to ‘health’

Our plans for the future have taken into account the needs of our community Managing chronic illness including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and mental illness is becoming a major issue for our community

Latrobe Regional Health’s focus is on helping you to get well and stay well

We’re doing this with our healthcare and tertiary education partners and the Gippsland Region Public Health Unit Pooling our collective talent and resources is already starting to produce positive outcomes

LRH’s research team is also exploring ways to improve the community’s health and clinical trials are giving people access to potentially life-saving treatments

Our new name and brand better reflect who we are and what we stand for, now and into the future

Latrobe RegionalHealth. StillLRH. Stillyour public health provider

Traralgon residents can now enjoy 24/7 access to deliveries

TRARALGON residents can now get their hands on online purchases day and night, using Australia Post Parcel Lockers now available at Traralgon Licensed Post Office (LPO).

Traralgon LPO is offically home to abankof shiny new red Parcel Lockers for local residents’ convenience.

When shopping online, local residents can conveniently choose to have their packages delivered to aParcel Locker instead of their home or workplace -atnoadded cost.

By downloading the Australia Post App, creating aMyPost account, and registering apreferred

New local book release to helpour future leaders

By KATRINA BRANDON

LEADERSHIP and Communication work hand in hand, but when things change, that's when LeahMether's new book, Steer Through the Storm, helps alleviate some of the pressure behind the ensuing struggles.

Parcel Locker location, customers can receive their deliveries when and where it suitsthem. With theadded convenienceoftracking and viewing estimated delivery dates all in one spot via the app.

Australia Postgeneral manager of retail operations, Josh Bannister, said parcel lockers providecustomers with 24/7 access 365 days a year, allowing collection convenience and added security.

Not only can you collect your parcelsfromparcel lockers, but you can also return items by following the merchant instructions with pre-paid packages

“As Australia’spostal servicefor more than200 years, we’re at the heart of every community and parcel lockers are just one of many ways we’re responding to the changing needs of contemporary Australian communities,” Mr Bannister said.

“With Australia’s eCommerce market having grownexceptionally in size over the past two years and online shopping now accountingfor nearly20 per cent of total retail spend, we look forward to continuing to invest in our network to meet the needs of our customers."

Customers can register to access parcel lockers at Traralgon LPO.

Not only this, with more than 700 Australia Post Parcel Locker locations across the country, customers have the option to register at multiple locations, making it easy to receive online orders in their local area or away from home.

To find out more visit: https://auspost.com.au/ receiving/collection-points/use-a-247-parcel-locker

Convenience: Australia Post Parcel Lockers arenow available to Traralgon residents

Photograph supplied

Availabletothe public from tomorrow (July 13), the bookiswritten for leaders to find their way through the storm of change -toshift anxiousness, confusion, distraction and resistance in corporations andcommunitiesthat are facing changes that aren't quite favoured by those involved.

Mrs Mether explained that thiswas mostly information that she has been sharing for years in workshops and talking to people. However, as abook, she felt she could do more to help leaders nationally cope with change.

"It was 2015 when Iran my first workshop, which was called‘Remove the Roadblocks’, which is one I still offer now. Iran thatasa public workshop and then built offthe back of that and started running assertiveness training, public workshopsinitially, and it grew from there. Iwas then in-house at a lot of organisations." Mrs Mether said.

With her first book, Soft is the New Hard, in 2019, Mrs Mether's was happy to get back and share her knowledge. People can not only read it, but use it as aresource to help when things do change, to help direct their people through those different challenges.

"I really wanted to writea book thatwas a practical resource that will help leaders at all levels, steer their people through this really hard change, becausewewant to see people get through okay," she said.

"In anutshell, when youare dealing with change, dealing with humans, it’s remembering that we areemotion-driven beings and whether we want to be creatures of logic, we’re not, we are creatures of emotion.

"So having seen it done pretty poorly and seen it done well, Ireally wanted to capture what are the elements and whatare the practical strategies and tools that we can actually use to steer people through."

With justbeing published,LeahMether has already found herself nominated as afinalist in theAustralian Career Book Awards 2023.

"To have it endorsed by others as well, as being good work is really cool," she said.

To find out more about Leah Mether's work, go to https://www.leahmether.com.au/orhead to her Facebook for amore interactive following.

because you knowIamsoclosely aligned with David Bowie," he said.

Jeff Duff

Bowie

at the Gippsland PerformingArts Centre (GPAC)on nday, July 23.

The performance will showcase some of Bowie's most classic works and some obscure songs that people don't often know of.

"I have been doing Bowie things for about 20 years," Jeff Duff said.

"We try to introduce more of the obscure David Bowie in our shows."

As an artist in his own right, Jeff Duff has just completedhis own 30th album called'Being Jeff'd up!'. Not many people know Jeff Duff or 'Duffo' as an artist but more as someone who is most alignedwith Bowie, showcasing his songs around the world.

"Appreciation is the thing Ireallylikegetting

"I’d like people to forget that and rememberthat I’m an artist of my own right.

"He was an influence, Ilove his music. Ilove his style, his fashion, Ilove everything about him. I wouldn’t say he was my main influence. I’ve got people Ireally love in the music industry that reallyinspire me like ScottWalker is my main number one inspiration."

Ever since jumping into the world of music, Duffo has loved the stage,especially as ayoung Melbourneartist in the '60s when he used to occasionally tour regional areas.

"Coming from Melbourne, Iwas used to touring regional areas allthe time. Ihaven’tdonethem fora very long time and would love to play there again," he said.

Fortickets,headtohttps://www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/ gpac/events/Bowie_Unzipped_starring_Jeff_Duff?

Wordsmith: Willow Groveauthor Leah Mether has penned anew book. Photograph supplied

THE late David Bowie is awell knownartist across globeand Jeff Duff, someonemostaligned with Bowie, is coming to Traralgon.

willperform

Unzipped

Ziggy Stardust: Jeff Duff is bringing BowieUnzipped to Traralgon.

Photographs: Dave Laing Publicity

The beauty in the mundane

By ZAIDAGLIBANOVIC

STANZAS of home and verses from local inspiration were read as the poetry book ‘Among the Wildflowers’officially launched at the Moe Library last month.

This new self-published book is acompilation of memoir-based poems by three regional poets and co-authors: Delia Tobin, Seamus Foley and Moe’s very own Sally-Anne Watson Kane.

It is amemoir in poeticform, the editors describe.

Theblurb writes, “Drawingfrom their individual life experiences and enduring love of nature, they have crafted these poetic stories with joy, sadness and humour.”

In this book, both Mr Foley and Ms Tobin reflect on memories of growing up in Ireland as well as their experiences of life here.

Living in Moe for the past 17 years, Ms Kane’s poems take the reader on anostalgic journey through childhood, teenage years, family history and local bushlands and beaches.

Ms Kane’s experience, she emphasises, is from a lens of a“white person trying to live respectfully on Stolen Land” and digsdeep into themes of generational guilt and the lasting effects of colonialism.

Moe gets apoem entitled its name, alove letter to the town in poetic prose.

It paints apicture of beautiful views “at the edge of the Strzelecki’s and the bush,” with washes of green and native wildlife.

The Express asked Ms Kane how her dip into

apoet’s life began, and it was clear the editor, now author, had always hadakeen interest in literature.

“We were motivated, so we thought, ‘Why don’t we write apoetry book?’”, said Ms Kane.

Running an online editing business, life stories writing, and self-publishing business called ‘On Time Typing Books and Life,’ Ms Kane is quite experienced in the publishing business,having the experience to go out on her own in her latest co-authored book.

“I have produced alot of other books for other people over the 30 years and producing stories as an activist, and Idid write abook early on, but it was under apseudonym, and it wasn’t poetry, so this is my first poetry book,” she said.

The book’s official launch began with awelcome to country and acknowledgement of the past, but celebrated the authors and their hard work with araffle to win afree signed copy, lunch and refreshments.

“Before COVID, Iand Seamus and another poet from Morwell started agroup called poetry editing group Gippsland; we actually met here right here in this room …and then Delia came whose from Mornington,” Ms Kane said.

The three authors helped keep each other perfect their poems to publish.

At the book’s launch,MsKane treated onlookers to alivepoetry reading of ‘Where wildflowers grow’, with areading that would haveyou second guessing whetheryou were still at Moe Library or the beach.

‘Wherewildflowersgrow’ journeys through the picturesque Woodside Beach, as Ms Kane,uses sibilance to engage an immersive response from readers.

One feels as if they were there too, whipped by the southerly winds intothe north, just as the thickets were described in the poem.

“The only way Iwrite thesegood poems is Iactually go there, in my heart and my mind, Ihave to go there physically,” she said.

The piece does more than describe apretty picture it also delves into the past,apast of acolonial Gippsland that Ms Kane continues to ‘weep’ for.

Ms Kane paints thisstark dichotomy between Gippsland's beautiful scenery and the dark historicaltragedy of colonial exploration and its subsequent lack of acknowledgement.

“My maintheme is ‘howtolive as awhite person as agenerational white settler family on Aboriginal land',” she said.

The third and fourth stanzas of the poem epitomise the main themes of Ms Kane’s work:

Ihave no language to heal the past but weeping from within my heart, for all the good it does.

Iwalk with sinking footprints back onto solid ground Where there is no sign No memorial. From aliterary analysis standpoint, ‘Where wildflowers grow’almostmemorialises those

Moe’sVarietyBookroomshuts its doors

By ZAIDAGLIBANOVIC

AN outpour of public thanks has come for Steve McNeilly as the community says abittersweet goodbye to the Variety Bookroom, which closed its doorsfor the very last time on Monday, June 26.

In the heart of MoeonAlbert Street, wedged between petite shopfronts, one of every colour rested the Variety Bookroom.

Locals know and love this shop andthe owner, Mr McNeilly, alocal pastor and all-around community person.

Since its former days as an ABC centre, for the past nine years, the store has provided the utmost serviceand the best books for Moe and beyond.

Operating since June 25, 2014, Variety Bookroom was Moe’s first-everABC Centre,selling arange of CDs, DVDs and Audio Books up until 2018, when ABC ceased their license agreements.

Variety Bookroom continued to stockawide range of digital media alongside its extensive print media range andunsurprisingly, alarge collection of Bibles and Christian books.

The store grew immensely in its nine-year tenure. From its humble beginnings, Mr McNeilly had to learn how to operate acash register and manage stock, but he did just that to run agreat store for the last near decade.

Taking to Facebook to notify the community of VarietyBookrooms closing, Mr McNeilly regretfully informed customers in early June.

“It wasjustaquestionmore of timethan anything else but something hadtogive,”MrMcNeilly explained.

“Asa business,we’vebeendoing okay butwe haven’t been makinga living, and it takes up a lot of time and Ihave other responsibilities, I have church responsibilities, Ireally want to get back to doing some writing and also Ihave family responsibilities.”

Having had the business up for sale since the middle of 2022 with no real offers, Mr McNeilly had no other option but to shut up shop.

All Mr McNeilly’s favourite bookstore moments were when engaging with people of the Latrobe Valley.

Mr McNeilly found it rewarding “just to see all the excitement in children when they come intothe shop, the kids come in, and they go ‘Look, mum, look, dad, look what Ifound’,” he said.

Thebookstore ownerlovedhelping people locate rare findsand special editions.

“Eveninthese lastcoupleofweeks, we’vehad so many people coming back here to say ‘Thank you for your tremendous service’,sometimes it’s almost abit embarrassing,” he laughed.

Still packing away his extensive book range, Mr McNeilly disclosed the workings of an independent bookseller.

“There are many people who just find it simpler to order books online, but people who do come in arevery much people who want to support local business,” he said

“People like to support local business, Idon’t know aboutevery town,but certainly in Moe, people like to support those having agointhe local town.”

Extremely apologetic for having to close,Mr McNeilly swears to continue doing more work in and for the community,

“I’ll be out and about in the community still well and truly, but Iguess I’ll missthe friends who come in and haveachat. That’s been the thing over nine years, we’ve made alot of friends in the town and got to meet alot of people that we wouldn’t have otherwise.”

Apastor at Moe New Life Christian Centre and at the Outreach program at Churchill, Mr McNeilly will look forward to some more time to focus on helping people spiritually.

“There are alot of peoplewith alot of needs at the moment, and the church is very active in helping people through times,” he said.

When it comes to what motivated Mr McNeilly it was his keen interest in books and religion.

“Sometimes people say, ‘Why did you want to open abookshop?’” he said.

“And my light-hearted response was, well ‘I’ve gottwo books, and I’ve gottofindsomewhere to sell them’.”

“A theological bookcalled 'Our culture in Christ' looksatChristianity through acultural lens, and there is also anovelentitled ‘Contesting Faith’.”

WithMrMcNeilly’s new-found free time, he hints at the potential for asequel to his two books in the future.

“That’s my novel, and it’s kind of crying out for asequel. Ihaven’t really had the time; by the time Icome home, I’m too tired to do much writing, so I’m hoping this will be anew lease on life,” he said.

If two books weren’t enough, the New Life Christian Centrecelebrated50years in 2019, and the budding author wants to finish abook about its history.

When asked about the future of print media and hard copy books in atimeoftechnological advancements such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Mr McNeilly remained optimistic and hopeful.

“I can see advantages in people writingtheir business letters, and goodness knows what, but I would really hate to see human creativity cancelled out by AI,” he said.

“When we first started, we invited peopleto enter acompetition to submitwhy they thought printed bookswouldnot die outinopposition to audiobooks and downloads.

“The prize-winning response was ‘You can’t have achild sitting on your lap; reading it on your phone or iPad as it is not the same experience as reading a book, turning the pages and looking at the pictures.”

“Someone also said that audiobooks are no good for propping up furniture,” he said as he laughed.

“I think printed books are going to be around for along time. Because we’ve got books in the store like 150 years old, and those things have value.”

Mr McNeillyand his family would like to extend his appreciation to those who have visited and supported him over his many years in the bookstore.

“Thanks to all of our friends who have loved sharing books and the whole experience of books,

indigenous lives impacted during awhite colonial explorationinto Gippsland and recognises the traditional historical apathy for such events.

Off the back of her latest releases, Ms Kane wishestocontinue publishing poetry and will continue to pay her respects to the Gunaikurani and Bunurong peoples, traditional owners of the land and their elders, past and present, and emerging.

The book’s retail price costs $25 and is available from Readers Emporium at 12 Seymour Arcade, TraralgonorFarrell’s Bookshop on 143 Main Street, Mornington. Otherwise,keen poetry readers can head to ontimetyping.com/contact/ to inquire about the book.

the nine

Getting physicalatRun Happy event

By TOMHAYES

AROUND 40 people of all ages and abilities were treated by Reclink and Brooks Running, at the Run Happy Wellbeingworkshop,whichwent ahead on the morning of Friday, June 23.

Hosted by Reclink andBrooks Running, the workshop invited people to come and learn more aboutphysical activity, and its wellbeing benefits

ReclinkisanAustralian initiative that provides evidence-based sport and recreation programs to disadvantaged Australians, creating inclusion in their lives.

Reclink provides pathways to better health and wellbeing, educationand employment outcomes for participants of all ages.

There were smiles and excitement throughout the room as people received their new shoes and learnt about what they were capable of.

In attendance were disability supportgroups, Wellways participants, former Reclink participants, multicultural groups and those from AAA Play. Access for All Abilities (AAA Play) provides Victorians with sports programs withpeople for disability, and makessurethatthere is something available for everyonefromaphysical activity point of view.

AAA Play runs in conjunction withReclink Australia.

The morning began with some morning tea and breakfast bites, which were ahit,before the Brooks Running guest speakers took to the stage.

Up the front of the room was Anthea Merson and Shaun Johnson from Reclink, Brooks Running ambassador Louis Phillips, Brooks Running advocate Huw Knox, as well as Brooks Running’s social media coordinator Monique Bozinoski and their human resources manager Joanne Szczygielski.

The broad panel discussed with the room as to what shoes can be suitable for what activity, how physicalactivitycan improve overall wellbeingand the ins and outs of the shoe game.

BrooksRunning were trying to spread their motto of “Run Happy”, encouraging people of any ability to get outside and get active.

Panel: ReclinkAustralia arts coordinator Anthea Merson, ReclinkAustraliasports coordinator Shaun Johnson,BrooksRunning ambassadorLouis Phillips,Brooks Running advocateHuw Knox,Reclink Australia operationsmanager Jason Carter,BrooksRunning social mediacoordinator Monique Bozinoski,and Brooks Australia human resources manager JoanneSzczygielski.

Within someofthe curious crowd questions included how shoes were made,how they cater for different terrain and for different types of feet, even how the colour of shoe is chosen was asked!

During the workshop, all participants received afree pair of Brooks Running shoes, which could be used for whatever physical activity they prefer; some chose walking, while others said they might use their new shoes to hike in.

Toward the end of the question and answer section, the BrooksRunning teamgave the participantsinthe crowdatasktowrite aphysical activity goal for the day.

Participants were allowedtodraw, write or doodle

Photographs: TomHayes Involved: Participants shared their activity goals forthe dayonthe corkboard.

whateverthey pleased on the card, which was then displayed on the corkboard collaboratively. Following some socialising withother participants, and finishing off the breakfast leftovers, participants triedontheir new shoesand put them to the test.

Everyone in the crowd, and even some carers were excited with their new kicks, as they left to go and enjoy the rest of the day in theirnew Brooks shoes

Intrigue: Theinterested crowdlistens on to the panel whoshares the ins andouts of Brooks Running.

Trifecta victories for Morwell in the CWAScone Challenge

By KATRINA BRANDON

IN March, the Morwell CWA (Country Women's Association of Victoria) Evening Group competed in acook-off of scones to retrieve their third year of victory.

So,whatisthe scone challenge? The CWA normally has acafeteriaorshop at the Melbourne Show to put into support of the club, but thiscame to ahalt like mostthings did in COVID. When this camedown, the CWAdecided that they would create afriendly but highly competitive scone challenge for each of the branches to see who could sell the most scones. This competition is calledthe CWABirthdayScone Challenge.

Morwell CWA Evening Group has now won three years in arow, with aclose call in 2022, where they won by only 12 scones.

"That was very, very close and we thought we would have atargetonour backs so we went 'Gung Ho' in 2023,” President of Morwell CWA, SamSoutar said.

"We did abig marketing campaignsayingweare going for three in arow, get behind us Morwell!"

The Morwell group has 20 members ranging from 22-72 but only atotal of six people in the group who make the scones.

"In 2022 we sold 1438sconesintotal, in 2023 we sold2086sconeswhich were plainand date scones.

"This year we did something different. We tried

to think outside of the square. So we did something called avirtual scone, so one of the lady’s was having drinks with friends from interstate,they asked her what she was doinginCWA and shewas telling them about the scone challenge and how we were going for three in arow. As all good ideas come after aglass of wine, they came up with the idea of the virtual scone," Ms Soutar explained.

Morwell CWA used ‘Try Booking’ for pre-orders and for the virtual scones during the month where they then made alabel where people could buy a packet of 6scones under the virtual banner, and they donated them to 3local food banks for them to distribute to the local community.

With the MelbourneShow back and running, the branches are still keeping the competition on as people in each community grouphighly enjoyed it and left each team with strong motivation to do better next time.

"A fourth title would be lovely but there’s no pressureonustogofor the fourth.Wewere very keen on the thirdbut we are very keen to get another branch to get their name on the trophy," Ms Soutar said.

The Morwell CWA Evening groupmeetevery second and fourth Tuesday of each month at the Rose GardenRoom in Morwell at 6.30pm and women are welcome to go along and check out the group.

"It’s been aroundfor 95 years, alot of people

think it's just old ladies that just make scones and we really want to blow the myth out of the water, likeIsaidwehave someoneinour Morwell branch that is 22," Sam said.

"Wedoalot of work locally in thedomestic

violence area, we alsodonate to differentthings locally. So we donate things Victoria-based,but we also donate alot locally and it is really about bringing women together in friendship and making adifference in our local community."

Team: LucyTalerico,Maree Stobbart, Janine Mc Cowan, Shirley Prosser,Sam Soutar,Heather Aitken, Jean Turner,HelenO’Haraand Michelle Turner

Photograph supplied

Federation University ranking rise

FEDERATION University Australia’s reputation as one of the top young universities in the world has been bolstered after it improved its standing in one the world’s most prestigious ranking systems.

In the 2023 edition of the influential Times Higher Education Young University Rankings2023, Federation was listed in the top 151-200 YoungUniversities in the world,upfrom its previousrankinginthe top201-250 bracket.

NAIDOC Week for the Elders

Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islander people should be aware that the projection depicts and image of aperson who has since died.

GIPPSLAND Aboriginal artistMontana McStay recently conducted art workshops with children at Traralgon’s Kosciuszko StreetPrimary School, sharing knowledge about Aboriginal cultural practices in the lead-up to NAIDOC Week 2023.

Ms McStay is aKurnai, Pitjatjantjara and Yuin woman whowas born and raised on Gunaikurnai country in Gippsland and now lives in Drouin, who creates Aboriginal art on canvas and other creations through her business Inala Art and Design.

AGL Loy Yang delivered the art workshops in partnership with Ms McStay and Kosciuszko St Primary School as part of AGL’s commitment to engaging proactively with communities to develop relationships that increase culturalunderstanding Ms McStay shared with students the significance of symbolism used in some interpretations of Aboriginal art, encouraging childrentoconnect with their creativity and perception of culture. This year’s NAIDOC Week theme, 'For Our Elders', is particularly pertinent for Ms McStay.

Inspired by her GreatGrandmother NessieSkuta OAM, who was aleading figure in the Aboriginal rights movement through her work in Gippsland advocating for Aboriginal people’s housing rights and establishing an Aboriginal health service, Ms McStay is passionateabout helping young Aboriginal people connect to their culturethrough art.

Ms McStay spent three months on country at Oodnadatta, South Australia, learning the Pitjatjantjara/Yankunytjatjara language, art and traditions on her ancestral country, working alongside elders, children and residents in their

community, school, and health centre. She is also inspired by time spent on Gunaikurnai country connecting with beaches and rivers in Gippsland.

“Gaining knowledge about our way of life,family ties and how that is expressed put afire in me to come back home and continue my nana’s legacy,” Ms McStay said.

“In schools, Isit down and talk aboutwho we are and our way of life. Art is also very much about ourown story, you make aworld of your own -use your imagination and put it down on canvas.”

Ms McStay’s portraitofher Great Grandmother, known as Aunty Nessie, was showcased during NAIDOC Week by being projected onto acooling tower at the AGL Loy Yang site, as atribute to the important role of Aboriginal elders in preserving and sharing cultural knowledge and fighting for afair and inclusive Australian society.

AGL Loy Yang general manager, Christo van Niekerk said AGL valued the opportunity to partner with Montana and Kosciuszko St Primary School to honour the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to the land waters and cultures.

Kosciuszko St Primary School principal, Chelsea Granger said the art workshops provided students with avaluablecultural experience,and an opportunity to reflect on the role of Elders in our community.

Theprojection,delivered by Traralgonbusiness

Nanoo Nanoo, was clearly visible to those driving along the Hyland Highway near the site.

Ms McStay and leadership,staff andstudents from the school visited the AGL Loy Yang site for amorning during NAIDOC Week to share their art and stories with the workforce and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

WEDNESDAY26JULY,2023

The rankings list the world’s best universities that are 50 years old or younger based on teaching, research, citations, industry partnerships and connection to the international community. Federation, which has campuses in Gippsland, Berwick, Ballarat, Brisbane, and the Wimmera, wasone of 963 younguniversities around the world that qualified for the rankings.

This improvement in the YoungUniversity rankings follows on from Federation’s strong results in the 2023 Times HigherEducation Impact Rankings. Among the universities globally that were ranked, Federation was listedinthe top 25 per cent for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals(SDG’s) relatedtoGood Health and Wellbeing,Quality Education, Gender Equality, Reduced Inequalities, Sustainable Citiesand Communities and Partnerships for the Goals.

Federation University Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Duncan Bentley said Federation Universities improved ranking is because of their investmentinquality education.

“Ourimprovedworld rankingistestament to our ongoing commitment to high-quality teaching, research, industry partnership and connection to community that we’ve developed since becoming Federation University in 2014,” he said.

“As ayoung university, it is important for Federation to grow awareness of whatwe offer to students and industry in our own communities and abroad.

"This improvement in our global ranking will help boost our reputation and provides recognitionofour commitment to transforming lives and enhancing communities.”

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Guide: Artist Montanna McStay helps astudentcomplete his artwork.

Photographs supplied

Elders: Ms McStayand her artworkofher GreatGreat Grandmother

Showcase: AGLLoy Yang general manager Christovan Niekerk andMontana McStay in front of the artistic coolingtower

HOROSCOPES

by Joanne Madeline Moore

July 10 -July16, 2023

Aries The planetary patterns highlight freedom, independence, adventure and creative projects If you pace yourself and prioritise, then you’ll get things done without feeling rushed and frazzled It’s also a good week to socialise with family, close friends and work colleagues, as you participate in some lively and stimulating conversations But avoid getting drawn into an intense argument (at home or work) where you end up saying things that you later regret

Taurus Careful communication is the key to an agreeable week The Sun and Uranus encourage you to blast away redundant attitudes, release old grudges and let bygones be bygones Plus Mercury and Venus encourage you to work through domestic dramas and family squabbles in a proactive and diplomatic way And Mars pushes you to get moving! Your motto is from birthday great Henry David Thoreau: “An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day”

Libra This week a relationship with a work colleague could be re-energised as you find exciting new ways to relate, debate and communicate Don’t be afraid of change! Be inspired by Harrison Ford (who was born on July 13): “We all have big changes in our lives that are more or less a second chance ” With Venus and Mercury visiting your peer group zone, a dash of diplomacy and improved communication skills will help smooth over a troubled friendship

Scorpio

On Monday and Tuesday, you ll feel intep nse, argumentative and/or troubled For the rest of the week focus on revamping a close relationship as you get the strained partnership heading in a promising new direction With Jupiter and Uranus transiting through your partnership zone, it’s time to charge up your charisma and call in a few old favours Others will find your magnetic Scorpio charms hard to resist! So do your best to stay positive and smile often

Gemini

Don’t allow a loved one to m Ganipulate you on Monday or Tuesday, as they try to persuade you to do something against your better judgment Have the emotional strength (and common sense) to stand your ground and say no With your ruler Mercury moving into Leo you ’ ve got energy to burn but make sure you channel it into productive pursuits Mental activities and current affairs are favoured, as you pick up information with lightning speed

Cancer Prepare for a contrary kind of week, Crabs! The current celestial cocktail includes a Sun/Uranus connection (and the Sun s transiting through your sign) So, you re in the mood for change but you ’ re also feeling sentimental, as you revisit the past and wallow in an ocean of emotion Uranus encourages you to look to the future with fresh eyes, a curious mind and a full heart When it comes to your local community, shake off your shyness and get involved

Leo Unpredictable Uranus links up with the fiery Sun (your ruler) so boredom is a big no-no this week Search out unusual people, places and activities, especially connected with your long-term career and future direction You’ll favour excitement and novel ideas over the tried and tested When it comes to routine work, health and secrets, do your research

Things aren’t as straight-forward as they seem Don t skip over details – get someone you trust to help you out

Virgo

Your very discreet Virgo nature is emphgasised, as Mercury (your power planet) moves from your peer group zone into your solitude zone Make it a priority to connect with like-minded people who understand your particular peccadillos and strong need for privacy A loved one could be temperamental, so handle them with extra care and don’t try to work out where they are coming from Travel, adventure and group activities are favoured on the weekend

Sagittarius

The current stars are all aboug t the big two – sex and money – as the Sun stimulates your joint finances and intimacy zone But avoid putting your foot firmly in your mouth (on Monday and Tuesday) via tactless talk or an impulsive remark Those around you can expect some boisterous behaviour from you on the weekend when the Sun and Uranus rev up your reckless side Try to burn off excess energy via vigorous physical activities or outdoor adventures

Capricorn Uranus and the Sun activate creatip ve projects and fire up relationships But the Mercury/Pluto opposition could complicate a romantic or platonic partnership So, aim to be creative and compassionate – but also robust and resilient Then the bumps along the road will only make you stronger It’s a good week to become more involved with volunteer projects and philanthropic pursuits, especially in your neighbourhood Think global, act local!

New Gippsland Farm Fit Ewes workshop

THE science and business behind running asuccessfulsheep enterprise will come together in one workshop next week.

Two quite different Gippsland farms will host New Zealand-based consultant Dr Mark Ferguson of neXtgenAgri -one at Toongabbie on the Paulet family farm,Millring Pastoral; and one at Walpa (near Lindenow) on the Alexander family farm. Selecting rams, optimising ewe reproduction, feeding ewes to keep them fit and reproductive are all topics up for discussion, as well as operating with flexibility and creating resilient systems.

And none of it is as effective without the correct mindset -the very first topic on the cards.

For Mr Paulet, Dr Ferguson’s way of “breaking downthe mystery of breedingvalues” is important for his business.

“From apersonal point of view as Merino breeders, we were keen for our business to try something alittle differentand use ASBVs to try to make positive change more quickly in our system,” Mr Paulet said.

The Paulets have been using ASBV data for ram selection over the past four years, across both the Merino and first-cross enterprises, with the first drop of lambs from ewes bred specifically that way, recently on the ground.

Aquarius

This week the Sun/Uranus link wakes up a work project or fires up a family dream And how are you really feeling? The Sun and Mercury energise your wellbeing zone So, it’s a good time to review your health and fitness; plus revise your diet and exercise routine Then make appropriate adjustments and improvements But they must be creative tweaks that specifically suit your idiosyncratic Aquarian style The more flexible (and quirky) your program is, the better!

