Latrobe Valley Express Wednesday 17 April 2024

Ready for takeoff

There’snoplane we can’t learnhow to flyinthe Valley. TheLatrobe Regional Airportwill become the firstlocation in Australia to house an electric aircraftcentre.

STORY-PAGE 49

Coal cancellation

By PHILIP HOPKINS

ADRIVEtoestablish new industry and jobs using Latrobe Valley’s brown coal in non-energy ways is effectively dead, after the state government stopped funding researchinto the work, adecision denounced as “folly” and “ideological madness” by local leaders.

Australian CarbonInnovation (ACI) at Federation University, which since 2011 has been researchingthe non-energy use of brown coal that does not produce greenhouse gas emissions, will close on June 30 after the government pulled the plug on funding. Brown coal, which is two-thirds water, produces carbon dioxide when burnt in power stations.

The chief executive of ACI, Brian Davey, described the action as “folly of the highest degree”, while Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, said it was adirect result of neglect by the state government, which had given

up on securing new jobs in the Latrobe Valley from the brown coal asset.

“Sadly, this is yet another example of the ideological madnessfrom the extremeGreen movement which has captured the modern Labor Party, particularly in Victoria. Funding research and helping to develop alternative uses for the incrediblenatural resource we have in our region used to be an issue of bipartisan support, but the Labor Party has abandoned all logic,” he said.

“We don’t have to burn the brown coal for it to be avaluable source of 21st century jobs, and other countries are alreadydeveloping alternativeuses, but the Labor Party refuses to recognise the opportunities in the Latrobe Valley.

“The Prime Minister claims he wants to support modern manufacturing and industry in Australia, but his mates in Melbourne are cutting funding for the Australian Carbon Innovationand its important research.”

In astatement, ACI said it had made

the difficult decision to cease operations, effective on June 30, after careful consideration of all the options. It had become increasing difficulty in attracting supporttodevelop low emission, high-value productsfrom Victoria’s largest single resource-lignite

“Despite the company’sefforts to provide options to move away from high emission power production but retain high-paying and valuable jobs in the Gippsland region, the challenges posed by adifficult investment environment exacerbated by government neglect have led to this difficult decision,” ACI said.

Mr Davey said along with the rest of the world, Victoria wasundergoing ar evolution in energy supply and manufacturing processes to meet the challeng eo fr educing atmospheric emissions.

“From its inception, ACI accepted the IPCC assessmentofclimate change science and the urgent need to cease the burning of fossil fuels for energy

and other industrial processes where thatrequired release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.However, carbon is essential to all life on earth and fundamental to most industrial processes,including productionofall the renewableand energy efficiency technologies,” he said.

“The application of the philosophy to ‘decarbonize’ across the board is therefore misleading. To date, all that has changed is that Australia has exported its jobs, manufacturing industry and wealth offshore, resulting in continuing growth of globalatmospheric emissions generated by countries whichproduce thegoods we continue to import.

“For the Victorian government to abandon akey resource that will assist in that transition appears to be afolly of the highest degree.Victoria haswasted the opportunity to build alow emission economy based on avast carbon resource in Gippsland.”

Continued -Page2

Photograph: Zaida Glibanovic

Trafalgar road incident claims two lives

ADRIVER and achild died in an horrific crash in Trafalgar on Sunday.

Just before 5.30pm on Sunday, April 14, atruck and acar collided on the Trafalgar-Willow Grove Road.

Police say the car driver and child passenger died at the scene.

The truck driver was taken to hospital to be treated for injuries.

Detectivesfrom the Major Collision Unit are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Police are seeking more witnesses and drivers in the area withdashcam videofootage who can assist their investigation.

Erratic driver

POLICE are calling for witnesses to avehicle

PoliceBeat with Zaida

Glibanovic

driving erratically in Traralgon on Sunday, March 10.

The vehicle is awhite Hyundai Tuscon with a damaged front end. The incident occurred at about 2.20pm to 2.30pm in the areas of Cross’s Road, Grubb Avenue, Kosciuszko Street and the Princes Highway.

The vehicleisbelieved to have driven on the wrong side of the road,narrowly missinga Ford Ranger utility.

Police ask any witnesses to this vehicle, especially the driver of theFord Ranger, to phone Senior

Constable O’Hara at the Traralgon Police Station on 03 5172 2700.

Police are also seeking any dashcam footage of the vehicle.

Liam is missing

THE 16-year-old was last seen in Bairnsdale on March 14.

Police have concerns for his welfare due to his age and the length of time he’s been missing.

Anyone with information on his current whereabouts is urged to phone the Moe Police Station on (03) 5128 1100.

Help: Have youseen Liam?

Photograph supplied

Funding pulled on research

From Page 1

ACI has been the primary vehicle for research into lignite and the low emission products from brown coal since2011

Theseproductsinclude butare not limited to: hydrogen, metallurgical char,carbon anodes,blast furnace injectioncoal, activated carbons for water and chemical clean up, humic and fulvic acids for agricultural bio-stimulants, fertiliser supplements to reduce the per hectare rate of traditional fertilisers, carbon fibre, graphene, graphene oxide and carbon quantum dots.

(lignite),whichismuchbiggerthan their resource.

“They could not understand how we would not be utilising this resource in Australia. They could not get their heads around it -how much coal we have and why we wouldnot use thatcoal.Itseems like anatural advantage the state has,” he said.

In Australia, inspired by theUSIRA Act, the Albanesefederal government is developing a ‘Future Made in AustraliaAct’ thataimsto bolstermanufacturing by emulating the IRA’s clean energy and supply chain subsidies.

Mr Davey said the company was committed to asmooth transition and would be taking the following steps:

-ACI is dedicatedtosupporting its employees during this transition and all employee entitlements will be met;

-All current research programs will be finalised priortoclosure. ACI is working with project leads to ensure asmooth conclusiontothis valuable research, and;

-The website will be maintained for aperiod of time to ensure the reports and data contained on the site is available to stakeholders.

“We are deeply gratefultoour employees, members, and partners who have been with us throughout this journey,” Mr Davey said.

“We want to express our deepestgratitude forthe support and collaboration we have had with key stakeholders over the years. Our journey would not have been the same without our valued member companies,and we are proud of the work we have accomplished with them.”

Last year, Mr Davey attended aUSconference that discussed$US13.4billion available in PresidentBiden’s InflationReduction Act for ‘coal to other products’.

The IRA climate legislation has more than $A500 billionworth of programs and funding to accelerate the transition to net zero in the US.

Mr Davey said US researchers were mainly using the IRA funding for projects in carbon fibre, rareearthminerals, CO2 captureand utilisation, graphites and graphenes.

“The things they are doing is what we would like to do in Victoria. The difference being the US has supported research into low emission, alternate products from coal and we have not,” he told the Express last year.

Mr Daveysaidthe US conference delegates, both Democrats and Republicans, found it difficult to understand that Victoria has this huge resource

Since 2009, ACI had received more than $20 millioninresearchfunds from the state and federal governments,with two-thirds from the state. This had converted to R&D outcomes exceeding $60 million in value within 60 individual projects, Mr Davey told the Express in 2022.

“Not ahugeamountofmoney is involved. In the scheme of things, compared to anew train line, forexample, it’s ‘chicken feed’ –stuff youwould find downthe back of acouch. And it maintains the capability in Victoria,” he said.

Brown coal, aresource with alife of more than 500years,contributed more than 20 per cent of gross regional product and along-term economic value estimated at trillions of dollars.

“It risks becoming astranded asset,” Mr Davey toldaVictorian parliamentary committee in 2022

Mr Davey emphasised that ACI focussed on the use of brown coal for its mineral value,not for use as afuel.

“Lignite(browncoal) is essentially amixture of carbon, organic compounds andwater and by itself is not agreenhouse gas. To ignore Victoria’s largest and most valuable resource on ideological grounds risked the futureprosperityofthe region andthe state,”hesaid.

“Life on our planet is carbon-based and carbon itself is not the problem. All industry, including renewable energy, uses carbon in avariety of ways. The use of carbon is fundamental to agriculture, pharmaceuticals, construction (production of steel and cement) and transport. Carbon fibre is used to build planes, trams, trains and cars. Renewable energy technologies -solar, wind and batterieshave an essential carbon component.”

The state government was aasked foracomment but had not replied before deadline.

Transition likely to increase bills

By PHILIP HOPKINS

THE head of Alinta Energy,which owns LoyYang Bpower station, has warned that people face higher energy bills due to the struggle to replace coal and the high cost of green renewables and transmission.

Alinta's chief executive, Jeff Dimery, said energy stakeholders mustbehonest with the public about the cost of the transition, The Australian newspaper reported last week.

"Whether we pay through our taxes or pay the upfront costs of an electric vehicle, or batteries and solar or we're paying more for electricity from the grid -we'll all pay more in the aggregate," Mr Dimery said in Canberra.

Mr Dimery said some relief from wholesale electricity prices would come over the next year or two, "but Ithink that will be short-lived".

"There were big inhibitors to new renewable energy being built, and even if they were overcome, the electricity produced would far exceed current prices," he said.

The capacity of industry to invest substantial amounts in renewable energy had been severely diminished by low margins and the rising cost of building new green energy.

"I spoke at aconference two years ago and said that it would cost $8 billiontohypothetically replace our brown coal-firedpower station, Loy Yang B, with pumped hydro and offshore wind," Mr Dimery said.

"Well, that's more likely $10bn today with movements in various cost components."

Mr Dimery said without coal power replacements, the country risked higher prices or blackouts. He expected Victoria, with the mostambitious transition plans,would have to rely on fossil fuels for longer than the state government's scheduled 2032 timetable.

The Australian also reported that Mr Dimery was cautious on the Coalition's plans to develop nuclear energyonretiring coal power sites.

"This means maintainingclearpublic policy, and not getting distracted with new ideas withouta firmsocial mandate," he said. The Latrobe Valley may be one region the Coalition will target for nuclear power.

His comments cameasanopinion poll published in the Australian Financial Review found that just over halfofAustralians back Opposition Leader PeterDutton's plans for nuclear energy,

but supportdrops when individuals are asked about aplant in their region. New RedBridge polling found of the 2590voterssurveyed, 52 per cent supported or strongly supported nuclear,compared with22per cent opposed or strongly opposed. Afurther 26 per cent were unsure.

Atotal of 44 per cent agreed or strongly agreed that nuclear wold be cheaper for consumers than renewables, while17per cent disagreed, or strongly disagreed, while 39 per cent did not know. When askedwhether nuclear should be built in specific regional areas, support fell to 41 per cent in Victoria, 42 per cent in NSW and 39 per cent in WA.

The AFR also reported that the visitingEuropean Union's Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, in aspeechtothe National Press Club,highlighted

Warning: People are likely to face an increase in energy bills amid the renewable transition

the benefits of small nuclear reactors. She said in parts of Europe where the fission technology and renewables set market prices, consumers and businesses "enjoy more affordable"energy bills than "the ones where gas and coal are needed".

Ms Simson said Europe had a"growing sense that we need to be pragmatic and fully leverage the potential"ofall low carbon technologies, including small reactors.

"They can help bring theprice of electricity down," she said.

"They can produce heat for industrial processes and urban districts. they can also provide stable power for producing low-carbon hydrogen and for poweringclean district heating and cooling solutions. They can generate power for balancing the grid."

Celebrating the work of local businesses

FEDERATION University Gippsland Business Awards supporters and sponsors joined together on Tuesday, April 9tolaunchthe region's most prestigious recognition event for Gippsland's outstanding enterprises.

Awards Chair, Graeme Sennett, said it was fantastic to again provide the opportunity to celebrate the determination,innovation and creativity of business and industry across Gippsland.

"With the continued support of our localcouncils andcorporate sponsors, for 26 years, these awards have been able to acknowledge the incredible achievements of businesspeople from across the region" Mr Sennett said.

"Ourfinalists and winners gainsomuch from these awards. They tell us that whether or not they win, they benefit from the recognition that they have achieved agreat deal," he said.

"They meet other like-minded businesses and make meaningful connections. Importantly, it spurs them on to go further."

As well as the prestigious Gippsland Business of the Year award, other categories recognised in 2024 are: Accommodation, Food Wine Producers, Health and Wellbeing, Hospitality, Innovation, Manufacturing, New Business, Retail, Business &

Professional Services, Beauty and PersonalCare, MechanicalTrades&Construction, and Tourism Activities &Attractions.

Winners will be announcedata gala eventon Friday, August30atFederation Universityin Churchill.

Mr Sennett told those at the breakfast launch, sponsored by NBN Local, that maintaining a strong, successful and highly valued business sector was vital to the growth, innovation and sustainability of the regional community.

"Thriving local businesses create an environment of success, which not only creates jobs but builds pride for thoseworking in the enterprise," he said.

"More importantly, they build Gippsland's reputation as being the place that can deliver excellent services, driving economic growth and securing our future."

Nominations are now open for the awards, with entries closing on Friday, May 24.

Nominationscan be submitted on the Federation UniversityGippsland BusinessAwards website (gba.org.au).

Once abusiness is nominated, it will receive a uniqueemail link to complete its entry. All entries are completed online.

Intellects: Devansh Sharma from NBN, GippslandBusiness Awards Chair, Graeme Sennett and Headofthe FederationUniversityGippslandCampus,Professor Andrew O’Loughlinatthe GippslandBusiness Awards Photograph supplied

master? 4. What is the name of the Musical currently playing in Melbour ne based on the witches from The WizardofOz?

Who did Tim Tszyu lose his first fight to recently? 6. Which ancient civilisation is know for its hieroglyphics? 7. How many bones arethereinthe adult human body?

8. What is the name of the wizardschool Harry Potter attended? THREE POINTERS

9. What is the largest island in the world? a) New Guinea b) Australia c) Greenland

10. What element has the atomic number 1?

11. Who is the woman that appears on Australia’s$10 note?

12. An Australian company created ameatball out of which extinct ancient animal?

FOUR POINTERS

13. Which famous wall was built by the Romans in Norther nBritain around AD 122?

14. If Iwas visiting the Australian town of TomPrice,whatstate/ territory would Ibein?

FIVE POINTER

15. Guess the celebrity? One point for each correct answer HOW DID

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

No need to panic at the sight of smoke

WITH fire restrictions easing in some parts of the state, and calm autumn conditions being reintroduced, hundreds of private,agricultural and planned burns are expected to take place in the coming weeks.

While current conditions are ideal for burning, weather patterns may cause smoke to linger over parts of the state overnight and through to early morning.

FFMVic Chief FireOfficer,Chris Hardmansaid it was crucial that fire agencies took advantage of favourable conditions when they are presented.

"Planned burning on public land is one of the tools FFMVic uses to keep Victoria safer from bushfires," Mr Hardman said.

"While we burn to the conditions not the calendar, autumn generally gives our crewsmoreopportunitiestoconductplanned burns as the weatheris more stable and fire behaviour is manageable and generally predictable.

"With the currentfavourableweather and forest conditions, we are dedicating all available resources to deliver planned burning.

"Reducing fine fuels such as grass, leaves, bark, shrubs and fallen branches means fires are less intense and slower to spread,making it more likely thatfirefighters can keep bushfires small and contained before they pose arisk to communities.

"Smoke can be aresult of private resident or agriculturalburns, chimney smoke or planned burns. We work closely with and use information from the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and BureauofMeteorologytokeep the smoke impact from planned burns as low as practically possible and inform the community while deliveringthe program.

"Victorians can also sign up for plannedburn notifications to prepare for any impact on their health or activities."

CFAChief Officer JasonHeffernan is urging Victorians to research and understand permit requirements before conducting private burn-offs.

"Whilethe Fire DangerPeriod has endedina few areas, it remains in place across the majority of Victoria," he said.

"It's your responsibility to knowwhatrestrictions are in place so if you're in doubt, you can find out what you can and can't do during aFire Danger Period by referring to the ‘Can IorCan't I?’ page of the CFAwebsite. We haveseen anumber of private burns escape over recent weeks so if you do intend to conduct aplanned burn you willneed to apply for apermit and ensure that all burning activities comply with the permit prescriptions and requirements."

Victor ia's Chief Envir onmenta lS ci en ti st Profes sor, Mark Pat ri ck Tay lo rs ai dE PA understands smoke from any source, including planned burns and private burn-offs, can cause health concerns.

"Be prepared by watching for FFMVic planned burn notifications and by checking the air quality for your area through our EPA's AirWatch air monitoring system," Professor Taylor said.

"Your noseisalsoanexcellent smokedetector. If you can smell smoke, take the necessary precautions to protect your health."

For the latest information aboutwhenand whereplanned burns are happening near you, visit plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au

Detailed information about current air quality throughout Victoria can be found on EPA's website.

If you see or smell smoke outside, you should reduceyour exposure to smoke by stayingindoors and closing your windows and doors -but only if it's safetodoso. Tips for looking after your health when there is smoke can be foundonEPA's 'Smoke and your health' webpage.

To keep your burn-off safe andlegal,check fire restrictions in your area and always register your burn at firepermits.vic.gov.au or call 1800 668 511; check and monitor weather conditionsparticularly wind; leave athree-metre fire break, free from flammable materials around the burn; have sufficient equipment and water to stop the firespreading;and never leave aburn-offunattended -stay for its entire duration.

To avoid unnecessary callstoemergency services, notify your neighbours beforehand, and if your burn-off gets out of control, call '000' immediately.

Rural Health Awards to return

RURAL Workforce Agency Victoria (RWAV) has announced the return of the Victorian Rural Health Awards for 2024.

RWAV, along with the Victorian Department of Health, has organised this event to celebrate the outstanding work of healthcare providers in rural communities.

The awards recognise exceptional medical professionals, nurses, allied health professionals, Aboriginal health workers and practice managers across rural Victoria. If there is an outstanding rural health professional in your community who deserves recognition for their contributiontorural healthcare, go to rwav.com.au to nominate them.

Nominations close Sunday, April 28, 2024.

RWAV is anot-for-profit government funded organisationimprovinghealthcare for rural, regional and Aboriginal communities in Victoria. The organisation providesarange of activities and support to improve the recruitment and retention of health professionalstorural and regional Victoria. In 2024, there are 11 award categories designed to celebrate adiverse range of professionals and their contributions.

The categories for the Victorian Rural Health Awards are:

 Outstanding Contribution by aRural GP or Rural Generalist;

 OutstandingContribution by aRural Medical Specialist;

 Outstanding Contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health;

 Outstanding Contribution by aRural Health Consumer Advocate;

 Outstanding Contribution by aRural Multi-Disciplinary Team;

 Outstanding Contribution by aMentor/ Supervisor;

 Outstanding Contribution by aRural Primary Care Nurse or Midwife;

 Outstanding Contribution to Rural Allied Health;

 Outstanding Contribution to Rural Practice Management;

 Outstanding Contribution to Rural Outreach Provision, and;

 Rising Star Award.

Bringing historyintothe digital age

TRARALGON&District Historical Society Inc

have completedadigitising project of the historical records forthe Latrobe ValleyEisteddfod Traralgon Inc.

President of the society, BarbaraJohnson recently delivered adigital copy of the records to the secretary of the Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod Traralgon Inc, Glynn Matthews.

This marks the end of ayear-long project where volunteers from both groups worked together to copythe Eisteddfod committeeminutes and annual programs, going back to its start in 1956.

The project has reduced the risk that the records will be lost by time or disaster,and nowalsomakes them available to researchers via the historical society.

Many of the records are now also searchable electronically if looking for specific names.

Other local organisations and volunteers are

encouraged to reach the historical society if interested in undertaking asimilar project.

If any communitygroupsare interestedinhaving theirdocuments digitised, phonethe society on 5174 8399 (phone is not always manned so leave amessage) or thesecretary on 0402 911 950 or, alternatively, email secretary@traralgonhistory. asn.au

The society's rooms are located at the Kath Teychenne Centre -11Breed Street, Traralgon. Elsewhere,the Traralgon&District Historical Society recently held their annual meeting.

Avery good number of members were in attendance, along with Latrobe City Mayor, Darren Howe.

The following members were elected; President: Barbara Johnson, Vice President: Marita Rowles, Secretary: Christine Turnbull, Treasurer: Adrian Crawford.Committeemembers; Meg Paulet, Jeni Whitwam, Trevor Graham, Noel Harris, Brenda Leviston and Paul Wells.

The path from plumber to politics

Road lesstravelled: Mar tin Cameron spoketoMorwell Rotary lastweek about hisjourney from plumber to politician.

FROM 'Plumber to Politician' was the theme of local MP MartinCameron’saddress to Morwell Rotarians and Country Women’s Association members last week.

In introducing the guest speaker, Rotary Chairman (and football associate) Mike Answerth mentioned other localpoliticians who had also beenkey playerswith the Traralgon Football-Netball Club

Mr Cameron paid tribute to his parents for theirbasic common-sense grounding he received as ayoung boy growing up in Traralgon. He stated that their guidance helped him in later years developing his plumbing business and raising his own family.

Mr Cameron said that he is still getting used to the many different requirements needed to respectfully representhis constituents in parliament,not the least havingtowear aproper shirt and tie and shoes with laces, in comparison to hi-vis wear and work boots.

Mr Cameron said his move into politics was

born out of an ambitiontosee the Latrobe Valley ‘survive and thrive’.

He encourages people from all walks of life to meet with him to discuss their concerns which he can raise in parliament.

Mr Camer on has re gular ‘s treet cor ner’ workshops, visits to schools, and invites people to make appointments through his office to have‘Coffeewith Cammo’ -inlocalcafes and restaurants.

Alively question time followed his informal talk, with issues such as the absence of banks in the Morwell CBD, difficulties in finding more volunteers, crime stats and youth problems, unemployment, products once madelocally (eg; briquettes) now sourced from overseas, the obvious gap in meeting energy needs and the questionable future dependence on renewables.

In closing his address, Mr Cameron thanked Rotary for the invitation and confirmed his commitment to the Latrobe Valley and his belief that it will again prosper and become ‘bullet-proof’ with secure jobs in the future.

On completion of the formal part of the meeting, Margaret Jenkins gave atalkonThomas Allard Pettit.

Margaret

‘Arms in April’ campaign

STROKE Foundation is urging Aussies to think ‘Arms in April’ in abid to raise awareness of the least known common sign of stroke.

The month-l ong campaig ne ncoura ges Australians to learn that inabilitytolift both armsisasign of stroke, alongwiththe other common signs; facial droop, and slurred speech. It comes after new data from the foundation’s most recent F.A.S.T. National AwarenessSurvey found that only 10 per cent of Australians are aware of the common stroke sign compared to facial droop(39 per cent) and slurred speech (58 per cent).

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive, Dr Lisa Murphy, says this is amajor concern.

“When it comes to astroke, time is critical and canbethe difference between life and death or a good recovery and long term disability. If there’s

adelay in getting emergency treatment because the stroke wasn’t identified fast enough due to not knowing that inability to lift both arms is a sign, then that’s amajor concern and we need Australians to join us in our charge to change that,” she said.

According to National Stroke Auditdata,close to 57 per cent of Australian stroke patients present to hospital with arm deficit but every year it remains the most unrecognised sign. “A significant proportion of stroke patients are arriving to hospital with this indicator of stroke so it’s concerning thatthe majority of Australians don’t know it’s asign,”DrMurphy said. “We’re askingAussies to think ‘A’ for arms and equip themselves withthe life-saving knowledge of recognising this key stroke sign."

is agreat granddaughter of Thomas Pettit.

The next event for the soci ety wil lb ea n 'Evaluation Day' (Antiques Roadshow style) which will be held at the rooms on Saturday, May 25. The communitywillbeinvited to bring along historical artefacts and have them valued.

File photograph

Newage: Traralgon District Historical SocietyPresident,BarbaraJohnson presents adigital copyof records to Latrobe ValleyEisteddfod Traralgon Inc. President,Glynn Matthews Photograph supplied

Scouts honourthe milestone man

KNOWN to his Scouts as Sparky, David Morrison hasbeen part of the 1st Newborough for 16 years. This Easter, he hit atraining milestone.

David, who volunteers as aScout leader with youth aged 11 to 15, now advises the young adults of the group, the CapstaffRoverUnit, foryouth aged 18 to 26.

At the Caringal Scout Campsite near Erica recently, David was presented with Scouting’s international adult training award, the Wood Badge.

David received two woodenbeads on aleather bootlace,which is reproductions designed to represent symbols first usedbythe founder of Scouting, Lord Robert Baden Powell to congratulate leaders whofinished training in 1919.

David was also given anew scarf -aGilwell Scarf which is not only asymbol of David’s training achievements, but also to signal he is now a member of the worldwide 1st Gilwell Scout Group.

“The scarf is officially coloured dove grey, the colour of humility on the outside and it is awarm

red on the inside to signify the warmth of feeling,” District Commissioner, Steve Asbock explained during the presentation.

The colours chosen represent qualities looked for in Scouting volunteers.

On the Peak of the Gilwell Scarf is asmall piece of Maclarentartantoremind people of the fine gesture by Mr de Bois Maclaren in providing the original Gilwell Park in London to Scouting, a site still used to this day for leader training and international events hosted by the UK Scouts.

David was presented these symbols in front of fellow volunteers, campingwith youth from across the region overEaster, and his wife Helen who has volunteered as asupport person for the Scout group along David’s side.

David was presented withthese symbols of his achievements by Andrew Corrigan,Group leader of 1st Newborough, Steve Asbock, District Commissioner of Mt Baw Baw District, and Carol Kemp, the District Leader for training in Mt Baw Baw District.

David was congratulated by members of the Capstaff RoverUnit, who werealso camping at Caringal and appreciated that David had completed this training to ensure they were supported in their program.

The Unit is made up of young adults who live across West and South Gippsland and participate in arage of activities tailored to young adults includingmotor sports andcommunity service projects.

David has been working on his training for many years, including weekends away at Scout camps across the state, eLearning and on the job assessments by his fellow volunteers.

David wasgiventhe Certificate of Merit in 2010 in recognition of the highquality of his volunteering.

Leader: TheWood Badge foradultleadertraining forscouts wasawarded to David Morrison of 1st Newborough.

Photograph supplied

Strzelecki bushwalking club travels to Flinders Island

JIM Rowley, president of the Strzelecki Bushwalking Club, recently ledafive-dayexpeditionfor 14 members to Flinders Island.

Flinders Island is in the Bass Straight, northeast of Tasmaniaand is around1300squarekilometres in size. It hasa population around 1000people. The two main settlements on the Island are Whitemark and Lady Barron. The main industries on the Island are fishing, farming, and tourism.

Thegroup of travellers left from Essendon Airporton March 1. The benefits of departing from there are: no crowds or queues, just aquick check-in and awalk across the tarmacand you are on your way.

Whitemarkisnot abustlingplace,ithas one café, baker,petrol station, restaurantdown by the wharf, golfcourse andpub.

However, the hotel the group were booked into was verycomfortable andthe staff were extremelyfriendly and keen to make the stay pleasant

The Furneaux Museum was the first visit. The museum held agreat amount of local history and artifacts from past industriessuchasmutton birding, sealing, andsailing

Thereare beautiful beaches on the Island, and the group walked out nine kilometres north to Shallow Bay. The views of Bass Straight were gorgeous, and the water was crystal clear.

The most spectacular walk undertaken by the group wasthe Strzelecki Peakwalk.This was achallenging all daywalk to thesummit of Mt Strzelecki,whichrises to aheight of 800 metres above sealevel. The viewfrom the peakisspectacular and on aclear day you can see acrosstoTasmania

With persistence, thewholegroup was able to make it to thetop.