Pisces Are you still blaming yourself for mistakes you made many moons ago? Or are you still holding a grudge towards someone who wronged you many years ago? It’s time to forgive others – and yourself – for transgressions from the past So, your mantra is from Cancerian author Marianne Williamson: “Forgiveness is not always easy And yet, there is no peace without forgiveness ” The Sun and Uranus encourage fresh adventures in your local community

CopyrightJoanne Madeline Moore 2023

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“We’ll go over the mindset required to run a farming business, as well as some of the reasons why we have tall-poppy syndrome in agriculture,” Dr Ferguson said.

He will alsocover the business and teambehind that business, as well as key metrics like having ageneticsplan, inheritability, and lamb wastage, incorporating science and practicality.

Dr Ferguson shares knowledge on the neXtgen Agri website, social media and via his podcast, Head Shepherd

Both farmershosting the respective field days -Tim Paulet and John Alexander -have listened to Dr Ferguson’spodcasts, and both are using Australian SheepBreeding Values (ASBVs) to select their rams.

Mr Paulet runs aself-replacing Merinoenterprise, as well as afirst-cross enterprise, while Mr Alexander’s business focus has turned to composite nudie sheep.

“Dr Ferguson interviews alot of prominent people in Australian agriculture and taps into alot of research as well,” Mr Alexander said.

“Our business has been looking to breed sheep thatare robust and resilient thatcan handle a high stocking rate and worm burden.

“We want to reduce our workload and focus on prime lambs and amore efficient operation.”

“Like anythingittakes time but we’re on the way,” Mr Paulet said.

“There’s definitely athirst for knowledge within the industry for what Dr Ferguson talks about and having completed an online workshop with neXtgen Agri, as well as attending afield day he spoke at, Iknow people will walk away feeling invigorated and challenged.”

Dr Ferguson grew up in the Mallee and began breedinghis own sheep and goatsatthe age of 12. He attended university in Melbourne and worked in Hamilton in south-west Victoria, where he was involved in the start of the Lifetime Ewe Management program.

He lectured at Murdoch University in Perth,WA, and has worked as asheep production research scientist and in production science.

The Farm Fit Ewes workshopswilltakeplace at Toongabbie on Monday, July 17; and at Walpa on Tuesday, July 18.

Both events are supported by Gippsland Agricultural Group and AgricultureVictoria, and attendance needs to be registered.

To register,visit https://bit.ly/3WFSWdH for the Paulet’s farm at Toongabbie, and https://bit. ly/3IMEuee for the Alexander’s farm at Walpa.

For further details, email HenryHicksonvia henry@nextgenagri.com or phone 0499 237 985.

Farming voice needed for national farm crime survey

THE VictorianFarmersFederation (VFF) is urging farmerstohave their say on the impact of farm and rural crime through the AustralianFarm Crime Survey.

VFF president Emma Germano said the survey has been commissioned by the University of New England and aims to provide acomprehensive snapshot of all farm crime across Australia.

“This is the first national survey to have been undertaken in two decadesand the results will provide invaluable insight into farm crime across Australia,” she said.

“Livestock theft in Victoriaalone has hit a10 year high,costingfarmers astaggering$6.7 million dollars last year. We know farm crime is underreported, so the real figure could easily be much higher.

“Whether it be theft involving livestock, farm

equipment or property damage and illegal trespass, farm crime has an enormous financialimpact and canbeaterrifying experience for farming families and staff, which can’t be tolerated.”

Ms Germano added the results of the survey would be used to advocate for greater resources and awareness campaigns to combat farm crime.

“It’ssoimportant thatasmanyVictorian farmers as possible takepartinthe survey to ensure issues faced by local farmers are understood. Theresults will help provide the VFF with valuable insight and datawhich can be used in our advocacy for greater government action in dealing with farm crime,” Ms Germano said.

For more information, and to complete the survey, head to: une.edu.au/connect/news/2023/06/ national-farm-crime-survey

Knowhow: Dr Mark Ferguson is hosting two Farm Fit Ewes workshops in Gippsland next week Photograph supplied

TheGuide

FIRST WEAPONS

ABC TV,Friday, 7.30pm

If presenterPhil Breslin (pictured) looks familiar it may be from his stintasthe “AussieBear Grylls”on WildSurvivor,orashostof Builtto Survive.Whateveritis, the adventurer and former school teacher possesses adisarming ease that makes him memorable. In this series, the science and craft of Australia’s ancient weapons is explored andcelebrated, butit’s perhaps Breslin that’sthe real weapon: he’s equippedwith dangerous levels of charm. In tonight’ssecond episode,hevisits the Northern Territory’sAlyawarr Countrytoexploreaspear thrower that wasonce the fastestweapon on Earth: theAmerr.

AMAZING RAILWAYADVENTURES WITH NICK KNOWLES

SBS, Saturday, 8.30pm

Atmosphereabounds in this scenic new series, with presenter Nick Knowles’(pictured) gravelly voicemerely adding to the ambience. In this six-part travelogue, the DIYSOSstar embarks on aglobetrotting voyage onboard the world’smostawesome train journeys. Peru, Mexico, Alaska, Norway, Vietnam and Malaysia areonKnowles’ impressiveitinerary, with aswiminthe icy Arctic Circle and aspot of digging forancient artefacts. He also ventures off the tracks to see what lifeislikeinthese stunning destinations. Thespectaculartrip begins tonight in Mexico,with Knowlessoakingupthe grandeur of the CopperCanyon.

Wednesday, July12

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R) Presented by Marc Fennell

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 HistoryOfThe Sitcom: Movin’On. (Final, PG) Takes alook at sitcom humour.

PICK OF THE WEEK

MASTERCHEF AUSTRALIA

10, Sunday, 7.30pm

This season finale marks the end of an erafor MasterCheffans, whohavebeen able to delay their inevitable farewelltothe series’ late judgeJack Zonfrillo by some two months –we’ve been watching the cheeky Scot in his element mentoring anew cohortofhome cooks and gleefully tastingthe tantalisingresults of theirhardwork Zonfrillo will certainly be missed around theseparts, not the least forhis fashionableflair –always clad in aresplendent kilt come finaletime. He and fellow judges Andy Allen and Melissa Leong (pictured, from left) welcome a new face intothe pantheon of MasterChefwinners tonight–who will sit alongside Julie Goodwin, AdamLiawand even Allen himself?

Gertand Marigold reinvent themselves.

9.35 Queen Of Oz. (Mls) Georgie bumps into an old school mate.

10.00 Adam Hills: TheLastLeg. (R)

10.45 ABC Late News.

11.00 The Business. (R) 11.15 The School That Tried To EndRacism. (PG, R) 12.15 Miniseries: Small Axe. (Mal, R) 1.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

3.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R) 4.30 The Drum. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

Octonauts. 6.20

Bluey. 6.30 Pfffirates. 6.45 The Adventures Of

Paddington. 6.55 Shaun TheSheep 7.05 Andy’s

Wild Adventures 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Spicks And

Specks. 8.00 Vera 9.30 We HuntTogether 10.15

KillingEve 11.00 Miniseries:The Cry Midnight

MOVIE: Strictly Ballroom. (1992, PG) 1.30 ABC

News Update 1.35 Close. 5.00 Kiddets. 5.10 Andy’s Baby Animals.

NITV (34)

8.25 RainbowWarrior: Murder In ThePacific (M) Part 2of3.A look at how the saboteurs responsible for the sinking of the RainbowWarriorwere caught.

9.20 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage11. Clermont-Ferrand to Moulins. 180km flat stage. From France.

2.00 Cheyenne&Lola. (Malv,R)

4.00 Food Safari. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.

RUSH

Nine, Monday, 7.30pm

Withadown-to-earth, likeable bunch of contestants andanengaging hostin Survivoralum DavidGenat (pictured), this globe-trotting adventurehas proved to be amid-year surprise–it’saspiritedand fun reality romp bolstered by aheated competitivestreak. Each week, the contestants startoffinachaotic andnoise-filled location, and this episode’s “dropzone”(Dublin on St Patrick’sDay) might be themostchaotic so far. But there’slittle timetoenjoyapint of Guinness or two,asthe teams’Emerald Isle sojourn whisks them away to the BlarneyStone and the Cliffs of Moher.Itdoesn’t reinvent the genre, but Rushhas proven to be afun watchweek in,week out

(1994,MA15+)

Missing (2021, MA15+, Japanese)

Night Of TheUndead. (2020,M,Korean)

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Home And Away (PGa)

7.30 Animals Aboard With Dr Harry. (PG) Apuppy takes off for Brisbane

8.30 TheFrontBar (Ml) Hosts Mick Molloy, Sam Pang and Andy Maher takealighter look at all things AFL.

9.30 Ambulance: Code Red. (Ma, R) Follows the work of an ambulance service.

10.30 TheLatest: SevenNews.

11.00 Death Row: Countdown To Execution. (MA15+av,R)

12.00 TheGoldbergs. (PGls, R) [VIC]HomeShopping

1.00 The Goldbergs. (PGal, R) 1.30 Travel Oz. (PG,R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today 5.00 SevenEarly News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Nine News

7.00 RugbyLeague. State of Origin Game 3. NewSouth WalesvQueensland.

10.00 State Of OriginPost-Match. Apost-match wrap-up of gamethree of the State of Origin between New South Walesand Queensland.

11.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 10

3.00 Drive TV (R) Presented by Trent Nikolic.

3.30 TV Shop:Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Victory. (PGa) Religious program.

4.30 GoodChefHunting. (R) Alejandro Saravia heads to Castlemaine.

5.00 News EarlyEdition.

5.30 Today.

6.30 TheProject Alook at the day’snews and events.

7.30 MasterChef Australia. (PGal) The contestants must keep up with Curtis Stone.

8.40 Miniseries: Riptide. (Mlv) Part 3of4.Alison learnsthat the watch Sean waswearing before he vanished is in Michael’spossession.

9.40 So HelpMeTodd (PGa) Margaret enlists the help of apodcaster

10.30 TheProject (R)

11.30 TheLate ShowWith Stephen Colbert (PG)

12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Paul O’Grady: ForThe Love Of Dogs. (PGa,

At Noon. 1.00 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery.(PG, R) 1.25 Shaun Micallef’s MAD AS HELL.(Madls, R) 2.00 Aftertaste. (Mls, R) 2.30 TheCook And The Chef.(R) 3.00 Gardening Australia (R) 3.55 AntiquesRoadshow.(R) 4.55 Australian Story.(R) 5.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

6.00 TheDrum

7.00 ABC News

7.30 7.30 Presented by SarahFerguson.

8.00 ALife In TenPictures:Robin Williams. (PGln) Alook at Robin Williams’ lifethrough 10 pictures.

8.55 Grand Designs NewZealand.

(R) Chris Moller meets acouple taking on thechallenge of converting grand tearooms intoanapartment.

9.40 One Plus One: TheElders. Dan Bourchier speaks with RodneyGibbins

10.10 ArtWorks. (R)

10.40 ABCLateNews.

10.55 TheBusiness. (R)

11.10 TheBlack Hand. (MA15+v,R)

12.10 Beyond TheTowers. (MA15+a, R)

1.05 Scottish Vets Down Under.(PG, R)

2.05 Rage.(MA15+adhlnsv) 3.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

7.30.(R)

4.30 The Drum. (R) 5.30

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) Presented by Marc Fennell.

6.30 SBS WorldNews.

7.30 InsideSydneyAirport: Interrupted Journeys. (PG) Friday is abusyday at the airport.

8.30 StanleyTucci: Searching For Italy:Naples And TheAmalfi Coast.

(Premiere) Actor Stanley Tucci sets out to explore the culture and cuisine of Italy beginning with Naplesinthe Campania region –the country’sthirdlargest and most populous city–and the Amalfi Coast.

9.20 Cycling Tour de France. Stage12. Roanne to Belleville-en-Beaujolais. 169km hilly stage.From France.

2.05 Dignity (MA15+v,R)

4.05 Italian Food Safari (R)

4.35 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World EnglishNewsMorning 5.30 ANC Philippines The WorldTonight.

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Football. AFL.Round 18.Sydney vWestern Bulldogs. From the SCG.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Awrap-up of the game, including panel discussion and interviews, with access to players, coaches and staff

11.00 TheLatest: SevenNews.

11.30 FantasyIsland. (Ma) Theisland gives asinglemum the ability to read minds to impress her boss.

12.30 MOVIE: RitesOfPassage (1999,Mv, R) Afatherand histwo sons are terrorised by two escaped criminals in their mountain retreat. Dean Stockwell, Jason Behr [VIC]HomeShopping.

4.00 NBCToday News and current affairs.

5.00 SevenEarly News.

5.30 Sunrise. News, sportand weather.

6.00 Nine News.

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 RBT. (Mdl, R) Followspoliceunits that operate random breath-test patrols around Australia.

8.30 Paramedics (Mam,R)A suburban shooting has paramedics battlingtosave ayoungman’s life.First responders are impressed with aspritely 92-year-old. Adirtbikerider needshelp after falling fivemetres and landing on his bum.

9.30 To Be Advised.

10.00 Wimbledon Tennis Pre-Show. Pre-game coverage of Wimbledon.

10.30 Tennis. Wimbledon.Day 11.

3.00 Hello SA (PG)

3.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Victory. (PGa)

4.30 ACurrent Affair (R)

5.00 NewsEarly Edition.

5.30 Today

Friday, July

6.00 TheDrum.

7.00 ABC News

7.30 FirstWeapons: Amerr. (PG) Hosted by Phil Breslin.

8.00 Death In Paradise. (PG, R) An artist is poisoned in her studio

9.00 Utopia. (PG,R)Jim and Rhonda force Tony to fast track a long-term regional rail project.

9.30 GoldDiggers. (Mls, R) Gertand Marigold reinvent themselves.

9.55 ABC LateNews. Coverage of theday’sevents.

10.10 TheSplit (Ml, R) Ruthbreaks some devastatingnews

11.10 Miniseries: WhyDidn’t They Ask Evans? (Ma, R)

12.10 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

Andy’sWild Adventures. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Spicks And Specks. 8.00 HardQuiz.

MOVIE: TheGirlOnThe Train.(2016,MA15+)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) Presented by Marc Fennell.

6.30 SBS WorldNews

7.35 World’sMostScenicRiver

Journeys: Guadalquivir (PGa, R) Narrated by BillNighy

8.30 Paris: MysteryOfThe Lost Palace. Takesalook at alost Parisian palace with ahistory spanning 2000 years.

9.30 Cycling. Tour de France

Stage 13.Chatillon-sur-Chalaronneto Grand Colombier.138km mountain stage. From France.

1.50 Nine PerfectStrangers. (Mals, R)

3.40 Italian Food Safari. (R)

4.40 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens Karen Martini cooks aroasted tomato passata with white beans and crispy fish.

7.30 Football. AFL.Round 18.Melbourne vBrisbane Lions. From the MCG.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion andinterviews.

11.00 Armchair Experts. (M) Apanel discussesall things AFL

12.00 MOVIE: TheBirth OfA Nation. (2016,MA15+av,R)Aliterateslave uses his voice to empower hispeople. NateParker

2.30 To Be Advised [VIC]HomeShopping.

4.00 Million Dollar Minute (R)

5.00 NBCToday.

6.00 Nine News.

7.00 ACurrentAffair

7.30 CountryHouse Hunters Australia. Catriona Rowntree helps acouple whoare relocating for work and after acountry home.

8.30 MOVIE: My Big FatGreek Wedding

2. (2016,PGs, R) AGreekAmerican woman triestohelporganise an impromptu wedding forher family Meanwhile, she struggles with her impulse to meddle in her daughter’s life,who is about to go to university.Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Michael Constantine.

10.30 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 12 4.00 Postcards (PG, R) 4.30 Global Shop (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 SkippyThe Bush Kangaroo (R)

6.30 TheProject. Alook at the day’snews and events

7.30 MasterChef Australia. (PGal)

Thetop three mustcreate an entrée, main courseand dessertfor ahungry crowd of diners and judges.

9.00 Law& Order: SVU. (M, R)

The team searches for aserialrapistwho preys on mothers with youngchildren.

10.00 TheCheap Seats (Mal, R) Presented by Melanie Bracewell andTim McDonald.

11.00 Law&Order:SVU (M, R)

The team arrests two influencers.

12.00 TheProject (R) 1.00 TheLate ShowWith Stephen Colbert. (PG)

Home Shopping (R)

CBS Mornings.

6.30 TheProject. Alook at the day’snews andevents

7.30 Location, Location, Location Australia. Property experts search for homes.

8.30 Have YouBeenPaying Attention? (Malns,R)Celebritypanellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of theweek

9.30 TheGraham Norton Show. (Mlv,R)Graham Norton chats with KeanuReeves, Olivia Colman, Cynthia Erivoand Jack Whitehall.

11.30 TheProject (R)

12.30 TheLate ShowWith StephenColbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

The Big Steal.

Order es resttored

The Gippsland League was crowned junior interleague champions, dethroning West Gippsland. STORY - PAGE 23

When it’s time to downsize it’s and have some me time

YOURLOCAL FOOTBALLAND NETBALL LIFTFOUT

SENIORS

MOE 4.75.107.1111.13 (79)

MORWELL 0.2 0.4 3.5 6.7 (43)

GOALS: Moe: HSim 4HPepper2BGowers2CProwseBDaniherNProwse. Morwell: BMcDonald

4T GrayMLinton. BEST: Moe: HSim BSmith TLong HPepperJ Wood JCeppi.Morwell:DMusil B

Macfarlane BBailey BMcDonald JGalea BMcauliffe

TRARALGON 9.5 11.8 17.12 23.17 (155)

MAFFRA0.2 6.3 7.5 9.5 (59)

GOALS: Traralgon: BEddy 11 BSchilling 5MCollison2 KRuyters DLoprese MNorthe HDunbar J

Cunico. Maffra: DBedggood 4S Davidson 2NChristyLAllman NPollard. BEST: Traralgon:B Eddy L

D’Angelo CAmbler HDunbar MCollison BSchilling.Maffra: SDavidson KRenooyBMonkJRead S

DBedggood

GOALS: Wonthaggi: CMcInnes 2T DaveyIChugg THarley NAnderson. Leongatha: JBurns 2J Ginnane JGarnham. BEST: Wonthaggi: JBlair BMabiliaT Huther IChugg THarley CMcInnes

CMaskell KDrewS Forrester JHarryJGarnham JBurns

GOALS: Warragul: BPaul 3CSutherland NMulqueen OWilson CAlger LSumner THobbs

KMacLean LCollihole. Drouin: THancock 3JCollins JMarshallJMcKellar MStein SPratt

BEST: Warragul: JHughesB Paul THobbs NStevenson KMacLean APhillips.Drouin: THancock JMcKellar JMarshall KQuirk CBethune AMcMillan

Warragul: BPaul3CSutherland NMulqueen OWilson CAlger LSumner THobbs

LCollihole. Drouin: THancock 3JCollins JMarshallJ McKellar MStein SPratt

Warragul: JHughes BPaul THobbs NStevenson KMacLean APhillips.Drouin:

JMcKellar JMarshall KQuirk CBethune AMcMillan

E Eddyeverywhere with 11 goals

FOOTBALL GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY LIAM DURKIN

TALK about it being tight at the top.

Thereisfourteams equal-first on the Gippsland League ladder after 12 rounds.

Withtwo-thirds of the season now complete, Leongatha, Wonthaggi, Moe and Traralgon occupy placesone to four, each witha10-win, two-loss record, and each separated only by percentage.

IT pays to have connections.

You could haveused the word 'best' four times in one sentence at Terry Hunter Oval, Traralgon last Saturday.

Arguably the best forward in the competition, Brett Eddy, kicked 11 goals for Traralgon in abest-on-grounddisplay, the same Eddy who is best mates with the Maroons' coach, who ironically, carries the last name -wait for it -Best.

Jake Best took his Traralgon outfit to equal-first on the ladder, after the Maroons demolished Maffra by anear triple-figure margin, 23.17 (155) to 9.5 (59).

While Eddy was productive inside 50, for agame played on afreezing cold day in the Latrobe Valley, to seemore than 30 goals kicked perhaps returned the biggest talking point.

Speaking of goals, the home side banged through nine in adestructive first quarter, while their opponents registered justtwo behinds.

Fromthere,the game was as good as gone, and Traralgon went on their merry way.

While the Eagles managed six goals of their own in the second, their wings had well and truly been clipped,and the Maroons were never in serious danger of losing.

The margin bled out to 67 points at three quarter time, and by thetimethe finalsiren sounded,Eddyhad enteredthe record books for the equal second-best individual goal tally for aRound 12 game.

Wonthaggi's Murray Silver and Sale's Matt Ferguson each kicked 12 in 2004 and 2011 against Moe and Warragul respectively.

Eddycatapulted himself from thirdtofirst on the league goal-kicking table, overtaking the Power's Cooper McInnes. The Traralgon key forward is now four goals clear with 45 to his name.

As well as Eddy, BillySchilling kicked five goals to gain amention in the best. Luis D'Angelo, Connor Ambler, Hugh Dunbar andMarkCollison in his 150th game for Traralgon, also did agood job.

Better players for Maffra were Sam Davidson, Kade Renooy,Brayden Monk, James Read,Sam Robbins and Daniel Bedggood, who kicked four goals.

In asituation that would have only been fanciful ahandfulofyears ago, the Eagles are just one-and-a-half games off the bottom of the ladder.

Granted the football cycle catches up with every team, given Maffra's domination for the best part of the last 20 years, to see them potentially claimthe wooden spoonissurely something alot of modern day players and coaches never thought they would see. GOOD thing manual scoreboards are athing of the past.

The wind was so strong at Morwell on Saturday it would have sent the aluminium numbers flying through the air.

Actually, the wind was so strong at Morwell on Saturday the currentelectronic scoreboard did actuallygoout during the secondquarter. And at one stage during the final term, the goal posts looked as thoughthey were literally going to topple over.

Morwell and Moe both braved freezing conditions,inagame thatnever reached great heights.

Both clubs also had their midseason balls after the match. The Lions however were the only team to take awin to the festivity, getting up 11.13 (79) to 6.7 (43).

The visitor's started strongly, with 11 scoring shots to two in the first term.

From there the tone was set, and the game meandered out as it more-or-less became a case of surviving the elements.

Morwellwas held goalless in the firsthalf, butmounted amini-comeback in the third to find themselves30points down andin with asneaky chanceatthree quarter time. Moe however kickedthe first goal of thelast term inside the first minute, to effectively kill off any Morwell momentum.

That momentum may well have been extinguished just before three quarter time, when the Tigers looked certain to scoreagoal, only for the Lions to shoot the ball down the other end and land the killer blow.

Some excellent work fromMoe defender Scott van Dyk saw him win the ball back after aStephen Milne-likebounce in the goal square evaded aMorwell player. The ball found its way into the hands of Harri Sim, who kicked one of his four goals for the game.

The half forward was best-on for the victor's and is enjoying agood season, averaging 'in the best' every second week. With 19 goals to his name, the most by agenuine half forward in the competition,one would hope those choosingteamofthe year pick players in the actual positions they play.

Fellow forward Harry Pepper also took his season goal tally to 19, while Brock Smith showed his versatility, moving from back to midfield.Smith'scleanliness at ground level stood out, while conditions were tailor-made for Lion's skipper Jacob Wood.

Left-footer Jordan Ceppi was serviceable, as was defender Tom Long, who attempted to do as his name suggested lateinthe game, sending atorpedo with the help of the cyclone wind behind him heading toward the entrance.

In anice touch, brothers Justin and Tyler Morrow played theirfirst seniorgame together in the maroon and blue. Taking in various injuries and other interruptions, it was Tyler's first senior game for Moe since 2018.

Theywere joined by cousin Ben Morrow in the match, alongside Lucas Fryplaying his firstsenior gamefor the season. The four made up the starting interchange to some amusement, as Fryhas becomeknown as an 'unofficial' Morrow.

While Moe took the four points, they also took nearly just as many casualties, one of which was Ben Morrow, who hobbled off in the second half.

Playing-coachDeclan Keilty also left the field, as didTyler Pratt.

Keilty proved he is human, getting caught holding the ball by Brandon Mcauliffe, who was listed in the best for Morwell.

Dan Musil, BurkeleyMacfarlane, Brandon McDonald (four goals), coach Boyd Bailey, and JoshGalea against hisold side, all played well for the Tigers.

Popular clubman Tyler Hillier notched up his 100th seniormatch in the yellow and black,and willnow get his photo on the clubroom wall for his efforts.

SALE took amassivestride toward securing afinals berth.

The Magpies were too strong for Bairnsdale on Sunday, winning 19.12 (126) to 6.10 (46).

Theresult meansSale is nowtwo games clearinsidethe top five with sixroundsto play.

While aSunday road triptoBairnsdale might not have been the most enticing thing for spectators, as far as Saleofficials were

concerned, it was every bit as important as amarquee Saturday fixture.

Sale had lost to the Redlegs in asurprise resultearlier the season, and would have no doubt been eager to demonstrate such aresultwas not atrue reflection of their standing in the Gippsland League.

The Magpies proved this by not only winning, but doing so comfortably, to the tune of 80 points.

Both teamstradedblows in the first quarter,with thehomesidehaving more scoring shots, beforethe visitor's kicked away in the second.

Sale blew the game open afterthe first break, kicking six goals to two to take a 31-point lead into the sheds.

It was more of the same in the third, with five goals to two in favour of the Magpies, and again in the last, with five goals to one.

The Magpies had agood spread of goalkickers. Former skipper Jordan Dessent highlighted with four, while midfielders Shannen Lange and Jack Johnstone showed their ability to impact the scoreboard, kicking seven between them.

Langeand Dessentfound themselves among the best players, as did Will Leslie, Harry Ronchi, Hudson Holmes and Jarrod Freeman.

Bestfor Bairnsdale was WillMitchell, Ethan East, Jamie Dore, Nic Bulmer, Logan Austin and Lachlan Byrne-Jones. THUNDERBOLT and lightning, very, very frightening.

Wonthaggi Power made it nine wins in a row after defeating Leongatha. The match-of-the-round between one and two turned out to be alow-scoring grind, which the home team won 6.13 (49) to 4.8 (32).

While all teams in the top four have traded wins against each other, Wonthaggi is the onlysidethat has beaten all three (Leongatha, Moe and Traralgon). WARRAGUL might just have avoided the wooden spoon.

The Gulls defeated local rival Drouin 11.4 (70) to 8.10 (58) on Sunday.

The home side put adifficult few weeks behind them to win their first game since Round 4.

Leader: Two-time Traralgon premiership player and lastpremiership coach, Mark Collison playedhis 150th game forthe Maroons at theweekend. File photograph

Smithers: BrockSmith wasamong the bestfor Moeduring the Lions’win over Morwell.

Photograph: Julie Sim

Gippsland League takes crown

FOOTBALL INTERLEAGUE

By TOM HAYES

THERE was barely aclean jumper in sight when the Gippsland Junior Interleague Carnivaltook place at Morwell Recreation Reserve on Wednesday, June 28.

The best under 18 footballers from the Gippsland, North Gippsland, Mid Gippsland, West Gippsland and Ellinbank and DistrictFootball-Netball Leagues wereondisplay for the round robin format. Games were underway as early as 9am, stretching out until nearly 5pm, as each team was required to play four matches -one each against the other leagues.

Each gamewould see two 18-minute halves in order to get throughthem all within aday, meaning players could spend over two hours on the fieldmore than what most would be used to.

The Morwell Recreation Reserve was packed, cars were often found driving all the way around the oval, only to find out that they had to drive all of the way back around due to the lack of space left.

The weather simply didn’t have any effect on the turnout, as peoplecontinued to jump thefences at halftimefor some kick-to-kick.

Cloud coverage was prominent,aswas the occasional drizzle which came and went throughout the day.

In action wasthreeleagues within our readership; the Gippsland League, North Gippsland Football-Netball League and the Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League.

Afterfourgames each, all were quite spreadfrom each other on the finalised ladder, somethingthat was perhaps expected within the five-team round robin.

RETURNING to regain the Gippsland Junior Interleague title was the Gippsland League, who won all fourgames, includingadecider-like game againstWestGippsland

In their first game against Mid Gippsland, their opponents wereabletokeep things tight in the first half, trailing by two points,but the Gippsland League kicked away, scoring 3.6 (24) to 0.1 (1) in the second half to win their first game of the day by 25 points, 4.9 (33) to 1.2 (8).

Gippsland League’s best were Moe’s Liam Masters, Warragul’s RileySenini,Leongatha’s Will Brown, Traralgon’s Baxter Kennedy, Drouin’s Brodie Atkins and Bairnsdale’s Tate Clay.

Followinga one-gamebreak, the Gippsland League returned to the field to face Ellinbank and District.

Once again theirperseverance showed, after a highly contested first half saw them lead by apoint at the break, the Gippsland League rallied into the second half, kicking away again with three second half goals to win by 19 points, 6.3 (39) to 3.2 (20).

Senini was best on, and was supported by Maffra’s Harry Stables, Traralgon’s Campbell Booth (two goals),Warragul’sLiam Finnegan, Drouin’s William Young and Clay.

Up next for the Gippsland League was North Gippsland, who appeared to be their toughest opponent yet.

Despite havingfourmorescoring shots,the Gippsland League only wentinto halftime with afour-point advantage.

It was ahot footy in the second half, but just as the rain started to clear, the Gippsland League extendedontheir advantage, winning by 12 points, 5.7 (37) to 4.1 (25).

This then set up aGrand Final-like match against the also undefeated West Gippsland, meaning the winner would take all.

WestGippsland won the 2022carnival, ending an eight-year Gippsland Leagueunder 18 supremacy.

West Gippsland were out of the gates quick, kicking four goals straight in the first half, stunning the Gippsland League to their 2.1 (13).

The 11-point buffer wasn’t going to be enough for West Gippsland, as they were peppered by the Gippsland League in the second half.

The Gippsland League created nine scoring shots to two in the second half, leaving it all out there in their final game of the day.

Thingsgot off to agood startwhenMoe’sThomas Matthews kicked astunning running goal to bring the margin back to five points early, giving them plenty of time to complete the comeback.

Matthews backed up his own work with asecond major to put the Gippsland League ahead with half of the half still to play.

Senini continued the run of goals for the GippslandLeague withamajor of his own,stretching the margin out to nine points at the time, but six minutes was still on the clock.

West Gippsland’s Max McDermott dragged the margin back to three points with four-and-a-half minutes remaining, meaning the gamecouldhave gone any which way.

But from here on out it was all Gippsland League, who had the chance to seal it on three occasions, butall were registered for behinds, enabling them to closeout their final game as winners by agoal, 5.7 (37) to 5.1 (31).

In the final game, Brown,Matthews, Senini, Sale's TomWrigglesworth, Maffra’sJonathon Boyd and Masters were within the best.

The Gippsland League Player of the Carnival was awarded to Leongatha’s Will Brown, while the overall Player of the Carnival was his Gippsland League teammate, Warragul’s Riley Senini.

The Gippsland League are back, winning nine of thelast10carnivals,taking the junior interleague crown from West Gippsland.

NORTH Gippslandfinished the day in fourth on the ladder, with arecord consisting of one win and three losses on atough, wet day.

They went down by 11 points to Ellinbank and District,before a14-point loss to eventual runnerup West Gippsland.

Atough two-goal loss to the Gippsland League was one of their better performances, before they got their first win in their final game against Mid Gippsland, trumping them by nine points.

MID Gippslandfinishedonthe bottom of the pile with four losses on the day.

Proceedings began with that 25-point lossto the GippslandLeague, whichwas followed by a disappointing39-point losstoWest Gippsland, who held them to no score.

Mid Gippsland was much more competitive in their final two games, yet went down to both opponents;North Gippsland by nine points and Ellinbank and District by 11 points, in agame where they were within agoal for most of the outing.

Newborough’s Mac Brosnan was named as Mid Gippsland’s Player of the Carnival, makingthe best in three out of four games.

Inboard: Mirboo North’s Max Woodall brings the ball backintoplayfor Mid Gippsland.

Photograph: TomHayes

Contest: Action between Gippsland League and NorthGippslandFNL at thejuniorinterleague carnival.

Photograph: Nicole Denovan

Eyes up: North Gippsland players listen in during abreak.

Photograph: NicoleDenovan Dukes: TTU’sRileyDenovantakes astrong markfor NorthGippsland. Photograph: Nicole Denovan

GOALS: Mirboo Nth: BMelbourne 4L Dobson 3JTaylor 2J Pellicano 2B Peters DBrock NCummaudo

Hill End: LWilson 3AFawcett JSomersR Fiddelaers BEST: Mirboo Nth: BMelbourneJCummaudo

DTurner MWoodall LDobsonDBrock.Hill End: HMoore AUliando AFawcett RFiddelaers JBalfour

GOALS: Yinnar:DJohnson 4M Moseley 3B Cheffers 2SFamularoJBugeja LCheffers.Toora: JPintus

JGuganovic JVening BEST: Yinnar:DJohnson MWilliams BCheffers GOlver ESultana FSchill.Toora:

NNicholls JVening AWalkerJPlatt LCashmore

StonyCreek:C Verboon 3S Bright CLoughridge ADykeT Sinclair TBernaldo CMichael Boolarra:

Mid Gippsland Football League League

D Door to f finallsstiillwideopen

FOOTBALL MID GIPPSLAND

BY ROB POPPLESTONE



said: “Newborough are the best in the comp and are all on the same road going forward."

JBowden JBishop

RWaddell 4K Patterson 2JMatheson BEllen TVanderkolkJCann RPatterson MWilliams

Newborough: LFlahavin JMitchell PCharles HPrestidge LCordner CGraham. Tarwin: R

Foster:MCooke 3T

Tarwin: JBest

GedyeD Lawton. Newborough: LGilroyBBurgess SLodge BEST: Tarwin:

RHouston HCumming SKilsbyDLawtonN Tucker.Newborough: MStringer JJacovou

DMcColl SBurns DSmith BBurgess STONYCREEK2.2

GOALS: StonyCreek:SBrett 2NSvenson CAmor BMcKnight MPriceSCope. Boolarra: Details N/A.

BEST: StonyCreek:NSvenson THorsburgh CJames AAtkins LByrnesR

MIRBOO NORTH VHILL END

MATHEMATICALLY, even if not realistically, Mirboo North are still achance to force their way into finals contention.

The Tigers planned for and achieved awin over Hill End on the weekend, that keeps the discussion of much better things ahead, but it will take an almighty effort despite their 14.11 (95) to 6.8 (44) win over Hill End.

Mirboo North coach Peter Mongta said: “Our 1st quarter effortwas good and the scene was set for the day."

"Some positive signs with our forwardentries and multiple looks on goal with the back six setting up some good rebound footy.

"The most pleasingpart about today was our young talent having ahugeimpactontoday's result."

That same young talent will be invaluable into the late part of this season and beyond, while for the visiting Rovers side, you know things are not going your way when you can’t even win the coin toss.

Hill End coach Mike Santo said: “Windy day at Mirboo, reallywanted to win the toss and applysome scoreboard pressure."

"Unfortunately the exact opposite occurred and although we battled hard the damage was done early.

"The Tigers have some good young talent and were too good on the day, we get another crack at them at home in afew weeks."

CoachSanto can always find areasontotake another step forward, but you get the feeling he can’t wait to put season 2023 awayand lookforward to bigger and better things in 2024.



NEWBOROUGH VTARWIN

THEBulldogshad managed to hold off all contenders throughout thecourse of the2023 season, but adraw against Foster in Round 11, had Tarwin believing they were capable of going one step further.

While the both coaches and clubs have mutual respect for each others efforts both on and off the field, business is business and winning was apriorityfor both.

But at the end of the day, the deal was done by Newborough winning 14.15 (99) to Tarwin's 12.4 (76).

Newborough coach Craig Skinnersaid: “The weekend was another South Gippsland style game with physicality being the main meal and consistency and skill beingthe entrée and desert."

"After agood fast start by the small Tarwin forwards and a quartertimehonestyreset we returned to afast opengame of football that returned seven goals and control of the game.

"Troy (Hemming) has agood culture and although there was ahighlevel of contestedfootball Ifeel we are getting betterinthe conditions and pressure levels.

"Great to see reward for effort when Liam Flahavin won the Mindful AusMedaland put the icing on agood four-quarter game."

The Bulldogs might be impressed with what they are starting to deliver on aweekly basis, but they are not the only ones, opposition coaches also realising there is agap between the top of the table side and the rest.

Tarwin coach Troy Hemming

"What Wade Anderson has doneorganising the day for mental health was amazing! Well done to him!

"We had our passages that looked really good but some skills errors resulted in goals and obviously that cost us."

Good sides will make you pay, and pay Tarwin did, but if nothing else, the Sharks walk away learning something more about an impressive Newborough side.

 FISH CREEK VMORWELL EAST

IF ever Morwell East needed to go back-to-backitwas on the weekend against Fish Creek.

The Hawks were sitting precariously in eighthposition just a game outside of the top six sides of the competition before Round 12, but Fish Creek proved to be abridge too far, the Kangaroos winning in atight contest 8.8 (56) to 7.5 (47).

Morwell East coach Paul Henrysaid: “Unfortunately we were back on the wrong side of a close one, it wasatight tussle all day at Fish Creek. It was neck andneck in the first half."

"We had astrongthird quarter to tie up the game, coming into the last. Theweather turned and it was hard to score. Fish Creek got over the line in aclose one."

That loss means the Hawks now need to win all games you would expect them to, plus one or two against the grain as well.

Fish Creek on the other hand are travellingnicely and situated perfectly for an assault come finals time.

FishCreekcoach Jarrod Walker said: “It was asolid performance from us on the weekend in toughweather conditions, although Terril Park is pristine at the moment."

"Tightly fought contestwith both teams playing pretty similar game styles that turned into amatter of who wanted it more whenthe rain set in. So we were very pleased to come out on top."

Fish Creek now sit in third spot on the MGFNL ladder, and although they cannot sitthere “comfortably” given the evenness of the competition, their future is in their own hands as they prepare for the final third of the home and away season.

 STONY CREEK V BOOLARRA STONYCreek had little to show for some consistent performance throughout the season, but had always indicated they would be capable of throwing another club'sseason off the railsatsome point in time.

Boolarrawas seenasa club that might be susceptible and the Lions were well prepared to pounce, and pounce they did, winning by 16 points, 9.5 (59) to 6.7 (43).

Stony CreekcoachChris Verboon said: “Thewindwas intense and it felt like we played in one pocket all day. We still managedtofindthe open side of the ground in the firsthalf, which gave us agood avenue to goal."

"Oursecond half was disappointing. We played undisciplined footy and let them back into the game. Boolarra came home strong but we managed to holdthem off and finallyget a much needed win for the group."

It was awin that was along time coming, andyou sense that there will be afew more before season's end.

Boolarra coach Tony Giardina said: “Didn’t turn up to play in the first half and Stony made us look stupid keeping us goalless for the first half."

"We lifted after half time and made agameofit. But couldn’t quite close the gap on such a windy day which made it hard, on such awindyday and having no benchbyquarter time.”

After 25 years of coaching, withmany memorablemoments, Boolarra coach, Giardina has decided to call it aday, the best thing the playerscould do now is send the man off with afew more moments to remember.

 THORPDALE VFOSTER

THORPDALE had already provided all thatthey could in the firsthalf of the season,but were under no illusions as to theirneed for further improvement as they started to hone in on what was required to realise the dreamsthat had started to build in the minds of both players and community.

What stood in their way howeverwas an honest and talented team of Tigers with an agenda of their own.

There was not much difference on the scoreboard but ahuge impact for the Bluesonthe ladder, as Foster won 10.7 (67) to Thorpdale's 9.6 (60).

Foster coach Sam Davies said: “I was really proud of the group coming away with ahard fought win, it was aget in, get out situation wherewejust wanted to get the points regardless of the score."

"Thorpdale have definitely earned respect back throughout the league, I’d be surprised if they didn’t play finals."

There is no doubt finals will be on the Blue’sradar, but importantly Thorpdale need to regroup and be ready for the next big challenge.

Thorpdale coachJason

Winderlichsaid: “Really disappointing effort with an opportunity on offer to get in the top four."

"Credit to the Foster boys,they were willing to work harder for longer in the tough conditions.

"We never got the game on our terms for longenough to put any real scoreboard pressure on."

You would expectthe pressure to continue, as the Blues now prepare for Tarwin, aside that holds one of the spots that Thorpdale desperately want.

 YINNAR VTOORA

THE clash of the two Magpies sides was anticipated to be pretty much aone way affair.

Yinnar although not nearly near the fine form they showed as the benchmarkteamof2022, were still too proud to go down twice in arow.

The home side was always going to be atoughask forthe visiting Toora, and so it was, Yinnar winning comfortably 12.9 (81) to 3.0 (18).

Yinnar coach DanielTaylor said: “We're happy to be back on the winner'slist in what were some pretty ordinary conditions outatYinnar on Saturday."

"I thought we moved the ball well and we got back to playing the right way which is important as we have atough run home.”

Consistency has been aproblemfor Yinnar, for pretty much the whole season, yet they find themselves second on the ladder, and if Yinnar can find ajust abit more, asecond shot at the big prize is not out of the question.

On the other hand the Toora team,are showing glimpses that they can playsomegood football, but more game time for many of their playersisneededtobea more competitive beast.

Toora coach Jack Weston said: “Aside from a20-minute lapse in the second quarter, the boys wereabletoslow Yinnar’s ball movement down and defend the ground well."

"Our second half saw some reward for effort on the scoreboard after we tightened up on sometransitional movements whichhelped play the gamein our half.

"We keep improving and the more exposure to senior football each player gets the better off we will be as aclub."

 BYE-MDU

WITH sixweeksofthe 2023 season remaining, thereare still up to nine,maybe even 10 teams fighting for afinals spot, Toora is not one of them, but how they finish the season may impact how the ladder looks in just over amonths time.

Lionstopple the Tigers for top spot

NETBALL

By ZAIDA GLIBANOVIC

THERE is anew sheriff in town in Gippsland League netball.

Moesaw themselves surge to the top of the table afterawin over Morwell in Round 12.

Spectatorsknew they were in for atreat watching the two big cats battle it out, and boy was it atreat

Nothing could separate these teams at the first break, with both at 16-all. In the second term, the Lions were able to convert on turnovers and took a33to29lead.

Scoring slowed down in the third term, with Moe shooting nine to Morwell’s seven as aresult of an increaseindefensive pressure; but it was of no concern for the Lions, who continued to outplay the Tigers well into the fourth, shooting 15 to their13.

Chloe Radford, Saskia Eenjes and Tanya Budge were classy even in defeat, but it was Moe’s Macy Gardiner, Georgia Moody and Alex Moody who were crucial in the season-defining win.

Maffra still has yet to register their first win of the season after failing down to Traralgon.

The Maroons got the jump on the Eagles from the first whistle. In the firstterm,the Maroons shot 13 to the Eagles’ six and in the second piled

on another 13 shots to their eight.

The Eagles changed in the second half and outscored Traralgon in both the third and fourth, but the lead was too far gone to come back from.

The final score was Traralgon 49 to Maffra 41. Maroons’ Cassidy Smith, Bronwyn Tebband Montanna Styles were recognised with best-oncourt honours and so to were Eagles’ Chelsea Allman, Matilda Pendergast and Ashleigh Keefe.

It was lights out for Wonthaggi as Leongatha managed to shut the Power off withease. The game was 12 goals all at quartertimebut Wonthaggi musthave used too much energytoo quicklyas they managed to score only two goalstothe Parrots’ 14 in the second.

The third term saw the Parrots extend the lead to 18 while the Power clawed it back to 16 in the last.

The final scoreswere Leongatha 46 to Wonthaggi 30. Power’s best were Charlie Berry, Chelsea Bowman and Mia Plenkovich, while Leongatha’s best were Kate Browne, Lara Stefani and Taylah Brown.

The Sunday ticket saw Sale 10-point winners over Bairnsdale. It was aclose contest until the Magpies found themselves after the major break and ran away with the win.

Sale’s Rachel Ronaldson, Dee Dee Lambert and

Isla McCarthy were instrumental in the win, while Brielle Malady, Danielle Johnson and Anna Mooney stood out for the Redlegs. Warragul had no trouble defeating Drouin in a huge 17-pointwin.LilySheehan,Renee Cookand SiennaGreen starred for the Gulls, so didAva Gaul, Karina Proctor and Ella Hendersonfor the Hawks IN North Gippsland, the divide between real premiership contenders and the rest of the competition became visible on the ladder.

The top teaminSale Cityisonlyone game clear, but nothingbut percentage separates second, third and fourth in Woodside, Heyfield and Churchill. Sale Cityhavehad an enormous 59-goal win over Gormandale.

The Tigersnever stood achanceover the Bulldogs side with final scores 93 to 34.

It was asimilar story for TTU, who went down to Woodside by 40 goals. The Wildcats dominated allplay,shooting 61 goals to TTU’s 21. Woodside’s GeorgieBanik received best-on-court honours.

Heyfield showed the competition that they are aforce to be reckoned with after defeating finals hopefuls Glengarry.

It was atight contestall day with both teams having so muchtoprove, but ultimatelythe Kangaroos had an extra bounce in their step that got them

Agame of small marginsinNorthGippy

By ZAIDAGLIBANOVIC

TRARALGON will have atough challenge when they face Leongatha this Saturday.

The Parrots have been dominant this year and will have experience over Traralgon’s youthful side.

The SaleMagpies will host Wonthaggi, with hopes of continuing their winning form.

The Power will be competitive and won’t give in to the Magpie’s pressure making this match avery tight battle.

Moe gets little time to celebrate the Morwell win,facing another worthy opponent in Warragul. The Gulls have got the goods to go with Moe, but money will be on the Lions to take home the win given their form.

Morwell might stillbelicking their wounds aftergoing down to Moe, but again no time to dwellonthe past as they take on aDrouin team who, too have the potential to steal awin off the tenacious Tigers.

In abottom-of-the-ladder clash, Maffra and Bairnsdale will battle it out on Saturday.

Maffra searching for that first win may have their last chance to get one when they play the Redlegs.

Forcompetition’ssake, let’s hope the Eagle’s backs themselvesinto get on the board, and hey belief is a very powerful force.

IN North Gippsland, two top-four teams Heyfield and Churchill will face off.

With only 1.04 per cent separating the Roos and the Cougars on the

ladder, this game will be the one to watch.

The last timethesetwo faced off the Cougarshad the last laugh in a10-goal victory but seasonsare long and anything can happen this Saturday. The Roos side will try to play fast and the Cougars will need to work on keeping their composure.

Rosedalewill have no issue getting through Yallourn North even when playing away.

The Blues have had arocky season but it would takeanabsolutemiracle for Yallourn YallournNorth to steal awin from them.

Woodsidewill take on Gormandale in agamethat most would expect to run much like aWildcats training session.

Cowwarr will be playSale City,

Local’s star in Western Australia

NETBALL

By ZAIDA GLIBANOVIC

LAVALLA Catholic College came third at the Marist Netball Carnival in Perth last month. Lavalla’s best netballers recently flewto Western Australiafor the 27th Australian Marist Netball Carnival.

The tournament ran from June 18 to 21 and was hosted by Newman College, Churchlands (WA). Making the semi-finalagainst Gippsland rivals Catholic College Sale,inaclose game, Lavalla fell short18-12

TheLavalla team played well against Trinity College Beenleigh QLD in their finalplayoff game,

defeating them 33-7 to finishthe tournament in third.

Emily Scholtes (Year 11) (Traralgon FootballNetball Club AGrade player) and Lara Noblett (Year 9) were selected into the All-Australian Squad. In addition, Indiana de Dios (Year 10) was selected for the Highly Recommended Squad. Taking to Facebook to praise the team, Lavalla Catholic College said, “(We are) so thrilled with the team’s on-court performance and highly entertainedbytheir off-court antics. All10of these young ladies have been exemplary in their attitude, effort and behaviour. They are acreditto theirfamily and have been excellent ambassadors for Lavalla Catholic College.”

while the Saints have impressed at moments this year, they won’t stand achanceagainst aBulldog side who have proven themselves as genuine premiershipcontenders.

Glengarry, TTU and Yarram all have the bye.

IN Round 13 of the Mid Gippsland season,MorwellEastwilltake on Mirboo North in what always would amounttoaclose game, but given the Tiger’s recentform, the Hawks might blow this score out.

Toora and Fish Creekgohead-tohead in amatch that would make great viewing, Boolarra take on Newborough, Yinnarplay Stony Creek and Foster will lock horns with MDU.

Tarwin and Hill End will have the bye.

the win over the Pies.

The final scores wereHeyfield42toGlengarry39. Churchillchargedhome with a13-goal victory over another final contender in Rosedale. The Blues have dropped off this seasoncompared to their runners-up form of 2022.

TheCougars were able to expose the Blues in all aspects of thegame from earlyoninthe match and continuously built upon their lead to win 55 to 42.

Yarram got their second win on the board after defeating Yallourn Yallourn North 45 to 39 in a very close contest. Cowwarr had the bye.

IN Mid Gippsland, Yinnar are the real Magpies aftershowcasing their class and experience in amonumental two-point victory over reigning premiers in Toora.

The win sees Yinnar six points on top of the ladder with aleague-high percentage of 166.57.

In other games, MorwellEastdefeated Fish Creek 53 to 40, and Tarwin got the chocolates over Newborough in aten-goal win. Mirboo North get back on the winner list with asolid performance over Hill End, the final scores were 43 to 36. Boolarra had no troubles at StonyCreek, defeating the Lions 53 to 34 whilebothMDU andFoster had abye.

NETBALL SCOREBOARD -PAGE 27

Talent identified NETBALL

MORE than 400 athletes across the state were talent identifiedatthe recentAssociation Championships.

From the Eastern Association Championships, anumberofthe Valley's finestyoung local and aspiring athletes were identified.

Netball Victoria conducts Talent Identification (TID)duringNetball Victoria competitions and tournaments.

Talent scouts assess athletes to be considered for invitation to trial for the Netball Victoria Talent Academy and State 17/U and 19/U programs. Anumberoflocals were selected to trial for the 2024 talent academy and state team programs.

FromeMoe andDistrict NetballAssociationInc was: Holly Chila, Aleeah Munnich, Meg O’Reilly, Claire Thorburn and Rahni Wissmer.

From Traralgon Netball Association, there was: Thang-guw Bell, Esther Konya, Mia Hoodless, Matilda Oates, Vivian O’Neill and AshleeWhitby. Marley Wallace was alsoselected fromthe 2023 Talent Academy alongside LaraNoblettand Tyla Peters.

Grace Schill from Yinnar wastalent identified from representing Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League.

Eastern Zone Academy trials for 2024 will be held Saturday, November 18, at Traralgon Sports Stadium.

Find out more at vic.netball.com.au

Topeffort: Lavalla Catholic College netballersIndiana de Dios,LaraNoblettand Emily Scholtes and LaraNoblettwererecognised fortheir effortsatthe recent Marist Netball Carnival in Perth. Photograph supplied

Talent: Anumberofathletes from theMoe and Districts Association championship team have been talent identified Photograph supplied

NORTH GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

North Gippsland Football &Netball League NorthGippsland

Bombersremainunbeaten while fending offWildcats

FOOTBALL

NORTH GIPPSLAND

BY TOM HAYES

AS we edge ever-closer to finals, we finally have daylight between fifth and sixth position, but that shouldn’t suggest thatthe race is over yet.

One side put its foot down and took abetter gripofthe competition, while otherssurvived scares to keep its season rolling.

YES, you guessed it, Traralgon Tyers United are still undefeated.

The Bombers claimed its 12th win of the season with an impressive win on the road over Woodside.

Going into the game, it was clear the travelling to Woodside has not beenthe easiest task this year, as the Wildcats were yet to drop points on its home deck.

But Woodside was yet to face the beast that is TTU.

RESERVES

The Bombers stamped its authority on the game early and managed to hold off a late fight-back from the Wildcats to confirm another four points.

Afast start helped the cause, as the Bomberskicked 4.3 (27) to 2.2 (14) in the first term to hold an early advantage.

Thesecond termseparated the two even more, as TTU added another three majors, while the Wildcats doubled its total.

Thus, at the main break the Bombers led by 22 points, comfortably in control and in the box seat to continue its run.

Things got interesting in the third term, when the Wildcats provided some fight.

The home side kicked 5.2 (32) to the Bombers’3.4 (22),draggingthe margin back down to two goals, and with aquarter to play, the game was still well-and-truly up in the air.

But, the visitingsidewouldre-establish its dominance to ensure its undefeated record stayed intact, winning the last quarter and most importantly the game, 13.17 (95) to 11.6 (72).

TTU’s Brad Kelleher kept his good form in front of goal rolling, with four majors, while Woodside’s Michael O’Sullivan also added four to his tally.

Frazar Brouns was namedasTTU’s best on, and was complimented by Liam Willaton, JakeCashmore, Kade Duncan, Zach Kilgower and Thomas Fleming.

While for the home side, captain Ryan Foat, Michael Stockdale, Josh Kennedy, Lee Stockdale, Matt Dyke and O’Sullivan were impressive in defeat.

The Bombers now have breathingroom at thetop of the ladder, two wins clear of Woodside in second.

You wouldjust about expect TTU to remain unbeaten for the rest of the season from here on in, as they prepare to be fit and firing for finals.

The Bombers’ will take arest this weekend, leavingthem with four weeks of games in the run into finals, while Woodside should be a winner again nextweek when they travelto theBoneyard to face Gormandale.

THE Jets have responded.

After its loss to Woodside in the previous week,Yallourn Yallourn North put thataside to knock off an in-form Yarram outfit.

The Demons were coming off the back of an impressive 39-point win over Churchill, and would’ve been full of confidence as they travelled to Yallourn North.

But, YYN are most certainly on amission to confirm itsfinals presence, anditlooksmore and more likely that it will be apossibility.

The Jets started confidentlywith a14-point advantage at quarter time -they kept the Demons to the one scoring shot.

Perhaps the wind playedsome affectin thesecondterm, and throughout the rest of the game, as YYN compiled aplethora of chances in the second quarter.

final term, closingout the 87-point win, 16.17 (113) to 4.2 (26).

Keenan Hughes and Dylan Keyhoe were prominent in front of goal with four goals each,spurring their side towardsvictory, as did the other five goal scorers.

AnthonyYoung, Luke Summersgill, Jai Massese, Dylan Bath, Blake Julin and Kyle Jennings were the best for the winners.

Yarram games-record holder Chris Bruns, Griffin Underwood, Daniel Vardy, Dylan Garnham, Liam Bentley and Kiefer Sutherland were stand-outs for the Demons in atough defeat.

The Jets move up into four, and with that comes some more comfortability, while Yarram are still outside of the finals race, yet sit one win behind Heyfield, who won’t make it easy to pass them.

CHURCHILL survived ascare in Rosedale.

Lessons were learnt during the week as the Cougars looked to find away back from its loss to Yarram in the weekend prior. The Cougars remain focussed on being in the hunt, because anything can happen when finals comes around.

Rosedale weren’t going to shy away in the gusty conditions, and they stuck right with Churchill throughout most of the game, making it as hard as possible for them.

Fireworks were present during the game, as some extra fire found itsway onto the field when tempers flared betweenthe two sides. TheBlues did thebest that they could to take advantage of the wind by kicking to the advantageous end in the opening term, and they managed to take aone-point lead into quarter time.

But Churchillwereunabletotakefull advantage of it either in the second term, as the wind began to shift towards the wing, makingsimple kicksharder to pull off for both sides, it was stoppages-galore.

The Cougars took afive-point lead into the major change, and managedtokeep the lead into the final change after avery tight third term, this time by just four points.

Ablockbusterfinaltermwas set up, but Churchill had the wind behind them and this time they took full advantage of it.

Churchill put the game to bed in style, kicking 7.5 (47) to nothing to complete the 51-point win. The loss for Rosedale doesn’tquite show how they played throughout the day, but Churchill flexed its muscles in thefinal term, as the players’ fitness paid off.

Father-son duo Brendan and Kurt Holt kicked four goals each, while Joel Mason also added four for the Cougars. BaileyFlanigan was brave in the ruck but ralliedthroughoutthe day to claim best-onground honours.

The Holt boys, Jordan Fenech, Andy Phelan and Jarrod Henderson were also recognised for their efforts.

In defeat, captainRileyAtlee, Declan Barnett, Luke Lewis,Spencer Fox,Luke Stuckey and HaydenBell wereRosedale’s most prominent figures.

The Cougars are cushioned in third spot, a win behind Woodside and two wins clear of YYN in fourth, with finals almost confirmed.

HEYFIELD returned and leftituntil late.

The Kangaroos were fresh off of the bye

HARRIET SHING MP

WORKING HARD FOR YOUR COMMUNITY

The margin could have been much worse for the Demons, but the Jetswere able to add 5.7 (37) to Yarram’s two goals straight and the margin edged closer to 40 points at the main break.

YYN displayedperfectlyhow to hit the scoreboard without allowing the opponents to make an impact on the game, as they steadily increased the margin on the scoreboard, all while keepingYarram to aminimal impact.

The Jets added 4.2 (26) to two behinds in the third term, before closing out the win in style withanother4.6 (30) to agoal in the

and hosted Glengarry, but the Magpies,like Rosedale to Churchill, did not make things easy early on.

Heyfield led by just apoint at quarter time, in alow scoring affairthat saw agoal to either side.

The lead grew to nine points by half time, but scoring was still hard to come by as conditions made it difficult to move the ball up and down the field.

Heyfield began to make amove in the second half, kicking another two goals, but also missing some chances to take abigger lead with five behinds, and with athree-goal lead up its sleeve, Heyfield could take it home from here.

And simply, they did just that.

The Kangaroos kicked away with conviction in the final term, kicking 9.3 (57) to 1.1 (7) to blow the lead out to 67 points before the final siren was rung, 14.14 (98) to 4.7 (31).

Kyle Graham, LiamHeasley, Alex Coleman, Mitchell Bennett (game-high four goals), Brayden Woodland and Robert McMillan were the best for the winners.

Mitch Harris, Callum Mitchell, Jesse Lee, Spencer Poulton, Cassidy Bartley and Alex Birmingham displayed their class in defeat for Glengarry.

It was adisappointing result for Glengarry as the scoreboard didn’t properly reflect its effort and ability to stay in the game for as long as they did.

Unfortunatelyfor them, it wasn’t the firsttimethey haven’t showed up in the last quarter, because they have been in the mix on multiple occasions and like to give teams ascare

Heyfield hold onto fifth, awin clear of Yarram in sixth, and with the Cougars up next week, they could begin to extend on that gap.

SALE City eased to victory over Gormandale.

The Bulldogs weren’t going to take it easy on the Tigers and they made sureofthat from the get-go.

SaleCitystarted tame, but still tooka 25-point lead into the first break, already scoring enough to beat Gormandale’s final score.

Another four-goal term saw the lead grow over 50 points, as the Bulldogs led by 53 at half time, all while keeping Gormandale goalless for the quarter.

Theydid the same in the third, but this time kicking 6.4 (40) to one behind, getting to triple figures with 30 minutes to play.

Gormandale had their best period of play in the final term, kicking 2.2 (14), yet Sale City were just that bit better, kicking3.6 (24) to see the margin over 100 points. The Bulldogs taking the 102-point win, 17.22 (124) to 3.4 (22).