FlindersIsland was agreat area to explore, with an abundance of fantastic scenery, local bush walks to enjoy and local delicacies.

The Strzelecki BushwalkingClubhas many opportunitiessuch as the Flinders Island excursion

If you are interested, further information is available on the website at sbwc.org.au, or by emailing publicity@ sbwc.org.au

Offand away: Strzelecki BushwalkingClubPresident,Jim Rowley (four th from theright) on the journeytoFlindersIsland. Photograph supplied

Phillips’ photobook on display at LRG

By KATRINA BRANDON

WELSH artist, Gareth Phillips currently has his exhibition Interstates of Becoming on display at the Latrobe Regional Gallery (LRG).

The work is being exhibited in Gallery 3until June 23 this year,aspart of the PHOTO2024 International Festival of Photography.

After months of conceptualising,four years of tracing the Himalayas and amonth of physically putting the work together, Mr Phillips’ photobook creation is open to observers.

“I probably spent six months developingthe idea, doing many tests with models at home in Spain," he explained.

"I would create many versions of this, using the ideas from this photobook and the possibilities to come up with this arrangement and design, which is being fine-tuned here on site.

“I didn’t knowthis wasgoing to happen, but Ialwaysknew thatthe workwould never be a traditionalphotobook. Iamtrying to redefine what aphotobook can be, how we look at photobooks, and even what aphotobook is.”

From an editorial, documentary, and photography background, Mr Phillips enjoys the deepest depths of astory.Hetold the Express that he purposely finds stories that allow him to workonthe narrative and get to the real heart of the issue.

The ‘heart’ of Interstates of Becoming is the relationship between humansand their shared environments, specifically the Himalayan mountains of Northwest India. The piece features fragments of concrete and steel, layering out the photobook on alarge-scalelevel, where viewers can explore the depth of the impact walking through it.

All the materials for the work were sourced locally in Latrobe City.

ALatrobe City Council spokesperson said, “Latrobe City is the perfectplace for artists becausewecan access affordable raw materials as an industrial heartland."

"It is exciting that Welsh artist, Gareth Phillips was able to find materials withinthe local area for hisexhibition Interstates of Becoming,which was included in Latrobe Regional Gallery’s Autumn exhibition season.”

Mr Phillips added, “Everything that Idois

Inventive: Welshartist, Gareth Phillips sharing his piece‘Interstates of Becoming,’ anew form of photo book.

almostalways locally sourced becauseofall the different areas in which Iwork; it’s working with communities and the local area where my art is going to be shown because they are ambitious, large photobooks sculptures and installations.”

“I have beeninMorwellfor amonth now, and Morwellhas foundits way into this work. And Ilike that.Ithinkthatisanimportant part of making art.”

Like all who finish along-term project, Mr Phillips said he had mixed feelings about completing the installation in Morwell.

“Now, having time to reflect -and Ithink this is themostwonderful part of doingprojects like this -Iamvery proud of what Ihave been able to do and the contribution Ihave made to the visual landscape of photobooks,” he said.

“By the time we got to the very end, the very

Stalwart steps down

AFTER serving in the role for many years, Keith Brownbill OAM hasstepped downasAdvance Morwell’s Secretary.

Afoundationmember of Advance Morwell,Mr Brownbill, 96, has been actively involved in the organisation since its inception more than25years ago.

Advance Morwell Acting Chair, Graeme Sennett said that Mr Brownbill’s contribution to the Morwell community had been immense.

“It was with much gratitude and in recognition of excellent service and significant period as an office bearer that Keith Brownbill (along with the late JohnGuy OAMand MaxWillliamson) was awarded life membership in 2017," he said.

As the organisation’s secretary for the best part of 20 years, Mr Brownbill has been actively involved in many of Advance Morwell’s activities. “He preparednumerous award-winningTidy Townsubmissions,and organised for the installationand maintenanceofroseplanter boxes throughout the CBD; which for many years he could be seen dutifully watering over the summer months," Mr Sennett said.

Other initiatives Mr Brownbill was involved in

werethe Morwell TownCommon Redevelopment, organising various community events including the initial International Rose Garden festivals, developing aMorwell tourism brochure, and driving for the creation of new town entrance signage.

One of his majorlegacies is the Sir Stanley Savige Memorial and Legacy Placedevelopment, which Advance Morwellinitiated and Mr Brownbill along with Max Williamson played asignificant role in bringing to fruition.

“Citizen of the Year in 2000, Mr Brownbill’s contributiontoMorwell has been immense, he has been active in many aspects of our community, with long term commitment to Rotary, the original member of the Latrobe Valley U3A, and was instrumental in establishing Community Road Safety Councils in Victoria,which has beenaformat adopted across the country," Mr Sennett added.

Great service: John GuyOAM,Keith Brownbill

OAMand Max Williamson pictured in 2017 with their lifemembershipsfromAdvance Morwell.

Mr Brownbillhas retired as the organisation’s secretary Photograph supplied

kind of finish,Icouldn’t wait to step away from it because Iwas so deeply immersed in it, and it pushed me to the edge of creativity.”

Mr Phillips is aphotographer who explores the contemporary definitions of the photobook, creating them as objects, sculptures, and installations. He has worked for groups such as the Wall Street Journal, Sunday Times Magazine, The Guardian, CNN, and The New York Times.Healso told the Express that he had been working on photobooks since 2006,but hadn’tstarted installation-wise until 2013.

The next stop for Mr Phillips is an installation in Swansea, in his homeland of Wales. He said that what he has learnt from this work will go into other works in years to come.

“I wantthem to test me, to break me. Without being broken, I’m not really going to the edge I

Perspective: Gareth Phillips’workis challenging the idea of what aphotobookis, andis currently on displayatLatrobe Regional Galler y.

want to, and with that, the magicofcreativity will happen,” he said.

Foraspiring artists,MrPhillips said, “Stand on the shouldersofeveryone else. All the work that has been done is your duty to stand on the shoulders and grow from them. Grow by whathas already been done, add on top of everything that has been done, and never give up.”

“If Ihavetowork all day and produce my work at night, so be it. This isn’t for financial gain. It’s simply because Idon’t have the capacity to turn this off. So, if that is in you as an artist or creative, embraceit.”

For more information on Gareth Phillips and his work, go to garethphillipsphotography.com/es

Photographs: KatrinaBrandon

Boolarra’sCurtain call

By KATRINA BRANDON

ONEofthe biggest threatsgrowing in the new age is cyberbullying.

Fighting against it, Tom Curtain is touring Australia, raising awareness with his song, Speak Up

“Speak Up was inspired by the words of Amy 'Dolly' Everett -‘Speakeven if your voice shakes"’ Dolly wasavictim of bullying and ended her young life at just 14 years of age. Iwanted to raise awareness about bullying and its devastating impact,” Mr Curtain said.

Raising awareness of the issue, Tom Curtain is on his Why We LiveOut Here Tour,which features an outback experience, live music, interactive opportunities with Mr Curtain’s dogs, and fun competitions.

On Friday, March 22, Boolarra was lucky enough

to participate in the show at the Boolarra Memorial Park.

Thegatesopened at 4pm, and peoplewere more than ready for the show, with some showing up early. Roughly 1000 people ended up coming from nearby towns.

“I am very humbled that people have turned out,” he said.

“I wanted to visit as many schools as possible, spread Dolly’smessage, meet the kids, and see the community. So, Idrove through Mirboo North and saw the carnage and the roofs off houses. We want to come and put on agreat show to let them forget about their worries for acouple of days.”

The show started at 5.30pm with alive performance from Queensland’s 'MostPromising Future Star' at Tamworth Country Music Festival's People's Choice Awards -Laura Frank and Nick Morrissey.

With young ones dancing and othersenjoying stalls, Ms Frankshared that she had been writing more songs on tour and following her socials and other performers’ present pages.

After Laura Frankand NickMorrissey, a Welcome to Country wascompleted before the Outback show experience.

Throughout the show, Mr Curtain invited audience members into the roped-off staging area to help work with the dogs he was touring with. He sells the dogsand horses he brings on tour to local farmers who need well-trained ones to make things easier.

Each dog is trained to do anumber of things including, jump on things like barrels, socialise, heard,directional commands and trust. Mr Curtain told the crowd that he trains many different dogs of many different breeds to give out while on tour.

During the dog shows, many things can go wrong, as the animals often don't exactly do what they are told. In these situations,MrCurtain said it was important to remain calm.

“When things go pear-shaped, Idon't reallyworry about them because Ijust try to think of the little things; Itakeone step at atimetoovercome the bigger problem,” he said.

“Just one step at atime, and if people can relate thattotheirdaily lives, howcan they overturn their internal and community struggles? Ithink one day at atimeand one step at atimemakes anything possible.”

Between the dog shows, the audience was brought in for intermissions, where they helped sing Speak Up as loud as they could, rolled barrels and tyres in groups as fast as they possibly could, and competed in whip-cracking competitions.

After audience intermissions and dog-only shows, Mr Curtain brought out goats to help with the show. The dogs directed the goatstowards him and the barrels, and later, onto the backs of horses that were getting accustomed to heavierthings on their backs. Bringing in the balancing act helped transition the show into the horse portion of the event, where all dogs left the stage.

In the show, Mr Curtain mentionedthatheused similar training methodswith horses and dogs as they have the same temperament towardstrust and relationships.

Starting in the saddle, Mr Curtain began his journey on acattle station in the Northern Territory, writing songstothe rhythm of the hooves. During the show, Mr Curtain presented his talent while ridingbridal-less, riding aroundincircles, and riding ahorse around the fenced-off area. He then had ahorse roll its own swag out and run acarousel with many horses at atime.

Finishing off with more music from Tom Curtain, Chris Matthews and Melissa Fraser, the overall show was ahit forall whoattended.

The event was supported by many groups and had stalls from Latrobe Community Health Services (LCHS), AustralianCommunity Support Organisation, Standby, Boolarra Fire Brigade, taylahrose, Kate Billingsley Textiles and Art Jewellery Accessories, Gippsland Centre Against Sexual Assault, Gomathy’s Kitchen, Victorian Aboriginal Childcare Agency, Rosedale Pad Thai, Dream Organic Coffee, Print NBits, Tatts Terrific, Crystal Moon Alchemy AU, Abstractacular Crafts, Pen’s kitchen, Tickled Pink Art Studio, Boolarra Football-Netball Club, Boolarra Pony Club, Allora Designs, Golden Age Clothing, Koffee Kart, Biscuit and Bakes, VikingBites,Vic Ambulance, Vic Police, Foster Care Recruitment and more.

To follow Tom Curtain’s journeyand more on Dolly Dream Ambassador, go to tomcurtain.com.au

Interactive: Audiencepar ticipation wasa must forsome shows Photographs: Katrina Brandon

Multi-tasking: Singing, strumming and horse riding displayswerejustsome of theacts on displaybyTom Curtain in Boolarra.

Winding back the clock, the team at the leisure centre celebrated as if it was 1994.

Staff were clad in neon windbreakers, scrunchies

World’sGreatest Shave fundraiser

By KATRINA BRANDON

THE World’s Greatest Shave is coming to Traralgon’sGrand JunctionHotel this Sunday (April 21).

People will be able to donate and watch the shave for the Leukaemia Foundation from 12pm.

Annette Voigt, the licensee of the Grand Junction Hotel, said that people are more than welcome to join, and even shave their head at the event.

People throughout the event can buy araffle ticket (with achanceatanesky full of beer), and have ameal. People can chat and enjoy the event; the shave will start about 2pm and the raffle at 3pm.

Last year, the Grand Junction Hotel raised $5000, and is aiming for it again this year -in fact, hoping for more.

“Everyone is welcome to come join us on the Sunday afternoon,” Ms Voigtsaid.

“We have been doing this for over 20 years.

“Every year we do ashave but we fundraise throughout the year forcharitywithtins everywhere so people can just donate during the year.

“We have ahigh tea coming up later in the year for the Leukaemia Foundation.

“I’m really excited to see how well we do this year.”

then in an old house in Peterkin Street, near the railway line.

In 1996, the Latrobe City Council were able to lease the historical Old RailwayStation in Queens Parade, Traralgon fromVicTrack. It was in this premise,which they initially shared with thelocal Spinners and Weaversthey were able to comfortably exhibit up to 100 paintings. Then in 2017 duetorailwaystation upgrades they had to relocate to alarge room at the rear of an adult disability centre in Dunbar Road, Traralgon for 18 months beforehavingtoagain relocate to 2Smith Street,

excited to be to announce thatfrom this Tuesday, April 16 until Friday, April 26 at the Traralgon RSL there willbebothANZAC and open categories. A percentage of the proceeds from the paintings will go back to the Traralgon RSL and will help to support localveterans.

Working Hand in Hand to help support Fostercare

TWO Baptcare representatives came to piecemakers patchwork group recently to collect an impressive collection of ‘love quilts’ made by members.

Many knitted and crocheted blankets, toys and clothing items made by Hand in Hand craft group members will be distributed in their Fostercare and other charitable programs. Piecemakerswouldbehappy to accept donations of pure cotton fabric to make more quilts.

If you are able to help, phone Helene on 0405447 150 or Marilyn (0409 661 548).

Extensive: Thequiltswill be distributed to charity.

LATROBE Leisure Morwell celebrated its 30th birthday last Friday (April 12).

and leg warmers to celebrate the joyous occasion. Akids’pool party started at 11am with story time, giant games, colouring and crafts in the foyer. The staff and community were joined by Latrobe City Mayor, Darren Howe for the cake-cutting ceremony. Many families joined in on the birthday fun to end the Easter school holidays on a90s inspired high.

Quality quilts: Blankets madebyHand in Handcraft group Photographs supplied

Celebrate: Latrobe Leisure Morwell wasall smiles lastFridayatthe centre’s 30th bir thdaypar ty

Candles: Latrobe LeisureMorwell turned 30 this year Photographs supplied

THE Traralgon and District Arts Society (TADAS) has been operating since 1982 firstlyin the Nissan hut, old bus depot in Hotham Street, Traralgon,

THEY SHALL GROW NOT OLD, AS WE THATARE LEFT GROW OLD: AGE SHALL NOT WEARYTHEM, NOR THE YEARS CONDEMN. AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN AND IN THE MORNING, WE WILL REMEMBER THEM. LEST WE FORGET.

Thursday 25 April, 2024

The Anzac Legend

THE Anzacs on Gallipoli helped shape the Australian story. Once used to refer to those who fought in WorldWar I, ‘Anzac’ nowrepresents all men and women who serve Australia. The term also expresses the characteristics that areseen as Australian, including:

•courage

•egalitarianism

•endurance

•mateship

The Anzac legend was born on 25 April 1915, when some 20,000 soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landed under fire on the shores of Gallipoli, in modernday Turkey. They were part of ahastily planned series of landings by aBritish Empire Force of 75,000 troops from Britain, Ireland and India, and troops from France and her dominions.

Australia, as anation, was only 14 years old. Before Federation in 1901, each of the current states of Australia was aBritish colony. At the time World War Ibroke out, the young nation’s cultural and political ties to Britain were still strong.

The Dardanelles Campaign was the first time since the Second South African (Boer) War of 1899 to 1902 that Australian troops had been sent into battle. Shortly after the landing at Anzac Cove (Gaba Tepe), those on the home front were reading about the ‘worthy sons of the Empire’. Words like bravery, courage, skill and camaraderie were used in descriptions of Australian soldiers in the newspapers. The Animals of Anzac Day

DURING the First World War alone, more than 16 million animals served alongside soldiers from various nations. Cats, dogs, horses, birds, camels, and mules all played crucial roles in supporting troops on the front lines. These unsung heroes were often the silent companions who stood by soldiers, offering unwavering loyalty and support in the face of danger.

Dogs, known for their loyalty and intelligence, served in avariety of roles during wartime. From delivering messages across treacherous terrain to guarding soldiers and detecting explosives, dogs proved to be invaluable assets on the battlefield. Their keen senses and unwavering dedication saved countless lives and provided comfort to soldiers inthe midst of war’s horrors.

Horses, particularly the sturdy Waler breed favoured by the Australian Imperial Force, were essential for transportation and logistics during World War I. These noble animals endured gruelling conditions, carrying soldiers, equipment, and supplies across vast distances. Their resilience and strength played avital role in the success of military operations.

Pigeons, with their remarkable homing instincts and speed, served as vital messengers during wartime. These brave birds flew through enemy fireand adverse weather conditions to deliver critical messages between frontline troops and command headquarters. Their courage and sacrifice helped to maintain communication lines and relay essential information in the midst of battle.

Even cats, played important roles in boosting morale and controlling vermin aboard ships and in military camps. These furry companions provided comfort and companionship to sailors and soldiers, offering asense of normalcy amidst the chaos of war.

Despite their invaluable contributions, many of these animals suffered and died alongside their human counterparts. They endured harsh conditions, injury,and death, yet their sacrifices are often overlooked inthe annals of history.

As we pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served our nations, let us also take amoment to remember the silent heroes –the animals who stood bytheir side.

BruceE llen

MR Bruce Ellen, the managing director of the Latrobe Valley Express and Gippsland T imes, passed away recently after a long battle with cancer

He was 65

A p ro m i n e n t L a t ro b e Va l l e y b u s i n e s s m a n , h e w a s a l s o a ma j o r f ig u re i n c o u n tr y a n d regional newspapers

Before his passing, Mr Ellen (pictured right at Express Print, Morwell) was the longests e r v i n g c u r r e n t b o a r d m e m b e r o f t h e Victorian Country Press Association (VCPA)

More recently, Mr Ellen served as President of Country Press Australia He led CPA during t h e o r g a n i s a t i o n ’s m o s t s i g n i f i c a n t p e r i o d w o r k i n g d a y, n i g h t a n d o v e r w e e k e n d s t o h e l p C PA t h r o u g h s o m e o f i t s m o s t challenging times

A t t h e s a m e t i m e a s h i s re l e n t l e s s a c t i v i t y a d v o c a t i n g f o r t h e i n d u s t r y, M r E l l e n w a s i n v o l v e

n e s t a b l i s h

n g a r a n g e o f n e w spapers in South Australia and Quee nsland and a print site in Rockhampton

He was a director of a number of regional newspaper companies in Queensland and in Mount Gambier

He is survived by his wife and two children

Friday April 5 in Morwell

A p a c k e d c o n g re g a t i o n c a m e t o p a y t h e i r r e s p e c t s , w i t h m a n y l o c a l b u s i n e s s a n d newspaper industry figures present 20

FromBruce’s work family

MOST people who come to work at the Express soon learnthatweare awork

family

Bruce wasn’tonlyour General Manager, he was aleader,agentleman, and well-respected businessman, as well as mentor and colleague.

He was interested in our personal lives and genuinely cared. If one of us needed time offfor personal reasons, he gave it -family always came first.

He was the one we went to if we didn’t understand something, and loved good banter as long as it wasn’ttoo time consuming.

As well as GM, Bruce was also Advertising Manager

He moved from his upstairs office to downstairs alongside the advertising department nearly adecade ago.

To sayhehad supersonic hearing was an understatement -heheardeverything, even about items not meant for his ears, usually from the advertising women. He belonged to the ‘Turkish Delight Club’ at work and certainly had asweet At the Express, we always have

but never stayed long, getting back to work. He did however enjoy being delivered big plates of sweets that he’d devour -hewas often caught raiding the fridge of the leftovers after hours. Thereweretimes when things got abit tough, and Bruce had to make difficult business decisions, but he always tried to be fair and help us benefit from the situation as best he could.

The smaller regional newspapers looked to him for guidance, and the public provided positive feedback for the ongoing running of our newspaper.He was not only atremendous advocate in the community,but also ahuge supporter to all regional newspapers. Of all his passions, one of his biggest was the Latrobe Big Blokes BBQ -which he helped organise for close to the last 15 years, helping raising money for Prostate Cancer research. It is acruel twist then that prostate cancer is what led to Bruce’suntimely passing, and that he won’tbeable to enjoy this year’sBBQ.

We arecertain however that his legacy BBQ to come. to burden us with

his health problems. When advising staffofhis early cancer diagnosis, he was moreconcerned that he had upset us with the news than he was about the actual diagnosis. He showed courage and strength throughout his battle, coming to work every day even after having treatment. It’sbeen an absolute pleasure and honour to have worked for Bruce. He gave us opportunities many employers wouldn’thave. It’shardtobelieve we won’t be seeing him in his office or hearing him say “Morning, how areyou going?” as he comes in. Wordscannot express our gratitude tohave had such acaring, thoughtful man as our boss andcolleague. Bruce you may be gone but you will never be forgotten.

Great memories.

VicGrid is planning anew transmission line to connectoffshore wind energy to the power grid in Gippsland. Want to knowmore?

IN the first initiative of its kind in Gippsland, members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities underwent free skin checks when amobile skin check clinic visited five Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, including Ramahyuck (Morwell and Sale).

The organisations described the initiative as an overwhelmingsuccess,with 154 people seen in the first round of checksand 55 in the second, with some needing follow-up treatment.

Gippsland Primary Health Network (PHN) Chief Executive, Amanda Proposch, said the Aboriginal community-controlled organisations had suggested the initiative and facilitated the appointments, even organising transportfor thosepeople who needed it.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians have afive-year survival rate of 59 per cent after being diagnosed with melanoma compared to 71 per cent for other Victorians.

Drop in toaninformation session

Giffard West Sale Seaspray Gormandale Stradbroke

Traralgon Flynn Rosedale We’veidentifieda broad studyareathat starts approximately 6kmfromthe coast near Giffardand travels northwest past Stradbroke West to Willung, across to Flynns Creek and then to the LoyYang Power Station

“Cancer screening saves lives and it helps to keep our communities strong, safe and healthy,” Ms Proposch said.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait IslanderVictorians have afive-year survival rate of 59 per cent after being diagnosed with melanoma compared to 71 per cent for other Victorians.

"An earlier diagnosis means agreater ability to treat and achance of survival.”

The mobile clinic wasprovided by Your Skin Scan,led by aqualified clinical nurse consultant and nurse practitionerwith more than 10 years working in the field of melanoma and skin cancer.

“One of our strategic objectives is to commission forservice access,” Ms Proposch said.

“Weneed to ensure people can access services at theright time and in the right place, especially where gaps exist and in hard to reach locations.”

The Aborig ina lC om mun ity Co nt rolle d Organisations who hosted the mobile skin checks visited were:

 Ramahyuck (Morwell and Sale);

“An earlier diagnosis means agreater ability to treat and achance of survival.”

 Lake Tyers Health and Children’s Service, and;

 Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Cooperative.

 Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health Association;

 Moogji Health Services;

The free skin checks were delivered under Gippsland PHN’s Integrated Team Care (ITC), supplementaryServicesfunding, whichcontributes to improved healthoutcomes for Aboriginaland Torres Strait Islander people with chronic health conditions throughbetter accesstocoordinated and multidisciplinary care.

About influenza

•

•

•

INFLUENZA is acommon viral infection that affects people of all ages. While it may be amild disease for some, it can also cause serious illness and even lead to hospitalisation in otherwise healthy people.

Everyone 6months and over is recommended to get an influenza (flu) vaccine each year Youshould get vaccinated each year from April onwards to be protected beforethe influenza season.

The peak influenza season is usually June to September in most parts of Australia.

However,itisnever too late to get the vaccine as influenza can spread all year round.

If you had last season’sflu vaccine late last year or early this year,you should still get the new season vaccine this year when it becomes available.

Getting hands-on with native Aussie wildlife

STUDENTS from St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School’sEarly LearningCentre had athrilling up-close and personal wildlife experience with somefurry, and some not-so-furry,friends recently

The hands-on encounter by Wildlife Xposure provided students with interesting native wildlife facts as they met afurry bettong, a bright green tree frog, ashy turtle, asoft squirrel glider,afunny-looking lizard, alaughing kookaburra, awatchfulgoanna, two slippery

pythons toppedand afiercelooking crocodile. The happy smiles from students said it all, but littledid they know that educators had aligned the fun programwitha rangeofstudy topics from the Early Years Framework that included recycling and environmental care and respect. The visit sti mul ate ds tud ents ’c urio sit y and wellbeing, and gave them the chanceto personalise their learning further through reflectiontimewith their educators.

Colour and competition at House Athletics Carnival

AKALEIDOSCOPE of vivid characters dashed across tracks, leapt with exuberance and revelled in various track, field, and novelty competitions during St Paul’sAnglican Grammar School’s Secondary House Athletics Carnival. Hel da sa co mbined -c amp us eve nt at Newborough’s Joe Carmody Athletics Track, the Year 12 students led by example, infusing the event with creativity as they embraced dressingupwith gusto. Their infectious enthusiasm encouraged

younger students to followsuit, fostering aculture of respect, inclusivity and enjoyment. Paterson House emerged triumphantasthe overal lH ouse Athletics Champion on 1333 points. Gilmore House followed on 1215 points and Chisholm House placed third on 1122 points. The House AthleticsCarnivalserves not onlyasa platform for friendly competition, but also nurtures enthusiasmfor physicalactivity, promotes mutual respect, and cultivates lasting friendships across the St Paul’s campuses.

I’m blue da ba dee da ba di: India and Alice dressed as Smurfs at theStPaul’sAthletics Carnival.

Latrobe Valley Express, Wednesday,

Shell: Ahands-on experience forEllis witha tur tle Photographs supplied

Friendly: St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School student, Henr y, up close and personal with a furr ybettong

Crew: Alex, Sienna and Ben having agreat day out Photographs supplied

TheGuide

JEOPARDY! AUSTRALIA

Nine, Saturday, 7.30pm

This US game show institution is getting an Aussie twist. Filmed in England, theAustralianversion sees UK televisionstalwart Stephen Fry(pictured) quiz Aussie players. Flipping the traditional question-andanswer format, Jeopardy!presents answers first in the form of short written clues. Contestants mustthen respond in the form of aquestion that correctly identifies the clue description. Contestants on this quiz show needavastknowledge, fast buzzerskills and adaring to bet on their intellect Jeopardy!Australiawill testcompetitorsacross arange of categories, offering up puzzles, daily doubles and impressivecashprizes.