Benjamin Brett andMitchell Evans led the way up front for Sale City with four majors each, while six others added to the goal tally. Cameron Green was the most prominent player on the field, and was complimented by ChadEvans, Brett, BlakeSafstrom,Sam Dean and Jaxsyn Whitehill.

Kodie Owne,Isaac Copland (two goals), LiamDeering, Jai Foulkes,Noah Copland and Ben Heath were the best for Gormandale.

COWWARR had the bye.

Just out of reach: TTUweretoo goodfor Woodside, continuing their undefeated runin 2023. Photograph supplied

Magpies’ initiative kicks off

FOOTBALL NORTH GIPPSLAND

BY TOM HAYES

GLENGARRY Football-Netball Club have begun aprogram which feeds kids for free on aweekly basis, andcontinued to extend on the possibilities it provides.

Starting in the middle of the 2022 season, Glengarry president Alan Whitty spoke to people at YallournYallourn North Football-NetballClub, who gave him the idea to start the program with the Magpies.

“Most clubs have aThursday night dinner, for footballers and netballerstohang around, and you can sharethe messages, what needstobesaid, that whole lot,” Whitty explained.

“I got talking to Yallourn North (Football Club) last year, and they got asponsor that pays for the thirds, under 17s and under 15s, and Ithought ‘What afantastic idea’, so Itook the concept back to Glen.

“It grew from there, so thisseason we’vetalkedto our junior club (Glengarry Junior Football Club).”

Acouple of weeks ago, Glengarry FNC were proud to announce thatthey were able to serve around 170 juniors, which range from thirds footballers, to under15and 17 netballers, as well as the Glengarry junior footballers from the Traralgon District Junior Football League.

“The one that caught me off guard was acouple of weeks ago where between the juniors and the seniors …wefed 170 kids that night, and it was like abloody carnival,” Whitty said.

Thursday, July 20 is set to be abig nightfor the club, as they not only unveil their indigenous

jumper which is set to be usedinahomegame againstChurchill, but also hope to set new standards.

Whittyhas formally invitedthe junior netballers to come and get afreemeal,adding to the numbers posted throughout the year.

“The numbers are slowly growing,” he said.

Fromthis, Whittyhopes that the clubcan set record numbers, with the goal of surpassing 200 kids served.

“Were going to extendthe invitation to the junior netballers, afurther eight teams, so Ireckon that Thursdaynight we’llfeed an excess of 200 kids for free,” Whitty said.

Whitty and the Glengarry FNChave found that the program has not onlyimprovednumbers at the club and seen people return, but it has also improvedmental, physical and social healthin the kids.

“It’sjust getting them out and getting them mixing,understandinghow the club runs,”Whitty said Whitty hand-wrote aletter to every thirds, under 17sand under15s player,tellingthem to enjoy the club, insisting they will get more out of it off-field if they get involved.

“I just know that that’s afact,” Whitty said.

“I had amother who textedme…and she said, ‘I can’t believe what you guys are doing for the club.’”

That text came after the daughter explained how she had found her ‘footy home’, becauseofthe support she had received from coaches and players. There is awhole lot more to the program, as it opens the doors for kids to become more involved in the club, from being avolunteerlike senior members do to creating better relationships with senior players.

“It’s the experience thatthey’re seeing that’s really rewarding,” Whitty said. Whitty believes thatclubs should join forces for off-field programs like this, which allow them to keep junior numbers high and allow them to develop friendships with the senior groups.

“The clubs should share information, where it helps other clubs,” Whitty believes.

“But, if something like this works, its bringing kids back to playing footy and netball.

“I’d love to put the challenge out thatall 11 clubs in North Gippy, we pick anight, and you all do it (free meals program)atyour own club, then report back how many kids, and try to get that number to grow over the next few years.

When it comes to volunteering, Whitty believes kids thrive in situations wherethey feel most comfortable working within their own bounds, so he doesn’t opt to throw them in the deep end, which would in turn intimidate them.

“That’s why Ithink our volunteer numbers are so good,” Whitty said.

“We had two girls in the canteen for four hours, and they were happytohelpbecause we were swamped.

“I just think it’s so important that we are creating the right environment for those kids.”

Whitty has evengone as far as being areference on resumesofjunior players, thanks to their hard work as avolunteer around the club. At the end of the day, the juniors are the future of the club.

“It’s the feeling of belonging, these kids they know where they are, they know where they belong, there know where their mates are, it’s a safe environment,” Whitty said.

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE ROUND 12

AGRADE: Leongatha46d Wonthaggi 30, Traralgon 49 dMaffra41,

MID GIPPSLAND ROUND 12

Foster 43 dThorpdale

18,MirbooNorth 56 dHillEnd 29, Newborough 50 dTarwin 34, StonyCreek 46 dBoolarra33, BYE- MDU

CGRADE: MorwellEast 45 dFish Creek 18, Yinnar 40 dToora 26, Foster 22 dThorpdale 10, Mirboo North 20 dHillEnd 19,Boolarra40 dStony Creek 18,Tarwin 34 dNewborough 30, BYE- MDU

DGRADE: Fish Creek 43 dMorwell East 28, Newborough 44 dTarwin 20,Yinnar 48 dToora

14,Thorpdale 19 dFoster 18,Boolarra15d

StonyCreek 13,Mirboo North 42 dHillEnd 16, BYE- MDU

17 ANDUNDER: Yinnar 34 dToora32, Boolarra 21 dStony Creek15, Tarwin 33 dNewborough 23, Fish Creek 26 drew Morwell East 26, BYE-MDU, MirbooNorth

15 ANDUNDER: Newborough 15 dTarwin 11, Boolarra58 dStony Creek4,Toora31 dYinnar30, Fish Creek 35 dMorwell East 20, Mirboo North 30 dHill End 9, BYE-MDU,Foster

13 ANDUNDER: Newborough 25 dTarwin 6, Toora31 dYinnar 15,HillEnd 22 dMirboo North 13,BYE -MDU,Foster,Fish Creek

NORTH GIPPSLAND ROUND 13

AGRADE: Yarram 45 dYYN 39,Heyfield 42 dGlengarry39, Churchill 55 dRosedale

42, Woodside 61 dTTU 21,Sale City93d Gormandale 34,

Feed: TheGlengarryFootball-Netball Club hopestofeed 200 kids forfreeinone night on July 20.

Photograph: TomHayes

TRARALGON DISTRICT JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE

CENTRAL GIPPSLAND JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE

FOOTBALL

AFL EXPORTS BY TOM

HAYES

THE local trio up on the Gold Coast were back in action, this time at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday night as they were hosted by the Port Adelaide Power.

At somepoints during the night, some thoughtthat theSuns might have been able to pull off amiraculous victory.

The Suns dominated proceedings in the first half, by leading the Power by 11 points at quarter time, then by agoal at half time.

But unfortunately for them, that is where the fun stopped, as Port Adelaide blasted to a43-point lead up until three quarter time, kicking 9.2 (56) to 1.1 (7) in the third term.

Moe’s Bailey Humphrey kicked Gold Coast’s only goal for the third quarter against the run of play.

Gold Coast providedalatefightback, but the thirdquarter smashing was too much to come back from.

Morwell’s Ben Ainsworth got on the scoreboard with amajor in the final term, before the game petered out.

Despite outscoring the Power in the last, Port Adelaide kept their winning streak alive in the 33-point win, 16.10 (106) to 11.7 (73).

Moe’s Sam Flanders continues to make an impact, he had 24 disposals and six clearances for the Suns.

Sincehis return to the seniorside, Flanders has recorded 27, 27 and 24 touches, displaying an obvious improvement which has transferred from his reserves form.

Ainsworth kicked1.1 and had 17 disposals includingfour score involvements in his forward role.

Humphrey played predominantly in the midfield, even with the addition of Touk Miller back into the team.

LMackay LBalcombe Matters JAffleck A

Yinnar Magpies: APoole JTantiado NWalsh HVanderzalm TTry ARogalsky

COUGARS1.2

1.3(9)

GOALS: Churchill Cougars: JThomas3L Gina BHarrington KHeeremans.CSKangaroos: EPalmer

BEST: Churchill Cougars: KRudling JThomasR Rennie

He claimed 12 touchesand kicked 1.1 also, in agame that including three score involvements and 15 pressure acts.

TRARALGON’S Andrew McQualter has the Richmond Tigers back on the winner’s list, after their 13-point win over the Sydney Swans on Thursday night at the MCG.

Sydney led for majority of the game, before the Tigers came back late and stole it at the very last moments.

Goals from Jack Graham and Dustin Martin sealed the win late to give the Tigers a13-point win, 12.16 (88) to 11.9 (75).

“To be fair, the first quarter and ahalf, we were pretty ordinary,” McQualter said post-match.

“(In the) second half, we were able to build our pressure game and own some territory in the game.”

McQualter is gainingsome favouritism into taking on the Richmond coaching role next year, after an outstanding runofresults to get them agameoutside of thetop eight

FEMALE FOOTBALL GIPPSLAND

(PG) 4.35 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery. (PG, R)

5.30 TheBlack Hand (PGa,R)

6.30 New Leash On Life. (R) Adog faces being euthanised.

7.00 ABCNews. Alook at the top stories of the day

7.30 Sister Boniface Mysteries. (PG) Sister Boniface investigates when acontestant drops dead during aTVbaking competition

8.15 Vera (Mv, R) DCIVeraStanhope investigates the case of amurdered social worker

9.45 MOVIE: Limbo (2023, MA15+d, R) Aformer undercoverdrug cop writes acase review of an unsolved murder in asmall opal-mining town. Simon Baker,Rob Collins.

11.25 Miniseries: Marriage. (Ml,R)Part2of4

12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Guest programmed by Obongjayar

6.00 MorningPrograms. 8.00 WorldWatch. 10.00 Barkley Manor. (PG, R) 11.00 Tour De France: Bonjour Le Tour.(R) 12.00 Cycling Tour de France.Stage 13.Highlights. 1.00

WorldWatch. 2.00 Destination FlavourChina

Of Greece. (PGav,R) 4.00 Trail Towns. (R) 4.30 Tour De France:Bonjour Le Tour 5.30 The Rise Of TheNazis. (PGav, R) 6.00 NBCToday [VIC]HomeShopping. 7.00 WeekendSunrise. 10.00 TheMorning Show:Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. VRC Members RaceDay,Royal Randwick Raceday andEagle Farm Race Day. 5.00 SevenNewsAt5 5.30 Border Security:Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) 6.00 Getaway.(PG,R) 6.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 7.00 WeekendToday 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday.(PG) 12.00 Surfing Australia TV 12.30 ThePet Rescuers. (PG, R) 1.00 Great Australian Detour 1.30 MOVIE: Middle School: The WorstYearsOfMyLife. (2016 PGal, R) Griffin Gluck, Lauren Graham, Alexa Nisenson. 3.30 Rush. (PGl, R) 5.00 News: First At Five. 5.30 Getaway.(PG) 6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Escape Fishing. (R) 8.00 IFish.(R) 8.30 What’sUpDown Under.(R) 9.00 GCBC.(R) 9.30 Farm To Fork (PG, R) 10.00 St10.(PG) 12.00 MasterChef Aust. (PGal, R) 1.10 My Market Kitchen. (R) 1.30 Hungry.(R) 2.00 Pooches At Play 2.30 Everyday Gourmet. (R) 3.00 What’sUpDown Under 4.00 My Market Kitchen. 4.30 Farm To Fork. (PG, R) 5.00 News.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 GoingPlaces With Ernie Dingo (PG) Rae Johnston traverses Tasmania’s Bay of Fires.

8.30 Amazing Railway Adventures With Nick Knowles: Mexico (Premiere) English TV presenter Nick Knowles embarksona railway adventure across Mexico from the Pacific coastline at Sinaloathrough thepicturesque Copper Canyon to Creel in Chihuahua

9.30 Cycling. Tour de France.Stage 14 Annemasse to Morzine LesPortes du Soleil.151.8km. From France

2.05 Witch Hunt. (Madl, R)

3.55 Italian Food Safari. (R)

4.55 DestinationFlavour: Japan Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Football. AFL.Round 18.Geelong v Essendon. From GMHBA Stadium, Victoria.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Awrap-up of thegame, including panel discussion and interviews, with access to players, coaches and staff

11.00 To Be Advised.

12.30 CelebrityObsessed: Steven Spielberg. (MA15+av,R)Examines the case of director StevenSpielberg’s stalker,Jonathan Norman. [VIC]HomeShopping.

1.30 Harry’s Practice (R) Dr Harry Cooper and Dr KatrinaWarren present informationabout animals and petcare.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 GetArty. (R) Ashowcase of artprojects.

5.00 House Of Wellness (PGa, R) Alook at locations that highlight living well

6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Chefs’ Line. Noon Curse Of Oak Island. 12.45 Jeopardy! 2.00 Tour De France: Bonjour Le Tour 3.00 Cycling. Tour de France. H’lights. 4.00 WorldWatch. 5.55 Monty Python 6.30 The Bee Whisperer 7.30 Impossible Engineering. 8.25 SmokeAnd Steel: Secrets Of The Modern World. 9.25 Django 11.40 Fargo. 1.50am Sex BeforeThe Internet. 2.45 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 7.20pm Bluey 7.30 Spicks And Specks. 8.30 Whose Line Is It Anyway? 8.50 Live At The Apollo 9.40 Robot Wars 10.40 Unprotected Sets. 11.30 Staged. 11.55 All My Friends Are Racist. (Final) 12.15am Doctor Who 1.05 DaysLikeTheseWith Diesel. 2.00 Would ILie To You? 2.30 Blunt Talk 3.00 Whose Line Is It Anyway? 3.45 ABC News Update. 3.50 Close. 5.00 Late Programs. ABC TV PLUS (22) 6am The Movie Show 6.05 Cutthroat Island. (1995,PG) 8.20 Passione.(2010,PG) 10.00 Murder By Decree. (1979) 12.15pm Gold. (2016, M) 2.30 The Big Steal (1990,PG) 4.25 Viceroy’sHouse. (2017,PG) 6.25 Charade. (1963, PG) 8.30 The Obscure LifeOfThe Grand DukeOfCorsica. (2021, MA15+) 10.15 Erotica 2022. (2022, MA15+,Polish) 12.50am SequinInA Blue Room. (2019, MA15+) 2.20 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 11.45 MOVIE: FairyTale: ATrue Story.(1997, PG) 1.25pm Coastal Africa. 2.15 MOVIE: Pluto Nash. (2002, PG) 4.00 Take Heart: DeadlyHeart. 5.30 Power To The People. 6.00 PacificIslandFood Revolution. 6.50 News. 7.00 Spirit Talker 7.30 Going PlacesWith Ernie Dingo 8.30 MOVIE: The Descent. (2005,MA15+) 10.15 MOVIE: The Descent 2. (2009, MA15+) Midnight Late Programs. NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs. 11.00 House Of Wellness. Noon The Aussie Property Flippers 1.00 Harry’s Practice. 1.30 Medical Emergency. 2.00 Bargain Hunt. 3.00 Escape To The Country 5.00 To Be Advised. 6.00 GoldCoast Ocean Rescue. 6.30 The Highland Vet. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 EscapeToThe Country. 9.30 Greatest Escapes To The Country 10.15 Greatest Outdoors. 11.15 Late Programs.

6.00 Nine News Saturday.

7.00 ACurrentAffair

7.30 RugbyUnion. Rugby Championship.Round 2. Australia vArgentina. From CommBank Stadium, Sydney

9.50 RugbyChampionship PostMatch. Apost-match wrap-up of the match betweenAustralia and Argentina from Sydney’s CommBank Stadium.

10.30 Wimbledon Tennis Pre-Show. Reviews, previews, interviews, highlights and opinions from the All England Lawn Tennis andCroquet Club

11.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 13.Women’s final.

2.00 Surfing Australia TV (R) ShowcasesSurfing Australia’sprograms.

2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R) Homeshopping.

5.00 TV Shop: HomeShopping (R)

5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6am

6.00 To Be Advised

7.00 TheDog House Australia. (PGa, R) Follows the staff at the Animal Welfare Leagueasittries to find ahomefor Betty the Staffordshire bullterrier without much personality,and aSiberian husky named Lara. Narrated by Dr Chris Brown.

8.00 NCIS: LosAngeles. (Mv) TheNCIS team mustidentifyamystery womanwho attacked the founder of an AI company, before the nextmajor global conflict ensues. Kilbride’s ex-wife asks him to consider reconnecting with theirson

11.00 TheCheap Seats. (Mal, R) From major news storiestoentertainment and viral videos, presenters Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald take alookatthe week that was.

12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

6am Children’s Programs.

TV (2)

ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Landline

1.30

(R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 7.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 14.Highlights. 8.00 WorldWatch. 10.00 Barkley Manor 11.00 Tour De France:Bonjour Le Tour.(R) 12.00

Cycling.

6.30 Compass: Psychedelics –Healing TheSpirit?

7.00 ABCNews.

7.30 Restoration Australia: Castlecrag. (Return) Hosted by AnthonyBurke

8.30 BayOfFires. (Premiere, MA15+v)

After being targeted by hitmen, a corporate CEOand her two kids are sent to aremote Tasmanian town.

9.25 Miniseries:The BeastMust Die (Mal) Part 1of5.A woman pursues the personshe holds responsible for the fatalhit-and-run death of her son.

10.10 Miniseries: WhyDidn’t They Ask Evans? (Mav,R)Part 2of3

11.10 Miniseries: Small Axe. (MA15+l, R)

12.20 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

Speedweek 3.00 PlanetReef. (PGa, R)

(PGav,R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Hindenburg:The CoverUp: TheTitanicOfThe Skies Part 1 of 2. Alookatthe Hindenburgdisaster and howairships wentfrom war machines to luxurytransports.

9.20 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage15. LesGets LesPortesDuSoleil to SaintGervais Mont-Blanc. 179km mountain stage.From France.Commentary from Matthew Keenan, Dr Bridie O’Donnell and Simon Gerrans.

2.50 Exit. (MA15+adv,R)

3.45 Italian Food Safari. (R)

4.45 Bamay (R)

5.00 NHK WorldEnglish News Morning.

5.15 France 24 Feature.

5.30 Al JazeeraNews.

(PG) 12.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R) 1.00 Better HomesAnd Gardens. (R) 2.00 Football. VFL.Round 17 Geelong vEssendon. From GMHBA Stadium, Geelong 5.00 SevenNewsAt5 5.30 Border Security:Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) 6.00 FishingAustralia. (R) 6.30 ACurrent Affair.(R) 7.00 WeekendToday 10.00 The AFL Sunday Footy Show.(PG) 12.00 Sports Sunday.(PG) 1.00 DriveTV. 1.30 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. (PG, R) 2.30 Iconic Australia. (PGa) 3.30 Rush. (PGl, R) 5.00 News: FirstAtFive. 5.30 Postcards. (PG) 6am Morning Programs. 8.00 Everyday Gourmet. (R) 8.30 Freshly Picked. (R) 9.00 GCBC.(R) 9.30 Australia By Design: Architecture. (PG, R) 10.00 St10.(PG) 12.00 MasterChef Aust. (PGal, R) 1.30 Cook With Luke. (R) 2.00 Luxury Escapes. (R) 2.30 My Market Kitchen. (PGa, R) 3.00 Offroad Adv (R) 4.00 GCBC. (R) 4.30 Farm To Fork.(PG, R) 5.00 News.

6.00 SevenNews

7.00 Dancing With TheStars. (PG) It is time for the firstsemi-final

8.55 7NEWSSpotlight. An exclusive, special investigation.

9.55 TheLatest: SevenNews.

10.25 Born To Kill?Bobby Joe Long. (MA15+av) Alook at the case of BobbyJoe Long.

11.30 AutopsyUSA: Lisa Lopes. (Mad) Alook at the 2002death of Lisa Lopes.

12 30 All Together Now–The 100 (PG, R) Hosted by Julia Zemiro [VIC]HomeShopping.

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

4.00 NBCToday

5.00 SevenEarly News.

5.30 Sunrise

6.00 Nine News Sunday.

7.00 60 Minutes. Current affairs program.

8.00 TheMurder Of LynDawson: UnlikelyHeroes. (Mal)Part 3of4

In the years after her disappearance, Lynette’s lovedones push for the matter to be properly investigated

10.00 Nine NewsLate. Alook at the latest news andevents.

10.30 Wimbledon Tennis Pre-Show. Pre-game coverage of Wimbledon

11.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 14.Men’s final

3.00 GreatAustralian Detour (R)

3.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Victory. (PGa)

4.30 Take Two. (R)

5.00 News EarlyEdition.

6.30 TheSundayProject. Panellists dissect, digest and reconstitute the daily news, events and hottest topics.

7.30 MasterChef Australia. (Final, PGal) It is GrandFinale Day,and whichever cook scoresthe most points across two rounds will claim the title and prize.

9.30 FBI. (Mv) As the team works to rescue afive-year-old kidnapping victim, Scola suspects the boy’smum is not being forthcoming about whyher son wastargeted, and Ninastruggles to open up to Scola about their relationship

CBS

3.05 The Heights. (PG, R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)

5.30 Today

Mornings. 6am WorldWatch. 9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.00 Chefs’ Line. Noon Curse Of Oak Island. 12.45 Jeopardy! 2.00 Tour De France:Bonjour Le Tour 3.00 Cycling. Tour de France.H’lights. 4.00 WorldWatch 4.25 The Last Lesbian Bars. 4.50 DominoMasters 6.40 Nazi Megastructures. 7.35 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 The UnXplained With William Shatner 9.20 We Need To Talk About Cosby 11.35 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 7.05pm Andy’sWild Adventures. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Spicks And Specks. 8.00 YouCan’t Ask That. 8.30 LouisTheroux: Gambling In Las Vegas. 9.30 Louis Theroux’sForbidden

July 17

6.00 TheDrum.

7.00 ABCNews.

7.30 7.30

8.00 Back Roads: GreatSouth West Walk,Victoria. Guest presented by Lisa Millar

8.30 Four Corners. Investigative journalism program.

9.15 Media Watch. (PG) Hosted by Paul Barry.

9.35 Jonestown: Terror In The Jungle: Death In ThePromised Land. (Ma, R) Part 4of4

10.15 China Tonight (Final, R)

10 50 ABC LateNews.

11.05 TheBusiness. (R)

11.20 Miniseries: TheBeast MustDie. (Mal, R)

12.05 The Split. (Ml, R) 1.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

3.30 AntiquesRoadshow.(R)

4.30 The Drum. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

ABC TV PLUS (22)

Kingdom Of Plants. Midnight AdamHills: TheLast Leg. 12.45 Ghosts. 1.10 Louis Theroux: Gambling In Las Vegas. 2.10 Late Programs.

Tuesday, July 18

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) Presented by Marc Fennell.

6.30 SBS WorldNews.

7.30 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (PG) RobsonGreen is joined by two relatives.

8.40 TheGreat House Revival:Drum Co Monaghan. (PG) Hugh Wallace meets acouple who are transforming apub on an Irish village’s quietmain street into ahome.

9.40 24 HoursInEmergency: TheUnforeseen. (M) Awoman is rushed to Queen’s Medical Centre after falling from her motorcycle.

10.35 SBS WorldNewsLate.

11.05 My Brilliant Friend. (Mav) 12.05 Nadia: AStolen Life (Malv,R)

1.40 Gomorrah. (MA15+v,R)

4.10 Italian Food Safari. (R) 4.40 Bamay.(R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe WorldTonight

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Home And Away (PGa)

7.30 Dancing With TheStars (PG)Aussie celebritiesare partnered with professional dancers in a ballroom dancing competition.

9.25 9-1-1: Lone Star (Ma) Owen enlists Paul’s help in proving Kendra Harrington’s innocence after she is accused of beingablack widow

10.30 TheLatest: SevenNews.

11.00 TheBlacklist (MA15+) Ressler helpsa friend makeamends.

12.00 MOVIE: Total Stranger (1999,Msv,R)A woman rents aroom to astranger.Lindsay Crouse.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBCToday

5.00 SevenEarlyNews.

5.30 Sunrise.

6am

Funny Lady.Continued. (1975) 8.10 Charade. (1963, PG) 10.15 The Girl In The Fog. (2017,M,Italian) 12.35pm The Reluctant Fundamentalist. (2012, M) 2.55 TheMovie Show 3.25 The Well-Digger’s Daughter. (2011, PG, French) 5.25 Jean De Florette (1986,PG, French) 7.40

MOVIE: The 6thDay.(2000,M) 11.00 Late Programs.

6.00 NineNews.

7.00 ACurrent Affair.

7.30 Rush. (PGl) Hosted by David Genat.

8.55 Police Rescue Australia. (PG) Follows police rescue and bomb disposal teams saving people in high risk situations.

9.55 FootyClassified. (M)Footy experts tackle the AFL’s big issues.

10.55 Nine NewsLate. Alook at the latest news and events

11.25 Mr Mayor. (PGs) Neil hasaflingwith an actor

11.50 Black Widow: TheMurder Of David Jackson: Part 1. (Mav)

12.40 Tipping Point. (PG,R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

6.30 TheProject. Alook at the day’snews and events.

7.30 Hunted (Return, PGal)The hunt is back on as 20 new fugitives are released in Melbourne’s Docklands.

9.15 Have YouBeenPaying Attention? (Malns)Celebritypanellists includeEdKavalee, Bron Lewis, Emma Holland, Peter Helliar and Sam Pang

10.15 JustFor Laughs Australia. (Mls) Hosted by Nath Valvo.

10.45 FBI: MostWanted (Mv,R) Theteam hunts adangerous incel. 11.35 TheProject. (R) Alook at the day’snews and events 12.30 TheLate ShowWith Stephen Colbert (PG)

7.30 7.30 PresentedbySarah Ferguson.

8.00 New Leash On Life.

Hosted by Joel Creasey

8.30 TheDark Emu Story. (PG)

Explores theculturalimpact of Bruce Pascoe’s2014 best-selling book DarkEmu

9.55 LouisTheroux Interviews... Yungblud. (Maln, R) Louis

Theroux chats with Yungblud

10.40 ABC LateNews.

10.55 TheBusiness (R)

11.10 Four Corners. (R)

12.00 Media Watch. (PG, R) 12.15 Miniseries:

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) Presented by Marc Fennell.

6.30 SBS WorldNews

7.30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys: WhitbyToRobin Hood’sBay (PG) Hosted by Michael Portillo

8.30 Insight. Presenter Kumi Taguchi is joined by people with first-hand experience of the issue,aswellas commentators, to continue to explore how justice looks for different people and how it can change over time.

9.30 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 16.PassytoCombloux. 22.4km individual timetrial. From France.

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Home AndAway. (PGa)

7.30 MillionDollarIsland. (PGa) HostedbyAnt Middleton

9.00 TheRookie. (Mv) DetectiveNyla Harper and James find themselves in the middle of abank robbery.

10.00 TheRookie: Feds. (Mv) Amysteriouscaller threatens theFBI

11.00 TheLatest: SevenNews.

11.30 TheBlacklist (MA15+)

12.30 S.W.A.T. (Madv,R) [VIC]HomeShopping.

1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

9GO! (93, 82)

6am Children’s Programs. Noon MegaZoo 1.00 LifeUnexpected. 2.00 Full House 2.30 Raymond 3.00 MacGyver

4.00 Family Ties. 4.30 The Addams Family

5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 IDream Of Jeannie. 6.00

Raymond. 7.00 YoungSheldon. 7.30

6.00 Nine News.

7.00 ACurrentAffair

7.30 Rush. Hosted by David Genat.

9.00 Travel Guides. (PGls, R) Ordinary Australiansbecome travel critics, embarking on aluxuryriver cruise downthe MekongRiver

10.00 Nine NewsLate Alook at the latest news andevents.

10.30 Chicago Med (MA15+am) Carol receives asecond chance at life.

11.20 See No Evil: ILoved My Daughter (Ma)

12.10 CourtCam (Mlv)

12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

Alook at the day’snews

events

Hunted. (PGal) The teams taketoland, sea and air to shake off their dogged pursuers.

8.45 TheCheapSeats. (Mal) Presenters Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald takealook at the weekthat was.

9.45 NCIS. (Mav, R) Theteam is summoned to Philadelphiatoinvestigate the death of aUSNavy petty officer

10.35 Miniseries: Riptide. (Mlv) Part 3of4 11.30 TheProject. (R) Alook at the day’snews and events.

Marriage. (Ml,R)

1.15 Jonestown:Terror In The Jungle. (Ma, R) 1.55 Rage.(MA15+adhlnsv)

3.30 AntiquesRoadshow.(R) 4.30 The Drum.

(R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

2.05 No Man’sLand. (MA15+av,R)

4.00 Italian Food Safari. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.

4.00 NBCToday

5.00 SevenEarly News. 5.30 Sunrise

1.30 TV Shop:

12.30 TheLate ShowWith Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

Gippsland 2023CountryChampions

SOCCER

LVSL

BY ZOE ASKEW

LOCAL soccer players descended upon Ballarat across the King's Birthdaylongweekend, representing the region in the Country Leagues Football Association 2023 Country Championships.

The Under 18 girls team ended up winning the tournament.

Sale United's Paul McGrath and Steve Giuliani wereappointedcoach andassistantcoach of the Under 14 boys, withthe Swans' Madelaine Breakspear and Romi Bitarselected coach and assistant coach the Under 18 girls squad.

Gippsland representative teams travelled the nearly four hours to the famously cold Ballarat on Friday, June 9, before descending on one of three locations: Morshead Park, Trekardo Park and Victoria Park, on Saturday morning for Day 1ofthe championships.

It was aformidable opening to the competition for the Under 14 boys, who faced tournament favourites Ballarat District League, and lost 6-0.

"We started off slow and lethargic and had no real impetus in our play, and within 10 minutes were 3-0 downwiththreeglaringindividualerrors," McGrath said.

"We struggled for the rest of the game."

Game two was against Sunraysia District League.

"We faced aquick, well-organised side, and again we justwere not at the races, possiblythe playing on the main pitch and with acrowd that was drowning out oursupport, the boys just couldn't string apasstogether, which was really getting to me as Iknow we are way better than this but not committed in our play," McGrath said.

The under 14 boys again lost 6-0.

"Gamethree we played against Geelong District, going down 9-0 was not ideal, but in general, we were outplayed and out-thought," McGrath said.

"Half of us wanted to be there, but the others not so much."

The under 18 girls had amore positive start to the three-day regional football competition, the Gippsland representative team defeated Bendigo 2-1 in the opening match.

"We came from behind to claim the win," Breakspear said.

"Ourfirst goal was scored when Summer Cooper was brought down in the box; Dani Wilson converted the penalty.

"At halftime, it was 1-1.

"The second half, we came out and played better football; Dani converted achance in the second half to take home the three points."

The under 18 girls met aformidable Albury Wodonga in game two.

"They were atough physical team," Breakspear said.

"They scored in the first few minutes of the first half.They scored another goal in the firsthalf through our own error. At the end of the first half, we got afreekick over towards the right wing; Dani whipped the free kick in and hit the crossbar, it bounced down, and SallyHoffman pounced on the header to score.

"Second half was end-to-end, and neither team was able to add another goal."

The under 18 girls were defeated 2-1 by Albury Wodonga.

On Sunday, the under 14 boys met West Gippsland representatives, Gippsland Soccer League, with a goal from Traralgon City's Max Canty cementing a1-0 wininthe first game of day two.

"With having our morning game postponed till 6pm,wehad the morning off, and we allhad a team meeting at 12.30pm to outline the day ahead," McGrath said.

"Parents and playersinvolved, we discussed and

agreed that effort and having agowas not there on day one.

"I discussed with them that the score is not important,but our conduct and effort and what we trained on was. Iwantedtosee us try!"

The meeting did not fall on deaf ears, with the under 14 boys claiming a1-0 win.

The under 14 boys then faced Albury Wodonga in the day's second game.

"Losing to eventually the winners outright 6-1 wasnot alldoom-and-gloom as ourperformance was there; just afew errors here and there cost us," McGrath said.

"We tried to playattacking football,and that'sall Iwanttotry and see from my teams."

The under 14 boys met SouthWestDistrict Football in the final match on day two.

"With only getting 60 minutes between games today, cramps and injuries were starting to climb as we faced South West District Football,"McGrath said.

"With my star centre back Chantel Stephens out through injury and captain Jax Eldred struggling with cramps, we set up and went for it.

"On the main pitch underlights, Goddid we produce.

"At 20 minutes, Max Cantyscores from25metres to go one up. South West District Football were going allout to equalise,and we were trying to get another goal.

"It was end-to-end stuff, acoaches nightmare of agame but asupporters dream.

"SouthWest did equalise and,tobefair, afair result."

McGrathwas immensely proud of his squad's efforts on day two, describing the football his team played on Sunday as chalk and cheese to the football they played on Saturday.

For the under18girls, they faced Ballarat in game one on day two.

"The under 18 girls had awin against Ballarat; won 3-0", Breakspear exclaimed.

"Dani Wilson scored two goals while youngMiley Cooper (Moe United) scored one goal."

The under 18 girls met aphysical Sunraysia in game two, going down 2-0.

On Monday, the third and final day, the under 14 boys played theirlast2023 Country Championships match, meeting Bendigo.

"Withall our squad really hurting with such a big day the day before, we did loseour captain Jax Eldred to acalf muscle injury," McGrath said.

"Luckily, Chantel Stephens(Churchill United) declared herself fit.

"Going down 1-0 in 10 minutes, Iwas worried thatthe squad wouldjustgive up due to tiredness, but Iwas wrong.

"Equalising just before halftime through Keech Malual, we were on the ascendancy.

"Tyson Stephens got us the winner five minutes from the end.

"We finished fifth in the league out of eight teams Day one was not good, but proud of them for the rest of the tournament."

The under 18 girls sealed a1-0 win against Geelong in their final round game on day three, advancing to the Grand Final against the formidable Sunraysia.

"We played out atough game and went to extra time with alot of opportunities on goal," Breakspear said.

"Sunraysia didn't get much of asniff at goal at all during the game.

"The game went to penalties, we scored three, and Sunraysia missed all three."

The under 18 girls were duly crowned the Country Leagues Football Association 2023 Country Championships.

Celebrating40years of Baw Baw Ski Club

SKIING

BACK of Baw Baw Nordic Ski Club celebrated 40 years since their formation recently.

Celebrations included areunion lunch, afilm night and weekend away at Mt Baw Baw.

The eventsgathered past, present and foundation members together to share memories of club activities, tripsand events, both on and off snow.The eventsalsoallowedthe club to captureand record club history as well as display club memorabilia from the past 40 years, such as colourful,retro race suits from the 1980s and '90sand trophies from the club's now ceased Saint to Saint ski race, held at Mt St Gwinear.

More than 40 past and present members attended areunion lunch in Rawson, with many who had moved away returningtocatch up with friends,

share fond memories and meet newer members.

The club has held regular activities throughout 2023 to celebrate their milestone, although the lunch allowed the club to presentits most improved awards in front of alargergathering of skiers. Due to the pandemic the awards havenot been presented since 2019.

The club formed in 1983 following askiing film night at Traralgon's Little Theatre.

Keencross country skiers from the Latrobe Valley met with the aim of forming aclub and arranging activities following an increased interest in skiing at nearby Mt St Gwinear. On May 42023, 40 years after the ordinal film night, club members gathered on the stepsofthe Little Theatretomarkthe occasion before dinner and asmaller scale film night.

The club also hosted aweekend stay at Mt Baw Baw for members.

Superb autumn weather allowed members to

Advertising in the Express

enjoythe alpine setting with many members venturing out on foot to Mt St Gwinear and back along the Alpine Walking Track. With winter just around the corner it was agood chance to see some of the maintenanceand improvements made to the ski trails ahead of the ski season. While a 41st anniversary isn't anormal milestone, many members are keen to see some of this year's club activities become annual events.

"Following the pandemic, we wanted to bring memberspastand present back together to celebrate40years in style,"Back of BawBaw Nordic Ski Club president Rachel Allensaid

"There have been lotsofmemories and stories coming out and plenty of laughs as well.

"Now everyone's thinking about getting their skis out, even if they haven't been used in awhile,and getting back on snow".

Simon Eaton, afoundation member of the club,

noted that clubs are importantinadding to people's enjoyment of sport.

"The club's meant alot to many people over the years," he said.

"Membershaveenjoyed many skiingadventures together on the Baw Baw plateau and furtherafield, snow camping, ski touring and travelling overseas to races".

Simon added that the milestone gave people extra incentive to catch up.

"It's been great to see so many people get together from near and far, some who have been part of it from the start, others who were born and raised in theclub."

If you're alocal cross country skier and want to know more about the Back of Baw Baw Nordic Ski Club you can find them on both Facebook and Instagram.

The Range Retirement Village are ong time clients of the Latrobe Valley Express and have always enjoyed a great relationship with Jenny and her teaminthe advertising department. Theyalwaysgoout of their waytomakesure our company has the best advertising forour business, always lookingfor ways to improve our ads, so we achieve the best results.

We recommendthe LatrobeValleyExpress to anyone looking to promote and advertise their business.

Champions: The Latrobe ValleySoccer League under18girls team wonthe CountryLeagues FootballAssociationrecently.

Photograph contributed

LeighBrown

l g

e“ gets you you results! i

But don’t just take our word for it...

Pass on tinned food with Give aDamn, Give aCan

GIVE aDamn. Give aCan is a community collection of tinned food.

The tins of food are passed onto Traralgon Vinnies Food Bank for distribution to needy families in Traralgon and District.

The project is co-ordinatedby the Rotary Club of Traralgon Central and supported by the Latrobe City Trust and the LV Express.

The 2023 collectiontakes place from July 24 -30.

Participating are 16 schools, along with businesses, sports clubs, community organisations and aged care facilities.

Look outfor redcollection bins on Traralgon nature strips.

Last year theclub collected arecord 17,290 cans.

Wanttohelp? Text Ianon 0427 800 297.

Klaverjassen

IF youenjoy playing cards and love achallenge, MorwellEast Senior Citizens (Vary Street Morwell) invites you every third Thursdayofthe month, for agame calledKlaverjassen.

Noon start, BYO lunch.

For more information call 0428220310.

Moe ArtSociety

MOE Art SocietyInc welcomes new members to join them on Thursdays and some Fridays at the East End of the Moe Library.

Having the opportunity of two days during the week has been agreat asset.

This month the work of Jan Bruitzman, Mavis Mayor and Eileen Powell can be viewed from next week.

The workswillbeonthe walls facing into George Street.

Any enquiries directto Secretary Peter McLaren on 0409 184 930.

The public are welcome to call in and have achat.

TRAMPS ride

TWELVE TRAMPS (Traralgon and Morwell Pedallers Inc.) with onenew ladyrider,met at Glengarry to ride the quiet country roads to Rosedalefor lunch at the Prince Street reserve.

With aslightwesterly wind, fine weather, and the odd item of farm machinery clanking past,our return ride was through Toongabbietofinish alongRiver andCambrook Roads to Glengarry.

Our next ride on July16, 2023 startsatTraralgon South Hall car park at 10am with lunch at Kernot Hall Morwell.

New riders welcome.

For more information visit our websitetramps.org.au or on Facebook at facebook.com/ www.tramps.org.au

Enquiries can be made to Paulon0459823 422 or Vance (0403 662 288).

Old time dance

AT Newborough Senior Citizens Hall, Boolarra Ave, East Newborough. Everysecond and fourth Wednesdayofthe month, 7.30pm -10.30pm. The next dance is July 26.

Please bring aplate to share during the supper break.

If you're 55 years old and over, you are invited to join in the fun.

Maltese Club visit

THE Trafalgarand District Probus Clubvisited the

Maltese Club and Museum at Henry Street Morwell recently. Theyenjoyed awonderful lunch followed by atour of the Museum which was guided by the President of the Club, Mario Sammut.

The Museum is filled with treasures from so many migrants to Australiaover the years and it is an amazing place to visit.

Bridgeresults

RESULTS for July 3, 4and 6.

Monday -1st Moira Hecker and Helen McAdam 58 per cent; 2nd Marion and Kevin Taylor 56 per cent.

Tuesday -N/S 1st Greg Nicholson and Jean Barbour 66.67 per cent; 2nd Phillip Goode andBarbaraBarr55per cent; E/W 1st Alison Strickland and Anna Field 55.65 per cent; 2nd RosMcevoy and Monica Cornell 55.06 per cent.

Thursday -N/S 1st Greg

Nicholson and Jean Barbour 73.21 per cent; 2nd Phillip Goode andBarbaraBarr50per cent; E/W 1st Ros McEvoy and AnnedenHouting; 2nd Moira Hecker and Helen McAdam 55.65 per cent.

If you are interested in playing bridge please contact our president, Greg Nicholson, on 0419 365 739.

TOWN:Take Off Weight Naturally

IF you are lookingtolose weight and would like support and encouragement while you achieve your goal, then TOWN could be for you.

Moe/Newborough TOWN Club meets at the Trafalgar Uniting Church meeting room on Thursdaysbetween 9am10am, weekly.

TOWN encourage weight loss via aweigh in and educational grouptherapy session. Ourclubhas afriendlyand social atmosphere whichassists with your weight loss journey, by the continual support you will receive.

TOWN is low cost and this makes it affordable for everyone.

For information please phone 0417 122 868 between 10am-3pm.

Morwell Historical Society

WE are invitingthe general public to our Member’s Gatheringat2pm on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 in our rooms at 12 Hazelwood Road, Morwell. Our members join with our visitors and have acuppa and afternoon tea and share memories of days gone past.

Many interesting conversations are held on these afternoons.

If you can’t make our Member’s Gathering, our Open Days for July are Wednesday, July 19,and Sunday, July 30 from 11am -2pm.

If you have any enquiries please ringAlan on 0448 430 394.

Time to Tango

GIPPSLAND Tango are a fabulous group who attend class in Yarragon every Wednesday night, including school holidays!

We also have aPractilonga (social dance with practice) on the first Saturday night of every month!

and his partner Michelle Di Monte will instruct us for the coming months commencing tonight (July 12).

With decades of Tango experience to learn from, Fabio has an impressive resumé including providing choreography for TV's Dancingwith the Stars and is aprofessional performer.

Don't let this scare you howeverasthis is not the Social Argentine Tangothat we dance!

We leave the fancy stuff to the Professionals, whilst we enjoy arelaxed walking dance with plenty of movestomakeour dance look good.

Come alone, come with your other half, come with agroup of friends.

 No experience needed;

 No partner needed;

 Gentle exercise;

 Two left feet encouraged;

 All inclusive;

 Fun group;

 Lift your spirits, and;

 Family friendly -children learnfree or can sit and amuse themselves whilst one or both parents learn.

Wear loose comfortable clothing and bring your non-grip shoes (not sneakers) with you to dance in -leather or suede sole, or dance in socks -and beginyour Tango journey having fun with us.

Sessions commenceon Wednesday evenings from 7pm -8.30pm at St David's Uniting Church Hall on 9Campbell St, Yarragon -there will be asign outthe front of the church.

Check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/GippslandTango

Contact Naomi if you need more information on 0405 739 819.

Tyersand District Garden Club

WE had avery successful meeting at Carolyn Raymond's with an excellentpresentation on bees by Katrina Wass. We wereencouraged not to sprayour gardens and to plant flowers that bees love. We came home much more aware of the importance of bees in our environment. Our nextmeeting is at the home of Carol Dickinsons, 770 Brown Coal Mine Road, Tyers on Monday, July 17, where there will be ademonstration on rose pruning.

Bingo fundraiser

HEADING NORTH F FOR

for afun-filled fundraiser event organized by the Morwell Catholic Parish with the assistance of the Maltese Community Centre.

The event will take place on July 22 at 6.30pm.

Adonation of $20 to participate will be donated to the Church together with all other proceeds from the evening.

Bingo tickets will be free and exciting prizes willbeupfor grabs, andthere will also be araffle.

Food and snacks will be available for purchase and the bar will be open.

Make sure to save the date at The Maltese Community Centre, 7A Henry Street, Morwell (Maryvale Reserve).

Chess results

PETER Bakker recovered from arecent lapseand finished the round with only one loss.

Ian Hamiltonsolvedthe early problems but retired early. Still helping others, Cliff Thornton showed some solid form.

Steve Ahern kept his signs of improvement going.

Contact Cliff Thornton on 0413 330 458 or Ian Hamilton (5134 1971).

Morwell Men's Shed

THE shed willhold afundraiser on Saturday (July 15), run by Deb Goodman, her family and friends at the Top Pub, Morwell for an 'over 40s night'.

Morwell Men's Shed is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays from 10am to 3pm.

We are located at 279 Princes Drive, Morwell.

Youcan be apartof Community Corner

IF you are acommunity group and have any news items you need publicised, feel free to email us at news@lvexpress. com.au

You can address the correspondence to Editor, Liam Durkin.

Pleasewrite 'Community Corner' in the subject line and nothing else.

Deadline is Friday 9am following

with Liam Durkin

museum.

Cycle: TRAMPS rode to Rosedale recently. Photographs supplied

Calls formore council transparency

THE latest decision by Latrobe City Councilto move its meetings only to an online format in the interests of amore orderly and respectful environment is athinly veiled attempt at reducing the transparency of its operations and decision making.

In my capacity as aLatrobe Cityratepayer, I have attended the last four council meetings and it has been clear to me that certain councillors are not happy with the attendance of large numbers of citizens who have become increasingly concerned about what the council is doing to stop Gippsland from becoming an industrial wasteland.

Thiswas the same council who voted against condemning Dan Andrews' decisiontoclose Gippsland’s $550million forestryindustry, with its roll-on effect leading to closure of certain plant at the APM/Opal paper mill, the closure of dozens of large Australian building companiesand timber related businesses, and the loss of thousandsof Victorian jobs.

This council is now in damage control and is seeking to control the dialogue on the consequences of its actions.

To date, Ihave not witnessed any violence or other actswhich would justify this extreme measurereaders can view the recordings of the last council meeting at the Latrobe City’s website and judge for themselves if this draconian step is warranted. P.S. How are ratepayers without aPCexpected to watch future council meetings?

Greg Hansford

Newborough

Heat on the state

AS the cold weather bites, so does Labor's incompetence.

Hardworking Victorian families battling acost of living crisis will find it harder to stay warm under acruelly-timed power bill hike.

From the start of the new financial year, the state government is slamming already struggling Victorian households with a25per cent rise in electricity bills.

Daniel Andrews andJacintaAllan refusedto listentoadvice, locking up gas reserves and leaving families and businesses without atransition energy source.

Labor succumbedtoThe Greens, prematurely shuttingdowncoal power generation without a long-termenergy plan. As aresult,alackofenergy supply means prices are going up and Victorians are at greater risk of blackouts this winter.

For many, prices will rise even more than 25 per cent, accordingtoakey consumer group. "And, in fact,insome casespeople aregetting much, much higher increases -50, 80, even 100 per cent in some cases,'' said One Big Switch spokesperson Joel Gibson.

"So, it's middle Australians that are going to get hit hardest of all by all these increases because they may not qualify for any of thoseextra rebates or assistancethat's coming,''MrGibson added.

"Andyet, they're going to get …a$500 to a$1000 increaseintheir energy costs at atimewhen their insurancepremiumsare going up, their mortgage rates or their rents are rising."

UnderLabor,lifeisharder as they continue to punish Victorians withconstantcostincreases.

In fact, Prime Minister,Anthony Albanese promisedtolower power bills by $275- but he has broken that promise.

Experts predict an alarming gas shortage in the coming months unless Queensland saves Daniel Andrewsfromhis imminent energy crisis and sells Victorians their gas before exporting it overseas.

Even the Australian Energy Councilisdeeply concerned, with their chief executive saying bills are rising quicker than in living memory.

With chilling price hikes and no relief in sight, Victorians cannot afford life under Labor.

Emma Kealy Deputy Leader of The Nationals

Joblosses

IT'S the economy stupid. Or more accurately, “The economy stupid”. James Carville trotted that out in 1992asthe 1990 recession tookhold and helped drive Bill Clinton into the American oval office.

Irefer to “The Andrew’sgovernment industry transition delivers job losses in Gippsland” (LVE July 5, 2023). Once again the Greater Latrobe and Gippsland region lags woefully behind our other regional cousins.

This, withhumbleconsideration, should be of no surprise to anyone.

Our roads are in disrepair, internetand communications are woeful, health and wellbeing is at an all-time low and other functionality and services havebeen incessantly hamperedbygrandiose big builds with questionable payoffs,tokenistic gestures -such as “Yes to inclusivity”(LVE May 10, 2023), thought bubbles and general fiddling around the edges -think rebranding TAFE Gippsland three times in three decades and bringingbackthe

SEC- which were never going to alleviatethe pain our region encountered from the privatisation era.

We have time and time again fallen for grand panaceasand quick fixes, landing backright where we started.

The hare has lost the race, while the neighbouring tortoises powered on.

We’ve onceagainfallen for the bright and shinny; bread and circuses, while others just got on with the job.

I’m old enough to remember the recession we had to have, and is why Ihave been beating the same drum for over adecade now -alas, to little avail.

We were always heading in the same direction. All signs were pointing to it.

But this is not amessage of despair, nor an attempt to apportion blame.

What’s done is done.

We can summarise by saying we’ve had alot of pain. I’m sure you would agree.

In the wake of the pandemic Kirwin Rae shared an enlightening thought: “Do you know what the consequence of that pain is? Awakening”.

So while we sit in our heap of despondency, hung over from decades of hype and mania from grand solutions with little payoff, we are left only with a few remaining thoughts.

The most confronting of which is that we, however naively or foolishly, allowed it to happen.

We,and Iinclude myself in that collective, got caught up in the hoopla and hype and desperately sought external solace to save our woes.

So that leaves us only with one more profound realisation.

Onlywe, as we pull ourselvesupbyour bootstraps, can get ourselves out of it.

And that is very empowering.

Anthony Wasiukiewicz Yallourn North

Allegiances lie?

ACLOSER analysisofthe newsletter from Darren Chestertoall Gippslanders (senttohouseholds June, 2023) raises questions about how he perceives his role as aFederal MP.

Firstly, DarrenChester presents himselfthroughout the letter as an Independent as opposed to the elected National Party candidate for Gippsland.

He achieves this dissociation from The Nationals through frequent use of the pronoun 'I'. For example, he writes "as your representativeinthe Federal parliament, Iamworking to keep building asafer,

stronger, fairer Gippsland, where everyone can get ahead" and "I am fighting everyday for our fair share of governmentfundingfor local projects and critical services."

Secondly, he refers to this fight involving "partnership with local councils and community groups" as resulting in "record funding for large and small projects" as well as giving"our region astrongvoice on local and national issues".

Furthermore, he explains "my focus for the remainder of this term in Parliament is to deliver apipeline of more local infrastructure projects for Gippslanders"; apartnership whichseemingly omits the role of The Nationals.

In fact,his sole focus until the third-last paragraph of this lengthy letter is on documenting his role as aregional lobbyist for more federal funding for local projects.

Although he does eventually recognise a "national level" of governance which is grappling with "a period of global uncertainty and security challenges", he fails to provide policy details about how either he or his party intend to manage these challenges except to note these challenges "require bipartisanship and amatureparty debate."

As this letter couldhave equally been written by an Independent MP running on alocal platform, I propose that DarrenChester, as our elected Federal MP, equally focus more on lobbying his party to constructively engage with issues of national importance likehousingand increasinginterest rates, whichboth have severe adverse local impact.

For example, he and The Nationals could work with the government in a"bipartisan" manner to mitigatethe housing crisis by endorsing the current bill to provide along term housing fund as opposed to rejecting it.

In addition, he and his party could also engage in assuring reforms of public institutions which have lost public trust.

For example, the RBA lost public trust by forecasting that interest rates would not increase until 2024,.

In reality, it increased the rateofinterest multiple times over the last year.

To conclude, Federal MPs have aduty to focus on how to constructively progress thenational common goodinadditiontolobbing incessantly for funding for local projects.

Dr Jillian Carroll Heyfield

Default editor touches base after filling in for 12 months

COMMENT

BY LIAM DURKIN

LATROBE VALLEY EXPRESS EDITOR

THIS issue marks 12 months since Istepped into the editor's chair.

The past yearhas certainlybeenawhirlwind juggling all the things that go with being in the top job.

While there has been afew challenges along the way, it has been pleasing to hear our product is still regarded as an integral part of the community. Newspaper production is along and time consuming task,sotohear positive feedback is indeed gratifying.

My thanks to all those at team Express/Gippsland Times for their efforts.

The editorial and production team especially have worked long hourstoput pages together, and their efforts deserve public acknowledgement.

Fortunately,I have areliable teamaround me which, as I'm sure anyone in amanagement role can attest to, just makes life that much easier.

As they say, many hands make light work.

Hopefully readers have enjoyed some of the sections we have introduced or tried to improve in the last year or so.

Our letters section has created some healthy debate, whileour footy/netball lift out has attracted glowing praise.

Moving forward, hopefullywecan continue to play an active and important role in the Latrobe Valley community.

Like any media outlet, ours is aheavily scrutinised

industry, but Ihope we have helped shine alight on important issues within the region, and provided something for people to sit down and read with interest as well.

Being aweekly paper sent to press on Monday and distributedacross Tuesday/Wednesday, can often mean minor yet important details in stories change in that window.

For any confusion or inconvenience caused, Ido apologise, but circumstances are often taken out of our control.

Stepping into the role of editor at only 27 years of age was neversomething Ienvisagedoreven necessarily wantedtodo, but circumstances meant it fell that way. My passion has and Ithink always will be news gathering, which is something Ihope Iamabletoget back and do in time. Being in

charge meansyou spendalot of time on the phone or chained to adesk, which Ifeel goes against the reason most people become journalists.

While working well over 60 hours aweek six/ seven days aweek for the last year has been necessaryinthe line of duty, Iwillneedtotakestock and refresh soon. Ihave no doubt if I'd been marriedin the last 12 months I'd have been divorced within three.

So,onapersonal note, thanks to those who have offeredtheir support.

Being editor of three newspapers (LV Express, Gippsland Times, Gippsland Farmer) has meant there hasn't been much time to pause and reflect. Taking these few moments now though, Ifeel I am in amuch better position to perform the role than when Istarted

Business Guide

HIGH TREE TREE SERVICE

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 RickKruyt said.

The business startedin1990, and today, Rickremains at the helm with about 40 yearsofexperience in the industry.

As afamily-oriented enterprise, Rick’sson Daniel will eventuallytake over the operations

High Tree Tree Services is based in both Trafalgar and Pakenham and cuts trees MondaytoFriday, butthe staffare morethan happytooffer quotes on the weekend to suit the customer’s needs

Services include pruning and removing of trees and shrubs, stump removal, hedge maintenance, mulching of gardensand supplying mulch.

Offering that expertise at areasonable rate andefficientlyiswhereHigh Tree Tree Service stands out.

“Webasicallyalwayshave customer satisfaction,”Ricksaid.

“Wealwaysliketoshowthe customersthrough the work we have done to makesurethat they

Land Wanted

•

LABRADOODLES

Gold boy, red girl, 8wks old. m/c 9560000165 71785, 16607817, $1200. For info call 0457 523 530.

For

MORWELL

Sat. 8am.

bric-abrac,

TRARALGON, 32 Canfield Cres., Sat. and Sun., 9-4. Power tools, garden items, vintage h/hold goods, camping, books, garage storage units -all must go!

Latrobe

•

NOTICE PURSUANT TO SECTION 181(5)(B) LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1989 (VICTORIA)

TAKE NOTICE that the Baw Baw Shire Council of 33 Young Street, Drouin, Victoria, 3818, in accordance with Section 181 of the Local Government Act 1989 (Victoria), intends on or after 10 August 2023, to sell or transfer to itself

WINTER

Email: classifieds@ lvexpress.com.au

PLEASE NOTE:

Confirm your email if youhave not received a confirmation email from us, emails ARE NOTALWAYS RELIABLE and we don’t alway receive them

Mail: Latrobe Valley Express, “Attention Classifieds’’ 21 George Street, Morwell 3840

Newsagents:

Most Newsagents act as our agents and will accept your advertisements up until the same deadlines as above

Credit Card:

When placing your advertisement over the phone or via email you charge it to your Mastercard or Visa

BUSTY JOYCE

New arrival, 23 y.o., pretty face, hot, sexy and good service. Ph 0421 367 038.

With

E X P R E S S C L A S S I F I E D S

Real Estate • Public Notices • Wanted To Buy • Garage Sales • classif ieds@lvexpress.com.au MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9AM-5PM Classifieds 51354455 Page 36 —The Latrobe Valley Express, Wednesday, 12 July, 2023

Peter /Single Gentleman

Peter is ayoung 64 year old gentleman, financially secure, fit and active.

He enjoys the outdoors, travelling, fishing, motorsports and country drives. He is looking for agenuine lady for companionship.

To meet, please call 1800 261 848 or 0488 200 554

WHEN YOU GO LOCAL,YOU

MOBILE MASSEUR

Moe Self Storage

Door Installer

Jim's Mowing is looking for aFranchisee in the Latrobe Valley area. CONTACT 131 546 For ano-obligation free Info Kit

ELECTRICIAN

Specialising in all domestic work. REC.4188. Phone Peter 0438 177 153 or Carol 5126 2110.

Guys Glass &Glazing are looking for an experienced Glazier to join our team. This is afulltimepermanent position with an immediate start available.

Job tasks and responsibilities:

Reglazing windows and doors and installing mirrors, splashbacks and shower screens

Applicant should have the following skills and qualities:

● Be confident in all aspects of glass

● Ability to work unsupervised and in ateam environment

● Able to understand job sheets and cutting lists

● Attention to detail and pride of workmanship

● Good work ethic, positive attitude and reliability is amust

● Good customer service skills

● Current driver's licence

If you fit the above criteria, please email your resume to: tracee@guysglass.com.au or in person to: 543 Princes Drive, Morwell

TRAFALGAR &DISTRICT FINANCIAL SERVICES LIMITED

BOARD DIRECTOR VACANCY

Trafalgar &District Financial Services Limited

● One Board Meeting per month and membership of asub-Committee

● Community involvement

Applications are sought from appropriately qualified or experienced persons to join the Board of Trafalgar &DistrictFinancial Services Ltd (TDFS). Apply your skills and experience by leading an organisation that is dedicated to providing exceptional banking services and is committed to returning profits to the local communities it serves.

TDFS is the franchisee of the Trafalgar &DistrictCommunity Bank Branch and in partnership with Bendigo Bank has aproud history of delivering high quality financial products and services to the communities in the eastern district of the Baw Baw Shire.

As avoluntary Director on the Board of TDFS, your expertise and skills in the following areas will be highly regarded though not essential:

● contemporary governance principles

● legal qualifications

● financial expertise; or

● marketing and communications

It is equally important that applicants have akeen interest in and strong connection to their communities. For further information, or to apply please contact RosieCarroll at secretary@tdfs.com.au

CareersatLatrobe

The Latrobe Valley Express welcomes photos of your newest arrival

Parents are welcome to email a copy of your newborn photos for publication to our editorial staff - news@lvexpress com au with the subject line baby photo’

Please include the following details:

Plastering

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE MOBILE PHONE

BASE STATION AT MORWELL INCLUDING 5G

Optus and Vodafone plan to upgrade the telecommunications facilities at the below mentioned address with the addition of new 5G equipment: 100-102 Vincent Road, Morwell VIC 3840 (RFNSA: 3840003)

The proposed 5G upgrade will consist of:

● Replacement of four (4) existing Optus 4G panel antennas with four (4) new 4G panel antennas (no longer than 2.8m);

● Replacement of four (4) existing Vodafone 4G panel antennas with four (4) new 4G panel antennas (no longer than 2.8m)

● Installation of four (4) new Optus 5G panel antenna (no longer than 2.8m);

● Installation of four (4) new Vodafone 5G panel antenna (no longer than 2.8m);

● Installation, removal and relocation of ancillary equipment twenty-eight (28) new remote radio units, antenna mounts, feeders, cabling, combiners, and other associated equipment; and

● Works within the existing equipment shelter.