Wednesday, April 17

LEGO MASTERS AUSTRALIA VS REST OF THE WORLD

Nine, Sunday, 7pm

It’sthe lively seriesthat puts asmile on your face and bringsbuckets of colour to your evening.Hostedwith aplomb andbig-kid shenanigans by comedian Hamish Blake(pictured), this family stalwart’splayful spirit is not easily manufactured –copycat balloon show BlowUpwas unfortunately morethan afew bricks short of aload. Tonight,Hamish teases the teams with delectable French bakerytreats, but there’sno time to drool –theymustreplicate one of the goodieswithin nine hours in an elimination challenge. In scenesreminiscent of IsItCake? aglamorous mystery guesthas the difficult task of spyingthe edible from the superb artisanal plastic

PICK OF THE WEEK

MASTERCHEF AUSTRALIA

10, Monday, 7.30pm

Afteraseason overshadowed by thetragic death of judge Jock Zonfrillo,this 16th instalment of the veteran cooking comp is abundant with new and not-so-new faces. Threepassionate judges join Andy Allen: much-lovedcook and former MasterChefcontenderPoh Ling Yeow,acclaimed Frenchchefand restauranteurJean-Christophe

Novelli and food critic Sofia Levin (pictured, left, with Allen, LingYeow and Novelli). It’sanexciting shake-up spiced with special guestsgalore, with Jamie Oliver arriving foran impressivetwo-week stintthat’ll be buttered up with an emotional family reunion. Simmer down tonight to meet all the eager new contestants who’ll hopefully cook like no one’swatchingasthey vie forthe $250,000 prize

TRAVEL MAN

SBS Viceland, Tuesday, 8.30pm

It’sperhaps onlythe follyofTVstars –orthe rich andresponsibility-free–who can justifyaspontaneous48-hour jaunt in some of the word’smost interesting cities. British funnyman Joe Lycetthas taken the globetrotting reins since season 10 with his irreverent style. Season 12 premieres tonight with adoubleepisode: buckle up forawhirlwind zipacross continents that onlythe magicofTVcan supply JonathanCreekstar Alan Davies (pictured, left, with Lycett) joinsLycettinNorthern Italy in aheritage hotel that had aformer lifeasaninsurance company,Then, American comedian Desiree Burch braves the cold in Finnish Lapland forsomesnow-filledfun

ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (7,6) TEN (10, 5) NINE (9,8) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Four Corners.(R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National Press Club Address. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.25 Back Roads. (PG, R) 2.55 Old People’s Home ForTeenagers. (PG, R)

3.55 Long Lost Family (PG,R) 4.40 Grand Designs. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Destination Flavour. (R) 9.20 Paul O’Grady: ForThe Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 9.50 Outta Town Adventures. 10.50 Mountain Vets.(PG) 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.00 PBS NewsHour 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight.(R) 3.30 Destination Flavour ChinaBitesize.(R) 3.40 TheCookUpWith Adam Liaw.(R) 4.10 Inside Windsor Castle. (PG,R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Alone Australia. (PGal) The participants are pushed to theirlimits.

8.30 Jimmy Carr’s ILiterallyJustTold You. (Mals) Jimmy Carr hosts acomedic game show wherepayingattention pays off

9.30 Miniseries: Litvinenko (Mal) Part 4of4

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 YouShall Not Lie. (Premiere, MA15+als)

11.55 COBRA (MA15+av,R)

Rage (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.30 The Secret Lives Of Our Urban Birds.(R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

3.15 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.15 Going Places With Ernie Dingo.(R) 4.45 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK WorldEnglishNews Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.

1.45 Surveillance Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Beat TheChasersUK.

3.00 TheChase. HostedbyBradley Walsh.

4.00 SevenNewsAt4

5.00 TheChase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur

Today 9.00

Home ForTeenagers. (PG, R) 3.55 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 4.40 Grand Designs. (PG,R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG,R)

7.00 ABCNews.

7.30 7.30 Presented by Sarah Ferguson.

8.00 Foreign Correspondent. Follows female sumo wrestlers in Japan.

8.30 Grand Designs New Zealand (Final) TomWebster meets acouple breathing life into ahistoric rabbiters’cottage.

9.15 Antiques Roadshow (R) Fiona Bruce and the team return to Ham House in Richmond where they examine all manner of curios.

10.15 Dream Gardens. (PG, R)

10.45 ABC LateNews.

11.00 TheBusiness (R)

11.20 Love On TheSpectrum. (PG, R)

12.20 Grand Designs. (PG, R)

1.05 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 1.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.25 The SecretLives Of Our Urban Birds.(R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 DestinationFlavour (R) 9.20 Paul O’Grady: ForThe Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 9.50 Outta Town Adventures. 10.50 Mountain Vets.(Ma) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Alone Australia. (PGal, R) 3.00

Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up.(PG, R) 4.10 Inside Windsor Castle. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. Presented by Marc Fennell.

6.30 SBS WorldNews

7.35 Costco: Is It Really WorthIt? (PG, R) Exploresthe retailer Costco

8.25 StanleyTucci: Searching For Italy:Puglia Stanley Tuccivisits Puglia aregion famousfor its fragrant oliveoil, vegetables, cheesesand durumwheat.

9.20 Blue Lights. (Return) It is ayear since the fall of theMcIntyre crime gang andthe vacuum has been filledbyrival gangs.

10.25 SBS WorldNewsLate.

10.55 Illegals. (Malsv) Konrad urges Klimovich to sell the file

11.55 TheWitnesses. (Ma, R)

3.40 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.40 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World EnglishNewsMorning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe WorldTonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 7.05pm Karma’sWorld 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Would ILie To You? 8.30 Hard Quiz. 9.00 Gruen. 9.40 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. 10.10 Penn &Teller: Fool Us. 10.50 Whose Line Is It Anyway? 11.15 Would ILie To You? 12.15am Adam Hills: TheLast Leg. 12.55 LiveAtThe Apollo 1.40 Louis Theroux: Transgender Kids. 2.40 ABC News Update. 2.45 Close. 5.00 Late Programs. ABC COMEDY (22)

6am WorldWatch. 10.00 TheMovie Show Noon WorldWatch. 12.25 Hypothetical. 2.15 American Runestone: AViking Mystery 3.10 Deafinition. 3.20 WorldWatch. 5.20 Shortland St 5.50 Curse Of Oak Island. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 ForbiddenHistory 10.20 Black And Missing. 11.35 Taskmaster 12.30am Hoarders. 1.20 Dark Side Of Comedy 2.15 Late Programs.

6am From Here To Eternity.(1953,PG) 8.10 Dr Strangelove (1964,PG) 10.00 When Pomegranates Howl. (2020,M,Farsi) 11.30 Iron Sky.(2012, M) 1.10pm Cordelia. (2019,M) 2.50 The GunsOfNavarone. (1961, PG) 5.40 The Crossing.(2020,PG, Norwegian) 7.30 Paradise Road. (1997, M) 9.35 Letters From Iwo Jima. (2006,MA15+)

Friday, April 19

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorning Show. (PG)

11.30 SevenMorning News.

12.00 MOVIE: Hometown Killer (2018,Mav,R) 2.00 Beat TheChasers UK. 3.00 TheChase. (R) 4.00 SevenNews At 4. 5.00 TheChase Australia.

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Football. AFL.Round 6. St Kilda vWestern Bulldogs. From Marvel Stadium, Melbourne.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking alook back at all the action from the game.

11.00 TheLatest: SevenNews. (R)

11.30 TheAmazing Race. (PGl, R) Teams compete in double the roadblocks and double the detours on amegaleg in Argentina.

1.00 Fortitude. (MA15+av,R)Asthe town mourns its loss, someone makes adisturbing challenge. Michael finds aglimmerofhope for Freya.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBCToday News and current affairs.

5.00 Sunrise 5am News. The latest news, sport and weather.

5.30 Sunrise. News, sportand weather

6.00 Today.

6.00 9News

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 RugbyLeague. NRL.Round 7. Sydney Roosters vMelbourneStorm.

9.45 ThursdayNight Knock Off Post-match NRLnewsand analysis of the Sydney Roosters versus Melbourne Storm match.

10.30 9News Late.

11.00 Law&Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av) Bell secures akey pieceofevidence.

11.50 A+EAfter Dark. (Mlm, R)

12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.35 Pointless. (PG, R)

2.30

by GrantDenyer

6.30 TheProject. Alook at the day’snews. 7.30 I’mA Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals) HostsJulia Morris and Robert Irwin say goodbyetotwo more celebritiesinadouble elimination. 9.00 GoggleboxAustralia. Adiverse range of peopleopen theirliving rooms to reveal their reactionstopopular and topical TV shows, with the help of special, locked-off cameras which capture every unpredictable moment.

10.00 Law& Order: SVU. (Ma, R) Ayoung lifesaver asks the SVUfor help

11.00 TheProject. (R)A look at theday’snews.

12.00 TheLate ShowWith Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBSMornings.

ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (7,6) TEN (10, 5) NINE (9,8)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Planet America. (R) 10.30 That PacificSports Show.(R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Mal, R) 2.00 Queen Of Oz. (Mal, R) 2.25 White Fever. (Ml, R) 2.55 Old People’s Home ForTeenagers.(R) 3.55 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 4.40 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 5.30 AntiquesRoadshow.(R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 DestinationFlavour (R) 9.20 Paul O’Grady:For The Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 10.20 Outta Town Adventures. (Final, PG) 10.50 Mountain Vets. (Final, PGa) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 2.05 Tony Robinson: WWII By Drone. (PGavw,R) 3.00 NITVNews: Nula. 3.45 The Cook Up (R)

Palin: Into Iraq. (Ms, R) Part 3of3.Embarking on the final part of his journey around Iraq, Michael Palin visits the site of Babylon.

9.25 Secrets Of TheLostLiners: Andrea Doria (PGa, R) Takes alookatthe Italian luxuryliner

Be Okay 3.45 ABC NewsUpdate 3.50 Close. 5.00 Hoopla. 5.15 Ready,Jet, Go! 5.25 Pablo 5.40 Late Programs. ABC TV PLUS (22) 6am The Crossing. (2020, PG, Norwegian) 7.50 Complicity. (2018,PG, Japanese) 10.00 Selma. (2014,M) 12.20pm Into TheWhite.(2012,M,Norwegian) 2.20 From Here To Eternity.(1953,PG) 4.30 The Bridge On The River Kwai.(1957,PG)

New era for the North Gippsland FNL

FOOTBALL/NETBALL

GIPPSLAND

NORTH

BY ZAIDA GLIBANOVIC

TRAILBLAZING to the top.

The North Gippsland Football-Netball League has elected Martha Truin as itspresidentfor season 2024.

Truin becomes the first-ever woman to lead aGippsland country football-netball league.

The for mer Nor th Gip ps lan dF NL Vic e President has had an extensive history as a leader, being on boards and committees since shewas 16-years-old.

With anew guard on North Gippsland’s committee and Truin at the helm, expect to see some exciting ideas for the future of the league.

“There’s only two of us left from the previous board,” she said.

“All the other board members are all new, a new league administrator, anew finance and events person, so we’ve had some big changes for 2024 but everyone’s really keen.”

In exciting news, previous long serving NGFNL Board Member, Brendan Garrett, has returned, re-joining the board as vice president.

Having worked on the board during theCOVID era with fixture and finals cancellations, Truin is no stranger to achallenge, and is eager to tackle any issue head-on to secure the stability and prosperity of North Gippsland as aleague. Growing up in Glengarry, Truin has been among community sporting clubs for decades. Previously acoach, committee member, secretary, and small business owner, Truin doesn’t shy away from keeping herself busy.

The mum of six and grandmother to three says she has agood support system around her to pursue all her passions.

“I find in any sporting organisationss, it’s the busypeople that aredoingthose roles,” she said

“As amum you get involved with thhe kids there’s always been something and acchallenge -itgives you that fulfilment being invoolved and helping people.”

Ahumblewoman, Truin says shhe hasn’t thoughtaboutwhatitmeanstobe the first woman in this region to run acountry y footballnetball league.

“I haven’t really thought about …it’sjust a role and it’s just somethingI get my teethinnto I love organising and delegating and Iwant t to leave it in abetter place thanwhere it was,” she said DespiteTruin downplaying the signnificance of her position, there is no doubt it willl leave a lasting legacy.

As the firstwoman to sit as the h head of a country football-netball league, Truin i is paving the path for more women and young g girls to pursue leadershiproles within their sporting clubs and organisations.

With more women involved in country y football and netball than ever, Truin’s appointtment as president marks anew era of Gippsland sport, as traditional patriarchal views arre being exchanged for gender equalityand better conditions for all.

“Wehhave h had d two women cllub b presiidenttstthat t Iknow of in my time, and that’s only been in the last 10 years. The women have stood up and done it very well,” Truin said.

Truingave high praise to outgoing NGFNL President, David Kyle, for his long service to the league. The pair have worked side-by-side for many years, so it was onlyfitting that Truin wouldcome up and assume his role.

“We had asuccession plan Isuppose, Ihad the historyfrom the past seven-eight years of what’sgone on in the board -what’sworked, whathasn’t worked, whatthe vision was and what’s next,” she said.

Truin has already continued in Kyle’s footsteps,announcing acontinued partnership with AGL for two more years. The partnership includes additional supportfor their Mental Health Round, Indigenous Round and of course, the annual Pride Cup -first instigated by the NGFNL.

The NGFNL is eager to build its audience in season 2024

Truin said the league will focus on building its social media presence and the event rounds scheduled in the fixture.

NGFNL has introduced the #BeNorthGippy as an identifying campaigntodistinguish itself as acommunity-focused entity.

“The sense of that hashtag and that idea that grew last year was because we want people to come be involved. We might not be classed as a‘premier league’, but we want to be known as the community, family, and country league,” she said.

“We are about to g goonto some televisionadvertising, which will be generic and then will lead into our Pride Round, Mental Health Round and our finals

“We are trying to build our audience through television, newspaper, radio - and we do have a jingle ”

E v e r y o n e w h o w a t c h e d last year’s NGFNL awards presentation would be quite f a m i l i a r w i t h t h e N o r t h Gippsland song that features a catchy tune that I’m sure was stuck in viewer’s heads for a little time Ultimately as president, Truin is driven “ W e w a n t t o build and grow,” she said

Not only does the new presid e n t a i m t o b u i l d t h e l e a g u e a s a w h o l e , s h e i s actively engaged in facilitating

equal l opporttuniityffor everyone undder t theNNortth Gippsland banner.

There is no denyingthatcountry sport was once aman’s world, with priority placed on senior football sides, but Truin says this is not the case anymore, eagerly saying thatNorth Gippsland’sfootball and netball is equally valued.

“It used to be that people went to the footy to watch the footy -our crowds at the netball arehugeand we are getting more and more,” she said.

“You’re not paying at the gatejust to watch footy.”

With many clubs actively seeking upgrades to bringfacilities into the 21st century, Truin says it’s agood time for gender equality.

“What’s good for footy is good for netball.”

The league has introduced agoal scorer of the year award for each netball grade to bring the awards in line with football and celebrate the league's netball talent.

Grand Final breakfastmight alsobeespecially interesting this year, with Truin attempting to getasuper star netballer to speak at the event. Truinhas many ideas to improve the league, with one of her priorities to get young kids back into community sport.

“I think COVIDdidn’t helpwith player retention, the two interrupted years. Kids are getting jobs and you can’t blame them because work comes first,” she said.

Though there has yet to be statistical proof of lower participation rates in North Gippsland footy, Truin remains alert and ready to proactively attack the issue in meetings with AFL Victoria

Gippsllandd,wiith apassiionatterespect t for j juniior leagues around the region and the development of young sportspeople.

League expansion has been ahot topic as well, especially after Mid Gippsland FNL club Morwell Eastlooked certain to becomethe NGFNL's 12th club this season, only to see their application stopped by member clubs, going against expectations of the NGFNL Board.

Despite the result, Truin said it was pleasing to know North Gippsland was adestination league for some clubs.

“We must be doing something right here, they (other clubs) wanttocometous, they see the good we do here,and Ithinkit’shealthy to have astrongcompetition and abroader competition,” she said.

There are many rumours of other clubs from nearby leaguesconsidering makingthe move to North Gippsland.

WithThirds numbers areal issue on the forefront of Truins mind, she believes clubs like Morwell East, who have struggled to maintain junior numbers in recent years, would benefit from North Gippsland’s streamlined fixture.

“Yes, they don’t have thirds at some of those clubs, but Ithink for those clubsifthey are going to the same spots as the rest of the cluband with good competition they would benefit …build it and they will come,” she said.

Though expansion is on the cards, Truin says it is not apriority, citing the positive example of bringing Yallourn Yallourn North to the fold in 2021.

Arguably the second-best league in the Latrobe Valley, Truin says numbers are growing and so are crowds.

The new president is eager to encourage more youth into the league for the many benefits

“Footy-netball clubs are community based, its somewhere to feel part of something, not to be alone it’s great to be a part of something,” she said

“Our last two years of finals have had huge successout at Heyfieldwith recordsatthe gates,” she said.

With Churchill eager to host aGrand Final since the establishment of their second netball court, president Truin said Gaskin Park was a viable host option and the venue will be assessed for future finals.

The new president also has some left field plans keen to ask clubs ho would feel about a senior netball grad many clubs havin s t r e n g t h i n numbers and some wome Truin’s k e e n idea o ing fo

As the NGFNL seasonisnow underway there s Sh i ow ano de, ng g s e tur en a s n o n of b fou ootb No season is now underway, s She the the wit re nio nin wa ot rin rth all orth

he GFNL eason ow nderway, here will no doubt be adifferent perspective with

Wonthaggi: RLindsay APughK Mohen J

Brouwers JBurns ABusana

SALE2.2 4.4 7.5 8.7 (55)

WARR AGUL 0.1 1.3 2.5 2.6 (18)

GOALS:Sale:BJones 4CLavertyJ Cantwell MLobley SKrusic. Warragul: lFinnegan 2. BEST: Sale:BJones MBownCLavertyMAnnear FMcDonald TGlenn. Warragul: WHatfield JOrlickiDMacfarlane TCarpenter DSmar tL Sheehan TR AR ALGON 3.2 5.5 11.5 18.6 (114) MOE 2.0 3.1 3.3 3.3 (21)

GOALS:Traralgon:K

Late f friight under lights

FOOTBALL

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY LIAM DURKIN

AS any diehardfootball supporter willtell you “never leave agameearly”.

Spectators were shown exactly why on Saturday night, as Traralgon and Moe played out an unlikely thriller under lights at Terry Hunter Oval.

An eventual 10.14 (74) to 10.9 (69) win to the Maroons appeared the furthest possible result for 90 per cent of the game, given the home sides control of the scoreboard.

At contest level howeveritwas adifferent story, as both teams shared periods of dominance.

Astring of behindsinthe second term eventually came back to haunt the Lionsand very nearly did the same for Traralgon

Both teams went 1.6 (12) either side of halftime, yet afive goal to one opening meant Moe was forced to play catch up. The Lions inaccuracy in the second led Traralgon to take a28-point lead into the sheds.

Amazingly, the marginwas exactly the sameatthree quarter time, as bothsides registered 12 points, albeitwith Moe kicking two straight and the Maroons taking seven shots to rack up the same number.

Moe vice captain and designated punter, Scott van Dyk kickedaneat goal at theeight minute mark of the third after running down to accept ahandball from fellow VC, Harri Sim after the latter lined up on the edge of 50. Afollow up dob from Ben Daniher then breathed life back into what was appearing to be aspiritless Moe line-up.

Traralgon’s leaders however also stood up, with skipperTye Hourigan wondering down from centre half back to kick his sides only goal for the term.

Adesperate tackle from Hugh Dunbar denied Moe ascoring opportunity, which was highlighted by Traralgon coach, Troy Hamiltonduring his three quarter time address.

Hamilton praised his troops for their willingnesstocome forward to defend, especially given they were two men down with Jordan Cunico and Tom Hamilton donefor the night.

Over in the Moe huddle, the general feel was one of the game being out of reach

The Lions therefore decided to turn one eye to next week, moving the magnets aroundto try and uncover some hidden aces.

Harry Pepper was moved from deep forward to up the ground, and second-gamer James Maslen given the job as adefensive forward on Hourigan.

With the game looking like it would lead to aTraralgon victory by around four goals, van Dyk chimed in with the words “finish well” as theplayers came together for the last effort of Round 2. What followed was both staggering and equally intriguing. Moe did end up finishing well, but evidently, not well enough.

While the Maroons were withouttheirTom, the Lions were certainly happy theirswas available.

Get shares in Tom Matthews before the stock price rises- this kidissomething special.

He nearly took Mark of the Year on senior debut last week, and followed up by kicking three goals in the last quarter at the weekend as abottom age thirds player.

Matthewsalsoset up further scoring opportunities, including the first of the last whichcamewhen he smartly changed the angle inside 50 to spot Riley Baldi 20 metres out.

Baldi’s resultant goal inside the first two minutes cut the margin to 22 points. When Daniher (playingforward nursing injury) steered home his second from aset shot acouple of minutes later, and then Jacob Balfour at the nine-minute mark, it was suddenly game on. Wit ham omen tum swing loo min g, Matthews bobbed up to kick aclutch goal two minutes later.

Traralgon responded, or so they thought, following adisallowed goal to Dylan Loprese after afree kick had been paid to teammate Connor Scandrett. Loprese wasrightfully agitatedthe goal did not stand, pleading his casewiththe umpire. Given Scandrett went on to mis the set shot, one could understand his frustration.

Afree kick at the other end of the ground led to aMoe goal, after an alertPeppercaught the Traralgondefence napping. Pepper asked for and received ahandballfrom Daniher as he was walking back to take aset shot, with Pepper smartly taking the ball from his

injured teammate and snapping it home in front of the Pud Northe Bar.

That goal made it just one goal the difference as the clock ticked past 20 minutes.

Needing ahero of their own, the Maroons found one in Liam Willaton.

Another free kick inside 50 saw the pintsizedmidfielder/forwardgiven the chanceto make life easier for the Maroons.

With ice in his veins, Willaton steered the ball through from 40 metres out on aslight angle for his third goal of the game.

In the context of the match, it appeared to be enough, and with the pressure back on Moe, they suffered adeer in the headlights moment.

Thenext centre bounce gifted the ball to Traralgon as the Lions had too many players in the square. Bewilderingly, this wasthe secondtimeMoe had made this infringement for the quarter.

Such errors were akin to being taught in under 12s cricket to ground your bat.

The Lionshowever fought on, and when Matthews kicked his third goal of the term, snapping the ball seemingly out of mid-air amid congestion deep into time on, the margin was back to under agoal.

Needing to go for everything, Moe pressed all their numbers up, as the game was now being played under a‘last goal wins’ style.

With all players except Loprese and Lions playing-coach, Declan Keilty past halfway, there was one last piece of drama when the Maroons were pinged for deliberate out of bounds just past centre wing.

Traralgon however were able to kill the following kick, with the sirensounding shortly after, bringing to end amemorable game born out of an unmemorable beginning.

Interceptors were named best-on for their respective teams, with Hourigan taking the plaudits for Traralgon, and Keilty for Moe.

Despite playing as im ilar role, both approachtheir tasks in different ways. Keilty beats the opponent he’s on, Hourigan beats opponents who don’t makehim accountable.

Others to playwell for the winners were Dunbar, Willaton, Luis D’Angelo, Josh Hamilton and Loprese.

Ril ey Ba ldi ,v an Dy k, Br ock Smith , Matthewsand fellow bottom-age thirds player, Liam Masters were best for Moe.

Tigers fade badly after halftime break

FOOTBALL GIPPSLAND

LEAGUE

by their opponents on the eve of the main break.

BY LIAM DURKIN

THAT’Sashocking secondhalf from

Morwell.

The Tigersmanaged just three goals to nine against Bairnsdale, after going intothe main breaksevenpoints up, to eventually lose 13.9 (87) to 9.6 (60).

To make matters worse, it was on Morwell's home deck as well.

Scores were level at quarter time, before the Tigersbenefitted from some inaccuracy

The Redlegs costs themselves potential ascendancy, returning 1.6 (12) for the term, whileMorwell kicked three goals from almost half the amount of scoring shots.

However, what the Tigers managed in the secondterm, they only managed for the rest of the game as far as goals were concerned.

Meanwhile, at the other end, Bairnsdale couldn’t miss, and kicked eight straight to go ahead by nine points with aquarter to play.

The visitors finished fullofrunning, and endedupslamming home five final quarter goals.

Brayden McCarreyand his long sleeves proved ahandful, as the pocketrocket sent home five goals for the winners. His teammate Ricky Tatnell

got the nod as best-on-ground, followed by man mountain Ethan East, Randall Stewart, Lachlan Cloak and Link McKenna.

Tom Gray was best for Morwell, while Brandon Mcauliffe, Sam Walsh, Campbell Blewett, Tyler Brown and Harri McColl putinsolid efforts.

Game number101: JacksonMcMahon in action forTraralgon during the Maroons’ win against MoeonSaturdaynight. McMahon playedhis 100thseniorgame theweekbefore, and nowhas hisnameuponthe No 13 lockeratTraralgon FootballNetball Club Photographs: Daniel Heathcote

Leading by example: Moe playing-coach, Declan Keilty was best-on forthe Lions.Asanaside,any photographerwilltell you howharditistoget decent actionshotsofcountr yfootyduring nightgames

Adecadeon, was2014 the greatest season in Gippslandfootballhistory?

FOOTBALL

By LIAM DURKIN

OF all the local football seasons,and indeed all the stories that make up ayear in country footy, few could surely rival what was seen adecade ago. Season2014may wellgodown as the most memorable year of football in Gippsland.

If notjustfor the epicGrand Finals staged across the leagues, but for the vast array of subplots that emerged, many of which interconnected and helped shape thefortunes,and even slight demise, of clubs in the years that followed.

For those teams that found themselves fighting their way out of improbable positions, to those individuals lucky enough to take top billing as main players, theirdeedshave lived longinthe memory, and may well be the very thing they are remembered for -either fairly or unfairly.

Those who were at Ted Summerton Reserve for the 2014 Gippsland League Preliminary Final will surely never forget the wobbly snap sent through by Michael Kelly.

Many people have probably never heard of Michael Kelly. He was the manwho putthe Power in front for the first time in that prelim, as they overcame a45-point three quarter time deficit against Sale.

As much as it was aC in derella Story for Wonthaggi, it was asecond successive nightmare for Sale.

The Magpies watched on as another shot at the title slipped from their grasp,followingaseemingly impossible Grand Final loss to Morwell the year before.

Having won the premiershipinbarnstorming fashionin2012, thereisanundeniable sense

Sale missed agolden opportunity to complete a

three-peat, thus puttingthem among the truly great sides in Gippsland League history.

To think how different the course of history would have been if they'd won just three extra games of football.

The 2014 prelim however carried with it astark reality.

Wonthaggi was never winning the Grand Final after that.

And so it proved, as Morwell went on to complete back-to-back triumphs.

Another story however unfolded in the aftermath of the 2014 Grand Final.

Whowouldhave thought Morwell’s coachwould be sacked just two rounds into the very next year?

It happened.

Who else would have thought Leongatha would miss finals?

Such athought is almostunthinkable givenwhat the Parrots have achieved since.

Season2014may well have been the turning point for the green and gold. Beau Vernon came in as coachthe next year, they madethe Grand Final, and have kept doing so ever since.

Maffra went down asimilar path around this time. The Eagles, with Wayne Butcher back for his second stint as coach, exited finals in the second week, but progressed to play Leongatha in four consecutive deciders from 2016 to 2019.

Maffra and Moe found themselves strangely tangled up in 2014,when Eaglesgreat Adrian Burgiel took on the coaching job of the Lions.

One can only imagine the difference he feltgoing fromone of the most successful clubs in the league to ateamcoming off consecutive wooden spoons.

Another team not usually associated with missing finals is Traralgon.

The Maroons did so however in 2014 -and went on to win the flag the next year.

Whathappened overthe 2014/15summer, or indeed during 2014 that provided the change?

Ateam that did make the finals in 2014 was Bairnsdale. It remains the last time the Redlegs have made finals in the major league since rejoining from East Gippsland in 2010.

The2014 East GippslandGrand Final itself was onefor the ages.

Stratford, who squandered the lead to Wy Yung for the first time all game with less than two minutes remaining, hit the front in the dying seconds courtesy of aclutch set shot from Josh Kiss.

It was Kiss’ only goal for the game from only a handful of possessions.

Somedistance away, the Mid Gippsland decider also came down to the last kick of the day.

The kick itself only made up part of the story, as it came from the boot of Mirboo North cult hero ShanePeters.

Pet ers, more commo nly kno wn as ‘Ch oco ’, graciously gave up his spot in the Mirboo North premiership team the year before, and went on to kick the winning goal in aone-point Grand Final win 12 months later.

That the Tigerswon the flag after losing the semi-final by 90 points added anotherdisbelieving element to what transpired.