Optus and Vodafone regard the proposed installation as aLow-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities)

Determination 2018 based on the description above.

In accordance with Section 7of C564:2020Mobile

Phone Base Station DeploymentCode 2020, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to:

Vanessa Wan at Service Stream Limited, 0447 240 015, Optus.Submissions@servicestream.com.au or Zenith Tower B, Level 3, 821 Pacific Hwy, Chatswood NSW 2067 by 5pm, Friday 28 July 2023.

If you would like to know more about this site, further information can be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3840003

URGENT Deliverers Wanted TRARALGON, MORWELL and NEWBOROUGH

Would you liketodeliver the Latrobe Valley Express newspaper to individual homes on Tuesday and/orWednesday afternoons in Traralgon, Morwell and Newborough.

Please apply to:

The CirculationManager 0456 000 541

Please note:Children must be 11 years or over as we will need to apply for agovernment Child Employment Permit. Children younger than 11 cannot or will not be accepted. Adult deliverers also welcome

PLUMBING

General plumbing, repairs/ maintenance, drainage and sewerage, roofing and guttering. Blocked drain, sewer and storm water and 4000 PSI drain hydro cleaning. Small jobs welcome. Glenn 0437 327 879. Lic. No. 45333.

Property Maintenance

and Handyman. All types of property Maintenance management. 20+ yrs exp. servicing Latrobe Valley. Ph Michael 0439 110 444.

PRUNING

Fruit tree and rose pruning service, all areas, over 25 years experience. Ph 0478 658 025.

Vic Marino's Painting

Residential, commercial, int./ext. No job too small. Free quotes. Qualified tradesman. 0408 086 776.

LatrobeCityCouncilhasexcitingopportunitiesforenthusiasticand forward-thinkingindividualswithapassionforprovidingexcellent servicestoourcommunity

• FrontofHouse Supervisor Creative Venues - Venu PermanentFull Time

• AdministrationOfficer EmergencyManagement nOfficer Emerge yManagement-Temporary Full Time

• Community EngagementOffice Activating Engagement Office YoungPeopleYo eo e- PermanentFull Time

• LatrobeCatchmentLandcare Network trobeCatchmentLandcare Facilitator- TemporaryPartTime

• Parent GroupFacilitator- TemporaryPartTime

• Maternal andChild Health Nurse- rnal andChildHealthNurse -Permanent Part Time &Casual

• Audience Engagementand Marketing Officer- gagementand MarketingOfficerTemporaryFull Time

• Social Inclusion Project Officer - usion Permanent Full Time

• SeniorMaintenance Employee –TreeCrewPermanentFull Time

• LearntoSwimInstructormInstructor- Casual

• Preschool and Childcare – Multiple PositionsCasual

• Expressions of Interest-Communications, Marketing, Media andDesign Professionals

• ExpressionofInterestressionofInterest -PlanningOpportunities

Forfurtherinformationincludinghow toapply,positiondescriptionsand applicationclosingdates,pleasevisitour websitewww.latrobe.vic.gov.au/careers

Pleasenotesuccessfulapplicantswillbe requiredtoapplyforandsatisfactorilyobtain aNationalPoliceCheckandWorkingwith ChildrenCheck

Wayipungitj (formerly Koori Preschool Assistant)

Part-timemax-term position

Wellington &Latrobe LGAs

Ref: 512164

‘Bupup balak wayipungang’means ‘Helping/supporting theyoung kids.’ ‘Wayipungitj’means ‘supporters.’ Wayipungitj engagewith kindergarten educators and servicemanagement to build theircapacitytoensuretheir serviceisculturally inclusive andthe local Aboriginalcommunityisengaged

An Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is sought forthis roleas aspecial measurepursuanttoSection 12 of theEqual Opportunity Act2010.

EarlyChildhood Educator

Part-timeand casual positions availableatRosedaleUniting Early Learning

Ref: 512166

OurEarly ChildhoodEducators are responsiblefor theholistic safety, wellbeing andeducation of children within theserviceprogram. This includes building andfostering relationships that honourchildren’s rights. Recognising that families arechildren’sfirst teachers, educators engage anddevelop partnerships with parents,tosupport theirchild’s learning.

Learnmore:

For more informationvisit vt.uniting.org

Interested?

If this soundslikeyou,apply today. Apply via vt.uniting.org including: Coverletter(1pageoutlining your suitabilityfor theposition) Currentresume(no more than 3 pages).

Applications closeonMondaythe 24th of July 2023

Employmentissubject to satisfactory criminal historyand Victorian WorkingwithChildrenChecksprior to commencementofemployment. Uniting is proudtobeaninclusive employer andiscommitted to keeping children andyoung peoplesafe.

www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/careers

JOIN OUR TEAM AS AN INSULATION INSTALLER

Con-struct Ramsay Insulation, based in Morwell and serving the surrounding areas, is seeking motivated and skilled sub-contractors to join our team. As an insulation installer, you will be responsible for installing insulation products in new residential homes. With aflexible schedule and the opportunity to earn significant income, this is the ideal opportunity for individuals looking for a new career and be rewarded for their hard work. To be suitable for this opportunity, you must meet the following requirements:

● Own an ABN number

● Possess avalid driver's licence and have your own transport, trailer, and mobile phone

● Hold aBuilding Industry 'Construction Card'

● Experience is desirable, but not essential as training can be provided

Email your interest and contact details to us at rickyf@con-struct.com.au or for any questions call Ricky on 0458 020 238

WANTED TAXI DRIVERS TRARALGON AREA

ICU/PICU NURSES

Try your hand in this "Interesting Job" and earn agoodincome at the same time

Day Shifts / Night Shifts /Weekends

All training is supplied Apply to: tgontaxis@wideband.net.au

Assistant Store Manager Traralgon

● Full-Time, permanent role with Australia's Ultimate Tool Shop!

● Market Leading Pay, along with ongoing training -build your Retail Career!

● Dynamic, leadership role with development and growth potential.

This position will suit an experienced retail leader; you will be responsible for supporting the Store Manager to lead asuccessful store team, with a belief developing the skills, knowledge and behaviours of your team is critical to success. You will have apassion for outstanding customer service, which will see you deliver sales targets and other KPIs, while creating aproductive work environment.

We also offer:

● Competitive salary, with flexible rosters.

● Ongoing product training in market leading brands like Bosch, Makita, Milwaukee, and many, many more.

● Commitment to ongoing job security, development, and growth.

Please apply via our website https://www.totaltools.com.au/careers

CAFE 3858

Is seeking a Kitchenhand staff member, Wed.-Sun. 9-3. Must be motivated, friendly, enthusiastic and keen in work in afast paced environment. Baking experience is required. If this is you, please send your resume to: cafe.3858@hotmail.com

SPRAY PAINTER

Alan's Panels is looking for aThird Year or Qualified Spray Painter. Our work is insurance crash repairs. We have amodern work shop, new baking oven Axalta paint.

Come join our team!

Ph Peter 0419 121 942

DELIVERERS WTD

Would you like to deliver the Latrobe Valley Express newspaper to individual homes on Tuesday and/or Wednesday afternoons in Morwell, Traralgon, Moe, Newborou gh and Churchill? Please apply to the Circulation Manager 0456 000 541. Please note: Children must be 11 years or over as we will need to apply for agovernment Child

Employment Permit

Children younger than 11 cannot or will not be accepted. Adult deliverers also welcome.

EXPRESS CL ASSIFIEDS 5135 4455

Residential InReach Clinical Nurse Consultant

Permanent Full Time

The Residential InReach (RIR) program works collaboratively with residents, families, residential facilities and General Practitioners, providing acute assessment and intervention to receive traditionally based hospital care in setting of choice reducing the need to come into hospital.

The primary aim of the position is to provide specialist assessment and implement clinical management of residents in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF's) and the community in order to prevent avoidable presentations to the Emergency Department (ED).

If you have excellent interpersonal skills, great initiative, flexibility and strong organisational abilities, please apply now!

To apply for the role or for further information, go to https://centralgippslandhealth.mercury.com.au or contact Amanda Bain, Better@Home Project Officer on (03) 5143 8551.

Join us as ateacher in 2024!

We invite applications from teachers to join our staff on apermanentbasisin2024. Options exist to workinapart-time or full-timecapacity, along with options for undertaking fixed-term contracts to cover periodsoflong service leave Applications for secondaryteaching opportunities canbecombined with expressions of interest in positions of responsibility,suchasHeadofYearor HeadofDepartment roles.

We supportapplications from all levels of teaching from experienced to graduates and final year teachingstudents eligible to apply for permission to teach.

Youare welcome to visit our Schoolfor a personalisedtour to find out why both staff and students choose our School. Contact Michelle McDougall to makeanappointment Applications will be considered as received; therefore, early lodgement is recommended. Formoredetailonclosing dates, the requirements,duties and responsibilities of these roles, visitthe employmentpage of the Gippsland Grammar website at http://careers.gippslandgs.vic.edu.au

LoyYang Apprenticeships2024

We arehiring 6xApprenticesacross trades:

Boilermaking

Mechanical Fitting

Electrical

Powering Australian Life.

At AGL, we believe energy makes life better.That’s why we’re passionate aboutpowering the way Australians and move.

Like you,webelieve that the world is goingthrough extraordinarychallenges. We don’t shyaway from the we consider the answers carefully.Weworkinpartnership with our customers and communities, and takeaction to shape abetter futurefor all.

As life changes, we join thechange, constantly evolving over 185years.Today we bringall thatknow-ho produce, shareand consumeenergy.We’reinvesting in newideas,partnerships and infrastructure–renewing sources and products to help makethemmoresustainable, reliable, affordable and useful.

We’ll continue to innovate in energy and other essential services to enhance the way Australians live, and for futuregenerations.

What you’ll be doing:

Astructured on-site hands-on workplaceexperience

Anationally recognised Trade Qualification

Opportunities to gain additional qualifications and training, such as CPR, EWP,Working safely at heights, Confined space, Forklift,Dogging

An opportunity to work alongside multiple contractors in both the LoyYang APower Station and LoyYang Coal Mine with 6monthlywork group rotations

What you’ll bring to the table:

Excellent communication skills

Atrue desireand passion to work within the power generation industry

Some previous work experience (student placement/internship /part time/casual positions)

Minimum Year 11 pass andmustbea permanent resident of Australia

Cert.2related to the trade is highly desirable

Be able to commence January2024

These positions areopentofirst year Apprentices only and you must be apermanent resident of Australia.

Aseparateapplication MUSTbesubmittedfor each Apprenticeship categoryyou areapplyingfor

If you have any queries, please emailthemto lyapprenticeships@agl.com.au

Please apply for these vacancies via the AGL careers website: https://www.agl.com.au/about-agl/careers.

We’d lovetosee your application/s,submitted by 11pm on 30th July 2023

Inclusion at AGL

At AGL, all employees areencouraged to be themselves and to bring their whole selves to work everyday.Weencourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people living with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse people andpeople of the LGBTQ+ community,including transgender,gender diverse, and intersex people.

AGL has acommitment to maintain adiverse workforce, and welcomes the opportunity forapplicants to sharetheir lived experiences. We also recognise that some applicants maynot wish to disclose, and we respecttheir decision.

AGL is a Circle Back Initiativeemployer-wecommit to respond to everyapplicant

Please note -unsolicited resumes from agencies will notbeacceptedbyAGL.

GLaWAC is growing

The Gunaikurnai Land andWaters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC)represents the Traditional OwnersofGippsland,the Gunaikurnaipeople

GLaWAC has anumber of exciting new opportunities to join our economic development team in the following areas:

Major Projects Senior Manager –Economic Development

We’relooking for aMajor Projects Senior Manager to provide strategic leadership and planning to deliver amajor projects development program, with afocus on the renewable energy transition on Gunaikurnai Country.

Major Projects Project Manager –Economic Development

This role will provide strategic planning, reporting and administrative support to the cconomic development team to manage the deliveryofRenewable Energy industry transition projects within Gippsland, delivering innovative and quality outcomes with ahigh level of communityfocus.

Commonwealth Games Program Lead

The Program Lead (Commonwealth Games) will provide leadership, support and advice to ensure Gunaikurnai cultureand aspirations areembedded into the planning and deliveryofthe Commonwealth Games 2026(Gippsland).

GLaWAC considersthat being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage is agenuine occupational requirement for this position.

Commonwealth Games Program Manager

We’relooking for aProgram Manager (Commonwealth Games) to provide program development, and lead community and stakeholder engagement,toachieve cultural, economic and social outcomes for the Gunaikurnai communityaspart of the 2026 Commonwealth Games (Gippsland).

Applications close:

Wednesday, 19th July,2023 Formoreinformation, visit: www.gunaikurnai.orgorcontact Mardi Edwards on 0421 818748.

Career Opportunity

We areseeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experiencedpeople for the following position at our Yallourn Power Station:

Maintenance Team Leader Forfurther informationonthis opportunity,visit: http://careers energyaustralia com au

GP1659614

GLaWAC is growing

The GunaikurnaiLand andWaters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC)represents the Traditional OwnersofGippsland,the Gunaikurnai people

SENIOR MANAGERSTRATEGIC DELIVERY

We’relooking for aSenior Manager Strategic Deliveryto provide project management and technical expertise to support the deliveryofkey planning projects, aligned with our strategic initiatives. As akey On Countryfunction,you will:

l Provide project management,technical expertise and advice on landuse strategies with responsibility for end-to-end deliveryofkey initiatives

l Ensureeffective projectdelivery, co-ordination and support across the On Countryteam, establishing relevant frameworks and planning to ensure successful project outcomes l Supportthe building strategic direction on delivery of the ReconciliationSettlement Agreement

Applications close: Wednesday,26th July2023

Formoreinformation, visit: www.gunaikurnai.org or contact Mardi Edwards on 0421818 748.

TRADE /UNQUALIFIED WELDERS &SPRAY PAINTER PROCUREMENT /STOCK CONTROL OFFICER

We are aleading industrial bin manufacturer who produce purpose-built waste handling equipment. Our business is growing, and we need to expand our team.

If you consider yourself quite handy with awelder or have aknack for spray painting (vehicles/ industrial), and would like fulltime employment, please apply by forwarding your resume. We are also seeking aProcurement officer with relevant qualifications and /or5+years' relevant experience in an industrial environment to carry out purchasing and stock monitoring duties. Contact: people@easyquip.com.au

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Deaths •

BATTISTA, Antonio (Tony).

Passed away on 5July 2023 surrounded by his loving family.

Aged 90 years

Dearly loved husband of Williamina (dec.). Much loved father and fatherin-law of Gena and Greg, Dianne and Len (dec.), Anthony and Carol. Adored Granddad to his 8grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

BATTISTA, Tony. 11/9/1932 -5/7/2023.

Thank you Dad, for everything. For your love, advice, always being there to help and your sense of humour and fun. Your family was your life. Treasured memories we'll share forever. We will miss you so much. Now you are with Mum, together again.

Love you Dad Gena, Greg and family XX.

FOLEY (Burgan), Faye Elizabeth. Passed away peacefully on 3July2023. Aged 85 years Loved and loving wife of Norm (dec.).

Much loved mum to Wendy (dec .), Bernadette, Maureen, Patrick, Karen, Stephen, Kevin, Greg, and Deidre. Respected mother-in-law and friend of Greg, Bonnie, Lance, Nessie, Sue, Rhonda, and Budge.

Adored Nanna to her 22 Grandchildren, 161/2 Great Grandchildren and their families.

"See you in the soup"

Reunited with Norm

FOLEY, Faye. You shared my joys, and cheered when Iwas sad, You were the greatest friend Iever had. Iwill miss you forever Mum Love Bernadette and Greg. XXX

Dear Nanna, Your smile was one of warmth and love, for you were aspecial person to us. You did all the small things that meant so much and for this we thank you. We loved you very much and we will think of you with fond thoughts and memories.

PORTER, Valda Marion. 16/7/1937 -27/6/2023. Passed away peacefully at home. Loved and loving wife of Donald (dec.). Much loved Mum to Wendy and Cheryl.

Mother-in-law to Tim and Graham. Loving Grandma to Amy, Aaron, Caitlin, Kirsty, Corey, Emily and their families. Beloved Aunt of Jenni. At Valda's request, a Private Funeral has taken place.

BATTISTA. The Funeral Service for Mr Antonio (Tony) Battista will be held at St Michael's Catholic Church, Church St Traralgon on FRIDAY (14 July 2023) at 11am. The Funeral will leave at the conclusion of the Service for the Gippsland Memorial Park Cemetery Traralgon.

Tony's Service will be livestreamed, to view the livestream please visit: latrobevalley funerals.com.au and click on livestreaming.

ROSS, Hessie (Hester). 14/7/1937 -9/7/2023. Pas sed pea cefu lly surrounded by her family at Heritage Manor.

Much loved and adored wife of Mick (Alan) for 66 years.

Loving mother and mother-in-law of Frances, Mark and Trish, and Daryl. Devoted nan and greatnan to all her grandchildren.

Acourageous and determined woman, who fought with grace and dignityuntil the end "I'll hold you in my heart until Ican hold you in heaven."

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

CLARK. The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation of Mrs Wilma Clark will be held at Gippsland Memorial Park Crematorium Rose Chapel on THURSDAY (20 July 2023) commencing at 1.30pm.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

Love always Mick.

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BATTISTA, Tony

Aged 90 years

When someone you love so much becomes a memory, that memory becomes atreasure. Love and miss you lots and lots and lots Dad.

Reunited with Mum

Much loved Dad to Di and father-in-law to Len (dec.).

BURRAGE, Donald Noel. 26/12/1934 -8/7/2023. Youngest son of the late Warner and Cecilia Burrage of Traralgon. Loved and loving husband of Helen, father of Neil, Ken, Ross, Elizabeth and Ian. Cherished Grandpa of 12 special grandchildren.

CLARK, Wilma. Passed away peacefully on Sunday, 2July 2023. Much loved wife of Keith (dec). Mother and motherin-law of Neville (dec.) and Jo, Brenden and Kerri, Ricky and Sue. Will be greatly missed by all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. At Rest

Loved Nanna of Jacob, Lyndal and Lauren. Loved Great Nanna of Ebony, Liam and Ryker. "See you in the soup Nanna"

FOLEY, Faye. 25/5/1938 -3/7/2023. Faye, words cannot express the sadness in saying farewell to you my dear sister. Monday afternoons without your phone call will be truly missed, we always had agreat chat and lots of laughs. Special memories of you will always bring asmile Until we meet again"Catch Ya" Loved sister of Helen and sister-in-law of Jimmy (dec.) XXX.

HAMS (Whittaker), Mary. Passed away on 3July 2023 with loving family. In her 95th year Wife of Bill (dec.). Much loved motherand mother-in-law of Colin and Kay, Darrell and Chris, Janice (dec.) and Mikel, Peter and Vicki, Kerry and Brad.

Inspirational and proud Nan to all her grand and great-grandchildren.

Mum, words cannot express how much Iam missing you. Iwill treasure our memories that will live always in my heart. Fran. Chedda, Iwish you could come back, but Idon't want you to suffer again. We'll always love and miss you. Until we meet again. Mark and Trish.

"You may be gone from my sight, but you are never gone from my heart." Now and forever. Daryl.

ROSS, Hessie (Hester). Passed away after along illness on 9/7/2023. You fought acourageous battle but now you can rest peacefully. Thank you for being such awonderful Nan and giving us so many fantastic memories to keep. We will miss you and love you forever.

All our love to Noway Mark, Kirsty, Markaylea and Jordan.

The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation of Mr Timothy John Darcy will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Hwy, Traralgon on FRIDAY (18 July 2023) commencing at 11am.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

FEELEY (Walsh).

Funeral Prayers for the repose of the soul of Mrs Sharon Feeley will be celebrated at St Kieran's Catholic Church, cnr. Lloyd and Wirraway St's, Moe on THURSDAY (13 July 2023) at 1pm. At the conclusion of the Service the cortege will leave for the Moe Memorial Park Cemetery. Adonation in memory of Sharon may be made to the Vic SES Gippsland Regional Unit. Envelopes will be available at the Church.

SUBARU Forester,2013, auto, reg. till Feb '24, nice car, 107,000km, ZOB-034, service records, $21,500. Phone 0428 746 634.

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FEELEY (Walsh), Sharon Christine. Passed away peacefully surrounded by love on 3July 2023, aged 71 years.

Much loved Mum of Jacinta, Nikki and Stephen. Proud Grandma of Lachlan, Tom, Justin, Hugo and their partners. Cherished sister of Stephen and Nola, Rosalyn and Peter, Gloria and Ron (both dec). Treasured aunt and friend to many. Your love and kindness will stay with us always

Mary's Service was held Tuesday (11 July 2023) commencing at 2pm. Mary's Service was livestreamed. To view the live stream please visit: latrobevalley funerals.com.au and click on livestreaming.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

McCOLL (Duff), Kathy. Passed 6/7/2023.

Much loved wife of Trevor.

Treasured mum of Janine and Wayne, Julie and Mick. Her love for her grandchildren and great grand children was immeasurable.

O'BRIEN, Jack (John) James Selden. Of Traralgon, born 10 December 1927, passed away peacefully on Sunday 2July 2023, accompanied by his family. Son of Jack Snr and Agnes Millicent (nee Mayze). Father to Chris, Peter, Susan and John. Father-in-law to Sandra, Joanne, Chris (dec.) and Elizabeth. Grandfather to 18 grandchildren and great grandfather to 14 great grandchildren. God speed to you Dad to our Mother, Margery, in Heaven.

Loving son of Tom and Kathleen Stratton (both dec.). Loving father to Jane, Jason and Chris. Poppy Des to Liam, Riley, Spencer and Jemma. Married to Margaret for 32 years.

Loved brother of John (dec.), Joan, Dal and Brian, Pat and Carol.

Special thank you to all the staff at the Macalister Ward at LRH. Your care for Des will never be forgotten. Thank you to Dr Shahzad for your special attention to Des and your kindness with his care. At Peace

STRATTON, Des.

FOLEY (Burgan).

The Funeral of Mrs Faye Elizabeth Foley will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Highway, Traralgon on FRIDAY (14 July 2023) commencing at 1.30pm

At the conclusion of the Service the Funeral will leave for the Traralgon Cemetery, Gippsland Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, online donations to the Heart Foundation would be appreciated. The Service for Faye will also be livestreamed, please visit our website below for details.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258

TAYLOR, Malcolm L.

9/7/1944 -4/7/2023. Passed peacefully a Dalkeith gardens. Son of Frank and Esther.

Brother of Joy, Chrissy (dec.), Robert and Debbie.

Father to Leanne, Jodie and Kylie.

Poppy to Stephanie, Krystelle, Joel, David, Courtney, Cassie, Ricky (dec.), Shari, Katelyn and Ben. Great-Grandad to 12.

Always in our hearts ♥♥ Amemorial will be held at Traralgon Tennis club at 11am on THURSDAY (13 July 2023) Franklin Street, Traralgon.

LEA-SMITH, Maxeen.

The Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Maxeen will take place in the Function Room at Moe Racing Club, Waterloo Road, Moe on FRIDAY (14 July 2023) commencing at 2pm. Light Refreshments will be served following the ceremony. Private Cremation to Follow.

Strong showing

Latrobe Valley Funeral Services has been helping the local community for more than 70 years

Our Chapels are fittedwith the latest visual technology including the option to livestream a Funeral from any location. Alarge function room is available adjacent to each chapel to provide catering and refreshment facilities.

McCOLL.

The Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Kathleen McColl will take place graveside at the Yallourn Cemetery, Haunted Hills Road, Yallourn on WEDNESDAY (12 July 2023) commencing at 1pm.

As per Kathleen's request, no black, please wear something bright and colourful for the day.

YOUNG.

AMemorial Service to Celebrate the Life of Mr Joshua Young will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 6Ollerton Avenue, Moe on FRIDAY (28 July 2023) commencing at 2.30pm. This Service will be livestreamed. Please visit our web site for details: latrobevalley funerals.com.au

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111

Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

O'BRIEN.

The Funeral Service for Mr Jack (John) James Selden O'Brien will be held at the Uniting Church, 1Park Lane, Traralgon on THURSDAY, (13 July 2023) commencing at 1.30pm. At the conclusion of the Service the Funeral will leave for Burial at the Traralgon Cemetery, Gippsland Memorial Park. Jack's Service will also be livestreamed, please see our website below for details.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258

Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

ROSS.

The Funeral of Mrs Hester Ross will be held at the Gippsland Memorial Park Crematorium Rose Chapel, Cemetery Drive, Traralgon on MONDAY (17 July 2023) commencing at 2pm. The Service for Hester will also be livestreamed, please visit the website below for details.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258

Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

In Memoriam •

FORD, Kyle. 12/7/2022.

We would give anything in the world to have you with us again. We miss your voice, our talks, your laughter, everything about you. Hope you're running free Love always and forever.

HEALD, Barry. 16/3/1934 -12/7/2021. To be together in the same old way is my only wish today.

Contact our caring highly experienced and qualified team or visit our website for more details

MOE 5126 1111 MORWELL 5134 4937 TRARALGON 5174 2258 www.latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

FOOTBALL

BY TOM HAYES

THERE has been amixed bag of results for the Gippsland Power boysand girls teams since we last touchedbase with the representative side.

Over thelasttwo months both havemanaged to pick up acouple of wins each, all while the AFL National Under 18 Championships begun for the boys.

THE girls havethoroughly improvedbetween Rounds7and 12, despite onlyhaving a2-4 record to show for themselves.

To give context, in its first three gamesofthe season,the highest score they kicked was 1.4 (10), losing by an average of 57.6 points.

Since then following the double-bye, they look like they have figured something out, with the new-found ability to put some pressure on the scoreboard.

At the startofthe season,Gippsland Power girls coach Nathan Boyd mentioned that he was focussing on individual development morethan on-field results.

But you can only imagine that the current onfield resultsare only boosting their confidence evenmore, whichcan only be regarded as another positive.

In Round 7the girls got their first win of the Coates Talent League season in a13.10 (88) to 5.4 (34) win over the Northern Territory.

The following week they fell to the Calder Cannons by seven pointsinMorwell after an impressive start.

In Round 9, the Gippy girls used their downfall of the previous week to their advantage, coming from behind to defeat the Greater WesternVictoria Rebels by 11 points.

Power trailed at every break except for the last, kicking 2.2 (14) to one behind in the last term to claim their second win of the year.

Rounds 10, 11 and 12 haveall resulted in losses, yetthe girlslooked competitive on the scoreboard.

They suffered atwo-goal loss to the TassieDevils, before two 14-point losses to the Sandringham Dragonsand the NorthernKnights and a25-point defeat to the Geelong Falcons.

With three games to go, the Power girls sit 14th on the ladder, two games against two top four teams await, while they have awinnable game in their final fixture against the Murray Bushrangers. THE boys have only played five games in that same time, winning three and losing two.

Things begun withatightone-goal winoverthe Western Jets, in agame where Power let the Jets get the jump on them.

Family owned and locally based Funeral Directors

TOMLJANOVIC, Jane Gordana. 25/12/1972 -4/7/2022. It's been ayear since you have been gone.

Idid not see you close your eyes, Idid not see you die, Ionly heard that you were gone, Without alast goodbye. With an aching heart I whispered low, God bless you Jane, Imiss you so.

We wish that we could turn around, And find you standing there, Then we could hold you in our arms, And tell you how much we care.

Awonderful person loving and kind, What beautiful memories you left behind, Sharing and caring, always content, Loved and respected wherever you went.

Ahappy smile and aheart of gold, What beautiful memories we have to hold.

Loved and remembered always.

Love Mum, Branka, Lauri, Marsha and Bianca-Jane.

Bereavement

Thanks •

JONES.

In memory of Carol-Anne.

Carol-Anne Jones' family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended her Funeral on 26 May 2023 and sent warm and kind wishes throughout our overwhelming time of grief. Carol-Anne touched many lives and would have been comforted to know you cared.

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The Western Jets led at quarter and halftime, before the Gippyboysdragged it backinthird term to lead by apoint with aquarter to play.

Power managed to sneak over the line as both sides squandered chances, kicking 2.4 (16) to 1.5 (11) to get over the line, 8.13 (61) to 8.7 (55).

Power was disappointing against the Cannons, goingdown by 51 points at home the following week.

In atopsy-turvy couple of weeks, Gippsland Power was back on the winners’ list with their own 49-point win, defeating the Rebels 13.16 (94) to 6.9 (45).

The boys were on fire from the get-go, taking a 21-point lead at quartertime,before stretching out to 50 points at halftime, where things could

have gotten uglier for Greater Western Victoria.

The game took asteady turn in the second half, which saw Power maintain ahealthy lead for the rest of the encounter.

Following abye, Power wasunabletostring back-to-back wins together, going down to the Sandringham Dragons by 35 points.

It was atallorder for the Power from the get-go, coming up against asidethathad only lost two gamesall year.

Power were valiant in defeat,maintaining a lead for the first three quarters before dropping off hard in the last.

Power held aone-point lead at quarter time, before going down by four at the main break. Theirleadwas restored by four points with a quarter to play, but aseven-goal to one last term saw the Dragons win convincingly, 15.9 (99)to 9.10 (64).

Last week, the boys got overthe Dandenong Stingrays to claim their fourth win of the season, winning 9.16 (70) to 8.8 (56).

Power had control of the entire game, yet poor scoring conversion nearly cost them in the final term, when they kicked seven behinds to the Dragons’ 3.4 (22).

The boys also fell to the Geelong Falcons most recently, going down by 38 points in Avalon.

GippslandPower sit 11th on the ladder currently withfour winstoits name, astark contrast to last year’s minor premiership, but what can you do if you have five players drafted into the league and plenty of talent grow out of the squad? WHILE allofthisisgoing on, at state level aselect few have been able to represent Victoria Country at the AFL National Under 18 Championships.

Gippsland Power had four boys selected to join the squad; Foster’s Zane Duursma, Inverloch’s ArcherReid,Leongatha’s Wil Dawson and Warragul’s Lachlan Smith.

The boys will get aclose look at the potential 2023 number one pick, with Harley Reid as their teammate, who is being spoken about by just about everyone.

Duursma had an impressive 20 disposals and six clearances in abusy midfield role, in Victoria Country’s19-point loss to South AustraliaonJune 18.

Next up, the boys travelled to the WACA to take on Western Australia, getting their noses over the line when it mattered.

Duursma played an important role once again in front of those watching on, staying cool and kicking alategoal to give Victoria Country some late breathing room.

Victoria Country wentdown to the Allies in their penultimatematch of the tournament, losing 12.9 (81) to 10.10(70).TheAllies confirmedits first Under 18s Championship since the new format begun in 2016.

Previously the Allies had never won more than one of their four games, yetthis time they went unbeaten.

This weekend, the AFL National Under 18 Championships come to aclose, when Victoria Country come up against Victoria Metro on Sunday, July 16.

Duursma played one game for the Foster seniors this season, against Boolarra in Round 3, kicking two goals in athree-point win.

In the June draft rankingsbyRookieMe, Duursmawas rankedatnumber five,described he couldbe“the best of the lot” whenitcomes to his family name.

Vital win for RedDevils

SOCCER LVSL

BY JOHN CARDONA

MOE United movd back into the Latrobe Valley Soccer League title race after an impressive 4-1 win over top-four side Morwell Pegasus.

Fortuna’ssurprise 3-2 lossagainstthe unpredictable Monash sent the Red Devils to third on the ladder with games in hand on league-leaders Falcons.

It wasasubdued start by both sides testing each other’s defence. The first opportunity came from a run by Pegasus forward Otenio, who’s shot from an acute angle was saved by Moe keeper Peter Albanese.

Moe set up aquick counterattack from aConnor O’Hanlon pass, whichsaw RileyWinkleman’sshot go narrowly wide of the side netting.

It took 28 minutes for the Unites side to break open the Pegasus defence, when Nick Fogarty sent along, searching ball into the Pegasus goal mouth and saw Winkleman soar high above the Pegasus defence to send asuperb header into the back of the net.

Moe United doubled its lead when across found O’Hanlon,who miscuedhis shot, buthis second attempt saw his cross find adiving Luke Bathgate, who headed it home.

The Red Devils were dealt ablowwhenMatt

Shearing went down with adislocated elbow just before halftime.

After the break, Pegasus forward Otenio again broke throughMoe’sdefence, but his attempt from an acute angle went wide. In defence, Moe were lid brilliantly by captain Fogarty, and strongly supported by Lachlan McKenzie, Brendan Ruddell and Chad Shelley.

A50/50 tacklesaw Noah Kane win the battle, then send agreat pass through to Winkleman who raced clear and slotted the ball into the goal past the advancing keeper.

After 60 minutes, Moe United was reduced to 10 men when Bathgate was yellow carded following aslide tackle.

Despite the setback, Moe went3-0 up when Tanner Pyletook off on along run and slotted the ball past the stranded Pegasus keeper. Anever-say-diePegasus got aspotkickwhen forwardAli and Albanese came together in atackle.

Kulu Mahmoud made no mistake from the spot kick. Late in the game, Moe United put the game beyonddoubt when aJoe Stewart throughball sent Winkleman clear and he made no mistake, making the fulltime scoreboard read 4-1.

Moe scored an easy 7-2 win over Pegasusin the reserved. Goal scorers were Ben Schembri (three), Tully Anderson, Harley Robinson and Kevin O’Farrell.

Pegs defeated Moe in the women’s 2-0.

Women close in on undefeatedseason

BASKETBALL

GIPPSLAND UNITED

BY TOM HAYES

ANOTHER week, another win for the Gippsland United women’s team, after they defeated Surf Coast by 19 points at the GRISS at the weekend. Things were quite steady in the first half, with steady progression added to the margin throughout the opening periods.

Gippsland took athree-point lead at the end of thefirst quarter, extending that to six points by half time

The scoreboard began to grow out of proportion, when Gippsland outscored SurfCoast by 19 points in the third quarter, 32-13, taking the lead out to

25 points with aquarter remaining.

Surf Coast fought back in the last, dragging the 25-point margin back down to 19 points, but the damage was evidentlyalready done, as Gippy United claimed its 16th win out of 16 games, 81-62.

As per usual, MaKenzie Miller top-scored for United with 18 points, she also tallied eight rebounds and five assists in the monster win.

LaurenTuplin wasanother highlight, recording adouble-double; 10 pointsand 11 rebounds, while KrystalArnason also scored 12 points.

In its final three games, Gippsland United will face second-placed Blackburn, third-placed Wallan and fifth-placed Coburg to round out the season.

Topofthe table is locked in for the women’s side, but they will want to have the right momentum headinginto finals.

THE men’s side made sure that there would be no losers from Gippsland this week, defeating Warrnambool by eight points.

Gippsland were off to the best of starts, creating a12-point buffer at the first break, outscoring Warrnambool 27-15.

But it wasn’t so straightforward for the men, who conceded a12-point lead, as it was cut to just eight points at half time.

Another big quarterthoughsaw another twist in the tale, as Gippsland recorded19points to Warrnambool’s 12, taking the lead to 15 points.

Agreat finish by Warrnambool saw the margin reducedtoeight points once again, but it was kept out of reach by Gippsland who claimed the win, 88-80.

Oliver Amajoyi and Ben Barlow led the way on

the scoreboard with 24 and21points respectively.

Amajoyi had aday out, adding 14 rebounds to his tally to recordadouble-double, Barlow was close -taking nine boards himself.

Stephen O’Brien and JordanCanovan both recorded double-digit points (14 and 10 respectively), while the rebounding was shared quite evenly throughout the starting five.

The Gippsland Unitedmen move into fourth on the ladder after their 11th win of the season. Their upcoming task will the hardest on paper throughout the rest of the home and away season, as they take on third-placed Pakenham, before matches against Bulleen and Chelsea.

Hockey association gathers for NAIDOC Round

Keenager ticks over 1500

TABLE TENNIS

By KATRINA BRANDON

AT 93 years of age, Geoff Fullard completed 1500sessions of table tennis with the Traralgon Table Tennis Association in the ‘Keenagers’ group.

He becamethe firstperson to achieve afeat of the more than 400 players over the years.

Rep: Charlie Murrel in action forLatrobe ValleyVic Leagueagainst Strikers.

HOCKEY

THE Latrobe Valley Hockey Association community gathered at Churchill on Saturday for NAIDOC Round.

AWelcome to Country from Christine Johnson, SmokingCeremonyand other cultural activities were experienced by players and supporters on the day. Local artist andGunaikurnai woman Montana McStay created abeautiful artwork especially for the NAIDOC week logo and celebrations.

The Vic League Men’s team won their second match of the season, defeating Melbourne Razorbacks 4-0. Daniel Godfrey scored ahat-trick

GOLF

CHURCHILL &MONASH

Saturday1st July 2023 -Stableford

AGrade: A. Auld (20) 36

BGrade: B. Kilday(27) 33

DTL: J. Sanders35B.Barnes 32 R. King

31 M. Hutchinson 29

NTP: 5th T. Webb 12th Mamun 14th L. Anderson

Birdie: 14th R. King

Monthly Medal Tuesday4/7/23-Stroke

Scratch: S. Caldwell 104

Medal Winner: S. Caldwell (22) 82 nett

Putts: L. Brent 28

MIRBOONORTH

Thursday6th July,Stableford.

AGrade: TWhitelaw, (8) 33pts c/b

BGrade: DTaylor (24) 39pts

DTL: JSmeriglio 34, MPayne 33, P

Cummaudo 32

NTP: 4th DTaylor,6th TBradshaw, 16th

MPayne, Birdies: DTaylor4th

Saturday8th July,Stableford,

AGrade: MPayne (12) 34pts c/b

BGrade: PCummaudo (33) 32

DTL: RMatthews 34, PDraper 33 B

Robinson 32 c/b

NTP: 4th, MHeiberg, 6th, GRenwick, 13th

PDraper,16th, MPayne

Birdies: 16th, PDraper

President TrophyPlayOff: GRenwickdD

Taylor 2/1.R Matthews,d MHeiberg3/1.P

Draper dMPayne 20th, PCummaudo dJ

Smeriglio 4/3

MOE

Sunday, 18 June 2023 LPGAMixed

Canadian Grade AWinners: Robertson, Jenna & Ayton, Kevin 75.25

Place Getters: Trengrove,Dave& Sutton, Brenda 78.25, Donnison, Terry& Elliot,

Hat-trick hero: Daniel Godfrey foundthe net three times forLatrobe ValleyinVic Leaguehockey

and was named player of the match. Godfrey was awarded the Indigenous Round medal. Daniel Lineen scored the remaining goal. In atightly fought match, the Vic League Women’s team went down 3-2 to Gippsland Strikers. In herreturngameafter injury,Nadia Couper scoredthe firstgoal forthe LV team. Afurther goal from Corrinne Metcalf, after aseries of direct passeslevelled the score two-all. Strikers managed agoalinthe fourth quarter to takethe win. Charlie Murrell was awarded the Indigenous Round medal. Rovers defeatedTraralgon6-0.Traralgon had their opportunities but wereunabletoscore. Ella Trevorrow (Rovers) and Carly Thompson

Christine 79.125

Nearest to Pin: 4th Christine Elliot Ladies

4th Kevin AytonMens

8th Jenna Robertson Ladies

14th Jenna Robertson Ladies

Saturday, 24 June 2023 American

Foursomes

Handicap Winners: A. Bassman &J Bassman 70 3/8

RunnersUp: T. Johnson &M.Fife723/8

Place Getters: L. Veenman &L.Stansbury

A. DeVent &N.Houston

Nearest to Pin: 4th M. Fife

8th C. Rothwell

14th P. Stanlake

Sunday, 02 July 2023 OPEN Sunday9

hole Stableford

Grade AWinners: Moon, Craig (26) 18 c/b

Sunday, 02 July 2023 OPEN Sunday Medley

Grade AWinners: Rogers, Mark(4) 35

Place Getters: Brown, Hayden 32

Wednesday, 05 July 2023 WOMEN’S WEDNESDAY 9HOLEStableford

Grade AWinners: Dyt, Phyllis(36) 13

Wednesday, 05 July 2023 WOMEN’S STROKE -MONTHLYMEDAL

Grade AWinners: Robertson, Jenna (7) 82

Medal Winner Grade BWinners: Stewart, Leahann (30) 83 c/b

Place Getters: Wallis,Elizabeth 83

Blandford, Jane 84

Great Score: KathyBorgBirdie @4

Nearest to Pin: 4th Joan Boulton

Target Hole Prize: LeahannStewart

MysterySixes PrizeWinner

Elizabeth Wallis

SilverSpoon Winner

KathyBorg

PuttsA: Gwen Young 31

PuttsB: Jane Blandford31

Thursday, 06 July 2023 OPEN Medley

Stableford

Grade AWinners: Fife,Mark(6) 37

Photographs supplied

(Traralgon) were the Indigenous Roundmedallists for their respective teams.

Moe defeated an injury depleted Churchillin aclose 3-2 result, in acold and windy conclusion to the day.

Churchill’s Jenna McLauchlan stepped into goals and did afantastic job. Moe welcomed back Claire Cake form injury and Jack Morley for his first senior game.

The Vic League teams play away this Saturday. Junior games commence at 9.30am Saturday and local women’smatchesbegin from12.30pm on Sunday.

GOLF SCOREBOARD

Grade BWinners: Harland, Bob (15) 37

Grade CWinners: Brien, Kevin (22) 32

Place Getters: White, Lockie 35 Colvin,Anthony34 Buckman, Peter33c/b Yeomans,Wayne 33 c/b Hibbs,Steven33 Donnison, Terry32c/b Swanson, Ben 32 Morrow,Darren 32 c/b

Ayton, Kevin31c/b Backman, Phil 31 c/b

King,Rob 31 c/b

VanDer Meulen, Luke31

Frei, Harry30c/b

Great Score: MarkFife(Birdie) @14

Graeme Wilson (Birdie) @4

JayLangstaff(Birdie) @8

Nearest to Pin: 4th Phil Backman

8th Bob Harland

14th Phil Backman

Saturday, 08 July 2023 MENS Par-

Captain Vs President

Grade AWinners: Wilson, Lee (1) -3

Grade BWinners: Mowat, Wombat (19) -1 c/b

Place Getters: Imer,Corey -1 C/B

Young,Bailey-1 Donnison, Terry-2C/B

VanDer Meulen, Luke-2C/B

Langstaff, Jay-2 Mead, Barry-3

Great Score: TimFord(Birdie) @14

Corey Imer (Birdie) @8

Nearest to Pin: 4th ScottReynolds

8th Aaron Bassman

14th TimFord

TRAFALGAR

5/7/23 –Women’sStablefordwith 14

18-Hole players and 39-Hole players

MonthlyMedal: Donna Mellon (20) 73 Nett

Medal Runner Up: Sue Klemke(19)with

75 Nett

ScratchWinner: June Tickell 83

Putting: SamCaldow27Putts

Down The Line: Di Moody 75 Nett, Ange Bayley76Nett, LynPowell, 77 Nett

NTP –5th: June Tickell. 13th No one

Gobblers: Same Caldow8th andAnne Outhred 14th

Nine-Hole Winner: Sonia Roberts

SeniorsResults Tuesday04/07/2023

Players: 6Women13Men

Winner: VicHill (22)

Runner Up: PeterGriffin (21c/b)

This incredible milestone was awarded with aplaque to mark the occasion, followedby 15 years of being awinner or runner-up in Keenagers.

Keenagers is agroup for over50s whocome for ahit and social interaction.

“It’s agreat waytomaintainanactive body and mind,” Geoff said.

The aim for Keenagers is to give over 50s an opportunity to play noncompetitive table tennis at different levels including beginners, and to socialise with others with similar interests in the community.

Doubles are preferred by most of the players in the group but are more than welcome to those who like agood one-on-one game.

DTL: SteveGould (21c/b) Bronwyn Wallace (17), Chris Griffin(16), Graeme Harris (16)

NTP: Graeme Harris (16)

Bradmans: RobDevries

Thursday: 06/07/2023 Stroke- Monthly

Medal

Players: 14 Women, 30 Men

Women’s Winner: Anne Outhred (35c/b)

ScratchWinner: June Tickell (42)

Runner Up: Nola Fordham (35c/b)

DTL: Olwyn Balfour (35c/b), Sue Klemke (36), June Tickell (37c/b)

NTP: June Tickell

Bradmans: PatHarris

Men’s Winner: RonKeith (27)

ScratchWinner: Russel Balfour (44c/b)

Runner Up: GeoffCoulter (28)

DTL: Graeme Harris (32), GeoffPickburn (32), Chris Griffin(32)Pat O’Connell (32), Russ Balfour (33), Max Taylor (33) Max

Pugliese (35), PeterCooke(36)

NTP: NormMether

Par3s: PatO’Connell

Bradmans: Les Pearce

Medal of Medallists: Anne Outhred (35), GeoffCoulter (28)

Friday, July 7th 2023, Open Men’s&

Ladies Stableford

AGrade Winner: Dane Ellwood 38 pts C/B

BGrade Winner: Laurie Snowball 37 pts

DTL’s: Toby Fruend 38, John Butler 35, David Johnson 35, Darryl Blackshaw35, PeterKearn35, RonDavey 34, David Winfield 34, Warren Robinson 34

Birdies: 5th: Toby Fruend 11th: Barry Dwyer

13th: Ben Kearns 15th:Paul Fogarty

Saturday, July 8th 2023, Stableford

AGrade Winner: NickGray37pts

BGrade Winner: Andrew Cochrane 36 pts

Women winner: Di Moody 33 pts

DTL’s: PeterMoss 36, Ian Charge 35, StuartMarriott35, KenStreet35, John Tabuteau 35, Lockie Cornish 34, Reno Borg 34, Richia Parsonage 34

NTP’s: 2nd: GarryJansen 5th: Stuart

Marriott–Bev Keily11th: Lockie Cornish

13th:Peter Burghardt 15th:Peter Burghardt Eagle: 7th: John Tabuteau

TRARALGON

Saturday Men StablefordSat, 8Jul 2023

Grade Winners: AFromberg, Bryan36

BMilbourne,Andy 37 CHunter,Daryl 34

DEzard, Peter35

RunDowns: 1Graham, Glenn 37

2Pilcher,Jamie 36

3Jones,Mitchell 35

4Szabo,Scott34

5Wilson, Ryan 34

6Langstaff, Leon 34

7Pollard, Lachlan 33

8McDonald, Wade 33

9Szabo,Brett 33

10 Denhouting,Phillip 33

NTP: 5th Coad, Matthew

8th Melbourne,Brett

10th Smith, Justin

15th Milner,Glenn

2nd shot 18th Johnson, Ben

Tuesday Stableford Tue, 4Jul 2023

RunDowns: 1Fricker, Darrell 38

2Hewling,Derek 38

3Tulloch,Tim 38

4Northe,Thomas 36

5Wight,David 36

6Moon, Wayne 34

7Van Berkel, Brett34

8Wells,Norman 33

9Richardson, Anthony33

GradeWinners: AAnderson, Douglas 39

BOBrien, Geoffrey 39

NTP: 5th Lansdown, Earl

8th Chapman, Ross

10th Tulloch, Tim

15th Northe,Thomas

Allhappening at Tgon Motorcycle Club

MOTORSPORT

By TOM HAYES

THE Traralgon Motorcycle Club is the place to be right now, with plenty going on at the club.

The club held the Junior VictorianTitles recently, which is something the club hasn’t been able to do in along time, due to COVID and anumberof other reasons.

But finally, the event landed back in Traralgon, gathering riders and spectators from all over the state-even some from interstate -tocome and compete across June 17 and 18.

The event catered for around 200-250 riders up to the age of 16, who would race in fourdifferent classes, and around 600 people in total from marshals to family watching along.

Traralgon Motorcycle Club president, James Smith was amazed by the turnout over the weekend, after along week of preparing.

“The weekend itself, we had probably 250 kids riding …ofcourse, busy busy, because you’ve got alot of things happening,” Smith said.

“It’s abig onefor the club, the club hasn’t done anything like that for along time …COVID stuffed afew things up.

“As of late the club has sort of been more GippslandSeries -which is our next big one coming up -but the juniors is always big because there is alot of junior riders.

“Traralgon is one of them tracks …that it’s one of thosebucket list rides,everyonelovesthe track, people justlove the way the track sits.

“Our numbers were pretty strong.”

Anumberoflocal riders had decent showings, seen in Lucas Poole who took out the Junior 50 Division 2Class, with fellow-localJoel Stephens comingsecond.

CallumSmith wasfirst overall in the 85 SWC Class, while James Farrar came fourth overall in the Junior 125 CClass.

The Traralgon Motorcycle Club has alot more to offer than just racing.

The club caters for younger riders who are just getting into the swing of things, all the way up to advanced riders who are keen to have acrack at thereal thing.

Club members and non-club members are welcome to comealongfor ride days which are held every-so-often.

Juniors looking to climb the ranks and develop their skills are invited to junior development days too.

So no matter the ability, there seems to be something for everyone at the TraralgonMotorcycle Club.

“We’ve got four tracks really, including the bush

loop,but we’ve got anovice track …and then we’ve got amiddletrack whichisalittlemore advanced, nothing like the main track …then we’ve got the main track,” Smith added.

The Traralgon Motorcycle Club is already looking forward to their next event, the Gippsland MotorcrossSeries- also knownasthe Gippy’s, which will be held across September 16 and 17.

It’s more of alocalevent, but the clubstill attracts people from Victoria to race, including aplethora from Melbourne.

“It reasonably abig day, the Saturday -the junior day -isalwaysbiggeragain of course,” Smith said.

“There would have to be nearly 300 riders all up

over the two days between juniors and seniors.

“It’s professionally run of course, so that’s another big boom for the club as well."

The Gippy’s will be oneofthe final eventson the motorcross calendar, with the sport generally running throughout the wetter seasons.

Events are still run throughout the year, including twilight rides during summer,but they require much more work.

For more information regarding joining the club, the Traralgon Motorcycle Club is on Instagram @traralgonmcc and Facebook at facebook.com/ TgonMCC

Makinghis mark on the biggest junior stage

BASKETBALL

By TOM HAYES

TRARALGON youngster Hugo Macpherson made his mark on the junior basketball stage, when he competed for Dandenong at the 2023 National Junior Classic across June 10, 11 and 12.

The competition brings the best 16 teams of each age group from around the country, setting them up against each other in around robin format, followed by finals.

Throughoutthe event, held at Dandenong Stadium, there was boys and girls competitions ranging from under 12s, U14s, U16s, up to U18s, so there was always something to watch.

Thiscompetition is the highest levelofjunior basketball in the country.

Hugohas playedbasketball for the last four years, beginning in U8s at Traralgon before joining Dandenong in the Victorian Junior BasketballLeague for 2023 on top of his Traralgon commitments.

He plays in theU12sdivision, and shows promise as aguard too, proving there is still room for growth in his game.

Taking place over the King’s Birthday long weekend, Dandenong had qualified for the National Junior Classic and were drawn into Pool D, where they would face off against Sandringham, Bankstown and North Adelaide.

Dandenong’s first game against the Bankstown Bruins was awalk in the park, as Hugo and his teammates won comfortably by 40 points, 80-40.

Hugo contributed to the score, adding eight points of his own.

They were stopped in their tracks in the second poolgame,going downtothe North Adelaide Rockets by 27 points, 87-60.

Hugo top-scored for his side, scoring 17 points, but because of the loss, Dandenong’s chances of qualification came down to the last game.

And they got the job done, defeating Sandringham by 21 points, 59-38.

Hugo only managed fivepoints here, but his

tournament was just about to start.

As they entered the finals, Dandenong qualified as asecond-place team from their pool, so their upcoming games would be tough.

First up was the Sturt Sabres who finished top of Pool A, without losing agame so far.

Dandenong took it to them,and aftera tense first half, they held atwo-point lead.

Sturt then had at the lead, up by four points with aquarter to go, before Dandenong finished strong to win by five points, 58-53.

Hugo not only top-scored for Dandenongbut top-scored for the game with 21 points, including two three-pointers.

In the semi-finals,Dandenong would face Casey, who,likeDandenong,finished second yet had

advanced against an undefeated side.

Dandenong proved to be far too strong, outscoring Casey in each quarter but the last to win by nine points, 57-48.

Once again, Hugo top-scored for his Dandenong sidewith 14 points,againwithtwo three-pointers.

Movinginto the GrandFinal, Dandenong would meettheir Pool Drivals onceagain, the North Adelaide Rockets.

It was abig spectacle,namesonthe big scoreboard, broadcasted live to YouTube, hundreds of people in the stands -thiswas the big time.

Hugo had his whole family there to watch him play in what was one of the biggest games of his young career.

“It was ahugebuzz, they even introduced the kids

one-by-one out onto the court, like you’d see at an NBL or NBA game,” Hugo’s dad Bill Macpherson said.

“It was an electric atmosphere, plenty of North Adelaide supporters there, plenty of Dandenong (supporters), and others too.”

But unfortunately, justlike the last time they played, the Rockets were far too strong.

The margin hit 20 pointsathalftime, before stretching out to 24 with aquarter to play.

Dandenong dragged the final margin back to 23 points,but ultimatelyfinishedthe event in second place, following their 66-43 Grand Final loss.

Hugo was the leading scorer once againfor Dandenong and for the Grand Final, despite the result, scoring 18 pointsincluding two more threes.

For the whole event, Hugo led Dandenong in scoring with 83 points, the next best scored 20 points less.

This landed him seventh for scoring throughout the whole competition, an impressive feat, as well as scoring the sixth-mostamountofthree-pointers across the three days of competition.

“For us it’s about giving your kids the best opportunity thatthey can, if you’re playing at that high level that’s where you need to be,” Bill said.

“For kids to play on that stage, it was awesome for them.

“To see them commit to something and dedicate themselves to beingthe best that they can, it obviously makes you feel very proud as aparent.”

Thereare plenty of pathways thatHugo can still opt to take as he gets older and continues to play basketball, but for now he will be focussing on playing every chance he gets.

Hugo is quite the all-roundertoo, playingAussie Rules football and is the captain for South Side’s U11ssideinthe Traralgon and DistrictJunior Football League, kicking 30 goals in eight games so far this season.

Traralgon T-Birds were represented at the event too, coming fifth in the U12 boys.

Intoit: James Farrar gets some air at theVictorian titles.

Photographs supplied

Dirt: Joel Stephens workshis waytoasecondplace finish.

Team: Lucas Poole,Joel Stephens, Callum Smith and James Farrar all rode valiantly.

On themove: Traralgon’s Hugo Macpherson wasDandenong’smostprominent scorer throughoutthe competition.

Achievement: Traralgon’s Hugo Macpherson wasoutstanding during theNationalJunior Classic. Photographs supplied

Following his father’sfootsteps

TENNIS/GOLF

By TOM HAYES

FATHER and son duos are often hard to come by. But what makes Andrew and Arlen Peavey different from the rest is the fact they have made anamefor themselves across two different sports.

Andrew has done it all; alocal tennis champion withastacked resume, andnow he is watching the riseofhis son Arlen’s game in the sportofgolf.

The Express ran astory on Andrew back in 2003, whenhewas presentedwith life membershipat Morwell TennisClub.

Up to then his achievements were quite astonishing, and since that date, more has been added.

Andrewbegan his tennis journeyatthe age of nine, growingupinasmall farming community near Welshpool, called Hedley.

“I justfollowed my parents, mum and dad played BGrade for Hedley,” Andrew said on how he got into tennis.

“(Tennis was) huge, it was everywhere.

“I’ll give you an idea of Morwell, Morwell when Istarted coaching had six clubs in the town, now they're down to one, it was massive and all courts were packed.”

Beforeand after tennis on every Saturday, he and his family would be out on the farm milking cows.

His rise in the game came thick and fast, never dying down, winning ajunior premiership in his first year, before hastily rising the ranks.

“I gotbetter quickly,byage 10/11 Iplayed in the winning AGrade senior men’s flag that year,” Andrew said.

“And then by age 12, Iwas the second-youngest male player in history in the Gippsland Tennis Association (GTA).”

From the age of eight to 10, Andrew played at Hedley, before moving to Yarram Tennis Club until the age of 12.

Andrew would be recruited to the Traralgon Tennis Club for the next six years by Barry Cook, before moving to Morwell Tennis Club as an 18-year-old.

“The year Iwon the Traralgon Men's singles club championship, which was 1986, Murray Frenchwho was the top player at Morwell (Tennis Club) …recruited me over to Morwell to become club coach and Istayedthere ever since, Iwas the club professional there for 30 years,” he said.

“Murray French was abig influence on me, he was big player at Morwell.”

Andrew would go on to win the Morwell Tennis Club Men's Single Championship 24 times.

As ajunior, Andrew’s highest rankingwas number three in Victoria, boasting multiple flags in his younger years.

He won the GTA's Men’s Singles Championships at the age of 18 and 20, before winning five more throughout his career.

But,the achievement on the courtthatheismost proud of now is becoming the Victorian Country InterRegional Men’s Singles Champion in 1991, at the age of 23.

“I beat the number one player in the state, which was Steve Packham,that was abig victory,” Andrew said.

“Then in 1996, Iwon the Victorian Country week men's singles, but growing up as acountry boy, to win the inter regionals, that was the best playersin country Victoria/Victoria,that was always agoal.”

Andrew represented Victoria Country on a number of occasions throughout his career, from being arepresentative to achampion.

“I was invited to go on tour (in Europe), but Ijust couldn’t afford it,” Andrew said.

The Andrew Peavey File

“So Idecided to stay and start up abusiness instead.”

Nowadays, Andrew runs asportscoaching business, where he has visited more than 75 schools, coaching thousands of students.

He teaches sports to school kids, ranging from tennis (of course),toAussie Rulesand soccer, to badmintonand bowls.

Andrew is now teachingacrossadozen-or-so schools around central Gippsland, running classes on Monday to Friday, which he has been doing for the past 30 years.

“I stepped downasthe (MorwellTennis Club)club pro, six years ago, and now Irun school programs, teaching up to 500 kids aweek …inupto10different sports,” Andrew said.

Now, it’s Arlen’s turn on the big stage, with the 11-year-old takingthe golfinggame by storm.

Arlen first picked up agolf club while in lockdown during the COVID pandemic, and immediately fell in love.

“COVID was apretty interesting time for sport, golf was one of the few sports that actually had a surge in participants …because you could socially distance,” Andrew said.

“So that’s how he (Arlen) started,hefound a clubinthe shed …and started hitting balls in the paddock.”

Arlenbelieves the reasonhegot into golfwas his liking to mini-golf, finding it interesting.

Weeks lateronhis birthday, Arlen gotaset of clubs and began to play down at the Morwell Golf Club,before eventually signing up as amember alongside his dad.

Andjustlike his father, his rise as been astronomical in just ashort period of time.