Peters could nearly label 2014 ‘The Year of Choco’, as the footy triumph came six months after Mirboo North won acricket premiership from asimilarly impossible position.

The Tigerswere 5/90chasing the bestpart of 300 in the Central Gippsland decider, and ended up winning in the 100th and very last over of the second day.

Number 10, Dale Banks made 26 of the most important runs of his career, partnering with Rob Phoenix in a91-run stand for the ninth wicket.

For all the hundreds of wickets the leg-spinner

has taken, it is perhaps this innings for which he will be most remembered.

Jumpingback to Stratford, they too experienced their own nerve-killing cricket Grand Final in 2014

The Redbacks still needed atricky 30 runs to win the Sale-MaffraCricket Associationtitle with three wickets in hand, and it came down to the final pair of Jack Rietschel and Simon Waixel to see Stratford over the line.

Rietschel, avery young man then, has gone on to be one of the leading all-rounders in Gippsland.

Someonewithasurname synonymous with Heyfield played cricket with Stratford last season in Tyson Birss.

Hisdad Damien took Heyfield to their third successive North GippslandFNL Grand Final in 2014.

However, in dramaticscenes, the Kangaroos lost to Churchill on the big day after going through the season undefeated.

This came after Heyfield lost the Grand Final to Glengarry in extra time the year before.

While there was apremiership in 2012, the subsequent run, which ended with four successiveGrand Final defeats from 2013-16 led to some labelling it the ‘Birss Curse’.

Far from Grand Finals were Gippsland League clubs Warragul and Drouin.

Warragulwon just two games for the year -Drouin went three weeks without even kicking agoal.

Talks of relocation were common for both during the season, but adecade on, they remain part of the major league.

Ask most long-serving local footballers -the stories from the tough times are often more interesting than the ones glittered with success.

As the 2024 season is now underway, it will be interesting to look back adecade on to find out if 2014 really was the greatest season of Gippsland footy.

Plenty to ponder,and we’re only two rounds in

FOOTBALL

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY LIAM DURKIN

MORE questions than answers remain after two rounds of the Gippsland League. While time has not yet allowed the competition to fully unfold, results so far have left queries on anumberofteams.

HasWarragulimprovedalot? Has Morwell in fact not improved at all? Are things starting to click for Bairnsdale?

What of Wonthaggi? The Powerhas already lost as many home and away games this year as they did for the whole season in 2023.

WhenisMaffra's first win coming?And how can Moe kicksix goals in the last quarter after only managing four in the first three GEE Wonthaggi looks thin at the moment.

The Power lost the Grand Final rematch to Leongatha, 11.11 (77) to 8.7 (55), although on paper at least, it was perhaps easy to see why.

Wonthaggi only had 11 players from its Grand Final team play at the weekend.

Leongatha only had 15 themselves, but the difference was in the remainder.

The playerscoming in for the Parrots were Cooper Alger, Mitch Bentvelzen and NickArgento -all genuine senior players.

In the absolute greatest respect, those coming in for Wonthaggi were Ethan Dickison, Kyle Yann and Ryan Cornell -who have all only ever played in the lunchtime league previously.

With this in mind, the result was perhaps unsurprising, although in fairness to Wonthaggi, the final margin off 22 pointsshowed they were more than up for the fight on their home deck.

Leongatha’s class and experience however meant they were never really in danger, and after kicking six goals to one in the first term, might have even put the diff lock in second gear for the rest of the game to make sure they got through unscathed. Bentvelzen and Alger were named in the best, further emphasising thepointmadeearlier. Jenson Garnham,Tallin Brill, Tom Marriott and Jakevan der Plight also played well.

Dickison made sure this senior game won’t be a once-off, named in the best for the Power. Others to battle strongly were Aiden Lindsay, Shannen Bray, Jakeb Thomas, Josh Schulz and Reeve Moresco. SALE held off apersistent Warragul.

The Magpies kicked five goals to two in the final term, to win 16.13 (109) to 12.10 (82).

In amatch describedas“highlyentertaining”, spectators crammed the Past Players Hill at Sale Oval to see the home side prevail.

Not much separated combatants in the first three quarters, althoughSale was able to give itself some

breathingspace at halftimeafterkicking five goals to one in the second term.

The Guls however hit back, taking advantage of the scoring end to nail four goals of their own in thethird to make it aseven-point ballgame at the final change.

There was to be no upset however, as Sale players likeShannen Lange, Hudson Holmes andJack Leslie made sure the Magpies kept their unbeaten start to the season intact. Former Richmond player Derek EggmolesseSmithalsofeatured in thebest, as did Jonty McGuiness and Josh Butcher.

Agreat story to come out of the day was Sale junior graduate Kane Cutler, who enjoyed adream debut in senior colours -kicking amatch-high four goals

In agame decided by 27 points, his efforts were certainly appreciated by all wearing the black and white.

Riley Senini, Luke Garner (three goals), Lucas Carter, Isaac Wallace, Patrick Carpenter and Sean Masterson were best for Warragul.

MAFFRA is still searching for its first win of the season.

The Eagleswere well beaten by Drouin at the weekend, going down by 66 points.

Maffra was neverreally in thehuntafter quarter time at Drouin Recreation Reserve, with the final

scoreboard reading 16.18 (114) to 6.12 (48). Justseven pointswas themargin at quarter time, before the Hawks broke away, kicking five goals to one to take a33-point lead into the sheds.

The margin was virtuallythe same at three quartertime, with Maffra only able to shave three points offthe previous deficit.

Drouin finished very strongly, adding five goals in the final term. Conversely, the Eagles showed characteristics of an inexperienced sidestruggling to run games out, managing just asingle behind.

The more senior players in the Maffra line-up were judgedbest afield, with JamesRead,Alex Carr and Kade Renooy getting those honours.

Youngsters Zac O’Keefe, Henry Anderson and Noah Christywerealso able to hold their heads high.

Kye Quirkkicked four goals for the winners, while Joe Collins nabbed three.

The pairwerelisted as the mostprominent,along with Mitch Cotter, Ed Morris, Jarrod Marshall and Tim Hancock.

Things do not get easier for Maffra, who take on reigning premier Leongatha this weekend.

The Eagles then make the tough road trip to Bairnsdale, meaning if results go as predicted, Maffra’s first win might not come until Round 5 againstMorwell.

T Gibson

JWinderlich MGraeme BEST:MeeniyanDumbalk Utd:J BallaghM Hoober MEast JDunn THarrisC McInnes Thorpdale: HFerguson JWinderlich TGibson C Gardiner JFahey HKidd

STONYCREEK3.4

(95) HILLEND 2.1

(42)

GOALS:Stony Creek:MCoutts 6T Horsburgh 2JByrnes AScholteAAtkinsB Renden J BattersbyCJames Hill End: BGorman 3ZO’Hara2 BEST:Stony Creek:MCoutts NSvenson

AWrightCJames BRendenLRow Hill End: ZO’Hara JSchiavello BGormanJ Harris

MORWELL EAST

Winning starts f for finals favouritesinopening round

FOOTBALL

MID GIPPSLAND

BY ROB POPPLESTONE AND TOM HAYES

FISH CREEK VS NEWBOROUGH

THEY'REthe reigning premierfor areason. Strong home ground support andthe unfurlingoftheir 2023 premiership flag had Fish Creek in the right frame of mind to start the 2024 season as they had left 2023, as winners.

However, it was never going to be a cruisy day at the office against ahungry Newborough side.

Fish Creek held firm for majorityofthe four quarters, after gaining the lead in the opening term at home.

Newborough fought back to holda halftime lead, but an explosive third quarter saw the lead change hands again.

Sevenpointsupgoing into the last, Fish Creek had to defend their lead, and they did so,onlyjust.

Despite not scoringagoal in the final term, theKangaroos held on,keepingNewborough to only one goal.

Fish Creekhad to call on their big game experience to snatcha two-point victory, 9.10 (64) to 9.8 (62).

“(The)day startedoff great for the Fish Creek community withthe flag unfurling, and the game didn’t disappoint," FishCreek coach Jarrod Walker said.

"A bit scrappy at times but hardly-fought out by both teams. Relieved to get over the line in theend. Newborough will of course be within the top few teams this season so happy to pinch that one in the end.

"Withthe bye nextweekwewill restsome sore bodies, get agood training block in and then get ready to get stuck into the season.”

The Kangaroos are deservingly seenas the early season premiership favourites, but the weekend's clashindicates this season may in fact be tougher than the last. That is good news for the league, but it is also a clear indication that every match is crucial.

Newborough fell short again against Fish Creek, but will move their attention toward Round 2.

“We played the competition's bestand in aphysical contest fell short again. We competed harder and for longer this time," Newborough coach, Craig Skinner said.

"We playedthree 17-year-oldsand they are going to be good. We play Yinnar next andknow it will be tough so there will be no rest recovering and preparing as we search for our first win.”

MDU VS THORPDALE

TWO tight contests between these teams in 2023 alluded to much of thesametostart 2024

Meeniyan Dumbalk United got close to Thorpdale on those previous encounters, only to fallagonisingly short both times, but the home ground advantage and astrong preseason had the Demons believingthat Round 1this year would tell adifferent story. There was nothing but akick or two between these two talented sides -the Demons up by apoint at quarter time, the Blues by 11 at the major break.

MDU calledonall they had in the final quarter in an attempt to claw back a14-point three-quartertimedeficit,only to once again fall short by the barest possible margin.

Thorpdale picked up right where they left of toward the end of the 2023 season, claiming another four points, 13.6(84)to12.11 (83).

Thorpdale coach,Jason Winderlich expected atough outing between the two sides, and wasn't disappointed.

“Another closeone between Thorpdale and us. Jason (Winderlich) has them playing a tough,skilful brand of footy again," MDU coach, Nathan Allen said.

"We were unable to convert our chances when we got momentum. Proud of the fight our boys showed right to the final siren." MDU travels to Tarwin in Round 2, who are coming off thebye,while Thorpdalehost Boolarra, which is set to hand one of those teams their first loss.

YINNAR VS TOORA

THE clash of the Magpies; Yinnarand Toora, even in Round 1, was always going to be an important clash for anumberofreasons. It would give new Yinnar coach, Sam McCulloch an early look at what he had to work with after the disappointment his club faced last year. For Toora, anew season brought new hope of improvementafter asatisfying preseason. At the weekend, it was home side Yinnar who indicated theymay haveprogressed very quickly from last year's finals miss. Nothing was standing between Yinnarand the four points in this game, as they put the match beyond doubt early and continued to plough through Toorauntil the finalsiren sounded.

The game was allbut over at halftime, withthe home sideholding a10.10 (70)to 4.4 (28)lead.

Yinnar were home by 52 points afterfour quarters, gettingtheir seasonoff on the right track, 16.16 (112) to Toora's 9.6 (60).

"Very happytocome awaywith the four points in what was afast and physical game. The win was set up in the first half and it was pleasing with the evencontribution from right across the field," McCulloch said.

"Lookingforward to the challengeof playing one of the premiership contenders in Newborough on their home turf in what will be agreat opportunity to gauge where we are at."

Toora has produced very strong sides at reserves level in recent seasons, but have made no secret of the fact they are hoping to develop amore competitive outfit in the seniors his season. At times on the weekend, you could see that was already startingto take shape.

“It was adecent Round 1performance for us,inpatches there was alot to like. As a young developingsquad, we will tidy this up and with improved consistency,Ican see us being in games," Toora coach,Jack Weston said.

"Ultimately, Yinnar’s spread and cleanliness away fromthe contest allowed them more quality looks at goal and to their credit, they did the damage."

BOOLARRAVSMIRBOO NORTH

AS much as the new coaches (Boolarra's Brendan Mason and Mirboo North's Damien Turner)were looking forward to whatRound 1would present them, so too were the MGFNLsupporters, unsure of just where each side would fit into what appears to be a veryevenand competitiveleague once again.

In this clash, it would be the Demons that walked away with the points on an impressive start to the year at home.

But it wasn't without struggle, as Mirboo North dared to dream and didn't back down from the fight at first.

The Tigers remained within striking distance in the opening half, before Boolarra busted the floodgates open to seize the four points.

to be abiggermountain for Boolarra to climb, but attempt they will.

For MirbooNorth, it will take time to improve in afew areas, with some focus on what is required both with and without the ball.

“We showed some really good signs against Boolarra. Especially the first half," Turner said.

"Consistency is going to be afocus over the season, and unfortunately this let us down in the second half.

"It was aheated battle and credit to Brendanand his teamfor running the game out strong."

HILL END VS STONY CREEK

HILL END at home under the reins of MGFNL superstar, Ambu Uliando were always going to throw everything they could at anticipated improvers Stony Creek.

The questionwas, whether the Hillmen had the depth of talent to run with the Lions for the full four quarters.

The Lions took alittle time to shake off adetermined Hill End team, who stayed in touch up until near the halftime mark, before the visitors really started to open up.

Aone-pointmarginatquarter time quickly turned into afive-goal margin for the Lions at the main break, and was extended further as the visitors took control.

Stony Creek piled on 14 goals to six after quarter time, closing out their first game of the season as 60-point winners, 17.17 (119) to 9.5 (59).

“Hill End came out playing some really good footyand had us changing afew things up in the second quarter," Stony Creek coach, Chris Verboon said.

"I was happy with how we responded. We played good team footy and stuck to the way we wanted to play.

"We are hosting Morwell East next week who have had agreat start with awin over Foster.Wewillneed to be at our best to give ourselves achance."

Coach Uliandowas under no illusions as to the challenges he would face as coach of Hill End, the goal is for his men to improve each week, and enjoy doing so, so that by years' end they might be at alevel from which to start to build another surge forward on the MGFNL ladder.

FOSTER VS MORWELL EAST

THE early challenge for Foster appeared to be player availability, with the end of school holidaysand weddings meaningthat just putting ateam on the park was going to be victory in itself.

Averyclosesecondchallenge however was atalented Morwell East side eager to start their season with awin. The visiting Tigers side sent aclear message to not only Foster, but the league, that this year they are amore complete team than last.

Thevisiting Hawks started strongly and never took theirfoot off the accelerator, growing their lead at every change to record an impressive win.

Key signingsChris Wangman and Cain Iorangi hit the scoreboard with three goals each, as Morwell East charged to a69-point win, 17.12 (114) to 6.9 (45).

"(It's) just the way we wanted to start our 2024 season. Pleasing four quarter effort by our boys in what was avery physical contest against Foster on their home turf," Morwell East coach, Paul Henry said.

Only up by agoal at halftime, the Demons went on to kick four goals to one in the third term, then five goals to two in the final quarter.

Boolarra were home by 43 points in the end, 14.13 (97) to 8.6 (54).

That short, but succinct, observation by an experienced coach of whatthe Hawks produced is an obviouswarningshottoevery side in the competition.

Butthe season is long and at every turn there is achallenge, so it is always wise to take it one week at atime.

“As expected, it was another tough game down (in) South Gippsland against MDU. Both teams had momentum throughout the day but we were the lucky team to be in front at the final siren. Lots to work on though,” he said.

Thorpdalegot the jobdone, but bothof thesetwo teams have their sights set on bigger and better things in 2024.

The Blues have the edge early, but there is much more footytobeplayed before we get aclearer picture of just who will be able to accomplish what, although there is little doubt there will be plenty morewins for both.

Mason said he was pleased to start his senior coaching career with awin “Always good to start the year with awin. (We) didn’t play our best footy but credit to the Mirboo North boys, they fought hard all game," he said. "We now look forward to next week's challenge against the much fanciedThorpdale side. Whichwill give us achance to seewhere we are at."

There is no doubt thatThorpdaleare likely

Foster coach, Sam Davies was impressed by the standard of footballMorwell East rolled out.

“Reality check. They're easily the benchmark this year," he stated. TARWIN

Lions proudly parade dominance

NETBALL By ZAIDA GLIBANOVIC LIONS go roar.

Moe was too strong for Traralgon under lights in Round2ofthe Gippsland League, winning 58-37 on the road.

Hollie Bugeja, Georgia Moody and fan favourite Emma Sculley starred in the Lions win.

Best for Traralgon were the usual suspects, Stacey Jacobsen, Bronwyn Tebb and Montanna Styles.

Morwell went down to Bairnsdale 40-31 in the upsetofthe round.

The Tigers had agood start on their home court, scoring 13 goals to seven in the first quarter, but the Redlegs weren’t ready to give up, returning to outscore the Tigersbythree goals in the second term.

The third quarter is often dubbed the premiership quarter, and boy, those young women from Bairnsdaleimpressed,with scores of 31 goals to 25 by the final break.

Gippsland Stars Under 23 defender Alison Dwyer was integral for the Redlegs, alongside Brielle Malady and Olivia Betts.

Onceagain, Anna Solomon for Morwellwas

gallant in defeat, and so too were Courtney Garth and Chloe Radford.

Drouin thumped Maffra 65-17 at home.

Maffra’s youngjuniors were no match for the full force of the Hawks. Drouin seems to be serious in asserting their strength with such adominant win.

Despite the loss, Matilda Pendergast, Krystal Craft and Maddy Dalton weregood for the Eagles.

TheParrots mighthave had their wings clipped by the Power at Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve.

Wonthaggihad aconvincing win over the previous finals contender, winning 43-25.

Alana McRae has been ahugerecruit for the Power, named in the best, two weeksina row Teammates Cassidy Bowman and Ellie Batesalso played well.

Jayde Hall, superstar Sharni Lambden and Amber Walker were best for the Parrots.

Watch out, Warragul are good.

TheGuls' Suncorp Supernetballer, Emma Ryde shot amassive 56 goals fromtheir 33-goal win over Sale at the weekend.

Warragul were certainly not fazed by the travel, coming out of the gates firing after piling on goal after goal.

Renee Cook, Sienna Green and Jamie Rollinson

All of the lights: Olivia Barnettpasses downcourt forMoe,asTraralgon’s Montanna Styles looks to defend. Photograph: Daniel Heathcote

werehugeinfacilitating scores for the winners, while Sale’s Kristy Glover, Kate Van der Voort and Ashleigh Keefe were notable in the loss.

blow-outs and shock upsets

GLIBANOVIC

NORTH GIPPSLAND opened its 2024 netball season with ahuge upset. Reigning premier, Woodside took atumble against TTU, losing by six goals away from home.

NETBALL

By ZAIDA GLIBANOVIC

THERE can only be one Magpie in Mid Gippsland.

Yinnar maintained its dominance from last season, winning by 29-goals over last year’s runner-up, Toora to start the new season.

The Magpie matchhas proven to be a delight forspectators,withYinnar and Toora having similar squad strength, but perhaps those days are long gone, as coach Skye McDonald leadsher Yinnar side into premiership defence.

Astrong 70-21 home win for Yinnar has positioned them nicely to go back-to-back.

Astruggling Mirboo North putthe storm and recruiting issues behind them when they defeated the Demons 53-47 at Boolarra.

Morwell East was among the few teams that started their 2024 season convincingly, with a45-24 win over home side Foster, while MDU gave Thorpdale aharsh reintroduction into AGrade netball, defeating the travelling Blues 61-25.

Newborough narrowly claimed four points, escaping Fish Creek with a38-36 victory on the road.

Stony Creek and Tarwin had the bye.

Though a40-34 TTU win was asurprise, perhaps having Wildcat premiership stars, Caitlin Ponton and coach, Elizabeth Nicolmissingfrom Round 1action contributed to aweaker Woodside team.

Sale City’s new mid-court recruit, Isla McCarthy, was sensational in the team's 65-25 win over Cowwarr.

The Bulldogs really showed their bite, not holding anything back when the Saints showed up at Stephenson Park. Expect Sale City to be areal contender this year.

In thebiggest winning margin for the round, the young team at Yarramcould not ward off Churchill, who won by 45 goals. The Cougars were too strong, maintaining

start

possession with atight defence to win 60-15 at Yarram Recreation Reserve.

Heyfield are building something special.

The Kangaroos got the job doneagainstfellow 2023 finalists, Rosedale.

The young Roos showed their composure to win 39-34 at home.

Heyfield’s Sarah Schellen wouldhave been happy to secure her first win as the new AGrade coach.

Glengarry was glad to have defeated Gormandale 53-39 at Tigerland. Though the score looks convincing, Gormandale might have celebrated the closer match as awin, as the teamonly averaged around 31 goals per game for the season last year.

GIPPSLAND

LEAGUE -ROUND 2

AGRADE -Bairnsdale 40 dMorwell 30, Moe58d Traralgon37, Warragul 66 dSale33, Drouin 65 d Maffra17, Wonthaggi43d Leongatha.

BGRADE -Morwell 45 dBairnsdale 32, Traralgon 48

dMoe 40, Sale 34 dWarragul 24,Drouin77d Maffra 27,Leongatha53d Wonthaggi34.

CGRADE -Morwell 39 dBairnsdale

Surprise: Former Morwell playerSaskia Eenjes wasinthe goal ring forWoodside on Saturday, but the Wildcats suffereda shockloss to TTU. Photograph supplied

R Reiigniing premiier suffer first loss in over ayear

FOOTBALL NORTH

GIPPSLAND

BY TOM HAYES

IT'S showtime.

THE 2024 North Gippsland FootballNetball season is now underway, afteran enthralling opening round.

Upsets were had, rivals got the nod over one another, and milestones were reached to put afull stop on Round 1.

Teams travelled primarily to the east to start the season, with Traralgon Tyers United,Heyfield, Gormandale, Yarram, and Sale City hosting their opening games. GLENGARRY got offtothe best start possible.

Some hadtheir doubts about the Magpies going into the new season, after finishing the previous year toward the footend of the ladder.

It was questioned whether their Round 1opponent, Gormandale may be able to cash in on what looked to be aweakened Glengarryoutfit,who reportedly madeno majorchanges to their 2023 squad.

For the Tigers, it was up to them to cause ashock and surprise the Magpies, while for Glengarry, the pressure was on them to collect the four points.

Glengarry appeared to handle that pressure expertly.

The Magpies got out to a26-point lead in the opening term,

“We felt like we started well on the back of applying some really good pressure and were able to capitalise on the scoreboard with afive-goal opening term,” Glengarry coach, Alex Birmingham said.

The Tigers had to get the ball rolling in the secondterm and try to work their wayback into the game, and they did to some extent.

Gormandale continued to hit the scoreboard, nailing another three goals, yet the visiting side was able to mirror that to keep hold of their lead.

Despite holding ahandy 25-point lead at the main break, the gamewas well and truly still in the balance.

“(Gormandale) gave areally strong contest in the second, which was our toughest fought (quarter) for the game,” Birmingham added.

From here on out, it was all black and white. The Magpies let loose and put Gormandale to the sword.

Asix-goaltonothingthird term put the game well outofthe Tigers’ reach, as Glengarry looked to add more goals and close the game out with astatement.

“From there on, we felt like we got our gamegoing and were abletotransition the ball well to our forwards and put in on the scoreboard in agood second half,” Birmingham said.

Another 3.4 (22) to Gormandale’s two behinds provided the Magpies with astatement 85-point win, 17.12 (114) to 4.5 (29).

It now marks two yearssince Gormandale’s last senior win, which came over Cowwarr in Round 1ofthe 2022 season.

JackBurgess,LukeHealy, Spencer Poulton(fivegoals), Jesse Lee,Thomas Harris and Callum Mitchell were the most influential for the Magpies. Jet Hodges also pitched in with three of his own majors.

For Gormandale, the standouts were Jai Foulkes, Jet Krimhand, Hayden Richards, Isaac Copland, Kodie Owen, and Matt Anderson.

HEYFIELD aren't going anywhere.

Withthe expected riseofthe likes of Rosedale, Sale Cityand Yarram, the Kangaroos wouldbeput to the test when they hosted the Blues to open their season.

And atest it was, as atrying Rosedale outfitwould not let up for the majority of the game, and at some points looked like the favourites to take home the four points.

Thetwo teams were hard to separate in theopening stanza, with the scores tied at 4.3 (27) apiece at quarter time.

The congested nature of the game continued well into the second term up until halftime, which saw Rosedale take the advantage, kicking two goals to two behinds.

It was acompletely differentcontest in the

second half, as Heyfield appeared to take the deficit personally.

Heyfield displayed the dominance they did in the back half of the 2023 season, kicking sevengoals to oneinthe third term, completelyblowing Rosedale out of the water.

Still, their lead was only 23 points,and by no means was Heyfield allowed to assume thatwould be enoughtoclose out the game.

So, they madesure of victory, sealing the gamebykickinganother 6.4 (40) to Rosedale's sole behind, claiming a62-point win, 17.9 (111) to 7.7 (49), but by no means did they do it the easy way.

"It wasnice to start the season off on a positive note. In agamelitteredwith young playersonboth sides, it was atight contestin the first half and the game opened up after halftime," Heyfield coach, LeighBrown said.

Theplayers of difference for the Kangaroos were Thomas Marchesi, Max VanDer Zwart, Robert McMillan, Brayden Woodland,Kyle Graham,and Tyson Birss. MitchellBennett ledthe way in front of goal for Heyfield with six majors.

LukeStuckey,Blake Safstrom, WillLogan, OscarSmith, BaileyReid, and Caleb Barnett were valiant in defeat for Rosedale.

UNDEFEATED no more.

TTU sufferedtheir first loss since the 2022 Grand Final, outdone by last year's runner-up, Woodside.

It was on from the very first quarter, as 2023's Grand Finalists went toe-to-toe to assert their dominance in the new season.

Both sides tallied 3.1 (19) in the first quarter,the close nature of the game mimicking that of the Grand Final itself.

In an end-to-end quarter, both teams had their fair share of the football.

But someone had to break the chain, and it was Woodside who kickedaway, withfive goalstoone in the second term to hold a 22-point advantage at the main break.

Given the nature of games these two playedinlastyear,22pointswas amassive margin, but Woodside couldnot discount the side that is the reigning premier.

So, they simply carried on.

Another three goals were added to Woodside's tally, while chances went amiss at the other end, which had massive repercussions for the Bombers.

TTUkicked2.10 (22) in the third quarter, which, if things hadhave gone theirway, couldhave blown the game out of the water.

"(In the) third quarter (TTU) really stepped up and gave everything and got within 14 pointsatthree-quarter time," Woodside senior coach, Michael Stockdale said.

"They really took it up to us, with 15 more inside 50s -which we defended well. They did miss some opportunities in frontofgoal."

Adisheartened TTU entered the final term with some catching up to do, down by three straight kicks.

Despite the amount of effort exerted, the Bombers couldn'thandle the wrathofthe Wildcats,who went on to have six scoring shots, returning 3.3 (21).

What did TTU have in response? Four behinds. Theywere held goalless as last year's runner-up soon became the favourite forthe flag after a31-point win.

Woodside claimed the four points, 13.6 (84) to TTU's 6.17 (53).

"Both sides played agood brand of footy. They were missing some key players which will make them onlystronger,"Stockdale noted.

Mark Collison, RyanFoat, Lee Stockdale, Jai Williams(four goals), Thomas King, and Adam Janssen were highlights for the Wildcats.

In defeat, TTU'sZach Kilgower, Flynn Shields, Oscar Aliotta, Trent Hourigan, Jake Cashmore, and Nicholas Fox played admirably.

WITH two milestones being played at Yarram Recreation Reserve, both Yarram and Churchill had something other than premiership points to play for. The Demons were celebrating 300 club games of Josh Swift,while theCougars weredoing it for Chris'Squid' Williams,

who brought up 200 senior games.

Churchill got the early jump, making the most of the wind advantage by taking a nine-point lead into the first break.

In afast-paced, high-scoring second term, the Cougars were able to remain within reach while kicking against the breeze.

Yarram kicked seven goals to five to regain thelead and essentially hold the upper hand at the main break by three points.

The momentum stayed with the Demons in the third term, which was vital as Churchill had their secondchance to kick with the wind.

Yarram's structures overpowered that of the Cougars in the penultimate quarter, as the Demons disabled the ability of Churchill to use the corridor.

Churchill did kick three goals, including aspecial banana from the boundary off the foot of Ben Kearns, but they were outdoneby Yarram whoposted four majors themselves

Still, only two kicks separated the sides as they entered the last quarter.

Churchill was hoping to display some sort of magic, like they did in their last visit to Yarram Recreation Reserve. No, it wasn't against Yarram, but it was afinal quarter comeback withsignificance,asthey knocked over Yallourn Yallourn North in last year's Elimination Final.

Both sides could barely get going in the final stanza. Yarram slowed down the play and congested the footy, ultimately halting any sort of comeback from Churchill.

Yarram closed out the opening round win, defeating the Cougars, 15.11 (101) to 13.13 (91).

"I'm really proudofour boys. Churchill are aquality opposition and are ateam that always keeps on coming and never seem to back down," Yarram playing-coach, Boadie Motton said.

"So, for us to be able to play aconsistent fourquarters of team football and stickto ours structure and moral was areally good sight to see.

"We have implemented and worked on a range of new things over the offseason, and to mostly executethat in the opening game, will drive abit of confidenceamongst the playing group."

DylanGarnham, Matt Clavarino,Josh Swift(six goals),Griffin Underwood, Motton, and Jake McFarland were the best for the Demons.

NickCelima,Ben Kearns (five goals), Jordan Fenech, Nathan McRae, Chris Williams, and Brendan Holt were the drivers for the Cougars.

SALE CITY capped off the round with a classy victory over Cowwarr.

The Saints hoped to be one of the big improvers in 2024,withthe massivesigning of Keenan Hughes from YYN.

Despite his efforts in front of goal, Cowwarr was unable to disable the power of the Bulldogs.

Sale City went froma27-point quarter time lead, to a32-point halftime lead. Yet still within reach, they wouldsoon break the shackles and let loose on Cowwarr.

Adding 37 points to their score in the third term, the Bulldogs put themselves in acommanding position, with Cowwarronly adding three majors.

With the margin getting out of hand, the Bulldogs only made it worse for the Saints, kicking five finalquarter goals to the Saints' two.

The four points went the way of the home team at Stephenson Park, 18.11 (119) to 7.7 (49).

JacobSchuback hit the ground running for the Bulldogs with six majors. Also in their best was Jaxsyn Whitehill, Kane Martin (four goals), DaineMcGuiness, Ostin Waugh, and Lachlan Carman.

Cowwarr was led by Alex Saunders, Hughes (five goals), Nick Twomey, Connor Cook, Ben Coffey, and Kyle Stamers.

YYN had the bye.

Plenty of promise for Gippy Power

FOOTBALL GIPPSLAND POWER

BY TOM HAYES

IT may be early in the Talent League season, but it has been an exciting start for both the Boys’ and theGirls’programs

Theboys started their season afortnight before the girls, but both sides started off with abye.

Gippsland Power’s Boys Program was off to a flying start on the field, with awin away from home against the DandenongStingrays at Belvedere Reserve in Seaford.

Power led at every changetofight off afast finishing Stingrays outfit, who they eventually downed by 16 points, 16.13 (109) to 14.9 (93).

Leongatha’sXavier Lindsay was named beston-ground in their opening performance, while fellow ParrotThomas Hanily,Traralgon’sWilliam Brent and Heyfield’s Asher Eastham (three goals) all made the best.

The following weekend (April 7), the Power was once again on the road, this time to Ballarat’s

MARS Stadium to face the Bendigo Pioneers.

Gippsland started slow, which resulted in a 14-point quarter time deficit, but they certainly made up for it in the second term to tie the scores at the main break at 5.5 (35) apiece.

The Pioneers earnt the upper hand in the third term, kicking 5.3 (33) to the Power’s one-straight, which in turn gave Bendigo a27-point lead going into the final stanza.

In wet conditions, both sides played out afairly even period of football to seethe Pioneers off as winners, 12.9 (81) to 8.9 (57).

Leongatha’s Max Donohue made the best for Power, whileLindsay and Traralgon’s Brent earnt another inclusion.Drouin’s Brodie Atkins was also noted for his efforts.

Between rounds three and four (weekend of April 12-14), the Boys’ Talent League had abreak for a couple of different representative opportunities.

The Under 16s and 18s Victoria Country and Metro sides selected players from across the Talent League for their respective trial matches, which was one of the representative opportunities available to certain players.

For the Under 16s selected for Victoria Country was MarlonNeocleous (Traralgon)and Judd Burgiel (Maffra), who weretwo of the 10 Gippsland Power boys selected to play in the Game 1against Victoria Metro.

For the Under 18s, Foster’s Willem Duursmaand Heyfield’s Eastham were amongfive boys from the Power program to play Victoria Metro in Game 1.

Maffra’s Max Stobieand Traralgon’s Brentwere two of three Power boys selected for Game 2against Victoria Metro.

During the same weekend just gone, Morwell’s Ricky Menthaand Leongatha’sLindsaygot to don the Australia jumper for the first time in 2024, when they were selected to represent the Australia Under 18s against VFL side Coburg.

This was the first of two matches that the Australian U18s will play, the second coming against Footscray on the weekend of April 27-28.

THE Gippsland Power Girls’ Program got off to a great start at the weekend, annihilating Murray Bushrangers by 87 points.

It wasn’t just 87 points,itwas 12.15 (87) to 0.0 (0)

The girlsseemtohavegelled much faster

compared to last season, where it took them until Round 7toclaim their first win.

They only scored over 87 points once last season, and that was with ascore of 13.10 (88), in that first win of the season in Round 7against Northern Territory.

This time around however, the Powersteadily grew upon their lead, all while keeping the Bushrangers to nil.

Sale City’s Ash Centra lit it up with four goals, earning herself best-on-ground honours. Also in the best was Traralgon’s Chelsea Sutton, Sale City’s Zali Gallagher, Nar Nar Goon’s Maya Crestani, and Warragul Industrials’ Addison Howe.

THIS weekend (Saturday,April 20), both the Boys’ and the Girls’ Powersides willhead to Dandenong’s Shepley Oval to take on the Sydney Swans Boys’ and Girls’ Academy.

The girls will start their Round 3game at 10.45am, while the boys will start their Round 4 game 12.45pm.

Latrobe Valley’sGold Coast trio feature in strong Suns victory

FOOTBALL

AFL EXPORTS

BY TOM HAYES

FOUR locals were in action in the AFL at the weekend, bouncing back to the norm after aweek in the City of Churches.

Although some parts of the AFL ladder look to be taking shape, there is still anumberofteams finding their feet, which could begin to have some effect as the season progresses.

The local trio on the Gold Coast workedtirelessly for four points against Hawthorn in Round 5action, while Traralgon’s Tim Membrey and his St Kilda side came ever-so-close to knocking off the undefeated Giants.

AS soon as the game began to settle between Gold Coast and HawthornatPeople First Stadium, it became increasingly more apparent the Suns look the goods.

It wastheirstolose from start to finish, never giving the visiting Hawks asniff of victory.

From their three-goal lead at quarter time, to 22-points at halftime, things only went from bad to worse for the Hawks.

The Suns grew from strength to strength, kicking five goals to two in the third quarter, and the next thingtheyknew, they had a40-point lead going into thefinal change.

Gold Coast has hadbragging rights overthe Hawks in abig way in recent years, knocking them overby86points in 2017 (the biggest winning margin in theclub’s history),and alsoby67points just two seasons ago.

Anotherfivegoals to three in the finalterm gave the Suns a53-point margin, 16.13 (109) to 8.8 (56). Each of the locals involved had impressive games,beginning with Moe’s Bailey Humphrey, who had 13 disposals, two marks, two tackles and five clearances.

Morwell’s Ben Ainsworth poppedupprominently. He had 22 disposals and ninemarks across the half forward line.

Most significantly, Moe and Fish Creek’s Sam Flanders hadanother outstandingperformance, racking up 34 disposals, including nine marksand atackle, plus 625 metres gained.

Aft er fiv eg ames this season ,F lande rs is

averaging 30 disposals per game, and is currently 10th for total disposals in the AFL.

Hawthorn should have Morwell’s Changkuoth Jiath back within am at ter of weeks, as he returns from asoft tissue injuryhesufferedin the preseason.

The Suns move to 3-2, sliding into the top eight, only one win behind the likes of Carlton, Melbourne, Sydney and Port Adelaide.

This weekend,Gold Coast heads to Sydney to face the Swans on Sunday.

GREATER Western Sydney looked in complete control when they hosted St Kilda at Canberra’s ManukaOval, butthe gamecame downtothe wire.

The Giants blew the Saints out of the water in the openingpartsofthe game, leading by 19 points at quarter time and halftime,before blowingout to what seemed to be an unassailable 29-point lead.

By GWS standards,they would’ve expectedto collect the four points fairly stress free from here.

They kicked the first goal of the final quarter to extend out to a35-point lead, before the train that was St Kilda came storming home.

The Saints kicked six straight goals, while some minor scores to either side filled the spaces. Eventually, Anthony Caminiti’s late goal brought the margin down to one point.

In the dying embers,StKildalooked for alate winner, but their final forward 50 entry was upended by Giants substitute James Peatling, who took aclutch contested mark to ice the game.

Membrey kicked two goals straight from his 12 possessions, clunking eight marks and finding himself in the ruck on the odd occasion.

St KildaopenRound6 when they host the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadiumtomorrow (Thursday, April 18).

The Freak from theCreek: Moeand Fish Creek’sSam Flandersiscurrentlyaveraging 30 disposals pergame in 2024.

Photograph: AFL Galleries

Collaboration key to Cougars court

THE Churchill communityand sponsors have gotten behindthe local football-netball club’s fundraising effort to bring asecond netball court to Gaskin Park.

After manyyears of planning, approvals, and fundraising,teams willnolonger have to warm up on the road.

Construction on Churchill Football Netball Club’s second court is now well underway.

The concrete slab, laid by Nezink, was made possible by agenerous $10,000 donation from major club sponsors Hip Pocket and Cool Aqua Springs. “It’s fantastic to have the slab down. It’s taken a long time and alot of work, and contributions like this go along way toward making that happen,” Churchill FNC President, Mark Answerth said.

“There’s still afair bit of work to do, but this is areally good start.”

The total cost of the second court will exceed $80,000, with the local clubraising the majority of themoney through fundraising efforts.

“It’s proven that kids who are involved in sports are alot less likely to get involved in things that are abit untoward. We’venow got five junior sides …and they’reall going to be able to train here alongsideour seniors, so this makes abig difference,” Answerth said.

“They can all train on the same night and come up for ameal, and that’s one of the big reasons we wanted asecond court.”

It is well known that Churchill’slackofasecond netball court has prevented the club from hosting aNorth GippslandFootball-NetballLeague Grand Final, but with these latest upgrades, the club will no doubt have abetter chance to host the biggest game of the year.

“Whether we like it or not, traditionally, football has been the main focus, even with football and netball clubs. One of the things we’re trying to do as aclub is to get both sports on an even playing field,” Answerth said.

“Netballers especially in our clubhave been so generous in giving up their time and putting their hand up, our treasurer is anetballer, our secretary is anetballer, and half our committee is netballers, so we have shown we will support the netballers andthey’ll support us and that’s just part of building astrong club.”

Latrobe CityCouncil has come on board to assist the club.

Council contributed $5000 towards the concrete construction of the Churchill netball court. Council is also covering the cost of the concrete slab to be covered in acrylic and line marked which has cost $25,000, equalling atotal council contribution of $30,000 to the netball court.

Hip Pocket and Cool Aqua Springs were thrilled to announce its continuedpartnership with the ChurchillFNC,witha donation of $10,000 towards the construction of astate-of-the-art netball court.

As amajor sponsor of the club for more than three years, Hip Pocket and Cool Aqua Springs said they have witnessed first-hand the club’s unwavering dedication to fostering community spirit and

promoting active lifestyles.This commitment has solidified Hip Pocket and Cool Aqua Springs ‘ decision to support the club’s latest endeavour to enhance its facilities.

“Churchill Football-Netball Club is more than just asports club; it’s ahub for community engagement and personal development,” said Hip Pocket and Cool Aqua Springs Managing Director, Alfi Prestipino.

“We are honoured to continue our partnership with such an outstanding organisation and to contribute to the creation of anew netball court that will benefit players and spectators alike.”

The $10,000 donation from Hip Pocket and Cool Aqua Springs will go directly towardsthe construction of thenew netball court,ensuring that membersofthe Churchill FNC and the wider community have access to modern, high-quality facilities for years to come.

The acrylic surface won’tbelaiduntil the end of the month, but with the concrete now dry, all netball teams will finallyhave aplace to warm-up.

More Star signs of improvement

NETBALL

VNL

BY ZAIDA GLIBANOVIC

GIPPSLAND Stars Under 23s took on Melbourne University Lightning for the first time in the Victorian Netball League’s Round 6lastWednesday.

Though the Stars started well, managing to maintain their first centre pass, the Lightning defence became too much to bare and turnovers kept coming.

In Lightning’s attack, goal shooter Claire Oakley was aforce to be reckoned with, as the Lightning midcourters would positions theirpasses directlyover Starsdefenders and into Oakley’s hands.

Oakley shot at an eye-watering 95.45 per cent accuracy, meaning there was not much the Stars defence could do.

Wing defence formMoe, Hollie Bugeja won player-of-the-match for her defensivehustle and ability to stunt the Lightning attack at times.

Despite the 72-40loss, there are many positives in the Starscamp. Morwell’s Chloe Radford continues to get better, showcasing her attacking talent in the midcourt. Drouin’syoung Charlize Traumaniswill be ashootertolook out for in the near future.Having been managedonminutes, Traumanis still managed to make an impact, missing only one shot from her 15 attempts.

The Stars’willnolonger have ahome game in Round 7ofthe VNL.

The Gippsland-based team wasfixtured to play ahome game against Casey Demons at Bellbird Park in Drouintomorrow. The game has since been rescheduled for the State Hockey Netball Centre after the Netball Victoria foundissue with the courtrun-off section at the Drouin site.

“The (Gippsland Stars) committee made the decisiondue to the existing team benches at Bellbird Park being inside thethree metre run off regulation and the advice of the requirement to move the benches for the match into the existing grandstand. This requirement wouldremovethe ability to cater for adequate spectators for boththe Stars

and travelling Casey teams,” the Stars said in amedia release. “Withnoalternate venues available in the region for the fixture that meet the run off regulationand havingthe ability to cater for adequate spectators,the unfortunate decision was made not to host our first home match in Round 7.” Gippsland

Partnership: Hip Pocketand Cool Aqua Springs have donated $10,000 towardsChurchill Football Netball Club’ssecond court.PicturedisCool Aqua Springs Managing Director,AlfiPrestipinoand ChurchillFNC President, Marck Answerth. Photograph: Zaida Glibanovic

Winner: Moe’s Hollie Bugeja wonthe Stars’ Playerofthe Match awardlastweek. Photograph supplied

Saturday, April 20

Call TheMidwife.(PG,R) 1.30 Murder In Provence. (Mav,R) 2.55 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces.(R) 3.45 Brian Cox’s Adventures In Space And Time.(R) 4.55 CreativeTypes With Virginia Trioli. (R)

5.25 Landline. (R)

5.55 Australian Story. (R)

6.30 Bluey. (R)

7.00 ABCNews. Alook at the top stories of the day

7.30 Murder In Provence. (Final, Mav)Part 3of3.Alove affair seems to be at the heartofayoung woman’s death in anearby town

9.00 Miniseries: TheSuspect. (Mal, R) Part 3of5.Bedevilled by personal issues, Joe embarksonhis owninvestigation, whilethe police continuestheirs. As Joe digs deeper,heunearths details which lead him uncomfortablyclose to home.

9.50 ALife In TenPictures: Carrie Fisher (PG, R) Takesalook at Carrie Fisher’s life in 10 pictures, revealing 10 keyturningpoints and new truths.

10.45 HappyValley. (Final, Malv,R) Scores are settled for good.

11.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Music video clips.

ABC TV PLUS (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 7.05pm Riley Rocket 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Would ILie To You? 8.00 QI. 8.30 Live At The Apollo 9.20 Whose Line Is It Anyway? 10.05 MythBusters. 10.55 Portlandia. 11.35 Adam Hills: TheLast Leg. 12.15am UpstartCrow 1.20 Would ILie To You? 1.50 Unprotected Sets. 2.35 Russell HowardStands Up To The World. 3.20 ABC News Update. 3.25 Close. 5.00 Late Programs.

4.50 Persons Of Interest. 5.50 GoingNative. 6.20 News. 6.30 Strait To The Plate. 7.00 The Other Side 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: Tank Girl. (1995 M) 10.25 Ray Charles At Salle Pleyel. 11.10 Late Programs.

6.00 MorningPrograms. 2.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour.Amstel GoldWomen’s Race. Highlights. 3.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour.Amstel Gold Men’sRace. Highlights. 4.00 Motor Racing. World Rally-Raid Championship.Round 3. BP Ultimate Rally-Raid. Highlights. 4.30 Roman Megastructures. (PGv,R) 5.30 Untold Arctic Wars. (Premiere, PGaw)

6.30 SBS WorldNews

7.30 Ireland’sWild Islands: Echoes Of ThePast. (PGa)Part3 of 3.

8.25 Nick Knowles Into Death Valley. (PG) Part 1of2.Nick Knowles explores DeathValley, travelling from Dumont Dunestothe Salt Creek Trail.

9.20 Miniseries:The Boleyns: A Scandalous Family (Mas, R) Part 1of3 Charts the rise and fall of the Boleyn family based on original 16th-centurysources.

10.30 Secrets Of TheRoyal Palaces: Traditions. (PGa, R)

11.20 Between TwoWorlds. (Malv)

12.15 WhileThe Men Are

Away (MA15+s, R)

1.15 Miniseries: New Gold Mountain. (Madl, R)

3.15 EmployableMe(UK)(Mal, R) 4.25 Bamay (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines

The WorldTonight.

6am WorldWatch. 10.00 TheMovie Show Noon Gymnastics. FIG Trampoline World Cup Series. H’lights 1.05 Gymnastics.Rhythmic World Challenge Cup. H’lights. 3.05 WorldWatch. 5.00 Woman. 5.30 Shortland St 6.00 Motor Racing. Hi-TecOils Super Series. Round 2. 9.30 Impossible Engineering. 10.25 AK47: The LegendBehindThe Gun 11.20 Juice. 11.50 Late Programs.

6am Roxanne. Continued. (1987, PG) 6.55 TheBridge On The River Kwai. (1957,PG) 10.00 Paradise Road (1997, M) 12.05pm CrouchingTiger,Hidden Dragon. (2000,M,Mandarin) 2.20 The Crossing. (2020,PG, Norwegian) 4.10 Black Narcissus. (1947, PG) 6.05 Bicentennial Man. (1999,PG) 8.30 Jackie Brown. (1997,MA15+) 11.20 Secretary.(2002,MA15+)

6.00 NBCToday 7.00 WeekendSunrise. 10.00 TheMorning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. All Aged Stakes Day,MorningtonCup Day,Charity Race Day andMorphettvilleRaceDay

5.00 SevenNews At 5. 5.30 Border Security:Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Football. AFL.Round 6. Brisbane Lions vGeelong.From the Gabba, Brisbane. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show Post-game discussion and interviews taking alook back at all the action from the game.

11.00 To Be Advised

12.45 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship.Round 3. Taupo Super400 Day 1. Highlights. From TaupoInternational MotorsportPark, New Zealand.

2.00 Home Shopping (R)

4.00 Mystic (R) Issie ridesBlaze in thecross-country trials against rivals Dulmoth Park, but Caroline’s injurymightstopher competing.

5.00 HouseOfWellness. (PGa,R)Luke Darcy,JoStanley and LukeHines look at locationsthat highlight living well.

6.00 Getaway.(PG, R) 6.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 7.00 WeekendToday 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday.(PG) 12.00 Take Me Home.

6.00 9News Saturday.

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 Jeopardy! Australia. (Premiere) Hosted by Stephen Fry.

8.30 MOVIE: Penguin Bloom

(2020,PGal, R) Basedonatruestory

Amother’s world is shattered aftera near-fatal accident leaves her paralysed.

NaomiWatts, AndrewLincoln, Jacki Weaver

10.20 To Be Advised.

12.30 Renovate Or Rebuild. (R)

1.30 TheGarden Gurus. (R)

2.00 TheIncredibleJourney Presents. (PGa)

2.30 Getaway. (PG, R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: HomeShopping. (R)

5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

9GEM (92, 81) 7TWO (72, 62)

12.20am Late Programs.

9GO! (93, 82) 7MATE (73,64)

6am Morning Programs.

1pm Blokesworld 1.30 Taste Buds With Dane Swan. (Premiere) 2.00 RidesDown Under:Workshop Wars. 3.00 Drag Racing. NDRC TopFuelC’ship. H’lights. 4.00 Hustle &Tow 5.00 CountingCars. 5.30 Storage Wars 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 MOVIE: TheMummyReturns. (2001, M) 10.10 MOVIE: Gunpowder Milkshake.(2021 MA15+) 12.40am Late Programs.

6am Children’s Programs. 1.40pm MotorRacing. Formula EC’ship 2.50 Motor Racing. Formula EC’ship 4.00 Surfing AustraliaTV. 4.30 The Bradshaw Bunch. 5.00

Kenan. 5.30 MOVIE: Playing With Fire. (2019

PG) 7.30 MOVIE: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.(2013,M) 10.30 MOVIE: Ad Astra.(2019,M)

12.50am Kardashians. 1.40 TheBradshaw Bunch. 2.10 Love AfterLockup 3.00 Late Programs.

6.00 Ready Steady Cook. (R)Everyday Aussie home cooks team up with acclaimed chefs Diana Chan and MikeReid.

7.00 TheDog House (PGa) Acouple are looking for an outgoing pup anda playful spaniel may be the perfect match.

8.00 Ambulance UK. (Mad) It is a busyweekend night shift as North West Ambulance Service crewsattend to patientswith mental health issues. An advanced paramedic is dispatched to a baby born in thepassengerseat of acar

10.30 So Help Me Todd. (PG, R) Todd takes on the role of babysitter when Margaret facesoffagainst her university nemesis.

11.30 FBI: International (Mv, R) Kellett questions her new relationship

12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

5.00 Hour Of Power.

6am Home Shopping

9.00 I’mACelebrity…Get

Sunday, April 21

ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (7,6) TEN (10, 5) NINE (9,8)

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 WeekendBreakfast. 9.00 Insiders 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World

This Week.(R) 11.00 Compass. (PGa, R) 11.30

Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30

Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 Dream Gardens.(R) 3.00 ForeverSummerWithNigella. (R) 3.30

Cook And The Chef. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs NZ. (Final, R) 4.40 George Clarke’sAmazing Spaces. (R) 5.30 AntiquesRoadshow

6.30 Compass:Ageing Fabulously Investigatesoptions forelderly LGBTQI people.

7.00 ABCNews. Alook at the top stories of the day

7.30 Call TheMidwife. (PGa) Lucille struggles with her own health.

8.30 Vera (Ma) Part 3of3.Verainvestigates when thebodyofthe co-owner of a chip shop is found in hisown freezer.

10.05 HappyValley. (Final, Malv,R) Scores are settled for good.

11.15 TheMessenger (Mal, R) Another ace appears.

1.05 Rage Vault (MA15+adhlnsv)

3.55 Rage Closer (R)

4.00 TheSoundtrack Of Australia. (R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

10.35 Death In Paradise. 11.35 Penn &Teller: Fool Us. 12.20am Would ILie To You? 12.50 Inside The Met. 1.40 Vera.(Final) 3.10 ABC News Update. 3.15 Close. 5.00 Hoopla. 5.15 Ready Jet, Go! 5.25 Pablo 5.40 Late Programs.

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.05 Ageless Gardens. (R) 10.05 Vintage Voltage. 11.00 Surf LifeSaving. National Championships. 2.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Cycling. UCIWorld Tour.LaFlèche Wallonne. Women’s race. Highlights 4.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour.LaFlèche Wallonne Men’s race. Highlights. 5.00 Cycling. National Road Series. Tour of Brisbane. Highlights. 5.30 Untold Arctic Wars. (PGalw)

6.30 SBS WorldNews

7.30 TheCambridgeshire Crucifixion (PG) AlookataRoman crucifixion

8.35 Destination Ancient Rome.

An exploration of ancient Rome, the largest cityinthe world during antiquity with one million inhabitants.

10.20 Egypt CodeBreakers. (R) Acelebration of hieroglyphs being decoded.

11.25 End Of TheWorld: TheMayans. (PGa, R) Tracesthe collapseofthe Maya

12.25 TheRiddle Of TheRoman Coneheads. (PGa, R)

1.20 Secrets Of Playboy. (Mads, R)

3.45 EmployableMe(UK) (MA15+l, R)

4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera News.

6.00 NBCToday 7.00 WeekendSunrise. 10.00 TheMorning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 HouseOfWellness. (PG,R) 1.00 Better HomesAnd Gardens. (R) 2.00 Football. VFL.Round 4. Carlton vPortMelbourne. 5.00 SevenNews At 5. 5.30 Melbourne Weekender (PG) 6.00 Hello SA.(PG,R) 6.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 7.00 WeekendToday 10.00 AFL Sunday FootyShow. (PG)

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Farmer Wants AWife. (PGal) It’sfireworks at the first get-together

8.40 7NEWSSpotlight. An exclusive, special investigation.

TheLatest: SevenNews. 10.10 Tears Of Hope… With David Wenham. (Ma) 11.25 Quantum Leap (Mav) Benmust findahiddenformula 12.25 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship.Round

6am Bicentennial Man. (1999,PG) 8.25 Paris CanWait (2016,PG) 10.10 T-34.(2018,M,Russian) 12.15pm

Monday, April 22

4.40 Grand Designs. (PG,R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.20 Paul O’Grady:For The Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 10.20 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. (PG, R) 11.10 Ancient Invisible Cities. (PG, R) 12.10 WorldWatch. 2.00 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 2.05 Tony Robinson: WWII By Drone. (PG, R) 3.00 Mastermind Aust.(R) 3.30 TheCookUp. (R) 4.00 Infected Earth. (PGal) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 LettersAnd Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorning Show. (PG) 11.30

6.00 Mastermind Australia. Presented by Marc Fennell.

6.30 SBS WorldNews

7.30 Finding Your Roots: Out Of The Past (PG) Hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr

Corners. Investigative journalism program exposing scandals firingdebateand confronting taboos.

9.15 Media Watch (PG) Hosted by Paul Barry

9.35 TheRiseAnd Fall Of Boris Johnson. (Ml) Part 4of4

10.35 ABC Late News

10.50 TheBusiness. (R)

11.05 TheWeekly With

PlanetAmerica. (R)

Grand Designs. (PG, R)

Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 1.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.30 TheSoundtrack Of Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

Whose Line Is It Anyway? 1.25 ABC News Update. 1.30 Close. 5.00 Hoopla. 5.15 Ready,Jet, Go! 5.25 Pablo 5.40 Late Programs. ABC TV PLUS (22)

6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Talking Language. 2.00 ShortlandSt. 2.30 TheCookUp. 3.00 Jarjums

8.30 SecretsOfThe Tower Of London. It is May 2023and preparations areunderwayfor the coronation of King CharlesIII. 9.25 24 Hours In Emergency: AboutABoy (Ma) A15-year-old is rushed to Queen’s Medical Centre after being struck in the eyewithanarrow.