Andrew has since also given golf ago, currently having ahandicap of 1- must be that hand-eye co-ordination he developed in tennis!

“I’ve actually reallyenjoyed the journey into golf, Iknow the tennis world inside-out, so I’ve loved going in anew direction,” Andrew said.

At the age of nine,Arlen began playing golfinthe Golf West Gippsland Division 1Men’s Handicap Pennant, and currently holds apositive winning record for the Morwell Golf Club.

When Arlen beganpennant, his handicap was 45, to which he has since played down to ahandicap of 11, which is absurd for someone of his age.

He already hasaplethora of good moments on the course, but he simply nailed it down to one putt.

“When Iwas playing atournament up at The

Sands, Idrained ahugeputt for birdie, and it was just areally good feeling,” Arlen said.

His resume is already impressive up to this date, and onlylooks to grow as he develops his game further and continues to get better.

In the same 12 months that he began to swing the golfclub,Arlen won the 2022 Golf West Gippsland Junior Championship, still at the age of nine -a competition that has competitors up to the age of 18-years-old.

Usually a10or11-year-old would find themselves up againstsomeonesimilar to their age, but Arlen is up againstpeople that are nearly twice his age, currently competinginBGrade,aswell as, Under 18sattournaments.

He has since won acouple more junior events and championships during 2023, and has started to up his playing level, going up against people closer to the city.

“If Ican be successful, or evenget into apro level I’d be very happy,” Arlen said.

“If Icould make acareer about it thatwould probablybeone of the main thingsthat would be good.”

Arlen is currently amember of theGippsland Sports Academy(GSA)Golf Program,and they will continue to help him develop his game as he grows up.

“As aparent you just want him to enjoy the sport, but Ithink he’s got areally good upside,” Andrew said.

“At Gippsland level Arlen’s got areally bright future…Ijustwant him to enjoythe sport and the journey it takes him on.”

“Me and dad do alot of playing social golf just to get better, but Iwas selected for the Gippsland Sports Academy (GSA) in the golfcriteriathis year,” Arlen added.

“It’s going good, very much enjoyed it so far.”

Arlen has anumberofpeople helping him grow, fromhis dad andthe rest of his family, the Morwell Golf Club, Brad Smith,Nikki Tepaa (whogave him his first lesson) and the GSA.

He looks forward to getting out on the course again soon, with afew more tournaments coming up.

Meanwhile in the summer, Arlen is akeen cricketer for the Latrobe Sharks, particularly as apacebowler.

He certainly has abright future ahead of him, no matter what sport he decides to ultimately pursue.

• Victorian CountryInter Regional Men's Singles

Champion 1991

• Victorian CountryInter Regional Mixed Champion 1989

• Victorian CountryWeek Open Men's Singles

Champion 1996

• Victorian CountryInterstateRepresentative1990, 91 (captain), 92

• Victorian CountryInter Regional Doubles

Runner-up 1989, 91, 97

• Gippsland Tennis Association (GTA) Men's Singles

Champion 1986, 88, 91, 93, 95-97

• GTAPremiership (Traralgon Aces) 1986

• Region 11 Men's Singles Champion 1989, 90, 93-97, 07

• LatrobeValleyTennis Association Men's Singles

Champion 1989-97

• Yinnar and District Tennis Association Men's Singles Champion 1997-99, 01-03

• Yinnar and District/LoyYangAssociation Men's Singles Champions 2004, 05

• Morwell Tennis Club Single's Champion 1988-2015

• Traralgon Tennis Club Men's Singles Champion 1986

• Bairnsdale Tennis Club LabourDay Tournament Men's Singles Champion 1992, 95, 01

• Victorian Tennis Association Pennant Playerfor Donvale StateGrade

• Grade 1,Number1for Donvale,Heatherdale and National Tennis CentreClubs

• VTAMelbourne Grade 2Premierships; Koonara 1986, Heatherdale 1993

• YDTA'ASpecial' Premierships 2000,01, 03

The Arlen Peavey File

• Age: 11,started golf at nine-years-old

• Starting Handicap: 45

• Current Handicap: 11

• Morwell Golf Club Junior Club Champion 2023

• Golf West Gippsland Junior Champion (Under 18s) 2022

• Golf West Gippsland Junior Runner-up 2023

• Golf West Gippsland Division 1Men's Handicap Pennant Player; positivewin/lossrecordfor Morwell Golf Club

• Bairnsdale Pro/Junior Event Champion 2023 with Cooper Eccleston

• Third-place finish atThe Sands,Torquay(Under 18s): 80 strokes total, 68 strokes nett

• Eighth-place finish at Huntingdale,Melbourne (Under 18s)

• Member of Gippsland Sports AcademyGolf Program 2023

Local volleyball side win back-to-back gold

VOLLEYBALL

By ZAIDA GLIBANOVIC

LATROBE Valley’s Men’s Division 1volleyball team won gold at the Volleyball Victoria Country

Championships on Monday, June 12.

Over theKing’s Birthday long weekend,the Latrobe Valley Volleyball Club travelledtoMildura for the 2023 Volleyball Victoria Country championships to defend their title after winning the 2022 tournament.

In the tournament’s openinground on Saturday, June 10, the LV men faced Sunraysia in a3-1 defeat.

Unsure if it was first-game jittersoraworthy opponent, but the LV men's team went on to win every other game following their Round 1loss.

The men's teamwenthead-to-head against Horsham later that afternoon, where they dominated in a3-0 win, not longafter they took on arch-rivals Bendigo in anarrow 3-2 victory.

The Latrobe Valley Volleyball team looked domineering on the court, rattling opposing sides.

On the second day of the tournament, at 9.30am, the Valley men ate Sunraysia's Division 1team for breakfast andthen devoured Horsham later that afternoon.

That was the end of the tournament’s scheduled play,and the tenacious Valleysidewas straight through to the gold medal match.

Records don't mean anything in rivalry games, and thatwent for the GrandFinal match-up betweenLatrobe Valley and Bendigo. Thetwo teams engaged in along-standing rivalrywere both on the hunt for gold.

The Latrobe Valley men had won last year's countrychampionshipsand were the team to beat, and maybe due for aloss. But on the contrary, the LV men proved their worth and came to win the

game 3-1 in four sets, taking home the gold to go back-to-back as County Championship champions.

The men's volleyball team will have the chance to three-peat on ahome deck as the Victorian Volleyball Inc.(VVI) and the Victorian Country Championship Commission announced that Latrobe Valley will host the 2024 Volleyball Country Championship.

Latrobe Valley Volleyball Club would like to acknowledge coach Aaron Magnuson, assistant coach Blake Hunter and the whole team for their efforts -alsoextended congratulations to Will Crawford, Locky Morland and JimmyCarlyleShelton, who were named in the All-Star 7team.

Taking to Facebook, the Latrobe Valley Volleyball club said: “It was great to have afew families make the big hike this year,tohelp cheer the boys on too.”

It was abittersweet win for some as Ash Vogt, a team staple and veteran, announced his retirement after winning four country championship titles.

“A speciallittleshout to Ash Vogt, one of the few OG’s left, who announced that this win will be his final Div 1gold, bringing him four in total,” they added.

Latrobe Valley Volleyball Association is South East Victoria's biggest volleyball sporting group. Representing Moe, Morwell and Churchill community competitions and surrounding areas.

Father andson: Andrew and Arlen Peavey have takenupgolfing together. Photographs supplied

Up and coming: ArlenPeavey(middle) afterwinningthe BairnsdalePro/Junior event alongside Cooper Eccleston (right).

Two-time: TheValleyVolleyball team wongoldfor the second year in arow

Moe and the miracle championship

SOCCER LVSL

BY LIAM DURKIN

THERE are certainmoments in thehistory of any sporting organisation that standout above the rest.

Certain moments thatenter their ownplace, and even their own vernacular among the chapters of their history.

Moments vividly remembered by those who bared witness, sure to live on long after the event itself tookplace,oreven longafter those who participated have moved on.

For the St Kilda Football Club, it is 1966,for Australian Cricket, it is the '99 World Cup Semi.

For Moe United Soccer Club -itis2013.

Or more specifically -'The Miracle League Championship of 2013'.

The Red Devils of 2013 might not have been the strongest, or most dominant team Moe has ever fielded, but they are surely the most remarkable. For what they achieved defied everything normally associated with success in acompetition that rewards the side that finishes on top of the ladder.

TheRed Devils neverheaded the Latrobe Valley SoccerLeague (Gippsland SoccerLeague at the time) table until the verylastday of the season -in fact, the last minute.

They left their run late, but were ahead when it mattered most.

How they diditcombined unbelievably good timing with big-gameperformance, and admittedly, a healthy dose of luck.

Luck could just mean the story holds more romance -asthere is ahigh chance something like it will never happen again.

Whatshouldn'tbelost is that in 2013, MoeUnited also stopped an opponent winning back-to-back titles, and one that had completed ahat-trick of LVSL championships just four years earlier.

Moe Unitedplayers gathered recently to commemorate 10 years since their 2013 triumph. Players and officials came to Olympic Park, regaling tales from what ended up being atruly spellbinding season.

While it was "one we were never meant to win", or perhaps indeed one Moe had no right to win, the history books will forever say otherwise.

The Red Devils performed amiracle in 2013. This is how they did it.

Early stages

AFTER afew so-so years, Moe United was eager to turn things around in 2013.

The Red Devils had just welcomed new clubrooms the year before, and with playing coach Lee Dastey preparing the enter his second year at the helm, new silverware would havefitted in nicely with anew facility.

Dastey moved into the top job following anumber of years with Moe as aplayer, coming to the club throughafriendship with fellowstate-leagueplayer Jason Koppen.

Withacareer at nationallevel with Morwell Falcons, Dasteybrought awealth of experience and class to the role, however, the Moe assignment presented acouple of immediate challenges.

While the Red Devils were one of the LVSL's most successful clubs, they hadn't won aleague title since 1997, and defending champion Churchill was in the midst of aformidable era.

In the six years between 2007 and 2012,the Rams had won four league titles(including ahat-trick from 2007-09) and finished runner-up on another occasion.

Speaking of hat-tricks, Churchill striker Paul Riess had ablistering start to the season, kicking threeconsecutive hat-tricks from Rounds 1to3 His effortssaw himskyrocket to the top of the league goal scoring, and saw the Rams win their first five games.

Moe by contrast weren't too far away, and were quietly going about their business.

The Red Devils started the year with a5-nil win againstTyers, and had another 5-nilresult against Newborough/Yallourn in Round 4, although a2-all draw with Sale United meant they trailled Churchill by half-a-game.

Dastey introduced anew formation in his first season in charge, doing away with asweeper sitting behind the defence.

"We changed to a'back-four'. most teams didn’t play that way around here, that was amajor change," he said.

"It took abit of timeinthe preseason working on thatback-four to makesurethey (Moe players)

knew they didn’t have the cover of someone behind them to clean things up, that was probably the biggest focus we had during that preseason.

“You are relying on your back-four to cover each other, the defender needs to have their wits around looking after each other.

“The sweeper was just outdated, Ipreferred playing with aback-four myself so made that abit of a mission to start the season, concentrating on that (back-four) and teaching what we needed to do.

“It was popular during the ‘90s, but football around the world moved away from playing with asweeper but for some reason all clubs in the LVSL didn’t,and stilltothisday some don’t, it’s probably theonlyplace youactually get asweeperplaying."

The change might have takenayear to takeeffect, but signs the back-four was starting to click were evident early in 2013.

"As the season started to build, you started to believe you couldbechallenging for it (the league)," Dastey said.

"I firmly believedit, but didn’t say it. The previous season halfway through that season we were eighth on the table and came home pretty well in the second half of the season.

"Quietly,based off that second half of the season andthe squadwehad, Ithought we’re not far off themark, butcoming from where we were Ididn’t say it to too many peoplebecausemostpeople would have thought it was astrange thing to say."

Fewhiccups

COMING into Round 6against Monash, the Red Devils carried arecord of four-wins, one-draw and zero-losses.

Afortnightlater,Moe hadaddedtwo losses to that record.

The Red Devils lost 3-2 to Monash, in aresult that was perhaps aprecursor to Moe's recentstruggles taking on theWolves, and then 2-1 to Falcons.

While the losses were marginal,they threatened to come back to haunt the Red Devils later in the season.

Fortunatelyfor them,Churchill dropped their Round 6game to Sale 2-0, the same team Moe tied with in Round 2.

Moe met Churchill in Round 8, and played out a stalemate across two halves that saw neither side trouble the scorers.

The nil-all draw may have given the Red Devils confidenceagainst the top side, but the catch-22 was that they had gone three rounds without awin. Dastey, who had previously remained tightlipped, perhaps upset the soccer Gods during this time.

“Early on in the season we started quite well and Ithought we might be achancetohave adecent season," he said.

"The first time Imentioned challenging for the title, we suffered our first loss."

Hanging in there

MOE stabilised their season by going on afive-game winning streak from Rounds 9-13.

The Red Devils went on ascoring spree during thisperiod,kicking 22 goals, highlighted by an 11-nil drubbing of Tyers in Round 10. At the other end of the pitch, the back-four defence appeared to be working like acharm,asMoe only let through three goals.

The percentage boosting wins were certainly welcomed,aswas a2-1 result against Sale,making up for the draw from earlier in the season.

Victory against Sale, described as one of afew "critical results" by Dastey, was gained in injury time.

It was not to be the onlytimeMoe foundawinner

late in the piece during the 2013 LVSL season. Gone

forall money

FOR all of Moe'sgood workhowever,Churchill was more than equal to the task.

The Rams too won five games in arow following their draw against Moe, and then went two better to make it seven-in-a-row.

Moe’s loss to Fortuna in Round14saw the Rams go eight points clear on top of the ladder after they beat Newborough/Yallourn 3-1.

Things didn't get much better for the secondplaced Red Devils the next week, who despite flippingthe result on Monash and winning 2-1, found themselves still eight points off top spot.

Moe was in the same position as the previous week, but now with even less time on their hands.

The reality of the situation could not have been clearer -with three points awarded for each win, the Red Devils would have to win the last three games of the season to even be aremote chance of claiming the league.

Even then it was wishful thinking.

Surely there was no way back from here.

The odds would have been 500-1.

EvenDastey, and Moe United captain Marc McHallam were ready to concede.

"It felt like aformality that Churchill would win the league," Dastey said.

"When you are that far behind right near the end you don’t think it is going to happen. With three games to go we thought it would never happen," McHallam recalled.

Given aChurchill league titlelooked likeit was only amatter of days away, rumours began circulating thatchampionshipmerchandise had already been ordered.

Tide turns

WITH their season now only belonging in the category of 'mathematically possible', Moe sought to end its campaign on ahighnote.

ASaturday night fixture between Churchill and Olympians didn't give the LVSL public much to get excited about.

Dastey did not pay much attention to this match, thinking Churchill would have no trouble dealing withasidewho had won just four games up to that point.

However, in ashock result, the underdog prevailed, winning 3-2.

"I wasn’t checkingtheir result expecting anything to happen," Dastey said.

"I jumped into bed around midnight and just happened to have alook at their result and saw that they lost, so thatwas pretty unexpected,Olympians at the time were pretty far down the table."

When Moe beat Falcons 3-1 the next day, there was all of asudden renewed hope at Olympic Park. "Your interest sparked from there because up to that point it was all gone, you knew something could happen," Dastey said.

As the numbers were crunched, it became clear if Moe beat Churchillinthe second-last round, there would be atwo-point difference between the two in the race to the league.

“What was expected to be over, all of asudden wasn’t. Everyone knew, ‘hang on, we’ve got abig week ahead of us to get aresult if we can against Churchill’, and then go into that last day, at least we’re achance, Ithink everyone felt that," Dastey said.

Falling intoplace

BEFORE playing Churchill in their season-defining match in Round 17, the two clubs faced off in the Battle of Britain final.

TheRamscame from behindtowin the cup final 3-1, and entered the penultimate match of the regular season looking near-certainties to secure two trophies in as many weeks.

Even adraw would have put them in an unlosable position; six points clear with one round to play.

The game didn't end up being far off adraw, but it was the Red Devils that found the winner they so desperately needed.

The result -a1-nil victory to Moe, sending the race to the league championship into the final round.

Even then, the Red Devils were still two points from the silverware. Moe had to play Traralgon City, asideithad beaten 4-2during the season, while Churchill had to take care of Fortuna, a team it had narrowly defeated 2-1 the same week

as Moe's corresponding early season game to Traralgon.

Although Fortunawas midtable, they had still won 10 games, and given history, Dastey knew Churchill would have afight on their hands.

"They’re rivals (Churchill and Fortuna), so we knew Fortuna were never goingtolie downand give them the result," he said.

Adding more spice to the final round wasthe fact the Churchill/Fortuna game was played on Saturday night.

With Moe to play on the Sunday, the Red Devils would know their destiny by the time their heads hit the pillow.

Sure enough, Fortuna gave Moe the result they were after, defeating Churchill 3-2.

Thestage wasthen set: all Moe had to do was beat Traralgon Cityinthe lastgametowin the LVSL championship.

Against all odds

IN aseason of so many twists and turns, it was perhaps fitting there was so much drama on the last day.

For Moe supporters however,they surely wished therewasn'twhenthey found themselvesdown against Traralgon City -ateam who had only won four gamesfor the year.

With the league title on the line, it was highstakes drama of the tallest order.

As Dastey recalls, nothing was going to plan.

“We came here (to Olympic Park) against Traralgon City, it was agame we were expected to win, and we were terrible, we put in areally poor performance in the first half, we were 1-nil down," he said.

“With 20 minutes to go we were still 1-nil down, missed apenalty myself, we got an equaliser and needed to push for awinner and managed to get it in the lastminute."

Sam Lietzau wrotehimselfintoMoe United folklore with two second half goals, including the winner on the stroke of fulltime.

Capping off the climax was former NSL player Manny Gelagotis in his swan-song, finally able to play for his hometown, having asay in the final play.Gelagotis kicked along ball to Dastey, who crossed it to the back post where Lietzau did the rest.

McHallam accepted the accolades amid aeuphoria of disbelief.

“It was ecstasy that feeling because we thought we’d blown it, it must have been literally the last play of the game," he said.

“You can’t write that scrip, the way it happened, Idon’t think they’ll ever be aleague that ends like that again …unbelievable."

Dastey too said it was pure disbelief at what had transpired.

“Couldn’t haveleftitany later, it wasnerveracking for everyone because we knew we were having aterrible day and just had to keep fighting, hoping something would go our way," he said.

“It was disbelief, you went in with alot of hope that day to get aresult but it was looking bad for along period, it was disbelief that we managed to get something because we didn’t create alot that day and didn’t get alot of chances."

Aftermath and legacy

THE triumphmadeiteight senior championships for Moe, and undoubtedly, their most remarkable. TheRed Devils would go on to win another title in 2016, and the Battle of Britain just last year.

Churchill, to their credit, gotredemption the next season by taking out the league title, but it remains their last LVSL senior championship to date. In terms of afairy tale, just about everything aligned perfectly for Moe United in 2013, fromthe midseason slump, to peaking late in the season, even to the schedulingofSaturday gamesmaking their path to an improbable championship clearer Dastey, aMoe United life member who's sons have played and still play with the club, labelled it the most unique season he has played in.

"Championships don’t come aroundtoo often, from where we were at the time, probably not expectingtowin that season, the way it came about was pretty surreal," he said.

“Thereprobably is abit of luck in there for anyone who wins aleague, we just happened to get our points towards the end of the season. We dropped our gamesearly in theseason where Churchill dropped their games late in the season, Isuppose it evens itself out but it is more dramatic by the way it happened.

“Any club could win leagues in the future but it’s probably rare you’re going to get that sort of scenario, alot of it doesstick in the mindofthe players, we’ve talkedaboutitover the years, it was adifferent one but one you’ll never forget.”

ForMoe UnitedSoccerClub, the miracle of 2013 will take some beating.

“The club haswon afew over the years, each one is specialfor those involvedatthe time, but the guys that have been around the club for many years thinkofthe 2013 one as pretty special," Dastey said.

“You don’t win too many, it’s definitely the most exciting, no matter what level you win at, to win it that way makes it memorable."

Leaders: Moe United Soccer Club 2013 LVSL championship winning coach Lee Dastey and captain MarcMcHallam.

Photograph: Liam Durkin

Miracle makers: Moe United’s2013championship-winning team,gathered fortheir 10-year reunion.

Photograph: Liam Durkin

Unbelievable: Moe came from an impossible position to win the2013Latrobe ValleySoccer League championship Photograph supplied

LVSL have their spin on Gather Round

SOCCER LVSL

BY LAURIE WILLAIMS

IN local soccer's version of Gather Round, all four games were playedinMorwellacross Round 15 action in the Latrobe Valley Soccer League. Intriguingly, the top six sides all faced off against one another which had asignificant effect on the league standings.

We start our round up with the match of the round between Falcons 2000 and Newborough.

 FALCONS DEF NEWBOROUGH/YALLOURN

3-1

SATURDAY nightfootball returned to Gippsland Sports and Entertainment Complex as first-placed Falcons2000hosted fifth-placed Newborough/ Yallourn United.

When factoring in the mismatch of games played, only three points separated both sides, with the pressureall on the awaysidetowin to ensure they kept pace with the leading sides.

Conversely, awin for Falcons would almost extinguish any hopes United had for league title honours in season 2023.

Much was on the line and the fixture was played outinatempo the befitted what was at stake.

After amediocre performance against Churchill the week before, Falcons came out all guns blazing and pressed their opponents ruthlessly.

It was notlonguntil they fashionedtheirfirst chance but Jim Mills could not convert from close range. The Morwell side continued to play chaotic football which unsettled the Combine but the score remained 0-0.

Newborough had their only chance for the half when striker Mark Fairbrother skied his chance over the bar. Falcons soon after took the lead as Mills lept highest from aset piece to give his side the advantage leading into the break.

The second half saw Falcons continue their manic ways and within minutes doubled theiradvantage as wonderful build up play from full back Josh Patterson set up Mills to convert for his side.

Mills, aconventional defender,was asurprise selection up front by coach Adrian Salvatore but his decision was well and truly vindicated on the night.

Falcons continued to push,and it should’ve been three goals to the goodifitweren’t for Jamie Pistrin missing from close range in what would’ve been just reward for his performance in his 100th game forthe club

However, that missed chance almost proved fatal as United clawed one back through aFairbrother strike from afreekick outside the box.

With 10 minutes to go the away side started to push for an equaliser but Falcons sturdy defence ledbyvice-captainHarley Broadbent and veteran Joe Auciello held them at bay.

The game was sealed as substitute Michael Fava made no mistake from close range to ensure all three points went to the reigning league champions

The win sees them consolidatetop spotwhile for Newborough/Yallourn theynow find themselves six points off the pace.

 MONASH DEF FORTUNA 3-2

ATRICKY contest ensued for FortunaonSunday as they lined up against aMonash side who have got the unofficial title of ‘giant killers’ in season 2023.

Whilst Falcons were on top at the start of the round by apoint aheadofFortuna, the Orangemen had agame in hand so in effect they knew that they had the upper hand in the race for the title.

However, Monash were in no mood to succumb to the demands of their opponent on the day as they started full of gusto and took the lead through Mark Krznaric.

Fortuna soon hit back as equalised and followed up with asecond to take a2-1 lead and seemingly into the drivers position to gather all three points.

The match would turn on its head in the second half as firstly Alex Bowman gave away apenalty

Celebratinglocal Bocce classic

BOCCE LATROBE CITY CLASSIC

THE 2023 Latrobe CityBocce Classic launched into full swing at the Italian Australian Sporting Club, celebrating the event’s21stbirthday with abig birthday cake and an impressive roll call of loyal and generous sponsors headedbyLatrobe City and the Italian-Australian Sporting Club.

The three-day mixed triples event (held June 30-July 2) attracted competitors and passionate supporters from Queensland, New South Wales, ACT, and Tasmania. Victoria too, was well represented with an increased number of teams from metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

The 21st edition of the classic saw an increased participation by under 25s competitors, many with superior throwing/shooting skills. Three of these young players from Morwell have qualified for the international Denis Ravera Bocce Challenge in Monaco in October later this year. They are: Tommy Campbell (under 23), Kayla Dukes (U18) and Amelia Alesi (U15). The trio was pumped by the presence of AFL legend, Robert ‘Dipper’ DiPierdomenico who attended the Saturday night fundraising dinner to assist them in achieving their quest of getting to Monaco.

Well played: AldoMainelli(centre) of Casa D’AbruzzoClubis presentedwith thebest-andfairest awardatthe Latrobe CityBocce Classic by ItalianAustralia Club’s SallyFavaand chief referee, JoeMaselli Photographs supplied

which was converted by Adam Semple to level the scores, and then Fortuna midfielder Daniel Cooper was given astraightred card for dissent to leavehis side with 10 men for the last 30 minutes of the game. Sensing an opportunity to underpin their newfound reputation, Monash huntedfor the winner and it was successful in doing so through Jared Baldacchino.

The Wolveswere simply the better sideonthe day with the win consolidating sixth spot meanwhilethe loss for Fortuna means they fall four points behind arch-nemesis Falcons, albeit with agame in hand.

 SALE DEF CHURCHILL 4-2

SALEfought hard against adetermined Churchill side to down the Rams 4-2.

Sale, with two first half goals, looked to be cruising withgoals fromIsaak Jondahl and Kieran Horgan and continued after the break with both players scoring again to put Sale in aprominent position at 4-0.

However Churchill threw everything into the last 15 minutes and wererewarded with goals from CraigJohnson and Hayden Motta but time had run out for the Rams as Sale ran out winners 4-2. Churchill continue to look for their firstpoints of thecampaignwhilst Sale stay in seventh position. TYERS and Olympians had the bye.

Big Dipper: Bocce Australia ambassador, RobertDiPierdomenico wasthe keynote speaker at the Bocce Gala Dinner at Italian Australian Club,taking questions from the audience,assistedbyMCPeter Cefala and Frank Fava

With the favourites, Sunshine Club, knocked out early, Lazio Marche, Veneto Club No.2 team, Casa D’Abruzzo, and team NEBA, qualify for the semi-finals. The hard-fought semis saw Lazio Marche and Veneto Club progress to the finals.

The final was abattleofthe throwers/shooters, evenly matcheduntil thelastend, withLazioMarche’s team of Sasha Prostran, Elenora Porta and Michael Cianci declared the winners against

Veneto Club’s Sam Mezio, Laila Favrin and Mark Pozzer. In the clashfor third and fourth,teamNEBA outperformed the seasoned players from the Casa D’Abruzzo.

Casa D’Abruzzo didn’t walk away empty-handed, with the best and fairest award goingtoAldo Mainelli -CasaD’Abruzzo Club Team 2.

Moe United,Falcons in fortight fight

SOCCER LVSL BY LAURIE WILLIAMS

ALL 10 clubs in the Latrobe Valley Soccer League are in action this weekend for Round 16.

Match of the round takes us to Olympic Park on Saturdaynight as Moe United host Falcons 2000.

 MOE UNITED (3RD) VS FALCONS 2000 (1ST), SATURDAY NIGHT 7PM

GAMES don’t get much bigger than this, especially as the season is nearing its climax.

There is ahealthyrivalry between these two sides and it will be on full display Saturday night in what shapes to be aphysical encounter.

Moe, with oodles of talent at their disposal, will probablygointo the game as favourites given they’re playing at home but Falcons are made of sternstuff,and their performance last weekend shows no sign of that abating.

When factoring in games in hand both sides have the samerecord so the result will have a huge bearing on who takes the advantage in the race for the league title.

 FORTUNA (2ND) VS CHURCHILL RAMS (10TH), SATURDAY NIGHT 7PM

AFTERtheir shocklosstoMonashlastweekend

Fortuna will be breathing fire looking to make amends for that lacklustre performance.

Churchill, whilst showing plenty of fight of late, havestill yet to scoretheir firstpoint but those around the leagueknow thatontheir day they can shock, although it’s expected Fortuna will win comfortably.

 SALE UNITED (7TH) VS NEWBOROUGH/ YALLOURN (5TH), SUNDAY 2.30PM

THIS is achancefor Sale to shine given that they are putting the pressure on theclubs higher up thetable.

The Swans will finish where they are now but have the ability to make it difficult for other clubs around them. Newborough/Yallourn shouldn’t be too fazed and willhead into the game as favourites

 TRARALGON OLYMPIANS (8TH) VS MORWELL PEGASUS (4TH), SUNDAY 2.30PM

PEGASUShas made it hard for themselves and will need to put together more wins over the next few weeks to become areal challenger to the top teams.

Theyshould take the points overOlympians but have to be wary against the Traralgon team.

 TYERS LIGHTNING (9TH) VS MONASH WOLVES (6TH), SUNDAY 2.30PM MONASH canfurther consolidate their position on the ladder and potentially go even higher with awin against astruggling Tyers outfit.

Honouring history with past players day

MOE United will welcome aLatrobe Valley Invitational Side this weekend as part of its past players day.

The Red Devils have partnered with Falcons 2000 Soccer Club to get the game going.

Some of the players taking part will be: Paul Reiss, SteveReiss, Toly Apostoleris,Andreas Nilo, MichaelMacauley, GeorgeFkarias, Charlie Vacca, Phil Debias,Jason Koppen, Ross Duckworth,MannyGelagotis, Adrian Salvatore, Chris Stoikjovic, Sam Lietzau, Adam Hopkins and Allan Noppert.

The match is scheduled to start at 4pm on the secondground (backpitch) at Olympic Park, Moe (Vale Street).

Moe United was too strong for Morwell Pegasis in Round 15 LVSL action.

For the match report, turn to page 40.

Formalities: Latrobe CityMayor Kellie O’Callaghan wasonhandtomakepresentations to the winning teams