10.20 SBS WorldNewsLate

10.50 Christian. (Malv)

11.55 My Brilliant Friend. (Masv, R)

3.10 Employable Me (UK) (Mal, R) 4.15 Peer To Peer.(PG, R) 4.45 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Home And Away (PG)

7.30 FarmerWantsAWife. (PG)

It is aday of dates, farm work and farewells for theladiesasthey explore whether rural lifeisfor them

9.15 9-1-1. (Mav) Bobbyand Athena respond to the explosion on the cruise, racing to aid injuredpassengers.

10.15 TheIrrational (Final, Mav)Alec and Marisa close in on the culprit

11.15 TheLatest: SevenNews.

11.45 TheClownAnd The Candyman. (MA15+av,R)Part 3of4

12.45 Grand Crew (PGals)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

Sunrise 5amNews.

Sunrise 6.00 9News.

ACurrent Affair 7.30 LEGO Masters Australia Vs Rest Of TheWorld. (PG) Hosted by HamishBlake 8.45 Paramedic s. (Mm) Aparamedic rushes to the aid of awoman having alife-threatening allergic reaction from atakeaway

9.45 Footy Classified. (M) Footy experts tackle the AFL’s big issues.

10.45 9News Late.

11.15 La Brea. (Mav)

12.05

6.30 TheProjec t. Thehosts and guest panellists takealook at the day’snews, events and hot topics.

7.30 MasterChef Australia.

(Return) Afresh batch of talented and passionate amateur cooks competes to impress the judges

9.15 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mav,R) Rookie agent Ray Cannon struggles to prove himself when he joins the fugitivetaskforce to hunt downa mysteriouskiller with psychological problems who is targeting IRS officers.

11.00 TheProjec t. (R) Alook at theday’snews.

12.00 TheLate ShowWithStephen Colber t. (PG)Hosted by StephenColbert. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBSMorning s. 6am

6am Paris Can Wait.Continued. (2016,PG) 6.45 Black Narcissus. (1947, PG) 8.35 All At Sea. (2010, PG) 10.15 Boundaries. (2018,M) 12.15pm Little Joe. (2019,M)

12.50am The Kindergarten Teacher.(2014,M,Hebrew) 3.05 Late Programs.

7MATE (73,64)

6am

Storage Wars 5.00 American Restoration. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 8.30 Adventure Gold Diggers. 9.30 AussieSalvage Squad. 10.30 Late Programs.

9GO! (93, 82)

6am Children’s Programs.

1pm RichHouse, Poor House 2.00 Surfing Australia TV 2.30 Bewitched. 3.00 Full House. 3.30 Sunnyside 4.30 The Addams Family 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 IDream Of Jeannie. 6.00

Raymond. 7.00 TheNanny 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30

MOVIE: GeminiMan.(2019, M) 10.45 Seinfeld. 11.45 The Nanny 12.15am Medium. 1.10 Love Island UK. (Return) 2.30 Full House 3.00 Late Programs.

Tuesday, April 23

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 10.30 The Pacific. (R) 11.00 OurVietnam War. (PGa, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Call The Midwife. (Final,PG, R) 2.00 Anh’sBrush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 2.55 Old People’sHomeFor Teenagers. (Final, R) 3.55 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 4.40 Grand Designs.(PG,R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (7,6) TEN (10, 5) NINE (9,8)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.10 Paul O’Grady:For The Love Of Dogs. (PG, R) 10.10 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. (PGa, R) 11.00 Ancient Invisible Cities. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.10 Tony Robinson: WWII By Drone.(PG, R) 3.00 Living Black. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up.(PG, R) 4.10 Coastal Ireland With Adrian

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS WorldNews.

7.30 Great British Railway Journeys: HackneyWickToOxford Circus.

(PG, R) Presented by Michael Portillo

8.30 Insight. (R) Kumi Taguchitakes alookatwhat effect an inheritance has on family relationships.

9.30 Dateline: Japan’sCheapHomes. (R) ExploresJapan’s abandoned houses.

10.00 SBSWorld NewsLate

10.30 Living Black. (R)

11.00 TheMurdochs: Empire Of Influence. (Ms, R)

11.50 Faking Hitler.(Mln) 12.45 Reyka.

(MA15+av,R) 3.45 Employable Me (UK) (PGal, R) 4.55 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHKWorld English News Morning.

5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Home AndAway. (PGav)

takea lighter look at all things AFL

10.10 Talking Footy Alook at the week’sAFL news. 11.10 TheLatest: SevenNews. 11.40 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. (PGa, R) 12.40 Gold Dig ger (Mal,

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Churchill North PS raise thousands for Foodbank

By KATRINA BRANDON

The Victorian Foodbank supplies fruits, carrots, the community trolley and breakfast club to many schools around Victoria so students can get throughout their day with energy.

On the morning of the ‘FoodFight,’the school held an assembly to share this information with the children.Throughout the fundraiser, each student had aseparate online profile for raising money, and depending on how much money they raised,they could choose what prize they wanted. Later in the day, everyone gathered at the school's top oval and joined in the fun. This allowed parents and the community to join in or watch. The firstphase startedat2.15pm. Students ran around in acircle, and the teachers stood in the middle with slime -orfruit juice-filled water guns and coloured powder bottles. Later,students

watched as certain teachers lined up and received asmashing of the materials together.

The Victorian Foodbank provided all of the materials for the day.

Overall,the school's fundraising went well. Aiming for $1000, the school surprised itself and raised $3862.

Chester visits Morwell Central

FEDERAL Member for Gippsland Darren Chestersaidhewas delighted to present the Morwell CentralPrimary School captains with theirachievement awards recently.

Mr Chester gave the students abrief introduction to his role as afederal member of parliament.

The Morwell Central Primarystudents certainly stuck to their school's motto of 'A Curious, Connected Learning Community' as the students asked Mr Chester many questions regarding his life in federal government.

Achievement: FederalMember for Gippsland Darren Chesterpictured with Morwell CentralPrimarySchool students Sudais Abdu,Arlen Peavey and Gemma Cukier Photograph supplied

Grigsby: Volunteer of the Year

CAITLIN Grigsby has won the 2023 Premier’s Volunteer of the Year award.

Ms Grigsby is an LGBTIQA+ advocate, and has worked linking LGBTIQA+ people in Gippsland to essential information, services and support. The prestigious Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award recognises extraordinaryvolunteering service, commitment and impact for people, acommunity, group, organisation, or cause in Victoria.

Caitlinispresident of GippslandPrideInitiative (GPI), avolunteer-led organisationworkingto providevisibility, engagement, awareness and celebration to the LGBTIQA+ community.Under Caitlin’s stewardship, Gippsland now has athriving LGBTIQA+ organisation linking vulnerable people across the region to essential information, services and support.

As aleader,Caitlin uses her strengthsand connections to work with local governmentand corporates to ensure that matters of inclusion are not just seen as community issues. Whether it be in acorporate boardroom,a national conference, or atrestle at alocal festival, she has an ability to provide simple solutionstowhatmay seem complex problems, while making everyone feel heard and validated.

Caitlin’s tenacity is unsurpassed, and her hard fought and high impact wins have only been delivered because of this persistence. As president of the Gippsland Ranges Roller Derby, Caitlin organised the inaugural Pride Cup Roller Derby and Pride Gala, now one of the most well-known and well attended queer events on the Victorian queer calendar.

Caitlin also co-authored and coordinated the ‘Rainbow Brick Road Report’ which captures data from LGBTQIA+ Gippslanders to help informdecision-makers and inform GPI’s recommendations.

HOROSCOPES

by Joanne Madeline Moore

April 15 -April 21,2024

Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 19)

Remember Mercury is still reversing through your sign (until April 25), so pace yourself On the weekend, lucky Jupiter and inventive Uranus join forces in your cash zone So – when it comes to money matters – being adventurous and innovative could pay off, as long as you are not ridiculously rash Getting professional financial advice is also a priority Your mantra for the week is from birthday great, writer Charlotte Bronte: “Look twice before you leap

Taurus (Apr 20 - May 20)

On the weekend (for the first time since 1941), Jupiter and Uranus hook up in your sign so it’s time for Bulls to be bold, brave and adventurous Which will give you the confidence and courage to be the authentic you, showcase your strengths, and pursue your wildest dreams Your motto for the moment is from birthday great, actress and activist Emma Watson: “I don’t want other people to decide who I am I want to decide that for myself ”

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

M Gercury is still in retro mode, until April 25, so make sure you back-up computer files allow plenty of time to get to appointments and catch flights double-check everything and are incredibly adaptable And Jupiter joins Uranus in your self-reflection zone so it is a good week to take up yoga, meditation, Tai Chi or some sort of metaphysical study Jupiter broadens your spiritual perspective and Uranus boosts your desire to explore exciting new realms

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

Double-check everything at work, as Mercury reverses through your career zone Then, on the weekend, Jupiter and Uranus hook up in your hopes-and-wishes zone So it’s time for proactive Crabs to dream big dreams and then take adventurous steps to make them come true No side-stepping! Your message for the moment is from Victoria Beckham (who turns 50 on Wednesday): “If you can get your head around your dream it means your dream isn’t big enough ”

Leo (July 23 - Aug 22)

On the weekend, lucky Jupiter and Uranus link up in your career and life direction zone So a combination of self-belief and sudden opportunities could set you on an exciting new professional path Volunteer work and networking are also favoured Inspiration for the week comes from birthday great, fashion designer Victoria Beckham: “I think the sexiest thing about a woman is confidence, but confidence in a humble way, not in an arrogant way ”

Virgo (Aug 23 - Sep 22)

Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 22)

Look out – Lady Luck is headed in your direction! With prosperity planet Jupiter and surprise planet Uranus linking up in your money-from-others zone, many Librans will benefit from a gift, inheritance, loan, divorce settlement, insurance claim, tax return or superannuation payout So make sure you spend any windfall wisely With Mercury still reversing through your relationship zone, tread gingerly with loved ones The buzz word for the week is diplomacy

Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21)

With Mercury reversing through your health zone, is it time for a medical or dental check-up? Or perhaps you need to revise and reboot your exercise routine? On the weekend, Jupiter and Uranus join forces in your partnership zone So try to view a troubled relationship from a different angle; from a more philosophical perspective And are you looking for love? In 2024 you could be attracted to someone from another country or culture

Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21)

Mercg ury is still in retrograde mode (until April 25) so slow down and be careful what you say – especially to children and friends On the weekend, Uranus and Jupiter (your patron planet) join forces in your job zone So – when it comes to your career trajectory – sudden opportunity meets self-belief If you ’ ve put in the preparation, then you’ll have the confidence to reap the rewards when Lady Luck comes along Work and travel are also a likely mix

Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19)

On the weekend, jolly Jupiter and exciting Uranus link up in your love, romance, children and friendship zones So your close relationships will bring much happiness and unexpected opportunities over the coming year However – with Mercury still reversing through your family zone until April 25 – there’ll be a few domestic dramas before you get there As always a cool Capricorn head patience and perseverance are your secret weapons!

Mercg ury is in retrograde mode, so it’s not the best time to buy a phone, computer or car But it is a good week to do just about anything with an RE in front of it – revise, rehearse, reboot, research, revisit, retract, refund, rethink, reschedule, redo On the weekend, Jupiter and Uranus activate your adventure zone, so travel, holidays and/or business trips are favoured after Mercury turns direct on April 25 By then, you ll be itching to put on your travelling shoes!

Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18)

Whe qn it comes to home and family – expect the unexpected! Courtesy of the weekend Jupiter/ Uranus conjunction, there’ll be exciting changes and/or domestic dramas involving loved ones and/ or living arrangements in 2024 You’ll feel the need to re-design, decorate, renovate, extend or even move house, and your family could be expanded in surprising ways With Mercury still retro, there could also be a big shake-up in your local community

Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20)

With Uranus and Jupiter connecting in your education and communication zones, you could find yourself writing, studying, teaching, publishing or podcasting, as you extend your social media reach to a larger national and international audience Travel and adventure are also on the horizon, as you choose more exotic and adventurous places to visit But be extra careful with financial matters as Mercury reverses through your money zone until April 25 COPYRIGHTJoanneMadelineMoore2024

WITH barrelsloaded and safety off, ready-to-go teachers at ChurchillNorth PrimarySchool slimed and powdered the students on Friday, March 22, with the hopes of raising money for the Victorian Foodbank.

Line-up: Teachers got soaked at Churchill North Primary School’s Food Fight Day towards helping the Victorian Food Banks

Photographs: Katrina Brandon

Fundraising: Teachersshowednomercy towardsthe students whilerunning the ring of waterand colour

Curtainsclose on Moe DanceEistedfodd

By KATRINA BRANDON

Spanning across eight days (April 3-10), the Moe Dance Eisteddfod showcased astaggering variety of more than 1500 dances.

From the classicelegance of ballet to the rhythmic beatsoftap,the expressive movements of jazz to the contemporary flairofhip-hop, and many more, the eventcelebratedthe diversity of the different styles

The days commenced at 9am and extended into the evening, withintervals in between forwelldeserved breaks.

All the days went smoothly, apart from one slight issue that presented itself during the Easter weekend,whenAusNetscheduled apower outage on Monday,April 8.

Luckily, Eisteddfod president, Shirley Weir came to the rescue.

After many emails and phone calls, which includedreaching the Ministerfor Energy, Lily D'Ambrosio's office, Ms Weir was able to acquire agenerator.

“I’m pretty happy because it wasn’t an issue that bothered anybody," she said.

"I’m very thankful that AusNet supplied the generator because we would have had to change alot of our schedule and to postpone would have beentoo difficult because thereare people who have come from all over (the state), some who have takentimeoff of work to bring their childrenin and put them on stage.

“On Sunday, we had atruck come along with its crane, lift the massive generator off the truck, and position it in the school.

"We had no interruption whatsoever; not even a flicker of the lights went off. We were so lucky they could smoothly take us off the grid.”

Along with the power challenge, the choices for winners in each session became achallenge in some sections.

Ms Weir told the Express that both judicators Sophie McKie andVirginia Ferris,who havemore than 20 years experience, had alot of trouble selecting the winners.

Right before the presentations on Wednesday, April 10, the Eisteddfod held amemorial for their late dancer,IndyanaHopman, who had danced with them for many years.

Dancer Ella Franke, from Julie Ryan Dancers, based in Traralgon and Newborough,said the Eisteddfod community was tightknit.

“I feel like it is areally supportive community. Everyone is very kind, loving, and supportive. It’s areally nice place to be,” she said.

“I have spent 12 to 13 years on the stage. My mum put me into dance classes because Iusedto dance at home when Iwas young. Just grew from

there, continued to dance, and started performing on stage.”

Excited for the next few years of Eisteddfods left, Ella said that real life disappears on stage-all other worries are gone, and you just enjoy what you do. Dance schools that participatedinthe Eisteddfod included Gippsland Academy of Dance,Academyof Dance Victoria, Cathay Lea Academy of Performing Arts, ClassicalCoaching WithClaire, DanceDesires, Dance Legacy, Dance On Academy, Dance Stream Victoria, Dancepointe Academy, Danceworks 114, Destination Dance, Evolve Performing Arts, ExpanseSchool Of Dance, Independent Dance Studios, Jane Moore Academy of Dance, Julie Ryan Dancers, Karlie Grace Dancers, KC’s School of Dance, Leaps &BoundsDanceSchool, LisaPellin Dancers, Reflections Academy of Dance, Sharon Lawerence Academy of DAnce, SparkStudio of Dance, UrbanFunk Dance and Volar Dance Centre.

Poise: Mason Athanasiadis from Gippsland Striking: Senior (15and over) Classical rElla

Duo: Winnersofthe 12 and underhip hop duo/ trio open,Alexis Grayham and ClaireSchram from the Dance On Academy. Yougot served: LailaHoltfromthe Lisa Pellin Dances

THE show was on for Moe Dance Eisteddfod. Dancers from all over Victoria enjoyed the individual or duo connections to the stage at Lowanna College’sauditorium.

Prostatesupport

ALLAN Cunningham, the convenor/ secretary of the Latrobe Valley Prostate Support Group, is aworthy recipient of the Max Gardner Award.

Apresentation will be held next Wednesday, April 24 (at our monthly meeting) at Morwell Club (136 Helen Street,Morwell).

Members, guests, new members and partners are welcome to meet at 6pm for ameal in the bistro and presentation at 7pm.

Special guests are Professor Tony Walker, who is on the National Board Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia and also ambassador with the PCFA since 2014.

Tony is also ap rostate cancer survivor and advocate.

He has more than 37 years experience in the Ambulanceand Emergency Services sector, working across senior clinical, operationaland leadership roles, most recently as chief executive of Ambulance Victoria, where he led the health and wellbeing of their workforce and theresponse they provide the community.

AlanWhite will also be aspecial guest. Alan is aBayside Kingston ProstateSupport Group, Prostate Cancer advocate and survivor, author and previous 2022 recipient of the Max Gardner Award.

For enquiries, phone Rhonda Read on 0411 587 075.

Chess results

PETER Bakker was the leadingplayer this week after forcing the win against Ian Hamilton.

SamanthaJuers enjoyed the fast games although missed victory in amatch against Matt Bolding in Latrobe Valley Chess Association action.

Cliff Thornton was able to claim the win in two battles, but missed chances in others.

The slig ht adv antag ew as not enough for Steve Ahern in twoclashes and the majorlosses were too greatin two other games. Phone 0413 330 458 or 5134 1971 for details on all things local chess.

Gippsland Tango

WITH many regulars away travelling at the moment, now is afantastic time to comeinto asmall group to begin learning Tango. Come and enjoy ArgentineTango with Gippsland Tango to socialise, move your body and have fun.

All levels of experience are catered for!

Gippsland Tango has aregularcommunity who enjoy learning, dancing, and keeping their bodies moving and mentally sharp with Argentine Tango -The Walking Dance.

The friendly community is growing and the group would love to continue this trend.

Classes are held every Wednesday from7pm to 8.30pm at St David's UnitingChurch Hall (behind the church) on 9C am pbe ll Street, Yarragon.

Wearcomfortable,loose fitting clothing allowing free movement, together withleather solesshoes or shoes that

Community Corner with Liam Durkin

allow to slide abit in thefloor.

Ladies -noslingbacksasyou need a secure shoe that won't slip off.

It is agreat idea to start in socks or jazz ballet type practice shoe.

If you would like achatbefore coming, call Naomi on 0405 739 819.

Bridgeresults

TRARALGON Bridge Club results

Tuesday, April 9- N/S 1st Pat Davies andJan Williams (61.25 per cent); 2nd Roxy Lamond and Glenie Lohr (54.58).

E/W/1st Ken Tierney and Anne den Houting (60); 2nd Heather Watt and Anne Howes (55.36).

Thursday, April 11 -1st Kevin Taylor and Marion Taylor (59.72); 2nd Greg Nicholson and Caroline Shaw (55.21).

Men's breakfast

COME along to join other men for bacon and eggs at 8.30am this Saturday (April 20) at Gippsland Christian Church, Moe. Guest speaker is Mick Fitzpatrick. Whether it's the food, the company, or the inspiring story of ahopelesslife turned around, you are sure to enjoy it. The eventisfree, but gold coin donations are welcome.

The breakfast willtakeplace on Level 1/36 George Street, Moe. Enter by the stairs at the back of Shaw's Arcade (RSL carpark), or the lift in the arcade. Any inquiries to David on 0412 780 512.

THIS Sunday (April21),classical musician Judy Hall will performatthe

Gippsland PerformingArts Centre, Traralgon.

The performance features not only Ms Hall, but her past and present piano stud ents, voc alist Ma ry Mirstchin and TheLatrobe Orchestra, as well as internationally renowned concert pianist, Timothy Young.

Tickets are $30.

Access ticket prices are available from the GPAC Box Office on 5176 3333 or search EverythingOnGPAC Show starts at 2pm.

Social tennis

GET activ e, both phy sically and mentally, twice aweek at Morwell Tennis Club.

Social tennis is held Monday and Fridaymornings from 9amto12pm at Ronald Reserve (Vary Street, Morwell).

Gamesare modifiedsoparticipants don'thave to run much, it is all about enjoying having ahit and chat.

Atotal swing and miss is not uncommon and adds to the fun and laughs. Tea ,c of fee, wate ra nd bisc ui ts provided.

Cost is $2.

Jazzy time

HEYFIELD Memorial Hall are hostingaJazzHigh Tea with the Tamara Kuldin Quartet on Sunday, May 19. Thecommunity areencouraged to immerse themselvesinwhatevent organisers are calling adelightful event starring the entrancing Tamara Kuldin Quartet,who are readyto serenade attendees with their sweet, swingin' jazz melodies.

Organisers promise the event will be afeast for both the ears and the palate, envelopedinthe historic charm of Heyfield Hall.

To ensure yourplace, purchase tickets through EventbriteoratHeyfield Lotto on George Street, Heyfield Seatingisintentionally limited to maintain the intimate atmosphere of the Jazz High Tea experience. The High Tea will take place between 1pm and 4pm at Heyfield Memorial Hall -34MacFarlane St, Heyfield. Tickets are $45.

For more details, visit heyfieldhall. org.au

For ticketing assistance or further inquiries, the volunteer committee is available on 03 5191 9389.

Trafalgar Historical Society

THE next meetingofthe Trafalgar District Historical Society will be held on Friday (April 19) at 2pm in the old Kindergarten residence, 30 Contingent Street, Trafalgar. This wasprevi ouslyadv erti sed for April 18 at 7.30pm and has been altered as aconvenience to our older members.

Subsequent meetings will also take place at this time.

Information can be obtained from

Can youhelp?

MARCHING Girlswerepopular in the 1960s and most towns in Gippsland had teams which entered competitions and took part in displays.

Trafalgar District Historical Society arelooking for photos of the Trafalgar Marching Girls, so if youcan help,get in touch with the society.

The society is seeking copies of the Traf News publishedbetween Septemberand December of 2022.

Field naturalists

AT the next meeting of the Latrobe Valley Field Naturalists' Club on Friday, April 26, Dr David Watson, an ecol ogis tf ro mC ha rles Stu rt University, will talk about Mistletoes and their biological function.

The meeting starts at 7.30pm at the Moe Library, with Dr Watson's presentation to be deliveredvia Zoom. This will be followed by the club's monthly meeting and supper. Mistletoes are abirdbeacon but they alsoprovide for sugar gliders, koalas, possumsand butterflies. There are around1500different species of mistletoe in theworld, and all 92 in Australia are endemic -found nowhere else in the world.

Most people think of amistletoe as parasitic pest that kills its host tree, butnothing can be further from the truth. They havebeen co-evolving with Australiannative plants since the time of the dinosaurs and are important for the health of our environment.

The excursion the following day, (April 27), is along the Tanjil Bren Tramway Walk, among the tall Mountain Ash forest of Tanjil Bren. Meet at the picnic ground off the Mt Baw Baw Tourist Road at 10am.

Visitors are most welcome, both to the meeting

Writing workshop

PHD student and Traralgon resident, Emma Livesey-Greeniscurrently studying at Deakin University.

Ms Livesey-Green will be running the practical section of her research, which will be acommunity creative writing program at Traralgon Neighbourhood House.

This program will see participants, collaboratively create aradio play based in afictional Traralgon predominately through playing atabletop role-playing game (TTRPG).

The premise of this program is that, throughengagementwith the TTRPG, participants will not only learn key creative writing concepts, but also work together to collaboratively create their own narrative of alocal place.

Ms Livesey-Green will then take recordings of the game play and turn this narrative into aradio play, which can then be shared back with the community.

Youcan be apartof Community Corner

IF you are acommunity groupand 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.

Please write 'CommunityCorner' in the subject line and nothing else.

Judy Hall and Friends

Dianne on 0439 655 172.

Majestic: Imperial Jezebelbutterflies emerging from theirpupaeona

Busting myths of ‘The Forest Wars’

By MARK POYNTER

THE author of the book, TheForest Wars,Professor David Lindenmayer, is an ANU ecologist who, according to the blurb, is a‘world-leading forest expert’.

Over the past 15-years, he has been privilegedwithamediaplatform for frequent,forthright, and often sensationalist commentary on forestry issues that generally fit apopulist, anti-timber industry narrative. It is pertinentto acknowledge here that there are also numerous, albeit rarely heard, expert voices who strongly contest the veracity of many of his assertions.

The Forest Wars purports to portray the ‘uglytruth’ aboutwhathappens in woodproduction forests specifically Victoria’s tall wet forests where the author has concentrated much of his research.

Given that wood production in Victoria has now ceased -albeitthat the author can’t quite believe it -t he book is now asomewhatacademic exercise. Presumably, it’s purpose is to maintain outrage that can aid campaigns that are now focused on ending timber productioninNSW and Tasmanian native forests. Perhaps this is why the book appears to have been put together with some urgency.

Nevertheless, it is easilyreadable in a short, sharp, but often simplistic mythbustingstyle.Unfortunately, it lacks an index which would make it easier to find particular areas of interest. The writing exudes astrident,‘I’m-the-expert’ tone While this may be appropriate to areas of the book that address the author’s primary fields of expertise, it can fall flat when the book strays onto topics of whichthe author has an obviously limited practical understanding.Such topics includefire management, forest carbon, timber harvesting,resource economics, plantations, timber imports, and eco-tourism.

In places, the writing is loosewith che ap put -do wns, dis missals and inaccuracies in relation to perceived opponents. This somewhat weakensthe authority of its arguments. Some examples are throw-away lines such as “the loss-making pulp-and-woodchip-driven industry”; and “Industry powerbrokers keep on lobbying governments to ensure the chequesand favours keep rolling in.” The worst is the book’s blatant misrepresentation of Forestry Australia (formerly the Institute of Foresters) as atimber industry body and ‘cheer squad’ when it is in fact aprofessionalassociation for the nation’s forest scientists, who are collectively the foremost experts on practical forest management. An equivalent error would be describing the Australian Medical Association (the AMA) as abody that represents the pharmaceutical industry.

Irrespective of such misconceptions, any book authored by aprominent scientist will-deservedlyornot -be automatically anointed with ahigh level of credibility and trust.However, in this case, any readersexpecting ascholarly, balanced and objectively-considered analysis are likelytobesomewhat disappointed.

Instead, the book primarily reads as an

exercise in findingarguments to justify the author’slong-standingbelief that nativeforest woodproduction is exceedingly damaging, unviable,unnecessary, and must end.

The book is comprised of 12 chapters, of which eight are specifically devoted to “busting themythspeddled by industry”. Within these eight chapters, atotal of 37 “myths” have been nominated, briefly described, and summarily debunked, leading to ashort “reality” statement.

The problem with this myth-busting appr oach is that it ofte ni gnores important context and dumbs-down the subject matter leading to simple, abs ol uti st ‘re al ities ’t ha tt ak en o account of the complexities and nuances inherent to native forest management. Unfortunately,m an yoft he book’s so-called “industry myths” are cleverlyworded inventions perhaps designed to divert attention awayfrom important areas of discussion.

For example, Myth 33: The best way to tackle climate change is to cut down forests and regrow them. As written, it is indeedamyth. But it is also an invention because no-one has ever

forestlogging are small;and Breaches of Australian logging laws can be widespread.

All of these can be shown to be either false, largely false or highly contestable. Largely they haveabasis in flawed research featur ing the omission of important context, areliance on wrong or misplacedassumptions, selective use of evidence, or misinterpretation of sourcereferences. For example, on the topic of sawntimber percentage, initial errors from early papershave cascadedtodeliver afigure that is wrong by at least amagnitude of four. Indeed, some flawed foundation papers have beenasubject of formal complaint to the author’shome institution, theANU Fenner School, as far back as 2015.

Unfortunately, countering the book’s glaringdeficiencies in these areas is beyond abrief book review. Sufficeto say that thereare rational explanations, including peer-reviewed science, that can counter or cast doubt on virtually all of the book’s many allegations. This inclu des recol lect ions from intimately involved foresters that are at odds with some of the author’s personal anecdotesthat demonise timber production,including in relation to the multiple, concurrentactivist-led court casesthat have crippled the Victorian native forestry sector in recentyears. To cite justone example, thebook’s frequent allegation that “native forest logging” is financiallyunviableisbased only on the accounts of the government agency that sells logs and the numbers of fore st ry cont racto rs wor kin gt o harvest and haul those logs. It inexplicablyignores that this in-forest activity leads to at least 10 times as many jobs outside the forest in log processing and woodproducts manufacture, and the substantial revenuethat thisgenerates.

In 2015, when Victoria’s Central Highlands native timber industry was operating with far less interference from eco-activist legal challenges, Deloitte Access Economicsvalued thewhole industry at $570 million per annum. Hardly a“loss making” activity.

said that harvesting and regenerating forests is the best way to tackle climate change. Instead, what has been said often, including by the IPCC (IntergovernmentalPanel on Climate Change), is that sustainably producing wood products from aproportion of nativeforests plays an important role in mitigating climate change. This is an important distinction that actually vindicates continued timber production. Othersamong these “industrymyths” are bizarre.Indeed, from the perspective of my 45-year careerinforest science and field forestry, Ican only accept that acouple of the 37 so-called “myths” actually fit that label, and find that the book’s supposedly myth-busting statements of “reality” are more often the real myths. Some notable examples of the book’s wrong or spurious ‘realities’ are: Logging increasesthe risk of high severityfire; Thinning has no effect or may even make fires worse; Only four per cent of the biomass in alogged nativeforest ends up as sawn timber; Native forest logging is value subtracting; Logging is aloss maker; Numbers of jobs in native

In keeping with mostvilification of ‘native forest logging’, the book credits it with dire environmental consequences that are way out-of-step with the small proportion of public fore st that is actually used for timber production.

Allegations, such as extinction threats or water yield reduction, must by their nature, be strongly correlated with the extent to which forests and their values are directly exposed to logging. Yet, the book providesnospecificdetails of proportional forest use, even though such information is easily obtainable.

As if keenly aware of the potential for this major omission to be levelled against it, the book dances around it by suggesting that logging’s impacts are “about more than simply the proportion of the total forest estate that is logged… It matters what is being logged….. places targeted for loggingare oftenthe most productive parts of the landscape”. While thereiscertainly some truth in that, the book’s reluctance to disclose exactly how much forest is designated for wood production smacks of afear that it would exposethe level of gross exaggeration that has long been rife amongst critics of timber production.

For the record, in Victoria before the 2019 government announcementofa phased industry closure, the net area of public forest designated for aperpetual long-term cycle of timber harvest and regenerationcomprised justsix per cent of the state’s total area of public forests and woodlands.

As aproportion of only the potentially harvestable forest types, the designated wood produ ction zones still only comprised around 12 per cent widely dispersed across eastern Victoria.

In the most productive parts of the landscape, such as the state’s Mountain Ash forests, only about 15 per cent had been designated for timber production since the Otway’s industry closure 20-years ago, including about 25 per cent of those in the Central Highlands at the time its industry was closed.

Clearly the vast majority of Victoria’s forests, including its highest value landscapes, have been undisturbed biodiversity preserves for decades.In view of this reality, the many comments in the book which imply otherwise,such as “Iamconfident our native forests will also recover if we stop logging them…” can only be regarded as disingenuous.

Amongst the book’s Acknowledgements, the author thanks his “ many opponents in debates over the years”, citing alist of politicians,journalistsand government administrators to whom“Ihave listened to, and thought deeply about, their opinions”. That no scientists are listed among his ‘opponents in debates’ is interesting given the concerns regularly raised by forest scientists in relation to research by him and his ANUassociates.

Arguably, the book’s doubling-down on some obvious misconceptions and errorsreflects atendencytoignore or dismiss valid (and more advanced) for est science res earc h, kn owledg e and advice, especiallyinrelation to assumptions and concepts. Books like this largely “preach to the converted” and so, despite its many shortcomings, it will likelyplease the majority of its readership who already support the anti-forestry agenda and are seeking brief, ostensibly accurate scientific facts to confirm, reinforce or enhance their preconceived beliefs.Generally, these true believers aren’t much interested in the alternative arguments or rational explanations that would challenge their self-righteous certainty.

Forestry is not and has never been perfect. Like any natural resource use that has evolved over alengthy period -around 130 years in Australia -ithas been shaped by both practical knowledge and pragmatic societal demands while enduringits shareofmistakes,trialsand tribulationswhich haveprovided the lessons for its progress into asophisticated scientific discipline. It will be tragicifthe true history of Australian native forestry is obscured in the public record by the polemic accounts of arms-length critics.

Mark Poynter, aretired forester after a45-year career, was borninMorwell andlived and worked for several years in East Gippsland. He is afellow of the Institute of Foresters of Australia (now Forestry Australia),and haswritten two books on thecommunity and political conflict over native forest management.

Set it straight: Forestr yexper tMarkPoynter has disputed manyclaims made by Professor David Lindenmayer. Photograph supplied

Honouring Bruce Ellen’slife work

LIKE many, Iwas saddened to learn of the death of Latrobe Valley Express General Manager, Bruce Ellen.

Ihad the honour of working as Express editor under Bruce’s management for close to three years (October 2019-July 2022).

Manytributes have flowedhis waysince his passing, including the fitting description that he was a“giant” of Gippsland newspapers.

It has been said there are two types of people in this world -talkers and doers.

Bruce was adoer -hegot things done. His passion for regional newspapers was inspiring, which shone through in the battles with the federal government, as he demonstrated just how important we have been, are, and will continue to be in our local communities.

Bruce was instrumental in the growth of the TodayNews Group, born after News Limited’s decision to close anumberofprinted newspapers across Queensland.

It is acompany Ihaverecentlyjoined andone that has been shaped by the ethos Bruce lived by. Despite hisown health struggles, it was that passionfor newspapers and the industry in general, that continued to drive him. His work ethic was renowned. No matter how early Iarrived into the office or late Ileftit, Brucewould be at his desk, either on the phone, or tapping away on the keyboard. He provided unwavering support during my time as editor, aperiod which included the pandemic. Iwill always be indebted to him for offering me the opportunity to lead the paperI had first delivered in Newborough as ateenager.

Thank you Bruce.

Finally, I’d like to extend my condolences to Bruce’s family and many friends at this sad time.

Gregor Mactaggart

Central Queensland Editor -Today News Group, Rockhampton

Morethan an eyesore

IWOULD like to bring your attention, and to the readers of the Latrobe Valley Express,the issue of a road traffic sign as you enter Moe at the overhead bridge from Newborough.

The sign was destroyed by strong winds before Christmas, and has been lying in the grass ever since.

Icontacted Latrobe City and they informed me that it was aVic Roads issue, but would follow up my enquiry.

Latrobe City later contacted me, and indicated that it was on Vic Roads list of priorities to reinstate the signage into the Moe CBD. That was just after Christmas, and it’s now the middle of (April), and the sign remainslying in the grass.

It is not agood look for people visiting Moe for thefirst time, as the overhead bridge, which takes people to the north or south side of the town, can be very confusing without signage. If this road traffic sign is not reinstated ASAP, it could create atraffic hazard, which could result in death or serious injury.

Steve Mayes Moe

Pubtest

THE closure of cherished regional pubs, bars, restaurants, and cafés in regional Victoria reflects the daunting economic challenges faced by hospitality business owners and their staff. Rising costs, higher energycosts, increased land tax, soaring rents and mounting WorkCover

premiums threaten their survival, including taxes on liquor licences, power hikes and dwindling revenue threatening businesses’ survival.

Immediate action is crucial to protect these cultural landmarks and support the dedicated family businesses and the employees behind them, ensuring the prosperity of regional Victoria.

These closures are felt in areas such as Premier Jacinta Allan’s home seat of Bendigo, where the Kangaroo Flat Hotel has sadly closed.

The Forge, aprominent pizzeria in Ballarat, recently went into administration due to mounting cost pressures, including increased taxes and interest rates.

Frank and Connie’s Kitchen, amuch-loved venue in Hepburn Springs, has closed its doors.

Businesses in Beechworth, Geelong and Maldon have suffered asimilar fate.

Labor’s huge debt because of their financial mismanagement has led to higher taxes, and is now forcing many of our favourite hospitality venues to sadly close.

But it doesn’t stop there.

The Labor government’s restriction on gas supply has pushed prices up and now they’re proposing to ban new gas connections, forcing restaurants to use more expensive options to cook and heat their venues.

Under aLiberals and Nationals government, we will not ban gas. Labor can’t manage money and Victorians are paying the price.

Peter Walsh Leader of The Nationals

People ahead of profit

LAST year, the federal government changed the prescriptionregulationssothat most people regularly using pills that come in packets of 30 could buy two month’ssupplywithone visit to the chemist.

The Pharmacy Guild/Chemists’ union predicted all sorts of disasters, which have not happened.

Che mist sc har ge our world -l endi ng the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme afee for every visit we make, so the changes mean avery minor cut to chemists’ incomes.

Visiting my Moe chemists, Ifind that they are running somesort of campaign to trytostop customers having the benefit of fewer visits.

My advice is that if you want to spend less time hanging around waiting for scripts, you should switch to achemist that puts customer time and convenience ahead of profit.

Yourmove will alsohelp us to retain ourgenerous PBS, which is the envy of Americans and others.

Neil Hauxwell Moe

Whereare the 24/7 nurses PM?

BATTERED localLabor supporters would no doubt have been buoyed by arecent LV Express headline story ‘Medical makeover’ (20/03/24), in which our caretaker Premier of Victoria announcedthe opening of a‘world class’ $223.5 million expansion of theLatrobe Regional Hospital.

Surely this was proof they must havethought, thatthe yearsofneglect by the Labor Party regarding regional health had turned the corner?

At the opening, the LRH Chair assured all present that the project marked “the start of abetter health care system” and claimed that the new facilities would allow them to now complete an additional 6200 elective surgeries annually.

LRH’s chief executive further stated that up to 150 mostly foreign sourced staff would be required, and said he was confident they could fill those places within the next 12 months.

Yet fast forward afew days later and afront page report ‘Hospital deaths horror’ in the Sunday Herald Sun told adisturbingly different story.

An unnamed LRH whistleblower was quoted as saying “They spend tens of millions on new theatres and there’s no one to staff them. It’s by farthe worst in terms of management and safety. It’s adisaster… It’s running on skeleton staff.”

Other informants claimed that there was ongoing ‘grave concerns’ about understaffing and staff being asked to carry out duties for which they were unqualified.

So who is telling the truth?

Arecent investigation by the Herald Sun reporter SueDunlevy revealed that 75,000 highly trained nursing staff had stopped workinginAustralia since the harsh COVIDlockdowns imposed in 2020 The same report also mentions alooming shortage of 10,500 GP’s due to reduced student intakes.

Prior to the lastfederal election, PM hopeful Albanese pledged to mandate 24/7 nurses by July 2023inAged Care as apart of a$2.5 billion reform package.

What happened to those?

Where is the Opposition?

Greg Hansford Newborough

Sad sight

WALKING through Morwell Shoppingcentre, Iwas

shocked to see so many businesses have shut down. What an uninspiringimpression that leaves if you’re atourist to our city.

True, some of those businesses may have moved to Mid Valley, but clearly the vast majority haven’t. Whatare our dedicated and committed politicians doing to attract business to our community and when do we expect to see the fruit of their labour?

Like many people,I doubt any politician has put forwardaviable plan that would address the issue and attract investment, and Isuspect the government couldn’t care less given we are considered regional and irrelevant.

We lost the Commonwealth Games, which would have benefited the community, without asingle word of apology from those who were involved in the Games fiasco due to ministerial gross financial incompetence or due to it being an election lie in the first place.

We pay ourpoliticiansgoodmoney plus perks to do ajob, so why do they refuse to honour their commitments to us? As usual,weare the fortunate ones who through no fault of our own, are subject to regular train strikes because the government can’t or wont resolve this industrial problem.

Foolish me, Ijust remembered that politicians havetaxpayer funded cars and petrol cards, so why should they care giventhey’renot the ones whoare inconvenienced -again, maybe because we are regional and in the government’s eyes we are insignificant

For the record, we are not insignificant and we are not ignorant and thoughts along those lines will hopefully result in underperforming politicians of all persuasions losing their cushy jobs. Patrick Ansell Morwell

As an exper tinsmall domestic plumbing maintenance work, Allison provides awide rangeof plumbing services forhomes

She has morethan three decades of experience and can solve your plumbing headaches

“I star tedmyapprenticeship with the Gas and Fuel in 1989,” Allison explained.

“I wasone of asmall handful of women takenintotradesthat year as equal oppor tunitywas high on the government’sagenda.

“I have enjoyedmostofmy plumbing life- nowmoresothan ever.I enjoythe interaction with my customersand building agood customer-client relationship.”

If youneedtofix that leakytap or arelooking to upgrade your old one,The TapSpecialist should be your firstpor tofcall.

Allison specialises in repairing leakingtoilets,hot waterrepairs, upgrading old toilet systems,and installations of dishwashersand waterfiltration systems

The TapSpecialist also offers waterrenewals and small renovation workstoher customers. Allison prides herself on her abilitytoget to jobs on time (orcall customersifshe is runninglate), her free quotes,competitiveprices and cleanliness “If you’re looking foralocal plumber that is professional,

ALLISON MyersisThe TapSpecialist.

undercover, no early birds please.

BOARD DIRECTOR

VACANCY

YALLAMBEE TRARALGON

VILLAGE FOR THE AGED INC.

Yallambee is anot-for-profit community owned organisation,providing services that accommodate and support aged members of the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland community.

Yallambee's facilities are conveniently located in the heart of Traralgon near popular amenities and advanced health facilities.

With 90 Independent Living Units in our Yallambee Retirement Village and 120 beds in our Margery Cole Residential Care Service. Yallambee prides itself on providing individual choice, independence, and quality of life.

The Board of Directors is committed to the provision of strong leadership with focus on fiscal and clinical governance to ensure Yallambee is well positioned to respond to the increasing demands within this growing and challenging Aged Care sector.

Yallambee currently has one vacancy on our voluntary Board of Directors. If you are interested in becoming part of adynamic Board, can add diversity in thinking and share our vision and mission in making adifference in the lives of our residents, we would be pleased to hear from you.

We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, such as those with adisability, CALD, Aboriginal /TSI,LGBTQIA+ community and people of different age groups with different lived experiences. Desirable skill sets include Legal, Accountancy, Risk Management, Project Management, Business Governance, and who have previous board experience. Yallambee

URGENT Deliverers Wanted TRARALGON,

LatrobeCityCouncilhasexcitingopportunitiesforenthusiasticand forward-thinkingindividualswithapassionforprovidingexcellent servicestoourcommunity

• FamilyServices AdministrationAssistant –AdministrationAssistant–MaternalChild Health Maternal Child –Permanent Full Time

• LibraryServices Officer Offi –MultipleCasual Positions

• HumanResources Business Partner –Permanent Full Time

• Free From Violence ProjectOfficer –Fixed Term Part Time

• ProjectManager –SportsLegacy –SportsLegacy–Fixed Term Full Time

• ProjectSupportOfficer –SportsLegacy& Pr –Sport Activation Activation–Fixed Term Full Time

• AdditionalAssistantEducator– EarlyChildhood Additional AssistantEducator–Educator Educator–Fixed Term Part Time

• Maternaland Child Health Nurse Maternal andChild Nurse– Permanent Part Time &Casual

• LearntoSwimInstructor LearntoSwimInstructor– Multiple Casual Positions

• Childcareand PreschoolEducators –Cert3and Childcare andPreschool Educators–Cert3and Diploma Di oma – Casual Positions

Forfurtherinformationincludinghow toapply,positiondescriptionsand applicationclosingdates,pleasevisitour websitewww.latrobe.vic.gov.au/careers

Pleasenotesuccessfulapplicantswillbe requiredtoapplyforandsatisfactorilyobtain aNationalPoliceCheckandWorkingwith ChildrenCheck.

Children must be 11years 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 GP1 632593

PHN is part of anational network of 31 Primary Health Networksacross Australia. PHNsare funded to work towards theobjective of meeting thehealthneeds of the most vulnerable people in the community or those most at risk of poor healthoutcomes. Gippsland PHNworks closelywith community and the primary healthsector to identify opportunities to improve health outcomes in Gippsland, through better coordination and support of health services and by commissioning new services to address identified health needs.

Gippsland PHN is seeking expressions of interest for the following Clinical Council positions: Chair (GeneralPractitioner)

DeputyChair (General Practitioner)

Members

These positions will commence on 1July 2024for up to three-years. We arelooking for individuals who would like to provide input and advice on improving healthcareservices in Gippsland.

Gippsland PHN is seeking clinical council representatives from arangeofbackgrounds, with different perspectives of the health system

Areyou aclinician, alliedhealth professional or other health champion of the primaryhealth caresystem?

Do you haveexperienceworking with Aboriginal and/ or Torres Strait Islander individuals?

Do you haveexperience workingwiththosefrom multicultural backgrounds?

If you areinterested, we would love to hear from you.

How to apply

All potential nominees shouldreview the online information and complete the Expression of Interest link available at https://gphn.org.au/about-us/caceoi/ Formoreinformation, please email company.secretary@gphn.org.au

Moe Bowling Club Inc.

trailer, safety gear, ideal for fishing and duck shooting $1200 o.n.o. Ph 5133 6355. Marine •

FOX, Maxwell Charles (Max). Passed away Peacefully at St Hillary's Morwell on 1April 2024. Aged 96 years Loved and loving husband of Jean (dec.).

Much loved father of Lynn, and Gregory (dec.) an dd aug hte r-i n-l aw Lynne. Adored Pa to Sonjia, Benjamin, Natalie, Selina, and Jacob and all his great grandchildren and great great-grandchildren.

McGRATH, Francis Michael (Frank).

Passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones at the Latrobe Valley Village, Newborough on Wednesday, 10 April 2024.

Aged 75 years Father of Damian, Nigel, Bianca, and their partners. Pa of 10 grandchildren and Great Pa to 1. Thank you to the staff at Latrobe Valley Village for your amazing care and support.

SHEEDY, Stan.

The Moe Bowling Club Board and all club members wish to extend its deepest condolences to the Sheedy family on the passing of Stan Sheedy on 8April 2024. Stan was an esteemed member of the club and will be greatly missed. May Stan rest in peace

WAITE, Alison. Alison, amuchloved and dedicated volunteer and supporter of Lifeline Gippsland for over 20 years. We will miss your visits, catch ups, and your wicked sense of humour. Rest in peace Alison, you gave so much to community. Condolences, from the team at Lifeline Gippsland.

GAY.

AGraveside Committal Service for Mr Mathew (Mat) Robert Gay will be held at the Yarram Cemetery, Hyland Highway, Yarram on FRIDAY (19 April 2024) at 11am.

Following this Service, a Memoria lS ervice to Celebrate Mat's Life will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Highway, Traralgon on the same day, FRIDAY (19 April 2024) commencing at 2pm.

Ph 0413136878

CAMPER Trailer, off-road, water tank and pump, elec. brakes, 12v batt. and 12v plugs, boat rack, erect trailer for tinny $5000 o.n.o. Ph 0488 301 283.

1991, manual, v.g.c. r.w.c. vin. 21A0433493, will swap for GQ ute or $6000 o.n.o. Ph 0475 690 520 4WD

The Funeral Service for Max was held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel in Moe THURSDAY (11 April 2024).

In accorda nce with Frank's wishes aPrivate Family Burial has been held.

NISSAN NAVARA

Dad Andrew and family.

WHALAN (Randle), Gloria Louise. Known to all as Aunty Gloria and Nanny. Passed away peacefully on 9th April 2024 at Narracan Gardens Aged Care Moe surrounded by her loving family. Aged 80 years Dearly loved mother and mother-in-law

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

TRARALGON 5174 2258

Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

GOODWIN, Michael Peter (Micka). 16/12/1985 -18/4/2020. Loved and remembered forever son of Peter and Diane Goodwin, brother to

SIM (née Billows), Daphne Lorraine. 6/8/1934 -13/4/2024.

EXPRESS

BRIEN, Paul Raymond. Passed away peacefully at Latrobe Regional Hospital Traralgon on 8 April 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Aged 66 years Dearly loved son of Raymond and Pauline (dec.). Much loved brother and brother-in-law of Kevin and Elsie, Stephen and Ann, Maria and Bill. Adored uncle and great uncle to all his nieces and nephews.

GAY, Mathew Robert (Mat). Formerly of Gormandale and Traralgon, late of Yarram. 24/10/1956 -8/4/2024.

Passed away peacefully at the Austin Hospital.

Much loved son of Bruce and Zelda Gay (both dec.).

Loving brother of Tim and Maryse Gay (Tasmania), Sue and Robert Aitken (Traralgon), Peter and Esth er Scarboro ugh (Indonesia) and Janet Fairbrother (Toongabbie). Great mate of Ricardo and Inara Girten (Yarram). It is with sad heartsthat we announcethe deathof our brotherand good friend Mat. Aman with abig heart who will be missed by so many.

John 14

JAMES, Wayne Ernest. Passed away unexpectedly at Mulgrave Private Hospital on Saturday 6April 2024.

OLIVER, Douglas William (Doug). Passed away suddenly at home on 7April 2024.

Aged 73 years

Much loved and cherished Dad of Mark, Sharon and Stu, Amanda and Tony, Deanna and Henry. Adored Poppy to his 13 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and their families. Loved brother of Kay, Beverley, Keith, Joan, Elizabeth (dec.) and their families.

Forever in our hearts Will be sadly missed

PELZ, Jill.

Aged 80 years

Dearly loved husband of Jane and Fay (dec.). Much loved brother of Graham (dec.) and Marilyn. Sadly Missed Rest In Peace For Funeral details visit: www.nielsenfunerals.com.au

Aged 80 years Loving husband of Krystyn. Former husband of Ena. Devoted father of Joanne, David (dec.) and Simon. Loved and respected father-in-law of Gavin, Lee and Sarah. Loving granddad of Jordan, Toby, and Millie. Great granddad to Jack and Archer. It happened so quickly, It's hard to understand, One day you were with us, the next day in God'shands.

Born in Morwell 24 April 1937, passed away on 6April 2024 with family by her side. Loved wife of Frank (dec.) and mum to Anthony, Richard and Suzanne and mother-in-law of Morrie. Devoted and proud Gaa to Jade, Tyronne, Tonilee, Stefanie, Sammuel and Darcy. Will be missed by her faithful companion fur baby, Kudi. Mum you'll walk beside us everyday unseen, unheard but always near 'Sweet Dreams'

Passed away peacefully at Margery Cole. Daughter of Phyllis and Bob Billows (both dec.). Loved and loving wife of Gordon (dec.).

Much loved sister of Lorraine Bonacci (dec.).

Lov ed mo ther and mother-in-law of Darryl and Birgit, Kerri and Darren, Tonee and Alan. Loved nana of 7and great grandmother of 4. Loved mum of Darryl and Birgit, Nana of Madeleine, Eleanor and Josh. Always in our hearts

Treasured mother of Kerri and son-in-law Darren. Cherished Nana of Stacey, Clinton and Brenna. Great grandmother of Kyson, Hamish and Kenzie.

We will treasure the memories

Loved mum and motherin-law to Tonee and Alan Harlow. Much loved nana to Tom and Clare. Valued family to Tess and Aiden. Great grandmother of Tayla.

Many happy memories to cherish

PELZ. The Funeral Service for Mrs Jill Pelz of Eastwood will leave the Peter Murray Funerals Chapel, Bairnsdale on FRIDAY (19 April 2024) after a service commencing at 11am for the Bairnsdale Cemetery.

Please see our website for livestream details.

Peter Murray Funerals East Gippsland 5152 4596

SIM. The Funeral Service for Mrs Daphne Sim will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Highway Traralgon on TUESDAY (23 April 2024) commencing at 1.30pm. The Funeral will leave at the conclusion of the service for the Gippsland Memorial Park Cemetery, Traralgon.

Daphne's Service will also be livestreamed. To view the livestream please visit: latrobevalley funerals.com.au and click livestreaming.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

Bereavement Thanks •

KARAPULKA, Olga.

The Karapulka and ter Horst family would like to express our sincere thanks and our appreciation to everyone on our recent unexpected sad loss; for their support, flowers, cards, messages, food, phone calls, many visits and medical care. To family and friends, LRH Casualty medical staff, GEM Ward staff, St Michael's Parish, Ambulance staff, Calvary Care, Harwood Funerals, and especially Hillcrest Medical Centre; Mums GP Dr Miriam Cieslak for her many years of compassionate dedicated medical care, and the nurses, pathology, and reception staff there with her. ♥

STEWART (Sandall), Joanne (Jo).

Acoach, mentor and friend to all that passed through the doors

since 1992. His loyalty and commitment to his swimmers continued to his very last days. Awell respected member of the Gippsland Swimming Community who will be greatly missed. Condolences to Geoff's family at this sad time.

to Isabelle, Edith, Arlo, and Abigail. Privately cremated See: latrobevalley funerals.com.au for more information

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

(19 April 2024) commencing at 10.30am. Wayne's Service will also be livestreamed. To view the livestream please visit our website.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au PETERSON,

Rallying support for late local

ALOCAL family who have recently relocated to Queensland has been devastated by adiagnosis of Creutzfeld-Jokob Disease (CJD).

CJD is an extremely rare and terminal illness with no known cure.

CJD occurs sporadically in 1:1,000,000 people in Australia.

The family of Danny Riddle, who died this week, are facing an unimaginable challenge.

The impact of this diagnosis has been nothing short of devastating.

CJD robbed Danny, his wife Melissa and their children of their future plans and has left them grappling.

Dannywas awell-known and respected figure in the community. Beforerelocating, he worked for many years at Loy Yang and most notably was along time community volunteer at localjunior football club, Combined Saints Junior Football Club.

Danny was awarded life membership of the club in 2020, after coaching for 14 years and having a positive impact on so many young kids.

Danny’s friends and colleagues are remembering him as someone who dedicated his life to helping others, whether lending alisteningear, coaching kidsatfooty, or offering ahelping hand,orspreading kindness, laughter wherever he went.

Danny and Melissa’s family spans across two states, with most residing in Victoria. Movingto Queensland was ahugedecision for Melissa and Danny, giving up the security of the life they had built in Victoria.

Before his death, Danny committed to donating his organs to help further research into this horrible disease to hopefully help find acure.

AGoFundMe page has been createdtohelp support the Riddle family.

Thosewishing to donate can do so by visiting, https://gofund.me/270501dc

Plug-inplanesset to fly high in LatrobeCity

By ZAIDAGLIBANOVIC

AN Australian first of its kind. Latrobe Regional Airport is set to make history, as it becomes the first location in Australia to house an electric aircraft development centre, asignificant step forward in the field of aviation.

Dovetail’s Electric Aviation’s DevelopmentCentre in the Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct was officially opened last Friday by the Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing, alongside Latrobe City Council representatives.

Dovetail, aground-breaking zero-emissions air mobility company researching hydrogen propulsion and electronic flight, has now made its home at the Latrobe Regional Airport.

Dovetail Electric Aviation Chief Executive, David Doral, saidthe world had reachedacrisispoint with climate change.

“We live in an unprecedented crisis that is climate change,” he said.

“We have amission withDovetail Electronic Aviation, which is to decarbonise aviation.”

Dovetail will retrofit regional aircraft withbatteries and hydrogen propulsion, enabling zero-emission flights. This willcreate about 90 highly skilled new jobs in Victoria over the next five years. Dovetail aims to lessenthe environmental impact of air travel and boost the local clean energy sector.

“We’re looking at the first hydrogen-electric propulsion system developed ever for commercial aviation in Australia,” he said.

Not only is the team at Dovetail expected to decarbonise and decrease flightoperation costs by up to 40 per cent, but they say that planes with this technology would also last longer and have reduced noise levels.

Dovetail’s new centre will include research and development and potential flight testing.

Mr Doral aims to have experimental flights underway by next year and acommercial product in the market by 2026.

The Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct is a flexible-use Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) space that enables AAM companies to develop technology in

the region. Council has beendeveloping the precinct for the past two years, with support and guidance from Invest Victoria.

Dovetail is one of the latest advanced air mobility technology companies to move theirresearch to the region; wireless charging dronetrials by Aquilla Earth are already taking place with the Regional Advanced Air Mobility Surrogate Trial(RAST) soon to come.

Latrobe City Council has beensuccessful in attracting new technology to the region, and with this officialprecinct now up and running, they expect to see more innovative technology come through the doors.

“The Latrobe Council was more proactive than anybody else …there’s areal drive and areal interest to make advanced airmobility possible and areality here in the Valley,” Mr Doral said.

Ms Shing said hydrogen propulsion technology is already proven, and regionalVictoriacouldbenefit from the ground-breaking research.

“We are really pleased to support Dovetail Electric Aviation’s new centre in the Latrobe Valley, which will deliver world-leading innovations for the aviation sector,createnew jobs in regional Victoria and contribute to the state’s net-zero emissions goal,” she said.

“It’s about overcoming many of the challenges of distance for people -whether that’s moving toward commercial flights and partnering with Rex Airlines or indeed taking medicine to people who need it in the farthest corners of our state.

“We know that energy is one of the best thingswe do across the Latrobe Valley, and moving towards hydrogen and electrification,wecan achievefurther innovation and development.

“As we moveaway from coal fire power generation and into battery storage, into renewable energy with projects like this, investments like this are a big part of the work that we do to ensure that jobs growth continues.”

Minister Shing and Latrobe City said there would be afuture in education investment in the region to ensure locals have the opportunity to earn and learn closer to home in the new industry.

The state government’s AAM Industry Vision Statement outlines aplantodevelop industriessuch as clean aviation, renewables, advanced manufacturing and digital technology.The state government saidthe Dovetail’sDevelopment Centre’sadvanced local aviation capabilities would help the transition to clean energy under the state government’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045.

With the state government’s open acceptance of Dovetail’s work using hydrogen as aviation fuel, Minister Shing did not go so far as to announce her support for Japan’s Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain (HESC) project, but said the final reports from the research would be interesting to see how viable an option the project will be.

“What we do know is that green hydrogen has a really important role to play in the way in which we combine that with, for example, electrification to deliver the best longevity of aircraft such as the small aircraft that Dovetail is working on delivering,” the Minister added.

Latrobe City Mayor, Darren Howe said council was excited to partner with the state government and Dovetail.

“With access to flight testing support and uncongested airspace, the Development Centre will help progress the local clean energy aviation sector and drive future AAM activities to support economic growth in the region,” the Mayor said.

“As ourregion transitions from the traditional industries that have underpinned our economy, we are looking towards new industry and innovation. Latrobe AerospaceTechnology Precinct presents an opportunity to positionLatrobe Regional Airport at the forefrontofthe emerging aviation sector creating new industry and enabling investment and employment opportunities.

“Council welcomes collaboration with existing and emerging technologies in AAM as we establish this exciting new industry and investment.”

Afterthe official opening of the Latrobe Aerospace TechnologyPrecinct, an information session on the project’s opportunities was held at the airport terminal.

Big namesinthe aviation industry, such as Airbus, Thales,Wisk Aero (Boeing), and Swinburne Air Hub, werepresent to hear about the innovation opportunities now available in the Latrobe Valley.

“When you look at our transition plan, part of it is attracting new technologies and bringing new jobs to LatrobeCity… thisisthe startofanew era in aviation, and we are right at the forefront of it,” the Mayor said.

“Dovetail is expecting to have 100 jobs in the next two or three years, so if we get five other start-up companies that want to come down here, we could be looking at five, six, 800 jobs,” he added.

Thedevelopment centre will also support growth in regional freight, tourism and service delivery, highlighting the stateasaleader in sustainable regional aviation.

ADeloitte Access Economics report foundthe AAM sector couldpotentially increase Victoria’s gross state product by $2.8 billion over the next 20 years and create 1300 jobs annually.

Who knows what could happen? Perhaps within afew years’ time, flights to Melbourne will become cheaper than taking the M1.

Power: Latrobe City Council’s Bruce Conolly, alongside Dovetail Chief Executive, David Doral, Member forEastern Victoria Region, HarrietShing,Latrobe CityEconomicInvestment Officer, Alison Spence andLatrobe RegionalAir por tManager MathewLinsey-Noakes

Photograph: Zaida Glibanovic

Vale: ThelateDannyRiddle,with wifeMelissa. Photograph supplied

Jenna Robertson’sgolf

GOLF

By TOM HAYES

MOE now has its very own champion of champions.

Moe Golf Club’s Jenna Robertson cleaned up last month, taking out the Golf West Gippsland Women’sSingles Championship,which ledto her being crowned as the Golf West Gippsland Champion of Champions.

The 27-year-old took out the Singles Championship by having the best stroke round over 18 holes.

She was then able to play for the Champion of Champions, winning the trophy in the whole of Golf West Gippsland.

Robertson has only been in the game of golf for ahandful of years, and to have this on her resume is quite impressive.

“I only started playing golf during COVID, due

to nothaving any other outlets with my normal sports which were basketball and footy,” she said.

“Ever since COVID I’ve caught the bug and just practiced,and I’ve beenplaying for acoupleofyears and its gotten me to where Iamnow.

“Itwas essentiallyone of the only outdoor activities that you were allowed to do (during COVID), and still have alittle bit of social interaction too.”

Robertson said she has always been asporty person, and her father had been amember of the Moe Golf Club for 20 or 30 years, so she used that as away to get into the sport.

Speaking on her accolades,Robertsonhas broken barriers that the sport of golf usually has.

“I think thatits pretty cool anditshowsthat we’re trying to break the stigma of golf being an old person’s sport,” she said.

“Hopefully it’ll be encouraging for younggirls and boys to take up golf.

“I think that’s what I’m most proud of, to show that anyone can do it.

“I’ve only been doing it for acouple of years and if you practice enough and apply yourself then there’s opportunities and pathways availablefor anyone.”

Robertson hopes to continue to improve, with aspirations to get her handicap even lower.

Currently, she has ahandicap of 5.7.

When she joined the Moe Golf Club her handicap was around 32.

Moehosts national inlinehockey championships

HOCKEY By TOM HAYES

STADIUM34 Moesuccessfulhosted the 11th Inline Australian Club Championships recently.

The eventsaw 59 Australian teamsand one New Zealand team converge on the complex to compete across six divisions in more than 161 games of hockey over six days.

FromWednesday, March 27 to Monday, April 1, playersput it all on the line to take out the biggest prizeonoffer

STADIUM34’s Matt Beatson was incredibly proud of the efforts made by not only the players, but alsohis staff to see the tournament come to fruition.

“It was fantastic.Itwas the biggest one we’ve held, so overall really good,” he said.

“It was really fantastictohave representation from all over Australia and then this year being thefirst year to have ateam from New Zealand was just awesome.

“They had areally good tournament, the New Zealand team, made it to the Grand Final.

“It was busy.Lots of spectators, lotsofpeople, long days, it was good.”

With games running as early as 6.30am and as late as 11.30pm, there was really no time to rest for the STADIUM34 crew, so forgive them for having asmall break.

STADIUM34had to close its facility for 10 days to host the event, to allow time to set-up the tournament and pack-up once it was completed.

The Inline ACC tournament is not only huge for STADIUM34, but also the region,Beatson explains.

“Its huge for us. We’re really proud of what we’ve created over the years and the partnerships with SkateVictoria, some of the other sponsors that help make the event viable,” he said.

“But its not just huge for us, but its huge for the local community, and the town, and the service providers through accommodation and hospitality.

“The flow-on effect it has on the region is pretty significant so we’re pretty proudtobring it to Gippsland.”

The tournament will be stayingatSTADIUM34 indefinitely for the time being, with the team preparing for the next event as soon as they can. Keep an eye on STADIUM34’s socials for updates on what might be coming to the Moe facility.

INLINE AUSTRALIAN CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

GRAND FINAL RESULTS:

PRO DIVISION: Bulls4 def KIHL All Stars1($2000 prizemoney)

DIVISION 1: M7Ms 6def Scorpions 2

DIVISIO N2 : The Loose Pucks2def Beach Bombers1(Over time)

DIVISION 3: Boo-Urns 6def DryIce Devils 3

MASTERS: Wild Dingoes 4def South Oakley Dynamos 3(PenaltyShootout)

WOMEN'S: Dekes of Hazzards 2def Snipers1

Effort: Moe Golf Club’s JennaRober tson claimedthe Golf West GippslandWomen’s Singles Championship and Champion of Champions

Photograph supplied

Tip top: ProDivision champions,Bulls,celebrateafter their Grand Finaltriumph in Moe. Photographs: OSM Live Congrats: Latrobe City Mayor, MayorDarren Howe presented Bulls captain JamieBourkewith the ProDivisionChampions Cupand cheque

International: Jaan Turia(KIHLAll Stars) puts on thebrakesinfront of Jamie Bourke (Bulls) at Stadium34.

Mixed bundle of results for United in Big V

BASKETBALL BIG V

BY TOM HAYES

GIPPSLAND United suffered their secondstraight loss, after goingdown to Altona at the weekend in Round 4Big VDivision 1action.

The weekend prior,Unitedcame within two points of the currently undefeated RMIT Redbacks, so they wouldhavehad some confidence leading into the weekend, as they wanted to avoid anegative record.

Altona held a1-2 record coming into the encounter, while GippslandUnited were 2-all after Round 3.

The two sides went toe-to-toe in the opening quarter, and by the end of the first,scores were tied.

United led by as much as six points,with about three minutes to go in the quarter, but alatefightbackfrom Altona ensured they remained in the game.

Altonaused theirboosted momentum to steadily grow out to an eight-point lead duringthe second quarter.But this time, some momentumshifted towardsUnitedbythe end of the period, as they steadied themselves to trail by just nine points at the half.

After the break, United had asmall run in before Altona gave themselves ashot at putting the game out of reach.

United got the margin down to within seven points, before several minutes later the margin was at 16 with three minutes remainingin the third.

Gippsland United worked valiantly together to get the margin back down to singlefigures, but Altona held the upper hand at the dying embersofthe third period to push the margin back out to 11 points with aquarter to play.

Altona would be pushed in the fourth quarter, as United started with fire in their bellies.

With every shot attempt that was made, thepressurebegan to pile on Altona, as it began to look as if they might blow their double digit lead.

Midwaythroughthe finalquarter,aJordon Canovan layup broughtthe margin back to six points.

Almosttwo minutes went by without ascore. Gippsland United had seven attempts at the basket to no avail, while Altona only had the three chances to extend their lead but failed.

At last, aBen Barlow driving layup put United down by four points with just under three minutes to go.

Once again, chances went amiss at both ends. The game entered red time inside two minutes, andco-captain Stephen O’Brien committed apersonal foul to send Altona to the line.

Making both free throws, the lead grew back to six points, and it seemed unlikely that United would find victory from here.

Barlow was sent to the line shortly after, nailing both freethrows. On the inbound, Altona made acrucial mistake, O’Brien made the steal, allowing Jordan Gooiker to makehis three-point shot to have one point separating the two sides with under 60 seconds to play. Afoul was given on the made shot, sending Gooiker to theline.

Crucially, Gooiker missed his chance at a four-point play, which also missed the chance to tie the scores.

As time ticked, Altona expertly drew fouls, making enough to increase their lead out of reach,with the final score reading81-77 in Altona’s favour.

Import Jalin Wimberly led the way for Gippsland with 14 points, shooting at 50 per cent accuracy.

Everyother starter including Rohan Demczuk, Barlow, O’Brien, and Canovan all scored double digit points.

Gippsland United will host Bulleen at the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium this Saturday (April 20) to open Round 5, in hope of bringing their season record back to 3-3.

Bulleen are currently third on the Division 1 Men’s ladder with a2-1 record, while United sit further down in sixth.

Opportunity: Traralgon’s

an NBAlifeline,signing a10-day contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. White has also made the initial 22-man Olympics squad. Photograph supplied

Who willmakethe finalcut?

BASKETBALL

OLYMPICS

BY TOM HAYES

POTENTIALLY on aplane to Paris.

Traralgon’s Jack White might soon find himself on his way to France, after being selected in the Australia Boomers 22-player Olympic squad.

Ten of the initial 22 players competed in Australia’sTokyo2020Bronze medal-winning team, including Joe Ingles, Patty Mills, Josh Green, Matisse Thybulle, Dante Exum, Jock Landale, Chris Goulding,DuopReath, Nick Kay, and amazingly Matthew Dellavedova.

White joins abunch of youngsters hoping to break into the eventual 12-player squad that will travel to Paris for the 2024 Olympics.

Those hopingtobreak into the squad include

White, Josh Giddey, DysonDaniels,Xavier Cooks and college enigma, Johnny Furphy.

Giddey is expected to be ashoo-in, regularly starting for Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA’sWestern Conference. Giddeyhas played an important role to keep the Thunder at the top of the conference.

Giddeyhas aconnection to the region too, as his mumhails from Morwell.

Anotable omission is that of Ben Simmons, who is still yet to make his Olympic debut, as aback injury has forced him to withdraw.

The initial 22-player squad will be refined to 12 after atraining camp in July, before they jet off to Paris later in that month.

White has also completed a10-day contract with the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies finished the season 13th in the NBA’s Western Conference, with a27-55 record.

White played in the Grizzlies’ final four games of the season, each coming to aloss as Memphis lost their last five games of the season.

White played 26 minutes during the Grizzlies’ 102-87 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, scoring six points and collecting two rebounds. He mustered 15 minutes against the Cleveland Cavaliers, returning with four rebounds and an assist in the12-point loss. White only managed another 14 minutes in his next outing, this time against the Los Angeles Lakers, collecting four rebounds.

In his final game on his 10-day schedule, White had two rebounds from his nine minutes on court, in the 15-point loss to the team he won the championship with last year,the Denver Nuggets It is unknown where White will go next, but dare Isay hisfullfocuswill be on making the 12-player Boomers squad that goes to Paris.

Nets but no barriers at all-ability tennis

TENNIS ALL ABILITIES

FOURTEEN of theLatrobe Valleyall-abilities group took to the courtsatthe Pax Hill Tennis Club during Term 1.

The children ranged from ages six to 19, and participated in avariety of games and activities thatwere well-run and catered to avarietyofabilities. Siblings were encouraged to join in as well.

The participants learnedsome tennisskills while having fun, meeting new friends and learning other skills, such as taking turns, respecting others and using equipment safely.

Theolder players learnt to serve and can now sustain arally, while the younger players learnt basic strokes through fun games.

Some parents were surprised at how much their child could do with the right style of coaching. Some are keen to continue with more tennis lessons.

“Pax Hill Tennis Club was really able to embrace the philosophy behind all-ability sports and the belief that every childcan participateatany level,” one of the parents said.

“The coaches and helpers at Pax Hill were fantastic and we are looking forward to next year!”Pax Hill Tennis Club wished to acknowledge the Tennis Victoria ACE funding that enabled this program to go ahead.

For the second season, Zeerus Ghayan (Level 3 Autism) played tennis with the Pax Hill Tennis Clubinthe Latrobe Valley Tennis Association competition.

“Over the past two years, the players on histeam have been very inclusive and haveenjoyed playing with Zeerus. It has been agreat learning curve for them and Zeerus,” Pax Hill Tennis Club Junior Coordinator, Scott Mildenhall said.

This year, his teamwon the Section 4finals, and all of the players are wanting to play together again next season in ahigher section. No barrier: Zeerus Ghayan, who lives

JackWhitewas given

Combined effortleads to victory

LVSL BY LAURIE WILLIAMS

ROUND 4ofLatrobe Valley Soccer Leaguesaw wins go the way of Newborough/Yallourn, Monash, Olympians, Fortuna and Moe United.

Fortuna and Moe remainthe only two undefeated sides, while Monash has climbed into the top three at the expense of Falcons.

 NEWBOROUGH/YALLOURN DEF CHURCHILL 4-1

NEWBOROUGH/YALLOURN broughtChurchill’s run of two wins to ahalt, with a4-1 victory over the Rams.

After atough start to season 2024 with alackof player available, thiswas seen as adanger game for the Combine.

Churchill on the other hand have already made vast improvements to their performances from last season, and came into the match expecting to give areasonable account of themselves.

However, it was the former that eventuated, as Newborough/Yallourn took full advantageathome.

The Rams were down to 10 men just before halftime, and coincidentally, it was former United player MarcMcHallam who scored Churchill’s only goal of the game as amere consolation. It was Churchill’s 12 successivedefeatatthe hands of Newborough/Yallourn.

LATROBE VALLEY SOCCER LEAGUE ROUND 5FIXTURE

SUNDAY, APRIL 21

All matches star t3pm (venue firstlisted team)

Newb/Yall vs East Gippsland Olympians vs Fortuna Falcons vs Monash Moe vs Churchill TyersvsSale

 MONASH DEF TYERS 8-0

MONASH relished the chance to gainpoints at the expense of Tyers.

It was ademolition derby in the first half at Monash Reserve, with the home side belting in six goals.

Marcus Krnzaricwas in topform.The rugged forward already had six goalstohis credit heading into the game, but busted open the Tyers defence to add another five to his tally, taking his season total to 11 goals in just four matches.

Tyers managed to put some brakes on Monash andrestricted the Knights to only two secondhalf goals.

Brayden Paulett, Jared Baldacchino and Ethan Lawrence added paintoTyers with further goals.

 OLYMPIANS DEFEASTGIPPSLAND 2-1

EAST Gippsland struck early against Olympians at West Bairnsdale,which made theTraralgon-based team take notice.

It was Andre Antonopoulos who pulled Olympians out of the fire by equalising after apenalty, and both teams were tied up at halftime 1-all.

After the break,Olympians pushedharder,and it was Antonopoulos again who scored to break the deadlock and give Olympians a2-1 victory. It was Olympians seventh straight victory over East Gippsland.

RedDevils in good clash withSale

SOCCER

LVSL BY JOHN

CARDONA

MOE United had to fight right to the end to hold equal top positionwithFortuna on the Latrobe Valley Soccer League ladder, after clawing out a 4-3 win overafired up and determined Sale United side on Saturday night.

The Round4match,played under lights at Olympic Park, opened with two great chances fromRiley Winkleman and BaydenHeusmann for the home side, but they were denied by two top saves by Sale keeper Ben Sly.

Unitedwas then stung by Sale after four minutes, when across by Luke Wilson found Kieran Horgan, who shot the ball home from an acute angle.

The Red Devils were quickly on the offensive, but three greatsaves by Sly from shots by Connor O’Hanlon, Oscar Sceney and Winkleman denied Moe an opening goal. Moe’spressure eventually paid off, after a well-timedthroughballfromHeusmannsent Winklemanclear and he made no mistake, placing the ball past the advancing Sly to level scores.

Straight from the kick off, Moe grabbed possession, and after afew one touch passes, O’Hanlon found space out on the right wing. His pinpoint pass picked out Connor Dastey, and he gave the home side a2-1 lead

Matt Shearing came close to increasing the lead, but Sly again denied Moe United agoal.

Moe continued to push forward and O’Hanlon was again on the end of athrough ball. His pass

found Winkleman, and his return pass saw O’Hanlon’s strike saved again by Sly.

Minutes later,aKieran Horgan corner kick saw Sale’s Charlie Cockell head home the goal, giving Moe keeper Peter Albanese no chance.

With only minutes remaining in the first half, Winklemanbroke clear, and his well flighted cross was headed home by the ever dangerous O’Hanlon to give the home sideanunconvincing 3-2 lead at the break.

The second half saw end-to-end play, with Horgan and Garner working hard for Sale, while O’Hanlon, Sceney and Dastey always looking creative for Moe.

The opening goal of the second half came after 50 minutesofplay from the penalty spot, when aclumsy challenge from Mace Irvine on Winkleman saw aspot kick awarded.The ever reliable O’Hanlon stepped up and sent the keeper thewrong way.

Shotsfrom O’Hanlon and Sceney wentnarrowly wide, but the Swans were not headinghome wondering,and asuperbly struck shot by Horgan from 25 metres out gave them their third goal.

Moe Unitedwas not sitting back in defence, and agreat piece of play by Sceney created achance for Luke Bathgate, but his shot just went wide of the target.

In atense final few minutes, Moe retained possession to hold onto their 4-3 lead until the final whistle. Sale United deserved full credit on an outstanding performance against oneofthe top three contenders for the league title.

Best for Moe were Sceney, Dastey, O’Hanlon and Winkleman.

Horgan,new signingTom Garner and keeper Sly stood out for Sale.

IN the women’s match, Sale United had to work extra hard to get overthe topofa tenaciousyoung Moe United.

The Red Devils trailed only 1-nil at the break, before the experienced Sale side wore down their opponents.

The Swans eventually ran out 5-nil winners, but Moe was well-served by Tylah Armistead, Nicole Risley and Summer Cooper.

THE Reserves game saw Moe bounce back from defeat, beating an improving Sale Untied 2-nil.

Moe United took a2-nil lead into the break, with both goals coming from Tully Anderson.

Sale had the better of the chances in the second half, and the highlight of the game was aspectacular top right hand corner save by stand-in Moe keeper, Luke Bathgate. Anderson was best for the winners, along with Bathgate and Tom Portelli.

IN theSecond Division, Moe United ran out 5-2 winners.

Jimmy Ha’a scored two goals in the win, while Zane Poxon,JakeHeusmann and Darlen Nahum gotone each.

Best for Moe were Heusmann, Ha’a and Jaxon Flores.

THIS Sunday,Moe United are againathome to this year’s big improvers in Churchill United. Kick off times are: Seniors 3pm, Reserves 1pm, with the Women and Second Division kicking off the day at 11am.

SOCCER

Doublestrike: Andre Antonopoulos booted both goals forOlympians Photographs: Damen Francis

Touch: Olympians defender,Brandon Piening duringthe winoverEast Gippsland at the weekend.

Fortuna goes to top of LVSL table

SOCCER LVSL

BY ALLAN ROBETS

IN what was anticipated to be acrackerofamatch to open Round 4ofthe Latrobe Valley Soccer League,itwas greattosee expectation live up to reality in front of one of the biggest Morwell derby crowds in many ayear at Latrobe City Sports Stadium last Saturday night.

As if fighting for top spot on the ladder wasn't enough, Falcons and Fortunawere also fighting it out for the Italian Australian Club Cups.

While the two clubs are only separated geographically by thedistance of asolid 7Iron, the Crinigan Roadco-tenants mightaswell be separated by the 'Ice Wall of the North' from Game of Thrones, as thereisnolovelost betweenthe two local rivals -especially when it comes to derby day.

Both teams had it all to play for. Awin meant the hostswould gain an early seasonladder buffer, and on the flip side, awin for the visitors would see them jump back to the top of the table.

With lots of history at play, in particular Falcons 2000 having the memory of watching and seeing theLVSL League Championship Cup presented to Fortuna ‘60 on theirhometurf last year, and the Lions havingmemoriesoflots of close losses at Falcons Park in previous seasons. Thegamekicked-off and it did not fail to deliver, with hard and attacking football for the first 30 minutes.

The visitors had the run of play for the majority of this time, but the home team had acouple of opportunities to score.

Falcons 2000 duo Moni Eliaser and Kuku Mahmoud were working hard to impose themselves on the game, but the latter was effectively shut out of the match by adefensive masterclass from Jack Lester.

It took abrilliant individual effort from the Orangeman’s Joel Palermo to break the deadlock, after he put in adecisive run down the right side and slotted the ball into the top left corner from a near impossible angle. Fortunastruckagain in the 48th minute via enigmatic striker Hayden Tanti, who put adecisive ball past the Falcons keeper.

This goal saw the visiting team headinto the halftime break with aconfident, but equally cautious 2-nil lead.

The secondhalfwas acarbon copy of thefirst, withboth teams throwing themselves intothe game to gain the vital ascendency and match winning moment Falcons 2000 would see one of their players endup

in the sin bin, and shortly after in the 66th minute, the dangerous TommyD’Aliafor theFalconswould pick up his secondyellow of the game and head off the pitchfor an early shower.

Unbelievably,inthe 70thminute, Falcons 2000 talisman KevinCarcellar received his second yellow card and left the pitch to join D’Alia.

The resulting send offs saw the hosts down to

eight players on the pitch, but to the Falcons'credit, they continued to show the tenacity and fight that has wonthem numerous trophies over the course of theclub's history.

Weight of numbers however took their toll on Falcons, and Fortunascoredagaininthe 71st minute from midfielder Daniel Cooper, giving the visitors agamewining lead.

The last 20 minutes saw the Lions control and slow the game down and hold onto their 3-nil lead until the final whistle.

The result sent Fortuna '60 back to the top of the table. Lester received best-on-ground honours,presented by Frank Debono from the Italian Australian Club, Morwell after the game in apacked Falcons clubrooms.

IN Senior Women's, an inform Falcons Women’s team proved too strong for arebuilding Fortuna '60 team.

The match was ahugemilestone game for Falcons Women’s stalwart, SheenyWhadcoat,notching up her 200th senior game for the club -one of only two Falcons 2000 players to reach this milestone and the first female player at the club to achieve such afeat.

The match started evenly, with the home team scoring first in the 13th minute via Haylee Porter to take an early lead.

Fortuna would level the game up in the 34th minute from acaptain’s goal by Alyssa Palermo, but 10 minutes later Falcons would score again via Savannah Lapenta.

Falcons 2000headed intothe break with a2-1 lead.

The second half saw Falcons 2000 score three goalsvia Lapenta, Danica Di Cerioand Lily Aitken to run out 5-1 winners.

Lapenta had afantastic game and was judged best-on-ground.

OTHER results saw Fortuna win the reserves 3-1 to continue their unbeaten start to the season.

Goal scorers were Riduan Sobari (2) and Ethan Hanlon. For Falcons 2000, Cholil Nyeichiol scored theonlygoal. Sobari was best-on.

Second Division was a2-all tie. Bryce Cortese and Eamon Dolan scored for the Lions, and David O’Dowd and Kuwenda Mahammud for Falcons.

Congratulations: Sheeny Whadcoatplayedher 200th senior game Falcons2000atthe weekend, becoming the firstfemale and one of only twoplayers at theclub to do so. Photograph supplied